Day 31: Comfort Food

Tough day. Personally and professionally. Nothing major, just changes and challenges.

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Day 30: Magically Delicious

My favorite cereal, Lucky Charms. I eat like a 5 year old.

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Day 29: Groomers

Back from the groomers and all spiffed up!

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Day 28: Workout Binder

When you eat like this:

You have to workout. I do not have healthy eating habits. My favorite foods are rich, creamy and fried. So I workout a lot to try and combat the effect that food has on my waistline. I am quasi effective.

In order to keep from getting bored I keep a workout binder on hand to change things up a bit. I read a lot of fitness and health magazines and when I see a workout I think would be fun/challenging/effective/hard/beneficial I rip it out. I had a fabulous binder about 2 years ago but lost it and have been slowly working on rebuilding. It has become my new Monday ritual.

So what do you need to get started?

A selection of magazines. While I use Shape, Women's Health and Health the most I pull workouts from anywhere. I have been known to use star workouts from US Weekly and routines/tips found in Glamour, InStyle and Real Simple.

Some friends to keep you company. 

Start tearing out the workouts you find interesting. 

Place the workouts in sheet protectors. 

And place in your pretty binder. 



I keep the various workouts organized inside the binder by utilizing tabs that keep them divided by body part. The tabs I use include:

• Abs
• Butt
• Arms
• Legs
• Full Body
• Bikini Body
• Running/Tri Plans
• Yoga

The binder goes with me to the gym and when I travel. Many of the workouts are designed to workout at home or with little to no equipment which makes them ideal for on the road.

Reader Notes:

Yes, the significance of the Surf Ballroom is that it is the place "Where Music Died." Great job. Gary Allan was my third concert at this historic location. If you like music history at all I recommend Killing Yourself to Live by Chuck Klosterman. Great book.

Bud Light is a fabulous beer.

Day 27: Lazy Sunday

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Day 26: Whitetails

I am happy anywhere I go.

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Day 25: Music History

Bonus points for anyone who knows what significance the Surf hold in terms of music history.
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Day 24: Kenny Chesney

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Day 23: TRX Suspension Training

This could be the cause of my death.

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Day 22: A Movie Date

Typical day...
Work
Workout
Work more
(Catching on that I'm working out over my lunch hour?)
Clean my house
Call from my sister - want to see a movie?
Finish cleaning house
Mad dash to our new and improved Target (the mecca)
Lincoln Lawyer. So good. Go see it. Now!
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Book Review: Plan B

Plan B by Jonathan Tropper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #7 in 2011.
This is the 3rd book I have read by Jonathan Tropper, the second recommended by one of my favorite, now defunct blog writers. Again, I must say, I LOVE his books.

Sure the plot gets slightly stretched; I mean, really? Kidnapping a major Hollywood star? But I think it is done to show how far you would be willing to go for a friend in need.

I love how each character had their own viewpoint of where their friends were in their life at 30 and how each couldn't see the others silent suffering. Largely due to the fact that I turned 30 this year and my life is not where I thought it would be - I mean I never thought I would be 30, divorced and single with no prospects. But this book reminds that its okay. I will get to where I am supposed to be in due time and I am not alone. I just need to look at the sea of 30 somethings surrounding me and realize that we all have dreams yet to be fulfilled and things we wish we had done differently. It is simply life.



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Day 21: Little Things

Work
Workout (12 min row, 30 min run, abs)
Work some more
Purchase concert tickets for April 23
Walk the dogs (1.5 miles)
Walk to tan
See B four times during walks
Exchange texts only comical to us
Grill a bacon cheddar burger, twice baked potato and cheesy corn
Clean the kitchen
Settle in to work on the workout binder (a 3 ring binder broken out into tabs for each body part or workout type and comprised of all the workouts I see in Women's Health, Shape or Health)
Listen to TV while reading my latest book on my Nook Color.

Little things make me happy.
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Day 17: March Madness

Tis the season! So far I'm entered in 2 pools, 1 more to go!

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Small Things, Big Moments

There are some days that are so wrapped in perfection that you almost do not even realize they are here.

Sure, I woke up today unable to get out of bed in time to go to the gym. I cursed daylights savings time for wrecking my sleep pattern and made my coffee while feeding the dogs and cat.

I delved into work and it was a good day. Things went well. Progress was made. My boss was in a good mood and said encouraging words that reminded me I am good at what I do.

I had a great workout over the lunch hour. I felt strong.

Items were listed on CraigsList to sell. My sister brought me my work saddle and the hunt seat saddle I am buying from her.

We went to pick up items we purchased from a party and to the store.

When I returned home it was still nice. Sunny.

A benefit from that daylight savings I had been cursing just a few short hours ago.

I took the dogs, my fat kids, on a walk. We enjoyed the fresh air. We enjoyed the sun.

When we returned home I opted not to go to yoga in order to grill a filet a twice baked potato. Yes, on the grill. Where I didn't freeze. I stood outside in cropped running pants and hooded sweatshirt and grilled a steak to medium rare perfection.

It was so good.

I wiped down the kitchen, dusted the main floor and curled up on the couch to read a magazine, start a new book and watch some mindless TV.

Nothing major happened today. I didn't have anyone special to share it with.

In fact, you are probably wondering why I even wrote this post.

But I wrote it because nothing happened. Yet, on this day, I am happy. Content. Satisfied.

Day 15: Just Grillin

Its nearly Spring. Its warm(ish).

Its the second day I've taken the fat kids, aka my dogs on a walk, and the FIRST day I've busted out the grill.

A 4 oz filet and a twice baked potato.

Yum.

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Well, hm...

So last night I watched the finale of the Bachelor.

I identified with something the winner said.

Do I believe in this process? No, I don't.

Simply look at the lack of successes the show has generated. Heck, one they now tout was actually the girl he didn't choose but rather left the winner for after the show and subsequently married.

I do find this to be mildly entertaining on Monday nights when there isn't much else to choose from.

But I was surprised to find myself not liking Emily during After the Final Rose. And its not that I didn't necessarily like her, its more that she seemed so much colder.

I get what she was saying.

If he did fall for her she shouldn't have had to see him say many of the same things to the other girls. I get that. I truly believe that.

I like that she recognizes that they fell in love in extraordinary circumstances and wants to take time to figure out if they can sustain under the day to day pressures of life.

That could be one of the most mature comments ever made on the show.

But the warm southern belle with manners spun in gold seemed so frozen.

I think it bothered me because I saw myself.

I saw the defensive walls. The protectiveness. The "I'm going to push you away so that you can't push me first" mentality. 

Should I ever truly start this dating process again it is something to be cognizant of as I navigate the waters.

As Heard on Reality TV

"Unfortunately I am painfully insecure. I have a tendency to over analyze everything and second guess everything. I don't think any girl wants to get their heartbroken and I don't either."

As said by Emily on the Bachelor.

This is me.

Exactly me.

Nailed it.

That's me.
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Day 14: Downfalls of Working From Home

Sometimes "someone" would like your attention.
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Day 13: Obsessed

I'm obsessed. I love my Nook Color.

Magazines.

Books.

All in one.

I take it with me everywhere.

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Day 11: Friends

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Am I Wrong?

I have 2 good guy friends. B & J.

You have heard a lot about B. We are very close.

J is also a good friend. I see him only as a friend. Others indicate that he would like more. But he has never expressed this to me.

B & J are good friends.

J, to my knowledge, does not know about the complicated past, present and future with B.

I also know a lot about his past relationships, views on relationships etc. It's a solid friendship.

But am I wrong that he is often the one that I go to when I need something?

I jokingly asked him to help me move into my house and he did.

If I need a ride home, he takes me.

I needed a bowling partner for an upcoming charity fundraiser, he is my partner.

I was testing a new app on my iPhone that allows you to play music on a jukebox without leaving your spot in the bar, or in my case, my home - he helped me test. I had asked B first but he wasn't there. When I told him the test was complete he said - let me guess who you asked...

So my question is...knowing he would like more, am I taking advantage by asking him for these things? Or am I being a total girl and over thinking because age old wisdom says guys and girls can't be friends?

Day 10: After

We saw the disgrace that was my desk last week.

It seriously gave me the he-be-ge-bees.

Well now boys and girls...we have an after to share.

Other areas of the room still need my attention.

It needs painted.

Degrees need hung on the walls.

Files and shelves need purged (and I have only lived here 4 months - wait, 4 months? Crazy how time flies!).

But now I can sit at my desk and work and not feel as though I should be profiled on Hoarders.

Readers note: the single shoe on the desk is actually not mine. When I was in Phoenix last Fall for the NASCAR race one of the girls that left prior to me left her shoe in the room. Here it sits, waiting to be mailed. 5 months later.

Book Reviews

Continuing my work towards 30 books in my 30th year...

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm not sure if it's the fact that I am older and hopefully somewhat wiser but in reading this book I was annoyed by the books heroine. Grow up. You are having a child. You must show some maturity at some point. However, I will finish out the series because once I start something I must finish it.



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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved this book. Love may be an understatement. It has a bit of a Notebook vibe to it but the story is as much about his love for her as his passion in animals. I was first interested because of the trailer for the upcoming film starring Reece Witherspoon. I do hope the film does the book justice.



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I would love suggestions on books you have read and enjoyed. Please share!

Momentum

So I mentioned the other day that I had been hit on, something that never happens.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it happened again.

This time on my work trip but as per usual, not someone I am interested in.

For instance, the age gap is too wide. I personally don't want to date anymore than 10 years my senior.

This gentleman is.

I don't think it is wise to date someone within the same industry. Especially someone as visible as this.

I don't believe living in America's heartland and dating someone on the west coast is feasible. Especially when knowing from the beginning, neither would move.

I don't want to date anyone with children.

This gentleman has kids.

So while it is not a match its a sign. And since things happen in 3's maybe third time will be the charm.

It could be the fake boyfriend I have been waiting for....

Day 9: Home

There is no greater feeling than returning home.

But returning home to this when I had been enjoying the sun and warm temperatures.......

I only wish Spring were upon us. I am ready.

Plus who knows, maybe my neighbor will paint their unsightly garage seen in the bottom picture...

Day 8: Starbucks

When traveling for work you can almost always find me with Starbucks in hand. Today is the first time I have had the newly designed cup.

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Day 7: Meetings

When this is where you have meetings, you smile. A lot.

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Day 6: Work Travel

Yes, I missed Day 5. I blame the boots with the fur and a 30th birthday with a beer pong tournament.

Moving onto day 6...in what will likely be a popular picture in this blog I am off on another work trip.

As we are on the tail end of our fiscal year and working to ensure our contracts are back on time and thus superseding our goals I shouldn't have to travel too much this month.

Fingers crossed.

But right now, I'm leaving the flurries behind and headed to the sunshine state.

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Day 4: Pros and Cons

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed today. But wouldn't you if this was the current state of your desk?

I mean....even my lamp shades look drunk.

But, working from home does have its advantages...Just look at my breakfast.

Who doesn't love a ham, egg, spinach and cheese strata for breakfast? 

But those counter tops? Ugh. Got to go. Soon.

Day 3: The Runaway

He's gone missing several times. All of which are well documented here.
But this where he sits while I cook. Daydreaming of the adventures he believes he should be having.
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My Luck

Something I hear often; you must get hit on all the time. The answer; um, no. No I don't.

In fact. I almost never do.

And then I did.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. For the first time in many months since the puppy I was hit on.

I was out with two of my good guy friends, J and of course B, and for the majority of the night the were on either side of me. However, once they started playing pool I sat by myself and watched. (At least I watched until  B was playing so poorly I played in his place.)  And as soon as they would stand up, the newbie would sit down and strike up a conversation.

He was nice enough.

He wasn't a bother.

He was at least 50.

Not attractive and just projected insecurity.

And then it came....so are you two dating? Referring to B.

No.

Would you like to go out sometime?

No, but thank you for the offer.

That is my luck.

Almost Failing

Two days ago I announced that I was starting the 1 year photo project.

I mentioned I would likely fail.

I certainly didn't think it would almost happen on day 2.

With only minutes to spare while having drinks with friends I snapped a pic of what I was drinking and my new Nook Color.

Yes, I am that big of a nerd I had it in the bar.

I was warned it would be tough.

I kept looking for the perfect picture until I realized I needed any picture.

This could be a long road.

Day 2: Wednesday Drinks

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Day 1: Something New

I've seen several others do it. Its not an original idea.

But I love it.

I'm going to attempt to document every day of my 30th year in pictures.

I say attempt.

I didn't make it through the #reverb10 process, so there is a high probability I won't make it through this.

I wouldn't expect greatness. Most pics will likely come from my cell phone.

But I'm going to try.

So to start this process, meet my birthday glass. Given by one of my Wednesday rocks.