It's Boots Season

I desperately need some new boots and Jessica Simpson's new Fall line is calling my name.

It was in the 50's when I left my house today, so I pulled these old guys out. Sadly, they will be going to Good Will soon, but they did the trick today.

And no, I wasn't going for the librarian look today, my contacts were killing me. Once again, excuse the hair. Ew.

I have a date

Friday night. With Random Eye Contact Guy. He started texting me again. He apologized for canceling our date previously. I told him it was rude. He apologized again. Then I realized I had nothing else to do Friday night so why not? haha I'll keep you guys posted.

Race Day Outfit

My race is coming up in 3 weeks, and I've been shopping for outfits. I want to (most importantly) be comfortable but also feel cute. I know that sounds vain and silly, but this being my first race I want to buy the race photo! (Check out Chic Runner's suggestions for looking your best for the race photo.)

Here's an outfit I purchased this weekend - the pants came from Target (I LOVE them) and the top from Kohl's. I will also model the pink tank later this week.

Please excuse my hair. After I took this photo I ran out the door to the park. (I also took a picture from the side, but it showed too much of my honky tonk badonka donk.)
















(If you view this on a wide screen moniter like I have, my hips look HUGE, haha.)

My run last night was awesome! It was only a 20 minute run, but it was A M A Z I N G! The humidity was low, I wore my new capris and they were much more lightweight. I wore my old Nikes (I forget how comfy they are, I might have to break down and buy a pair of them again, dangit, sorry expensive-as-crap Northface shoes!) Wow, that was a lot of run-ons. Anyway, I felt SO strong, I was blowing up hills and going faster than I usually go. I never got too tired. When I finished, I felt like I could have kept going another mile.

Oh...the Couch to 5K. I need to mention that also. I guess you could say that technically I graduated. I didn't do it exactly as it says but I did complete Week 9 (30 -40 minute runs) last week, yay! My friend M and I have started a new training plan, one that works us up to race day. Basically on the weekends you do your longer runs (40-50 minutes) and then during the week you do shorter runs (20-30 minutes). So far it seems to be working, because 20 felt like a breeze yesterday. Tonight I do 25 minutes and tomorrow is a break day (which I have GOT to get my butt back in the gym for some weight training.)

Off to listen to some more Buble! I might have played it on repeat last night. Tee Hee

Happy Tuesday, bitches! ;)

MY GOD I LOVE THIS MAN

And yes that deserves ALL CAPS!

I'm sure this video won't embed, but if not, click on it anway.

Some of you may remember that when I went to California back in the summer, I got to go to a taping of the Craig Ferguson (love him too) show. Little did I know, that Michael Buble was going to be a guest! I was STOKED. My brother actually told me to calm down, that I was embarrassing him. haha

Anyways, the point is, I'm a HUGE fan. And check out this song off his new album. I swear, if I ever run into him in person, he's in trouble...just sayin.



PS When he's pointing to someone in the video, he's pointing at me. Just wanted to clear that up....

<3 Sigh. :)

A-Party-All-Nighter-From-South-Carolina

That's my new favorite song (I'm a country addict lately) by Jason Aldean "She's Country." Dude I jam OUT to this song in the car...it's comical actually.

This is going to be another hodge podge post. Just a few updates - ok. a lot. So save yourself now, it's not too late to turn back.

1. Sorry...for being a bad blog commenter lately. I really have slacked in that department. I'm still reading TONS of blogs though. It would help if ya'll would do away with those damn word verification though! haha jk

2. Random: I got the cutest leather pumps at Target today. And there are some even CUTER boots I had my eye on. Gotta wait though...it's still blazin' in South Carolina right now. (although that didn't keep some girls from sportin' them at the football game the other night...good Lord.)

3. Speaking of football...good job Gamecocks in bringing home a W over Ole Miss Thursday night! What an awesome game. I have NEVER in my life heard Williams Brice Stadium that loud. It gave me goose bumps! SEC football rocks!

4. This morning, my friend M and I went to the park for a run. When we got there I said, ok how far we going? She said 40 minutes. I said "huh?" She was like do it b*tch! JK She was like, you can do this. I gulped and said ok. The furthest I had run outside up til this point was about 28 minutes. So needless to say I had my doubts. But with her running beside me and keeping me up to date on time and distance, I MADE it. It was awesome. I was SO tired and I know I'm going to be a little sore tomorrow. But I'm very pleased. I think we came in right at 3 miles. Our 5K is 3 weeks from today! Yikes.

5. A few more pics from Girl's Weekend at the Beach below for your enjoyment.

6. May have a date next weekend - will update you if it takes place. We'll see!

7. Happy Anniversay to my mom and dad - 39 years today!

That's all ya'll.





























I get lovey dovey after a few vodka tonics, haha.

9 Signs a Guy Is a Keeper

Thank you. No really. Thank you...for the words of kindness. It's funny, even though you know you aren't the only one that has been through this stuff but hearing it from others... It helps, it really does...to know that YES I will survive this. And it's just going to take time. I hear that over and over again. But you don't believe it until finally one day it happens. And I know it will. Just hope my friends can put up with me through this funk.

I found this article online today signs your man is a keeper. Thought I'd compare my ex with this list:

Dating Tips: 9 Signs a Guy Is a Keeper

Think you've found The One? We asked relationship experts to help singles spot the clues that indicate serious boyfriend (and beyond) potential. Here's what to look for when separating the princes from the toads.By dating editor Ruby Madren-Britton for Glamour

#1. Keeper clue: He has his act together. (Check - for the most part)

This seems like a no-brainer, but it's a good place to start. "It's very important that you two be able to have a lot of fun together, so a party boy or a screw-up will probably not work out for you," says Mira Kirshenbaum, a family and couples therapist and author of Is He Mr. Right? "No matter how charming he is, if he is still struggling to grow up, it will get very old, very fast."More

#2. Keeper clue: He puts you first. (Check-he was VERY good at this)

Picture a delicious platter of grilled steak. Does your man offer it to you first to pick the best piece? He does if he's a keeper! "When it comes to taking the best piece of meat or offering it to you, that's a metaphor for how he'd always put you first the rest of your life," says Rachel Greenwald, author of "Why He Didn't Call You Back: 1,000 Guys Reveal What They Really Thought of You After Your Date."

#3. Keeper clue: He's not afraid of your germs. (Check)

You know a guy is really into you when he can't stay away, even when you're bedridden and snotty. "When you're sick with the flu, he says, 'Let me come over and take care of you,' rather than, 'Oooh, you sound really contagious... call me when you're feeling better,'" Greenwald says.

#4. Keeper clue: He's a family man. (EPIC FAIL - he never met my family.)

He asks about your family, and he seems to genuinely want to hear about them. "Interest in your family shows that he thinks about you as a whole person, and he knows that being with you means understanding and accepting your relatives too," says Sarah Harrison, senior editor of yourtango.com.

#5. Keeper clue: He makes time for your friends. (EPIC FAIL-in 10 months he only met my friends once.)

In the beginning of your relationship, does your man show an interest in meeting your besties? And does he follow it up with a plan, like hosting a low-key dinner party? "Friends are an important part of your life, and his knowing them makes him more involved with you." Harrison says. "Plus, he'll have to deal with them at some point, so initiating it himself shows maturity."

#6. Keeper clue: He's your biggest cheerleader. (Semi-check, at least he always seemed proud of me)

And she even has a poem: When your guy calls your mom to tell her about your promotion before you do, that should tell you something. A man who is supportive of you and your goals is typically a guy who doesn't "feel threatened by your success," says Kirshenbaum. "He knows who he is and where he's going," which means he can ultimately be there for you.

#7. Keeper clue: He remembers the little things. (Fail)

Does your man really listen to you? You'll know he's a keeper if you tell him you have a big scary work meeting and the next time you talk, he asks how it went. Or if you tell him you left your sunglasses at his house and he remembers them on your next date. "Following up on things you say to him means he pays attention to you -- always a good sign," Harrison says.

#8. Keeper clue: He's happy when you're happy. (Check)

This is the guy who "goes to a chick flick with you on Friday night rather than an action film -- not because he actually wants to, but because it makes you happy," says Greenwald.

#9. Keeper clue: He makes you the best you can be. (Fail - obviously)

A guy who makes you feel like the luckiest woman alive -- like you can (and should!) be your confident, fabulous self -- is worth hanging on to. "It's not just about how you feel about him but more about how he makes you feel about yourself," Kirshenbaum says.

Someday, I know, I'm going to redo this list - and it's all going to be CHECK. :) I'm very hopeful!

This post sponsored by the makers of Xanax and Prozac*

*Not really

Lately, I've been having some bouts of depression again. I know it stems from a few texts and emails that I've had back and forth with my ex. They didn't amount to anything and won't, but it's made some of the hurt resurface. I admit (like a fool): I still look forward to getting emails and texts from him. I admit to wanting him to want me back. And when the phone calls and texts stop completely (and they will), it's going to kill me all over again.

The truth is my heart is still very broken. The running has helped me with some of it, but the pain is still there. I don't talk about it very much. But it's there. That's what this blog is good for. Helping me to be honest about things I don't talk out loud about. I finally admitted to myself that I'm still in love with him. I don't want to be. But I am. My head knows it's over, but my heart is still missing him. Every day I think about him. Every run I go on, I think about him. All weekend when I was at the beach, I thought about him. I'm so tired of him being in my thoughts and on my mind.

I also admit to feeling angry and bitter. I feel like this relationship was such a cruel joke. I thought I found my chance at true love. I thought I was going to marry this man, and have a family with him. I was doing ok before this happened. And now I feel like someone punched me in the gut, and 3 months later I still can't catch my breath.

Sometimes I just want to scream when will it be my turn to find happiness?? I want so badly to be able to relate to my married friends and their lifestyle. I feel so alone sometimes when I'm with them. And angry. (not at them of course) I can't join in the conversations about husbands and kids. I want to. I'm 35 years old. It's ok for me to want that. I don't want to push them away, because now is when I need them most. But sometimes I think subconciously I do. Because being around them is a reminder of what I don't have. As silly and foolish as that sounds.

I know there is nothing that I can do at this point except continue to pray, count my blessings, breathe in, breathe out, and move on...

If you made it through all that, thanks for listening. Now pass me some Xanax.

A HAIRY experience

During our annual trip to the beach, we stopped off at one of our favorite local places to kick start the night. One of my friend's decided to order some food. The rest of us stuck to a liquid diet of beer and vodka tonics. That turned out to be a very good decision.

When her sandwich came to the table, it looked heavenly. It was huge and juicy and smelled fabulous! I even snuck a few pieces of bbq off the sandwich myself and devoured it. Very tasty!

My friend K started eating her sandwich and was chowing down, and then....IT happened. Ya'll know what I'm talkin' bout. We've all had it happen. Her face went white. She started making a gagging noise. And then...K pulls out the BIGGEST, NASTIEST, THICKEST, LONGEST HAIR YOU'VE EVER SEEN OUT OF HER MOUTH! And NO...it was most definitely NOT hers. We asked her that, repeatedly, and repeatedly she said HELL NO.

Let's be honest, there is no way you can get your appetite back after that. We also managed to get 4 shots on the house sent over to our table after a lady at the table next to us complained that we should at least get something out of our experience. We chugged them down and took off... I may not be able to eat BBQ again for quite sometime, and I KNOW K won't. (maybe that's the secret to dieting? Putting a hair in my food?? Talk about portion control!!!)

To summarize: It's all fun and games until someone finds a hair in their pulled pork sandwich...

3rd Annual Girl's Weekend at the Beach

A lot of eating, drinking, sunning and laughing...that about sums it up! More pictures to come soon.

Missing 2 of our girls here!

Gorgeous weather!



















I love the shrimp boats...

Aaaand it's back to work. Hoping to get in a good run tonight. My 5K is October 17th!

Progress Report

During the summer, I was doing the Couch to 5K program. Around Week 8, the temperatures got cooler outside and I got brave enough to jump off the treadmill and start running outdoors.

The good news is that I'm SO glad I did this because I LOVE running outside and motivated to finish my training. The bad news is that it set me back on my training to about Week 5. I've since them then worked my way back up to Week 7.

Tonight I'm going to attemp Week 8 again - Run for 28 minutes outdoors. This should put me at around 2 miles. I'm a slow runner, and also the path I run has a few hills sprinkled about, which also slows me down.

Wish me luck - if the rain holds out! It's looking a little iffy outside. I HATE running on the treadmill now.

Notes to self:

Change up Ipod tunes
Get inserts for my shoes (to prevent future black toenails)

Later Update:

This run sucked from start to finish. I have noticed that I do MUCH better if I warm my legs up with a short walk instead of just breaking into the run. But I wanted to time things out so that I would only have to run a short ways into the "creepy part" of the trail. (It's not really creepy, it's beautiful but it can be desolate sometimes - weekends are great because lots of traffic. I always carry mace.) So I walked the opposite way for a quarter mile or so and back and then started my run. It didn't make a damn bit of difference.

My back hurt. My toe hurt. My knees hurt. I couldn't find my groove whatsoever. I was officially in "creepy territory" for longer than I wanted to be. My music was pissing me off. Even the Black Eyed Peas couldn't get me going today. I was panting pretty heavy. Hot. Tired. Hungry. Every minute felt like an hour.

But...I did it. Two miles! Worst run ever, but I did it. Hopefully next time will be better...have a feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow!

What happened to Drew??

I have always been a big Drew Barrymore fan. She's not your typical glam-squad A-lister Hollywood type. She's not perfect. She's goofy. She's funny. She's loveable. She doesn't always play by the rules. She is independent but steers off-course at times. She's unlucky in love. She's a lot like me! (minus the drugs)

However...what the fug has happened to my girl lately? Has she been hanging around Gaga??




















I like this Drew:

Toe' UP

I've been reading about this problem for a while now. The infamous "Black Toe" issue. I never really gave it much thought because I'm not running lots of miles at a time. The most I've ever run in one day is around 30 minutes.

But it finally happened to me. I noticed some tenderness in my 2nd left toe, and last night when I went to remove my polish, there it was. *gasp* My whole toenail was black. GROSS!!!!! I've heard that it will most probably fall off eventually.

Guess who's going to buy some black toenail polish!!???? Have ya'll ever had this problem? Ew.

My little life in a nutshell lately

My life right now can be divided into the following 4 categories:

• Work
• Running
• Dating (or attempting to)
• Facebook Stalking

Work

I don't like to talk about work very often because you just never know who is reading your blog. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and confess that one of my co-workers is ROYALLY pissing me off. I'm a pretty laid back kind of gal and it takes a lot to piss me off. But once you do, it's nearly impossible for me to like / trust you again. I won't go into the details, because it doesn't really matter. But I haven't spoken to her in over a week. It's just best that way for now. I'm afraid I might channel Sheree from RHOA and yank her hair off. Not even kidding. I've had my door closed a good bit this week. Stay away. Please. Until I cool off. And then maybe we can chat.

Running

Recently, due to the glorious weather we've had lately, I have transitioned my running from the treadmill to the great outdoors. Here are a few unexpected, albeit awkward moments that have occurred that I have never experienced running inside.

A) I usually run along a path in the woods that follows the river. Along with this comes bugs. I swallowed a gnat - not once but twice this week. Nothing prettier than passing a girl who's coughing, gagging, spitting (oh yes I did), and hacking up a gnat. But I've seen it happens to others too, so I guess it just happens. Protein right? I'm learning to just swallow and move on. That's what she said.

B) Sometimes when I run and someone really sweaty (usually men) pass me going the opposite way, I do the 3 second rule (to let the stink smell go by). But there are days when I'm really panting and can't quite hold it that long. And I try so hard not to breathe in at that exact moment, but then I do ....and ohhhh myyyyy Godddd. And the gagging begins again...

C) Sometimes (although it's rare) I come up on someone that I'm running a slightly faster pace than them. And I try to pass them on the path and they yep...speed up. It's like driving a car and trying to pass someone in the slow lane and then they suddenly speed up. And you're stuck - you either have to REALLY speed up , cruise along next to them or drop back. Either way...
a w k w a r d.

I have more....but I'll save those for another post!

Dating

Not too much to report...a good friend of mine had me over Labor Day for a cookout and to meet their single, hot neighbor. After meeting him, she asked if I was interested. Oh um..yes, yes and oh YES. Which pretty much guarantees I'll never hear from him. He was THE perfect match for me - great personality, funny, manners, tall, cute...you get the point. ... sigh. He's an Ole Miss alum, but we can work on that. Hotty Toddy - Are you ready? Hell yes! Damn Right!

Random Eye Contact Guy, remember him? We had talked on the phone a few times, but we finally agreed to meet and he cancelled last minute? (because I didn't seem to be interested in him...what ever) He contacted me again on match last week. Wanted to go out with me again - I said ok, why not. But then he got aggravated (again) that I didn't responded back quickly enough and decided I wasn't interested enough for him (again). Okkkk, I'm sorry I have a life, no I'm not. Turn-off. Kind've a shame though. I really did want to meet him, just for no other reason because of how we started talking.

Clemson Tiger - we are facebook friends, but unfortunately we've never talked again after that one initial phone call. I hate to not meet him in person, but we didn't really click on the phone. I guess I just haven't pursued it. I'm really bad about that.

There's really no one else worth mentioning at this point! The 28 year old texted me a few times after our date, but I'm just not interested. I wish I was!

Facebook Stalking

It's official. Ya'll are just as much of a freak as I am! Facebook stalkers UNITE. No seriously, can we find a way for this to be a job? Cause I'd like to apply. I could make money off this hobby. I can spend hours and hours stalking Mr P and his friends (not healthy I know!) It's downright scary that I know where his buddies are going to be hanging out on certain nights. I only went out where they were once, and thought they wouldn't recognize me. Stealth mode: fail. But back to fb stalking, thanks to Ms. Grits, I discovered a new trick of changing networks - and oh my gah...I hit the jackpot on that today! Apparently Facebook has gotten sneaky on that though and you can only change your network twice in 60 days. Rats. Apparently they are on to us??

And speaking of Grits, I just want to give her a shout out and say thank you for sending me 2 of the most hilarious books you'll ever read! I just got them 2 days ago, and I've already almost finished book 1. I read half of it in one night.

We can also add football as another category, but I'm tired and that's all I got for now.

Ciao, Bellas!

Facebook Stalking

Don't ask me how I know this, but Mr. P still has pictures of us on his facebook. From when we went to Charleston. Like I said, don't ask how I know this, I just do. Ok, fine, I confess: I was looking at (read: stalking) one of his friend's profiles, and saw where they commented on one of his albums and I was able to open the album. I know, I know...

I don't understand why he still has them up, but he does. And it's not like I can ask him about it. "Hey I was facebook stalking you and noticed something..." That would go over great I'm sure. It is very confusing to me though. I know for a fact that he has dated someone else since we broke up. So why have pictures of your ex GF on your facebook?

Have ya'll ever facebook stalked anyone?? Confess now. Make me feel better please!! Or just lie and tell me you have...either way.

PS We moved the cookout to tonight, and the single neighbor is definitely coming over. We'll see how it goes! As always I'll keep ya'll posted.

PPS Thanks for all the encouraging comments - my neck/shoulder is still sore, but feeling MUCH better.

xoxo,

The best laid plans...

On Wednesday morning of this past week, I woke up at 5 AM (you know it's bad if I'm up that early, I don't do mornings at ALL lol) w/ excruciating pain that started in my shoulder that continued up into neck. It hurt so bad that I almost called my mom to come get me and take me to the ER. After 4 motrin, the pain lessoned somewhat. I called into to work that day, and took it easy for the rest of the day.

The next day I felt MUCH better and even went for a run! 1.5 miles across the lake dam. (Gorgeous view) Probably not one of my best ideas, but oh well.

This morning I woke up feeling fine also. I made breakfast for my co-workers (we alternate), and took off for work. Around noon, I started feeling the pain coming back. I got in the car to drive home and about halfway there, I didn't think I was going to make it. I couldn't even turn my head and everytime I had to stop at the stoplight, it hurt so bad it took my breath away.

I immediately called a friend of mine. She had surgery on her neck last year, and still has a lot of prescription pain killers. Disclaimer: I do not condone taking pain killers from friends. However, I was desperate and needed some relief asap!

Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty good right now! But the downside is that I was planning to head to Fripp Island this weekend for some friends. But I'm afraid that's out. I don't want to get all the way down there, and then the pain come back and I can't drive myself home. :( I'm so bummed!!! All of my 3 day weekends have been screwed up for whatever reason this year (mostly because of Mr P damn him), so I was really looking forward to this weekend. This is the first trip that I felt like myself and I knew I would have fun on.

B u m m e d o u t.

On a happy note, my RX friend has a guy she wants me to meet. Possibly tomorrow night...keep ya'll posted.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

The "I got nothing for you" post

As Spurrier always says at the beginning of our games over the loud speaker "It's time for Carolina football!!" GO COCKS!! First game tonight - kickoff at 7 PM. I'm going for a run right after work so I can snack and have a few beers tonight.


So it's been awhile since I've done a survey, and I have nothing else to talk about so here you go! (Ripped this off of my blog friend Meg!)

• what are your most common nicknames? I have a few but my favorite is the one my grandmother used to call me "Fancy" from that Reba song.


• what is today's weather? gorgeous - sunny, cool, low humidity! Perfect football weather.


• where did go on vacation this year? California


• what did you do there? visited LA, Santa Monica Beach, Monterrey, Carmel, San Fran


• where did you stay? Sheraton and Westin (I had some sweet points saved up)


• what job do you do? Communications / PR / Event Planning


• describe where you live: condo on the river


• what do you usually do on weekends? Hang out with friends, family, clean, watch tv, run


• what food hits your 'bliss spot'? Fresh sushi!


• what drink really does it for you? Sweet tea vodka and lemonade


• describe the first friend that comes to your head: sweet, kind, always there when I need her


• what was the last restaurant you went to? Chick Fila


• where would you like to live if you had unlimited moneys and nothing stopping your dreams? Charleston, SC


• what is the likeliness of you achieving this dream home? haha Unless I hit that mega power ball...


• what do you like to do in your spare time? read mags, watch tv, blog, tweet, cook, run


• what's your favorite genre for TV programs? I love anything reality - Big Brother, Biggest Loser, Intervention, etc.


• what's your favorite genre for music? Top 40 - country and pop


• what's your favorite song that's sad? The Dance, Garth Brooks (saddest, most beautiful song he ever did)


• what's your favorite soppy film? The Notebook


• how about your favorite chick flick? Steel Magnolias


• what are you looking forward to at the moment? football season and fall weather


• what are you dreading at the moment? The day I run into my ex. Thought it was going to happen today, but it didn't. Phew.


• how would you describe your personality? funny, kind, good hearted and goofy.


• if you had a personality eraser, what part of yours might you erase? The need to please everyone


• you are given $5000 to spend in 1 day, what do you do with it? remember, no limitations! New wardrobe.


• what is your biggest fear? Spending the rest of my life alone.

Get this demon off of me for GOOD

I've been thinking a lot lately about my weight and I REALLY want to conquer this demon once and for all. But for the last year or so, I've done nothing but go up and down the scale 7 pounds or so. I'm frustrated as hell. I've been stuck for the longest time, despite the fact that I've started running. I do strength training. I eat healthy 90% of the time. I watch my calorie intake. I've had my blood checked, no thyroid issues. I do know that I have a sit down job, so I don't get a lot of movement during the day. So that could be one problem area. But I drink a lot of water. I don't snack. I get plenty of sleep. I am social. My job is not very stressful (except during conference time). I don't drink much.

So what freakin' gives??

Going to Weight Watchers meetings worked great for me. But ... as much as I love the program, I don't want to have to count points the rest of my life. It's exhausting quite frankly. And my weight loss was a slooooow therefore, expensive process.

Maybe it's my mental attitude. Maybe I am viewing these last 40 pounds as something bigger than it is. I don't know. I know it affects my self esteem and confidence. I have tried to work on that. But it's difficult.

I've decided to give myself a challenge. This challenge is going to the TOUGH. One of the hardest ones of my life. But...if I can give up smoking like I did 5 years ago, I can do this. If I can go from never running at all to running 2 miles at a time, then I can do this. If I can go back to school and get my Bachelors while working full time, then I can do this. I can do anything I set my mind to.

So here's my challenge: 36 pounds by my 36th birthday. Which is in mid-March.

This is going to be tough, that's an average of 5.5 pounds a month. That doesn't seem like that much I know. But for me, it's a lot. I'm a SLOW loser. Also, factor in tailgating season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years into that. Yea. Yikes.

So I'm up for the challenge. And thinking this will keep me running throughout the holidays, when the time changes. And I have to revert to treadmill running again. (boo)

Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. Here I go...I am determined to beat this.