Wednesday, June 30, 2010

South Carolina Gamecocks: The Road to Victory

"You have bumps along the way. You have some adversity. And you use it to make it stronger. You don't use it to make excuses." Ray Tanner

Our state has been through a lot the past year or so. It's been rocky. To say that we needed something positive to happen is a gross understatement. Late Tuesday evening with one crack of the bat, we got it. South Carolina because the 2010 National World Series Champions in college baseball. And, after decades and decades, the last team to bat at Rosenblatt Stadium ever. History making.

Yesterday, we welcomed our champions home from Omaha after two long (but glorious) weeks at the CWS. 13,000 fans greeted them at the Colonial Life Arena. What a day!! Many tears, many hugs, many cheers. What an emotional wonderful day for our state!

Today was proclaimed to be "Gamecocks Baseball National Champions Day" in SC by our Governor. The Gamecock flag is proudly waving over our State Capital. (Photo credit: SpursUpBlog)




















Thank you
Coach Tanner, the players and all of the coaches for your dedication, hard work and "never stop believing" attitude. I have never been so proud. I'm also proud that out of all 8 teams that made it to the college world series, South Carolina's team had the highest GPA of them all.

I also want to mention...as much as this pains me to say...our state rivals the Clemson Tigers made it to the College World Series as well. That is 2 teams from SC playing for a championship title. Most of the year, I can't stand Clemson. But I have to hand it to them. Their team deserves kudos for making it there as well. I'm just glad we beat them. Twice. ;)

I saw this video yesterday; it's been going around on Twitter. I could go on and on about my Gamecocks, but this tells it all... (around 3:17 is the magic crack of the bat and where I start to get chills every time!)




Wordless Wednesday: "We are the Champions"


































































More to come....

Monday, June 28, 2010

Diary of a "Fat" Cheerleader

I've never been a skinny girl. In high school, despite the fact that I was super active and ate pretty healthy, I was never smaller than a size 8. I knew I wasn't skinny. Sure, I was a typical teen and worried about it sometimes. I'd semi-diet, and try to lose 5-10 lbs for summertime, but most of the time, I didn't really care that much. I was still fairly popular, had lots of friends, was captain of the cheerleading squad and embraced my size 8. I NEVER wanted to be one of those crazy girls that only drank diet coke, threw up in the bathroom after lunch and smoked Marlboro's to keep from gaining weight. All I wanted was to make good grades and be a damn good cheerleader. And I was both.

After graduation, I hoped to continue my favorite pastime and desperately wanted to cheer for my college team. I knew the competition would be tough, because I came from a smaller school and didn't have as much training. But what kept me from making the squad was not my lack of skill. I was told I was really good. I performed all of the required stunts. The reason I did not make the squad because of the college's weight limit. The bottom line: I was "over the required weight limit of 125 pounds." I was 130 at the time. I never even went to final tryout day. I was crushed.

The thing is, good or bad, it was just a rule that the school enforced to prevent injuries for male cheerleaders. I understood the rule. I just never realized what a pivotal moment that would become for me.

After I learned of the weight restrictions, I promptly went back to my dorm, and began what was to become a life long habit. I ordered a large pizza and began to comfort my sorrows with food. I gave up exercise completely. I became very lazy. After all, why did it matter anymore? I wasn't going to be hoisted up in the air by any guy anytime soon. I wouldn't be doing any tumblers in front of a crowd of people, or worrying about how my thighs looked in my cheerleading skirt. I didn't just gain the freshman 15. I gained the freshman 25. I stopped caring about anything except partying. Oh I had fun! But I didn't study. I failed classes. I started smoking. I eventually had to come home. College life: Fail.

Fast forward many years later, and I've made some significant changes in my life. I quit smoking 6 years ago. I eventually lost the freshman 25 plus a few with weight watchers. I went back to school and got my Bachelor degree. But unfortunately, I still have bouts of comforting myself with food sometimes. What can I say...I LOVE food. I think we all do. It has been my so-called friend my whole life. I still have 30 pounds I need to lose. And it's tough. But I'll get there eventually! I'm determined.

This is a picture of me last summer at Santa Monica Beach. All I can say is this: Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader! :)














Wednesday, June 23, 2010

OVERWHELMED

My ideal work day would be to:

Wake up at 6 AM and go to the gym. Back home by 7, shower, drink coffee, eat breakfast and go to work. Have a productive day. Come home, COOK supper. Straighten the house. Watch one or two TV shows. Drink a glass of my favorite wine. Read a few pages of my favorite book. Talk to the Cub for a few minutes on the phone. In bed by 10 PM.

Repeat. Totally doable right?

Instead this happens:

Alarm goes off at 7 AM. Hit snooze. Alarm goes off at 7:10. Hit snooze. Repeat until 7:30 sometimes 7:40. Wake up, cuss at myself for being so late. Shower. Dig through clean clothes that haven't been folded and put away yet. Dry hair. Jump in car. Put on makeup at the stoplights. Cuss because I forgot to pack gym clothes. Get to work barely on time. Stare at the moniter with coffee in hand for 30 minutes trying to figure out if I'm awake yet. Leave work. On a good day, go to the gym. On a bad day, change into PJs. Lay on the couch, check twitter/facebook. Watch a show. Eat some leftovers or a frozen dinner. Go back to the couch. Talk on the phone. Look at laundry and think "that needs to be folded" but instead check email. Chat on the phone. Go to bed. Lay in bed for 30 minutes checking twitter/facebook on blackberry, wondering where my day went and vowing to do differently the next day.

Repeat.

This has got to stop. I am in serious need of some willpower and a routine. The result is that I can't seem to get caught up in any aspect of my life, and always feel like I am playing catch up. I'm distracted, tired, forgetful and never feel like I get enough sleep.

I am getting behind at work too. The feeling that comes to mind is overwhelmed.

I am supposed to start training for a half marathon (more on that later) but so far that's been a bust. Determined to make that happen though.

I never feel like I give enough of myself with friends. With family. With the Cub. With MYSELF. I am always apologizing for not being able to do this or that. I have a STACK of books I have been wanting to read since last year. I want to cook more. I want to get organized. What is stopping me? (That's a lot of "I's" sorry; guess this is a selfish post.)

Maybe I need to cut myself off from social media for awhile. It IS a time killer. But some days that helps me stay sane. I allow myself to waste time with facebook and twitter. I also spend a good bit of time reading blogs. And emailing. Texting. Blackberry Messaging. Wow. That's a lot. But that's always been an outlet for me. Escapism is what it is.

I'm so envous of people that have it all together. People that are organized and always on top of things. I wish I could be you! But since I'm not, I just have to try and do my best at making a change. Doubt it will happen overnight. But suggestions on how to get started? HELP.













Monday, June 21, 2010

My hair and other nonsense

I'm getting my hair cut and my highlights touched up tomorrow. Yay! A classic sign you need a good cut is when you wear it up in a pony tail every day. Which I have been doing lately! But a lot of that is because of the heat. It's almost too hot to wear my hair down lately.

I took a picture this weekend when I actually styled it. But it takes forever to do so. So definitely going to cut some tomorrow! Not sure how much yet. I like to just decide at the last minute. Which is dangerous sometimes. ha! Is it sad I'm looking forward to the shampoo part the most??? Ahh, my hair dresser gives good shampoo. I mean really good.



















So the Cub's birthday is coming up, and I have been stressing over what to get him. I finally decided on the P90X. He's been talking and talking and talking about it for months. I'll be very curious to see if he uses it or not. I know it's VERY tough and it takes a huge commitment. He's not a big fan of regular exercise, so going from nothing (except yardwork) to P90X is going to be a huge wake up call for him! He better use it or it becomes mine. ;) But it's what he's been dying to have, so have it he will! Have fun baby Cub! haha











Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Life in the fast lane

First of all, thanks so much for all the sweet comments from my last post! All I can say is that a lot of y'all have been through the ringer just as much as I have when it comes to relationships, and some even more so. I love blogging, not only for the writing, but also for the feedback and the opportunity to get to know all of you through your comments and blogs. And I'm sorry I haven't commented on my favorite blogs as much lately as I have in the past, but here is why...

In the past month, I have been on the road so much I have been practically living out of my suitcase! I have been to Atlanta for a friend's birthday, Charleston for a wedding, the Cub's hometown, which is about 45 minutes away, for a rehearsal dinner and another wedding, and finally Folly Beach to take some pictures for my best friend and her family. I had a great time at all these events, but I am so looking forward to next weekend, the first weekend in a month where I don't have a single thing to do!

In between the traveling, work has exploded again. I also took on a personal project for a co-worker, which I regret doing (I need a class in saying NO). It took WAY longer than I anticipated, and ate into time with my Cub. :( We have barely seen each other in the last few weeks, and I hope that changes soon. He's been very patient as have my friends, which I also haven't been able to hangout with as much lately either. I miss them so much!

This week I head to Charleston, once again, for work. It's only a short trip, but those sometimes are the most exhausting.

I am also hoping to try the morning workout once again. I have not been to the gym before work since that fateful day last year, but I am ready to give it another go! I know I'll feel better if I do. And I have a willing partner and friend, who wants to workout with me.

This hammock is in the Cub's backyard. I can't wait to jump in it and take a nap!















PS Next post about one of my favorite people in the whole world. He's very cute and he's my little hero!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Closing the book one year later

I have never told the story about why my ex (Mr. P) and I broke up, because I never really wanted to go into it on my blog. Truthfully, it was embarrassing. But for some reason today I felt compelled to share. I really don't know why honestly. But it has now been right at a year since we split up, and I want to close the door on that part of my life. Also, several of you have asked me what happened, and I guess now is as good a time as any. Plus, it's a very good example of when you ask God for guidance, He will come through. It's not always what we want, and sometimes it's painful. But it's always in our best interest. Sorry, this is going to be a little long.

Last year around this time, I went to the gym to workout in the morning before work. This is something I never, ever do. I am without a doubt NOT a morning person. I abuse the snooze button. Although I have gotten better in the last few months, I have always had a problem with tardiness because I stay in the bed too long. It's really stupid, actually. But it is what it is. I drag every morning. I pray about this habit a lot. Some days are better, some are major failures.

The night before this occurred, I was talking to a good friend about maybe for once going to workout in the morning, but I was so tired. I had just gotten back from my romantic trip to Charleston with Mr. P and I wanted to sleep in so bad! But for some reason, she was extremely insistent that I try out morning workouts. She told me to put out my clothes, shoes, charge the Ipod. Have everything ready. No snoozing. She said "I'll be waiting for your phone call telling me that you went. DO IT." She is never this bossy with me. Looking back, neither one of us knows why she was so persistent that I go. Of course, now we know. There was definitely a reason.

The alarm went off the next morning, and I almost hit the snooze and went back to sleep. But I remembered her phone call the night before, and I did not want to disappoint. Still half asleep and grumpy, I got dressed, grabbed water and my Ipod and and got in my car.

When I got halfway there I called Mr P to tell him I had gotten up and he was going to be so proud of me. Right as his phone was going straight to voicemail, I got stopped at a stoplight. I started leaving my message and I look up. And I see his truck. Leaving a random neighborhood. And, as I knew and later confirmed, another woman's house. Two days after our trip to Charleston. It shattered me. And if I'm being honest, it wasn't the first time. I embarrassingly fell victim to "I made a mistake, it will never happen again."

The truth is, I never thought I would be one of "those girls" who would be cheated on. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I truly was a member of the "it will never happen to me" club. Cheating was low-class. It didn't happen in my circles. Except that it does. And it did. It happened to me. Talk about a blow to your self esteem. And your pride. I will never forget telling my doctor with tears in my eyes that I needed to have blood work done and feeling so ashamed. I did nothing wrong. She hugged me and told me I was doing the right thing. Yet, still you still feel embarrassed and ashamed. And so disgusted.

Whispers. Instincts. God's voice. Whatever you call it, you should always listen. I was meant to go to the gym that morning. I had been praying for a long time that God would tell me if I was doing the right thing dating this man. I asked for a sign, because He knew I would never leave him on my own. I was too far gone, too in love. So He took matters into his own hands. And it hurt. So bad. It still hurts thinking about it.

However, I am so thankful. Because if I hadn't gone through all of that, I would never be where I am today. I learned a lot about myself. I learned how no matter how broken I am, I am still strong. I learned that I can always lean on my friends for support. I learned that my family will always be there for me. I learned that xanax is a good thing. (I kid...kind've...)

Mostly, I learned that life will go on, time will heal, and I will be happy again. And as happy as The Cub makes me, my happiness does not depend on a person anymore. People will always let you down. They are human and will disapoint. I don't know if The Cub and I are meant for forever. But I know God knows. And I know that my happiness lies in my belief in myself now. And my faith. It gets me through every day. It's getting me through this thing I call My Life.

And so begins the next Chapter. I'm ready. :)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Love, love, love I want your love...

Do you Glee?

I admit, I didn't watch Glee until Season 2. I knew I would love it, but something always got in the way of me watching. Well, friends those days are long gone. The Cub knows not to mess with me on Glee nights. It's just not an option. I'm in love with Glee! Love, love love...

Speaking of, for those of you that watch Glee, how amazing was this week's episode? I love Lady Gaga! And when they did their version of Bad Romance, I actually stood up and squealed! No lie. I squealed like a pig. Embarrassing, but true!

Here is the Glee cast performing at a recent concert. I'm not going to lie. I've probably watched it at least 10 times. I love what Santana (Naya Riverain) is wearing! She looks FIERCE in that black hat and costume! Did Christian Siriano design it?? :)

I think Santana might be my new girl crush. Aaaand she's really young so that sounds kind've creepy. But you know what I mean! I just think for not being one of the "main" characters, she really stands out. And that takes talent!



"Walk, walk, fashion baby...."

And Lea Michele doing Poker Face with Idina Menzel? Her voice always gives me chills. And I love the faces that she makes when she sings. I just want to sing with her!





Next week is the season finale. To say that I'm excited is an understatement. Vocal Adrenaline better not win finals! :)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Sex and the Ci-tay! Part Dos

Me and a few of my gal pals went to see SATC2 last Thursday on opening night.

No, it wasn't as great as the first one.
No, it won't win an Academy Award.

But...

Yes, you will laugh.
Yes, Aiden looks hot.

Simon says, go see it now. Run! In your Manolos!















Me and JenBunny (my new nickname for her, she loves it *sarcasm* hehe) having some vino before heading to the theatre.