The Necklace Situation

A couple people commented on the necklaces I have hanging from the tie rack! Here's the deal with that. As most of you know that travel is part of my job. When I first started traveling I would collect stupid souvenirs or trinkets from each destination (if it was a cool one). Within a year I realized that I hate trinkets and clutter and these things are of no use to me.

That's when I realized that it would be cool to get a necklace from each place - if I felt that I HAD to get something. That way, I will wear them and they come with a fun story. I thought this was a pretty darn good idea.

Some of my favorites:
* Bone painted red from Botswana
* Glass hand painted beads from Cape Town
* Big fun cheapy beaded one from Cabo
* Glass in wire from a street fair in London
* Black circles - from Portland (marathon weekend!)
* Jade symbol - from New Zealand

Anyway, it's a fun and functional way to remember your trip!

Closet: The Finale

Here's what I ended up doing for the closet:

For the shirts - I got the double hanger thing from Container Store. It was like $10! Short sleeves are on top, long sleeves on bottom.

On the wall, I have hooks for belts and scarves.

On the door, I have my earrings and bracelets.

There is a small shelf with P.J.'s on the floor.
And basket of bathing suits on upper shelf.










Here are my skirts and slacks.

On the upper shelf I have folded sweaters, jeans and sweats.















A tie rack for my necklaces, hanging in closet as well.

















The spare bedroom closets holds the shoes.
There is also a purse rack.
Baskets with hats and Halloween costumes.

Dresses are on the other side.

Also my work "uniforms" which are stupid khakis and polo shirts.


Thanks for all your suggestions. It was quite fun organizing everything.

Now for the furniture debacle. So here is the deal, I have a little bit of money left. Not much, but enough to buy some staple items (couch, dresser, etc.)

BUT BUT BUT I'm not feeling 100% confident with my job right now. Basically I have contracts through the end of August but after that - if we ain't got no business then homegirl ain't got a jobby-job. My conservative nature is telling me to save, save, save and live without for a while to just make it thru the next few months. So what that means is there will be no decor photos for a while.


I have been so exhausted the past few days. Last night I just wanted to go home, turn off my phone and read my new obsession: Amish books (thanks Mrs. F). I didn't get home until 7pm. My bestie stopped by for a while. Then a boy called me and we talked for a long time. Then my other bestie called and we talked for an hour. Next thing I know, it's 11pm. I slept like a ROCK and could not budge when my alarm went off this AM. So no run. But I brought my clothes and am going to run after work today.

The next few days are going to be super hectic again - window coverings installed, paint touch ups and baseboards, date, oven installed, visiting out-of-town friend.....

I just can't wait for SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have NOTHING to do except run and it sounds dreamy.

Before & After: The Condo

I am a little hesitant to put up any photos since I haven't done ANYTHING decorating wise.

But I'll show you a few:

BEFORE - looking from living room to kitchen - how gross is this paint and carpet? The kitchen had linoleum from the 70s I think.

AFTER - Ripped out all flooring, painted and new base boards. You can see there is still a mess in the kitchen. They delivered my new stove, but the old gas gasket thingy was too big. So I had to have it replaced. Stove can't be installed until this Friday. So it's sitting in the middle of the kitchen.

The walls are Pearl White with the trim in Swiss Coffee. There is a slight contrast and I like it. I didn't want to go crazy with color for the paint because I get sick of things easily. So if I feel a need to redecorate, I can just switch out some rugs and pictures and be done with it.

BEFORE - Living room. I hate the fireplace - it's like creepy tile with little flowers in the corner. BUT it is way too much of an undertaking to re-do now. I did bust out the broken tiles on the floor.

AFTER - it's much lighter and brighter. You can't tell in the pic, but I scraped the ceilings too. It just feel cleaner in there, ya know?

What you see is this pic are the only remaining pieces of furniture. I don't even like these pieces and they will be going as soon as the new can be brought in.

So there ya have it so far. My closet is almost organized. I'll post those pics tomorrow - maybe.

Regarding running - I had an 8 miler scheduled this weekend and it just didn't happen. Based on a few things out of my control, the move & clean up took longer than expected. I'm so grateful for my friends and fam who stepped in and helped out. Tomorrow morning will be my first run in my new 'hood. I have no idea where to go, but I'll figure it out. Thank goodness for the Garmin.

Purge-alicious

I'm finally all settled into my new pad. My TV isn't set up but I can connect to someones Internet so that's all the entertainment I need.

Let me tell ya about the move. Thur night I had planned to clean up the condo before moving in on Fri. Well, the floor guys were NOT done yet. AND they were cutting the wood INSIDE. Do you know how thick that layer of dust was?

Ah, so I had my girlfriend in tow but we couldn't do anything. SO I dragged her back to my old apartment, luring her with wine. We managed to pack up everything (and polish off 2 bottles). However after 2 bottles, we thought we needed another so we walked to the liquor store, thinking this was a good idea. Drunk packing is fun. We were very resourceful, however upon unpacking I couldn't find anything. Bathroom items were mixed with kitchen items. It was actually quite funny.

Friday morning my dad calls bright and early. I was seriously hurting but had to get up and hide the evidence of our debauchery the night before. (Yes, I'm 33 and still scared of my dad's scornful eye.) We decided to move all the heavy items first. I was dusting off my bedroom set (the ONLY furniture I was keeping) and it occurred to me. I hate this bedroom set. It's bulky and hardly functional. It's that rustic pine with wrought iron that was popular about 10 years back. However 10 years at the beach had warped the wood so opening and closing the dresser drawers is practically impossible. And the bed frame is ginormous. Out of the blue I said, "let's just take this directly to Goodwill." I don't think I've ever seen my father so happy (he was going to have to carry that stuff up the stairs at my new place.)

So I did it. I got rid of every piece of furniture I own (except 1 chair and end table).
Now I'm not sure I have enough money to buy anything new.
In the meantime I have my mattress on the floor, my clothes folded in piles, my undies in a basket and I'm happy as a clam.

I'll post before and after pics soon.

PS: My appliances were delivered on Sunday. This is the first time in over 10 years that I have had a washer and dryer. Can you guess what I was doing all day???

Movin' and Shakin'

I'm feeling better about my closet.
Thank you all soooooooo much for the advice. I performed a major purge last night. I have half a room full of stuff that I am offering to some girlfriends or giving to charity. I have to admit that I only got rid of 2 pairs of shoes. I really do wear all of them. (Side note: last time I moved I specifically remember my dad saying "Do you really need 6 pairs of black heals?" Yes dad, I do and if you wear heals everyday it's nice to not have to wear the same ones!)

This is what I'm gonna do:
Spare bedroom closet will get all the shoes, suits, dressier dresses, bathing suits, purses and stuff that isn't worn on a regular basis. I will put some mirrored closet doors (eventually) in there and make it my dressing room.

The closet in my room will have all my work clothes and daily wear items. I will get a double rod in there and I think it will work. I also want to eventually get those awesome flocked hangers. I wish I could now, but dang my money is quickly evaporating.

My girlies are coming over to new place tonight to help me clean it all up (Thanks Dr Dev and Mrs. C). Then the big move in starts tomorrow!!!!!!

I did get my 4 miler in this morning. My mind was racing the entire time with my to-do list that I actually enjoyed my run. It went pretty fast. However, I'm still off kilter with my nutrition and hydration. When I'm busy and stressed, I do the opposite of most people - I don't eat. Actually I haven't had dinner the past 2 nights. I was just so absorbed in what I was doing. I haven't really been eating breakfast either. Just an apple. But with my girls coming tonight, I thought I would supply some food and drinks so I'll eat - don't fret. And next week when I'm in my new place with my fridge - I'll stock up and get my act together.

Closet Conundrum

I have to admit that this is completely humiliating and embarrassing.

I'm talking about my closet. When I moved into my little beach apartment, there was pathetic hole in the bedroom that they considered a closet. But luckily, there was an "office." I called my dad over straight away and he turned the office into a big ass walk in closet. You might also remember when my closet collapsed that one time.

Pic 1 is my current closet.

I have 3 racks for shoes and a basket of shoes overflowing. Yes, I need them all.

In a feeble attempt to be organized, I purchased some baskets (sitting on shelf). These contain hats, bathing suits, cover ups, costume items, and purses.

There is also a little shelf thing that is crammed with sweats and jammies.
Not in the picture (but on the left wall of the closet) is a dresser. The dresser is completely overflowing to the point that some of the drawers don't close. In the dresser are undies, socks, tank tops, tee shirts, running clothes and sweaters.

Hanging on the wall - belts, scarves and a robe. Oh, and you can see all my race medals on the door nob. Exciting place for them, huh?

This second pic is my new closet.

It is about 1/4 of the size of my old closet.

What the hiz-ell am I going to do?

I do have a few saving graces - I have a spare bedroom. So I can put stuff that is not frequently worn in that closet. Also, there is a closet down stairs where I can put jackets and such. Last, I have a very high bed, so that space can be utilized somehow.

I am reaching out to you. I need help!

Thoughts?

Suggestions?

Links?

**Please note that after all the home improvements I had to do, I am completely broke. Like won't have furniture broke.

The Fantastic, The Annoying and The Down Right Stupid

The Fantastic

• Condo home improvements going smooth. It looks like I'll be moving in this weekend! Yippy.
• Running getting there - did a 7 miler on Saturday and a 3 miler this AM.
• Yoga - loving it. Had awesome new teacher this weekend and I talked my boss into making it a weekly thing for us to leave early one day to catch the 4:30 class!
• With my move, I'm trying to figure out my new running path. I THINK that I might be close enough to this river jetty that runs into the ocean. So I'll have to check that out next week!

The Annoying

• The only hiccup with the condo so far was the mail situation. They have group boxes and since my condo was bank owned, I didn't have the mail key NOR did I know what box was mine. After several visits to the post office, $35.00 and a call to the post man (who had to put a sticky note on my mail box - it is finally resolved.
• Moving is annoying. I need to start packing tonight.
• I have a major closet issue. Right now I have converted an office into a ginormous closet. It is currently overflowing with stuff. My new condo has the smallest closet in the universe. Honestly it probably won't even fit my shoes. I might have to take pictures to get suggestions from you all. I need a closet solution!
• I have to get rid of my couch and chair. I think I have to put it on Craig's List. How annoying is that?

The Down Right Stupid

• Sunday, I was (kinda) play fighting a certain person you all love to hate. To defend himself he put his arms up. I socked his forearm and I think I broke my finger. I can't straighten it and it's black and blue. Ouchie. Stupid. You're not supposed to hit.

Prom Season

The prom season has begun. Some of you have kids going to the prom, others of us can reflect (and laugh) at our own prom.

I'm bringing prom world to bloggerland.... I TAG ALL OF YOU to bust out a prom picture and post it for us. Then if you feel so inclined, share your prom story. Let's see how many prom pics we can get....

1992

November Rain - GnR

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
Boys II Men
P.M. Dawn
MC Hammer
Color Me Badd

I had the same boyfriend from 10th grade well into my college years. He was a year older, so we went to HIS senior prom (my junior prom). I remember he was really stressed about being able to afford it. I think he had to sell some baseball cards or something. muahhhhh

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I loved my dress - it made me feel like The Little Mermaid. Of course I had my shoes and purse dyed to match. I'm just glad my "big hair" stage was already phasing out.

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Also for your viewing pleasure, I used a picture that showcases my awesome black lacquer bedroom set, which I thought was sooooooooo cool. But still a little girl, you'll also notice the teddy bear.

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I think we went to Cask 'N Cleaver for dinner. That was the fanciest restaurant we could think of. The actual prom sucked, from what I remember. My boyfriend would not dance, so neither did I. We just sat there. I think we even got in a fight (which we did often).

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Here's the kicker of my prom story. I'm sure you'll all think I'm a hussy, but if you read my blog regularly, then that's already confirmed. So prom night was a BIG night... ya know? We booked a hotel room. We were cool like that. I went to Victoria's Secret and got some saucy little number, that most likely looked more like a dress than the actual dresses girls wear THESE days to prom (whoa, I sound old). Anyway, we check into the hotel and he says he'll be right back.

I waited.

And waited.

Then I heard a ruckus and realized that there was a big party a couple rooms down. It was obvious that it was people from our prom.

My boyfriend went to the party.

Without me.

I feel asleep in my fancy new nightie.

Alone.

And I didn't even break up with him after that.

AND that wasn't even the worst thing he did throughout our 5 year relationship.

But that's another blog.

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So bring on the prom pics people!!!!

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(PS: YES, I got up and ran this morning! Yeah for me)

Not Quite There

Operation Start Running in Mornings: FAIL

Must run tomorrow morning or else.
What is my problem????? I only have about 3 more weeks of running on the beach in the morning. Must get out and enjoy it.

Painters done! Kitchen cabinets are next. Then Carpet, then flooring.

I will post before and after pics as soon as the AFTER is done :)

We-we-weekends

Wow, weekends seem to fly by.

Holding with my short-term marathon plan, I scheduled a 6 miler this Saturday. I grabbed Big G (my Garmin) and hit the road. I knew I was slower than I was last year, but didn't realize HOW slow. Mile 1 was 8:59. WTH? Then I got to mile 2 and looked at my watch to realize that it said 1.2 miles. I guess it stopped right after mile 1. Then I remembered that I haven't used (or charged) my Garmin since my last race - Feb 4th. ha ha. Luckily I've run this path for 3 years now, so I know that 3 mile turn around. I have to say that I was disappointed with my slowness and felt like I needed to stop for water more, but I finished it and felt fine right when I stopped. Next weekend I'll bump it up to 7 or 8.

I met with my painter on Sat and they already started scraping & texturing my ceilings! They should finish all the painting by middle of week. Then I need to get the flooring guys in. So many things to think about and coordinate. I just want to get in and do the fun stuff!!!! I spent the rest of my afternoon at Home Depot and think I found my new home away from home. **Swoon**

Spent Mother's Day with my family - got to hang with my adorable nieces. My snuggle bunny youngest niece is in this mommy-only phase. So I didn't get all the lovin' that she used to give me. And the 3 yr old only gives love with presents. My granny was smart and stocked up on the presents.

Condo Update

My dad just told me I need to diversify my workouts. (By the way, my dad is super fit & athletic with 6% body fat - annoying, huh?)

At this point, I'm trying to just get anything in. So diversifying isn't really an issue.

I was hoping my condo would close today, but the stinkin' bank needs to sign ONE stinkin' piece of paper. We've been waiting for 3 days. I discovered the secret unknown 3-day rule in the escrow process. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING takes a minimum of 3 days. Even if it's just when someone has to fax something. 3 days. Email something. 3 days. I just don't understand how this process is so convoluted.

BUT I have to admit that this 2nd go-around is so so so so so much easier. Everything has just worked out, without much hassle or fuss. I'm not even scheduled to close until next Wed but we have everything done except this one signature needed thing.

So the plan is that I'm meeting with my painter tomorrow to get a quote. Hopefully can get it painted the day after I close. Then get the carpet guy and flooring guy (different people) to come the following weekend. THEN I can start moving in. I have been saving, saving, saving for so long that I can't wait to get to SHOP SHOP SHOP - I have so much to buy. Weeeeeeeeeeee

Workout plan is 6 or 7 mile run on Sat and Bikram on Sunday. NOt sure what I'm going to do tonight. I forgot to pack my workout clothes so I have to go all the way home. I might just go for a walk or something.

Whoa This Might Be A Running Blog Again

MizFit commented the other day "You are so one to DECIDE and DO."

And darn tootin' she's right. If I don't have a goal, I will lallygag alls day and alls night. But this girl's got a plan peeps.

I reviewed my plan from last year. Since I cut almost an hour from 2007 to 2008, I'm sticking with that plan. Cuz Damn Gina- it worked. I looked at my schedule and I didn't really start thinking about marathon training until June. So I have a month to get my booty in gear.

My short term (this month) goal is to just get my mileage up. OBV - take a look at my side bar. This girl ain't been runnin'. I did 5 last weekend, I'll increase a mile each weekend and can be to 10 miles by the end of the month. That is a perfect starting point for me.

The other thing that I did last year was follow these rules:

1. Fashionably Flexible: Long runs on Fri, Sat OR Sun - whatever day works best for me.
2. Weak Weekdays: Only 3 times per week MAX and not over 5/6 miles. No need to go out and get injured.
3. Cerebral Caloric Intake: If you remember I gained weight on my first marathon, but I was a svelte sister on my 2nd one. Gotta watch what goes in the pie hole.
4. Luscious Longies: 3 runs of 20+ plus miles, maxing out at 22 miles.
5. Yoga Yahoo: Continue to do Bikram at least 2 days a week - aiming for 3.
6. Healthapotamus: Get refocused on hydration/nutrition/vitamins/supplements.

I know I've said it a million times but I swear that Bikram helped me stay uninjured during my second training season. So I'm sticking it.

On another note, do ya'll remember that one time I had a guest blogger??? Well "Clinton" has really gotten into running. We are trying to lure him into the realm of full marathons. We would have so much fun if he came with us to Wisconsin. We can talk about clothes and running and eat cheese. Come on Clinton, you gots to come with!

Last, and I'll stop rambling. I just want to say how awesome my girls are that we have decided to do this again. This is our 3rd year - they are very cool chicks and I'm blessed to have them as friends, even though we're all so far away. ((HUGS))

Get ready for a whole new wave of crazy! I didn't even mention that I signed DOCS yesterday for my new condo. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah!

2009 Marathon

Totally freaking out.
Totally freaking out.
Totally freaking out.

You guys might laugh when you see the marathon I chose, but hear me out.

So I have 2 girlfriends that I have ran my past 2 marathons with. We support each other during training and chat endlessly about stuff that non-runners don't care about. The only problem is that we are all spread throughout the country. I am So Cal - which is where we ran our 2007 marathon (Long Beach). Kris is in Denver - we actually chose PDX for 2008 because there was no way in hiz-ell I would run a marathon in Denver. I almost died during the 5k.

So this year, we are going to Mel - she's in Wisconsin. We were thinking Chicago, but it's sold out and we would have had to spend way too much money for tickets, lodging, etc. We're going to stay at her house (save $$) and that made the decision easy. AND just realized I can use miles for my airline ticket :)

So we're going to Wisconsin... That's right.

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

So, anyone live in the area and want to run with us? I've read the reviews and it's supposed to be an awesome small marathon. Great support, etc, etc.

I've never been to Wisconsin. What should I expect? What the hell is a badger? Ya think I'll find a husband there?

I'm totally freaking the F out about another marathon. But we'll talk about that tomorrow.

Weighing In And Looking Back

I'm making a diligent effort to keep up on my blogging. So while I was pondering what to blog about, I thought I would take a look back to see what was going on this time LAST year. Well, last year, I was about to run a freakin' half marathon for Mother's Day.

Darn it, how have I gotten so far from where I was? I really need to get back on track with regular running if I am going to consider a fall marathon. So step one is to get back into a routine, with short weekday runs. Starting today after work.

I've kept up with the weekend warrior status. Remember at the end of March when I said I would do a science experiment for ya'll to see if I can just eat well and be a weekend workout warrior and maintain my weight???? Remember? Remember when? (Jk, sounds like a 2 yr old, huh?)

At that time I was about 139 - which is totally pushing it on the high end for me. At my hey day of marathon training last fall I was down to 128 (which might be a bit too low for me) but my happy-jess weight is 132-134. Well as of this morning I'm at 137. (If you're new to this blog, my highest weight evah was 168, about 3.5 yrs ago.)

So what this tells me is that FOR ME (everyone is different) it really is all about food to keep my weight low. Although running like a madwoman really helps.

So there ya have it.
The experiment is officially closed and my lazy a$$ needs to get back into the running routine. There really is another fall marathon in the back of my mind- more on that once I wrap my head around it.

The End of M1...Hopefully

I can't even believe that the story didn't end after the last encounter...

Matt #1 continued to call after the running away encounter. I was hanging out Sunday afternoon with my usual cohorts and they said the story was kinda freaky.
I decided that I had to be proactive so I texted him: "I'm involved with someone."
I hoped that would end it.

So my girlfriend and I walked to the market (for the 2nd time that day) because we ran out of wine. FREAK'N MATT was riding his bike as we walked there.

You have GOT to be kidding me. I was so glad that Sarah was with me, first so she could see first hand how evil he is and second so I had proof that this was all happening.
He stopped his bike, introduced himself to Sarah, then proceeded to tell his about his weekend and how I missed out. He even mentioned that he had gone to all my "stomping grounds" and he listed the bars that I usually hang out at. THANK GOD I didn't go out that weekend. BUT get this, he was at the same bar as The Captain, at the SAME TIME. That would have been a disaster.

So I made up some story about how we had the kids (we actually did have Sarah's step-kids) so we had to go. She said that I was so right and you can just feel the creepy evilness seeping out of him. Just the way he talks - he's pushy and arrogant.

Let's just hope the text message and the final blow off gave him the right signal. I didn't get any further calls, so I think I'm in the clear.

Happy Monday.

It Never Ends

I had to get online on a Saturday because I just HAVE to share this story with you. Argh.

I went to the market last night on my way home and bumped into someone I have not seen in THREE years.....

Guess who...


MATT #1

He walked right over to me and said hi. I tried to act really busy. A minute later he comes back to me and says "give me your number again." I gave him a weird look. He didn't ASK for my number, he demanded it in his typical Angry White Male way. He's such an AWM. ick. I felt trapped, so I gave him my number against my better judgement. Then he has the balls to say, "What was your name again?" ARE YOU F'N KIDDING ME?

Such a douche bag.

I leave the market and he calls 5 mins later. I didn't answer (thank God for cell phones). He wanted me to meet him and his buddies out last night. HELLS NO MO FO.

Then my phone rings at 2:20 AM - you've GOT to be kidding me. Obv I didn't answer.

SO I go for my run this morning - a nice mellow 5-miler. I run past some restaurants and BANG surprise, surprise, he is standing in front of a restaurant waiting to go in. He says "hey why didn't you meet us last night?" I kept running and yelled back "because I didn't want to." I didn't even stop. hee hee.

So I go home, hop in shower and when I get out there is a message from him about wanting to meet up this afternoon.

Dude, get a hint. I dumped your AWM ass three years ago. No need to go back to that hell hole and you didn't even remember my freakin' name.

French Canadian Old Man

Like all my stories start, I was at a bar with some friends... a couple dirty martinis in.
I spotted this handsome older gentleman across the bar and batted my eyelashes. In about 2 seconds flat, he is sitting at our table. He was French Canadian so I tried to practice my French, my terrible pronunciation must have charmed him. We talked for a good hour. He has a daughter not much younger than me (creepy). But I do love a sexy older man.

Anywhooo. Us gals started getting antsy so we decided to head to the bar next door where there is dancing. I gave FCOM my number and we left. He called me about 10 minutes later. I ignored the call. So we're at the other bar and I'm dancing with some friends and I see FCOM standing in the corner. Watching me. All night long. I pretended like I didn't see him.

Then I threw up on the dance floor. That's when ya know it's time to go home.

He texted me in the morning to see if I wanted to go to brunch. I didn't respond.
He called me in the afternoon to see if I wanted to meet for dinner. I didn't respond.
He continued to text and call me for about a month. I never responded.
My friends bumped into him at another bar and he was asking about me.

Now why, oh why can't Perfect 10 just call ONE more time?

Last, I'm going to run this weekend.