Diet Coke is the New Water

Opening the proverbial can of worms

2007-01-29T16:34:00.000-05:00

That's right. That's what I do.

When life seems a little too simple, like when I'm only trying to lose a ton of weight and have incorporated a trainer into my lifestyle, and when my family is all healthy and for the most part happy, and when my job is chugging along nicely....yes when all of this happens....I do not stop and stand and praise myself for all of the wonderful things in my life.

No, instead I go to vegas and open a can of worms. A messy can of worms.

Why do I do this to myself?

Um, hello, because I'm crazy and I'm a girl. Yes those are two very accurate responses.

How many times can you play ding-dong-ditch at my door before I refuse to answer? As if one of these times you'll actually be there. It's the hope of something different that keeps me interested. The desire to have something more. For it to be different this time, for it to actually work. Nevermind that pain I feel, the nagging thoughts within my mind...no only i know what's best for me and i'll be right this time. Who is to say it's any different now than it ever was back then, but still I'll hope and bank on the fact that you have changed. Or perhaps this time I could just put back on the lid.

Today is the day

2007-01-25T15:37:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so.....

Yeah, going to V-E-G-A-S. I'm itching at the bit (is that the right term) to go. And so the countdown begins.

Fabulous things I want to do in Vegas:
Eat at Bobby Flay's restaurant
Stare at the Belliago Hotel
Gamble (and WIN money)
my workout (I need to do 20 minutes)
eat at a diner after 4am
survive in heels for one night, the next night I guess I'm switching to flats -- I have brought 4 pairs of shoes.
take pictures of my friends and I having a fab time (I always forget to actually take the photos)

Stay tuned....

Oh now look what you did

2007-01-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

Somebody posted a comment asking if my blog was dead and now I've been guilted into writing.

No it's not dead, I just have felt like I haven't had as much to say lately.

But there are a few kernels I can add here for you.

I'm going to Vegas this weekend -- for 48 hours. As a present to myself. And I'm going with two fabulous chickies and we are going to LIVE IT UP! I can't wait. So maybe I'll post pictures. Probably no pictures actually because that's evidence, but maybe some stories....

Secondly, I think that old flames should stay away. Mind your business crazy. I realize that you need validation or whatever. But now you made me question myself and my decisions and my feelings -- and that's what you used to do. You have no power here -- poof -- be gone with you. And your little dog too.

Thirdly, I've started working out with a personal trainer. So far I have managed to NOT QUIT.
That's all I've managed really. I haven't quit. I haven't lost any weight. I think I'm stronger. That's about all. My motivation is lacking really, but I'll get there. It's all about the bridesmaid dresses, baby.

Okay, that's what I've got. And now that you've read this you are thinking....this is what we waited two months for -- and I tell you yes. It could be worse.....these could be YOUR thoughts.

Perhaps next time....

2006-12-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

Someone sent me a very cute website where you can draft a decline letter for boring holiday parties. I should have sent this in regards to Thanksgiving:

Dear ___,
I exultantly inform you that I will be unable to attend your snooze fest that tries, but never quite manages, to become a celebration. I will be having drinks with Brad and Angelina, and thus able to avoid you and your wretched, but inevitable rendition of "Have a holly, jolly Christmas". Once the holidays are passed, I hope to wave at you in passing. Please give my animosity to your party guests, and tell them I've been in their shoes -- and it's hideous. My best wishes for a dingy and caloric holiday.
Ta-ta,
Kate

Try it: http://holiday.enlighten.com/ It's fab!

Thanksgiving: 'TIs the Season of Dysfuntion

2006-12-06T13:17:00.000-05:00

Back in the day (and by that I mean a few years ago) my family situation was messed up. It wasn't always messed up, it was once good. But then came the DDay and you know...

It's not really such a big deal since over 50% of American families go through the same thing as I did. But I truely believe when it happens to your family, it's different. You think you're the only one. The only one to have ever split holidays among family, the only person who's family doesn't speak to each other because one person said something inappropriate but you're not allowed to know what that comment is (just know that they hate each other), the only person to have to spend 4 painstaking days in the middle of butthole USA and chalk it up to spending time with the family.

I should really put a disclaimer in here somewhere and say that life is really not so crappy for me. It's not. It just isn't. But the point of this blog is (or rather the point was) a place to rant and rave as I choose. My space, my thoughts (as irrational and quick off the tounge as they may be).

So back to the butthole....

Butthole, USA that is -- it smells there. It blows there. Pretty much I'm not sure why planes even fly there. But there must be people other than myself who have to go visit some form of dysfuntion and that's where "home" is. But let me get this straight -- Butthole is not my home. It is the residence of a person I am related to. And the residence of a bunch of people I am NOT related to but they like to talk to me like I care about them and am related to them. Because HONESTLY nobody but family should have to listen to the amount of nagging and complaining and talking about nothing that these people do. About christmas boxes in the garage. Seriously? I don't care how many boxes are in the garage. I'm not going to get them. And I'm not putting up the 10 tons of Christmas crap that you want to decorate all of butthole with. I'm not interested. This might make me a Scrooge, but really I don't see the point. You nag all damn day, you talk about how HE said HE wanted to put up all the decorations in butthole (Hello, have you met him??? He's a liar and anyone could have told you this.), you complain about how butthole isn't decorated. I can't take it. Stop talking.

I spent $350 and 3 perfectly normal days where I could have been anywhere but butthole. Here's what I got instead (in no particular order):

- a headache from the nagging
- tunnel vision from the amount of television I watched. I like TV and I like football...but seriously, I don't think ANYONE likes TV or football that much. Except you, sorry I was mistaken.
- I read 3 whole 350+ page books. I have completed all the reading material I brought. It was only a four day trip
-a thanksgiving dinner with the teenanger shelter of Butthole
-a better understanding of why the rest of the family has "given up trying"

And then I woke up

2006-11-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago it was the Marine Corps Marathon in the DC area. The roomie and I went down to cheer on the random people we didn't know. Which was actually quite motivating and exciting. Everyone was cheering, some dance team kept doing the same routine, roomie was going to join them but didn't have the right outfit (ie. ripped windpants and a red sports bra), clapping, tired people running their 22 mile.

And I had these ideas. Really grand ideas. Of when I'm 30 and I'm still no where near marriage. And then today I read about Lance http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/run_nyc_marathon_armstrong

If the man who won the Tour de France 6 or 7 times thinks it's hard....

Me thinks it may be a better idea to find a new goal.

Oh and I had a nightmare this weekend. Like one of those where you cry out in real life. I woke up on the verge of tears, but it was like I couldn't cry. Strange. I don't think I even have nightmares when I was younger. No, the nightmare wasn't about the STUPID IDEA (noted above)....I didn't get picked to partner up with anyone in some weird game. Goes to show you -- ultimate fear = being alone (and not by choice)

Two in a row

2006-10-23T16:58:00.000-04:00

Yeah, that's right. Two days this weekend = two workouts.

And now I'm done. No more.

Sure working out gives you energy and makes you feel good. But I feel overall it makes me more tired. Yes, and irritated. At least when I'm not working out I have an excuse for not losing weight. Because how could you lose weight if you aren't working out. But how can you NOT lose weight when you are working out. See my issues.

The chair came this weekend and I am in love with it. Yes it takes up much of the living room, but it's wonderful. I may now have to find a new place for the guest air mattress but really -- that's a river we'll cross later.

I also ordered chinese this weekend and ate it all. And had a conversation with a long lost _____, actually I don't know quite what to call this person.....point being I came out of the "screen door" conversation still in control. Well maybe not in control, but in control of myself -- and that's better than any of the other time. So I win! Yeah!

Let's change the clocks already

2006-10-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

I'm sick of "waking up" when it is still dark outside. The worst is like yesterday morning when it's raining and it's even harder to pull yourself from the comfort of the nice bed. I wish I had a job that involved staying in my bed one day of the normal work week.

Weekends are nice for sleeping in yes ( or for drinking shots at 1:30pm on a Saturday to bite the dog's hair that fed you or whatever). But sleeping in one day of the week is like sneaky. Like calling in sick. Except then you either feel terrible and wish you were anything but sick or you feel guilty for faking it.

Fairly Certain

2006-10-17T20:34:00.000-04:00

Yup I'm fairly certain that despite my best intentions I am not going to be able to last very long on the treadmill. It's thrilling that I have managed to put on work-out clothes. Crap, i'm halfway there. This is so freaking exciting. Ugh.

Any bets on how long I actually last? I wish working out were like making out. I would totally enjoy it then.

A guest post on a friend's blog

2006-10-16T12:03:00.000-04:00

Too good not to share. This is a response to her request for a synopsis of our brunch experience at a local restaurant.

Enjoy:

Here you go (off the top of my head from what I can remember):
If you like being stalked as you eat your brunch/lunch by a waiter who believes himself to be the best thing since sliced bread, then you are in for a real treat at Clydes. Now I know four hotties at your table envokes your witty side and you want them to see you Mr. oh so cool at your waiter-y job, but.....
Here are some tips -- to supplement the tip we actually (and this was NOT my idea) gave you:
1. Don't interrupt the brunch/lunch party as they are talking. No one actually needs to hear the specials when YOU decide. Politely wait until they look interested in hearing your outragously priced specials before you butt in with your spiel about the syrup on pancakes.
2. Quit hovering at the table. If you want us to leave so you can go on a smoke break or something -- just say so. I understand that -- I don't, however, understand you hovering and annoying me and listening to my conversation. A-hole.
3. NEVER EVER take a girl's Diet coke away when it is half full without first saying, "Let me refresh this". That's like illegal, yup pretty sure it is.

Seriously, how old am I?

2006-10-15T00:26:00.000-04:00

Women, girls, ladies----especially ladies---do not make out in a car for an hour like they are 17.

But after several ultimate drinks and other mixed alcoholic beverages -- apparently that's what this lady decided to do.

Hmmm, and now the 'ultimate' question: will he call?

I believe the "why buy the cow" phrase rings a very familiar bell right about now.

A buffer

2006-10-12T11:20:00.000-04:00

I like to have a buffer. Of money.

I like to feel that if I ever was caught in a vicious attack by a bear I could buy myself a new leg. Or bribe my enemies. Or whatever other crazy reason you need quick access to money and are not earning any interest on it.

This silly though must end. And I think it has -- with the purchase of my new comfy chair and a half.

**Seriously a most lame lame lame post. But whatever.**

I cannot wait to actually have the chair and a half (with ottoman) in my possession. I'm gonna curl up in it and watch (my other newly & not equally but close purchase) The Little Mermaid. I'm pretty sure I know all the words. To all the songs.

A dinglehopper?

Vacation Time

2006-10-11T17:52:00.000-04:00

I think that if you get 3 weeks, or 2 weeks, or even just a week...you should be allowed to take that time given reasonable notice. I think that just because someone is planning a wedding -- that doesn't mean that NO ONE else can take off. Sure it's a busy time and yes, your wedding is important. But so are other people's lives DAMNIT.

I'm only ranting a bit about it, not for myself (because any one who ACTUALLY knows me, knows that I never take any damn days off because I like to hoard vacation time like I like to hoard money and very apparently weight now as well). Point being that in a society where vacation time is not given as often or as freely as say Europe -- you shouldn't make people feel guilty for wanting to take a few hours off early on a Friday. Especially when you have already deemed yourself worthy of a Friday afternoon off.

Unless ofcourse you want the same day off as me -- then screw you I DESERVE my days. I come first. That's just how I roll.

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2006-10-10T13:36:00.000-04:00

It's like I was hibernating. Except that I wasn't.

Nope, I was getting up every day and going to work. Coming home, avoiding the gym, making dinner or eating leftovers. I was shopping on the weekends or travelling up and down the eastern seaboard in search of the perfect recruit. I was attending birthday parties and getting delayed by Metro. All of this was what I was doing instead of writing.

And I apologize.

There is not much to talk about. Perhaps we could discuss how a former friend is getting married at the end of the month. I've heard of this through mutual friends. I would send a card except for I don't feel like being the 'bigger person' anymore. You would think by taking the "high road" you wouldn't get walked on and you wouldn't feel like shit. Because you are on the high road, everyone else is below you. You are the good friend. You buy the card. You lick the envelope. You buy the stamp. Except that you suck it up AGAIN -- that you care more about the friendship than that person EVER did. And then you say -- fuck the high road, that woman is nothing but a b-i-t-c-h*.

Maybe you say that.

Perhaps we could discuss the purchases I have made recently which range from 'gee, I don't think I've bought myself anything in 12 hours' to 'hey -- a massive chair & a half is what you should spend your "extra" money on'. I wish I had someone else's credit card and they bought me things. But I never had to pay them back. Yeah, I wish for that. I think it's called marriage but from what I can tell getting married involves inviting a crapload of people to parties they will feel uncomfortable at and guilting them into buying gifts. Shitty for the people -- good for you! Yes, I totally need to get married. Or at least get registered. A la SATC.

Anyway, hello. I have awoken from my blog hibernation. At least for a few moments. To see if there's any good food.

*because she is. And because she doesn't give a shit about you anymore either.

The myspace thing

2006-09-16T13:38:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I don't get it. I mean everyone else has fun songs and backgrounds on their pages. I can' t figure that shit out. I'm no techie.

And I think we've gathered that I can't be consistant with updating information on a webpage. As seen by the lack of new blog posts.

But in fairness, it would be cool to catch up with old high school and college friends. What is even more interesting is to see what some of these folks have done with their lives. Kinda cool to see people all grown up.

What happened to me?!

When the past comes to haunt you

2006-09-10T23:06:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how a drop of a name or a casual comment can bring the past back to the surface so quickly.

Something you had thought to have buried away in 'the old days' long ago. And not that you will take any real action on the news you have heard, but just that now its there just under the surface. in a place you wanted so desperately for it to never be again.

On the other hand, you are now grown and 'over it'. And you don't need that anymore so here.....here's my phone number. Call me, say whatever it is that you feel should be said. I don't know how I'll deal with it if it happens but when the time comes. That is when I'll think about it. Because for now....I just won't.

Heyyyyyyy, crptic blabber. Gotta love that. You've been waiting a long time for new posts and then I come back with some cryptic bullshit that is so messed up you start to think you should send psycho therapy my way. But soon I'll be back.

Now I have to sleep to wake up and deal with the 5 day week ahead of me. Damn those three day weekends. They make the following work week the LONGEST week possible.

Hot Damn

2006-09-08T20:09:00.000-04:00

Two posts in one day -- it must be a freakin' miracle.

Or that they are going to shut off my power again for maintainance in an hour and I though I would share some thoughts before I once again become amish.

For the record I don't actually know what it feels like to be amish, but I can only imagine the no electricity thing has to suck.

Good thing my laundry's already done. I mean it is a Friday. This is me we are talking about.

So it's been crazy at work lately. I haven't had anytime to do the things I normally like to do like dine on the company card, or check my daily celebrity sites. I almost missed the Suri reveal. I mean GOOD LORD.

But with craziness comes a nice fat check every two weeks loaded with overtime to use to spend on the million and five "birthday presents" I have bought myself. Including the necklace and bracelet set that I still am trying to pay for if the crazy ebay man ever gets his shit together. And yes I am well aware that karma is going to bite me in the ass and that baby jesus hates me. I know this.

So I've purchased many new clothes, unfortunately of the same disgusting size. BUT I am trying to make an attempt to change that number by not eating all the crap I normally eat and by enjoying the ever popular point system. It's amazing how quickly you become obsessed with the program and you start commenting on other people's meals i.e "Do you know how many points that is?" Yeah, I'm sure they appreciate that. At least I don't list off all the food I've eaten for the day like SOME people. Well at least I don't do it that much.

Okay I would type more but serioulsy my hands are starting to think that I'm back at work typing begging emails to people who are uninterested in helping me. Ah the joy!

When there is too much to say.

2006-09-08T09:26:00.000-04:00

So I know I have been MIA. And I would like to blame it on my fabulous hot-ass boyfriend, except that I haven't met him yet. Pretty much it can be blamed on an overactive work schedule, a shopping addiction and a 26th aniversary of life.

So we have some catching up to do.

I'm not sure yet if I want to give you the short version or the long version of everything. The long version might take two weeks to type out, so here's some highlights --

*Birthdays are fun. Wine is fun. Wine & sushi is good. Almost getting denied at Lucky Bar = not good.

*26 days of 26 items of bitrhday gifts purchased for yourself. Actually way more than 26 items were purchased. At least I stayed under $2600. :) HE HE

*Often when you get the chance to 'hash it all out', you actually don't feel better. Instead you feel like you've lost a friend you already had said goodbye to in your mind.

* Jesus is crying now because of you

Haircut, Bed Bath & Beyond and grocery shopping tomorrow. I hope to also make time to catch up on the blog a bit. Stay tuned.

When you don't feel good....

2006-08-26T16:09:00.000-04:00

why do you wake up at 8:30 am?

Today I hung curtains, cleaned the apartment, watched a stupid movie on HBO demand and got my dry cleaning done.

Pretty productive for 4pm.

I'm done.

Why Ebay scares me...

2006-08-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

So last night after mulling over the idea for quite sometime I purchased an item off Ebay. No I've been thinking it over for a long time because I have some issues with Ebay.

First of all as mentioned before in this blog: I get addicted to things quickly. Diet coke, money, men, ebay...this is why I could never do crack.

Secondly, I'm always waiting to be scammed. Let's face it the internet has a lot of scammers on it, hell I'm one of them at times. And I truely believe one of these times karma's going to come and kick me in the ass.

But last night I threw my caution to the wind ( or however the saying goes) and bought a necklace. Paid for through paypal....

And now this particular seller has nothing (even though last night he/she had multiple items) up for sale. Did I just get scammed??

Eyeball twitch

2006-08-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

Yes, the eyeball twitch has happened. Not actually my eyeball, but the lower lid of my right eye is twitching. And it's annoying.

I think it's stress. Although my roommate will probably argue that once again I am relating something completely unrelated to stress, to stress.

It's back to NYC tomorrow for work, but first I must stop into the office on Sunday. All I have to say is THANK GOD for overtime.

New Posts this weekend

2006-08-18T12:37:00.000-04:00

IT's SOOOOOOO BUSY at work. And I'm traveling. And about to slice my own head open with a letter opener.

So yeah, deal with it.

What is a great way to feel good about yourself?

2006-08-13T09:57:00.000-04:00

BUY THINGS. Buy lots of things, buy everything you can find that fits. (Which in my case seems to be quite a difficult task as nothing looks exceptionally wonderful) What does fit wonderfully are SHOES.

So I bought 5 pairs yesterday. Yes, that's right. Life's problems can be sloved with a lot of new shoes. Oh and a shoe rack to keep them organized.

Shoes were not the only thing I purchased. I went on to spend much too much money but I am proud of most everything I purchased and my ability to score an excellent deal at the outlet stores.

And today I plan to enjoy a wonderful hot desert stone massage. HEAVEN!

I do love birthday weeks. Ps- I start buying myself gifts LONG before the birthdy actually comes. :)

A Tip

2006-08-12T10:41:00.000-04:00

One way to not have a girl you may or may not be interested in "like you":

Go home with another girl.

I'm just saying.

Hangover Fridays

2006-08-11T22:36:00.000-04:00

Let's just replay a couple of converstaions:

Kate: "I thinkI'm going to drink until my eyes gloss over"
Person 1: "Ha ha, well a typical Kate Thursday then huh?"

Kate: "It's Friday evening and I'm still hungover, ugh"
Person 2: "Well it was Thursday yesterday."

So apparently I've developed a pattern.

Thursday was a karaoke event at work. I sang a little Jackson 5, Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi, Sonny & Cher and Poison. Not bad for one night. And 6 shots and a million drinks later -- I was doing alright.

One thing I will say however is it might be best to reschedule doctor appointments for any day other than the day after a night spent drinking (a typical Thursday if you will) because getting pricked in the butt with a shot, is not what I look forward to the most on a hangover Friday. Those mornings I'm looking forward to a large diet coke and a greasy egg sandwich :)

A conversation between appendages

2006-08-07T22:30:00.000-04:00

Legs: "F*ck you bitch."

Arms: "Tell me about it."

(This was the conversation on the first day of two-a-days.)

And that's why they call it the Boom

2006-08-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a day spent on the water. We went sailing in Annapolis. It was a beautiful day for sailing -- although I do not actually know how to sail, I thought I was a very good sport. I drove the boat, which is actually much more difficult than it seems. If you over-think it (as I usually do) you can end up hitting another boat.

So even though I had no idea what the rest of the people on my boat were doing, let alone talking about, me and the till became very close. Then when you have to tack (I thought this was to turn, but I think it also has something to do with wind direction) the process of moving the till to the other side of the boat, crouching down to not get hit in the head by the boom, stepping over the ridge in the middle of the boat to prevent slipping, and whipping your head around to see what direction you now should be pointing the boat -- well it's all a little much. And if it's your first time, you are going to get wacked upside the back of the head with the boom. And that's why they call it the boom.

Today I'm a little sore, not from the boom, but from squating down often to avoid the boom and from sitting in a crapped space. Who knew sailing was so freaking difficult.

My first trip...

2006-08-04T22:58:00.000-04:00

to the gay bar. Two actually.

So I was told by my gay friend that since I always 'drag' him to the straight bars, it was now my turn to go with to a place a little more his style.

And I went.

I had a great time. Apparently, Thursdays are 'underwear contest' nights. Who knew?

ahhhh, a room full of boys and none of them could care less about me. WTF?

I think you could fry an egg off my face

2006-08-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

Seriously folks it is so freaking hot here.

And stupid me -- I got the bright idea to go lay out by the pool this weekend and ended up getting a nice form of sun posioning on the top of my legs. So hot....seriously.

Anyway, also this past weekend I went to NYC for work and got to bowl in Harlem. I saw the real "Apollo" theater and immediately proceeded to sing "Showtime at the apollo..." to everyone walking around me. One of my favorite things about NYC (my words are dripping in sarcasm here) is the idea that you cannot just stay at one bar. Instead you must hop from bar to bar looking for the 'best scene' and ending up finding nothing better than the very first place you went to. And how could that first place not be good.....they had drink glasses with karma sutra positions on them according to your horoscope sign. That's awesome. Granted I needed the gay boy to explain the positions to me as I could not clearly tell which part was what. I truely believe that was the booze talking....yeah, uh huh.

So it's hot and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. It's just gross when you walk outside and you feel like you are being wrapped in a warm blanket, yet it's 100 degrees outside.

On another note, my little sister has managed to wreck another car. At this rate she should be able to go through approx. 15 cars by her 20th birthday :)

My, my, my

2006-07-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

I just came across a wonderfully funny and witty blog.

This chica seems to be just beginning her ranting in cyberspace. Wait til she sees how addictive it can become.

In the meantime, check out her stuff --- much funnier and more social than I:

www.districtales.blogspot.com

Somebody stop me

2006-07-23T22:34:00.000-04:00

From using my credit card.

Only joking.

Without which I would not have been able to make any of the fun purchases that I made today. Here's hoping I don't have a heart attack when I see the bill.

On another note, I managed to not workout AT ALL. Um, not good. Especially not if I want to get a cute dress for the sister's wedding. Granted that's not until next year, but I seriously believe it may take me until then.

Also, learned some pretty important 'how to handle boys' information from the sister. She's so right. Damn, I hate that.

Mad Money

2006-07-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

It's that time again, where I have an itch to spend money. Gotta love that feeling.

I might head out to DSW this weekend. If you've got a little money to burn, then there are shoes out there to be purchased.

The week was long and I managed to stay out much too late on both Thursday and Friday evenings. Friday night was a baseball game, where not only did I get a free red hat but I stepped in ketchup and dumped some guys beer who was sitting behind us. Nice, huh? I think I still have ketchup on my flip flop. Thankfully there was enough free beer involved to make it not such a big deal.

Yesterday I wasn't feeling so hot. Damn hangovers. But this week should not be as crazy as previous weeks, although I am heading to NYC on Friday. Hmmm, perhaps I should not go too crazy with the mad money here. Because Century 21 is right next to the office. And who doesn't love a designer sale.

Two-a-days

2006-07-16T14:10:00.000-04:00

Takes me back to an old high school sports thing, but I really do feel that it may become neccessary to jumpstart the body back into a downward weight slope.

I ran my three miles today and I think because it is like 100 million degrees outside this weekend and I have done nothing but sit around in an air-conditioned apartment attempting to avoid the heat and humidity that perhaps it wouldn't be a horrible idea to go workout again this evening. That and the fact that I am extremelly anti-social lately.

My attempts to have a fun and exciting weekend were foiled at the Bastille Day celebration of Friday evening where it was so disgusting to even stand in one spot for a period of time because my entire body was sweating from the humidity. It's disgusting to try to attempt conversation with people when you constantly need to be removing the dripping sweat from your face. Gross I know. And the heat plans to continue for much of the week. I wish I could say that I'm used to the summer months in the swamp, but I am not. And the idea of putting my midwestern body through that kind of torture is just, well....stupid.

I was invited to a fun dinner tonight in the city meeting a friend's nana and having dinner and drinks with the girls, and although I think it would be fun, the thought of riding the metro to her house makes me want to go back into the air-conditioned apartment and continue the Sex and the City marathon I currently have going on. This is terrible of me, I know. But sometimes ( let's face it, more often than not) I enjoy my lack of ambition and effort.

Bring on the dogs, snakes and hamsters -- it's looking like more and more of a realistic possibility.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOGGER BABY

2006-07-13T11:24:00.000-04:00

Incase anyone has noticed or cared -- it's been a year since the beginning of the Diet Coke is the New Water blog. Happy Birthday baby!

Much heartfelt appreciate for you listening and letting me pound out my frustrations with life, boys, workouts and the weather.

I'm looking forward to spending at least a few more birthdays with you -- or until I find myself a boyfriend and ditch you. (Because let's face it that's what girls with boyfriends do to their friends)

The Universe

2006-07-13T09:13:00.000-04:00

It is a known fact of the universe that when you wake up over a half hour late and you have no time to really make an attempt to tame the hair or to put on make-up (but you have make-up in your bag that you planned to put on immediatly following getting to work)....that the first person you see will be the person you really would rather you didn't see as you were all sweaty and gross sans makeup.

This, my friends, is simply a fact of life.

Training Bras and Cell Phones

2006-07-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

Okay this is like the third time I've attempted to post this and I swear it WILL happen this time.

The Kelly Clarkson concert was a blast, well as much of a blast as standing around with a bunchof nine year olds wearing training bras, using cell phones and screaming can be.

Thank god I had a bunch of kick ass girls with me and beer to make the concert really cool.

Plus Kelly is just amazing...i did have tears in my eyes listening to her sing "Because of You".

Here are the pics. You be the judge.

Another day, another harrassment suit

2006-07-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

So after being flustered by a different "OC" situation, a male co-worker emailed me to tell me that he was going to attend the dinner on Friday. To which I responded, "with guest?" His response, "solo". To which then I thought I responded, "thanks for letting me know". In reality there was much flustering going on....and I actually wrote, "Thanks for the invite!!". When he responded that he didn't want a mutual friend mad at him, I was confused thinking I had wrote something normal and he was not making any damn sense. TOTALLY did not realize I harrassed him and practically told him he should have asked me to the prom.

Why does this kind of stuff happen to only me?

Since you've been gone....

2006-07-05T18:56:00.000-04:00

I can breathe for the first time. I'm so moving on, yeah yeah.

KC is tomorrow.

And it's been a long time since I've written. Too many things been going on yo. And by too many things, of course I don't mean anything cool like dates or anything.

So last I wrote I found my dress for the dinner this Friday. Then I bought some shoes. Then I bought a baby shower gift for Saturday. Then I bought my momma a birthday present or two. Then I bought myself like twelve milliony other presents. Seriously, credit card company loves my ass.

So the week was crappy considering it rained out our event (it's still raining by the way) and it was just a bunch of rain until our power went out last Monday night. Until Wednesday morning. Thats some crap. I can do without a hairdryer, tv and microwave. I mean I'm not THAT high maintainance but there are certain things babys gotta have. Like a hot shower. God bless the people I work with for not minding that I probably still had shampoo in my hair. Ugh, what a mess. My roomie could probably give you more horror stories about how the hot water went out again and the a/c was out this weekend. Trust me our apartment is cute. It's just falling apart cute.

So that was the beginning of the week. Then there was karaoke. My, my those coworkers sure can break it down. After successfully singing a beautiful version of Livin on a Prayer, I made my way home.

Saturday brought a trip back to the 'sha. Mom's birthday. Shopping, pedicures with the sisters, a visit to the papas and time spend with the Diva (who is having a BABY!!!) Hard to believe that some of my high school friends are all grown up. I, on the other hand, still am in the stages of finding someone willing/worthy enough to have a baby with. It was a terrific time spent at home. Not too much action, but enough to make me want to stay. Awwww. But a bunch of kick-ass girls and a Kelly Clarkson concert will convince anyone to return.

More on the concert and the dinner later....

Below are not the best pictures, but pictures of the dress:

It was a productive Saturday

2006-06-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

Despite the heat, I still managed to spend quite a bit. I did buy some cute things though, including a dress for the dinner I'm supposed to go to for work in like two weeks. I think it's cute and no too flashy. And it doesn't look like a sack, which is an accomplishment considering my body type and the fact that I swear clothing stores WANT to keep the bigger women out of their stores.

I really do believe that the stores don't want the 'big boned women' to walk into their stores and scare away all the skinny girls. So they either put together a section for large women to go (which has nothing hot or sexy but rather just very large floral printed sheet dresses) or they stop carrying certain sizes in the store but GUESS WHAT those sizes ARE available on-line. So if you're fat you can shop from the privacy of your own home. Lucky you!

But besides my issues with the stores, I found quite a few things shopping. And have more to purchase. Today should be a grocery day but it was raining earlier and well I'm just lazy. Perhaps this afternoon I'll get a little motivation.

OR there is always the treadmill....

It's the humidity, stupid

2006-06-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

Nothing much planned for this weekend. I do have to find a dress and get groceries. Which means multiple trips to the store.

The only probelm with that is that it is soooo freaking humid, I might lose 20 pounds just running errands.

Question

2006-06-19T19:16:00.000-04:00

and the question is:

How many days until Kelly?

GO.

Mondays

2006-06-19T08:55:00.000-04:00

If one person says "Maybe somebody's got a case of the Mondays", I shoot you.

It was 75 degrees today at 5:45am. And I got on the train with no AC.

And my whole body is sweating. This is gross.

The Race

2006-06-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile since I've had the time to post, but here goes.

The Race = 6.2 miles or 10K

I was a little nervous about making it through the whole race. I started off running with a couple other people on my team, but as they raced ahead on the first half mile I decided, Ah forget it I just need to run the way I'm used to and conserve to make it the whole way. A couple other people I knew came up behind me and I ran with them for a bit but in the end I wasn't able to keep pace with them either. I felt bad about it but at the end of the race saw that I only finished 30 seconds per minute behind them, not bad considering they are "real" runners.

Overall, I think I did well. My first mile time was the exact same time as my last mile. I was consistant and did not over-do it. The point of the whole race being that I had never run that far and I did it. I didn't walk at all, well other than the time some girl just STOPPED at the water station and I had to take a few steps around her or I would have come crashing into her.

So 6.2 miles down, I haven't had time to run since. But next week will not be as hectic and I might be able to fit in some workout time. And who knows maybe I'll be ready for another race come this fall.

Why is running so hard?

2006-06-06T20:41:00.000-04:00

If I have a 10K race on Saturday and I haven't bothered to work-out regularly in a month, how well do you think I'm going to do?

That's right -- calling an ambulance now would be a good idea.

I'm going to try to 'work it' tonight but I somehow have a sneaky feeling that it's too little too late. I'm in trouble here folks.

Luckily quite a few others have expressed interest in "switching to the fun walk".

The things you can see on the Metro

2006-06-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

Seriously, the metro it's an amazing thing. And the things you will witness whilst waiting for the train, will truly amaze you. I will attempt to explain to you the 'performance' I saw today while waiting. My comments in italics:

Guy: You speak spanish?

Blond girl: Yes.

Guy: That's hot.

BG: What?

Guy: That's hot

BG (still not getting it): says nothing

Guy: That's hot.

At this point dude, GIVE IT UP. She clearly does not understand you, or better yet, chooses to pretend she does not understand you. Which quite frankly would be the better option since you are currently speaking like Paris Hilton.

Guy: That's hot. Spanish. Like it's attractive.

Um what? Nice come on dude.

Guy: Do you have a boyfriend?

BG: (again either does not understand or doesn't want to): What?

Guy: (pointing to ring finger) You're not wearing a ring so I don't know if you are married or engaged. Do you have a boyfriend?

I will not even begin to get in here how I RARELY remember to look for a ring.

Girl: Yes.

Guy: Is he a big guy? Your boyfriend?

Why because you are going to try to beat him up? He's not even here. And this conversation seems to be going nowhere FAST.

Girl: Yes.

Notice how involved in the conversation this girl is. Is anyone else wondering why this guy is still talking to her? But wait, here comes my favorite part...

Guy: Big like this?

And then I turn around to watch this (and I must admit fairly built) man FLEX his muscles. Like his entire torso and shoulder blades, or whatever the body-building terms are. Seriously, like neck bulging, stomach tucked in, full out FLEX. Then the girl just laughed and walked away.

Like I said , you just never know what you are going to catch on the Metro.

Free Day

2006-06-03T10:31:00.000-04:00

For the first time in awhile, I have a free day. What to do, what to do....

Well first I think I need to catch up on the Hills, because from what I've heard there needs to be a serious discussion about Heidi.

Then, I should spend a little time on the treadmill if I actually think that I'm going to make it in the 10K next weekend. And by make it I just mean crossing the finish line in some form, preferrably not crawling.

Hmmmm, what other excitement could I have planned for today? Too late for coffee this morning. I should empty the dishwater and clean my room -- okay add those to the list. Now it's what 12pm. Geez, if I was any cooler.....(smirk)

Not drunk, but buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzed

2006-06-01T23:38:00.000-04:00

those damn wine & cheeses.....the springboard to madness.

Loose lips lead to skinked ships

did you know that??

Anyway, happy end of the week. Happy conversion wear night.

Good night and good luck!

I Love you in a Gay Way

2006-05-30T22:13:00.000-04:00

Tidbits from Chicago:

“There’s wild, random goats…” - Pleevs describing the animals in Montana
“It must be New Year’s Eve because the ball just dropped.” - BANANAS on leaving the “kitchen area” at Dublin’s
“I’ll rub your head like a southern man.” - Pleevas while randomly rubbing Kate's head
“Southern man rubs head….Sweet Home Alabama…..”. - Pleevs singing southern style
“OH! PIZZA EXTREME!!!” - Pleevs on a pizza place that’s open past 1:00 a.m. in CHICAGO “Taco Bell does not deliver anymore.” - Pleevs on ordering PIZZA in Chicago
“Chlorine – a stronger smell than water.” - Pleevs on smoking in the hallway
“Lay on that fine bod.” - Pleevs to Kate about J-Rock
“It’s blind because of all the alcohol. It makes you go blind.” - Cindo on Blind Russians.
“R-E-D-E-R-D” - E***** in a sing song voice about changing the Uno color to red.
“Yellow’s evil friend, green.” - J-Rock on Uno
“Blue. Baloo. B-A-L-O-O.” - E****** in a sing song voice about changing the Uno color to blue.

If I can't capture the true fun had in Chicago for you, I apologize. Perhaps you would have had to witness the massivity of Mario and his sweat. Why must only the 'heavy d's' of the world be attracted to me? To my peeps from the Midwest -- the weekend was truly a pleasure. Thank you!

Time Flys

2006-05-25T17:04:00.000-04:00

It's already almost Memorial Day weekend -- my 2nd day off in 4 months. Dang, I sure wish I had more vacation.

Casino night is tonight and I'm thinking I'm not allowed to win any of the prizes-- but winning the itunes gift certificate would be awesome.

Nothing very exciting has happened lately. Just the usual....drank too much at the work function last week so have decided to swear off booze at Casino Night (we all know this is not going to work). Did not go to the "meet your neighbors by the pool" thing at the new apartment because I've already 'met' the lesbians and the grads down the hall. That's enough neighbors for now. Finished painting the arpartment, but the only room I can say for certain that is finished is my bathroom.

****Portions deleted for my own safety***

Chi-town and Casino Night

2006-05-23T22:50:00.000-04:00

That's the plan for the rest of the week. Casino night at the office Thursday and it's off to Chi-town on Saturday morning.

On another note, I purchased (went halfzies) a Costco card. And am now enjoying the fruits of bulk purchasing.

Good call on the spice rack, J***. If only I didn't spend so much money over the past few days perhaps I could afford one :(

Much too much weekend shopping

2006-05-21T23:14:00.000-04:00

A new apartment needs new things. Or so my mind believes. I'm not sure my checkbook (yes, the new one) agrees.

But I did have a most excellent time shopping for new apartment things, like a new tv stand. Along the way, I decided that new clothes were also important.

A weekend full of errands, painting until 2 am and putting together more IKEA furniture. WOW! And to think tomorrow I will once again have living room furniture. Life is good.

6 days until Chicago -- if only 5 of those weren't days of work (not that I don't like going to the office, it's just hard when you have exciting plans awaiting on the weekends).

Ps- anyone know where I can find a wall-hanging spice rack?

Fifteen dollar fix

2006-05-19T11:22:00.000-04:00

My heels cost $15 to fix -- that's some crap because I bought them for $50 less than 3 months ago. I suppose that's the problem with wearing heels in the big city. you run them down with all the street-walking you do. And by street-walking -- I mean whatever form of "street-walking" you think I do.

Today is free pizza in the office today. WHY must these people tempt me with their high-fat and monster carb greasy foods?!?!?! And why can I NEVER turn it down?

Must workout this weekend, no more excuses (ie doctors appt., painting dining room, "I got to drunk on wine and passed out")....

PS- If this were Diet Coke, I would move there.

I did try

2006-05-18T15:48:00.000-04:00

I really did try very hard to not drink too much at the first work function of the year. And I think it was a safe bet that I did not begin to drink anything other than my beloved diet coke until 9pm. Because had I have started on the margaritas earlier I can only imagine how terrible my stomach would feel.

Because right now -- it's not happy with me. And hasn't been all day long.

Now everyone's going to think I'm a crazed alcoholic....perhaps this would be true if I drank more often. I say binge drinker would cover my symptoms the best. Although I think alcoholics also wake up in their robes not remembering taking that shower.....

A bad thought

2006-05-16T13:24:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have one of those moments? One of those times where it's kinda a busy day and you have a lot to do, but you find your mind wandering? And suddenly you find yourself thinking of an old 'love' and the fact that you know he's loved others since you. Which is not the problem so much that there have been others or will be others in the future. Because you don't actually love this person anymore. But the thought leads you to another thought....

What if it didn't actually mean that much (or anything) to him as it meant to me?

And then you are sad. But only for a moment....because you have work to do. But it was a moment. And it does scare the hell out of you.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2006-05-14T13:01:00.000-04:00

Today is dedicated to my mother -- I even remembered to call and send a package.

As I've grown older my mother has become less the mom who would pick me up from practice, drop me off at my friends, wash my dirty clothes and remind me to do my homework --- and more the mom I call when I'm fretting about work, stressing about money or need new diet tips. Although I really appreciated the mom of my younger years, I appreciate the new relationship with my mom even more.

So here's to you mom. And all you've done for all three of us girls. Not a bad bunch you've got. :)

Love you!

Diet, don't do me wrong.

2006-05-13T20:16:00.000-04:00

So far, so good.

But it's been working well for the past 4 days....today being the hardest because I wasn't working and didn't have a lot of structure in my day. Plenty of time to eat throughout the day. But I didn't -- that much.

I still need to work out and it's already 8:30 but damnit I'm trying....

We have cable

2006-05-10T21:49:00.000-04:00

and DVR. I'm SOOOOOO happy.

Soon I will learn how to tape all of my favorite tv shows and I won't have to beg off of actual social functions to catch the season finale of VMars, Gilmore, or OC

RANT: Cake

2006-05-09T15:58:00.000-04:00

I hate that my desk is right near the kitchen and that the folks here have cake at all hours of the day.

Once again, I passed on the cake.

And instead ate tuna and a rye crisp -- yum!

The New Diet

2006-05-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

I figured I'd give it a try.

And for 2.5*** days I have been following the diet exactly. Although now all I can think about is junk food.

Yesterday I was so busy at work, running around, taking people to different floors, making sure that orientation was going well....so I didn't really worry about being hungry. Today I -

a) don't think my morning snack was good enough
b) did not pack enough for lunch
c) cannot stay late tonight as I MUST put more food in my body and the cake that was offered at 10:30 am was not appropriate.

Did you hear that blog world??? I turned down cake!

And it was so hard. And I've only had a half a can of Diet Coke -- which is a criminal offense in my world for 12:35 pm. But I have had approx. 51 oz of water. Too bad water doesn't make me feel like Diet Coke. Too bad that Diet Coke is not in fact water. IT is the new water though -- or so I've heard.

*** Now see I'm lying already. I typed 2.5 -- but it's only been 1.5 My mind just feels like it has been years since I had junk food. Okay it was Sunday, god leave me be!

The Mansion

2006-05-06T08:47:00.000-04:00

Another post I should have written awhile ago but:

My new apartment is a mansion! It's huge.

Granted there isn't very much furniture here yet because I own nothing and I'm waiting for the new roommate (she needs a nickname). But I am planning to go today and buy a few things. I think my eyes are bigger than my non-existant checkbook, but whatever. Eventually I'll get there :)

I can't wait to paint the living room and have a real 'grown-up' apartment!!!! And have a dining room table instead of a coffee table. I also love the gym, where they have tvs on each piece of cardio equipment -- like a real gym!!

PS- that weird eye thing still has not gone away. What the hell?

The Russians

2006-05-04T13:09:00.000-04:00

Since I haven't had a lot of time lately to catch up on posts -- I thought I would try to get part of a story in on my lunch break. But I'm not taking a full lunch break - aka a shorter story.

SO the Russians.....

First of all can I just say that for all my worrying -- everything went smoothly.

The Russians came to my old apartment (from here on out known as 'the dump'). They were even 4 minutes early. And they were (as promised) not drunk. There was the older grandpa Russian who I had dealt with over email and the phone and he gave me an estimate on moving the dump. He brought with him 2 other Russians. A skinny tall kid who wore a back brace that looked like it was cutting him in two and a normal guy who didn't talk -- ever.

Now I only paid for 2 Russians -- and a truck. But they arrived with 3. Have no fear -- the gramps Russian told me, "I know we are 3, but you only pay for 2." Sounds good to me dude!

So the Russians they are in, they are out, they are all over the dump. They carry everything -- including the purse like bag I carry my laptop in. Gramps carries that one down and says, "Kate, this is yours?" Well considering everything in the dump is mine.....but whatever

I still am a little concerned that the Russians are not going to make it to the new place (from here on out called "the mansion". But I throw those fears to the wind as I head to the new apartment with J*** and L. We get to the mansion and there is some shuffling with where the Russians need to park the truck, etc. But all in all it was perfect. Less than 4 hours (3:58) and cheap -- even with a big fattie tip -- and as far as I can tell nothing broke.

So if anyone needs movers in DC for cheap -- I HIGHLY recommend the Russians. Especially if you are moving from the dump to the palace and you are trying to save money to pay your rent. Or if you left your checkbook in San Diego and had to order a new one, leaving you with far too much cash on hand for a short period of time. This actually has nothing to do with the Russians I just wanted to mention it.

Plus it's been so long that I've written that it doesn't matter what I write on this damn thing anyway.

MOVE COMPLETED

2006-05-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

There is SOOOOOO much to talk about. I will highlight now and then come back to fill in the details:

-San Diego is to good, as _______ is to bad.

(Answer: Losing checkbook and standing in line at bank for 2 hours)

- Russians deliver the goods (and it's true they were not drunks!)
- My apartment is huge
- My poor sister learns a valuable driving lesson -- and the trees are scared of her
- Stress causes eye inflammation attack
- I need to buy furniture and paint
- Work overloaded

Those Cali boys are cuties

2006-04-29T02:25:00.000-04:00

Although the only cute ones I actually saw were in the San Diego airport.

They may not have actually been from California, but whatever....

It might have also been that I just spent 4 days at a conference with 1500 women. Well not all women but any male there was most likely gay. Not very good odds on that one.

Ps- I won $30 at the Vegas airport on nickel slots
Pps- I LOVE that the Vegas airport has free internet
Ppps- I have lost my checkbook in San Diego somewhere (unless by some fluke it's in my checked luggage) and I'm supposed to be moving this weekend -- not dealing with finding an open branch of my bank to have all of my money transferred to a new account. WHY am I such a scatterbrain sometimes. I really DO NOT have the time to deal with this crap.

Geography Lesson

2006-04-23T11:07:00.000-04:00

Last night we looked up the difference between Lebanon and Lybia. Quite interesting if you ask me.

The reasoning behind this was that we tried a Lebanese restaurant that was most excellent. We had hommus and falafel -- did I mention I love the chickpea?!?!?

I tried the combo plate which gave me a chance to try a bunch of different Lebenese dishes. I will for sure be going back there. Although preferably not in the middle of the flood of '06 and the rains that are rushing down the street, and the bus being early which forced RaRa and I to have to run through the rivers to get to the bes (which we missed) and then have to walk back home soaking wet only to try it again a half hour later. Also in the future I will try not to walk across the street and slip on the wet street and find myself rolling in the middle of the road. It was really quite terrible and if you don't believe me -- just check out the sweet scratch on my arm!! Bet RaRAH is mad she missed it because she was looking for her bus money.

Craigslist

2006-04-21T12:15:00.000-04:00

Seriously folks, what did people do before Craigslist?

Where else can you laugh out loud reading the personal ads, want to rip some dudes eyeballs out for saying something idiotic like "Sorry, you have to be skinny", sell your microwave for $30, present another low-income person with a wonderfully old yet useable couch with a beautiful white 'overlay' (some call it a couch cover)????

It's genius. Well unless you are shopping for roommates. Then based on experience I'd say stay away. Otherwise you would be stuck in a one bedroom apartment fighting over who's room is more cold in the winter and praying every day that your roommies flight to some crazy foreign country would disappear. Not that you wished her dead, but perhaps the plane would go down on some island and she would become a character on LOST or something like that.

And who doesn't love Craigslist best of??? Craig, truly you are the best!

PACO TACO WHERE ARE YOU??

2006-04-18T22:40:00.001-04:00

You've been MIA for awhile.

And don't give me the "I've been working too hard" excuse.

**Update: Okay I've located you. Good to know you are still kickin' and cookin'**

It's a small world afterall

2006-04-18T22:40:00.000-04:00

With all of the moving nonsense that has been going on, my roommate has been trying to sell off some of her larger items. One of these transactions went down this evening and who should show up at my door but my old personal trainer....

Good thing I just ran 3 miles before she arrived. Then I didn't look like such a slacker.

Packing

2006-04-17T22:27:00.000-04:00

The thing I hate about moving besides actually moving my things up and down flights of stairs, getting bashed in the side by the elevator door, or having the bottom of a box of underthings fall out in the middle of the street....is the packing.

When you pack you have to make decisions. Will I use these glasses in the next 2 weeks? Will I use 4 of them? Can I not wash one over and over again? Or the question of the weather. Should I leave some long sleeved shirts out in case it returns to cold? Should I only keep long sleeved shirts? Or will I ever wear that bridesmaid dress again? (The answer to that was a quick and solid N-O)

I've got 12 days to pack up my apartment (4 of those I'll be out of town) and I can't seem to decide if I will use the red pepper flakes in those 8 remaining days. What a mess I am......

It's been awhile.....

2006-04-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

To all my loyal fans (the three of you there actually are).....

I'm back.

This past week I had family guests in town. My mom and sister flew out from the Midwest and spent the week with me here. A wonderful time. Alright it was a little long, but still I was sad to see them go -- and kinda of lonely :(

But now I have other things to fill my plate. Like the fact that I'm moving in two weeks and I haven't packed. I'm also headed to Cali for a work function right before my move is supposed to take place. It's craziness.

But I'm back....you have many more stories and more stresses to look forward to hearing about!

A day in NYC

2006-04-07T18:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to NYC for work and had a most excellent time.

Most of the day was all work (which can at times be like play), but I was able to enjoy the Promiseland -- and by that I mean Century 21 the discount store.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!

2006-04-05T12:04:00.000-04:00

So since I have two different sisters, they each have a different birthday.

Today my little sister turns 17. Not so little anymore. And still not legal all you sickos.

She's coming to visit in 3 days and I'm more than excited! I'm freaking out.

How am I going to manage to attend a engagement happy hour this evening, catch AR to see my team whine like babies, go to NYC for work, clean my apartment, pack up all my crap and plan 8 days of eventful sightseeing trips for the fam.

Heh.....anyone else see a breakdown in my future?

But while I'm still standing -- Happy Birthday Ramona!! (not her real name, but a nickname we gave her back in the good old days of sister-torture)

Spring Forward Blows

2006-04-02T20:01:00.000-04:00

After a fun night of drinking massive amounts of wine and hearing of my boss' recent engagement, I woke up this morning with a fairly large headache and to find that I had lost an entire hour of my day.

Now that's some crap!

To boycott this unfortunate happening I have decided that that hour was also my hour to workout. Take that Spring!

Because now its 8 pm and there is just no way I can muster the strength to actually hit up the gym tonight.

There's always tomorrow....

Early on the weekends

2006-04-01T13:47:00.000-05:00

When you get older -- maybe say when you are 25 going on 45 -- you find that sleeping in on the weekends is still wonderful. BUT you could get up at a more respectable hour than say 12pm, and actually get stuff done. Like you can make coffee and breakfast, go to the grocery store, workout, and blog all before 2pm. Now that's impressive.

Problem is by 7pm you're freaking tired and you've done 'everything' so that seems like an excellent hour to tuck yourself in. Lucky for me I've been up this morning to do 'everything' but have a dinner to attend tonight that will ensure bedtime is much later than 7pm.

Also for those who have not tried, a new tasty treat I've found is frozen grapes. Not sure why they are good because they kind of have a weird taste and they give you the type of headache that ice cream eaten too fast does -- and they are NO WHERE NEAR as good as ice cream. But they are surprisingly addicting. Who knew.....

The Haircut

2006-03-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

You know your friends know you well when you are describing your new haircut and you say something like, "Do you remember the cut right after I had SUPER long hair?"

And they respond with, "Was that the haircut that bossed everyone around?"

And it was.*

I don't go for drastic haircuts very often. Even this one is not drastic. But after 3 months of being literally attached to your hair, parting with even a half inch of it is somewhat of a "thing". Guys (if there are any guys who read this) you will notice this by the fact that your girlfriend/wife/FWB expects you to notice her 1/2" trim and say something wonderful like, "Damn baby, that haircut makes you look hott".

I believe each haircut has it's own personality**. Some say "What the f?" Some say "You know you want to ____ me right now" Some say "I'm professional, yet sassy" You get the point.....

I'm not sure what this current haircut says. I think it's somewhere along the lines of "I'm happy now f*ckers!"

*That particular haircut was very sassy and did boss people around. I believe there were comments such as this made: "The haircut is not going to put up with that crap now!"

**If you pay $100+ for a haircut/color/blow-dry it better damn well come with a personality!

They're Baaaaaack

2006-03-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

And by that I mean the shin splints.

Bitches! Just when I thought I was getting better at the whole running thing. I had increased my time and wasn't even very tired (well tired, but not dead) or at least as tired as I thought I would be after such a run. But today I went to play on the new found motivation I had found and BOOM.

No more. I could only run a mile and then was forced to walk for the remaining workout. There was no 'pushing through it', no 'maybe just a few more minutes', nothing. My legs are pooped. Good thing I had already decided that tomorrow night was a good night for laundry and my shows.

I just hope that my legs understand I will show them no long-term sympathy. Because I will not tolerate this type of 'wussing out'. For now they (the legs) shall receive a little ice treatment and Amazing Race watching. Lucky them!!

Movers, Movers oh your jerks

2006-03-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

See another problem with moving is how you get your things from here to there. In my case I do not have that many 'things' but I also do not have the means to get my 'things' from here to there very easily. I do however have a few very wonderful friends who have offered to help in the moving process. One, we'll call her L, even was so wonderful to purchase a guy for me. One to help me move of course. This is fantastic news.

Today, I spent my afternoon debating the Russians who have given me the lowest price in my 'which mover is the best' contest. On one hand they are cheap -- at least $120 lower than the next guy -- but on the other hand, I don't think they are really a legit company. I think they are just a bunch of Russians who rent a truck, haul your crap (or 'things' if you will) and make a couple bucks.

Now I've heard MANY scary stories about moving scams and many people suggest getting the moving company with the best credentials. This would be great if I knew anyone who had used movers that I know. (That sentence didn't make sense but whatever I'm just ranting here) My new roomie suggests I go with the legit companies. Which makes sense, but why am I such a fan of the cheap????

Is it true that some deals are too good to be true?

Uh oh

2006-03-25T21:59:00.000-05:00

I come home from a marathon shopping trip where I spent far too much money to find a notice from my apartment building.

Apparently someone (my neighbor) has complained of the extended length and volume of my alarm clock in the morning. Not good. I know this is a problem....it always has been. I don't understand what to do differently because I am the one still sleeping next to the alarm that is going off loud and long enough to annoy my neighbors. And I don't hear a thing. It's better when I know that it's annoying someone though because then I'm a little bit better at 'catching it' in the morning.

Now I've become the 'problem neighbor'. Uh oh.....

More Flowers and 45 minutes later

2006-03-23T20:10:00.000-05:00

I've made it through my second date. But I don't think there will be another.

I feel bad, because I think he could tell that I was just 'not that into him'. But that's the thing, I'm just not that into him. And I can't force myself to have feelings I don't have, even if I am slightly concerned that I will be alone with millions of dogs in my house someday.

So there you have it I'm a horrible person.

And I've removed my name from the service. I'm a quitter.

Let's Lay it All Out There

2006-03-21T18:45:00.000-05:00

So let's say you have a 'panic attack' and you start to wonder if your lifestyle has the potential to produce a significant other option. So let's say after this 'panic attack' you decide to join an online dating service. You never thought of doing this before but other people have told you such wonderful stories of meeting 'life partners' and you've seen the ads on tv that make it look so easy. So you sign up. And you feel silly doing it. And a few days later you think, "I'm such an idiot" (maybe you think this).

So a few more days go by and then you get a message from a boy. And you write back because you paid for this service you might as well get some use out of it. And it goes okay. But no mention of meeting up. And so you get a message from another boy. And you talk to him. And he seems like a nice guy, so when he asks you if you want to meet up you say sure (I mean that's the point of those dating services right?).

So you meet the boy and you have a nice time. You do most of the talking, as you usually do, and you walk away from the 'date' thinking "He's a nice guy but I'm not sure anything is there". Because let's face it, when have you EVER in your life been attracted to the nice guy. Instead you have always spent your time interested in the idiot guys who are only interested in themselves and you are constantly trying to make this guy see what a wonderful girl you are (even though he should already see this, but lets face it he's a dickhead). Now you have met someone who thinks you are 'really great' but he knows you all of like 45 seconds and you think to yourself "Come on buddy, what the hell?" (Now I understand a little more why guys think that girls are so freaking confusing. We say we want something but when it happens we shy away because it's 'not right'.)

Or maybe you receive an email FROM A DIFFERENT GUY that's nearly two pages long single spaced all about how this guy thinks you are 'just the person he's looking for' and halfway through his email tells you that he needs to be honest and that he is actually looking for a 'best friend with benefits'. So then you have to email him back and tell him a) he should not copy and paste the same message over and over again to different people and b) he should not assume that you want to make out with him without asking you first

Maybe you've felt these things...........

What a Crazy week

2006-03-19T22:43:00.000-05:00

I spent much of my week working late and avoiding working out. This trend happened to continue over the weekend as I spent quite a bit of time looking at apartment buildings with my new roommate. We found a few places that we liked but now its just a decision of size, price and location. Ha isn't that always the catch?!??!

Any I'll probably spend the next week looking for movers but not just randomly putting my information into the websites and having everyone and their mother calling me up at work to discuss the details of my move. I can't be bothered twelve times an hour to talk to me about exactly how many pounds of furniture I own. It's just too distracting...

I did go back to the gym this evening...it's a start!

It seems

2006-03-15T21:19:00.000-05:00

that my last post has upset some people. Well at least I know you still read :)
That still doesn't mean that I will be providing any details....not that there are crazy details to tell.

I'm tired and sorry that I have missed two days of working out. But I just can't.....tomorrow maybe.

My feet hurt and I'm cranky.....I need sleep. But thanks for listening.

I got a pink flower

2006-03-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

I went on a date and he gave me a pink rose.

That's all I'm going to say about it.

If another damn can opener breaks on me...

2006-03-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

I'm going to get REALLY mad. That's 3 now. What the hell is wrong with me that I can't seem to operate a can opener correctly? Or is it just that the can openers are such crappy quality that they snap on contact. Like the CVS people hadn't seen me enough.

So I think I mentioned that I joined a book club. I have already finished the book for April. I'm such a show-off. Actually I'm really looking forward to our get-together and a chance to find out what other people thought of "The Tenth Circle".

Are McDreamy and Meredith over? What is happening? This is killing me.

St. Patrick's Day Fest

2006-03-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

I celebrated the best and worst parts of being Irish this weekend.

BEST: Drinking outside on a beautiful Spring day in Virginia surrounded by people in fun t-shirts like "Kiss me I'm Irish" or "So, what's your sister doing tonight" or "This is my party shirt".

WORST: Having a sunburn on March 11th (isn't that a little early in the year)

I ate food with thousands of calories and drank beer (lite ofcourse, like that was going to help). And I was pretty proud of myself that I made it nearly 5 hours. I honestly believe it was longer than last year. I jammed to 'You Oughta Know' sung by some rocker chic on the real DC101 stage that we spent 12 hours looking for, I used portapotties (GAG), I took care of Mo who by the end of the evening was bleeding from an unknown cause....thank god it was not her tooth!

And to think there is still the REAL St. Patty's Day to celebrate on Friday!

It's too early

2006-03-09T07:14:00.000-05:00

But I have a meeting this morning for work. I tell you when you finally 'become important' in your job you tend to be too busy to enjoy your "importantness".

Also DC has bloomed for me recently. I joined a book club. I met some new people. I enjoy getting together with Mo for coffee and apartment searches. I have weekend plans to drink lots of green beer(Okay it might not be GREEN). I might join a kickball league.

For the first time I feel very HAPPY to be in DC. Or is it just that spring is coming?

It's not that I forgot

2006-03-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

It's that I've been busy.

Friday night was a very fun work event that lasted until 1:30 in the morning. More on that later.

Saturday it was back to work for most of the day, some laundry and a nap

Sunday it was apartment hunting (we may have found a winner), a run, ordering Chinese (I know SOO SOOO bad), and watching a bunch of people win awards for movies I never saw. Well I did see Walk the Line so I was happy that Reese won. Did anyone else think she was going to forget to thank her husband? And are Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves dating? Because they made the movie Speed together a freaking long time ago for them to always been pointing the camera at them together -- maybe I'm just not caught up on my celebrity gossip.

Tonight I promise to fill in many of the details I've been leaving out. For those of you who still care....

I'm glad I did

2006-03-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

tonight I got home and was just not feeling it. Not feeling like running, not feeling like making dinner, not feeling like doin' much of anything but getting out of my work clothes, putting on some comfy pjs and plopping myself on the couch.

But......instead I did go running. 10 minute miles - for 3 of them.

I'm thinking about running a 10K in June. Maybe I mentioned that already.....whatever, so if I do I'll have to up the running a bit more. Even though it's not making a damn bit of difference for the real reason I started doing it....to lose weight.

Bottom line though I guess is I'm glad I did start. I know how it is to not do anything -- and at least this way I can say I tried :)

At least...

2006-02-28T22:32:00.000-05:00

By watching so much tv (reality or not) I have come to realize that I am indeed not as crazy as most of the people who live in this country. I just took the average level of craziness I've seen on my favorite TV shows and I KNOW I'm not that crazy.

I'll give you some examples from this evening's Amazing Race:

- The Frosties who scream everytime they do anything, including when they 'peed their pants'

- The Ken & Barbie team, who might not be Ken anymore because we think Barbie dumped Ken for some hottie Aussie

-The old couple who walked past the clue box approx. 50 times

- The nerdy couple who have a secret handshake and also insist on kissing at every destination

- The 'pinkies' or 'Double D's' if you will -- well I think their nicknames say it all

I have no idea when my blog became a outlet for my tv obsession. Although I have learned over the past few months that in order to satisfy my TV addiction I am needing to purchase a TIVO. Badly.

I have not decided who my team is yet for the pool. There's $35 on the line -- this is a big deal. Plus I have to defend my title!

I did go running today and did a shopping search for the cute skirt I wanted, but apparently missed out on as none of the stores in the area have it anymore :( I also bought my ticket to the Ballston St. Patty's PARTY. SO excited for that one. So all in all I feel like I accomplished a lot this Fat Tuesday! Somebody better have had a hurricane for me though!

That stupid bachelor

2006-02-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

he's a dummy head.

I don't know who he's going to pick yet, but everytime he believes/mistakes that crying, bumbling mess for a 'connection' I want to vomit.

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday -- unfortunately today I feel as if I'm already in costume. No more Girl Scout cookies, someone take them away. Okay not really because I love them and they love my hips -- we're a match made!!

Why does this keep happening?

2006-02-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

I keep finding things that I have 'neglected' over the past month. Needless to say February has had it's highs and lows for me, that's for sure.

Tomorrow marks a new day. I got out of my jury duty -- well actually I just pushed it back for 90 days. Good enough. At least this way it won't be in my first month of work. So instead of having that tomorrow I will go to work! And put off my nice girly appointment til the end of the week.

My life is so exciting (sarcasm dripping here).

also I'm begining the countdown and therefore the 'crazy' over finding a new apartment! Finding something by April 30th or its the streets for this gal.

The One were Ross got high.....

2006-02-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

I love that episode of Friends. I just thought I would mention this. I was watching an episode of Friends and remembered just how funny the show is. Almost every one of them. I especially love the one were Ross got high. In it Rachel confuses a recipe of Shepard's Pie and something else. So funny.

"It tastes like feet"

HA HA HA HA. oh man, too good.

Where is my head?

2006-02-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

Why is it that the minute you get one aspect of your life together the rest falls to shit?

So the new job is going absolutely fantastic. And I love it. And I'm happy.

And then I realize I forgot to pay a bill. ME. Captain Practical forgot to pay a bill and kinda an important one. Not my rent or anything where I will be kicked out onto the street but one that comes EVERY month and for some reason I wasn't thinking. And I missed it.

And so tonight I frantically searched through everything I own for the bill because it suddenly hit me that I "didn't think I had gotten it". Oh I did. and I forgot.

And now I'm pissed at myself because it's not like I don't have the money to pay it. Or that I really felt like paying a late fee (which I can't wait to see that one! not at all excited I suppose there really was no need for the exclaimation point).

Where is my head and why am I forgetting stupid things like this monthly bill?

Enough with the snow and cold

2006-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

I understand that being from the Midwest, I should be used to this. But I'm done with winter. I would like it to be spring right now. OR fall. Yes, let's go back to fall. Fall is so nice, and you can wear sweaters but no big huge winter coats that make you sweat on the Metro.

Thank you Mr. Washington & Mr.Lincoln

2006-02-20T16:56:00.000-05:00

For being born and therefore giving me a day off. Not that I really needed one since I do like being at work now, but a day off is always appreciated.

On another note, I am pissed at you Mr. DHL delivery guy. When I say "Leave the package at the front desk." I mean LEAVE THE DAMN PACKAGE you jerks. It should not take you four attempted deliveries to understand this.

Also, things are vanishing from my house. I came back from a workout to find a chair missing. Di, I hope you have this because if not somebody robbed us/me and took your chair.

My last and final comment for this lovely President's Day is that I had an awesome workout. With the day off I was able to complete a heavy workout before 5pm leaving me with a completely free evening to bask in my own workout glory. I ran (and I say ran because I did) an average of a 9:50 minute mile for 4 miles. Which means at times I ran EVEN FASTER than 9:50. I'm so awesome!

Hold the Phone

2006-02-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

I know, two posts in one day?!?! Shocking.

And it's not because I have anything that important to say, just that I wanted to remark on my seemingly boring day. Despite my boredom, I did run. And faster than I normally do, which is good. Then I did laundry and then I baked brownies.

I know brownies are not good for me to have in the house especially when I'm trying to LOSE weight. But they make the house smell good, so that even if my kitchen is not spotlessly clean it still smells home-y. Yeah!!

Now if only I could find some ice cream.......

(I'm so bad)

Someone please tell me...

2006-02-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

why a bar in a major U.S. city refuses to have more than one women's restroom. Well it's not that I expect more than one restroom but certainly more than one stall in that restroom. Everyone knows that women tend to go more often than men and also take more time, so why not give us the resources we need to accomplish this task in an effecient matter so that we may get back to the more important things like drinking.

I am also well aware that J***** is planning on giving me a hard time about leaving the bar early but as she may recall SHE was the one that forced me to do a shot. I don't do shots! But I did have a great time singing Oasis and Frank Sinatra and chatting with my friends.

Wine and Cheese Rules

2006-02-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

Every other week my new job does a wine & cheese thing. SO awesome. A great chance to meet and mingle with the people you work with.

But on the other hand, it does mean I haven't been to the gym in three days. THAT IS BAD. That hasn't happened since I hurt my calf. And i have no injuries to blame. Just a new, fun job!

Tomorrow I promise to get back on the proverbial horse.

My Valentine's Day Mishap

2006-02-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

So Valentine's Day....day o'Hallmark. I say this only because I have yet to find my special Valentine, once I do it will no longer be just another Hallmark holiday, I guarentee it.

So in my attempt to tell others of my depressed Valentine's Day feeling, I tried to email Mo' Flava from my new work email account. I'm hesitate about using work email for personal reasons now that I've heard some horror stories, but I decided to throw my fears to the wind. BAD IDEA.

So I email Mo this: "Yeah, I'm not depressed that I don't have any flowers or goodies delivered to my desk today."

Not only did I send this email to Mo, but I also sent it to a higher up at my company in a different office.

Once I realized my mistake I quickly emailed the man to apologize. His secretary kindly sent me a reply with pictures of flowers and candy and asked if that was acceptable desk deliveries. ALSO, this higher-up sent me an email explaining that it was no problem I had kind of sexually harassed him in the workplace, he figured we were just kindred spirits. :) A very nice sense of humor! Especially considering this is my second week of work and not only am I using my email for personal use, but I also cannot seem to work the email system properly.

Oh, did I mention I SO heart Valentine's Day!!!

***so mortified****

Kat and Peaches

2006-02-13T18:15:00.000-05:00

So all last week this guy at my new job kept walking past my desk and saying hello (which is nice, I know). But he kept calling me 'Kat'. I figured he just read the name on my nameplate wrong.

I found out today the real story. Apparently this man enjoys making up nicknames for people in the office. But he doesn't tell you about this, he just starts calling you by the nickname he's thought of. My boss is 'Peaches'. :)

On a side note I received this email today:

You are now officially an inspiration. B/c of you, I never stray too far from the sidewalk. oh wait, that's kelly clarkson. :) B/c of you, I got my ass on a treadmill this weekend. I may have walked (briskly), but I still did it on the treadmill. This was a HUGE step, and you were, w/o a doubt, 100% responsible for this action. You, my friend, are now an inspiration.

Isn't that sweet? And the reason I post it is not to prove that I am actually an inspiration, because the only inspiration I performed this weekend was to order chinese food (BAD!), but that YOU CAN DO IT. Even when you think you can't or you just plain old don't want to. You can! Start small....then tell me about it, I'll cheer you on!

Baby, it's cold outside

2006-02-11T20:44:00.000-05:00

It's cold, and its snowing A LOT!

But on a good note, I haven't done a damn thing all day and it feels good. Although I do feel a little guilty about not working out. My workouts have been difficult lately, maybe its all the new job stuff or just that I'm bored again, but I don't like them. Not that I've ever really enjoyed it, I didn't have these dreadful feelings of going for a run. Luckily it's the weekend so I can put off working out until it's not possible to go anymore. Or I'll just got really late at night. I'm not sure that's very good for me but it's better than not going at all. Or that's what I tell myself.

On these cold, wet days all you really want to do is curl up with a good book and lots of blankets. And that's exactly what I've done.

On a different note, I want to shop. I want to buy things. I'm going to try to hold out a little, but I think we all know that I have little willpower.