Merry Christmas Blogsphere!

Merry Christmas, yesterday we told my family the good news, and today we are going to be surprising my husband's family. This is the best Christmas ever. My parents were so thrilled! I knew they would be happy but they were happier than I could have imagined and they cannot wait for all the preparations. I am now in the middle of my 6th week and I am fighting constant morning sickness. I love it because I know it is my body protecting my baby but at the same time I hate being nauseous. Anyone who has read my blog knows I am a health freak, okay a health freak who loves her vices like gummy bears, but anyways....I have been drinking the ginger ale and eating oyster crackers and gold fish! Merry Christmas. I would love to know how everyone is celebrating their special day!

5 and 1/2 weeks PREGNANT!

Mood swings. Yes, they exist. Today I just want to curl up and relax. Oh wait that is what I have wanted to do all week. The fatigue is intense and I have to go to the bathroom about 100 times a day. Fortunately I have new pajamas and sweats for my extra time relaxing. I went spinning today. I think my 5 week and 2 day old baby liked it. I have also been giving my baby lots of healthy veggies and lots of water. But that isn't the best part. The best part is I just cooked quinoa spaghetti for dinner tonight with vegan meatballs and the hubby ate it all up. He didn't even know that it was a vegan meal! Go me. If he had an idea he would have kindly asked, while saying umm, what is the spice in these meatballs. There would have been some left on the plate too, even if he was polite and said he liked them. I think he likes vegan and veggies. What a cute guy. He used to always say, "ewww, this tastes vegan" and today, he didn't. So he reads the label first and then says that.

Slacker Reporting

Yep, it is me here. I am reporting that I did not update my blog header until December 5th. I even posted with an old blog header. You know the whole idea to do a different header came about because I love Wishcake's Blog (Simply, Me), and she always changes her header every month. She is more diligent that me apparently. And no, sorry Wishcake readers. I am not going to be video blogging. That is beyond my comfort zone. I love watching her do it though. Would you video blog?

The most

I am 100% by far the most impatient person I know. If you have been reading this blog, you my know that the husband and I are no longer avoiding baby. To him this means, no longer avoiding, to me, this means a lesson in waiting and remaining cool and collected. I am now in the famous 2 weeks waiting time. Not sure what to do to ease the questions in my mind, and how to calm the hope and wonder. Regardless, one thing that helps is the fact that those darn pregnancy tests are quite expensive. All you blogger Mom's out there, feel free to share your experiences. I would love to know. Oh yeah, and when couples are "seriously" trying I know what they are doing now, and how often, thanks to the internet.

Taking notice

So I have now been lifting long enough that friends are starting to take notice. Yes, this makes me very happy. What is my secret? Unfortunately, diet and exercise. For me, exercise has never been a problem but I diet has been a problem. I am not by any means a total overeater. I have always tried to be healthy but I do love carbs and all kinds of cookies. So here was my problem. I want to share this with all the "medium" girls as I like to call myself.

I never saw results fast enough so I would just say, "oh well" and eat the mac and cheese. But if you are trying to lose 5 to 10 pounds like I was trying to do, then this weight loss speed might be the mental culprit. For medium girls looking to shed a little 1/2 to 1 pound a week is great! Yep, not enough to even feel is plenty.

So in 10 weeks, I have lost 6 pounds. I am happy, and best of all my jeans fit. So there is my secret everyone! Oh yeah one last little exercise that I am starting to love is the rowing machine. Running season over, new exercises welcome. Happy Sunday.

Can't sleep...

So I am up and I can't sleep. This doesn't happen to me very often, but when it does it really does. I can't sleep because I have stuff on my mind and I don't know how to shut my mind off. Sometimes I don't know that I want to either. Funny how that works. So here I am typing a blog entry while the house sleeps, rather the husband and the pets. I wonder if in the morning he will notice that I got up and came downstairs. If he is sleeping soundly he will not notice a thing. Anyways, I hope if you are in the east, all of you are sleeping soundly. Let me know if you are one of the few that is up at this hour. I want to hear what is on your mind. If you get up in the morning and see this post let me know too. Just wondering in general what keeps others up at night.

Home Sweet Home

So I have posted about all my activities and I must say I am a busy girl. Do you want to know how I know I am busy? I am sitting here all alone at home and I find the silence very odd and almost creepy. I haven't been home by myself in ages. I don't even know what to do with myself. At the exact same time, I crave this time. Yet, I don't know what to do with it? It doesn't seem to make since unless you are the busy type like me. So what better to do than blog. So I am sitting here, with my coat (well vest still on) and my cell phone near by - just in case a friend tries to call and I am blogging. What happened to me time? You know, I am enjoying the fact that no one is trying to call me yet at the same time the silence is so deafening that I wouldn't be sad if some one did. All these feelings are odd yet the tell me to take time alone.

Do you get enough alone time? What do you do with it - aside from blogging?

Defend Yourself

So I am a very girly girl, shy type. If you cannot already tell from reading my blog, I thought I would share.

In any case, I did something totally out of my element yesterday. I went to a mixed martial arts gym and took a fighting class. Let me just say, that this class was amazing. The teaching methods and pads you wear allow you to kick as hard as you can and teach you to continue into the fight rather than to back off. The only challenging part for me was getting over touching sweaty people. Okay and perhaps coming home with sweaty clothes not being convinced that all the sweat was mine was a little off putting.

It feels great to step out of your element. This fighting class is more though. I feel today like I am slightly better prepared to handle a tough situation. I really want to continue these classes and really learn to fight. I am normally scared to be home alone and I do not enjoy crowds. I feel like joining this gym will help me emotionally.

Here is my issue. Right now I belong to a suburban gym where I workout almost everyday and I am a big class taker. I mean I go to yoga, spinning, lifting, as well as use all the cardio equipment on my own. I also run. Lastly I have a personal trainer who I work out with at a private gym 2 more times a week. Do I need another gym to join? Am I going to be over extended? I am not sure what to do here. I know I took a strong empowering class, but do I want to do this full time. Don't forget, I am trying to have a baby right now, which would limit the fighting classes and only allow me to take advantage of the amazing fitness classes there. Do I make decisions around if I might become pregnant?

See, looking to the blogsphere has always helped me with indecision! Give it to me bloggers. I want to here what you think!

These days...

These are days of change. My running "season" is over and the weather is getting colder. I am starting to feel the nesting urge more than ever. This nesting urge comes with the hibernating urge. After all the holidays are coming.

The holiday's for my family are not about giving gifts. As I have gotten older they are about time together and a nice meal. This year we plan on spending more money on dinner, in the form of a fancy desert or some exotic appetizers. We are not doing the gift exchange. This also frees us from the obligation of fighting the mall crowds this year.

I personally am excited about Christmas in my new house. My husband and I plan on buying a new bigger tree. We don't like the real trees because we have cats who like to play in the tree. We are also going to decorate it will special ornaments. My husband and I have tree free of tons of purchased ornaments. Kids make ornaments and are given ornaments for special occasions. These are the ornaments we want to fill our tree. So as our life grows and expands our tree will expand.

Sunday Selfish Post...

So today I am going to write a list as fast as I can with no efforts to change what comes out -- other than proofing. I have to proof because I am not the best speller and when I write quickly I am not very good and composing complete thoughts. But any changing of the list today is off limits just a quick 10 reasons why I love life!

1. The changing of the seasons - I love the different seasons. I honestly can say I do not like the cold yet every year I look forward to snow. I love big snow storms that shut down the city. I also love when it is freezing cold and I stay in all day and make comfort food in the crock pot.
2. The fact that I was blessed with enough tools to make my dreams come true - I feel lucky in this respect, because I know in this world and our country this is not a born right. Sad for me but true. So I find happiness in the fact that I was lucky enough to be born into a family where I was given eduction, books, and the tools to learn. We had computers from the earliest age. We were never denied books. My parents had enough money that we were sent to the best schools and college was never a question.
3. Books - I love books. I love reading for enjoyment as well as for education. Okay I cannot say that I love reading a textbook. But, I do love reading about topics I am interested in learning about. Lately, that has been religion and faith. I also just love chick lit. I love easy reads about groups of girls and lasting friendships and I love reading about fashion and bitchiness.
4. Love - Well what can I say about love. I love it. I love feeling this feeling toward my husband and family and to my pets and even towards some activities. When I was little I sometimes felt I loved things. As I have grown up I do not have as much love for things but I do adore and really cherish some things.
5. Family - I love family. I have good days and bad days and the good days spent with family are worth the time. I love the fact that I have a family and people in my life that are "almost family".
6. The ability to learn and grow - I think this is an ability within. I am in an environment where I can live and grow freely. I have time to read and relationships that foster growth. I also feel that I am in a job that allows for this. Unfortunately finding a job where I can grow was the biggest challenge of all. Now that I am there it feels right.
7. Health - I am very happy for my health. But I think the health thing goes deeper. Everything we eat, weather or not we exercise that is a choice that we are free to make. I am happy I have the choice. I am happy that I am not eating what is given to me and the choices are mine. I own these and that makes me happy.
8. Challenge - Life is really hard. I have had hard times, and sad times, and times where I didn't know how I could go on. But I am here now and I am very grateful for those past challenges. Those challenges made me who I am today.
9. Recreating Hopes - I am happy I have hopes of recreating and having a baby. I have not written many posts in my blog about this topic, but I am sure in the next couple weeks and months these posts will be flowing. My husband and I have decided that I will stop taking my birth control this week. I am very excited and I pray that I will be blessed with a healthy baby.
10. Giving Back - With the baby topic and the topic of getting older. I think that giving back is crucial to society. I think teaching is such a gift and a teacher comes in everyday and giving students the biggest gift of all. I love teachers and I think it is one of the most noble jobs out there. I also believe it is our duty as takers to give back. We can do this with things, money, time and our heart. I love this aspect of life.

Being married is hard work...

For all those married or unmarried bloggers out there. Marriage is hard work. It is hard work if you want to have something special and good. Lately I have been put to the test with my husband's new part time gig. It takes some of the time we used to spend bonding away. This leaves me feeling like I have to pounce on him when I do get time, or leaves me feeling lonely.

The first month he started his new gig I found blogging. I blogged and sacrificed the general household duties, which he wasn't able to do. The second month as the household duties and fresh meals began to take their effect and slide, I stopped blogging as much and began to maintain the household while getting attention hungry and angry at my sacrifice.

This month is back in balance. This month I am realizing balance is work. I am trying to spend time that is quality and do a better job listening and doing the things to make both of us happy.

It took a lot of thinking and some fighting to get the balance back.

Thankfully I feel the scale is equal now. Marriage is hard work.

The Top 10 Things I Love about Blogs

In no particular order...
1. Sundays - I really look forward to reading and writing on the blogs on Sunday. Normally, Sunday is a pretty quiet day for me and it is my favorite blog day of the week.
2. News Updates - Reading blogs keeps me updated on world and local happenings without the negativity of the nightly news. I hear news from real people in an understanding and compassionate way. It is all delivered when I am ready to read and listen.
3. Best Friends - Wow this is the most amazing part of reading and writing blogs. I have met all these virtual friends, and lately with vloging I see them talk and laugh and cry too.
4. Comments - What can I say? I love getting comments. It makes me realize that people are out there reading. I also like the different opinions and responses, and comments give me new ideas for more posts.
5. Commenting - Who doesn't have an opinion? Commenting is how I participate and tell other bloggers I hear them. I can comment that I am either understanding them or not. Commenting is how I make friends with bloggers and participate in conversation.
6. New Things - I learn about new things all the time on blogs. Like Etsy - I learned about Etsy on the blogs. And I learned all about Lilly P on the blogs too (those are some nice pricey clothes)
7. New Ideas - I get new ideas for fun things to try - like vloging, and new ways to think, and new post ideas by reading other blogs.
8. Relating - When you are feeling something, and you can't put it into words, someone else does it for you. It is great. It is wonderful to feel like you are reading from your own mind or person. It is great to be able to relate at such a deep level.
9. Emotional Outlet - Sometimes when you are mad or sad or extra happy, it helps to get it out there and share it. It helps to write it down. Who hasn't written a post that has been either saved as a draft or published with regret, or even happiness?
10. Distraction - The whole world of blogging is entertaining, it is reality yet not. It is a world of it's own and everyone needs that distraction from daily life now and then.

I have been Tagged!

Yes, I love being tagged, because it makes me feel special and it is like a "free" post. As I have discussed before I am always suffering from "blogger block" so therefore, I will take any tagging posts very happily. For this wonderful tag I would like to thank Mojito Maven.

The rules of this post: The rules are to list 6 things I value and 6 things I don't and then pass this award on to 6 people!

Values:
1. Honestly
2. Love
3. Friendship
4. Happiness
5. Good work ethic
6. Respect

What I do not value:
1. Liars
2. Hate
3. Bullies
4. Backstabbing
5. Laziness
6. Excuses

And I give this tag to:
1. Preppy Little Dress
2. Mrs. Bliss
3. Absolut(ly) Fit
4. Brown Eyed Girl & Her Beau
5. Adventure Seeker
6. Misadventures of a Newlywed

Marathon Sunday - Back to Blogging...

Marketinggurl is back. I am happy to report that I am now a second time 1/2 marathon finisher.

But that is not all.

This past week was crazy. It was taper week - backing off the miles. My husband also worked an insane 70 hours last week, which took it's toll on our week together. My husband and I like to have couple time, and we didn't get much. Now I am happy to report with the 1/2 marathon over, and his work winding down we are looking forward for some couple time.

I hope to be back to posting everyday or every other day this week. I can happily say that today, because Sunday is my favorite blog day.

A Little Spice and Romance

So I have decided to spice it up a little for the hubby. He doesn't know this of course, but everyone needs a little extra attention now and then, and I think he does. I am not pushing back on any of his purchases because we have some wiggle room. I am wearing some sexy clothes and some of the things he has given me. I also just got him tickets to see his favorite hockey team for Friday night, and I am calling it date night. I am also paying for dinner on hockey night. Next week I am going to bake him an apple pie. I am not going to tell him before I do it either. Everyone needs a little spice, and the next couple weeks I am going to make all about him.

Reward Week

So Sunday is the half-marathon. It is everything I have trained for and the capstone of the past couple of months. I always find this week to be odd. While the race is something I worry about - in terms of finishing - it is a reward. It is a day that is like a birthday. My family treats me to meals of my choice and freedom to relax on race day.

This particular half-marathon means a lot to me. Last year I had a falling out running partner and best friend. We had been running partners since high school. In many ways I didn't know how I could do a race with out her. I am the serious trainer, who thinks that I cannot do the race if I miss a long run or have a bad run one day. She is the relaxed runner, who is a natural born athlete and doesn't worry about missed runs or a late night out drinking before the race.

So Sunday, all my efforts will be put forth.

I am looking forward to this week. I am going through my traditions and routines as most runners do.

Spaghetti lunch with my Dad. Breakfast and packet pickup, on Saturday, and pre-race carb loading...

Girls Weekend

So as I mentioned earlier this week, the girls and I are going on a get-away this weekend. I am really looking forward to this short time away. I know we will drink some wine, gossip, and have a genuinely nice time. I will however, miss blogging this weekend. My weekend mornings are normally spent catching up on the blog roll, and winding down from the week.

This weekend will be a different type of winding down. I know I will have a nice to time and I will probably have lots of laughs to share when I return. We will be staying in a cabin in the woods, but I am positive that there will be at least 3 flat irons belonging to one of the 4 girls! The Marketinggurl will never ever be a rough it type! Anyways, enjoy the weekend. I will post again on Sunday.

Oh the diet...

So I am only going to blog about this once, because I do not need to focus on the negative, but I need to go on a diet. Okay, I am on a diet. I like many other happily married girls have gained the happy 20. I do not know how 5 turns to 20, but it happened. I also do not understand how running a half marathon and being in a constant state of working out can mean weight gain, but it does. So happily married bloggers who feel the need to diet. Let's join together and unite and say no more! We can do it.

Here's to a 1lb a week challenge. All in say...I...

One More Day

Yes, I am doing the oh so terrible count down for the weekend. I try never to count down until things because I do not think that is living in the moment and enjoying the days as they come. After all life is short and if you count down you might miss something to be cherished in one of the days on the way to the big day.

But, with that said, I am counting down until my girls weekend which starts tomorrow. 4 of my best friends and I are all going to an island and renting a cabin for the weekend. I am very much looking forward to a weekend of comparing notes on our husbands (reality check), a little bit of drinking with no place to be, some dancing at the destination bars, and some good eats.

Girl Power. Lots of Love. Laughter. That is what girls weekends are about!

Blogger Block and Being Made

I am not one of those bloggers that wakes up with ideas. In fact I never have ideas and I find that I am in a constant state of "blogger block". I am also not naturally skinny. I workout, eat healthy, and try to stay fit. Money also does not grow on trees in my backyard. I work for my money. My husband works, and I work, then I can spend and save the money we earn.

This post is really about "blogger block". Just like I workout my body, I workout my mind. I play mind mapping exercises. I write down all of my ideas without regard for silliness. I even use other bloggers ideas to build new ideas.

In searching for my latest idea I discovered a question on a website. The question is: "if you could go back in time and witness any event in your family's history, what would you like to have seen?"

Now this one I can't answer. But, I can tell you with 100% certainty that I never, ever, would want to have seen the time when I was created. In fact, I cannot even imagine a reason why I would need more therapy than if I had witnessed that act. Granted I am really happy I am here on this earth, but I do not want to know the details.

So there is my post. I am certain I would never want to see my parents in the act of making me.

Sorry Kids but No More Power Rangers

Sometimes you have to wonder. Today was the start of the murder trial of a former "Power Ranger". This former "Power Ranger" is Skylar Deleon. Not that I ever knew the real names of the Power Rangers. I knew that my brother liked to kick me hard after watching that stupid show. Anyways I guess Skylar got a little greedy and is accused of killing a couple for their Yacht.

To make matters worse, this is all over the news, and the news somehow manages to add in the fact that this former Power Ranger also tried to cut off his...umm, okay...I am not going to go there.

But this does make me wonder, how if our medical records are so private does the news get this information anyway? I mean, I guess I know how, but what gives the news the moral right to publish this information?

I am sure Skylar has parents. I am sure his parents were pretty proud people. After all, how many kids get to be Power Rangers? I am sure his poor parents are upset enough knowing the guy tied a couple to the anchor of their boat that he couldn't have. Why does the news need to add more fuel to the fire?

Who do you think about?

Do any of you ever spend time thinking about someone who was randomly in your life for a brief period of time? I do. I was working one summer at an internship and I met this guy on my team. He was always pretty distant, but we got to know each other a bit. I always knew there was more to get to know, but time passed and we never truly became friends. I think about him every now and then. I wonder how he is doing. Not in a romantic way, but I just wonder if we could have been friends. Sometimes I wonder if I should reach out and say hello. Is there anyone in your life who you give brain time to? If so let me know. I would love to hear.

I found BigFoot...

What is better than Sunday morning coffee and blog time? Finding BIGFOOT, yes you read this correctly, I am talking about a live massive Sasquatch.

Granted I am sure men find the amount of time women shop - unbelievable, but I am pretty sure that only a man created this website. I find this absolutely unbelievable. Clearly some very smart people spent time making this site. It says right at the top:

"this comprehensive database of credible sightings and related reports is maintained by an all-volunteer network of bigfoot/sasquatch researchers, archivists, and investigators"

Researchers, archivists and investigators are smart people. If you live in Washington, you may have very well, seen Bigfoot yesterday. Bigfoot has over 442 sitings in Washington. There are sightings all over the US. There is no possible way that all these people are crazy. These people not only saw Bigfoot, but they entered the data into the database for all of us to see.

Proof - Bigfoot exits. I am glad I know I am not crazy.

It is Sunday Again...

If you remember last week I posted It's Sunday and I discussed that day. After being part of the blogsphere for a while I realized Sunday time and time again is one of the highest traffic days. This fact tells me a couple things:
1. Blog reader's enjoy Sunday (assuming reading blogs equals enjoyment).
2. Bloggers spend the day catching up on the weeks happenings.
3. It is a day of reflection.

So, why then do some people hate Sunday's?
If you don't believe me that people hate Sundays check these out:
1. I Hate Sunday You Tube Video
2. I Hate Sunday Support Blog
3. I Hate Sunday Group on Last.fm with 67 proud members

I know, checking those out is a little depressing but I went ahead and did the dirty work for you and here are some themes I found:
1. Some people have a job that is so bad the dread bleeds through to their Sunday - it is the simple knowing that Monday is coming...
2. Let's face it married bloggers, it is a family day, and those with out families can sometimes feel left out of the day.
3. Boredom
4. It reminds them of someone special in their lives that is no longer there for whatever reason.

In the case of the YouTube video, I actually really like that song and the video. I have never heard that song before and this was the first time watching the video. I think the lyrics and video demonstrate a couple of the reasons I stated above. I would be pretty depressed too if I got up and was still was in my "going out" makeup and clothes from the night before.

So fellow bloggers, and other's that come across this post. Let's be more understanding and inclusive on this day. Let's share the love we have for this lazy day. I leave you with the picture I found last Sunday, which sums up the day for me. Enjoy your coffee, and have a great day.

A+ Award

I think I am the luckiest blogger on the blogsphere this weekend because I received my second award. I received the award from: Mrs. Newlywed, who is my best blog friend. Mrs. Newlywed is the author of Misadventures of Mrs. Newlywed. I highly recommend that you add her to your blog rolls and read her posts. She is a very witty bride and I love her! Thanks Mrs. Newlywed.

Here are the rules of the A+ Blogger Award

1. You should pay it forward to 2 other blogger and let them know they won

2. You should give them a compliment

3. You should thank your giver

4. You should post your award for the world to see!

So, I am going to give this award to, Simply, me because this girl has talent. If you want proof check out her Etsy Shop. I love the wallets she makes! The second award goes to, EmilyPie, because I just love her photos. You also might get a kick out of what her dogs do to her pillows.

My first tag

I have been tagged for the first time ever. My tagger was the wonderful: Dugout Daisy. Thanks Daisy! The rules, 1. Link to the person who tagged you - done, go visit her wonderful blog 2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself. 3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. 4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Thanks DD, so here goes:

1. I was a gymnast for 14 years, and competed for 5 of those years. The last time I tried to do a handstand my arms slowly melted to the floor. It is really great that I didn't break my neck when I tried to do that.

2. I was a very big band nerd in high school. In fact, I was the head field commander for the band my senior year. This was the highlight of my time in high school. I led the band to the state band contest. In the 4 years I was in band we only went 2 times. I was proud to be the field commander that year.

3. I have never had cottage cheese. It looks and smells gross to me, and I can only imagine consistency. I will never try cottage cheese.

4. Well over half the rooms in my house are empty. My husband and I moved into our new house in April and we are not inclined to buy furniture until he gets a new car. We also do not want to settle on furniture we do not love.

5. I drink my coffee black. My husband loaded up with sugar and when he saw me drinking mine black he stopped because he didn't want me to have bigger coffee drinking balls.

6. I am afraid to be home alone. I have gotten full blown panic attacks being home alone, especially at night. I am aware that this is not okay and I am working through non-medicated forms of treatment for this issue. This fear is adult onset.

7. I am very dyslexic. It is something I work through everyday. I used to be ashamed about this but research has shown that people with dyslexia have high IQ's, so I am alright with it, and I will not let it hold me back.

Now for my tags....

1. LauReality
2. Cayman's Girl
3. Caffeinate Me
4. Adventures In Grad School
5. A Journey to Forever
6. Life Happens
7. As You Wish

A Prime Rib Girl

So my husband told me one day that while one of my cute friends was like steak, the other cute girl was like prime rib. Unfortunately, I completely understood what he was saying. The girl he was referring to had polish. It was more than just polish, it was a quiet air of education combined with manners. She was a Miss Porter's girl.

Miss Porter's is an all girls school in Farmington, Connecticut. This town is rich yet small. It is the type of place where everyone knows your name. After you follow a long winding road to the top of the hill you are on the 150 acre property owned by the school. The school consists of 9 buildings. Current tuition is over 35,000 per year.

As anyone would imagine, this school has a long list of distinguished alumni. As anyone can also imagine, the school graduates a fair share of average, yet rich girls. Yet, even the most average graduates carry a polish that makes them shine.

Well, since I am always about self-improvement. I want to learn this shine. Granted, I realize much of this air has been developed since the earliest age, but I have a long time to learn and now is a good of time as any to learn. I believe that manners at this level can make the trek through life easier. I believe that speaking properly and at the proper level is something that is ignored at an alarming rate in our country. I also want to be that prime rib girl.

Are you prime rib, steak, or hamburger, let the choice be yours. I will be looking for tips and tricks to share along the way...I hope you will continue to read my blog and comment.

My scarf

So the weather is getting chilly, at least out east, and I have a new scarf this year. Seriously, my mom would vomit if she knew this, but my new scarf is really just a piece of long piece of Lycra that isn't even stitched on the bottom. I purchased it for 20 dollars at the Gap. It looks like the one in the picture. Cute huh? In any case, the scarf is really soft and the blue matches anything I wear. Needless to say, I have worn the scarf everyday since I purchased it, except today.

Sans scarf today - I felt odd. This made me think, what is it about that darn scarf, for that matter what is it about scarfs period? I am a scarf lover.

I put my finger on it. Scarfs make me feel warm and cuddly, despite being in uncomfortable work clothes. They feel like a security blankets in some type of odd way. A scarf is worn against that tender place around my neck. It maintains that sweet smell of my perfume, reminding me of a new day. Our office, like most, is quite chilly. My scarf makes me warm, and I feel like being warm transfers to the inside.

Sorry Mom, I know I can get a piece of Lycra in the scrap bin at JoAnn's but I am going to get another scarf. This time I am going to get the Product Red version. Perhaps that new scarf can make it to my blog too!

About self-hatred...

I am convinced that I like long drawn out torture, because I cannot stop reading and looking at all the pretty pictures on this Cupcake Blog. The cupcakes are works of art. They look so totally amazing. I cannot stop salivating as I am writing this, so I am going to be short. If you are like me you will add this blog to your roll. Please don't send me any hate mail for sharing.

I am a total rock star...

and here is how I know...

1. I am always on a diet. All rock stars are on diets. At least all female rock stars are on diets. Since I am a woman other females are my point of reference. Yes, I know, you probably read in People that Ashley Simpson eats whatever she wants, and doesn't want to be one of those girls who is constantly counting calories. But, what I have learned in my 29 years of living is that if it is too good to be true, it probably is not true. I mean, how many magazines would People really sell if they told everyone that in order to be super thin you need to go around eating carrots and counting calories? No one wants to read that stuff. Magazines allow us to enter the fantasy world of having your cake and eating it too, and I mean this literally. Fortunately, I know better, so I continue to diet, because I am a rock star.

2. I am kind of self-absorbed. Okay, I said it. This is the best kept secret of the "personal" bloggers. I mean, not that anyone would ever blame me for being kind of inward. I maintain two blogs where I write about different topics that interest me. Yes, it is all about me. This is why I can totally relate to Paris, Nicole, and my friend Loho. I meant acting is all about self expression. The key word there is "self". I can totally relate. I mean, I express myself everyday on my blog. This is because I am a rock star.

3. I lead a very demanding schedule. I am required to make an appearance at work everyday. After all, the people want me there. And I have to work out. Refer to #1 about always being on a diet. It is hard to squeeze that into my busy life. My husband wants me around too. My mom always wants my time as well. I can't forget to mention all my friends who are my biggest fans. While I am at work, my entire day is scheduled out as well. I mean I have to go to meetings, and meet with important people, and those people tell me what to do and how to do it. I guess it is because I am a rock star.

Are you a rock star? Give me a shout if you are and let me know the ways you rock!

Lots of love. XOXO

It's Sunday

Today is Sunday blog day. There is nothing I can imagine that is anymore soothing to the soul than enjoying a cup of coffee, while catching up on this weeks blog posts and writing my own thoughts for all my regular readers to see.

I feel like this past week was pretty exhausting. I am looking to take some time this coming week to pass by those energy drainers. I am sure we all have them (the complaining co-worker, or the friend that takes our emotional juice). To top it all of we have the tasks we hate to do. For me it is any type of reporting or following up. I hate following up. I cannot every say that enough. Do you know how much business time would be saved if people just did what they said they would, by the date they promised? I would like to hope this hatred for following up makes me a better worker, because I hate to be followed up with almost as much as I hate to follow up, therefore, I get my stuff done.

Anyways, lets not talk about work on Sunday, because it is not Monday yet, and why think about it before it actually comes around - because god willing - it will.

Therefore I will focus on the current day...Sunday. So here it is folks, 3 reasons to be happy it is Sunday.

1. Coffee and Blogs
2. Football loving husbands are entertained - which means you can go shopping and bring all the bags in and he will nod in approval so he doesn't miss a play.
3. Great bunch with a short wait during the church sweet-spot (only for sinners, such as myself)

Have a good one...happy Sunday.

Girls Night In...

So the mood has passed. I am all smiles now. After spending the majority of the day relaxing, I am out of the funk. The best part is that I am having a girl's night in at my friend Pam's. Shannon is coming over tonight too. The husband is all smiles too. He is super happy because he gets to "empty the TIVO" I think he will probably also end up eating only meat for dinner, since he is naturally thin and has the ability to hate veggies. I am not bitter about the veggie thing at all. I would much rather eat veggies than gummy bears. Really...I swear--wink, wink.

So for girls night, we are going to make pizzas. Pam has 2 boys, which at the time was not as cool as it is now (she was 19). Shannon and I need all of Pam's advice and help. Pam has also reminded us that she will able to retire that much sooner than those of us who waited...thanks Pam. In the meantime, the two people I know in this world who enjoy gummy bears as much as I do will be stuffed full of them - sorry Pam.

Anyways drop me a line while I am having some girl time!

I did everything wrong...

So I am not sure if I have discussed the fact that I am running a 1/2 marathon on October 19 on my blog yet. Well I am. I also happen to be a bit OCD about my training for the 1/2. It is not that I am timing myself and looking for constantly perfect runs. It is just that I have my routines and things that I feel like I must do in order to complete my long runs. Today was a long run day. Normally, I get up early 7:00 am, and I eat the same breakfast and I head out for my run. Today I slept in - mistake number 1, I wore a different outfit - mistake number 2, and I had a bad attitude - mistake number 3. For me running is about the mental games you play to get your through what you have to do to succeed. I lost this game today.

I hate to continue to be a downer but all in all I am feeling like I have the blues. I am supposed to go over to my friends house to spend the night tonight, and I do not feel like it at all. I am considering canceling. Now that I failed for this weeks long run, I am stressing about the fact that the weekend before the 1/2 marathon I am going out of town for a friends b-party.

I feel like spending the day on the couch watching TV. I also sort of believe that when my body is giving me these mental signals I should listen. I might just be alone today and do my own thing and see what tomorrow brings me...

What do bloggers look like?

Has anyone else wondered what the typical blogger girl looks like? I have. I guess I picture an anthropologie girl - down to earth, and edgy, yet expensive. I imagine a nice hair cut that is slightly messy. The girl for sure has a cool car like a VW, or maybe she just bikes. I am sure she lives in a big city. If it isn't a big city it is definitely someplace like Portland or Seattle, perhaps Chicago, or somewhere in Maine.

I for sure do not fit in the mold I just described. I guess I just imagine what I am not. I have realized however, that a blogger can be anything. A blogger can be anyone who lives anywhere.

I am going to work on putting together a piece on the face of bloggers. If you read my blog and you want to be part of my project then send me a picture and I will post it along with a link back to your blog.

In the meantime keep blogging and remember when you wonder about other bloggers to look in the mirror! I am going to try!

I exposed myself to my husband

I did it. My husband saw my blog. So I was keeping my blog private from him. I was keeping it private because I didn't want him to judge me or laugh at me.

You would think that after being with someone for 4 years, getting married, merging finances, and participating in all the things couples do together that I wouldn't be this way. But I am. I am afraid of judgment at the level that blogging allows. Blogging allows for thoughts deeper than what I would say or write publicly.

I think it was, Simply, Me (Wishcake), who did the blog entry about the difference between blogging and journaling.

I agree with her thoughts on the matter. I simply think blogging is a step further than I have ever gone. Perhaps this is why as a marketer and and social media specialist it still took me so long to get on board.

Honestly, I know I said this is a previous post, but it is a great thing I have found here so far. I feel like I am part of a community and a niche where I belong. I find other bloggers to be honest. Most are very open to meeting other bloggers. Mostly, all of us have the common thread of the word.

Fun and Not so Fun...

I am pretty pissed off. I went out today and played a game. A game with a group of people who were all out to have fun and one person was so competitive that they sat there and made fun of others. I hate people like this. I consider myself to be competitive and I like to win, but I 100% know where to draw the line. I think this is such a douche bag thing to do and I don't want to be around douche bags.

Soul-Mates and Mama's Boys

What names do you go by? Sarah, On the blogs: (MarketingGurl, MarketingGirl, DietandFitChick)

Four things you are wearing right now? Old Navy PJ Pants with blue and yellow flowers and a YouTube T-shirt Google sent me!

Do you believe that everyone has a soul-mate? I am defining "has" in this question as knows or has met or will meet.

No, only because when I was in 12th grade, my mom met a clairvoyant at a Quilt Art Show who offered to trade services, my mother gave the reading to me and gave the woman an wall hanging. In any case, the woman told me that I would never meet my soul-mate, and I find that to be true. Granted I am in complete and total love with my husband and I believe he loves me, but I don't think deep down at the soul level we believe the same thing and have the same faith. I also think that everyone I meet in my life at that soul level has differences. I have had very close friends, very intense relationships, but soul mates know. I know as of now I have not met my soul-mate, and my faith tells me to believe the clairvoyant. Therefore I do not believe everyone has a soul-mate.

What's your current problem? Keeping my big mouth shut

Have you ever had your heart broken? Yes, and it hurts at the core. Especially when it is a co-dependent toxic relationship like the one I was in prior to meeting my husband. For me, I was in college, and I did not date in high school so I was fairly emotionally naive and immature. I idealized the one I was with and gave him everything I had emotionally. To be fair I was very intensely smothering which I can see know, but even so this guy did the unimaginable and accused me of cheating. I remember not being able to breathe. For those of you who have ever been accused of something - anything - you feel guilty and uncomfortable moving, despite the fact that the accusation is false. It sucks. Needless to say this relationship ended. It ended several times, and good came out of the end. I lost 15 pounds and understood the meaning of a mama's boy. Never ever, date a mama's boy. Perhaps my experiences there will be the top of a future blog update.

Iphone Cupcakes Win Competition

These cupcakes won the National Cupcake Decorating Championship: from LaughingSquid.com

Calling all designers...

So I have been so inspired by all the blogs that I am reading that I know I want a new look and feel to by blog. Something to make it pop, and inspire readers. I want to give my blog a personality and look and feel that is consistent. I guess this is the marketer in me. Does anyone recommend a designer? I have seen links and badges from different designers out there and I am considering approaching someone. I am of course willing to pay for this design and negotiate a fee, because I know things that I am good at and I am willing to accept my weaknesses. I first would like to see if there are designers who find me? If you do think you are up for the challenge, please leave me a comment or contact me at marketinggurl@gmail.com

Time to go to work but would rather be on the blogs all day...

Okay so I have been blogging on this blog for almost a week. A couple days. And I am loving it. I am meeting so many wonderful bloggers and sometimes I feel like I am reading my thoughts on their blog. Does anyone else have this happen? Crazy. Well, let me tell you...if I knew this would be so much fun I would have started a long time ago. I have seen other bloggers get mad, call people douche bags, run 1/2 marathons, steal, lose someone, be stalked, and much more daily fun. I really encourage anyone out there who has considered starting a personal blog to go for it. In the end you will read blogs from funny people, meet a good crowd, and get your thoughts out there in a meaningful (sometimes not) way.

Dear Flats,

I love you so much. I am so glad you forced your way in to my closet and pushed out those pointy heals. I know you don't get along well with the longer pants in my closet because they cover you up and blame you for the extra dirt. Don't worry about those pants because enable me to walk further and enjoy some breathing room in the toe area. I give you credit for all you have done. I am going to make friends with your friends and look for your characteristics in others. As far as those pants, do not worry about them. What goes around comes around and I will cut them and make sure they show off your good qualities.

Scary Story

Okay girls, so I scare myself to death when I am home alone. Not sure why. Yes I know I am 29 and I live in a safe area, but you must read Preppy Pearl's blog. SERIOUSLY. She just in all her words described the scariest stalker story ever. And...to top it off she has 4 roomies. Anyhoo. I am super glad she is okay. I also hope the 911 operator gets fired, because I am appalled at how she was treated! Despite all this she had a great post and good wedding stories to follow.

More of the Monday

So it is...Monday is over...what did I do for my Monday Fun? I went to go see the little kid I used to babysit play soccer. It was great. He was the star and kicked 4 of the 5 goals. He is 14 and not so little. In fact he is taller than my husband. I am sure my husband doesn't love this because he is all about competition. In fact he told me today over dinner how much he likes to win. This came up as I encouraged him to enter a programming contest. He started grinning just thinking that he might win. See he is like that...he grins when he is happy. It is cute. One of the things I love about him. He shows his emotions on his face. Gosh if he ever read this I would be in trouble. I don't like to give him too much credit.

As far as other items, since I guess I named my blog "Diet and Fit Chick" I should discuss how that is going. Well, it isn't. I ate mini-corn dogs and chips and cheese today and I didn't work out. It is hard. I can't always have my game on. The plan is a for sure hard workout tomorrow. Cardio and lifting. Other than dinner I ate very well today.

Well, loyal readers and those just surfing by...I better call it a night...so long...and tomorrow is Tuesday. Happy day 2 of Fall!

Monday Ramblings

So it comes again...it always does. I think I might start a Monday Fun Day instead of a Sunday Fun Day because I can't help but think that Monday needs a fun injection. I am watching the Today Show this fine morning and hearing all about this 700 dollar billion buyout. I probably could go on for pages here about how all the help is going to those who can't pay for their mortgage versus the people who pay monthly. We are the fortunate owners of 2 homes and we can't give away - we are trying. It isn't even like the smaller home we own is trashed or gross or anything. It is just a small condo that was well loved and outgrown.

Bar Night at Home

So it was a gorgeous day today and my hubby was in the mood to eat and drink. What girl says no to that? We went down our list of favorite restaurants with patios and settled on what we call bar night at home, meaning we pick out typical bar food and eat it on our patio outside. What was on the menu tonight? Shrimp, Olives, Bud Light Lime, Twisted Tea, Wings and Pizza Rolls. Good Times.

Gummy Candy Rules

The way to my heart is through anything Gummy. Right now I am eating Trolli Cherry Bombers with a Tangy Cherry Burst. They are so good. I was wondering where the whole bag went, and I found out even my husband was eating what he called a few! See they must be good...My husband was born with the ability to ignore deserts and sweets. This is why he is so skinny. When he digs in I know I found a good thing.

Blogs of Note

So I am really enjoying day one of this more personal blog vs my marketing blog. I am reading and finding new interesting blogs. I was looking at the www.blogger.com list of blogs of note and I found Clever Girl Goes Blog and Allergic Girl. These are two great blogs that you guys should read. I love Clever Girl because of her humor and discussions of her old man hubby. Allergic Girl just speaks to me, because I too am blessed with many allergies which make eating challenging. Not corn dogs though. I love corn dogs. The mini corn dogs at BW3 rule!

Dig the running skirt...

So I did it. I purchased I running skirt. Okay so I have never been a "outfit runner". You know one of those girls who wears the tank with the built in sports bra - some now come with extra padding - and the matching black tight pants. My running outfit of choice is the tight thin cotton t-shirt (my current favorite brand: Junk food) and some short or capris.

Anyhoo...I did the running skirt thing. I did wear it with my favorite tight thin tee, but needless to say I did it. I am in love. My large butt was not hanging out but I got the benefit of wearing tight shorts...great if you are like me and get thigh rubbing action...without my butt overexposed to any passerby.

Diet and Fit Chick Introduction

Okay so here goes the blog. This is the Diet and Fit Chick's first blog entry. Simply put I am a girl who loves eating healthy and working out. Okay I am not a saint or anything. Okay, I don't really love it. But it is something I try to do and I think about.