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!