Mirror, Mirror, on the Bathroom Wall

What started with me keeping track of my weight each week in the small right hand corner of my mirror, soon changed into something bigger. (Just for the record that 135 is/was a goal, it is not what I currently weigh.)


Soon, my bathroom mirrors became a place to write a message, nice or not, big or small, funny or sweet.

Like this one, which is a penis enlarger followed by a friend thanking me for a good friend.

Or the top park where you could get a boob job and a face lift all at the same time.

I forgot about the mirror because I saw it everyday. Anyone who visited my house for the first time usually had something to say about it. Sometimes it was a new note, other times conversations that started with "so... the mirror?" type question.

Well, alas, I after about 8 months, I have had to give it up. I had to clean it. I am in the process of a deep clean of the house, and well this was part of it. If I was going to scrub the fan vent and wipe off the light over the mirror, I also had to get the mirror itself.

Also, my mother warned me that I had to remove some message before any of my nieces and nephews visited again. Some of them are learning to read and not all messages were kid friendly.

The sad new, the mirror is now blank. Clean. Shinny. Empty.

The good new. My bathroom is so much brighter now! Also, I have a new blank canvas that needs to be filled. The marker is on the end of mirror. Next time you stop in please leave me a message!

Does anyone else have a mirror like this in their house? Or wall? Or window? Let me know with a comment below!

I take an international trip part 2 of ?

Now this just might look like an regular tiny water bottle to most.

For the most part it is, just a tiny little bottle of water.

For me, it was kindness.

As you know from Part 1 of this little adventure, I arrived at the airport very, very sleepy. I made it through all the people and machines I needed too. I arrived at my flight, waited to board and then had a very nice seat.

I stayed awake long enough to learn about flotation devices and exits and then I went into zone out/sleepy land.

It was not the most restful sleep I had but it made the hour and half flight go by quickly.

The problem with sleeping on the plane means you don't get to have snacks or drinks. Yes, Jet Blue still gives you both without charging you. Fantastic right? I sure thought so.

Well, I came out of my little sleepy time about the time they said we're going to be landing in a few minutes, please put your stuff up, put your chair up, and little table thing away.

One of the Air Flight Attendants, I don't know the politically correct term, welcomed me back. I smiled and said thank you. He also then asked me if I wanted anything to drink. I said yes, some water.

I was taken back first because, if you snooze your loose on a plane. That is the golden rule of flights. I was about to snooze and win!

Well, the landing stuff took over and my nice guy forgot about my water. No worries, I was still excited that he even offered. Most people wouldn't offer.

As I was walking off the plane and thanking everyone, he remembered he forgot the bottle of water. He said wait, hold on, move stuff in a cabinet around and handed me the above little bottle of water.

In other words, he just made my day. A nap and some water by a very nice guy? Oh yes.

It has been a while since I've taken a plane ride. It has either been the first time or the first time in a long time that I've flown Jet Blue. Well, because of the friendly staff and great plane, I know I'll be looking a little bit harder when I go shopping for a plane ticket.

Has anyone else have a flight story where you were blown away? If so leave a comment below!

Arguments Twins Have

Old picture but it works

Some people may or may not know, but I am actually part of a pair. I am technically twin two.

My sister and I are fraternal twins This means two eggs and two sperms chilling at the same time in the same place. If we were identical it would have been one egg, one sperm, that split. For the record it took me years to remember this information. Little kids care more about crayons then what kind of twin they are. I also added us into a new category which is natural. I say this because with all the invetro fertilization, they use more then one egg and sperms at the same time in hopes that something sticks. Sometimes when it sticks, more then one sticks and now twins. Twins by doctors not by chance or family history.

I was just talking to a co-worker about my sister. I was telling her about her natural ability when it comes to sports and music and just a lot of things in life. I don't have these skills.

When I played sports, I have to work at it, it takes me a while to get comfortable and build that knowledge of how everything works. When we played one season on a soccer team, I struggled, until probably about this season(4th season for the record), while she came on the filed and owned it the first day.

Sad to say, she hasn't played in a while, but when she did walk on the filed after a few years of not playing, she owned it to say the least. 

When we were in band together, she never practiced and could sight read like a boss. I struggled pretty much every time I put the instrument to my lips. Band was one of my many love hate relationships in life.

I was explaining this and told my co-worker about how I would blame her for taking things form me. And when I say things, usually abilities or genes, not jeans. Also, for the record she did take jeans from me too in high school.

I have bad eyes, lungs, knees, weird skin, and technically still two baby teeth. My sister has none of these ailments and had more teeth then she needed.

We have an on going argument to each other saying random things like you stole my teeth. You took the good joints. You took the good eyes. You took the curl out of my hair. Things like that.

It wasn't until this moment, this actual moment, that I realized how bizarre that is. Blaming someone for taking your teeth? Really? That and this is defiantly not a conversation that just siblings have. I mean, how could I blame my brother who's 2 years older then us for taking my teeth? I cannot with him, but with my twin? Apparently yes.

I was going to write more about my trip, but this whole realization of what kind of weird game of blaming someone for taking things threw me for a loop and had to share.

Are their any other twins out there that do the same thing? Is this just an us thing? Is this very weird for all you non-twin peoples? Leave a comment below and let me know!

I take an international trip part 1 of ?

So my friend V. and I keep trying to take a yearly trip. We went camping last year and took a cruise the year before that. This year, we're headed to Jamaica as you learned from the blog I booked a trip.

Now, we're on the adventure. The first part of my adventure started at 2am to drive to an international airport, which was 3 hours away.

Don't worry it was as exciting as you think it could be plus a little.

I packed the night before, and even was lucky enough to get a tiny little nap, followed by getting up, showering and hitting the road by 2:30am.

Now, it being me, something went kind of wrong.

The first thing, was I should have stopped for coffee before even getting on the road. I was waiting for a place about an hour down the road. That first hour was rough. Filled with random songs, hot and cold air and probably a tiny bit of swearving and face smacking.

I pull into the truck stop, get my coffee, which by the way sucked, some snacks, and headed back on the road.

I had brought some bottled water from home. I also had the bright idea to put the full bottle between my legs to unscrew the top. This genius idea I blame on lack of sleep. What happens when you're gently squeezing a bottle of water with your thighs and unscrew the top?

You guessed it. Water went all over my pants. Sa vice to say, I was woken up. Nothing makes you feel more alive then some nice cool water all in your lap. This isn't the first time I've gotten water all over my pants either. Remember the No, I did not pee my pants, post? It must just be my thing.

I'm driving on an interstate, luggage is in back back, I have no towels, no napkins, or at least not enough, and so I'm sitting there just feeling the water soak into my jeans.

I did what any reasonable person would do. Took my pants partway off in hopes of them not being on my body would dry them faster and turned on the seat warmers in hopes my underwear would dry out. Good thing the sun was still set that is for sure.

Fast forward an hour and half sleepy time later. Pants are still wet. Underwear is still wet. I'm about to arrive at an airport with wet pants.

Nope, not going to happen. I stopped at a rest area, changed pants, put my jeans in the check bag, and continued on my way.

So far, from there, everything is going well. Picked up form the parking lot with a shuttle. Check in was super smooth. Security scanned by body and stuff. Everyone is sleepy but nice.

Let's hope wet pants is all that happens for the traveling part of this trip.

Away Adventuring

Currently Adventuring. I shall return with stories shortly. Have a great weekend!

Rotten Potatoes

This is a lot less fun then hot potato.

I was getting ready to throw some potatoes, onions, carrots, and chicken in a roasting pan. I was pulling everything together when I moved the potatoes.

And there was a smell. And liquid. And fuzz.

This bag of potatoes was gross. The bag was smelly, and leaking juices on my counter top and then in the sink where I put them.

I stood there for a while trying to decide if I can use the potatoes not covered in fuzz. After washing one for about 3 minutes I gave up. I didn't think they should be eaten. If one was that bad, all the bad stuff had to have touched the other potatoes right?

I went to throw them in the trash, just to be gone with them. However, I do have a compost pile, this is my rotten mess, I should deal with it. I made it, I need to own it.

I put the potatoes in the compost container, I turned on the porch light and went to walk to the back of my yard, where I quickly turned around.

I think we have a raccoon in our back yard. Something keeps knocking over recycle bins. I was afraid they'd get me. So I saved adding these smelly gross things to the compost pile for another day.

The potatoes did spend the night outside for fear of the smell. If you've never had the pleasure to enjoy rotting potatoes, please, avoid it. It is really, really, really bad.

Anyone else had some fruit or veggies go astray only to try and use the later and find them less then usable? Leave a comment below!

Fit Bit Yes!

It Lives!!!!

At least for now. We'll see how it goes, but thus far it is doing well! Awesome!

Also in this week I've forgotten my gym bag at home. My work shoes for the restaurant at home. Forgot to bring lunch to work, and have yet to make it to work on time. This has been a rough week, but is soon to be over. Thank goodness!

I hope your Friday is going fantastic!

Updated Note* I was super excited to get to do a gym class for lunch, that all the hard work, fast feet, and air punching was NOT recorded. Once again, this little guy was on the wrong pair of pants.

Fit Bit, No!

At work they offered to let us have a routine health check. There they checked height, weight, and did some blood work. By participating in this they also gave us a pedometer. Which was the Fit Bit Zip. I couldn't use it for a long while because I needed a real computer, not my Chrome book, to get everything working.

Well, when I got my new computer about a month ago, I was able to also plug and play with my Zip. 

It really is an eye opener, just how little walking I do in my day. Sitting at a computer really doesn't give you time to walk around and get in that many steps. Most of the time, if I want to reach my daily goal of 10,000 steps I have to walk during lunch just to make it possible. Kind of sad and crazy right?

When I waitress though, it is a different story, I always meet my limit and then a whole bunch more, which is not surprising but still, very informative.

With the Fit Bit Zip you have an account on line and it keeps track of everything, it is really kind of cool. 

You could go as crazy as food you eat, to hours you sleep an water drank, but right now I'm just paying attention to calories burned, distance covered and steps walked. 

I've been using this little guy pretty much daily for the last month, that was.. until today.

As you can tell my the picture above something went wrong. 

Flirty Girl

Photo by  supakitmod, from freedigitalphotos.net

So I thought I wouldn't have a post for today. I was wrong.

After a random lunch date with New Dude I headed back to work.

The day quickly went by and I soon found myself at the gym. No New Dude, now second job it was gym time for me.

I changed and headed into the classroom.

It was lit by random par cans and rope lights. They were doing the cuipd shuffel. Which, to be fair I can do. It was the warm up. I was in Flirty Girl.

It was a dance class made by women for women according to the class discription.

We soon started. It was a really good format. The first part of a song you break down the moves and what you're about to do slowly. The second part of the song things speed up.

Break.

Water.

Fix the shoes that are being weird.

This part of the class was taking what we learned the first time and just doing it fast the whole time.

Results.

I am a robot with just a little bit of oil. Man, do I sucks at this dance thing. I am rigid. Not sexy, not flirty, I don't think I do the bumping thing very well. I cannot figure out how to turn around. I was getting dizzy. If I put my hands into motion my feet got off. I had to laugh and give up a few times wait a few beats to try and get caught up.

There were a few times I was the complete opposite of everyone.

But, I liked it and the next time I have a Friday off, I shall go back. I fail around and make a fool of my self.

I've done zumba, but they move way too fast for me to undestand it. I'd go to silver sneakers to have the break down but they only have those classes while I'm at work.

Oh well.

So get out there and get your flit on!

Gallup Pole

Image courtesy of samuiblue at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At work I have taken a Gallup Pole. I took a test of 177 question pairs that was like would you prefer to hang out with friends or go read a book. Lots and lots of questions. After some technical difficulties I received my strengths. This test has 34 categories or strength and they focus on the top 5. I would really like to know what the 10 are though.

Anyway, my top are strengths Positivity, Includer, Woo(Win Other Over), Analytical, and Strategic.

Awesome.

We had a little discussion about other people's how they work, what they do. It was really cool and very interesting. I met new co-workers. Well, they weren't new as much as I don't think I've actually interacted with them before. I agreed the descriptions of some of the people I did kind of know matched.

Over, all it was a really good little exercise. Until it came to how does this information help you and give you insight into my career.

I told them I don't know. So far this piece of paper says I am a talker/people person/thinker. Alright it all describes me pretty well. Now what? Like the position I am in, I talk to co-workers, I run jobs, and that's it? I feel like it nice to know how my brain is wired, that very awesome. Now what? What can I do with this information? Can they tell me what other jobs use my type of skill set the best? Is there a way I can start to talk to more people?


We'll I told our human resource department that put it on those things exactly. They said a lot of people told them the same thing so they are going to try and find that answer.

I also sent an e-mail to the lady that was directing this class thing as well to see if she can give any insights.

As of right now I was thinking that maybe I might have to switch to a party/even planner? I get everyone involved, I can talk to people, and I like making lists and getting things done. Random job jumping and stabbing in the dark and grasping at nothing.

My favorite part of the e-mail I sent to the person was when I described the information that I was given, was like being handed a map with no key or road names. It is nice and could be useful, but for the most part does me no good.

I'll keep you posted. In the mean time if anyone knows what a Positivity, Includer, Woo(Win Other Over), Analytical, and Strategic person should do as a career or how to apply PLEASE leave me a comment.

Have a fantastic day!

I did it again.....

I did it again.

I was faced with the choice I try really hard to avoid on pretty much a weekly bases.

I had packed my gym bag with all my soccer stuff. Socks, shoes, shorts, shirt, sports bra, knee braces. I remembered the flip flops too.

Have you ever tried to drive with cleats on? It's hard and weird.

I had the water, the snacks, the inhaler, the soccer ball and gloves. I had it all. I brought running shoes just in case something happened.

I wanted to change at work verses trying to change in my car for wherever I was going on this beautiful day.

I grab my things and head inside to change.

And then I realize it.

Those running shoes, those cleats, those flip flops.

They were still in my car.

Fail.

So I finished changing the the question is, wear heels with all my work out clothes glory? Or do I go barefoot to the car?

This time, I went barefoot. Clean new parking lot, nice warm day. It was alright. Next time I guess I'll have to wear the heels.

Wearing high heels with gym clothes is like wearing anything else then flip flops with a bathing suit. It is just weird. I don't care what the Beauty pageants tell us, heels and swim suits are weird. 

Has anyone else had this issue? If so let me know what you chose to do!

Zombies! Run!

So this past weekend I went and did a Zombie Run race. It was a 5k, put on by the local community jail, and it was for the Special Olympics.

I wanted to get into the mood so I decided to make a shirt. I don't normally make shirts,  but I thought this one was needed. Plus shirt and whit puff pain, less than $5!

Anyway, I was smiling because this was before the race. I was all excited and ready to face the forces of the undead.

Getting lined up for the random waves to go through, well, it was a little nerve wracking. I had sprinted to get caught up with a friend before the race and was out of breath. Not good. However, I think it was just the whole body getting in the mood. I hope?



People avoiding zombie

Anyway, we start through a big park. Right next to a tree line. Everyone looking around for the undead. Like a pack of fish knowing their going towards hungry sharks.

We went a ways before we saw our first zombie. They were in the middle of a big ditch that we were suppose to run through with huge steeping  hills on both sides. Yeah, it was a rush. Trying to crawl up a steep hill to get away. The zombie wasn't even after met yet, I just didn't want to be a target.

By the time our breath was back from that we turned a corner and headed down a nice little path through the woods.

Yeah, we kept running, and then a zombie would be in the middle or on the sides and the people would part around the zombie or dart away like schools of fish.
 More running, more random zombies.

Then some tires as a first obstacles. I didn't know it was an obstacles course.

And then a hoard of zombies just on the other side.

I died. I did. They took all my life flags in that first part. I ducked, I dodged, but I didn't do it smart. I didn't want for more people to be in there so they'd be grabbing at more than one target.

Also, if you look at the picture I took, feel free to scroll back up, I proudly displayed my life on the front of me. I should have had them all in the back more hidden and hard to grab a hold too.

Fail. I died. I did not survive.

But I still have a run to get through.

I learn to spell Alternator

I was suppose to go play soccer Wednesday night. I even had funny post that other people like. It said "Headed to Location, people should join me because my imaginary friends are horrible at passing the ball." 

I laughed other people laughed and then I couldn't get my car to start. All the juice had flown out of my battery. I had just had this problem on Saturday. We had skipped jumping the car and headed to Auto Zone. They charged it for us and I thought that was it. Random fluke. 

The saddest part about this fluke is that it killed my radio. Newer cars apparently have a code you have to put in the radio once it is disconnected from the battery so that people cannot steal it. Well the code we had in the book was wrong. I went around for 3 days in silence. Which, by the way, is not how I enjoy riding in the car. Too much silence makes my mind wander.

While talking to the issues at hand I called in to report the parents of life's newest challenge. They informed me there might be a card of another auto dealership that had to do something with the radio. I was like okay I'll call them and ask tomorrow. However, when I found this card it had a code on it. The code worked! So now I have music or NPR again.

Anyway, back to the story.

Monday went by, no problem, minus no radio.

Tuesday went by, no problem, minus no radio.

Wednesday afternoon when New Dude is out of town, I walk out of my car and it's dead. I have to wander back into the building and find someone to help jump my car. I found someone and they were able to jump my car.

Also, I learned that if you want people to help you with car issues, don't just stand around your car. pop your hood and immediately people will come ask if they can help. Awesome tip.

The next New Dude will be out of town and I had to work both jobs so I had to skip soccer and go sort this mess out. I go back to Auto Zone and they test the battery, it's fine, and the Alternator and it's not good. Awesome.

I was trying to put on my big girl pants and wanting to deal with this mess by myself. I even told New Dude, I've been dealing with these type of issues before you and I can handle this. However, apparently I wasn't denying his help enough, so he hopped into the car and headed back to come  help me with my car.

 I ate some cereal and waited for a little while before packing up some tools and heading over to Auto Zone. There I bought the parts and waited.

New Dude arrived and we started to take out the Alternator. It probably took us, and by us, I mean mostly New Dude, about an hour an half. We had just enough time to return the core and the loaner tool.

I did get to put in a bolt or two, and I was a very good flash light holder.

This is now the 4th Alternator that has been put in for a car I've owned. I've owned 5 cars.

Maybe when I get a new one I should just buy a spare one and keep it in the truck just because? 

Does anyone else have luck like this? If so let me know below!

Alright we'll start the bidding at $5!

Image courtesy of Keerati / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sometimes when I reflect on how my day went, I have those, "How does it happen to me type?" type of day. Well, I kind of had one of those. Not in a bad way, just one of those very random type ways.

Last weekend I went to spend time with my sister and her little baby. We talked, chatted, ran an errand or two until it was dinner time. For dinner we went to their local fire station to enjoy some spaghetti. It wasn't amazing by any means, but all the proceeds went towards equipment and training. These fire fighters are all volunteer and do have a budget, but extra money always helps right?

After the dinner they had some kids playing so music. They were on one of those tv shows, like Americans Got Talent or the X Factor or something. I don't know and it doesn't matter. It was some siblings with the oldest looking about 16 and the youngest about 8. They were good, it was kind of country, kind of blue grass, kind of something that involves a stand up base, madlin, and guitiars.

While standing around taking in a random old school firetruck in a bubble, the random assortment of people, and the little kids dancing like crazy in front of the stage. I was jealous of their lack of selfconcioushiness. If kids aren't shy then they just go all out wherever they happen to be. It is a trait I wish hadn't been pushed down and away as an adult.

Anyway, my sister's neighbor, how had help orgainze this event, came up to us and was like hey, can one of you help auction off some cakes and baked goods? My sister and her husband ofcourse volunterred me. I was like, are you serious? Do you really need someone? She said yes. I again tried to get out of it by asking if she'd asked anyone else. She was like we've asked like 5 other people and they all said no and you don't know anyone here so it would be fine.

I do talk fast and I've never tired to auction off anything before, so sure, why not? She let me know when I needed to come do this thing.

The kids on stage played a few more songs as my nerves started to get a little bit more jumbled up.

My brother-in-law asked if I needed to practice. I was like nope I'm good, I'll just wing it. Which the last time I just winged it, it was at their wedding and that speech.. well the guests liked it and there was some laughing. Which normally don't happen at wedding.. so yeah, not the best idea.

The kids announced it was their last song and I was given the wave to come over. I put my phone on silent and went over to find out how we'd do this. She's have the cart below, she'd tell me what kind of cake it was, we'd try to start the bidding at $5 and go up from there.

I get on stage and go to the microphone which would suit me best, which the littlest of the kids had used, however the sound is off. So I get to play Goldie Locks with a few microphones until I find the one that still had sound.

So the first cake is handed up and I describe it as a delisoush cake that is delisoush.

Yeah, I was nervous from there. The good news, I didn't repeat the same discriptive word after that.

However, I did get lost on what cake we had and what the last number to be bid was. Also, one couple was in the corner of my eye and I missed seeing them bid like twice. Oops. But people were cool about it, helped me out and I made it through.

The most excitement went to two guys who paid $45 each for some coconut cream pies. I sure hope they were good. 

So yes, I can now add auctioneer to my random list of random things I've done and never thought I would.

As so everyone can be amused, my sister was kind enough to send me the short video she took of the event. I haven't seen it yet, and don't plan too, but enjoy.

Has anyone else had something like this happen to them? If so leave a comment below.

Floating down a river.

This past weekend I took a time out. I went for a float down a river with New Dude, my brother and his brother.

It was a stressful morning because I NEEDED to run before we went and sat for a few hours. I hadn't been able to run in about 3-4 days so my bitchiness was coming out. So we got up early, went for a run and then had a mad dash of about 30 minutes to get 3 people through the showers, all the towels, drinks and whatever else we needed gathered and out the door. We had to stop to grab some food which, apparently 9:00 is a busy time for fast food places on weekend.

We were running behind, which was stressing me out a little because the way the talked about the reservations we HAD to be there at a certain time or bad things would happened. Also getting 4 people to one place at one time, was a lot harder that I had thought. I still keep forgetting this fact.

As a whole we were a little late but it was okay. About 20 minutes after we were there, we had a map, a dry bag, our snacks and drinks, and were floating down a river.

We went about 6 miles and it took us about 4-5 hours. At one point we were all very nervous that the trip was going to be ending very soon. Only to worry about an hour later that it would never end and that we were lost and never getting home.

The day itself was amazing. The water was calm, the sun was shining, the clouds were fluffy and all different kinds of shapes. There was a slight breeze that took care any little bugs.

We had nice supply of snacks and drinks, no cell phones, and mostly just good company.

While stopping for lunch we found a deer skull, trash and a trolling motor. We kept the skull.

We end up with some stories, like how my brother and New Dude's brother ended up flipping their canoe. It was due to over confidence,  my brother freezing when thing started to go wrong, and it was all done in SLOW motion. Quite funny. New Dude were able to watch and then help them out and flipped their canoe. There was a moment or two when New Dude and I almost flipped our canoe as well.

 

What I really enjoyed was, after getting there, was to sit back, relax, enjoy nature and just get outside with the people you love. Was it a super riveting adventure? Eh, when we almost flipped, but mostly it was just enjoying the day. Really, just sitting on a river, hearing both animals and trains, and enjoying the day. Being there, in the moment.

 

I also learned that floating in a canoe is a great way to learn how your communications skills are with your special someone else. New Dude and I did well, but I was having word issues. I also learned that I like to float down a river more straight then cutting back and forth to correct the direction we were going. I think New Dude was more just let us just float and see what happens.

 

For anyone else still new in a relationship, or even old, I'd suggest a canoe trip to see how it goes. See if you're on the same page and if not can you figure out a middle ground? I'd say sort of. I was up front of the canoe but I didn't really do much to move the canoe. If New Dude didn't paddle, then we didn't move. I don't know if it is the different in weight or my poor paddling skills. Either way, we'll just have to do it again to find out.

 

 

Another weekend has arrived. What are you going to do to make an adventure? If you cannot make an adventure are you going to at least get out there to enjoy the day or the moment? Are you going to really be there or just take pictures/snapchats/picture texts about it?

Red Jacket

 

My sister came and visited this weekend with her little bundle of joy.

 

She forgot to bring an article of clothing home with her. Which considering all the thing a baby has, isn't too bad.

 

 

 

New Dude tried on the jacket... but it wasn't quite fitting.

 

The funny thing about the jacket is that it first the bear, his name is Fuzzy, everywhere but his arms.

 

So currently her baby is the size of a bear. No wonder I think she is getting cutter.

 

I'm getting excited for winter.. I have outfits to buy and babies to be torment.. I mean show my love.

 





 Happy random Tuesday.

Long Hair

We all know that I have long hair. We also agree that is brown, curly and that I kind of love it. I even wrote a whole post about it called: Curly is Best.

New Dude likes me hair. He likes long hair, and I've even held off cutting it to donate it, just to make sure when I do that it will still have lots of length to it.

Now as a female with long hair there are a few things that you come to accept.

You'll go through more conidition, shampoo, and hair styling prodcuts then those with short hair.

That fleace, even though it is super soft and great for the winter, will be nothing but a magnet for catching your hair.

Dust bunnies are your fault. They won't get nearly as large without the help of lost hair.

Working around food always requires it to be tied back.

The fantom hair which feels like a spider web but it isn't trapped somewhere on your person happens every once in a while.

It will even get caught in your clothes for a feeling you cannot get rid of, like in your bar, a pair of pants, shirt, or even underware.

Guys don't know about this. Or at least they don't know about the full extent of how hair can just creep into everything and anything.

New Dude has experinced the random pulling along strain of hair out of his zipper before. Hey, stop getting weird on me, it happens when you do laundry together.

The newest and best experience he has thus far happened on Tuesday.

He was sitting with his brother, talking, enjoying life when there was this weird tickeling sensation going on in his boot. It felt like a piece of grass was in his boot.

He sat there and took off his boot, took off his sock to find my HAIR and not a blade of grass. My hair inside of HIS sock wrapped around his toes. How in the world did it get there no idea. How long had it been there, probably all day. Why did it just now start to feel weird? No idea.

These brown locks might be pretty, soft, and fluffy, but beware, the hair will get everywhere!

Do you have any random places hair has ended up and you had no idea? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Lone Flip Flop

Lone Flip Flop

A few weeks ago I told you about my trip with New Dude to our Hunt Club Weekend.

Well, when I got back I was unpacking all of my bags and I ended up with a flip flop. Just one flip flop.

I left is sitting in the kitchen floor, where most my shoes end up, for about week. I figured by this point, all the bags had been unpacked, all the suitcase put away, all the laundry had been completed and still no flip flop.

So, while straightening up some other things in the kitchen I decided it was time to cut my losses of my Old Navy flip flop and toss it away. 

So I did.

About a week later New Dude and I were going somewhere and I was driving my car. He was reaching down to adjust the seat, when he pulls out a lone flip flop.

He was like hey, did you know this was here? I laughed at the irony and said no. I also informed him how I had just tossed it's mate a few days prior.

Well maybe they can be together at the garbage pile?

Lesson learned, check your bags AND car before you cut your losses for shoes, even if it is just a pair of flip flops.

Anyone else have a story like this? If so leave a comment below! Thanks and have a great day!

Sandy River Retreat

A few weekends ago, New Dude and I went and did something that he and I had never done. We went to do a zip line/high ropes course at Sandy River Retreat.

This was yet another Groupon adventure for two. I saw it, bought it and held onto it until we could figure out when to go. We picked out date and went on-line to sign up. I would recommend this because they were completely full when I went. Nothing would bum me out more then driving all the way out there and not getting to go play in the trees.

So that morning I got up and went for a run with a friend and other random people. New Dude was coming off of night shift and being up for WAY more hours then a person should be so I let him sleep as much as we could. By about 8:30am I started to get him up and moving. We were out the door by about 9:15 and headed up the road.

Sandy River retreat is a little less then two hours from where we live so we opted for the 11:30am time. They had a 9:30am and a 2:30pm as well. 9:30am was too early for us and 2:30pm I felt would take up more of my day then I would appreciate since it was going to be a there and back trip.

I feel asleep on the way up the road and woke to us turning around. We had missed the turn. We also did that like two more times on the way to the park. However, we still arrived on time.

Once we were on the right road/driveway on our way in we passed some of their very cute cabins and make our way to the parking lot. There we got out, checked in, signed some wavers, went to the bathroom, and waiting to get suited up with our harnesses.

All harnessed up and ready to go.

New Dude showing how harnesses can look good.

We were behind a family that seemed to range from about 7 year old to a grandma and grandpa and everyone in between. We missed the first group and their little introduction and so waited for the next group, and this family, to go through it.

I'll be honest, the staff was great at helping and explaining everything, but this family was kind of stressing me out. They weren't really listening and kept playing with things before they should. They kept asking the same questions over because they were not paying attention. I told New Dude if we got stuck behind them in the ropes course I was going to have some issues because they were causing me to stress out a little.

However, that was not the case. Yes, we started our first little adventure up the ramp with them but quickly were able to go to the green course while they went to the yellow. I was extremely happy about that.

From the first little demo, a short walk down a path to the actual canopy and zip lines and ropes course we were transported into Never Never Land. Okay, I don't think Disney would approve of that name, but it was awesome.

You looked in the tree tops and saw all these different courses, paths and obstacles. If Peter Pan's Lost Boys ever had a place to go play, this would have been it.

Look of concentration.

Each obstacle was challenging and exciting. It has been confirmed that I must not be afraid of heights. However, still being 15-20 feet above the ground, looking down so you can place your feet correctly freaks you out a little.

There were several obstacles that still had me psyching myself up to start my journey across the challenge.

One of the best parts is that you are tied in the entire time you are up there. They have a safety system that can be a challenge at first to be able to lock and unlock yourself but by the end of the time you feel like a pro. So even if you eat it, like New Dude did twice, then you're got getting anything really hurt or bruised besides your ego. My fear of falling was so great I did not eat it.

Safety system clips

This was such a cool experience because it takes mental and physical strength to pass these course. Now, you don't have to be an avid super athletic person to do this by any means, but balance, strength to hold your own weight, and some hand eye coordination will go a long ways in helping.

As active as I am, New Dude and I still felt it the next day with a little bit of soreness and fatigue here and there. It was awesome.

We were playing around in the trees for about 3 hours and only really saw the family that was stressing me out across the way. I think it might have been about a group of 20-30 people, but we never had to really wait on anyone or had anyone waiting on us. Everyone was spaced out enough that you could take your time on the obstacles and feel no pressure. New Dude said it was one of the coolest things that we've done thus far. I would have to agree.

After this little adventure we were stupid hungry. Wanting to discover the area a little more we headed into the little town of Farmville. It was a cute little town with people out an about on that beautiful Saturday.

We went to a local bakery called, The Bakery, and had some soda in bottles, with chips and sandwiches. Everything was really good, they had all kinds of beer and wine for sale and it was a cozy little place. I would probably eat there again.

After a great afternoon and some food now in our systems it was back on the road to head home. New Dude was able to pass out this time while I drove in the wrong direction for 20 minutes and then figure it out and went home.

This was a great adventure for anyone not afraid of heights. It was fun, challenging, and great for learning about yourself and other people. New Dude and I didn't finish the whole course so will be going back for sure. Below are some pictures and a few videos. Enjoy!

 Here is their website for more information that you MUST go check them out! http://www.sandyriverretreat.com/Pages/TheAdventurePark.aspx

Continue reading to see more pictures and some tiny little videos!

Craft Time with New Dude

 

 

This weekend there were a lot of random blog worthy events going on. From my unidentified rash-thing to new hardwood floors being put in. However, since my weekend was non-stop and my new computer isn't here yet, I'm going to go with this post.

 
I went to work on Sunday morning and came home around 5:50pm. Having a free night I asked New Dude what he wanted to do.

He said we hadn't done anything childish in a while, like the fort or Nerf guns or maybe it was the burning movie theater popcorn on  the back porch. Either way he wanted something younger, fun, and easy.

 

He first suggested to make home-made stuffed animals since I love mine so much, why not make one? However, I was not in the mood to deal with a sewing machine. So after a lot of attempting to head out the door and being held back by New Dude, we went to Wally World to see what we had.

After about an hour or aimlessly wandering around the craft and toy isle we went with a bag of pipe cleaners with googlely eyes and pom poms.

 

We got back home and spent an hour or so destroying the kitchen table with arts and craft time just chilling and enjoying the creative juices. I have no idea what we're going to do with them, but it felt nice to make something.

 

Get out there, grab some scissors, glue, and felt stuff and make something!

It's raining caterpiallars?

 

These guys were not there last night. These little black things are caterpillars.

 

I went for a short run this morning and when I got back to the house I had a seat on the steps leading into the house/to  the porch. I kept hearing this random dropping noise. It was too small for a branch but too soft sounding for an acorn.

 

When I turned around I saw these things all over the porch.

 

I am assuming the falling noise  was the caterpillars. I also came to the conclusion that these guys must have come falling from the sky or something. There were no trees directly over the house or porch so I am not sure.

 

My conclusions are they are actually on top of the house and are trying to learn to fly way before they have wings.

 

Or, they were actually being brought back to the nest of some bird, but they wiggled too much that right as the bird was flying over the house it feel out of it's mouth and to its doom.

 

Either way, my porch had a whole bunch of these things and they weren't moving. Gross.

Medal!

Medal for getting 3rd in my age group at a10k race.

This post ended up kind of a part two from my previous post Small Races. In that post I talked about one the advantages in smaller races was less people so slower people like me might actually have a chance to win to place. I had placed third in my age group in my last race. I didn't know that at the time and had went home before the awards had been announced.

Well, when I got home last night I found a package on my counter. New Dude had checked the mail and brought it and forgot to tell me about it.

When I opened it up, I was super excited to see they had been kind enough to mail me my MEDAL!

Technically I've gotten medals before, in some of the bigger races. I love those medals because they are usually for some longer races and any race I cross the finish line I count as a win.

However, this is my first medal I had won that wasn't by default. I agree a win is a win, but if you're one of 3, well it isn't the same as saying I was able to get third out of, oh lets say 7.

I am excited. I have my first medal. I had gotten 3rd at another race earlier this year, but hadn't waited around for the awards, I never received it. This one has arrived and I am thrilled.

Whoot whoot!

Alright, excitement still here, but I'll stop now.

Has anyone else won something you didn't know about and were surprised to find out later? Let me know your story with a comment below!

Hunt Club Weekend

This weekend, my adventure was a family gathering. New Dude came with me to meet the rest of siblings and family friends, and just other people that are apart of my life.

We left Friday night, a bit later then I had planned in my mind, but that is okay. One thing I am learning is that two people, apparently, take more time to get ready then one person.

We arrived that night, said our hellos, had a drink or two and headed to bed.

I had the pleasure of having crazy dreams about being stabbed and looking for help. Good thing it was just a dream because when I woke up it was time for pancakes. 

Soon we were setting up food, tables, all the guys started to pull out all of their toys, and by toys I mean guns of all sorts. They ranged from pistols to shot guns and rifles.

The boys spent a lot of time hanging out, talking, and shooting targets. Up the hill by the house was what in my mind, was the kids holding pen.

There were about 4 kinds 3-8 and about 5 babies a year or less old. It was toys, and diapers, and food, with a circle of women, grandpas, and moms hanging out talking.

Someone joked about this being a BYOB event, Bring Your Own Baby. I was like sorry, I just had beer.

It was a really great day. The food was fantastic, the company chill and fun. All the babies were entertaining to watch.

The boys had two shooting contests, one with shot guns and one with pistols. New Dude won the pistol competition. I was super excited for him!

We saw some people  fishing and pulled in a 53lb catfish. That things was huge.

New Dude and I went for a swim in the James River, where I found out that I have turned into a 5 year old. Little mineos trying to eat dead skin cells off my legs freaks me out. If sea weed touched me, I was also having issues. Most of the swimming was actually me climbing on New Dude while I was kicking my legs to keep the fish away. He mostly just laughed. Still fun, but I need to grow up a tad.

Random thought. What is it call sea weed if you can find it in lakes, steams, and rivers?

It was a great weekend. Lots of talk, stories, and fun and the rain held off enough not to make it too wet or hard.

On the way home we stopped at his grandpas house and then his folks house. It was going to be a little 2-3 hour visit, which turned into about a 7 hour visit. Apparently, they like me and New Dude, are also talkers.

Weekends like this just remind me how just hanging out with people, telling stories, and eating a little bit of food can be so much fun. Not every adventure requires helmets, power stuff, hours of hard work. Just a place where people can gather. The hunt club is by not means a resort, but it has everything you need, and is a great place for everyone to meet. The kids run around, the boys can be boys, the girls can sit and chat, and everyone walks away with a smile on their face.

Summer isn't over yet! Get out there and enjoy some outdoor fun with your family and friends!

Life Talks - Apartments and Roomates

Today's Life Talks is about renting and roommates.

Over the years I have had several roommates and lived in several different apartments, living conditions and here are just some of the things that I feel new people who are about to enter this new phase of life should know about.

Location:

When trying to figure out where you want to live you need to figure out what your needs are. Do you need to be close to public transportation. How far are you willing to walk to get to public transportation if you need it. For the area that you are moving too what kind of people to you see hanging out? What kind of car are on the streets or in the complex. Do you know anyone else who is from that area? If so do they know anything about the area? Check out your ideal locations both in the daytime and night.

Budget:

When trying to come up with this number it would be a great idea to first find out what your budget is. One of the other Life Talk - Money$$$ would be a great start if you don't know what your monthly bills are currently. Once you figure out that number look at how much is left and how much you are able to spend on rent. This number should be a total of everything, which could include any pet fees, utilities, and actual rent cost.

If you say your budget is $700 but the apartment is $650, that would be okay if the utilities are include. If they are not your $650 rent could actually end up costing you $800 a month, which will not work. Figure out what your able to pay each month and still be able to eat, have gas, and some fun money.

Roommate(s):

First thing to do is figuring out if you want any roommates and secondly if you do want them, who? You can find roommates in several different places. If you're going to a new area for school they might have a list. Or their are websites to help with that. There are also friends and family that might work as well. This decision is mainly if you would like them and also how many.

The Apartment:

Now this one also takes a little bit of time to figure out. This is making a list of wants verses needs. After you've figured out the above it comes down to a list of questions.

1. Apartment complex or houses or townhouse that can be rented.
2. How many bedrooms?
3. How many bathrooms?
4. Does size of the kitchen matter?
5. Washer and Dryer hook up in the unit? Or laundry mat on site?
6. Parking spaces?
7. Does what floor matter?
8. Pets or pet friendly?
9. Kids or kid friendly?
10. Schools near by?
11. Other requirements?

Now when you have viewed these apartments and you have these requirements there will be a couple of things that you'll also have to keep in mind.

1. Is there an application fee? If so, how much?
2. If they do a credit check and your credit isn't 100% amazing, can you have a co-signer?
3. What kind of deposits will be needed to put down?
4. Can you get these deposits back? 
5. What kind of rental agreements do they have? (month to month, 6 months, 12 months, two years etc.)
6. When would the move in dates be?
7. Are their any amenities included? If so what are they and what hours are they open?
8. What are the parking rules?
9. Do guests need to parking passes or to be in a specific location? (No one wants their friends towed.)
10. If the lease needed to be broken what kind of fines and penalties would there be? How much notice would need to be given?
11. If  you had a roommate, and they had to leave could you sub-lease the room?
12. When is rent due? Are there any late fees if it is late? If so, how much?
13. Who do you give the rent to?
14. What kind of payments do they take?
15. Do you need to turn on and or switch the utilities?
16. If something breaks who do you call?

Small Races

Mostly entertained by 365. I like it! Running 365!

I started off my weekend with a 10 local race.

I like local races for a few reasons that I shall now share with you:

1. I don't have to drive very far. Instead of taking up my whole weekend, I can roll out of bed, eat some food, drinks some water, grab my running gear and head out the door. I'd love to say more sleep, but it seems like sleep is a unicorn to me. Very seldom found.

2. The prices are usually lower. I can do a 10k for less then $30 most of the time. Grant it, the swag might not be as cool, and it has yet to include some free beer, however, it is nice to spend a little less. Plus they still have enough of my money to get my butt out of bed and to the start line.

3. I can actually see some of the same people I've run other race with. Or they'll have on swag from previous races that I've run and I'm like cool! In some of the races were there are 10,000 people, well minus, the people I bring with, I rarely see anyone else I know. For being part of the "running" community it is nice to see familiar faces.

4. I know it is helping a local cause right around where I live. I don't donate to anyone on the regular, but I know that all the races around me are for local causes. It makes signing up a little easier.

5. It keeps me motivated between big races. I have just signed up for the Richmond Half Marathon in November. These local races give me an extra intensive to get up and run for awhile on my Saturday. It keeps me honest and moving and pushing.

6. This is the newest one, I actually can make it in the top 3 in my age group. Never over all, those people are CRAZY! I have yet to get an award because I normally don't stay. I've never had a reason, but two of the last races I've run I was #3. This weekend's race I was 3 our of 7, but still it's a win. I guess I'm going to have to start to hang around longer to see what happens right? Kind of cool, kind of exciting. You cannot get that in the huge races, or at least I cannot.

What about you? Any of my other runner fans, why do you enjoy the smaller races? Let me know what a comment below!