I'm 32...and AWESOME.

This morning I did a photo shoot of my fabulous self.

I think I'm peaking. I'm HOT. I may not have it all figured out, but I am one smokin' 32 year old goddess. Add to that my incredible wit and intelligence and I am one hell of a package. Go with me here, it's my birthday.

I have accomplished most of my list in some form or fashion, and despite being inconsistent I am still calling it a win. I hope you will join me in my next adventure: http://bornwithoutay.blogspot.com/ It just wouldn't be the same without you.

A brief recap of this little journey, and some thoughts:

1) Keep going to the gym: There is no need. I have bouts of depression, work stress, man trouble and a red wine diet to keep me looking fabulous.

2) Maintain stable frame of mind: I get a medal for this--really, I do. Although I'm starting to think it's overrated and may just go absolutely ape shit on the first day of 33.

3) Keep in touch with family and friends: Doing my best, doing my best. If anything I've realized how much they all mean to me and how lucky I am to have the people I do in my life. Especially the besties, and you know who you are. Thanks to all of you for being there for me.

4) Choose my battles: Admittedly was not very good at this when I started, but became aware of my desire to debate. Now, I think I'm picking too few...somewhere there is balance.

5) Save more money: I blame the economy and am currently waiting for my bailout.

6) Commit to using eye cream: Why? Did I mention I'm hot?

7) Eat healthier: There is absolutely nothing I can say about this--I tried. I failed. I don't smack down a bag a chips and don't really have an affinity for chocolate, so that's good enough in my book.

8) Thus, stop eating out so much: Whatever. Not gonna happen in this lifetime.

9) Potty train Gizmo: I did this, again, with flying colors.

10) Relax: I did learn to let go on some level and it did me a lot of good, really. By nature I feel I may be a little high strung, but they make drugs for that. Besides, keeps life interesting.

11) Explore the possibilities: I don't ever stop doing this. In hindsight it should have been "Explore the possibilities and take action." New goal for 33.

12) Start my book: I did. It is going to be awesome...so long as I can get the people I am completely destroying to sign waivers.

13) Remember everyone's birthday: Facebook made this really easy.

14) Remember everyone's anniversary: This was impossible from the get go, and I have no idea why it was important to me to even attempt this feat.

15) Stop paying for convenience: I ditched my cleaning people, but I can afford to valet my car, ship online buys and pay people to keep their mouths shut. Should be "stop paying for select conveniences".

16) Do my own taxes: Did it, and doing it again.

17) Plant flowers in the springtime: Did it, not doing it this year.

18) Read at least 18 books: It may have done me some good to have a few self-help titles on this list.

19) Cut down on travel for work: Done. Case closed.

20) See a dermatologist: Looking forward to getting my ass slapped again in a few weeks.

21) Find a better dentist: When all was said and done it cost me $1,200 to make this happen. That said, I had a few of the best hours of my life upside down and stupid.

22) Try not to be sick: Someday. I'm holding out for the wonder drug.

23) Have more girl time: Lots of it! I love my girls, they are amazing people--and they are the inspiration for my next adventure.

24) Learn to make a mean vodka sauce: De-lish.

25) Get engaged (or become single): ha. Ha. ha Ha HA HA HA HA! "It's complicated."

26) Master the social networks: Facebook addict.

27) Celebrate my sister's wedding: It was lovely.

28) Have more me time: Too much "me" time can lead to insanity. Living in your head is no fun. But I do know myself REALLY well these days. Courtney, Jancie, Elise, Barbara, Billy. We're all one big happy family.

29) Stop biting my nails: I fell off the wagon a week ago, but I'm getting a manicure today. Give me a week, I'll be golden.

30) Buy a house: Sold a house.

31) Understand and embrace how fortunate I really am: Above all, this I have accomplished. It's about the little things, and appreciating what's happening at this very minute. There is always going to be something bigger, better, newer, richer, and so on...so what does it matter? Appreciate the life you have and be happy with what is right in front of you. What is most difficult for this girl is making other people see this for themselves--I hope someday everyone finds this peace.

Here's to 32!

#31: Understand and embrace how fortunate I really am.

oh where to start? Tis the eve of the list deadline and I am contemplating what exactly should be said at this point. After tomorrow this shall go away, and while it's been fun it's on to less limiting subject matter....more to come.

While I have been successful in many goals I set for myself, I have failed miserably in many others.

Building the list was a means of keeping life in check. In hindsight, the list set some priorities but of course didn't take into account one factor. That would be life. The punches, curve balls, surprises, disappointments, accomplishments and much else that you simply don't count on. It's healthy to set goals, but you must be prepared to not meet them all and adjust along the way.

What I am most fortunate to have found is an outlet. A way to balance the insanity of the past year. I of course never in a million years imagined that 31 would be one of the more trying times in my life, but I suppose it lended to the content.

I know there's a lot inquiring minds want to know. When you you have a blog and everyone knows exactly who you are, you walk a fine line in what can and cannot be said. As a writer, this sucks. Flat out fucking sucks. The words come from your soul, and when you cannot express the content that is your daily life, it can at times become trite.

Case in point: A few nights ago my boyfriend gave me permission to write about him. He most certainly has no idea what that green light means, and I suppose he trusts that I would be careful in the opinions expressed. I'm not sure if he's right yet.

I will not be building a list for 32, but I will be exploring other avenues and I hope you will join me in my journey.

One more day to go. Looking forward to saying goodbye the only way I know possible.

See you tomorrow.

Well...

fuck me. I have one week to get the rest of this list done. How the hell did that happen?

#2: Maintain Stable Frame of Mind

Ah, this one again. I'm still solid (and so not lying) but those around me not so much.

I know a funeral is not supposed to be a comical event, but my experience yesterday was definitely not all tears and sorrow.

I was nervous about seeing my Grandma for the first time since Grandpa's passing, but was pleasantly surprised at her composure. My sister and I drove her to the funeral home, and in the car she casually announced that my Aunt told her she looked like Johnny Cash in her funeral garb. Maybe you had to be there, but hysterical. She sorta did in that black suit--the image of her falling into a burning Ring of Fire was certainly enough to lighten the mood.

Once at the funeral home it was a procession of many relatives and friends I knew, and many I didn't depsite being family. A diagram of a family tree might have been helpful. Maybe we should talk to one another more often. Many of us recognized each another from the rows of pictures my Grandparents keep in the entry way to their home. I can't tell you how many times I heard "you look just like your picture", or "I've watched you grow up through the year's on your Grandmother's shelf". Most conversations began, "yes, I recognize you from the pictures". At least we had that level of connection.

Before the funeral, my sister remarked she was excited to see Crazy Aunt Carol. I never met this woman, but knew it was her the minute she walked in. A strikingly beautiful woman, but with a high top knit hat hiding what I am sure was a Carole Kane (you know, the farily in Scrooged?) head of crazy long gray hair. A word on attire--another aunt showed up looking like a homeless person (no joke) but she is bi-polar so I suppose it's be excused. I asked my father later why everyone thought Carol was crazy--beyond the obvious--and he told me she accused her neighbors of stealing her cats and replacing them with new ones. She also walked from Phillipsburg to Easton one day--if you know anything about the area, it's not a short jaunt. When asked how she became crazy the answer was "tuna fish". May want to limit your tuna sandwich intake.

The service was conducted by a Catholic Priest--with a very heavy hispanic accent. Had my Grandpa been at his own funeral, he would have been asking "WHAT?!" the entire time, which I found amusing to think about. Not to mention, he hated going to church but did it to please my Irish-Catholic Grandmother. When she was asked what denomination he was by the funeral director, her reply, less the excessive explanation, was "he's Catholic but doesn't want to be".

At the cemetary, as the Pall Bearers took out the casket, my uncle casually remarked to the group of them, "ok guys, this is heavy and I'm gonna need your help this time.". Ah, humor.

All was followed by a lovely lunch at a place actually owned by our family and known for hosting Funeral "after parties"...as well as weddings and family reunions. Imagine that. As a result, we are know having a family reunion this summer. Go figure.

The lesson learned is humor can certainly help us cope and keep us from losing our minds. In which case my life is hysterical right now.

#2: Maintain Stable Frame of Mind

I think I am doing this--really. Given the unbelievable soap opera my life has been over the last 48 hours I think that I can DEFINITIVELY say I crossed this bitch off my list. And I should win an Emmy for my performance.

I am right now flying from MDW back to ATL and hanging out in the airport for two hours (despite living, oh, 20 minutes away) before catching my next flight into PHL. Who does that? Thank God I am packing (fun drugs that is).

Looking forward to spilling my every thought about this damn list next week as I approach my deadline.

#8: Thus, stop eating out so much

So, despite coming off a weekend of Thai and Italian restaurant meals, not to mention brunch with biscuits the size of my head (featuring mimosas of course) I can still say that I am supporting this objective of mine. Case in point, a dinner date with my friend Beth.  

Bottle of wine? Check. Main course, side and salad? Check. Lots of fabulous conversation? Absolutely. 

#31: Understand and appreciate how fortunate I really am

Today, I have a few things to be grateful for, but this post is dedicated to my dear sister Erin, Renee & Shannon. I have the best friends a girl could ask for, and given that I can be a very difficult person to love at times, I am very thankful for these people (and many others too, don't get pissy).

These ladies were going to surprise me and spend my birthday weekend in the ATL. Thirty-two would typically be just another birthday, but I have this damn list and a few other life altering events in the works so they were going to ensure I was adhering to #2. How nice.

I was under the impression that my sister was going to come down, and leave her husband at home. I felt guilt about her coming alone to tend to my insanity, and called her to say she should come when the weather was a little nicer and they could both be here. She still wanted to come, but I said no, and she DID NOT tell me that Shannon and Renee had planned on coming too--hence why the husband wasn't attending in my honor. It wasn't until I called her back later that day to tell her to come anyway (I decided to stop being such a selfish bore) which is when she shared the news.

I somehow managed to ruin the only surprise I would have had in my life thus far. Even though it's not going to happen, it's the thought that counts. Really. It's a great birthday present to know they love me, plain and simple.

#5: Save more money

It is MUCH easier to save money when there is more coming in. Seeing as I have busted my behind this year and still will not see a penny for the efforts, saving money has become even more difficult when coupling reduced income with high levels of stress. If only my goals weren't so lofty (and completely unattainable).

On that note, today I did something I NEVER do. My lunch plans were cancelled, so I decided to go and exchange one of my man's Christmas gifts (mine to him, not vice versa). Unfortunatley, I had to walk through the women's section of the store to get to what I needed to accomplish, and of course there were things that caught my eye. Especially with those 70% off signs...I can't do math to save my life (hence advertising), but I know that's a bargain.

So, I found a couple dresses, a sweater and a "blouse"--anyone else hate the fucking word? At the register, the sales girl did her usual pitch about opening a credit card and while I typically ignore it she said "and save $100". What? $100? I'm no dummy...

Note: I have no credit cards. One for emergencies with a zero balance, and my company card. I frequently tell sales people credit is what got us in this economic situation in the first place.

Much to my surprise, I found myself applying (and being accepted) for store credit.

I had SO much guilt. I accosted the sales person, and actually asked her if she was lying to me. She wasn't, and I saved $109.

Now what? I get this card, I pay it, and I cancel it.

If my credit score is reduced by a single point I will cry.

Another List I Like

I'm getting all my lists in now, because 32 won't have it's own--way too much pressure, would rather just count how much I drink.

This one is courtesy of the lovely woman who cares for Gizmo while we humans work our lives away. Good things to remember when dealing with the daily drama of our personal sitcoms.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants. Eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, or issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep t he NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will these matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door! 

#11: Explore the Possibilities

They show up in the most random of places and the most unexpected times. According to all of my horoscopes (which I try to ignore but nonetheless read religiously) I am entering a period of great opportunity and deeper connections to life and those around me. In this I shall trust.

I believe in free will, and there have been times in my life when the universe has sent me signs but it was up to me to act upon them. A few times I did, a few times I didn't, and while I can't say I have regrets the occasions when I DID act have proved the right thing to do.

Once such incident occured this weekend during a spontaneous trip to a nearby town. I haven't been slapped that hard in a while.

I am not a liberty to share exactly what was revealed (top secret, some things must remain sacred), but I think it served dual purpose which shall all unfold here in due time. I should not have been there, and I was looking for nothing, yet there it was beating me over the head for three days.

Just a reminder to keep your eyes open everyday.

P.S. 25 days.

#31: Understand and appreciate how fortunate I really am

This holiday season is one I am happy to see pass. But I am grateful for having made the decision to come home to my family despite my selfish need to hole up and scream BAH HUMBUG at everyone around me. I posted the below on Facebook on Christmas Eve, and thought I would share it here as well, as I did learn a little something about it all. Happy Holidays--is it 2009 yet?

I'm exhausted. I have had the day of perpetual hours, but in this day lies a story and a revelation most appropriate for this holiday season, sleep be damned.

To say my spirit has been tested and my beliefs about life challenged in this past year is putting it lightly. There is not much I claim to know right now, except that I don't know much at all. Until today.

This morning I found out that my Grandpa was admitted to the hospital with congenital heart failure. His lungs were filling up because his heart couldn't pump hard enough to keep the blood flowing. This had happened once before, but this time things are a bit more serious--and being Christmas Eve, very sad. You see, since my very first holiday I have spent every Christmas Eve with my Grandma and Grandpa Hub with only one exception (with the family of the man I love, which too was truly wonderful). It's rare these days to have such a strong family tradition, but through divorce, new marriage, family feuds and anything else you can think of, we always had Christmas Eve at Grandma's.

What else could we do but pack up and take Christmas to Grandpa?

I expected him to be weak, I expected him to be tired, but I did not expect his sense of humor. Depsite his labored breathing, he joked about what "happens here after midnight", flirting with the nurses, and x-raying his "empty head". Turns out the poor man also fractured his shoulder in a fall the night before. He also told my Grandma that he was certain he was dying.

A bit about my Grandparents...they married in a time when people married not for love but because it was what you were supposed to do. My Grandpa casually asked my Grandma if she wanted to get hitched one day, and that was that for the next 65+ years, for better or worse. I spent a lot of time with them as a child, and lord did they fight---to the point where it became a running joke in our family. I think we can all effectively immitate their typical banter--"Pete Stop it!!" and "God damn it, Marie!". I never would have called it a "loving relationship", depsite the love each of them individually bestowed upon our family.

I have only lost one of my Grandparents--many years ago unexpectedly. Death is something my family lacks of in experience. His illness is not new, but I think many of us refused to acknowledge that his death, like everyone else's, is imminent. With two exceptions--he and my Grandma.

While my Grandfather was the guest of honor, my Grandma was the one to watch. I had known that their relationship had changed over the past few years--he humbled in requiring her constant care, and her needing him, simply, to need her. I heard her tell him she needed him to come home. Beautiful yet heartbreaking, I watched the words unspoken to each other, oblivious to the 12 other people in the room. I saw the tears fill her eyes, the peace and acceptance in his. Standing there slightly embarassed to have witnessed the moment but so deeply touched by what passed between them, I am eternally gratefully to have been paying attention to what I was supposed to see.

At this point, they have stopped talking about my Grandfather coming home, but if and when he does their lives will be forever changed, and it is only a matter of time. Christmas too will now never be the same--the time has come for the tradition to evolve.

But what didn't and won't ever change is this: in the end, with not much else, there is love. Pure and simple. Everything they had ever experienced, his state of mind, their entire lives aside, there was love between them.

It's not complicated. It's simple, beautiful, and it exists in the places you sometimes think are the least likely. Love is a powerful life force that when nothing else matters, does.

And that my friends, is one thing I know to be true.

Another List.

Courtesy of E. Marsland, as she would be livid if I did not credit:

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas> spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave> immediately. Go next door,where they're serving rum> balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating! HELLO!? The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Capiesh

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and NewYear's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plateof food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips 1 through 9; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

All these things that I have done

Guess what? This is my 100th post! Ahh...such an occasion. Don't sitcoms get parties or something? Would you not compare my life to a sitcom? A tragicomedramady?

In honor of my achievement, we are going to take a look at my accomplishments (or lack there of) thus far as they relate to the hateful list. Here we go--grab some wine for additional entertainment:

1) Keep Going to the Gym: If once per quarter counts, done.
2) Maintain Stable Frame of Mind: Next...
3) Keep in touch with family and friends: Better than the average year with the exception of the past 2 months which SO do not count.
4) Choose my battles: Failed fucking miserably and am now in the battle of a lifetime.
5) Save more money: Sort of. But it's been a really bad bonus year.
6) Commit to using eye cream: I did, but now I can't afford it.
7) Eat healthier: Red wine, check.
8) Thus stop eating out so much: Not by choice.
9) Potty train Gizmo: Shazaam! Did it!!
10) Relax: That depends on how you define relax?
11) Explore the possibilities: Of what?
12) Start my book: Done, twice.
13) Remember everyone's birthday: Those birthdays I know.
14) Remember everyone's anniversary: This is really, hard. Really.
15) Stop paying for convenience: Oh, valet?
16) Do my own taxes: Yup.
17) Plant flowers in the springtime: Done. God I miss my house.
18) Read at least 18 books: Good as done.
19) Cut down on travel for work: I go nowhere.
20) See a dermatologist: We all know how THAT went down.
21) Find a better dentist: Found good nitrous.
22) Try not to be sick: There must be mold in my house.
23) Have more girl time: At this point, I'm looking for more girls.
24) Learn to make a mean vodka sauce: Finito!
25) Get engaged (or become single): Can I take the fifth?
26) Master the social networks: Mastered SELLING the social networks.
27) Celebrate my sister's wedding: She is officially Mrs. Marsland, even six months later.
28) Have more me time: I think it's time for a little space from myself.
29) Stop biting my nails: Somehow, it happened.
30) Buy a house: Sold a house.
31) Understand and embrace how fortunate I really am: I still have four more sessions.

In general, I may not have accomplished much, but I still have about 45 days and I sure as hell learned a lot about myself.

I got soul but I'm not a soldier.

Soooo...about that holiday party...

Somehow, there are 32 people coming (plus seven kids) and still a few unconfirmed folks that might just pop in. How did this happen? Tis' the cause of consternation (look it up, it's the most appropriate word).

Do not get me wrong, I am very excited about having everyone together for a few hours...I figure people will float in and out so at any given time there may be 20-25. It's just been interesting getting my head around it--as in how much beer cheese do I need? Do they sell sour cream by the barrel? I went to a website that told me I need 15 bottles of wine and 80 beers...that is if people have one glass/beer per hour. Have you met my friends? Thank God a few of them are currently pregnant.

I do however think I have come up with a game plan. Fortunately, I have the space and unbelievably enough seating, a good mix of things to make and things to "fake it bake it", and of course lots of alcohol already at my disposal.

This is going to be fun. Planning it fills my time, I love to entertain, I love my friends, I love Christmas, and I love that I can drink to my heart's content and not have to drive anywhere.

Now THAT'S planning.

#13: Remember Everyone's Birthday

I'm remembering a big one--Jesus. You like the new color scheme in honor of our savior (who has been testing me unmercifully for three months)?

I've always loved Christmas. It is a holiday that is deeply steeped in tradition in my family, despite coming from a divorced home. It wasn't until I began dating my boyfriend and felt like I was somewhat "settled" that I started embracing my own traditions--decorating the house, a tree (real, always), and of course the holiday par-tay! This year's should be tons o' fun. It gets a little bigger and a little better with every year that passes. It's my gift to my friends, and to myself. I like going to parties at my house. I don't have to watch how much I drink.

It also wasn't until a few years ago that I spent my first Christmas away from my family. Thirty-one Christmases, and thus far just one away. This year, I have seriously contemplated spending it by myself. Quite honestly, I just don't feel like celebrating--except for said party, but that's different. I know it sounds really pathetic and sad, but I'm not looking at it that way. I need to get some things in order, do a "self-check"--and what better time to do so then when everyone else is occupied? No hustle and bustle, just quiet contemplation.

It seemed to work for the Waitresses.

#5: Save more money

First, a bit about my day...

I woke up late, again. I never use an alarm because I naturally rise with with morning light, but for two days now I have slept past nine. Doing wonders for my productivity.

Then, I got hit with debris on the way to work, realized I had lost my cell phone and in the process of digging around the floorboards of my car I noticed I had two different shoes on. I just laugh--even re-reading this sentence.

Finally, I dropped the corner of my sweater thingy in the toilet not six minutes ago--AFTER I had yellowed it. I decided it was time to write.

I love today.

I wanted to share a new blog I'm following with all of you--when I say new, I mean today. In previous posts I have expelled wisdom about the situation of our economy, none of which was my own, and now you can go directly to the source: the2urn

The topic? Socioeconomic fodder. So, when you're feeling intellectual or freaking out about the money you no longer have and need a reason why, saunter on over for some observations and potentially advice as to what the hell you should do (if it isn't too late of course).

My two cents for today.

It's Book Club!

Looking forward to an evening with the ladies and lots of the stuff mentioned in my most recent post. We're doing a book swap--everyone brings two books, we pick numbers and go home with new reads...like white elephant, only with usable items. 

Yippee!! 

What Should Have Been on the List

#32: Try not to drink so much. 

Seriously. It's a disease. I know, alcoholism, but not quite in my case. I don't drink during the day (except on holidays, football parties, and the occasional brunch beverage), never while at work (except when working late and when they used to bring in beer) and never to intoxication (except when I've had a really bad day or people are dancing on my couch). 

I know I am not alone in this addiction. I have had several people comment on my ability to kill only ONE bottle of wine by myself, so I know there are worse offenders than I. 

I simply feel incomplete if I'm NOT holding a glass of wine. I blame my boyfriend. 

Tonight, after coming home from the gym where I ran for an hour and did 350 crunches (really, no shit, I won't be able to walk tomorrow), I actually considered a glass of red over a glass of water.

The reason it's not on the list? Because I know I can't do it! 

#1: Keep Going to the Gym

I went last night. It had been a really long time. I enjoyed my 45 minutes of aerobic activity and stomach crunches, but much more the mix on my iPod I had forgotten about--kicking it old school with some Deborah Cox, Dis n' Dat and Black Box. Awesome.

My experience was ruined however when I inquired about cancelling my membership for various reasons I choose not to discuss right now. I had an encounter with a gym employee (read: hideous, slimy male who thinks he's hot because he has biceps) who tried to make it very difficult for me to walk out the door should I so choose to, to the point of almost insulting me. He clearly had no idea how to answer my questions and I of course had my facts straight.

Wrong bitch, wrong place, really bad timing.

I made a scene. A cool, calm and collected scene, but I embarrassed that sub-human monkey into getting me what I wanted and actually apologizing to me.

What really stinks about the whole thing is that I DON'T want to go back--purely on principle--despite knowing I SHOULD.

The dilemmas that haunt my days...

#10: Relax

I took a brief social media and blogosphere hiatus--in an effort to complete #10, relax. 

Abandoning the blog for a week didn't do much for the psyche. I can't tell you how many things flew through my head that I wanted to discuss with my Mac, only to remember I was on hiatus and couldn't. I also discovered this blog is limiting in that content should relate the list--but not everything I want to write does. And what happens once I'm 32? I created something new to worry about while relaxing.

Boycotting Facebook was a whole different story. I think I lost the voices once the urge to spy on my top ten finally subsided, and realized I really don't give a shit if Sue is eating turkey in South Carolina. Not to mention the attention I got in the real world. People actually called me (or texted, still a bit more personal), and used the archaic email tool because I hadn't updated my status...go figure. 

So my little experiment was successful, and given that my head friends seem to have finally left the building (you know, the ones that make all that shit up that just isn't true but they make you think about it anyway?), I might just "maintain" on Facebook for the time being until I have something I really want to say.