Happy Holiday Weekend!

All week long I've been teaching my kids at work about Independence Day. Celebrating the 4th of July with picnics, cookouts, friends, family and a day off of work. The latter being my favorite right now. I woke up this morning around 9:30a. I never thought that 9:30 would be sleeping in for me, but I woke up refreshed and ready to begin my day with just a couple of extra hours of sleep. My off day's plan is a good breakfast, a quick run, a lunch date with my co-teacher, and a short round of shopping and running errands before Mr. Perfect's parents come in for the weekend. They're awesome so I'm not dreading that at all. I'm hoping that we are able to head downtown into the city for the rather large fireworks show tomorrow evening. Should be a pretty fantastic weekend. Especially since I have the added day tacked onto it. 

Last weekend, I was a slacker and didn't update. So sorry. I went home last weekend for a celebration of Rico's birthday. He had come to my hometown to stay with his best friend currently enrolled in the University there and I came to join the party. IG and Diva were there too. It was a great weekend of fun with friends I miss so dearly. Dart champions named once again... only winning 1/3 BUT that's not the point. Mr. Super Athlete earned slight bragging rights, but they won't last long. Rico had a great birthday I would assume and that was the point. Right?  In any case, it was so great to have a weekend of doing whatever I pleased with whomever I pleased. Felt like college again. And once again, it was so hard to leave. That's one thing that never changes. 

All in all it's been a good couple of weeks. Next weekend, I travel back to where I went to college for yet another Sorority sister's wedding. Should be fun. She's fun. Not one of the bitches as you know them... not regularly anyway. Ha. But then again, who am I to talk. It'll be a good weekend. I hope to share a short visit with Roxie too. She'll be through town at least one of the days I'm home. I'm enjoying seeing all of my bests this summer. Keeps me going even though I have to work through it 40 hours a week unlike ever before. Ah, well. Growing up is hard to do. 

Happy 4th! 

Operation: Working Vacation

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is where I will be in only two more days. As if I hadn't been MIA in the blog-o-sphere enough, this upcoming Friday through Wednesday, I will be MIA in the city as well. And I cannot wait. This very beach, the ocean breeze, the hot white sand, the clear waters... the cold beverage... all of the cold beverage... five days of absolute and blissful nothingness. God, can I leave now? Classy and Mr. Perfect are traveling Friday night to meet my family, including Mr. Super Athlete, for a week in Seaside, Florida-- all paid for via my fabulous parents. Could it be any more perfect? Only if it lasted two weeks instead of 5 days. Unfortunately, my 'super cool' workplace won't pay me to be at the beach any more than my current existing vacation days will allow. Those pesky bills to pay at the end of the month seem to ruin all the fun. Ah, well. Some is better than none at all... that is for certain. 

Speaking of my 'super cool' workplace and my desperate need for this overdue vacation, I promised explanation for my negative attitude towards said 'super cool' environment in my last post. For the past couple of months, I have been on the verge of miserable at work. While I have my good days and still find great comfort in my close co-workers, my 'higher-ups' continue to place me on that line between anger and misery more often than not. As of late, it has gotten better, however not more than a month ago, I was more than ready to be elsewhere being paid more money for some type of work where I was actually using the degrees that I had earned in school. Basically, they don't pay me nearly enough to talk to me or treat me the way that they were at the time. Ie. I don't know how to do my job or I'm not putting forth enough effort for the sake of my children, blah blah bullshit, blah blah. Funny how all of my quarterly personal evaluations since I've been teaching there have been nearly perfect scores, yet all of a sudden, I'm worthless. It was re-accreditation season for them, therefore their asses were on the line, so their stresses were forced upon their staff... it was my first go around with said season. Lucky me. I don't think I'll be around to witness another... I hope not anyway. After crying at work twice in two weeks, one could say I was more than a little fed up. However, being that I was in the middle of May Mania, I didn't exactly have time to vent such stresses here or put forth effort in looking for a new place of employment were I would be validated. I basically spent all of May avoiding my administration as to 1.) not be forced into fake conversation acting as if I was perfectly fine after the way I was treated or 2.) not be yelled at or condemned for anything else I could possibly be doing all wrong. My job simply isn't that hard. I promise I can handle it. Chill out. Anyway, as things have settled mostly, I'm back to complacency where I am at the moment. My resume has been updated and sent off to a couple of locations actually, but I'm not expecting much out of it. Not many industries hiring nowadays. The relief, however, of simply having it updated and available for immediate send out is quite enjoyable.

But not more enjoyable than the relief that my home away from home in Seaside is waiting for me a mere 72 hours from now. Ah, bliss. 

She's Alive!

Hard to believe, right? Did you think that all of May Mania got the best of me? Well is almost did, I have been in recovery, but never the less, I have survived! All is said and done and it's already June! How did that happen? I just don't know. But I hope you have missed me, I have missed you mucho mucho! Let's see... where do I begin on filling you in on all of the savory details... ah, the wedding.

Wedding Extravaganza took place over Memorial Day weekend as you all know and surprisingly enough everything came together so nicely. It really was a beautiful wedding. The bride and groom were blissfully and disgustingly happy, and so, as the former roommate, I of course am so happy for them. But more importantly, I know you're curious as to how I managed my bridesmaid dress... well, after it was taken in a little over two inches, it still had to be pinned under my arm to make sure there were not going to be any added surprises during the ceremony. I was pretty proud. Even the bride's mother made a comment as to how jealous she was of how 'tall and skinny' I was... my response, "I can't do so much about the height, but I've worked pretty hard for the skinny, so thanks!" Needless to say, my ego was pretty high up there for the majority of the day. Bonus, only 1/2 the Bitch Squad showed up, therefore, I only had to avoid a few as I mingled my way around the reception. I also was able to find humor in the obviously fake attempts of conversation by sorority sisters who have chosen the Bitch Squad side of the story... you know... the story from over a year ago. Yeah. ha. All in all, it was an enjoyable event. I wasn't miserable and I was able to see many that I had missed, looking hot in my sized down dress of course. 

Onto the after party. The perfect after party. Guest list including Island Girl, Super Athlete and Friend, Mr. Perfect and myself. Darts, drinks, gossip, bliss. It was the perfect end to the chaos of the day. So much fun. The rest of the holiday weekend consisted of laying by the pool, shopping, sitting out on the back porch enjoying each other's company. The perfect end to May Mania and the perfect start of the summer. I was pleased... and tired upon returning to the city. 

Unfortunately, the city wasn't so nice to Classy when she returned. More on that to come. Promise. The job front is depressing right now. Still have a job, no worries. Just not very happy. Don't worry... more on that later. I'm working on my attitude towards it. Details to come. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend and you know.. the weekend following. Wow, I'm so behind. So sorry. 

Love to all! 

SO Excited and No One to Share it With!

Oh. my. God!!! I'm freaking out and no one is here to share in my incredible enthusiasm! Mr. Perfect is in rehearsal, Roxie is working and unavailable for conversation, IG and Rico are far too far away, and Mr. Super Athlete is not nearly as pumped as I need him to be at this point in my journey as he was in the middle of macking on some poor college co-ed, I'm sure... In any case, I'm sharing it with you now! What am I freaking out about you might ask? Well... I did it. I finally did it. I worked up enough nerve to try on the bridesmaid dress again. You know, the one that was ordered for me in a size larger than requested, the one that kicked started this whole fitness addiction. The results? I had to hold it up on me! It literally, being a strapless dress, was falling off of me! Can you believe it?! I was so excited! I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up just a little. I want to celebrate! I knew it would be fit a lot better than it did when I first tried it on at the first of the year, well I hoped it would anyway, but I had no idea it would not only be easier to zip up but it would be falling off of me! AH! 

Okay, I'm done. Thanks for sharing in my craze! Hooray!

Ring the Alarm!

Time's up! Tomorrow's the big day... if I can make it until then. My insides are about to explode with nerves, anxiety, and excitement. I've made out my very extensive and thoroughly thought out to-do list for this evening along with my packing list. I'm trying to get all of my ducks in a row, so to speak, before tomorrow rolls around. I'm fairly certain I have never created such a packing list before. But as I've said previously, everything has to be perfect. I am bound and determined to not let the bitches get to me this time. You see, as much of a bad ass as I make myself sound here on occasion, I do end up in tears at least once every time I'm around them. But never in front of them. Fear not. They're just unbelievable for the most part. I've yet to figure out exactly what I ever did to make them hate me with the fury in which they do, but hey, nothing I can do about it now... Therefore, this time around, I'm feeling good about me, I'm excited about seeing those that I haven't seen in far too long, and basically, they can kiss my ass.

We'll see how far that attitude gets me. Hopefully through the entire weekend. If not, I'm sure you'll hear about it either way. I do believe, however that this go around, I have planned everything out to the simplest detail. I'm being the perfect party planner with the cutest favors ever... that were dirt cheap... I have the best gifts for this shower, even though I'd rather not give them to either of the brides-to-be as I'd prefer to not think of them laced about in lingerie. But that's not the point. The point is that they're cute, they're from me and I am Classy 2.0. ha. Once again, I've said, it certainly hasn't hurt to maintain such a full and confident attitude when I'm lighter on the scales and slimmer in the waist line. I still have quite a ways to go, but they won't know that until they see me again when these actual weddings take place this summer.

In any case, wish me luck. I know I've asked for it before, but as this week has been dragging ever so slowly along, my nerves and blood pressure have risen quite a bit. I'm looking forward to the positives. Mr. Perfect says, "The only things you HAVE to do in life are pay taxes and die, everything else is a WANT to." He tells me to screw obligation basically. This line of conversation always takes place when I tell him I have to be cordial to these catty bitches, or worse, hang out with them when other sisters are present. He hates them, by the way. But nevertheless, I will be at least attempting to follow such wise words. It's about time that I do what I want to do when I'm back in a place that I called home before they did. Another piece of advice he lends that I will most definitely be following and that I've shared with IG, "You've earned the right to be conceited..." Now, out of context, I look like the bitch here, but I've worked hard and I plan on showing that off. Who wouldn't? That's what I thought. My feelings are, they need a jolt back into reality in knowing that they aren't as high and mighty as they think they are... might be good for them to see that they've gained every ounce I've lost. ha! Okay, I'm done.

Hope everyone else enjoys their weekend. I know it's a bit early, but mine begins tomorrow night after work. Look forward to many a story upon my return! Keep your fingers crossed for the reactions I crave!

Classy 2.0

Okay, so clearly Kate Winslet is far more classy than I could ever hope to be, however, Classy 2.0 has since been the title given to me by one of my number one fans, Rico. He says it's like I'm simply trying to make myself  into a better version of me. Hence, 2.0. And I found that pretty clever and altogether accurate. He's pretty good about things like that. 

Today, was one of those days where I felt as a Classy 2.0. I weighed in upon leaving the gym this morning almost against my better judgement, but I found that I have since lost a total of sixteen pounds since January 1! Hooray! I'm thrilled. Mr. Perfect told one of the trainers there while I was doing one of my weight sets that I had lost around fifteen pounds (this was before the weigh in), and the trainer commented that he had noticed that I'd been so consistent, even coming in by myself at times, and that the number of pounds lost was pretty accurate and healthy for the amount of time I'd been at it. This made me feel twice as good when I stepped on the scale. Perfection. A little over the half way mark of my original goal! It has definitely lifted my spirits ten fold today. 

One of the reasons why I need my spirits lifted? Next weekend I get to co-host the aforementioned duo bridal shower back in the middle of Drama Central. My Alma mater. Among all of my sorority sisters, some I love, some have grown to be more caddy than when I left, and some were already high up on the bitch scale when I departed and I would rather not have to deal with them anymore. Or ever again. Alas, this is where I am on life's journey. Stuck with obligation. Again. I must say, however, that while a part of me dreads the trip based solely on two or three bitches I've discussed before, I am quite eager to see the look on some of their faces when Classy 2.0 enters the building. I've pretty much bought an entire new wardrobe for the occasion and have been working extra hard in the gym in preparation for the reaction I so hope for. 

Another reaction I'm looking forward to would be that of Mr. Rico, himself. As I haven't seen him in months, it will be quite entertaining to see what he thinks of this Classy 2.0 that he's only heard over the phone and has yet to see in person. A girl's gotta make an entrance you know. I live for the shock factor. You know, the surprise on every one's face. The giant smiles and "I'm so proud of you! 's" or the jealous eyes and the whispers behind my back... or even a jaw drop. I could go for that. I can't wait. 

As I'm staying with Rico for the weekend, it will give the bitches even more to discuss amongst their jealous selves. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories for you upon my return, but until then fingers crossed that I receive the reaction so hoped for. If the haters gotta hate, you gotta give them something to hate on, right? ha. 

Happy Saturday, everyone! Hope your weather forecast is as beautiful as mine and you give the bitches something to talk about too! 

Mr. Creepy McCreepster

Leave me alone! Seriously, can you not find other bars to scope out on my Saturday nights? I know there are plenty of innocent young women just waiting to attempt to give you a fake phone number after three rounds of free beverage and in turn be manipulated into giving you their real one. So how about you go find one of them to text and harass or perhaps, take your so called girlfriend out after work on Saturday nights instead of imposing on my enjoyable evenings out. Really, this is getting ridiculous. How many weekends in a row do I have to try and hide out in the corner of the bar when you stroll in? I know you think you're the shit, but news flash, you're not. In fact, you are pretty much a creep. By definition, reason #312 to have a legitimate fake number on hand and reason #2 to talk to the man buying you drinks before accepting three rounds and realizing they're slightly off balanced.

Thanks so much, 

Yours Never,

Classy.

Back story? Sure.  

Probably about a month ago, a girls' night out went wrong. Trying to replicate a girls' night in previous weeks, a city friend and I went to one of our favorite bars where we were sure one of our favorite bartenders would in fact be present supplying us with free beverage as he had in the aforementioned girls' night. Unfortunately, we sit at the bar for an hour with no sign of our bartender. Finishing our non-free beverages, we were almost ready to call it a night and simply put it in the loss bracket, when in strolls Mr. Creepy McCreepster. Acting as if he owns the place, he says, 'Hello' to all bartenders in attendance and several customers at the bar while simultaneously being supplied with his apparent 'usual'. As if we cared, he then strikes up conversation with the two new beautiful ladies to his left: Myself and my city friend. But hey, we came for the free drinks and he was apparently all too aware of that. 

Three rounds later, he's offered to assist my city friend with a job opportunity and asked for both of our phone numbers. As I tried to give him a fake, this was not his first carnival ride. He insisted that I call his phone so that he could save the right number. Unfortunately enough, city friend failed to take the hint that when I'm burning a hole in your forehead with my eyeballs, it means it's time to go! Indeed, he left with Classy's actual phone number. Tragic.

Flash-forward a week, Classy's co-teacher wants to hit up a bar that she's heard is fantastic. We go, mid-week, no big deal. Walk right into Mr. Creepy McCreepster's place of business. That's right, he's the asst. GM of said bar. Seriously? The good news: It was all free. The bad news: more harassment. Spectacular. Isn't this supposed to be a big city? 

It made for a good story, several off-hand sarcastic or crude comments about the man's insanity or all too desperate disposition, and quite a few laughs between Classy and friends... Until last Saturday night. Like sitting ducks, Classy, Roxie, Mr. Perfect, and other friends were enjoying a Saturday night on the town when guess who strolls in. Indeed. Not real. At first the man acts as if he didn't look me dead in my eyes when he walked in the door, but of course he couldn't leave it at that. He's Mr. Important, he had to let my entire party know that. Strolls over to Roxie and my table, puts his arm around me, introduces himself to my friends, calls me a 'heart breaker' (as if we didn't already know that much...) and offers to buy us a round as he's walking out the door. The waiter pretty much scoffs at his arrogance and we laugh as he invites us to meet up with him at his next destination. Yeah. right. And you guessed it, in the week following, more text messages. Desperate for me to return his need for conversation, he has mocked my relationship, mocked my strength and intellect, and absolutely and entirely misjudged this Classy Stiletto. What. a. freak. 

Last night was looking to be a better night. Psycho-free and drama free. In fact, I almost got out scott free entirely. Alas, almost doesn't count. Mr. Important strolls in once more. Stalker much? Luckily, we were just finishing our round and headed home. Zero opportunity for Dear Creepy to strike up a conversation other than awkward attempts of eye contact. Hilarious. Ridiculous. I've learned my lesson. And done. 

In conclusion, not only have a fake phone number on hand, but perhaps a can of pepper spray... and city friends who know when to say, 'Goodbye!' 

Not. real.

Help! I'm Stuck!

Scales were sent from the Devil. Of this, I'm convinced. I worked out four days last week. Hard. I'm pushing myself to an extra extreme at this point because of certain events coming up shortly and certain people I'll be spending time with preceding the wedding festivities in May. I've set more short term goals, even though the long term goals are sneaking up on me quickly. In any case, I have been stuck on the same approximate numbers now for two + weeks. And this is not okay. Mr. Perfect asks why I can't just be satisfied with being in the best shape I've probably ever been in. My co-worker and friend tells me over and over again, "stay off the scales, they're just discouraging. You know you're working hard and it's paying off." My heart understands this, but my instinct is to just see if the needle has moved a simple pound or so... it can't be that difficult, right? Wrong.

I had a brief conversation with I.G. yesterday, begging for guidance, for encouragement, for anything. I'm so fed up with working so hard to no avail. It's enormously frustrating. I mean really, no wonder people allow themselves to get fat! Not only is it a chore to watch what you eat, but you also need to fit in a fair amount (or more) of exercise and BONUS, when your body becomes tired of that routine, you have to change it up again simply to continue to lose. What is that? One might try to tell me that the results will continue to drive me. It'll all make sense when you feel fabulous in the end, right? Well as of now, I've been working my ass off for two solid months and I haven't seen any further results than what I saw at a month and a half. If this is the case for much longer, when on earth am I supposed to feel fabulous?

Yes, I can tell that I've lost. Yes, I feel like I'm in much better shape than when I started. Yes, I'm able to run further or lift longer. Yes, I can feel my body strengthening. No, I'm not where I thought I would be at this point, nor where I want to be and no, I'm not okay with going another month with nothing on the scales amusing my efforts!

After a fantastic time at home last weekend, I felt so encouraged and motivated by my girls. I was thrilled to get back in the gym with a breath of fresh air. And this weekend, I felt like I had plummeted into a hole that I can't crawl out of. I'm stuck! I was quite the cranky bitch yesterday as I couldn't break free of this mindset. I.G. assured me that my body would work its way through it and the next twenty pounds would fall off. I hope that's the case. But it was/is quite difficult for me to come to terms with that today. When you start working out and feeling good, it's so easy to say "Why haven't I been doing this all along?" until you reach this point and it's like "Now I understand why everyone gives up about two months into their 'New Years Resolution' and goes back to the hot wings and cold beverages." I'm not saying I'm giving up. I've come too far for that. I'm just admitting that I can certainly see why people do. I'm so irritated. Maybe I should just throw out the scales for a while... could I really do that? Add that to the list of what my will power is up against lately. God help me.

Oh, John...

As I discussed previously in my post about the 51st Annual Grammy Awards show, one of my favorite acts was the John Mayer, BB King, Buddy Guy and Keith Urban ensemble. It was incredible. Big fan. Mr. Perfect enjoyed it as well, surprisingly enough. We've always had our differences over Mr. Mayer because of my... well... undying love and devotion towards the man and anything he puts out musically. You could say that Mr. Perfect is a wee bit jealous. Maybe because I've flat out told him, I'd leave him for John... yeah... that could be it. Oh well. Such is life. I can't help it. The man just does something for me. Always has. I received a burned copy of Room for Squares the summer after my sophomore year of high school. Before he became a HUGE deal on pop radio charts, then on blues/jazz radio charts, and then on gossip columns everywhere. Since that cd, let's just say, there was no going back. I have every cd and dvd that has been put out, I was in the fan club and received back stage passes to one of the three concerts I've seen him perform, have my picture with him, a framed poster... yes, I'm in my twenties and some might call me obsessed. I hide it well. Don't worry. Not a freak about it. Mostly. I just love him. Love his music. Think he's an unbelievable song writer lyrically. You name it, I'll go on and on about it... Just can't help it. Sorry. 

Anyway, to my point. 

I come home from my run this evening to find Mr. Perfect and a friend of his watching my latest John dvd, "Where the Light Is"... if you're a fan, you need this dvd. It has performances of an acoustic set, the John Mayer Trio, and then all of his chart toppers. It's fabulous. Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, Mr. Perfect, not so much a fan of John... at all...  at least this was my understanding. Anyone who knows him would understand the shock factor here. But apparently the gears are shifting. He has always said that he respects him as a guitarist, because let's face it, he's amazing at his art, however, apparently now he's starting to warm up to him a little bit more... And thus, my job is done. Sure, he's still jealous. He should be. ha. 

Good point in my day, I get to watch John all night and not be ridiculed for it. He did roll his eyes at me when he saw that I was looking for images of the man for my blog. Oh well. I don't see the problem. 

And so, I don't believe I've ever truly expressed my love for John via my blog, so I thought tonight would be as good of a time as any to share. Happy Monday. 

He's Just Not Into This Movie?

But I was! I loved it! The end of my Valentine's Day yesterday consisted of dinner and a movie. My choice. Therefore, He's Just Not That Into You seemed the perfect pick. And luckily enough, it had enough humor and and wit about it that Mr. Perfect enjoyed himself too! I highly recommend it. And Island Girl, you totally could have seen it by yourself. The majority of the movie is dissecting men and women in general. Hilarious. 

What wasn't so hilarious, however, was the much larger gentleman sitting two seats away from me. He waltzed in a few minutes before the actual movie began, missing previews and stumbling through the dark with his date. He sits down acting like my coat in the chair directly beside me is in his way and then begins his adjustment period. No joke. Takes him at least ten minutes to get situated. And then, his phone rings. Not on vibrate. But out loud. Not only does it ring, he ANSWERS it! Don't mind me, I'm just trying to enjoy the first part of this movie that I've paid to see! ... well, I didn't pay technically, but that's not the point. After he hangs up, he proceeds to spill is large popcorn all over the floor. He then begins kicking and shuffling his feet to move the popcorn out of his way. I'm not making this up. If I had been sitting in front of him as opposed to beside him, I would have turned around to smack him! But it didn't end there!

His cell phone rings again! And he answers it again! Then, my favorite part. He takes a sip of his large coke and belches! OUT LOUD! Are you serious?! Now, as I work with children on a regular basis I had to catch myself from turning to him and saying "Really?! Excuse you!" Instead I turned to Mr. Perfect... who was then, laughing at him. It didn't end until his phone rang a third time, he began to snore, and then stripped off his top layer revealing a cut off tshirt. I'm not kidding, I'm not creative enough to imagine such a cinematic adventure. This man was unbelievable. Never in my life. 

First of all, how many times do they have to flash upon the screen: "Please be courteous of your fellow movie-goers and silence your cell phones!" Secondly, do we seriously need to even review decent manners? Belching out loud?! Honestly? Where did this guy come from? Not real. Not even real.

And so, the movie: A; the company outside of my date: F. If I had been his date, I would have been mortified. Does she deal with that on a regular basis? Wow. Just, wow. 

End rant. 

Home Sick

I miss my girls. A lot. I'm having major withdrawal lately from being without my hometown ladies. It's been since Christmas since I've been home with all of them. Some might say that's only a month and a week now, but it seems like so much longer. We're all trying this new health kick thing and I've been trying to keep up with all of them for updates and progress reports, but I've found it makes it that much harder. I just miss their company. And the conversation. It's never dull when we're all together. Sure there are some that I miss more than others.. cough.. Roxie.. cough, but some of my very favorite times back home lately have been when we've all been out together. We seem to have too much fun. 

I have really been blessed to find such good friends here in the city. Most of whom pretty much fell into my lap via Mr. Perfect's already-made friendships. They've really turned out to be great friends though. Always entertaining. I've also been blessed to have best friends from college come to visit often and that is most definitely perfection. I've spent many a fantastic Saturday night showing off the city to them.  There's nothing like home when you need it, however. My hometown ladies and our favorite hang outs are all calling my name. It's past time for a reunion. I've communicated these feelings to Mr. Perfect and he agrees. It's time for a trip home. Two weeks from today, I'll be back with my girls. Begin said countdown... now. 

Walking Double Standard

And I just can't help it. 

In college, as a Sociology major, I took several classes dealing with feminist issues and perspectives in today's society. One class in particular looked at how women are viewed in various forms of popular culture and media. A piece of information I have kept with me from said class includes how women are so objectified. Piece by piece they are dismembered and viewed as individual body parts as opposed to actual human beings. This concept disgusts me. 

How does this relate to my title? Well, I have a confession. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a walking double standard. Tonight in the gym after running my little heart out, I was making my way towards the weights when I happened upon a few handsome athletes I'd not seen before. What I realized after seeing these men and coming to the conclusion that they were attractive... I had yet to look at their faces... oops. I was too focused on the perfect form of their arms while more than my body weight was being lifted above their heads. Big oops. Now, this wouldn't be the first time this has happened in my experiences in work out facilities, but at least I have known said pairs of arms in previous circumstances. Oh well. What can you do? 

I've got a thing for athletes. And their arms. Oh, their arms... My family is full of them. Athletes not arms. Well, arms too... I digress.  It's in my blood to be one or love one. Irony of that-- Mr. Perfect: not so much an athlete at all. I don't hold it against him. And he doesn't hold it against me that my eyes tend to wander in the gym when I see "attractive" men lifting ungodly amounts of weight. I just can't help myself! 

Have I said that already? My bad. 

Anyway, needless to say, tonight's workout was a good one. And not just because of a few random athletes in the room, but I also felt good being back in the groove of my routine after a not so strict weekend. Back on track and feeling good. 

The eye candy made it better...

God, I'm terrible. Funny how such realizations come at the most inopportune times. Oh well. Such is life. I promise, I'll do better... Tell me you haven't done it before? 

"And They'll Be Lining Down the Block, Just to Watch What I Got"

Okay so this is Fergie, not me. I look nothing like Fergie. But there's nothing quite like starting your workout with Fergalicious, right?  Tell me I'm wrong. 

Happy 2009!

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's Eve celebration! Mine was small but perfect. Lots of food and lots of beverage. All was enjoyed. New Year's Day--my original first real day of getting real with myself as far as my new diet and work out lifestyle-- consisted of the hang over cure... Ihop. Therefore, January 2, 2009 was named "the first day of the rest of my life." 

Okay okay, I'm being dramatic. But it was a new start and I was more than ready for it to begin. My gym membership was processed and paid for and in a little under an hour, Mr. Perfect and I will be headed that way for the first time. I am SO excited. That's an understatement, really. Who gets so excited to go work their ass off for an hour or so? This girl. I'm more excited about getting back to a healthy mindset, mentally and physically. As Elle Woods tells us, "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't go out and kill their husbands. They just don't." While, I don't have a husband to kill, I am thrilled with the thought of feeling better, looking better, and moving on with this new life a little better... with a better attitude, I mean. 

In any case, you can see the mood I'm in on this beautiful Saturday morning. I hope everyone else has a great weekend as well! Much love to my wonderful blogging friends and Happy New Year!

On a Mission

I am on a mission. I wrote a couple of months ago in reference to my new attitude on life. My new goals of fitness and health. And then came Thanksgiving and multiple trips home and that whole fitness thing fell through the cracks. I have yet to join a gym even though I have been more cautious of my eating habits and have lost... not as much as I would like... by doing so. Oh well. Here I am again. 

My last grocery bill was outrageous because everything in my cart consisted of being on the more healthy end of the spectrum. I've been drinking almost three liters of water a day. Portions, much smaller. Starving? Only in my head... Don't worry. As I told Mr. Perfect, you really will never have to worry about Classy not eating enough. I'm always hungry. As of late, I'm just feeding that hunger when I know it's real and not just boredom or stress. I've started yoga. I'm new to this game, but I'm enjoying it so far. It's relaxing. I'm joining the local Y at the first of the year. It's the time of year I always get myself going again... only this time, I won't be moving or going home for the summer, therefore, I have no excuse for my routine to be compromised. I'm on a mission. 

Fuel for my mission. Oh, you'll like this one. I was asked in June to be a bridesmaid in my college roommate's wedding this coming May. Of course I would, that's not a question. The dilemma... her choice of dress was being discontinued in July. Reminder: this is June. Therefore, the solution is, no fitting, just giving her my size and allowing her to order it for me. To me, this isn't an issue. It's a no-brainer. I've been the same size for years. My last semester of school, I dropped a size. Order me this size. Thank you. She comes back with a dress that is a size larger than the size I asked for. She says "I had to order my wedding dress in this size and thought it would be easier, just in case, to take in rather than let out." Excuse me? 

I'm not making this up.

Fuel for my mission. I'm determined to not only not have to quote "let it out." I'm determined to have to take it in about three sizes. I'll show her and the rest of those caddy sorority sisters of mine... (remember them? They'll most definitely be at this wedding... woo)... that this Classy girl can hold her own in this great big world and she doesn't need the likes of them anyway. Okay, so I'm being dramatic. But you get the picture. 

Yes, I'm on a mission. Hold me to it, won't you? I'm looking forward to the attention. You would be too. Ready, set, go!

Trapped

1. Sorry I've been a major slacker for about a week now. Promise to not let it happen again. 

2. Note: This post may be very Carrie Bradshaw-esque and may even make some of you roll your eyes at me for not appreciating what I've been blessed with. But you know me, no apologies. 

This past weekend was quite wonderful. I enjoyed some alone time, some pampering, and a lot of sleeping. It was exactly what I needed at the end of last week. Yesterday however, was rough. What is it about Sunday afternoons? I find them so lonely, no matter where I am. So you're asking yourself how do I go from lonely to trapped? Try and stay with me. 

I spoke with my mother several times yesterday as I usually do. She knows Sundays are hard for me. Once again, I don't know why. Anyway, one of our last conversations of the day began with her telling me that my grandmother's most recent habit is referring to Mr. Perfect as my finance. Okay. Hold the phone. Last I checked my left hand, I have no diamond. I, more or less, brushed it off with "Whatever helps her sleep at night." Note: She's not a fan of her only granddaughter having moved in with her boyfriend. Also note: Classy doesn't care. If she only knew how many other things in my life she could stress over aside from my living arrangements... Anyway, moving on. While my mom was laughing about this, it led into a conversation I didn't want to have. She began asking questions that she rarely asks because she knows I don't enjoy them. Ex. "Have the 2 of you talked about it? What are your thoughts?" And my personal favorite, "Are you sure he's the one?" Please mother, put these on top of my carefree weekend just to add a little spice. 

The truth is I once had the answers to all of these questions. Now, I feel that even the simple questions put me in a cage I cannot seem to escape. I'm not ready to make these decisions. When a grand majority of my friends are married, engaged, or in very serious relationships, I find myself feeling stuck. Have I trapped myself in a life I don't want to be in? Just writing that sentence brings tears of fear to my eyes. I laugh it off most of the time. Questions are asked and I give the typical answers that I know everyone wants to hear, but honestly it scares me to death to find myself in such a position at this point in my life. 

Maybe it's a fear of the unknown or a fear of growing up. Maybe it's a fear of making a mistake or losing control over my precious independence. Maybe it's typical Classy playing our everything in her head to an exaggerated state. Whatever the case might be, I've really struggled with it for the past 48 hours. 

Interestingly enough, it has more to do with my own state of mind than Mr. Perfect. One would think something had changed or gone wrong with the fault lying in him, but not so much. I mean, I could make out a list of all of the qualities I love so much about him and all of the things he does for me. Then again, I could also list the things that drive me crazy along with everything I wish he did for me. But that is the case with every man, right? Or any significant other, I suppose. Whatever. It's not about him. 

I guess I'm settled here now. Therefore, it's time to figure out what's next. And the "what's next" answers are becoming more frightening every day. 

Another sorority sister got engaged last night. My college roommate (also engaged) emailed me this morning to tell me. She also concluded in her own special way... "Soon we're all going to be married! Isn't that exciting! When are you joining the club? Want me to stop asking? haha..." etc etc. Well, I do know the answer to that question and it's "YES! For the love of everything good and holy, stop asking!"

Oh life. In the words of the beautiful Dierks Bentley, "I'd settle for a slowdown."

Truth Be Told

Sometimes I just want to start a fight. Honestly. Classy, yes? Not quite. I'm not talking about "white trash-let me kick someone's ass-pull hair-scratch and spit-beat down," I don't do that. I'm just in a need to scream a little... Maybe one slap. Just one!

It's been one of those weekends... not a bad weekend, per se, but a weekend where I've just been in a mood. Every man in my life is on my last nerve in one way or another. Mr. Perfect has been Mr. PMS for the past few days. I'm not sure if he's not getting enough sleep or his daily dose of calcium, but whatever the case might be, I'm over it. Rico also knows how to get under my skin when he feels it necessary. I'm over that too. Then there are the select few ladies in my life that are driving me crazy as well. Diva came up this weekend and I'm always glad to see a face from home. But she became quite inebriated last night and her filter basically shut down after that. I was quite annoyed by the end of the evening. Basically, I'm just fed up.

Last night, I went to my Halloween party of the weekend... a day late in order to also make it a birthday party for one of our friends. It was enjoyable. I looked good. That was a plus. But I was so aggravated by everyone for the majority of the evening, I hardly would say it was as much fun as I remember house parties being in college. In any case, it was fine I guess. I'm just in a mood. A state of mind, if you will. You've been there... you know you have. I'm ready for some alone time. Or some time to spend with those who understand me a little more than some have proven to this weekend. Hope you have had a Happy Halloween weekend! Here's to a new week!

Whirlwind Weekend

Where do I begin? How about Friday. How about spending far too long at a conference for work on my birthday. Try 8 hours. Sounds like a typical work day right? Well this conference just kept going and going and going. Maybe because I needed so desperately to just get to Friday night, ie. my birthday party, ie. the most fun I've had in such a long time.

No really.

Came home to my favorite Island girl and my brother all but waiting on me when I returned from my all day event. Showered and came out to roses from Mr. Perfect, and more people continuing to come through my door. My co-teacher, also make-up artist for MAC, did my make-up and my shopping had proven to be successful earlier in the week. Everyone looked hot and we headed out for a long night on the town.

Things went by quickly, but here's a quick re-cap: first stop, cute bar off the main strip that wasn't too crowded until our eleven person entorage showed up. I walk in the door, some of our party was already there and already ready to order me a beverage of choice. I knew it would be a great night from there. After a few hours here, we began walking down the strip to find a girl shouting at us to come in for free cover and free shots at the bar for the birthday girl, etc! I love being famous. Had our free shots, plus another select few and then headed out again. This time for dancing. And we danced and danced and drank and danced. My younger brother managed to find his way into the middle of a group of thirty year olds dancing, my beautiful heels managed to be pryed off of my dying feet, and the dj managed to announce it was my birthday, along with three other girls there. No matter, it was fantastic. What a birthday. It was everything I had wanted it to be.

The next morning, however, was not what I wanted it to be. Not feeling the least bit sick, thanks to the brother's remedy of late night taco bell, we all had to get up and pack up for the trip back home. Our grandmother's funeral was late Saturday and the burial took place on Sunday. Talk about polar opposite emotions Saturday night from those had Friday night. I couldn't keep myself from crying... a lot. My whole family seemed to feel that way. It was really hard. Then again, it was good to be with family. Even those I really have trouble caring about because they don't care about themselves. I know everyone has them. All of my cousins of course were in full force. I had friends show up to show respect and not allow me to completely fall apart. I feel like I did okay for the most part. I kept saying last night that I was ready for a new week. A positive beginning.

So, here we are. Still focusing on Friday night and trying to keep from concentrating on our sad weekend, I'm very thankful for my friends. New or old, my hometown girls or my city friends, all made my birthday special or held me up when I needed them most. I didn't know I could have as much fun again as I had on Friday. I thought they were gone with the college life. Alas, the city night brings a new light. Especially when your party is eleven people deep. I'm ready to go out and do it again. However, my Mr. Perfect's bar tab at stop number 1 was $70, thanks to your's truly, and there were two more stops after that... so he's probably okay with waiting a little while. At least until another payday.

Love, Laughter, and the Pursuit of New Fashion

Well contradicting my last post entirely... I've decided and made known to those living around me that all I want for my birthday, all I really want, is a party. I want a night out of fun with all of my new city friends with a few old ones thrown into the mix. And flowers. I want flowers. But mainly I want a party to celebrate your's truly.

With this decision however, comes the task of finding new clothing to wear to such an event. I've already started talking it up, in true Classy style, so I have to now find something fantastic to wear out for the festivities taking place. What does this mean? SHOPPING!

You guessed it! And this is the way I've laid it out for myself... I'm in a new city away from the majority of my friends for the first time on a birthday. I'm also in a new job where I'm making more money than I've ever made on previous birthdays. I'm also celebrating downtown with a group of people and Mr. Perfect. This means... "it's my birthday present to me! I'm so happy!" Splurging every now and again for yourself can't be too terrible for you. Right? Right.

I'll let you know how it goes. I've gone round one with no success.. Nothing catchy enough. But never fear, I will not give up. I suppose that round two of this mission will take place this weekend in between scheduled nothingness. I'm looking foward to it. I believe Diva and maybe even Ditzy might be joining me at least on Saturday. It will be the first time that dear Ditzy has come out this way... could be interesting. Could be painful. We'll see.

Don't worry Roxie, I'll be missing you. Plenty.

"Men Lie and Women Bitch..."

"..and nothing's ever gonna change that." 

Such wise words from a Mr. Perfect at the end of a blog-worthy conversation I just ended. One might think that with a comment like that, it was a very heated discussion with quite naive viewpoints thrown into the wind. It was quite intelligent actually. Two grown adults discussing a topic that I like to think I know a little something about, having a degree in Sociology and all.

 Spun from our "conversation" last night (recall: me-rolling eyes; him-talking a lot as per usual), and other notions brought about from his day at work, we somehow ended up talking about idealism in relation to gender beliefs today. 

He claims to be quite the idealist when it comes to society in general. I can see where this could be the case. It could also be the case that he's just naive. He can't understand why people just don't want to be equal with one another. His main point was that women don't want equality. No one really wants equality. They want to be a step up. Ahead of the other. He said that he didn't hate our Sex and the City viewing last night as much as he found it depressing that this wasn't so far fetched from reality. Granted, we discussed it had to be exaggerated for entertainment purposes, he said that the girls in SATC were a prime example that women don't want to be the same as men, they wanted to be better than men. My response to this, being the ever-so-classy me that I am, was "you don't know what the hell you're talking about, shut up." Okay, maybe I was laughing while saying it, but it is what I said. Women have to try and be better than men (smarter, funnier, quicker) to even potentially receive equal respect as men.. no matter the case. I'm not saying it's his fault that he doesn't see things as I do. I'm not saying I hate men and they keep me down, oh woe is me. I'm saying it is what it is. Society has been molded to be what we live in today. Period. 

A show like Sex and the City is not the basis of all of feminism for the twenty-first century. But the fact that they can "have sex/date like men" for example in one episode, or turn down dates because of shallow reasons for example in another episode, allude to the more independent and self-sufficient women of our time. And that's reality. That's what men do on a daily basis and I can't say that I've never met a woman who acts as such, but in any case I think it's simply hard for men to comprehend from such a perspective as SATC offers. It is empowering. Just as my angry girl music is. I don't think it's about being better than one another. I think it's about trying to find a happy medium that doesn't exist still in our present day. Not that it will never happen (for all of you idealists out there)... just that it hasn't so far. 

News flash: Equality doesn't exist. Not today anyway. 

Sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings there... 

And in response to more thought from my last post and of Kate White's quote, I'm going to say that I can feel all of this so strongly I want to argue about it until my face is blue, while wearing my new cute shoes, and having him open the door for me on the way out. It's not about hating on men, it's about loving being a woman. And being respected by all people, men and women, for being pretty damn fabulous at it. 

That's all. Classy out.