Muffin contemplating if it's really worth it
Her single step out into the snow
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Hmmmmm, Snow
Muffin absolutely LOVES going outside, so when I opened the door today for her to go out this morning (without her leash!) she was thrilled.... that is until she felt the frigid breeze and put her paw on the cold snow!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Skinny Bitch
Last month my mother began telling me about the book, Skinny Bitch. She actually didn't tell me that much about its contents, but she insisted that I read the book. She lent me her copy which I began reading on my plane ride home from Vegas. I just assumed it was another diet book. My mother likes to read all these things and then pronounce that "this diet" is her "new thing!"
So, I started reading the book, and it was okay. It talks about "healthy eating," which is always something I'm into reading about. Then I started reading the chapter on artificial sweeteners. As soon as I began to read it I realized why my mom wanted me to read this book. She is so anti-artificial sweeteners, it's ridiculous! She comments all the time about diet pop (I've been known to drink quite a few on a daily basis) and how I should just drink regular pop. She also likes to refer to sugar-free gum as "poison gum." She could talk 'til she's blue in the face about artificial sweeteners being bad for me, causing cancer, etc., but I never paid attention. However, when I started reading about it in Skinny Bitch, I couldn't believe it. Aspartame really is the devil and Splenda isn't much better. I'm not going to go into details, 'cause it would take a long while, but I recommend reading up on it. So, I woke up the next day and stopped eating artificial sweeteners. No more Splenda in my coffee (no coffee at all actually, I've moved on to herbal tea). No more diet Pepsi, diet Coke, Coke Zero, Propel, Sugar-free Red Bull, etc. No more Weight Watchers treats (all made with sucralose) or even Weight Watchers yogurt. I stopped it all. Crazy. It wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be!
The book also taught me a bit about the meat industry, organic stuff, going vegan, etc. Now, I never will be, and don't desire to ever be vegan, but the book definitely raised many interesting points. It's kind of a one sided book, so I don't recommend it to anyone who wants a really educated point of view. I think it was a pretty good jumping off point for me though. Next on my lost is The Omnivores Dilemma. Like I said, I really don't intend on ever being a vegetarian, but I'm willing to have some substitutes and am looking for alternatives. Peter and I even made some tofu tacos last week! They were actually good! Surprise, surprise!
So, I started reading the book, and it was okay. It talks about "healthy eating," which is always something I'm into reading about. Then I started reading the chapter on artificial sweeteners. As soon as I began to read it I realized why my mom wanted me to read this book. She is so anti-artificial sweeteners, it's ridiculous! She comments all the time about diet pop (I've been known to drink quite a few on a daily basis) and how I should just drink regular pop. She also likes to refer to sugar-free gum as "poison gum." She could talk 'til she's blue in the face about artificial sweeteners being bad for me, causing cancer, etc., but I never paid attention. However, when I started reading about it in Skinny Bitch, I couldn't believe it. Aspartame really is the devil and Splenda isn't much better. I'm not going to go into details, 'cause it would take a long while, but I recommend reading up on it. So, I woke up the next day and stopped eating artificial sweeteners. No more Splenda in my coffee (no coffee at all actually, I've moved on to herbal tea). No more diet Pepsi, diet Coke, Coke Zero, Propel, Sugar-free Red Bull, etc. No more Weight Watchers treats (all made with sucralose) or even Weight Watchers yogurt. I stopped it all. Crazy. It wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be!
The book also taught me a bit about the meat industry, organic stuff, going vegan, etc. Now, I never will be, and don't desire to ever be vegan, but the book definitely raised many interesting points. It's kind of a one sided book, so I don't recommend it to anyone who wants a really educated point of view. I think it was a pretty good jumping off point for me though. Next on my lost is The Omnivores Dilemma. Like I said, I really don't intend on ever being a vegetarian, but I'm willing to have some substitutes and am looking for alternatives. Peter and I even made some tofu tacos last week! They were actually good! Surprise, surprise!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
My New Favorite Website
Peter randomly found this website a few weeks ago. I needed to share 'cause it's my new favorite place to kill time.
http://www.zooborns.com/
http://www.zooborns.com/
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ending an Era
I've decided to delete my myspace page! I feel it's time to let go of it! Soon facebook will disappear as well, but for now I'll just delete the myspace! The only reason I think I held onto it for so long is my blog that I had on myspace. I didn't realize how much I wrote on it. From Leigh Ann & Jenny getting married, to the October storm, my horrible poison ivy, to the Justin Timberlake concert, they were all documented on that blog! I just spent a while reading it one last time before deleting it & I decided that there are a few blogs that I will copy over to here because they're important to me... for some reason....
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Current mood: awake
Category: Pets and Animals
So, we head out in the freezing cold to Petsmart on the boulevard. As I carry Muffin in she begins to shake uncontrollably. Aparently she's a little overstimulated! I put her down and she goes right under the shelves. I pick her up and she just looks like a paranoid drug addict. I show her the fish and she couldn't care less. I show her the birds and she's slightly intrigued. She'd be more interested I'm sure it there weren't dogs roaming around. So, Peter and I decide to take her to a quieter section of the store. We go over by the cat stuff and she falls in love with those carpeted cat climber things (ya know, like big scratching posts, with little holes to go into). It's like a field of them and she's up high and so she's happy. Now, Peter and I are getting a little bored. After she spends about 15 minutes in these things we show her some more stuff and then decide it's time to check out.
We head up to the registers and on our way pass 3 cats in cages that are up for adoption. Muffin doesn't like other cats, so I hope she's not really paying attention. Well, these ladies who are with the adoption place start asking questions about Muffin and want to pet her and stuff. I'm not too comfortable with this whole situation, and aparently Muffin isn't either. One of the ladies goes to pet her belly and that's all Muffin needs to FLIP OUT ! She starts screaching like a little kid, bites my wrist repeatedly, and attempts to wrestle herself out of my arms! It was like I was being mauled by a wild animal. I start to walk over to the door and just throw Muffin on the ground. Some worker comes up to me and says, "Honey, she's scared. I think you need to take her out of here." I wanted to say, "No f*#@!n' kidding you stupid b*$#h!!!" Instead I scooped Muffin up and headed out to the car. Peter was right behind me. He put down the things we planned on purchasing 'cause he had the car keys. We get to the car and he was gonna go back into the store and buy what he had put down, but I told him, "We can never go into Petsmart again!!!" We drive off and I never look back. After this whole incident I felt like a mother whose child throws a temper tantrum in the store. I was so embarassed!
I look at my hand which is red and scratched and punctured with teeth marks. It's bleeding and hurts quite bad for the rest of the day. I am currently on Augmentin to avoid cellulitis. (I've done some research and I guess like 50% of cat bites become infected! Great!)
I threatened to send Muffin away to live with her father, but we're getting along a bit better now. It'll take some time to repair our relationship, but I'm sure it (and my hand) will recover just fine.
Just because….
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Letting Go
Current mood: relieved
Do you dig my new picture and background? Keep in mind that I have no internet at home, so I do all of this crap at work!
So, I read this article in one of my many, many magazines today. It was called something like, "When you lose a friend," or something like that (No, this is not about death or funerals, so don't worry!). So, I read this article about this girl who had a friend that all of a sudden seemed to fall off the face of the earth. She stopped returning calls, e-mail, letters, etc. She thought that maybe she had been in a horrible accident or something tragic had happened in her family, etc. In the end she realizes that her friend just cut her off for some unknown reason and she just needs to stop questioning everything she had ever done. She had to accept that she would never know what had been going through her "friend's" mind.
This article struck a cord (chord? you know what I mean) with me. It made me feel not alone it a similar situation I experienced. Most of you know that I had a best friend in college, let's call him "Mike," that I spent most of my waking hours with. For four years he was my surrogate boyfriend and I his surrogate girlfriend. He had an actual girlfriend miles away and I, despite my lovesick tendencies, wasn't ready to settle down and have an actual relationship. So, we looked to eachother to have someone to hang out with. Movies, bars, dinners, and lots of other random stuff. So many people thought we were dating or we would inevitabley wind up dating, but we both knew how ridiculous that was. The idea never even entered into our minds. That just wasn't us.
So, we go on the leave Canisius and I stay in Buffalo to go to UB and he moves to Philly for school. We talk occassionally and I even go out for a visit for spring break that first year. Then, the phone calls and e-mails began to trail off. He stopped returning my phone calls and the e-mails were few and far between. I sent him birthday and Christmas cards and eventually he stopped acknowleding them. He even visited Buffalo several times (I only heard that through the grapevine) and never even tried to meet up me. So, I gave up on him, at least until one drunken night when I became nostalgic and decided to e-mail him. I asked him if he had ever really cared at all. I asked if he ever wanted to be my friend, or if I was just someone to fill in an empty space for a short period of time. (I'm sure it sounded more dramatic, but that's the jist of things.) Much to my surprise he replied within 24 hours. He told me that he decided to focus his attention on the people in his life that really cared about him and that I shouldn't take it personally (That's honestly what he said.). Then, the kicker followed. He wrote in a "PS" that he was married and expecting his first child in a two months. I think I blacked out at that moment. That hurt more than anything I could have ever been prepared for. I hated him for a long time.
I found out a few weeks ago that he's not married. WTF? That's when I decided I needed to let go.
Since then, I stopped trying to figure him out. I stopped trying to pinpoint the moment we stopped being friends. I stopped trying to figure out if we ever even friends at all. I stopped trying to convince myself that being with him wasn't a waste of time. I tried to stop caring.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Fall Trip out West
Since I haven't updated this blog in FOREVER, and I don't have much time to do a quality post, here's some pics of the trip Peter & I took out west ealier this month. We went to Nevada, Arizona & Utah....
The Hoover Dam
Me & a hoodoo
More Zion
Peter as ElvisThursday, August 21, 2008
Potty Training
As you are all aware, I have two cats. Muffin & Hallie are pretty good cats. Aside from Muffin's moodiness & past depression, and Hallie's asthma, I really don't have any problems with them. At least I didn't think there were any other problems.
Last week in the middle of the night I heard this banging noise. It was loud enough to wake me up out of a sound sleep. It sounded like someone was hitting a hammer on my wall. I stood up and was about to go check on what the noise was in the living room, but then I heard a familiar scratching noise. Hallie must've been in the litter box. Muffin was sleeping on the end of my bed, so I knew it wasn't her. Hallie must've been trying really hard to cover up her shit 'cause she was crazy loud, but it stopped and I fell back asleep.
This morning I woke up to the same scenario. I got up, went into the living room, and found Hallie banging on a JCrew box. She was sitting inside banging on the flaps and scratching the bottom of it. It sounded exactly like the noise I heard last week. It was crazy that such a loud noise could come from a cat and a box. So, Hallie hung out in there for a while longer and then fell asleep in a corner somewhere. That JCrew box has been around for several months. I was gonna throw it out a while back, but Peter said I shouldn't 'cause the girls love it so much. So, I've just left it in a corner and they go in it occasionally and bat around the tissue paper that's still in it.
Well, as I was vacuuming today I had to move the box and noticed a wet spot in it! Upon further examination there seemed to be several old wet spots that have dried. Yep, that's right, Hallie's been peeing in the box! I don't know how long this has been going on, but I'm pretty pissed about it (no pun intended)! How has this gone on without my noticing?! Does my apartment smell like cat urine and I'm unaware?! Needless to say, the JCrew box is in the dumpster!
So, now I've got my eye on Hallie. She definitely uses her litter box, but does she go pee anywhere else?! Is she marking her territory?! Now I'm paranoid!
Oh, and here's a random picture of Hallie sleeping, just because I think it's the funniest, most ridiculous pose ever!!!
Last week in the middle of the night I heard this banging noise. It was loud enough to wake me up out of a sound sleep. It sounded like someone was hitting a hammer on my wall. I stood up and was about to go check on what the noise was in the living room, but then I heard a familiar scratching noise. Hallie must've been in the litter box. Muffin was sleeping on the end of my bed, so I knew it wasn't her. Hallie must've been trying really hard to cover up her shit 'cause she was crazy loud, but it stopped and I fell back asleep.
This morning I woke up to the same scenario. I got up, went into the living room, and found Hallie banging on a JCrew box. She was sitting inside banging on the flaps and scratching the bottom of it. It sounded exactly like the noise I heard last week. It was crazy that such a loud noise could come from a cat and a box. So, Hallie hung out in there for a while longer and then fell asleep in a corner somewhere. That JCrew box has been around for several months. I was gonna throw it out a while back, but Peter said I shouldn't 'cause the girls love it so much. So, I've just left it in a corner and they go in it occasionally and bat around the tissue paper that's still in it.
Well, as I was vacuuming today I had to move the box and noticed a wet spot in it! Upon further examination there seemed to be several old wet spots that have dried. Yep, that's right, Hallie's been peeing in the box! I don't know how long this has been going on, but I'm pretty pissed about it (no pun intended)! How has this gone on without my noticing?! Does my apartment smell like cat urine and I'm unaware?! Needless to say, the JCrew box is in the dumpster!
So, now I've got my eye on Hallie. She definitely uses her litter box, but does she go pee anywhere else?! Is she marking her territory?! Now I'm paranoid!
Oh, and here's a random picture of Hallie sleeping, just because I think it's the funniest, most ridiculous pose ever!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Didn't See This One Coming
I've been neglecting my blog- what else is new?!
I've had some stories that I keep wanting to tell. For example, I went mountain biking, flipped over and had a near death experience where I was almost impaled! Unfortunately you will probably never hear that story because I got engaged this weekend and I'm pretty sure no other life event I've had in recent years could surpass that!!!
So, I got engaged Saturday afternoon. Never in my life have I've been so surprised by anything- EVER! Maybe I'm slow or something. Lots of people had been asking me recently if I thought Peter would propose sometime soon. To them I responded, "Get the hell outta here!" and laughed. That's exactly how I felt. I was fine with that. I accepted it. If Peter asked me sometime in the next 2 years I would've been fine with it. Well, dummy me apparently lives in her own little world.
Apparently Peter had be researching diamonds, rings & jewelers for months now. Who woulda thought?! I had a 4 day weekend last week and we were expecting we would go on a short vacation. He figured he'd ask me then. We wound up staying in Rochester & doing random stuff (mini golf, zoo, grilling, etc.).
Saturday afternoon he came over to my place. We were going to go to Wegmans to pick up some stuff for dinner. I made a list & was all ready to go. Peter was playing with Muffin in the living room. I'm like, "Are you ready to go?" He responded with something like, "Do we have to go now?" Which I responded with, "What the hell else are we gonna do?!"
Apparently he knew exactly what else we could do...
So, he told me he had something to ask me. I probably responded with a snotty & impatient, "WHAT?!" He walked over to me, told me he loved me, & wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. (This is where it starts to get fuzzy.) He pulls a ring box out of his pocket, gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him. I was pretty surprised I didn't have a heart attack at this point. I remember saying, "yes" and then repeatedly saying, "Honey, this is crazy!" over and over. I remember kissing him and then hugging him and finding it hard to let go.
The rest of the weekend I was in a fog. I drove us to the store after the proposal, and it's a wonder I didn't get into an accident. I forgot my grocery list. I kept dropping my keys. I'm pretty sure I walked into several walls & people. The fog has lifted a bit since then, but I'm still far from acting normal.
So, now I'm on some engagement high. I'm happier than I think I've ever been. Each day I get even more happy as it continues to settle in.
I've had some stories that I keep wanting to tell. For example, I went mountain biking, flipped over and had a near death experience where I was almost impaled! Unfortunately you will probably never hear that story because I got engaged this weekend and I'm pretty sure no other life event I've had in recent years could surpass that!!!
So, I got engaged Saturday afternoon. Never in my life have I've been so surprised by anything- EVER! Maybe I'm slow or something. Lots of people had been asking me recently if I thought Peter would propose sometime soon. To them I responded, "Get the hell outta here!" and laughed. That's exactly how I felt. I was fine with that. I accepted it. If Peter asked me sometime in the next 2 years I would've been fine with it. Well, dummy me apparently lives in her own little world.
Apparently Peter had be researching diamonds, rings & jewelers for months now. Who woulda thought?! I had a 4 day weekend last week and we were expecting we would go on a short vacation. He figured he'd ask me then. We wound up staying in Rochester & doing random stuff (mini golf, zoo, grilling, etc.).
Saturday afternoon he came over to my place. We were going to go to Wegmans to pick up some stuff for dinner. I made a list & was all ready to go. Peter was playing with Muffin in the living room. I'm like, "Are you ready to go?" He responded with something like, "Do we have to go now?" Which I responded with, "What the hell else are we gonna do?!"
Apparently he knew exactly what else we could do...
So, he told me he had something to ask me. I probably responded with a snotty & impatient, "WHAT?!" He walked over to me, told me he loved me, & wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. (This is where it starts to get fuzzy.) He pulls a ring box out of his pocket, gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him. I was pretty surprised I didn't have a heart attack at this point. I remember saying, "yes" and then repeatedly saying, "Honey, this is crazy!" over and over. I remember kissing him and then hugging him and finding it hard to let go.
The rest of the weekend I was in a fog. I drove us to the store after the proposal, and it's a wonder I didn't get into an accident. I forgot my grocery list. I kept dropping my keys. I'm pretty sure I walked into several walls & people. The fog has lifted a bit since then, but I'm still far from acting normal.
So, now I'm on some engagement high. I'm happier than I think I've ever been. Each day I get even more happy as it continues to settle in.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My Prolific Garden
I'm not much of a blogger lately, but my gardening skills seem to be improving! Last time I wrote about my garden it was about the trials & tribulations I've been dealing with. Now, I'm writing to update about my bountiful vegetable plants! The tomatoes have been picked, and are now growing batch #2. The peppers are unbelievable. There's 5 waiting to be picked, and more flowers are appearing daily!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Progression...
Let me demonstrate the progression of a night on the town in Toronto with two cousins...
Monday, June 23, 2008
My Little Garden of Hell!
I've been meaning to do an entry about my garden, but I kept putting it off since I forget to take pictures of my beautiful foliage and it's continuing progress. Now I'm regretting procrastinating so much...
But first let me give you a little background on why I have a "garden." I've never liked plants that much and I have a tendency to kill them, but my mother likes to give me plants. So, I have had two small houseplants (Anthurium and something labeled as "assorted foliage"), a Christmas tree, and big indoor plant (Peace Lily) from her. They've all survived for sometime now. The Christmas tree has had several brushes with death, but with much pruning, a recent transplantation, and much love, it's been able to survive them all.
But first let me give you a little background on why I have a "garden." I've never liked plants that much and I have a tendency to kill them, but my mother likes to give me plants. So, I have had two small houseplants (Anthurium and something labeled as "assorted foliage"), a Christmas tree, and big indoor plant (Peace Lily) from her. They've all survived for sometime now. The Christmas tree has had several brushes with death, but with much pruning, a recent transplantation, and much love, it's been able to survive them all.
My little Christmas tree...just like Charlie Brown's
A few months ago I decided to start an herb garden. In spite of killing my original mint plant I decided to add more plants to my brood, the first of which is an ever struggling tomato plant. Originally I also wanted flower boxes for my deck, but then my mother gave me a few "birthday presents" (that's what she calls plants that I have to pot and take care of). My presents included a pineapple plant, another tomato plant, and a pepper plant. Then, to round it all out, Peter decided he wanted a corner of my deck to grow zucchini.
Up until about a week and a half ago this was all under control. Everything was still living, which is how I gauge success. Then the plagues began....
First, the locusts! No, actually they were closer to fruit flies, nonetheless they were taking over my herb garden. So, my herb garden was put into the great outdoors. It was for the best really. They're quite happy out there. Once the herbs were out the door, the flies were gone! Problem solved!
Next, I realized that my one indoor plant had some sort of parasite. EWWWWW! Out to the deck for that one too.
Then, It was around this time that I started to come to terms with the fact that my pineapple plant is most likely dead. It's hard to tell, but Peter thinks it is and I'm now inclined to believe him.
Then, (and this is the nastiest part) Peter came over Friday. He checked on his zucchini, as well as the rest of the plants. When he came in and checked out my big indoor plant he notified me that he thought there was some sort of parasite on the leaves! Son of bitch! But wait, there's more. He then told me that he saw CENTIPEDES in the soil! AHHHHHHHHH! GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT! I yelled! EWWWWWWW! I started itching immediately, and am even itching as I'm writing this! YUCK! (btw, thanks mom for the insect infested plants you bestowed upon me!)
Muffin with the "centipede plant"...no wonder the cat's loved it so much!
Finally, the last plague took effect that Friday night! With all of my plants (and their cohabitants) out on the deck a thunderstorm began. It was pretty windy and rainy, but I was hoping it would just blow those parasites right outta Rochester. Well, wind and rain is just fine, but then the hail began. HAIL! I just watched as my plants were being pelted. I moved some out of the direct hail, but I wasn't about to bring those things back into my bug free apartment. So, the storm lasted much longer than one would've anticipated. Thus, I'm pretty sure there are some casualties. I gave them some fertilizer in one last attempt to revive those clinging onto life, so we'll see how that goes.
Yes, that's the same plant as the one above! I hope those centipedes were killed in the storm!
A closer look at the damage
My poor baby peppers that want so badly to reproduce
Friday, June 20, 2008
Yearly Dilemma
I've just realized that I have the same dilemma each year. Since I was 17 years old I've had to decide where to live & where to work each year. That's kinda ridiculous that my life is so unstable that I have to make big decisions like that on a yearly basis. However, I also like that I have a sort of mobility still and can up and change my location pretty easily.
I've made no decision about where to live or where to work, but I just wanted to mention that epiphany (favorite word) I had.
And just to be more random, here's some pictures from my birthday 2 weeks ago:
I've made no decision about where to live or where to work, but I just wanted to mention that epiphany (favorite word) I had.
And just to be more random, here's some pictures from my birthday 2 weeks ago:
Friday, June 13, 2008
Settling Down
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog where I mentioned that a 23-year old intern had told me that the best years of her life were over. I thought this was ridiculous.
I mentioned the conversation to a co-worker/friend and she replied, "She's right!" I was stunned by her response, and was like, "Are you serious?!" She went on to explain that she felt that the days of hangin' out with friends regularly & spontaneously had ended. Now everyone has moved away, gotten married and/or started having kids. Now we're supposed to "settle down" into monotony. Things are now so different and it was sad.
I shared my opinion on how there's still so much that is going to happen in our lives, and if you think the best is over, then what the fuck are you gonna do for the next 60 years of your life?! Why live at all?
In the end we decided that we each had a valid point, and while our lives are definitely not over, they are very much different, and sometimes that is a depressing thought.
I have the occasional moment when I feel 21 again, like the days I play flip cup all night or stay out 'til the bars close. Those days are becoming few and far between though. Mostly my life has become centered around work.
Typical day for Jaime:
I wake up at 6 am.
I leave for work at 6:50 am.
I arrive at work at 7:55 am.
I work from 8-4 pm entering orders and monitoring patients.
I leave work at 4:05 am.
I arrive home from work at 5:10 am.
I eat a snack and go running or work out and finish around 6:15 pm.
I take a shower and fix myself up and finish that around 7:15 pm.
I now have free time until around 10 pm.
I go to sleep at 10 pm ('cause getting 8 hours of sleep is a necessity for me most days).
It's a never ending (dull & boring) cycle.
I'm not saying that my life sucks, 'cause it definitely does not. I'm just saying that it's very different from my old life. I'm trying to get used to it. Thankfully, I think the fear of getting stuck in a rut and having no social life will keep me from becoming a complete and total boring loser!
I mentioned the conversation to a co-worker/friend and she replied, "She's right!" I was stunned by her response, and was like, "Are you serious?!" She went on to explain that she felt that the days of hangin' out with friends regularly & spontaneously had ended. Now everyone has moved away, gotten married and/or started having kids. Now we're supposed to "settle down" into monotony. Things are now so different and it was sad.
I shared my opinion on how there's still so much that is going to happen in our lives, and if you think the best is over, then what the fuck are you gonna do for the next 60 years of your life?! Why live at all?
In the end we decided that we each had a valid point, and while our lives are definitely not over, they are very much different, and sometimes that is a depressing thought.
I have the occasional moment when I feel 21 again, like the days I play flip cup all night or stay out 'til the bars close. Those days are becoming few and far between though. Mostly my life has become centered around work.
Typical day for Jaime:
I wake up at 6 am.
I leave for work at 6:50 am.
I arrive at work at 7:55 am.
I work from 8-4 pm entering orders and monitoring patients.
I leave work at 4:05 am.
I arrive home from work at 5:10 am.
I eat a snack and go running or work out and finish around 6:15 pm.
I take a shower and fix myself up and finish that around 7:15 pm.
I now have free time until around 10 pm.
I go to sleep at 10 pm ('cause getting 8 hours of sleep is a necessity for me most days).
It's a never ending (dull & boring) cycle.
I'm not saying that my life sucks, 'cause it definitely does not. I'm just saying that it's very different from my old life. I'm trying to get used to it. Thankfully, I think the fear of getting stuck in a rut and having no social life will keep me from becoming a complete and total boring loser!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
I Quit!
I'm a quitter.
It's true. I always have been a quitter. I suppose I'm not as bad as I was in my youth. I no longer quit games if I'm losing, so that's progress. I just have a tendency to give up if things aren't going my way. For example, when Peter was teaching me to drive a standard I quit. He was having me back up out of a parking space and I just FREAKED OUT, got out of the car and walked over to the passenger side instead. I accepted defeat. I just couldn't do it.
In reality I know in my heart and brain that I am capable of doing most things if I set my mind to it. Sure, I may fail, but with perseverance, I'm sure I could accomplish most things that I set my mind to. The problem is that I hate failing at things in the meantime. Practice may make perfect, but I just want to be perfect right away and not deal with those immediate, inevitable failures that precede "perfection."
I'm not as much of a quitter as I used to be. This is mostly because I don't give myself an option to give up. The thing that I just can't seem to quit now is my job. Despite thinking that I'd be leaving it in the relatively near future, I find ways to put it off. Currently I'm working on incorporating 4 day work weeks into the schedule. Surely 3 days off during the week would make a job more tolerable, right? So, this is my new challenge. I'm in charge of developing the schedule. I love the power of devising a plan, but I'm hating the actual work and compromise involved. Maybe I'll quit just to get out of this predicament.
I don't have much else to say right now about all this. I'm just finding myself more and more frustrated each day and thought that if I said something about it I would perhaps feel better.
I don't.
It's true. I always have been a quitter. I suppose I'm not as bad as I was in my youth. I no longer quit games if I'm losing, so that's progress. I just have a tendency to give up if things aren't going my way. For example, when Peter was teaching me to drive a standard I quit. He was having me back up out of a parking space and I just FREAKED OUT, got out of the car and walked over to the passenger side instead. I accepted defeat. I just couldn't do it.
In reality I know in my heart and brain that I am capable of doing most things if I set my mind to it. Sure, I may fail, but with perseverance, I'm sure I could accomplish most things that I set my mind to. The problem is that I hate failing at things in the meantime. Practice may make perfect, but I just want to be perfect right away and not deal with those immediate, inevitable failures that precede "perfection."
I'm not as much of a quitter as I used to be. This is mostly because I don't give myself an option to give up. The thing that I just can't seem to quit now is my job. Despite thinking that I'd be leaving it in the relatively near future, I find ways to put it off. Currently I'm working on incorporating 4 day work weeks into the schedule. Surely 3 days off during the week would make a job more tolerable, right? So, this is my new challenge. I'm in charge of developing the schedule. I love the power of devising a plan, but I'm hating the actual work and compromise involved. Maybe I'll quit just to get out of this predicament.
I don't have much else to say right now about all this. I'm just finding myself more and more frustrated each day and thought that if I said something about it I would perhaps feel better.
I don't.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Age
Yesterday, at work an intern was talking about how upset she is about turning 23. She then said that she feels like the best years of her life are over. WOW! I told her that was sad.
So, I got to thinking...
Despite the fact that I am going through a self-proclaimed "quarter life crisis," I do not think that my life is over. I'm just a little upset that my 20's are so close to being over and that there's so much that I still want to do, see, & experience. I also do not believe that the best years of my life are over. Imagine if they were?! What would I have to live for? I must say that the past (almost) 29 years of my life have been great, fun, adventurous, exciting, loving, interesting, sad, nerve wrecking, fabulous, etc, etc...... That being said, I know there's so much more to experience and I'm ready to do so.
I think when you're young your perception of age and what it means is skewed. A few years ago I found a journal thingy from when I was young. I wrote it when I was in 2nd grade. I wrote predictions that I would be married by the time I was 20 and have kids when I was 21. WOW! I didn't even finish pharmacy school 'til I was almost 26, and trust me if I had kids when I was 21 that would not be a good thing for any of us! Then, the other day, my mother mentioned that I always said I wanted to be married by the time I was 30. I told her that things don't always work out as we plan them....and that's not always a bad thing. I'm perfectly fine with not being married and not having children now. I'm sure if my 2nd grade self knew my almost 29 year-old self and had the same understanding, she would be okay with it too. My younger self never expected me to go on to college for 8 years, become a doctor, and begin a lucrative career either. (Ha, ha! Take that 9 year-old self!)
So, I guess the conclusion I should reach from all of this is that I shouldn't be concerned with age, and that age is only a number. In actuality I don't really believe that either. I personally think age is a good gauge of things. I'm far too logical of a person not to think that. I just think that people place too much importance on the age number.
In conclusion, despite turning 29 in 10 days, I wouldn't want to go back in time to any other place in my life if it was even possible. I'm sure 29 will be wonderful...30 on the other hand....well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So, I got to thinking...
Despite the fact that I am going through a self-proclaimed "quarter life crisis," I do not think that my life is over. I'm just a little upset that my 20's are so close to being over and that there's so much that I still want to do, see, & experience. I also do not believe that the best years of my life are over. Imagine if they were?! What would I have to live for? I must say that the past (almost) 29 years of my life have been great, fun, adventurous, exciting, loving, interesting, sad, nerve wrecking, fabulous, etc, etc...... That being said, I know there's so much more to experience and I'm ready to do so.
I think when you're young your perception of age and what it means is skewed. A few years ago I found a journal thingy from when I was young. I wrote it when I was in 2nd grade. I wrote predictions that I would be married by the time I was 20 and have kids when I was 21. WOW! I didn't even finish pharmacy school 'til I was almost 26, and trust me if I had kids when I was 21 that would not be a good thing for any of us! Then, the other day, my mother mentioned that I always said I wanted to be married by the time I was 30. I told her that things don't always work out as we plan them....and that's not always a bad thing. I'm perfectly fine with not being married and not having children now. I'm sure if my 2nd grade self knew my almost 29 year-old self and had the same understanding, she would be okay with it too. My younger self never expected me to go on to college for 8 years, become a doctor, and begin a lucrative career either. (Ha, ha! Take that 9 year-old self!)
So, I guess the conclusion I should reach from all of this is that I shouldn't be concerned with age, and that age is only a number. In actuality I don't really believe that either. I personally think age is a good gauge of things. I'm far too logical of a person not to think that. I just think that people place too much importance on the age number.
In conclusion, despite turning 29 in 10 days, I wouldn't want to go back in time to any other place in my life if it was even possible. I'm sure 29 will be wonderful...30 on the other hand....well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Roadkill
Reason #753 why I am ready to end this daily one hour commute of mine: Dead animals.
The first rule of driving my dad taught me 13 long years ago was, "DO NOT under any circumstances EVER swerve for animals-especially birds! They will get out of the way for you!" About 7 years after that lesson I killed a baby bird that failed to move out of the path of my Cavalier. I was sad for the rest of the day. I was even scared to look in the grill of my car 'cause I was afraid I'd see feathers.
Next, something I neglected to mention a few weeks ago when it happened... I was driving to work around 6 am and was only about 5 minutes into my drive on the 490 when a bird committed suicide on my windshield. Seriously. It flew right smack in front of my eyes and thankfully quickly fell off. I screamed like I haven't screamed in quite a while. That shit'll scare you half to death in the wee hours of the morning! Now whenever I see birds swooping across the interstate I cringe. I couldn't bear to hear that noise of a bird hitting my window ever again!
Finally, yesterday, which is the main reason for this post... Less that 5 minutes on the 490 I saw a dead deer in the middle of the highway. Blood everywhere and body parts scattered. Not something I ever cared to see. About 2 minutes after that I notice the car in front of me swerve and witnessed it barely miss hitting two fawn that were crossing the road. One of the fawn made it's way to the other side of the road, but the other must've got scared. It quickly turned around and fell on the hash marks in the middle of the road. I screamed (probably louder that when the bird hit my windshield). Luckily, it quickly got back on it's feet and headed in the direction from which it came.
The man in the car that nearly hit the deer and I were the only witnesses to this. Thankfully there's not many cars on the road at 6:30 am on a Saturday. He must've been shaken up as much as I was though, 'cause we both spent the rest of the drive on the 490 going about 50 mph. After thinking about that baby deer I had tears in my eyes, 'cause I worried that I'd see it dead on my way home. There's a ridiculous amount of dead animals on the shoulder of the interstate, and I can't take it!
I never used to care much, but I just think it's sad. Especially when the baby ones die. Unfortunately, on my way home, I did see a dead baby deer on the side of the road. Obviously, I don't know if it was the same one from the morning, but it doesn't really matter. I was still sad just the same.... What can I say, I'm getting pathetic in my old age!
So, be careful out there! I'm not advising swerving out of the way of swooping birds, or prancing deer, but watch out nonetheless.
The first rule of driving my dad taught me 13 long years ago was, "DO NOT under any circumstances EVER swerve for animals-especially birds! They will get out of the way for you!" About 7 years after that lesson I killed a baby bird that failed to move out of the path of my Cavalier. I was sad for the rest of the day. I was even scared to look in the grill of my car 'cause I was afraid I'd see feathers.
Next, something I neglected to mention a few weeks ago when it happened... I was driving to work around 6 am and was only about 5 minutes into my drive on the 490 when a bird committed suicide on my windshield. Seriously. It flew right smack in front of my eyes and thankfully quickly fell off. I screamed like I haven't screamed in quite a while. That shit'll scare you half to death in the wee hours of the morning! Now whenever I see birds swooping across the interstate I cringe. I couldn't bear to hear that noise of a bird hitting my window ever again!
Finally, yesterday, which is the main reason for this post... Less that 5 minutes on the 490 I saw a dead deer in the middle of the highway. Blood everywhere and body parts scattered. Not something I ever cared to see. About 2 minutes after that I notice the car in front of me swerve and witnessed it barely miss hitting two fawn that were crossing the road. One of the fawn made it's way to the other side of the road, but the other must've got scared. It quickly turned around and fell on the hash marks in the middle of the road. I screamed (probably louder that when the bird hit my windshield). Luckily, it quickly got back on it's feet and headed in the direction from which it came.
The man in the car that nearly hit the deer and I were the only witnesses to this. Thankfully there's not many cars on the road at 6:30 am on a Saturday. He must've been shaken up as much as I was though, 'cause we both spent the rest of the drive on the 490 going about 50 mph. After thinking about that baby deer I had tears in my eyes, 'cause I worried that I'd see it dead on my way home. There's a ridiculous amount of dead animals on the shoulder of the interstate, and I can't take it!
I never used to care much, but I just think it's sad. Especially when the baby ones die. Unfortunately, on my way home, I did see a dead baby deer on the side of the road. Obviously, I don't know if it was the same one from the morning, but it doesn't really matter. I was still sad just the same.... What can I say, I'm getting pathetic in my old age!
So, be careful out there! I'm not advising swerving out of the way of swooping birds, or prancing deer, but watch out nonetheless.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Because I Love Bacon...
I firmly believe that bacon makes everything better. It's nice to know I'm not the only one!
Click here!
Click here!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Counting Dollars & Calories
I've decided that it's nearly impossible to lose weight and save money at the same time. Seriously. Making two big lifestyle alterations at the same time is incredibly difficult! I didn't really realize the connection until recently.
So, as I've mentioned several times, I am attempting to save $15,000 by the end of the year. Will this really happen? I do not know, but I'm pretty close to being on schedule with it. So far I have saved a third of my goal. I'm very proud of this. It has not been easy. Somehow I've managed to do this, even with my Key West vacation and my newly acquired mountain bike. Honestly, the vacation was helped out greatly by my tax refund... which also went to those pesky new tires I had to buy for my car. Also, we thankfully found a mountain bike that was last year's model, which saved me over a hundred dollars! I had to give up the pretty, girly, purple mountain bike that I fell in love with, but I believe I made the right choice in the end. Unfortunately , despite being able to have a few indulgences, I'm definitely feeling the money crunch. The fact that my travel expenses have increased significantly, and will continue to do so is kinda... ok, VERY frustrating. I've cut back on eating out, and random entertainment things. Also, I haven't been to the mall in over a month! Seriously! I haven't been to Target either! Oh, no, I have actually, but that was only to buy Mother's Day cards! So, needless to say, my life today is a bit different than my past money squandering days.
So, that's the $$ side. Now, let's look at the losing weight issue. I'm doing Weight Watchers. For 3 weeks I stuck to it religiously, but this past week has been nearly impossible. I can not stick to my points. People would say that maybe I've just deprived myself, but I really don't think so. I rarely go to bed hungry, and I still work eating junk food into my weekly points. This past week has sucked ass. I'm not quite sure why exactly, but I have stress in my life. Lots of random things, issues, etc. Nothing serious. I just think that everyone gets to that point where they feel they could melt down for no good reason. Life just gets to you. I think that maybe I'm using food to cope with this. I began to analyze this theory...
I've decided that money and food are two of the most common things that people use to cope. Now, it's not necessarily a bad thing, but obviously it can become a problem. How many people have issues with overeating & being in debt. So, now that these two things have been taken away from me, what am I supposed to do?! I must find another outlet! In the past I've used exercise, but I don't think that's enough...
So, that's my issue. I'm trying reading, writing, running, biking, yoga, and taking my cats for walks. I open to any suggestions.
Other than that, things are good. My internet is finally in working order. My birthday is in 3 weeks. My new drivers licence came in the mail. I was disappointed in it, but then looked at my old one and immediately felt better about the new one. We're planning a fall trip to Utah & Vegas. And that's about it. It's thankfully Friday, and I hope that this weekend my point spending will be on track like my money saving! Have a happy Friday!
So, as I've mentioned several times, I am attempting to save $15,000 by the end of the year. Will this really happen? I do not know, but I'm pretty close to being on schedule with it. So far I have saved a third of my goal. I'm very proud of this. It has not been easy. Somehow I've managed to do this, even with my Key West vacation and my newly acquired mountain bike. Honestly, the vacation was helped out greatly by my tax refund... which also went to those pesky new tires I had to buy for my car. Also, we thankfully found a mountain bike that was last year's model, which saved me over a hundred dollars! I had to give up the pretty, girly, purple mountain bike that I fell in love with, but I believe I made the right choice in the end. Unfortunately , despite being able to have a few indulgences, I'm definitely feeling the money crunch. The fact that my travel expenses have increased significantly, and will continue to do so is kinda... ok, VERY frustrating. I've cut back on eating out, and random entertainment things. Also, I haven't been to the mall in over a month! Seriously! I haven't been to Target either! Oh, no, I have actually, but that was only to buy Mother's Day cards! So, needless to say, my life today is a bit different than my past money squandering days.
So, that's the $$ side. Now, let's look at the losing weight issue. I'm doing Weight Watchers. For 3 weeks I stuck to it religiously, but this past week has been nearly impossible. I can not stick to my points. People would say that maybe I've just deprived myself, but I really don't think so. I rarely go to bed hungry, and I still work eating junk food into my weekly points. This past week has sucked ass. I'm not quite sure why exactly, but I have stress in my life. Lots of random things, issues, etc. Nothing serious. I just think that everyone gets to that point where they feel they could melt down for no good reason. Life just gets to you. I think that maybe I'm using food to cope with this. I began to analyze this theory...
I've decided that money and food are two of the most common things that people use to cope. Now, it's not necessarily a bad thing, but obviously it can become a problem. How many people have issues with overeating & being in debt. So, now that these two things have been taken away from me, what am I supposed to do?! I must find another outlet! In the past I've used exercise, but I don't think that's enough...
So, that's my issue. I'm trying reading, writing, running, biking, yoga, and taking my cats for walks. I open to any suggestions.
Other than that, things are good. My internet is finally in working order. My birthday is in 3 weeks. My new drivers licence came in the mail. I was disappointed in it, but then looked at my old one and immediately felt better about the new one. We're planning a fall trip to Utah & Vegas. And that's about it. It's thankfully Friday, and I hope that this weekend my point spending will be on track like my money saving! Have a happy Friday!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
I got my drivers license renewal form in the mail about 2 weeks ago. It made me both sad & excited. Sad, because it means that I'm super close to the big 2-9! The last time I dealt with my license I was on the verge of becoming 21! How exciting! Now, 30 is looming over my head! (I'll stop talking about getting old for now. I'm sure there will be many posts to come on that topic, 'cause I'm pretty sure I'm having yet another quarterlife crisis. I had one at both 24 and 25, but I'm pretty sure that this one at 29 will take the cake.) However, I was super excited about getting a new license because that means I GET A NEW PICTURE! HELL TO THE FREAKIN' YEAH!
So, I'm sure most of you are aware that I have a hideous drivers license picture. You may never have seen the license, 'cause I guard it with my life, but I'm sure you've heard about it. Now, when I say "hideous," I mean god-awful, worst picture ever taken of me! I'm honestly not just saying that. I mean, I know I'm unphotogenic and all, but this picture SUCKS ASS! Need more proof? Well, I actually had someone tell me that I looked like I had fetal alcohol syndrome in the picture! I'm not joking!
The thing that used to really upset me about my picture is that when I showed my ID at bars, no one ever questioned if it was me or not! That hurts! Actually, last year at Thursday at the Square the gentleman handing out bracelets said, "This isn't you." and I responded with my most sincere, grateful voice, " Thank you, sir. That is the nicest thing any one's ever said to me." Then, I proceeded to explain to him that the picture was taken when I was sick and pale with no makeup and that it was really humid that day, so it looks like I have a 'fro...... Needless to say, he just handed me the license back and put a bracelet on my wrist.
Anyway, I got myself all glammed up for my trip to the DMV yesterday. I spent about 5 minutes just practicing my smile. In the end, the picture looked mediocre, but I'll probably be flashing my ID everywhere when I get it 'cause I'm so proud that I don't look like I have fetal alcohol syndrome anymore!!!
On a side note, I would like to mention that I love the Monroe County Auto Bureau on E. Henrietta! It was by far the BEST experience I've ever had at the DMV. If Erie County was as awesome I would've had a new license picture years ago. In case you're wondering, I had tried on numerous occasions to get a new picture, but it was always hell going to the DMV!
So, I'm sure most of you are aware that I have a hideous drivers license picture. You may never have seen the license, 'cause I guard it with my life, but I'm sure you've heard about it. Now, when I say "hideous," I mean god-awful, worst picture ever taken of me! I'm honestly not just saying that. I mean, I know I'm unphotogenic and all, but this picture SUCKS ASS! Need more proof? Well, I actually had someone tell me that I looked like I had fetal alcohol syndrome in the picture! I'm not joking!
This is a picture of mine & Nicole's licenses. We were comparing whose was worse. Thankfully the picture is very blurry!
The thing that used to really upset me about my picture is that when I showed my ID at bars, no one ever questioned if it was me or not! That hurts! Actually, last year at Thursday at the Square the gentleman handing out bracelets said, "This isn't you." and I responded with my most sincere, grateful voice, " Thank you, sir. That is the nicest thing any one's ever said to me." Then, I proceeded to explain to him that the picture was taken when I was sick and pale with no makeup and that it was really humid that day, so it looks like I have a 'fro...... Needless to say, he just handed me the license back and put a bracelet on my wrist.
Anyway, I got myself all glammed up for my trip to the DMV yesterday. I spent about 5 minutes just practicing my smile. In the end, the picture looked mediocre, but I'll probably be flashing my ID everywhere when I get it 'cause I'm so proud that I don't look like I have fetal alcohol syndrome anymore!!!
On a side note, I would like to mention that I love the Monroe County Auto Bureau on E. Henrietta! It was by far the BEST experience I've ever had at the DMV. If Erie County was as awesome I would've had a new license picture years ago. In case you're wondering, I had tried on numerous occasions to get a new picture, but it was always hell going to the DMV!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Kitten Picture of the Day
Her birthday pic didn't do her cuteness justice, so I thought I'd post this pic from earlier today!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Things that anger me...
#1. People who don't do their job! Lazy people suck! Just freakin' do what you're supposed to! Oh, and stop sighing constantly, like you're life is just so much more difficult than everyone elses! It's not!!!
#2. People who find the need to whistle, yell, honk, or anything else at you while you are outside running (or biking). Mind your own goddamn business! I'm not commenting on your abilities or appearance, so don't comment on mine!
#3. Acura. Is it really necessary to install a light in my car that lights up when I hit 36,000 miles? And, if that light is necessary, then is it REALLY necessary to require me to go to your service shop to have the light turned off?! I don't think so!
#2. People who find the need to whistle, yell, honk, or anything else at you while you are outside running (or biking). Mind your own goddamn business! I'm not commenting on your abilities or appearance, so don't comment on mine!
#3. Acura. Is it really necessary to install a light in my car that lights up when I hit 36,000 miles? And, if that light is necessary, then is it REALLY necessary to require me to go to your service shop to have the light turned off?! I don't think so!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Happy Birthday Hallie!
It's my baby's birthday! I need to post this blog before I'm completely incapable! Today's the NFL draft and Peter & I decided to celebrate by all day drinking! Leigh Ann & Brad stopped over and got to spend some quality time with the girls. (They loved Brad!)
Now as Peter & I attempt to wind down, the girls are totally hopped up on catnip and going insane! Here's a picture of my "little one." She's 2 today! She's one big baby, with a Puerto Rican bootie! I love you Hallie-bear!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Happy Spring!
I love spring. I mean, I SERIOUSLY LOVE SPRING! I am so happy lately! Peter even commented on how much happier I seem lately. A little sunshine can do absolute wonders! I seriously think that vitamin D deficiency plays a huge roll in the winter blues. Back in the day, during my rotation at the Buffalo Psych Center, I had the pleasure of working with a doctor who was a vitamin D fiend! He was obsessed with it, and for good reason! I won't go into details, but check out his site for some more info about the benefits of vitamin D! I suppose it's possible that the sunshine, even without the vitamin D aspect just makes you feel better, but I don't care either way. I can only say that I'm much more enjoyable to be around in this beautiful weather!
This weekend was great (once I finished my 3-11 pm shift on Friday night). I got to go to Conesus Lake where Peter & some of his friends rented a lake house. I want a lake house. I really do. After I got over my intense sleep deprivation from last week, I was able to enjoy myself.
Sunday, after returning from the lake house Peter and I took Muffin & Hallie for a walk which they thoroughly enjoyed. Then, we did something else in honor of spring! We went to the garden center and bought some plants, soil and pots! We made me an herb garden! I'm so proud of it! I've wanted one for a while. It includes basil, rosemary, chives, mint, and (of course) catnip!
So, for now, I continue to be elated with the weather, and life in general!
This weekend was great (once I finished my 3-11 pm shift on Friday night). I got to go to Conesus Lake where Peter & some of his friends rented a lake house. I want a lake house. I really do. After I got over my intense sleep deprivation from last week, I was able to enjoy myself.
Sunday, after returning from the lake house Peter and I took Muffin & Hallie for a walk which they thoroughly enjoyed. Then, we did something else in honor of spring! We went to the garden center and bought some plants, soil and pots! We made me an herb garden! I'm so proud of it! I've wanted one for a while. It includes basil, rosemary, chives, mint, and (of course) catnip!
So, for now, I continue to be elated with the weather, and life in general!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Looking Forward to Everything....
Yes, I am a delinquent blogger. I'm okay with that though since I've been busy lately. It's been fun busy! First of all, I took a much needed vacation to Key West. I returned last Saturday. Key West is absolutely wonderful, even in spite of my really bad heat rash and horrible seasickness! Fun, sun & lots of drinking with some of my favorite people. I don't know how you can top that! Here's a few pics to give you and idea of the joy that was had by all...
Irish Kevin's
Sexy Pharmacists at Fat Tuesday's
Despite having an absolute blast in Florida, it was wonderful to come home to my boyfriend and my babies. I think Muffin was having some separation anxiety. She didn't leave my side for a few days after my return.
I must say that the weather back here in western NY was a pleasant surprise. I don't think I could've handled returning home to snow and no sun. I love the sun. I missed the sun even more than I had realized. Don't ever leave me sun!
So, now I'm back to work and my ol' boring life that I'm determined to make exciting! I'm in the process of finding a mountain bike which is exciting. Life's been weird with no spinning (since my BAC membership is now over after 6 long years...), so I'm super excited about trying real live biking. I'm ready to get a move on....... Before Memorial Day I plan on buying a grill! I can't explain how much I'm anticipating that one! I've been cooking a lot lately (I have crazy leftovers in my fridge!) and I'd love to do some grilling...... My birthday is in less than 2 months, so I've begun planning for the big 2-9! Ahhhhh....... And I have no real plans for the summer, so I'm ready to start making some. Last summer I had 8 weddings. This summer I have zero! Yeah! As much as I love weddings, 8 was a bit much and didn't leave me much time to do what I wanted.......... By the end of the summer I hope to decide where I'm gonna be living & working for the next year as well. I'm sure I'll write more about that eventually, but there's a lot of time before any big decisions need to be made, so I'll hold off on that one for now!
Anyway, I'm so excited about everything right now. Except for one thing: A bird flew into my windshield on my way to work this morning! Seriously! Crazy! It made me sad, so perhaps that will balance out my emotions.
Okay, I think this post got a little ridiculous, so I'll stop now!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Cancer! Is it Cancer?!
Today I was once again reminded why I need to think twice before having children. To put it simply, I would be the most paranoid, neurotic mother EVER!
Peter called and e-mailed me shortly after I got to work today. He told me that something was wrong with Muffin. Apparently when he got out of the shower he saw a bunch of blood in the kitchen and drops in my bedroom. Muffin was hiding out in the closet. It seemed like she was sneezing blood out of her nose and she may had thrown some up. I got scared right away. I knew there was a vet's office down the street from me, so I asked Peter if he would call to see if he could take her in. Of course he did not hesitate to say he would.
I got off the phone and told a few people what was going on. Of course there is always that one person who tells you the absolute worst thing that you need to hear at that moment. She's like, "I had a cat that threw up blood. I won't tell ya what happened to her, but it was not good." Seriously. Who says that?! I calm down a bit and then the unnamed co-worker says something else that makes me cry. All I can think is that my poor baby Muffin has cancer. Not only does she have cancer, but she has such bad cancer that I will never even be able to see her again. Seriously.
Finally, Peter calls to tell me that he had to take her to some vet ER. The conclusion the doctor came to is that the blood was probably caused by trauma. She probably fell from somewhere, ran into something, her baby sister bitch-slapped her, etc. All are possibilities. Of course, there is the possibility that she does in fact have cancer, but that is very unlikely since she's so young. The doctor felt pretty sure that it was trauma induced bleeding (or at least that's what I'm told....I suppose Peter could've made that all up to save me the heartache of knowing my kitty has cancer.....let's not think about that).
So, I came home to my poor pitiful Muffin, and she kinda looks like she was beat up today. She looks like shit and all she wants to do is sleep. So, I am staying by her side hoping for a speedy recovery. Here's a picture of her during happier times:
So, as you can see, if I were to have children this would be a million times worse. I don't think I could deal with this stuff. I mean, yeah, a kid runs into a wall and gets a bloody nose, I could get over that and survive. But, cancer and other serious things? I don't think I could ever begin to deal with that. I'm sure most mothers would say the same thing, but the thing is that I worry about that stuff and I don't even have any offspring! Imagine if I did!
**Oh, and before ending this post, I would like to thank Peter for being the best boyfriend in the world. Thank you for putting your life on hold, missing hours of work, finding a vet, comforting Muffin, and doing it all without complaining or telling me that I owe you! I love you & so does Muffin (and to a lesser extent Hallie)!
Peter called and e-mailed me shortly after I got to work today. He told me that something was wrong with Muffin. Apparently when he got out of the shower he saw a bunch of blood in the kitchen and drops in my bedroom. Muffin was hiding out in the closet. It seemed like she was sneezing blood out of her nose and she may had thrown some up. I got scared right away. I knew there was a vet's office down the street from me, so I asked Peter if he would call to see if he could take her in. Of course he did not hesitate to say he would.
I got off the phone and told a few people what was going on. Of course there is always that one person who tells you the absolute worst thing that you need to hear at that moment. She's like, "I had a cat that threw up blood. I won't tell ya what happened to her, but it was not good." Seriously. Who says that?! I calm down a bit and then the unnamed co-worker says something else that makes me cry. All I can think is that my poor baby Muffin has cancer. Not only does she have cancer, but she has such bad cancer that I will never even be able to see her again. Seriously.
Finally, Peter calls to tell me that he had to take her to some vet ER. The conclusion the doctor came to is that the blood was probably caused by trauma. She probably fell from somewhere, ran into something, her baby sister bitch-slapped her, etc. All are possibilities. Of course, there is the possibility that she does in fact have cancer, but that is very unlikely since she's so young. The doctor felt pretty sure that it was trauma induced bleeding (or at least that's what I'm told....I suppose Peter could've made that all up to save me the heartache of knowing my kitty has cancer.....let's not think about that).
So, I came home to my poor pitiful Muffin, and she kinda looks like she was beat up today. She looks like shit and all she wants to do is sleep. So, I am staying by her side hoping for a speedy recovery. Here's a picture of her during happier times:
So, as you can see, if I were to have children this would be a million times worse. I don't think I could deal with this stuff. I mean, yeah, a kid runs into a wall and gets a bloody nose, I could get over that and survive. But, cancer and other serious things? I don't think I could ever begin to deal with that. I'm sure most mothers would say the same thing, but the thing is that I worry about that stuff and I don't even have any offspring! Imagine if I did!
**Oh, and before ending this post, I would like to thank Peter for being the best boyfriend in the world. Thank you for putting your life on hold, missing hours of work, finding a vet, comforting Muffin, and doing it all without complaining or telling me that I owe you! I love you & so does Muffin (and to a lesser extent Hallie)!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
On the Road Again
So, I think I've calmed down a bit since yesterday. Mostly that's because my car problems have been handled. After digging my car out of a snow bank Sunday it appeared to have a bit of a vibrating problem when I exceeded 40 MPH. I was little scared to drive it. I did some research online, and it looked as if it could be a variety of problems. I kept my fingers crossed that it was just snow & ice caked on somewhere, but I still worried that I tore out something in the undercarriage of my car. So, after driving 65 miles to work Monday morning with my hands going numb from the vibrations I decided I best get my ass to a mechanic. Luckily, I needed an oil change as well, so the guy at Meineke checked out my car (Free of charge, thankfully! I always worry about getting taken advantage of when it comes to my car.) after the oil change and told me there was no problem. Yeah! All the snow and ice must've melted while my car was out in the sun all day. So, I was able to drive all the way home without going numb! Good news #1!
Also, I've had this ongoing problem with my tires. They are done for. I was told they were "balled" at approximately 32,000 miles. I am now at 38,000 miles. This is not good. However, in my defense, I have been totally getting screwed when trying to purchase these damn tires! The original Michelin tires on my car are shit, so I knew I needed to find a new brand. Peter & I researched and came up with some kind of Kumho tires. Well, after ordering online I was called and told that the tires would not be appropriate for my car and thus they could not put them on. Jigga what? They came up on all the searches and came highly recommended! Apparently they are T-rated. I need V or H-rated. For all of you who are "car dumb," like me, that is the speed rating. T-rated allows for up to 118 MPH. Since my car is capable of going faster, I need a higher rating (Something that could've been brought to my attention yesterday!!!). So, in my second attempt to purchase tires I took Peter's second recommendation of General Altimax something or other. Well, days later I was notified that they are on back order and would take around 8 weeks to come in. Uh, pretty sure my car's not gonna last that long considering that'll put me at another 5,000 miles on the already balled tires. Well, FINALLY, I spoke with Dunn Tire today and ordered tires after doing my own research. I felt so independent picking out my own tires without Peter! Hopefully they will be pretty sweet!
And that is all. Apparently Meineke and tires are all I needed to cheer me up! Oh, and I'm picking up Peter from the airport tomorrow from work, so that doesn't hurt either.
Also, I've had this ongoing problem with my tires. They are done for. I was told they were "balled" at approximately 32,000 miles. I am now at 38,000 miles. This is not good. However, in my defense, I have been totally getting screwed when trying to purchase these damn tires! The original Michelin tires on my car are shit, so I knew I needed to find a new brand. Peter & I researched and came up with some kind of Kumho tires. Well, after ordering online I was called and told that the tires would not be appropriate for my car and thus they could not put them on. Jigga what? They came up on all the searches and came highly recommended! Apparently they are T-rated. I need V or H-rated. For all of you who are "car dumb," like me, that is the speed rating. T-rated allows for up to 118 MPH. Since my car is capable of going faster, I need a higher rating (Something that could've been brought to my attention yesterday!!!). So, in my second attempt to purchase tires I took Peter's second recommendation of General Altimax something or other. Well, days later I was notified that they are on back order and would take around 8 weeks to come in. Uh, pretty sure my car's not gonna last that long considering that'll put me at another 5,000 miles on the already balled tires. Well, FINALLY, I spoke with Dunn Tire today and ordered tires after doing my own research. I felt so independent picking out my own tires without Peter! Hopefully they will be pretty sweet!
And that is all. Apparently Meineke and tires are all I needed to cheer me up! Oh, and I'm picking up Peter from the airport tomorrow from work, so that doesn't hurt either.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Losing It
I am not having a good weekend sans boyfriend! Not that it's entirely his fault, but I planned on having a really fun week/weekend and get my shit together as well. Unfortunately God had other plans for me.
I dropped Peter off at the airport 5 am on Tuesday morning. I was then left to clean my apartment, workout, go shopping, cook food, and some other stuff. I was pretty much done with all that crap by 5 pm on Thursday.
Needless to say, I was ecstatic to be going out with Ab on Friday! Unfortunately, around noon on Friday the snow started. Sons of bitches. Now, snow doesn't normally stop me from going out. However, when one lives an hour away her plans are not as flexible. The roads are unpredictable lately, and what if they decided to close the 90 again, like they did a few weeks ago? My kitties were home without much food, and I had to take Hallie to the vet on Saturday morning. So, much to our dismay Ab & I postponed our plans. In the end this was probably a wise decision. It took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to get home. Thankfully my driving was in the daylight too, 'cause the snow in the dark sucks! I spent Friday night going out of my mind! I was already stir crazy and the storm had just begun.
Saturday morning I dug my car out and in the end decided that it would be stupid to try to drive to Buffalo with Hallie for her vet appointment. So, my poor sick baby with brown snot did not go see Dr. Mineo. (In my defense, she's really not that different than usual. She's still the happiest kitty on the block. Sometimes her lungs sound bad, and she has crazy sneezing fits, so I thought I would FINALLY take her in. Like I said, God had other plans for me.) So, Saturday sucked ass! I eventually dug out my car and attempted to leave my godforsaken apartment, but the freezing rain scared me back to the indoors. So, I spent the day/night/afternoon cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. BORING!
It was around this time that I realized that the only thing keeping my in Rochester is Peter. I have nothing else here. I wanted to be back in my Highland apartment sooooo freaking bad this weekend that it hurt! Am I being too mellow dramatic for you?! I hope not, 'cause it's the truth. Everything is in Buffalo, and in reality I don't even live in Rochester. I live in stupid Churchville! I'm really, really ready for nice weather. I'm hoping it will cheer me up and alleviate much of my stress (the weekly panic attacks are enough to drive one insane). If not, I may be heading back west come fall. That's how much this week has brought me down.
I'll stop whining for now. I just though I'd update you all on how my new life has been going considering that my move is the title of my entire blog.
I dropped Peter off at the airport 5 am on Tuesday morning. I was then left to clean my apartment, workout, go shopping, cook food, and some other stuff. I was pretty much done with all that crap by 5 pm on Thursday.
Needless to say, I was ecstatic to be going out with Ab on Friday! Unfortunately, around noon on Friday the snow started. Sons of bitches. Now, snow doesn't normally stop me from going out. However, when one lives an hour away her plans are not as flexible. The roads are unpredictable lately, and what if they decided to close the 90 again, like they did a few weeks ago? My kitties were home without much food, and I had to take Hallie to the vet on Saturday morning. So, much to our dismay Ab & I postponed our plans. In the end this was probably a wise decision. It took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to get home. Thankfully my driving was in the daylight too, 'cause the snow in the dark sucks! I spent Friday night going out of my mind! I was already stir crazy and the storm had just begun.
Saturday morning I dug my car out and in the end decided that it would be stupid to try to drive to Buffalo with Hallie for her vet appointment. So, my poor sick baby with brown snot did not go see Dr. Mineo. (In my defense, she's really not that different than usual. She's still the happiest kitty on the block. Sometimes her lungs sound bad, and she has crazy sneezing fits, so I thought I would FINALLY take her in. Like I said, God had other plans for me.) So, Saturday sucked ass! I eventually dug out my car and attempted to leave my godforsaken apartment, but the freezing rain scared me back to the indoors. So, I spent the day/night/afternoon cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. BORING!
It was around this time that I realized that the only thing keeping my in Rochester is Peter. I have nothing else here. I wanted to be back in my Highland apartment sooooo freaking bad this weekend that it hurt! Am I being too mellow dramatic for you?! I hope not, 'cause it's the truth. Everything is in Buffalo, and in reality I don't even live in Rochester. I live in stupid Churchville! I'm really, really ready for nice weather. I'm hoping it will cheer me up and alleviate much of my stress (the weekly panic attacks are enough to drive one insane). If not, I may be heading back west come fall. That's how much this week has brought me down.
I'll stop whining for now. I just though I'd update you all on how my new life has been going considering that my move is the title of my entire blog.
Friday, February 22, 2008
I'm Going Back to NYC!
Working a Friday night 'til 11 pm....not a fun time! Tomorrow's my high school pseudo-reunion. That's what I really want to write about, but I'll wait until after it's over. I have a lot of reservations about going to this thing... but I'm going. Hopefully all of my apprehensions will be unfounded (That sounded like a really intelligent sentence....). So, I've decided to stop thinking bad thoughts and blog about something else...NYC.
Last weekend I went to NYC and had so much fun... until I got sick (which is something that always seems to happen when I go out of town). I think I could live in NYC if it wasn't so damn cold! I mean, sure Buffalo and Rochester are cold, but I don't have to walk blocks and blocks to get somewhere! I do like city life though. It seems like there's always something to do. Fun!
My weekend in short: I got to see Krisha and go out on the town in Manhattan. I did some sightseeing and saw wonderful views of the city. I got to hang out in a sort of VIP lounge for the wedding party thing we went to.
I had fun in the city. Unfortunately, I was unable to do everything I set out to do. When you're visiting NYC with three guys, a girl's priorities are not #1. While I got to walk down 5th Avenue, I was unable to do ANY shopping whatsoever! WTF!? I had to walk right past Sephora! Oh, the humanity! I didn't even get to go to the MAC store (which is my idea of heaven). I had to walk past the two story JCrew that housed the bathing suit I've been wanting to purchase for Key West! Not fair at all! I did not buy a single thing! Craziness! Thus, I must begin planning my return to NYC. Who wants to come along? You're only allowed if you will accompany me to 5th Avenue, let me shop and not complain once! Oh, and you also have to head over to Time Square with me to find Krisha's billboard. That was the other thing on my to-do list. I was supposed to get my picture taken with Krisha's billboard. Sadly, I did not. Hopefully I'll get back there before it disappears! Love u Krish!
Last weekend I went to NYC and had so much fun... until I got sick (which is something that always seems to happen when I go out of town). I think I could live in NYC if it wasn't so damn cold! I mean, sure Buffalo and Rochester are cold, but I don't have to walk blocks and blocks to get somewhere! I do like city life though. It seems like there's always something to do. Fun!
My weekend in short: I got to see Krisha and go out on the town in Manhattan. I did some sightseeing and saw wonderful views of the city. I got to hang out in a sort of VIP lounge for the wedding party thing we went to.
I had fun in the city. Unfortunately, I was unable to do everything I set out to do. When you're visiting NYC with three guys, a girl's priorities are not #1. While I got to walk down 5th Avenue, I was unable to do ANY shopping whatsoever! WTF!? I had to walk right past Sephora! Oh, the humanity! I didn't even get to go to the MAC store (which is my idea of heaven). I had to walk past the two story JCrew that housed the bathing suit I've been wanting to purchase for Key West! Not fair at all! I did not buy a single thing! Craziness! Thus, I must begin planning my return to NYC. Who wants to come along? You're only allowed if you will accompany me to 5th Avenue, let me shop and not complain once! Oh, and you also have to head over to Time Square with me to find Krisha's billboard. That was the other thing on my to-do list. I was supposed to get my picture taken with Krisha's billboard. Sadly, I did not. Hopefully I'll get back there before it disappears! Love u Krish!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Some things
First of all, I am so happy that Mother Nature backed off a bit today. Last week was hell! Driving from Buffalo to Rochester when the 90 is closed is painful. Then, an ice storm to drive through, really? Is that necessary? I'm hoping the worst is over for the winter, but you never can be certain. It is only February afterall, and I heard that pesky groundhog saw his shadow. Stupid groundhog!
Secondly, I'm now a huge fan of the New York Giants. I've always defended Eli Manning. I didn't especially like him, but you gotta feel bad for someone who's Peyton Manning's brother. How much would it suck if you were a starting NFL quarterback, but your brother is all-star Peyton Manning. I bet he felt like he was never good enough, and I'm sure Eli's got some resentment built up. Well, he finally proved to his family that he's special too! Beating the undefeated Patriots! So freakin' sweet!!! Suck it Brady!
Next, I wasn't a huge fan of the Superbowl commercials, except for one. Combine a clown, a computer & a talking baby and how could it fail?! That ETrade baby rocks! I tried to post it as a video on here, but I can't quite figure out how to do that, so you'll have to follow the link.
Also, I mentioned that my new year's resolution is to save $15,000 this year. Well, my friends, let me tell you that this is even more difficult than anticipated! Thus, I've decided to nickname this year, "My year of living frugally," 'cause that's the only way I'm going to accomplish this goal! I have learned a few things about myself through this process, however.
In other news, I have several things coming up soon to look forward to, including a trip to NYC, my high school reunion, and Key West, so I should have lots to talk about and will try to write more regularly. We'll see.
(P.S. The spell check on my blog isn't currently working, so ignore any typos and such! :-)
Secondly, I'm now a huge fan of the New York Giants. I've always defended Eli Manning. I didn't especially like him, but you gotta feel bad for someone who's Peyton Manning's brother. How much would it suck if you were a starting NFL quarterback, but your brother is all-star Peyton Manning. I bet he felt like he was never good enough, and I'm sure Eli's got some resentment built up. Well, he finally proved to his family that he's special too! Beating the undefeated Patriots! So freakin' sweet!!! Suck it Brady!
Next, I wasn't a huge fan of the Superbowl commercials, except for one. Combine a clown, a computer & a talking baby and how could it fail?! That ETrade baby rocks! I tried to post it as a video on here, but I can't quite figure out how to do that, so you'll have to follow the link.
Also, I mentioned that my new year's resolution is to save $15,000 this year. Well, my friends, let me tell you that this is even more difficult than anticipated! Thus, I've decided to nickname this year, "My year of living frugally," 'cause that's the only way I'm going to accomplish this goal! I have learned a few things about myself through this process, however.
#1. I own a ridiculous amount of beauty products! I know, I know, it's hard to believe! Between my Sephora & MAC obsession, my aunt who works for Avon and gives me bags of stuff, and my mom who is a closet product junkie who in turn gives stuff to me, I have quite the collection of products. So, I decided to not buy anymore until I've used up a significant portion of what I have. I mentioned to Peter yesterday that I have a lot of lotions and creams. He responded, "Ya think?!" So, I'm gonna try to work on that.
#2. I buy food I don't really need. Much like #1, I've decided to use up the stuff in my pantry & freezer. Obvioiusly not everything, but for example, I have about 10 cans of soup in my pantry. Rather than eat what I have I will buy 3 new cans when I go to Wegmans. It's a viscous cycle. I won't eat the soup I have 'cause it's not the kind I want. Too bad! I'm gonna freakin' eat it to get rid of it, so then I can stock only what I like from now on!
#3. I buy too much of the following: trashy magazines, single serving bags of Baked Lays at work, Red Bull, cat toys & treats, workout videos, and some other things I can't remember at the moment. I need to cut back on stupid random costs. They add up quick!
#4. My daily travel expenses are adding up. I have no way to cut back on that, but it's something I've noticed and have become quite annoyed with.
In other news, I have several things coming up soon to look forward to, including a trip to NYC, my high school reunion, and Key West, so I should have lots to talk about and will try to write more regularly. We'll see.
(P.S. The spell check on my blog isn't currently working, so ignore any typos and such! :-)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Don't Drink and Drive
True story....
Last night a bunch of us were over at Jeanette & Mike's place drinking & playing Loaded Questions (On a side note, this was and excellent game. Very fun!). Around 2:30 am we decided to head back to our respecitve homes (we're within walking distance). So, we begin to make our way back to KJ's and Peter's places. Obviously, there's drunk people everywhere since the bars have just closed. As we walk onto Alexander St. a police car with it's sirens and lights start coming toward us. The police were attempting to pull over some little blue Niessan. The car pulls over, the cop gets out of the car with his gun pulled out and begins to scream, "Turn the car off! Turn the car off NOW!" So, what does the little Niessan do? Stupid idiot takes off, and turns down Park Ave. The cop runs to the car and takes off after him. Two seconds later several other cop cars make their way down the same road with lights and sirens blaring.
So, the moral of the story is, DON'T DRINK and DRIVE! It severely impairs your abilities to think! I'm sure this guy is not having a good morning.
That's my public service announcement on this Superbowl Sunday! I hope Brady breaks a leg!
Last night a bunch of us were over at Jeanette & Mike's place drinking & playing Loaded Questions (On a side note, this was and excellent game. Very fun!). Around 2:30 am we decided to head back to our respecitve homes (we're within walking distance). So, we begin to make our way back to KJ's and Peter's places. Obviously, there's drunk people everywhere since the bars have just closed. As we walk onto Alexander St. a police car with it's sirens and lights start coming toward us. The police were attempting to pull over some little blue Niessan. The car pulls over, the cop gets out of the car with his gun pulled out and begins to scream, "Turn the car off! Turn the car off NOW!" So, what does the little Niessan do? Stupid idiot takes off, and turns down Park Ave. The cop runs to the car and takes off after him. Two seconds later several other cop cars make their way down the same road with lights and sirens blaring.
So, the moral of the story is, DON'T DRINK and DRIVE! It severely impairs your abilities to think! I'm sure this guy is not having a good morning.
That's my public service announcement on this Superbowl Sunday! I hope Brady breaks a leg!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Muffin!
Today's my baby's birthday! Muffin turns two years old today!
I forgot to do a post for Peter's 29th birthday on Sunday, so I'll include a cute picture of the two of them together! And just in case you're wondering, yes, she does enjoy being held like that!
I forgot to do a post for Peter's 29th birthday on Sunday, so I'll include a cute picture of the two of them together! And just in case you're wondering, yes, she does enjoy being held like that!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Didn't we already know this?
I've hated clowns my entire life. It all started when I saw Poltergeist as a child.
They're just scary and creepy. My aunt sent me this article and I was like, duh!
Nobody likes clowns!
They're just scary and creepy. My aunt sent me this article and I was like, duh!
Nobody likes clowns!
Monday, January 14, 2008
New Years Resolutions
Happy New Year! Yeah, I'm a little late, but things have been kinda crazy & weird, so I've been unable to think straight and express my feelings coherently. Anyway, about new years resolutions...
I'm not one to necessarily believe in making new years resolutions. I'm the sort of person who is constantly setting goals for herself (attainable and unattainable), and making to-do lists. So, I don't think it's necessary to set a new year resolution. However, I have set a few in the past. Most of them I don't remember, but two of them I do.
#1. A few years ago I set the goal to never choose staying home when offered an opportunity to go out. I was in pharmacy school, and was commuting almost an hour to & from school on a daily basis. I had a tendency to turn down offers to go out 'cause I didn't feel like driving, or was tired from my long days of school & work. I realized that if I continued doing that I would alienate all of my friends (perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit, but that could have been the consequence). So, I set a goal! From what I remember I stuck to that resolution for a long time. I know I made it at least through the summer! Who knows, maybe I'd have a lot fewer friends if not for that resolution.
#2. Last year I resolved to keep my check book balanced. I can 100% say that I accomplished that! Every cent is accounted for on an almost daily basis. This is quite impressive, 'cause approximately 95% of my purchases are made on my check card! That is one resolution I'm glad I made.
So, this year I wasn't sure I was gonna come up with a resolution. I don't like things that are difficult to measure, like: "I will get in shape," "I will be healthier," I will manage my money better," etc. I need an goal where I can track my progress and monitor myself. So, I came up with a challenging goal/resolution for myself. This year I made the goal to save $15,000. Wow, that number looks bigger on paper than in my head! I took a look at my finances and realized that so much of my income is wasted. I convinced myself that since I had my 401k maxed out, all of my bills paid for on time, and no debt (except for that pesky school loan that I have to pay for the next 27 years), that I was doing well on the money front. I've slowly come to the realization that I was very wrong. I have a minimal savings that is barely an "emergency fund." I started to wonder how I would ever buy a house. Of course there are other things that I need to save money for, but a house is in the not so distant future, so it's easier to see that as my goal.
Sure, I can pay a monthly mortgage, but wouldn't I want to put money down on the house to lower future payments? Also, don't I want some money so that I can furnish, renovate, etc?
So, starting January 1st I started working toward my goal of $15,000. I've mapped out a plan and hopefully will be able to stick with it. I can't say that this will be easy, but I'm really gonna try my hardest. Part of what helped is that I took a look at my past monthly expenses, and realized that a significant portion was being spent on NOTHING. Just stupid shit. I'm sure that TARGET is gonna be pretty pissed at me, considering that a considerable percentage of my paycheck went to them. Oh well, they'll get over it. Hopefully I'll be able to live without my daily visits there to buy kitchen gadgets, decorations, hair products, clothing, etc.
I'm not one to necessarily believe in making new years resolutions. I'm the sort of person who is constantly setting goals for herself (attainable and unattainable), and making to-do lists. So, I don't think it's necessary to set a new year resolution. However, I have set a few in the past. Most of them I don't remember, but two of them I do.
#1. A few years ago I set the goal to never choose staying home when offered an opportunity to go out. I was in pharmacy school, and was commuting almost an hour to & from school on a daily basis. I had a tendency to turn down offers to go out 'cause I didn't feel like driving, or was tired from my long days of school & work. I realized that if I continued doing that I would alienate all of my friends (perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit, but that could have been the consequence). So, I set a goal! From what I remember I stuck to that resolution for a long time. I know I made it at least through the summer! Who knows, maybe I'd have a lot fewer friends if not for that resolution.
#2. Last year I resolved to keep my check book balanced. I can 100% say that I accomplished that! Every cent is accounted for on an almost daily basis. This is quite impressive, 'cause approximately 95% of my purchases are made on my check card! That is one resolution I'm glad I made.
So, this year I wasn't sure I was gonna come up with a resolution. I don't like things that are difficult to measure, like: "I will get in shape," "I will be healthier," I will manage my money better," etc. I need an goal where I can track my progress and monitor myself. So, I came up with a challenging goal/resolution for myself. This year I made the goal to save $15,000. Wow, that number looks bigger on paper than in my head! I took a look at my finances and realized that so much of my income is wasted. I convinced myself that since I had my 401k maxed out, all of my bills paid for on time, and no debt (except for that pesky school loan that I have to pay for the next 27 years), that I was doing well on the money front. I've slowly come to the realization that I was very wrong. I have a minimal savings that is barely an "emergency fund." I started to wonder how I would ever buy a house. Of course there are other things that I need to save money for, but a house is in the not so distant future, so it's easier to see that as my goal.
Sure, I can pay a monthly mortgage, but wouldn't I want to put money down on the house to lower future payments? Also, don't I want some money so that I can furnish, renovate, etc?
So, starting January 1st I started working toward my goal of $15,000. I've mapped out a plan and hopefully will be able to stick with it. I can't say that this will be easy, but I'm really gonna try my hardest. Part of what helped is that I took a look at my past monthly expenses, and realized that a significant portion was being spent on NOTHING. Just stupid shit. I'm sure that TARGET is gonna be pretty pissed at me, considering that a considerable percentage of my paycheck went to them. Oh well, they'll get over it. Hopefully I'll be able to live without my daily visits there to buy kitchen gadgets, decorations, hair products, clothing, etc.
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