Tuesday, April 29, 2008

It was NOT an itty-bitty-teeny-weeny yellow, polka-dot bikini

I underwent a cruel and unusual form of self-inflicted punishment last night.

I went bathing suit shopping.

Hubby and I are going on our fabulous Galapagos Island vacation soon and, therefore, I need a new suit. So, off I went last night - self-esteem still in order - to find some sort of suit that would cover my flabby bits and hopefully accentuate my perky bits.

First stop: Old Navy. I heard from a friend that they don't make suits only meant for size zero girls. So I thought I'd check them out. Things were going okay as I perused the suits on the racks... I didn't even begin doubting myself when I heard some woman near me exclaim "Don't they have any extra-small sizes??"

Anyway, so I headed into the change room with my several suits, daring to try the barely-there-bikini. The result...

...complete disaster! Even their smock/cover-up looked horrid on me. However, I consoled myself with the belief that it was all bad lighting in the change room.

On to the next stop. Sport Check. You know... where athletic women shop. Women with muscles who aren't all teeny-tiny. They MUST have a suit that looks good on me.

I picked out several "tankinis" from the rack (no longer willing to bare my entire stomach) and headed to the change room. This time - it was as if the bottoms were all made for non-existent booties. Not a cool look for my caboose.

I decided on one more stop before I gave up and ran home to curl into the fetal position and cry.

Bikini Village. This time - I found the longest tankini top and paired it with some board shorts. Nothing showing. All my bits covered. Perfect. Sure - it looks like I'm swimming in a tank top and a pair of shorts. But that's just the way it's gotta be.

And, thankfully, it saved me from wanting to jump off a building. Hurrah!! Success!!

So that was my evening. And despite the momentary damaged self-esteem, I feel pretty good knowing I've got a suit that'll look pretty good on me. I may never be the type of young woman who can wear itty-bitty bikinis and look good... but that's just fine by me.

Monday, April 28, 2008

For Momsie


It's much later right now than I would normally write my blog. (It's about 4pm on Monday). I really prefer to blog in the morning - that's when I'm more eloquent with the way of the words.

But anyway - here it is. In all its glory. My post about how proud I am of my Mom.

Yesterday, my Mom ran a half marathon. That's 21 kms. Yes... 21. We ran it together in preparation for the half marathon race I'll be running in 2 weeks (Mom will be on vacation - unfortunate scheduling conflict).

Anyway, since she can't be there for the run - this was her half. It was my 60 year-old mother's half marathon day. And she did amazing.

To tell you the truth - she did better than me! (I'm suffering from some leg issues which cause major pain). But that's no excuse. I don't want to take away at all from what my Ma accomplished yesterday or how amazing she did.

It just goes to show that when you put your mind to something - you can really do it. It doesn't matter how old you are. Or how much experience you have. Or what you've done before. Or what you'll do after. All that matters is that you set a goal and achieve it.

That's definitely what my Mom did. And I couldn't be prouder of her.

When I'm running the race in two weeks, it won't be the same without her, but I'll keep her in my head (and my heart). And I'll make it through with flying colours.

Just like she did yesterday.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Fabulous Franny

Last night, I was out with a real mover and a shaker.

Yep. My friend M. invited me to a screening of the documentary "Forgotten Woman" showing during the Hot Docs film festival. I was extremely excited to go - I love documentaries. LOVE them. And, even though there was no popcorn to be had, I really enjoyed myself.

The documentary was well-done. But it was my company for the evening that I enjoyed the most. I had the chance to spend time with someone I highly respect as a writer and as a human being. Someone I find to be one of the funniest humans on the face of this earth. Someone who always has a good story to tell and a good book to recommend. And someone who makes you feel like she's genuinely interested in you and your life. Always.

When I first met her, I thought there was no way she was THAT nice. Then she poked some good-natured fun at me, we had a laugh and I realized that I must make her my friend.

We were joking last night about how we're the same person only with a 10 year age difference (we both love mornings, musicals, really good books that you can't put down and documentaries - to name a few things). So maybe that's why I like her so much.

Or maybe it's because she's simply just a fantastic, genuine, warm, fun, friendly, caring person. Yep - my mover and shaker friend really restores my faith in humanity. Every, single time I get to see her.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Shed a little tear for a ho

I discovered something slightly horrifying last night about myself.

You see, (I need a little build-up to the story), I came home last night to an empty house - hubby had plans for the evening - and I put on my comfy clothes, heated up some leftovers in the microwave for dinner and poured myself a glass of wine before I plopped down in front of the boob tube for the night. It was shaping up to be quite a nice night.

And then... I put on the TV show "The Pussycat Dolls present: Girlicious". It was the finale - and I didn't want to miss it. (The fact that I didn't want to miss it is not the only horrifying part.) As I was watching the show with growing interest and emotion, I learned that I really enjoy trash like Girlicious. Not only that - Girlicious made me cry!!!!!! I was welling up as the skinny, young, self-absorbed girls learned they would be part of a formulated girl-group that was all about wearing as little clothing and as much makeup as possible. As these girls began their futures of whoring themselves for fame and fortune, I was touched.

When the show was done, I wiped away my tears, finished off my second glass of wine and went to bed.

Part of me thinks it's quite pathetic that I got so emotional. On the other hand, even girls who think of "being sexy" as their ultimate life goal deserve to be cried over, too.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Sprint, fat boy, sprint!

I'm back!

It's only been 1 day since I wrote in my blog... but I've had several "no blog today??" comments (which made me feel all warm and fuzzy... thank you, you lovely humans). So here it is. Another blog entry for your reading enjoyment.

Last night I went with my running group to a local high school to run the track. Now - when I read that sentence back, I realize that it doesn't sound like fun. But let me tell you, friend - it was F-U-N!!!

We were doing drills, sprinting, running the entire track, you name it. And then, we finished off with a relay race. We were in 4 groups and each person ran about a quarter of the track as fast as they could to the next runner waiting their turn to run.

So of course (being slightly competitive and stuck in a group of notoriously fast runners) I decided that I must sprint like I have never sprinted before.

And so I did.

I sprinted as if I were running away from a rabies-infested pack of dogs. (Or running TO a giant mound of cookies, Dairy Queen Blizzards and chocolate). I ran like the bloody wind! I could feel the wind on my face as I pushed myself as hard as I possibly could.

Afterwards, when I was standing there waiting for the next turn to run (I initially thought I only had to do it once... oopsie!) I felt my legs actually shaking. My muscles were shaking! But it was incredible.

So today, I'm quite sore. But in a good way. And now, I've discovered something else to love about running. Seeing how fast your body can actually take you when you push it.

Just call me "Sprinty" from now on.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Weekend

It's Monday. Sigh.

Actually, I usually don't mind Mondays too much. But I had a lovely weekend and wasn't quite ready for it to be over yet.

On Saturday, I started my day with a 12k run outside in the glorious, glorious weather. There's nothing like getting outside and running in the sun when the air is at the perfect temp (nice and sunny, but NO humidity whatsoever). I was in shorts and loving it!!

And even though the weather was glorious again on Sunday, I decided to do something else. I curled up on the basement couch in front of the TV with a blanket and a marathon of movies. I watched movie after movie after movie. So lovely.

It really was a restful, rejuvinating type of weekend. Absolutely perfect.

(PS: I realize my title of this blog is incredibly unimaginative. But I just couldn't think of anything witty to describe this particular post. I think it's the early morning Monday thing...)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Write on

Sometimes I start these posts and I just don't know what to write about. Today is another one of those days. I'm not sure what to say yet. But, as my good friend Frannyglass told me last night (I met up with her and a few other former co-workers for a good ol' karaoke session) - this writing is purely for me. Not for work. Or clients. So I can write about absolutely anything I want! Ahh... the power... the complete and total power I hold in the tips of my fingers!!!

I digress.

Anyway, as I'm delighted to learn each day, this writing is for my readers, too.

Yes - that's right. My readership is growing. And thusly, I can feel my ego growing... I'm becoming "all-mighty-writer-girl" as more and more people admit that they actually take time out of their day to read what I have to say. (Insert menacing laugh here... something to the effect of: MWA HA HA HA HA!!!) That's right... read on, people. Listen to what I have to say. HEAR ME... DO MY BIDDING!!

Okay, okay. I'm getting a little carried away. But I'm quite excited. It's rather cool to know people are reading, and more importantly, liking, my writing.

So, once again, to my readers: thank you. I hope my future blogs don't disappoint. Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The final countdown...

3 weeks and 4 days until my half marathon race. (Ack! Hope I'm ready...)

2 weeks and 2 days until I go away for one of my most FAVOURITE things in the world: A weekend with my lovely friend, O in Capital City (Ottawa).

5 weeks and 2 days until I head back to Ottawa for a family weekend and a 10k race with my Mom and two cousins.

AND....... 7 weeks and 3 days until I leave for VACATION!!! 2 weeks in the Galapagos and Amazon. Sigh... How amazing it shall be.

I've got a lot to look forward to!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

This is me

I've been told by people at work that I have a "fiery" personality. That's a euphemism for "bitch" I think.

Apparently co-workers don't like it when you're totally yourself around them unless you're a happy-shiney-smiley-Stepford Wife person. I have learned this the hard way.

You see, when I'm comfortable around people I work with and I really, truly like them, I relax and become myself, 100%. I feel closer with them, tell them more about myself, allow myself to get personal. I feel like I can be honest about my opinions and thoughts and beliefs and they won't judge me because they "know" me. Unfortunately, part of being me is the fiery side. When I feel strongly about something, I express myself. In my head, when I'm reacting, it's just because I'm passionate about something and it's not personal at all.

Another thing about me: I just cannot be fake. I loathe fake people. So I also feel like I should be myself around these people I like. If I were to be fake with them, it would be totally wrong in my mind. When I'm mad... I'm mad. I'm not going to pretend to be happy to the face of someone I like and then bitch about them behind their backs. That just seems wrong. What you see is what you get.

So it actually really upsets me to learn that co-workers just don't want to deal with "real me" unless I have a smile on my face. It's "inappropriate" to get upset and express myself. In my family, when we argue, we yell. We fight. We point fingers. And then we hug immediately after. That's part of being a passionate person, I think. That's what I know.

I'm learning though. It's been a bit tough over the past month or so... but I'm learning. As sad as it may have initially seemed to me, I've learned to be a bit distant with people.

Thank goodness I have a blog as an outlet for my fiery personality. We all need to "rage" every once in a while.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Back to the land of normality (hopefully)

I had to take all of last week off from running. The ol' hamstrings are acting up again. Sigh.

Anyway - I rested all week, cause I know that's what my body wanted, and this morning I felt it was time to get back to the gym. So I headed over at 5:30 in the morning to do my circuit weights routine. And now... I feel friggin' fantastic!! It's funny how workouts affect me so much mentally. Not working out = mental imbalance. Working out = feeling normal again. Go figure.

Even though the hammy is still a teensy bit sore... I'm feeling much better overall. Hopefully this means that my head will remain clear all week and my body will start functioning normally as well.

Only 4 weeks until the half marathon race... AACK!!! Wish me and my hammies luck.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Thanks y'all

I heart my fabulous friends and family. Thank you Mumsie, Mumsie-in-law, Hubby, Frannyglass, My Bro, Co-worker K., and all the other wonderful people in my life (who read my blog). You guys all rock. That's all. 

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Score!

I scored big time this morning.

Get yer mind outta the gutter... that's not what I meant. What I meant was: on my way into work, I obtained something that is highly coveted in our culture. Something that everyone in Canada loves and waits patiently for each year. Something that makes many people giddy.

After getting off the GO train and walking through union station, I stopped in my tracks. I heard a siren song. It was the sound of pre-pubescent girls, calling out...

"Girl Guide Cookies! Only $4!!! Get your Girl Guide Cookies!"

Naturally, I rushed over to where the little tweens were standing, fumbling madly with my purse and wallet. Oh please, please let me have a couple of twoonies jangling around in there. For the love of all that is good - please let me have $4!!

I had the cash! And I smiled brightly as I handed my money over to the cute little girl. I swear she gave me a knowing look as my excited eyes followed the box closely (it was as if she were moving in slow motion) until it was planted in my hot little hands.

And then I walked away, triumphant.

I'm staring at my box of Girl Guide Cookies right now. I'm at work. Trying to focus. But the only question swirling around in my head is: Should I start with the chocolate side or the vanilla?

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

I'm on my way Charles!


I haven't written in a while... I've been sorting through some things in my head.

But I'm back now. And SUPER excited to share my news: I'm going to the Galapagos Islands!!!!

Hubby and I just booked a 10-day adventure to the Galapagos Islands with a 3-day Cloud Forest adventure in the Amazon. Okay... can it seriously get any cooler than that?? I highly doubt it.

We're going to be trekking through the various islands in the Galapagos... snorkeling with sea lions and penguins, checking out iguanas and marveling at giant sea turtles as they cruise around with their majestic, ancient homes on their backs.

And THEN... to top it off, we're going deep into the Amazon, staying in a lodge and exploring a dense region known for it's beauty and birds.

I mean... really now. Do I live the life or what??

Friday, April 4, 2008

To do

I love doing stuff.

You know - like, getting out there and doing new things. Anything, really. Stuff.

I think it's because the weather is supposedly getting nicer and spring is on the horizon. Not that the stuff I want to do is necessarily outdoors stuff... I think it's more about just being busy. No longer feeling blah. All that good stuff.

For example, I've got my Half Marathon race in 5 weeks. (Woo!) After that, I'm running a 10k with my Mom and my cousins in Ottawa. I've just purchased a plane ticket to head back to Ottawa in late May to party it up with some girlfriends for a weekend. And I've also just purchased a monthly subscription that allows me to see rare documentaries on the big screen.

So yeah - I've got stuff coming up. And I'm pretty excited! Bring it on.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Me and my girls

Thank you to my lovely friend Frannyglass for telling me about the book "The Girls" by Lori Lansens. I'm totally and completely addicted to it. I started reading it Tuesday evening on the commute home and I can't put it down. I love, love, love it when I find one of those books.

So now that I have a book that I can't wait to read every second that I'm NOT reading it... I've decided to have the perfect day on Saturday: I'm going for an 18km run (training for the half) with my Mom, then I'm going to come home, shower and plop myself down on the couch and read all day long. Perhaps with a steaming cup of tea. Perhaps some cookies. All I know is that it will be amazing.

Ahh... there's nothing like a really, really good book to make all the world seem right.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Alright, it's time to get real. Put the bullshit aside... I'm going to get real with you.

Okay... slight confession: I actually don't have anything to get "real" with you about... I just heard someone say that and it struck me as quite funny. What does that even mean? All the rest of the time you were going to be fake with me?? The things people say when they're trying to sound important or whatever. It's kinda humorous.

Another example:
"What's your malfunction??" ...yelled by a (very) southern cop on the TV show "World's Scariest Police Chases" to an unfortunate white-trash looking fella. Heehee.

Kind of reminds me of "corporate bullshit bingo" that my co-workers and I like to joke about. You know... those terms that people use around the office that are actually quite silly when you think of them.

Like: "Think outside the box, people". Translation: We need a "BIG IDEA" created here. No little, shitty ideas. A BIG, HUGE, GINORMOUS idea that will prove to the world that you're fabulous.

And "Let's take this off-line". Translation: We're talking in circles and boring the rest of the people in this meeting room who aren't a part of this discussion. (I actually like it when people use this phrase - at least they're aware of the other people in the room who feel like killing themselves from boredom but are too polite to say anything.)

Or, a fave around my office: "Let's regroup". Translation: Let's gather everyone up and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk. About everything. Every little detail to do with this job. As my co-worker has noted... that's what we do around here. We regroup.

Words and phrases are funny. I like them. Find them interesting. Perhaps that's why I became a writer.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Feeling nekkid

An update on today:

I forgot my wedding rings at home today for the first time in the year and a half that I've been married. And I have to admit, I'm rather bothered by this little mishap. It's very strange to look at my finger and see nothing there. Honestly - I almost considered missing my train so I could go back and get them. They're a part of me. (And no - I don't wrap my identity around "my man" or being a "mrs." but I can't help but feel naked. Like I'm missing some important article of dress).

I read an article in the paper this morning that said most bloggers are female. Interesting - because I just had a talk with two friends about that last week. Blogging is like journaling, or being in touch with your feelings and emotions, I guess. However, I think males are missing out on a very good outlet for being funny! I enjoy a good humorous blog.

My hammys are acting up again. Every day I say a little silent prayer to the god of running that I can make it to (and through) my half marathon. It's my ultimate goal. I want to do it. I will do it. My #%%('n hammies are not going to stop me, dammit!!