After hearing me whine about needing to get in shape for…well…ever I suppose, you’ll all be happy to know that I’ve finally got the motivation I need to get in shape! My sweet little hubby booked us a trip to Jamaica for our 10th anniversary next year (Woohoo!!). That partnered with the fact that I will be THIRTY in December have fueled me to begin my “Jamakeover”. So the big 3-0 is 6 months away and Jamaica is 12 months away so I’ve got a good map laid out for me I think.
Okay, here’s the part where it’s going to get just a little deep so please feel free to bail from reading this post. This is completely for my benefit. I know I’m usually a light-hearted gal but this is part of my Jamakeover plan. (My self-therapy session) If I completely lay it all out there and everyone knows my business then my theory is that I have to see it through. I'm sure some of you already know all of this because I'll pretty much tell anyone anything they want to know about me but I think that actually typing it out will make me feel like a big enough loser to actually do this.
I’m really hoping to make this a lifestyle change. I eat junk. I eat sporadically. I’ve went days without eating at all until 3pm and then nurse a whole bag of jellybeans until about midnight when I discover I’ve eaten them all. Then I usually feel guilty and throw them up. I eat when I’m not hungry and at all hours of the night (it helps me stay awake to work on pictures-at least that’s what I tell myselfJ) So basically I’m just a pig and I will eat whatever is in front of me at whenever presented. That’s bad enough for me but now I’ve got kids to think about. Kynsley is such a candy lover like her mama and if she sees me eating it then of course she’s going to want some! How can I raise them to be good eaters and have good habits when they're mother is a psycho?
I am TERRIFIED that Kynsley will grow up with the same insecurities that I have and have had my entire life. I was a chubby kid. I mean, really, I was. If I had an old photo I could include in this then I totally would. My grandmother (who I love to pieces and don’t hold responsible for my insecurities) used to tell me I was going to be short & fat and Amanda was going to be tall & slim. Every time I went to the doctor as a kid he talked the entire time about my weight, It was all about how heavy I was, how I needed to stop eating so much, try to be more like your sister (Amanda was always rail thin and I don’t think she hit 100lbs until she was in her twenties), if you’re at a birthday party then it was okay to eat maybe 5 chips but otherwise don’t eat that stuff…etc. That’s what I got every trip to the doctor. Then in 6th grade I got really sick and lost a ton of weight. I don’t remember too much about it but I was out of school for weeks and they were testing me for cancer and all kinds of things. I was at the doctor at least weekly and the doctor was singing praises then about how he loved seeing the numbers on the scale dropping. Then he’d worry about was wrong with me. Well I got better and I don’t know what they ever figured out was wrong but I was well and I was “thin” finally and could share clothes with my sister.
Too late. The damage was done. It wouldn't matter if I weighed 90 pounds right now I’d only see a big fat girl. *(sidenote: I think this therapy is working because I’m about to cry typing this) So I’ve lived my life up to this point with that mindset and I really don’t ever expect for that to go away. It’s drilled in me. I’m fat. It’s a strange thing though because I don’t carry that judgment over to other people, it’s reserved only for me. Rarely do I look at someone else and think they’re fat or overweight but I’m insanely critical of myself. So I’ve lived dieting, enjoying getting stomach viruses just to be able to drop a few pounds and never wearing belts unless they’re high waisted because that just points to my fat waist.
I think one of the reasons I loved being pregnant was because for the first time I didn’t feel fat. I was supposed to have a belly and I felt proud of it. Then after back to back babies I went in for my yearly checkup and my doctor told me that my weight was great and not to kill myself trying to get rid of the baby belly because $14,000 worth of surgery was the only way that was going anywhere. She even suggested gaining a little weight to fill it out more and it would look better (is she crazy?!) and gave me a hand out on why dieting needed to stop. So rather than take her advice I just went through periods of bulimia and struggled with it even more.
Well now I’ve had enough. I’ve got my motivation. I’ve been thinking all along that by the time the kids were old enough to remember I really didn’t want them to have memories of their mother obsessing about her weight all the time. Yeah, that time’s here if not a little passed. I don’t want my daughter to be the one typing something like this 28 years from now. **Another sidenote: I know I keep talking about Kynsley and it sounds like I’m not worried about Bryson but weight issues are tougher for girls it seems. Guys just let it roll off their backs and even if they’re a little chubby they can always be funny, right? ** So, I’m starting now. Actually I started Tuesday, June 1st but I just haven’t had the time to type this up until today. I’ve started eating healthier and staying active. Hopefully my kids will get used to healthy habits. I’m still going to eat cookies and cake and candy but just in moderation- and not for entire meals. I’m going to do it the healthy way this time. My goal is not to be super skinny but to be healthy. Inside & out.
So by form of public humiliation, I have now officially begun! I took my measurements but I forgot to bring them with me so I’ll post those later tonight if I have a chance. But my starting weight is: 132. If you know me very well then you know I must be panicking because I hate to step into the 130’s but I’m handling it pretty well.
I’ve eaten good all week (with the exception of splitting some Mongolian beef with Brooke but I deserved a reward) and I’ve ran or walked almost every night and I feel good! I’m excited. I’m planning to post my figures every week as a way of keeping me on track. So feel free to ask me how it’s going or ask me what I weigh or how far I’m running or walking. It’ll keep me motivated. Jamaica & 30 here I come!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Cute Summer Dresses & Windy Days Don't Mix
If they ever decide to do a modernized version of I Love Lucy somebody needs to let me know. It seems like every day I am getting into some kind of crazy antic that seems exactly like something Lucy would do. On today’s episode…
Since the weather has been so hot and I so love little summer dresses, I picked out a cute little dress to wear to work today. It’s really flowy and hits just above the knee. Kynsley helped me pick out my white 4 inch sandals to go with it. Super cute we thought. (Yeah, she’s only two but the girl’s got style).
Okay, back to the story. Jay called and couldn’t do lunch today so I was left to my own devices to find something to do. I decided to run into Wal-Mart really quick to pick up just a couple of things. No need for a buggy since I was just going to be in and out. Then I noticed they had 2 liter Diet Sundrops on sale for 88¢! JACKPOT!! Y’all know how I love my Diet Sundrop. Well, crap…no buggy. Oh well, I decided I’d just get two and come back later to load up on more. I trek to the self checkout and pay for my four items with cash. At this point I have a purse on my shoulder, a bag on each arm and my change in my hand. I walk outside grinning at everyone I pass because you know I’m annoying like that and get outside to wait on the traffic until it’s my turn to cross over to the parking lot.
Here’s where it all went wrong.
I decide while I’m waiting to take this opportunity to put the change into my purse and retrieve my keys. At this exact moment a big gust of wind blew the money right out of my hand. All the cars stop while I try to chase down my four $1 bills. Naturally they all blew in different directions and I’m scuffling around in my four inch heels trying to daintily squat down to pick them up because I can’t bend over and do it the quick way (see paragraph about my wardrobe selection for the day). Well, turns out there was no need to be dainty because I then realized that the wind had my dress blowing crazily around MY WAIST!!! What with the bags on each arm (and the purse and the keys, etc.) there was no possible way to hold it down. Oh dear. All I could think about was “What underwear did I put on this morning? If I have to be publicly humiliated at least let me have chosen cute panties today…”
I know what you’re thinking. “Alicia. It was four dollars. Why didn’t you cut your losses and save your dignity?!” I’ve been asking myself that same question friends. I’m sure any one of those people where stopped in traffic with all of the commotion would have gladly given me four dollars if I’d just went to the car and stopped flashing the whole parking lot. Why it didn’t occur to me to just walk on to the car as if nothing happened I have no idea. I am happy to say that I let the receipt blow right away. Yep, didn’t even try to chase that one down.
You’d think one would be in tears of humiliation after this debacle but not this girl. All I could do was laugh all the way back to work and think about how much Holly was going to appreciate this story. You see, if I am Lucy reincarnate then Holly is my Ethel. So I got back to work and told my tale and me, Holly & Justin all laughed until we cried. I’m choosing to look on the bright side. I was able to stop traffic at Wal-Mart and most likely every person who saw me got a good laugh out of it too. I’m just hoping that I didn’t know any of them personally…
Since the weather has been so hot and I so love little summer dresses, I picked out a cute little dress to wear to work today. It’s really flowy and hits just above the knee. Kynsley helped me pick out my white 4 inch sandals to go with it. Super cute we thought. (Yeah, she’s only two but the girl’s got style).
Okay, back to the story. Jay called and couldn’t do lunch today so I was left to my own devices to find something to do. I decided to run into Wal-Mart really quick to pick up just a couple of things. No need for a buggy since I was just going to be in and out. Then I noticed they had 2 liter Diet Sundrops on sale for 88¢! JACKPOT!! Y’all know how I love my Diet Sundrop. Well, crap…no buggy. Oh well, I decided I’d just get two and come back later to load up on more. I trek to the self checkout and pay for my four items with cash. At this point I have a purse on my shoulder, a bag on each arm and my change in my hand. I walk outside grinning at everyone I pass because you know I’m annoying like that and get outside to wait on the traffic until it’s my turn to cross over to the parking lot.
Here’s where it all went wrong.
I decide while I’m waiting to take this opportunity to put the change into my purse and retrieve my keys. At this exact moment a big gust of wind blew the money right out of my hand. All the cars stop while I try to chase down my four $1 bills. Naturally they all blew in different directions and I’m scuffling around in my four inch heels trying to daintily squat down to pick them up because I can’t bend over and do it the quick way (see paragraph about my wardrobe selection for the day). Well, turns out there was no need to be dainty because I then realized that the wind had my dress blowing crazily around MY WAIST!!! What with the bags on each arm (and the purse and the keys, etc.) there was no possible way to hold it down. Oh dear. All I could think about was “What underwear did I put on this morning? If I have to be publicly humiliated at least let me have chosen cute panties today…”
I know what you’re thinking. “Alicia. It was four dollars. Why didn’t you cut your losses and save your dignity?!” I’ve been asking myself that same question friends. I’m sure any one of those people where stopped in traffic with all of the commotion would have gladly given me four dollars if I’d just went to the car and stopped flashing the whole parking lot. Why it didn’t occur to me to just walk on to the car as if nothing happened I have no idea. I am happy to say that I let the receipt blow right away. Yep, didn’t even try to chase that one down.
You’d think one would be in tears of humiliation after this debacle but not this girl. All I could do was laugh all the way back to work and think about how much Holly was going to appreciate this story. You see, if I am Lucy reincarnate then Holly is my Ethel. So I got back to work and told my tale and me, Holly & Justin all laughed until we cried. I’m choosing to look on the bright side. I was able to stop traffic at Wal-Mart and most likely every person who saw me got a good laugh out of it too. I’m just hoping that I didn’t know any of them personally…
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Realizations
Realization #1
I have reached a point in my life where a grunt and random comment from a strange dirty man who’s passing by me in a store leaves me feeling more flattered than disgusted. This bothers me on a few different levels, obviously. I’m hoping it’s just a rite of passage for young mothers who have post baby bodies and are nearing the big 3-0. I do apologize to women everywhere and promise I’ll try to do my best to feel completely insulted if there ever happens to be a next time.
Realization #2
I have whined and complained entirely too much about my tailbone being broken/hurting. I know this but if I could somehow describe the pain then I think everyone would completely understand and feel that I am justified. Lately I’ve tried really hard not to complain but even without saying anything the wince and near tears every time I stand up, roll over, pick up a child, turn the wrong way…etc. gives it away. Where I used to want to punch Jay in the face for laughing at me every time the agony hit, I can’t even get mad anymore because it is quite humorous I suppose. So while I’ve realized my excessive complaining the thing that tipped me off that I’d gone too far was a conversation with Kynsley:
Kynsley: “Hey Momma, guess what my monkey backpack’s name is?”
(she was referring to one of those leashes for your child that’s disguised as a “backpack”)
Me: “What did you name him Sweetie?” (There’s no possible way to guess with this child. She comes up with some doozie names, let me tell you. For example she wants Anna Beth’s little brother to be named Tyree—where she got that is anyone’s guess)
Kynlsey: “His name is TAILBONE”.
Me: “…Oh…right…okay”
I guess I know where she got that name from. Clearly she’s heard it a few times.
Realization #3
I missed my calling. I can’t take credit for this realization as it was reached with the help of Jay but he’s dead on I have to say. I totally should have been a character on a Disney show. One of those stupid shows like The Wiggles or Imagination Movers you know? I act like that all the time and don’t get paid for it. Singing? Check. Dancing crazy with children? Check. Saying bazaar, idiotic things and having people laugh at you? Check, check.
See there. It would have been perfect.
Realization #4
I'm really getting older...like...noticeably older. I find myself really enjoying listening to 99.1 at work and I always used to consider that an easy listening station. I keep trying to tell myself that surely they must have changed their format but deep down I'm afraid I know the truth. I also photographed a high school sorority lead-out a couple of weekends ago. Wow. Nothing will age you quite like that.
I have reached a point in my life where a grunt and random comment from a strange dirty man who’s passing by me in a store leaves me feeling more flattered than disgusted. This bothers me on a few different levels, obviously. I’m hoping it’s just a rite of passage for young mothers who have post baby bodies and are nearing the big 3-0. I do apologize to women everywhere and promise I’ll try to do my best to feel completely insulted if there ever happens to be a next time.
Realization #2
I have whined and complained entirely too much about my tailbone being broken/hurting. I know this but if I could somehow describe the pain then I think everyone would completely understand and feel that I am justified. Lately I’ve tried really hard not to complain but even without saying anything the wince and near tears every time I stand up, roll over, pick up a child, turn the wrong way…etc. gives it away. Where I used to want to punch Jay in the face for laughing at me every time the agony hit, I can’t even get mad anymore because it is quite humorous I suppose. So while I’ve realized my excessive complaining the thing that tipped me off that I’d gone too far was a conversation with Kynsley:
Kynsley: “Hey Momma, guess what my monkey backpack’s name is?”
(she was referring to one of those leashes for your child that’s disguised as a “backpack”)
Me: “What did you name him Sweetie?” (There’s no possible way to guess with this child. She comes up with some doozie names, let me tell you. For example she wants Anna Beth’s little brother to be named Tyree—where she got that is anyone’s guess)
Kynlsey: “His name is TAILBONE”.
Me: “…Oh…right…okay”
I guess I know where she got that name from. Clearly she’s heard it a few times.
Realization #3
I missed my calling. I can’t take credit for this realization as it was reached with the help of Jay but he’s dead on I have to say. I totally should have been a character on a Disney show. One of those stupid shows like The Wiggles or Imagination Movers you know? I act like that all the time and don’t get paid for it. Singing? Check. Dancing crazy with children? Check. Saying bazaar, idiotic things and having people laugh at you? Check, check.
See there. It would have been perfect.
Realization #4
I'm really getting older...like...noticeably older. I find myself really enjoying listening to 99.1 at work and I always used to consider that an easy listening station. I keep trying to tell myself that surely they must have changed their format but deep down I'm afraid I know the truth. I also photographed a high school sorority lead-out a couple of weekends ago. Wow. Nothing will age you quite like that.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A couple of special guys
After quite a long hiatus from the blogging world, my recent birthday has inspired me to find a way to blog! I have been completely overwhelmed with birthday wishes this year and it’s just blown my mind! Now, part of that is largely due to facebook which I’m still fairly new and not so great at but I also got tons of texts, several e-mails and phone calls all to wish little ole me a Happy Day. So I’d like to thank every single one of you for your sweet wishes and I really do cherish each and every one. I am so incredibly lucky to have so many friends and such an awesome family. With that said, I do feel the need to give special mention to a couple of guys who I don’t get to see nearly enough of.
First up…Jeremy! Oh, Jeremy how I miss you and your sweet wife Karen! Jeremy, Karen, Jay & I were at one time pretty inseparable. We had known Jeremy for several years and he & Jay ended up working together where they became great friends and in turn, his fabulous wife Karen & I became very close. Well, the four of us ran around doing anything you can think of. From eating out to karaoke & board games, shopping at Target and planning our “baby competition” we had a blast with those two. Then they had to go and ruin it by moving to Texas J. We have dearly missed our friends-especially when I was pregnant. You see, Jeremy made it known that he thought pregnant chicks were gorgeous and Jay always made fun of him for that. So I was really counting on having him around to make me feel better about my huge self when that day came but I had to suffer through it without him. Well, on my birthday this year Jeremy called and left me the sweetest little voicemail “because a facebook message just wouldn’t do”. How sweet is that?! Absolutely made my day and I can’t express how much I appreciate it. I love them to death and can’t wait to take a road trip to Texas to meet that lucky baby next year!
Next up we have…Justin! I have known Justin literally most of my life. We went to church together, he dated my sister, he was my boss & at one point one of my closest friends. When we worked together we always had the best time no matter if we were stocking shelves or playing rummy (strategically hiding it when customers came in of course). This cat is one of the most thoughtful guys you could ever meet and he NEVER forgets my birthday. I mean never ever. It’s been 7 years or so since we worked together, he lives in a different city and I only see him a handful of times a year but he’s always either the first or one of the first to wish me a happy birthday every year. Well, this year was no different. He wished me happy birthday early on in the day—making a jab at my last year in my twenties—but it still made me smile and made my day special. I love you Justin and feel so lucky to call you a friend!
So there’s my sappy ode to a couple of guys know how to make a gal feel extra special. Not a very interesting return to blogging I know, but I really felt like these two needed a shout out and to know how much they are appreciated.
First up…Jeremy! Oh, Jeremy how I miss you and your sweet wife Karen! Jeremy, Karen, Jay & I were at one time pretty inseparable. We had known Jeremy for several years and he & Jay ended up working together where they became great friends and in turn, his fabulous wife Karen & I became very close. Well, the four of us ran around doing anything you can think of. From eating out to karaoke & board games, shopping at Target and planning our “baby competition” we had a blast with those two. Then they had to go and ruin it by moving to Texas J. We have dearly missed our friends-especially when I was pregnant. You see, Jeremy made it known that he thought pregnant chicks were gorgeous and Jay always made fun of him for that. So I was really counting on having him around to make me feel better about my huge self when that day came but I had to suffer through it without him. Well, on my birthday this year Jeremy called and left me the sweetest little voicemail “because a facebook message just wouldn’t do”. How sweet is that?! Absolutely made my day and I can’t express how much I appreciate it. I love them to death and can’t wait to take a road trip to Texas to meet that lucky baby next year!
Next up we have…Justin! I have known Justin literally most of my life. We went to church together, he dated my sister, he was my boss & at one point one of my closest friends. When we worked together we always had the best time no matter if we were stocking shelves or playing rummy (strategically hiding it when customers came in of course). This cat is one of the most thoughtful guys you could ever meet and he NEVER forgets my birthday. I mean never ever. It’s been 7 years or so since we worked together, he lives in a different city and I only see him a handful of times a year but he’s always either the first or one of the first to wish me a happy birthday every year. Well, this year was no different. He wished me happy birthday early on in the day—making a jab at my last year in my twenties—but it still made me smile and made my day special. I love you Justin and feel so lucky to call you a friend!
So there’s my sappy ode to a couple of guys know how to make a gal feel extra special. Not a very interesting return to blogging I know, but I really felt like these two needed a shout out and to know how much they are appreciated.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Clarification, Rethinking and Explination/Apologies
Clarification: Obviously I don't have a talent for vague blogging. I posted yesterday without naming names because I didn't want to openly call anyone out but the identity of my 2nd "compliment" was quickly exposed! So first of all, I want to make it clear that I was in no way offended by either comment. I merely thought they were funny and could be taken either as a compliment or an insult. After saying that, I apparently misquoted my complimentor (is that a word?), who assured me it was indeed a compliment but it should have been quoted as "...pump some sunshine" rather than "cram some sunshine". I stand corrected and now am and probably will always be, ever-so-lovingly referred to as "sunshine pumper" by him.
Rethinking: After my post about my crush on Adam Durtiz, one of my blog-readers reminded me that I was not alone in my crazy crush and obviously, this man has some skills that appeal to certain women who I'm happy to be in the same category as. Although he's never been married, he has courted the following ladies:
Mary Louise Parker-the chick from Fried Green Tomatoes and now is on Weeds
Monica Potter--Who? You may ask. She's the girl in Patch Adams & I'm sure some other stuff. The song Mrs. Potter's lullaby was written for her.
Courtney Cox-she was in the Scream movies, 3000 to Graceland, oh and a little show called Friends! More importantly, she also starred in the music video for their song A Long December.
Jennifer Anniston-no explanation needed. It was pre-Brad Pitt but still, she's pretty up there on the Hollywood list I'd say.
He was also spotted a few years ago out and about with Mary-Kate Olsen but I choose to believe he was just mentoring her because I really don't think my Adam is a creepy 40-something year old who would date an 18 year old. Never! He may have dirty-looking fake dread locks but he's really not dirty people...
So, I have rethought my stance on my crush being strange and crazy. Clearly other women find him interesting too.
Explanation/Apologies: I really don't know why I'd say "apologies" because no one really cares. So I realize that I sound like one of those "I'm so sorry I haven't posted pictures of my kids for you to look at! I'm sure you're all just waiting by your coumputers to see there faces" mommies. But I suppose I am apologizing and explaing for the sake of my children in case they ever see their little friends mom's blogs with pictures of everything. I don't want them to think their mother never cared enough to work them into a post. So, the following blog titles will hopefully sooner, rather than later, be coming to a blog near you:
Rethinking: After my post about my crush on Adam Durtiz, one of my blog-readers reminded me that I was not alone in my crazy crush and obviously, this man has some skills that appeal to certain women who I'm happy to be in the same category as. Although he's never been married, he has courted the following ladies:
Mary Louise Parker-the chick from Fried Green Tomatoes and now is on Weeds
Monica Potter--Who? You may ask. She's the girl in Patch Adams & I'm sure some other stuff. The song Mrs. Potter's lullaby was written for her.
Courtney Cox-she was in the Scream movies, 3000 to Graceland, oh and a little show called Friends! More importantly, she also starred in the music video for their song A Long December.
Jennifer Anniston-no explanation needed. It was pre-Brad Pitt but still, she's pretty up there on the Hollywood list I'd say.
He was also spotted a few years ago out and about with Mary-Kate Olsen but I choose to believe he was just mentoring her because I really don't think my Adam is a creepy 40-something year old who would date an 18 year old. Never! He may have dirty-looking fake dread locks but he's really not dirty people...
So, I have rethought my stance on my crush being strange and crazy. Clearly other women find him interesting too.
Explanation/Apologies: I really don't know why I'd say "apologies" because no one really cares. So I realize that I sound like one of those "I'm so sorry I haven't posted pictures of my kids for you to look at! I'm sure you're all just waiting by your coumputers to see there faces" mommies. But I suppose I am apologizing and explaing for the sake of my children in case they ever see their little friends mom's blogs with pictures of everything. I don't want them to think their mother never cared enough to work them into a post. So, the following blog titles will hopefully sooner, rather than later, be coming to a blog near you:
- Was that M & M really worth it?
- Daddy's (maybe not such a good idea) Birthday Gift
- Bryson Goes to School
- My Little Protege'
- What ever happened to the Pictures from that Atlanta Trip?
- It's been 10 years...really?
- 3! Oh, it's the Magic Number
The reason I haven't posted these is because they actually, really and truly have pictures to go with them!! Hard to believe, I know. You see, my only "blog-world" time is while I'm technically working. At home computer time can only be used for work because I stay far enough behind as it is. So usually, while I'm running a gallery or something else that ties up photoshop for a while, I'll copy pictures to my jump drive so I can bring them to work and use them in my blogs! Now, remembering to do that is what proves to be the problem. For some reason I don't ever think of it until I'm actually at work and have time to type a blog. So, I will try to do better by my youngins.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Compliments...(maybe sneaky, back-handed ones, but I'll take them)
In the past couple of weeks I've been enlightened with two odd little comments that left me wondering...Was that a compliment, or an insult? Me, being the ever-so-annoying optimist, chose to view them as compliments. I'll let you be the judge:
Compliment/Insult #1:
I was told by someone who I hadn't seen in a while:
"You know, I think I'd trade my boobs for your figure."
Hmm...how to take this? Well, let's be realistic here. Anyone with half decent eye-sight can tell that
A. My figure is the last one a person would want. I've had 2 kids people-in under a year and half- so you can imagine the havoc that wreaks on a body. So there goes the figure;
and
B. I have the least-desireable rack one could lay their eyes upon. The only time I've had bosoms larger than an a-cup was when I was pregnant with Kynsley (oh, how Jay longs for those good ole' days)
I have no problem admitting those things. So, more than likely it wasn't meant as a compliment as much as a slight to my lack-luster assets but I choose to take it that this person may have meant that I don't look quite as bad as they expected after having two kids.
Compliment/Insult #2:
Jay called the other day and asked me if I wanted to join him and a couple of guys he eats with from time to time for lunch. I was the last to arrive (shocking, I know) and then I sat down and spoke to everyone. Then one of the guys turned to Jay and said:
"See what I mean. She's just always so perky. If somebody's having a bad day then she'll just take some sunshine and cram it up their butt."
Lovely. Just call me "butt-cramming sunshine girl". Deep down I'm almost certain this person meant "YOUR WIFE IS SO ANNOYING! TELL HER TO STOP SMILING AT ME ALREADY!!"
but...Polly Sunshine here has decided that he was just refreshed to see a friendly person out there in this world. (When did it become odd to speak to people and smile anyway?) So, I'm sorry. I am overtly friendly. I realize this and have honestly tried to tame it but I'm afraid it's out of control.
If you've been around us much then you've probably figured out this is one of the things that annoys my husband the most about me. He has been embarrased by me on more than one occastion (just ask him to tell you the story about the Mexican restaraunt if he hasn't already). When we went to New York several years ago Jay insisted that I stop speaking to people on the street. I just couldn't manage the not speaking AND not smiling part though.
I'm afraid it's rubbing off on my children too. They wave at every car that passes as we enter Walmart and speak to everyone we meet in the store. Bryson walked up to a mannequin at a store yesterday, tried to shake it's hand and said "Good to meet you. How are you today?" I don't think there's much hope for them...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
High Times in Nashville
Last Tuesday Jay & I headed up to Nashville to see the Counting Crows (see previous post for my perhaps-questionable love affiar with this most fabulous group). Well, hind-sight's 20/20 so the saying goes and of course if I, Superwoman, had anticipated how bad my little procedure was going to be would probably not have scheduled it for the day before this event. Not my brightest idea but, hey. Too late! So while I was unable to sit up at a desk and not coherent enough to be at work, I did manage to drag myself out of bed and put on some real clothes because let's be honest. Nothing was going to keep me away from my band! I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't be able to clap very much but I decided I'd just make up for it with my screaming and singing.
So as we were leaving, I took a pain pill. For some reason it takes a good hour and a half or so for those things to kick in & they make me feel really sick so I thought by the time we got up there it should be in effect & maybe the nausea would have passed. I reclined for the trip up to Nashville and rested. Oh, and I guess the meds must have kicked in a bit because apparently I had a phone converstaion with a mother-of-the-bride which I failed to remember so she had to call me back the next day and have the whole conversation again...whoops. (Luckily she's a super-sweet lady who's quickly becoming a favorite of mine!) Anyway, by the time we got there I was feeling pretty good.
The concert was at the Ryman. AMAZING place to see a show! My new favorite. We found our seats (right in the middle and we could see perfectly). It really didn't look like there would be a bad seat in the place. Jay went and bought me a t-shirt and some popcorn and then we nestled in for the show. The first bit's a little blurry (due to the pain meds) but I remember enough to say...
WOW. What a show. I have never been to a concert as good-ever. If you've ever been to a concert, usually there's an opening act that plays a set, then the 2nd act, then the main headliner. Not this show. The show opened with every member of every band on stage playing and singing. It was UH-MAZING!!! They all sang each other's songs and then there were a few solo spots where the others would leave for a couple songs. It was unbeliveable. It was like one giant jam session and we got to be right in the middle of it.
There were 2 other bands with them Augustana, which I'd heard of but only heard the song "Boston" (great song) and the other was Michael Franti & Spearhead whom I'd never heard of. I didn't really care much about these but now I'm a huge fan. Augustana is more main-stream and they were terrific. (Check them out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqvjD7Kxs4)
Michael Franti is reggae. I know that's not typically what you'd picture me listening to but I've never in my life seen a better performer. He had everyone in the place dancing and singing. Yes, me, the bible school girl who's never been to a dance or ever learned how was dancing my little heart out. I could blame this on the pain meds but I really think anyone who was there would have been dancing too. He was just fabulous! (Check them out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8)
Of course the main attraction was absolutely wonderful and left me feeling all warm inside. I was in quite a bit of pain by the end of the night but it was so worth it. I couldn't exactly work a camera and didn't think to have Jay take pictures but I made friends with the girl next to me so she sent me the link to her (blurry, but better than nothing) pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=95185&id=649349451&l=33690871d8
Oh, and if you look at her pictures, you'll notice that apparently people get quite dressed up for concerts these days. It had been a while since I'd been to one so I felt a bit underdressed sitting next to her but she was really sweet & I'm glad she shared her pictures with me.
Just a little sidenote: The girl across the aisle from us must have been on something much stronger than my loratab 7.5's. You would've thought she was at woodstock. She was flailing about and sweating..then all of the sudden she be sitting down with her head on the pew in front of her like she was passed out. Then she'd be right back up in the aisle again and the old voluteer lady would have to drag her back to her seat. Crazy. It's always funny to me to be around people like that because it's so foreign to me. Jay's used to it and he can usually even have a pretty good guess of what their on because he sees so much of it in his line of work. He said he was pretty sure she was on ecstasy by the way she was acting. Interesting & quite entertaining to watch. She was almost as much fun to watch as the show...almost.
So as we were leaving, I took a pain pill. For some reason it takes a good hour and a half or so for those things to kick in & they make me feel really sick so I thought by the time we got up there it should be in effect & maybe the nausea would have passed. I reclined for the trip up to Nashville and rested. Oh, and I guess the meds must have kicked in a bit because apparently I had a phone converstaion with a mother-of-the-bride which I failed to remember so she had to call me back the next day and have the whole conversation again...whoops. (Luckily she's a super-sweet lady who's quickly becoming a favorite of mine!) Anyway, by the time we got there I was feeling pretty good.
The concert was at the Ryman. AMAZING place to see a show! My new favorite. We found our seats (right in the middle and we could see perfectly). It really didn't look like there would be a bad seat in the place. Jay went and bought me a t-shirt and some popcorn and then we nestled in for the show. The first bit's a little blurry (due to the pain meds) but I remember enough to say...
WOW. What a show. I have never been to a concert as good-ever. If you've ever been to a concert, usually there's an opening act that plays a set, then the 2nd act, then the main headliner. Not this show. The show opened with every member of every band on stage playing and singing. It was UH-MAZING!!! They all sang each other's songs and then there were a few solo spots where the others would leave for a couple songs. It was unbeliveable. It was like one giant jam session and we got to be right in the middle of it.
There were 2 other bands with them Augustana, which I'd heard of but only heard the song "Boston" (great song) and the other was Michael Franti & Spearhead whom I'd never heard of. I didn't really care much about these but now I'm a huge fan. Augustana is more main-stream and they were terrific. (Check them out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqvjD7Kxs4)
Michael Franti is reggae. I know that's not typically what you'd picture me listening to but I've never in my life seen a better performer. He had everyone in the place dancing and singing. Yes, me, the bible school girl who's never been to a dance or ever learned how was dancing my little heart out. I could blame this on the pain meds but I really think anyone who was there would have been dancing too. He was just fabulous! (Check them out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8)
Of course the main attraction was absolutely wonderful and left me feeling all warm inside. I was in quite a bit of pain by the end of the night but it was so worth it. I couldn't exactly work a camera and didn't think to have Jay take pictures but I made friends with the girl next to me so she sent me the link to her (blurry, but better than nothing) pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=95185&id=649349451&l=33690871d8
Oh, and if you look at her pictures, you'll notice that apparently people get quite dressed up for concerts these days. It had been a while since I'd been to one so I felt a bit underdressed sitting next to her but she was really sweet & I'm glad she shared her pictures with me.
Just a little sidenote: The girl across the aisle from us must have been on something much stronger than my loratab 7.5's. You would've thought she was at woodstock. She was flailing about and sweating..then all of the sudden she be sitting down with her head on the pew in front of her like she was passed out. Then she'd be right back up in the aisle again and the old voluteer lady would have to drag her back to her seat. Crazy. It's always funny to me to be around people like that because it's so foreign to me. Jay's used to it and he can usually even have a pretty good guess of what their on because he sees so much of it in his line of work. He said he was pretty sure she was on ecstasy by the way she was acting. Interesting & quite entertaining to watch. She was almost as much fun to watch as the show...almost.
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