Speaking my mind

This is something I really need to improve upon, speaking my mind.

I know what y’all are thinking, that seems pretty inaccurate given how I typically spout off at the mouth everyday. But that’s not really what I mean.

The one thing I’ve never really been good at is confronting a conflict.

Sure, I can do this when it comes to client work, but not so much in my personal life.

Between toxic friends, an abusive roommate, bad relationships, and the occasional office spat, I’ve taken a lot of abuse these past couple years. And honestly, I let it happen.

I’m plenty prepared to bitch and moan about these issues but I’m no good at actually standing up for myself.

What gives?

Why can’t I just sit down and have an adult conversation with someone when I feel I’ve been treated unfairly? Why do I continue to let myself get walked on?

I sorta feel like part of it is that when I’ve told friends how I felt before (sure, maybe not in the most tactful way at times) it’s blown up in my face causing huge fights and even ending friendships.

Seriously, I lost a friend of 20 years because I told her she was being selfish – when she legitimately was I might add.

And whenever I told a certain ex-boyfriend about concerns I had he always made me feel guilty – as if all our problems were my fault.

I need to realize that not everyone is like that, but I guess these bad experiences have really made me think twice about voicing my concerns. Or, at least, that’s what I tell myself.

Any advice for being less of a doormat?

Cheers!

-A

The 'L' Word

Today I want to talk about what not to say on a first date.

No, I didn't tell some poor soul that I loved him on the first date, what kind of girl do you think I am?

A couple nights ago I found myself telling the story of a date I went on very shortly after moving to the Cleve.

While out with a friend in the basement of Blind Pig (mistake #1), a friend of a friend grabbed me and flung me in front of one of his friends on the dance floor - meet my friend Collin.*

*His name may or may not have been Collin.

So we danced. All night. He was pretty impressive, actually, so when he asked for my number at the end of the night I gave it to him (mistake #2).

Friend of a friend. Safe.

And so the dating game begins...kinda. He called a few days later and the next weekend we went on a date.

He picked me up, took me to Little Italy, it was awkward.

And of course, in my oh-so-standard word vomit fashion I proceeded to dispel way too much information.

Apparently somewhere along the way I thought that filling the silence, no matter what came out of my mouth, would turn around any awkward situation. Typically, especially in my life, it makes things more awkward and I end up embarrassing myself. Though it's still a strategy I live by.

In my ramblings I mentioned just how drunk I was when I met him.

Lush.

Oh and if you didn't catch it, that was mistake #3.

The point I was attempting to make was that I was only out on the dance floor because of the vodka Red Bulls I had downed previously in the night. So in reality, I was trying to prove that I wasn't a typical club-attending 20-something.

When he mentioned to me that he was completely sober the entire night I almost flagged down the waiter to order another glass of wine.

LUSH.

I'm pretty positive that's what was going though his mind, anyhow.

Wow - nothing like a typical TMI situation gone wrong to spoil the evening, eh?

Needless to say, that was the first and last date with Mr. Sober dancer.

Impression FAIL.

So if you learn one thing from my diarrhea of the mouth it's this: if you were drunk the first time you met someone, I'd wait until after the first date to tell them.

Cheers!

-A

The dreaded budget

Budgeting is something that, for me, is a constant struggle. Even as a single 20-something who's climbing the corporate ladder, saving is still nearly impossible. What can I say, I'm an impulsive spender.

Last year one of my friends went on an all cash diet, spending little and paying off his debts in lump sums with every pay check that rolled around. It seemed to be working for him, but I just don't think I have the will power to do that.

Let's be honest here, I'm a girl who loves to travel, experience good food, and spend a night on the town with friends from time to time - none of which are inexpensive.

There are a couple lengthy trips coming up that I desperately need to save for, so I've been doing my best to cook at home and be as frugal as possible. This weekend I even managed to go to the mall and not buy a thing! I know, right?

So tell me dear readers, what are your saving strategies? Do you develop a full out budget or just hope that you have enough will power not to spend?

Cheers!

-A

A pathetic, sniffly sight

I am not a crier. Anyone who knows me well, knows this. In fact, in a recent conversation, I couldn't recall the last time I had a good cry.

Well, that time was tonight when I finished this book. I broke down in huge, heaving sobs (trust me, it's as attractive as it sounds) when Randy started talking about his family - more specifically, his daughter. And let me tell you, I'm still feeling the effects of this chapter and fighting back the tears.

He noted that when his daughter was born he immediately became an official member of the "Wrapped Around My Daughter's Finger Club."

I've always liked to think that my dad was a member of the club, too. That there was just something special about being his daughter. Let me tell you from 24 years of experience, there is.

Growing up, I was always the girl with the cool dad. He was an athlete, a comedian, a motivator, a friend, a supporter, and he seemed to know everything about everything. Even now, he's still very much all of those things.

He's the reason I spend so much time single - no guys can even come close.

(It's just screaming daddy's girl, isn't it?)

For all these reasons, there's this soft spot for my father that I just can't explain. Reading Randy's description of the short relationship he's had with his daughter that's coming to an end, I can't help but get all weepy. Honestly, I don't know what I'd ever do without my dad.

It makes me hate living even this far from him - and makes me think that I should really visit home more often. Gets me to thinking about being a better daughter...I know I was a pain in the ass growing up, and I probably still am now. 

Thanks, dad, for putting up with my crap! It means more than you'll ever know.

How's that for a mushy start to your Monday?

Highly recommend The Last Lecture, if you haven't read it already.

Cheers!

-A

Big decisions

(This is how it feels, like being in the middle of a giant question mark.)

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the best when it comes to making decisions. I'm often impulsive and have a tendency to be blind to anything other than the potential positive outcomes. getting all starry eyed about how this decision will improve everything in the future.

What can I say, I'm drawn to the new and shiny.

The real problems begin, however, once I start wrapping my head around the implications of the decision.

Given my nature as a planner, my instincts throw me into a constant need to research every option from all angles to make sure I get the most out of the decision. And of course, the benefits of choosing to stick with the status quo.

More times than not I believe that I'll be more disappointed by choosing not to take a new opportunity. Life's all about experiences, and looking back, I've always been happy I took opportunities as they came my way - impulsive or not - because of the experiences I gained and the people I met along the way.

Plus, it keeps things interesting...right?

I have to admit, I enjoy the stories that I'm able to tell about the places I've been and the experiences I've had already had in these short 24 years of my life, because I never say no.

Still, that doesn't make these decisions any easier, nor does it take away this feeling as if I might vomit. In the end, it'll work itself out somehow. It's got to, right? Right???

What's your strategy for making big decisions?

Cheers!

-A

Brick walls

The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're here to stop the other people.
...
Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something.


Right now I'm in the middle of a rather inspiring book. The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. For those who haven't heard in it's rising popularity, it chronicles the life of a college professor who is asked to speak about his life as if he were dying - as if it was his last lecture.

Reality of the situation, is that it was, as Randy was dying of cancer at the time. How about that for some real-life inspiration?

As any inspirational book will, I found a concept that was instantly applied to my life. And I've gotta say, it's been kicking me in the ass ever since.

In one of his chapters, he discusses the challenges he faced when courting his wife. These challenges were his brick walls - and he worked hard to show those walls who was stronger. And succeeded. Proof is in his marriage and three children.

So I've been reflecting on the brick walls in my life, the challenges I've been working hard to overcome to prove just how much I desire the life I aspire to live.

Impulsiveness - since I've been a working girl, I've been of the mindset that if I want something I purchase it. Be it a trip to visit friends or a new camera lens. Debt has not overcome me yet - and I'm working now to make sure this doesn't happen.

Cynicism - sure, we all get bitchy from time to time, but, I'll admit, I've been known to bond with others over the negative rather than the positive. This is definitely a work in progress.

Impatience - I've said time and time again that I could never be a teacher because of this. But fact is, everyone is a teacher of some form in this life. And patience is one of the most important attributes of a successful teacher, mentor or supervisor.

Distractions - my 'ADD' leads to procrastination, which often leads to less-than-my-best work. As much as I say it, I don't actually work best under the pressure of a deadline, I just enjoy the adrenaline rush.

So tell me dear readers, what are your brick walls?

Cheers!

-A

Sound track of...right now

So you may remember a while back when, thanks to Playful Professional, I was inspired to create a soundtrack of my life. 

And for the most part, this list still very much holds true. 

Lately, however, there have been a number of events in my life that have added an interesting flare, to say the least. 

And, given my recent bout with insomnia - hence the mid-night post - I've had plenty of time to listen to a number of my iTunes playlists. In this process, a few songs have stood out to me. Some because of the lyrical meaning, some for the harmonies, but all for the fact that I just really like them.

So, there's going to be a temporary addendum to my original list of eight - as a sort of soundtrack of now. No judging.

Oh, what the hell, judge all you want. What do I care?

Promise (Eve 6) - old school Eve 6. Not only do the harmonies in the song mesmerize me, but the lyrics are perfectly appropriate for my life as of right now. Planning big is a huge gamble, and yep, I've already rolled those dice.

Streetlight (Derby) - you're standing a little foolish, in the late night...

I Can't Hold Back (Survivor) - this song came on in Mitchell's the other day and I remembered that I loved how it sounds. So 80s. As Jennie says, it's one of those songs they'd make fun of on Saturday Night Live....regardless, I love it. And it's pretty accurate, assuming you're not thinking in sexual terms. C'mon now, remove head from gutter. 

One Step at a Time (Jordin Sparks) - for oh so many reasons. This song about sums up my life at the moment.

What are some of the songs that represent your life at the moment...or, even the ones you like just because?

Cheers!

-A

Long-awaited weekend

Martin Luther King weekend is great - an extra day off followed by a four day week. What more could you ask for, right?

Well, this weekend was nothing shy of interesting. Yeah, we'll go with interesting.

Friday I was a roller coaster of emotion - and for someone who typically peaks at the mildly irritated stage, because let's be honest, life's just too damn short to spend it pissed off, it was quite an exhausting day.

Luckily, one of my favorites in the entire world came into town on Saturday making everything instantly glorious. 

Everyone needs a friend like that - someone who can show up and instantly put a smile on your face, someone who knows so much about you and just 'gets' you. What can I say, I wouldn't know what to do without her. 

We spent the weekend touring the Cleve. Well, as best you can in the dead of winter.

Eating and drinking were some of the highlights. From enchiladas at El Jalapeno to gluten-free pancakes (for my little glutard) at The Original Pancake House to some of Cleveland's finest like Sushi Rock, drinks at 806 and brunch at Grumpy's we got our fill of the tastes of Cleveland.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Oh and we can't forget about the lovely Saturday afternoon nap followed by the MSU/Illinois game - Spartans came out on top, baby - and a trip to the theater for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Which, by the way, is fantastic - doesn't seem nearly as long as it is.

And what about my extra day off, you ask? Well, between errands, laundry and the weekly run outside - hey, I had to burn off the extra calories somehow -  it's been pretty productive. And it's all helped me keep my mind off how much I already miss Jenn. *sigh*

Now, it's back to the grind - a little more rested and spiritually rejuvenated. 

How was your extended weekend?

Cheers!

-A

Photography Friday: Philadelphia

Welcome to Photography Friday, the Philadelphia edition. Again, we're going back in time here as these sub-zero temps have made it nearly impossible to head out for some decent shots.

You may recall this summer (assuming I still have any readers from back then) when I traveled to Philadelphia on business - you know, the trip where I met Tony Danza...yeah, that one.

I was fortunate enough to head out on the town upon my arrival to check out the scenery. And even with my point-and-shoot I captured some great shots.

The Comcast building caught my eye, not just because it's the tallest building downtown, but just check out how reflective it is.


During a night on the town after a full day of work, a friend and I trekked across the city to the Rocky steps and back. I found this crosswalk to be interesting.

(And honestly, got lucky with the creative blur)

Hope y'all had a great week - stay warm this weekend.

Cheers!

-A

A little healthy compitition never hurt anyone

Last night after a strenuous workout I decided to attend a relaxation yoga class to end the day right.

Only...it ended up not being so relaxing, after all.

Attendance was minimal, probably because of the weather, and most of the people in class were new to the practice of yoga.

My initial concern was that the instructor would, in turn, make the class easier. But luckily for me she held a normal flow class with modified poses for the newbies.

As soon as I realized this, I proceeded as I normally would and even increased the intensity from time to time.

(Editors note: that's the great thing about yoga, you can make it as intense and challenging as you want it. Not that you care.)

Throughout the class I noticed the woman next to me keeping pace with my motions.

Upon further inspection she was a 50-something, frail looking woman, who had apparently been practicing yoga for longer than I've been alive. And this was something she was dying to prove to me.

To test this theory I went above and beyond in a couple of balance poses - and when she followed my lead and subsequently fell out of these poses I was thoroughly satisfied. Not only was I spot on that she was competing with me, but I totally beat her out in the balance category.

Point Ashley.

Then we moved on to a couple strength moves. I dominated.

The end of class was focused on flexibility. Not my strong suit. But of course I pushed my hamstrings until they were screaming at me - willing them to stretch just an inch farther. You best believe she took notice of this, too, as she proceeded to fold in half on top of herself, and make it look easy.

Flexibility FAIL.

At the point I wanted to lean in and let her know that "hey lady, I'm a runner, my hamstrings just don't do that."

But of course, after savasana [corpse pose = relaxation, for all you non-yogis], I was all zen and stuff and didn't give a crap.

Honestly, I'm thankful for my competitor last night. She helped me push myself in a class that I otherwise may have taken the easy route through.

Cheers to you, lady. Cheers!

-A

Get off the ice

So today I'm telling a tale on behalf of one of my co-workers because, honestly, it's the most entertaining encounter of the week.

And I'm going to tell it in first person, just for kicks.

Two weeks ago we had the kickoff game of my winter hockey league. On the team, there's a guy named Kevin* who's, let's be honest here, a little on the terrible side.

What makes that even better, is that in his spare time, he's a hockey coach for a children's league - but that's not the point here.

He is known to be one of those people who think they know everything about everything...er, hockey, and when team members try to provide constructive criticism he wants nothing to do with it. So instead, I, like most other players, try to be nice so he'll keep his know-it-all attitude under wraps.

Until, that is, this weekend.

(This may or may not be Kevin)

So we just scored a goal with two minutes left and we're heading up for a face-off when Kevin announces that we should call a time out. Having just scored a goal, the momentum has clearly shifted toward us, so the team disagrees and proceeds with the game while Kevin continues to throw a mini tantrum while insisting on the unnecessary time out.

Getting irritated, I proceed to tell him shut his yap (as politely as possible, of course). We banter for a bit. Our captain, who's a little tired of hearing us arguing, tells us both to cool it. So I shut up.

But, of course, Kevin continues to pester me.

When he doesn't get the [subtle] hits I go for the jugular:

"When your performance on the ice matches your mouth, we'll start listening to you."

Frothing at the mouth, his reply: "YOU TOO!"


Huh?

Does he know that doesn't make sense?

I turn to the team captain, who actually coaches little league with this dude, and apologize that he'll be getting an earful from Kevin about how much he can't stand me.

So after the game I decided to make things right with him. He was standing a few feet away from me on the ice so I skated over his way. When I was inches from him he turned and skated away toward the bench. Since I needed to go that direction anyhow I skated after him and he skated away again, upon my arrival.

Seriously? C'mon now, how old are we?

Regardless, I tried.

So this Sunday we had another game. I went in, prepared to either let it go or talk it out, depending on Kevin's needs that day.

As I entered the locker room I was approached by the captain.

Captain: "Hey, so you owe us a player."

Me: "Huh?"

Captain: "Kevin quit."

Me: "He quit, over that?"

Captain: "Yep, after last week's game he asked for his check back and quit."

Wow, really, who quits over a disagreement? Again, how old are we people?

(Editors note: Thanks to my colleague Luke for sharing this story.)

So tell me dear readers, do you know anyone like this? Have you ever encountered such a personality?

Cheers!

-A

*His name may or may not have been Kevin.

I'm gullible

It's true. I am.

Proof:

The SO tells me that "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is on the top of his Netflix list.
-Me: really?
-SO: stares at me blankly

On moving day I call my parents to find out their ETA and current location.
-Mom: we're still at home, stuck in the driveway actually. Your dad's trying to dig us out.
-Me: instantly stressed out. seriously? why didn't you call sooner?
-Mom: in fits of laughter. (After all, it was May.)

And one time, I was even coaxed into believing there was such a thing as left-handed silverware.

Yes. Really.

In my defense, it did take some effort on their part to get me to become a believer. And of course, it was something I never lived down. Rightfully so.

I like to think that it's not that I'm gullible so much as that I'm pure of heart and truly trust the people in my life. But, given my overall cynical nature this is hard for even me to believe.

Though even with my recent transition to being a brunette I still play these instances off as blonde moments.

Please tell me I'm not the only one out there who's logical mind slips up every now and again and believes the complete nonsense that people are feeding you...please?

Cheers!

-A

Photography Friday: Hiking

Welcome to Photography Friday - the hiking edition.

These are actually from a little over a year ago, when the BFF and I went hiking on Grand Island out in Lake Superior.

Due to my recent crazy schedule, leaving me little time to head out to snap some nice winter shots, you get to relive this experience with me. Yay!

Aside from the bear encounters, torrential rains, and supposed tornado on the island during our first night (which we didn't find out until the countless voicemails from our concerned friends and family, post-trip), it was a fantastic trip with phenomenal weather - and I managed to get some great shots, too.

You'd never know, by looking at these images, that it was late September in northern Michigan.

(From the campsite the first night. Just before the storm hit.)

(A look at the beach from high atop a cliff.)

(As you can see, the lake rose pretty high in the storms the night before.)

(Check out how blue the water is...hard to believe that's Lake Superior.)

(A day spent hiking the cliffs and relaxing on the beach, what more could a girl ask for?)

A few things about right now

Here's a glimpse into my world with a list of a few things that are going on right now -

~Work is kicking my butt. I'm seriously slammed. Which is why I'm playing up my ADD for this cop out post.

~I secretly (or not so secretly) love being busy to the point that I almost feel overwhelmed. Operative word being almost.

~For someone who is a lover of sports, I don't give a rats ass about the BCS National Championship game tonight. I don't care much for Oklahoma and nobody likes Florida, right? Besides, what about freaking Utah!?!

~Nor do I care about the Cavs/Celtics game tomorrow. Sorry Cleveland, there's just no joining in on this excitement.

~I'm in love with my new blog layout. Seriously. Sometimes I come back just to admire it. Yep, I'm that big of a dork.

~Lately, there have been days where I don't even go outside - get in my attached garage in the morning, park in the attached garage at work, leave work and park in the attached garage at home, workout in my apartment...I'm not so fond of the bitter wind and blowing snow, what can I say?

~It freaks me out, like really gives me the willies, that some of my friends are procreating. On purpose. I know, right? Aren't we a little too young to be having babies already?

~Today is Red Wine Thursday. Enough said.

So tell me dear readers, what's going on with you right now?

Cheers!

-A

Braving the kitchen

As I've mentioned before, I would give anything to be a part of the foodie world. And I have a master plan for getting there, rubbing elbows with the best Food Network stars - okay not really, I'm just hoping something falls in my lap, but let's just pretend, okay?

One of the big flaws in this plan is that, well, I don't cook.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm incapable of cooking, it's more about lack of time and energy. And honestly, cooking for one sucks donkey balls - especially when you're like me and really don't care for leftovers.

Granted, since the SO has been around my kitchen has gotten some use, but not nearly enough to bump me up into the foodie category.

So, I've decided to start cooking more.

Now really, the main purpose behind this is to start saving a little more money - given that budgeting is part of this whole new years resolution garbage, and I've got plenty of expenses coming up in the near future (read: puppy spoiling) - but being classified as a 'foodie' is a huge bonus.

Problem being - I have no idea what to cook!

I wish I could just dive in like Ang - she's totally my inspiration. These dishes look so amazing. And yet, so complex - I'm just not sure I could pull them off in the minimal amount of free time I have left these days.


Given that I'm a vegetarian whose normal sustenance resembles rabbit food, I don't really know where to begin.

And, if I could make something that looks as appealing as it tastes - yes, I know this is a huge feat for a novice like myself, but I'm up to the challenge - better yet!

Mmmm, just look at that!

To all my foodie, and wanna-be foodie friends out there, help! Know of any good recipes I can get my feet wet with?

In the meantime, I'll be sticking to my fab. chili recipe and foolproof Italian dishes until I get the cojones to branch out to something more elaborate. Though after looking at those peppers, I may be inclined to stuff some in the near future (now would be the time to remove head from gutter, thanks). Wish me luck!

Cheers!

-A

Maintenance Man

For those who haven't been keeping up - I don't blame you, I didn't do much bloggie stuff over the holidays, either - my weekend was spent moving.

This was one of the easiest moves yet. Given that I've moved across the country twice now, and once across the state of Texas, I would hope this is the case.

But really this was probably the easiest move I'll ever have - unless of course next time I'm well enough off to hire some movers to do the dirty work for me. This weekend, I moved a total of three floors.


That's right, same apartment complex, better location.


When I found out that this apartment was available I jumped on it - less expensive than before and it comes with a sliding glass door out to a fenced in yard. The perfect set up for puppy ownership.


But anyway, this is going somewhere, I promise.

The move wasn't too painful, though the organization process is slower than I'd hoped. Turns out, I own a lot of shit. The SO was trying his hardest to get me to make decisions on what exactly I needed and what could be thrown out. A lot was pitched, but you'd never know it to look at my new place. Yikes, lots more work to come.

During the post-move organization process, I ran across a few maintenance issues. Lucky for me, I made nice with the weekend maintenance man long ago, so when I reported these issues on Sunday morning, he came over promptly to repair these problems.

Within 15 minutes the apartment was fixed up and George had plenty of time to spare for small talk. Of course, I was more than happy to placate him - you never know when I'll have a dire maintenance emergency again - and actually, he's quite a pleasant man.

He chatted with me about the weather, the progress of my moving, past "situations" in my old apartment, and wrapped up by letting me know that if there's anything I need, to let him know.

So the lesson here - make nice with the maintenance man, you never know when you're going to need him. And you might be surprised at just how nice he really is.

Has anyone else capitalized on such situations before? What are your apartment living tips and tricks?

Cheers!

-A

Friendly rivalry gone bad

As most of my friends and loyal readers know, I'm a big sports fan. And I'm especially passionate about my MSU Spartans as that's my alma mater.

You also may be aware that one of my qualms with living in this state has been the obnoxious OSU fans who assume, because I'm from the state of Michigan, I'm the devil.

Don't get me wrong, I love a good sports rivalry - taking jabs at my friends when we win, the occasional bet now and again, but for the most part, I'll befriend anyone, regardless of where their allegiances lie.

Well tonight, I ran into two of the most ignorant college supporters I've ever met. 

That's a big statement. Huge - given the fact I've run into my fair share of obnoxious sports fans throughout my Big 10 history.

As I was wandering the halls of my building, still in my Michigan State jersey (confident, even after our loss at the Capital One bowl today - hey, I'm no fair weather fan!) I ran into a girl in my building. 

She was quite lovely, actually. Mentioned that she too is from Michigan and she even offered her assistance with moving. Her friends on the other hand, frightened me a little - since we're being honest here.

The girl from Michigan is a U of M fan, which she mentioned in passing. The two others asserted themselves quickly, letting me know, in a most aggressive manner, that one was an Ohio State fan while the other pointed to her hooded sweatshirt with an embroidered Notre Dame logo and proceeded to pound on her chest with a tight fist.

"Notre Dame, yeah that's right!"

"Ohio State, here. Yeah! Just so you know how we roll." - followed by a nice little stare down.

Um, wow. Okay.

I'm sure I looked appalled and rather horrified. I was, and I'm not so great at hiding that on my face. The aggressors noticed, as they chuckled on their way down the hall, "did you see her face, ha!"

Clearly, I was by far the least dominant female in this situation (by about 40 pounds, at least).

If this hadn't have been the case, or even if there wouldn't have been three of them, I would have pointed out that they are friends with a U of M fan and there doesn't seem to be much of a problem. So what gives?

Aside from the time I got threatened by a Cavs fan in a bar bathroom during the 2007 playoffs- "If the Pistons win tonight I'm gonna be the first one to find you and kick your ass" - this was the most aggressive attack by fans of an opposing team.

C'mon people, we're all adults, let's grow up and get along in our friendly rivalries, shall we?

-A

p.s. On the positive side, I may have made a new friend in the building - if I can manage to separate her from the scary friends.

A new year

That's right. For those of you who aren't counting, it's officially a new year.

Where on Earth did the last year go? Hell, where did the last 10 years go? Can't believe we're almost to 2010...I'm pretty sure that means I'm old.

Of the things I've resolved to do this year - c'mon, you know you have your resolutions all figured out too - by far the best goal is to make sure this is a great year.

And it will be.

A few years ago, I made it a point to make myself happy, no matter what it took. Looking back, this was a bigger success than I gave myself credit for. And now, I'm the happiest I've ever been - truly.

Don't get me wrong, 2008 was great, with all the traveling and wonderful people I met - so much so that I was able to start a blog about just that - and meeting all my wonderful fellow bloggers. It's been great, y'all!

*tear*

(Just look at those wonderful new buddies!)

In anticipation of the upcoming puppy arrival, completion of a marathon and a college reunion in LA, there's plenty to help make this the best year ever. 

And let me just say, it's started out well so far. I couldn't have asked for a much better New Year's day that involved sleeping in and watching bowl games with the SO. Too bad my Spartans didn't show up in Orlando, but it's a small price to pay for a wonderful Jan 1.

And now, I get to start fresh by moving into my new apartment -- starting, now. So I'll see y'all back here on Monday.

Here's to a fantastic 2009!

Cheers!

-A