Looking for drama

The past couple of days have been kind of blah... nothing new, nothing exciting, nothing bad but nothing good either. Just life. I hate it when it gets that routine. Obviously I'm going to start looking for some drama. I don't currently have any so maybe it's time to go looking.

Usually I don't have to go looking for drama, usually it finds me. And it's usually not a good thing. But sometimes, you need a little spice in life. Something to distract you from the daily grind of your routine.

Here was my day yesterday:
4:45 AM - Alarm
5:15 AM - Bootcamp
6:30 AM - Shower
8:30 AM - WORK
12:30 - Lunch
2:00 - Meeting... all afternoon
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:30 - TV (The Hills and Gossip Girl)
9:30 - BED: yes, I am pathetic... I didn't even make it until the season finale of The Hills (Come on, people, it's MTV! They'll repeat it for the next 8 months!)

But if that isn't a day of a boring person, I don't know what is... There was a lot of work accomplished but really no fun.

I do have a new gay boyfriend. He's a lot of fun. And he has enough drama for the both of us. Which is why I enjoy being his friend. There's nothing more annoying/boring than a friend who seems to have it all together. I have too many of those already. I don't need any more crazy friends either. Just someone who likes to have a good time, preferably single (married people don't like to get into trouble either), and wants to go dancing. Yes, that last requirement is a little different but it's my list, so kiss it.

We've got plans to go to Atlanta this weekend for some trouble. I definitely need some and he seems to find it without any help or encouragement. Plus, going dancing at gay clubs is the best! Every one is hot and sweaty but no creepy guy is grabbing my ass.

Speaking of creepy guys... I did have some of that today. I'm wearing a wrap dress and I was waiting on my lunch at a local resturant and a guy was also waiting for his food at the bar. He started talking to me and because of my job, I don't really have the option of being short with anyone in public, especially when I'm wearing my nametag. So I was chatting with him and he was like, "that's a nice dress" and smiled to reveal his gold grill across
his front teeth. Ugh. Not the kind of trouble I'm looking for. I prefer mine have straight teeth without jewelry...

29 and Counting...

Wednesday was my birthday - kind of an uneventful day, I worked and went to dinner with friends... Mexican, my choice! A BIG Texas margarita to end the day was perfect! I turned 29.

I'm in the victory lap of my twenties as a friend says.

I feel too young to be 29. I'm sure I'll have that same realization for the next 20 years of my life. It's all about perspective. As a five year old, 29 seems ancient. You think that at 29, everyone is a mom or dad. They have mortgages and car payments. They're able to travel on their own and don't get scared at night when they're by themselves.

When you actually turn 29, you know better. I have none of the above. Well, I have traveled on my own but I still get scared when I'm in the house by myself (I have a vivid imagination!). As for the rest of it, I have a hard enough taking care of myself and my dog so let's not push it, okay?

My sister gave me a ticket to the Bon Jovi concert in Atlanta last week. WHICH WAS AMAZING!!! There is a reason why Jon Bon Jovi is still out there performing... he's hot and he can sing and he's got this great smile. He knows it too. He really shouldn't dance but that really didn't distract me too much. Here are some pictures from the concert. We had great seats and it was SO MUCH FUN.

I'm still deciding if I'm going to turn 30 next year... I'll keep you posted!

G.I. Lindsey

This morning at the unbearable hour of 5AM, I fell out of my bed and onto a football field for my first day of 'Get Fit' Boot Camp.

It's now 10 hours later and I hurt.

Hurt like hell.

Everytime I sit down, turn, stand up, walk, even think of climbing stairs, I ache. Granted it's been six weeks or so since I did anything consistently but I did not expect it to be this bad. I know this means that it's working and that I burned calories this morning but I'd like to breathe without feeling it in my core muscles. And my arms... we did an awful lot of push ups this morning. I suck at push ups. I'll do crunches all day long but please, no more push ups.

I do like to exercise.

I like the endorphins.

I like the way I sweat.

But I hate the first day back. Argh.

And the time... getting up that early is for the birds. Not for almost 29 year old females who have nice sheets and a dark room for slumber. I hate getting up, anytime, not just at 5am. That doesn't change the fact that I'm going on about 4 hours of sleep right now. I know I'll adjust. I just hope it's soon because I have a feeling it's going to be a very looooooooooooong week.

All I want to know is... Am I going to look like Demi at the end of the torture?

Whew!

I have had a busy week. One of those in which I start by leaving the house around 7 AM and don't get home to stay until around 9 PM at night. I know for most people who have a 'decent' commute, leaving before 7AM is normal but I live exactly ONE MILE from my business.

So... I kind of consider it a pain. And it's definitely different from my life in Chicago and even my life here in Monroe when the earliest I ever had to be at work was 8AM to open.

Again, with a ONE MILE commute.

And my job requires driving, ALOT of driving... I don't mind that aspect so much. Or at least not as much as I mind how much it's costing me to drive. But there are enough rants out there about gas prices.

So I'm a little tired. But sooooo energized. I am feeling great about my job here and I love what I'm doing. Also, a part of my job is to be involved in the community through activities which help educate the public about our business.

I love it.

I'm a joiner, I always have been, and I like having an impact and making things better for those that come behind me. My family was teasing me last night about how it never makes a difference. And while I kept my mouth shut (for once), I definitely was silently disagreeing, thinking it's people like you who don't make a difference and why things never change. Three college educated and hard working people who refuse to get involved because "nothing will ever change" is a sad statement to me. Hence, my quote of the day:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

While it is an over used quote, I love it and I think it says completely how I feel as I sat with my family last night around the table. History proves them wrong and I know I, along with other motivated individuals, can make a difference.

**************************************************************************************

On a more personal note, the guy who I'd been seeing (?4 dates?) quit calling me. He went out of town last Thursday and I haven't spoken with him since. I'm assuming since he was the guy that called me 8 times (!!!) in one day that he's no longer interested.

Which is FINE. Honestly, it is... but is it too much to expect that a 38 year old man could...

1. Tell me that he's not interested

2. Return/Answer my call

3. Act like a decent human being

4. Develop a sense of decency

I get that he's just not that into me, to be honest, I wasn't that into him but I was willing to see where it would go and/or just have fun. But if, at any time, I had decided it wasn't for me. I would have had the BALLS to call it off with explaination.

Good thing, there are more fish in the sea!

the perfect girlfriend

I love this! I am printing it out and saving it and using it!!! I'm a girl and I find this great. If relationships were ONLY this clear!!!

I wish I could take credit but obviously I'm not this talented. This writer is Jon Wilde, he works for some publication called Maxim, you might have heard of it...

I, [print your name here] (heretofore referred to as “The Lady”), being of sound mind, have entered into a relationship with [print guy’s name here] (heretofore referred to as “The Man”).

By signing below, I hereby agree to abide by all the rules as set out within this contract in perpetuity.

Clause 1: Dates
A. The Lady will eat more than a side salad.

B. The Man will not be expected to plan every date. He will be chivalrous, but he will not be the cruise director of the relationship.

C. If The Lady would like to attend an event that she knows The Man will despise, she is advised to do so with other people (See Clause 5: Extra-Curricular Activities). However, should she deem a night at the ballet, opera, or foreign movie house to be a necessity within the scope of the relationship, she should make plans (transportation, tickets, etc.) for this evening herself.

By accepting this Lady-partisan date, The Man will be guaranteed one (1) date on which both parties participate in an activity of his choice—including, but not limited to: Attending an athletic event, watching a martial-arts movie, or going out for a large BBQ dinner.

Clause 2: Dialogue
A. The Lady will never discuss an ex-boyfriend.
Rule 2-A above may be broken if The Lady mentions a deep and abiding flaw in the ex-boyfriend, while also discussing ways in which The Man betters said ex.

B. If The Lady wants something or wants to know something, she will ask. There will be no hints or guessing games.

C. Any cute nicknames that The Lady has devised for The Man will never be spoken in public. See Clause 6, Section a, Subsection 3 for explanation.

Furthermore, The Lady may not devise any nickname that includes a diminutive or that is spoken in baby-voice (e.g., “Little John” or “Snuggle Bear”).

Clause 3: The Bedroom

A. During moments of physicality, The Lady will voice her wishes so that The Man knows how best to make her enjoy the experience. This is expected not only for her sake, but for his. The Man is a prideful being. He wants to know he can do everything right.

B. The Man reserves the right to his favorite side of the bed at all times, no exceptions. He may permit The Lady to rest on his chosen side if he wishes, but should he find himself tossing and turning at 3 a.m., it is his right to reclaim said side with no ill will from The Lady.

Clause 4: Family

A. The Lady will not ask The Man to meet her family until at least one month of dating has been completed.

B. Upon meeting The Man’s mother, The Lady will try to learn as many of Mother Man’s recipes as possible. And yes, The Man likes his chicken that dry.

Clause 5: Extracurricular Activities

A. The Man will be guaranteed at least one Guys’ Night per week, chosen at his discretion. He will also retain at least two extra “floating” Guys’ Nights per month in case of an important sporting event or should an impromptu post-work visit to the bar arise.

B. The Lady can never be angry with a man for attending Guys’ Night.

C. The Lady will not call The Man more than once per Guys’ Night.

D. The Lady is encouraged to go out with her own friends as a means for keeping her independence and sense of self. However, there are ground rules for these engagements:
1. She will not ask The Man to attend any event on the day of a televised athletic match, any event that involves the phrase “pot luck,” or any event that celebrates the birth of a child, impending or otherwise.
2. She will not expect The Man to attend a gathering solely because the boyfriend/husband of The Lady’s Friend will also be in attendance. Misery does not make good company.
3. No. Ex-Boyfriends. Ever.

Clause 6: Love
A. Should the two parties remain together long enough to reach Relationship Level: Serious, The Man understands that he will, at some point, be called upon to vocally express his appreciation of The Lady in the strongest method possible. When the time comes, the following rules shall govern the use of Those Three Words Which Shall Not Yet Be Spoken.

1. The Lady will be the first party to speak the phrase. She will do so clearly and while making eye contact so that The Man knows it is he who is being spoken to.
2. The Lady will allow the man at least five (5) minutes to respond in kind. This reprieve does not mean he doesn’t feel the same way, only that he is apt to be flustered, frightened, and suddenly stricken with cotton-mouth.
3. After the first time the Man arranges the words “I,” “you,” and “love” into a sentence, he will not be required to do so in response every time The Lady speaks the phrase. The Lady will also accept “Me, too,” “Ditto,” or a high-five in return.
4. The Lady will never speak the three-worded phrase when The Man is in the presence of either friends or co-workers. This is done out of respect for the mockery that is sure to result should he be forced to reciprocate while with said company.

By signing below, you agree to all rules as laid out in this contract, effectively guaranteeing that you will make The Man a truly happy person for the rest of his life, or until you realize that he is a loser who requires his girlfriends to sign legally binding documents.
______________________________Print your name ______________________________Signature ______________________________Date

Pink or Blue?

One of my best friends in the world is pregnant with her first child, I have a 6 month old nephew, one of my Vandy 8 is pregnant which is a first for the group, my childhood 'brother' and his wife are due on my birthday! I've got two showers this weekend and many more to come. All around me people are pregnant and the world seems to be full of glowing little mothers.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my nephew and I can't wait to see him next week. Yes, there will be pictures. I think they'll get here on Monday or Tuesday so I'll have some up before I leave for the coast.

Marianne is expecting a girl and I'm so excited for bows and braids, frilly dresses and little pink onesies! And of course, the right to corrupt the little tyke later with beaus and boas!

Here's a little poem I found to celebrate the life that's growing...

Ten fingers, Ten toes
She's laughter and teardrops
So small and brand new
And amazingly angelic
She's sent to bless you
She's one special Baby
The best of life's treasure
And will grant and bless you
Many hours of great pleasure.
- Author Unknown

RoadTrip!!!

Anyone that knows me knows that I enjoy a good roadtrip... I enjoy getting into the car and finding myself along the highway heading to the next great place. I get this from my parents who used to throw all of us in the backseat of our navy blue Volvo station wagon and head up to the north Georgia mountains for the fall apples or the low country of South Carolina or the Chatanoga Choo-Choo (I mean, how many other people do you know who have slept on that famous train?). I can jump in the car, put on some great music and keep myself happy for at least six hours.

In my almost (ahem! 21 days and counting!) 29 years, I've had the distinct privilage to visit several of our nation's most treasured monuments (Mt. Rushmore, Yosemite, etc.) and seen alot of the country. In fact I have been to all continuous 48 states - that's a piece of trivia for ya! I have lived in five states (GA, TN, CA, UT, IL and counting!) which also provided for several cross country trips. I take a different route each time I go somewhere in order to experience more of the country. I have some great pictures and some that just leave me confused... (where was I? who is that? what am I doing? what am I wearing? how much did I have to drink that night?)

I found out last week (thanks to MSN.com Travel articles) that I have missed several of the "MUST SEE" tourist attractions out there. They gave a list of 12 (some of which I have been too, The Hershey Museum is AWESOME!) but I've narrowed it down to my top three:

1. THE SPAM MUSEUM - the fact that people actually buy and then eat this product is more disgusting that I can even imagine. However, if there is one thing that I've learned in my life of retail and capitalism, it's that businesses don't stay in business if people don't buy the products. I actually am curious enough to make this a stop the next time I'm in Austin, Minnesota... the website is actually quite funny but beware, they are singing (yes, singing!!!) about spam.

2. The Vidalia Onion Museum - As my good friends know, I worship this perfect vegetable... if you sit down at my dinner table on any given night and twice on Sunday, somewhere in the menu, there will be Vidalia Onions. It is the perfect veggie and there isn't anything you can't do with them! Saute, fry, bake, grill... it's all good! I'm excited to report that the Vidalia Onion festival is going on next weekend when I will be in South Georgia so I will be in attendance (with my camera!). While I feel bad even putting it on the same list as the Spam Musuem (they aren't EVEN in the same category), I do have the same passion for seeing each site, just for COMPLETELY DIFFERENT reasons.

3. Dr. Pepper Museum - Another of the Lindsey classics, I adore a good DP! I have to give a salute to my friend, Ann Pampa and her greater commitment to his skinny sister, DDP as well. I don't know where they got the name, Dr. Pepper but this drink used to be called "Waco". I think I understand why they changed the name. I think another trip to Texas is necessary.

Well, that's it folks, the top 3 of totally random places that I will visit as soon as my life takes me near them.

Other weird/unique places that I have already been:
1. The Jelly Belly Factory
2. The original L.L. Bean store
3. The Okeefeenokee Swamp
4. Ben'n'Jerrys factory (on the ONLY day of the year they were NOT making ice cream!)
5. The Haunted Smith & Wesson Mansion


I actually highly recommend all the above... it's the random places like this that make our country interesting and what keeps me hitting the road time after time.