Monday, January 26, 2009

School is back in session ...

... could you tell?

The course load is going to be a little lighter for me this semester, I believe. But maybe that's just wishful thinking, so I've got my fingers crossed just to be safe.

In between working on my first project for class and work in general, I've been out having fun ... real, live FUN! It's amazing, really.

Said fun includes this past Saturday. I was in Atlanta with my girlfriends Allison, Mary and Monica for a day at The High museum of art. On exhibit is a portion of the terracotta army that was excavated from the underground palace of the first emperor of China. It was truly stunning — a must-see if you live in this area, for sure. We also had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory — and yes, I enjoyed a yummy slice of Snickers cheesecake, splitting it with Monica, so as not to be a big, fat pig alone.

Afterward, Monica and I met up with my friend Mike, who lives in Atlanta, and several of his friends. We went to see live band karaoke, which was surprisingly awesome. I honestly wasn't at all excited about going, but Mike assured me more times that he probably wanted to that it would be so. much. fun. And, he was right. The band was amazing and those brave souls who ventured up on stage in front of the packed crowd were hilarious. They were either really great singers or so incredibly bad that you just had to cheer them on.

So, that's what's up with me lately. Look for another video blog soon. This time, however, I'll be sure to turn my camera the correct way, I promise.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Already in bed, all bundled up


You know it's cold when a very furry cat makes her way under the covers. Bless her heart. I think we're both ready for warmer temperatures.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Woo hoo!

Every night when I come home from work I hop on my stationary bike and pedal until I'm about to fall over. Well, not really. But I'm pushing myself more than ever. Ten miles a night - at least - as well as using my little 8 lb. weights every other day to tone my arms up a bit.

I'm down 8 lbs. already ... and it's been about three weeks. Yeah, I'm so excited to be losing weight and firming up, but most of all I cannot believe my energy level. I wake up and I'm truly awake. I go to bed and sleep like a baby. And in between waking and sleeping, I'm happier. So. Much. Happier.

I've heard exercise nuts go on and on about how working out will change your life. These people used to make me want to kick them in the shins. But I think they were on to something all along. Pushing myself through the uncomfortable points has been awesome. I'm so motivated to keep pushing myself and to see how far I can take it.

With that said, I'm registering for the bike ride that Jim has done in the past. The 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge. I'm going to do the 62-mile route this year. Hopefully next year I'll be in good enough shape to go the full 100 miles.

Wish me luck! I'm going to do this, and I'm so excited!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Hmm ...


As seen yesterday afternoon at a local W-M. I'll leave the captioning to you.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Someone needs to call for the ark

It's been a bit soggy here in Chattanooga. We got 4 to 5 inches of rain in about a 24-hour period. It doesn't sound like much, but when you're a city surrounded by water to begin with, things can get a bit hairy.

Case in point:






All of these pictures were taken about a tenth of a mile from my house. Luckily I can get out and drive around, but several streets around me are still closed. We're all just hoping the water will recede soon!

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Video Blog Attempt No. 1

Yes, I know I'm sideways, but for those who know me best, it truly fits. Next time I'll make sure to turn my camera the right way before hitting the record button. And I hate, hate, hate the weird expression on my face that's frozen in time before you hit play. That is just wrong.

But alas, here it is. My first video blog ever!

Saturday, January 03, 2009

And here I am

I rang in the new year at work.

Sitting at my desk, I fixed my eyes the on the masses crammed into Times Square as they counted down to 2009 on TV above me. On mute.

As the clock ticked down to zero and the silent cheers erupted, I felt a bit empty inside. I'd been invited to a couple of parties, and not invited to hang out with someone I wanted to be with. Again, I was all alone in a room full of people, bright lights and computer screens on a night where it seemed as though the whole world was celebrating without me. As I let that moment of self-pity flood over me, I felt like a bit of a loser.

Thank God that moment was fleeting.

I'm ready for all that 2009 has to offer. I intend to take advantage of every single chance I get to meet new people, advance my career, learn new things and travel.

I'm a bit excited about my renewed motivation ... it's been a while since I've had this energy. Maybe it's all the exercise I've been fitting into my life. Or maybe I'm just ready, finally, to be fully and completely happy. To take care of myself while still caring for others. To get out there and challenge myself more than I ever have.

So, this is where I am at the start of 2009. I think this is my year. And I hope it's yours, too!