So many directions today. It was one of those ‘make a note of things that popped into my head on my phone’ type of post day. So there.
- I swear I bruised a rib this weekend. Is that possible? The left side of my ribs hurt, like a lot. When I move a certain way, when I run a certain way, sometimes when I laugh. Ouch. I think it was from the dancing. I am so lame its hilarious.
- I kept smelling this smell each morning when I got back from my runs. I finally realized it is from the apartment next to me – it is the guy’s cologne. Hilarious. Our bathrooms share the same walls and so do our closets so when he probably puts it on it just comes through. It smells good but oh so strong.
- I hate the blog world on Wednesdays. It makes me realize a. I follow too many blogs that aren’t really up my alley and b. I eat like crap. Neither make me feel so great. What is a girl to do but vent to a buddy and then click quickly through them? Problem solved. I honestly never thought I would find another friend like my one back home who had a similar background and who could understand/relate to me in so many ways. I am so grateful I did.
- I keep having mini panic freak outs about money. I refuse to call the dentist because I don’t want to have to pay for a crown or another root canal. (I know these both may be necessary). I want to cancel the colonoscopy because I know it will cost money, not to mention the drinks I need to buy and the liquid diet for two days. Even chalking over $10 last night nearly put me over the edge. I hate feeling like this and having this be my number one concern.
- I am starting to get a tad worried about my year and the mentor session late nights. I won’t be leaving the schools tills about 7:15 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. That means I probably won’t get home till about 8:45 or 9 pm. EEk. Mentally I need the nights so I fear later bedtime meaning harder mornings. Guess my body needs to start getting used to less sleep.
- I have finally visited all three schools that we have the ninth grade classes in. I am excited for them but I still feel super awkward in them. I stick out like a sore thumb. One of the schools is also an alternative school which means it is all the kids that got kicked out of the public DC schools. We are already having some problems in that class. Bring on authoritative Alex, I hope.
- At the recruitment event I went to on Tuesday, I had a couple people tell me if I was trained in elevator pitches. Whoops… my true marketing/advertising colors came out. Love it.
- Strangely, I want a metro buddy. Just like a running buddy, this person I could ride the metro with at least part of the way each morning. I am not good at randomly finding friends, I actually suck at it. Boo. Either that or I need to invest in headphones. My cheap self won’t even go out to buy a pair. Come on Alex.
- My biggest frustration is having a craving but knowing what for. Yuck, that has been me lately. I am making myself do my first recipe tomorrow which will be a modification of this pumpkin loaf. I will make it with coconut flour and probably half the recipe. I also don’t have cream cheese. Shoot, maybe I won’t be making this tomorrow. Weekend project?
Tonight I have a ‘happy hour’ at a big consulting firm where I am representing BUILD in order to recruit mentors. Um, can you saw awkward? Number one, I won’t be drinking and number two how the heck do I recruit mentors like this? Freaking out and so not looking forward to 5:30 rolling around.
Questions: What is your ramble today? How do you feel about happy hours with total strangers?
Alex, Alex, Alex. You can get headphones for like a dollar! I’d invest in the headphones because people are never very friendly on the metro unless they are drunk. You could also check out the public library and get a good book to read. Haha, WIAW always gives me complexes. Like seriously I don’t eat like that. When I was making my own food, I felt accomplished if I ever made something more than a massive salad. Also, weren’t you in a sorority which means you went through recruitment, which means you should have the skills to navigate a happy hour with people you don’t know. Just smile and ask lots of questions-people love talking about themselves.
Exactly, recruitment totally prepared me for these. I just hope they are young. I know, I need to find me some ear phones, no one is really that friendly sadly. The public libraries near me never have the books i want!!! So frustrating.
I find Wednesdays in the blog world difficult too — SO glad I’m not the only one. I do find a lot of new recipes I’d like to try, but there’s always the comparison factor, which is dangerous/potentially fatal. I <3 that you <3 sugar and I need you to help me learn some sugar <3'ing ways.
Not that I don't love your "dark side" (for total lack of a better term!) and think that you've definitely taught me that the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows and doesn't have to be all sunshine and rainbows — but this post is like seeing the spark in your eye. Go get 'em, knock 'em dead, show 'em who's boss, and give them a hug and some chocolate after! 
You'll become more at home in those 9th grade classes (even the alternative one). You're strong-willed and have a strong personality, you won't treat them like kids, and you'll be able to relate to them. They'll fall for your awesomeness just as we all have.
I'd like to point out all the optimism in this post. It's nice to see.
(Ps. Love the keychain pic. Story of my life this past while.)
I know isn’t the key chain so relevant? I couldn’t help but laugh and just shake my head whenI saw it. I have learned that Wed. I kind of back off in the blog world and either delete blogs or ignore them. Oh, I can sure teach you how to love sugar. I am addicted.
I used to be super into WIAW but now that’s dropped off. Sometimes I see people who seem to eat like, nothing and I’m just like, “wtf how is that even POSSIBLE?!” But yeah. I get you. I hope the happy hour went well! I’m sure you were fine.
The good thing is that when you’re the sober person in a room full of tispy people, you are definitely the least ridiculous out of the bunch. I can totally understand wanting a metro buddy.. But headphones are super cheap so you should treat yourself!
I know I need to invest in ear phones, especially because I really haven’t seen myself getting a metro buddy anytime soon. I really stare at some of the eats and don’t understand. What they eat is like one meal. Even if they say they don’t show their little snacks or nibbles, what that adds to like a half a snack? Ugh so frustrating.
Rib pain could be a sore or pulled intercostal muscle. They usually heal on their own unless severe.
Ok few, I seriously am in so much pain. So confusing. Even walking, touching, running hurts. Weird.
Sugar in some form has to happen daily. Lately, it’s been in chocolate chip form – I love it. That is the awkwardness with WIAW, isn’t it? I’m never going to be as super-heathified as a lot of other bloggers, but I am ok with that.
If you can smell the cologne through the wall, that must be pretty damn strong! I just hope it’s good cologne
And I kind of want that key chain. And by kind of, I mean I really want it.
I kept seeing your tweets, because I hate chocolate I am more of a if any chewy candy is in the house that is me. They like call my name. I wish I could actually meet him, I have never even seen him.
ah, chocolate hater. So crazy to me! :-p
That is most people’s response.
Ah girl, I swear we are twins!! I don’t want to chalk over the money for a crown, or money for another root canal if needed. I don’t understand why they just don’t put a crown on your tooth when doing the root canal since it’s necessary (and of course add it in the root canal cost).
Sorry about your hip, you little dancing queen!!
Can’t stop laughing about the cologne next door. Is the boy single/cute? He’s much closer than Texas lol
LOVE your keychain. It fits you perfectly! The other day when the hubs & i were hiking down a mt here I had to pee soo bad and hes like babe just go here no one is around or will see you. I wouldn’t go, but it made me think of you. I told the hubs you’d prob just pull down your pants and go like it’s the cool thing to do haha
I think he lives with another female, I honestly have never even seen him! It would make sense if it was my hip but it is like my upper rib, I seriously am in loads of pain. So confused. I wish they would just put the crown on, save me that extra money for a stupid root canal. Yep…. I would have. No shame! Tell your husband I will make sure I stay classy when you stay with me.
I’d like to ship you some headphones !!!
you’ll probably find that really weird but i seriously cant live without mine and cant imagine someone not having a pair 
umm so yeah just let me know id be delighted to do that !!
God bless !
Alex B.
I seriously can’t believe I don’t have a pair, really shows you how little I listen to music.
I think you will have more fun then you expect! I go with the fake it til you make it. If im feeling awkward I’m extra happy, cheery and friendly and then leave as soon as I can! Haha. It is hard sometimes.
That is kind of the attitude I am taking, I am hoping to at least have younger people there.
Reading other people’s WIAW-posts often makes me wonder how messed up my digestive system must be since everyone seems to eat a butt load of RAW veggies every day,and boy,I can guarantee if I would do that my stomach would definitely NOT be amused…
haha I know I would struggle and my stomach would hate me if I did that! You are so right.
you hate wednesdays in blog world? i say – don’t follow a blog if you don’t love it and always, always – eat for yourself and no one else.
That is what I have been doing which is a big help, sometimes I forget that the real world rarely meal plans, meal preps or makes their food that beautiful. haha
I always wonder what people think they are proving by posting there exact eats that arent realistic. I just want to shake my head and say clearly you eat more then this-who cares!
Thank you! I feel the same way which is why I rarely post about food or anything.
If his cologne is that strong to you, imagine his apartment haha
I would want a metro buddy too, it would just keep things interesting!
I know, I really don’t even know what he looks like. I think he lives with a female but I would die if I was inside. Metro buddy would just be fun.
I think you will do great tonight! Just get a diet coke and tell people you are drinking rum and coke, no one will know or care that you aren’t drinking alcohol. Ugh money always seems to be the problem these days, I feel you on that one!
So true, I just hope it is a young crowd. I honestly have no idea what age range this will be. Money is a problem, boo tight budgets.
Nuts I wish I took the metro to work, I would love to be your metro buddy
Metro-ing is fun for the people watching but i would love to have a buddy to do it with!
haha i feel like everyone eats “better” the day before so they can show everyone how clean they eat
Ha, I never thought of that.
I love this little ramble Alex. It really shows how much we as humans have going on in out head. My advice when it comes to the money is relax. Remember that your health needs to take priority. That means you don’t want your teeth to fall out, and you want to kick this GI thing in the bud! Your job sounds like you will get a lot out of it! It’s OK to hate Wednesdays. I sometimes love them and sometimes I just can’t look at anymore food! Or hear about how healthy eating means no sugar, meat, carbs, ect! I hope you find a metro buddy! Make friends with the guy next door! this cologne thing may be your connection
I think he lives with someone sadly, I know. But I can’t imagine smelling that in the apartment, must be so strong. I am the same way, I like getting some inspiration but total overload most of the time. You are so right about relaxing, I need to just remind myself I am smart and can handle being on a tight budget. Ps. where the heck is the roommate of yours!
haha she will be back soon! School has been a whirlwind and she has not found time to sit back and relax and blog. She seems to like it though!
good good, we need to do an apple picking date this fall. I think it would be so much fun!
That would be a blast! I have never been!
Don’t worry everyone loves sugar lol I know I was nervous to post my intake for my first Wednesday post because I look at everyone else and see that they all have well balanced meals and snacks– so I always feel self conscious because I don’t usually have a snack after dinner because I go to bed early lol Not sure if I’m going to do it again though– kinda embarrassed that I eat so “clean” :/ (as weird as that might sound lol)
You do eat super clean! I think it is just what our body wants/likes making sure we get in the proper fuel. Sugar and me go hand in hand for sure
I loved this post…the pics and video cracked me up! You are going to do great! Don’t be worried, you’ve made it this far! The money thing…i still feel like that sometimes..it will get better eventually!
That is what I hope, I know for now I am still young and money should be a struggle. Glad you got a laugh… I swear I dance like that! haha
I am writing an elevator pitch right now for a software company. I’m obviously procrastinating
And I will email you more career info 
I did NOT forget!
OHHH I LOVE YOU please! I can’t wait. So funny, elevator pitches are my thing
I love making new friends!!! Ok that sounds like I go out and do it on a daily basis which I don’t… I’ve found a lot of new friends from friends of friends. So if I go out with a group and I find someone who is cool, I get their number so we can hang out again.
I love that you do that, I just see how your bubbly personality would attract so many people!
Haha that ad is funny… I dance like that… whooo…
Hope your rib gets better, I remember when I fractured mine it even hurt to breathe which was a problem… hope it gets better quickly! I also love that keyring hehe…
I seriously have no idea what is wrong with it. The ad gets me everytime, yes i probably dance like that too.
Happy hours can be a great way to meet strangers and are SOOOOO good for networking. Sounds like if you are trying to recruit people it couldn’t be a better environment! Everyone (else) will be drinking and happy so they’re guards will be down
I have social anxiety so I totally know how awkward it can be, but try to have fun…you have a great personality!!! 
Can I also say that I really dislike WIAWs as well. I can’t relate at all and never usually comment anyways. I would never do it myself because I think there is something a bit strange about documenting everything we put in our mouths
I know! I never know what to say and everytime I comment I feel so awkward, I mean really, do they care that I think it looks good? Probably not. We will see how tonight goes.
I love that Sun Drop commercial. Too funny. Nothing wrong with HH with strangers. You won’t be strangers for too long after a couple of drinks.
I hope it is a relatable crowd, I actually have no idea who will be there. That commercial just kills me!
Oooh, I’ll happily trade your neighbor for mine! I, too, share a bathroom wall with my neighbors, which unfortunately means our itty bitty bathroom vent connects to their itty bitty bathroom vent. My neighbors, however, are not so much into the cologne scene as they are the cigarette scene. Nothing like a side of secondhand smoke with your shower!
I hate it.
I don’t like Wednesdays in the blog world either, not so much because of what people eat but because I really like commenting on blogs, but there’s only so many times you can say, “Wow, your oatmeal looks awesome!” per day, you know? Haha. And though interesting food ideas can come from WIAW, most of the time, I really don’t care what you ate on Wednesday. Or Tuesday. Or any day of the week, especially when it’s almost identical to exactly what you ate last Wednesday, and the Wednesday before that, and the Wednesday before that. /endWIAWrant
I know i am always wondering if it really freaking matters what I post as a comment because in real life no one eats like that. No one plans their plates so beautifully or even meal plans to say the least. It makes me live in this like alternative reality that I should realize is not real life for the average person. Need to step away sometime for sure. Ew, sucks with the neighbor business. I hate that smell more than anything.
lol dying over that keychain. sounds like you have a ton going on but you are doing awesome at keeping a positive attitude about it!
sounds like the schools your at might be tough but i agree with a lot of the other comments – you’re a strong bad ass woman and you show them who’s boss!
The schools def have a way to teach me more about myself, I stand out like a sore thumb but it is teaching me to use my voice more often.
That dancing video cracked me up!! I think it’s important to remember not to get caught in the comparison trap on Wednesdays- Honestly I bet most people who do WIAW don’t post EVERYTHING they ate. Plus, they could just be choosing eats from a healthier day than normal. try not to beat yourself up over something that is potentially fictitious. Also- stop following the blogs you don’t like silly! On the whole money / dr’s bills thing… if you don’t pay for it now, you will definitely end up paying way more for it later. Better to be proactive about those things. And re:metro buddy- you should use that time to read for pleasure!! I noticed you commented on my blog earlier that you can’t remember the last time you did. Maybe it would make your trip more enjoyable until you find a metro friend?
I know, it is crazy how much I need to get back into reading. I used to never leave the house without a book by my side. I think Wed. make me realize I still follow blogs I don’t really need to or care about. I think being proactive with the stomach issues is probably better, I just hate the broker I get!
You’re lucky your neighbor smells good. Mine smells like an ashtray and when he smokes in side, my bathroom reeks.
Where did you find that poop-speed key chain?!?! I need it.
You’ll be find tonight! Get a club soda with a twist to avoid questions.
I probably will do just that. Um, I wish I actually had that keychain in a physical form. It is so me
Sounds like you had a lot on your mind and I’m glad you got it out. Sometimes I hate Wednesdays in the blog world too. I easily fall into comparison traps and WIAW is a way I can do just that. Back when I was deeper in an ED I used to LIKE Wednesdays because I almost always was eating “less” than posts I saw and that gave me a sense of pride and “wow I’m so disciplined”. Now that I’m in recovery I often find myself beating myself up because someone else ate something. But I try to keep in mind what Heather said today in her post – don’t let someone else’s truth become yours. It’ll only take you farther from your truth!
It sounds like you’re still pretty stressed but just try to take it one day at a time. That’s what I’ve been working on. I do SO much thinking ahead to stressful things but then I try to push them out of my mind and say, nothing will change from me thinking about this right now. Maybe try to focus on being proud of yourself for being asked if you’re trained in elevator pitches. That’s pretty impressive!
Obsessed with that commercial…it cracks me up every time I see it without fail. I hope you’re ok though! At least it’s a possible injury from having too much fun on the dance floor…makes a great story! haha
I honestly hope it is just from a clutzy move I made, who knows. A great story indeed.
It sounds like you’ve had a hard week
I’m sorry about that! I don’t always like Wednesday’s too. I know I participate in it, mostly because I like the friends I have made through it, but sometimes WIAW annoys me or makes me feel like I am not healthy enough or doing enough or eating right. Which I don’t think is right. I’d love a traveling buddy! Shame we live in countries on opposite sides of the world haha
Exactly my thoughts, I think it can be helpful for new recipes but I know I tend to get caught up in it. I know why do we have to live so darn far apart!
I had never seen that commercial before! How funny!! I also need that keychain, that is hilarious. Thanks for the laughs today, I needed it!
oh my, they both describe my awkward life in one great bubble. seriously!
Haha I think I am one of the only “food” lovers that doesn’t blog about WIAW! I love that you hate it, that made me laugh.
I know but that is what i freaking love about your blog!
You are funny
Go buy some cream cheese!!!! You will be so annoyed with yourself if you don’t. I know its money, but you will always wonder about making that recipe!
And about the blog world/Wednesdays, I totally get that because I follow a lot of blogs like that too and I’m like how to people eat like that? Why is everyone so clever and creative when I eat pb out of a jar and call it good? And its tough not to compare too.
Anyway, thanks for being so honest. I like it!
I know, my eating is far from the blog world so I hate posting about it. makes me feel so bad. I will make that, just not sure when… haha. maybe after grocery day this weekend
I love you! I’m so awkward around people I don’t know! You know what I started doing… I stopped following the blogs that I didn’t have a connection to! I love how honest you are on your blog… never lose that!
You always make me smile Brittany, I so appreciate all your positivity on yours. I am the queen of awkward, got to love it.
I love sugar too. It’s something that concerns me for health reasons but nothing, nothing beats a perfectly sugared dessert
Honestly, it bugs me when people avoid sugar like the plague and use replacements. Stevia is not sugar people nor will it ever taste like it!
P.S – go introduce yourself to the guy next door! You never know…
haha I am a sugar o holic. I hate chocolate but sugar wins me over every time. I think the guy next door has a wife… or girlfriend. Man!
you should knock on your neighbor’s door and tell him his cologne makes for good air freshener for your bathroom. hahaha
hehe what a great way to make a friend…
he can see it as a compliment .. or not. haha