MIMM: Pump the Brakes

This is not even going to be close to a full post. I don’t know why I thought that these less than 2 days with my dad would be relaxing. It has been go go go. He will be headed to my aunt’s house later tonight and I hope (crossing my fingers) I can play a major game of catch up. I am trying my best to not totally freak out about how exhausted I am, how long this week will be and how much work is ahead before the big event this Saturday. Really poor planing on my part.

But just because…. 

Marvelous is… patience. All I wanted to do was relax but that is the last thing on my dad’s agenda. Patience Alex, patience.

Marvelous is… an end in sight. After Saturday, sure I will still be working but the hours get so much less crazy. No more 12-13 hour days for a while.

Marvelous is… you all bearing with me. Can’t promise much this week. Can’t even promise much from myself. Just practicing self care (aka morning run necessities, even at the butt crack of dawn) and staying positive. All about the mindset.

Marvelous is… getting to meet my baby cousin for the first time, even if it was just for a brief two hours or so. I forgot how much I loved being around little kids. Pushing a stroller, eh not so much.

Marvelous is… a step back. Didn’t really touch my computer at all this weekend. Probably won’t much until Tuesday. While there was really no time for it, it still felt good to have that forced distance.

But reality is hitting hard and I have lots to do. Ok Monday, let’s do this.

Question: What is marvelous about your Monday? 

Snack Attack: When Will I Really See

What separates me from my dad is 10 hours of work. I can do this. He is rolling into town tonight after I work. I am up and at em this morning with an early run, followed by a long (ugh) commute to facilitate a training for volunteers, followed by 7 hours at the running store. Darn Saturday night came come soon enough.

I am still not sure of what my dad and I will do in the brief 48 hours he is here. My mom has suggested we get out of the city which kind of sounds wonderful in more ways than one. I have never been more grateful for this window of a break. I have been in desperate need of a just a physical shoulder lately so this came at a great time.

At the same time though, I am beyond grateful for a friendship that has picked me up this week. Having someone that knows exactly what to say, understand past mistakes and has a weakness for bow ties too is what I needed.

Sorry to ramble, just so much on my mind lately. Have a great weekend and check ya later!

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Van’s Natural Foods

You may have remembered when I had my first gluten free waffle from their line. Hearing they just put out a new line of gluten free cereals, crackers and granola bars made me even more intrigued. I was psyched to be asked to review them. Van’s started as a restaurant in the 1970s but continues to strive to make  healthy and tasty foods for their customers. So what is in their new gluten free line? Gluten free Cinnamon Heaven and Honey Nut Crunch cereal, Gluten free Lots of Everything, Say Cheese and Multigrain Crackers, and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Almond and Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bars.

I was pretty excited to use the coupons to try out some of these. To begin, the crackers were a hit. They are about the size of a quarter and super thin, aka a nice big crunch. Plus, there was flavor. Nothing irks me more than having a flavorless ‘cheese’ cracker. With great healthy stats, these are crackers I would buy again. The cereal was another hit. The Cinnamon Heaven was like a glorified, gluten free cinnamon toast crunch. I mean who wouldn’t want that? They actually reminded me of Puffins with less of that ‘puff’. Delicious. The snack bars surprised me the most. I expected it to be hard and crunchy but instead they were soft and chewy. So tasty. You could see the ingredients and taste each flavor combo.

Yet again, Van’s has blown me away with their products. Get in ma belly. Check out their website to learn more about their gluten free and gluten full products!

Oh This Life I Choose

I like certainty. I like answers. Even more, I like clear defined paths from A to B to C.

As much as I want life to be like that, we all know it isn’t. That act of ‘letting go’ and allowing life to run its course was one and still is one of the most frustrating actions for me. It is relinquishing that control  and not knowing what you are in for.

I always have those fears in my head. Those fears that I will never find that someone. Fears I will never have a career I can settle down in. Fears I won’t find that close group of friends that I want at my wedding someday. Fears I will lose myself and all my hard work in recovery. There is a pattern with these thoughts, they are actions of the future. Future tripping at its finest.

In my past, this was my downfall. I held on tight to those perfect equations with an exact answer. I didn’t let nature run its course but tried my hardest to manipulate life as much as I could. It led me to be uninspired, more lost and untrue to me.

But why do I bring this all up now? I thought I was over that period of transition. Moving to DC right from college was the transition I thought I would never have to experience again once in DC. Settling into this new place was all new to me. I had to find who Alex was outside of being defined by schooling. I was on my own for the first time and my health, heck my life in general was now what I made it. I no longer had teachers in the background, doctors doing those check ups, friends who had known me for ages.

Strangely, I got through this year. I say strangely because I never thought I had it in me. With a past like mine I know everyone around me was worried and anxious to see me build a life. Since moving here in June I have – started a full time job at a non profit, lived on a cot for two months on someone’s floor, moved into my own place, started paying off loans along with my normal bills, got a part time job at a running store, trained and ran three races and got a new job to begin in June. I did all that? Crazy.

Here I am again. I wish I didn’t feel like I was back at that point last June but thinking about the changes that are about to happen make my heart beat faster. I want the answers, answers I am not getting. Will I like my new job? Will I be good at it? Will I make DC feel like more my home? What is in store? I think my down fall with this year was living it like it would come to an end. Does that make sense? Like I kind of bit the bullet and chugged through. Not really living DC to its fullest. Not really finding those supports I needed. All with that mentality with, this too shall pass.

This year brought back a lot of insecurity I had in high school, before the disorder. I never felt good enough. I felt whispers behind my back. I felt let down. I felt pushed out. I felt like I couldn’t be myself in order to be liked. High school was rough so having these memories come back didn’t sit well.

I tried HARD this year. Not that I consider that bad but almost too hard and without ease or comfort. I put myself out there but a lot felt like a complete uphill climb. Life check Alex, there is no end to reality or no easy journey. I need to jump in the game and do what my mom always says ‘say YES to life’.

Let Go.

Let Go.

That is my mantra. It got me through recovery and treatment, it got me through college and it got me through this year. Once again, it is time to let go. I have the ability to choose the life I live, which is why this song was just so needed yesterday.

This past week has taught me a lot about myself. With a lack of self care time, lack of time in general, constantly on the go – things have just clicked. I can’t explain it. I know I used to crumble in these kinds of weeks. Let every insecurity, behavior and thought come flooding in and take over. But I didn’t. I practiced what I preached – I let go.

Life will not always hand you lemons, so I have learned. This year it handed me lemons but also some coal. I made the most of it. I can only be proud of that.

This new transition in my life, I am going in knowing a lot more about myself. And also wanting a lot more. DC is still so foreign to me, I still feel a bit lost. I want a job that makes me jived to go, I want supports that get me, I want time to let people see the funny (slightly) awkward girl I can be, I want to own who I am and feel confident in that. A lot of wants. I am ready, though, to finally say yes. Jump in, let go of the crap, leave the negative behind, trust my intuition and jump in.

I’m excited, nervous, thrilled and scared shitless about what June brings. If I was able to adapt, change and let go once, I can surely do it again.

YES.

Question: What got you through big transitions?

Question: What Kind of Bear is Best?

I guess from the comments yesterday it seems like you enjoyed getting a little bit more of the Alex behind the screen. Sadly, I think that means you will remember me as pronunciation fail, once lice head, artsy, OCD candy eater Alex. I guess that is ok?

Today I have some questions for you. Of course totally hypothetical. It is how a blog works you know. Some may seem like simple, basic questions but I promise you they have stumped me. No judgement.

Question: Why do people say Rabbit Rabbit? No for real. I have no idea why people do this. I used to have a college friend always tweet that but then I started seeing a lot more people do it. I assumed she just saw a rabbit. However, I highly doubt a whole population is able to see a rabbit gang. Either that or we better watch out for the next rabbit take over. Planet of the Rabbits.

Question: Why was this once so true? Am I right Molly? I was a diet coke addict but luckily have kicked that habit. I can’t imagine how much money I would have lost if I had kept up the amount of unlimited diet coke I was able to get in college.

Question: Why would this otter make a face with a watermelon in his hand? This can’t be real. I refuse to believe it.

Question: Why can’t Dunkin Donuts be an incentive like Starbucks is? In New England there would be a clear majority but here, not so much. I got an email that said I won for my shoe store’s branch for selling the most shoes with sock combo. Ha. Hilarious but at the same time a gift card is pretty sweet. Too bad it is to Starbucks. I mean they do have a tasty iced coffee if I HAVE to drink it. There is a Starbucks on every freaking block near me. You do what you have to do sometimes.

Question: Why is there still so much unease in Boston? I know a lot of people have moved on, I just can’t. It gets even worse when you hear of all the countries that warned us about this brother. Then a mother with connections to terrorists. Then the most recent update, 3 college students who helped hide evidence for the brothers under arrest in Boston. No real threat but dang, I don’t call that peace of mind.

Question: Why the hate? Ann Coulter came to my school my senior year during our Mock Convention. I knew she was known for her debate skills and hard core beliefs but man did she dig in during the interview on Sean Hannity’s Fox News.

Question: Why can’t I be on Spring Term? My college had this awesome thing called Spring Term. We had three semester, 12 weeks in Fall, 12 in Winter and a 4 week semester in the Spring. 4 weeks. Aka you took one class MAXIMUM. Had class (depending on the class) probably 2-3 days a week. What did that leave time for? For everyone that was different, lots of outdoor time, lots of trip, barely any homework and lots of day drinking. Take me back.

Question: What will make the page just seem more appealing? You know when you have that more serious post all pent up? Like it is ready to write but just isn’t quite able to come out? Maybe soon.

Question: What is my body telling me? This week you would think I would be OMG tired. Instead, I am finding my body waking up BEFORE my normal wake ups. Never have I naturally woken up at this time feeling refreshed and ready to lace up my shoes and run. I know I could sleep more but trying to fall back asleep knowing that my alarm is going off in x amount of minutes makes me more tired. I guess all you can do is get up and welcome the day.

Question: Why can’t I have an assistant? I get a lot of the shit work at work. I mean it is how it works, I signed up for it I get it. Yet it doesn’t make the copious amount of name tags, signs, and table tents I need to make for our event any easier. It got to the point where I almost went ‘bat on copier’ on our office copier. Just work with me technology.

Question: Why isn’t teleportation a thing? I may have just made up a word… The metro yesterday, specifically the red line (worst line of them all) was a mess. The mess that at first you had to let three trains blow by you because there was not one speck of room. The mess that had passengers on the train swear at anyone trying to get on saying YOU WILL MAKE THE DOOR NOT CLOSE. The mess that once I got on I literally had my face in someone’s armpit and was solely held upright by being squished by four bodies. I am cringing remember yesterday’s commute.

Question: Why are moms so great? I guess more specifically mine? She just always makes me laugh even when I call her I am in less than a stellar mood. I also may love her because she said the day after I get back we are going to Jake’s stat for dinner. (Jake’s is the best seafood place where I worked for two years – aka EAT ALL THE SEAFOOD). Ignore me, I can never keep my eyes open in a picture.

Question: Why was it so much fun to talk about myself yesterday? I kind of got a kick trying to think of those fun facts. I always say I never have a ‘fun fact’ but then these random memories pop up and I can’t help but laugh. I would do more posts like that but sometimes I don’t know what people want to learn about. What do you want to learn about?

Thursday is that much closer to Friday. Which is that much closer to Saturday.  Which is that much closer to Sunday – Dad day. Enough said.

Question: What is your question for the day? 

Hold it Now and Watch the Hoodwink

It’s funny because I consider a blog personal. I mean it is. But it just kind of starts all at once. No timeline, no in’s and outs. A ‘comfortable’ personal is a better way to describe it. Doesn’t it sound weird putting it that way?

I think my blog is really me. How I am in real life and who I am behind the screen. So every once and a while I like to do these fact posts. You think you have shared it all and couldn’t possibly think of more – and then I get going. I swear I am more than the Dunkin drinking, pee in bush, cranky celiac, wicked sarcastic runner Alex.

Thanks Liv for making everyone read a bit more about me. Whoops.

• I was a double major in college. I came in undecided but pretty much gunning on the fact I wanted to be a psychology major. Then my first business marketing class came along and I dug it more than I ever thought. My dad always told me BE A BUSINESS MAJOR but I kind of shrugged. In the end, I did a Business administration (marketing concentration) and Psychology major blending my two loves. This is really what made me want to go into advertising and marketing. Lookey here – new job is in marketing. You always find a way to go back to your passion. 

• I eat colorful snacks by first separating them out by colors and then eating my least favorite first moving up to my favorite. No matter what kind of food it is.

• I used to have the biggest gap between my two front teeth, along with one killer overbite. I still remember being able to put a finger between my top and bottom row of teeth. I was super embarrassed by this so did the whole ‘closed  mouth’ smile for far too long. Two years of braces and I now am pretty darn proud of this smile. Along with some night head gear to really ice the cake.

• My sister’s nickname is Ubie. Guess who gave it to her? That would be me. All by mistake though. Her middle name I could never pronounce (Abby) so my way of saying it was UBBIEEEE. She still gets called that sometimes out of pure torture. My bad. I was also the one who said ‘YOOK’ because Look was just too hard to say. My cute face distracted from my lack of pronunciation.

• One year my sister had a beauty birthday party in elementary school. Why do I remember this one party? Because it was the party that gave my sister and I lice and made us miss Christmas. A hard and painful two or so weeks of olive oil in our hairs, washing everything and constantly having my mom pick them out. Lice is no joke and it ruined that Christmas. No family that year. We were shunned.

• I wish I could say what I really feel in some relationships I am in now.

• In my 16 years I did ballet, there was one almost OCD tendency I had to do. We were forced to wear tights and a leotard ONLY to class. The tights were my worst nightmare. Too tight to my body. Hitting in all the wrong spots. While girls would wear them right at their hips (you could tell because the leotard were skin tight), I had to wear mine about six inches above my belly button. I was so particular. I kind of see my problems with clothes though as a big part of disorder.

• My family always called me since I was little ‘the most expensive date’. I was not a picky eater when I was younger but when I could at restaurants, I would always order boiled lobster. I mean it. I still remember getting a big old honker in front of me and going to town any time I could. Our grandparents and aunts would come down just to take me to get lobster because they knew how much I loved it. So New England of me.

• Doctors have never been my favorite. Mostly because of how many I had to see throughout my disorder. But before that, I learned to really dread doctors because of one specific experience. In seventh grade, glass cut my foot at a wedding and I never got stitches (when I should have) because it was so far away. I returned home to only have a foot the size of a large cat. The doctor saw the severity and needed medicine in my body stat. This meant it had to get to the source quickly. Which meant two big old shots in each butt cheek. Worst. Experience. Ever.

• Art was once my passion. I made a full portfolio in high school that I am still quite proud of. I loved drawing and used to take classes even in elementary school. I always wished I had done more with it because I was pretty good. It stinks to see things fall off like that.

• I can’t say AMBULANCE , I just can’t. Even when I try.

• I miss my Jidoo every single day. I try not to but I do.

Now some of her questions…

1. If you could be a fly on the wall for any significant historical moment, which would it be and why? So tough, I would have to say for Susan B. Anthony and her women’s voting parade. In third grade I did a project on her and got to dress up as her. Since then I have just had a much larger appreciation for her.
2. What was your favorite class in high school? Art. I swear it was a class.
3. What is your favorite time of day? Morning! Got to love my morning moments.
4. If you could be an animal, which would you be? Dog, I swear who wouldn’t want to live a dog’s life?
5. Do you have a least favorite word? What is it? Oh god so many – moist is up there.
6. What TV show are you obsessed with right now? The Following and The Office. But oh so many more. I just wish I had more time to watch them.
7. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Seafood. Any kind and all kinds.
8. North or South? North.
9. What is one goal on your “Life’s To Do list?” Be proud of who I am.
10. What is your favorite way to celebrate a birthday? Surrounded by family and friends. Whenever and where ever that may be.
11. Who do you most admire? My mom. She will always be my number one role model.

 

I am swamped at work so sorry if I seem a bit lost this week. Bear with me as I collect my bearings.

Happy hump day!

Question: One random fact about YOU! 

Trade em Up Tuesday: I Want Something Else

I can’t tell if this week is going to fly by just because I have so much to do or if it will try to inch like a sloth because I have so much to do. Not sure if that is a win win. I can’t tell at this point. I was in need of this song. Still one of my favorites.

 

I swear I blinked and Monday was gone. Plowed through projects at work only to head to the store at night to pull out a few hours. I started my day early because my body decided 5 am was a good time to be wide awake. Fine, laced up my sneakers and hit the pavement. Is there a Tuesday dance? Because I am pretty sure I was just happy to see Monday end.

Now it is Tuesday though and we have to sprinkle in some trades.

I would trade… officially hitting the chicken my head cut off status. With the work event 11 days away (shizzzz) I am running between each of the 6 classes, mentor sessions and the office. Metro living.

I would NOT trade…stupid things that make me laugh. I sometimes just need that laugh to make me shake that blah mood off. This is one thing that does it. The more ridiculous and WTF.. the better.

 

I would NOT trade… Microsoft commercials. Gosh who would think I would ever say that? They won me over with the theme song being Can’t Hold Us. You win this time Microsoft, you win. I am intrigued and do not change the channel.

I would trade… the way I define myself. This post made me realize how much I rely on outside validation, never truly believing it is just me that makes things happen.

I would NOT trade… Amy Poehler on Jimmy Fallon imitating her parents. I mean I already adore this lady more than that is healthy but she won me over when she tried to copy the Boston accents that her parents have. Freaking hilarious. You can watch it here. “So faahh… nothing has happened – thank gawd Dunkin Donuts is still open”

I would trade… my wallet preparing itself. It’s that time. That time where I start to plan my races for 2013-2014 starting this August. I have actually never really sat down and planned out a year’s worth of races but I really want to. I want to try new races, put some in the books and (if you can’t tell) run more races. I am up for any suggestions you all have. Stellar ones, ones you have to do, ones that are relatively easy to get to. I hope to really hit the running bucket list by doing not only half marathons but a tough mudder, a relay race, 10 milers and maybe even a few 10ks.

I would NOT trade… my cousin getting engaged. We rarely get to see him but he was always my favorite and one I secretly wished I could be. He just has such a cool life in Colorado and so independent at a young age. His attitude is stellar so I am beyond happy he has found ‘the one’. Wait does that mean a trip to Colorado? Holy smokes I hope so.

I would trade… Monday blues. Monday blues can usually be shaken off within a few hours but BOY did rain dampen that. Add on my constant dilemma that happens every time it rains. Every time. You think I would learn? So if it rains I wear my only raincoat to run. Meaning I can’t wear it to work. Meaning I would need my umbrella which is either conveniently at work when I need it at home or at home when I need it at work.

I would NOT trade… my continued obsession with this guy. Alex Goot you have won with over with your amazing covers and piano skills.

 

I would NOT trade… social media hitting my work. Finally I am getting them on social media bandwagon. First step was twitter and now we are having our big event on May 11th all set up with a hashtag #dcbpc. Lots of that will be going on that day. This social media junkie is beyond pleased with the progress.

I would NOT trade… the conversation about running I had with a coworker. My coworkers think I am slightly crazy with how much I love to run. Slightly crazy. It doesn’t help that I come into work with a less than stellar race story (puke century) and proceed to talk about the next race I am signing up for. The face I got was priceless. Their enthusiasm to start up running even lower. I will keep trying, don’t worry.

I would trade… my bike realization. I am pumped about getting my bike, really pumped. But I did realize I left out a big piece. 1. I am terrified of biking in DC. Drivers are crazy and I don’t think I am up to the caliber of biking on the street. Sidewalk biking may be tough… and 2. The bigger problem. The problem that I live on a pretty large and steady uphill no matter which way you look at it. And I mean like a three mile uphill kind of uphill.

I would NOT trade… Best Body Bootcamp new phase hitting this week. So ready for a new phase and already excited looking over them. Bring on the jello arms.

Well ok, I feel better about this Tuesday already. Tackle today people.

Questions: What would you trade this Tuesday? What wouldn’t you trade? 

MIMM: Cuz They gon’ Judge me Anyway, So Whatever.

I kind of wanted to start on a happier note, life does that sometimes. I wish I could say I demolished yesterday’s race. A better term would have been bonked. I’m just gonna get my ramble out of the way before I actually jump into what I should be focusing on, the marvelous. I have never had to walk part of a race, but I did. I puked more times than I like to think of and seriously did not know what was wrong. 1.51 is far from my best time but it is a finish. I said I would finish for Boston and I did.

I think more than the time what hit me was how much it felt like high school and college running. When I would put my all into training but just couldn’t crush a race. My heart was in it but I just couldn’t do it. Competing in high school and college was beyond frustrating for this reason. I don’t know, I am a little lost for words on what this means for me. I know I won’t be racing a half until September or October so I have some time to train. I think I just need to kind of come to terms with the fact that I am not a fast runner, I am just a runner. A runner who freaking loves it and will just keep doing it for that.

Ok. I swear I’m done. Marvelous it is. 

Marvelous is… the race. I mean I got to see so many friends from the blogging world and college. I couldn’t believe when I heard a loud SHABOOOO screamed at me that it was two girls from college who graduated a year before me. I was beyond thrilled to see them and boy did I need that yelled. Even at the finish line I got to snap a photo with Molly and Allison (total win) and talk to a old RA friend from college here to cheer on his girlfriend. A finish line hug from him was even better. Friends on friends. You can’t help but smile. (This is me and my running store coworker at the start)

Marvelous is… I am not one bit sore. Whoops. Probably means I had more in me, dang body. Hey = no sore equals right back at it today.

Marvelous is… knowing with one race there is always another. Especially when you love it.

Marvelous is… Megan time. I mean Marvelous and Megan go hand in hand right? We all need those chats that just could go on forever and is like you are talking to your other half. I was in need. Craving filled. I tried to not let the bacon outshine her in my Chopt’d salad. I really really tried.

Marvelous is.. it’s (almost) May. Holy cow it’s May. May has so much good I am just excited thinking about it. May is the big event for my students. May is the last day at my non profit job. May is a week long trip home seeing family and my sister. HOLY COW MAY.

Marvelous is… new work commute. I actually got to have a quick hang out with my friend I used to live with before I found a place. She works at the job I am going to and we were discussing travel. Guys, it is THREE yes only THREE metro stops away with a small 15 minute walk from there, not even. Right now, I have to switch trains and go a total of 12 stop. TWELVE. Plus, she sometimes gets a ride home with her husband (third wheeling that one). So much money saved and my work loads our cards. Gosh I am in heaven. I spend nearly $60 a week in travel at this job, out of my pocket. Even biking or busing there is an option, saving even more. Giddy just thinking about it. Is it June 3rd yet?

Marvelous is… seeing my dad on Saturday. No seriously where did time go? I swear this popped out of the blue but he happens to have this weekend off and I happen to not be working on Sunday. After my 10 hours of work on Saturday he will be driving down from my aunt’s house. Big smiles over here.

Marvelous is… not only having dining room chairs but my bike! Still working on making my apartment more of a home and I think having chairs will help, like a lot. Just means people COUGH TEAM have to make an appearance at my place. I have talked about my bike trips I did (Cape Cod, Niagara Falls to Montreal, Paris to Rome) so you can see how jived I am about finally having my bike. It cuts my commute time to the running store down, errands that much easier and I can probably get around on the weekend/week with so much more ease. Metro you suck.

Marvelous is… The Heist. For someone who is so deeply in love with Macklemore you would think I would already have their music. Well I don’t even have music on my phone (out of pure laziness) so finally I decided to bite the bullet and put all my old itunes music on my phone. My itunes library has not been updated since high school – no lie. I have no new music on it. I still had $50 credited to my itunes from when I bought my computer four years ago (ouch) so I thought why not get some pre- race pump up music. The Heist is all mine. And maybe some Mumford & Sons too.

 

Today is a long one. Both jobs on the agenda. Let’s hope the early wake up Sunday doesn’t catch up with me!

Questions: What is marvelous about your Monday? What was marvelous about your weekend? 

Snack Attack: Wishful Thinking

Friday I was most definitely a chicken with its head cut off but being able to read all your responses to my dating post made my day that much better. This newbie took notes for that guy that hopefully comes around sooner than later.

Not too much going on. Eight hours of work today and then an early bedtime. Sunday’s Nike Women’s Half just crept up on me. With a start time of 7 am I will probably be leaving my apartment by 5 am. Goodness. I don’t really have any goal for this race. Oh besides NOT puking at mile 7. Besides that I want to just enjoy it. I will be rocking my Boston Marathon shirt with Wicked Strong written on the back. I promise you many people along the route will be getting a high five. I would rather enjoy this race and look all good for those hot men I mean necklace at the finish line. Who said that? I am hoping to draw them in with my Mizunos.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend. Can’t wait to catch back up with you all on Monday.

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Rob’s Really Good Zero

This product is all about the swirl. Or what Rob calls Swirl the Zero. On the top of the bottle and on the packaging of these delicious drinks you see the signature swirl. What does it mean? It is what Rob calls a compelling symbol “We seem to pass the same point over and over again, but from a different perspective each time.” Very cool. These drinks have zero calories, contain antioxidants and vitamins and an ingredient list I can read. I was wondering where the sweetness came from without the calories. It is actually from a non -GMO sweetener blend of Erythritol, monk fruit extract, and organic Stevia extract. I can dig that.

Even better are their flavors. Their flavors include; Coconut Zero, Plum Zero, Cucumber Zero, Grapefruit Zero, Tart Cherry Zero, Pineapple Coconut Zero and web exclusives Blueberry Iced Tea, Half & Half, Peachy Keen, Cucumber Drink and Mango Mon. I was sent the Tart Cherry Zero, Cucumber Zero and Pineapple Coconut Zero (along with a snazzy t shirt I can’t wait to rock). My favorite had to be the Tart Cherry Zero. It wasn’t too sweet but tasted like a delicious cherry juice with a slight tart kick. I have never been a fan of coconut water but never tried a Pineapple Coconut type drink. This stuff was good, like really good. Refreshing and not overwhelming on either flavor. Even the Cucumber drink totally surprised me at how subtle yet tasty the cucumber taste was.

Man, I am a sucker for these. Check out their website to find where you can get them near you!

Bringing Sexy Back, Yep.

Officially fried. Could you tell by the title? A person of few words today. And what a better way to have few words than talk about a topic that I have little experience in. Oh what a bad mix.

Have any of you played Cards Against Humanity? That is where this whole discussion came up. It is basically Apple to Apples R rated version. Hilarious though. I got a side splint just thinking about it. Then this topic became even more relevant when I realized how I have ZERO game as I meet a new hot boy in my apartment elevator. I am awkward and those moments remind me of that.

A topic that has rarely graced these pages is dating. I am not a pro, so far from it, but I do get a kick about hearing other people’s stories. It makes me think about what do I consider a good date or a bad date. My coworker came in and we all got a good  laugh out of how oblivious this guy seemed to be on the date. Another coworker and I got into a conversation about a guy’s ‘game’ and what really draws you in. I don’t know, I find these conversations pretty darn entertaining and even more eye opening to my own tastes.

You may not care. But I feel there could be some good conversations out of this. What a better way than to explore it through gifs. Am I right?

Dates that start later than 9:30 pm… oh gosh they lose me already. I’m all like…

Or what about when they say something on a first date that makes you bite your tongue just to be polite – Oh you didn’t pay for my movie ticket, totally fine let me go get mine (grinding teeth). I’m all like…

Then you have that guy who basically thinks he is the shit, wanting you to feed into his drabble that keeps pouring out. In reality it looks more like this…

I swear I turn into a giddy girl when a guy strikes up a conversation with me (for example elevator boy). I’m all like…

What about those blind dates? No idea what he looks like but then a smoking hot guy shows up. You bet in my head I’m all like…

You have to admit though, dates can have rocky starts. Starts that make you seriously consider if the free meal is worth it. Might as well be thinking…

Seriously though, how do you feel about a guy not paying on the first date? Hate to say it but my reaction is certainly something like this…

I am not the cream of the crop. I don’t have guys handing me their numbers left and right. You have to keep your chin up, I mean I tell myself this on the daily. Because really I should be saying something like…

Because I am far removed from the dating scene (sad reality), I spend a lot of time gawking. Who doesn’t? I am all like…

Another big problem I have is acting way too chill around guys. More on the friends zone status. Never good. I pull out all the slang and I am all like…

Dressing up can be a hit or miss. You can walk out of your house feeling like a million bucks and then the second you enter the date this hot chick in a tight ass dress walks by. Self esteem demolished. If only this was appropriate…

Conversations can get pretty bad if you aren’t prepared. Ok, let me rephrase that  MY conversations can get pretty weird when I start to ramble. I hate awkward silence so I just talk. I swear desperate measures call for something like this…

Or what about when you are trying your hardest to hold back the thoughts and reactions in your head. Sometimes a face can tell it all…

One day everything will work out and the slightly geeky, adorable guy will come my way.

I feel better now. You have to learn to laugh at yourself people. It makes the world a better place.

Disclaimer: I have not been on a date in a very long time, my experience is quite limited yet I do enjoy blabbing on about this topic. Let’s hope I gain some soon.

Questions: What is your best dating advice? What do you expect on date? 

Deep in My Bones, Straight from Inside

Bear with me. I am all over the place today. I feel a tad more rattled this week but I kind of know I will be feeling this way until May 11th. Keep Calm and Run, or at least that is what I have been rolling with these past few days. (By the way ’til then you better run – yesterday’s title- is from the musical Urinetown, nerd status but oh so awesome)

My mind goes blank on runs. I mean I think about everything yet at the same time nothing. I do think through a lot, make mental lists, go through real life scenarios but then the second I stop running, it is all gone. Hilarious in the moment because I end my runs thinking what was I thinking of the whole time. Even during the day this happens. I think about everything yet remember nothing until a piece of paper is taken out a pen is put to it.

You already know I can ramble, point proven. It’s a “What I am thinking” kind of day I guess. Serious questions I ask myself. Not so serious topics.

Do you think it is realistic to one day meet Jimmy Fallon? 

For real, I know Megan would add this to her bucket list too. I can’t get enough of him and thank goodness his late night show returned from vacation. I needed my laughs back. I catch up on the latest episode the net night because my grandma status can’t support his late timing.

Is it possible to get a watermelon delivered?

For all you new readers, I am a watermelon addict. But with grocery shopping and having to walk 2 miles to do it, buying watermelon is pretty tough. My parents have been warned the week I am home that watermelon will be demolished. Kaitlin feels me on this.

Will N’Sync be mad?

I just got word that the Backstreet Boys got a star put on the walk of fame for them. Just further proof they were better. I was a Everybody girl.

Do the Real Housewives watch other Real Housewives series?

I fear for my brain just thinking about this but I was watching an episode and couldn’t help but wonder if they watch their other counterparts. I can see many of them watching it thinking ‘this bitch be crazy’ – and the others could rightfully say ‘right back at  you’.

Why wasn’t I invited?

A corgi beach party? Come on. I should have been number one on that invite list. I am hurt beyond belief.

Will I get to see all my buddies on race day?

I am most excited that my high school running buddy and sister’s close friend will be running it. I spent my winter track days with this girl and she always put a smile on my face. I am hoping, praying and wishing I get to see her. NWH is actually going to be quite a crowd, a big blogging crowd too. I warn those watches, if you see me and yell my name I will give you a sweat hug at any mile.

Will the duck need therapy?

Cats are mean. Plain and simple.

Wouldn’t it be cool to work for Huffington Post or the Skimm?

Lately, I can’t get enough of these. Both appear in my inbox each day and give me much needed updating as I ride the metro to work. Some stories are hilarious, some are stupid, but some just need to be said.

What is it about this song I love?

Not a new one at all but still when it comes on my Pandora I jam out.

Did I lock my apartment door?

I seriously am having a case of the forgetful blues. I keep double checking myself and wondering if I actually did what I thought I did. I swear I am 23.

Would the froyo lady judge me for just getting toppings?

I honestly consider this on the daily. I am not or haven’t been in the mood for dairy (thanks tummy) but boy could I go for some sprinkles. Oh and some of those gummy bears. Add in some lucky charms marshmallows  jelly beans… I have to stop. I think my stomach just growled in anger that this wasn’t in front of me.

Will I pee my pants going to the dentist in May?

I am terrified of the dentist especially after my two root canals this past fall. I have to go when I am home but literally will cry if they find anything. I have been a flossing, rinsing, mouth wash, brushing nazi. I refuse for them  to take my money anymore than they already have. Still paying back those freaking loans.

Who is Ryan Lochte?

Better question why does he have his own reality show now? This clip though made me die. I wonder what is actually under that beautiful head of hair and fine body. (3:50 is when it really gets good) 

What is the truth?

I find myself still really clinging to the Boston Marathon. A lot. I still read about the updates daily. But so many questions still remain. Is the kid lying? Was the wife involved? When will the trial take place if there is one? Were they acting alone? Will he plead guilty? Why did the mother rack up $1600 in shoplifting last time she was in the US, making her have an arrest warrant here which is why she isn’t returning? Were there more attacks planned? Why the Boston Marathon? I seriously still can’t wrap my head around it all. This tribute is beautiful if you have time to watch it.

I guess I think about a lot huh? My thoughts are rarely coherent so putting them on paper or screen is kind of funny to look at. Oh and don’t worry, I totally had to shorten this. I could go on for days.

Thursday baby. 13 hour work day here I come. And oh my gosh I die when I watch this.

Question: What is your thought from today?