Day 181 - Call Out

My boss basically told me, in not so many words, that when I got promoted that I had better not make a fool out of her for promoting me by embarrassing her with too many "call outs" or sick day absences. In her defense, she probably didn't mean exactly what I've interpreted above, but it's been over a year and I still feel like I cannot call out sick. I think I've called out once due to severe illness, and took a vacation day to take care of some huge personal matters over the past two years. Despite what I think is a decent attendance record, especially when compared to other staff members in my department, I'm still afraid to call in sick.

Despite fears, today Thursday, after being yelled at by friends, co-workers, and finally my boyfriend to stay home and rest, I did. I didn't care that I had ran a fever all night, I didn't care I could hardly breathe due to cough and cold, I still felt the need to go to work. I think I was finally just too tired to argue with them any more, and found it easier to call in.

My cats who have been grossly emotionally neglected were happy to have me home for the day and found it appropriate to cuddle as much as they could. My ass found it appropriate to never leave the sofa, except for food and bathroom breaks. I can sure tell you sick days have changed since I was a kid. Being called out from school due to illness provided me with a day of cartoon watching, a Sprite, and a nursing mother who made me grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and maybe even a new coloring book and fresh crayons. Today's sick day finds me bored with crummy television, except for Full House re-runs, and I'm left to make my own lunch creations which equates to microwavable soup. There is definitely no coloring involved.

The one good thing is, that it seems like all the rest is paying off. I'm coughing a little less and feeling a little better. Here's to feeling better!

Day 180 - Psychological?

I don't know if it's psychological or what, but it seems that if I should feel sick, have a headache, a stomach ache, or whatever the symptom might be, it's guaranteed to be a Wednesday. Wednesday's are my long days. Up at 5:30am to hit the gym, to my desk by 9, and off to the second job from 5:30 to 9, and back home around 10:30pm. I manage to plow through the days, but come on body, work with me please.

Day 179 - Maid

Today I feel like the photo below, and it's not fun.

Day 178 - MMOM

1. What is your favorite food?
Hands down, the Chicago Style Hot Dog

2. What color scheme is your bedroom?
Beige... I never painted.

3. Do you carry a donor card?
Yes!

4. In your opinion, is the glass half empty or half full?
Most days half full. But some days, I can't even find the glass.

5. Vanilla or Chocolate?
Vanilla

Day 177 - Taste

- The Humana Apple -

Today was the Humana sponsored, "Race to The Taste" event. Although the 2 mile route was not clearly marked, I have to admit, this was one of the more fun events I've participated in this year. It was a great path that encompassed different museums, parks, and scenery throughout Chicago. I loved the people, and being near the excitement of the "Taste". I would recommend the 5K or 2 miler to anyone!

PS) This is my 8th event so far this year, and I'm loving it!

Day 176 - Sub

Today I had to substitute for the head dog trainer, and got a great compliment from one of her students in return. Of course, it's always my prerogative to rock the classes that I sub for in hopes that the clients rave about me upon the other trainer's return, and also, so they can build a report with me and come to me with questions as needed when their "favorite" trainer isn't available.

Frustrated with the Intermediate level class that was not so "Intermediate", I continued to work one on one with the students who seemed to be struggling, and offered encouragement along the way. It wasn't until after class had ended and I had said my good-byes to everyone that our manager came up to me and told me that Bentley's mom said that I was a great trainer and very helpful and basically, she adores me. Woo-who! Score one for the sub! (Of course, I'm sure she adores her regular trainer too, but - yay ME!)

Day 175 - Abs

I love Shaun T and his work outs and am interested to know...
What kind of fitness routine do you do?

Day 174 - Stinky

Tonight I met up with my partner, man-friend, significant other (I'm struggling with the word boyfriend - see most recent MMOM post) for dinner and when we arrived at the restaurant of choice, it smelled. And not in a good way. My nose immediately scrunched up in dislike, and I looked around for the cause of the stench. "Did someone have a potty accident?", I thought to myself.

I couldn't believe that I was the only one who seemed to notice the strong smell of poo in the air! I tried to rationalize that maybe the smell was a burnt dinner, mixed with an alcohol aroma from the bar, or some weird combination of good smells that when combined went sour, but no. It smelled like POOP. The hostess continued to seat people, and people continued to walk in and recognize nothing. I finally asked my man-friend, "Can't you smell THAT?". It took him a moment, and then his nose scrunched up just as mine had.

We immediately told the hostess we were leaving, and I paused to ask her, "Don't you notice that smell in here?" and she replied, "No, but I'll tell the manager". Ick! I can only deduce that she'd been working there so long that she had gotten used to the smell! We headed off to the next restaurant with no regrets and enjoyed our dinner, free of "used-diaper" smell!

Day 173 - Loves of My Life

My Boys...

Day 172 - Proportions

I've noticed some upside down proportions as of late, and thought I'd share...

The wait for the elevator is directly proportionate to the amount of "stuff" you are carrying. The more bags, plates, or whatever it is you're holding and hoping desperately not to drop, automatically dictates that the elevator will take longer. Don't worry though, the doors will open just when you feel your arm is going to fall off from carrying everything.

The cleanliness of the public bathroom is directly proportionate to the urgency of the need to go. The more you have to go, the longer you will have to do the "potty dance" while trying to either find a suitable stall to "go" in, or to try to clean off the toilet seat with toilet paper, or cover it with one of those ridiculous seat covers that never come out of their holder in one piece. Yes, you will practically pee your pants trying to insure you won't walk away with some horrid disease from sitting on the nasty seat.

The want of items to be purchased is always upside down-proportionate to the money available in your bank account. Meaning, if you have no money, you will find at least 10 items that you'd like to purchase but yet, the next visit to the same store on payday will leave you empty handed as you can't find a thing you like!

The amount of traffic, red-lights, and accidents during your commute is directly proportionate to the urgency of what it is you have to do. 9:00am interview? You can bet you'll be in traffic due to some "one-off" traffic accident, or power outage at a 4-way stop at least until 9:15.

And finally...

The amount of invites offered to you for dinner or outtings with friends or loved ones is proportionate to the amount of time you don't have available. You will recieve at least 4 invites from friends to do something on the same day that you already have plans, but will receive ZERO invites to do something for the rest of the month when you are free.

Day 171 - MMOM

1. What feature of the opposite sex do you notice first?
Forearms, smile and eyes, and of course personality and sense of humor. Can't stand a boring guy!

2. Do you talk to yourself?
Yes! It's proven to be quite embarassing, especially when I'm talking to myself while trying to parallel park, and then realize the windows are rolled down, for all pedestrians to hear me.

3. What is your current relationship status?
Dating/long time boyfriend... There has really got to be a better term then "boyfriend". After you turn a certain age, "boy" sounds so immature as if I'm still in my teens.

4. Do you have a garden?
I have one flower...in a pot...it's living so far.

5. What is your favorite licorice flavor?
NONE! It's ALL gross!

Day 170 - Father's Day

Happy Father's day to those of you who know the difference between fathering someone, and being a father. I lost my father over 10 years ago, and some days, it still feels like yesterday.

According to Wikipedia:

The first observance of Father's Day actually took place in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5, 1908. It was organized by Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who wanted to celebrate the lives of the 210 fathers who had been lost in the Monongah Mining disaster several months earlier in Monongah, West Virginia, on December 6, 1907. It is possible that Clayton was influenced by the first celebration of Mother's Day that same year, just a few miles away. Clayton chose the Sunday nearest to the birthday of her recently deceased father. Unfortunately, the day was overshadowed by other events in the city, West Virginia did not officially register the holiday, and it was not celebrated again. Instead, credit for Father's Day went to Sonora Dodd from Spokane, who invented independently her own celebration of Father's Day just two years later, also influenced by Jarvis' Mother's Day. Clayton's celebration was forgotten until 1972, when one of the attendants to the celebration saw Nixon's proclamation of Father's Day, and worked to recover its legacy. The celebration is now held every year in the Central United Methodist Church, as the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was torn down in 1922. Fairmont is now promoted as the "Home of the First Father's Day Service...

Day 169 - People

I have some amazing people in my life, and just wanted you to know that and, also put it in writing so that I can always remind myself of it! After having quite the taxing week, I appreciate:

A friend convincing me to come hang out with her, and actually meeting a new friend too. Looking forward to some crazy nights dancing in the near future! - Thanks Tricia and Autumn

Students/friends who stopped by my work on Saturday and kept me entertained - I love you guys! Thank you Jon, James and Wally!

Having the best boyfriend ever, who knows when to listen, love me, and buy me a drink!

And with all this cheering up, in addition to numerous other surprising offers of help (thanks Linda, Linda, Debbie and MCC) I have to admit, I'm back to being a pretty happy girl again!

Day 168 - Acronyms

TGIF, because tonight is NKOTBSB!
What a relief from the week I've had!

(Photos are in no particular order)

Day 167 - Money

I have some.

Back in my account.

Woo-who!!!
Take THAT you evil doers!!!

Day 166 - Wordless Wednesday

Day 165 - Assessment

Today found me on an all day excursion to assess the damage done to my finances with bankers and the police. In addition, I got to talk to a surgeon about the outcome of my family member's surgery. While doing "okay" (I use that term loosely) for now, there was a lot of internal damage to be repaired, and there will be a long road to recovery.

The jovial highlight of my evening was being "cut off" on the way to a public restroom by an older man, who charged into the women's restroom and slammed the door in my face. I guess he had to use the facilities more than I did. It would have been nice if he had lifted the seat when relieving himself as the toilet seat was quite splattered by the time I arrived in the stall for use. Thanks dude.

Day 164 - Vacation Day 4

Despite hugging and tearing up upon having say good-bye to my friend, I held myself together in efforts to head into the airport, and return home. Once near my departure gate with time to spare, I thought I would treat myself to a magazine, t-shirt and additional souvenier. "Declined", was the response I received from the cashier. That's when half (the financial half) of my worst fears were realized. I said thank you to the now pissed off cashier, and walked towards the nearest ATM in a panic. "Declined", the screen stated. Great.

I immediately called my bank and after a brief discussion of transactions, we deduced that I couldn't possibly be grocery shopping in my home town and be in San Diego at the same time. Yep, I had been cleaned out and robbed by scammers. "Thanks Assholes", I thought to myself as the banker on the other end of the phone said, "Well, it's probably a good thing you're coming home today then". I thought to myself, "Yeah, can't wait to get home and deal with cleaning this up". So long palm trees, hello bank fraud.

Day 163 - Vacation Day 3

Sunday found me exhausted. Between the two hour time change, an insane amount of walking and exercise, followed by a late night of fun, I wasn't up for much! A visit downtown for breakfast was followed by a day trip to La Jolla to see the cove, sea lions and birds. By the time we returned to the car, I was ready for a nap. I didn't give in to that urge until later, however.

Dinner found us at an awesome Philly Cheesesteak restaurant, and later settled in for an unwinding night in front of the TV and catching up on our gossip. It was just before I went to bed, that I got a call and texts about a family member's emergency trip to the ER and need for immediate surgery. Nothing I can do thousands of miles away, I thought.

Day 162 - Vacation Day 2

After a good night's rest, I woke up and hit the gym. Breakfast and a full day at the San Diego Zoo followed. It was at the zoo's ATM that I first started to suspect something was wrong with my bank account. After all, I really couldn't be THAT bad at math, could I? Despite looming thoughts of inappropriate financial spending taking place against my account, I enjoyed a nice dinner out followed by some drinks and dancing.

Well, let me clarify, dancing offers. We did not respond, other then negatively, to the "wanna dance?" invitations by what seemed to be an over-tanned day-glo Ken doll, and an ex-Marine seemingly stuck in the 80's. Let's not forget the lovely invite for further entertainment from the "gentleman", who shared the fact his wife and children were at home, and he really should be at therapy. Not the best pick up line I've ever heard.

Day 161 - Vacation Day 1

I made it to the airport and headed to security, only to my dismay did I realize that the line of people the length of the Mississippi river, were in line for security checks as well. I nearly crapped myself realizing I would NEVER make my flight in this line. Thank goodness for security check point #7 that no one ever seems to remember about. I made my way due North to find a slightly less intimidating line.

With literally no time to spare, I squeaked through security, grabbed breakfast, and boarded my plane. It was then I got an ominous text that would set the tone for my whole weekend. In short, the ill-timed text suggested potential disastrous medical issues for a loved one, based on recent symptoms and health concerns.

Despite this, I plugged in to my I-pod and let Bob Marley and the Beach Boys lull me to sleep as I flew over the states. Once in San Diego, I was greeted by my girlfriend, and fun in sued. We toured the bay, and settled in Seaport Village for an awesome picnic, shopping and people watching excursion...

Day 160 - Price

Tomorrow I'm leaving for California to visit a friend for a 4 day weekend.
Today, I'm in paperwork hell trying to clean up my desk at work before I leave.
Damn the price one must pay for time off.

Day 159 - Intermediate

I'm so excited, everyone in my puppy class graduated tonight and (if they choose to do so) are eligible for Intermediate class! Why am I bragging? Because this has seriously been one of the best classes I've had in a long time, and all the parents were diligent with their pups, training and homework.

Now...let's just hope they all sign up for my next class.

Day 158 - FAIL

Okay... I went 45 hours with no TV and caved. I have come to find out that I use the TV as a "winding down" tool that helps me quiet my mind, ultimately lulling me to sleep. I did okay without the TV Saturday night but didn't sleep well, and by Sunday night I massively crabby and tired. My mind kept reeling from all the past weeks' issues, and anticipating the upcoming work week woes. I literally felt like I was going nuts! My mind wouldn't stop racing, despite talking to others, reading, and listening to music in efforts to relax. It was around 8:30pm when I decided to stop torturing myself and turn on the TV. My mind began to settle as I zoned out, but then the real torture began as I chose to watch, "Sister Wives". Yuck!

Day 157 - MMOM

Meet Me on Monday

1. What is was the last piece of candy that you ate?

A peppermint "ball". I'm not quite sure what they're called.

2. Do you "read" in the bathroom?

Yes. Sadly, sometimes I sit there for a while reading, long after the use of being in there has ceased!

3. I can't stand when someone _________?

Scuffs their shoes/drags their feet! I just want to yell at them to pick up their feet when they walk! I was never allowed to drag my feet growing up, so I'm sure this is where my disdain for the habit has originated.

4. Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping?

I try to shop weekly, but usually end up changing my menus or forgetting something, so it seems that I am picking things up daily.

Day 156 - P.S.

Today I thought I'd borrow an idea from a friend, and post about some positive things that I am thankful for. The P.S. in today's title stands for Positive Sunday!

1) Friends coming from the suburbs to pick me up, and participate in the United Fun Run/Walk for the Zoo 5K with me. As I have participated in many events alone, I have come to appreciate having friends to talk to along the way!

2) I appreciate and am thankful that the scale is finally moving in a positive direction for me! It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm getting closer to my goals.

3) I got asked to work on Sunday, and while working 7 days a week is not a thrill, I'm thankful to have work, and to be active. Also, this helped me get out of the apartment and not watch TV for (most of) day 2 of my self induced "No TV Challenge".

4) I'm thankful and so very blessed to have the love and support of the world's best boyfriend. He understands when I'm stressed with life, and takes a step back and let's me (eventually) come to my own conclusion that I am being a "brat", instead of pointing it out to me.

5) I'm thankful I have the power to break the chain of dysfunctional actions that my upbringing ingrained in me. Despite needing to, and working on change, I am thankful for the challenges I've been put through as they all lead me one step closer to being a better me!

Day 155 - TV

Today was day 1 of no television. Not sure what I was thinking starting off a week long challenge of no TV on a weekend, as that's usually when I have the most "down time" and want to veg out in front of it. Despite temptation to watch the "boob tube", I managed to occupy my time with reading (I'm actually half way through a new book) instead of mindless TV show viewing. To fight the urge to turn on the TV, I found myself eating breakfast and dinner at my dinner table (what a concept!) instead of on the couch and in front of the TV. I found it very peaceful to actually sit at the dinner table, although I think my cats found it rather strange. I was thankful to go to work for a while so my day was broken up, but when I got home the urge settled in again to turn on the tellie. Instead, I did laundry. And continued to read, blog, and surf the internet. I don't know if I'll ever get to the point of not missing a TV, but at least today proved to be more productive without it!

Day 154 - Benjamin

Marcello: By Will Rafuse
(One of my favorite artists)

Sometimes the best things in life are the little things, or maybe not even things at all, but the actions of others. One of the best things about today, besides leaving work, was the fact that the chef in the cafeteria was waiting for me, and had my breakfast in progress. My daily routine (at job #1) has been to work out, shower, and then head to the cafeteria for breakfast. It's about that time that I scan the offered food items, and silently groan at the fact that there are no plain eggbeaters. I usually don't say anything and take what's offered and enjoy my breakfast anyway, but let me tell ya, I'm about fed up with eggbeaters and spinach. Then enter Benjamin.

Benjamin is a warm hearted, positive man that seems to have a contagious, positive attitude. He often asks what it is I want and seems more then delighted to make me an individual batch of plain eggbeaters. In addition, he's made me breakfast burritos, and sandwiches as well. He always recommends what's good, and shakes his head "no" if I am in jeopardy of making a poor food choice. But today was just a little different.

Today, as I walked into the cafeteria Benjamin exclaimed with a smile on his face, "I've been waiting for you!", and then asked "Body for Life?" (a type of lean breakfast sandwich). I smiled and replied "Yes", along with a thumbs up. It was at this moment, I looked to the grill, and saw that Benjamin was just putting the finishing touches on a fresh sandwich just for me, despite the fact there were plenty of sandwiches waiting under the heat lamps. I thanked him immensely.

I know a breakfast sandwich may not make heads turn in awe, but the fact is that someone took the time to think about me, and to do something positive that totally made my day. And for that, I thanked him, and had to write this post. The world needs more Benjamin's! And more importantly, if you have a "Benjamin" in your life, make sure you thank them!

Day 153 - Bye, Bye Tellie

Based on yesterday's post, I am challenging myself to a week with no TV. Yep, starting Saturday, June 4th, I will attempt one full week of no TV. I had to put some rules into place however, as there is one place I cannot really avoid watching TV, and that's at the gym. All of the cardio equipment faces 8 televisions that are constantly "on", so other then attempting elliptical trainers and treadmills with eyes closed (not a good idea for Ms. Clumsy here), I will make the gym the only place TV is allowed (but I promise not to like it!). With that said, the rules I've come up with for myself are as follows:

1) No watching any TV programs on my own personal TV's (or friends, or neighbors!).
2) Viewing TV's in gym acceptable as deemed unavoidable.
3) Internet information is okay (ie: e-mail, social websites), but no watching Hulu, or other TV sites.
4) Any DVD/movie watching at home is prohibited.
5) Going out to a movie theater is allowed.

Wish me luck!

Day 152 - June

I can't believe today is June 1st! The year is close to half over and I think and wonder, "What have I done with my time?". I am thankful I have this blog to remind me of the things I have accomplished, because as of this moment I feel I haven't done enough. Which brings me to the question, "when is enough, enough?".

While I don't insist on filling up every moment of my time with something to do, I look back and think of all the wasted time I've spent in front of the TV, or just not being productive in general. It seems like it takes so long to wait for the good weather to show up, and then when it does, I don't take full advantage of it - anyone else feel like this? I am thinking there is a "no TV" challenge coming my way!