Friday! Friday!

I'm supposed to be attending the Norfolk Chocolate Festival this weekend.

What have you got going on?

Treats

Today marks the end of a huge project that I’ve been working on since the summer. I am so glad it’s over, you just don’t know. It’s also an anniversary of sorts so I’ve decided to really treat myself this weekend. I know I talk about treating myself often and how important it is, but I don’t actually do it as much as I’d like. Most of my weekends are spent running, doing my hair, going to church and making a meal. Besides going to church, the rest of those things are chores. Chores that I love to do, but chores nonetheless. This weekend I’m going to throw some real treats into the mix.

So in addition to running ten miles and spending four hours on my hair, here's what's on tap:

I need some new accessories so I’m going shoe shopping (wait, are shoes considered an accessory?) and a girlfriend of mine designs jewelry so I’m going to pick up a few pairs of earrings from her. I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought a new pair of shoes. I’m so excited! I'm thinking a really sexy heel. I think I may need a new suit as well ...

I also haven’t written a restaurant review since October. I’ve gone out to eat but I haven’t been anywhere new. So I think I’ll treat myself to a nice lunch or dinner after shopping.

Denzel has a new movie coming out this weekend and it looks like it’s worth seeing. Isn't Denzel always worth seeing? So a matinee may be in order.

I’ve also decided to give myself Monday off.

I’m going to have a great weekend and I hope you do too. Remember to do something special for yourself or for someone that you love.

Time for an Attitude Adjustment

I'm demanding myself to get an attitude adjustment. Pronto!

Every Monday, it never fails. I wake up and I dread that it's Monday because I have to drag myself to work. Usually by Wednesday the feeling of dread disappears and I'm on a high looking forward to my weekend. I love love love my weekends! On Saturday, I did some shopping and picked up some new running gear (t-shirts, shorts and a sports bra). I went to B&N and bought The Help because I want to read it before I see the movie. I spent most of the weekend reading it and I'm more than half way through. Yay! I also went to Sephora and picked up another tube of my favorite mascara, Dior Show, and some almond scented bath products. After church on Saturday night, I saw Crazy Stupid Love. That movie was hilarious. On Sunday, I woke up early and ran/walked 4.5 miles. My pace was all kinds of off but I didn't care, at least I got it done. Afterward, I showered with my new stuff, shampooed and deep conditioned. I cleaned the house and made a fabulous dinner of meatloaf, collard greens, rice and gravy and cornbread. I sipped on one glass of merlot and topped it off with a skinny cow ice cream sandwich. I watched True Blook and Entourage and carried my butt to bed.

I love my weekends.

Anyway, back to the attitude adjustment. I need to fix this ASAP. For real, if I didn't drag myself to this office every week I wouldn't be able to enjoy my weekends the way that I do. I need to get over myself. As I rode the elevator this morning, I made a mental list in my head of all the positive things about my job:

nice, safe building
free parking
good money
great benefits
nice people
flexible hours
ability to work from home when I want to
minimal travel
very little stress

What in the world to I have to complain about?

Nothing.

It's the Weekend Again!

It has finally happened. I am finally experiencing that “feeling” that runners talk about. You know, that happy, high feeling. I love it. Especially because it lasts almost all day. Without the slightest hangover. I did not run yesterday and I actually felt myself slipping into a weird place in the late afternoon. Not good. Got up this morning and did my two miles and now I can’t even remember why I was feeling sad yesterday. Well, I remember, but I don’t understand why I let something so trivial affect me.

Anyway, the weekend is here and it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. It’s going to be one of those weekends where almost every second is filled. I haven’t had one of those in a while so I suppose I was due.

Tonight I’ll be at the Art's Cafe to hear some jazz performed by the Relationship Jazz Ensemble featuring Jeremy Perigo. Really looking forward to this as I haven’t been really out in ages.

On Saturday I’ll be having dinner at Tautog’s in Virginia Beach. The last time I went out for seafood, it totally sucked. I should have known better. Hopefully, this place will be much better. I’ve read nothing but good reviews and I’ll be adding my review next week.

And speaking of restaurant reviews, I was contacted by Restauranteers because they want to feature my food blog on their site and list me as a top blogger. That’s pretty cool. I always appreciate an opportunity have someone else read what I have to say.

On Sunday I’m planning a long run. “Long” meaning at least 3 miles. I haven’t run that distance since the 5k on the 4th. I’ve been hovering at about 2 miles. I have to make sure that my mind and body are right for the next 5k on the 4th of July which is just … 10 days away! Yikes!

After my run, it’s going to be ALL about me: hair, nails, reading, writing, roasting a chicken, sipping on a nice wine and waiting for the season premiere of my favorite show: TrueBLOOD. If you haven’t seen the show, you really should give it a shot. I love it.

I mentioned above that I’ll be doing some writing. I started a manuscript a few years back (tentatively titled: Going Home) and then I became blocked. I picked it up again recently and printed out my 127 pages and began reading and editing it. I really like the story and I’m feeling inspired to complete it. Yay! There just may be another book in me. Who knew? By the way, I’ve started doing book reviews on The Next Chapter. I just reviewed Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain. Good pick, check it out.

The weekend is going to be jam packed. I think I also have to find some time to get a movie in. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your weekend.

One thing I discovered this week: I spend too much time thinking about what I want and not enough time rejoicing about all the things that I already have. And I have quite a bit.

Love you guys and thanks for reading!

Where Has the Time Gone?

Is it Friday already?

Want to speed up the time? Set a goal.

Life is funny. When we were kids and waiting for Christmas or our birthdays the days just seemed to drag on.

I swear, when I have something that I’m working on, it seems like the days just whiz by. All I can think about is: will I be prepared for that race? By the way, thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and support. I think about you guys cheering me on when I’m on that track.




Anyway, what’s up for the weekend?

I’m running, and researching “protective hair styles”. I’ll probably debut one this weekend on The Next Chapter.

Speaking of …



Don’t forget to tune in on Sunday and why not subscribe? It’s free and you’ll be notified every time there’s a new episode.
Smooches.

Humility

Let’s keep things light today, shall we?

It’s Friday, the sun is shining, I can feel Spring fighting its way to the forefront. The yellow flowers in my front yard (I don’t know what they are called) are trying to bloom. I love Spring!

I dropped my daughter off at school this morning and she said, “It’s going to be a good day today. I can feel it.” I decided to agree with her on that one. It is going to be a good day today.

So I’ve started my new study by Priscilla Shirer called Preparing to Hear From God and the first lesson is on humility. Then yesterday I received my monthly resource from Joyce Meyer Ministries and the CD was “The Characteristics of Humility”. Hmmmmm, I believe God is trying to tell me something and I have my eyes, ears and heart wide open.

Does that ever happen to you? Do messages seem to bombard you from time to time? Well, if they do please don’t ignore them! I am guilty of that and it is a waste of time. When God wants you to know something he’s going to make sure you know it one way or another. Joyce says on the CD that either we can submit to God’s teaching on humility or we can resist it and he will teach us humility through humiliation. Ever been humiliated? I have and it’s not an experience that I care to repeat.

Pray for the people of Japan.

Move your clocks ahead this weekend.

Do something special for someone else.

Tune in to episode two of The Next on Chapter on Sunday afternoon at http://www.youtube.com/user/chele1017?feature=mhum

Have a great weekend!

Have a Great Weekend!

Smooches!

It's Friday

Yay!

Office holiday party tonight
Daughter's step show tomorrow
Putting up the tree at some point

What do you have going on?

TGIF

Moving On

I’m over the disappointment. Thanks for all the encouragement. I guess I didn’t allow fear to get the better of me and I should be happy about that … but the box still isn’t checked. Yet.

Regarding my iron levels … le sigh. I take the pill with orange juice every morning and every evening. And I eat at least one orange a day. So, I’m thinking absorption wouldn’t be an issue with all that vitamin C. I’ve had this problem for at least twenty years but I have never exhibited any physical symptoms. It never really bothered me before, in fact I used to get irritated with my doctor when she’d bring it up. “I don’t know why you’re not falling out in the street somewhere!” she’d say. Hmph. Yeah, me neither. My levels were below 10.5 yesterday. Normal is 30. Maybe, I’m just a freak of nature.

Moving on …

I’m gearing up to do a whole lotta nothing this weekend. I’m mentally tired. I need to pick out new flooring for my kitchen, hallway and foyer but I just don’t feel like it. I still need to pick up September’s book club pick but I just don’t feel like it. I need to take the Princess to finish her school shopping but I really just don’t feel like it. I need a break from all the ripping and running.

I’m going to the grocery store tonight and pick up some comfort food. Maybe I'll make something Italian. I watched Anthony Bourdain in Rome last night and I was salivating. Tomorrow I’m going to try and sleep late (later than 7:00 a.m.). I should probably get some cardio in. I’ll wash my hair. Change my nail polish. Do a few loads of laundry. Watch some movies. And that’s it. In the evening I’ll head to my sister’s house for a cookout and some drinks.

I'm out.

Have a Good Weekend!

We're Almost There

Yes. I am working for the weekend. I am quite grateful for my job, but let’s face it: if I wasn’t getting a check I wouldn’t go there everyday.

My baby is traveling this weekend with her step team. Since I won’t be accompanying her, I’m hoping she’ll have a chance to hook up with her father while she’s away. She mentioned it to him but I don’t think they’ve nailed down any definite plans. I’ll miss her. She introduced me to another show on MTV called “If You Really Knew Me” I watched it with her yesterday before I went to the gym and cried like a baby. Seriously. I tried to hide it at first because they always laugh at me when something on television makes me cry, but this was crazy. The show spotlights high school students and encourages them to really talk about what is going on with them. Some of these kids are really hurting. We had a chance to talk afterward and of course, she wouldn’t finish the sentence, “If you really knew me …” but watching the show together was a start.

Anyway

I have a few things planned for the weekend. Number one on the list is to change the handles on my kitchen cabinets. I know right. Not exactly filled with excitement but I’ve wanted to do it for a minute. I’m tired of looking at the same thing. If I can handle this project successfully, I may attempt to replace the kitchen flooring. I have a small kitchen but sometimes what appears to be a small job turns out to be a monster. Like when I painted the downstairs bathroom. Trust me, it was awful. Wish me luck.

I haven’t written a restaurant review in about a month so I’m going to check out this place down the street called The Broken Egg Bistro. They serve breakfast all day but in the evenings it turns into Bistro 501. The menu looks interesting and contains plenty of chicken dishes, pasta, seafood and even an etouffee which I may try. I’ll post the review next week. After I buy another camera. My Polaroid kinda died on me. I think I’ll get a Sony this time.

I’m also going to pick up an Italian travel guide. Because, you know, I’m going to Italy next year for my birthday.

I was thinking about this year’s birthday. Just two and a half months away. For the past several years my ex and I traveled to Virginia’s wineries for my birthday. It was always a great time. Needless to say, that won’t be happening this year. No worries. The Virginia Wine Festival just so happens to be on my birthday this year (and every year). So instead of traveling to the wine, the wine is traveling to me!

Ain't life grand?

Keeping it Cool and Classy

It’s Friday and the temperature is going to reach triple digits all weekend. Stay hydrated. Stay inside. Rent some movies, get some junk food and close the blinds. Forget the junk food and get some fruit … yeah, fruit.

I only missed one gym day this week and that was Tuesday. Tuesday is the day that I work on my legs and glutes (i.e. booty). Tuesday was a horrendous work day and at the end of that day all I wanted was a glass of wine and my comfy sofa. Plus, the last time I worked legs I had a difficult time walking for two days. I really need to adjust the weights. I’ll do better next week.

Take a minute to encourage someone today. Choose to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing. When the opportunity arises for you to insert the perfect sarcastic remark – refrain. Add some beauty to the world.

Every morning since I returned from the life-changing spa experience I have made a point to spend real, quality time with God. It has seriously made a difference. I get up, turn on the “Soothing Moments” CD that I got from my aesthetician, open the blinds, sit on the floor, look toward heaven, breathe deeply and just … meditate, pray, cry, whatever … it is the perfect way for me to start my day because it reminds me that whatever is in front of me is going to be okay. It reminds me that I am connected to something bigger than myself. It reminds me that I am not the center of the friggin’ universe. It keeps me humble. It keeps me focused. Those moments are essential. My house is quiet and it is the perfect opportunity not only to talk to God but also to hear from Him. I mean, I talk to him all day long but in the morning I have the chance to really hear from Him.

Italy beckons.

I haven’t really been out since the whole car-getting-stolen debacle. So on Sunday I’m going to a Summer Wine Social at one of my favorite restaurants. New wines to try and good food to sample, oh what could be better? I’m genuinely impressed each time I eat here. The food is creatively prepared and presented and their wine cellar includes over 5,000 bottles. I’m excited.

I just RSVP’d for Tuesday’s book club even though I didn’t read the book. Why? Because it’s a night out. I get to hang out with the smart girls and munch on munchies and sip on … you guessed it … wine!

I haven’t thought about cutting my hair for three days straight.

Life is pretty darned good.

Enjoy the weekend.

Stay cool and keep it classy.


** I noticed I mentioned wine alot in this post. Mmmmmm ... wine

Happy Friday!

That’s right, my friends … it’s my Friday. I am too happy and this day is going to just fly by.

Tomorrow is supposed to be in the mid to upper 80s so I think I’ll spend the day at the beach. I was going to go to the movies to see SATC 2 but I can do that on Friday afternoon instead. I love long weekends. Honestly, what is better than a long weekend?

I went to my first book club meeting last night. I can’t remember the last time that I was in a room with grown up women and had a better time just talking, laughing, drinking wine and discussing a book. Heck, I don’t think I’ve ever done it. I had a fabulous time and I’m looking forward to next month. I may even host one of these get-togethers. Which would be a kick because I am so NOT the hostess type. But who knows … I mean this is the year of living fearlessly, remember? Did you think I had forgotten? I know I haven’t discussed overcoming fear in a while but that’s because I’ve been so busy DOING it. Releasing fear is a process. At times it seems that it is a never-ending process but I refuse to lose sight of the goal. I refuse to get mired down in negative thinking.

Can you believe that June is just around the corner? Another summer. Dang. I decided not to rent the beach house again this year. Mainly because I think I was the only one who really, really enjoyed it. I didn’t want to leave. Oh well, I still have the spa to look forward to. And I may even ride a roller coaster this summer! Riding a roller coaster is on my (bucket) list. I’m terrified of roller coasters. Speaking of the (bucket) list, I recently made a list of 101 things that I plan to accomplish in 1001 days (February 14, 2013). You wouldn’t believe how difficult it is to come up with 101 things … in all honesty, I only have 94 but I figured I can work on those 94 while I think of the other 7.

Anyway my friends, I may check in throughout the long weekend. If I don’t … enjoy your time no matter what you do.

Mwah!

Living the Dream

So I only worked out 3 of 7 days last week. The goal was to work out six days. No excuses. I got lazy.

Is it bad that one of the reasons I like going to yoga is because I can wear a sports bra and check out my abs in the mirror for an entire hour? Is it bad to be that into myself? You know what would be bad? If I posted that picture on this here blog … now that would be bad.

I made the best dinner yesterday. Pot roast with red potatoes, onions, carrots and mixed greens. That roast slow cooked all daggone day and by the time I fixed my plate … I was in heaven. I opened up a bottle of my favorite Bordeaux and honey, you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t living the dream.

I picked up the new home computer and the Prince set it up and we are up and running. The old computer was just that … old. It was slow and had no memory and just a pain the neck. No one ever used it. Now that we have the new one, I have to make an appointment to log on.

Another month and a half I will be relaxing at the spa for an entire weekend! Massages and body scrubs and yoga classes and lounging by a pool and good food. Life is so good.

I’m going to a new church now and yesterday was my second visit. So far I am really enjoying it. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a church that you feel is right for you. However, if you are a believer and have a strong relationship with God the search becomes less difficult. You know what is right and you can spot when things are a bit “off”.

Speaking of being “off”, I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend. She left her husband because he was physically and verbally abusing her. They’ve been married for six years and I’ve known her for at least four of those years and she never mentioned it. I didn’t have a clue. Anyway, she said that they had been in counseling for an entire year at their church. The church leadership knew that he was violent but advised her to stay and continue to pray for him and give him his respect. Excuse my language but what the fuck kind of guidance is that to give a woman that is getting her ass beat??????? I was in total shock when she shared this with me. They knew what was going on but they did not advise her to leave the violent situation. See why Christians get a bad rap? I remember when I divorced my second husband. My so-called church family treated me like garbage after that. I guess a divorced woman did not fit into the mold of what a “good Christian” should be. Needless to say, I got to steppin’.

I had such an amazing weekend and coming into the office was not something that I was exactly looking forward to. But hey, without this paycheck I wouldn’t be able to have my amazing weekends, right? Gotta look at the bright side people.

I saw Just Wright on Saturday … Common is just as fine as he wants to be.

Good movie. I’m actually looking forward to seeing the final Shrek movie this coming weekend

and then SATC 2 the weekend after that.

Well, 12% of my credit card balance is paid and I haven’t put anything else on it. I’m doing really well with my spending. Yes, I got a facial this weekend but I budgeted for that. There has been no un-budgeted spending and I feel pretty good about that.

I guess I’ve rambled enough for this Monday morning. What’s going on with you?

I Love a Parade!

It’s Friday again. Isn’t it cool how it just shows up every seven days like clockwork? I love Fridays. I so look forward to my weekends. My time is my own and I can do anything or nothing. This weekend I’m going to pick up my new book from my favorite independent bookseller. I’m dragging my behind back to the gym and then them I’m going to try out this yoga studio that is down the street from my house. From what I understand there are really positive benefits to hot yoga. They also have a “light and warm” class which may be more my speed. On Sunday, I’m having brunch at this place. Look for the review over at Delicious! I also have to squeeze in grocery shopping and a trip to the salon for my daughter so she can get her ‘do done.

Sounds like a lot but I’ll still manage to get some quiet time in there.

I went to Bible study last night and I’d like to share something that the pastor said. When we go to a parade we are standing in one spot and we see each section as it passes us by. Each section of the parade is new to us as it crosses in front of us and then it’s gone. However, if you were in a helicopter and were viewing the parade from the sky you would see the entire thing all at once: beginning, middle and end. That is exactly how God sees our lives. He sees our beginning (past), middle (present) and end (future) all at once. So while we may be dwelling on the mistakes of our past or fretting over a current dilemma God already knows the ending. He knows what He has planned for us. We just have to have faith and get on board and know that what he has planned for our future is way better than anything that we can imagine (Romans 8:18).

Remember that all things [really] do work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)

Have a great weekend.

Football? Not so much ...

I am certainly not a football fan, but I have to admit that was a really good game. I watched it from the opening kickoff to the very last play.

Congratulations to the Saints and their loyal fans.

The rest of the weekend was pretty good. The night at the bed and breakfast was wonderful. We were the only guests so we were allowed to choose which room we stayed in. We chose the honeymoon suite.

Absolutely lovely ... fireplaces in the bedroom, living room and bathroom; big screen television, nice furniture, etc. It was so cozy, especially since the weather was so bad. We didn't get any significant snow but the rainfall was ridiculous. We had dinner at the restaurant downstairs from the inn and I'll put up a review later this week. The food was fantastic. We ran into this guy at the restaurant. I didn't know him from Adam but Bryan did and he walked up and introduced himself and shook his hand, yada yada yada, I'm standing there like ... who is this guy? I don't encounter many "star" sightings. I guess I didn't really encounter that one either. LOL

Anyway, all the stuff that I had planned to do got done. No worries and we were able to celebrate an early Valentine's Day. Life is good.

Stronger than Ever

What started out on Friday to be a horrid weekend, actually turned out to be an absolutely fabulous weekend.

I was tested on Friday and I'm sorry to say I did not pass the test. Thankfully, God gives us do-overs. After work on Friday I went to the grocery store, came home and camped out on my sofa with a bottle of wine.

On Saturday I got up early and went to the gym. I did a full hour of cardio and then lifted weights for thirty minutes. The entire time I'm scolding myself for not going more often. I will do better. After that I came home and showered and shampooed and got cute so I could have lunch with Bryan. We went to a place that serves this awesome "black and blue" sirloin salad. I don't know why they call it "black and blue" but it was awesome. I'll probably review the place soon. After lunch, he went to work and I went to finish up my Christmas shopping. The stores weren't as crazy as I thought they would be. Probably because I knew exactly what I wanted and where to get it. Shopping was a breeze.

Saturday evening I attended a fundraising event at church to raise money for wells in Africa. It costs $3k for one well and we raised exactly that on Saturday night. This will be the second well that we donated and it felt good to be able to get all the money with one event. The first one took a little longer. It was a good night.

It rained yesterday so after church I really just wanted to come home and chill. So I came home, baked a cake (if I turn on my oven it counts as baking!), and cleaned out my fireplace. Bryan showed up with the wood, a bottle of Shiraz and a bottle of Meritage and that was all she wrote. I made turkey wings in the crockpot and we just enjoyed the fire while watching the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert on HBO.

Life is good.

A Change Gon' Come

Coming back from a pretty good weekend. I did some shopping on Friday and spent $70 on a wig that I wore for two days and now I'm sick of it. I hate that I impulse shop. I attended an open house for a new therapeutic massage place that's opening up right next door to my gym. I went to the open house because a co-worker invited me. I'm not really a massage-type person but if I was, this is probably where I'd go. Very clean, very classy, very expensive. While I was there I got a quick chair massage which was pretty cool, I guess. But not cool enough for me to book an appointment.

On Saturday I went to the gym for a little while but midway through my workout, my body was telling me to go home. So I obliged because my body knows best. Later on I did my grocery shopping and had a nice lunch with Bryan.

On Sunday I went to church and received a message that is going to get me through the next several weeks. It was one of those messages. After church Bryan and I had brunch at one of our favorite places. I ordered a Greek omelet and potatoes and it was so good. We also had a nice conversation. We talked about some changes that we both want to make and about our upcoming weekend at the beach. Good things lie ahead.

Afterward, I took the Princess to finish her school shopping. She needed her supplies and a pair of flats. Then I surprised her by giving her a driving lesson. She'll be fifteen in a minute ... where does the time go?

Last night I relaxed and made asparagus for the very first time. They came out a little limp but I still ate them. Funny how I was never even introduced to asparagus until I became an adult. I really like it. I also baked some tilapia which was just lovely. I stayed up to watch En.tou.rage with the Prince and then I hit the sack.

It was a good weekend and this is the beginning of a fantastic week. Believe it.

The Wrap Up

I have a headache.

And I never get headaches.

The shopping excursion with the Princess was an amazing success. I got everything that I set out to get, including a pair of jeans for the Prince and a pair of shorts for the man that would be King (do you like that?) I was able to find two bathing suits for myself: one monokini which I’ll wear if I’m feeling skittish about the tummy and one black bikini for when I’m not.

It’s funny, some days I look at myself and I smile at the progress, then on other days I’m disappointed because it’s not exactly perfect. The man that would be King says I look great and that is why I keep him around. I also picked up a pair of flat sandals and a new pair of sunglasses. And I also managed to buy my very first digital camera!!!! And it was on sale!!!! It’s a Polaroid with 10 megapixels, it takes video and the screen on this thing is huge. I’m so proud of myself I can’t stand it. I have finally entered the 21st century. Now, the Prince is bugging me to buy an HD television. Whatever.

After the shopping trip I took the Princess to dinner so she could get her snow crab legs. I had coconut shrimp that weren’t anything to write home about. All in all it was a great evening.

I got up and worked out early on Saturday morning: arms, abs and cardio. Back to the gym this evening for legs, abs and cardio and I’ll probably throw some squats in for good measure. Did I ever mention that my older brother used to participate in body building competitions? The last time he competed was probably 10 years ago but he still works out faithfully. I’d post pics of him but I feel weird posting half-nekkid pics of my brother. He’s one of those muscle heads that you see walking around the gym like their sh*t don’t stink. I’m intimidated by the muscle heads but if my brother lived closer I would definitely make him work out with me. Saturday was a pretty quiet day once I got the grocery shopping done and took the Princess to the salon. She went to see Kei.sha Co.le on Saturday night and I went to my favorite coffee shop to hear some live music.

After church on Sunday we had a pretty big lunch and just relaxed for the rest of the day. To counteract the lunch I pan-seared some salmon and steamed some veggies for dinner.

What a great weekend. I love when my plans come together. I still have some more vacation planning to do … hopefully everything will fall into place.

Question of the day: Should I get another tattoo? Here’s my current one: