Musings & Monday

Hello! Happy first week after the Olympics start! Is it just me or does anyone else have the urge to just stat at home and watch random events just to cheer on our team? Yeah, I have that problem too...But, I didn't, I'm strong, I pulled myself out of bed (I should get medals for that, kids). Anywho, onto the weekend update...

1. Seriously 2008 Beijing, seriously awesome. Although, I'm not entirely sure how clean that air is and whatnot, but, dang, they sure did go all out.
2. Who else was so freaking excited when the mens swimming team won that relay?! Um, yeah, first time we saw any emotion out of Mr. Phelps, and it was thrilling.
3. Can someone please tell me where to get these super cool blazers that my beloved RL made for the team? Yeah, I see that being a centerpiece of my fall wardrobe.

4. It's raining in like every city surrounding the one I happen to be in. And I'd really like some rain--all I'm sayin'.

5. BFF A is all settled in at her new abode in DC. I'm slightly jealous.
6. One of my favorite people moved away yesterday, which makes me sad, but, I'm so excited for all their new adventures and am thrilled for them. But, still wish they'd stayed.
7. Just found out another one of my dearest, dearest friends is expecting!!! YAY! They happen to have the sweetest family ever and I'm so excited for them...Although, sometimes, I do kind of feel like I'm way behind on this whole kids thing.
8. Ran on Saturday, heck yes. Lost 1 pound from last week. Heck yes x 2.
9. Did I mention I won't be home a single night this week? Yeah, that kinda bites.
10. Seriously, is it Monday?
11. The soldering that's holding my engagement ring and wedding band together is definitely breaking--fabulous.
12. Thanks for all the tips on the Mama Mia soundtrack, I'll be downloading that in the very near future.
13. OK guys. OK. I can do this. I can commit to something. Now, let's all just hope that the Italian classes are still open when I go to register (otherwise this whole physcing myself up thing, it going to have been a real waste of time).
14. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to go hunt down some caffeine. (we're out of soda at the house. And food. I had to make biscuits for breakfast. For the fourth day in a row. Did I mention that I don't really like biscuits?)

Finally (Fabulous) Friday

Good morning y'all.

Made it to the gym last night, and I may or may not have been rockin' out on the treadmill to The Sound of Music soundtrack (shut up). Let me tell ya, lip synching to "Do Re Mi" while running--not easy. Also, I'm sure it was wildly hilarious as I may or may not have spontaneously attempted to act out various scenes from the movie. Don't judge me, you know you love that movie too. I'm not even kidding, running to musical soundtracks= time goes by quicker. (I might have a slight addiction to musicals. I blame this on my mother)

3 miles, guys! I know that's not huge, but, for someone who literally has not run in 3 years (I work out, I just do not run), I'm rather excited. And thanks everyone for your nice comments and support. I had no idea I was going to get myself so in over my head in the upcoming months--I mean, Italian, training for a race and everything else? Wow. I love all your comments, y'all will get me through this (thanks in advance).

Did I mention that today is 8/8/08? Oh I didn't? Well, you all know what today is--Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics!! I'll admit it, I love the Olympics. I have total, 100%, all consuming Olympic fever. I was lucky enough to attend the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake and bawled like a baby when Team USA entered the stadium. I just love the Olympics.

I love the team spirit, and I love that we can all get behind these people and cheer them on. Also, man, I really hope that Michael Phelps can win all the medals this time around so that everyone will just leave the kid alone!

Yes, I realize that I'm totally cheesy and a huge nerd, but, let's just breeze past that, shall we?

PS. I picked up this fabulous sweater last week. I am not a fan of sweater weather, but, I may be reconsidering.

OK, I suppose I must go work now...

No, but, seriously

Right.

Someone, please, remind me that I don't run. Please. Someone just casually pull me aside and say "SP, you don't run. Royals do not run." And I'll say "Why yes, of course. I will not run." Ha! Where were you with these tempting words yesterday when I somehow got myself sucked into running a marathon relay ?(or is it relay marathon? I'm not really sure)....Which is slightly ironic because my work is involved in one of the race events, so, blah, blah, I should be there anyway, blah, blah.

In any event, I, The Shabby Princess have started running again. This has been an on and off love affair over the last few years of my life. Lately, however, it has been "off". In a big way. But, I've hit the treadmill twice in the last week (um, the other days I was using the elliptical, not slackin'), and yesterday, almost, almost made it through my "Running Mix" on my iPod. Baby steps (name that movie!).

I've got 130 days to run this thing. And, with my luck, they'll give me the first or last leg. 6 miles. Woo freaking whoo.

OK, now I have to go inhale the chocolate I am hiding in my desk (it's dark chocolate, which means that the antioxidants cancel out the sugar and calories. What? You didn't know that? Obviously you have not been taught by moi about chocolate) and then pretend for the rest of the day to be all granola and into running, man....

On the upside, if I do pull this thing off (wish me luck), I'm treating myself to a pair of Bonannos. In the dead of winter.

Musings & Monday

Good morning, all!! Quick side note: I am exhausted. I washed my bedding this weekend and don't you just love that fresh clean sheets feeling? Yeah, me too. I want to crawl back in bed right now.....Anyways, onto more pressing things I suppose... Allow me to muse away....

1. Husband at baseball game = several episodes of Burn Notice (which, for those of you that have been suffering and haven't seen the show--USA on Thursday nights, by the way...think of it as an American semi-version of James Bond. Except the main character is a spy that got fired, and has no money and therefor no cool guns, cars, etc. But, it's hilarious and probably one of my favorite shows. And, if you have seen it and don't like it, I'm sorry, I love it), all the sundried tomato and sausage penne I wanted (which, actually, turned out not to be that much) and snuggle time with the doggies. Although, I must admit, most of their time was spent sitting in front of the door wondering where on earth dadpup was (mompup is the disciplinarian in the house).

2. Going to the gym on Saturday made me feel like a badass. It was relatively empty, which was fantastic.

3. I'm debating kickboxing tonight or just going to the gym--the gym thing saves time as I got right after work whereas kickboxing is all the way across town and doesn't start until 6:30, which means it's 8 by the time I get home.... Thoughts?

4. It's August. I'm as pale as I was in March. This is a real problem.

5. Registration started for Italian classes last week, I need to register ASAP, but, I'm suddenly scared. It's school. It's class class. It's work. Ughhh! I just finished that... But! On the upside, it's "informal" classes, so, I'm assuming that I actually can't fail--because, really, letter grades do a number on my self esteem. Plus, it's one more night a week that I won't be home.

6. One more night a week? You ask..... Well, yes, that's right because holy guacamole I got called to Young Womens. (and am kinda sorta freaking the heck out) Right. Help!! Don't get me wrong, I'm really looking forward to it and really excited--and it doesn't hurt that the husband is in YM, but, still. Eh, eh, ugh, help! Scared out of my teeny tiny little mind. Also, did I mention that I'm a total commitment phobe? Yeah, as if you didn't already know that. Deep breathes, I can do this. And somehow manage to work full time, learn Italian, go to the gym, take care of the home front and.... How do all you supermom's do it??? Please, share, please.

7. My sis in law says she may be coming out here in the next few months. Wahoo!! Which also means, whoops, I better get her room decorated ASAP.

8. HRH Princess Hanna Puffy Cheeks has suddenly forgotten that doggies go potty outside. Either that or she has started thinking that the awful "modern shag" carpet we have in the study is actually grass. Or, Butch is telling her to potty in hopes of getting her in trouble and getting her into the crate when we're gone. Ha, I'm onto you HRH Big Boxer Boy Butch.

9. It's like a bagillion degrees outside and it sucks.

10. I got my pedi. But, I schmootzed the color. Of course I did. Me and my big ol dumb feet.

11. Mama Mia! was sold out again this weekend! Don't these people understand that I need my movie? Seriously. Seriously. Sold out. Again.

12. Fabulous Friday night Target finds include: pink and green printed notecards 8 for $1. Golden shimmer wannabe pashmina on sale for $11.29. Yesss!

13. It's Monday. And I haven't had my Diet Coke yet (trying to whiten the teeth y'all--yellow ain't a pretty color). Please, send well wishes. It could get dicey around here!

That's all for now, folks!
(um, did I just quote Loony Tunes??)

Fabulous Friday

It's really too early to fully determine how fabulous today will be, but, hey, let's aim high!

Last night, yours truly went to the gym (ahem, second night in a row people) and is happy to report that moving is rather difficult. Booty hurts. Legs hurt. Arms hurt. Good times. (this may or may have ended in someone laying helplessly on the sofa most of last night, but, that's a different story)

Tonight, the husband will be with the YM at a baseball game (I don't do baseball) which means some quality time at home with the broom and vacuum for me. I know, you're really jealous, but, you'll be even more jealous when you see what I'll be watching whilst cleaning....

Have I mentioned how much I love this show? Sigh... Loved it as usual last night. Laughed hysterically with the husband, we both love it. So thrilled it's back for a second season. Best part of the summer if ya ask me....

Anybody want to come over and watch?? I promise, I won't make you clean.

Say 7:15 ish?

Dear Paula Deen,

from PaulaDeen.com

Please adopt me.

I'm handy in the kitchen, you kinda sorta look like my mom, you need a cute little daughter anyhow, I love Southern cooking, and, most importantly, I love butter. What more could you want?

So, please, consider taking me in. You know where to find me.

xoxoxo,
Me

Earthquake

Now, I will try my damndest, not to get on my soapbox here, but, I make no promises.

First, I am so thankful that no one was seriously injured and that damage thus far seems to be relatively minor. I am so thankful for that. I am also very thankful that I was not in Los Angeles when it happened, that's for sure.

I've had my share of earthquakes (I remember Lomo Alto and my baby twin cousins were trapped behind their dresser in Northridge), and honey, after 2003, I am finished.

That was the most horrific day of my life.

I am so grateful that no one else had to experience what my sweet community did, and what my family went through. I'm so grateful that Northridge woke people up and that Southern California enacted laws to create safer buildings, for the people who fought for that.

I wish there had been stronger laws in 2003, but, mostly, I wish people had actually enforced them (outside of L.A).

I am grateful to the Governor for signing Jenna's bill, and I"m grateful to all those who are still working to make California a safer place for everyone.

I know you can't predict earthquakes, I know that. But, the safer the buildings are, the better. I'm so glad that no one was seriously injured in yesterday's quake.

(OK, OK, getting off my soapbox now).

Hello lover (part duex)

I am very blessed in that I have a husband who knows that when the new James Bond trailer is up online, that, it is appropriate to holler at wife (who is cooking and albeit, maybe burning dinner) to come and see.... Who also knows that if he were to die or something, that I'll be hopping a plane to England to stalk Daniel Craig (just keepin' it real, y'all). And we've made peace with this fact.

Thanks, YouTube.

November 7th people, November 7th. What a fabulous way to start out my birthday month. Seeing me some Daniel Craig James Bond action might just make getting older a little easier.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I may have drooled a bit on my keyboard.

Musings & Monday

(Good afternoon lovelies, please, take a seat and have a listen....[also, should note, the voice I am imagining here as to welcoming you all, is a mix between Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and Maria... just so you know}).

1. I should not allowed to shop at Target alone. Bad things have been known to happen. (although, I got some great stuff for the house and can't wait to get some pictures up here)
2. Decorating the house is fun when you have a plan (I kinda sorta have a plan)
3. We tried to go to the movies on Saturday, but, literally everything.was.sold.out. So, no Mama Mia! or Batman for me. Sad times.
4. Guess who is 100% going to kickboxing tonight? (I should also add that husband and friends are going to see Batman tonight, but, they are going to a 7 o'clock show and kickboxing doesn't end until 7:30--how strong am I???)
5. BFF is back from Europe... don't even get me started on that.
6. I spent Friday night at home, feeling like butt--and now, I think I'm getting a cold or something....stress.....
7. I've decided that I'm not getting a pedi until I have gone to the gym at least for times in a week--now, I know that sounds kinda lame, but, it's motivation for me people--motivation.
8. I've decided that I need a new group of girlfriends here in Dallas...Ok, maybe not "new", but, larger or something.... I don't intend to sound rude, but, sometimes, there's only so much of "I can't get together tonight--I'm sick" (ha!) that one can take before one wants to rip hair out and become a hermit spinster lady (but, one has decided that hermit spinster lady is just not that attractive, so, one will expand horizons and meet new people and be happy and enjoy a Girls Night Out once in a while--can I tell you that the last one was about a year ago? How sad is that?).... That said, "Hi I'm A, it's nice to meet you. Would you like to get together for lunch or shopping or something?".... I loathe being awkward, but, I guess it's just one of those awkward situations....
9. The Tour is over, which means that it's almost August. Which means "where the heck did summer go? I'm not tan!"
10. On that note, the whole "Take Back The Tour" thing kinda worked--and I must give points to Versus for the nice little "subtle" message to Landis and others.
11. Although, freaking didn't Let Levi Ride--grrrrr.
12. I'm done venting about the Tour. For now.
13. I may or may not have had Newsies songs stuck in my head all weekend. (don't judge, you know you love that movie too)

Well, I suppose that's all for now.... I must go attempt to shovel my lunch into my pie hole and work at the same time--how lucky am I? (I know, I know, I shouldn't brag about my fabulously awesome day...)

Have a fantastic Monday y'all!

Shades of Perfection: II

Since I'm feeling rather introspective today (which could stem from the fact that I'm dog sick... because I have a tendency to forget that I'm lactose intolerant and especially sensitive to soft cheeses--especially pizza cheese... that, or my diet is paying me back for the pizza and aforementioned cheese)....

Pop quiz (without looking at the links) which one is Italia and which one is my hometown?

Go!

image via flickr

image via flickr

I'm having an Italy day today--clearly. Yesterday was the islands, today is Italy, who knows what I'll come up with next!

And, to cap of this week, and send you all off into a fantastic weekend, I leave you with my favorite quote from my favorite writer/Italian/travel/chick movie.

"Between Austria and Italy, there is a section of the Alps called the Semmering. It is an impossibly steep, very high part of the mountains. They built a train track over these Alps to connect Vienna and Venice. They built these tracks even before there was a train in existence that could make the trip. They built it because they knew some day, the train would come.” Under The Tuscan Sun

xoxox

Shades of Perfection

My favorite colors are pink and green, and yet, my favorite place on earth is bathed in magical shades of blue. I don't know.

I may or may not have been a little down lately, which may or may not stem from a) bff being in Europe without me, b) work kicking my enlarging booty, c) aforementioned enlarging booty, d) summer electric bills, d) that general feeling of "aloneness" that washes over me periodically....

In any event, I dream of going back here. I dream of the warm sun on my face, the salty water, the terrible hair days, laughing until I cry, boat trips to neighboring islands, ferry rides from hell, the amazing food, the sweet people and my favorite half way melted ice cream...mostly, I miss the feeling that I get there. That feeling of pure serenity and bliss. Of knowing that everything is OK and that the world may be crazy, but, here, the world turns more slowly, and that's OK.

I may dream about vacations to Greece, I may pine for the Norwegian Fjords, I may debate an Andes trek, but, at the end of the day, my heart really belongs here...

image, via flickr

(I have swung on that swing many a time)

image, via flickr

image via flickr

My amazing mother took the last two.... How I miss her talent and eye... I wish I had all her island pictures to share with you, but, I'm finding more and more of them... Maybe one day I'll get them all converted to DVDs and load them here... We'll see....

Ready to hop plane yet?? Yeah, me too...

Let's Be Honest

So, I've been trying to lose the chub, since, well, forever. Since you all were first introduced to the Shabby Princess. And, it was going wonderfully. I was taking kickboxing twice a week, running off and on, yoga on the weekend--and even packing my own lunch! Can you believe it? (me either)

So, here's the big revelation: summer has ruined it all. Which is the exact opposite of what bathing suits and hot weather is supposed to do. I also blame this on my office being short handed and the fact that I'm working waaaay harder than I ever have before in my life.

Monday night, I left work too late to make kickboxing--and ended up falling asleep at 7PM. But, I did manage a 15 minute run before Jon & Kate Plus 8....Although, even at 7 o'clock at night, I still managed to get sunburned (how?).

I didn't go to kickboxing tonight. I may or may not have fallen asleep on the sofa at 5:45. I may or may not have had the husband tell me "You better go, I don't want to hear you complain" to which I may or may not responded with "No! I won't! I'll go for a run tonight, and tomorrow you'll wake me up early and I'll go"... Before I fell back asleep.

I now sit here, not running. Instead, my legs are so sore from my Monday run (I lunged it up and down my street on the way back), my head hurts and I'm so tired I could lay down right now.

My whole goal was to get in shape by the time school starts. Classes resume August 25. I've got one month. It's game time. Gangbusters, people, gangbusters.

So, help me. Help me push through the long days, the exhaustion and remind me to run. Or do something. ...Oh, and to eat less. A lot less. And, most importantly, to lay off the sugar (y'all will be proud, I have been Twix free for, well.... a month? perhaps).

And, if anyone out there is in the area we all call Big D, please contact Her Shabbyness about being running/working out partners. Thanks.