3 Day Weekend!

Let me tell you, 5 PM cannot come soon enough today. Seriously. Want to sleep. Desperately. (or, at least, just not be at work for like 9-10.5 hours...seriously, this week has been loooonnnnnggg)

Mind you, I haven't started my Italiano (and yes, that is how it will be reffered to from here on out) classes, but, really, what was I thinking? Seriously. Class. Yikes! I'm already tired just thinking about it.

Seriously, is it 5 yet? 3 day weekends are my friend. Although, this weekend will be filled with house item shopping, notsomuch of the sleeping. Oh, and, I need a haircut. And I need to run. But, mostly, need to finish up the guest room and touch up some paint in the hallway and kitchen. Sounds wildly exciting, no? I know, I really do, in fact, lead a tres glamourous life. I know, don't be jealous....

Anybody else have any wildly exciting weekend plans? (please say yes)

PS. And here's where I'd like to be on this nice extended weekend....

image via flickr

Did you know Some Like it Hot was filmed there? Which of course is one of my favorite movies, which was on TV this week. Which was fabulous.

June Cometh

My alma mater. My love. My campus. My everyday. My job.

thanks, YouTube

This ad gets my heart all a flutter every time I see it. I can't wait for the day that Ford Stadium is filled with Red & Blue, when we actually go to games, and our team is back in the playoffs. I can't wait.

The 80s ruined us, and we're still bouncing back.

Let's hope June Jones can turn us around too.

The age of June has begun.

PS. Some of you all were wondering what I do--clearly, I work at SMU-- in the business school. Mind you, I was not a business student.

Musings & Monday

Hello! If you are in my great state, then, it's "welcome back"--as in, to school. Yep, that's right. Most schools started today (or tomorrow) which means that it is moving onto fall. Can you believe it? I was just in Galveston! Where does the time go?

Well, I won't waste any of yours....Excuse me as I muse away...

1. Did I mention school started? Which means a.) the husband is back at school, b.) it's a pain to get out of house in the morning, as I live directly across the street from an elementary school--which, by the way, if you are dropping your kiddos off at school, it is not appropriate to park in the alley (!)--no, no. Some of us have to use the alley to get out of our garage. And were trapped. And annoyed. And I swear there's like 10 million more kids at that school today.

2. I got to work at 7:50. And for no other reason than I desperately wanted a parking space and since my ID still doesn't work--and I still can't park in any of the garages on campus.

3. And I can't stand in line to solve the problem because all 1,200 new students decided to wait until today to get their parking permits.

4. Despite what it may seem like, I really do love where I work and what I do. The summer just spoils the heck out of a person!

5. I have every belief that running while watching The Food Network makes the miles go by quicker. It would have been better if I was watching Giada, but, you know, I take what I can get.

6. One of my mom's goals (I found the list last night) was to swim in the Isle of Capri--I am on it!

7. We're determined to go to Greece and Italy next year.

8. We had our first neighborhood dispute last night. We contacted our wonderful legal counsel. Although, I'm still a little worried that we might lose some $$ in the whole ordeal. Prayers are welcome.

9. It seems as if the bug infestation is over (::crosses fingers:: ::knocks on wood::). Let's hope!

10. The puppies were so happy to see their DadPup when he got home on Saturday. So was I.

11. I ran 3.5 miles on Saturday (baby steps, remember, baby steps....)

12. And I think my tummy is starting to shrink! (::fingers crossed::)

13. Haven't heard from The House Guests. And I'd like to give them a piece of my mind. Would it be totally inappropriate to call House Guest B's mother and tell her the situation? (wait, don't answer that)

14. Target has the best home accessory things. Seriously. Too bad I get a little carried away. I really want to get our house "final" before the family comes out for a visit. I want it to look like a home. A grown up home. Not like our rental house which looked like "hi, we know we're moving in 12-24 months, so, we're not really going to settle in". Yeah, none of that.

15. I'm hoping this weekend to make a HomeGoods and Ikea run. Very excited!

16. Worked on the book the other night. Very excited.

17. Things are better (except for the whole #8 situation).

Well all, I hope you have a fantastic Monday. If your kiddos are starting school, I wish them all good luck (and ple ase don't park in people's alleys) and the same to you as I'm sure it's hard to have the little ones off to school. Hope everything is fabulous wherever you are!

xoxo,

SP

Afternoon munchies? Me? NEVER!

This is what I was doing at 4:15 yesterday afternoon:

Which, by the way is NOT greeting our Olympic Champion at the airport holding a sign and screaming like a sugar buzzed teenager. (not that I had planned on doing that or anything. that was purely for examples purposes)

Nope, instead, I was at work. And eating.

Although, did you know that actually the DIET Coke and SmartWater cancel out the M&Ms? So really, I was just drinking liquids. Which is good.

(It's Friday, y'all will let me believe that, right?)

Eat, Pray, Love, and my goals

I've only just started Eat, Pray, Love (yes, I realize that everyone and their dog read it last year and I'm way behind, but, as you'll learn about me, I refuse to read books when they are flying off the shelves. I wait until the hoopla has calmed down), but, I am quite thrilled with it thus far, and am purposefully taking my time with it because I love it so much and I don't quite know what I'll do when it's finished.

Anyways, on that note, I've been feeling rather "inspired" or goal-oriented if you will. Maybe it's the fact that I actually signed up for Italian, or the fact that I can kinda sorta run 3 miles without totally passing out now (shut up. 3 miles is a long way for some people! Only, I've got to get to 6 miles in 3 months. AHHH), or, maybe it's the fact that I'm kinda sorta settling into YW, or that I'm just in a "I don't care, I want to do what is going to make me happy" mode. Hmm..

So, I saw on someones blog about a list she had written down at 19 and was goals for things she wanted to do in her 20s. She was able to cross them all off before her 30th birthday. I am thinking of doing that as well. Of course, I won't have a full 10 years to do all those things, but, I can maybe go year by year.

A few years ago I found some yellow legal paper that my mom had written "Things I want to do in my 40s, 50s and 60s". She died at 55 and clearly was not able to do many of the things she had planned (the one that kills me the most: "play with my grandkids").

So... what if I can do some of hers? And create some of my own? (cue angelic choir, please). I know, I know, I'm a genius. Why I am not a member of MENSA I will never know.

Without further ado, my "goals" for the next 12 months of my life:

Learn/study the Italian language
Find and successfully cook a fabulous Bananas Foster recipe (anyone have one??)
Not be afraid of the crock pot (I so am)
Need and use a Passport--hopefully several times
At least figure out how I'm going to get back to the Islands
Learn to sew
Finish decorating the house
Be able to fit into my "skinny jeans"
Run 13 miles at a time (that's a half marathon length, people!)
Re-read The Odyssey
Spend more time in Utah
Explore the great state I live in
Finish my book

Maybe too ambitious, maybe not ambitious enough, who knows. We'll see. Wish me luck!

What are some of your goals?

(come on now, I know you have some. And, I know you're out there lurkers. Post them! Do it. Do it. Do it.)

The story in which I swear upon whateveryouwant, that I am not making this up

The bug infestation? Yeah, I'm working on it. Did you know that there are not in fact enough hours in the day to go to work, vacuum, do dishes, go back to work (I know) and get like 10 loads of laundry done? Yeah, 24 hours? Not enough. (the laundry is not done. 3 loads down, 7 to go. Long story. We're washing all of our laundry that was "clean" but not put away. Oh, and when I say "we" I mean "me")

Apparently, my feet have decided that "oh no, it's totally fine to be shorter than the Olympic Champion Gymnast" (she's 5'3"--brat...just kidding, NL, I adore you) and have rejected wearing anything that is not in fact a flat. My most comfiest favoritest heels? Yeah, they were torture to the tootsies yesterday. And today? I'm wearing my even more comfy, wider, looser, bigger non restricting pair and guess what--they hurt like a mother too. I don't get it!! I always wear heels (it's a short person thing. I'm short. I'm shorter than a gymnast. But, taller than Shaun Johnson--ha ha ha). And, I'm pretty awesome in heels in that I can walk myself all over campus, the grocery store and sometimes across the street to 7-11 with no problemo. Today? Notsomuch.

My desk looks like a large tornado hit it. I need file cabinets.

Currently, mi casa is full of toxic smokey chemicals. Nice. I feel so un-organic about this and it kills me! (so, don't go trying to break into my house or nothin', cause you'll die)

Puppies (who are not really puppies) are at daycare/groomers (clean puppies, yum!) and kitty is at lovely boss lady's house.

I may or may not have a can of bug spray in my car (for precaution, of course). So, I decided to park in the covered lot that is further away from my office. Mind you, this lot has 5 levels and there is assigned parking on level 1 (I can't park there, and it suuuuccckkkss), but, I have been assured that anyone can park on levels 3-5. I'm thinking "covered parking, less sunlight, equals no exploding bug spray", because, well, no one wants a bug bombed Honda Accord....So, I pull into the entrance and swipey swipe my card. "ERROR--Access DENIED". Are you freaking kidding me?? Yeah, I'm still waiting to here back from the parking people as to why I cannot park on levels 3-5--or even get in! So, I 100-point-turned-it and got into a teeny space in front of my office. Hoping to avoid direct sunlight. And heat.

Which should be easy because it's cloudy and hopefully raining today.

And I totally left my umbrella at the restaurant last night. (yup)

Luckily, the Williams-Sonoma catalog made it home safely. (have you been in there lately?? It took all my restraint not to use entire checking account balance in there last night... Ohh mama, when I get paid this will all change...)

Seriously, what are the odds?

PS. I'm taking this whole thing as proof of Murphy's law. Or whatever. Don't worry, I'm laughing too.

Musings & Monday

I've got a lot to do today, so, let's just get down to business:

1. Youth Conference = best time ever. I loved it. I am/was exhausted. Got minimal hours of sleep, but, it was worth it. I loved seeing my girls have fun and kick booty at the "Olympics". I loved watching our youth preform the best dance routine ever (swing dance, my friends). I loved watching the nerdy guys dance with cute girls, and the cute girls dance with nerdy guys. I loved that everyone was supporting each other. I loved the talent show where I was brought to tears by the voices of our YM and was totally rockin' out when one sang from Newsies (Natalie, you and I would have had fun!). I loved it all. (Who knew I could be so positive?)

2. You know what I don't love? Surprise house guests. Surprise house guests who show up at 3:43 AM Sunday. Who don't get out of bed until 5:53 PM Sunday. Who didn't get back from the movies until 1:22 AM Monday. Yeah.... What would the world be without childhood friends to randomly show up on your doorstep?

3. I also don't love the random bug infestation that has taken over my house. I don't know what they are. I get to bug bomb the place tomorrow.

4. The husband is out of town.

5. Which means I am dealing with house guests/taking dogs to groomers/bug bombing house/trying to find someone to watch the cat whilst we bug bomb/clean the house--all by myself.

6. I cried my eyes out last night when the U.S Women's Rowing team won gold. I cried like a little baby. Seriously. I may or may not have been jumping up and down literally screaming at the TV. Maybe. I miss rowing....

7. It's safe to say I will not be making it to the gym tonight.

8. Crap.

9. I'm a little overwhelmed.

10. Scratch that. A lot overwhelmed.

11. I managed to get in a run on Friday night--after work. Now, let me tell you, that takes discipline people!

12. Work is out of control. I am stressed out beyond belief.

13. That said, I better go work.

Happy Monday!

Friday's Five....Words

I was tagged by One Fabulous Mom to list 5 words I do not like. She's a writer, I'm a writer--great minds at work here people!

1. Propaganda: not necessarily because I am or am not opposed to propaganda itself, but, a lot of people mispronounce it or just throw it around for random act of "big word usage".

2. Thong: I'm sorry, I can't even use it when referring to the shoe variety. In that case, they are flippies or flip flops.

3. Sack: as in grocery sack, or gunny sack. Can't we just say bag? (this does not apply to "Saks" as in Fifth Avenue)

4. Ooze: I'm sure this is obvious.

5. Eggplant: I know, I know! And, I love eggplant. It's yummy. I love cooking with it, I love it. I think the name "eggplant" is weird. It sounds weird. It's weird. (this could explain a lot about The Shabby Princess...)

So, there you all have it. My random upon random list of "no-no" words for me. Thanks OFM for including me in this!

PS. I don't know about y'all but I am so excited it's Friday!

I'm all zen and all, but....

So, this week has been rough.

Well, the last few weeks (ahem, years) have been rough. Today, for whatever reason was especially near-tear inducing (I didn't, because I'm brave like that).

So, for whatever reason I was just in sad/depressed/angry/wanting to quit my job/jump off a bridge/inhale chocolate for all eternity/go home and sleep mode....When, suddenly, fabulous boss asks me if I'd like to go to lunch. At Bubbas (the obvious answer is "yes, please!").

To which, I have returned.

My tummy is full.

So maybe, the answer is: I just needed food.

(Possibly fried chicken and a roll.)

I feel much better and have no desire to quit my job/jump off a bridge/inhale chocolate for all eternity or cry. I am zen.... ("ooommmmm")

I'd still like a nap though.

I'm just sayin'.

I did it, I did it, I did it!

Please excuse the over excitement, but, I just registered for Italian! And I'm so very excited because a.) I actually committed to something and b.) now, if we ever do go to Italy, I'll hopefully be able to speak the language and c.) my hope is that when we have children, I can teach our children to speak Italian. I never had the blessing of parents who spoke any other language, and hey, even if it is Italian, they'll still be that much cooler.

And, I'll finally get to go here:

image via flickr

Eeek! Now, let's just hope this class will be everything I'm hoping it will be.

I've been in kind of a major funk lately, but, let me tell you, having a goal like making it through the race in December (not that I'm stressing or anything) and looking forward to speaking Italian, and currently reading Eat, Pray, Love (I've heard it changes lives, let's hope--any other "life changing" books, y'all?), is making me feel better already. I am trying to get to know the real me, the real person that I am.

I never had a chance to "be a kid" and, when I thought I was going to get a summer of travel with BFF L, I had to go and buy a house, thus, nixing my travel money (damn being a grown up!). So, while I've spent my summer hunkered down at crazy workplace with topsy turvy spazziness, I've let myself get into that stupid feeling sorry for myself place--that I loathe. I'm trying to crawl out of it. But, let me tell you, the past few (who are we kidding here, it's been more like ohh 5+) years have been hard, and, I've decided that it's time I take care of me. If that means learning Italian, running in a race, and therefor being exhausted, that is A OK, because that's what I wanted I didn't ask anyone's opinion on the matter.

Hi, I'm Ally, aka The Shabby Princess. It's nice to meet you.

(sorry y'all to be a Debbie Downer, I just wanted to share a little bit about moi. Don't get too uncomfortable--silly, funny, crazy SP will be back in full force tomorrow, don't you worry).

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...