365 Days

Well hello there, darlings. I have some news.

Are you ready? (brace yourselves)

It's my 1-year "blog-o-versary".

Yep, I've been yapping away about Target, chocolate, books, men with accents, good TV, dieting and well, many other things for 365 days. Thank you all for joining me on this journey.

Let's do a brief re-cap, shall we?

In the past 365 days, I have....

-Gone to Galveston with our best friends--and scored an awful sunburn

-Hosted a 4th of July cookout

-took over editing at my job

-moved offices 3 times (and got booted to a desk for the ongoing forever future)

-saw Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn in concerts

-went to London

-had a birthday

-lost two teeth

-hosted Thanksgiving

-hosted Christmas

-rekindled my love of running

-joined WW

-lost 10 lbs

-lost a Hanna

-gained an Ella Mae

-dined with Cinderella

-went red (no regrets!)

-found time to cook

-discovered that I love being at home with friends and family more than anything

-hosted an Easter Egg Hunt

-enrolled and finished one Italian class

-enrolled and dropped out of another Italian class (yeah, I did not do so well this semester--work has taken over my life)

-enrolled in my first graduate certificate class (starts in September!--which means, no Italian until next March--BOO!)

-worked on my book (not enough!)

-made some incredible blog friends

-made some incredible real life friends (hi guys!)

-cleaned out my closet (um, several times)

-signed up for a race

-designed jewelry (but no so much with the selling of it... boo!)

...And many other lovely things that run the gamat from awesome, to mundane (we all have those).

Let's hope the next 365 days are even better.

I've loved getting to know so many of you and hope to enjoy the next year of blogging with you all as well!

Happy Thursday!

(or, in my world, Happy Night The Office is On--duh)

Running on empty

Literally and figuratively, I suppose.

With the extra miles I've been logging, I'm constantly hungry and having a bear of a time sticking to my WW points. Anyone have any advice for me? Help! I gotta reach that goal weight by the husband's graduation (May 16th, kids).

Last Friday marked the beginning of what can only be described as Hell Month (Hell 3 Weeks?) for me.

So busy and working so hard that by 3 PM I am done. Getting here at 7:50 doesn't really help matters. But! It's job security people, I do the crap that no one else wants to do, so, there.

I'm counting down the days (milliseconds?) until it ends--until then, I suspect lots of Diet Coke, many mini Twix bars stolen from downstairs office (this could explain the weight gain) and lots of passing out at 8 PM. I'm so freaking cool. Gosh, being a grown up is awesome.

Friday was particularly hellacious. So much so that I seriously thought I was not going to make it through the evening (yay work events!). Another co worker and I both had other things going on Friday night which made both of us just pleased as punch.

Conversation with her Monday morning.

SP: "So, how was volunteering Friday night after work?"

Fabulous Co-Worker: "Oh, just grrrreat."

SP: "My night too."

F C-W: "Oh no, it's OK, for dinner when I got home I had half a bottle of champagne, and a pint of ice cream."

SP: "Good girl."

She totally made my Monday.

It would have been even better if it was fancy shamancy champagne from work event, but, I'm sure she's too honest for that. However, in my mind, it totally was the fancy shamancy stuff.

Happy Wednesday y'all--it's almost the weekend!

Musings & Monday

1. I totally kicked my 8 mile run's ass. As in, I ran 8.51 miles. (and kinda felt like superwoman for the rest of the day) I am convinced that I can not only run my half marathon later this summer, but, totally kick it's ass too. Sweet.
2. Spent an insane amount of time hopping between World Market, Pier 1 and Target on Saturday trying to find good deals on things to spruce up mi casa for graduation weekend funtivities.
3. Managed to bring front porch flower pot back to life--but, managed to kill window sill African Violet. Sure.
4. Ran before work today. I don't really like eating breakfast at my desk....
5. Bought a small bunch of bananas on Friday that were totally 100% not anywhere near ripe. Today? Super ripe. How? And why are there never super ripe bananas at the grocery store? Do we as shoppers really just buy all the bananas that quickly therefor they cannot ripen on store shelves? Or is there some kind of banana recyling program going on at grocery stores that we consumers are unaware of? (these are the things I think about)
6. Holy yum: Yoplait 100 Calorie Thick and Creamy Cinnamon Roll Yogurt. Seriously, holy yum.
7. It's rainy and stormy out: the perfect day to stay in bed. Or just at home. Boo. Good thing we're having pot roast for dinner--the perfect rainy day meal.
8. I really need a day off. Memorial Day cannot come fast enough--but, I'm running a race that day, so, it's really not a day off anyway. Bleh.
9. BFF A had her baby on Friday night. I can't wait to meet little baby K!

Well lovelies, I better head off--need to re-fill my pretty pink water bottle. Thanks so much for your kind comments on Friday--I really appreciate it!

Have a fabulous Monday!

xoxo,

SP

Honesty in 3....2....1...

So, here at SP's Royal Blog, we try not to get too sappy and emotional (lest of course we are talking about our mother, earthquakes and or the ever missing blessing onesies). So, please pass by if you were hoping for commentary on The Office (freaking hilarious), notes on Simon Baker (re-runs--again!) or stories about my shopping habits (um... yeah... I'm in trouble).

I've written this post a hundred times in my head (and I'm sure it sounds better in there!), but, anyways, here goes:

Today (well, actually 1.5 hours ago) a dear friend of mine was induced and sometime today or early tomorrow she will become a mother. I'm beyond thrilled for her, but, I won't lie and tell you that last night when I found out she was being induced today, that I didn't shed a little tear. Everyone I know (blog and real life) it seems is on the baby making bandwagon--which is awesome. I sometimes try to steal my friends kids, but, um, for some reason the kids always want to go with Mommy and Daddy. Hm, weird--I have cake.

You see, I want to be a mother. Desperately. Side note: young, cute, fun mother. My husband and I have been married for almost 4 years. Most people at this point in their marriage have a brood. Yes, we married young and kids were not feasible the first two years. We've tried and failed and then waited and waited. Waited until I got a steady job. Waited until after X, waited until after Y, waited until after Z.... the list goes on. It's frustrating because as much as I want children, we can't financially justify it right now (please let my husband find a job). So, each time I see someone else who is pregnant, or having a baby, a little bit of my heart cries (and please, mommies to be and mommies, please know that I love you all so much and am so happy and thrilled for you all--because honestly, how awesome is it be create a little human?).

But, last night, after I wiped away my tear, I had a thought. A notion perhaps.

While previously it was all about counting down the months until, I've found something new to look forward to: running.

Of course it's no replacement for motherhood, but, it's a darn good way to give me something to work towards, to look forward to and to distract me (honesty, I told you). I'm running my first race next month, am running another in July, and hopefully a half marathon in August (which my co-workers want to come cheer at--love it). But, this morning, as I said a prayer for BFF A and her baby on the way, I also gave thanks for my energy, for my body--for the fact that I was up at 5:30 driving to the gym to run 4.15 miles--something that just a few months ago seemed hilarious. But, I'm doing it. I'm doing something for me. Something that I can share with my children, and ultimately, something that I believe will make me a better mother.

I don't know what "The Plan" that the Big Man Upstairs has for my husband and I, and I don't try to know. I just know that I've been blessed. Blessed with amazing friends who are amazing mothers who are showing me the ropes; blessed with almost 4 years of challenging, wonderful, hilarious marriage; blessed with a job that allows me go to the gym at lunch; blessed with legs that can run; blessed with the energy and love of so many people.

It may still be a while before we're blessed to be parents, but, until then, you can find me running.

Oh, and drinking lots of water out of my fancy pink water bottle. Obviously.

Happy Friday y'all!

Yikes

This water bottle has taken up residence at my desk.

My goal is to fill this baby up at least 3 times during the day (um, this might be repentance from the enormous amount of food I ate last night--like, I could have fed a country. Apparently, running 5 miles before work and then not eating much during the day will backfire--in a BAD way).

Lots of water, cute bottle, eco friendlyness= awesome. Not so awesome? Our ladies room is down a very long hall.

It's a good thing I don't mind the walk, er run.

Awkward

I'm petite. 5 feet tall (er, short?).

Let's be honest, there's no real way I could defend myself (even though I am versed in the ways of the kickboxing).

So, when I end up with a burn on my hand (skillet potatoes) and gnarly scratch (trying to break up fight between Lizzie Kitty and Ella Mae--um, I lost that battle) and multiple Band Aids on my fingers (cheese grater--always the damn cheese grater!) it's all sorts of awkward explaining that "no, I'm just that much of a klutz".

To which anyone who knows me will agree (ask my intern--it's daily that I walk into her desk and or the wall).

But, today, thanks to the addition of the cheese grater, I look pathetic.

Awesome.

But, I did run 5 miles before work at the gym today (since I am banned from outdoor pre dawn workouts).

I'm no genius

But, I can tell you that:

Up until 1:30 AM with sick boxer boy (poor guy!) + Nitrous Oxide at the dentist first thing in the AM = one sleepy Shabby Princess.

(I've been cutting back on my Diet Coke consumption, but, notsomuch today)

And, I'm freakishly hungry.

Like a wolf. (I couldn't resist)

Yikes.

Musings & Monday

1. Spent a good part of Friday night holed up in my bedroom with the cat watching Kenneth Branagh fabulousness in the form of Much Ado About Nothing. Oh, and eating 100 Calorie Pop popcorn, um, swimming in melted chocolate chips. Um...

2. Luckily, fell asleep early (thus, avoiding teenage boys--not that I don't love them, it's just been a rough couple of weeks!) and had enough energy to get up early and run.

3. Ran 7.34 miles. 7 miles kids!! That's more than I've ever run before. I used to run 4 miles almost every day, with maybe 6 miles on a Saturday, but 7--and then more than that! I was really proud of myself. And, really thirsty. I downed 2 bottles of Powerade Zero during the afternoon following. I won't tell you how long it took, because, that's sad, but, whatevs, I did it. Goal: 8 miles this Saturday. Holy moly.

4. I literally did not sleep last night because I'm so flipping stressed out--you'd think all the running would help, but no. I have so much to do before May 13th and subsequently, May 14th (those are major dates at my office) and I kind of want to crawl under a rock and hide until then. Ugh!

5. Also, on my awesome 7+ mile run, my favorite trail was all gummy and muddy and gross from the torrential downpours we had on Thursday and Friday--but, it made me feel like a real runner because I was all muddy, sweaty and dirty when I got home. Tee hee. (my shoes are still covered in mud. I may have broken two pens and a pen cap trying to clean them out)

6. Seriously, have you tried Powerade Zero? It's yummy. I'm hoping I can track some down today for my lunch time run (sorry MM, I might look like butt tonight).

7. My husband graduates in a few weeks--still no job. To say I am panicked would be an understatement. I am totally, 100% over this economy.

8. I made skillet potatoes last night--and managed to burn my mouth (I just couldn't wait!), and my hand (stupid lid) in a matter of 5 minutes. Awesome.

Well lovelies, I hope you have a fabulous day and that you enjoyed a lovely weekend.

xoxo,

SP

Strike Me Down Now

In case you aren't privy to Texas weather, we've got storms up the wazzoo right now--which is great if you a) don't have to work and can stay home and snuggle with your pups b) don't have to go on a BoyScout campout like my husband does (he's a leader) or c) have to get in your long run on Saturday and believe that long runs on the treadmill are akin to death (it better not be raining tomorrow morning)

Not that I know anything about this or anything.

Good news? My husband probably doesn't have to go on the last minute campout.

Bad news? The boys are staying at my house.

Which means, 4 teenage boys waiting for me when I get home tonight.

Not to mention the fact that tonight I'm baking and cooking up a storm for a bridal shower tomorrow.

Lovely.

I may go stand under a tree in a lightning storm, I'm just saying.

If you need me, there's a good chance I'll be hiding at the Hilton.

The truth hurts

Current truths? No more pedicures for me.

Like, ever.

I have officially re-joined the ranks of those with runners feet.

Now as painful and annoying as the whole thing is (um, strappy sandals and hot pink polish, please!) I feel very proud to have re-joined the ranks that I dropped out of all those years ago.

But, it's OK. Because I feel freaking awesome about the whole thing.

Even if it means getting up at 5:35 to run 5.1 miles before work (which incidentally freaked my husband out to high heaven who didn't realize that I left the house and was actually running down our street--then stayed wide awake and worried until I returned 45 minutes later.... Yeah, I think I'll stick to the gym for AM workouts--sorry hon!)

So, no pretty toes anymore, but, by gosh, I will turn myself into a running machine.

And those pesky 10 pounds I wanted to lose in 2009? There's only 1 pesky pound left.

Don't worry, I'm baking a cake for a bridal shower this weekend. There's a slight chance the cake won't actually make it to the shower--because I'll eat it.

True story. And it hurts.

Baby Steps

I just signed up for my first race.

You may recall that last year, my office was supposed to run a relay--but, we're all slackers and never signed up.

Awesome.

So, taking matters into my own hands, I signed up for a race.

On Memorial Day. Because who needs to sleep in on a 3 day weekend anyway?

It's a 10k (which I realize isn't that impressive, but, I gotta start somewhere).

I'm a little scared, but wildly excited at the same time.

I'd love to complete a half marathon--but, we'll deal with that at a later time.

Did I mention I'm petrified of races? Or any event with lots of people?

Wish me luck!

Musings & Monday

Good morning!! I've been at work for over an hour now. Lovely. Yes, that's right--I got here before 8 AM. And we aren't "required" to be here until 8:30. No, I'm not ill.

1. Got up at 5:40 and went to the gym--thus resulting in my early bird appearance at the office. Complete with eating my breakfast at my desk. Did I mention I ran 4.17 miles before I got to work? I don't foresee this becoming a regular thing, but, when you get to work through lunch and have been slacking on the WW lately (ahem, Easter candy), you do what you gotta do.
2. Ran 5.36 miles on Friday (yay for 3 day weekends!) and 6.10 on Saturday. I am wildly impressed with myself right now, so, excuse me if I gloat.
3. Had a wonderfully fabulous Easter dinner with our fabulous friends--complete with an Easter Egg hunt with their 23 month old daughter. The Easter Bunny left her a basket complete with an Easter doggie (so cute, it had bunny ears!), ladybug hair clips and a chocolate bunny--to which her reaction was a delighted "Ohhh!" "Ohh!". I corrupted their child over Halloween and introduced her to candy. We were all laughing hysterically at her excitement over the chocolate.
4. Also cute? Her reaction when told they are going to my house: "Dogs, Butch, cat, cake!". Yep, that pretty much sums up my life.
5. I ate too much. I have a weakness for orange rolls, lemon cake and Mini Robin's Eggs. It's a medical condition, I'm sure.
6. I had a to-do list a mile long and am blogging. Hmmm...
7. It seriously kept me up last night, which is a wonder that I managed to make it for an AM workout today.
8. Crystal Light is a gift from above, I swear.
9. Three day weekends need to be a more regular occurrence, I felt like I got so much done. When's the next one? May? That's not too bad...
10. OK, seriously, I'm about to panic about my to-do list, I better go.

Wish me luck--it's going to be a crazy (read: stressful, emotional, busy) week at le humble abode, and le workplace. AH!!

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

xoxo,

SP