Wherein my nephew ruins my game

My bestie babe and her wee babe came to visit me this last weekend--and it was the best thing ever! I have a zillion pictures, but need to send them to Sara first, and we have a zillion funny stories to tell, but, y'all need to hear this one. No really, you do.

This was bestie's first time traveling alone with Mac, which was a big huge honor to me--I couldn't believe I was going to be their first solo trip. Holla! Because of that, we wanted to make sure we had EVERYTHING that they could possibly need. I had a pack and play, a high chair, and stroller. Man, I was going to ROCK being Aunt Ally this weekend.

And I did, I mean, duh. Kid loves my dogs, got to play in a fountain and ate a giant turkey leg at the Ren Faire. I'm the coolest Aunt ever.

Anywhoodle, Sara rented a stroller, and I haven't had time to return it yet, naturally.

Yesterday, I was carrying loads of bags out of Whole Foods and a lovely gent offered to help me to my car. I refused several times, but, he was so polite and cute (!) that I said yes. We made chit chat and I explained that I do not in fact eat all this, it was for a work function. Lovely chatting all the way to my car which was parked in Siberia at the end of the lot. A few giggles, a few little glances, it's all very nice and fun and well done me for parking so far away.

I'm thinking "maybe he will ask for my number or something" knowing full well men are giant pansies (said in King Julian from Madagascar voice) these days and chances of him saying anything were slim, but, that hey, stranger things have happened, so, maybe....

Welp, chances pretty much went to zero when lovely gentleman opened the trunk of my car and found a STROLLER. You know, the one that is not mine, that I haven't had a chance to return. And I wanted to say "oh no, it's my nephew's, I am single and kid free!" but he was so flustered and calling me "ma'am" and running in the other direction, that I didn't even get a chance. You've never seen a man move so quickly!

And that, my friends, is how my nephew ruined my game with the lovely man who could have been his future uncle at Whole Foods.

Good thing he's cute.

I'd rather hang with this dude, anyway

Mac: 1
Aunt Ally: 0

Game on, kid, game on. Just wait until you're in high school, just you wait.....

Lifesavers

Somehow, I got really lucky along the way in life.

Somehow, despite all my mistakes, my short comings, my flaws, I was given the most amazing people. (I suspect it is God apologizing for letting Hugh meet Deb before he met me) (or something less creepy stalker sounding)

People who have saved my life. Who have held me up. Who have held my hand, been the air when I couldn't breathe, been my legs when I was too weary to walk. People who save me from going to The Bad Place when I get depressed. People who send flowers. People who watch Skyfall with me because we can. Who listen to me cry at all hours of the night.

Who call me at 4am on their drive to work because they know I am awake and want to talk with me.

Who text whenever there is anything Eddie Redmayne, Hugh, musical theatre, Princess Kate, Anthro clothing, London, or Aussie related happening anywhere. People who make me laugh

Who take me to McDonald's for a Diet Coke because they know I love it. And support my belief in French fries as a meal. Who send me cards of singing hamsters.

Who post silly things to my Facebook (Hugh, Grumpy Cat, Psych, etc).

Who indulge my watching of stupid and emotional videos on YouTube because all I want is a hug and it's 10:30 at night and I am home alone with no one to hug. Who listen to me talk of better times because I am scared and lonely and the only people I want to comfort me are worlds away.

Who offer to freeze everything and fly to Europe when my life comes crumbling down around me and I am thousands of miles from home and have no one to turn to.

Who have opened up their homes and hearts to me. Who pick me up at the airport with their baby in tow, and take me home to Thai and Love Actually. Who gave me a place to sleep for a few days when I hadn't in months--literally.

People who go on grand adventures with me--who let me crash at their place so I can run (er, walk?) a race. Who love me unconditionally. Who love me for me. For the imperfect mess that I am.

I don't know what I would do without the people in my life--my lifeline, my saviors. I'm so lucky because I have you all. I'm so amazingly lucky. I may not have fame and fortune (yet!), but, I am rich beyond measure. My life might not be what I thought it would be, I could have never imagined this a year ago, but, I also couldn't imagine all the wonderful things so many good hearted people have done for me. And for that, I am richer, luckier and more spoiled than any little redhead could ever have imagined.

And today, one of those very lifesavers comes to town. I can't wait to tackle her at the airport and will probably cry the moment I see her--she's blessed my life in more ways than I can count and stands by me even when I'm being an idiot and when she has Much Bigger Problems of her own. For her, for you all, I am blessed.

Thank you for reading my silly blog, for being my internet friends, for being my real world friends, and for your sweet comments and such. I hope you know that I am the worst replier in the world, so, if I don't say thank you, this is a huge giant THANK YOU.

Cause I mean it, I really, really do.

(end sappy, emotional post now)

We continue to run

Nothing I can say hasn't already been said, nor will do justice to the horror that happened yesterday.

But, I can remember the wonderful memories I've made there, the power of the human spirit and remember that no matter what, I am a runner. I'll never run Boston, ever (well, maybe when I'm like 89), but, as a runner, it is THE event of our sport, and it impacts us all.

That cannot be taken away from me--from us. Our community is strong, resilient and united. We will continue to run, we will continue to love and we will support our beloved Boston and those lives lost, those injured and those who will never be the same again. We love you, we pray for you, and we will run to honor you.

For me, this will always be Boston:

My marathon guru, Sam, booking it down Boylston in 2011. We cried so hard seeing him that day!

Redhead sandwich in front of our spectating spot at Trader Joe's (um, Red? I miss your face)

Acting like idiots with my Maine girls, Danielle and Sarah 

Red Sox games and singing Sweet Caroline 

Running the BAA 5k with my best girl, Christie--Boston is where we met in 2010!

Blessed to have those memories, blessed to know those people, blessed to have experienced Boston.

I am so grateful that my friends who were in Boston yesterday are safe--I cannot imagine how they are feeling, please keep them in your prayers.

xoxox

(assistant to the regional) Manager

(I couldn't resist an reference to the good ol days of The Office)

So, it's been a week. One week since my beloved Pure Barre Arlington opened, and let me tell you, there were enough blood, sweat and tears to kill a small army, but, it was all worth it.

I work with the most wonderful, hilarious, smart, sweet, talented gals on earth.

The week before opening, I was lucky enough to receive a promotion within the organization. I've moved up in my career before ya know, taking jobs that were higher than what I left, etc, etc, but I've never been promoted. It was a pretty exciting, big moment for me. Silly? Yes. Do I care? No.

It's official!! 

Even the second in command has to manhandle the mannequins. 

So, not only do I get to teach pure barre, but, I get to manage schedules, make friends with the clients, order retail items (hi, I get to buy clothes and jewelry!) and make sure our entire staff is enjoying their jobs and that we are successful. It's daunting, and I'm not sleeping much (even less than usual, if it's possible), but, I'm loving it.

This goofball makes it all worth it. Love my boss!

The faces of survival--and exhaustion.

Opening morning, neither of us had been to sleep. Yay Laura Mericer makeup!

But, we did it!

Yeah, even the boss lady has to do silly things. Like sneak into apartment complexes and hang flyers

It's taken a long time to get here, but, I am so thrilled to be part of this team, and can't wait to see what amazing things are in store for PB Arlington. Fingers crossed, y'all!

ps. Arlington friends, come on by, ask for meeeee and let's lift.tone.burn together!

xoxo

Insert Catchy Title Here

Showwwwweeeeee! Welp, we survived the grand opening of Pure Barre Arlington, and now I need to go to sleep for 300 years and probably buy ALL THE SHOES.

It's been an exhausting, crazy, mental, hilarious, stressful--did I say exhausting?--past week, but, we are alive and kicking.

Lots more about the grand opening that I want to tell you, but, I'm publishing this in between classes and errands, so, you'll have to be held over with a few pictures.

Thank you to everyone who sent texts, tweets, facebook comments--you have no idea how much that meant to me. Thank you so much, I am truly blessed to have some wonderful people in my life. GIANT GROUP HUG FOR EVERYONE!

Anyways, pictures n'shit:

Our Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader pose. We are in Texas, after all!

 I have to tell y'all about getting these damn mannequins into the studio, but, suffice to say, I am injured and there are pictures to prove it. Lawdy.

You need to know that the mannequins are named Janelle and Tiffany-Therese 

My girl, AB taught THREE, count them, THREE classes on Saturday and I might have cried during her first class because a) I love her, b) she was born to do this, c) OUR FIRST CLASS!

Our very first class!! I was the creeper taking pictures per boss's orders

And this was the result of endless hair teasing and more makeup than a certain someone wears in Priscilla. Black is slimming, right?

Gratuitous self promotion here..... 

And, if you so happen to find yourself in the Arlington, TX area, stop on by and take a class! I might even teach it!

xoxo

Happenings

So, Easter happened.

And I survived. It was a hard day, to be sure. I cried a lot more than I expected. It was my first real single girl holiday--Thanksgiving, I was with my family (and dating someone), Christmas, I was with my family (and dating someone); New Year's, I was with my Molls in London (and dating someone), Valentine's Day, I was NOT dating someone, but, I was so busy with yoga that I honestly didn't care-- I had my yogis by my side.

Easter, was... different. My folks didn't even invite me home, and I knew if I didn't host a dinner, I'd be all alone. But, it was really nice to have people in my house again. Aside from my cat assaulting my Ro's daughter and my inability to set a formal dinner table, it was great!

I goofed off with Kim's kiddo at church

I wore ALL THE PASTELS. With a side of Valentino of course.

 Yeah, I bought the Anthro dress. Couldn't get the pink on in time, boo hiss! I suck at budgeting.

Full length dress shot on the left--I added a jacket for church.

I did this to the boxer. He hates me.

I can't be trusted to plan events--look at this food!

We ate a lot--I made scones (obvs), we drank lemonade and had an Easter egg hunt. I never need to eat again ever. 

Yesterday I ran like a mad woman all day but had a few brief moments at home and sat outside with the pups for a spell. 

Resulted in FOUR mosquito bites. Texas, you're on my list.

After 20 minutes outside, I ventured back into Dallas traffic for team headshots at the new studio. I teased my hair to heaven height and wore more makeup than a British drag queen (if you know me, you know why this is funny to me)--it was hilarious to see us all "done" up. 

Reliving my theatre days sharing a mirror

But, it was worth it--have you ever seen a more fabulous group? These girls are amazing and I can't believe I am part of their team!

Sarah, Amanda, Erica and yours truly (WTF, is that wisp of baby hair doing?!)

So, that's about what my last few days have been. Not exactly exciting, but, still, kinda great. 

How are y'all?

Single & Fabulous Question Mark

My darling long time bestie Amy always says "no! You are single & fabulous EXCLAMATION POINT!", which, naturally, is one of the 8,754 reasons I love her. But, sometimes, it's hard to remove that question mark from a statement about your life, especially when you aren't really sure how to change it.

I could give you my standard "I had a dream my life would be, so different from this hell I'm living" speech, because, you know, I did have a dream and all that, but, not today. Today, on April 1, I am claiming April 2013 as MY month. This whole "my" year thing, is just too taxing and honestly, the first few months have sucked donkey weenie, so, meh.

But! April 2013? Oh it is on!

The new studio opens (come take classes with meeeeeeee! I will kick your butt and you will love me for it--kind of), I am introducing my redheaded boo Rora to Wicked (can you believe my musical theatre girl has never seen Wicked?! I know, it's shameful), hopefully taking my kindred spirit and generally lovely Dallas pal, Soliel to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's production of Carmen, my bestie and nephew are coming to visit (YOU GUYS!) and I am jetting home for a quick weekend of In N Out-ing, sister snuggles and See's Candy.

It might not be the life I had envisioned, or even the month I had envisioned, but, hot damn it is shaping up to be pretty dang great.

I might not have a man by my side, or even within spitting distance, I might repel them like oil and water, my heart may still be grieving, but, I am fabulous. Or, something less bratty.


Single & Fabulous! Exclamation point.

On bags and BVLGARI

Ya know how when one of y'all gets knocked up there is that debate over Which Diaper Bag Is Best? Well, I can't relate to that, but, I need a new work bag. Not ya know, a handbag, but, a bag to carry all my notes and change of clothes and all my other random work crap in.

Most of my colleagues (barre babes) have a LV Neverfull, which, you can't go wrong with, but, I already have two Louis bags, and can't justify a new one. I mean, unless one of y'all wants to gift me one....

Then there was this Kate Spade that I fell in luuuuurrrrve with--solid chance I still buy it because OMG, YOU GUYS.

But, I am trying to put myself on a budget (worst word ever). So, there.

Imagine my sheer delight when I found this:

Isn't it perfectly, perfectly ME?! It's big enough for my crap and not too super fancy that when I spill a PowerAde in it (inevitable), I won't cry for a month because I ruined the most expensive thing ever.

I am anxiously stalking the UPS man waiting ever so impatiently for its arrival.

Because I went all Budget-y for the bag, I had to splurge on the sunnies sitch. Yes, I hoard sunglasses, but, ya know what happens? I scratch them, they get broken after a race in Madrid, or I leave them in Denver.

After tearing my house--and car apart--I broke down and re-ordered my most favoritest pair of sunnies evah. They are perfection.

I bought them in Barcelona last year (omg, Shabbs, stop name dropping cities, it's just rude) and wore them every.single.day. Until I took them to work with me and it was snowing so I took them off and who knows where the hell they are now. And I figure if they ever do reappear, I can sell the new ones on eBay, so, total budgetary win, right?

And honestly, how am I supposed to land Hugh Jackman if I'm wearing scratched, ghetto ugly sunglasses? Because it all does come back to how to get Hugh to marry me. Life goal.

Do you have a favorite work/play/diaper/fabulous yummy mummy bag? Or sunnies? Is there a type of sunnies I need to be looking into?

Also, this:

You're welcome. I can't stop laughing

Hoppy Easter!

In this episode of Shabbs Does Dumb Stuff, we bring you "hosting Easter dinner with five kiddos". Exactly.

But I absolutely adore hosting big dinners and parties, and since my family has yet to invite me to celebrate with them (thanks, guys, love you too) (last year we did NYC and it was magical) (not that I am bitter about not being there, or not reliving that outstanding weekend--no, not at all). So, anywhoodle, since I am an Easter Orphan, I invited two of my closest "families" to celebrate with me, never assuming the would both be able to come--but, they are, and I am super excited! Even though this means five kiddos at my house at one time.

I started putting together Easter baskets yesterday, which was bad news bears because I just ended up eating like 85% of the candy myself. Damn you, gummi Sweet Tarts!!

That said, I'm combing the internets to find The Best Easter Dress EVER, which is ridiculous because it's not like I have a boy to impress, or need to look nice to show my family I Am A Put Together Adult (they doubt this), but, you know, dresses are my crack.

Imma show you some of my running favorites:

Lilly Pulitzer Posey dress. PINK!

Bernie Dexter Year Abroad. Um, hello, Paris?!

Aurelian Brocade Dress. Anthro, natch. 

However, I think I am going to be a Responsible Adult and wear a dress I already have. So boring...

What are your Easter plans? Anyone else pining for The Perfect Dress? 

And, because I love you, I give you, the Holy Grail of nerdy hipster dresses aka my version of heaven--a website dedicated to what Zooey Deschanel is wearing. I won't admit to you how many pieces on that site I already own and or have stalked.... I can tell you what brand she is wearing on New Girl in under 5 seconds--it's a problem. But they dress her in Kate Spade and Anthro! Like I wouldn't figure it out. Sheesh ;)

Weekend in Pictures

Hello lovelies! Happy Monday to y'all. I worked a 12 hour day yesterday and didn't get home until around 1am, so, this post is brought to you by copious amounts of Diet Coke. 

I spent most of Saturday morning at the studio, which was exhausting, but fun, then jetted up north to attend a baby shower with the bestie!

The redheads will seize the planet!

I love spending time with bestie and her girls, we have fun just talking about anything and end up laughing and looking like fools because we have a zillion inside jokes. 

How cute is this dress? $19 Old Navy. That dress deserves a boyfriend. FML. 

Sunday was church in the AM and working until the following AM, aka, you know 1am. Yikes. But, it was so much fun. 

Church outfit and big Texas hair. Obvs. 

12 hours with these idiots--love them. Love my team, love how much we laugh. 

Ordering pizza and cheese sticks at 8pm seemed like a good idea. 3 pieces later.....No

I wish I could tell you all the hilarity that went down in the 12 hours we locked ourselves in the studio, but, it's Fight Club. I mean, I guess I can tell you that Amanda was jacked up on sugar, I stuck a ball in my shirt and pretended to be pregnant, Erica ignored us, and our boss sat in the corner laughing hysterically at us. 

So, that happened. 

Also, and this isn't so happy, but, if you are the praying kind, could you please keep two of my sweet friends in your prayers? Two of my very bests are dealing with some things right now and sadly all I can do for them is pray. 

What did y'all do this weekend?

The truth is....

The truth is, I am sinking this week.

Sinking big time. Struggling. Don't know which way is up, trying to tread water, trying to find the daylight, trying....

I've been working like a madwoman and that is the only thing getting me out of bed in the morning. Which I guess is a good thing! ;)

Every week, nay, every day I think I've hit rock bottom, but, no, no, I haven't. Occasionally, I get these slivers of joy and peacefulness and hope, but, they are fleeting and seem to be furthest out of reach when I need them the most. Funny how that works, eh?

It's like pulling myself out of a well and whenever I get close to the top, the water gets turned back on and I'm back where I started. Major pain in the ass, yo!

One happy this week was the FaceTime chat I had with my best friend last night (god bless the iPhone!). She literally saved me a few months back--she's my person. I mean, she gave me the greatest gift ever, my nephew, so, I'm kind of indebted to her already. Yikes. I better step up my game to repay her-- and FAST!

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, I just don't know what to say ya know? Blogging is about honesty, so, I'm just being honest here. (pretty sure there is a Johnny Depp Pirates of The Caribbean quote here)

"I had a dream my life would be, so different from this hell I'm living..."

On the upside, I don't work until Friday afternoon, Les Miserables comes out on DVD, which means, ALL DAY LONG--and!-- BFF and I are going to see Jim Gaffigan Friday night, which should be absolutely hilarious! I just gotta make it through the night.

Lucky I've got these buggers to snuggle me.

Yes, I'm a crazy dog lady--but, look at them!

Thanks for listening y'all. I promise to snap out of it soon. Well, I don't promise, but, Imma do my very best! Cause I'd hate reading this blog if it was all whiny boo whine nonsense, but, I do try to bribe you with Antho stuff and puppy pictures.

Well, and also, this:

Basically my idea is heaven is riiiiiight between those two. Swoon. 

xoxoxo

Things I should probably stop doing

Buying dresses that I think would be lovely for a date.

Exhibit A (bought this a month ago, want to wear it every single day of my life)

Exhibit B

I send pictures to TPG in dressing rooms. Also, I'm a midget and had hobo hair, please forgive.

Exhibit C

I actually love this dress waaaaay more than it looks like I do. Rather obsessed, actually.

Because, you see, I haven't been on a date since who knows when and I have exactly ZERO prospects of that changing anytime soon, and yet, my brain and my credit card say "Ohhh, Shabbs! You would look so cute wearing this on a date! Please buy said dress for a first date occasion!".

And then I do, but end up wearing the blasted thing to church, which isn't bad, it's just much more boring than the intended purpose.

Much like my life in general to be entirely honest. Hm. Things to ponder....

Oh well, I have a closet filled with fabulous dresses--and handbags--

(this is how I've ended up with so many damn handbags over the last year, serious) (see also: break ups and Bond St)

and eventually someone will recognize that, sweep me off my entirely too large for my height feet and we shall live happily ever after.

Or, I adopt 15 cats and three more dogs. The ball is in your court, men.

(yes, I know, I buy too many dresses and have too many accessories and have too much of everything. I know. I realize there are bigger issues on this earth and bigger things I should be worrying about--I know. But right now, today, I wanna talk about dresses! Because they are pretty)