Yeah, Okay, Now I'm Feelin' It

Okay, I think I may have jinxed myself yesterday by saying I feel great.

I did feel great, until I went home after I had sat for about 8 hours in meetings and at my desk. Yikes. So that lack of mobility really, REALLY made me stiff. It sucked. And it still sucks, because last night I was motivated to work out (nothing makes you feel more self-aware than a dance class in front of a mirror) so I did for about 40 minutes, but again, it was a draining experience, and today my legs hurt.

Bad.

Oh well. At least something's working? Yes?

More ballet tomorrow!

And on a personal note, I replenished my Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths yesterday. Have you tried them yet?



P.S. I really do want world peace.

Feelin' Good

I really thought I was going to feel like crap today. I thought I'd be super sore, and tired, and schlep around the office today. Not the case.

Sure it's obvious that I worked out yesterday, but I feel great - energized, recharged, calm. It's amazing. I've never really been one to buy into the whole concept that working out makes you happier and gives you energy. No. Not for me at least. Usually when I do aerobics or use the elliptical, I am drained and exhausted when I'm done. This is because I am so type A and going 100 miles an hour, when I do find time to work out, I have to really push myself. And it usually hurts when I do.

But with ballet, it was so different. I was able to really focus and concentrate on something, and actually pay attention to feeling my muscles and my body work. Of course, my mind still raced faster than my legs, feet and arms, but it was a different type of result. And it feels AWESOME today.

On an unrelated note, I would like to point out that my new job is going super well. I am just loving the work environment. And because I work for a healthcare organization, everyone is very particular about what they eat. So, no one really eats out. Rather, people bring their lunches or items to make healthy lunches with, like salads, sandwiches, etc. Sometimes for meetings and birthdays there are brownies and cakes and stuff, but no one overdoes it. And there's always someone to sit down and get to know in the kitchen. It's just been a whole new game and I'm loving it.

I'm just really happy with how things are going, and how this new opportunity has really given me the ability and support to change my lifestyle.



P.S. I really do want world peace.

Ballet Class Run-Down

I did it. I went to ballet, and it was absolutely amazing.

I had been looking forward to this for a while, but was also very nervous. I had no idea what to expect. Not in terms of the class per se, but rather the people in it, and their abilities. But once I got there, I realized that everyone was really nice and supportive. It was also inspiring to see so many older (and by older, I mean over 20) dancers, including some who started ballet in their 40s.

Anyway, I totally looked like a fool, and I will admit that being "bigger" is an issue in ballet. My center of gravity has completely changed and my lines don't look as great as they did when I was skinny. But I did get in a great workout. My technique is completely gone, but I'm looking forward to working on it.

I am tired, but not worn out. Rather, I just feel good - very relaxed and conditioned. It's a good tired, a tired that you really only experience after doing something you truly love.

I'm already planning on going to another class on Saturday.

I am sure I'll feel like crap tomorrow, but I did take a bath in some epsom salts and pop an Advil, so hopefully it will be tolerable.

We'll see!



P.S. I really do want world peace.

No, I'm NOT Ignoring the Obvious

Did you think I was not going to acknowledge last night's Miss Universe pageant?

Think again.

Yes, Miss Universe happened. Yes, we have a new Miss Universe. Yes, there was controversy with everything from body paints to Miss USA not making the cut (can't say I was surprised), Do I care about any of this? Not really.

I have a confession, Miss Universe is my least favorite pageant to watch. I don't really know why, but ever since Brooke Lee passed her crown on, it hasn't appealed to me much. Needless to say, I opted to watch Bachelor Pad over Miss Universe.

There are a few parts I did watch, however:

A.) Parade of Nations - Probably the most interesting part of the pageant. I LOVE watching each country introduce herself in her national costume. It's amazing to see the detail and the thought that goes into each ensamble. I was slightly disappointed in the USA's costume. Traditionally, the reigning Miss USA picks something that represents the US, but also her home state. While there IS an Eagle, Michigan, I failed to see the connection. If there was supposed to be one. But yeah, I thought coming out as a Bald Eagle as Miss USA is about as original as appearing as the Statue of Liberty.

B.) The Call - I love watching this part because I like to make predictions. I didn't post my predictions yesterday because I forgot, but I did make some guesses during the parade of states. Ireland was a clear stand out from the beginning. Of course, I was shocked that USA didn't get the call. I do think Miss USA is lackluster this year, so for that reason I wasn't shocked. But I was more shocked over the fact that Donald Trump and his staff hand select some of the contestants for the finals, and she wasn't chosen. HER BOSS DIDN'T PICK HER. That's just weird to me.

And no Venezuela? What. Was. Up. With. That?

Anywho, I had a feeling USA would be called last if she was going to be called. In most Trump pageants when the home state/country girl is called (and they usually are), she's usually called last in order to get the loudest applause and really give a shout out for the hospitality. However, Philippines got that last spot. It sounds like she was a standout from the first days of the competition and that she was in the finals regardless, but I bet you anything they switched the order so she was called last because of the tragedy in her home country yesterday. The one who is called last usually gets a lot of support. Watch next time, you'll catch it.

Anyway, at this point, it became obvious that Miss Oklahoma has no shot of becoming Miss USA. That, was upsetting.

C.) Fast foward to evening gown. When Mexico came out, Mr. Beauty Queen announced that she was the winner. He always does that. Every single time. So annoying. I checked on Twitter (yes, I'm a cheater) and sure enough. Shocking. I did love her dress though.

D.) Final answers and crowning: Final answers for international pageants are always interesting, because of translation issues and also just the simple fact of the diversity in backgrounds and cultures for the contestants. So I take this competition with a grain of salt. The answers for the most part were great though, this is also when it became clear - to me at least - that Mexico had it in the bag.

Side note: Can you all please, PLEASE stop thanking the city before you answer? Who started that crap anyway? Just cut to the chase.

Anyway, the crowning went off without a hitch and bam, we have a new Miss Universe.



P.S. I really do want world peace.

Yippieeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess what I'm doing this Wednesday?

Here's a hint:





Yes! I am going to a ballet class! I am so excited, I can barely contain myself. I feel like a sugared-up kiddo before the first day of kindergarten.

I danced throughout high school. Like, A LOT. I took 3 hours of classes during the day (my school had a performing arts academy) and then 2 more 3 times a week after class since I was on the dance team. So, that was a lot of aerobic activity every day. I was never incredibly good at it, but I loved it, and it made me very joyous. Not to mention, a size 2.

I gave it up when I got to college because - and yes, this is humiliating - the only class I was eligible for as a freshman was at 8:00 a.m. and clearly, that was just not going to happen. Especially hung-over. No way in hell.

After quitting my job earlier this summer, I really gained a lot of perspective about a lot of things, and it allowed me to priorotize. I refuse to make excuses for not pursuing happiness. So while I started to think about something fun to do, to help me get in shape (and increase excitement about it) and to meet new people (since my partner in crime just moved to Illinois), and allow me to truly enjoy life to the fullest, ballet just seemed like the perfect answer. (Side note: This could all be related to the fact that during my unemployment, I watched "Center State" at least 12 times).

So anyway, I have decided that it's time to start making time to continue to follow my heart. Ballet is the first step for right now. Once I get more settled into my job I'd like to dedicate more time to writing and to helping Mr. Beauty Queen with his new business. But for now, I have something to look forward to that is all about me.

After a while I'll return to business school and finish my MBA, and I'll do another pageant. But today, if I something were to happen to me on the way home from work the regrets I would have would be:

A.) Not spending enough time with my family
B.) Not finishing the novel that's been in my head, developing and growing for 5 years, and
C.) Not dancing for at least a few minutes every single day.

That is going to change.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a fabulous week!

Photo by Ollie Crayfoord



P.S. I really do want world peace.

Must Have Monday - A Job that Doesn't Suck

Once again I apologize for my lack of blogging. A few major things have happened in the past few weeks that have really taken all of my focus. The big news was that in late June, after years of being treated like absolute crap by my employer (and that’s putting it mildly), I quit my job. Just like that, with no backup plan, just confidence in my abilities and a lot of faith. I really cannot tell you how big of a role faith really did play in this. Because the day I left, I really wasn’t planning to leave. But something happened, and a voice inside of me said, “go now.” And I did. For the first time in my life, I trusted that voice. Call it what you want, intuition, your heart, God, etc. But I listened. I packed up my stuff, wrote a resignation letter, and handed in my Blackberry.

It was shocking, and terrifying, but also incredibly liberating.

I started networking like crazy – calling old contacts, calling people I had never met – and considering every option available. I did finally find a job that I thought was an absolutely perfect fit for my background and interests, and after three interviews, two new suits, and 3 weeks of sleeplessness, I landed a new position. It’s a major promotion, and I am so incredibly blessed to have found this opportunity, especially in such a short amount of time during the worst economic situation since the Great Depression.

Praise the Lord.

During the few weeks that I was sitting on my behind (although really, I am so Type A, I really couldn’t sit still. After about 2 days I was ready to write a business plan for something), I am sad to say I did not exercise like I should of. Fortunately, nothing gets your gluttony under control like unemployment, so I did cut back on the carbs. In total, I lost about 8 pounds as a result of this experience, but that’s really just a drop in the bucket.

During this time, I cancelled my Weight Watchers subscription, since I was trying to cut costs where I could. Now that I’m gainfully employed again, I am going to re-enroll and give it another go. This is a great opportunity to start fresh with everything, and I am so excited. The best part is after you cancel a subscription like that, they usually give you a great discount to entice you to come back. So win!

I am looking forward to enjoying tonight’s finale of “The Bachelorette” from the comfort of my elliptical machine. Especially after Mr. Beauty Queen decided to get his time on it in this morning when I was in the shower. He’s such an over-achiever. I’m proud of him though. Hopefully we can do this together.

That’s pretty much the scoop. I just had to check in and share what has been going on. It’s been an amazing ride. But I have learned so many things about myself during this process – things I forgot about the person I am, and what I am truly capable of. I have learned that when push comes to shove, I can move heaven and earth to achieve whatever it is that I want. And that has been a wonderful, and much needed, lesson.

I realize that today is Monday, and in the spirit of a tiny ounce of consistency for this blog, I want to share my Must Have for today: the courage to follow your dreams.

Do I advise that you randomly quit your job? Absolutely not. But I do advise you to follow your heart – regardless of whether it’s rational, or what people have to say about it. Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve, and what is going to make you completely happy.


P.S. I really do want world peace.