The Good, The Bad & The Fabulous

The Good:

I look nice and "buff" for my trip. Might not have lost as much weight as I wanted, but feeling good about my body.

The Bad:

My car (that was hit by a semi while parked) still isn't fixed. But will be good as new when I get back from vacation. Fingers crossed.

The Fabulous:

The forecast for part of the time I will be in West Palm Beach! Peace out freaders! :)

Because They're THAT Good

Pete Shagman's Famous Breakfast Muffins
I can't take credit for this recipe, but it is one I have to share with all of you. These are the best damn breakfast muffins on the planet. Like, Tater Tot Casserole good. You can quote me on that.

Ingredients:

• Crescent rolls -- I get the round biscuit shaped ones, for ease of use.
• 3-4 eggs -- too many and they puff up too much
• Bacon/Sausage -- about a half a pound, I use maple sausage
• Onion Powder -- teaspoon or two to taste
• Garlic Powder --teaspoon or two to taste
• 6oz Cream Cheese --softened
• Cheddar Cheese -- I use about a half an 8 oz block, cut into 1/4" cubes

Directions

1. Preheat to 375.
2. Cook bacon or sausage and set aside. Flatten crescent rolls and press into Pam'd muffin pans. (Use the big muffin pans)
3. Soften cream cheese and add eggs, garlic salt and onion powder and blend/beat/mix
4. Drop a little bacon/sausage and cheese chunks into crescent cups. Pour egg mixture in, then a little bit more bacon/sausage/cheese chunks on top.
5. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the centers are NO LONGER JIGGLY! Eggs will start to brown slightly around the edges. Eat warm!

Don't mind my amateur photography.

Yum! And they freeze really well too, had one this morning and put in the microwave for about 45 seconds or so.

Enjoy!

I Can't Believe I'm Posting This On The Internet

Alternately titled: "My 30 Day Shred Results"

Yesterday I hit 30 days straight with the lovely Jillian Michaels as my trainer (via her DVD of course). I have to say I am really glad I stuck with it. I have real muscles. I don't feel like I'm 90 years old after walking up 5 flights of stairs. My asthma is more under control. I'm not winded after a long bike ride (or marathon sex). I could take Jillian Michaels in a fight. OK, maybe not that last one.

I took pictures at the beginning thinking maybe I would post them with after photos. I debated last night and said to myself "Really? Do you really want to post a picture of yourself in a sports bra ON THE INTERNET?!"

But I really, truly believe in this workout plan. I may not have knock-you-out-of-your-seats results. But I have results. After only 30 days. And to me, that's saying something.

Results:
-4 lbs.
-1.5" around waist
-1.25" around hips
-.5" around upper thighs
::I can button a pair of capris I couldn't even fit into last summer
::Yes, I've been "fake and baking" for my upcoming Florida trip
::Yes, that is the same outfit, 30 days later :)





Along with the 30 Day Shred workout, I followed a healthier meal plan: ate a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and organic foods; no fried or fast food; cut down on dairy, enriched flour and processed sugar; increased my protein and fiber intake; and drank lots of water.

[Not saying that there wasn't one Saturday I may have indulged in a large scoop of peanut butter, caramel and chocolate ice cream, but let's just keep that between us.]

So, if you're looking for a workout that you can fit into your day and get results, I would definitely recommend it. I plan on continuing it for another 30 days in fact! Except today. Today, I'm taking a day off in celebration :)

That Time I (Unknowingly) Met A Country Singer*

Scene: My friend and I are walking up to the bar, excited to see a concert of one of my favorite country singers, Craig Morgan. Enter, Guy on Motorcycle (GOM)

GOM: Hey ladies, what's going on here tonight?

Friend: Craig Morgan is having a concert.

GOM: What does he sing?

Both of us: Country music.

GOM: I know, I meant what songs?

(Friend looks at me to answer, since I am the semi-obsessed fan)

Me: Little Bit of Life, International Harvester, God Must Really Love Me

GOM: I see. Hope you girls have a good time!

(We continue on to the entrance of the bar where we see a few security guys chuckling.)

Bouncer: Did you ladies know the guy on the bike?

(We shake our heads no.)

Bouncer: Yeah... that was Craig Morgan.

---

Wow. I have never felt like a bigger dumbass.

Although, in my defense he had on a rather large helmet and aviator sunglasses. And I've only seen him on album covers!

Not as exciting as Katelin meeting Joshua Jackson and announcing her surprise engagement, but I have to work with what I got folks.







Maybe the bouncers were pulling our legs. But really, what male country singer wouldn't approach two ladies who got all dolled up for his concert? :)



*And Was Nearly Trampled For A Guitar Pick

What's Your Beef Wednesday :: The Blogging/Social Media Edition

Thought I'd throw it back to an old blog tradition - the What's Your Beef Wednesday tradition that is. If you're a new reader, I got this idea for a post from my favorite local radio station. They do this segment every Wednesday morning and I think it's great.

Basically I vent in the post, you vent in the comments. It's stress relieving. Here goes:

• Plagiarism. I was completely surprised and disgusted by this story. Blogging is supposed to be an outlet, a way to tell stories about what is going on IN YOUR OWN LIFE. Why would anyone even be interested in retelling someone else's life happenings? I truly don't see the benefit. The strangest part to me was that she even continued the charade in real life.
  
• Obsessive Tweeting. Yes, if I follow you, I do want to know what's going on in your life, hear witty things that you have to say, or watch hilarious YouTube video links you post. But I also need a breather every once in awhile.
  
• Facebook version 3,989. Really, Facebook, we like it the way it is. Or was... or... JUST STOP CHANGING IT ALREADY.
  
• Non-responsiveness. When I leave a comment on a blog post, one of these things is happening: I have something funny/witty to say, thought the post was exceptional, have my own personal experience/advice to share, or have a legitimate question. As long as it's not a hypothetical question or something really personal, can I have an answer?
  
• The way Blogger handles comments. This goes along with the last bullet. Sometimes I can't answer questions people pose to me because of the way Blogger allows comments. That is one thing I do like about Wordpress, you have to leave an e-mail address!
• Tweet Spammers. Enough already. Quit following me. No, I do not plan on following you back.

And one final, unrelated to blogging/social media, beef:

• Hershey is duping us. They made the Cadbury Creme eggs noticeably SMALLER this year. The proof from a Conan O'Brien show. Did they think this one would get by us? (Thanks for sharing Liz.)
  

Now it's your turn. What's your beef today (blogging related or otherwise)? Feel free to use caps, it really helps get the point across.


The WYBW Archives:
Volume One
Volume Two :: The Men Suck Edition
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five :: The Road Rage Edition

Eighteen Days & Counting...

...until I leave for sunny Florida! West Palm Beach to be exact. I am more than thrilled about this upcoming vacation. We originally planned for a 4 day weekend in Hilton Head to celebrate my friend Heather's birthday, but another friend of mine had connections and we ended up booking a timeshare for an ENTIRE WEEK for under $200!

Rough economy - travel & lodging for under $200 + 7 friends to split everything else with = Michelle still going on vacation!

At a development meeting Heather and I attended last week, it was brought to our attention that we need a theme for our vacation. Thought I'd share with you guys what's in the mix:

• Pimpin' in the Palms '09
• How I Met Your Father
• Hoes Before Bros: WPB Style
• We WILL Shake Our Tail Feathers
  
• Tequila & Triangle Tops Hellz Yeah
• 8 Girls Sure Can Pimp Out a Mini Van
• West Palm Biotches: We're a "Shore" Thing

Hilarious, right? Feel free to throw out your ideas, I know how creative you guys are! The best part? I'm planning on getting tank tops made once we decide. They're going to be so surprised*.

This vacation has been all I can think about lately, as you can probably tell from my tweets, Facebook status messages, new bathing suit and sundress purchases, increased workouts and well, this post. I will be pinching myself until I'm actually on the plane! Have any of you ever been to West Palm Beach? Any nightlife suggestions or other must-sees?


Yes, I bought 2 of the same dress in different colors. How could you not for $10.50? Thank you, Forever 21.


*You know, if I actually design them in time.

A Walking Contradiction

I believe in lasting love, but am convinced I'll never find it myself.

I am a registered democrat, but tolerable of guns and the death penalty and wary about unions and universal health care.

I am the daughter of a banker, but often spend frivolously and haven't balanced my checkbook in quite awhile.

I graduated summa cum laude from college, but only scored an 1120 on my SATs.

I am offended when others don't trust me, but find it hard to trust the guys I'm dating.

I want to see the world and crave adventure, but have only been on a plane once.

I am a hard-core Mac lover, but spend most of my time on a PC.

I was voted as having the best big blog on 20-something bloggers, then promptly dropped off the face of the internet for months with little desire to blog at all.

I act and feel confident about myself (sometimes even cocky) when I meet someone new, but can very easily lose all of that confidence at one fell swoop.

And most definitively:
I choose to wear my heart on my sleeve, but adhere it with super glue and avoid anything that has even the slightest chance of tearing it off.

If I've Heard It Once, I've Heard It A Thousand Times

And I heard it all weekend long.

"Hey, you'd look good with one of those."

Really? My ovaries had no idea. Talk to me again in 5 years.

(But really, my niece is cuter than your niece.)

Plank Position Is A Bitch (And Other Things I've Learned From Jillian Michaels)

Fifteen days ago I became a Shred Head (here's proof). In other words, I've let Jillian Michaels, a trainer from The Biggest Loser, tell me what to do for the past 2 weeks+.

I decided to tackle the "30 Day Shred" for a few reasons: its 'lose up to 20 lbs.' tagline, the fact that I will be taking a beach vacation and wearing a bikini in the beginning of May, and because I have seen many other bloggers have success (with pictures to prove it!) on this program.

I am officially halfway through and sadly have little to show for it. I took measurements and pictures on day 3. I've lost about 2 pounds and a few tenths of an inch around the thighs and waist. I'm not discouraged yet, but I am beginning to wonder why I haven't had the results that others have had so far.

I do notice that my endurance has greatly improved (although, I started Level 2 a few days ago and am still struggling to keep up). I've developed visible muscles in my arms and have moved on from the "girlie" push-ups. And surprisingly, I actually look forward to working out every day. So, definitely improvement.

A few phrases that make me want to punch Jillian Michaels in the face:

• Get down in plank position.
• There is no modified version of this move, I have 400 lb. people that can do jumping jacks.
• Just think about going jean shopping.
• Give me a couple more.

If Jillian isn't the devil, I am going to be so screwed in hell.

Since I started the shred, I have been trying to eat healthier in addition to working out every day. I have increased the protein and fiber in my diet, have cut back on carbs and eat vegetables like they're going out of style. I never thought I'd become a drinker of protein shakes that's for sure. For anyone that drinks them, what brand/flavor do you buy? I started with a vanilla whey powder, but the strong smell was a huge aversion. A friend of mine told me to switch to the soy powder to help with the smell. He was right it doesn't have the bad aroma, but he failed to mention it tastes like chalk! I know it's important to increase the protein in your diet when you are exercising regularly, but I'm not sure where to go from here. Suggestions? Any other advice about diet/meal plans?

And to my fellow shred heads: am I expecting too much at this point in the program?

I Wish I Could Bottle That Sound

I heard a laugh today that reminded me so much of someone I care about, I couldn't help but giggle. It was the gut-wrenching, you totally crack me up kind of laugh. I've never been able to laugh like that. When I find something truly hilarious, I normally am unable to breathe or let out any noise at all. (Huh, oddly enough that doesn't just happen with really good humor.*)

I wasn't around to hear what was so funny, I only heard the vocal repercussion. But that one laugh reminded me of a chance. Of a debate. Of a realization. Of a parking lot. I love how certain sounds and smells are able to take us back to a single moment. I've written about it before, but it never ceases to amaze me.

I hope I get to hear that laugh for a long time to come.

What have you been reminded of lately?


*Yes, that does mean what you think it means.

On Sports & My Future Husband

It's no secret, I'm not much of a sports fan. Sure, I enjoy a live game every once in awhile, but only in really good company, with someone that isn't afraid to talk during the game, at a venue where I can order a beer and a soft pretzel with cheese.

I'm not one of those girls that doesn't understand sports, however. I know why a football team might attempt a two-point conversion, that a hockey game has 3 periods and a foul bunt attempt when the batter has 2 strikes is a strikeout. But sports just don't interest me enough to watch them on television IN MY SPARE TIME. Come on, shows like How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory are on Monday nights. Do you think I'd rather watch Monday Night football?

Living in a city that bleeds scarlet and gray (i.e. college football), I am confronted with the sports topic quite often. Usually I create a diversion because I don't want to be stoned to death for not being a die-hard Ohio State fan. In fact, I don't even have a "favorite" sports team.

Why? Because I have a theory.

When I meet the man I'm going to marry, I've decided I will adopt his favorite team(s) as my own. Once we're married and I know I'm going to be watching sports, at least on occasion, I might as well root for the team(s) that he likes, right? Why add something else to the list of things to potentially fight about since we all know he probably won't take out the garbage or put down the toilet seat?

This doesn't mean I'd compromise anything fundamental about myself to appease a man, but when it comes to sports I'm pretty neutral. It would be an easy compromise on my part and isn't that what marriage is all about? Compromise and getting involved in each other's interests?

Besides, knowing my luck, my future husband is a Wolverine (OSU's biggest rival for those that don't know). What a waste of time it would be to start backing the Buckeyes now...

For those of you that are married or in a relationship, do you and your significant other like the same teams? My fellow single ladies, what do you think of my theory? And for the guys that read this, I'm sure you'll tell me your opinion any way :)

I'm A Believer Once Again

I'm well past the days of believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny. (I may also be responsible for the non-belief of all of the above for my brother, because as the older/wiser sibling I figured it out first.) Mom, dad, nice try.

Werewolves, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, Big Foot, UFOs. Never crossed my mind that their existence was even a possibility.

I've given up on Fate. That what is meant to be, will be if you just let things run their course.

Screw that.

I like to be in control. And when I can't be in control, I want to know someone else is up to bat for me. That there is someone on my side, hoping that I don't strike out in the game of love (or life for that matter). Enter, Cupid. You may have heard of him? Greek god, resides on Mt. Olympus, throws a mean bow and arrow? (The TV Cupid even does a great cover of the Beatles' All You Need is Love.)

Love at first sight doesn't exist? "Poppycock, that is mortal talk." This guy takes love by the horns. I can definitely get behind that.

Any fellow believers? Or do you all think I should lock this belief up along with the puppy I never got for Christmas?

Regenerate.

Getting lots of sleep, canceling plans with friends and a general lackluster are all things I've been experiencing as of late. It started with a really bad cold a few weeks ago so I canceled plans 2 nights in a row. But once I was feeling up to par, I found myself continuing to cancel plans for things I normally look forward to during the week. Then I slept until noon on a Saturday when I didn't have plans until the evening. And again today. Generally, all things out of character for me.

I described all of this to my therapist tonight and she smiled at me and said, "Every once in awhile, people need time to regenerate." She went on to tell me that wanting time alone to process my thoughts outside of friends is normal. Sometimes the need to feel socially "on" is overwhelming and a little me time is well-deserved. Suddenly, I felt less guilty about it. It wasn't that these things were bothering me because I thought something was wrong, I was worried because I was liking them too much.

I vowed to make more time for me. Because what's a better time then now when I'm single? Things I am putting on my list of things to do just for me:

• Complete Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred
  
• Buy my new MacBook and start my freelancing website
  
• Rent the Twilight movie again
  
• Read Jodi Picoult's new book
  
• Get another massage and pedicure
  
• Organize my shoes in my closet
  
• Break out the journal again
  
• Learn one new recipe
  
• Buy a new dress that I look and feel fabulous in

I can't wait.

To Delete Or Not To Delete, That Is The Question

I bet the creators of Facebook didn't realize their social networking site would be the cause of unnecessary drama in their members' lives. Take for example, the relationship status notifications. Did they think about what havoc they would reek when "Josie Turner is now single" showed up in her ex-boyfriend's news feed? Did they think about Josie a year from then when she signs in only to see the recently posted wedding photos of said ex-boyfriend tagged by every mutual friend in attendance?

Facebook: Increasing America's suicide rate one news feed at a time.

Well, in one day I have dealt with more Facebook drama of my own than I ever thought possible. First, I was deleted as a Facebook friend. It happens to all of us. I myself have even hit that little x removing "friends". You know the ones: that girl from high school who barely spoke two words to you, the guy you casually dated but will never be your BFF, and the girl you used to work with but haven't spoken to since you quit six years ago. But this time was a little bit different. It was someone I had a past with. Someone I was close to for several years. Someone I noticed deleted me.

Then, I get an email from a friend of mine asking me to delete her ex-boyfriend as a friend. Dilemma. I met them at the same time, together at a friend's party last fall. I would consider them both friends of mine. I see her more often because she comes to our girls' nights out on occasion. I haven't heard much about their reasons for breaking up, as it only happened recently. But I do know they've had their problems and this wasn't an out of the blue decision. The more I think about it, maybe it is closure for her. Cleansing him out of her life, and the lives of her friends. I suppose if that happened to me I would pose the question, "Where MY girls at?" (yes, that was a throwback to the 702 song).

And just this evening I saw a picture that made my stomach turn. An arm around a shoulder. Two smiles. Faces touching. Pure torture. Facebook, sometimes I hate you.

What immature problems I'm having. I swear, I'm 26.

My Newest Crush

My heart broke a little when I heard that Vince Vaughn, my celebrity crush, recently got engaged. I pouted, tweeted about it... then last night, I moved on.



Jason Segel? Delicious.

You could say my crush started back a year ago when I was obsessively renting seasons of the television show How I Met Your Mother from Blockbuster Online. I'm surprised an error message didn't pop-up, "Dude, you have exceeded the rental limit for this series. Get a life." But my heart belonged to Vince.

Well, that all changed. Last night I saw I Love You, Man. A new movie starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. First of all, I laughed so hard my sides still hurt hours later and humor is definitely one of the pathways to my heart. You know, right after cheesecake and foot massages.

Secondly, he just seems like one of those celebrities that would be awesome in real life. Down-to-earth, laugh at your jokes, play Guitar Hero with you. Know what I mean?

And then there's the hair.



*sigh*

The Proof Is In The Pudding

I swear Peter, it was me*.



If you didn't see my Twitter sneak peek, here is my full St. Patty's Day get-up. And boy did we have a blast!

Did you drink green beer this year?

*and yes, I'm actually Irish

We Are Just Breakable Girls & Boys

Ingrid Michaelson (well her music) makes me think about how fragile we really are when putting our hearts out on the line for another person. Nothing is protecting us from the sting of rejection. Heart, meet sleeve.

The more our heart is broken, does it become less fragile? Are we put back together so many times that when dropped we no longer shatter?

I used to believe the more my heart experienced dating (love, loss and the like), the tougher it became. Almost like I was putting it through rejection boot-camp. Now I'm certain that it is just as fragile as it was at 15 when my first crush rejected me.

Yes, I have moved on from lost loves. Many times. But do we ever fully move on? Is there a little piece of our heart that is left behind after the rest of it has been put back together again?

A billboard on a highway...
A song on the radio...
The hint of cologne on a crowded elevator...

...brings you back. Even if only for a second, you can feel it. Your heart isn't completely whole.

We are fragile. Just breakable girls and boys.

Say What You Need To Say

No matter how busy I keep myself, how many friends I surround myself with, lately I feel like there's something missing. I can't shake the feeling, but I don't quite know how to fix it either.

I have met some amazing people this summer. Friends I know will stick around for quite awhile. They fill my nights with social functions, volleyball, dinners, happy hours, parties. My smiles in our photographs aren't fake. Rather, fleeting.

I'm turning down guys for absurd reasons; i.e. he's too young (25), too tall (6'3") and the latest (he hasn't dated enough). My friends are convinced they're excuses. That I don't want to date.

Maybe they're right. But I'm honestly not sure.

Have you ever felt lost? Not unhappy, just unsure what path you're supposed to take next. Right now I'm at a fork in the road, just staring straight ahead.

And I wish I could jump on a plane, look down and see which path has the happier ending...

We're Talking Mortifying Here Folks

When you are just getting to know someone, you go through the standard "getting to know you" questions: favorite food, type of music, #1 fear, etc. The question that would always leave me stumped was "What is your most embarrassing moment?". Nothing flat-out mortifying had ever really happened to me... until yesterday.

I was picking up flyers for a freelance job on my way to work. I paid the cashier, lifted the heavy cardboard box and carried it to my car. From there I drove to the parking garage where I unloaded the box, my ridiculously large work tote and headed to work. Up two flights of stairs, crossing a street, walking through the first floor of a mall, finally winding up at the lobby of my office building and getting on the elevator. I see my reflection in the elevator doors as I get on...

My pencil skirt had split up the back right above the slit... I unintentionally flashed America (and probably a co-worker or two).

There are some skirts that you just can't bend in to pick up a large cardboard box and apparently I was wearing one of them. How I didn't notice? I have no idea. But I quickly remedied the situation by standing against the back wall of the elevator, practically running out when I reached my floor (avoiding people at all costs), grabbing a sweater from my co-worker's desk who luckily wasn't in yet, tying it around my waist, and driving back home to change.

Looking on the bright side: 1.) At least I had on cute panties; 2.) You could barely see them, it was mostly all leg; 3.) Further proof to Each that I have a booty.

Horribly embarrassing? Yes. But I sure am laughing about it now!

Care to share an embarrassing moment of your own? I swear I'll laugh with you, not at you.

I Am A Proud Community Organizer

I rarely stand on my soapbox, but I feel that right now I need to. So, listen if you will.

At our weekly $1 margarita Monday outing, options for Halloween costumes were discussed. My top pick right now is to dress as Sarah Palin. I said so.

[Sidenote: I plan on putting a spin on the costume carrying an "I am a Proud Community Organizer" sign and sporting a Barack Obama pin. Along with some other twists, but you'll have to wait and see.]

Not once but TWICE did someone ask me "Who is Sarah Palin?"

Seriously?! Only one of two people running for Vice President of our COUNTRY. Now, my group of friends is rather diverse. Different ages, races, both men and women. Educated, smart, well-spoken people. I was stunned.

I rarely discuss politics with friends. In fact, my best friend and I were in the beginnings of a heated discussion when her husband stepped in. I don't want to have to argue or possibly ruin a friendship over differing political views.

BUT I will say this: It is SO IMPORTANT TO VOTE. Know who's running. KNOW THE FACTS (don't always believe what you see in commercials). If you can't follow all of the issues, choose a few close to your heart and find out where each candidate stands.

Our country is in need of a leader, one who will make changes to our dwindling economy. This election will effect every American's life. Democrat or Republican. Man or woman. EVERYONE. So please vote and let your voice be heard. And don't give me "My one vote isn't going to make a difference." Because you know what? There are thousands of people saying that. And all of those votes really COULD make or break this election.

So, are you registered? If you are, do you know if you're registered under the right address? Please make sure that you can participate in the election! (Find your state's deadline here)

Vote for change. Obama for America.


....Just sayin'. /soapbox rant

On a lighter note, any other Halloween costume ideas?