The Moleskine

So I haven't been the best blogger. I haven't even been the "kinda okay" blogger, either. This past fall I really fell back into documenting my life between the two black leather covers of my dear Moleskins. The fall semester was a monster, and I literally spent every waking spare minute I could studying. The fruits of my labor yielded in a glimmering 4.0 GPA, but my writing took a more private audience.

With a 6 week break between fall and spring semesters, I have a renewed sense of rest and TIME on my hands, so I thought I would start posting once again. I was tempted to start a completely new blog, but this one has some history. I have 2 others, and the former was started in 2001. For some reason I am unable to access that one...something I need to throw some more energy into locating.

News

-I applied to the highly competitive B.S.N. nursing program here in Colorado, and am eagerly awaiting a response that should arrive in March.

-We bought a house, and closed in October. We're still unpacking.

-I turned 27.

-I am back on the work-out train, after this summer/fall yielded some poundage accrual.

-My status as a domestic goddess has increased, due to the fact that I now own Fine Bone China. Who knew I'd be hunting for tablecloths as if it were my destiny?

Summer

I look at my last post from April, and that time comes flooding back; the memories, feelings, and stress of that time. My Grandfather passed away on May 6th. As I write this last sentence, I feel the water rush to my tear ducts, my throat tightens, my mouth gets a rush of saliva, and I feel as though someone is sitting on my chest.

Fast forward to today...the funeral has passed, a spring and summer semester has come to an end. I am sitting in Stella's right now, and I can look through the back window of the shop to see my Grandfather's Wrangler in the back parking lot.

At this point in time I don't feel like writing about the experience just yet. I have journaled privately about the spring...there is going to be a time and place.

On my 3rd day of freedom, I am going to give a quick visit to my parent's at their mobile clinic before my dentist appointment. Tonight we're going to look at a few houses...we'll see what happens! One of them is officially in foreclosure; we stopped by it yesterday to give it a look-see, and there may be some structural issues. However, the house is about 100k under-priced. The interior is in huge need of some updating, but could be an adventure aside from the fact that it is in total suburbia.

3 weeks

3 weeks left of school. So much homework. Don't know how I can do it all, but I know I will make it happen. Death is hanging near...I have no idea how to deal with it. I don't have the words. What do you say? Seeing the transition we all will go through is painful. A snapshot of the future right here and now. I just wish I could hold the ones close to me closer and never have to let go. 

Snow

I was literally stuck in the Fargo-esque elements of this spring time blizzard today for an hour and a half waiting for the 40. It is amazing how our basic human needs come front and center when something is missing from the equation, i.e. SHELTER. 

Spring Break (HA) is nearly over, and I haven't touched homework...save for reading Utopia. I am hoping dearly for a snow day tomorrow. I want to sleep in and watch some ANTM reruns; I may possibly entertain the thought of starting on some homework before the weekend officially arrives. The Sanfords are here to support Grandad in his fight for wellness, so it has made for a busy schedule...trying to pack everything in when days seem to pass in moments. 

Snagged a glorious nap this afternoon that would have EASILY turned into an entire night's sleep if Duane had not stirred me from it. I would certainly say I could have easily slept through the rest of the night with no problem.

Anywho...I'm off to bed after completing the pre-bedtime beauty rituals. Ugh! If only I could simply go to bed and get ready for the day within a few minutes or a half hour's time. I absolutely loathe the time it takes to complete these routines. Perhaps I could shave my head and go without makeup...it would certainly speed things along.

Waking Up is the Hardest Part

Today is a study day and, remarkably, the first day in almost 3 weeks that I have felt better. I'm not out of the woods yet, but I woke up without wanting to hack up a lung--which is a huge improvment. 

Heading out now to Pablos to study...I can't study in the house at this point...too many distractions (i.e. writing this blog post--shame!). Naps at this point are also dangerous...I am so absolutely tempted to head back to bed at this point, but I need to get in some study hours before taking a snooze. There are note cards to be written, drawings of meiosis to be created, and review notes to write. 

Spring break is next week, and I wish I could do absolutely nothing for the entire week, but I have to put in some work study hours. Fun. I wish we were heading to a coastal destination for some r&r and spa treatments instead!

Anywho, I am off to study for my ginormous bio test and to consume lots of tea and honey. Adieu. 

Back to the grind...

School wasn't horrible today...my sinus infection has now decided to add a bizarre, dry cough to the mix of things. What I find most annoying is trying to sleep with a throat that feels not unlike the summer tundra. I am actually *really* looking forward to getting an uninterrupted, pleasant night's sleep maybe one day next week...maybe? I'm hoping this affliction will have been through with me by then; or perhaps it has more coal to heap upon my brow yet!

My psych exam went swimmingly this morning. Studying over the weekend completely sealed the deal on my big, fat, shiny A that I will be getting back on Monday. Speaking of exams, my next ginormous bio test is WEDNESDAY, over which we have not yet finished lecture. I also need to finish the reading of all 4 chapters that encompass this unit. I also have my second formal lab write up due, a stats quiz, and an in-class essay due in philo on this last day before spring break. What's the freakin deal? This weekend is going to be consumed with studying. I must devise a plan that gets me out of the house to do some off-site studying with minmal distraction. I also have been feeling as though I am operating on auto-pilot in stats lately...ideally I need to redo the last 3 sections of material to solidify the info that I can't seem to bang out.

I am off to grab some Nyquil...perhaps it will ease my transition from annoyed, hormonal, coughing woman into a sleeping nymph of sorts. That's it...my new moniker: The Nyquil Nymph. I am hearting the alliteration. By the by, are you aware that you are required to present a photo ID when purchasing Nyquil? Apparently there are those that *abuse* this Syrup of the Afflicted. I can hardly understand why; are kids that bored these days? Will I soon have to present photo identification to purchase Listerine, as well? 

What a Laugh

So all things did NOT go according to plan yesterday with the whole "making it back to school in time for philosophy." Ha. It is a long story that involves a VERY late bus, running through dicey crosswalks, and smeared eye makeup. Hey, at least I made it back for stats. 

Just got home from a good coffee session @ Pablo's with Mom and Dad. Especially today (post-M&D visit), I feel as though I am abuzz with energy and inspiration...but it could also be partly due to the caffeine from two cups of Peru roast. 

I am finding myself falling into a more comfortable feeling with life in general; I think this comes with age. This comfort is made up of a slow release of things I cannot control, being comfortable with who I am, being aware of my strengths and weaknesses (and finding peace with them), and gratitude for the people in my life. I realize there is so much I want to do in my life, and am coming across an astounding need to slow my horses a bit. I have generally felt that I am constantly seeking that which I can glean from others; be it advice, expertise, approval (boo!), etc. 

Perhaps this is just the experience of growing up...even though my quest for knowledge and perspectives continues, I have a sharper editing tool in which to selectively take it in; to know that everyone DOESN'T have the answers. I especially feel that I have something to share with others, nay, an obligation to share with others. Most specifically I feel like I need to strengthen my contact with my niece. I know how I felt when I was in high school, and I would have loved to have a pipeline to someone older than myself...my sister was much older, and our "sister relationship" a bit detached. This was the fault of no one, just the facts of our situation. Our relationship now is remarkably awesome since we are closer in "life experience." With my niece I feel that I am in a position to encourage and support her...and I need to take more of an active role in doing that. 

ANYWHO...the sinusitis is still ablaze in all its glory, and the postnasal drip continues. I am hoping I will be back in a better health status by the end of the week. Not being able to work out has suppressed my usual stringent food discipline...the one usually polices the other. Not so much for the past week. YIKES. 

I should probably start back on the psych exam studying, since I'll most likely want to have some kind of down time this evening. It may be spring fever or just being ill that has considerably stifled my motivation to study as of late. I find myself REALLY having to push myself to get with the program...it may also be burn out. Taking 14 hours with truly trying subject matter isn't an easy task, that's for sure. Ah well. Onward and upward, ey?

Good Decisions

Good decisions oftentimes don't appear at first to be entirely good. The one I made this morning was a good one, but I wasn't sure of it until just now.

Last day in Pysch today before our huge exam on Wednesday. This morning was like HELL getting out of here, thanks to me being freaked out when I am late/sick/awaiting period. Poor Duane. He doesn't have to be at work until 11, but gets me to school by 7:30 or 8:00am on Mondays. Today we left the house at 8:07; right before we left the house I had a nice freak out about the chloroseptic throat spray I wanted to take to class with me for the all day spree, but it was missing the plastic cap. 

ANYWHO... 

My voice is come and go, but I learned this weekend that my throat feels like bloody, raw flash by the end of the day if I talk too much with this sinus and throat sitch I have going on. And it also sounds like rubbish when I try to talk, so it works out on numerous levels. The first thing the professor says is that in psych we are each TEACHING an 8-9 minute session on a various portion of our chapter. Hell to the no. I came to class expecting a review like most others; not when I had to get into GROUPS, of all things, and put together 8-9 minutes of material for the class. Oh, I was certainly prepared to teach. I spent 5 hours yesterday outlining the chapter and making flashcards in anticipation of the exam this Wed. 

The parts of this plan that were not going to jive was 1. Me not talking today and 2. WORKING with groups in that class. Absolutely no one knows what they are doing, nor have they read the appropriate chapters EVER, so I would have been the only person that knew what was going on, and would have to carry the group. Not today, people. No one is getting a free ride on the Andrea train. 

After 10 minutes of hell, I approached the professor and excused myself from class, seeing that my lack of voice today wouldn't make this specific studying exercise effective whatsoever. After I ducked out of class, I headed over to the Tivoli to work on my stats homework that I haven't touched yet. After sitting in the Tivoli for approximately 15 minutes trying to study in the "designated study area," I was forced to listen to a ridiculous conversation between two girls at the table next to mine. Somehow everyone else studying in the area wasn't a clue that this wasn't a "Let's chat about how I need to get my wedding reception deposit back from Crystal Rose because I need money, I don't have a job, and my in-laws can't front me the dough because they work at Wal-Mart" environment. 

After about 30 minutes of contemplation, I decided to head home, eat lunch, take a nap, finish my stats homework, and then head back to class. I am currently in my post-nap time, about to start my stats homework. Hopefully the contents will make much more sense now when I have chicken noodle soup and an orange popscicle in my belly, a half hour of sleep under my belt (damn Daylight Savings!), a hot tea next to me, and the humidifier running at full speed. My Bio lecture starts in 2 minutes, but I can go over meiosis on my own time. I should be back in time to waltz into my Philosophy class in a remarkably more improved state than that of this morning, and pumped to discuss Euthyphro in all his so-called pious glory.

Coma Dreams: An Ode to Cold Medicine

Yes, I am sick. Very sick. This abomination overtook my immune system this past weekend, and I am SUFFERING. I have a cold/sinus infection hybrid of some sort. I am actually a bit embarrased to be ill, as I am quite proud of my solid-as-a-rock immune forces. However, I did have a nearly-all-nighter last week, and I am dearly paying for it. The all-nighter was WORTH IT, as I aced both biology exam and formal biology write-up. So I suppose I made my deal rightly, ey?

ANYWHO...today was better than yesterday dealing with symptoms, as I was able to procure Puffs lovely lotion-ey goodness instead of wiping my nose with CCD sandpaper-esque toilet paper. My nose had quite a hemorrhoidal resemblance last night as a result of the all-day assault of cheap TP. I was able to remedy that look by smearing a thick layer of antibiotic ointment all over my nose before I went to bed and breathing the sweet, sweet mist of moist air from the humidifier Duane set up.

Today I had my work study job in the AM, and was able to pull through thanks to my stock of supplies: Ricola Honey Lemon cough drops, Nature's Way Umcka Cold Care, Emergen-C, heavy duty non-drowsy cold meds, and the usual suspects of orgeno oil and goldenseal.

Coming home I snagged some subway, including a chocolate chip cookie which my body was screaming for, and proceeded to conk out on the futon after watching the DVR-ed first edition of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It wasn't too bad, but I felt like I was watching some kid nervously try to interview some of his friends using pre-existing inside jokes as sole material. The "Lick it for 10" was juvenile, but fleetingly entertaining for about 30 seconds. On a positive note, I find Jimmy incredibly charming, and I loved the "Slow Jamming the News" bit. The Roots are a great addition to the show. All in all, I think Jimmy is going to improve with each show, and really find his own groove. His nerves I think are part of who he is, but the extra jitters will definitely abate with time and practice. Hell, I'd be so nervous taking over this spot, and Jimmy has made no secret of what big shoes he must fill. I am really looking forward to seeing him gain more confidence and also find really cool ways to appeal to the younger demographic. The webisodes on his blog pre-launch of the show were incredibly promising and refreshingly innovative compared to the antiquated (IMHO) Leno template. I will definitely be watching to see how it all unfolds.

I have two quizzes tomorrow, so I better get crackalackin on studying. Adieu.

Socialize me

This weekend turned into a time of nifty get-togethers. The most notable event took place this evening at Amy's house. It was such a fun night--everyone being genuinely cool and talented...you don't experience this too often. I haven't laughed this hard in a very long time, so it just *felt* great to experience some natural endorphins after weeks upon weeks of intense studying.

Duane and I enjoyed some HQ frozen custard this afternoon...the first time since the custard place reopened in January. Honestly, people...it tasted like victory: sweet, creamy victory with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Post custard, we went frolicking in the deceptively warm looking weather at Cheeseman Park. It was tolerable if you stayed in the sunshine and avoided the shadows. It was fun just to run around and dodge the dog dog poop.

ANYWHO...it is ridiculously late. Must sleep! Tomorrow we'll be devoting the day to studies.

Surprise Snow

Duane and I awoke this morning to crazy snowfall circa 5:45am. Last night's weather report was for some light snow showers/flurries during the afternoon. Incorrect, I say. Duane rushed to get ready, as he would definitely be needing to take public transport to work; he wasn't going to drive in this mess. 

I had plans to be on campus first thing this morning, but the snow changed my agenda. I watched part of the Today show and made some calls. I needed to touch base with Amy/Lana/Nicole to confirm that I could list them for my work study job references. Hoorah for nickels on the hour, but the plus side is the fact that work is around my class schedule. This rules. I'm just so glad and fortunate to have Duane's support through this return to school. In the long run, I know that 3 more years of school will yield YEARS of kick ass financial freedom. With that financial freedom comes comfort, travel, homeownership, and the start of a family. 

Circa 1:30pm I made my way out into the wilderness today. The main roads are wet, but the side roads are in horribly slushy shape. I had to return the wide angle lens I rented for Stacia's photo shoot yesterday, which went swimmingly. There were a few incidents with Charley sans diaper, but after 2 changes of clothes, we were once again looking and smelling fresh. It was so great to have shoot again after SOOO long. These past few months of being laid off and subsequently waiting for school to start have been less than thrilling, so getting back in the game was great fun. Yesterday I really felt invigorated post-shoot. ALSO the 48 degree weather and sunshine driving back up from Castle Rock was SO energizing. Cold weather just DOESN'T suit me. 

Speaking of fresh, I ran to get some groceries and grabbed some single-serving coffee "tea bags" of sorts. I've been jonesing for coffee lately, and I really don't need to be going to Starbucks to get it. Not only am I wasting the paper cup, I am spending at least $1.00 more than I have to for some coffee. I KNOW I own a coffee maker; my mom bought me one for my dorm days. Alas, I believe that sucker may be hanging out in Mom and Dad's basement or perhaps in Mom's office. EH. Anyway, the fact is that I don't want to buy a new coffeemaker when I KNOW I have one. These single serving doo dads should do the trick for the interim. 

With the new tight budget and back to eating incredibly healthy, this combination has made grocery shopping quite the task. It takes TWICE the planning to create meals that aren't boring, but are sure to contain ingredients that are on sale. This makes for a lot of "improv" meal planning while in the store. 

I certainly feel more lucid mentally since starting back last week, but my body really needs to catch up. Post-Yoga and Hip Hop last week, I could BARELY raise my shoulders without screaming in pain. Duane totally hooked me up with some mega therapeutic massage and I became best friends once again with Aspercreme. Hopefully I can get back to class tomorrow with some better weather. I am so grateful for the small gym we have in our apartment, but I am so over the treadmill and elliptical. Taking classes at the 24Hour Fitness locations really helps to mix it up.

Anywho...Duane should be home soon, and we are hitting the gym. I am gonna suit up!

Trouble Sleeping

Back to the blog...almost a year since I've posted. Perhaps a trend here? Anywho...a quick update on life. Duane and I got married. It was truly one of the best and worst days of my life. Honeymoon was a blasty blast, then I came back to work. I think that is where I lost my way. I came back to work and really had nothing to look forward to besides my 26th (ugh) birthday. I didn't feel like hitting the gym for 2+ hours daily, nor did I feel like eating at Subway on a daily basis. I had just spent the past year planning my wedding (every detail--I have the official large and in charge "Wedding Binder" as proof) and losing a lot of weight. My life was almost militaristic in discipline and rote. 

Coming back from the honeymoon into real life felt as if I had been rocketed from earth at ridiculous speed this whole past year of planning and working out, and then was set afloat aimlessly in the atmosphere. I lacked direction, but I was fine with that for a while. It was nice to be able to relax. It was great, if not disorienting, to not have several appointments over the weekend. We could relax. We could sleep in. We could eat!

My 26th birthday in September came and went. I hated work. Well, I was consistently hating work for over a year, but it was PAYING for the wedding. I kept my head down and just moved forward. Then came October 28th, when I was shockingly laid off amongst a dozen or so people. In the past 2+ years of employment by the new housing industry, it was I who had been laid off. I had survived by now what it seemed like a few dozen lay offs, but it was truly my time. 

After it happened I had a bizarre mix of sadness, shock, and happiness. I had numerous discussions in the previous months with Duane about how I could quit my job and go back to school full-time. However, with the economy the way it was/is, I was waiting for a "better" time to pursue my plans. Looks like my dreams had come true, eh? But they hadn't come to fruition on my terms. But then I thought...if they were truly on "my terms," would I really have made it happen? Would I have really gone through with it? Doubtful. 

ANYWHO...so here I am. 2 months post-layoff with a few weeks before school starts in the spring. I took advantage of my paid severance and did some job shadowing and intense research as to what I would pursue. Right now the plan is to take nursing school prerequisites so I can apply for nursing school in November. We'll see where that takes me. 

I'm planning to also travel to Chicago in '09 to take a week improv immersion at Second City. Depending on the summer semester schedule, I'd love to go either in the spring or summer. 

Back to the Gym

This week also marks the beginning of the last leg of my weight loss goal. I have lost over 100 pounds since January of 2007, but I need to finish what I started. My final goal by the end of April is to lose 30-40 pounds. It isn't a matter of having difficulty knowing how to lose the weight (G-d knows I know it inside and out), but actually DOING it. I've been on this path for so long now... just a matter of a few months before it is finished. Duane is also going to be dropping the LB's with me over the next 4 months, which helps. When we're not both on the same page, we seem to be each other's enablers. So here we go.

Play Ball!

Yep. Its the start of the season. The Rockies start their season this Friday here at Coor's Field. Opening day tickets sold out in under 2 hours, so Duane and I have tickets for Saturday's game when all the pennant hulabaloo takes place.

We visited Altos this weekend, which wasn't bad. I would not recommend the lemon olive oil cake which resembled (and tasted) much like a 2-day old lemon muffin that had been left out on the counter. Not cool.

This weekend seemed to last forever. We hiked in Garden of the Gods...which is less like hiking in the great outdoors and more like being a tourist in Disneyland. 30% of the trails we were on were paved. It really is a hodge podge of touristy photo ops and then small glimmers of nature. Just when you think you're in the wilderness you run into a small troop of baby strollers and a family all wearing "Boysn" souvenir hooded sweatshirts. Yikes. Saturday night was spent in Elizabeth with el rents and a Sunday morning full of glorious blueberry pancakes.

I am hoping my 3 hour walk/faux hike on Saturday made up for the fact that I did not enter the gym this weekend. I keep fluctuating with the same 5 pounds over and over again. I hope to really change up the routine this week and drop some LB's like its my job. Because it actually is. This wedding in June is LOOMING. I also have the pressure of having to find my sister and mom a bridesmaid dress this month. Oy.

I have no time during the week after work. From 5-5:40pm I am driving from work to the gym. From 5:40-7:40 I am working out. From 7:40-7:55 I am driving home from the gym. I have from 8:00-10:00 to make dinner, maybe watch a television show, and throw a load of laundry in. My Jeep needs to be CLEANED out, I need to CLEAN OUT my closet, and just get rid of a ton of stuff in general.

I also need to focus my energies on re-starting my photog biz. My client base in Phoenix was nothing to sneeze at, and if I want to escape from cubicle nation, I need to hit it full force.

I am really trying to prioritize here. The weight loss is obviously my numero uno goal. This consists of:
1. Gyming
2. Meal prep
3. Eating consistently
4. Drinking mucho agua

In comparison to many people's issues, I really shouldn't be stressing out. But I literally agonize over everything I eat, "Is this too much? Is it not enough? Could I have made a better choice?" It seriously takes over and consumes my mind ALL.THE.TIME. Its really almost to a point of an obsession that ultimately leads to incredible anxiety.

Do they make Xanax in a form of gum?

If exercise is such a great way to deal with stress, does it still work when the exercise/eating is part of it all?

Dentist appointment tomorrow to remove this plastic molar from my skull and to fill those 2 cavities. Hallelujah. Not cool: making up the 3 hours lost in the dentist chair from being at work in this chair.

Well hello there...
Wow. In 6 days it would have been an entire year since I posted. CRAZAY.

What has been going on? Well, I moved back to Colorado from Arizona as of May 1st, 2007. I had to move in May due to the fact that I wanted to maintain my Colorado residency for escuela. Glory be. Bad news: Duane had to fulfill his year obligation to the company he was working for. So long story short, Duane didn't move back to Colorado until August/September. Needless to say long-distance situations are difficult.

But we made it.

ANNNNND...we are getting hitched in June. I have spent the past 7 months planning this wedding (for reals this time-not kidding. We're talking DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN PLACED, people) and losing weight. I've dropped 40+ pounds since September, which actually sounds kind of lame. 32 of those pounds have been dropped since the end of November. Needless to say I got my butt in gear kind of late in the game.

So right now I am the lightest I have been in my entire adult life. I should be completely excited, but I know I have a ways to go before hitting my goal. April is going to be a key month, as I have all my fittings at the end of May (weddin dress comes in, undergarments have to be ordered, etc. ).

Hmm...oh yes! Going backward a bit, I was in a concentrated comp course over the summer which was a doosey. Never again. It was great to be back in school mode, but I had no time left to think or go to the bathroom.

I am now officially a cat-owner. We rescued Simone (10 month old Tortie longhair mix) from the Dumb Friends League here in Denver in February. She's a good cat, but likes to wake me up at 4:00am by chewing on my bedside lamp. Not cool. Doesn't she know it's from Ikea? Dang, I have to drive like 9 hours one way to get to the nearest one.

My Gram is in town this weekend from Nebraskie, so we'll be a brunchin this weekend. Tonight we're heading down to my rents' place for some Shabbat dinner action. I haven't seen the rentals in a few weeks, so it will be nice to have a mini family reunion.

BAD NEWS: I only worked out 3 days this week! Ugh. I had some serious dental work done on Tuesday (no pumping iron or 80 minute cardio sessions for me), and then yesterday we had a (thrice rescheduled) meeting with our main wedding vendor. Shabbat tonight trumps any voluntary sweating situations. Ah well. This weekend I will hit the gym with a vengeance. I really don't have a choice with a necessary 40 pound weight loss before June looming over my head.

ANYWHO...that's enough updating for now. TGIF, folk.

Coon's Age

Hola, peeps. It certainly has been a while, but I have been hella busy. The photog biz is mad, and Phoenix is...just...well, Phoenix.

Duane and I hit up the Salsa Challenge in Tempe Townlake this afternoon after I shot some senior portraits in Mesa. IT.WAS.AWESOME. But then again, I definitely have an "O" face for salsa. The margs were free flowing, and the event was starring my favorite condiment of all time.

I shot my first wedding on Friday, and it went swimmingly. The couple was so down to earth and casual that it made my job an absolute joy.

We also just got back from seeing "Reign Over Me," which was a great flick. HOWEVER, some old bitch sitting one seat over from us made AUDIBLE comments the entire time, like, "Say it!" OR "Oh, that's HORRIBLE!" I honestly had to hold back a bucket of "SHHH!!!!" Then she started violently crying at the end of the movie. It honestly ruined the experience.

Anyway, if you get a chance to see the flick...go see it. It makes you want to wander the streets of New York City and remodel your kitchen.

That BITCH

So my Bluetooth headset was recovered, thanks to my ever so cleverly designed signs I posted in the hallways. Never underestimate the power of clever signage...or the maintenance lady stealing your headset. EVS. I have it back, and I am going to dump a stream of alcohol on my ear gel for about 3 hours. YES.

So I've lost 17 pounds since the 3rd of January. Something to celebrate, I suppose. I'm not feeling/looking too different...but that won't come so soon.

I have very little patience these days...

"Valentine's Day is over-rated," so says my fiance. Wow. They really do give up on you once the ring is on the finger. But I guess I can't complain...we're going to a nice dinner...one that I have nothing to wear to. So we lead back to the weight loss issue. I absolutely refuse to buy any new clothing at this state. I'll have to find a brand new dress on the side of the street or dig something out of the depths that might work. MY LIFE IS ROMANCE.

I canceled my credit card with Capital One today...GOOD RIDDANCE. They are the McDonalds of the credit card world and not worth your time.

I need to do something with my hair...it is BORING. It seems odd that hair that takes quite a while to "do" essentially has a drabbish final effect. I'm longing for change, people. As soon as May-June rolls around, I may do something quite rash to my look...and the mere thought of that sends me.

Ah well.

I think I'm going to book a massage for myself this weekend. I need some hot stone therapy FO SHO.

Lazy Sunday

Not so lazy in fact. How about some news, then?

-I strained a tendon in my left foot because I FELL in the parking lot at work. No cardio for basically 2 weeks. SUCK! However, I am now back on track, so good news there. Duane and I have been working out at least 6 days a week, somedays doing a 4:30am and then a 7:00pm in the evening. In other news, my personal trainer is totally flaking out on me. I had my first session on the 3rd, and then had to cancel my second due to the ankle, but she hasn't returned my calls to reschedule.

-Have you heard of Amy Winehouse? You will LOVE her. Check out "I'm No Good" and "Rehab." You can find her on Myspace.

-I bought a fisheye camera, and I LOVE it.

-Work is slowing...they have been laying off quite a few people. I know I am not in danger of losing my job, but its been a bit more difficult trying to stay busy.

-It has been raining since Friday--just a gloomy, cold weekend.

This Bitch is BACK!

WHAT UP, ya'll. So I OFFICIALLY have a personal trainer starting today. O-MAZING. This could be the start of something GRAAAAAND.

I wish I felt more compelled to write about the initial experience, but I'm not feeling it. My tests revealed that my bicep strength is extremely kick ass, but who would want to admit to that? Just call me the STRONG ARM.

Kelly/Celia's birthday celebration is this weekend...should be sweet. I have a photo gig on Sunday morning. LOVELY. Wow, now that those two are in an accurate perspective, that does NOT sound like a good idea at all. OH WELL.

Headlines as of late:
Duane had to work a crap load this week...hoorah for the end of the month/year/holiday season.
Andrea has trouble finding shoes...visits 4 stores before finding a winner.
Andrea gets back in touch with Jon Bloom.
Andrea spends $89 at Target when she just went in just to buy a birthday card and some toothpaste.
The front screen of Andrea's "V" phone gets destroyed for some reason, robbing her of caller id and aesthetic value.
Andrea pays $14.40 for her dad's birthday card full of cash to arrive "next day" in Colorado, and the card is MIA.
TOP CHEF? WHERE DID YOU GO?
Aunt Flow comes back from nearly a year-long vacation.

Haven't blogged in ages, it seems. Time is flying. I'm doing a lot of shooting lately...the next two weekends booked. The extra cash is tres bien. Reading enough Ellroy to last weeks...we share similar obsessions.

New site: www.getoutstudios.com

12.1

Wow. I was just looking for a disc of images (of which I have yet to locate), but this search brought about the discovery of some photos from last summer. I looked extremely great.

Now?

I am 180 degrees different. This is shocking. I must change this.

Saw CRANKED tonight, and it was...well...cracked out a bit. It was what we expected--not too much, but highly entertaining. Amy Smart played a ridiculous role of a sleepy, dumb girlfriend who gets reamed in China Town. On the concrete. And. On a newspaper machine.

CLASSY.