wow.

this too shall pass.

Stress is not what happens to us. It's our response to what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose. ~Maureen Killoran

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.  ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

Thank you for all of the wonderful words of wisdom and advice! :)

Not sure if it was the kind words or the massive amounts of junk I've eaten today {starbucks, cookies, yogurt pretzels, you name it...}, but today was better than yesterday.

Time has an amazing way of healing things!

stress mitigation.

I could perhaps be described as a "worry wart."

I realize that stress is all relative, and I thought I was getting better about appropriately dealing with the stresses in my life. 

However, this week and last have been out of control.

I need tips to deal with these feelings.

{Because I assume losing sleep, making myself sick, and avoiding contact with the outside world is not an appropriate way to cope...}

I try to go to the gym regularly to relieve stress, but am left getting home around 9pm with an overwhelming amount of stuff to finish before the next work day.

I try to get enough rest, but can't fall asleep thinking of all the items looming on my "to-do" list.

So, please help! What helps you deal with the stress in your life? How do you get it all done? And how do you deal with the feelings of failure that accompany not being able to get it all done?

i can't make this stuff up.

When I started working downtown over a year ago, I put my name on a list for a parking spot through work. 

Today, I finally got a call from the parking office. They finally offered me a spot!

I thought for a second if I'd like to change parking spaces since it would be cheaper than where I am parking now. Then I realized...not only am I currently paying for covered parking, but I am also saving money by not joining eHarmony.

This darn parking garage is where all the action happens. If not for the shuttle, I would never have a date. {sigh}

This week has been particularly eventful in the ol' car shed...

this is literally what i ride to work in. classy, eh?

On my 7am ride to work yesterday, I was alone on the shuttle with the driver. We have a cordial relationship - she patiently waits for me when I'm running late in the mornings and waves each evening when I leave - but I believe we have bonded this week. She claims to have found my "soulmate," and for that I eternally owe her...

Apparently, all of the attendants in the garage believe me and "Michael" {from the 8:45am shuttle...} would be an adorable couple.

I've never met this young stallion, but her description of the dream boy: "He's super friendly, looks professional, sometimes wears glasses....and kinda short."

And that may be where Michael falls short in my book.

Hopefully things don't get awkward on the bus because hiking to work in heels is not a viable option for me. I'll keep you posted.

a {few} days late**

Although this is several days late, I mean it just the same.

My dear friend, Simply MJ, had a birthday last Friday.

Meg is such a genuine, caring young lady. She truly has a heart of gold and would never wish bad things upon anyone. 

I'm so glad we all got to be together this weekend, and I hope she had a wonderful birthday weekend! Although we were celebrating a friend's wedding, I hope she knows we were all wishing her a good time as well! :)

I speak for the whole gang when I say "we love you Marge!"

HAPPY {Late} BIRTHDAY!

**Apparently, despite paying my hefty bill each month, TWC doesn't feel any need to guarantee internet service. I have been thinking about this birthday post for nearly a week, but have been unable to get on the internet {that I pay for} since last Wednesday. 

My roommate called to make an appointment for them to come fix it {for the fourth time since May} and they apparently made it for "anytime" on Thursday. Awesome. I don't have to work or anything. And even if I did, I'd rather spend my ENTIRE day waiting for someone to show up.

I believe we'll be looking for another service provider. Thanks for being mediocre.

happy birthday k-fulch

To my "little sister" {with much delta love},

 my reliable "date", 

my Halloween character,

my "Patsy Todd,"

dancin' fool, 

generous, caring, thoughtful friend.

May you have a wonderful 23rd birthday  

{WEEK!...because you deserve it}!

cooking fresh

I was sweating standing still today after work as I was waiting for the shuttle to pick me up and drive me back to the parking garage {note: was waiting for the shuttle because I didn't want to walk and get sweaty. fail.}, and that is when I decided I absolutely can't take this hot hot weather much longer. Ugh.

So, I came home and made a light, fresh dinner in an attempt to "embrace" the August heat.

Now let me share because I think it is delicious...

"EVOO" Pasta

Cook desired amount of pasta - I used whole wheat.

Rinse cooked noodles in cold water to cool.

Spray olive oil over noodles {or pour if you don't have a handy mister like I do - thanks KB}.

Chop fresh tomato and avocado and add to pasta.

Season with Dried Basil, Oregano, Lemon Pepper {generous amount - I love this stuff}, and sea salt to taste. 

Mangia, mangia!

This pasta dish is so easy, and tastes so light and fresh even in this summer weather.

Try it! I think you'll like it!

hide ya kids, hide yo wife...

I admit, I'm a wimp. Total baby.

So, when I originally heard the story of a woman waking up to a man IN HER BED about to rape her I was terrified. My worst fear {well, maybe second or third worst fear for those who know me...} come true.

And then I saw THIS breaking news report, and didn't feel so scared. Doesn't look like my neighborhood. This has to be a joke.

And THIS made me laugh even harder...is this for real?!

 

People are crazy. Maybe I should be scared after all...

fall into me

It is too hotttttt to function.

I've had enough.

Totally ready for fall. Get at me cooler weather.

Fall and Winter are my favorite times of the year. 

 

I'm really looking forward to this season just right around the corner!

I'm totally craving:

fall football games & tailgating

scarves & cute jackets

my birthday {even though 24 sounds OLD!}, halloween, thanksgiving and then christmas! which, ultimately means time off work and relaxation with family

pumpkin spice chai lattes - heaven in a cup

...this may be a stretch, but I'm even looking forward to outside runs in cool weather!

homeless?

One thing that caught me off guard immediately when I moved up here - that showed I was in a much bigger city - is the amount of homeless people scattered about.

On my walk to work - check. 

Walk to lunch - check. 

Walk back to parking garage - check. 

Even on the way home from work - in my own neighborhood - check.

It's very sad, but somehow I've just gotten used to it.

However, I was caught even more off guard a couple weeks ago when my roommate and I were driving to the gym and saw a group of 5 of the regular homeless in our part of town hop into a new red Matrix station wagon. What? Who paid for their new car!?

And then again today, I saw a woman that stands by the nail salon set down her sign, walk up towards the shops, take out a cigarette, and then flip open her cell phone! Where do they send this phone bill - she's "homeless" after all?

I am so confused. Even if they aren't "homeless" - I feel bad that these people have given up. They spend their days sitting out in the sun - the 90+ degree sun - when they could be contributing so much more to society. 

And if they are homeless, obviously my heart breaks even more for them. I know it's not my business, but I do want to know more - where do they come from? how did they get to this place in their lives? how can they get back on track? where are their families? 


The lonely, tired women I see every day on my drive home are on my heart tonight. Although I have become used to seeing many homeless in my daily routine, it doesn't make me any less sad for them.