Weekend Review {7/18}

FRIDAY

Knowing I would only have to work a limited number of hours, I decided to go to work later than normal and get a early morning run in.  I bit myself in the ass.  The trick to running in Charleston?  Doing it before the sun comes up.  No question.  Which is the worst because getting up early sucks balls.  Butttttt, getting up before the sun comes up means views like below, soooo I guess it balances out.

4.5 miles later, I made it home, showered, and headed to work.  I almost had a breakdown on the way to work because #fuckingtrains in Charleston.  Traffic was super backed up at a red-light I turn at and I discovered why when it was finally my turn and a train was blocking the way.  Fortuantely it was right at the end, so I wasn't stopped for long.  Then, I start making progress again and realize I am unable to merge into the lane I need to be into to turn.  When I got to the intersection, I Nemesis Train 2 stopped in the middle of the tracks.  Great.  So I decided to just do a u-turn and go a different way.  That is the one good thing about Charleston, there are always alternative routes. 

I forgot about traffic in the detour I took to skip the backed up red-light.  As I was about to catch a break in traffic, I heard it, the sound of the ding ding ding when the track arms go down to block traffic.  I would have had to stop at the track, so I went back the way I came.  This time, it was cleared.  I immediately got into the lane I needed and remembered why I never travel in that lane.  In true SC fashion, there was a project to take up the surface of the road.. except that it was never repaved.  So both sets of RR tracks on that road are super rough.  Not the actual tracks themselves (at least no worse than they were before) but the road where the pavement was taken up where it meets the road where the tracks are.  Poor Yurtle's alignment.

Mourning my tires and alignment, I continued on my way to work.  As I was crossing the tracks where the 2nd back up had been, a train engine starts blaring the horn.  As I'm crossing the 3-4th (of 6 sets) tracks (they are close together), I see a man step out into the street and stop traffic for the engine to cross.  Grateful, I didn't have to stop, I trekked on. 

I have to pass an area where the interstate comes out onto the road where semi-trucks are constantly at since the paper mill/wood processing is right by the exit.  On this day, my invisa-shield must have been on high because a semi with a trailer pulled out in front of me.  I was so close that I had to completely stop (rather suddenly) for this asshole to cross the road.. except that I had the right of way... not a stop sign.  Livid at all the stupid shit that was happening to me within such a short period of time, and only 5 minutes from work, I figure it will be fine.  WRONG.  There are also 2 sets of RR tracks on that road and as I was approaching, the arm came down for the 1st set of tracks.  But only on my side of the street, not the other.  Then I realized there was a man working on the arms.  I was soooo enraged, I checked to see if a train was coming, then went around the arm.  I did see Nemesis Train 1 sitting at the tracks, getting ready to cross the street, but fortunately, it stayed stopped.  I made it to work in one piece, with a racing heart (that truck really scared me), and annoyance levels at max, my morning run zen completely shattered.

NO.  Unacceptable on this day.
This photo was taken because the sheer ludicracy of the entire morning.

I tried planning a shopping date with Teh SC Greyhound Neighbor, but it ended up falling through.  Since I'm mostly untasked at work, I battled with the printer to print out coupons for my shopping excursion.  I wanted to go Office Space on it, but didn't because #reasonableindividual.  When it was time to leave, I didn't even look back.  I was so over everything.  I headed to Target, on a solo mission to spend and save monies.  I started by stopping at Starbucks for a much needed peppermint mocha frap, then I carried on with my mission.  I ended up spending $193 and getting $25 back in gift cards.  The only questionable purchase I made that I didn't really need was the Sharpie markers, but I've been wanting some for a while now and now I have them.  I also returned some crates that I wasn't planning on using in the immediate future, which was $15 back to me as well. 

I considered going by Walmart to return a few items, but I was mostly over everything by that point.  I went home and unloaded Yurtle and piddled around on the computer until Teh German came home.  The pink morning sky had tipped me off, so I wasn't surprised to see this when I got home:

Pink sky in the morning, Sailor's warning.
Pink sky at night, Sailor's delight.

 
I texted Teh German and told him that our evening entertainment of watching Inside Out at the park might be questionable.  We discussed it once he got home after consulting our weather apps.  The storm sounded pretty bad, but was supposed to dissipate by 7 and the movie wasn't set to start until 8:30.  I inquired if he wanted leftovers for dinner or to go out.  We ended up deciding on going out to a place near where the movie was going to be.  This way, we'd be close if the movie was still playing.  We tried a Japanese place called Myles and Jun Yakitori.  It was spectacular.  We'll definitely be going back.  I had the Ramen and Teh German had the filet and chicken hibachi combo.  Next time, I'll try the yakitori.  We were given samples of their sangria sake and it was deeeelicious.  Because I checked in on Yelp, we got a free sake as well.  #yelpperks  It was so good, I didn't even think to take photos.  We even splurged on dessert, honey toast with red bean ice cream.  Everything was so delicious. 

I did question the check because the menu I'd looked at online said the dessert was $4 but we were charged $7.  I brought this to the attention of the waitress and she showed me the menu in the restaurant said $7.  I said it was ok, but also explained that online there is a menu that says $4 and maybe that should be fixed.  We paid and were leaving and I realized that I should probably use the bathroom since I didn't know what the situation would be at the park.  As I was headed out the door, the owner (who had been to our table several times and had greeted the regulars by name) stopped me and thanked me for pointing out the discrepancy.  She was going to give me the difference and I told her just to add it to the tip (mostly because I didn't want to be late for the movie and I knew it would most likely be a complicated process).

I had checked FB several times and confirmed that the movie was still on.  The storm had passed and other than wet grass and the humidity, it was a perfect evening for a movie outside.  I cried more watching Inside Out the 2nd time than I did the first time.  But seriously, Figment.  Nooooo! 

After the movie, we headed home and it was bedtime after some internet time.

SATURDAY

Teh German had to work on Saturday, so he was getting up at regular time.  I figured it was a good opportunity to get in some miles.  #WHOAMI #wheredidthismotivationcomefrom  I think Teh German was also surprised to see me out of bed so early on a sleep in day, but I explained that the sun was the difference between bearable and not, so runs in the dusk it was. 

8.29 miles later and feeling pretty pleased with my life choices, I took selfies with the dogs, showered, and headed to town.  I went back to Target because I had left a $1 coupon at home and I didn't get a $3 coupon credit.  I walked out of Target $4 richer, then headed to the Commissary to stock the freezer.  After some snaggles with the card machine, I had to write a check like it was 1992 to pay for my groceries and I was headed back home.  Teh German called and we made a lunch plan.  I would meet Teh German and some coworkers at Panera after going home and putting the groceries away.  Then we could hit up Holy City Brewery's birthday celebration thing, Cycle Gear since stands were on sale, and Total Wine for Teh German's beer needs.  I also chatted with Teh Dad on the way home.

I decided to ride Mike to Panera, which was fine while I was in motion, but once I stopped, it was hot.  Leather boots don't really get a breeze on your toes, so my feet felt like they were in vats of lava.  Or so I could guess.  I didn't eat at Panera since I was late and everyone else had already eaten.  Also, I wasn't overly hungry.  I proclaimed it skinny week.  I agreed to get something at Holy City.  We dropped off Mike at Teh German's office and took his car for our adventures. 

When we got to Holy City, it was super crowded, it was also super hot.  We didn't even make it to the bar when I said, please don't make me.  Teh German acquiesced and we left almost as quickly as we had arrived.  There were too many people and it was too hot for me to remain in that situation.  Also, lava feet.  This is why people that live in the South wear flip flops year round.  We're used to the breeze on our toes.

We stopped at Cycle Gear since we were close and picked up the stands and Teh German got another set of new headlights for Suzi (with the plan to return the 1st set of lights).  Then, we headed towards Total Wine.  Since I still hadn't eaten, I gave into the temptation to go to Mex 1.  I didn't regret it.  I scarfed down my food and for once, I didn't need a box for leftovers.  We hit up Total Wine where Teh German was dismayed to find zero Westbrook White Thai for sale.  This left him in a predicament where he had to decide on a different beer to buy.  After several sales associates asked me if there was anything they could help me find (since I was hanging out beside a shelf at the end of the beer section and looking particularly lost), I suggested that they get chairs, like they have outside of women's dressing rooms.  I have no idea what he ended up picking, but we have beer!  We stopped by Teh German's Company to pick up Mike.  We made a pit-stop at a furniture store that has been advertising that they are going out of business to look for a nightstand for Teh German's side of the bed.  With no success, we headed home.

We hung out for the rest of the evening, me reading, Teh German social media-ing and installing the new lights in Suzi.  We ended up having a vegetable buffet for dinner around 9 after neither of us were particularly hungry at dinner time after I finished my book.  I also pulled out the cold cuts, so I deemed it a well-rounded meal... with the exception of the chives and onion cream cheese I spread on my cold cuts.  #notsorry

My running skirt arrived for one of my costumes for our Disneyland run!!!

After a little more internet time, it was finally bedtime.

SUNDAY

Sleep in day was Sunday.  Meri did get up on the bed to snuggle with us, but I kicked her off after my back started hurting.  She tried Teh German's side of the bed and he also told her, "off."  She huffed and puffed and went back to her bed for another few hours.  We fell back asleep until 1015.  Soon after, we got up and started being productive.  Teh German started mowing the grass, I started the laundry, picked up poop, and vacuumed the entire house.

This was completely empty before I started.
1.  Gross.  2.  I should vacuum more often.

 When I was finished vacuuming and showering, we headed out to Holy City Brewery.  We had agreed to HCB for brunch since I had opted out the day before.  It was perfect.  Because it was storming, the bay doors were closed and it was dry inside and super cool (thank you fans) and there were barely any people there.  We sat at the bar and everyone near us ended up being friendly.  Teh German got the fried bologna sammich and I had the pancakes and waffles.  As always, HCB noms were deeeeelicious.  In fact, the lady seated beside me also ordered chicken and pancakes and I purposely watched her take her first bite and got a big smile from her groan of satisfaction.  I said, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one with that reaction and she confirmed, nope.  We also ended up bringing a growler home of a kolisch I was tolerant of. 

With our bellies full, we headed by Cycle Gear to try and return the older set of lights with no success since the guy we talked to on Saturday wasn't working.  Then we headed to Lowe's (ugh) to get our fourth weed-eater.  Why my father suggested that Teh German get a battery powered weed-eater in the first place was beyond me, but our 4th weed-eater is gas powered and you can buy spiffy attachments for it, so it better be our last one.  I can feel that you are still confused about FOUR weed-eaters.. Let me explain.

1- Broke.  Returned.
2- I picked up the corded version instead of the battery powered.  Returned.
3- Fully charged battery couldn't even complete our tiny yard.  Teh German wasn't having that.  Returned.
4. Gas powered.  Not used yet.  Not returning it.

After Lowe's, we headed to Big Lots to scope out if they had a nightstand.  We did get distracted by pergolas and canopies for the patio and window flower boxes.  We ended up walking out empty handed.  We headed home and tended to the beasts and proceeded to be lazy for the rest of the evening.  While we watched Silver Linings Playbook, I was troubleshooting why books I sideloaded onto my Kindle aren't showing up.  I did at least figure out that the books are ON my Kindle, but I have to view them through my docs rather than in the books section.  Weird, but whatever.  Reading unhindered.  I gave up and decided to make breakfast for the next few days.  Veggie frittatas and "energy" balls.  I kind of winged both recipes, but both turned out pretty awesome.

Energy balls

The balls are just nuts and dried fruit pulsed in the food processor until diced enough.  I added 2 scoops of protein powder for an extra boost, a bit of milk so it was sticky enough to hold everything together and rolled out the balls.

For the frittatas, I chopped up a head of broccoli, some carrots, and some mushrooms in the food processor (aka, my 2nd favorite kitchen appliance after the crockpot).  The recipe called for 4 eggs and 3 egg whites, so I used 6 whole eggs.  Only using part of the egg enrages me and #IdowhatIwant.  I added some thyme and salt and pepper and mixed the veggies with the beaten eggs.  I orchestrated with the crappy oven and when it was 375˚ I put the frittatas that I'd poured into a muffin tin in the oven to cook.  Due to oven circumstances, I may have over cooked these a bit, but it didn't really make that much of a difference.  The taste was still delightful.

I'd say these frittatas will definitely be added to the breakfast rotation.  Teh German has given his approval for both this morning.

After I cleaned up my mess, Teh German did the dishes and I headed upstairs to wrangle with the laundry that I'd forgotten about.  Soon, we were in bed.  Unable to go to sleep, I admitted to Teh German that I was feeling like the work balance at home wasn't evenly distributed.  I felt like I had worked a lot more than he had.  I've thought this before, but also knew that he'd be taking up outside duties when we moved and this was really the first day I'd been able to judge.  And the worst part is the battle going on in my head.  I'm sharing my ugly/crazy with you here, because maybe someone else can tell me that I'm not alone over here.

I was irritated that I felt like I had done all the work.  I've been telling myself for several years now, it's not about keeping score, work will never be evenly divided.  Teh German works hard and he is at work for longer than I am every day (he gets overtime, I don't).  Yet, this didn't make a difference to me.  My brain was being obstinate and refusing to accept this.  I'm telling him about these things going on in my head and then I enraged myself by saying, "I know I'm just being silly..."  My feelings aren't silly.  I KNOW these things, but when it gets dark and my brain won't shut the fuck up, the crazy amps up and up and up and just spirals out of control. 

I progressed to telling him that maybe it wasn't just that I was feeling overworked, but maybe it was just that I wasn't feeling appreciated for all the things I do.  Then he says the dreaded, "I don't know what to say.  I'm not asking you to do all these things.  You could NOT do them."  Not being facetious in anyway, but when I'm full of ideas for him to do to make me feel better, definitely the wrong thing to say.  I only hesitated a beat (since my crazy was already on high anyways) to tell him maybe he should tell me he loves me, or appreciates the fact that there are always meals cooked and clean laundry to wear.  And if I didn't do these things, who would.  I did resist the urge to say, "Cool, then you can fend for yourself for breakfast this week."  He had been annoyingly petting my arm in a way that I can only describe as "friend-zone." 

And then my brain switched gears and just wanted to put the entire conflicting conversation out of mind.  I suggested that distraction was always a good way to make my brain quiet... and always a way to show appreciation.  He gave a solid reply when he said, "I don't want to have sex with you when you're sad."  I actually laughed out loud.  Fair enough.  I'll just clear up any ambiguity, we had sex.  As always, good.  But when it was time for sleep, my brain glitched again and I couldn't help myself from thinking, "Did I just emotionally manipulate my boyfriend to have sex with me?" 

As if the entire thing wasn't fucked up enough, add that to the mix and I slept like shit last night.  I still can't get it out of my head.  What kind of person does that?  What is wrong with me?  Am I actually crazy?  Is the feeling that the work is unevenly distributed valid?  Will receiving more appreciation actually make me feel better about my "sacrifice"?  By appreciation, I don't mean sex... well, I don't mean only sex. 

I had planned on going on a run this morning, but after shitty sleeps, it wasn't happening.  After almost 13 miles this weekend, I cut myself some slack.  I did pack my gym bag, just in case, but I doubt it will happen.  The good intentions (as always) are there though.

_________________________________

Overall, a very productive and good weekend.  We did get in some lazy time, which is always appreciated.  Teh German said he didn't overly love Silver Linings Playbook (his loss), but at least we watched a movie together that wasn't animated AND it was over before dinner time, which meant going to bed on time.. ya know, except for that part where my crazy escaped my control.

I have two more things to show you before you go.  First off, lookie...  It's a baby Carolina Reaper.  It's name is Reapy.  A former coworker and wife gave us a Carolina Reaper pepper and Reaperika as part of our Haus warming gift.  There was no way in any realm of hell I'd be eating the pepper, so I brought it to work and told them to save the seeds for me.  They did and now I have a widdle Reapy baby.

Thing 2:  I saw something on Pinterest about hanging bras on key hook type thing mounted on the wall.  Well, I don't really have wall space available in the closet, so I went with cheap plastic shower hooks instead.  I love it.  Technically, this means I could just hang my bras up to dry in the closet instead of on the clothes rack in the laundry room, but I'm still mold paranoid, so for now, they will stay in the laundry room.  This way I don't have to dig in the drawer for a specific color if I need it AND this frees up drawer space.  I think I'll try to empty a drawer for Teh German to separate his socks and underwear next.