Five on Friday #181

EINS - Random Shit

-After Ms. Reflective explained Post Secret to me, I've been an avid reader.  That was in 2010.  If you don't know what Post Secret is, let me summarize.  People write their secrets on postcards (usually) and mail them to a dude who posts 10 on the internet each week.  He's been doing this for quite a long time now and there's even an agreement with the Post Office regarding how much mail he gets.  Because this "project" has been going on for so long, you can find Post Secret exhibits in museums occasionally.

Anyways.  There was a secret posted this week that hit me so hard.  It felt like I'd be slammed in the chest and the breath had been knocked out of me.  If I didn't KNOW I didn't write that postcard, I'd have thought it was mine.  It was a truth I've never told anyone because it's dark AF and just seeing the card made me sad and glad.  Sad because someone else had to feel that.  Glad because I'm not alone in that feeling.  I'm not going to share the exact secret here, but I will give you the link to the week's cards.

-Facebook recently moved the close "X" button on the chat windows to a hover x in the top corner and it's obnoxious to me.  The settings gear is where the X was and now I just keep opening the settings.  UGGGGHHHHHH!!!

-Our District's House Representative is very active on his social media page.  He has shared several plenty of things about off-shore drilling legislation that he has proposed, but he also shares personal moments with his kid and wife.  This week he shared a Spotify playlist that he created and I read some of the comments, which we all know is where the entertainment is.  People were appalled that he'd share a playlist rather than be working on legislation 145% of his time.  While I see their point, at the same time, I'm pleased to have a representative who is a human.  #CantPleaseEveryone

-I think I already need to do a factory reset on my brand new computer since I'm having a few issues with installed programs not showing up in the program list.  This is my own fault for not taking the time to properly set up my computer when I got it and just winging it and installing everything all willy-nilly as I went... and for doing it at school, where the connection is garbage.

**Some quick political things.  #SorryNotSorry
-At a gathering this week, someone who commonly makes comments about snowflakes and building the wall said something to the effect of, "They should be able to speak English if they want to come here," as part of their argument.  Quietly I responded, so the person couldn't hear because they never lose the debate and I didn't want to engage in the fight, "It's probably hard to learn a language when you're just trying to stay alive."

I don't know if I've ever actually voiced that thought out loud before, so it really took me by surprise and after sleeping on it, I feel the truth of that in my soul.  People coming to America seeking asylum are coming because their lives are probably in danger in some regard.  Most individuals seeking asylum in America probably don't have the means to afford English lessons (via a tutor or an online program, both of which require money for the services and/or technology), much less to put food on the table.

I will admit that teenage Megan felt the same way, because she was young and naive.  Of course everyone should speak my language.  No, you little twat, NO.

Having endured the difficult that is learning a new language, TWICE (Spanish, German), I can't imagine trying to learn a new language while trying not to die, literally.  In fact, sometimes I struggle with learning a new language by choice when I have the resources.  I really hope that one day this argument dies.  It's fucking bullshit.  We're fine with other languages as long as they stay in the country they belong in.  What kind of fucking bullshit is that?  America is not the only country in the world that has great things.  Americans take it for granted that English is such a commonly known language and we can thank GREAT BRITAIN for that, what with colonialism, NOT Americans.  Americans did NOT spread English around the globe.  In fact, we are just another country that speaks English because of colonialism.  We could be speaking French, or Spanish, or German, or Swahili.  But we happen to speak English.

-Teh Dad and Teh Stepmom are visiting Teh Sister and Teh Stepsister in El Paso and Teh Dad posted pictures of the current border between Mexico and the US vs what Trump wants to have built, with some comments that ended with, "BUILD THE WALL."  Originally, I didn't respond because I don't have the time to argue, but when that shit reappeared on my news feed this morning, I finally reacted with the HAHA.  Because that shit made me laugh out loud.

And then... because I'd reacted, it pulled it back to the top of people's news feeds and they were sharing it.  FML.

-If you're unaware, the majority of illegal immigrants in the US are individuals who overstay their visa.  THOSE are the people taking your jobs, NOT people who risk their lives to cross the border.  Individuals who can probably afford to travel and are probably well educated, who are actual competition to persons like myself.  I mean, unless you're a construction worker or farm hand or lawn care worker, from my limited experience dealing with the growing Hispanic population.

-When someone who you know lurks on your FB page but NEVER likes/comments anything, comments to point out a grammar error in the post, they probably deserve to be defriended.  Said individual may actually read this post, and, if so, 💁.

-Went to the Yelpies on Wednesday evening.  I only wrote 116 reviews this year, despite my goal of writing 200.  #YOLO.  I blame school.  I would probably make time to write more reviews if it wasn't currently my goal to NOT be on my computer 12 hours a day.  Also 200 reviews gets a fun little Yelp logo award, 100 only gets a little certificate, meh.  Goals for next year, I guess.

Anyways, we went to Burwell's, again.  It was good food, but there must have been a kitchen snafu because the time between the courses was loooooooooonnngg and I was annoyed and we were all tired anddddd because the event ran over on time, I ended up with a parking ticket because my meter expired.  #FirstWorldProblems, I know.  But it was fun and I got to hang out with new people.

Eric (the Party Animal) and I.
We're snapchat friends and almost every weekend, Eric takes me on a free tour of at least one downtown historical home.
Well, me and all his other snapchat friends.

 

100 reviews!

-Dear Gentle Readers,
I'm telling you this for a friend.  If you are friends with someone on multiple social media platforms, there is no need to share whatever it is you are doing directly with them, just assume they are going to see it on at least one of the platforms that you are linked on.  I.e. if you are friends on Facebook and Snapchat and you post a cute video to your story on Snapchat, there is no need to send it directly to your friend.  ESPECIALLY if you also post it on Facebook.  I understand when your kid/animal is so cute your heart almost explodes, but Jesus, take the wheel. 

-I'm the worst at planning things for myself, but I have approximately a mabillionty idea of "things to get" Teh German for his bday.. and by "things" I mean trips... of course.  Also, while we originally agreed we weren't getting each other anything for our birthdays, I think we're both planning on breaking that agreement.  Good news, I have plans I can implement in the event Teh German does surprise me.. or doesn't.

-After writing that last point, I finally made plans for my birthday celebration.  Sadly, not on my bday or even this weekend since the fucking super bowl (just imagine I put in the Grinch hate hate hate gif here) ruins my life every few years.  We'll be going to early bird dinner and going ice skating after.  SO pumped.  I've wanted to go ice skating here for a while, but never make the time.  Well I am now.  BOOM.

ZWEI - Money Shit

-Monday, Thursday breakfast
-Car wash subscription.
-Supplemental German verb dictionary that would have ensured I got a 100 on my Monday essay, rather than the 85 I flubbed my way through.
-New school hoodie since
-Parking for the Yelpies + my parking citation for my expired meter which I discovered 10 minutes after issuance.  Ugh.
-Pre-Yelpies pre-gaming beverage.
-Friday "beer lunch" at Commonhouse.  I had tator tots and Sundrop, but ya know, they server beer to others and it was lunchtime.

DREI - From My Phone Shit

When you're a dumbass and think, I'll just bring a scarf to stay warm when it's 43°F outside because this shirt is kinda thick and then you're freezing so you break down and buy a new hoodie from the bookstore and it's so cold you don't even remember to take off the size sticker until you've walked across campus.
Teh German called me out on the sticker after I sent him the dilemma resolution selfie, since I'd been complaining to him about being cold.  We both agreed that medium wasn't an accurate label for that area of my body.

Thanks Willow, for letting me take the wheel while you control the pedal situation.
PS.  Yes, my speed was set to 75 mph, but it was an overly optimistic goal since it was raining during rush hour.

Fuck it's not Friday situation.

What do you call bedtime stories for horses?
Pony tales.

Part of me likes the faded look of my hair, butttt DEM ROOTS are serious and well,
it's going to be a long and painful 2 weeks.

I can't believe those cuties are 3 now!
Also, there's tator tots in this photo.

VIER - From the Internet Shit

You do not have to sort through everything tonight.
~Morgan Harper Nichols

Even if the wait
carries on another year,
I will not get where I am going
without first learning
to be here.
~Morgan Harper Nichols

FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week

1. Actually reading chapters from my textbook.
2. Getting homework done during a conference call.
3. Afternoon class being cancelled.
4. Sitting in on a meeting of a former project and getting the most serious person in the room to laugh.
5. Attending the Yelpies.
6. Finally pinning down the details of a birthday celebration.
7. Finally accomplishing the tasks I'd been putting off all week for work.
8. Possibly going down another belt hole in my belt in the near future.  If the muffin top wouldn't have been out of control, it would have happened this week.
9. Getting to attend "beer lunch".
10. Before We Were Yours.   My current audiobook set in SC with ALL the Southern accents.  Yaaaasss...

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Confessions {6/24}

-Queue 8 year old girl squeals: Fred Warren sent all the PostSecret secrets to the Smithsonian.  You better believe I'm going to hit up that museum if they open an exhibit.  #PostSecret #Ivenevermailedinasecret #Imjustalurker

-I judge the shit out of people who follow stupid groups on FB.  "Stupid groups" is completely subjective, BTW, but IDGAF.  If it posts photos of minions with silly sentences beside the photo, it's probably copyright infringement, but that's neither here nor there.  If it's stupid memes used as linkbait, you're not helping society.

-I'm still completely clueless why women think bleached blond hair/blond highlights are so awesome.  I tried it once as a teenager and it wasn't appealing.  Your dark eyebrows would STRONGLY indicate that your blond hair isn't natural.... Judgy McJudgerson here to be the Fashion Police and let you know that blond highlights should have went out with the 90s.  Bleaching my hair to dye it blue was the scariest experience of my entire adult life.  #letthatshitgolikeElsa

-What is the song Fireflies by Owl City really about?  I loved that song in 2009 when I discovered it (and played it on repeat which I should probably apologize to certain people (Teh Bear) for listening to it on repeat/as loudly as possible when it would come on) and I heard it recently on the radio and I still have no idea what he's talking about.  #IdontknowwhatthewordsmeanbutIsingthemanyways

-For my fellow runners, do you consider the people that you see on a regular basis while you are out running "your people?"  Do you wave at other runners/walkers/bikers/physical exertion-ers when you pass (assuming you aren't constantly seeing people, I can see not acknowledging "your people" then)?

Since I run between 0500-0630ish, I don't usually see very many people.  There are 3 other runners that I see on a regular basis and 1-3 walkers/pet walkers.  Since it's such a limited number, I always wave/say good morning (if I'm able to speak).  Truthfully there are several reasons behind this.  1- These are the people that will notice if I'm not there/help me if they see me passed out on the sidewalk.  2- I have ZERO running allies in SC, unlike in MD.  3- I consider these few people "my people" because we're suffering together at 0530 when it's 85% humidity and at least 75 degrees and the sun isn't even up yet.  #runningproblems #mypeople #summersucks

-We have a new guy at work who is really nice and fits in with the team and whatever crap you're supposed to say nice about the new guy before you say something possibly offensive... buttttt when we're in meetings, the only thing I can hear is his breathing.  He is a heavy guy, so that is part of it, but holy fuck dude.  You're KILLING me with your breathing sounds.  #takeitdownalevel #notamouthbreather

-Dear girls with big boobies, wearing a strapless dress with a regular bra is unacceptable unless your bra is covered with a sweater or something.  I understand wanting the girls to be supported, but you look trashy with your bra hanging out.  I know, people do it with swim suits all the time.  It's a double standard.. I know, I know.. but it's inappropriate, so fix yourself.  Also, if you're white and you're wearing a white bra, people can still see it.  Same for if you're black wearing a black bra.  It's just a thing.  Most people aren't blind.  #theamountofclassisoverwhelming

-I know that two spaces after a period is soooo out of fashion these days, but as I was reading Hyperbole and a Half and there was only 1 space between the periods and it was difficult for me to find my place if I got lost.  #twospacesisbetterthanone
 
-Teh Sister and I sometimes have conversations in only facial expressions.  This is problematic when we aren't occupying the same space so we have to send chat selfies to make our point.  Example:

-On Monday, I just so happened to be in the bathroom at the same time as 2 other women.  I announce this because it's very rare that anyone else is in there with me and to lead to my point.  One of the women finished at the same time as me, so we were both washing our hands at the same time.  No big deal.  Until I watched her get soap all over the counter.  Now our soap dispenser isn't a difficult machine to use.  Put your fingers under it and push with the heel of your hand.  I don't even know what this lady was doing, I could see her pushing but it's like her fingers were nubs and she couldn't catch the soap.  It was very strange.  I made sure to give her the stare down as I managed to catch all the soap in my hand when I pushed the lever.  #itsnotbrainsurgerypeople

-I have a huge announcement to make, but you'll have to wait till tomorrow.  I'm horrible, I know, but trust me, it's worth coming back for.

Linking up with:
Life with Lolo
Because Shanna Said So...
Hodges Podge

Five on Friday #48

UNO

Shin splints and headaches and uncomfortable shoes and not running are making me nervous.  I'd really like to do well on the 10-miler on the 18th, but I feel like I've gotten setback in my training schedule (which I had intended to follow since 9+ miles is particularly hard on me) and I'm not happy about it.

Granted, I'm sure headaches were yet another way of my body telling me NOT to run to only make my shin splints worse (among other things, hello girl time, bleh) and my way of being able to predict the weather.  I had planned on running yesterday after work, but I came home early with the same headache that was the cause of me going home early on Wednesday.  Lucky for me, I can work from home so I didn't have to make the decision to be miserable at work or take sick time, because I would have just been miserable at work.

I'm planning on a run this evening no matter what.  I NEED to do at least 7 miles.  Then next week I'm hoping to have a few "short" (3-5 miles) runs and a 8-9 mile long run.  Then I'm planning on taking it easy the week of the 10 miler.  Just one or two "short" runs early in the week, then the 10 miler on Saturday.

I noticed when we were running the bridge at the 11 min/mile pace, my shins weren't hurting as bad as they did when I ran on Monday at my 10-10:30 min/mile pace.  I'm not sure if it's the shoes or if I need inserts or wtf is going on, but feeling pain with each step I make is absolutely unbearable.

Another reason I'd like to get back into the running game is because those pounds that the scale told me were gone.. are back...  Partially because it was fat week and partially because I was running so I had been previously burning those calories.  Additionally, running makes me want to eat healthier to fuel my body better.  I can tell a difference when I eat fried, fatty foods vs when I eat veggies and lean meats.

DOS

I have a not secret obsession with 3/4 sleeve shirts.  Additionally, buying clearance clothes from Target.com and having them shipped to my house is kinda like that StitchFix thing.. except cheaper (ish) with just shirts, without having to pay someone to tell me things that would look good on me..  All the shirts didn't look good on me, but that means dollas saved when I return them to the store!  Oddly enough, I ended up liking more of the shirts than I thought I would, so I'm not sure if that's a win (for me) or lose (for my dollas).  Fortunately, everything was on clearance, so I don't feel AS guilty.

The guilt comes in when I add the $$ I spent at Loft with Teh MD Adult Roomie...  Oops.  YAY ALL THE SHIRTS!!!

TRES*

The Bridge Run photos were finally posted!  I didn't go out of my way to photobomb anyone this time, it was just too cold.  Also, as someone who has a minimal level of skill in photography, why in the hell are they charging $15 for a digital print.  No.  Just no.  I'll just screenshot that bad boy girl and deal with the watermark.  You can charge me under $5 and I will probably buy the photo, but it's obvious that you're trying to make a profit off a $15 digital print that you didn't have to really show any skill to take the photo other than a super fast shutter finger to get all the people.  There were over 35,000 runners.  Even if only 100 of those runners bought a single print, you still overly paid for all the photographers you had to hire for the event.  Let's be generous and say they started shooting at 6, but probably not since it was dark.  Let's say the event ended at noon, since there was still activities going on in the park.  Additionally, there was a children's run the day before and people love photos of their kids, so lets just add another 100 photos from those parents buying those photos.  That's $3,000 right there.  I don't know how many photographers were hired to shoot for the event, but let's say 15 for the start line (they were standing on scaffolding over the start line and I was running and couldn't count and they were mixed in with the local media who were airing the start waves), 2 for the finish line photos (who we saw), plus 13 other randoms to wander around.

That's about $100 per person for 6 hours or almost $17 an hour.  I KNOW for certain that more than 200 people are going to buy photographs.  There was also an option to pay $60 and get copies of every photo you were tagged in.  Uhh, no.  There was 1 photograph out of 25 that was actually a decent photo of Teh MD Roomie and I that I would have considered paying for.  I didn't even appear in half of the photos that I was tagged in.

/endrant
On to the photos!

QUATRO

I finally recieved my PostSecret book this week in the mail and I'm pretty sure Mr. Scrooge is addicted.  But he likes to discuss them and have a reaction to each one as he read them, which is cool if I'm not reading them too.  I like to have quiet, introspective time when I read PS.  He likes to comment about how horrible or fucked up things are.  I've threatened to make him read a different PS book as me if he is going to be so verbal, lol.  I do appreciate the fact that Mr. Scrooge likes reading PS.  Teh Bear never "got it" and he would tell me he didn't understand why I would read them.  /rolleyes

Now if I could just get Mr. Scrooge to tell me secrets, I'd be golden.  I don't think he was a fan of the secret I told him last night.  I almost stopped myself, but then finished it: I've considered walking away several times because of our significant differences in "they way we deal with things." 

CINCO

We ALLLLLMOST subscribed to Netflix last night.  ALMOST.  Then Mr. Scrooge got to the part where you put in your credit card info and he was like, what about my free month?  I explained they charge after the free month.  At which point he decided that his wallet was too far away and went back to Amazon Prime, then eventually back to the TV, where we started watching The Lego Movie, which I really want to finish, because I thought the first 20 minutes was hilarious, but I was tired.

*If you're a photographer and want to put me in my place, feel free.  I still hold that $15 for a digital print is ridiculous and yes I know how wide spread they can go.  Plop a watermark on it somewhere, charge me $5, and call it a day.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Linking up with these ladies since it's FFFFRRRRRRIIIIIIDDDDAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!!

http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.ca/ | http://farmerbell.blogspot.com

Confessions {2/25}

-I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep Spotify Premium.  Mostly based on the fact that I can search an artist and listen to all their albums on shuffle... and the Deep Focus playlist helps me get so much work accomplished... and because several Gentle Readers told me that it's worth it.

-That said, listening to Imagine Dragons on shuffle has brought me great joy.

-I get acne when I'm stressed.  I can pinpoint events that spawn certain zits.

-If it's going to be less than 38°F, it should be snowing out.  I don't care how far south I am.

-I'm unbearably jealous of everyone who got snow days and fluffy white stuff, but I swear to Buddha if I had to see another FB status about everyone getting their workout from shoveling snow, I was going to shake a baby.  I fully supported the person who just admitted they would have paid someone to shovel their driveway.  Seriously though, why don't I just move to Canada and become a hermit? (Wolverine reference, anyone?)

-Mr. Scrooge said somethingrecently about me "going back to DC" and then had to add on that he meant visiting Teh MD Roomies.  I found it highly suspicious and awkward.  I'm letting it go (but only after I tell someone (you, my Gentle Reader) about it).

-I clean out my hair brush every time I use it.  I hate hair.

-I hate how most of my original posts have missing images because I was adding images to Teh Blog through URLs.  The problem with that is photos go missing and my photos don't show up.  Le sigh... and I'm too lazy to go back through those old posts and fix that shiznit.  Oh well.  #bloggerproblems

-I think stress may be the highest contributing factor to my weight gain/lack of weight loss.  Despite working out 3+ times a week, I'm seeing weight GAIN instead of loss and it's not like I'm doing any weight lifting to bulk up.  Also, I've recently consumed a shit ton of starch, which makes me wonder what would happen if I went gluten free.  Thanks for that brain-seed, Kathy...  :(  I wasn't really eating much starch last year around this time.  I stuck to veggies and a meat.  I used to be a HUGE pasta fan and now I'm not really interested in pasta/rice/potatoes.  It doesn't make me feel fuller, it's just something else on my plate to eat, which leads to over-eating... which could also be another culprit of the gain since I tend to eat when I'm stressed.  FML.

-Teh Dad and Teh Stepmom are coming to visit this weekend and I have no idea how to entertain them since there's really nothing to do in Charleston besides eat, which I know you've seen me rant about over and over.  Update: I scoured Groupon and LivingSocial and found tickets for indoor go-karts and bought 4.  HA, Saturday entertainment complete.  They also requested to go to the market downtown, so we'll do brunch (eating, of course) and then hit up the market and maybe the battery depending on the weather. 

-I've already suggested to Teh MD Adult Roomie that we should do go-karts when they come to visit.  3 solid reasons: 1- HELLO GO-KARTS!  2- Practice for Teh MD Teenage Roomie's driving skills.  3- Said practice for Teh MD Teenage Roomie means more practice without having to involve Caroline (Teh MD Adult Roomie's car).. and after curbing Yurtle preeetttty hard that one time (seriously, never living that down, me for letting her drive or her for hitting the curb so hard), some practice wouldn't hurt.

-One of my least favorite parts about the work computer (Mac) is that the oils from my fingers/lotion from my hands gets on the keys and then it goes on the screen and the keys get slippery and it's kinda gross and I feel like I need some Clorox wipes to get the oil off.  This is awful because my knux are super ashy and need lotion, but when I put it on it feels so icky on the keyboard. #firstworldproblems

-The gym is doing renovations and they are currently on the weight room phase which means I don't have to walk through the bro-smell every day when I'm leaving/entering the gym.  It's awesome.  That said, WHERE ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE COMING FROM TAKING MY MACHINES AND SHIT!?!  (I have a hankering feeling that they announced the PRT (physical readiness test) is in 10 weeks or close so all these nuke babies feel the need to start getting their workout on.  Meh.)

-I had to use a different style of elliptical last week when all the other bitches had taken the ones that I usually use..  You member... the ones that incorrectly calculate my calories?  Yeah those shitty ones.  Whatever.  Anyways, I use a different one and holy shit my ass hurts so bad.  And my back and all my pieces.  I'm thinking it's more of a stair-stepper elliptical than the other elliptical.  The best/worst part of it?  It felt like I was workin' hard AND it calculated my calories more accurately than the other machines I was using, so I'll probably keep using it.  When I put my workout into Runkeeper and the calorie count was 1 calorie off, I was impressed.  With a longer workout there was more of a distortion (machine low, RK high), so I just averaged and called it a day.  But really, all my pieces hurt so bad I had to sleep with the heating pad.

-I can't wait to work from home on the 3rd so I don't feel guilty about how little work I actually do sometimes, although my boss informed me that once we get funds for our next project, I won't be bored anymore and I should enjoy the downtime while I have it.... meaning he's totally seen me on FB 95% of the day.

-I want to be friends with the 3 other women I work with, but women are vicious and they aren't letting me into their group yet.  I'm sure it just takes some time, but seriously... I just want to be friends!  (no really, I need to make more friends here.)  Ok, or maybe I'm just standoffish and I'm difficult to get to know?

-We have a receptionist that sits at the front door and since our office is a suite in a building, to get to the bathroom or cafe, you walk by her.  It's always awkward for me to walk past her without saying anything, but I feel like if I sat at the door, I wouldn't want people always speaking to me.  I just want to be friends!!!

-I was super pumped about not having to sitting through 2 days of meetings this week when we start this new project... then my boss forwarded me an email last Friday from the government rep asking for someone to take minutes at the meeting and didn't Company just hire a tech writer?  FML.  These meetings are going to be soooo painful since I have to actually pay attention to take notes.  PS. I still love my job.

-To the asshat who drove on the median (which was as wide as his Camry, it reminded me of someone driving on the sidewalk), I hope you get a flat tire from road debris for being an asshole.

-You know you're officially an adult when you eat dinner before 5:30, go to bed before 9pm, and make the choice to leave earlier in the mornings so you don't have to deal with rush hour traffic.  Not only does this mean I get to leave work earlier, it means that my commute takes 20 minutes instead of 30.  WIN.

-Yep, I'm making up for last week's lack of confessions this week... apparently.

-I want to run a Disney 1/2 Marathon or 10K.  Really I want to do the 10K, but there's the Glass Slipper Challenge which is the 10K and the Half in one weekend and it might be horrible, buttttt ALL THE MEDALS!!  And of course I would do the princess runs.  DUH.  But there's also the coast to coast challenge where you do a DW run and a DL run in the same year and you get a medal for that.  I have a problem.  But seriously, anyone wanna do the Glass Slipper Challenge with me 18-21 February 2016??????  Seriously.

-The new PostSecret app only being available on the Apple Store infuriates me.  I would almost be willing to pay $8 for the app... oh but they don't have for Suzy2.5.  No Megan dollas for you PostSecret..

Vacation Vacation Vacation! (Part 2)

After finding parking and struggling to find the theater and walking around the block on a gimp foot and Suzy2 failing me at directions (but only because those doors were locked), I had to ask someone for directions and finally managed to find the place.  What I didn't realize was that the theater was small and the show didn't actually start till 7:30.  Uuuugggghhh. 

This did give me time to write a secret for the box and go potty, which is relevant because there was a pink sticky pad in the bathrom for secrets too!  PostSecret events rock!  I can't remember the other secrets, but I felt like I should put something motivational on the mirror rather than a secret, since the purpose of a mirror is to see yourself.  I'm really bad about seeing all the things wrong with me when I look in the mirror and rather than seeing how awesome my eyes are and that my hair doesn't get split ends, I'd rather focus on my huge pores and how my teeth aren't as white as they could be and that if it didn't hurt so much, I'd get my eyebrows shaped.  As I'm getting older, I've started to learn that my faults aren't usually what people see about me (unless that zit is particularly large).

No one else sees all the things YOU see.

The theater wasn't actually that large, which was good.  Because I failed at navigating the tickets website, I ended up with an almost breakneck seat.  It ended up being ok though.

Since this was the premiere of the show (it wasn't exactly a PostSecret Event, hosted by Frank Warren), Frank was actually there.  At first when I saw him, I thought that he was someone that looked a lot like the founder of PostSecret, but then the more and more I stared (becuase I'm completely awkward and that person), I realized, No.  That really is Frank Warren.  Cue girly freakout.  I messaged Miss Reflective becuase I knew she would be excited with me, even if she wasn't with me.  During intermission I asked for a photo with him, but he declined until after the show so it wouldn't start everyone trying to get a photo with him.  Fair enough. 

So PostSecret: The Show is different than a normal PostSecret (PS) event.  The Show is a theater production.  I assume that most of the secrets will be the same secrets they perform each night, with the exception of the audience secrets that are shared and secrets from former audiences that are added.  The Show is based on the postcards, emails, and some clips from actual PS events that are essentially presented in the form of dramatic monologues by 3 different actors.  Since its a production, I doubt Frank will actually be at everyone, but since it was opening night, he was there, so I was lucky.

Musician

The 3 "presentors"

At one point, the male actor took a selfie with the audience.  I'm actually in the center of the photo in my neon green shirt.  The point was that even if you feel alone, even if you came to the show alone, you are not alone.

Frank took the stage to say some words.

After the show was over, Frank did autographs and then photos.  There was also an area with whiteboards where you could write another secret and have your photo taken with it and another area with audience secrets (that were put in the box prior to the show) displayed on a table.  Mine was there, it was scary seeing it there.  No, I'm not going to share what it was with you.  After getting a few items signed (I didn't even think to bring my PS books), I did a white board secret and finally decided to head home without a photo because I was exhausted, my foot was almost unbearable, and I still had a 1.5 hour drive to accomplish.

I arrived home to this gem.  Meri had eaten the package with my medication that Teh Grehound Neighbor Wife MD Adult Roomie (name changed for official purposes) had mailed to me.  Meri had even been so kind as to chew open the bottle and lost or eaten at least one pill.  Uggggh. 

  

How can such a destructo-dog be so adorable?

Other things Meri ate while she was under the supervision of others......

When I finally arrived home, I collapsed into bed.  Wednesday was set to be a day of window shopping for guns with Teh Dad since I was getting my gun permit on Thursday.  We were hoping the pawn shops would have some decent options, but they were pretty disappointing in terms of price and selection.  We did find a shop that was willing to order the gun I wanted and it would arrive before I left to go back to MD, which was perfect... until she ordered the wrong gun and properly fucked me over in every possible way and then tried to accuse me of being a felon because I wanted to buy a gun in NC rather than MD.  (WHAT?)  Yeah, we won't go back there.

I'm certain I was the laughing stock of one pawn shop since I'm fairly uneducated about all the different types of guns.  One smart ass customer was happy to suggest a HUGE revolver with what had to have been at least a 10" barrel.  I told him that I don't do revolvers.  Really, dude, mind your own business?  If I can take your eye out with a .22, you're still disabled so it doesn't take something huge to do damage. 

Wednesday evening Teh Dad had to go to Charlotte for training, so I went over to Teh BFF's to help her clean and arrange things at the new house.  We made a plan to go shopping on Thursday and way, way, way past my bedtime I finally headed back home to crash.

Thursday, I woke up as late as possible.  Meri pooped in the floor, but it was worth it to get a little extra sleep.  Considering how much poop I cleaned up while on vacation, what was one more pile (that was before I cleaned up poop, puke, and pee in a 30 minute period later that day)?  Teh BFF finally finished getting her nails done and it was time to go shopping!  After a few hours, we acquired her wedding band, some party gifts, and then headed back to get in a nap before her bachelorette party. 

My nap ended early so I headed over to help Teh BFF unpack some boxes and do some last minute organizing before guests started arriving.  BTW, you know you're a best friend when you're at someone's new house loading the dishwasher, putting things away without knowing where they go, cleaning the kitchen, and organizing the cabinets.

The bachelorette party wasn't as high energy as we had planned, but we played Dirty Minds and The Game of Things (which can be found on my Amazon wishlist, FYI) and chatted over baked ziti and garlic bread for dinner.  Once it got late, we all decided it was a good time to head home and prepare for Friday.

On Friday, I tried to sleep in without success.  It was officially gun day!  I called the shop around 10 to see if it had arrived yet and it had just been delievered.  I told the lady that I would be there in a little bit to pick it up.  I got ready and headed to the sheriff's office to pick up my permit then headed to the shop to pick up the gun.  She didn't actually take the gun out of the case to show me, and I have this problem where I have a blind faith in people and don't double check my order before I walk away.  This gets me burned a lot, especially at Krispy Kreme.  This got me burned again.  We've already discussed the fact that I got the wrong gun than the one I wanted.  We won't go into it again, but I'm still bitter, nonetheless.  I ended up selling it and breaking even, and now everytime I pull my gun out to shoot, I won't be bitter, so it worked itself out in the end.

After picking up the wrong gun and having a meltdown in the Walmart parking lot (where I realized it was the wrong gun), I went inside and tried to retail therapy, which was unsuccessful because that bitch ordered the wrong gun and didn't even APOLOGIZE or TAKE RESPONSIBILIY for her mistake.  Are you kidding me?!?!?!  /rage.

Knowing I needed to eat, I went by Cookout and couldn't decide on anything but a milkshake, which was all I ended up with for lunch, despite sitting in the Pancho Villa parking lot (which I had originally really wanted, but the rage was eating my appetite), I only had the shake until the reheresal dinner.  I went home and took a nap to sleep away some of the rage.  Ironically, my earmuffs that I'd ordered off Amazon for shooting had arrived.  Ugh. 

Until I opened the box and realized it was the wrong gun, I was pretty hyped. 
After that, not so much at all.

Friday evening was the rehearsal dinner for Teh BFF's wedding.  Other than a parental hiccup, which we were worried about, but prepared for, everything went well.  We left after 10pm, having finally accomplished all the decorating and organizing that needed to be done.

On Saturday morning, my foot was finally healed enough to endure shoes and knowing that it was going to be a long day for the pups I took them for a long walk.  Having survived running a mile and walking another mile, I finally decided they were tired enough and we headed back home so I could get ready for the wedding.

I was a bit later than I anticipated arriving to the church because I have poor time management skills since I had to swing by Teh BFF's house to pick up the flowers she had potted to bring to the church.  Fortunately, her hair appointment ran late, so it didn't really end up mattering too much that I was late.  Everyone kept telling her that it didn't matter if she was late since all these people weren't going anywhere until she showed up anyways.

As it worked out, they were married only 15 minutes later than expected.

Look, someone got a photo of me!
Also, I love this dress.  Seriously.  It has everything.
Cuteness, pockets, light colored.  Perfection.

Ok, this is a slightly creepy photo, but my eyes looked so cool!

After the wedding was over, I went back to the gun place to see what we could do about ordering another gun.  The lady was impressively UNhelpful and I left pissed off with no resolution.  At least there were cute puppies waiting for me at home.

After posting this photo on FB:

Holly's Mom messaged me on FB asking if I was still in town and asked if I wanted to have a doggy play date.  OF COURSE.  Holly's Mom wanted to meet Phil and Meri and I wanted to meet her pups, so it was perfect (with the added benefit of wearing Meri-Meri down to exhaustion).

PUPPIES!!!

Holly the Great Dane

Yin and Yang.

Holly, Meri, Millie

After giving Meri a bath when we got back home, since she was covered in Dane drool, it was bedtime to prepare for the drive back to MD.

On Sunday, we were up pretty early and out of the house by 1015 to make it to Raleigh by noon-ish for a lunch date with Teh Advising Sister.  The puppies even joined us on the patio at Panera.  They were really good, I was such a proud doggy mom.

Mom, you're gonna give me some of that bread bowl right?
Cause you know bread is kinda my thing...
(He did in fact get some bread and cheese even)

My Meri-Meri girl just laid down and chilled out the entire time despite all the activity around us.
Love her.

After lunch, we packed back into Yurtle and headed the rest of the way home.  It was all fun and games (ok not really, after Richmond traffic was stop and go) until the 301 bridge was completely blocked by an accident.  We sat in Dalghren for an hour just stopped on the road.  Since we were stopped for so long, I took Phil and Meri out for business in the median and fed them dinner.

Meri rewarded me with a present 10 minutes from home:

I wanted to kill her since it was her 2nd poop of the day in Yurtle and the 3rd poop in Yurtle of the trip.

When I arrived home Teh MD Roomie just took the dogs from me because I had that look on my face and there were tears in my eyes and just OMFG MERI!  We arrived home with enough time for me to eat dinner and decompress a bit before heading up to bed, thankfully.

While it was a less busy (than DW vacation), having the Meri with all the bodily functions all the time really stressed me out.  Obviously she, too, was stressed out.  I'm sure she'll get better as she gets older, but for now, she's done going on trips unless our host has a fenced in yard.

Overall though, it was a decent trip home.  I got to hang out with most of my peeps and got the tattoo and the gun and went to the PostSecret show and didn't have to be at work for a week.  Glorious.