Weekend Review {10/5}

FRIDAY

Friday was eventful.

The POD arrived.  "Work" things ("" because there's not much to do besides sit at the computer).  Meri and Sandy snuggled together for well over 30 minutes, which blew my mind.  Then after my morning meeting, I was searching on Marketplace and saw a post from an hour prior that someone was giving away free boxes and so I hauled my ass over there ASAP and picked up as many boxes as Willow could fit and came home and did more "work".

In the evening, Teh German and I went to California Dreaming for dinner because they had a reservation available at 7:15 and that meant I didn't have to continue looking for dinner options.  Teh German agreed to this plan.

The two things I was most looking forward to was a Dr. Pepper martini and the croissants.  And the server informed me right away that they were out of Dr. Pepper.  HHHHAAATTTEEEE.  Much rudes.  I looked up the recipe for the drink online and none of the recipes I found actually contain Dr. Pepper so maybe I should have pushed it, but I didn't.  We came home and I crawled into bed for scrollin' time until it was sleepy time.

SATURDAY

Saturday was kinda eventful.  In the morning, Teh German went to cars and coffee.  I did a GEGR applicant interview (my first one and it was kinda fun).  After the interview, Teh PT Wife and I headed to Halls for bison filet for lunch/dinner which was fabulous (the company more than the food, which is a tough competition).  After Halls we went by BJ's to pick up some items and then headed back home.

What you can't hear is me having a mouthgasm with every bite I took,
but I'm going to let you imagine that.

The afternoon was mostly just "cleaning" the house for the going away gathering in the evening and dog snuggles.

I took no photos because I was busy socializing, but we had a final gathering at Teh Ville.  It was bittersweet because it was all of our people in one place for the last time.  It was fantastic getting to see everyone, even if it was to say, "See ya later."  I do want to note that Sandy really struggles with stranger danger in our house and usually feels the need to be attached to me when strangers come in.  She was on high alert ALL NIGHT LONG and I had to send her to a bed multiple times so she'd lay down because her rear was saggin'.  Thankfully, she knew that I wasn't punishing her and she would stay in the bed for as long as she could see me.  When I went outside, so did she and she'd lay down in the grass where she could see me.

It was 0030 when we finally headed to bed and 0100 when I put my phone down.  I'm too old for that.

SUNDAY

I woke up at 0800 on Sunday after sending Meri back to bed once.  I got up and let the dogs out and fed them breakfast, which Sandra refused.  I assumed it had a lot to do with being overwhelmed the night before and I have no idea if people were feeding the dogs chips/bbq from the buffet.  Rather than ask them not to feed the dogs, I just didn't even mention it and hoped that it meant people would just KNOW not to feed the dogs.  It wasn't a battle I wanted to fight, so I just didn't.  If they got fed, they got fed.  It is what it is. 

When I went upstairs, I noticed that someone (PAX) had been having a LOT of fun and knocked over my Willow Tree figurines with a stuffie.  I remembered yelling at them the day prior after I heard a ruckus, but I hadn't been upstairs to notice when there was light, so I hadn't seen it.  I will say I loled a bit. 

We met Teh Neighbor Besties at Holy City Brewing for brunch (because I needed one last chicken and waffles).  We had to be home by 1:30 since someone was coming to purchase the tank (also bittersweet).  I never love-loved the tank, but I did enjoy it being in the house.  It was SUPER quiet after it was all removed.

While the tank evacuation was taking place, I worked on some minor packing things.  I went through the DVDs and purged and packed the ones I want to keep.  I put all the Willow Tree figurines in their boxes.  I'm debating if I want to try to sell some of the stuff I separated out or just donate it and be done with it.

I also went through the closet and purged some shit.  A small portion of that box was already bagged for donation, but 95% of this was stuff I decided to let go.  It was difficult.  Things I was not able to let go: 99% of my hoodies.  I think I put one in the donation pile and I didn't really love it.  I tried to be very clear cut about, "Do you love this?  Like LOVELOVE it?"  If I didn't LOVELOVE it and would only wear it to say I wore it so it wouldn't get donate, then it had to go.

After Teh German finished with tank things, he deemed it screen time.  I didn't want to push him (yet) about packing things/going through his stuff, so I let it go.  I separated more stuff for sell?/donate and then listened to my audiobook and played Disney Emoji Blitz while laying on a pile of comforters in a closet.  Was it kinda weird?  Yes.  Did I love it?  Yes.

Also, I'm super sad that I'm about halfway through my book and it's gonna get stolen back from the library before I finish and there's a waitlist so I can't renew it.  /sob.  #MeganProblems.

We had leftovers for dinner and then watched Silicon Valley until it was (past) bedtime.

______________________________________________

A fantastic weekend!  Teh German and I had a date night where we talked about moving things and I finally got to hang out with Teh PT Wife and we had bison filet and we got to see all our people before we go (with the exception of those who have scheduled dinner plans with us). 

This week is when the moving ball really starts rolling.  I'm headed to MD with Sandy and Meri on Thursday.  Teh German will join with Pax and Lars-Ludwig and Bagheera on Saturday.  He will go home on Sunday, I will go home on Monday/Tuesday.  I/we will be dog sitting for Teh Bestie/Teh Chief Smartass while they are away for the weekend.  This worked out well since we needed to get the dogs up to MD after they agreed to watch the beasts while we're in Barbados and this eliminated their need for a dog sitter while they are gone.  Also, I will be going into the office on Friday for some things, which is should be a good time.

When I get back to SC, the packing will truly begin.  Without the dogs here, it's less hassle to have things moved around/out.  We will leave for Barbados on the 17th and return on the 24/25th (depending on the situation with American Airlines who have informed us that our flight from Miami to Charleston was cancelled).  After we get back, we will finish any packing for the POD and then pack up our trailer and migrate north for good.

Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.  I mean, I know it won't and expect no less than 3 breakdowns between now and 30Oct when we're set to close, at least 1 caused by our realtor who makes me have a visceral response anytime she texts us.  #JesusTakeTheWheel.

We got this.
Remember when it was only March and now it's October?  Crazy right?!

Weekend Review {12/16}

FRIDAY

I stayed home Friday morning and used the allotted time for a final to complete an online test that had been posted for a week, but I just hadn't had the time to accomplish.  It was fabulous to not have to get up and drive to somewhere and deal with all the CHS traffic.  After my test was finished, I messaged my PM and asked if it was necessary for me to come into the office because it was raining and I hadn't had to go to school for my exam since it was online, so could I just stay home, plskthx?

After getting a yes, I prepped lunch with a side of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and peppermint schnapps.

I managed to get so much accomplished around the house: making up the guest room for Matilda, laundry, swapping the chairs in the guest rooms.. etc.  It was fabulous.

Matilda arrived before we had to leave for my Company holiday party so we chatted as much as possible since it had been a year since we'd seen each other in person.  Teh German and I headed out to downtown for the holiday party, which was a bust, IMO.  It was supposed to be a murder mystery show, but our table couldn't hear to keep up with what was happening + an open bar = we were fucked.

We passed on the post-party-party and headed home since I had a race the next morning and Teh German isn't really partaking right now.

When we got home, Matilda was already in the bed, I laid out my race outfit and then it was bedtime for us too.

SATURDAY

Saturday morning the alarm went off at 0430.  It wasn't my favorite thing.  We were out the door by 0500 and headed to Kiawah.  We had our packets picked up and were settled in the common room by 0645.  Since the race didn't start until 0800, we chatted and while Matilda did her thing, I rested my eyes.  Then it was time for the race to start!

I stuck with Matilda at her pace and we ended up doing intervals of run/walks, which was fine.  We finished at 3:12:16.  I stayed with Matilda since she peer pressured me into the race and because she came all the way to Charleston to hang out with me and a good time wasn't more important than hanging out.

That said, for the Charleston Half, I'm running on my own because I want to see what my time is. Fingers crossed for under 2:30!

While Matilda took care of some post race business, I stretched and sent selfies to Teh Bestie and Husband.

I HAD to take a photo with Santa when we passed him because I had garnered so much attention during the race for being dressed as an elf.

After getting back to the car, we headed to Vicious Biscuit to meet Teh German for brunch.  By the time we made it home it was after 2:30.  After showers it was almost 4pm and that was too late for a post race nap.  Ironic, since I fell asleep on the couch at 7.  Oops.  This did not stop me from going to sleep at 11.

SUNDAY

Originally, we had planned to go to brunch on Sunday, but I couldn't decide on a place and I really wanted a potato skillet and we had all the ingredients, so Teh German and I agreed to make breakfast instead.  No photos because I was too excited, but trust me, fried potatoes + crumbled sausage + over medium eggs (+ cilantro for me) was DELICIOUS.. and I didn't have to pay restaurant prices or settle on substitutions.  #WIN

I had gotten up with the dogs and started studying for my Sunday final and took a break to make breakfast.  After breakfast, Matilda headed out and I headed back to the office to continue making my cheat sheet for my exam.

The final exam was at 1pm and it took a little over an hour.  After the exam, I headed to Walmart to pick up a few items (brownies, ice cream, a congrats card, and a gift cert).  Of course, despite my patience, it was not enough when I had to stand in line at customer service for almost 20 minutes for the gift cert.  Then when I got home the dogs acted like they had never seen me and my patience was too low for that.  TLDR, I had a mood swing probably because PMS is real.

I had my final final (ha) on Monday morning, so I tried to study for that and was mostly unsuccessful.  Eventually, Teh German and I made dinner (me: red cabbage, Teh German: schnitzel), ate, and then I whipped up some brownies and headed to the office to study while they baked. 

It wasn't until after the brownies were finished that I finally started seriously studying.  I put in the most effort I could for the burned out state I have reached in regards to 2019/school.  It was full on "come what may" when I went to bed.

______________________________________________

First thing Monday was my exam and here's my post-final final selfie for your enjoyment.

DUN with this classroom and this shit.

In a fantastic turn of events, the Chiro's office called me as I walked to my car after my final.  She was reminding me of my appointment (which we had a mix up about last time) and notified me that the 1000 appointment cancelled and asked if I wanted that appointment. YAS, YAS I DO.  So I ended up getting a massage for over 2 hours (since I really needed it and because I paid for it).  #NOTSORRY

-This week is a regular work week! 
-We will be having dinner with School Spouse and his fiance on Tuesday evening to deliver their baby/graduation/wedding/all things gift.
-Teh German's company holiday party is Friday.
-Teh PT Wife and I will be doing the Cocoa Cup 5k on Saturday morning.

I plan on getting a puzzle out soon and finishing up Dark Age this week, fingers crossed.  I'm at 44/50 books for the year and I might just press through some Audible short stories to meet my goal on principle and to also clear out my library of unfinished titles.

Over the break I plan on doing some running (when it's not hot AF (see: over 70°F)) and being lazy AF.  We'll be home this Christmas, which is exciting.  As a Merry Christmas to us, our new backsplash is being installed on the 23/24th.  Work will be having PJ days over the next 2 weeks (thank you, Self, for spearheading that morale boosting event).  I'm ready to relax some and not have to feel like I need to manage all the things at all the times.  My brain is already sighing.

Happy Holiday Season, Gentle Readers.

Weekend Review {12/10}

Since Teh Running Bestie arrived on Wednesday night, life was a blur.  Thus, no Friday post.  /shrug.

When you have guests coming and you want to let the room air out,
but you don't want the beasts to mess up the sheets.
#BabyGateToTheRescue

FRIDAY

Last day of class was on Friday.  This semester the last week really snuck up on me.  I'd been checked out since before Thanksgiving, so I've been struggling through since returning from Thanksgiving break. 

After making a drop off for the Company holiday party downtown, I headed into the office.  I had already told Teh Running Bestie that we should do lunch together since we wouldn't get to hang out Friday night (due to my Company holiday party being that night).  She agreed.  I took care of some work things, informed my people that I was going to lunch and finishing the afternoon from home, and headed to Locals Sushi in Park Circle to meet Teh Running Bestie and Teh Chief Smartass.  I wasn't impressed with either the limited lunch menu or the PC location menu, but I figured something out.

After lunch, I made a pit stop at Holy City Brewing for Teh German.  I ended up getting beer for a coworker, too, and a hoodie for myself and a shirt for Teh German since they had a hoodie I liked and a long sleeve shirt I knew Teh German would like.  (I'm wearing my hoodie as I write this and I love it, more than I thought I would.  Prob a new fave.)  NBD, but HCB liked my comment to Teh German about picking up beer for him and then liked my selfie with our new baby (below). 

Our new baby.

I headed home to finish up work things and eventually get ready for the party.

Caught this moment of adorableness in the afternoon.

 

While I was wrapping white elephant gifts, I gave Teh Running Bestie Christmas gifts for the dogs.
Pax and Secret vs Teh Running Bestie.

After present wrapping, I finally hit the shower to start getting ready for the party.  Since it was cocktail attire, I rewore the 20s dress I had worn for the previous weekend's party.  It was a hit.  Everyone loved it.  Thanks, Amazon.  I also got complements on the pearl necklaces I added, which were borrowed from Teh British Neighbor.  She's the bestest!

Dis why he's my husband.

Company part was at The American, a classic movie theater downtown.  From the way the planning was going early in the week, I was really worried.. but the event actually was spectacular.  It was a fancy "The Office" themed event.  We played office bingo as an ice breaker and then moved down to watch a movie that was filmed, compiled, and edited over the last few weeks.  Finally, we ended with drinking, snacks, and an awards ceremony where we all got awards based on our winning personalities.  I won: Most Outspoken.  No surprise there.

Daaayyummm, we so sexxxaaayyyy.

Teh German reminded me around 11 that I had a half marathon to run in a few hours, so by 11:30 we were in our Uber on the way home.  By 12:15 I was asleep.

SATURDAY

The alarm went off at 0430 on Saturday morning and no one was pleased.  I got up and got ready and managed not to forget anything (a miracle, since I hadn't laid out any of my running stuff the night prior).  Teh German was headed into work early, so he was up when we left. 

These cuties were confused why they weren't getting fed.
(It was too early.)

I drove us to Kiawah, parked at the Harris Teeter to avoid the parking traffic, we walked to the shuttles, walked almost a mile to the club house, and then I laid down and tried to sleep.  I was mostly unsuccessful, but I did fall asleep for a short bit.

Then it was time to go pull a Forest Gump.  Teh Running Bestie and I didn't stay together for this race, which had been discussed beforehand.  I ran almost all of the entire race, with the exception of water stations and taking off my jacket and a pit stop to pee.  My total time was 2 hours 27 minutes.  I was aiming for less than 2:30, so I was pleased.  Through miles 6-7 I was playing the pass/get passed game with the 2:30 pace setters due to the jacket situation and bathroom stop.  Around mile 8.5 my shoulders started hurting VERY badly.  I kept trying to stretch them out, but it wasn't working.  This discomfort lasted the rest of the race.  Around mile 10, I got tired.  This also coincided with the course getting super narrow (2-wide) and it eventually went to trail (packed sand) instead of paved.  The GU gel did eventually kick in within a mile, so I was able to carry on.  When I reached mile 11, I knew I was in the home stretch, so I tried to push myself.  With the clock offset, I couldn't tell if I was closer to 2:15 or 2:30, but if I could get close to 2:15, that would have been awesome.

The finish line is never further away than when you can see it at the end of a long stretch.  For real.  That last .1-.2 miles just about killed me.  After crossing the finish line and getting my medal and a mylar blanket, I went to finish line to cheer on finishers and wait for Teh Running Bestie.  When I saw her come around the curve, I started cheer/yell/screaming for her.  I considered running through the finish line with her, but since we hadn't run together, let her finish on her own.  After getting through the chute, we grabbed an unfulfilling snack, a cup of water, and rested for a few minutes.  After a bathroom trip, we headed towards the shuttle to get back to Willow.

We headed towards civilization to meet Teh German and Teh Chief Smartass at Famous Toastery for brunch (of which, I am the Yelp Duchess, FYI, thank you, you're welcome).  After brunch, we headed to the outlets so I could return some Crocs that I had rejected for house shoe options and then came home for showers and naps.

It was after 3 when I finally laid down to nap.  I woke up at 5.  After getting up, we all agreed on Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.  In the most tragic of events, Teh German had forgotten his wallet at home and didn't have his ID so he couldn't order a beer.  When I managed to pull up a copy of his ID from my phone (shut up, I'm a hoarder ok), the server accepted it, but then came back and said that the restaurant policy was that the physical ID had to be presented.  Rules are rules, but still Strike 1.

Strikes 2+ were our server saying something like, "Ya'll enjoy," every time she'd leave our table and we didn't even have food yet.  We all just looked at each other when she said, "Take your time," after our food arrived.  Of fucking course we're going to take our time.  You want us to choke and die?  Ugh.  I know I was bitter because Teh German was disappointed, but even if Teh German had gotten his beer, she would have still annoyed me.

After dinner, we headed back home.  It was snuggles with dogs and social media time, then bedtime.

SUNDAY

Our guests left shortly before 08 on Sunday morning.  This was heartbreaking because Pax and Meri went with them.  Since we will be going on our Snowcation, this eliminates us driving up to MD and flying out of DCA/BWI, then flying back into DCA/BWI and driving back down to CHS.  Teh Running Bestie will return Pax and Meri in January when she returns to CHS for the Charleston Half Marathon.

That's in 5 weeks.
That means 5 weeks without my 2nd and 3rd favorite assholes (#1 being Teh German, of course).
Thankfully, Teh Running Bestie doesn't skimp on photos, but Lawd, seeing my Monkey-Doodle in her drugged state (she is medicated for long car rides) and then when she was just so tired when they arrived broke my heart.  I needed to be there to snuggle my girl.  Teh Running Bestie is a good momma though and she'll make sure Meri gets all the snuggles she needs.

After eating breakfast, I sat down at the computer to work on my German study guide.  It took me no less than 7 hours to get through the entire thing.  4-5 of those hours were filled with distractions, laundry, massaging my legs every time I went upstairs, Teh German coming into the office to ask me questions or to ask me to print something.  Additionally, not that my 98 average in the class reflects it, I struggled a little bit in class this semester.  For almost 2 months the professor didn't collect homework, so I never saw corrected versions of work that I had completed.  So I don't feel like I have a solid grasp on the materials, which only served to make me want to procrastinate more than I already was.

I did get my desk cleaned out and I decided I need a desk drawer organizer for all the crap in my desk.  I also realized that I now have MORE storage space with the printer stand behind me, so I was able to relocate some of the mess there.

Eventually, I got through the German study guide and I started working on the final project I have due on Thursday.  Teh German had also spent the day at the computer, but at the kitchen table.  He was working on organizing all the paperwork we have to bring with us to the immigration interview and ensuring that we have all the required documents.  It's good that he did it this weekend instead of next, considering some of the documents that we still need to acquire.

At 5:30 though, I called it quits on all computer work for both of us.  We figured out things for dinner and then we sat in front of the TV for the rest of the evening watching The Ranch (YYYYAAYYY!!!!!).  After 9, I called no mas and we eventually headed up to bed.

______________________________________________

It is VERY weird not to have my 2 shadows with me.  All day yesterday I kept wanting to ask Teh German why he'd put the dogs out and not let them back inside.  When I was going to bed I was thinking through my to-do tasks and I thought, "Prep dog breakfast," then realized that didn't apply.  It's also very lonely going business in private with no one nosing the door open to check on you (only 4-leggers are allowed to fulfill this role).  It was weird this morning not hearing the stampede down the stairs when Teh German left and having to refrain from telling Alexa to turn on the radio for the dogs.  When Teh German said that I had sent our dogs away, I almost cried.  #MomGuilt is real, ya'll.

This morning was my German final exam.
Tuesday is my circuits final exam.
Wednesday is my computer science (assembly language) final exam.
Thursday morning my cybersecurity final project is due.
Then the semester is over.  Only yay.  No boo.

Teh German goes out of town this week and with no dogs, I will be completely alone in the house.  I'm excited and not excited at the same time.  I'm pretty sure the last time I was home alone with no other sentient beings was when I lived in Pax River and Phil was an only-child and I would drop him off with Teh Running Bestie (before she was even Teh MD Adult Roomie) before I went out of town.

I've got plenty of things to fill my time (studying for finals/final project (which I should really be doing right now), Cricut projects, puzzle and audiobook, etc), so I'm not worried about that aspect.  And really, Teh German is only gone for one night, so it almost doesn't even count.

I'm relieved that I survived the 2019 school year.  Last year, I was excited that I finished my first semester.  This semester, I'm just relieved, not excited.  I'm actually dreading the drudgery that lies ahead in the next year and a half until graduation.  Using my GI Bill was a good idea at the time, but now, not so much.  I'm tired, but I know if I stop, I will never pick it back up.  

I expect that my blogging schedule over the rest of the month is going to be wonky.  Next week is only a half week for us, but we have our immigration interview, I have my pew pew lazers appt, I have a hairs did appt, and we are flying out mid-week for our Snowcation.  While I would like to keep ya'll entertained, I'm not going to guilt myself over NOT blogging, and instead, enjoy my well-deserved vacation and my fuzzy socks and my book and/or my husband's will-power while he teaches me to snowboard and the 13 greyhounds and friends and SNNNOOOOOOWWWW!!!!

Weekend Review {12/03}

FRIDAY

After the series of inconveniences day, I headed to the gym after work.  After the gym, I headed home to shower and wrap our white elephant gift and then we headed to the annual holiday party some friends host.  It's always a real shindig.  This year was 1920's themed (better get in the habit of adding 19 to the years from last century...), and my Amazon dress purchased actually worked out better than I had anticipated.  There was a hole in the sequins layer and one of the shoulders was coming unstitched, but I can fix those issues, I think.. or I just ignore them and no one would actually notice because I'm the only one who cares.

The party was loads of fun.  We stayed a lot longer than I thought we would and I had accidentally left my flippy floppies at home, so by 10:30, I left my heels at the door.  I think our friends thought I was being dramatic as I tread gently across the floor, but my feet hurt sooooooooooo bad.

Also, awkward moment of the night?  Ginger Beard showed up.
Oh you're confused at who the fuck Ginger Beard is?  Let me remind you about that one time that I used an online dating site.  Did I ever think I'd meet one of those online dates out in the real world as I stand beside my husband?  NO.  NO I DID NOT. 

Despite my inebriated state, I sent out "DO NOT FUCKING COME OVER HERE AND MAKE ME HAVE TO EXPLAIN HOW I KNOW YOU" vibes.  Fortunately, he was with his group of friends and I was with mine and the groups didn't seem to know each other and I, sure as shit, was NOT going to be the one who made the connection.  Nope, nope, nope. 

I might be the Queen of the Awkward, but introducing "the guy I went out with a few times before you" or "the guy I was at that baseball game with; the one where I was bored AF and was texting you" to Husband?  Or better yet, "This is my husband, the guy I picked over you after you went stage 5 clinger after knowing me for less than 3 weeks.  Although, ultimately, I would have picked him over you because he was more awesome, actually laughed at my jokes, and has a sexy accent, but that's neither here nor there." 
That is on a level that I cannot handle. 

I have no idea what time we actually left, but I know that we "started" to leave around 9:30/45 and we were still there at 11:30..  so /shrug.  I wasn't driving, so whatever.

We got home before 0100, but after midnight.  It was immediately brush teeth and bedtime.. I hadn't stopped since 0530 that morning, I was DUN.

SATURDAY

Saturday was a semi slow start.  We got up around 9 and got ready.  We headed out to brunch with Teh NY Chef to the Jewish Deli.  I needed to pick up my Kiawah race packet at the Summerville Fleet Feet, so I figured this was a solid excuse to go to the deli.  While we were there, I also scheduled my post semester massage.

After picking up my packet and buying some clearance socks (since they didn't have the model of sock I wanted (yes, that's a thing)), we headed back home.  I was dragging ass (let's blame how long Friday was, not the inebriation, kthx) so I laid down for a nap.

A delightful couple of hours later, I woke up and messed around on my phone for a bit.  Eventually, Teh German headed over to Teh PT House for cigar time and eventually, I followed.  A plan was made to go to Carolina Ale House for dinner.  Teh Neighbor Besties took over.  We didn't realize the Alabama vs Georgia game was on, so we had a short wait.  We definitely left before the Clemson game started.

New rule:
All photos with babies require a silly face.

After dinner, we headed back to Teh PT House for hanging out time.  I was reunited with my "vibrator" (the percussion massager, not an actual vibrator) and stood in the living room massaging all my sore pieces so I could walk the next day.  #NotSorryForTheGroans

Eventually, it was sleepy time and we headed home.

SUNDAY

Sunday was productive day.

I got up and took care of the dogs (again) and started on homework things.  I worked on homework things for a few hours, having Teh German review my German skits that I wrote for our oral exam, and completed the final exam for my online class.  I finally got tired of that and needed a break.  Teh German told me no to going out with me to run errands since it was a "rainy, lazy day" and he was watching football and then added, "Why do I need to go get your hair stuff with you?".... which was essentially him lighting my fuse...  Soooo muuuuccchhhh rrraaagggeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

I hate having to play the martyr when it comes to everything.. but when I have to MAKE time to do things like taking the dogs to get their nails cut (which was done VERRRRRRRRRYYYY poorly, some nails weren't even CUT, poorly), picking up shampoo/conditioner at Sally's, and then going to get groceries and a photo album for the 163 photos I found and had printed out for his immigration interview, and Husband tells me he is having a lazy day (which is what he did the prior day), I see fucking red.

I'm grateful my work is flexible so I can go to school, but I don't have all the free time he has.  We very rarely spend time together, other than eating meals, which are often quick and doesn't involve much talking.  Then I retreat to the office to do work or homework or finally take a shower after getting home from the gym AND THEN go back down to the office to accomplish things.. So on the weekends, I have to get shit done because I don't have time during the week to accomplish more than I already do.  I feel guilty going to the gym because I feel like I'm cheating work out of time (I'm not) and/or it's time I could be at home..  The time guilt is real, which is probably why I feel the need to bring up the time martyr situation when shit like this happens.

Teh German knew without a doubt that I was fucking pissed when I left, as I ensured he knew it when I told him bye. 

I took the dogs to get their nails cut, I should have checked in the store and had her cut more.  I was pissed when I got home and saw that you couldn't even tell a few of Pax's nails had even been touched with clippers.  MORE HULKSMASH RAGE.

Pax and Meri were ready for their poultry treat.
(Birds, they wanted to eat the birds.)

I went back home to drop the dogs off and headed back out to get MY shampoo and conditioner and OUR groceries and HIS photo album.  Still ragey, but with a sign right in front of me (a van from Teh Dad's company was in front of me on my way to Walmart), I finally called Teh Dad back after I'd ignored his calls Saturday (I was out with Teh NY Chef and Teh German) and on Sunday (since I was pissed at Teh German and Teh Dad always takes his side of every argument with some "manly" bullshit and cut him some slack and whatever fucking nonsense he says that usually incites my feminist-everything-equal into a blind rage). 

Fortunately, I told him all of that, so he didn't go down that track.  He did tell me not to say things I'd regret.  He also mentioned that I got my "barbarous" tongue from both parents, so he understood how it might be difficult to keep it in check.  I reminded him that living with Teh Mom had made me well-trained in not saying anything at all.

I accomplished errands and when I got home, Teh German got the groceries out of the car and put them away without me asking.  This method of acting like nothing happened is his way of apologizing for pissing me off, but not saying sorry is him not feeling bad about his decision to stay home.  I'm still stabby, but, again, I lived with Teh Mom long enough to learn to power through the rage and put on the nothing-is-wrong front. 

I had purchased a frozen bag dinner (first time in our marriage for that trick I've been keeping up my sleeve) and while it was cooking, I put away laundry from earlier in the week and kept the in process laundry going.  After dinner, I did the laundry, then headed back to the office to work on more homework.

This is where the time martyr comes in.  Gentle Readers, I.do.not.stop.  All day usually.  There's always something I should be doing.  Homework, studying for the next test, laundry, something for dogs (poop hasn't been scooped in at least a month, since the last time I did it, since Teh German hates to scoop).  From the moment I get out of bed, I'm going.  I work in the AM or I do school work before going to school, or I'll go on a run, sometimes I'll come home after a run and take the dogs on a jog/walk.  Then I get ready.  I go to school.  I go to work.  Sometimes between school and work I'll stop by the chiro or get gas.  Rarely, I'll pick up lunch.  I'm at the office until most everyone has left (because no one likes it when the person who arrives last leaves before the person who arrived at 0900).  MWF I go to the gym, TH, I go home.  Depending on what is going on, it means extra homework or work time for me.  After I get home, it's dinner time.  Sometimes I cook, sometimes Teh German has cooked.  Sometimes, after the gym, I don't even bother going upstairs to shower because I know I will not want to come back downstairs to do work/homework, so I stay in my sweaty gym clothes until I'm done with my work.  I try to be upstairs by 9:30 so I can shower and be in bed by 10.  This starts again at 0530-0600 the next day.

During the semester, there were plenty of days that I was able to get ahead on my homework and finish up my work tasks while I was at work, so there would be days I could be available for work and still watch Shameless when I got home.  But right now, I don't have time to watch Shameless.  In fact, a new episode of Vikings went live last weekend and I haven't even been able to pretend to want to watch it.  Teh Ranch comes back on Dec 7th and I realllllly want to watch, but I know that I have exams next week.

It's a difficult balance, so when Husband, who has spent 2 days laying on the couch scrolling through his endless social media feeds, tells me, "Why should I go with you to pick up your hair stuff?" I want to rip of his arms and beat him with them.  I wanted to remind him of how I ensure that he never runs out of body wash or deodorant or FOOD and who plans our meals 97% of the time and who communicates to the cleaners and most of the service people for anything we use.

This mental time/effort that I've put forth for us is difficult to quantify and maybe that's why I feel the need to pull out the time martyr.  I know I posted about this within the last 2 years, but I cannot find the actual term I discovered to accurately describe this phenomenon that sooo many women experience.  If someone remembers, please jog my memory.. It's annoying me not to know now. 

Anyways.. after finishing up some school stuff, I headed upstairs for more laundry, bedtime chores, and then I laid in bed listening to an audiobook and playing solitare until Teh German came to bed.  I would have read my ebook, but I discovered the library had taken it back.... AND NOW there's a wait.. ugh.

My watch said I was asleep by 9:30, and I'm not actually sure if it's true or not, but it's fine if it was.

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I woke up this morning to several notifications that my library holds were ready for download.  Now I have a millionty books all at the same time, a bittersweet event, of course.  One of the library audiobooks was an audiobook I had used an Audible credit on, so I returned that bad boy.  #NoCreditWasted

Despite my partner's very strong desire to put off our German oral exam, I semi-forced her into doing it today, and it went just fine, as expected.  We're the top 2 students in the class.  I was FAR from worried about our oral exam.  This is the same student who our professor wanted to put into the next level class at the beginning of the semester, but it wouldn't fit with her schedule, so she stayed in our section... like, girl, you don't need to be worried.

I consider my online class complete since I completed the final exam.  I haven't care about that class all semester, but I am expecting an A.


This week includes:
-TEH RUNNING BESTIE'S ARRIVAL! with Boyfran and the dogs.
-Computer science test Wednesday.
-Final circuits project due Thursday.
-Company holiday party on Friday.
-Kiawah Half Marathon on Saturday.


PS.  It's December.
I'd be more glad if it was COLD and December and not just December.
Instead it's rainy and December and if it was cold that would mean SNOW and December..
That said, while I love the rain, the damp is making my bad hip hurt and I really don't enjoy that.

Weekend Review {12/18}

FRIDAY

I teleworked on Friday, as I had been instructed to do and it was fabulous.  I went to the doctor after my daily meeting.  She told me that there wasn't anything she could do to help me and that I should just keep fighting it as best I could and if it lasted longer than a week to fill the prescription she wrote me.  I took a bath in the middle of the day to see if the steam would help me feel better.  And I also made sure to take a nap in the afternoon so I could function for whatever shenanigans came up in the evening and it was good that I did.

Our first stop was Teh German's work holiday gathering at Vincent Chicco's downtown and honestly.. I wasn't super impressed with the food.  The atmosphere was great though and we got to hang out with people I hadn't seen in a while.  I spent most of the time ensuring that no one touched me to they couldn't get my germs.  It was funny and sad at the same time.  PS.  NEVER listen to a dude when he says that a company event is NOT dress up.  I was wearing jeans and a sweater and was extremely under dressed and mostly mortified.  Of course, Teh German dgaf.  Ugh.  Boys.

After Teh German's work gathering had ended, we headed to Company's holiday gathering since they were still partying.  I was about half a flask of Sailor Jerry into the night, so I wasn't feeling as bad as I could have been.  The party dwindled down soon after we arrived, which happened to be right in time for me to win a Starbucks gift card and have some cake.  I was trucking along nicely and agreed to go to the "after party" at Red's Ice House with a few coworkers.

We ended up getting home around 0130.

SATURDAY

Saturday morning came with a roughness.  I had finished off my entire flask of Sailor Jerry, plus 2 vodka drinks the night before, plus my Dayquil regimen.. I was hunnnnnggg ooovvveeerrr.  Nonetheless, I got up around 1115 to get ready for the Wreaths Across America event I had signed up to do.  I made a poor life choice to stop by McDonald's on the way and the drive thru took forever.  The drive thru wait made me late and then Waze put me in the middle of the sketchy hood and there was no cemetery that I could find.  I looked up the address on the website and Waze had misled me.  ugh.  It would have taken me another 20 minutes to get to the correct location, so I just gave up the fight.  I was disappointed, but I would have arrived 45 minutes after the start and that just seems like bad taste.

Instead, I headed downtown to exchange the sweatshirt I had won at the Yelp event for a size that would actually fit me.  After getting myself downtown and finding a parking garage, I dealt with holiday shoppers on King Street, finally arriving at my destination.  At which point, I learned that they didn't have normal people sizes and my trip had been in vein.  Ugh.  I called Teh German on my walk back to Yurtle to whine. 

Since I was out, I continued being productive.  I headed towards Kohl's to return something and made a pit stop at Total Wine on the way.  Total Wine was busier than I'd ever experienced.  There were zero parking spots in the lot and people were parking in the fire lane.  I did not park legally, but whatevs.  Those huge ass handicap zones only serve to piss me off at all the wasted parking opportunities.  My trip to Kohl's was short and sweet.  After, I headed to Sam's to pick up coffee.  I had found a local brand that I wanted Teh German to try.

When I got home, Teh German had been productive.  He had put together a new media shelf and hung the wall file in the downstairs bathroom for books.  He helped me rearrange the loft and then I arranged the DVDs on the new shelf.

We'd like a square table for the corner, but otherwise, we agreed that this set up wasn't so bad.

We had a holiday gathering at Teh PT House in the evening, so I laid down and napped before the fun started so I could be moderately human.  I woke up to Teh German standing over me and screamed like he was about to stab me, which didn't help my already sore throat.  He had been there to wake me up so we could get ready and he felt pretty bad for scaring me.  After we were clean and dressed, we headed over to Teh PT House for fun.  We had dinner and played Cards Against Humanity.  Teh German and a few others skipped out on CAH to go outside and have smoke time.  I was struggling, so I gave up on CAH and went and laid down on the couch.

The jello shot Christmas tree was felled.

CAH Seflie

Andddd I was done.  Max came to snuggle with me.  /swoon

At some point, Teh Dental Hygienist covered me with a blanket and soon after, Teh German roused me to take me home.  At some point he came home and drunkenly turned ON the lights trying to turn them off.  He didn't die that night, but it was a close call.

SUNDAY

Sunday morning I woke up to handle the dogs (against my will) and stayed up.  I had some tea since my throat was killing me and finally finished The Handmaid's Tale.  I made arrangements for brunch at Iron Dog Diner with homies.  It came out that Teh German had danced his way home from Teh PT House, which I was sad to have missed.  I had known Teh German was super drunk when he came home from the way he was shuffling around and that whole lights thing and his twitching in his sleep and the way his limbs did some magical Stretch Armstrong thing when he was sleeping (his arms were extra floppy in my space), but the dancing was a different level.  I was definitely surprised he was functioning as well as he was after hearing all he had to drink.

Lunch was delicious, despite the wait.  After brunch, we headed home and I piddled around the house aimlessly.  I wrapped Christmas presents, finally.. and by wrapped, I mean, I bagged that shit up and called it a day.  Wrapping paper is too much effort this year.  I did box up items to be mailed, but that was it.  Teh Dad called and sufficiently pissed me off by ensuring me that he KNEW my husband was taking care of me since I was sick.  Apparently, he meant the Husband that was laying on the couch watching snowboarding YouTube videos who couldn't pick up the bag of trash that I had thrown down the stairs when he had been downstairs a few minutes prior to me going down the stairs with my hands full of boxes.  Or Husband who had let me vacuum up a spilled tin of cookies on Thursday night when I was at my death-ly-ist, instead of stopping me and taking over the chore himself.

I'm just going to take a moment to rant:  It infuriates me that men "need" to be babied when they are sick, but since I'm a woman, I'm expected to function as normal.  It also infuriates me that my dad seems to think that Teh German walks on water and does no wrong, but it's on ME when I'm in a bad mood because I'm sick or any other reason, not because he seems to forget that I do A LOT, if not more than Teh German in our house.  I purposely try not to keep score for this reason, but when someone acts like Teh German does MORE than me for any reason (but especially because he's "The Man of the House"), I get stabby.  I may have said to Teh Dad, "Why don't you just call Teh German and talk to him if you want to kiss his ass?  Because I don't need you to call me to kiss Teh German's ass."

Let's just say, it wasn't our longest conversation.
After getting off the phone, I headed over to Teh PT House to drop off some items and pick up items we had left the night before.  I socialized for a little bit, then headed home to puzzle and audiobook.

Sky, mountains, one tree, and the castle are mostly complete.
Next comes the hellacious part of the trees.

After doggy dinner time, Teh German finally left his couch perch and came downstairs.  I hadn't bothered to feed the beasts, so Teh German took care of that.  I had been trying to talk to him and he'd walked away and couldn't hear me and after repeating myself multiple times, I was pissed.  Teh German then pointed out that maybe I was hangry, but I also pointed out that it was disrespectful to walk away while someone is talking to you, knowing you can't hear them, then act like it's MY fault that YOU can't hear me... so maybe it was both, but fuck if I'm going to take the blame for that because hanger when you're acting like a fucking douche.  Nope.

We did agree on a dinner plan and Teh German cooked up sausage to go on salads.  Seriously.  Minimal effort is my Christmas theme this year.  #notsorry.

After dinner, we cleaned up, I finished the last of the castle pieces, and we watched an episode of Mad Men.  Betty just found Don's box of secrets... and it was too late to start another episode.  I was tempted to tell Teh German to play another, but he opted to turn it off and that was that.  Except then we spent another 15 minutes on our phones and then went upstairs to get ready and when Teh German got in bed he "had" to check his phone again... /rolleyes.  I think we need a social media cut off time.  Seriously.

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And then the weekend was over.  This week is eerie.  Know what is scary?  Nothing on the schedule.  Usually when the schedule is empty, our life runs off the rails.  I'd call this a Christmas miracle, but I'm too scared.

One week till Christmas!  I am hoping for a surprise for me under the tree.. but we'll see.  I do know 3 of the gifts Teh German got me because I told him what to get me.  A surprise would be super sweet though.  A girl can dream.

Things I'd like to accomplish this week:
-Select wedding photos for printing.
-Schedule a massage
-Not be sick anymore.
-Maybe start the name change process?  Social security office and a new passport photo?  We'll see.
-Mail off Christmas packages.
-Return another item to Kohl's (ugh).