Weekend Review {10/5}

FRIDAY

After getting out of work at lunchtime on Friday, I met Teh German at home and we took care of last minute things/packing before heading out to his friends' house (Friends 1), where we were dropping off Yurtle and heading to Orlando from.  The drive was fairly uneventful.  It included a nap for me and some reading and chatting.  We actually stopped at another friend's house (Friends 2) for the night.  We had dinner at a seafood place and I tried rock shrimp for the first time in my life and they were delicious.  I asked Teh German if he wanted to share a huge seafood platter (scallops, crab legs, rock shrimp, and a lobster) and he agreed.  When it arrived, I learned something new about him: He does NOT do critters for food.  It needs to be completely prepared and consumable when it arrives in front of him.  If it has eyes and a shell, he will not eat it.  He also did not know how to eat the crab legs or lobster. 

If I hadn't been so hungry I would have taken a photo of the plate.  More importantly, I wish I would have had a photo of the look on his face when they put a steamed (whole) lobster in front of him.  I was afraid he was going to leave the table.  I cracked the legs/shells and pulled the meat from the crab and lobster and put half of it on his plate because there was no way I was eating that entire plate by myself.  He did eat almost all the fries while I was busy operating on the platter of shellfish.  His friends kept joking with him about the look on his face.  He was downright horrified that something like that arrived in front of him.  He will never live it down and I will never serve him shellfish.

After dinner, we headed back to Friends 2's house and it was bedtime.

Obligatory touristy photos:

SATURDAY

(Most photos are at the end because I'm lazy. #notsorry)
We woke up at 6 so we could get ready, have breakfast, and head to Universal/Islands of Adventure when it opened.  By 7 we were on the road with Friends 1.  Friends 2 was planning to meet us at the park later in the afternoon since they were running a 5k race that morning.  We stopped at Ihop for breakfast and then headed straight to Universal. 

Obligatory touristy photos:

We were pleased with our choice to get up early because we were able to head straight to the Harry Potter area/Diagon Alley and ride the rides with little to no wait.  #worthit  After we finished HP at Universal, we took the train to Islands of Adventure and did Hogsmeade.  The dueling dragons ride was still there!!!  YAY!  Sadly, the cars no longer go at the same time (apparently assholes were dropping/throwing shit at each other?) but the ride was still awesome.  Additionally, the red side is better than the blue side.  I couldn't remember from eons ago when Teh Sister and I rode them, but I knew that one side was better than the other and we rode it 2x to check and see.  I grabbed a Butterbeer (not frozen) and wasn't able to drink it because it was too sweet.  I had asked the cashier at the counter which was better but she never really specified so I went with the most popular one since it's "the original."  Siiiiigh.  Friends 1 Wife told me afterwards that she usually would get the frozen since it was less sweet.  Good timing..... 

We then ventured around Islands of Adventure and discovered that the Hulk ride was closed and we were all HULKSMASHED (aka crushed).  The Hulk ride is probably the best in Orlando, despite how much I really love the dueling dragon ride (also, I know it's no longer called dueling dragons, but some of us are stuck in the past, kthx).  We rode the Spiderman ride and opted to skip the water rides since it wasn't really hot (this was surprising to me too) and none of us wanted to walk around wet.  We ended up heading back to Universal to ride the Mummy and then decided it was time for lunch.  I picked Cowfish in CityWalk since I knew that park food probably wouldn't be as delicious as CityWalk food. 

After lunch, Friends 2 arrived and we did/rode Shrek, Transformers, and The Mummy.  We were going to get in line (40+ minute for either) for Rock It (a serious rollercoaster with a vertical start) or Despicable Me but we figured since it was 15 minutes till the park closed, we'd just head out to dinner at the Ale House and we'd catch Despicable Me/Rock It during the Halloween part of the night.

We didn't have many Dr. Seuss books, but of the ones we did have, this one was my face.

We didn't want to stand in line, so I posed him.  #win #photographyskillz

I survived sitting at the Ale House while several college football games were being shown.. and by that I mean I survived being surrounded by loud, obnoxious football fans while I was eating/trying to enjoy some downtime of not being bumped into/overstimulated by amusement park things.  The day was full of people and noise and I just don't appreciate how quiet my surroundings are until I'm completely out of my element. 

We eventually headed back to Universal to partake of the Scaroween or whatever they call it.  The lines were obnoxious to get in but we survived.  When Teh German and I purchased our tickets, we decided NOT to do the express passes since that would have been $200 more on top of the $475 we'd already spent on admission tickets for the day.  I just couldn't swallow it.  Friends 1 and Friends 2 both had express passes so they just left us behind while we waited in line.  While I get it, it was obnoxious trying to meet back up, but we survived.  We ended up doing 5 of the 9 haunted houses, which was pretty good.  Teh German and I also rode The Simpsons ride and The Mummy again. 

I knew it was time for me to slow down when my hip started giving me serious issues and I almost went down in the middle of a food court because something in my hip pinched.  Teh German was pretty concerned when I said we could power on after I did some stretching.  We ended up meeting back up with Friends 1 and 2 at 11ish for the Bill and Ted's Awesome Adventure show, which was completely awesome at showcasing 2015 pop culture, aka was right up my alley.  It was a dance skit so they played some of the most popular 2015 songs and did dance routines to them, which meant that Teh German and I were the only ones in our area/section dancing with no shame.  We totally #bahlalala fist bumped to our awesomeness.  After the show, we did a few more houses with short waits, then around 1:30am we finally left the park exhausted (and achy).  We didn't end up riding the Rock It coaster because of the wait or Despicable me because it was closed.

I had seriously worried that I was going to be petrified.  I wasn't.  Instead it became a mind game for me (thanks for that bootcamp).  I was hunting for where the people could be hiding to scare me.  The street walkers that tried to scare me were mostly unsuccessful because they'd stop in front of me and I'd just cheshire smile at them until they or I moved to the side.  There were a few times that I was scared and I did poke one of the characters in a haunted house in the face/eye trying to push her away from me.  Oops.  I apologized (like I do) and she didn't even break character and just kept repeating, "help meee." 

When we got to the hotel, I barely kept my eyes open as I brushed my teeth and crashed into bed.  Teh German got to witness me at probably my worst (at least since we've been together) when he was trying to joke around about turning off the light and I finally had to point blank tell him I was too tired to be silly, turn off the light or I'd do it myself.  2am Megan isn't very nice or silly.  She's sleepy and grouchy and achy, do not poke Teh Bear Megan.  Once I put in my earplugs, I didn't wake up other than to use the bathroom around 7am and then again when Teh German was waking me up to go down and get breakfast. 

SUNDAY

Teh German had showered and Friends 1 had gotten up and been moving around and talking and I hadn't even budged.  The power of earplugs and exhaustion, Gentle Readers!  I did finally get up after a few minutes of not wanting to be awake and put on clothes and just took my crazy hair downstairs for breakfast.  We stayed at an Embassy Suites and the breakfast was on point.  I was glad because I had no idea when we'd be stopping for lunch.  I felt like there was a serious communication issues between Friends 1 and me and/or Friends 1 and me/Teh German.  If your friend doesn't speak English as a first language, cryptic partial sentences aren't helpful in conversation.  Use whole sentences so your friend can use context clues and so his GF can comprehend what is going on when her ESL BF doesn't understand.  Le siiiigh.  Communication is essential people, it's not that hard!

We were on the road by 1030 and headed back to the Flood Zone Charleston.  We stopped for lunch somewhere in Georgia.  Soon after, we started to hit rain, which meant we were almost back home.  After we arrived back in Charleston, we picked up Yurtle, retrieved Phil and Meri from Teh SC House Finder's house, dropped them off at home, then headed out to pick up my laptop from work (so I could work from home today (as it was suggested by our manager)) and pick up groceries.  When I stepped out of Yurtle at the grocery store, I thought I was stepping onto parking lot, but actually I was stepping into a parking lot river that went up to my ankle.  Thankfully, I was wearing my orthopedic flip flops (Oovoos or whatever) and had rolled up my jeans before I got out of the car.  Literal high-waters in so many ways.

After groceries, we headed home and made dinner, hung out with the dogs, and unpacked.  It was so glorious to be back in Teh Cloud.  I'm pretty sure we have the same conversation each time we come back from our adventures about how good it is to be back in our bed.  #90yearolds


Harry Potter photos:

It was totally worth the exhaustion and missing Teh Cloud to have such a good time this weekend (and to not have to deal with all the flooding).  Teh German hadn't ever been to Universal/IoA and I hadn't gotten to experience Harry Potter land/world/thing, so it was perfect.  I had also never done a halloween thing, so now I have and I'm not as frightened by them as I thought I was.  WINNN.


 FYI: I haven't floated off yet, nor have I had to swim anywhere.  All is well, abet slightly damp.. and by slightly damp I mean I hope the water starts to recede from my side yard soon and I'll be having wet running shoes for the near future.


Linking up with these ladies:
Ashely @ A Cute Angle
Meg @ Life of Meg
Biana @ BLovedBoston

Book Challenges/Clubs... Update 2

I know we talk about books on Show Us Your Books Tuesday, but I wanted to update my own personal challenge to see/show how much progress I've made.  Also, I didn't link up with the Literary Ladies when their challenge ended, so yeah, lets say this is for that?  Or for the fact that we spent the weekend in Orlando and I'm too exhausted to write up a weekend review post by Monday?  Yeah, let's just call this good planning.   

So let's see how I'm doing, shall we?

That's a lot of crossed off books!!!
Erin, does that number format look familiar?

Young Adult/Challenge list/Page Turners (for July):
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Review here.

Non-US Author/3 word title:
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Review to come 13OCT.

Recommended by a blogger/any book:
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

TBR list for >1 year/book w/ girl/boy/woman/man in the title:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Review to come 13OCT.

Kickass female character:
My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space: The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman by Lisa Scottoline
Review to come 13OCT.

Book to be ruined (probably) by Hollywood:
Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Written by celeb/comedian:
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
Review Here.

One-word title:
Wonder by RJ Palacio
Review here.

Suspenseful book:
You by Caroline Kepnes

Summer book w/ summer in the title:
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Review here. 

Newberry Award/Honor:
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Review here.

Book of short stories:
New Stories from the South 2001 by various (Shannon Ravenel)
In progress, abet slow progress.  These stories are hit or miss.

Female author from Time article:
How Should a Person Be? by Sheila Heti
Review Here.

Latin America setting:
Guantanamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Slahi
STILL in progress.  I may end up giving up on this one because I feel like they are trying to brainwash me.  I would like to finish it since I actually bought a hard copy of the book, but I doubt it. When I get to pages with lots of redactions, I get super excited.

Book title starts w/ same letter as my last name (R):
Redeployment by Phil Klay
Review Here.

# in the title:
100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
I tried and couldn't on this one.  I listened to it on audiobook and had I been reading it, I probably wouldn't have got past page 50.



I've completed 10 (and quit 1) out of 16! 
That's not too bad for 3 very busy, transitional, months.


Here are the challenges/clubs I am/was participating in:
Book Challenge by Erin (categories in THIS COLOR)
Literary Ladies Book Club (categories in THIS COLOR)
Page Turners

Five on Friday #67

UNO

Teh German and I are on our way to Orlando with another couple to hit up Universal in Orlando today.  I'm going to check out Harry Potter world and hopefully we'll get to ride the formerly dueling dragons ride (although I heard years ago it was taken down, we'll see) and maybe the Hulk (is it still the Hulk?  It's been ages since I've been to IoA/US) roller coaster.  We'll be attending the Halloween (read: scary) thing on Saturday PM and I'm already worried I'm going to piss my pants and end up crying and ruining the good time.

I had already purchased our tickets when I reminded Teh German I didn't even watch scary movies and he kinda paused for a moment, looked at me confused, looked away, then looked back at his phone.  This is gonna be a good time.....  I've never been to any scary Halloween event ever, so this will be my first time.  #praythatIdontpeemypants #bringingextraunderwear #justincase

DOS

These status updates were in my Timehop earlier this week and I couldn't figure out what I was talking about because it was so vaguebook and out of character.  I'm even a mystery to myself, which could explain why no one else can figure me out.  :)

Then I realized I was referring to "the last weekend in September".  Which means those status updates were my only public reaction to the incident in GTMO.  I didn't put it together until I saw this photo posted a day later (that year), which is from the night the incident occurred.

This was a photo from that night and could very well explain why I greatly dislike energy drinks (we were drinking Mtn Dew Amp w/ citrus vodka).

Happy 6-years-ago-shitty-things-happened-to-you anniversary, Megan?  #somethingsarebetterleftforgotten

TRES

I love all this rain!  Seriously.  I do.  I'm probably the only one since Charleston is almost in a state of distress because of all the flooding, but whatevs.  One of the biggest reasons why I feel like Crossfit is going to workout for me?  The first thing I got to do was go on a warm-up run in the rain.  Is there anything better than that?  Probably not.

Know why else I love this rain?  Because I can work from home and not have to deal with fucktards on the road who can't comprehend how to drive when there is precipitation falling from the sky.  This is a 2-fer because I was already home for the AC guy to come visit 2x this week since my AC keeps shitting out, which makes for an extremely unhappy Teh Megan.  Hot and sweaty Megan = Grouchy Megan.

Fortunately, he was able to fix it (again), and hopefully this time it will stay fixed.  He did warn me if it stops working again, someone else will have to come out because he had no idea what is wrong with it.  Maybe there will be a week in the future where I'll work from the office all week?  Ok, that sounds horrible, please no.

Reason I do not love the rain (in Charleston): no one here knows how to drive so when you add precipitation to the mix it's a disaster, the smell (which isn't that wet earthy smell, more like a soggy swamp permanently invading your breathing cavity), and when the sun peeks out and it's still 100% humidity and 85+ degrees miserableness ensues.

QUATRO

I love me some puns.  I can't deny it.  This week has been pretty punny.  Check out these links to get your pun on:

Tumblr puns restore my faith in humanity.
Complete with reaction gifs.

Oh and because the moon eclipse thing happened:

Thanks to Teh Dive Buddy for sending me this gem.
He knows me too well.

Other awesome things on the internet:

Accurate titles for Disney movies.

I hate how much I love this song:

CINCO

10 things that made me happy this week:

1. Adventures with Teh German
2. Finally giving into the peer pressure starting the Crossfit adventure that I've had as a goal for a while.
3. #bahlalala
4. When I was being self-depreciating, Teh Chiro tried to cheer me up.  We always laugh together.
5. My "rave lights" phone charger.
6. Meri channeling her inner-cat and the ability to post it all over social media.
7. Getting to work from home.
8. Rain.
9. 99 likes on our FB relationship announcement (we're sooooo close to 100)!
10. Emails back and forth chatting with other bloggers.  We might be RL strangers, but on here, we're definitely friends.

The cutest thing you'll see all week: Meri in full on cat mode/Meri and Phil sharing the loveseat.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

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

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

Confessions {9/30}

-I feel legitimately guilty about missing confessions for 2 weeks in the last month.  #Catholicguilt

Driving Confessions:
-Poor life choice: bringing a peach as a road snack.  Holy moly that was a messy life situation.
-To the old man with the tag "U R FAT" #youreadouchecanoe
-If I stop at your gas station and you have prices listed but you have all the pumps roped off because you don't have gas, I strongly consider lighting something on fire and throwing it into a tank. #wtf #dontwastemyprecioustime
-If you make me pass on you on the right, then want to race me down the interstate so I don't get in front of you when I'm obviously going faster than you, you have no right to flip me off when I do finally own your ass like it's NASCAR and get in front of you.  #learntodrivegrandpa #TehDadisgonnabepleasedaspunchbythatNASCARreference
-You deserve to be ran off a bridge if you have a Trump for President sticker on your car.  #justsaynotostupidity


-When my HR lady called to ask me why I hadn't put in my time and then didn't want to give me the chance to speak/explain what was happening, I just talked over her because she wasn't listening to my very valid explanation.  Then when she told me she didn't understand, I broke it down for her like she was 5.  When she told me it was the "executives" that were concerned, I didn't even bother to ask her why she hadn't contacted my manager to ask what was going on.  #bitchplease #idgaf #Imonvacation

-Because I'm probably going to run out of room on my medal rack, I'm considering taking down the virtual run medals.  Maybe.  We'll see.  Except for my Blerg run.  Not that one.  Or the BFF run.  #runnerproblems

-I actually started an Audible trial so I would be able to listen to What Alice Forgot while I was running my half since I assumed that I'd be finished with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo about 30 minutes into the run.  Yeah, I was wrong and that sucked major balls.  I was so over that book.  I was so excited about a new audiobook that I started listening to it on the way home after I finally finished listening to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I listened until I got tired of being as confused as Alice was and I needed to participate in an activity (aka karaoke time).   #Ineedtojustquitshittybooks

-I am proud of myself for not calling anyone to "keep me awake" on the drive to or from MD.

-I am more proud of the fact that for 13.1 miles, I didn't stop running except for the 10 seconds it took me to choke on a cup of water.

-When people who are quitting/relocating from Company get a chip on their shoulder because they have no fucks since they are quitting/moving, I get frustrated at how difficult they are to work with.  We get it, you're on to bigger and better things.  Just stop being disagreeable.  #amItheonlyonesatisfiedwithmyjob

-I'm loving What Alice Forgot and I want to listen to it all the time.

-For my Audible bonus download, I chose Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends.  He narrates his own book, so it was a win-win for me.

-I asked a couple at the wedding we went to last weekend to take a photo of Teh German and I.  The lady cut off my feet.  This irritates me because the most difficult choice of my entire day was which shoes I should wear and there were zero photos of my shoes (or my awesome foot tattoo).  Siiiigh.  #hardlifechoices #picsoritdidnthappen

-Teh German and I had high hopes that our relationship reveal on FB would reach 100 likes.  We're at 96.  Of that 96, only 33 of those are my friends.  This means that only 30ish people are seeing my status updates and if there are actually more than that, they hate me.  #myfriendshateme #socialmediavanity

-No one tell you that with girl parts comes the inability to hold your pee.  While dancing on Saturday night at the wedding, I was jumping up and down cause #whitegirl and I felt myself bounce a few drops of pee out.  I feel pretty confident about my "floor" muscles and I know, do Kegel's they will help.  Yeah, been there, done that.  Is there Proin for humans at age (almost) 30?  Ughhhh.  I hear that after being pregnant, this issue gets worse.  #freebirthcontrol

-I said something to Teh German about being 30 and he corrected me with, "You're 29."  I had to explain to him that I often have no idea how old I am, so I have to start getting into the swing of the new age about 6 months before my birthday so I don't have to math as much when people ask me how old I am, because nothing makes you look shadier than having to calculate your own age.  I also admitted that for most of 26 I said I was 25 and for almost all of 27 I told people I was 28.  I explained that since we're past the 29.5 point, I'm now eligible for saying I'm 30.  #cantarguewiththislogic #countingishard

-Things IDGAF about: National (insert stupid thing here) Day.  Coffee, Doughnut, Talk Like a Pirate, blah blah blah.  I used to think they were cool when I could get free shit and then everyone else started knowing about all these National Days and they became competition, which led to overcrowding, which led to me having zero fucks to give.  #freeshitisntworthitifIhavetowaittoolong



Linking up with:
Life with Lolo
Alanna & Company
Hodges Podge

Training for Tuesday #4

Another countdown complete!  Another medal achieved!!!

Online Countdown Clock

Upcoming events:


14 November 2015: Sweet Tea Half in Summerville, SC
18-21 February 2016: Glass Slipper Challenge weekend + 5k in Orlando, FL (Disney World)
02 April 2016: Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC

September's Goals:

-Keep up with the training plan(s).  Those long runs are killer and fall means several activities on the horizon, which means keeping up with the runs, EVEN IF I'm out of town for the weekend.
-Run the Greenway in West Ashley.
-Run the bridge again/run more with Teh German who really pushes my pace.
-Add some cross training into the mix (I might count sexy time and random dance offs with Teh German (this is my motivation to not be so shy and just shake these hips), don't judge me). 
-Navy-Air Force 1/2 Marathon!!!
-Keep running after the Navy-AF 1/2.. the Sweet Tea 1/2 is coming!  We'll see if I try to talk someone into doing the Sweet Tea run with me or just run it as my first solo 1/2.
-Manage this chafing issue I've been dealing with.  If it's not underboob chafing, it something else.  I wish I was kidding, but I got hip chafing from my hydration belt recently.  WTF?  #chafingsagaof2015

Accomplishments:

I didn't even have to really talk Teh MD-AR into running the Sweet Tea 1/2 with me.  It was just meant to be.  She reminded me that she's visiting in November and the Sweet Tea 1/2 just so happens to be the weekend that she is here.  Annnnddd she's running her Army 10 Miler a few weeks before so it's really not much more training to scale up 3 miles.  Wiiiiiiiinnnnnn.  Teh German also mentioned running it, but we'll see.  He wasn't impressed with the price.

I added the Sweet Tea 1/2 event to RunKeeper.  Gold star for me.

I got tramp stamp chafing during my Navy-AF 1/2.  I'm not even sure why/how since the shorts I wore were Navy shorts that I've owned for a long time and I've never had an issue.  I could feel the tag rubbing my back around mile 3, but I just shifted my shirt (throughout the race) and powered through it.

That said, I purchased Body Glide AND Gooch Guard to combat the underboob #chafingsagaof2015.  After the Body Glide didn't work on a 3 mile run, I was pissed and took to Amazon to find something better and I discovered Gooch Guard and several other chamois (wtf does that mean, I'm seriously too afraid to google it) creams.  I figured if it was for balls (I made the assumption since it was for bikers) it would have to be better, right?  Whatever.  I slathered on Body Glide, I rubbed on the Gooch Guard, and I wore my original running bras (please never die bras, plllleeeeaasssee) and I was underboob chafing free.  Too bad I still wasn't chafe-free.. Le siiiigh.

At one 1.5ish weeks after the 1/2, I'm back to running.  It was difficult continuing to run because I was hurting so bad, but after 2 sessions in 1 week with the chiropractor, I was way better than I was after my Divas 1/2.

October Goals:

-Keep training for my Sweet Tea 1/2.
-Get my pace down.
-Try out Crossfit.
-Don't get hurt.


We're keeping it simple this month to try to avoid hitting that running wall again.



Wanna be friends on RunKeeper and stalk each other?  Yes, please.
Linking up with Alyssa and Tracy!

Countdowns make it more real!

Online Countdown


Countdown Clocks


countingdownto.com

Weekend Review {9/28}

FRIDAY

I got off work on Friday and went home and considered running, but it was super humid and I'd been fighting off a nap since lunchtime, so I finally succumbed.  It was glorious after an exhausting week/weekend/week + shitty sleeps.  When Teh German came home, it took us a bit to get motivated to leave the house for dinner.  We eventually headed out for dinner at Willie Jewell's (bbq, mmmm), then we stopped by "the closet" to pick up the wedding invitation so we would know which church to go to on Saturday.  After that, we headed home.

We were gloriously lazy for the evening, which included snuggles and watching Big Hero 6, which Teh German hadn't ever seen.  He was cackling at all the same spots I did the first time I watched the movie (ok and this time as well), so obviously we are awesome together.

Additonally, this is our new thing (#sorrynotsorry):

SATURDAY

The plan of the morning was to sleep in and we slaughtered that goal.  We slept until at least 10, with only a short break around 7ish when I got up to feed the dogs, and we stayed in bed until 1130ish when we finally decided it was time to get up and get ready for the wedding.  We got all dressed up and headed to the church.  It was a Catholic service and I'm still not behind "and with your spirit."  #notsorry  Whatever, I remembered the other important parts.  #thatswhat18yearsoftrainingdoes  We couldn't even hear the couple say their vows, so I was slightly disappointed, but whatevs.  God knows, they know, everyone's happy, right?  #untiltheywatchtheirweddingvideo #awkwardsilencefordays

There was a break between the ceremony and the reception, so we went back home to pass the time and eventually feed the dogs before we left for the reception.  The reception was at Magnolia Gardens (remember that place I went that one time and promised to show you the photos and never did?  Yeah, that place) and it was unbearably gorgeous (and it had to have cost a mabillionty dollas).

Since the scenery was gorgeous and we were dressed up, and because Teh German promised his dad he'd send some photos of us soon, we took the opportunity to get some photos/selfies.

I'm totally printing this one to put on my desk at work.
#ourselfiegameisstrong

Teh German only knew the newly married couple and one other couple at the reception, so I was in good company of not really knowing anyone.  Of course, the people he did know were crossfitters, so we did get to have a conversation about that with some of our table-mates, but it didn't last too long.  Dinner was amazing.  I didn't want to be that guy that pulled out my phone to take a photo of the plate, but I wanted to.. oh how I wanted to.  #bloggerproblems

We had a small portion of steak, a small crab cake, green beans with roasted red peppers, and au gratin potatoes.  The portions were perfect to feel perfectly full (at least for me).  I would have been more pleased with the cake if I hadn't ended up with a chocolate layer (booooo (no I don't like chocolate cake (or ice cream for that matter) because it taste artificial to me)).

The dance floor was constantly packed, which was awesome since it meant working off dinner.  Although it also meant lots of jumping around which sucks for Miss Weak Bladder over here.  Yeah, other than that age reminder, the reception was a blast.  Also, there was a fire pit outside and ingredients for smores were provided so I was SET.  The only thing missing was a photobooth and a few slow songs (sooo many pop jams and not many sappy, cheesy love songs) and I felt a little jilted that the father-daughter and mother-son dance songs were cut off about halfway.  I'm not sure if that was by request or the DJ took that upon himself.  Nonetheless, a gorgeous wedding and reception (and I'm sure that if I saw the price tag on that event I'd probably have a heart attack).

There was some weird polish/money dance thing and when the groom finally broke in the circle, he literally carried the bride outside and they left.  It was kind of a weird exit, but it worked.  Everyone kinda stood around wondering if they were coming back, but when Teh German and I saw the limo pulling away (yes, a limo, we later saw the Expedition limo when we were leaving) we assumed they weren't coming back.  We took that as our ticket that it was time to leave. 

SUNDAY

We slept in again on Sunday morning because we are adulting pros.  I got up to feed the beasts but came back to bed.  When we got up at 1115, it was only because we'd decided on Sunflower Cafe again and we wanted to beat the church crowd.  In fact, we got there about 5 minutes before several groups arrived, so we fist bumped (see above video) on good timing.  #bahlalala

Right before food arrived, Teh German suggested a bridge run and I explained that after we ate we wouldn't feel like it and that we'd be time constrained since we had evening plans to attend a going away gathering downtown.  After brunch, we went back home and did some cleaning.  Fortunately, I had done laundry on Friday evening, so I only needed to clean the carpet from a poo spot I found from Meri when she was sick last week, give the dogs a bath, and trim Meri's nails.  Teh German did the dishes (because he's the best) while I did all my tasks.  After we finished, we caught up on the internet and made our relationship FB official.

We're at 93 likes and that's the most likes either of us have ever gotten.  #bestteamever

If you remember, despite being together for more than 6 months and me mentioning it to him, Mr. Scrooge refused forgot to change his FB relationship status.  Not only did Teh German ask me if it was ok to tag me as "in a relationship with _____" but he changed his relationship status period.  I know it shouldn't matter, but it does.  It just does.  I hate that it matters, but it does because I'm me and I breathe social media.  I wanted to do a little dance to be completely honest, but I restrained myself and kept my ass on the couch and was internally gleeful so he didn't think I was a complete psycho.

After 1/2 of the singing episode of Grey's Anatomy (I know everyone hated that episode, but I loved it #notsorry) and an episode of House of Cards, we finally got motivated and got ready to go downtown.  The gathering was a The Westendorf, a new restaurant downtown that another crossfitter owns, which was fitting since the goodbye was for a crossfitter.  I didn't know anyone there other than the couple from the wedding (whom I had met before), so I was a bit overwhelmed and there were a lot of people in a small space.

I couldn't really find anything on the menu that was jumping out at me so we opted to go to dinner somewhere else since we were already downtown.  Teh German suggested the hot dog place that he had been to while I was in MD and I said ok to that.  I could tell the hangar was coming on, so I was good with that rather than have to suggest somewhere else.  The hot dog place was ok, overpriced like most places downtown, but creative and the atmosphere was retro, which was cool.  The dude with the bushy beard and Dapper Dan hair (aka hipster) really gave it that back in the day feel.  Ok, maybe not the beard, but definitely his hair.

Teh German realized that he hadn't made his grocery store run for his lunches so on the way home, we stopped by Ye Old Fashioned Cafe for a hot fudge cake to share for dessert (even though the girl put all the cake on the top, siiiiiiigh), then hit up Harris Teeter for veggies for dinner and lunch choices for him.  After, we headed home and went to bed exhausted.



Overall, another fantastic weekend in the books.  Not only are Teh German and I FB official, I also gave him a house key.  Not really sure why I hadn't done this before, probably because we usually come/go at the same time so it wasn't a big deal and he knew where the hidden key was.  We haven't had the conversation about "the closet" yet, but I'm working myself up to it and he knows it's coming (that's what she said).

There weren't really a lot of photos taken this weekend.  I feel like I did a good job of being present and keeping my phone put away.  Gold star for Megan!

And now the countdown until Harry Potter land begins!!!
5 days!





Linking up with these ladies:
Ashely @ A Cute Angle
Meg @ Life of Meg
Biana @ BLovedBoston

Sunday Sweats #12

SUNDAY -20

HALF MARATHON DAY!!!
Runkeeper results: 13.46 miles, 2:11:33 (9:46m/m)
Official results: 13.1 miles, 2:10:49 (9:58m/m)

I didn't get to turn off my RK until I was through the finish chute, but it wasn't more than .05 miles, so I don't think it really effected my tracking that much.  Also, RK bugged out when I was trying to start it up, so it didn't start right away and it also had my pace at 2:something when I had stopped for a few seconds for water.  Whatever.  I did it.  It sucked for so many reasons.  I'll prob recap the race on my Training for Tuesday post.

MONDAY -21

8 hour drive = nope.

TUESDAY -22

After being abused at the chiro, I considered a run, but also knew that my body really needed a rest from all the abuse it has suffered since last week.  So I sat on my couch instead and didn't do a damn thing.  It was glorious to hang out with the dogs with nothing to do besides blog and be lazy.

WEDNESDAY -23

Teh German and I needed to accomplish some shopping before this weekend, so that happened instead of a run.  That was perfectly acceptable to me because I was so sore from the chiro's abuse.

THURSDAY -24

4.26 miles, 40:23 (9:28m/m)
First post 1/2 run and it was ok.  Not overly bad, not overly good.  My foot really hurt the entire run (the same foot that the chiro reset a few weeks ago (I know, I know, it's a work in progress).  I gave myself shin splints from picking up my pace, but the next 1/2 I do, I reeeeeaallllyyy want my time to be under 2 hours.  I can do it.  I know I can.  I just have to push past my comfort zone.

FRIDAY -25

I wanted to run, but didn't happen.

SATURDAY -26

Snuggling in bed > running 8 miles.  Not sorry.

Total miles:

17.72 miles



I've trained and trained and only moderately fallen off the train in regards to my training plan, but that usually coincided with real life and hitting a running wall when I just didn't feel like it.  I have also committed (even if only to myself) to trying out Crossfit after my DC 1/2 is done.  I was torn on this because I told Teh German I didn't want to smother him, but at the same time, I'd really like to get in some good cross-training because I know it will only help me for my Disney run.  Technically, it's not a matter of being unable to run my runs, it's a matter of how well/easily I can do the runs and I'm certain that Crossfit will be an excellent diversion to all the running I'll be doing to prep for my Disney runs... and ya know, building muscles and shiznit.  I haven't brought up going yet, but I'm sure that Teh German is just waiting on me to say the magic words.  Also, why does it have to be so expensive?!?!  Uggghhh...  All the dollas.



Online Countdown Clock

Five on Friday #66

UNO

Teh German and I get to play dress up tomorrow and go to a wedding for friends of his.  I'm super pumped about this.  #alltheselfies  I'm also stupid excited about getting to sleep in and no one having to work.  On Sunday we'll be attending another gathering at a new restaurant we've been wanting to try out.

Technically, I should run 8 miles this weekend (per the Sweet Tea training plan), but we'll see.  My pieces have been struggling to recover from my 1/2 and the drive to/from MD.  As in.. went to the chiropractor 2 times this week and the first session he actually looked a little concerned when he was adjusting my neck and he actually shut the door to the room because I was groaning so loudly from how much it hurt so bad/good when he was working on my hips, IT bands, glutes, and shoulders.  #thosearentsexnoises

DOS

The hardest part of a new thing is starting it.. at least for me.  I committed to trying out Crossfit at Teh German's "box" (/shiver) after I completed my Navy-AF 1/2, but the actual part of when and actually showing up is overwhelming me now that I've completed my 1/2.  I hate being new at something.  Also, I'm really fucking whiny when I am confronted with things that are "hard" or out of my norm and I don't want new people to judge me as a whiny newb (which I totally am).

The worst part is that I know it will be good for me since I feel like the lack of cross-training seriously effected my 1/2 marathon in a negative way.  I'm sure the chiropractor is going to LOOOVEEE this life choice.

TRES

The next month is going to be action packed!

After this weekend's activities, we're headed to Orlando in October to go to Universal/Islands of Adventure/whatever their Halloween event is called.  After seeing that the tickets would be almost $250 for myself for the day at the park, I almost said, "Kthxnothankyou."  But then I'd be missing out, and I hate missing out on possible fun adventures (even though I hate scary shit and might cry) and I'd already arranged for Teh SC House Finder to watch Meri and Phil, so I swallowed that pill.  It better be a fucking spectacular day and all the Harry Potter world things better bring me all the joys and if anyone makes fun of me for fangirling, I will eye-cut them.  #noshame #Imissedtheboat

2 weeks later, we're headed to the NC Renn Faire with Teh Sister and Teh Utah Specialist.  I'm so unbearably pumped since I didn't get to go last year.   I need The Tortuga Twins in my life!  Soon after that is Halloween, which will mean (currently undetermined) adventures as well, then Teh MD-AR's visit and my Sweet Tea 1/2, then Thanksgiving, then holiday parties, then Christmas!  I love fall!

QUATRO

CINCO

10 things that made me happy this week:

1. (More) Surprise flowers from Teh German
2. A job that allows me to work from home when my pieces hurt too bad to find the motivation to physically be in the office.
3. New dresses to wear to work when I don't have the motivation to go in.
4. No stress about not having prepared dinner from Teh German.
5. Knowing that I get to see Teh German in his new suit on Saturday (and realizing how difficult it's going to be to keep my hands off him).
6. Being able to call Teh MD-AR for fashion advice.
7. Being able to go to the chiropractor regularly.
8. My space heater under my desk when my toes are cold.
9. Trying new foods (chia seed pudding (chia seeds soaked in almond milk) and it not tasting horrible.
10. Knowing the difference between I love you kisses and I want you kisses.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

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

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