Five on Friday #139

EINS - Random things

-I dropped my summer Chemistry classes and swapped it for a Calc 2 class.  I've already had a break between Chem 1 and 2, so why not just add some more time in there.. ya know, like a year.  I feel like taking a harder subject during the summer when class meets every day makes it easier than when class meets every other day, at which point I sleep twice and forget even more.  I also considered taking the class at another college to transfer it in, but that just seems like a lot of effort right now.  My veteran calc classmates have informed me that they will NOT be taking it during the summer due to the compressed schedule.

-When you buy the wrong sizes after reading in text the correct size and you get your own size wrong.. you may have an issue.

-I've stopped linking up for SUYB because I was having horrible blogger guilt for dropping my link and never visiting other linker-uppers.  The reality is, I don't have time to go through other blogs.  I can barely keep up with the, like, 6 blogs on my Feedly.

-At the Hot Chocolate Half expo, I received a bunch of chocolate probiotic samples.  They are no as delicious as I wanted them to be.

-I'm struggling in German this semester because we're actually covering things more than my limited knowledge and because calculus homework sucks up all the extra hours of my life.  Maybe I should prioritize.

-For the first time.. maybe ever.. I'm going to run out of data before the end of my billing cycle and I can't for the life of me figure out what is sucking up all my data.  I wish there was a way to track app data usage DAILY.  My phone has the cycle tracker and shows me what apps use the most data overall in a month, but I need to see the day to day break down because NO ME GUSTA.  Part of the issue is that they gave me a free month of unlimted data, which erased all my roll over data that I had banked up... If I had the banked up data, I'd be ok, but without it.. Not so much.  I never thought this would apply to me, but it's time to go on a #DataDiet.

-I want to do a Ragnar run soooo badly.  I wish I could explain it, but I cannot.  I signed up to be a free agent on the website, so maybe someone that needs an extra person for their team will contact me.  Please please please please pleaseeeeeeeeee.

-I am signing up to do the Chicago Rock n Roll weekend (5k and half marathon (or maybe the 10k, idk)) AND the Route 66 half marathon with Teh Running Bestie and Teh Kiawah Friend.  Teh Kiawah Friend was already doing these races and asked if I wanted to tag along and I have no will power and said yes and I then told Teh Running Bestie and well.. Now we're all 3 sharing a hotel room and running races and FRIENDS!  Also, some EPIC ASS medals are going to be earned.

-Teh German said he wanted to go to Florida on a dive trip over his birthday weekend, sooo we're going on a dive trip over his birthday weekend.  I think we might be making up for the lack of 2017 adventures in 2018.  #NOTSORRY

-Teh German and I exchanged valentine's cards and the TL;DR was essentially the same for both cards.  I love that we do that.  It's cheesy, but I don't curr.

-Being able to skip my 0800 classes without much issue or falling behind in class makes me extra happy.

-We had a Marti Gras celebration at work on Tuesday.  Have I mentioned lately that I work for the best Company ever?  Because I do.

-Semi-related.  When I tell other vet students that I have a full-time job, I think they think I'm bragging about already having a job, when really I'm just saying:
1- I can't apply for scholarship because I make too much money.
2- I can't do homework with you at lunch every day because I have to go to work.
3- I don't need to go to a career fair.

I'm honestly not bragging, but I think people think I am and that makes me sad. 
Then again, this a group of people that will talk about the person that isn't there as soon as they leave the room when they were just being friendly to their face.  I asked what they say about me when I'm not around and they said that I talk too much and I complain a lot.  Yep.  That's accurate.  Don't curr.  I really struggle with this behavior because it feels very "teenage girl" to me and these are grown ass men.  /facepalm

-I DO NOT APPRECIATE IT when I get a massage and they do not massage my butt.  I'm not asking you swipe my butt crack, but lawd my butt contains the biggest "muscles" in my body.  Can a girl get a good rub down from a paid professional?! UGH.  Sometimes, I really miss the masseuses in Bahrain with their actual full body rubs.  Like, my boobs got massaged once and my belly.  Essentially, everything but my genitals, which is exactly how I liked it.  I willing to give them a pass for the boobs/belly thing, but come onnnn.. MY BUTT IS A MUSCLE... and some fat, but shut up about that.

ZWEI - Money spent

I went shopping because I had several returns to take back and several rewards that were going to expire soon.  #firstworldproblems

• Groupon for National Pizza Day.
• New running shoes.  I bought a pair of Hokas to be my 2nd set of running shoes, but they make my calves cramp.  I've tried running in them and I also have worn them to during the week and walked around campus in them and my calves hurt just walking from class to class.  It's not my jam.  So I used my Dick's rewards to purchase some new Brooks like I had last year that I loved.
• Old Navy: New loafer shoes and 2 pairs of jeans for me, several pairs of pants for Teh German and 2 short sleeve shirts I know he is going to like.
• Kohl's: So what had happened was.. I had a return to do and then I managed to stumble on an awesome clearance section.. and I had a 30% off coupon and some rewards dollas.. and well, what should have probably cost me $150 on sale, only cost me $60.  I feel like I stole the stuff.  I ended up getting new curtains and a comforter for First Child Room, a new photo collage frame, cute Valentine's dish towels, and a Valentine's Day card for HUSBAND, since it is our first Vday together.
• Jim n Nick's after dive class.  I needed some cheese biscuits.
• A congrats present for Teh Sister, which I'm super pumped about and I can't wait for her to receive it because she's gonna LUURRRVVEEE it..  and unless she's reading Teh Blog, she doesn't know it's coming. HA!
• Lunch on campus because I was over pot roast and there were no leftovers.
• Lidl trip to pick up TWO items and I walked out with no less than 10 things.  Oops.
• One of the things was an orchid for Teh German for Valentine's Day.  So he got flowers too!
• Wendy's for lunch so I could save my steak leftovers for Friday lunch...
• I paid for our taxes to be done by a professional this year.  It was $125 well spent.  Thanks to Twin Dad for the referral. 

DREI - Things from my phone

Q: What do you call identical boobs?
A: Identities.
Side note: In the spirit of Marti Gras.

I went with Teh Dental Hygienst to truely embrace my #oldladystatus.
They needed a 12th person for Bunko night and I was it.
It's essentially a dice game and it's not complicated until someone tries to explain the rules to you.
I ended up winning so I made $2 profit.

I think my coworkers thought that baby fever would strike me from holding a 1 month old.
They were wrong.

My coworkers said I needed to text a picture to Teh German with the caption, "What should we name it?"
His answer? "And the name would be "Give it back".
And this folks, is why he is the #BestHusbandEver

This is also why he's the #BestHusbandEver.
Every year I swear we don't do valentines and every year he comes through.
This year flowers were delivered to work (for me to find on Thursday) and he scheduled a couple's massage.
Seriously though.  #LuckiestWomanEver

This is my annoyed face for having to walk 10 minutes to the park near campus for Biology lab because we listened to the instructor talk about the species of animals and trees in the area and then said ok you can go.
I'm annoyed because we didn't do any simulation experiment like the instructor said we would and I had toted my 10+lb backpack all the way there and had to get all the way back to campus.
This is how people die.

VIER - Things from the Internet

FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week

1. Teh German
2. Skipping Biology on Thursday to sleep in and going on a run instead.
3. Pax not being able to get up the stairs because he had a Kong in his mouth.
4. Taxes accomplished.
5. Planning for more medals for my medal rack with Teh Running Bestie and Teh Kiawah Friend.
6. Getting how to do calculus, even if I've forgotten how to algebra....
7. Teh German letting me assist him with his ear issues.
8. Sunglasses on sunny days.
9. Audiobooks.  All the audiobooks.  Also, I'm actually enjoying Outlander 6 but it feels like it's lasting for forever and I have other audiobooks I want to listen to!!!  #OutlanderProblems
10. February being half over already.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Shit Teh German Said #18

tM: Ok, smart ass.
tG: Smart people say smart things.



tM: Take Beck Road as a back way.
tG: We're taking the Beck way.



Laying in bed:
tM: Babe, do you want to go shower?
tG: gekjaflkeeibe (grumble)
tM: Well, I'm not trying to twist your arm about it.
tG: It feels like it.



Teh German was playing with the new Apple X emojis and I select the rainbow poop emoji to show him.
tG (in an angry voice): I'm STINKY!
tG: Damn, I should have said, 'I'm stinking cute!'



Teh German was looking at a baby cow at an animal petting area.
tG: If you bite me, I'll put you on a burger.



We were discussing the sounds that animals make.
tG:  Geese.
I poorly imitate the sound of a goose.
tM: Yeah, I don't know what happened there.
tG: Yeah, I was just gonna let that go.



Teh German was in the process of feeding Meri and Pax, who have to work for their meals by laying down to wait while it gets prepared.
tG to dogs: Ok, lay down.
Dogs just look at him.
tG: Ok, Snowflake [Pax], lay down.  Meri, lay down!



Teh German was tucking the blankets all around him after he got in the bed.
tM: What are you doing?
tG: Making a cold wall.




Teh German accidentally slid his plate while cutting something.
tM: Woah, that was aggressive.
tG: I get aggressive over food.
tM, as I pat his arm: You're in good company.




Shit Teh German Said Edition 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Weekend Review {2/12}

FRIDAY

After class on Friday, I headed home to wait on the delivery of the new bedroom chair that I ordered 4-6 weeks ago.  I took a break from work things to go use some B1G1 Cold Stone coupons with Teh PT Wife and I have zero regrets about that life choice.

Teh German got home in the afternoon and we got the chair upstairs first thing, which surprised me, since I figured for sure that I'd have to hound him about it and there would be yelling (because we are seriously the worst work-together team, but we're great at coming up with good ideas). 

I did let him try to do it himself and eventually I went to help him.  It went much smoother than either of us expected.  It helped that the chair is round and we literally rolled it up the stairs.

So fancy.
So new.

I lurve the new chair.  Teh German didn't want to put the wheels/feet on it since we're planning on rearranging the bedroom in the near future but then he claimed that my chair was broken because it tipped back when we were sitting on it.  Sighhh.

Since it was National Pizza Day (/rolleyes), Teh German opted for pizza for dinner.  Mexican to me is pizza to Teh German.  I could always eat mexican food.  He could always eat pizza.  Such is life.

There were no pictures because we sat at the bar and ate pizza and chatted and it wans't overly interesting.  When we got home, we watched some Mad Men, since it was a light homework weekend.

SATURDAY

Saturday morning, Teh German got up and went to dive class.  He woke me up like I had asked, but I opted to stay in bed and be lazy.  Eventually, I did get up and got dressed and headed out on a quick run.  I came back from my run and Teh PT Wife and I walked the beasts.  After my exercise, I had 2 tired dogs and a hunger.  I ate lunch and then showered and then headed out to take care of errands that have been amassing (i.e. returns).

My first stop was Payless Shoes to return some shoes that didn't fit.  Then, to Dick's Sporting Goods.  I had rewards to spend and my Hokas have only led to disappointment, which sucks since they are relatively new.  I splurged on a new pair of Brooks similar to a pair I had last year, which I lurrrved.

I was perusing the clearance racks and couldn't figure out why this guy kept staring at me.......
DUUUUUUUUHHHHHH, Megan.

After Dick's, I learned there is not an Old Navy in Summerville (/headdesk), so I headed to Kohl's to take care of a return and accidentally stumbled upon an awesome clearance section.

$61 for all that stuff in the above photo.
Queen/full comforter, 2 curtain panels, photo frame, Valentine's dish towels.

I headed to Old Navy next.  I had a dress to return and I knew I wanted to buy some new jeans.  I was easily able to find what I needed and completed the exchange and I was on my way out of the store when I noticed clearance men's pants.  I should have just walked away... but I didn't.  That decision led me to end up back in Old Navy 2 more times over the weekend... but I digress.

I ended up finding a few pairs of pants for Teh German and a not overly cute, but incredibly comfortable shoes for myself... plus those jeans from my first time through the check out...

I ended up getting the wrong size for Teh German (my dyslexic problem since Teh German did text me his correct size)... and myself.  /facepalm.  After my shopping, I headed home and put stuff away and work on homework things.  When Teh German got home from dive class, I had him try on the pants and he realized my error.  Ugh.

Teh PT Wife and I had agreed to go out to dinner before Neighborhood Ladies Night, so she agreed to venture into Old Navy with me so I could exchange all the pants.  It was a little difficult, but eventually everything got sorted out.  We went to Wild Wing Cafe for dinner.  We ran into Teh SC German and Teh SC (not no more) Teacher and chatted for a bit.  After we finished dinner, we headed home, made beverages, picked up Teh Dental Hygienist and headed to Ladies Night.

We stayed for several hours, but around 11 I realized that I had to get up early, so it was time to go.

SUNDAY

Teh German's alarm went off at 0700 to get up and get ready for dive class.  I couldn't sleep in this time since I was also going to dive class for my refresher course.  I picked up my gear that I had sent off to get cleaned and certified.  Teh German and I actually used the not-GoPro cameras and recorded each other under the water after instruction was finished (this means there are picture, but they are still on the cameras).  I was pretty disappointed in my refresher "course."  I paid $95 for less than 2 hours of pool time (which included a filled tank, which I paid $5 for in GTMO).  I did relearn how to use my gear and had zero issues removing my mask and putting it back on, which is the hardest skill.  I couldn't figure out my buoyancy and I kept listing to one side, annoying.  I wanted the divemaster to help me figure that out, but he seemed a little distracted.

Mostly annoyed, we headed back to the dive shop, where the class went to lunch, I rinsed out my gear, and headed home.  I stopped by Sam's for gas and succumbed to a craving for Jim n Nick's cheese biscuits for lunch.  Since I had time, I stopped by Old Navy to do another pants exchange for Teh German, since I had gotten a pair of pants that was too small. 

After eating and a shower, I decided to chill on my new chair and finish a book.  Before I got comfortable, I decided to put the wheels/feet in the chair and (as I had guessed), the new chair didn't tip back like it had....  I also ended up taking a nap and eventually Teh German came home.

Since I had a big lunch, I wasn't hungry for dinner.  Teh German ended up fending for himself with leftovers from the fridge and playing on social media for the entire evening while I worked on computer science and math and german homework.

Pax was being extra special after I gave him and Meri cheese sticks.  He would bring his cheese stick upstairs and then bring it back downstairs to see if Meri had left hers unsupervised so he could steal it.  I corrected him several times and Teh German and I definitely giggled when he turned to look at us before going up the stairs with his "cigar" hanging out of his mouth.

After reaching a block on my computer science project, not being able to complete my calculus homework, and opting to skip a duplicate assignment in my German homework, it was bedtime.

_____________________________________________

And just like that, the weekend was over and I woke up and it was a rainy Monday morning and all I wanted to do was go back to sleep and ignore all the adult things.

Overall, a good weekend.  A nice balance of social activity and homework.  I'm glad I'm finally attaining that balance.  I hate when I feel like all I do is homework and miss out on so much real life. 

I did make a schedule change for my summer classes.  I dropped my chemistry 2 class and lab and signed up for calculus 2 instead.  I figure since I've already had a break between chem 1 and chem 2, what does it matter if the break is longer?  Also, it didn't hurt my feelings with my calc instructor said that some of the most time consuming assignments we currently have wouldn't be due over the summer.

Teh German asked me when he started dive class about going on a dive trip to FL over his birthday weekend and while I'd really like to have a quiet weekend, it doesn't look like it's going to happen in February.  Next weekend we're (Teh German) is attending some beer thing in Columbia.  I'm a DD, so while the beer drinkers are getting drunk, Teh Dental Hygienist and I will be checking out the Columbia Zoo and I'll probably be finding free wifi somewhere so I can tackle some homework. 

The following weekend is the dive trip to FL.  I have no idea what it entails, but I do know it means I need to be ahead on my homework.  Speaking of.. I think it's time to accomplish some adulting (work and homework).

Happy Galentine's Week, Mu-cha-chos.

Five on Friday #138

EINS - Random things

-My calculus instructor blew my mind when he explained the unit circle.  It makes SOOO much sense now, where before I just had it memorized because it didn't really make sense.  Why my trig teacher never explained it the way my instructor did is beyond me since it was super simple.. butttt now I know.

-This was just the week of "the 10% of shitty Cadets are ruining this for me".  I had to call out the cadets in my Photoshop class because they were talking over the intructor and student as they presents the student's project.  I finally turned and said, "Yall, how about being a little respectful?"  It got quiet for at least a few minutes before the class finally ended. 

Then in Computer Science, the row of nerds behind me was discussing Star Wars while the instructor was actually teaching something (which is a rarity).  I finally told them that I was going to blow them into the next Galaxy if they didn't shut up.  The did quieten down because they aren't horrible and they have talked to me when I'm not irritated at them for chattering and they understand that I'm not a complete raging bitch.

Finally, in my Calc class... my calc class is the real issue.  I've almost figured out who it is, but I don't exactly know yet, so I'm still observing.. buttttt...  I know I have a very... distinctive... laugh.  Everyone that knows me is aware of it, too.  But there is a cadet that sits in the "douche bros" corner of the classroom who has taken it upon himself to make fun of my laugh anytime I laugh, which is fairly often since the teacher likes to say silly things and I have a simple sense of humor.  YOU GUYS... this makes me so fucking ragey.  So after it happened this week, I turned around and glared at the corner and said in a super girly sweet voice, "HAHA! You're so funny!"  Then without much pause, turned serious/demonic (depending on who you ask) and said, "SHUT UP."  The teacher told the guys not to piss me off and there was some discussion about me being in a bad mood, to which I clarified that I was, in fact, NOT in a bad mood, but being made fun of really set me off.

I fucking hate twat waffles.  Twat waffles are, unfortunately, not just limited to Cadets at The Citadel.

-I have this thing where I just amass things to do and then I do them all at once.  This time, it's returning stuff to stores.  This is conveniently also when I have a mabillionty birthday rewards to use up.  Guess who is going shopping this weekend?!?!  Don't worry, I'll also be doing homework, of course.

-Sunday I'm headed "under the sea" (jk, it's just a pool) for a dive refresher course.  Teh German can't be the only one having all the underwater fun!  It's been really exciting this week to talk to him on his way home from class when he is super excited about the skills he has learned.  He especially loves pool days and was extra proud of himself when he was able to clear his flooded mask.  I won't lie, it was the most intimidating skill I had to do too.

-I had lunch with Roux's Humom on Thursday at Sesame and I hate how busy my life is that I feel like I never get to see our people anymore. 

-Last night, Teh German came home from dive class, put his dirty dishes in the empty sink (the dishwasher was accepting dirty dishes), went upstairs to have "Teh German Time" for about 45 minutes and then finally took a shower.  After his shower he went straight to bed.  All available times, Teh German was perusing his phone.  All evening I had been doing homework/work and before bed I put the dishes in the dishwasher, prepped dog food, then came upstairs to finish the laundry that was on the bed (where Teh German was under the covers).  I was extremely frustrated because WTF?  So I called him on it. 

Me: It's too late to do anything about it now, but next time that you come home after work and class and you're tired and I have also been at work and school and you see me doing chores/tasks around the house, you probably do NOT want to take such a long amount of "Teh German Time" or go straight to bed and lay there on social media while I'm putting away our laundry.  For everyone's sake.

Thankfully, he got the message and did apologize about the dishes in the sink.  But STILL, WHY IN THE FUCK IS THAT A THING?  I know I am not the only woman who endures this...

-I made appointments for Teh German and I for the eye doc and the dentist appt.  I wouldn't have made Teh German's appointments except that I was already calling to make my own appointments and it was just easier to go at the same time than different times.  Teh German has never dealt with insurance stuff, so rather than have to deal with him being stressed out, I'm going to show him how it works while we're there and then he can adult on his own for the post-appointments.

-I think I need to get my anxiety meds reevaluated/changed.  It has become increasingly obvious AND annoying that I am super forgetful.  I can't tell if this is because I'm just juggling a lot or if it's the medication.  I've also got a lot of IDGAF about anything going on (to include some personal matters (sex)), which is a known side effect.  But with the sanity that has been restored, that is a side effect I've just dealt with. 

-I bought the tools so that we can make our own Spätzle.  When I told Teh German about how easy it was, he got SUPER excited.  He asked me if I liked Sauerkraut.  Honestly, I can't remember, but I am willing to try it.  #Carbsfordaysssssssss   

ZWEI - Money spent

• GA Aquarium tickets
• Gas
• Chegg.  I tried to say no, but failure is NOT an option.  I'm literally investing in my future.
• BBQ for lunch (with no regrets)
• work birthday cake
• groceries
• a new pencil because mine broke
• and a new Citadel shirt because I have no restraint against red long sleeve shirts (I bought my pencil at the bookstore because it was a dire situation)
• Cold Stone since I had 2 B1G1 coupons (1 of which I gave to Teh PT Wife).

DREI - Things from my phone

How does a whale defend itself?
With a swordfish.

No shit, this guy rode a go kart to the liquor store.

Dear Blue Screen of Death,
Smileys don't make me like this more.  And when the QR code doesn't scan, even worse.

What do clouds wear under their shorts?
Thunderpants.

We are learning about direct/indirect objects in German and I have to say that these really made me laugh.

3a: Silvia buys the child.
3b: Silvia buys the child chocolate.
4a: Mr. Ruf cooks the family the food.
4b: Mr. Ruf cooks the family.

GRAMMAR MATTERS!

Our new bedroom chair took up most of the entryway.
I won't lie.  Rolling it around the house brought me great joy.

Cruella deVille hair in real life is not really something I advocate.
#Sorrynotsorry

VIER - Things from the Internet

I don't think I can ruin anything by checking out my search history this week, but I can tell you that my computer time has been limited to work things and homework things and my daily surfing (woot, meh, FB, gmail, calendar, etc).  Boooooooring.

Buuuuuttttt.. I did see this new Tide challenge thing that made me lol:

And a few other funny/applicable things I have collected (thank God for the internet):

I still love this song.
#NOTSORRY

FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week

1. Teh German's excitement over dive class.
2. BIRFDAY THINGS (cake, presents, lunch)...
3. Quiet time in the evenings without the sound of motorcycles or other annoying revving noises from social media.
4. Dogs that eventually leave me alone.
5. New thin hoodie shirts.  When it's summer again and I don't have a pocket for my hands, I'm going to be sad.
6. Taco soup.
7. Finishing a library book before they take it back.
8. Going in halvsies with another student for an audiobook hookup.  After I finish all these Outlander books, it's GAME ON.
9. A really good lint ball.
10. Teh German getting me super thoughtful and awesome birthday gifts.  I guess that makes up for the all the revving sounds.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Is there a more accurate ecard for my life?
Doubtful.

15 Things That Make My Life Easier... part 3

The final installment of things that make my life easier... Links to part 1 and 2 are at the end.

11.  A password list

It's not the most secure, but I keep all my passwords in a word document saved on my Dropbox.  I have a mabillionty passwords for all the things and between all the new school passwords (and having to sign up for multiple accounts per class) as well as the name change situation that is currently transpiring, I have to have a way to keep them all straight.  I reference it more than I care to admit, but it's easier than dealing with the password change process every single time I can't remember my password.

12.  Closing Facebook

When I can't seem to get things accomplished when I'm on the computer, I close Facebook.  I have a bad habit of switching to it to check if there are any updates when my mind blanks out, which usually leads to a complete derailment of whatever progress I was making.

13.  Turning off notifications

There are a very minimal number of apps on my phone and programs on my computer that are allowed to notify me of things.  Not getting notifications means I'm not constantly checking my phone to clear the notifications.  No getting distracted = getting shit done.

14.  Having an email address for spam

I hate advertising because it works on me so well.  I unsubscribe to all the distro lists that automatically sign me up for advertising emails.  Also, when companies ask for my email address and I know I want their coupons but don't want to see the emails, I give them my spam account.  #notsorry.  My inbox is for tasks that need to be accomplished and having a tidy inbox makes my brain happy.

15.  Tackle the little things first

If a task is going to take a short amount of time, I do it right away.  This saves me from stressing about trying to prioritize it later because it's already complete.

Things That Make My Life Easier:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Weekend Review {2/5} - The Birthday Edition

FRIDAY

Awesome birfday shirt from Teh PT Wife

At the end of calc class, I decided that I was over Cadets for the day and made the choice to skip German class.  Since we were leaving after lunch for Atlanta, I opted to swing by the Chiro and then headed home to pack and eat lunch.  We set off around 1:30.

The drive to Atlanta was easy.  I did some work in the car and played navigator for Teh German.  Because we had left early enough, we made it to Kiawah Friend's apartment by 7:15.  We all agreed that we could get dinner together instead of doing something separately as we drove in. 

We arrived at her apartment and unloaded the car and headed out to dinner.  We ended up at Huey Louie's or something like that, which was pretty good.  Underwhelming compared to that lingua chimichanga from the week prior, buttttt it was ok.  It was a good neutral ground for everyone to get to know each other better (i.e. Teh German getting to know Kiawah Friend). 

After dinner, we headed back to her apartment.  We chatted for a little while longer, but it was late and we were all tired, so we finally headed to bed.

SATURDAY - BIRTHDAY!!!!

Until Teh German rolled over and said, "Happy Birthday" I had forgotten it was my birthday.  For real.  I'm starting to wonder if my forgetfulness is a side effect of my anxiety medication more and more recently....  Teh German got up and gave me my presents in bed.  He did really good this year.

Adorable card, rose gold watch AND necklace, a personalize shutterfly puzzle of us,
and mini cupcakes with sparkler candles.

Teh German did admit to getting some help from Teh Running Bestie.  I'm glad there was still a surprise after the search results snafu...  I need to get a few links removed from the watch, but then it's game on.  It will be my fancy watch.  I still love the watch he got me on our first Christmas.  It's a pretty color, doesn't require a battery, and is engraved with #bahlalala on the back.

After presents, we got out of the bed and Kiawah Friend made waffles.  We ate and then got ready to head out.  We agreed to do packet pick up on Saturday.  Since everything was close, we dropped our packets off in the car and then headed to the Georgia Aquarium.  If you've never been, you need to go.  It was awesome.

Teh German took the opportunity to look for an earring that I lost last Wednesday (remember, the worst day of 2018?)
It was not found.  Of course.
PS.  It was a wedding present earring.

Centennial Park

Olympic rings

I didn't take the hot chocolate, just the toppings.

 

We had a whale-y good time.

Everything went swimmingly.

We just happened to arrive right in time to get good seats at the top of the splash zone for the dolphin show.  Teh German has a fascination with dolphins, so he was like a kid in a candy shop.  No pics were allowed.  But it was completely awesome.

Penguins

Puffins!
I was excited about the puffins mostly so I could show Teh Sister.

Starfishies!

Top: anemone
Bottom: Lionfish and creepy eel.

XXXXXXXXXL manta ray
whale shark

Top: Fishies drafting off of a whale shark.
Bottom: SEA TURTLE!

Whale shark in perspective.

Aquarium selfies!

Top: Teh German waiting on me
Bottom: This is us.

I had also ruined the dinner surprise on Friday night... While we were driving to Atlanta, I started looking for places to have dinner on Saturday night.  The first place I mentioned was Der Biergarten, a German restaurant a block from the aquarium.  At which point, Teh German admitted that he already made reservations for 6pm on Saturday there.

I thought that was awesome since it was the first place I suggested and he had pre-read my mind before I even thought it!  Creepy, lol.  Teh German deemed it "pretty authentic."  Essentially, as close to German food as you will get in the States with American ingredients.

Adult beverages!

We wanted to try everything, so we agreed to split several things.
We started with Frickadellen (meat balls with gravy on mashed potatoes) (also, how cool is the word Frickadellen!).  Then we split a Jagerschnitzel.  We considered getting a pretzel, but the table beside us ordered one and it was HUGE, so we took a pass.  I had already warned Teh German we were getting apple strudel for dessert, so he needed to save space.

The only complaint I have about the restaurant was that our dessert was served with forks. Apple strudel with a fork would have been ok, but it was served with ice cream and caramel sauce.. and well, I finally asked for a spoon because one does not leave melted ice cream and caramel sauce stay on the plate when it is delicious.  Our server told us some crap about being the "youngest" restaurant of the group of restaurants owned by the same company and the other restaurants took their stuff?  IDK.  You don't serve ice cream with a fork.  Just no.

Before we left, I made sure to stop by to selfie with the bathroom doors as a jest for Teh PT Husband.  When in Atlanta last year, he went to this same restaurant and accidentally walked into the women's bathroom because he thought "herren" meant "her" to imply "female".  Incorrect, as I found out when we were in Germany in 2016.  Herren = Gentlemen.  Oops.

We walked past the World of Coke (museum) on our way back to Yurtle and the coke bottle was lit up.  It was pretty cool.

When we got back to Kiawah Friend's apartment, we landed and soon after it was bedtime.  Mostly because we had an early start the next morning for the Hot Chocolate 15k.  I was in bed by 8:30 and asleep before 9:15.

SUNDAY

Wake up came way too early on Sunday morning.  It was 35°F AND rain-raining outside (rain-raining to mean, not down-pouring, but a lot more than a drizzle).  Teh German suggested I wear his rain jacket and I ended up taking his suggestion and being glad of it, mostly as another layer to break the wind.  It definitely was soaked through by the end of the race though.

I was a literal bag lady.
I wore a 55 gallon trash bag before the race started to stay a bit drier.

Pre-race, faking it until we make it.

I have wanted to run a Hot Chocolate race since 2015 when I saw the medal when I was in San Francisco with Captain Awkward/Mr. Scrooge.  I had suggested the Atlanta race to Teh Running Bestie more than once and it just never worked out.  But this year, I made it work.

You guys, IT SUCKED.  I mean, it was awesome.. but ugh, no one told me that Atlanta was so hilly.  LAWDDDD.  And it was cold and raining?  This is why I'm not allowed to make decisions.  All for a medal.  A SWEET ASS MEDAL.

And Kiawah Friend is trying to talk me into going down to Atlanta for the Hotlanta race in June.  I'm tempted, but I'm not certain yet since we will be just coming back from our honeymoon.

Post-race

I don't think there were as many runners there as originally anticipated because of the rain.  That made it a bit easier since often we were running a very narrow "suicide lane" in the middle of the road with cars potentially going by us.  As I anticipated, it took us about 2 hours.  2:04:?? was my official time.  But considering the hills, my lack of training, the cold, the rain, and that lady at the end who I almost purposely ran into because she walked slowly in front of us as we were making the descent to the finish line (rude), I felt like I/we did good.  I think I held Kiawah Friend back because she's actually dedicated to training and I'm a shitbag.  Also, my hips were taking turns giving me grief.  Then my knees were like, "You ain't 31, no mo ho."  Despite the complicates (and residual soreness), I survived and earned that medal... and I'm done running yet.

After we trekked/hobbled back to the car, we stripped down in the parking garage, did some minimal stretching, and enclosed our stinkiness in the car all the way home.  When we got back, Teh German greeted us and ensured that I wasn't broken.  Kiawah Friend and I both took showers and ran each other out of hot water.  After a shower, I got ready and stretched a bit more and packed up.  Then we headed to brunch.

Crab cake eggs benedict on toast with a biscuit AND
Sweet tea in a quart size mason jar?
YYYYAAAASSSSSSS PLEEEEAAASSSEEE.
Also. I'm pretty sure a quart jar is the best size for serving sweet tea.

After brunch, Teh German and I headed back to Charleston.  I made until we got out of Atlanta before I grabbed the 10-pound-pillow from the back seat, covered my face with B.o.B (my blankie), and then I woke up 2 hours later.  It was delightful.  Teh German was on a mission to get home to watch the Super Bowl, which was fine with me. 

We made it home in time for Teh German to unload the car and make it over to Teh PT House to see the National Anthem, so he did good.  I did not go over to watch the Super Bowl since I had work and homework to accomplish.  I had done more work in the car on the way home, but had some serious questions I needed answered before I could finish the document, which put me in a holding status.

I did tell Teh German to text me when the 2nd period was almost over and I'd come over to watch the halftime show (I have a FOMO problem, don't judge me).  I unpacked the suitcase and started some laundry and went through the mail/packages that arrived while we were gone.  I had just sat down and opened my code compiler when Teh German texted me. 

So, I don't know if you heard, but Justin Timberlake put on a personal concert for me the day after my birthday for my birthday.  Granted, we let other people come and it wasn't where I was, but ya know, JT performed for me.  LOL.  I was glad the new stuff was at the beginning which was just a jumble and the good stuff was saved for last.  Lighting up the town with the Prince symbol was pretty cool, even though I had to ask what it was supposed to be.....  At the end, I was exhausted for JT.  And BTW, that selfie kid... PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE YOUTH!

And then it was over and I headed home to struggle with code and cram for a calc test on Monday.  Teh German finally came home late and I looked down it was already 11pm and the alarm was going off too soon and it was time for bed.

______________________________________________

An excellent birthday weekend.  32 is another year of adventure and gratefulness for the life I have and all my persons.

Monday, included skipping Photoshop to cram for my German test and brush up as much as possible on calculus (it wasn't possible).  Despite just being at the library on campus, I arrived to CS late and my instructor couldn't help me get her files to work properly because I had been late (8 minutes) and she had already spent 20 minutes trying to get everyone else straightened out.  Mmmkay.  It is what it is.  I'm wondering if it's because I'm also female that she is giving me such a hard time. 

Then there was that calc test, which was rough, then German class, which wasn't as bad as it could have been, had I not studied that morning.  After school was work.  I had a meeting with the project leader of the new project I am now on.  I had to go home "early" since Teh German started his dive class Monday evening and wasn't going to be home to release the hounds.  After sorting through the mail and getting house things sorted out (feeding the dogs, giving them attention, feeding myself dinner, taking care of laundry), I finally got to sit down at the computer and work on homework and work.

Teh Running Bestie and I FaceTimed while I opened my birthday gifts from her.  She got me a super awesome unicorn tape dispenser (with rainbow tape) and a 2000 piece Disney puzzle from my Amazon wishlist.  It has potential to be another Diablo puzzle, but we'll see.

Meri ensure that packages from her Other Momma were thoroughly inspected.

Mama G also send a birthday package for Teh German and I.  I didn't open my presents yet, because I wasn't sure if she wanted to Skype while we opened presents.  I am excited to try the candy she sent.  So excited that I made sure to put it in the pantry before I left this morning so #GoatDogs wouldn't get it.  Fuckers. 

Side note: I'm bitter since Meri and Pax ate 2 granola bars out of my backpack while I was watching the half time show.  1- I had just put them in my backpack.  2- I wasn't gone for that long!  Ugh.

This week is going to be rough.  Teh German is in dive class all week which means that I have to go home and tend to the dogs and will need to leave work "early" this week.  I have a German test on Weds and a Computer Science test on Friday (ugh).  I had a Biology test this morning, which took me 20 minutes because it was multiple choice and I don't sleep through class.  Fingers crossed I can average a 95 in the class for the semester and will be exempt from the final exam.  One less thing to worry about.

This weekend includes a mabillionty returns that I've been storing up and homework and on Sunday I'm doing my refresher dive course. 
The weekend after that is supposed to be a trip to Columbia, but I'm considering just staying home so I can get ahead on homework again.
Teh German suggested a dive trip to FL over his birthday weekend and while I'd like to go, if I'm not ahead on my homework, I just can't do it.  This past weekend in Atlanta has me feeling all out of sorts because I didn't get to really spend time doing what I needed to do.

I'm sure it will work itself out.
Until then, I'll keep staring at all this cuteness.

Also, can we get a hell yeah that January is finally over.  WTF was that overly-long month about?  No thank you.