Dancing in the pool

The pool at the Concourse Atheletic club is my new place. Yep, I come smelling like chlorine from the day before and I leave smelling like chlorine even more. It just builds.
Ever since being summoned to the marine life I have made anything in the water my chore to master. The first few days of laps didnt go so well. I ran into the other ladies lane twice becuase I didn't realiize the $18 goggles that I purchase moments before were to help me to see and open my eyes underwater. Lesson #1.
In addition, since the other part of my body that is falling apart are my lungs (still trying to quit smoking) then, swimming is a tough sport to do. I come up gasping for a breath and end up gagging on any air that reaches my lungs. I am not yet the cool swimmer that I aspire to be.
So tonight, for a little something extra (lagniappe - is the word they use in New Orleans) i decided to take a plunge into the 6:30 pm aqua class.
Basically: Dancing to the oldies in the indoor-chlostrophobic pool. Me and 7 other of my closest and eldest friends shook a leg (with flotable weights) for an hour. The funny thing is that they really honestly really were out of breath. They said the kicker (pun intended) is at the end when you have to use the kickboard to paddle across the pool 2 times. Big time I tell ya. I even put my goggles down for this.
The 60+ crowd was very happy to see a fresh new face in the crowd. I felt loved and that is really all I am wanting - love an dacceptance.
Funny but some of the excercisers really think that if they put on a bathing suit and actually get up the nerve to get in the pool then automatically, they are atheletes - or as Mrs. McConnell, my 8th grade cheerleading coach would say - 'Cottin pickin A-fa-letes'.

Workout or not- I'll be back Wednesday for part II. Does anyone know how to get rid of the chlorine smell from my hair? And, oh, for you other amphibians out there - should I buy a hair cap? Is that a necessary gasget for this new sport of mine or just a trend?

Seeking advise,
Fish named Wanda

it was 5'oclock somewhere

So I just left...yep, for a bout a week now, I just up and left everything, even the beloved Blog behind.
No fear - I am back with bells on and rejuvenated!
Recaps: there aren't too many. Wednesday i took 50 of my clients to Harispray at the Fox. A few of which were very ungrateful. I got over it after taking a 'personal day' on Thursday.

Thursday was monumentous. After 24 years I finally put my foot down. I realized Thursday the tragedy in being 'everything to everyone.' In every aspect of everything right now - I am tired of being a people pleaser so I am not doing it anymore. So I may talk bad about you on my blog but atleast I am honest. I do still value honesty. That's not gone yet. I may talk bad about your mama too because my mama rocks!

Friday I was in physical therapy for 2.5 hours and the conclusion is that my legs should be cut off. Not as bad as what I thought they might tell me. In the meantime, I am limited to swimming only -everywhere. Which leads to blog #2 (deserves it's own blog....grab your flippers and swim trunks....this could be fun)

Reminder

I want to blog but I can't right now. And I hate it when you really want to do something and you just can't. I like instant gratificication.
I am at work today and no one else is and I want to go home and play so I will be disciplined and work now and blog later .
Note to self: if you were able to blog right now it would be about Caribou coffee and the rain. (seperate topics).
be back soon

New Favorite

I have many favorites...this I know. Today I have a new one. And so does my new friend, Gus. As blogged about before, I am tired of thinking anout places to eat for lunch. I found a new one though and I will 'stain' it for a few weeks and then need something new.
So new favorite of the week. Is 'Roasters'. Formerly known as Kenny Rogers Roasters - not sure where Mr. Rogers has ventured to but still the same ole chicken place. They have a chicken and white bean chili. Yummy! Great cornbreadto adorn the side as well. Gus, the former Savannian and UGA grad, now selling peanuts in his ripe age og 66, is a fan of the soup too. I have seen him sitting at the Roasters bar...if you want to call it a bar....2 times in the past week and a half. So today he asked me to dine with him. I declined but happily took the compliments he gave me on my 'stunning eyes.' Not sure where that might have gone since I tend to have a thing for older boys....Needless to say, I bought 2 pints worth just to enjoy this weekend.
Get this- last week I ran in to grab the soup. In my excitement I couldnt find my car keys - which isnt unusual - after seraching for 20 minutes and munching on the yummy corn bread - I went to my car to find my keys in the ignition, windows down, sunroof open......
this stuff will make you lose your mind I tell ya'!

East Cobb

I grew up in what you have heard me refer to as 'Old School Marietta'.....You know, 'round the square, close to Kennesaw Mountain, a hop skip and jump from the big Chicken, the ony place with Louise's yummy breakfast and Elizabeth's Fruit Stand - where everyone knows everyone and everyone has to sit with everyone. Yes, too, home of the Marietta Blue Devils and where Friday nights were spent at Northcutt Stadium and then onto "5th Quarter" at the Baptist Church. I was fairly sheltered you would say. I had friends from 'East Snob' back in the day but I was always a few steps behind.
Anyway, I have since relocated to swanky Buckhead. My mom still vows to not come to the 'city' which means she will meet me at the O.K cafe on West Paces Ferry but that is as far as she will go.
Needless to say....(and I say that alot)....I have recently found some great treausres in East Cobb. Let's keep this short. You should know these places and you should go to them. Make the 20 minute drive and you'll see what I mean. Kenny, the fisherman, is an avid East Cobber.
Stefan, my other soul mate is the owner/entertainer/bartender at Babmoo Bar on Roswell Road. He knows you by name and always greets you with a big-Stefan like hug and a sip of your drink of choice. Stefan is French and often will say things to me in French that just makes me giggle. I'll act like I have no clue what he is saying to me - though I am pretty astute. Just about any night there are a crowd of regulars. But it is on Friday's and Saturdays when Stefan put on the ritz! The bar/restaurant (woth great food too - btw) is about the size of your bedroom but always seems to be the perfect size for the crowd that gathers. The music and ambiance are perfect - and I ask, as my friends, that you go there...say bonjour to Stefan and add this one to your Top 5 list. Check it out: www.provencefrenchbistro.com
Okay, a few more: The Cookie By Design store. You know I have a fettish for cookies. I venture out of my way atleast weekly to supposedly by cookies for my clients. You can even send these to me in a cookie bouquet if you choose: www.cookiesbydesign.com.

Pastis: This is actually a Roswell outing and deserves it's own blog. To be continued...

Lastly, the Hamburger Hut. Happiness in a hamburger - and that is from a non-hamburger eating woman. Crisp bun, perfect amount of condiments, happy clock that sings to you on the wall.....Heaven on a bun. No website - just travel down Johnsons Ferry. You won't regret it.

Notable mentions:
*Churchills
*Caribou Coffe : The greatest one yet. Looks like an Aspen ski lodge.
*Columns Drive: Great place to run or ride bikes
*Johnsons Ferry Baptist Church contemporary services. Great music!
*the Fresh Market: Oh, to walk the aisle and cruise for samples. You can make any meal great when you start here. They now have this trail mix that his mini pretzels that are filled with peanut butter. I LOVE mini things and I love peanut butter! Succulant!

Ask me out on a date and I'll take you to my favorite places.

State Champs 1999

Lastnight I went to Mary Lauren's playoff basketball. No, like the rest of my family she does not have any basketball skills - she does however have a high pony tail and wear a mini skirt and cheers for the boys. Oh the memories......I tried to reminisce (sp) a few weekends ago and started pulling out my back handspring that I had done...oh....8 years ago. Note to self: not a good idea. Needless to say, I went to her game and was reminded of one of the greatest times of my life - ever. Yes, Ever! I know I often say things are the best ever, or funnest ever (which is not gramatically correct) or the greatest ever but this really was an 'Ever'.
Sadly, I learned lastnight that my dad's video tape of the excietment was later recorded over by a Georgia football game. Go figure, I like UGA football - very passionate as a matter of fact....but this was an Ever. I think this would take a few blogs to describe (and honestly I need to work right now.)
So these were the days when Ezra Williams would approach the 3point line and take one gander at the basket and the rest was all net and cheers. We all rode buses to the state game in Macon. At the time it was the first time I had ever ventured to Macon. We stopped at the Mickey-D's for a little fuel and then headed into the Enormous Dome (at the time- everything was enormous).
Details of the game will be posted somewhere else because I figure mose of you do not care. You should know and at some point in life experience the sheer thrill and exhileration of playing for the 5-AAAAA State Championship. I had an out of body ecperience when we won...kinda euphoric....better than any drug I've ever heard of. Anyway, do to my recollections lastnight I emailed Charlie Hood, this morning, the coach at the time - and requested he find me a copy of the highlight tape. Moments like those are too few to not embrace and to not savor.
We listened to Ghetto Cowboy the whole way home for some reason....I liked it.
Ghetto Superstar - that is what you are!

This was so meaningless but helped make the serotonins in my head swim freely.
Don't bother commenting - this one was pointless.

Untitled

A little post-Valentines recap....
After hanging around the office to make a list of things to do on Monday...PS - lists are great. I was a wreck at work Monday and decided to make a list of the things that needed to be done. This was very helpful and helped me relax even though I still had te 42 things that I listed to be done.
So I left the office at 9:45 and met up with a former co-worker and friend for a little nonplanned V-day celebration. We went to Ritters and ran into Kenny, the fishing guide. I adore Kenny. I admire his life style and it is very refreshing to see a man so at peace with where he is in life. He truly seems to savor every experience that comes his way. He vowed to take us fishing again in the next few weeks before the seasons change and the fishermen are allowed to keep the Trout that they catch. Now, you have to throw them back which Kenny says is much more enjoyable. He caught 17 in one place the other day. Now when we went I didnt catch things...just fished and walked in the water. Altogether, one of my favorite things I have ever done.
Kenny opened up the kitchen for us and treated us like rockstars. Where else in Atlanta on Valentines night do you get the whole restaraunt and bar to yourself and you are treated like the only diners in the whole city. He also gave me some sugar cookies. I LOVE sugar cookies. I love cookies - they are my downfall if I have one.
Overall, perfect night and perfect ending to a not so perfect day. Thanks Kenny.

And speaking of lists, this morning in our company wide sales call I made 4 lists. Each with a different subject but all equal. I left the meeting and felt very accomplished and on top of the world. Now, execution is the next step. Pat Flood says execution is the bridge between our aspirations/ideas and the results we want. My execution lately has been slim to none. But it is a new day and my year to thrive, so good things to come. I can feel it.

Last thought for now: Yesterday I went to see Christopher; my hairdresser/massage therapist. For the last few weeks I have tried to get over to Sandy Springs to see him. He is great. I would pay just to get my head rubbed only. I am easy to please. I just want a head rubber. He has a great perspective on life too and I always feel a little more at ease with the world when I leave.

Okay, I am going downstairs to get some egg whites. I do not like the yellow. Not sure why I don't like the yellow but I never really have - except for when mama cooks eggs. I like her yellow.

How do you like your eggs? Or do you even know? Many people have yet to decide how they fancy their eggs cooked and I think this has great implications than you might think.

PJ'S and the Rain

Two of my favorite things. I have these new loungin clothes that are so great. This is day 4 of their use this week (in a row) and I don't want to take them off - therefore, I am not going to work for awhile because I'd have to take them off. In addition, it is raining. This could be the day I get fired and if so I will blame it on the rain just as Milli Vanili suggested a decade ago.
This weekend I took 300 highschoolers up to Sharp Top Cove with Young LIfe. Many stories to be told but my recollection is of me falling asleep in every single public place possible. Needless to say, I came home yesterday still worn out and exhausted. Today I will catch up on sleep and relaxation I have decided. Perfect day to do so.
I am listening to 722 online as I type. Interesting: topic is on dating and the line 'it's not me - it's you.'
I am going to listen and listen to the rain and not move for a few more hours. Check back soon.

Sweet Dreams

So Lent began Wednesday and I have yet to partake in a fuzzy carbonated beverage from a can. I can't even say the word - my cravings are too intense. If I say the word I may start drooling and, Kari-my non-drooling coworker would stare at me. Yesterday, I took a boxing class, you know -with bags and gloves and all. I'd put Billy Blanks to shame. Anywho - after I came home opened the fridge and saw the light and glow of a red 10oz can of C#k*...I reached for the can instinctively and withdrew...Whew, that was a close call. And it was only day 2. Needless to say, I peered to the second level of the refridgerator and grabbed the next to shiniest thing - a Bud LIght. Nothing like a cold Bud Light after an intense workout. Yeah, I may not drink beer on a normal occasion but after a boxing class - different story.
It gets worse. I go to bed lastnight after I drank a glass of Tang. Do you remember Tang? No, not the 'C' word but definitely made me happy. So I fall asleep within a normal amount of time (this is progress from my normal habits) and at some point during the slumber I begin to dream that Katie, my nurse/friend for a long time/roommate was fixing me a cold glass of Coke (okay I said it) in a tall glass with rabbit poop ice. The way I like it. She was just about to give me the coke when something woke me up. I tried furiously to go back to sleep so I could indulge - no such luck. Am I cheating on lent if I am dreaming about the very thing that I gave up to....you know....bring me closer to God? Do I sound closer to God after these little episodes.
It is only day 3 and I am a wreck. Lastnight in between the Tang and the sleep I had some quiet time...another thing that has come back to fruition with the start of lent.......It was a difficult thing to try to pray for my lack of dependence on the refreshing beverage and I found myself laughing at myself. It is good to laugh at yourself often.
I think the purposes of lent have been lost over the years of habitual Catholics seeking to test their own self-control rather than find their need for God. I am at fault too. I, like the next person, love to think that I have the control to stop my own cravings if I really wanted to. In years past, I have given up 3 or 4 things in hopes that in the end I stuck to one.
This lent season is different, not because it is lent but because it is a New Year and it is my year to thrive - per the title of this blog. Therefore, getting back to my quiet times that I used to be passionate about....getting back to my health which at one point too only allowed for the occassional spurge on the caffeinated drink (as opposed to the recent patterns of 2.5/day).

Overall, good things to come. I can feel it. My book says you have to imagine and believe that God is going to bless you and give to you abundantly before it is even going to happen if in fact it is going to happen. Great book, BTW....you should get it. It is called 'Your Best Life Now'. Didnt I tell you that yesterday?

I'm heading to the moutains this weekend to lead a cabin of 11th grade girls at Young Life camp. Oh to be 17 again. I loved 17. This should be great!

Drink a co-cola for me today...

I love Thursdays

I really do. And today is no exception. I like Thursdays because it is one of the days of the week where I have no after-school commitments. Oh yeah, I am not in school anymore....After work, rather, I have nothing to do on Thursdays and that is such a wonderful feeling. I like the anticipation of Thursdays because it leads to Fridays. Fridays are great as well. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately depending on how I view it....I treat Friday's like the start of my 3 day weekend. But all the anticipation starts on Thursdays. Plus, you are over the bulk of the work week and what more but the OC airs on Thursdays.

And on this Thursday I started blogging again. I like the word 'blogging' but not the word 'journaling'...Never liked that word or the thought it brings when someone says they are going to 'journal'. My problem is that I could blog all day. When I did this before I found myself writing novels (that no one really cares to read but me). I formed an addiction that became a little destructive my working hours. Okay, so this time - we will keep it brief. Brief with a little inner relief!

I am hungry already. I am tired of finding places to eat though so I usually opt for the same. Today I might make the hike up 400 for a bowl of my favorite soup from McAlisters. I like Mclisters because it reminds me of Athens - heaven on earth, or Aspen ( for you Gray). They also have the greatest glass of sweet tea EVER. Yes, Ever! Social Circle, GA has another notable glass of sweet tea.
That's all for now....