Those of you who are subscribed to the DW newsletter, already got the message: DearWendy mugs are now available! You can buy a charming 16 oz. MOA mug, designed by Drew and me, right here. There’s a limited
number, so don’t dilly-dally. Be the envy of your office, your home, your whole damn neighborhood with your very own DW mug. Word on the street is it makes everything taste better. Order up!
So, that’s one piece of good news. And since it seems there’s been an abundance of not-so-good news in a lot of people’s lives lately — have you noticed that too? — I thought I’d share some other good news and invite you to do the same.
1. As of Wednesday I was down 12 pounds since July when I decided to make more of an effort to get in shape (i.e. stop drinking beer five days a week and fistfuls of chips between every meal and get off my ass and move). I think I’m back up three pounds on account of some chocolate chip banana bread I made, but we won’t talk about that. Even nine pounds isn’t too shabby. Clothes are starting to fit a bit better. Hoping to hit my goal weight (ideally, a total 25-pound weight loss) by Thanksgiving.
2. My mom, who was admitted to the hospital Tuesday night, was released this morning, sooner than anticipated. Fingers crossed she’ll be good to go for her knee replacement surgery scheduled in less than two weeks and recovered well enough by the holidays to travel to the states and enjoy a visit with her family, including her grandson who misses her.
3. Hmm. I don’t know. That’s kinda all I got. This week sorta blew. All three of us have been varying degrees of sick and Jackson is teething big time. Our part-time nanny is away for a couple weeks and I miss her help. She watches Jackson only three mornings a week, but that time that I can work uninterrupted and have a break from baby-wrangling makes such a huge difference. But a week like this one just makes me grateful for the weeks when things go smoothly — when everyone is healthy and happy and fullin’ good. And I don’t gain back three pounds eating chocolatey banana bread.
4. I thought of one more thing: the weather! It was gorgeous all week until today. Perfect, wonderful early fall weather. On Wednesday, before Drew left for Yom Kippur services, I even got to squeeze in an early morning bike ride, which is pretty much my favorite way to start a beautiful fall day.
Any good news in your life? Anything you want to vent about?
Also: mugs! Don’t forget! Just in time for cozy, cool-weather drinks…
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MaterialsGirl September 28, 2012, 4:08 pm
AP ordered a mug for me! Isn’t she sweet 🙂 Guess this means she HAS to go to yoga so I can pay her back..
1. Good things: I just had lunch with one of my dear friends from college. He just finished up a grad program at Rolla for the Army and he’s off to another base. He stopped by on his way to see his mom in Michigan. Haven’t seen him since last year, so it’s always good to catch up.
2. I’m going apple picking tomorrow and will pick up more tomatoes as well. It’s a salsa and apple butter making weekend!
3. I have good friends! They make me happy and are always there with wine or sushi to make my day better.
4. I second the weather. Chicago has been fantastic. Wendy, the trees along lakeshore are starting to change colors and it’s going to be simply magical in the next few days.
Wendy: wunderbar on your weight loss (but more importantly on your clothes-fittingness!)
katie September 28, 2012, 5:17 pm
I love apple butter!! Make some for me! Haha
MaterialsGirl September 29, 2012, 6:52 pm
I got a bunch of apples and I picked green beans, too! I’ll start baking/saucing tomorrow
bethany September 28, 2012, 4:16 pm
Good Things:
1- My husband and I just celebrated our 1 year anniversary! Despite buying a house and moving, our first year was a piece of cake!
2- I spent last weekend with my extended family for a wedding, and it was awesome. My brother and sister in law came, too. The last time I’d seen them was the year before at my wedding. It was great to see everyone. Plus I stayed with my aunt, who has a puppy. Need I say more?
3- I’m buying a mug!! YAY!
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 4:18 pm
On the plus side- One of my favorite people in the world and very good friend is home for a month from Armenia where he’s serving in the Peace Corps. Another good friend is visiting from Germany with her husband. My wedding is in 24 days and I’m still not freaked out about it. I’m actually getting more relaxed the closer it gets.
On the minus side- my allergies/cold/phlegm monster that lives inside me hasn’t died yet though I’m feeling better overall after being sick for almost two weeks.
Taylor September 28, 2012, 4:18 pm
Whew, it’s been a week. I went to the doctor yesterday and have the ok to stop taking my birth control and other meds so that we can get ready for some baby making =) It’s exciting, but I have moments of absolute TERROR at the thought of being pregnant. Any encouraging words from the Mom’s out there? I’m married, employed, in my thirties, stable…but scared.
AKchic September 28, 2012, 4:20 pm
You can do it! Females have been having babies since we stopped reproducing via mitosis.
You’ve got a better set-up than I did with any of my pregnancies, so relax and enjoy yourself (seriously, get kinky up in that bedroom, while you can!).
Taylor September 28, 2012, 4:48 pm
Good to know! I’m a researcher by trade, so I’ve read read read about things, and it seems like Moms have the best advice.
I worry about articles like the Friday link one about people who resent their kids, and I worry about that to. I don’t think I would, I love kids, and I love people. But then, probably most of those people didn’t think they’d resent their kids, right? Then I worry what if I can’t get pregnant? Seriously, that part of my brain needs an off switch. I’ll think about kink instead. =)
JK September 28, 2012, 5:38 pm
For me what worked best to get pregnant was to relax, and not worry about doing everything right…except, uh, for the main part 😉
WIth our 1st I was 6 months looking at the calendar, keeping my legs up, etc, crying at the end of each cycle. WIth the 2nd, it was just like OK, we´ll stop birth control, and a couple of weeks later, I was pregnant again. At the worst possible time. 🙂
GatorGirl September 28, 2012, 8:35 pm
Oh, that’s so exciting. We’re planning on having that conversation with the doctor in the next few months so I totally understand your jitters!
katie September 29, 2012, 9:04 am
Ok, so maybe I just don’t know these things, but is that normal to go “ask” your doctor f you can get pregnant? I always thought you just kind of threw away the birth control and had at it… Haha
Taylor September 29, 2012, 11:35 am
I don’t think it’s the norm for everyone. I’m on birth control plus another med for a pituitary issue that could interfere with conception, so I went to talk to an endocrinologist to see how I should plan stopping the meds, starting blood tests etc.
GatorGirl September 29, 2012, 11:40 am
I’m going to have to get off of the pill and we want to talk about vitamins and other health related stuff. Its normal in my family but we’re all hypochondriacs! Talking to a doctor before trying to conceive probably isn’t nessisary, but it’s not going to hurt either.
JK September 29, 2012, 2:42 pm
My gyno sent me for blood tests (general, stds, etc), as well as pap and a gybecological sonogram before ttc. It´s best to catch anything wrong before pregnancy, which can cause chaos on some conditions. And he got me to take prenatal vitamins.
Taylor September 29, 2012, 3:04 pm
Anyone have a favorite prenatal vitamin? I was also told to take fish oil…
Aya September 29, 2012, 7:57 pm
I don’t know if you want to go the more ‘natural’ route, but One A Day prenatal vitamins come with fish oil capsules. I chose them, because it matched up with the recommended amounts listed in a Mayo Clinic article.
Anna September 29, 2012, 1:03 am
Yay! Go Taylor! Wanna go out with me for a drink one more time before you get pregnant? I’m on staycation til Wed night.
shanshantastic September 29, 2012, 8:02 am
Oooh, second! It can be our “wine before the whining” party (one of my friends totally had a party like that last year…but while she was pregnant, so she wasn’t drinking!)
Taylor September 29, 2012, 11:36 am
Sounds awesome!!
chicotia September 29, 2012, 12:02 pm
I too am starting to think babies. I have been on the pill for like forever and I realize that I have to go off of them to get pregnant but I’m scared to do it. It could take months or years or happen as soon as right away! I did decide the other day when I am done with my current bottle of vitamins I will switch to prenatal vitamins. That seems like a step. Baby steps I guess 🙂
Anna September 30, 2012, 1:45 am
Are you on Facebook? I have Shannon on there but not you. It’s anna.martin2. Find me! I don’t go back to work until Wednesday night but after that any weekend is fine too. I’m off Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
AKchic September 28, 2012, 4:18 pm
Let’s see here… My grandpa’s (would be) 80th birthday was Tuesday and I got through it without crying.
My 2nd son (Greg) reported a 6th grader for racist ranting (yay Greg!). He did get jumped on the way home, but it’s earned the kid another in-school-suspension. I taught Greg the best way to incapacitate a guy who’s on top of you (yep, go for the cluster if that’s all you can do) and told him if he finishes a fight, I won’t get mad at him, so long as he didn’t START it.
I’ve gotten a tentative offer to buy a duplex from a friend. He wants to get rid of it and the acre of land it sits on here in town for cheap. No down payment, rent-to-own/owner-finance, etc. We should be moving within the next year if all goes according to plan.
PFDs come on Thursday. I have steroid injections for my back and neck on Friday (the 5th) and that weekend is Oktoberfest here in town. Plus I have Columbus Day off (the 8th).
Oh… and after a year and a half of riding Eryx’s ass – he’s potty trained. Stubborn kid, that one. Don’t know where he gets it. *whistles innocently*
AKchic September 28, 2012, 5:20 pm
Oh, and I forgot – we may have snow in the Anchorage bowl this weekend. For sure at elevations over 1000 feet. I can say, I’m really, truly tired of the rain. North and south of my town is flooded thanks to all the freakin’ rain. Time to freeze up, snow, and enjoy!
AKchic September 29, 2012, 10:44 pm
And it did snow last night/this morning. Less than an inch, but it was snow. It melted off by 2pm or so (it was SUNNY and around 45F most of the day).
theattack September 28, 2012, 4:23 pm
I want a DearWendy mug!! The only downside is that if I buy one, people will know that I read DW and my anonymity will be compromised. But I want the mug! I’ll have to figure out how to make this work….
Fabelle September 28, 2012, 4:41 pm
I’m having that exact same inner conflict, haha
GatorGirl September 28, 2012, 8:37 pm
I having the same problem! But not very many people come to my house…plus my pictures an animal so…
ktfran September 28, 2012, 4:28 pm
This week has not been kind to my aging body. Wednesday, after turoring, I missed a set of stairs, fell straight down on my hands and knees, cut one knee pretty badly, twisted an ankle and jolted my back, which hurts something terrible today and is making it hard for me to breather properly. All in front of 10 plus high school students. Awesome.
Because of this, I wasn’t able to run last night, my new found passion, and I probably won’t be able to run tomorrow. I’m annoyed, because it’s ruining my 5k training.
On the bright side, I’m meeting a friend for drinks tonight at a new place in Wicker Park. Tomorrow, a couple friends and I are picking up Margie’s (ice cream) and sneaking it in to Pitch Perfect. Yeah, we’re dorks. Then I’m going to one of my favorite bars! Sunday, I’m meeting more friends for a day of fun.
I’m ready for 4:45.
I aplogize for mine being more vent than yay. It’s how I’m feeling right now.
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 4:56 pm
I thought Pitch Perfect didn’t come out until next weekend?! I plan on going to see it too!
ktfran September 28, 2012, 5:22 pm
Select theaters this weekend. So, I’m guessing bigger cities?
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:34 pm
Probably. I live in a not-city.
kerrycontrary September 28, 2012, 4:35 pm
Good news: I’m going camping tomorrow with my boyfriend and 2 other couples whom we like a lot. I’m so excited!! It’s gonna be an awesome time.
Bad news: I can’t lose weight! I’m not overweight but I’d like to lose 10lbs and its fine for my body type/shape. I only drink alcohol once a week (and in moderation), I don’t eat snack foods like chips etc, I don’t drink soda, I’ve replaced most meat in my diet with beans and a ton of vegetables, eat seasonal fruits/veggies, I walk every night, I exercise lightly every other day (hurt my knee so taking it slow). But alas, I’ve stayed the same. Any suggestions?
Rangerchic September 28, 2012, 4:44 pm
I here ya on the weight issue. I’ve been trying to loose 20lbs for ever. I need to cut out the snacky foods though. Walking is good but you might try adding weight training to your exercise routine. I do cardio some days and weight the others. I think I mostly maintain since I need to really watch what I eat better but it sounds like you are good there. And sometimes I think our bodies just want to stay where they are-the last 10 to 20 pounds always seem to be the hardest!
kerrycontrary September 28, 2012, 4:55 pm
Yeh I’ve been trying to increase muscle in my legs due to my knee injury, so a lot of squats etc…and I figure adding more muscle means you burn calories quicker. It’s just frustrating…Plus my boyfriend is super in shape so I always feel like a blob next to him.
MissDre September 28, 2012, 4:48 pm
I have the SAME problem! I’ve been the same weight for 2.5 years and I only need to lose about 10 pounds but the scale WILL NOT BUDGE! I don’t eat badly at all… Well I probably eat more sugar than I should… but even when I cut out the sugar for weeks at a time and watch everything I put in my mouth…. IT STILL WONT COME OFF!!! ARGH! My problem is that I don’t exercise, I think. I tried to start walking this week but I’m effing tired for some reason.
So yeah, I don’t have any suggestions unfortunately but I’m in the same boat so I know how frustrating it is and how you feel!
Taylor September 28, 2012, 4:53 pm
I just had a loooong conversation about this yesterday with my doctor, and he told to eat less and exercise more. I said I was, and he said then I needed to do even more. My husband is benefiting from our healthier eating – he’s lean anyway, but has dropped a pant size since I’ve implemented the better eating. As for me, not an ounce. Anyway, the doc recommended reading: http://www.drdanshealthandhormones.com/
It has a good discussion on what it takes to lose a pound. Good luck!
And congrats Wendy on you 12 pounds, that is awesome =)
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:04 pm
How are you doing on carbs? Like bread rice and pasta? I know for me, it’s all about how much of that kind of stuff eating even if I’m exercising and eating everything else right, I can’t lose weight.
kerrycontrary September 28, 2012, 5:12 pm
I barely eat any carbs besides fruits/veggies (those are counted as carbs right?). I just don’t gravitate towards them. I know when I danced 4-5 days a week I always craved carbs (probably because my body needed the stored energy). So maybe my body just doesn’t want them now? I eat cereal in the morning, but I don’t ever buy bread, eat couscous or rice maybe once a week? I mostly eat salad/yogurt/fruit for lunch and then chicken/fish/veggies for dinner.
kerrycontrary September 28, 2012, 5:18 pm
I think I just need more muscle. Blah. And I don’t build muscle easily. I’m tall with small (thin) bones and long, lean muscle. At least all this talk is inspiration to work out 🙂
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:23 pm
So really you would like to be more fit? If so, get away from looking at pounds because as you gain muscle you’ll gain weight since muscle is heavier than fat (which I’m sure you know). If you can, talk to a personal trainer or someone who can maybe suggest exercises or dietary changes to help you with building muscle.
Rangerchic September 28, 2012, 5:30 pm
Yeah more muscle helps because it burns more calories no matter if you are just sitting or whatever. I wish I could have more inspiration to eat like you! I don’t eat a lot of sweets or drink a lot but I do love my chips.
And my sister had to cut almost all the sugar from her diet for her youngest son (He has CP and kept having seizures) so they put him on this special diet. And she started to follow it somewhat – mostly cutting out white carbs and sugar and she lost at least 15 or so pounds – plus we are not meant to eat that much sugar. And its in everything…
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:19 pm
Hmmm….who knows then. personally I’m not willing to eat/drink beer less and exercise more in the amounts to lose and keep off my extra 10 lbs that I would need to. But I’m about 10 lbs away from that place right now 🙂
katie September 28, 2012, 5:25 pm
i really, really believe that your weight loss “issues” just mean that your current weight is your bodies precise weight it should be at. i really believe that everyone has that weight, and whether it is “small” or “large”, when they are there, they are healthy. so i would tell you (and anyone else!) to stop obsessing about the number on the scale and enjoy having a healthy body!!
Wendy September 28, 2012, 7:03 pm
Ladies, if you are eating less, exercising more and the scale still won’t even budge, I would recommend getting your thyroid levels tested. Many, many, MANY people — especially women – have thyroid disease and don’t know it. Inability to lose weight is a big symptom (as are lethargy, depression, insomnia, even constipation). I have thyroid disease, which I’ve talked about before, and getting the right treatment for it has made a big difference in my well-being.
It’s definitely worth checking. A doctor can do a quick blood test and you’ll have results in a few days. If you have thyroid disease, treatment can be as easy as taking a pill every day.
katie September 28, 2012, 9:53 pm
Well, a component of a healthy body is a healthy thyroid!
I just wish in general that women would pay less attention to what the scale reads and more on what health feels like, how their bodies feel, what their bodies are capable of, ect.
Taylor September 28, 2012, 10:26 pm
Thanks for the heads up Wendy!
painted_lady September 28, 2012, 11:24 pm
A-men!!! Says the lady who got her thyroid tested thanks to Wendy, and it was MASSIVELY out of whack!!!
MissDre September 29, 2012, 11:47 am
I did talk to my Dr. about my thyroid thanks to you Wendy, and he told me that he’s already been testing my thyroid levels every two years along with my usual blood work and that it’s completely normal. So, can’t even blame it on that! I really do think my last 10 pounds issue has to do with my the amount of cardio I do. I’m pretty much completely sedentary. And when I was WAS working out like a fiend, I was doing all strength training. Light cardio such as walking or the elliptical doesn’t seem to do anything for me (weight wise). My trainer (when I had one) told me to do intense interval training. So, I’d like to try that if and when my SI joint dysfunction ever heals.
copacabananut September 28, 2012, 9:10 pm
For anyone wanting to eat a bit healthier, I recommend the website http://www.skinnytaste.com — it’s amazing. All kinds of foods lightened up without losing any of the flavor. 🙂
Rangerchic September 28, 2012, 4:40 pm
Well….I can’t think of anything really good or exciting for the week. Well not entirely true. Last weekend my husband and I took our oldest daughter to Dallas for the Supernatural convention and she got to get her picture with Dean (one of the main characters in the show). She loved it. Didn’t get back to work until Tuesday but for some reason the week still felt long.
Then bad news about my hours being cut in half and loosing my benefits…so now my husband has to insure us. So – his checks will be smaller and mine will be much smaller and we just bought our daughter a car (not new) and had the insurance rate go up. UGH – So i’m not feeling really positive at the moment but I’m generally a happy-go-lucky kind of person and I know it will pass and I’ll find a new job and things will get better.
Oh and its Bikes, BLues, and BBQ festival here which sucks – constant noise all night and they closed half of my gym’s parking lot for the festival and they are taking OVER for the weekend – yuk.
Sorry to ramble…I’m sure next week will be much better 🙂
Taylor September 28, 2012, 4:54 pm
Lucky daughter!
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:06 pm
Do you live in Fayetteville too?! Or there is another Bikes Blues & BBQ festival somewhere else? I thought I was pretty much the only DW reader from these parts!
Rangerchic September 28, 2012, 5:13 pm
Yes I live in Fayetteville! DO you?
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:24 pm
YES! I work at the UA.
Rangerchic September 28, 2012, 5:32 pm
Well…what a small world! Tell me the secret to getting a job there because I’ve been trying for months and nada…I’ve had a few interviews but I feel like the jobs always go to the “in network” people.
So do you like BB&BBQ?
camorzilla September 28, 2012, 5:36 pm
I HATE BBBQ. The only upside is that I got my funnel cake fix. The secret to getting a job on campus is knowing people and being in the right place at the right time and occasionally just plain luck. I’ve worked here for almost 6 years but I also worked in my same department (though a different office) as an hourly worker when I was in undergrad so that helped a lot.
CatsMeow September 28, 2012, 5:21 pm
O M G. I’m, like, TOTALLY going to the Supernatural convention in Chicago. I’m going to get my pic taken with both Sam AND Dean. Who’s jealos?
(I think this is, by far, the nerdiest thing I have ever done).
Rangerchic September 28, 2012, 5:37 pm
Awesome! She absolutely loved it 🙂 I didn’t meet anyone since I didn’t want to buy an extra ticket just for myself since they are so expensive but the picture turned out great 🙂
Ladybug September 28, 2012, 8:28 pm
Hello, fellow Supernatural fan! 🙂
CatsMeow September 28, 2012, 9:30 pm
Whoo! I’m not alone. 🙂
Taylor September 28, 2012, 10:27 pm
Me!
Lianne September 28, 2012, 4:48 pm
I got to talk to two of my best friends today – one lives in Orlando and the other in Amsterdam – via Skype (I am in Boston). I also feeling really great about the guy I’ve been seeing. Fall is shaping up to be great!
LadyinPurpleNotRed September 28, 2012, 4:55 pm
This week started off really amazing because I spent last weekend in my beloved city of Chicago visiting the boyfriend, seeing friends, GETTING FALL WEATHER!!!!, and going to apple fest. It was kind of hard adjusting back to Memphis, but things were going okay and the week was moving along nicely until Wednesday night when I was walking home for class and I was like at the one dark part of my walk, the last minute until I get home, and this guy in a convertible slowed to my pace and then pulled up to the curb in front of me and I was trying not to panic, but fortunately it was by the fire station and a fireman happened to be in his car and he flipped on his headlights so the guy in convertible sped off and the fireman walked me the rest of the way home. So while nothing bad happened, it definitely is messing with my head. So the first half of the past week were awesome and then it shot downhill.
theattack September 28, 2012, 5:01 pm
Sorry about your scary incident, but I’m really glad someone was there to help you out! How sweet of the fireman. 🙂 And a fellow Tennessean! Maybe you, me, and call-me-hobo can all meet sometime this fall?
LadyinPurpleNotRed September 28, 2012, 5:05 pm
Thanks. Yeah, I’m pretty thankful for the (yes, hunky) fireman for helping me out (and a little relieved that a fireman didn’t need to help me for a fire-related incident). I would love a meet up!
the_optimist September 28, 2012, 4:06 pm
Yay, Wendy! Congrats on the weight loss and I’m happy your mom is doing better!
On the plus side for me, my boyfriend and I finally got a new apartment after a lot of co-op sublet stress and fretting about not having a place to live come October 1st. That is a HUGE relief!
On the not-plus side, one of my very best friends, whom I’ve known since we were 5, was just diagnosed with cancer and I am devastated. He’s having surgery next week and doesn’t want to be seen before then, so I can’t even visit even though he lives, like, three blocks away. What’s worse, he doesn’t want me telling people, so aside from my boyfriend (who was present when I got the news) I can’t talk about it with anyone. I still just don’t really want to believe it.
On the I’m-not-sure side, my birthday’s next Saturday. I have no idea how to feel about it, though I always get a little bummed around this time of year. All I’m going to say this time around is that I’m happy to have been healthy for this long and hope to continue to be so. Happy weekend, everyone!
Sue Jones September 28, 2012, 5:13 pm
No real news, except that I will be on the east coast for my first east coast colors in about 30 years! And it has rained 3 days straight, which here is a GOOD thing and my lettuce seeds may finally make it for that 2nd fall crop… Today is a perfect fall day and I made it to yoga class this morning! My husband is taking an aerial dance class with silks (he is in his 50’s!) and he keeps injuring himself so I joked that they should have an age limit on that class (nobody older than, say , 35!). He is totally getting his ass kicked! Which is a good thing because it seems like nothing ever really kicks his ass…. So that’s all I got!
CatsMeow September 28, 2012, 5:18 pm
Before I talk about good things, can I get some of the bad ones off my chest? OK HERE GOES. I’ve been sick the past 2 weeks. Last night I didn’t get any sleep because I kept running to the toilet. I met a guy from OKC who I have a sneaking suspicion is gay. I have not one but TWO tests coming up on Monday and I haven’t even begun to study. I was sexually harassed by the cable guy (but I complained and I believe he has since been “let go”).
Now for the good stuff! Uhh…. Hmm. Well…? OOH! I had pumpkin beer last night and it was amazing! I had both the stout AND the ale. My electric bill went down since the weather has cooled off. I figured out what I’m going to be for Halloween. And it’s the weeeeeeeekend! I’m going to spend it relaxing (and studying).
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 5:30 pm
Has there been a lot of bad news lately? I honestly haven’t noticed at all. Here’s my good news:
1. I close on my condo at the end of Oct. It keeps getting pushed back but this time it was my fault.
2. I have a charming boyfriend that i’ve known for … 7 weeks?… I’m looney tunes for him. But that’s no surprise. Even the CTA busdrivers have heard me talk about him.
3. My brother got his dream job so I am SO VERY HAPPY for him and his family.
4. My entire family is reuniting for Thanksgiving — it’s rare to have everyone in the same place. Can I invite my new boyfriend?? What’s the rule? When can you invite a new boyfriend to Thanksgiving? (Confession: I already invited him so if you were going to say it’s too soon SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE.)
5. I am wearing pants I haven’t worn in awhile and found A TWENTY DOLLAR BILL in the pocket! Totally made my day.
And yup, I ordered TWO MOA MUGS – one for me and one for MaterialsGirl. Be jealous, everyone!
katie September 28, 2012, 5:52 pm
dude if you want to invite him, invite him. screw “rules”.
and im getting two mugs just for myself, so there!! haha. (you know, i have to have two so im not constantly just using one and not washing it, which would happen. now i will have three favorite mugs, my little mermaid one, and two MOA ones. i feel like three is a good number of favorite mugs.)
katie September 28, 2012, 5:54 pm
(plus, the MOA mugs are my favorite kind- the bigger ones that are kind of taller. i love it! good design skills, Wenew!!(thats wendy and drew. have we made up a name for them yet?))
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 6:20 pm
Wendrew!
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 6:24 pm
Now for a bit of bad news: I really fucked myself up last night dancing. I went to a fundraiser to watch a good friend in a “dance with the stars” type competition. They opened up the dance floor afterwards and the mood inspired me… to dance up a storm. Within a few minutes my knee gave out but I continued to jump around like a freak for a couple of hours. I was a dirty, sweaty mess by the end of the night. And today? I can’t walk, my whole body is stiff, I can’t turn my head, my whole body is achy…. And it’s getting worse and worse as the day progresses. Being in your mid 30s sucks balls.
JK September 28, 2012, 6:26 pm
Early 30s!!! I refuse to be in my mid 30s (and if you are, I am). 🙂
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:48 pm
dude, i *just* turned 33 and 5/6. you’ll turn that … on Tuesday if I remember correctly. (I could be off a day or two.) Point is, we are basically 34. And 34-36 is MID 30s. Amirite?
JK September 29, 2012, 2:45 pm
You remember correctly. But, I´m not turning 34, I think I might aim for 31/32. 🙂
GatorGirl September 28, 2012, 8:46 pm
By Thanksgiving y’all will be at over three months so you’re totally in the clear in my book! I can’t imagine how lovey you’ll be with your whole family and the new boytoy in one place!
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:53 pm
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD. GUESS WHAT? WHO IS THERE TO LISTEN TO THIS?! ANYONE?
I just had a quick dinner with The Charming Fucker. And guess what? He said “I like you.” And I said “I like you too.” And he asked, “do you like like me?” And I said “I like like you, sure.” And he said, “Ok good because i like like you.” And then he gave me a HUGE WET kiss at the table in the middle of the crowded restaurant.
THIS IS HUGE, PEOPLE. HUGE! WE ARE OFFICIALLY IN LIKE LIKE!!!!!!!!!
I HAVE TO GO CALL MY CLOSEST 25 FRIENDS NOW.
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:55 pm
WE ARE IN LIKE LIKE!!!!!
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:56 pm
WE ARE IN LIKE LIKE!!!
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:57 pm
I S A I D: W E A R E I N L I K E L I K E
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:58 pm
HE LIKE LIKES ME!
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 9:58 pm
ALL YOU NEED IS “LIKE LIKE”!!!!!
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 10:04 pm
WENDY’S DAD: MY NEW BOYFRIEND LIKE LIKES ME!!!!!!!
where is everyone when i have big news to share? it’s like everyone has plans tonight.
god, if this is how excited i get for a “like like” … i might explode all over DW as this relationship continues to evolve. Wendy, will you let me know if people start complaining about how they don’t give two shits about AP’s love life?
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 10:12 pm
(i meant my “like like” life.)
Addie Pray September 28, 2012, 10:17 pm
it’s like the song: all you need is like like! … like like is all you need.
or this one: and i … will always like like youuuuuuuuuuuuuu
fine, i’m going now. the friday evening DW crowd is lame.
Anna September 29, 2012, 1:07 am
I was still passed out after working a 14 hour shift last night. I’m up now though and so thrilled for you!!!!!!!!! Isn’t new romance the best?
AKchic September 29, 2012, 10:50 pm
Geez. I’m a 4 hour time difference and don’t normally get online during the weekend. The log-in for the forum isn’t loading on my computers so I can’t reply to anything on the forums. Boo. But, I’m on facebook if you really want to go nuts talking about it 🙂
painted_lady September 28, 2012, 11:33 pm
AP! CALM DOWN!!! Of course he like likes you! You are gorgeous and smart and hi-fucking-larious! I’m like 95% straight and I’m pretty sure I would date you. I mean, it’s awesome, but girl, he’d have to be crazy and blind not to like like you!
Addie Pray September 29, 2012, 9:32 am
Oh thanks PL! I am calm now. Happy (and calm) as a clam. Enjoying the morning, happy and clam, happy and calm. I’m seeing him in 4 hours and 28 minutes but who’s counting!
Amanda September 29, 2012, 11:07 am
Yay!
katie September 28, 2012, 5:33 pm
well, good news is that i got through my first business trip!! it was totally new territory for me, (mostly) full of men, full of big wig executives, and full of me trying to fit in. it was weird and cool and fun and lots of drinking. so hopefully it went well. hopefully our big shots liked me, and hopefully our big client got a good impression and we will move foward.
so phase one of my month of hell is done. business trip, one. moving (tomorrow), two. doing the dessert buffet for my friends wedding, three. and after that its my birthday, so thats nice! but i gotta get through my month from hell, first, and then ill tackle making any plans for my birthday.
JK September 28, 2012, 5:45 pm
Today is the 10th anniversary of Arturo and I becoming a couple. 🙂 Romantic plans hav ebeen suspended on account of the eldest waking up this morning with fever and an earache.
The design process of our new house is going forward, and early in the new year we should be building (approvals and stuff take a while).
After a cold few days today was pretty nice spring weather (it got cloudy in the afternoon).
And my father is visiting, so the girls are happy with ALL the presents, and I´m happy with my new gadget, I may become a technophile yet (as soon as the 4 year old teaches me how to use it haha)
Lili September 28, 2012, 5:57 pm
Happy Anniversary!
Moneypenny September 29, 2012, 2:16 am
Aw, that’s cute JK! Happy couple-anniversary!
lindsaybob October 1, 2012, 9:26 am
You became a couple with your other half the same day I became a couple with mine! It was out 10 year anniversary of couplehood on the 28th too! That was clearly a good day for relationships! Congratulations 🙂
JK October 1, 2012, 9:28 am
Congratulatios to you too!!!
lindsaybob October 1, 2012, 10:18 am
Thanks!
jlyfsh September 28, 2012, 6:09 pm
I finally got over the 20 pound weight loss hump i was hanging on to for a few weeks. (We had a meeting at work this week and i feel like i might have gained 2 pounds back, it will come back off though!)
i can finally walk outside and not instantly feel myself wilt, it’s wonderful.
i’m decorating for halloween this weekend
we’ve had halloween candy in our house for 2 weeks and NONE of it has been opened. how did i do this? i hid it somewhere and even though i didn’t think it would work i really did forget where i put it. going to be fun come the end of October….
i’m going to an arts and craft festival tomorrow
my mom is coming to visit the end of the month
i had today off because it’s been a crazy few weeks and i finally really cleaned my car. i found $4 under the seats and a necklace i forgot i owned 🙂
and yay for the mugs Wendy. things are a bit tight in the financial department around here due to my husband’s hours getting cut at work but he has an interview monday and we’re hoping for good things 🙂
GatorGirl September 28, 2012, 9:00 pm
Good things, I’m drinking wine and watching my recorded shows from this week. (Frances Coppola white blend, yum) My fiancé is freaking awesome, I might finally be making some go those impossible-to-make-in-your-20’s friends, and it’s fall. I love fall. Football, cooler weather (so high 80s rather than 90+), Halloween, apples. Mmmm I love it all. Oh and I have a shower coming up that I am so very much looking forward too!
The only bad thing is my kitty has like three fleas because I haven’t refilled his flea med perscription and my fiancé and I have so freaking much travel coming up we’ll be in different states for like 4 of the next 6 weeks. I hate being apart.
*HmC* September 28, 2012, 9:22 pm
The only thing I want to do is vent about the weather. It sucks so hard. I grew up in Southern California by the beach so I am spoiled rotten and cannot stand anything lower than 65 or higher than 73, and I absolutely cannot take humidity at any temperature. Yet, I am in San Diego and Monday is October and the forecast is 95 and humid! And maybe even hotter than that! And San Diego is one of these shit holes where it’s not hot enough to justify air conditioning, like Vegas or Phoenix, where at least when you are inside you have some sweet relief! It’s like this hellish middle ground where it is just hot enough for just enough days to drive you completely insane yet not quite hot enough for any homes to have air conditioning.
The only saving grace is my job has amazing air conditioning- but unfortunately I am in the stuffiest industry possible so I get to wear a full suit every day. I can’t sleep at night. And my migraines are really exacerbated by the heat and humidity so I’ve been having them constantly. Joy!
Fuck you heat and humidity. Fuck you San Diego.
*sigh*
Laura September 30, 2012, 3:41 pm
I’m going back and forth on it myself. The other day I needed a nap but it was miserable inside, so I put a ziplock bag full of ice in a pillowcase and that allowed for some slight relief. I’m so ready for the weather to just go back to normal already.
copacabananut September 28, 2012, 9:22 pm
The Good Stuff:
1) I booked a flight to NYC to visit my sister (and a couple of high school friends, I’m hoping) for Thanksgiving. She’s been there for almost 2 years and I still haven’t been out to visit her because I couldn’t afford it as a student or when I was in my unemployment rut. Yay!
2) One of my law school BFFs is coming to visit in three weeks and I’m pumped! Haven’t seen her in over a year!
3) I’ve officially lost 20 lbs. I gained a bit of weight while I was in law school because I was miserable and ate my feelings. I gained more weight after I got dumped last summer, and even MORE weight when my unemployment stretched on for what seemed like FOREVER (really just 7 months). I HATE admitting this, but it got to the point that a confused woman at Costco asked me if i was pregnant (a combination of being apple-shaped and what I was wearing that day). It was HORRIFYING. (And, not to mention, isn’t there a ‘lady code’ that everyone knows not to ask!?) In any case, I’m glad I’m down 20 lbs and would like to lose another 10 or so. I fell off the bandwagon in terms of eating habits the past couple weeks, but I’m trying to buckle down again.
4) I feel like my dad and I are starting to have a less superficial relationship than we’ve always had.
In not good but not bad news:
1) I’ve decided to delay moving out of my parents’ house to make a several thousand dollar loan repayment all in one fell swoop because, as I said in the thread I started, I wish my loans were a person so that I could punch them in the face.
2) I’m grateful to be gainfully employed in the field I want to be in. I’m grateful to have something to do everyday and a steady paycheck and insurance. But, I wish I had more responsibility there. I know I am capable of so much more and can’t wait ’til it happens.
Poicelle September 28, 2012, 9:04 pm
Ok, so it’s not just this week that has been bad, but this MONTH…I will be so glad for a fresh start in October. I’ll take this opportunity to vent and then to remember the good things…
Not good stuff
1. My grandfather passed away. My family lived with him and my grandmother up until I was 11 or 12 and he and I were so close…this happened early in the month and I still feel the wind knocked out of me when I remember randomly throughout my day that I’m not going to be able to talk to him anymore.
2. When I went home for my grandfather’s funeral, my mom gave EVERYONE a cold, which I had for a week, and then it turned into some sort of crazy sinus infection/bronchitis type thing. So I’m going on 2 1/2 weeks of a raging cough. And my immune system is terrible due to a medical condition I have plus drugs I’m on for said medical condition. And when I went to the doctor he acted like I was there to scam some antibiotics off of him, for what purpose, I do not know. I wasn’t planning to like…sell them on the street or anything. I just am tired of having a cough after 2 1/2 weeks.
3. I’ve been steadily losing weight but the cold I got earlier this month that morphed into some illness that camped out in my chest has prevented me from working out and the weight is beginning to slowly creep back on. I’m hoping that now that I got my doctor to give me some antibiotics, I’ll feel like I have the lung capacity to work out again.
3. I didn’t get an AMAZING job with a non-profit that I applied to and interviewed for. And aside from that, I walked out of the interview feeling like I rocked it, got great feedback as I left (the guy who would have been my predecessor walked me to my car, and the organization’s director told me that she would let me know in the next few days). A few days turned into a few weeks which turned into an e-mail that said, roughly, “Thanks but no thanks.” Not only was I excited about the possibility of full-time employment, but I was excited about THIS job.
4. My car keeps stalling randomly as I drive. Because of lack of a full-time job, mentioned above, I’m going to continue to ignore that and my flashing check-engine light.
The good stuff…
1. It’s almost October and things cannot be as bad in October as they were in September, partially because…
2. My birthday is on October 2nd! I’m so excited (I LOVE my birthday) because my fiance has been planning some kind of surprise evening for me, and I love surprises.
3. I have an amazing fiance (see above) who is comforting and who is patient with me when I have a nervous breakdown about having gone to school for a million years (and being up to my eyeballs in student loan debt) and not having any sort of career yet.
4. My dog (see picture) is adorable.
Ok, that was way longer than I intended, but I’m trying to get rid of all of the bad juju from September and I am so pumped to start October fresh. I’m determined that it’s going to be a good month!!!!
Moneypenny September 29, 2012, 2:03 am
Hey! My birthday is Oct. 2 too!!! Happy early birthday!!!
Poicelle September 29, 2012, 9:03 am
Happy early birthday to you too!!!
AKchic September 29, 2012, 10:58 pm
Stalling/check engine light: Check the fluid levels on everything. It could seriously be that simple depending on the vehicle.
If the fluid levels are good, it could be the starter going out. Just because you’re able to start it doesn’t mean that the starter isn’t going out and the vehicle keeps stalling. You could also check the battery terminals and make sure that they are on there right (and maybe you need to add a little water into the resevoir in the battery as an afterthought).
Poicelle October 1, 2012, 4:29 pm
Thanks AKchic –
I actually have brought it to the mechanic when the problem started in December (yes, it has been going on that long). At that point the stalling/check engine light were more intermittent and they thought they had it narrowed down to an electrical problem – which they couldn’t 100% diagnose because by the time they got the car, it had stopped stalling, and they didn’t want me to spend a ton of money to replace something that they weren’t 100% sure was the cause. And it would be like that…fine for 3 months and then stall. Only recently has it started doing it more frequently, like it knows I don’t have the money to put into it :-P. It’s been fine the most of the time…I’m just hoping I can keep it going until I get a real full-time job to be able to fix it (and maybe pretty it up with a new radio or something too – the one in there from when I bought my car is awful!)
rachel September 28, 2012, 11:12 pm
Well, I guess I’m the person all the bad stuff has been happening to, b/c this has been the worst 2 weeks of my life.
Right. Good stuff.
Well my boyfriend has been really supportive, though we’re long distance right now, which is great, and probably helping me keep sane.
And a nice older man told me that I’m a very nice and well mannered young woman today, b/c I stopped and helped him load his scooter wheelchair thing into his van, and I guess people don’t offer him help often. I thought that was sweet.
Anna September 29, 2012, 1:10 am
Sorry it’s not going well. 🙁 *hugs* But helping people cheers me up too. I’m pretty poor but I recently donated a lot of canned food to my employer’s fall food drive and spend less than $10 total because I got crazy good coupon deals. It was like double fun – extreme couponing and giving to charity all at once.
Moneypenny September 29, 2012, 2:14 am
Sorry Rachel 🙁
Hugs to you!!
Anna September 29, 2012, 1:16 am
Good news? Not so much but I’m making it. According to my realtor, she shook things up a little with the sellers of the house I want and told them if they don’t accept my offer by tomorrow we will be looking at other properties. It’s been over 2 weeks of negotiations and this is getting ridiculous. She thinks there will be good news tomorrow. I sure hope so.
One good thing is that I’ve been noticing a few pounds falling off lately. I don’t own a scale because I want my home to be a happy place, but I don’t even have to unzip my size 14 jeans to take them off anymore. Could I be close to size 12? I attribute it to the 3rd shift diet, aka being too tired to eat.
In other news, I’m bored and lonely. Who wants to come over and drink with me?
copacabananut September 29, 2012, 11:25 am
Fingers crossed that you get your house 🙂
Anna September 29, 2012, 3:43 pm
I GOT MY HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This calls for a champagne run!
LadyinPurpleNotRed September 29, 2012, 3:47 pm
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
Anna September 29, 2012, 4:19 pm
AND a future DW Reader Home Submission! Look for it in about 2ish months…:)
d2 September 29, 2012, 6:03 pm
Woo Hoo!
Moneypenny September 29, 2012, 2:13 am
I bought a mug!! I love the color!
1. I’m excited because my birthday is on tuesday (Oct. 2). I went to my parents’ tonight for birthday dinner and I got to bring cake home (my mom’s lemon pound cake!), plus they bought me exactly what I had asked for for gifts. We still give gifts, even though I’m an adult: a blue cashmere cardigan sweater and a duvet cover. 🙂
2. Tomorrow I’m spending the day with my dude for my birthday. (I love celebrating my birthday over multiple days!)
3. I finalized my plans for Chicago! I’m going in two weeks!!!
4. I also got a reimbursement check from my work for my hotel and flight to Chicago, as I am spending half of my trip at a work-related conference. I wasn’t sure if they would reimburse me for the entire amount, or for just part, but they wrote me a check for the whole amount!!! (It was a lot, a little over $1k.)
thewriteway September 29, 2012, 10:27 am
I’m kind of disappointed in someone I respect this week. He basically snapped at me in an e-mail over a harmless question I asked, and he’s never talked to me that way before. I did apologize if I came off badly, but the tone of the message kind of hurt my feelings. I really hate technology sometimes because it can be hard to tell if a person is angry or not through a text message, e-mail or other form of social media messaging. He hasn’t responded to my apology, so I’m still not sure if he got mad at me or if he was just kidding and it came off the wrong way. I mean I love my smartphone and laptop, but I wish we weren’t so reliant on them these days because then stuff like this happens to me.
Kristen September 29, 2012, 10:46 am
I’m so glad it’s almost October. Like a lot of you, it feels like a fresh start.
— I hope I don’t jinx it, but I’m finally (!!) starting to get past my morning sickness. I haven’t thrown up since Monday, so that’s got to be a good sign. And the depression seems like it’s starting to lift, too.
— I have my next OB appointment on Tuesday, so I’m really looking forward to hearing the heartbeat for the first time. After that, I’ll feel more comfortable letting the world know about the baby.
— I woke up this morning and decided to try making homemade applesauce in my Crock Pot. I threw a bunch of apples, a pear, some brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves, lemon juice, water and a little sangria in there and turned it on for 8 hours. We’ll see how it turns out! Either way, it’s making my apartment smell good, so it’s a win in my book.
— I have plans the next three weekends in a row, which is good for my sanity. Tonight we’re celebrating a friend’s birthday with a hayride and bonfire. Next weekend is my cousin’s birthday party and a friend’s baby shower. Then the following weekend is a friend’s housewarming party and my friend’s son’s first birthday. Lots of things to celebrate and be happy about 🙂
Anna September 29, 2012, 2:59 pm
I’m glad you’re feeling better! I plan to have a housewarming party when I finally get my house and move…hoping all of my DWers will be able to come! I’ll be cooking a lot of good stuff. 🙂
SweetsAndBeats September 30, 2012, 5:00 pm
I’ve got nothing but good news right now (thank goodness!).
I never went out again with that Travelling Businessman fellow. I realized that he’d be gone for sometimes 2-3 week stretches and even though he’s a very cool guy, there just wasn’t any place for a relationship in his life. I’m very glad I didn’t jump the gun and kiss him or anything on the two dates we’ve had because now we’ve gone back to just being friends and there’s no awkwardness at all. In fact, he hosted a Cards Against Humanity game night and invited both me and Linguistics Major (aka Dr. Krieger) and we all had a marvelous time.
Speaking of Dr. Krieger, he and I are going steady. Addie was 100% right – the more I got to know him, the more his little superficial weirdnesses disappeared. I actually did let him know in a super not-bitchy way, when we were discussing my family, that if he wanted to get along well with my parents he would have to mind his table manners, and he has taken the hint quite well. He doesn’t really smack his food anymore. We have been going out a lot – coffee dates, dancing, etc – and having lazy afternoons making food and watching Workaholics. And my puppies adore him. I’m very happy!
Work is very stressful but at least I’m getting the hang of things. I am developing more confidence in my abilities.
My “brother” (male BFF) got out of jail. He’s struggling, but I’m just so happy that he doesn’t have to be in that toxic environment until he gets sentenced. He’s probably looking at only a year or two maximum in prison, which is excellent considering the charges he’s facing (charges from before he got sober, btw). If anybody on DW prays, he can use every prayer he can get.
I got an iPhone so now I get to inundate all my friends’ news feeds with pictures of food and places I am at. I am enjoying this thoroughly.
lindsaybob October 1, 2012, 10:16 am
Cards Against Humanity is such a hilarious game!
I don’t really pray as such, but I’ll think good thoughts for your BFF.
L September 30, 2012, 7:54 pm
It’s great to hear of everyone’s good news. 🙂 I have some to share as well.
Teaching has been stressful so far, but last week I finally found a groove. In the past I had let my bad days get to me, but last week I was able to move on. I also had some great moments with my kids at every age level. I can tell they’re learning and that feels great!
In the past few weeks I’ve struggled with my relationship. I’ve been beyond stressed at my job and as a result my relationship with him has suffered. Things haven’t been quite right between us. We finally talked things through yesterday. We nearly broke up because we discovered that both of our needs haven’t been met in the past month and we weren’t sure if we were on the same page anymore. It was incredibly emotional, but in the end we decided that we weren’t ready to break it off. It was refreshing because it felt as though we renewed our commitment to each other. There have been so many things stretching both of us in the past few weeks that we had both been taking our relationship for granted. Now I will never take what I have with him for granted.
painted_lady September 30, 2012, 10:32 pm
You guys…I JUST RAN A 5K!!!!
Not an actual race, but 3.1 miles, nonstop, without dying. It took me 34 minutes, and I actually…sort of…enjoyed it. I’m six weeks ahead of schedule for the races I’m doing in November, so I’m actually going to see if I can make the second one a 10k. I have no idea if it’s possible, but I want to give it a shot. Still, even if I top out at 3.1 miles, I didn’t ever, ever, EVER think I would be here. I had been told to give up running my junior year of college because of a chronic foot injury – plantarfaceitis for anyone who cares, bad enough I was even advised to get surgery – and I always wimped out at the first sign of pain anytime I tried to pick it up again. But I finally figured out how to work around it, strengthen everything else, etc, etc. I’m sort of irrationally excited now! Whee!
Eagle Eye October 1, 2012, 9:05 am
Yes! I totally know where you are coming from – I’m thisclose to being able to actually run a mile straight, due to growing up with some exercise induced asthma (i.e. lots and lots of wheezing) and finally getting an inhaler recently, I’m getting irrationally happy every time I squeak closer and closer to my goal of being able to run for one mile without stopping and/or dying!
painted_lady October 1, 2012, 4:31 pm
Oh that’s so awesome! I’m so happy for you!!!