TGIF

Let's begin by talking about my love for three very important things: Great friends, white wine, and T Pain. I heart T Pain. Really, can't help it. Always have. Another very important love in my life: Friday nights. Combine all four, you have a very happy, no longer moping, Classy. With a few of my closest friends here in the city, we celebrated Friday night and my return from vacation. Four bottles of wine and a touch of Jack Daniels later... 3:00am came way too soon! We had a blast showing off our rapping skills, dancing skills, and leaving skills as we wandered off, just the girls, to get a little philosophical conversation flowing poolside during the early hours of the morning. I'm sure you can imagine. It was hilarious. 

In any case, since I live seemingly looking forward to the next weekend, as Sunday night rolls to an end, I wanted to reminisce on my Friday, while sharing my love for T Pain and gearing up for Monday... looking forward to next Friday. Hope everyone starts the week off right! Love to all!

Home Sick

I miss my girls. A lot. I'm having major withdrawal lately from being without my hometown ladies. It's been since Christmas since I've been home with all of them. Some might say that's only a month and a week now, but it seems like so much longer. We're all trying this new health kick thing and I've been trying to keep up with all of them for updates and progress reports, but I've found it makes it that much harder. I just miss their company. And the conversation. It's never dull when we're all together. Sure there are some that I miss more than others.. cough.. Roxie.. cough, but some of my very favorite times back home lately have been when we've all been out together. We seem to have too much fun. 

I have really been blessed to find such good friends here in the city. Most of whom pretty much fell into my lap via Mr. Perfect's already-made friendships. They've really turned out to be great friends though. Always entertaining. I've also been blessed to have best friends from college come to visit often and that is most definitely perfection. I've spent many a fantastic Saturday night showing off the city to them.  There's nothing like home when you need it, however. My hometown ladies and our favorite hang outs are all calling my name. It's past time for a reunion. I've communicated these feelings to Mr. Perfect and he agrees. It's time for a trip home. Two weeks from today, I'll be back with my girls. Begin said countdown... now. 

One Small Step for Man, One Giant Step for Mankind

... Or in my case, one small step for systematic workouts, one giant step for Classy. Last night, I ran for 45 minutes and completed over four miles worth on the elliptical machine. Now, I am well aware that the elliptical is not as intense as actually running for four miles outdoors or on the treadmill. But I was proud of myself. I went hard for at least 45 minutes, upping the endurance levels, upping the pace, and on occasion moving backwards in order for other muscles to be worked. For it to be my first strictly cardio workout without weights in between, I felt empowered... and thirsty... when all was said and done. I also found that I need new running shoes. Those of you who know me best are probably rolling your eyes or laughing at me. Some might say I always think I need new running shoes, as I've worked in a running shoe retailer for a good portion of my younger days. I have quite the collection. However, when you know what works and what is good, you go with it. Don't settle for old, dirty, or worn out shoes. I'm a New Balance girl myself. They make you run faster, you know? .... ha. Anyway. Like I said, small steps. I'll get there. New or old shoes. Have no doubts.

Also have no doubts that tomorrow is finally Friday. Because once again, we've come to the end of a hard week and the weekend awaits us. Thank God. This week has seemed longer because of the last two weeks holding holidays in which Miss Classy didn't have to work. Unfortunately, this week, we ran out of holidays. But I've almost made it anyway. I have no real plans for the weekend as of yet. A friend that has been home for the holidays for what seems like ages, is returning to the city. And the other third of my little city trio is off of work for the weekend as well. I see some sort of mischief on the horizon. We'll see. Even more exciting than this weekend is the following weekend. My favorite Island Girl is finally getting back into my life. And God knows, we always find a good time somewhere. I can't wait. It's been far too long.

Between now and then, I'll be running, running, running! I must say it's been a while since I've felt this good. Amazing, huh?



Side note: I know I've had a couple of awards thrown my way and I haven't forgotten you. Random facts of Classy coming soon. Promise! Thank you!

"Ode to Little Red"

For the preview to this post see :Roxie.

I'm getting new wheels! SO exciting! At the end of the weekend my name will be signed to a brand new (used) car! And I'm thrilled! It's been such a long time coming! My poor Little Red has been a good car. She really has. She's had her struggles and her flaws, but then again, so have I. She's stuck with me and always pulled through again and again. So many memories..... 

When I learned that she had finally been traded back home, I was a little saddened, I won't lie. As much as I have wanted and pleaded for a new car in the past.... four years or so... When it actually happened, it hurt a bit. I'm just easily attached to things. People more so, but things, material things that I shouldn't be so attached to... I am. I can't help it. That car has been mine all mine since I turned 16. She drove Roxie and I to high school, she graduated with me, took me to college, moved me to my new city life, had many a pair of shoes thrown in and out of her, many a frozen twizzler, many an operation, many angry songs played, many tears cried and many more laughs... I could go on. What a life she's led. And now, she'll lead someone elses...

And so, goodbye sweet Little Red. You were good to me. And I'll always remember you. 

Anyway, enough of that. 

I'm getting a new car, I'm getting a new car, I'm getting a new car!!! Hooray! Oh, Happy Day!

Not Used to This Life Quite Yet..

Yes, I'm a fan. A big fan of music. A big fan of country music. A big fan of local bands who are on the brink of hitting it big. A big fan of members from hit bands of my past conjoining with local bands on the brink of hitting it big. This was my night last night.

Isn't he beautiful? I think so. There were many more pictures like this one taken. Don't you worry. This is the lead singer of a not very well known, but soon to be very well known, KingBilly. I was asked yesterday afternoon to attend their show with one of my city girls who had seen them before and was also excited to see Mr. Richard Marx along with the lead singer of Vertical Horizon perform in the same show. Of course my answer was, sure, live music? Perfect.

Matt Scannell (from Vertical Horizon) took me back to a very special place in my life. The late 90s. Although in the late 90s, the Captain and Cokes that I was inhaling while listening to some old favorites were not a part of my agenda. Richard Marx also performed some of his own and some that he had written and others had made famous such as Keith Urban's "Better Life." I was more than satisfied with this show before KingBilly ever took the stage. So the picture you see above was just icing on the cake. And what a cake it was. It's so exciting to see these shows and these people you never thought you'd be less than ten feet from. Turns out, they're right in my back yard now. And. I. Love. It.

Not too shabby for a Friday night. Good entertainment was needed in order to keep me going. I'm so ready for my Christmas at home. Especially since it's about this time that I'm used to being able to head home for the holidays after exams are over. Oh winter break... Not this year, unfortunately. Although, I am blessed to have a week off at Christmas. It's not quite the month I'm used to in between semesters. Life goes on I suppose. I'm still adapting. Still not used to it just quite yet...

On a Mission

I am on a mission. I wrote a couple of months ago in reference to my new attitude on life. My new goals of fitness and health. And then came Thanksgiving and multiple trips home and that whole fitness thing fell through the cracks. I have yet to join a gym even though I have been more cautious of my eating habits and have lost... not as much as I would like... by doing so. Oh well. Here I am again. 

My last grocery bill was outrageous because everything in my cart consisted of being on the more healthy end of the spectrum. I've been drinking almost three liters of water a day. Portions, much smaller. Starving? Only in my head... Don't worry. As I told Mr. Perfect, you really will never have to worry about Classy not eating enough. I'm always hungry. As of late, I'm just feeding that hunger when I know it's real and not just boredom or stress. I've started yoga. I'm new to this game, but I'm enjoying it so far. It's relaxing. I'm joining the local Y at the first of the year. It's the time of year I always get myself going again... only this time, I won't be moving or going home for the summer, therefore, I have no excuse for my routine to be compromised. I'm on a mission. 

Fuel for my mission. Oh, you'll like this one. I was asked in June to be a bridesmaid in my college roommate's wedding this coming May. Of course I would, that's not a question. The dilemma... her choice of dress was being discontinued in July. Reminder: this is June. Therefore, the solution is, no fitting, just giving her my size and allowing her to order it for me. To me, this isn't an issue. It's a no-brainer. I've been the same size for years. My last semester of school, I dropped a size. Order me this size. Thank you. She comes back with a dress that is a size larger than the size I asked for. She says "I had to order my wedding dress in this size and thought it would be easier, just in case, to take in rather than let out." Excuse me? 

I'm not making this up.

Fuel for my mission. I'm determined to not only not have to quote "let it out." I'm determined to have to take it in about three sizes. I'll show her and the rest of those caddy sorority sisters of mine... (remember them? They'll most definitely be at this wedding... woo)... that this Classy girl can hold her own in this great big world and she doesn't need the likes of them anyway. Okay, so I'm being dramatic. But you get the picture. 

Yes, I'm on a mission. Hold me to it, won't you? I'm looking forward to the attention. You would be too. Ready, set, go!

"I Don't Wanna Grow Up"

...well, you need to. Seriously, get on that.

Quite the entertaining weekend. No, I didn't run into Lindsay Lohan, but I ran into a few girls who would've fit nicely into this particular movie. Don't get me wrong, I can be quite the mean girl... much to my avail. Oh well. Not today's point. So let's get to today's point shall we?

Went home this weekend for yet another wedding. A friend that I grew up with did as most of my friends are doing lately, graduated college and graduated from the single life all within a few months. It was a beautiful wedding. She was a princess as predicted. No mean girls were in attendance of such wedding. Even though we were one big happy group of friends for oh, I don't know, eight years of our lives. I am only referring to said girls as "mean girls" because they have since gathered back together even moreso "clique-esque" since graduating college. Are we regressing back to our high school days, Ladies? Is my life suddenly in rewind when all of this time I was certain it had been in fast forward? My newly married princess friend specifically told me that she invited every last girl that was in our "group" growing up. Can we talk about how I spoke to one of them who decided not to go based on the fact that it was her birthday... (and?!)... and her remark to Princess inviting some of the other girls was "Classy, do you remember what terms they were on in High School? Why would she invite her to her wedding now?" My response... "NO! Of course I don't remember what terms they were on in High School because it was... HIGH SCHOOL?" Buh. I'm getting myself all worked up again. I was honestly ashamed, sitting in that beautiful ceremony and being the only one out of the entire group of approximately seven or so girls. I cannot fathom being offended to receive an invitation to a friend's wedding. Yes, we haven't been so close while in school, but we grew up together. That in itself is enough for me. Whatever. Burn your bridges if you wish, just don't look back after you do.

Anyway, the rest of the weekend consisted of drinking (too much) on Friday night into the wee hours of the morning, entertaining text messages, friendly bar tenders, christmas shopping with my mother, and spending time with a couple of my "nice girls." My SATC girls if you recall. Missed Roxie again. Reunion to come soon. It was a good weekend all in all. Minus the disgust I had for said girls mentioned above. Oh well. Live and Learn... and Grow. Grow up.

Concerts, Movies, Shopping, and Cocktails

Sounds like a pretty exciting weekend already, wouldn't you agree? I would. 

My boring yet, quite enjoyable Thursday off turned into quite the eventful evening after receiving a few messages from one of my new city friends who obviously knows me all too well. She claimed that she would not be attending our Thursday Night Out (2 for 1 at my favorite bar), because she had a free ticket to a concert down the road. Upon asking what concert in the area, I received a response of "Just the CMT tour this year, Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum. I really don't even know who Jason Aldean is and I know like two songs from Lady A, but it's free..."

Excuse me? Okay, maybe it's being new to this city and not exactly used to this free concert here, free concert there, who really cares who it is, let's just go because it's live music mentality, but these are people/bands I know all too well! I want to go! ... And what Classy wants, Classy gets. I ended up in the middle of the show with two fantastic friends singing along to great music. There's just something about a man of 6'3 singing southern rock/country in tight jeans and a cowboy hat. Don't judge me. 

Friday night consisted of more entertainment. As many of you probably know the new James Bond released this weekend and Mr. Perfect and myself along with five others felt the need to make a night of it. After the viewing of 007 at his finest, we then moved through the city to a local bar that I had not been to before. Two Captain and Cokes and a bottle of my favorite beer later, we headed home. I loved the movie. Some in attendance of our party did not, but then again, I also realized that my movie tastes differ so drastically from theirs, it is time to simply see movies for the first time without them, compare notes, and only then, if they have the same opinions and I'm not going to be mad by the end of their rants, will I be viewing them again in their presence. End. Of. Story. 

James was just fine for me. I recommend it if you're in the mood for your typical action packed, women throwing themselves at him, rebel with a cause trying to escape death at every turn of scene, 007 movie. 

Today is shopping day as yesterday was payday. It's difficult for me to not go on at least one shopping event after this day comes and goes. Therefore, happy weekending and wish me luck on spending money that I shouldn't! 

"US Cellular Believes that Loyalty Matters."

Classy agrees. 

What a weekend. Loyalty was definitely proven by some. Others, not so much. Recall the bitches I referred to earlier. They were up in arms this weekend, as expected. It was quite entertaining. 

All in all, the weekend was a good one. I loved going back to a place I love and being with people that remind me of a time in my life that was easier in many aspects. It was wonderful being with Rico for a couple of days, catching up and laughing a lot. It was nice to have him to bitch to late Saturday when the bitches had pushed me as far as I could go. Even nicer to be told how stunning I looked as Island girl and I were by far, best dressed. Not even a contest between us and the bitches. (How many times can I say bitch in this post? Let me know if you count.) In any case, he was a major reason why the summary of the weekend turned out positively. Loyalty matters. 

Also, the road trip portion of the weekend was a blast. The ride down, Island girl and I were quite ridiculous, singing at the top of our lungs, laughing hysterically, reminiscing good times, and being so anxious to get back home. The ride back... you guessed it... more bitching! And more laughing, let's be real. It was so nice to have quality time together again. We were generally happy with the outcome of the weekend. There were just moments that should be erased... or people that should be erased, unfortunately I don't condone murder. Here's an example: 

Of course as you would guess, tailgating is a quite the festivity at a Homecoming game. Well, after a quick trip to the liquor store, Classy and friends headed to where the crowds were gathered. Unfortunately, Bitch 1 and Bitch 2 were there as well. Not five seconds after I had made my way down, there was already whispering and pointing. Seriously, no exaggeration, whispering and pointing. You know, how girls acted in middle school, yes, be with me here.  Not real. Comments were made behind my back that came back to me via loyal sisters and/or friends and by the end of the day I had come up with my conclusions: I've tried to be nice. For whatever reason, I've cared about why said girls should have such distaste for me and don't lose it here, I've cared that they still care. Why? God only knows. But not anymore. After this weekend, I have to see them in passing. Maybe once a year at a wedding or graduation in the Spring, but other than that, I'm done. I'm done trying to fix something I never broke in the first place. Bitches will be bitches and that's that. If they need to hold onto something so that they have something to talk about at a later date, I'm going to be at peace with that. Once again, let's review. Classy= graduated and living far away from the two of them and their little realm of drama. Hooray for that very fact. 

Now, my one vindictive comment: Bitch 1 was on Homecoming court for some ungodly reason and not only did she not win, she didn't even make it into the top three. It's okay, you can laugh. I did. In any case, although bitches will be bitches, I was once again reminded why I missed that place so much. My favorites will forever keep me coming back for more whenever possible, no matter the drama I have to avoid or take head on in order to get there. At this point in life, my best memories stem from college and being back in a place where these memories come alive again, it was refreshing. 

While my favorite Island girl has been Homecoming Queen before, I feel that this year, I'm going to take the crown. After all, I survived. Thanks to loyal friends... and quite a bit of good alcohol. 

Whirlwind Weekend

Where do I begin? How about Friday. How about spending far too long at a conference for work on my birthday. Try 8 hours. Sounds like a typical work day right? Well this conference just kept going and going and going. Maybe because I needed so desperately to just get to Friday night, ie. my birthday party, ie. the most fun I've had in such a long time.

No really.

Came home to my favorite Island girl and my brother all but waiting on me when I returned from my all day event. Showered and came out to roses from Mr. Perfect, and more people continuing to come through my door. My co-teacher, also make-up artist for MAC, did my make-up and my shopping had proven to be successful earlier in the week. Everyone looked hot and we headed out for a long night on the town.

Things went by quickly, but here's a quick re-cap: first stop, cute bar off the main strip that wasn't too crowded until our eleven person entorage showed up. I walk in the door, some of our party was already there and already ready to order me a beverage of choice. I knew it would be a great night from there. After a few hours here, we began walking down the strip to find a girl shouting at us to come in for free cover and free shots at the bar for the birthday girl, etc! I love being famous. Had our free shots, plus another select few and then headed out again. This time for dancing. And we danced and danced and drank and danced. My younger brother managed to find his way into the middle of a group of thirty year olds dancing, my beautiful heels managed to be pryed off of my dying feet, and the dj managed to announce it was my birthday, along with three other girls there. No matter, it was fantastic. What a birthday. It was everything I had wanted it to be.

The next morning, however, was not what I wanted it to be. Not feeling the least bit sick, thanks to the brother's remedy of late night taco bell, we all had to get up and pack up for the trip back home. Our grandmother's funeral was late Saturday and the burial took place on Sunday. Talk about polar opposite emotions Saturday night from those had Friday night. I couldn't keep myself from crying... a lot. My whole family seemed to feel that way. It was really hard. Then again, it was good to be with family. Even those I really have trouble caring about because they don't care about themselves. I know everyone has them. All of my cousins of course were in full force. I had friends show up to show respect and not allow me to completely fall apart. I feel like I did okay for the most part. I kept saying last night that I was ready for a new week. A positive beginning.

So, here we are. Still focusing on Friday night and trying to keep from concentrating on our sad weekend, I'm very thankful for my friends. New or old, my hometown girls or my city friends, all made my birthday special or held me up when I needed them most. I didn't know I could have as much fun again as I had on Friday. I thought they were gone with the college life. Alas, the city night brings a new light. Especially when your party is eleven people deep. I'm ready to go out and do it again. However, my Mr. Perfect's bar tab at stop number 1 was $70, thanks to your's truly, and there were two more stops after that... so he's probably okay with waiting a little while. At least until another payday.

Classy's Birthday List

Can we first talk about how awesome this cake is? This is now at the top of my list. A birthday cake like this one. Get on it.

But really...Okay, let's talk about this. I have a birthday coming up in a little under two weeks. This is both exciting and tragic at the same time. I just want to lay out what I have on my list this year and then talk about comparisons with years past... thus leading to the tragedy of it all. Follow along..

For entering into the 23rd year of my life, I wouldn't mind receiving the following:

1) Spending it with bests I know I won't be able to be with. (sigh).

2) Lamps I've been eyeing at Target.

3) Patio furniture for my pretty screened in porch that currently has nothing on it but two bicycles.

4) A large bookshelf.

5) My college diploma framed nicely.

6) Various other items of home decor that I would like to be residing in my home.

7) What Happens in Vegas & Sex and the City on DVD

8) A larger dvd tower to hold such dvds since my mother tells me I have more movies than the average stiletto.

9) Lastly, new clothes, shoes, or money to be spent on either would be much appreciated.

Now, let's compare.

What I wanted for entering into the 21st or even the 22nd year of my life:

1) Money (didn't have to request the presence of my bests because they were already there).

2) Clothes and shoes or money to be spent on either.

3) I'm sure a cd or dvd of current interest.

4) Alcohol.

5) Clothes.

6) Money.

Okay, let's be real... I'll always be okay with money for my birthday. Who would turn down spare cash, not this one. But let's just take a minute to reflect on the rest of my lists... mainly how badly I simply want my friends to be around or how the majority of my list this year revolves around lamps, patio furniture, art, and decorative pillows for my couch! Honestly! I'm so lame! But this is where I am in my life... deep breath... I'm coping. That hole I was referring to in my last blog... this adulthood thing... I continue to be reminded of it.

Good news. I get to be told how lame I am by my favorite younger brother tomorrow. I am taking advantage of my day off and driving up the interstate to spend the afternoon with him. It's been a while since we've shared quality time together, it should be entertaining. It usually is. QT with him is good for my soul. Maybe I'll start the new work week off in a good mood. Let's get back to being up beat again, shall we?

Ready. Set. GO!

Relatively Good Weekend Had By All

Well, the weekend went smoothly as predicted. 

Friday night was a blast. Old friends, new city, adult beverages. Perfection. Started with a delicious dinner at an Italian joint downtown, followed by site seeing on our walk to the bars, followed by toasting to good memories. It was a good night. 

Saturday morning began with my pain in the ass class on how to take care of my children... Six hours later (not an exaggeration), I was registered, grumbling, and speeding to my friends who had been watching football all day. Relaxed for a short while, was entertained by both said friends and football, then continued on into the evening in search of festivities to partake in. My college friend (we'll call her: K) and I went shopping at first to find cute clothing to wear for another night of bar hopping, however, by the end of this particular shopping experience, we were buying ice cream, Sister Act 1 & 2, and new pajama pants. Yes, we're lame... and perfectly at peace with that. You have to take into account how much trouble it is to go out at night people. I mean, I enjoy every second of it, but it takes time and effort that we simply didn't want to give...

Therefore, ice cream and Whoopi Goldberg. This was my Saturday night. And I loved it. 

Sunday was uneventful. Saw the parents as they passed through town, laid around, did some last minute video training (yes, it never ends), and went to see Tropic Thunder (side note: DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! It was absolutely and painfully terrible, however that's just one girl's opinion.. then again you are reading something based entirely on my opinions as they pertain to my very existence).  

Anyway! Aside from being told to shut up by a 3 year old this afternoon, Monday wasn't too bad either. Hope everyone else survived it. 

One day closer to Friday... 

Friday Night Festivities!

You know those college friends that you meet the first few weeks you're at school and they stick with you for the rest of time forever and ever, amen? Well I have a few of those and one of them is coming to the city this weekend! Yes, it most definitely calls for a celebration!  Even though the money is low because my payday unfortunately falls on Monday this go around... (Yeah, trying to suck me out of my weekend fun... I think not!) I will not let this stop me from thoroughly enjoying my Friday night on the town! Laughs will be shared, drinks will be had, and Friday night will indeed live up to what everyone wants it to be. 

If you couldn't tell, I'm very excited about this. Let's just say it's been one of those weeks...

Tomorrow morning, I'll get up and go learn about Child CPR and First Aid for six hours... on a Saturday... We're not talking about it. 

Happy Friday everyone!