SO Excited and No One to Share it With!

Oh. my. God!!! I'm freaking out and no one is here to share in my incredible enthusiasm! Mr. Perfect is in rehearsal, Roxie is working and unavailable for conversation, IG and Rico are far too far away, and Mr. Super Athlete is not nearly as pumped as I need him to be at this point in my journey as he was in the middle of macking on some poor college co-ed, I'm sure... In any case, I'm sharing it with you now! What am I freaking out about you might ask? Well... I did it. I finally did it. I worked up enough nerve to try on the bridesmaid dress again. You know, the one that was ordered for me in a size larger than requested, the one that kicked started this whole fitness addiction. The results? I had to hold it up on me! It literally, being a strapless dress, was falling off of me! Can you believe it?! I was so excited! I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up just a little. I want to celebrate! I knew it would be fit a lot better than it did when I first tried it on at the first of the year, well I hoped it would anyway, but I had no idea it would not only be easier to zip up but it would be falling off of me! AH! 

Okay, I'm done. Thanks for sharing in my craze! Hooray!

As Promised: Weekend Festivities, Part 1

Success! Beautiful, blissful, drama-free success! The weekend was altogether fantastic. The reactions I was so craving were all delivered one by one. I saw Rico first and I believe it's safe to say he didn't know what to do with himself when I stepped out of my car. He continued to tell me how fabulous I looked throughout the remainder of the weekend. In anything that I put on, every fantastic outfit purchased prior to said weekend, he just couldn't get over how good I looked. ha. I loved it. Not gonna lie. If that wasn't motivation enough to continue working, more would follow...

On Friday night, it was a simple night of beer and basketball. Being March Madness and all, I was perfectly happy with relaxing with the boys for the evening. Always makes for good conversation. Rico and a couple of his fraternity brothers started talking about their sweetheart. The humor in this for me is that their sweetheart is Bitch numero uno when it comes to giving me hell. The conversation progresses to them asking me to return for pledging season next year with the title of their Sweetheart 2.0. ha! Although, I knew it was ridiculous for them to even suggest, the ego was more than a little boosted to find that they enjoyed my company so much. If they only knew how sweet I could be... I've learned from the best: IG, being the Sweetheart of our brother fraternity in school. It made me smile to say the least.

Saturday was the day of Round 1. Ring the bell, I'm going in to fight. My stomach was in absolute chaos. Knots of anxiety and stress. It was terrible. I dreaded it all morning. As stated previously, I build everything up in my head to be far worse than it actually is. I walk into the church feeling as if my entire sorority hates me when I know that it's only a couple of bitches continuing to talk shit because they have nothing better to do with their time. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't look fabulous. I told you, give them something to hate on if they feel the need to keep hating. My dress was a clearance steal from White House, Black Market and one sister in particular gushed over it the entire time, telling me how flattering it was and beautiful it was, could she have it... etc. I especially enjoyed these comments being made in front of the bitches. The bitches who, when seeing me for the first time try to pass for excited to see me. "Hey Classy! How are you?!".... please. I said a simple, "Hello" and turned around. I don't have time for the fake bs anymore. While I understand they're still in the non-confrontational and altogether immature mindset, I don't have to be. As Ms. Spears says...

"I don't like you, you don't like me, it don't matter. The only difference is you still listen, I don't have to. In one ear and out the other, I don't need you. Your words don't stick, I ain't perfect, but you ain't either."

Pretty perfect, don't you agree? In any case, I saw those that I wanted to see and that were happy to see me. I enjoyed conversation with old alumni and those that I had graduated with that I hadn't seen in a long time. And in the corner of my eye, you better believe, I could see the bitches talking and watching. Which is just exactly what I wanted them to be doing. I felt good.

After the wedding, I caught up with Rico again and let him know that I had survived and was actually happy with the outcome of the afternoon. I declined an invitation by a few of the sisters for dinner and party after the wedding. This also made me feel good. I am finally at a point where I can say 'No' and not care. I then was able to spend a few hours with one of my top favorite people of all times, my sociology advisor and favorite professor ever. It was so wonderful catching up and seeing her daughter that I once babysat. She's three and can spell her name. Being around three year olds all of the time now, I know that this is a big deal. She was beautiful. It was such a great night.

Round 2 would follow on Sunday. Before the duo-bridal shower, I went with Rico and one of his brothers to grab lunch and fresh flowers for the shower. As we sat in this particular restaurant, guess who pulls up and walks in. Indeed. The bitches. Perfect. ha. They walk in, they see us, they get their fake hello's ready, they get their food, and they leave. One of them has a terrible headache from the aforementioned party the night before. My question would be, "If you weren't planning on eating here, why didn't you just go through the drive thru?" Maybe it's me, I don't know. I laughed when they left that I just must be too intimidating. ha. It made my day. It's about time for them to change their plans for me instead of the other way around. They attended the shower, which by the way was beautiful, but didn't say a word to me. I was okay with this. I got plenty of "You look so happy and healthy!" and "You're so little!" and "Could you be my trainer?" in front of them, to last me for quite some time.

The bride of the wedding I'm going to be a part of in May, failed to mention anything about a difference in my appearance. This is not surprising. This being the same bride who ordered my dress in a size up from the size I asked her to. Not bitter. We'll see who needs what size come the end of May, won't we?

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend. I had such a great time with Rico and catching up with those I'd been excited to see. The bitches held their position on the bitch scale, but to their dismay, I had a brand new attitude and a body that isn't done working but is quite a bit better than what it was, last they saw. I felt good and looked good. I was happy. And healthy. Even after my late night Taco Bell run... hey, we had to have at least one, right?

I know this is a long one, and you can't imagine why there would be a Part 2, but that's an entirely different rant in general. Stay tuned. Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend as well and that your Monday back in reality wasn't as severely depressing as mine. Happy Tuesday!

Ring the Alarm!

Time's up! Tomorrow's the big day... if I can make it until then. My insides are about to explode with nerves, anxiety, and excitement. I've made out my very extensive and thoroughly thought out to-do list for this evening along with my packing list. I'm trying to get all of my ducks in a row, so to speak, before tomorrow rolls around. I'm fairly certain I have never created such a packing list before. But as I've said previously, everything has to be perfect. I am bound and determined to not let the bitches get to me this time. You see, as much of a bad ass as I make myself sound here on occasion, I do end up in tears at least once every time I'm around them. But never in front of them. Fear not. They're just unbelievable for the most part. I've yet to figure out exactly what I ever did to make them hate me with the fury in which they do, but hey, nothing I can do about it now... Therefore, this time around, I'm feeling good about me, I'm excited about seeing those that I haven't seen in far too long, and basically, they can kiss my ass.

We'll see how far that attitude gets me. Hopefully through the entire weekend. If not, I'm sure you'll hear about it either way. I do believe, however that this go around, I have planned everything out to the simplest detail. I'm being the perfect party planner with the cutest favors ever... that were dirt cheap... I have the best gifts for this shower, even though I'd rather not give them to either of the brides-to-be as I'd prefer to not think of them laced about in lingerie. But that's not the point. The point is that they're cute, they're from me and I am Classy 2.0. ha. Once again, I've said, it certainly hasn't hurt to maintain such a full and confident attitude when I'm lighter on the scales and slimmer in the waist line. I still have quite a ways to go, but they won't know that until they see me again when these actual weddings take place this summer.

In any case, wish me luck. I know I've asked for it before, but as this week has been dragging ever so slowly along, my nerves and blood pressure have risen quite a bit. I'm looking forward to the positives. Mr. Perfect says, "The only things you HAVE to do in life are pay taxes and die, everything else is a WANT to." He tells me to screw obligation basically. This line of conversation always takes place when I tell him I have to be cordial to these catty bitches, or worse, hang out with them when other sisters are present. He hates them, by the way. But nevertheless, I will be at least attempting to follow such wise words. It's about time that I do what I want to do when I'm back in a place that I called home before they did. Another piece of advice he lends that I will most definitely be following and that I've shared with IG, "You've earned the right to be conceited..." Now, out of context, I look like the bitch here, but I've worked hard and I plan on showing that off. Who wouldn't? That's what I thought. My feelings are, they need a jolt back into reality in knowing that they aren't as high and mighty as they think they are... might be good for them to see that they've gained every ounce I've lost. ha! Okay, I'm done.

Hope everyone else enjoys their weekend. I know it's a bit early, but mine begins tomorrow night after work. Look forward to many a story upon my return! Keep your fingers crossed for the reactions I crave!

Classy 2.0

Okay, so clearly Kate Winslet is far more classy than I could ever hope to be, however, Classy 2.0 has since been the title given to me by one of my number one fans, Rico. He says it's like I'm simply trying to make myself  into a better version of me. Hence, 2.0. And I found that pretty clever and altogether accurate. He's pretty good about things like that. 

Today, was one of those days where I felt as a Classy 2.0. I weighed in upon leaving the gym this morning almost against my better judgement, but I found that I have since lost a total of sixteen pounds since January 1! Hooray! I'm thrilled. Mr. Perfect told one of the trainers there while I was doing one of my weight sets that I had lost around fifteen pounds (this was before the weigh in), and the trainer commented that he had noticed that I'd been so consistent, even coming in by myself at times, and that the number of pounds lost was pretty accurate and healthy for the amount of time I'd been at it. This made me feel twice as good when I stepped on the scale. Perfection. A little over the half way mark of my original goal! It has definitely lifted my spirits ten fold today. 

One of the reasons why I need my spirits lifted? Next weekend I get to co-host the aforementioned duo bridal shower back in the middle of Drama Central. My Alma mater. Among all of my sorority sisters, some I love, some have grown to be more caddy than when I left, and some were already high up on the bitch scale when I departed and I would rather not have to deal with them anymore. Or ever again. Alas, this is where I am on life's journey. Stuck with obligation. Again. I must say, however, that while a part of me dreads the trip based solely on two or three bitches I've discussed before, I am quite eager to see the look on some of their faces when Classy 2.0 enters the building. I've pretty much bought an entire new wardrobe for the occasion and have been working extra hard in the gym in preparation for the reaction I so hope for. 

Another reaction I'm looking forward to would be that of Mr. Rico, himself. As I haven't seen him in months, it will be quite entertaining to see what he thinks of this Classy 2.0 that he's only heard over the phone and has yet to see in person. A girl's gotta make an entrance you know. I live for the shock factor. You know, the surprise on every one's face. The giant smiles and "I'm so proud of you! 's" or the jealous eyes and the whispers behind my back... or even a jaw drop. I could go for that. I can't wait. 

As I'm staying with Rico for the weekend, it will give the bitches even more to discuss amongst their jealous selves. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories for you upon my return, but until then fingers crossed that I receive the reaction so hoped for. If the haters gotta hate, you gotta give them something to hate on, right? ha. 

Happy Saturday, everyone! Hope your weather forecast is as beautiful as mine and you give the bitches something to talk about too! 

Help! I'm Stuck!

Scales were sent from the Devil. Of this, I'm convinced. I worked out four days last week. Hard. I'm pushing myself to an extra extreme at this point because of certain events coming up shortly and certain people I'll be spending time with preceding the wedding festivities in May. I've set more short term goals, even though the long term goals are sneaking up on me quickly. In any case, I have been stuck on the same approximate numbers now for two + weeks. And this is not okay. Mr. Perfect asks why I can't just be satisfied with being in the best shape I've probably ever been in. My co-worker and friend tells me over and over again, "stay off the scales, they're just discouraging. You know you're working hard and it's paying off." My heart understands this, but my instinct is to just see if the needle has moved a simple pound or so... it can't be that difficult, right? Wrong.

I had a brief conversation with I.G. yesterday, begging for guidance, for encouragement, for anything. I'm so fed up with working so hard to no avail. It's enormously frustrating. I mean really, no wonder people allow themselves to get fat! Not only is it a chore to watch what you eat, but you also need to fit in a fair amount (or more) of exercise and BONUS, when your body becomes tired of that routine, you have to change it up again simply to continue to lose. What is that? One might try to tell me that the results will continue to drive me. It'll all make sense when you feel fabulous in the end, right? Well as of now, I've been working my ass off for two solid months and I haven't seen any further results than what I saw at a month and a half. If this is the case for much longer, when on earth am I supposed to feel fabulous?

Yes, I can tell that I've lost. Yes, I feel like I'm in much better shape than when I started. Yes, I'm able to run further or lift longer. Yes, I can feel my body strengthening. No, I'm not where I thought I would be at this point, nor where I want to be and no, I'm not okay with going another month with nothing on the scales amusing my efforts!

After a fantastic time at home last weekend, I felt so encouraged and motivated by my girls. I was thrilled to get back in the gym with a breath of fresh air. And this weekend, I felt like I had plummeted into a hole that I can't crawl out of. I'm stuck! I was quite the cranky bitch yesterday as I couldn't break free of this mindset. I.G. assured me that my body would work its way through it and the next twenty pounds would fall off. I hope that's the case. But it was/is quite difficult for me to come to terms with that today. When you start working out and feeling good, it's so easy to say "Why haven't I been doing this all along?" until you reach this point and it's like "Now I understand why everyone gives up about two months into their 'New Years Resolution' and goes back to the hot wings and cold beverages." I'm not saying I'm giving up. I've come too far for that. I'm just admitting that I can certainly see why people do. I'm so irritated. Maybe I should just throw out the scales for a while... could I really do that? Add that to the list of what my will power is up against lately. God help me.

All My Friends Say...

Oh Luke Bryan. I do love that song. I love even more weekends home with my girls. I recognize that I use pictures of the SATC ladies often, but if you'll notice it's always in reference to these fabulous hometown women in my life. It was so wonderful to be around, be lazy, and be out with them this weekend. Nothing too exciting aside from a giant shoe clearance and a night downtown with all of us able to be together again. Three new pairs of heels and a slight blip in the diet plan later, it was a pretty fantastic weekend indeed. 

It's amazing how some friendships stay exactly the same even when the individuals are changing and evolving in their own rights. The four of us, I think, have changed and grown so entirely in the past few years. Even from Christmas to this past weekend. Is that possible? Maybe it's just the individual goals and priorities that we've changed for ourselves, both individually and together. The dinner conversations were hilarious. Still a lot of the same, but definitely more of the diet, fitness, working out, let's be healthy mentality going on over our chips and salsa... and maybe a margarita or two... It's so nice to all be trying together though. You know when you're the only friend dieting or maybe it's another one in the group and it's all they can talk about? You know it's a big deal if you're the one working so hard, but to the rest of the group you just can't shut up? It wasn't like that at all with us this weekend. We were all so excited and so motivated. I think we all helped one another. Just like we usually do. Anyway, a very positive weekend. Put me back in the place I needed to be. It had just been too long without them. 

Monday sucked. That's nothing unusual. But we're pretty much at Wednesday now, so another weekend is right around the corner, right? Right. 

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

First, note: This might come off as Carrie Bradshaw-esque. If that's the case, you've been warned. Second, also note: This is a follow up of Island Girl's last post, just so you understand where I'm coming from.

As you probably now know all too well, since the beginning of this new year, I've been on what one could refer to lightly as a 'health kick'. One could also refer to it not so lightly as 'super dieting, calorie watching, ass kicking, gym going, point counting, obsessively dreaming of change' kick. For many reasons, some previously stated, some not, this has been my life since January 1, 2009. Since that date, I've lost almost 15 pounds. In a healthy way. I'm working really hard to come up with the results I want to see in the mirror.

Now, after reading Island Girl's latest post on my break yesterday at work, I've not been able to get her thoughts out of my head. Mainly because I share so many of her fears, concerns and frustrations. While I have been on this 'kick' for a much shorter time span than she, I am already beginning to see where things could get out of hand for me.

This past week was a little frustrating. The weekend wasn't exactly diet friendly as it was a holiday weekend and when "Roll Call Wednesday" came around for OSB, once again, it was another week with not much change. In my head I understand that 13-15 pounds is quite a bit of weight to have lost by pure hard work and accountability in under 2 months. In the mirror, I'm already fearing that I've hit that plateau and it's going to stop falling off of me after this being the second week without much loss to account for. While I see that my stomach is getting flatter and my face is slimming down, I caught myself on Tuesday being disgusted with my 'curves'-- some might enjoy, I'd like to get rid of at least some of it-- and pinching the skin on my back thinking why hasn't this gone away too? Okay, now before I'm accused of the onsets of an eating disorder, please note that I love food far too much for that to ever occur. I will take full responsibilty, however, for a self-image disorder. That I've owned all my life. I've just been pretty good about keeping it to myself most of the time. But this is where Island Girl and her 'nutritionist' made me think...

Is she for real? This nutritionist, not I.G. Does she honestly believe that people in our 'age bracket' have overcome whatever image issues they previously had and are just 'settled' with however they look currently? This concept absolutely baffles me! Seriously? And for her to say that without laughing. Moreso, for this to be her reasoning to explain away voiced frustrations of a client? In the infamous words of Lewis Black, "And I am confused!"

But in retrospect, as I've contemplated it for a couple of days now, it brings about a larger issue. Will we ever be good enough for ourselves? Not for anyone else. Not for popular culture or the new fashion trends that we may love or hate. Not for the cute guy at the bar. But for the mirror. Because when it comes down to it, that's all we have. It's me and my reflection. If I can't be confident in that, what do I have? Don't get me wrong and take me for some shallow human being who only believes that beauty is only skin deep, but seriously, if you can't look in the mirror and be proud of that person, physically, emotionally, spiritually, whatever... What do you have? Everyone else's opinions? Can't be good for all around character building. At least not in my world. ha. Maybe a little deep for a Friday night, but here I am. Just a whole lot of questions and none with true answers I suppose. Can't say it's the first time I've asked them, but maybe the first time I've felt them necessary to outwardly impose.

Some nutritionist, huh? I.G. I feel for you, but I feel more for her. She is seriously disillusioned with both the world around her and more specifically her career. Keep pushing. You rock.

Happy 'healthy' weekending!

Walking Double Standard

And I just can't help it. 

In college, as a Sociology major, I took several classes dealing with feminist issues and perspectives in today's society. One class in particular looked at how women are viewed in various forms of popular culture and media. A piece of information I have kept with me from said class includes how women are so objectified. Piece by piece they are dismembered and viewed as individual body parts as opposed to actual human beings. This concept disgusts me. 

How does this relate to my title? Well, I have a confession. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a walking double standard. Tonight in the gym after running my little heart out, I was making my way towards the weights when I happened upon a few handsome athletes I'd not seen before. What I realized after seeing these men and coming to the conclusion that they were attractive... I had yet to look at their faces... oops. I was too focused on the perfect form of their arms while more than my body weight was being lifted above their heads. Big oops. Now, this wouldn't be the first time this has happened in my experiences in work out facilities, but at least I have known said pairs of arms in previous circumstances. Oh well. What can you do? 

I've got a thing for athletes. And their arms. Oh, their arms... My family is full of them. Athletes not arms. Well, arms too... I digress.  It's in my blood to be one or love one. Irony of that-- Mr. Perfect: not so much an athlete at all. I don't hold it against him. And he doesn't hold it against me that my eyes tend to wander in the gym when I see "attractive" men lifting ungodly amounts of weight. I just can't help myself! 

Have I said that already? My bad. 

Anyway, needless to say, tonight's workout was a good one. And not just because of a few random athletes in the room, but I also felt good being back in the groove of my routine after a not so strict weekend. Back on track and feeling good. 

The eye candy made it better...

God, I'm terrible. Funny how such realizations come at the most inopportune times. Oh well. Such is life. I promise, I'll do better... Tell me you haven't done it before? 

Spring Fever!

Yesterday's weather left me with a serious case of Spring Fever. With highs reaching the lower 60s in the city and the sun being out with all of its glory in a big blue sky, this morning's freezing rain has quickly jolted me back into the realities of February. Gross. Is it only February? I am so ready for Spring. For so many reasons.

First and foremost, the weather. As Spring is probably my favorite season as far as weather goes, with a close second being Summer only when I'm able to lay by the pool or frequent the beaches of Florida, I have been longing all morning for Mr. Groundhog to tell me that it's quickly approaching. Well, Phil from PA let me down. Poor thing saw his shadow which means 6 more long weeks for this terrible wintery chill. Boo.

Another reason to look forward to Spring? Flip flops. I suppose they coincide with the weather aspect, but busting out the flip flops and spring wear always brightens my spirits. Especially this year as I plan to look more smashing for mini skirt and tank top seasons. As I'm working my ass off currently to do so, I suppose I'll be feeling pretty damn good about being me by then. Hopefully.

Along with that, wedding season. On the calender so far, I have three to attend and one to participate in. Whether I'm looking forward to the actual weddings or the reactions I'm seeking from people who haven't seen my current transformation, you take your pick. In any case, I do enjoy weddings especially because right now, they're not mine. Young and free is the way to be at this point in my life anyway. I have nothing against anyone getting married at my age or even starting families if they so desire, trust me I know many who have already done so, but it's not in the cards for Classy quite yet. And I like it that way. But attending the festivities of others... that's a different story. I'm always a fan of a party. Just make it a good one. Verdicts are still out on how "good" these particular weddings will be, but once again, I'll be feeling good, so it's a positive attitude exuding from my end. Eyes bright, smile on, waist line smaller... You with me? Good.

Anyway, they got snow back home today. My mom asked this morning if we had gotten any here as I suppose we were predicted to. None yet to report. Sun's still bright even though morning rains brought my Spring temperatures back down. At this point in the season, if you're not going to give me enough snow to get me out of work, just give me the sun. And warm it back up so I can get these children outside for the love of all that is good! I don't mean to whine, I'm just day dreaming away. Bring on the Spring. Please!

And I'm Proud to be an American!

...I feel like I should stand and salute or something. ha. Happy First Day of Office to our new Mr. President! Happy Wednesday to the rest of us.. What a day yesterday was, huh? Now, it's not like me to talk politics. Don't for a minute think I plan on starting here either, but I must say what an extravagant event, Tuesday January 20, 2009 was. Unfortunately, I was unable to watch most of the day's events as I was at work. I was, however, able to catch his speech and pass it for a history lesson. My kids don't even know what the word history means, but hey, I had to watch. I was glad I did, too. I was moved. It was very powerful, I thought. No matter who you voted for, you had to feel proud in those few moment that our nation had potential to make up for some of the downfalls or flaws thoughout recent years. No matter who is at fault for them. Today however, if I were President Obama... I would be thinking, "What the hell did I get myself into?" Then again, that's why I wasn't the one running. On the way to work this morning, my favorite radio morning show shared his schedule for this, his first day... Let's just say, I'd want to go back to last night's parties. But let's cross our fingers, maybe there's a politician out there that can truly make change for the better of society. I'm praying.

I'm also praying that I can make it through the end of this week. My schedule is so thrown off! Not that it should be. It's not like I get to celebrate national holidays like MLK Day like the rest of you. I was at work... with only five children. Tell me why we couldn't have had a three day weekend like everyone else? Exactly. There is no good reason. But whatever, I'm not the boss... Unfortunately.

The upside to being at work all week, through holidays and more sickness, is that my co-teacher and I have been brainstorming. We've asked for the funds and special treatment as the "golden children" of our workplace and of course, got what we wanted. Our classroom is getting a makeover this weekend! It's very exciting. It will require us to come in and do a little extra work ourselves, but hey, it's what we do. Anything for the kids, right? Well, almost. We'll be envied by everyone else, and really, that's what I go for in my everyday life...

Kidding... Mostly.

Anyway, another refresher for my refreshing new attitude I'm going with lately. I'm not going to bore you with my workout/diet/healthy living rountines anymore, because as you've seen, I have another blog for that now, but I can't express to you how much it has helped my mindset. I am so much more positive, more energized... generally, just happier than I was before my gym membership processed. I love it. I'm on my second liter of water for the day and am actually looking forward to returning this evening for my cardio routine. I hope everyone else is having a good week. If not, we're half way to the weekend... head up!

Joining Forces!

Roxie and I are joining forces for our respective missions of "Lookin' Fine in '09!" We tried something new with a Word Press site, but please come see us! It's just our way of holding one another accountable while being so far apart along with recording goals and achievements, along with struggles and failures. Hopefully a lot more of the former... for your viewing pleasures! 

Get with us here! Happy Fitness! 

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!

Every Inch of Me Aches!

So, one could say Saturday's work out was successful. To put it politely. I would say, I kicked my ass so hard that two days later I still can hardly walk. To put it impolitely. 

The small ice pack in this picture wouldn't do me any good. Not at all. I would need an ice bath. But that sounds terribly uncomfortable. How about a hot tub? Yes. Perfection. I need a hot tub. For about six hours straight. With perhaps a cocktail. You know, numb the pain. That sounds glorious. Absolutely glorious.

My brother tells me that this kind of pain is good for me. Mr. Super Athlete himself says that he's proud of my efforts and that the pain means that it's working. I certainly hope it's working. Because if this were all for not, we'd have major issues to sort through. I'm on a mission though. You all know this. And I'm not letting up or giving up due to the first few days of aches and pains. You better believe I'm stronger than that. Well, more determined anyway. Roxie told me today that the second day after a hard work out is supposed to hurt the most. I hope that's true. I also hope that day three lets up because I'm back in the gym tomorrow after work, says my training schedule. Yes, I made a schedule. I told you I was determined. 

Along with my w.w. diet plan that I've returned to with my co-teacher, I'm hoping for at least small visual results soon. But even so, if not, I'm not giving up and I won't be discouraged. That's my fault you see. I lose patience. But not this time. Fingers crossed. 

Happy Monday!

"And They'll Be Lining Down the Block, Just to Watch What I Got"

Okay so this is Fergie, not me. I look nothing like Fergie. But there's nothing quite like starting your workout with Fergalicious, right?  Tell me I'm wrong. 

Happy 2009!

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's Eve celebration! Mine was small but perfect. Lots of food and lots of beverage. All was enjoyed. New Year's Day--my original first real day of getting real with myself as far as my new diet and work out lifestyle-- consisted of the hang over cure... Ihop. Therefore, January 2, 2009 was named "the first day of the rest of my life." 

Okay okay, I'm being dramatic. But it was a new start and I was more than ready for it to begin. My gym membership was processed and paid for and in a little under an hour, Mr. Perfect and I will be headed that way for the first time. I am SO excited. That's an understatement, really. Who gets so excited to go work their ass off for an hour or so? This girl. I'm more excited about getting back to a healthy mindset, mentally and physically. As Elle Woods tells us, "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't go out and kill their husbands. They just don't." While, I don't have a husband to kill, I am thrilled with the thought of feeling better, looking better, and moving on with this new life a little better... with a better attitude, I mean. 

In any case, you can see the mood I'm in on this beautiful Saturday morning. I hope everyone else has a great weekend as well! Much love to my wonderful blogging friends and Happy New Year!

Back to the Grind

It's that time again. Really, transition-based depression can only last so long. So, I'm really doing my best to kick it before my seasonal depression sets in. 

*Note: I promise I'm typically a cheerful person. 

Yes, I've come down with the fitness bug again. 

Or I've been inspired. Either way you look at it, here I am. I've decided to explore this new city I've been living in and find an acceptable gym facility to work out in. I've been doing my research. Also, back on the diet plan. It's time. I know I can feel better on a day to day basis especially if I'm feeling better about me. That's usually how it works out. 

Work outs are the easiest high for me. I love it once I'm there. It's the getting there that prevents the inches from falling off of me. I struggle making time or motivating myself enough to get off of my ass at the end of the day. And let's be real... Classy doesn't get up early to do anything, let alone work out. But this isn't the point. I was on a routine in the latter part of college. A really good routine, actually. It's time to get back there. Get going in sync with the ipod. It's going to happen. Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted. 

Maybe a year from now, when I'm preparing to return to my second Homecoming as an alumni, I'll have a few more bitches talking about me behind my back. For things I can take credit for this time... Yes, this could be fun.