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! 

Save the Drama for your Momma

...Or are the mommas the drama? Sometimes I can confuse the two. While not quite as dramatic as Real Housewives of Orange County, the moms around these parts can cook up plenty of their own drama. All people can I guess. I'm just in the middle of the current motherly madness and I don't really care to be.

If you're unaware, I am currently in the middle of wedding mayhem. My college roommate and sorority sister is getting married in May, another friend that I grew up with in my hometown church is getting married the very same day, another sorority sister is getting married at the end of this month, and yet another is getting married in July. Unreal. The focus for this blog, however, is the first two. You guessed it, the same day in May brides... And we're just to the showers here, people.

I've already volunteered to co-host a shower for my roommate with the rest of our sorority back at my Alma mater and my mother has already volunteered to throw the other same day in May bride a shower with fellow church-goers as her mother is one of my mother's best friends. Still with me? Both brides are taken care of by Classy's family. Doesn't seem like an issue, no? It shouldn't be. The issue breaks loose when my mother asked another mother at the church who is also throwing my roommate a shower (did I mention we all went to the same church growing up?) if she would like to do a joint shower as no one had offered to throw one at that point in time for the second same day in May bride. The other mother's reply was a simple 'no, I think they need their own, thanks though. I'm already throwing her a Pampered Chef shower.' ..that no one had so much as hinted about to my mother or I. I swear mothers can be so caddy. Not to mention my roommate's mother, who has pretty much snubbed my mother for months now as if she's done something terribly offensive, still hasn't put her cold walls down. I told my mom to forget about it. It wasn't her responsibility to throw two showers and at least she had offered.

I got an email today asking if it was okay for my mom to put my name as a co-host for the shower being thrown for the second same day in May bride. She was just checking, making sure it wouldn't be offensive to the roommate. My response being, 'I'm already throwing her a shower, Bride #2 deserves one just as equally as Bride #1.' In my head I know this is what my roommate would agree to. Just in case, however, I asked her. She of course said, 'No I wouldn't be offended at all, you know that. What's important is that you'll be standing next to me on May .. and that's all I care about. Bride #2's mom has been making a bigger deal out of this same day stuff than I think necessary, but we'll talk about that later.' Seriously? More momma drama! Bride #1's mother, however, I can just see it now... Drama. She'll be offended at some point down the road that Mom-o-Classy threw a personal shower for Bride #2 and not Bride #1 who lived with her daughter for four years. Whatever. People worry too much. And they will always always always find something to bitch about. Something that someone did wrong or didn't do at all. In my opinion, they'll both get presents, they'll both have their ceremonies, and at the end of May, it'll all be said and done. Women take things so personally sometimes. I mean to an extent, I'll understand, but this wedding madness is getting ridiculous.

Maybe being young and un-wed has left me naive and inexperienced. I suppose I have some growing up to do, right? ha. Whatever.

Mr. Creepy McCreepster

Leave me alone! Seriously, can you not find other bars to scope out on my Saturday nights? I know there are plenty of innocent young women just waiting to attempt to give you a fake phone number after three rounds of free beverage and in turn be manipulated into giving you their real one. So how about you go find one of them to text and harass or perhaps, take your so called girlfriend out after work on Saturday nights instead of imposing on my enjoyable evenings out. Really, this is getting ridiculous. How many weekends in a row do I have to try and hide out in the corner of the bar when you stroll in? I know you think you're the shit, but news flash, you're not. In fact, you are pretty much a creep. By definition, reason #312 to have a legitimate fake number on hand and reason #2 to talk to the man buying you drinks before accepting three rounds and realizing they're slightly off balanced.

Thanks so much, 

Yours Never,

Classy.

Back story? Sure.  

Probably about a month ago, a girls' night out went wrong. Trying to replicate a girls' night in previous weeks, a city friend and I went to one of our favorite bars where we were sure one of our favorite bartenders would in fact be present supplying us with free beverage as he had in the aforementioned girls' night. Unfortunately, we sit at the bar for an hour with no sign of our bartender. Finishing our non-free beverages, we were almost ready to call it a night and simply put it in the loss bracket, when in strolls Mr. Creepy McCreepster. Acting as if he owns the place, he says, 'Hello' to all bartenders in attendance and several customers at the bar while simultaneously being supplied with his apparent 'usual'. As if we cared, he then strikes up conversation with the two new beautiful ladies to his left: Myself and my city friend. But hey, we came for the free drinks and he was apparently all too aware of that. 

Three rounds later, he's offered to assist my city friend with a job opportunity and asked for both of our phone numbers. As I tried to give him a fake, this was not his first carnival ride. He insisted that I call his phone so that he could save the right number. Unfortunately enough, city friend failed to take the hint that when I'm burning a hole in your forehead with my eyeballs, it means it's time to go! Indeed, he left with Classy's actual phone number. Tragic.

Flash-forward a week, Classy's co-teacher wants to hit up a bar that she's heard is fantastic. We go, mid-week, no big deal. Walk right into Mr. Creepy McCreepster's place of business. That's right, he's the asst. GM of said bar. Seriously? The good news: It was all free. The bad news: more harassment. Spectacular. Isn't this supposed to be a big city? 

It made for a good story, several off-hand sarcastic or crude comments about the man's insanity or all too desperate disposition, and quite a few laughs between Classy and friends... Until last Saturday night. Like sitting ducks, Classy, Roxie, Mr. Perfect, and other friends were enjoying a Saturday night on the town when guess who strolls in. Indeed. Not real. At first the man acts as if he didn't look me dead in my eyes when he walked in the door, but of course he couldn't leave it at that. He's Mr. Important, he had to let my entire party know that. Strolls over to Roxie and my table, puts his arm around me, introduces himself to my friends, calls me a 'heart breaker' (as if we didn't already know that much...) and offers to buy us a round as he's walking out the door. The waiter pretty much scoffs at his arrogance and we laugh as he invites us to meet up with him at his next destination. Yeah. right. And you guessed it, in the week following, more text messages. Desperate for me to return his need for conversation, he has mocked my relationship, mocked my strength and intellect, and absolutely and entirely misjudged this Classy Stiletto. What. a. freak. 

Last night was looking to be a better night. Psycho-free and drama free. In fact, I almost got out scott free entirely. Alas, almost doesn't count. Mr. Important strolls in once more. Stalker much? Luckily, we were just finishing our round and headed home. Zero opportunity for Dear Creepy to strike up a conversation other than awkward attempts of eye contact. Hilarious. Ridiculous. I've learned my lesson. And done. 

In conclusion, not only have a fake phone number on hand, but perhaps a can of pepper spray... and city friends who know when to say, 'Goodbye!' 

Not. real.

Don't Toy With My Emotions

No, Seriously. Let us review. This weekend, as you read previously, was fantastic. Not only was the company wonderful, but the weather, the food, the shopping... everything. But especially the weather. After a long day of spending too much money and fighting too many crowds, it was so lovely to come home and enjoy a beverage on the back porch, watching the sun set into the breezy, yet still warm, night sky. It. Was. Perfect. I was finally at peace. One of my favorite seasons was in full effect. Spring time. Temperatures in the 70s, sun shining in all of its glory, blue skies, cool winds,... the whole nine yards. Perfection. Up until Tuesday, when the high was 80 degrees here in the city, l was blissfully content.

Fast forward to this morning. Recall, two days ago, 80 degrees and sunny. This morning... 38 and sleeting as I drive to work. What. the. Hell?

My sentiments exactly! As I sit here, watching the snow fall outside of my window at work, this picture perfectly sums up my emotions. I can understand rain in the Spring. This was in the forecast for the rest of the week, that's fine. Rain and 50s, fine. Rain, sleet, snow, and temperatures in the 30s? Seriously? No words can explain the irritation. I should've known, I suppose. I have an album of pictures from last spring entitled "When Your Spring Time is Bi-Polar." So, I suppose that this was the case last year as well, but I simply cannot recall sunshine and 80 degree weather back to back with sleet and 30 degree weather. Not. Okay. At. All!

In conclusion, all that I ask oh City Weather is to please, please, for the love of all that is good, stop toying with my emotions! It's simply not humorous. Not in the least.

Wouldn't It Be Lovely?

First, I'm sorry I've been such a slacker. Last week went by as a blur of sorts. I'm not sure how, as each day seemed to creep by... however, here we are and I don't really have any excuses for my lack of blogging. My apologies.

Second, I'm feeling better. Thank you for your comments and encouraging words. I have my days when it simply sucks to be in my shoes... and then I get real with myself again and move forward... or get into a new pair of shoes. Which ever the case may be, I'm now focused more on the positive comments I've received in the past week, such as both of my higher ups complimenting my "getting skinny-ness." I'm now focused more on the fact that my staple black belt that I've owned for the better part of college, etc. no longer works as it is too big around to hold up my now too big jeans. I'm now focused on the fact that my shopping extravaganza this week provided opportunity to purchase size smaller clothing items that all fit as they should and it's not just me trying to squeeze myself into them. I'm seeing my glass as half full as opposed to half empty. This is where my head should be at this point, right? I hope. We'll just put it this way... my diet, along with my bank account, has suffered immensely this weekend, and I haven't worried about it. Tonight's gym experience, I'll worry about. It's going to kick my ass back in gear, but one comment on my last post was that it was in fact a healthy way to re boost your metabolism when it starts to slow down again. Thank you for that. Thus, I don't feel too guilty... ha. Trying not to anyway.

Speaking of my shopping extravaganza and my poor bank account, whoa did I go overboard this weekend. Thus my picture. Wouldn't it be oh so lovely if the money you spent recreated itself on your own personal money tree? I so wish it did. My favorite Roxie finally made her first trip to the city this weekend. Thank God it was so soon after a pay period because I have spent more money shopping, dining and drinking than I believe I ever have in a weekend's time. One could say I'm celebrating my lack of Spring Break. First year ever not having one... I feel like I've treated myself to my own little spring time siesta. Relaxing, staying up too late, shopping, shopping, eating terribly, enjoying this fabulous spring weather, shopping, drinking, shopping. You get the picture. Happy Spring Break to Classy. I've practically bought myself a new spring wardrobe as I have events to prepare for (as mentioned previously). Seeing people I love and bitches who need to hate on me more than they already do apparently. Roxie said this would in fact be the case when I was having my own little fashion show last night with all of my purchases strewn about my room. It's going to be a good weekend at the end of the month. Stay tuned. Should be quite exciting.

In any case, my mood has improved greatly since last we spoke. Roxie provided a breath of fresh air as usual and my spirits have been lifted. A new wardrobe always helps with that too you know. The gym awaits me this evening. No more cheating before my thrilling end of March weekend arrives. Kicking it in gear one more time and staying focused on the good... not the scales. Happy Spring Break!

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.