Weekend Warrior

Proof of my support of the Spartants...gross.

I would say that I was definitely a weekend warrior after the last two days.

On Friday I went to visit my cousin at Michigan State for the football game on Saturday.  Now I have done this once before, but last time it was for the Michigan/Michigan State game for which I am a fan of the Wolverines.  This time it was just to go to State and watch a dismal game of the Spartans against Iowa.

Let's start with Friday. After work I went home, got my stuff together for a VERY cold and rainy Saturday.  Stopped at this beer place to put together a six-pack for my uncle because who doesn't like beer as a present, but ended up getting 10 beers.  Then went next door to get Speedway coffee.  Ended up getting the 16 oz. and BOY was that a bad idea.

After talking to a good friend for pretty much the whole drive to East Lansing, I realize that I am now WIRED.  Normally coffee doesn't really effect me too much -- just gives me a little zing.  For some reason this coffee would not let me relax despite watching a movie and chilling on the couch.  After "heading" to bed around midnight, I tried to sleep but could not because there was a little bit of extra noise as well (see: excessive snoring) which made it difficult...so I dragged my old bones into my cousin's room where her and the BF were at.

Apparently the heat in their apartment is broken so it was like 80 degrees in there so obviously the BF opened the window to let some air in.  What I didn't know was that he opened the window ALL the way.  Being on the floor with short sleeves and no blanket was not a good combo.  Needless to say I believe I finally fell asleep around 4 a.m. and then was woken up by my alarm at 6:03 a.m. (Yes I set my alarm to weird times).

Any way, off to tailgate by 7 a.m., game at 12 p.m. and some drinking and freezing rain in between.  The game was "good" and I say that lightly because of course live sporting events are always good, but the game on the field was awful.  I stayed through the third quarter with the cousin despite the other five people we were with leaving.  Then they decided to take it into overtime and lose there.

I will say that in college I cannot remember going to too many noon games.  In South Carolina it was normally 90 degrees at that time and unpleasant to sit through a not-so-great football game in a dress so to say I did it NOW is a big accomplishment in my mind.

My aunt and uncle along with 15 other people went out to dinner which was nice, but then it was time to head home.  I thought about staying and just chilling there, but I would have had to sleep on the couch again and my wonderful pillow-top mattress was calling my name.

When I got home, I watched the end of the USC/LSU game (heartbreaker) and as well as the Tigers game.  Apparently, the Tigers were not informed as to how tired I was because they took it to 12 innings to get the win (Thanks Valverde). I made it though and went to bed where I didn't move except when my alarm went off at 11 a.m.  Pretty sure if I didn't set one I would have not gotten up until probably 2 p.m.

Sunday was a not so warrior day.  I had every intention of heading to hot yoga, but the weather was gross and my couch was much more inviting.  Got the apartment clean, prepped food for the week and even enjoyed some movies.  Oh and I used my foam roller to work on some trigger points and of course almost puked because it makes me a little nauseous when I do it.

I would say it was a great weekend and the one coming up will be even more exciting. Three home games and a 5K, WHOO!


Until next time,
-A

Next up: Meditation Monday.

Thankful Thursday: My Parents

When I knew I was going to do Thankful Thursday posts, there was nothing else I could think of to be thankful for first except my parents.

I know I was not the easiest child, teenager, or young adult, to be around for a very long time (hell, sometimes I'm still not pleasant).  From 10-14, I was confused and uncomfortable and all together strange, though I do not remember a lot about that time.  Middle school was God awful and I was thankful to get into high school.  Before that though I was spoiled and never went without (and I still don't) because of them.  Family trips, skating, soccer, cheerleading, softball, shopping - I got to do and have it all.  For those things I obviously am very thankful for, but it is the other type of support that I am eternally thankful for.

High school, specifically sophomore and senior years, were tough.  I dealt with my first bout of depression in 10th grade.  Luckily I had my parents, despite our relationship being strained sometimes, and their support in getting better.  When tragedy rocked my world in July 2003, they were there once again.

My reaction to that incident though rocked THEIR world later that year.  Never once were they mad at me, but genuinely worried and wanted me to get better. Through the next few years as I graduated and went to college they continued to support me in ways I will never forget.

We have been fortunate that my parents have good jobs and are what I would consider successful.  It has never been a cake walk in my opinion, but as the saying goes: Work Hard, Play Hard.  I believe my parents have nailed this philosophy.  Looking at them makes me hopeful that my future will at one time be filled with nights at ball games, trips to Vegas and weekend getaways, most of the time spent together.

Currently at an age where I am considered a "real" adult, the things they continue to do are priceless.  I unfortunately still have to depend on them for a lot because they have let me fulfill my dream of being a sports information director (and that has taken a while), but they have let me grow and change and become the person I have always wanted to be.

The biggest thing they do is believe in me.  They believed I could succeed at anything I put my mind to.  I won a national championship with my skating team, graduated Summa Cum Laude out of high school, moved to South Carolina, joined a sorority, got good grades, moved to Chicago for an internship (which they took a loan out for), graduated with honors and secured a "job" out of college. Plus they have helped me move like six times now, so that has to count for a lot.

Now I am still doing what I love and getting a master's degree, all because they were willing to help me out and believe I can do it.

As of late though, the biggest gift they have given me is Weight Watchers.  I say it like that because my parents offered to pay for this program. They could see I was still not happy with my body and it took a toll on me.  In the past they paid for Jenny Craig, but I wasn't in the stage of my life to follow that like I should have.  Weight Watchers though was a program that was going to work.  Obviously it has.  I am 36 pounds lighter.  I am happier than I have been in several years and looking forward to seeing my progression through the next year when I graduate with a master's and FINALLY get my first full time position.

Without their financial and emotional support, there is no way I could have gotten this far.  WW actually came relatively easy for me once I stopped giving into every temptation that came my way, plus getting my butt in gear more often than not.  There is nothing better than calling after a meeting and knowing how proud they are of me.

After finishing the Warrior Dash

I am thankful, grateful and elated to have two of the best people in the world looking out for me.  I know my parents always have my best interest and hoping the best for me. I really think that my parents are the reason I am still here today and I am very happy for that.

Today (and everyday) there is nothing I am more thankful for than Shawn and Kathie.

-A

P.S. My 50-year old father did the Warrior Dash with me because I wanted to prove I could do it and there was no one else to go with me.  One more reason I love him that much more!

Tomorrow: Fun, Flirty Friday

Technology and Personal Relationships

So I think I missed a week or maybe two of blogging, but that was because two not-so-busy weeks was followed by a very very busy week in which I was working a lot.

It got me to thinking about my personal relationships.  My two not-so-busy weeks allowed me to one go home for a weekend and visit with my friends and family and my free weekend allowed for pretty much the same thing, but allowed for interacting with A LOT of people at a tailgate.  With all this personal interaction that I really don't get that much of during the week, I wondered how technology truly influence my relationships.

Let's go with the first and most important, my family.  I thank god for technology in the form of a cell phone and Facebook because without those two I would not speak to half of my family or know what the heck was going on with them.

My family (especially that mom's side) is EXTREMELY important to me.  So with my cell phone and Facebook I am able to instantly access them whenever possible and I think it has made my relationships stronger.  Plus I get to see their pictures as well which helps for a deeper interaction.

Second, my friendships.  First of all, I know a lot of people. Good or bad, I'm not sure, but I have lived in five different states, had five different jobs in the past five years.  I have worked with and met A LOT of people.  On top of that I was in a sorority in college that had at least 100 members with four years of work that is about 70 "new" friends each year.

Any way - Facebook has allowed me to get in touch with people I never thought I would talk to post college and I think its been great.  PLUS while I was in South Carolina (Chicago, Western NY or Florida) and my friends were in Michigan I was able to easily stay connected to them.  Even though sometimes FBChat seems like a bother, I think it is great because in all honesty if you don't have the time to talk, you just don't take the chat right then.

And finally let's talk about the dating game...I myself have been single for four years.  I dated in guy in college based something I did technologically.  I was bold and it got his attention and we were together for four years...well obviously that didn't work out.  When I moved all these times sometimes it was difficult to meet people so I turned to the internet.  Now there is Match.com, EHarmony, Zoosk, OkCupid, PlentyofFish, just to name of few that are specifically designed websites to help people find a significant other.

I have used these dating sites, some are great, some are okay and some are downright awful.  But it just gets me thinking that I cannot remember the last time I met a new guy anywhere.  I mean yes of course at work, but dating at work is somewhat faux pax. Has technology really made it so that we cannot meet someone new easily without having to jump through hoops of profiles and pictures and random life questions to possibly find someone to have a relationship with?

If it has well...I am doomed.

Until next time.
Grad Girl 6.0