Erked

You know when you look forward to a tv show all day and then find out the show isn't on or they are playing a repeat for no apparent reason? Well that is what happened to me tonight.

I came home late from work, worked out, and had dinner thinking that I have my show to look forward to - Project Runway. But that has been taken away from me. Humph. I clicked through my "guide" on tv and became very disappointed when I read the description for the 10pm show. Denim. What?! That was last week? Wait. What day is it? What time is it? Is it Wednesday at 10? Wait. THINK. It is Wednesday at 10. Why is this repeat on? No!

So now is it 10pm and the stupid denim episode is airing again. Can someone please tell me why there isn't a new episode?

Anyway, I had to get my Christian fill and tuned into YouTube. Christian makes me laugh every week with his dry sense of humor and quirkiness. If anyone else is out there, fuming from this repeat episode, hopefully the following Christian clips can hold you over until next week. That is, if there is a new episode next week...

1 to 10

1 free piece of pizza I snagged from a vendor lunch today

2 hungry cats required me to go to the store to get kitty food

3 of us played "Late Night Roulette" at work with the Nerf gun tonight

4 used to be the time I would watch Oprah

5 months from now I will be wearing flip flops

6 years ago I was 19 (wowsers!)

(Lucky) 7 used to be a favorite place for dessert in NJ, until the place burned down

8 is how many kids I love to watch on Jon & Kate Plus 8

9 am would be a nice time to wake up everyday

10 days on the beach are much better than 10 degree days

Congrats, Mike and Lindsay!

Some very exciting news...Mike and Lindsay are having a baby! You can keep up with their exciting news and happenings (and Roxy's take on it all) when you click on Lindsay's blog to the right.

One of our fun summer nights in St. Louis. Me, Lindsay, John, and Mike at McGurk's (location confirmed, Linds).
The Roxstar!

Daddy Date

My dad just left my apartment after we spent a wonderful day together. Earlier in the week my dad asked what I was doing this weekend and suggested coming for a visit. I was happy to say yes and I looked forward to it all week. My dad arrived and my cats' ears perked up as he walked in. Diego jumped off my bed and happily greeted him. My dad then proceeded to tell the kitties that he brought them a treat - a small ziplock bag of "real cat food." Basically it is the cheap stuff you can buy at the grocery store - the stuff I don't get. My dad doesn't think that the nicer cat food I have for them qualifies as "real cat food." The cats weren't on my side, the chowed down and asked for more. I guess that is what kitty grandfather's do, spoil their grandkitties rotten!

I then suggested we run a few errands and we hit up Target for some necessities. My dad parked himself at the Starbuck's and told me to get what I needed and he would meet me when I was finished. I quickly stocked up on laundry detergent, paper towels, kitty litter, and socks. So wonderful when dad is in town! :)

I have been wanting to see 27 Dresses for some time now, but didn't make plans to see it and didn't really have anyone to see it with. John already rejected me when I asked him to go. I was excited to ask my dad if he wanted to see it a few days ago - it was worth a shot. I called him a few days ago and he said "sounds good" and that it would be nice to see a movie. We were set and I was even more excited for his visit. After Target, we headed to the theater. As we were driving there, my dad said,"What are we seeing? 7 skirts?" That made me really laugh. We headed into the theater, got some good seats, and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. As we walked out of the theater my dad asked with hesitation, obviously using the phrase for the first time, "Was that a chick-flick?" I said, "Yes, dad. That was a chick-flick." It didn't matter, we both had already agreed that we liked the movie.

After the movie, we hit up the Malibu Grill. My dad and I ran into the manager my dad befriended on my dad's last visit. Dinner was delicious as always. My favorite is the caramelized salmon - a personal favorite I have yet to stray away from.

The night ended with a quick visit back to my apartment and then my dad headed home. I already miss him. Thanks for the wonderful visit, dad!

OCD @ Work
Due to numerous people fighting various illnesses, I have become a compulsive hand-washer. Everyone that I work with (yes, pretty much everyone that I am in contact with during the day) has some sort of bug. We have influenza, bronchitis, head colds, sore throats, etc floating around the office. I feel like I should set up petri dishes to see who carries the most dangerous bacteria. I started borrowing my co-worker's hand sanitizer, but you can't really borrow things like that if you are being OCD about using it. You kinda come off as kind of crazy and a mooch. So yesterday I purchased a hand sanitizer/moisturizer and I have it on my desk. We constantly pass work between desks, whether it be with a designer, editor, or senior account executive, so I have to be careful. And you just have to assume that people are sneezing on these things ... Let's hope I don't join the sick club!

The Grass
Sorry I haven't posted any pictures of my grass head but to me, he hasn't really changed. I will try to add a new picture soon.

Ahh ... my laptop is dying. Gotta go!

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

Me Confessions

I have a secret ... I haven't been completely truthful to my blog in the recent weeks. I've been up to something and have not shared it. I did not share it in the beginning because it would mean that others would be in on it ... scary! The big secret is I joined a gym. It is scary thing to do because to me it is a big commitment. One that is scary and overwhelming. It is admitting that I haven't taken care of myself, that I have made mistakes and would have to face those uncomfortable thoughts. I'm waking up from a 4 year fog of tears, stomach aches, head aches, chemotherapy, oncologist appointments, and all that came with losing one of the single most important person in my life, my mother. In recent years, I had no extra energy to work out and my thoughts were not about my self-improvement. I got lost in everything, but if someone else was going through what I did, I don't know what advice I would give them. I don't think there is a way of going through all of that and coming out in one piece.

I don't know why I have had such gym-aversion, but I've been working on that the past few weeks. Truthfully, it hasn't been so hard. I think I picked the right gym for me. The people seem very nice, normal, and the whole environment is very friendly and encouraging. I have even being going to work out before work (gasp!) Now that's commitment, right? Can I get a "Go girl?"

I decided it wouldn't be selfish of me to name this year "The Year of Me." It makes me feel empowered and have to remind myself that it is not selfish to name this year. I am almost 26 now and since I was 21 I dealt with my mom's terminal illness. I think it is okay to put myself first for a while and really focus on me. Even though I would make the same decisions looking back, I realize my early twenties are gone. I want to reclaim my health, happiness, and life. It is hard to be focused on one person for so long - and lose that person. I'm in this state of slow awakening, like a bear awaking from its hibernation and feeling sunshine on his face for the first time. I know time has passed, but I'm honestly quite confused about the whole thing.

I really hope that I can stick to my fitness regime and that "The Year of Me" brings lots of good fortune. I laugh to myself when I think about the Chinese Animal Zodiac - the dog, dragon, monkey, horse, pig, ox, rabbit, rat, rooster, sheep, snake and tiger, but where is ME? Haha - I know it is in there somewhere.

I know I will be happier for adopting a new lifestyle and the best part about it, I know that my biggest fan is still rooting for me to do well in this life.

Because it is Friday!

Tag! All you blogger friends gotta do it!

Two names you go by:
1. Whit
2. Whitdogg

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Gray cardigan
2. European shoes from Italy

TWO OF your favorite things to do:
1. Get a massage
2. Laugh with friends and family

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. mo' $
2. A nice long vacation

Two Pets that you have or have had
1. Bella May
2. Diego Tomás

Two people who will fill this out:
1. Erin?
2. Keenan?

Two things you did last night:
1. Went out to eat with Jessica and Rich
2. Dishes. Jealous?

Two things you ate today
1. Veggie wrap
2. Sun Chips

Two people you last talked to
1. Work people
2. Some more work people, possibly spoke with the fax machine

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Sleeeeeeeeeep :)
2. Play raquetball, basketball, and work out at the YMCA with John

Longest trips taken:
1. 4 months - studying abroad :)
2. 4 weeks - train trip around the US

Your favorite holidays:
1. Christmas
2. 4th of July

Two favorite beverages:
1. Water (geek!)
2. Wine

Some Very Special Visitors

I was very excited to get out of work tonight because two of my college friends, Jessica and Rich, were coming to Bloomington! Jessica and I were Alpha Phis together and met freshman year when we had to do this cheesy dance for a Greek event. We were roommates in Alpha Phi when she met Rich, a Phi Psi, and spent many a night partying with his friends at their fraternity. Currently, they are in town planning for their upcoming wedding in May. I am beyond excited to see them twice this year, considering that we haven't seen one another since summer of 2004. It was just like old times tonight - lots of laughs and memories. I hope our paths continue to cross because nothing is better than seeing old friends. The fun will continue tomorrow night when John joins us to paint the town red visiting our favorite watering holes. Cheers to old friends!

Some Very Special Visitors

I was very excited to get out of work tonight because two of my college friends, Jessica and Rich, were coming to Bloomington! Jessica and I were Alpha Phis together and met freshman year when we had to do this cheesy dance for a Greek event. We were roommates in Alpha Phi when she met Rich, a Phi Psi, and spent many a night partying with his friends at their fraternity. Currently, they are in town planning for their upcoming wedding in May. I am beyond excited to see them twice this year, considering that we haven't seen one another since summer of 2004. It was just like old times tonight - lots of laughs and memories. I hope our paths continue to cross because nothing is better than seeing old friends. The fun will continue tomorrow night when John joins us to paint the town red visiting our favorite watering holes. Cheers to old friends!

I know you've been waiting ...

Perspective on this Week

I have to admit this week has been rough. It seems like I keep on receiving bad news about other people and this stuff effects me more now than ever. I feel deeply for families going through loss or other major stressors. My friend at work told me his grandfather was just diagnosed with cancer this week. One of my dad's best friends passed away two days ago of complications from a car accident. A girl I work with who is about my age just lost her mother yesterday of complications from pneumonia and it was totally unexpected. John's friend who is expecting a baby next month just found out that her mother-in-law has stage 4 cancer and they don't expect her to live for very long. And I like to watch the news and my heart goes out to the family that lost their daughter in Georgia. Honestly, I could cry about the people I know and the people I don't. I know this stuff happens all over the world and my heart aches because of it - and it is even harder when I am reminded of this heartache as it hits closer to home. Hug your family, make those phone calls to the people you care about, and appreciate the people in your life. They truly are all that matter.

The Grass is Always Greener ...

Look at my kittyhead grow! I was a bit worried because I couldn't find the kittyhead last night, but I think the kitties (the real ones) knocked it over and sent the kittyhead rolling to the ground. No worries though, I found a better place for it. Good thing the fall did not inhibit it's growth.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

I thought some of you may find this interesting. This is a really cool site that helps show where you fall in your views and how closely they relate to the presidential candidates. It is definitely worth a few minutes of your time to check it out.

http://www.kieskompas-usa.nl/

Exciting Growth

Now before you start cracking jokes about how my blog is as exciting as watching grass grow, know that I beat you to it. Meet Puss, my new cat grass head. I thought I could share its' exciting growth with all my readers. Eventually it should get long enough for me to give it a trim!

I Love my Favorite Stranger

Tonight I bemoaned as I drove to the grocery store after work. Things really haven't changed this post from 2 years ago. Anyway, I spent a considerable amount of time shopping and was ready to head home to see who was sleeping in the cat bed. :) I pushed my grocery cart to my far away spot in the parking lot and starting putting bags into my trunk, jumped back into the car to warm up, and drove home. Then I reached for my purse which wasn't there in my passenger seat. I freaked out and looked in my trunk for it, then sped like a crazy woman back to the grocery store. The purse I just started to carry is my mom's cute Dooney & Burke with a matching wallet. I knew it would be a hot commodity in a parking lot at night. I was preparing myself for severe disappointment because the purse is super cute and there are lots of shady people out there. I raced into the parking lot and whipped around to where I had parked. My cart was no longer there and there was no sign of my purse. I quickly scoured the pavement from my car window to see if anyone dumped any of its contents. Nothing. I pulled into a parking spot that I created (very close to the entrance) and hurried into the store. I had to wait in line behind someone at the customer service counter and it took everything in me to not just scream over the first customer. I waited for a few moments and then was able to ask the young woman behind the desk if anyone dropped off a purse. I'm sure she saw the "I am TOTALLY freaking out" expression on my face and when I saw her face soften and say, "Yes" I was so relieved. She handed over my purse and I almost cried. What a relief! I asked who brought it in and she said a man did. Thank you, Mr. Stranger. The bag isn't just a designer purse to me and Mr. Stranger didn't know that, but I am so happy there are still good people out there who go out of their way "to do the right thing."

Confessions of a Cat Lady ... and a New Bed

I love my kitties very much. I treat them like they are royalty. If they meow, I pet them, give them kisses, offer treats, hold them, and basically tend to their every need and cater to their hearts' desire. I love to spoil them and give them the greatest life possible. My heart melts when they want to cuddle me. It is the ultimate compliment and showing of love. Yesterday Bella cuddled with me multiple times and wanted to put her face real close to mine, close her eyes, and purr. It was delightful. I think they really missed me over the holidays because I kept on abandoning them. Last night, I was flipping through the channels with Diego wrapped around my head on my pillows and Bella right next to me (a perfect moment in time for me) and I came across a animal show about cougars and mountain lions. I had actually seen it before, but I decided to keep it on because it caught Bella's attention immediately. She zoned in on the young cats and she was enthralled. I had all these thoughts, "What does she think of them? Is she scared? Does she know it is a cat?" Then a bear appeared and Bella jumped out of her comfy spot and ran to the corner of the bed. She wanted to get as close as she could! It was adorable. I couldn't let myself change the channel until she lost interest. She watched for a good while, perhaps about ten minutes. In kitty time, that is like 7 hours because cats aren't known for their long attention spans. I was happy to bond over another activity and now I might go out of my way to watch more animal shows for Bella.

*Update! Tonight I bought a cat bed for the kitties. I was a bit anxious if they would even look at it, let alone get in it ... but they both proved me wrong. It is quite a hit! I kinda forced it on them when I first got home, but later they both willingly climbed in for a cat nap and I could tell they thought it was so dreamy. They already have started to do funny poses in it. Check out the pictures below. I apologize in advance for my crappy digital camera from 1852.

Yes, I am aware of my cats' striking resemblance to the "American Gothic" painting (a.k.a. the pitchfork painting), but I can promise you that they were overjoyed with this new piece of kitty luxury. Anyway, this is Bella in the bed and Diego wishing he was in it.

Bella gets more comfy and scoffs at Diego for being so desperate for the kitty bed.

Ahhh, Diego's time has come. Snoozin' in the new bed.