Happy Tuesday morning, everyone!
Please forgive me for my lengthy interim period of blogging (or a lack there of). I have been very busy but don't you worry- I have got some material for you. Special thank you to Andrea, who reminds me every day how long it has been since I last blogged and guilt tripped me into writing this very entry even after I ran inclined intervals and did yoga.
If you know me at all, you know that when I make a mistake or when I am blatantly wrong, I always say so. Now, if I didn't tell anyone about this, they would never know. However, I think this story is important to share. Two weeks ago I got ready and headed out to the bars with my girlfriends and did not return to my house until the next morning. When I got home and walked into my bedroom, there was a strange smell in my room that much resembled that of a toaster oven.
I walked across the room to find that not only had I left my straightener plugged in, but I had also left it on the floor directly on my carpet. I am telling this story because I want everyone to know that I'm an idiot but more importantly, I am telling this story because I want everyone to know that my carpet is perfectly fine. No holes, no burn marks... nothing. Additionally, I have knocked over nail polish remover on the carpet and no, it did not burn a whole through it. The moral of this story is that my mother (and probably yours, too) lied to me through the duration of my childhood.
Moving right along...
This blog topic has been inspired by conversations that I've recently had with my girlfriends regarding their relationships. Now, allow me to quickly emphasize that the following statements that came out of their stupid mouths are the exact reason that I consistently continue to only consider the gym as my boyfriend. The gym doesn't say dumb or hurtful things, just saying. I repeat, the following statements are things that my friend's boyfriends ACTUALLY said to them.
"You're smaller than me, so I should be eating more than you. Don't eat my food."
You would actually have to be an idiot to say something like this to anyone, especially a girl. I am 5'9 but I probably have a stomach the size of an acorn. I am sure that I am "bigger" than some men and I am absolutely certain that they eat more than I do. Your logic, sir, is flawed. Additionally, all men should go ahead and never say anything about a woman's caloric intake. Oh, why? Because girls are crazy. If you make one comment about what we are eating, we will never forget it. Once when I was 13, my mother told me to "suck in my stomach" when we were posing to eighth grade formal pictures. I only ate lettuce for a week. If you watch a girl eat 100 twinkies and you don't like it then walk away and keep your stupid opinions to yourself.
"Yeah, you should be cooking and cleaning all day."
Ohhhh is that what you think? See that's funny. God bless the woman that has to deal with this man or any man that says something like this to her. Pretty sure that if anyone said something like that to me I would do a quick cooking AND cleaning combo by putting bleach into their dinner. Also, if your boyfriend/husband sits on the couch all day and then dictates orders to you and you still stay with him then YOU need to reevaluate your relationship and your life.
"You wouldn't understand."
HAHAHAHAHA. Oh, we wouldn't understand? Here's an idea, why don't you explain it and let our brains decide whether or not we can comprehend the words that you're saying? Instead of avoiding actual human interaction, why don't you set down your video game controller and work on your social skills. This week, I had a man explain something to me that I would not have otherwise understood without an explanation. So, I know that you guys are capable of doing it. Don't take the easy way out. You guys don't understand what it's like trying to carry on a conversation with someone that constantly doubts our ability to comprehend facts and figures. You guys also don't understand what it's like to have your period, and don't even get me started on that.
"I'll pay, I make more money than you."
Um, ouch? You know the kind of girls that like to hear that? The ones that wouldn't offer to pay for anything in the first place. Most times, we have a firm understanding of how much money you make and we certainly are aware of how much we clear after taxes. Girls offer to pay things because they are nice, not because they think that they are rich. If a girl wants to pay for something, just let her. If you fall for a girl that likes it when you say something like that, then I sincerely hope that you enjoy your miserable marriage.
Additionally, if you would not say something to a woman's face, then don't you dare text it to her. Here is what is funny about texting; it really makes people a lot more brave than they actually are in real life. Don't pick a fight with me through a text and then act like we are BFFs when I see you in person. If I say something in a text message, I mean it in the real world too. I won't forget what I said to you and if you were sassy to me via text I will be sure to repay the favor on the very next occasion that I see you. Don't talk a big game through text messages and then be timid in person. No one has time for that, literally.
I hope that everyone has a fantastic week of work and gets a chance to enjoy the warmer weather this week. I'll be distance training on Wednesday at the park if anyone would like to join.
Here's to using our brains before we produce words,
I love everyone.
Xoxo
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Little Lesson on Self Respect
Happy unseasonably warm Monday morning to all of you!
Last week was enchanting. Work went just wonderfully and I finally feel as though I am getting into the groove of my new place of work. My crew made many accomplishments over the last couple of weeks and for that I am grateful. I couldn't be more proud of everyone at 176 that has been and will continue to be apart of the 176 transformation. You guys are awesome.
On Thursday of last week, the management teams from the Pittsburgh districts got together for a company outing. About 20 of us went bowling and Jesse had his record bowling score of 40. Yep, 40. Maranol nearly bowled a ball into the next lane AND popped a bottle of champagne in the bowling alley that was otherwise filled with adult men in a bowling league. If we played "what didn't belong," it would have been us. But, we had a blast. I am thankful to have a job that has surrounded me with such great people over the last two years.
On Saturday evening, some of these same friends and I went out in the city and danced the night away in a club with a tremendous amount of falling confetti and old rap songs. At any rate, an incident that took place on Saturday is what inspired me to write this very blog. As we were walking along East Carson Street around 12:30a.m., a heavily intoxicated man stopped me.
Stranger: Excuse me.
Me: Yes? (thinking that one of my friends had dropped something on the sidewalk)
Stranger: Do you want to have sex with me?
Me: Oh? No thank you.
Stranger: I make tall babies.
Me: I'm sure I would also. No thank you, though.
Stranger: We could make basketball players.
TJ: Hey man, stop talking to her.
Stranger: Okay dude. Fuck off.
But after this happened I couldn't help but think, has this idiot used this same pick up line on other occasions and has it ever worked on an unsuspecting and heavily intoxicated female on the south side? Here are the conclusions that I have arrived at based only on the knowledge that I have of the situation. A. Even if this man was so drunk that he had his stomach pumped shortly after participating in this conversation with me, there is absolutely no excuse for ever talking to another human being like that EVER. And B. If any girl has ever talked to or slept with this man, they have no respect for themselves whatsoever.
But, it's not just this guy or any girl who has given him the time of day.
We all know people that continuously allow others to take advantage of them. Here is a little tip for anyone who allows themselves to be treated like a doormat: No one will ever respect you until you respect yourself. If you set low expectations for yourself, no one will ever strive to give you what you truly deserve. If you consistently make bad decisions, date an absolute moron, or hangout with a group of people that no one respects, then do not expect people to respect you the way that you deserve to be respected. The people that you surround yourself with have a direct correlation with the way that people perceive you. Don't forget that.
My advice to you?
Surround yourself with good people. People like TJ. Whenever an idiot bothers you, the TJ's of the world will be sure that they leave you alone.
Listen to your parents. If they don't like your friends; there is probably a very good reason for that. When I was younger, my parents couldn't stand one of my friends. After a few years, I saw that their perception of my friend was absolutely correct. She was a shit friend with a horrendous attitude.
Set high expectations for your quality of life. Don't settle for anything less than you deserve, because you deserve the absolute best of everything. You'll have to believe me on this one until you have a moment of realization.
Above all else, remember who you are and what you stand for. If you don't stand for something you will fall for absolutely anything. Set goals for yourself and achieve them. Stand by your beliefs. Know who you are with absolutely no help from anyone else. And, most importantly, don't allow anyone else to taint your beliefs.
Here's to respecting yourself and allowing others to follow suit,
Have a fantastic week!
Xoxo <3
Last week was enchanting. Work went just wonderfully and I finally feel as though I am getting into the groove of my new place of work. My crew made many accomplishments over the last couple of weeks and for that I am grateful. I couldn't be more proud of everyone at 176 that has been and will continue to be apart of the 176 transformation. You guys are awesome.
On Thursday of last week, the management teams from the Pittsburgh districts got together for a company outing. About 20 of us went bowling and Jesse had his record bowling score of 40. Yep, 40. Maranol nearly bowled a ball into the next lane AND popped a bottle of champagne in the bowling alley that was otherwise filled with adult men in a bowling league. If we played "what didn't belong," it would have been us. But, we had a blast. I am thankful to have a job that has surrounded me with such great people over the last two years.
On Saturday evening, some of these same friends and I went out in the city and danced the night away in a club with a tremendous amount of falling confetti and old rap songs. At any rate, an incident that took place on Saturday is what inspired me to write this very blog. As we were walking along East Carson Street around 12:30a.m., a heavily intoxicated man stopped me.
Stranger: Excuse me.
Me: Yes? (thinking that one of my friends had dropped something on the sidewalk)
Stranger: Do you want to have sex with me?
Me: Oh? No thank you.
Stranger: I make tall babies.
Me: I'm sure I would also. No thank you, though.
Stranger: We could make basketball players.
TJ: Hey man, stop talking to her.
Stranger: Okay dude. Fuck off.
But after this happened I couldn't help but think, has this idiot used this same pick up line on other occasions and has it ever worked on an unsuspecting and heavily intoxicated female on the south side? Here are the conclusions that I have arrived at based only on the knowledge that I have of the situation. A. Even if this man was so drunk that he had his stomach pumped shortly after participating in this conversation with me, there is absolutely no excuse for ever talking to another human being like that EVER. And B. If any girl has ever talked to or slept with this man, they have no respect for themselves whatsoever.
But, it's not just this guy or any girl who has given him the time of day.
We all know people that continuously allow others to take advantage of them. Here is a little tip for anyone who allows themselves to be treated like a doormat: No one will ever respect you until you respect yourself. If you set low expectations for yourself, no one will ever strive to give you what you truly deserve. If you consistently make bad decisions, date an absolute moron, or hangout with a group of people that no one respects, then do not expect people to respect you the way that you deserve to be respected. The people that you surround yourself with have a direct correlation with the way that people perceive you. Don't forget that.
My advice to you?
Surround yourself with good people. People like TJ. Whenever an idiot bothers you, the TJ's of the world will be sure that they leave you alone.
Listen to your parents. If they don't like your friends; there is probably a very good reason for that. When I was younger, my parents couldn't stand one of my friends. After a few years, I saw that their perception of my friend was absolutely correct. She was a shit friend with a horrendous attitude.
Set high expectations for your quality of life. Don't settle for anything less than you deserve, because you deserve the absolute best of everything. You'll have to believe me on this one until you have a moment of realization.
Above all else, remember who you are and what you stand for. If you don't stand for something you will fall for absolutely anything. Set goals for yourself and achieve them. Stand by your beliefs. Know who you are with absolutely no help from anyone else. And, most importantly, don't allow anyone else to taint your beliefs.
Here's to respecting yourself and allowing others to follow suit,
Have a fantastic week!
Xoxo <3
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2012 In Review
Happy Wednesday to every one of you.
As many of you noticed, I didn't blog last week. However, it's not because I wanted to neglect anyone. I just so happened to be pretty busy. Luckily for all of you who have taken up an interest in my life, I have spent the last few days reading through journals from this past year. In a few short moments, you will be enjoying a small portion of the most entertaining things that have happened in 2012.
In early 2012, I learned that even if everyone else has bad things to say about your boyfriend, he can actually be a good person. Later in 2012, I realized that I was stupid. No matter how old you are or how much advice you get, it seems like you can only learn lessons from your own mistakes.
In March, I purchased a $1600 plane ticket to go to Germany. In May, I exchanged that ticket to travel abroad and decided to go to Hawaii with my family. This trip was magical. The flight was way too long but the resort and the beaches were amazing and beautiful. Perhaps I will live there someday.
In March, I celebrated my 24th birthday with everyone that is close to me. I was late to my own birthday party, watched Jesse clear off the bar with his crazy hand gestures, drank way too much, and barfed the entire way home. About a month ago, I barfed at a bar again. Really, 2012 just confirmed the idea that I am not a good drinker. I'm sure that 2013 will stay consistent with the years of drinking past.
In May, I ran my first half marathon. This was definitely in the top five best experiences of my entire life. I cannot even begin to describe the sense of accomplishment that I felt upon completing 13 miles of running. I am already registered for this year's Pittsburgh marathon in May, and I encourage anyone and everyone to participate.
Cue a dramatic email/facebook chat break up.
Also in May, I headed to Ithaca, NY to visit my friend Andrea. We had an absolute blast hiking through the woods to see the waterfalls and of course chugging wine at the winery. I hope that 2013 brings us to each other again.
In June, I got promoted to be the queen of the castle at the South Hills Hco. Store number 333 was the most perfect first store ever. To every single individual there, I love you so much. My life was touched by all of you and I will adore each one of you forever. Jess got promoted out of my store and I couldn't be more proud of her! I trained my first MIT there and she is just an angel. And, although Zach doesn't read this, he is the most genuine human being that I have ever met in my life, and I am blessed to even know him.
In July, someone hit my parked car in the mall parking lot and drove away. This marks the first time in 2012 that I cried. Thanks Jesse, for standing with me while I wallowed in my own misery. Roughly $1400 later, my Jetta was fixed.
In September, I faced by first back to school season as a store manager. It is absolutely baffling to see how crazy moms get in regards to jeans and tee shirts. Also in September, I ventured to Altoona, PA to try on dresses for my best friends wedding! Out of all of my facebook friends that got engaged last year, I can honestly say that I am happy for Jenna to be marrying Ryan this year. I love both of you and I cannot wait to be in the wedding. Carissa and Dave, the same applies to you guys. Pig will be my date, obviously. We will look good together.
In October, I planned to venture to NYC to visit Sara, Joel, and Ana... but hurricane Sandy ruined that for us. Luckily, their apartment building survived the storm and they were able to evacuate for the week of no electricity. In 2013, I will make it back to the big apple to participate in our usual shenanigans.
Novemeber and December brought on my first holiday season as a store manager and I can't believe that I survived. The amount of times that I was verbally assaulted should be illegal in PA. And finally, two weeks ago, just in time for the end of the holiday season... I was promoted again! This promotion came as a shock to me and I still can't believe that I am back at Ross Park leading the crazy show at the busiest store in the city. I am excited to see what we can do with the store. Keela, Kim, and Megan, you guys are awesome and I am so happy to have you as my team! Time to move mountains.
And now, quickly, I'd like to make a list of lessons that I learned in 2012:
* Hard work really does pay off.
* Karma exists, and thank God.
* Some people genuinely suck, no matter how nice you are to them.
* My gay-dar is wayyyyyy off.
* Most people don't consider popcorn to be a food but it obviously is.
* Some guys don't tell you they have a girlfriend until after you make out.
* Most people don't like wine, which is fine cause that means more for me!
* The south side still gets me every single time.
* Apparently getting engaged over the Christmas season is trendy.
* I love the gym more than I may ever love a human being.
* Larger women are very good at pilates and yoga.
* There are very few self-respecting girls left in the world.
* It is much easier to find terrible people than it is to find genuine ones.
* V8 smoothies are delicious.
* Abs are easily attainable.
* Sunday mornings with my lady friends are the perfect end to the week.
* Addiction is a terrible disease.
* No matter what you do, someone won't be pleased. And, that's fine.
* Immaturity still exists in 20-something year old girls.
* Heidi Golden is a saint, and I am happy to know her and work with her.
* Taking chances is absolutely imperative in life.
* Sitting in traffic really can ruin your day.
* Too many people are interested in my height and weight.
* It is sad that people with good health take it for granted.
* Giving to the less fortunate is quite rewarding.
* Generosity creates love.
* Believe nothing that you don't see with your own eyes or hear with your own ears.
* Family comes first. It's sad that some of you can't wrap your head around that, even in adulthood.
* Life is so much easier when you love what you do.
And finally, 2012 was the first year for my blog. Currently, I have 12,156 page views and I have only had the blog for about eight and a half months. I am intrigued and inspired by the fact that so many of you read this on a weekly basis. Every one of you is amazing.
Happy 2013 to all of you. I hope that you find happiness and prosperity in this year, and in your lives.
Here's to kicking off this year on the right foot,
Xoxo
As many of you noticed, I didn't blog last week. However, it's not because I wanted to neglect anyone. I just so happened to be pretty busy. Luckily for all of you who have taken up an interest in my life, I have spent the last few days reading through journals from this past year. In a few short moments, you will be enjoying a small portion of the most entertaining things that have happened in 2012.
In early 2012, I learned that even if everyone else has bad things to say about your boyfriend, he can actually be a good person. Later in 2012, I realized that I was stupid. No matter how old you are or how much advice you get, it seems like you can only learn lessons from your own mistakes.
In March, I purchased a $1600 plane ticket to go to Germany. In May, I exchanged that ticket to travel abroad and decided to go to Hawaii with my family. This trip was magical. The flight was way too long but the resort and the beaches were amazing and beautiful. Perhaps I will live there someday.
In March, I celebrated my 24th birthday with everyone that is close to me. I was late to my own birthday party, watched Jesse clear off the bar with his crazy hand gestures, drank way too much, and barfed the entire way home. About a month ago, I barfed at a bar again. Really, 2012 just confirmed the idea that I am not a good drinker. I'm sure that 2013 will stay consistent with the years of drinking past.
In May, I ran my first half marathon. This was definitely in the top five best experiences of my entire life. I cannot even begin to describe the sense of accomplishment that I felt upon completing 13 miles of running. I am already registered for this year's Pittsburgh marathon in May, and I encourage anyone and everyone to participate.
Cue a dramatic email/facebook chat break up.
Also in May, I headed to Ithaca, NY to visit my friend Andrea. We had an absolute blast hiking through the woods to see the waterfalls and of course chugging wine at the winery. I hope that 2013 brings us to each other again.
In June, I got promoted to be the queen of the castle at the South Hills Hco. Store number 333 was the most perfect first store ever. To every single individual there, I love you so much. My life was touched by all of you and I will adore each one of you forever. Jess got promoted out of my store and I couldn't be more proud of her! I trained my first MIT there and she is just an angel. And, although Zach doesn't read this, he is the most genuine human being that I have ever met in my life, and I am blessed to even know him.
In July, someone hit my parked car in the mall parking lot and drove away. This marks the first time in 2012 that I cried. Thanks Jesse, for standing with me while I wallowed in my own misery. Roughly $1400 later, my Jetta was fixed.
In September, I faced by first back to school season as a store manager. It is absolutely baffling to see how crazy moms get in regards to jeans and tee shirts. Also in September, I ventured to Altoona, PA to try on dresses for my best friends wedding! Out of all of my facebook friends that got engaged last year, I can honestly say that I am happy for Jenna to be marrying Ryan this year. I love both of you and I cannot wait to be in the wedding. Carissa and Dave, the same applies to you guys. Pig will be my date, obviously. We will look good together.
In October, I planned to venture to NYC to visit Sara, Joel, and Ana... but hurricane Sandy ruined that for us. Luckily, their apartment building survived the storm and they were able to evacuate for the week of no electricity. In 2013, I will make it back to the big apple to participate in our usual shenanigans.
Novemeber and December brought on my first holiday season as a store manager and I can't believe that I survived. The amount of times that I was verbally assaulted should be illegal in PA. And finally, two weeks ago, just in time for the end of the holiday season... I was promoted again! This promotion came as a shock to me and I still can't believe that I am back at Ross Park leading the crazy show at the busiest store in the city. I am excited to see what we can do with the store. Keela, Kim, and Megan, you guys are awesome and I am so happy to have you as my team! Time to move mountains.
And now, quickly, I'd like to make a list of lessons that I learned in 2012:
* Hard work really does pay off.
* Karma exists, and thank God.
* Some people genuinely suck, no matter how nice you are to them.
* My gay-dar is wayyyyyy off.
* Most people don't consider popcorn to be a food but it obviously is.
* Some guys don't tell you they have a girlfriend until after you make out.
* Most people don't like wine, which is fine cause that means more for me!
* The south side still gets me every single time.
* Apparently getting engaged over the Christmas season is trendy.
* I love the gym more than I may ever love a human being.
* Larger women are very good at pilates and yoga.
* There are very few self-respecting girls left in the world.
* It is much easier to find terrible people than it is to find genuine ones.
* V8 smoothies are delicious.
* Abs are easily attainable.
* Sunday mornings with my lady friends are the perfect end to the week.
* Addiction is a terrible disease.
* No matter what you do, someone won't be pleased. And, that's fine.
* Immaturity still exists in 20-something year old girls.
* Heidi Golden is a saint, and I am happy to know her and work with her.
* Taking chances is absolutely imperative in life.
* Sitting in traffic really can ruin your day.
* Too many people are interested in my height and weight.
* It is sad that people with good health take it for granted.
* Giving to the less fortunate is quite rewarding.
* Generosity creates love.
* Believe nothing that you don't see with your own eyes or hear with your own ears.
* Family comes first. It's sad that some of you can't wrap your head around that, even in adulthood.
* Life is so much easier when you love what you do.
And finally, 2012 was the first year for my blog. Currently, I have 12,156 page views and I have only had the blog for about eight and a half months. I am intrigued and inspired by the fact that so many of you read this on a weekly basis. Every one of you is amazing.
Happy 2013 to all of you. I hope that you find happiness and prosperity in this year, and in your lives.
Here's to kicking off this year on the right foot,
Xoxo
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