Dinner and Conversation

The turtle sitting on the credenza above my laptop is watching me again. I think he likes me. It's a little unsettling, as every time I look up he's there! hehe (No, I have not cracked and completely lost my mind!)

So I had to go through 2 changes this week. The first, and most important, was the change of my laptop. One joke turned into a comical debacle that was well played. I've had the same Thinkpad for over 4 years and somehow the laptop/computer refresh program always skipped me. Which I was never really upset about because the newer laptops were giving everyone problems. Mine was the lone engine that just kept producing. The IS folks (and friends of mine) were around a few weeks ago and told me it was time to let it go. I, in my Amy glory, threw a passive-aggressive temper tantrum about it, as I didn't want to inherit someone else's problems. They promised me that it wouldn't be another problem, as I was getting a fancy and shiny new one - not someone's problems. I had the other one so long that the 'N' and 'A' keys were starting to wear off, and the stickers on the front noting the intel inside were completely gone. They kept teasing me all week of when they were coming to take my laptop, and even on facebook they were taunting me of when they will steal it from me. I was contacted on Monday, and Clara promised that I could have a few days to say goodbye, but it was going this week. My dinosaur was on it's last legs. I even tried to talk them into letting me keep it or buy it because it was still in really good working condition and it was too old to be recycled. They weren't having it!

I got to use it in a workshop yesterday, and as I came around the corner with my laptop bag, back to my cube, they were all waiting for me. Maryellen and Jocelyn started doing an intervention, as I started screaming (quietly) "no, you can't make me!" I had a few more minutes with it, as they weren't ready to do my deployment yet. We had a quick meeting in Carol's office, and sneaky me snuck it into the meeting with me. I came back around the corner with it tucked under my arm, and that's when IS did their own intervention. "Come on Amy, come sign into this new shiny thing...., here, let me hold that dirty old thing while you sign-in!" They actually took it from me and then hid it so I couldn't find it! Rascals! I had my revenge, as they were running some program installs and had to reboot it - it actually froze, wouldn't recognize my login, nor reboot! I told them they can take the shiny thing back with them! But, alas... here I am on my new laptop. It's actually pretty nifty with an even bigger screen. I like it... but it's not my baby yet.

My other change was that my friend is leaving today to go back home to Texas. We had dinner last night at Ze Mean Bean and it was WONDERFUL! We did their Slavic tasting menu (only on Thursday nights) and we had 5 courses of heaven: Borscht, Perogies, some sort of mac&cheese combo, goulash, and then bread pudding. Every bite just got better and better. I tasted Chimay for the first time, which I will definitely be ordering, and my friend enjoyed his Cragganmore. I highly recommend it!

We got to talking about relationships and we both came to the same conclusion that with some people after the lust/newness/excitement of the new relationship wears off, they really don't know what to do. They don't know how to live day-to-day in a relationship, as society spends most of it's time teaching how to chase/attract a mate, but not much on how to have a relationship with someone. Reality sets in, and because it's no longer as entertaining and flashy during the attraction phase, they leave the relationship. It's the thrill seeker mentality that isn't really built to last. Now experts would say that it's up to the two parties to keep the excitement going, but not many people know how to do that - or one person is committed to trying, and the other doesn't really see the point. Experts also explain the stages of falling in love, and they claim that the initial attraction phase is bound to come to an end, and all bets are off - the kid gloves are removed. Maybe this is how I can start making my millions... of course, after I graduate, write my book, and run for President.

Who knew?

I have that Pink song stuck in my head, as it plays around and around. I wiki'd the song and apparently it's about death and dying. "Who knew?" that someone would be here tomorrow and gone the next day, and how can you know what's going to happen. Not that I'm experiencing a death issue now, but the symbolism of life always hits me as inspiring.

I can play this from so many angles... thus my creative mind that never sleeps: end of relationships, lost communications, people going out of town for awhile, new clients removed and new ones received, ash Wednesday and lent, dreams, another year older, rebirth, etc. I guess that is always why I believe that everything is interconnected - the butterfly effect as they call it. Or as I call them, "flutter-bys." They flutter by not really understanding their impact and yet so altering.

Bummed...

So I'm bummed that my friend is leaving at the end of the week to go to work-study, and I won't see him for a few months - but it will be in warmer weather when we meet again! He's been my weekly go-out partner, so I'm going to miss our antics! But I will be finished his scarf by Thursday, which is when we are having dinner before his departure, so that is one thing I've accomplished!

I now know why its better for me not to hang-out online at night instead of being online most evenings. I was online for awhile last night and I just find out stuff about people that I really didn't want to know. Nothing drastic, but just confirmation that people move on and things change... but such is life!

But I am happy to report that my friend Michelle at bowling finally got her man! She's been checking out this guy for awhile, and he does keep looking over at her during Monday night. We've been bugging her for weeks to go talk to him, but she never did. We found out last night that he's been eyeing her, and he finally came out and asked her out for Saturday night! Yay her! But as Ryan and I included, the boy needs to work on his game - smooth he is not. I guess he was nervous, but he just marched up and asked if she wanted to go out on Saturday night. No, "hi," no reminder of who he was or exchange of names.... Ryan and I made a hasty retreat to get out of their way, so I'm anxious to hear about what happened after we left. Ryan had to go call Heather and fill her in on the scoop! Love is in the air!

Suffering from too much sushi

School this weekend was really enlightening. My professor has given us a bunch of different "lenses" to look at the world through, and it's amazing what one sees when they put them. I also learned that its easier for me to observe dynamics of a group when I remove myself from the group, and it's harder for me to track when I'm in the group. I need to learn to track better in the group, as people are seeing things that I am not seeing, and to fully develop my awareness I need to learn to read the tensions. It's another skill that I will be working on to develop.

We got into a lot of diversity conversations during community time this weekend, and what that means to different people. We also have multi-generational folks in the class, which had a strong dynamic to the group. People from my generation are taught to not notice diversity, everyone is equal - which many are now thinking shouldn't have been the right approach in raising children, because than differences do not get honored. We also talked a lot about "white privilege" and what that means, and it's a really hard concept to get my head around.

I went out with some classmates for Sushi on Saturday night, and then on Sunday, I met my friend on the way home and he and I went out for it again. In our zeal for trying things we ordered WAY too much... even after eating some of it, I had a huge tray to take home, and so did he. It was very tasty, but I will refrain from over-ordering again.

Almost 1000 views!

I took a look at my view counter at the bottom of my blog, and I almost have 1000 views. Hmm... how to celebrate the 1000? I'll think more about this.

So what has been going on with me the last few days:

- I spent yesterday interviewing the majority of one of my client departments. It's another case where I have to break it to management that they are a bunch of meany-pants who manage by fear and intimidation. They apparently like to point the finger, blame, scare, and then ask questions. They back off once someone stands up to them, but they target the weak. Isn't my job fun? Not sure yet how I'm going to to report the data, but it's another lesson in being firm and reporting the bad news.

- I did drop that one other pound I was hoping for in my Tuesday blog! Yay! One pound a week is my goal, and I will do it! I have huge incentive this time around. I am doing it for myself, but this added incentive helps.

- I'm finishing up all of my homework because I am heading to school this weekend. I love going to school. I know, I'm a dork, but I love it. I just learn so much and I'm with people who "get me." I have two more chapters to read tonight, and I need to finalize the project I'm working on with April. I haven't even started tackling my paper yet, but I'm still trying to figure out my model that I want to develop. I have it sketched out, but it needs more thinking.

- I am almost finished the scarf I'm making for my friend. The space invaders look really cute, and I will take photos this time and post them. I need to finish it, as he's leaving next weekend and won't be back until the warmer months. I hope we have a frolicking good time once more before he goes.

- This cold still hasn't left me. I am now in the random coughing fit stage. They just periodically happen, and it's kinda gross. But despite all of that, I'm still working out.

- My schedule is INSANE next week. Monday: Facilitating Employee Survey class in DC, Tuesday: Facilitating Part 2 of the Good to Great Class and a meeting with clients in the afternoon, Wednesday: 1-1 with my boss, Employee Survey Staff Meeting, and a Themes meeting, Thursday: Facilitating Employee Survey Class and then a combined HR and my department staff meeting, Friday: Facilitating a MBTI workshop. I'm going to need fun over the weekend....

Okay.... enough rambling for now....

Highest Bowling Score

I think the yoga and pilates I did before going to bowling helped my muscles stretch to become the best bowler ever! I bowled a 179!!! That is my highest score ever, and I just want to break 200! My average is a 120, so I was really excited to bowl so far over average.

I taught a class this morning, and am now waiting patiently to get weighed-in for the week. I'm trying not to eat any of my lunch, as I was a semi-clean result. I hope I lost another pound. I just want to go down...

Cold, Cold, Go Away!

Fortunately it's not an infection, but I have this lingering cold that won't go away! I think it's moving into my chest, but it's still in that light annoying stage. I've been doing reflexology on my feet, which seems to be helping. I'll get through it soon.

I can't wait to go away to school this weekend. I need the time to myself. Me time is great time, and it really is the only place where I can focus on something for me. I'm there for my education, my hotel room, my own schedule, and my own advancement. I don't have to worry about other people's opinions, thoughts, reactions, or anything else that tries to dictate what is happening. It's a blessing to have that once a month release. And, I really like my classmates. They accept me as I am, and not try to change me. I don't have to be someone they want me to be, I can just be me.

I think I'm leaving work early today after my 2:30pm meeting.... then I'm going to the gym (if there's time) and then off to bowling. I bowl because I like to bowl. I don't worry about anyone else when I'm there, or what anyone else has to stay about it. Really, the old people are old, and they like to talk - if it makes them feel better, than let them talk. In the whole scheme of things, it really doesn't matter.

I think that's what differs me from everyone else, and this is why people think that I need someone to take care of me. I don't judge. I really don't care how other people behave, or what they do, because I've lost my ability to create expectations for others. What people do is between them and God, and the only thing I can choose to control is my reaction to that. So because I don't react, I don't judge, and I am affirming translates for them into an inability to take care of myself. That's their judgement of me....

Notice the sarcasm

So the drive to White Oak yesterday was a waste. I only had 3 of the 6 people show up, and they were late to boot! So, that was about an hour drive for a shortened amount of work, then a drive all the way home. Fortunately I got home early and went to the gym. But still, it's the principle of the thing!

I'm on a mission to lose 12lbs in 12 weeks. That's as long as the contest is, and I want to set a goal of a pound a week. I feel that it doesn't matter if I win the contest or not, if I lose 12lbs I'm a winner. But it would be nice to get the money again! hehe I'm not going to lie!

My cold is under control, I still have the funny feeling in my nose, but I'm using zicam and cold meds to keep it under control. I'm leaning toward going to a happy hour tonight, as I haven't been to one in a long while. I'll need to drum up some people to go, but I think that won't be difficult. I'm wearing a cute outfit, and it would be a shame to waste it just at work. It's a black knit dress, black tights, and black suede boots, and of course my purple/pink/blue scarf. I'm cute. My red nose adds a certain something that just makes me all the more attractive... notice the sarcasm. hehe :)

I will get better!

My nose will get better, my nose will get better. I'm apparently developing a cold for the last few days, but I am persistent in my goal that it will get better. I was doing so well, but I got triangle-d with my friend and my mother both having a cold. Ironically, during my facilitation session today, my co-facilitator told me that no one could ever tell I was under the weather, except for a little bit of a deeper pitch to my voice. I hide it well in front of the audience. I guess I'll take that as a compliment as I have another training session to work through tomorrow. This one involves the ever fun drive to White Oak!

I randomly text messaged my friend Brian in New Orleans and asked him to be my long distance valentine. He agreed, as he's really a sweet man. Fortunately for him the title doesn't involve any extra work, its a "in name only" thing - as when we are single we look out for each other.

However, it looks like I'll be spending my Valentine's day with some sailors (literally) at another Burlesque show. I actually enjoy the show, as it gives me some ideas on lingerie. I think I mentioned that before, which is another item I need to google while thinking about it. My three drawers of underwear is not enough, I need more. And now that I'm losing more weight, I want new things!

Alright, off to bed for me... I have to finish my reading for school over the next week, and I'm working on a project with April. We have to use the metaphor of "organization as a machine" and compare/contrast how our cohort fits into that metaphor. I took a kick jab at designing the handout today, and April is going to add her pieces to it. And, for my final paper, I've already started creating my diagnosis method for organizations. I need to lay it out in a cool graphic, but it's all penciled in for now.

I lost more weight!

We decided to officially start the biggest loser contest at work again this morning, after missing the last few weeks. I was completely surprised when I weighed-in this morning, as my assumption was that I gained some of the weight back from my last big win of the contest. I WAS WRONG! I actually lost about 5 more lbs since that time.

So, to date, using my original starting weight, I have lost 20lbs. WOOOO HOOO! We are doing the contest for 12 weeks, and I hope to lose 11lbs during that time frame. I think that is a reasonable goal and it will put me in a good place to start the next contest. I'm so excited!!!

This past weekend was another blast of fun that I had with my friend. I really really like spending time with him! I got to meet his roommate's wife, Pattie, who was in town for a long weekend. She was slightly older than I thought she was going to be, and much older than the roommate. However, she was Georgia sweet, and this was her first time this far north. We were all going to go bowling but the married couple backed-out (I think for some much needed alone time) and my friend and I went. I haven't been duckpin bowling in years, so we found a place over on the Southwest side to bowl. It was old school - we had to calculate our own score and press the buttons ourselves. I got back in the groove and by the 4th game I was scoring around a 117! Being from Texas, my friend also taught me how to Texas Two-step.... I've been wanting to learn that for years!

We got up early on Saturday and I drove over to pick them up to go to Ft. McHenry. The roommate and wife had never been, so we spent the day enjoying the beautiful weather outside. We stopped in Little Italy for a late lunch at Amicci's and then on to Vaccaro's for some yummies before heading back to the house. My friend and I had plans for later that night, so we all vegged and took naps for the afternoon before getting ready.

My friend Joel invited us out to the Pinups for Pitbulls fundraiser - which was AWESOME! I have so many new ideas for lingerie! I want to go shopping. It was interesting as one of the girls I knew from high school was in the show. But it was all very classy and well done. After the show we headed to Fells, before finishing the night back at my friend's with another drink. I drove Joel home, and then managed to get some sleep in my bed before getting up early for church and to teach Confirmation.

Monday was busy, as I taught two classes back to back, and the rest of my week is going to be like that. I'm already planning and thinking about fun things I want to do this coming weekend, and I'm pretty much open to all sorts of ideas.

Then there's always Valentine's Day..... hmmm....

Appeasing

Grrrr... I'm sitting at work, as my mom is following me up to Edgewood tonight so I can drop my car off for its service. Nothing is wrong with it, it just needs an oil change, etc. It's so quiet in here, which is interesting to work in silence.

Who am I kidding? I haven't been working all afternoon. I put together a few reports, but that was about it. I shouldn't complain as I was so kick-ass busy at the end of January that I needed the break. It's good to have ebb and flow with work, in my opinion.

I've been reading more of the book Courage to be Yourself and I got to the chapter on Appeasement. I saw myself in a few of the stories the author was sharing to explain the behaviors for the topic. The one that caught me was the following:

"I recently watched a friend try repeatedly to mollify her husband. She had wanted to go to a concert, and he agreed to go with her. During the performance, she kept checking with him to see if he was enjoying it. If she sensed that he was disgruntled, she would rub his back and talk cajoling to him as if to say, "Please, please enjoy yourself, so that I can enjoy myself." Later she became aware of the fear that had prompted her behavior. Whenever her husband disapproves, he withdraws into icy moodiness or uses verbal ridicule. She felt if he were bored, she would have hell to pay for suggesting they go. Her life with him is a vicious circle: the fear of his reaction causes her to appease him, which in turn makes her mad at herself and him." (pg. 94)

I have found myself in the position of personally feeling responsible if an activity I selected stinks. I want the person to like me so much (friends, family, lovers, etc.) that I think so carefully before I ask someone to go somewhere. And I constantly check in to make sure they are having a good time, because I don't want it to reflect badly on me.

My cousin was talking about this with me awhile back when we were talking about relationships. I get this trait from my mother. She always had to be home when my dad got home and do everything in her power to make sure he was happy... even though he cheated on her crazily. I try not to do it too, but I find myself going out of the way to please and appease. I want the approval, I want the reward that I will and am liked.

Because of this, I've relished in my ENFP of being overly flexible and open to possibilities. I'm naturally inclined to those traits because of my personality type, and with the added behavioral upbringing of appeasing, it over extends itself. With the appeasement, I never know what I want to do, but I know what the answer is to make someone else happy. Then I normally weigh what would make someone else happy, determine if I can compromise over it, and flex to go with it. I'm really good at rationalizing everything away into a nice and neat package of non-congruence.

More things to ponder... but now I get to go meet my mom with my car! hehe

Shakes her head at male behavior

I'll be 30 years old in 2 months, and I don't understand the male species anymore than I did when I was turning 20. I'm a student of human nature and personality, and enjoy helping people change behaviors that are harmful to them, but I still get confused by the male actions.

I'm still on eharmony's mailing list even though I don't use their services. I got their newsletter this morning with the title article something like, "why successful women can't find great men." The byline was something like, "why does it always seem that the women who are helpless and not all together get the good ones." I can't access the article from work, but I'm looking forward to reading it later tonight from home. I just got into a conversation about this with my friend on Saturday night. He's not looking for a relationship and asked me how I felt about the subject. I explained that I normally have an interesting response from men... then I thought more about it even farther later, and I came up with the 3-4 cases that normally happen to me when I get involved with men:

Case 1 -

Behaviors:
They are captivated by my personality and want to be around me, but my physical appearance does nothing for them. This normally puts me in the friend zone with some transparent boundaries because for whatever reason I suck them into my personality and they want to be close to me, visit with me, take me places - but then it's like they wake up from the dream 1/2 way through and realize they aren't attracted to me. To counter-act that, they have to look at me as "one of the guys."

My Response:
Normally I keep to my position in the friend zone and not try to expand my role beyond that. I know my role and play it well. I try to be "one of the guys" because I enjoy them and their company.

Number of Guy Friends currently like this: 1 and 1/2 (I have one that fits in Case 1 and 2)

Case 2 -

Behaviors:
These guys want to keep me in the friend zone as well, but they love the fact that I'm a woman. They flirt, tease, cuddle, hug, and celebrate the fact that I am not one of the guys. It's almost like dating, but there's not physical affection shared beyond the cuddle and hug or quick pecky kisses. They are completely comfortable going out with me alone, and not worried about other people thinking we are together or not. They too seem to be captivated by my personality, and I easily get lost in conversation with them.

My Response:
These are the guys I call when I need affirmation or a date to an event. They are also great to curl up on the couch with to watch a movie, and it's fun to be in a "no pressure" friendship with them.

Number of Guy friends currently like this: 2 and 1/2

Out of the friend zone and into dating...

Case 3 -

Behaviors:
These guys are, for lack of better word, "intimidated" by me. I don't need them, and they don't know how to handle that. They don't yet know what an adult mature relationship looks like, and when I don't try to control them, tell them what to do, and respond in a very calm and logical way, they become afraid. They are so used to dealing with women who give them unlimited drama, they think that I am "unreal" and are constantly waiting for the other shoe to fall. They also get bored with me because I don't bring the drama. They also don't need to "take care of me" or "solve any problems" for me, and don't know what to do about that.

My Response:
Normally this relationship doesn't last very long, or I spend the majority of the time defending myself because they really don't believe what I say. They are still under the impression that I can't really be giving them all the freedom that I am, and they think it's a trap. There is also sometimes this fear that I am more successful then they are.

Guys this has happened to me with: 3

Case 4 -

Behaviors:
They don't think they are "good enough" for me. I don't mean money, smarts, or class, I mean literally "good". They think that they've done these bad things, or seen hard times, and are this harsh asshole that has no business being with someone so sweet, nice, and good. They are afraid of "ruining me" (direct quote), and break up with me because "I deserve better."

These guys also like to tell me what kind of guy I need - "you need someone who is really really nice and sweet, goes to church, mild mannered, non-challenging..." BORING!

My Response:
That is the biggest load of bullshit that I have ever been given, and I get it a lot. For one, if they knew anything about me, they would know that I'm very forgiving and affirming - all that matters is the here and now, not what they did in the past. Second, my society face that I display is not the true me. It's been drilled into my head what a lady should do and act like in public, and I can't "not act" that way. I have social graces and I know how to share pleasantries - I'm nice. But I'm pretty sure people would be shocked at the internal dialog in my head and how well trained I am at holding it together. I also volunteer at my church (which just adds to the problem for them anyway), so all I need is to run into one of the family members while I'm not behaving like a lady, and there goes my reputation with the church. And, they aren't even "bad"... these guys aren't jerks.

As for the type of guy they say I need - it's incorrect. They have no idea how bored out of my mind I would be. I like to be mentally challenged and stimulated, I want someone to be strong enough that I can trust to take control and not have to be the one always in charge. I want someone who is going to stand-up to me, and tell me when I'm wrong and be bossy sometimes. I want someone who has a "dark side" and is a little dangerous - but is an employed upstanding citizen. I gave my list before on here, so I won't go into that again, but my list does not say BORING and WEAK!

Guys this has happened to me with: 6

So, what does this mean for me?

Well, I am the type of person that always points the finger at herself before pointing it elsewhere. It's up to me to uncover what it is about myself that always attracts those types of guys, and how I am contributing to the problem. And, why am I attracted to them? Am I emotionally available to have a deep and lasting relationship, or am I intentionally sabotaging myself to save myself from potential heartache?

Wacky Wednesday

My coworker offered $1000 on her facebook update for anyone to come teach a class that she is doing today... I think she forgot a few things: 1. I am on her facebook and would see that message, and 2. I wrote the class. Which means that a 2 hour session would make me an easy $1000! hehe She got a kick out of it when I left her that comment.

I've spent the morning looking at things to do this weekend. I sent my friend a text message with an idea - Disney on Ice. He "fired me" again and told me I was a "bad Amy." I do amuse myself with some of the things I come up with. His roommate's wife is in town, so I think we will be playing tour guide for most of the weekend. I was told to take charge and plan things, since he has at tendency to be lazy on the weekends, so when given freedom, I make things happen! hehe

I have a CORE team meeting at church tonight, and frankly I don't want to go. Not only do I have to attend, but I have to come up with an agenda for the meeting and facilitate it. THAT SUCKS! No one wants to be there, and no one knows what to do next. It's like herding a bunch of cats.

Last night I did finally make it back to the gym. I did 30mins on the bike, which left me a little achy this morning. But I have 100lbs to lose, and I am going to do it by next year!

I did not take photos of Ryan's scarf before I gave it to him (sorry Tracy, I forgot!) - but, I am making a space invaders double-knitted scarf for my friend, which I will take photos of and post!

The crazy employee relations nightmare person contacted me today. She had another incident with her employee and really wants to set up the expectations with them. Apparently the employee didn't call anyone to let them know that they were going to be an hour and 1/2 late to work. I called my HR employee relations person to follow-up, she apparently is the one who told me not to do anything until a drug test was completed. I don't want to leave this woman hanging, but it's not my place to handle those sorts of issues. I can facilitate the meeting, but it's up to her to enforce the rules.

Open up your mind, and see like me....

10 points if anyone knows the name of the song where my title line came from.

Anyway, bowling last night was enlightening and interesting. The old biddies yelled at Ryan and I again because we weren't playing as they see fit. Ryan and I were the only ones there, and the other people had 4 people. So I was just waiting to begin instead of going at the same time as the first bowler on the other team. Tillie didn't like that too much, and needed to explore her dissatisfaction out loud with her teammates. The rest were rather nice, but I guess Tillie didn't take her nice-pills last night. Oh well, they are old, and they don't know any better. I wonder why I can use that excuse with practically anyone.

I taught two classes back to back today on the Employee Survey. Have I mentioned how much I hate the material? It's so darn dry... Look at the report, find out what your opportunities are, write SMART goals around that, do an action plan, post it online! Really, is it that hard? I did the Refresher training early this morning, and I think some of the managers there should have went to the New Leader training I did afterwards. They seemed slightly bewildered about the whole process, and the training wasn't designed to meet them in that place, it required some advanced knowledge. At least the first 2 are out of the way. It should be interesting for the rest of the classes, as HR is team-teaching with me. Apparently all but 2 are afraid of the material, and they just complain because they have to do this. Hell, I'm complaining because I have to do this. But, considering that we just hired a high-level project manager/trainer, I can turf this to her for the next cycle and hopefully not worry about it anymore.

I finished Ryan's scarf finally last night. I even took it to bowling to finish the fringe on both ends. I think it turned out pretty well, and since it's double knitted it's very warm and cozy. I think if I were to create it again, I wouldn't make it as wide, but the pattern called for thick letters. I felt so bad about being late with the Christmas gift, but I'm so glad that he finally got it. I started working on my friend's space invaders scarf last night after bowling, which I need to finish by the middle of Feb.

Tonight I am going back to the gym. Well, let me modify that, I have to see what the weather is doing tonight and if I want to go to an icy parking lot to get to the gym. Then I have to start my reading for the next class in the middle of Feb. I am so happy that I got an A on my first paper with my professor.... now I just need to maintain that grade.

My second paper, due March 9, involves me creating my own diagnosis model for an organization. I have to highlight all of the areas I would want to review if I was gauging the effectiveness of an organization. That's the first 15 or so pages. Then, using my model, I need to diagnosis my cohort and write another 6ish pages on that.

What a fun and crazy weekend!

My weekend fun started on Thursday when I went out with Stacey and Kevin to a Thai restaurant in Timonium. I'm so happy that I'm still in touch with them, even though they were (and still are) my ex's friends. They are such good people, and I enjoy them! I had some sushi and yummies which were great! Then of course, no outing with Stacey and I would be complete without some coldstone ice cream! hehe :)

Friday night was the night I was planning to get "tanked." I'm not one to normally get "tanked" but after the crazy three weeks I had, and class, it was my moment to celebrate with some fun. My friend and I made plans early, and we invited a bunch of people to join us. My friend Joel came, and a few of My Friend's buddies from school. WE HAD A BLAST! We started at Kooper's in Fells, had some dinner and drinks, then moved to the Green Turtle later in the evening. His sailor school friends are really good hearted people, and I haven't met any that I didn't like. I didn't get really tipsy until the Green Turtle and their yummy Dr. Pepper shots... I like those! We then stumbled back to his house and crashed.... just to wake for fun times with my car on ice...

I had parked a few blocks away on a hill, which was still kinda icy in spots. After walking back up to my car in the morning, and exhausting my resources, I had to haul him back out of the house to come save me. I hate being the damsel in distress, but I really didn't know what to do. My front tire kept getting stuck on the ice and spinning. I was rocking over the ice, hoping that it would melt, but then with the spinning came smoke and I got scared. So I had to call.... luckily he came to help me out! hehe (Not that I doubted for a minute he wouldn't help me, but I felt bad since it was so early in the morning.)

I spent the rest of the day on Saturday knitting... then I got a text inviting me out to a bar later in the evening from one of my bowling partners. I invited my friend to go with me, since I didn't want to go alone. Well, needless to say, he officially "fired me" from picking bars. I had heard that this place in Dundalk was a lot of fun, but really didn't know what to expect. The party that my bowling friend was there for wasn't over when we got there, they were actually just getting warmed up to start singing karaoke. The rest of the bar, maybe 5 people, were the locals, and they didn't appear to be very friendly. We made our escape and headed to Birds of a Feather in Fells. What a fun bar! It's very low-key, relaxed, bring your own food kinda place, and they have over 80 bottles of Scotch to choose from. My friend is a Scotch fan and was in his glory, I enjoyed a glass of wine and some nice relaxation. They have a comfy room in the back with a fireplace and couches, so next time my butt will be planted there!

Sunday, mom and I went to Cracker Barrel after church, and then I met up with my friend and his friends for a Superbowl party. I got to go to Halthrope to a really cute neighborhood and played the role of DD well. What an AWESOME game! I can't believe it came down to the wire at the end.

Anyway, it was just an overall fun weekend, and I can't wait to have more!