I never thought I’d get a deodorant mark on my skirt

But life is full of surprises.

Yesterday, my closet revolted. Maybe it was angry from all the recent purging. Maybe it was offended by my fashion sense. It’s hard to tell.

I had opted for a black pencil skirt that morning. Classic choice, right? I pulled it on, fastened the hook and eye without issue, and proceeded to zip up.

But the zipper went on strike about three inches shy of the top of the skirt.

At first, I was optimistic. I’d hit snags before. I zipped down and up, trying to catch the snag unawares and break on through.

Then the nasty little thing threw me a curve ball. All of a sudden, the zipper wasn’t moving anywhere. It was camped out in no man’s land (where it remains today), still at that same three-inches-shy mark.

And so I was stuck. With very minimal wiggle room. And, naturally, I was running late. Because these sorts of things never happen when you have loads of time on your hands.

I made one last ditch effort to yank the zipper up and down, hoping to get at least another inch of space so that I could pull the skirt off. And the zipper responded by attacking me.

Talk about not fighting fair.

The way I figured, I had a few options:

1. Safety pin the top three inches and go about my day.
2. Wake up BNF and ask for his help in ripping the zipper down.
3. Take the skirt off over my head.

Now you can see where the post title comes from.

I had tried sliding the skirt off the same way I put it on. But the combination of it being zipped most of the way up and my ample butt made that impossible. So over the head seemed the best course of action. Except for that little obstacle known as boobs.

I don’t want to admit how long it took me to get out of that skirt. Suffice it to say that it was a lot longer than it took to get in it. There was a lot of wriggling, a lot of grunting, probably a pulled muscle or two, and way more cursing than I’m usually prone to before 8am.

In the end? I really think the skirt won.

The zipper is still holding strong in no man’s land; it left my finger with a boo-boo; and the only “wounds” it has are some little white streaks.

I really hope it doesn’t inspire the rest of my closet.

Read Full Post »

The 50 Thing Challenge

I admit it: this was harder than I thought.

I didn’t have 50 big things I was willing to part with. And I disagree with the idea of throwing out duplicates just because. When I run out of shampoo/toothpaste/lotion/floss/etc. I’m going to be glad I have more on hand.

So, that said, I’m sure there are more things I could toss, but I did get to 50.

I went by similar rules as this blog. I counted like things – magazines, hangers, outdated resumes – as one. However, I counted each clothing item separately (just like she did). (Even though when I mentioned that to the boyfriend he scoffed.)

It might not look like a lot from the photos, but it certainly felt like it while I was collecting.

1. Old econ slides – I never need them again!

2. A folder with old apartment papers and a copy of the lease I signed 3 years ago. I already have my security deposit back; I think I’m okay.

3. Old, outdated resumes.

4. Old grad school applications.

5. Sign-up sheets for tournaments from the camp I work at each summer. Seriously – why do I have these?

6. Running information from races that I did in 2009. Unnecessary.

7. A skull. I got it at a white elephant party in 2009. I don’t know why it’s still around.

8. Green sweater – never wear.

9. Warrior Dash t-shirt – never wear. (See Cla? I do get rid of race shirts!)

10. Denim slacks – rarely wear and no longer flattering.

11. Striped button-up shirt – too short and too tight. C’est la vie.

12. Pink cell phone case – no longer necessary.

13. Snow globe perfume – never wear.

14. Rusted shut kitchen scissors – unusable.

15. Magnets.

16. Makeup – never use.

17. The basket and candy that came with it. I usually keep baskets like this because, you know, they’re good for something. But not anymore (this time).

18. Stand up mirror – never use.

19. Old phone charger – I don’t even know which phone it belongs to.

20. Lanyard – never use.

21. “Geek” glasses from my very first race. Sentimental, but still…

22. Post-its.

23. Old iPod case.

24. CD case.

25. A journal of academic papers that I’ve never even read through.

26. Suction cup hooks.

27. Some sort of running tape that I got in one of my race packets. I held on to it “just in case” but have never used it.

28. Army 10-Miler hat – never wear.

29. Travel mug – never use.

30. Notepads, originally from a stocking stuffer (sorry, Mama).

31. A chain.

32. Old assembly instructions.

33. Hairbrush – I don’t need three.

34. Another running goodie that I’ve never used – presumably it adds extra storage space for your keys or what have you.

35. The box. I’ve kept that box since I moved to the area in 2007. “It’s a good box for storage,” I thought. Well, maybe if I didn’t have so many things to store, I could rid of the box, as well. So I am.

36. Faux Burberry belt – never wear.

37. Little jewelry bag – I have two.

38. Navy dress pants – too high-waisted for me.

39. A puck. I don’t know.

40. Purse – never use.

41. Skinny black belt – never wear.

42. Magazines – from 2009. Time to go.

43. Bag of race goodies (on the left). There are eye drops, mints, coupons, etc. in there. Same things from every race and every time I fail to use them.

44. Old beat up binder.

45. Hangers.

46. Over sized tote/grocery bag (plenty more where that came from).

47. Storage bag for jersey sheets – unnecessary.

48. Curtains – don’t use.

49. Old mattress pad bag – unnecessary.

50. Red Wonder Woman boots. The “leather” is cracking and they’re no longer pretty. Very sad.

Phew.

I’d like to say I’ll do this once every few months or so, but let’s be realistic: I probably won’t do it until Cla challenges me again.

Read Full Post »

Challenge accepted: belongings beware

Last week, Cla sent me this message:

“I challenge you.”

Accompanied by this link:

The Throw Out 50 Things Challenge

It’s exactly how it sounds. Throw out 50 superfluous items around your home, counting like items as one (i.e. 20 magazines equals one item).

Now, Cla knows first hand how much trouble I have throwing things out. And I know, first hand, how hard it is for her to walk around my apartment and not end up with a pile of things to toss.

It takes willpower on both our parts.

However, this is still something I need to do, probably once a season. And there’s no better way to get me to do something than to challenge me.

So, Cla: Challenge Accepted.

I’m giving myself to the end of this week, since I know how long it may take me to part with this knick-knack or that trinket or some other memory. But come Saturday, the apartment will be 50 items more spacious – which I’m pretty sure will help with overall stress levels.

(And I can always draw inspiration from here.)

Wish me luck, and let me know if you, too, feel the desire to participate in your own 50 item purge.

Or am I the only one who needs a challenge (and, apparently, accountability)  in order to get rid of my belongings?

Read Full Post »

Hanging on to my sanity

Dear Jefe,

I know you didn’t notice my meltdown yesterday because you were too busy changing every insignificant detail of your presentation. You barely noticed the fact that I was still in the office more than two hours after I should have left, and you actually left before me. I’m sure you had to hurry off to an econ class, as well.

I don’t mind making changes. I actually enjoy working on these presentations because they’re good exposure to all of the surveys we do and the information we collect. What I don’t like is how you still don’t understand that every time you say, “Let’s just put an extra space in there,” it means more than the five seconds of work you think it’ll take. Every time you ask me to create a new chart, I have to do it from scratch, and that takes time. Sometimes, with the things you ask, I think you think that PowerPoint is magic, or that I am, but neither is true.

Though I’ll take the compliment.

I have tried to explain to you that I am working as fast as I can, and trying to accommodate your every whim. Please understand this.

And next time, if you could let me know about any changes before the day you’re supposed to leave for a conference, it would really help with me keeping my sanity.

I don’t think my benefits cover crazy.

Read Full Post »

Making the cut

I’m wondering how you feel about the de-friending option on Facebook.

I’ve used it only once, after friending an ex-boyfriend and consequently realizing that I didn’t actually want to be updated on his new life and girlfriend (now wife). But that was 5 years ago, and I haven’t used the option since.

I’ve been the de-friendee on four occasions (that I know of), and the first one totally took me by surprise. The next two I should have seen coming – and I’m frankly not too sad about it. But the fourth one – that’s the style, if you will, I’d be most tempted to go with, myself.

See, that fourth “friend” and I aren’t really close at all. We were in the same sorority, but probably haven’t spoken since she graduated. There’s no animosity on either end. We didn’t have some huge falling out. We’re just more of acquaintances than friends, and there’s currently no tag for that on Facebook.

And so, I hold no grudge for her paring down her friend list. And I do know a few people who pare down on a regular basis. But, even though there’s a part of me that wants to do that, I wouldn’t want it to be misconstrued (if anyone actually noticed at all).

So what do you think about de-friending? Do you do it? Or have you had it done to you? And do you think it sends a certain message? Or can it actually be as innocent as, it’s nothing personal, we just don’t really talk…ever?

Read Full Post »

A necessary stay-cation

Most people like to go away for Memorial Day weekend. They like to take advantage of the time off to go travel – go to the beach or what have you – but basically just get away from home for a bit.

I’ve done that. And it’s great. But this year I want nothing more than to just stay home – and possibly visit one of DC’s lovely (free!) pools to work on my tan.

You see, we’ve been on travel overload recently. We were out of town the first three weekends of May, and have only just now managed to have some down time. (Though, can you call watching 5.5 hours of LOST-related television “down time?” Even if we did it to ourselves…?)

June promises to be another busy month. I’m gone the first weekend, then it’s my birthday weekend (not complaining!), then a family wedding in Minnesota, and finally his birthday weekend (plus, my best friend is coming into town).

Given all that, I think you can see how a little sun, relaxation, and recharging of the batteries would be called for – while we have the time.

I’ve always loved keeping busy, but I think I’ve somehow over scheduled this summer, in an attempt to make up for it being my last “fun” one before grad school starts.

So we’ll see how it goes, but the more I think about what’s in store, the more sure I am that this stay-cation is vital.

Do you have any out-of-town plans for Memorial Day weekend? Or are you like me, planning on hiding out and recharging?

Read Full Post »

Wedding weekend recap

So, you know how I disappeared starting last Wednesday? Well, it wasn’t totally intentional. I’d meant to post something Wednesday morning, mostly with the intent of provoking minor jealousy that I’d be spending the next four days in beautiful Tampa for a long wedding weekend. But, like it so often does, life had other plans.

Instead of posting, I slept in, helped my boyfriend pack, pampered myself with a manicure and pedicure, and finished packing the last of my own outfits (several of which I didn’t even end up needing). And as I was sitting on the plane, and realized that I’d forgotten to put anything up, I felt a little bit like I’d signed out of a gchat conversation without saying goodbye.

But all those thoughts disappeared once we landed in Tampa.

The weather was perfect. We went to dinners held outside, just steps from the beach, watching the sunset as we ate.

We spent hours lounging by the hotel pool – also swimming in and out of its mini-waterfall.

And when it came time for the big event, it was just as beautiful as we thought it would be. I was in tears almost before the ceremony started, and, of course, had forgotten my tissues. But K was stunning, and the look on E’s face showed that he felt he was the luckiest man alive.

We danced until the lights came on and the hotel staff had already begun clearing away the tables. Because that’s how much nobody wanted the night to end.

So, even though they don’t read this, E and K – I wish you all the best, and thank you so much for letting me be a part of it. I love you both.

Mazel tov!

Read Full Post »

I think I can, I think I can

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and, like any good procrastinator, I’ve yet to decide what I’m giving up this year.

Last year I asked for your suggestions and finally settled on giving up swearing and M&Ms. And failed miserably on the swearing. Who knew I had such a potty mouth? (Don’t answer that.)

While talking to my mom about it yesterday, I mentioned trying to give up Diet Coke and she immediately looked worried. “But, won’t you get a headache without your caffeine in the morning? What will you have instead?” And it’s true. I don’t like coffee; I get bored with tea. Diet Coke is what gets me going. (In fact, I have one on my desk at the moment. So, I guess I won’t be giving that up…)

The problem is, along with anything I think of to give up (TV, Facebook, Diet Coke, etc.), I immediately think of the reasons why it’s just not possible (Lost, certain communications, withdrawal). Maybe I should just give up rationalizing for 40 days instead?

In any case, unless anyone has another inspired suggestion (which I’m completely open to), I think I’m going to try this whole (non) swearing thing again.

1. At this point in my life, my vocabulary should be big enough to avoid curse words for at least 40 days.
2. I really don’t like failing, and after my poor performance last year, I feel the need to redeem myself.

So here we go. Wish me luck.

(Oh, and of course I’ll be giving up the office M&Ms again this year. It’s kind of tradition now.)

Oh someecards...it's like you know me.

Read Full Post »

Yet another time suck (in a good way)

I didn’t used to watch a lot of TV. That is, I didn’t have that many TV shows that I had to see each week. I had a kind of on-again, off-again relationship with Grey’s Anatomy, but it wasn’t serious.

And then came It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. And then The League. And Community. (What is it about Thursday nights?) But I was still okay. While those are all quality programs, they also don’t require a whole lot of concentration or outside contemplation.

Then, just the other week, I started watching 24. I’d seen a couple episodes before, but starting from the beginning of the season this time hooked me. And I was hooked in a sit-on-the-edge-of-my-seat, must-pay-attention-lest-I-miss-something sort of way. And I tried to catch up on past seasons by reading recaps on Wikipedia. Because I’m not that invested that I care if past surprises are spoiled. I know I won’t watch all the previous episodes, so why not just try to have a general understanding?

Enter Lost.

Now, I know that I’m way late to the game on this one. And I probably wouldn’t have gotten sucked in, except for one little thing: we caught a repeat of the season five finale the other night, complete with pop-up-video-esque explanatory subtitles. So it didn’t matter that I didn’t have all the background. It was like a crash course.

After it was over, I had to watch the pilot – just to see how it started. And really, that’s all it took.

I borrowed season one and ended up watching, oh, about six episodes last night. Six! I don’t actually have that kind of time!

Laundry needed to be folded; dishes needed to be washed; the apartment needed to be vacuumed…but Lost isn’t the kind of show I feel I can multi-task during. And that says a lot. (I consider myself an excellent multi-tasker.) I just really want to know how the story unfolds.

You’d think I’d do the same thing I did with 24. I’d go to Wiki, read some recaps, and be semi-adequately prepared for the season six premiere on Tuesday. But, somehow, I just can’t bring myself to do it. A recap wouldn’t do it justice.

Which means that I’ll be going through all 103 episodes (well, 95 left now), hour by hour, slowly but surely. Because that’s just the way it has to be done.

I estimate it’ll take about a month.

I’ll see you in March.

Read Full Post »

“I hate CVS, doctors, and insurance”*

Remember how I said that 2009 was the year I became a runner – complete with injuries? Well, there’s one injury I haven’t mentioned here, because it’s just been so frustrating. According to the doctor, I have bursitis, which basically means that there’s a sac of fluid in my hip that’s inflamed. Awesome.

It also means that any time I run (I’ve attempted about 3-4 times in the past three weeks), my hip decides to cut me off around two miles. And that’s if I’m lucky.

The doctor prescribed Celebrex and physical therapy, so, trying to be a good patient (i.e. I’m dying to run again) I went to CVS to get the meds. Plot twist: apparently my insurance doesn’t want to cover it, so the doc has to override them, but, not to worry, CVS will take care of it all and let me know within 48 hours.

Lies. This was last week.

I tried to get my ducks in a row yesterday, and the ducks just wouldn’t cooperate. So, of course, I had to vent to a friend, via email:

I called CVS. They said it’s not their fault – they faxed my prescription to the doctor. So he may have contacted the insurance company and they just rejected it again, OR he may not have signed it. They don’t know. Because they did their part.

I called the doctor 1) to check on the prescription, 2) to set up physical therapy. 1) They can’t find any record of a fax form, and have no way to tell if it was received, signed, and sent off; received, but not signed; or just never received in the first place. So I have to call CVS back to have them send it again. 2) I got transferred to an automated voicemail that said NOTHING about PT, so I didn’t even know if I was in the right place. But I left a message anyway. And of course, I got a call back while I was on the phone with the idiot who couldn’t find my fax. So then I called back about PT, at the number and extension that was left on my voicemail. And I got PT’s voicemail again! Why is this so goddamn difficult?

Can you tell I was frustrated? Just a little? At one of the many points while I was on hold, I turned to Miche and asked, “Do you think they can tell how much I despise them by the tone of my voice?“

Finally, after what felt like forever, I managed to schedule an appointment for my physical therapy evaluation. But there’s still no word on the meds.

I just keep telling myself that it’s all about baby steps.

Without the meds, that’s all I might be able to take, anyway.

*That was the subject line of my ranting email. So at least my friend knew what he was getting into when he opened it.

Read Full Post »