Day 108: Is this for real?

Holding hands while strolling through the city, live piano music with drinks before dinner, a delicious dinner in a cozy, romantic restaurant, a personal tour of Philadelphia, even entertainment from a most hilarious comedian. I can't believe this whole night really happened! Maybe I've been single too long or have gotten too cynical after years in news to believe moments like this can be real, but I spent the night walking a line between giddiness and disbelief. Even the next day, it was like we ordered the crisp, fall weather and sunshine that let us stroll comfortably through the city again. He even indulged my inner nerd and took me to the Liberty Bell (I mean, it's not every day you're practically on top of a piece of history!). A little lunch, a trip to the art museum (aka, the Rocky Steps), and it was the perfect end to a perfect weekend. Well, there were some blisters involved, wrong shoe choice on my part, but the pinches of pain were totally worth it.

Day 107: Big night out

I'm off to Philadelphia tonight! Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that someone would want to treat me to a whole night out on the town. We're talking dinner, drinks, tickets to a show. It's all been planned and I'm just expected to show up and enjoy! Is this romance? I feel like I'm always struggling to keep someone's interest, and just lucky to have them respond to a text or a phone call...and now, I have someone who wants to do something so sweet and nice for me. How do I ever thank him enough? I wish I could chip in on my share of it all, but dinner, hotel, tickets all add up to more than my budget can allot for right now. Do I offer to pick up the tab on one of them? Offer to pay him back? I don't know how all this works!! Help!

Day 106: A spoonful of sugar...

...not only helps the medicine go down, but makes for a very fun day at work! That's right, the Poppins made another appearance this year, and because I had no Halloween party/going out plans, I was forced to wear it to work! Now, this decision was made after getting reassurance that several other people at work would be sporting costumes...but guess what happened when I walked into the newsroom, complete in skirt, coat and hat? Yes, I was the only one. Whatever, I love the Poppins and I'm pretty sure the costume I put together last year, um, totally rocks. So anyone that made fun? You're just jealous.

Sidenote, but best Poppins story every: I wore the costume last year in Chicago, which meant wearing it on the train to my friend's house. Upon my arrival on the train platform, three guys asked me if I was looking for a chimney sweep, to which I replied sarcastically, "ha, ha, very funny." But, joke's on me, there actually was a man dressed as Bert! Of course, a meet-cute doesn't get any more perfect if it'd been written in a movie script, and I was immediately planning a Poppins-themed wedding, complete with umbrella favors and a choreographed dance to "supercalifragilistickexpealidocious!" But, alas, I believe he played for the other team, so my dreams were dashed in moments. Still, a fun story to share at dinner parties! :)

Day 105: What else am I good at?

Despite my passion for always wanting to know what's going on and desperately wanting to be the first to share that morsel with you, my mind has been wandering... What else could I do? I feel like this path I'm on in the news biz could get overwhelming or to put it bluntly, totally burn me out. But, after such a narrow outlook for the past 6 years, where to start?

My degree was more in writing than in journalism, but what do I do with it? Do I switch gears totally and pick a new path? Customer service? Sales? Healthcare? Or do I try to stay in the field, just a different area of it? I'd love to stay in television, I love the excitement of it, the day to day, minute to minute changes of it. But, I want to help produce a national program, or a syndicated show. The problem? Not knowing anyone who works in a network... There was once this AWESOME job for BRAVO, one I knew I could not only do, but excel in. But, 2 months after I'd applied, my online application remained unseen, my snail mailed resumes never got a response and my attempts at speaking to someone on the phone went nowhere... How do you get there? Ugh. Frustrating. And something to think about for the future...

Day 104: Do I watch too much TV?

Dancing With The Stars. Glee. Fringe. The Good Wife. Cougar Town. Modern Family. 30 Rock. Castle. And that's just what I like to watch on the basic channels! Don't get me started on Bravo, TLC or MTV... Am I replacing real life with fake life? Living alone, I tend to substitute conversation and interaction with television. Even when I'm not watching it, I usually have it on in the background, almost so it feels like there's someone in the house with me. Maybe it's a little lame, but try spending hours on end alone.
You'd like a little company too! My concern is that I'm becoming too dependent on TV shows. I feel like I should find an activity, or a hobby, or just put my time to better use. Other than not really having any excuse to not work out, what else do you really do in the middle of the day? My bedtime's 5p.m., what kinds of things can I fill my day with other than DVR catch up? Scrapbooking? Knitting? Birdhouse building? Give me some ideas before I turn into a total couch potato...

Day 103: Ants in my pants!

Do you ever feel like you're going to crawl out of your skin?? It's usually after I've been in the house all weekend or stuck in the car for hours... I start to feel claustrophobic, like the walls are closing in and I just need something to do! But, I don't know why I got so antsy today. I'm just back from a weekend in New York, I spent the day at work, then running errands and have only really been home for about 2 hours. But I have this itchy feeling like I want to go out and just start sprinting or something. I have been a little lax in the exercise department, not getting in as long or as many sessions as I'd like each week, maybe it's pent up energy? Or do I want to go deeper and think I'm restless in life? I feel like I'm always complaining about that, but I feel like I'm in this awful holding pattern. I'm doing the same thing every day, with let's be honest, quite a lack of passion. I know I don't want to stay in Lancaster, but where on earth do I want to go next? My goal of working and living in NYC by the time I turned 30 is not only running out of time, but may have changed a bit now... Maybe I just need to relax, get off the damn schedule and see where life takes me next. Just hurry up already.

Day 101: A change of perspective

There's no question, Sarah and I had a fabulous time in NYC. But, after climbing several flights of stairs all weekend, dealing with parking my car, trudging through the subway tunnels, and contemplating life in an apartment the size of a closet (but has not closets!) has given me a different perspective on my long time dream of actually living there...

Maybe my priorities have changed as I've gotten older or maybe I've gotten too comfortable in my recent accomodations, but living in the city on a budget might not actually be that fun! First of all, the idea of lugging bags of groceries up 5 flights of stairs does not appeal to me at all. And, that's after lugging them home from the store via walking and subway. Ugh. Not just groceries, but think about laundry, Christmas shopping, plain old moving in! It's exhausting just thinking about it. Gone would be the convenience of parking your car full of shopping bags right outside your door and making the short trip up the walkway... And, what about trying to get anywhere? Forget a car, it's too much of a hassle to park it, let alone drive through the crowded streets. Cabs aren't cheap, and can often move just as slowly as driving yourself. Subways ARE cheap, but there's usually a wait, plus it's hot and crowded...

These are just a few, maybe minor inconveniences...but, I feel like if I'm going to live in the city, I want to ENJOY the city! And, that means an apartment with an elevator and a doorman, access to a car service, getting my groceries delivered, plus the ample funds to be able to afford restaurants, shows and the lovely, lovely shopping. So maybe, the city's not for me? Maybe I'm content to live in a smaller one, or maybe the suburbs? This definitely was a weekend of fun and relaxation, but it also ended up a weekend of revelations...I've discovered new feelings about the dream I've been working towards for so long. What do you do when your priorities seem to have changed? How do I figure out what I want now?

Day 100: Strolling through the city

My feet are sore and I'm so tired I could sleep sitting up, but I'm also full of a humming energy and can't stop smiling. Sarah and I spent the day just strolling through Manhattan. Even while living in the city as a freshman in college, I felt like there was always some place to be or some where I had to run to. Today, we just strolled. We headed to the shopping mecca of Macy's, joining the masses of tourists, while trying to look somewhat like we belonged. We browsed floor after floor, skimming the sales and dreaming over the expensive. We tried on jewelry and spritzed perfumes, we even peeked into the bridal section...not seriously though, of course! From there we headed downtown, stopping for a bite to eat and to peek in a few more stores, finally ending up near Ground Zero, which I've yet to really see since 9/11. However, before making our way to the area, Sarah grabs my arm and pulls me into a nail salon and before I know it, I'm sitting with my hands in bowls of water and getting my nails filed. Totally girly and totally unncessary, but I felt so spontaneous and content it was completely worth it. Sometimes it really is nice to treat yourself, especially when it's unexpected. Just that little something, on top of one of the nicest days I've spent in New York City had me feeling like I was one of the luckiest, happiest girls around. Cheesy, but it's the little things, not to mention the company of purely lovely people, to put a smile on your face. :)

Day 99: Big apple bound!

For as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to New York City. As a kid, I longed to visit after being entranced by pictures, television and movies. The excitement, the energy, the plain thrill of it has always teased me and I long ago made it my goal to move from my small town in upstate New York to the biggest city in the world. And, in a way, I've accomplished that, spending my freshman year at NYU, but I yearn to return as an adult, making it on my own two feet and living the city to its fullest.

Needless to say, any opportunity to visit is always a welcome one. And, considering I have a brother who lives there, the chance is often a real possibility. So, when he offered up his apartment when he went out of town, I jumped on it, invited my friends and packed my bag. Only Sarah jumped on board and tonight, we'll head off to the big apple. It's only the two of us, and it's only for the weekend, but I guarantee, it'll be a weekend to remember.

Day 98: Pure exhaustion does not equal domestic perfection.

So, it turns out a 6 hour drive home followed by 2 hours of sleep and a hectic, stressful, extra long morning at work are not prime conditions to rush home, cook dinner, bake dessert, clean up the apartment and primp for the boy you're trying to impress. Why did I say I would cook?? Apparently, I decided I was a superwoman, who could defy the rules of actual time and do all of this on no sleep in about 3 hours. Let's just say I burned the spaghetti sauce. I mean, can that really happen?? Well, it did. At least, that's what I concluded when it turned a strange brown color and no longer tasted like actual marinara sauce. So, I tossed the next batch of cookies in the oven and dashed to the store for more tomato sauce supplies. While that's simmering, I realized I could bread chicken while dusting the living room and loading the dishwasher. The next batch of cookies got a little crispy, but at this point, I've now decided it's the thought that counts. The new batch of sauce seemed to be simmering nicely, so I jumped in the shower, after which I discovered I could put makeup on while getting dressed. Then, as I'm zipping up my jeans, there's a knock on the door! Next thing I know, I'm opening the door in bare feet, no makeup and wet hair. Real hot, Linds. Oh well, what are you going to do? I basically rolled with it, opened the wine and finished getting ready. After 2 glasses of vino, I honestly felt like I was June freaking Cleaver, so it all worked out, right? At least, that's how I remember it happening...so I'm going to stick with it.

Day 97: Back in the saddle again.

Not only am I right back in central PA, but I'm right back in the producer seat again. I filled in for one of the producers who was off, and as much as it can be like riding a bike, after not producing for awhile, it takes a bit to get back in the groove. Don't get me wrong, I can get a show on the air, no problem. But, I always go in with the best intentions of a creative, smooth and well thought out show. But an hour or so in, and I lose my steam. That was the case today...

I started out with all these great ideas, things I've wanted to adapt into the shows for awhile, we just haven't had the resources or time. Why I think I can accomplish this myself in one day, I don't know...but, I just know I want to do it! But, then today, about 4:30, I'm falling into shortcuts. It suddenly became so overwhelming and I got the panic that I was not going to finish in time! So, my goal then becomes a polished, finished show, which I did, but it was definitely not smooth. Things fell apart and I had to make split second decisions and changes to avoid the doom that is "coming out to black," all of which I did successfully. But, sometimes I feel the thrill, the excitement of it fade... It's more of a stress that gets me so anxious, I want to get up and not come back. This makes me nervous that this career I've chosen, that I've worked to make myself good at is, at the end of the day, not the career for me. What is it I would try to do next?? Yikes. Deep breath, tomorrow's another day. I'm coming back with a clear head and taking another stab at it!

Day 96: Going home.

And with that, the upstate reunion has come to an end and it's time to make my way back to Central PA. I'm just not ready yet! Why is it such a whirlwind? Every time I return, I miss it a little more... Do I just miss the familiarity? Or do I truly miss my hometown? I have it in my head that home is not where I want to settle, but why is that? Why does it feel like it goes against everything in my body to move back home? Where is it that I want to eventually call home? What am I searching for? Will I know the feeling when I feel it? Oh boy, another relaxing/whirlwind weekend home...another head full of confusion and questions. When will you spill the answers, oh life of mine??

Day 95: The examples I live by...

I've taken my upstate weekend home from Rochester to Buffalo, to spend the rest of my time with Mom and Grandma, two more ladies who have made the biggest impressions in my life. Talk about role models. I have been fortunate to have two strong willed, open minded, and extremely capable women raise me and shape me into the woman I am today, and I hope I do enough to make them proud. As I navigate this path of life I'm on, I've never not had their guidance and support to lean on any time I stumble or take a wrong turn, and I've learned that's more important than all the money or status in the world. Don't get me wrong, I'll continue to work to make myself the most I can be, if anything to prove their hard work in me won't go to waste. But, they've also taught me to be content with what I have, to make the most of what I currently am. I never fail to feel like a pretty darn awesome girl after just a few minutes in their company, and you know what? I am. I have a good heart, a good head on my shoulders and a good sense of humor...what else could I really ask for? Maybe a slightly larger pay check...but with these fine ladies behind me, I know I won't starve, so long as I'm following my heart.

Day 94: A night with my favorite ladies.

I can't quite remember the exact day I met Ilona and Heather, but I can't think back on my time on Nazareth College without thinking of these two really fabulous chicks. I vaguely recall getting to know Ilona over lessons of rhetoric, and then sort of being adopted by Heather once I was deemed cool (dorky) enough...I do know it was one of the luckiest moments of my life!

That was about 9 years ago, and we've seen each other through some crazy times. Graduation, new jobs, moves to new cities and countries, boyfriends, husbands and even babies! I can't picture my time at Nazareth without Ilona and Heather, and I can't picture my future without them being a significant part of it!

I've been away from Rochester for almost 6 years now, and we've managed to keep up the friendship, thanks to email, phones, and faithful visits. Now that I'm back on the East coast, it's a bit easier for me to get home, which I did this weekend and put a visit to Heather's on the schedule. My weekends home can get hectic trying to see everybody, the moment I see these two women, I can instantly relax, put my feet up and talk like we saw each other yesterday. Honestly, we may not have talked in weeks, or seen each other in months, but there's always instant comfort and the ability to pick up wherever we left off! I think this is truly rare among the people you meet and I treasure it immensely.

I look forward to these get togethers because one, they're so infrequent and I soak up the entire time, two, I laugh the hardest with these two ladies and usually need a gab fast! And, there's a three now, Heather has the most adorable twin boys now and I so much want to be a part of their lives! They're already 8 months old and growing by the day, and I want them to know who Aunt Lindsey is! Seeing them every 4 months or so is just not enough. :) So, our night at Heather's was full of baby time, and after we had our fill, we had plenty of girl time. It really couldn't have been a more fulfilling night for me and I thank my two favorite girls for giving that to me. I know our schedules get crazy, and we're all going in different directions, but I love coming back to these moments when our lives can overlap for a bit and we can thoroughly enjoy each other's company. I love you both and look forward to making the ride ahead together. :)

Day 93: Have you tried the pumpkin ale?

My weekend at home is shaping up to be the perfect fall weekend. The air is crisp, the sky is sunny, and I'm bouncing around my old haunts in a variety of sweatshirts...what could be better? Um, pumpkin beer. We'd been planning a get together with my best girls from college, Ilona and Heather, and munchies and beer are usually on the menu. This time though, we picked up some pumpkin beer to add into the mix. I'd had it earlier that week at a restaurant and was quite surprised at how tasty it was!! So, Ilona and I stopped to fill up her jug o'beer, and it was quite the hit. I think the addition of Heather's pimp chalices made it even tastier, as did the taco dip, artichoke dip and pizza bread... If you haven't tried, pick it up before it's gone for the season! Definitely a revelation on my path to thirty...don't be afraid to try something new, or you might miss out on the tastiness of pumpkin ale!

Day 92: Headed home for the weekend!

It's been almost 3 months since I've had a little Western New York my way, but I'm fixing that today! I've got a long weekend of Rochester and Buffalo ahead of me and I couldn't be more psyched! While I know it will be a whirlwind of trying to see friends and family in only so much time, I can't wait to feel the comfort of home, the familiarity of the surroundings I grew up in, and the people who made me who I am today. I may not be looking forward to the drive...but it's a small price to pay for 4 days of home sweet home. :) Talking on the phone and emailing can only go so far, there's something to be said for just hanging out with those you love. Here's to a weekend of friends, family, reminiscing, life updates and plenty of laughs that hopefully doesn't fly by!

Day 91: I'm on cloud nine...

I think I'm dating someone. I don't want to write too much about it, for fear he might read it and I would be crazy embarrassed... but, I sort of feel like I'm living outside my body. I haven't dated all that much, and when I have it's always felt like I'm fighting to hang onto their attention. I'm constantly reading into everything they say to me, and trying to respond in ways that's not too much too soon, but show I'm interested. It's exhausting. But suddenly, it feels like someone wants my attention, enjoys spending time with me and isn't afraid to show that. It's never really happened before and I don't know quite what to do or how to respond. I just know that I like it. It makes me feel special and I don't want it to end yet. I'm going to try to keep my crazy brain out of it and just go with it. Here's to enjoying the moment!

Day 90: News can still tug my heart strings...

I've bitched quite frequently about my growing lack of interest in the field I've chosen to make my career in. I often think I've lost the news bug, the drive that makes you want to break the next story or be the first on the air with it. But, I watched with the rest of the world on pins and needles as one by one, 33 miners were pulled to the surface after being trapped underground for more than 2 months, and I couldn't help but feel the anticipation, the excitement that comes with a big story. From death, to destruction, to just plain crazy, we see so much in the news field that you don't think you can be surprised anymore. But, to see how these men survived in a hole underground for so long and to see their families just weep with joy at seeing them again really was emotional. You couldn't not get swept up in the intensity of the moment. It's a renewal of human strength and a true inspiration we can all apply to our lives.

Day 89: Sucking it up.

All I want to do is sleep, but I sucked it up and laced up the sneakers. And, you know what, I feel better. I've had a rough recuperation from my Saturday night out, talk about a lingering hangover... but, I feel like I'm feeding into it by not eating, not exercising and not wearing non-sweats! So, despite me wanting to sleep off the last bit of my hangover, I donned the sports bra and sneakers and threw in the headphones and off I went. I may have wanted to die at first, but I found my groove and actually got into it. I even went longer than I had originally planned. I think I ran the hangover out of my system! I was even able to finally eat afterward, and think I'm ready to hit the sack. I'm putting on new pjs, pulling the eye mask on and shutting out the world for a solid 8 hours.

Day 88: A peek at our night out...

Okay, so now that I'm able to keep food down and take my sunglasses off, I'm starting to remember our girls night out in full and as always, it was a doozy!

First of all, it's the first time all five of us have been out since May. And, that night out certainly turned into a memorable one. Needless to say, that's a long time to build up anticipation for an evening out! :) So we roll up into Baltimore, all at different times, but you wouldn't know it because the chatter is non-stop. One person arrives and just hops in the conversation. This eventually progresses to some shopping at the Towson Mall, after which the "getting ready" process begins. All I have to say is thank goodness there were 3 bathrooms available, because 5 girls getting ready at once is no easy task! Finally we're ready, the hair is glossy, the heels are on, the wine has been sipped and the cab is on the way.

So I've discovered when the 5 of us walk into a bar, we pretty much take it over. And, if it doesn't have a dance floor, we create our own. Random groups of people become our new friends, our new dance partners, our new cohorts, and we're totally okay with that. We don't even need cocktail courage to suddenly become professional dancers or witty conversationalists, we just get sucked into the high of the night and let it loose! Don't get me wrong, the cocktails help...

Thanks ladies, for a fabulous night out. I'll spare the embarrassing details from later in the night. ;) 1.) Those are just for us to giggle over, and 2.) It's just one part of a whole night of girly fun. Laughs, pats on the back, dance partners, supporters, just fabulous friends who always have a good time together. :)

Day 87: The older I get, the harder it is to recuperate...

Ugh. I've just spent the day alternating hugging a toilet bowl and laying on the living room floor...all before summoning the energy for an hour car ride back home. Why am I in this situation? No, it's not the flu. It's one too many cocktails the night before. It makes you wonder if it's all worth it... The older I get, the harder it is to bounce back the next day. Don't get me wrong, going out with the girls and letting it loose is not something I want to give up. But, maybe I learn to say no to the fourth and fifth cocktail and don't even bring up the shots!! If I could just get that happy buzz, without it turning to the spins which will inevitably lead to to topsy turvy tummy time the next day, I would truly have a good time.

Day 86: Road Trip!

The Foxy Ladies are hitting the road for Baltimore! The last time the five of us were together, we turned a bar into a dance club, became best friends with a DJ and learned a little something about insurance sales, popcorn makers and cage fighters...so, who knows what could go down this time!

I honestly have to say I'm so very fortunate to have met these lovely ladies. I've never felt so accepted and had such a connection with girls so fast as I have with this bunch. I feel like I've known them for years, way, way longer than the short 6 months since moving to the area and being introduced to them. Thank you to Kiersten for telling them all how much they'd like me. :) And, thank you to Sarah, Christina, and Lynette, for immediately treating me like an old friend. You've gotten me through the last crazy 6 months, I wouldn't have made it here without you all. You've already helped create and share some of the most memorable times of my life and I look forward to many more, no matter where this job moves us all to, starting with tonight!! Look out Charm City, the Foxy Ladies are hitting the town!

Day 85: Procrastination: Good or bad?

Is it so terrible? Putting things off when you have plenty of time to get them out of the way? I know how the saying goes, "why put off til tomorrow what you can do today?" And, I agree with it to an extent. I LIKE getting things done and out of the way. But, what if you just don't feel like it? I came home today, about noon, and the rest of the day loomed ahead of me. I knew I had to be up fairly early tomorrow, (my girlfriends and I are hitting the road to Baltimore!) and there was plenty to do to get ready. But how did I spend the day? Napping, working out, cleaning out the DVR and generally laying around. I knew I could get up and make the taco dip, pack my bag, iron my clothes, unload the dishwasher, pack up some of the stuff into my car. Instead, I totally vegged out and plan on setting my alarm for like 6:30 a.m. and doing it all in the morning. Is this a bad life lesson? Is it okay to put things off sometimes?

Day 84: I think I'm obsessed with doing laundry...

I know, I know, it's my neat freak thing. But I LOVE doing laundry! Even more than my love of vaccuuming, with all it's dirt sucky up noises and pretty carpet lines. And, now that I have a washer and dryer right in the apartment, I feel like the laundry never stops! The luxury of throwing in a pair of jeans or shirt because I know I'm going to need it later that day and NOT having to wait until I can go to the laundromat later that week or rustle up that one last quarter I need to make the machine work, is immeasurable. Then, there's the washing (Gain is my favorite detergent, try it, you'll never switch), and the drying where everything gets soft and warm and smells so clean. Does anyone else ever have to urge to just curl up in a batch of laundry just out of the dryer? I love the freshness and warmth. don't even mind the folding, though it MUST be done as soon as it comes out of the dryer. It keeps everything uncreased, and unwrinkled and just feeling clean. I think I'm getting carried away with my laundry...

Day 83: Who knew it could be that smooth?

I've sorta kinda hit my groove. At least I think I have. I'm out jogging today and I hit the five minute mark where I normally slow down and go back to my super cool looking power walking before picking up the pace again in 5 minutes...and I just keep cruising! I just seemed to hit this point where my breathing was in sync with my pace and I didn't feel like my lungs were going to explode or I was going to keel over and die! It's not like I'm ridiculously out of shape, but running has never been my thing, so to keep it going for a chunk of time and get that awful burning in my chest under control is a big thing for me. It felt good and made me want to keep running! Now I just need some better sneakers. This running thing does not make for pretty toes...

Day 82: I just need to sleep!!!

Sometimes this shift just kills me. I'm starting to feel like a zombie. I'm walking around in a fog. I have delayed reactions. My eyes burn. I just want to sleep! But, when I finally go to lay down, it's like I can't shut my brain off and my eyes don't want to stay closed. Working at 2:30 in the morning means going to bed when it's still light out, so even when I do fall asleep, it's hard to stay that way when the sun is peeking through the blinds for half of my "night." I don't really want to mess with the light blocking curtains (they're not very pretty), so I've picked up a sleep mask. It seems to work...if I don't think too much about it! If I start to focus on it, it's suddenly too tight on my eyes or feels like it's strangling my head! I never thought my life would revolve so much around sleep! Most people get up, go to work during the daylight hours, come home and go to bed in the dark. It's almost a natural progression of the day, and I feel like I'm fighting nature sometimes with the shift I work. While finishing the day before noon has it's perks, I've learned one thing working this crazy morning shift...it's not natural and I can't do it forever. God, I need a nap.

Day 81: Cold and rainy = pjs and movies.

Strong words to live by. Seriously, I think it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon when it's crappy out. Sometimes even when it's not crappy out! But, there's something about it being chilly and damp and rainy that makes me want to dive into my pyjamas, wrap up in a blanket on the couch and put in my favorite girly movies. Dirty Dancing, 13 Going on 30, Legally Blonde, ahem, Bridget Jones...ooh! Pride and Prejudice! BBC style, 4 hours of proper English country side bliss... Whoa, the dork is coming out! But, that's okay with rainy, pj movie day. It's your own little world, by yourself and you can watch whatever you want, eat whatever you want, wear glasses and no makeup and shelve all errands, chores and responsibilities. I look at the rain as an excuse to put life on hold, because it's no fun to do anything in the rain! Despite my love of the comfy, though, more than one day of being stuck indoors cuz of the rain makes me a little stir crazy...definitely a one day break from life.

Day 80: All the nerves were worth it...

So maybe assuming the worst means something will way exceed your expectations. I had a fabulous time on my date! All those butterflies flew away as the evening progressed and I really was able to relax and have a good time. I sort of feel like I'm a little bit on cloud 9... I have never had a date that was so sweet, so respectful, so into me (at least it felt like he was!). It really makes a girl feel special. :)

Day 79: Nervous? Yeah, just a bit...

I can't help it. I have a stomach full of butterflies, I randomly break out in a sweat. My brain won't stop running through one scenario after another where I say something stupid, or drip something down the front of my shirt, or trip and fall on my face or...or...or. I could drive myself crazy!! I'm going on a date. I think. We never actually called it that, but the guy I met a few weeks in Philadelphia is driving here tonight to visit. Which means it's up to me to pick a restaurant to eat at, maybe a bar to go to...and we all know how good I am at making decisions. I'm the queen of asking others what THEY want to do, because I can't ever make up my mind!! But, before we get to any of that, I have to get ready for said date, which means I've now tried on everything in my closet, I've ironed enough outfits for a week, I've cleaned my apartment and maybe hidden a few embarassing childhood trinkets. To top it all off, one of my eyes won't stop watering, which means I may look like I'm crying at random times throughout the night. UGH! Why is this so nervewracking?? People go on dates all the time, it's not like I'm testing the cure for cancer or something... Honestly, I'd rather go on 4 job interviews than a date. Let's just hope I don't pull a Stan from South Park and throw up when he says hello...

Day 78: It's sweatshirt weather!!

The air is crisp. The leaves are just starting to change. I feel like it's time to put the flip flops on the shelf and finally, FINALLY grab the sweatshirt. Fall is here! Finally! After pretty much the world's hottest summer, we're finally getting some of that autumn chill. I couldn't be happier. It's no shocker I'm not a huge fan of the heat and humidity so the day the air has a bite to it, can only be a good day. Apple picking, cider, cinnamon donuts, pumpkins, plaid shirts, fall jackets and again, the favorite, broken in just right sweatshirt. :) It feels like a chance to start fresh, from new bedspreads to new recipes to new goals, a chance to change and try something new. So pull out your sweatshirt and embrace the chill! It's energizing and full of life and I wouldn't think you were crazy if you thought I was smoking something funny...because this is definitely a bit excited to get over fall! I don't care though, it makes me smile and I want it to do the same thing for you!