Day 138: Everyone should be so lucky to have a Chad

The Chad. The BFF. The bestest friend a girl could really ask for. He's stuck around the longest, and he's who I can truly be myself around. Even through all my moves, the distance seems to have made our friendship stronger. Still, there's nothing like just hanging with him, watching TV, running errands, getting something to eat, seeing a movie, just like the old days.

These times are rare, but meaningful and looked forward to! I was planning to meet him for just a movie, but after my brother ditched me (for whom I had put my friend Ilona on hold for...but, whatever.), I was able to get some dinner with him, then just hang with him at work. Sounds boring, but he's just that friend where we can talk about random things forever. I can pig out on french fries with him. I can tell him about my stupid worries and crazy thoughts. I can share my problems and laugh about anything with him. I mean who else would take get their Bieber on and not think their friend was an idiot? It's these friends that get you through the good, the bad, the mundane and the awesome. I may not tell him as often as I should how important he is to me, but he's truly an awesome friend. I'm lucky he came over to talk to me 10 years ago in the Regal Cinemas cafe, if only to make fun of my trashy romance novel. Look where it's led us, Mr. Edwards. Thanks for sticking it out...I can't wait to see where the next 10 take us. :)

Day 137: Sometimes you just need an afternoon of shopping...

And, doing it with a favorite girlfriend doesn't hurt. In fact, it makes it the best way to shop! Most often, I'm a no-nonsense solo shopper, but it's fun to have company. After passing out at 9:30 at Ilona's Saturday night (seriously, one minute we were chatting and drinking wine, the next I woke up on the couch at 12:30 covered in a blanket), I was bummed I'd missed out on some serious girl time. So, I was psyched to be able to spend some more time with her today before I have to head back to PA tomorrow. I was really up for anything, and when women don't have set plans, shopping tends to head to the forefront of the list. So off we went...

First stop, Beers of the World. Yes, seems random, but not with Ilona. This is why I love her. She wanted to inquire about Polish beer for her Polish Heritage dinner, so in we go, no shyness when it came to asking, all the while checking out the beer and cracking jokes about silly names. Apparently, the guy she needed to talk to was at the other location, so off we go again. Such an awesome store! I honestly could have done all my Christmas shopping there, from imported beers to fun micro brews, something really for everyone. We spent almost an hour in there and it was a blast.


On to the Christmas Tree Shoppes...one of my favorite places. Oops, first we stopped at Taco Bell. No, not classy, but what better time to indulge (cheaply) than with a best friend? Once refueled, the shopping continued... I don't know if you've ever been to the Christmas Tree Shoppes, but if you haven't, you don't know what you're missing. It's fabulous. Things you need, things you didn't know you needed, quirky things that seem perfect for those hard to buy for people, such an assortment that it's easy to devote an afternoon to wandering the entire store, all while filling up a cart. And the best part, it's all so pleasantly priced, you can feel like you did some major shopping without breaking the bank!

Finally, it was on to the grocery store. I wanted to load up on groceries (compliments of mom...thanks!), so she came along for the ride. It was so nice to have someone to just chat with while dodging other carts in the packed store. It made a sometimes menial and boring job so lighthearted and pleasant, that I think I'm spoiled for all my future solo grocery experiences.


Of course, what day of shopping isn't complete without topping it off with a manicure? Another indulgence, but what's more girly fun than that? Thanks, Miss Frederick, for a truly fun day. I'm so glad you're my friend. :)

Day 136: Like riding a bike!

5 years of my life were spent helping run the show at a movie theatre. I learned the ins and outs of management, customer service, and best of all, what makes the movies. The actual movies, that is. The reels of film that come together to bring the story to the big screen and give you a 2 hour getaway from real life. I always got a little thrill when the movies arrived in big cans, and I got to splice together the film into a giant reel to run through the projector. You may have all the Hollywood stars and lights and sound guys and Kraft Services on a movie set, but without the projectionist, no one would ever see all that work. Hmm...come to think of it, they really should make more money...

Anyway, I visited my old stomping grounds on Sunday to a.) see a movie, and b.) see my BFF Chad, who happened to be working upstairs where the magic happens. It's been a few years since I spent my day in the dark hallways of the projection booth, but as I threaded the start of the movie through the brain, it was like riding a bike.
I remembered it all, right down to the framing! I was hit with a flood of memories of hours spent starting movies, fixing brain wraps, building movies and repairing burned film. There's a fluidity to threading the movie from platter to projector (nerd alert: I even did my college tech writing report on the process!), that it's almost soothing. And, I remembered how click and whir of the projector always seemed a little exciting... Anyway, I may have moved on, but there's nothing like a trip down memory lane to remind you of good times and one of the steps that lead me to where I am today. Thanks Chad, for letting me dabble in the past!

Day 135: Hello Christmas! Welcome back!

It's officially Christmas when you've got the tree. This year, I was entrusted for the first time in my life, with picking out the perfect evergreen to fill the spot in the living room. Truly an adult responsibility, but I couldn't help but feel like a little kid with a big job. I mean, the tree anchors the entire holiday! We've always gone as a group, but it's usually Mom who has the final say. But this year, me and my brother headed out to bring home the green. And, a fine job we did, if I do say so myself.
Well, there were a few moments where said tree may have tipped over after we believed it to be anchored in the tree stand, but as we stare into the twinkle lights and bits of memories hung from branch to branch, it's very easy to forget all about those slip ups. All that matters is it's not moving now, right?

The older I get, the more this ritual, all these holiday traditions mean to me. The time I get to spend with my family, the people that do the holiday JUST the way I do it, it's special and something I look forward to sharing with my kids some day. Yes, I'm nearing 30, and Christmas doesn't have the same mystery or sheen it did when I was a kid. But, you can't seem to keep that feeling of childhood glee from bubbling up a bit, and why not let it? It's a season of shiny, tinsely, sparkly, glittery fun, so why not go with the flow? Trust me, you'll have much more fun if you give in to the Christmas cheer. :)

Day 134: The first snowfall!

Welcome back, Old Man Winter! While Christmas fills me with a sense of pure jubilation, the white stuff catapults me back into childhood. Snow. I get a shiver of excitement as I see the first flakes fall. And, as they start to accumulate outside, I desperately want to bundle up and head out to make snow angels, snow men, and snow balls. So you can imagine my glee when I looked outside to see the faint flakes scattering past my window this morning... Still in my pjs, I ducked outside, under the pretense of taking the dogs outside, and turned my head to sky, mesmerized by the bits of icy fluff. Yes, I stuck my tongue out to catch a few...how could you not?? :)

Now I'll admit that working in news has made me slightly resent rough winter weather, only because it can be a crazy mess trying to cover it. I'll also admit that driving in it is no picnic either... But, there's just something special about looking outside to a winter wonderland.?
It's magical in a way, making the world around you sparkle with promise and hope. Whoa Linds, time to reign in the sunshine and rainbow talk, but can't you feel it a bit, too? Try and tell me you don't smile when you look outside to a world of white and you're snug and warm inside That's right, you can't. Told you so. And if that doesn't get you, pelting your brother with a snowball will always give you good feeling...

Day 133: Home for Turkey Day!

Leftovers. Truly my favorite part of Thanksgiving. Granted, I love the actual day. The warm house, the family all in one spot, the snacking, the football, the laughing. This one's actually extra special because it's my first trip home for it in 3 years! But, once we've eaten, once we've dabbled in the desserts and packed everything up into an assortment of containers collected over the years, it's time to pick at what's left over the next few days, maybe even later that night! There is truly no turkey sandwich like the one you make from leftover Thanksgiving Day bird...it's the one time of year it's perfectly acceptable to add cranberry sauce and stuffing to your sandwich and no one blinks an eye. Not to mention a side of mashed potatoes... And, how about pumpkin pie for breakfast? (Ooh, speaking of, if you're looking for a recipe, my mom has one that will change your take on pumpkin pie for life - see bottom for recipe!)

Anyway, it's the leftovers I look forward to, but it's the people that make the whole day possible that I'm thankful for. To just take a moment, I give thanks this year for all the people in my life who love and support me, who make me laugh and talk me down from a ledge. You know who you are...thanks for enriching my life and making this one hell of a journey.

**No Bake Pumpkin Pie**

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
1 cup cold milk
2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice



In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of milk with pudding mix, pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Spread in pie crust.
In another bowl, whisk together cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of milk, and sugar until smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. When thickened, spread over pumpkin layer.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Refrigerate 4 hours, or until set.

Day 132: Gearing up for a little home life!

I love seeing this sign. It seriously tugs me a little inside, whispering, you're back, Linds, you're home. I can't help it. There's just something about coming back to the place you know. But, as I get older, it seems to be the ever present personal tug of war, stay or go? Stay or go? I'm always pumped to come home and see everyone, to see familiar street signs, use my internal navigation system, indulge on a garbage plate... But, would it hold the same feeling if I was here all the time? If I returned to make my life here, would I treasure my time here as much as I do during my visits? It's true, that my time with friends and family always seems so rushed and brief, so very squeezed in and one visit to the next. What if I could see them once a week?
The more I think about it, the more people I know who have either returned home for good, or have never even left. Why do I have this fear I'll be bored? Or maybe it's not bored, more like what am I missing out on by surrounding myself with what I already know? Or is it I'm indulging in what's already comfortable? I don't know, I don't know what the stigma is for me that's attached to returning to my hometown for good? Whoa, I totally started this as a "yay! I'm going home!" entry and this is the turn it took. Guess that tug of war's a little stronger than I thought...

Day 131: And the mirror ball trophy goes to...

I'm pretty sure I look forward to this night more than a normal human being should. The winner of Dancing with the Stars will be announced tonight, and I'm freaking pumped! Here are my thoughts on the three final contenders:


I have forever been and will forever be a fan of Baby. Jennifer Grey embodied all the character traits a teenager can relate to in Dirty Dancing. BUT, as I have to remind myself frequently, that was a character, it's not really her. And, I have not been able to warm up to Jennifer on the show as I could to her time at a family summer camp in upstate New York in the 60's. *sigh* Oh, how I wish real life could imitate the arts sometimes... Anyway, no question, the chick can dance, and if we're going on technique, the mirror ball should sit atop her mantle...


Mr. Massey, however, I can't help but freaking love! He's adorable, he's funny, and he looks like he's having so much fun! I mean, I can actually feel his joy, and the fact that I'm clapping from the couch after he's done, makes me know he deserves to win just as much as the girl with the perfect moves. Personally, I'd like to think that this is how America would fall in love with me during my spin on the DWTS hardwoods, through my weekly improvement and sheer love of the dance, but that's just a dream so far. Kyle, you have my vote all the way...fingers and toes crossed!


And, the girl behind all the talk. Who would have thought a young lady from Alaska trying her hand, well, foot at a dancing on a TV show could cause so much commotion? We all know it's her controversial mother, who I've been pretty vocal at not being a fan of. But, at the end of the day, it's Bristol Palin, not her mother, and she's just following an opportunity that any one of us would jump at if it was handed to us, famous mother or not. Give the girl a break, do not shoot your televisions, and get a grip. It's a dancing TV show, she's having fun (despite her sometimes pained expression) and there's no doubt she's worked hard to earn her spot in the finals. I don't even mind Sarah Palin cheering her on. Every mom wants to support her kid, and I can picture my mother doing the exact same thing. That being said, I sort of don't want her to win...is that mean?

Okay, those are my thoughts. I'm rooting for Kyle, but I think Jennifer will take it and give Bristol a break already. If she does win, I think her mom's Tea Party lovers will have had something to do with it, but then the Massey and Grey lovers didn't vote enough. Find something else to complain about. And DWTS, seriously, I'm anxiously awaiting your call. Season 12??

Day 130: Flowers? For me?

There's got to be a first time for everything, but I never thought tonight would be the first time I'd get flowers from a boy. Not that I minded at all! Talk about the most pleasant of surprises! I honestly said, "Flowers? For me?" as I opened the door to my man friend and his special treat. I mean, at that point, who else would they be for? I was just not expecting it at all, and really, that's the best kind of surprise, which I LOVE! Seriously, I LOVE a good surprise, bring it on!

Surprises aside, I ask again, is this romance? Does this really exist outside of movies and books? And, since I'm seeing it does in fact occur, why am I so surprised it's happening to me? Why don't I deserve someone who likes me, who enjoys my company, who wants to see my eyes light up at unexpected flowers? My sensible side says I do, but there's the unconfident, doubtful side that wonders why? Why me? I think I have to stop THINKING and just enjoy it. Why question what's so good?

Day 129: A special shout out to a special lady :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is the day I send extra love to the most important woman, the most important PERSON in my life. Today I reflect on what she's given up to see me prosper, how she's supported my crazy dreams and more realistic goals, how she's pushed me to try things I was afraid to try, and how she's picked me up when I felt the world knocking me down. All the moments I've freaked out this year as the days to 30 tick down, the times I realized this person is married, or that person got their dream job, or they moved where??, she's been there to reassure me that there is nothing wrong with the direction my life is going and I'm lucky to have gotten where I am. Today is the day I say thank you for keeping me grounded, for teaching me to be a good person, for giving me unconditional love, and for telling me how proud you are when I feel like I've disappointed. You're always there and I'm always grateful. Today is the day I thank the fates for giving me the best mom a girl could ask for and my very best friend. I aspire to one day be the mother you are, and the woman you are now. Love you and happy, happy birthday!

Day 128: Hungover with a smile :)

We smiled. We waved. We wished people a happy holiday. And we did it all hungover. Talk about professionals! Well, I wasn't that hungover, I actually got a little buzzed on some special coffee... And, I didn't even have to be there, I just went cuz I wanted to keep the party going! But, when we true professionals have to rally after a night of playing hard, we suck it up and rally. Nice job ladies. Though, I'm glad we don't have scheduled appearances every time after we go out...my couch and some french fries are way more appealing.

Day 127: Girls night out...local style!

When your friends all need to get up for an early Saturday morning, how do you prepare the night before? By getting loaded, dancing your butt off and going to bed at 4 a.m., of course! And, that's exactly how we planned it, too! (Though, I must say it's getting much harder to bounce back the next morning...) The plan: get dinner, get drinks, do some dancing then (hopefully) wake up in time to roll into a certain scheduled event.
I think we all got a little more jolly than we intended, and let's just say there may have still been some jolly in our system when we woke up the next morning (check out the picture...this was BEFORE we left the restaurant), but we made it, after only one phone call as to where everyone was. One of us was even brave enough to shower and put rollers in her hair. Most impressive. Hey, it's all in where your priorities lie, right? And a night out with all the girls is definitely at the top of the list.

Day 126: 2 hours well spent

Nothing like a day at the hair salon! I love it. I think most women would agree that the couple hours in the chair getting your color touched up, your roots covered, your ends snipped and your style blown out is no waste of time. For anyone with a busy schedule, especially all you moms out there, the 2 hours you get to yourself are priceless. It's all about you and, so long as your hairdresser isn't too chatty, being alone with your thoughts.

And, it's not just the time to relax that's so treasured. I love the progression, from sitting down with my tired, dark roots and split ends to seeing the bounce return and the blonde highlights reappear she blowdries her handiwork. I leave the salon a new woman, revived and ready to take on the world! Of course, in my case, I'm usually headed home to bed, so my ambitions are quelled pretty quickly. But, I'm reminded of my improved do as I hop in the shower the next morning and shampoo. It feels softer, healthier, and it's so easy to do as I blow dry and straighten. It's got new life and for a moment, I feel like I'm a shampoo commercial model with no cares in the world. It's brief, but at least it puts a smile on my face as I head out the door to tackle life's every day issues...with a shiny helmet to shield me. :)

Day 125: Working hard in the newsroom...

Ever wonder how crazy it is in a newsroom? Hehe...this is us hard at work! Relax, this is the end of the day for us. We've all gone balls to the wall since 2:30 a.m. and we're at the end of an 8 hour shift. But, it's getting harder and harder to avoid feeling like this each morning! I can't not give it my all, it's not in my nature not to. Still, many a morning I just want to put my head on the desk and wait for it to pass me by... But, as a responsible adult approaching 30, I make the conscientious decision not to, to keep trying, at least for my own personal satisfaction and in support of my hard-working colleagues.

Day 124: Running = Pain

This is what I've added to my sneakers. Gel heel pads. Yes, I'm old. But, I can't help it! I'm assuming it's the running that has prompted this excruciating pain in my left heel, but I can't take it anymore! I wake up, step out of bed and promptly crumple to the floor. It's been pretty consistent since this summer when I began my attempt at becoming a runner...but lately, since stepping up my game, it's been almost unbearable. I've googled it, I've WebMDed it, basically, there's nothing I can do. It recommends adding these gel pads, which I've now done, but 3 days of using them has not made much of a difference. Am I just lacking good running shoes? Will it get better once I get better sneakers(they're on my Christmas list!)? My mom had heel pain, which was diagnosed as a heel spur, and she was given a cortizone shot. Aside from this giant needle into my heel making me shudder, isn't this just a band-aid on the pain? Is there a cure or am I looking at lifetime of progressive aching? I'm putting off a trip to the doctor until I get better sneakers... For now, I'll suck it up, act the adult, and rely on the gel heel pads. All part of getting old, right?

Day 123: Curb your cravings with Hungry Girl

Check it out my waist watching friends, hungrygirl.com. If you're like me, especially you ladies, you've spent a good chunk of your life counting calories, trying the diet of the week and looking for the latest and greatest in weight loss. And, if you're also like me, you've realized it's no easy road achieving that goal... you can only eat so many carrot sticks and plain chicken breasts and skipping dessert eventually gets REALLY old, not to mention close to impossible. I mean, sometimes you just CRAVE chocolate and will knock down children and the elderly and go out without your makeup to get your hands on some. I must say Hungry Girl is a pretty good solution to our problem. It's got alternates to your fast food favorites, low cal desserts that promise no lack of flavor and tips for staying on track when eating out. Plus, if you're a Weight Watchers fan, it's WW friendly when it comes to listing the points in each item. You can even follow it on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for daily emails that offer recipes and tips. I just followed a tip to check out Jello's mousse cups - 60 calories and delicious! Definitely hits that chocolate craving! I also got my hands on a cookbook (thanks Mom!) so my next venture: Onion Rings made with Fiber One cereal...the picture looks delicious. I only hope I can carry it out. Check it out and let me know what you think! I'll keep you posted on my onion rings...I mean, nothing can take the place of the real deep fried goodness, but if I can have a tasty substitute AND shrink my waistline, I'm on board...

Day 122: Banished to the closet.

How old is too old to have your stuffed animals out for the world to see? I've never been big into stuffed creatures, but I'm definitely a girly girl who enjoys the cutesy and sweet. Therefore, I have my fair share of cartoon dogs, puffy penguins, the occasional bear and I can't forget the Eeyores. What can I say? He was my FAVORITE as a kid and I can't bear to part with them, not to mention every time I see one I have to fight the urge to snatch it up.

BUT, I'm 29. I have by far passed into the age of adulthood. I entertain other adults in my apartment and I feel like the Eeyore lounging on my loveseat is a bit much. And, now there's a boy involved? The first time he came to my apartment I made a last minute mad dash to rid my apartment of all things kiddie cute! Into the closet went the Eeyores, the Winnie-the-Pooh throw blanket, the watermelon angel doll, the purple stuffed teddy bear and pair of stuffed sheep! In my defense, these are all things I've had for years, bits of my childhood and growing up that I've carried with me through my moves.
Am I wrong in keeping these bits of home and comfort around me? And where do you draw the line of "like me for me...eeyores and all" or "seriously Lindsey, grow up. You're too old for cartoons!" While I don't want to change for anyone, I think there's a point where change is good. Sorry Eeyore.

Day 121: I'm trying to get addicted...

I didn't wanna, but I did. That's 4 days of running I got into this week. I can't say I can keep up with "actual" runners, but I got out there when I didn't want to get off the couch and I did it. Call me freaking Forrest Gump. Well...I don't think I'd go quite that far... ;)

Day 120: A Stationary Weekend

I'm driving home from work today, parking my car outside my apartment and not moving it again until Monday morning. I'm pretty sure I've traveled out of town the last 5 weekends and I need a break. Don't get me wrong, I've had a great time on every trip, and I wouldn't change any of them, but I need a re-charge weekend. One where I can leisurely come home, not have to race out the door to get on the road, wake up Saturday and hang out in my pjs, catch up on my DVR, maybe make dinner for a special man friend to dinner... ;) I love a good road trip, but I'm opting for a staycation this weekend. Let the couch potatoing begin!

Day 119: No pjs, I won't put you on yet!

Long day at work. Meeting afterwards that seemed to last FOR-EVER. I didn't get home until almost 2. My pyjamas seemed to be taunting me as took off my work clothes and reached for my workout sweats...actually tugging me in the direction to where they're lying on the bed. But no, I turned my back, finished lacing up my sneakers and headed out the door. I feel great now, but why is it so hard to work up the energy? I have to get to the point where I look forward to and love working out as much as I love watching Dancing With the Stars! I'm just going to keep pushing myself until it's a part of my daily routine, like brushing my teeth. I WILL love to work out. I WILL!!

Day 118: Lunchin' with the Ladies!

It's hump day and what better way to get over the hump than with gossip, nachos and margharitas? That's exactly what we did. Well, the 2 of us who were done with work today splurged on the margharitas... But, we had plenty of gossip and Mexican treats to snack on while we aired out all our latest news! And walking away, it almost feels like I've unloaded a stress or burden in my life. Why does it feel so good to chit chat? To take some time to talk about what's going on in my life, to hear what's going on in theirs and to give and get opinions on it all? Whatever it is, I like it. I'm so fortunate to have such down to earth, warm and just plain fun girlfriends. It helps that we all work together and can relate to each other's complaints and problems, but even if we didn't, we'd still have just as good a time. So, when's the next ladies lunch?

Day 117: I can't help it, I'm sooo ready for Christmas!

I'm in the store today, strolling through the aisle and I realize I'm humming along to the overhead music. Then, I realize it's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." And, it's November 9th. Yikes! Almost three weeks from Thanksgiving and already the holiday tunes are out! I stopped at the mall later, and sure enough not only the music was on, but the elaborate displays of trees, snowflakes and fake snow are boldly standing among the stores. Not going to lie though...I'll complain about it with everyone else, that it's much too early, that commercialism is trying to skip Thanksgiving...but, I freaking love it. As soon as I hear the first few bars of "All I Want for Christmas is You" I get a little thrill that starts in my toes and wiggles its way up to my nose. And, for me, it's the sooner the better! I'm actually talking myself out of already pulling out my own decorations. I WILL wait for Thanksgiving weekend...or at least the week before. That way, it's waiting for me when I get back from Rochester. I don't know what it is, there's just a feeling that comes with Christmas that I love, it wraps itself around you and everything looks a little cheerier, a little shinier, a little more hopeful. I would love to extend this for the entire year, but if we made Christmas everyday, it would lose that certain something that makes it special. So, I'll be content to embrace it once a year, but I have no problem starting it a little earlier than December 1st. :)

Day 116: No turning back now!

I've gone and signed up for a 5K. In a month. What the hell is wrong with me? I've slacked a bit on my running the last few weeks, especially last week as I gave my blisters a chance to heal...and now I've gone and set a goal that's only 4 weeks away! Right now, I can run about a mile and a half before I want to die...we're talking 3 miles! So, here I go, leaping onto the "get your ass moving" plan, which consists of running at least 4-5 days a week, not to mention a stricter diet. Can't put it off any longer, I have committed to this race and I'm not backing out. And, because I don't want to look like an idiot, I'm about to test my own will power and really push myself. Here I come, Jingle Bell Run, let's hope I don't fall on my face...or pass out...or have a heart attack.

Day 115: Getting acquainted...

So, I love hanging with my girlfriends. And, I'm really getting used to spending time with the boy... But, how do you collide both worlds? How do you make spend time with each, without eventually overlapping? You introduce them to each other and hope for the best. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Sarah and Christina really liked him, a feeling I'm pretty sure was mutual, and we had a really good time. A few drinks, a few laughs, a few bathroom breaks where I'm sure they grilled the poor guy.. :) All in all, a successful new venture for me. So, who does he meet next? Who do I meet next? How does this really work? Here come a whole new set of worries...

Day 114: Why is it always an ordeal?

Why is it things you look forward to for so long are over in a blink of the eye? I've been counting down the days since August to seeing Joel McHale's standup and spending some time with my brother Cory. And before you know it, it's over and I'm in the car headed back home! Of course, the crazy process of getting there didn't help matters, I was never able to relax and enjoy my trip because I was in a rush the whole time!

I was late getting home from work Friday, so I scrapped any kind of nap and flew into the shower. I raced out the door, only about 25 minutes behind schedule at this point (which I had waaay overestimated to make room for traffic). I figure I have enough time to swing by the pharmacy to pick up my prescription and also get some cash for the expected tolls and subway rides. Big mistake. I run into CVS and wait at the pharmacy counter for the pharmacist to finish with the customer at the drive-thru. He takes 10 minutes, yes 10 MINUTES, to explain to the woman that her insurance won't accept her prescription because not enough time has elapsed since her last refill. Then, right when I think he's headed my way, he picks up the phone. At this point, another pharmacy worker shows up, BUT can't find my prescription! She finally finds it on the counter, but says I have to wait for the pharmacist because she's not sure why he put it aside. The pharmacist has at this point moved on to another customer, so when he finally gets to me, he says he had a question about the dosage and hasn't been in touch with my doctor yet. Ummm, this is a prescription I've had REFILLED here several times...why the questions now?? UUGGGHHH!!!!! Finally, FINALLY, I get out of there, jump in the car and hit the road...only to get stuck in some kind of accident! REALLY? Are the fates trying to tell me something? Do they NOT want me to see Joel?

Anyway, I make up some serious time on the turnpikes but alas, smack into traffic upon my arrival at the Lincoln Tunnel. THAT takes an hour, after which I proceed to tackle the streets of NYC, snag my brother and we head uptown to drop my car off. It's 5:45 p.m. and the show starts at 7. We're making progress, we're mere blocks away from parking, and suddenly we get directed to the left and I can't stop it from happening. What else could we doing but going over the bridge to Queens?? At this point, a stream of F-words come out of my brother's mouth, and my stomach has dropped to my feet. It's now 6:10 and we have to make a judgement call: try to drive back over the bridge, park and cab it to Carnegie? Or park in Queens and take the subway? We parked, we subwayed and we made it with 10 minutes to spare. What can I say, I bring the adventure! And, Joel, you were worth every hand shaking, nerve wracking, brother-swearing minute. :)

Day 113: Here I come Joel!

I see him every Friday night on E! Tonight, I'll see him LIVE, in person at Carnegie Hall. Joel McHale, one of the funniest men around right now...at least on his show, The Soup. I make a most valiant attempt every Friday night to keep my eyes open long enough to catch the late night hilarity (don't worry, it's set to DVR should I not make it...). Now I get to see if he can make me laugh about things other than his commentary on the celebrity world. I really don't doubt he will one bit. However, considering I desperately want to marry him now, I am worried seeing him in the flesh will make me want to start stalking him...


Side benefit: I get to see my little brother! (Just kidding, Cor, it's the main benefit!) I just realized I haven't seen him since May!! When I calculate the time that's passed it hits me how much I miss the pain in my butt. I'm lucky enough to have one of those brothers I can consider a best friend, and seeing him two or three times a year is just not enough! Here's to a whirlwind 24 hours of hilariousness, of the comedian and sibling variety!

Day 112: Stir crazy!

I never thought I'd say it, but I'm dying to get out and get some exercise! My blister-laden feet are still keeping me idle and it's starting to drive me crazy. Normally I can power through the blister pain (I'm a woman who has worn heels before, we've all been there), but these were some doozies and they were all over my poor footsies so I've been trying to let them heal, before subjecting them to pavement pounding. But, I'm on my 4th day of chill-axing all afternoon after work and I'm getting itchy! The weather's been fairly nice and it's well known how much I love a good chill in the air and I'm enjoying it all from my couch. I have actually watched everything in my DVR! I busted out some yoga today, to feel work out some of the stir-craziness, but that sh*t is crazy! One, it takes way more strength to hold these poses than I'd ever thought, and two, you want me to bend like how?? I know I'm going to pay for this later...

So, to keep my hands busy I launched into a cooking and cleaning frenzy. Currently I have pots simmering on the stove, veggies out to be cut up, the vaccuum plugged in, the furniture cleaner out and I've just scrubbed the shower. Don't worry, I'm washing my hands between the cleaning and cooking... At least this stir craziness has left me with a clean apartment and a full fridge!

Day 110: Ugh. Election Day.

It's here every year, and it's one of the biggest, if not THE biggest days/nights in news. Yet, it makes me cringe. Election day. It doesn't matter if it's a year for a presidential election or a year for local town board seats, it's a pain in my butt. It always means mass confusion, paranoia, stress, exhaustion and don't forget the pizza in the breakroom...which you likely won't have time to grab. I try not to stress out about it, but it's inevitable. I can feel my skin prickle and my anxiety bubble up as I start to map out how the show will flow. This year, at least, I'm really only doing the follow up show, which trust me, can be crazy enough with all the results and reaction sound... But, at least I'm not responsible for tonight's show, with liveshots galore and about 50 percent positivity that they'll actually work. It's really just a crap shoot, and my preference to plan things to a tee does not come in handy when you're forced to make decisions on the fly. Don't get me wrong, it can be fun in the moment, but that doesn't always outweigh the anxiety leading up to it!

Day 109: When in doubt, go to bed...

I'm exhausted. Tough day at work. I don't have the noodles to make the pasta I had planned. My friend didn't answer the phone. And, I just don't plain feel like cleaning the bathroom. So when in doubt, put on the pjs and hit the pillow. That's what I'm doing. I need to catch up the z's anyway, and keeping my eyelids open is proving difficult, so why fight it? Maybe this is my body's way of telling me I need to recharge. So, I'm off to bed at 2 in the afternoon, with the opportunity to technically sleep the next 10 hours. It's been awhile since I got that much sleep, let's see if I can pull it off...