dilemmas and delusions

The Bravermans are my new favorite fake family.  I really wish I could come to their reunions, but that's silly.  I mean, that could never actually happen.  I'm not blood-related, and there aren't any single men my age to offer the hope of marrying my way in.  Also, I haven't yet figured out how to get inside my TV.

1996

Today in English, we talked about flashbacks, and wouldn't you know it...as I was driving to class this afternoon, a song came on the radio, and I had a little flashback of my own.  Let it be known that for some weird reason I remember that Mark Wills' "I Do Cherish You" was playing on the boombox when my cousin Katie and I stayed up all night watching reruns of Saturday Night Live and eating massive amounts of chocolate chocolate chip cake that we snuck out of the kitchen and into the game room.  Thank God for the flashbacks that save me from everyday life!

back on the grid

I know it's kind of generic, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for...

some super fun road trip companions
Buc-ees
a very patient dog
way more delicious food than I could eat
a happy family
a lazy movie day
an impromptu coffee break and shopping spree with some people who make me laugh a lot
running into an old college friend
a successful run around White Rock Lake
free sample day at Target (very handy after 10 miles on an empty stomach)
a mom who calls me just to say she loves me!

"It says right here, it is a dessert wine!"

I don't know the most effective method for counseling a Hispanic American teen who is struggling to establish her independence in a family that values unity and self-sacrifice...or exactly what ridiculous outfits I'll be forced to concoct from the contents of my rashly packed suitcase.  But I do know that Central Market's pumpkin pie gelato is worth every calorie, Middle Sister Drama Queen Pinot Grigio isn't too shabby, and the first two episodes of The Good Wife will leave you wanting more.  Here's to yet another unfinished paper, a suitcase that is likely filled with 27 pair of mismatched socks and no shoes, and a much enjoyed girls night in!

P.S. Major loss of cool points if you think the title is original.

blockBUSTED!

It is a little known fact that teachers exist outside of school.  They do crazy things like go out to eat, shop for groceries, get their cars washed, and rent movies.  You might not recognize them at first, because they tend to ditch their khaki pants and modest pencil skirts for jeans, but there's always the tell-tale cardigan or simple stud earrings or little ballet flats to give them away.  If you hear them answer to other names like Sarah or Jim or Ashley, don't be alarmed; count yourself lucky to have discovered the mystery of their "real" names.  But please don't tell anyone else the secrets to which you are privy.  For if you do, the entire balance of power may shift on its side and end in complete and utter mayhem.  Mayhem, I tell you!  And while we're on the topic of secrecy, mum's the word if you happen to be working the register at Blockbuster when your fourth period teacher strides in, pretends to peruse the new releases when in fact, she knows exactly the title she wants, and then casually lays 17 Again on the counter with a desperate look in her eyes that says, "I promise I don't ever dream of going back in time and reliving my high school years because my life now is everything I hoped it would be and more!"  Also, if she (or he...let's keep this totally hypothetical) has a few late charges for a long list of sappy romantic comedies, it's best to just let those slide.

look alive!

Warning to all those who participate in a Thanksgiving feast at work: unlike the real deal, post-meal activities do not include laying on an old couch and listening to your relatives yell at the television while they watch a football game you don't care about.  Keep in mind that after that last perfect bite of dressing with a little bit of cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes clinging to the side of your fork, you will be expected to do something productive.  Might I suggest opening a completed Excel sheet, placing your hand on your computer mouse, and settling in for a disguised upright snooze?

life is good

Ran 10 miles today, and around mile 8 when I needed a push, a woman rolled down her passenger window, gave me a thumbs up, and yelled, "You go, girl!"  And I did!

When I made it home, I limped around and cleaned the kitchen, straightened up the living room (aka: moved a pile of clothes from the couch to the bed), vacuumed, and did two loads of laundry.  As I was walking to get lunch, I thought to myself, "Wow...it's only noon, and I've been so productive!"

And then my check engine light came on.  I spent the next few hours intermittently watching The Family Stone (I heart you, Luke Wilson) and falling asleep (still heart you, Luke Wilson).  When I finally peeled myself off the couch, I decided it was time to give in to my Pumpkin Spice Latte craving, so I moseyed down the street to my neighborhood Starbucks.

Everything was going well until the barista announced, "It's buy one get one free on all holiday drinks right now.  Do you have a friend who would want one?"  And I had to say, with a line of patrons behind me, "No...no friends."  I felt the urge to follow up with, "I mean, I have friends.  I have a lot of friends.  I just won't see any of them before the drink gets cold," but I figured that might sound even more pathetic.

So I did my second single girl walk for the day...just me carrying my order for one back to my apartment.  But honestly, I've appreciated my downtime lately.  Good coffee, the smell of fresh laundry, and a little Taylor Swift in the background is not a bad gig.  Perhaps I was able to enjoy it because I knew it wouldn't last long.  In just a few hours I would be gussied up and mixing and mingling with some coworkers at a Photography Studio Open House.

Little did I know that I would also end up in a dance-off with a six-year-old.  She may not have known it was a dance-off, but let me tell you right now, if you're dancing at the same time as me, and you're not dancing with me, then it's a competition...and you are most likely losing, my friend!

So there you have it.  I championed the streets and the impromptu dance floor.  I drank more calories than some people eat in a day.  I watched a movie while it was still light outside.  And I loved every minute of it!