Five on Friday

Good morning, friends!

It's Friday, and since I'm back to semi-regular posting, I thought I'd once again follow along with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for a little "Five on Friday."

  

Enjoy the randomness of my life. :)

~~ONE~~

Yesterday, I ran for the first time in nearly three weeks.

You see, I had some major knee issues that had been accompanying me for a couple of weeks, and then I foolishly ran a half marathon at the end of May. Because my knee was (obviously) bothering me after those 13.1 miles, I wizened up and decided to take a much-needed break from running -- and focus on cycling for exercise and to maintain endurance.

So yesterday was my first measly two miles in quite a while. I was fully prepared for the run to suck since it was in super hot and humid weather and since I had not run for a while, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt.

And then shit hit the fan. Endurance-wise, I was great: I could've gone forever. Pain-wise, not so much. I made it nearly a mile around the lake before deciding that I should take a quick break due to the fire poker jabbing the outside of my left knee.

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning. The second mile included much, much more walking, simply because I was in too much pain to run.

And even more unfortunately, the pain did not subside when I stopped running and instead continued through the rest of the day.

My long-distance-running career may be quickly coming to an end.

Soooooo pretty. Also, helloooooo boobs.

~~TWO~~

I know you are all well aware of my obsession with love toward La Croix. Well, have you heard the news?

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Yep: La Croix is feeding my addiction with three new flavors. Since I was at Target this week (and La Croix was three for $9), I succumbed. I picked up a case of mango and a case of apricot (and my tried and true favorite, lime), and both are absolutely delicious: clean, crisp, refreshing.

~~THREE~~

This past month my book club read The Orphan Master's Son.

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This was the first book-club book (out of nine or ten) that I did not read. It was supposed to be absolutely amazing (I mean, it won the Pulitzer Prize), but I just could not get into it; I tried countless times, and each time I tried, it felt like I was just staring at words. I mean, I would make it several pages, but I would have zero idea as to what was happening.

Interestingly, it turns out that most of the other women felt the same way. I think eight of us were at the meeting on Monday, and two of us had finished the book, and one of us was halfway through.

This month we're reading The Interestings, so I'm much more excited about that.

~~FOUR~~

Speaking of books, I decided that since the crazy storms had rendered me without power on Tuesday, I should reorganize all of my books. For most people, this would likely be a small task; I, however, have a lot of books and a little OCD, so this took me all morning.

First, I piled all of the books on my dining room table. Then, I sorted them according to genre: for instance, Latino literature, African-American literature, African literature, Asian literature, general literature, young-adult literature, memoirs, poetry and anthologies, non-fiction, education books, etc. Next, I alphabetized them within their genres. And finally, I put them back on their shelves.

Apparently I ended with more books than with which I started, so...that was another challenge.

While it took me forever, my anal-retentive self is very happy with the end result.

~~FIVE~~

My sister has been begging me for months to head down to her town for trivia at Peace Tree Brewery; unfortunately, I have had bowling league obligations each time she has asked. But, since they're continuing trivia through the summer, I am thankfully able to attend.

On Wednesday, I headed down south, and my sister, brother-in-law, two of their colleagues, and I formed The Kids' Table team.

After the first round (Classic Album Covers), we only had a measly two points. (We knew a lot of the bands and music but did not know the album covers. Ugh.) In the second round (Random Trivia), we killed it with nine out of ten. And then in the third round (June Trivia), we earned another four points, which left us in first place!

I am so ridiculously competitive, so I loved that we won. And, check out the sweet prizes:

We each received a mini growler (I think they're actually called "stumpy growlers") and could have filled it with beer for 10% off that night. Pretty sweet, right?!

It was such a fun evening, and I am so happy that a.) my sister lives close, and b.) that she wants to hang out with me. I already can't wait for July trivia. :)

What's been going on in your life lately?

Have you read any good books? Hook me up with some recommendations, please!

Five on Friday

Look! Two posts in two days! It's almost like I'm back on track with regular posting. Just you wait: give me a few more days, and I'll be back to two-a-days for y'all. You're welcome. :)

For now, though, since it's Friday, I will follow along with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for a little "Five on Friday."

  

Since I'm hooking you up with nothing but randomness today, make sure to hook me up with a little random from your life in the comments.

~~ONE~~

We got some weather last night! I was a smidge nervous about driving to Ottumwa (for a tennis meet) due to the weather we were supposed to be getting in Des Moines. Luckily, we made it back safe and sound, and aside from a few sprinkles right before starting the matches, Ottumwa was a-okay weather-wise.

And, we had some gorgeous views on the way home:

I wish you could've seen it in real life: this photo, even with the filters, does not do it justice.

In addition to the gorgeous views, it was a really fun trip. I absolutely love the girls, and Shaw's okay, too.

~~TWO~~

I'm not going to lie: one of the main reasons I was a bit hesitant about heading two hours away with pending storms was because of my cats.

I know: crazy-cat lady alert.

But, I was nervous for two cat reasons: first, the Today Show mentioned that Des Moines could be expecting tornadoes this evening (it's never a good thing when a national news show says that). And, I was worried that if a tornado hit Des Moines, my cats would be all by themselves, without me to cart their little butts down to the basement.

Second, one of my cats is a little weenie when it comes to storms:

Yep: the little prissy princess who likes to help me with everything cowers under the bed, in the closet, inside the couch -- pretty much wherever she can cram her tiny little body into the smallest space imaginable -- the minute thunder hits.

This one, on the other hand, could care less about storms but is absolutely certain that the vacuum cleaner (even when it's not turned on) is going to kill him:

Thankfully, both cats were fine (albeit one of them being hidden) when I got home.

~~THREE~~

Starting the Thursday before the Lincoln Half Marathon, my Whole30/Paleo plan kind of went down the toilet. (Interestingly, that happened quite literally.)

It has been so bad, in fact, that I have eaten cookies, pasta salad, cinnamon bears, pizza, and more.

And you know what? I feel absolutely awful. I feel like I weigh 400 pounds. I feel like my tummy is no longer flat. I feel like my face is poofy and no longer slim. I just feel gross.

So, on Monday I am going to for real for real start back on a Paleo plan. However, I am going to make a few exceptions with this Paleo plan. I am not going to worry about compliancy for Eric and Alicia's wedding at the end of the month, and I am not going to cut out alcohol 100%, only because I have not been over-indulging anyway. I will mostly stick to a Paleo plan -- and mostly stick to a Whole30 plan.

I just want to get back to feeling good. And good for me means taking control of my nutrition.

My new Costco purchase should help:

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I have wanted this cookbook for a really long time, so when I saw it for relatively cheap at Costco, I bit the bullet and just bought it. I'm pumped to look through it and start meal-planning again.

~~FOUR~~

Ironically (after discussing how Whole30/Paleo is the way for me), I just have to mention my summer drink of choice: 

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Seriously, the Moscow Mule just might be the most refreshing drink in the history of ever. The mix of lime, vodka, and ginger beer is simply heavenly.

I see a lot of these happening in my future.

If anyone would like to buy me a copper mug so that I can make my own, that'd be great. K thanks.

~~FIVE~~

I have a date on Sunday. I cannot even tell y'all how stoked I am about this one. We have exchanged several (thoughtfully-written, correctly-punctuated) emails and have texted back and forth a ridiculous amount in the last few days.

He is super smart and well-educated, he is driven and motivated, he is well-rounded and interesting, and he cracks me up, even just through email and text message. We share tons of similarities, so many, in fact, that it's unbelievable to both of us.

Hopefully he's pretty darn cool in person, too.

I'm trying not to get too excited about it (because, as my mom says, I love jumping into everything head-first), but let's be real: I'm really freaking excited.

Finally, I had to include a freakin' funny picture. I was searching for "first date" images and was bored by everything I saw, until I came across this one:

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It absolutely cracked me up. It's not necessarily true for this date (which part is untrue? I'll leave that up to you), but I literally laughed out loud when I saw it.

So anyway, wish me luck. :)

Tell me about the best/worst date you ever had. I have some doozies -- that I'll have to save for another day. :)

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

I am again linking up with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for "Five on Friday."

  

It's always fun to string together five totally random thoughts.

~~ONE~~

It is pretty ridiculous how much text messages -- especially those from my sister-in-law -- crack me up. What's likely even more ridiculous is how I look when I read those messages, especially when I'm walking down the hallway at school, alone in the copy room, or in the middle of a silent meeting.

For instance, here is a string of messages that Aly and I sent back and forth on Wednesday:

We also sent a "smile off," but I'll spare you those hot-mess pictures.

Now, if you've never seen Jimmy Fallon and Channing Tatum's "Ew," you probably don't understand why this was cracking me up so much. (And honestly, even if you have seen the skit, you probably still don't understand. For some reason it just kills us. We can recite the entire thing word-for-word -- and often do. I'm giggling just thinking of it now.)

I posted Channing Tatum's Ew before, so I'll post another one that's pretty funny today. You can thank me later.

~~TWO~~

I mentioned about a month ago that I was thrilled to be able to wear one of my favorite pairs of jeans again. The pair that I fit into at that time was a somewhat relaxed fit of Silvers -- and you'd better believe that I've worn the crap out of them in the last few weeks.

Well, this week I tried on yet another pair of my jeans: my super-skinny Express jeans. And, they fit!

Granted, I have a bit of a muffin top with the super-skinnies right now, but I was so thrilled that they slid on smoothly, zipped up with no problem whatsoever, and looked decent that I could've cared less that my silhouette was not super smooth.

I rocked 'em -- and I will continue to do so as I know they'll keep looking better and better and better.

~~THREE~~

The weather in Des Moines this week has been abysmal. First, it has dipped back down into the thirties! Seriously, Iowa, it's May! Second, it has rained every single day that I have been back from Atlanta. 

I know you were dying for a cute kitty picture,
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You know what doesn't go well together? Rain and frigid temperatures and tennis. Last night was brutal.

Luckily, the weather in Lincoln is looking superb for race day: a high of 75 degrees with a 0% chance of precipitation. It doesn't get much better than that, friends.

~~FOUR~~

This is a little late, but I had to share with you a story for National Donate Life month, which just passed us in April.

Please take three minutes and watch this video, as it involves one of the most inspirational stories that I have ever heard. Cindy, one of my greatest graduate school (and even better real-life) friends, and her husband had one heck of a year: Freddie's heart was attacked by a virus and required numerous surgeries and procedures, constant monitoring, and prolonged stays at Mayo Clinic prior to receiving a second chance at life: a heart and kidney transplant three months ago. Through all of their trials and tribulations, Cindy and Freddie (and their wonderful children) never lost hope and remained the most loving, gracious, and beautiful people they are.

Photo courtesy of stolen from Cindy's Facebook page

If you are in the Des Moines area, please consider attending a celebration and silent auction to help the Windsor family on May 17th with some of the financial burden that they have faced (as you can imagine, it is quite extensive). If you would like more information or, if you are not in Central Iowa but would like to donate, please contact me.

And most importantly, please consider organ donation. It truly is the most generous gift one can give.

~~FIVE~~

I wish that May Day was still a thing for grown-ups. I used to love making May Day baskets, sneaking over the the neighbors' houses and "ding-dong-ditching" before they spied us.

And, let's be real, I loved receiving May Day baskets in return.

Although, I'm kind of glad I don't have to deal with them with the whole "Pinterest Age" that we're in. Seriously, look at the ones in this picture:

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And these were the least crafty ones that I found on a quick Google Image search. I'm pretty sure my May Day baskets were styrofoam cups with a name scribbled on in Sharpie and stuffed full with popcorn, Hershey's Kisses, and Pixie Stix.

As much as I love Pinterest, I feel like it probably causes a lot of one-upping (and angst) for a lot of people.

But I digress: I love May Day baskets and want to bring that tradition to the 30-something crowd. But maybe instead of candy and whatever the heck is in the ones above, ours could include vodka and Ibuprofen.

What is your favorite YouTube video? I love me some laughs! What is a childhood tradition that you'd like to bring to adulthood?


Happy Friday!

Five on Friday

Hello from Atlanta!

Like usual, I am linking up with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for "Five on Friday."

  

Without any further ado, here is some randomness for y'all!

~~ONE~~

Have I mentioned yet that I'm running a half marathon in nine days? Nine?

Well, I am.

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And while I know I can do it -- I mean, I've done it several times before and can just walk if necessary -- I feel super undertrained, and after my last two not-so-great training runs, I'm a bit panicky.

I'm going to try to get a good 8-10 miles in on Sunday. I just need a good run mentally in order to feel prepared.

~~TWO~~

But, guess who's going to be cheering me on during my race?

Picture stolen from Aly's Instagram.

Only the cutest spectator ever! Oh, and my brother and sister-in-law will be there, too. :)

It'll be really nice to see them on the course, and I know the fact that they're there will definitely help to motivate me.

(But seriously, let's talk for a minute about how cute my nephew is. I mean, right?! I am the luckiest auntie in the world.)

~~THREE~~

Spring has finally sprung, y'all!

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This is totally not a photo I took, as when I left Des Moines on Tuesday, the trees were still not blooming, but the grass was green.

For those of you who live in warmer climates, you have no idea what it's like when the foliage starts greening again: it is just so happy. I remember one time, in fact, when Katie and I were driving to Daytona from Des Moines for spring break, and we were so thankful and so thrilled when we noticed that we were driving through green.

When you don't see it for five or so months out of the year, you really, really, really appreciate it when you do.

~~FOUR~~

I need a new suitcase.

The bag that I usually check has been on the verge of breaking down for a couple of years now, and my trip to Boston in November sealed the deal: the little button thing in the handle is broken, so the handle either stays up or stays down, and if you want the handle to move, you have to take everything out of the suitcase and move the button manually. 

Obviously, this makes traveling with a checked bag nearly impossible.

So, for my trip to Atlanta, I decided to cram everything into my carry-on suitcase and my school bag.

Impressed? I know. Just wait until you see the massive amounts of clothes that I got into my carry-on:

Get at me!

I mean, just look at the shoes! Yes, the running shoes are going to be tied to my suitcase, but the other three pairs (plus my Rainbows that are in the front pocket) fit in the bag!

In my "school bag," I carried my iPad, my legal pad portfolio, a book (The Interestings), and a whole crap-ton of food (organic apples, Larabars, fruit snacks, etc.).

I'm kind of a traveling pro.

~~FIVE~~

Sometimes my job is really, really tough, and sometimes I have to work with difficult individuals. Most of the time, however, my job is really, really awesome, and the people with whom I work make me so, so happy.

For instance, this was a note that one of my students wrote me in regard to the unit that we are currently studying:

When students never hesitate to tell you everything they dislike about the book you're teaching, the assignments that you're giving, the activities that you're doing, and everything else about the class, it is so nice to read comments like this: it's just reassurance that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, that I'm getting through to at least some of the kids.

And I do know -- in my heart of hearts -- that this is the mentality of the vast majority of my students. It's just the two or three that really put a damper on it.


Tell me something random that's on your mind today!

Five on Friday

Just like I have for the past several Fridays, today I am linking up with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for "Five on Friday."

  

Please don't forget to join me and Aly for our link-up: Three Thanks! We love the gratitude that we've seen and read so far!

And, please don't forget to enter my giveaway: today is the absolute last day to enter! Good luck to y'all!

As always, here are some random musings:

~~ONE~~

I had to cut my fingernails for the first time in probably 25 years yesterday. 

I have always, for as long as I can remember, been a nail-biter. And it's not necessarily that I've been a nail-biter so much as a nail-picker. I think it stems from my obsessive tendencies: I really, really like everything to be equal, to look the exact same way. So if one of my nails broke, I wanted them all to break to be that short. That obsessiveness caused me to basically bite/pick my nails down to nothing.

But, I've finally stopped biting and picking, and yesterday I actually had to cut them. 

I'm pretty proud of myself -- prouder more of kicking this habit than I am of completing Whole30, believe it or not.

~~TWO~~

My students are currently reading the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and this week we took a break from reading the novel to read a short story and watch a music video.

I had my kids read A Simple Gesture by John Schlatter, and we discussed how seemingly meaningless words or actions can have such a significant impact on others' lives.

We then watched the music video to Mark Wills' Don't Laugh at Me.

After the kids got over the late-90s style, we had a great discussion of how we cannot judge others because we do not know their stories, how we should always treat people with nothing but compassion and kindness.

I then had students write about their responses to a few questions: how others' actions have positively or negatively impacted them, how they could have acted differently to more positively affect someone else, and how they believe they acted in a manner to help another human being.

While some students did not take the assignment seriously and others were uncomfortable answering such personal questions, the majority of the students really took the assignment to heart and were honest and reflective in their responses. I only hope they truly take it to heart and treat their peers with love and kindness.

~~THREE~~

I'm really looking forward to a weekend to do nothing. I was gone two weekends ago in Omaha and last weekend in St. Louis. I'll be gone half of next weekend (until Saturday) in Atlanta, the weekend after that in Omaha/Lincoln for my half marathon, and half of the next weekend (Saturday) on the Market-to-Market Relay.

I'm hoping to get a lot of Netflix-watching done tomorrow and Sunday.

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Oh, and I'll get a ten-mile run in there somewhere.

~~FOUR~~

You know what else I should do this weekend? Clean my apartment.

I'm getting pretty disgusted with the state of my bathroom, the ickiness of my kitchen floor, and the litter that my cats think is necessary to kick all over the floor of their little closet. The dust on my ceiling fans is not going anywhere, and I'm pretty sure I need to vacuum all of my floors at least twice to get up all of the gunk.

I just need a good deep clean.

I don't know anyone who is this happy scrubbing floors.
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But I really, really, really do not want to do it.

I think I need to hire someone.

~~FIVE~~

On the way to St. Louis last weekend, Mindy and Katie and I bought our tickets for 80/35, Des Moines' two-day music festival.

(Side note: Mindy and I logged on immediately at 10:00 a.m. to buy the early-bird two-day tickets for $39. Katie logged in thirty seconds later, and the tickets were sold out! She had to pay an extra ten bucks. Crazy!)

I have gone to 80/35 a couple of years, and I'm super pumped for this year's festival already. A few of the acts have been announced thus far, and they look awesome. I'm especially pumped for Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes, one of my favorite indie bands who was up-and-coming when I was in high school and all over everything Saddle Creek Records), Ziggy Marley (I love me some reggae), Brother Trucker (a great local band), and Bonne Finken (always a fun show).

I can't wait for them to announce the Saturday headliner. Any guesses?

Also, I would love to see Delta Rae, Trapper Schoepp & the Shades, and Mat Kearney again sometime soon. If the 80/35 organizers are reading this amazing blog, please make that happen. K thanks. :)

I hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

What is the best concert you have ever been to? What is the next show I should binge-watch on Netflix? What has been your hardest habit to break? 

Five on Friday

As with every Friday, today I am linking up with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for "Five on Friday."

  

Please don't forget to join me and Aly for our link-up: Three Thanks! We love the gratitude that we've seen and read so far!

I love me some randomness, so let's get 'er started!

~~ONE~~

My parents rented Frozen for us to watch together on Saturday night, and we all (minus my dad who thought it was kind of boring) LOVED it.

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For once Disney created a movie where the female characters save themselves, where romantic love is not necessarily a premise of the story, and where sisters are pretty kick-ass.

I loved, loved, loved it.

Also, Let It Go is still one of my favorite songs. Again, LOVE.

As soon as the movie isn't $19.99, I'm totally buying it -- and watching it again and again and again (much like all of you parents of toddlers have done).

~~TWO~~

As you read this, I am likely en route to St. Louis. (Every time I type that, I can't help but sing some Nelly to myself. I hope all of you 30-somethings are right there with me.)

I am super pumped for a weekend away with the girls and am really hoping we stake out claim to this area and don't leave all weekend:

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There's not a whole lot I like more than a good rooftop bar. Seriously: heaven.

~~THREE~~

Speaking of St. Louis, this is going to be my first trip (other than Omaha, twice) during my lifestyle change. While I know I will stray from Whole30 (as eating out most meals at unknown restaurants will be tricky -- and, let's be real, I may want a glass or two of wine with my girlfriends), I am going to try to be at least cognizant of my food choices and select options that somewhat align with the way that I have been eating for the past month-and-a-half.

If I stray too far, after all, I will be spending the weekend in the bathroom -- not with the girls. :)

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And since we're sharing a hotel room, that would not be good for anyone involved.

~~FOUR~~

Because I finished Whole45 on Wednesday, I weighed myself yesterday morning. I am down 2.8 pounds since I finished Whole30, which means I am down 9.4 pounds overall. That is almost ten pounds in six weeks, y'all. I'm pretty stoked about that.

And let's be real: my weight could actually be lower since right now it's likely jacked up due to hormones. And, it would be lower still if I worked out regularly like I should be doing.

Eating whole, non-processed foods works, friends!

~~FIVE~~

Remember how I've been so excited for HBO GO and the ability I now have to watch Game of Thrones with the rest of the world?

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Well, I am still super pumped (and thankful!) to have HBO GO, but I have yet to see the season premiere! I have had such a busy week with tennis meets, bowling, and a migraine and have just not had a chance to watch it.

I guess I'll have to have a double-dose of GoT sometime next week.

I. can't. wait.

Have a wonderful Friday, friends!

Five on Friday

Today, I am linking up with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for "Five on Friday."

  

Please don't forget to join me and Aly for our link-up: Three Thanks! We love the gratitude that we've seen and read so far!

~~ONE~~

I get to see this little fella tomorrow:

I am so excited to see him AND his mama. Also, I hope no one else is expecting to get any time with him, as I plan to keep him to myself all day long.

~~TWO~~

We still have about two months of school left, but I feel like it's going to fly by. My calendar is jam-packed:

• April 4-6: Omaha for family time
• April 11-13: St. Louis for AM's bachelorette party and Chelsea Handler
• April 22-26: Atlanta for a conference
• May 2-4: Omaha & Lincoln Half Marathon
• May 10: Market-to-Market Relay
• May 24: AM & ER's wedding
• May 31: Dam to Dam

I think there are two weekends in there that I have free.

Plus, I will be teaching (duh) and planning/administering finals, coaching tennis (eek!), starting See-Us Run Des Moines, writing this blog, and prepping for summer fun.

These two months are going to disappear, friends.

~~THREE~~

I just got this email a few days ago:

And, now I know how I'm going to waste even more time.

I don't know what it is about some TV shows, but I can watch them over and over and over and over. I don't care how many times I've seen House solve X case or how many times I've seen Benton and Stabler catch Y perp, I can still watch those same episodes over and over and over.

And, they're really good shows to nap to (even if I always fall asleep at the end and miss the "answer" to the medical case or crime scene).

~~FOUR~~

I can't believe I forgot to tell you guys this, but on Sunday, I wore a pair of jeans that I haven't worn since last year because they didn't fit. And, I tried on my super skinnies, and they zipped up! They weren't super comfortable quite yet, but I can tell I don't have that much further to go before I'll be waltzing around the city in those bad boys.

April 2012

In that picture, I am wearing the aforementioned super skinnies (and yes, I know you can't see them well), a medium tank-top from Express, and a really cute fitted jacket/blazer. I want so badly to fit into that outfit again, and I know that day is not too far away. I'm so pumped.

~~FIVE~~

When Holly featured me on her blog a couple of weeks ago, she featured me with another super awesome chica, Kaela, who blogs over at Flabulous to Fabulous (how cute is that blog name, P.S.?). She is in the midst of a weight-loss journey and is planning on starting Whole30, which I could not be more thrilled about. Not only does she keeps it real, but she also posts hilarious animated gifs (is that what they're called?) in every post.

Anyway, hop over, check her out, and offer her the oodles of support you've given me. :)

Finally, and maybe this is Five Point Five, I love reading others' blogs and am always looking for new ones to add to my reading list. If you are stopping by from the link-up (or from another source), first of all, welcome! and second of all, please leave me a comment to tell me about your blog. I'd love to check it out! Let's be friends. :)

What are your random thoughts for this fantastic Friday? Any fun plans for the weekend?

Five on Friday

Today, I am linking up with The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, and A. Liz Adventures for "Five on Friday." Randomness is always a fun way to end the work week. :)

  

Before I do that, though, don't forget to join me and Aly for our very first link-up: Three Thanks. You still have six days to enter until the adventure starts all over -- no excuses! :)

~~ONE~~

I have been ridiculously obsessed with two things: jalapenos and crushed red pepper. Seriously, I think everything I eat contains one of these ingredients. I always add jalapenos to my breakfasts, and crushed red pepper is the best seasoning for asparagus, green beans, broccoli, shrimp, etc.

My family used to make fun of me for being such a weenie in regard to spices (I used to think black pepper was spicy), but I am becoming quite a fan of those two flavors.

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YUM.

~~TWO~~

When I think something is funny, I generally think it is REALLY funny, and I most often crack myself up, even when I just think of it.

That's how it has been for months with this image:

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It kills me. Every time.

However, this image that I found a couple of weeks ago might take the cake:

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If you're not busting a laugh right now, there is totally something wrong with you.

I mean, no offense but...that's hilarious.

~~THREE~~

I bought cribbage for The Boy, thinking it would be a really fun game for us to take on vacations, something easy to cart around to hotel rooms or airports. We both liked cards and we both liked board games, so this should've been a sure bet.

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He hated it.

Now that we are no longer together, I'm totally fine with that. I kept cribbage. Now, I just need someone to play it with me, as it gets a little boring -- and a lot confusing -- trying to play it by yourself.

Any takers?

(Also, I swear that I'm 30 -- not 85 -- years old.)

~~FOUR~~

Guess who I get to see on Sunday?

THIS GIRL!!

When we saw a Groupon for her Maximize Your Life tour, my two super-close colleagues and I knew we would be there. Linds, Mags, and I are crazy-pumped.

I just hope she doesn't make us do jumping jacks since, you know, "You don't get this for free, people!"

Anyway, I've always thought Jillian Michaels is so inspirational, and I'm thrilled to get to see her in real life. I love a good motivational speaker. :)

~~FIVE~~

For the past couple of days, my students have been watching Romeo + Juliet. We finished reading the play prior to spring break, and I thought it would be fun (and kind of a nice break from the crazy amount of reading and writing we do) to watch the modern version of Romeo and Juliet and analyze Baz Luhrmann's take on the story.

Plus, who wouldn't want to see this five times over and over and over and over?

Source

This movie came out in 1996 -- when I was in middle school. It was so popular, and I loved everything about it. I bought the soundtrack and listened to it until the CD got too scratched, I collected the postcards that came in every YM and Teen magazine, and I thought I was so cool when I memorized the prologue and other famous lines.

My students weren't even born when this movie was released. They think it's stupid that the script is still in Shakespearean language when the rest of the movie is modern.

I cannot express how sad this makes me. So, every year I try to force my kids to like it. Maybe I'll actually succeed one of these times.

I hope you all have a wonderful finish to your work week, and I look forward to seeing you back here tonight for a recap of the day and then tomorrow for some more Five Favorites!