Bragging Rights

This post is purely to brag.  But you know what? It's my blog, and I can say what I want :)  I am SO proud to report the following (from March 20 to September 11, 2011):

I've lost 27 lbs.

I've gone down 3 dress sizes.

I've gone down 4 pant sizes.

I'm still not a size 00 like my roommate, and I still don't have abs like Steven, but I'm happy.  I've worked hard, and it has paid off.  It's amazing how diet and exercise work so well...fancy that.  Only 7 lbs to go before my photo shoot, and I know I'll be able to do that.  5 weeks and 5 days to go!!!!

#happiness

RAWWWRRR!!

Ok ladies, listen up. This is important.  There are a handful of things you should be able to do by the time you move out on your own.  Most of my female friends are married and have babies already, so I'm hopeful that you already know these things.  But here's the rundown:

1. Know how to change a tire. (I don't even know how to do this. I know the concept, but I've never done it.)
2. Know how to use a power drill.
3. Know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. (cough, cough - roomie)
4. Know how to get a job.
5. Know when to call a man for the rest of the shit you can't do.

Ok now let's break it down:

1. Changing a tire.
     I admit, I've never changed a tire.  But everyone should know how.  The concept is simple: remove one tire, replace it with the spare.  Well here's a thought...practice it a couple times just so you know how to do it.  That way I don't have to sit on the shoulder of Westbound 80 for an hour waiting for another Triple A guy to come do it for me.  That was embarrassing.  Someone please show me how to do this...

2. Power drills.
     Power tools are amazing.  And men are usually terrified when you know how to use them.  Know how to change out the drill bits, and know where the button for forward and reverse is.

3. Grilled cheese.
     Grilled cheese is delicious, and a crowd pleaser.  So if you have a new boyfriend over and you're too lazy to go anywhere for dinner, make him a grilled cheese.  It's easy, and he's more likely to return when you feed him.  So know how to make one...without burning it.

4. Getting a job.
     I'm talking to my younger friends with this one.  You can't walk into a business and ask for an application in a t-shirt and jeans.You should be professionally dressed and well-groomed, with a complete resume in-hand.  I'm so tired of seeing you young girls in restaurants and other places in mini-skirts and tank tops asking for job applications.  Who would you hire?  The teeny-bopper in the plaid or the well-dressed young professional with a resume?  It's not rocket science, but as I've been told, "common sense isn't common anymore."

5. Calling a man for help.
     Lesbi-honest. Sometimes we just can't do it.  Be an adult and admit when you need a man to help. Even if it's your dad.

Logic Trumps Emotion

I say this a lot, and there's a reason: it's true. 

I have a friend who always happily points out when I'm "letting my vagina do the talking."  At those moments, I quickly reevaluate my point of view (he's usually right), and talk the logic back into the situation.  Women, in general, have a hard time looking at a situation through logic instead of emotion.

Example:
You're casually seeing someone you really have feelings for who is casually seeing other women as well.

Emotional response:
You're hurt and upset because you [desperately] want to be the only woman in his life.

Logical response:
You have no right to be upset because you're not the only woman in his life, nor are you his girlfriend.

The sooner you are able to process your thoughts logically, the sooner you'll realize how much time you spend being sad for no reason.  Let's be honest, ladies.  We're emotional creatures.  It's natural to be upset in a situation like my example.  But that doesn't mean you have to be emotional all the freaking time. 

Guys expect you to be crazy for one week out of the month.  And during that week, it's still not cool, but it's slightly more accepted.  During the rest of the month, you need to put your big girl panties on and suck it up.  Or find a guy who will tolerate your whining and bitching because they don't spend enough time with you.  I have friends right now who are literally texting and calling their "boyfriends" multiple, MULTIPLE times a day and getting no response.  There's a reason they don't respond!  They don't want to talk to you! 

So logically, you need to explain to yourself that this is not the end of the world and you will get over it.  You will find someone else who responds when you call and text.  You will go to sleep and get up the next day just the same as you did today.  Your natural, emotional response will be to continue calling and texting until he responds.  He won't.  So just stop.  Fight the urge.

Logic will always trump emotion.  It's ok to be emotional sometimes.  SOMETIMES.  But try to see the world through logic instead.  You'll be so much happier with your day-to-day life and overall situation.  Trust me.  I'm a doctor. (jk)

Trash the Dress

Two months from today I'm scheduled to do a "Trash the Dress" photo shoot with Melissa Babasin of Melissa Babasin Photography (www.melissababasinphotography.com).  I'm SO excited for this shoot for several reasons.

1. Melissa did my wedding pictures, so it's only appropriate that she do my divorce pictures too.
2. My wedding dress will fit me a lot better now that I've lost 25 lbs, and another 10 before then (before picture to the left).
3. Melissa's work is phenomenal.
4. I'm celebrating being done with a dead-end marriage.
5. It's not only going to be a trash-the-dress shoot, but also kind of a glamor shoot.
6. I'm going to use a few of the photos she takes as head shots for future auditions.

 By the time this photo shoot rolls around, I want to have lost the last 10 lbs and really toned up.  I've been working really hard on this, and I'm slowly but surely seeing a difference in my body.  It's amazing to see hard work pay off!

I'm very grateful to close friends and family who have helped me through the last 5-10 months (Steven, Donna, Monique, Lexie, Betty, Brandon, Trevor, and Megan, just to name a few).  It's been a long time since I've felt like myself, but I finally do.  And it's been long overdue.  I've been going out, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and loving every single minute of life that I'm LIVING.  No more watching from the stands.  It's time for me.

#motivation

Desperation is NOT Attractive

 I have a couple male friends that I've been observing on FB the last couple months, and it's hilarious to me how many girls throw themselves at them.  In a desperate way.  They "like" every single post and photo, they comment on everything, and they apparently get attitude when they see other girls doing the same.  

Desperation is not attractive, ladies.  If he's interested, he'll talk to you.  Have enough confidence to know what you're worth, and let him come to you on his own.  If he doesn't, find someone who will.  Don't chase after him, it's not appealing.  And it makes you look like an idiot.  

We're all a little guilty of this at times, myself included.  You find a guy you like, you connect with him, and then you see that he connects with 3 other girls too.  So you start thinking,
"What if he likes them more than me?"
SO WHAT??  There will be other guys who like you more than someone else.  Don't compete for any man's attention.  You are who you are, the end.  Don't change or try to be like anyone else just to impress him.  Because once you get comfortable and things start to get into a routine, he will notice that you're different.  

All I'm saying is don't be desperate.  It's not cute.  Just relax, be yourself, have a great time in life, and if he's attracted to you, he'll tell you.  Men aren't very subtle...

20 Things Women Want Men to Know

Men, pay attention:

1. When we compare ourselves to a fat cow, say nothing.

2. If you say you'll do something, do it.

3. We often think with our vaginas, much like you often think with your penis.

4. We love surprises because it shows that you cared enough to put some thought behind it.

5. We appreciate that you're protective, but don't act like our father.

6. Oral sex is your get-out-of-jail-free card.  New shoes will also work.

7. It's cheating as soon as you do something you wouldn't want her to see, read, hear...

8.  "Fine" is never an appropriate response when we ask "How do I look?"

9. Sometimes we like to be the big spoon.  Let us hold you now and then.

 10. When you say you'll contact us, we expect you to.

11. We can handle the truth, so don't lie to us under the guise that you're "protecting" us.

12. You did something bad.  I seem ok with it.  I'm not.  Please see #6 above.

13. We always notice when you check out other girls. You're not that sly.

14. Wearing jeans with holes big enough to put your fist through are not appropriate for a family gathering.

15. Discussions about the ex-bf/ex-gf should be avoided at all times.

16. We love when you spend time with your mother, but not every waking second.

17. We appreciate good hygiene.  

18. We are well aware when we're being bitchy, but it's in your best interest to not point it out.

19. We will use any excuse we can to touch you in public.

20.  Affection should not have an ulterior motive.  Sometimes it should stop at a simple kiss and a hug.

All simple enough, right? 

How to be a 20-Something

This is an insightful article I found at www.stumbleupon.com.  It's something every 20-something should stop to read.

How to be a 20-Something