Category Archives: Uncategorized

MAD Driving

Hey Alls,

So I’m trying this new thing all the kids be talking about: Writing on the Interwebs and stuff.  You might have seen me do it from time to time.  I tend to ramble and be silly and weird… and do it much less often than I should in my opinion.  Thus, I’m making a pact to write at least one entry a day, be it short or be it long(er).  If you see some of the entries are password-protected, ask and you shall (might) receive. 

I understand the entire question of “If you didn’t want it made public, than why would you put it on your PUBLIC blog?” 

To keep it short and sweet: I don’t care.  This is where I want my blog, this is where I want to write, be silly, be serious and sometimes, password-protect my sh*t. 

And on to your sporatically-scheduled blogging…

So yeah, we’re still in Florida.  I just got my Florida driver’s license and tags and am officially driving legally.  In fact, I’d say I’m one of the best drivers in the state.  No, really.  You think KC drivers freak out when it rains or snows…There are sites devoted to the fecal-fest that is Florida Driving.

Just to give you a hint of what goes on down here, here are some rules and guidelines for Florida driving:

1) You can only really drive in the middle lane of traffic.  I.E. if there are three lanes of traffic going any direction, you are better off staying in the middle lane AT ALL TIMES.  No one in the “fast” or “slow” lanes knows where they’re going, so they will drive at least 20 mph under the freakin’ speed limit while they try to find the one Italian restaurant they want to go to.  (Note: There are a million Italian restaurants down here.  If you don’t like the pizza at one place, just cross the street.  Some good pizza, I’ll say, but that’s another post altogether.)

2) All lanes are free-range for swerving.  No one is safe.  Those dotted lines can’t hold anyone back!

3) Blinkers, also known as turn signals to some, are not necessary.  People will get out of your way, right?  Oh wait, no… maybe THAT’s another reason Florida car insurance is so freaking high…

4) Road rage is not uncommon.  It’s like a whole bunch of people with hardass East Coast attitudes have been given more space on the open road to ACT on aggression.  I’ve never been to New York or Boston or anywhere in the Northeast for that matter, so I know this might be presumptuous… BUT REALLY…people chase each other down across three lanes of traffic in the middle of freakin’ Pompano Beach.  Pompano Beach!  A suburb!  It’s like Need for Speed IV: Snowbirds Edition.

Hey, we do live near an airport…

5) Honk.  For any reason.  In fact, when it doubt, honk.  People honk if they’re frustrated with a car four cars in front of them, people honk if a pedestrian who has the right-of-way (you know, the “WALK” signal) crosses the street when cars want to turn right on red.  I’ve actually contemplated entering every intersection honking, regardless of whether or not I had a green light, just to feel like I fit in.

I’d hate to start a Need for Speed chase, however.  Depends on how the points system works and if I can get some decals and a sweet sponsorship for the Fit.  Missy’s Fit.  I could call it the MisFit.  Ha.

(Okay, done.)

Protected: Flop.

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KiKi Want a Cracker…Or Your Soul

I present to you…

Demon Parrot Cat!

You’re welcome.

The Margarine of Blogging

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Blogging!  Oh, wait.  I haven’t blogged.

Aaaaaannnnnd I’m back.

The last time I wrote in here?  July freakin’ 13th.  Ridiculous.  What has happened since then?  It seems like I’ve been so busy all this time, but I can’t remember what happened.  Let’s see…

  • First float trip ever = Success. The best everything about summertime: friends, swimming, drinking, floating and all in the middle of nowhere.
  • I didn’t get burned ONCE this summer.  *Insert Joey Lawrence “WHOA.”*
  • I read all four books in the Twilight series.  Well, three and a half; by the fourth one, I was DONE with the plotline/characters/teenage angst/glitter.  I then started questioning who I was and why Kristen Stewart was chosen for the lead role.  I then remembered Kristen Stewart has the same expression for every emotion, so she probably fit the role perfectly.  After I decided to stop reading the fourth book, I felt the life force return to me.
  • I helped Sarah shoot Mandy and Allen’s wedding.  Fun and beautiful wedding, and I was honored to be a part of it.  (Sidenote: Everyone take a look through Sarah’s photo blog in the link above.  I aspire to maybe one day have as much skill as she does.  She’s been a mentor and, many MANY times, a saving grace.)   Stay tuned for blog entry.
  • I decided to quit my current job and will be going to another company in two weeks.  Stay tuned for upcoming blog entry.
  • I became a copywriter and then turned it down.  Huh.  (See above for explanation.)
  • I haven’t stopped running, but I haven’t quite picked up on my running either.  I’ve also changed my mind about 15 times (not joking) in regards to what diet I should be on next.  I am fantastic at creating excuses.  So much so that I’d like to call myself an experienced “Excusionist.”  (Putting it out there right now, cuz I’m coining the term, people.)  Hey, there’s another entry.
  • I love the movie, Hocus Pocus.  That isn’t an update; I’ve always loved that movie.  I just saw the commercial, so I typed it.  Hopefully, I’ll remember to finally buy it this year before Halloween.

There’s a quasi-entry.  The Diet Coke of Blog Entries.  One small entry, not bloggy enough.  (Austin Powers’ quote, anyone?)  Okay, I think it’s time for a glass of wine, a shower, some reading, sleep and prep for my last week of work.  All of that sounds more than quasi-glorious.  Tootles.

Amuck! Amuck, amuck, amuck, amuck...

Unlearning

Some days it’s there.  Other days it’s not.

The light through the dark.  Or the apartment foliage.

I remember feeling really confident and optimistic at least six different times today and pessimistic and crabby at least six other times.  Being incredibly out of it and exhausted didn’t help, I’m sure, but at least I got 15 hours of sleep out of it.

The one truth is I never keep myself in mind.  Just like any long-standing bad habit such as maps or burping without saying “Excuse me,” I think it was learned as a young’un and perfected over time…and now branded deep into whatever part of my brain that controls frustrating personal behavior.  As Spandex Ballet said, “I know this much is true.”  The band’s actual name is Spandau Ballet, but I’d like to imagine an 80s-erific, neon and lace ballet performance to the song.  (Did that happen, by the way?  Like, was the music video for the song like that?  Because that would be fargin’ awesome.)

Regardless, I grew up knowing it was a good thing to be selfless, which I still think is an important and valid value to possess, but I never knew how to balance my needs with others.  I think I’ve made HUGE strides over the past five or so years, however.  I have “me time.”  I’ve learned to say no.  I’ve set boundaries.

Many people are obsessed with what others think about them and their actions or beliefs.  How do I look to him/her?  How will I be perceived?  Did he/she take what I did the wrong way?  I used to care too much about what others thought, even though I aggressively fought the stigma.  I can honestly say I’m not paranoid about what others think about me now.

These days, it’s more about what others WANT and expect from me.

I hate hate HATE disappointing people, so that’s probably the biggest part of it…  And deep down, I’m saying to myself, “Why should you care?  You did the best you could, they don’t understand where you’re coming from, blah blah blah,” but it doesn’t matter.  Old habits die hard…

…But these kind of old habits can die in a fire.  If you can learn a habit you can unlearn a habit, right?  Look up and out and above all the petty bullsh*t.  Try living for no one else who can live for you.  Duh, Missy.  That would BE you.

Good.

Man, I’m bad at this.  Well, not really.  Okay, I mean… Maybe I’m not AS bad at writing, but I’m definitely bad about MAKING myself blog.

I digress.  Sorta.  Via short sentences.

An update in the life of The D:

  • The Dude and I moved!  After a fun burglary (pssshhht, no sarcasm there), we were out in a matter of two weeks.  It’s been a whirlwind of a change, but thinking for almost two years, “Oh, I know we have the PERFECT setup for a burglary here…But SURELY it won’t happen to us…,” turned into, “Hi, Reality.  Oh crap!… Thanks for the b*tchslap!”

*Sidenote: Have any of you seen that SafeAuto commercial where the lady shouts, “Oh Cah-raap!” when that Justin Case dude starts dancing?  For some reason, the way she says “Oh Crap” cracks me up.  Anywhosits.

  • My employer is letting me do some copywriting!  For the general Interwebian public, I’m not sure if it’s a good thing, but I’m happy to finally get some “real” (i.e. transferable/useable/hello-I-can-finally-start-a-career-portfolio) experience.
  • I’ve lost about 16 lbs and gained 8 lbs back.  I was doing this thing they call “not eating,” which became really ridiculous.  Eventually, I stopped really eating at all because I was tired of chicken, shrimp, turkey, beef…ANY meat.  Just the thought of meat made me want to gag, which also made me realize that I never listen to my body.  So…gonna make some changes, and I think it will be good.
  • Over the past two weeks, I’ve returned to running.  Last week, 3 miles killed me.  Today, I did about 5.25 with hills without the craving for unconsciousness, so I think D’s body is starting to somewhat remember what I could do a few months back.  Running, for me, provides something nothing/no one else can:  not so much “personal reflection” but a forced way for me to just DEAL with myself.  I can cover my feelings up with a smile, alcohol, loud music, going out friends and basically ignoring myself, but with running, I can’t escape… ME.  I’ve never regretted a run.  It’s humbling and scary and painful and cleansing and good.
  • You know what else is good?  Cheese.  Sorry, I just wanted to say that.  (And because it’s damn true.)

I hope all is well for you friends and strangers out there.  Well and good.

A Push

A letter on (never home)maker:

You may remember a little post we did back in April called: Respect the Marathon? It was sparked by an advertisement in Runner’s World and the ongoing debate over what is considered “really running” a marathon or not. If you don’t remember what this is all about, go check out the post (which had some AMAZING comments, I might add). But the abridged version is in the photo above.
Sarah M. (in all her post-marathon glory, below) recently wrote us in personal response to this post and this advertisement. Her email gives me chills — no joke. Her words are seriously inspiring/motivating . . . and she was nice enough to let us share her thoughts with you all!
I have been walking for fitness for about 8 years, and just transitioned into running in 2009. I had completed 5ks, 10ks and three half marathons by walking them, and decided it was time to bump it up a notch. Plus, when you run, you finish faster.

I did two half marathons last year, along with the 5ks, 10ks, 10-milers, etc. Somewhere along the way, I was inspired to run a marathon, which I said would never happen, especially 8-10 years ago. But, by God’s awesome grace, I completed my very first full marathon in April. Yes, it took me six hours, but I’m 178 pounds lighter than I used to be.

You are right. The marathon is about personal achievement. And, when I crossed that finish line in April, you would have thought I just won Boston.

  • Respecting the marathon is about the hour upon grueling hour you put into it the months and years leading up to it.
  • Respecting the marathon is writing the check, turning in your registration and believing that you can do it. You will do it, whatever it takes.
  • Respecting the marathon is, when the race course splits, following the full marathon route, not the half marathon route.
  • Respecting the marathon is not giving up at mile 18.
  • Respecting the marathon is meeting God at mile 23.
  • Respecting the marathon is putting one foot in front of the other.
  • Respecting the marathon is watching the mile markers increase with every step from 23, 24 and 25.
  • Respecting the marathon is having nothing left in you to give, but euphoria washing over you when you cross the 26 mile marker.
  • Respecting the marathon is finishing, whether you are crossing the finish line in 3:02 or 6:02.
  • Respecting the marathon is wearing the medal with pride, and wanting to do it again.

I’m not an elitist, and I’m not as hard-core as some of those athletes, but somewhere along this journey, I’ve come to the conclusion that I am an athlete too.

Makes me want to start training for another marathon.  I think it’s about time…

Imma Be Unexcitable

From BWE.tv:

Rolling Stone just released their “40 Reasons To Get Excited About Music” issue, and before we make take any cheap-shots at Rolling Stone — waaaaaaitttttt forrrrrrrr ittttttttt — guess what their Number One reason to get excited about music is?

Yup. The Black Eyed Peas. Who can argue? No one can, is the answer.

With the Black Eyed Peas as the featured reason to get excited about music, one can only imagine what the rest of the list is like — here’s our guesses for the 39 Other Reasons To Get Excited About Music:

2. You hear it in your ears!

3. It begins with “M”

4. Bass Guitars

5. You can have a snack while you listen to it

6. Liner Notes

7. “Sound Of Music” title more confusing without it

8. My mom got iTunes

9. Shows

10. Sometimes talks about stuff that relates to you

11. The Grammys

12. Different kinds

13. Jammin’

14. No limit on number of songs you can listen to

15. Often rhymes

16. Car Stereos

17. Singles

18. On in background at places

19. Radio Waves

20. It’s in movies

21. Wearing clothes while it’s playing

22. Riffs

23. Will not give you AIDS

24. New music

25. Impromptu Beatles concerts on rooftops

26. The girls

27. “Centerfield” by John Fogerty

28. Usually in English

29. Choruses

30. Dogs can hear it

31. Rockumentaries

32. The soundtrack for Forest Gump really worked out

33. Internet

34. Sting, sort of

35. Getting it totally stuck in your head

36. Barack Obama

37. Drums

38. Singing it with people

39. Radiohead

40. Montages at the end of Cold Case

One-Track Blogminded

Why, oh why did I start a running blog as well?  (For your information, it’s missyhatesrunning.blogspot.com.  There are a whopping two posts or something.)  This is my thought process:

“Oh, I have something to post about my new exercise/health kick.  But it’s not about running.  Should I post it on there if it’s not about running?  Probably.  Because running is exercise and stuff.  But I need to post more on my REAL blog.  Man, I haven’t posted on there in forever.”

Honestly, I think I just wanted to separate exercise crap, which I’m sure not a whole lot of people want to read about, from personal/randomness/whatever other crap I want to talk about.  I don’t know why I automatically think people would read this blog more if I didn’t post exercise crap on there, but I do.

And oh well.

Here it is folks.  My new exercise regimen:

Just kidding.  Can you really see me in suspenders?

ANYWHOOO, I’ve been doing the Beachbody Insanity workout program, AND I’ve passed Day 2 of the second month.  There are only two months in the program, so it’s getting down to the nitty-gritty-bust-your-ass-and-sweat-two-gallons-every-ten-minutes-”Holy Bob Saget, I want to puke and/or spontaneously combust because it’d be more comfortable” part of the program.

On a lighter note, I’ve been sleeping like a bebe (pronounced beh-beh) the past two nights because of it.

I’d recommend the program but only for those who like pain.  Just kidding.  Sorta.  Mainly, it’s for those who don’t mind getting their asses whipped.  If you try and actually push yourself through the entire thing, you will notice yourself getting more and more in shape, and your body will change.  I can’t actually say any of the workouts are “fun,” but there are those points in the workout where you’re just like, “I can’t believe I’m throwing myself on the floor.  Huh, this is kinda amusing.”

If you’ve read my running blog, you’ll know that I actually don’t like exercising but I do it anyway.  I have to.  My body type and genetics are too screwy to NOT exercise.  However, I don’t think I would’ve stuck with this program had I not just completed a marathon.  It takes mental strength more than anything.  Your body will be worn out less than halfway through most of the workouts, but you have to make yourself stick with it.

What in the hell has happened to me?  I’m blogging about exercising!  Oh well.

In other news, I’m going to start taking classes this summer to get a certificate in Web Design, which is pretty cool.  More on that and other life stuffs later.

**Consider the missyhatesrunning blog abandoned.  I have a one-track/one-blog mind these days.

Missy is annoyed. PLeaSe RePOST!!! <3

In regards to all of those freaking, ridiculous, chain-letter-like status updates that EVERYONE freaking posts on Facebook…

Okay, it’s definitely not the end of the world, but it seems to be…pointless.  And it’s getting annoying.

Example: “Repost this if you love your mom/dad/bf/gf/cat/dog/hamster/pants more than anything in this world!  Your *insert noun* means the most to you, and you’re not afraid to show it!  If you don’t repost, you’re a worthless piece of crap and you should feel guilty for being such an a-hole.”

Not going to lie, I’ve sometimes felt bad for not re-posting those things, and I have no idea why!  I know declaring my love for my mom, my sister and/or my pants on Facebook doesn’t make me a better person, but I still felt bad for not being like everyone else.  Is there anyone out there who actually judges other people on Facebook if they do NOT post one of those Declarations of Affection?  I didn’t think so.

Maybe I could start re-posting everyone else’s random status updates as Declarations of Acknowledgment.  Suzie’s status update of “Suzie is going to the movies tonight!” could become MY new update: “Missy sees that Suzie is going to the movies tonight!”

Stupid?  Yes.  But hey, it’s a new way of spreading the FB love.  It’s still copying and pasting someone else’s ideas, BUT it’s proving that you’re paying attention to and reading random people’s status updates…instead of just saying “Oh, I don’t want people to think I don’t love my mom!  *copy, paste, update*

By the way, I really do love my pants.