So That Happened

My life is full of Famous Last Words, you know?  I had so much fun with Schmillie (as well as free shots and new friends) that I was home around 3:00 am on Saturday...ish.  (I don't remember, guys.)  Which also meant I kept telling Hike all night that I wanted to stay longer, and that maybe I wouldn't be home to cook him dinner, and maybe later again, etc. etc. so finally I was like Yeah, you should sleep at home because this party train is going to be delayed.  Which he was mostly fine with, once I called him to check in...  I wondered why he had so much 'tude at the time, but to be fair, I do need to be realistic about my "home eta" when I plan these things, as this is not the first time I've done that to him.  And as I also discovered the next day, he bought me flowers to surprise me for Friday night and so yeah, he had to wait to give them to me until Saturday night.  Oops.  But still aww!

So right, I slept in until noon on Saturday, then of course needed Mexican food and had lost my voice by screaming/drinking/smoking so many cigarettes on Friday, so I ordered tacos & enchiladas online.  I ate half of the food, then basically was in and out of sleep all afternoon while catching up on the new Top Chef.  Finally I didn't feel like puking in the evening, so I showered, ran to the grocery store to stock up on supplies for my big plan-ahead cooking (which would now have to be delayed, since I obviously didn't get to it on Saturday), then home for Hike to pick me up and we went to a Spanish/Peruvian place on Steinway.  The food was pretty good, and it was fun to try a new place with this coupon he had from Yelp.  I probably wouldn't go back but we love exploring restaurants, and we had really nice date conversation.  We went back home to watch the American with G. Cloon, and other than G. Cloon's beauty, that movie is terrible.  It was so slow and boring, and I guess supposed to represent the monotony of trade professions (ammunications maker, prostitute) but GOD DAMN IT stop trying to be meaningful by being sparse!  I hate that.  We gave up on it around midnight since we were getting sleepy anyway, but finished it last night.  Do not recommend.

Sunday we were up early despite our best efforts, then I made breakfast, then we had a fight because he was reading some wrestling blog on the computer while I made breakfast, but I thought he HAD to study, and I was like why am I serving you while you're relaxing?  Which is a terrible attitude but one I'm fighting with this school thing.  I know he needs a mental break now and then, but from my perspective, while studying he always has the tv on (muted) and is flipping around to webpages and it seems like LOTS O' BREAKS.  I realize that's dangerous to assume, plus his style seems to be working since he's getting good grades, but when both of our lives have to center around his studying schedule, I have some bitterness.  It's not great, and I'm working on it, and he's working on not reacting so strongly when I do criticize him (which is when the cycle begins) but ugh.  Anyway, that happened.  Then we had to leave for his high school friend's second baby's christening on Long Island, and we finally sort of made up in the car on the way there.  The service was at 1:30 pm and there were like 8 babies and they were all crying plus everyone in the pews was talking and this guy near us kept his BLUETOOTH in the entire time like a total asshole, so right, it wasn't a very meaningful service from where we were sitting.  But then we went to a steakhouse for lunch ON THEM!  It was really good, and I know I went over my extra points, but sometimes that is going to happen.  (It would have been ideal to not have DRANK THEM ALL on Friday, then eaten them with my hangover, but oh well.)

We came home exhausted around 6:30, and he went back to the books/football on mute while I (instead of being bored with football) decided to cook those meals I'd been planning on.  Well, the Taco Chicken Chili had been in the crockpot all day while we were gone, but I made these WW Red Velvet Cupcakes (3 pts) which I was nervous about but turned out quite good!  (They're for tonight's Harpie dinner.)  Then I made the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, which seems like it'll be good and still really spicy even though I bought Extra Mild Wing Sauce, but I'm annoyed because it went up to 10 pts per serving because I couldn't find non-fat ricotta (just part skim) and I think that's it...  the recipe says it's 7 pts per, but when I entered it into the WW Recipe Building it gave me the 10 value.  So we'll deal with that....though now that I'm remembering I have 29 points per day, that seems OK.  I was working in the kitchen pretty much all of last night, which wasn't so relaxing, but at least I'd laid around all day on Saturday.  Plus, now I have about 18 dinners ready to go for the next few weeks!

And today I'm sort of sleepy and still have the voice of a drag queen, but tonight will be a fun Harpie dinner and tomorrow night I'll be at home with Hike.  Though I do still have to do laundry... so I think there won't be as many gym trips this week, but as I said before, I'll go when I can.  Oh, and the scale I ordered arrived!  I tried it after lunch (shoes off) and I was still at 153, but we'll see where I am naked first thing in the morning.  (TWSS?)  I probably will wait until next week to start my official weekly weight reporting program, so I can be consistent with it, but you know how I love data.

Today's food:
B - apple, cereal, milk - 5
L - turkey sammy, string cheese, special k, orange - 7
D - TBD, but I know Kate is making a wild mushroom ravioli...
S - yogurt with blueberries
TOTAL - hopefully not too high

I'm Getting Too Old for this Sh*t

Interlovers!  Hello!  How are we on this sunny Monday?  I hear it's gorgeous outside...and it seems that way from my window.  (I don't go outside, especially since I'm re-quitting smoking after a short relapse.)

Well, this was a weekend.  I mostly love sharing a social life with Hike, as we get to do all sorts of fun things and we're integrating our lives pretty well, but lately it's been very busy with his side of plans and I need a rest.  Yes, I like resting more than the average 29-year-old, but so what, who cares?  Anyway, here's what happened.

Friday I had a lady-doc appointment at 1 pm in Astoria, so after waiting for 90 minutes and then waiting another 30 for a blood test (I figured it was time to get tested for HIV.  So fun, right?  I have no reason to worry, but I don't remember the last time I was checked.  I like to be sure of these things.), I went home and immediately started in on the three large loads of laundry that had been waiting around for washing (all the sheets and towels from the parental visit plus my stuff), and then fixed the broken medicine cabinet (which had collapsed on Hike when he was peeing at 4 am last Wednesday, poor thing), did a half-manicure on myself, then got showered and dressed up to head into the city at 7:30 for Hike's brother's 30th birthday party.  We had a big crew of the boys' high school friends (many of whom I'd met before), and then after our butter-soaked dinner, we went to Hudson Terrace.  And guess what?  His sister-in-law had decided to commit to bottle service, since that's the only way they'd give us a reservation -- but she didn't tell any of the party guests.  Whatever, we made the most of it and drank a lot alot ALOT of vodka.  And shouted at each other since we could barely hear anything.  And Hike and I danced a bit, which was very fun.  It ended up being really enjoyable (especially dancing with the open-roof, so under the night sky!) but I don't remember getting home very well.  And Saturday was a day of puking and napping, of course.  I was so dead. 

So Saturday night I manage to get dressed again without falling over (barely) and we go to Hike's mom's and then out to dinner in Huntington with the whole crew (Franny, mom, bf, bro, sis-in-law, us) and the restaurant was LOVELY.  I felt better after eating something, too.  After dinner, we put in our appearance at his best friend's girlfriend's suprise birthday party at that restaurant's bar.  We nursed one drink each (it was an open bar that we sadly could not take advantage of) and then said our goodbye's, got some Ralph's Italian Ices, sat on a bench to eat them, and then headed back to his house to play some more of our video game and crash.

Sunday was up with an alarm so we could be all cleaned up in time to go back out to LI for a fancy brunch buffet with his bro and sis-in-law again and his father and stepmother and the sis-in-law's parents.  It was to celebrate the boys' birthdays, as both were recently, and we went back for plate after plate (raw bar! omelette station! cream puffs!)  Then it was back to Dad & step-mom's house for chatting and presents.  We got back to Astoria around 7 pm, worn out and sleepy.  (Plus I was half-teary all day as I'd started my period.) 

Anyway, lots of good family time, of course, but lots of diamond-ring comparing on Sunday and wedding-picture looking and talk of MONEY and man, I feel poor around these people, but I also feel pressure.  Like, I'm mostly fine that I want my whole wedding situation to be more affordable (so we can buy a house someday, of course), but these ladies make me feel pretty intimidated.  It's going to be tough, I think, to make everyone happy, but I shouldn't be worrying about that now.  Still, a day like that is psychically challenging.  Otherwise it was a nice weekend, and I had lots of silly fun with Hike throughout, but I'm looking forward to some more alone time and down time next weekend (before a wedding trip the following one.)

Tomorrow we're going to see Bridesmaids, too, and I can't wait!  Then Wednesday is softball (and it's supposed to be HOTTT) and Thursday he'll probably just come over for dinner, then phew, it's Friday again.

And tonight.  I finally have a chance to get a pedicure and wax and stuff, so it's time for that.  Of course I keep putting on weight from all this social eating, but when will I exercise?  No idea.  I have to figure out a better plan.

Wellll thanks for listening, pals.  Until next time.

Interfriends!  Hello.  Man, last week was very busy at work and outside of it, and I feel so behind on my slacking time.

A week ago from Friday, Hike's aunt passed away from cancer, so we went to the wake on LI on Monday.  I left work at noon and we got home after 10 pm, so it was a long, sad day, but I'm glad I could be there for him.  Then work was crazy and the other, inefficient staff members that I'm supposed to corral were giving me problems, and I don't remember much else from the week - it wasn't eventful!

This past Friday I had some lovely happy hour beverages with Schmillie, then went over to Hike's for pizza and Fraggles.  Saturday I got my nails did and took care of some stuff at home, then we went into the city for his sister-in-law's huge 30th birthday party at Hudson Terrace.  It was an open bar and dancing and really fun, and also full of Long Islanders.  A lot of Hike's friends were there, and they were all very nice and we danced for awhile with his mom, too, and I wore really high heels but didn't die, only had to sit down every so often from the ankle pain.  I'm getting better!  Sunday was a terrible hangover since I drank so much vodka, and so we were very lazy, and alternated between watching Cheers and Fraggles.  It was a good lazy day, but man, I can NOT drink so much anymore.  Why do I never learn?

This week should be nice.  I'm catching up on my normal work, and tonight I should try to do laundry (though really, I should go to the gym, but meh), because tomorrow Hike and I are going to see Cedar Rapids for free, whoo, then Wednesday is Thighs' birthday party and then I have to leave early to pick up the monthly veggies, and then Thursday is dinner at this new Mexican place in Astoria that I'm VERY excited about with Schmess, and maybe our boyfriends, and then Friday is Hike somehow, then Saturday I have Harpie brunch and then Hike and I are going to a Devils' game in NJ and having dinner out there beforehand, and drinks with his friend afterward.  Whew!

So things are pretty great, and I'm trying not to internalize my work stress, and my weight is still higher from quitting smoking (and winter weight), but I've stopped gaining and now just have to go back down five pounds before I feel decent about myself.  It's interesting to have such a fit boyfriend, because it really does make me crazy self-conscious (and it's not his fault, it's all in my head,) and the only answer is to do something about it.  Slowly but surely, I guess.

Now back to the grind. 

And the Rains Came Down and What I Ate

Whew, another rainy day after a very soggy weekend!  At least this should be the last of it -- the forecast for the rest of the week is lovely.  I'm seeing more walks home in my future. 

The weekend was fun, though I spent it pretty much in the dry, warm inside of my apartment.  Friday night I met Schmauren for happy hour, and we felt very smart, as we only spent $12 each, for four beers and two appetizers.  I think the bartender even gave us one of those beers free, so score.  It was great to catch up, and then after our conversing, we parted ways and headed home to our sweatpants.  Mex came over after a little while and got some work done (with my internet) while I took a long bubble bath, then it was early to bed for us tired kittens.  Saturday was lots of NCAA watching (him) and freelancing (me), then we tried to go to dinner at this highly-praised newish restaurant in Astoria, Vesta.  Unfortunately we were both soaked by the time we got there from sideways, blustery rain, and then were told they couldn't seat us for an hour, nor was there anywhere inside to wait, as they'd had a leak earlier and were short on space.  The host/owner was very nice about it, but there was nothing to be done.  (We'd assumed that it wouldn't be too crowded with the terrible weather, but next time I'll make a reservation!)  So we braved the elements again and found the only food nearby, which was mediocre sushi.  We were going to play pool afterwards, but our favorite dive bar was mysteriously empty with only the ghostly "last call" lights on, but with an unlocked door.  It was creepy and we'll have to find out what happened next time we go in, though Mex did see a health inspector in there on Wednesday.  Uh-oh.  So we gave up and headed home for dry pj's, warmth, and wine.  Then we managed to move onto the bottle of cheap tequila (El Toro, Ay Cara!) that had been a hostess gift from Britch a year ago.  It was a full-scale dance party at that point, and we managed to stay up till 8 am (post-clock change time). 

So that was a great night, but I paid dearly for it on Sunday, at one point even falling asleep on the floor of the bathroom, where I was kneeling most of the day.  Poor Mex was nursemaiding me very well, and finally fixed me soup and crackers when I wanted them at 10 pm.  Yes, it's true, it's time to grow up, I know.  It's just so much fun when it's happening!  Let's consider it an early St. Pat's celebration, ok?

Today is gloomy and I'm feeling worn down, but very much better.  My only remaining problem is my sore hip, which I somehow slept on wrong when I finally passed out, and so I'm walking with a limp.  I also didn't manage to pack a lunch for today, but I'm going to get a salad that I'm very excited about to brighten up the afternoon.  (There's a deli place near here where I'll get 25% off if I order online, and most of the toppings are free, so it's only $5 and change!)  I had dinner plans at the The Meatball Shop with the Munchers tonight (rescheduled from when we couldn't get in last time), but as one of our ranks has been felled by a killer cold, it looks like we'll reschedule again.  I don't mind heading home for DVR and sweatpants again, as well as a healthier dinner, though I miss those munchettes.  Now if I can just last through the afternoon...

OH in good news, Mex and I hammered out some of the lingering questions about our relationship fixing, and I think we're in a good spot.  We have plans, we have timeframes, and now we just have to hope that some of our theories (like trying therapy) will help the main issue, which is his fear of commitment and, as he said on Saturday, the whole "providing for a family" expectation.  (I think SOME of those concerns will be slightly allieviated when he gets a full-time teaching position for next year.  Let's cross our fingers.)  It's scary that things may not change, but all I can do is be supportive and optimistic, and also keep my foot planted where I put it down on what I need from him.  Also, I need to quit smoking--both for obvious reasons and because then I'll be working on something, too.  (Not that I don't have tons of faults, but he definitely has more of an action plan, and I don't, and I want one.)

So let's talk about food, because I'm hungry.
B - coffee, Special K Berries, milk - 4
L - salad with veggies, smoked turkey, feta, avocado - ?
D - Sassy Soup, salad - 7
S - string cheese and/or yogurt
Activity - wearing heels at work

Drowning and What I Ate: Monday

Is everyone inside and dry yet? Did anyone else forsake their umbrella because it was just too windy to hold one up? That's the worst combo--you get soaking wet and cold, and look like a weirdo walking around with your umbrella folded while rain streams down your face.

Let's talk about weekends! Mine was again quite an adventure, though not intentionally. Friday night I was well behaved and went over to Literating's apartment (aka Schmauren) to "help her pack" which really just meant pack 3 boxes and then give up. We also ate tacos and shared a quesadilla. I probably went into my flex points but I'm not sure by how much. I was home by 9 pm, watched some of the Haiti telethon, then got into bed to watch The Brothers Bloom, which is a really good movie, by the way. I'm not sure why no one talked about it when it came out, but I had low expectations due to the lack of a reputation, and I was really, really pleasantly surprised. I heartily recommend it. Then Saturday I attended a birthday party in the Hudson River (well, at the Chelsea Brewery) starting at 3:00 pm, which meant I was good and toasty by the time I got back to Astoria around 7 pm (I think.) I met up with the ex to play some pool, then while he was in the front room of the bar watching tv, I kissed another boy I know, and possibly made a date with him. Guys, he's four years younger than I. I'm not proud of that one, but hey, that technically makes three new kissing partners in the past month, so that's OK. But nobody worthwhile, I guess. Still, it's a process! Anyway, then ex and I went to two more bars, including crashing Ax's date with the Terminator (at her request) for a drink, then finally home for (more) tacos. Yesterday was a giant hangover day and I didn't really leave the bed. I did watch Breakfast at Tiffany's for the first time, so it wasn't an entirely wasted day, and I finally was able to do some freelance work in the evening.

Today I feel like a mostly normal person again, though with this weather, it would've been nice to stay under the covers. Especially since I have a hickey and am pretending it's not noticable. OH along the weight loss lines, I received a nice compliment from the ex (I know, roll your eyes) as he can see the difference. He was happy with my shape before, too, but he noticed the change, so that felt really good.

Oh, and about that -- I'm making rash decisions right now, but I'm not ready to stop, so we'll see what happens. Either my crazy control-freak ways will force me to draw a line, or I will be able to relax enough to not need an immediate answer about What the Eff We Are Doing.

Food!
B - coffee, Honey Bunches of Oats, skim milk (4)
L - spicy chicken (Boar's Head Sausalito!) and provolone on sandwich thin, L&T, Miracle Whip light and mustard; pear (5)
D - veg lasagne (5); turkey bacon (2); romaine salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, homemade vinaigrette (2)
S - Dannon Light & Fit yogurt, string cheese (3)
Total - 21
Activity - bike, 40 mins
Flex points remaining - 0, probably