farewell…
The past nine months of this year have been “interesting” to say the least. I have experienced my biggest accomplishment, conquered a chronic fear and felt my greatest sorrow in a span of a few months. I have worked extremely hard in some aspects of my life and let others fall completely to the waist side. I have rekindled relationships that I hold dear and let go of old feelings that had been holding me back. I opened my heart up for the first time in a while to someone almost ten years my senior, and now due to long-distance I have to protect it again. And one July evening I lost one of the most important people in my life-my grandmother, which transformed me from a nonchalant, silly, care-free person to a woman with real concerns, responsibilities and a sense of perspective. Overall, I have laughed a lot, cried some, eaten great food, listened to some amazing music (Sade live!), traveled further than ever, taken great photos and even jumped from a plane!…Unfortunately, I haven’t found the time to blog about any of this.
I started this blog back in January 2009 as a form of distraction from the things that were going on my life at the time. I enjoyed writing/posting about random things and I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from my family, friends and even strangers. However, as with everything in life-all things must come to an end. Therefore, I am officially concluding this project. It has served as a creative/therapeutic outlet for me and I will miss it dearly. But don’t fret. I am starting a new blog soon to reflect a major transition that is about to transpire. So stay tuned….
Xoxo
Char T.
en.ter.tain.ment
I’ve been wanting to see Blue Valentine since I saw the preview about two months ago. I’m going to see it tonight. So excited!
Stay tuned for a review…
ran.dom
So depending on how old you are, there was probably a point in your life (high school/early college) in which y
our friends shared several little online quizzes and questionnaires via email or facebook. Well fast forward 1o years (for me) and they are still being sent… and so I figured what better way to start off a new year of blogging…
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, but my mother thought she created my name and it turned out to be one of her best friends’ middle name.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? In December, after my car accident. It wasn’t even because of the pain, but because they told me my Jeep was totaled (thankfully it wasn’t!)
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Depends on the day. I have multiple personality disorder when it comes to handwriting.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey!
DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Biological: 0. Godchild: 1
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes I would. I already make myself laugh more than anyone else : )
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Ha! No comment…
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep. What is this? 1950
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Of course...and I will jump out of planes too!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Anything with almonds or vanilla. Preferred brand: Kashi
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I don’t wear shoes with laces. Actually, I take that back. When I’m at the gym I untie them.
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Getting stronger by the day
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Tiramisu from Baskin Robins (its a seasonal flavor)
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their demeanor
RED OR PINK? Formerly pink. Becoming more acquainted with red
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My ability to very easily become apathetic towards things/people
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My bff in Ann Arbor and my bff in Cleveland (although we talk daily)
WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Is invisible a color?
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Pancakes and Bacon
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Something really inappropriate…
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Gold
FAVORITE SMELLS? Vanilla and grapefruit mix. Any nice/subtle cologne on a guy
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My cousin
MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? Beach house
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Baseball in person. Gymnastics on TV
HAIR COLOR? Brown. Soon to be Black
EYE COLOR? Brown
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yep
FAVORITE FOOD? Too many to name…
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Psyhological thrillers
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Nite
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Purple number from Gap body
SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
HUGS OR KISSES? Insert smiling
FAVORITE DESSERT? Creme Brulee and Tiramisu
STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? Both
COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? Computers do everything
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Michelle Obama: An American Story
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Umm…I don’t even own a mouse
FAVORITE SOUND? A really hearty laugh…it really is contagious
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? To live? Los Angeles
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Unlimited humor
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Chicago, IL
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? Outer space (at least that’s how it feels)
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? Brown?
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? Deep Water Blue Pearl
DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING QUESTIONS? Depends on who’s asking…
ran.dom
It’s been way too long since I’ve posted something….but down time is approaching, so stay tuned : )
1/2 Mara
101 motivational tips from Beginners Running Guide, pt.6…
51. Ramp it up
“If you live in the flatlands, you’ll have to be creative about hill training. Deserted highway ramps or parking garages are possibilities (umm no), though they pose obvious safety problems. You may want to invest in a treadmill.” –Bob Glover, runner/author/coach
52. Grab hold of the rope
“If you’re laboring up a steep hill, imagine that a towrope is attached to the center of your chest, pulling you steadily toward the top.” –Jeff Galloway
53. Lean on it
“When going down, I lean with the hill. I know I’m doing it right if I feel like I’m going to fall on my face.” –Ed Eyestone, RW columnist, coach, and two-time U.S. Olympic marathoner
54. Save something for the summit
“Don’t attack a hill from the very bottom–it’s bigger than you are!” –Harry Groves, renowned Penn State coach
55. …then take off!
“I’ve always found it effective in a race to make a move just before the crest of a hill. You get away just a little, and you’re gone before they get over the top.” –John Treacy, two-time World Cross-Country champion from Ireland
56. Make the switch
The difference between a jogger and a runner is a race-entry blank.” –Dr. George Sheehan
57. Get up to speed
“Three half-mile repeats on the track at 5-K race pace with a short recovery jog in between shouldn’t scare anyone away–and it will improve your speed.” –Frank Shorter
58. Just “Q” it
“Quality counts, if you want to stay fast. Don’t do all your workouts in the comfort zone.” –Ken Sparks, Ph.D., top masters marathoner
59. Stay in control
“Run your own race at an even pace. Consider the course, the temperature, the weather, and most importantly, your current level of fitness.” –Marty Liquori
60. Be flexible (or else)
“The idea that you can’t lose contact with the leaders has cut more throats than it has saved.” –Arthur Lydiard
to be cont…
ran.dom
So when I turned 25 my “maternal instinct” finally kicked in. Not to say that I wanted a child per-say, but the thought of caring for another life was no longer the scariest thing on earth. A year later, I still don’t desire a child for various reasons (i.e. career, relocation, future doctoral program, lack of optimal partner, etc), but I do have a craving to care for something. Therefore, I have decided that this spring I will be purchasing a Maltese puppy!
According to the American Kennel Club, the Maltese breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. It is a toy dog covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky white hair (I plan on keeping it short like the picture above). The Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog. Other characteristics include:
- Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred
- Moves with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait
- Should be brushed daily, and groomed often
- Great family dogs…for the sake of my future human children : )
politically.incorrect
Courtesy of B.H and J.R…
Black Marriage Negotiations:
Unfortunately, these scenarios are not too far fetched. Nevertheless…pure hilarity!
every.where
Dear Arizona…thanks for giving me a case of the crazies…
Warning: this is a “rant”
As I write this entry, it is 6:00am and I am sitting in an airport in Phoenix.
As part of my job I travel at least once every two months- but as the title suggest- this has been the most bizarre excursion I have embarked on thus far. From the beginning to the apparent end, I have experienced nothing but randomness. To begin, this was my first job-related trip traveling out of O’hare airport (for a 7:12am flight). Sounds pretty innocent right? Wrong! My job reimburses me for parking (of course the most economy priced lot), which usually results in me parking a little further from the airport. Economy lot F of O’hare is located at least 10-15 miles from the actual airport. Little did I know, I had to catch a bus and a train to get to the terminal. When I first drove into the lot (at approximately 5:30am), I tracked the bus down so that I wouldn’t have to wait long in the secluded, dark lot. However, the bus had different plans as it kept going without stopping at any of the designated stops. Therefore, I had to wait anyway…luckily not for too long. Once another driver came, he drove around the entire lot and stopped and waited at every stop even though no one was there. Irony! Next, this diligent bus driver stops at what appears to be a train station. I just sat there because I thought this was another pick up. Wrong! After 2-3 minutes, I had to ask him why we were waiting. His response: “Oh, this is where you get off to catch the tram to the terminal”. Gee thanks for telling me this! So of course once I trek up the stairs to the tram, it had just departed and I had to wait almost 20 minutes for a new one. Really O’hare? Do better! (it was a Monday morning and lots of people were taking flights out). Luckily I didn’t have to wait too long to check in or for security. I made it to the plane at 7:00am. 12 minutes until take off. All of this, after waking up at 4:30 am. Did I mention that I was unable to grab breakfast before this 4 hour flight and I was stuck in seat B?…a middle seat.
Finally I arrive in Phoenix for a quick layover (15 min to be exact). I arrive to my next gate (10 ft away), and I am relieved because I can finally eat (apparently US Airways doesn’t even serve cookies or peanuts). As I stand in line for Pizza Hut, the attendant announces that my gate has been changed to other side of the airport. Gosh. So I have to get out of line to run (thanks Chicago half marathon) to my next gate. Once I get there I realize I have 5 more minutes until boarding, so I jump into another Pizza Hut line and grab the only thing left (cheese bread, my fave!). My luck is getting better. False! As I approach my next terminal, I realize that I have to walk to my plane. Not in a corridor, but on the ground…because it’s a puddle jumper!! 1. I have become accustomed to riding in very large aircraft’s where I am seat #35 A, B, or C. That day, my ticket read Seat 8B. Little did I know that was the second seat to the back of the plane. Sigh. 2. I am slightly claustrophobic and this plane was not only small (36 seats total), but narrow (which resulted in the “hippy” attendant, almost knocking my food out of my lap on multiple occasions). But all in all, the flight was quick (30 min) and we landed safely in Flagstaff, AZ. Whew! I have to preface my next statement with that fact that I have always traveled in large airports my entire life. When I walked into Flagstaff’s airport, it was like walking into someone’s large home. One airline. One desk attendant. One metal detector. Etc. I just laughed it off and thought “cozy is cute.”
US Airway Puddle Jumper (yes those are external propellers!)
Next stop: Hotel room. In my recent travels I have become accustomed to staying in very modern, trendy living accommodations. How would I describe Little America Hotel? Antique. When I first entered the room I was shocked. 1. It was huge! 2. It was decorated, like really decorated (see pictures below). 3. I didn’t see a TV and I almost had a panic attack. Luckily I quickly realized the TV was behind one of the walls in the room. Whoo-hoo! I guess this is the “city girl” in me, but instead of being comforted by the at-home feeling this room exuded, I began to feel creeped out. I instantly began to imagine all of the horror movies and thrillers (i.e. Psycho) that took place in settings that looked just like this room (my imagination can get the best of me sometimes). However, I got used to the setting and actually began to appreciate the diversity it provided. As it turned out, I didn’t leave that room once (aside from my conference meetings and dinners) because I was consumed with work and it was pitch black outside…. Little did I know, I would severely crave that room in less than 12 hours of leaving it.
Fast forward to departure. I arrive back at the Flagstaff house airport. Everything goes smoothly (primarily because there are only 20 people to check in). Great!…Once we board the plane, the pilot announces a delay. To make a VERY long story short, this “delay” lasted for almost 3 hrs. We couldn’t exit the plane (which I actually think is illegal because of the poor air circulation), and once we took off, it was like a 45 minute life-threatening roller coaster. Anyway, I miss my first connecting flight, so I have to catch a new one to Vegas at 8:15pm. Thanks to that 3 hour hiatus, I arrive at the Phoenix airport at 8:05pm, and my next gate is in a different terminal. Here we go again! I attempt to rely on my “running skills” once again. Fail! I take off running and after about 1.5 min I feel like I’m punched in the chest. But I continue to run. Then I feel like I cant breathe. I have to stop and do a quick walk. I arrive at my gate at 8:13pm and I see the plane corridor retracting. No!!!…That was the last flight of the night. Who does that?? Once I get my barrings, I realize that I can not breathe at all and that my throat and airways are closing. I cant speak and I start to gag and cough and the paramedics are called. Whomp! After having me sit down and taking my blood pressure and running some other respiratory tests, it is determined that I hyperventilated (stress induced). Luckily, my breathing rate and blood pressure return to normal, so there was no need to go the hospital. Whew!
Once I reached the customer service counter, I was given two options. 1. Sleep in the airport. 2. Sleep in a local hotel. I hate to sound pretentious, but option 1 was a non-option. I had almost 12 hrs until my flight, there was no wi-fi and the restaurants were closed. So I call the “inconvenience hotline” number they gave me, and I am given a “discount” reservation to the Clarion Motel Hotel. After my second attempt to open the door to my room (the first key was inactivated, of course), I immediately desired the moments I shared with Little America in Flagstaff. This hotel was really a motel with a more pretty name. Gosh. Instantly, my mind rushed with images of movies such as “Vacancy”. It didn’t help that as soon as I turned on the TV I was bombarded with trailers for Paranormal Activity 2 and other horror movies for Halloween season. This was the first time in my adulthood that I felt like I needed a male to protect me. Yikes! Luckily, my friend Allen calls me and my fears a slightly calmed. But of course he is on east coast time (3 hr difference) and gets sleepy, while I am still completely awake. So I find an episode of South Park, and reluctantly pull back the gritty covers and fall asleep. 3 hours later my alarm goes off and I rush out to get to my current destination (airport). Whew!
Dark creepy room, with dark creepy opening to the bathroom
As I wrap up this excursion/entry (I realize it is way longer than usual), I am holding my breath. Why? Because the lady across from me is ever-so-thoughtfully, coughing full force without covering her mouth… and if I have learned nothing else from going to work everyday and attending remote conferences such as this, it’s that TB is real…and that travel can be nuts!
To be fair, some good things happened this week: I was able to see beautiful mountains, I learned more than I ever thought I could about drug interactions and I met a fab older woman named Andrea (from San Fran) with lots of stories to tell…I just hope that I can remember this “adventure” in 50 years, so that I can share it with some young, unsuspecting, professional woman…
the-end
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