Injured

Hey Friends!

Happy Tuesday!  It's my first full week back at work and OMG am I tired!! Also, what's everyone doing on Monday and Tuesday nights now that Bachelor In Paradise is over?  So. Much. Free. Time. 

Today started at 4 am because I taught a HIIT class at the gym. I love these classes because eneyone is working hard and game for anything you throw at them. I'm also super motivated to go extra hard because everyone there only has 1 hour to work out so I better make it count and worth the early wake up time. 

Ok, so on to the injury. About 6 weeks ago, right about the time I got back from Miami, my left foot was swollen really bad. I figured it was just from the salty un-Erin food and travel. My doctor thought the same thing. She said that in a few days the sweeping would go down and all would be Bueno. Well in a few days the swelling did go down, but I still had a lot of pressure in my ankle. I figured it was just sore from the swelling. Then I started noticing that my running speed was slowing a LOT. Like 30 extra seconds on a mile slow.  My ankle then started to hurt when I ran until it became impossible to run. I began dreading my runs because I knew it wouldn't be a fast run and more importantly it was going to be painful. So I went to the doctors again and she said I had Achilles tendinitis and prescribed PT. AND NO RUNNING. my heart sunk. I knew I wouldn't be able to compete in the Rock N' Roll half marathon at the end of the month. I was/am devastated. I've been training for months and just wanted to feel the rush that only a race can give you. I still haven't accepted the reality of the situation. 

I started PT on Friday afternoon. It was really fun and my therapist is awesome. I still have to hold off on running for a little while, but I am experiencing a lot less pain and more mobility in my Achilles. 

How have my workouts changed:

-no running

-rest days

-modified barre classes 

-elliptical running

I'm not going to lie, I miss running all the time. I notice a huge difference in my mood and my weight. My body doesn't feel as tight as it used to. It's a lot flabbier and that really weighs on me. No pun intended. When you're used to doing 30 miles a week, your body responds to it and looks a certain way. When you cut it way back your body doesn't know what to do. I can tell I'm gaining weight and losing muscle definition. It's also hard to reach your body that you're no longer training so you don't have to eat as much as you're used to. It's really hard to retrain your body to not be as hungry. I know it's probably only about 2-3 more weeks without running, but it definitely puts a psychological toll on you. It's hard when things don't fit and you dread shopping or putting on pants because you don't know if they're going to zip or not. While I can still elliptical, it takes a long time to reach 5 miles on the machine as opposed to 40 minutes of running 5 miles. 

I'm really upset about it all and hating the negative fitness results I'm having. I feel disappointed in myself and just lethargic and honesty ugly. I know we're all supposed to be strong, unaffected by the scale/other's opinions, and free of societal pressure, but dammit it's hard!  I feel bad because my injury isn't that bad and I'll be fine, and I know I'll recover and PR my next half, but for right now I'm sad. 

Sorry for the pity party post, but injuries are hard. As athletes we train constantly and our bodies are our job. Sidelining injuries take not just a physical toll, but an emotional and mental one as well. To all of you out there dealing with injuries, stay strong and tough. It's only a drop in the bucket. It's only a small piece of time in the grand scheme of our fitness journey, but boy is it a sucky time! 

Xox,

Erin 

It's Secret Time

Happy Saturday!

When you are reading this I will be on my way to Columbia University for a Lucy Caulkins Writing Workshop.  A friend from work and I are going on a bus trip--she's picking me up at 5:20!  Wayyyyy too early for me.  I'm great between 10 am and 4 pm.  Anything before that and I'm a little wonky :)

Today's post is (drum roll please) Share a Secret About Yourself!

These posts are fun/hard.  I'm a pretty open person, but also strangely private about certain things.  I don't like divulging everything here on the ole bloggy, but I guess I will share this.

So lean, (I'm doing that shifty eye gaze thing to see if anyone is listening)

Closer,

closer,

ok stop--too close lol

My secret is that when I go to the beach, the mall, or any place where there are a bunch of people, I secretly pick out my favorite and pretend that they are my "future family".  I don't know if this is weird or not?  I just go, okay, that guy is cute and he is playing with his kids?  Ok, I'll pretend that is my future husband and ooooh,  look!  His baby just fell and now he's holding her and wiping the sand off her polk dot babykini!  Tell me there is anything cuter than a baby in a bikini?  You can't :)

To be clear, I am in no way talking to these people or trying to talk to said hot dad.  I am just observing their cute familiness.

So there is my secret.  I'm a closet family-future-thinker.

What are your secrets?

xoxo,

E

A Running Monologue of a (Non-Runner) Half-Marathoner

Happy Monday!

Well, I finally fulfilled one of those crazy goals I set for myself!  I ran a half marathon!  I'm not really sure why I wanted to do a half marathon, but for some crazy reason I had the running bug.  I think I wanted to accomplish something totally off the wall and un-Erin-like.  Anyway, yesterday I finally did it!  13.1 miles of Hell I mean fun...no I mean Hell!  About 2 weeks ago I was doing my last long run and I pulled something in my knee.  It hurt real bad, but I was 3 miles out and didn't have a phone so I had to limp/walk/hop/hobble home.  It was not a fun 3 mile hobble home.  So for the past 2 weeks I took it pretty light, but still moved around.  I was praying that I would be able to run and...I did it!

So Saturday night, the parentals and I went to Philly to pick up my race packet.  There were 1,000s of other people there.  I was pleasantly surprised that there were so many different types of people there.  Of course there were the "Runner People"--the people with 0% body fat and huge leg muscles, but there were also normal people like me.  That made me feel mucho better.  I got a bunch of cute gear!

I think I'm a real runner ;)

Insert Rocky theme song here

Now for the running monologue of my half marathon...

5:30 am-Oh yay race day!  I'm a speed demon!  I'm a running queen!  Who's going to own this?  You are going to own this.  You're a champ.  What if you fall?  Don't fall.  I might fall...you are wearing sneakers.  You only trip in sneakers.
Okay, no make up today because it's race day.  Gotta blow dry the hair because it's still wet and that is not okay.
Okay, maybe some mascara so you don't look like you're sleeping.  Much better!
Mmmm, whole grain bagel time!  Thank you Panera.  I love carbs, I love carbs, I love carbs hey hey hey hey.  I really love Little Rascals. 
Look at my Race Day Outfit.  Stylin' and Profilin'!  Lilly Pulitzer inspired!  Look at my fancy running socks.  I'm a real runner!  Psych!
6:30-Philly really is beautiful this time of day.  Look at the sunrise.  It reminds me of Lion King.  Ahhhhhh, cobinya, abadeebadooo, bumbaioooooo!!! I sound just like the beginning of Circle of Life.  If I wasn't such a bad singer, I'd be great on Broadway!
In 4 hours I'll be done with this bad boy.
7:00-I have to go to the bathroom.  Oh man, portapotty time.  Gross, gross, gross.  Don't think about it. Look at the line for the portapotties.  That's totally gross, that many people are using that little amount of toilets.  Stop thinking about it.  Think about fun things.  Think about Chris Evans.  He's yummy.  He totally wouldn't hit on you...eehhh, maybe.
Okay, if the people behind me continue to bash some of the girl runners I'm gonna get pissed.  Okay, they're now talking about wasted potential.  Really?  Who cares!  Let's just celebrate people exercising and being healthy.  I am going for finishing--not winning any champs!
Is that guy dressed like The Flash?  Yes, yes he is.  Also, there is a couple dressed like squirrels.  Oh, I get it, they're nuts.
Elvis is here, thank you, thank you very much.
7:30-I love race day!  Race day is awesome!  Look at all the fans!  They're cheering for me!  Oh hey, fans!  This must be what Beyonce feels like during her concerts!  I could totally be Beyonce!  Fans please...need to blow my hair!  Look at all the swag I'm gonna get after this race--hello Powerbar!  Hello minibag of pretzels!

Gotta pee again?  I'm gonna miss my corral.  Oh well.  I always pick the longest line.
8:00-It's race time!  Are they playing Rocky?!   Of course they are, it's Philly...and we're running!  Oooooh, my corral is getting close!  I love running!  Please still be good knee!  I'm finishing this thing! Grrrrrr fighting face!  Ok, they're playing Lose Yourself that's my jam!  STOP RAPPING!  You're doing that out-loud!
8:01-my knee hurts!  You're going to win this race!  Not really, but you aren't going to lose.
8:05-This is so much fun!
8:10-Those people are already at mile 5?  It's been 10 minutes!  How fast do they run!?  I'm gonna clap for them because they're champs!
8:20 YUSSSS!  "Wanna hear something crazy?"  "I love crazy" "All my life has been a series of doors in my face"  Who cares if other people hear you, you're running.  Okay, that guy totally heard you because he just glared.  Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, and the players gonna play, play, play.  I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake.  Shake it off, just shake it off!
Need Water Now!  Water!  Yes, there it is!  Crap it's Gatorade!  I don't like Gatorade.  Okay, I'll try it because there's nothing else to drink.  Oh, wait...Lemon Lime Gatorade isn't bad.  Points for Gatorade.  It tastes like the cheap lemonade that is oh so tasty.
8:30-cool there's the Liberty Bell!
8:33-There's Ben Franklin's grave.  Thank you for liberty!
8:35-Coming around the bend...slow down girlie you're not a sprinter.
8:45-5 miles done!  Hello, Deb and Daddy!  I'm going to run in place so you can get my picture.  #Oldpeopleandtechnologydon'tmix

Everybody's happy at Mile 5

9:00-6 miles down.  Alright, alright, alright!  OOooooh, look at that sign!  Worst parade ever!  Can you run slower, I'm trying to count you all.  If Britney Spears can survive 2007, you can survive this.  Only a few more miles til you can drink, You're the slowest person to pass this point so far!  Just keep running, just keep running.  
9:10-What, where is mile 7?  Why are you not here?
9:15-There you are mile 7...Ooooh, look at the Schuylkill River!  Is that a runner...there on the other side?  Wow, that's an overachiever.  Snaps for that guy.  Wait, what?  A lady already finished?  Good for her.  Let's add that to the list of things I'll never be able to do.
9:30-Mile 8.  Why did I sign up for this? I could be sleeping now...um no, I'd be getting up and getting dressed for church.  No pew no chew...and after church means brunch!  God, I love brunch!  Brunch is a great idea.  Brunch means mimosas and salad.  You're not a smart girl, you're an idiot.  Smart girls don't sign up for things like this.  Smart girls sleep.  Sleep is for smart people.  Half marathons are for idiots.
Where is that bridge?  The end of that bridge means I ran 9 miles.  Only 4 left after that.  Aaaand that .1.  Stupid .1!
Look at how beautiful Boat House Row looks?  Ooooh, Penn's boat house.  Where are the cute preppy guys in Nanny Reds?  NOT HERE DUH BECAUSE ONLY THE CRAZIES FIND YOU.  You have that beacon that only lunatics can hear.  Yup, yup, the crazy man next to you?  He's the kind of guy that would love you.  I think he's actually staring at you.
Did I just ingest something called Gu?  Salted Watermelon?  Da hell is that?  Gross stuff.  Don't put anymore of that crap in your mouth.  Throw that out.  Bleck.  Gu...who names their product Gu.  There are other names.  Well, actually, that thing tasted like it should be named Gu.  Or just ewww.
Ooooo, here's the bridge!
9:50-10 Miles!  3.1 to go.  You're a champ!
Ok, yup my hair is a hot mess.  There is a knot in the middle of your ponytail that resembles a rat's nest.   Seksi.  Oh, and the bottom?  Drenched.  Who's hot?
NEED WATER!
WHERE'S THE WATER!
Ok, look at you run in your little Lululemon skirt.  I like your skirt but I can't tell you that because I'm trying to be tough.  Grrr, runners wear shorts by Nike.  Who am I kidding?  My shorts are pink :)  My shoes are pink, too :)
Lululemon Skirt is a great runner.  I can't even see her anymore!
This is a great playlist!  I should be a DJ!  It wouldn't even be hard.  Download some songs, go wikki wikki wikki every few minutes and badabing badaboom you got yourself a career!
I hate running.
I want to stop.
Don't quit.
Think about your students.  They'll motivate you.  They want you to succeed.
Am I crying?  I don't know.  I'm delirious because I'm in pain and exhausted.
You are voluntarily doing this.  No one is forcing you to do this.
I don't know if I want to do this again.
Mile 12!  ALMOST DONE!
I hate running.  I bet Lululemon girl is done.  She's probably drinking air because she has 0% body fat.
Ok, knee killing, hip killing...walk for a smidge.
*Three steps later* "Keep running girl, you got this!" Sweet Running Lady who is 50 passes me with claps.  I start running again.
Oh hey, Schuylkill traffic!  Is that road ever NOT crowded?!   Geez, it's Sunday morning.  *Waving to honking cars*
Oh, wait, is this Independent Woman Part II?  Yes it is!  Sorry, real runners, but non-runners dance to this song.  I'm gonna "throw my hands up in the ayyyair!"
Look at that cool inflatable underpass!  I'll run under that!  That giant guitar is cool!  This would be a cool bouncy guitar ride and slide!
Mile 13!  RUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!  Passing people right and left!  Ran past Lululemon skirt girl!
Alllll done!  I'm a champ!  I can run a lot!  I'm a boss!  *Mini-fist pumps!*
I'm gonna take my picture by the cool backdrop.  Giving my phone to the girl behind me because I'm cheap and don't want to pay for the finishing photo.
Gotta find parents.  Want to go home.
OOoooh, free stuff!  Yes, I would like a peanut butter Powerbar.  Yes, I'd love a chocolate milk. Yes, I'm allergic to dairy, but my Dad would love this.  Ooooh, mini airplane pretzels!  Great!  Deb will like those!  Let me get Deb a banana, too!  Oooooh! Water bottles...I also took some ice.  Shhhh, don't tell.  I think it's okay though, other people did it...And  I mean it's ice.  It's frozen water.  Water is free...it's right there in the Schulkill.

Look at that bling!

Totally gross but loving being done!

In summation I'm glad I did it and after I passed the finish line I felt awesome.  I don't know if I really want to do this again.  Rock and Roll puts on a great Half!  It was very organized and awesome.  If you want to do a half, I highly suggest it.  The best part about your first Half?  You always PR ;)

Also, I'm really proud of myself.  I worked really hard and trained my butt off.  This was a huge goal of mine and I'm proud of myself for finishing.  You can do anything you want as long as you try really hard...and have a great outfit/shoes/playlist!

Love,

Erin

Confessions

Happy Hump Day!


I am knee deep in New Teacher Orientation over here.  It's exhausting, but I'm so happy.  I just kinda walk around with a permanent grin on my face.  I'll do a job recap tomorrow.  Today I compiled a list of confessions for you.

I am a country music snob.  If you just like a few Luke Bryan songs and claim to be a country fan...shade I'm throwing at you.

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I'm not loving Taylor Swift's new song.  ^^^^I 'm a country music fan and I don't love when people stray away from the genre that built them.

TJMAXX is like a hypnotic wheel that sucks me in and forces me to spend more money than I should. I bought an entire new workout outfit (and a Ralph Lauren tee shirt).  I had to buy all four pieces (sports bra (gorgeous one with flowers!), a tank top, and a pair of cute striped leggins) and the RL t-shirt.  It was only $43 for all pieces!!

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I just found out that Panera has whole grain bread?!  How did I just figure this out?  The bread is delicious!

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I cry during Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Squad.  I've watched this show all 9 seasons and I can't get enough of it.  I danced and cheered my whole life and I know how good it feels to finally make a team or accomplish a dream in the world of dance.  Since I've watched for so long I love seeing all of the ladies make the team.  I cried a few times thus far (2 episodes) because ladies who didn't make the team last year came back and tried again.  They made it to training camp this year!!  I get emotionally invested in the show, the girls, and their stories.  I also know that I can't wait for Friday nights at 9.  I've had to DVR the past few episodes because I have super cool life things to do to get ready for school.  Also, Melissa Rycroft is back and she's the best!  I knew about her before The Bachelor.  Yes, I bragged about it <3

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The term business casual confuses me.  This year I have new teacher training and the invitation says attire is business casual.  What is business casual?!  Business casual means something different to every single human being. I'm wearing a dress and a sweater.  This is one of those many times where I think guys have it easier.  Business casual for a guy?  Khakis, polo, belt, and a watch.  Done.  Simple as that.  For women?  All options have problematic offshoots.

If I wear a dress/skirt

• Is it long enough?
• Is the neck high enough?
• If the dress is sleeveless and this is a more conservative crowd, should I wear a sweater?
• What if I sit down?  Does the dress cover everything?
• Is this dress/skirt too tight?

If I wear pants

• Can I wear crops?  It is the summer?  Is that not appropriate?
• What kind of shirt should I wear with them?
• Is colored denim appropriate?
• Is dark colored denim appropriate?
• Are these pants too tight?
• Are skinny style pants appropriate?

Tops

• Is this shirt high enough?
• If I get sweaty will it show?
• Is it going to be cold?
• Should I wear a sweater?
• Is a fitted non descript, non logo bearing, tee shirt acceptable?

Shoes:

• Do I wear heels?
• Maybe flats?
• Am I going to be on my feet a lot? 
• Are these too fancy?
• Are these too plain?

The fundamental problem with business casual lies in the obscure oversimplification of the term casual.  Am I overdressed?  Am I underdressed?  The questions just keep going on and on and on.

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I hate male metabolism.  Let me paint you a little picture: breakfast time, Dylan, and me.  Dylan's breakfast:  1 omelet, 2 bagels and cream cheeses, a cinnamon roll, OJ (not Simpson), and yogurt.  Me:  turkey sausage and a Kashi bar.  Dylan at the beach 6 hours later:  6 pack.  Me on the beach 6 hours later: no 6 pack.  I eat multiple salads a day and workout 6 days a week.  I limit my sugar, alcohol, and junk food intake and I still don't have a 6 pack.  Guys have it so much easier.  Women's bodies are designed to hold onto fat--grrrrrr.

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I loathe the #Idon'tneedfeminism Tumblr.  What are they thinking?  These are what we call, uninformed women.  Repeat after me, Feminists don't hate men.  The goal of feminism is not to obliterate the world of men and rise up as womenbots who are taking over the world.  Feminists want equality for all people.  Feminists gave us the right to vote, Title IX, birth control, maternity/paternity leave, and the list goes on and on.  The world needs Feminism.  Feminism is not only an American venture--the goal is a global Feminism.  Women in other parts of the world are not as lucky as us.  Women live in fear for their lives everyday.  Women are afraid to be educated, they don't have the right to divorce abusive husbands, they don't have autonomy.  These are basic human rights.  I'm going to do a #Ineedfeminism post a la Glamour magazine's editors and celebs.

Here is a link to the photos!  I Do Need Feminism Glamour

I love Ariana Grande's music.  I don't care if she had the most annoying speaking voice of any Disney Channel show to ever find itself on the air.  1 Less Problem and Break Free are excellent jams!  I use them to pump me up when I am training for my half marathon.

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So I hope you all have a great day!  I'm almost done my training now.  

Cya soon,

E

8/6 Confessional

Hey Blog Fraaaands,

How are ya?  I'm bueno!  Hump Day means confessions over here ye ole blog.  Today's confessions are going to be a little random.  Usually I try to find a theme but I can't today.

• Whenever an episode of Friends is on I have to do the claps.  Not just quietly or on my lap...NOWAYJOSE loud, proud, robust claps!  *clapclapclapclap*  Yesterday I was at the gym and The Best Show Ever was on and I clapped super loud.  Someone looked at me and said, "Are you watching Friends?"  I was proud of myself because another confession I have is that I can't keep a beat.  LIKE at all.  

• I love food from food trucks...not the gross trucks on the street down by Temple or Drexel, but the gourmet food trucks.  The kind that Anna Kendrick and Chase Crawford worked in What To Expect When You're Expecting.  I love the delicious salads and desserts and juices and smoothies that come from these vehicular restaurants.  

• I judge parents who have rude children.  They had to learn it from someone.  I know parenting is a hard thing to do but...basic manners people!  Please, thank you, excuse me, you're welcome, etc.  These are common courtesies. 

• Whenever The Hills, Laguna Beach, or Newlyweds is on I will watch it with as much intent and fervor as I did back when it was new.  I just love it so much!  I mean what happened to Heidi?  She and LC were such good friends!  And why did LC and Lo break up as besties?  We know Heidi had something to do with it and we know that Jen Bunny had something to do with it, but LC tell us!  Also, I wonder what Jen Bunny is up to these days?

These are my confessions this week.  What are your confessions?

xoxo,

E

Travel Confessions

Happy Hump Day!

     I hope you're all having a great day!  I went to get a physical today (at 9 am because apparently I think I'm a morning person and I most certainly am not) and all was bueno.  My last physical was in October and they did the usual and I was 142 pounds.  No biggie I'm 5'8", but today, I was 136 pounds.  It's funny what giving up soda and candy will do for you.  Also my BMI was down from 23 to 20.  Whole, healthy foods surely do the trick.

    Today's link up is all about confessing our dirty laundry.  Well since I'm all things travel this week I figured I would give you all a sneak peek at my travel confessions.  Leggggo!



1.) Before I go on a trip I check to see if the hotel has a gym.  I find that even though I'm walking much more than I usually would be on a non-trip day, I still need my cardio and weights time to fully relax and breathe.  Sometimes I can't find this information on the website so I call.  I actually call the hotel.  I can't wait 3 days until I'm physically in the vicinity to find out?  Nope!  Welcome to the mind of a Type A human.

2.) I buy unnecessary things.  Like this water bottle below.

Sure it's adorable (PINK!) and totally functional and a great idea.  (Mostly because I'm cheap and am under no circumstances paying $15 a day to feed drink my water consuming habit.)   Did I need a new water bottle?  No.  Do I have a few water bottles in the cabinet that I could have used?  Sure.  Are they as cute?  Noooooooo!  I also spent $10 on Larabars this week for vacation breakfasts.  Which brings us to....

3.) I shkeeve over vacation breakfasts.  I'm sorry but what could be grosser than a continental breakfast at  a hotel?  I mean everyone has touched those pastries.  The fruit?  It's clearly frozen and treated.  Since I'm allergic to yogurt and milk products I can't have any of that nonsense.  I suppose I could eat the Cheerios (the only healthy cereal option...beware of the sneaky granola...SO.MUCH.SUGAR) but they're usually all out of Cheerios.  So I BYOB-bring my own breakfast.  Chocolate chip cookie dough Larabars.

4.) I'm the worst packer.  The.ABSOLUTE.WORST.PACKER.  I over pack.  I will post a video of myself packing tomorrow just so you can see how terrible I am at it.  My suitcase even has an endearing name Big Pink, because she is the biggest TSA allowed suitcase.  The irony of the situation is that even though I over pack and my family yells at me for using such a big suitcase, I actually end up wearing/using all the things I pack.  hehehehe

5.) I like to plan out every aspect of the trip.  I like to know what I'm doing every day, where we're eating, and when we're doing all of these exciting adventures.  I love looking at restaurants and their menus.  I like to see what museums, places, and parks are nearby.

6.) On the drive to and from vacation I binge watch old Real Housewives DVDs.  I'm bringing Season 2 of RHONJ this time.  I find that these work better than movies because they are longer.

7.) I buy all the magazines!  I already get US Weekly, Glamour, and Cosmo, sent to the casa so I have those on lock, but I buy a whole bunch of other ones.  I'll probably grab a Self, Shape, Allure, InStyle anything glossy and fabulous.  I usually don't even read all of said magazines because I'm watching RHONJ or reading a book on the beach.  I can't read the mags on the beach because the sunscreen and ink mix and well...let's just say I'm no stranger to the cover-of-a-magazine-transferred-onto-my-leg sexiness hot mess.

8.) I take wayyyyy too many touristy pictures.  Pic in front of the Liberty Bell?  Independence Hall?  Washington Monument?  Check, check, and check.  I'm such a goober and I don't even care.  I'm all about the selfies in front of a landmark.

Deb and me at the Washington Monument 

Zach obliging my love of touristy pics and taking a pic of me
"driving the streetcar"

Zach and me in front of Saint Louis' Cathedral 

Does anyone else have any weird vacay things?  Or does the non-dairy cheese stand alone?

xoxo,

E

A Little Summer Reading

Happy Friday!

I hope you had a bueno week!  I did.  The weekend is upon us my friends!  Last Saturday night was spent in Philly with Ra.  We had a fabulous Girls' Nite in the city.  The saddest part about graduation is that my friends are no longer right down the hall or right around the block. Sad Panda :(

Thank you Melting Pot for the 0 calorie fare ;

For all my teacher friends, Happy Summer!

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I'm a happy snowwoman this week.  I've spent my days soaking up the sun and reading.  God how I have forgotten how much fun reading for pleasure can be.  This summer I have made a pesonal goal of reading one book a week.  Here are a few of my lay-by-the-pool-soon-to-be-reads.

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This is my current read and it's fantastic!  It's about a man with Asperger Syndrome who sets out to find a wife using scientific methods.  It's also hilarious!  It's a quick read (32 pages in an hour what what!)

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Emily Giffin and summer go together like peas and carrots.  You can't go wrong with Ms. Giffin's delightfully flawed characters.  I can't wait to sink my teeth into this one.  Can you say next week?  

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This book is about the woman who coined the term A Diamond is Forever and four subsequent love stories.  Since I love all things wedding I think I will love this!

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Because you have to and I like to read the book before I see the movie :)  Call me old fashioned <3

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I loved The Devil Wears Prada (both the book and movie!  I went to Paris a week after I saw the movie and it was so exciting!)  and I was hoping there would be a sequel!  I've read some other LAuren Weisberger books and she's just a great author!  Her books are juicy and perfect for summer :)

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See The Fault in Our Stars...I need to read the book before I see the movie.  Since I lerve Ben Affleck (I think he will be a great BATMAN!  Haters gonna hate--did you all forget that he played Rafe in Pearl Harbor?), I can't wait to read this and then see the movie!

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Okay, you know I love the Kennedy family (I die for Jackie) and this tome (700+ pages) is the ultimate Kennedy book!  It tells you everything you need to know about everything and anything Kennedy.  I've been reading this book for a year and I've only gotten about 125 pages in.  It's not an easy read but it's good.  I don't think I'll be able to read this straight through.  I'll probably space it out between some fun stuff.

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Good Lord I can't wait to read this!  Being of the romantically challenged breed, I think I'll be able to connect with Katie!  I just think this will be the funniest, best, most real book.  Plus, I love memoirs (because I'm nosy...probably the same reason I love blogs) so I think this will be a sure fire hit.

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Ok, I'm a literature snob and only read the classics.  Didn't believe that did you?

I have a love/hate relationship with The Great Gatsby and I wanted to read more by F. Scott Fitzgerald.    On one hand I think Jay should have manned up and told Daisy how he felt when he had the chance.  Also, if a guy buys the house across the bay from you and throws lavish parties just in hopes of you catching his glowing green light...MOVE!  This man is a creeper.  It's not romantic, it's a felony.  

In all honesty this book does sound good and F. Scott Fitzgerald is a fabulous writer.  Plus it's rumored he wrote this at Princeton and we all know how I feel about Princeton!     

So these are going to be my summer reads!  What are you reading this summer?  Have you read anything that I should read?  I love recommendations!

xoxo,

E

P.S. If anyone is wondering, this blog is supporting Marquel Martin for Bachelor 2015.  The Bachelorette has gotten significantly less classy and hot since his untimely departure.

World Cup Confessional

Happy Hump Day!

To all my working friends...2 more days until the weekend!  Ironically, I work on the weekends so 2 more days of break for me!

Do you have World Cup Fever?  I don't.  Not at all.  Frankly, soccer is my absolute least favorite sport. My favorite ranking of professional sports are as follows:

1. Dance
2. Baseball
3. Football
4. Basketball

I don't include hockey or soccer, not because their athletic endeavors are not highly meritorious, but simply that I do not like them.  I've already disclosed why I do not like hockey, but today we will focus on my soccer confessions.  Soccer to me is like butterscotch.  I'm sure it's great on a sundae but I want no part of it on mine.

Soccer in America is kinda like fetch.  It's never going to happen.  Kinda like the metric system.  America says, "That's great that the whole rest of the world uses a much simpler form of measurement, but here in America, we want none of your crap.  We'll stick to multiplying by 12."  Soccer=fetch=metric system=NEVER GONNA HAPPEN IN AMERICA!

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Also, I feel like the World Cup happens every year?  Does anyone else feel this way?  Didn't we just have a World Championship of Boredom Soccer last year?


1.) I played soccer for 3 years (kindergarten, 4th grade, and 6th grade) and I hated it.  My body is not designed for soccer.  My attention span is not designed for soccer.  My personality is not designed for soccer.  I'm a tall girl with long limbs.  I have a genetic predisposition for dance and cheerleading.  I'm too far off the ground to be a great sprinter.  My attention span is much to long for soccer.  In dance,  you are never "off" and no one else is responsible for making plays besides you.  In dance, you concentrate the entire time you perform.  In my experience (and probably due to my lack of soccer skills) I did not participate in the majority of play.  Not only because of substitutions (see #3) but even when on the field.  If the ball is in play on the other side of the field, I am not responsible for it?  So you're telling me that I have to wait for the ball to enter my sphere of play before I can actually play?  Interesting.  And if I go attack the ball (and I use the word attack very lightly because any and all phsyical contact is seen as reason for the ref to give me a "yellow card") I'm wrong or off sides?  Life has no off sides!  In dance you are busy and working for the entire time you are dancing.  You have to be on.  You can't wait to dance because someone else has the proverbial ball?  Soccer, why?  Just why?  Also, I'm way to competitive for soccer.  I don't tie, I don't like being told I have to stay in one general area, and I don't like your rules.

2.) I don't understand the rules.  I played for 3 years (my brother played for 12 and my dad coached for 6...I should understand the rules of soccer!  But I don't!  I think it's mostly because I don't care to learn them :))  Why do you get a penalty kick verse a corner kick?

2.) Why can't I use my hands?  Evolution has programed me to act accordingly when an unwanted stimuli has entered my facial sphere!  Every other sport allows you to use your hands or a hand equivalent (stick) except soccer!  What gives?  If a ball is flying at my face, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm going to put my hands up and swat that black and white flying meteorite away from my nose!  Deviated my septum once and that was enough for this girl :)  On the upside, my deviated septum is one step closer to proving that Jennifer Aniston and I are actually kindred spirits :)

3.) Substitutions- There are no substitutions in life!  You can't voluntarily elect to leave a game.  If I voluntarily elected to leave a dance performance or cheerleading competition, my teacher/coach would tell me to turn in my pointe shoes/pom poms and have a nice life!

4.) Counting up???  So the clock counts up, you tell me?  Again, is this a metric thing?

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Why?  Every other sport counts down.  It's what we do!  It helps you feel as sense of accomplishment.  And my Pilates instructor tells me that it also makes the client feel like they have less work to do.  

5.) I don't understand the uniform.  No spandex?  No tight baseball pants?  Count me out!  Also, you're telling me, as a fan, that I am limited to show my support with just a jersey?  Simply just a jersey?  Why no head gear?  I need to show my support for a team with a hat, jersey, bracelets, color coordinating shoes, and probably a foam finger.  I need options!  Plus, I need mulitple hcoices of jersey.  I need an away jersey, a home jersey, an alternate jersey, a throwback jersey, a jersey in a non-sensical color.  These are the things I need to fully show my support for a team!  How will you know that I heart my team if I can't color coordinate my uniform to your uniform every game?  

6.) I don't understand why there are no cool mascots.  Do you have a lovable unidentified species running around your stadium slapping people with his belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly?  No?  Then I want NO PART OF YOUR SHENANIGANS!  

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This is sports people!  This is America!  Hotdogs being knocked down by a green thing!

7.)  I'm confused as to what to eat at a soccer game.  Baseball game?  Hotdog and beer.  Got it.  Football? Just beer. No food needed.  Basketball?  Nachos!  I understand this.  Dance Competitions?  Water.  Cheerleading competitions?  Apples and water.  Soccer???  More question marks!!!  I don't know what to eat here!  

8.)  I don't understand why the soccer players are so beautiful.  Why do you have sexier legs than me?  Why do you use more gel than me?  Why do all of you look like Gucci and D&G models?  Why do you all have such a low BMI?  Have you seen American athletes?  HUGE!  Larger than life human beings.  Very high BMIs, scruffy, pale, these are the types of athletes I'm used to looking at.  I don't want your beautiful faces clouding my vision of athlete.  Good Lord!  How do any of you get anything done?  I would just be standing there awkwardly in awe of your beauty.  

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This would be me the WHOLE time!

9.)  Why is the World Cup on during the day?  I know, I know, time zones and this is a world championship not like the World Series where America basically plays against other Americans...yet we call ourselves World Champions?  But if the game is on at 6 am?  You can bet that I am most definitely NOT going to watch the game.  I will only rise before sunrise for 3 reasons:

• Shopping
• Travel
• Royal Weddings

Soccer?  Not one of the three.  Athletic events should be played after dark or on the weekend (presumably because of American culture of linking alcohol with professional sporting events) because more people can watch the game and cheer along.  

10.) Ties.  I know this has been fully exhausted but I'm gonna jump on it anyway.  There are no ties in life.  Maybe this is a metric thing?  But in America?  WE DO NOT TIE!  We have rules in sports to prevent ties.  We use words like overtime, extra innings, shoot out, and my personal favorite...sudden death!  Sheesh!  We hate ties so much we have linked beating a tie with violence!  We literally have competitions to prevent ties in all aspects of our life.  Fast food restaurants have loyalty cards which are competitions to see how many burritos (lerve Panchero's!) and/or cups of coffee you have demolished!  There's a famous scene in the all important sitcom Full House where Uncle Jesse (hot) and Joey (creepy thanks to Alanis Morissette's anthem You Outta Know) competed in chair spinning.  Long story longer--America doesn't tie!  

To sum up, this is a confession about all of the things I don't understand about soccer.  

Are you a soccer fan?  If so can I ask why? Not in a snarky way, but in a legit way.  

xoxo,

E

Hump Day Confessions

Happy Wednesday!

2 more days!   2 more days!

It's confession time today ladies!

1.) My favorite pair of yoga pants has an unfortunate hole in the crotch.  Normal people would throw them away, but I just can't!  They are soooo comfy and it's just a little hole...No I don't just wear them to bed either.  Sometimes they are my morning bagel run pants.  It's not like I'm bending over in them, so it's fine?!  And sometimes like tonight I run out of real non holey yoga pants (I have 7 pairs of perfectly intact yoga pants--but none are as comfy) and I wear them to Zumba.  Zumba is a standing workout so it's NBD because I don't bend over or straddle anything.  The booty may also be saggy but they're 6 years old so who cares about the molecular integrity of the pants?

2.) When I don't know or can't do a Zumba move I just whip out a ballet equivalent.  Sowhatwhocares?  Sometimes people think it looks impressive?  Maybe?  NO?  I should just stop and actually learn the move called the cut cut ninja?

3.) I still have my Limited Too shorts from 3rd grade.  I'm 23.  Limited Too is no longer a store.  They have little puppies playing sports on them!  What's not to love?  And who doesn't want DANCE emblazoned on their booty with rhinestones?  Thankfully after 13 years the rhinestones have worn off/fallen off/jumped off/sacrificed themselves to the sequin god, because how did we sit?  I mean owwww!  Sitting on a rhinestone is to your booty what finding a Lego is to your feet!  Not comfy!

4.) I don't understand the hockey craze.  I'm from Philly and I know we're all supposed to bleed orange and black, but hasn't anyone heard of baseball?  Or football?  I know you need something to amuse yourself during the cold winter months and since the Sixers are, well the Sixers, it's hard to find your sports fix, but come on!  After 5 years of French, I still can't pronounce a majority of the players' names and if I can't say, "Oh yeah __________ had an amazing hat trick last night" without stumbling over all those vowels, then, no I don't wanna be a fan.

5.) I judge girls who wear dresses to baseball games.  And the ones in heels.  Get over yourself!  Wear a jersey!  Show some team spirit!  Who are you trying to impress?  The players can't see you way up there in the upper deck...

6.) I also judge people at sporting events who are wearing completely wrong sports, cities, or team jerseys to the event.  If you are at a Philies game you have a few options:  Phillies gear (duh), whoever they are playing.  This are the first and obvious choices.  I don't wanna see your Minnesota Timberwolves jersey in Citizen's Bank Park.  Yes, wolves are majestic creatures, but they have no place in Philly!  I will allow Eagles/Flyers/Sixers/Wings gear at the game.  I will allow gear from the opposing team's city--but keep your random sports gear to yourself!  Wear it on your couch with your digital MLB Network loving self.  Don't bring it in my stadium!

To read about some of my other Phillies Snafu's and Things I deteste about people at games click here----->What the Phillies Game Is NOT

xoxo,

E

I'm Scared of The Dark

Happy Saturday!


I've been MIA for very good reasons (finals/TWS/interviews/demo lessons) but now I'm back!  (from outer space, I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face...sorry when the opportunity presents itself to quote Gloria Gaynor, you gotta take it!)

Today I will tell you all about one of the scariest nights of my whole entire 23 years of life.  If after this post you deem my life totally bland if this is truly one of the scariest night of your life, so be it.  You should know I have 2 great life fears:  cats and the dark.  Terrified of both.  No reason as to why, I just am terrified.

So my parents went to Virginia to pick up Dylan (because I loathe long car rides I selflessly volunteered to stay home and dogsit Cody) on Thursday night.  I had a demo lesson that day anyway (I'll recap them later) and so I stayed home alone.

Most 23 year old's reaction to their parents leaving them alone for 24 hours:

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This is Erin's reaction to being left home alone at 23:

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singing into the camera (or iPhone)

Yup, fam's gone aka time to start my concert!

Well, not yet...because when I walk in I see that the microwave and oven clock's are both off.  My immediate thought:

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A MURDERER IS IN MY HOUSE!  Come on this has slasher movie written all over it!

Then, logic and reality hit me and I think, well, maybe it's not a murderer.  Maybe we had a small power outage?  Yeah, that's what happened.  

Just incase, I decide I need to get something to protect myself incase a murderer does decide to break in and kill me.  I think back to the 2 years I lived on the outskirts of Trenton and grabbed a knife to stash on my bed stand.  (Trenton is one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. people) Oh, yes, go ahead judge, but you do it, too!  It's totally normal...?...right?...no?

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So, armed and fabulous, trying to erase murderers from my mind I curl up in my ugly jammies, ate some left over take out, and cleared the DVR of all the old Real Housewives of OC.  You know the good stuff my parents detest and therefore I have to watch when no one is home.  

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In my dreams this is what I look like this watching TV alone

In reality it's much more like this:

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So what does my over active brain do next?  Think about murderers, Law & Order SVU, Criminal Minds, you know...the usual fun things!  After thinking that I might die, I just watched an episode of Eric & Jessie and finally decided death was not imminent.  So I sent my little self to bed and guess what?  I'm just brushing my teeth and then TSZKTSZK the lights go out!  Well, it's 11:30 and the club is jumping jumping and I was like Oh NO!  

Standing in front of the mirror, in the dark, with the just the deafening sound of the electric toothbrush scaring me almost to death I think yup, this is how I'm going to die.  People will probably think that I lost an epic Bloody Mary stand off.  

PANIC!  SHEER PANIC!

Through my fear stricken fog, I wade my way to my phone (and knife) so I can have some sort of light.  My phone is almost out of battery but I call my Deb all scared.  She tells me to calm down (too late for that nonsense) and said my dad will call PSE&G.  She tells me where the lantern is so I won't be all alone in the dark.  So off I go to get the lantern and decide my best bet (in case it is a murderer) start walking with the knife ahead of me like a bayonet.  Straight up Revolutionary War soldier status!  I'm thinking, OHMYGOD!  THE MURDERER BROKE IN, CHANGED THE CLOCKS DANE COOK B&E STYLE AND NOW HE'S CUT THE ELECTRICITY AND I'M GOING TO DIE.  

PSE&G says the lights will be back on by 7 am.  That is 7.5 hours too far away!  So I'm sitting here talking to Deb, telling her how I'm sure I'm a goner.  Cody, the ferocious beast who barks viciously at blowing leaves, is petrified and hiding under me!  ME?!  Great, now I have to defend the warrior who is supposed to be the saver!  He's going to be no help if there really is a murderer in here.  Also, Deb's constant "calming words" of you're going to be fine, you're not going to be murdered, Erin just go to bed--it's the same as being asleep.  (FYI No It Is Most Certainly Not)

My reaction?

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No...smh...no

Yeah Deb because a kitty is the exact same thing as a panther!  And a goldfish is the same as a shark.  The difference lies in the physics of it all.  If I'm sleeping and there is electricity, I can open my eyes and see the light.  If I'm sleeping and I open my eyes and there is NO electricity, I can open my eyes and see terror and ghosts and murderers and really absolutely nothing because it's pitch black!!  How is that the same?  Answer:  IT'S VURRRRY VURRRRY DIFFERENT!  As different as Grace Kelly and Kim Kardashian.  Yes their last names both start with K's but that's where the similarities end, y'all!

The lights zzzz back on after 15 long minutes.  15 minutes too long!  It was terrifying.  Imagine your worst fear coming to fruition when you are all alone.  SCARY!

Friday Dylan came home and life restored it's normal balance in the Kitley family home.  Inappropriate jokes, lotsa laughs, and gooberish pranks can resume.  

Life is good...with the lights on that is!

Do you have irrational fears of the dark?  Is it just me?  Are you supposed to grow out of this by the time you're 7?

xoxo,

-E

Confessions

Happy Hump Day!


Today was bueno, only 2 days left until Spring Break!  Woot woot party in the house party in the house!


Today I'm doing a link up about my confessions.

*Insert Usher jam here*


I'm gonna be un-Erin like and leave out a long irrelevant intro and just dive in.

• I have to be everywhere 15 minutes early.  I sit in my car for 15 minutes before I'm supposed to be anywhere/everywhere.  I just hate being late.  
• I have a weird fear about not getting a job and therefore being homeless and living with a dog on the street like Oliver Twist--the Disney version.  I know my parents are not going to kick me out and make me be homeless but I still freak out about it.
• I can't paint my nails.  0 skill.  Usually I swipe the polish across my nails laterally and then peel it off the rest of my hands after it dries.
• I 100% believe in ghosts.  I believe that ghosts are always around us.  I like to think that everyone we love never leaves us, they stay around us as angels and help us whenever we need them.  
• I can't keep my room clean.  I have tried.  My room is a hot mess in a dress.  I try to keep my room clean but it won't stay clean.  Someone should really look into that...One day I'll post a pic so that I can show how nice and clean it is!  That day will also be the day that will be known as the day that pigs fly.
• I have to do every work out rep in even numbers.  If a trainer stops on an odd number, I have to do one more to make it even.
• I have to eat mints in pairs.  
• I have to wake up facing the sun.  I like rising with the sun (well, hours after the sun...I'm not a try-hard)
• I need to have my nightstand on my left.  I just like it being that way.  Probably because I have to sleep on my left side, facing the door, all curled up...okay maybe my weird sleeping pattern will be its own post.
• I have a real life addiction to Us Weekly and Glamour.
• I wear my blue juicy size XL sweat pants and Notre Dame size XL sweatshirt every chance I get.  I love them so much.  They are what smiles, sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns feel like.  
• When my co-operating teachers leave the room I scrape the rest of the peanut butter I brought for lunch (to eat with my apple) out of the container with my fingers.  
• I get shkeeved out by man feet.  Men need to keep their talons in shoes/socks AT. ALL. TIMES.  NO FLIP FLOPS FOR YOU, ONE YEAR!  Pedicures don't make you less of a man, just saying!  I have relented on my no man feet at the beach because my friends were right, "Er, what do you want them to wear at the beach?"  Ok, I'd prefer Sperry's but I'll allow you to wear your mandals to the beach if you promise to keep your feet in the sand.  COVERED BY SAND!  Why are man big toes so hairy?  Ick!  Gross.  Blah.
• I dance in my car, in stores, around my room.   Every time music is on you can bet I'm probably dancing.  My cardance concerts are epic and have inspired many a red light stare-a-thon.  
• I absolutely, hands down, love riding on airplanes!  It's so much fun!  The little bag of pretzels makes my whole day/week/month/year!   I also find planes to be so romantic!  Who doesn't have an airport fairy tale dream?  I know it's stupid but I just always think there is something sweet about being on a plane with 100+ strangers.  Also, planes=travel and I lerve to travel.
• When I'm in Boot Camp class I have a running inner (potty mouth) monologue about how much I should have stayed home.
• If my priest's homily is too long I start day dreaming/planning my wedding and how my church will look
• I wear my jean jacket too much.  Like three times a week too much.
• I own all the season's of The Newlyweds and have watched them in the past year.  I'm gonna put this out there--I miss Nick, Jess, & the Simpson clan.

Anyway, these are my confessions!  

Enjoy your night!!!  Pray that the Phils start playing better!

E