How to not pick up a girl...

Start the conversation by saying I look like someone in a show I have never seen, such as Californication.

Follow this, when I politely ask what brought you to this particular city, by detailing your newly-founded porn company. Only to then say you aren't really a porn co. owner, but that is your life goal someday.

And finally...

Blatantly stare at my chest and when I catch you say "You have really nice tits".

The end.

And yes this all really did happen to me on Friday night.

Foodie Friday

Another fun-themed day for blogging. So since I've been on this yeast-free diet I have had to take up the art of cooking, which has proven to be not entirely as difficult as I thought it might be. It's actually a really good thing though because I've always wanted to learn how, but kind of stuck to just preparing meals not actually cooking. My grandmother (straight from Italy) was an phenomenal cook and baker, my mom claims to have received 1/4th of her skill, though she too is an amazing cook also. And then there is my sister and I. Now, I am the better cook between the two of us (even she will admit to this as I had to make her mac and cheese growing up and yes, I am the younger sister).

So I while I have been forced into this whole cooking thing, its been kind of fun to see how things will turn out and just play with ingredients. I haven't ventured into the cooking seafood yet, but I think I might have my mom train me when I'm home over the holidays :) I have mastered ground beef and chicken though haha and I have always been pretty spectacular at cooking eggs.

Anyway, so tonight I wanted to try a new grain Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WA) and there was a really good recipe on the box for a pilaf using it. And then I was going to pair with with some sauted chicken breast. The whole process took me a little over an hour, but I was pretty pleased with the result and at least I not only tried something new, but also refined the skills a little bit more. I also documented the process with photos :)

Cutting the veggies for the pilaf

The quinoa and veggies cooking with herbs, garlic and butter (smelled awesome)

Sauteing the chicken in some herbs and olive oil

All done :)

Yumsies!!! I really was very good and I have leftovers so I don't have to cook at least one meal this weekend :)

Happy Friday!

Music Monday

So now Monday's are going to be reserved for me to talk about whatever tunes I can't seem to keep out of my head at the moment. For the first installment, I give you "Edge of Desire" by John Mayer, from his new album, Battle Studies.

The whole album is pretty decent and goes to a different place then last one, Continuum. For some reason the lyrics in the songs for Battle Studies, in particular "Edge of Desire" are really resonating with me right now. I'm not sure if Mr. Mayer has actually experienced any of what he is singing about, but my golly you could have fooled me.

It's amazing how he is able to put just the right type of music to the lyrics he is singing. It intensifies just as it would if you were actually saying the things he sings about to someone or thinking through your feelings about a person or situation.

As far as "Edge of Desire" is concerned, it could literally be the explanation for what I am feeling with that possible person back in the mitten. Here is a sample of the lyrics I am talking about:

"Don't say a word, just come over and lie here with me

'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see

I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe

There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me"

I not so tactfully basically said the first line above when I saw said person over Thanksgiving, but because of the drunken taxi that was my life that weekend, it didn't so much pan out. The next line kind of symbolizes me leaving the new prospects that I was hoping for here in Atlanta, if there is something more worth it elsewhere. Next, I was badly burned by someone about six months ago and it really made me think twice about the possibility of a long distance relationship because that turd of person couldn't handle it. So that certainly left a scar on what was a reasonable option before and now is something I'm not sure I can handle either, but like the lyrics say, I could. And finally, I am in Atlanta after all and there is always that fear that my friends in general, especially said person could forget about it.

Damn you John Mayer for speaking the words that my walled up feelings/heart don't want to say or admit to.

What are your sweet jams for this chilly Monday?

Sunday Funday

So in my attempt to try and keep up with my blogging I have decided to try and enact a few preset writing topics based on days of the week... a.k.a "Sunday Funday" (also look for Music Mondays and Photo Fridays in the near future :))

Anyway, so for my first installment of Sunday Funday, a weekend in review. It really was a fun weekend. Still going strong on my yeast free diet cleanse and sober as a jug of water. But Friday night Carl invited me out with the law school kiddos to go bowling. Which was a much better option then my attempt to enjoy Texas county and we had a blast at Midtown Bowl. It took a while for me to get warmed up, but my former bowling captain skills (heck yes I was captain of the bowling team in high school) came rushing back at the beginning of game two. So much so that even though we didn't get to bowl the last frame because our hour ran out, I had everyone beat :)

Saturday, I worked out while listening to the TV blaring the Atlanta Christmas parade thanks to the psycho trainer behind me on the stair climber. That was pretty amusing actually though because the reporters were warning about the 20 degree wind chill and the attendees of the parade looked like they were dressed for Antartica... silly southerners. Anyway, then I got ready and left to go shopping with Miss Jill. It was great to catch up with her since I hadn't seen her in over a week and there was lots to talk about. We also had a good time shopping together and even managed to get some gifts for people we needed to get them for in addition to a few selfish purchases :)

Then Saturday night, I went out with Christy and Laura in Duluth to their favorite local bar, the Leafing Leprechaun for its last night of business. It seemed like a really fun place and it makes me sad to think that now its closed, but if you ever want to have a blow out great time at a bar go to the closing night. Even though I was sober, it was a good time and all the servers were just having fun with everyone and it was a very happy atmosphere.

Today, I discovered the North Georgia Premium Outlets, and they were phenomenal. They have not one, but two BCBG stores! And I bought a really cute work dress there and I had the perfect NYE dress picked out, but while I was taking it off, after deciding to purchase it, it ripped right by my arm pit. I was so bummed out and they didn't have any other ones in my size. I thought twice about buying it anyway and sewing it up, but even at an outlet BCBG isn't exactly budget friendly and I couldn't justify having to fix it if I bought it. I did however walk away with 5 pairs of shoes for about $160 at the fabulous shoe outlet stores there :) Now, the real purpose I went there was not for myself, but to try and find Julie (my sister) her Burberry scarf, and they too were sold out- I can't order it online, or find it in any stores near me :/

Finally, I found the greatest little boutique in Decatur called Heliotrope. I finally found a majority of my friend's christmas presents there and my christmas cards there so all was not lost in my selfish purchases today haha. I will definitely be going back to Heliotrope also and the rest of downtown Decatur which looked just adorable.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

"I'm going to Miami, welcome to Miami"

I just got back from a trip to Miami for work, and I'm glad to be home. There was some really bad news that quite frankly is a PR girl's nightmare walking into this particular program and by the grace of God it didn't overshadow the good things we were doing on our program, but its still got me all rattled. Do you ever have those moments that you stop and wonder if what you do is worth it and if it is making a difference? I had a great big one when I found out that news. But I'm trying to get over it and hopefully I can chalk it up to more learning early in my career someday.

Anyway, it was so weird to be somewhere that was 85 degrees and muggy for the first week of December. Light-adorned palm trees and ginormous santa statues just don't feel like Christmas to me so I'm having a hard time believing its only 22 days away! Don't get me wrong though, Miami was beautiful and I wish I would have had more time to chill out by the gorgeous pool by my hotel and check out the night life, but 4 a.m. wake-up calls made for a very sleepy lady at night.

In better news, the situation back at home that I mentioned in my last post looks like it could be brightening. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch, but I'm not ruling this out either. I'm excited to see what could happen with this, if anything at all.

Another day, another dollar...

Some days that's what work feels like anyway. I think the Mondays after vacations/holidays are some of the worst days out there.

It wasn't a particularly bad day in actuality, but it was one of those catch up days. You know the kind, you cut some corners just to finish everything in time to not be bugged too much during your vacation so now you have some crumbs to sweep up. But I guess the good news is I'm going to Miami for work tomorrow, and I've never been there so that should be fun :)

Otherwise, today I ran a lot of errands. Picked up my comforter and pillow cases from the dry cleaners (note- I won't ever buy another dry clean only comforter, its so expensive to clean!). Went grocery shopping, went to my ALC appointment and was introduced to a new tool I didn't know existed- a high-powered cool blower to counter act the hot snap of the laser. Packed for Miami, cleaned my apartment a little bit. I also tried to sneakily snag another key fob for my apartment complex; however my plan was scumped when they deactivated the other one I had claimed to lose and still charge me the $25 for replacing it- fail. Oh well, you live you learn, I guess my complex deserves more credit for the job they do keeping bad guys out of the complex.

Happy monday all :)

Great Thanksgiving :)

I had the best time this past few days while I was home. I got so caught up with my move and furnishing my new apartment here in HOTlanta that I didn't even slow down to miss home yet.

I know I've written posts before about feeling guilty about not being home, but I finally felt that little twinge of sadness when I was packing my stuff up today to fly back here that I was kind of sad to be leaving. Now the truth of the matter is that a majority of people that I had such a great time with were also parting their separate ways so it wouldn't be the same even if I was still there, but I am finally starting to feel the affects of the move. Which is good I think because I didn't want to be in this cloud of aloofness forever.

Anyway, it really was an absolutely great weekend. I saw so many great friends and spent lots of time with my family and I wouldn't have changed a thing- except leaving, but I had to so I couldn't really change that part :)

In three weeks I get to go back home for an even longer break for the christmas and new year holiday and I am really excited! There are some very close friends that I was not able to see this trip home, but I will have my car home with me (thank god) since I'm driving home and I will get to see hopefully everyone in a few weeks!!!

There's also a situation back home that I need to come to some clarity on. It's romantically related, and I know its really stupid to hang on to something that is back home when I should focus on the new possibilities here. But I can't help but think about what could be with this particular person if we had had a moment or two to ourselves this trip home which makes me hope for that opportunity in a few weeks :/ Dangerous territory and what can I say I am the girl that always wants what she can't have- but who ever knows what the future will bring :)

Yeast free is the way to be???

Well, at least for a little while.

Due to extenuating medical conditions that just won't go away, I am giving the yeast-free diet a shot. It won't be that difficult since I've already been gluten free for 5 years, but I am having a really hard time with the no cheese, booze and temporarily fruit thing. I'm also not crazy about the killer non-caffine induced and/or possible glutening accident headache/migraine I have had all day. But I am told this too shall pass so I really hope this helps my issues

If any of you have any suggestions or good yeast-free recipes please send them my way!

The weirdest thing happened to me today

I had received a $5 coupon for Publix as a new resident and I wanted to use before it expired. Well, conveniently, I needed to go food shopping today so it made sense to go there so I could reach my tiny goals at the same time ;)

I found all of my food that I wanted to get, and then some and I proceeded to the check-out aisle. Everything went normally until I went to leave, and the sweet little woman that was bagging my groceries walked my cart out for me. But she didn't stop at the main entrance doors, she came all the way out to my car. And if that wasn't enough, actually unloaded the grocery bags into my trunk for me! Now, I at everyone of these points I pleaded with her and said I didn't need her to do that for me, but she insisted.

I was so caught off guard, was I supposed to tip her? I didn't know, but all I had was a $20 and though I was a service provider for many years and consider myself a very generous tipper, I didn't request this service so I thought that was a bit much for her kindness. But she didn't expect anything either and went on her merry way after unloading all of my stuff. Luckily, my friend confirmed that at Publix you are not to supposed to tip the employees that assist with unloading your bags, so I felt at peace with my earlier decision.

But it was so weird for me, I just wasn't expecting it, and I absolutely hate getting special treatment or even help when I don't ask for it (because I'm not very good at actually asking for it even if I do need it). So anyway, thats really all of the excitement for today sadly enough lol but yea another nuance of Atlanta that is very different from the mitten.

Evidently I'm not a Texas country fan afterall...

So one my new friends down here is through one of my college friends, who is originally from Texas as is he. Therefore, they are obsessed with Texas country. I'm really not any kind of country fan and at the very least you could put me in the "I tolerate pop/country music" so true country fans would likely shun my taste in "fake" country music.

Anyway, I had the chance to go to a Texas country concert and though I told my friend that I really wasn't a country fan, he asked if I liked boozin' and live music- and indeed I do. So on we went to the Cory Morrow concert.

Yikes.

Well, okay so it really wasn't that bad. But about two songs in even my friend realized this wasn't my scene. I tried really hard though to not show it and still have a fun time. Since I wanted to drive home later, I curbed my boozin' and that probably would have made me seem at least more into the adventure we were having. In truth, I wasn't actually that repulsed by the music which surprised me, but the best part about seeing live music is singing along to the songs, and I couldn't do that because I didn't know any of them.

(the girls and I having fun before the concert)

All in all it really was a fun night, though I could have done without the dueschy military guy that was trying to hump me through dance as we were trying to leave. I did find a new bar that I want to go back to though! It's called Moondogs and it was right by the Peachtree Tavern where the concert was, so I am pretty pumped for that, there was at least 5 different rooms to fit whatever scene you wanted so that was really fun.

So probably no more Texas country in my future, but I'm glad I went outside my comfort zone to try and have a little fun :)

:)

So I got some really, really great news yesterday... I got a promotion at work!!! I can't even begin to explain how excited I am about it and how much it means to me. I know that the company I work for has been through a lot this year, everyone's has in this economy. But to know that the effort I have been putting forth and my passion for what I do, finally met their reward is such an amazing feeling. Even more so knowing that right now we are still on our climb back up.

I know the job I am doing really won't change much, but it is certainly a comfort to know that the job I have been doing and the extra programming I have taken on was finally recognized.

Cheers one for me tonight! Looks like it might not be too hard to turn these peaches into sangria after all :)

Big ol' fat rain

Hopefully anyone reading this recognizes that line from on of my favorite movies, Forest Gump. But I never really understood what he was talking about until I moved down here to Atlanta. The rain is literally more fat here. I know that is a really strange observation, but it is an observation nonetheless :)

Anyway, that big ol' fat rain has been coming down with no stopping planned until later on today. Now say what you will about the weather in "the north", and we may have had rain more frequently than we do down here, but we never have such hard and long rains. It was a surprising day in the spring or fall in Michigan if we didn't get a few droplets here or there, but heavy rain never lasts for more than an hour. So no wonder why it floods here basically every time it rains, copious amounts of water have no where else to go and no time to drain out.

My cracked-out sleepy brain was at it again last night, apparently trying to decipher this big ol' fat rain apparently. I was living in a totally different apartment than I am currently and I think my mom was visiting (which really has no point in adding except that I remember her being there). I had this huge window that looked out into kind of a really pretty wetlands/foresty creek area. And i distinctly remember thinking to myself, in the dream, that wow am I lucky to live here this view couldn't get much better and then I realized if we ever did get heavy rains my place would most definitely flood. So it inevitably did and I remember trying to brace the windows trying to stop the water from coming in, but it would magically drain out of my room as soon as it came in. What another strange dream, and I was hoping I would magically dream up a really great pitch for a story for work-- unless they want to talk about floods and home safety I'm SOL.

Oh well, thats all for today, off to the SMBC!

Weird Dreams

So yesterday I woke up from a really weird dream. I hardly ever remember my dreams so that in itself is a little bit weird but this dream in particular was really strange and realistic.

Basically, it was that after getting all settled here and wanting to stay in Atlanta and surprising myself by how much I actually enjoy living here, I was going to get relocated again to Boston. Now this could never logistically happen because my company doesn't have an office there, but it was just really really weird. And Boston was actually one of those cities that always had wanted to live, Atlanta was not. And one of my closest friends just moved there as well, so you think I would be really excited for that. But I was not, I was actually really sad about leaving Atlanta which is crazy because I haven't even lived here for two weeks yet so its crazy that I feel so attached already, but I really do. Plus, I'm obsessed with my huge apartment and there is no way I can afford something like this in Boston-- which was quite evident in my dream since I seemed to be living in some attic-like studio...

Anyway, this is probably really not exciting for you all to read, but it was just so strange. I think it was my subconscious trying to tell me it was okay for me to like living here since I've been feeling a bit guilty about not missing being at home.

Also, before that dream I had one that I pierced my nipple-- if thats not weird I don't know what is, I definitely don't subscribe to that sort of body art so my brain must be on crack right now.

Thats all for today :)

Halloween!

So I promised some pics from my holiday festivities :) Here they are!

(This is later on the evening, but still before we left for the party--- so you can imagine our state by then :))

Looking super cute at the beginning of the night! I'm "The Dairy Queen" on the left side of the pic and that's my friend/awesome neighbor Jill on the right.

We had a blast that night. Predrinking at Leo and Jills (neighbors/bffs) and then more pre-drinking/partying at Leo's friend's house in midtown then to the actual party we had tickets for in Midtown. It was awesome, the bar blocked off the street next to it and basically locked it down for a huge party-- good times. Things almost got a little messy in the end-- but fear not my Spartan in me and I miraculously powered through. Leo had a nice and repetitive convo with our cab driver from West Africa? Wait... Where are you from again East Africa? Probably had to be there to find that humorous-- sorry new blogger friends :(

In other news, I have an amazing family and friends. I came home from my first official day of work at my new job here in Atlanta to two wonderful packages! Here is what they were!

On the right is a personalized cookbook from my family--my sister's idea. It has our family's favorite recipes and pictures of us eating them to go with them, it is such an adorable and sweet gift!

On the right in the back is a beautiful and very gluten free gift basket from my bff's Becky and Evan in Chicago! It's got some of my favorites from Trader Joe's-- where Evan works :) And last but not least because I am still super impressed with this gift, is the beautiful wall clock on the right in the front! Becky hand made it and it will match perfectly with my bedding, I can't wait to hand it up!

Thanks to my family and Becky and Evan for these wonderful gifts-- I know you wanted them to get here earlier, but the timing couldn't have been better and I am so lucky to have you in my life!

Cheers friends :)

Thanks for my stuff.... finally!

So the movers finally brought my stuff! I can't believe they went past the week-long window I was given to have it delivered-not cool.

But its neither here nor there now because its all here now :)

I am bummed out though still because I had my mom come out with me this entire week in anticipation for my stuff getting here and having someone to help me unpack everything. And because the lovely moving people took their sweetass time getting here I ended up having to drop her off at the airport two hours after they finished delivering everything. So its just me and my boxes now.

I am looking forward to unpacking it all though and getting myself organized, it already looks homier now that a few things are in place.

Its funny to think back to a month and a half ago when I was so upset to be moving and in tears for about 2 days straight thinking about coming to this unknown place. Now, I couldn't be happier to be here! I think its just what my life needed and I am so excited to be out here on my own and able to spread my wings a bit :)

Well, I better get to that unpacking, evidently boxes don't unpack themselves even when they know you have a wicked hangover from a great Halloween! (I'll post pictures soon)

Moving is exhausting!

Soooo... its my third night in my new apartment, and none of my stuff is here yet :( Thank you Corrigan Moving Co. for this wonderful inconvenience. Don't get me wrong, I know how lucky I am to have a job that will pay for my relocation and whatnot; however, since they packaged up my goods one week ago Thursday, I think that has been ample time to get it all down here to Atlanta. Its only 11 hours away afterall.

Whats the point of telling me to get my happy ass down here by Monday when your full intentions were not to deliver my all of my belongings until the dead last day possible on the contract :/ turds.

Anyway, I have found ways to keep my mom and myself busy so far. I have redecorated both of my bathrooms, bought some truly beautiful throw pillows, bought/put together two bar stools and even bought a new mattress set! We also spent the majority of today going to at least 7 different furniture stores in the quest to find the perfect new bed set for my room. All of close calls, but wouldn't you know that when we got home, my mom suggested I just google "bed" and see what pops up-- BINGO! I found the set that I truly love and there's a store that carries it only 3 miles from me! You all know what I will be doing tomorrow :)

Alright, well its time to crash on my deflating air mattress... wait Jen, I thought you bought a new actual mattress... yes, I did in fact. However, and god knows I love her more than life itself, but my mom could literally suck the entire apartment in with her snoring and its either toss and turn all night next to her or camp out on the other side of the apartment in my deflating air mattress.

Good night!

Atlanta's great but the traffic is horrible

That is probably the most common and over-used phrase I've heard since I found out I was moving to Atlanta. It's not that I was in disbelief about this epic traffic I'd heard of, but I did have to question how bad it really was. I mean southeastern Michigan, while not known for their traffic, has ridiculous amounts of construction. I kid you not, I really thought there might have been a conspiracy against me trying to get the to places I needed to go using the easiest way because every time I moved the construction followed me!

Anyway, I got stuck in the epic traffic today at the worse time possible. My wonderful neighbor friends, specifically the lady friend, had invited me to go to the cardio class our apartment complex was putting on and I was all amped to go. Now, I have actually gotten very accustomed to the drive between my hotel and my new apartment and it takes max... 10 minutes. Well, little did I realize that the entire working population surround the Perimeter area works the 9-6 schedule... FML. I would have been right on time even early if I had fallen victim to the cluster-fuck that was the traffic situation from the parking structure of my hotel through the main road I had to use to get there.

Well, I actually managed to get there right on time. But I was talking to my mom on my cell and missed the text from my friend correcting the location of the class. Well again, would have been fine, I have no shame in showing up late... but apparently in my rush to get on the road I neglected to snatch my access card so I couldn't even get into any of the work-out centers even if I wanted to.

Conclusion: I'm awesome.

My new place :)

I signed on my new apartment on Friday. And I am very lucky to have two awesome and very close friends as neighbors in my new abode that are only two buildings away.

Here are some pics of it!

The living room

Dining area and kitchen

The kitchen

I can't wait to get all of my stuff moved in and decorate. I'll definitely be adding more photos once I do!

Cheers!

Some people make lemonade out of lemons... but I'm gonna make sangria out of peaches

One month ago today, I was offered a position in Atlanta, GA. As a native Midwestern lady I was shocked and overwhelmed.

Wait... does this mean I have to like country music now? (By the way, I've never cared much for that genre save for about 30 songs that cross over into pop- and I have already found my favorite non-country stations in the area.)

So I did the really mature and professional thing... and started crying. Now, I know this seems crazy, especially the fact that when I joined this company I knew I'd have to travel extensively/move at some point in my career. Nonetheless, I cried. I had never been to Atlanta before and it has never topped my list of "places to live". I had no idea what to expect and had poked fun at one of my closest friends when she moved to Kentucky for college a few years ago and started to adapt to the native lingo/accent.

Luckily, I was given the chance to visit the ATL before I had to commit to any decision, so I did... and color me crazy, but I actually really liked it and felt at home immediately. (This could have had something to do with the fact that as I walked through the airport upon my arrival my anthem, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Ms. Whitney Houston, was blaring over the speakers... just saying.)

Also luckily, a very close friend of mine already lives in ATL and offered to show me the ropes and invited me to dinner my first night there. So I visited all of the local hotspots I was told to check out over that first 48-hr period that I was there. I even found an apartment!

So I accepted the position here in Atlanta (technically Alpharetta) and have tried to embrace all things Atlanta since then. When I first thought about starting my blog I really thought I would basically be turning lemons into lemonade while I was here. But I can already see how great this new chapter in my life will be. Yes, of course I am sad to leave the mitten, but I also know you can't fully appreciate something until you loose it and I certainly hope that is how it works in the end. And the best results are often yielded when forced outside of your comfort zone... okay, okay enough with the cliches!

So watch out Atlanta, here I come!