Monday, December 31, 2012

Strapped On and Bracing For 2013

Last day of 2012.
Looking back over the year I am truly amazed its coming to an end.  Its been a year of change, refocus, and daring to move forward in various aspects of my life.  But at the end of the day, its two steps forward.  I firmly believe that perhaps even worse than regressing, is remaining stagnant in who we are and where we are not going.
Life is too short and our impact too great to not move forward. 

Many people will make New Years resolutions...and while I'm not a huge fan of setting unrealistic, lofty goals after too many drinks and no consideration to the actual level of focus and determination required, I will inevitably be a part of many of those journeys.  It does amaze me though how often we make these health-related aspirations, and begin them hungover, sleep-deprived, and bloated from the festivities the night before.
Want to see me personally fail at something,...let me start in that very condition right there.  Hell, just knock 2 hours off my normal sleep time and I am a hot mess for the next 48 hours, and will pretty much live in misery until I can hit the pillow for a solid 7.
With that said, if you have plans to "Eat better!", "Lose 25!", "Exercise more!", or my favorite non-specific goal "Get in shape!" starting tomorrow, you better strap on the big girl/boy pants and embrace the suck for the next few weeks before it becomes routine.  January 2nd you will wake up ready to roll, probably having slept in your spandex and pre-gamed the night before with a protein bar.  But come January 23rd you are tired, don't feel like it, and will have to muster up every ounce of will power you have to drag yourself out of bed.  Do it.  Acknowledge you don't feel like it, but do it anyway.  You have to learn to push past those points.
The inability to do that is why come February, majority of people are in the same boat they were in on December 31st.  Unfortunate, but true.
Healthy choices fuel healthy choices.  Its a cycle that YOU can control for yourself, and yes, its your responsibility.

Do I have a resolution?
Eh,...not really.
But perhaps I need to resolve not to sport duct tape on my car for the 4th or 5th time in my life.  I've lost track.
Its absurd,...I pulled into the drive-thru at the bank the other day and made a mental note that I pulled a little too close (trying to avoid the 'ol hanging-out-the-window move to reach the machine).  Well, after sitting there for more than 20 seconds, I forgot about the mental note and pulled away like I was filming my own version of Fast and the Furious. 
Nailed the stupid pole with my side mirror and the next thing I know its dangling like a broken appendage.  I was so pissed I wanted to rip the thing completely off and hurl it across the parking lot.
I refrained.
I was in a rush to make an appointment, so I drove across the parking lot to the dollar store.
Scissors and duct tape,...I was going to have my own arts and crafts moment right there in the parking lot.
Its all fun and games until you're nearly getting frostbite trying to reattach car parts with duct tape.
I was hating life,....AND the old man sitting in the truck enjoying the view of this entire ordeal.
I'm sure he found it hilarious.  Although, my skills at this particular activity are sadly up to par, so laugh it up big boy.

So here I am entering the new year with a busted mirror, and pulling some Jackie Chan moves to get in and out of my car.
Damn pole.

On a lighter note, we are currently on our annual New Years trip with 3 other couples, a baby, and a growing fetus.  (Not in me just fyi), but our group is growing.
I'm not lactating, so currently out numbered.

Its cold, and getting in a 5 mile jog in 30 degree weather with horrible wind gusts was definitely not my favorite, but its done.
After this coffee kicks in I'll be out for round 2.  It wouldn't be so bad if I could feel my face.  I literally spend the first 3 miles cursing and trying not to focus on the fact that my entire face is getting chapped and my feet are numb.
Its awesome.

Well, its about that time.
Enjoy the last day of 2012, and get your mind right for a new one to come!  :) 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Yule Detox

Holy crap I'm alive.
Its been quite the holiday ride since last Thursday, and to say I woke up feeling like a pile of dog poo would be an understatement. 
We didn't get home until after midnight, and my body was hating me.  Food,...gifts,...more food,...more gifts,...and topped with more sugar, its amazing my pancreas is still functioning.  How some people eat like that everyday is truly beyond me. 
If you feel horrible, you should.
Ever tried to fuel your car with mule waste? 
Exactly. 
Your body is no different.  Not that I assume any of you are actually eating mule waste, but you get the point...
The holidays can be brutal in the nutrition department with one event to the next. 
I get it.
Hell, I have to "pregame" before these events for the sake of my intestines.  I'm not talking alcohol.
Two lines into "O Holy Night" at the Christmas Eve service I'm popping gas-x like pez in hopes that the upcoming meal didn't leave me in fetal position wanting my mom and a keg of pepto.
You do what you gotta do.

I was so ready to eat tuna and veggies today I couldn't stand it. 

Christmas Day was great though.  We drove all over Durham for family events and packed the car with an obscene amount of gifts.  Yes, I may have gone a little overboard with Payton and Haven,....shocker. 
Sparkles was in rare form, and was standing at the door with her "Sprinkles of Joy" bottle ready to creep everyone out with her yuletide props.
Unbelievable.
This pretty much speaks for itself when it comes to Christmas at my parents house.

Here they are with ALL THE GIFTS....dad's OCD kicked in before anyone got there and he organized the room so everyone had their own pile...including name tags for the piles. 
(And I wonder where I get it from...)
That was the cleanest the room was all night.
I was game on after that.
However, my efforts to remain tear-free throughout the night went straight down the toilet.  One of the neatest gifts came at the end when Kelly gave us each ladies a note and pearl bracelet with a "P" inscribed on it.  The Parker sisterhood was complete. 
I think we just sort of formed our own sorority last night....minus the hazing.   


Well, it was back to the grind this afternoon.
I took the morning off, which proved to be a smart decision considering I couldn't function until 7am.  Coffee helped a little, but failed to work its typical magic.
I need sleep.
Sleep,...and sugar detox until Easter. 

I'll leave you with a few more Christmas pics...











Thursday, December 20, 2012

Holiday Hazing

Oscar is going nuts.
He gets on these rants where he'll sprint across the room, skid across the hardwood, pant like a smoker and then repeat the whole thing.
Its his own solo-relay....sad.
He'll get himself so worked up that he'll probably throw up and I'll cap off my night with some Resolve cleaner and a sponge.  My decision to go with off-white carpet haunts me everyday.
Orange shag makes more sense than it should.

Well, it was officially my last day in the gym until after Christmas.
The week flew by and I can honestly say I am exhausted, but will be itching to get back by next week I'm sure.  Add in 5 family events, and I'll be in rare form just in time for Jesus' birth.
Sweet.

Its a tough time of year for the fitness minded folk.  Let's be honest, we're surrounded by fudge, cookies, and every kind of sugar-coated food imaginable.  Oh, and lets not forget the beverages.  After 3 hours of Aunt Reda's nagging, its amazing you haven't starting hazing yourself.
I get it.
But there is room to have your cake and fit in your pants too.
Plan ahead.
Whoever said you had to eat every item at every event?  You're not a squirrel.  Stop storing up for winter. 
Look over everything and decide on a couple of splurges.  That's it.  And if you eat a little more than you anticipated, don't assume all is lost and blow the next 2 days as well.
Move on.
Its not the end of the world,...you're not a horrible person,...its one meal at a time.  Make the next one good fuel.


Tomorrow looks to be a busy Christmas-prep day.
I've still got a few odds and ends to take care of.  99% chance I'll buy something for myself.
Buyer's remorse? 
I have no clue what you're talking about.

Bedtime...

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

On Hold................

I just changed the light bulbs in the fixture above the table and right now I feel like I'm about to be called up in the rapture.
I'm being overwhelmed by over 300 watts, and 2 seconds away from saying screw it and winging it in the dark.  My level of ridiculousness is reaching new heights...

It was a great day in the gym with clients and the talk of Christmas, family, and the inevitable family-detox dominated many conversations.
The number of people who have to travel during the holidays always amazes me....5 hour plane ride,....14 hours in a minivan,....2 day road trip with screaming kids who haven't gotten along since the other came into existence....
If that's not the definition of fun I don't know what is.
Good luck to those of you in this situation.
Better you than me.
No seriously,...I would probably burn some bridges just to avoid that entire experience.
The general consensus was that everyone is slightly overwhelmed, but heading into the holiday full force. 

Well, I certainly added to my coffee collection today thanks to a few dear clients :)
Fuel the addiction.
I like it.
Christmas came early for me, which I will not complain.  My morning began with a new iPad mini.  Thank you Brian!
The odds of a 5 year old learning to navigate this before me are pretty strong, but I am pumped and determined despite my technological shortcomings.
Now I need a purple case.
Ah yes, purple...color of my life.

Side note...I am currently on hold with Time Warner Cable.
I've been transferred 3 times.
You would think I asked them to donate an organ.
They make me hate life more than any one company should.  With horrible music blaring in my ear, I am more likely to bust an eardrum before I actually speak to a human being.
Madness.
No please, take your time, I realize your job is horrible...marinade in it a little while I wait with my Blackberry slowly molding to my face...

I had an awesome workout today...extremely sore, but it was good.
Tomorrow looks to be just a cardio day so we'll see how that pans out.  Have a great night folks, and brace yourself for an eventful hump day!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Pirates, Valor, and Tie-Died Jockstraps

I am throwing down some vegetable soup like a flu victim.
No, I'm not sick, but I had a load of produce I needed to cook so I whipped out the crock-pot and threw everything in there like I knew what I was doing.
I don't.
But its good.

I recently signed up to have crops delivered from local farms,...which is awesome by the way.  I'm all about supporting local farms.
Probably because I spent many-a-summer snapping beans til I had no thumbprint on my grandparents farm.  Its all fun and games until Mima hands you a knife at age 8 and tells you to start peeling an endless pile of tomatoes.  Its probably when I officially learned what an "ass load" was.....more than a lot...but darn if you didn't finish that bucket...

So, my produce box comes every Tuesday, and this last week they sent a large acorn squash.  Yes, I love squash and eat around 10 pounds every week, but dear Lord this thing was different.  I nearly lost my religion peeling it.
Longest 17 minutes of my life.
My forearm was literally throbbing by the time I threw it in the pot with everything else.
Apparently getting pissed off is part of the homemade-soup-process.
Sweet.
Count me in.

Busy weekend full of shopping and family events...
I was in rare form by the time we made it to my parents' house last night for Dirty Santa Part II.  The jockstrap I gave last year made a second appearance....however, my cousin tie-died it.
The fact that he even went to the effort is awesome.
I didn't quite stick to the crotch-theme this year,...but if creepy were a theme I nailed it.
I have a plethora of random photos of friends/family that should never make their way to the public, but for the sake of freaking a few people out or a great game of dirty santa, I will blow it up to an 8 x 10 and put a bow on it.

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a little zip-up valor mid-drift.


We had a blast.
My parents' house always trips me out during the holidays.
My mom decorates every room.  But its a different theme as you walk through the house, so my OCD was going nuts. 
Not surprisingly, Sparkles got a little carried away with the upstairs decor.

This is what happens when Mardi Gras mates with the circus....



She's out of control.
So excited she can't stand it.

There were numerous highlights of the evening.  One being when my 93 year old grandpa unwrapped a t-shirt with a pirate on it that said "Surrender All Your Booty!"
That was pretty great,....he'll rock that at the retirement home like a champ.

As the night wore on and it was just a few of us there, I look over and mom broke out a scrapbook of pictures to show my newly sister-in-law.
Somehow I knew this was coming.
Seriously mom, give the poor woman a few months in the family before you bombard her with all the dysfunction caught on camera.
Its enough to be overwhelming...

Ok, I've nearly got arthritis.
That's my weekend in a nutshell.  Game time tomorrow.  Looking forward to a full day in the gym.
Night folks.








Thursday, December 13, 2012

8 Ounce Freak-Out

Just me and a bowl of chicken, cabbage, and cottage cheese.
I will put cottage cheese on anything.
Seriously.  Dare me.  100% chance I'll like it and you'll lose.
Its a late dinner, but I just got off the phone with Sparkles....it was a 75 minute conversation.  For the record, I met my word limit at about 4pm. 
I was practically dehydrated by the end.  And pretty sure there is an oxygen shortage over at the Parker house. 
Dad's probably gasping for breath while mom is on her nightly bedazzling raid.

It was long day,...good, but long.
I had to give my no-sense-in-weighing-everyday-because-you'll-lose-your-mind speech today.  It amazes me just how many people engage in this ridiculous habit.  And yes, it is ridiculous.  Its not A POUND that should cause an alarm.  No, its the extreme and irrational freak-out over the pound that's the issue.
Its one thing to keep weight "in-check" and use it as a gauge for progress, but there is a fine line in that and obsession.
Part of taking care of yourself and your health is protecting yourself emotionally.  If your emotional stability often depends on half a pound on the scale each morning, its time to step back and regain a proper perspective. 
The scale should have no more power over you than the actual batteries in the darn thing...


Well, its bed time.
Short and sweet tonight, but I am falling asleep sitting straight up...
Night folks.  Make tomorrow great.



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Coffee Fix and Surprise Santa

I knew I'd be tired today, but I had no idea how bad it would be.
I honestly have no recollection of the last 15 minutes of my morning commute.  And when Garrett walked in looking like he'd also been beaten in his sleep, I knew we were both in for a long day.  We would have injected coffee if we thought it was sanitary.
Or had a needle.
Which, one should never have lying around.  Horrible idea.
By 9am I was stupid-tired....and was not responsible for anything coming out of my mouth at that point.
I was a hazard to my own health.

Someone asked me today if I was fully decorated for Christmas.
I do believe in dumb questions.
Uhhh...yeah.  I've been ready with my stocking since right after Halloween.  I don't play around when it comes to Christmas.
I will not think twice about breaking out the ol Michael Buble album in the middle of June.  Does not phase me, and my friends are all over this.
Just to give you an idea, for my bachelorette weekend they decorated the beach condo with lights, wrapped all my gifts in Christmas paper, and before I knew it my friend rushed out of the bathroom in a complete Santa costume.
I didn't get strippers.  I got a lap dance from a friend dressed as St. Nick.
Pretty much equal in my book.
This is my life and explains so much...


A little stroll down memory lane.  My girls are the best.


Well, on a fitness note, it was another great workout today.  Yes, I was dreading every second of it because I was tired,  but at some point I tell myself to shut it and keep moving.
The self-love is quite overwhelming during pull-ups, let me tell ya...
I was glad to be done, smelled horrible, and would have laid in the shower if I thought I'd still have hot water after 15 minutes.
Long day.

I gave in to some coffee this afternoon.
Yes, I did it.
I took it to the face like my life depended on it.
I went from protein shake...to coffee...to green tea.  My body didn't know what the heck was going on.  All I wanted was to wake up and not feel intoxicated while completely sober at 2pm.  I was exhausted.
If I don't manage to get some sleep tonight it will be an interesting Wednesday to say the least...
 




Monday, December 10, 2012

Dirty Santa, Round 2

I think I put too much garlic on this salmon.
The breath is going to be out of control in about 15 minutes.  its fine.  I have no plans of making out.

It was another hit-the-ground-running Monday.
I woke up in what I instantly knew was a foul mood, which, surprisingly does not happen too often (shocking, I know).  Today was a little different though. 
No, I didn't "wake up on the wrong side of the bed".  I hate that.  Sometimes both sides are wrong.  I practically don't move from left side fetal position all night, and if I roll over I meet a wall of 225 pounds,...so no, I literally could not wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
I may start exiting from the foot of the bed just to mix it up.
Branch out.
Go nuts.
Who knows...

Venting moment of the day.  Here we go...
Let me begin by saying I appreciate clients who will give everything even when I turn my head or when they think I am not watching.  It not only speaks to their commitment, but also to where they are headed.  It makes my day to watch people struggle, decide to keep going, push though, and then enjoy the sweet taste of victory no matter how small or big in the big scheme of things.
Its awesome.
With that said, I am completely blown away by those who will blatantly cheat in front of me.  Especially the young athletes.  Don't talk to me about wanting to improve, meet all these goals and accomplish this or that if you're not willing to work.  YOUR WORDS MEAN NOTHING in the face of open disregard for the opportunity to get there.  Unbelievable.
I was so frustrated at one point today I had to walk away. 
At some point, we choose it.  Either its worth it, or its not.  Period.
I can do many things, but I cannot force someone to value their health, athletic potential, or the journey required meet goals. 
What a day.

My own workout was great day.  Despite the fact that I was tired even before I started, I sort of got in a zone and it was on at that point.  Shoulders, core, and quads.  I was hating life an hour and half later....but glad to be done. 
Garrett and I both looked like death.

I'm starting to freak out a little that Christmas is in 2 weeks.  Holy night, holy crap, this is getting crazy.  I've got a room full of gifts that will not wrap themselves, as well as a few more items to get before I can call it quits.
This weekend is our annual Christmas gathering with my mom's side of the family.  We play dirty Santa, and they are already quizzing my mom about what I'm bringing.  This is what I get for wrapping a signed jock strap and set of "holiday blue balls" tied to a garden Shepard's hook last year.  Its creative yard art. 
So I'm feeling a little pressure this year.  I told my aunt there would be no crotch-references.  The look of disappointment was amazing. 
I may have lied, we shall see...

On that note, I need to get in bed and hope to God I wake up ready for Tuesday. 
All smiles and glitter....that was a direct shout out to you mom.
Embrace it.
Dance to it.
For the love of God woman, throw your hands in the air and smile like the Sparkle Queen you are!








Sunday, December 9, 2012

Planes, Trains, and Dysfunction

Every week I have all intentions of writing nearly everyday, and then its like the week punches me in the throat, I develop a case of severe arthritis and writers block, and here I am at Sunday wondering where the time went.
Unbelievable.

Its been a crazy few days to say the least.  Between work and family events, I've been running around like a mad woman.  That time of year folks,....brace yourself.
I had a family reunion on Saturday.  I should probably stop right there. 
Honestly though, family reunions can be quite entertaining.  I generally leave feeling a little more normal and justified in blaming others for my issues.  That's how its supposed to work, right?  Kidding,...sort of.
We weren't there 15 minutes before someone practically yells across the room "Where are your babies Meredith?!"
I fought the urge to point to my ovaries and say "Marinating".....instead I just smiled, sat down, and apologized to my unborn children for the dysfunction they would face one day. 
Its all equal though,...they put up with me so more power to them.
Gotta love the 'ol family tree...

On another note, I had an unexpected day off today from cardio.  I woke up and felt like I'd been plowed by a bus.
My body was dragging.  I knew I needed rest, so rest I did.
Tomorrow is back to the grind and I'll be ready to jump aboard the lifting train.
Ok, enough with the locomotive references, my God...

This is short and sweet tonight because I am about 5 steps behind myself.  Laundry, dishes, blah blah...
Seriously, all I want to do right now is watch a Christmas movie.  I need some mindless time.
Believe it or not, my brain is always in 5th gear.
Some of you would dispute that....to which I say ditto my friend, ditto.... ;)


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

SWOLE

Hormones are unbelievable.
One day you wake up, splash some water on your face and boom, you just lost 5 years and look refreshed.  Other days, you practically drown in your sink in any attempt to not look like you were traumatized in your sleep.
I've learned to keep my expectations low at 4:15 in the morning.
Today just happened to awesome, as I quickly discovered my face was retaining more water than a ShamWow.
Not cool.
You know what's worse than a swollen thumb...ankle...or patella?
A swollen head.


I can't complain though.  Today was a good day.
I received some inspirational emails and texts that truly kept me focused and fired up.  The timing of those are always ironic...and perfect.  So thank you to those of you who constantly contribute to my journey!  It means more than you know.

I had a great conversation with a client today about focus and purpose.
She's at a place in her life where she needs to pause, reflect and refocus in terms of "fitness" and what it means to her.  Time to assess and perhaps adjust her goals as a runner, as a healthy woman, mother, friend, etc.  I think its awesome.  The greatest thing we can do sometimes is stop, look at ourselves in truth, see where we ARE, and ponder where we desire to go.  Then comes the hardest part...
Consider Is what I'm doing RIGHT NOW a step in the right direction? 
I think we often get stuck on the hamster wheel of this-is-the-way-I've-always-done-it and refuse to jump off even when "the way" is no longer effective, enjoyable, or makes any sense.
Unfortunately, we often wait too long to do this and before we know it, we've lost hope/desire that things can be different. 
Honestly, I suggest examining this each week.  Your schedule, habits, and routine should truly reflect a clear path to your fitness goals.  Whether short term or long term, your DAILY lifestyle choices determine your direction and the speed at which you move towards your achievements.
Your path.
Your responsibility.

I was thrilled for her in that moment.  Not only was she analyzing and considering WHY she's doing what she's doing, but she was also daring to make changes against the only "normal" she's known for so long.
Ballsiest move yet.
I love it.

Well, I am happy to say I will be in bed in less than 30 minutes along with everyone else under the age of 10 and over the age of 80.  I am drained.
Tomorrow looks to be another full day.  If I wake up with another bloated head you might find me on the news for completely losing it in public.
Is it possible to soak your face in an anti-inflammatory?...I swear something is inflamed.

Have a great night folks, more to come tomorrow.
Face it like a champ.



Monday, December 3, 2012

And This Is Called A Real Fork...

Monday.
Is it just me or is there at least one moment every Monday when you question your own sanity,...as well as your ability to restrain yourself from an outright assault...??...
Am I alone on this one?
No matter how well a Monday goes, its always a little nuts on some level.  I say hope for the best, prepare for the worst, strap on a cup and charge full steam ahead. 
On that note, I was honestly pumped about lifting today since I was 100% healthier and ready to roll compared to last Monday.  Alicia Keys and Rihanna blared in my ear on REPEAT, (my OCD also dominates my iPod habits), and by the end I was pretty much convinced I was the Girl On Fire.
Literally,...on fire.
If you do not have that song, I forgive you...for now.  Download it.  Best $1.29 you'll spend in the next 24 hours, and I don't need to know what else you have planned to buy, but its probably worthless.
Its ridiculous,...when I get stuck on a new song I will listen to it until I hate it.
Certified extremist.
Long story short, awesome workout today...my body will probably hate me tomorrow.

Well, its officially birthday week for my partner in crime, Garrett.
Birthdays are a big deal in my book because it a reminder of the day God decided to pretty much rock the world, bring you in, and often prove He has a sense of humor....and that your parents make poor decisions during a Marvin Gaye serenade.
Ah, I'm kidding.
You're special.
One of a kind.
No one like you.
...I was fed way too many lies before the age of 10...

It was only fitting to start off his birthday week with a few practical gifts.  And I do mean practical.
First, a giant bottle of balsamic vinegar.
The kid goes through more of that mess than any normal human being.  Walk within 10 feet of his salad while he's eating, and the smell will literally singe your nose hairs.  Its unbelievable.
Second gift, a metal fork.
Everyday while devouring his balsamic-molested-salad, he uses a plastic fork.  And everyday, he loses at least 2 prongs.  I don't quite understand why he must attack the bowl like a Spartan, but he does.  And Dixie products fall victim every single time.
I admit, part of this gift is selfish because if he accidentally swallows a prong, I don't have time for an oral scavenger hunt and heimlich maneuver.  The day I have to do the heimlich I'd prefer it be someone under 215 pounds.  Sorry Garrett.  Stick with metal utensils. 
Third gift, Q-tips.
The guy is all about some personal hygiene...and he's gone on and on about wanting Q-tips after his post-workout shower.  As if they are a delicacy and not found within a quarter mile radius at ANY store near the gym.  You know what, DONE.  You want a cardboard stick with cotton, you got it my friend.  I am the birthday fairy.  In spandex.
Whew, its going to be a long, festive week...

Well, its about that time.
Tired.
Dishes in the sink.
Time for bed.
Have a wonderful night folks...game on tomorrow. ;)



Sunday, December 2, 2012

Those Last Few Bites....

This morning hit me like a bus.  A massive bus.
I woke up about 3 times before I actually managed to crawl out of bed and make my way to the coffee maker.  That lasted all of 3 seconds before I was back to the couch and completely passed out.
Oh its going to be an eventful Sunday folks.

This past week was pretty much all about recovery from the plague I came down with last weekend.  My appetite was honestly nowhere near normal until about Thursday.  If you get it, my advice is to strap on a bib and prepare for the worst.  You will be hating life.
And then once you're done regurgitating everything from your esophagus to coccyx, be thankful for good health.

One thing I certainly did not prepare for was the aftereffect of reintroducing food back into my system.  It was not pretty.
I generally eat a lot of vegetables, but in this case I probably should have gone easy on the broccoli.
I was about 2 florets away from imploding.
I've never hated vegetables so much in all my life.....well, except when I was little and associated eating anything green with child abuse.
Remember when your parents used to say "just eat 7 more bites since you're 7 years old..." 
Such crap.  I swore I'd revolt once I hit double digits.  Eh, I never did.  I gave in and ate the overcooked peas (which were by far the worst) and thought I was a genius by making my "7 bites" be exactly 7 peas.  What a smartass. 
Truth is, I'll probably do the same thing, or just make up stuff like "if you don't eat your vegetables, your limbs will rot off."  Slightly untrue, but my God if they still believe in a tooth fairy why am I a jerk for making up reasons to eat healthy?...
I think I'm still bitter from the pea incident.

Ok, onto my day.
Since its actually not freezing outside I may go for a jog....I say this, and yet I can hardly walk because my butt is so sore from Thursday.  We'll see how this goes.

Make it a great day folks.