Niblings, Siblings, and Needles

I think I have PTSD.
Going to Target in the middle of the day is a mistake for numerous reasons, but mainly because if you have functional hearing you are in for a treat.  And by "treat" I mean your shopping experience will be serenaded by screaming children all over the store.
You know its time to leave the premises when you start having the it-wouldn't-be-so-bad-to-be-deaf-right-now thoughts.  I admit I had a few of those. 
And to the woman on aisle 7 with a herd of crying kids, if you're wondering how the tylenol and condoms got into your cart,....you're welcome.
I do what I can.

Well, I officially learned that even at 31 you can still manage to disappoint your parents.  Looking back, I should have told mom with a preface story recalling one of my better moments in life,...OR put things in perspective with an at-least-I'm-not-doing-this statement.  Eh, too late now.  But yes, I could feel judgement oozing from the phone when I told Sparkles I got a tattoo.
Ha, aaaaand I resume my place as the least favorite child. 
Kidding, its a toss-up between all of us at any given moment....thus, I will wait for my brothers to say something offensive and distract from my ink.
Whenever you are ready guys...

On a more sane note, its been a solid start to the week in the gym.  Several clients have made huge strides over the last couple of months, and truly meeting goals and kicking ass on many levels.
I love it.
When I get texts about meal planning and healthy choices made at a restaurant I literally want to jump around and fist pump.  Some times I do....and its definitely worth it.
I have one client who is down roughly 11 pounds this month and she is just beaming from ear to ear.  Because its more than about the weight.
Its a monumental empowering lesson to her about HER strength, determination, and ability to set goals and demolish them.
To say this will be a catalyst for future successes is an understatement.  So proud of her.

 Well, a little travel tomorrow and then back to the grind on Thursday.  Hump day AND people watching in the airport, ummm heck yes sign me up.
Make it a great week folks...Life awaits....

OH, and big news to come.... ;)

Sweet Salem...

Well, I just managed to leave my mark on the PT table in the back. 
It was an impromptu post-workout nap, and I ended up face down practically in a coma for about 30 minutes.  I was having a lazy moment because I honestly didn't want to take a shower. 
...suddenly I feel the need to explain...
It is not that I am striving for an unsanitary award or simply trying to conserve water (although that sounds good),...showers just feel like too much effort sometimes.   
The physically act of peeling off sweaty spandex is a workout in itself, and by 1:30 in the afternoon I'm more apt to say screw it, smell horrible for 30 more minutes, and catch a nap.  Mainly because once I'm asleep I am completely unaware of my filth.
See what I did there?...
;)

What an eventful week in the Parker family.
The little fetus with a penis has arrived safe and soundly into the world.  It was awesome to see that little guy at the hospital, despite the fact that every time I walk into the birthing center I am overwhelmed by the smell of baby butt and breast milk.  Thankfully, the family's excitement distracts me from a complete dry-heaving spell.  That would be good for no one.
Long story short, it was a wonderful time on the 5th floor with all the Parkers gathered.  Amazingly, we didn't get kicked out.....even when I attempted to "ride" some contraption in the hallway.  I still have yet to know what it was....and my hip hurts...

Salem James Parker....ah, I am already smitten by this hunk of a baby.  My duties of being an Aunt have begun: total spoilage.  I like to think I am mastering this art.

Mom, dad, baby, and sisters are all doing great and are home now,...let the chaos of 3 children begin!  Honestly, I have no clue how my parents did it without medication and straight jackets.
Not to say they were perfect,...I mean, I was left at practice or school a few times, but maybe that was a survival test. 
Passed.  Slightly traumatized, but still a pass.
But in all seriousness they gave everything and I couldn't ask for greater parents...well, I could, but I'd rather ask for random shirtless pop-ups of Channing Tatum on Instagram.
Its the small things...

Well, back to the grind.
An afternoon of clients, dinner with a friend, and then up by 4 to do it all over again.  Wooo!  Life is a beautiful mess...hang on tight and pack a cup...

Pregnant Linebacker Needs Vitamin D

Well, in big news from Durham, the sun decided to make an appearance today.  I was starting to question its existence,...and question the sanity of those who opt to live in places like Seattle. 
I couldn't do it.
Despite the fact that I work indoors all day, I need sunshine.  Humanity needs me to have sunshine. Fact.
3 days of dreary weather was plenty, and honestly it was starting to send me to unhealthy places. Perhaps  slightly dramatic, but I was literally one down pour from a Jewel playlist and some closet drinking.
Ok  fine,...I would just sit at the table......my closets are full....

What a crazy few days its been.
The gym is still on an unpredictable schedule because people are back and forth from vacation, preparing for school, etc etc...I will certainly be sad to see my college kids head out.  Sad...jealous...whatever.  Nah, 4 years was fun, but definitely enough for me.
Its always interesting to watch athletes head into that world for the first time.  Many are shocked at how much more of a "job" it is, and quite honestly forget why they love it to begin with.  Sad, but true.  Its a different level for sure, and requires a daily commitment to improvement for sake of self-satisfaction in knowing you are giving all you can.  Because honestly, if you're waiting for a pat on the butt or incessant praise, you may never get it.  And THEY are not obligated to give it.  Nor should they be.
You're a select group.
Entitled to nothing but an opportunity, just like everyone else, to take responsibility for your effort and give what you can for where you are.  And yes, I speak to everyone on that one. ;)

Let's see...
In other news, my second grey hair sprouted from the top of my head the other day.  That was truly exciting.  Lie.
I was in the dressing room at Nordstrom when I spotted it.  And actually, the timing was ok to be honest.  I was trapped in a shirt/dress with a horrible boat neckline that made me look like a linebacker.  Combined with an awkward waistline that was nowhere near the waist, I also looked pregnant.
Awesome....exactly the look I was going for: Fertilized and master of a hit & shed.
Anyway, the grey hair was a good distraction from that.  Even though I will say that I am not thrilled with the prospect of dying my hair all the time once it gets out of hand and desperate measures need to be taken to restore this brunette's hue.

Kept two of my nieces yesterday.  It was an intense Parker gal day filled with the Little Mermaid, painting, fro yo, coloring, manicures, and lots of trips to the potty.  They are in full fledged princess mode, and I was asked more than once if I was on an adventure to find my prince charming.  Yes, it was adorable, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't fight the urge to respond with something about a mechanical bull and making it rain.  
I am fully aware of my audience, no worries...
But it all seriousness, we had a wonderful time and excitedly await the arrival of their baby brother....who is literally due any day. 
First grandchild without a vagina.  What on earth will we do?!!
I'll leave you with a few pics from our pink-n-purple kind of day...