Boom, Boom I’ma make ‘em go KRAZY

I feel like I had the craziest 2 months ever…

From November through December I’ve traveled from the beaches of SC to the mountains of PA (and a few other places in between).

I’ve spent time with old friends and thankfully made a new. ( Although for the most part I’ve only written about the exciting parts, I’m still a bit apprehensive.)

I’ve lost business deals so large that they crushed my quarter, my heart and my wallet. I’ve also lost my keys, a black boot, my favorite bra and my mind.

I’ve ran farther than I imagined and shook it with the best. I’m finally official!

If this doesn’t prove me crazy enough, Cam has tagged me and asked me to give 7 things that people may not know about me…for the most part, I’m an open book, and I’ve told y’all a lot about me (and I think I’ve done something like this before), but I’ll see if there is anything good that I can drum up…

1. Before I took my current job in April 2007, I didn’t own a computer. I went to the library almost daily to check my email and my space. Now I can’t imagine a day computer (or blackberry) free.
2. I’m OBSESSED with Zumba. I know I’ve said that I like it before, but I’ve reached a new level of KRAZY. I’ve been known to take more than one class a day if I’m around, fly to other states for workshops and even drive 30 minutes for a one hour class with a teacher that I love. I started teaching with my favorite instructor! You can find us HERE! *Krazy is currently one of my favorite songs I use in class.
3. I haven’t always had short hair, but I prefer it this way. I first cut it all off in 2001, grew it back out from 2003-2006 and cut it all back off again in November of 2006.
4. Once upon a time I was a beauty queen had a crown or two. My close friends called me their PricASS. When I decided I didn’t want to do it anymore, I cut off all my hair (for the first time) because I thought that you had to have loads of hair to hold a crown. I never wore big hair, or too many sequins, but I did stuff my bra, glue swim wear to my booty and own clear heels. If you ever repeat this to anyone, may you live the rest of your life in ugly, uncomfortable shoes that give your feel awful corns and calluses.
5. NEVER have I EVER been snow skiing. I always wanted to be in ski club, but it conflicted with my dance schedule and my mom was always afraid that I would break my leg (causing me to not be able to dance in the costumes that had already been ordered for that year). Now that I live in the Carolina’s there aren’t too many places to go. I’m also so scared that I will be terrible, and also still fear that I may break my leg causing me not to be able to run or Zumba. Thanks Mom.
6. My Soph dog, recently got hit by a car. She has been visiting with my parents since Thanksgiving and decided to run into the street in front of their house. Don’t worry. She’s my daughter and a bad ass little beast and managed to walk away unharmed. How that happened? I have no idea. But I bet you didn’t know that about me…err…I mean my dogger.
7. I love my job, but there are so many days that I wish I could go back to school and do something else. I’m not sure what that is yet, but I guess I still have time to figure all of that out!

I’m supposed to tag 7 people…but I’m not much for rules. So you’re tagged if…

You have less than 7 letters in your first name.

If you had to count the number of letters in your first name. Ha. I see you! and I stole this idea from another blogger.

Have a 7 in your birthday. Day/ Month/ Year

or

Just feeling like telling the blogosphere how Krazy you are!

Do it. I double dog dare you!

Isn’t it funny…

that the same things that can make you feel so good, are the same things that can instantly bring you down?

That’s all I’ve got for now…

What’s black and white and red all over?

A newspaper? A zebra?

Nope…this weekend, it’s going to be me! I didn’t mean for it to be my weekend theme, it’s just happened to work out that way.

 I have two holiday parties with my new man friend. Eeeek. Just the thought of it all has my stomach in knots.

Holiday party one is his firm’s holiday party. Old lawyers and their spouses…young lawyers and their special lady friends. I’m so nervous. I was told it wasn’t formal (no ties/ cocktail dresses). This is what I’ve managed to come up with… I’m dying to do a red lip. Do you think it’s too much?

Saturday is a casual party at his brothers. Don’t worry, I will not be wearing a red satin bra, just a red and black halter that’s from Kensie last season. This was the closest picture I could find.

I’m super pumped to get to wear my favorite shoes!! The only thing is that they kill my feet…nothing a few cocktails can’t help.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

PS- Perhaps if you’re lucky I will take a few pics this weekend!

I almost forgot…

Busy doesn’t begin to describe my December. My schedule is jam packed with work, running, Zumba, travel, holiday prep, parties…you get the point. I’ve been so consumed with living life, I almost forgot to fill you in on the things I wanted to tell you…

I almost forgot… what it was like to go on more than 2 dates with someone and not get bored. A dinner here, a cocktail there, a late night text. Bored. But to shut your front door when they’ve left and sneak a peek out the window to see if they turn around, it’s been a while. To talk on the phone until all hours of the night about nothing, only to see that person the next day and still have loads to tell them. To find flaws in someone, but not run the other way because their imperfections only remind you that perhaps you have a few things to work on too…

I almost forgot…how amazing it feels to kiss like teenagers. Not the kind of kissing that is just being done to lead to the bedroom, but the kind where when you almost feel like it’s almost as necessary as breathing.  Where you can’t imagine not doing it the second you see that person. The significance of forehead kisses and fingers in your hair. It slipped my mind how amazing it can to snuggle, how hard it is to share covers, and how mornings can be more exciting than evenings.

I almost forgot…how hard it is to juggle. Family, friends, work, personal time. It seems like just when you get comfortable where you are,  a new element comes into the mix and it becomes harder than you remember find a balance with your new lust, and devote the same time to your friendships. If someone finds a few extra hours in the day, can you please pass them my way?

I almost forgot…to tell you that although it’s only the beginning, I can’t wait to see where things go. Promise to keep you posted!

Defining Limits

“The only way to define your limits is to go beyond them”- Anonymous

If you would me a year ago that in 2008 I would run more total miles than I had in all previous years combined, I would have laughed in your face.

If you would have told me  after I finished the Bridge Run to turn around and run back to the start, I would have told you where to shove it.

If you told me that Saturday, December 6, 2008 I would finish the Kiawah Island Half Marathon without stopping to walk, and in 2 hours, 15 minutes (10:22 minute miles, not awful…not the winning time) I would have told you to wake up from your dream…

Big Sexy Runners SAS, E and SJ

But then again, I do have the medal to prove it!

Growing up I won my fair share of ribbons and tropheys, but I have to admit, nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment I had Saturday morning. There is something about running, testing your body, testing your mind…testing your limits. Doing something that you never thought possible. It makes me believe that I truly can do anything I put my mind to.

Who knows what I will attempt in 2009. For now I’ll just be wearing my silver medal around town my house, reminding myself that anything is possible.

Thanks to my BSR’s for all of their support, also to all of my real life and bloggy friends. Your words, texts, emails, calls meant so much to me.

xxxo

Q&A Part 4: Life in Queen City

Nilsa asked me: Given you’re not from NC, what are your favorite things about the city of queens and what do you dislike about it?

After spending 8 years in KY, I was ready for a change. I had told my company to put me anywhere in the US, and I ended up covering the Carolinas. Charlotte is pretty central for my territory and I had a few friends from college that lived here, so it seemed like a good fit.

My friend Amy’s work recently did an ad campaign that I think did a great job summing up what I love about living in Charlotte. You can find some of the ad campaign here and visitor information here.

Things I LOVE about Queen City:

Fun. Between professional sporting teams (NFL, NBA, ECHL), shows, events, downtown nightlife you never have to do the same things twice. You can go white water rafting at the National Training center, catch a NASCAR race, or just go watch the symphony in the park. There’s so much diversity. On the weekends, I may spend one night in jeans and flip flops watching friends play ping pong outside at our neighborhood bar, and the next night in stilettos, sipping martini’s while on the balcony of a big sexy bar that overlooks the city.

Age Demographics.  There are tons of young adults in Charlotte. Both Bank of America and Wachovia have offices here, plus there are a few other retailers based out of QC.  (Hence, the stripes.) It’s a young, but without the college town feel. As I write this, I’m asking myself how I’m still single…

Food. I may be a picky eater, but I love to eat. There are so many local restaurants that have killer food, whether you’re looking for a greasy burger or a 5 star meal, you can find a local Charlotte restaurant that will kick the chains booty any day!

Friends. I am so lucky that I have managed to make some amazing friends here. I miss the ones from college and home, but I feel so blessed to have met some killer people.

Beach. There’s a lake in Charlotte, but you’re only a few hours from Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Wilmington. It makes for an easy weekend getaway. If you aren’t much for the beach, you’re also only a few hours away from the mountains.

Thing I don’t like about Queen City

Distance. I miss my friends and family I left. I’m 8 hours away from my parents, and 6 hours away from my college friends.

Men. Some of nights you go out and there are copious amounts of men. Other nights, all you find are the stripes. Ah…this is why I’m still single.

Size. I love that Charlotte is big, but not huge. Some days I think that it tries too hard to be a big city, but it’s not quite there yet. Example: They have a light rail, but it doesn’t extend out far enough or go enough places to be worth while.

That’s about all I can think of. for now on the Queen City! I’m loving life here. Any one want to come visit???

Q&A Part 3: When Life Changes

Lauren asked: What are the 3 most significant things that have happened in the last 5 years?

Lauren, this is such a difficult question because I feel like my life has changed so much over the last 5 years it’s incredible. There have been a lot of other things happen, but these are the big ones!

College graduation:I graduated from University of Kentucky with a BA in Journalism in 2004. The act of graduating is over rated, but the power of having a degree isn’t. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment, that after 4 years of parties, pledging, dancing and working, I managed to get enough school work  done to warrant a degree. I had no intention of doing anything in the broadcasting realm, but it was amazing the doors that opened by just having a degree. My first grown up job out of college was at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. As silly as it sounds, I would not have gotten that job without my degree, and I wouldn’t have gotten the job I had now without ERAC.

The Final Break Up: I know that I’ve talked about this a few times before, but V and I dated on and off for 5 years, starting 2nd semester my freshman year. When we finally quit and he moved out, I finally allowed myself to make decisions for my life for me and only me. I think that a big reason I stayed in KY as long as I did was because I wanted things to work with us. Don’t get me wrong, it sucked and was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been though, but one of the best for the long run.

The Big Move: From the time I graduated college, I wanted to get into imaging sales. My mom is a CT/ Nuclear Medicine technologist and I was totally geeked out by the technology behind it all. I interviewed with my company right out of college and they told me that I was too green. After gaining some sales experience, they decided to give me another go. In April 2007 I accepted my current position selling medical imaging equipment in the Carolinas. I cover all of SC and a big chunk of NC. Taking this job meant I had to move from KY to NC. But before I could get settled, I had to move to Philly for 5 months of training. Eeeek! This move not only got me a kick ass job, but also allowed me to let go of what I had been hanging onto in KY. I’ve got my good days and bad, but now I can say that I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

Brandy asked: What is your biggest regret and biggest accomplishment?

I’ve had to think long and hard on this one Brandy. I try not to really regret things in life, just learn and grow from them. There have been many times that I have opened my mouth without thinking, or hooked up with the wrong boy.

I thought for a minute that I would say that my biggest regret would be holding on to V for so long. But that’s not the case.

I think my biggest regret, is that in our relationship I held myself back. I didn’t spend enough time with my friends because I put him first, I didn’t party hard enough, shake it fast enough or feed my mind with enough of the books that I loved. We always rented “man movies” at Blockbuster or listened to the music he wanted to in the car. I wore the colors that he wanted to see on me and grew my hair long because that was the way he liked it. I lost myself in trying to be the right girl for him. Had I stayed true to myself, my beliefs and the things that I love, I would have been a happier person and things may not have drug out as long as they did.  What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger and I don’t know that I would appreciate who I am today without being able to see the person that I was.

My biggest accomplishment would be landing the job that I have today. Not only because I love my field, but it gave me a fresh start and the confidence to get back to the person that I lost while I was in my relationship. Because of it, I feel more grounded in who I am. I try things I never thought that I could do without fear, I put more value my relationships with my friends and family and I’m very happy overall.