Day 340 - Day 341

August 13 - August 14, 2010

Once again, I've been trying to figure out this numbering system I messed up on since blogging. I've decided, I'm over trying to figure it out. I've went through the list and can't figure it out. So, I worked backwards and decided to just start the correct numbering right now. Yes, they will seem a little messed up, but what are you gonna do?

Friday the 13th....ooooohhhhhhh! Did you do anything fun? I don't want to know if you went to the fair. But I did do something fun! We went to Tastemaker's. It's an event in Delray Beach, on Atlantic Avenue. Twenty-four restaurants participated and this is what happens:

• Each restaurant offers a sampling of a food item and drink (cocktail or wine)
• You stop at each "country" to get a taste of what the restaurant offers

It's like a bar crawl, but with restaurants. So much fun! And the food was amazing. And you can use your "passport" to get great deals throughout the month of September! How great is that?? One restaurant offers a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two dinners! Fantastic! We had a lot of fun. 

Minus the 50-year-old man who followed us half of the night. Yes. This did happen. We saw him in a line at one French restaurant. Then we saw him again and we were being nice by just talking with him. Well...then he decided he wanted to come with us for the rest of the places. Ugh! Really, sir? You're 55. And I'm not kidding because I told him my dad was 46 and he said, "Oh hahaha...I'm ten years older."

Gross. Then, my friends sees a family friend and leaves me with him! Ahhhh! He proceeds to tell me he dates women around 25. Okay. Strange. People are looking at me like I'm a gold-digging hussy. Literally. Great. He has a face that looks like someone jumped from behind a bush and scared the hell out of him. Wonderful.

So, my friend finally meets back up with us. Thank God. I stop talking, thinking he will get the hint to leave. Nope. So, I ask him, "Exactly how young do you go?"

Him: "18!" he laughs. I don't. I know he's semi-serious, if not full blown.

Him: "As long as it's legal. I just don't pay for a girl. That's where I draw the line."

I almost ran into the wall of the parking garage wall we were walking by. What? Who says that? You know he's paid for girl's like this. Yeuuuck! Can you even imagine? All I could picture was him liking a young Asian or exotic European women. Made me want to vomit. He finally left us and wanted to give me a business card.

Me: "I don't want one. And besides, I'll lose it anyways. I'm terrible with business cards." Which isn't a lie. I really would lose it, or purposely throw it away the second he turned his back. I guess whichever came first. 

We then went to an after-party at one of the night clubs off Atlantic. So much fun! We were dancing, meeting people, hanging out when all of a sudden...my friend starts talking to this guy. Guess what? He's 49. Yup. 49 years old. Damn. What is going on tonight?? My friends thought she knew this guy's kids, but I don't think that was the case. I just stood there, staring at him. Yeah, I probably looked like a weirdo, but desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Then, after a bit, we went home. I woke up pretty early on Saturday and was planning on going to the mall around 10 a.m. Just so I could get some things done. But guess what came on TV?? The Flinstones! When was the last time you've watched that movie?? It was an early-90s flashback. I couldn't go to the mall knowing this childhood favorite was on the television. THEN! Guess what came after that?? Good Burger! Hahahahahaha! I forgot about that movie. So funny!

Then off to the mall to find a black dress. Apparently, no one believes in black dresses anymore. Couldn't find one to save my life. I did go to Target and find a really cute one! Perfect for work! 

Work was good tonight. It was a good type of busy. I really love working there! So much fun! 

Resting tonight. Been going out quite a bit lately, and I have a FOUR. HOUR. driving class. Ugh. Speeding tickets suck! It's going to be the worst four hours of my life, to date. Then, I go get my bridesmaid dress! Whew hew! Now, I just have to book my plane ticket and I'm all set! Oh yea, and a pair of shoes! 

Note to self: "Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while at first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart."

Good night! ;)

Day 310 - Day 314

July 8 - July 12, 2010

I know. I know. I'm sorry AGAIN for not blogging. Fifty more days and I'm done! I was talking with my mom when I was home about what I'm going to do after my one year is up. Hmmm...I'm thinking about keeping my blog, but tailoring it to a specific subject. No more about my life. I'm getting kind of tired of blogging about it. Sorry, I know some of you don't want to hear that.

What do you think I should blog about? Email me your ideas! =)

So the last few days have been....what else? Work. Now that I have another job, I'm one busy lady! However, I love my new part-time job! Everyone that works there is so nice! And I want to thank my manager in NYC for giving me a great recommendation! So nice of her! ;)

So my mom and grandma come in ten days!!!! And my friend from NYC comes the week after that!!!!!! It's going to be two solid weeks of craziness! The real Ashley can finally come out! ;) Do you like how I referred to myself in the third person?

So, we went out Saturday night to a fantastic night club. They play the BEST music of any place I've ever been! I spent an hour and a half trying to find you my new favorite dance song! It's impossible! I'm having a friend look tomorrow and I WILL get it to you! Because I know you're going to love it! In the mean time, I found these songs that I enjoy!

Feels Like A Prayer
Fire With Fire- Never heard them before, but really like them!
Shark In The Water- Very chill, it's nice!
Rich
Diary- Cheesy, but good
Ba Da Hum- Okay, randomly found this while trying to Google the lyrics for my song- "bah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dahhhhhh"- Just wait until you hear it! But this girl is great!

So, I've told you about the ducks by my apartment. So cute! And we keep getting little duckies! I love it! Well, I've been keeping my leftover bread, crackers, etc. for them. I was carrying some crackers from my car and they spotted me! How, I don't know. I didn't think ducks were smart whatsoever. They started chasing me! I'm not even kidding you! I stopped and stared at them. They kept running as fast as they could closer to me! I got nervous and turned around and started walking the other way!

They started flying at me! Ahhh!!! Are you kidding me?!?! So, I start laughing out loud and talking to myself, "What do I do?! Quit chasing me!" I quickly got out the crackers and threw them in the complete opposite direction from where I was. Then I walked away rather quickly! I knew birds were aggressive, but I never expected it from a group of ducks! It's like you see in the video games. They had those beady eyes that were destined to get their crackers, even if they have to tackle you! Next time, I'll plan it out a little more inconspicuously.

Then a little later, I see my hot neighbor. God, he's hot! I, of course, had my hair in a ponytail, minimal make-up and my glasses. Oy! He can't see me when I'm all cute and getting ready to go out with friends. Nah. And he was coming back from the pool or the beach. I don't know which one. I didn't have time to think about it. I was too busy focusing on checking out his insanely sculpted abs and tan body, beautiful face and perfectly sculpted biceps. All the while, trying not to make it obvious that he makes me completely nervous and God forbid he knows what I'm doing.

Him: "Hey, how's it goin?"
Me: "I'm good. How are you?" Having a completely giddy grin on my face because I'm laughing at the fact that I only see him when I look like I just woke up!

Can you believe I'm getting sick? Yea, I think I'm getting a cold. It's freakin' 100 degrees outside! Who gets a cold in the middle of summer?! Outrageous, I tell you!

Do you watch The Real Housewives television shows?? Hahahahaha, I love it! These women are something else! The New Jersey cast is full of some crazies, but I love every minute of it! And Danielle? She sucks! So overdramatic, she's disgusting! Barf! I'd pull her hair out too!

Danielle: "That's not even my extensions, that's my real hair!" She's nothing but walking plastic. I like Teresa! She's really ghetto and I love it! Jacqueline is my second favorite! She tries to be the mediator, but I wouldn't mess with her. She's like my mother--silent, but violent!

Note to self: Realizing you're not smarter than a 2nd grader in China just puts the topping to your day!
Test it for yourself! Here! Let me know how you did it! I've spent a couple of hours and I can't get it!

"A person does not seek luck; luck seeks the person." Check this out! Here!

Day 303 - Day 304

July 1 - July 2, 2010

Happy July! It's summertime! Enjoy my favorite summer song here! It gets me fired up to come home and hang out with my friends! Whew! ;)

So, yesterday I did not get home until about 1a.m. We had another grand opening of a really hot mexican restaurant on Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Have you ever heard of Cabo Wabo Tequila?? I hadn't, but apparently it compares and competes with Patron. I'm not a tequila person--I think it's disgusting and this is what happens to me. Watch here...

Okay, totally kidding! ;) Anyways, the party was so much fun! It led to some pretty hilarious conversations.

So, I'm driving to the event, talking to Brett when I interrupt with, "Oh my God, Brett! I found the place that sells chicken 'n waffles!" Please tell me you know what chicken 'n waffles are. If you don't, please don't talk to me. I was so disappointed that only one of my family members knows what this is. Ugh! It's not even American to now know this crazy combination of deliciousness!

For those who don't know (which I'm ashamed, but I can forgive)...it's fried chicken and waffles together. Yes...together. So anyways, we're at the party and I mention something about it to the crowd of people we were talking to. All of them from Florida, except one other person from Champagne, Illinois. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy!

"You're from the south!" I said. "You should definitely know what chicken 'n waffles are!" It's the All-American southern food! I swear in a previous life I was born and raised in Georgia or North Carolina on a farm, or I was African American. The only other person who knew what chicken 'n waffles was the person from Illinois! Way to go Midwesterners knowing your food!

My friend says, "So...do you eat them for breakfast?" Oh, how you have so much to learn. "No, you can eat them any time of day!" I say.

Someone else, "So, do you pour syrup on them?"
Me: "Of course you do! It's the perfect combo of salty and sweet!"

Someone else: "Before you know it, they'll have drive-thru liquor stores!"
Me: "Actually, they have those in Iowa!"

Everyone died laughing! Hahahaha! Of course Iowa would! Such a coincidence they would bring that up!

We got to go in the office late again today! I love nights we work late...that means I get to watch Regis and Kelly in the morning! So, I get to work and I think to myself, Whew it's hot in here! Well, that's because the air conditioner was broken. You think Iowa's hot in the summer? Ha! It's twice as bad down here! Our office was literally 87 degrees. Awful. We were all sweating, falling asleep at our desks, and basically just zombies lurking the cubicles.

Our boss let us leave early! Awesome way to start the vaca! We go for lunch at JB's on the Beach. It's an awesome place in Deerfield that overlooks the ocean! Beautiful! The ocean says hello, by the way! ;) I order fish tacos. Since I've moved down here, it's become my new favorite food! It's such a light dish, but perfectly filling. I love the texture and saltiness of the fish, but the sweet and spicy flavors that go into the mango salsa (sometimes they use papaya or pineapple). Delicious! You must try them!

So, I got another part-time job today! It's at the same restaurant I worked at in NYC! I'm so excited! I loved working there and it's a great way to meet new people! The manager asks if it's too much that I work full-time and part-time. Heck no! This will create a little more excitement in my life! He doesn't know me yet and the fact I get bored in .2 seconds.

It's thunder-storming here tonight, which I actually love--they don't scare me as bad as they used to. It's such a cool night out and a perfect one to just relax and get ready for my drive tomorrow to Orlando. Yea, I'm leaving from Orlando which sucks because it's three hours away, but I'm saving almost $350! Crazy right?? It's well worth the drive!

Maybe I'll stop at Disneyworld or Islands of Adventure. Or I'll stop in and see Shamu! Oh so many options! My parents are taking a week in September--we should totally go then, don't you think?? And my parents are so much fun to go to theme parks with! They ride everything! Done deal. No more contemplating. Now I just have to tell them that's how it's going to be. ;)

So, I'm proud of my mom today. She got Facebook (which I swore I would never let happen, but it's okay!) and today she posted her first status. Want to know what it said? "Both of my kids are home for the holiday weekend. SUPER excited. Haven't seen them in weeks/months!" Awww...it's so sweet! I love it! I'm just as excited! I pretty much already have my whole weekend planned. Tomorrow starts with hanging out with the family and then seeing the ever-exciting Eclipse! Ahhhhhhhhh, I can't wait! It's going to be amazing! Are you Team Jacob or Team Edward? I'm definitely Team Jacob now. He's so....I don't know....perfect!

The fourth book is really interesting. A lot of things happened that I didn't expect, but I suppose I'm not shocked. Ugh, I can't believe I've fallen into the Twilight craze. Listen to me. I sound like a teenager. It's completely mindless reading, but it's so enticing!

So, the other day I go to log into my Google e-mail account. It wouldn't let me on. It said my password wouldn't work and I had to enter my phone number to get a special code. My heart sank. I've known people to hack into others' e-mail accounts and delete them! Yea, people are crazy?! ;)

I freaked! A big portion of my life is on that thing! Someone hacked into it and decided to send Canadian medical e-mails to every. single. person. I've ever e-mailed. Grandma got an e-mail about female Viagra! Yep. So, people that I e-mailed while working at BHG, friends, family, whoever got Viagra e-mails and God knows what else. So, if you were one of these people...I apologize. Some crazy person thought it would be funny. It's really funny, actually. But not when some of these people are big wigs at New York City companies!

Okay, so I'm one of those people who bought something, wore it, then returned it. Is that bad?? I don't think so. It was just a bracelet. I took the stretchy tag off, wore it last Saturday, put the tag back on and took it back. No harm done. The bracelet was $60! Are you nuts?! I'm cheap! I don't even spend $60 on a dress or pair of shoes! I can't justify it. Like Brett says, if it's not $2 or $100,000, "she doesn't want it."

It happens.

Since moving here, I've really gotten into DJ's. They are so hot down here! I'm not talking about their looks--the music and mixes they come up with are amazing! My friend listens to this guy, DJ Cha Chi. Check out his website. I don't know if you've heard of him, but he has awesome mixes! I Googled him and found some mixes on YouTube. Since it's live taping, parts sound a little weird because of the base. Check them out below!

Mur.Mur. Mix
Shrine
Show Me a Virgin Mix

I recommend you go to his website and download his mixes onto iTunes. It's free! I love how he incorporates old school and new school! It fascinates me how he works on the computer and on the turn tables. So cool! I could watch it all day!

Heads up: I probably won't be blogging this weekend while I'm home. In fact, I know I won't. Check back Wednesday night. I get back to Florida on Tuesday, but not until about 11:45 p.m.

Happy 4th of July! Have a fantastic weekend! Enjoy lots of fireworks! I LOVE fireworks! They just make you feel like a kid again. All of the Oohs and Aahs! So magical!

Note to self: "God Bless America. My Home Sweet Home." Remember this 4th of July the thousands of American troops who have died and risked their lives so our country can be just a little normal. With all of the craziness of war and politics, it's very rare that people stop and really look at what our troops go through for us.

Watch this video. KISS performed for our soldiers. It makes you proud of these men and women. You don't know them, but the undeniable amount of respect we have for these people is incredible. America is truly an amazing country, filled with so many great people. Unfortunately, America is quickly becoming something completely different. It's sad to know we are conforming so much to other countries and losing our identity in the process. We are fighting for our freedom, but our culture is being diminished. I think culture is great, however, I still think we need to keep America's culture. If we don't stop the irresponsible immigration, then America will no longer be America. We'll have to call it: Amerimexifranadiagypt.

Watch video here.

Day 290 - Day 292

June 18 - June 20, 2010

I want to start my blog with the funniest thing I heard this weekend. A friend in NYC posted on Facebook, "Father's Day...the most confusing holiday in Harlem." Lol! Too hysterical!

Happy Father's Day to every dad! I wish I could be with my dad today, but unfortunately that's not possible. I'll see him in August when I go home! We can celebrate then! ;) I love you, dad! Thank you for all that you do! Dad's hold a special place in a girl's heart. She is his everything and she looks up to him as the kind of man she wants to marry someday. I'm so proud to call you my dad--you're the best!

Friday was a co-workers birthday so we went out in Ft. Lauderdale. And it was fun! We did a bit of a bar hop. We went back to our friend's house and I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to drive home. I had a Comcast appointment at 8 a.m. Yea, bad planning on my part. So, I get home and just fall asleep.

I wake up to a phone call from Casey, the Comcast guy saying he'll be at my house in 15 minutes. This was at 7:30 a.m.! Eek! Too early! I just fell asleep! So, I think to myself, I should probably change my clothes. I will in two minutes. Two minutes turned into me hearing the knock on the door. Crap. Oh well, I thought. These cable guys are always old and overweight. No big deal.

I open the door and guess what? He's not fat, nor is he 60 years old. He's a 26-year-old, Italian Stallion. GO figure! I just start chuckling to myself. "Come on in," I say.

"Thanks," he says. "Did you go out last night?"
Me: "Yea....I did."

Ha! How could you tell? Could it be that my hair is a hot mess, curls sporadic all over head? Or my eye make-up is streaming down my face? Or that I'm still in my sequin tank top and hot shorts? Or that my glasses are half way off my face? Could be all of these!

So, he's fixing my Internet and we're just talking about clubs and going out and what not. He then proceeds to invite me to a bbq! Haha! And talk about small world. His roommate is the manager at a restaurant that our company just signed on! And he's the old manager of Chow's! The place I always tell you about where ladies drink free Wed. and Fri. I know exactly who is roommate is! Crazy, huh?

Needless to say, I fell back asleep until early afternoon. Saturday was pretty low key, until I had to go to work. Story of my life. I had to go to the club I always work at to prepare for the fire performer. That's right, they have a fire performer. So cool! She was fantastic! She lit a sword on fire and put it on her head, while then proceeding to go into the splits! Outrageous!

Sunday was fun! I laid out by my pool for a whole 45 minutes! Then the sweat dripping down my body was pooling under the chair beneath me. Okay, it wasn't that bad, but the bottom of my feet were burning! And of course I got tan. I have to get tan! We have some really big events this week--I have to look primo! ;)

Then I go to watch The World Cup--Brazil vs. Ivory Coast. I was watching it with a bunch of Brazilians! It was so much fun! Needless to say, I was surrounded by a rowdy bunch! And let's talk about the Ivory Coast for one second. Feisty! Rawr! They got violent the last few minutes of the game. But Brazil won! The Brazil team is absolutely beautiful! The guy that got kicked out the game? Whew, please! Put a stamp on him and mail him to Boca! ;)

So, I go to Target tonight to get a highlighting kit for my hair. My hairdresser in DSM is pretty much the only person I trust with my locks. But I won't be home until August and I need help now! So, I thought I could do it myself. I call her and basically she tells me what an awful idea this is. Agreed. My luck, I will turn out with purple hair and black streaks or something.

Tonight is a relaxing evening of watching a movie and eat more southern food--sweet creamed corn and shrimp! Mmm.... I hope you had a good weekend!

Note to self: Have a productive work week! Work hard to play hard! ;)

Enjoy a couple of commercials I find hysterical!

Kraft Mac 'n Cheese

Kraft Mac 'n Cheese 2

Day 283 - Day 285

June 11 - June 13, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!! Today (Sunday) is my dad's 49th birthday! Next year we're going to party it up! It's crazy he's going to be 50, but he's still so young! Wish I could have been there, dad! Love you tons!

I want to talk to you about Friday evening. For some reason, Florida thinks it's okay to have little critters running around your apartment. Yes, I'm talking about those water-bug/cockroach lookin' things. I go upstairs to go to bed and see one of them run into a pile of my clothes! I throw my phone and keys on my bed and run away! Why would I run away? It's not like the thing is going to chase me and kill me. Oh yea, and I may or may not have let out a tiny scream.

So, I call my dad--he doesn't answer. I call my mom--"Ashley, I'm in Iowa...I can't do anything. You're going to have to take care of it."

Ugh! This is ridiculous and highly revolting! This thing, I'm not kidding, was about three inches long! I kept it for proof because I know people are thinking I'm being an overdramatic, drama queen! Don't laugh! This is serious! So, my mom tells me to get spray cleaner of some kind and spray it to death. Ok. So, I get a broom and my lemony-fresh, foam bathroom cleanser.

I run upstairs and literally leap onto my bed! I don't want that thing touching me! So, I'm on my bed with a broom in one hand, spray can in the other, and mom on speakerphone. I take the end of the broom and start to slowly move my clothes, piece-by-piece out of the way. My hands are shaking, my palms are sweating, and my tummy is like a roller coaster ride! I'm so nervous! The LAST piece of clothing is the one the little bastard was under. I lift my Bebe skirt and there it is--antennas wiggling all over the place.

Mom: "Spray it!"
Me: "NO! It's going to ruin my skirt!"
Mom: "Then move the skirt!"
Me: "NO! Because then it's going to run 50 mph and I can't deal with that!"
Mom: "Then I don't know what to tell you, Ashley."
Me: "What if I lightly cover up the bug with my skirt and stomp it to death? Will the skirt clean?"
Mom: "Yes. Just do that."

So, I go get my tennis shoes on to kill this thing. I slowly cover up the bug, plug my ears and start doing the "Lalalalala" noises so I don't hear the crunch of it dying, while I'm stomping my skirt to death! Sad day because it's such a cute skirt! I uncover and the thing is still slightly moving! These things don't die! WTF?! They're like a cat with nine freakin' lives! So, I stomp it again!

Mom: "Now put it in a plastic cup so you can show your office what you're dealing with."
Me: "How am I suppose to get it in there? I'm not getting that close to that thing!"
Mom: "Ashley! Then I don't know what to tell you."

So, okay fine. I put it in one of those plastic, cream cheese containers and close the lid; but then I hear it's feet or something tapping the sides. Uuggghhh! I throw it across the room. I can't even deal with that. No. Not a chance in hell. So, I pick it up with my dust pan and hold it away from my body like it's going to magically open the lid and jump on me. It was a fiasco! Then, I was so wound up and nervous, I didn't fall asleep until about 3:00am!

Saturday was good. I did a little shopping and then got ready to go to West Palm Beach. We had to do some promoting for work, but decided to hang around and check out the nightlife. I just want to say that WPB is nothing what I expected! You hear West Palm Beach and think money, fancy cars, high class people, etc. Nope.

We eat dinner at Forte Wine Bar. So good! Then the bartender makes us the best mojito I've ever had--for free nonetheless! It was made with Acai berry vodka! Incredible! Doesn't it look phenomenal and beachy?

Then we promote the "Hottest Bartender Competition" up and down Clematis, which is apparently the place to go in WPB. Crickets is all we hear! It was dead! Then my friend sees a bar that sells Kava. Kava, you ask? Yea, I didn't know what it was either. This is how it was described to me--marijuana in a glass. Again, what?!?! So, we go in and I ask the owner, so what is this?

Basically, it just has the relaxing effect marijuana has. I don't know. I guess it's really popular, but I've never heard of it. I have to try this and see what it's like. It's completely legal and all-natural. Just like marijuana, I guess--in some parts of the country. Ha! Read the definition here! So, what you do is drink it all at once. They pour a ladle into a little bowl and you just chug it, then eat oranges to get rid of the taste. And the taste.....yuck! So disgusting! But let me tell you. It really did relax me. Crazy!

Then we go to a hookah bar. This place was fun! Minus the lame people, we had a good time! Who goes to a dance club, stands on the dance floor, and doesn't move a muscle? Seriously! That's why they make dive bars! If you're not going to come and dance, or enjoy yourself, go home! Or go somewhere else! This bar was full of the most lame people I've ever seen in my life! They were the types to bump into you and not say excuse me. I'm not okay with these kinds of people. And I don't know who these girls thought they were--they looked like prostitutes.

So, we got some hookah and these two guys came over and asked if they could join us. I knew exactly what they were doing, but they sat down anyway. The kid that sat next to me was so coked out, it wasn't even funny. He just sat there and stared. I'm over people like this, nor do I tolerate it anymore.

Me: "You're a man of few words."
Him: "Yea..."
Me: "Um...do you live around here?" I don't know what to say to those who just stare. Awkward.
Him: "Yea..."
Me: "You're really messed up aren't you?"
Him: "Hahaha, yea..."
Me: "Yea, you're pretty lame."
Him: Not a word...lol!

About two minutes later, his friend says, "Oh umm, we're gonna go and uhh..."
Me: "Just go. Get out of here." As I shoo them away with my hand. Lame men.

Sunday is relaxing! I get some errands done and make some pretty darn good cornbread! Then a day filled with movies (yeah, I know shocking for me!) and then a quick trip to the ocean! It's so beautiful and peaceful...I wish I could shack up and live there! ;)

Note to self: What do you do when you have no idea what to do? I don't know, but I wish I knew. Go to the ocean. That's all I've got. For some reason, it seems to have all of the answers. I know I've said you have to make things happen, but what happens if no matter what you do, things work out? It seems like an ideal situation and I'm more fortunate than I could ever say, so I don't want to sound ungrateful. But what if it's not enough? What if you want more? Do you sit back and let it happen this time, or do you make the effort to go after it? It's playing with destiny and fate, so it gets a bit tricky. So much to do in life and so little time.

P.S. I'm not talking about relationships. ;)

Day 272 - Day 274

June 1 - June 3, 2010

June is here! Summer has officially began! At least for me! Problem: this is my first summer where I'm actually a working woman! Not really a problem, but different. Work is going great! Stressful, but good!

And that's about the extent of my updates. That's all I've been doing the last three days--work, work, work! Story of my life! But it's good because I'm learning a lot and very slowly but surely getting better!

Tuesday...what did I do Tuesday? I swear, life needs to slow down for one second! I hate how fast it goes! It's true when they say, that life goes faster the older you get! Remember when you were a kid and Christmas vacation began? Don't you remember it feeling like forever until Christmas Eve came? Did you ever have those cute little countdown calendars? I remember looking at it twenty times a day and thinking, why can't I just move the days quicker? Christmas needs to get here! And then you woke up every 30 minutes to see if Santa came? Then New Year's Eve was light-years away! Now I wish there were 30 hours in a day! Twenty four just isn't enough.

So back to Tuesday. Oh yeah. Bad day. Just a bad bad bad bad day. I went to Checker's after work and gorged my face with a cheeseburger and fries. Yes, I'm the one who promoted Subway and feeling so much better after eating that than 1,600 of fried goodness. But I was the one who went off track. I scarfed those 1,600 calories with no remorse and complete indulgence! It never tasted so good in my life! There's nothing a little (or a lot) of greasy food to fix a stressful day. And after I scarfed down all of the yummy goodness, I wrote the best pitch of my life!

Wednesday. Chow's--women drink for free and again, another stressful day. It's the place to go! Then $5 burger night. Then Dubliner. It was a great Wednesday! I had a lot of fun and got my mind off work for a split second! The Dubliner is an Irish bar in Mizner Park. It's a really chill place that's fun to go and shoot the you-know-what.

Thursday. A better day. Could have been better, but better than Tuesday and Wednesday. Maybe this means my life is taking a turn for the better. Let's all keep our fingers crossed and our faith going strong! ;) I assisted on another television segment. It was fun! I like working with television!

I made some killer guacamole tonight. I've pretty much perfected the art of making perfectly mushed avocados, scallions and lime juice! I have two secrets that I will never tell to making it a success!

Well...back to work! Goodnight!

Note to self: Reach for the stars. When people tell you to maybe scale back and not focus so broad, don't listen to them. Do what you want to do because your persistence and hard work will definitely pay off! Don't lose faith and just keep pushing because those who reach small, catch pebbles. Those who reach for the stars, catch the moon! Don't forget the little guys, but still focus on the big picture! I'm telling you, it will be worth your while! ;)

Day 166 - Day 167

February 16 - February 17, 2010

So, I slept for one hour before my flight. I get in a cab and the cab driver is chatty Cathy for the whole 30 minutes to airport. Not only is he a cab driver...he's a doctor, a chef, and a preacher to all things Indian! I now know how to cure cancer, diabetes, and control my cholesterol. All you need is garlic, something else, and something else. I know how to make curry chicken. I know that he was on his way home to go to the gay club by his house, then he dropped two girls off by my apartment and he said, "Then I wouldn't have found you!" Yay. I'm so glad you did. It's 3:30 in the morning, sir. I'm glad you offered to buy me a hot tea, but I just want to get to JFK.

The flights are good. I made friends with the stewards on board. Of course! ;) They even offered me a seat closer to the door on my second flight! I arrive in Florida! Yay! I can already hear the ocean calling my name! I walk outside and the automatic doors open and I hear, "Hey, you're pretty." It was the voice-over on the doors! Hahahaha! Too funny! I wonder if it's something that goes off every five minutes, or if there is someone watching on a camera and randomly plays this when women walk through. I liked it! 

I go to get the rental car and the teller is from Brooklyn! I'm thinking, perfect! I'll just schmooze him over and maybe he'll give me a better car! So, of course, I schmooze away! We're talking about New York, Florida, how I should move here, blah, blah. He says, "I actually have a great convertible for you." Yes! I reply, "Really? Fantastic!" He says, "Yeah, it's normally an extra $50 a day, but I'll give it to you for $25 extra a day." What?? No! He tries to sell me all kinds of stuff. Sir, I live in New York and I'm the cheapest person alive. You can't convince me of anything. I say, "Don't you have anything for the price I already paid for?" Please don't waste anymore of my time. I have things to do, places to go, people to see. I wasted my time schmoozing you, so now, I have to go! ;) 

Can I just tell you, when I got in the car and started driving, I felt so different. This place does something to your attitude! You can never be in a bad mood here! The sun is always shining. The palm trees are beautiful. The people are so different than New York--in a good way. It's a great change of pace! 

I'm staying with a family friend, who is fantastic. Since being here, I've met some really great people! For my first meal, I ate at Cote de France Cafe in Boca. Boca is amazing! There is a shopping area called Mizner Park. Fabulous! It's really funny because I'm wearing jeans, boots, a black top and a colorful scarf. Everyone else is dressed in Tommy Bahama--bright colors, linen, cotton, etc. Needless to say, I stood out a bit. It's so much more casual down here and I forgot that when packing. I love it though! 

I had to go to Target. Do you know how excited I was when I saw a large bottle of Dawn dish detergent for $1.99?? And scrapbooking materials for 99 cents?? I haven't seen the words 99 cents in about six months. NOR have I stepped foot in a Target in about the same amount of time. I love that place! I wanted to spend all day there! They had so many cute things!

Can I just tell you, the red lights here are ridiculous. You sit for at least four minutes at a red light. It's so frustrating. The driving isn't as slow going as I anticipated. People are actually a bit crazy around here! It's great! ;) I'm a crazy driver too, so I fit in!

I ate lunch at the Whale's Rib. We ate here in September when the ladies in my life vacationed here! The place is so good! Their specialty is a fried dolphin sandwich! And their whale chips, with whale juice. I know what you're thinking. Whale juice? Yeah, sounds gross, but is oh-so-tasty!

Tonight I go out with some people I met today to a place called, Table 42. It's $5 burger night! Whew hew! Five bucks for a burger? And they are huge! Not to mention delicious! The ambience is very modern and clean, with a trendy, urban twist. It's a great place for all ages! My martini was great, the burger was amazing. And can I please tell you about the sweet potato fries? Oh my goodness! You think the ones at the Iowa State Fair are good? Please. These are insane! I could have eaten those all night long! The chocolate cake we ordered was delectable, and the cappuccino was great! Yeah, I ate a lot. But it was worth it! I had a great time!

Note to self: Even if you're tired, try not to be a brat. Although you're frustrated about some things, don't take it out on the people you love. Suck it up, grow up, and get over yourself. After you throw a bit of a tantrum, you quickly realize what a complete brat you have been. And although slightly embarrassed about your  poor attitude, don't be ungrateful!