Last night was the first of it’s kind for me.
I’m a reporter in the city where I live, and the area happens to be in the middle of an election. I was asked to sit on the media panel for a debate featuring all the local candidates.
I was so scared. Public speaking is not a huge deal for me, I’ve been doing it since I was in elementary school. And I talk for a living.
But if politics are involved? Buh bye confidence. I was afraid my questions for the candidates were dumb or would seem like I was ill informed. But, I put on my fanciest blazer and my favorite earrings and sat under the hot stage lights for two hours.
I’m happy to report that I survived, and looking back on it now, I realize it was a great experience for me to have (even though I’m pretty sure the audience could actually see my heart beating through my jacket).
But I’m 100% certain that I haven’t been that nervous in a long time. I honestly can’t remember the last time my heart beat that fast.
Except for when I see you, Ryan 
When was the last time you were really nervous?
*****
Hurray for the weekend! I was beginning to think it was never going to get here. I’m happy to say that I don’t have a lot of plans this weekend, and that’s A OK with me 
I’ve already bought my tickets to see The Lucky One tonight! That’s my favorite Nicholas Sparks novel … expect a gushy review and long winded sentences regarding Zac Efron’s muscles on Monday.
I’m thinking tomorrow’s workout will probably be yoga, done in the comfort of my living room/pajamas. And then, coffee + a big stack of DVD’s (mostly Dexter, I’m on season 3 now for those of you keeping track). I’m not going out this weekend. I had a little bit too much fun last weekend no, I will be spending quality time with my best friend Couch instead.
And for Sunday? Groceries are needed badly (I’m out of Greek yogurt and haven’t had time to get any … you know that’s tragic right?) and then I have a late afternoon massage appointment. Hallelujah! I haven’t been to my massage therapist in several months and I know there’s some serious knots in my back (and my butt, is that weird?) that need to get worked out.
That’s what I call a relaxing weekend!
What are your plans this weekend? Do you ever go for massages?
That would make me so anxious too! I’m really not politically savvy! As for this weekend…. I am so jealous of yours. I have another freeeeeakkking bridal shower and bachelorette party both tomorrow. Wedding thins have taken over my life and I.need.a.break. It’s never ending.
Wow! Yes, you have had a lot lately – but at least you’re going to spend some time with terrific ladies
I’m being antisocial hahaha. I hope you get a chance to breathe soon!
hey lady. i used to be terrified of public speaking, but have gotten better at it over the years. my most recent nerve-racking experience? a job interview. a 2-day job interview. i thought i was going to die, but i didn’t. and they offered me the job. score!
this weekend: the birthday celebration continues. i have my fingers crossed that the boy is taking me out to eat tonight (i have a new dress, so i sure hope so!) and my family is coming in town tomorrow. so there will be much eating and hopefully much chocolate cake involved. sure glad calories don’t count again (obviously you get a week off when its your birthday) until next wednesday.
2 days?! That’s insanse. I’m glad it paid off though
yaaaay for continuing celebrations! A new dress definitely warrants dinner at a fancy pants place. Mmmmm and I want to see a picture of that chocolate cake.
Glad it went OK! I was a litigator for years and I still get a little nervous before I speak in public – who wants to screw up in front of people??? But I find it exciting – I’m crazy like that. Miss it.
As for the weekend, we don’t have a lot of plans, and it’s supposed to be crummy weather here in Boston. Soccer game for my daughter tomorrow late a.m. – hoping rain holds off for that! Workouts both days for me – sweating in the basement, as usual. I’m jealous of your massage appt. – I LOVE getting massages, they’re so restorative.
Enjoy all your R&R this weekend – Dexter + Greek yogurt on the sofa might = heaven!
I totally hear you – it’s so exciting! I love the thrill of speaking in front of people, but yes, screwing up in front of a crowd isn’t the most fun thing in the world. Enjoy your weekend … I hope the sun comes out for that soccer game
Wow, nice job overcoming your fear! It sounds like it went well and that it’s an experience you’ll grow from!
I love massages! I actually never got a professional one until a year ago and now I want them all.the.time. Sounds like a nice relaxing weekend, I too am planning some quality couch time.
Couch time = my favorite time. Enjoy all that relaxin’ lady!
Ooh I’m jealous of your massage!!
No big plans this weekend. Just participating in a service activity with our church tomorrow, which I’m sure will be great. And lots of relaxing!! 
That’s been the bulk of my weekend .. no complaints here
Stepping out of your comfort zone is always a great character-builder so good for you for getting through it! I bet you feel awesome about it now that it’s over and done with!
The last time I was really nervous was two years ago when I had to do an in-person interview with a (somewhat) famous Canadian singer… I was still pretty new at interviewing back then so I was really scared of coming across as an amateur… but it all went well and that gave me a lot more confidence when it came to doing interviews in the future. I find any situation where I have to be “on” kind of nerve-wracking but it gets easier with practice.
It does feel pretty great now that ‘s it over
I love your nervous moment!
Yayy glad you overcame your nervousness and had a great experience
I get nervous public speaking, too, especially when it’s politically-charged or a hot-button issue that people have strong opinions about. Good for you!!
Yoga in your PJs at home sounds so nice! I only do full yoga sessions at the gym, but I really should just do it on my own, on my carpet, in my comfiest pajamas. Can’t get much more relaxed than that! Consider me inspired. Have a great weekend!
Thanks! Ordinarily, I have no issues with public speaking. This one was just a little unusual
Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!
Great work on agreeing to appear on the panel! I was quite nervous last weekend when I went to a group training with people I knew only via Twitter and had never met face to face. I was worried about what they might expect (in / from) me, but it all went well!
This weekend I need to do some grocery shopping as well, and then hopefully some writing!
Deb
I like your nervous moment! I’m glad it went well
hope you’re enjoying your weekend Deb!
You are SO funny
You make me smile <3 So happy we found each others blogs 
<3
Despite your nervousness, you will do fab public speaking! Just be confident and act like you are better than everyone (just for that moment of course!!!!)
Sounds like you have a great weekend planned sweetie!
I am SO incredibly jealous that you are watching The Lucky One right now :'(
Hahahah well you’re pretty funny yourself, lady! The public speaking itself wasn’t the problem … it was the subject hahaha. But I survived! And The Lucky One was good. More specifically, Zac’s arms were good
i’ve never gotten a massage. i am kinda curious but not enough so to actually get one and pay the $ even if through a groupon or living social deal.
i want to see ‘the lucky one’ despite its meh reviews. zac is just so hot and i’m a sucker for those kinds of movies.
i get nervous about public speaking too, especially in certain topics like you do. oh god, i could never do ANYTHING involving politics in front of people. i’d be so afraid of coming across like a moron.
I’m lucky to have full benefits with my job – so I’m covered! I don’t have to spend a dime
hope your weekend went well!
Sounds like a pretty good weekend to me! And no, I don’t think it’s weird to have knots in your butt haha
hope the massage helped!
It was a pretty great weekend … and the massage helped me out for sure! Hope you had a wonderful weekend