Monthly Archives: May 2012

May 31 2012

Perspective

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Yesterday was quite something. I’d like to erase it from my memory. Delete the file forever.

Several years ago, our provincial government instituted a law. If you were born in a certain year or later, you have to retake a (slightly modified) driver’s test two years after receiving your permit. Well, it’s supposed to be two years. Many people leave it much longer than that, mainly because of the cost. It’s $100, not the kind of money I have readily available. Hello, student loan that will taunt me for years to come.

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I don’t know a lot of people my age and younger who have taken the test. The rule isn’t enforced very well … there isn’t much of a penalty for not taking the test. You just never have that on your record. In my opinion, it’s not a huge deal.

I’ve had my license for almost six years. I attemped to take the modified “two years down the road” exam a year ago. I failed. Buh bye, $100. Just like that. Gone. And I’m a good driver! It’s a total cash grab for the government. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a Bitter Betsy.

I swore I WOULD NEVER TAKE THE TEST AGAIN. I refused to give up the money for something that wasn’t (and isn’t) enforced very well.

That was until a few months ago. My current employer informed me that I needed to have this test on my record. I didn’t know that when I accepted the job almost a year ago … or I would have mentally prepared myself for the news. I kept telling my boss “I don’t have the extra $100 for this @#$% test, I’m sorry”. Finally this week I was told if I didn’t pass it by June 1st, I wouldn’t be allowed to drive a company car. Kind of a big deal. I need a company vehicle to do my job. I could use my own … but, that sucks.

So, I went to take the test yesterday. I was so nervous.

On the way there, my car stalled in the middle of the road. Great omen, right? I haven’t been having car problems. It just … died. That was awesome. I got it restarted and got to the testing facility. Whew.

Once inside, I handed them my registration and insurance. I was informed my insurance slip was outdated. Now, I’m an incredibly organized (and law abiding!) person. I’m so anal about having the proper pink slips in my car. I don’t know how that happened. So I had to get on the phone with my insurance company and get them to confirm that my car was insured. Whew. Problem fixed.

Finally, we started the test. I felt good. He complimented me on my merging (thanks, sir!). He seemed relaxed. I relaxed. I felt good.

The test finished. I parked the car, switched off the ignition. He turned to me, and proceeded to tell me I FAILED. I know I’m a good driver. But apparently I have developed enough habits over the course of the last six years. The little things added up. I failed.

He left the car. I cried. I called my dad and bawled. I was so embarrassed. Who fails a driver’s test at 21?!

I needed to get back to work (the LAST thing I wanted to do). But I needed to cool down and go to Starbucks first. I had cried all my makeup off, the least I could do was buy myself an iced green tea to try and calm down my splotchy skin/racing heart/pounding, tear-induced headache.

On the way to Starbucks, my car started making a clicking sound and the engine light came on. I yelled, “I LOVE THIS CAR AND YOU NEVER HAVE PROBLEMS, WHY ARE YOU CHOOSING TODAY?!”. But I managed to grab my tea and make it back to work alive. I don’t know about the car yet. I may need to book it a doctor’s appointment. I need to see what it does today.

The moral of this incredibly long and pictureless story is that yesterday was not the best day. I left the office angry, frustrated, embarassed, less $100, without any makeup left on my face, and late enough that I was going to miss spin class.

Then I remembered about an event happening in my community last night. A sporting event, paying tribute to two young athletes who were tragically killed last winter. They were my age. They were so young, and had a lot of promise in the sports they both played. They left behind mourning families, grieving friends, and a devastated community.

Who cares if I failed my test? Who cares?

I have my health. I have a loving family. I have wonderful friends. There’s food in my fridge. I really enjoy my life. I’m happy.

So, yes, I’ll have to take the stupid test again. And I guess I’ll try really hard to shoulder check when making right turns in a residential area.

But that’s okay. There are far worse things.

May 29 2012

Thanks and WIAW

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Hello! It’s Wednesday … and since I decided to use some built up overtime hours and take Friday off, it’s my second last day of the work week! Wahoo :)

Before I get into today’s What I Ate Wednesday post, I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who commented on yesterday’s post about dealing with stress. In addition to crying while on the phone with my mom (which I did for quite awhile last night), I have a lot of things to try! There were tips that I’ve done before and forgotten about (like taking 5-HTP or going for a walk) and things I’ve never tried but really want to (kickboxing and meditation). Thanks so much! I really appreciate all of your help!

Alright. It’s WIAW time. Thanks to Jenn for hosting this wonderful shin dig! These are my meals from Monday, Monday, Monday!

Breakfast:

I started off the work week with a massive bowl of overnight oats. I was so full after eating it. In the mix: chocolate almond milk, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, oats (duh), plain Greek yogurt, and chia seeds. I topped it with crunchy peanut butter, and enjoyed a cup of chocolate glazed donut coffee on the side. Some of you guys were wondering how the coffee tastes, after I blogged about it the other day. It’s amazing.

Lunch:

Lunch was pretty satisfying. I’ve been trying to do more meal prep lately, and cooked up several chicken breasts Sunday night (while impatiently waiting for Girls to start on HBO) to have on hand for the week. So I had one of those, seasoned with Mrs. Dash, alongside a huge helping of steamed veggies and quinoa. There’s feta on that quinoa. A necessary step.

Supper:

Supper was fairly colorful too! I steamed more veggies, and cooked them into a 4 egg white scrambler. I ate it outside (on my brand new patio furniture, I might add … I’m in love) away from all sorts of technology. It was a great way to unwind after one heck of a day and enjoy the outdoors. I loved the time to myself :)

Dessert:

Since my supper was fairly light, I decided a needed a little somethin’ somethin’ about an hour later. Enter a Greek yogurt/peanut butter/chia seed combo. Eaten while snuggled under a quilt, flipping between The Bachelorette and Keeping Up With The Kardashians … the epitome of trash television.

There ya go! Another WIAW in the books. Now I’m going to go check out some other delicious eats. Enjoy your day!

May 29 2012

Battling Stress

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Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far.

I’m just going to jump into today’s post. Alright? :)

Now, I’m really not trying to sound dramatic when I say this … but life has become far more stressful than it used to be. More specifically, work has become more stressful.

I love my job. I really, really, really do. I’m a reporter for a local news channel. But I don’t do “hard news”. I don’t cover murders, car crashes, court cases, etc. I used to do that when I worked in radio, but for now I do happier reports. I tend to focus on telling people’s stories, and try to portray the more upbeat side of life. I love it.

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I’ve recently been given a new responsibility to tackle on top of my regular duties. Without going into too much detail … I’m hosting/producing/creating an entire television series by myself. That’s pretty vague, but is really what’s going on at the office. The idea for the show was developed “higher up” at the corporate level of my company, and I was given the role of host and producer. The show doesn’t start until early fall, but I’m required to have most or all of the episodes done in advance. While I’m INCREDIBLY grateful that this opportunity has been given to me (especially so early in my career), I’m freaking out. I need to do my regular job … make a TV series … without working overtime (that was made clear) … produce something of quality … and not lose my mind.

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So I’ve been trying to figure out a way to handle the additional stress. Continuing to have regular exercise is going to be very important. Those endorphins have gotta help, right?! ;)

But I’d like your suggestions! What are some things you do to battle stress? Yoga, maybe? I’ve been contemplating signing up for a 21 Day Yoga Challenge … but I worry I won’t have the time.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you avoid pulling your hair out at stressful times?

May 28 2012

Not Cooperating

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Hey guys! I’m back to work today, lost in thought about how just a week ago I had the day off. I hope those of you celebrating Memorial Day enjoy yourselves! Lucky ducks ;)

I love weekends. Mine was filled with Mexican food, more than 400 pages of the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, a bruise sustained from being stepped on while going hard on a crowded dance floor, pancakes with blueberry syrup, a four hour nap, Keeping Up With The Kardashians (are there any shows that you hate but can’t stop watching?), and a new episode of Girls (which I still love with all of my heart and soul, in case you’re wondering).

So … is it Friday yet? :)

I received a box of this coffee over the weekend. You can bet your bottom dolla that a big mug of this is going to be happening right away. I’ve never tried it before, but I’ve heard good things!

… my computer + my mental state + my blog aren’t collectively cooperating right now, so a short post is what’s going to happen today. Damn you technology!

Are you celebrating Memorial Day today? What are you doing – any traditions?

May 25 2012

Word Vomit

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Sorry. That’s not a very appetizing post title. I hope you’re not eating. But word vomit is exactly what you’re going to get from me today. I have so many random thoughts piling up in the ol’ brain … and I’m sharing.

You get a random thought! You get a random thought! You’re all getting random thoughts!!

1. My Thursdays seen much emptier without Grey’s Anatomy on TV. Anyone else? Even if you’re not a regular viewer, you have to admit that not seeing this face on a regular basis would make you sad, too:

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2. If my legs were required to write this post, you’d have no new content to read on here today. I went to spin last night (after enjoying my first class so much). Ouchie. But it hurts so good. I’m looking forward to making this part of my regular routine.

3. The reason I felt so inclined to get my butt to spin yesterday was due to my lunch. Now, I’m not one of those people who will indulge and then think I have to bust my butt to work those extra calories off. That’s just not how I operate. But I skipped yesterday morning’s scheduled workout because I wanted an extra hour of sleep. It happens.

Then lunch hit.

We have a large annual summer fair where I live, and the media luncheon I was covering detailed the entertainment acts, rodeo, rides, etc. The whole community gets really hyped about it. The menu yesterday? Entirely fair food. Corn dogs. Burgers. Nachos. Pizza. Mini donuts. Sundaes. I don’t think there was anything that had any type of nutritional value, except maybe the lettuce in the taco salad. Oh, and cotton candy! All the stuff dreams are made of ;) After eating, I felt pretty extremely gross. So I wanted to get a little active last night. Spin was definitely the answer!

4. I won a giveaway on Julie’s blog yesterday! Very cool. I shrieked when I saw the post at work. I rarely win anything!

5. HOW GOOD does a fresh haircut feel?! I’m naturally blonde but got a little livened up yesterday, plus had the ends trimmed. It’s amazing how the removal of such a small amount of hair can make you feel pounds lighter. Am I right?! Best (fake) weight loss plan out there ;)

6. I started reading 50 Shades of Grey the other day. Yeah, I see what all the hype is about. It’s bananas. I’ll leave it there. Have you read it?

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7. Some of the search terms that have been used to find my blog lately are hilarious. I had to share some of my favorites:

“look at me i’m a jumble of insecurities” (sounds a little like a T Swift song)
“passed out blonde lady” (I wasn’t aware I drank that much)
“killed for meat” (ummm…)
“what does the mocha cookie crumble frappuccino feel like going down your throat” (that’s rather specific and makes me uncomfortable)

and the absolute best one…

“when im home alone i spray my hair green and and get a orange spray tan and pretend im a carrot”.

8. I downloaded John Mayer’s new album the other day. I haven’t had much of a chance to listen to it yet, but I did put my headphones on while doing some research at work yesterday afternoon. I wasn’t concentrating very hard on the lyrics, of course … but there were definitely a couple of beats that caught my attention. I’ve missed John. I’m glad he’s back. Although I feel like he’s trying to morph into Johnny Depp a little more everyday. Right?

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Ahhhhh! I feel much better, now that’s all out in the open. I have much more brain space available to fill up with things like what I’m going to order for dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant tonight, and how late I can get myself to sleep in tomorrow morning.

You know, valuable information ;)

Enjoy your weekend!

May 24 2012

Continuing Hobby

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Hey guys!

Remember when I shared my weird hobby with you? The one where I take screenshots on my iPhone of pictures/quotes/things I find inspiring?

Well, my collection has grown ;) Here’s some of my favorite shots. Some are motivational, some are worth a giggle:

Sorry about the language in the one. But it makes a great point ;)

I hope you leave my blog today inspired and smiling.

Enjoy today!

 

May 22 2012

Strange Schedule – WIAW

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Hey guys! I can’t believe it’s Wednesday already. Not that I’m complaining or anything ;)

As always, the lovely Jenn at Peas and Crayons is throwing the stellar What I Ate Wednesday food party in the blogsphere today. It’s one of my favorite parts of the week!

The food featured in today’s post is from Monday, in which I had the day off :) Hallelujah for long weekends! I reallllllly needed to catch up on sleep, so I didn’t get out of bed until 10:30 that morning. As a result, my meals were a little off schedule.

Breakfast:

I hadn’t been to the gym in a couple of days, so I did a 2 mile run and a 3 mile bike ride once I rolled off of the pillow. Schweaty. This bowl of oatmeal really hit the spot afterwards. I topped it with a spoonful of crunchy peanut butter (of course!), chia seeds, and defrosted frozen berries. I love using thawed out berries, because there is that extra delicious juice to use too. And I had a big ol’ glass of milk on the side.

Lunch:

Since breakfast was so late (like almost noon … eeek!), lunch didn’t happen until about 3:30. Just prior to my nap. Honestly, I love long weekends. This wrap was so big I had to hold it together in order to photograph it. Not that I’m complaining :) In there: spinach, yellow bell pepper, shredded cheese, deli turkey, and mustard.

Supper:

Sometimes I think breakfast for supper tastes better than breakfast for breakfast. You following me? This was two Nature’s Path Hemp Plus waffles, each topped with a poached egg. Plus half of a cantaloupe. That’s a serving, right?

Nighttime snack:

I had a handful of carrots and hummus while I did some blog work before bed. That made for some lovely breath. Terrible idea.

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There ya go! Another full day of eats from the Yellow Haired Girl. Enjoy your day … don’t forget to stop by and see some other WIAW’s at some point today!

May 22 2012

Here We Go Again…

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Another week has started, but it’s following a long weekend … so I’m more okay with it than usual ;)

I had a fabulous long weekend. I did everything I wanted to do, except for maybe get entirely caught up on sleep. But oh well! I’m sure I’ll catch up soon (cough, cough … by falling asleep the second I walk in the door all week).

Being on the morning radio show Friday morning was a TOTAL blast. The DJ and I had total chemistry on air, and the listeners I spoke to afterwards seemed to enjoy the show. It went really well! So much so, that the next time the regular co-host goes on vacation, they’re going to ask me back! Filling in for a couple of hours made me realize how much I miss being in radio. In a perfect world, I would work 5AM to 9AM on the radio, and then head to my regular job as a TV reporter until 5PM. I know that sounds totally crazy. But I know a couple of people who do it. Wouldn’t that be awesome?!

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How true is this?!

On Saturday morning, I got my butt out of bed a lot earlier than I wanted to and went down to the local Farmers Market with my parents. It was packed! It was my first trip there this season. I didn’t buy anything, but there were several displays that tempted me (especially the pies and jams!). After grabbing coffee with my parents and running a couple of errands, I had a friend come over to do … nothing. We were suuuuper lazy and it was amazing. We legitimately watched six (maybe more?) episodes of One Tree Hill. I own them all on DVD. Obviously.

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I didn’t look back … but I would be interested to see how many One Tree Hill pictures I’ve had on this blog ;)

We both eventually gathered enough energy to get our butts off of the couch and go get sushi around 5PM. I was starving, so of course I forgot to take pictures. Whoops. Imagine endless pieces of salmon sashimi, seaweed salad (of course!), edamame, and california rolls. Hit. The. Spot.

Then we went dancing! We knew our favorite club was going to be dead since it was a holiday weekend, but it didn’t matter. As long as there is music, we’re usually in! It was really strange to have as much space as I wanted on the dance floor. But hey, more room to make a fool of myself, right? ;)

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I didn’t get a lot of sleep Saturday night, because I hit the pillow at almost 2AM and needed to get out of bed at 8AM. A friend of mine had a full day of things to accomplish several hours out of town, and he asked if I wanted to keep him company on the drive. All I needed was a (large!) mug of coffee and I was all his :) It was a wonderful day! After getting everything done, we got back into the city around 3PM. A different friend (my fellow One Tree Hill addict from above) and I grabbed dinner before heading to the local movie theatre.

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Aaaaaand it was sold out. I’m cursed. I tried to see The Five Year Engagement a few weeks ago and it was sold out too. Blah. So I went home. After a lengthy Skype session with my best friend and a new episode of Girls, I went to bed (and got 12 hours of sleep, I might add!).

Yesterday was quiet. I got in a much needed sweat session. I hadn’t been to the gym since Wednesday morning, so I ran 2 miles (as much as I would like to be, I am NOT a runner), and biked a hilly 3 miles before stopping by my grandparents house for a quick visit. The rest of the day was filled with the latest episode of Ellen, a nap, finally getting to the Glamour magazine I bought more than a week ago, and The Bachelorette.

Whew! A full weekend, and a terribly long post for you to read. I know not all of you had a long weekend (although one is coming up for my readers south of the border!), but I’d still love to know how you spent your days away from work. What was the highlight of your weekend?

May 18 2012

Unusual Morning

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Hello, Friday. What took so dang long?!

This morning is an unusual (and awesome!!) one for me. I have no time for a workout, but I’m still up and at ‘em super early.

Why?

I get to be the guest co-host on a local radio show! You guys already know that I work in television as a reporter … well, one of the local radio stations asked me to be their “celebrity co-host” for a couple of hours this morning. And they obviously use the term “celebrity” extremely loosely. But hey, I’ll take it. I’m very excited! I worked in radio straight out of college before taking my current TV job. There are definitely aspects of it that I miss. Radio is SO fun :)

Here’s hoping that it goes well!

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I’m glad you guys enjoyed the recap from my first spin class. It seems like most of you reallllly wanted me to like it. So I’m glad I did!

Since there’s no time for a workout this morning, I might do yoga in my living room after work. Or I might take a nap and skip a workout completely. I’m going to be honest here … there’s a 90% chance it will be Option B. I went and saw my favorite band of all time on Wednesday night, and didn’t get home until almost 2AM. Surviving on just under 5 hours of sleep at work yesterday was brutal. I need to catch up … again.

Do you feel like you’re always trying to catch up on sleep? Sometimes I think I’ve finally reached the point that I’m good to go … and then I have a really late night (which always set me back at least 2 days) or a couple of really busy days that set me back to square one.

Thank goodness it’s a long weekend! Monday is a holiday up here in Canada Land. I have zero plans, and that means sleep. Lots of sleep. And watching the roughly 12 hours of television I’ve missed over the last two weeks. That is not an exaggeration, people. I intend to watch it all.

The TV marathon will include the last two episodes of Girls, which is on HBO. Please tell me you’ve seen it. It’s taking the world (and my life) by storm.

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I appreciate how the girls are portrayed in this series. They’re all in their early (like me) to mid twenties, and are dealing with finances/men/beginning careers/learning who they are. Sometimes I feel as though a little part of me is represented in each one of the characters. I’ve heard it described as the show for girls who expected their lives to turn out like the characters on Sex and the City. I kind of expected my life to do that. I still do sometimes (and give me Carrie’s closet too, please). This is a terrific show for young women trying to make it on their own and find out who they are along the way. If you don’t already watch it, please watch just one episode. For me. My explanation didn’t do it justice.

Alright. That’s too much just enough word vomit for you all today. Enjoy your Friday (another hallelujah that it’s finally here) and have a wonderful weekend!

May 17 2012

My First Spin Class

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I took my first spin class on Tuesday.

And I loved it. Loved it.

L – legs that hate me/the instructor/music/the world/life in general.

O – obscene amounts of sweat.

V – very satisfied customer.

E – eyes burning from aforementioned sweat

I love spin!

It was a 7:45pm class, which I wouldn’t ordinarily agree to, but I wanted to be awake for my first class (unlike how I am for my regular 6am workouts). My friend agreed to go with me so I had a companion alongside me for my very first class.

Our instructor was perfect. Just enough encouragement. There wasn’t any violent yelling. Honestly, I had expected the spin instructor from Fever Pitch.

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“Die you Nazi spin bitch!” …anyone else remember that line? Or the movie, for that matter (I obviously have a thing for Drew Barrymore movies lately)?

It was a 45 minute class. Just long enough. If it had been any longer I may have slid off my seat, crumpled into a ball and melted into a puddle on the floor.

My friend and I actually ran into a couple that we know who were spinning together (cute, right?) and they suggested I grab a towel from the front of the classroom before we started . I laughed. Laughed. I don’t need towels to wipe my face, I told them. Sure … I sweat, but it’s never towel worthy.

I take it all back. I’ve never had sweat burn my eyeballs before. Lesson learned.

Needless to say, I’ll go back. A lot. It’s an excellent way to shake up my workout routine.

I’m so glad I went! :)