...Spent Friday evening at a local Y, enduring the most torturous abs and buns workout class of my entire life. When I was in college, I spent a semester pledging a military fraternity--I'll have to write about that some day--and every week we would have essentially a 3 hour workout from hell. This class wasn't quite that bad mainly because there was a lot less screaming, tobacco chewing, and camouflage involved, but wow, the pain I felt reminded me so much of those nights. After more leg lifts and crunches than I could possibly count, I ran for a little over a mile on the indoor track. My relationship with running is so complicated. I really do hate it so much, but then when I haven't done it for a very long time, I start to miss it. I felt really good stretching my legs out as I did lap after lap, but it was still nice to come home to my elliptical machine.
...Went to an amazingly stereotypical Chinese restaurant with a friend to order takeout and then came home to watch the opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, reports came back that the Amazing Chicken was not, in fact, amazing, but how about those opening ceremonies? Good Lord, I have never seen an Olympics like this one. I thought that the show they put on was beautiful and so far beyond impressive. Those boxes that went up and down to mimic water and wind and Chinese symbols were amazing, and the synchronization of all of those thousands of people literally had my jaw dropping. Some of the parade of nations uniforms though? I think someone needs to remind a very specific portion of Eastern Europe that the early 90's are dead and gone and that puce green is very rarely an acceptable fashion choice.
...Finished my last group project for my current class, hallelujah! It was not without a great deal of annoyance on my part, as one girl in my group seemed to labor under the delusion that deadlines were mostly just suggestions, and she didn't feel the need to respond to the many, MANY messages I sent her asking where her portion of the paper was. When she did finally deign to turn it in, two days late, it came with the response, "The paper is due tomorrow. I don't see why you're making such a fuss." Imagine, if you will, stunned silence. Anyway, it's over with and I got another A. So whatever.
...Turned in another job application and then took myself shopping as a reward for surviving my group project without murdering anyone. I scored a couple of good deals at the Banana Republic and Ann Taylor factory stores and then decided to check out Marshalls. I have a few friends and family members that frequent stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx and always come away with the cutest stuff, so I thought I would try my hand at bargain hunting. Well, apparently I need lessons. Or maybe they were just between shipments. Because that was the hugest collection of hideous clothes that I have ever seen in one location. I did find a couple of potentially cute things, but they were always at least a couple sizes too big. So, I gave up and went to Target. I can always find something adorable for under twelve dollars there.
...Went out for a friend's birthday dinner and drinks. We went to a really tasty Mexican restaurant where I had a super spicy tomato and polenta soup and a moderately spicy ceviche. Mostly, the margaritas were some of the best I've ever had. When our waitress up and vanished around 10:30 we decided to try another location for one more drink and landed at a fantastic dive of a martini bar. I had the vodka sampler that came with a watermelon infused vodka with soda, a raspberry vodka and lemonade, and of course, the jello shot.
So, that was my weekend. How was yours?
That shot looks dangerous. You are still upright so you must not have had any! :)
I saw bits of the opening ceremony and it was beautiful. that many people moving in harmony and the earth with the people moving around it. It was lovely. I agree with you about the clothes. I was even surprised with Ireland and their beige attire! They are so NOT beige. And lots of them looked like stewardess' outfits, did you notice?
I used to hate group projects for exactly the reason you mentioned. I was a procrastinator for my own project but for a group project, no way. What a pain in the ass! :) Glad it's over....
Anne
Posted by: anne | August 11, 2008 at 10:02 PM
what the heck is that in your hand? is that the shot?!
Posted by: deutlich | August 11, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Look at you in your cute dress. That is one serious shot! I laughed at your comments about running because they could have come out of my mouth as well. I go for a lull without running, then have to force myself back to it. The first mile starts of with "I hate this, I hate this, I hate this" and then I finish feeling so incredible I'm thinking, why haven't I done this in so long?
Maybe we're just gluttons for punishment?
grin
Posted by: Steph. | August 11, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I never find anything good at Marshall's, either.
I remember talking to a friend on the phone during the Turin opening ceremonies and laughing about how weird the whole thing was. Friday's opening ceremonies made up for it!
Posted by: Jenn | August 12, 2008 at 12:40 AM
yay for finishing up the project and way to celebrate after, i would totally do the same thing, haha. and i love that jell-o shot...amazing.
Posted by: katelin | August 12, 2008 at 12:53 AM
When I was your age (heh), jello shots came in those little paper waffley cups and you had to slurp it out with your face. At least, that is what I've heard.
My latest favorite is a sour appletini. I know I am behind the curve on this one, but I resisted the "non martini" martinis for a long time. Next I should try that raspberry vodka--sounds yummy.
Posted by: sophie | August 12, 2008 at 02:37 AM
Raspberry vodka with lemonade is one of my favorites. I also love amaretto sours a lot.
I'm with you -- I rarely found anything that I can stand to put on at Ross, but I usually can't help but try to look.
I always hated group projects in school, there was always someone that slacked off, but usually the professor is smart enough to ask for peer grades so he/she finds out real quick who actually did the work.
Posted by: Becky | August 12, 2008 at 05:08 AM
That happened to me once with being a week early on something due, but fortunately it was not a group thing. For once.
I have to check the local Chinese restaurant's menu to see if they offer anything "amazing," but I doubt it. At least yours tried.
Ross/TJMaxx is hit-or-miss for me. Other women in my family tend to do way better at getting all the deals--the gene must have skipped me. Although I lucked out last time and got a skirt that had been separated from its CK suit for $5. That's rare!
And that is one formal jell-o shot. :)
Posted by: Kate P | August 12, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Shopping at Marshall's/TjMaxx is such an artform. You have to do it frequently to get the good stuff. The best of the clothes fly out the door because they get very few pieces and they are always displayed in a prominent highly visible area. BUT a bargain can always be found in housewares, stationary, shoes and the beauty products. That's where I always focus.
Can you believe I've not watched the Olympics yet?
Posted by: simplypink | August 12, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Oooh come visit me and we'll hit Marshalls and TJ Maxx together. I am an expert at digging through the racks!
Posted by: Molly | August 12, 2008 at 07:00 PM
POLENTA SOUP!?
That sounds amazing.
(What an adorable picture, as well!)
Do you like your classes? Besides sucky group members, of course.
Posted by: ashley.marie | August 12, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Marshall's definitely takes some digging around, and even then, you might not find anything worthwhile. I can always find something neat in the housewares section though!
Posted by: Katie | August 12, 2008 at 09:02 PM
So, it looks like I'm the only one who visited an Amish settlement this weekend? Imagine that.
:) Becky
Posted by: Becky | August 12, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I lost focus when I saw the Chinese. I haven't had legit greasy Chinese in SOOOOOO long.
Posted by: slynnro | August 13, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Oh we had Chinese food the night of Olympics too, totally unplanned! There must be some kind of subliminal advertising going on. hehe
Posted by: Jass | August 13, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Oh and by the way, I used to work at TJM when I was in HS, and totally get what you are saying about the clothes. Although T is more classier than M, that's for sure!
Posted by: Jass | August 13, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Not that I am stalking you or anything, but I just noticed your heart shaped necklace. JCP?!
I got it a few weeks ago too, but wish it was on longer chain! Ok that's my last post for now. hehe
Posted by: Jass | August 13, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Your weekend sounds like a lot of fun! I just worked and walked the dog. Not exciting here.
I totally feel you on group projects. I had one this past semester, and I literally wanted to STRANGLE one chick in my group. Ugh. Happy thoughts. You're done with it, right?
Also, I'm jealous that you have a Marshalls. That's my fave bargain store, and we don't have one here.
Posted by: e.p. | August 14, 2008 at 04:58 PM
OK, where's this Mexican restaurant? Mexican is my favorite food, so I need to try that.
I have to admit that I really hate the olympics (it's sports, no matter how you package it, right?) BUT, I did watch the opening ceremonies and agree- it was fantastic. BJ is watching it enough for the both of us.
The girl in your group? She sounds just like that guy I work with. I don't get people like that AT ALL. She is NOT going to be a success in the working world. But you sure are.
Congrats on the "A" honey. I'm not at all surprised.
xo
Posted by: RisibleGirl | August 15, 2008 at 04:37 AM