Happily Engaged.

That hand up there is mine... my left one to be exact. And that big rock you see? It’s on my ring finger. But before I start getting freaked out messages from my mother, I want to assure all of you that there is no breaking news…quite the contrary, actually. These days I seem to be a little disappointed in men, at least the ones in my life. In these instances I usually do one of two things – I grab attention from men in general just because it’s fun and makes me feel desirable, or I want zero attention from all parts of the male species. Right now it happens to be the latter.

If I had my way I would have spent the weekend consuming pints of Ben and Jerry while watching The Notebook on repeat, but instead I was convinced to spend some quality time with folks in Phoenix. I actually had a good time and enjoyed myself but being that it was also All-Star weekend and I was forced to be social out and about and go to the game and everything, I felt like I needed an extra barrier between myself and the vultures that descend upon the city any time an event like that takes place. The last thing I wanted to deal with was pickup line after corny pickup line from every Joe, Mo, and Larry I came across. So while we were walking around the mall Saturday afternoon, I saw this little sparkler at Nordstrom’s and I decided that I would be engaged for the weekend. Now I know any self-respecting woman would have been able to tell in an instant that this cubic zirconia was far from the real deal, but it flashes nicely and does the job at a quick glance.

Now I know that honesty is the best policy and yadda, yadda, yadda. But this weekend I just didn’t have time for that. I didn’t want to explain that whatever you are trying to sell, I’m just not interested in buying. So I flashed my ring instead. And it was great. So much easier than only having a boyfriend and still explaining that that also means I’m not in the market for new “friends”. Whatever. I’m a fake. I’ll own it for now.

He's just not that into...

ME?!?!


You first heard about it on Oprah. And then you read the book. And then, if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t wait to see the movie. And you loved it. I know I’m a sap for any movie targeted towards emotional women, but that’s ok. I would venture to say that most women can relate to some parts of this movie. And if not, I’d like to talk to you after this blog post. Maybe you could be my mentor… Or my idol.

The fact of the matter is I like to consider myself a strong, independent woman. And I am, most of the time. But when I saw this movie, I saw myself in more of the scenarios than I care to admit or own up to. Except here I am, admitting to it and even taking it a step further while I broadcast it to the world on my blog. I have been that girl, probably on more than one occasion. And in the spirit of sharing, because I just saw the movie and liked it so much, and because we are coming up on the holiday that celebrates love and reminds those of us who aren’t in it how pathetic we are, I’m divulging a few secrets. I’m going into the memory bank and thinking back to all those times when I acted as if I was the exception and not the rule. When life would have been that much easier if I’d just admitted to myself that he just wasn’t that into me. (As crazy as that sounds…)

The following are some of my 'not so greatest' moments...

*I was dating this guy who would sometimes take forever to call or text me back and he’d often say he didn’t get my text. I used to have two cell phones so every time I would text him and then not hear from him in what I thought was the right amount of time to text back, I’d text myself from my other phone to make sure my text messages were coming through.

*I had a boyfriend and he broke up with me. (I know, shocker) So in my pathetic, heartbroken state, I made him a CD of all the love songs that reminded me of him or what I hoped would remind him of me. I mailed a copy to him and then had a copy for myself that I tortured myself with on a daily basis. I was thinking (hoping) he’d listen to the CD and then realize how much he missed me. It didn’t work.

*I used to hang out with this guy that would always make plans with me last minute. This is a pet peeve of mine but for some reason I really liked hanging out with him and I just knew he enjoyed my company as well. I just assumed he wasn’t the type to think in advance. So, when I would think that there was a possibility that he would want to hang out, I’d just keep my schedule open or only half-commit to other plans. And then I would send a random message or something that would hopefully jog his memory and remind him that he TOTALLY wanted to hang out that day.

*I was in a long distance relationship and were going through a tough time and arguing constantly. At one point he just didn’t want to be on the phone anymore and I felt like I just couldn’t make him see the light. So I flew to North Carolina from California unannounced. I can’t say he was that happy to see me.

*Everything was going great. We talked all the time… we hung out on a consistent basis… he whispered sweet nothings in my ear…the usual. And then slowly it began to change. The conversations were short, he was busy, and there was no whispering. So when I asked him about it and tried to figure out what was going on, he explained to me that he still really liked me, he just had a lot going on and it was hard. So I bought it. And I continued to just be available because sooner or later he’d come around and things would go back to normal. Riiight….


*I’ve been known on occasion or two to “accidentally” run into someone. I guess I figure that if they see me in person they will be instantly reminded how fabulous I am.


Ok, so as you can see, I have slipped up a time or two, thinking that there was always a reason or excuse for the behavior when in reality it was quite simple. He wasn’t into me. Not like he should have been. Not like I wanted him to be. And all I really had to do was chuck him the deuce and be on my way.

I’m hoping that maybe you’d like to share a story or two of your own though, so that I can be assured that there are other like-minded souls out there. And if you aren’t sure, just tell me a story anyway and I’ll let you know what the real deal is!

Irish Champ

I am very pleased to report that after my competition this weekend I am officially the Irish National Champion in the Long Jump and 60 meters. *Applause* Now, I realize that this title would hold much more significance if I actually happened to be Irish but we all have to start somewhere and I happen to believe that I just might be 1/16th Irish as well as probably a whole bunch of other things. I might need to check with Mom and see what other Championships I can sneak into while I’m out here.

All jokes aside, I was actually quite pleased with my first real competition of the season, especially in the long jump. I have mentioned it briefly on the blog before, but there has been a lot of nervous anticipation regarding my jumping this season due in large part to the switching of takeoff legs and me having absolutely no assurance as to whether that bright idea of mine was going to pay off. I am happy to report that so far things seem to be on the right track and I am beyond relieved that after such a short time I am already in a competitive place and look forward to shocking some people this season. Of course it will be only you guys who realize I am out there jumping off of a different leg but even if they think I’m jumping off the knee I had surgery on they still might think it’s pretty impressive. And of course if they ask what is different about me this year, I’ll tell them. There’s no reason they shouldn’t know what a stud I am. ☺

In other exciting news, I have also begun to debut some of the new competition outfits I told you about a few weeks ago (see here). I know I am going to disappoint some of you with the extra skin I am covering up but the longer tops seemed to be more fashionable. I do have one half top I haven’t worn yet but it might have to wait for outdoors. Anyway, I would love your opinion on what I have so far and that will help determine the direction I go this season. (Based on whether or not I agree with you of course.)

1st Look: This is hard to really appreciate in the picture but the top is a bright silver, like I am a ‘Martian from outer space’ type of silver. The bottoms have 3 thin silver stripes and of course the silver headband. (I’m sticking with my headbands regardless.) In pictures this look might not make much of a statement so I call it my low-key look.



2nd Look: The top is white/black/gold with a gold zipper but those huge numbers we always have to wear are hiding that. The bottoms are more like hot shorts. They remind me of the shorts the girls wear at Hooters actually. I’ve never actually eaten at a Hooter’s but I know what the shorts look like.




**The socks add a whole other vibe to the look but these are specifically for Long Jump. I realize it may seem a bit “costume-y” but they are actually functional. It’s so annoying when sand gets inside your socks and this way that problem is eliminated.



3rd Look. All black and gold but with a smaller bottom, similar to what I’ve been wearing in the past. What I love about this top is the straps so hopefully you get a good look at those.







And just for kicks, this is a picture of my warm-up. I just love it because of the “B” on the arm. It’s like it was made for me…except it wasn’t.




So go ahead and tell me what you think. Just don't let all the folks who will more than likely comment on how my knees look funny or my nose is a little big drown you out.

**A special thanks to all the fabulous photographers out in Ireland...without them, this post would not be possible. :)

Picture of the Week: Super Bowl

Super Bowl was an amazing time. great experience...great game...and great memories with people I love. What more can you ask for? Here are a few pictures from game day...

*Pre-game party...we went to get ready for a great Super Bowl at a party that doubled as a tailgate. One thing about Super Bowl is that there is a lot of people who have a lot of money and they like to make sure you know it! This party was held in an airplane hangar. They brought in a beach area, had live music, a ton of food, and random celebrities and athletes milling around.



Inside area of the hangar. Notice the large amount of Steeler jerseys...Cardinal fans were definitely the minority!



The beach area...complete with sand and personal canopy beds.



A picture I snapped of the Bachelor. He was also a 7th string quarterback or something I guess.



Uncle Kev and JR


* Next up was the game. Quite possibly the best game I have ever watched. I thought last year's Super Bowl was exciting, but for me this year was even better. Perhaps because I really had a team I was cheering for, but regardless that fourth quarter was one for the books!





Uncle Kev and I on our way in to the stadium dressed like real fans!



We walked to our seats and were shocked (!!!) to find ourselves in a box on the 50 yard line. This was a total surprise but SOOO amazing to experience a game like that!




Taking the obligatory picture with the field as a backdrop!



I notice Ashton and Demi sitting in the box next to us. Slightly off-center but still good seats I guess. :) Everyone else was snapping pictures as well so why not.




The Boss at halftime. I'm not a HUGE Springsteen fan but I did find it quite entertaining.



Congratulations Steelers on your 6th Super Bowl victory. Not how I wanted to see it end but a great game nonetheless!

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

I’m in Ireland, and will be competing over the weekend at the Irish National Championships. I bet you didn’t realize that little known fact about me being Irish and all. In the summertime my freckles are more pronounced and I usually dye my hair a darker color from its natural reddish-blonde hue. I still can put down a Guinness with the best of them though!

Truth be told, I probably am at least 1/16 Irish but I will be running here as an American. For some reason they invite a few other athletes to their Nationals to help foster some competition for some of the top tiered Irish athletes. So here I am. I flew in today from Tampa, which I expected to be an easy trip since I had only one stop in Philadelphia and was already on the east coast. That wasn’t so. The snow and long delays caused me to stay in Philly for nine (!!!) hours. All of the sudden my decision to be Irish for the weekend doesn’t seem like such a great idea, but I’m here now so I will make the best of it.

Today has also been a history lesson of sorts. I flew into Dublin and then had to take the bus down to Belfast, about a 2-hour drive, as that is where the meet will be. Now I’m assuming that because it’s the Irish National Championships and all, I most certainly will be in Ireland. But depending on who you ask, this isn’t necessarily so. I was first clued into this fact when I went to exchange money and was told I would be receiving sterling instead of Euros. Everyone knows that the country that screws you the most when traveling and converting your money is Great Britain and the irritatingly costly pound. You give them $100 dollars and you get back 50 pounds (maybe slightly more these days). And things aren’t half as expensive either, your Big Mac will still cost you 4 pound, and for us that is about $8 dollars. Anyway…supposedly there is a bit of discrepancy as to whom this part of the country really belongs to. The British have painted the curbs as if to signify ownership, but you ask the Irish and it becomes an extremely touchy subject. So, because I am surrounded by Irishmen and am running at their championships I will claim to be in Ireland for the next few days. And if anybody cares to school me on the cliff notes version of what is really going on here, please feel free.

Bandwagon

I’d love to claim that I am a true, diehard football fan. I want to tell you that I bleed green and gold, piss crimson and white, or sweat silver and black and that I always have and always will. I’d love to say that, but it would be a lie. For the past 10 years I’ve switched my allegiance about five times, depending on who I’m dating, where my friends were traded, or what city I am currently living in. There were times that I did take on the characteristics of a diehard; those times when I would get up extra early on a Sunday morning and drive around to find a sports bar that was playing the game I was interested in seeing, being forced to order a burger and fries when what I really wanted was a Belgian waffle. Years when I would watch SportsCenter on a regular basis and could talk shop with the best of them because it was of utmost importance that I was informed and educated about my team and all other teams that had any influence on my team. There have definitely been glimpses of a true fan, but they have all been fleeting. And it’s not that I don’t really enjoy football. I do. I like watching a good game and I get excited being at a game and cheer just as loud as the next guy, just sans face paint and jersey.

Last year I went to the Superbowl and didn’t choose a team to cheer for until I was at the stadium. Luckily for me, I chose the Giants. It made the game that much more enjoyable. There are probably plenty of Giants fans out there that want to stab me in the eye for that but I promise you that I cheered with all my heart and soul. I screamed at the top of my lungs, I high-fived every New Yorker I could spot, and I actually felt a sense of pride when the game was over. It didn’t last for long, but it was there. But one of my biggest regrets from last year is who I didn’t invite to come with me. I had an extra ticket and one of my favorite relatives right around the corner and I never connected the dots! So this year I am making amends and I’m also giving a true fan the experience that they will probably appreciate more than I ever could.

This time around I plan on being a better fan. For starters, I went to school in Arizona and have been to a few Cardinals games before and cheered for them back when the stadium would have more fans for the opposing team. I also am a fan of Kurt Warner and since my first Superbowl was back when I was a Rams fan, it only makes sense that I take it full circle. I love his story and think he is an amazing athlete so I would love to see him win another ring. Being able to cheer for the same team as my uncle will also be a treat. Needless to say, I had no trouble picking the team I would be rooting for this time around. I also have a red and white shirt I’ll be wearing – it’s not a jersey, but it will have to suffice.

Rome wasn't built in a day

Today I was a bit of a head case. And I’m only admitting it because I want to recognize it and move past it. I suppose it was a case of anxiety, brought on by the fact that I have only a few practices left before my first competition in the long jump. On it’s own it may not seem like a big deal. After all, this is my profession, something I’ve done for the last umpteen years and I am no stranger to first meets of the season. But most of you should know the struggles I went through this past year, with surgery on my knee and the subsequent problems I had with it once I begun training again this year. The recommendation was to have another surgery because it just didn’t seem like the knee would hold up with the pounding that long jumping involves. My own plan was slightly different. I would just switch takeoff legs. Problem solved. No more pounding and a season saved.

So perhaps you might understand the slight apprehension I am experiencing as the date looms near to actually test out this bright idea of mine. Switching takeoff legs is akin to trying to sign your name with the opposite hand. It’s just not natural, at least not for most people. Luckily for me, the switch has been easier than I imagined it would. I didn’t even think I would be able to attempt an indoor meet and yet here I am. On top of that, I have also had to incorporate a totally different jumping style to accommodate my bum shoulder as well. It’s been a challenge to say the least but I feel as if at the end of the day I feel like what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. So I’ve embraced my challenges and have been looking forward to being a brand new, more efficient, left leg jumper. Well…until today, that is. Today, when I tried actually doing my entire jump for the first time I wasn’t so pleased with the results. It wasn’t terrible, it just wasn’t great. Why did I think it would be? I’m not sure. So I got pretty down on myself and had a little pity party for one. I am a perfectionist to a fault and I want everything to be just where I want it right now! Is it ridiculous for me to even have such high expectations at the end of January, considering what I’ve been through? Yea, probably. But for some reason it took me hours of reflection after my training session, a session with my shrink, and a conversation with my coach to come to that conclusion.

But I am better now. I am back to focusing on the process of what I am doing and to looking at the big picture of what I am trying to accomplish. I know it’s going to take time but I know that I have the goods. Each day is just another piece of the puzzle and you might not be able to see what the picture looks like yet, but I am going to keep adding the pieces until it comes together.