Spilling the Beans – Part I

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It’s official – I am a horrible blogger. I can say that I’m going to be better, set some goal, and then miss the goal. Whatever…if you continue to stick around, Thank you! If not, you’ll miss the beans!

So, let’s start with spilling the beans.

A few months ago, I was at a lovely girl’s night out with my favorite ladies when I get a text message from my friend Amber. “Call me when you get a chance.” Once we wrapped up our GNO and our chatting about kids, house hunting and vacations, we said our goodbye’s and headed in our separate directions. On the way home, I called Amber.

There was the first part of the call was of the “how’s life” variety. See, I have this issue. I am 100% sure that no one wants to hear about my problems – even my best friends in the entire world. And those wonderful friends of mine know me well enough to know that when I fall off the face of the earth that something is probably up and check on me. Initially this was one of those “check on Pam” calls. (We’ll get to the reasons as to why I have fallen off the face of the earth later. Maybe.)

Then there was the second part of the call which started out “are you still thinking about moving out of state?” to which I responded “everyday”. Come to find out, there is an open position at Amber’s company and she thinks I would fit right in.

The next day, she sent me the job description.

Over the next few days, I updated my resume and sent it along to Amber, who then made her own changes and submitted it to her boss! I say this with love because I hate resumes! I am always grateful for any help!

Two weeks later, I was trying to plan my work schedule around a convenient time for a phone interview with Amber’s boss. After three rescheduled dates/times and becoming BFFs with his assistant, I had an hour phone interview on a Saturday morning.

The following week was spent planning a trip to San Francisco to visit the company and interview with several members of the management team. I was scheduled to leave on Saturday, August 24 and return on Tuesday, August 28.

I, I was ecstatic. My mom, not so much. I’m not going to lie, there were tears. In the end, we both agreed that if an opportunity presents itself, I had to take it. And after a few nights of discussions, I finally convinced her to go with me! It would be her first time in California. She could get to see the city, where I could potentially be working, spend some quality time with Amber and Greg and, the big one, begin to get comfortable traveling.

I spent so much time preparing for this interview. I had note cards with questions and the perfect answer. I had maps. I had company research and information. I bought a super cute new suit. I was prepared.

I was ready.

Is The Election Over Yet?

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Boy, did this get my blood boiling today!

“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it — that that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. … These are people who pay no income tax. … [M]y job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”
–Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney

True – Yes.

But why is it true (according to the 2011 report from the Tax Policy Center):

  • Approximately 30% of those who did not pay income taxes earn under $33,000 a year.
  • Approximately 10% are elderly.
  • 2/3 of that 47% paid payroll taxes.

I won’t lie – I got a tax refund last year. I’ve utilized unemployment twice in the last 5 years. I used the renter’s credit on my state taxes. I use charitable tax donation credits. However, two years ago, I paid taxes. And I did pay them.

But, to me, that’s not the biggest issue here. A politician skewing information to make themselves look better. Shocking. What gets me is “… [M]y job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”

Excuse me?

No, Mr. Romney, your job as President is to care about all Americans – not just those who pay income tax. You are voted into office BY the American people.

Mr. Romney, I don’t need you to convince me to take personal responsibility and take care of my life because I’m doing just fine. Am I excited my birth control is free? Yep. Do I still pay over $150 a month in health insurance premiums because my employer doesn’t offer any? Yep.  If “Obama-care” is cheaper and offers better benefits, I’ll change providers. And let’s chat about the 20% of my paycheck that doesn’t come to me. I thought it went to PAY TAXES but apparently, I’m the idiot…and want the government to take care of me. I’ve been, as I mentioned, unemployed twice in 5 years. However, I’ve been paying into the system since I was 15 years old! Unemployment was a blessing for this hard-working girl.

It’s a good thing that I wasn’t on the fence about my vote.

I’d love to hear your opinion about this insane election. However, please know these are just my opinions. I am not a politician, hold a political office, or have a degree in poli-sci. I’m just your average 47% of America that doesn’t pay taxes. 

Ummmmm…….Hi………

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Remember me? It’s been awhile, huh? I know, my bad. Want an update? Sure you do!

I haven’t been to CrossFit since August 21st. I should feel guilty but I really don’t.

I went to San Francisco for a few days! That was nice. Had a wonderful visit with my friends Amber and Greg. My mom went with me as well. It was her first time in California. We left on August 25th and I was back at work on Wednesday, the 29th. Like a said, a quick multipurpose trip.  One of which was I was in desperate need of a break!

My momma enjoying a nice ice water.

Golden Gate from Fisherman’s Wharf.

View from our Room

I also got to see the amazing Kelly Clarkson. My lovely friend Lindy and I went. We recently discovered that we were both Kelly fans and now I always have someone to go to see her with! YAY!

Horrible picture, but I promise it’s Kelly!

So, those two things were awesome! Since my return from The Bay, I’ve worked 118 hours. I’ve worked some part of every day except Labor Day. We held our annual leadership retreat on September 12 and 13. Between the time between my trip and today, I created the 2013 budget, closed August books, rewrote the entire policy and procedure manual, wrote volunteer job descriptions, served in multiple committee meetings and everything else I do on a regular basis.

I promised myself that I would be less stressed at this job. I wouldn’t take on so much. I’d have more of a work life balance. I have failed, miserably. And to pay for it, the day after the retreat was over, I got sick. I mean sick as a dog sick. Strep, ear infection, sinus infection…..I’ve been in bed for the last three days. I’m miserable. So rather than a pedicure this weekend, I had a doctor’s visit and meds instead.

Other items of note:

  • I have a new crush.
  • I need to go shopping for clothes that fit. Unfortunately, that means a bigger size.
  • My friend Nicole finally got her house! It’s been a LONNNGGGGG process, but they are scheduled to close at the end of October.
  • Tomorrow is September 17th. I am supposed to get an update on my major life event tomorrow. Trying very hard to be positive. However, the longer it takes the more I doubt myself.
  • I gave up my head coaching position for Girls on the Run this season. This was a very difficult decision for  me but it has turned out to be a very good one for my sanity.
  • I’m supposed to have a magazine ready for publication in two weeks. And I’ve been too busy to chase content.

I think we’re all up to date. Has anyone been up to anything fun?

Trying Not To Spill The Beans

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Get it….left bean….spill the beans…..

Hey! It made me laugh!

I guess I’ve been MIA the last 10 days. I am teetering on a major life transition and I’m about to burst. As of right now, 3 people know. I want to blog about it and all my feelings surrounding it. But I don’t want to jinx anything so you’ll have to wait.

However, I did learn something this week. Baby steps and this blog are working!

Last week, I didn’t make any baby steps and it was tough! Sounds silly, huh. I only went to CrossFit two times! Who am I?

And my little blog (that no one reads), if I tell you what my plans are, I tend to feel some sort of accountability. Who knew?!??!?

So….The week of August 13th, I will:

1. 4-5 CrossFit sessions
2. Continue with my cookie elimination. Oh, by the way, the great cookie dilemma, I ate the cookie. Absolutely shocking, I’m sure.
3. Be less stressed by work. Organize and stop freaking out, just do it! I need to get the sh!t done and quit being caught up in the amount of work.

So there you go. I’m here. I’m bursting to tell the world what’s happening. But I’ll wait. If the stars align, I’ll be able to update you by the end of the month.

Biting My Tongue

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I’ve been biting my tongue for a long time now when it comes to a few popular issues. I have very little political knowledge. I am passionate about certain topics and others I could care less about. If you don’t agree with me, I won’t be offended. If you agree with me, I’m not going to try to convince you into starting a protest. If I lose a reader, then crap – I’m at zero (don’t go Mom) – but this is my blog and I feel the need to vent for a second.

Gun Control
I don’t think people should have their weapons taken away. I believe people have the right to bear arms. However, do most people need an AK-47 that can shoot 100 rounds in a minute? No. Military – Yes. Dick’s Sporting Goods – No.  Hand guns to protect your home – go for it. Rifle to hunt – I’m game. I’m aware that people will still kill other people. But maybe we could avoid some senseless tragedies like Aurora, CO or Pendleton, IN.

Affordable Care Act
First, I refuse to call this Obamacare. That’s just stupid. Second, I haven’t had a health insurance coverage provided by an employer since 2009. However, I have had health insurance. It’s basically “hit by a bus” coverage, but I have coverage. I have a hefty co-pay and little prescription coverage. I go to the doctor maybe 1-2 times a year. I’m on birth control and “happy pills”. I spend almost $250 a month between prescription and insurance premiums. If I do go in for my annual exam, you can increase that cost by $100 – $200 depending on the lab test that are necessary.

It has always baffled me that birth control pills are not covered. Because it is so much better to have unwanted children running around, right.

Finally, I received $6.06 refund on my health insurance premium paid in 2011. Want to know why? The carrier didn’t meet the 80/20 rule. I love that rule. So now premiums can’t be skyrocketed just to line their pockets. They have to spend 80% of all premiums collected on claims.

Finally, take two, one reason why insurance premiums are so high? Of course you do – people without health insurance. A meth-head gets treatment in the ER because no person can be turned away. Then ditch their bill….which means collections….more money the hospital will need to spend…which means I get to pay $50 for a toothbrush.

Chick-fil-a
Freedom of speech. Yep – got it, you do too. However, this is a different time kids. I have a different opinion than the COO for Chick-fila-a. However, I’m not in his face spouting off. I’m not holding a Pamland day to support my opinions. Seriously, why can’t we all just accept one another? No one is asking this man to marry another man. I wonder how he feels about divorce, adultery, polygamy – why’d he pick the gays to go after?

I boycotted Lowe’s when they pulled all their advertisement from TLC’s American Muslim. I will boycott Chick-fil-a because I don’t care for blatant discrimination. I will not judge you if you decide to eat or shop at Lowe’s or Chick-fil-a. However, I will not join you.  Hell, I boycotted Brittney Spears when she went coo-coo, dropping babies on the sidewalk.

Bottom line – we are all so bitter and negative and nasty and I hate it! There is a good chance I have some things wrong above. I’m ok with that. I’m ok to be wrong.  I’m a good person. I tolerate all types of people. And there are days that “tolerate” is the best I can give anyone, including myself.  I’ve made decisions in my life to remove people who are toxic. And I know that I’ve been removed from lives for that same reason.  Love me, hate me, I still going to be me.

And because everyone loves Friends – here is a little clip of Phoebe trying to find peace in the madness. Thanks for letting me vent.

A Cookie Dilemma

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I have a cookie dilemma,
I purchased it at lunch.
It’s from Penn Station.
It’s been in my purse since I got back from lunch.
Now it’s on my desk.
It is magical.
I’m having a HELL of a day.
Interns suck.
Projects suck.
I need a cookie.
I went to CrossFit at 6:30 a.m.
I want a cookie.
I don’t like failure.
I do like cookies.
What shall I do????

Magical Cookie

 

 

 

More Baby Steps

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I am happy to announce that my 3 baby step goals from last week were a success! YAY! Go me!

And since I do love being successful, we’re going to try this again.

Week 2 – Baby Steps
1. Write down everything I eat.
2. Take out one “bad’ thing. My focus is cookies.
3. 4-5 days of CrossFit training.

I had the opportunity to train the next group of Girls on the Run coaches today! So much fun! So excited I got to be a part of the beginning of their GOTR adventure.

Short and sweet tonight – looking forward to watching the ladies rock the gymnastic arena tonight (which actually already happened and I know the results).

What is your goal for the week?

The Color Run

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The Color Run. The Happiest 5K on the Planet? Probably not.

If you remember, my goal was just to enjoy this race. Goal complete! I did enjoy this race. I started met up with my cousin and a few of her friends. One of the girls was totally up for walking so I had a buddy. My cousin had a goal of running the entire race and was successful! YAY KERI! I ran into two great friends who were also running.

It was a PERFECT day – weather-wise. Anyone who lives in the Midwest knows the extreme drought we have. I heard on the news today that 25 of28 days of July have been 90+ degrees. We had a lovely rain shower Friday afternoon that cooled things off. Bottom line – it was the perfect day for a race.

Pre-race. All pretty and white!

Now, let’s talk about the organization of the race. We were supposed to start at 8 a.m. We didn’t start moving toward the start line until 8:30, starting at about 9. The path was pretty typical for raced at White River State Park.  However, there were too many people for the final leg of the race that used a smaller sidewalk.  Recommendation – better organize the start. Maybe use corrals – not necessarily for time but for number of people to start each wave.

Our first view of the starting line.

Let’s chat about this color stuff. The color itself is a powder and was sprayed with large squeeze bottles (think ketchup/mustard plastic bottle). On the website, it stated if you want a ton of color run on the outside, less color run down the middle. The first color was orange and I went right down the middle – I received NO color. The next color area – yellow – was a bit more color as I was on the outside. The next 3 color stops – blue, pink, purple – we waiting in a line to get sprayed with color. Still nothing like the advertisements, I was disappointed.

You were also given a color packet to use at the end of the race at the celebration. Cool idea – yes. However, you had to run with it. There was also a list of things to bring – towel, change of clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc., but no bag check. Maybe these could be handed out as you cross the finish line. And a bag check would be nice.

The aftermath.

Overall, a good day! I had a good time, good company and a fun event.  Given the cost of the race, I doubt I will do it again.

Have you run The Color Run? Did you have a good time? What other type of fun runs are out there?

CrossFit – I Like, My Quads Disagree

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Yesterday I did CrossFit for the first time. Today, I cannot move. There may be a bit of drama in that last statement. I can move. However, it takes a few groans, a bit of rocking back and forth and some good momentum to get moving.

I first discovered CrossFit though my Twitter friends. You know, My Trainer Bob and a few of those other Biggest Loser girls. (We’re totally BFFs.) And I thought, “Interesting – not gonna happen – they’re super skinny now, I’m not.” Then I found out that my friend Liz does it too. Liz is a super cool gal from Canada who decided to move to Melbourne after travelling for months and doing things like, hiking Mt. Everest.  I live vicariously through her. Through our many conversation (me reading her blog), I’ve noticed one thing we have in common – once we start working out, it’s all good. It’s the getting the motivation get to the work out that sucks. Sometimes, it’s just nice to know someone feels your pain. Anyway, her CrossFit post convinced me to try.  (Dear Liz – I promise I am not a stalker. xoxo Pam!)

But where is there a location near me? Next thing I know there is this lime green paper on my mailbox advertising CrossFit Thrive. And guess what – it’s within walking distance of my house. Or biking – should I ever get my bike. Or a 2 minute drive.

I let it sit for a week. Then I called last Tuesday more information. Dan (a.k.a Danimal) is the owner and trainer. He was very nice and informative. Answered all of my stupid questions – what should I bring, what should I wear, will this kill me – typical Pam questions. I told him I’d come by maybe Wednesday but definitely Thursday.

So, I went for my first session on Sunday. (Seriously, I think I could really live out-of-state! I’m chicken to go to CrossFit down the street!) Lucky for me, there were only 2 of us. And the other girl (thank goodness) had only gone a few times.

So we did two rounds of the warm-up:
5 pull ups (I cheated a put my foot in a strap to slingshot me to the bar.)
10 push ups (girly style)
10 kettle bell swings
10 squats using PVC pipe

Then we did some hip and shoulder stretches. But not your basic stretches, really intense stretches.

Then we moved onto our skill training. Basically, this is just a few minutes to work on a skill that you will most likely use at some point during CrossFit. We worked on overhead squat with the PVC pipe – focusing more on form than anything else.

Then we get into the WOD (Workout of the Day):
3 rounds
10 plate rotations (each side) using 10 lb. plate (Hindsight – I should have done more weight. Slacker!)
10 SDLHP (sumo dead lift high pull) using a 25 lb. kettle bell
300 meter run

The WOD should be done quickly, for time.  I finished my 3 rounds in 12:15.

First CrossFit workout for a girl who hasn’t done any strength training in months – I’m going to call it a success!

And since I have a week trial, I wanted to go back – today. My quads had a very LOUD and PAINFUL opinion about that idea. Given that today’s WOD (which they post on Facebook & Twitter, which I think is super awesome) was 150 wall balls for time. (They call this workout Karen. I will need to get to the bottom of this naming business.) My brain thought that sounded so fun!  My legs were actually crying as I watched this video.  And yes, I’m so fearless, I look up the WOD on youtube.com before even thinking about going.

In a perfect world, I would get up tomorrow morning for the 6:30 a.m. class. I know I won’t be able to go tomorrow night because of GNO (Girls Night Out) with Laura, Carrie and Nicole. We’ll see.

For an actual explanation of CrossFit, here are a few links from the interwebs. Please note – I’ve done this one time. I’m not an expert. I’m not recommending it. I just went one time and enjoyed myself enough that I may go again (if my legs allow).

Have you tried CrossFit? Do you have another favorite at the moment? Do you have random interweb BFFs (blogger you stalk follow that seem like real friends sometimes)?