Awe...shucks.

Sadly, my days of stealing wireless internet are over. I was online last week and suddenly was prompted to enter a password. What? Huh? NOOOOO!!!! I don't know how my neighbor figured it out...or why it took him or her this long (my thieving has lasted over a year), but gosh dang it, why now? And in the midst of all my research, no less!!

I am now spending my days across the island at a local coffee shop. I called the cable company to inquire about installation, and it turns out that a daily Pellegrino or iced coffee is a much less expensive alternative - given my impending move.

So, to my neighbor that I don't know, I am truly ashamed. But hugs and snaps to you...for the months and months of free internet access. You were a life saver ;)

Galveston men - alcohol = a brand new city to move. Maybe.

Gabby and I decided that we needed a night out on-the-town. She left her boyfriend at home to cry over the Rocket's loss to the Utah Jazz, and I left...Brutus. Neither one of us was in the mood to drink more than a glass or two of wine, and ironically, this made for one helluva night. Today, while we were rehashing the absurdities of our evening, Gab proclaimed, "There was something funky goin' on in the air last night!" Yes, I believe so.

We glammed up at her place beforehand. I donned a new strapless and fabulous tank from ha.ba's, and she rocked it out in a simple black dress. We left for Murphy's Pub having no idea how much attention our little get-ups would attract.

First up - Damien. Damien had just been arrested. As in 15 minutes prior to sitting down with us. (By the way, we did not invite him to sit with us. Nor, did we invite ANY of the men to join us at our table. And yet, they came, they sat, and they stayed...probably because we never asked them to leave.) But, back to poor Damien who had a penchant for winking and telling me that I was beautiful. This was funny and ridiculous for two reasons: a) he was like 17-years-old (tops), and b) spit flew out of his mouth each time he said it. Thankfully, the police and a 6'10" 420 lbs. bouncer came and escorted Damien away from our table and out of the bar.

Next, we met Tim and James. Tim was 50ish, owned a Harley, resembled Willie Nelson, and had a knack for pleasant, light hearted chitchat. UNTIL he mentioned that he once dressed up in crotch-less panties and wore Stelleto heels while getting "kinky" with a woman he met at a Pimp and Whore party (and that's the edited version). Um, buh-bye Tim.

(Talking to James was about as interesting as pressing snooze on my alarm clock).

Which brings me to Frankie. Right off the bat you know he's trouble with a name like Frankie (which is sort of like Billy). Frank - fine. Bill - respectable. But adding an "ie" to the end of these names is cause for alarm. Frankie stopped me while I was returning from the restroom. He leaned in and said, "There are two parts that I love on a woman's body. One of them being her collar bone. Ooooh, I want to lick and kiss your collar bone."

Yes, he really did say that.

I smiled and laughed. And I was genuinely laughing - at him. I walked away wondering, "What is it about my face or demeanor that says this is a reasonable and appropriate thing to say to me?" We immediately left the bar.

Surprisingly, sobriety did not bring us home. Instead, we decided to hop on over to another g-town fav of ours, Tsunami.

As Gab went up to the bar to get us water, CJ slid across the bench to introduce himself to me. I'll admit that his current status as a 3rd year med student intrigued me; but, his overuse of the words conundrum and fortuitous (yes, I counted) abated any sparks of my interest. That, and his hand waving, slight lisp, and my overwhelming suspicion that he secretly wished I was a Ray. Or a John. Or a Matt. You get the point. He did, however, bring with him Jeremy.

Our conversation was brief, but all signs indicated that Jeremy was/is normal. Relatively speaking, of course. He's a doctor interested in internal medicine and moving to the Bay Area in CA next month. He also grew up in upstate NY and went to college in VA.

Coincidences? Sure. A sign pointing to where I should head next? Hmmmm...

Believe it to achieve it!!

Okay, so the title of this post is more than a little corny. But it's so true! I'm not too proud to admit that I've been a fan of the Biggest Loser for years. Unfortunately, I was not able to watch this past season, but came across this clip of the winner on msnbc. If you're in need of some inspiration - not only to get off your rump and exercise, but to go after whatever it is you want in life - then listen to this!!

I'd like some order with a side of routine, please!

Working from your home has its perks. Two of which include a) limited interruptions and b) the use of my own toilet. But, it also has its challenges if you're a person prone to wasting time, which unfortunately, I am. Wait, wasting time sounds harsh and irresponsible - filling my time with enjoyable activities that are not work related is perhaps closer to the truth ;) Yesterday I decided that in order to complete the seemingly staggering amount of work I have before me, I must impose structure onto my day. I must create and follow a schedule, make and meet deadlines, and exercise a little self-discipline and stick-to-itiveness.

I can do this. Right?! My "true" nature might suggest otherwise. Have you heard of the Myers-Briggs personality test? If you have, then you can understand how difficult this is for a "P"!! If you haven't, then click here to take an abridged version of the exam. It's fun. But, I digress...

Back to adding structure to my day. I decided to join a gym that offers group classes. Specifically, I'm interested in Pilates and spinning classes ('cuz pretty soon it will be too hot to run along the Seawall and I need me some cardio). Yesterday, I attended my first Pilates class. I had assumed that with all of my yoga experience, this would be a breeze.

How wrong of me to assume. Pilates is soooo not breezy.

Today, as I type this, there is a tightness in my abdomen that is worrisome. And surprising. When did this happen? I mean, when did all of my core strength disappear? Better yet, did I ever really have any? Running has clearly tricked me into thinking I am stronger than I truly am. I spent most of the class in hysterics. (I have a bizarre tendency to laugh when I'm in extreme pain. But, forty-five minutes into the class, we ALL were cracking up - thank you very much).

No worries, though. I'm not someone who gives up easily . I WILL spin this evening. And I WILL get a lot "checked" off my daily to-do list before class.

(Hmmm...encouraging statements or actual facts?!!?)

Like Father, Like Daughter

In February, I bought my father a Senseo for his birthday.He has a horrible habit of reheating (and drinking) day old coffee. Seeing him do this has actually made me gag. With the Senseo, one brews a fresh cup of joe EVERY time. It's fast, easy, frothy, and most importantly, fresh! My intent was to put an end to his left over coffee consumption. I even went so far as to design a card featuring a coffee mug placed inside of a circle with a line drawn through the circle. Written on the coffee mug were the words, "Day Old Coffee." Clearly, it's a pet peeve of mine!

But, this morning I did the unthinkable.

I'm justifying drinking yesterday's brew with thoughts like, "Well, I'm saving money." And, "Look at that, I waste nothing!" And, "Wow, how environmentally responsible of me. Surely the microwave uses less energy than than the coffee machine, don't cha think?"

The reality is...I was lazy.

My sincere apologies to my dad for giving him grief. It wasn't that bad.

Where Will I Live?

In the coming months, a lot will happen. Hopefully, I will pass my OT exam with flying colors. A paper, describing the relationship between our built environment and the country's current obesity epidemic will be written and read (with much adoration) by the UTMB's School of Occupational Therapy. Guidelines for the city of Galveston outlining my ideas for a livable city will be created. A presentation will be given. My name will be officially changed.

But, perhaps most importantly, a new city of residence will be chosen and a job working with brain injured individuals will be secured. And in the process of moving, all that needs to be left behind will be, with little regret or remorse.

The current cities and states on my radar:
Houston, TX
Charlotte, NC
Nashville, TN
Bay Area, CA
Tampa, FL
Denver, CO

Sooo, for now, I'm sitting back, concentrating on writing and studying and enjoying my time left in Galveston. AND, I'm keeping score (on the aforementioned cities). For example, today I received an email from a native Texan. An everything is bigger and better, don't mess with Texas kind of person. This email actually said, "The eyes of Texas are upon you!" Um, what?? Sorry Houston, that's a mark for you. Too many and I'm gonna have to let you go.

Stay tuned.

For the Love of Second Base

Me: So whad'ya do this weekend?

Melody: Well, I walked close to 39 miles and raised over $2,200 for breast cancer research.

Me: Hot dayem.

Saving the tatas - one painful, blistered and lanced foot at a time.
Day two, and another half marathon down.
I'm in awe. It's pretty incredible what a group of women will accomplish when they set their minds to something. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was held in Houston this past weekend and raised almost 2 million dollars!!

Melody, quite simply, you rock.

The Kite Runner

Two or three years ago, this book made its debut on the book club circuit. I've finally carved out time in my schedule to read it. And what a read it is! I started this book this morning and I finished it this afternoon. I guess this is sort of like eating an entire box of doughnuts in one sitting. You know you should probably pace yourself, and save a few for later - but you just. can't. stop.

And yet, I can't take credit for being the speediest reader. My friend Kim finished all 768 pages of Exile, by Richard North Patterson, in like 36 minutes. Seriously.

(Okay, not really. Nevertheless, she reads ridiculously fast.)

But back to The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. It's lovely. And does everything a well written book should.

Here are a few of my favorite passages, in no particular order:

For you a thousand times over!

I slipped the picture back where I had found it. Then I realized something: That last thought had brought no sting with it. Closing Sohrab's door, I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.

Mashallah, God has granted you a special talent. It is now your duty to hone that talent, because a person who wastes his God-given talents is a donkey.

Just Another Day In Paradise

I am pretty sure that I am in paradise.

Earlier today I thought, "Oh my gawd. I'm in paradise."

Why am I just realizing this? I've been to FL a million times. Apparently I've always been too busy with making to-do lists or planning or running or cleaning or organizing to notice. But the past several days I've made a conscious effort to breathe. Deeply. And to appreciate my surroundings, this visit, and the time I have with my parents. Sure, nagging in the back of my head are the thoughts, "Shit, I need to figure out where I am going to live." And, "Crap, I better start studying for the OT exam." And "F%$#, why did I ever apply for that scholarship that I still have to write?" And, "Lawd, I need a job." (And gosh dang it, I swear too much).

For now, though, I am doing my best to ignore my conscious...and curb the potty talk.

I am also enjoying everything that paradise is throwing my way :) Just take a look:

A Corona moment.

Do it again.

Pink explosion.

Definition of sea green.

It's a hop hop!