I Like...

Things I love:

My mom, my sister, my brothers, all my family, my dad, Fiona, #hashtags, drum solos on the elliptical, finishing a great work out, not cheating on ice cream, coffee, espresso, sitting in coffee shops, books, reading books, making people smile, making people laugh, snow, back rubs, baking for friends, cooking, laughing, laughing so hard I cry, taking walks, music, more music, even more music, karaoke for one in my apartment, karaoke in public, riding my bike, hugs, kisses, cookies, food, blowing bubbles over the cubicle walls at work, work, pizza, sushi, twitter, friends, using acronyms irl conversation, dressing up for no reason, dressing up for a reason, showers, saunas, hot tubs, penguins, otters, moose, books, music, repeating myself, chocolate, getting mail, getting email, getting @ replies on twitter, grasshopper fudge custard, movies, TV, Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Disneyland, road trips, adventures, driving fast, not getting caught driving fast, vacations, airports, horses, wolves, puppies, walking in crunchy leaves, autumn, winter, GPS, my car, cheeseburgers, cupcakes, hot wings, good beer, creative cooking, concerts, everything!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Smallpox

Telling people you have smallpox is like...

Well...

I guess there is no acceptable metaphor.



I realize I didn't blur my name the first time. My bad.

Never Need a Reason, Never Need a Rhyme. Step in Time, You Step in Time!

In March of 2009, at the urging of a coworker, I stepped into my very first Step Aerobics class.

I didn't really know what to expect. I'd been at LA Fitness for about a month at that time, and tried my hand at the Kickboxing class. That was an epic failure. My hopes weren't high for Step Aerobics. I'd watched them through the window as I rocked the elliptical. It looked like it involved... coordination. And speed. And agility.

I was watching a class full of ninjas. And I was nervous about joining in.

But I did it! I didn't chicken out. I took a chance and you know what?

I hated it.

I got all the moves wrong. I couldn't keep up. I think I might have tripped and fell at some point. But I finished the class.

And, as awkward as it was, and as much as my legs hurt (not the next day. Oh no. Step aerobics tricks you into thinking you won't be sore and then 2 days later, BAM!), I was pretty determined not to quit after one class. Unlike Kickbox Cardio, I knew people in Step. And by golly, I was not going to sit next to my coworker in my cubicle every day and know she could do the class and I couldn't.

So I went back a second time. And you know what? I still sucked. But I finished the class again. I think the 3rd class I actually got 2 moves right. In a row. The next class, I managed a whole combo without losing my balance. That was it; I was in love. If I become good at something, I automatically love it. Vanity. Look it up.

And here I am today. Still going every Wednesday at 5:45pm for an hour. Other days are for the elliptical and the bikes and the weight machines. But on Wednesday evenings at LA Fitness, you can find me in the big room of windows, counting out the moves in 4/4 time and rocking out on my step and risers.

You know, right before I trip over my feet.

No Stupid Questions

No such thing as a stupid question? I'll tell you a secret. That's a lie. Stupid questions exist. You have them. I have them. Don't you sometimes wish you could ask those questions anonymously and embarrassment-free?

Well, now you can!

I signed up for this site. It's pretty neat. You ask a question (anonymously!!) and I will answer. Like that Facebook Meme. But for cool people.

http://www.formspring.me/sawaboof

Into the New Year

With 2010 just around the corner, I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and post a few of my own personal highlights of 2009...

I guess the best part of 2009 started in 2008, with my interview at Milwaukee Center for Independence, and the phone call that followed saying I could start either the 5th or the 12th of January, 2009. So, folks, on January 12, 2010, I will have been working as a Nurse Case Manager for an entire year. My coworkers are excited because they know I'll bring in goodies. My case load is at 102 out of a maximum of 80 but, in spite of the complaints I sometimes make, I love this job. I love my coworkers, and I especially love the people I help take care of.

In February I drove to Chicago to meet my good friend Sam from Minneapolis. She had a little bit of a longer drive than I did, and what did we go for? Deer Tick was playing a $10 show at a tiny Venue called the Empty Bottle. Worth every penny and the cost of gas, hotel, and parking!

In March, My 1989 Honda Accord was smashed by a Ford F150. I still harbor resentment. I loved that car. We'd been through a lot together. But, it does bring me to my next big hurrah of 2009. On Pi Day (3.14) I purchased my Honda Fit! And it's orange. And I named her Clementine. Because it fit. It is such a fun car to drive! My only regret is that I'm not the only one with an orange Fit. I see those cuties everywhere now. ;-)

In no particular order now (because I don't remember the dates) some other highlights were:

Seeing the National for the first time live! My favorite band and they played my favorite song!

Saw Lucero live for the second time!

Neko Case. I saw her too! Also second time!

Saw the Fiery Furnaces live for the first time.

The Books. Seeing them live was amazing. Almost like I could physically feel all my troubles draining from my mind.

I'm sure I can come up with some highlights that don't revolve around concerts...

I joined LA Fitness and discovered Step Aerobics. I also discovered how much I love working out. So much that I don't even need to make it a resolution.

Saw my aunt and uncle and cousin and her kids (including the new baby!!) for 4th of July weekend. Had a blast. Almost died in the Arizona sun (exaggeration?).

I made my decision not to return to my graduate certificate program. One expensive semester was enough and the purpose of grad school was to move here and find a job anyway. Mission accomplished!

I adopted Fiona. Never considered myself much of a cat person, and I still want a dog with all my heart, but Fiona is such a good little kitty. I love her chirps and she plays peek-a-boo and gives me shoulder rubs. Not even kidding. I know everyone's cat has their own little unique quirks. I love the ones that my cat has acquired.

I spent $760 at Ikea. Maybe not a highlight but my new couch and bed sure are! Now I just need to make paying the rest of that off my New Year's Resolution.

And last, but in no way least, I started meeting some awesome people through Twitter. It's a great bunch of people and I love that I can call some of them friends. IRL friends, you guys.

So, here's hoping 2010 is just as awesome as 2009!