So, yeah, Metro was HELL this morning!
It started out, OK, I stepped out onto the street and into the Washington sauna bright and early. I was right on schedule. I stopped long enough to plug into my MP3 and I was off. It is only 4 blocks or so to the Metro station from where I am staying so it was a rather quick walk.
I was warm, but it wasn’t too bad. I was listening to a little Korn to get my day started. I hit all the Walk signs and breezed right through, Life was good.
Then I got to the Q Street entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro.
All I can say is W-O-W.
The escalator was out. Not good.
If you have ever been to the Q Street Station, you know that the escalator there is something in the neighborhood of 5,000 miles long. Well, maybe not that long, but it is pretty long and very steep. Now, something I have not yet revealed to you is that I am acrophobic. VERY acrophobic. This means that when I am confronted with heights, I get dizzy and almost paralyzed with fear.
But down I went into the bowels of the city, one tentative step at a time.
At this point you may be asking why I did not simply take the elevator down.
Just shut up, OK? I don’t want to talk about it! (Actually, it did not occur to me until I was halfway down the stalled escalator and had to stop because I had a tremendous wave of dizziness.)
I survived, though, and made it to the bottom without falling or passing out (Score!).
My ride to the Gallery Place station was uneventful, but, man, once I got on the Yellow Line, the story changed. The Yellow Line was having major issues this morning and we sat at the GP station for what seemed eons although I am sure it was only 10 – 15 minutes or so.
I finally made it to L’Enfant Plaza, somewhat warmer, a little wilted and running late. Terrific. So, I go to the gates and wouldn’t you know, my SmartCard refused to work. The nice attendant checked it for me, told me it was good, the gate just didn’t open. He let me through the little gate. I felt so special.
As I approached the escalator to ascend to the street I noticed that there were more “over achiever power climbers” on the escalators than usual. As I got closer I realized that the up escalators were out.
You’re kidding me, right?
And there I stood; a dilemma before me…
Do I climb the 80 gazillion stairs to escape the Metro Station and get to work? Or do I locate the elevator, dodge cars to get across the street and get to work?
Oh! The choices!
Forget it. Not climbing the stairs; not that proud. Elevator it is. So, I wandered around down there, looking for the elevator. I found it (just followed the crowd) and squeezed onto the tiny, hot, airless car along with at least 10 of my now closest friends (we were real up close and personal!).
I hit the street, made it across (yea!) and got to work just a couple of minutes late. I was hot, sweaty, tired and almost crabby, but the cute security guard flirted with me and said I looked nice today, then a lady on the elevator complimented my blouse and said I always wore the prettiest clothes. When I got to my desk, my friend was there and I was able to give her a couple of blouses. She was very happy to get them and that made me feel good.
Now it is a little after 9 am and I am going for my morning coffee in a little under an hour.
Life is good.
It’s gonna be a great day!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Looking to the Weekend...
It is finally Friday!
I am looking forward to the weekend, need to rest and recharge.
As I move through this personal journey upon which I have embarked, I am noticing things about the people who have been in my life.
Some of them are extremely unhealthy! I don't mean physically unhealthy, I mean emotionally and mentally unhealthy. Some have serious issues.
It seems that the healthier I get, the more glaring their unhealthiness is to me. It is a shock that I did not see it before, but I guess I had to get myself healthy and level before I could see others for what they are.
I am not just talking about romantic relationships, I mean many people in my life. Although, I will say that some of the people with whom I was romantically linked were and are not very emotionally healthy and I can see patterns in their families as well. Why did I not see this before?
I am very happy, though, that I am now at a point in my life where I have recognized that things that I needed to change, made the changes and am SO MUCH better because of it.
Unfortunately, I must leave the sick people in my rearview mirror...
I am looking forward to the weekend, need to rest and recharge.
As I move through this personal journey upon which I have embarked, I am noticing things about the people who have been in my life.
Some of them are extremely unhealthy! I don't mean physically unhealthy, I mean emotionally and mentally unhealthy. Some have serious issues.
It seems that the healthier I get, the more glaring their unhealthiness is to me. It is a shock that I did not see it before, but I guess I had to get myself healthy and level before I could see others for what they are.
I am not just talking about romantic relationships, I mean many people in my life. Although, I will say that some of the people with whom I was romantically linked were and are not very emotionally healthy and I can see patterns in their families as well. Why did I not see this before?
I am very happy, though, that I am now at a point in my life where I have recognized that things that I needed to change, made the changes and am SO MUCH better because of it.
Unfortunately, I must leave the sick people in my rearview mirror...
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
My Latest Rant Regarding Insecure Males...
If you are easily offended (i.e. insecure and intimidated) you probably don't want to read beyond this sentence. Those of you who know me know that I tell it like it is and tend to be a rather strong personality. Those of you who really know me are shaking your heads, smiling and saying to yourselves, "Oh, boy, here she goes again."
Oh, and you secure males...enjoy. I am sure this will look familiar. You will probably recognize these guys in some of your buddies. Have a good laugh.
It seems that lately I am encountering more and more insecure men. What a headache! While I do know some men who are wonderfully secure and sure of themselves, I know many who are not.
Note to you guys out there…insecurity is SO not sexy! I realize that insecurity is a natural step in a child’s development, but, please, by the time a boy reaches adulthood he should be well past the insecure, one-upmanship, competitive, derisive, childish antics! Enough already!
The way I see it, when a man feels threatened by me because of his own insecurity, that is HIS problem. It is not my job to boost his fragile male ego and pump up his self esteem. I have three children I am raising; I don’t need another child on my hands. If this seems cold, try walking a mile in my shoes. As I said, I am fed up. I am one of the most supportive people you will ever meet, but when I come up against these boors I can quite easily turn away and turn off that nurturing, caring, supportive nature.
I regularly come up against insecure males who want to compete with me and (I guess) impress the incessant disclosure of their resumes.
I can tell you right now that not one of these men knows any of the experience and knowledge that I possess. They have not taken the time to find out and I am not so eager to reveal – particularly when they are on the verge of open warfare with me.
They aren’t worth my time anyway, though.
Truth be told, based on what these insecure little boys in big man bodies have told me, my experience and knowledge extends far, far beyond what they possess. Perhaps they realize this on some primal level and it scares the living hell out of them. Gasp! A WOMAN is smarter than they are! They may have to start letting girls in the boy’s club! The horror!
So while yet another obnoxious, insecure male, feeling obviously intimidated by me, stands before me, talking down to me, trying his damndest to engage me in a pissing contest, I have to stifle a chuckle, shake my head and almost pity the poor sap. He has no clue, no clue at all.
Haha, but I have these guys pegged! Pay attention, girls, this is useful stuff. The insecure male will come in, attempting to create conflict (start a fight), talking down to you and treating you as if you are devoid of intelligence and common sense. Now, maybe they are addicted to the adrenaline rush that is created by conflict, or perhaps their pre frontal cortex is underactive and conflict acts as a stimulus, whatever the case, they are looking for some sort of stimulation, they need it.
Don’t give it to them. If you don’t give them their fix, you can effectively take away their power and take control of the situation. FYI, this works for both sexes, but for the purpose of this rant, I am speaking of males.
Oh, and when you find a guy who is secure and not intimidated by you, value him, whether it is in the workplace, among your friends or in a romantic relationship. These guys are gems, you can talk to them. In other words, don’t carry your baggage with you. Don’t automatically assume that just because every other ya-hoo you have ever encountered is an insecure, immature head case. Give guys the benefit of the doubt. If they have “issues” it won’t be long and they will reveal them to you. Just know what you are looking for and make a wide berth around insecure males.
Stay ahead of the game, ladies.
It is great being a girl. But being a smart girl? It’s freakin’ awesome!
Oh, and you secure males...enjoy. I am sure this will look familiar. You will probably recognize these guys in some of your buddies. Have a good laugh.
It seems that lately I am encountering more and more insecure men. What a headache! While I do know some men who are wonderfully secure and sure of themselves, I know many who are not.
Note to you guys out there…insecurity is SO not sexy! I realize that insecurity is a natural step in a child’s development, but, please, by the time a boy reaches adulthood he should be well past the insecure, one-upmanship, competitive, derisive, childish antics! Enough already!
The way I see it, when a man feels threatened by me because of his own insecurity, that is HIS problem. It is not my job to boost his fragile male ego and pump up his self esteem. I have three children I am raising; I don’t need another child on my hands. If this seems cold, try walking a mile in my shoes. As I said, I am fed up. I am one of the most supportive people you will ever meet, but when I come up against these boors I can quite easily turn away and turn off that nurturing, caring, supportive nature.
I regularly come up against insecure males who want to compete with me and (I guess) impress the incessant disclosure of their resumes.
I can tell you right now that not one of these men knows any of the experience and knowledge that I possess. They have not taken the time to find out and I am not so eager to reveal – particularly when they are on the verge of open warfare with me.
They aren’t worth my time anyway, though.
Truth be told, based on what these insecure little boys in big man bodies have told me, my experience and knowledge extends far, far beyond what they possess. Perhaps they realize this on some primal level and it scares the living hell out of them. Gasp! A WOMAN is smarter than they are! They may have to start letting girls in the boy’s club! The horror!
So while yet another obnoxious, insecure male, feeling obviously intimidated by me, stands before me, talking down to me, trying his damndest to engage me in a pissing contest, I have to stifle a chuckle, shake my head and almost pity the poor sap. He has no clue, no clue at all.
Haha, but I have these guys pegged! Pay attention, girls, this is useful stuff. The insecure male will come in, attempting to create conflict (start a fight), talking down to you and treating you as if you are devoid of intelligence and common sense. Now, maybe they are addicted to the adrenaline rush that is created by conflict, or perhaps their pre frontal cortex is underactive and conflict acts as a stimulus, whatever the case, they are looking for some sort of stimulation, they need it.
Don’t give it to them. If you don’t give them their fix, you can effectively take away their power and take control of the situation. FYI, this works for both sexes, but for the purpose of this rant, I am speaking of males.
Oh, and when you find a guy who is secure and not intimidated by you, value him, whether it is in the workplace, among your friends or in a romantic relationship. These guys are gems, you can talk to them. In other words, don’t carry your baggage with you. Don’t automatically assume that just because every other ya-hoo you have ever encountered is an insecure, immature head case. Give guys the benefit of the doubt. If they have “issues” it won’t be long and they will reveal them to you. Just know what you are looking for and make a wide berth around insecure males.
Stay ahead of the game, ladies.
It is great being a girl. But being a smart girl? It’s freakin’ awesome!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
The Woman I See
I look in the mirror and the woman I see
Is far different now than once upon a time
Perhaps it's the eyes
or the mind behind them.
I trace the curve of my hip
And follow the fullness of my breats
With a feather light touch.
I am not a supermodel
But I am OK
Even beautiful, sensual.
The woman in the mirror has
Sparkling eyes, a sharp wit, a tender touch.
She is beyond all that you see
From a place where there is no flat chested,
No fat,
No ugly.
She is pure, completely untouched
By a world that tells her she isn't pretty enough,
Isn't thin enough,
Isn't busty enough.
I don't have to have a perfect, tiny body
To be beautiful.
I just embrace the woman in the mirror
And enjoy who she is,
The beauty she possesses
And the sensuality within her,
All that are waiting to be discovered...
Is far different now than once upon a time
Perhaps it's the eyes
or the mind behind them.
I trace the curve of my hip
And follow the fullness of my breats
With a feather light touch.
I am not a supermodel
But I am OK
Even beautiful, sensual.
The woman in the mirror has
Sparkling eyes, a sharp wit, a tender touch.
She is beyond all that you see
From a place where there is no flat chested,
No fat,
No ugly.
She is pure, completely untouched
By a world that tells her she isn't pretty enough,
Isn't thin enough,
Isn't busty enough.
I don't have to have a perfect, tiny body
To be beautiful.
I just embrace the woman in the mirror
And enjoy who she is,
The beauty she possesses
And the sensuality within her,
All that are waiting to be discovered...
Far from Lazy Sunday...
After a fun and long weekend, it is time to start looking toward returning to the "real world." By real world I mean work and navigating our glorious Metro Rail System. I am breathless with anticipation.
OK, it isn't that bad, I love my job. However, I must admit that sleeping in, going out with friends and reading my book till all hours has spoiled me a bit. I did get some much needed rest, but now it is back to business.
The agenda for today consists of laundry, cleaning out my fridge and doing a little housekeeping. Earlier, I ran down to a little crepe place and had a wonderful whole wheat crepe with tomato, avocado, mushroom and swiss. Oh, and I also indulged in a white mocha.
I need to run to the market later and think I will sneak down to my favorite little bookstore. I am a bibliophile and must feed my addiction on a regular basis.
Think I will hit the gym later as well. I missed Friday and yesterday and my body is letting me know. I feel so much better when I work out regularly. My hard work is showing as well. I have already gone down several pants sizes since early March. It won't be long and I will reach my goal. Now THAT is exciting!
So, back to my not so lazy Sunday - my laundry is calling...
OK, it isn't that bad, I love my job. However, I must admit that sleeping in, going out with friends and reading my book till all hours has spoiled me a bit. I did get some much needed rest, but now it is back to business.
The agenda for today consists of laundry, cleaning out my fridge and doing a little housekeeping. Earlier, I ran down to a little crepe place and had a wonderful whole wheat crepe with tomato, avocado, mushroom and swiss. Oh, and I also indulged in a white mocha.
I need to run to the market later and think I will sneak down to my favorite little bookstore. I am a bibliophile and must feed my addiction on a regular basis.
Think I will hit the gym later as well. I missed Friday and yesterday and my body is letting me know. I feel so much better when I work out regularly. My hard work is showing as well. I have already gone down several pants sizes since early March. It won't be long and I will reach my goal. Now THAT is exciting!
So, back to my not so lazy Sunday - my laundry is calling...
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Happy 4th!
Last night was amazing! Fourth of July in Washington, DC with great friends, cool fireworks and lots of fun! My friend, Jeff, is out of town so he couldn't join us, but Staci, Michael and I walked down to G-Town.
We had a couple of drinks at one place, then we moved on to another great place and ended up at Chadwick's. There we had rootbeer bottlecaps (fantastic drink - just like the candy!) and dinner. I had never been to Chadwick's, but I will most definitely be back. The food there is awesome!
When it was time for the fireworks, we went outside to the waterfront and watched the display. It was beautiful.
Most people don't understand how significant it is for me to be in DC for the fourth, joining in the celebration. See, my father was Air Force, he was in politics, I was a poli sci major in college and I grew up with a very patriotic father. He was very idealistic and completely believed in the beauty, wonder and greatness of our country. He passed all that on to me. So, standing there last night, knowing where I was, seeing my life change and move in a direction I never dreamed possible, I was just so happy to be right there, right then.
Quite often it is the simple pleasures in life that carry us away...
We had a couple of drinks at one place, then we moved on to another great place and ended up at Chadwick's. There we had rootbeer bottlecaps (fantastic drink - just like the candy!) and dinner. I had never been to Chadwick's, but I will most definitely be back. The food there is awesome!
When it was time for the fireworks, we went outside to the waterfront and watched the display. It was beautiful.
Most people don't understand how significant it is for me to be in DC for the fourth, joining in the celebration. See, my father was Air Force, he was in politics, I was a poli sci major in college and I grew up with a very patriotic father. He was very idealistic and completely believed in the beauty, wonder and greatness of our country. He passed all that on to me. So, standing there last night, knowing where I was, seeing my life change and move in a direction I never dreamed possible, I was just so happy to be right there, right then.
Quite often it is the simple pleasures in life that carry us away...
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Let the Bodies Hit the Floor...What's on your MP3?
My MP3 is my little buddy at work, at the gym, when I am cleaning out the fridge and while I am on the Metro. It holds some of the best that the music world has to offer from Eartha Kitt to Korn, Gary Hoey to Papa Roach, Cher to Drowning Pool. It is fairly schizophrenic but there is something for just about any musical taste.
I am in the process of including some Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Frankie Avalon (be still my heart!) and others who possess that silky smooth voice.
Confession time...I am an Elvis fan. There, I said it.
I love musicals like Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and Bye Bye Birdie. I also enjoy opera.
Classical music takes me to another place. I love the piano! There is a guy who plays the piano at a restaurant/bar near where I live. I have a little bit of a crush on him (I think he is gay, but, hey, it is MY fantasy! Let me have it!) - oh, those beautiful hands! He is an extremely talented piano player as well.
A mellow crooner can make me melt.
Acapella gives me goosebumps.
I love to dance too...(hint, hint)
I am in the process of including some Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Frankie Avalon (be still my heart!) and others who possess that silky smooth voice.
Confession time...I am an Elvis fan. There, I said it.
I love musicals like Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and Bye Bye Birdie. I also enjoy opera.
Classical music takes me to another place. I love the piano! There is a guy who plays the piano at a restaurant/bar near where I live. I have a little bit of a crush on him (I think he is gay, but, hey, it is MY fantasy! Let me have it!) - oh, those beautiful hands! He is an extremely talented piano player as well.
A mellow crooner can make me melt.
Acapella gives me goosebumps.
I love to dance too...(hint, hint)
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