Happy Friday!

It's Friday afternoon, and I have a break from my phone ringing and since I hadn't posted in a week, I thought I'd post some more thoughts.

This week has been fair. Work has been busy, and I have been a bit crabby with people. As I've lamented many times, when I have to be very nice to a lot of people over a short amount of time, I lose my other abilities to function socially. I am short with people. I can't really complete sentences, and I lack attention span. If I had cramps, it would be like being on my period. Luckily, these reporting periods only last a couple of weeks every quarter, and will eventually end completely. Until then, I just hope that I get to speak to IT guy at least once a day. He makes me smile, even if he flirts with everyone. It's kind of hard to get tired of hearing a cute guy say "I'm better now that I'm talking to you." I'm sure he says it to everyone, but I can pretend it's only me.

I have still been good about the cooking. It has become more routine to get home and make something or to pack lunch in the morning.

(Note: While writing the above sentence, IT guy called. It was lovely. We chatted about beer and other drinks, new DC bars/restaurants, and working out. I very much enjoyed the moment when I saw it was him on my caller ID and not another confused grantee).

I've pretty much decided to cook/eat vegan at home and then be less limited if I am eating out. I think this is a good way of both balancing the foods I eat and ensuring that I limit my intake of dairy and meat without too much difficulty. Also, I have felt better recently than I have in a long time, so I think that something is working for me. I figure I should continue with it until something changes.

I went to the gym yesterday and will go again today, but haven't been great about exercise this week. Part of the problem is just being tired. The other is that I got my new tattoo on Monday, and it is on my lower left ribs and a bit onto my stomach and is still a bit sore. When I use my abs to much, it hurts- even while dancing! It's doing better today, though I think that it will start itching soon. No fun, but the tattoo is beautiful, so it's ok. (I'll post some pictures when it has healed.)

My goals for the weekend are to grocery shop, cook, and go through my clothes. I'm hoping to book a zipcar so that I can donate my clothes right away. It would free up an incredible amount of space in my apartment. Also, I need to clean my kitchen.

I also plan on sleeping. A lot.

Pin-Up Girl

(Note: Upon completing this post I realized that I used the words wicked, awesome, and rad in a matter of 3 paragraphs. You've been warned.)

I love pin-up pictures, especially ones that feature women that do not fit the traditional definition of beauty (tattoos, dreads, hips), so when I stumbled upon Atomic Cheesecake Studios, I was wicked excited. She is based in Baltimore (not too far away from DC) and takes awesome pictures, and all the packages include hair, make-up, and outfits. I've been thinking about doing it since the moment I came across the website (circa May 2008), but have put it off for a variety of reasons, mostly related to my weight. I figure if I'm going to spend the money on cool professional photographs I should look my best. Also, I wanted a few more tattoos for the photo.

I don't know what reminded me of the pictures today, but whatever it was gave me an excellent idea/goal: getting the pictures done will be my birthday (May 18) present to myself. (I may not be great at taking care of myself, but I do always get myself birthday and Christmas gifts). Appointments are only during weekdays, and I was planning on taking the Monday before my birthday off anyway, so I think it is perfect timing. This gives me about 4 months to get to a point where I am comfortable and happy with my body. I believe that is completely do-able. I mean that's like 4 pounds a month if you break it down that way. And if the "experts" say you should only lose 1-2lbs a week, then it is perfect.

I think having this goal will definitely help me with my resolution. Having something to work towards always makes things easier- especially when it is something totally rad.

Plus, I'll have another tattoo (or 2) by then :)