ms. taliaferro visits

Two days before I was scheduled to move, I get a text message from Lori, that says:

"Flying in on Sunday. Oh wait ur moving that day. Itll be nice to see you though."

Yeah.

As it turned out, Lori's impromptu visit from New York was a lot of fun. I hadn't seen her in years, so it was great to catch up, shop, eat, drink, shop and eat. She helpfully delivered me to and from work every day, since I didn't know the bus routes yet, and even did a striptease for my new neighbors everyday.

Finally, the Sunday before she left, we actually DID something and went up to Sonoma.

After stopping at the Sonoma Visitors Center for our I Heart Sonoma stickers, we headed for our first wine tasting and an quite nice picnic at Ledsen.


My sticker matches my dress!


Ledsen - and the first of many boob grabbing pictures

Ledsen just happened to be having a classic Caddy exhibit, so of course, we had to indulge.


A normal picture!


I've always wanted to be like Tawny Kittaen and climb all over the hood of a car. Unfortunately, it was too hot to lay for more than a sec.


Lori looks elegant

After drinking ourselves into a minor stupor, we headed to Gloria Ferrerer for some sparkling wine, and a lovely view.


... which of course we spoil for everyone else there with our shenanigans.


The Diva


Lori bonds with MiniBun for the last time

After a full day, we head back down south, where we join Emi and Philippe for dinner at Moss Beach Distillery.


The final scandalous picture

My mom calls me the next day and asks: "Honey, is it possible for you to take pictures without sticking out your tongue, or flashing anyone?"

Apparently not.

stan comes out of the closet

... or the cabinet at least.

Yes, we have a little too much fun at work.

and so it begins... again.

In the last few years, since I've gained 25 lbs, lost 20, and then gained 10 of them back again, I'd forgotten about the one thing that I loved, loved, LOVED about working out:

The endorphin high.

Even when I did WW (successfully) last year, I did it through moderating my intake of calories, and not so much about getting active. Oh, I had a thousand excuses: my knees hurt, I wanted to ease back into it, I didn't like my gym, my workout wasn't convenient enough. I tried having my own machine at home, workout videos, two gyms, two Pilates studios, three different kinds of yoga, and all sorts of challenges - and none of them worked.

I worked out every once in a while - begrudingly. I knew I had to do it; I felt flabby and fat, and most of all, weak. What happened to the fierce chick that carried a 28" television up three flights of stairs by herself, or who could kick the crud out of a guy twice her age in boxing class? The six pack bikini, the short skirts with boots, the halter tops?

So I trudged on, not once enjoying it. But after my semi-nervous breakdown this last weekend, where I finally got FED UP with myself, my excuses, and my needing the perfect environment, I got my ass in gear and just went.

And now I remember - the endorphin high. The reason why I worked out 7 days a week - not because I wanted to be all muscle, but because it felt GOOD! I've worked out 2 days in a row, and I can't wait until my work out tonight!

I can't maintain a 7 day a week schedule, at least not one out of guilt. But I'm going to ride this excitement for as long as I can - or at least until I get back into a size 4 'kini.

oh, the packing!

Its been a surprisingly relaxing weekend, considering that the one and only thing that I allowed myself to do is pack, pack and PACK! Gah! I can't believe I'm moving next week. But the more I think about it, the more excited I get. I looooooove my new place!

Pretty much everyone is out of town this weekend, which is probably a good thing, since I have been so distracted by my social life recently. John and Belinda are running a marathon in San Diego, Scott is down in SD as well visiting friends, Johnnie, Philippe and Emi are at Yosemite, and Nathan is out in NY for a wedding. That just leaves little 'ole me and a big-ass pile of boxes.

Its actually been rather cathartic to be alone again. I woke up yesterday am, and found my way to Thinker's for my weekly lox, bagel and capers; then I headed over to get MiniBun a bath, and some additional boxes that I needed. This morning, I plan to head over to Aperto for a solo brunch, and then make a quick run to Office Depot for more supplies before tackling my kitchen.

Even last week, I was mostly good: Tres Agave with Johnnie on Wednesday, and the Irish Bank, followed by Bar Crudo with Rob, Colin and Johnnie on Friday. This ain't nothin' compared to the previous 2 weeks, where I drank for basically 10 days straight.

On top of it all, I'm getting wiser in my packing. I put together a schedule, and have been sticking to it diligently. At the rate I'm going, I might be 90% packed up this weekend, which will allow me to have a normal week, and most importantly, NOT STRESS OUT!

[Progress Report, 5:10 pm] I'm done with the kitchen, the living room, the bathroom and my room (minus clothes), and I'm so sick of packing! Bleh. I've gotten at least 80% of packing done so far, and yet, it doesn't feel like I've accomplished much. Must be because there are little miscellaneous bits everywhere, and things are still mostly a mess.

But I posted this to pat myself on the back. Usually I'm packing the night before, if not the morning, of the move - this time, I'm a good week ahead. I should still organize what remains to be done, though, so I don't end up going out all week and pulling an all-nighter in the end.

coffee scented perfume?

My ability to spill coffee on myself - right down the front of my shirt - is becoming legendary.

On Wed, I was running late in the morning due to traffic, so called into a conference call from my cell phone. As I was heading in to the door, with my phone on my shoulder and loaded with bags, I managed to pour coffee down the entire front of my sweater! My aim was dead-on, too, as it went straight for the spot between my bra.

Thankfully I did have another bra and my gym shirt at my desk, so here I am, in the women's bathroom, frantically cleaning myself up while still on this con call. I'm standing in my bra (unhooked) and pants, wiping myself with paper towels and soap, praying that no one walks in while I have the call on speakerphone and try not to act like anything was wrong.

There was an emergency BR trip that day.

This morning, I even actively thought about how NOT spill coffee on myself, when after putting in my milk and sweetner, I manage to get it down the front of my sweater and my pants. This time, I neglected to put the lid on right.

I should just find coffee-scented perfume so no one notices when I do this :-P