March 15th, 2010

I'm back tracking a little bit because I just stole the photos below from Virginia. I thought they were really fun, and I wanted to share them....

Outside of Rio Rico's, where we ate lunch - we decided to take time out & take pictures. Apparently Brooke and I thought something was funny. It was probably an attempt I had at smiling - which I have to say, I mastered on this very day. And to think, just the day before I had issues with my eyes bugging out.... and then there's Virginia and myself. Lastly, a shot of the 3 of us....

I'm still hunting for more pictures from these 5 days in CA that I can steal....

7 days...and counting.

Am I really turning 30 in t-minus 7 days?

Of course one of the 1st things my husband says to me this morning is:

"In a week, you're going to be an old lady."

Gee thanks babe.

I am completely & totally disecting this photo above...

One eye is bigger than the other.

I have neck fat.

Zero cheek bones.

Zits.

One eyebrow looks raised, even though I didn't do it. Is this a condition of some sort?

(It's freakin' me out!)

And it seems my nose is getting BIGGER!!!

7 days.

CA March 2010, Mr and Mrs Freeman

I made my way out to California (I can never stay away...) and I went out for one purpose....to be by Miss Jenny Murphy as she prepared for her wedding day. Through all the stresses and little sleep - I survived. The 5 days just flew by. (I would like to thank Starbucks and Redbull for helping me stay awake through those 5 days.)
My first day was non-stop. I woke up at 2:30 am, eastern standard time and headed to Buffalo, NY where I then ended up in NJ. With that....the next flight into San Diego was almost 6 hours. I had plans to sleep, but the idiot that I am, I paid the $6 for Direct TV. I got caught up in everything. The Blindside was playing on one channel, then Dexter, Nurse Jackie on another....etc.... It was ridiculous. I finally turned my ipod on, and dozed off. But that lasted about 20 minutes. The stewardess walked by, and I politely asked for "COFFEE PLEASE?" I knew my day was going to be geared by excitement, and caffeine.
As I walked my way down to baggage claim I spot Jenny before she sees me and I ran and squeezed her tightly. It was so great to finally hug her and be there with her.
We headed to Fashion Valley, got Rubios (yum), and had to deal with some returning and buying of make-up. The rest of the day is a blur...all I know is we did the following:

Purchased a 4 pack of Redbull
Stopped at her apartment to drop off my stuff
Vans Store (I needed a new pair of slip ons - they don't have a Vans store in Erie!)
Starbucks
Nails
A bunch of wedding stuff......

The rest of the week consisted of being by Jenny's side and helping her with last minute stuff and decisions. I did a couple of stuff for the wedding, calligraphy-wise...and catching up with her wonderful family that came down from Utah. I just adore the Murphy clan so much! It was so great to see them, and spend time with them. Also, my girl Kelly Wildman came down Thursday and remained in Escondido the rest of the weekend. Of all of Jenny's friends, I know Kelly. So, it was great for me to have her there. :) Getting to know Jenny's other friends, was such a blessing for me as well. She is truly blessed. These friends in her life - AMAZING.

So I didn't take many photos of this trip - I'm losing my touch, I know.... But after I realized I didn't take many, I made a vow to myself that I will never let that happen again. Seriously.
But what I did take.....
Gettin' her nails did.

Dawna and Jenny (yep, not many from my 1st day, until the day. I'll have to steal some from Rene)

Almost Mr & Mrs Freeman....too an hour later as Mr. and Mrs. Freeman....

Dancing with her father (wesssiiide Pat!)


The following day, which was my last day - I spent the 1st 1/2 with the Dunns, which I didn't get any pictures of except of their gorgeous landscaping.... We did breakfast, then church. Then afterwards, went to lunch with Gin and Brooke. I'll have to steal pictures from Virginia as well... And the 2nd 1/2 of the day was with Carol, Zach, Stella and Murphy....which I'm really upset because I didn't take any photos of our adventurous night together. We ate In 'n Out Burger for dinner (mmmmm...) and went hunting for big bags of hot cheetos. We hunted in every grocery/convenient store in San Diego it seemed...and came up empty handed. (I also needed magazines for my trip home.) Finally, in I think a Rite-Aid, by her old apartment did she dig up 2 bags that were hidden. Best bags of hot cheetoes. Ever. It was great being able to spend time with Carol, because I hardly ever get to. Strangely enough, as we were trying to figure out what to do w/ourselves for the night ahead....as we walked the streets of SD....we discovered that we were both 2 episodes behind on this season of Lost. Perfect. So, that's what we did. After all the hunting, we cozied up on the couches and relaxed (sort of) with Lost.

It was a great last day in CA.

My Jenny.....

This is my Jenny. Jenny Murphy.
We met, just over 10 years ago - and since then we've had this amazing friendship. This friendship had all the elements of a good, strong relationship. We had our fights....along with all the love in the world. She is one of my bestest friends!!!!!!!
Tomorrow she will be honored, and will be front and center at her Bridal Shower. More than anything I wish I could be there - but living across the U.S. - it isn't possible. I am attending the wedding of course. Wouldn't miss that for anything. I am so beyond excited for her. And for what God has in store for her, as a "wifey" - she is going to be uh-mazing at it.

I am counting down the days until I get on my flight, to San Diego - 12 days. Five and a half years ago, she stood by my side as I got married, as my maid of honor. And boy, was she a trooper, let me tell you. And now, I just can't wait to hug her and laugh with her, and just "be" with her as she prepares for the big day....which, by the way, is in 15 days. 15 days and she will be Mrs. Ryan Freeman. Man, I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about this day, and all that it will entail.

I do have to note that we already have plans for the 1st few hours of my arrival. True Southern California style....Food, Starbucks, and gettin' our nails did.

HOLLLLLAAA!!!

What I do NOT like about Erie, PA

Black ice in the winter.
Any degree below 30. (brrrr!)
The local mall.
Having to travel to Buffalo, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh for some good shopping.
Not being able to travel, due to the weather.
Stop lights/signs on almost every corner.
Pedestrians. (They never look before they cross the street, especially on State Street)
The lack of maintenance on ones self.
The humidity in the summer.
*Shoveling snow
*That I'm far away from loved ones during special occasions

(* Add ons, after 1st initial post)

What I love about Erie, PA

Hartman/Orelski Family.
Friends.
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (well, the first couple months of Winter anyway...)
Cost of living.
Being able to purchase a home, in just 8 months of living here.
Family-owned restaurants.
Romolo's chocolates.
No traffic.
The Peninsula.
Lake Erie.
My part-time job, being a part of Erie County County Convention Center Authority (ECCCA).
Trees and all the greenery.
Relaxing by the lake.
Everything is just about 10 minutes away....
WEGMANS grocery store.

What I do NOT miss about CA

Traffic.
Adding "traffic" to the amount of time it takes to get anywhere.
Gazillion people.
100 degree heat.
Spring, Fall, and Winter not really existing....(Didn't know what I was missing.)
Vanity
Cost of living.

*I visit in about 2 weeks, I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as well

What I miss about CA

My mom.
Friends.
Old job.
Beautiful weather, all year-round.
Disneyland.
San Diego.
Beach.
Laying out at the beach.
Reading/relaxing at the beach.
I don't have to worry about "black ice" in the winter months. (Not that winter exists in CA.)
Great shopping.
The Lakers. (Not that I've ever been to a game, but I always thought about it.)
Palm Trees.
Del Taco.
Mexican Food.
Carne Asada Fries.
Jack in the Box tacos.
In 'n Out Burger.
Normalcy of tattoos on females.
Pismo Beach, just a 4 hour drive.

I'm sure I'll add to this as I think about it some more.....

According to Mr. Punxsutawney Phil, we have 6 more weeks of winter. Thankfully in 5 weeks I'll be in California. Now, this winter doesn't even compare to last year, and I haven't found myself complaining about the cold....unless I have to go out in it before 8am. Brrrrr!!!!

I can't even go to my orthodontist w/o someone in the office mentioning my CA blood, and how it's dealing with the frighid cold. "Oh, I'm doing ok. I just layer my clothes, and stay indoors as much as possible." People who know where I'm from, just look at me with this "is she crazy?" look - like they feel sorry for me. I don't feel sorry for me. Why should you? I'm doing ok. I'm braving this weather the best I can.... I get anxiety when I have to drive in it - when the weather is really bad w/snow & ice. But when the roads are clear, I'm good. Looking forward to my AWD vehicle, that's for sure. And I'm hoping it'll come w/an automatic starter.

Hey Dawna of 2010

How am I doing?
I think I'm doing pretty good.
I ended last year in total frustration, just sick of my unhealthy self and my down-in-the-dumps type attitude that I've had.
I needed a change.
When it comes to HEALTHY eating, I've decided to go towards "clean" eating. My girlfriend Shannon and her family are living this way, and I've heard only good things about it. I love food, munchies, soda...but I've never thought real hard about what I was putting into my body. It was a major reality check. (For example: Last week I had a meeting down at the Convention Center, where they feed you well - always. Laid out for us were breakfast items. I'm not even sure exactly what was over there - but I avoided it. As I sat there, la la, during the meeting, I thought to myself how easily I could just down an entire bagel - covered in cream cheese, a few pieces of lemon loaf and coffee filled w/cream and sugar. Easy.) Well, 6 years and 35 lbs later, I'm unhappy and sluggish.

I had been hitting the gym 3-4 times a week, and I'm sure that's what helped me not gain any more weight. I'm going through all this pain and agony, and my jeans are still tight. I knew what the problem was. Could I admit it? Yup. Did I change my ways? Nope.

2010 was going to be different.

I would say, I've had 16 good "clean" days so far. (I didn't start right when the clock struck midnight on Dec. 31st. Too many leftovers that I mingled over. I've had a couple cheat days, but it's more like cheat dinners. This past weekend was a mess, I have to admit. My days started off just great, but as the day progressed, I gave in. And it was due to eating out. Our friend Brent was in town, and we ate out quite a bit. I easily could've ordered salads, but I didn't. Even this past Football Sunday, Autumn and I were so strong (she's eating "clean" as well), she made turkey (breast) burgers, and they were sooo yummy. We resisted the temptation of pizza. 8 boys downed 2 Party Pizzas. (Neil alone ate 10 pieces, if not more....ridiculous.) But as dinner rolled around - surprisingly these guys wanted to order Chinese take-out. Autumn and I looked at each other, and decided to give in. It was not such a great weekend for me, eating-wise. Besides the eating, it was a really fun weekend.

Along w/eating CLEAN, I have decided: no soda (but every once in great while - which happened this past Saturday night), no snacking (unless it's clean), no sweets, and no red meat...at least for 3 months. Guaranteed I'll screw up that last one due to my trip out to CA in the middle of March. But I'll just extend it through April, how's that?

I didn't even get on the scale for a starting weight because I could care less what I started at. Too depressing. Especially when you weigh almost as much as your husband.
3 weeks in, and is it crazy to say my clothes fit better? Is it too soon? Maybe it's a mental thing, but they honestly fit better.

When it comes to the YMCA, I plan to be there more often. My goal is 5-6 times, but that just depends if my schedule allows it. First week of the new year doesn't count in my book. Due to snow storms and a single car that was in the shop 4 out of the 7 days, I didn't work out but ONE day. Not that I couldn't have worked out at home....because I could have. I just didn't. Don't ask. The last 2 weeks have been better. I've gone when I was able to. With working the box office more (I need CA spending money) - it's been a bit difficult to get myself over there. Plus, it's so dang crowded right now with "new years resolution" people, even when I am there, I can't get on a treadmill. I've improved in my weight classes. I started them in the spring last year, and pulled out 3, 5, & 7 lb weights. Now, I get 5, 10, & 12 pounders.

Another goal of 2010? To become a runner. Yep. I hate it. I dislike long distance running sooo much. I'm a sprinter. Softball, basketball. Sprint. Fast. Running is so BEYOND boring to me, that I eventually just jump off the damn treadmill and seek some other cardio machine. But I never feel I get as good of a workout, as when I was on the treadmill, or while running outside. What makes me want to achieve this goal so badly? I want to be able to run outside when the weather is nice. I want to run down by the lake, and enjoy the scenary. You ask, why not run outside now? When the air is so cold, your lungs feel like they're freezing over - I take it indoors. And I don't think my feet, and ice/snow like each other all that much. I can't seem to master the balancing act when it comes to walking on this stuff!!! ("Shuffle your feet" is a constant advice I do not practice.) In the end, I want to run. I am slowly working my way into it. After much reading, I need to take it slow. I can't expect my body to just adjust, and be able to accomplish 3 miles in 30 minutes - which is what I was attempting just a month ago. (Ya know Dawna, just because you were an athlete in high school, doesn't mean your body is same as it was back then.)


The new me is just around the corner and I can't wait. My braces should be off in a few months....then I have some post braces cosmetic stuff to be done, then I'll really be a new person. I will be a more confident person.

Can't. Wait.

Catch you on the flip side Dawna of '09....