FINALLY!!!!!!

After a month and a half away, I finally it back to the gym tonight!! If you're wondering, you can read about what happened here.

Today was honestly the best day that I could have gone back. My goal was yesterday, but I wasn't in the right mindset. Today, I kicked ass at work, accomplished more than I possibly thought I could, and had a vision in my head of who was going to be on that punching pad tonight. It completely exhausted me, which hopefully translates into a full night of sleep for me. Truly couldn't have been in a more perfect frame of mind for it.

I was so, so, so freaking nervous....it was almost worse than when I moved halfway across the country. I was more nervous than when I went to my first class. Why? Because after a month of pretty much wanting to die every class I went to (multiple times, even), I was finally making progress. I could do 25 pushups without stopping, even the ridiculous triangle ones (tonight I managed 15). I still haven't quite gotten the hang of bear crawls - though they were always the hardest for me....stupid long limbs...

I think I only wanted to die, really honestly give up, once. I know full well I'm going to feel like a 90 year old lady by Thursday, but I'm proud of what I accomplished tonight. I only have three skinned knuckles, but they're all the right ones - note to future self, bring your wraps with you next time. I'm shooting for the Saturday class as my next one, as I don't think I'll be ready for Thursday. I know it'll take time to get back to where I feel comfortable, but I'm really excited about tonight.

The great thing about Krav is that literally anyone can do it. I was a little intimidated by the kid in our class tonight, dude had more energy in his arm than I have in my whole body!! But seriously, anyone, any age, any body type, anyone willing to put in the effort (and it's a LOT), can learn this. Truly.

So, a year from now (barring further injury - yes, I learned my lesson about mechanical bulls!), I should be able to kill you with my bare hands. Not that I'd want to, of course, but I could. So don't mess with me.

Attention!!!

Married dudes. All of you. I need you to do something for me. QUIT HITTING ON ME. Just stop.

I don't care if your marriage is "broken", I don't care if you're "in the process of getting divorced", I don't care if she cheated on you, I don't care that your dog ate your homework. There isn't an excuse in the book that is going to get me into bed with you.

STOP FLIRTING WITH/HITTING ON ME.

I'm not perfect. I'm not even close. I've failed at this before, but never again. I won't entertain the thought, even for a fleeting moment. If you want to flirt with me, date me, kiss me, sleep with me, whatever with me, I'm gonna need proof that it's over. Signed, sealed and delivered. No exceptions. None.

[/rant]

Miss M Recommends

Rare Cuts and the St. James Cheese Company.

It's grilling day at my counterpart's house, so I volunteered to bring the meat. Now if only I could find a piece for myself...le sigh. Anyhow, I discovered Rare Cuts through the wonder of the internet. It's a local company here in New Orleans that sells restaurant quality meats - that you can cook yourself. There are certainly nights when I would kill for a Murray's filet, but want to do it myself to save on the cost. Finding a reputable meat shop can be quite the challenge. Grocery stores can be very hit or miss, so I've taken care of the dirty work for you.

I purchased a couple of mini filets and a pork tenderloin. They have everything from racks of lamb to veal chops to Waygu sliders (which sadly they were out of - boourns on that noise). They brought out samples of the filet and I thought I was going to foodgasm right there in the middle of the store - how embarrassing! Oh! And a MAJOR bonus - Saturdays they have free bloody mary's. FREE!!! I chatted with the gentleman for a bit (who's name I sadly didn't catch - he was super cute) about how their memberships work, how they started and their private dining room. So, I know where I'm having my birthday dinner next year if I'm in town.

In addition to finding a quality butcher shop, a quality cheese shop is also integral to my survival. The St. James Cheese Company is beyond quality. It's incredible. There was a line out the door the entire time that I was there. I bought their cheese board to go (please label them next time guys, I'm not a mind reader!), which came with delicious pecans, fresh grapes, and apricot jelly. We decided that the orange blue cheese was the best. I savored half of the Brie de Meaux sandwich, triple cream brie and ham - a delight...and the name was not completely lost on me. The bread was perfect - soft and crusty and the salad that came with it was to die for (the dijon vinaigrette is one of the best I've ever had).

There is a little patio nestled into the building, and seating inside as well. Every seat was taken and I was in the store for probably 20 minutes. It's a popular joint, with good reason, so if you can handle the wait, and the lack of labels, you'll be just fine. Since I took everything to go, I have to assume they explain what you're eating when they bring it to the table. In any event, their selection is incredible, the service is friendly, though a bit rushed; understandable given how consistently busy they are. The prices seemed reasonable to me, a bit higher than expected but the quality certainly overcompensated. I say yes to the St. James Cheese Company.

What I really like about both of these places is that they know what they're doing. They know meat, and they know cheese. And they do it exceptionally. So many times a restaurant or hotel or store will have so much going on that they consistently fail on executing the basics. Pick something you're good at, do it exceptionally, and you too will have a line out your door all day long. Now, off to find some wine to go with this cheese....

Next on my list to review...Theo's Pizza and the Creole Creamery (which I FINALLY found!!!).

Saturday, part deux....

At some point during the aforementioned Red Dress Run, I (or a caring kickball teammate) decided that I'd had enough to drink. It's happened before, and I'm sure it'll happen again. It's just the way life is. Given that I was in no shape to drive, another caring kickballer was kind enough to give me a ride home, even though it was completely the opposite direction. Mad props to Paul - have a great trip up to the midwest.

After several minutes, or what seemed like it, I was able to get my front door open, my AC turned on, my feet washed (they were covered in "French Quarter Goo" as one of my co-workers so eloquently put it), and crumpled into a heap on my bed. I had arranged with another co-worker for her to pick me up and get me back to my car at some point.

She picked me up around 8, and we went down to Cajun Mike's, our local hotel bar. My friend Cory was going out in the quarter with a couple of his friends, celebrating (though that may not be the right word) a divorce. Or as my friend put it, a reverse bachelor party. I knew what they were trying to get into over the course of the evening, and I wasn't intending to get drunk twice in one day, but these things happen. There was a trip to Coyote Ugly (which was incredibly lame and I need a new black strapless bra), Ryan's Pub, Pat O'Brians, more daiquiris, more dancing, and more laughing.

After a trip to Bourbon Cowboy, with the intention of riding the mechanical bull (which I KNOW is a bad idea), we all decided to head back to the hotel. I swiped a blanket and pillow from one of the beds, and curled up on the floor. What?! It was either that or the bathtub, and I didn't necessarily want to be woken up to any unpleasantness in the morning. After the boys got some wrestling out of their systems, they headed back out. I think one of them wanted to go to a strip club....I'm not really sure....a bit fuzzy by this point.

All in all, it was a super Saturday, one which will not easily be topped. My buddy Shawn, who absolutely loathes the city, said he had a great time and would definitely do it again. I don't loathe the city, but I will definitely be doing it again. Good times in the Big Easy.

Not to brag or anything.....

But it's pretty effing sweet to have a beer named after you (it's the first limited release one). They made it for me for my going away party and apparently brought it to a beer festival in Madison, WI. You may have heard of it. Hope you enjoyed it. :)

Red Dress Run....

Wow. I'm pretty sure that's the only way to describe the train wreck that is the Red Dress Run. It's an event put on by the New Orleans Hashers, a running club with a drinking problem. Or is it the other way around? Either way, it was a blast.

6,000 plus people bar hopping down Bourbon Street, all in red dresses. Male, female, older, younger....everyone. It was pretty cool to see all the dresses and how creative people were with their outfits. I loved the sparkly shoes and the miniature hats, the stripper like outfits on guys that shouldn't be wearing them, and the banana hammock.

There were Everclear soaked cherries, daiquiris galore and plenty of free beer. There was dancing, there was laughter, there was bonding, probably some stripping and a whole lot of photos taken. The best part? Last year they donated $93,000 to various charities around the city. $93,000!!!!! Based on a quick calculation, they should easily be able to donate $150K this year. This city most definitely needs the charity dollars and they go to great local causes.

I'm happy to have been a part of it, and will definitely be back for it next year. My limit on cherries however will be one and not two. I shall also stay away from the daiquiris, though the mudslide/white russian combo is a thing of beauty.

This might be....

....the absolute sweetest thing I've ever read.

I can't even stand it. I'm going out on a limb here....one I rarely go out on. I hate admitting it, but I'm truly a closeted romantic. I've been single for a loooooong time, too long. Sorry Big, you don't factor in here, and we both know why. I love you though. :)

I know what I want in life. I knew it when I was a bright eyed 19 year old applying for a front desk job at an extended stay hotel. I wanted to see the world and retire at our Aruba property. At the time I just said it, because I thought it sounded good. This lofty, ridiculously unattainable goal that I'd never achieve, but would get me this job, in this moment, because I needed one.

Until the moment I packed up my car and started the trek down here, I never actually believed I'd ever get out of Minnesota. That'd I'd settle and be married and be comfortable for comfort's sake. I want to live in New York. I want to live in Ireland. I want to see and experience everything this world has to offer in my lifetime. But I didn't ever think it would happen. I really didn't. But knowing now, that I'm able to pack up my life and just go, it truly feels like it could be a reality. It makes me believe. It's ignited a passion in me like I've never felt before.

It makes me sad. I makes me sad that I missed the birth of my newest nephew. It makes me sad that I missed the funeral of Uncle Bill, the one that always picked on me when I was a child. It makes me sad because it isolates me from the people I care about so deeply I can't stand the thought of being without them. It makes me sad because I'm alone. I know in my heart I'm not, I have so many friends and family members that would do anything for me (and I the same for them), but physically I'm alone.

Back to the closeted romantic.....I honestly think I'd die if someone wrote a column like that to me. I want the kind of relationship he speaks of. I want my best friend and partner there by my side. I want the fairy tale ending, even if it's a hair different than the "typical" fairy tale ending. And because of where I want my life to go, and the things I want to achieve, I have this undeniable feeling that I'm going to have to achieve all of it on my own. Without that one solid person in life that will always be there for me. It's because of my drive and my unwillingness to sacrifice those things I want. I've never been good at compromise, I mean sure, I will, but when it comes to my dreams, I can't see myself giving them up for anyone. Nor would I want anyone else to for me. Scratch that, of course I would, but if they did, I wouldn't respect them.

I close myself off from it because it's safer that way. If I think about it objectively, it doesn't matter. There's a line in a song, "I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all". Not me. I'd rather feel nothing at all. It's easier to not feel than it is to think about what I really want and not having it and hurting because the only person I have to blame for it is me.

It's quite the conundrum.....having the life that I crave and the passion to do it, but not being able to share it with that special someone. I know there's a balance, but I haven't found it yet, and the thought that I might not ever....well....makes me sad. It doesn't make me question the way I lead my life, because I'd rather live now. I'm not sure which is worse, regretting all the things I could have had, or all the things I didn't. I try to lead a life without regret - a good friend once said it best - don't regret anything in life, because at the time, it was exactly what you wanted. And to this point, I've gotten exactly what I've wanted at the time, and if it wasn't what I wanted, I learned from it and changed future decisions. I want that balance so badly, it just seems so far away....

So send me flowers or something. And thank you, Andrew Cohen, for letting me know that it's possible.

Reunion.....

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been to a family reunion. So long, in fact, that I’m certain it was pre-driving days for me. The occasion was my grandmother’s 90^th birthday. When I took this job, and moved halfway across the country, the first question any of my family asked me was if I was coming back for the party. Um….OF COURSE!

So, after golf on Thursday, off we went! We arrived as everyone was sitting down to dinner. Some of my cousins were there (with their children!), and most of my aunts/uncles. The famous onion rings were on the table, along with loads of ranch dressing. Laughs were had, rum was drank, and a relatively early night was had by all. After a brief snafu with my hotel room (who knew there was more than one Worthington in this country?!), my head hit the pillow on the rollaway in my father’s room.

Friday brought more golf, more rum and more laughs. I shot a 113 on a course I’m not sure I’ve ever played, though I have driven the cart there more than I can count. Even destroyed a tee box when I was small. More of the family arrived, more rum was drank, a bar fight was narrowly avoided…good times in small towns.

Saturday I slept waaaaaaay in. Then the official party started. It was really great to see family I haven’t seen in forever, friends of family that remember me as a small child, children of people that used to throw me in the lake. It was lovely, though it does make me realize that I’m getting old. Sunday there was a quick brunch and I was on the way back to moms.

The two things I miss most about Minnesota are my family and my friends. It’s really, really tough to be away from the people that have been there through good and bad. The people that have seen me at my absolute worst and are there for me no matter what. Life is a roller coaster, and I’m so grateful to have such an amazing support structure around me; knowing that I can be who I am, without judgment. I appreciate it more than words can describe. Thank you for being there.

If anyone needs me on Saturday....

....I'll be here. I'll be the one in red. I'll probably have a cool backpack thing too.

Whirlwind....

My first official trip home has come to an end. I’m feeling rather conflicted about the whole deal….I’m so happy I got to see my amazing friends and family, but I’m happy to be going home. It truly was a wonderful weekend. I appreciate my time to myself more than most, and unfortunately on this trip, I had little to none most of the time. Not that I’m complaining in the least, but it’ll be nice to get back into my groove until the next time I trek back to Minneapolis.

I’ll recap the family reunion portion in a separate entry – this will be Wednesday, Sunday and Monday.

I knew I didn’t want to do anything to extravagant on Wednesday night….travel makes me crabby to begin with, and doing it on little to no sleep makes it worse. My friend Rob was kind enough to give me a ride to the airport at 5:30 in the AM…mad props to you – thank you.

I landed around 3 and sister picked me up. A quick shopping trip was in order as I am quickly running out of tank tops in NOLA. If I’d stay out of truck pools with them, I probably wouldn’t go through them so quickly. I hate shopping anyway, and I really see no need to pay tax on clothing, so we swung through Heartbreaker and I stocked up. Found a super cute skirt and a dress for this Saturday’s Red Dress Run. After that, she dropped me off at the hotel.

Trent was able to hook me up with a ridiculous suite at the W, gratis. Mucho thanks to you, man. The room was AMAZING. It was actually a “Wow” suite, and good lord was I wowed. I’m pretty sure it was bigger than my old apartment. I’m pretty sure it was bigger than my current apartment, actually. Anyhow, it was awesome. Ran a couple errands, showered and met up with Nicole for champagne. Well, prosecco, but whatever…

Catherine and Stephen picked us up for dinner, which was scheduled at Corner Table. It’s one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city, though I’ve only eaten there twice. A friend of a friend joined us with his girlfriend and we ate and drank until our faces fell off. Amazing food and wonderful wine. Great company….all the things in life that make me unbelievably happy.

Thursday morning my sister’s fiancé picked me up and we went golfing with my dad and some of his friends. I haven’t played since I left MN, so I wasn’t sure how I’d do. I borrowed a set of clubs and somehow hit them straighter than I ever have in my life. If I could quit three-putting, I’d probably score pretty well! After golf, we headed down to Worthington for the major festivities.

Sunday I was dropped off at my mothers – it was her birthday and I was taking them out to dinner. We went to a new restaurant called Apertif and I wasn’t crazy about it. The food was ok, our server was ultra cheery, but it was missing something. It’s like it was trying to be Redstone without being Redstone. It was nothing special, and I likely wouldn’t return when I come back to town. Monday we got up and headed downtown. I stayed at my old hotel, and my cousin was coming down to cut and dye our hair. We had a nice lunch (the black bean burger at Northern Shores Grille is really good – though next time I’d get it with cheese), ran a couple errands and got our hairs did. Good solid family bonding time.

Monday night was happy hour with my friends…the only real opportunity to spend time with them over the weekend. It was a later night than I’m used to, and the debauchery will stay in the minds of those present. Suffice to say it was a great time, and a spectacular sendoff for me. My flight was oversold this morning, and I’m surprised I had the presence of mind to pull it together to give up my seat. I arrive two hours earlier and am 300 Southwest Airlines dollars richer. My suitcase will sadly not arrive with me, so I’ll have to trek back to the airport later, but I’ve got another flight up my sleeve…wherever will I go next?!

Anyone know a good...

Doctor? I need one. One that can make 'tear duct removal' a necessary procedure for me. See, the thing is, I hate crying. And I know I'm likely jumping the gun a bit, but see, there's a day next year that I know will make me cry, and it's a moment in life that I'd like to be able to pull it together for.

My amazing sister. She's so unbelievably lucky. On September 2, 2011, she gets to wear the most stunning dress, and get walked down the aisle by her amazing fathers (I think), and she gets to marry the man of her dreams. He's lucky too; she's freaking hot. Like sunlike hot. Back to the point.

She has given me the most amazing honor one could ask of a sister or best friend (and I'm hoping I'm both). She's asked, and I've accepted, the honor of standing up for her as her maid of honor. I'm humbled beyond words, and so grateful and sad at the same time. It's painful to be away from such a great part of her life, in this amazing journey over the next year. I want so badly to be there every step of the way, and I can't.

I'll elaborate more further, but the chicken mcnugget kick she got me on over the weekend is kicking my butt right now. Forever the planner than I am, I'm already thinking about the speech. I know how to start it, and where to go with it, and I can't wait to share this ridiculously special evening with them. I really can't. I want it to be this labor day. To celebrate the incredible love that they share, and to be there to start an incredible journey. To be a part of it. Words can't describe. It's easy to type....but to say it, out loud, in front of people that I love with every fiber of my being....yeah. I'm gonna need that tear duct surgery.

Molly. Thomas. I love you, and am happy beyond description. I'm so excited for you, and grateful that you've asked me to be a part of a day you'll never forget. You both mean the world to me and I couldn't be happier for you if I tried.

And I TOTALLY know what I'm getting you. And if you yell at me about it, I'll fight you. Even if you're the bride. :)

I love you both with ever fiber of my being, and I can't wait to be a part of your special day. Thank you. Truly, thank you.

Three Martini Lunch

Yes please! I met Hannah at the England/USA game. Last week was her birthday. A Facebook invite was sent out, and because our schedules are both crazy, I hadn't seen her since the day I met her. I immediately responded that I would be there - if the three course lunch didn't catch my eye, the $.25 martinis sure did!!

There were about 15 of us, most of them her colleagues. I was seated with a bunch of random people I didn't know and will likely never see again. There was good conversation, laughs by most (I didn't get most of their jokes - being an outsider sucks!), but overall it was a great time.

My total bill was $40, for a delightful watermelon gazpacho, a chilled shrimp salad with peppers and a coconut curry dressing, and a peach sorbet with honey cinnamon. Oh, and three cosmos. 3. Best. Deal. Ever! I highly recommend Commander's Palace. Except for one of our servers for rolling her eyes at one of my table mates. I know he was asking a lot, but don't roll your eyes on the floor. That's absurd. Especially considering the price point of your food. You're better than that.

After lunch, we sat around chatting for a bit, then one of the girls wanted to get a tattoo. So the five of us headed over to the tattoo parlor and she got her fleur de lis. I know it's super cliche, but I really am starting to want one. I have no idea where I'd put it, due to the two that are already on my ankles....my shoulder blade and lower back, well any part of my back, are out completely, I have no desire to have one on my arm, so that leaves my hip. And I'm really not digging that placement. What if I get fat again? What if for some reason I rethink my stance on children? Ok, so the second question is a stretch. So that would leave legs and feet. Maybe the top of my foot? Maybe? I think it would be cool to get one for every place I've lived...though if all goes according to plan, that would pretty much cover me...hmmm. Going to ponder this a while.

Anyway, after the tattoos, we all headed home, to nap, shower, whatever before the bigger party that evening. I opted out of the festivities on account of my early morning, but all in all it was a great day. I met a lot of people, ate some really good food, saw more of the city and laughed lots. We have plans for a girls night next week - complete with a stripper pole class!! I really am enjoying myself here. Come visit please.

Drinking team...

with a Kickball problem.

I FINALLY played in my first kickball game last week. I've missed the first three weeks due to my bum knee, but decided this was the week I was going to test it out. I decided that for this momentous occasion, I needed a costume of some sort. Something. Anything. I remember as a child I wanted to be a ballerina. Apparently someone out there had other plans for me, since I quickly exceeded the maximum height for ballet classes. Anyhow, I finally got my chance. I made a tutu to match our team colors!

The first two innings were tied, and in the bottom of the third our coach yelled my name. I was fourth up with two outs and a runner on. The only thought that went through my head was "don't fuck this up. get on base." I had goosebumps, if I wouldn't have been sweating profusely to begin with, I would have been by now. "Don't fuck this up. get on base. don't be the last out."

I sashayed out to home plate, heard some comments about the tutu (finally!!), and I waited for the pitch to come. I kicked it almost perfectly....it dropped right between the pitcher and the second baseman. I made it safely to first!!! Woo hoo!!!! Sadly, we didn't score in the inning, but I got a hit!!

I also somehow managed an assist in the field, though I'm not sure that's an actual statistic. Someone thought it would be a good idea to kick a ball right to me, really hard. I tried to make the catch, but it went right through my hands. Thankfully our centerfielder is amazing and was in the exact right spot to make the actual catch. We ended up being tied, but for us that counts as a win.

And since it counted as a win, our coach bought the drinks. When we lose, he buys the shots. I guess I joined the right team - we sure do like to drink. We're the two time defending flip cup champions. I have yet to participate, but only because the existing team is AMAZING. To get on the team, I'd have to challenge someone in a flip-off, and I really don't think I could beat them. I don't mean to sell myself short, I just know my abilities and know how amazing my team really is.

I'm sad I'm going to miss this week, but I'll be there the rest of the season - in my tutu.