I have decided that I need a swimming pool. No longer a want, but a need. Since the occupation I've chosen at age five of Mermaid seems to not be panning out as planned... I have realized that swimming every day is a need. That and lots of lotion. Chlorine is brutal.

I have worked out every single day (except yesterday) for nine days straight. Back at the gym today for another run of a week straight. What am I preparing for? Life, baby. Life.

Well, I'll be in China in November and potentially in bikini bottoms at a topless resort in Mexico in the next month or so. Although part of the posse is now too famous with a radio show to fly out for a Fri-Sun escapade. But I think that the radio show is way cooler (Kudos - M!).

Audit by our regulatory commission went well to the best of my knowledge.

As asked by one of my favorite Marylanders: What's on tap?

Sleep, and make it a double. Tonight is dinner with Heather, Renee and Meggan all of which I've barely seen in the past months.

Partially due to my busy schedule. Partially due to their busy schedule. I'd rather crawl into bed with Princess & Oreo (new name I'm testing for kitten number two) and go promptly to sleep but sometimes relationships take sacrifice. Although I will not be partaking in any alcohol since I will probably crash my car if I do.

Right now I am sitting on hold with Pacificare Insurance Company... I was on hold for eleven minutes and then told I was in the HMO Department, not the POS Department. Adios Mio!

I'm only calling for my id number which used to be my social security number. I've decided that automated attendants are evil. EVIL I tell you. It is taunting me by continuing asking for the sole number for which I do not know.

Plans for weekend? Let's do a play by play.

Friday - 6:00 a.m . Pilates class with Billie. Process payroll then head to breakfast with Jenn to follow up with picking up over a hundred dollars of dry cleaning and getting a pedicure / manicure in Las Vegas' own mini 'nam who does the best pedi's in town for dirt cheap.

Saturday is a 8:00 a.m. Spin class at Agassi then 10:00 a.m. Yoga at Rainbow all with Nic hopefully taking a ride in her new whip.

Sunday is 8:00 a.m. Spin and 10:30 a.m. Church. Maybe some brunch with the Scalia's after.

Monday is 10:00 a.m. Spin and other than that, I haven't planned anyone.

Love it.

Ooh... I'm finally on the phone with one of the reps. Hallelujiah.

Is withholding information or being evasive still considered a lie? In my world... you betcha. What does that mean? I think that means I'm going to have to make a decision sometime soon about lines drawn in sand and figuring out about the tide.

Last night I sat in one of the hardest classes of my academic career - Statistics. Even typing it makes my stomach twinge. Ten weeks (actually nine, one down) of brutal math and symbols and populations and extractions. I am really freaking out actually.

The good news? A dude I work with that is pretty cool overheard me whining to the CFO about it and relayed that's his forte and ante'd up some help. Hallelujiah. Speaking of God, am interviewing tons and tons of positions and it breaks my heart when I can't hire someone. I look at them and see the hope. :( I do tell them when their qualifications don't match what I need. I wish them the best but it still makes me sad. I can't save the world. *sigh*

Tomorrow is an all staff meeting regarding our audit next week (yahoo!) and then I'm meeting with some business partners from San Francisco at Sushi Roku for a late lunch and hopefully a mangotini without a big flem globber of egg white in it (read: Eminem concert 2005 with Mysty & Antionette). Bygones.

Friday night I'm invited to an all out crazy girls let's re-enact Girls Gone Wild Bachellorette Party. The sad part is, I probably won't go. If it was one of my best gal pals I would but I'm lame, and too tired by Friday nights to go anywhere. Plus I'm the girl who chats up just about everyone which can sometimes lead to trouble when my friendliness is misconstrued. I'll have to think about that one.

Saturday is Spin or Yoga at 8am. It's a toss up. I feel like I have something planned, but there is nothing in my calendar. Saturday night is Girls Night Out with some of my China posse (not Chinese but girls going to China with me), Birthday party for my ex and his cousin at Tommy Rockers and dinner with pals from San Fran. I will definately need a massage and a nap before the festivities.

Sunday - the usual. Spin at 8am then Church (or Church at 9am then Spin at 1030). Then I will need to study study study.

I am on the fence on keeping the kitten I cannot name and for whatever reason feel no more love for than the hundreds I've seen in shelters throughout my life volunteering. Am I still bitter that she peed on my bed? Maybe. Princess does not seem the least bit happier with her new buddy and I think she'd just prefer being an only kitty. Plus when I move (note: not IF anymore but when) having two cats is hard as hell to find living space.

I have so many questions... I'll have to think about them ALL over a Mojito tonight with Nic. Hoping we can run over to the Pink Taco for some margaritas as well. Honestly, I'd rather just go to the gym and then bed. My friends say they never see me. If they want to, they can come over and watch me sleep 'cuz when I'm not working, working out, at school or studying I'm pretty much always trying to catch some zzzs.

"The Noah rule: Predicting rain doesn't count; building arks does."– Warren Buffett

Question of the Day - Who the hell is Warren Buffet?

Here's a pic of baby kitty who I think I've named Lola. I am questioning whether or not to keep her yet... having a cat for nine years and suddenly getting a kitten left me suprised as you will be that I suddenly have allergies. Weird. I do know that I'll have to finalize my decision by this weekend, if I am unable to keep her I want her to still be small and baby kitty-ish so she'll get adopted sooner. She is a holy terror which is just what I was looking for.

Friday night at The Orleans Pete Rose nudged his son as the two of them checked out my rack, then we headed (we as in myself & my dude not as in "we" being my rack and Pete Rose) to Taladega Nights. It was quite funny. I was impressed, as usual with Will Ferrell.

Saturday got a massage and tried to nap while Lola was needing my scalp. Just laid around no work out and got tons of rest.

Sunday met Nicole at Spin at 8am then headed to Church. Nicole & Juan came over to meet Lola and we watched golf, hung out, etc. Then I ended up at Spencer & Zoe's birthday party for the rest of the evening. Being the absolute only female there that wasn't pregant or had at least one child I left feeling quite desperate for some adult conversation but it was pretty fun none the less. And NO it did not give me baby fever either, so shush.

This week I start back in class, have a bunch of networking and get to find out how my position will be expanded tomorrow. Yeay! Just what I've been hoping for, more responsibility. Super.

Will be planning Mexico in the next week or two. Fingers crossed no hurricane in sight for that weekend. Tonight am heading to Yoga to meet up with Renee (hopefully) since I haven't spoken to her in weeks. Then will hit the weights and head home.

Other than that, I'll just keep on keepin' on.

You Never Call Me When You're Sober

Couldn't sleep, five a.m. left me laying in the bed I haven't seen for six nights desperately attempting to share my tempurpedic pillow with Princess who is still bitter from being left alone. So used to waking up that early anyways to run the Mastiffs before leaving for work I decided to head back to the gym for some cardio and I'm SO glad I did. Ran into Billie after I got out of the shower. I've known her for four years and used to work out in her classes (she teaches) five days a week for years except the past year I've been migrating to evening work outs instead. I am going to start back to the old routine which includes Spin Mondays & Wednesdays at 5am and Body Pump Tuesdays & Thursdays with Pilates on Friday. I actually miss it.

I will be getting a baby kitty this week now that Chris is back, his responsibility is to keep my head on straight because I go completely crazy when I see kittens. I want them all. I'm leaning towards Buttons from Heaven Can Wait. 1) Buttons is my favorite song right now, too so I think it's a "sign" 2) she was licking my nose and then promptly fell asleep while I was holding her. Adorable.

My allergies are kicked into full gear today, the time of year is nearing when I lose my voice due to them. Always sexy for me to sound like Demi Moore on steriods. Love it.

My dog sitting duties are now ceased and I have moved forward onto kitty sitting until Friday.

The past two days have been hectic at best. I am having lunch with a long lost friend today. That's the one major suck factor when a relationship ends is "our" friends become either his or hers. Fortunate to start a civil, borderline friendship with my former has opened up the door to casually start checking in with those I've known for so long and have missed dearly. I guess the "waiting period" is over.

Had to terminate one of my assistants on Monday night for insubordination... sucks because although I strive to be the cool, laid back boss I am still THE BOSS. When it's time to put my money where my mouth is on establishing authority, I will.... so don't try me. You won't win.

Sorry - Mysty & Larry - for flaking on Bob Beer's Campaign Party which I would have LOVEloved to attend. I fell asleep due to near exhaustion and only awoke after several phone calls. I tried to make it down before the airport but the flight landed early and I was stuck.

We'll all have to catch up sometime soon. Miss you.

Heather please have a safe and awesome trip at the Lake for the next week. Can't wait to see the video again.

Happy Days.

Things I've Learned Today

1. Being unsuccessfully car jacked at 9:00 in the morning on a Saturday sucks.

2. Burts Bees Honey "flavored" chap stick smells like honey and tastes like ear wax.

Happy Anniversary....

Today is my one year anniversary... just one of those happy to be alive days. Oh - Anniversary of what? Yeah, that.

Moment of silence to reflect. Okay. Done. BTW- Not actual picture of Bravada.

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No kitten quite yet. The one I wanted was gone when I got there. I guess it wasn't meant to be. My heart was a little broken only 'cuz I fall in love with just about every kitty I see. Something like this is what I'm looking for...

I am debating taking today off to go shopping at GV District with Jenn but I just have SO much to do today I just can't. :(

Tonight is Nic's for dinner with her Preist. Tomorrow a.m. is Yoga at 8:00. I've actually given up sugar for the next week or so. Just doing a detox of some fashion. So although I can't wait for brunch with Jennifer & Lenore Saturday after Yoga, there will be no mimosas for me. Cryin' shame.

Will grab a two hour massage on Saturday at the office, since I have to be here anyways... then meet up with Tonya for hair cuts and hopefully lounging by the pool for the afternoon before primping for dinner at BoneFish. Tiffany is heading to Cherry Saturday night and although I loveLOVE to dance. I love to sleep even more and I'm betting I'll be too tired to shake it. Sorry, Tiff. Holla next time, momma.

Here are some fun pics from the July Singles Wine & Dine that I hostess... AND I just found out from a little birdie that Singles Wine & Dine is in Summerlin 215 Magazine. With pics. Hoping they are flattering (fingers crossed). August event was just this past Wednesday and very fun. Filet Mignon & Tiger Prawns for dinner with a couple of connections made that I can't wait to hear how they progress. My goal for next month? Get my little hands on the flyer way sooner to start emailing and advertising a little bit more in advance.

The above picture is Chakyra, Tiffany, me and unknown drunk british guy who got in the picture at the last moment.

Below is blond woman with pink lipstick, Chateau St. Michelle Vineyards Representative Michael or Mark or something and ME.

Sunday is church and jazz brunch with Mysty, Isabella & Trinity then the gym. Just kind of laying low this weekend. Relaxing and all.

I think that's about it. Peace out.

"I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it."– Abraham Lincoln

I am sore, in a good way today. Thanks - Erin for being a great work out buddy.

Week in Review:

Tuesday was lunch with Steve from Vector Media to help the PR campaign for the school.

Wednesday was lunch with Jennifer M. also PR and personal. She is going on the same China trip as I am so I'm very excited to have yet another gal pal along for the ride. Wednesday night was a brief visit to Sedona for M1 and taking care of some bisnis.

Thursday we held one of the most successful blood drives ever... I'm so proud of my students, with over thirty of them testing to give blood United Blood Services obtained over 15 useable pints. :) Mine being one of them.

Friday night was low key, just some cappriotti's for dinner and movies. Still tired from blood drive and convinced the pint they took was from my brain. ;)

Saturday afternoon was a lovely swim at the Kakita household, with the cutest baby in the whole world Kaija. Found out there are several weekends to come where I will be dog sitting over two hundred pounds of Kakita Akitas. Can't wait. :)

Saturday AL was in town. My long lost friend from Austin, TX whom I've known for 8 years. Crazy. Now he lives in Manhattan and I need to take advantage of that and actually visit the city one of these days. Thinking back to all of the swing dancing lessons, bar hopping nights, trips to Dallas, trips to Ruidoso to snowboard. Those were the days. Speaking of - it was really great to see pics of Drew in Iceland and hear about KellyKelly who's back in Texas. It was nice catching up, Mr. Trevino. Why don't you grab your girl and come to Vegas to visit? Mi Casa es Su Casa. Yes - the girl from Buffalo. And she IS your girl, stop denying it. Turkey.

Sunday was lunch with Tonya and then errands for the afternoon. I did take a break later in the afternoon and head out to the Lake for some sun. A great spectacle of two German women and one German man acting a fool on the beach including but not limited to some kind of mimic'd sex act with an umbrella and the two women and the chicks doing topless calistenics. Hilarious.

Monday car was in the shop - thanks, Lee for taking the time out of your Saturday night to help me out. Over $500 later my car is running great. Yippee. Shout out to Tonya who unfailingly picked me up from and took my back to my car dealership. Thank you. Thank you for totally being there.

The week ahead is busy, I have a networking gig tonight and then yet another tomorrow.

Honeykbee - good to start hearing from ya again. Hope the new job is all you've ever wanted and more. It's deserved.

As soon as blogger gets their head out of their *oops* .. I mean, once blogger gets fixed with pics, I have tons to download. Stay tuned.

Momma said there'd be days like this...

Holy cow. What is UP today? My lower back has been hurting lately, the massage last night helped somewhat... but not entirely. Hopefully I can be manipulated this afternoon by one of my Chiropractors on staff. (fingers crossed)

I slept like hell last night, woke up late.

Rushed into the shower and had no shampoo so I had to step out all sopping wet to find some and I slipped on the tile and seriously busted my ass and cursed louder than I have in my life. That's going to be a great bruise from my ankle to my thigh. Sexy.

Do trees make a sound when the fall in the forest and no one is there to say "Timber"? How the hell am I suppossed to know... But I DO know that I only cry if there is someone there to comfort or pity me. Other than that, I will swear like a sailor.

**This reminds me of six years ago, Christmas Eve in Florida when I slipped in the bathtub at my parent's house because my mother cleans like a crazy women before the kids come home for the holidays. After I slipped everyone told me to suck it up and walk it off... only to find I had fractured FOUR ribs when I returned home to Texas and visiting my Doctor because I was still sore. Nothing was to stop me from my snowboarding vacation with Amy to Breckinridge. I had my doctor tape my ribs, fill a large prescription of Vicodin and off I went. I boarded for five days straight with my chest taped. You only live once.**

Got into the office to have to deal with an irate pregnant student who was completely wigging out and got the zipper on the back of my dress pulled unintentionally by a situation with the student and me picking up her back pack for her. Thankfully I *was* wearing a cute blazer or else everyone would have been able to see my pink lace panties. So no one noticed that my zipper tore but me (and my assistant who was fruitlessly trying to help me fix it in the restroom twenty minutes later).

NOW - I am in a different dress which is more of a "friday sun dress" than a work dress but it will have to do. My guests for the business luncheon today will love it, I'm certain.

And here I am. It's 9:30. Today will be a long day.

Thanks for the quote, Nicole...

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."

B. C. Forbes