Showing posts with label Countdowns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Countdowns. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

11 until 30

Fears: Only that I will not have learned from my past enough - and repeat the same mistakes.

Of course, like all the other fears- this is up to me.

Gratitude: That I have this time to let my friends and family know what an impact they've had on me.

Inspirational Person of the Day:
BeingCarly!

I first started following her blog about 2 years ago, as she was preparing for her Disney World wedding. Over time, I got curious and started poking around to her other blogs, and got to know the woman a little better than just "the Bride".

I know this may sound silly, but reading her blogs were my final push to get back on the blogging train. You see, by reading her blogs were comforting for me. Afterall, we've all faced our own challenges, demons, heartbreaks and dreams come true. That's when it hit me. I realized that "Maybe there's something to just sharing my story that could help someone else out there?" So I finally started blogging. While I've yet to reach any record setting following, it's been a great experience that I would love to do more of (if my computer equipment weren't from the stone-age).

Anyway- thanks for writing BeingCarly! Best of luck in 2010!

13 til 30

Fear: I guess I'm out of fear right now. I've been blessed with some peace and grace this new year. Things will be what they will be. My job is just to do my best.

Gratitude: For the sanity good counsel always brings!

Inspirational Person(People) of the Day:

TheManInBlack

I first met TheManInBlack in 2006, during a local theater production of Guys and Dolls. I was in the cast, and he was in the crew. Being a crew for a community theater production is a thankless job, and at the time, he scared the daylights out of me and I wanted nothing to do with him. But I later learned that the tough demeanor is really just a defense mechanism. Afterall, you can keep most people at bay with it, and only flash a smile to those you want in your life. (At least that's my theory. He swears it's just a hard rock style. Since I'm not a fashionista- what do I know!)

Anyway, spending time with him and his family has given me an tiny peek at a different way of family life. The cultural difference between the way families work is always facinating and heartwarming to see. It's also let me see just how tough being a single parent can be - especially of three kids! All from his previous marriage, and all pretty well adjusted nearly-teenagers now (though the oldest will be 16 later this month).


I've admired the way he usually finds an equitably solution when issues arise, and isn't afraid to be a "parent", rather than a "friend". That doesn't necessarily mean a disciplinarian 24/7. It means listening with an open heart, understand, and retaining that authority necessary to guide impressionable minds into a place where they can truly consider their actions (and the consquences of them).
I also admire how he's tied with almost visible heart strings to his kids. No woman could ever hope to have a bond as strong - but then again, parents and children are a dynamic that I can only relate to from my limited, unmarried with a furkid, perspective. I have the upmost respect for single parents now - perhaps a deeper one than ever before. I understand that they are on the most difficult road possible - but also one that has room for lots of rewards as well. I've been able to bear witness to many touching moments between the gang all together, and I know they will all plunge into the future as a strong family.


(Bottom - Clydas. On cooler - Me. Left to right - TheManInBlack, JMArabians, and LiketoAct.)

24 til 30 - Corrected!

Fear: Not resolving the "what ifs" of the past in way that helps me leave room for the future.

Gratitude: That my life feels like it's going in the right direction, with all the love and support from those around me.

Inspirational Person of the day:




FlyBoy!
I can't discuss people who have had a profound effect on me over the years without mentioning this particular person.

FlyBoy and I have known each other for a very long time, but we've never actually met, face to face. I met FlyBoy under the guise of Ashta - one of the very first freeform online roleplaying characters I developed. When I was a teenager, almost every free moment that wasn't spent in Drama Club or ShowChoir in High School, was spent online, writing. (For those that don't know, online freeform roleplaying is pretty much being in a chat room. Only, instead of being yourself, you are whatever your imagination can come up with. Dwarves, mages, vampires, elves, etc. Ashta is a headstrong, solitary creature that I may blog more about at a later date. But this blog isn't about Ashta - and I could write a book alone just about her.)



As far as we can agree, I was 16 when our characters met, and he was 14. We met first as our characters (Ashta and Lazarus) and later got to know each other OOC (out of character).




(FlyBoy is in black in the back - I figure this may have been taken near the age we "met".)

So here we are, well over a decade later, and time has proven to me just how much we've both grown and changed. And now I count him among one of the closest people to me, though we've never actually been in the same state.

Growing any type of relationship long distance requires communication skills that, let's face it, most of us are sorely lacking now-a-days. One thing I admire about FlyBoy is that, well, he doesn't seem to have a problem there. He's one of few people I can debate with, and not feel attacked. Even though we disagree on some topics, he treats the subject with the upmost respect and manages to speak with gentle passion on the topics that we may not agree on. Since I'm not big on conflict, this is a STRONG tribute to his communication skills. He's also the type to call just to say hi and talk, rather than expecting Myspace, Facebook, a text do the trick. (Maybe this is unique to my relationship w/ him, as we've never NOT been long distance, but there ya go.) He also understands the "unspoken" communication - like when I need to just be a hermit for a while. Regardless of the situation, a conversation with FlyBoy usually leaves me smiling - if only for the reliefe of someone who speaks my lanuage and understands me - 1/2 way across the country. Afterall, who couldn't use a reminder that they aren't crazy every once in a while? ;)

FlyBoy shares traits some of those dearest to me have. He also gives it to me straight and honestly all the time. He has ambition for his future and knows himself well enough to know where he needs to grow, what he wants to protect, and where he wants to go.

But I'd like to focus on his steadfast spirit (aka stubborness). When he decides on something, I have no doubt he'll accomplish it. His unwaivering beliefe and support for me and my personal goals reminds me of the person I try to be for others. He goes a step beyond being a cheering squad. FlyBoy takes an active role whenever possible. When he heard I was training for a triathlon/marathon, he e-mailed me a guide that he thought could help me get off the coach and complete my goal. When reporting in on my attempts at weight-loss, he was right there, cheering me on - not just reading my blogs when it was convienent, but taking time out of his day/night to call and see how things were going. When I was struggling through the difficult relationship messes in my past, he's been there to listen, advise, or just truly sympathize (and vice versa).


(FlyBoy today, in black on the right)

He's far from a doormat, but his kindness and consideration have left an imprint on my heart - and a challenge to be no less than my best.

Revelation of the Week: While love is a gift, strive to be worthy of it - and you'll never lose it.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

25 til 30

Fear: I won't accomplish my health goals this year.
This is a fear that's only somewhat within my control. Afterall, I can't control a cold, or other illness that might bring me a set back, but I know that if I stay focused, I CAN and WILL accomplish my health goals.

Gratitude: People actually seem to read what I have to say occasionally, and find it helpful/inspiring. This isn't the reason why I write, but I know how comforting it is to hear of other people/athletes going through a similiar challenge that I face, so I'm grateful that things like this blog may provide someone else similiar comfort.

Inspirational Person of the day:
Perhaps the best testimony I can give for this next installment is that I wouldn't have done this:
this...

or this...

without the woman furthest to the right.

BonBon!
Don't take the cute little nickname to mean this woman isn't tough as nails. BonBon and I met when we were cast in opposite one another in an original musical comedy called American Standard. It was her first show and I was just plain focused on working on the show, not making friends. But admittedly, she's hard not to like.
We bonded like most women do, through heartache. See, it was opening weekend of that show that my troubled marriage finally dissolved. I'm sure it left the cast wondering if I'd make it opening night, but I couldn't let them down. And let me tell you, there is nothing like making people laugh to help speed along the healing process. I didn't expect to make some lifelong bonds through that show. (For those who know show biz, casts are like family during a show, and usually go their seperate ways after the final curtain call.) Then again, it was an unusual show - that called for an unusual cast to pull it off (over and over and over again).

I never would have considered doing a triathlon, if it weren't for Bonbon moving away. She was moving to Conneticut with her boyfriend, and here I was, feeling a bit lost, and working my way through life. She approached me and proposed the idea of a triathlon to me as a final "Hoorah" that we girls could do together before she left.
At first I was completely hesitant. As some of you may know, I'll give my last drop of blood and then some for a friend, but a triathlon?! Really? Afterall, triathlons aren't for women struggling with their weight, right? They are for the already skinny, trained, confident athletes. But I thought about her proposal every day, and when I listened to Lou Mongello's podcast I decided I could at least try. My goals were simple - not to come in last, and to finish.

And finish we did. She beat me by about 10 minutes. And I'm forever grateful for her quiet push into the sport that would change the way I view myself and everyday life challenges. I was reminded during that race to trust myself. I was reminded that I am the queen of underestimating myself. And I was reminded to keep an open mind.

While I did it for my friend initially, I found out on the track that I wasn't thinking of her. I wasn't thinking of anyone but myself. I was truly realizing what it ment to "live in the moment".

And for those life lessons, I'm eternally grateful to have crossed pathes with BonBon.

Anyway, BonBon has always been a very open soul, and the inspiring thing about her is her capacity to love and be open to love in her life. It only enhances an already beautiful person.

While creativity abounds in this once-actress-now-esthetician, I love how she pushes her own limits. Truly, though, she is a great example to me that caring for others doesn't mean you sacrifice taking care of yourself. That's something most women (perhaps most people) strive to balance. Whether it's a daily struggle for her or not, I may never know, but she achieves it with a quiet grace that I may never achieve.

It's always great to have reminders in our lives who carry traits we aspire to. It reminds us to never stop trying to become more than we are.
Thanks Bonbon! You're unflagging love and support are always a source or inspiration for me - and I'm glad you're on my team.

Monday, December 21, 2009

26 til 30

Fears: Not reaching my goals.

Gratitude: That no matter what happens to be going on with me, there almost always seems to be enough peace and love to share with others.


Inspirational Person of the day:


ComputerGuy!

I happened to meet ComputerGuy in the summer of 2006, after a showing of Guys and Dolls that I was in for my local community theater . We chatted for a while and became fast friends.Eventually, he became one of the influential forces in my life.

There are more than a few admirable qualities about this guy, but one thing that inspires me is his insatiable curiosity. He seems to want to know things - everything. He can generate a sincere interest in just about anything. It's that insatiable zest and hunger for life that I treasure about people like him in my life. That quality pushes me to be more than I am and helps remind me that, no matter the situation, there is always something wonderous to discover in the world.

Another thing that I admire about this guy is his drive. Have you ever seen someone else so movtivated that it helps keep you on track? That's ComputerGuy for ya. I'm not known for my focus (though it's vastly improved over recent years), so this is definately a good reminder that anything can be acheived if you keep your eyes on the prize, plan your work, and work your plan.

And finally, probably the thing I like best about ComputerGuy, is his lack of a "filter". Though we don't talk often now-a-days, talking is definately not this man's short fall. I don't think he knows HOW to water down his opinion/feelings/truth as he sees it. While sometimes this may get him in trouble (as I'm sure it may come off as tactless to the wrong audience), I've always admired those that aren't afraid to name the Elephant in the Room - even if it may mean conflict is sure to ensue. Too often frankness is diluted so much that it loses it's potency.

Of course, there is a huge advantage to having people in your life who are so blatantly honest. It means a compliment is always as sincere as they come.

So thanks for being you, ComputerGuy!


27 til 30

Alright - back to throwing up a quick blog on my lunch break!

Fears: That I'll become a stress case that doesn't know how to relax.

The great thing about all of these fears is that the outcome of these perceived pitfalls is up to me. So actually, by jotting these things down, I'm reminded more and more that avoiding them is up to me.

Gratitude: For having the awareness to smack myself upside the head and pull myself out of my own funks.

Inspirational Person of the day:
Sistah' Girl!

It would be remiss of me not to include my best friend of over 15 years on this list. We met through the oddest of circumstances. We both attended a basically professional musical boot camp at Northern Arizona University in our early teens. It's funny how a few weeks at summer camp can make best friends.

We don't agree with each other all the time, but it's amazing how much our lives have intertwined over the years. It's as if we take turns guiding each other over various terrian in our lives. She's also on the short list of the people I know I can call no matter what.

One thing that's always impressed me about her is the strength of her faith and convictions. She's at her happiest when surrounded by like minds, praising God, and relying on Him. My spirituality has always been rather fluid. Don't get me wrong - I'd definately say I'm guided by the Christians compass internally. But Sistah'Girl probably has the makings of a missionary. She has a heart to help people (as evidenced by her choosen occupation - Emergency Medic) and I've never known her to be lonely or lacking friends.

And now, as she's aiming for conquering some personal demons and her first few triathlons, I'm very proud to have her in my life.

She's one of the few who's hung with me, not afraid to give it to me straight, and I know is always on my team. Seeing her grow and succeed gives me courage to keep on keepin' on.

28 til 30

I'm doing a bit of catch up here, so bear with me!

Fear: Becoming stagnant! The dictionary defines this as: "1. Not moving or flowing; motionless. 2. Foul or stale from standing. 3. Showing little or no sign of activity or advancement; not developing or progressing, inactive; Laking vitality or briskness; sluggish or dull." Now, this fear isn't specific to 30. Rather, it's always been something I've avoided at all cost. Sometimes (okay, "often" is more accurate) it leads me to burn by candle at both ends in an effort to grow, expand, and just keep an active, busy mind. It's pushed me to try new adventures that I'd never considered before when the oppurtunity arises. I may not be interested in it on my own, but it'll give me a new experience to tap into.

Gratitude: In thinking about this "30 inspirational people" part of the blog, I've become really grateful for the people who have touched my life. Sure, there are people at different distances from my heart for many reasons, but I count myself very blessed/lucky to have a few that I know I can call on in a time of need and lean on when I need to.

Which brings me to...

Inspirational Person of the Day!


DigiGirl!

Now, there was a time when I didn't believe in being friends with co-workers outside of work. But as I've gotten older, it's the best/easiest place to meet people. And, hey! You already have something in common - your boss! DigiGirl was the receptionist at my company somewhere around 2005/2006 I think. We started grabbing coffee (well, tea or hot chocolate for me) on breaks together, and became friends. She listened to my struggles with becoming newly unmarried, and, oddly enough, not long after my divorce went down, hers did too.

Though we had different approaches for how we dealt with the various challenges that unique situation brings, we really bonded through that, and our love for our furkids. Both of us realized we had to make some huge life changes, but that our furkids were along the same journey we were. While it ment relocating for both of us, it didn't mean leaving our furkids in the dust.

So we had a lot in common that kept us as good friends, even after she moved home away and in with her parents in order to complete nursing school.

What I most admire about her is her dedication. She left a well paying job that she realized wasn't going anywhere (and wasn't where she longed to be) to move back home with her parents and start nursing school. She's great at making a plan and working her plan. And I love that (and need more of that in my life).

Someone once said that you can be a victim of your situation, or an architect of your future. The decision is up to you. And no one proves that more than DigiGirl.

Friday, December 18, 2009

29 left of 29





With 29 days left until my 30th birthday, here's the fear, gratitude, and inspirational person of today!

Fear:
I've been one of those women who has worked hard to stay in good physical shape my whole life. And this year of my life will be no different. Surviving a 3rd of my life doesn't give me the license to slack off. So what's the fear involved here? That I won't reach my physical goals. For some reason, the last few years have been riddled with random illnesses. Well, this year is going to be different. While I can't exactly control getting a cold or an allergy or something like that, I can take the stance of "So what?" when it comes to those germies and just focus on my goals. Like at least 2 Triathlons and at least 3 stage shows. Ambitious? Sure! But isn't that what goals are all about?

Gratitude: Today I'm grateful for my friends especially. I got a Christmas card from Candy Man and his clan yesterday and it completely made my day. It's funny how sometimes those little things are the moments that make my day...

Inspirational person of the day:
Actually, these would have to be "people", but since they share the same last name, I count them as "person".

HotMama and D have been friends of mine for years now. The funny part of that is, when HotMama and I met, I really wanted nothing to do with her. I was hard headed and young, and she was in a whole different world than she is now. Nowadays, we're in almost daily contact.

Anyway, when she met D off eharmony, I thought "wow, you guys are moving awefully fast!" Before their first dating anniversary, they had moved in together, gotten engaged and married, and just after their first dating anniversary and honeymoon, they transplanted themselves to Arizona (from their previous home in Carlsbad, California).

HotMama was a great source of nurturing and encouragement to me when I needed it most. I was going through a divorce that, while I was handling well, was definately life changing, and during that same time she was getting married. We were at polar opposite moments in our lives, but still managed to be there for one another. She helped me stumble through the day to day stuff, and I got to be there to hear her wedding woes. I think we sort of kept each other in check.

But that's just HotMama. What about this particular couple is inspirational to me? Their wedding was when I first noticed that they were one of those couples. The way D looked at HotMama during their wedding made me realize that I want that in my life someday.

Since their marriage, they've moved from California to Arizona to accomodate his schooling. Living off student loans and grants is tough when you're a single person, but even more so when you're a young couple. During that time frame, HotMama also got pregnant with their son, LittleD. Saddly, LittleD was still born. Most couples don't survive the death of a child. But they struggled through, leaning on one another, and in the midst of all of that (and multiple medical problems going on with HotMama), they concieved LittleE, their daughter.

After another tough pregnancy, LittleE was born happy and healthy. Within months of her birth, HotMama and D ended up moving back to California, but this time to the northern portion. D is still passing his tests to finalize all of his schooling efforts. But this hardworking couple is a reminder to me that, no matter the road block, if you lean on each other and stick together, anything is possible.

I guess they help remind me that love really DOES conquer all.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

30 left til' 30...

On January 16th, 2010, I'll turn 30 years old, so as of today, there are officially 30 days left until I hit 30.


I will admit, I'm going through a bit of a panic. I'm not really losing my head completely, but there is usual, "OMG, I'm almost 1/3rd of the way through my life and I'm not where I'd like to be yet! Is it ever gonna happen?" It's a bit of a challenging time, but I'm sure I'll come out just fine on the other end.


So I was thinking of how to work this into a blogging challenge.

And I think I figured it out.

Each day, I'll try to blog about someone inspirational in my life, as well as a fear I have (if I even have 30 of them) and something I'm grateful for (I know I'll have more than 30 of those)!


I think there is a definate difference between a woman turning 30 and a man turning 30. Sure, both genders have things we want to accomplish in our lives, but men can have childeren will into their later years. Women have a bit more of a time clock on such things and let me tell you -it's not just a quiet "tick tick tick", like I once thought. I once thought it was completely psychological, but now I know better. It's a very real screeching interal alarm clock.


Fear: In my case, the alarm clock probably has to do with being surrounded by men and women with families, and a number of my co-workers are happily baby-baking at the office. I'm not one to linger in self-pity for long, but sometimes I wonder "what if". Since I'm an aging PCOS patient, my chances of the natural way are pretty much nill as I round into the 30's, but...

Gratitude:I'm eternally grateful of having adoption been put on my heart some time ago. Truly realizing what makes up a "family" has nothing to do with bloodlines is something I'm deeply grateful for. When I think if my family I think immediately of the people who chose to take me in and love me and who continue to help me every day. There is no way I could repay them for all the years of help, nurturing, love, and guidance. And the thought of being able to someday give that back to someone is staggeringly beautiful. It's something I've craved for years now. While I plan on enjoying my time as a single gal, I look foward to settling in with a partner who is as invested in that vision of a family as I am.

Inspirational person of the day:


GreenGuy!

If you asked me to describe him in one word, it would be hands down "quirky".

I met him in 2006. He was my dance partner in a local community theater production of Guys and Dolls. He put up wonderfully with my two left feet (which have since gained some sense of how to dance but it's been a slow process) and was very kind to me. He said I was one of his first platonic friends in the area, and I do consider him like family.

Let me go into his quirkiness a bit. He's a vegatarian, and, at last check, drove a beat up old Mercedes. And I mean beat up. If it rained, his seats were wet. He converted it to run partially on frying oil. He patched that car up more times than I can count just in the 2 years I've known him, but he's never been against a little elbow grease. He's the guy that brings the vegatarian dish to the party and still manages to be the life of it at times.

He's been inspirational to me in that he dares to be different and really get out there and live life. He has a hunger for life and does everything he can to feed that hunger. He's not afraid to adopt into his life causes he believes in, but does it in such a manner that it seems completely natural.

He pushed my limits and encouraged me to get out of the house and off my butt. Together we did a little mountain biking, hiked trails. He has a great way about him of finding new, fun things to do, and I found it a reliefe (as I'm usually the "social director" when it comes to my friends). He's very community oriented and never boring. He's always willing to try something new and rarely complains.

He seems to have a great grasp on what's really important in life. Something about his gentle manner has always been a quiet cattle prod for me. He's a great combination of an adventurer's spirit with a heart of gold. He's one of those friends who, while he's never said it, I know I can call for whatever and if he can, he'll be there. Hell, once he helped me with a bunch of yard work for the reward of pizza and beer! It's a comfort to know he's on my side.

Even though he's moved away, I still smile when I think of our friendship and miss him like a brother.




Monday, November 23, 2009

You know you need a vacation when...

You know you need a vacation when:

You're stressing out about all the stuff you have to get done before you can leave.

You're looking at the menu for Starbucks and thinking, "That $3.50 I could spend on a latte could be 1/4th of the way to a Disney pin on my vacation..."

You can't wait to shut your cell phone down for a week.

You're excited that you have a dog sitter that you can pay in pizza.

You're relieved to have a reliable ride to and from the airport.

You're contemplating what clothes that you aren't packing that you can wear on the plane.

You're trying to pencil time in with people before you leave for your trip.

You're pushing aside the bit of drama in your life because you know you'll be able to think clearer and deal with it AFTER the vacation.

You're picturing photo ops you want.

You're already wondering if you have enough stuff to scrap book the trip.

You'er figuring out how to eat anything perishable in your fridge in a week w/o blowing your diet.

You're wondering if you should get any new clothes for the trip...especially a swimsuit...

You're figuring out the legistics of bringing an extra bag just for momentos.

YOUR COUNTDOWN HAS REACHED SINGLE DIGITS!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

What's new? A LOT!



Today I find myself giddy about my upcoming Disneyworld Trip. It's the first time since 2005, and the first time ever without a romantic interest (or immediate family) along. So I can't wait.

That said, I realized that there are a lot of great, new things coming my way right now. Lots of options to act on. It's just a matter of making the necessary sacrifies, and following my heart.

So what's the new stuff?

Sunday I tried a new church I think I might just stick with. It's call TheMovement and is a non-denominational Christian church with lots to offer in my area as far as meeting new folks. Since a majority of my friends have moved away, it's time to start over and make a friendship base here once again. Now, that doesn't mean that I've forgotten those that migrated elsewhere. In fact, quite the opposite! I look forward to visiting and sending out care packages whenever I can! But it would be great to have more folks to join into the holiday party fun and all that. Right now, I'm not sure if I'll have enough folks to do the Holiday Murder Mystery party this year!

It's also located right next to some of my favorite coffee shops and brunch places, so I can see myself catching a service and then heading over to one of those places to spend a peaceful Sunday morning/afternoon.




I'm working more and more towards connecting w/ folks I have something in common with. Case in point - The blogger meet up! Me, Carly, and Luis pictured below.
Safe to say, a great time was had by all and I certainly wouldn't mind running into any of them at the parks again someday soon. It felt like meeting old friends.

I'm seriously contemplating writing a book. Yup, that's right - a book. Not a poetry book (though God knows I have enough of those to fill SEVERAL books). Not a fantasy book (though, again, I've got enough material there to go for days). I'm thinking of co-writing a Disneyland Guide book. Crazy, I know, because there are already several out there, but this one will have a unique spin. Disney for Dieters. Yes, you can splurge on vacation, and still not fall completely off the weight-loss band wagon. It was actually an idea of MickeyMan, but it's a great idea none-the-less and I believe there is definately a market for such things. Afterall, I've been to Disneyland several times and managed to treat myself w/o coming back heavier than when I left! It'll be an interesting research project, so we'll see.
I may have found a reliable roommate that wouldn't mind living w/ me and Clydas. I'm still having trouble letting go of where I am now, however I see more and more how splitting the rent would help me be able to spend more time working towards my goals (acting, singing, traveling, writing) and waste less and less time in a feild that I apperciate, but don't particularly have an affection for. We'll see what comes of this as Sistah' Girl and I have been tossing around ideas to move out of state, but that would take saving up a significant amount of dough anyway, so we'll see!

So we'll see how things move along. It's so easy for me to lose focus with all I'm interested in, but I know that I'll just keep spinning my wheels until I'm willing to accept me for who I am and make the changes necessary to "keep moving forward."

Happy fall, ya'll!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

I'm one of "those" people

I can't say with any measure of certainty that I'm a "type A" personality. While I'm goal oriented, and believe that in order to truely give yourself over to your passions you need to be obsessive about them on some level, I can say that I am the type of person who desperately needs something to look forward to. It's rare that I don't have some "count down" going on. Sometimes it's short term (such as "6 more hours of work left!"). Sometimes it's long term (like, "2 1/2 more months until I turn 30!"). Sometimes there isn't a time frame attached at all (such as,"Someday I'll come home to more than just my dog." ).

So let's update you on the lastest count downs.

2 more days until I get to The Lion King the musical!

33 more days until my first week long vacation in FOUR YEARS! Disneyworld here I come!

1 more day until weigh in. (Blah! 1 more stinking pound! Is that too much to ask?!)

3 more days until Halloween! Okay, so it's not my favorite holiday, but it's usually still fun.