Kickin' Creative Outlet

As I was picking up my room tonight, I looked into my closet and wondered how I am ever going to find a place for the two new pair of Uggs I got. (I know what you're thinking - 2 pair seems gluttonous, but to say I got a killer deal is an understatement...two pair for less than the price of one!)

I couldn't help but get distracted for a brief moment from the conundrum I have found myself to be in and look at what I consider to be some of my art. If you know me, you know I hardly have a creative bone in my body when it comes to the more conventional ideas of art. I cannot draw to save my life, I'm pretty sure my 18-month old niece could paint better than me, and you could mistake the clay Snoopy sculpture I made in junior high to be the Blob.

I believe my creative outlet comes through my style. And shoes are a big part of that creativity. A diverse collection of sneakers, pumps, flats, and boots. Here a few of my favs:

Collectors Item: Hale Bob's Fergie

While looking through a magazine a couple of years ago, highlighting Hale Bob's '08 spring collection, I saw these and fell in love. As luck would have it, a few weeks later while surfing the net, I found them at victoriassecret.com, marked down. A few clicks later and they were mine.

Sneakers: Adidas Sailing White

I blogged about these back in December.

Heels: Steve Madden's Triumph

A chic nod to the 80's. I rocked these in Vegas for the No Doubt concert and received many compliments, including some from ballroom dancers we sat next to at a club after the show.

Flats: American Eagle's Ava

These shoes are so comfortable - they feel more like slippers than shoes, yet they still maintain a geek chic look. And the fact that I paid $10 for them at Payless makes it even better! (Mine are red)

Pumps: Naughty Monkey's Hide 'n Seek

These are a favorite because of how different these are. There's so much going on from the wooden heel (which normally I'm not a huge fan of, but it works here) to the netting, to all the bright colors. Comments I've received on these pumps range from, "Those are the most fabulous shoes I've ever seen" to "those are 'f' me shoes." (that comment coming from a bartender in Greece)

Boots: Uggs - Classic Cardy/Classic Short

Of course I have to give my new Uggs props, mainly because of the stellar price. (And how great they'll look with my denim mini :) ) Although I haven't worn them yet (need to treat them first) I know I'll love them and get plenty of use out of them.

Booties: Not Rated's Yankee Doodle

My first and only pair of booties. Super cute when paired with a sweater dress, but versatile enough to wear with jeans.

Rockin' the Plank

As I mentioned in my last post, Yoga is by far my favorite fitness class. It's been about a month since my first yoga class in almost 2 years and I feel that each class I'm improving on my strength and balance.

Tonight I reached a small goal I set for myself in doing Side Plank without the assistance of my knees. Although my arms were definitely a little shaky as we held the pose for several breaths, I held strong and refused to give up. That's one small step for Nic, one giant leap for womankind. (or something like that...)

Operation Get Fit Update

I'm about 3 months into my Y membership and I'm happy to report I'm still going strong. I've taken advantage of the warm, dry environment, on those days when it's too cold or wet to run outside. But the biggest highlight, for me, is the classes I've taken advantage of.

*Body Jam - Naomi and I danced up a sweat during this class, working on our hip hop, Latin, and swing moves. It's not something I'd want to do every week, but it's a fun spin to a cardio workout, incorporating some sweet dance moves I have every intention of breaking out the next time I hit the dance floor. If I'd attend this class more often, I'm pretty sure I'd be a top contestant for Dancing With the Stars....just sayin'.

*Spin - L and I checked this out Friday morning. We were ridin' the spin V-train up until that point, so nerves were a little high, and we certainly didn't fit in with the "regulars", as they came in full cycle gear, but we quickly got the hang of it and really enjoyed the workout. I'm definitely in for spin.

*Abs/Back - A quick but effective workout of the core. Just waiting for BC '10 to roll around so I can show off what's sure to be my washboard stomach ;)

*Yoga - This is by far my favorite and the class I've attended the most. The stretching, the strength-building, and the meditation - all make for a combination of a great workout. It's definitely a nice getaway from the usual cardio.

Knock, Knock...Anyone There?

I know I've been neglecting the blogosphere lately - it's been a week since my last posting and I need to catch up on my blog reading. But it's been a busy week....that's my story and I'm sticking to it. This past week, at a glance:

Monday - Work, Yoga
Tuesday - Work, a little Phat Tuesday celebration at Jethros, followed by the Drake game*
Wednesday - Work, Ash Wednesday Mass, warm-up drink at High Life, Volleyball*
Thursday - Work, 4 mile run around Gray's
*Left the house at 6:30 A.M. and got home at 9:30 P.M.

This brings us to today. I'm writing post spin class, pre-lunch date with KC, followed by a few errands and some cleaning.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy staying busy and this week I was busy with fun activities, however, I'm ready to welcome the weekend with open arms, and another post or two (so be ready Naomi!)

Clothing Drive

Back in September I posted one of my favorite Bud Light commercials, the Swear Jar. In late January, a new commercial was unveiled, the Clothing Drive. Pretty funny stuff, check it out.

The Silent Turning Point

Pop Quiz. Name this movie:

Mia: Don't you hate that?
Vincent: What?
Mia: Uncomfortable silences. Why do we feel it's necessary to yak about bullshit in order to be comfortable?
Vincent: I don't know. That's a good question.
Mia: That's when you know you've found someone special. When you can just shut the fuck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence.

If you said Pulp Fiction, you are correct. Love this movie and love this quote.

It's something I find to be so incredibly true. When in the beginning of a relationship with someone, be it a friend or significant other, it becomes one's obligation, it seems, to avoid those awkward silent moments.

The recipe for the awkward silent moment goes something like this: start by sitting across from someone. Add in eye contact and then slowly stir in glances around the room. After 15 seconds, (it will feel like 5 minutes) quickly make eye contact again and add a pinch of an awkward face gesture, like the "this-is-super-awkward-right-now" smirk. Then quickly escape the situation. Enjoy!

Sometimes you make a mental list in your head of "emergency topics" that you are harboring in your head like a bomb, only to be launched when you feel the awkward silent moment coming on. Other times you start the run-of-the-mill bullshit convo about the weather or gas prices. And god forbid you start word vomitting all over the other person's shoes, resulting in either hurt feelings or embarrassment, leaving you to pick up the shovel to start digging your own grave.

For me, a critical turning point in a relationship, is when I am relieved of such a feeling. I can sit in silence with a friend or boyfriend and not feel weird about it. I do not feel the pressure to keep the conversation flowing and I do not feel like I have to dig deep inside and say something truly profound or funny. And I certainly do not feel the need to resort to a cliche conversation like, "how 'bout all that snow?!"

Comfortable silence...simply brilliant.

That's when you know you've found someone special. When you can just shut the fuck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence.

An Effort Worth Making

It's all too easy on a cold, snowy February day (a Monday no less) to find things to complain about.

*Lack of sleep
*Yet another snow storm
*Stupid drivers
*The fact that I felt like I was back in the 3rd grade when I received my balloon and star sticker at work today for having 100% quality.

...the list could go on and on.

Do you ever notice how much easier it is to complain, to think negatively, and to feel down and out? It takes an extreme amount of effort, at times, to think positively and count your blessings. But that kind of effort, I feel, is necessary. Don't get me wrong, I've definitely been guilty of being the "Debbie Downer" and I think that is perfectly healthy, to some degree. After all, it is nearly impossible to be 100% positive all the time. But today, I am consciously making the decision to be positive. When I reflect on my short list above, I am noticing that these are all things I cannot control. But, just because I can't control them, doesn't mean they can control me and my attitude. Instead of looking at it from "the glass is half empty" perspective, I can tweak it a little:

*Trouble sleeping last night, perhaps, but I made it through the day and I can hopefully sleep more soundly tonight
*More snow to deal with today, yes, but it's February 8th, which means one more day of winter under our belts.
*Yes, there were, are, and always will be stupid drivers out there, but I can say a little prayer of thanks each time I arrive safely to my destination.
*An elementary incentive for sure, but I'm sure the unemployed would be happy to accept a balloon and sticker, if it meant earning a paycheck at the end of each day.