The Mystery of the Missing Minds

So, things are exciting around the Orlando house these days. We’ve got all the building blocks for a good mystery novel: suspense, embezzlement, surprises…with a little bit of insanity mixed in for good measure.

Let’s start with the suspense. Apparently my Dad’s job search is going well. He even had an offer from a company in Nashville, TN. That’s where the suspense comes in: we might have to move. Yes. You heard correctly. The Orlandos might be moving away from Orlando. But we don’t know quite yet, Dad is still looking and it is definitely premature of me to get sad or nostalgic. But even the mention of the word “move” makes me a little upset. But we shall see. Until then, suspense!

Now for the embezzlement. And “embezzlement” sounds way more exciting than this really is…just to warn you. Today I got a check from my employer for almost $600.00. This wouldn’t be a huge problem, except for the fact that my checks have been averaging $150.00 a week. Which I didn’t really think about until I got this huge check and thought it was a mistake. I was going to call payroll and alert them to the problem when my dad suggested we go over all my hours and try and figure out if it really was a mistake. So that’s what we did, and guess what? They haven’t been paying me all my money…they still owe me around $470.00. So this should be interesting.

Next, the surprises: Last week I went to get my metabolism tested. I was fully expecting for science to confirm what I have long believed about my body: it really hates me. I was ready to hear that my metabolism was crap and even if I starved myself I would never reach my ideal weight. Well, I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised, actually. Apparently, I have a crazy fast metabolism. Yes, you heard that right. So why are you a chunky monkey, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. Apparently, I’m burning around 2,000 calories JUST BY WAKING UP AND BREATHING and I have always believed the less I eat the skinnier I should be. Which is the case for most people—but not me. When I eat less I actually gain weight because my body goes into starvation mode really quickly. So, the lady told me TO EAT MORE TO LOSE WEIGHT. Which was fantastic to hear. In fact, she told me I had to eat 1600 calories A DAY. Which is a ton of food. I’m having to actually work up to it. It’s hard work. Let me tell you what.

Time for the insanity! I am running a half marathon in November! Yes, I’m THAT insane.

Don't Give Up (You are Loved) or not...

I’ve been on a Josh Groban kick lately. I absolutely adored him freshman year of college (as Tiffany and Jessica can attest), but the fascination had fizzled a bit in subsequent years (further demonstrating my obsessive and then entirely dismissive personality). But now I’m listening to his Awake album, Don’t Give Up (You are Loved) and my cynical side is almost letting me enjoy it (with inevitable sarcastic quips of course). It is fantastic writing music.

Which leads me to my next topic: I’ve started writing again. Which feels great. There is a total release when I write, not unlike an addiction; but I flatter myself that it is a healthy addiction and therefore I’ll indulge. I’m working on a novel and a short story at the same time. The short story should be interesting, mostly because it says a lot about my views of marriage these days (And that’s a whole other story). When I’m done I’m going to start another blog for my fiction and I’ll give you the link if I’m not too embarrassed. But I should warn you--at the rate I’m going--it could be a while. I find that I write about two pages, stop, and then spend two hours polishing. It might be better if I could just push through and keep writing, but my random perfectionism (random because it only pops out occasionally for random activities) does not permit it unfortunately.

Speaking of random activities, my dad’s boss laid him off yesterday. Which is EXTREMELY random because he is one damn good sales guy. And I’ve never even been to business school but even I know Business 101: Don’t lay off the guys bringing in the money. I think we’re all pretty confused about it. However, I think in the end it will be a good thing. He hated that job and after this move, I’m glad he doesn’t have to work for arrogant, business school dropouts who obviously have NO idea how to run a business. So long unidentified audio and visual supply company. Go f*** yourselves.

And that is my update. Sorry it ended on a sad note, but this week has been kind of s*** and I’m feeling a little melancholy myself.

Radioactive Squash and Other News

There is so much to update you all on! I’m not sure where to start. So I guess I’ll start with the abnormally large squash that is sitting in my kitchen right now.

Last week my uncle gave us a squash. It is large. Extremely large. We’re talking this things weighs 40 pounds. And last night as I was going into the kitchen with the lights off I swear it kind of glowed a little. So I’m not ruling out nuclear radiation. Here is a picture of it:

Nuts, right? So today I am working on getting this thing down to size. I’m making squash soup, squash casserole, squash salad, roasted squash and sautéed squash; then I will freeze most of it for later.

On another note, Monday was my first day of work and it really is perfect so far. I love to set my own hours and do things at my own pace. I also like what I do; right now I’m in the middle of making appointments to check out some venues for a business meeting in September. The client is from Arkansas and they want something “unique.” So I’m giving them a few options: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Hard Rock Hotel, Leu Gardens (so pretty!) and The White Wolf Café, among others. Tomorrow someone from our Atlanta branch in flying down to check them out with me, so that should be interesting.

I’ve also started collecting herb plants and naming them after famous biblical villains. Right now I have Judas (an oregano plant) and I plan on buying Barabas (a basil plant) at the farmer’s market next weekend. Judas is doing really well; I took him to the beach with us when we went for vacation earlier this month and he really liked it there. I think he grew, like, three inches. I’m starting to like herbs more than flowers, and that is HUGE because I really like flowers.

This is Judas. Isn’t he cute?








Also, I can run 6 miles now! Mom says that’s not a big deal and we should start running 8 soon. AHHH! But I’m proud of it. When I started I couldn’t even run 3, so its progress.


And now I’m going to leave you with one of my drawings:









And my cat Isaac Hampton:
















Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

YAY LIFE!

I’m employed! And this job is perfection, sweet, marvelous perfection. (Awww! It just thundered! I love afternoon thunderstorms!) My position title is Marketing Coordinator, which is the natural next step after Marketing Assistant (My title at TV Guide). It’s “part-time,” which is great because it’s really flexible. I can also work from home, but even if I wanted to work from the office it’s 10 minutes away from where I live. My boss’ name is Jennifer and she seems really laid back. Everyone wears shorts and flip-flops unless clients are involved and the inside of the “office” is painted a very Floridian and cheery yellow. I’m also getting paid pretty much to same per hour as I was in NY and I’d be doing exactly what I want to do! My primary responsibility would be writing content for several web sites they are promoting as well as planning events. Jennifer also just asked me if I could also work with the Atlanta office on sales, so that should be fun and travel could be involved possibly. And who doesn’t love Atlanta? Peachtree Street!! So that’s my praise report for the day (or week)! Thanks so much for your prayers!

I also wanted to end this post with a photo of some insanely delicious vegan banana/blueberry bread I made last night but sadly my camera is being a butt head. So I'm just going to tell you how awesome it was: It was WAY awesome. I have to boast about this...I'm usually the world's worst cook. I'm going to eat it with my tea for a rainy afternoon snack! I wish I could share...


Love you guys!

*EDIT* My camera is back to normal now! So here is the photo:

I'm Alive!!

After investigating a few different options, I've decided the easiest way to continue blogging is to keep this blog and just change the name. So life should be easy for you guys. Now I just have to come up with something that isn't cheesy or too long...

I've also decided to make this blog public again since the whole reason I made it private is over now. So hello world. I've missed you.

There really isn't much to update you all on honestly. It's been so relaxing and wonderful being home. Florida is fantastic; I love the storms every night (lighting!!), I love the heat and I LOVE being with my family. So in a nut shell: I am happy.

In other news, I am redecorating my room. As soon as it's done I'm going to post before and after photos. My oldest friend Ann (I've known her since pre-school and both her grandmother and mother taught me in elementary school) came over and helped me re-paint the walls a greyish white. That's all I'm saying right now. The suspense!! I know!!

I also am VERY sun burnt from going to the beach yesterday. Ouch. Next time I'll be better about sun screen, it's really crazy how fast you get burnt here.

On another (and less interesting) front, I'm working out EVERY day (but Sunday...I do Wii fit that day). It's amazing how much better you feel after an hour or so of moving. God really created us to be active! So my schedule goes like this: Monday--Run four miles with mom and Auntie Berts (who is an AWESOME person. She's not really my aunt but a really close friend of moms. She's the one who is into macrobiotics...but more on that later.) Or Spin class. Tuesday: Yoga class and 45 minutes on the elliptical. Wednesday: Spin class. The instructor at 5AM is INSANE. I seriously haven't sweat that much EVER. But if I go to the 8:45AM class instead it's a little more low key. Thursdays: Yoga and elliptical again. Friday: Spin class. Saturday: Long distance run!! The first week I did it I was SO sore, but now I really just feel great. I'm working toward running a half-marathon in October.

I'm also getting into macrobiotics and I think that's helping me with energy too. Pretty much right now I'm only eating whole grains (Barley, quinoa, oats, etc.), lean proteins (tofu, fish, chicken) and tons of fruits and veggies. I've already almost lost 10 pounds! Auntie Berts is showing me the macrobiotic ropes (it's a little complicated sometimes, you have to use things like shoyu and umeboshi, which I had NO clue about).

So that is my update! I know it's not that exciting but I decided when I came home I was in body boot camp, and my parents are being awesome and letting me not have a job while I fix myself. It's going to take a while, but I'm on my way!!

Love you all!

***EDIT***

I've decided on a name! Angelina on Stage was my FAVORITE book growing up (I hope you all got to read it) and Angelina is also my great-grandmother's name and my middle name. So there you go! Sorry about the offensive bright pink in the background. I had to do it.

Out of the Big Apple

So...I guess this is the end of this blog since I am no longer taking any bites out of the big apple. It's a bitter sweet feeling...but, to be honest, mostly sweet.

I'll be sure to let you all know where my new blog will be.

Until then here is an update on my new life:

1) I have a second interview for my editing position at Three Stars Media tomorrow. The first one was an online assessment test which was both really easy and very time consuming.

2) I am re-doing my room. I'll be sure to post photos.

3) It's SO nice to be home. SO NICE.

Love!!

And that's the end of that...

THE BOXES ARE SENT!! I'm going home in THREE DAYS!!!