Oh brother...it has been WAY TOO LONG since I updated this. Apologies aren't even where I should start. Since my last post, life hasn't changed as much, however it has become way too much fun. I am pretty sure I haven't had this good of a time since I was in college where I had an IV of Jagermeister in my arm at all times.
Instead of telling you every detail of my life, I decided to provide you with a soundtrack/video collection to the past year of not only my life but some things I found funny. OH this is like a VH1 wrap up of a year. The Best of 2011.
WARNING: This will be long but I hope entertaining and insightful.
1. I graduated from a lot of things: Graduate School (though that happened in 2010 but whatever), Second City Conservatory, iO Training Center, and from taking shots at bars. The last one isn't as in stone as the others, but I feel like I have done better at not going straight for the Jager when I enter a bar. To celebrate all of this, listen to Vitamin C (see below) and remember that Mr. Jager and I will be friends forever even though we haven't seen each other in a couple of months. On a more serious note, both iO and Second City were wonderful experiences in which I met some amazing people and friends. (I hope at this point you are watching the video and are at around 3:40 and picture me singing on those bleachers. Ugh I always wanted to be in a music video).
2. Osama Bin Laden was killed. Before you get mad at me, I do not think this is funny nor did I celebrate in the streets. I found the whole experience to be very surreal. I was a senior in high school when September 11th happened, and I remember having an overwhelming feeling of fear, sadness, and anxiety. Now, 10 years later those feelings have subsided,his death brought about a fear of what we do not know. It reminded me of how aware I became at 17, when I realized that life was not a safe bubble of Friday night football games and school dances. Rather, life was a series of highs and lows, all of which are unexpected and, some times, terrifying. I was performing in an improv show when news broke of his death. As I exited the stage, the host announced the following, "Wow guys, that was Norma Rae. Man they were funny. But what's probably going to be what you remember about tonight is the that while those ladies were performing, the United States killed Osama Bin Laden. Ok back to the funnies..." As I heard the words, I thought it was a rumor. There was no way that he was dead. As I sat through the next show, I simmered in thoughts of what this meant for our world now. What was next? How would things changed? I am not sure those questions have been answered, but like September 11th, I will never forget where I was when I heard the news.
3. On a lighter note, back to what makes all girls tick. LOVE! For all romantic decisions, I turn to Robyn to tell me how to feel. SHE KNOWS ME SO WELL! I mean people she released the JAM "Show Me Love" back in the late 90s--when I still wore my hair in a ponytail and dreamed that Rider Strong would quit playing Shawn on Boy Meets World, move to Gainesville, GA and go to Freshman Homecoming with me, but I digress. Robyn cuts me to the core. If you would like a song collection of the past 8 months of my romantic life, click on the link below and then listen to any and all Robyn jams you can. *NOTE--my romantic life is in no way as exciting as Robyn's songs. Most of it has consisted of me crushing on a boy that is either emotionally unavailable, has no idea I exist, or is in the cast of Days of our Lives. However, listening to Robyn has taught me how I would handle a boy throwing himself at me. Gentlemen--I AM PREPARED let the courting begin.
4. Y'all I WAS IN A YOUTUBE VIDEO! Now, my role was small but remember there are no small parts, only bad lighting and baby powder that is supposed to look like gray hair. See below. I hear you Mr. Academy Award--I will start writing my speech now.
5. I tried my first "At Home" workout. I did kick boxing. I looked like....a white girl trying to do kick boxing. It was ugly. I normally stick to running or not-so-complicated machines at the gym. I like to call the stair master, treadmill, and light weight area my safe zone at the XSport. I don't feel like an idiot when I am there, and I don't get upset when some over excited-too skinny woman out performs me. I got bold this winter (actually, I got lazy and didn't want to walk out in the cold). I did an ONDemand kick boxing session. I will never make this mistake again for several reasons: 1. I started making fun of myself 2. The trainer on the video was sweating like a pig 2 minutes in--um hi, aren't you the professional? Lock that sweat up lady! 3. I developed a complex on my coordination and all around athletic ability. On the up side, I could totally battle in a street fight that involved other uncoordinated white girls--I AM THE WORLD'S GREATEST! (See video below)
6. If you haven't noticed until now, I figured out how to use YouTube!! (editor's note: Becca sort of figured out youtube. I, her brother, had to edit this post to embed the youtube videos, so that you, the reader could watch them here instead of copying and pasting links). Yes, I am 27 and I know how to use the internets (editor's note: Becca sort-of knows how to use the internets), yet I still can't spell/use appropriate grammar conventions. I have used this new knowledge to look up old theme songs from the sappy teen shows I watched when I was younger. (and possibly still watch because I have the complete DVD collection--Dawson's Creek was a WONDERFUL show and I still stand strong that Season 3 was the best!) Below are links to two different shows that I LOVED. The first, California Dreams, a show about a couple of upper class California teens that had a garage band. They had it rough on the tough streets of Santa Barbara. Shocking that I was in love with the leather wearing, motorcycle riding, "bad" boy. I am sorry guys, I have and will always be a Dylan McKay and Pacey Witter kind of lady. The second, A Different World, that I attest was one of the best shows of the late 80s/early 90s. And yes I was in love with Dwayne Wayne. Guys, he had FLIP GLASSES! Furthermore, SINBAD, Jada Pickett, and most of the Cosby cast made appearances on this show! Other notable shows you should YouTube to remind yourself of their awesomeness: Perfect Strangers, Growing Pains, Blossom, Charles in Charge, and Head of the Class. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ART OF A GOOD THEME SONG GUYS?????
These are just a few highlights and they don't even begin to really describe the past 8 months. What I will say is that I am in a really good place and truly enjoying life. Yes there have been disappointments--with myself, experiences, and people. However, even with all of that, I still feel that I have a rich life that is only going to get better. USA!!!
Let's hope I can keep updating!
Taubel--OUT!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
92 dream team presents!
Check it out and then tell people to come to the show. We are really excited about this run. More importantly, we are donating any box office earnings to The Peterson Family. Laughing for a good cause...aint that fun!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
'92 Dream Team
For those of you in the Chicago area please come to this!! It will be the jam I promise!!
Check out videos at: http://92dreamteam.blogspot.com/
And then follow on twitter: @92DreamTeamChi
Week 3--I'm Starting With The Man in The Mirror
Week 3 STATS:
Alcoholic Beverages--3 (WE WILL TALK DON'T FREAK OUT YET!!)
Weight Loss--3lbs
Boys asking me on ridiculously awesome dates (or any kind of dates):0
Annoying drunk girls that remind me what not to do when I hop off the wagon in April: 9,999,999.
Ok so let's get straight to the explanation of why I fell off the wagon. No one feels more disappointed about this than me. I had 3 miller lites after my Second City class. We had a rough time in class and everyone was feeling down, so we decided beer and scategories would help. I stayed strong as long as I could but I just wasn't strong enough. (head begins to hang in shame) Looking back, it was a silly reason to fall off the wagon but I was in good company and I almost won scategories! We got the letter B in round 2, and I dominated!!! I am back on the wagon and had a sober filled weekend.
On to STAT #2--BOOYA!! 3lbs! Take that Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and WORLD! (fist pump in the air as Tom Petty's American Girl starts playing).
There is no reason in talking about STAT 3 because it will only make us all feel uncomfortable.
STAT 4--Listen ladies, you are neither cut nor sexy when your mascara is down your face and you are stumbling in those high heels that you thought made your legs look so freakin awesome. (Oh god I feel as though I need Doc's DeLorean Time Machine to talk to old Becca about her 3am drunken confidence. I would also use it to make Marty McFly fall in love with me, but I digress). I was apart of a wicked dance party that lasted until 3am--side note, said dance party included a choreographed dance and some sick robot moves--I was on FIRE! On my trek home I had to walk through the adult frat party that is Wrigleyville. (Clark St at 3am is a comedy show just writing itself). It was an ugly sight for many reasons, but mostly because I saw what I used to looked like at 3am. It was not pretty (cue MJ's Man in the Mirror). I saw a girl throw up, another try to make out with a homeless man, and one lady singing a horrible version of Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now." However, the lady that took home the gold last night was the one that was crying, screaming about why her boyfriend was a "dick," and drinking a clear beverage, all while wobbling in the middle of the street with her dress almost to her chin. This was annoying on several levels--1. It is still cold here in Chi-Town because Spring likes to be an ass. Therefore, her short dress was unnecessary and the reason that American girls get a bad name. Furthermore, I think she missed the memo that it was a dress and not a skanky shirt. 2.I get that your boyfriend is probably a tool that likes drinking jager more than he likes talking to you, but you yelling in the street is making the rest of us understand why he likes to go to loud bars when you are around--the loud music makes it seem like you are just trying to have a conversation, and if you break through that barrier he can get hammered and pretend he likes you. 3. Lock it up with those tears. Us ladies already have a tough time with shows like the Jersey Shore, we don't you making us look like emotional basket cases. (yeah I know most of us are, but we should at least put up a front like we can hold it together.) So keep your tears to yourself until you are in the comforts of your own home and have a best friend that will tell you what you want to hear, "he is just intimidated that you are such a strong and independent woman."
All this is to say, when it is time to step back into the world of social drinking, I will take a couple precautions: 1. I will avoid short dresses and high heels--I already do that but last night was a reminder that while they look great at 8pm, but 3am we look like we are trying to pull a Julia Roberts (please pick up on the Pretty Woman reference). 2. Tequila will not be allowed as it makes me emotional, and I never want to cry in public. That girl looked like someone had killed her cat in front of her. 3.Wrigleyville makes everyone a tool bag, therefore, I will not be allowed to drink in that area. Boystown here I come.
All and all this weekend was a nice reminder of what not to do when drinking. I already feel better about myself--and yes it was because others made asses of themselves. Yeah yeah I get that I am being judgmental blah blah blah.
Taubel--OUT!
I have included a link to MJ's "Man in The Mirror," it is the best video I could find. This is a jam!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNgdpla_5Nw&feature=related
Alcoholic Beverages--3 (WE WILL TALK DON'T FREAK OUT YET!!)
Weight Loss--3lbs
Boys asking me on ridiculously awesome dates (or any kind of dates):0
Annoying drunk girls that remind me what not to do when I hop off the wagon in April: 9,999,999.
Ok so let's get straight to the explanation of why I fell off the wagon. No one feels more disappointed about this than me. I had 3 miller lites after my Second City class. We had a rough time in class and everyone was feeling down, so we decided beer and scategories would help. I stayed strong as long as I could but I just wasn't strong enough. (head begins to hang in shame) Looking back, it was a silly reason to fall off the wagon but I was in good company and I almost won scategories! We got the letter B in round 2, and I dominated!!! I am back on the wagon and had a sober filled weekend.
On to STAT #2--BOOYA!! 3lbs! Take that Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and WORLD! (fist pump in the air as Tom Petty's American Girl starts playing).
There is no reason in talking about STAT 3 because it will only make us all feel uncomfortable.
STAT 4--Listen ladies, you are neither cut nor sexy when your mascara is down your face and you are stumbling in those high heels that you thought made your legs look so freakin awesome. (Oh god I feel as though I need Doc's DeLorean Time Machine to talk to old Becca about her 3am drunken confidence. I would also use it to make Marty McFly fall in love with me, but I digress). I was apart of a wicked dance party that lasted until 3am--side note, said dance party included a choreographed dance and some sick robot moves--I was on FIRE! On my trek home I had to walk through the adult frat party that is Wrigleyville. (Clark St at 3am is a comedy show just writing itself). It was an ugly sight for many reasons, but mostly because I saw what I used to looked like at 3am. It was not pretty (cue MJ's Man in the Mirror). I saw a girl throw up, another try to make out with a homeless man, and one lady singing a horrible version of Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now." However, the lady that took home the gold last night was the one that was crying, screaming about why her boyfriend was a "dick," and drinking a clear beverage, all while wobbling in the middle of the street with her dress almost to her chin. This was annoying on several levels--1. It is still cold here in Chi-Town because Spring likes to be an ass. Therefore, her short dress was unnecessary and the reason that American girls get a bad name. Furthermore, I think she missed the memo that it was a dress and not a skanky shirt. 2.I get that your boyfriend is probably a tool that likes drinking jager more than he likes talking to you, but you yelling in the street is making the rest of us understand why he likes to go to loud bars when you are around--the loud music makes it seem like you are just trying to have a conversation, and if you break through that barrier he can get hammered and pretend he likes you. 3. Lock it up with those tears. Us ladies already have a tough time with shows like the Jersey Shore, we don't you making us look like emotional basket cases. (yeah I know most of us are, but we should at least put up a front like we can hold it together.) So keep your tears to yourself until you are in the comforts of your own home and have a best friend that will tell you what you want to hear, "he is just intimidated that you are such a strong and independent woman."
All this is to say, when it is time to step back into the world of social drinking, I will take a couple precautions: 1. I will avoid short dresses and high heels--I already do that but last night was a reminder that while they look great at 8pm, but 3am we look like we are trying to pull a Julia Roberts (please pick up on the Pretty Woman reference). 2. Tequila will not be allowed as it makes me emotional, and I never want to cry in public. That girl looked like someone had killed her cat in front of her. 3.Wrigleyville makes everyone a tool bag, therefore, I will not be allowed to drink in that area. Boystown here I come.
All and all this weekend was a nice reminder of what not to do when drinking. I already feel better about myself--and yes it was because others made asses of themselves. Yeah yeah I get that I am being judgmental blah blah blah.
Taubel--OUT!
I have included a link to MJ's "Man in The Mirror," it is the best video I could find. This is a jam!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNgdpla_5Nw&feature=related
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Week 2--Green Beer and Skinny Bias
STATS:
Alcoholic Beverages:0
Weight Loss:0
Boys asking me on ridiculously awesome dates (or any kind of dates):0
As you can see from above I am not all that exciting this week. However, I will mention how interesting this little experiment has been. The city of Chicago celebrated St. Patrick's Day this week. Actually, they started last Saturday and continued until about 2 hours ago. Giving up drinking was especially hard this week. Green Beer PEOPLE--GREEN BEER was everywhere. As a part of the celebration, Chicago pubs dye their beer green and then proceed to make asses of themselves by getting belligerently drunk. As a person that LOVES theme parties, theme drinks, theme anything, refusing to partake in green beer was heartbreaking. (Yes I realize that with my last statement I have solidified that I have a problem...if the giving up drinking didn't solidify it for you in earlier posts).
When I set out on this little adventure (I have to use words like adventure because it makes it seem more exciting, in reality it is what normal people do), I thought that I would loose some weight and feel great. As you can see above, I have not lost a single pound. (throws fists in the air and shouts "curses"). For the past 2 weeks, I have been hitting the gym, eating healthy, and listening to Enya. I realize that the weight isn't just going to fly off, but give me something here. 1lb or even .5lbs. Which brings me to my next rant, scale policy at the gym. Bare with me guys, sober Becca is a bit sassy. When you weigh as much as a wet New York Times, you are not and I repeat, YOU ARE NOT allowed to weigh yourself in public. It is like a big F YOU to anyone of normal size. Furthermore, do not stand behind someone as the weigh in--we already hate the number that is about to appear, we don't need you behind us reminding us that there is always someone smaller in the world.
Yesterday, I was weighing in and a little bit was behind me waiting for the scale. Let's take a minute to talk about why I already disliked this bitty. 1. The gym towel not only fit around her Natalie Black Swan Portman body but it wrapped around twice. This same towel looks like it could be a bib on me. 2. She was wearing a hot pink gym outfit, yes OUTFIT. There was a matching head band and socks! Let's just take a picture of you and put you on the cover of Richard Simmons next Sweatin to the Oldies mix. 3.She had this outfit on with the towel wrapped around her. Maybe the towel was supposed to add to her out fit. So I am weighing in and she stands right behind me to wait for the scale. Um hi, I realize that I weigh like 3 of you, but you do not need to be present for this. Why don't you float over to the snack bar and ask for the whole left side of the menu. After I stepped off the scale, she bounced on it and then shook her head in disbelief. I thought she wasn't expecting such a low number, but I was wrong. She threw her hands in the air and said, "5lbs. I gained 5lbs." I was about to high five her and congratulate her on being a real person, but she was not excited by this. Apparently, skinny mcgee was trying to loose weight. Which brings me to my next issue, if you are too skinny you are not allowed to complain about gaining weight. I get it, we all are allowed to have qualms with our bodies, yadda yadda, everyone has their own issues, but I am sorry, you are skinny and pretty I don't feel bad for you.
I am going to continue with my healthy ways in the hopes that the coming weeks will yield some results. I also have hopes that I will have some sober funny stories for you. So far, sober awkward Becca has escaped hilarious social situations. Fingers crossed this wont become a habit.
Updates coming next week!
Taubel--OUT!
Alcoholic Beverages:0
Weight Loss:0
Boys asking me on ridiculously awesome dates (or any kind of dates):0
As you can see from above I am not all that exciting this week. However, I will mention how interesting this little experiment has been. The city of Chicago celebrated St. Patrick's Day this week. Actually, they started last Saturday and continued until about 2 hours ago. Giving up drinking was especially hard this week. Green Beer PEOPLE--GREEN BEER was everywhere. As a part of the celebration, Chicago pubs dye their beer green and then proceed to make asses of themselves by getting belligerently drunk. As a person that LOVES theme parties, theme drinks, theme anything, refusing to partake in green beer was heartbreaking. (Yes I realize that with my last statement I have solidified that I have a problem...if the giving up drinking didn't solidify it for you in earlier posts).
When I set out on this little adventure (I have to use words like adventure because it makes it seem more exciting, in reality it is what normal people do), I thought that I would loose some weight and feel great. As you can see above, I have not lost a single pound. (throws fists in the air and shouts "curses"). For the past 2 weeks, I have been hitting the gym, eating healthy, and listening to Enya. I realize that the weight isn't just going to fly off, but give me something here. 1lb or even .5lbs. Which brings me to my next rant, scale policy at the gym. Bare with me guys, sober Becca is a bit sassy. When you weigh as much as a wet New York Times, you are not and I repeat, YOU ARE NOT allowed to weigh yourself in public. It is like a big F YOU to anyone of normal size. Furthermore, do not stand behind someone as the weigh in--we already hate the number that is about to appear, we don't need you behind us reminding us that there is always someone smaller in the world.
Yesterday, I was weighing in and a little bit was behind me waiting for the scale. Let's take a minute to talk about why I already disliked this bitty. 1. The gym towel not only fit around her Natalie Black Swan Portman body but it wrapped around twice. This same towel looks like it could be a bib on me. 2. She was wearing a hot pink gym outfit, yes OUTFIT. There was a matching head band and socks! Let's just take a picture of you and put you on the cover of Richard Simmons next Sweatin to the Oldies mix. 3.She had this outfit on with the towel wrapped around her. Maybe the towel was supposed to add to her out fit. So I am weighing in and she stands right behind me to wait for the scale. Um hi, I realize that I weigh like 3 of you, but you do not need to be present for this. Why don't you float over to the snack bar and ask for the whole left side of the menu. After I stepped off the scale, she bounced on it and then shook her head in disbelief. I thought she wasn't expecting such a low number, but I was wrong. She threw her hands in the air and said, "5lbs. I gained 5lbs." I was about to high five her and congratulate her on being a real person, but she was not excited by this. Apparently, skinny mcgee was trying to loose weight. Which brings me to my next issue, if you are too skinny you are not allowed to complain about gaining weight. I get it, we all are allowed to have qualms with our bodies, yadda yadda, everyone has their own issues, but I am sorry, you are skinny and pretty I don't feel bad for you.
I am going to continue with my healthy ways in the hopes that the coming weeks will yield some results. I also have hopes that I will have some sober funny stories for you. So far, sober awkward Becca has escaped hilarious social situations. Fingers crossed this wont become a habit.
Updates coming next week!
Taubel--OUT!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
46 Days without Booze
Readers--This post is a little more serious than others but it is to set up a series that I am sure will make you giggle.
Four years ago, I was miserable to say the least. I was extremely over weight, unhappy, and trying to figure out what to do with my life. I went on a 2 week jaunt through Europe in the hopes I would find what could make me happy. I recently read the journal I kept during that trip--boy was that depressing. It made the Diary of Anne Frank look uplifting. In one entry I wrote, "I am hoping that I return home with the ability to make myself happy. I hope I find something or someone that will make me come alive again, as I feel as though I have lost a lot of what used to be me." (Cue horrible Gavin DeGraw song) When I returned home, I uploaded my pictures and was appalled at what I saw. For the first time, I saw what I felt the whole year before, I was HUGE. I remember sitting on my couch in DC and making a promise to myself, that I would never again look that way. And so began the journey of getting in shape and loosing weight. I dropped 20lbs that first summer and ran my first half marathon by the fall. It was the first time in my life that I made a goal for myself and truly stuck to it. Flash forward 4 years, I am still not where I want to be as far as my physical appearance, but I feel like a better person. I have lost a significant amount of weight, run 3 half marathons, and am pursuing what truly makes me happy. For all that know me--I am living the dream. I say all of this to not only give you some back story, but to remind myself that I can do something when I put my mind to it.
We are in the beginning of Lent season-the time where certain religious types identify a material need and promise to "give it up" for 46 days. In my opinion many that honor this season, don't do it to show how much they love and follow the Lord, but rather to prove to themselves that there is a difference between needs and wants. For some, it is not about the religious reasons but rather personal growth. I have always had the best of intentions to give something up for Lent, but never seem to do it. This year is different....
Pretty much all of you know me, and know that I enjoy friends, comedy, and social drinking. Last week, I was talking with a friend about our social drinking habits. We came to then conclusion, that Winter in Chicago=boozefest. It is the only way to keep warm!! Sparked by this realization and the inspiration from a mutual friend, we decided that we would honor Lent this year by giving up drinking. Yes, you read correctly....I am giving up alcohol for 46 days. Starting from last Wednesday and ending on Easter Sunday.
I am sure many of you are already laughing and shaking your heads, but here I am on a Sunday morning not hung over, blogging about serious life changes, and drinking a grande coffee (not for the aide but for the taste). I made it through this first weekend with out a drop of alcohol. And no, I didn't avoid bars and social drinking situations. In fact, on both Friday and Saturday night I went out with friends and sipped on diet coke and water. (I was going to go for the Shirley Temple, but I didn't want to get too crazy).
This weekend was not a tough one to get through, as I realized that life here is not all that hard. In the wake of the horrible tragedy happening in Japan right now, I came to the conclusion that 46 days with out drinking was nothing. There are far worse things that could happen.
For the next 41 days (5 down already), I have made a promise to myself to become a better me. I am pretty sure that if I could keep a promise much like this 4 years ago, the happy Becca can keep this simple and easy promise now.
What will you get out of it? Well every Sunday I will write a re-cap of the week that was. I am hoping that there will be some good stories about temptation, other drunks, and what the heck people do when they aren't drinking.
So raise your glass (I hope you are not drinking this early on a Sunday) and wish me good luck!
Taubel--OUT!
Four years ago, I was miserable to say the least. I was extremely over weight, unhappy, and trying to figure out what to do with my life. I went on a 2 week jaunt through Europe in the hopes I would find what could make me happy. I recently read the journal I kept during that trip--boy was that depressing. It made the Diary of Anne Frank look uplifting. In one entry I wrote, "I am hoping that I return home with the ability to make myself happy. I hope I find something or someone that will make me come alive again, as I feel as though I have lost a lot of what used to be me." (Cue horrible Gavin DeGraw song) When I returned home, I uploaded my pictures and was appalled at what I saw. For the first time, I saw what I felt the whole year before, I was HUGE. I remember sitting on my couch in DC and making a promise to myself, that I would never again look that way. And so began the journey of getting in shape and loosing weight. I dropped 20lbs that first summer and ran my first half marathon by the fall. It was the first time in my life that I made a goal for myself and truly stuck to it. Flash forward 4 years, I am still not where I want to be as far as my physical appearance, but I feel like a better person. I have lost a significant amount of weight, run 3 half marathons, and am pursuing what truly makes me happy. For all that know me--I am living the dream. I say all of this to not only give you some back story, but to remind myself that I can do something when I put my mind to it.
We are in the beginning of Lent season-the time where certain religious types identify a material need and promise to "give it up" for 46 days. In my opinion many that honor this season, don't do it to show how much they love and follow the Lord, but rather to prove to themselves that there is a difference between needs and wants. For some, it is not about the religious reasons but rather personal growth. I have always had the best of intentions to give something up for Lent, but never seem to do it. This year is different....
Pretty much all of you know me, and know that I enjoy friends, comedy, and social drinking. Last week, I was talking with a friend about our social drinking habits. We came to then conclusion, that Winter in Chicago=boozefest. It is the only way to keep warm!! Sparked by this realization and the inspiration from a mutual friend, we decided that we would honor Lent this year by giving up drinking. Yes, you read correctly....I am giving up alcohol for 46 days. Starting from last Wednesday and ending on Easter Sunday.
I am sure many of you are already laughing and shaking your heads, but here I am on a Sunday morning not hung over, blogging about serious life changes, and drinking a grande coffee (not for the aide but for the taste). I made it through this first weekend with out a drop of alcohol. And no, I didn't avoid bars and social drinking situations. In fact, on both Friday and Saturday night I went out with friends and sipped on diet coke and water. (I was going to go for the Shirley Temple, but I didn't want to get too crazy).
This weekend was not a tough one to get through, as I realized that life here is not all that hard. In the wake of the horrible tragedy happening in Japan right now, I came to the conclusion that 46 days with out drinking was nothing. There are far worse things that could happen.
For the next 41 days (5 down already), I have made a promise to myself to become a better me. I am pretty sure that if I could keep a promise much like this 4 years ago, the happy Becca can keep this simple and easy promise now.
What will you get out of it? Well every Sunday I will write a re-cap of the week that was. I am hoping that there will be some good stories about temptation, other drunks, and what the heck people do when they aren't drinking.
So raise your glass (I hope you are not drinking this early on a Sunday) and wish me good luck!
Taubel--OUT!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Snow, Snow and More Snow
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is snowing in Chicago and it hasn't stopped for 2 days. I am not sure how to deal with all of this. There are some snow mounds that are taller than me. There are some snow mounds that have covered cars. There are some snow mounds that look as though they need a bath and a call to weight watchers. Pause-for your fake laughter at my unfunny joke.
It was so bad on Tuesday evening, that motorist left their vehicles stranded on a major road because it was projected they would spend 14 hrs in their car due to accidents and weather. THAT IS SOME SNOW!
There have been some pluses to this increase in snow, and true to form, I am detailing them below. Enjoy!
1. Chicago Public Schools called off school for the first time in 11 years, and I got 2 snow days. I have spent the last 2 days doing laundry, cleaning, writing sketches, and of course drinking. Sigh--just when you think I am becoming an adult. It has been AWESOME to have no responsibilities or obligations. I could totally go for this life...ah the life of a teenager. Coming from Georgia, I was surprised that snow days were not all that common here. In the south, if there is a hint of snow, everything shuts down, and the local store is sold out of bread and milk. Why these two items--I am not sure. What the hell are you going to make with just milk and bread? And furthermore, Georgia, in what universe will you be trapped for more than 1 day? And if you were, milk and toast for 2 days sounds horrible. I did no such preparation for this storm, matter of fact, all I had in my fridge was old pizza, frosting, yogurt and wine (we will get to this in #2). So take note Georgians, you can make it too!
2. Speaking of wine, the last two days have allowed me to catch up on some much needed wine tasting. And by wine tasting I mean, finding the cheapest bottles at the corner liquor store. The man that owns this liquor store stayed open through out the blizzard. 2 points--Man who owns the liquor store! I was 1 of about 12 people in the store on Tuesday. See in Chicago, we stock up on things that are useful--Alcohol. I made the milk and bread joke to the owner as I slammed my 4 bottles on the counter. "Who needs milk and bread when you got the important things. Am I right?" He looked confused--maybe it was my delivery, the unfunny joke, or again, buying milk and bread in a storm makes NO SENSE! I proceeded to ask if everyone was buying a lot of booze to make it through. His response, "People are buying some alcohol. Not as much as you, but yes they are buying some." My response, "Listen bud, I don't know how long I am going to be trapped." His response, "I think you will be out by Wednesday night and if not, the wine won't solve all your problems." I just got iced by the liquor store guy, but maybe is tough love approach was right...alcohol can't cure everything. Or can it?
3. Now I am not completely a lush with no sense of what is good for my body and soul. Yesterday, I attempted to go out in the snow. I was headed to the gym--2 Points Taubel! I missed my bus, so in the spirit of being healthy and fit, I decided to walk there--2 Points snow! I felt like I was in the Legends of the Hidden Temple set and at any moment one of those warriors was going to jump out and try to kill my purple barracuda ass. For serious, I am pretty sure, had Ethan Hawk been there, we would have done a remake of Alive and the final assent to find rescue. By the time I got to the gym, I lost about 10lbs, feeling in my face, and my sanity.
So that has been my 2011 Blizzard experience. It has been full of memories and life lessons. Tomorrow it is back to school, where my room will be discussing the importance of snow boots and survival techniques.
Taubel--OUT!
It is snowing in Chicago and it hasn't stopped for 2 days. I am not sure how to deal with all of this. There are some snow mounds that are taller than me. There are some snow mounds that have covered cars. There are some snow mounds that look as though they need a bath and a call to weight watchers. Pause-for your fake laughter at my unfunny joke.
It was so bad on Tuesday evening, that motorist left their vehicles stranded on a major road because it was projected they would spend 14 hrs in their car due to accidents and weather. THAT IS SOME SNOW!
There have been some pluses to this increase in snow, and true to form, I am detailing them below. Enjoy!
1. Chicago Public Schools called off school for the first time in 11 years, and I got 2 snow days. I have spent the last 2 days doing laundry, cleaning, writing sketches, and of course drinking. Sigh--just when you think I am becoming an adult. It has been AWESOME to have no responsibilities or obligations. I could totally go for this life...ah the life of a teenager. Coming from Georgia, I was surprised that snow days were not all that common here. In the south, if there is a hint of snow, everything shuts down, and the local store is sold out of bread and milk. Why these two items--I am not sure. What the hell are you going to make with just milk and bread? And furthermore, Georgia, in what universe will you be trapped for more than 1 day? And if you were, milk and toast for 2 days sounds horrible. I did no such preparation for this storm, matter of fact, all I had in my fridge was old pizza, frosting, yogurt and wine (we will get to this in #2). So take note Georgians, you can make it too!
2. Speaking of wine, the last two days have allowed me to catch up on some much needed wine tasting. And by wine tasting I mean, finding the cheapest bottles at the corner liquor store. The man that owns this liquor store stayed open through out the blizzard. 2 points--Man who owns the liquor store! I was 1 of about 12 people in the store on Tuesday. See in Chicago, we stock up on things that are useful--Alcohol. I made the milk and bread joke to the owner as I slammed my 4 bottles on the counter. "Who needs milk and bread when you got the important things. Am I right?" He looked confused--maybe it was my delivery, the unfunny joke, or again, buying milk and bread in a storm makes NO SENSE! I proceeded to ask if everyone was buying a lot of booze to make it through. His response, "People are buying some alcohol. Not as much as you, but yes they are buying some." My response, "Listen bud, I don't know how long I am going to be trapped." His response, "I think you will be out by Wednesday night and if not, the wine won't solve all your problems." I just got iced by the liquor store guy, but maybe is tough love approach was right...alcohol can't cure everything. Or can it?
3. Now I am not completely a lush with no sense of what is good for my body and soul. Yesterday, I attempted to go out in the snow. I was headed to the gym--2 Points Taubel! I missed my bus, so in the spirit of being healthy and fit, I decided to walk there--2 Points snow! I felt like I was in the Legends of the Hidden Temple set and at any moment one of those warriors was going to jump out and try to kill my purple barracuda ass. For serious, I am pretty sure, had Ethan Hawk been there, we would have done a remake of Alive and the final assent to find rescue. By the time I got to the gym, I lost about 10lbs, feeling in my face, and my sanity.
So that has been my 2011 Blizzard experience. It has been full of memories and life lessons. Tomorrow it is back to school, where my room will be discussing the importance of snow boots and survival techniques.
Taubel--OUT!
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