Rain, Rain Go Away

'Le List' for a Rainy Day

1. 
   
   Mood: Sleepy, dreamy---I didn't want to get out of my warm bed and walk outside in the damp, dark, cold to the bus this morning.


2. 
   
   Has a commercial ever brought you to tears? I've always had a soft spot for the holiday Coca-Cola and Campbells Soup commercials.


3. 
   
   Something you've lost and would like to get back? The sapphire from the ring my parents gave me when I was 14. It fell off my ring a few months ago, and my finger has never felt the same.


4. 
   
   When was the last time you thanked someone with a kiss? Last night when Jeff brought home acorn squash soup from work for dinner and mashed sweet potatoes for my lunch today.


5. 
   
   3 good things about your life right now? I've got the love of my life, a beautiful apartment and we have two good, new jobs :)


6. 
   
   What store would you like to see open in your town? A Peoples Market (and preferrably NOT in East Liberty/Shadyside with the rest of the nice grocery stores...and all-day traffic)


7. 
   
   If you were a type of makeup, what would you be? I'd be a tube of YSL red lipstick, of course.


8. 
   
   First trip on an airplane? To Jamaica with my youth group for a missions' trip in 10th grade


9. 
   
   3 songs that remind you of different times of your life? 1) 'Bye Bye Bye' - *NSYNC, singing/dancing with my friends at middle school dances; 2) 'Let It Be' - The Beatles, singing with my mom in the car; 3) 'Mine' -Taylor Swift, when I first started dating Jeff and to this day...It's our song <3


10. 
    
    Weekly Goals: Make it through the 70+ degree Thurs-Tues filled with doctor appointments
    

I Finally Met My Match with the GMAT

This morning was my GMAT exam. It was the last step in my application process for grad school and my MBA. I've applied to Pitt, Duquesne, Robert Morris and Point Park. Although I had not studied as much as the GMAT Test Prep suggested, I never studied as much as the Test Prep guides or teachers suggested. Even without proper test preparation, I always received an adequate score---and usually an above average score at that. Today, the GMAT defied all tried-and-true logic that allowed me to believe I did not need to prepare as suggested or that I was an exception to the rules. I have finally met my match in a standardized test.

I am kind of glad it happened. I was overly confident and arrogant, and if there is anything I cannot stand is an overly confident and arrogant person. What I enjoy in equally the same fashion is that same confident and arrogant person meeting his or her match and realizing their faults. For all of my life, which I realize is not that long, I have thought that I was immune to the pressures of exams. Yes, I sweat with the hard ones and prepare for the ones on subject I struggle with, such as statistics or supply chain management. But, standardized tests are a different ballpark, in my opinion. Instead of focusing on one subject or a series of chapters in one book, standardized tests gather information from everywhere and anywhere.

I have always believed that "You either got it, or you don't" when it comes to standardized tests. The tests I took all through K-12 public school always revealed me in the top percentiles for language and reading and above average in math and science. The SATs were similar. I didn't study a single book or study guide for the SAT and performed as I always have in standardized tests. I was a little surprised, honestly, but at the same time I was not at all shocked. I expected my results, whether I studied or not.

The GMAT was a whole different story. I did study! I took the diagnostic test over a month ago and scored above average in all areas. In fact, in one section, I only missed one question. I scored with a little less sparkle in the quantitative section, so I focused on that test prep booklet when studying. However, as I have been feeling "not my self" lately, I haven't studied as much as I had originally planned. Instead, most nights this past month I've come home from work and gone right to sleep. So, many would assume that I was doomed to score worse on the actual GMAT than I did on the diagnostic exam because of the distraction of being sick. At least, Jeff has told me that I couldn't help my score feeling as I have lately. And, to a point, I agree with him. But, what if my arrogance had something to do with my unexpected score more than my health?

Although I went into the exam knowing I was not prepared and wouldn't score as high as I believed I could, I did not expect to do worse than the pre-test. I believed what has always worked for me in standardized tests---my Kool-Aid, or my immunity to the stressors of such a test---would work for me again.

It didn't work!

And now, I am humbled to admit that I think I'll have to enroll in a GMAT Prep class and take the exam again in a few months. I am still submitting my completed applications, as I still feel I have a chance to get into the schools I've applied to and I have excellent recommendations and qualifications, but I may have to re-apply for the Fall semester.

Maybe I am overreacting to my estimated score or underestimating the power packed in my applications, recommendations, resume, GMAT essays and admissions essays. That's possible. But, it's easy for me to believe that might be too optimistic.

Instead of optimism, I think I will be enjoying the rest of this chilly, rainy Fall evening with a cup of tea and some humble pie.

(Well, really, I'll probably eating some Greek yogurt and berries, but you know what I am trying to say.)

My 24th Birthday

This past weekend was a relaxing, fun time with the ones I love. We celebrated Jeff's new job, ate Mexican food with a party of 15+, cheered the Steelers on to butt-kicking victory and spent the evening with family last night.

Today, it is the actual day of my birth. I was born to Frank and Dot Harnett on this day, 24 years ago, at 9:34 a.m. I weighed 5lbs. 14oz., 19 1/2 ins. long and was born 2 weeks late. Today, 24 years later, I am spending my birthday with my one true love, relaxing and enjoying each other with so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in the near and distant future.

Here is what is on the agenda for today:




Our 1st Pumpkin Spice Lattes of the season at Starbucks




The Lion King 3D (OMG!!! Jeff has never seen it!)




Thai food at our favorite spot, Nicky's Thai Kitchen in Verona, and to stick with the fall theme, I plan on ordering their pumpkin curry with chicken along with a pot of their Tom Kha soup.




And, to finish the night, Jeff is making my favorite dessert, Bananas Foster with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato. This will be inevitably followed with absurd amounts of smiles, cuddles and XOXOs, as we watch our evening TV choices.

These have been a very eventful first 24 years. Here's to the next 'eventful' 24 years and many, many more!

I am so excited :)

You Have Bad Days...and Good Days?

So, yesterday was a bad day.

Now, my morning bus picks me up in Oakmont around 6:23am every day, and I usually get to town by 7:15am. That gives me 10-15 minutes to walk from Fifth Ave. to my office on First Ave. I usually like to run a few errands during those few minutes, and some rough mornings require a trip to Crazy Mocha.

--->I have been avoiding Starbucks like the plague since Pumpkin Spice Lattes came back a few weeks ago. I LOVE THEM! It is honestly something I look forward to every year, and stupidly, I made Jeff a promise that we'd have our first Pumpkin Spice Lattes of the year together on our next day off work. BIG MISTAKE! We're planning to wait until my birthday (Monday) to go to Starbucks for a coffee date before seeing The Lion King 3D movie. I am so excited for Monday! But, needless to say, I've been very good at keeping my word in this promise. I don't even linger at the Starbucks door, hoping to catch a whiff of Pumpkin Spice or see the glossy marketing visual of this fabulous Mecca of coffee drinks. I just look and walk the other way with a pout on my face.

So yesterday morning, my normal routine was interrupted. My bus goes up Grant St. from Liberty Ave. when it gets Downtown. We go right by the Federal Building, Steel Tower, Courthouse and Greyhound Bus Station every morning. That morning, all four of those buildings experienced some drama to say the very least.

Apparently, a passenger of one of the Greyhound buses yesterday morning got off their bus and pressed a fire alarm. She was already on the radar with this action, and it wasn't even 7 a.m. Secondly, there was a 'suspicious bag' left near the courthouse. Or, was it the Federal Building? I don't think the media really nailed that detail down officially. And third, there was another 'suspicious bag' left "somewhere" on Third Street.

Pittsburgh, in all of its hopes to become the next big news story (but never quite achieves that goal), had Grant St. blocked off from Liberty Ave. to Seventh Ave. with a total of eight police cars. There were also officers on patrol outside the Federal Building, turning pedestrians to walk away or on the other side of the road. Cars were backed up all across town, even all the way to the Liberty Bridge on the opposite side of town. Yay for rush hour delays being delayed.

Officers on foot. Check.

Fire truck. Check.

Two ambulances. Check.

Two bomb squad trucks. Check.

Sheriff van. Check.

So my little Oakmont Flyer bus turned up Liberty Ave. and detoured to Seventh from Strawberry St. in a total of 15 minutes worth of traffic jams. Finally the bus started letting passengers off on Grant St., but stopped letting people off right before my stop. We sat on Grant St. for another 5-8 minutes before turning down Fifth Ave. and skipping my usual bus stop. Instead, I finally got off the bus on Wood Street, left to walk 9 blocks in the rain, skipping my errands and being about 7 minutes late to work.

SO NOT THE WAY TO START ANY DAY!

Later, Pittsburgh unraveled this 'gripping' story. The bomb squad never detonated the bags, instead they just unzipped them. It turned out they were both bags of the same woman that set off the fire alarms at the Greyhound station earlier in the morning. It also turned out that the bags just contained clothes and various toiletries. Fabulous. I wish they had blown them up so she could be inconvenienced, just like half of the morning rush hour.

So, the rest of the day was pretty average and slow at work. My stomach was killing me from eating pasta and a chocolate chip cookie for dinner all night and continued into the next day. Work was dull, to say the least. And the sky was gray and unhappy too.

At 4 p.m. I left work and started my walk to my bus stop on Fifth Ave., only to wait an extra 15 minutes for my late bus. Not even three blocks up the street, my bus driver pulls over and calls his boss that some lights starting flashing on our bus and it was 'about to break down.' A crazy woman was knocking on the door to let her on (or something), but it wasn't a bus stop.

Crazy Pittsburghers are out in abundance today!

My bus driver decided to 'risk it' and keep driving as normal, but the by the time we got on the East Busway, he pulled over and turned into the garage. We had to get on a new bus and get a full bus situated again. More delays...

I got home 35 minutes later than usual, and I was feeling sick. And, in general, I wasn't a happy camper. My Facebook status when I got home was actually "So let's cross September 15, 2011 off the calendar forever starting now. And the rest of this past damn week :)" and I meant every word of it.

I ended my bad mood by saying "Today was a bad day" and hoped for a good day soon.

My good day came sooner than I expected.

This morning, I woke up after a really good night of sleep. My 3 mile run and uphill walk definitely rocked my to sleep by 9 p.m. and I was more than thankful for it this morning. I wasn't even craving coffee until I left work! I had tea instead.

So, today's morning commute was a lot smoother and I got into town with plenty of time to spare to start my morning routine and get to work early. I stopped by Crazy Mocha, even though I knew I didn't 'need' coffee today. I wanted to get a chai tea soy latte. While I was in line, another lady walked up in line and smiled at me. I smiled back.

"Did you already pay for your coffee?" She asked me.

"No, not yet..." I said, thinking maybe she was in a huge hurry or something.

"Don't. It's on me," she said with another excited smile. She showed me a BOGO Crazy Mocha coupon.

"Well, I'm not getting coffee. Does it still work? Are you sure you don't want to save that?" I asked, shocked.

"Nope. It's on me. Please, let me. I hope you have a great weekend."

And with that, she shooed me away from the barista and espresso machine, counter and assorted pastries.

When does that happen anymore? I try to do the right thing and always make a point to do good deeds, hoping someday I'll receive a good deed in return. But, I never honestly expect to get a return of kindness from a stranger. I was blown away and so thankful. It was exactly the boost I needed to get me to work and have a fantastic last day before a long weekend with Jeff for our birthdays. Work was the last thing I wanted to do yesterday, and after that act of kindness, I had a fabulous day at work.

This weekend is full of exciting parties and events, and this week has been the longest week of my life (Or at least since the week before the cruise to Bermuda in August). I hate feeling distracted or under-motivated at work. I love to do my best every day and excel. So, it killed me even more to have such bad, slow and impatient days all week. Sometimes you need something totally unexpected---Like a good deed from a stranger---to knock a new perspective into you. Today went by fast, and I rarely felt tired. I felt accomplished leaving work.

Jeff's last day at Gullifty's is today, and they're throwing him a going away party after work tonight. We're both going, and it should be a nice, relaxed time. Tomorrow is our joint birthday party, eating yummy Mexican food and drinking margaritas with friends. Sunday is Steelers Sunday. And, Monday we both have off from work and we'll be seeing The Lion King 3D, drinking Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes at lunch and eating Nicky's Thai Kitchen and Banana's Foster for my birthday dinner. Things look so much brighter than they did just yesterday, and I can't help but think how important it is to maintain perspective, no matter how 'lame' the day or week may seem. I may not have a party every night to look forward to, but I have a bunch of things to be thankful for every night. With that, I am getting ready to go on a run in my new (birthday gift to myself) running shoes. They're lime green and turquoise, and I am obsessed with them.

My perspective has done a 180 in less than 24 hours. When was the last time you received a good deed or gave an act of kindness that caused this to happen in your life? I'd love to hear.

Have a beautiful weekend, loves.

XOXO

Has It Really Been 4 Months?

Yes.

And I am so sorry for such a lull in my blog. But, more importantly, has it really been 1 year since my post about my first 4 years in Pittsburgh?

Yes.

So, let me get this straight. It has been 4 months since my last blog. It has been a year since I celebrated my 4th Anniversary with Pittsburgh. And, it has been 5 years since I moved to Pittsburgh for the first time.

WOW! Isn't that crazy?

I could fit a lot into this one blog, believe me. I could take this post in millions of directions, at dozens of angles each. I could talk about Pittsburgh. I could talk about living on my own and finding myself in the city over the last 5 years. I could talk about the last 4 months finishing P90X(!) and going on a cruise to Bermuda with the love of my life. And, I bet it would be a very long post. I know I don't have the energy to type it all out because I know you certainly don't have the energy to read that much. I think I just need to become more diligent with my posts. That would eliminate the problem altogether. Unfortunately, the Internet in my apartment somehow doesn't want to cooperate with me despite paying an obscene amount of money every month for it.

Maybe not obscene. Maybe just a little ridiculous.

But, don't worry. This doesn't mean I will leave you all hanging without a bit of an interesting story.

Why have a blog, right?

So, let's begin...

PNC

Work is going exceptionally well. It has been just over 3 months with the bank, and I have to say I am definitely exceeding goals, as well as expectations. Who would think a former retail sales trainer at a cosmetics store would hack it in the corporate banking industry with no experience? My boss is impressed, at least. I've also been chosen to join a committee to help provide user feedback in training modules, as well as help create and write training material. So exciting! And, I joined a young professional's networking group in the company and will be running Pittsburgh's Great Race at the end of September with PNC. It'll be my first marathon, so I thought a 5k would be a smart choice.

P90X

I took the 90-day challenge to a "sexier" body after seeing a dozen infomercials, reading a bunch of reviews, and hearing from a few friends. It was one of the most grueling things I have ever done---Of course, 18 credits senior year in college while working over 40 hours a week in retail during holiday shopping and finals week kinda blows everybody out of the water in that contest. I will say, it was the most physically grueling 90 days of my life. It made swim team look like lying on the couch with potato chips, watching Teen Mom on Mtv. It made running 2-3 miles a day in August look like a bubble bath.

It kicked my ass.

I will give a brief review of P90X. It is NOT a weight loss program. If you are trying to lose weight and shed some serious pounds, this is not the program for you, especially if you are a woman. Even the lean options will not shed the pounds. I went into this program hoping to get into bikini-shape for Bermuda. And, I accomplished my goal. But I wasn't totally satisfied with the results in my waistline or the scale. Now, I did see a shrinking of the waist, chest, legs and hips in a very apparent way. But, if I had a goal to lose 10 lbs., it wasn't happening. Luckily, I didn't have that goal. I wanted to LOOK better. I didn't care about numbers. What P90X did for me was teach me more discipline than I could have imagined. 1-1.5 hours per day is a lot to dedicate to a workout DVD during the Summer. P90X also got me in shape to enhance my running performance. I toned my back and chest more than I ever have. Arms and legs look like they did when I was swimming competitively an hour a day. But, this was my first step in my weight loss program. Now, I need to shed some belly fat that I picked up on the cruise ship (GRR) and get ready for the marathon. Step 3 will be to maintain my results.

Bermuda

Bermuda was beautiful. Duh.

Jeff and I took a 5-day cruise to Bermuda from Baltimore, MD for our friends' wedding. They got married on the ship before we set sail, and then it was party time the rest of the trip. I did the makeup and the hair for the bridal party, and despite some bumps along the way, the wedding was beautiful and I couldn't be happier for the couple. Jeff and I got 9 days off (including the weekends) from our jobs to relax with friends, eat good food, hang out by the pool, drink cocktails and just enjoy each other. I think what I liked the most about our vacation was that we didn't have to be anywhere at a certain time, or call someone to do something or get something. We just did what we wanted. And swimming in the coves of Bermuda was exactly something we wanted to do. We are so lucky that we got to do that so young and early in our relationship. It's 10 months now...Going strong.

My MBA

I am in the process of getting ready to take the GMAT exam. I bought the books and set up an appointment for October 1st, just in time to get my results to the schools in time for the Spring 2012 Semester. I hope, at least. If not, I'll try for the Summer. I plan on applying to Pitt, Robert Morris University and Point Park. I normally would completely dismiss going to the same school for my grad degree as the school I got my undergrad from, but it's my safety school. Plus, if I go, I save $50/credit with my alumni status. So, that could be incentive... Honestly, I want to go back to the classroom and be invigorated. And, Point Park may not be the best choice for me in that sense, although it will only take a year. I am leaning toward Pitt just for the sheer education and experience. It is pricier and longer than the other two programs, but I have a feeling it has the most to offer for my career. Anyhow...the whole process is still a process. I'll keep you posted. Studying is not going to be fun, but neither was P90X.

So, those snapshots should be enough to get you up-to-date on the most important things in my life at the moment. Obviously, I didn't write a paragraph about Jeffrey, but I think that I would be just adding to the nauseam. I was reading the last few posts since I met him, and although I wouldn't change a single word of any of them, I can't help but say:

"Oye, Em. Stop it. You're gonna make yourself vomit."

But, I will let you know he is cute and wonderful. He's the love of my life. And we are so happy together.

Month 10 feels like Day 1.

Thank you all for reading after so many months. I'm not on Facebook until my Internet gets fixed, but I'll try to post on here more often.

XOXO

Everything Has Changed

This weekend is mine and Jeff's six month anniversary. We met six months ago. I used to always hear stories, and still do, about when people meet each other everything in their world turns upside down or everything changes. I have one of those stories.

When I first met Jeff, I was still working and going to school full time, living in an overpriced and tiny apartment near a bad part of town, taking the bus and obviously hoping for the stars after graduation. The first date was amazing, and the second date lasted for 7 days. I wore very little makeup, stayed up until 4am every night with him, watching TV and talking...I barely had the urge to wash my face without having him by my side!

It was ridiculous.

To this day, we are still pretty much in the same I-can't-eat-without-hearing-about-your-drive-to-work boat even six months later. We are crazy! But, now, I think we can function in society and be productive also. We spend so much time seeing each other and talking, but he's working both jobs and I have so much on plate too. It's the perfect blend of my crazy life and my crazy love.

Now, seriously, just look at all of the things that has changed in the past six months:

1. Got a boyfriend (obviously)

Yes, I got a boyfriend. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so lucky. At this very minute, I am waiting for him to come home from work. I will jump off the couch and run up to him like a little kid, jumping up and down and giggling with kisses like I do every night when he comes through the door. Yep. I am crazy about this kid.

2. Graduated college


I finished school, graduated with honors and now will be walking into the business world with confidence. I didn't think I'd want to walk at graduation, especially since Point Park doesn't do a Fall commencement. But, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to celebrate ALL OF THIS WORK with the people I love the most. So what if I have to wear a stupid black potato sack and cardboard card on my head? Dinner will be fabulous, and so will all of those Facebook pictures!

3. Mode of transportation

I got a car. I will be taking the bus to work, but my car has changed a lot of things in my daily life. I leased a 2011 Honda Civic LX. I can now buy canned goods and V8 juice at the grocery store and not have to carry them home in a few trips a week! Not only that, I can get things done and see people a lot easier. I am so thankful for this.

4. Living situation

Instead of living by myself in a tiny apartment on a street between Friendship and East Liberty, I am living in a lovely 2-bedroom apartment with my boyfriend in Oakmont. I live in the quaintest, cutest neighborhood. I have the small town feel that I grew up with and love, with the quick commute to the city life that is so deep in my soul. I will always be a city girl, but I appreciate living by the river and seeing the trees change with each season. I just get a good feeling waking up in the morning and driving home from work.

5. New friends

I have met amazing new friends, and still grab drinks with my old friends. I have the best friends ever, and I wouldn't trade a single one of them for anything.

6. New furniture/everything in the house

I sold my old furniture because the yellow and pink roses on the antique furniture wasn't quite fitting with a 28-year-old male's bachelor pad. Trust me, there was no compromising these two tastes without starting from scratch. I am in the process of buying new furniture and apartment things for our new home. Our tastes go together more and more each day...That is a good sign, I think?

7. And now...A new career!

And now...I am starting a new career with PNC Bank next Monday. I will be working with corporate loans at the operations center in Downtown Pittsburgh. I get to be one of "those" people Downtown with a suit on with a pair of sneakers, running for the bus on Fifth Avenue at 5:01pm during rush hour. Life is too good to me!

HOLY CRAP!

I have never been so grateful or aware of the many blessings in my life. I have so much to be excited for, and I cannot wait to see where this road leads me.

Wish me luck! Oh, and what is something that has changed in your life this year? I'd love to hear it.

Xoxo

All Good Things

I love driving with the windows down on a long, winding road with the music blasting and wearing my sunglasses.

You know, life is full of good things. Sometimes when something scary, tragic or just plain awful happens, it is hard to see the silver lining. Sometimes you need someone to point it out for you.

So, my boyfriend, Jeff, is a cancer survivor. This week he was in the hospital as a precaution due to results from his most recent CT scan. I suppose it is better to have overly cautious doctors and nurses as opposed to not cautious enough, but it turned out to be a long three-day vacation at UPMC Shadyside for ultimately nothing as far as procedure or testing.

Jeff is fine!

Although his body has been to hell and back, and then again...and again...He is a super trooper and is already back to working both jobs. Go figure.

But, after all of this week's detours and potholes, I couldn't help but see the Allegheny River in all of its calmness and the sun shining from behind the clouds while on the road. At work one day this week, after Jeff had come home from the hospital, Nancy introduced me to a client of hers as "her hero, Emily". She has done that a few times in the past, but they had been while I was still in school. To see that I am still inspiring one person, although I am not a full-time student and full-time employee, plus everything else, it kind of took me by surprise.

Sometimes you need to be surprised.

We had a really tough week.

We will hardly see each other next week.

But, we love each other, and that is the most beautiful "good thing" there is.

To all the good things...

Sunday Has Always Been My Favorite Day of the Week.

Growing up, Sundays meant a full day of friends, family, food and church. Sundays started early and ended late. I would sing for one of two church services, have lunch with family and friends, help clean the church, have band practice, sing for one of two night services, and go home late to a cozy couch, snacks, and TV with my family.

Sigh.

Since moving to Pittsburgh, Sundays have turned into another day of the work week or days to catch up on homework, bills, cleaning, projects or sleep. Instead of being a day of the "feel good" basics of life, Sunday has not been too special for me.

And I've missed that.

Things are changing.

Tomorrow, I will wake up and drive out to Moon Township to sing for the second service at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. I will then drive home, fill up my gas tank (WAH!), and come home to nap and eat brunch with my sweetheart.

Whew.

This isn't every Sunday, but it is so nice when it happens. There are no words to express how thankful I am for a Sunday to myself, my loved ones and church.

This week's bonus is Jeff is off work too! Jeff tells me we are doing absolutely NOTHING tomorrow but cuddle and eat on the couch.

I can't wait.

Feed Your Soul

Chicken soup.

Sleeping-in on a rainy day.

Taking the long way home, just to see the scenery.

A good book.

We all have our "things" that warm our souls, make us feel good, feed us in a way that we feel butterflies down to our toes. These are the most beautiful moments in life, in my opinion. Nutrition is about feeding all aspects of our being, I think. My tummy needs lean proteins and greens. My brain needs numbers to crunch. My soul needs those deep-down, sugary moments to myself.

Today I began thinking of what these moments are like. It was a rainy, lazy Saturday. Although I worked, I felt very indulgent in how I went about my day.

I went to work early to walk a little slower from my car in the rain. I twirled my big umbrella the whole way.

On my lunch break, instead of getting lunch, I ordered a much-craved iced venti soy latte from Starbucks and walked the extra two-and-a-half blocks in the rain to get it.

When I got home, I decided to cuddle with my dog on the couch, watching The Food Network. It was a Chopped Champions marathon, though. No-brainer there.

And, for one more indulgence, I sang in the shower late at night. This is something I have done while living the single life in the city (Oh, 3 months ago?) every Saturday night, without fail. This included the nights I came home after midnight! I trust my former neighbors do not miss me for this reason :)

Needless to say, I indulged today. And, as you can tell, that does not mean I spent the day sleeping in, watching girlie movies, eating Hostess cakes and potato chips. But, believe me folks, I have been known to do this AND enjoy these days, too. Though, today, I indulged in a way only I would understand.

And that is how it should be for you.

So, my question for you tonight is this...

What is it that feeds your soul? What are those deep-down, sugary moments that you take for yourself that make you feel butterflies down to your toes?

For me, it's singing in the shower in the middle of a rainy night.

It feels good to get back in touch with these feelings. Is it time for you to take a moment and feed your soul?

Trust me. It isn't as stupid as it sounds.

Being a Big Kid

Hola and long time no see :)

I've missed you all, and a lot has changed in my life over the last few months. I don't plan on babbling on about how wonderful my life is and how much it has changed. The important changes include: my college degree (with honors), my (chef) boyfriend and our lovely apartment in Oakmont, and my first car, a 2011 Honda Civic.

Yes, I rock.

So, you should all be aware of these important changes. And believe me, they are all great things and I am extremely thankful for each and every blessing. However, that is not what this post is all about today.

Nope.

Today, I have a couple of new revelations I would like to explore with you.

Since finishing my degree in December, my days off work are actually days off now. As I write this blog, I am laying on my couch, drinking coffee, and watching TV in my pajamas on a Monday at noon. Aside from snow days in college (yeah, right), or being sick from work, I have not had a day like this in almost four years. Since I finished school, I have been laptop-less due to a horrible virus. And, now that my laptop is back after two months on its death bed, I have a place to place my newfound thoughts.

Before, life was hard because I had no time to do everything I wanted to in a day. I was in class for 13-hour days, followed by four hours of homework at home. I worked five---sometimes six---days a week. I also sang at church on Sunday mornings. On top of all of that, I had to fit my gym time, bills, friends and life into my...life.

Now, I work five days a week. I still sometimes sing at church when I am off work on Sundays. But, other than the daily grind, I have no projects due, research assignments, final exams or midterms to obsess over and plan. This gives me a lot of time---And I do not know what to do! It's almost like learning how to live life again. If my dad came to Pittsburgh with a bike with training wheels to teach me how to ride it with my arms on the pedals rather than my feet, it would be the same feeling. I am learning how to live my life again. I am learning to ride a bike.

So what shall I do with all of this time, do you ask?

Hopefully, something soon!

My mind is scattered with ideas. I have researched everything from taking the GMAT Exam for when I (eventually) get my MBA to antiques to refinish for my apartment. I have nothing to show for either of these thoughts, though.

This is where you come in.

Who has the winning idea? I would like you all to tell me what you think I should do with my time. These can be completely serious, like studying for the GMAT, or completely spontaneous, like raising an ant farm or learning how to knit. Really, guys, I am all for your ideas! Tell me what you think.

Until then, I will continue to update my blog and make sense of my scattered thoughts. I am beginning to wonder if this is when most women either go batty with weird ideas for funky stores in South Side and Bloomfield, or they start to have lots of children, dogs or birds.

Hit the Road, Jack

I would love to just pack up a truck, take a long weekend and drive out into some mountaintops nearby but just far enough away to feel like my own little world. I would make sure to grab plenty to eat, a toothbrush, and my sneakers. Anything more than that would need to be negotiated or put back on the shelf.

I would want to hike up the mountain---Whichever mountain that may be---and come to a spot where you can see the beautiful colors of Fall, how the world can just go on and on and the effortless way we all work together in seamless and never-ending harmony.

Yes, we all have our moments. But the world buzzes with continuity. I've seen it before in a small, everyday kind of scale.

I would hike and go for walks and jogs around some lake on this unknown mountain morning, noon and night. I wouldn't mind fishing, but I would need someone to teach me. Hunting? I don't know if I could get to that point, but I wouldn't mind shooting some guns at a target.

I've actually never fished before, which is hard to believe, considering I am from Central PA. Central PA schools have In-Service Days at the beginning of any hunting/fishing/outdoorsy opening day.

I'd like to figure out how to make coffee without electricity. That would be interesting.

I'd like to make dinner over a fire. Very interesting.

'Smores every night! Heavenly.

How long would I be there? I don't know. Where do I plan to go? I don't know. When am I planning this trip? I don't know.

That is the point.

I am awake at 1am on a Monday night. I have a 14-hour work and school day tomorrow that starts in less than six hours. My mind is racing, and I would love nothing more than to pack up a truck and drive to some mountain, for some amount of time.

Delirious, much? I might need some Benadryl.

Does Your Breakfast Make You Amazing?

I was watching a commercial yesterday morning as I was getting ready for work. I was watching the news and drinking my morning coffee. I also made oatmeal for breakfast, and I always swirl peanut butter in my oatmeal and let it melt. First off, it's delish. I like how it tastes, and I am all for the extra protein and a little healthy fat.

Yes, healthy fat.

The commercial was for Quaker Oatmeal, so I was totally relating to the commercial from the beginning. Talking about making healthy choices in the morning and throughout the day is something of normalcy today for adults. For children, we want their breakfast to fuel them for the tough day at school with bullies and long division. So, naturally, oatmeal that makes you "amazing" and a superhero would appeal to a kid in a different way than sugary cereals with superhero cartoons. This commercial is meant to appeal to children, but it really made me think.

Low-carb. Low-fat. Low-calorie. Low-sodium.

Sugar-free. Fat-free.

Whole wheat. Antioxidants. Organic.

In diet fads-past, diets were all about excluding and banning whole food groups or types of foods or nutrients altogether. Today, it's all about what you're putting in your body. I think a healthy diet should marry the two ideas together.

Let me explain.

So, there is definitely something to be said for eating salmon, soy milk, blueberries and artichokes. There is also definitely something to be said for not eating Ho-Ho's, Haagen-Dazs, Cheetos and Mountain Dew. The evidence is there. If you eat the good things, and don't eat the bad things, your health will be better than if you did the opposite.

Duh.

However, there is definitely something wrong with the mentality of cutting things out and only eating certain foods. That messes with the mind and the diet is difficult to stick to, live with, and continue.

I remember when "Skinny Bitch" came to bookstores. A few of my friends love the book, and still, to this day, live by the book. That's awesome! But, my biggest problem with this book (And, I do have a lot of problems with this book!) is that it discriminates and yells at you in a way that doesn't encourage a lifestyle, although that is the authors' intention. By being edgy and trendy, this book goes about dieting in the wrong way.

Milk is not the enemy.

Meat is not the enemy.

Sugar is not the enemy.

The way we think of these hands-off foods is in jeopardy, and that is the enemy.

Think about it.

If we are drinking a glass of skim milk, we ARE NOT drinking Mountain Dew. If we are eating a grilled chicken breast, we ARE NOT eating Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. If we are treating ourselves to a (serving size-appropriate) cup of ice cream at the end of a long week, we ARE NOT binging on an entire birthday cake after a month of restrictive dieting.

Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, South Beach and other diet programs all serve their purposes. They provide a framework and plan for those who would otherwise not stick to a diet. However, when it comes to a lifestyle of healthy eating, it shouldn't be about what we are eating or what we are not eating. Instead, it should be about the choices we make about the food we eat throughout our day. These choices include what we choose to eat in place of what we would eat otherwise.

OK, I am off of my soap box.

But, next time you think about going on some new diet, hoping that "THIS IS THE ANSWER" to all of your weight issues, I'd like you to ask yourself this question every time you are about to eat:

"Does my breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack make me AMAZING?"

My 4th Year Anniversary

It's true. My current relationship is officially my longest relationship.

As of August 26, 2010, I have had a serious relationship with the city of Pittsburgh. I moved to the 'Burgh on August 26, 2006, as an incoming freshman print journalism student at Point Park University. I had a pixie-style hair cut with black low lights and a new nose ring. A lot has changed, and I have been thinking about these changes more and more over the last month.

Since I moved to Pittsburgh, these things have changed:

- My hair is halfway down my back, curly and back to my natural red color.
- I am graduating from Point Park University with a B.S. in Business Management.
- I have no nose ring, nor a scar from my former piercing.
- I am now a size 0/2, and when I moved here I was a size 12.
- I got a breast reduction, equal to 3-5 pounds removed.
- I am now the EE/In-store Trainer at Sephora Shadyside, and when I moved to Pittsburgh I had never been to or heard of a Sephora.
- I am single, but in a very healthy dating relationship at the moment. 'Just dating' wasn't a concept I understood in 2006.
- I have so many new and unique friends! I can't imagine my life without you guys!
- I have grown very close to my grandparents since moving here, and I am so thankful for every moment I spend with them.

There are many more changes I have made, and this list could go on for hours. If you're really curious, you can ask me in person. But, overall, I have become more aware of myself and my own actions in the world around me. I am more aware of my attitude and my actions, as well as more aware of the impact I can have either positive or negative with the people I encounter. I have overcome a lot of heartbreak and financial hardships, but I have learned so much about myself and how strong I really am. I am a fighter, and I never thought of myself like that with complete certainty. The world can throw its worst at me, and I feel totally prepared to take it down brick-by-brick. I look at my apartment, my education, my career and friends, and I am so proud of everything I have created. I am completely responsible for everything I have done here. And, I am so proud of it all.

These 4 years have been the most important in my life to date. I can't wait to see what the next 4 years and beyond have in store for me. Pittsburgh, you have taught me a lot and will always be in my heart. Thank you for your hospitality.

So, does anyone else have a sappy love for Pittsburgh? Or, maybe you just have something you'd like to share that has changed in your life over the last few years, or even since yesterday? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you.

To celebrate my 4 years in Pittsburgh, upon the visit of my cousins from California, I had my very first Primanti Bros. sandwich. I am officially a Pittsburgher, I think.

It's Been A Long Time Comin'

Hola folks!

I know it's been a long time since we last had a chat. Some of you have pointed this out to me on a few occasions, and I am finally hear to respond to your requests! Yes, I am here to write a blog today.

Get excited!

So, what exactly have I been up to the last month-and-a-half you ask?

Good question. I have a long answer. So hold onto your hats!

OK, so I had an icky breakup right before I wrote my last post. That wasn't too fun, but I'm definitely not dwelling on it. Luckily for me, Sephora sent me to Sephora University and Corporate Headquarters in San Francisco the nine days following the breakup.

And, it was AHH-MAZING!!!

In true Emily-style, I took the shitty cards I was dealt in my life and made them the fuel for my success. Train the Trainer July 2010 in San Francisco was a wonderful, life-changing experience that I am still incredibly grateful for and will always remember. I learned so much, not just about training, coaching and managing staff, but also about myself. I learned that what I do as a 22-year-old almost-college graduate is not what all 22-year-old almost-college graduates do. I do amazing things every single day. Anything I have accomplished in my life is attributed to myself and the people around me. I am truly blessed, and I have many more exciting things to come down the road.

So, in San Francisco, I met great people. I ate the best food of my life to date. I wore some fierce suits and a really slick ponytail. And, I officially became a traveling businesswoman.

Whoo hoo!

When I came home, however, there was little time to be excited. I had to give (yet another) presentation for my macroeconomics class just two days after getting back on the East Coast. I turned in my final paper and took my final exam also.

Done.

When that was done, I realized I was three weeks away from school starting again. I only had to work! I was excited. I was beyond jazzed. I couldn't stand my excitement.

Then I got sick.

The last two-and-a-half weeks have been spent either on the couch, in the doctor's office, or at work in pain. I suffered from a bladder infection that was restricting the blood flow and oxygen to my kidneys. I still have not heard all of the details of my infection, but it was painful and very scary. There were a few nights I wasn't sure if I would be okay. Lots of pressure, nausea, pain, and medication. I was popping pills every four hours and on antibiotics for about two weeks. I feel much better now, but I haven't had this much discomfort in my life, aside from my breast reduction last summer.

Summers seem to be good luck for me.

Anyhow, my doctor saw me for two hours the day we decided this infection was more than what we originally thought. Kidney stones, cystitis of the bladder, infection, anatomically irregular. These are all good terms to throw at an otherwise-healthy 22-year-old woman. Needless to say, I have not been myself and I have not been feeling well at all since I returned from the West Coast. I am feeling much better now. I do not need any painkillers or antibiotics anymore, and I have been eating more every day.

I have my follow-up appointment with my doctor on Friday. I am extremely curious.

This brings us to this week. This week has been terrible and wonderful at the same time and in very different ways. I have had a pool of downright nasty clients this week. Nasty, rude, condescending, ungrateful and mean.

All of the above.

That's enough to dampen any good feelings toward the day. I've also had a few bumps this week in attempts to get ready for school starting this Saturday. My air conditioner has leaked all over my wall and it is starting to mold. HH Properties does not seem too concerned by this fact. I swear I will flip a lid if they try and charge me when I move out in December for the water damage to the wall.

I have called them three times about this situation in the last few months.

But, a few good things have made me stop and smile this week. Bekah is back from Costa Rica, so I get to see her soon and catch up on her travels. My cousins are coming to visit from California tomorrow. Even if it's just for the night, it will be a nice end to an eventful and tough Summer. I have also had a few successes at work recently and in my love life. No further details until otherwise indicated, folks. I have learned my lessons about blogging while dating the hard way!

OK, so school starts on Saturday morning. Yes, Saturday morning. I have four classes this semester, and then I will be a college graduate! I have to be in class four days a week while maintaining a full workload, but I will keep you all informed and up-to-date as best I can during this semester.

I am more than 100% positive that I will have plenty of not-so perfect life experiences in my last semester, so please stay tuned!

Oh, and I can't wait until my first pumpkin spice latte of the new season. Just giddy.

Loud And Clear

I've never had a blog before, so I am still learning the censorship of it all. I'm still learning what I can write and what I can get away with as a blogger. I've already made a huge mistake on here. But, the lesson has been clearly and quickly learned. I apologize for any ill emotions caused by anything I have said on here thus far.

I aim to be a writer in some professional capacity in my career. This was a valuable lesson to learn, and I can only go from here. I just wish it wasn't such a hurtful and frustrating process.

But, then again, when has anything you've wanted badly been easy to get?

I remember when I was seven years old, wanting an American Girl doll so badly. Starting in the summer that year, my mom gave me an empty coffee tin of her International Delights amaretto coffee to save my money in until Christmas. I had the option to save all or part of my allowance each week. I also had the option to do more chores to earn more money.

This was my first checking account, in a sense. Or, maybe it was a savings account. I think that was the intention of my mom, but I did withdraw from the tin every once in a while. You know, if there was a new candy at Gardner's Candies, or a new collection of POGs at Wal-Mart. It depended on my mood each week. Candy and POGs were equally awesome at that point in my life.

Either way, at the end of the year, whether I got my American Girl doll or not was up to me, and only me. I was motivated by this challenge and the sense of responsibility. I loved that coffee tin. I loved pay day. I love seeing money grow and make things happen.

Being a business major, I guess not much has changed.

So, I worked really hard in that five month period. I dusted the house so many times. I cleaned the bathroom. I made my bed every day. I kept the floor in my room pretty clear most days. I set the table for dinner. It was a process, a daily process, but I didn't mind it for the most part.

I liked the challenge.

And, sure enough, Christmas morning came on December 25th, as it does every year. And, although I knew I had given my all, there was still a bit of doubt in the back of my mind, making me think my American Girl doll was not under the Christmas tree that morning.

She was, though, and she was beautiful. I loved to change her clothes and play with her hair every day. I named her Lindsey. She was so cool.

I learned a lot that year. I learned about money and the value of a dollar. I learned about working hard and working toward a goal. I learned that I like a challenge and I handle responsibility very well, even at a young age. And, today, 15 years later, I see that everything requires hard work, responsibility, and the drive to meet the challenge. It doesn't come easy, whatever it is you are aiming to get.

I gave this a strong effort, and I still have questions. I feel a bit cheated and used. But, I'm okay. I've learned a lot here. But, I also am reminded that everything is a process. I need to realize that not everybody realizes this hard, true fact.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have had a fantastic mother, with an International Delights amaretto coffee tin to encourage a work ethic and a self-disciplining conscience.

Nope.

And now, today, I need to learn how to deal with that part of the population that have not learned these valuable lessons yet.

It sucks.

Hiccups Are Embarassing

So, I live in Friendship and work in Shadyside. It would be ridiculous to drive to and from work everyday, especially since parking on Walnut Street is horrendous and impossible. I would probably drive two minutes, park, and walk another half-dozen blocks to work.

Oh, and I don't have a car.

Needless to say, I walk to work everyday. Rain or shine. And it is mostly a good thing. The days that are really hot or really cold, or raining really hard, I really don't enjoy walking to work. But, for the most part, it keeps my legs fit. So I am happy about that.

A few days ago, I was on my way to work for an afternoon shift. I had already gone for a run and then successfully finished 6 cups of coffee, at this point.

Unfortunately for me, and this has haunted me since birth, when my stomach is too full of air, it really can't come out in one, exclamatory burp. For me, even when my mom burped me, I would start to hiccup. These hiccups can last and recur throughout the course of an entire day. I could hiccup initially for about 10 minutes, be fine, and then two hours later start hiccuping again.

How annoying, right?

Well, this day, because of the running and the coffee and the walking rather fast, I had hiccups off and on the entire morning. And my walk to work was no exception. I am so used to this hiccuping disease by now, I can control them and usually stop them fairly easily.

Today, my hiccups were winning.

So, I am walking across the East Busway on South Negley Avenue after six blocks of tiny, manageable hiccups. At the light, I stop and let out this HUGE hiccup.

I think I jumped.

And, luckily, no one heard it---Or, so I thought.

As I begin across the crosswalk, a mid-40's blonde woman with sunglasses, a business skirt suit on, tights, and white Nike sneakers starts coming across the crosswalk from the other side. As we walk by each other and get closer, she just smiles and turns her head downward, tilting slightly to the side.

"Aww, it's okay dear."

She seemed to feel sorry for me.

I was mortified!

It was one of those expressions that makes you want to crawl underneath your bed with a stuffed animal and cry. I reminded me of a thunderstorm with my little sister when we were seven and three.

You would think horrifying me with this expression would scare the hiccups out of my system, or so the old wives' tale would say.

Nope.

I had hiccups the rest of the day.

Just try putting mascara and liquid eyeliner on a woman six inches taller than you, while standing up with chronic hiccups.

I Am A Horrible Writer

It's been five---technically, six---days since my last blog.

I officially have a boyfriend.

I am going to San Francisco with Sephora to try out to be a trainer.

And as of 19 minutes ago, my baby sister is 19 years old. She also moved in with her fiance this week to their new apartment.

Yet, I have no desire to write about any of this. I have no strength or brain to put to any one of these events or any stories from the last five days.

I am far from speechless, but I have absolutely nothing to write.

I am a horrible writer.

Slicing Red Onions Made Me Cry And Then I Rubbed Them With My Fingers

I am a genius.

Tonight after work, I made panzanella for the 4th of July picnic tomorrow night. It's a delicious traditional Italian bread salad, and it is so easy to make. I made my own version, though. I combined bread, tomatoes, red onion, hot banana pepper rings, green and kalamata olives, garlic, EVOO and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. It's marinating over night in the refrigerator. Yum-o!

Unfortunately for me, though. I was slicing the red onion and my eyes really started to sting and water. That typically doesn't happen for me when I slice onion, so I guess this one was particularly pungent. Luckily, Bekah loves onion. If she could eat onions like apples, she would, if it weren't for all of the strange stares she would get. And Ted still kisses me with garlic breath, so taste is not an issue at this point. I am just extremely emotional at this point...Or, so it may seem.

So, instead of washing my hands and rubbing my eyes like a sensible girl should, I just dug my fingers into my eye sockets and filled them with onion residue.

Delish.

I'm still teary-eyed and so full of regret.

Happy 4th of July to you all! Enjoy your family and friends, and please be safe!

I Skipped Blogging For A Week

Yup.

I haven't had a new post here since Monday. I only started this blog a little over two weeks ago, and I am already tapering off at the ends.

To be honest, I've met a new boy.

But, a few things have been set on the back burner.

As you can see, I haven't been blogging all week. This is unfortunate both for you and for me. I love writing here. I can let go of my thoughts and release without inhibition. I also haven't been doing my ab routine every night. I have done an ab routine every night since April. Four times this week isn't bad, but it still isn't seven times.

I can feel the flab, spilling over my pants.

I have, however, kept up with my running. I also have been cleaning a lot more! And I've discovered a bunch of new things about myself.

I can definitely cook. I can even experiment in the kitchen, and the finished meal always surprises me.

I can be very understanding. I can also be laid back, but still feel like I am in control of myself and my own actions. I don't have to be the perfectionist I always have known myself to be. I can be in control of my own emotions and actions, and still be laid back.

I smile a lot, and always have. But this is a different kind of smile.

This is how I've always wanted to be.

And now I know that I am who I've always wanted to be.

Money Sucks

I skipped a day on here. I am so sorry, folks. I hope you didn't miss me too much.

I get pissed very rarely. If I do, it is one of a few things that fundamentally just eat me up inside. Today, it happens to be companies that seem to misplace any record or piece of paper that regards Emily Harnett and her finances. I worked in medical records for a doctor's office of over 40 physicians and over 30,000 patients. I know that organization can be difficult and almost tedious, but seriously people, it is your job to keep paper you receive in the right place. If you hate your job, there is something else that needs to be addressed aside from the paperwork.

I have gotten letters and e-mails from the Office of Financial Aid at my school, Point Park University, almost every week since the end of the Spring semester in April. Each form of correspondence indicates that my signed W-2 and Federal Tax Return from 2009 have not been received. And each time I receive a letter, I call them and tell them I came to the office and handed a counselor a new signed copy of each of these forms. I print them in the computer lab above the office and bring them down, hot off the press.

Today, two weeks after the last misfiling of my financial forms, I got an e-mail stating that my signed W-2 and Federal Tax Return from 2009 had not been received.

Come on, guys! Let's get your junk together!

After being put on hold twice for a total of about five minutes with two different financial aid counselors, they found both signed forms.

A-ha!

Hopefully, that is the end of that.

On a whole other note, with my bank, I am so impatient for my monthly bills to be posted to my account. Some of these payments were paid a week ago and still haven't posted. I am getting really irritated. I know that I don't have any money to spend until my next paycheck, but the fact that my bank statement says I have all this money in my account, despite the money being used for bills, it is just a tease.

I hate teases.

Actually, I take that back. I can be quite the tease. Tinkerbell and I are soul mates.

But, in the case of teasing me with money, I hate teases. It isn't fair. You'd think electronic payments would be a little faster than mailing a check, here in the 21st century. But, I guess you would be wrong thinking that way.

I guess what I am trying to do with today's entry is to rant and rave about money. Why have we become so controlled by money, today? Why does money intrigue such deep emotion, controversy, and power? We feel strapped if we have much and strapped if we do not. Nothing else on this earth has this kind of power over a person, emotionally and physically. And if we can name something with that kind of persuasion, it somehow traces back to money in some way.

Am I correct?

Let me know your thoughts, if you can. I'd love to hear them.