It's Been A Week....

I think this may be the longest that i've gone without blogging since I started.
Please forgive me!
But, i'm back.
You couldn't get rid of me that quickly. lol

Some information has been provided at work that has resulted in many limiting their personal internet use on the job and during breaks. Just don't want to use office computers right now unless you have to. That includes me! Let's just say that Big Brother is watching!! lol
                                                     
Long story that i'll save you from. And with the week I've had, I've just been too tired to sit on the computer and start blogging. But, i'm doing it now at the end of my work day before I head to my dance class.

Speaking of my dance classes....I finally have a couple awesome pictures to share of my progress that were taken on Tuesday during the final day of my Beginner/Intermediate Class. So proud of myself I must say.

The is the V-Spin Static Hold.
Yes....I can actually do a spin in this position!!

                               

This is the Diamond Spin Static Hold
I can spin around the pole in this position too!

Umm yeah....I know you noticed the girl in the green behind me in an inverted position. How could you not? lol No, I can't do that yet. Haven't tried. She's from the Intermediate Class....my next level. I'm not sure if we learn to do that or if she skipped ahead because she has her own pole at home. But, it's pretty cool and I can't wait to be able to do those moves teoo. But I've improved a lot since my Second Class. That much I can say with certainty. So happy it makes me want to dance to my jam of the week...I've been wearing it out.

I also met another woman from Girlfriend Social. I've certainly got a handful of wonderful women to keep in contact with now. First GFS Event. Oh...and did I mention that I got New Neighbors again. Certainly much different from the last ones we had. We expect it to be much quieter for the time being. Yay!!! Two men with NO children or pets, lol...and No, they aren't a couple.

So ya see....it's been a busy week. Meeting new people here and there, finishing up my dance classes.....Oh, and working out like it's nobody's business. I have been enjoying going to the gym with Furman 5:30 in the morning. Yup! We go get an early workout then get home and get ready for work. Then, I go workout at the gym on my lunch break with my co-workers....plus dance twice a week. Didn't I tell you I was keeping busy? And....i'm still in training for my 15k A Midsummer Night's Run. So happy Furman is doing it with me and my dear friend Catie.

Anyways, I will bid you all adieu.
I just wanted to quickly blog you let you know that I haven't abandoned my post as some bloggers have. I'm not there yet. lol
All is well...we're just keeping busy.
Furman is enjoying his job and I must say, he has definitely made himself at home there too.

Have an awesome evening......like Arnold said in Terminator....    

           

My First Girlfriend Social (GFS) Event - Toronto

Well, Wednesday rolled around to mark my first scheduled Girlfriend Social (GFS) Event - a meet and greet at Starbucks.
As planned by the Event Hostess - moi!

I got there early (@5:30pm) to make sure I grabbed seating for anyone that might show up. And, in case anyone showed up early. Well, that didn't happen. Lol (At least I didn't think so at the time. Read on) I sat at a table and watched as different women came through the door wondering if they were here from GFS to meet me. But, they walked past me. womp womp. I made it easy to find me because I wore the same shirt I was wearing in my profile picture. After 20 minutes of nobody arriving for 6pm, I started to think that maybe someone had come and saw me up close and changed their mind. Haha. Maybe nobody was coming, except one.

Then, my new BFF came to support me. (With gifts(for me)...she is soo sweet) I knew she was coming. First to arrive.Yup, that means there were others. They weren't late, I was just wrong with my own time. Over anxious I guess. Go figure! I was extra early thinking I posted the event for 6pm when I actually posted it for 6:30pm. Duh!! First, we sat and people watched for a bit and clearly identified a lady from the site walk by, but not come in.  WTH? We were sure it was her from her profile pic. Oh well.

Then a different woman walked in looking a bit lost.  We looked at each other. "She must be looking for us", is what we thought. Then the woman spoke up and we confirmed that we were the GFS Event.  Great!  Now there were two other than me.

Then, another lady walked in with the cutest little boy.  We knew she was here for the event because my friend had already been communicating with her and she had said she would come. Yay.... Then there were 3 1/4 plus me!

All of a sudden the lady my friend and I recognized from her profile picture that hadn't come in, came in. We knew it! We knew that was her! So we all sat around and got to know each other a bit. We were up to four.

Then, last but clearly not least, another woman came in. A fifth woman!! Someone we expected to come but who looked differently than we expected. She was definitely more laid back than her profile pic. And, definitely a nice woman. Wasn't shy in the least. In fact, only one of the women was shy. (We'll work on her) The rest....gabbed away. It was great company. We had jokes sharing stories of the strange things that we may have eaten. The fifth woman had us all beat telling us of her experience having tasted Dog and Cat. True story. My BFF is forever traumatized. hahaha Referring to that delicacy as Rex and Fluffy.  Oh boy. lol

Without the enclosed scroll

Three hours later, the event ended with the first to arrive (my new BFF) and the last to arrive still around after saying goodbye to the others one after one. It really was a great night. Conversation was easy. I didn't have to use the Share Cards I brought to help break the ice. lol So happy that I decided to set up these events and even happier that it was a success.  I added a nice touch too by giving the ladies a THANK YOU gift for attending. A cute little Vanilla Candle in a can that says THANK YOU on it. But I warned them, I'm not planning on giving out gifts at every event. hahahaha But this was my first, so I thought it would be a great idea.

Next event - BINGO!!!  Woo Hoo. There are a different group of ladies signed up for that one. Four so far, out of the ten spaces I had open. I'm not trying to walk into the bingo hall with a party. lol And who knows, maybe some of the ladies that already came out will come out again.

So that was it! 
That was my first experience as a GFS Event Hostess. 
I went home with a smile and received the ultimate compliment from my new BFF.  The next day, the ladies were online friending each other (nice to see) and remembering to get each other Verified. One event and you can get your status changed since all you need is 3 verifications. All in all, I hope that I am able to encourage other people to be hostesses or to even get out to any local GFS Events in their area to give it a try. Finding friends online works, if you let it. Events, certainly help make it easier.

Weekend Ride

Highlight of the weekend was definitely our ride to Jackson's Point.  We had planned to do this with some friends several weeks ago. I needed a bicycle. Well not really. My friends had a bike I could borrow but I really rather have my own stuff so I was on the hunt. Furman, he was ready. His road bike is one of the things we drove across the border with, last year.

A friend from work took me to a local bike shop after work on Thursday when my dance class was cancelled. So, I was able to get an idea of what I might need. You know, since there are so many different types of bicycles. Lol. I didn't get one at the bike shop because Furman wasn't with me and I really wasn't sure about spending $500 on a bike. Yup, that was the cheapest they had.  So, on Friday after work Furman and I went to Crappy Tire Canadian Tire.  But, I found what I needed.  

I settled on a HYBRID. What the guy at the bike shop told me I was looking for anyways. After asking me a few questions of course.  For those who have no clue, like I didn't, a HYBRID is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. (Check out the link) Right up my alley - a mixed breed bicycle. lol 

While I was lollygagging around the bicycles in the store to try and make my decision, I noticed another lady come and scope out the bicycle I had my eye on. A Schwinn.  There were only two left so I held onto the one closest to me just in case. Especially after she pointed out that the bicycle was on SALE. SALE?  Did somebody say SALE?  Lmao She wanted it bad. I was watching her. Turns out there was something wrong with the bike she was holding onto that made her change her mind on purchasing, after I confirmed I was buying the one I had. (Meanwhile, I really wasn't sure yet). It was minor blemishes that probably came from people test driving the bike in the store but she thought that maybe someone bought it and brought it back. Apparently, you can't even do that! I felt bad after she left without a bike and I changed my mind on the bike she could have had.  I ended up getting the men's Schwinn instead of the ladies' that I was holding onto.  Sorry lady. Furmans bike rack carries the bicycles by the bar so a ladies bicycle may have created a transport issue for us.  Maybe. I wasn't taking chances. And, there was nowhere to hold a water bottle on the ladies bike. 

Grabbed the bicycle and decided on a few accessories to go with it.  Something to hold a water bottle, bicycle gloves, LED lights and nice stainless steel pedals. Lol. I was on a roll.  What can I say? There was a SALE! lol While other customers struggles to fit their bicycle purchases in the trunks of their cars, Furman drove home (not too far) and got his bike rack so we could get the bike home with no issue. Then, he hooked it up.....ready for Saturday's ride.

Classic!!

Bright and early we were up, heading to Keswick - our starting point, where we met with friends.
Off we went! Jackson's Point here we come. Mind you, it was a first for us both. We had no clue where we were going, so we just followed our friends who did, on what turned out to be an absolutely beautiful ride. Along the lake. Thanks so much to them for sharing such a beautiful route with us.

There and back, was a total of about 43kms. Was really hot outside too. Burned about 1023 calories according to my MapMyRide App. When we reached our destination we all stopped for breakfast at a local breakfast restaurant before heading back. We'll definitely be doing that again.
Mind you, the butt was sore!!
Next time, I will be wearing padded shorts. Furman had his.


Didn't take any photos. Was focusing on my ride, trying to keep up.
43kms!  Not bad for a first bike ride i'd say. Proud of myself. So, I had to take a shot when I got back of me and my Johnny Schwinn. lol And yes, I was wearing a helmet during my ride. One that matched actually. lol

                                       

Thelma & Louise?

Sooo, I finally met the very first girl I started communicating with on Girlfriend Social. She had been out of town for a few weeks which put our initial meeting on hold for a bit. But, when she returned we got right to it.  Why not? Online through messaging and text we had hit it off pretty good already. So meeting in person seemed like it was only a formality. Lol

Hard Rock Cafe. That was our meeting spot.
There was no need to be nervous, so I wasn't, since our communication thus far had been as if we were already long time friends. We had been texting each other so we would know exactly where to meet.  So when I walked in the door of the cafe, she was right there waiting for me.  

We grabbed a spot at the bar while we waited for a table. And, we formally introduced ourselves. HAHAHA. Was the first time seeing (in person) and hearing each other. With technology, all that stuff really isn't required anymore. Lol. She was happy... I don't have a squeaky voice. Lol. For the record, she doesn't either. :) You know, like one of the characters from Will and Grace.

Overall, it was a great evening.  We talked for hours. I mean literally! Lol I had gotten to the Cafe for 6pm and we didn't stroll out of there till about 10:30pm. We already knew we had a few things in common, but it was crazy just how much. At one point I pulled out my cellphone to let Furman know that I was ok. You know, that she's not a killer or anything. lol And when I put my cellphone on the table she started laughing and pulled out hers. We had the exact same cellphone case but in different colors. Imagine that!

We chatted, and chatted. And, I enjoyed a delicious salad too. You know I had to take a picture of it. lol I know, some of you are probably thinking ewwww. lol Not avocado lovers at all? That's ok. It was good to me! I took the picture to share with my husband what I was eating. Sharing on my blog wasn't a thought at all, till now.
I hate when people post pictures of food personally. Because they always think the food looks good when sometimes it just really doesn't. hahaha But, I'm breaking my own rule here because i'm filling space. lol Sorry.

So, I can officially say I have a new awesome friend to add to my very small circle. Furman is wondering if maybe we both might be the new Bonnie and Clyde. haha I'm thinking he probably really means Thelma and Louise. Hmmm...might need to watch that movie again soon. lol

And now...I'll be corny and post another Classic. lol Just because that's what I do. :)

Anyways...i've got dance class again tonight. My Beginner/Intermediate class is coming to an end. Only a couple more and then I can advance to Intermediate. Tonight, i'll be working on the new spin I learned on Tuesday. And guess what....I just happen to have video this time. hahahahaha The Front Sunwheel. That is actually ME!!  Thanks to a girl in my class that volunteered to capture the moment for me.

This, is my instructor demonstrating the backward sunwheel. I can do that too. Not sure mine looks as put together as hers though. lol I'll keep working at it. But as least you can see that I can manage the front sunwheel. lol

So Far, So Good

Thought I would hit the pavement on Saturday for my long run.

It didn't quite work out as I had planned.

Oh...I ran. 

But, didn't get as far as I had wanted to and ran into another problem - The Heat!!
Gee...I seem to recall running into the same problem once before. 8 Miles
I thought I had learned from that lesson. That's why instead of running in the middle of the afternoon that I ran in the morning this time.
Well, it turns out that I didn't run in the morning quite early enough.
I was all excited and ready too!
Furman left for work and I hopped on the bike, Our New Addition, to warm up before my run. I was planning on trying to match my previous 8 Miles since I haven't been running as far since I got Injured on the Run.

Everything started out pretty good. No pain in my hip or anything, so I followed my usual route. After about 2 miles of running....the heat really started getting to me. But, I kept going. I was on a mission!
Then, I ran into a problem other than the heat.....a 5k Run was finishing up on the trails that I was using. A run I had no clue was evening happening in my neighborhood. So, my option was to try and find a way around them or turn around. (I really didn't want to run against the traffic) After running on the grass for a few seconds....I was like "Forget this!" lol I casually made the U-turn. The heat told me to! lol So, I ventured back the way I had traveled already. Wasn't sure if I was going to try and extend my run a different way or if I was going to head right home at that point. Honestly, I wasn't sure. But, the closer I got to home with the heat beating me up, the easier it was to make that decision. I started to walk at a few spots within my route. I felt delirious! I was soooo thirsty! I was scanning the area for some kind of water fountain. Doesn't the city have those anymore? WTH? And, I didn't bring any money to make a run into a store. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. lol I needed to be refreshed. I had visions of jumping into the little river for a cool down. lol Yup, I was that parched.
When I was finally off the trails and back onto the street for the last stretch of my run, I ran past a man that was in his driveway washing his car.

No...that's not him.

As I ran past him I was daydreaming about his water hose and how tasty that water would be. Was like being in a desert and seeing an oasis. I couldn't help myself. I made another U-turn! hahaha
"Excuse me! Is that cold water you are using?" hahaha
No lie....that's exactly what I asked the man.
When he answered me I asked if I could get a drink from his hose because I was dying. hahaha  Seriously!!
He obliged!
Let me tell you, that was the best damn water!! He must have thought for a minute that I wasn't going to give him back his hose. lol But, I did, and was on my way home. After all was said and done....hey, I got a tan! lmao

Classic!!

So yeah....even though I didn't get to run as far as I had planned, I'm still on track with my training and haven't had any pain. So far, so good. And now that my hubby has registered to run the 15k with me, we can train together. But I just wanted to share the story about my weekend run. lol Smh.
And, the lesson I re-learned.

Have an awesome week everyone!

Event Hostess

My new title!  Lol

I've taken on the role of Girlfriend Social Event Hostess.
(Volunteer Position)
My husband asked me why?  lol  I say, why not?
Somebody should do it.
It's my understanding that people have tried to set up events before I ame along, with little to no success.
So, I figure that I would take a shot at it.
Volunteer work is what I do. Helping others is what I like.
And....I'm trying to meet new people. Why not facilitate that myself while creating a setting to help others do the same? I'm just saying.

So....in this role I am to set up different events that women on the website may or may not be interested in attending for the purpose of meeting other women from Girlfriend Social. These can be things such as coffee meet and greets, dinner events, etc. I've been peeking into some of the posted events from other cities to get some ideas from other Event Hostesses. When you post an event you are supposed to give at very minimum, two weeks notice. 30 days is preferred because it obviously gives people time to plan. So, I've dived right in and set up a few things. I won't tell you what they are right now. Let's just say, I hope something works out. hahaha  I'll update you on that.  I will say, that it's encouraging when after only 24 hours of having posted an event that someone has signed up to attend. No lie! Thing is, will they show up? What do you think? Do you think i'll have any success? Share your thoughts. And, if you have any ideas that might help me, please feel free to share those too!

Not everybody is familiar with and comfortable with the online thing. lol Me, I met my husband and a few awesome people from the internet. So, I have success stories and see nothing wrong with it. I can use my experience to help others.

Now you know I couldn't resist sharing this Classic!

This was the tune back in the day! lol

Clearly, it would be easier to meet others in a group setting than one on one for many. There is a slight fear that some just can't get past. But....let's see how it goes.  Yeah Yeah.....I know i'm crazy. So what!


The other thing I noticed in reading several discussions is the trend of people that have been using the website for quite a while with no found success in building friendships with anyone. I wonder why that is? Everyone has a different reason for it.
My take:  lack of patience, not enough local members, fear, no local events to facilitate group meetings, lack of interest in follow through. There could definitely be a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it's all about attitude. lol My advice to anyone from the site encountering this issue and ready to give up: Don't!! Like I said to someone already, the friend you are waiting for probably hasn't registered on the site yet. lol

Hopefully, my efforts will not only help myself but help others. As I mentioned in a previous post, Verified (1), I have already met one person from the website that seems really nice. We'll see where that goes. And, I have yet to meet the very first girl I started communicating with on the site. We have kind of really hit it off and have been communicating a whole lot ever since via online and text messaging. I swear, it seems like we have been friends already for a long time and haven't even met in person yet. lol But, we'll see. I should be meeting her real soon.

Anyways, it's Friday.....and in a short while I will be ready to start the weekend.
Not quite sure yet what i'll be up to.
You just never know.
Like someone asked me on FB the other day: "Do you ever relax?" lmao
I do, I do.

On that note..I'll end with this Classic.

Have an awesome weekend everyone!!!

Moved Out

Classic!!

Remember last year I wrote about New Neighbors?
Well, they're gone.
They did exactly what they said they were going to do. They stayed long enough for their children to finish out the school year and then they were gone. Moved out officially this long weekend.
They needed more space anyways....they're expecting.
Can't say I was surprised. lol
So happy for them though. They were actually the nicest neighbors I've had yet.
Well, that's second to the guy that rented for several months but never actually moved in. haha The ghost neighbor. Had me worried for a while thinking that maybe somebody was running a grow op or something. Yeah...he was the best. We never heard a sound.

Another One Bites The Dust

So, we stay behind, for the time being, while we wait to see who we get next.
Reminds me of a lottery. We'll either win with someone nice or lose with real jerks.
Pray for us!!
Hopefully it wont be anyone else running a daycare or with kids they just can't control. lol Definitely nobody with pets. My allergies just can't take it. We'd hate to be forced to move earlier than planned because of a neighbor we just can't deal with. lol We'll see. Right now, there is nobody. A month of peace and quiet I expect. Hopefully longer, but I wont hold my breath.

Not sure when we'll start looking for our first purchase. Will be soon enough though. Exciting just thinking about it. Something we will do together. He's not moving into my house and i'm not moving into his....we will be picking out something together. Furnishing together. Can't wait. We are executing a plan. So patience is a must. Stay tuned. In the meantime, I enjoy a colleague's blog about the renovations of her and her hubby's new home.  Check it out: CountryChicRenovator


Oh, and this weekend my husband also officially signed up to run my first 15k race with me. A MidSummer Nights Run. Sooo happy. He is great at helping me keep pace. Like I wrote a short while back, it was running with my husband that getting to 8 Miles seemed soo easy. So, with him by my side I feel more confident that I can actually complete the 15k. Catie and I can both benefit from his presence. So, i'm slowly working my way back up to where I was before I got Injured on the Run.

Anyways, it's a short week this week thanks to the Canada Day holiday. Yay!
Already looking forward to the weekend. Not that we have anything special planned...but you never know.
After all, it's summertime!!!
Hope everybody is enjoying it so far...cause it's just getting started!!!

Have a great week!!!

God Bless