Saturday, December 31, 2011

Holiday Spirit

I find it completely disheartening that just as I am getting into the Christmas spirit, it seems Christmas is coming to a mockingly holly jolly end. Especially this year. Did anyone else feel that Christmas snuck (I actually think "sneaked" is more grammatically correct here, but I don't like the way it sounds. oh well) up entirely too quickly this time around?


Once I finally drove home, made my last mad dash to the mall, and finished making a gazillion cookies, I was spirited and ready to celebrate Christmas with everlasting vigor.  The spirit began on Christmas Eve eve, the day my cousin and his fiance invited all of the cousins over to celebrate "Festivus."  All nine of us celebrated Festivus in Billy's one room apartment, playing Just Dance on the wii, competing in (somewhat) friendly rounds of trivia, baking and decorating inappropriate holiday cookies, and of course, laughing with, and at the expense of, each other.



On Christmas Eve we reunited once again, this time at Aunt Georgia's to eat more than a healthy amount of food and exchange gifts.  As always, church followed with a music and candle light service that never ceases to truly prepare me for the beautiful celebration of Christmas.

My sister made us beautiful Christmas themed pretzels! How amazing does that wreath look?!
He loves me, I swear he really does.
More like it :) 
Christmas morning was lovely, of course. My immediate family exchanged gifts before our neighbors came over to exchange more gifts, before Loverboy came over to take me to his family's home for yet more gifts and an incredible dinner.
The face of a very happy, proud owner of a brand new iPhone.
You go Mama!  
:)

I had an incredibly relaxing Christmas day, elated with the love and happiness exuded from those closest to me.  Now, it is New Year's Eve and I have more reflecting to do than leaves me time to write about.  I apologize for the lack of posts lately, my relaxation has taken precedence above all else, but know that I will be back after the new year with updates and pictures and hopefully, as I have resolved to accomplish for 2012, with much more creative writing. 

I hope you all had a merry, merry Christmas, and are anticipating a New Year abound with fun, gratification, and lots and lots of sparkle.


Monday, December 19, 2011

Why do today...

... what you can put off until tomorrow? (Or something else entirely. But let's just go with that.) 


Yesterday I was supposed to finish all my Christmas shopping. Instead, I bought super sparkly underwear from VS, for myself. The PINK line has gone absolutely sequin insane and I love it. My first thought when I saw the glittery undies was, "this is awesome." My second thought, "that might actually be border-line uncomfortable.


But then I came to my senses and decided the glitter/sequins would probably gradually flake off in the drawer/dryer.
HOPEFULLY! Because then everything else these beauties come in contact with will be just a little bit shimmery and glitzy by association. I think we have ourselves a win-win situation.{I have yet to wash or wear my new undergarments, but once I do I will write an immaculately classy and ladylike post. Just do not ask for pictures because pictures of my underwear on the internet just sounds like a bad idea.}


Also, today I was supposed to finish unpacking my car which I haven't completed in the three days that it has been parked in front of my house.  However, C called me on his way home from his last exam with hunger raging, so I opted to go with him for a Chipotle date...  turned fashion show... turned trip to the tailor ... turned two hour gym session.  Oh and before he put on his denim fashion show for me, let me just say that we unloaded his car of all its belongings.  Something isn't right here.  


BUT I did have a fantastic day with my loverboy, and tomorrow is another day, right? Tomorrow I shall unpack my bags and clean and finish all the shopping I have put off until five days before Christmas.  Or something else... who knows. 

Things I learned in Preschool...

Although I am embarrassingly depressed over the fact that my part-time job at the CYC has come to a heartbreaking end, I must reflect upon the many life lessons I learned while working with a school full of three and four year old children.
 Take notes:

... Any problem can be solved with a "I don't like when you _______ because I feel _______"  statement and a hug. 
... 'Brussels Sprouts' is a place, not a food, ie, "I am moving to Brussels Sprouts. They have good chocolate there."
... Hamsters bite. 
... And can squeeze their furry little bodies under door cracks. Subsequently, they can also survive a nine-day game of hide-and-seek. 
... Crossing the monkey bars completely and without assistance is a right of passage. 
... I am now fluent in Sign Language for every animal on the farm. 
... "Feliz Navidad" actually sounds better when you don't know the real lyrics.  "Police Na Na Na" is equally, if not more, heartwarming. 
... Sushi now comes in lunch boxes. And kids enjoy it. Who knew?
... If a five-minute warning is not given before a transition, no one is expected to move or change. It's only fair. 
... I will have to name my future classroom. 
How will I ever address the entire class without yelling "Yellow Rooooom. Yellow Roooooom, FIVE MORE MIIIINUTESSSSS"? Also, how will anyone ever know who I am talking about without a formal title like "Yellow Roomers?" 
... Pope Benedict's favorite drink is allegedly Orange Fanta.  
---
Alas, the things I learned from the preschoolers will endure, even if my job did not.


XOXO, 
            Ms. Alensis 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

It's OK ...

... that I want to blow these images up to life-size proportions and wear them as signs for the rest of the week:
 I hate when it takes me until after the fact to realize my ridiculousness. Sorry Christopher, for you get the worst of it. 
No more fussin'.
Amen.

---


... that I am completely guilty of this, whilst writing papers, applying for jobs, etc. 
---

... that I have been done with the semester since Monday, but I have yet to go hope simply because I haven't packed yet.

---

... to actually shed tears because it is my last day working at the CYC. I will seriously miss those kiddies. :(




---





Its Ok Thursdays

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Wednesday of Pinteresting Proportions.

Pinterest is an addiction like no other I have experienced. It has girls and women of all ages trapping themselves in a time warp of crafts, sparkles and baked goods. When pinning, seconds equate to minutes, minutes instantly turn into hours. I don't know what sort of magical spell the creators of this virtual board have put on the world, but whatever it is, I don't hate it.

I've been a member of Pinterest for quite awhile, but just since the beginning of the semester have I actually taken my pinning seriously thanks to my pin-happy friends, Ashley, Lauren and Kristen.

What better way to spend my Wednesday morning than participate in my first Pinteresting link up?

With the holidays coming up, I thought I'd share some of my Pinterest-inspired holiday wish list. (I don't know how to properly cite these images, but let me just say that they all come from my own board entitled "Someone tell my Boyfriend." hint hint, Christopher ;) )

I would die. 


I LOVE wrap bracelets, and watches. Perfection. 

I die. 

Another iPhone case. BUT this one is ALSO a wristlet. And in my favorite gold signature Michael Kors color. Could life get any better? Well I guess it could, if I had an iPhone first. Pretty please, Santa? 




Yes, I think I need this. 

Anyone else have everything sparkly under the sun on their wish list? 







google

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Final Final

According to my Twitter and Facebook Feeds, Finals are amongst us. Yesterday was our last day of classes, and apparently everyone is "living in the library." 

Not I. For as a student Intern, I have no finals. (And if you are jealous, don't be. I can give you a list of reasons we were tortured during times that were not designated as college-wide exam periods. How about 5:30 wake up calls? Or early move in? Just to name a few.)  I have had my final final. I have had my final class of Fall Semester. One would think I might be happier about these facts, albeit, I am moderately dispirited. 

The word "Final" has a whole new meaning to me this time around.  I am in disbelief that I have experienced my last first day of college. I have had my last last day of a fall semester. AHHHH. And not to mention everything in between... How about my last home football game? The last time registering for classes? My last day working at the CYC??? (This is where I stop before I start balling my eyes out.) 

I hope I am not being too premature in my sentimental reflections, but fall semester is generally my favorite of the two, and I can't believe how quickly it has passed us by.  

Let's reminisce briefly, shall we? 
{Me, Kate, Sar, Jillie}
The first home football game of freshman year .. Katlyn and I were Froshie roommates, and Sarah and Jill were roommates. Together we made a quartet of really fun dorm-residing Terps. 

{Me, Sar, Kate, Jillie}
Here we are,  in our Senior year, at our very last first Terrapin Football game as undergrads. And all living under The third year our of four we all have lived together. 

It's crazy to look back and see how much has changed, and conversely, how much hasn't changed even a little bit.

We may have had our last football game. We may have had our final move-in. We may have taken our last final. But our memories are perpetual, and ever-emerging. 

Fall semester is over, and I am relieved, terrified, nostalgic, and hopeful all at the same time. 
Here's to winter break and anticipation for the final, final semester. 


Monday, December 12, 2011

Weekend Festivities

With the stress of finals week and final project due dates looming over our crammed college heads, I think College Park was in need of a well-deserved festive weekend.  And a festive weekend we had. 

It seemed like everyone and their mothers were out this weekend, dressed fabulously and acting recklessly, all in the name of the last weekend before finals. Glorious. Simply glorious. 

On Friday, Group Fitness had a gathering to celebrate a) Us, because we rock and b) Jason, because it was his birthday. Seriously, nothing is better than when a group of Aerobics Instructors and Personal Trainers get together for a dance party. Love, love, love them. 

Some of us being way too excited to be together
My TripleC Co-Instructor and me -- Just for you, Megan, thanks for reading ;)
OH and Hi Devin in the background!


On Saturday I attempted to do homework all day -- but instead I ended up dancing around in my apartment to Christmas Music, having a longer than expected work-out with Jillie, and playing dress-up in preparation for the evening's merrymaking.  Ohhhhh well. 

Saturday evening was another one of my friend's birthdays, and his roommates planned a Ugly Holiday Sweater Surprise Birthday Party. I love surprises. And I love Holiday Parties. It wouldn't be a traditional end-of-fall-semester weekend without one. And needless to say, we had a blast. Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Egg Nog were plentiful and spirits were high. We even Christmas Caroled all the way to the bars post-surprise.  Holiday cheer at its finest.  
Jillie spreading Holiday Cheer via fake snow. Priceless. (photo cred: lauren) 
Some of us and the Bday Boy! 
Awkward Family Photo? 
Me and my beautiful bestie Em


By now you may or may not have noticed that I am not wearing an "ugly sweater." Because who wants to wear something ugly for Christmas? Maybe it's just me, but when I think holidays, I think glitter and sparkles. To each his own ;) 

PS - I really just didn't have an "ugly sweater" in my possession this year. I have participated in the past. I am not that much of a diva.  I am broke, though. So I had to make due with what I had!
 I think I made it work...

I hope everyone else had a wonderfully jolly weekend.  
For those of you preparing for finals, I wish you luck and the strength to power through these last few days!
For those of you like me, who are handing in your final projects today, congratulations! Keep celebrating ;)




Mingle 240

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunday Delirium

My favorite day of the week has come upon us again. 
I had a well-deserved weekend of fun with friends, celebrating two birthdays and spreading lots of holiday cheer a la themed party.  ;o) 

Oh yeah and I also worked on my last two assignments of the semester! Ahh! I can't wait until tonight when I can finally say I completed all my work until January. 

For now, I shall take a homework break and sip on some green tea whilst trying to avoid the end-of-semester induced, yet holiday-influenced, delirium that hit me hard yesterday. Proof: 


I guess I was overdue for a break. 

...And now it's back to work.   
Happy Sunday, love bugs! 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

It's OK...

It's OK ....

... that C thinks the woman in this video will be me in 50 years... because I can absolutely imagine him behaving exactly the same way as the man (and probably sooner than 50 years.) Gotta love it. 

... if you are guilty of one or more of the items on this list.

... that I am both depressed and ecstatic to have taught my last 6th grade lesson and last fitness class until mid January. I'm going to miss my kiddies, but not the exhausting hours. Going to miss my gym classes, but not planning them.  This chick needs some sleep.

... that there are precisely three things I am looking forward to this winter break:
1. Sleep
2. Christmas
3. Dates with this goofy boy:
 and by dates I probably mean working out, eating, laughing, sleeping, repeating. 

Happy Thursday, Lovas! 





Its Ok Thursdays

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My New Mantra

With all the BodyPump rehearsing I've been doing over the past month, one would think my body would be making some serious changes. And it was, for a brief moment of time.  And then the week of Thanksgiving ominously approached and threw all self control and diet discipline out the window.  

As a poor college student, I have been neglecting my health due to improper funds and moderate to excessive stress levels.  In order to not spend all my money on fresh food at the grocery store, and to fulfill my stress-induced desire to eat only menacing carbohydrates, I have been living off of bread, peanut butter, more bread, and pizza. Let me tell you, my body is not happy with me.

Over the weekend I resolved that I would start anew on Monday, with a completely clean diet.  No more empty carbs, processed food, or sugary drinks.  I went to the grocery store on a mission to only tend to the produce section and meat and dairy aisles.  Success. 

I know a lot of people who opt to do cleanses after binge periods (like Thanksgiving week) but I have never been one to be able to stick to a "cleanse" nor do I think they would be completely appropriate for me.  I like food too much, and I like making choices when it comes to what I eat.  I did find, however, a diet plan similar to a "cleanse" from Women's Health that only permits what I like to call "clean foods."

(Here's the plan I will very vaguely follow for at least five days if you're interested in reading it. Thanks to my girlfriend Lauren for sharing!)

It basically allows for a moderate breakfast, small lunch, and moderate dinner, and two light snacks.  Not so bad, right? No processed foods, no unnecessary carbohydrates, no sugary drinks. 

Like I said, I'm not one for strict diet or detox plans, so I will definitely be accommodating the plan for the way I know my body works. 

I would like to say that I started yesterday, but my teacher brought us pizza for lunch. And as a Jersey Girl, I can't refuse pizza.  And as a College Student, I can't refuse free lunch.  Thus, temptation won, and I had a slice of (cheese-less!) pizza. Woops.  However, my boss did provide us with cookies and candy at our staff meeting last night (mind you, I work at a gym and our staff meeting is an hour workout) and I confidently declined. That's a start, right?!  Not to mention, I am holding myself to the not-eating-after-9pm challenge I regularly give myself. I just hope I stick with it for a considerable amount of time - I feel better already :o) 

This will be my mantra:


Who's with me?? 

And just for the record, I don't want this post to come out whiny or self-loathing, or even as advocating for any sort of "diet" for self image purposes alone. I am generally a confident girl, sometimes a little extra push in the form of public sharing is good motivation for healthy living! And for that, I am an advocate.  


Monday, December 5, 2011

Movie Review: The Muppets

Last weekend I had a hot date with my boo. He washed my car, I watched. We ate pepperoni rolls and did some homework.  I got all dressed up in date clothes, C wore his signature sweat pants, and we made it to a romantic viewing of The Muppets before a late-night outing to Walmart. Nothing says romance like strolling the aisles of your local Walmart for fresh new wiper blades. 

If you know C & Me as a couple, none of these events should surprise you. 

We both really enjoyed the movie, and believe it or not, we weren't the only "adults" in the theater.  In fact, there was only one child in the entire room ... sitting two seats away from me, kicking the seat in front of him and taking more bathroom breaks than generally acceptable for the duration of one movie.  Somehow I don't think he was as appreciative of the sentiment or humor of the movie as the more seasoned Muppet fans in the theater.  

The jokes were both extremely silly and cunningly clever. Animal is now in Anger Management and being sponsored by a disgruntled Jack Black, Miss Piggy plays an executive en Vogue in Paris, and Gonzo relinquishes his title as CEO of a very successful used-toilet company, just to name a few of the very fitting new roles for the Muppet gang. Cameo appearances by stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Zach Galifianakis, and Ken Jeong supplemented the humor with familiar faces.  I love Jason Segel, and he was the perfect "Muppet of a Man" for the role.  His goofy grin paired with Amy Adams' delightfully innocent personality made the quintessential couple in Smalltown, USA. 

Gary (Jason Segel) and his muppet brother, Walter, are the Muppet's biggest fans, on a mission to save the Muppet theatre from a villainous oil-barren while also battling the struggles of self-identity and heart break.  Not the most creative story line, but entertaining nonetheless. 

All in all, this was an adorable movie for you and your beau, no matter your age. I recommend you go take your next hot date to the theatre and sing a long to some old Muppet faves. 

Ma-nah-ma-nah. 


PS - Everytime Walter had a close up, C and I couldn't help but laugh.  He looks eerily identical to a real-life human we know. Too funny.

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Mingle 240

PPS - I wanted to link up over at Life of Meg for my first "Mingle Monday!"
This week's question? 
"What's on your Christmas List?"
I feel like I've been answering this question far too often, but tis the season, right?

-New Boots!!
-Michael Kors perfume
-Jillian Michael's Meltdown Yoga DVD
-Work out clothes
-Some more hot dates with loverboy ;)

20 more days 'til Christmas!! I should probably stop thinking about what I want and start shopping for the fam..AHHH

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sunday Preoccupations

My entire life is due over the next two days, including final lesson plans, and the filming required for the completion of my BodyPump certification. #stressed.

Therefore, the only things on my mind as of recently are 
a. Homework Assignments 
b. BodyPump 79 and

I am filming today (ahhh), Tuesday I can stop thinking about lessons (temporarily), and I should be back on my writing game soon thereafter. Wish me luck! 

These boots, however, will be a dream of mine for a while. Can anyone afford to offer me a generous $640 loan for these beauties? No? Frye, why must you be so expensive? A girl can dream. 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

It's OK...

It's finally Thursday, and time to remind myself that all the pettiness, stress and poor habits that come with the work week are at least moderately acceptable.  


Its Ok Thursdays



It's OK ...

... that I haven't gone to the grocery store since I came back from Thanksgiving break. If anyone was wondering, one can survive off of english muffins, peanut butter, and clementines alone.  

... to take two nights in a row off from legitimate school work. My head is telling me to take a break, and I am listening. 

... that your boyfriend offered to pay you to write a paper. Because that's normal, right? Is it not OK if I am considering it? 

... to eat ice cream whilst watching the Biggest Loser. 

... that it is the first day of December and I am still not ready to break out winter clothes. I need summer already. And a tan.  How about some more of that unseasonably warm 68 degree weather? Yes, please. 

... that the one positive thing to come out of winter is Christmas. And that your Christmas List is growing by the day. 

... that you won't get half of the things on your Christmas List, but you keep on wishing anyway.
(Santa, if you're reading this - I really need a new pair of leather boots. And an iPhone. And the new Michael Kors perfume.)



Happy Thursday!
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