Ending strong...

So, October 1st officially marks 7 weeks since the "gettin'-dumped-over-the-phone-by-your-serious-boyfriend" fiasco of '09. (BTW, when a guy says "this relationship isn't serving either of us", what does that actually mean? Whatevs...)

In any case, October 1st also marks the beginning of the end of 2009, and I can only hope that all the struggles both at work and at home are behind me now. Life has been throwing me some curveballs of late, and though I feel kinda beat down, I'm determined to go out on top this year! Time to make some goals for Q409 and make 'em happen! I need accomplishments under my belt. So here goes:

• Still left with ONE item on my list of '09 goals set in January: run a 10k. Ack. I know, I've said it a million times - I hate to run. Running just doesn't work with a short-legged, big-chested, lazy girl. But, I'm determined. There are quite a few races going on in CA in December, but I think I've settled on the Angels 12k run in Tiburon on December 12th. No guarantees...but I'm gonna go for it...shoot...what's 7.5 miles, right? (LORD HELP ME!!!)

• Lose 10 lbs. I think I can do this...in 3 mos...not a problem, right? Ok P90X-still-in-the-box...time to do this thing.

• Go to the doctor for a full physical. I've been meaning to do this...for like 3 years now. But, its time. I want blood work done. I want everything tested. I want a clean bill of health or I want to know what ailments I need to tackle. I'm not getting any younger.

• Adopt a dog. I wanted to this past weekend, but it didn't work out. And I'm determined...1)because I know I'd be a great dog owner and there are so many out there that need good homes, 2)because my house is too big for just me...it needs another resident, and 3)I need a companion and an excuse to get off my butt and run (er, walk) around the neighborhood.

• Date. Yuck. Yes. I must. I don't want to. I actually hate dating. But, I'm going to do it. I don't know how many or how often, but I'm gonna take down the "do not approach me" sign and try to force a welcoming smile. We'll see what happens.

Yup, looking over the list, I'm feeling confident...all of it will take some effort, be a bit of a challenge, but that's what makes the accomplishment feel that much greater and more satisfying.

As always, I'll keep you posted...

PS - There was a great piece on one of the NFL shows this past Sunday on how Mike Singletary brought in this hill to the 49'ers training camp to use to help w/ their conditioning. He used to do hill training w/ Walter Payton back in the day. Ladainian Tomlinson also is known for hill conditioning. Q409 is my hill...and I'm charging at it, conquering it, and being stronger in the end for it. Woot!

Suggestions welcome...

I'm struggling to find the perfect wall decor for my house...more specifically, my Living Room and Master Bedroom. Any favorite artists or any wall pieces you've seen that might work to complete my look(s)? I need that last little pinch-o-salt, the cherry for my sundae...the exclamation point at the end of my sentence! HELP!

Living room: Picture 1 is so that you can get a feel for what I'm going for. Picture 2 shows the empty space waiting to be adorned!

Master Bedroom: Picture 1 shows the opposite side of the room...already have a large mirror there. Picture 2 shows the void waiting to be filled.

No college-dorm-room/bachelor-pad-posters of Bob Marley or Endless Summer please. I'm a classy broad, ya know! :)

Hooray...

Not gonna lie, this week has chewed me up and spit me out, yo. So, I'm super excited for the weekend. Looking forward to celebrating Katie's birthday at Cigar Bar tonight and then spending some great outdoor time at Angel Island w/ 1-part Cogan on Saturday. I've also secured a zipcar to go and see about a dog! (Fingers-crossed and Mozart will be mine! I have to fight 2 other interested parties, but I'm scrappy...I can take 'em!) Sunday will be all about football, yard work, and hopefully getting my new dog accustomed to his home! I think its all just the remedy for getting over a rough week...

(Angel Island from Mt Livermore)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hell yeah, I can...

The problem with buying a 100 year old home that needs work and then relying on a boyfriend who was a former carpenter to help you only to have him dump you over the phone: you now have a lot of stuff to do on your own. So, I'm super excited to be attending this tonight.


Go Home Depot - for all the pain you cause me, you still have been my "go-to" with this house and we owe you a lot. "Do-It-Herself" workshops...brilliant.

Mr's Oh-So-Wrong...

I've had a lifetime of them. But just recently seems to be taking the cake.

Dear "The Ex": you had my heart for a bit. but whoever told you breaking up from a serious relationship over the phone was ok, steered you all kinds of wrong. Not interested in "meeting for a beer to catch up". Sorry.

Dear super-cute photographer who's totally not my type: I'm certain I can't get over the fact that 1) you're leaving for Brazil in 2 weeks, 2) you might be much too young even for consideration, and 3) you don't get my humor and that's just unacceptable (and you're kinda on the short side, sorry)

Dear "you've always been the one": man, even 10 years later, I still have a crush on you. and though it was nice catching up again, finding out you're married with 2 children doesn't bode well for your chances. and shame on you for reaching out to me...douche.

Dear bartender at my new favorite neighborhood joint: I like your style. Witty. Football fan. Cute. But, I've been the bartender. And I've dated the bartender. One thing I know: bartenders can not be trusted.

Dear fellow drinker at my new favorite neighborhood joint: its great being regulars together. but the fact that you went to your first concert the same year I was born makes me see you more as an uncle-figure. And the fact that you hang out at my new favorite neighborhood joint so often that they've deemed you "the mayor" is of concern. but thanks for buying me drinks. See you next time!

Seriously, life, universe, God...where the heck are the Mr. Rights?

6 months from now...

...after I've sold all my assets, worked a 2nd and 3rd job, and picked 3 of the 6 winning lotto numbers in the Mega Millions, THIS is the closet of clothes I will own...

Introducing, Susan's hand-picked, ready-to-wear for Spring/Summer 2010, courtesy of New York Fashion Week...for work, for play, for every day!

(Clockwise from top left: Max Azria, Behnaz Sarafpour, Carlos Miele, Cesar Galindo, Christian Siriano, DKNY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Narcisso Rodriguez, Thakoon, Donna Karen, Jason Wu)

PS - Phillip Lim and Nanette Lepore, Marchessa and Oscar all showed today so they clearly have yet to be represented! :)

Things I love about September...

1. Start of NFL...and the best 17+ weeks of the year
2. NY Fashion Week...I DIE!
3. Only month when you get the real combo of sunny days and then rainy days...
4. Kids are back in school...(how this effects me, I don't know...just like it...)
5. Last normal month before holiday craziness is upon us
6. My figs are ripening like crazy, making everyone around me happy to receive them!
7. Pumpkin spiced lattes are back! And while we're at it, pumpkin scones!
8. The network shows and the new Fall season return!
9. Oprah's on
10. Baseball is almost over...thank God.