Getting Ripped & Eating Doughnuts, Adventures in Anniversaries

I’m on day 11 of the Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30, and already, I’m way behind.  The 30 day program of 20 minute workouts per day can be done at home, with minimal equipment needed.  In the winter – it’s a great little exercise routine when the gym seems so far away, there are lines for the treadmills and it’s freezing outside.  I am dripping sweat whenever I’m finished.  There’s a suggested meal plan to accompany the workouts and I’ve pretty much violated that too.  Unless splitting 4 stuffed doughnuts with The Husband on our anniversary dinner can be excused.  I’m considering starting over again as I need the stamina from Week 1 of the video to help with Week 2.  Week 2 is kicking my ass. Who the hell invented mountain climbers?  Probably someone who enjoys climbing stuff.  Not me.  I like downhill much better.  If I do make it through the 30 days, I’ll let you know if I feel any different.  I did lose 5 lbs in the first week, but think I’ve gained back 20 this week, it being our anniverary and all.

Speaking of our anniversary, it’s hard to believe 3 years have passed already.  Many of you have been reading this blog since The Husband was The Boyfriend.  Others started when he was The Fiance.   I have to say, he’s a really fun guy to be married to and so far, I’m not sick of him which is great news.  He does give more attention to the puppy these days than me, but that’s understandable given how cute Wally is.  We swore that we weren’t doing anniversary gifts this year since we’re going away in May, but I came home to flowers and a card anyway.  We had dinner plans at this great mussels place (can I just quickly mention the 4 doughnut flavors we went with?  You pick a doughnut and choose the filling.  We chose peanut butter & jelly, salted caramel, cinnamon sugar and chocolate. It came with a warm vanilla dipping sauce.  I’m still dreaming of doughnuts…).  When the time came to pay the bill, it seemed like we were waiting a while for our server to bring us the check.  When she finally came to our table, she told us our bill had been taken care of.  Can you believe that?  The Husband’s parents did a little digging, found out where we were eating and paid for our dinner!! HOW THOUGHTFUL ARE THEY??!  I have the greatest in-laws.  We called them to say thank you on our way home and The Husband’s mom told me that my parents had actually tried to do the same thing.  They had my 11 year old nephew call The Husband to find out where we were eating.  Only when they called the restaurant, they found out the bill was already taken care of.  Imagine that – two sets of parents fighting to pay the bill of our dinner!  We are blessed.  We are lucky.  We are so grateful.

I took The Husband at his word when he said, “no gifts!” and since the flowers and his card, I’ve secured my own card for him which will have to be 1 day late.  Does it still count?  Or should I apply it to next year?  Do you guys exchange anniversary gifts?  I was also fairly amazed at the amount of people who remembered our annivesary.  I am usually good about remembering birthdays, but it comes to my friend’s babies’ birthdays and their wedding annivesaries, I’m useless. 

A little Bachelor talk here – I am amazed at the amount of people who watched the finale.  People have been dropping by my office by the dozens in the last 48 hours to share their thoughts on Sean and Catherine, Sean’s virginity, Sean on Dancing with the Stars,  why Lesley wasn’t the Bachelorette, why the show always picks a previous contestant to be the next Bachelor or Bachelorette.  I wonder if it’s possible to earn a living just talking Bachelor all day.  I can say the vast majority of people I’ve spoken with said the same things: (1) Lindsay was not one of their favorites initiailly, but she peaked at the finale and were very impressed with how she handled the rejection; (2) Sean is really loved and this was one of the best seasons in a really long time; (3) AshLee’s confrontation of Sean at the WTA came off as bitter and inappropriate; (4) Emily Maynard really missed out when she broke up with Sean; (5) Catherine and Sean really do seem in love and have a real shot of making it long term.

Will you guys watch DWTS now that Sean is on it?

What else are you watching in the off-season? I’m hooked on HBO’s Girls and AMC’s The Walking Dead.  Everything else is a bonus if I get around to watching it.  In terms of non Bachelor activities, I may be signing up for a writing class in early May.  Busy spring! 

Did I mention that I went out with the new friend I met in Wally’s training class? I think I did.  I was so excited to have plans with a potential new friend.  Then I found out about 30 minutes into our “date” that New Friend was moving back to her hometown, thousands of miles away.  This is the equivalent of the letdown when you get all spiffed up to go on a first date with someone. You’re hopeful. You know enough basic facts about the person to think there could be a good chance you’ll hit off.  Then they drop a bomb on you like, “I have 15 cats” or “I don’t like sweets” and immediately your stomach drops because you know it’s over.  Before it began, it’s over.  Still New Friend said she might look into the writing class with me which means there’s a chance she’ll stay a little longer.  I’ve got to find her a serious boyfriend and fast so she’ll change her mind about moving.  I wonder if any of The Husband’s friends would be good for her.  Hmmm, I’ve gotta go search Facebook.  Speak to you later.

I’ll leave you with a pic of me & The Husband from last night.  You can see the flowers he got me in the background, further evidencing my BIG LACK of any present giving.  I messed up.  What can I say? Til next time, please “Like” my Facebook page at http://facebook.com/OfficeStace or “Follow” me on Twitter http://twitter.com/OfficeStace

Stacey B & The Husband on our Third anniverary (first Wally-less photo in 7 months)