So, I was sitting here, watching my brother while chatting on and off with some friends when all of a sudden, a message popped up:

P.S.: hello mommy

It took me a moment to realize that it wasn’t actually Lor’s stepmom-to-be that was IMing me, but Lor herself! At first I was a bit skeptical…

LMR: Hi there!
LMR: Are you really typing this, Lor?
LMR: Or have you paid someone to do so?

… but by the time I got my response, I knew that she had to be replying.

Lor: what areyou doing
Lor: \yes

Because I’m going to be that archetypal embarrassing parent, I feel that it is my internet responsibility to chronicle this milestone for posterity’s sake. (more…)

Victory!, originally uploaded by Luana Arrrr.

In the midst of all the upheaval in my life, I’m still determined to make some positive changes. I can’t let myself slide back into where I once was — this growth is too important to me to let myself languish in the shadows.

So yeah! This is after 3.5 miles of walking/jogging/walking. When I was about 2.5 miles in, I thought about calling Nick and having him pick me up (because I am admittedly a weak-willed and lazy person when it comes to exercise), but I hit some sort of floaty place and was able to make the last leg easily. The route I took was rather hilly, so my legs took quite the beating, but I’m only moderately unhealthy versus supremely unhealthy, so I can manage it.

Speaking of being moderately unhealthy, I hit a new low this morning! I stepped on the bathroom scale before heading out for class, and when I noticed that my weight was significantly lower with my clothes on, I shut the door and disrobed as quickly as I could. I’ve only got 13.5 pounds to go until I hit my goal! I can’t believe it — usually I lose weight when I’m severely stressed, but I’ve been only moderately stressed of late so I’m quite surprised by these recent developments.

I’m taking my 101 Things to Do list quite seriously. While I did break and ended up getting coffee two days in a row, for the most part I’ve cut down on the things that are bad for me. I’ve only had two cigarettes since I got back from Austin (which is where I decided to kick smoking altogether), and the half-can of Diet Coke I had (the first caffeinated soda I’ve had this year) was part of the one drink I’ve had since I’ve returned as well. I don’t plan on completely kicking alcohol, but I do want to dial that back down. As far as smoking is concerned, I could see myself stepping outside with someone every now and then, but I just don’t think I have it in me anymore.

Also, Nat Shermans are a bit pricey for me, and now I have things I want to save up for. At least one more trip this year, another pair of pants, this guy… I’ve got to pinch my pennies, not smoke them away. I miss it, yes, especially when I’m super-stressed. However, I’m trying not to let myself buy even one pack, because I’m afraid I’ll let it snowball.

I’m writing more, reading more, and tonight, I’ll be heading out to Schoolhouse Rock Live!, which should be a lot of fun. Being social — now that’s the biggest step of all, I’d argue. However, I can do this… especially since I’ve already bought my ticket.

No, but really. I can do this.

“So, last week,” I started, my voice wavering as it always does when I approach a professor. “Well, I was on vacation, and I wanted to know if I missed anything other than the videos. Was there a lecture or discussion on Friday?”

She laughed, straightening her tie. “Well, it’s funny — we really didn’t have much time for discussion. The first half-hour of class was spent answering questions about myself.” She smiled and shrugged it off, leaning in toward me. Her body language said it all: You know how it is.

But I don’t, I thought to myself, and yet I do.

May 12, 2010 was spent:

• Walking off my tipsy at Walmart with Jeb while having an impromptu conversation with G (my old manager)
• Throwing the last couple things in my suitcase before attempting to sleep
• Being dropped off at the airport at godforsaken-o’clock
• Using my Starbucks certificate for honest-to-goodness birthday coffee
• Having to rush to another terminal when my flight was moved
• Taking a surprise birthday call from Jen right before the plane began to taxi
• Getting a free drink on the airplane due to the flight attendant both forgetting to give me back my card right away
• Being able to read on a plane once again without being sick
• Having a nice chat with the concierge on the ride to the hotel
• Realizing my hotel room was a bit small, but very nice considering the price
• Having a short birthday chat with Lorelei and Nick
• Holing myself up in the room, reading and doing homework
• E-mailing a friend and making unexpected birthday dinner plans with Aaron
• Eating Texas roadhouse-style barbeque from a crate, and then washing my hands in a hand jacuzzi
• Being led on an impromptu tour of the University of Texas campus (since Aaron went/works there) and looking at the Capitol Building and downtown
• Sitting by the pool and later in the hot tub, soaking the night away
• Fielding birthday calls from my mother and CJ
• Trying to sleep, excited about the days yet to come

So yes! Most exciting birthday yet, easily. At the risk of sounding like an ultra-geek, twenty-eight was great, but twenty-nine is prime. (oh god, I just made a math joke. what’s wrong with me?)

I’m so happy it’s May. I’ve been hollering it to anyone who would (and couldn’t help but — thanks, socialized media!) listen, because boy, was April a terrible month. Nick’s car broke down, pretty much eliminating the trip I was planning on taking to Austin for my birthday. Friendships got tested — some survived, some didn’t. In the end, though, it was only a month, and May has to be better.

I mean, first off, Mother’s Day is in May, which makes for a built in lazy day for me. Second, and more important, is the fact that my birthday is soon. Less than two weeks, in fact. I guess I’m only okay with that, mainly because I like my current age better than the impending one. It really has less to do with the whole getting older thing and more to do with the actual number.

Twenty-eight is a nice and round, both visually and aurally. I’m saying it aloud right now: tweeeeeeenty-eeeeeeiiiiight. »»