Storytime...

At least I'm good for something... G-injury stories told far and wide...

Schmeffy: oh...story time. What was the reason you got fired from the telemarketer?

G: Ha.
well, i didn't get fired
i never went back
i got written up for not doing 2 rebuttals to a blind person for a GM mastercard
despite me explaining to my manager that the person was BLIND and therefore couldn't DRIVE
this was also a day after i fell down the stairs and broke my foot there
and was written up for taking a 17 min break instead of a 15
b/c i couldn't walk the 8 floors w/the broken foot
and the elevator got stuck
why do you ask?

Schmeffy: just having a discussion about bad telemarketing jobs

G: haha and you think of me.

Schmeffy: yes!

Weaknesses

Asking for help has never been my thing. I'm also not so good at being in the spotlight... I get ultra shy - which I'm sure most of you are thinking can't be possible, but I assure you it is true.

That's why the fundraising was a good exercise for me. I can ask for just about anything for anyone else - heck, its my job. But if its me, I clam up.

So, you can imagine my surprise that I reached my goal. Now imagine walking into my job and hearing that my coworkers put together an entire building-wide bake sale to help me raise my money as a surprise. And looking at an overflowing table of food that people contributed too, designed signs, you name it.

Last week, during one of my 5 mile walks I heard someone screaming my name. It was my office's security guard, who left her post to cheer me on...she saw me pass her on my first leg of the trek and ran out as I was walking back. I was hot and tired, but after that small "hey - you go, Miss Gina!!" I floated the remaining 2.5 miles.

I'm overwhelmed by the kindness people can show when we step outisde our boxes. I know I have the type of friends and family who have taught me how to be kind, caring and compassionate. They do so all the time - whether its a "hey I miss you" email or taking time to help someone recover from a painful procedure.

It takes so little to make someone's day....and I fully intend to continue to pay it forward.

Smooches,
G


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Grateful

I have a bunch of reasons to be grateful and feel accomplished as we are about 1/2 way through this year.

I completed my Mental Health First Aid class.

I hit my fundraising goal yesterday, thanks to the kindness of family, friends and some strangers.

I'm managing to keep on track with my training, despite the summer getting more chaotic. Gotta love surprise client dinners.

I have even managed to lose at least 32 pounds since about March.

But, I'm most grateful for my boyfriend who loves me despite all this...and even endures my craziness, which I hope you all continue to explain is part of my charm.

Anyone that can not only put up with me, but still manage to show up - and with flowers and a smile nonetheless, has to be a good dude.

And I do love a good dude.

Miss y'all...

Smooches,
G

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Taking a Stroll

So, I've been walking. A lot. Over 115 miles to date. I walk past all the monuments erected for all the great people who have made this country what it is. I watch people...I get to see families explore this city. I watch happy dogs whose owners are taking them for their evening strolls. Man, does that make me miss Lucky. Especially when I see dogs who say hello to me.

I've watched birds enjoying puddles and taking bird baths. Ducks and ducklings figuring out how to make their way in the world.

I've had to listen to at least half of the 3,000+ songs in iPurple. I have so much time to think. Maybe too much time.

So you'd think by now I'd be covered in G-injuries - bruises, shin splints, broken shoulders.

I must admit, I was feeling pretty proud - that is until the giant gash on my left leg and gross scab on my right showed up.

Was it from a killer 7 mile trek? If it was - wouldn't that make me cool?

No, it was from me tripping and falling like the graceful bull I am at the Phish show.

After a lovely visit to the Howard County EMT folks, all of which B photographed and posted on Facebook, I was all fixed up. And we were able to dance. And dance. And dance some more.

I can't remember the last time I danced for that long or enjoyed a concert that much. I actually felt like I was a kid again.

Pretty awesome stuff.

Much, much more to tell...but, never anytime to write it.

I miss you all.

Smooches,
G

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Mama I'm (be)Coming Home(sick)

I miss my Jersey. I miss my peeps in Jersey. I love my peeps here - boyfriend included. But, as we sat and ate some actually decent Italian food (imported from Staten Island), I remembered how much I missed home.

Love you guys. Trying to figure out some time to make it home.

Smooches
G

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

My life as a dog

I've always wanted to be a dog. In fact, if I could be a dog, I'd want to be a golden retriever. Happy go lucky, admittedly goofy - yet pretty enough to pull that off.
 
Yet, I realize that try as I might, I am a chihuahua. And not even a cool Yo Quiero Taco Bell pup or like my friend's sweetie named Lucy.

I am the typical, hyper anxiety chihuahua. One who was apparently over ambitious earlier this year and attempted to take on way too many "do well by doing good" goals which is why I'm currently a ghost to most of you.

For example, last night after working until 7:45, I trained for my upcoming 60 mile walk in the 90+ degree heat by walked 4.5 miles and eating dinner at 9:15 pm. I was up again at 6 am to do laundry and cross-train, so I could make my 6-9 pm Mental Health First Aid class tonight.

And after today's 16+ hour day, I will follow with a 6 mile walk tomorrow night so I can keep up with all the weekend stuff and not hold us back.
At least I went to DisneyWorld and the Boyfriend did NOT lose me...which to me signals he may actually love me. (We did have a great time - hopefully pictures to come).

I am also homesick after the holiday weekend. Even though I'm responsible for bad weather during Memorial Day, I do miss my Jersey Shore. But, I could def get used to having a pool - especially since I can see and swim! It rocks!!

I miss and love you all.

Smooches,
G

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry