apartment probs & the MBTI test.

I left you hangin’ yesterday. High and dry. But sometimes I play dirty. I don’t know what I’m talking about.

Anyway, Tuesday morning was a crisis at Casa Runnaroundd. I woke up and went for run as per usual, but when I got back, I noticed my bathroom floor was wet. I opened up the cabinet under my sink to find a pretty big leak and a soaking wet mess of towels and toiletries. Joy.

I called my landlord company {this was at 7:30 a.m.} and they didn’t get someone there until close to 9:30. Joy times dos.

{The aftermath : everything remains in bags while it dries out.}

Long, wet story short: I will not be renewing my lease come July. Can’t wait to find some new digs!

How was your day yesterday? I was a bit absent from the blog world since I was busy to the max all day.

Moving on… Today through Friday I’m shooting again for our client. Yay! It’s one of my favorite things, ever. The wake-ups are a little bit brutal {we’re talking in the 5s…}, but it’s a pretty nice change of scenery from the office. And we get gourmet lunches. So there’s that.

OH and I did something pretty cool yesterday. I took the MBTI test. It’s like a Cosmopolitan personality test except it’s proven…and true.

For those that know anything about the test, I’m an INFJ. 

What the test says about my personality {from the “Introduction to Type” book}:

• Idealistic, complex, deep
• Conceptual, symbolic, metaphorical
• Insightful, creative, visionary
• INFJs apply personal values and empathize to understand others and make decisions. They are loyal to people and institutions that exemplify their values but have little interest in those that do not. INFJs prefer to lead persuasively by sharing their vision. They are likely to be sensitive, compassionate, empathic and deeply committed to their values.
• My favorite: “INFJs seek meaning and connection in their lives.”
  

I really want to explore a bit further into this test. It’s pretty interesting, and I kinda just want to know why I am the crazy way I am!

The meeting was really fun, and it was scary how true it was. We talked through all our results, and even though I didn’t really find out anything new about myself, it was cool to see it in front of me – how I work, who I work best with, etc. I encourage anyone in an office setting to take it!

Ok, well in true Kelsey fashion, that’s all the nonsense I have for now. Back to work!

What’s going on with you this week? Ever take the MBTI test? What are you? Would we be best friends forever or the worst frenemies, ever? Happy Monday #3!

sunday = whateverday & some food prep.

To me, Sunday should be re-named Whateverday. From the second I wake up the morning, the Monday bomb is ticking away in the back of my mind. 12 more hours until your weekend is over… savor the sun while you can… 8 hours of freedom left… gotta get this done, gotta get that done… 4 hours until you should be crawling into bed…

Every Sunday feels like a race against the clock. I go through a mental checklist of everything that has to get done before Monday morning and then I panic and get nothing done then I get to work. You know the drill.

I had another awesome Sunday food prep inspired by Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean blog. The pictures suck because the last thing I wanted to do after prepping was take everything back out of my fridge to photograph it. #firstworldproblems

What I prepped:
-chopped veggies: carrots, celery, mushrooms, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce
-chopped fruit: strawberries, bananas (frozen for breakfasts & smoothies)
-portioned spinach into individual lunch bags
-spaghetti squash
-black beans
-steamed: yellow squash, green beans
-hard boiled eggs

I wanted to do more than this, but I ran out of tupperware! Who runs out of tupperware?! This was also my first time EVER hard boiling eggs without adult supervision. What 23-year-old has never hard boiled an egg? I’ll tell you: this girl. I had no idea how long they were supposed to boil for, and I’m pretty sure I put way too much water in the pot, but they came out great! 

I’m so set for the week, and putting lunch together this morning was a breeze. Mission for next Whateverday: get more tupperware.

The rest of Sunday was spent belly down on my bed reading my new book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I am SO into this book. Every time I open it I just cannot put it down.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Monday! What was the best thing you did this weekend? Did you do some food prepping, meal planning, lounging, reading?

weekend: i’m ready for more.

I didn’t open my computer once yesterday. It felt really nice, actually.

This was the first time in awhile that I gave my job and my career path and where the heck my “professional life” {is that what I have now? a professional life?} some serious thought. I love my job. If you’ve been keeping up with me, you know I love what I do. I enjoy writing what I’m writing. I enjoy going to work every day — something a lot of people cannot say.

But I feel like I’m in limbo.

I’ve made it here, and I’m writing. I’m getting paid to write. I get told what I write and I do it and I go home. Five years ago I never would have pictured this life as my life. I enjoy it.

But I’m not making any sort of difference. What I do doesn’t mean anything to anyone else. I want to do something that makes a difference. I want to help people, teach people, inspire people. I want to make people laugh. 

At the end of the day, I want to get in the car and be able to smile when no one is looking. That’s when you know you really mean it. 

Lots of future talk went down on Saturday morning. I got coffee with two great friends from college at one of Tampa’s newest and best coffee places — Oxford Exchange.

It’s bright and airy and — just like my amazing friends — full of inspiration. The middle of the building is an atrium filled with great ideas; hanging, waiting.

We talked for awhile about where we want our lives to go. What we want to do. What we should be doing. I want to read a lot of books, I want to write a lots of books, I want to travel, I want to teach, I want to get lost and then find my way, I want to navigate foreign countries where I don’t speak the language, I want to take pictures then write about them. And I want to do it all before I look back and wish I had had the courage to make it happen. That’s the scariest part.

I had a lot of beautiful weather to soak in these thoughts and work them out. I can always rely on Tampa for that.

I took to the roads.

And then I shopped. I finally caved and purchased my first lululemon piece!! EEEEP! It’s the most gorgeous coral-colored tank top you ever did see. It’s so comfy and I’ve worn it all day every day since I got it. Best money I’ve ever spent on workout gear. Ever.

Anyway, it’s been a pretty great weekend. But I’ve still got some thinking to do. I think there are great things out there — I know there are. I just need to figure out what’s next.

I hope you’re all having a great weekend! What have you been up to? What was the first lulu item you bought? If you could do anything — anything — what would you be doing? 

aaron carter: the after party “tour.”

I’ll be honest. I woke up with a bit of an Aaron Carter hangover. My teen heart is still beating wildly. Any way that I try to write this will never even begin to describe the events that went down last night. You know those “you just had to be there jokes?” All of last night is one of those jokes. In the best, most non-sarcastic way possible.
You just. Had. To be there.
{PS: Please excuse the poor quality of these photos. GoPro cameras and Blackberries are not meant to take exceptional pictures.}

The Venue: The Ritz, Ybor City

The place never really “filled up,” it just got louder and hotter and everyone pushed themselves into a tight pack up against the stage when it got closer to Aaron coming on.

The Opening Acts: I don’t know, and I didn’t care.

This is where the “joke” part comes in. I felt like I was watching a middle school talent show. I was probably 10 years older than the kids on stage, and I went to the bathroom at least twice to rest my ears for a few minutes. It was painful.
Here’s two clips of two different opening acts.

The opening acts went on forever. I’m talking for.ev.er. My friends and I got there a little after 8 p.m., and Aaron didn’t come on until about 11 p.m. In Kelly’s words: “Aaron Carter is such a DIVA.” Yes, yes he is.

{Like I said…really crappy pictures.}

The Main Act: Aaron

After the crew set up the stage like this, we waited for awhile for him to come out. They played pretty awesome music while we waited, but, ya know, TICK TOCK. Finally when the lights went out, he came on stage and everyone went insane – myself included. We were SO close to the stage. I was probably 4-5 feet away from him. Teen heart beating wildly.

There was this weird “America” theme going on, but I don’t think anyone knew why. Then this happened…

Flags. Remember the “you just had to be there…?” Well, now you know why.

And I’m sure you guessed that I took some videos of him. You. Are. Welcome.

He was most definitely lip syncing a few of the songs — and everyone around me could tell — but it was still awesome, and I cannot believe how close we were!

Then…this is what made the whole night worth it: IKO IKO! He only sang a few bars of it, but I’m pretty sure I went out of my mind when it started playing. It’s one of my favorite songs from his teen albums…and I still listen to it when I run — I didn’t say that.

Shortly after, I said goodbye to my friends and got home around midnight, ears buzzing and a huge smile on my face that I just couldn’t shake. I can’t wait for the next one!

The Verdict: Worth every single penny!

Hope you all enjoyed a little Aaron Carter on your Friday Have a great day and awesome weekend. What’s the last concert you went to? Ever see any of your favorite bands/singers from your teen years? This one is going down in the books, haha!

aaron’s after party.

You won’t even believe me when I tell you this. I mean, I’m having a difficult time believing it, myself. Are you ready?

THIS happened yesterday…

That’s right. Aaron Carter – former child pop star and current meth addict – is going on “tour” and playing in Tampa tonight! I don’t know when he got out of prison, stopped doing drugs started singing again {can we call it that? singing? performing?}, but my inner 8th grader is dying to hear “I Want Candy” and “How I Beat Shaq” LIVE.

Ok, ok. He’s a little creepy now that he’s all grown up, but we’re going to look past the obviously fake bleached hair and rapist goatee. I mean, he dated Hilary Duff at one point, right? He’s legit.

The hair, people, come on. But for real. I’m charging my camera as we speak.

Do you live in the Tampa area? Do you want to come with? Tickets are less than $20. That tells you something, doesn’t it? Winky wink.

Last picture, I swear. {All were from Google Images, FYI}.

IN OTHER NEWS. 

I wore a peplum top yesterday and felt bossayyy. They are my new favorite thing. Ever. They’re so flowy and comfy. 

After work I headed straight to the gym. I was stressed out from my doctor’s appointment and needed to sweat! I ended up having the toughest, most awesome spin class of my life yesterday. The instructor, Corey, was an older, stocky guy {we’re talking grey hair}.

We, almost immediately, jumped into sprints. He never really let up on the intensity the entire class, and I loved it! We never dropped below our “base gear” the entire time, so the intensity and resistance was always there.

I felt like a noodle when I peeled myself out of the seat to stretch after class. 50 sweaty minutes of BLISS. I’m making his class a weekly thing.

Well, I’m outta here! Hope you all have great Thursdays! What’s the last concert you went to?

what the h wednesday #8: “i can’t help you.”

Those were not the words I wanted to hear when I walked into the doctor’s office this morning. But, I expected them. Doctors fix people. It’s their job to fix people. I’m tired of being the one they can’t put back together. I always expect the worst, and maybe that’s why I always seem to run into it.

“Good luck to you,” were his parting words. Almost as if to say, “I don’t know what you were doing here in the first place.” That’s all you’ve got for me? Luck? I felt belittled, like he believed these problems were in my head.

Next steps: MRI. Blood tests. Expensive, meaningless steps that take me in a circle of more questions, more tears and fewer answers.

How did I even get here? Why why why why why why why why? 

It’s just a really sad day.

tour of CAMLS.

This morning I had the most amazing opportunity to take a tour of the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa. 

From the CAMLS website:

Our tour guides, Paul and Laura, were fantastic. They led us through the most incredible, high-tech rooms where doctors, nurses and students learn to use robotics and surgery simulation technology.

Doctors come from all over the world to train here. They learn, re-learn and perfect their skills in this facility. There is no other like it in the entire world. 

Here are some facts from the brochure that I thought were just amazing.

This was one of my favorite things we saw: The Hybrid Operating Suite {photo borrowed from the CAMLS website.} It specializes in heart procedures.

I learned that in most hospitals, when a person goes in to get a heart procedure done, they are in one operating room with another open and waiting for them in case anything goes wrong. In the event that something does go wrong, they are transported to that operating room, but it can take around 30 minutes for them to get there. This operating room above allows the patient to stay on the table, while the machines move around them to “transform” into a room that is equipped to help them, while a new staff of doctors move in to handle the situation. This cuts the time down to 4 minutes. 

And do you see the cool lights in there? Well, before a patient goes into surgery, a nurse can customize the lights and even the soothing music that plays before you go under and while you’re waking up after your procedure. This facility is the most technologically advanced in the world — and it’s right in my backyard! 

I don’t want to go on forever, but I was so thankful to go on this tour. It really makes me appreciate the hard work that doctors, nurses and even vets do for us and for animals. Absolutely incredible.

Here’s another page on the CAMLS site {Core Components Overview} with some good info if you’re interested.

The tour sorta, kinda made me question my job field. I’m over here writing Facebook and Twitter posts about strawberries, and the doctors are over there, ya know, saving lives and putting bones back together. Why did I not choose a more meaningful career path like my sister {she’s a smartypants doctor of physical therapy}. 

Hope you all have a great Tuesday! What career path are you following? Have you known forever that that’s what you wanted to do?

in a ……. mood monday.

It’s not a bad mood or an overly excited mood. Just a moooood. It’s a bit overcast here, but not rainy. Kind of humid, but not brutally hot. I think the weather feels the same as I do. Just kind of in between. Ready for something to happen, but not quite sure what it will be. 

We’ll see. 

After I got home from my parents’ yesterday evening…

I spun… by myself. For an hour. I never thought I would last that long. Alone in the room. With no TVs or entertainment. I just blasted my music and spun. It was therapeutic. 

I shopped… because my fridge was bare. I made a Publix run and stocked up.

I didn’t prep… for the week. AGH. This morning I paid for it because I was scrambling to get my shit together. You should see my hair….oy.

I loafed… and watched one of my favorite movies, “You’ve Got Mail.” I could watch that movie over and over and over.

I made plans… to see, “The Great Gatsby” with my friends, Mo and Mike, this week – friends that I haven’t hung out with in ages. I miss them and I’m SO pumped. PS: Mike has a blog and he’s awesome. Check him out!!

I snacked… on the last of my Avocado PB cookies. I miss them.  

I texted… back and forth with momma bear. She flew to Minnesota for business, and she went to the Mall of America. There are three floors of fantastic shopping, and I’m so jealous she’s there without me. Rude. She sent me these pictures…

There’s a water slide INSIDE the mall! I don’t know how I’ve lived 23 whole years without visiting this magic place. 

This morning…

I ran… but it was horrible, and I cannot wait for my doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. FIX MEEEEEE.

I am enjoying… delicious berries, yogurt and cinnamon nut coffee. I used my cool little stem picker gadget that my mom got me. Perfect start to a Monday.

Have a great Monday! What’s the best kind of flavored coffee you ever, ever had? Like, ever?  

mother’s day weekend.

Happy Momma Bear Day to all the wonderful mommies and mommies-to-be out there! They deserve this day – filled with love and cards and flowers and french toast & egg breakfasts {if you live in my house}.

Friday night after work and spinning, I drove to Orlando to spend the weekend with my family. My sister flew in from NY, and we spent all of Saturday at Disney.

First stop: Animal Kingdom.

Second stop: EPCOT.

Third park of the day: Magic Kingdom. A girl came up to us in front of Splash Mountain and offered us her family’s fast passes since they weren’t using them. WHATTT! Now that’s Disney magic right there.

Our last park was Hollywood Studios, but my energy level after 10 hours was pretty low, so the pictures stopped. But I got a few more shots of the day, including a family photo on Splash Mountain. It might end up being this year’s Christmas card. I’ll accept addresses in the comments below if you’d like one to show up in your mailbox this holiday season

It’s always been my dream to hold the balloons. And do you see that gorgeous dark-haired girl in the top right photo with my sister and me? She’s our friend from our HIGH SCHOOL’s swim team! We ran into her and her new fiance {CONGRATS!} at Animal Kingdom.

We had a pretty great day, and now my legs are in pain. That’s how you know you’ve done Disney right.

Happy Mother’s Day to the best mom in all of the land! How are you celebrating today?

high five friday #21: bikes and boats.

I’m almost positive this week flew by. That’s been happening a lot lately, which is good because I’m spending the weekend in Orlando with my parents and big seeeester. She flew in from NYC this week and I’ve been dying to get there to have some fun at Disney. Yes, I’m going to Disney again. This should not come as a surprise to anyone.

And since it’s Friday, it’s time we talk high fives, yes?

This week I have a few to share: 1) Enjoying stress-free and sweatayyy workouts at the gym, 2) Making PB Avocado Cookies from The Lean Green Bean‘s recipe (And I just realized this morning that I forgot the baking powder – oops! They’re still yummy though…), and 3) Going out to a fabulous lunch yesterday afternoon with co-workers. We sat outside and had a great view of the cruise ship in port.

We walked to Channelside near downtown Tampa to a Thai place called Thai Thani. The food was just meh, and I found out that cellophane noodles taste like nothing – just the sauce that they’re swimming in. Kind of like how tofu takes on the taste of whatever you’re cooking it in. I also found out they are loaded with calories and empty carbs. Fan-stinking-tastic. The view was pretty outstanding, though, as was the company. The people I work with are a trip, and I didn’t stop laughing the entire time.

After lunch, a t-shirt tan, and scoping out the cruise travelers rolling their suitcases toward the biggum boat, we headed back to the office.

I knew I wanted to get in a workout after work but wasn’t sure I could haul ass fast enough to make it to my gym for spin at 5:30. Right when the bell rang clock hit 5:00, I was outtie! I pedaled as fast as I could to the gym and made it there with a few minutes to spare! Good thing because I had the best time. The teacher was great and really funny. There were only six of us, which made it more fun. She was able to make it a little more conversational – well, as much conversation as one can have while pedaling like a maniac.

I walked out drenched in sweat. I felt like such a fool, but it was so worth it. Then I remembered I had to bike home…. #strugglecity.

Can’t wait to do it all again!

Ok, well that’s all for now, chicas. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday! When’s the last time you took a spin class? Do you have a teacher that you totally love? Doing anything to celebrate Momma Bear Day this weekend?