Sunday, March 13, 2011
Get your motor runnin'...
I took the step to actually get out on the road today. Nothing major, but it felt GOOD to be driving. I can't wait till I have my license and can head out on the highway lookin for adventure.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Adventures at the NYS DMV - Part II
First, let me appologize for taking so long to post the second half of my story. There are many reasons that I won't go into detail about, but trust that I did not forget about you lovely followers and there were valid situations keeping me away from my poor neglected blog.
For those of you just tuning in, please read PART I first, otherwise, this part just isn't nearly as interesting.
Now, on to the side story....
(As a reminder, when we last left Lady Hill she was anxiously awaiting to find out if she passed the NYS Learner's Permit exam.)
Okay, so, I forgot to mention in Part I of the story that somewhere along the line my mom sat next to a very pregnant foreign girl and began to chat with her. Those of you who have been reading long enough, or who know me in real life, know that pregnancy is a topic I try to avoid at all costs. I went so far as putting my coat and bag between myself and the pregnant woman that we will call Ruth (that might be her real name, I never did catch it but I'm pretty sure that's what they called her at the desk) because I have an irrational fear that pregnancy is somehow contagious through osmosis. SO, imagine my ... hmmm... not surprise, not disapointment, just imagine how uncomfortable I was to realize that Ruth and I were only one number apart, and would end up spending the entire day at the DMV together.
When we were called in to take the test, the only two open seats were next to eachother. When we were done with the tests, the only room to wait was a tiny space that required us to be touching while we stood there. (Another important thing to remember is that I HATE being touched, especially by strangers.) After standing for a few minutes we started chatting, and it turns out she is a really nice woman, just moved here, grew up all over Europe and when she realizes I know German, she began speaking so fast in a dialect I couldnt understand that we wound up getting scolded for laughing so loud. She became my "DMV Buddy"
Ruth it turns out, is 8 months pregnant. No one was willing to give up a seat for her on the benches, because well, this is New York after all, so I told her I'd sit on the floor if she did. Now, picture the amount of space that had to be available, or rather the lack there of, if when standing we were touching. When we sat, she was basically on my lap.
I couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable she looked, because, well she kept making very strange faces and making little sighs here and there. Turns out, that Ruth had been having contractions for the past two hours and they were getting stronger by the minute. She assured me that she wasn't planning on having the baby at the DMV and I said "Well, I should hope not! And, if you do need to have the baby here, please, don't do it on my lap." I said it with a laugh in my voice so she didn't think I was a huge bitch, but at this point I am DESPERATE to escape the DMV. I'm almost hoping I failed the test because if I did, then at least I could just leave. I wouldn't have to spend even more time hanging out with my new buddy and risk her having her baby on my lap.
THEN! Oh my... then the baby starts trying to escape, but not through the "escape hatch" oh no, the baby seems to be trying to rip it's way through Ruth's tummy. He too, it appears has had enough of the DMV and just can't seem to take it anymore. It was like a scene from an alien movie, even Ruth started laughing and pointing at her belly and saying "aw, look at my little alien baby, he's trying to escape" This is not Ruth's belly, but this is exactly what it looked like except it wasn't a foot it was a hand...
I didn't realize those types of photos were real. I have never touched a pregnant woman's belly to feel a baby kick, I had no idea, this was possible. I was FREAKED out. Then, the baby starts rolling and it looks like the Loch Ness Monster is in there... crazy stuff... The whole time she's talking about contractions. Now, I don't know if you can have contractions while the baby is moving around like that, or what not. I don't claim to be knowledgable on these things, I'm just reporting what she said was going on and what I saw. So, it gets to the point where I actually said... "Okay, listen up little baby. You cannot be born at the DMV, especially not on MY lap. Because, if your mommy does give birth to you on my lap, she will have to be my very own personal driver for the rest of my life and yours, because I will NEVER step foot in a DMV again, and I will never get my license." Again, I said it with a laugh in my voice but also sternly enough so that the alien baby knew I meant business. Ruth laughed, and said that we had a deal, if she had the baby while anywhere near me, she would drive me around forever.
Just then they called out both of our names to get our test results....
We both passed!!
Luckily, there were no seats near eachother back in the main part of the DMV so we didn't have to sit near eachother and that is where my story with Ruth and the alien baby ends. I spent another 75 minutes waiting for them to call my number to pay at the cashier, but FINALLY after over 6 hours at the NYSDMV I now have a class D id and can drive! (As long as there is a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the car with me lol)
I am VERY excited and very proud of myself. I fought several fears of mine to complete this task and hopefully, I will have a driver's license before this permit expires b/c I really don't think I can risk going through all of that all over again!!
For those of you just tuning in, please read PART I first, otherwise, this part just isn't nearly as interesting.
Now, on to the side story....
(As a reminder, when we last left Lady Hill she was anxiously awaiting to find out if she passed the NYS Learner's Permit exam.)
Okay, so, I forgot to mention in Part I of the story that somewhere along the line my mom sat next to a very pregnant foreign girl and began to chat with her. Those of you who have been reading long enough, or who know me in real life, know that pregnancy is a topic I try to avoid at all costs. I went so far as putting my coat and bag between myself and the pregnant woman that we will call Ruth (that might be her real name, I never did catch it but I'm pretty sure that's what they called her at the desk) because I have an irrational fear that pregnancy is somehow contagious through osmosis. SO, imagine my ... hmmm... not surprise, not disapointment, just imagine how uncomfortable I was to realize that Ruth and I were only one number apart, and would end up spending the entire day at the DMV together.
When we were called in to take the test, the only two open seats were next to eachother. When we were done with the tests, the only room to wait was a tiny space that required us to be touching while we stood there. (Another important thing to remember is that I HATE being touched, especially by strangers.) After standing for a few minutes we started chatting, and it turns out she is a really nice woman, just moved here, grew up all over Europe and when she realizes I know German, she began speaking so fast in a dialect I couldnt understand that we wound up getting scolded for laughing so loud. She became my "DMV Buddy"
Ruth it turns out, is 8 months pregnant. No one was willing to give up a seat for her on the benches, because well, this is New York after all, so I told her I'd sit on the floor if she did. Now, picture the amount of space that had to be available, or rather the lack there of, if when standing we were touching. When we sat, she was basically on my lap.
I couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable she looked, because, well she kept making very strange faces and making little sighs here and there. Turns out, that Ruth had been having contractions for the past two hours and they were getting stronger by the minute. She assured me that she wasn't planning on having the baby at the DMV and I said "Well, I should hope not! And, if you do need to have the baby here, please, don't do it on my lap." I said it with a laugh in my voice so she didn't think I was a huge bitch, but at this point I am DESPERATE to escape the DMV. I'm almost hoping I failed the test because if I did, then at least I could just leave. I wouldn't have to spend even more time hanging out with my new buddy and risk her having her baby on my lap.
THEN! Oh my... then the baby starts trying to escape, but not through the "escape hatch" oh no, the baby seems to be trying to rip it's way through Ruth's tummy. He too, it appears has had enough of the DMV and just can't seem to take it anymore. It was like a scene from an alien movie, even Ruth started laughing and pointing at her belly and saying "aw, look at my little alien baby, he's trying to escape" This is not Ruth's belly, but this is exactly what it looked like except it wasn't a foot it was a hand...
Just then they called out both of our names to get our test results....
We both passed!!
Luckily, there were no seats near eachother back in the main part of the DMV so we didn't have to sit near eachother and that is where my story with Ruth and the alien baby ends. I spent another 75 minutes waiting for them to call my number to pay at the cashier, but FINALLY after over 6 hours at the NYSDMV I now have a class D id and can drive! (As long as there is a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the car with me lol)
I am VERY excited and very proud of myself. I fought several fears of mine to complete this task and hopefully, I will have a driver's license before this permit expires b/c I really don't think I can risk going through all of that all over again!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Adventures at the NYS DMV
Those of you who follow me on facebook already know that I had quite an adventure at the dmv yesterday. That's Department of Motor Vehicles for those of you who may not know.
A little background: I am 28 and do not have a driver's license. I got my permit at 16, and by the time I was able to take my road test at 18, I was too comfortable behind the wheel and failed twice. The blizzard and tropic storm that I took my road test in, definitely played a part in that as well. My New York accent played a part in me failing my MA road test... let's just say after 3 failed attempts, and then 2 major car accidents, I decided I no longer wanted to drive. (Note, the accidents were not my fault, I was a passenger in both accidents and still suffer from the injuries received)
Okay, so fast forward back to today. Or actually Thursday. As you know know I am on a journey of self discovery and growth. I have set several goals for myself. I realized sometime over the past few weeks that my biggest goal is to stop letting fear control my life. It just so happened that around the same time, my ID expired. Since I have a plane to catch next month, I had to remedy that situation and decided to kill two birds with one stone. I would get my new ID and slap fear in the face at the same time.
Off to the DMV I went. What normally would have taken 20-60 minutes wound up taking 6 hours. Yes. 6 hours. Why? B/C Lady Hill is stupid and didn't think about the fact that school is out this week, and that there is only ONE location in the entire county where any kind of written DMV test is given. Which means, this DMV was PACKED with 400 or so 16 year olds (and one 28 year old and one pregnant Swiss lady) hoping to pass their learner's permit test. Well, Lady Hill, why didn't you just leave when you saw how crowded it was??
B/C #1 that would have been the smart thing to do, and #2 if I left, I may not go back. When it comes to facing our fears, there will always be an excuse why it's not a good time. I couldn't make any more excuses.
So I stood in line for a good 90 minutes, got my picture taken, passed my eye exam(without the need of my corrective lenses, go me! which is important, b/c i forgot them at home) and then sat and waited for my number to be called for about 90 more minutes. Finally, my number is called and go into the test room completely freaking out that I'm going to fail this stupid test and the past 4ish hours will have been for nothing. I got the test, took about 60 seconds to complete it and then waited for 90 minutes for them to call my name and tell me whether or not I passed. This is where my side adventure comes into play... are you excited and on the edge of your seat? Good. Because I have to go watch American Idol which I had to DVR since I was at the DMV FOR EVER.
Stay tuned for part II of Lady Hill's Adventures at the DMV starring Lady Hill and "The Pregnant Swiss Lady"....
A little background: I am 28 and do not have a driver's license. I got my permit at 16, and by the time I was able to take my road test at 18, I was too comfortable behind the wheel and failed twice. The blizzard and tropic storm that I took my road test in, definitely played a part in that as well. My New York accent played a part in me failing my MA road test... let's just say after 3 failed attempts, and then 2 major car accidents, I decided I no longer wanted to drive. (Note, the accidents were not my fault, I was a passenger in both accidents and still suffer from the injuries received)
Okay, so fast forward back to today. Or actually Thursday. As you know know I am on a journey of self discovery and growth. I have set several goals for myself. I realized sometime over the past few weeks that my biggest goal is to stop letting fear control my life. It just so happened that around the same time, my ID expired. Since I have a plane to catch next month, I had to remedy that situation and decided to kill two birds with one stone. I would get my new ID and slap fear in the face at the same time.
Off to the DMV I went. What normally would have taken 20-60 minutes wound up taking 6 hours. Yes. 6 hours. Why? B/C Lady Hill is stupid and didn't think about the fact that school is out this week, and that there is only ONE location in the entire county where any kind of written DMV test is given. Which means, this DMV was PACKED with 400 or so 16 year olds (and one 28 year old and one pregnant Swiss lady) hoping to pass their learner's permit test. Well, Lady Hill, why didn't you just leave when you saw how crowded it was??
B/C #1 that would have been the smart thing to do, and #2 if I left, I may not go back. When it comes to facing our fears, there will always be an excuse why it's not a good time. I couldn't make any more excuses.
So I stood in line for a good 90 minutes, got my picture taken, passed my eye exam(without the need of my corrective lenses, go me! which is important, b/c i forgot them at home) and then sat and waited for my number to be called for about 90 more minutes. Finally, my number is called and go into the test room completely freaking out that I'm going to fail this stupid test and the past 4ish hours will have been for nothing. I got the test, took about 60 seconds to complete it and then waited for 90 minutes for them to call my name and tell me whether or not I passed. This is where my side adventure comes into play... are you excited and on the edge of your seat? Good. Because I have to go watch American Idol which I had to DVR since I was at the DMV FOR EVER.
Stay tuned for part II of Lady Hill's Adventures at the DMV starring Lady Hill and "The Pregnant Swiss Lady"....
Monday, February 21, 2011
I Used To Be Fat
Have any of you watched this show?
I watched several episodes tonight when I got home from work. I was so appalled by just how LAZY I really am less than halfway into the first episode.
I sit around and bitch about how fat I am, I talk about eating well, I try to go to the gym (I have gone once a week, every week for a month, I'm actually proud of that since it's more than I've gone in the past four months combined) but these kids, they work out 2 hours a day, every single day.
They suck it up and eat the salad and avoid the french fries.
Sure, I've lost a lot of weight since I started my weight loss journey. 30+ pounds in fact. BUT these people are losing 30 pounds in 3 months... it's taken me over three years. In fact, I have been within the same 10lb zone since I got married almost 3 years ago.
This is unacceptable. I am making a comitment to myself, to get healthy. Heart disease, and diabetes runs in my family. I already have high cholesterol and have since I was 25... what am I waiting for?
Support.
The other day at the gym, Lord Hill saw me struggling and giving up on a machine. He came over, and talked me through and counted out the last few reps with me. Honestly, if he wasn't there doing that, I would have given up. Support is essential when it comes to such a large lifestyle change.
That is why, I am asking you, my readers, my friends, my family, to help me with this. I need your support.
That is the difference between why the people on tv are succeeding and why I am failing. They have people holding them accountable for their actions. They have to step on a scale every few days in front of the world, and if they fail, the whole world knows it. If they don't reach their goals, the whole world knows it, but at the same time, if they need a little help, or a little push, they get it from knowing the whole world is watching.
I would love to hear about your struggles and your triumphs with your own weight loss, tips about dieting, recipes, work out routines. Any support you can offer. I'd also love to do the same for you. If you need support, let me know how I can help.
So, in the spirit of new beginnings, I need to lose 20lbs. I'd like to lose 10lbs by March 23rd. Wish me luck!
I watched several episodes tonight when I got home from work. I was so appalled by just how LAZY I really am less than halfway into the first episode.
I sit around and bitch about how fat I am, I talk about eating well, I try to go to the gym (I have gone once a week, every week for a month, I'm actually proud of that since it's more than I've gone in the past four months combined) but these kids, they work out 2 hours a day, every single day.
They suck it up and eat the salad and avoid the french fries.
Sure, I've lost a lot of weight since I started my weight loss journey. 30+ pounds in fact. BUT these people are losing 30 pounds in 3 months... it's taken me over three years. In fact, I have been within the same 10lb zone since I got married almost 3 years ago.
This is unacceptable. I am making a comitment to myself, to get healthy. Heart disease, and diabetes runs in my family. I already have high cholesterol and have since I was 25... what am I waiting for?
Support.
The other day at the gym, Lord Hill saw me struggling and giving up on a machine. He came over, and talked me through and counted out the last few reps with me. Honestly, if he wasn't there doing that, I would have given up. Support is essential when it comes to such a large lifestyle change.
That is why, I am asking you, my readers, my friends, my family, to help me with this. I need your support.
That is the difference between why the people on tv are succeeding and why I am failing. They have people holding them accountable for their actions. They have to step on a scale every few days in front of the world, and if they fail, the whole world knows it. If they don't reach their goals, the whole world knows it, but at the same time, if they need a little help, or a little push, they get it from knowing the whole world is watching.
I would love to hear about your struggles and your triumphs with your own weight loss, tips about dieting, recipes, work out routines. Any support you can offer. I'd also love to do the same for you. If you need support, let me know how I can help.
So, in the spirit of new beginnings, I need to lose 20lbs. I'd like to lose 10lbs by March 23rd. Wish me luck!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Book Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy
Let me just say that this review is either going to be too short or too long. I don't want to say too much and end up ruining anything for those of you who haven't read this series yet. I am also so obsessed with this series that I could just sit here and write about it forever and a day.
Something about this story just spoke to me. I am well aware of how lame that sounds, and I don't even care. It was AMAZING. My bffl Sara was talking about it for weeks and I'm the type of person who normally boycotts things when it looks like the masses are enjoying it. I suck like that, so I rolled my eyes as I promised to read it if she dropped it off for me. (Sorry Sara, I know you couldn't see the eyeroll, but it was there and I now feel super guilty and stupid for it)
I got the first book, The Hunger Games, on a Thursday night and started it sometime Friday. By Saturday afternoon I was done and when I got to the last page and saw the words "End of book 1" I immediately texted Sara with, "WTF?! How could you not leave me book two???" or something along those lines. I debated whether I should go pick up book 2, or wait to find someone to borrow it from, when all of a sudden, light shown down from the heavens and focused on my iPad. OF COURSE!! It's 2011 and even though I am ANTI the e-reader movement b/c real books are my favorite thing ever, I immediately checked my Kindle app and purchased the digital version.
But, I had a problem. I had to pace myself. One of the girls from work who has now made it on to my "favorite people ever" list had offered to lend me book three, but it was only Saturday and I wouldn't see her till Monday. I made book two last with only 10 pages left by the time I got to work on Monday. Then, I realized that we were closing early and the stock girls were not on the schedule which meant, NO... it couldn't be... I wouldn't be getting the book till the following week?!?!?! Thankfully my new favorite person never checked the schedule and came in anyway, with book in hand, and saved the day.
Knowing that there were only three books in the series, I decided to take it even slower with the last book. I made it last till Wednesday night. When I was done with the very last word, on the very last page, of the very last book, there were tears in my eyes. NOT b/c of the writing or the ending of the story, but because the story was over. These characters I had learned to love, and trust, (and distrust) and bonded with...were all of a sudden gone. I will never know any more information about Katniss, or Peeta, or Haymitch. This breaks my heart. I feel as though I'm mourning the loss of a friend.
So, go, right now, and get a copy of these books. I've provided a link to the box set, but you can also buy them one at a time with free super saver shipping on Amazon, or download them to your e-reader... borrow them from a friend, or from the library... I don't care what you do as long as you READ these books.
Oh, I guess I should tell you a bit about what happens otherwise this isn't a very good review is it?
Life, death, rebellion, love, trust, enemies, government, growing up, a black cat, siblings, friendship, war, despair, and above all else, hope.
Something about this story just spoke to me. I am well aware of how lame that sounds, and I don't even care. It was AMAZING. My bffl Sara was talking about it for weeks and I'm the type of person who normally boycotts things when it looks like the masses are enjoying it. I suck like that, so I rolled my eyes as I promised to read it if she dropped it off for me. (Sorry Sara, I know you couldn't see the eyeroll, but it was there and I now feel super guilty and stupid for it)
I got the first book, The Hunger Games, on a Thursday night and started it sometime Friday. By Saturday afternoon I was done and when I got to the last page and saw the words "End of book 1" I immediately texted Sara with, "WTF?! How could you not leave me book two???" or something along those lines. I debated whether I should go pick up book 2, or wait to find someone to borrow it from, when all of a sudden, light shown down from the heavens and focused on my iPad. OF COURSE!! It's 2011 and even though I am ANTI the e-reader movement b/c real books are my favorite thing ever, I immediately checked my Kindle app and purchased the digital version.
But, I had a problem. I had to pace myself. One of the girls from work who has now made it on to my "favorite people ever" list had offered to lend me book three, but it was only Saturday and I wouldn't see her till Monday. I made book two last with only 10 pages left by the time I got to work on Monday. Then, I realized that we were closing early and the stock girls were not on the schedule which meant, NO... it couldn't be... I wouldn't be getting the book till the following week?!?!?! Thankfully my new favorite person never checked the schedule and came in anyway, with book in hand, and saved the day.
Knowing that there were only three books in the series, I decided to take it even slower with the last book. I made it last till Wednesday night. When I was done with the very last word, on the very last page, of the very last book, there were tears in my eyes. NOT b/c of the writing or the ending of the story, but because the story was over. These characters I had learned to love, and trust, (and distrust) and bonded with...were all of a sudden gone. I will never know any more information about Katniss, or Peeta, or Haymitch. This breaks my heart. I feel as though I'm mourning the loss of a friend.
So, go, right now, and get a copy of these books. I've provided a link to the box set, but you can also buy them one at a time with free super saver shipping on Amazon, or download them to your e-reader... borrow them from a friend, or from the library... I don't care what you do as long as you READ these books.
Oh, I guess I should tell you a bit about what happens otherwise this isn't a very good review is it?
Life, death, rebellion, love, trust, enemies, government, growing up, a black cat, siblings, friendship, war, despair, and above all else, hope.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Now that's love...
I am so proud of my husband. He has been fighting me so hard about going to the gym that we missed an entire month of our membership. Yesterday, he finally agrees to go and does amazing and by the time I'm dying and ready to go home, he wants to stay!
I'm so proud and honored that he got over his issues with the gym and went with me. It was nice to have him there, and to be doing something productive together, but it was also nice to see him working out b/c of how good it is for his health. Not to mention, it gave me something nice to look at while I was busting my butt. Honestly, my gym does not have the hottest members, but it's the "judgment free zone" so I'll be nice.
It gives me hope that he will keep going with me, b/c I worry about him all the time. I'm so afraid of losing him, that I need him to work out, to be healthy. I don't want some big buff dude, that's not my style, but a healthy active dude, well that'll be just fine.
What have you done to burn some extra calories this week?
I'm so proud and honored that he got over his issues with the gym and went with me. It was nice to have him there, and to be doing something productive together, but it was also nice to see him working out b/c of how good it is for his health. Not to mention, it gave me something nice to look at while I was busting my butt. Honestly, my gym does not have the hottest members, but it's the "judgment free zone" so I'll be nice.
It gives me hope that he will keep going with me, b/c I worry about him all the time. I'm so afraid of losing him, that I need him to work out, to be healthy. I don't want some big buff dude, that's not my style, but a healthy active dude, well that'll be just fine.
What have you done to burn some extra calories this week?
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