The Story of Brandi

We called all of the gyms in Frankfort yesterday. There were only two that offer daycare. One's a women's-only place. It's not Curves, but it's similar. Curves doesn't have daycare.

We went on a tour last night of Capital Fitness, the co-ed one that has daycare. It was pretty nice. They have all new equipment and a big aerobics room. Jayden toddled right on into the playroom, so he could approve it.

We got a 7-day pass to go in and try it out. Brian's supposed to play tennis today with some people from work, so I don't think we'll be able to go. We'll probably go tomorrow and check it out. I'm going to start out very slowly since I'm so out of shape, but I'm hoping I can get into better shape quickly. I'm still gaining weight, which frankly I don't understand. I'm up to 205 now. I don't get it because I haven't changed my diet or anything. I don't eat 2,000 calories a day. I've been adding it up. I know I don't exercise, but I'm not completely inactive. We go to the park once a week or so, and I play in our backyard with Jayden some.

We've been doing a little yoga, too. We do a 15-minute daily warm-up in the mornings. It really lets you start the day off right. We also got a video from the library that's a "Fat-Blasting Yoga." It's pretty tough, but we're going to keep it for the three weeks and see how it goes.

We had a great time last night. It's probably the most extravagent night out we've ever had. We went to get the massages, which felt sooo good. I'd love to be able to get one every couple of months. One thing that was interesting is that they give you a glass of water when they're done. They said to drink it and drink a glass before you go to bed. The massage releases toxins in your muscles. Drinking the water will help your body flush them out. Otherwise, they'll just get re-absorbed back into your body.

Then we went to Red Lobster. I had crab legs, of course. They were delicious. Brian had the Lobster Fest feast. Then we went and picked Jayden up.

I registered for next quarter's classes today. I'm taking Historical Foundations of Public Policy and Government Budgeting. They're both required next for me. Neither sounds really interesting, but I figure it won't be too bad.

I'm trying to move forward in my progress on getting well this week. I'm taking things very slowly because that seems to be working better for me. This week, I'm trying to make it a point to drink some water everyday. I'm not pushing myself to drink 64 ounces, even though I know I should. Instead I'm just pushing myself to drink at least a 16-ounce glass. I know it doesn't sound like much in the way of progress, but it's all I can do right now. I'd like to wean myself off most of the caffeine I drink, but doing that all at once is scary.

Poker night went well. We had 9 people here total. Jayden was really good. At first, he giggled and danced for everyone, which had them all cracking up. Then when we started playing, he moved from person to person. He would sit in someone's lap for a few minutes and then move on to the next person, except for me and Brian. He skipped us. I guess he figured he sits with us enough.

Then I gave him some juice and crackers, and he sat in his little chair and watched Shrek. I was really proud of him for being so good.

Our anniversary is today, so we're going out. We decided to treat ourselves to massages. Someone Brian works with is keeping Jayden. We're leaving our house at 6:00 so that we can drop him off at Paola's house. Then we're headed to the massages and then out to eat.

I got Brian three presents. We set a budget for gifts, and the big present I bought was less than I thought. Well, I still have to pick it up today. I'm getting him a dremel. I'm not even sure why he needs one, but he really wants it. Then I ordered a mug and t-shirt for him from Think Geek. It's a computer nerd website. I'm not sure what he's getting me, but he said it's not work-related, and it's not clothes, so we'll see.

Brian's check got here yesterday. I can't tell you the relief I felt when I saw the priority mail envelope in the mailbox. I went and got groceries after we took the check to the bank. It wasn't that we couldn't get groceries before. It just felt good not to have to get generic everything and count every penny.

When Brian got home, we went back to Wal-Mart. We'd wanted to get one of those little Crock-Pots for dips and a card table, so we picked them up. We got a little dragonfly kite for Jayden that I hope we get to fly this weekend. I also got a shirt to go with a pair of dress pants that I have and one of those scarf-type things that's really a belt. It will look cute with a lavendar shirt that I have.

We're hosting a poker game this weekend. Brian's check got mailed yesterday. I'm glad that for once, he was willing to push it enough that he will be getting his money. They're put out that he wanted the money now, but we're talking about $4200 before taxes. They sent it priority mail yesterday.

So anyway we're hosting a poker game. There will be 12 people here total, which is way more people than I'm comfortable having over. We have to get the house all spruced up. We'll put the cats away and make some potpourri.

I'm not sure how it's going to go with Jayden, but we'll see. I hope that he'll go to sleep, but I have a feeling that he'll want to stay up all night with everyone.

Brian really wanted to do this, so I agreed. I know that you have to make compromises, and I don't mind doing something for him when it's a big deal to him. He's far more social than I am, and I try to keep that in mind. It's lucky for me that he doesn't ask me to go out in crowds more often because I can't do it very much. Even going to the mall makes me uncomfortable.

You wouldn't think that given how large my family is, but I just feel weird around groups of people. I'm very unsure of myself, and I just don't really know how to be in social settings.

I'm sure the poker will be fine. We're going to make a few appetizers and such - nothing fancy. We'll have to move things around in the living room to make room for that many people to play. Plus we have to get more poker chips and I guess get some change. It's only a $10 buy-in - we're high-rollers obviously. They do $.20 bets, so we need a bunch of chips.

Brian's paycheck didn't go through again. Well, he got paid but not at his new rate. It's really frustrating. They said this time it's because the paperwork from the state didn't get in until the day after the contracting company closed the pay period (how convenient.) So, on the next check, we will get the new rate plus 480 hours of the raise as backpay. That's right - 480 hours. That's how far behind they are in getting the raise to him.