Southbound Emily

This morning I arose at 6am; so many things still needing to be done for tonight's party.
My mind wrapped itself around the task at hand; rolling out 40 mini-quiche pie crusts. . . then I saw it.
An envelope lay on the counter containing a single photo.
I wanted to open it and look, but who needs one printed picture when so many fill my memories. Countless football games, movies, dinners, belly'n up to a bar, beers, wine (did I hear a bottle of champagne pop?) tv show discussions, discussions in general, about anything and everything. . .

A week from today one of my most dear friends will take a one way trip to St. Petersburg, Florida. I know she is looking forward to this new chapter in her life and while I am excited beyond words for her, I will miss her more than I've been willing to comprehend.
And this morning as I prepare for her "going away" party, I fully comprehend the purpose of my tasks and it is much much harder than I'd thought.

I know true friends never say "Good-bye". . .

Gym Etiquette - COME ON PEOPLE!!!

1. Unless you are a Doctor (ON CALL) leave your cell phone in your locker!! If you have enough breath to talk on a cell phone while on the treadmill, you aren't working hard enough. Get your ass off the treadmill and let someone who is there to do some work take your sorry-ass place!

2. If you are going to do cardio on a machine less than 2 feet away from the person next to you - brush your teeth or get a mint or SOMETHING! You aren't in your own little room and there is nothing to keep your "I just sucked on a turd" breath from making its way to my nose! I can't exactly hold my breath here!

3. Guys - grunting, counting and blowing spit all over the place when you are trying to lift more than three times your body weight. . . NOT ATTRACTIVE!

4. Don't put your shit (towels, water bottles etc.) on a treadmill to "SAVE" it until you can get out of the locker room (in 10 minutes). If you had wanted a machine you should have shown up 10 minutes earlier like the rest of us!

5. Blowing and popping bubbles with gum. I want to punch you people. . . with a 10lb weight in my hand.

6. Girls - unless you just came from work, wearing your Buxom lip gloss in Candy Pink makes you look like a clown, and that's being polite.

7. People who smell like cigarettes when they get to the gym (or smoke when you leave - yes, we see you!!!) Really? I mean REALLY??? F'in idiots.

8. Don't slam your weights in between reps. 1) You are damaging the weights. 2) It's uber loud and obnoxious. 3) Pick a weight you can lift!

9. Do not sing to your iPod. This isn't American Idol and you suck.

10. If you are working on a machine and you decide you need to have a 20 minute conversation with whothehellever. . . MOVE!!!!!!!!