The Creepy Van Man

Ok, so in a previous entry I wrote about my experience running and said I would give more detail on that later...Well it is later...

I decided since I was done with school, I should start running again. I must admit I felt really good the first day back, but the next two days I was sore and not that excited. It is a lot like the New Balance Commercials, I am in a Love/Hate relationship with running. In High school running was my life. I loved it and I was pretty good at it. In college, I didn't have state meets to look forward to and I didn't want to make the time for running. I would start but the excitement didn't last long. I was once again excited about running, I felt good and had a lot more energy throughout the day and it was good time to just think and be by myself.

Two weeks ago I was in love with running. I had not looked forward to running in a long time, and for once I thought I finally got back into a healthy happy relationship with it.

That is until a very stupid ignorant man ruined it for me...
It was a Thursday and Dan was teaching a night class, so I thought I could run to the park and be done before he got back. The Park is about three blocks from my house. It has tennis courts, the library, trails, softball/baseball fields, and soccer fields, and much much more. It is a very busy place and I usually felt pretty safe. I would go a little way on on one of the trials but I was never really alone. There were bike riders and other runners and walkers that passed frequently. I never wear my ipod running outside and I am always aware of what is going on around me. I did not have my phone though.
Anyways I finish my run and I go to an open field to do strides. It is a cool down that involves a little speed work. Anyways it is about 70 meters from the road. There was a guy taking pictures of trees right by me and a baseball game starting about 200 meters from me.
I was wearing an over sized tshirt and shorts. I was resting between my strides and I hear someone yell HEY SEXY. I looked and saw a white van driving by. I was like ok it is just a nasty jerk. This, unfortunately was not the first time I have had this happen ( I am sure other girls can agree, it is not that unusual to have happen anymore). So I kept running across the field closer to the baseball game. This time I look over and see the van drive by the other way and slam on his brakes. This time I was like IS THIS FOR REAL? I started getting closer to where the people were and then I saw the van come back again and pull into the parking lot between me and the baseball game. He was driving very slowly and I could feel the creep staring at me...I could not see him, just the shadows that covered him and that is is what creeped me out the most. I didn't have my phone and I couldn't see his license plates. I honestly didn't know what to do. I didn't want to act afraid, because that is what creeps feed on and I did not want to lead him on in anyway. Luckily there were people getting folding chairs out of their car so I started walking towards them and the van drove away.
I was so angry because now I was afraid to walk home because what if I got followed. I stayed by the baseball game for few minutes and went home. I stopped about every 6 steps to make sure I was not followed.

When I got home and started to think about what just happened, I got pretty scared. Before I was really just angry.

I am still pretty mad, because now I do not want to run there or by myself. It took away my freedom to be comfortable of my surroundings and be able to exercise by myself. Maybe I am over reacting, but if that guy was weird enough to do that, what else was he capable of?

I know that if my son ever treated a woman like that he would not be happy about that decision.

I hope that he is not harassing other people there, because it really is a neat park. Hopefully I can find somewhere else to workout soon. I miss running! And as much as I love Dan, it is hard t run with him, because he have different paces and different styles of running. Also every time he runs with me I am reminded how my alone time was taken from me because of some stupid dickwad.

I know self defense and I know not to get into cars with strangers. But that doesn't mean I am prepared for every situation, and that is what scares me

La LA LA La Obama

Here is a little more Obama love-even if you aren't his biggest fan you should still check this out. It is pure Daily Show genius!




Also if you missed the speech: you can watch it or read the transcript HERE!

WOWzA

Obama gave a mighty good speech. I feel motivated, excited, and inspired.

All I can say is bye bye Georgie Boy, don't let the door hit you!

SHORTER and SHORTER!

I am talking about my hair. I got it cut again, and yes it is shorter than it was before. I think I like my hair better shorter. It is a lot easier for me to handle.


This is my hair a year ago

A side view

Behind the ear

The front view

Besides my haircut, life isn't too exciting here. My graduation is tomorrow and then I will officially be a certified paralegal, and let me remind you there are few in the country that are certified through the bar association. But sorry folks, I still cannot give out legal advice.

Dan has started his official break and will be going to Spain in a few weeks. Next weekend we will be traveling to Milwaukee to see Talitha and Darren. I will also get to help at the courthouse with restraining orders as well.

I am also trying to start new hobbies with my free time. Any suggestions? I am going to try sewing again. I did start running, but after a run in with a creepy man in a van am not to keen on going anywhere by myself for awhile. (I will write more about that later). Dan and I will hopefully think of a workout for the both of us to do soon. I also joined a soccer league and our team is called the Vampire Penguins, I am really excited and am hoping to meet some new people and learn a little more about soccer...But now that I have more free time I am looking for new things to try, so please let me know if there are any hobbies you enjoy doing that I could try.

Cat-fight

Are women socialized to compete with each other?
It is becoming a real problem ladies!
I am constantly flipping through TV shows in which there are a gaggle of women who are fighting each other to fight over some rich man. Sorry to break it to you honey, but there is probably a reason why he is trying to find "love" on a television show and still single....
Anyways, the show title my be different but the theme is the same across the board. One man, 13 desperate and catty women fighting with each other to win his approval. I think the thing that upsets me most is the women are not unattractive or unintelligent-for the most part- but they are dangerously desperate. A good friend of mine once told me desperation is like a bad perfume-everyone can smell it form miles away. How true and brilliant is that? Then those who are dangerously desperate wonder why no one wants to be around them or why they always end up with duds...it is a never ending vicious cycle.
My advice to putting an end to it- it raising our daughters to be confident, independent and smart. And our sons to respect women who display these qualities. It is not cute to be Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson.
I guess I am just annoyed with watching women throw themselves at men, and sacrificing dignity. When did become acceptable to dis other women and our own integrity to fight over a man? This didn't just start yesterday- girls have been catty with each other for a long time. Anyone remember middle school? I just wish this wasn't acceptable behavior and that we as society would stop rewarding it by putting it on TV and continuing to encourage women who act this way. Let's be friends and not catty with one another. Let's help each other out and not compete. Let's encourage one another and not sabotage one- another.

So ladies- let's take off our gloves, stand tall and walk on by- he is not worth it.

Ooh Garfield!

Check this out it pretty funny! Garfield minus Garfield It makes me smile!

Funny Girl!

I don't know if many of you watch Last Comic standing, but I am pleased to announce a female finally won! Iliza Shlesinger a 25 year old woman is now the Last Comic Standing. I was so happy I think I literally had tears in my eyes. And why is this such a big deal you may ask?? Because I believe comedy is one of the toughest places for women to be taken seriously. I bet you you are thinking, taken seriously in comedy? Is this girl crazy? And the answer is yes I am, but comedy is unfortunately a hard row to tow for women.

Luckily when things like this happen, it starts a trend a hopefully soon women will be seen as funny and not as woman trying to be funny.

In college I was in an improv troupe and I loved it. That is until, we had a battle with the gender issue. The girls were constantly being put in roles they were not happy with and the guys continued to dominate the scenes. I don't think they were doing it purposefully but it was happening. It was frustrating because we could be more than a skank or a ditz, but never got a full opportunity to display it.

I have heard from other girls in comedy groups that the same sort of things happened. I find it very sad, but luckily there are more and more women breaking through and creating a path for all of us.

Luckily I do have some great comedic role models: Gilda Radner, Jane Curtain, Amy Pohler, Molly Shannon, Anna Gasteyer, Kristen Wiig, Tina Faye, Kelly Kaling, Angela Martin, Jenna Fischer and the list goes on and on. When I was younger one of my many aspirations was to be on SNL, because of these women. I believe without them I would not have had the funniness and inspiration to have dabbled in comedy and improv.
Unfortunately I have fallen out of the comedy scene, and there aren't a lot of opportunities in OHIO. Hopefully some day I can get back into the groove, like Stella. Until then I will continue to be inspired by the women who make me laugh!

Speaking of women who make me laugh, check out Dan's blog.

DONE!

That's right I am done with school. I got my grades and it is official I am a Certified Paralegal! Now I have nine more hours a week I get to decide what to do with. The year went quickly but I know for sure I won't be going back to school anytime soon. My graduation is officially Wed August 27th. Then I will be DONE!

Another thing I am DONE with is the ridiculous games politicians play. Please stop hitting each other under the belt and tell me what you are going to do for me and the rest of the people in this country. Yes, we all want change, but what are you going to do to make that change??? Also why are wasting your time and money slinging mud at your component?? We get it, you don't agree on topics and you think you would be a better president. Now set an example and put your money towards more important things and quit wasting my time...

And now I am DONE with this post!