Christine Cackles

Moving On Up...

2011-04-23T19:39:00.001-04:00

..to Wordpress!

Check out my blog now at http://christinerochelle.com. Don't worry, all of the posts here on Blogger were imported to WP. Yeah, I'm fancy like that.

Please Excuse the Interruption

2011-04-11T22:39:00.002-04:00

..I'm moving my blogspot over to a Wordpress.

Yes, I know, big girl blog!

I'm also taking down christinerochelle.com, putting up a site that doesn't have me throwing up swirls and just combining the mess I have right now into one, central site.

Basically, come back in about three days for a website and blog that is no longer designed by a sorority girl.

Sunday Surprise

2011-04-10T22:10:00.005-04:00

If you stalk my tweets (I'm sure ALL of you do cause I'm that awesome) you probably noticed I've had a rough week or so.

The days leading up to a conference seem to really get to me. Actually, whenever I get on a plane I tend to have a semi-panic attack before I leave. I guess everyone reacts differently because I stress right before something happens instead of during it. Once I get to the conference I'll be fine but I like to be overly prepared hence the increased anxiety levels the past few days.

Anyways, Patrick (who can also be found under the tag "best boyfriend ever") is smart enough to also stalk my tweets, even when he's off working bridal fashion week in the city which is a *bit* more important than me. He saw I was having a bad day and surprised me tonight with a goody bag from one of the fashion shows.

I am now playing around with my new lip gloss as my sister is texting me that she wants the nail polish claiming, "YOU DON'T WEAR BRIGHT NAIL POLISH."

What a nice little Sunday surprise.

:)

[Insert Rebecca Black Lyrics Here]

2011-04-08T15:57:00.003-04:00

What a week it has been.

My stress level has skyrocketed, mostly because we're just 8 days away from my company's Orlando conference and I have not one but two workshops I'm holding for industry professionals. Add on the fact that I'm already heading into final exam mode along with marathon training and you have one stressed out girl right here.

Despite the heavy workload for both school and work and the normal stressors that life brings, it is really hard to be too down when a pretty amazing guy shows up at your door with some pretty amazing flowers...all just to cheer you up.

Andrewisms

2011-04-07T16:30:00.003-04:00

I'm going to start writing down all the Andrewisms I get every day, such as the one above.

Then I'm going to combine them with pretty much everything that comes out of @MikeyRizz's mouth during our daily GChat conversations.

And it will be glorious.

Dealer Digest Daily

2011-04-06T11:35:00.002-04:00

An About Me From A to Z

2011-04-05T10:43:00.005-04:00

Copied from Meredith, mostly because she gave me a shout out in hers.

A: If you were an Animal, which would you be? A dog. They sleep all day and people think they're adorable for it.
B: Books, what's on your reading list? 'Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers' is my favorite book for school, and now 'Linchpin' is on my table waiting to be read.
C: Compulsive about anything? Clean bathrooms. And painting in the lines, as you can see with the photo on the right.
D: Dreams - Do you dream in color? Do you remember them? I have ridiculously vivid dreams about Oprah, dead babies and ex-boyfriends.
E: Eating - What's your favorite unusual snack? Mozzarella balls.
F: Favorite Things - Name a few: Glee, Bunnies, Twitter, and cupcakes.
G: Giggles - What/Who makes you laugh? I aspire to be the next Jen Lancaster.
H: Hot - What/Who is 'hot' to you? Meredith.
I: Fill in the blank: I am = distracted?
J: Jealous of anything? Hmm...anyone who is retired?
K: Also Known As: Tine, Chris, Chrissy Lee, Rochelle Rochelle, XTine, Jersey and Mom. The last two stemming from my sorority but the Mom name has followed me to work as well.
L: (I think L got lost in the copy/paste.)
M: Meeting People - How does it make you feel? Always like meeting new people. Most people think I'm quiet though.
N: Name - First name was my grandmother's middle name, which means something about Jesus. (Christ? Christine? Come on people.)
O: Observant - What's around you right now? Some awesome people.
P: People - Who's special in your life? Bradley boo has my heart. We were Valentines after all.
Q: Any Quirks about yourself? I can holistic heal you and have serious conversations about crystals and acupressure.
R: What do you do for Recreation? I don't have any free time outside of marathon training, grad school and work.
S: Sing - Where do you do it? Have a favorite tune? I only sing in the car and that is usually Glee, Beyonce or Adele.
T: What's at the Top of your To-Do List? Write a book.
U: Any Unusual experiences? Eating a boiled duck fetus in Vietnam.
V: Vegas, Vienna, Venice...How far have you traveled? Favorite City? Vietnam was the farthest. Favorite city is Venice.
W: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall...Favorite Season? Spring.
X: Ex's, things you don't do anymore and won't do again: Date accountants. And Republicans for that matter.
Y: You - Name 5 things most people don't know about you: I used to experience panic attacks but have taught myself to handle them after refusing to take meds, I've participated in a Wiccan ceremony with my crazy friend Lucy, I love reading about polygamy, I've written a few anonymous sex blogs on a friend's website, and I start every day with a dance party. Those are a pretty solid 5 things people probably don't know about me but if you've read this far then that is my gift to you.
Z: Zero to Zenith - Where are you in life? I don't know what that means.

A Date With a Farmer

2011-04-04T16:57:00.007-04:00

Told to me by a good friend. Names changed, mostly for the protection of the farmer. Actually, there are no names here but I felt like I should say that for some legal reasons. Anyways, read on.

I've been dating/talking to/whatever with farmer mike since the middle of January. Never met each others friends or family (except the first night we met and were all wasted)...but have been doing the whole meet half way thing and blah blah blah. well he moved out of his parents [farm] house on Thursday and yesterday asked me if I wanted to come over to see his new apartment.

So I drive out to Stockton, NJ (never heard of it? There's a reason for that) and see his mailbox, but cant find his house...so I call him and he goes do you see the big hill? and I replied 'yes' and he said 'you have to drive up it.' Well I'm in a Toyota Solara...it's pouring rain. So I cant get up the hill because of the mud and rain and I'm stuck. I reversed to get some kind of head start and got stuck the other way.

I got myself out and up the hill and at the top were 3 giant cows with horns- no fucking joke. I didn't want to get out of my car and I looked to my left and there were 2 donkeys humping each other. And on the other side there was a horse and a mini pony.

THEN I called him and made him come out and get me...and there were cats by my feet....I HATE CATS.

So I'm completely out of my element and i get to the front door and a 4 year old answers...and there is a 2 year old on the couch..and 2 grown men. He neglected to tell me that his brother was home, he had his kids for the weekend and the friend was his other roommate. THEN his brother got called into work and we had to take his nephews to dinner and put them to bed. I'm 24 fucking years old and I'm playing house...farmer version.

The moral of the story is that I still haven't gotten laid. His donkey is getting more ass then I am...no pun intended.

After a lot of "LMAO's" and "hahahaha" and a little "bahaha" the friend said:

If you could pull yourself together and give me some advice that would be wonderful.

I think I need another day. File this post under "farmer."

Aries Birthday Boys

2011-04-03T21:44:00.004-04:00

My dad, brother-in-law and boyfriend all have birthdays within three days of one another. Since my mom wanted to celebrate the Aries men in her life, we went to brunch and then headed back to my sister's house for dessert.

I baked for each of the birthday boys. Dad got a devil's food cake, Dave dug into his giant chocolate chip cookie cake tower, and Patrick had his pecan pie.

All of it I made from scratch thanks to Martha Stewart and a nearly 10 hours baking fest that happened in my kitchen this Saturday.

Some pictures:

Warning

2011-04-03T21:43:00.002-04:00

The documentaries I have to watch for my online class are getting more and more interesting.

And when I say interesting, I mean weird. Because after the first 10 minutes of how our Earth is going to self-destruct, I fell asleep.

Merry Happy

2011-04-01T15:11:00.001-04:00

Spring Means Allergies

2011-04-01T14:05:00.002-04:00

I'm a little upset with Mother Nature right now because right before lunch I believe I saw snow hitting the ground.

Mother Nature is clearly not realized that I've both gotten a pedicure and stopped wearing a jacket and big hints to warm up the weather a bit.

So, Lady of the Earth (I just made that up right now), if you're going to stall spring then at least make this time allergy-free. Because I have so much pressure in my head right now I'm ready to let my co-workers sit on my face.

2011-03-30T12:57:00.001-04:00

"They’re fucking gross, man. Look, I love beautiful girls too. I think everyone should be free to have their knee socks and their sweaty shorts, but I’m over it. I’m over this weird, exhausted girl. I’m over the girl that’s tired and freezing and hungry. I like bossy girls, I always have. I like people filled with life. I’m over this weird media thing with all this, like, hollow-eyed, empty, party crap."

-Amy Poehler on American Apparel

Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop

2011-03-30T10:40:00.000-04:00

S'mores on a Tuesday

2011-03-29T22:24:00.001-04:00

What Would Madeline Do?

2011-03-29T12:19:00.003-04:00

"What Would Madeline Do?" or WWMD was an old post on this blog that featured life advice from my mother.

It might be making a comeback after our Facebook chat last night. (Note* Everyone who Facebook friends my mother knows they will be pulled into an extensive Facebook chat.)

"I can't help that all of your boyfriends fall in love with me."

"I would like my job better if I were Helen Keller."

"Dad walks like a monkey."

"I promise not to tell your new boyfriend how long it took you to toilet train."

Ladies and gentlemen, my mother.

I Blame This on Mark Zuckerberg.

2011-03-29T12:11:00.004-04:00

Me: Do you remember [redacted]?

Jen: Omg. Here we go. Yes.

Me: What?!

Jen: This reminds me of the time you were like "remember Ashley Youmans*?" and we both know where that went.

Apparently I'm known among my high school friends as knowing way too much about everyone. Whatevs, I can't help if these things catch my eye on Facebook.

Don't look at me with those judging eyes.

*Ashley Youmans went to HS with me. She is better known as Ashley Dupre, Gov. Spitzer's call girl.

Dancing Machines

2011-03-29T09:27:00.003-04:00

My parents and I at the most recent family wedding. That's my sister's diamond ring making an appearance on the right side.

My Head Hurts

2011-03-28T17:41:00.001-04:00

Someone please throw me a bone here.

Dear Noah

2011-03-28T16:44:00.002-04:00

Thanks @Sfett02 for the find and I apologize for this little mishap today:

Whoops.

Guayaquil

2011-03-25T17:14:00.001-04:00

I kept driving past this mural and tried to grab a picture of it and somewhat failed. Either way, still love it. Have no idea what it says.

2011-03-25T16:19:00.001-04:00

Is it Spring Yet??

2011-03-23T12:48:00.002-04:00

2011-03-23T11:55:00.000-04:00

Dinner

2011-03-22T21:25:00.002-04:00

Goat stew with rice.

Tastes better than it looks.

Tastes a lot better than it smells.

Good Morning from Ecuador

2011-03-22T12:58:00.002-04:00

Wild Thang

2011-03-21T23:18:00.004-04:00

In case you were wondering, this guy right here:

Has a zebra-printed carpet in his bedroom:

Yes.

Philly

2011-03-20T10:51:00.003-04:00

Went to Philly with this guy.

Had some awesome macaroni & cheese.

Awed at album art by this girl.

Went to bed smiling.

Now packing for Ecuador slowly.

Oreo Cupcakes

2011-03-18T08:35:00.001-04:00

St. Patty's Day treat for Steph, Dave & Patrick.

Clearly a Wild Child

2011-03-17T17:06:00.003-04:00

Me: remember when you were little and told mom you were going to run way and you packed up your suitcase but you just went around the block because you knew you weren't allowed to cross the street by yourself

Sister: remember when you packed a bag and you packed your blanket and deodorant...and you were like 5.*

*Updated: It has been confirmed by my mother that yes, I tried to run away and I did pack my blanket and deodorant. I was 4 years old actually and I also packed 2 naked barbies and a few dollars. I called my grandparents to come pick me up since I was at least smart enough to remember I couldn't cross the street BEFORE I left the house.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T16:19:00.002-04:00

Diet Fail

2011-03-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

Three hours.

Three hours to kill a diet.

That's a new record.

Hey, You Got a Package.

2011-03-15T11:43:00.005-04:00

Since I don't trust the grimy kids that live in my condo development, I have everything delivered to my parent's house about 10 minutes away.

In addition to avoiding any packages being lost/stolen, I also think that having everything delivered to my parents' house means I visit at least once a week and at one point I thought they might actually be happy about this. Wrong was I.

Email from my father, sent at 5:41pm:

You have a package here from Lauren F.

Text from my mother, sent at 6:05pm:

u have a package here from lauren f! should i open it?

Text from my mother, sent at 6:06pm:

Batman walkie talkie...no note?

The package was from the lovely Lauren from LifeStyler and was a present for my nephew Drew. I've been reminded two other times by my both my mother and father that it is there. I will be swinging by the house tonight to take anything that has been delivered there for me, but I will not mention that my mother gave me exactly 45 seconds to respond whether or not I wanted her to open it for me.

UPS Tracking has nothing on my parents.

Going Vegan...For a Few Days

2011-03-15T09:40:00.005-04:00

Nothing like spending a Saturday afternoon learning about where you food really comes from.

I had to watch 'Food Inc.' for my Stress Management class (I guess to learn about the role of food combined with chronic stress? Haven't figured out the connection) and basically I'm scarred for life.

The trailer:

I really can't stop talking about this documentary. I also can't stop talking about the baby chickens.

I went food shopping last night, barely got what I needed because usually I buy some sort of meat but I had an anxiety attack in the poultry section thinking about the poor baby chickens.

I'm so hungry....but the chickens! THE CHICKENS!

Seriously though, watch the chickens:

Marathon Training Continues

2011-03-14T15:17:00.002-04:00

God help me.

Two Points for the Columbia Copywriter

2011-03-13T22:34:00.003-04:00

I want urban street cred and I want to beat the meatheads to the gym!

I WILL BUY THIS JACKET.

My Slumber Party With Oprah

2011-03-13T19:50:00.007-04:00

After my big run this weekend, I ended up spending the rest of the time in bed to nurse an achy knee and to get started on my online course work. It has been taking me at least 8 hours to get through each week's assignment and I was relieved to at least hand it in a day early this time around. I like to think that it helps my grade when I hand things in early instead of 5 minutes before the midnight deadline.

Every time I email my assignment to my professor my note gets shorter and shorter. I believe the first week I rambled on in the email about whether or not it was in he right format and how I had trouble downloading the videos, etc etc. This week I wrote "Attached!" and signed my name.

After I hit the "Send" button (more like slammed it down with my fist since I was overjoyed the week's work on Nutrition was over) I slipped under the covers and finally broke into the latest issue of Wired. I barely hit the cover story and I started to fall asleep.

Maybe its my creative (can also be substituted with crazy) mind, or the fact that I watch terrible TV at night, or maybe cause I end up housing a box of Thin Mints while laying in bed, but I have some pretty messed up dreams. (That all can be read right here).

My little Sunday afternoon cat nap was no exception. I fell in a deep sleep as soon as I got under the covers, like Alice in Wonderland except instead of drugs I was eating animal crackers and instead of the Queen I was meeting Oprah.

Yes, Oprah.

In my dream I was auditioning to be Oprah's new editorial assistant for O Magazine, but I had to fight out some other evil EA who clearly wasn't as cute or hilarious as I was. Oprah saw this as well.

Instead of spending my time showing Oprah my sweet editorial skillz (the z instead of the s is important due to the high level of these skillz) I sat in her office and crafted myself business cards while trash talking the competition.

I struggled with giving myself a title since EA just wasn't doing it for me. I went back and forth from writing CTO and COO, but was soon distracted with the color combination I chose. Red business cards?! What was I thinking?! Must. Start. Over.

By the end of the day, Oprah and I were BFFs and the other evil EA was about to be kicked to the curb - literally. Oprah sent her packing for the day and we watched her on the security camera as she was chased away by police cars and helicopters outside the building.

Then Oprah told me to grab the last few issues of O Magazine because we were heading to a sweet networking dinner and when we were done schmoozing with John Travolta and other awesome people we would probably have a slumber where we would braid our hair and tell secrets.

Okay, that last part didn't happen but if I didn't wake up I'm sure it would have.

The entire dream only reveals that I have a huge, f*ckin ego for someone who is about 2 years into their career. CTO? COO? Slow down, crazy...slow down. Also maybe I should get back to craftin' it up like my sorority days because red is clearly a terrible business card color. Should of went with the robin's egg blue.

File this Sunday slumber under "Dream Big."

Speculoos is Coming to America

2011-03-12T21:01:00.002-05:00

...yes you heard me right.

The cookie spread (first discovered in 'Nam here) that I made Zen & Willem schlep from Belgium to NYC this fall is actually going to hit American stores.

I don't know when, I don't where. But I received this amazing message from Willem today:

To: Christine
From: Willem

Hey,

How are you? I have some great news, SPECULOOS COMES TO THE US!!!!!
This the name and how the jar will look like. I hope you find it!

To: Willem
From: Christine

omg omg omg omg omg omg omg!

Warm Weather is Near

2011-03-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

...and Thumper couldn't be more excited.

Can't you see the enthusiasm?

Badass

2011-03-12T19:07:00.001-05:00

This is my sorority sister Alyssa. She's currently traveling through Dubai and I've been stalking her photos all week.

Note* Add "camel ride through desert" to bucket list.

2011-03-12T18:18:00.001-05:00

[Cue Beyonce Song]

2011-03-09T15:19:00.003-05:00

Of course I had to put my two cents in.

I gave a big NO to picking the ring out yourself without any idea of what the girl might like.

I also gave a NO to having her friends pick it out or even letting her pick it out.

Ask her mom. Mom is always #winning when it comes to this stuff.

(That is the only Charlie Sheen reference this blog will ever make.)

New Kicks

2011-03-09T10:28:00.004-05:00

The next step in marathon training was purchasing a decent pair of sneakers, instead of me alternating between the two I own which were purchased solely because they were "cute."

I went to the local sneaker store and became BFF with the owner as we talked about what I needed for my training.

I learned that:

1. I have big feet
2. I have big, wide feet
3. My arches are higher than normal
4. My ankles tell to roll out. Sorta like what a 5 year old does when they're tired.
5. Seriously I have big feet.

About $100 later (OUCH) I walked out with my new pair of kicks, excited for my next run.

Of course I had to text my training partner in crime to tell her about it.

Me: My sneakers are a size 10!
Carrie: Ahahaha what's up Big Foot!

Nice.

I Need This

2011-03-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Ben Does Life

2011-03-08T15:02:00.003-05:00

This is Ben.

I'm not sure how I came across this video last fall, but every since then I've been following runner Ben Davis on Tumblr, his blog being named "Ben Does Life."

Since this half marathon ordeal has really picked up speed (I'm running three miles easily every morning, which will be stepped up to 5 this weekend) I've been really following his running tips/advice, although completely ignoring his running playlist suggestions. (No Glee, seriously?)

And today of course I did what any blogging nerd would do and emailed Ben with why I thought his blog was awesome and thanked him for some running advice that really worked out for me.

He just emailed me back, ending it with "You're going to kill the half marathon...Keep kicking ass."

Oh Ben Davis, I love you.

Follow his blog here.

Well Happy Tuesday To You, Too

2011-03-08T11:50:00.001-05:00

To: Mom, Sister
From: Christine

It's National Women's Day! Thanks for being such inspirational women to me!

To: Christine
From: Sister

Gay.

Death By Cupcake

2011-03-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

To: Steph
From: Christine

Thought of you....

Sweet Freedom Bakery
1424 South Street (between Broad and 15th)
Philadelphia, PA 19146
http://www.sweetfreedombakery.com

To: Christine
From: Steph

OH my goodness this place looks delish! So funny you sent me this today, because this afternoon I treated myself to my FIRST EVER Philadelphia cupcake! Yup, living here over a year and never once ate a cupcake... But then a place opened up one block from me, so, well, let's just say my cupcake-fighting willpower of 2010 won't exactly carry over to 2011. Eating that banana, vanilla cinnamon cupcake today was like opening a jar of worms.. But hey, this place is healthy and 7 blocks of cardio from me. Thanks for solving my problem before it got enormously out of control.

Tired.

2011-03-07T09:42:00.004-05:00

It's Monday.

I'm on about 4 hours of sleep after going to bed late and waking up at 6am to run. My run this morning wasn't as great as on Friday night but at least better than my hungover attempt on Saturday.

Today I'm feeling restless. I miss Vietnam. I miss traveling. I hate that a lot of my writing gets pushed to the side for work, school and now marathon training.

I want to start writing about Vietnam again but for some reason it makes me nervous. Either that or I don't feel like revisiting a lot that happened during that time.

The clock hasn't even hit 10am and I'm already done with today.

2011-03-06T16:39:00.000-05:00

Half Marathon Training Update

2011-03-04T15:29:00.004-05:00

Today I hosted an hour-long webinar for clients on writing online content and some basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to use in their content.

I asked if anyone had any questions, and one client (who follows me on Twitter) wrote: How's the marathon training going?

Ha. Where to begin.

My training schedule has me working out 7 days a week. I can take up to 2 optional days off a week but so far I've only taken 1 day off the past week and a half. The training requires me to keep my heart rate at a certain level each day.

Half of the days I'm working out at my "Most Aerobic Pace" or MAP, which is a heart rate of 132. Basically, I'm power walking.

The other days I'm working out at my "Most Efficient Pace" or MEP, which is a heart rate of 163.

The problem is, I'm having a hard time finding a running speed where my heart rate is at that level. I work out every morning on the treadmill for an hour with my target heart rate in mind but if I tried to actually run my heart rate jumps to 195.

The reason why this is bad is because you go from burning fat to burning sugar and if you're burning sugar you're going to kill your energy very quickly. Finishing a 13 mile race (which I'll be doing a combo of running/walking) means only tapping into my fat source, not sugar.

Confused yet? Great, so am I.

I didn't go to the gym this morning since I had to head into work early for my webinar, but I'm going to run when I get home and see how well I do. Glancing at my schedule for this week, looks like I have to try to work out for up to 80 minutes both Saturday and Sunday. As I mentioned above, this means a run/walk to keep my heart level at a fat-burning pace.

Oy vey.

And there's no backing out because today I am an official registrant of the 2011 Long Branch Half Marathon in May. If you want to come and cheer me on, come sit by my mother at the finish line who will be clutching her rosary beads to her chest and yelling something about how I'm driving her to an early grave.

Countdown To Guayaquil

2011-03-04T15:10:00.001-05:00

In two weeks I'll be taking a business trip to Guayquil, Ecuador!

:: FIST PUMP ::

A Typical Day For Bradley

2011-03-02T14:17:00.002-05:00

Wake up parents. Takeover bed.

Mid-day tanning session.

Try to steal dinner.

2011-03-01T11:10:00.001-05:00

Dr. Mike

2011-02-28T13:38:00.004-05:00

This is my cousin Mike. He's currently studying at Rutgers to be a *gasp* DOCTOR (come on running, ladies) and he always makes a point to swing by my parents' house to say hi when home from school.

When Mike was a kid we called him Mikey (he's a Jr.) and he was the "smart cousin." I clearly remember some of his favorite toys being books and maps. My aunt and uncle dressed him up in cute vests and bow ties and Mikey always had a big smile on his face.

Then there was high school. Mikey suddenly became "Mike" and attended a private school for kids who were going to grow up to be doctors and take over the world. He was accepted into Rutgers and has been having a hell of a year there as a freshman.

My favorite thing about Mike is that he always keeps in touch. Even if it is just him sending me cupcake recipes that he thinks I should make for him or when I would help him with his English papers his first semester, I'm always up to speed on what he's doing. Of course, thanks to Facebook I keep myself up to speed by stalking the shit out of every girl that writes on his Facebook wall (seriously girls?! CONTAIN YOURSELVES).

So that is my cousin Mike. Future doctor. Possible horticulturist (he's trying to save my mother's bamboo plant above). Ready to take over the world.

**This post was requested by Mike this past weekend, as he is a loyal reader of this blog. I jumped at the idea of writing about him and his many adventures, but in exchange I would like him to stop complaining about how he "eats and eats and can't gain weight."**

2011-02-28T12:42:00.000-05:00

Automotive Marketing Boot Camp: Content Workshop

2011-02-25T17:49:00.000-05:00

See you in Orlando!

Bow Down to the Reiki Master

2011-02-24T16:15:00.003-05:00

Last night was my midterm presentation for one of my Holistic classes. We presented on each of our therapies, mine being expressive writing therapy. The woman who sits next to me is a Reiki master and wrote her research paper on the physiological benefits of Reiki.

After the presentations we got into a conversation about the digestive system and what you can holistically to help your digestion.

I talked about my sister who suffers from Crohn's and how she's been doing really well ever since she rescued Bradley (who has been taking over this blog). I said that I really believed that stress has such a large part in all of our diseases and positive energy can have such a tremendous effect on us.

"Maybe Bradley is a Reiki master," my classmate said. "An animal healer. He's giving your sister positive energy."

At first I giggled but then I stopped and thought about it. I called my sister immediately after class.

"I have to tell you something but you CAN'T laugh," I said.

"Oh God. What?"

"Bradley is your Reiki master."

"Stop."

"He's giving you positive energy for your Crohn's! HE'S AN ANIMAL HEALER!"

Once the laughter died down she started to believe me. A few minutes later she sent me this picture:

All bow down to Bradley, Reiki Master.

2011-02-23T16:18:00.001-05:00

Did I Mention...

2011-02-23T15:00:00.002-05:00

That I'm training for a half marathon?

I know what you're thinking. I feel you judging me through your computer screen.

"But Christine, you love cupcakes!"

"I thought you only ran when you're being chased?"

"Aren't you allergic to the gym and all things work-out related?"

See? I can read your thoughts. So just roll it on back for a hot second and let me explain.

This is how the conversation went with Carrie who actually IS a runner, along with my boss (who is also running this marathon):

Carrie: Christine, will you please run the half marathon with me? We will go at a good pace, train together and work with Stu Mittleman who is a fantastic inspiration and part of the American UltraRunning Hall of Fame!

Me: How far is that?

Carrie: 13.1 miles

Me: Carrie! I can't run 1 mile without having a seizure!

Somehow that translated to me running 13 miles in about two months.

So, I've set up my time with the trainer and received my schedule today. I train pretty much every day until the race.

I'll have more to report tomorrow when this schedule is broken down for me and I finish looking up the distance between the finish line and the hospital on Google Maps.

I'm a Google Suggestion

2011-02-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, you have to type pretty much my entire name.

Whatevs. I'm still excited.

FML

2011-02-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Birthday Fun

2011-02-21T10:10:00.004-05:00

I know everyone always says, "OMG! This was totes the best birthday ever!"

But really. It was the best birthday ever. Mostly because almost all of my friends took the trip from CT, NYC, Philly and Long Island to be there with me.

Here's a really terrible picture of half of the table. I only took three pictures the entire night. One of the table, one of me with a friend and another of me with eyeliner coming off of my face. Classy.

2011-02-18T17:12:00.001-05:00

"A Coop I Will Build."

2011-02-17T14:52:00.003-05:00

Sister: I told Dave today I want a chicken.

Me: As a pet?

Sister: Yes. So we have fresh eggs.

Me: Okay. Where will you keep said chicken - considering you own a pitbull.

Sister: Um..A coop I will build.

Me: Who will watch the chicken when you go on vacation? Have you researched chicken sitters in the area?

Sister: You.

Me: Ok. Glad we cleared that up.

Sister: Dave told me I was nuts. I said when we get a bigger house we can get a chicken and our kids can learn to take care of them.

Me: Well I mean it seems like you've thought this out so tell Dave to stop being reasonable and start building that coop.

Sister: That's what I said.

Schooled By a Kindergartener

2011-02-17T10:37:00.003-05:00

My co-worker brought in his daughter to work today. She was busy with drawing pictures for some of us so I asked for a picture as well.

Right before she drew my picture, she drew one for Carrie who is engaged and thus the picture had to show the huge rock she's been carrying around on her hand.

So then my picture ended up having me shown with an engagement ring as well.

I thanked her for the picture, and said that while I am not engaged I'll pin it up on my wall and it will serve as inspiration.

She looked confused.

She came back 10 minutes later with a new picture and said I had to switch. I couldn't keep both of them and she wanted the old one back.

I grabbed the new picture and took a look.

No engagement ring on this one. She smiled at me and walked away.

Talk about a harsh reality check from a 6 year-old.

My Funny Valentine

2011-02-14T11:37:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had a very special Valentine's Day date.

I showed up promptly at 3:15. We exchanged presents. I got him a new leash and a rubber toy. He bought me loads of candy with one of the boxes attached to a stuffed Snoopy. He tried to bite Snoopy's head off shortly after giving it to me.

He spent most of the time giving me the cold shoulder and looking desperately out the window for a new playmate.

But then he got tired of this game. REALLY tired. He collapsed into a coma for about 20 minutes.

A few belly rubs and a walk around the neighborhood, he was back to being my Valentine. We cuddled and watched the Grammy's, and while the rest of the world was in awe over Lady GaGa showing up on the red carpet inside of an egg, he snored.

Best. Valentine. Ever.

Cul de Sac Memories

2011-02-12T19:26:00.005-05:00

Thumbing through the pages of my Stress Management textbook, I studied a chapter on Spirituality and came across a section about American Indian beliefs.

This image sparked a memory of summers playing with my sister and the neighborhood kids, so I had to make sure my sister remembered the story.

Me: Do you remember when we put a bunch of rocks in a circle on the Cul de Sac and told the Marconi Road kids they couldn't mess up the circle of bad things would happen?

Sister: Yes. Please don't remind me.

Me: And we guarded the circle with our bikes. We were like 12 and 14.

Sister: LMAO stop.

I believe they did mess up our sacred rock circle and we got revenge by storming their tree house in the woods. I clearly remember climbing up into the tree house and dumping over a can of nails and everyone cheering.

I blame the anger on the fact that we lived on a dead end road and since it was surrounded by busy streets we weren't allowed to go anywhere except the Cul de Sac. I'm sure my mother will have a different perspective though.

Rolling in the Deep

2011-02-12T16:50:00.001-05:00

Yeah, This Happened

2011-02-11T22:19:00.003-05:00

Walked into Holistic class late and my prof is on the table on all foursx explaining Yin and Yang on the body.less than a minute ago via txtChristine Rochelle
CLRochelle

**Sorry for the typo. Not only was I the late student, but I was the late student trying to tweet on my phone under a desk. Also, the Ying and Yang theory has caused my roommate to shout out relationship advice to me such as "No Ying-ing in the Yang-ing tonight!"**

California Part 2: San Francisco

2011-02-11T20:32:00.003-05:00

San Francisco!

After a few days drinking wine in Napa Valley, the group headed to San Francisco for the NADA convention. We had a little more time to walk around SF for a few days while the convention was going on and my favorite part was seeing these trolley cars on the streets:

Some of the best laughs were had in SF, including my co-worker and I getting lost in Union Square. Despite our efforts in using Google Maps on her phone, we walked in circles looking for the Nike stores to buy some new sneakers. After 20 minutes of walking and my co-worker almost jumping into traffic because a bird flew into her head, we nearly gave up. I took a photo of some palm trees while we regrouped and then we continued on the walking adventure. When we finally found the store, it turns out it was right behind the palm trees that I took a picture of. In fact, you can sort of see the Nike sign in my picture.

After two big days of meetings and walking around the convention (and doing laps in Union Square), the PCG team woke up early on the last day to walk over the Golden Gate bridge. Besides speaking in Napa, it was the highlight of the whole trip because the scenery was just unbelievable and it was good to get up and moving after such a crazy trip.

Before boarding a red eye flight back to NJ, we put on a Superbowl party with some other sponsers at the Gordon Biersch Brewery in downtown SF. I didn't get to see much of the game because I was working the party, but we had a great turnout and I snagged some cool football swag that both us and the other sponsers were giving out.

I feel like I'm still recovering from both events (and, well, now sick with a cold) but excited to announce that because of my success in Napa I'll be speaking at another PCG event in Orlando this April!

California Part 1: Napa Valley

2011-02-11T20:21:00.002-05:00

My company threw the first ever 2011 Digital Marketing Strategies Conference in Napa Valley last week. We invited nearly 90 car dealers, vendors and speakers to come out to Napa for three days for wine tastings and workshops on digital marketing in the automotive industry.

The entire conference was really well done and we had such a positive response from the start. Day 1 I mostly helped with set-up and live-tweeting of all the events, only to then escort half the group to a wine tasting at Hall.

Here is the wine tasting room at Hall, complete with a crazy tree branch and crystal chandelier that was done by a NYC artist:

The next day it was time for my own workshop. Named "Content Writing Strategies to Increase Website Traffic" I spoke three times that day (yes, three times) at about an hour and a half each time. I walked all the attendees through press release writing, basic SEO strategies, and all the reasons why online content should be at the top of their priority list. I received a lot of great feedback but since I'm hard on myself I figured it was mostly because I buttered them up and admitted that it was my first time speaking.

On a high from how well my workshops went, I brought my half of the wine tasting group to the second winery, this time Napa Wine Company. We sampled all different brands of wines and my co-worker bought me a bottle of wine to congratulate me on my workshops. Luckily, that bottle and another bottle made it back to Jersey just fine.

The best part of the event was making so many great connections. Instead of standing at a booth at a convention and pitching to everyone that walks by, I was really able to talk to people about where they were from and how they've incorporated social media and blogging into their work.

All in all, a great trip and a great experience!

New Blog to Check Out

2011-02-11T16:58:00.002-05:00

Check out the new blog of Carrie Valentine, handbag designer and marketing extraordinaire!

http://keepitcreative.blogspot.com

My Parent's Vacation Itinerary

2011-02-10T09:54:00.003-05:00

...as reported to me from my mother.

10:00 - pool volleyball

11:00 - nachos

12:00 - lunch

12:45 - apply SPF

2:00 - put hat on

3:30 - nap

5:30 - dinner

In explaining the itinerary, she exclaimed "Dad and I are so old!" and then went on to tell me that this morning my Dad jumped out of bed asking if she remembered to pack a hat, which luckily triggered her memory that she had forgotten to pack her bras.

The Many Adventures of Bradley

2011-02-09T11:26:00.003-05:00

Bradley waiting to play with someone. If no one drives down the street within the hour, he gets very bored with his usually game of "window watching."

Bradley is a big cuddler. He has his own blanket and his own pillow. His owners claim that he insists on having these things but there's been no real confirmation from Bradley.

Most dogs beg for food. Bradley just wants to join in on the dinner conversation.

Bradley gets so excited when he's outside he got himself tangled in the Christmas lights. We will ignore the fact that his owners were quick to take a photo instead of helping free him.

Mid-Week Madness

2011-02-09T10:41:00.001-05:00

me: What's up chicken butt?

Lucy: Look at you chicken poo.
I made that up myself :)

me: I would have never guessed.

Sisterly Love

2011-02-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

Awesome

2011-02-08T00:48:00.002-05:00

Soak It In, Let It Marinate

2011-02-07T22:45:00.002-05:00

I took the red eye from San Francisco to Newark last night and this Monday got myself back on NJ time and recovered from being on the go for over 12 hours a day this past week.

More details on my trip to come, but here's my top 5 moments of this very successful business trip.

1. After my first speaking engagement, I revealed it was "my first" and after a few gasps received a round of applause.
2. My boss called me a rock star. Multiple times.
3. My other boss told a client I was "the surprise of the conference."
4. A fellow industry professional said I was "very wise for 24."
5. I ended the week by walking across the Golden Gate bridge with 4 of the best co-workers a girl could ask for.

I'll give a better breakdown later, especially when I'm done handing in this week's grad school assignments.

Until then....

First Speaking Engagement: Mission Accomplished

2011-02-04T00:58:00.000-05:00

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2011-01-31T13:52:00.002-05:00

I was suppose to leave for California tomorrow, but I woke up to an email from my boss saying to get on the next flight out of Newark because of the pending snowstorm.

So, I got out of bed at 7am and:

-Packed for a week long trip
-Changed my flight, car service, and checked in with work
-Did a week's worth of reading for grad school
-Wrote a paper and submitted it to my professor
-Cleaned my room
-Went shopping for last minute items
-Went to my parents to print off last minute itineraries
-Did 1 load of laundry
-Completed and submitted my final paperwork for my student loans
-Paid off any bills due this week
-Washed dishes, put them all away
-Cleaned the kitchen
-Cleaned my room
-Said good-bye to Fish

It's not nearly 2pm and I still have a half hour to kill before my car pulls up.

I'll be heading to Napa Valley first to speak at the 2011 DMSC, and then going to San Francisco for a weekend of NADA before getting on a night flight back to Newark.

Wish me luck.

You Don't Own Me

2011-01-31T08:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I had a reunion with three of my best friends from HS. We chatted about how 7 years later now half of us are married, two are pregnant, and nearly all of us have went on to graduate school or some kind of professional program. We laughed about all the crazy things we did in HS and how we thought we were so bad yet it doesn't even compare to what "those kids today" are doing. Someone brought over the HS Yearbook DVD and we were rolling on the floor because half of the photos were of our group dancing in the football stands or causing trouble on a club trip to the Bahamas.

The memories were good. The laughs were even better. It's always good to pull people from your past.

*Note* The above video is there because we used to re-enact that scene. Many times.

Baby Stephen

2011-01-29T21:37:00.002-05:00

Meet Baby Stephen.

He's only 4 months old but as you can see he is ready to fill out the 9 months Marist football t-shirt that I gave him at Christmas.

He loves to sing, with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" being one of his favorites. He's still deciding on whether or not he loves the "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" song. Baby Stephen is very curious, refusing to ever sit down and can only nap for 10 minutes. But since he loves his Mommy he sleeps through the whole night.

Baby Stephen also saved all of his drooling for when Auntie Kim was holding him cause he knew Auntie Christine was wearing her favorite scarf. He was sad when his Aunties left but was happy that new books and plenty of desserts for Mommy were left behind.

You're my favorite Valentine, Baby Stephen.

Death Trap

2011-01-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

This is my parking lot.

I fell about three weeks ago. My roommate fell last night.

It's about to be renamed the Christine & Megan Condominium Complex.

Oh My...I Got a Charlie Horse....I Got a Charlie Horse...

2011-01-27T19:27:00.003-05:00

AMAZING.

A Note For Mother Nature (From Bradley)

2011-01-27T09:34:00.003-05:00

Dear Mother Nature,

I know you're hearing a lot of this lately, but I really hate this snow. How am I suppose to run around the yard when the snow is higher than me? My owner keeps trying to have dance parties with me to let out some energy, but I'm still so sad.

It would be nice if you could make all this snow go away soon. Sure, sitting on the couch wrapped up in my dog snuggie next to my owner watching 'The Bachelor' is fun - don't get me wrong. Being stuck inside certainly means more belly rubs and peanut butter treats, but I still want to go outside and play.

Please make this white stuff melt.

Love,
Bradley

Snow, Snow Go Away...

2011-01-26T15:28:00.001-05:00

Let's Get Serious For a Hot Second

2011-01-25T17:57:00.001-05:00

When a pen stops writing, you have two options: throw it out, or scribble it around on the paper until the ink appears again. When something stops working, whether it’s a job, your academic major, or a relationship, you have a choice whether to move on or to try hard to make the broken item fixed. But like a pen that has been scribbled back to life, a job/college major/relationship that has stopped meeting your needs before will probably stop meeting them again, no matter how hard you frantically scribble to bring it back to life.

From My Sister

2011-01-25T16:57:00.001-05:00

Martha Stewart Show

2011-01-24T20:56:00.004-05:00

Why The Martha Stewart Show Was Awesome:
1. I sat in the audience alongside 14 other Kappa sisters
2. I was on TV
3. I saw Martha Stewart
4. I learned how to chop down a tree in my backyard and make a butcher's block out of it
5. I was inspired by Martha's studio set which included 7 different cake platters and 5 rolling pins.
6. I came home with prizes and my roomie was insistent that the furniture polish was exactly what our apartment needed

Why The Martha Stewart Show Was Not So Awesome:
1. It was f'in cold
2. My sister asked why I decided to not wear any make-up on TV (I was wearing makeup)
3. I had to wake up at 5am to head into the city and thus was delirious by the time we were talking about furniture polish
4. I don't even have a yard to call my own yet a place to dry out a tree stump for a month to turn it into a butcher's block
5. Martha's simple and delicious marinara sauce recipe is the exact same thing my Italian family has been making every Sunday for decades *yawn*

Happy Monday

2011-01-24T05:38:00.001-05:00

Bethenny Frankel Hits Red Bank

2011-01-21T11:56:00.002-05:00

I went to see Bethenny Frankel at the Count Basie Theatre last night in Red Bank with my sister. Steph is actually a huge Bethenny fan but honestly I had to Google her to double check exactly who she was.

The night was great and Bethenny was absolutely hilarious. She made so many good points about how women take on too much and talked a little bit about RHoNY and her dieting secrets.

Best part? Bethenny (who has made a Skinny Girl margarita mix famous) is now making a Skinny Girl sweet tea lemonade vodka. A-maz-ing.

Back to School

2011-01-20T08:16:00.002-05:00

I officially have one graduate course session under my belt!

I headed to campus last night, first making a stop at security to get my official school ID card, and then went to class. After walking past the door 17 times (I didn't know where it was) I finally slipped inside and hoped that despite the rooms being glassed-in that no one saw me pace back and forth frantically.

The class flew by. It took an hour to get settled and introduce ourselves. There are only 8 students in the class so everyone took a few minutes to explain why they were there. The program is Holistic Health so I'm the only one there looking to studied the different types of art therapies but there were also physical therapists, counselors, nurses and even a nutritionist in my class. Everyone's stories were really amazing and I was getting nervous on telling my own.

When it was my turn I started off talking about my undergraduate course and how my minor was about social work and working with non-profits. My mom is a counselor and even though writing is my passion we always talked about the possibility of me being a counselor as well. I talked about working out of college and how suddenly I had one ailment after another. Once I got laid off and went to Vietnam, I was blown away with how their simple way of life and healthy eating totally turned me around both physically and emotionally. I felt so much stronger and really wanted to bring that back to the States.

So between the Asian lifestyle I'm chasing after to my love for writing and passion to learn more about counseling, being certified in writing therapy using holistic methods really ties everything together. I actually surprised myself with how good my story suddenly was.

When I finished, the nurse sitting across from me asked me if I was going to show everyone how to blog.

Sure, if you let me cheat off your tests when we learn all the systems of the body.

For Real

2011-01-18T17:55:00.000-05:00

Hi My Name is Bradley and I Sit Like a Person

2011-01-18T16:24:00.003-05:00

And I wish it would stop raining.

You're the Yin to My Yang

2011-01-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

Can I Find Your Pressure Point?

2011-01-17T12:23:00.003-05:00

I start grad school this week. Actually, in like two days. I just realized this last night and then panicked cause:

1. I only have 3 of the 9 books I need
2. I didn't even check to see if I have any assignments needed for week 1

Once I was able to get my heart rate down, I decided I might as well get a jump start on the reading for at least the books I have in my possession. So, I opened up the first page to my book on Chinese medicine and I started reading.

Within 15 minutes the following texts were sent to my friends:

"You know the skin between your thumb and pointer finger? Grab it with your other thumb and pointer finger and apply pressure. For stress and anxiety. Got that from my new textbook. I know you're impressed. Can't wait to use this at the bar to pick up burly men*."

"Flower tea. Helps headaches. Says China. You're welcome."

"I can't wait to stick needles in your face. WHAT UP ACUPUNCTURE."

"Let's take a road trip to Chinatown!"

*There's a joke that I only like burly men. I've accepted it.

I figured I might as well start this semester laughing. Because considering I need 9 books for two courses and this is technically a science degree, the laughter is going to turn into tears real fast.

2011-01-14T23:24:00.000-05:00

"You know that person doesn't exist right? Basically what you really want is a unicorn." -John, on my dating expectations.

Meet Christine, Circa 2001

2011-01-13T15:45:00.007-05:00

Lucy: Je m'appelle Lucie, ou et mon chien?

me: My name is Lucy and you're my....chicken?

Lucy: Where is my dog? Chien is dog.

me: One time I wrote a break up note to my boyfriend in French and he couldn't figure it out. So he asked a French honors student and she couldn't figure it out cause my translation was so bad. So then I had to break up with him face-to-face...in English. It was horrid.

Lucy: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA

Lucy: I think that's my favorite story ever

This is true. I am not proud. But I am kinda hilarious, eh?

Run Fast...

2011-01-13T14:51:00.000-05:00

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father
Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your longing behind
You cant carry it with you if you want to survive

These are some of my favorite lyrics lately. When you feel like you're headed down and you're looking for a way up, rely on your family. Whether you like it or not, they know you better than you know yourself.

My new resolution for 2011 is to remember this not only in the bad times, but when I'm flying high and often forget to look back.

Snow Day Thoughts

2011-01-12T12:48:00.002-05:00

1. Snow plows are loud.
2. Why stock up on bread when all you will crave is chocolate?
3. Sweatshirts are the best clothing invention ever.
4. Naps should be a part of the work day.
5. Dunkin Donuts should deliver.