"...all the things caught in my mind."

Another one bites the dust. The weekend is behind us and we are now officially halfway through February. Why does the time fly by? And more importantly, how do I make it stop?

I'm happy to report I had an enjoyable weekend that was a great mix of relaxing and getting shit done. It wasn't until I just sat down with a steaming cup of caffeinated deliciousness that I realized how much we crammed into just a few short days.

Friday morning I had my long awaited appointment with the pulmonologist. I was planning to take the train, but I managed to oversleep (something that occurs very rarely with me... I'm not a big sleeper) and I was forced to drive in.

I was lucky enough to find a parking spot directly in front of the building, and when I went to put money in the kiosk (Philadelphia now has kiosks where you put in your money and it prints a ticket you put in your dash), the screen was flashing "TRUCK LOADING ONLY."

You can never can tell which directions the arrows on the parking signs are pointing, and I was about to move. Hubby and I have given far too much money over the years to the Philadelphia Parking Authority (whom I am quite certain has a deal with the Devil himself) and I knew he would not be happy with me if I got a $76 ticket.

Luckily, my friendly neighborhood homeless person informed me it was "Truck Loading Only" until 10, and then regular metered 2 hour parking anytime after. Perfect.

So I sat in my car, listened to Preston & Steve, emailed SMD and waited til 10am. I lost track of time and my new friend came over and said I could get out of my car now. Man, what a guy. I gave some change and a heart shaped lollipop to my new BFF, put money in the kiosk, and went to my appointment.

I was so impressed with the pulmonologist. She was a perfect combination of friendly and personable, yet when it came down to discuss why I was there, exceptionally knowledgable. She explained everything in great detail, went over labs, and spent time going over my entire health history, which as anyone that reads this on the regular can imagine, is time consuming.

She threw me a compliment, too! When I handed her a stack of labs and results from pertinent tests, she told me that she doesn't come across patients' my age that are so on top of their care. I call it OCD, she calls it self-advocacy. Whatever works! I have to to say, it was lovely to hear, especially to keep in the back of my mind on the days when I feel like banging my head against the wall.

There are three factors that could be contributing to these problems with my lungs and breathing, which I will dedicate to a seperate blog post. She is on top of it to ensure I get the CT scan of my lungs ("Just let them say no to ME!") there is more lab work to be done, and I will follow up in month.

After my appointment, I headed to Brie's in-laws home, where PJ was getting in some quality cousin time. PJ is lucky enough to have 7 first cousins with another one on the way! I see them all often, and have grown to love them like my very own nieces and nephews!

When I walked in, Brie's four year old nephew yelled "Hi Marla! You look like a boy!"

As much as it can be a kick to the gut, it's what I love most about children. They just call it like they see it. And as long as you aren't out in public where some may get offended, it's what I find most endearing about kids.

The adults were horrified, and I just smiled at him and said "Thanks!" He's right. I look like someone out of Full Metal Jacket. (aaaaaahhhhhh, GREAT movie!) After some family time and a delicious lunch, I went on home.

I snuggled up to my best fuzzy girl, took a much needed nap, and didn't wake up until Hubby came in.

We relaxed, argued disagreed on what we think would make for good accent pieces in the bedroom.

In my quest to declutter the house, we posted a few things on Facebook to try and sell. Brie's best friend Randi's little brother Josh and his wife Nichole bought our TV stand, and Josh came by to pick it up.  Always glad to see our things go to a good home.

Hubby's friend and his girlfriend stick to the no meat on Friday during Lent, so we always join them at our favorite sushi joint every Friday. This Jew looks forward to Lent for this very reason! Since we had to wait for Josh, we weren't going to get there until a bit later. They didn't want to wait, so this turned into a dinner date for the Hubs and I!

See that on the bottom right? The would be Hubby live-streaming the Flyers game to his iPhone. Technology win, Flyers loss.

Saturday we ran some errands, and came home to relax once again. Our friend Bobby and his dad came over to pick up a beaureu, and after that got cleared out, I had another attack of the feng shui. Now that my closet is no longer filled with clothes that don't fit, I don't need to use giant tupperwear drawers in my closet. So I dragged them to my office and organized (ok, it's all thrown in the drawers) all my crafting and scrapbooking supplies. I felt so accomplished.

Recently I've become obsessed with watching YouTube videos on how people store/organize their makeup collections. I am THISCLOSE to getting the vanity I have been coveting, but until then, it's Dollar Tree ice cube trays and Container Store plastic bins to keep it all together.

this isn't even a fraction of my makeup

Saturday night my friend Tracey and her new boyfriend Michael came over and I made chicken enchilada pasta. Pinterest win. Thank you Brie for this delicious recipe. I left out a few things because spicy hot and my stomach do not jive.

After a good meal, good dessert, and good dessert, we played a riveting game of Cards Against Humanity. Tracey and Michael left, and we were in bed before 11.

Sunday we went to Hubby's sister and brother-in-laws to celebrate our nephews birthday, then we headed over to the mall to see if there were any good President's Day sales.

Hubby scored a GORGEOUS 3 piece Tommy Hilfiger suit for $200. It was on sale plus we had a 20% off coupon. Bargain Shopper. While he was trying it on, I was chatting it up with the sales man.

(sorry to the few that read this that are also on my Facebook. My blog is one of the few things I don't post on Facebook, so there aren't many of you that are privy to both!)

Salesguy: "So do you always cut your hair so short?"

Me: (without taking a breath) "Yeah, I'm going for the sick patient look to get sympathy from people. Is it working?"

It came up like word vomit, like I didn't have any control of my brain, and the words flew out of my mouth. Usually my douchebag responses don't make me think twice, but he was so helpful to Hubby and clearly not being an asshole.

As much as I hated that he asked, I really felt bad. There was no malice in his question, nor looking back, do I think he was clueless. He was so shocked by my answer that he started telling me this story how he and his college buddies got really high and decided to cut off all the hair on the girls that were there. He was like "after awhile, I thought it looked really nice."

And then there's the time Brie and I were in the mall and a woman literally came running up to us...

Douche Canoe woman "EXCUSE ME! EXCUSE ME!!! Is that a fashion statement or are you fighting something?"

Me: "Um... I'm fighting something."

WHY OH WHY, couldn't the witty asshole comments come flying out of my mouth then?? Surely I could have gone all black lipliner and put her in her place.

Linking up for....

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!