A sign of a changing economy…. I have buyer’s remorse. The worst part about it is that I am regretting buying something that I actually NEED.

My last 2 favorite pairs of jeans have both met untimely ends within the past 2 weeks due to ripping. Why must it be so?? Just as soon as you have reached that point after many faithful wears that your jeans reach the perfect softness with the perfect fading – yes, the perfect wash of your designer denim DOES get better over time, when BAM… You are getting ready for work one morning, you bend down and hear that gut wrenching RRRRIIIIIPPPPPP. And just like that, a pair of jeans comes to an end. It’s upsetting enough that your favorite jeans are now over and done with, but then you have to consider – is it my fault?? Did I let my thighs get too big?

Which brings me to today…. Down to one pair of jeans (ok, ok so I have more than 1 pair, but let’s face it – some jeans are for emergencies only) I had one mission to accomplish during my lunch break. FIND A NEW PAIR OF JEANS. I had even set a budget. Well, kind of. I knew I didn’t want to spend more than $200, preferably around $150. Easy enough. I know what you are thinking, and NO I did not break my budget. I found a pair of jeans that I love that are very comfy and flattering (if I do say so myself). I debated for what seemed like forever in the dressing room on whether or not to get the jeans. I decided YES, I will get them and walked out of the dressing room feeling confident about my soon to be purchase. Once out in the open store I promptly flip-flopped and just as I was turning to put the jeans back and slink unnoticed out of the store I was approached by a very intimidating petite brunette in a lovely lilac colored Gypsy 05 maxi dress. A sales associate. “How did those work out for you?” “Great!” I say and head to the counter to buy the damn jeans and get the hell out of the store.

I could return them I suppose or sell them on Ebay, but the fact is they are cute and I DO need them. What’s a girl to do?

Running is my hobby. It is one of the main ways I identify myself. What am I? I am a runner. No, I have never run a marathon, or even a half marathon, but that is all going to change this year. I have completed 2 5ks and 3 10ks, and each race I’ve gotten faster and faster. As much as racing defines a runner, I personally find the daily maintenance runs more important than the races. Getting out there every day whether it’s 30 or 100 degrees outside. Whether it’s pouring down rain or you’re pouring sweat just thinking about getting your 6 miles in when it’s 90 degrees and 90% humidity. That is how I define myself as a runner. I could train every day and never be the fastest, but I’m training every day and getting better. Also, I must say, I am pretty proud of my latest 10k time – 54:12.

Lounging in the sun all day, playing with a toy mouse here and there, dabbling in a little catnip from time to time, plopping down right in the middle of the bed when everyone goes to bed.... Sounds pretty nice to me. Meet Queenie. Like other cats you may have known, she definitely doesn't come up short in the personality or attitude department. And, as you can see, she has NEVER missed a meal. Do you think cats are like humans when it comes to their body image? I wonder if Queenie wonders why her belly swings when she runs, but the other cats have nice, lean mid-sections. Does Queenie know she has a double chin? I hope not.

I became a North on October 8, 2008 at the Secrets Capri Riviera in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It was HEAVEN. I always knew I wanted a beach wedding with a private ceremony, and it turned out to be everything I had ever hoped for. We didn't go to the JOP first, we actually got married in Mexico. It took several months to get our marriage certificate apostilled and shipped to us - much longer than I was anticipating - but it all worked out in the end! Our 7 day trip to get hitched in Mexico is without a doubt the best time of my entire life.

On Saturday I started and finished reading Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was SO good! Obviously it’s not intended to be a deep read, but it was a light, cute story, and you can’t help but fall in love with the main character, Rebecca Bloomwood by the time it’s all over, even after all her cringe-inducing moments. I’d definitely like to read some of Sophie Kinsella’s other books in the future. Oh, and of course I need to see the move now! I LOVE Isla Fisher!

Last night Jody and I finished watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and I must say it was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Brad Pitt was great as usual, and Cate Blanchett was STUNNING. I never realized before how beautiful she is, not to mention talented. This movie reminds me a lot of Forrest Gump – mainly because they are both good stories. My only complaint was the movie was LONG. It took us 3 sittings to get it finished, but it was worth it.