Nothing Says 'I Love You' Like the Gift of an Exercise Bike

If you haven't seen American Beauty, then what are you doing with your life?

As an early Valentine's Day gift, I received an exercise bike. Technically my roommate (i.e. mom) and I are sharing it. I had all these plans to slim down and tone up for summer so I could have this bangin' bikini body. Well, let me just tell you. That ain't gonna happen. This machine is the bane of my existence. It's terrible! I eye it with contempt every time I walk by it.

I used to be one of those girls that genuinely enjoyed working out. Then it was like a flip was switched, and I turned that act around and became one of you normal people. I feel like I'm dying every time I give it a go. Five minutes in, and I'm gasping for breath and massaging my quivering thigh muscles. 

I'm out of shape. Believe me, I know. But that was never a secret. Going from sitting at a desk all day to sitting on my ass on the couch all night does not exactly scream IN SHAPE to me either. But this is HARD. I feel like I'm biking up a never ending steep hill with no flat land in sight. And believe me, I've turned the resistance down as low as it will go.

I know if I keep at it (and that's a big if), then it will get easier. But dang, I'm just trying to get past 5 minutes on the machine before I feel like I'm going to drop over dead. Getting in shape is not for the impatient people in life.

Maybe I should have just asked for a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day and been done with it. Calories be damned. 

Valentine's Day Humor

Happy Friday! Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day too! If you aren't into cheesy quotes or cards like me, then here are some funny (and possibly crude) ecards that are appropriate for all regardless of their relationship status. Enjoy!

Love Commandments

Disclaimer: I am NOT an expert on love in any way, shape, or form. 

With that being said, I will say I may be an expert on what does not constitute as love. It seems like I am a magnet for bad dates and jerky boyfriends. So in honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I would share with y'all what I have figured out over the years.

1. If he pressures you, he's not for you.
If a guy respects you, then he will respect your morals. Don't let a guy push you to take steps you aren't ready for.

2. If dating feels more like a game you don't know the rules to, then run. Far and fast.
Dating shouldn't be a guessing game. You should know where you stand with a guy, and you shouldn't have to jump through hoops to figure it out. Healthy relationships don't stem from playing games.

3. Don't just date someone because you're lonely or just because a guy is interested in you. That's not fair to you or the guy.
Being bored is never a good reason to start giving that one guy that has liked you for years the time of day. With Valentine's Day (ahem, Single Awareness Day) coming up, it's understandable that many girls start feeling lonely around this time. But don't just jump into a relationship because you don't like being alone. That's not a good basis for any relationship.

4. If he tries to guilt trip you into doing things, then he's a douche. It's as simple as that. 
One of my ex boyfriends would try to get me to do things with him that I wasn't comfortable with by comparing me to his ex girlfriend or saying that all other girlfriends do things like this and don't complain about it. All this resulted in was making me feel really self conscious and unsure of our relationship.

5. If he describes all of his exes as "crazy" then chances are he's the crazy one. 
Um, what's the common denominator in all of these relationships? Him! A guy like this is delusional and immature. Don't fall for it.

6. Don't confuse a hook up for a budding relationship. 
Sometimes, a hook up will result in a relationship. I have 2 friends that are in committed relationships with guys they first started hooking up with. But that is college dating, which is way different from dating in the real world! Some good ways to tell if he's just interested in you as a bed mate would be if he only acknowledges you when he's drunk or at night, he flirts with other girls, your "dates" consist of hanging out at his place and making out on the couch, or he's had relationships in the past, but he makes no effort with you to indicate that he would want to move into dating territory.

7. If your friends and family don't like him, then there's a problem.
These people have your best interest at heart. I know while in a relationship sometimes women are blinded to their significant other's issues. Take into account what your loved ones are saying. In the end, they just want you to be happy.

xoxo