**MEMBERS OF THE UBO, UPDATED IN REAL TIME**

1. Whitney
1.5.  Anonymous my sister
2.  Shesten
3.  Anna
4.  Geneva
5.  Jami
6.  Lauren
7.  Alex
8.  RatalieNose
9.  You’re Next!

“I need to go check in with the Wii™ Fit,” I reminded myself not long ago, “It’s been a few days, I think.  It’s gonna be mad at me and tell me my Wii™ Fit age is now 80, and that’s never an easy pill to swallow.”

I kept putting it off, busying myself with laundry and homework and various trifles, until finally I went to check in.  Lo and behold, it had not been just a day or two, but eleven.

Weak sauce.  That’s me.

I was flabbergasted when I saw how long my hiatus had been.  It seemed impossible that it had been such a long break—over a week—but then, that’s how it goes, doesn’t it?  Time flies when you’re having a three-part existential meltdown {Part I, Part II, Part III}.  [I should add a note here, lest you all start worrying about my mental health: I’m fine.  There’s no denying I’ve been feeling a little blue over the last few weeks, but I’m getting happier every day.  When I joke about depression, it’s my way of cheering up, however slightly.  And pretty soon, I’ll stop altogether.  Kay?  Kay.]

The good news is that, over the eleven days, I was able to maintain my weight at 146.  That is saying a lot, because I sort of lost my mind, and a major part of a healthy lifestyle is mind power.

You want my tips for keeping even a semblance of sanity in the face of overwhelming dread and turmoil that is finals week?  I’ll share them with you, because I sharing is caring, and I’m nothing if not a caring soul.  :  )  {I think that’s the first time I’ve ever used a “:  )” in a post on this website!  This is history in the making…}

Cheer Up Charlie Tips:

1.  Move at least 30 minutes a day {even if it’s not on the Wii™ Fit}.

I don’t look nearly this peppy when I’m on the Wii™ Fit.  Image {and witty article} from here.

Most days I just walk.  {I jog, too, but only occasionally [and by “occasionally, I mean three times since January.]}  I’m a firm believer that walking is what’s helped me lose weight since Christmas.

2.  Stock up on DDP™.

I used this image of the old-school can because it reminds me of simpler times—times when soda cans didn’t need to be revamped every few years to stay delicious.  Image from here.

Don’t even bother trying to track, or limit, DDP™ intake, until the storm has blown over—it’s too disheartening.  I make sure I never run out of DDP™ (because that would be catastrophic during a major study session).  On the other hand, I know I shouldn’t be putting so many legal stimulants into my body, so I’ve cut a deal with myself: I can drink as much as I want, no questions asked, as long as I cancel each DDP™ out with a large glass of water.  Then, when the hurricane is over, I will cut back by 95%.

3.  Plan a vacation to the Cayman Islands.

Plan it, and then do everything in your power to make it happen.  Image from here.

4.  Coordinate a ground-breaking gathering with one of your favourite bloggers. Then try and make that happen, too.

{Stay tuned for exciting news about the UBO, by the way.}

Along those lines, I’d like to take a poll of who, here, would be willing/able/anxious to come to a party.  (Oh my gosh, this is just like grade school: “Will you come to my party?”  It was pathetic then, and it’s a little pathetic now, too.)  See, here’s the thing.  As you know, I have joined forces with Lauren {of Busy Bee Lauren world-renowned fame} to put together a meet ‘ n greet…a mix ‘n mingle…a get-to-know-our-friends event…during the time I’ll be in Arizona next month.

As excited as I am to meet all of you, I also have a lot of fears:  First, I’m worried I’ll be a dork (which is a very legitimate fear, by the way—I know me).  Second, I’m worried that you’ll see how awkward I really am in person, and I’ll lose every reader I have, except maybe Poor Kyle, but he never comments anyway so where’s the fun in that.  And last, I’m already embarrassed because I suspect a lot more people will be coming to meet Lauren than me.  It’s kind of like Student Council elections, except this is in real time, and I will be able to watch as the numbers strike up against me.  (Insecure much?)

Can you blame me?  There’s really no contest.  Image from here.

Anyway, I have to get over that last one, because Lauren is seriously cool, with pretty pretty hair, and she’s a vegetarian (holy, intimidating!).  It is what it is.

So, aside from all my fears, I’m really going to do this.  I think the awesome will outweigh the scary.

Here’s the question: Who still wants to come, now that we have some details?  {Well, one detail…}

When:  Saturday, May 9, 2009.  Lunchtime.
Where: TBD.  {Somewhere in or around Mesa, AZ.}

See, before we decide if we’ll have it at a restaurant or a house or a park, we need a head count.  So, if you’re interested in coming, please leave a comment on this post (for future updates, make sure to include your email address, which will not be visible to anyone but me and Lauren and probably my tech guy, Poor Kyle {but he’s not a stalker, I swear}).

Several people mentioned that doing it at someone’s house would be fun, but I think that seems like a lot of work for any one person, especially if we get a big turnout.  So we’re also tossing around the idea of a picnic at a park, or Cafe Rio/Costa Vida.  It all depends on you, my friends.  And, of course, if you have any other suggestions of locations or food themes, please don’t hesitate to pipe in—even if you won’t be able to make it, we still appreciate the input.  We value your ideas.

Truly.

(Oh, and readers?  Please don’t leave me hanging here.  If Busy Bee Lauren gets 500 takers and I don’t get even one…I might die of shame.  I am recovering from an existential meltdown, you know.  It wouldn’t be good for my health.)

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