Interview Style Hahtchachacha

It's very difficult to update a blog after a long absence. I wish I could just have a Q&A. I'll try to predict your questions and answer them here.

How are you doing?

I'm pretty good. I have been trying to stabilize my sleep schedule. Last week was awesome; I was waking up at the same time everyday and getting to bed at the same time everyday. It was like the sun shone for me. Birds sang. Grass was green. Everyday was the best day of the week.
This week, I've been keeping up a solid bed-time, but waking up really late. I am exhausted a lot of the time. I need to work on that.

Otherwise, my hair is growing out really well. In two months I plan on perming it again. It's getting to that so-straight-and-heavy-I-want-to-chop-it-all-off length.

I've been going to Jungle Red on Nicolett and getting facial's with Jodi. Last Thursday after my facial, I looked like a burn-victim! A makeup artist at Macy's stopped me to offer me an exfoliant. People were nicer. Homeless men stared at me for all the wrong reasons. I felt like Liz Lemon when she dressed like a crazy lady. Hopefully, one day I'll recover.

How's work?

It's going. I have a new boss. She's really great and wants to see me improve. I've been talking to people in different departments seeing what they're all about. I'm happy and satisfied with my job and the company I work for.

However, I've had a sinus headache all day from the vents clearing out. I felt groggy and out of it for hours - and now I'm clear headed and want to stay awake all night long.

What have you been doing in your free time?

On my day off, I like to go downtown and walk around. I shop a little. Mostly, I enjoy being able to travel where I want without bumming a ride. The city is beautiful and busy. It's a whole new world.

On weekends, Jared and I go to the dog park with Gizmo. We've been going to dog-themed work events as well. It's great to get out and enjoy nature. It's even better to see my dog running at high speed, all feet off the ground.

What's your latest favorite thing?

My new love is NARS Sheer Lipstick in Manhunt. It looks far too red out of the tube, but it's more of a berry when you wear it. It makes me feel confident and modern. The formula is awesome. It doesn't clump up or get chalky the way matte lipsticks tend to do. It doesn't feel sticky or heavy the way a lot of glosses do. It has excellent staying power. When it wears off it looks like a stain. I have nothing bad to say about this lipstick. I've been pairing it with nude/brown eyes.




Now accepting Q's for A's in a future post. VLOG goes up in June!

VLOG 2: New Job, New Goals

Big Girl Accomplishments: Back to Earth

I've decided that my benchmarks are good, but my prizes are too lofty to serve a purpose.

The idea of goals, for me, is to distract myself from my compulsion to shop. If I was more tech-savvy, I'd block online stores. What I have done (and this is silly) is I bought myself a wonderful, beautiful, quality purse that I would love to use and think about everyday. I set this purse on top of our DVD stand. I've decided I am not allowed to use my purse until I'm out of debt (small bank loan, store cards, credit cards). I'm about half way there so far. I want to pay off all my store cards and credit card before touching the loan. That way, I'm eliminating high APRs.

I can't really worry about money though. As long as I pull in some sort of income, I'll be fine. With my rent and expenses as low as they are, I can easily survive on unemployment insurance while searching for a new job. However, I find myself more frugal and more financially insecure when I'm making money and on the edge of debt. When I'm close to maxing out my credit... I feel like I can go crazy, like 23 is a great age to go into an absurd amount of debt. When I have a job, and feel the struggle of paying bills using workable income... I stress out.

I'm off topic. Here are my new prizes that are in a lower price range. Plus, some of these things I need to replace/need for my house. What I would like to do... (and this is something I'm not sure is a good idea) is to buy my prizes ahead of time (not all at once) and set them in the living room like I have my purse. It's easier to say no to temptation with a goal within reach.

Accomplishment: Pay Off Debt

I finally will get to use my new purse! AND I'll buy a vacuum!

Accomplishment: Build Up $1000 Emergency Fund

New Keen shoes AND a new wireless mouse!

Accomplishment: Build Up $2500 Emergency Fund

iPod Nano

Accomplishment: Find a Full-time Permanent Job

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS AND (if I need them) computer glasses

Accomplishment: Build Up $1000 Savings Account

ECO Citizen Watch

And to all you self-proclaimed responsible adults out there - I understand that the goal itself should be enough, but I'm a Womangirl and need pretties to make myself work.

Big Girl Accomplishments

Today, Jared and I talked about motivation. In my mind, motivation comes in three materialistic, money-grubbin' forms. Provide incentive by promising new, great things for the two of us: house, car, shorter commute. Provide incentive by promising new, awesome things for himself: iPod touch, speaker system, smartphone. And finally, the less fun one, deny himself something he enjoys until reaching specific benchmarks: no videogames until he's applied for so many jobs.

Last week, I also found myself wanting. I wanted not only small, simple things, but big, expensive things! Get Rich Slowly has taught me that I can have everything I want, just not all at once. So, I bring to you a list of Big Girl Accomplishments and their matching Big Girl Prizes. (All monetary benchmarks must include the price of the prize. Example: Accomplishment: Build Up $1000 Emergency Fund, Prize: Something That Costs $200. The entire amount saved should be over $1200.)

Accomplishment: Pay Off Debt

This is a pretty simple goal that is a huge deal. I want to pay off all credit card debt, store card debt and the loan I have with UWCU. I am not including my student loans in this goal, because I don't plan on paying them until I have to. 

Prize: Travelon Hanging Toiletry Kit

Accomplishment: Build Up $1000 Emergency Fund

It's important to build up an emergency fund, just in case I end up unemployed for a few months... again. 

Prize: Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet

Accomplishment: Build Up $2500 Emergency Fund
Prize: iPod Nano

I'll get the newest one... whenever I have that much money saved.

Accomplishment: Find a Full-time Permanent Job

If I have accomplished the above goals and find a full-time permanent job... I'm going to spend a huge chunk of change on an amazing camera. 

Prize: Fuji Film FinePix X100

Accomplishment: Stay With the Same Company for One Year
Prize: Disney Vacation

Accomplishment: Build Up $1000 Savings Account
Prize: A New Couch!

Accomplishment: Build Up $2500 Savings Account AND Jared has a stable job
Prize: A New Home!

Work Clothes

The week of my birthday, I accepted a job through KellyMitchell. I was very very excited for this job, because I'll be working in a position I'm qualified for and that I have previous experience in. I was horrified when I saw the dress code. I had no clue what "Business Casual" meant, but I understood that it wasn't the t-shirt and jeans I was so used to.

I've spent the last few weeks making wise decisions about clothing choices for work. I was hoping to find a happy medium between what I like... and what I'm expected to wear. Luckily, I had a lot of skirts leftover from last summer. (Summer of '10 was so hot, I'd have to peel my jeans off with pliers.) I purchased black slacks when I was interviewing, and I have two gray blazers that I found over last summer as well. (The best time to buy jackets is during the blackout heat of Summer '10.) I added a third gray blazer to my collection last week. I also found Banana Republic khakis. (Pictured in my Ode to Savers.) I found a bunch of blouses at Marshall's from August Silk and Spense (not pictured; I couldn't find them on the Internet.) I bought two cap sleeve sweaters to make my shoulders more decent from Macy's (INC brand, not pictured.) My shoe collection is pretty amazing as is; however, I added a brown, shiny pair of Dolce Vita DV oxfords/flats.

Work Clothes by holley-mclellan featuring cotton skirts

All in all, I am prepared to look like an adult after Labor Day!!! Today I found some skin tone tanks to wear under my at times see-through August Silk blouses. I sectioned off my closet into "can wear to work" and "cannot wear to work." Just for fun, and because my drawers become a disaster faster than I can spin around, I organized my t-shirt and tank drawers to be "filed."

Ready Set Go: Part II

I quit my job.

I've spent the last two weeks laid up with an annoying illness. I went into work for the first time in March today and I didn't make it an hour before my throat started swelling up. I asked to be put on emails. An hour later, I'm hot and disoriented. I can't remember anything and my fingers aren't doing what I tell them to. It takes four tries to type "CSR" onto a screen. On break, I put my hours on the give away board. Writing up the small slips of paper took four tries to write two tickets. I couldn't keep myself from writing "Tuesday" and "3/15" for Thursday 3/17. After break I asked to speak to my supervisor. We went into an office space and I told her how freaked out I am about being sick this long and about my frustrations with calling in sick all the time. She drafted up the paperwork for immediate layoff because of illness. All I had to do was sign on the Employee Signature line. Even that took unnecessary effort. There were too many lines to choose from. 

Jared and I got hamburgers after he picked me up from work. I wanted to sleep on the bar, and I was totally sober. We stopped over at Menard's to pick up spray paint for my new projects then came home, watched half of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome and crashed at around 10:30 PM. I woke up at 12:18 AM hot as Hell. Now, I'm back to staying up very late feeling like it's August in Florida and our A/C is out again. 

Tomorrow I have a date with a welder to fix my metal end table. Jared said he could fix the leaves of my typewriter table with pliers. I need to make doctor's appointments both with my general and my podiatrist. 

I'm making appointments to view apartments on Saturday. I figure either I'll get over being sick or I'll die. And, if I die, apartment hunting won't be so important anymore.

February 2012

Today, I made a point of telling one of my supervisors that I will be available to work throughout the next year into next peak season.
I did this for two reasons:
1. Jared will most likely need a full year's experience to get a job in a Chemistry position in the future.
2. I want to make myself available for any future promotion.

This revelation depresses me. Actually no... it doesn't make me depressed; it just makes me sad. I'm sad that we won't be moving someplace new and exciting. I'm sad that my life has grown stagnate. I'm sad that my earning potential will remain where it is now or possibly decrease. I'm sad that I'll continue seeing Jared only on weekends. I'm also afraid. I'm afraid that a temporary home and a temporary job will become a permanent situation.

But, I am reminded of what I will be gaining. I have a job. I have a home. I have an income. I have health care. I have a possible future.

Part of me feels like, at 22, I should be grabbing the bull by the horns or spitting into the wind --- doing something, anything reckless.

Right now, I need to save money. I need a foundation to stand on.

Let's see how long I can hold on to this plan.

Plan:
Stop spending.
Keep earning.
Maximize saving.

Money vs Time

One of the top reasons I like economics is that an economist can decide the value of anything. And, while I try to remain rational about my life and my priorities, I have no idea about some things. This weekend was a real life test of priority economics.

I signed up on Monday to work both Saturday and Sunday. I did this because we are paid time and a half on Saturday and double time on Sunday. My plan was to work a few hours Saturday and as many as possible on Sunday. I remembered on Friday that Jared's birthday was on Sunday. Jared's parents called to let us know they would be coming into town on Sunday at 6 pm. I was scheduled to work 3 pm to 11 pm. I felt awful about forgetting, but it's a lot of money, and I was already obligated. I got a little lucky and had the decision to cut out early made for me when we ran out of e-mails to answer.

But, this got me thinking about which was more important an extra 100/200 dollars for working the weekend or having two days to myself with my boyfriend.

To be honest I have to say that I really don't know.

I remember feeling terrible and angry when I worked Christmas instead of spending time with my then boyfriend as a senior in High School. Then I remember the relationship being over and wishing I worked the entire break.

This isn't High School.

Jared isn't going anywhere. Eventually we'll have lots of time together as a couple. I need to keep in mind that right now is important too.

Another Wednesday Morning

I can't think of what to write, because right now I have about two days a week to myself. So, I'm writing now of my day to day routine.

The first thing I do everyday is come home from work. From there I stay up another two to four hours. I get to bed around 3 a.m. I wake up at 1 p.m. I go to work at 4:30 p.m.

On weekends Jared and I go on dates. We don't see each other when we're conscious on weekdays, so we try to make the most of the time we do have together. Even though most of my time is built around going through the motions, I feel like this experience is going to make us appreciate each other more when our lives become more stable.

Jared really dislikes how little free time we have, and how quickly the weeks move past and in such a blur. But, I like it. Every week at work feels like a day at school. We get closer to moving to Minneapolis and closing this chapter in our lives. It's exciting, and I'm not anxious. I just smile and look forward to tomorrow.

I try to convey how excited I am about moving and about the adventures we'll have together. But, whatever I say will always come up short of how excited I feel. Speaking of excited, I have some brownies in the oven. I'm all smiles tonight.

Sometimes You Don't Need a Roller-coaster

Last Monday my work began a program called "Get Yourself Moving" or G.Y.M. this program really inspired me to well... get myself moving! I started the program at 2 AM that morning. I figured I was awake anyways so I might as well! Plus, I was so far into my second wind that I couldn't get to sleep. First, I tried my usual work out to Hip Hop Abs. This workout just plain kills my feet and knees. I did a little online research, and despite the generous endorsement by Ellen Degeneres, Hip Hop Abs barely squeaks out three out of a possible five star rating on Amazon.com. Oh no, no, this will not do. After a half hour of digging and reading through reviews, I stumbled across a workout by Jillian Michaels called "30 Day Shred." The tape claims to help you shed 20 lbs in a month. I don't know about that, but it defines my goal in weight loss. Being 130 lbs again would be a-mazing.

Today is day six of the workout. (I took a day off on Friday after a brutal get-the-house-clean-in-two-hours workout via Jared's Mom coming to town.) I can make it through the workout now without a break. This workout is much much easier on my joints, but I still can't finish it wearing my new insoles. So, I push through it barefoot. The only real problem I have is with the lunges; my Achilles tightens up, and I have to shake out my back leg half way through the combination move. Either way, these are my results: My measurements before beginning the regimen were hips 41" and waist 32". Right now, seven days into level one of the 30 Day Shred, are ... drum roll please... hips 39.5" and 30.5". I haven't kept track of legs, arms and chest. (If I drop a bra size, I will be p-oed.) Waist and hips alone I've lost 3" in seven days. Freak. Out.

Otherwise, my parents might be moving back to Wisconsin. Which blows my mind. I don't understand how two people on no income can make such expensive decisions with little preparation. Although, I do understand that with a lack of preparation, people can be forced to make rash decisions. Either way, I'm keeping my head out of it. They are adults and haven't been in my life for years. I sometimes see them at holidays, and I send birthday cards. But, I also send birthday cards to my best friend from middle school... and I actually talk to her more often. I know my mom reads this, but whatever. This is going to make some awkward dinner conversation, so what. I thought moving to Wisconsin was a ridiculous, unnecessarily costly and untimely move. This is not hind sight; I told them this when I was 16. I thought moving to Colorado was a ridiculous, unnecessarily costly attempt to run from their bruised pride. This is not hind sight. I think moving back to Wisconsin is a pretty rash attempt for a do over, but it too will go bad, and Mom will end up regretting it. She hates the cold. This is a fact. You cannot ignore fact. My idea to move to Alabama to move near her family is brushed aside like I'm too young to understand whatever blahblah. I do understand that blood is thicker than water, and time heals all wounds, and that cliches become cliches because they're truth. In conclusion to this rant, Mama, move near someone you share DNA with. They'll always feel obligated to take care of you. No matter how much you piss them off and vice-versa. And, please don't misunderstand this as a plea to have you move around with me as I stake out my life. When I was growing up, I was your obligation, and you did what you could to make it seem like a choice to continue to take care of me. But, we both know that when you and Dad split, having a 4-year-old kind of sucked.

On a lighter note (not really, actually this is more pressing and more depressing), my Grammy is in the hospital. I'm really worried about her. I haven't seen her in a very long time, and I wonder if she has good memories of me like I have of her. I put together some photos of myself (and Ciera and Jared) over the last year. I even bought a card. Please, send a shout out to whatever god you believe in to give my Grammy strength to make it through this. Me, I'm just going to hope. Hope is a powerful thing.

Normal Is Getting Later

Dear World,

I'd like to open by saying that I am as of right now exhausted. I have no idea why I can't sleep, but hopefully my own thoughts will be dull enough to lull me into submission.

Yesterday night, at about this time, I made the decision to stop spending money I don't have. I paid off my two store cards with my bank loan and cut my cards into pieces. Being able to see exactly how much I owe is the first step to understanding precisely how bad off I am. Also, the interest rate is much lower, and I'll be able to track how much I'm spending. Jared once told me his secret to never purchasing anything he didn't need to survive: He convinces himself that eventually whatever it is will go down in price. And then if it does, he convinces himself it will again. He's a frugal man. I just figure I should buy what I like because if I like it that much I won't tire of it. The problem is that I like a lot of things, and I don't wear out my clothing or shoes. I've also been the same pant, shoe and shirt size for almost a decade. Admittedly, I'm not the same weight, but where I have filled out hasn't effected my dress size too much (with the exception of that time I got really sick and really skinny Senior year of high school). I've amassed a hideous amount of junk. I can't eBay it off or give it away enough to bring down the piles of stuff laying in the closet. Worst of all I like all of it. Not in the hoarder way of being like "But my stuff..." but in a way that I wear all of it (when it's not being sold, stored or donated) and it's in good condition. Actually, if it's not in good condition it has already left the house. I don't wear anything with a stain... it's all I can focus on if I wear it.

Secondly, switching to the night shift has been awesome. Awesome. I get to operate on my pseudo-normal summer schedule of staying up past 3 am and waking up to the noon drill. Then, I have four hours to throw myself together and pack a lunch. All of which I do completely awake instead of in a half stupor. Best of all I get to carpool with Adam and Jennifer to and from work sometimes. This means I get to work on time, and Jared can sleep a full 8 hours before his 6 am wake up. It also means that I can stay late and pick up more hours. Customer Service training went smoothly and working as a customer service representative has been okay so far. Yesterday, I only asked maybe 20 questions --- today I probably asked ten or under. Improvement, yes?

Today (Saturday) Jared and I are going to get Chinese food after he gets off of work. Tomorrow is our 2nd Anniversary, but I don't think we're doing anything. Tuesday we're going to Swiss Colony in Monroe and stocking up of sweets and treats. Next weekend is Mineral Point Fall Art Tour.

I know I said we were going to go to Chicago last weekend, but that ended up not happening. We decided it'd be less costly to go to Galena Saturday and have a dinner in Dubuque Monday instead. This is a bulleted list of what I have to say about that:

• Gorgonzola is awful if not used in moderation.
• Sushi is better in Chicago than Galena, but we might try Taiko in Dubuque.
• L May is not that great... actually it's not that good. I cook better salmon, and serving dry salmon on sweet potatoes does not an interesting flavor make.
• Jelly Beans were the best meal I had out of the weekend.
• Pesto from the Galena Cannery is awful on pasta, but excellent on crackers.

We also saw Easy A. All I have to say is that the movie was more of a whimper than a shout, and that Stanley Tucci plays an amazing dad. He even had Jared laughing.

Long time, no update

I haven't had too much sitting around time to myself for the last week or so. But, I figure that I'm feeling sick and wide awake tonight, so why not.

The last week or so has been a lot of work. Last week was a little bit of a snag from a mix of exhaustion and illness... and grouchy customers. The week before was great, and I'm really liking working night shift. I get a whole lot done during the day -- cleaning house, cooking meals, catching up on the ridiculous number of shows I love. And, at night work goes fast, and the environment is much more relaxed. People aren't as competitive about sales, and everyone has a great sense of humor.

Two weeks ago I had a podiatrist appointment for the first time in my memory. They x-rayed my feet and took castings for orthopedics in my first half hour visit. I picked up the inserts Thursday, and they are awesome. My ankle is pain free and all that's aching is my Achilles. Plus, they make me taller. I am really happy that my doc is letting me pay for them monthly instead of all at once.

Last night was the Founder's Day party. It was actually a lot of fun! This is what happens when you hire based on awesomeness. We played games and did some dancing. I had a few drinks and socialized like crazy. Oh yea, and I was hypnotized. I would tell you about that, but it's pretty hazy. I did win a cake and a Swiss Colony pink polo. Stacey won me a "ugly" green sweater. I think it's awesome. I definitely owe that lady. I told her that if she ever needs to crash in Platteville to call me. We have lots of space in this house.

Tomorrow, I start day one of training for Customer Service and Internet. I'm really excited because it means a pay raise and it extends my "peak season." That also means I'll be in Platteville even longer! But, it's worth it. I want to stay until the end of peak, whenever that might be.

I'm really excited for this weekend! Jared and I are driving to Fox Lake, IL and taking the train into Chicago. We're staying at the same hostel we stayed at last Spring. The only real plans I have involve sushi, lasagna and Community Day at the Shedd Aquarium. It's going to be a great trip. Those inserts for my shoes are really going to help me be able to survive the 12 hours a day on my feet. Oh! And I get to ride the train. I love public transportation.

DOTM for September!

I found this in one of our catalogs at work! I'm not much for Christmas decorating or regular decorating... but whoa mama! I love this toliet set! It's a penguin! That is enough for me!

I will elaborate more once I receive the set.

Last little bit: The Glee Premiere was pretty awesome! But, Lea Michele is getting way too skinny.

The Weekend Update

Thursday I worked an extra shift to make up for taking off Saturday for Joe and Brittany's wedding.
Friday Jared and I went in to Madison, visited a book store on State St. and ate some gelato. We had dinner with Jared's parents. Jared's mom makes wonderful bruschetta.
Saturday was Brittany and Joe's wedding. It was small and nice. Jared refused to dance at the reception at all. We came home that night after swinging by Woodman's.
Sunday I was back at work having a quiet, slow day.
Monday work. Went to Dubuque afterwards to grab a skirt I passed up a week before and a burger to split at Red Robin.
Tuesday work. Jared starts his job at the Cheese Factory. I call in to Foodshare to do my interview.
Wednesday work.
Thursday is my day off. I make all the business calls: city planner, water and sewer. I pay the internet and electricity bill. I pay off my credit card for this week. I also got a perm.
Friday is today. All I've done is dishes and messing with the layout on this thing.
I put in to ask for Saturday and Sunday off. I don't know if I'll survive a 7 day work week. Answering phones all day is mentally exhausting. I'm investing in caffeine.

Here is a treat from deviantart. http://einen.deviantart.com/

10 Day Postcast

It's a wonderful Wednesday afternoon and I have a 10 day (if not more) update to get to.

I started my job with Swiss Colony around the 7th and started working almost full time answering calls starting Monday the 16th. I'm getting along fine, and my sales are pretty on the nose. I meet new people almost everyday and have settled in to my hours. However, Jared just got a job in Cuba City and his hours are 7am to 3pm, so I'm moving my schedule around to work the night shift. He'll be working in the morning, picking me up from Platteville and dropping me off at work around 4:30pm in Dickeyville. My shifts will go until midnight or later, and I now have weekends off. On the plus side, I can work out in the morning and shower before work, plus chores won't be so exhausting when I'm not already exhausted. On the downside, we're not really going to have any time together during the week.

We will (thank God) have plenty of money to move on in January, and I can't wait to move to Minneapolis. Also, we can go on mini-vacations on weekends. I want to go to Chicago, Galena, St Louis and The Dells for sure. Getting my tri-state on before joining the Golden Gophers. Of course, we'll need to go up the MN to find an apartment for 2011. But, that's the farthest we'll be traveling really.

It is exciting to be able to pay bills, shop a little and not have to worry so much. I feel ten years younger not having that stress weighing down on me.

We did get to go to Irish Fest last Friday! We headed off early in the morning, hung out in Madison for an hour then headed east to Milwaukee. Ciera and I got some shopping in. I bought a Scottish Thistle necklace, a t-shirt and a hoodie. Oh! And I got a sheep lanyard for my work ID. I felt really good about my purchases and I still do now. I just look at my sheeps and smile and smile. They're little eyes stare back at me and make my grey skies blue. I even got compliments on the necklace already. I am planning on wearing it until it falls apart. But, that's seems to be the trend with me and jewelry. Ciera and I were front row for the Gaelic Storm concert and it was pretty awesome. I do wish they'd play their old songs though. What I would give for a little Pinacolada In A Pint Glass. It started raining two songs in which actually was awesome. The Storm really was a' comin'. We headed back late that night and got back in time for me to get 7 hours of sleep before work.

I do have to say, Jared has been a real sport about me working so often. He's been helping make dinners and clean the house regularly. It's pretty cool since I've been so tired lately.

I have been trying to work out regularly, but my bad foot keeps getting very sore from the jumping around and leaning on my arches. I cut back to every other day without the "rest" break (that just seems useless). My jeans are fitting different, and Jared says I look a bit different. More importantly I'm feeling good about myself for the first time in a year or so. I'm really hoping to get back to my not-on-the-wrong-medication weight. I do want to clear up that I hate scales. I really really do. It's just an awful way to measure fitness when my bones are twice as thick as my mom's and I carry weight a heck of a lot differently than most people. I just want to be in a healthy percentage and not in the "slightly at risk" category. It seems like a good goal for now.

Week in Brief

• Working on a new exercise program.
• Finished initial job training.
• Made stew.
• Scheduled for nearly 37.5 hours this week.
• Irish Fest on Friday.

Swiss Colony

Okay, so mostly because I've heard of people being fired for their online admittances about work... I will leave my experience with a simple assurance: I'm having a great time, and there are great benefits.

Now, to distract you, here are the photos of the two pimp mobiles Jared and I spotted in Dubuque.

At first, we noticed this black automobile with huge, spinning rims.










And, then, amazingly, huge spinning rims failed in comparison to this masterpiece. In a dazzling metallic blue, this pimp ride has dice on all four doors. It is topped with large, spinning rims.









And the interior is equipped with fur covered dash and an eight-ball stick shift.

Craft Time!

This year at Maxwell Street Days I ran across a shop that hocked hand made goods. I went in with Laceye, Jordan and Ciera. Ciera and I gawked at the prices of the less than an hour long projects while Laceye and Jordan eyed up the goods. At the end of the shopping experience, Jordan bought an off brand moleskin and I wondered how long this shop could possibly stay in business. I informed the couple that if they liked anything in there to let us know, and we can make it pretty easily. But, I did get a few ideas. Mainly, I found these fabric covered buttons that were attached to hair clips.

All I can say is my Gram has a million little fabric covered buttons and clips cost $2.00 for 12. No way would I pay $8.00 a pair for something I can make for $0.33. So today was operation craft.
Step 1: Get buttons from Gram.
Step 2: Buy clips at Walgreens.
Step 3: Warm up hot glue gun.
Step 4: Attach buttons to clips.
End o' project.

We also swung by Goodwill and I picked up a key holder that I'm painting green and hanging my necklaces from.

What I really want to do is buy a used Scrabble set and make pendants and post earrings from the letters.

Tomorrow is my first day of work and I'm wearing dark boot cut jeans, a navy t-shirt, a striped green and grey sweater with black shoes and a black belt. I'm packing spaghetti for lunch with a dill pickle and two pieces of chocolate. And, I'm bringing a water bottle and a bag of cough drops. My throat has been sore. Sad face.

An Exciting End of Summer

Summer is wrapping up for me. My new job as a call representative starts the second week in August and promises to keep me fairly busy during daylight hours. My birthday is on Monday, and I have three scheduled events so far. Tomorrow I'm going pre-birthday shopping with two things in mind: a hot pink casual dress (preferably cotton) and a sheer, beaded bolero in a bright color. Wednesday, Jared and I are heading to Madison's east side to have a sit down lunch with my fantastic Gram and possibly (hopefully for Gram's sake) Aunt Sue. After lunch we'll be coming into Platteville. I'm getting my face on and going downtown for Ladies' Night with best-friend and confidant, Ciera. Friday into Saturday a group of friends and I are going cosmic bowling at a Casino. On Sunday we leave for a relaxing time in the Northwoods. I start work on the 7th and am going to Mineral Point for gallery night that night. I expect cake and a crown. This should be an exciting birthday!

I've had a bad streak with birthdays ever since third grade when Mom let me invite over a mixed group of friends (meaning boys and girls). Eventually one boy was chasing a girl with a stick, and I ended up sobbing in the laundry room. Since then I've had botched sleepovers (everyone got lice when I turned ten), parties called on count of hurricane, and last year's awful night in a dead bar a chubby blond woman spent the night talking about how I looked 12 not 21.


There is definitely a gap between 5th grade and senior year in college; At one time I had sworn off birthdays. The last five years (since I've been in Wisconsin) Gram has taken me to Bunky's (except that one time John picked Imperial Garden). I've had a nice family dinner with Mom, John and Gram five years running (last year Jared joined too).

This year is going to be a lot different though. Actually, all family functions are going to be a lot different from now on seeing that my parents flew the coop and ran off into the mountains of Colorado. My birthday should be fine because Gram and I get on great and I always enjoy Sue's company, but I worry about Christmas and Thanksgiving. This may shock some, but my family isn't really related to me. Gram is my mother's boyfriend's mother and Sue is his sister. They've been very welcoming to me since they figured out I am not a problem child. Their openness to my presence has been a great change of pace with family and makes me feel apart of something, but I fear without Mom and John's attendance to large family gatherings I'm going to feel the odd one out.

Update 08/05:

I ordered shoes, birthday complete.
Anyways, this is how my plans ended up.
Shopping went awful. Everything that was hot pink or chartreuse was an XL or 3XL. No boleros in sight.
Dinner with Gram was good. Uncle Bob and Aunt Sue were there. Jared was comfortably charming. I got all sorts of random things in my Gram grab bag. Makes me very happy. I just love socks, scissors and kitchen utensils. (Not sarcasm)
I didn't attend Ladies' Night. I was exhausted and the bar wasn't crowded enough.
Cosmic bowling went okay, but I got the feeling everybody was either tired or grumpy. I did, however bowl a turkey in the last frame of the last game.
Sunday we left very very late. We got to the cabin very very late. We slept late the first day. We were on the water often. I had a great time with Jared. We even went fishing. I killed 3 flies and he caught some fish.
Jared made me a cake. No one got me a crown.

I do want to say that the trip and my birthday left me overall disappointed, so my birthday suffered the curse as a slight sickness and not a catastrophe.