Adding Some Color to My Life

                                              

Last weekend, I took the kids to see P-Momma.  We hadn't seen her in TOO long, and we were WAY overdue for a visit.  The kids had been harping on me for a few weeks about when we were going to go see her, because that's one place they do enjoy going.  Especially Jelly.  She sure does love her "grammy" and is constantly asking me if she can go over to spend the night.

I, also, love going over to see P-Momma.  We can talk for hours, and never seem to run out of stuff to talk about.

It's probably what sparked the blog posts I wrote this week about a certain subject I'm not going to go much in to.  But, after spending a day with P-Momma, her asking me how life is going for me, her being genuinely interested in stuff that's happening in my classroom, and my life, it's no wonder the feelings started emerging that I shared this week.

But, anywho, not going in to all that again.

We went to P-Momma's, and we were talking.  She was telling me all about how stuff had been going for her, her job, and life in general, when she realized that she had something she wanted to share with me:  A few catalogs that she'd been recently shopping from to buy clothes.

Now, I will say right off the bat that I HATE clothes shopping.  I've said it many times, actually.  I'm a large girl, and I hate that about myself, and I can never find clothes I like when I go out shopping for myself.  Everything is always too frumpy, or doesn't fit right, or is made to make me look like a couch rather than a woman with "curves".  The one store that's designed for people like me (Lane Bryant) sell amazingly cute clothes, but I have to get a second mortgage on my house just to buy a few outfits from them.

That's another thing I have a problem with, spending a lot of money on clothes.  I just won't.  Apart of that stems from the fact that I keep telling myself that I won't be this fat forever, and spending exorbitant amounts of money on clothes just doesn't fly with me.  When I do buy clothes, they are to wear for a while... unless they are cheap, and then I don't mind so much.  I still own clothes that I wore back when I worked for Walmart.  That was about 8 years ago.  So.  Yeah.  As you can see, I make a "long term investment" when I buy clothes for myself.

Plus, my weight does fluctuate quite a bit.  I go through spurts where I can drop a dress size or two and then end up gaining the weight back, so I need variety in my clothing size selections.  Thankfully, I own several storage totes for my sporadic fluctuations.  

Anywho, P-Momma gave me a few catalogs to look through that she had received that sold clothes for women with curves.  Woman Within.  Think Lane Bryant for women that live on a tight budget.  I'd never heard of them, but I thought I'd give the catalogs a looksy. I honestly didn't expect to really do much.  I mean, it's hard enough to get me to buy clothes from a store let alone a catalog.  Simply because I like to try clothes on, and see how they fit and what they look like on me before I buy.  

But, as I started to look through the catalogs I noticed that there were a LOT of really cute clothes and the prices were REALLY reasonable.  I was still a little hesitant, though.  One thing I noticed about all of the clothes were the colors.  

Let me say, before I go on, I have three main colors currently hanging in my closet: Black, brown, and gray.  I have a couple of dark pink shirts, one or two dark purple shirts, and a couple of dark blue dresses.  

My closet is dark.  And I'm not talking about the lighting.  I just favor dark colors, and always have.

Several weeks ago, I went shopping with E.  She talked me in to buying a white dress with green chevron print, and I bought a white translucent cardigan to go over it.  It was WAY out of my comfort zone, but she twisted my arm to give it a try.  I wore that dress on the first day of spring and received TONS of compliments about how nice I looked with a little color on me.  

So, I've been thinking about getting some items that are a little more colorful now that the weather is getting nicer, and I'm getting a little spring fever.

So, back to looking through the catalogs.  TONS of spring colors were spread across the pages.  Bright pinks, blues, greens, yellows, reds... a rainbow of clothing.  But, it wasn't the colors that JUST caught my eye, it was the prices.  

I couldn't believe some of the prices I was seeing.  $6.99 tunic shirts, $9.99 capris and jeans, $17.99 dresses.  I was shocked.  Surely this was some special sale going on, and it was, but apparently they are ALWAYS having sales like the one I was looking at.

I decided right there and then that I'd give them a go.  I'd order a couple of things and see how it went.  If I liked the stuff, I might order more, but being that I was buying from a catalog, I wanted to be cautious.  

That same night, I sat down in front of my laptop and started doing some shopping.  The next thing I know, I had picked out 6 shirts, 5 pairs of capris, a maxi-dress, and a two piece capri suit.  I was just SURE that I was going to have to take some things off, because the final price would be WAY more than I was willing to spend.

Want to know what the grand total was for ALL of that?  $197.  WHAT THE WHAT???

Two hundred dollars for 13 items?  That can't be right, can it?  But, I checked and went through everything, and sure enough it was indeed correct.  

I was shocked, and extremely excited.  I decided to go ahead and keep everything in my basket, because that's basically an entirely new wardrobe (for me) for $200.  The colors I picked were mix-n-matchable, so there would be tons of different ways I could wear the items together.  

The next day, I received an email offering me a FREE luggage set (a $50 value) if I spend another $25.  Now, as a teacher, one thing I can never be in short supply of is large bags.  The set included an oversized weekend bag, a purse, and an insulated lunch box.  Did I need any of those things?  Nope.  Did I want them?  Absolutely.  

So, that night, back to the laptop I went.

I ended up spending another $100 but ended up with 2 pairs of jean capris, a pair of cargo capris, a pair of boot cut yoga pants, a dress, and a cute pair of summer shoes that look a lot like Toms.  So, another 6 items for $100.  And, of course, the $50 luggage set that I was now getting free.  

I honestly don't think $300 for 19 items that will basically replace my ENTIRE wardrobe is unreasonable.  I will be able to box up or get rid of basically every bit of "spring/summer" clothing I own.  

Yesterday, my first order arrived.  Just four days after originally placing the order - and I didn't have to pay for shipping, by the way.  

Last night, I put on a mini fashion show for Hubby and the kids.  I was floored at how comfortable the clothes were, how well they fit, and how light and "springy" they felt.  I was so happy that I had gone ahead and taken the risk of ordering so much.  And, now I can't wait for the next order to arrive.

I texted P-Momma last night to thank her for the suggestion, and she immediately called me wanting to hear about all the goodies I'd bought.  She was so excited to hear about all of the different colors I'd selected and told me that she couldn't wait to see me get away from the dark colors I'm always wearing.  

Not a single item felt bad on me.  The shirts are all long enough to wear with capris or leggings, which is important to me.  I hate buying shirts that are too short.  I want to cover my waist, not highlight it.  The capris were all lose and comfy, but not too lose to look frumpy or make me look 4 sizes bigger than I actually am.  The dress was floor length, but so comfortable.  It didn't cling to my waist, but didn't look like a moo-moo either.  Actually, I think I might need a couple more of them, because I LOVE wearing comfy dresses to work.  

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning!!

I'm so excited, in fact, that I've decided to spend this morning completely cleaning out my closet and getting all my new items in their rightful place.  In fact, I'm going to clean out my ENTIRE bedroom, and emptying out some of the totes that are just taking up space and are long overdue to be let go.  

After a day of cleaning, I've decided to take the kids to the park for some family time together.  We're going to have some activity time.  Walking the track, playing in the park, playing some volleyball.  Jelly can take her bike along and ride for a while.  Just some movement for all of us, on a beautiful spring day.

I feel happy.  I am happy.  And I'm embracing the happy.  

I've had so many wonderful words of kindness and support sent my way this week, and I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL of you that care.  But, I also want to assure you that I'm perfectly happy and content.  When life throws me lemons, not only do I make lemonade.. but I make lemon squares, lemon pie, lemon cake. There's always TONS of stuff to do with lemons.

What I've also realized this week is that I'm FAR from being lonely or in need of people to talk to.  P-Momma is ALWAYS a phone call or text away.  My friends at work are always there for me.  My kids are always here for me to brighten my day and keep me on my toes.  

I really need to remember to focus on the good, and get rid of any bad.  Not dwell on it.  Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.  

All I need is some color in my life.  And I've realized that I'm surrounded by color... always.  So, it's time to now wear those colors with pride.

Have a great Saturday, everyone!!

OK, Let's Try This Retail Therapy Thing AGAIN!!

                     

There's Peanut and I, standing outside our favorite Girls' Day Out restaurant Red Robin.  We had just finished a great lunch, and was about to embark on our journey for some serious Retail Therapy.

Before I get to that, though, I want to take a quick second to brag on Red Robin.  I don't do that very often, brag on stores or restaurants, but I like to throw some free advertising out there when I feel like service has gone above and beyond the norm.  

I already liked Red Robin.  I've eaten there a few times, and each time we've gone, I've had great food and great service.  The last time I went, I even got one of their "loyalty cards" that gives me coupons and stuff.  For my birthday, I was given a free burger.  I had the month of February to claim my birthday burger, so Peanut and I thought we'd cash it in yesterday.

When we got there, the place was PACKED.  Like, people were waiting to be seated.  Usually, I'm not a person willing to stand and wait to eat.. especially for lunch.. but the server assured me our wait time would be no more than 10 minutes.  Well, our wait time was about 3 minutes.  We were taken to a small booth, and a server was there immediately taking our drink order.

In a matter of 10 minutes, we had our drinks, placed our order, and was eating the appeitizer Peanut and I had ordered.  Not too shabby for a place that was little packed to the max.  Not just that, but our appetizer was hot and fresh.  Not something that was ready and waiting to be scooped up for anyone to order.

Within 20 minutes of being there, we were eating our meals.  The food was amazing, just like it's always been when I've been there.  And, Peanut and I even decided to devulge in a little dessert, being that I had saved about $10 with my free burger.  We both ordered hot fudge brownie cake with ice-cream.  

The desserts were delivered a few moments later, and when I went to put my spoon in to the HOT chocolate cake, there was a problem.  My spoon wouldn't go in to it.  The cake was frozen solid!  Peanut, not one for wanting to complain, just shoved her spoon in to the cake and picked it up like it were a chocolate popsicle and started eating on it.  She said it tasted like ice-cream cake.  I wasn't really happy about the situation so when the server came to check on us I had to mention the problem.  I mentioned the cakes were frozen and she immediately asked if she could replace them.  I was  pretty stuffed by this point, so I asked her if there was any way I could get a refund on mine... but not to worry about Peanut's because she had eaten most of hers in the process of acting like it was some sort of ice-cream cake.  

She agreed, and disappeared to correct our check. 

Not even 2 minutes later, the manager was at our table, apologizing profusely over the problem.  I told him not to worry in the slightest, and that the quick, extremely friendly service and amazing food we'd eaten prior would not hinder our thoughts of the restaurant..and we'd be back.  But, that wasn't good enough.  He told me that he was going to credit me for BOTH of the desserts (despite Peanut eating most of hers) and wanted to offer us free milkshakes to take with us.  I, again, was so full from eating I refused graciously.  But, Peanut took him up on the offer and the manager handmade her a milkshake to take with us.  

I was completely blown away with the service, especially when it was so busy.  I understood a minor mistake, no harm done.  But, for the manager and our server to do what they did was far above and beyond what I would have considered acceptable for the situation.  

Not only will we definitely be going back, but they earned me sharing my story with everyone and promoting the place.  If you want a FANTASTIC burger, amazing steak fries, and AWESOME service.. go to Red Robin!! It really is YUMMMM!!

OK, back to my story of our day...

So, after eating, Peanut and I had some calories to burn off.  What better way to do that than by SHOPPING???  We hit up Ross, in search of our "semi-formal" dresses for the Winter Formal taking place in a couple of weeks.  We had no trouble finding tons of options... all for less than $20!! Can't beat that, right?  

Peanut picked out a handful to try on, I picked out a handful to try on, and after some serious back and forth in the dressing room we both made our choices.  Peanut went with a strapless hot pink number that is knee length in the front, but ankle length in the back.  BEAUTIFUL!! I teared up seeing her in it.  So grown up.  *Sniff*

I tried on a few longer options, but couldn't adjust my focus from the spare tire protruding around the middle.  Motivator #364 of why I need to lose some serious weight... and don't think I didn't think about that Red Robin lunch while looking at myself in the mirror with those dresses on.

Finally, I picked out a knee length dress, and figured with a good pair of Spanx, I'd be able to pull it off without too much embarrassment.

After we had our dresses, we were on the move in search of shoes and accessories.  We hit up the mall, and discovered that Rue 21 was having a MAJOR sale.  $12 boots, $3 shirts and dresses, and $7 jeans!!  Peanut went nuts.  Kinda.  She picked out a couple pairs of boots, a couple pairs of jeans, and decided she had enough shirts and really didn't feel like wading through the $3 racks when there was no real organization to style and size.  She's kinda like me in that sense.  I HATE digging through clothing racks looking for stuff... espeically when they're not really organized by size.  

Another promotion gave Peanut a bottle of perfume and 30% off of our total... so she really got the perfume for free, and saved me a couple of bucks off the original price.  I was happy with that.  

After Rue 21, we perused a few more stores, went to Walmart to pick up a few things, and then it was time to head home.

Upon getting home, I realized that we had several bags in the trunk, yet the only thing I had bought for myself was the dress.  Peanut had a great time, and picked up quite the bounty, but I was stuck with the bill and the dress.  That's it.

Not much retail therapy was thrown MY way.  

So, Hubby, being the amazing guy he is, told me we should have another crack at it today.  Except this time it's going to be him and I... and it won't involve much clothing.  I'm really not a fan of clothing shopping.  I prefer stuff for the house, my classroom, and for my crocheting endeavors.  So, we're going to get out and about today for a while (before doing our usual weekly grocery shopping) to do MY kind of retail therapy.  

Plus I get some time out with Hubby.  

Win, win? I think so!!

Retail Therapy Take 2!!

Have a great Sunday, everyone!

It's Time to See a Therapist... Maybe SEVERAL of Them

                             

What a long week.  The hours I had to put in... all seven of them... really took it out of me.  I really don't know how I made it through an entire one day work week without crawling up in to the fetal position and crying.

So.  Exhausting. And. Stressful.

And after SUCH a long work week, of having to work an entire one day and spending the other four days curled up on my couch, I think it's time for some serious therapy.  I really feel like I'm some kind of superhero making it through the week..urm...day I had.

And, for anyone that doesn't get my sarcasm... I'M KIDDING!!

No, seriously.. yesterday was actually a GREAT day.  Once I got to work and realized that I was there without any kids (my own), and free to spend the day working with my team planning out the rest of the year, I was actually very happy and excited.

The original plan was to spend a couple of hours planning, and the rest in my classroom doing some much needed housekeeping.  I have so much filing, and sorting, and decluttering to do.  But, unfortunately, all the filing, sorting, and decluttering are still waiting for me.

Instead, my team sat down and planned out every single day between now and our MAP test that will occur around the first week of May.  We pulled out all the standards that we really HAVE to focus on.  We made a list of the skills our kiddos MUST have before moving on to 5th grade.  And as hard as it was for some of us, we ditched the rest.  

Ditched isn't a good word.  Let's say, put them at the bottom of the list.  That sound better?  No standard really warrants "ditching" but some skills are FAR more important than others.

Plus with us being in the common core/ state learning standard merge time... we had to really think about what the kids had to have in order to prepare themselves for the 100% shift to common core next year.

You see, this is the LAST year our kids will be taking the standardized MAP test (or benchmark as it's called in several states).  Even though we have started introducing Common Core, next year we make the full shift over to Common Core and the assessments aligned with that model.

While we still won't be getting rid of an end of year test, the test will be MUCH different.  No more multiple choice, fill in the bubble test.  Nope.  Now it's a test designed to challenge critical thinking and demonstrate TRUE UNDERSTANDING of content and skills. 

True understanding?  Not just a 25% shot of guessing the right answer?  FINALLY!!

Of course, no test is really free from challenge and concern.  There are going to be kinks that some people won't like.  There's going to be areas of concerns teachers and parents will have with the tests.  But, I for one, will say we're at least moving in the right direction.  Just getting rid of the standardized test model is a big plus.  Will the new Smarter Balance test be perfect? NO.  Probably not even close.  But, a test that asks kids to explain WHY they are choosing an answer or show EVIDENCE of the question they are being asked is a far better way of seeing what a child is thinking.  And the results from the tests will be leaps and bounds more beneficial that what we currently get.

Anywho, getting away from myself...

So, yesterday, we sat down and decided on what the kids MUST know before the MAP and what skills they really need to be prepared for next year when common core takes over.  

It was quite the extensive list, but thankfully we'll be able to fit everything in.  We plotted out a pacing guide, dedicated skills to each week, came up with ideas and activities that will be done with those skills, and even threw in some "wiggle room" stuff in case we get even more snow days.  

Our pacing guide took us to the middle of April.  It was truly amazing to see how much we've already taught our kiddos and by eliminating some of the "fluff" how we could really hone in on the essential skills.  There is also plenty of areas where we will be introducing new skills and reviewing the skills we've already taught together.  

Nothing like getting down to crunch time and seeing how much magic can really be worked by sitting down and planning everything out. 

Of course, there may be more snow days.  There may be days where the school has to close due to flooding.  (The school is located in an area by the river that has had some pretty significant flood issues).  But, if we really buckle down and use our plans, we think we'll be OK.  If we wisely use every second of the day, pulling kids for small groups, adding extra practice with our teaching of science and social studies, the kids will be completely ready and able to finish out the school year ready for 5th grade.

Again, another jump on my soapbox as to why I think Common Core will help us a little more with this type of stuff.  Because rather than trying wade through standards and picking out the stuff we can teach, and then applying some of that in to our science and social studies, Common Core will promote combining learning objectives across all content areas.  The science and social studies will already be built in to the focus of skills and objectives.  

There are so many misconceptions out there about common core, and that makes me sad.  Unfortunately, this isn't the time or place for me to give my How Common Core Can Improve Education speech.  Maybe the topic for a future blog post?  We'll see.  

Right now, though, I'm thinking that today is a great day for some retail therapy.  After a very long week  (ha), I can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday than taking my oldest dress shopping.  You see, in two weeks she's having her Winter Formal.  I chaperoned the same dance last year, and had a blast.  And, the benefit of being a Student Council sponsor is that I get to chaperone again this year.  So, that means new dress for Peanut AND a new dress for me!!

We're going to shop till we drop today.  Well.  Shop.  No dropping, hopefully.  Buy our dresses, our shoes, accessories and stuff to go with it all... and just enjoy each other's company.

She's been going through a lot of teenage stress lately.  I don't want to call it silly and deflate how important it is to her... but it is stuff she will have forgotten about the minute her behind hits the doors of the high school next year.

But right now, it's important to her, and I'm going to stand by her and support her.  Like I do.  

I remember my 8th grade year being a very tough year for me.  Moving in to that area where I was interested in boys, yet still very focused on my school work.  Juggling around friends, and a boyfriend, and study time.  It was tough.  And, I can relate to how Peanut is currently feeling.  I remember feeling the same way when I was her age.

I suppose it's why I try to stay out of her situation as much as possible and try and let things play out for themselves.  I'm there when she needs someone to talk to, advice, and someone to yell and scream at when she's frustrated.  But, that's it.  I want her to figure this one out on her own.  It's how she'll learn.  If Momma is there controlling her every move, she'll just end up resenting me... regardless if I'm right or not.  I REFUSE to let that happen!!!  

Instead, I standby waiting for her to make her own mistakes, learn from them, and be there to guide her back on to the right path.  

And take her shopping when she's had a tough week and needs some Momma alone time!!  

Which is what we're doing today.  No boys.  No drama.  No stress.  Just her and I, having a day out shopping and having a good time.

Which I better get to getting to... because I don't want to let our day slip away from us while I sit here spilling my guts.

Have an awesome Saturday, everyone!!

A Little Shop 'Til We Drop?

                    

Yesterday, it was time to drag our behinds out of the house for a while.  For the entire week, we'd stayed inside because we didn't want to be out in the miserable weather.  Being that we got another snow day, yesterday, but the weather was MUCH nicer than it had been all week so we took that opportunity to get out.  

We were in desperate need of a Sam's run.  We'd been buying little things here and there for our meals and stuff, but I really wanted to get to Sam's and stock up on all that stuff that you have to buy in bulk when you have three kids that go through stuff like it's going out of style.  You know, toilet paper, laundry detergent, FOOD.  

After we made our Sam's run, we weren't ready to go home, so we decided to do a little moseying around at the different shopping centers.  I had a Kohl's gift card that I got for Christmas that was burning a hole in my pocket... so we headed over there.

Now, what I didn't find out until yesterday was that my six year old daughter is a shopping DIVA!  I've taken that girl shopping with me thousands of times in the course of her six years on the planet, yet she's never really been all that interested.  She ends up getting cranky or bored.  But yesterday?  After being in the house all week?  Yeah, she acted like someone had put a batch of fire ants in her pants... and started tearing around the store hunting for some bargains.  She looked through clothing racks, she pulled stuff off to hold it up against herself to see if it would fit, she asked Hubby and my opinion on things she was pulling off.  It was very amusing to watch.  It was like shopping with a teenager!

Then, she came across the coat that you see in the picture. A white fur coat (fake, of course).  The minute she saw it, the look on her face was priceless.  It was like she had finally found "the one", the holy grail of her shopping trip.  She sucked the air in and gasped like I'd never heard before, and swiped that sucker off the hanger as if someone was about to steal it from her fingers.  

She then held it like it was a stuffed animal.  Hugging it, rubbing it on her cheeks, petting it.  And then she asked if she could try it on. Hubby and I, enjoying the entertainment as it was playing out before us, helped her get in to the coat...and then there was another gasp.  She stood in front of the mirror and admired the coat, and the way it looked on her. 

Now, let me share a little something about my Jelly.  The girl is EXTREMELY picky when it comes to clothes.  I am convinced that she has some kind of sensory issue with certain fabrics.  She HATES wearing jeans, khakis, and socks.  HATES it.  Because they make her feel "itchy".  She would (and does most of the time) live in leggings, and dresses, and sweats for the rest of her life and be perfectly content.  And they have to be leggings.  Don't try and give her any tights...that's just asking for trouble. She'll spend the entire time pulling on them, whining about how tight they are, scratching herself, and complaining that they make her legs feel funny.  The girl owns more jeans than everyone in this house COMBINED, yet it's a fight any time I want her to wear a pair.  Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose.  

But, here she is, covered in what can only be described as a coat that's supposed to mimic a polar bear, and the girl acts like she's in pure heaven.  But, then again, I shouldn't be that surprised.  The girl absolutely ADORES her stuffed animals.  They are really the only toys she plays with. She sleeps with them, and is constantly carrying one around, so she's probably quite used to the feeling of fake fur on her face and arms.

She then turned to Hubby and I, with those big blue eyes, and said "Can I have it, Mommy?  Can I?  Please?  I'll pay for it with all my money."

And my heart melted.  I've NEVER seen the girl act that way about anything.  Clothes, toys, ANY-THING.  How could I say no?  

Something happened to her once I agreed to buy the coat for her... which thank all things holy was 80% off marked down from ONE HUNDRED freakin' DOLLARS!!  Whew, dodged a bullet with that....she turned FIERCE. Like diva-fierce.  

And that's when I captured the pictures shown up top.  The first one was when we were walking out of the store.  There was no way her precious coat was going in a bag, she was wearing it!  Then we got in the car, and she made that "I am so amazingly cool, but I'll eat your face off it you cross me" face.  I think she was channeling the inner polar-bear that the coat was feeding in to her.

After our Kohl's trip, we went to a few other stores.  And as she walked around, you could see the attitude pouring out of her.  Not a bad attitude, a proud, everyone look at me, attitude.  Diva.  Of the full-scale variety.  We went in to Ross, and she saw a fuzzy robe....she's been wanting one of those since Christmas.  Thankfully, the one she wanted had been marked down from $20 to $12... gotta love after Christmas sales!  She told me she loved it, but I didn't have to buy it because the coat was enough.  

WHO IS THIS CHILD AND WHERE DID SHE COME FROM?

I've never heard her tell me that I don't have to buy her something.  HA!!  I did buy it for her.  Just because she had been so good all week long, while off school, and because of how gracious she had been in telling me that buying her the coat had been more than enough.  

After Ross, we did some more running around and then made our way to my car dealership to get the oil changed in my car.  By this time, we'd been out for about four hours.  She sat in that car dealership for almost an hour, as good as gold.  Didn't whine that she was bored.  Didn't ask a single time how much longer it was going to be.  Didn't run all over the place like a crazy kid.  She just sat, walked around the little waiting area, and talked.  To me.  About anything and everything.  

It was nice.  No...more than nice.  Amazing.  Having actual conversation with my six year old daughter.

When we were all done, we had one last stop to make and that was to Walmart to pick up all the stuff we don't have to buy in bulk from Sam's.  And that leads us to the last pictures up top.  Once we got in the store, she asked if she could ride in the cart... something that doesn't happen very often.  And, she just laid down and went to sleep.  Wiped out.  She had officially shopped till she dropped.  

She was awoken by a loud rumbling that happened a while in to our shopping... Thunder.  Really loud thunder.  Shake the entire store thunder.  And, that followed by the sound of hard, loud rain.

That poor six year old looked at me with utter panic in her eyes.  Not from the thunder.  Not from the rain.  But because she realized that she may have to take her precious coat outside in the pouring rain, and we had explained earlier in the day that it wasn't the type of coat she could wear in the rain.

We were just finishing up when that loud rain started, so when we saw the rain pouring down outside.. we weren't thrilled about having to go out in it. Hubby, being the chivalrous guy he is, offered to go get the car and pull up in front for us.  But, that didn't appease Jelly any.  She ripped her coat off and asked the checker for a sack to put her coat in.  She wanted it tied up so that her coat wouldn't get wet.  She was fine getting soaked, herself, but no harm was to come to her coat!  And when another checker offered to give her a bigger bag to wrap around herself, she put the bag with her coat in it inside the bigger bag.. extra protection.  Which gave the checkers and myself a good little chuckle.  I've never seen any six year old so concerned about an item of clothing.  

Hubby pulled up, and even brought in Jelly's other coat (her winter coat she had when we left that morning) to put on so she wouldn't get too wet.  We all ran to get in to the car... and wouldn't you know it, it stopped about 30 seconds after we got in the car.  

It was close to 7PM by the time we got home.  Jelly, who I thought would have fallen asleep in the car, talked non-stop all the way home.  When we got home, she was focused on getting her dinner and telling her sister (who had opted to stay home instead of going shopping with us) all about her day and her new coat and the new robe and the purple elephant she'd picked out to give to Peanut.  

Hubby and I decided, in the spur of the moment, that we were going out to eat dinner.  We forget about Peanut being old enough to babysit.  Butter had gone to my mom's for the weekend earlier that morning... and so we just got back in the car and went and had a quiet meal together.

It felt good to sit down in a restaurant, that didn't involve placing our order up at the counter first.  We chatted about the kids, and stuff in general.  Stuff I assume couples who have been together so long chat about over a quiet, kid-free, dinner.  

By the time we got home, Jelly was sound asleep.  Not surprising.  We had picked Peanut up something to thank her for babysitting... and then, I was heading my behind to bed.  

It had been a long day.  With only sleeping a couple of hours the night before, and getting up at the butt crack of dawn to get ready for work, and then finding out I didn't have to go to work, and all the shopping had taken the wind out of me.  I was ready to go to bed, at 10:30PM.  The earliest I'd gone to bed in WEEKS!!

I was up nice and early this morning.  Better get myself back in to work-mode now.  

But, today, now that all of our shopping is done, I'm going to relax and work on a new crocheting project.  And clean.  And do some laundry.  

Have an awesome Saturday, everyone!!

Step Into Christmas

Well, I'm very happy to report that I am COMPLETELY done with my Christmas shopping.  

Done.

Finished.

Finito.

Gifts.  Stocking stuffers.  Everything.  All bought and ready to be wrapped.

I didn't have to fight any crowds.  I didn't have to hunt high and low for any specific gifts I was looking for.  I just went, found, bought, and conquered.  

I'm feeling very happy and pleased with myself, but my credit card is about to call 9-1-1.  Christmas is EXPENSIVE!!!  The good thing is, I've told my kids that this Christmas wouldn't be a majorly big Christmas with fancy electronics, big ticket items, etc.  I was able to get them several things off of their Christmas lists, without going too crazy.

The only thing I worry about is that I tell my kids pretty much every Christmas that we won't be having a big Christmas, and then we do.  And I just hope they're not disappointed on Christmas morning when they realize that for the first time in about ten years, I wasn't kidding or joking when I say that it's not going to be a big Christmas.  

The good thing is, though, that apart from the one or two "big ticket items" that I passed over on the kids' Christmas lists that they asked for, there wasn't any other major purchases to make.  My kids don't really want for much of anything.  And I know that regardless of what they get, they'll be happy.  They maybe a little shocked that I wasn't kidding when I said no big electronics, but I'm positive that they'll be happy with what they do get.  That's just how they are.  They are pretty good when it comes to being grateful with what they get, and I know that they would never complain about anything they get for Christmas... or don't get.

Now that I am done, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I can now "step in to Christmas" without anymore worrying or stressing about anything.  I always get kinda crazy up until I'm done because I worry that something will happen that will prevent me from finishing before Christmas.  Once I'm done, I can enjoy the rest of the time I have between when I'm done and Christmas... and just stress and worry about getting it all wrapped in time. HA!

This morning, I'm taking Hubby out to get his Christmas present.  I won't be able to wrap it and put it under the tree, but it's something he's wanted for a long time and there's no way I could buy it without him there with me.  That would be the new iPhone 5S.  I upgraded my phone a little while back, but I opted for the iPhone 5C which was a whole lot cheaper than the 5S.  Hubby wanted to hold out until we could afford the 5S.  Well, today, I've told him that he can finally get the 5S and that it's his Christmas gift from me.  I just hope that they have one in stock when we get to the store, because they are running a special price on it today only.  Yeah, I'm not stupid, get it while I can get it cheaper than normal is my motto.  No harm in saving a few bucks, right?

I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to pull off trying to wrap gifts with the kids around.  I can lock myself in my room to do the actual wrapping, but then it's trying to hide them until Christmas once they're wrapped.  It's a lot easier to hide gifts when I'm not having to worry about wrapping paper getting torn.  

But, I'll figure it out.  I always do.

Right now, I need to get off here so that Hubby and I can go grocery shopping, and then I'm taking the kids up to see my mom at the hospital.  I have a ton of stuff that I need to get done before I go back to work tomorrow, but I'm not going to stress about it too much.  Even if I'm up a little later than I should be, I'll make sure I get it all done before I walk back in to my classroom in the morning.

I have five days left to get through before Christmas break starts.  It seems weird to think about that, being that we've just been off work for over a week thanks to all the snow and ice.  But, the good thing is, this week the temperature is supposed to stay in the 50s, so there's no worries about whether or not we'll even have school.

Alright...off I go.... enjoy your Sunday, everyone!!

A Day Chocked Full of Good Stuff

Yesterday was one of those days where so much great stuff happened, I'm still sitting here absorbing the residual goodness feelings.

It started with having lunch with my two besties in the whole world:  Hope and Sanity.

For you newbies - Hope and Sanity are my two best friends I went to college with.  We developed a strong friendship in college, are now all teachers, and try to get together at least once a month or so to catch up, share our lives, and support each other.

Anywho, we opted to meet at Panera Bread for coffee, lunch, and a couple of hours of chatting.  It always amazes me how long we can sit in a coffee house and just talk.  We met at 1pm and didn't leave until almost 4pm.

It's so nice to meet with friends - especially teacher friends that work in a different school district.  It's great to see what stuff they are teaching, how it's being taught, etc.

After we said our goodbyes, I decided to make a quick run to Charming Charlie's - an amazing store that sells mostly purses and shoes and accessories.  I needed a new lanyard for school, so I figured that would be the store to find a good one.

Now, there are two things in this world that I love almost as much as my kids.  Shoes and purses.  Oh yes.  I am a severe shoe and purse collector.  I have so many pairs of shoes and purses - many that have never been worn or used - that I could open up my own shoe and purse boutique.  It's so bad that I had to bag up many of my purses just so Hubby could get in to our walk-in closet.  I have a shoe rack on my closet door and one hanging in my closet.  Both are full - and there are STILL shoes all over the floor of the closet, the floor of my bedroom, and a few pairs in my bathroom.

It's a sickness.  I just can't help myself.

So, I make my quick run in to Charming Charlies to see a sign I'm pretty sure I'll see on the gate of Heaven.  All SHOES AND PURSES BUY ONE GET TWO FREE.  What the freakin' what???  Are you kidding me?

My quick trip turned in to an hour long shopping spree while I selected three purses, three pairs of shoes, three pairs of slippers, and of course - my lanyard.

I ended up walking out of the store with three HUGE bags of stuff.  I spent a whole $45 and came home with three pairs of boots (two for me and one for Peanut, because they didn't have another pair I liked in my size), three purses, three pairs of fuzzy slippers (one for me, one for Peanut, and one for Jelly), and a purple, blingy lanyard.

The first pair of boots I bought were originally priced at $49.99 - marked down to $16.  So, I bought three pairs of boots for less than what one pair originally cost...along with everything else I snagged.  Basically, I bought a pair of boots and got the purses, slippers, and the lanyard for free.  That's the way my head does the math, anyway.

It occurred to me last night, after getting home and sharing my buys with the family, how long it had been since I felt this much excitement from shopping.  For myself.  The last time I had so much fun was back when I had lost a ton of weight, and I could actually go in to the "normal" sized areas of the store to select clothes. I forgot what that feeling felt like.  Since gaining back all of the weight, I have lost my appeal for shopping - once again.

So, yet another thing occurred to me.  If I missed the rush of going out for a shopping spree, and wanted nothing more than to feel those feelings again - more often - the weight just HAS to go.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

I can try all I want to live in this nonchalant life of not caring too much about my weight loss, making tiny adjustments here and there with the hope that eventually I'll start to lose a couple of pounds...but the harsh reality is, if I want to see the changes sooner rather than later I'm going to have to do more.

I still think that if I just make slight changes here and there to my food decisions and my exercising that eventually I'll start to see some changes.  But how long will eventually be?

Just one week in to the new year, and I'm already ready to make a change to one of my resolutions.  I say change because I'm not ditching it - I'm enhancing it.

I've decided to try Atkins.

For three hours last night, I researched, I read reviews, I read articles and studies and all kinds of stuff... because you all know how I feel about "diet plans".

When push comes to shove, I can openly admit that I'm a carb addict.  Big time.  And after reading what I read, and answering questions, and seeing what other people had to say - the best part about Atkins was the fact that so many people were able to overcome their carb addictions - which led to quick weight loss that actually stayed off.

The other part I love is the fact that Atkins provides all of their weight loss tools for free.  I've already downloaded the app that will help me keep track of my carb intake, provide me with food suggestions, and keep me on top of my progress.  I will also be receiving a welcome kit in the mail that will provide me with some samples of their meal bars, some coupons, and a couple of books that will help answer any more questions that I might have along the way.

I'll go more in to the Atkins plan tomorrow.  This is already turning in to a very long post...and my family is sitting around waiting on me to get ready to go grocery shopping.

So, yesterday was chocked full of good stuff.  And today?  A new journey begins.

Finished, Finito, Fin...Stick a Fork in Me, I'm DONE!

With four weeks left to spare, I have officially completed my Christmas shopping.  OK, almost completed.  There's still a few more minuet things I have to get - but the bulk is done.  Finished.  Over with.  What's left is family members... and the kids like to do that part of the shopping, so my job is just about done.

I tell you what, I whine and complain about the craziness of Black Friday - but I had the most wonderful Christmas shopping day EVA yesterday.  Hubby and I waited until noon before heading out to the hustle and bustle - and didn't get home until after 6pm.  We shopped, and shopped, and shopped some more.

The best part of the day, by far, was stumbling across tons and tons of leftover Black Friday goodies that hadn't been snatched up during the midnight madness sales.  Once again, I patted myself on the back for not getting up at the butt crack of dawn or staying up all night to shop for stuff - when I still managed to find some great deals during the afternoon.  Even some of the big TVs and stuff were still on sale in the stores - not that I had any intention of buying one, but I was surprised to still see so many electronics still on sale. 

Christmas shopping is usually a task I take on alone.  Hubby just isn't in to the whole thing.  His job each Christmas is to sit, Christmas morning, with camera in hand ready to capture the kids opening up the gifts.  That's it.  I do the lists, the shopping, the wrapping, the everything.   But this year?  This year has been different.  He's been involved, a great help, shared the load of the shopping.  And I couldn't have been happier. 

Now, of course, the worst part starts.  The waiting.  I hate waiting until Christmas after my shopping is done.  I'm worse than the kids.  Once I've done my shopping, I want it to be time for the kids to get their stuff. 

It's been very weird this year, talking to Peanut and Butter about Christmas.  This is the first year where I went in knowing full well that neither of them believed in Santa anymore.  And I'm happy to report that neither of them are scarred or hurt or hate me because they felt like I lied to them for all these years.  In fact, I think they are a little disappointed in the "magic" being over.  I have molded my kids in the same form as me - just because I know the truth, doesn't mean I have to accept it.  I can still bring Santa in to our home.  Besides, there's Jelly to think about.  We have to keep the magic alive for her - and now Peanut and Butter can join in for her sake.

It was just very weird for us to come home yesterday and know that Peanut and Butter knew that there was Christmas loot in the trunk of the car.  Which makes life kinda difficult, because now that they know the truth - they know that their presents are somewhere hidden in the house.  They will have to be watched at all times to make sure they don't try and snoop.  Which I really hope they don't - because in my mind, the whole point of Christmas is the surprise factor.  Why ruin the surprise by trying to find out what you're getting before you get it?

Jelly is, of course, oblivious.  To her, when Daddy and I disappear, we are going to meet with Santa's helpers to inform him of their Christmas lists.  It takes a long time because we have to wait in line to be able to meet with them.  Oh yes, I have Santa answers for everything.  In fact, last year I wrote a list of the Santa stories I've told. 

She is so excited about everything.  In just a week and a half it will be her birthday.  I can't believe my baby will be turning five.  Then, there's only twenty days until Christmas.  The kid loves this time of year - there's just so much going on for her. 

Anywho, today I'm basking in my victory of being finished with the shopping.  I'm going to relax, lay on the couch, and catch up on some crocheting.  Tomorrow?  Peanut and I are off to see Breaking Dawn Part II.  We've been waiting all year for it... and it will be a great way to end the Thanksgiving Break.

I'm the Momma!

 
Yesterday was a not so great day.  Which really stinks, because it was supposed to be a really fun day.  But, I let my temper get the best of me... for the first time in a very long time.

I didn't yell or scream... that's not how I "do" anger.  No.  I pout, give the silent treatment.  You know, act like a real grown up.

Yesterday, I decided it would be nice to take Peanut out to do some back to school clothes shopping.  She's been holding on to two gift cards from her birthday - and had a hard time deciding what to spend them on.  The child never wants for anything - but I suggested she use the cards to get her some new clothes for school.  She thought it was a good idea.  So, all of us - minus Butter who comes home from my parent's house tonight - went out for some shopping.  His turn for clothes shopping is next weekend.

Peanut reminds me of me a couple of years ago when I loathed clothes shopping.  I'd of rather poke my eyes out with spoons than ever go clothes shopping.  I just didn't have fun with it.  But, I had a valid reason... it was really hard for me to buy clothes.  I had to shop in specialty stores or in the plus size sections that offered me an array of elasticated waist bands and frumpy, floral patterned shirts.  I didn't like either.  Still don't.

Now?  I don't mind clothes shopping.  I've put on a lot of weight, so my clothes - once again - come from the plus size sections.  But at least a lot of the plus size departments have upped their game in terms of offering more fashion conscious clothes for us bigger ladies.

Which really has nothing to do with yesterday - because I wasn't the one buying clothes.

Anywho, Peanut... not a big fan of clothes shopping.  She had a few things she wanted - jeans and graphic tees.  The normal list for kids her age, I suppose.

We hit Old Navy first.  She had a $20 gift card, and realized pretty quickly that $20 in Old Navy doesn't stretch very far.  She did manage to get 3 shirts...with a little help from me.  I also found a cute dress on clearance - so I was excited, too.

Then, it was on to the other store she had a gift card for - Wal-Mart.  I remember being her age and clothes shopping at Wal-Mart.  I hated it!  Not because I hated clothes shopping... no, because shopping at Wal-Mart wasn't "cool".  Kids made fun of other kids who didn't shop at the mall for their clothes.  Thank goodness times have changed on that one, too.  For the most part.

I found some jeans in the style that Peanut wanted and she tried them on.  Because she only had $20 on that gift card, too, I offered to buy a pair of jeans and a graphic tee for her...and she could buy a pair of jeans and a graphic tee (that $20 still wasn't enough for, but I would cover that as well). 

So, everyone was happy, Peanut had what she wanted...and there were just a couple of other things that needed to be picked up before heading home.  We walked through the shoe department and I saw a pair of zebra striped slippers.  I have developed a new love for zebra stripes.  I don't know why - but I absolutely LOVE anything with zebra stripes.  It's become my new "thing".  So, I just had to have them.  I don't care that it's still 90 degrees outside... winter will arrive eventually...and they were $5. 

But then, something happened. Something that made me see red and bring on the anger.  Peanut told me - in her "I'm the boss" attitude - I couldn't get the slippers because I was "wasting money" and she was tired of hearing me complain about being broke.  WHAT THE WHAT???   Excuse me?

Let me get one thing straight here for just a second...shall we?  I am not rich by any means.  But, we have a good budget system in my house.  Each month, my bills are the first thing to be paid.  I pay off my one credit card EVERY month.  I take out money for gas and essentials.  Some months there's a little more left over than others.  But one thing I do know is that nobody in this house every wants for anything.  And one thing I don't do is always complain that I'm broke and then waste money.  I may suggest that we have to hold off on some things until the next pay check... or refuse to buy something because the money isn't in the budget... or make statements about how I can't wait for pay day.  But complain?  No.  Absolutely not.  And definitely not to the children.

So, you can imagine how flabbergasted I was about my 12 year old child standing in Wal-Mart telling me I couldn't buy something because it would be wasting money.  I didn't hear her making those statements when I offered to buy her an extra outfit, or when I offered to cover the extra at Old Navy... no, it was when I wanted something small for myself. 

And then I did what any other adult would do in that situation - I threw the slippers back on the shelf and stormed off.  That is what other people would do, right?  NO?  Oh.  Well.  That's what I did.

I think what made me even more angry is the fact that Hubby didn't say anything.  I don't expect Hubby to get involved when I get in to little, pointless arguments with the kids.  But, this was different.  I think it's inappropriate for our child to be telling me what I can and can't spend money on.  I think it's inappropriate that she made claims of me complaining we are always broke.  I think the tone she used with me was inappropriate.  But, he just stood there...with nothing.  And in my mind that translated to him agreeing with her.  Which, as you can imagine, made it so much better. 

The ride home and the rest of the day were awkward.  I didn't want to talk to anyone.  In fact, I still haven't spoken to anyone - except Jelly.  I'm upset.  I feel a little betrayed.  And I needed some time to cool off, I suppose. 

When I get home tonight, I plan on having a talk with both Hubby and Peanut.  They need to know how I felt - and why I got so angry.  Therapy Dude would probably have a fit with this one.  He has a strong motto about not letting the sun set on problems... and I broke that rule.  But, I don't plan on letting this incident go, either.  It's important that we talk it out... and that's what we'll do. 

But, now, I have to go get Jelly ready for school...and me ready for work.

Till next time.  ;)

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Shop 'Til I Drop? Doubtful..But Worth the Try

Today is the first day Hubby and I are actually adventuring out in to the wide world to do some fun kid-free activities.  Yes, the kids have been gone since Sunday...don't ask why it's taken us two days to actually do something.

This morning, Hubby sent in my new alarm clock to wake me up at 7:30am.  That would be Katniss, my kitten.  I've had to keep her out of the bedroom the past couple of nights, because she's started wanting to play at 3am.  And by play, I mean start biting my fingers to try and get me to pet her.  Yeah, it's cute - and I know she just wants attention - but I don't feel like playing at 3am.  So, now, the minute the bedroom door gets opened in the morning, she's waiting to pounce on me to wake me up.

So, as soon as I'm finished writing this wonderful, informative blog, I'll be going to get ready so that Hubby and I can head out.

We're going to spend the day in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  To go shopping.  It's about an hour and half away from me - and I've been there many times... but never to shop.  Actually, I've only ever gone to Tulsa for the zoo - and to pick my parents up from the airport.  Both are located on the outskirts of Tulsa...so I've never really gone in to the city to see what it had to offer. 

Up until last night, I had no idea that Tulsa had 5 malls.  FIVE.  One being a million+ square feet of shopping gloriousness.  Two are outdoor promenade type malls.  Hundreds and hundreds of department stores, boutiques, artsy, unique stores.  My heart is accelerating at just the thought of it.

The sad part is, though, I'm not really that excited about the shopping.  I'm still too big to think about buying clothes.  I don't want to buy clothes that fit me now... but it will be a little exciting to shop for some stuff that I'll be able to wear eventually.  Not to mention the fact that I also have a new classroom that will need stuff.  And there's shoes.  Haven't had a new pair of shoes in a long time.  Or a new purse for that matter.

But, regardless, I do love a day out shopping...and I'm excited about how much walking I'll be doing.  OK, so it won't be the normal cardio-focused walking.... but it's still walking.  And, as long as I'm moving - I'm happy.

I've realized that coming up with a week's worth of activities for Hubby and I is a lot harder than I thought it would be.  While I'm blessed beyond belief to have a Hubby that actually enjoys shopping - there's only so much shopping we can do.  The rest of the time, he wants to be out on his bike, and I want to be walking or working out.  Both things neither of the other enjoys. 

Tomorrow, both of us are going to enjoy doing our own stuff.  I'm going to they gym - despite saying I wasn't going to this week... because I miss the gym, and I need a really good work-out.  And Hubby is going to go for a long bike ride. 

Friday, we're going to catch a couple of movies....possibly even Magic Mike again.  I will officially have the coolest freakin' Hubby in the world if I can pull that off.  And, he wants to see Ted.  After the movies, it will be a romantic dinner at an Indian restaurant - and then home to enjoy each other's company.

At the end of the day, I realized that it's not about how much stuff we do but the time we get to spend together.  And that part has been wonderful.  He hasn't had to work, which has been amazing...so the time has been about quality time.  And I'm OK with that.

Alright, I'm getting the look that I need to get off here so that I can get ready so we can hit the road.  And I have to eat breakfast, first.  So...

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Saturday Morning Coffee Break - Let's Talk Shoe Shopping!!

Dear Diary...

I'll admit, I've already had a couple cups of coffee this morning.  But, I'm still drinking it - so I can write while drinking the cup I'm drinking right now.  I've got quite a lot to say, this morning, so you might want to grab that big mug of coffee before you start reading.  Or maybe you'll need to take a refill break half way through - totally up to you.  I'll still be here, waiting for you.

I'm a little miffed this morning.  Miffed is a word, because it didn't highlight when I typed it.  My definition of miffed is a little upset.  Not enough to be pissed, but on the verge of being disgruntled.  I just checked the actual definition of "miffed" and came back with the same results.  Wow, I'm a pretty good walking dictionary.

Anywho, when you read my blog, you probably notice those ads that pop up under each post - and the Amazon ads that appear on the side bar.  There's a reason I have those ads.  Cause I thought it might earn me a couple of bucks once or twice a year. 

Well, this morning, I decided to have a looksy at how effective those ads are.  If anyone actually clicks on them - and if I've actually earned any money.  Well, I was quite surprised to see that I have, in fact, earned some money.  So, I decided to click the Adsense button that would lead me to my account so that I could have a check issued.  And guess what happened?  I get a message that my account has been disabled due to "term violation".  That's it.  No explanation of what violation I apparently violated.  No explanation of how I can fix the problem.  And absolutely no way to contact them to find out what the heck is going on.  How very convenient. 

So, then I visit the Amazon site that manages the money I've made from those ads.  What do my eyes see before me?  My account has been disabled because residents of Arkansas are no longer permitted to participate in the program.  Urm.  When did that happen?  I don't remember ever seeing an email letting me know this tidbit of information.  I don't remember ever being contacted by someone saying "we're sorry, but you live in a state that no longer allows us to pay you for advertising our products - so you can go ahead and remove the ads if you want".  Why would they do that?  Not being able to pay me means they're getting free advertising, right?  The whole thing has ticked me off, so I'm now happy to report that you won't be bothered by those ads anymore.  I've removed them.  If I'm going to allow space on my blog to be taken up by billion dollar companies, then I expect a couple of bucks thrown my way. If not, well, then I'll do my own advertising of the products I think are worthy of being advertised - for free.

Speaking of which - let's advertise right now, shall we?

Yesterday, I did something I never thought I'd do.  I bought something I have been saying for over a year that I would never buy.  In fact, I bought two of those somethings.  Wanna know what it was?  Toms.  The shoes.

If you don't know what Toms are, you've either been living under a rock - or you are living in a place that haven't jumped aboard the Toms Train.  It seems like, in my neck of the woods, Toms are the new Nike's.  Everyone has them.  Kids.  Adults.  Pretty much every teacher I've ever met or work with.  There's nothing fantastically amazing about the look of Toms.  They are canvas shoes that are supposed to be extremely comfortable.  That's it.  BUT, for every pair of Toms sold, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.  So, even though the shoes are pretty expensive - for what they are - they are for a good cause.

This is the style that I ordered yesterday:

Don't they just SCREAM me?  Pink and sparkly.  My two middle names.  These would normally run you about $60... but I managed to snag a pair from an authorized Toms seller for $40.  So, if I figure that's $20 for my shoes and $20 for the shoes that will be donated to a child - it's not such a bad deal.  But, ordering them online means that I will have to wait a week or two to get them.  Blah.  That stinks.

That was, until I found out there was an authorized seller in my area.  A shoe store that actually sells them?  Where I could get a pair right there on the spot?  I just had to go.  And I did.  And I found a pair that I loved - and I could wear right out of the store!!

Just the night before, I had gone to a department store that sells their own version of Toms.  They don't look exactly the same, but they were 1/3 of the price.  I wore a pair of them yesterday, and I was in more pain from wearing them than I would have been wearing 6" heels to work.  When I got to the Toms store, and was able to put on a real pair of Toms - my feet felt like they were being wrapped in little clouds.  They were soft, comfy, and even the blisters that had formed on my feet from the knock-offs were telling me how grateful they were that I'd freed them from the torture from the other shoes.

Thankfully, I bought the other shoes from a store that allows returns on shoes that have been worn - so I will be returning the death shoes today.  The money I'll get back from the 3 pairs that I bought will make up for one pair of the Toms...and I'm totally OK with that!

I've never been one to spend more than $20 on a pair of shoes.  Even my new training shoes were only $35 - which I considered to be a splurge buy.  I'm pretty thrifty when it comes to my shoes - even though I have TONS of them.  I'm also not one to jump on a big band wagon and buy shoes just because everyone else has them.  But this is one time that I'm glad I did both.  I spent a lot of money on a pair of shoes (actually two pairs) and I jumped on a band wagon.  BUT, I can honestly say I now know why so many people wear them.  If they stay as comfortable as they were last night - having two feet that felt like they were put in vice grips all day long and the pain instantly disappearing once the Toms were placed on my feet - then they are definitely worth every penny.

OK, coffee break over.  You can now get back to doing what you were doing.  I would like to know, though, do you own a pair of Toms?  What do you think of them?

Before I go - here are my goals for today:

• Stay under my calorie limit
• Go for a walk for at least 30 minutes
• Try and jog some of that 30 minutes

Till next time. ;)

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Dear Diary...

I'm dragging a little this morning.  Actually, I'm dragging a lot.  After going to bed at 2am, I was unable to sleep.  Even though I was exhausted.  I tossed and turned most of the night, napping here and there.  I finally gave up with getting any good, solid sleep around 9 this morning and just got up.  It's frustrating, really, because I should have slept like a baby last night.  After the day I had yesterday, every part of me was tired.

Let's get to that, shall we?  My day yesterday.  I left my house around 11 yesterday morning, and didn't get home until 11 last night.  Yes.  We were out for 12 hours.  There's a lot to tell you about...some good, some bad, and some down right ugly.

The Good:
I got my shoes!  My new training shoes.  I didn't get the ones that I had originally picked out.  After browsing around, I found a different pair - that look almost identical to the ones I originally picked out.  I went with Sketchers Ready, Set, Tone-Ups:

The only difference between these and the pair I picked out the other day while browsing online, are that these offer additional support on the arch of my foot that is removable (if I find it to be too much support), and the Resolyte soles that help tone thighs and calves while working out.  Plus, they were only $35!  Oh, and I also got a new gym bag.  That's pink trim with zebra stripes.  I can't wait to use both of them!  

I also got another pair of shoes...well, boots.  It was a total impulse buy that may lead to my never even wearing them - but they were $10.  Reduced down from $25.  That's a good deal, and I couldn't resist.  Plus, I don't own a pair of ankle boots.  Cute, right?

In addition to all that goodness, I also bought a new purse, some new scarves, a few head bands with the cute flowers, body sprays, a super cute silk nightie with a silk robe, some new undies, bras, a 4 slice waffle maker, and a Bluetooth headset for my phone...so I'm no longer driving and talking on the phone.  All in all, I came home with a huge stow of loot.  And I'm very happy with the bargains I hunted down.

The Bad:
There was nothing bad about my day.  The time spent with Hubby was amazing, and we had a lot of fun.  Having a Hubby that loves shopping as much as I do?  Probably should be listed here.  Hubby isn't like "typical" men when it comes to shopping.  It's one of the many, many things I love about him.  While some men would rather burn their eyes out with hot pokers than spend the day shopping with their significant other - Hubby loves every second of it.  He doesn't even mind when I drag him around store after store just looking at shoes and purses.  As long as there is some other shopping thrown in.  He won't hesitate to give me an opinion on clothes that I pick out - and loves to give his feedback when it comes to undergarments.

Why is this so bad?  Well, because we end up spending 10 hours out shopping...and spending money.  If I had a "typical" Hubby, I'd have probably been home after a couple of hours - with a lot of money still in my pocket.  But I wouldn't trade it for anything...despite how much damage we do while we're out.

Something else I want to add in this category.  The fact that I was able to buy stuff at J.C. Penney much cheaper than I was able to find it at Wal-Mart.  How bad is that?  All day long, I was hunting for a new silk nightgown.  Wal-Mart had a few for around $16.  None of them jumped out to me as being worthy of spending $16 on...especially that I own most of the styles they carry.  Then, Hubby and I went to JCP and I found the cutest nightgown and matching robe for $22.  Not even on sale!  The nightgown was $11 and the robe was $11.  At WM, they wanted $16 a piece for each item - and they weren't even that cute!  I'm not sure what's going on with the world's biggest retailer... but when the day comes that I can buy clothes cheaper at the mall than I can at WM - then my WM shopping days for anything but food are OVER!

The Ugly:
You know what's coming with this category, right?  Yes.  You guessed it.  The food consumption.  I wish I could sit here and say that I was a good girl, and made good choices while out.  But that would be a lie.  My first ugly experience came for breakfast.  The Waffle House.  Need I say more?  Oh, you want details?  Way to make me feel the pain of my decisions!  I went with two eggs over-easy, bacon, hash-browns, and toast...followed up with a chocolate chip waffle.  I could sit here and feed out a bunch of excuses, but there aren't any.  Not any that would justify my decision.  I was stupid.  But it was good.

All day long, I went without eating anything else.  I didn't even drink much of the Diet Dr. Pepper I bought while we were out.  Then, it was dinner time.  Hubby and I had already decided we'd eat at Red Lobster.  I could have gone with a light option, but I didn't.  I went for the Surf & Turf.  A sirloin steak, lobster tail, lobster baked potato, and broccoli.  Let's not forget the salad and garlic cheddar biscuits before the actual meal.  Those darn biscuits are so freakin' good!  I ate 3 of them.  That in it's self was probably enough calories for one dinner.  But, alas, I ate the salad, the biscuits, the huge dinner....and then ate a chocolate chip lava cookie with ice-cream.  I never order dessert when I go out and eat a meal.  I don't know why I had to this time - but I did.  And, again, it was good.  No, make that AMAZING!

Am I going to regret my food choices in a few days when I have to step on the scale?  You bet ya.  Do I regret indulging and just enjoying a fantastic weekend alone with my Hubby?  Not on your life!  Sure, once again, I made stupid, pointless food choices that I will once again regret come weigh in day... but the experience was worth it.  Something like this weekend probably won't happen again for a very long time.  All I can do now is enjoy the memory.

However, I will say before I go that this weekend was an eye opening experience.  It was border line depressing not wanting to buy clothes.  Or not being able to, because I've once again jumped up to a size that isn't carried in most department stores.  Looking at clothes with Hubby and making statements like "I'd look good in that if I lost about 50lbs" took a lot out of me.  Hubby was ready with the constant reinforcements and sweet sentiments to make me feel better - but it didn't really help.  It made me realize the damage I've done, and continue to keep doing apparently.  I truly can't wait to put my new shoes and gym bag to use.  My goal, now, is to be able to ready myself for the next opportunity Hubby and I get for a kid-free shopping weekend.  I will start putting money in to that Reward Jar, so that once the time comes - I'll be ready to shop till I drop for new clothes that make me look hot, sexy, and slim!

Till next time. ;)

Could I Have Possibly Found a New Hobby?

Dear Diary...

I'm making a quick check-in before it's time to get to Kid Free Adventure, Day 2.  Last night, I had a lot of fun.  Hubby and I went to his parent's house for dinner.  The intent was to have dinner and then play some games, but instead it was eat dinner and sit around and talk and laugh for about 3 hours.  I'm thinking I kind of preferred it that way.  It's been a long time since we've spent some time with Hubby's parents, so it was nice to catch up for a while.

Dinner was, of course, not good.  Pizza and buffalo wings.  HOWEVER, I only ate 2 pieces of pizza and 3 hot wings for dinner.  And that was after not really eating a whole lot all day.  Not too bad.  Although, the king size Snickers and barbeque Fritos I ate around midnight last night can stay a secret, m'kay?

Let's forget the food intake for a while, and get to what today's blog is about.  My big purchase from last night.  Well, technically it was Hubby's big purchase.  We decided to buy RockSmith for our Playstation 3.  It's the "game" that teaches you how to play a real electric guitar.  The "game" even comes with an electric guitar.  Now, I'll admit, playing the guitar has never been something I've really been interested in.  But, I always LOVED the guitar hero game.  The idea of being able to play a game that's going to teach me to actually play the guitar is very exciting to me. 

Plus, I can sing.  That's something I don't think I've ever shared with you guys before.  I'm pretty good at it, too.  Even though my karaoke skills haven't done the best at highlighting that, I can actually carry a pretty good tune.  My mom tried for years to get me to try out for American Idol, but I never considered something like that.  For one, I had terrible stage fright.  It wasn't until a night out with Sanity and Hope last year that I actually got the nerve up to step on a small stage and perform some very bad, nervous karaoke that made me face that fear.  After that?  Well, there was no stopping me.  I was singing my little heart out at least once a month, and when I was actually being serious about it - I sounded really good... if I say so myself.

Anywho,  my chances of ever trying out for American Idol is gone - I'm too old now - but learning how to play the guitar is something I'd never thought about that would be great to accompany my singing.  Even if it is for private performances on holidays.  I just think it would be cool.  So, I'm gonna give it a try.  Take it up as a new hobby, and see where I get.

Alright, enough time wasted... I've got a very long day of shopping and spending time with my amazing Hubby a head of me.  I. Can't. Wait!

Till next time. ;)