i got a new look!

One of my very best friends from middle school just become an apprentice hair stylist (her mom owns a salon and used to do my hair.) I've been looking for someone new and volunteered to let her practice on me. We had a ton of fun and she did an amazing job (for free too)! Believe it or not I was her first ever highlights. When it came to the cut I told her she could basically do whatever she wanted so she cut most of it then her mom did the texture.

What do you think?...it's my new back to school, get out of corporate America look.

(plus it gave me a chance to go crazy on Photo Booth...so sorry for the ANTM moment)

how the thought of getting free shoes is a mind altering drug

Having basically grown up with the internet I feel like I know what I am doing. I don't click on weird ads, I don't open junk emails, I don't send my ssn to the Irish Lottery or money to defunct Nigerian princes.


But sometimes, the allure of free shoes is so strong all prior knowledge and logic is thrown out the window.


Case in point. This weekend, on facebook, my sister sends me an invitation to join the group "FREE UGG BOOTS, read group tab for more info." I noticed that a couple of my facebook friends had joined the group so I assumed it must be legit. Why did overlooked the fact that my facebook friends who had joined, my sister included, are some of the most gullible people I know? I couldn't tell you.

I joined the group and began going through the 600 or so steps to get my free boots.

One of the last steps was completing this "human verification" thing. It said in the instructions that it might be annoying but it was to stop computers from getting the Uggs. I didn't know computers wore Uggs, but they do. They like those knitted ones.

Well the human verification basically was this big loop of surveys and trial offers. After about 15 minutes of filling them out (with all my real contact info), getting text messages with confirm numbers, then filling out more surveys...it still wasn't "unlocking" the shoe order form.

I realized I had been had and stopped.

Less then a minute later I started getting telemarketing calls on both my home and cell phone numbers and hundreds of spam emails.

Maybe I am not so internet saavy or logical...but I have learned my lesson. Ladies, there ain't no such things as free Uggs.

back in blonde

I got my hair done this weekend.


It really needed it. And yes, I do wear my high school cheerleading sweatshirt.


After two years of trying get back to "normal" after dying my hair auburn. It's nice to finally be back in blonde.

(The self portraits were due to the fact that K was gone this weekend, I covered my face in the first one becuase I was looking pretty nasty.)

if peeing your pants is cool consider me miles davis

When I was a kid I was much more shy then I am now and had this weird thing about going to the bathroom at school. It wasn't that I was bothered by a public bathroom, I was embarrassed to raise my hand and ask to go in front of the whole class. So, I got very good at only going during lunch or just holding it until I got home.

Until this one day in 4th grade. I got off the bus and I really had to pee, but my mom wasn't home and the door was locked. My mom was a very controlling and organized stay-at-home mom. She was always home when I got off the bus so I didn't have a house key. In a panic I ran around the house looking for a way in, and when the only option was breaking the window, I went by a tree and peed my pants. Just then my mom arrived back home and found me pee-covered and hiding behind a tree. My mom laughed and asked my why I didn't just pull down my pants and go behind a bush, or better yet knock on the neighbors door and ask them to use their bathroom. Why I didn't think of that, I don't know.

Fast forward 5 years. I am a freshman in high school and it is midterms week. Normally that would mean half days, however at the beginning of the week but we had a big snowstorm and a couple days off of school, so we had to have full days of tests...and no time to squeeze in a trip to the potty. When school got out I went to get the bus (yes, I had to take the bus in high school) with my friend who lived next door...and our bus didn't show up. Of course we weren't cool enough for cell phones so we tried to call our moms collect from a pay phone (we would just say "Mom come pick me up" when it would ask who was calling then they would reject the call and come get us) and couldn't get either of them. We only lived about a mile from the school so we decided we would walk...through about 3 feet of snow. It was warmer outside at this point so we were not going to freeze or anything, but it was so funny how much we would sink in during every step. I also really had to pee. We started laughing and laughing and I started to pee...I probably would have been able to stop myself but my friend laughed even harder when she saw the steam coming off my jeans. And that was it.

Again I was saved, as her mom drove by and saw us and gave us a ride home. The worse part was when I got in the house my uncle was there (who I hadn't seen in several years) to visit my dad. That was awkward.

Fast forward 10 years. I am 24 and it is, in fact, yesterday. I am invited to a happy hour and as usual end up staying several happy hours and consuming several glasses of wine. I work about 10 minutes from my house and the Tony Roma's (yes, Tony Roma's, it's a hot scene) is right between work and home. When I finally get around to leaving I realized I really have to pee, but it is only 5 minutes right? No big deal. I get into my car and drive home...as I stand up and get out of the car I feel a little bit of pee trickle down my leg (I was wearing a dress) and then (maybe it was the wine) I just can't stop. I pee my pants (well, dress) in the parking lot of my apartment complex.

Do I have a bladder control problem, you think? It's only been these three times in 24 years (I mean other then when I was in a diaper or being potty trained) so I don't think it is a serious problem. But maybe I should start wearing Depends just in case.

What's Going On aka A Random Post

• I called out sick from work yesterday, my stomach was bothering me and I felt like I just needed a mental health day. It was fabulous to just lay around doing nothing all day and I feel quite refreshed!
• My parents are at the beach for a long weekend so we are watching Gryffin...he has slept over at our apartment since Wednesday and we are staying at my parent's house from tonight until Sunday so we can also keep an eye on my little brother (he is 17 so my parents are worried he will have a party or something.)
• K is almost done with his summer class (criminal law), he just has to take his final on Monday. He is planning to study a lot this weekend.
• Fingers crossed...I will be going to see "Bruno" on Saturday. I know some people hated it, but I loved "Borat" and I am very excited to check out Sasha Baron Cohen's latest venture. I hope it isn't too hard to get tickets since it comes out today! Other then that it should be a low key weekend.
• I have lost almost 10 pounds since I started "Atkins." I use the term loosely since I am doing more low carb/low sugar. When I really stuck to Atkins induction weight came off very fast but it's not a very realistic diet for long term so it's going more slowly---and I am ok with it. I have been very good during the week but it's hard not to slack off a bit on the weekends!

Happy Friday Everyone! Anyone have any cool weekend plans?

How I Made the Most of My Day Off

At first glance I appear to be a very organized person, however my closet and dresser drawers always seem to get very messy. Since I had last Friday off of work for the 4th of July I decided to tackle cleaning out my clothes and getting everything organized.

Here is the before (don't judge me too hard):


And the after (I just need to get some shelves for the shoes):



And the bags for Goodwill (some of the stuff in there came from K's dresser but a lot was mine):
Now I just have to work to keep it this neat!

Answers to your questions: Celebrity Edition

Last week in this post I asked if you had any questions for me...mainly so I would get some new blogging ideas.


Anna said: "We have so much in common with our television watching. Before I had children I also read a lot of celebrity trash magazines. I know you do not have children yet. Do you also read celebrity trash gossip, whether on internet or weekly magazines?"

To answer this question I will have to get up on my soapbox at some point...so watch out.

When I first started working I found myself in front of a computer a lot with a lot of time on my hands. Since I didn't really know about blogging I spent a lot of time on US Magazine and People...then Perez Hilton and Celebrity Baby Blog. Celebrities became my hobby and I was always extremely up on what was going on.

I have only bought a weekly magazine once in the past several years...and I still have that historic issue. I can't bring myself to throw it out. And I don't even really like Brad for the whole Jennifer thing...and Angie scares me a little...but as a family I find them adorable and would love to be their nanny. I don't think I am multicultural enough or speak enough languages.

Note the date stamp...proof I still have it.

The time that I got more into reading blogs considered with the "Spendi" and other brats from the Hill's invading the celebrity gossip scene. Out comes the soapbox...these people are not worthy of the title "celebrity" nor do the warrant front page covers of weekly magazines week after week after week. I would rather see a cover about Angelina vrs. Jen for the 600th time or Princess Diana for the 900th then see Heidi crying about Spencer cheating on her, or Lauren Conrad battling with being a size 4. Ugggg. It annoys me.

I backed off because I was too sick of it...so now I keep up with it (although I am sick of this Gosslin nonsense all the time) but I am not as obsessed as I once was.

So Anna, thanks for the question! Everyone else, if you have any other questions just let me know!

Lucky Girl

Even though I spent the actual day of my birthday by myself, my family and K more then made for it yesterday by taking me shopping for some excellent presents!

K and I went to the Kate Spade outlet where I was planning on picking out a new purse for my present but he actually got me two! They both were a great price already then everything in the store was 30% off!

I got the green "Union Square Simone," which I have had my eye on but didn't expect to find out the outlet for my new everyday bag.

And the bonus, the "Tisbury Minu" clutch, also green. I love the Kate Spade basket clutches but thought they were overpriced thus didn't think I would ever get one...but this was a great price.

My parents got me a couple pandora charms, some bags from Mixed Bag Desgins (my sister's friend's mom's company) and took me shopping for a new camera, since I hated my old one! This should mean more pictures being posted on the blog!

I orginally wanted to get a Canon but decided on the Kodak Easy Share M1033 after trying them out. It's simple to use, has a huge LCD screen and takes great pictures (even when the subject is running around crazy...cough, Hanna, cough.) Those were my only requirements and they were all exceeded! Plus it was on sale!

I feel very lucky to have gotten so many great presents and even more lucky that I have such a wonderful boyfriend and parents!

P.S. Speaking of lucky...since it is Father's Day, I am very lucky to have such a hardworking, dedicated and caring daddy! I love you Dad!

Awkward

I think...well I don't think...I now know...the people I work with forget to give me my cake/card today. We take turns bringing it in (whoever had the last birthday brings it in for the next person) then we gather around and eat it. Now I know the guy who brought mine did bring it because I heard him telling someone he put it in the freezer...but he (along with other people) just left for the day.

I don't really care about the cake...I didn't want to eat it anyway...but I think it is kind of rude!

Would you say something if you were me? I think I am going to wait to see what happens tomorrow.

Awkward.

It's my birthday and I'll do nothing if I want to

Today I am officially no longer in my early twenties, correct me if I am wrong but I think 24 falls under the category of mid-twenties. Yes, today is my birthday...and I am at work. After work I will be going home, cooking dinner for myself, watching TV and hanging out with Hanna. Maybe do some laundry. Probably not. All in all a normal day.

K will be at class, my parents are seeing my brother in a play, my sister is in Boston and none of my close friends live close enough to do something.

It may seem like am upset about this, but I am not...K bought me flowers last night, I saw a bunch of my friends last weekend and celebrated, tomorrow night I am seeing my brother's play for the second time, K is taking me shopping for my present on Saturday then we will probably go to dinner or something, then I am celebrating my birthday more with my family (and Father's Day) on Sunday.

So really my birthday is getting extended to way more then one day!

With all of the birthday-ness, I am going to attempt to sick to Atkins, I did excellent last week and was down about 6 pounds, then I slacked off over the weekend and am working to get back down to my low at then end of last week. I know I can't be perfect over the weekend but I like to at least try...I also will have to have a small slice of cake at work today since it was brought in for my birthday and I can't be rude!

More About Me

Rather then going on and on about baby Hanna or blogging about nothing since nothing too exciting is going on with me (other then the puppy of course) I thought I would do this meme I found on CAPow art & design. This way you can find out more random stuff about me!

1. My uncle once : stepped on a land mine...in Vietnam (he lived)
2. Never in my life : have I been to Europe.
3. When I was seventeen : I got my licence and drove a 1990 Volvo station wagon.
4. High School was : blah, I didn't like it.
5. I will never forget : the day my little brother was born. Today he turns 17!
Happy Birthday Little Brother!
6. I once met : the British lady from the show "Fashion Emergency." Does anyone else remember that show?
7. There’s this girl I know who : is afraid of spores on plants.
8. Once, at a bar : my friends and I met these really weird guys and told them we would go to another bar with them but didn't walk to walk in the rain. They got us a cab and paid the driver trying to be all smooth...then we told the cabbie to take us home. It was mean but funny.
9. By noon, I’m usually : ready to go home!
10. Last night : I continued my lazy streak and hung out with Hanna!
11. If only I had : a job I love with flexible hours and the ability to work from home sometimes.
12. Next time I go to gym/church : no clue, I have been doing kettlenetics instead/ Christmas Eve
13. Susan Boyle : is not as good as everyone makes her seem but interesting.
14. What worries me most : is money. That may seem shallow but I stress about money, I try not to worry about bad things happening to people I love, it just makes me sad.
15. When I turn my head left, I see : Hanna laying on the couch next to me then a lamp and a sliding glass door.
16. When I turn my head right, I see : the matching lamp then the doorway/entrance to the apartment, then the kitchen.
17. You know I’m lying when : I start laughing!
18. What I miss most about the eighties : nothing, I don't remember the eighties...love the music though so I will go with that.
19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be : Lady Macbeth...haha. I'm just saying that because I did her monologue in high school and to be modest, nailed it.
20. By this time next year : Little Brother will be eighteen! How time flies...
21. A better name for me would be : I'm not sure. I like my name now but when I was younger I wanted to have my name be Justine for some reason. I don't really even like that name anymore.
23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll : get my master's in something I really enjoy.
24. You know I like you if : I am sarcastic and weird around you...basically my normal self!
25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be : my mother.
26. When I compare 80’s rock to 90’s rock : I don't really compare, I like them both.
27. Take my advice, never : say you are in love with someone you met one night at a drunker sorority mixer. Trust me, your friends will never let you live it down.
28. My ideal breakfast is : a breakfast sandwich....I like all varieties but especially sausage, egg and cheese on a wheat bagel.
29. A song I love, but do not own is : hard to pick. I really don't buy music, I never listen to my ipod so I don't download music...I listen to the radio mostly...I guess I am old school.
30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest : getting a snowball.
31. My favorite Beatle is : Paul, all girls like Paul right?
32. Why won’t people : learn how to drive.
33. If you spend the night at my house : don't mind sleeping on a futon or the couch.
34. I’d stop my wedding for : World War 3? I dunno...that's a weird question.
35. The world could do without : atomic bombs.
36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than : eat dog poo. Licking a cockroach is nasty...I had to think of something really gross.
37. My favorite blonde is : me? Is that arrogant?
38: Paper clips are more useful than : paper weights.
39. If I do anything well, it’s : make people laugh.
40. And by the way : let me know if you have any new puppy tips!

Prom!

K at Blog Goggles tagged me last week in this prom picture post thing that has been going around. I considered trying to find a picture to scan in while at my parents this past weekend...but I was too lazy, so I just took a picture of some of my scrapbook pages. Hope you don't mind the semi-poor picture of a picture quality, I think you will still get the point! If you want to play, consider yourself tagged!

Here is my junior prom. I went to both prom's with my high school boyfriend who was pretty short, so I wore the same sparkly white flip flops to each prom so I wouldn't be taller then him, which always made me feel weird. This dress was laced up the back and sadly there were about 5 other people at the prom with the same dress, which lead to my choice for the next year.

And here is senior year, where I wore "the barbie dress." It was huge! I really loved it though, and no one else had it on. It is hard to tell from the picture but it was BRIGHT pink and had tons of random pink sequins. It was very hard to go to the bathroom in.
And here is the obligatory "putting on the corsage" picture. My boyfriend got not only a top hat, but also a monocle, cane, spats, and white gloves. He looked like Mr. Peanut, and I made him leave the monocle and cane at home!

Nothing Special

I have this really good (at least I think really good) idea for a Fashion Friday post but I really don't have the motivation to do it today, may next week. I feel kind of blah. I hope it isn't the onset of swine flu. Kidding, kidding, I really just don't feel like writing, instead I am going to force myself to work out.

In the past maybe month or so my weight really hasn't changed which is disappointing. It is strange because I can definitely tell my body is changing; I am toning and look thinner but I want to see the number on the scale go down too! I try to just keep thinking that it is marathon not a sprint and what I am really trying to do is create a healthier lifestyle...but that is easier said then done! On a more positive note I really like the Kettlenetics dvds, I have the one with two different workouts and I started with the 20 minute basics but am now doing the 40 minutes...which is HARD, but satisfying. I want to get the 30 Day Shred...has anyone tried it? I think I am going to keep going with the kbells too but I would like to mix it up. If you have any other tips let me know, I don't want to "go on a diet" because then you have to go "off" (as they were saying on Oprah today.) I am getting used to it taking time but I appreciate any insights you all might have!

Tomorrow marks one year since K and I moved into our apartment! I can't believe how fast time goes by. He is in the middle of finals right now so I am going to be leaving him alone and spending some time with my mom this weekend as well as going to visit my puppy. I can't wait to post more pictures of her! Have a great weekend everyone!


P.S. This post ended up a lot longer then I originally thought! I guess I felt like writing after all.

I Wish I Could Go Back to College

Has anyone seen the musical "Avenue Q"? If you haven't I highly recommend it, it is seriously one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I love it so much I actually saw it twice, once on Broadway and once in D.C. (the National tour.) Anyway, I bring this up because there is one song in the show that totally sums up how I feel right now (see below.)




My girlfriends and I went back to our college for the weekend because the the last group of girls who we were close with in our sorority are graduating this semester. We had a great time but being there is bittersweet. I miss the laid back, lack of responsibilities, and getting to be with my friends all the time but I do not miss the DRAMA that comes with going to a small school. There is also no way I could stay up and party that much anymore!

This was probably the last time we will go back to visit and actually know people in school there that we can hang out with/stay with... and that makes me feel old. As if the inability to stay up didn't already make me feel old.

I had such a positive college experience; I loved my school, my sorority, made amazing friends and met K, but I was ready to move on after 4 years. And somethings about being a "grown up" are great (even if I complain.)

It's fun to look back and think about those days...and I so love that there is a song that describes my thoughts so perfectly.

UPDATED: Just a warning...there is some naughty language in the song so be careful playing it!

50th Post

I'm back! Sorry for being so absent lately I am ready to explain some of my frustration...and when better to do that then during my 50th post! Hopefully this will also somewhat explain my work situation which I have been wanting to write about since I started this blog.

When I was in college I planned to work in television or radio after graduation and live in NYC (see this post) but after spending the summer there and doing an internship at a major children's television show, I changed my mind. But I wasn't sure what I changed my mind to. So when the time came to begin my job search I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted do...I went on a lot of random interviews. Looking back, I shouldn't have been so desperate, I could have easily taken a summer job and given myself more time to find a good career fit, but as June wound down to July I started to panic.

I went on an interview at the company where I work now. It's a large financial company and while I had no financial experience or interest I liked the idea of working at a big company with lots of room for growth. The salary wasn't great but the benefits were awesome, I could work with people my age, and was sold on the fact that if I put in a year I could move into communications or marketing or something more interesting to me in the company. I don't want to use to term call center because I think that sounds very negative, but the basic gist of the job was being on the phones talking to customers, doing trading and managing their accounts.

We had a ton of training and then took to the phones, it wasn't so bad...but the managers kind of made you feel like you were being babysat...which got old fast. I started to feel annoyed, but wanted to hold out until I got to a year. Luckily, my motivation was noticed and I got some extra responsibilities. It is the kind of job where you are constantly being scrutinized and measured, and no creativity (so not me), which sucked, but I learned to shut up and toe the line. After about 6 months I was asked to interview to move into another related department.

I was skeptical, it was a lot more money and my 1 year period wouldn't restart so I still could potentially leave after another 6 months. The new position also had more responsibilities and was much more laid back, you were treated more like an adult. But, I was worried that I could get stuck there...in the end I got and took the job. Then the economy went to the toilet and the company started a hiring freeze so I was happy I at least was making more money.

Then my manager moved on, and my new boss...well let's just say mixed things up. She is a nice person and I do like her, but she is very eagar to please upper management. My new department has become more and more like my old department...metrics and "Big Brother" always looking over your shoulder. While the company isn't doing layoffs they seem to looking for reasons to fire people...and no one ever used to get fired. It's scary but sometimes I wish I would get fired so I would be forced to find something I actually enjoy. I wish I knew what I wanted to do or could find a new job...I like the company as a whole and it is a great place to work...it's just a few departments that are like this. I'm torn...I mean...I'm sticking it out for now...but sometimes I just don't know.

One good thing is that I do have set hours, live right down the street practically and while it sucks to sit in front of a computer all day at least I had the internet. Finding the blog world and starting this blog got me through the day and sometimes even made going to work enjoyable ;)

Needless to say when I found out on Wendsay that we can't go on anything but financial websites anymore...even during lunch...I was beyond pissed. We can't even check outside emails. You know how I said Big Brother before...ummm yea...I'll say it again.

So the past several day I have been thinking about it a lot, and logically this will probably blow over, no other departments have this "rule" and they have cracked down on internet usage in the past...then it faded. I have been bringing a book so I have something to do in my downtime and I live so close I can go home for lunch and check emails and blogs. I will make it work.

In the grand sceme of things it isn't a big deal, and I am young, someday I will find a job I enjoy...I know I have to pay my dues. But it is annoying and upset me. Now I plan on blogging in the evenings more and have plenty of time to do it. And like I said...maybe this internet rule will just blow over.


Before I finish this post (sorry it's so long) I needed to mention something that in the grand sceme of things is a big deal for this family. Most of you are probably familair with MckMama's blog and the story of sweet baby Stellan (go here to read it from the beginining.) Sadly, Stellan is very sick right now (go here to see what is going on) so please keep the Mckfamily and Stellan in your thoughts and/or prayers.

Don't Worry

Hi Everyone. Just wanted to do a quick post because I may be kind of scarce over the next couple of days. I found out some information about my job today that...sucked...to be perfectly honest. Now in the grand scheme of things it isn't a big deal, and in this economy I am happy to have a job, but given my history and feelings on my job it is almost like this is the straw breaking the camels back. I am angry and upset about the situation and need some time to gather my thoughts. I plan on posting about the whole thing as well as the back story about what led up to this point soon. Thanks for listening...or reading I guess.

Things I Am Loving Right Now

Here are some things that I love right now, they are all related to my trying to lose weight and eat better (well except for the lotion...I don't eat it, but it is body related!) What are you loving right now?

Wild Rice- Did you know wild rice isn't even really a rice? It is actually a grass. I really like the flavor (it is kind of nutty) and you can do a lot with it (put it in soups, salads, make stir-fry.) Trader Joe's has a package that is all cooked and just needs to be microwaved for about $4.99 (you can get a couple meals out of it.)

Whoever thought of these is a genius, they taste great and are low calorie. I usually eat 2 wedges on rice cakes with some fruit and yogurt for my lunch. The Garlic and Herb flavor is very good too!

I buy Trader Joe's Goddess dressing but couldn't find a picture. From what I hear it is just as good as Annie's but about $2 cheaper. I have been making very simple salads with it and just some fat free feta cheese...super yummy!

My elbows get very dry in the winter and after using this for just a few days they are so much better. The reason I got it was because I have these red bumps on my arms (it's called keratosis pilaris and apparently it is pretty common especially in people in their teens and 20s...luckily mine isn't too bad...more slightly annoying) and it is supposed to be good for that. I can't tell yet if it has helped at all with the keratosis pilaris but my arms and elbows are much smoother. It is a little thick and makes your skin shinney for a bit so I put it on before I go to bed and wake up nice and smooth!

I love green tea; it has zero calories and lots antioxidants. Plus drinking a mug helps to keep me from snacking on junk food in the evenings.

Start Spreading the News, I'm Leaving Today...

Is this title totally cheesy? I'm not sure, I love Frank Sinatra, so I think it is ok. Anyways, I am going to NYC tonight until Sunday morning. My parents and my little brother are going to look at a college (he is a junior in high school) and I am tagging along for the free trip and so I can visit my friend, H, who lives there. New York is by far my favorite city, I actually thought I would live there "when I grew up" (I think it was the result of hundreds of hours spent watching "Sex and the City") but after I spent a summer during college there I decided I prefer to live in the suburbs and visit the city at least a few times each year. This is a picture of near where I lived (Amsterdam Ave. and 120th St...a Columbia University dorm) during the summer of 2006. I was interning at the show, "Sesame Street," and had two part time jobs as well. And I still think I made no money! It was definitely a life changing experience...after that summer I completely changed my mind about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to live. And I never would have figured it out if I hadn't tried, so it was time well spent. Plus now I am very comfortable getting when I visit NYC!

It Had to Be the Day I Didn't Wear Gloves

Since getting my two new pairs of gloves I have been wearing them almost every day and it sure is nice to have warm hands during my commute, even if my commute is only about 5 minutes. Thursday appeared to be warm out and since my commute is only 5 minutes the gloves are not, I opted not to wear them. Little did I know that would be the day I really needed them.

I left work a little later then usual so the parking lot was pretty empty and it was already getting dark. And it had gotten cold...and windy. I noticed a weird red light flashing inside my car's taillight. First thought...demonic possession...I began to plan an auto-exorcism, then realized my battery was dead. (If you haven't noticed I have a bit of an over-active imagination.)

This happened once before during the summer, about three days after I got my Jetta. See the lights turn off when you turn off the car, but if you don't flip the switch some current keeps going kills the battery. The fortunate thing is that the first time that it happened K's jumper cables got left in my trunk so I had them. My dad was also only about ten minutes away on his way home from work. So he came over.

Unfourtunaly, my dad has never used his car to jump someones, and couldn't find his battery. So he's looking around for it and fiddling with different things...as my hands go numb and I try to keep from crying thinking about the new gloves on my counter at home. Eventually we found the battery (his is under the floor in the trunk) and jumped the car.

It was minor drama and my the 30 minutes I spent aimlessless driving around letting my battery charge up were more then adaquet to warm up my hands. I am so lucky that I live close enough to my family that I can call them up when I get into these situations! Believe me that is the last time I leave home in the winter without a pair of gloves.

Something(s) to Spice Things Up

I mentioned in my 25 things post that I am not very happy with my job...it's a long story and I am definitely going to post more about it sometime soon. I promise. But for now all you need to know is that I am not happy with it, but sticking with it for the time being, mainly because of the job situation out there is not so good and I am grateful I even still have a job in this economy.

That being said, working all day in a job I dislike then go home to an empty apartment and hanging out by myself all night is starting to really get to me (K goes to law school in the evenings so he doesn't get home until 9:30ish.) The fact that I don't have any close girlfriends in the area doesn't help either. Now I am someone who enjoys being by myself...but I am not a hermit...I also like being around people and doing things (and watching 90210 reruns doesn't count as doing things.) So since I am sticking with my job...for now...I am working on finding some "extracurriculars" to spice up my evenings.

(I hope that doesn't sound like I am considering stripping...although the extra income might be nice.)

Here are some of my ideas:

1)Joining a Book club (I love to read and I think it would be a good way to meet people, the only problem is I have no idea how to find a book club...help if you can.)

2) Zumba (I found some classes nearby and extra exercise would definitely be helpful in trying to lose a few pounds...has anyone tried it?)

3)Get a puppy (ok, ok, this isn't a new idea for me and it is actually going to happen this spring or summer...more on that to come.)

What do you think of my ideas? Does anyone have any others I could look into? I am pretty open as long as it doesn't require too much money. I am going away for part of next week but I plan to start pursuing some of these ideas when I get back.

In other news...this morning I dropped off our lease renewal agreement so we will be living in our apartment for another year. The rent is only going to be $20 more they what we pay now, so $10 for each of us which I am very happy about. I have heard horror stories of rents going up hundreds of dollars in a year and was scared that would happen. We really like our apartment and the apartment complex. I wish we could afford to buy something now, but that is not going to happen...so we are staying put and will re-evaluate when this next lease is up. Plus we don't have to move...yay!...moving is such a pain!