My Wallet!

My life is so exciting I thought I would share! I switched wallets today & thought I would write a post about it! Ok, so I know... It sounds completely lame, but I realized when I was cleaning said wallet out & switching to an even more functional option, how much a purse or a wallet says about a Lady! So here we go!

The current wallet!

Mildly Flashy & Extremely Functional!
I have to say, I have somewhat of a wallet obsession. I am constantly on a mission to find 'The One'. I have yet to find a wallet to change my life, but I'm still hopeful.

Let's take a peak inside, shall we?


Please note my checks. I think the only reason I still use checks to pay bills is because they are just too freaking cute! As you may have noticed, the check pictured is a flyyy giraffe print! I happen to have zebra, tiger, & cheetah also in my repertoire. I may sound old, but I seriously prefer writing checks. I have no idea why. & believe me... I've tried to figure it out!

& let me just stop you right there... I know I have an obscene amount of cards. I am owning it. & frankly, it's alright with me because some of those cards save me enough money to make me feel like I am a financially responsible adult!
I am an easy sell though, really. If you say you have a discount card, I'm signing up. Even if I have no plans of returning to your store in the near future, I'll sign up.
[As a side note-- If any of you are trying to meet a 'quota' of this kind, I'm your girl. I'll sign up for anything as long as it's free!]

While we're here... Does anyone else wonder why Hobby Lobby can't get it together & create a customer rewards program? They may very well be one of the only places I frequent (& I mean frequent,) that I don't have a discount card for. & Target! I know, Target has a credit card, but I'm sorry... I cannot commit to financial ruin & sign up. I may still be mildly irresponsible, but I know when to stop myself. & a Target credit card is a world of trouble I just cannot bring myself to enter! I feel the same about Macy's!!

Ok, so let's explore the cards...
- Kroger Plus -- Typical
- CVS Extra Care Card -- I'm more of a Rite Aid kinda' girl, but like I said, I'm an easy sell.
- Wellness + (Rite Aid) -- I'm not sure what took them so long, but fiiiiinally my loves at Rite Aid created a card for us 'frequent shoppers'!
- G.B. Shoe Warehouse -- Seriously y'all. Seriously. If you don't have one, you must. I think it's 10% off any purchase if you use this card! I could be remembering my sign-up incorrectly, but I'm pretty sure that's the point of the card! & if you've never been to visit G.B. you need to. ASAP. Got a pair of $70+-something Sperry's for like, $30 or $40 bucks last spring. (I happened to hit a sale & had my rewards card!) Not to mention, they have a million other great brands to choose from!
(See this post for further explanation of my shoe 'habit'!)
- Library card -- Whatever. I feel like I'm not really a good person if I don't have one. I rarely visit the public library, although I L-O-V-E reading. I have this weird thing about buying books I love. I get my sights set on a book (after much research to determine that I will for-sure love it,) & just have to buy it. My dream home will have a library (& by 'library' I may or may not mean many shelves in a corner,) & I think buying books instead of 'renting' them from the library, is my way of contributing to this library so I don't have to buy a set of encyclopedias as a filler when the time comes.
- Speedy Rewards card -- Duh. I am definitely a Speedy Rewards points hoarder. I rarely redeem them, but will specifically choose Speedway for my quickie-needs over others because I want to accumulate points! I happen to have a coupon for a free energy shot stowed away, thanks to this card!
- Qdoba card -- I live right up the street from a Qdoba & the amount of free burritos I've earned, (thanks to this card!) is obscene. They also happen to be the only place, besides Cheddar's, that has ri-dic-u-lous chips & queso. I may or may not indulge in their insane guacamole from time to time as well!
- BHG Rewards card -- & last but certainly not least! Ohhh how I adore Bluegrass Hospitality Group! I'm sure many of you know, but BHG is responsible for Malone's, Sal's, Harry's, & Drake's! I so hope they plan to keep expanding because their concept is seriously business-savvy & they have a great market here in Lextown! Want a nice dinner out? Head on over to Malone's or Sal's! Want a casual night with great food/great drinks? Looking for an exquisite patio after a profitable day at Keeneland? Pop on over to Harry's! Feel like dancin' & sippin' some import beers? Drake's is just what the doctor ordered!
*Siiiiigh*
I love you BHG. With a BHG rewards card you earn points that earn you free stuff! You can be a points-hoarder like me, or you can use your points to pay your bar tab! I love it. I whip it out every time I'm there!!

& finally...

My Pop-A-Lock coupons!
Now let me explain... These are all expired. The sweet muffin who removed my keys from my locked car last time gave them to me & I'm utterly terrified to remove them from my wallet.
(Even though they're expired & annoying the daylights out of my OCD de-clutter instincts.)
I have an unfortunate disability that causes me to lock my keys in my car on a bi-weekly basis. I so wish I were kidding. Ok, ok... Not bi-weekly, but close! I actually locked myself out of my house this week... Since we're on the subject! But ever since I've had these coupons, I have yet to lock myself out of my car. [Knock. On. Wood.]
I think it's been like, 5-or-so months since I've done it! I know it's sad, but for me, that's a record! I really think irony has a permanent place in my life, based on prior experience, & I am convinced that if I take these coupons out of my wallet I will follow up with a locked-out experience.
Yes, I know... They're expired, so they really can't help me at all these days but I'm just superstitious that way!

So that's that! The wallet! I might have to think about following up with a purse post! Feel free to share any places that happen to sell a potential 'the one' wallet because I am always searching. So far it's been fruitless, but I have hope!

XOXO Lovies!!

Ca-uuuute!

I was perusing the few blogs I follow & found this little gem! I could wear one of these aaalll summer while I lounge by the pool in our backyard! How cute are these?!



Is it a problem that I'm already picturing myself in one, or all of these? Along with the perfect poolside outfit that I would probably wear while hosting the perfect poolside party? Oh my LANTA! I need Spring/Summer here immediately. I'm already picking out outfits for things that aren't happening yet. But that right there is a need for a mental note if I've ever seen one! ---Plan the perfect pool party so you can pick out the perfect outfit (complete w/ floppy hat, perfect new flippy floppies, & sunglasses!)

I cannot wait to wear all kinds of fun colors, hang out outside for no reason, bake in the sun by the pool, be in a great mood while I'm running nonsense-errands just because it feels amazing outside, & have a great time with great friends this Spring & Summer!

Listing & Lusting!

With Spring on it's way (yes, I am staying positive & doing every no-snow dance I know!) yours truly has been shopping for fun things to make spring even better! Because I'm a massive nerd I tend to make lists. My number one list happens to be a To-Do List, but the 'Things I Must Have' List is a close second & happens to be never ending. Here are a couple of my recent items :)

How sweet are these?! I'm obsessed!!

Let me just say, I LOVE shoes. I quite possibly am a shoe hoarder. What a tacky nick-nack is to a hoarder, a shoe is to me. I can't help it, I see a pair (or two or three!) fall in love, & have to have them. There have been times I blatantly chose a pair of shoes over other obligations... Like bills, gas for the car, food, etc. Irresponsible as it is, I can't help myself. I have a problem!
& let me just be completely honest here... Shoes always fit. No matter what size I am everywhere else, my shoe size stays predictably the same... I. Love. It. Subsequently, there is a massive overflow of shoes in my closet. Well, most of them still fit in there! I think I own more shoes than anything else, actually.

I went to Vegas this past summer & this was my 'Definitely Going to Vegas' pile.
[There are 13 pairs in this pic... For 4 days & 4 nights, just so we're all on the same page.]
(Sorry for poor pic quality.. That was before the iPhone entered my life!)

Problem? Some think so, but I just cannot help myself! I sent the pic to my boo, who was living & waiting for me in Vegas at the time, & he helped me narrow the selection!

Alright, back to my List!

I'm thinking these would be kind of perfect for Keeneland's Spring Meet!!

I also just looooove this!

Personally, I think this is seriously PRESH! If done the right way, it could also be perfect for Keeneland! This top just looks so fresh & lively to me. The exact opposite of ho hum winter-wear!

& as always
THIS sweet baby will always be on my List! Until I have one in my possession of course! I think that just about everyday I send a little style prayer in hopes that the price will drop momentarily so I can buy one! Or that one will just fall into my lap! ;)

& thanks to this stylish chica I've also been looking here for a few spring-y Keeneland options!

Oh Spring, how I love you & wish you would make an appearance in all our lives very soon!

Meanwhile, this is my current state:


:)
Being productive & I love it! Responding to e-mails that are in response to resumes I've sent out! Eee!
Also-- Please note the pink UK coffee cup I am sippin' from! Gotta` support my boys in blue!! They've got a big game tonight & I KNOW we can win it! Unfortunately we all have to look at Bruce Pearl the biggest tool of life in that hideously tacky TN orange blazer. Ick.

Have a great evening my loves! GO CATS!! XOXO <3!!>

Leading a Charmed Life

I ventured to Eastern KY, despite my apprehensions, to visit my grandparents this weekend! My grandma's condition is pretty much day-by-day & is incredibly difficult for all of us. The goal this weekend was making sure she was comfortable & in absolutely no pain for this last leg of her journey here on earth.

While things were incredibly tough, my Faith has grown & my Love for my family, if it was possible, has grown even more. My grandpa, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, is the strongest person I know. He truly perseveres through everything. He has all his life & is such an inspiration. He is amazingly strong & through all the pain has shown his amazing ability to Love.

I pulled out an affirmation book my mom had given me years ago & started reading it. Right now I'm afraid I don't have enough in me to wake up positive every day... I just don't. But I don't want to be a Negative Nancy all the time! Finding something to read every day to just lift my spirits from the start has been so helpful. & I couldn't help but think... How Lucky am I? How Blessed am I? I mean really! I know I'm on a journey right now & I can't foresee the end of it yet, but I know I am truly leading a Charmed Life. <3.

Tough Times Don't Last... Tough People Do.

Alright, so I know the last few posts of mine have been kinda' heavy, so if you're sick of it, skip on to the next blog on your reading list because this is going to be a heavy one. Maybe it's selfish & maybe I'm incredibly self-absorbed, but this blog is my outlet. It serves as a diary for me at times & I usually feel better if I can just get things off my chest. It's late, so it might be short, if that makes those of you rolling your eyes feel any better!

I seriously cannot, for the life of me, figure out what my problem is lately. I have been such a hot mess! I've been sick most of last week & am starting to feel semi-normal today but it has thrown me for a complete loop. Not only was I feeling less like myself before I got sick, but now it's even worse. I hate being sick. I hate not being productive & like anyone, I hate feeling like poo. Unfortunately life still goes on & I had to try & keep up with my regularly scheduled obligations. (I.E. Work... Ugh.) Unfortunately serving is not the kind of job you want to have & be forced to go to when you really need to be taking it easy. Not that any job is, but being on your feet running wings & beer for 6 hours straight to needy people just isn't what a doctor would order. I was on my way to my 5 o'clock shift on Sunday when I just decided, enough is enough. At what point do I say skip it, I need to take care of myself? Well, Sunday was it. I turned around & called the manager on duty & let him know I was sorry, but I just couldn't make it. Needless to say he was annoyed, but I just couldn't let it stress me out... I had to focus on resting & getting well so I could make it to my shifts this week. I come to work today tired, (which seems to be my current state at all times this month,) but still ready to work. Long story longer, a huge black line was marked through my name & all my shifts for the week. Everyone knew but me. Everyone. I talked to the GM, who luckily was there, & he seemed pretty confused by the whole situation as well. The manager who had 'terminated' me hadn't bothered to mention it to his own boss. Awesome. So tomorrow I get to call & ask to come in & talk to the manager who crossed me out & try to see what's up & maybe work it out.

Honestly though.... What else?? I feel like everything is being dumped on me at once. It can't just be one thing, it has to be a million. I hate to be pity-partying all over the place, but mother of pearl. I feel exhausted. I don't even know that I care enough to explain all this nonsense that's been going on to the manager tomorrow, so maybe he'll have some sympathy & work things out with me. I've never been this dramatic, always have crap going on, kind of person. I leave it at home, it never gets in the way of work. Work is one of the things I use to escape any crap that's going on. I mean, I've never been fired from a job in my LIFE. I take work too seriously for that to happen. For crying out loud, I was with one company for 6 years!! & left on my own terms! I don't know... I just feel like as soon as I get the strength to pick myself back up, I fall again.

BUT, I am trusting that everything happens for a reason. If one event has nothing to do with another, & all this just happens in our life for no reason, then I wouldn't be the person I am today. None of us would. It's going to be a tough time for me for a little longer I think, but deep down I know I'm strong & I know I can make it through. I have my family, my health-ish ;), friends & a man who love me... As long as I have that as my base, I can make it through anything! A great quote I love... "It's not how many times we fall in life, it's how many times we RiSE." & like the title of this post says... Tough times don't last. They really don't... I've been through some serious shiz before & I know it doesn't last forever. I'm in the thick of some tough times now, but I'm a tough person so I will last!!

Ok now, I'm not going to leave you completely hanging... I do have something positive to post! I am a substitute teacher for Fayette Co. (what a joke, right? ME... Hot mess & all influencing the young & impressionable minds of KY,) & if I could do it full time, I totally would. But getting called in for jobs just doesn't happen as regularly as I need it to. But I've got one for tomorrow!!! Get to go back to my Creek Dawgs & sub for 9-12 grade English classes! YAY!!! That's sure to lift my spirits because I LOVE getting up & going to substitute teach!! :)))

XO Lovies.. Hope I wasn't too depressing!!

SATC - Like a Bible

I can't tell you how many times Sex & the City has given me insight on life, or helped me see a situation in a different &, most of the time, clearer light. I know it sounds lame, because it's just a tv show (&, ahem, 2 movies,) but sometimes I see so much of myself in those women. Their struggles, trials, tribulations, & sometimes even their triumphs. I think a lot of women can, really. If I owned the seasons on DVD (Why don't I, anyway? Mental note: Add to shopping list!) I would be able to watch them, & depending on where I was in my life, gain something each time I watched. It's just always so current... The issues I mean. Sorry SJP, but your hair in the first couple episodes just doesn't translate to 2011. Which brings me to this little gem I found on a friend's blog. I've read the quote before, but it resonated with me more today than ever before. This goes perfectly with my post from last night! See below!!


XOX Lovies!!

New Year, New me!

Happy 2011!!

So every year I pretty much avoid resolutions... My follow-through is pretty lacking. But this year is a different year & my life is a lot different then it used to be. Lately I feel like I'm not really myself... Almost like I don't know who I am anymore. So much is changing, I am in such an odd place. A place I never thought I would be in a million years. Bo & I are happy, but like any couple that's been together for a significant amount of time, we struggle sometimes. We've been together for 4 years, almost 4 & 1/2, & sometimes I wonder if moving in together when we did was the right thing. I miss my independence... I miss (some things) about living apart. I was completely self sufficient. I needed no one & did everything on my own. I am in no way sick of Bo, nor do I feel like we never have enough time to ourselves, or any of the common complaints of couples living together. I just miss having a place of my own. Really, all I have is my room & even that is in "Bo's" house. Maybe I'm crazy but I've never lived alone, & parts of me want that so much. But what's the point? Like Bo said; if we can't live together now, then we shouldn't even get married. But at the same time, what's the harm in backing off a little? Not because I feel like our relationship needs to take a step back, but that I do. Like I said, I've never lived alone... I lived at home, lived in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate (what a learning experience,) & then moved in with Bo. Sometimes I wonder if that was smart. But I will say one thing... I thought long & hard about moving in with him. It was a huge decision, as it should have been, & because I plan to marry him & spend the rest of my life with him, & because I can say that with confidence & assurance (& happiness!) I moved in & really, had & have, no plans of moving out. But there is that part of me that wonders what another year could have hurt. He's in no rush, I'm in no rush, really. What was another year? Maybe two?

But the thing is, I don't particularly care about living alone... I don't feel crowded, I don't feel unhappy here, I really couldn't ask for a better situation than living with my best friend in the world, the person whom I love & who loves me more than I deserve, & really, the best roommate I could dream up. I just feel like the fact that this is not my own roof that I'm keeping over my own head, completely on my own, has caused me to lose part of myself. I have lost pride in myself, confidence in myself, the self-respect I always had & never failed to remind myself of when I felt down & out. I don't think I was cocky, but I was sure of myself. Sure of my abilities & my life in general. Now I'm kind of confused.

I've noticed since I left the office ('the' office... Whole other story that we just don't have time for,) I have lost structure in my life. I am a lot happier, don't get me wrong... I haaaated that job with a passion, but so much has changed since I left there. It's like that was the one constant, the one thing that would never change & now it has & everything has just up & changed with it. Maybe the whole 'living on my own' thing is selfish. But I can't help what I feel, I guess.

But like the title of this post says; New Year, New Me! I plan to be completely honest with myself this year. That is my one resolution. No matter how much it scares me, I will be honest with myself about absolutely everything. I feel like I need to spend more time getting to know myself & spend more time, really, deciding who I am & the person I want to be. Maybe that's why I feel like I'm in an odd place in my life... I'm wondering more & more who I am, who I'm becoming, & if I'm making the right choices. All the time I'm afraid I'm making mistakes, second guessing myself left & right. I feel like if I'm honest with myself, always, I won't feel this way about absolutely everything anymore. Definitely a good goal for me to start the year out with, I think!

I was off all day today (what a tuh-reat!) & I spent some time relaxing, shopping, & now I plan to do a little cleaning. I get really motivated at night, when most are already in bed. I'm not sure why, but I'm using it to my advantage!

XOXO