The Long Road Home and the Journey that Made it Worthwhile

I haven't blogged in so long! It may take a minute or a few to get back into the swing of it. So much has transpired over the last year. It's crazy to think that this time last year I had moved to Huntsville and was opening a store. Now, I'm back in Birmingham and work for Chanel! It's been a long road but the journey was well worth it. I learned a lot and grew so much both emotionally and spiritually.

God is so amazing! I learned how to let go and just trust and have faith. Over the past year, I've experienced a peace like no other while at the same time experiencing hurdles and land mines for what seemed like every step of the way. I moved to Huntsville for a job but what I got was fired. That job opened the door to a whole new world for me. Financially, I was completely unstable and broke which I had never been before, physically, I had become run and beat down and I was emotionally exhausted by all the effort that I was giving and not receiving anything back in return. It did however lead me in the path of community service. I felt drawn to serve and found a new home and family at Manna House and my life will never be the same.

Manna House is an amazing organization that provides food, hygiene, clothing and other necessities to those in need. I began volunteering once a week and before I knew it, I was there almost every time the door was open. I looked forward to going and serving and I enjoyed volunteering more than being at work. There was just something so humbling about being there and being surrounded by people who had such amazing life stories and who had overcome so much, and people who were just trying to survive. It definitely put things into perspective and made me more grateful for things that I did have and not focus on the things that I didn't have but was used to having. It makes you realize that it could always be worse and that all that you have can be taken away just as easily as it was given to you.

After I got fired, I poured my all into Manna House. It was worth so much more than just getting a pay check. It's crazy to me that serving and giving of my time was so rewarding to me. I felt like I was the one  gaining from my time there because I felt so fulfilled. It helped to give me peace and it taught me to love in a different way. All of you who know me, know that I am a spoiled rotten brat who judges people on how pretty they are. Now, imagine me serving homeless people who live under bridges and walk everywhere they go, people who live in government funded homes, people who live with multiple families under one roof. And not only did I serve them, but I talked to them, I prayed with them and I came to love them.

Fran, the director of Manna House and someone who is so dear to my heart, one day said, "This is my Africa." Because her doors are open, thousands of people in the Huntsville area are fed weekly, families are provided with food that they otherwise would not have. She runs a PERKS program from the warehouse so that children get enough food in their backpacks to make it through the weekend. She is an incredible woman and a loving friend and I know that if I can be half the woman that she when I grow up, that I will have achieved more than I deserve. Fran also introduced me to some fantastic people which led me to some free lance work that I could do until my lease was up.

Now, I'm back in Birmingham and within a week of moving back, I already had a job. I work for Chanel cosmetics and love my boss (who is also my long time friend, Jared!) I feel so lucky to have been able to experience and be a part of something so extraordinary even if what led me there wasn't ideal. It all worked out for the good. God's plan is greater than my own (thank goodness!) Which leads me to my conclusion which is the whole reason I started blogging tonight and that is that everything happens for a reason and will bring you full circle into your destiny.

The last twelve months of my not so professional career...

Wow, it’s been forever since I last blogged! Do you ever feel like so much has happened however you’re in the same position as you were back when? If so, you can relate and if not, then lucky you. The reason that I am now blogging is because I currently have an amazing amount of free time.

So, welcome to my world! On Friday, just eight days before Christmas, I got fired. Merry Christmas! Yes, that was some sarcasm but it was also one of the things that I was required to say when answering the phone and giving salutations to customers at my last place of employment. (My RVP actually greeted me that way knowing that I was about to be fired. I’m working on being more of a lady even though I have the mouth of a sailor so you can only imagine some of the things that I’m holding back right now.) Merry Christmas because that’s what Christians say; not happy holidays or season’s greetings but Merry Christmas because we celebrate the birth of Christ. Hi pot meet kettle. It turns out that the birth of Christ is more like the bottom line and being able to drive sales in a downward spiraling economy, at least that’s what I’m being led to believe based on the recent decisions made by the company that I used to work for. For the record, I’m experiencing a peace like I haven’t felt since before I began this job and I truly believe that this is a blessing and that better things are on their way. So here we go...

Last year, around this same time, I had just given my notice at one job and decided to accept another job taking a major pay cut but knowing in my heart that I was doing the right thing. I fasted for two weeks to make sure that my heart was right and that I was in fact doing the right thing. They say (I’m not exactly sure who ‘they’ are but I know I’ve heard this said before by people) usually if it’s God directing you it’s something that you question and don’t just jump on the wagon after. Almost $10K less annually and no health benefits really made me think about what I was contemplating. (Benefits were supposed to be in place within 3-6 months. “Supposed to be” being the operative phrase.) But, the idea was something that I just couldn’t shake. Confirmation was thick in the air all around me. So, I changed jobs and miraculous things began to happen. All of my needs were provided for and I was able to give like I had never given before.

Several months later I felt like I was about to move. I knew that the company had a new store opening in Huntsville but nothing had been mentioned about me going there. I just had that feeling once again, and knew that I was going to be moving to Huntsville, not that I wanted to, but that’s where I was supposed to be. A few weeks later, I got an offer and in May, I uprooted from Birmingham and moved to the Rocket City. The store opened Memorial Day weekend and we hit the ground running. We were well received by the city and did some amazing numbers throughout the summer. By mid August we were already at the half mil mark for volume. But, when summer began to wane so did our customers and our volume. I had some really good days in the months to come but those good days can’t make up for all of the terrible, horrible, not so good days. The sales plans were set high and in my opinion unrealistic for a new store in a new market.

Months went by and we weren’t making our numbers. It’s hard to sell to people who aren’t present. Things began to spiral downhill, my morale, happiness and job satisfaction, just to name a few. I had no support from my RVP who never answered his phone and whose voicemail was always full. The only time he contacted me was to pull associates from my store to travel and do new store openings.

The little things (like still not having benefits, for one) began to build up and add to my current state of discontentment. My personal state began to be altered and not in a good way. When your work makes you lose your religion and need an altar at least once a week, it’s probably time for a change. The straw that broke my back was the day that I realized my assistant made $44 less than me per week. My pride was hurt and my heart was broken; I felt foolish, under appreciated and taken advantage of.

Money was an issue from day one. I took a massive pay cut because I knew that it was a new company with a good concept and that my hard work would pay off and I would one day, when the company was more solid, make what I knew that I should. The offer for Huntsville was low and negotiated to the point that I was told it was no longer negotiable. They said that what was offered was more than fair not to mention the percentage increase above what I was then making as well as a friendly reminder that I had only been with the company for a few months and was now being given this amazing opportunity. It was one thing to not be making a competitive salary when I thought that everyone else was on a similar pay scale but it’s a whole different story when you find out that you are the only one being underpaid. Especially when you think about the 45-60 hours that you are working in comparison to the 38-41 hours an assistant works not to mention the difference in the amount of accountability and responsibility that comes with being a store manager versus an assistant.

I was livid. The more that I thought about the situation the more my blood boiled. I came home that night broken and angry and wrote a letter of resignation. I never turned it in; it just didn’t feel right. I continued going to work and just let it go. I knew that there would be a right time to bring it up but until then I would continue to do my job to the best of my abilities. We hit $1 mil within a few days of our 6 month mark. To me that’s quite an accomplishment to be the 3rd store in the entire company and to be in a new location. But at that time we were already 200k (17%) behind plan for the year.

Last Friday, a day that I will always remember because it will most likely be the only day ever, at least I hope, to have been fired. They sent the new guy, Director of Stores is what I believe is his title (who is also the daddy of store #4’s SSM) to do the dirty work. He lured me in the back with his “I’d like to get to know you/meet and greet” tactics. It was quick, like the removal of a bandaid or hair removal wax. He led by saying that as I am already aware, the store is not meeting projected sales goals and I have been unable to drive sales. It was unanimously decided that they, the company, would be going in a new direction as far as store management effective immediately and that I was being terminated. As he spoke, my RVP sat in silence witnessing the entire thing like he had been castrated and was choking on his balls. Side note: He was probably wishing that the corporate recruiter, who it is rumored that they are having an affair, was sucking on his balls. Bad me. See it just slips out sometimes-no matter how hard I try. But yeah, Friday, just eight days before Christmas, that’s when I got fired. Merry Christmas!

So an entire year later, with lots of memorable experiences and several learning curves, I am in the same position: in between jobs just as I was last year. Weird how that happens...like Groundhog Day. Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my world. Either you’ll relate or appreciate the going ons in your own world a little more ;)

And like GloZell says, “Peace an blessins, peace an blessins!”

For Love or for Money

I used to always joke around and say that I would be married multiple times. I would marry first for money and later for love so that I could have the best of both worlds. It's funny in an ironic way because in a way I was kind of right. Though I haven't yet been legally married, not even once, I have experienced the choices of love or money in my career choices. What I have learned through these experiences I will definitely carry into my relationship choices. (And the fact that there was old Jeff and he made me realize that I could not by definition be a gold digger or have a sugar daddy. For sure! Money was not THAT important and other things DO count!)

I am happier now than I have ever been before and I make less money than I ever have before. When I accepted my current position, I said that God was taking away my beer money. I guess that could still be true but I go out and enjoy life just as much if not more on my tighter budget. Maybe, also, because I have re-prioritized my life and things that used to be important aren't that important anymore. I also realized that when I did have a lot more money I didn't use/spend it very wisely so I'm learning how to do that now.

I am doing something that I have always loved doing but I am doing it in an environment and with a company that is so incredibly different and inspiring that I can't help but be inspired myself. The traits that I desire in a husband are the some of the many traits that I have found in my job which leads me to believe that I am on the right track.

I am a SATC fan and Carrie once asked in her column "Can we have it all?" I have awesome friends and an awesome job. I'm still waiting for that third thing, so in some ways I'm in her shoes and in other ways I totally wish I were! (Blahnik, Choo and Louboutin are not in the budget.)

So for love or for money, I'm choosing love and hoping the money will come.

In the Bonds and Out in the City

2011 has been an awesome so far and I know that it has just begun. So, I don't want to jinx it but I'm going to say it anyways. The last couple of weekends have been crazy amazing and filled with awesome people and fun times to the max! Yes, there's been some drama but that's life and it's overall been good, real good. So this past weekend we celebrated a milestone, ZN's 20th year anniversary. That means DG reunion! Whoop whoop! Fargher came from Cali, Tidmore from the Big Apple and Smiles from the PCB. Even locals that don't come out made an appearance. Look out, the girls are back in town! We had a blast and I have the pictures to prove it. (Be afraid girls, be very afraid.)

Let me also mention that amongst us were several pregnant women and dinner was a buffet. That being said there was almost a brawl over a misunderstanding of cannoli, one was trying to dance her baby out and the other was reminiscing about how she tried to convince a student to give her her baby if she didn't want it.

Later in the evening, Fargher gave in and decided to try and work out the crick in Tiff's neck. This caused some rubbernecking not because it was odd but because sounds were being made like that off of a homemade porno. Names were being screamed and there were many "oooooohs" and "ahhhhhhhs" and "right theres" and "don't stops." And that's how the toot it and boot it convo happened!

Randomness From A West Coast Cutie

F: "Toot it and boot it, you know what that is, right?"

Everyone else: "Huh?"

F: "You know, hump it and dump it? F$@! and chuck"

Everyone else: "Umm, no"

F: "It's a song, but more than a song. It's my life motto!"

Oh, I forgot about the meat! After the massage and before the toot it and boot it, Fargher picked up a piece of cubed meat. She held it in her hand and looked Mayree square in the face. She then asked her "You want some meat" and opened her hand to reveal the cube. So gross and so funny all at the same time!

Last call means let's move this party elsewhere. So at last call we decided to move on. A request had been made earlier in the evening for fruitloops. I made the call in the car and they were chilled and waiting for us upon arrival. Little to no shenanigans were had this weekend just fun times to be remembered. Shenanigans were last weekend but that's a whole other story!

A Common Tread

Since totaling P. Soph, I have been on a car hunt for the past several weeks. For those who know me, I’ve been on a man hunt all of my life and and more recently and specifically a husband hunt. Tonight the light bulb came on bright and I realized that there is a common thread in my taste for cars and men. Wait for it. Wait. Boom! High maintenance and unreliable but they look oh so good! In both aspects I’m always advised against what I want for those reasons (maybe not exactly in those words but it all boils down to about the same thing.) After this wonderful epiphany, I am left thinking about my options. Car options specifically because that is priority right now. And did I mention I’m trying to stay within a very limited budget? Yes, you heard right. That’s what I said. Me, on a budget! Absurd, right? It’s difficult but I’m going to do it; I’ve got my mind set and that’s all. I still want to believe that on the topic of both man and car there is something that is attractive, dependable and reasonably maintainable close to home and within what I am willing to give. So the search continues... Wish me luck ‘cause I’m gonna need all I can get!

It's so hard not to stare but I don't wanna be gang banged...

So here I am in the dirty dirty gulf. Literally people, I'm in Gulfport, Mississippi. I'm here for training. Yay! I'm no longer unemployed! (insert happy dance) Now, take away the happy dance and focus on where I just said that I am. Okay, back to reality. After training for 12 hours today I decided that I needed a margarita and I wanted some Mexican food for dinner. I mentally prepare myself to do this all alone and get to the restaurant only to realize that they close in about 10 minutes. I get in my car and leave because surely there's another Mexican restaurant somewhere close. Nope. Nothing besides 2 Taco Bells. So I U-turned it for the 2nd time in like 30 minutes and decided on an Applebee's.

1. I knew there was a bar

2. I knew they would still be serving food and

3. Because it happens to be close to my hotel.

So I get out of the car and get majorly stared down by some sketch looking white guy talking on his cell phone outside. I go in and sit at the bar with open seats on both sides of me. On my right is an average looking white guy with a weird mole thing on his face reminding me a little of Jeff, not old Jeff, the young really bad set-up one. And to my left 4 or 5 big dudes that resembled part of any football team's defensive line. As I sat down I heard all kinds of noises and comments coming from the guys to my left and I told myself that they were talking about stuff on the menu. Then sketch from outside comes in and sits to my left between me and 'the team.' Sketch starts talking to 'the team' and I decipher that he is a cross between nascar and a slim shady wannabe. His convo consists of words like boi and aight and wit and da. For real I heard him say, "Mān (sounds like: main) this be off da chains" and he was talking to 'the team' about Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and some beef they've got going on. Mole guy leaves. I order a drink. The bartender must know that I am totally out of place and brings me a shaker full of goodness! Slim Nascar Shady leaves. I happened to look to my left and swear that dude is smiling at me with a glow in the dark grill! I wanted so bad to look again but thought to myself, "Don't do it! Straight ahead, just look straight ahead." It was so hard not to stare, but at the same time I didn't wanna get gang banged! So I did what any girl in her right mind would do...

I finished off my shaker of goodness, paid my tab and high-tailed it out of there!

GBT 2010: The Tradition Continues

What is equivalent to SEC football? A tradition as sacredly honored as Auburn and Alabama tradition? That’s right, there’s just one thing: our yearly GIRLS’ BEACH TRIP!!! To some, it’s just fun but to most it’s a week of sanity, laziness, lushiness and great company. For any who have had the chance to join us on our yearly adventure, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And for those who have never been initiated into our tradition you can only hope to be invited in the future. (Depending on the economy we may start accepting bribes! lol)

I, alone, am a force to be reckoned with, so just imagine me with some of my nearest and dearest! All year long, we look forward to this one week . It’s our grown-up Christmas. I say this because as a child you look forward to Christmas and as you get older you still enjoy the holiday but you realize that Christmas has strings. It’s not just Santa Claus and being good all year-or at least just from Thanksgiving on. It becomes about gift giving and excessive spending and parties and stuff that you never had to worry about as a kid. So, our beach trip is like Christmas. Strings are cut. Husbands and boyfriends are left behind. Just a week of pure enjoyment. You want Swiss Cake Rolls and beer for breakfast, you got it! Wanna snack all day without counting calories, consider it done! Get a massage, shop, and watch a Jersey Shore marathon? That’s what we’re here for! From trashing dresses and dancing like Beyonce on the beach to stealing, I mean borrowing, bicycles for photo shoots. We do what we want!

This year the trip was a little different than most because our trip coincided with another trip planned from some Birmingham local boys. So for one day and one day only our girls’ trip was invaded by two dingleberries. (I know what dingleberries are but I use the term out of context because I like it and think that it’s fun to say. So to me it’s a term of endearment.) The boys came and played for the day. There were drinks, shenanigans on a small scale and we even got in the ocean!

**Side note: We are pool girls! I think that this was the first year that any of us have gotten in the ocean more than ankle deep.

cont...Like I said, drinks: self explanatory; shenanigans on a small scale: oh, yes! Stories to be told. Alcohol, game and a pole...an unexpected combination?

Got you feeling loose...Got you in the zone Blame it on the a a a a a alcohol Blame it on the a a a a a a alcohol. That being said (NG)² was getting her flirt on (slurring about the Russians!) and stubbed her toe on a structural pole. A more expected version of the unexpected combination. There was also a mini version of a one handed bra unclasping competition, but that was random and is a little fuzzy. And then, there was the ocean. MB and I do not like getting in the lake and do not do it unless totally necessary. We have similar feelings towards the ocean. But, when your day starts off with alternating Fruit Loop and Jello shots the day becomes an unexpected blur of things you might not do sober. Thus the ocean. We got in and stayed in for quite awhile and admittedly had a fun time. We were in the company of Tiff and the boys and had some interesting conversations about sharks, my epic fail on match making, politics and the fact that Lukie-doo was trying to snorkel with the straw from one of his many margaritas.

...Now put your hands up Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,oh Thats, right! Beyonce’s Single Ladies got danced on the beach in broad daylight. Two white girls just shakin’ what their mamas gave ‘em! This was after a karaoke performance of Aretha’s A Natural Women performed by our own “30 year old (kind of, but not really) virgin,” (NG)². All of this singing and dancing attracted quite a crowd. One man in particular, was a neighboring beach squatter who took very kindly to us. He was a the kind of major creeper that if you saw him at night you might conclude that he could quite possibly be homeless. This assessment could also be made in the daylight. He was leathered and rough looking and trying to bum cigarettes and beer from us. He scooted closer and continued to try and have conversation with us. He finally got the message and left. Shortly after, we too packed up and went in to get ready for year two of “Trash the Dress.”

Girls’ Beach Trip began the summer of ’07. Since then, there have been some changes, like location, the participants and marital statuses. The last of these things spawned its own little tradition. Stuff happens and “happily ever after” doesn’t always work out like Disney taught us to believe. But as adults you have to accept these kinds of things and move on. Last year was the first year that a wedding dress was trashed. It belonged to a divorcée who had just a week prior met her soon to be next husband. The old dress was trashed and less than a year later she was in a new dress. This year, just weeks after the final divorce decree, the dress of another was trashed. This ceremony of sorts, is liberating and auspicious to moving forward and doing it in a way that is fun and memorable with people who you know will always stand next to you when you’re wearing a white dress no matter what the circumstance.

Verde’s Clues also began this year in the car on the way to the beach. MB and I received a joint gift of a green notebook and a sparkly glittery pen. The purpose was to keep track of all of the crazy things that often come out of our mouths during our girl trip adventures. Let it be known that during this time sensors and filters do not exist. So with a newly wed, a ‘trying to get pregnant on purpose,’ a nympho, a virgin and two might-as-well-be virgins...Verde’s Got Some Sexually Frustrated Clues!

• I just suck and swallow.
• The door does close, just in case...
• ...the touch of wood
• Oh, my! I only have on my pj’s and no bra.
• That’s okay all you have to do is pump.
• I wanna make a transaction; swap some funds...
• Your penis isn’t on the radar either...she can’t see it coming.
• I don’t just go one way, I go multiple ways.
• This won’t come/cum (hmm) in my mouth.
• JMJ 2010: Jesus Mayree and Jello
• That spoon would not lead to a fork.
• I can’t swallow those big ones.
• I’m drunk. I think I like those hornsberry things.
• Are you’re panties wet? Oh dear, It’s all wet!
• Throw that shit over a bush.
• It’s so cool and smooth. I just wanna waller all over you.
• I wanna get on and ride it.
• I can still taste it in my mouth!
• It’s different in your mouth. It’s thick and slimy.

So there you go! Sometimes Verde's Clues could not be located. And to think that those were just things that we remembered to write down. It was, as always, a very memorable-of what we actually remember-epic adventure! Until next year...

The Signs

Her reputation is very well known throughout the community and is synonymous for being ‘one of those’ difficult kind of women. I, being from a different community, outside of The Village had no idea, but was very quick to find out. I was referred to her by a friend who’s intentions were golden because she too was from outside The Village and did not know the extent of Queen-stein’s way.

An interview was scheduled and I met with the P & Q-stein. The interview went well and was full of fluff and empty promises for a promising future that would never come. Towards the end of our first meeting Penis-stein gave me some “fatherly advise” about my resume. It was a modern format where your contact information is located at the bottom of the page. He did not pay attention to that detail and advised that contact information should be somewhere on the resume. I then informed him that it was and that he had just overlooked it.

The second interview was different and very nonconventional. I was asked to manually write a merchandise ticket, a sales ticket and to gift wrap a package. Now, is it just me or can most people old enough to drive do these things? I am a college educated adult who has been in the workforce for almost a decade and this was my second interview. The job at hand solely depended on my handwriting and gift wrapping skills! At the end of this session I was asked in the office and offered a position and a salary. I accepted. I can only say in my defense that I was blinded at the time by the sweetness of a 9:30 to 6 workday and rarely a Sunday. Anyone ever working in retail knows that this is a very desirable schedule. I’ve even heard it referred to as Retail Heaven.

In the beginning, I thought it was odd that everyone was so concerned about how my day was and how I liked my job. It may too have been the way that they asked in such an inquisitive way. For several days, I just thought that everyone was being so kind and welcoming. In hindsight I realize that these were red flags and I being so naive missed every single one of them!

At first, it was all nice and way too easy. You’ve heard the phrase “Too good to be true.” That’s exactly what it was. I went from being treated to lunches at least once a month and small treats here and there to being reprimanded for using expensive ribbon on a sale package. Expensive being defined as ribbon that she purchased versus ribbon that was provided to her from the store that we co-habited within.

There was one instance in particular that I consider the beginning of the end. I had only been working for a few months and it was getting close to holiday time. She was in her office and I was helping a customer with some sale merchandise. The customer requested that the purchase be gift wrapped so after ringing the sale I began wrapping. She came out of her office and saw the customer that I was helping and saw that I was wrapping a gift. She looked at the ticket to see what I had sold as I was finishing the bow. I gave the customer their package, thanked them for coming in and wished them a happy holiday. As they exited the store she turned, looked at me and snapped,

“I know them. That was sale. You used the wrong paper and too much ribbon and you gave them a sticker. Sale items should be wrapped in store paper not my paper and store ribbon not my ribbon. And they should not get a my sticker on their package! You shouldn’t wrap sale items. Don’t waste your time wrapping sale items. They can wrap it themselves. They already got a discount on it.”

Shocked and feeling like the wind had been knocked out of me, I just stood there searching for words and reason for this ridiculousness. Finally I was able to muster up an okay all the while thinking this woman is going absolutely nuts over 1/8 of a piece of tissue paper, a foot and a half of ribbon and a sticker! Are you kidding me? Shut the front door! Only after reiterating this several times to make sure that I fully understood did she then go back into her office.

About ten minutes later I greeted another customer who was also looking at the sale merchandise. She made a purchase and requested that I gift wrap the item. Still raw from just being reamed about this I politely said no and explained that I could only wrap regular priced merchandise. She said that was fine, she understood, took her package and left. Queen-stein comes out of her office and inquires about the sale. She looks at the ticket and asks if I gift wrapped the package. I answered, “No, she asked and I told her the policy.” She then tells me that I should have wrapped the package. She knows her a long time and I should always wrap her package whether it is sale or not because she likes that customer.

At this time, the appointed Store Manager, Bridget, steps up to bat for me. She has witnessed both of my reprimands and explains to Queen-stein that I am new and I was just doing as I was told. She also said that the rules that are made should apply to everyone so that there is no confusion. As Bridget is talking, Queen-stein is snarling and biting her tongue and it looked as though her head were going to detach from her body and explode into a neighboring galaxy. About half way through Bridget’s plea for me, she got cut off and reprimanded herself for arguing about the rules. She was then confronted as to whether she felt ill because she had an attitude and obviously didn’t want to be at work. Then she was told to go home. She retaliated saying that she felt fine and there was no reason to go home. She had just wanted to clarify the rules. She was not ill and she would work until the end of the day. Go Bridget!

Shortly after this confrontation, Bridget and I were summoned by Queen-stein and told that we could gift wrap using our own discretion. But at the same time being told to only use the ‘good’ ribbon and paper for regular merchandise only, unless it was a finer piece of sale merchandise. These packages were allowed a sticker too. Lucky them.

That day was the first of many days that her true colors came out and were visible through her wardrobe of black. And on several occasions after this, the rules of gift wrap were amended. The gift wrap rule and all of the rules, I quickly learned, could be changed at the drop of dime. I attribute this particular incident as the one where the hatred of my job truly began to take root.

New Blogs

Hey guys! Thank you for following my blog! I hope that you enjoy sharing my experiences as much as I enjoyed having them. I know that I haven't blogged in awhile but I want to try something new. My work situation is less than ideal and my employers totally stress me out over nothing. So as a release, some of my blogs will now be work related. I am changing names so that people will remain somewhat anonymous. I plan to still write about my personal social experiences and hope that you will enjoy some of my work experiences too. I promise they are quite entertaining!

Tasha Pace

In all of my retail experience never have I met anyone that can hold a flame to Tasha Pace. This woman is one-of-a-kind and thank goodness for that! She was in her late 70’s when I first met her but you would never know it except for the fact that she told everyone proudly exactly how old she was or was about to be. She was loud and proud and expressed her opinion whether it was wanted or not. Her motto was that when you get to a certain age you can say whatever you want and she did just that! She never said what that age was but it was implied that she had reached it.

One of my first encounters with Tasha was right after I had begun working in a small family owned high end retail store. She was like a fixture in the store, having worked there for over 30 years. I had heard stories and been warned but had yet to find out for myself. About two weeks in to my new job, I was having lunch in the break room. There was a good crowd in there of about 6 people one of which was Tasha. She was critiquing my lunch and inquiring why I was not eating meat. I told her that I was a vegetarian and hadn’t eaten meat in over ten years. Her response was “Nah! You’re not a vegetarian. All the vegetarians I know are stick thin and have good skin!” Remember again that she is loud and proud. Everyone went quiet, mouths dropped and there was a moment of silence. Then she says, “I mean you do have pretty skin but you’re Asian so it’s in your genes.” More silence. I began laughing. I mean, what else could I do? People around me started immediately apologizing for her and trying to save face. And the more that they tried the more adamant she was about defending herself and saying that she was just speaking from her own experience.

Over time, you learn to love Tasha. She means well...most of the time. And sometimes she just doesn’t think that there is anything wrong with what she says. She tells people all the time that they should wear makeup and fix themselves up. Or she gives them unwanted advise about how they should wear their hair or what they can do to make themselves look better. One of the things that she is constantly preaching is to young married women about how to make their marriage work.

“Don’t you ever say no! Don’t deny your man of sex. When he wants it, give it to him. That’s why I’ve been happily married for so many years! That’s the key. If you’re not giving it to him, you better believe he’s gonna get it from someone else! You gotta keep your man happy. I mean really! They’ve got needs and it’s your duty to take care of them”

And, oh dear, when the shocking story of Tiger Woods and his numerous affairs was released and making headlines she blamed his wife for his adulterous behavior. She said, “See I tell you girls all the time, you gotta keep your man happy. I bet she denied him and he went somewhere else.”

I did not and still do not agree with her opinions on this matter so I rebutted. I simply stated that in your wedding vows you do not vow to have sex whenever your spouse wants however you do vow to be faithful until death do you part. Then asked if she though his wife was still in the wrong. That was pretty much the end of that conversation.

Every night Tasha has a scotch and water before bed. Sometimes she gets up in the middle of the night to watch soft porn on Cinemax and occasionally she goes the extra mile and orders some Pay Per View. One day she was telling the story about how she couldn’t sleep and had gotten up to watch some television. After some channel flipping she stopped on an awards show. It happened to be an awards show for porn. She proceeded to tell everyone about some of the categories in which people were nominated. That was way too much information that she was sharing. Oh, let me also mention that about 90% of these conversations took place in the break room while people were trying to eat. I am shocked that more people didn’t choke while eating their lunch. Some people just lost their appetites and ended up not eating at all.

I’ve heard stories about her whole life; from her first experience using a tampon to her discovery of the martini. And still to this day she’ll tell you, “Martinis make me horny!” She loves life and life loves her. And again, thank goodness there’s only one Tasha Pace.

My Road Trip/ Vacation

Day 1: Mullets, Mayhem and Much Much More!

Mullet sightings galore! ...And I’m not talking about the fish! That’s right, I’ve been in the one and only Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s a great place for people watching and the things you see are priceless! I saw many a mullet and tons of people whose days, I’m sure, ended with 6 Flags Rash. Obesity at it’s best roaming up and down the streets with funnel cakes, fudge, taffy and caramelized and candied fruit in every hand! A pleasant mix of lovers, adulterers and families filled the streets and shops for a good time. Some searching for the perfect place to buy their newest personalized t-shirt to forever remember their vacation to the mountains while others roamed aimlessly into shops filled with over-priced junk and knock-off handbags. This was my observation just from sitting outside having dinner. On the patio, dining nearby...Spotted. Cute locals. A table of talent sitting right in front of my very eyes. Three unmarried and decently cute guys. Daydreaming about the fun that could be had...then back to reality! No ‘single me fun’ can be had, I’m with Josie and Robert! A fog of disappointment overcomes me for just a moment and then I realize maybe this is a blessing in disguise. So I eat my salad and occasionally glance at the nearby table. Several times, eye contact was made with the guys and then they left. Shortly after, we were finished with dinner and left too. The potential of fun times for me had just slipped right through the cracks. After a brisk walk and a trolley ride I was ready to turn in for the night.

Day 2: A Wandering Mind

Today was spent mostly driving. I slept in until around 10:30, got up, got ready and went to lunch with Josie and Robert. I shopped a bit and then hit the road. When the speed limit is only 65 and there are state troopers EVERYWHERE (thank goodness for cruise control!), 400 miles is a lot of road and lots of time for your mind to wander. I did a lot of thinking about life in general and all of the different scenarios that could happen; the choices that could lead to the future and the end result of those decisions. Then I received a random voice note and those always bring me joy! They just make me smile. (And it’s been a long while since I’ve gotten one.) I dilly dallied at a store on the way to Virginia that we used to stop at when I was a little kid. And then later, dilly dallied at WalMart before finally arriving at my destination. Now I am blogging and stealing internet and have no phone service. Disconnected from the world I know. I am officially in the country! The city life that I know is nonexistent for the next few days and I’m okay with that.

Day 3: Up and Down and Round and Round

My day began with an early voice note from a Morgan Freeman impersonator with a Driving Miss Daisy pun, lol! He knows for sure that I need a driver just like Miss Daisy! The majority of my day was spent driving up and down and around mountains. I did Pipers Gap, Lambskin Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was AWESOME!!! I couldn’t help but think that BMW should do a commercial driving down some of the mountains that I drove down today. The winding roads and hairpin curves, the amazing view; totally commercial material. I visited with some of my most adoring fans and got a great rosary from a little vintage store in a town called Independence. I also ate entire dog basket like any fat girl would. For those of you unfamiliar with the dog basket it is a must have when visiting North Carolina. There’s a little place called O’dells, a car hop, and my dad used to work there when he was a teenager. It is still in business and is an original version of something like a Sonic but way mo’ betta! A dog basket consists of two dogs and fries. They have sundaes and sodas and the good kind of ice. It’s super cheap and oh so good! So to sum up my day: I had an ultimate driving experience and ate like a fat girl! I LOVE being on vacation!

Day 4: SC Bound

Today I drove down the mountain to North Carolina for a little visit before heading southbound. Upon arriving I realized that no one was home. I had "Goldilocks" moment except I didn't eat porridge or take a nap. Instead, I entertained myself with a solo photo shoot outside around the house. I was heading to the garden for a change of scenery and then I freaked myself out. I was outside and I started thinking about bugs and ticks which lead to thoughts of Lyme Disease. All of these thoughts filled my head and I decided that it would be best for me turn around and go back inside...away from the bugs and potential disease that could be lurking around outside. I hung around and waited for a little while before I heard a car pull in. I visited for a bit and then hit the highway! That's right, South Carolina bound! I stopped in Gaffney and did some light shopping. The light shopping turned into more of a moderate experience. Needless to say, I lost track of time before realizing that I had to leave asap in order to make my dinner plans in downtown Greenville. I flew down 85 and was right on time. Dinner started with beer and evolved into Sake. Oh yeah, and there was food too: Edamame and my favorite roll at Tsunami, a Florida roll. Normally there's no room for dessert but not tonight! Fried cheesecake was AWESOME! On the way home there was a case of McKenzie v. P. Soph. Long story short, back rear window completely down and refusing to raise. Total buzz killer. Parked in the garage and Andy rigged it up. Continued drinking and decided to go play in the pool. After becoming more wrinkled than a prune I decided to call it a night. It's good to be back.

Day 5: A Girl's Gotta Do What A Girl's Gotta Do

I woke up super early and couldn't go back to sleep. Dilly dallied around and then got up to run some errands. Messed with the window a little bit and talked to Chris about it. Andy made some phone calls and I called the BMW dealership in Greenville. All routes led to dead ends. I hate Century BMW they have THE WORST customer service! Every time I've ever had to use them for anything! When you think they can't suck anymore than they already do they go and prove you wrong. I called them several times and left messages and no one ever called me back. Andy and I decided to just go and try some places and see if we could find someone to pull up the window. We did, left my car there and did some running around. Went back to the house to enjoy a wonderful pool day with some of my favorite SC peeps. After some fun in the sun and several beverages, Brandi and I went to pick up my car. The window was up but the door panel was in the backseat. (It's what Chris said to do, so I did it.) $75 later, I had my car and was running my errands before heading back to the house. Dinner, wine, shots and SC baseball made for a perfect evening-minus the fact that Clemson lost. And I came to the realization that when I lived here I was smaller because I drank more than I ate and sometimes I drank too much which meant that the food I ate didn't stay down. So far so good; everything has stayed down. Today was a lushy pool day but I still managed to be productive and get stuff done.

Day 6: The End

Today was officially my last day of vacay :'( until beach trip next month. I got up, got packed, picked up sandwiches and met Michal for a late lunch at Papa's & Beer before heading home. It's never as fun coming as it is going. The weather was off and on yucky and I was sad that I had to leave. I stopped in Commerce for a little happy to pick up my spirits. I didn't leave Greenville until after 4 (Birmingham time) and wasn't thinking that it was almost 6 (Georgia time), so the stores were closing. Maybe that was for the best. So two stores and a pair of pants later I decided to get back on the road. My attention got diverted to the Starbucks by the interstate so I stopped for a nonfat caffeinated pick-me-up before getting back on 85. Good thing because there was a wreck and an on-looker traffic delay and I was thankful that I had a tasty beverage. After getting past that, it was smooth sailing. I made good time and was back in the Birmingham vicinity within the 8 o'clock hour. I had a much needed wonderful vacation and I'm sad that it is over.

Yep, That's Right

Let us not be mistaken in the fact that if there's a will there's definitely a way! This past weekend was that in the form of "another one bites the dust." Yep, that's right. A girls' weekend before she says "I do." Her own wishes were to keep things low key and no crazy shenanigans-at least no crazier than our usual.

Friday is when the festivities began. That night we met in Guadalahoover and had fishbowl margaritas and a Mexican feast. (I put those in order of importance!) We weren't there very long before several of the girls at our table were wet. They should really get out more ;) ha! But yes they were literally wet because the waiter spilled drinks on them. Oops. There was an eclectic group at dinner; friends from back home that had grown up with the bride-to-be, college friends and sorority sisters. There was a fun sponge, some married ones, single ones, crazy ones, sober ones and yes drunk ones too! Yep, that's right. So after a very interesting and well hydrated dinner we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. For some of us, our separate ways was the same way. That way was a road that led straight to my house...to a refrigerator well equipped with grown kool-aid. Yep, that's right, I hosted camp for the very first time!

Saturday the plan was to leave and head towards Atlanta for a day trip. But here's how it really went down: from Hoover to Enterprise to Oxford to Douglasville to Duluth to a Bahama Breeze and back to Hoover all in one day! In all honesty the trip to Atlanta was really just to satisfy the craving for some Bahama Breeze. We never really stopped in Atlanta; we just drove straight through it.

Anyways, back to Saturday. There's never really food in my house, so I got up and went to McDonalds to get breakfast for everyone. When I got back everyone ate and started getting ready. At this time we still hadn't really figured out how we were going to get to the Bahama Breeze. Of course we knew it would be by car but there were six of us and no one's car seated more than five. Tiff did not want to take more than one car because then we would be separated and everyone knows we're much more fun when we're together! So it was decided. We would just squeeze and fit. Yep, that's right. We would make it work and we did. It was unanimous that MB would drive because she's responsible like that. (And because she can't drink because of her headache medicine.) Jac was in the front seat and BA, 2, Tiff and I were all in the backseat. No need for seat belts because if one of us could get loose it would be a miracle. We were each others' safety belts. I guarantee nobody from the back seat had to be worried about flying into the windshield. Don't worry we have proof that this all happened. There are photos. So we get half way down my street and I'm already uncomfortable. I twist, turn and readjust myself so that I am on the other side of Tiff and facing backwards. I was the only person in the back seat with a nonexistent rear end so it was more comfortable for me in this position as well as more spaciously efficient. By the time we got down Hwy 150 we were starting to question our decision. We then began locating car rental locations and narrowing our search to those with SUVs. Our pot of gold was found in the form of an Enterprise and a Tahoe.

To be honest with you, I think some of the most fun that was had happened at the Enterprise. Upon pulling up and parking a gentleman was coming out and got to witness all of us getting out of the car. We looked like carnies getting out of a clown car. He stood there amazed until we were all out and then he began laughing and was still in awe that we had ALL just gotten out of a Honda Accord. The first thing we said was "We want that" and pointed directly at the Tahoe. He said okay and got into a car. We all exchanged a quick look and began laughing because our thoughts were all the same: He doesn't work here! He then rolled the window and confirmed that he did and he was going to pull that car around back (that's what he said) and be right with us. So the six of us walk into the Enterprise, loud and proud because that's how we roll. The staff consisted of all men probably close to our ages. That's always a good sign! And we instantly made ourselves at home and became the entertainment for the Enterprise employees and fellow patrons. We were probably the most fun they had ever encountered and I'm sure they left wishing that they could live vicariously through us. We had interesting topics of conversation, a mini photo shoot and BA brought in her cocktail which she drank the entire time that we were there. There was also an epic fail of a reality dating game for MB and an Enterprise employee. It was the perfect set up: coordinating outfits, he asked all the right questions and he even gave her a car! It was an epic fail because he was married. Yep, that's right. Can you believe it?! I mean he shouldn't have even qualified as a contestant! He couldn't help it though, it was only a reality dating game to me. In my world. After all, I had to do something fun while we waited. After negotiating a stellar price on our rental and him handing over the keys we were off and way more comfortably seated this time. Yay us for making a grown-up decision!

We made it all the way to Oxford before running out of gas and kool-aid. Fill 'er up, potty, buy beer and we were on our merry way once again. After another short stop in Douglasville and a quicky through the city we finally arrived at our destination. There's no way of describing the feeling that you get when you see those neon letters and glowing palm trees. It's bittersweet because the memory of having it so close and then having it taken away lingers in your head. Then joy comes overpowering all of that because for just a couple of hours you can have it again! We rearranged the furniture to properly accommodate us and then we waited. There! In the distance, he was spotted. Keith Shoemaker! Our party was now complete (or as complete as it was going to be for this Bahama Breeze excursion.) ...So bring on the Bahamaritas!!! Oh yes, they were broughten! Keith educated us on 'burrito balls', filled some of the girls in about the brown towel and was welcomed to our ongoing discussion of a Men's Health article. Just when things were getting good, a tragic thing happened. I party fouled and spilled my entire Bahamarita. *Gasp* Keith insisted on licking the top and then he salvaged what he could by sticking his straw in the puddle of frozen goodness. He then began trying to tackle the spillage in the sugar tray. He called in for special machinery when he saw that the straw wasn't quite cutting the mustard, but the fork he found did just fine. After recovering from this terrible tragedy we decided that we should have dessert. Lucky for us Keith came prepared and had a trunk full of JELLO. After a dessert party in the parking lot we said our goodbyes and headed back to Birmingham.

Sunday was a lazy day and very low key. Tiff and I went to breakfast at The Egg and I and then back to my house for some lounging and a movie. Later we went to lunch at Nothing But Noodles and then we went to Yogurt Mountain for dessert. Feeling like we should be at least a little productive we decided to do some light shopping and were successful in finding a gift for the groom. At the end of the day I told Tiff, "People usually party like rock stars for their bachelorette parties but this felt like a regular weekend. Maybe it's because we party like rock stars on the regular." True Story. The End.

The Next New Thing? I Surely Hope Not!

May! It's already May! I can't believe it. Time is just flying by and times are definitely changing. I'm getting back in the swing of things after a long, dry but much needed first quarter. And let me just say that it is much easier to get back into the swing than it is getting out. There are some days that I look back and I'm amazed that I made it through the day without having a drink. (If you know my boss you're wondering the same thing! She makes Miranda Priestly look like Mother Teresa.) Anyways, that is totally a detour from the point that I'm trying to make which is about a potential new pick-up technique. The Leg Feel Up? The question mark is because I'm not sure whether or not this is a new technique and/or if this is the correct terminology. The 'Leg Feel Up' is what I am going to call it for now.

Some of you may be confused so I am going to explain and hope for some insight to this new phenomenon. One of my first outings after Lent was a going away party for a friend from work. Total there were 5 guys and 4 girls hanging out in a crowded bar. Out of the 9 there was one married couple and the rest were singles. One of the single guys decided to pursue one of the girls by using his foot to caress the back of her leg. She mentioned this in conversation and it was unanimous that he was wasted and trying to flirt with her so we let it go. Later, I went to the restroom which was down a set of stairs. On my way back to the group I was walking up the stairs and this guy took his hand and ran it up the back of my leg. Random. I then asked the people that I was with if this was a new pick-up technique of some sort. They were clueless and so we just wrote it off as coincidence. The next weekend a girlfriend of mine had went to the beach for the Mullet Toss. She went out to the FloraBama and met a guy who grabbed her by the back of the leg and did a similar but more provocative move to what I had experienced the previous weekend. When she mentioned this I began to see a pattern and started to wonder if this is some kind of new thing. "Surely not!" I thought to myself. Why would anyone do this to pick up girls? What happened to conversation?! Then I remembered something about Ray Charles gauging women by the size of their wrists and thinking maybe these guys had just expanded on his idea. Can you tell the size of a women by the size of her thighs? Oh dear! What is the world coming to?!

This is just something that I have not been able to stop thinking about and then it happened to me again! There was someone that I knew who was having lunch and I went to say hello and give a side hug. He did not get up but instead totally felt up my leg. He started from the back-right above the bend-and moved upwards and to the inside stopping before he got totally inappropriate and then going back down. I was shocked and speechless that this had just happened mid day with no alcohol to blame. I mean it's much more than just a boob graze that can 'accidentally' happen. This is 100% intentional not doubt about it. Is this some kind of new pick up or just a random thing that has been happening to me and my friends?

I went out tonight and was in the company of several single and attractive men with whom I am friends. I decided to ask them about this new thing and didn't get a straight answer from them. Instead they tried to understand what I was talking about by using my leg to demonstrate and clarify the question at hand. I should have known better; I SHOULD have known better! So I am still without an answer and am left hoping that this is not some sort of new pick up technique. Lord help me if it is! I may decide it's just better for me to stay single.

Eating More Nutritiously

Fruit Loops were mandated after tonight's dinner. I had everything at home except orange juice. The lack of this one thing required me to stop at the Publix on my way home. So there in all of its glory is all of the orange juice in its small refrigerated section of the store. Who knew there were so many different kinds? I am very indecisive and the more choices I have, the longer it takes me to make a choice (maybe this is why I'm still single? LOL) Finally I decide on the one that has more calcium because to me this makes it more nutritious. After making my decision I began to think about whether or not the alcohol that would soon be added to this calcium enriched orange juice would cause the extra calcium to dissipate. I decided to put this thought out of my mind and to focus on the fact that I had just made a grown up health conscious decision.

I got home and began making my pitcher of fruit loops adding first my special mixture of flavored vodkas. Then the added calcium orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine. Taste. Not quite it. Added some regular vodka and...perfection. Crushed ice in a pretty glass and bendy straw. Done and done. As I was putting things back in the fridge I came across some fruit salad. (Really it was fruit from the white wine and champagne sangria that I made earlier in the week, but it was presoaked fruit which is equivalent to fruit salad in my world.) And then came the best idea that I had had the entire day! Add the fruit salad to the fruit loop. Presto! Semi-homemade! Sandra Lee eat your heart out! My new concoction is called A Loopy Salad. It's a delicious nutritious addition to any day. See, I'm more domestic than you thought!

I Broke It...

I break a lot of things on a regular basis, basically this is a daily thing. Sometimes things aren't actually broken -just a little mangled and dented but never the same as they were before. Lots of times I just say, "I broke it" because I don't know how to fix it or undo what I did. Tonight I broke my blog. Not really, I just became a follower of myself. How narcissistic is that?! Well once I did it and realized that that's what I had done I found myself clueless on how to undo it. So there it is. I follow myself. If I were a dog I would be chasing tail...hmm, I have been called a bitch which translates to a female dog. I am female. I am a fan of chasing tail. Where does that leave me? A broke bitch chasing tail! LMAO The irony of it all!

Good At The Short Game

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and for those of you that know me, you know that that can be a scary combination: me + thinking. But, you also know that lately I've also been sober, so hear me out. I'm not getting any younger as are none of you, however, most of you are pros at the monogamous relationship. You're either currently in one or have been in one more recently than me. I tend to think that I'm better at the short game. I used to think that this theory was only pertaining to relationships but now I realize maybe it's just in general. Note the following:

• Good at parallel parking not driving
• Sprints not marathons (referring to running not drinking or b'day celebrations lol)
• Completion of small tasks; large projects have yet to be finished

Those are just some true life examples. As far as relationships go, there have been few and even fewer that were monogamous. Yes, I once was a cheater, but only a time or two and it was only because we were in a 'gray area.' Truly. You know when you're young and you have those off and on relationships, I was juggling. Looking back I would now consider that cheating so I'm fessing up. I have had a better run of luck with the short game and have always preferred it. After all, what's not to love? The thrill of the chase, the mind games, the attention and best of all no real commitment! When it starts getting too serious just go your separate ways.

But, as I said before, I've been doing some thinking and I not getting any younger, so maybe it's time to play more than just one inning. I've realized through my dating experience that

1. I don't have what it takes to just be a gold digger
2. Dating a bisexual creates a whole new set of fears and insecurities
3. Some ages are too old and
4. No one is perfect so don't hope for that.

That all said, if I were to meet someone, I think I'm ready to retire the short game. I have said things similar to this before but never really meant them. One of my friends actually called me out on it saying something like, "If you were serious then why are you still playing games?!" Presently, there are no games and I'm starting from scratch. Let the recruiting begin!

Life. It happens.

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever! This is something I do for fun and as a release and honestly I really enjoy it. There's just something about the depth of words and putting your life experiences out there for anyone to read. Having said that, I actually had a friend this week tell me that she missed my mad blogging skills. Actually that's not exactly what was said but it's what I heard. I told her it was because my life hasn't been that exciting lately and not really blog worthy. Because, I mean really, if I'm not excited about the happenings of my life then why anybody else be?! I told her I would try to work on a little something for her so here's my best shot...

As stated in a previous blog, I decided to make some temporary life changes. One of my many mottos is 'Go big or go home' and as luck would have it I made some big decisions all at once. All within the same weekend I decided to take a break from my best friend who I have known since middle school, give up ALL alcohol until Easter (making St. Patty's Day and exception to the rule. After all, it is my favorite recognized non gift giving holiday.) begin a hard-core job search and focus on myself and try to eliminate unnecessary stress and drama. And then someone died. Great. Icing on the cake right! Please don't think that I am being insincere because that's not how I want to come across but in the grand scheme of things that's how it happened. For real. Back to the motto for a moment, I like it best when referring to diamonds, drinks, paychecks, trust funds and some other things ;) just to name a few but not so much in the bad way like when giving things up or having to deal with life. In those situations it's just not the right motto because after it all you think why didn't I just go home aka give up and call it a day.

The first week of the "new me" was the hardest! As if trying to be a good friend to friends that lost a very close friend, paying my respects to the deceased, not talking to my best friend and not drinking weren't bad enough but it was also a week where my boss decided to be let's say hormonal, even though I think she's menopausal, both of which are nice ways of saying she was in major bitch mode. That was definitely a stressful week and one in which I questioned on more than one occasion (per day) why I had chosen to not drink. But guess what, I persevered! I got through it with the help of prescription drugs and Tylenol PM. What did you expect? I can't just give up everything! One step at a time.

That was just the beginning. There was also a week where I was an emotional wreck thanks to my frienemy Dot and my face exploded in ways that can only be described as asteroids trying to escape from under the skin only above my neck. Turns out it was because of a $95 face cream! For that much money I expect greatness like a glow or shimmer or something fabulous not to end up looking like I slept outside without a mosquito net! Ugh! So as my face begins to regain its moderate terrain and color I think, 'things are starting to look up' WRONG! On my way to church I rear-end an elderly lady who happens to be on her way to the hospital to visit her sick elderly husband. I made a common mistake by not paying good attention. I mistook a green turn signal for the green light and CRASH. Thankfully little damage was done to her car but unfortunately for me there was lots of obvious damage to P. Soph. Long story short: Body damage, mechanical damage, Spring Break=Insurance adjustors on vacay, no rental on my insurance policy. The new me has quickly become a younger more fashionable and sober Miss Daisy. Rock bottom? Not quite. Then Josie gets a free ride to the emergency room where she was hospitalized for a short period of time. Miss Daisy had it good compared to me! I then decided I was more like Job, you know, from the Bible. I had skin issues and everything that could possibly go wrong had gone wrong.

So here I am. It is Easter weekend! I am still car-less although I do enjoy not having to drive. I am proud of my soberness 68 days (minus 2, one was a Sunday and the other was a holiday) and proud of my no facebooking. I have applied for a random array of jobs all across the U.S. And, I can honestly say that I think that after everything that has happened over the last three months that I have more faith than I have ever had before. I'm trying everyday to be more positive and compassionate to those around me. I have chosen to have a new perspective in hopes that it will make me a better person.

28 Days & Counting

For those of you who are unaware, I have given up alcohol on temporary basis. I originally had planned to do this for Lent and life happened. I decided that it would be in my best interest to start this fast early. Today, I am 28 days sober! It sounds funny, maybe like I am a recovering alcoholic or something (not that there's anything wrong with that) but I am one who likes to go out and have a good time. A good beer or glass of wine, after a really rough week, a shot of tequila really does a body good. I enjoy liquid beverages of the sort and it's not as hard to give up as some people may think. However, after I took this vow of sobriety I was tested a lot but have stayed strong.

My life is changing everyday and I have decided to do the best that I can to make it change for the better. Some of the things that I once believed made my life better are no longer part of my life. But everyday is a new day and life goes on with or without them. My quality of life is neither better or worse but my days and goals are much clearer and I am moving towards them faster.

2009: An Epic Year

Another year has flown by and the shenanigans of 2009 hands down beat the happenings of 2008! (see My Ode to 2008) If you’ve already read that and you’re thinking that’s impossible just remember, the possibilities are endless! So put on a diaper and get ready to roll on the floor...

I have found that the best way to remember things is through photographs because my memory is not great and often times it is fuzzy or altogether forgotten. This remembrance is a combination of my memories and the photos from the past year.

We all know how 2009 began...HUNGOVER! That’s a never a great start for a day much less an entire year but we pulled out just fine! (that was for you mb ;) lol) So after recovering from that we had a fun photo shoot and a mini pre-birthday warm up celebration one random night at The Kudu. That night we were on the bar,on the stage, behind the sound controls, head in trash cans and spinning in capes. The beginning of that sounds a rap song...just a little bit. :) Then there was my actual birthday festivities! I joined forces with MB for a celebration at Chuck E Cheese and it was fabulous! Great friends and lots of fun and the best peanut butter cake a girl could ask for. The celebration continued and was nothing less than fantastic. For birthdays, this was just the beginning and some would refer to theirs as the best birthday ever!

We celebrated Rebecca’s birthday in February, more fun times at The Kudu! Skip ahead to April-May-ish and lil Jac turned 21 and Buzz turned 30! Of course Jac had to be initiated into the world of The Kudu and she’s been a fruitloop lover ever since. Her birthday also fell around Crawfish weekend so we also enjoyed some LL Cool J, Katie Perry, Jason Mraz and some other fun musical guests and then jumped on a short bus only to continue the fun times and memory making. And for Buzz, what better way to celebrate than with a theme?! Golf Pros and Tennis Hos it was! And this is when the murf began! Lots of fun times, scandalous pictures and a little bit of beer glove action. Little did we know that this would be the last party we would ever have at Rebecca’s Southside home.

Next came Tiff and 2...Tiff has finally given in and let me tell her exactly how and for how long to celebrate her birthday. So this was her making up for bad birthdays birthday celebration and it lasted a long time! We first celebrated with a beach trip (see Girls’ Beach Trip 09: PCB) but unfortunately not everyone could make it. We had a blast at the beach and by that I mean by the pool 2 feet from a tiki bar. =P But because everyone could not make it to the beach we had a reason to celebrate more when we got home. Tiff had lots of surprises in store for her! She got everything she wanted and more. We all met and had dinner at Jacksons and then head to our favorite home away from home for some ColdStone cupcakes, drinks and oh yeah, a live band! Worth getting barefoot for, right?! Then to IHOP for some lingdon berries and the explanation of the brown towel. And a week later we all gathered again for Kimberly and A2’s joint tye dye themed birthday celebration. Let me just say, duh-runk! We began with pizza and lots of beer before heading to the Lakeview District for an unexpected bar CRAWL! We started at The Kudu and worked our way around the block to On Tap and then crawled our way back to The Kudu.

There were also other happenings between all of the birthday festivities. St. Patty’s day (one of my favorites btw) Memorial Day, bridal parties, wrecking a Hummer, beach trips, pool days, weekends at the lake and unfortunately an unforgettable Labor Day weekend. Trash the dress, a boy on a big green tractor, LSU/UA game, renewal of wedding vows, a new pool boy, motorboats, silent auctions and Martinis & Mistletoe. Fun times all year long and the best ending to a great year: A birthday party for Kerri and a NYE party. 2009 all year long was the best! I was surrounded by great friends and had a blast doing most of the things that I did. You know it’s a good year when your regrets are minimal, your pictures are good and plentiful and at the end of the day you still have people to call your friends.

Splenda vs. Sugar

I’m a sugar girl. A substitute is just that and I like the real thing. Sometimes you can’t get sugar even though that’s what you really want. So what other choice do you have but to have a little Splenda? You have to make due with what you’ve got; love the one you’re with right? In life you have to make choices. I’ll be the first to say that I’m not the best decision maker. Sometimes, scratch that, lots of times I make bad choices. Don’t get me wrong, good ones usually follow right behind the bad ones but it’s the bad ones that get me every time! My question is that in world full of Splenda and very little sugar should you hold out or just enjoy the Splenda?