Good Sunday evening/Monday morning to all of my readers.
Contrary to the name of my blog, I don't know that I can muster up the courage to write about anything happy or hilarious based on the events that took place in our nation over the past week.
In the course of my life, I've done the best I can to keep a positive attitude regardless of what life throws my way. My father was sick for the greater part of my childhood. I watched as my father's health deteriorated year after year. In 2009, when two consecutive years of miracles began gracing my family's presence, I rejoiced. But, I never forgot the pain of the challenging years. Still today, I have strong memories of what it was like to have a heavy heart every single morning as I woke up to another day of life.
I've allowed my heart to be broken, at times; shattered. As I matured, I made the decision to create my own happiness and to never depend on others to put a smile on my face. This has proven incredibly successful for my well being over the years.
On Saturday morning (and Sunday morning) I woke up with a heavy heart again. The first time in years I woke up feeling sad, depressed even. Not from a bad break up or from a sick father, but for the absolute sadness that I feel for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary, their families, the Newtown commuity, and for our country as a whole. I am in a semi-permanent state of shock and horror and I'm not sure how long it will continue.
What I do know is that these tragedies don't ever go away. No one can bring back the children or adults that lost their lives in Newtown, in Virginia Tech, in Columbine, in a Colorado movie theater, in the mall food court last week, at LA fitness in Pittsburgh two summers ago, or at intersections and in homes and street corners across our country each and every day. All of these tragedies have happened, and unfortunately, the likelihood that more will occur is high.
Instead of arguing about the cause of these tragedies, I encourage everyone to reflect on them, and use them as a tool to become a better person. Evil exists, and there is absolutely no doubt about it. We can't eliminate the evil. We can only work to combat it.
As happy as I am, I can't change the world alone.
This week, and from this point on, I challenge everyone to embrace the good things that are left in the world. I encourage anyone with positivity and happiness left, to try each day to impact someone's life. If we all did this, we may make a dent on all of the negativity and pain in the world.
In a conversation with a friend after the Newtown shooting, he told me "I'm going to stop watching the news and focus on what I can do to improve my life and the lives of those around me." I think that you have the right idea, Wano.
Everyone should ask themselves what they can do for humanity.
The families of the victims and of the demons lives will go on, but they will never forget the pain of their tragedies.
I don't believe that the world will end this month. But, I do believe that the world that we knew up until this point has ended, and I'm not sure that we will ever be able to get that back.
Here's to spreading positivity in a world with so many negatives,
Xoxo
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Righting (and Writing) Wrongs
Happy Monday, everyone!
This week, I only have to work four days! Thank you Abercrombie and Fitch for the comp day! I am going to spend it ice skating down town!
In last week's blog, I discussed what it was like working in the retail world during this time of year. I also talked about the fact that I have witnessed countless adults throwing temper tantrums in my store. I proposed to my readers, that if you witness one of these temper tantrums, you stand up for whoever it is that is having their day shit on.
This week, I was given that opportunity... twice.
Early in the week, I went to the tanning salon where I had a lengthy conversation with Kayla; the pleasant girl working at that time. Kayla told me about a customer that regularly gave her a difficult time. Though the tanning salon closes at 9pm on weeknights, and there is CLEARLY a sign posted that says the last tan is at 8:40pm, some idiot (the same idiot) shows up at 9pm and bangs on the door until Kayla lets her in to tan after hours.
Kayla doesn't get paid for the extra time that she stays at work, because she is only scheduled until 9. Yet, multiple times per week, this idiot shows up after close and demands that Kayla let her tan. Kayla is 17 years old and in high school. This middle aged woman has bullied her over and over again, and to be honest, it's juvenile and absurd. After I tanned, I sat down at the tanning salon until close. If this moron showed up, I was going to put her in her place. She didn't, and she was lucky. Kayla, I'll always have your back girl.
Fast forward to Friday night. I stepped out of the store to grab some food with one of my part timers. It was here that I witnessed a middle aged woman knock over her entire tray of food at Villa Pizza. She knocked over her drink which spilled onto the counter and floor, causing a chain reaction for her marinara sauce to also spill about the counter top. Do you know what she did? She picked up her plate of pizza and walked away. Initially, I thought that she maybe was going to look for a towel to clean up her mess with.
Nope.
I watched as she walked across the food court, found an empty table, and sat down to eat what she had salvaged from her meal. I asked the man working at the pizza place to please give me a wet towel so that I could clean up her mess. "You don't have to do that," he said. But, I insisted. After cleaning up her mess, I walked right over to the table where she was sitting. Now surrounded by three teenage girls I proclaimed to her, "Don't worry ma'am, I cleaned up the mess that you made over there." As she stared at me, dumbfounded, I told her to have a nice evening. If I really wanted to do her a favor, I would have taken the pizza away from her. To put it nicely, she didn't need it.
And last, but certainly not least, allow me to address the issue that continues to plague my life. There seems to be one idiot that won't leave me alone. It seems like someone's mother never told her "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." What her mother really should have told her was, "don't wake up in the morning and think up rumors to tell about people that have done nothing to you but help you." I digress.
After I spent a few hours feeling bad for myself regarding these straight up fallacies that this idiot spread about me, I took a second to remember everything that I stand for. At the end of the day, you can't please anyone but yourself. If other people want to make up lies, or talk badly about you, or be a moron in general, don't let it have any effect on your life. It's the best thing that you can do for yourself. I know who I am and the things that I stand for. The people that matter to me know who I am and what I stand for also. Really, nothing else matters.
With that being said, you my friend (just kidding) are the epitome of hell on earth. Not just to me, but to many.
Yesterday, I spent the early afternoon with Amy, Connie, and Theresa at Starbucks catching up on our week. I truly love each one of you ladies, and I'd like to let you know that you complete my Sundays.
Last night I went shopping for Christmas presents, not for myself or my family, but for less fortunate children. I have everything I could ever need in my life: happiness, health, and a life surrounded by great family and friends. I made a few purchases but my favorite was a glitter jump rope. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't contemplate getting a second one for myself. One little girl is about to be VERY happy.
By the time most of you read this, I am probably already elbow deep in Monday morning paperwork. At any rate, I hope you all have a fantastic week. God knows I will.
Here's to living your life for you,
Xoxo
This week, I only have to work four days! Thank you Abercrombie and Fitch for the comp day! I am going to spend it ice skating down town!
In last week's blog, I discussed what it was like working in the retail world during this time of year. I also talked about the fact that I have witnessed countless adults throwing temper tantrums in my store. I proposed to my readers, that if you witness one of these temper tantrums, you stand up for whoever it is that is having their day shit on.
This week, I was given that opportunity... twice.
Early in the week, I went to the tanning salon where I had a lengthy conversation with Kayla; the pleasant girl working at that time. Kayla told me about a customer that regularly gave her a difficult time. Though the tanning salon closes at 9pm on weeknights, and there is CLEARLY a sign posted that says the last tan is at 8:40pm, some idiot (the same idiot) shows up at 9pm and bangs on the door until Kayla lets her in to tan after hours.
Kayla doesn't get paid for the extra time that she stays at work, because she is only scheduled until 9. Yet, multiple times per week, this idiot shows up after close and demands that Kayla let her tan. Kayla is 17 years old and in high school. This middle aged woman has bullied her over and over again, and to be honest, it's juvenile and absurd. After I tanned, I sat down at the tanning salon until close. If this moron showed up, I was going to put her in her place. She didn't, and she was lucky. Kayla, I'll always have your back girl.
Fast forward to Friday night. I stepped out of the store to grab some food with one of my part timers. It was here that I witnessed a middle aged woman knock over her entire tray of food at Villa Pizza. She knocked over her drink which spilled onto the counter and floor, causing a chain reaction for her marinara sauce to also spill about the counter top. Do you know what she did? She picked up her plate of pizza and walked away. Initially, I thought that she maybe was going to look for a towel to clean up her mess with.
Nope.
I watched as she walked across the food court, found an empty table, and sat down to eat what she had salvaged from her meal. I asked the man working at the pizza place to please give me a wet towel so that I could clean up her mess. "You don't have to do that," he said. But, I insisted. After cleaning up her mess, I walked right over to the table where she was sitting. Now surrounded by three teenage girls I proclaimed to her, "Don't worry ma'am, I cleaned up the mess that you made over there." As she stared at me, dumbfounded, I told her to have a nice evening. If I really wanted to do her a favor, I would have taken the pizza away from her. To put it nicely, she didn't need it.
And last, but certainly not least, allow me to address the issue that continues to plague my life. There seems to be one idiot that won't leave me alone. It seems like someone's mother never told her "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." What her mother really should have told her was, "don't wake up in the morning and think up rumors to tell about people that have done nothing to you but help you." I digress.
After I spent a few hours feeling bad for myself regarding these straight up fallacies that this idiot spread about me, I took a second to remember everything that I stand for. At the end of the day, you can't please anyone but yourself. If other people want to make up lies, or talk badly about you, or be a moron in general, don't let it have any effect on your life. It's the best thing that you can do for yourself. I know who I am and the things that I stand for. The people that matter to me know who I am and what I stand for also. Really, nothing else matters.
With that being said, you my friend (just kidding) are the epitome of hell on earth. Not just to me, but to many.
Yesterday, I spent the early afternoon with Amy, Connie, and Theresa at Starbucks catching up on our week. I truly love each one of you ladies, and I'd like to let you know that you complete my Sundays.
Last night I went shopping for Christmas presents, not for myself or my family, but for less fortunate children. I have everything I could ever need in my life: happiness, health, and a life surrounded by great family and friends. I made a few purchases but my favorite was a glitter jump rope. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't contemplate getting a second one for myself. One little girl is about to be VERY happy.
By the time most of you read this, I am probably already elbow deep in Monday morning paperwork. At any rate, I hope you all have a fantastic week. God knows I will.
Here's to living your life for you,
Xoxo
Monday, December 3, 2012
Bad Attitudes EVERYWHERE
Happy Monday and happy December!
This past week has been filled with so much excitement for me that I can hardly keep track of it all! Last Friday, I kicked off my first holiday season since my promotion to store manager and I couldn't be more excited! I continue to absolutely adore my job and my coworkers each and every day. In fact, if I could go to work every day and only have communication with my the associates and managers at my store and throughout the company, every day would be like a vacation.
However, that is simply not possible.
The problematic part of the equation is really the fact that at some point, the doors open up and customers begin shopping. I use the term "shopping" very loosely. Most people that come into the store, make a big mess, and leave without making a single purchase. Less than half of the people that come "shopping" will respond to you let alone even look your way when you say hello to them. If I had a dollar for every time I asked, "Hi, how are you today?" and a customer responded with "No, I'm just looking." I would be able to retire. During the non-holiday time of year, I'd say that somewhere between 5-6% of people genuinely suck. When they enter the store, there is nothing that you can say or do that can fix it.
During the holiday season; however, that 5-6% turns into roughly 30% of permanently dissatisfied customers. You don't even have to work in retail to witness these idiots though. If you have ever waited in line at the mall, chances are you have seen someone throw an adult temper tantrum. You know, there's always one person in line that thinks that their time on earth is infinitely more important that anyone else's time. The person that huffs and puffs because, well gosh, it's CHRISTMAS TIME AND THEY HAVE TO WAIT IN A LINE because they aren't the only person that woke up on a Saturday in December and decided to go to the mall to go Christmas shopping. Please, spare me.
In the last week, I have been screamed at four times. When I say screamed at, I mean it. Four separate people gave me the business on four different occasions. I was verbally assaulted and told about myself on four out of five days that I worked last week. Luckily for me, I am resilient.
I'd like to take some time to talk about these individuals that gave me the business but before I do, please let me kindly remind you where I work. I work at a shopping mall. Nothing that I do, in any way, has any serious impact on someone's life or well being. I'm not providing chemotherapy to cancer patients. I'm not performing brain surgery on severe head trauma victims. I'm not an air traffic controller. I don't work in payroll. Nothing that I do at my place of work should have any substantial impact on someone's life. Nothing that I do should cause an adult temper tantrum. And, do you know why? Because, I sell tee shirts.
First adult temper tantrum of the week: The middle-aged mom that decided to create her own line on black Friday at approximately 12:20am. I approached the woman, and the small group of people that had followed her lead and politely pointed out that the line to the register had formed in the opposite direction. Every person casually walked to the other side of the store. Everyone except for the woman that started the problem. She yelled at me, basically because she was an idiot and couldn't use context clues, and when I said "okay" that made it even worse. "Yeah, it's okay to you because YOU haven't been waiting in line." I walked away, end of story. Reminder, my store opened at midnight. She yelled at me at 12:20. If she entered the store as soon as we opened, grabbed an item, and got into line, she had been "waiting in line" for 20 minutes AT THE MOST. I worked from 10:30p.m on Thanksgiving until 2p.m. on Friday. Yet, this bitch had the nerve to insinuate that I didn't understand her time contraints. I legitimately hope that her vehicle ran out of gas on the way home.
Second adult temper tantrum: An average mom that thought that she was a lot hotter than she actually was AND thought that she understood how my point of sale system worked. This bitch told me that she wanted to talk to me while I was still wearing my coat and purse. I just walked into my store and she was pulling me away from the register and into a different room. She wanted to lecture me in private, so that was nice. Her ranted started with "I work at Coach..." and from that point on I made the decision to go ahead and block out whatever came out of her stupid mouth for the next five minutes or so. The last thing she said was, "You probably think I'm a bitch." I said that I didn't but, well, I lied. In the end, she told me that she just wanted to let me know how she didn't like the fact that she could only use her coupon once. In the words of Jesse, "Oh, so she wanted a forever coupon?" But yes, that is exactly what she wanted. I hope that someone poops on the floor at the Coach store.
The other two women that told me about myself this week were in regards to a return with an un-scannable receipt and an out of stock glitter sweater. If the worst thing that happened to either of these women was that they could only get cash back instead of having the money refunded to her American Express or that my store was sold out of a glitter sweater, then they have fantastic lives. But, not if you ask them. The performance that the woman with the American Express card deserved an academy award.
I'll leave you with a few final thoughts.
There are people dying, right now, as I type this. There are people starving. There are people that are homeless. There are people that are alone. There are people that are illiterate. There are people that don't know their families. There are people that won't get to celebrate Christmas.
Instead of being angry because a store doesn't have the sweater that you want, be grateful that you have the ability to leave your warm house and drive to a shopping mall to spend $50 on a sweater that you probably don't need anyway. Be grateful that you live in America. Be thankful that you have food to eat, that you have a family to love you, and that you have good health. Just be grateful to be alive.
Once you we can wrap our heads around the idea that there are 7 BILLION people in the world and that your "problem" of a sold out sweater or a long line or an expired coupon isn't a problem at all in the grand scheme of life, perhaps we could spend more time being thankful for all that we have.
And finally, if you see someone throwing one of these adult temper tantrums in public, please tell them to fuck themselves. First off, because they should. And secondly, because whoever they are unloading all of their troubles on cannot tell them to do so without losing their job.
Here's to tackling bad attitudes and spreading holiday cheer,
Xoxo
This past week has been filled with so much excitement for me that I can hardly keep track of it all! Last Friday, I kicked off my first holiday season since my promotion to store manager and I couldn't be more excited! I continue to absolutely adore my job and my coworkers each and every day. In fact, if I could go to work every day and only have communication with my the associates and managers at my store and throughout the company, every day would be like a vacation.
However, that is simply not possible.
The problematic part of the equation is really the fact that at some point, the doors open up and customers begin shopping. I use the term "shopping" very loosely. Most people that come into the store, make a big mess, and leave without making a single purchase. Less than half of the people that come "shopping" will respond to you let alone even look your way when you say hello to them. If I had a dollar for every time I asked, "Hi, how are you today?" and a customer responded with "No, I'm just looking." I would be able to retire. During the non-holiday time of year, I'd say that somewhere between 5-6% of people genuinely suck. When they enter the store, there is nothing that you can say or do that can fix it.
During the holiday season; however, that 5-6% turns into roughly 30% of permanently dissatisfied customers. You don't even have to work in retail to witness these idiots though. If you have ever waited in line at the mall, chances are you have seen someone throw an adult temper tantrum. You know, there's always one person in line that thinks that their time on earth is infinitely more important that anyone else's time. The person that huffs and puffs because, well gosh, it's CHRISTMAS TIME AND THEY HAVE TO WAIT IN A LINE because they aren't the only person that woke up on a Saturday in December and decided to go to the mall to go Christmas shopping. Please, spare me.
In the last week, I have been screamed at four times. When I say screamed at, I mean it. Four separate people gave me the business on four different occasions. I was verbally assaulted and told about myself on four out of five days that I worked last week. Luckily for me, I am resilient.
I'd like to take some time to talk about these individuals that gave me the business but before I do, please let me kindly remind you where I work. I work at a shopping mall. Nothing that I do, in any way, has any serious impact on someone's life or well being. I'm not providing chemotherapy to cancer patients. I'm not performing brain surgery on severe head trauma victims. I'm not an air traffic controller. I don't work in payroll. Nothing that I do at my place of work should have any substantial impact on someone's life. Nothing that I do should cause an adult temper tantrum. And, do you know why? Because, I sell tee shirts.
First adult temper tantrum of the week: The middle-aged mom that decided to create her own line on black Friday at approximately 12:20am. I approached the woman, and the small group of people that had followed her lead and politely pointed out that the line to the register had formed in the opposite direction. Every person casually walked to the other side of the store. Everyone except for the woman that started the problem. She yelled at me, basically because she was an idiot and couldn't use context clues, and when I said "okay" that made it even worse. "Yeah, it's okay to you because YOU haven't been waiting in line." I walked away, end of story. Reminder, my store opened at midnight. She yelled at me at 12:20. If she entered the store as soon as we opened, grabbed an item, and got into line, she had been "waiting in line" for 20 minutes AT THE MOST. I worked from 10:30p.m on Thanksgiving until 2p.m. on Friday. Yet, this bitch had the nerve to insinuate that I didn't understand her time contraints. I legitimately hope that her vehicle ran out of gas on the way home.
Second adult temper tantrum: An average mom that thought that she was a lot hotter than she actually was AND thought that she understood how my point of sale system worked. This bitch told me that she wanted to talk to me while I was still wearing my coat and purse. I just walked into my store and she was pulling me away from the register and into a different room. She wanted to lecture me in private, so that was nice. Her ranted started with "I work at Coach..." and from that point on I made the decision to go ahead and block out whatever came out of her stupid mouth for the next five minutes or so. The last thing she said was, "You probably think I'm a bitch." I said that I didn't but, well, I lied. In the end, she told me that she just wanted to let me know how she didn't like the fact that she could only use her coupon once. In the words of Jesse, "Oh, so she wanted a forever coupon?" But yes, that is exactly what she wanted. I hope that someone poops on the floor at the Coach store.
The other two women that told me about myself this week were in regards to a return with an un-scannable receipt and an out of stock glitter sweater. If the worst thing that happened to either of these women was that they could only get cash back instead of having the money refunded to her American Express or that my store was sold out of a glitter sweater, then they have fantastic lives. But, not if you ask them. The performance that the woman with the American Express card deserved an academy award.
I'll leave you with a few final thoughts.
There are people dying, right now, as I type this. There are people starving. There are people that are homeless. There are people that are alone. There are people that are illiterate. There are people that don't know their families. There are people that won't get to celebrate Christmas.
Instead of being angry because a store doesn't have the sweater that you want, be grateful that you have the ability to leave your warm house and drive to a shopping mall to spend $50 on a sweater that you probably don't need anyway. Be grateful that you live in America. Be thankful that you have food to eat, that you have a family to love you, and that you have good health. Just be grateful to be alive.
Once you we can wrap our heads around the idea that there are 7 BILLION people in the world and that your "problem" of a sold out sweater or a long line or an expired coupon isn't a problem at all in the grand scheme of life, perhaps we could spend more time being thankful for all that we have.
And finally, if you see someone throwing one of these adult temper tantrums in public, please tell them to fuck themselves. First off, because they should. And secondly, because whoever they are unloading all of their troubles on cannot tell them to do so without losing their job.
Here's to tackling bad attitudes and spreading holiday cheer,
Xoxo
Monday, November 26, 2012
Being the Change You Want To See in the World
Happy Monday morning, I love everyone.
First and foremost I would like to extend the worlds largest thank you to Heidi, Caroline, Zach, Ashley, Jesse, and the 83 part-timers that made this Black Friday a huge success. We made it! I was only screamed at a handful of times, but no one was ruining my day! But, I could not have done it without everyone's hard work and long hours. Tia, thanks for working for 24 hours, you are a psycho, and I'm saying that with love. I seriously love every single one of you in my Hco family and your hard work certainly did not go unnoticed.
Here, you can see all of the beautiful souls that worked on Thanksgiving at 11p.m.
Shout out to my shirtless greeters, you guys did a great job taking countless photos and letting pre-teens, old women, and weird men bother you for 6 consecutive hours. Dana, thanks for spending your birthday at the pier. Lexi, thanks for fighting crime. Ashley, I have no idea how you stayed awake for your ball, but you go girl. Baby Nicole, keep up the sass, don't let those mom's boss you around. Everyone else, you're all awesome. Mom loves you! <3
For all of my retail friends, happy holidays, I'll be praying for you every moment of every day from now until January.
As most of you know, I don't watch any television other than the news. But between watching coverage on wars, gun violence and sport's coverage... every now and then something gains my attention in a positive way. Last night, on 60 Minutes, I saw the most enchanting story about one man who made it his life mission to save children. Now, he is spearheading an effort to guide children to help other children. The mantra of his global effort is as follows:
"The things we are thankful for tend to come from people who devote their lives to something greater than themselves."
What a beautiful thought.
As a child, Craig Kielburger learned of all the hardships that other kids around the world faced. At a young age, he learned of children that were enslaved, starving, without clean water and uneducated. Upon realizing that not all children were as fortunate as him, he made it his life goal to change it. Sixteen years later, Kielburger has gathered countless children who feel the same way that he does. He has raised tens of millions of dollars in his efforts and also created an army of young volunteers that travel around the world working with the less fortunate children of the world. The story was absolutely amazing and I encourage everyone to watch it or read about it here. Also, learn more about Kielburger's accomplishments and efforts on his website Free The Children. It is inspiring to see the countless adolescents that are working to make a difference in the world.
Seeing the passion and dedication of one man that had an idea and created it into a worldwide movement was mind blowing. I couldn't help but think of what the world would be like if everyone set out to make positive changes to the world around them.
On a smaller level, but just as importantly, Abercrombie and Fitch has a holiday charity every year that benefits individuals that work for the company. These associates are current employees that face medical hardships and the financial burdens that come with them. This year, the holiday charity will benefit four associates; one from Germany, one from Texas, one from New Jersey, and one from Pittsburgh! Our region is very excited to have someone from our area represented in the holiday charity this year. Ashley, an associate at Robinson AnF is battling Lupus and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments to slow down the progression of the disease. Of the other associates that the holiday charity benefits this year, two have cancer, and one is waiting on the transplant list for a kidney.
This year, the stores in the Pittsburgh area are looking to put together a charity event to benefit Ashley and the other associates for this year's charity. If you have any ideas on events that we could do between now and January, please let me know. Also, if you are interested in donating, you can do so at any Anf, Abercrombie kids, or Hollister store. Last year, the holiday store charity raised $135, 000 to benefitting the recipients. This year, we aspire to raise even more money. With your help, we can. Let's give these associates a chance at a better life, they deserve it.
Helping others can be done in simple ways also, not just monetarily. Smile, say please and thank you, ask someone how their day is, hold a door open for them, let someone merge in traffic, donate to a food bank, volunteer your time, do anything that you can to make someone else's day a little bit easier. If we could live like this, if everyone gave a little of something, imagine the difference in the world.
Let's use this holiday season to be thankful for all that we've got, and give to those who may not be as fortunate as we are. Find a cause and fight for it. Together, we can make a difference.
"To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded."~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here's to helping others, and inspiring them to do the same, and so on and so forth,
Until next week,
Xoxo
 |
| Helloooo Holiday Season! |
Here, you can see all of the beautiful souls that worked on Thanksgiving at 11p.m.
Shout out to my shirtless greeters, you guys did a great job taking countless photos and letting pre-teens, old women, and weird men bother you for 6 consecutive hours. Dana, thanks for spending your birthday at the pier. Lexi, thanks for fighting crime. Ashley, I have no idea how you stayed awake for your ball, but you go girl. Baby Nicole, keep up the sass, don't let those mom's boss you around. Everyone else, you're all awesome. Mom loves you! <3
For all of my retail friends, happy holidays, I'll be praying for you every moment of every day from now until January.
As most of you know, I don't watch any television other than the news. But between watching coverage on wars, gun violence and sport's coverage... every now and then something gains my attention in a positive way. Last night, on 60 Minutes, I saw the most enchanting story about one man who made it his life mission to save children. Now, he is spearheading an effort to guide children to help other children. The mantra of his global effort is as follows:
"The things we are thankful for tend to come from people who devote their lives to something greater than themselves."
What a beautiful thought.
As a child, Craig Kielburger learned of all the hardships that other kids around the world faced. At a young age, he learned of children that were enslaved, starving, without clean water and uneducated. Upon realizing that not all children were as fortunate as him, he made it his life goal to change it. Sixteen years later, Kielburger has gathered countless children who feel the same way that he does. He has raised tens of millions of dollars in his efforts and also created an army of young volunteers that travel around the world working with the less fortunate children of the world. The story was absolutely amazing and I encourage everyone to watch it or read about it here. Also, learn more about Kielburger's accomplishments and efforts on his website Free The Children. It is inspiring to see the countless adolescents that are working to make a difference in the world.
Seeing the passion and dedication of one man that had an idea and created it into a worldwide movement was mind blowing. I couldn't help but think of what the world would be like if everyone set out to make positive changes to the world around them.
On a smaller level, but just as importantly, Abercrombie and Fitch has a holiday charity every year that benefits individuals that work for the company. These associates are current employees that face medical hardships and the financial burdens that come with them. This year, the holiday charity will benefit four associates; one from Germany, one from Texas, one from New Jersey, and one from Pittsburgh! Our region is very excited to have someone from our area represented in the holiday charity this year. Ashley, an associate at Robinson AnF is battling Lupus and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments to slow down the progression of the disease. Of the other associates that the holiday charity benefits this year, two have cancer, and one is waiting on the transplant list for a kidney.
This year, the stores in the Pittsburgh area are looking to put together a charity event to benefit Ashley and the other associates for this year's charity. If you have any ideas on events that we could do between now and January, please let me know. Also, if you are interested in donating, you can do so at any Anf, Abercrombie kids, or Hollister store. Last year, the holiday store charity raised $135, 000 to benefitting the recipients. This year, we aspire to raise even more money. With your help, we can. Let's give these associates a chance at a better life, they deserve it.
Helping others can be done in simple ways also, not just monetarily. Smile, say please and thank you, ask someone how their day is, hold a door open for them, let someone merge in traffic, donate to a food bank, volunteer your time, do anything that you can to make someone else's day a little bit easier. If we could live like this, if everyone gave a little of something, imagine the difference in the world.
Let's use this holiday season to be thankful for all that we've got, and give to those who may not be as fortunate as we are. Find a cause and fight for it. Together, we can make a difference.
"To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded."~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here's to helping others, and inspiring them to do the same, and so on and so forth,
Until next week,
Xoxo
Monday, November 19, 2012
A Few of My Favorite Things (Photo Blog)
Happy Monday morning!
Most of you have a two or three day work week because of the holiday, and good for you guys! I will be working some absurd amount of hours this week. In fact, I will most likely be eating my turkey dinner at the cash register while ringing out customers on the eve of Thanksgiving. In lieu of this absolutely crazy work week for myself and my retail friends, I've decided to make this blog a photo blog to give myself and my readers a break from all of the writing and reading that comes with this hobby.
The following photos are of things that were on my phone that made me happy, or that made me laugh hysterically. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
Honestly, this photo is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my entire life. A group of children sent thank you cards to an animal shelter that recently brought some puppies to their school. "Thank you for bring the dogs, SO CUNT." I think she meant, "so cute." Also, I just can't help but notice one of the cards underneath... I think that is supposed to be a dog bone? It is honestly hilarious.
LEFT: I will never forget the day that these Asian twins strolled into 176 and requested to take a photo with the Daleys. Honestly, it was probably the most excited I have ever seen Kelly. Never deleting this photo.
RIGHT: To be completely honest, I am not entirely sure what this even is. Yoga shorts and winter boots? Regardless, girls, please stop dressing like idiots... especially in public.
LEFT: Bridesmaids will forever be my favorite movie ever made. The airplane scene is hysterical. "You can't get anywhere in five seconds, you're setting me up for failure."
Xoxo
Most of you have a two or three day work week because of the holiday, and good for you guys! I will be working some absurd amount of hours this week. In fact, I will most likely be eating my turkey dinner at the cash register while ringing out customers on the eve of Thanksgiving. In lieu of this absolutely crazy work week for myself and my retail friends, I've decided to make this blog a photo blog to give myself and my readers a break from all of the writing and reading that comes with this hobby.
The following photos are of things that were on my phone that made me happy, or that made me laugh hysterically. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
LEFT: If we learned ANYTHING from the New Years Eve debacle of last year, it's that we should not pregame the celebration and that holidays are not an exception for getting kicked out of a bar. From what I understand, we also believed that the ball dropped twice.
RIGHT: Shirtless greeters are one of the very few things that make me excited about Black Friday. Afterall, it is the "hottest party of the year." That what I keep hearing, anyways.
Honestly, this photo is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my entire life. A group of children sent thank you cards to an animal shelter that recently brought some puppies to their school. "Thank you for bring the dogs, SO CUNT." I think she meant, "so cute." Also, I just can't help but notice one of the cards underneath... I think that is supposed to be a dog bone? It is honestly hilarious.
 |
| Twins and Twins |
 |
| I'm sorry, what? |
RIGHT: To be completely honest, I am not entirely sure what this even is. Yoga shorts and winter boots? Regardless, girls, please stop dressing like idiots... especially in public.
LEFT: Bridesmaids will forever be my favorite movie ever made. The airplane scene is hysterical. "You can't get anywhere in five seconds, you're setting me up for failure."
RIGHT: Wine. On this particular occasion, I purchased the great majority of what the wineries had to offer in Ithaca, NY. All I want for Christmas is wine, and world peace, and mittens.
This photo is of dad and I in Hawaii over the summer. I am enjoying a margarita and dad is sipping on a banana smoothie. It was amazing to be able to go on a trip with our family after dad was down and out for so many years. Hawaii is an absolutely gorgeous place, incase anyone had any doubts. Yes, my dad has red hair. No, I do not have read hair. No matter what Jeff Jackson says, my hair is brown.
Last, but certainly not least, here is a photo of Zach, one of my managers, volunteering in Mexico last week. Zach spent his week helping to build an orphanage that will soon be home to hundreds of children. He sent me this photo one afternoon. How cute are these kids? When you are finding your life to be challenging, think back to this photo.
I hope that everyone enjoys their shortened work week and takes some time to really sit back and reflect on the things that you are thankful for. I am sure that I will have some outrageous material for next week's blog.
Here's to finding your favorite things,
Xoxo
Monday, November 5, 2012
Why My Life is a Lot Like Taylor Swift's
Good morning and happy Monday to everyone!
My weekend was originally supposed to be spent in NYC/Hoboken, but as we very well know, that region has temporarily become part of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, my trip was cancelled. I missed out on seeing my high school friends but I am happy to report that they safely made it out of their apartment for the weekend and will be returning back to their normal lives this morning. Sara assured me that we will go extra hard on the adult beverages when she comes home for Thanksgiving. Anyone that was present for my 24th birthday celebration, please contact Sara and let her know that my social drinking skills are sub-par at best.
Moving. Right. Along.
Now, I don't necessarily like Taylor Swift's music, but if you haven't ever found yourself singing (I use "singing" very loosely) along to any of her witty lyrics, you probably aren't human. For this post, I've decided to use some of her lyrics to relate to a few hilarious things that have happened to me in past relationships.
Before I get this party started I think that it's important to acknowledge that at the time of all of these mishappenings, I considered these things to be the worst events that would ever happen to me. Silly girl. So if you are a young woman, and you are reading this right now... sit back, and laugh at my life, and realize that no matter how big of a deal something may seem to you at this very instant, it is likely to be absolutely insignificant in the grand scheme of your life. Trust me. I would not misguide young minds, I'm here to help.
Taylor Swift says, "All this time I was wasting, hoping you'd come around, I've been giving out chances every time and all you do is let me down."
How I could best describe this is: That awkward moment when your boyfriend randomly stops acknowledging your existence but... yikes... you have his season tickets for Pitt football. So yes, one time a boy broke up with me, if we can call it that. He kind of just, stopped talking to me all together. No calls, texts, nothing. Initially I thought maybe he had been arrested because he was a heavy drinker and usually did ridiculous things when he drank. Once I realized that he would have been released from jail after a day or two, I thought perhaps he was dead. Luckily for me, a friend of mine saw him out at a bar with another girl on his lap. So, at least I knew he was breathing. I guess the real question here was, when was it okay to end our Facebook relationship? I mean, we definitely were not dating. In fact, the possibility that he was dating someone else already was high. But, there was no official discussion of our relationship's end so...? After a week or two, I deleted our relationship and then the week of the Notre Dame game, guess who contacted me? A day late and a dollar short would apply here, but it was more like a month late and a Notre Dame game day ticket short because, well, I gave it to a friend.
Taylor Swift says, "Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in, flew me to places that I've never been, so shame on me now."
I think we all remember my beach boyfriend, and if you don't, dear Lord. For whatever reason, I thought that this kid was the best person on the face of the planet. Our on and off dating endeavors lasted, too long. Eventually, we broke up and then I found out that he was dating a new girl that recently went to jail. This, of course, came after he brought me to a secluded parking lot to "meet his friend." It was there that I realized that my boyfriend dabbled in drug exchanges. Fast forward one entire year, I receive a call from this boy telling me to check my email. I go ahead and do that, only to find that he has purchased me a plane ticket to visit him at his college. When I asked why he did that, I was told that "he bought himself me for his birthday." Needless to say, I didn't board that plane. I found out that he wasn't dating his jail girlfriend anymore, but that didn't make me any more interested in visiting New England.
Taylor Swift says, "And now that I'm sitting here and thinking it through, I've never been anywhere as cold as you."
Honestly, the worst thing that you could ever do to yourself is date someone with a perpetually terrible attitude. Yet, that is exactly what I did. Its funny looking back, because that isn't my style at all. But, I was stupid. I guess that's part of growing up. If the only emotion that your significant other shows is anger, don't walk, RUN away. I know that some people say that opposites attract but there may be a limitation to that idea. Liking different colors and rooting for different sports teams is very different than absolutely loving every aspect of your life and dating someone who genuinely hates everyone and everything about their own life. Lessons learned.
I am sure that I could go on for days about all of my mishappenings, but it's way past my bedtime and I have to work early. However, incase there was any question, "we are never getting back together, like ever" applies to everyone I've ever dated before.
So, ladies, whenever you think that your entire life is crashing down around you because of a relationship failure, just come back and read this post. Truthfully, you haven't seen the last of shitty relationships. From my experiences, there are plenty more where this came from.
However, I have recently learned that good people do exist in the world still. Though they may be rare, they will grace your beautiful life with their presence when you least expect it.
Additionally, T. Swift needs to stop falling so damn hard for everyone that's ever looked in her general direction and perhaps she wouldn't have so many terrible heart breaks to sing about.
With that being said: Here's to looking at every terrible relationship as an addition to a long list of things that we don't want,
It wasn't a waste of time if you learned a lesson (or two),
Have a great week, you're all beautiful.
Xoxo
My weekend was originally supposed to be spent in NYC/Hoboken, but as we very well know, that region has temporarily become part of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, my trip was cancelled. I missed out on seeing my high school friends but I am happy to report that they safely made it out of their apartment for the weekend and will be returning back to their normal lives this morning. Sara assured me that we will go extra hard on the adult beverages when she comes home for Thanksgiving. Anyone that was present for my 24th birthday celebration, please contact Sara and let her know that my social drinking skills are sub-par at best.
Moving. Right. Along.
Now, I don't necessarily like Taylor Swift's music, but if you haven't ever found yourself singing (I use "singing" very loosely) along to any of her witty lyrics, you probably aren't human. For this post, I've decided to use some of her lyrics to relate to a few hilarious things that have happened to me in past relationships.
Before I get this party started I think that it's important to acknowledge that at the time of all of these mishappenings, I considered these things to be the worst events that would ever happen to me. Silly girl. So if you are a young woman, and you are reading this right now... sit back, and laugh at my life, and realize that no matter how big of a deal something may seem to you at this very instant, it is likely to be absolutely insignificant in the grand scheme of your life. Trust me. I would not misguide young minds, I'm here to help.
Taylor Swift says, "All this time I was wasting, hoping you'd come around, I've been giving out chances every time and all you do is let me down."
How I could best describe this is: That awkward moment when your boyfriend randomly stops acknowledging your existence but... yikes... you have his season tickets for Pitt football. So yes, one time a boy broke up with me, if we can call it that. He kind of just, stopped talking to me all together. No calls, texts, nothing. Initially I thought maybe he had been arrested because he was a heavy drinker and usually did ridiculous things when he drank. Once I realized that he would have been released from jail after a day or two, I thought perhaps he was dead. Luckily for me, a friend of mine saw him out at a bar with another girl on his lap. So, at least I knew he was breathing. I guess the real question here was, when was it okay to end our Facebook relationship? I mean, we definitely were not dating. In fact, the possibility that he was dating someone else already was high. But, there was no official discussion of our relationship's end so...? After a week or two, I deleted our relationship and then the week of the Notre Dame game, guess who contacted me? A day late and a dollar short would apply here, but it was more like a month late and a Notre Dame game day ticket short because, well, I gave it to a friend.
Taylor Swift says, "Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in, flew me to places that I've never been, so shame on me now."
I think we all remember my beach boyfriend, and if you don't, dear Lord. For whatever reason, I thought that this kid was the best person on the face of the planet. Our on and off dating endeavors lasted, too long. Eventually, we broke up and then I found out that he was dating a new girl that recently went to jail. This, of course, came after he brought me to a secluded parking lot to "meet his friend." It was there that I realized that my boyfriend dabbled in drug exchanges. Fast forward one entire year, I receive a call from this boy telling me to check my email. I go ahead and do that, only to find that he has purchased me a plane ticket to visit him at his college. When I asked why he did that, I was told that "he bought himself me for his birthday." Needless to say, I didn't board that plane. I found out that he wasn't dating his jail girlfriend anymore, but that didn't make me any more interested in visiting New England.
Taylor Swift says, "And now that I'm sitting here and thinking it through, I've never been anywhere as cold as you."
Honestly, the worst thing that you could ever do to yourself is date someone with a perpetually terrible attitude. Yet, that is exactly what I did. Its funny looking back, because that isn't my style at all. But, I was stupid. I guess that's part of growing up. If the only emotion that your significant other shows is anger, don't walk, RUN away. I know that some people say that opposites attract but there may be a limitation to that idea. Liking different colors and rooting for different sports teams is very different than absolutely loving every aspect of your life and dating someone who genuinely hates everyone and everything about their own life. Lessons learned.
I am sure that I could go on for days about all of my mishappenings, but it's way past my bedtime and I have to work early. However, incase there was any question, "we are never getting back together, like ever" applies to everyone I've ever dated before.
So, ladies, whenever you think that your entire life is crashing down around you because of a relationship failure, just come back and read this post. Truthfully, you haven't seen the last of shitty relationships. From my experiences, there are plenty more where this came from.
However, I have recently learned that good people do exist in the world still. Though they may be rare, they will grace your beautiful life with their presence when you least expect it.
Additionally, T. Swift needs to stop falling so damn hard for everyone that's ever looked in her general direction and perhaps she wouldn't have so many terrible heart breaks to sing about.
With that being said: Here's to looking at every terrible relationship as an addition to a long list of things that we don't want,
It wasn't a waste of time if you learned a lesson (or two),
Have a great week, you're all beautiful.
Xoxo
Monday, October 29, 2012
Wintertime And Life is Still Fantastic
Well, well, well, looks like another Monday is upon us. As I type this it is 11p.m. and I am so sleepy but I logged on here only to find..... Holy crap, my blog hit 10,000 views! Yikesssss.
So, if you guys are awesome enough to read these posts every week, I will continue to write them on Sunday nights even though I will probably fall asleep in my latte tomorrow morning. That's what friends are for.
Last week, every important individual from my company showed up in my store at some point. For the first time in years and years, I was actually nervous about something; strange. Let this be proof to everyone that doesn't think that important people will ever show up at their store. It really does happen. Luckily for 333, we did a great job and everything worked out just the way it should have. This is living proof that hard work goes a long way! Shout out to every single one of you for being the best little worker bees in the whole world. You make my life so happy every single day. I couldn't have made it through this week without you angels. Also, you're all so cute, I can't even stand it. Now that all of that excitement is over. Hang on to your santa hats, its about to get real very shortly. Let's spread holiday cheer for the next couple of months! Love love love you!
Earlier last week, Ryan and I went to the pumpkin patch. We have been friends for life and we just so happened to have the same day off of work. If you have ever been to Soergel's before, you know that in order to get to the actual patch portion of the orchard, you have to walk up a ccolossal hill. Obviously, I was very excited to get there, so I was on the move and Ryan's little legs were struggling to keep up with me. Needless to say, we get to the top of the hill only to find a sign saying "Pumpkin Patch Closed. Do Not Enter." I'm sorry, what? Don't worry, I didn't let that ruin my day. We went on to take advantage of other opportunities that the patch had to offer. Here is a photo for your entertainment. PS, who is this little bitch behind me and why does she look like she's hardcore judging me? After this photo op, I was forced to select a pumpkin out of a giant bin. My pumpkin was covered in dirt and had a big dent in it. However, a shitty pumpkin beats no pumpkin at all. So, whatever, not ruining my week. To be honest, I'm not good with knives anyways, it's all about the seeds.
This week, I didn't catch too many people stealing. On Monday, we caught two girls stealing a pair of jeans but they gave them back when they came to the realization that we were a lot smarter and sassier than they were. Thank you Lexi Miller for the assist on this recovery. Additionally, a security guard stopped in my store on Sunday to return a pair of 00 jeans that he found laying on the ground in the food court with the sensor still attached. Apparently, the thief from Saturday night must have realized just how small a 00 was, and ditched in by the China Max. PS. for the love of God do not eat there. Don't ask me why, just trust me on this one.
In an earlier blog post, I mentioned people that buy clothes in bulk to resell them online. Last week, we were graced with the presence of one such man. In the blog, I mentioned how silly these people look when they are carrying a ridiculous amount of items around the store. For those of you that have never seen something like this before. I give you this photo. There you have it, one man buying 20 items. I actually felt bad for this guy, because hit little wife just kept piling more and more things onto his body. Ultimately, he couldn't even buy these things because his credit card has been flagged by the company for purchasing too many items recently. I didn't even know that could happen. Learn something new every day I guess. But seriously, how funny is this photo?
Moving right along, here comes winter. My poor bones are frozen already and it's not even November. Someone keep my little body warm for the winter, please. Popcorn is a must and being the strongest man in the world is a total turn on, FYI. I've come to the realization that I really love the fall season, I just wish that it would last longer. This weekend, I am headed to New York City just in time for the late season hurricane. Last year when I went to New York in the fall, my flight was delayed because of snow. Perhaps I should consider what time of year I make this journey. Nevertheless, I will have lots and lots of photos from my getaway. Last year, Sara and Joel made me drink a Four Loko and I had flu-like symptoms for three days. Never again.
Speaking of the storm, everyone needs to calm down. I understand that some portions of the country are in deep shit, but I'm pretty sure that Pittsburgh is only on the outskirts of this storm. If you are going to the store to stock up on toilet paper, you need to re-evaluate your life. It looks like the storm will produce heavy rain in Pittsburgh for a few days. If you don't have enough toilet paper to last you days, you are a bad grocery shopper. Also, if you can't drive to the store in a rainstorm then you have bigger problems than a toilet paper shortage.
We will end on that note. I hope that everyone has a fantastic week, I know I will!
Here's to keeping calm and staying warm,
Xoxo
So, if you guys are awesome enough to read these posts every week, I will continue to write them on Sunday nights even though I will probably fall asleep in my latte tomorrow morning. That's what friends are for.
Last week, every important individual from my company showed up in my store at some point. For the first time in years and years, I was actually nervous about something; strange. Let this be proof to everyone that doesn't think that important people will ever show up at their store. It really does happen. Luckily for 333, we did a great job and everything worked out just the way it should have. This is living proof that hard work goes a long way! Shout out to every single one of you for being the best little worker bees in the whole world. You make my life so happy every single day. I couldn't have made it through this week without you angels. Also, you're all so cute, I can't even stand it. Now that all of that excitement is over. Hang on to your santa hats, its about to get real very shortly. Let's spread holiday cheer for the next couple of months! Love love love you!
This week, I didn't catch too many people stealing. On Monday, we caught two girls stealing a pair of jeans but they gave them back when they came to the realization that we were a lot smarter and sassier than they were. Thank you Lexi Miller for the assist on this recovery. Additionally, a security guard stopped in my store on Sunday to return a pair of 00 jeans that he found laying on the ground in the food court with the sensor still attached. Apparently, the thief from Saturday night must have realized just how small a 00 was, and ditched in by the China Max. PS. for the love of God do not eat there. Don't ask me why, just trust me on this one.
In an earlier blog post, I mentioned people that buy clothes in bulk to resell them online. Last week, we were graced with the presence of one such man. In the blog, I mentioned how silly these people look when they are carrying a ridiculous amount of items around the store. For those of you that have never seen something like this before. I give you this photo. There you have it, one man buying 20 items. I actually felt bad for this guy, because hit little wife just kept piling more and more things onto his body. Ultimately, he couldn't even buy these things because his credit card has been flagged by the company for purchasing too many items recently. I didn't even know that could happen. Learn something new every day I guess. But seriously, how funny is this photo? Moving right along, here comes winter. My poor bones are frozen already and it's not even November. Someone keep my little body warm for the winter, please. Popcorn is a must and being the strongest man in the world is a total turn on, FYI. I've come to the realization that I really love the fall season, I just wish that it would last longer. This weekend, I am headed to New York City just in time for the late season hurricane. Last year when I went to New York in the fall, my flight was delayed because of snow. Perhaps I should consider what time of year I make this journey. Nevertheless, I will have lots and lots of photos from my getaway. Last year, Sara and Joel made me drink a Four Loko and I had flu-like symptoms for three days. Never again.
Speaking of the storm, everyone needs to calm down. I understand that some portions of the country are in deep shit, but I'm pretty sure that Pittsburgh is only on the outskirts of this storm. If you are going to the store to stock up on toilet paper, you need to re-evaluate your life. It looks like the storm will produce heavy rain in Pittsburgh for a few days. If you don't have enough toilet paper to last you days, you are a bad grocery shopper. Also, if you can't drive to the store in a rainstorm then you have bigger problems than a toilet paper shortage.
We will end on that note. I hope that everyone has a fantastic week, I know I will!
Here's to keeping calm and staying warm,
Xoxo
Sunday, October 21, 2012
A Collection of All Sorts
Happy Monday, you beautiful souls.
This blog will be a semi-random conglomeration of recent events and thoughts. While this weeks literature will not have one solid theme, I assure you that it will be just as entertaining as every other week.
First and foremost, this week brings the big 2-5 for a very great friend of mine. Happy birthday, Andrea. You're so pretty and silly and I'm so proud of your recent epiphany of avoiding men like the plague. Better late than never, right? I hope this is your best year yet, I love you (even though you told me you hope I gain weight in my midsection).
Happy first day of being a store manager, Jess Maloney. You will be so amazing at your new store and I hope that you put your binder to fantastic use and enjoy being able to wear your chucks again. Don't forget your mom though, I'm going to miss the crap out of you!
Congratulations to my managers and all of my part timers for lowing our units stolen per week by more that 50%. Every single one of you guys (all 74 of you), have done an amazing job at fighting crime. A little kindness goes a longgg way and now, we can see the truth in that statement. I adore 100% of you. Especially because you're the only kids I'll ever have.
To everyone that was in the Gibsonia Starbucks on 10/17 I am sorry for yelling at everyone. It's just that, whenever the barista offered up the free venti frappucino, I felt like it was in my moral code to let everyone know how many calories were in the drink. I know I said "Don't do it, think of all the calories, I will slap anyone's hand that reaches for that free beverage," and I still stand by those words. Sorry if I startled you.
Shout out to Anytime Fitness and trainer Erin for kicking my butt the last couple of weeks. Erin, I swear I don't actually hate you, even though I tell you five or more times an hour while you make me lift heavy weights, do endless lunges, and insist that I can do push ups even though you and I both know I have 0 upper body strength. My abs are looking better than ever and I can actually lift things without crying out in pain.
Speaking of lifting heavy things, I'd like for someone to take me to the pumpkin patch please. I am off on Tuesday and Saturday this week, so let me know who is down. Please note that a trip to the pumpkin patch was the demise of a relationship that I had last year, so don't expect anything other than pumpkin picking and hilarity. This venue hasn't exactly been a relationship builder for me.
Recently, a lot of people have been asking about my dad. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate everyone's concern and interest in dad's health. He is doing just great! It has almost been THREE WHOLE YEARS since my mom gave him one of her kidneys! After endless years of hospital living and bad news, we have almost had three consecutive healthy years. Dad says that every day that he is alive is a bonus. I wish more people in the world had an outlook like that. Think of what a difference it would make if people valued every breath. I know I do!
And now, a couple of things that have been grinding my gears for the last week or so:
1. What is the point of the political front yard sign? All joking aside, what is the point? Are you supposed to use it as an icebreaker with the neighbors? "Honey look, the Smith's are voting for Obama, let's go talk politics with them!" No, no one does that. Is it so that local traffic can create their own political polls? That can't be it either. Yet, with all of the "guess who I'm voting for" front yard signs, I can't help but wonder what the damn point is. Regardless, get out and vote next week!
2. Why why why why why am I now notified on Facebook when one of my friends gets engaged? I get that everyone's birthdays show up under "events" on my home page. To be honest, I don't even like that. More often than not I a)don't even know who the people are or b)haven't talked to the person in years. So, as if the birthdays aren't bad enough, I now have to see engagements. I think we can all agree that engagements happen just about as frequently as birthdays these days. Before I know it, my entire side bar will be filled with things I just don't care about. Thank the Lord for twitter.
And, for everyone posting about the Steelers and blowing up all of my social networking news feeds... I know. Everyone else in Pittsburgh is watching the game too. And because of you guys, the blog is getting posted 8 hours early, just to add some variety to everyone's lives.
With that, here's to another week of happiness,
Xoxo
This blog will be a semi-random conglomeration of recent events and thoughts. While this weeks literature will not have one solid theme, I assure you that it will be just as entertaining as every other week.
First and foremost, this week brings the big 2-5 for a very great friend of mine. Happy birthday, Andrea. You're so pretty and silly and I'm so proud of your recent epiphany of avoiding men like the plague. Better late than never, right? I hope this is your best year yet, I love you (even though you told me you hope I gain weight in my midsection).
Happy first day of being a store manager, Jess Maloney. You will be so amazing at your new store and I hope that you put your binder to fantastic use and enjoy being able to wear your chucks again. Don't forget your mom though, I'm going to miss the crap out of you!
Congratulations to my managers and all of my part timers for lowing our units stolen per week by more that 50%. Every single one of you guys (all 74 of you), have done an amazing job at fighting crime. A little kindness goes a longgg way and now, we can see the truth in that statement. I adore 100% of you. Especially because you're the only kids I'll ever have.
To everyone that was in the Gibsonia Starbucks on 10/17 I am sorry for yelling at everyone. It's just that, whenever the barista offered up the free venti frappucino, I felt like it was in my moral code to let everyone know how many calories were in the drink. I know I said "Don't do it, think of all the calories, I will slap anyone's hand that reaches for that free beverage," and I still stand by those words. Sorry if I startled you.
Shout out to Anytime Fitness and trainer Erin for kicking my butt the last couple of weeks. Erin, I swear I don't actually hate you, even though I tell you five or more times an hour while you make me lift heavy weights, do endless lunges, and insist that I can do push ups even though you and I both know I have 0 upper body strength. My abs are looking better than ever and I can actually lift things without crying out in pain.
Speaking of lifting heavy things, I'd like for someone to take me to the pumpkin patch please. I am off on Tuesday and Saturday this week, so let me know who is down. Please note that a trip to the pumpkin patch was the demise of a relationship that I had last year, so don't expect anything other than pumpkin picking and hilarity. This venue hasn't exactly been a relationship builder for me.
Recently, a lot of people have been asking about my dad. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate everyone's concern and interest in dad's health. He is doing just great! It has almost been THREE WHOLE YEARS since my mom gave him one of her kidneys! After endless years of hospital living and bad news, we have almost had three consecutive healthy years. Dad says that every day that he is alive is a bonus. I wish more people in the world had an outlook like that. Think of what a difference it would make if people valued every breath. I know I do!
And now, a couple of things that have been grinding my gears for the last week or so:
1. What is the point of the political front yard sign? All joking aside, what is the point? Are you supposed to use it as an icebreaker with the neighbors? "Honey look, the Smith's are voting for Obama, let's go talk politics with them!" No, no one does that. Is it so that local traffic can create their own political polls? That can't be it either. Yet, with all of the "guess who I'm voting for" front yard signs, I can't help but wonder what the damn point is. Regardless, get out and vote next week!
2. Why why why why why am I now notified on Facebook when one of my friends gets engaged? I get that everyone's birthdays show up under "events" on my home page. To be honest, I don't even like that. More often than not I a)don't even know who the people are or b)haven't talked to the person in years. So, as if the birthdays aren't bad enough, I now have to see engagements. I think we can all agree that engagements happen just about as frequently as birthdays these days. Before I know it, my entire side bar will be filled with things I just don't care about. Thank the Lord for twitter.
And, for everyone posting about the Steelers and blowing up all of my social networking news feeds... I know. Everyone else in Pittsburgh is watching the game too. And because of you guys, the blog is getting posted 8 hours early, just to add some variety to everyone's lives.
With that, here's to another week of happiness,
Xoxo
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The Perks of Being 20 Something and Single
Goooood Monday morning! :)
Before I get this party started, allow me to catch everyone up on my life. I love it, obviously. Work is fantastic, I love everyone and every thing about it. This week, I recovered some stolen fragrances from a 30-year-old crackhead whom ALSO wrote me a fake check, was asked out by a 12-year-old, and spent roughly 10 minutes of my life trying to help out an Indian woman whose only spoken English word was "ladies." Additionally, this week was floorset week one and it went just wonderfully. Thank you to all of you for your hard work, let's do it again this week!
On Sunday, I drank the most delicious instant latte of my life. Shout out to Red for the freebee and how-to on the new Starbucks Kcup machine. Red is also a photographer, and does some great work. If you're interested, check out his photos here!
Also this week, Happy birthday Rachel! Can't wait for our dinner date!
Today, I am headed to court for Casey's hearing. For those of you that may not remember, Casey is the wonderful individual that stole 16 items from my store and then roughed me up on her escape to her shitty car and back to her section 8 housing residence. I can't wait to be reunited with her today. I can't help but wonder if she will bring her child to court, much like she brought her to her shoplifting endeavor. I'll keep you posted.
Last weekend, some family members from North Carolina came to visit! It was wonderful and we went to the winery, which I think we all know how I feel about that. Please, allow me to suggest the riesling at Narcisi; it is delicious and comes in a fabulous blue bottle. While at dinner, my aunt asked me if I had a boyfriend and when I told her that I did not, she asked, "what are you waiting for?"
What am I waiting for? Please, allow me to tell you.
I've spent the better part of my 24 years on earth working to surround myself with people that make me happy. People that love me for the person that I am. They accept my tall skinny body, my sass, my overly excited disposition, my love for over-priced coffee, and even my trash mouth.
To be honest, I've done a damn good job at plucking the shitty people of the world out from my happy life. I am so pleased with the people that are involved in my every day life. You see, to me, life is too short. Why exhaust your time and energy on people that only bring negativity into your life? So it's very simple; I don't bother with those people. If you are a bad friend, if you only receive and never give, if you are materialistic, a perpetual complainer, have outlandish priorities, or dishonest, you can plague someone else's life, because I have time for none of those things.
Maybe, just maybe, this is the secret of life.
A very good friend of mine just broke up with her boyfriend. He's ignored her for three days in a row and made it very clear that hunting deer is more important than acknowledging her. He's also 30 years old. I guess he's not in a hurry to get married either. My friend has come to the realization that I was right alllllll of these years when I insisted that I could control my own happiness. "All I need is my pug," she said. For me, it's popcorn, wine, and the gym. To each her own.
To the people that have found "the one" good for you! I can't imagine what it's like to meet someone whom is everything that I want. There is nothing wrong with being married. But, let's also address that there is nothing wrong with NOT being married, either. Perhaps, if I found someone who was an all around good person, I would consider sharing my happy life with them eternally.
I once dated a man that loved me for all that I was, truly. If soul mates did exist, hey may have been it. However, we cannot help what we feel. As the years progress, we cannot force ourselves to feel things that we don't.
For everyone that is 20 something and single, good for you, too! If you're going to stand for anything, stand for yourself. Take some time looking out for number one. Address the things that you need and the things that you want, and don't settle for anything less. Single doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, it means that you have standards. If you haven't found anyone that does it for you yet, don't give up. In the grand scheme of life, 20 something is juvenile.
What am I waiting for?
Every single morning I wake up happy. Every. Single. Morning. It's really a gift. I'm looking for the person that can only bring me up from there. Until then, I wouldn't say that being in full control of my own happiness is a bad thing. I'm looking for someone that values everyday life, realizes that making a lot of money is nothing in comparison to loving what you do, and someone that believes that making a difference in the world is possible. I also would like for them to enjoy working out and being tall is also a perk, since I'm a giraffe and all.
That's what I'm waiting for, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you're focusing on finding someone else to complete your life, maybe you should actually be focusing on what you could be doing differently to complete yourself, first.
Until next week,
Here's to accepting the beauty of life with or without a significant other,
Xoxo
Before I get this party started, allow me to catch everyone up on my life. I love it, obviously. Work is fantastic, I love everyone and every thing about it. This week, I recovered some stolen fragrances from a 30-year-old crackhead whom ALSO wrote me a fake check, was asked out by a 12-year-old, and spent roughly 10 minutes of my life trying to help out an Indian woman whose only spoken English word was "ladies." Additionally, this week was floorset week one and it went just wonderfully. Thank you to all of you for your hard work, let's do it again this week!
On Sunday, I drank the most delicious instant latte of my life. Shout out to Red for the freebee and how-to on the new Starbucks Kcup machine. Red is also a photographer, and does some great work. If you're interested, check out his photos here!
Also this week, Happy birthday Rachel! Can't wait for our dinner date!
Today, I am headed to court for Casey's hearing. For those of you that may not remember, Casey is the wonderful individual that stole 16 items from my store and then roughed me up on her escape to her shitty car and back to her section 8 housing residence. I can't wait to be reunited with her today. I can't help but wonder if she will bring her child to court, much like she brought her to her shoplifting endeavor. I'll keep you posted.
Last weekend, some family members from North Carolina came to visit! It was wonderful and we went to the winery, which I think we all know how I feel about that. Please, allow me to suggest the riesling at Narcisi; it is delicious and comes in a fabulous blue bottle. While at dinner, my aunt asked me if I had a boyfriend and when I told her that I did not, she asked, "what are you waiting for?"
What am I waiting for? Please, allow me to tell you.
I've spent the better part of my 24 years on earth working to surround myself with people that make me happy. People that love me for the person that I am. They accept my tall skinny body, my sass, my overly excited disposition, my love for over-priced coffee, and even my trash mouth.
To be honest, I've done a damn good job at plucking the shitty people of the world out from my happy life. I am so pleased with the people that are involved in my every day life. You see, to me, life is too short. Why exhaust your time and energy on people that only bring negativity into your life? So it's very simple; I don't bother with those people. If you are a bad friend, if you only receive and never give, if you are materialistic, a perpetual complainer, have outlandish priorities, or dishonest, you can plague someone else's life, because I have time for none of those things.
Maybe, just maybe, this is the secret of life.
A very good friend of mine just broke up with her boyfriend. He's ignored her for three days in a row and made it very clear that hunting deer is more important than acknowledging her. He's also 30 years old. I guess he's not in a hurry to get married either. My friend has come to the realization that I was right alllllll of these years when I insisted that I could control my own happiness. "All I need is my pug," she said. For me, it's popcorn, wine, and the gym. To each her own.
To the people that have found "the one" good for you! I can't imagine what it's like to meet someone whom is everything that I want. There is nothing wrong with being married. But, let's also address that there is nothing wrong with NOT being married, either. Perhaps, if I found someone who was an all around good person, I would consider sharing my happy life with them eternally.
I once dated a man that loved me for all that I was, truly. If soul mates did exist, hey may have been it. However, we cannot help what we feel. As the years progress, we cannot force ourselves to feel things that we don't.
For everyone that is 20 something and single, good for you, too! If you're going to stand for anything, stand for yourself. Take some time looking out for number one. Address the things that you need and the things that you want, and don't settle for anything less. Single doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, it means that you have standards. If you haven't found anyone that does it for you yet, don't give up. In the grand scheme of life, 20 something is juvenile.
What am I waiting for?
Every single morning I wake up happy. Every. Single. Morning. It's really a gift. I'm looking for the person that can only bring me up from there. Until then, I wouldn't say that being in full control of my own happiness is a bad thing. I'm looking for someone that values everyday life, realizes that making a lot of money is nothing in comparison to loving what you do, and someone that believes that making a difference in the world is possible. I also would like for them to enjoy working out and being tall is also a perk, since I'm a giraffe and all.
That's what I'm waiting for, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you're focusing on finding someone else to complete your life, maybe you should actually be focusing on what you could be doing differently to complete yourself, first.
Until next week,
Here's to accepting the beauty of life with or without a significant other,
Xoxo
Monday, October 8, 2012
Things That Make You Go "Ewwww"
Good morning, and as always, happy Monday. By the time you have begun to read this blog, I am already happily at work filling out piles of paperwork while listening to pandora and sipping on my yummy latte. Recently, the barista at my new Starbucks learned my name and BOC (beverage of choice). However, April at the Gibsonia Starbucks still holds a strong place in my heart as she always draws lovely designs and calls me pretty every single time that I see her. Who doesn't like to be called pretty? Anyways...
This blog will be calling out a few fine (just kidding) individuals for their overall dis-service to the world around them. Without any exaggeration, the mere fact that people like this actually exist in our realm is absolutely sickening.
Two weeks ago, I said I would be calling out anyone that made me mad. Don't say I didn't warn you.
It has recently been brought to my attention that an immature individual likes to talk about me as much as she breathes. I have never done anything but nice deeds for this person and rather than trying to come up with a reason that she decided that she dislikes me, I've focused on why she feels the need to talk about me or anyone else for that matter. Here is what I have come up with: her life sucks, she is boring, no one likes her, at some point perhaps someone has talked about her and she feels the need to pass the torch, her parents didn't teach her proper manners, daytime television drama got the best of her imagination or perhaps she enjoys fashioning entertaining yet fictitious stories in her stupid mind. Whatever the reason may be, sorry about your luck, but you're getting called out.
If you want to talk about me here are some things you could say: I am loud, cannot handle my liquor, can't keep a boyfriend, obsess over my job, shop too much, and cannot stand children in any way. I have plenty of faults, so I suggest you select one of those next time you feel the need to talk about me, instead of making up absurd stories that everyone you are telling a)knows are simply false and b)tells me about your accusations and we giggle.
At some point, I encourage you to look around and realize that no one else in your age group still bad mouths people, or makes up ridiculous stories about them. Habits like that are a bit outdated for people in their 20's. In fact, I feel bad for your childish ways and anyone that voluntarily chooses to associate themselves with you.
Moving right along....
Just to give everyone an idea of the messed up individuals that frequent shopping malls, I give you this story. A very great friend of mine was recently helping a customer pick out jeans at her retail job. She told the woman that she thought she would like the jeans because they were not low-rise. The woman replied, and I am not joking, "when you have a fat stomach like yours, it's nice to have something to hide it."
For the record, my friend is not fat. She is skinny, short, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. If I was a bystander to this conversation, I would have told this woman about herself. This is the world we live in.
For anyone that is a South Hills Village shopper, please allow me to encourage you to go ahead and NOT eat at the "I Love Yogurt" venue in the mall. Two Friday's ago when I was so hungry that I contemplated eating my own arm, I headed over to the food court at approximately 8:45p.m. When I arrived at "I Love Yogurt" and ordered a salad (yes, they have salads, I know the name can be deceiving), I was told that they could not serve me any food because they were closing. I said, "I'm actually staring at a bowl of lettuce, can I just have some of that?" I was denied.
I am the epitome of this business, I love yogurt and I also love salads. Now, I love passing their establishment to get a salad elsewhere. Just incase you needed another reason to boycott this establishment, one of their cashiers tells idiotic jokes and has the most dry sense of humor of anyone I've ever met. I once watched him deny an elderly woman of a napkin then crack up before giving it to her. Good one, you jerk, she didn't know you were kidding.
Those are the only negatives that I have for now, but if people continue to piss me off on a regular basis... I'll continue to post about them. No shame.
Shout out to my BFF in the whole wide world on her 25th birthday this week! I love you and I will see you soon to celebrate!
Also, congratulations to Jeff Jackson who is moving to Kentucky this week for a promotion with Mercedes Benz. You'll do great, love you!
I'll write next week, but in the meantime,
Keep talking about me, you're making me famous,
Xoxo
This blog will be calling out a few fine (just kidding) individuals for their overall dis-service to the world around them. Without any exaggeration, the mere fact that people like this actually exist in our realm is absolutely sickening.
Two weeks ago, I said I would be calling out anyone that made me mad. Don't say I didn't warn you.
It has recently been brought to my attention that an immature individual likes to talk about me as much as she breathes. I have never done anything but nice deeds for this person and rather than trying to come up with a reason that she decided that she dislikes me, I've focused on why she feels the need to talk about me or anyone else for that matter. Here is what I have come up with: her life sucks, she is boring, no one likes her, at some point perhaps someone has talked about her and she feels the need to pass the torch, her parents didn't teach her proper manners, daytime television drama got the best of her imagination or perhaps she enjoys fashioning entertaining yet fictitious stories in her stupid mind. Whatever the reason may be, sorry about your luck, but you're getting called out.
If you want to talk about me here are some things you could say: I am loud, cannot handle my liquor, can't keep a boyfriend, obsess over my job, shop too much, and cannot stand children in any way. I have plenty of faults, so I suggest you select one of those next time you feel the need to talk about me, instead of making up absurd stories that everyone you are telling a)knows are simply false and b)tells me about your accusations and we giggle.
At some point, I encourage you to look around and realize that no one else in your age group still bad mouths people, or makes up ridiculous stories about them. Habits like that are a bit outdated for people in their 20's. In fact, I feel bad for your childish ways and anyone that voluntarily chooses to associate themselves with you.
Moving right along....
Just to give everyone an idea of the messed up individuals that frequent shopping malls, I give you this story. A very great friend of mine was recently helping a customer pick out jeans at her retail job. She told the woman that she thought she would like the jeans because they were not low-rise. The woman replied, and I am not joking, "when you have a fat stomach like yours, it's nice to have something to hide it."
For the record, my friend is not fat. She is skinny, short, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. If I was a bystander to this conversation, I would have told this woman about herself. This is the world we live in.
For anyone that is a South Hills Village shopper, please allow me to encourage you to go ahead and NOT eat at the "I Love Yogurt" venue in the mall. Two Friday's ago when I was so hungry that I contemplated eating my own arm, I headed over to the food court at approximately 8:45p.m. When I arrived at "I Love Yogurt" and ordered a salad (yes, they have salads, I know the name can be deceiving), I was told that they could not serve me any food because they were closing. I said, "I'm actually staring at a bowl of lettuce, can I just have some of that?" I was denied.
I am the epitome of this business, I love yogurt and I also love salads. Now, I love passing their establishment to get a salad elsewhere. Just incase you needed another reason to boycott this establishment, one of their cashiers tells idiotic jokes and has the most dry sense of humor of anyone I've ever met. I once watched him deny an elderly woman of a napkin then crack up before giving it to her. Good one, you jerk, she didn't know you were kidding.
Those are the only negatives that I have for now, but if people continue to piss me off on a regular basis... I'll continue to post about them. No shame.
Shout out to my BFF in the whole wide world on her 25th birthday this week! I love you and I will see you soon to celebrate!
Also, congratulations to Jeff Jackson who is moving to Kentucky this week for a promotion with Mercedes Benz. You'll do great, love you!
I'll write next week, but in the meantime,
Keep talking about me, you're making me famous,
Xoxo
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Epitome of Friendship
Good Monday evening, everyone. I apologize for my tardiness on this post, I was one busy girl this weekend and my Sunday routine was thrown for a loop as I spent the afternoon in a car back from a weekend voyage.
I headed to good old Altoona, PA this weekend to visit with one of my best friends in the entire world and try on bridesmaid's dresses for her wedding! While Altoona is.... different... I really enjoyed the time I spent with Jenna and her family this weekend. They are truly some of the sweetest people I have ever known.
Before making the plans to rendezvous halfway across the state, Jenna and I realized that we had not seen each other for roughly three years. Yet, we remained friends through all sorts of obstacles; college, job changes, moves, crazy boyfriends, family illness and, of course, a quarter life crisis or two. Yet, early Saturday morning after 2.5 hours of driving, many wrong turns, and plenty of dead zones for my satellite radio; Jenna and I raced towards each other at the end of her parent's driveway as she yelled "this is the day the Lord has made!"
It was at that moment that I realized, this is the epitome of friendship.
After years and years of not seeing Jenna, we spent the day together laughing at old times, remembering nick names that we had for everyone we've ever met before, and reminiscing about our trip to the beach with our favorite gays in 2008. Shout out to Tyler and Tommy.
It's probable that everyone has recently been let down by someone that they believed was a great friend at some point. Ultimately, we all get confused every now and then. In high school, everyone is your "best friend." The term is used loosely. As we grow up, though, we realize that having the same 4th period AP lit class with someone doesn't make you best friends. Best friends are not made by running at the same pace as someone else in 10th grade gym class. Best friends aren't made by who your locker is next to, who your favorite teacher is, or what section of the school district you reside in.
In high school, we may think we have "best friends" but what we actually have are commonalities. You grow up, mature, and grow apart from your 18-year-old version of what a "best friend" is.
However, there are always exceptions.
In kindergarden at All Saints, I met Sara K. Needless to say, Mrs. Ranallo may not have appreciated all of the life decisions that we made after the second grade. My earliest memory with Sara is getting stuck in a hula skirt in her living room and needing her mom to PHYSICALLY cut me out of the damn grass skirt. That's probably when I started dieting. And since then, we have been friends. Not "friends." Real friends. No bullshit, no gossip, no drama. We've laughed, we've cried, we've drank way too much, we've taken naps on curbs, shared inappropriate stories, we've spent more days laying in the sun and reading magazines than most Floridians, hands down. Friends since the age of 5? That's something. That's best friends. Some things never change. See you in a few weeks, Sara. Love you!
In this friendship blog shout out session, I must make note of my friends from college that I have managed to keep in contact with through transfers, across state boundaries and through everything that college has to offer. Andrea, Amanda, and Rachel; I love the three of you more than life. You guys have seen me at my best, and my worst. Amanda, at the very moment that I met you, someone was throwing up in my kitchen sink. Andrea, you hated me, and threw my rain boots in the street, but we bounced back. The "Celebrate life" cake really built a firm foundation for our friendship. Rachel, you watched me cry for DAYS when my boyfriend fled the country. PS, he was the first but he was NOT the last. You three are fan-fucking-tastic, and I adore all of you and I value your continuing friendship more than I could ever explain. Andrea and Amanda, come to Pittsburgh right now. Rachel, I'm ready for another wine sesh when you are. love love love love you ladies.
Let's use this week to be a great friend. To get in contact with those that mean the most to you. To check in with those that hold a special place in your heart that live across state lines. To remember what real friendship stands for. To take a trip down memory lane, and to pave the path of friendship for years and years to come.
Here's to understanding the value of true friendship,
Xoxo
I headed to good old Altoona, PA this weekend to visit with one of my best friends in the entire world and try on bridesmaid's dresses for her wedding! While Altoona is.... different... I really enjoyed the time I spent with Jenna and her family this weekend. They are truly some of the sweetest people I have ever known.
 |
| College party, 2007. |
It was at that moment that I realized, this is the epitome of friendship.
After years and years of not seeing Jenna, we spent the day together laughing at old times, remembering nick names that we had for everyone we've ever met before, and reminiscing about our trip to the beach with our favorite gays in 2008. Shout out to Tyler and Tommy.
It's probable that everyone has recently been let down by someone that they believed was a great friend at some point. Ultimately, we all get confused every now and then. In high school, everyone is your "best friend." The term is used loosely. As we grow up, though, we realize that having the same 4th period AP lit class with someone doesn't make you best friends. Best friends are not made by running at the same pace as someone else in 10th grade gym class. Best friends aren't made by who your locker is next to, who your favorite teacher is, or what section of the school district you reside in.
In high school, we may think we have "best friends" but what we actually have are commonalities. You grow up, mature, and grow apart from your 18-year-old version of what a "best friend" is.
However, there are always exceptions.
 |
| Chicago, 2004! |
In kindergarden at All Saints, I met Sara K. Needless to say, Mrs. Ranallo may not have appreciated all of the life decisions that we made after the second grade. My earliest memory with Sara is getting stuck in a hula skirt in her living room and needing her mom to PHYSICALLY cut me out of the damn grass skirt. That's probably when I started dieting. And since then, we have been friends. Not "friends." Real friends. No bullshit, no gossip, no drama. We've laughed, we've cried, we've drank way too much, we've taken naps on curbs, shared inappropriate stories, we've spent more days laying in the sun and reading magazines than most Floridians, hands down. Friends since the age of 5? That's something. That's best friends. Some things never change. See you in a few weeks, Sara. Love you!
In this friendship blog shout out session, I must make note of my friends from college that I have managed to keep in contact with through transfers, across state boundaries and through everything that college has to offer. Andrea, Amanda, and Rachel; I love the three of you more than life. You guys have seen me at my best, and my worst. Amanda, at the very moment that I met you, someone was throwing up in my kitchen sink. Andrea, you hated me, and threw my rain boots in the street, but we bounced back. The "Celebrate life" cake really built a firm foundation for our friendship. Rachel, you watched me cry for DAYS when my boyfriend fled the country. PS, he was the first but he was NOT the last. You three are fan-fucking-tastic, and I adore all of you and I value your continuing friendship more than I could ever explain. Andrea and Amanda, come to Pittsburgh right now. Rachel, I'm ready for another wine sesh when you are. love love love love you ladies.
Let's use this week to be a great friend. To get in contact with those that mean the most to you. To check in with those that hold a special place in your heart that live across state lines. To remember what real friendship stands for. To take a trip down memory lane, and to pave the path of friendship for years and years to come.
Here's to understanding the value of true friendship,
Xoxo
Monday, September 24, 2012
Calling All Psychos
Good morning and happy Monday morning to every one of you. Hopefully everyone had a fantastic weekend of beautiful fall weather. Yesterday, I participated in my second inventory of the month, and I lived to tell about it. On Saturday, a baby threw up on the floor in betty's 3. I also lived to tell about that, though my initial reaction was to throw up in my own mouth and reaffirm (for the billionth time) that kids simply aren't for me. I digress....
This week a lot of very very VERY strange things happened to me. I've officially come to the realization that the most absurd beings flock to me by the dozens. I've taken a lot of time to think about what may have cause this, and I think I (and a few of my friends) have come up with an explanation. Overall, I am nice to 99% of the people that I come in contact with on a regular basis. I know that the world can be a shit place, and I am a firm believer that you cannot pass judgement on anyone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. Since I have never actually walked a mile in any one else's shoes, and you probably haven't either, it's simply easier to respect other people no matter how much or how little you may think you know about them.
It is this very ideal that has brought all of the psychos out to play in my general vicinity.
Everyone that talks to me KNOWS that I have a blog, and while I use this writing space predominantly to inspire others and provoke happiness, I have some pent up hostility just begging to be let out. From now on, if you act like an idiot or treat me like garbage I WILL CALL YOU OUT IN THIS SPACE. No more miss nice girl, if you want to act like an idiot... everyone will know about it from this point on.
The following stories are absolute truth, and I encourage all of you to laugh at my expense. I hope you are sitting down.
Whenever I first started at the south hills I drank many o cappuccino from the Gloria Jeans located in the mall. After a few awkward conversations, the man who made my beverages asked me out on a date and I explained to him that I worked on the weekends and that I was not available. I did this because I didn't want to give him a blatant "no" and hurt his feelings. Here are the facts, he is far older than me and speaks somewhat broken English. I was simply uninterested. Over the last few weeks, I've made a valiant effort to avoid this particular coffee shop in order to avoid more awkward interactions with Peter (that's his name).
However, one evening I needed a latte for my long drive home and I dragged myself to scoop up a cappuccino before my departure from the south hills. Sure enough, guess who was working. Here is how our conversation played out.
Nicole: Hi Peter, may I have a cappuccino please.
Peter: Do you still work on the weekends?
Nicole: Yes, every Friday and Saturday.
Peter: Well that's funny, because I saw you on the south side last Saturday.
Nicole: You did? Why didn't you say hello?
Peter: You were wearing a red dress.
Nicole: (creeped out) Why didn't you say hello?
Peter: You were supposed to be working.
My observations:
1. I will fall asleep driving the Jetta before I step foot into that coffee joint again.
2. I pissed off a man that doesn't even know me.
3. Peter obviously thinks I should have told him before I went out.
4. How dare I enjoy myself.
5. Why did he remember what I was wearing?
6. This is how girls like me disappear into unmarked white vans.
So that was one situation. BUT WAIT, there's more.
I can't even go into all of the details of this next psycho because our texting relationship lasted roughly 5 days before I was told about myself via books on books on books of text messages from a non-iPhone. Just to clear the air, I did not do anything wrong to this individual. In fact, we never hung out. Ever. In my lifetime. It was one of those, respond to my messages NOW regardless of what you're doing or I will text the shit out of you and fill up your message screen for whenever you pick up your phone next, knid of things.
Needless to say, it didn't end well. Amongst the books of messages, that began with "yo," and utilized the expression "don't get that twisted" (he was white, believe it or not) I was called a bitch; which, for all of you reading this... is absolutely hysterical. And once the name calling came to an end I was told.... wait... for... it.... "Do me a favor and unfriend me on facebook, I can't do it from my mobile. Thanks!" And, that was that. Needless to say, I was heartbroken.
I CAN'T AND I WON'T.
And finally, as if allllll of that wasn't enough... Justin recently told me that I owe him a Christmas present this year since I didn't get him one last year. This, of course, came after I returned the digital camera that I purchased for him after he talked to me like an idiot and then pet me on the head like a puppy in front of our waitress at Emiliano's last December. So now, he believes that I owe him a present. Tis the season.
Larry has requested that he receives a cameo at the end of every blog post from this point forward. He wishes for it to be called "Larry's tip of the week." Here is his smiles and happiness debut:
Larry psycho tip of the week: "If you don't have iMessage keep your texting to me at 140 characters or I'm not responding. Sometimes that shit sends out of order, and I'm not trying to put a fucking puzzle together"
Now, last but certainly not least, happy birthday to my favorite psycho in the whole wide world, Geoff! :) He prides himself on his number of twitter followers so if you could please follow him, that would be great, even if it's just for today: @lan17dry
Recently, my blog has gained a crazy amount of readers. If you just read this, please click the "like" button on the facebook link that I posted so I can see who is actually reading this. I'm both intrigued and flattered.
Until next week, here's to avoiding the countless psychos plaguing the world,
As always,
Xoxo<3
This week a lot of very very VERY strange things happened to me. I've officially come to the realization that the most absurd beings flock to me by the dozens. I've taken a lot of time to think about what may have cause this, and I think I (and a few of my friends) have come up with an explanation. Overall, I am nice to 99% of the people that I come in contact with on a regular basis. I know that the world can be a shit place, and I am a firm believer that you cannot pass judgement on anyone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. Since I have never actually walked a mile in any one else's shoes, and you probably haven't either, it's simply easier to respect other people no matter how much or how little you may think you know about them.
It is this very ideal that has brought all of the psychos out to play in my general vicinity.
Everyone that talks to me KNOWS that I have a blog, and while I use this writing space predominantly to inspire others and provoke happiness, I have some pent up hostility just begging to be let out. From now on, if you act like an idiot or treat me like garbage I WILL CALL YOU OUT IN THIS SPACE. No more miss nice girl, if you want to act like an idiot... everyone will know about it from this point on.
The following stories are absolute truth, and I encourage all of you to laugh at my expense. I hope you are sitting down.
Whenever I first started at the south hills I drank many o cappuccino from the Gloria Jeans located in the mall. After a few awkward conversations, the man who made my beverages asked me out on a date and I explained to him that I worked on the weekends and that I was not available. I did this because I didn't want to give him a blatant "no" and hurt his feelings. Here are the facts, he is far older than me and speaks somewhat broken English. I was simply uninterested. Over the last few weeks, I've made a valiant effort to avoid this particular coffee shop in order to avoid more awkward interactions with Peter (that's his name).
However, one evening I needed a latte for my long drive home and I dragged myself to scoop up a cappuccino before my departure from the south hills. Sure enough, guess who was working. Here is how our conversation played out.
Nicole: Hi Peter, may I have a cappuccino please.
Peter: Do you still work on the weekends?
Nicole: Yes, every Friday and Saturday.
Peter: Well that's funny, because I saw you on the south side last Saturday.
Nicole: You did? Why didn't you say hello?
Peter: You were wearing a red dress.
Nicole: (creeped out) Why didn't you say hello?
Peter: You were supposed to be working.
My observations:
1. I will fall asleep driving the Jetta before I step foot into that coffee joint again.
2. I pissed off a man that doesn't even know me.
3. Peter obviously thinks I should have told him before I went out.
4. How dare I enjoy myself.
5. Why did he remember what I was wearing?
6. This is how girls like me disappear into unmarked white vans.
So that was one situation. BUT WAIT, there's more.
I can't even go into all of the details of this next psycho because our texting relationship lasted roughly 5 days before I was told about myself via books on books on books of text messages from a non-iPhone. Just to clear the air, I did not do anything wrong to this individual. In fact, we never hung out. Ever. In my lifetime. It was one of those, respond to my messages NOW regardless of what you're doing or I will text the shit out of you and fill up your message screen for whenever you pick up your phone next, knid of things.
Needless to say, it didn't end well. Amongst the books of messages, that began with "yo," and utilized the expression "don't get that twisted" (he was white, believe it or not) I was called a bitch; which, for all of you reading this... is absolutely hysterical. And once the name calling came to an end I was told.... wait... for... it.... "Do me a favor and unfriend me on facebook, I can't do it from my mobile. Thanks!" And, that was that. Needless to say, I was heartbroken.
I CAN'T AND I WON'T.
And finally, as if allllll of that wasn't enough... Justin recently told me that I owe him a Christmas present this year since I didn't get him one last year. This, of course, came after I returned the digital camera that I purchased for him after he talked to me like an idiot and then pet me on the head like a puppy in front of our waitress at Emiliano's last December. So now, he believes that I owe him a present. Tis the season.
Larry has requested that he receives a cameo at the end of every blog post from this point forward. He wishes for it to be called "Larry's tip of the week." Here is his smiles and happiness debut:
Larry psycho tip of the week: "If you don't have iMessage keep your texting to me at 140 characters or I'm not responding. Sometimes that shit sends out of order, and I'm not trying to put a fucking puzzle together"
Now, last but certainly not least, happy birthday to my favorite psycho in the whole wide world, Geoff! :) He prides himself on his number of twitter followers so if you could please follow him, that would be great, even if it's just for today: @lan17dry
Recently, my blog has gained a crazy amount of readers. If you just read this, please click the "like" button on the facebook link that I posted so I can see who is actually reading this. I'm both intrigued and flattered.
Until next week, here's to avoiding the countless psychos plaguing the world,
As always,
Xoxo<3
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