Glasses & Phone Update

They were able to cancel my order on my glasses! I'm really happy! Except, now, I'm paying more for these other ones... But I feel so much better! Maybe I'll sport my glasses more now when I'm uber tired. Does anyone else find it extra hard to keep your eyes open when you're wearing contacts while being super sleepy? Switching from contacts to glasses is like an energy burst for me!

As for my phone, it's still under warranty (until Dec. 24), so thank God! My new one will be here tomorrow (over-night delivery). Granted, I could have no reception again in one day, one week, one month, one year... or never. But, hey, it's free!
I feel 10X better about life because I was able to get the glasses I want, and a replacement phone. Ahh... it's the little material things in life that really keep ya going...

Buyer's Remorse

I decided to get new glasses this year, because Michael hates my "emo" glasses (he's the only one in the world who doesn't like them, for the record). So I went to the eye doctor, got a new prescription and took home five frames to show Michael. Well, he picked out three that were "nice." OK, apparently my glasses aren't as big of a deal to him as he thinks, since he can't definitely choose a shape or style he likes. What a dumb boy. So I decide on these awesome Kate Spade ones, which are way too expensive--even with insurance. So the next day I return my sample frames and me and the optometrist's assistance search for a cheaper version of the Kate Spades. I find one I like (and the price, too!) but they are plastic and cannot be adjusted, nor do they come in a bigger size and I need them to be wider. So, I try on another pair, and I love the front shape. The arms are this weird metal cut out of little hieroglyph characters; some even look like Katakana, so I'm into them, but not into them at the same time. Whispering to myself "Michael will hate these... I just know it." He has this way of not getting my style at all, and making me really self conscious about it. Of course it's not on purpose at all. He's just a dumb boy and can't help it. 


Empowered by the weirdness of them, I decide to make a decision, and go with the "unique" ones. Why not? I only wear them at night to watch TV anyway. Plus, I was running late for a hair appointment I needed to get to (and, oh boy, did my bangs need help)! 


As the day goes by, I find myself seeking reassurance from anyone that these glasses are the best thing in the universe. I'm desperate. I showed Michael a picture of them online, and he makes it very clear that he HATES them--more than my "emo" glasses, which we didn't think was possible. I'm arguing that they're priced right, they're comfy, my hair will cover the arms anyway, I can spray paint them black (they're blue and green), the front is what matters... 


I  have never felt so badly about a purchase before! My heart feels heavy, and I'm stressing. It's all I can think about. Of course my doctor's office isn't opened on Saturday or Sunday so I cannot call. Thank God they have email, so I wrote to them asking if its possible to cancel the order. I at least had to ask. They think I'm nuts anyway , because I spent time weighing my options and took home five (instead of the allowed four) frames. And when I went in to look at cheaper options, the mean lady at the front desk let me go back to shop around and then announced to the whole back room that I was back and wanted to look at more frames (leaving out the "cheaper" part), which was followed by an unappreciated loud laugh. How rude. 


That lady is just mean! One time I walked in to pick up my contacts, and she snapped at me that they were closed for inventory counting. Can't I read the sign? (Can't you lock the door?) So I turned and walked out, almost in tears because I just wanted my contacts and was caught completely off guard by her hostility. One of the nice ladies ran out the back door and stopped me in the parking lot, asked my name, retrieved my contacts and said thank you. I love her! 


I can't believe I had so much to say about my glasses and eye doctor visits. 

"Unique" glasses (source: http://www.vsglasses.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1431)

Round two, much better (source: http://www.firmoo.com/frames/kate-spade-mazie--295992.html)

Domesticity

Recently I have begun to understand the allure of being a wife in the '50s. While I love the freedoms women have now, I realized how fun it is to make a delicious meal and dessert for my guy to come home to devour with a smile. The cleaning, of course, is still not that amazing, but I doubt the housewives of the past didn't enjoy it either! And, I've only seen pretty, skinny housewives; so being a stay-at-home wife must be quite the workout!

Christmas Karma

This year, because I have the money, I spent A LOT on Christmas presents. So far, my total is nearing $800, and I still have a few more to go. Michael's was the most expensive, swallowing half of my grand total. I'm having an anxiety attack/buyer's remorse, because who knows if I'll have a job next month (my contract is up as of Dec. 31, and no word about a renewal). But, I feel good that I was able to provide my family with great gifts for once. Plus, I'm so incredibly proud that it's nearly all done BEFORE December! I'm typically just starting a few days before Christmas Eve.

This year I have also discovered I love baking! I made some candy cane cookies that my family loves. They didn't look delicious, but they tasted delicious! Twisting two colors of dough together proved to be difficult without tearing. Practice makes perfect, though, and I am determined to make perfect candy-cane shaped cookies for Mike's family Christmas gathering!

Savings

Starting to save money during the holiday season is just like trying to lose weight--impossible! Michael and I want to buy a house so badly, but our loan options aren't as vast as we had hoped. Since the banks stopped giving away money to unemployed folks with no financial stability, we'll need to save a bit more for a down payment. I now regret listening to everyone who told me that down payments were a thing of the past! "Nope, you don't need a down payment," every one said. "No one puts money down anymore." Lies! Now I need to start playing the lottery, and since I've inherited my mother's luck I feel as though the dream of winning will never become reality.

Happy Halloween Indeed

Michael had just gotten back from the store, and we were about to head out to his sister's house. He turned off the TV like I had asked, and said, "So, since it's Halloween, do you want a trick or a treat?" I debated for a moment and finally answered with "Treat!" He told me to close my eyes, and I was sure I was getting a candy bar from his morning trip to Wal-Mart. But, when I opened my eyes he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I was in shock. Deer in headlights. Asked him if he was kidding (as he held out a diamond ring), stared at him some more and finally said "Yes!" I was completely caught off guard, and so pleasantly surprised.

We've decided to tie the knot in about two years so we can buy a house, save up money (like we'd ever have enough anyway...) and plan plan plan! So excited for this journey!

Dinner

I told Michael that for dinner I wanted a Kit Kat Concrete Mixer with chocolate ice cream from Culvers. And for dessert? An orange float from A&W. He laughed, then said he was picturing me in five years. I told him that was silly and he needed to picture me five years ago instead. I hate cravings... They're the worst!

Halloween

Last night my little group of three people went out for a night on the town dressed up in costume. We started early (8 p.m.) and were the only ones in costume. This was expected, since yesterday was not the closest weekend day to Halloween this year. Michael and I were determined to dress up, though. We missed out last year because of work, and we weren't going to let the same thing happen this year! It was a lot of fun, though. Mike finally got to wear his tactical vest and accessories in public, and I finally got to wear my kimono and chopsticks (in my hair). Danielle's costume was awesome, too--she wore all pink and a name tag that said "Floyd."

As the night went on, we eventually found a cow, Mario and Luigi, a traffic cone, a giant beer, a scary clown and other costume-goers. Whew. Glad we weren't the only ones!

Exercise

I don't like to power swim, run, speed walk or lift weights. So of course Michael and I joined the YMCA. While I hate every minute of my time there, I'm glad Michael motivates me to go simply because I know it's "good for me." My gym-going friends all feel good about their time spent working out, but I never feel accomplished. I'm hoping this changes. Mike keeps telling me that I'll enjoy it when I get good at it. Blah! Positive attitude, positive attitude, positive attitude... 

Keeping My Grass Greener

Sometimes I forget how great my life really is. I have a loving family, great friends, amazing boyfriend, good health and a decent job. Yes, things could be better, but it's important to keep the grass greener on MY side of the fence.

I am starting to realize that having a positive attitude and outlook on life can bring in a wealth of good things. Keeping my attitude positive can sometimes prove challenging, but I need to remember that my life doesn't really suck.