Schedule for May 1st 2012!

Oh God I hope the temp agency doesn't call me tomorrow to tell me that I work. If they do call me, I hope it's for Wednesday-Friday. Guh I already have so many plans!

1. Sleep until 12pm.
2. Hang with Boyfriend until 2:30pm.
3. Visit a local pet shop/PetSmart to look at decorations and gravels for my tank(s).
4. Go grocery shopping.
5. Fill tank(s) with said decorations.
6. Do laundry.
7. Visit with brother and mom while laundry commences.
8. Maybe an evening walk with best friend?
• If not, evening Zumba.
9.  (Once I'm home) Vacuum bedroom.
10. Finish dishes.
11. Wait for Boyfriend to get off work so we can hang again!

I didn't actually schedule any food. I always eat when I wake up, but I'm sure I'll sneak dinner in there somewhere.

However, if the agency calls me and tells me I have to work tomorrow, I'm going to be very disappointed. 

A Dreary Day Poem

The dreary clouds keep
my head held down
My eyes can only see
the streets.
Shades of grey & puddles
Splashing on my feet.

I try my best
to pass this test
Can I smile?
Or only taste defeat?

My eyes embrace
the subtle sun
beams shooting at my skin.
I decide,
with my head held high,
to let the light come in.

& About That Temp-Permanent Job

The more I thought about it, the more unappealing it becomes. CK works me like a horse. My back hurts, I get shooting pains up my spine, my wrists are weaker, my neck is forever sore and the list goes on. If I even could make it money-wise with that job, I'd be out of commission within a few years. Besides, I can't find time to see a doctor unless I sacrifice sleep, and even if I did that, I'd be in the same position within a few months.

Besides, they only raise the pay to $1 more an hour. $9.25 is nice, but is not guaranteed  for 40 hours and isn't enough anyway after taxes and benefits are taken out. The hours are better than my CPH job, but the days are better at CPH vs. CK. So, it's another loss for CK. Plus they are further away which equals more gas money I need to take out of the paycheck.

On a personal/selfish issue, CK makes everyone wear white tee shirts and 5/7 days wearing white is so gross to me. I like me some color! And my hair has never been so flat as it has been lately from the hairnets. I don't know why, maybe the hairnets trap moisture from the sweat and it gets in my hair, but it definitely doesn't feel as healthy and pretty as it used to be.

Back to actual issues, CK doesn't listen to their employees when it comes to temperature. There was a day a few weeks ago where I was so hot, I thought I was going to pass out! And they never turned on the air! And I wasn't the only one complaining about it. And then, lately, it's been so damn cold that it's hard to concentrate on work and picking up cookies.

So actually, the offer was nice, and it feels good to be offered a job after working there only 3 months, but the answer is no. There are too many uncontrollable factors that make it an unfavorable place for me to work at for an extended period of time.

I can't wait to be able to quit CK and the temp agency for good.

Some Thoughts for my Pocket.

I just came back a little while ago from my best friend's baby's birthday party. She turned 1 year old a week ago. The party was really nicely done. It was at Buffalo Rock and under a shelter (thank goodness because it started sprinkling!) and there was a lot of food for everyone to eat. I got to see my best friend and her baby and one of our other friends and her 3 girls. That was nice. Plus it was Boyfriend and My first outing together at a public gathering. I thought that wouldn't happen until his family reunion, but oh well. It felt nice to be there with him.

Last night he and I were talking about how I can't wait to move in with him and be engaged. He has been saying for a few weeks that he "hopes it happens soon" which was weird at first so I asked him last night why he said he "hopes" and argued that he was the one who said he had a plan. He said he does have a plan and I decided (and he confirmed) that he just says he "hopes it happens soon" so that I don't know when it will happen. Sneaky.

He got an email about the reunion and it said he was still signed up for the Duplex Cabin which is more $$$ and I only have $105 for my part. I mean, we don't need a Duplex - it's just gonna be us, and we won't be spending too much time in the cabin.

Also, yesterday I hit below 150 on the scale! Woo hoo! I wasn't trying too hard and I definitely had cheat days, but I lost 10 pounds in a month. Even if I could keep that pace up, I'd be 130 by the reunion - maybe even in the 120s if I kept a regular work out schedule.

And that's another thing. I saw a video on youtube about this girl using a Life Binder to plan her daily life and activities and workouts and she has lists and charts all in there to keep her life organized in paper. She seems to be pretty busy, and that got me wanting to make one as well. I need something. For instance, remember that secret challenge? Yeah, I failed after Day 2. I've worked out with Zumba for 3/90 days - I'm not sure what day the P90X is on, but I still will never be able to catch up. But that doesn't matter because I need to start doing something. I work all these hours/days and when I get home I just want to sleep. Which I need sleep, too... But on the CK days, there is an hour and a half that I have, minimum, to do dishes or work out or vacuum or something and I just don't. I feel like I need to be kept accountable and maybe a Life Binder would help that. I'll see how that works out.

I'm So Persuasive.

I got a new iPhone, as you all know. Well, I let my boyfriend play around with it. He's the one who was so against me getting one in the first place. Today he told me he wants to get one soon! LOL I win! SUCKA!

Anyway, a little bit ago, one of the ladies at the Home came down from 3rd floor. She came in the kitchen and asked me to make sure to get the towels on the 3rd floor for laundry. I'm like thinking to myself, "Shut up, I can't do laundry right now, crazy." But what I said was, "Ok." because what else am I supposed to say, ya know? But she's giving me this look - I mean I hate her face and how it scrunches when she's being bitchy about something - the whole time that says, "Look at me and listen to me or I'm telling." And I bet that's what she was thinking, too, because she is a 74 year old child. She's had a stroke and I think it's messed with her brain, but not by this much. Anyway, I know strokes can cause child-like mentalities in certain aspects, but guh it bothers me so much!

I wish I could persuade her to S.T.F.U.

Oh, by the way -

The big boss man at my temp job offered me a permanent position. The only thing is that I'd need to quit my first job to even consider taking it. He wants me to be available for Monday's as well as the rest of the week (Monday through Friday, weekends off). I took an application, but I haven't filled it out yet. I have so many questions for him before I even begin thinking about getting hired on there.

• Do I get any more money? (I can't live on 8.25/hour.)
• Do I have guaranteed hours? (I'd need to know if I could live on the pay rate + a guaranteed schedule.)
• Are there any special benefits to working for your company vs. the temp service? (Raises, higher positions, etc.)

With my #1 job, I have a guaranteed set of days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) and a guaranteed pay rate (9.85/hour 3pm-7pm + 55.80 7pm- 7am). I can just make it by with bills and have a bit (usually about $80) for groceries. That's why I took the temp service job offers, ya know? I need grocery money and gas money and various things money! lol on that last one! So I'd need to be making more money that my #1 job to consider taking a permanent place with the #2 job.

I honestly am being selfish though. With #1 job, I get 4 days off. #2 job, I only get 2 days off. Granted, those 2 days are Saturday and Sunday, but who cares? I don't miss my weekends. I haven't had a weekend off in over 2.5 years and it never mattered before really. #2 has more people, so if I was sick, I don't have to explain much of anything to call off. #1, I need to explain my pants off before I get someone to work for me - and I have to do it.  #2 would call in someone else for me. #1 is constant, #2 is in the air. #1 I know well, #2 I know "ish". #1 is easy money, #2 is hard work. #1 is close (less gas money), #2 is further away(more gas money).

Without the other questions answered, #1 is my choice based on ease and safety. Plus, I never have had a problem with this job subtracting the woman. I don't know.

& I'm Lost.

So this woman I was talking about in my previous post is confusing. I had talked to my mom about what this woman said/did/has been doing/saying... And my mom says I should talk to my boss about this because it's been going on for a really long time. I'm all ready to talk to my boss last night, and this morning, the woman comes in to work and is all shits and giggles like nothing's wrong! WTF! I told my mom about it and she seems to think this woman has a type of mental thing going on with her that is similar to bipolar but isn't quite that severe.

I don't like the way she treats me period. But I like being able to talk to her. She IS the person I work with 2/3 mornings and afternoons (respectively) out of the 3 days I work her. If I told my boss what she was doing, she still probably would keep her working here and working with me, ya know? Like the only thing that would change, I'm thinking, is that she's (the woman) going to be a brat about the whole thing and give me the cold shoulder after our boss talks to her about what's been going on and everything will be awkward and cold and antisocial. Basically the only relationship we'll have will be work-related.

The other scenario is that she will act all sweet and innocent towards our boss, who, by the way, has no reason to doubt me, and towards me she'll be a mega bitch/try to get me in trouble or do things to intentionally hurt my job's performance and then tell on me later. I don't know if she's that type of person, but I feel like she could be. So I don't know what to do.

I feel like, for myself, I should tell my boss about what's going on and what has been going on over the past year. I mean, who else is that nice that they let shit go on like this for a year? I'm too nice, I guess. But then again, I don't want to be having her get me in trouble if she ends up being that type of person. Ya know?

Agh.

I am SICK OF IT ALL!!!

I seriously can not believe how much shit I deal with from people. People who, at bare minimum, should respect me.

If you are wondering why I'm quiet today, ask. If you don't like my answer, get over it.. At least I'm being honest.

And also, I'm sick of this one woman comparing her life to mine. She DARES to tell me that I don't know what tired is. No, dear, I couldn't know what "tired" is. I have only been working for 7 days a week for the past 2.5 months. Nope. No idea what tired is. Please tell me more about you and your PAST working days where you had to work 7 days a week making three meals a day for women and sitting on your fucking ass the rest of the day. Please tell me again, because I don't think I got it the first time. Oh, and please degrade me until I feel like strangling you because I really love that feeling. Don't forget to rub shit in my face, because I'm always in need of a good shit rubbin'! And don't even say goodbye when you leave. Nope, I don't need it. Just leave with an attitude to your shit life at home, which by the way, isn't my fault. You can take it out on me anyway, though. I don't really mind. I don't have enough shit on my plate, please add more!

I'm serious, I'm sick of her. I'm not going to take it anymore. You know, I called my mom crying about this. She told me that it's time to say something and reminded me of how long I've been putting up with everything. Almost a year, she said. I can't even remember, honestly. It feels like forever.

I know that I'm extra emotional today because I am tired. The one day I get to sleep in is the one day that I get woken up by my cats at 6am, a phone call at 9am, and a text at 11am. Gosh, let me sleep people!

And as a side note, people always talk to me about how I sleep so long/late/whatever. I'm severely anemic. It makes me really freaking tired. It's actually a really common symptom of anemia - fatigue. And it honestly doesn't matter if I sleep the recommended 8 hours or 12 hours. I'm still always tired. And when I don't get enough sleep, say <5 hours (today), then my body is in a riot trying to keep me alive and awake. I'm super sensitive, tired, emotional, cranky, and zombie-like.

Oh yeah, but I wouldn't know what "tired" is, would I? Oops.

Conflabbit! @$!

So, I work at The Kingdom. There's another girl with my first name. Otherwise, we're polar opposites. She's black, I'm white. She's loud, I'm quiet. She's boisterous, I'm reserved. She speaks her mind, I keep to myself.

I got a call today. This evening, in fact. Basically, what you need to know is this. We have breakers, which are people put into work with us for 4 hours and give us our breaks. I never complain about when I get my break, and therefore I usually get the last one.

The people at the temp agency said they got a call from [whoever] complaining. It had to do with breaks. I'm thinking, "Maybe because I clock in a minute late sometimes?" but she goes on to say it involves the breakers. Then, after she realizes that I have no idea what she's talking about (or, in her mind, I'm not fessing up), she proceeds to tell me that one of the breakers is complaining about me and saying that I'm arguing with them about when I get my breaks. I'm like, "No, that's never happened before in my life." And after much accusing me of things I didn't do, I tell her that "There's another girl who works there with my name. I know she complains a lot about breakers skipping over her. Maybe that's what they're talking about." And she tells me, "Well, I have to try and believe you and I'll talk to the other girl as well. But you know, if there's too much drama, either one or both of you will need to be placed somewhere else." And I'm just shocked. Like, I JUST TOLD YOU, I DIDN'T DO THIS. I NEVER COMPLAIN. I NEVER ARGUE. I'M QUIET AS A DEAD MOUSE. Geeze.

But anyway, I hope that the other girl confesses that she does speak her mind and that she had been arguing with the breakers because I don't want to be in trouble for this, especially when I did nothing!

It's just annoying that they thought of me first. Like, no one at The Kingdom even knows my last name. When I was listening to one of the breakers complaining about (probably) this situation, I was like, "Is this me you're talking about?" and she gave me a look like, "Why would I be saying that about you?" and then told me straight up, "No, it's not you." So... I don't know. Add that to my list of reasons I'm getting out of the temp service as soon as I can. Rude.

Oh, Baby!

Nope, I'm not pregnant. But my BFF has a 1 year old (tomorrow she'll be one). It's so exciting! Her little one is already walking! Her party is on a Sunday and that makes me happy because at least I'll be able to see them for a little bit before I come into work at 3.

Also, my BFF is getting an official wedding with a white gown, and a big ceremony next year. Her and her hubby got a courthouse wedding almost a year ago, but she still wants the ceremonial service and reception. And she deserves it. It's exciting to me to get to be a part of it.

She asked me via text if I wanted to stand up with her, and of course I said yes! I got a little bummed afterwards because I don't think I'm going to be her maid of honor... Not that I have time as of right now to plan everything and help her out. But she's also not doing anything right now as far as wedding stuff goes except looking at some dresses. Anyway, I was a little hurt, but I'm trying to be understanding too. It's not fair to her if I were her MOH because I have so little time to do anything, let alone add planning wedding showers and going dress shopping and etc. But it still would have been nice. I'm not going to be anyone else's MOH because I don't really have many friends that I'm still close enough with.

Regardless, I'm happy to be in the wedding with her and to be a bridesmaid. The concept of our dresses is really cute. She wants to pick out the color, but we can pick out our styles. I like that idea a lot, and I told her I may steal if for my wedding.

Speaking of my wedding. I hope boyfriend proposes soon. I told him a little while ago that I didn't want to be dating for 5 years and just be waiting for him to propose. He said I wouldn't have to. I know it's only April, but I feel so impatient. Not that there's a reason that I need to be engaged right now, but I feel like it'd be nice.

He's been acting kind of strange. Like nervous. And it's only when we talk about his family reunion. I don't know. Maybe it's nothing. But I remember that he told me, when he was younger that he wanted to propose to his girlfriend underwater. And then he's telling me now that he wants us to take scuba diving lessons. I don't know if that's a coincidence or maybe something more? I'm trying to not think about it too much, because I don't want to be disappointed. And scuba diving sounds fun! 

myPhone

Well, the deed is done. The iPhone 4S is sitting next to me, trying to update some apps.

I ended up going to Wal*Mart to purchase the phone, since the timing was good and it ended up being cheaper by $11. That may not seem like a lot, but after taxes, the whole phone was about $25 cheaper. The nightmare that ensued may have been worth $25, but meh, more money in my wallet.

I ordered the cases and various accessories that I had saved in my cart on Amazon.com and that total was $45.something, so I say I'm in the clear with how much money I'm saving all over the place! I'll still have around $100 for groceries this week, and that's more than enough for me. Plus, that check should be cashed soon as I get it back (be it sent to me or me picking it up), so that's even more money!

I have to say, it's nice not having to worry so much about money. Even though I complain about my 7 day work week, it's nice for now. I'll be glad to get rid of it, though, once boyfriend becomes fiance/roomie. :)

Some more drinks...

Sex On The Beach

• 1 part absolute apeach
• orange juice
• cranberry juice
• slices of peach

Pour absolute apeach over ice. Add orange juice and cranberry juice. Top with slices of peach.

Fresh Sea Breeze (Pitcher-Size)

• 12 parts vodka
• 10 parts grapefruit juice
• 10 parts white cranberry juice
• 8 wedges of a lime

Fill a pitcher with ice. Add all ingredients. Garnish with lime.

Absolute Citron Mojito 

• 3 Parts ABSOLUT CITRON
• 2 Parts Lime Juice
• 1 Part Syrup de Gomme
• 6 Leaves Mint Leaf
• 1 Slice Lime

Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with lime. 
 

Get me my sombrero!

Blazing Sombrero Cocktail

• 1 strawberry, stem removed
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• 1 slice jalapeno  
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz. agave nectar
• 2 oz. silver tequila 

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a cocktail shaker and muddle together.
2. Add tequila, shake vigorously for 5 seconds, strain over ice. Add additional basil for garnish.
 
I saw this recipe and I was like, "Man, I want to try that!" I got to thinking that, since boyfriend's family likes to drink [...a lot...] maybe I could make some cocktails at the camp site. Then I thought it may be too hard to make a dozen or so cocktails, but I could bring some premade. Getting cocktails in little jelly jars is always cute, and those jars are cheap and come in bulk. So, I could make some cocktails and bring them along in a cooler. I know a bunch of his family members are going to be there, and there wouldn't be enough drinks to even begin to cover everyone. Assuming everyone wanted one. But anyway, it's an idea for the private party of boyfriend and I.

P90X vs. Zumba

Boyfriend is doing P90X and received the videos today. His sister's bf had it. He says he's going to start the workouts today, since he has the day off, and I decided to do a secret challenge with him. I'm already winning, and hopefully that continues.

I have the Zumba game for the Wii. It was an amazing birthday present, but I haven't used it like I was planning to. Maybe I just needed a kick in the butt to get going, and boyfriend doing this was my kicker.

The Challenge: To do Zumba for 90 days, every day.

I want to do it, and it's fun! I need more scale batteries, though, because I want to track any weightloss that happens as well. Hopefully, in 90 days, I'll look amazing and feel more confident than ever! And that is just in time for the reunion. Actually, it's 89 days away today, but I did start this yesterday! ;)

I'm going to try and do more than just one song for the day, though. I just haven't been up to it because after work I'm literally exhausted. But I'm going to try!!! I need to win the secret challenge against my boyfriend!

By the way, isn't just like a girl to secretly challenge her man? That way, if she wins, she can gloat, but if she loses, he never has to know! Haha, how maniacal we are!!

Exciting News!

This semester, I had to quit school. It really sucked, because I loved my (one) class and life was really easy. But, money issues ensued, and I needed another job more than an easy life. So, when the refund check came for $559.44, I mailed it back to my college and figured I didn't actually get any of the money because I dropped out.

Turns out, I dropped out at an optimal time because the financial aid director contacted me and said that I did qualify for the money! I just got finished emailing her and hopefully, I'll get the money soon. It's basically already spent, lol.

• $105 goes for half of the cabin fee for the boyfriend's family reunion.
• $200+ to pay off  my Discover card.
• $50 ish for cell phone accessories (which I won't buy until I have the cell phone).
• And whatever is left over, I'm getting my hair cut [professionally] and maybe dyed. 

But, it leaves more money in my pocket from my paychecks. So hello, oil change!

You know, it's a hard thing having to work 7 days a week. Sure, I CAN do it, and I make more money, but then there's no time to spend it. Not that I'm spending it willy-nilly, but like for my cell phone that I need (okay, want, but aesthetically I need it) or an oil change - finding time to do those things is hard. Luckily we have Wal*Mart that is open 24 hours, because grocery shopping would be a nightmare in the morning.

Anyway, I also want a few new summery clothing items. I'm digging the new colored denim trend, and I want some colorful shorts. I think I may get a few pairs of those, and a few tanks and maybe some tee shirts that don't have a camp or band logo all over them. :) And then, I also want to get some jeans/pants that aren't meant for yoga and working out. LOL I'm totally that girl who wears yoga pants all week because I'm too lazy for real pants. XD

Now That's A Bright Idea

D.I.Y. LIGHT BULB VASE


This vase is relatively easy to create. My grandmother is quite crafty and did it with ease. Basically, what you want to do is clean out an unused light bulb that looks like the one shown. 
http://www.teamdroid.com/diy-hollow-out-a-light-bulb/  <-This link will tell you step by step how to clean out a light bulb.

After that's done, my grandma added a napkin ring to the bottom with glue to keep it upright. Then she added water and flowers and set it on the table. So cute and dainty.

I'm going to try it, and if I succeed, I want to make a garland of sorts for my porch. I have a rose plant that is constantly producing flowers and a fuchsia plant that does well, too! Plus I got another calla lily bulb for Easter and that makes 4 (but really 3 because 2 fused together last year) so that will produce a lot of flowers! I hope it's warm soon, because I want to get gardening!

Happy Crafting!

The Shy are not Open

Now, I'm a shy person. I'm the first to admit it. As I've grown older, I've trained myself to not let the shyness show and, even though I still feel very shy around new people, I try hard to make sure they don't see that. It seems to work in most occasions.

Well, there's this lady who is older, around 53 I think, (L1) and she is VERY shy. She is so nice, and quite unconfrontational, and she has become friends (willing or not) with another lady who is in her 60's-70's, I'm not sure. This other lady (L2) is very loud, not shy at all, and obnoxious in the most annoying way. Well, she's nice (mostly...) to L1 and they are considered friends. L1was eating dinner with us all and L2 was asking if she was feeling better because L1 had been sick since L2 had been gone. It was a genuine question and L1 politely said she was feeling a lot better. The other ladies at the table verified that information. Well, because L2 is so dang nosy, she continued to pry and asked if L1 had seen a doctor. As a side note, I was told (with speculation of the teller) that L1 went to see a psychologist. That's fine, but remember that a psychologist is a doctor. So L1 finished chewing her food and said to L2, "That's really my business." and L2 was taken back. It was SO FUNNY I was trying to keep my laughter to myself! L2 is always thinking she's in the need to know basis of everyone's life. She just got told by the one person that I'm sure she thought would tell her everything, because like I said before, L1 is very unconfrontational.

I just had to write about it. It was a fantastic moment which I felt the need to share!

The Hunger Games movie, Family Reunion & Other Various Activities.

The Hunger Games Movie
My boyfriend took me to see The Hunger Games movie, which was amazing! I mean, I'll admit that I was more excited to go see it than I was while watching the movie. That was because I already knew what was going to happen, and I'm already good at predicting movies that have no accompanying books. Anyway, the movie was incredible. I loved (most of) the casting. Haymitch wasn't the best choice... He should have brown hair, if nothing else. But Woody Haralson (spelling?) did a good job acting like Haymitch. Also Katniss wasn't the best. She made sense after you saw her face for a few minutes, and Jennifer Lawrence is a good actress, but in the books Katniss has olive skin and grey eyes. Plus, she seemed a lot more interesting in the books versus the movie. But whatevs. I'm going to see the other movies as well. I can't wait for the finale movie! I don't want to spoil it for anyone (if there IS anyone reading this) but it shall be epic!

Boyfriend's Family Reunion: July 12-15, Indiana - His entire family will be there.
I think that the trip is about 5 hours away, so really, he and I are knocking out two things we've been wanting to do together; a road trip and a vacation. I'm pretty excited, but also a little nervous. I know some of his family, but I know that even with my own family reunions, I feel just a little awkward. I can't imagine how it's going to be. I know they're nice people and his mom and grandparents and uncles and cousins will be there (who I've met and know that I like) so I'm not very worried. It's just me being a worry-wart. If nothing goes right, it's 4 days that I'll have off of work and my boyfriend and I will have our own cabin so I'll have some sort of retreat. But I don't really think it'll be that bad.

Vegetarianism
I just am a natural when it comes to not eating a lot when I don't think about it and I'm a natural at being a vegetarian. I just don't crave meat. I honestly don't. I know that, while I work here at the Pope Home, I'm going to have meat prepared for me - and who wants  a PB&J every night? So I don't think I'm ready to completely invest myself into vegetarianism yet. But I'm thinking about it.
Also, I watched a documentary called Forks Over Knives which basically promotes Veganism. I thought the research was amazing. What I keep seeing in my head is 20% animal protein can promote cancer cell growth and 20% whole foods protein can REDUCE CANCER CELL GROWTH. How amazing is that? Although it sucks because the "animal protein" they're referring to comes from animals in lots of ways; meat, dairy, eggs. 2 things (dairy and eggs) that I don't know if I could live without. I mean, I could, but really wouldn't want to. I love yogurt and milk and eggs and cheese and cookies and cakes and so much that is prepared with those ingredients.

Work.
The word nightmare comes to mind. I haven't had a day off work in a month. 36 days of straight work. I know what you're thinking, "She's doing it to herself, why's she complaining?" Well, I am doing it to myself. I have little choice in the matter. Yes, I could quit one job or the other. But then I would be just getting by - strictly with bills, not including gas and groceries - again. I make enough money from the Pope Home that I can live off it. Minimally. It pays my rent, car payment, car insurance, gas, power, phone, and maybe 2 weeks worth of groceries if I don't buy a whole lot. With the temp job, I'd be making about the same amount (I think) per month. Plus that's unstable. Who knows what will happen when the busy season dies? I doubt I'd be staying the whole week, and the times I'd be getting off early would definitely increase. So basically, I am working until my boyfriend proposes and we can move in together. I plan to quit Safe Rite all together and go back to working 3 days a week, making $980 a month.

So like, am I vergetarian now?

Not a serious question. But for 2 weeks I was "technically" a vegetarian. I wasn't trying, which is what's up with the quotes.

Point is, I ended up telling one too many people, because the cook at my work has made 3 meat dishes for me to eat and serve to the ladies. I don't know if she took offense to me being an accidental veg-head, but I surely didn't mean it like that! I wish she would make some veggies for me to eat instead of so much meat. I didn't necessarily feel "energized" while being an herbivore, but since I've been eating meat this past weekend, I feel really sluggish and weighted.

Could be in my head. But I'm a girl who likes studies, so maybe I'll make my own. Stay tuned... ;)

Well, isn't that interesting?

As I've mentioned before, I have a fish tank. Actually, I have 2 fish tanks for the moment. My 10 gallon is the very first tank I got, which I received as a present for Christmas. It's been a LONG journey through fishy deaths and helpful advice from a forum site called My Aquarium Club. I learned about a lot, but most importantly I've learned about the Nitrogen Cycle.

Since the first part of January, I've had my 10 gal set up and running with fish (before I knew about the Cycle) and just now, it has FINALLY finished cycling. Usually this process only takes a month and a half, but that's if you do it without fish. Plus, I interrupted the cycle by cleaning the tank a few weeks ago.

Anyway, the tank levels in my 10 gal are perfect. 0 Nitrite, 6.8 pH, all else is well. Except the water clarity... I've read a lot that tank water gets really cloudy sometimes. It could be caused by many things, but what I think mine is caused by is, in fact, the Nitrogen Cycle. When tank water is a white/greyish cloud, it's most likely caused by a bacterial bloom. This bloom doesn't go away very quickly, and since I still have fish (baby fish, too!) in there, I need to rid the cloudiness as soon as I can. The bacterial bloom can suck all the oxygen out of the water, and though I do have a bubble wall, I'm still scared for my little fishies. I've been doing water changes every day at 25% but it's like it doesn't help at all. I'm thinking that tomorrow night after I get off work, I'm going to clean the filter and see if that helps. It's not necessarily "dirty" even though it has brown guk on it. But I know now that is bacteria which is good for my cycled tank.

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Also, I asked around about stores and sites that are similar to Forever 21. I'm boycotting them, which sucks, because they have cheap, cute things! But here's what happened.


About a month ago, I purchased a cute umbrella dress for $25.50 as well as a cardigan and 2 pair of tights. I received the items and was ecstatic to find they all fit me perfectly. I wore the dress without washing it first and was excited to wear it again. I had already taken the tags off and worn it, and I was planning on wearing it for a long time.



My mom did my laundry that Tuesday and the dress had no washing instructions on it. So she assumed, like I probably would have, that it could be washed and dried like other regular clothes. She was wrong. The dress came out of the wash fine, but the drier ate the darting seams. I was so sad. I looked over their return policy and decided to return the dress for a refund, if nothing else. I filled out the reason - "No washing instructions, ripped open seams" - and sent it off in the mail. I had to pay almost $5 in shipping, but I was okay with that because I was expecting a refund.


NOT.



I got an email a few weeks later stating this. "Hello Tiffini, We have received your Order Number 31873930. Unfortunately, we are unable to accomodate a refund for your return because the item is used. As stated in our return policy, we can only accept returns that are unwashed, unworn, with the tags attached. Due to this, we will need to send the item/s back to you. The reshipping fee is $5.95." WTF!


It goes on to say that if I don't call them, they will dispose the item, which HOPEFULLY means I don't have to pay $6 to get a shit dress that I can never wear again back.

It's just stupid. Why, when I completed the return form, would you tell me about the policy, WHICH I READ, and say you can't do anything about it? It makes no sense! It's not MY fault YOU didn't put washing instructions on a dress that is OBVIOUSLY delicate and needs to be air-dried.

So, basically that's why I'm boycotting them. If they still charge me a reshipping fee, which they shouldn't  because I don't want the dress back and if there's nothing to ship that's fraudulent behavior Forever21, I will have paid $36+ for a dress that I only wore once.

Anyway, my friend suggested H&M, American Apparel, Love Culture, Mod Cloth, and Urban Outfitters. The last two are too expensive for me - although the clothes are adorable! But I'm liking Love Culture a lot! I've got a few things in my bag, which I may or may not purchase. I also know about shops like Alloy and Delia's which are cheap enough for me as well. Plus there's Esty, but who knows how one store owner sizes versus another, ya know?

So hopefully, the last big purchase of clothes for a while will be affordable enough. I need some new clothes. Like, I always feel like a bum in my workout gear and high school band/choir shirts. And I don't feel like I  need to dress a certain way, I just feel like I'm ready to express my style now. I'm less afraid of what people will think of the clothes/styles I like now.

I just added my phone to be able to update my blog on the go. Does it work? I'll soon find out! ;)

I'm getting the iPhone 4S

Yep, it's true. After I have a few questions answered. They sound really stupid, but they are things I need to know. Like, does the iPhone for Verizon use the Verizon network and does it have a front facing camera?  I also want to find out how many apps they have (that I use) that are free. Because I know I have my iPod Touch that I had downloaded games like The Creeps (love!) and I know Facebook and Twitter were free. I don't think there'd be a whole lot different versus my Android. Although, I do love me some Angry Birds and I don't know if that's free or not.

IN OTHER NEWS:

I made a square knot bracelet earlier, and I love it! I bought a bag of 10 different colored hemp cords. For my first bracelet, I used a white strand in the middle and blue for the outside. I think I'm going to just make one in every color! Hahahaha! I think they're perfect summer bracelets; casual and colorful. I'll post a picture when I have them all finished. Maybe tomorrow. lol