What Lies Within The Mirror

I Heart Las Vegas

Rae — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:33:34 GMT

I am daydreaming about going back to Las Vegas.

Hubby and I went there on our honeymoon almost a year and a half ago. Wow, where does the time go? Seriously.
We had such a great time that week and not just because we were on our honeymoon. Neither of us had been to Vegas and it was so much fun.

I did a search for hotels las vegas and you can really score some great deals on rooms. We stayed at New York, New York and loved it. It's the smallest hotel/casino on The Strip, but it has a lot to offer including a roller coaster on the roof. Yeah, we didn't ride on that. I've never been a big fan of roller coasters and didn't feel like risking my life right after getting married. I was happily married, thank you.

If all goes well, the Hubby and I are going back to Vegas in April around the time of our Anniversary maybe a little earlier. It's only Fall, but I'm already wishing for Spring. Can we just skip Winter?

What's In A Description?

Rae — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:37:54 GMT

While searching for a new job, I always stumble across tons of job descriptions that are way too advanced for me. Where are the jobs I can actually do? It's maddening. I feel as if I have no desirable skills even tho I have a strong customer service/retail background and super-fast data entry scores.

Do you ever have one of those days where you can't help but wonder what you were really meant to do in life? I'm experiencing those days quite often lately. I keep telling myself that I have to have a purpose, but I'll be damned if I can figure out what it is. It's a constant thought in my daily prayers.

Is it dumb luck that some people discover what they are meant to do or is there a secret to figuring out the mystery? Oh how I wish I knew.

Lush Me Up

Rae — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:01:03 GMT

Last night I attended an Open House at LUSH. I had seen an ad on Craigslist that they were hiring and I thought it might be a good fit for me. I have always loved their products. Initially, I had stopped in the shop last week to fill out an application, but they don't do apps just resumes. That's when I found out about the Open House from 7-9pm.

I had no idea to expect. I figured people would simply come into the shop and turn in resumes and talk to the management staff. When I arrived at 7, there were already several people there filling out a questionnaire. I turned in my resume and was asked to do the questionnaire and told that I could keep the answers brief because they were going to do one-on-one interviews with everyone there.

The place was a little chaotic as they weren't completely prepared for this event, but they made the best of it. There ended up being 10 or 11 of us waiting for interviews. They had one of the sales associates give a store tour and demo several of their products. They are all about showing people how the products work which makes complete sense.

I had to wait awhile for my interview and everyone pretty much ended up being there until 9 or after. At the end they gave each of us little goody bags, we were allowed to pick out one item from a huge gift box and then two samples. I chose Fair Trade Foot Lotion as one of my samples. It smelled really good and my feet are always in need of some TLC.

Honestly, I'm not sure how my interview went. They are looking for Seasonal help at the moment which could turn into a permanent position afterward at least for some. I'm not sure if I'm funky enough for them though, but we'll see. Hopefully, I'll get a call if nothing else I'm dying to know how much of an employee discount they score. I could stock up!

Restless Sunday

Rae — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:34:43 GMT

It was a lazy day yesterday and today is a restless day. Hubby announced last night that he was going to his first shooting competition today. Apparently, a guy he met at the gun club yesterday invited him. So, he was out the door by 7am and I'm not sure when he'll be home.

I've only been up for a few hours, but I'm already feeling restless. There are plenty of online games I could play, but they aren't holding my interest same goes for dvds. It's a little too chilly in the house right now to do any candle crafting. The wax doesn't set as well and I don't want to waste my supplies. So, here I sit trying to figure out what to do with my day other then the household chores I've started.

I could always start to reorganize the bathroom since I am wanting to make it look better. I have baskets and boxes full of lotions, potions, scrubs and probably even acne treatments. When I first moved out here from Indy, I had tons of bath and beauty products which all got packed up in boxes. Well, a lot of that stuff hasn't seen the light of day since then and it's been over 2 years since I moved. Today might be a good day to do a purge of all the old products. It's obvious that I haven't missed them.

If I don't find anything more entertaining to do in the next hour or so, I'll make that my pet project for the afternoon.

Lazy Day

Rae — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:38:14 GMT

Wow, today has been a lazy lazy day for me. Hubby was off at a seminar most of the day and then quickly headed off to the shooting range afterward. He wanted to take advantage of the clear day and I can't say I blame him. Though it left me with a lot of free time on my hands.

After a short trip to Dunkin' for a much needed iced tea, I surfed the web to get some ideas for bathroom design. Our bathroom is in dire need of a makeover, but on a small budget. That makes it more challenging, but not impossible. I searched paint, lights and even shower faucets. I know. I know. What a glamorous way to spend a Saturday afternoon! LOL

The afternoon wasn't complete until Tigger and I curled up on the couch and watched back to back episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond and The King of Queens on TBS. Tigger seemed to enjoy it and I must say I don't mind a quiet lazy day from time to time.

Now that I've had my peace and quiet, I'm ready to do something. Must go get Hubby off the phone.

Brrrr!

Rae — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:37:36 GMT

It was down right cold last night!! The Hubby and I really could have used an electric blanket on our bed. We don't want to have to turn on the heat yet. Our house uses oil for heat and it's going to be a very expensive winter as is. But BRRRRRRRR!

My cat even curled up in bed with us which he doesn't do on a regular basis. I think he was chilly as well because he wanted to curl up in between us. Fur coat be damned I guess! This morning after the Hubby had left Tigger did manage to find his way underneath the covers. He loves to curl up under the blankets and sleep for hours. I wish I could get that cozy.

It hasn't even hit 60 yet today and it's almost noon!! Time to go dig out a sweatshirt!

Dad's Dream Land

Rae — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:55:03 GMT

My Dad is always talking about moving from Indiana to North Carolina. One of my brothers happens to live there and my Dad fell in love with the area. He's always looking at properties online even tho I don't think they'd ever actually move.

Naturally, when I stumbled across Wilmington NC real estate I thought of my Dad. He'd be in heaven. Then again, I'd much rather have them move to RI and be near me. I am the baby of the family after all! Oh and I'm their only hope of having grandchildren at the moment. Who wouldn't want to move for that?

Plus, we aren't having a gas shortage up here like they are down South. Ugh. I can't imagine what that is like. My brother says it's been an absolute nightmare. I feel for any of my readers who might be living in the Southern states dealing with this ordeal. I'd send ya gas if I could!

Maybe I should go look up some RI real estate and email it to my Dad...

Diet Thoughts

Rae — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:32:59 GMT

The other day I was talking about diet pills and weight loss. Well, tonight I stumbled across best weight loss pills. I'm stunned by how many pills are currently on the market. It really is astonishing.

Of course, I ask the same question that I did the other day. What works? You see countless commercials for products and one email after another, but does that make you want to buy them? I had an email in my spam folder today with the subject "the reason you are fat." Well, isn't that nice! Geez. Kick a girl while she's down why don't ya? I marked it as spam and sent it directly to Email Hell where it belongs.

And I can't forget to the mention all the diet emails that read "Oprah Approved" or "As Seen on Oprah". Oprah is a yo-yo dieter. Do I want to be like that as well? No thanks. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and see where that takes me.

I may have my days of feeling frustrated with my size and appearance, but I take comfort in the fact that I have a Husband who loves me just how I am.

Feel The Breeze

Rae — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:33:56 GMT

If any of my friends/readers are Mac users, I stumbled across some Mac memory earlier today. I'm a PC girl, but always happy to share my web finds whenever possible.

And can I just say it's really beginning to feel like fall around here? The temps are dropping and the leaves are turning lovely shades. It's quite an enjoyable season to live in the New England area. Yesterday was a rainy/stormy sort of day but I love that crisp breeze which accompanies many a storm.

While in the mood for warm comfort food, I made a Shepherd's Pie the other evening. Mmmm. It really hit the spot and Hubby even enjoyed it. This is one dish that always makes for great leftovers. The fall season definitely puts me in the mood to cook more. I always love cooking, but in the summer heat it can be so much of a chore then a delight. The cooler months make it much more enjoyable. That reminds me that I should go figure out what I'm going to cook for dinner tonight!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday!

Pinch An Inch And Then Some

Rae — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:31:39 GMT

I haven't been able to visit the gym in a few months and I can certainly feel it. Muscle tone has been lost and a few pounds have certainly found their way back to me. I'm still in my current clothes which means I haven't gained too much back, but it still bothers me.

When I see all the ads on tv and receive numerous emails about weight loss pills, I always wonder if any of them actually work. This is an industry that makes millions if not billions of dollars a years, but do any of them actually work? Have any of you had success?

You would think with all the technology and medical discoveries that have been made over the years that there would be a solution.

Monday Ain't No Fun Day

Rae — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:43:40 GMT

Every morning I always have a ton of odd emails in my inbox. Today, I was told I had won some sort of UK Lottery and also that I can now enroll in truck driving school. I certainly don't have the stamina for such a job, but bully to those who do. It's not a glamorous job, but at least you do get to see the country.

So I seem to have a lot going on in this little mind of mine this morning, but don't have the energy to go into all the sorted details yet. Life has been a little unsettling and stressful this past weekend. I'm sure I'll explain at a later time.

Right now, I should head off to the post office and the library. Two Meg Cabot books that I had put on hold are now available. Normally, I would simply go out and buy her books when they come out but in an effort to save on some costs I'm using the library instead. It's right behind our house. We might as well put it to good use!

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Thoughts Of Fall

Rae — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:19:29 GMT

It's officially Autumn and I'm looking forward to the leaves turning colors. Plus, the apple orchards are now open and I love fresh cider on a beautiful fall day. It really is a beautiful season up here in the NorthEast and should be appreciated.

Of course, with the change in seasons, comes a change in weather. The temps have already started to drop a bit, but I don't mind a crisp breeze and a cozy sweater. Though when it's pouring down rain or worse snowing (please don't happen anytime soon) and I have to leave for work in the early hours, I do wish we had carports in our drive or in the parking lot behind us. It would certainly make life easier.

And would you believe people are already mentioning Christmas? It is almost October, but I'd like to get through that month and Halloween before thinking about the bigger holidays. Let me first enjoy fall festivities and then you can yell "Ho Ho Ho"

Birthday Ideas

Rae — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:05:56 GMT

My Hubby's birthday is in early November and I'm trying to get ideas for a good gift. He's been so generous in the past with his gift giving for me. I'd like to splurge a little on him this time around (even tho he says not to do it).

He's always looking at new items for his current gun collection. He enjoys target shooting and I thought maybe one of these Nikon rifle scopes would make a nice present. Hubby would be completely surprised if I gave him anything gun related as it is definitely not an interest we share.

It's a good thing I'm thinking about ideas now. He can be so hard to shop for and I need all the time I can get.

Where Oh Where Did I Go?

Rae — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:15:14 GMT

I have a stack of books that I'd love to sit and read, but simply can't find the time to do so. If I do sit down to read, I end up falling asleep.

You would think after two months of working this crazy early morning schedule that I would have adapted, but I'm still exhausted. While I am thankful to have a job, I am actively looking for a new and better position preferably not in retail. I had a meeting/brief orientation with a Kelly Services office today and am hopeful that they will find me a decent temp-to-hire or direct hire position.

Maybe then I'll have more energy again and actually be able to get back to my hobbies. I feel like all I do is work and sleep. Oh and pop Advil every 8 hours thanks to inflamed muscle tissue in my shoulder.

That reminds me...

Goodnight Friends!

Stormy Days

Rae — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:05:03 GMT

Earlier in the week, I splurged and enjoyed some wonderful clam cakes and chowder at Iggy's. Oh, I can't forget the yummy doughboys as well. Yeah, dieting be damned!

I sat outside and took in the calming view of the beach and bay. If only I had planned ahead, I would have brought a change of clothes. I drove over there right after work and was stuck in my work clothes. It would have been more enjoyable to have been in shorts and a t-shirt.

I'm glad I went when I did though. The past couple of days have been filled with bad weather and tons of rain. We're getting hit by the remains of the tropical storm. The entire East Coast has been slammed with downpours. I'm sure everyone who lives down along the water and beachfronts were investing in outdoor furniture covers and securing everything down.

Today was predicted to be miserable weather, but we woke up to sunshine. I'll take it! Hubby is out volunteering at his gun club's annual Field Day. Personally, I'm going to enjoy a quiet day at home. Thank God for a day off!

FYI

Rae — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:17:36 GMT

FYI For The Ladies!

I love me some great skin care products!

As I grow older <insert loud sigh>, I cherish my young looking skin and strive to protect it. When I go out on a very sunny day, I do my best to keep my face protected and shaded. I may be pale and pasty, but I'll take that over skin cancer any day.

Just thought I'd share.

Sleeeeeeep Is Gooood

Rae — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:12:39 GMT

When I hear the term, air tools, I imagine a big spackle gun sort of tool that fixes problems with our air. Do I seem a little sleep deprived to anyone else?

I Am TIRED. Even with an extra day off this week, waking up before the crack of dawn and heading to work has wiped me out for the day. I was lying on the couch watching an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond on TBS and the next thing I know it's over. I must have dozed off for a bit because I was struggling to even remember what episode had been on.

A few years ago when I worked early morning shifts, I don't remember being this tired all the time. Plus, I was able to stay up later and still manage to get up out of bed without a problem. Hmmm, have only a few years of time aged me that much?? That's depressing.

Then again, now I'm married and have dinners to cook and a Hubby to look after. That would tire any sane woman out!

Too tired to think any longer...zzzzzzzz

Time Flies

Rae — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:21:45 GMT

Every time I think about blogging lately I somehow get distracted. Days later I'll remember that I still need to post something. When I took the new job, I had no idea that I'd be this exhausted (both physically and mentally) from it. Plus, being in such a busy/crowded environment has made me prone to catching colds and viruses. Yuck.

This weekend the Hubby and I were able to enjoy some time together. That helps to make me feel better. We bought 2 new expansion packs for my Sims 2 games and boy do they suck time away from you. I start playing and the next thing you know a couple of hours have passed. It's been a fun distraction though.

While we were out, we came across a man airbrushing shirts. I always think it's so neat how they are able to do that. I don't have a steady hand for that kind of stuff. If you enjoy it, there are a lot of great airbrush supply sites online. It's always nice to have a hobby and to be able to find sites dedicated to your interest.

Now it's time for me to decide what to do with this extra day off. I was going to have a wisdom tooth pulled (bleah!!!), but the appointment has been rescheduled. It's a free day now!

Can You Smell The Baby Soft Love?

Rae — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:53:01 GMT

While shopping for a baby shower gift, I stumbled across some great crib bedding. Awww, baby stuff is so cute these days! It almost makes me want to have one, but we aren't in that place yet. I'm not ruling it out completely, but we'll enjoy our life either way.

I was watching an old episode of Friends the other night and it happened to be the one where Rachel tells Ross that she's pregnant. She goes on to tell him that condoms don't always work and are only 97 or 98% effective. He says "they should put that on the box!" and again she explains that they do. He examines the box and responds with "well they should put in big black letters" or something like that. LOL Men.

It's amazing how many people believe contraceptives (all types) are fool-proof, but you always run a slight risk of pregnancy. Heck, one of my best-friends just found out that his wife is pregnant and they were using 2 forms of birth control. Talk about meant to be!

So, in my own little world, if it happens it happens. I'm not going to stress over it one way or the other.

Chunky Dunk

Rae — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:31:23 GMT

I found this image while looking at funny t shirts earlier today. I thought to myself "I can so relate to that." Yeah, it's been one of those kind of weeks. That bitch voice is still yakking away in the back of my mind, but I've been better at tuning her out the past couple of days. Of course, I've also been too exhausted to care.

I treated myself to a LUSH order this afternoon. I'm completely out of bubble bath products and wanted the good stuff. My order should arrive sometime next week. YAY! Normally, I would go to the LUSH store at the mall but I don't have the energy to deal with the busy mall/parking/annoying sales associates after working all morning. Online ordering is stress free and sometimes worth the price of shipping to avoid real world annoyances. I can't wait for my order to arrive.

Until then, I'll go in search of other online goodies. Anything I should be checking out? Let me know!