i already broke my promise

I'm such a bad wife!

So Mike and I decided that I would be on a shopping/spending "freeze" per say, for the next few months. The reason being we have a few expenses coming up: new tires, 40,000 mile car check up, plumber, saving for a vacation in April, Christmas shopping, car insurance. So clearly I don't need to be going out and buying new clothes and nail polishes here and there. Why is this so difficult for me to adhere to?

 It all started with an upcoming trip to Atlantic City and Wildwood (THIS WEEKEND YA!). I was fully going on the intention of wearing something I already owned in my closet, for BOTH places. But of course, I've been staying at my parents since Sunday night and haven't been home. We are leaving tonight. After work. Which means, I will have ZERO time to pack. Grrrreat. Well, of course NOW I had a reason to stroll into Marhsall's. So, besides finding a dress for Atlantic City, I decided that it was necessary for me to have a "boardwalk strolling outfit" for Saturday. It was only $15.99 so I'm telling myself this is okay. I also came across the shoe aisle, I mean come on..its RIGHT THERE when you walk in the store. How could I not look? I found a pair of fancy schmancy black loafers with sparkles all over them. Edgy, but girlie. Cute but sophisticated. I NEEDED them! They will be perfect for fall, and unfortunately, they didn't have a price tag on them so now I'm just stuck with them. **cough: the girl asked me if i wanted a price tag, cough cough**

So there you have it. I made up excuses not once, or twice, but three times to go shopping.

I think I officially have a problem.

Can't wait to show you my looks next week. I'm really excited because my dress tonight is a plain black dress, with sleeves that go to above my elbow. But it's sort of out of my comfort zone, and I'm hoping I can pull it off.

What are your plans for Labor Day weekend? I don't think the weather's going to be all that great in New Jersey, so we'll probably just be hanging around and getting things done in the house. I decided to take off Tuesday to spend some time with Mike. I miss him (and Peanut & Linus too!).

Hope you all have a fabulous extended weekend! Next week (Tuesday the 3rd!) I'll be guest posting for Kali while she is gallivanting in the ocean in CANCUN! (jealous much?? yeah!). Be sure to be on the look out!!

TBT, a note from "aka Ghetto booty"

June 14

Rachel,

hey! this year was the best. I'm so happy that we had classes 2gether and that we were as clsoe as we were last year. I had so much fun in Algebra class making fun of - "eh eh ehh" LOL. and Marielle (even though we are friends now) Don't forget Greg (how could you go out with him?!)  Marielle's greasy hair, Chelsea's laugh "eh eh ehhehh" (really, i repeated myself here!) and especially, "And one time at band camp." LOL! Never 4get that. I think I am a curse when I am at your house on Friday & Saturday nights while we were doing guard. LoL. I finally got that one part with the stick at my house! Dude. why is Samanatha always so busy? we have to call her like a week in advance if we want to hang out with her! hey. if shes to busy for us we could always call Diana! I love eating Fudge Bars! (great subject change Lauren) Yey. God-damn tennis sucked so much with you know who (2 people) grr. they really really suck! well I gotta get going now. Have a fun time at BAND CAMP. I'm looking forward to hearing the tales of Band Camp. LOL. Well thats about it for me talk to ya later. 

BFF +Always,

LYLAS,  (hahah YUPP LYLAS!!)

Lauren    

KIT: 123-4567- duh (house line hahahaha)

               821858585 - beeper LOL (hahahaha I made that up!)

and omg youre fucking hair looks fine! it's only a godamn gym class!

<3 ya

aka Ghetto booty.

"I Can Serve!" - most likely something we yelled during that tennis class.
p 88 - ski
p 84 - scott
p 85 - eric
p 35 - chris
p 73 - Abe - ooo with a heart. i don't even remember who the hell Abe was.
pg - 100 Bodak <3 <3 LOL bodak. hahahahaha
I <3 Bodak!

don't you just love reminiscing old high school yearbook notes? I'm not even sure what's the best part about this note. The made up beeper number consisting of my birthdate, or the 800 names of guys I had a crush on with the page numbers they were located on :)

things i wondered, part 3 of ?

Since I tend to often write what's on my mind, I might as well make some kind of fancy button for it, right?

• You know whats inappropriate and frustrating? Babies in the workplace.

CRYING babies in the workplace, even more specifically.

People.  If you go out on maternity leave, and decide to grace your work's presence with your glowing-post-baby self, with infant in tow, make sure to have a damn pacifier!

I'm currently sitting at my desk and this is going on. I mean, if this isn't birth control, I don't know what is.

Harsh much? Maybe.  But I think I have a right to be mildly annoyed to blog about it. (p.s. i miss that miley!)

• And the fact that it looks like a tornado is going to form at any minute outside doesn't help the situation either. What is this weather? Seriously it was supposed to be sunny and 85.
• Why can't they make designer kids sunglasses?  I'm pissed that I can't find sunglasses that ACTUALLY fit my head (even my ray ban petites are a little big on me).  Does anyone know if kids designer shades exist? P.S. please don't even suggest ray-ban because the kids ones suck.
• I'm really ready to throw my galaxy out the window. Who here has an iphone5 they want to trade for the galaxy?!? ANY TAKERS? PLEEEASSEEE??
• This cloudy vision is starting to get old, real fast. But good news today is that I can see better. And the redness is finally starting to disappear!
• I felt really foolish when I walked in yesterday and saw they had set up a birthday surprise for me. Last week I texted my friend saying "they forgot my birthday! i'm NEVER participating in birthday celebrations again! ROAR!" and proceeded to stomp around like this:

pleeeasseee tell me you know what movie this is from!

truth be told: i react this way quite often to various things that make me angry.

• I just got netflix and Friday Night Lights is one awesome show.  I love Connie Britton in this show, and Kyle Chandler.  Speaking of Kyle Chandler, who hear remembers "Early Edition"? He was the star of the show, a man who would receive the following day's newspaper a day early.  I think I came across this show one time on some random channel. 

• It's only 1:45pm, EST, and I didn't take lunch, and I'm about ready to pretend that I have a stomach virus so I can go home. I'm so tired - - I don't even know why because I go to bed at 9pm like an old lady.  Is anyone else feeling really tired lately? I might blame it on the lack of exercise I've had in the past month and half.

And I guess that's all I really have for you on this Wednesday. Sorry it's just fluff, but I was really wondering these things and had to share.  Also, enjoy this cute video of baby ostriches dancing :)

hey :)

So I'm having a tough day with my eyes today so I'm just going to put some pictures up and call it a post.

This was my weekend in a nutshell. Birthday shenanigans, a Giants/Jets football preseason game, and my cats doing strange things (see below, who honestly cleans their feet like that??). The picture of me and R in a hot pink shirt is from the weekend before I believe, we went out for Hibachi dinner for her husband's birthday. I just really love that picture! :)

Miss you all, can't wait to get back on track with posting on the regular.  I'm hoping that my eyes heal soon! I met with Dr. Wasserman on Saturday and he confirmed that my left eye has dry spots on it, which is odd, because they aren't feeling particularly dry...however that explains the blurriness.  He also re-explained that essentially, he performed two different surgeries, so healing time can/will be different.  Needless to say, I felt a lot better after he told me this and I've just accepted the fact that it's going to TAKE TIME. So, I am feeling better since I wrote my last post, but I think because I've finally accepted that it's not going to be perfect in the snap of a finger.

Isn't this orchid below so beautiful? Mike got it for me on my birthday (last Wednesday), and he even brought me home Applebee's spin dip with a side of classic buffalo sauce.  Those of you know who me, know that this is my ultimate favorite snack in the entire world, a second close being microwave popcorn.

I decided to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure (feet not shown, but I will let you all know that I actually have a toenail again!! It looks almost normal! YAY!)  People in work decorated for my birthday! I really was about to go all Sam Baker on them, but then I decided to just get over it and move on.  I was overwhelmingly surprised today.  Even Shia LaBeouf made an appearance!! XOXOXO <3

TRUE LIFE: I'm a LASIK patient.

Instead of recapping my entire LASIK experience thus far, I've decided to give you bullet points of my day-to-day life post LASIK surgery.  Note: It's not fabulous!

Oh, and note x2: LASIK surgery is NOT as FANTASTIC and easy as cake as you are lead to believe!

True Life: I am a LASIK Patient

I like big butts sunglasses and I can not lie!

Yes, that's right. Go big or go home. My oh-so-precious Ray Ban aviators are no longer cutting it. And I've gotten used to wearing these while at work.  I am now referred to as "Hollywood". oh joy.

I text my Doc on the regular. 

I consider myself an EXPERT when it comes to eye drops...every last brand known to mankind.

*this is actually a real pic my friend texted me, she just went through this too.  WHY are there so many optinos!??! its SO overwhelming to find a brand that works for you at a price tag of anywhere from $13-$16 a box!!

And I own, about every eye drop brand known to mankind. Because nothing satisfies my dry eye. EVER.

 

I take a redic amount of selfies making dumb faces. While wearing goggles.

One day my vision is clear, the next, it's blurry.

OK. So I know I'm making LASIK out to be the bad guy, but you all seriously need to weigh out the pros and cons of a surgery like this.  I was thinking the grass was greener on the other side.. and I really should know that it always isn't.  Now, I have a lot of nerve posting all this only 4 days post op, but I felt that everyone should know about my experience. 

Can I see? YES. A lot better than when I didn't have contacts in/glasses on? YES.

So what's the problem?

The problem is that sometimes, you are lead to believe that LASIK is such a totally cool life altering experience! And it's really not.

I was not nervous at all for this procedure. I was fine up until they placed lid separators in my eyes.  I think because I have such small features that this was extra sensitive for me.  I will be 100% honest that you can not feel ANYTHING, AS FAR AS: any instruments the doctor uses ON the actual eye ball, the laser going into your eye. I will tell you however, that when they are creating "the flap", I experienced an unbelievable amount of pressure like you wouldn't believe.  For anyone who hasn't gone through this, the best way that I can think to explain how it felt, would be like this.  Remember when you were a kid, and you had goggles that you would use in the pool during summer time.  Actual goggles, (versus a mask).  Think about how hard you pressed those goggles to your eyes and the suction it created.  That is exactly what I felt, except more intense.  It was the most scary experience of my life, especially when my vision "went dark".  It's scary because you are fully aware of what you are going through, and your eye is OPEN. And the thought of what he's looking at and actually doing just can make you jump out of your skin too.  As far as the laser correction, that part was a piece of cake. I just stared at a light and then he closed the flap, felt some cool liquid which was a tad overwhelming, and voila, he was done with that eye. He moved onto the next and then I was basicallly done.  I would say the entire procedure lasted 20 minutes. If that. It was very quick.

So now, as you can see above, I am dealing with some post-op frustrations that I wouldn't have been dealing with if I just kept my glasses and contacts.  Right now, if you asked me if I would go through this again? My answer would most likely be a big, fat NO.

However, maybe in 3 months, we'll do another follow up and my answer might be different. 

When I can see, it's great.  When I can't really (like now, my damn left eye)...it's one big pain in my ass.

So take my LASIK experience and remember this when you ever decide you want to do this.  For everyone that tells you "I could see as soon as I got up off the table!! HA HA HA! It's the best! HA HA HA!" forget it, they are lying! (to some degree at least).

Oh, and I'd like to note: If you are in NJ, although so far my actual recovery experience hasn't been the best, I will tell you that my doctor is THE BEST.  He has the best bedside manner I've ever come across. 

oh, so it's monday already?

What a crazy time I've had lately.  It all started with Thursday, when I had my interview at ABC Company.  Can I just tell you how non-stressed I was, but as soon as they came down to the lobby and said, "Lauren?" (hi. <--me in my tiniest voice) "Hello! You can come with me upstairs." AH! Cue the sweaty palms, big noisy breathing, all inside an elevator full of mirrors.  There was no hiding any of my nervous features.  I don't want to bore you with all the details, other than, it was really tough! The questions were difficult and I had a hard time relating my answers to the job description and my past experience.  All in all, I tried my best, and they seemed receptive to my responses.  It ended with an interview with the HR Recruiter and she told me I would find out next week either way.  Well, by golly, I am pretty busy on Monday and Tuesday, which means Wednesday will roll around rather quickly.  Wednesday seems like a good day to deliver the news.  There are two open positions, and there were 5 candidates.  I have a decent shot.  We will see!  Thank you to everyone for the good luck's and well wishes :)  P.S. totally breaking "blogging rules" on this one, but here is a pic of my outfit from the interview (if you don't follow me, go on and click my instagram link!)

This evening I started to set up a shop on Store Envy.  Mike and I are really trying to start saving our money, (it's been decided that I am on a personal shopping freeze for a year. oh boy!) and I was going through my closet noticing that I had so many dresses that I've worn once or twice (seriously) for different occasions and I just don't need them anymore.  They are in great condition and you can go check them out HERE.  Also, prices can be negotiable. Just ASK!  Items will be added as I continue to go through my collection.  I really do have a lot of things.  Mostly I like to buy things for one-time only occasions and then I never wear them again.  So terrible!

So while I was going through my things, Mike phoned me and told me he got into a small accident.  I was so upset. Basically, what happened was he was on the main road that goes to our home. Riding through the intersection, there are two lanes.  The left lane is one of those lanes that is a Turn/Straight lane.  Mostly anyone who uses this lane turns LEFT.  He was in the right lane, used for going straigh/right. Duh, obviously.  Anyway, this SUV was slightly approaching the intersection before him, with his left blinker on, in the left lane.  This jerk decided he wanted to turn RIGHT at the intersection, and Mike swerved out of the way and he hit him in the driver side passenger door!!! So Mike pulled over and the guy asked him "What were you doing?"  REALLY??? So he then proceeded to say "Let's pull over out of the intersection" So obviously Mike thought that was a good idea, and went.  The guy was behind him with his flashers on...... Mike pulls into a parking lot, and this JERK just decides to KEEP ON DRIVING. AKA Hit and RUN! WHAT THE BEEEEEP. I'm so upset. He called the police but of course he didn't know the make of the vehicle or license plate (ALWAYS ALWAYS TRY TO REMEMBER PEOPLE!). A police report was filed and a call to the insurance company was made.  I told him he better call his mom and just give her a heads up, while he was on the line (about 45 minutes later) he was getting a call from a private number.

Guess who it was?  The police.  They pulled over, and had in custody a man with the description of the person who hit Mike, same type vehicle he described, under a DUI CHARGE in TWO TOWNS OVER (two VERY LARGE towns over).  THANK YOU JESUS. I prayed for a miracle and I got one!!!  I thought this was gonna suck because you pay the deductible and without any information it was highly unlikely we would have gotten that money back.  Now hopefully this jerk's info will be added to the police report and we can move on from this.

Now tomorrow, while you'll all be reading this lovely post, I WILL BE UNDER THE KNIFE!!!

HAHA, TOTALLY JKing.  I will be under the LASER! My LASIK date has finally arrived!!! I'm so so excited, excited actually isn't the word to describe it.  I'm not really nervous at all, I just want the finished result to be so amazing, and I know it will.  To be able to wake up in the morning and not stumble around for my glasses...amazing... to be able to do my makeup without glasses and contacts... amazing.....to be able to SHOWER and SEE, AMAZING!  WISH ME LUCK! I know I won't need it, I have the best doctor around!

Hopefully I will be back Tuesday to blog about the experience! Oh, and I have to give you an update on a pinterest pin I've been doing! Tuesday it is, pending my eyes are okay!

How to dress for an interview!

So I'm going on my dreaded interview tomorrow.  I'm nervous, but I'm not.  I'm nervous, because any interview is intimidating. I'm not in the sense that I'm kind of just going with the attitude, "Whatever happens, will happen".  So there really is no point in stressing myself out over this. So, while that calm, cool, collected part of me is ready to take this on, the "eek!" part of me is worried about the stupid questions they are going to toss my way.  "Why should we hire you?", "Where do you see yourself in five years", these are ALL trick questions.  They always say there is no "wrong" answer, but let me tell you something.  There is always a right answer.  It's the answer that they are looking for.  And I'm not a mind reader, so I'm not really sure what that is.  I'm just hoping that I can go into them tomorrow, and have a conversation with the people. There's nothing worse than the spit-fire questions they throw at you.  And why is it so frowned upon to have your resume in front of you? Last time I checked, I don't *remember* all the tasks I did 7 years ago at that other job.  Whatever. Moving on.

So I just really love polyvore collages... [who doesn't?] so I decided to make one up for:

What to Wear to an Interview.

Interview by peanutprogram featuring button up shirts

So, at quick glance, pretty standard right?  You'd be surprised what some people wear to interviews.  I've had the pleasure of escorting DOCTORS to/from their interviews in my company and some of them show up just so sloppy, it's unreal.  This is basically a snap shot of my exact outfit for tomorrow.

[one] A suit. Obviously!  I bought mine back in 2010, from The Limited in a charcoal grey color.  It's quite beautiful, and I wish I had more reasons to wear it! (*the one pictured above is not my suit)

[two] A crisp, white, button down shirt.  If it was winter, there would be a long sleeved shirt, but it's hot, and I'm going to be walking from the parking lot to the building, I don't need any unidentified stenches coming from my underarms when I move my hands around while I talk.  I like this button down pictured above, mine is very similar.  I bought mine in New York and Company for a whopping $15.00 (super sale!). It's plain, but just has a hint of girlyness to it.

[three] Black pumps. Simple, not too flashy, and you can walk in them.  Ladies, do NOT wear heels that you can't walk in, to an interview! Even if you have to wear ugly kitten heels, you'd rather be safe, than sorry. I personally love these Nine West heels. High, but not too high, and like I mentioned before...I can walk comfortably in them!

[four] a Watch.  The beloved Michael Kors Parker Glitz watch.  I have different links on my watch, however this one is another beaut.  You would like to keep a "watch" (hardy har) on the timing of the interview....I would suggest a watch rather than your cell phone!

[five] a purse/tote. I have a very similar all leather Michael Kors tote I got around two years ago.  It was on sale for an awesome deal in Marshall's (I do very well in that store). It was the perfect bag.  I was able to have my personal belongings along with extra copies of my resume and a notepad for during the interview.

[six] a simple necklace.  I can NOT not wear a necklace.  This wishbone is the perfect hint of sparkle, yet doing it in a subtle way.  Also recommend a simple diamond stud necklace as well.  As much as I love my costume jewelry necklaces, interviews are not the place to be sporting them. Hopefully this little wishbone will bring me luck tomorrow!  The one I got was from Nordstroms, Nadri brand.  I believe it is sold out though.

What do you think of my selections? Anything you would change/add?  Wish me luck tomorrow!

22 super awesome things {about me}

So I've been tagged in a few posts lately, as "The Peanut Program".  The first time it happened, I thought to myself, hmm, that's strange. But whatever, and I moved on.  It happened again today and now I'm just plain curious.  So I took my mouse and clicked on over to my blog and read through it.  I don't think I ever told anyone my name!  Seriously?  Did I really forget to tell my readers what my mother has addressed me as for the past 27 years??  I did, and today's your lucky day.  My name is LAUREN :) and it's very nice to meet you!

Thank you's to Amanda & Lindsey for the Liebster nominations.... you get round two of getting to know me. I really can't thank you all enough for giving me content to blog about.  My mind is racing in 857 different places this week.   Eye surgery, interviews, cars, family, friends, food, football, you name it, it's in my brain. OH, and Peanut has an eye infection, poor thing, walking around like Rocky Balboa.. send well wishes her way.  I feel bad for her, she hates (and when I say hates, I seriously mean loathes) being touched in the face.  Linus, I can poke him, kiss him, pick his nose (sometimes he gets booger crust, okay!?!), or eye crust and he couldn't have a care in the world.  But touch Peanut anywhere above her neck and below her forehead, and you get one angry cat.  I would say she looks like this:

Ok. This just took me legit 20 minutes to find a gif of something that's really not even similar to what she does.  Basically she freaks out, okay? What is everyone's secret for gif searching?!?!

So you can probably imagine the time I have trying to squeeze a tube of disgusting eye gel ON her closed eye.  I have to hold her, sit down on the ground, get really close to her and strategically place the gel on the eye, all while she looks like Robocop up there.  I know she knows I'm not trying to hurt her, why can't she just sit still! Argh, pets.  I've gotten a couple of good scratches from that little one too.  But how could you NOT love her?? Look at this face!

So now that I've gotten my obligatory picture of one of my cats in here, let's move on to the questions that Amanda asked.  

1. What's your favorite color? (I always like to know this about people):  Turquoise.  I just think it's so pretty!

2. What's your favorite blog post you've written so far?  I really wish I could answer this, but I haven't blogged enough on this blog to say I have a favorite.  My content has been lacking lately; on my old blog, I could easily say "Rules for Driving in NJ" or "Gym-etiquette".  Sorry I don't have links to them, I deleted them! Why wouldn't I have saved them?

3. Are you a cat person or a dog person?  Do you really have to ask me this one? See About me.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  Hopefully in a New Job, in a new house, and MAYBE having a child. MAYBE.  A big maybe at that, too. I'm not really a kid person, but maybe after carrying for 9 months, I'll turn into one.

5. What food allergy would you not be able to handle?  Totally cheese/dairy.  I freaking love cheese like you wouldn't believe.. but not sophisticated cheese, I'm talking shredded mexican blend from Shop-Rite that I put on wraps, tacos, chips, pretzels. Whatever.

6. If you could make out with any famous person who would it be? Probably Shia LeBeouf

I liked him as the pesky brother in Even Stevens, LOVED him in Holes, and Disturbia and Eagle Eye?? YES. Shame on me that I've never seen Transformers. bahaha.

7. What are your goals/aspirations for your blog?  I would be lying if I said I didn't want it to grow.  I do, but what is more important to me, is finding others who have similarities to me, and seeing other peoples opinions on what I might post compared to my own!

8. If you had to get rid of all of your technology except one item, what would you keep? (i.e. cellphone, computer, e-reader, etc.)  Who wouldn't say "keep their cell phone"?  I'd say, I'd keep my iPad because I could still make calls, emails, watch movies, listen to music.  The phone screen would be too small.  I would love to say my nook, because that is absolutely by far my best techy item.  But of course I'd want to keep in touch with people!

9. What is your go-to clothing item in your closet?  This all depends on what season. Fall: a Long cardigan (that covers my butt) and Boots.  Winter: a color coordinated scarf (with my outfit) and Boots.  Spring: Sundress  Summer: Ray Bans and Jean shorts

10. Why did you start blogging?  I'll be honest here.  I have a very few close friends. 2 of which know about the blog, 1 doesn't.  Sometimes I just want some more people to chat with!  Blogging has been a nice community to me so far, but then again, I also haven't released my inner-monster that over takes my body sometimes.  It could be a scary show.

11. Describe your dream date:  A dream date, with my husband?  Us going to a dinner where money was no object in a restaurant we feel comfortable in (not a hoity toity place),  and then going cruising along the coast where my hair is blowing beautifully in the wind and we can hear each other talking and then watching the sunset go down without being bitten by mosquitos and horseflys.  Reality: Applebees, a Jetta with the AC on (are you kidding -- windows open and sunroof? i don't think so, knots galore in my hair.. no thank you), and a redbox rental.  Hey, I'm not complaining.

Speaking of REDBOX. Did you know that you could get redbox movies free?  I use codes often, sometimes I get denied and other times they work!  Try one of these codes next time you go rent a movie, I hope they work for you.  Let me know which ones don't. 

REDBOX (new customers only)
DVDONME  (I try this one first all the time, and I always think I'm going to get it, but once I swipe my card and zip code....DENIED!) 
BREAKKROOM
DVDNIGHT
DVDATWAG (good only at Walgreen's locations)
WALGREENS (good only at Walgreen's locations)
DVDATWEG (good only at Wegman's locations)
DRIVEIN (good only at Sonic locations)

Now, onto Lindsey's questions!! 

1.  Who is your best friend? How did you meet?  I have two. Colleen. I've known her since we were babies, and lived right next to each other.  Rachel: ha, Rachel....we did NOT like each other in middle school. We always recall her mother picking up her sister from my house, who was "dating" my brother.  Our moms chatted on the front porch and this was going on between me and Rachel:

Rachel.

Me.

Rachel.

ME.

And somehow, after all those snarky, side eyed looks, we managed to become best friends that year. 

 2.  What's your favorite pair of shoes?  If its the fall/winter, my brown cognac boots. If its the spring/summer, probably the Target gold sandals I have. With the braided piece that goes up the top middle of your foot and around the ankle.

3.  Have you been to Vegas? Twice.  You can see recaps of my vaca's on Jennifer's blog here and here. Trust me, the pics make the post. BAHAHA.

4.  Who are you closer to, your mom or dad?  Mom. Definitely.  My dad and I are very similar freaks of nature. So naturally, we clash a lot.

5.  What's your favorite song right now?  Ever since I got my Samsung galaxy, I haven't been listening to the music as much.  I've been listening to old CDs in my car.  That is one thing I miss about the iPhone. iTunes music list right on the phone.  Oh well.  But if I were to choose, my summer jam still is, hands down Alive by Krewella or Glowing by Nikki Williams.

6.  Who do you look up to?  As in a role model? I no longer have an answer to this question.

7.  Who was your first crush?  4th grade, Kevin Holden. I wonder what happened to that guy.  Someone told me in the 5th grade he moved to Alaska when he didn't show up in on the first day of Middle School.

8.  Pencils or pens?  I really enjoy a good old fashioned Dixon Ticonderoga no. 2 pencil. See? Currently on my desk.

9.  Blue or black ink?  Black.

10.  What's your favorite place to get coffee and what is your "regular"?  My favorite place to get coffee is from my kitchen Mr. Coffee maker.   Dunkin Donuts regular coffee, with International Delight Hazelnut creamer, and 2 splendas.

11.  Why and how did you get started blogging? See previous answer above :)


Ok - so, what kinds of blog posts are your favorite? Let me know, and you'll be helping me out by giving me some ideas and, well.. yourself too because you'll enjoy spending a few minutes reading!

Gear Grinding on a Friday Morning

Hello, Peter Griffin here, coming to you with another edition of:
"What Really Grinds My Gears"

[one] Anyone who uses the phrase, "lesbihonest" or "lezbehonesthere" or "lesbireal" or anything similar to that.  Every time I see "lez" or "les" I immediately think you are going to write lesbian. Get over your abbrevs, people,  I mean Whattheflippityfriggeneff!? <--- Yeah, that grinds my gears too.

[two] Please #stop #hashtagging #eight #hundred  #words #on #your #instagram #photos. No one cares what the picture caption says, even if it is funny and witty.  NO ONE CARES. #JUST #STOP, OK?

[three] You know another thing that really grinds my gears? When idiots squeeze the toothpaste tube, FROM THE MIDDLE.  I mean, is it really that hard to make it nice and uniform by squeezing from the end?  And while on that subject, don't even get me started with globbers of toothpaste in the sink. 

[four] What is it with people who just walk out in the middle of the road? I'm pretty sure one of the first rules we learned in elementary school was to look both ways before crossing the street, am I correct? So, how is it, that HUMAN ADULTS have forgotten this very important rule of life? And another thing that's recently been grinding those gears...DO NOT TEXT AND WALK. YOU ARE A JERK. I HOPE SOMEONE SPILLS THEIR HOT COFFEE ON YOU BECAUSE YOU AREN'T LOOKING!

[five] You want to know what really, Really, REALLY grinds my gears?? Getting a phone call at 9:30 in the morning asking me "What's for dinner?".  I wish I had an answer for you but.. GEE, I DON'T KNOW, I didn't even finish my coffee. DINNER is the LAST thing that's on my mind!!! Can't you come up with an idea?!?! (LOVE You Mike! XOXO baha).

[six] Seriously, SERIOUSLY??? I've said it on the blog before, and I'll say it again: IT'S STILL FREAKING SUMMER PEOPLE. STOP. NOW. I don't give a crap how BADLY you are craving a pumpkin spiced latte (can we say ew??) and leggings with boots, and scarves around your necks. It is freaking AUGUST 9th. JUST. STOP.

[seven] Alex Rodriguez, Evereth Cabrera, Jhonny Peralta, Nelson Cruz, Melky Cabrera... Need I say more?  How are these idiots making millions and taking steroids and STILL can play after a minimum suspension of at least 50 games? How is that fair? What's worse, they can appeal this shit and still play?! SCREW YOU. I'm so sick of hearing about all these MLB players taking performance enhancers, it just really grinds my gears, what can I say?

Well. I guess that's all I have for you today.  Thank you for tuning in, and hopefully we will be returning to the regular scheduled programming of The Peanut Program, Monday at 8am EST. Adios amigos!

when things don't go as expected

You know, just when I thought I had my life together, things get all screwed up.

Remember how I told you all that I would be taking a fun road trip to Myrtle Beach? Yeah. That's not happening.  My husband found out that he didn't have time off.  I honestly don't know how that could be, because he's been off a total of 7 times (vacation days) since the beginning of the year.  What? I mean, it's the end of August.  That's just ridiculous.  So that idea has been cancelled.  Wah.

So then, we thought, okay, let's spend the night down in Atlantic City on the 31st. Go early, and drive down to Wildwood, check in the hotel in AC in the late afternoon, and then spend the day in WW again on Sunday.  Wrong again.  Minimum amount for a room charge is close to $400 dollars. Seriously? I get that it's Labor Day weekend, but for real. NO. SORRY. Atlantic City isn't that fabulous.  And WW has a minimum nights required stay, and like I mentioned before, he "doesn't have the time". Such crap.

Third.  I have my upcoming EYE SURGERY (no walk in the park people) on the 19th.  I get a text: "Hey, can you call me."  Texts like that are never good.  I always expect the worse too.  I thought it was maybe news about his family pet, or someone else in the family, but no.  It was a "*The Boss* wants me to travel with her to Destination, USA for a few meetings." My response was, "Oh. cool. Is she paying for your flight tickets?" (Side note: he ALWAYS has to put out his own $ and rarely gets reimbursed). His response, "Well, I'm not sure, she just said that she'd be making the arrangements. But the trip is the 19th through the 21st."  

I'm sorry, SAY WHAT??

The NINETEENTH, and TWENTY FIRST?  Hello. My eye surgery AND BIRTHDAY on top of all that?!?!?

What the freaking you know WHAT!

I'm so angry, it's not even funny.  It's like every chance she get's, she tries to screw him over.  And it works. Every. Single. Time. And I would like to add, in all fairness to my husband, he DID offer to decline the trip and go with me.  He knows how important this is too me.  But I just have this way of always thinking of the future, and if he doesn't go, I just know somehow, it will be thrown back in his face.

Thank god for my best friend Rachel.  She works in a school system so she has the summers off.  She's the only person I could ask for a ride to/from the Surgery.  Of course she said yes. I would have done the same for her.  But I really wanted my husband there with me.  Him to share that moment when I open my eyes and say "I can see!"   I'm just so upset it's not even worth dwelling on at this point. I'll just get in a even more crappy mood and then I'll take it out on others...which I do not want to do.

This month was supposed to be fun.  It's turning into a giant headache.

Getting to you know, getting know all about you!

Since The Peanut Program is fairly new, I took advantage of being nominated for a Liebster Award by Libby (thanks!!), and am putting it to good use for all my new readers.  My about me page is cute, but these are some random questions that give you a sense of what type of person I am. I know that sometimes Q&A's can be boring, but I think my answers are interesting enough. Some of my answers might surprise you.

See what I did there? It looks like I'm either throwing, or catching that beach ball that conveniently says 'About me!' !

1.    What’s your favorite time of year? When I was little, I would not hesitate in telling you Christmas..but now, I would have to say that my favorite time of year is Thanksgiving.  I love a good turkey dinner** and stuffing, and at noon on Thanksgiving Day, it's the start of the true Christmas Season!

**OK. QUESTION: Does anyone who attends Thanksgiving Dinner, ever actually witness the full bird on the dinner table?? Besides movies, I have never seen this.  My mom gets it sliced up before we serve ourselves (buffet style) !

2.   Where is your favorite vacation spot? I have been to a few different places...so I would have to say at this point in my life, it would be Antigua.  Not only because it was my honeymoon, but it is such a beautiful island and the beach is spectacular. And the water REALLY does look like that.

3.   What’s one concert you would love to see?  Definitely Flo-Rida. [really, lauren? i've already seen *NSYNC, Bon Jovi and Journey...who else would I'd rather need to see? Maybe the beach boys :)]

4.   What’s your favorite book?  I've had a few that I really enjoyed, but I enjoyed reading The Pact, by Jodi Picoult.

5.   If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?  To be a mind reader.  There are way too many people, with so many faces, that I'm nosy enough to wonder what they are thinking. Especially if those funny looks are happening while in MY presence!

6.   What’s one thing on your bucket list?  I don't even have a bucket list.  If I did, it would be to move out of New Jersey. Adios sucker. I hate you.

7.   What’s your favorite memory from your childhood?  Having sleepovers with my best friend and playing Barbies. Sometimes I wish had a more cliche answer, like the time that my Grandma or Grandpa did this or that... but sleepovers with your best friend after a walk/bike ride up the streets with our moms? Doesn't get any better than that. Wink wink, Coll!

8.   If you could do any job, without having to worry about money at all what would it be?  Yeah, I'm not sure.  I could say how I would not want to work, but that would make me look like a big, uninspired and lazy person.  So, instead of saying that, I wish I could step in the shoes of a Room designer Interior Decorator for a day, oo la la. 

9.   What would you do if you won the lottery?  Pay off my car and my husband's school loans, and then take a vacation, or put it towards a down payment on a house that I'd be comfortable living in. What I mean by that is, I wouldn't blow it on a McMansion because then I'd have to buy that much more stuff to fill it up!! A nice, cozy, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house is all I'm asking for with a porch in the front!

10.  What’s your biggest fear?  Being stabbed with a knife.  I had this dream a month or two ago, I woke up from it, and NO JOKE saw the Brawny guy standing above me with a knife coming down at me.  It was the most realistic living dream that I've ever had. I was awake and saw this.  Lord help me if I have some kind of ghost that hates me in my current house!

11. What are three things you couldn't live without?  Clean underwear, some form of communication, and my eye glasses (as of right now!)   But if you asked me this post surgery, I'd swap out my glasses for my two lovable balls of fur - Peanut & Linus. 

i'm feeling in a 1960's vibey kind of way

When in doubt, there is always a weekend update :)

I started off my leave at noon Friday afternoon in a huff.  There was a lot of traffic going home, and I went to the mall to buy everything but what I needed to. I left with two new dresses and a suit.  Someone slap me for going shopping when I shouldn't be. 

But the suit was an "I-need-this" purchase, because I have something important coming up next week.  Too bad it was an "I-need-this" purchase up until I came home and found my other suit (of course, isn't that always the way) lodged in between Mike's 800 suits in our other closet.  I'm going to hold onto this one however, in case I need another one. (Calvin Klein black skirt and jacket suit for only $110!)

I bought two dresses: a Nine West one (on super sale!) and a maxi dress from Marshall's.  I bought the maxi dress with the idea of wearing out to dinner for Rachel's birthday however a storm was possibly on the horizon and Red Bank is more of a little black dress kind of place anyway.  So now, I'm saving the maxi dress for my special birthday dinner in Point Pleasant in a couple of weeks.  The nine west dress was a great deal, at $29.99 and I figured it would be perfect for work. I'll post a picture in another week or two when I wear it, vs the model picture on the website. It's an "ombre" effect between Tan, Cream/White and Jade. It's really cute.

Did I tell you all I had my heart set on Qdoba queso dip and chips for dinner? Well, I did. Friday night.  I passed up meeting Mike for lunch on Friday at Chipolte because I just think Qdoba's queso dip trumps all. I said, let's go out and have a nice dinner there and then watch JAWS when we get home. Great! I got showered after my mall trip, (noticed the shower being cold, but dismissed this) and got ready. We are driving, and I'm looking (habit) and see the Qdoba sign is GONE. WHAT. Did they move?  Let's go look at the door, maybe they have a new space and posted their new address in the door. NOPE. GONE. ZILCH. ZERO. WHY!

Needless to say, I was a real b*tch about dinner that night.  We tried bubbakoo's but that shit was the worst mexican restaurant I think I've ever set my foot into.  PUMP NACHO CHEESE (like the kind you get in a school cafeteria) as Queso?! EW.

So I went to the mall looking for these: 

And then came up with nothing. The store called their other store in a mall 25 minutes away.  They didn't have them either. I was devastated because I knew that's what I wanted to get for her birthday. I even checked a place in Manasquan and considered going there on a Friday with beach traffic.  They were out anyway. WELLLL, it just so happens that Red Bank has an actual Alex & Ani store and they had plenty in stock! I got there way before Rachel even arrived because I knew we had a walk from where we were going out to dinner.  I picked them up, they were wrapped in a cute bag and I was good to go.

We ate at Buona Sera.  It's a great place, and if you're ever in the Monmouth County NJ area, I recommend this restaurant. I had the Shrimp Francese, while the flavor was DELICIOUS, the actual broth/sauce was too watery for my taste...I like it when it's slightly more towards the thicker consistency. Mike had a steak and it was a nice, tasty chunk of meat.

It was a great night. I had an appletini prior to dinner and 1 glass of Riesling (during dinner) and I've come to the conclusion that I just SUCK at drinking anymore. I know that I was totally buzzed! What IS that? Did I turn 80 overnight?

Our hot water is non-existent in the house, so I spent Sunday sunning on the deck and getting really hot and sweaty so I could tolerate an ice cold shower. And ice cold it was. Luckily the plumber is coming tomorrow. Hope I don't see any 'cracks' in the pipes :)

I started the Jessica Simpson - Daisy Duke work out. Boy do my legs burn.  Girls aren't joking when they say squats are the best exercise for your butt and thighs! Since I'm still in glasses (T-Minus 14 days!) I'll be sticking to walking and this work out along with other pinterest inspired ones until I'm able to swim and get back on the treadmill again.

Oh, P.S. my 1960's vibey title refers to the filter I put on all the photos in Ribbet. Very creative..I know.