Hijacking, Hitchhiking, and other Hijinx: A Thanksgiving Tale

Sooooo... how was everyone's holiday/Thanksgiving?! I've noticed it's been mighty quiet around Blog Land (myself included). I suppose everyone is getting back into the swing of things after having a few days off (hopefully!). My Thanksgiving weekend was quite...eventful to say the least. I wanted a quiet Thanksgiving at home or at least local, but that didn't happen. I wanted turkey with all the fixins, but that didn't happen either,... until Sunday night. So what happened? Well what had happened was...

Hijacking

My mom had (unbeknownst to me) offered us up to her church to serve a Thanksgiving meal to the homeless. Minus the fact that we didn't get to eat any of it, that was pretty heartwarming, and I was happy to have been a part of their Thanksgiving. Afterwards, we went to Long Island to visit my grandmother's grave. (We do this on holidays because there's a little bus that takes us directly from the train to the site for free.) Except you have to be in the right train car to get off at that stop, and we weren't, and we couldn't GET to the right car because the train was jam-packed with Thanksgiving parade visitors. We got off at the next stop and planned to cab it back, but for some reason my Uber and Lyft apps refused to work. The we saw a nice family of 3 who DID get an Uber... an finagled our way into their car. With them. And proceeded to take them 15 minutes out of their way to the cemetery. 

setting up for Thanksgiving at the church

Hitchhiking

We only needed a few minutes to pay our respects, so we asked the nice Uber driver to come back for us after he dropped off the family. Except we forgot to take his number and my app still wasn't working. After waiting for about 15 minutes, my mom decided that he had abandoned us so we started hitchhiking back to the train station (about a 45 minutes walk/7 min drive away). Literal thumbs up on a (small) highway. We stopped several cars, but everyone refused (so much for the kindness of strangers). Luckily our driver did eventually come back for us so we made it back to the station just as the train arrived. 

Other Hijinx

We were so anxious to start our trek back that we hopped right on that train... in the wrong direction. We wound up right back at the station where we stole the family's Uber. It's a desolate station with a lot of derelicts around, so we raced to the nearest restaurant/bar/cafe for safety and to wait for the next train back to NYC. Except it was also filled with shady men, and loud salsa music. (I had a video, but it's really shaky so I'll save you.) We stayed because it seemed safer than being outside, and got a 6 pack and drank out of paper bags in the restaurant and on the train. Because getting drunk with family is part of the tradition, right? Happy Thanksgiving! 

At home, we unpacked our leftovers from that morning and I opened a bottle of cranberry wine that I had been saving just for that day. We polished off the food and drinks while watching some movies. 

obligatory family photo

I guess I can file this holiday away as "the one where I tried new things." 

So, how was your Thanksgiving? 

Currently: December

Enjoying: Keebler cuddles when he's not being a nudge

Hai friends haaaii! I'm back! After an unintentional mini-hiatus, I'm refreshed and filled with new ideas for posts, and excited again. I was in a bit of a slump, and was given an "out" with thinking of stuff to post with Alyssa's prompts (thanks girl!).

Doing/Counting: down the days til my birthday vacation in New Orleans! I've outlined our itinerary, bought tickets to a jazz concert at Preservation Hall and a cocktail walking tour, and made reservations at almost all of the restaurants we'll be dining at. Now I just need to pack and find a suitable carry-on bag. I am so psyched! 

Buying: one for them, one for me- my Christmas buying philosophy :) I just got these foxy fleece shorts on Black Friday and they are soooo woobie. I've actually never owned fleece shorts before but they're perfect because my legs get really hot under blankets. Plus, foxes. Can't go wrong with foxes!

foxy shorts

Cheers-ing: So I didn't know it, but apparently my job was going to let me go at the end of December due to lack of funds. However I was just recently informed that they worked out the budget to keep me, and will hire me full time July 1st! YAY! My mom and I celebrated the news last weekend. 

my fave champagne

Wrapping: Christmas presents, duh! I'm putting together a sort of gift guide/what I bought so be on the look out for that next week! 

Eating: Piecaken! I had no idea what this was, but Blue's niece (currently in culinary school) made it for us last weekend- it's vanilla cake with a creamy pumpkin pie center. I'm not a huge dessert person normally, but I do like both is those things, and together- well all I can say is WOW. It was sooo good! 

*nomnomnom*

Drinking: I've recently become obsessed with Keurig' s Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll coffee. So much so that I bought a box of pods for work! 

Burning: BBW Cozy Cabin, which I just found out is no longer available :( Good thing I bought it during their Autumn sale! 

Watching: This Is Us, Westworld, The Walking Dead (only 2 more episodes- gah!!!), and of course Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Have we all caught up now? Thoughts???! 

Me and Blue's GG binge tees :)

Listening to: John Mayer's "Love on the Weekend" on repeat. 

Planning: what to read for Erin's Book Challenge! Categories listed here! Starts January 1st! Also, a December wardrobe capsule. You know, where you pre-select several pieces to wear for a period of time and only wear those things. I feel like I have a lot of holiday-type clothes that I've forgotten about so I want to make sure I actually wear it this year. I'm also trying to incorporate more skirts/dresses starting today, because I honestly don't remember the last time I wore one. Maybe I'll document it. I think I may try to wear makeup for the month too. Baby steps though. 

What's currently new with you lately? 

Friday Favorites- 7 Years

Today marks 7 years that I've worked at my company. I know that may not seem a lot to most people, but it by FAR the longest I've ever worked somewhere. When I first got out of college up until, well, 7 years ago, the longest time I worked at a company was about a year. Some of those were temp positions, in some cases the position got eliminated, and in one (my first one), they determined I wasn't a "good fit for the company." I found out after getting my job here that one of my former bosses gave me a negative referral (which is actually illegal, I later learned), and the hiring manager still hired me. I am currently in my third role at this company. I've worked with so many different management types and learned a lot about myself, about work-related stuff, and about interpersonal relationships. I was really scared in late July when my role in one department was eliminated, but was offered an opportunity in a different department (where I currently am) in the same meeting. I didn't think I'd make it this far, and yet, here I am, and I'm forever grateful to my first boss for taking a chance on me. With that, I'm sharing some other favorites lately! 

Favorite Song: Rockabye- Clean Bandit ft Sean Paul and Anne Marie

Favorite Moment: Making it 7 years! Here's a pic from my first day and today. Sorry for the quality of the second, obviously not professional! 

Favorite Purchase: I got Shari's Berries delivered to my former boss as a thank you for hiring me :) 

Favorite Surprise: This gorgeous bouquet just arrived from Blue wishing me a Happy work-a-versary and continued success! Best part? They're in a Tami Taylor sized martini glass vase! 

Favorite Food: My old coworker took me out to Joe's Crab Shack for a work-a-versary dinner! This crab penne Alfredo was da bomb! 

Favorite Challenge: I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but I've started a weight gain challenge with two coworkers. The challenge goes from Nov. 7- Jan 2. Losers (whoever puts on the least weight) take the winner out to lunch of their choice. I've downloaded My Fitness Pal to help me out, and started changing some eating habits and trying new things like this Green Machine smoothie!

Favorite Sephora Sale Items: Surely you didn't think I'd skip this right?! These are my top 3 picks. I especially love the first one because I already had my favorite perfume on my wishlist (I ran out), and this sampler costs almost the same and comes with a coupon for a free regular size perfume! Can't beat that! I've heard ah-mazing things about the Drybar Triple Sec, and love the size of this mini set. And I found the Belif "Don't Be Flaky!" set by accident, but anything to keep my skin hydrated in the cold winter months and reduce the appearance of pores is a win in my book! 

Sephora favorites perfume sampler

drybar merry mini set

belif

Favorite Cause: I've been quiet during this whole election season BUT- This is a petition to the members of the electoral college to vote against Trump when they vote on 12/19. It's a long shot but over a million signatures so far... Exercise your rights! 

(sign the petition here)

Favorite Quote: I love Heart and Brain, and I wholeheartedly agree with this comic. 

Happy Friday friends! 

Soundtrack of My Life: A Series of Firsts

Back in March, I created a soundtrack of my life. While that more completely encompasses some of the songs that define my life, I'm back with a second edition which includes memorable "firsts" in my life in terms of music.


First Concert: David Hasselhoff (1989)
*insert "see no evil" monkey emoji* I can explain. I was 6 and my mom took me to the NJ State Fair, where he happened to be playing that day for free. He pulled me on stage and gave me an autographed CD.

First Music Video: Soundgarden- Blackhole Sun (1994)
For the most part, I didn't have cable growing up. The first time I saw MTV and a music video was this one at my best friend's house. She had 4 older brothers (who had their own TVs), so MTV was constantly on in her house. I was in awe by how freaking creepy, weird, and sometimes gross it was.

First Song I "Sang": The Archies- Sugar Sugar  (1996)
I didn't actually sing this; I performed it in a middle school lip sync with four of my friends. It was actually a scarring time in my childhood because picking a song led to a HUGE fight with some of my other friends. We didn't make up until the middle of high school! They performed Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." We won :P

First CD: Spice Girls- Spice (1996)*
The first CD I wanted to own was Green Day's "Dookie." However my mom spotted the Parental Advisory on it, so that was a big fat NOPE. (*I mentioned here that Boys II Men was my first CD; I believe I got these two at the same time, for birthday/Christmas.)

First Concert I Paid For: the very first Z100 Zootopia in 1999.
Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, 98 Degrees, Jesse McCartney, Ciara, and All American Rejects. I remember I purchased the tickets at CD World, which was a Ticketmaster affiliate, and took my best friend.

First Song (I remember) Blasting From My Car: Britney Spears Oops I Did It Again (2000)
I blasted almost every song when I first got my license, because I was so elated that I got it and was one of the first kids in my class to get one. I used to drive my two best friends home from school every day, and this was in heavy rotation.

First Song with a Significant Other: Uncle Kracker- Follow Me (2000)
The first 4 guys I dated were into classic rock. I didn't mind it, but I was more of a pop person (as seen above). This one was on both stations. I knew it and liked it, and at the time having "our song" was a big deal. Ahh, high school!

First Singer I Met: Jessica Simpson- Irresistible (2001)
She was promoting her Irresistible album at a local Best Buy. I got a button, her autograph and a picture with her! I was so excited. In fact, I think I still have the button somewhere. And then the girl behind us in line gave us free N'Snyc tickets for that night because she couldn't go. Icing on the cake!

First Time: LL Cool J- Luv U Better (2002)
No, not literally during the first time, but right before. I was in college. My friends and I went to a Halloween frat party, and me and the guy I was seeing danced all night and then left right after this song.

First Heartbreak: Nelly Furtado ft. Juanes- Fotografia (2003)
I actually sang this song (for real this time) with my then-crush for a college multicultural luncheon, and I don't even know Spanish. I learned the lyrics quick-fast though, especially since he was fluent. Then we dated, and then we broke up. I've mentioned before that I had a huge love of Nelly Furtado (my blog name came from one of her songs!), and then-boyfriend took me to see Juanes this same year. So of course, this one was played on loop while I cried myself to sleep. Here's the English translation of some of the lyrics:

Every time I go away I carry your photographs next to my skin

To see them every time that your absence eats my whole heart away

And I can't help but love you

Every time I look for you, you're gone

And every time I phone you, you're not there

That's why I should say that you are only in my photos

Whenever there's a bare abyss between us

I rely on the taciturn memory of your voice

And again I feel lovesick

my heart can't help but to love you

You can find my original life soundtrack here! 

What songs would you include on the soundtrack to your life? 

Take It From Me

One of the prompts from Alyssa's non-blogging challenge was "What you hope people receive from you." I read a lot of others' answers to this, and though a few of mine match, certainly not all of them do, and that's okay. I wanted to include some of the other answers I saw, like kindness for example, but I'm just not very nice, especially not to strangers. I toyed with not answering this one because it's not all good, but neither am I, so I'm sharing. These are the top five that came to my mind. 

Honesty
Everyone who knows me knows that I'm honest, sometimes to a fault. If you're a close friend, I don't hold back. "Does this make look good?" No. "Is this a bad idea?" Yes. "Do you think...?" [insert honest opinion]. Friends have actually mentioned that they ask me certain things because they KNOW they'll get an honest opinion from me, even if it hurts. I'm not one to sugar coat things. I guess I never learned how? I do stay true to the whole "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" (I'm not a total bitch), but if you ask my opinion, be prepared for a healthy dose of honesty.

Hard working
I haven't seen this one on anyone else's list, but it's very important to me. I'm a very hard working individual. I will work my ass off for you if you're my boss, and with you if you're a coworker. I will lose sleep over unfinished projects with a looming deadline. I care enormously about my work or any project to which I'm assigned duties (any bridesmaids out there may relate to that), and I will work tirelessly to get them to completion. In other words, you can count on me.

Go Getter
Hand in hand with the above, but a little different, and I wasn't sure exactly how to word this one. I guess I mean I am able and willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Prime example: at one job, we were set to present at MetLife, and their Snoopy rep was out sick. Who offered to get in the costume? I always offer to stay late, or learn something new, or just DO when others back out. This doesn't mean I'm a suck-ass either; I do have boundaries, but I'm quite focused in trying to get where I want to be, and will do what it takes to get there.

Enthusiasm 
If I'm excited about something, you will know. Repeatedly. If I'm excited about something for YOU, you will also know repeatedly. My enthusiasm is infectious, or so I hope. And I make no secret of hiding it, even if it's over something ridiculous.

Acceptance
So I said above that I'm not especially nice, and I'm not (unless I have to be, which was true in a former role and even my besties were fooled that I actually wasn't super nice all the time but rather sarcastic and occasionally fake...as needed for work purposes). However overall, I hope that people know I'm extremely accepting of everyone, regardless of religion, race, political affiliation, etc. I don't discriminate, and I don't judge (for the most part... I mean if you're preggers and drinking Jack and Coke while smoking, I may judge a bit). But I think most people I know know this about me. They can tell me almost anything, and I won't judge them for it, whether it's good, bad, ugly, and/or generally unacceptable. This may also be a fault, but unless their personal safety is involved, I try to accept everyone's situations and also keep them to myself (#6?).

What do you hope people get from you?

October Purchases

Aeropostale
Seriously stretchy high-waisted jeggings: originally $36.50, on sale for $18.60
Prince and Fox navy stripe sweater: originally $39.50, on sale for $15.80
Prince and Fox maroon sweater (not pictured- similar): originally $44.50, on sale for $17.80

Target
Pink lace dress/ Halloween Costume: originally $28, on sale for $22.39
dv Jameson brown booties: originally $38,  on sale for $30.39
olive sweater dress: originally $28, on sale for $22.39

Amazon
fashion tube socks (not pictured): originally $13, on sale for $8
detachable Peter Pan collar: originally $13, on sale for $10
windbreaker: $12

Uniqlo
Heat-tech leggings and long sleeve tee: originally $19.90, on sale for $9.90ea


Payless
black and brown Karmen pumps: $25ea
black AE Clinton flats:  originally $25, on sale for $17
black satchel (no longer available): $40, on clearance for $10

$77- 20% off entire purchase= $61.60


Nordstrom Rack
Reef stardazed sandals: regularly $26,  purchased for $13
Speck Macbook Air hardshell case: regularly $50,  purchased for $10
Chicbuds Clutchette (4): regularly $50, purchased for $25ea
Merkury Innovations Apple MFi tassel cable keychain: regularly $25, purchased for $15


Weekend Getaway Purchases
leather gold chain purse: $15
wool newsboy cap: $15
black slingback heels: $40
wool plaid scarves (4) : $15ea

Monthly total: 386. 77

After last month's spending freeze I went a little crazy this month, but I'm not too mad about it. I had been keeping an eye out for sales and got away with a few really great steals, especially at Nordstrom Rack. I bought out all of their clutches because they have a battery pack in them so you can charge your phone while it's in your purse, and who wouldn't want that?! I also bought a bunch of plaid wool scarves because you can't beat $15 each before the holidays. Coupled with a few things I've bought throughout the year at miscellaneous sales and such, and minus one or two more things for Blue, I'd say my Christmas shopping is complete! 

Other than that, I found a Uniqlo sale on all of their Heat-tech underthings. I tried them for the first time last year and it's amazing, especially for layering. It's super thin, but uses some Japanese awesome technology to like, trap your body heat and keep you super warm. 

I needed shoes and was able to score a 20% off coupon from Blue who had made a purchase at Payless recently. Though the Target booties may have to go back, because while I was cleaning out my closet last night, I found a pair that apparently I bought last year and never wore (oops). The other Target and Amazon items were for my Eleven costume. 

Also, did you guys know that Aeropostale is going out of business? I used to shop there as a teen, and then stopped because the styles seemed a bit young/immature for me, but I recently found my way back there to stock up on basics like jeans and sweaters because everything is 50/70% off online AND in store! 

I have no excuse for the weekend getaway purchases. I found this awesome little thrift shop and couldn't help myself. The leather heels fit like a glove (and I love slingbacks in general), and the purse is made of the softest leather I've ever touched. And the wool items are like, the non-itchy, thick wool, not those flimsy wool things that are in stores now. (I know "flimsy wool" sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true!)

I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go on a perma-spending freeze for the rest of the year now, but I don't even care because I finally feel like I have more than enough to make it through the winter. And I filled a second Thredup Cleanout bag and already need another one, so maybe that will help?!

Have you ever bought something and then lost it/forgot to wear it?

Just me? Ok then. 

Linking up with Franish Budgetting Bloggers. 

Currently: November

Reading: Nothing, which is not surprising. I went on a reading tear in September (which for me is 4 books), and while I've started a few last month, I can't say I'm reading anything right now. This should be a quiet month though, so hopefully I'll get back into it. 

Listening to: Tegan and Sara- Walking with a Ghost

Watching: scary movies! I just watched A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Lost Boys, Poltergeist and Firestarter for the first time! Baby Drew Barrymore is fantastic! 

Excited: that I won my first blog giveaway, a $50 gift card to Uncommon Goods! Have you seen their site?! So many unique gifts and fun stuff, and it's going to be hard to chose what to get! Thanks so much Charlotte!

Celebrating: Me and Blue's 2 year meet-a-versary by going to see my first NHL game since I was... 12? Anyway we went last night and The NY Rangers shut out the St. Louis Blues! It was such a great game and I can't wait to go back!

Googling: All the stuff and things I need to see in New Orleans this December! And hotels and flights of course. Got any tips for me? 

Wearing: All the boots and plaid. ( And boots and plaid and boots and plaid....)

Discovering: My fall clothes again! I've finally managed to switch out my summer clothes for fall/winter, though today it's 70 degrees here. Hoping to wear some new pieces that I purchased at end-of-season sales last year, like my J Crew vest! 

Annoyed by: my phone. Ya know what happened within the first 1/2 hour of my Halloween party? "Your phone ran out of film!" It maxed out of space. And I don't know how because I've deleted every extra text message, voice mail, picture, and app possible. It's so frustrating! I can't even update to the new iOS because of lack of space. Ridiculous.  

Starting: my wish list! December is not only Christmas but also my birthday! I think I'm super easy to shop for, but Blue and my mom have been asking, so I'm starting to put a list together. 

What's currently new with you? 

Linking up with Anne, Catherine, Kristen, Gretch, and Kristin!