Apparently I'm random on Fridays.

Hey All.

Look who finally made it to her bliggity blog today!

First up. Because all the cool kids are doing it...

You're welcome.

Secondly, Boomer had a biography project due in school today. They had to pick a historical figure and then put together a poster board presentation. On the poster board there was supposed to be a shape of something associated with their historical figure and 5+ thought bubbles with facts about this person.

Guys. How are our parents even alive?????

I wanted to rip out all my hair, cry, and do the project MYSELF. I know I'm supposed to let her learn things herself, but GOOD GOD. The facts that she chose were just so far out of left field. I stood there looking at her like....

Then she had the nerve to get mad at ME.

Do you know what happened next? Well I totally channeled my mother that's what happened.

'Listen here little girl. I'm already finished with school. I did elementary, junior high, high school, and college too. I don't need to do this work. I'm HELPING you.'

I shit you not, my mother said that word for word to me.  

So basically. We all will eventually become our parents.

When am I Going to Grow Up?

I fell of the blogging wagon hard this week.

This always happens when I'm sponsoring someone. Maybe it's just too much pressure for me to handle?

Anyway. Today's blog post is brought to you by random conversations with my friends. Yesterday I was chatting with Whitney. HER Whitney not me Whitney, because this could quickly devolve if you all thought I was talking to myself. Anyway, we were talking about bloggers that we admire. How beautiful their pictures were, or how they'd found success with a particular venture and I found myself saying:

I want to be like that. I want to be 'with it', 'together'. When am I going to GROW UP?

Was I a little jealous maybe? Sure! But that wasn't the only thing driving my random outburst.

I don't FEEL like a grown up.

Sure, I appear to be one. I go to work everyday, I pay my bills, most tellingly I am responsible for a tiny human. That said though I don't feel grown up. I don't feel like...like I thought I would as an adult. I'm not sure I have a calling. A thing. A look. When I talk about certain people we say 'oh that's so Christina' or 'Oh that's such a Rachel thing', or 'what a Lauren look'. I don't feel like I have those things. Or maybe I do and I don't realize it?

I'm just....28 years old and I don't FEEL, like I'm almost 30. I know I am. I know that I am 18 months away from that big birthday and I am fine with it. I'm totally ok with being the age I am. I just...well I assumed this age would feel different. More settled. More...well more something.

When am I going to feel 'with it'? When am I going to have a 'thing'? Or have I just had misconceptions of adulthood all along, and really all those 'growups' I admire and aspire to be like don't feel anymore grown than I do?

Beauty Talk : Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat vs. Seche Vite

It's another Beauty Talk Tuesday!

See, I'm ADD so having topics and some kind of editorial calendar in my mind is really...well a joke. I'm really trying though! Tomorrow is A Girl and Her Money Wednesday!! Get excited folks. Get excited.

So anyway, if you follow me on instagram, or know me in real life, you know I love me some nail polish and I love painting my nails. Sometimes a few times a week. No joke my mother at one point told me my boss was going to think I had too much time on my hands. I personally don't think my boss gives a whip what I do at home on my own time, but whatever. I also work in a somewhat 'creative' field. So blue hair, and neon nails with polka dots are cool here. Seriously today I have earrings on that go to my shoulders.

ANYWAY (see...ADD)

I love to paint my nails, but I hate that it takes forever for polish to dry. I also don't like if my nails feel bumpy (i.e. with glitter polish) so for awhile now Seche Vite has been my go to top coat. That stuff makes your nails INSTANTLY dry, and it also creates a perfect, smooth, glassy finish over your manicure. It's amazeballs. It has its downsides though. It has a completely awful chemical smell. It funks up the whole room. I don't use it anywhere NEAR Boomer or the cat. It also gets thick and gooey halfway through the bottle so you have to buy the Seche Restore drops. I wouldn't use regular thinner, it just didn't do well for me. Once it starts to get gooey like this, shrinkage becomes a huge issue. Basically you paint it over your mani, and as it dries it starts to pull away at the edges making your nails look like they have tip wear. Ick. Also...if you troll YouTube like I do you know there is much discussion about the chemical content and whether it can cause health problems, birth defects, ect.

So...as my last bottle got goopy, I went ahead and bought some Sally Hansen Mega Shine. It was on sale.

It also dries fast, but not as fast as Seche Vite. You get a nice super shiny finish, but it doesn't have the glass like quality that Seche does. It made my mani last for a full seven days though, through work, hair washing (mine and Boomer's), dishes, laundry ect. Although keeping my nails the same manicure for a week was a STRUGGLE.

Mani Day 1

Mani Day 7

Verdict: I don't think I can quit Seche. So I'll be buying some of the Restore drops. Only for mani's with glitter though, or that have multiple layers that need smoothing. (i.e. nail art) For 'regular' manicures though, I'll definitely be subbing in Mega Shine.

Anyone have a holy grail top coat they recommend?

Just Another Manic Monday...

I wish it was Sunday...

Go ahead, sing the song, you know you want to/are.

So first of all thank you to everyone that left a sweet, supportive, and even helpful comment on my post Thursday. I love all of you reader people so much. It's crazy, but 90% of the people that read my blog, I've never met and don't really 'know', but still you guys show up and read and support me from all over the place. That is the coolest part of blogging.

So cool.

Anyway this weekend. I didn't take a single picture of stuff! Can you believe it. I ate. I ate so much. When the Queen comes to visit we go to restaurants a lot more than usual. Friday, it was BJs where I ate ALL the food, including a pizookie. If you haven't had a pizookie, you are not living.

Image Via

That's what I got. OH. EMM. NOMS.

Saturday we went to Olive Garden. Which isn't high class eats, I know, but its comfort food in it's own commercialized Italian way.

Yesterday it was our favorite Indian restaurant Udipi. I'm going to eat that for lunch today. Channa Massala, Samosas, and Poori. Also I don't know why I'm capitalizing all the food names, but they really are just that important.

I did a little reading this weekend. I finished The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner. So I'm not back to non fiction yet, but at least I've taken several steps away from teen romance dystopian novels. The Last Queen is about Juana, or as history remembers her Juana La Loca. She was the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain and Catherine of Aragon's older sister. It brings up some interesting questions about what exactly is 'madness' or crazy. History belongs to men, and victors my friends. Great read though, I definitely recommend it!

It was so nice to have family in town, even for a short visit. The Queen is more like my sister than my cousin. We talk everyday via the interwebs, but its so awesome to have her up close and in person. She and her husband have always been super supportive of me, and Boomer and are all around awesome people. I want a marriage like theirs someday. The Queen is also one of the few people in this world who really gets me. All of me. Not only does she get me, she accepts me. She also can make me laugh until I cry, which Boomer find 'totally weirdo mom.'

I ran into Ulta this weekend to redeem my reward, and also check out more about their new rewards system. I think I like the new system from what I've read. I'll let you know once it's time to redeem my points. Speaking of beauty tomorrow will be another Beauty Talk post! Get excited! I know I am.

I See Light...Well...a Little...Maybe

Hey All!

Welp, today is my Friday. I've taken tomorrow off because my sweet awesome cousin is in town to visit us! Its perfect timing because I need a little break.

Work has been crazy stressful for the past week or so. In retail things are always busy, but there are obviously parts of the year that get a little crazier than others. We are basically 4-6 months ahead of the rest of you at all times. So while it's the middle of winter, we are ordering clothes for the fall season already. So its a little crazy town.

On top of that Boomer is still struggling with her ADHD and school. My little bit has very little impulse control. Meaning this. When someone upsets you, they say something, you process it, and then choose a reaction. For Boomer there really isn't processing. Its someone upsets you, so you immediately throw a pencil at them. Which results in a half day suspension because you've already gotten in to trouble for talking out of turn, disrupting class ect. You of course get this half day suspension in the middle of one of Mommy's busiest weeks at work. NBD. Once again so, so thankful for my mother. Don't know what I'd do without her.

So now Boomer's Dad, Mimi, and I have to make some decisions about how best to help our Boomer girl. She is so smart, funny, and full of good stuff. I don't want her internalizing that she is 'bad' or a problem, or stupid because she is struggling. Being a mommy is no joke!

Anywho, I'll be around tomorrow to vlog like a boss, and back up da booty. Maybe I'll get my cousiner to make a guest appearance. If you've read for awhile you've no doubt seen comments from 'The Queen'. That's her!

Until tomorrow!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

I love these kind of posts, and since there are a lot of new readers around these parts, now is as good a time as any to talk about what kind of gal I am. Here is a link to the first time I linked up with Holly!

 

Without further ado I am the kind of girl who...

...goes through phases where I am deeply committed to all things beauty product related. (We're currently on week 3)

...a week after going through this phase becomes barefaced, wild tressed, with unpainted nails.

...gives people WAY too many chances.

...loves her cat. To the point I'd choose him over a man any day of the week.

...has a temper issue. It's pretty quick too. One second we're fine, the next is def con 4. This is where the nickname that gave us the blog name comes from. I've gotten a lot better since becoming a mommy, and also growing up.

...knows there is a fine line between friendly parent, and 'look guys I'm the cool mommy!!!'. I try to tread it carefully, but Boomer is just so darn cool sometimes guys!

... that hates teenagers. I mean I really don't like them. I think about sending Boomer to boarding school for high school. All. The. Time.

....has finally decided to just embrace the black clothing thing. It makes laundry really easy! I changed it up with some cream in my skirt today though. Woot!

...always wants to do something drastically different with her hair, but ends up rocking the same style for years.

...is endlessly amused by the shock and awe that occur in the office when I straighten my hair. "How LONG does that take?' At least no one asked to touch it this time!

...collects friends. I rarely cut people out of my life, even if they deserve it. This goes back to the too many chances thing. So they stick around, and I just collect more and more.

...collects rubber duckies. If anyone is looking for a gift...

...collected perfume bottles when I was younger, but not so much anymore, but can't really decide what to do with them. Remember this post...about how I'm almost a hoarder?

...who would rather curl up on the sofa with tea and a good book, than be out drinking in a bar.

...who has killer dance moves in the club though.

...really, really loves her city! Also...if any one is looking for a gift.

I'll be hopping around to find out what kind of gals you all are!

Am I Busy or Lazy?

Hi guys!

Sorry I missed you yesterday. I'm so behind on my blog reading and writing.

I can't figure out if it's because I'm busy, which I legitimately am, or if I'm lazy, which I also am.

I mean...blog...or finish House of Cards???

These are real legitimate life questions!

So, to catch everyone up.

I participated in a Galentine's Day blog swap with Audra and she sent me some delightful goodies!

I am ALL about chocolate, even though Boomer has been stealing most of it. The glittery pencils are a fun addition to my desk at work. As is the mug, which I took in so I could keep some of the chocolate to MYSELF. Side eye to Boomer. How cute are those socks, and the candle. Getting mail is ALWAYS fun, even if your management company wouldn't give your packages to your mom and they're idiots.

Speaking of Boomer, she came into work with me for half the day yesterday.

There was a lot of this...

Then she did this for me!

Some of you know that I collect all things rubber ducky, but I hadn't unpacked my ducks since I moved my desk at work. She did for me and arranged them so nicely didn't she?

Then I went home, and realized now would be a perfect time to test out my 3 Days Straight product from Frizz Ease since my no heat challenge is over. This selfie resulted.

My hair is STUPID long now. So I did the logical thing.

Snip Snip.

It really wasn't a lot, I'll get Boomer to take a picture for everyone to see. My ends are SUPER damaged like I've mentioned before. Just say no to bleach girls. Just. Say. No. 

I Still Love Love and I Like my Ex

Hi all!

So this is technically my first single Valentine's Day in a long time.

I've gotten a few concerned texts, pitying looks, ect.

I'M FINE GUYS.

REALLY.

I LOVE this holiday. I LOVE this day. Heck I'm wearing a hot pink dress at work!

I'm not angry, bitter or resentful. For my friends that have someone special to share this day with, I'm truly happy for them. For myself, I get to spend my evening with Boomer who asked me yesterday to be her Valentine. (I sent her a flower from the cheerleaders at her school and she thought it was the coolest thing ever, so she asked me.) We are going to watch Brave, and eat chocolate and popcorn and snuggle with Jackson, the main man in our lives.

I hope that someday, maybe sooner rather than later, there will be a man friend to watch Disney movies with us and snuggle too. I'm also totally ok with the fact that right now it is just us girls.

To switch gears, I thought I would do a different take on the "Why we Work" trend it posts.

I'm going to tell you why JJ and I work...now.

21 year old Whitney and 22 year old JJ

I know it's weird. My ex and I get along pretty well for the most part. I remember going to marriage counseling once, and the counselor being SO confused.

"Why are you here? You guys seem to get along great!"

We do. When the three of us hang out, grab dinner, or see a movie the dynamic is great.

We don't hate each other. We don't scream and argue. We don't use our kid as a weapon. We genuinely enjoy each other.

Back when we were all babies...

The issues in our marriage were there. They were big. They were ultimately insurmountable. We got married too young. We didn't have the same goals, and visions for our lives, we were, to put it simply, a mess. Under all the mess, and hurt, and betrayal though, we loved each other and created a really beautiful little girl out of the mess.

Boomer's Dedication

Now that we've taken ourselves out of the marriage equation, we work. We can discuss Boomer, and parent her and be friends. He comes to Christmas and Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. We all went to see Lego Movie last weekend. He drove me to the store when I had a migraine. He's not perfect. I'm not perfect. But we work.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Guys...I want a Dog

Yes this is ridiculous.

Yes we live in the worlds smallest apartment.

Yes, Jack will kill us all in our sleep.

But...I want a dog.

This is a Husky, Corgi mix. I die.

Chocolate Lab?? Yes I know this is a puppy. Yes I know they get bigger.

Captain Archer on Star Trek: Enterprise has one named Porthos...

How Jack feels about us getting a dog...

We are planning to move to a slightly bigger place this summer, and I'll be spending less of my day in the car as a result. Any suggestions on good breeds with kids and kitty? Also that are good being home alone most of the day? Should we just stick with the kitty for now?

I want a dog dang it. 

Today is a Special Day

First of all, Hi!

Hi guys.

I think I've got it together now.

Last night was the Arctic Monkey's show and it was fantastic!!

Their opening act was the Orwells...and they were a little...different. I'm pretty sure their lead singer was on some pretty substantial pharmaceuticals last night. I am pretty sure of this, because when they finished their set, he hopped off stage and then pushed and shoved his way through the crowd to the back of the venue like a mad man. Also his eyes kept rolling back in his head when he was singing...

Anyway, the act I cared about was great. I mean...their music always makes me feel...some kinda way. *wink wink* Hearing it live just made me feel that much more some kinda way. So future Mr. Booms....take note. I'm just saying.

That's not why today is special though. Today is special because it is Momma Boom's birthday. Although she will never let me post pictures of her on my blog, but is in thoughtful consideration about a guest post, she is a HUGE part of Boomer and my daily life. I would not be able to do any of the things I do without her help. So today I'd like to say thanks.

The only pic she'll let me post...

Thank you Mommy for keeping Boomer all summer, and then all winter break.

Thank you Mommy for keeping her for the 6 snow days she has had so far.

Thank you for picking her up when I need to stay late at work or teach voice.

Thank you for listening to me freak out and cry when I'm at my wits end with this kid.

Thank you for reminding me that this kid is basically me and that karma is a ...

Thank you for supporting me through the longest, craziest, most drawn out break up/divorce.

Thank you for helping me potty train Boomer.

Thank you for opening your bedroom door at 3am to your bawling daughter and wide awake new born granddaughter. Even though you were exhausted already from your own graduate studies baby.

Thank you for teaching me to be strong. To be graceful. To be tactful. That being smart is more important than being liked by a boy. For teaching me to be a lady always. To love God. To love my family. To have integrity. To be independent. To be respectful. To be thoughtful. To love books. To love Star Trek. For making me laugh until I cried. For letting me cry until there were no more tears. For telling me that it was time to stop crying and time to start doing.

Thank you for everything Mommy. I love you.

Happy Birthday.

Is it Tuesday??? I'm lost.

This week is becoming a blur.

I was all set Sunday night to blog about my weekend. Then Netflix happened.

I was all set to blog last night. Then voice lessons happened. Then homework with Boomer. Then suddenly it was 9pm and I was pretty sure that was an acceptable adult bed time.

No shame.

So now it's Tuesday and I'm just confused.

Tonight I'm going to see these guys.

Tomorrow is my mother's birthday and I'm still not sure what to get her. #daughterfail

Thursday...nothing is happening THANK GOD.

Friday Boomer is going to see the feelings Dr. I should probably be seeing one too.

Also did you know what you have to get special Dr. authorization for ADD medications if you are over the age of 18. Otherwise they will charge you $250 for that crap. Also said authorizations are only good for 120 days. I'm sorry. I'm not taking this stuff for recreational shits and giggles. Why so many hoops?

Is this post random enough for you guys?

Oh. I wore black and grey Sunday, Monday, and today. So there's that.

And I broke a nail last night. Well, no I broke it Sunday, tried to fix it with a tea bag and glue, then I combed my hair and it got stuck, ripped and I just said 'eff it' and cut it off.

Ok. This post is just...the worst. Sorry guys.

I'll do better tomorrow?

Random Friday Thoughts

Hi All.

Today I bring you. Randomness.

• I wore makeup everyday this week. It's been this spiral. It started with the hair products while helping Boomer love her curls. Then I started painting my nails. Now I'm back into my makeup. Whitney the product junkie has RETURNED!!!

• I have said I was going to file my taxes every night this week. Guess who still hasn't filed them yet?

• My no heat challenge is almost over. I'm going to keep going until I can get in to see my stylist. Then who knows? Shoulder length? Red? Black? Keep it as is.... I'm itching for change.

• I want to get ' VI.I.IV' tattooed on my wrist. That's Columbus's area code in roman numerals. Apparently according to my sister and ex, this is 'ratchet'. I'm trying to decide if I care.

• I've been wear testing my Sally Hansen Mega Shine top coat this week. Which means I've had the same manicure for 5 days now. I'm DYING to change it. DYING.

• The piece of clothing that makes me feel like one sexy mother you know what when I put it on? The worlds plainest wife beater tank I got from Express years ago. Seriously. I put that thing on and I'd sleep with me. Or at least take me to dinner.

• I want to buy all black clothes all the time. Then we'll get to summer and I'll have this brief moment of boho chic Whitney. I should just embrace this truth instead of trying to change my style, or look.

• I have full conversations with my cat. I know he understands me, and it helps.

• I kind of like Lil Debbie. So maybe my sister and ex are right. I'm embracing ratchetness and I didn't even know it.

*Warning...this song is...well...Ratchet*

Have a fan-freaking-tastic weekend lovers!

I'd Like to be a Minimalist...but I Like My Stuff

Hi All!

First of from yesterday's post:

• Thank you all for your input and comments. I love the dialogue I've been getting from you guys.
• My 'emergency fund' is just the small $500 cushion because my middle name should be Murphy. If there is a tire to blow, I'll blow it. If there is a child to be injured, it is mine. I'm not talking about putting off debt repayment until you've got a full 6 months of living expenses saved up. That's CRAZY.
• I'm still paying a little extra on my highest interest line of credit WHILE saving for my emergency fund. Once the fund is fully funded I'll throw all my extra at my car loan. If you have a crazy high interest credit card I would do the same, but with my student loans the interest is pretty low, and 3 months of saving isn't going to kill me either way.
• Personal finance is just that personal. What works for me isn't necessarily going to work for all. 

So on to today's topic!

I have a confession guys.

I read minimalist blogs.

All the time. I read The Minimalists , Miss Minimalist, Becoming Minimalist. I read these blogs all the time and I love them. I however am not a minimalist in the least.

Case in point: About two weeks ago I got into a good-natured Facebook argument with some classmates and a former history teacher of mine. He is notoriously hard on students, and teaches a rigorous curriculum. (He was my favorite teacher though, and the reason I studied history in college.) I actually received several good grades on papers from him over the years. Papers I worked hard on. I did receive a 100% on a paper once though. He didn't believe me. Neither did my classmates. So I opened up a filing bin in my living room, searched for a few minutes and found the paper in question. Snapped a picture and uploaded it to Facebook. Vindicated. Except...

I wrote that paper my junior year of high school. I was a junior in 2002. That means that paper is 12 years old. WHY? Why have I still got a 12 year old paper in my house. I kept looking and realized I still had a paper from 5th grade. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?!?!?

It's not just papers. Until I moved this last time, I still had the dress I wore to 8th grade graduation in my closet. I wore that dress in 1999 and hated it so why keep it? I have birthday cards from years and years ago. Purses I haven't carried in a decade. Shoes that have never left the box. We live in an already small space, and the more I really pay attention to whats in that space, the more I feel suffocated by stuff.

 I looked around my house and I realized I was one emotional crisis away from an episode of hoarders! 

Ok. Well maybe not THAT bad, but you get the idea.

I need to figure out a way to work some minimalist principles into my life, and de-clutter. I think we are driven as a culture to acquire. That once we have certain things, cars, jewelry, homes, whatever, that we are a success. A lot of it is useless really. So Boomer and I are going to...un-acquire. 

To be continued...

A Girl and Her Money : What do I Tackle First: Debt or an Emergency Fund?

Hello all!

Boomer is off school yet again today, and my car got stuck twice this morning! This winter is SO MUCH FUN. Anyway on to today's topic.

I find it odd that about 6 months into my journey to be more financially literate and aware, friends are now turning to me to ask questions and advice. Case in point last week, when a girlfriend asked me

'Whitney, should I have an emergency fund in place first, or pay off my credit card?'

Image Via

While I'm no expert (yet), based on what I've read and my own personal experience here is my $0.02 worth. I think it is important to set yourself up with some sort of emergency fund FIRST. A lot of people throw out amounts of $500-1000. I think that is a good place to start depending on your income. Here's why.

Let's say you throwing all your extra money at your credit card. You're making a dent in it, but then you blow out a tire. It's not in your budget, so how are you going to pay for this unexpected expense. That's right. You'll whip out your trusty credit card again and run up the balance, negating all the hard work you'd put into paying it off. Now if you'd had $500-1000 socked away you could have just dipped into it to take care of this emergency.

Depending on what your situation is, building up a small emergency fund shouldn't be too difficult. I've only been saving towards rebuilding mine since December and I'm already at $300. Cut out a few Starbucks trips here and there, and pack a few lunches and you'll be surprised how much money you can 'find' in your budget. It's not easy, and it's not quick, but it takes awhile to dig out of any financial mess you're in.

Bottom line: Keep paying those minimums until you have an emergency fund in place to cushion yourself.

For me, at first it seemed like all this work was a drop in the bucket. All told I am about $90,000 in debt.

$90,000.

Image Via

Thank you student loans for 93% of that number.

When I stopped focusing on and being overwhelmed by that big number, I was able to focus on smaller goals. I can be proud that my savings are progressing. I can be excited that I threw an extra $75 on my car payment last month. Every little change and improvement to your finances is worth it!

It seems like financial health is something you guys are interested in based on the comments I've been receiving. Is there anything you'd like me to talk about in the future? I've already got one request for a post about how I'm saving money in my budget from Alisha so that's in the works! I also love reading the Sally and Perkins posts from Erin!

You can read my first A Girl and Her Money post HERE.