Baby Knows Retail Therapy

Today the BF and I woke up early and went out for breakfast at IHop. We then ventured to Best Buy in search of some mystical HD chords that Ben can't seem to find that work on our TV. Whilst at the Best Buy we were looking at cameras (I found the one that I'm going to buy next week btw--can't wait!) and video cameras when Ben pointed out a $200.00 + that he said I could buy him for Valentine's Day/ 5 year anniversary. Casually I asked him, "How much are we spending on each other- how much are you spending on me?"
Just as casually he responded about $200.00 .

What's the problem with that you may ask? Well I'm about to tell you-- my friends/my family/my naive little blonde head at all but convinced me that I'm going to get a ring for this occasion. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong!

At first this thought just resonnated as I perused Best Buy and Ben chewed the fat with sales people but the longer I thought on it- the madder I got, so much so that on the way to our next shopping destination (DSW where I found---nothing) I told him that I think I'll move out in the spring...not that we'll break up but that I'll find my own place and then maybe he'll appreciate what he has.

Drama Queen right?!?!?!

I know--- and the poor guy just sits there stunned like wtf happened here- we had a nice breakfast, all was going well, and now she's moving out?!?! He had no idea what had gone wrong but as time passed I continued to just get more and more upset. I decide after DSW that I was done shopping with him and deposited him back at the house to go tanning- but not before going in "after my tanning lotion" AKA rubbing salt in his wounds/ fishing for reassurance.

And round and round she went:

Me: I don't want to be this girl, I don't want to live like this
He: Live like what?!?!?!
Me: With you not wanting me! I feel like I've pushed you into furthering this relationship with every step: getting serious, we only moved in together because I moved my stuff in on you 2.5 years ago!
He: That's not true! I don't want you to move out!
Me: Well I can't live here and keep giving the milk for free if your never going to buy the cow! (Why is this the only time I woman will willingly refer to herself as a bovine? Also this is the reason my mother is convinced we aren't married already--the free milk)
He: You only want to get married because you want to get married it has nothing to do with me!
Me: That's not true! (And it is soooo not true) But it doesn't help that I know more than one couple who has met, dated, gotten engaged and married in LESS than the time we've been together!
He: (Listed reasons every couple we know is going to fail...asshole)
Me: Forget it- I don't want it anymore anyway just forget it.

Then he stomps over to the computer and pulls up some ring (it was pretty by the way) and says that he hasn't asked because he can't afford the ring he really wants to get me.

Bullshit. There is financing for these types of purchases and if he really wanted to he would- just like 99% of the non silver spoon/ trust fund population- open a luxury account . I also happen to know- and this is the real kicker- that he's got a savings nest egg for a HOUSE, a FUCKING HOUSE and that savings would buy the ring he showed me several times over. I see what the priority is. Here's your sign blondie: He's just not that in to you.

At this point I had nothing else to say. I told him goodbye and trekked out onto the frozen tundra that is Cincinnati, went tanning, and indulged in some retail therapy. I've since come home and conceded to let it go for now- but wtf?!?! What am I supposed to do- I know acting like a shrill bitch doesn't help change his mind but I can't help it I'm frustrated and hurt.

Le sigh. Tonight..I drink tequila...that will at least be a temporary fix.

So what did I buy?

Glad you asked.

Best Buy:

Bob Marely Legend. LOOOOOOOOOVE this CD. It relaxes me and just over all makes me happy ( and I need a happy maker right now). It also reminds me of the vacay to Clearwater Beach Emily and I took in 2k8.


(Druuunk)

We listened to it as we drove down the coast to Lido Beach on Siesta Key. Awesome day- awsome trip.

I bought this Cd too...especially for track # 8

Macys
These boots are a bit contraversial. Yes they are Crocs...and as a whole...I hate Crocs but I thought these were just so cute! I also apparantly wear a size 6 in Crocs they must run big...either that I or my foot shrunk a size.

Sephora
Apparantly Sephora is no longer going to carry Vincent Longo so I got this lip vinyl in: Carmen (a plum color) for 6 smarckaroonies.
I initially went into Sephora to pick up Smashbox's O-Bronze but after trying it decided I would rather have their O-Gloss instead. I literally carried O-Gloss around in my basket for an hour while I played in all the Sephora goodies- until I stumbled on Nars' oh-so-popular Orgasm blush. I never thought it was my shade really but I tried it on and with my tanning bed brown skin it looks really good! Sold!

Also on sale for the close out $12 foundation? Yes please.


I saw this concealer, highlighter duo by Lorac about a month ago and thought I would like to try it so today I tossed it in my basket and headed to the checkout.

MAC

Fluidline in Blitz and Glitz.


M3 fragrance. So inexpensive at $22.00 and I love the way it smells- it reminds me of my freshman year in college and a time when I was carefree.

Love fix + makes foundation look dewey and hydrates tired or hungover skin.

I was also tempted to pick Diorshow Iconic today because Shasta at Bergdorf Blondes (among others) has done nothing but rave over it, but passed it over for now- I'm always disapointed and wind up right back with my old (cheap) stand by Cover Girl Volume Exact. Any thoughts? Has anyone else tried it and liked it? Maybe I should just bite the bullet and try for myself.

Next mall trip.

Tonight Ben and I are going out. Don't know where, don't know who with...maybe no one...everyone seems to be home bodies right now...who can blame em' though...this weather sucks but I gotta have at least a few gin and tonics to shake off the ick.

Well I'm off to shower and beautify with my new goodies to help me pull myself further out of my boyfriend induced funk.

Loooove!

Miss Amber Lane

Tonight I'm Feeling: Frustrated, Happy with new goodies, Antsy

Oh Poop!

Today has started off badly. It's not even 9am yet and I'm ready to go home and go back to bed.

In fast forward:

Couldn't sleep last night- I just laid in bed for an hour and a half before trying my magic trick that has always worked when needed to fall asleep: I grabbed my pillows and put them at the foot at the bed and slept with my feet where my head normally goes. I was out in a matter of moments. I don't know why that has always worked for me but it does.

Woke up a little grumpier and groggier than normal. Turned on the traffic only to hear that its still messy today and to watch out for black ice. I asked Ben if he thought I would be ok to drive myself in today- he said yes and hopped into his dad' car to be driven to work and left me to my own devices.

I only had a few minor problems with the road conditions. The main road that leads to the high way was a mess. Snow and slush covered with patches of ice. When I made it to the high way much smoother sailing- once you get past the on ramps anyway. The only issue that I continued to have was front windshield visibility..apparantly I was out of washer fluid and any attempt to wash simply smeared.

I get most of the way to work and my car starts making a loud dinging noise- I glance at my control panel and see that it is overheating- fantastic. So I pull over on the side of the high way with my hazards on and sit there to allow the engine to cool before finishing the one mile to my work exit and pulling intot he gas stationg by work to purchase coolant- my coolant tank has a leak in it- I know that I need to get it repaired but adding coolant to it seems to fix the problem for several months- the only drawback is that I get absolutely no warning- no light, no chime, no nothing until its too late.

Well I make it to work, fill my coolant and go to clock in, at the time clock a sign has been posted that reads (in a nutshell): Fed Ed didn't deliver yesterday therefore we don't have paychecks.
Fan-fucking-tastic.

I only have $200 worth of bills being DIRECTLY removed from my account tomorrow early. I mean on top of everything else that I have to pay. So if those checks don't come in... I'll have some pretty hefty overdraft charges. Lovely. They are saying that we will have them sometime today just don't when- so I'm trying not to panic about that.

My assistant has also let me know that she is going to be late today because she was having trouble getting her car out. Ok, whatever. I understood yesterday and the day before when it was still precipitating and such but this girl texted me last night to tell me that her roads were being cleared and that she would be in today. So tell me why she didn't plan ahead and think, "Hmmm I bet I'm going to have a hell of a time cleaning my car off today- I should probably get started early".

But no. Intead of getting the work that I really need to catch up on started I'm having to do everything that she normally does which is the icing on the cake kind of stuff instead of reconciling expenses and things of that nature.

If she is not here by 10:15 I will also have the lovely pleasure of driving a resident to her doctor's appointment instead of doing the things I need to do as well.

In short, I'm in a shitty pants mood and until Alisha gets here and my check is deposited into my account. I will remain that way.

I sure hope things get better.

Miss Amber Lane

Today I'm Feeling: Pissy, Grumpy, Worried

"A" is for Miss Amber Lane's Loves

Liana @ Weight For Me has assigned me the letter "A". You post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on. I'm not going to tag anyone directly except for Rachel Goes To Hollywood....as I know she is the only one who for sure reads me with any regularity...if there are others of you- make yourself known...comment and I'll assign you a letter!

Oh and PS this was A LOT harder than it sounds!

Hokay! So Without further adieu: The Letter "A" by Miss Amber Lane.

Asparagus


My favorite vegetable. I prefer it steamed with light butter and topped with rosemary, basil and, roasted almonds....but I've also been known to nuke it out of the can...Ben hates it that way though so mostly I make it so that it crunches.

Art By: Olivia and Jack Vettriano:

What can I say? I like my artwork vintage inspired and sexy.





Jack Vettriano's work intrigues me- all of his pieces seem to me like they drop you right into the middle of some enchanting saga:


This piece is called The Waltzers... the feeling that this piece evokes is what I hope my wedding is like someday- well a combination of this and the season 5 finale of Sex and The City: I Love a Charade. Simple, yet elegant, Enchanting, starlit, fragrant, and magical.

What's going on here I wonder?

This is how I relax after a long day- well minus the cigarette.


Interesting....
Again...what do you think is happening? I can make up a story to go along with each scene. What I also like is that even though in each painting the woman is wearing a skirt..I somehow feel like she's still wearing the pants.

Amor

Ok I cheated here a little. What I really wanted to say is Valentines Day. I'm sure in some language it is Dia De Amor or something like that. I love Valentines Day. I'm not the kinda girl who's tissue box Valentine card holder was empty in elementary school or who didn't get a candy gram in high school. Valentine's Day was (in my own blonde little head) the day for all of my admirers to come forth and declare their adoration for me- and that still hasn't changed. I expect nothing less than flowers, phone calls, chocolate, sex, cards, balloons, pink clothing, confetti, and jewlery and you shouldn't either!

Amazing Grace by philosophy
The scent is quite simple really- sweet and soapy but I love it- its a soft, pretty smell- its like the equivalent of just bathed baby smell for big girls.

Christina Aguilera


The girl is a chamelion. First she was a teeny bopper, then she was latina (I mean she's always latina but she did a spanish album). In the early 00's she was Dirrrty, and mosty recently she was modern day pin-up girl USO singer ( are you catching my pin-up trend here?). I love her style, I love her music and she always keeps me waiting with baited breath for what's coming next.


Aveda


I've already expressed my love for Aveda here on this blog. I love the smell, I love the feel. To me it's an affordable luxury.

Apples
It's an obvious A but I love apples. Especially Golden Delicious. I also love apple juice and apple scented candles in the fall.

Ann Taylor Loft



Chic, Contemporary, Affordable. I love it.

Anastasia
The movie is super cute although for the most part not historically accurate. This movie began my love for Russian history and it only flourished through my visits to St. Petersburg, My stroll through Palace Square, and my visit to The Winter Palace (Hermitage). I can't get enough of historical fiction about the Last Romonovs and the History of Russia during revolution. It's haunting. I also took two semmesters of Russian in college. I can say very little these days- but I pretend.

Amos Lee

I first discovered Amos Lee as the opener for a Norah Jones concert- I now love Amos more than Norah if that's at all possible.

There was probably any easier/better way to do this but here have a listen:

Loooooooooooooove Him.



And there you have it. Remember if you want to be tagged (assuming any one out there is a regular reader yet...I'm luring you in little-by-little I know it!) comment on this and I'll hook you up with a letter.

For Now...I'm Sianora!

Miss Amber Lane

Tonight I'm Feeling: Sleepy, Accomplished, Comfy (My toesies thawed!)

My Toesies are Frozies!!!

Well, I survived. Woke up at 6:30 in the am after dreaming that I was driving and my car hit a tail spin and nearly plunged into a frozen lake. I prettified and woke the BF who grumbled as he dressed for his day as well. I let my car warm up for 20 minutes and together we went out to scrape the inch of ice that was STILL on the windsheild even after.  Ben hopped into the driver's seat and I in the passengers and we braved the snow and ice all the way to Kentucky where Ben dropped me off and trekked on to his work. I was there for no more than 2 hours when Ben called and told me that the power had gone off at his work and that he was on his way back to get me. 

What was the point of all of this anyway? 

Well, my co-workers were pleased to see me- and they too were leaving early to beat rush hour in this mess so completely understood that I was leaving. So at least wins me brownie points in their eyes and one even said: "we understood why you called off the first day because you didn't have a ride- and you worked it out for today which proves that you aren't just trying to take snow days"

WTF?

Was that really an issue? I didn't know I had to prove myself- but whatever. At quarter til' 1pm Ben and I were back on the road and headed for home. We had no incidences with the weather, until Ben was convinced that he could make it up the driveway- which of course he couldn't- so we spent the first 20 minutes after we got home attempting to get the car un-stuck from the its place half way in the drive way and half way in the street. We finally did and parked it on the street- but not before my poor toe toes got completely soaked and are now FREEZING!

(Miss Amber Lane : Just your everyday snow bunny!)

Now, the worst of the storm is over and The Nati' can finally start digging its way out of this mess. Hopefully this is the worst that we will see all winter- hopefully we will be so lucky. 

Well, Ben is snuggled on the couch watching jumper and I'm on my way to join him. 

Stay warm all and be safe!

Miss Amber Lane

Today I'm Feeling: Relieved, Content, and COLD!

Ugh!

I hate this weather- I'm home and warm but all I can think about is how snarky people at work that I've talked to have been to me because I stayed home today and how scared I am to be out in it tomorrow morning- and I will have to be out in it tomorrow morning- there's too much going on during the day, no one to cover it, and I can't deal with all the pissy attitudes from my colleagues. 

I'm hoping Ben will drive me in tomorrow.  If not- maybe my maintenance coordinator will drive me in tomorrow. I guess I'll just have to see. 

Done complaining. 

Oh (s)no(w)!!!!

A shot of cars parading down a snow-covered highway in Cincinnati.

Well overnight the snow did fall and made the roads a mess and the snow is going to keep on falling clear through tomorrow with a little break to sleet and ice.

Just like I knew she would, my assistant called off because she lives on back country roads in Kentucky. I watched the traffic reports and polled some people who braved the roads and the consensus is: stay home. Especially since I'm a non-confident winter weather driver.

I was in an accident two years ago in inclement weather; I hit a patch of black ice, spun sideways on the highway, hit an embankment, and flipped over. It was terrifying,traumatizing, and terrible. I climbed out through the back windsheild that had been shattered, virtually unscathed. A Scratch on the writst was all that was visible. However the emotional scars have been far worse. Everytime the weather turns bad, rains, sleet, snow whatever. I just want to cower at home. My lack of confidence makes me an even worse bad weather driver. 

So I called my work and made some arrangements for the activities today: rescheduled Dr. visits that activities provides transportation to, cancelled resident council, attempted to find coverage for morning activities but was brutally rebuffed (more on that in a moment) and let the staff know that I wasn't going to come in unless traffic conditions improved marginally. My Executive Director is out all week so I called her cell phone to keep her in the loop. I feel like all bases are covered. And they are. 

But....

In true catty, co-worker fashion, one coordinator had to go and make me feel like I am shirking my responsibilities. I called a colleague of mine to attempt coverage for an activity she started by telling me that all coordinators who were present were working as front line staff due to call offs and that she wouldn't, and nor would anyone else be able to conduct activities.  She then continued to tell me that the roads aren't that bad (she only lives 15 minutes from work) and that other coordinators who live further away (but still not as far away as me) made it in just fine. Commence guilt trip and self questioning: Am I doing the wrong thing? Am I being a baby? 

I mean all roads are still snow covered, snow is still coming down, cars are off-roading all over the place and I'm ALREADY not a confident snow driver.... that to me sounds like a recipe for disaster. Not only that but around 5pm when the roads are once again cluttered with rush hour drivers we are expecting ice on top of the snow. So not only would I have a trecherous drive in- but also a trecherous drive home! Not a short drive either mind you- a 35 mile drive! No thanks. 

So maybe I'm being selfish, but I would rather not die- even if it means my beloved residents miss one day of excercise and trivia and my co-workers who braved the tundra are pissed at me. They'll get over it. 

So today is another day off! I'm home bound so I suppose I'll make the best of it. 

If anyone else is experiencing this winter wonderland- I hope your enjoying it from the comfort of your home- if you braved the slippery roads: Your a better person than me! 

Looooove!

Miss Amber Lane

Today I'm Feeling: Guilty (for no  reason) Relaxed, Comfy

The Rest of Today

After I posted earlier today, I actually didn't really do much more cleaning. I got dressed and off I went to do some shopping. I picked up a Keepsake Wedding Planner for Meggie who, up until now has been the blind-leading-the-blind. I also went to Target to browse the clothes but the Target closest to me never has the cute things the Target by my work has so I didn't get anything exceot a big pack of socks and a two pack of really cute knee highs.

You can see my cat, Izzy begging for attention in the background and Ben's legs in their purest lounging form. After Target I hopped over to the mall to visit the Forever 21 for an outfit to wear to the bro-in-laws 40th b-day shindig on Friday but there was nothing special, nor at The Limited. However, Ann Taylor loft had lots of cute tops on their clearance racks marked down at an additional 40% so I got 4 -count em' 4 really pretty tops for ..... $27.00. I'll be sure to post photos of me as I wear them to deomonstrate just how cute they are for such a minimal cost.  When I brought my bag full of goodies home- Rennie showed me that she approved by jumping in the bag and curling up for a nap.

Rennie <3's>

I also went tanning and used a new tingler lotion that worked really well- I'm glowing. I bought just the sample when I went in but am planning to buy it full size next time since I liked it so well. 

Meggie came over and I gave her the planner and made her, Ben, and myself dinner while we chewed over wedding crisis (how do you spell the plural of crisi anyway?).

Now I'm left to stress over the impending snow storm and the dilemmas it is sure to cause me on my 45 minute commute to work tomorrow. I've pretty much already decided if its bad, traffic is bad, and I'm not comfortable driving..I'm staying home. I've come to learn that though some people may try to make me feel that way- my place of employment isn't going to implode if I'm not there. So I'll just have to play it by ear. 

Well, I'm off again. Stay warm, be safe. Goodnight!

Miss Amber Lane

Tonight I'm Feeling: Anxious (about snow and road conditions) happy (about shopping) and getting a bit sleepy

King Slob and His Minions

So not that this is news really but my bf is a complete and utter lazy slob. I don't mean in his job or in his personal care but in his responsibilities around the house of which he takes none. 

Now, I don't mind keeping up with certain aspects of the housework because I have a more discerning eye for dirt, pet hair, organization, etc. However, I am SICK of picking up after him! 

Dirty glasses on the computer desk, dirty clothes on the bathroom floor, facial hair in the sink, candy wrappers....are you f*ing kidding me? And mail....oh my god mail. He brings his mail in-lays it on the table and leaves it. Bills that he paid online from months ago cluttering up the shelves by the door, shoes everywhere-not to mention that he tracks mud, snow, and water in everytime that he comes in the door (which is often because he goes out to smoke). Oh! When he comes back in from smoking and he happens to have finished his pack does he throw it in the garbage? No, it lands on whatever surface it falls until I pick it up and discover that its empty and throw it away myself. Its terrible.

We've lived together since 2006- so no, none of this is new its just that I'm off today and I've been cleaning ever since I got out of bed. Catching up on dishes, mopping the kitchen floor (and by mopping I mean on hands and knees scrubbing because I just threw our grungy mop away---do you think he would ever do that?) and I'm on my way upstairs to clean the bathroom, change our bedroom sheets, compile all of his dirty clothes (that are all over the floor mind you- not in hampers that yes- we do have) and dust and vacuum and all of the above. Oh- he did finally put together the book shelf for the upstairs hall- he also left the box lying in the guest bedroom doorway, and all the random scraps ON THE HALLWAY FLOOR!

I will spend my whole off day not just cleaning but also cleaning up after him like I'm his mother- where as he spent his consectuive off DAYS playing World of Warcraft....I'm sick of it...grow up!

The best part is- because somehow we've accumulated so many cats that they HELP him make messes. They 2 little ones drag things out of God-knows-where and play with them to the point of destruction (case in point: styrofoam before mentioned bookcase was packed in) and I just can't keep up with it! I love those cats but I've threatened him that we're going to have to get rid of them he can't help clean up after them-including their litter boxes...which they are very finnicky about and if they aren't promplty emptied we run the risk of kitty pee pee in unfortunate places and I'm not even about that!

I know this is just one giant vent but I don't even know what to do. I don't like clutter, I don't like messes. My goal is to have a home where anyone can pop over at any time and we (or I since he doesn't seem to care) won't be embarrassed by the state of our home. Is that asking too much? I don't think so.

All rants aside-I'm glad to be off to today and glad to have a sink completely void of dishes (we live in a 1930's townhouse with no dishwasher...its terrible) and a home that currently smells like soap bubbles and yankee candles...God knows it doesn't last when stinky feet comes home and takes off his work boots. I should probably stop picking on Ben for awhile huh? I do love him but if there was one thing I could change about it him- this would be it.

Apparantly we're expecting some icky winter weather in the next couple of days. I'm hoping that if the roads get bad that I'm stuck here at home as opposed to at work. That's one major bummer about working for a 24-7 healthcare community- if the weather is bad they'll let you sleep there but you bet your ass their going to put you to work as late and as early in the mornings as possible in place of the people who call off--even if its not your job. Anyhow, I'm off to finish up cleaning the kitchen then I'll probably do a little more cleaning before running to the mall to find something to wear for my bro-in-law's party on Friday, pick up some lunch and go tanning. 

Later!

Miss Amber Lane

Today I'm Feeling: Domestic Goddess-y, Saucy, Glad to be off

I'm Such A Shit!!!

So after posting my last little gem and not wanting to start my work day yet (have I really already been here over an hour) I scrolled over some of my old posts just to catch a gander at what I've posted about recently and realized: PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMMENTING!!!!!!!!!

I've never even noticed! I am so rude! Thank you to those of you who have commented on posts- I promise I was not ignoring you I was just having too many blonde moments to notice...gah! I thought Blogger would send me an email or something if someone ever commented...apparantly not! So, if any of you are still reading after my terribly poor manners were demonstrated...thank you, hello, and so sorry I didn't notice until now!

Ok....now I'm really giong to work.

(also why are all my pictures of cats? Note to self: Do not become crazy cat lady, do not become crazy cat lady.

Crisis Averted

Welp after resubmitting my efile again last night with (what I believe to be) the same AGI as before: my return was accepted!

Yay.

Maybe I was just having a bottle blonde moment. They're worse than regular blonde moments as the dye may have inadvertantly seeped into the brain.

Anyway, I'm at work so I should probably do some!

Loooooove!

Miss Amber Lane

Today I'm Feeling: Happy, Relieved, Ready to be off manana!