You have GOT to be kidding me...

So the bad news just keeps pouring in.

While I was driving home from my annual dr. appointment this morning (if you are a male, be glad you don't have to go through that every year!) and on my way to get my nails done,  I received a phone call with more effing bad news. I think it's fair to say that I have hit my limit for bad news. NO MORE BAD NEWS PLEASE!

How can there possibly be a God and if there is, why does he hate me so much? I know things could be worse but I do have to say that I am a good person with good ethics and morals so how much shit do I have to take? I tell ya, the payoff better be REAL EFFING GOOD! At least my nails look nice. :-)

I think when I get off of my retail job tonight at 9, I will have to engage myself in some self-destructive behavior. I've earned it right???  ;-)

So, GOODBYE 2009, do not let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

I'm going to post a few pics in here of the good things of 2009 because I feel I should end on a positive note!

May 2010 bring us all the peace, love and happiness that we deserve. (unless you are evil!!!) ;-)

xoxo,
Cindie

Wednesday Hump Day Thought...

When a tube of mascara says "tested on animals" does that mean that they literally take the mascara and apply it to the animal's eyelashes?????????? Do they use animal tested eye make up remover to get it off????

Just sayin'?

xoxo,
Cindie

You are overqualified!

I hate those three little words! What defines someone as being overqualified? If they are willing to do the job, what the hell does it matter if they are overqualified? I am thankful that my retail job has given me a chance to create and develop a new career. I was totally shocked when they called me for an interview. I had no previous experience.  I took a pay rate of half of what I had been making as a teacher. They knew what I was making prior to joining their company and they still called for an interview. THANK YOU!  Aside from that job, every job I've interviewed for has told me that I'm overqualified. How can that be???? What defines me as such? I'm getting so aggravated with the job search. I am happy at my retail job. I'm feeling happy with my tutoring job, even though the commute is ridiculous. Now I need to figure out if I can support myself with just those two jobs. At this point, that would be ideal for me.

I spent my day being pissed off about some things. Unfortunately, I had three jobs to do today and I could not be in a bad mood for any of them. I had to put my anger aside. It wasn't too difficult because I was keeping busy. But as soon I was heading home tonight, my rage returned. LOL. I think I need to take it out on some machines at the gym tomorrow. Sorry machines.

On a lighter note, I have a funny story...

I was working tonight at retail job and the store was getting ready to close. I was running around putting the go backs away, straightening the tables, etc., etc. While I was doing this, I noticed a scent of BO. I was thinking, "What the hell??? Why do I smell? This is gross. I cannot let anyone get near me and smell me!!!" Every where I went in the department, the smell followed. It had to be me. I was the only one there. I just wanted to make it through the next hour or so and get home and rectify this horrific odor. I was in the back gathering some things and I heard a coworker from another department ringing up a customer. He had come over to help me recover the department and I guess a customer was there needing to pay for some things. After the customer walked away, my coworker asked, "Did you smell that?" OMG!!! I was HORRIFIED. Not only could he smell me, but he called me out on it!!! Damn it!!! I was completely embarrassed. So I said, "The BO?" He said, "Yes. That guy reeked!" Holy crap...it was the CUSTOMER who had the BO. It was so bad, it was lingering all over my department. I thought it was me! I told my coworker that I had been running around thinking I was the stinky one and it was the customer! What a relief! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I am going to go back to being pissed off. LOL.

Good night.

xoxo,
Cindie

Just another manic Tuesday...uh...tomorrow.

Hi Peeps!

Tomorrow I have a 10 hour work day divided into three different jobs: tutoring, admin assistant temping and suit selling.  YIKES. Good thing I have Wednesday off!!!

I was going to blog about my first two days as a Men's Suits Salesperson but I just got some sad news about a family member who passed away last night.

I hope you all had a great weekend and I'll try to give you a funny update tomorrow or Wednesday.


xoxo,
Cindie

It's Official!

I just OD on milk.I couldn't help it.

But really...what's official is that my retail job has gone from seasonal employee to permanent employee. Crazy, eh? Never in a million years would I have believed that I would be working in retail. It always scared me. But apparently the people with the power there felt I was good enough to keep on. While this doesn't enable me to stop working the 18 other jobs I have (exaggerating, it's really 3 other jobs), I will now be in a department that works on commission. For the holiday season, I was working in the Young Mens department. As of tomorrow I will be IN THE MENS SUITS DEPARTMENT!!!!! I put that in caps because I don't believe it myself yet. As a preschool teacher I worked with all women (except with Grandpa in SD but he conformed to all of us gals). Now, I am the only female in my area. What a switch. Except I will be working with men which is basically like working with children, right?? HEHEHE Just Kiddin' boys! But really, you can apply the same principles used in communicating with children when communicating with adults. You should try it. Soooooooooooo if you or someone you know is in the market for a Suit or Tux, let me know and I will tell you where to find me.:-)  We shall see where this new adventure takes me...

Well, I barely got home from work and I already have to be back at 9am this morning. I better try to get some sleep! Oh and after work it's a Whoop it up Cousin night....we're going to see ZEBRAHEAD. WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo,
Cindie

Opera Singing

Ok, here it is...a sample of singing opera style with children. I'm telling you, they love it! This is in reference to an early blog post from a week or two ago.

xoxo,
Cindie

P.S. I never said it was GOOD opera singing!

Giving Thanks

For the past couple of days I've been thinking about how I have spent a lot of time hating 2009 and no time on what good came out of the year. So I decided to take a few moments to document via my blog about what I am thankful for in 2009, even though I'm glad to see it go soon.

My family was given an amazing blessing in April this year. My niece, Audrey, was born. Sis-in-law had a really tough pregnancy and everyone in the family chipped in to help their young family get through it. We are all very grateful to have a beautiful, healthy baby girl added to the family.

My family and friends have been a huge support system for me. They've listened to me cry, vent and they even attended some of my pity parties.I have reconnected this year with family members and old friends who have always been important to me and I am so, so happy to have them back in my life, even if I don't see or talk to them everyday. I am very fortunate to have them!!!

My friends G and her Hubby have been very generous this year. I've been able to see them 4 times in 2009!!!!! I am VERY thankful for that. During my Texas visits, I met some really great new friends. Love all of you!!!!

I had a couple of visits with Aimz...we even went camping in our old spot...Carp! Great memories.

In addition to all of that, I have taken major steps in my own life to move forward and spend some time taking care of me. While I have much more to learn in this lifetime, I have become stronger and taken on challenges that I never thought I would be faced with. I have spent most of my adult life taking care of other people before taking care of myself. While I still very much enjoy helping others and being part of a support system for the people I love and care about, I am learning that I still need to take time for myself and get my needs met sometimes. I've taken on jobs that have required me to step out of my comfort zone and have had to find ways to succeed in those roles. I feel that so far, I've done a really good job at doing that. As far as my career is concerned, I am very excited to see what this coming year has in store and grateful that I had the the past 3 months to get started on my next career adventure.

Oh ya, I almost forgot...I've lost 60lbs this year! WoooooHoooo!

During some of my 2009 trials, I've been able to have a clear picture of who my friends are and have sadly had to learn about putting my guard up against those who are not. It takes a lot of strength to be able to do that. I thank the people in my life and the Good Lord for that strength. Even though I've been pretty mad at Him lately. I'm working on that!

I know that 2010 will not be magically perfect after having a bad year. But I accept that challenge. Bring it on! ;-)

Thanks for reading.

xoxo,
Cindie

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope you are spending it with your families and are enjoying every moment.

I spent Christmas Eve with my family at my brother's house. It was very cute to watch the kids open presents and be there for the baby's first Christmas. Good times.

So, does it make me helpful or prove that I have OCD when I clear the tables, hand wash the dishes and vacuum the pine needles after the party at my brother's house? I think clearing the table was helpful but concerned that the dishes (um, hello they have a dishwasher) and the vacuuming was a little OCD. I'm willing to admit that.

I didn't post anything yesterday because I fell asleep really early. Which never happens. But now, the insomnia is at it's best and I have to work in SD tomorrow so I have to get up early. Grrr! But after I do that, I will join the cousins at Orange Cuz D's.

I am very scared to work the retail job on Saturday. The customers are going to be crazy, aren't they? I think it will be worse than Black Friday.

And yes, I am regretting not taking more food home from Bro's house today. I am already ready for seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all my reader peeps!

xoxo,
Cindie

Tuesday Schmooesday

My cat Oreo is definitely proving to me that she is insane. I've had her for 4 years and in the past few months she has started this new thing of chasing her tail, growling and hissing at her tail and now she's chasing shadows. Right now she is sitting on my pillow above my head and is glued to the wall watching the shadows and trying to swat them. Is that insane or what???

OK, question. Well, no one answers the questions so I ask without really expecting an answer. I guess I am just venting what goes on in my head. LOL Anyways. What is the appropriate way to handle someone making uncomfortable suggestions? Not inappropriate really, but definitely uncomfortable. It seems I get a few customers each week asking me my marital status, etc. One told me the other night that he was going to wait until my shift ended so he could take me home. How does one respond to that????? I think I just made a nervous laugh and walked away.

Well, that's it for me tonight. I'm exhausted. I have a little something irking me right now and I don't want to get into it. But I will leave you with this quote:

"If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it."

-Marcus Aurelius
(Roman emperor, best known for his Meditations on Stoic philosophy, AD 121-180)

xoxo,
Cindie

Monday Blog Part 2

I wanted to keep my text messaging question in a separate post in hopes that some people comment and it doesn't get mixed up with my other crap.

So, how was your weekend? Mine was busy. Working the late shift at the retail job and squeezing two trips to SD for my tutoring gig. Tonight I got to see my nieces and they are just sooooooooooooo amazing.

I was reading my Intro post on this blog and I realized I wrote that I currently have no life adventure. I was so wrong about that! I am in the middle of a life adventure. What's cool about it is that I have NO IDEA where this adventure is taking me. What I do know is that if you are a reader of this blog, you are along for the ride! I am on a mission to follow my dreams and get to know myself again. I am very lucky to have this opportunity.

Speaking of opportunities, a career opportunity presented itself to me this weekend. I don't want to reveal what it is just yet because it has not been set in stone. Let's just say that if you were to ask me a year ago about what type of job I was going to be doing now, I would never have said this. I also would have never expected to no longer be a full time teacher or working in retail in any capacity.

Anyway...I've had one of the songs from the rotation that plays at the retail store on my brain all freaking day today. What's worse is that it's the song I hate the most. I had never heard it before. I don't know where they get their holiday music, but I think they need to rethink it for next year. I will not miss these songs after the holiday is over!

I was tutoring some clients today whom I have worked with for 2 years now. When I first started working for this family, it was very challenging. The children did not want to listen to me at all! I would sit there and think, "Man, I need to get out of this!" One of the girls has called me a bitch, they've scribbled on their work or made holes in the paper so they wouldn't have to do it (which didn't work with me by the way) and all kinds of things that made my life difficult for a time. This family has been very good to me...they pay me well, they never cancel, they are flexible when I need to change the schedule, etc. They have been very supportive regarding my recent dramas and give me words of encouragement every time I see them. I complain a lot about the drive, but I'm realizing that I am not just doing it for the paycheck. I genuinely care about these people. I would miss them tons if I were to stop that job.  Well, today both girls were fabulous listeners and we had the best time. When we went back to the Living Room the oldest tells her mom that today's lesson was the best time EVER. It was cute. It's also rewarding for me to see how much progress we have made. This proves what I'm always preaching about consistency and boundaries with children. It's exhausting to repeat yourself over and over when establishing boundaries and being consistent with expectations. But it PAYS OFF!!!!! The children are respectful (most of the time) to me and they know what I expect of them. They love to learn what I come to teach them and they do better in school. I don't think one can put a price on that...well, ok just a little bit. ;-)  As I was thinking about this today I have to say it really made me want to be a Mom. Maybe I will get that opportunity someday.
xoxo,
Cindie

Text Messaging Etiquette

So, what is the proper etiquette for text messaging? If you send someone a text is it expected or appropriate to acknowledge the text? For example, if someone sends me a message that says something like, "just wanted to say hey and hope all is well", should the receiver of that text be expected to reply?  Please comment.

Oh the joys of the commute...

As I was driving my 1.5 hour commute home from my tutoring job this morning I noticed a car with personalized license plates that read: AGRIV8D. Now that's someone I want to be driving next to, in front of, or behind! What the hell kind of license plate is that???? Why would anyone want to announce to the other drivers that he is aggravated???? Can you say, "Anger Management"???

Speaking of traffic, why is it that all the cars slow down while driving along miles and miles and miles of straight shot freeway? I can understand if another freeway is connecting and traffic slows, but this stretch of road has no connections to it. Talk about being AGGRAVATED! LOL

In addition to that, let's talk about GPS. Do you use one? I thought it was going to be this great addition to my driving experience because I often travel to places that I'm  not familiar with. Since I work temp jobs, I am sent to different offices. Also, I find myself one place and spontaneously decide to go somewhere after and I'm not always sure what route to take. However. My GPS is very consistent with not getting a signal when I really need it and I have no idea where I need to go. I cannot rely on it at all. I find myself shouting at the woman telling me to turn right. Even when I know it's wrong, she still tells me. I don't like that. Hmmm...I'm yelling at a GPS navigation system. Who needs Anger Management?

"Serenity NOW!" - Frank Costanza

Hope your Sunday is/was great!

xoxo,
Cindie

I know this is a controversial topic but...

I just have to say that I feel that I have a good understanding of why Michael Jackson became addicted to Propofol.

While the King of Pop and I had/have different levels of exhaustion, it's all relative. I go to bed at night (or early morning these days) and I just want to sleep for 12 hours. I'd be happy with 8 or even 6. But no. My body wakes up between 6am-7am every day. There is nothing I can do to stop it. Tylenol PM does not work. My body wakes up anyway when I try that and then I'm dragging all day. Even the Oxycodone I took the other night didn't keep me asleep. It made me sleepy in the beginning and that was it. It helped the pain I was having, though. However, I do not want to be depending on drugs like our little friend I mentioned. I JUST WANT TO SLEEP, DAMN IT!!! I do understand why he was doing it. It's awful to be exhausted all the time. Such a tragic story...

R.I.P.

O.K. Enough about that.

"The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A death. What’s that, a bonus?!?! I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you go live in an old age home. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, then, when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work forty years until you’re young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you party, and you get ready for high school. You go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities. You become a little baby, you go back, spend your last 9 months floating with luxuries like central heating, spa, room service on tap, then you finish off as an orgasm! Amen.”

 - George Costanza

Have a great Saturday!

xoxo,

Cindie

Oh! Oh! I forgot!

Friday morning, I was taking Orange Cuz D home after our night out. We got maybe 4 hrs of sleep. So we're driving down the 405...

Orange Cuz: "Palm Trees. I don't like them."
Me: "Why?"
Orange Cuz: "They're just so, so FAKE!"
Me: "Not when they're real."

LMAO. We  thought that was hilarious.

xoxo,
Cindie

Am I brilliant??? You decide.

Cousin Day yesterday. Let me explain how Cousin Day works. Cousin Day is a special day designated to spending time with the cousins. Mostly it's Orange Cuz D but there is also Cuz/Bro Scotty and Cuz Neenie who also live in the area and are single. So during the day yesterday, Orange Cuz D and I went and got our make-up done and had photos taken at the beach. I wanted a cool pic of me for the blog that really represented who I am. How did I do?

HOWEVER, my brilliant mind decided to say to Orange Cuz D, "Hey we are all made-up we must go out for Cousin Night Out." She agreed and got Cuz/Bro Scotty on the bandwagon. We have noticed in the past that we should not go out with out him in tow. So, brilliant as I am, we went out. And had a blast as would have been expected. This time we even had a perfect score because 1) No one got lost (it's happened), 2) No one got injured (it's happened).The Cuz' are a blast and we are very excited for our next outing to see Zebrahead. Can I get a WHOOP IT UP????

So why, you ask, would I be sarcastically calling myself brilliant? Here's why. This week and next week I am working mostly on shifts that don't end until 1am. Yesterday was my day off. Today, was and is not. I had to Nanny at 9am today and work a 6pm-1am shift tonight followed by a 6am drive to SD on Saturday for my Tutoring job. Once again followed by a late 1am ending shift on Saturday and Sunday. HELLO? Did I really need to schedule a Cousin Night Out in the middle of all that? I'm hella tired and I just got home from Nannying. I have two hours before I have to leave for retail job.

With all that said, I am wrapping this up and taking a nap! I hope I hear the alarm!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW...it was worth it. LOL

I have more to blog about so here is what will be coming soon: discussion about traffic/gps and ...damnit!!! I already forgot the other thing I was thinking about today!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRR!  GOOD NIGHT!

xoxo,
Cindie

Is it just me or...

When I get to the employee area at my retail job the first thing I see is a huge sign that says "Shrinkage". Is it just me or is that hilarious???????

"I was in the pool! I was in the pool!" - George Costanza

xoxo,
Cindie

What day is it????

The downside to my new schedule is that I get really confused as to what day it is. I'm not used to having a weekday off and working all weekend so I'm very confused. :-\

Nothing really interesting happened today to blog about. I just rested up all day for tonight's shift and then worked my booty off all night. I think Cuz and I are way due for a night out on the town. Cuz! Tell your Bro it's time again and that he HAS to come. lol We can't be losing hats again.

Ok...I'll do some story telling. I'm going to have to dig deep...

When I was teaching preschool, some interesting things would happen. Children are amazing and it's amazing to me when I see how fast they learn and figure things out for themselves. In my last two years as a teacher, I had the 2 year olds. That age is so different from the 3s & 4s because it's usually their first time at school. So I get to work with them on getting the daily routine down, trying to get them to sit for a reasonable amount of time, helping them separate from their parents, cleaning up, making friends, serving themselves including pouring their own juice/water/etc. The list goes on and on. Oh and POTTY TRAINING. How could I forget that one? Anyways...have you ever had your toilet overflow? Well, one day the toilet overflowed in my classroom and there was about a half inch of poo water on the floor. Guess who got to clean it up? Yep, yours truly. That was nice. Oh did I mention I was wearing a scarf that day? And it was hanging down as I was bending over with the mop. I stepped on the scarf. Yes. The scarf dangled into the poo water and I freaking STEPPED ON IT! What do you think happened when I took my foot off of the scarf?

Well the damn thing flew up and flung poo water on my face. AAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCKKKK! Sooooooooo gross. I immediately washed my face and had to go the rest of the day without makeup. I don't know which was scarier. LOL

Ok, there ya go. Hope it made you PEE YOUR PANTS.

Gotta go get some rest for Cousin Day tomorrow.

xoxo,
Cindie

9 More Shopping Days...

...'till Christmas. Are you done with your shopping?? Something tells me you aren't! lol The store I work for knows it because they are open until midnight starting tomorrow until the 23rd. And then open 'till 6 on Christmas Eve. I pray to God that I don't have to close on Christmas Eve. If I do, then I will miss my family Christmas party. We only get together on the Eve so if I end up working, I'll miss it all. I probably will, too since I'm a new employee. We'll see.

So I had to pick up underwear today out of the Fitting Rooms. Someone actually took a package of underwear, opened  it and tried it on. Have you ever done that??? Is it just me or is that totally gross??  One of the other girls found women's panties in there and we work in the Men's Department. The things that make you go...Hmmm?

Alrighty then. I just took some Oxycodone for this excruciating pain in my foot. Was that a good idea?

Ok, down to business.
Facebook.
Have you ever been deleted by someone and not understood why? Aimz, you need to comment on this post and fill us in on your situation. Did the person who deleted you think you were taking the other person's side? What the hell is the deal with people dealing with their personal vendettas via Facebook? It's comical sometimes because we find ourselves analyzing other people based on their actions on Facebook. Have you done this? We all have. lol. I for one can say that I have especially when someone I'm friends with disappears from FB without any explanation. I can't help but think, "Did I say something? Why did they delete me?" Don't get me wrong, this doesn't happen to me daily or anything but it has happened. You just have to assume, I guess, that a jealous spouse or girlfriend, etc. put a stop to the FB relations. But when you are friends with someone, I don't understand the big deal. HOWEVER...psycho people should not be allowed on the internet let alone FB. All I can say is BE CAREFUL about what information you put on FB. Stalkers are out there and they are finding ways to get that information. I have "security levels" on my profile. Not all of the people on my list have access to my full profile. Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way after being stalked thanks to Facebook.  I defintiely have a love/hate relationship with that damned website.

I apologize for not being very funny today. Please don't stop checking in because of it. Your participation in this site is really inspiring to me and I am almost ready to start writing my outline for the screenplay I want to write. KEEP ME MOTIVATED!

Give me more blog topics. Let's get a discussion going.

Did you notice that at the end of each post you can vote for "Like", "Dislike", or "Peed my Pants"? They are anonymous votes so after you read, please check one of the boxes.

HEY!  Have a great night.

xoxo,
Cindie

Orange Starburst?

Do you get sad when you're eating Starburst and you realize that all that's left is the orange one? Or even the yellows?

Today was a whirlwind day for me. I thought I was going to rest all day and do my tutoring work in S.D. in the late afternoon but it didn't work out that way. And that's ok. I'll sleep when I'm dead.

So The Gil (pronounced g-e (long)-l) asked me tonight if i was on crack. LMAO. Apparently I was rambling on and on while we were chatting on the phone (well I was chatting on the phone). I have to admit I did kind of feel myself going like the Duracell Bunny but I couldn't stop myself. She asked me to reiterate in my blog about how I sounded. I will do my best to recreate the event in writing. Here is the set-up: we were talking about theft at department stores. I knew she would know what I was talking about since she has worked in retail before. It blows my mind when I find clues that theft has taken place in the store and I was totally unaware when it was happening. Ok, anyway, while I was talking to The Gil I was also finishing up a 64oz Diet Coke. The Gil also wanted me to mention that the speed of my rambling was about 20mph. Right, Gil?
Here is the best recreation I can do of what I was saying to her:

"So I was at work last night and I found an Old Navy vest on a hanger and it was bothering me because it was obvious to me that someone had taken one of ours into the dressing room removed their own vest and walked out of the store with ours so I don't know if that is something I should have noticed happening or if the theft people are going to just be waiting outside for the person who stole the item or how much responsiblitiy I'm supposed to put on myself to watch what goes in and out of the fitting rooms but how can I watch it all the time when I'm ringing up customers or doing go backs or helping customers on the floor or cleaning the shelves I know the cameras are everywhere and they can see that stuff happening but I guess I need to ask if there is something I can do to be more aware and then when I hear the alarm go off at the mall entrance am i supposed to go chasing people to see if they stole something I mean I write it down in the log but I never know if someone is getting busted how do I know if they stole something I'm so worried that I'm going to miss it but yet no one has ever asked me about me seeing suspicious behavior and of course I would report it if I saw it and if I know they are watching on the cameras how much responsibility is on me?"

Notice the lack of any punctuation what-so-ever? I admit that I had to embelish the massive run-on question because I couldn't remember exactly what I said.The Gil said I never came up for air. LMAO

Aimz asked me to write about being deleted on Facebook because you're friends with two other people who are fighting with each other. When two of your friends are fighting it's hard enough to be in the middle. Now, those middle people are getting Facebook deletes! What's up with that???? LOL

I have a lot to say about Facebook and her situation. I think I will save the rest of my comments on Aimz's topic for tomorrow since this is already pretty long and I'm tired! But it's gonna be a good one!

Good night!

xoxo,
Cindie

Good Morning!

Well it's a two-pill Tylenol PM sleep. I do NOT want to wake up sooner that I have to. I got 4 hours of sleep last night and I just got home from work. I'm wiped out! But, I can write a lil somethin' before I head to Dreamland.

So today was a family Christmas party. I had to work today so I went for a little bit so I could see everyone. Des' house is gorgeous. I love how she has decorated and painted. I want to copy it! :-)

Anyway, on Thanksgiving I didn't stuff myself which is something to be proud of but was I proud? No. I was pissed at myself for not enjoying that yummy food as much as possible. I was craving it for the week to follow. Today, I told myself to eat it all up so I don't regret it. (Doesn't that sound backwards??). And I did. It was YUMMY. But it was also a bad idea because I have to walk up 3 flights of stairs when I get to work and it was tough today with that food weighing me down! I think I burned it off though during my shift. ;-)

Hope you had a great weekend and Happy Monday!!

xoxo,
Cindie

"Not that there's anything wrong with that..."

Hi peeps!

Early morning down to S.D. for tutoring job and now it's time for my shift at the retail job...very late night of folding, folding, folding. I should get some good thinking done. LOL

Got caught singing while I was on the freeway...not that there's anything wrong with that...

Short & sweet for ya today.

xoxo,
Cindie

A lil of this n that.

Hi...

I have 5 blog followers! Woooohoooo! 

I'm starting to enjoy my retail job more. I had some really nice customers (actually they've all been nice so far...) today and I finally got some people to sign up for a credit card. I was very excited to finally get my name off of the short list! Woooooohooooo! So if you live in my area, come in and see me (email me for location info) and help me get more! Also, if you buy something, you can take a survey and tell them what a good job I'm doing. Then I might get hired on after the season is over. Regardless of what type of day job I end up with eventually, hopefully...I'll still need a second job. If I get to stay at the retail job then I can quit my San Diego job and save like $400/month in gas expenses. Grrr!

So if that wasn't enough to boost my ego, I got asked for my phone # a couple of times today. Being pretty new in the single scene, I'm not really used to that. LOL! One of the guys was waaaaaay younger than me which I thought was funny because I was talking to someone this morning about how I need Botox. Ha ha!

How was your Friday? Who's doing something fun tonight? Is there something you want to ask me that you'd like me to blog about? If so, email me at cindie@mscindie.com.

xoxo,
Cindie

An inspirational thought for today...

Don't worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you'll have to ram them down people's throats.

-Howard Aiken

 Have a great Friday!

xoxo,

Cindie

P.S. If you were curious...my partial tuck method kept me nice and cozy. lol

Thursday Thoughts cuz I can't shut up!

Do you get prompted to enter Twitter user name and password when you come to this site? It shouldn't be doing that so let me know if you are experiencing that problem. Please.

Today's thought: If you have fewer trash cans, you will have fewer trash. Someone please edit that. I just made it up right now while I was collecting trash around the house. Good one?

Oh! Oh! Did you notice my new URL?  www.mscindie.com. You like? Si o No?

xoxo,
Cindie

It's Thursday!

Not that it being Thursday really means anything to me since I work all weekend...

Another disadvantage of working in retail is that the store I work for also has a Home store. AAACK! I love that crap! So I used my discount to get some luxurious satin sheets for my bed. Only to discover that the sheets are really a Slip-n-Slide. I slide all over the damn bed! I still love the sheets though. Since I don't have anyone in the bed with me to stop me from sliding in one end and out the other, I've had to get creative. Here is what I did: I put the top sheet a little off center so I could tuck in one side as well as at the foot of the bed. Now, I'm usually a "no tuck" person but with these sheets I got desperate. I just did this new tuck idea so we will see tonight if I stay put. I'll let ya know...

Today I get to go get my cell phone fixed...the touch screen is not working so I can't make calls or receive emails or texts...grrrrr. Not a fan of the phone at all. I'm going to try to see if I can get something different. After that I get to go to the Dr. for my spiky spurs in my heel that stab like knives when I'm working and THEN I am GOING TO SEE MY NIECES! Woooooooooooooohooooooooooooooo! I love today!!!

What are you up to today?  If you're reading my blog, give a shout so I know you're listening!

xoxo,
Cindie

Hump Day Tip

Ok so I know I have 45 minutes left of today so it's not really Hump Day anymore but I like the title. Anyway...for those of you with children I have a little tip. Whenever you find yourself getting into a battle with a child because they do not want to listen to you here is what you do......

Yodel. It's fun and it usually gets a positive reaction from the child. So say you want them to finish their math homework and they are whining and giving an attitude. Just yodel, "Ooooooohhhhh doooo your math hoooomeeeewooooorrrrkkkk sooooo weeee arreeee nooooot uuuupppp allllll niiiigggghhht!!!!  Thhhhaaannnkkkk  yoooouuuuu veeerrrry muuucccchhh!  Dooooo itttt noooooww!  Doooooo ittttt nooooww! Do it now! Do it now! Do it nooooowwwww!"

I would be happy to demonstrate this for you if you so desire.

;-)

xoxo,
Cindie

Don't you hate it when...

Don't you hate it when you go to wash your face before bed and throw it up in a rubber band AND it looks totally cute???? Why does this happen 5 minutes before I am going to sleep????

I hate it when that happens!

xoxo,
Cindie

Inspriations

Hello...again.

Just one more post before I head off to my retail job for the rest of the day...

I want to talk about my inspirations of writing and authors I enjoy. I also want to know who you like to read.

Have you read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert??  I read that book two years before I should have but for some reason, I knew when I read it that I would one day identify with it. The book is about the author's true story of transformation from being someone she was "supposed to be" and having the courage to break free from that and find herself. There is a movie based on the book coming out soon and I CANNOT wait to see it.

I'm also a big fan of He's Just Not that into You by Greg Behrendt& Liz Tuccillo. I remember reading that book while I was on a plane with a boyfriend coming home from a trip to Costa Rica. I was about to quit my job and move away to where my boyfriend lived. While I was reading that book I realized that my boyfriend was "just not that into me". I moved anyway. I'm sure you can figure out how that one turned out.

One summer I read all of Nicholas Sparks' novels. Love them. My favorite is Dear John. I really think that book needs a sequel. I would like to be able to write stories like Nicholas Sparks.


So, as you can probably tell, I like the books about love stories and personal growth. This is who I am. The hopeless romantic who will get her happy ending.


Have a great Hump Day!!!


xoxo,
Cindie

Wrapping up "Notes about Nothing"

So, I'm hoping to finish up my little bit of background in this post and move on to my "storytelling".

What did I do when I felt like my entire world was over???  I threw myself a pity party...duh!!! Who wouldn't? I cried to my family and friends a lot. But, I think I've been around long enough to have learned that the only person who could change the way I was feeling was me. The events that occurred in my life made it very apparent who was in my corner and who was not. I had to become more guarded with whom I decided to trust. And then, I picked myself up and made some changes. Cuz and I have been each other's support to get our asses to the gym. G flew me out to Texas for a much needed get-a-way and we had a blast together. I spend time with my nieces and embrace these times that I am lucky enough to live close to them  and see them every week. So those were all great for my emotional well being. What about the finances???

Losing a job is a huge blow to the ego, especially when the person losing the job has no control over what is happening. In order for me to feel successful, I had to leave my job. I was at a dead end. I'm not the type of person who can sit back and do the same job for 20 years and be satisfied. I need challenge. I need to be able to grow intellectually and be a voice for change. My job did not give me those opportunities. What my job did give me was the opportunity to help others grow. Which is nice and all but it's time for me to be a little selfish and put myself first for a while. I've never done that. So, THANK YOU to those involved with my job departure. I question your integrity and mental health, however I'm not in the position to judge and for that I am grateful! Best of luck to you.

I am also not the type of person to sit around and wait very long for something to change. I've always been one for instant gratification. This time the only one who could give me that was me. I found myself involved with 4 different types of jobs and every day of my life is different. Some days I'm a caregiver. Other days I'm driving for hours to be a teacher. There are days where I'm a business professional in Corporate America. Lastly, I find myself working for minimum wage in an industry I have never experienced. When I first started my retail job, I would be standing around folding clothes (for hours) and get really mad that I was doing it. It was the fault of others that I took a job where I'm working with people who are young enough to be my own children (ok barely old enough!). I didn't think I was too good for the job...I'm not too good for any job. I was pissed that my feet were killing me. I was pissed that I have no consistency in my life all because of the actions of other people. But, this experience is happening to me for a reason. My life is changing in a major way. I needed to be listening to that. If I was still in my teaching job I wouldn't' be listening. I wouldn't have time to listen. Teaching preschool is more emotionally draining than it is physically draining...and it's physically draining. Retail is definitely the most physically draining job I've ever had, but it's not draining me emotionally. It's given me a lot of time to be alone with my thoughts as I go around the store folding and folding and folding. How lucky am I to get paid to think and become inspired to write?

So, this is where I am. I'm in a state of soul searching. I am very excited about that and I'm taking advantage of every moment of this experience.

Thanks for listening...

xoxo,
Cindie

I have something to say!

I want to thank my dear friends who have expressed their support for me. But, I have to remind you ladies that you are just as strong, if not stronger than I am. I admire you for who you are and you make me want to be a better person.  You inspire me.

xoxo,
Cindie

More "Notes about Nothing"

I just ate about 10 tootsie rolls so let the ranting begin!

Ok, people...let's back the truck up...beep, beep, beep.

Some recent history - I spent the last 6 years as an educator for young children. I've worked with many children whose ages range from 2 years old to 8 years old. I loved my work. I couldn't make a decent living doing it, but being a facilitator to help children become  independent thinkers and doers is very rewarding. You can't put a price on that. I miss teaching very much.

The most recent 3 years of these past 6 I spent as a wife as well. Marriage is hard. It takes a lot of work and I don't know how many people actually can possibly understand that until they are actually doing it. Before getting married I thought I could conquer any hardship that might be presented to me in a marriage.

In my Intro I mentioned that I like change but need a baseline of consistency. Are you like that? Let me tell you that someone like me can really be thrown for a loop when that baseline is ripped out from underneath them. Last summer we had to move out of an apartment that I loved living in...Strike 1. A month later and within a week's time I filed for divorce...Strike 2 and lost my job...Strike 3. And just in case someone wanted to make sure I was paying attention, I had to sell my car...which really isn't that big of a deal except I liked it very much, had it for 9 years and it was paid for. So it was just an extra dig on me.  Um, can you say "Bye, Bye Consistency"???  Although I do want to say that I know it could have been worse. Much, much worse. I am grateful to have a roof over my head and food on the table as well as a healthy family. I get that. I haven't forgotten about that. However I lost all the security that I had been providing for myself. I became unable to support myself without asking others for help. Huge blow to the ego and it made me a bit pissed off.

What would you do if you lost a job that you loved, a marriage and your home all at once?  I'll tell you what I did about it...

xoxo,
Cindie

P.S. Thought for the day: Save Santa a trip this year...be NAUGHTY! LOL  Happy Tuesday my loves!

"Notes about Nothing"

One of my favorite shows of all time is Seinfeld. I find myself often quoting something from that show or relating a situation to something that happens in my life. I can't say I identify with one character more than another. In my undergrad program, I really enjoyed my screenwriting classes (I majored in TV/Film). It was in those classes that I felt strongly that I wanted to become a writer for TV and Film. My friend Vince and I wrote our own Seinfeld script for class. We thought it was really good. I read it now and realize that I did not have a complete understanding of  the characters at the time we wrote it so it doesn't seem as funny to me now as it did back in 1995. It was still a great experience and we got an award for having the funniest script in the class. (Right, Vince?)  I think about pursuing writing again and I do regret not shaping my possible writing talent back then when I was in that scene. I mean, I was interning at MTV. I had the opportunity to network. That's what sucks about trying to make career and life decisions when one is only 22 years old. I couldn't possibly understand how important it was for me to pursue and develop that talent at that time. I guess it's never too late though. By starting this blog, I'm putting my thoughts in writing again and hope to become more inspired about screenwriting.

Did you always know what you "wanted to be when you grow up"?

Hope your Monday has started out great!

xoxo,
Cindie

A question

Well, I have taken a Tylenol PM and it's kicking in. I cannot wait to write more. I have a lot to say!!!

So, before I say, "Good Night", I leave you with this: Skinny jeans for guys. Someone please explain why these are popular and who wears them???

xoxo,
Cindie

Intro

Hey...

Welcome to my new blog. I consider myself one of the first "bloggers" because I used to write commentary on my old website, cindie.com. Do you remember it? I owned that domain for about 10 years and sold it a few years ago for $900!

Anyway, I decided to start another commentary/rant website. I have no idea what it is going to turn into so my advice is...READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! I welcome your opinions and ideas so please participate if you so desire. Evil people are NOT welcome.

So here is the Cast of Characters...some of the people I will probably mention often in my writing. These are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

Me: I am a thirty-something hopeless romantic searching for my next life adventure. I love change, however I very much need a baseline of consistency. At the moment I have no life adventure, nothing consistent and nothing hopelessly romantic!

Cousin (a.k.a. Cuz): (Yes, you will be a big part of this!) She is playing supporting actress in this story. We have been great friends since we were kids. We used to write letters to each other, talk on the phone, and spend holidays together with our family. We also worked together for a few years and got to see each other everyday. Then, life changed and we were apart for a while. I like to tease that we "got back together" because she and I have found ourselves in similar situations and our paths have once again merged. She is a big part of my life and has been a huge support.

G: another very important person in my life. G and I went to high school together but we did not become friends until about 6 1/2 years ago. She lives in Texas with her husband and they are an amazing couple. G has always been there for me and I can only hope that she feels my support for her as well.

Gilfiend: Oh I know she is thrilled to be singled out. We met in 2001 while we both were servers at a fish restaurant. She has also been with me through thick and thin as well as some pretty damn good times. Gilfiend lives in Missouri now with her husband and their children. I'm sure she will have a lot to say about my rants. Keep it clean, Gil. lol

Aimz: Aimz and I met in Kindergarten. In 1st grade I was shipped to Catholic school and Aimz and I came together again when we started dancing together in 5th or 6th grade. For 8th grade, my parents decided to allow us to go to public school. Aimz was the one who I walked to school with on that very first day of 8th grade. I was nervous as heck! She has no idea how much her support meant to me on that day. And for hundreds of days to follow. We had an unwritten agreement that we would always be each other's partner for Drill Team and Cheer tryouts. She is like a sister to me and I always feel welcome with her family. Oh did I mention that I also went on family vacations with them? Aimz lives in Utah with her husband and their 4 children. She must be Superwoman because she has a lot to juggle on a daily basis.  In the epitome...blah, blah, blah, blah...

My nieces: My brother's 3 children. I love them sooooooooo much. I will probably talk about them when they do something that I just need to brag about.

Oreo: my insane black and white cat. She is pretty lulu so she will probably be mentioned.

Tigger: my crabby orange tabby cat. Oreo has intimidated this poor guy and he has become "the upstairs cat". The only time I see him downstairs is in the middle of the night when I catch him eating Oreo's food while she's asleep. Tigger likes to talk in his kitty language. It really seems like he is talking. It's a trip.

And of course there is my family. Mom, Brother and his wife (a.k.a. Sis-in-Law) who I am all very close to. In addition to them, my Dad and his wife are also a big part of my life. These people have put up with a lot from me. I am grateful to have each and every one of them in my life.

Don't feel bad if you are left out of my Cast of Characters. I just wanted to mention the ones who are in my life on a daily basis. I'm sure you will all be a part of this therapeutic writing process.

I don't want to make this too long and put you all to sleep so I will wrap it up. Enjoy this site and I look forward to future communications!

More soon...

xoxo,
Cindie