Today, I Will

At work, we have a meeting every single morning, in which the entire office circles up, and we each share something that we learned the day or week before, and we each share our highest priority for the day.

We say, "Today, I will …" and insert that priority. I was told after my first day that it's not "I'll try," or "I'd like to" — it's "I WILL."

And for the first couple of weeks, my turn in the morning huddle made me feel very awkward, because I felt like the things I was learning and prioritizing were very basic compared to what everyone else — who had all been there for far longer — were learning and promising. So I was feeling panicked, and now, every day when I learn something new, I write it down immediately so I won't forget, and therefore I never panic anymore about what I'm going to say. I make sure that I have the following day's "I learned" and "I will" written down before I go home for the day, so I am never unprepared.

I realized last night that I was applying this mentality to my life, too. I keep a to-do app on my phone, filled with things that may or may not actually happen, because life. (I mean, honestly, I've had "get wills notarized" on there for over a year. I finally just removed it because it was bugging me to have to look at it everyday, but I still need to do that at some point.) But I took Elliott up to my mom's house this weekend, so that she won't run out the door and run away forever when the realtor shows the house. I told Matt that my first and biggest priority when I returned was that I wanted to vacuum the stairs, because then they likely wouldn't need a deep-clean vacuuming again.

And as I was putting the vacuum cleaner away last night, I had that WHOOOOAAAAA moment, where I realized I was applying my work life to my home life, and that I might actually really like that concept of having just one big priority you must do each day, and taking care of that first. It's easier for me to swallow tasks one at a time, instead of worrying about all the things I have to get done, so I really liked the idea of picking just one.

What's on YOUR to-do list? How did you spend your Sunday night? (Hopefully you did something more exciting than vacuuming. I'm sorry I'm so boring.)

It's April Fool's Day

So I know that no matter what I write in this space, you're not going to believe it today. But that don't matter. I'm going to tell you three stories. And you can choose to believe me or not. :)

• • • • •

After my first semester of college, I got a job over Christmas break as a waitress at this podunk restaurant in my hometown. It was the only place that would hire me, knowing I was going back to Oklahoma four weeks later. I was an okay waitress; I tried to be friendly to everyone. One day this guy came in, who looked to be in his 50s, and with him was this raggedy woman with really awful teeth. The guy sat in the bar area with his lady friend, and proceeded to order drinks. His friend went to the restroom, and as I brought over their drinks, he asked me what time I got off work, because he wanted to take me shopping.

And that's the story of how some guy tried to pick me up as a hooker.

• • • • •

After my first year of college, I went back to live with my parents over the summer. I needed a second part-time job to fill up the hours, so I applied for a job at a popular lingerie store. The interview went great, and I received a call saying they'd love to have me on board. But they never told me when I should go in to be trained, so when I hadn't heard from them a week later, I called the store. Turns out they had held the training the day before, and I had missed it. They weren't going to do another training session for the summer hires.

And that's how I managed to get hired and fired without working a single day.

• • • • •

My sophomore year of college, I was looking for a second part-time job, though I don't really remember why. During high school, I had worked for two years at one of the Big Box Mart department stores, but I had quit when it was time to go to college, because I didn't plan on having a job right away while I was in school. After a few semesters of being away from that job, I decided to reapply at the location in Oklahoma. They rejected my application.

And that's ... well, that was just sad. I don't have a quippy ending to this story. I wound up getting a job as a sandwich delivery person instead. And one time my car battery died while I was on a delivery, and that's how I got paid for jumping my car and driving to Autozone.

• • • • •

What's the worst work story you have? And did you play any crazy April Fool's pranks today?

Nothing to Wear: Partial Week 6

Wednesday
Lookee here! Hubs agreed to start taking pictures, and they look LOADS better than my crappy MySpace-looking shots! Hooray! You can see my accessories clearly! You can see my shoes! I am SO EXCITED!

Dress: New York & Co.; Jacket: White House Black Market; Earrings: Target; Bracelet: borrowed from my mom; Ring: Charming Charlie; Shoes: Yellow Box from Zappos

Thursday
My sister and I steal each other's clothes all the time. She told me one time I needed to get a pair of white jeans, and I kind of scoffed at her. Why on earth would I wear white jeans? Turns out, she had bought a pair that she didn't wear much, so I borrowed them. They've been in my closet for over a year, so I guess they're mine now. I like them a lot.

Top: Maurice's; White jeans: White House Black Market; Shoes: White House Black Market; Belt: Came with a dress I got at Macy's; Bracelets: Charming Charlie; Earrings: Hand-me-downs from my sister

Do you ever borrow clothing from your family members?

Nothing to Wear: Week 4

Monday

I think it's about time to retire this bomber jacket. I bought it years ago — before bomber jackets were even in style — on clearance, but never quite figured out how to look good while wearing it. I think it's the puffy sleeves; they are overwhelming on me and make me look like a linebacker.

Jacket: Forever 21; Tank Top: Maurice's; Skirt: Kohl's; Shoes: Yellow Box from Zappos; Necklace: Target

Tuesday

I tried something new. I love scarves. I have a bazillion of them and no real way to wear them nine months out of the year. I kind of think this works. What do you think?

Tee: TJMaxx; Shorts: Kohl's; Shoes: Nine West; Scarf: No tag and don't remember; Earrings: Wal-Mart

Wednesday

Sister talked me into buying this belt about a year ago. I think it was one of the best purchases I ever made. It looks good with EVERYTHING.

Tank Top, Jeans and Bracelet: Maurice's; Shoes: Guess from DSW; Belt: New York and Co.; Earrings: Gift

Thursday

I didn't put much effort in for this one. Early morning dentist appointment. But the hygienist told me I looked cute.

Blouse: Gap; Jeans: Maurice's; Necklace: Charming Charlie's; Shoes: Nine West

Friday

Headed out to the lake! I know this is simple and kind of blah, but ... I sat in a car for three hours and then sat (IN THE HEAT. IN TEXAS. IN JULY.) by the lake for two days. Plus, I really like the sparkly detail on the collar.

Tee: Express; Shorts: Kohl's; Shoes: xhilaration from Target

Husband has noticed that I'm taking pictures of my clothes all the time. For some reason this is hideously embarrassing to me. Maybe I can get over that embarrassment and get him to take pictures for me, so I can stop doing them in the mirror and use the flash and maybe some of them won't turn out blurry and grainy. Maybe.

What do you consider to be the best clothing purchase you ever made? Was it an accessory? An outfit?

Nothing to Wear: Royal Edition

Thanks to the short week and the fact that we were out of town for a few days to attend my sister-in-law's wedding (EEEEE!), I fell off the wagon and didn't snap any photos of my outfits last week. I did get dressed up cute most of the days, but I didn't wear anything super unique or cool, and I feel no shame. Because of this:

via Reality Chic

I seriously adore Kate Middleton. If you could combine her and Kristin Chenoweth, that's the person I want to be when I grow up.* And if Duchess Kate can wear the same jeans three days in a row like any other human being, then I shall not feel bad about "recycling" outfits.

Though I promise I really will try to continue to mix-n-match better.

Who do you want to be when you grow up?

*I feel like there's always more growing up to be done. Technically I'm a twenty-something, though I still feel like I'm 17 the majority of the time.

Nothing to Wear: Week 2

This week was a little bit of a struggle for me. I'm not naturally one to agonize over what I'm going to wear, but after doing laundry last weekend, I was afraid I would lapse into outfit repetition after only a week. How sad! I need to be more creative!

Monday
Perfect for a day in which I got almost nothing done.

White Tee: TJMaxx; Teal Damask Top: Maurice's; Shorts: Kohl's; Necklace: Charming Charlie's; Shoes: Rocket Dog from Zappos

Tuesday

I stood in front of my closet for a couple of minutes before declaring to Matt that I had nothing to wear. He looked at my clothes and said "What?"
I thought maybe he hadn't heard me, so I repeated, "I have nothing to wear."
"WHAT?"
"Okay, I have nothing cute to wear."
He put his face about two inches from the clothes on his side of the closet. "I have nothing to wear!"
Guys just don't get it.

Shirt: Maurice's; Skirt: Kohl's, from like 10 years ago (seriously! it's by Mudd!); Pumps: Guess from DSW; Necklace: Target; Bracelets: Forever 21

Wednesday

I almost considered blowing this whole project off and succumbing to T-shirt and jeans. You guys, I am so bad at creating outfits. It took me a ridiculously long time to find something that looked good. Sister picked this top out for me last year, and she paired it with white skinny jeans and a long black cardigan. Every time I've worn it since then ... you guessed it. White skinny jeans and a long black cardigan.

Top: White House Black Market; Jeans: Maurice's; Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi from Target; Earrings: Claire's; Necklace: gift

Thursday

Today's outfit took no effort. Dresses are easy breezy beautiful. I went to a job fair.

Dress w/ Belt: New York & Co.; Pumps: Guess from DSW; Necklace: Target

Friday

Maybe I'm getting better at this? I'm pretty pleased with how this one turned out.

Sweater: TJMaxx; Tank Top: Target; Shorts: Kohl's; Sandals: Target; Watch: Charming Charlie's; Earrings: Target

Morgan blogged the other day about planning your outfits in advance, and about midway through the week, I took her advice and picked out the next five days of clothes. Even though it still took me a while to figure out what would look good together, I think it will prevent me from standing in my closet and feeling like a fashion loser every morning.

How often do you repeat outfits?

Nothing to Wear: Week 1

It's officially the first week of summer! Nothing like a good season change as a starting point for some other changes.

I mentioned that I decided to document my outfits as a way of keeping myself motivated and confident while I'm unemployed. Here's how I fared this week.

Tuesday
I was wearing this when Matt came home for lunch, and he asked if I'd gotten the shirt from my sister. I took this to be the world's highest compliment. Sister is in school for fashion design, and is much more stylish than I am. I totally called her to brag about it too.

Shirt: TJMaxx; Shorts: Kohl's; Shoes: Rocket Dog from Zappos; Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Wednesday
I love these shoes, and I don't get the chance to wear them enough. They're massively uncomfortable, but they make me feel sexy. I wore them for a few hours in the morning, twisted my ankle, and switched to green flats.

Shirt: White House Black Market; Vest: New York & Company; Shorts: Kohl's; Earrings: hand-me-downs from Mom; Shoes: Mossimo from Target

Thursday
I know this is just a spin on a T-shirt and shorts, but I felt summery and cute. I would like to thank the mannequin at Maurice's for the layering help, because otherwise I would never have bought it. (It's partially sheer!)

Shirt and Tank Top: Maurice's; Shorts: Kohl's (I think); Shoes: Yellow Box from Zappos; Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Friday
I went job hunting, so I wanted to look professional without dying of heatstroke. (How is it already soooo hot outside?) I have to say, I'm not super confident in this outfit. I like the top, but every time I wear it I go straight to black pants / red belt / red shoes / red necklace. Sometimes I switch out the necklace for a pair of red earrings. It doesn't feel fashionable at all, but I don't know what else to do. I feel like thicker belts with tunic tops just make my torso look really short. Suggestions?

Top: Forever 21; Pants: Zinc from Dillards; Belt: Target; Shoes: Mossimo from Target

What's your favorite place to shop?

Someone's Got A Hit Out On My Self-Esteem

A few weeks ago, I got laid off from my job. It was pretty out of the blue, but I'm doing okay. I have been keeping myself busy and looking for something else to do when I grow up.

What I wasn't expecting, though, was for my self-esteem to take such a massive blow. I've had a job — sometimes multiple jobs — since I was 16. I had never been terminated from a job. I didn't realize it until this week, but I totally equate my self-worth by my ability to bring in money.

Even though I'm actively looking for full-time work, I find myself less motivated and staying in my PJs way longer than I would on a typical day. Frankly, I feel crummy if I don't get up, shower and get cute. So I have decided that I am going to make an effort to get up and wear something cute every day, even if it's just for my cat.

Sweet Elliott-boo. And my sister's evil cat, Audrey, creeping in the corner.

I went to TJMaxx and Maurice's* this week to get a couple of new shirts — how is it possible that I had no cute non-work outfits?? — that I can layer and feel good in. And I promise I'll start posting pictures every once in a while so you can hold me to it! I hope this will make me feel more confident, and up my productivity as well.

What gives you a confidence boost?


*Yes, I felt guilty for going shopping while having no full-time job. But Hubs is nicer to me than I am to myself, and didn't let me beat myself up about it.