Dear Blog, I Haven't Forgot About You

Life's been pretty wacky this past week. Lots of phone calls...the movers, the car relocation people, realtors, the relo company, my company, the HR lady...and on and on.

One thing's become clear: I really hate talking on the phone for extended periods of time.

In the midst of trying not too feel overwhelmed by all the changes that are about to occur, my laptop's keyboard went kaput.

I couldn't type a period. Instead, I would get the > symbol. If the Caps Lock was on, the keyboard would type in lowercase. At one point I realized I couldn't type any letters from the last row on the keyboard: z, x, c, v, b, n, and m. Talk about a dilemma. What to do?

I drove over to Best Buy--in a torrential downpour, I might add--to go see the Geek Squad. Before heading there I consulted with my husband..."What do you think, should I pay to have it fixed?" He's all, "Nah, just wear a low-cut top and just be your charming self, I'm sure one of those guys can help you for free." Yea......ok. Funny thing, I actually did change my top before I left the house.

Anyway, I ended up getting this girl, I think, who reminded me of the androgynous character "Pat" from that old Saturday Night Live skit...you know, "Is it a he or a she?" Well, I am pretty certain the Geek Squad Pat was a she, and wow, was she a real bitch. I asked her if she wouldn't mind taking a look at the keyboard and it was like someone told her to jump off a cliff. Alas, there would be no free service from the Geekers despite my cleavage attempts.

So then I came home and decided to call the Tech Support number listed on the underside of the laptop. What a novel idea. As I suspected, the laptop was no longer under warranty, and would I please press "1" to pay $59.99 for 30 minutes of support? Boo.

So I pressed "1" and talked to "Josh" about my keyboard situation. After 25 minutes of his diagnostics, including what seemed like 5 minutes of him talking to his manager while I was on mute, Josh the Tech Support dude tells me that I must have "gunk" under the keyboard and that I should go buy a "blow thing" to clean it.

Of course, I complained and asked to speak with a manager. I mean, I realize that they may not be able to resolve my problem but THAT'S THE BEST YOU'VE GOT, JOSH? What. Ev. er.

After walking around the house being a total Crab Monster and pouting, Jeff says all blase, like he's asking me to pass him a napkin, "Hey, why don't you just buy a wireless keyboard?"

DUH. What a brilliant idea.

I decided I absolutely could not go back to Best Buy for a second time in the same week. That place drives me nuts. So instead I go to Office Depot where I find a perfectly suitable keyboard and mouse for $30. Problem solved, or so I think....Yep, my laptop's definitely messed up. The new keyboard worked but oddly enough it replicated the same problems I had with the keyboard on the laptop. I decided it wasn't worth repairing.

I know, I've lost you. This is such a boring story. I'll wrap this up by saying that yes, I went out and bought a new laptop and stayed within a budget of $600 {you can really get a lot of laptop for $500-600 these days!}I wasn't exactly happy about it, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. {A sidenote: Why hasn't Apple created an easy solution to transfer your iTunes library on your old computer to your new computer??? I mean, really, Apple? Really?}

So now it's Sunday night and I am scurrying around our house trying to get packed for our house hunting trip up north. We leave EARLY tomorrow....6:30 a.m. out of Fort Lauderdale. This trip is do or die, people. I am crossing my fingers that we find something because there will not be an opportunity for a second house hunting trip.

And on that note, I would like to share with you what just happened: These people we sort of know stopped by to walk our next-door-neighbor's dog while she's gone. Jeff went outside to say hello and then came back in asking if I wouldn't mind doing them a favor by giving them a ROLL OF TOILET PAPER? WHAT THE FUCK? Yes, that was my exact reaction. I mean, who asks for a roll of toilet paper? You can't drive your ass to Publix or Walgreens?

Yes, I am very ready to move.

See ya later this week, my dears!

Author Interview: Michael Tonello, "Bringing Home the Birkin"

{Missy}: Michael, I want to thank you for this amazing opportunity to chat with you about your book, Bringing Home the Birkin. As the undercover Birkin buyer you did a fantastic job of staying below the radar. However, writing the book shares your story in a very public way. How has your life changed in the year since "Bringing Home the Birkin" was published?

{MJT}: The most startling change is waking up to dozens of emails from people around the world whom have read my book and feel as if they know all about me. During my "Birkin days" I'd wake up to lots of emails, but the subject of those emails was always Hermes and/or Birkins; now it's me, Juan, the cats and questions about Barcelona. I do have to say that it's a great excuse to drink Earl Grey and stay in my pajamas...

{Missy}: The women you "met" through eBay became not only your informants but also your best buyers...Grace, Sarah, and Ellen. Do you continue to stay in touch? And since you've abandoned the Birkin chase, who's buying their Birkins these days??

{MJT}: It's funny you should ask this because just a few minutes ago I was on the phone with my Dad and he was asking about Ellen. Dad actually had lunch with Ellen a couple of times in Florida, they live a few miles away from one another. I "speak" (email only, of course) with Grace every couple of days (still have never met her) and she's still very involved with her scarves and scarf group. As for Sarah, since I'm no longer in the biz she and I have drifted apart and gone our separate ways. I have a lunch date next month with a gal from San Francisco who was a scarf client during my Hermes hay-day. She wrote to me out of the blue and is visiting Barcelona with her husband, so we made a plan to have dinner here. I've heard through the grapevine that a lot of my former clients are now buying their Birkins through www.luxury-shops.com when they can't get them from Hermes.

{Missy}: By accidentally discovering an unmet demand for Hermes scarves, handbags and other merchandise, you managed to do something that most of us envy: Working from home all day in your PJs! What advice would you give to someone who may consider eBay selling as a full-time job?

{MJT}: Sell something that you know very well and love. When I first started selling on eBay I think that my auctions were very successful because I was selling my personal property and was able to write about it intelligently. When you go in to a luxury boutique the best salesperson is the one who lives and dies the product they are selling. In other words, if you are a vegetarian don't open a store selling BBQ baby-back ribs.

{Missy}: We both share a love for our cats. Mine are named Cookie and Doughie--not the most sophisticated names but they suit their personalities very well! Can you share pictures of your cats Gala and Dali with us and offer a little commentary about their personalities?

{MJT}: Of course I could write a book on this subject....and the fact of the matter is that I've actually written three (along with my cousin and my illustrator). This autumn I will begin the process of getting them published. I'll keep you in the loop on that. Meanwhile...Gala is five (her birthday was in March) and Dali will be five on Christmas day. Gala is the warrior. She guards the house but also loves visitors. Dali is shy and a bit timid with guests...until he sees that Gala hasn't been drawn and quartered, then he'll venture out and say hello to everyone. They're Bengal's, so they love water. Gala is a spotted Bengal and Dali is marbled. It's not unusual for Gala to go in the shower with Juan in the morning. As I write this they are both lying in the sun, out on the balcony.

Gala

Dali

{Missy}: I'm so excited to hear you're working on a second book! What can you tell us about it? When will it be published?

{MJT}: My 2nd book is also a memoir but with a twist. It has a bit of a, shall we say, political angle to it. I don't want to give away too much, but I can tell you that it will be very funny. In some ways it will be two books in one. It will cover about twenty five years, from my time in Junior High School til shortly prior to moving to Spain. With any amount of luck we'll be seeing the fruits of my labor in the fall of 2010.

{Missy}: Michael, I want to thank you again for taking the time to chat with me today, long distance from your home in Barcelona, Spain. "Bringing Home the Birkin" sits lovingly on my bookshelf and I look forward to reading more about your life and adventures! Cheers!

Wedding Pictures, Part One

After waiting SEVEN months for the hi res images of my wedding in October 2008, I finally received the discs this week from the photographer. What a major pain...I can't count how many times I asked about the discs and each time the photographer had some kind of excuse. To add insult to injury, one of the discs arrived severely scratched. You can only imagine how high my eyes rolled when I saw the scratches. Sure enough, I could only see four pictures on the bad disc, and it's four pictures of SHRIMP COCKTAIL that was served during the cocktail hour. That's nice.

So, this will be a Part One of Two posting. Part Two will hopefully be very soon after I receive the other disc!

I'll tell you a little secret: I bought those shoes for 50% off
at a local Boca Raton bridal shop that went out of business.

This is my bridesmaid Stacy. Friends since the 6th grade.


Here's Stacy taking a picture of me
with the Maid of Honor, my sister Allison

My Mom, holding my train.
I love this picture.


This was my grandmother's brooch.
I wore it on the lace up on the back of my dress.
{She loved to sew.}

My husband Jeff and my very handsome stepson Eric.

That's my sister-in-law Amy with her son Grady.
He literally stole the show at our wedding. He's just adorable!


My Mother-in-Law with the grandkids


Our flower girl and my niece Jessica.


And a parting shot...I do love how Jeff is looking at me here.

I'll Show You Mine Since You Showed Me Yours {All in Good Fun!}

Did you happen to catch Dooce's post recently with a picture of her master bedroom?

I don't "get" the appeal of seeing her bedroom. I realize she occasionally blogs about renovating her house but there's something about seeing a stranger's private retreat that gives me a weird vibe.

Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?

Here's my bedroom:

You could bounce a quarter off that bed!
I can't stop laughing. I crack myself up.

Nightstands by Thomasville
Bed frame by...? I have no idea
Iron scrolls above bed by Pottery Barn
Lamps from Target
Bedding is a combo of Thomas O'Brien from Target & Tommy Hilfiger that I totally scored ON SALE at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Blue fuzzy blankie is Cookies "bed"
Paint is by...? It's a sage green color. Whatever.

By the way, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to poke fun at myself. My husband doesn't understand why I insist on having so many decorative pillows on the bed. It drives him crazy and he reminds me quite often that I'm just like Ben Stiller's character in "Along Came Polly".

The Long Wait is Over!

I got the job!

We're moving!

After being unemployed for seven months, I finally landed a new job! As you might have guessed, I'll be working for the company I most recently interviewed with in Illinois. Although it *only* took about two months, the process was a very loooong one. I interviewed with 15 different people in the company, in all sorts of settings: Over breakfast and lunch, over the phone, in front of a web cam, and two separate in-person interviews that required me traveling, renting a car, driving three hours to the office, and then heading back to Florida the same day as the interview. Whew! I'm getting tired again just thinking about it.

Well, the hard work paid off and they made me a formal offer this week! I have accepted it and we will be packing up and moving north sometime during the month of June. I start my new job on June 29th.

Next week my husband and I will be heading to the area for a house hunting trip. We are both excited about this next phase of our lives and getting a fresh start back in our home state. We will be closer to family and, of course, Wrigley Field. We can't wait to go to a Cubs game this summer!

Leaving Florida will be bittersweet. While I can't say I have truly enjoyed living here, I love our home and I will miss my husband's family. During the nearly four years we've lived in Florida, I've had the chance to grow close with my new mother-in-law and father-in-law. They have been such a source of support since we moved here and it will be hard to leave them behind. Thankfully they completely understand our reasons for moving, and knowing that will make the move much easier. Also, my husband's 13 year old son recently decided he wants to stay in Florida and live with his Mom. Jeff fully respects his son's decision to stay, but I know there will be water works the day he says good-bye. It will not be easy but they have a strong relationship and we expect many visits from my stepson in the future.

I do hope to blog regularly between now and the move and I plan to keep you posted on the latest developments. I might even give you some play-by-play descriptions of our packing, the house hunting trip, etc. I'm sure there will be some good stories to tell!

One thing I do want to mention, as much as it stinks: The boundaries between blogging and having a {new} full-time job are very clear. I do not plan to talk about my job or my employer. Since I'm not an anonymous blogger, I won't have the luxury of telling you about my daily office life. But, by no means does it mean I will stop blogging. I love it too much to give it up.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to All!
Enjoy the three days off!! Woo hoo!

I'm a Guest Blogger Today!

My friend Andi {pictured to the left} is taking time off from work for a mid-year vacation {so jealous!} so she asked me to take over her blogging operations today in her absence. I am so honored she asked and I jumped at the opportunity...a little hint, the post is about one of my favorite topics!

You can read all about it at Misadventures with Andi. Doesn't she have, like, the cutest blog header ever?? I love reading her blog and feel so worldly and cultured after reading about her love for Paris and great books. Plus, she writes some pretty nifty Haiku's!

A little foreshadowing for tomorrow:
I have really good news! I can't wait to share.

Meet My Latest Addiction

Sriracha, Thai-style hot sauce

Chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt
{Really good on eggs and a bunch of other things, too}

First of all, I've never been a hot sauce person. I usually dislike anything with a biting heat because I feel it ruins a dish. I'm sure plenty of hot sauce enthusiasts would argue otherwise, but that's just me.

My husband and stepson on the other hand, LOVE hot sauce. And when I say love, I mean borderline obsessed.

If my husband goes grocery shopping with me, he inevitably ends up in the aisle with the hot sauces. He collects them. I have four bottles of hot sauce in my refrigerator right now -- everything from your basic Tabasco sauce, to Chipotle hot pepper sauce, and even a "Sunshine" Habanero Hot Sauce {Habaneros being one of the spiciest of the hot peppers}.

A couple of months ago, with FOUR hot sauces already in the fridge, my husband yells at me as I'm walking out the door to Whole Foods, "See if you can find a new hot sauce!" I mean, can you believe this? I wasn't about to buy another bottle of sauce given the array of condiments already taking up residence in our refrigerator. At the rate we're going, we could start charging those bottles rent.

Well, without even realizing it, I ended up on the hot sauce aisle as I looked for ketchup. The first thing I noticed was the enormous bottle of Sriracha. I couldn't stop fixating on the size of the bottle, blatantly oversized when compared to the other, rather tiny bottles of sauce on both sides of the shelf. I reluctantly tossed the Sriracha into the cart, realizing our condiment supply was totally out of control. And the funny thing is, that bottle sat in our fridge for a few weeks without anyone giving it a second thought. Then I decided to give it a whirl. First I tried it on eggs. Then on a baked potato. And then over some rice. That's when I realized why the bottle is so big! This stuff is just downright addictive.

Not too long after bringing the Sriracha home I saw Giada on the Food Network {what, you're not on a first-name basis with her yet?} cooking a shrimp dish called "Nonna Luna's Rice" with her Aunt Raffy. {Have I lost you yet?}

Nonna Luna, as it turns out, was Giada's maternal grandmother. Nonna apparently was the first person to show Giada the moon, and so Giada grew up calling her Nonna {grandmother} Luna {Italian for moon}. The day Nonna Luna passed away, Raffy explained in her grief she suddenly found herself in the kitchen making a shrimp and rice dish that her mother would make when she was growing up. It was such a touching story that it made me want to try it.

And so, that's where the Sriracha comes in. This dish calls for a tablespoon of hot sauce. A tablespoon is a lot of hot sauce, so I always start with a teaspoon, taste the sauce, and then add more if needed. As someone who doesn't like hot sauce, this dish is divine. And my husband and stepson can't get enough.

Image from foodnetwork.com

Nonna Luna's Rice
Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis & her Aunt Raffy

• 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, divided, at room temperature
• 2 cups parboiled long-grain rice, such as Uncle Ben's
• 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced {Note: I like to add a little more garlic than this}
  
• 2 pounds small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 cup whipping cream
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium nonstick saucepan, heat 1/2 of the butter over medium-low heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken stock and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat and rest covered for 5 minutes.

In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic. Add the shrimp, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Stir in the cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Using a fork, fluff the rice and arrange on a platter. Spoon the shrimp cream sauce over the rice and serve.

Truly One of My Favorites Books

I think I've mentioned it before, but let me say it again: I'm a fussy reader. A book really needs to grab my attention, otherwise it will sit on my nightstand for months or possibly eternity. Oftentimes I have trouble finishing fiction novels. I never understood why until my husband pointed out that I simply seem to favor non-fiction reading. He was so right.

I'm a little behind the eight-ball because this book was published over a year ago. You may have already heard about it or read it, and might be thinking, "Oh, Missy, that's soo last year." But, better late than never.

I'm in luuuvvve with this book:

"Bringing Home the Birkin" by Michael Tonello

Seriously, all I need to do is look at the cover of the book and I start to drool. The author, quite literally, falls right into a gold mine of buying and selling Hermès Birkin Bags. These bags aren't your ordinary handbags. A "cheap" leather bag might cost you around $7,000 USD. A crocodile bag? Prepare to pay upwards of $30,000. This was some SERIOUS business Mr. Tonello got himself into, and thank God for that. He's got quite a story to tell, and reading it makes you feel like you're along for the ride.

I loved this book so much that I just might read it again. It's too pretty to put on my bookshelf!

~~~~~

While I'm on the subject of great reading, I want to share with you two non-fiction books I read about a year ago. In fact, these are the exact books that brought to light my love for non-fiction:

"Garlic and Sapphires" by Ruth Reichl

Garlic and Sapphires is the true story of a former New York Times food critic during her heydays of reviewing New York City restaurants. It's a juicy read all around, including Ruth's various disguises she used "on the job". Reichl is currently the editor-in-chief of Gourmet Magazine. She's @ruthreichl if you'd like to follow her on Twitter.

Next, there's the amazing story of A.M. Homes, called "The Mistress's Daughter".

About a year ago I was leisurely browsing in Barnes & Noble as my husband searched for a book. I had no intention of buying anything {fairly hard to do in B&N, I must admit} when I happened upon the display of non-fiction books. This little girl's face was staring at me. And the title? I mean, who wouldn't pick up this book to read the inside jacket?

I devoured this book in a matter of two days. I don't know what drew me to the story, it just intrigued me. Without revealing too much other than the obvious, the author, given up for adoption, discovers how she arrived in this world thirty years later when her birth parents come looking for her. This is a good to read when you're feeling blue because it might make you feel better {ie, and you think YOU got problems? LOL}.

I'm always on the hunt for my next great read...please share any great books you've recently read! I'd love to hear about them.

Happy Reading!

It Was a Very Looong Weekend, Indeed

We had no plans this past weekend. Normally, I look forward to a no-plans weekend. I absolutely love doing whatever I want, puttering around the house, and getting caught up on trivial things. This is especially true when I am working because I need time like that to feel more balanced with my life. I'm not one to jam-pack activities on the weekends, rather, I like to recharge my batteries and take it easy. Guess you could say I'm a homebody at heart. I do love being home.

That said, it was quite a contrast this weekend, us having zero plans. I found myself very restless. Being unemployed, my house is rather clean and tidy. The laundry is done. The fridge is fairly stocked. So, what to do with myself?? It was brutally hot here on Saturday, but Sunday the clouds settled in and I decided to seize the moment for a good power walk around my neighborhood. {I am not one of those swing-your-arms-vigorously-back-and-forth-kind-of-walkers...they make me giggle.} As I walked, I realized that life could be changing in a dramatic way, very soon. This job I've been interviewing for over the past two months could take us out-of-state, which would mean so long, Florida. So long sunny days, hot weather, flip flops, and really fresh seafood. And hello to corporate life again, high heels, and...WINTER. {One thing I would not miss about Florida? Hurricane season!! Hate it!}

I will admit that I had a moment of sheer panic a week ago Sunday night. Sitting in my hotel room, the evening before my final interview, I sat there and wondered, "What am I doing? How did I get here?" Have you ever had a moment of clarity like that? It's scary but also refreshing. Scary because of the unknown, and yet refreshing because you're slowly moving outside of your comfort zone and possibly beginning a new chapter in life.

So, after my neighborhood walk on Sunday, I decided to throw on the swimsuit and head out to the pool for a little bit. I sat there realizing how my pool days might be over soon, if not for a new job, but for the beginning of Florida's rainy season {we are expecting to get socked with rain this week}. There was another woman at the pool who told me she's from Washington state visiting a friend before she heads to Miami for a conference. We talked about how wonderful it is to shed all those layers of clothes and finally soak in the sun after a long winter. I certainly remember how that feels. As much as I look forward to moving on, there is a small part of me that will be sad to leave Florida. I am a Leo and us Leos love the sun. I will miss it.

Tomorrow: I just finished an incredible book about...handbags! My favorite topic. Can't wait to tell you about it!

And...We're Back

I've been itching to get back to blogging but the mental toll of interviewing finally caught up with me this week. After flying out-of-town on Sunday and getting back home very late Monday night, I've really needed these past few days to recharge. Plus it doesn't help when you find yourself sidelined with a migraine...which I occasionally get around that time of the month. Sorry, is that TMI?

ANYWAY.

Let's talk.

So, while I don't feel comfortable revealing all the nuts and bolts of my interview and travels, I will tell you that the trip went really well! The one thing I keep coming back to? The people at this particular company REALLY like working there. I noticed it on my first trip, and then again this past week. It's not some kind of act, and I can't tell you how refreshing it is to think that I could be working with a bunch of genuinely nice, happy people.

If you've ever worked for an organization filled crabby workers, you know what I'm talking about. I had a job not too long after I graduated from college where EVERYONE was miserable. I still remember casually chatting with my co-workers in the coffee room one day when this woman said to me, "Why are you always smiling? You're so...happy." And that's when it really hit me: These people hate working here.

Believe it or not, I had one final phone interview today {how many does that make it, like, 20?}. So now I can take a deep breath and relax...but the waiting game now begins. Truthfully, while I have other leads, I really hope this position works out. Do you ever get so close to something that you can taste it? That's how I feel today.

~~~~~

In non-job search related news, I am dying to share a really simple cookie recipe I found on one of the food blogs I follow {but can't remember which one so I can't give it due credit}. I tried it a few weeks ago when my stepson was here and the cookies disappeared in ONE day! Since then I've made a few more batches and they keep getting better and better.

Peanut Butter Cookies

- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the sugar and the peanut butter for a few minutes until the sugar is incorporated {I use my hand mixer}. Add the egg and the baking soda.

Form small balls of the mixture {rolling between hands works well} and place on ungreased cookie sheet. With a fork, gently mark crosshatch indentations on the tops of the cookies.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Makes about 20 cookies.

Amazingly, this recipe doesn't require any flour! And they still taste fantastic.

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday Randomness

After returning from the pool yesterday, I checked the heat index: 92 degrees.

No wonder I burned my feet walking on the concrete around the pool. It was brutal! I couldn't sit still in my lounge chair. I brought a book, a magazine and my iPod and I couldn't bear to read or listen to music.

So I decide to get into the pool. I am a little weird about pools. Ours is very clean and cared for meticulously and still I sort of get creeped out if I see a random bug floating around. I know, I'm weird.

Anyway, so I get in and it's like I'm taking a soak in the DESERT. The pool water was incredibly warm, and therefore, not at all refreshing.

I decide to get back out and torture myself a little longer so I can dry off and attempt to get some rays again.

Not happening. I couldn't take it. Way too hot...at one point I felt like I couldn't breathe it was so hot.

And therein lies the problem...it is impossible to enjoy the hot Florida sun during the late spring and summer (hell, even fall) months because it's just too damn hot.

~~~~~

Today I am heading out for a manicure and an eyebrow wax before I start packing for my trip. The girl who normally does my nails is pregnant and on bed rest, which means I have to go to the B Team at my nail salon. My nail girl is really good and everyone else there is just...eh. Thankfully she told me who to ask for if she was unavailable so today I'm going to see Kelly. Kelly's real name is something like Phuc Nyguen. All these girls are Vietnamese and have Americanized names.

~~~~~

I checked in for tomorrow's flight on Southwest this morning, at exactly 11:55 am {24 hours before my flight} and I'm happy to report I got into the A Group, but my Position is 32! What the heck? How did 31 people get checked in before me? I will never understand how that works.

~~~~~

Usually I am a very calm, anxious-free individual. However, when it comes to traveling--particularly if I am traveling for an interview, in tomorrow's case--I become a nervous wreck. I don't know why I do this to myself. I work myself all into knots and worry about everything. And the thing is, I'm very organized and on top of things, so why do I get so anxious? I will never understand it. I have a recurring nightmare that I am traveling and I get lost. I miss my flight, or I end up taking a wrong exit on the interstate. Talk about paranoid!

I am signing off until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week...my flight back gets in very late on Monday night. This is the final interview and hopefully the end of my job hunting saga. I can't take much more of this, so let's hope this job works out. More news next week!!

Happy Mother's Day Weekend to All!

It's Friday and I'm in Love {With My Pool}

I was scheduled for yet another phone interview this afternoon but to my delight it was canceled! So, that can only mean one thing.

It's time to go to the pool.

Yes, that's a duck in the pool.

I'm flying out on Sunday for my final in-person interview scheduled for Monday. I'll probably be busy getting organized and packed on Saturday so I better enjoy some sun while I can!

Happy Mother's Day weekend to everyone!

Doing Battle with the Boca Housewives

I'm preparing for a second and final (YAY!) in-person interview on Monday. This is really positive news, but, of course, my mind is totally preoccupied with what to wear. Imagine the horror if I wore the same suit again, right?

Suit shopping in hot, steamy Florida is next to impossible. Nobody here wear suits. First of all, lined suits are a big no-no unless you want your thighs to sweat and stick to the lining in your slacks. Instead, what I tend to find are lots of linen/linen blend suits. And nine times out of 10, linen looks too casual and just too Florida looking for a professional interview.

Knowing this, I decided to avoid the mall and instead searched online for a good interview suit. Thankfully I found something really nice at Macys.com -- and, thanks to my sister's boyfriend who told me about a discount code -- I saved $70 with the discount and free shipping. I ended up paying $160 for this Tahari suit:
It arrived yesterday and, as I expected, it was wrinkled beyond belief. So frustrating! I considered taking it to Macy's today to have it steamed but decided to do it myself. I absolutely loathe ironing!! Thankfully the wrinkles came out and it looks great.

But Let's Go Back to Last Week, Shall We?
Last week after I ordered the suit, a bit of panic set in. What if the suit didn't fit? What if I didn't like it? I should have a Plan B, right? Yes, I told myself, you should have a Plan B.

So off to the Boca Town Center mall I went the next day, looking for another suit...just in case.

Bad idea.

First of all, I had no idea Macy's was having their annual Friends and Family event, where you save an additional ridiculous amount of money on top of the discounts already in place. I saw some racks of clothes that were labeled "Buy One Get One Free" and could not believe my eyes. They were practically giving things away.

After I assessed the suit situation at Macy's {as I suspected, they had NADA} I decided to browse the handbags. Remember I said bad idea? OH MY GOSH. Bins, upon bins, upon bins of discounted handbags, including a couple of BOGO bins.

And scurrying among the bins? The Real Housewives of Boca Raton, hunting and pecking for their new handbags.

This was a war zone. See something you like? You better grab it quick. Make eye contact with someone? Expect a dirty look in return. This is not fun and games, people, this is a SPORT. These women mean business. Do not cross them. Do not accidentally knock them on the arm with one of the bags you're carrying. Do not attempt to make conversation. They are in hunting mode. They are busy concentrating. Do not interrupt. And, whatever you do, DO NOT TRY TO TAKE A BAG THAT ANOTHER HOUSEWIFE IS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE FROM THE BIN!

After I figured out what was going on, I quickly got into Defensive Mode and began searching the bins with the Housewives. I had an armful of bags at one point: Dooney & Bourke, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein, Coach, you name it. At one point a Japanese woman asked me if I was going to keep the Dooney bag. She wanted it. I think she would have paid me just to take it off my arm.

In all this madness, I tried to stay focused. What was the purpose? What was I doing? Do I really need another bag? No, I didn't. However, at times like that, you have to seize the moment. If you see something you really like, and it's deeply discounted, you need to make a decision because as us women know, you may not find that bag at the price ever again.

So this is what I ended up purchasing:

Calvin Klein bag, originally retails for $298, purchased for $125.

I love the classic, yet edgy style of this bag. I think this will be a great bag for work {it holds a ton} but also a good bag to wear with jeans. The leather is really soft and the chain straps are actually very comfortable -- and not noisy at all. I hate it when a bag has some kind of hardware that makes it noisy.

As for the price, let's talk about that. First of all, I think I got a pretty good deal considering the quality of the bag. Do I feel good about spending $125 right now? No, not really! The only way I can rationalize it: I could easily spend that much by buying several bags that I may not use more than a few times. I've been there and done that. After cleaning out my closet earlier this year I made a rule that I would stop buying stuff that was too trendy. For instance, remember these beauties?

Yuck. What was I thinking?

I decided to return the shoes to DSW. The check-out guy was like, "Are you sure you don't want to look around? You still have your coupon from this purchase that you can apply to a new purchase." Oh no. "Why, sure, I would love to look around," I said. And then I ended up finding this doosey and went home with it:

I ended up paying $17 for this bag with the discount and my coupon.

See what I'm talking about?

It took me a week to realize that I may use this bag once or twice, and then it would be going to Goodwill. This is exactly what I am trying to avoid. At least with the Calvin Klein I know I'll use it over and over again. And for that reason alone I can somehow rationalize the money I spent.

I am not usually this schizo when it comes to shopping, but something about finding a good interview suit and the possibility of going back to work sets me into panic mode. I feel like I need to be ultra prepared.

And now I will be staying away from the mall for a long, long time.

I'm Reading a Book...About a Cat.

Meet Dewey!
I recently picked up a copy of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron. Let me start out by saying, even if you are not a cat person, you will be drawn in by this story.

Ms. Myron, the Library Director at the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa arrived to the library one very cold winter morning to discover that someone had placed a small kitten in the library return box. You can imagine the horror of seeing such a small animal practically frozen to death, probably spending the entire night in a metal container.

Ms. Myron and her staff worked quickly to warm the cat, bathe him, and bring him back to life. What happened after his frostbitten legs finally healed? The cat became not only a resident of the library for many years, but a friend to all of the library visitors and something of a worldwide sensation to cat lovers around the globe.

They named him Dewey after the Dewey Decimal System but his full name became Dewey Readmore Books {how clever}. And clever he was. He loved people. He greeted all the library visitors every morning. He had his routines. He like to attend the staff meetings. He was a very, very, fussy eater. And he was particularly good with children, who were wild for Dewey. One child in particular had a severe disability and every time she visited the library Dewey would spend time sitting in her lap. He made her squeal with delight -- and no one had ever heard her make a peep before she met Dewey!

The other character in this story is the town of Spencer. Having attended college at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa I immediately noticed Ms. Myron's Iowan pride. She talks with such love for her hometown and the state of Iowa. Here's an excerpt:

"That's another of Spencer's unique and valuable assets: its people. We are good, solid, hardworking midwesterners. We are proud but humble. We don't brag. We believe your worth is measured by the respect of your neighbors, and there is no place we'd rather be than with those neighbors in Spencer, Iowa. We are woven not just into this land, which our families have worked for generations, but to one another. And a bright shining thread, popping up in a hundred places in that tapestry, is Dewey."

Interestingly, there is an update to the Dewey saga, who passed away in late 2006. Ms. Myron is now the proud owner of another cat named, appropriately, Page. You can read the story here in USA Today.

Vicki Myron and Page from usatoday.com

Of course, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to post a few recent pictures of my own cats, Cookie and Doughie. They are the center of our household and full of personality. I love being their Mom!

Cookie playing hide and seek
{of course, I opened the drawer but she still thinks she's hiding from me.}

Doughie inside her favorite toy -- a Whole Foods shopping bag.

Please Do What You Can to Help

I recently read this story on Andi's blog, which links to TangoBaby and this story about Kelaya, a homeless woman with two children and a victim of domestic violence.

Kelaya fears for their lives. She cannot go home. However, she is currently homeless and on the streets in San Francisco because none of the homeless shelters for domestic abuse victims in the city have room for her and her children.

This is outrageous!

This is America, not a third world country. What does this say about our systems put in place for situations like this?? Where does someone turn when they have no where to go? I cannot imagine the agony she is bearing on the streets, facing strangers with her children in tow.

After reading this story, I recalled a situation I ran into a few years ago. I was working in the Loop {downtown Chicago} and on my way back to the train after a long day I, along with hundreds of other business people walking to the train, encountered a homeless woman sitting on the sidewalk pavement with her three children, including an infant. They were dirty and hungry. And like an asshole, I walked right by them because everyone else did. I think about that woman often, especially because I see so many homeless people here in Florida. I wonder what happened to her? What became of her children? Did she get help? Is she back on her feet?

I know there is a stigma out there...we can be wary of homeless people because we just don't know what the story is...why are they homeless? Are they drunks? On drugs? What if I give this homeless man $5.00...will he go buy himself something to eat?

This story of Kelaya is real and we have an opportunity to help. If you feel inclined, please make a donation on TangoBaby's blog {you'll find a link to PayPal in the right sidebar}. Or, blog about how ridiculous this is and share your frustrations with your readers! Even Twittering would help.

Thank you.

The Wait is Over!!

I've read all of Jen Lancaster's books, which says a lot about her as an author because I usually have a hard time finishing books {although I am very good at collecting them}. Today marks the official release of Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase and I could not be more excited. Apparently this book centers around an all 80's theme...right up my alley!

While I'm on the subject, I need to take a moment to thank my blogging friend Andi for her thoughtfulness and generosity...she ordered me a copy of Pretty in Plaid! I mean, hello! How incredibly cool is that? It was such an unexpected and nice surprise. Thanks, Andi, for making my day!

On My Whereabouts

I've been absent from the blogosphere and I know you guys have probably thought "Damn, she really sucks." Or maybe a few of you were genuinely concerned and wondered if I was:

A) Locked in a trunk somewhere and trying to recall what I learned on Dateline NBC for those times when you need to escape a kidnapping;

B) Vacationing in the Bahamas and drinking Pina Coladas because, like I previously mentioned, we live insanely close to da Islands, MON;

C) Possibly the 130th victim to contract the Swine Flu;

D) Nursing my husband's bad back, his toothache, and my completely unpredictable schedule lately given all this interviewing nonsense.

Let me guess, you picked B! Not quite....

No, sadly, the real answer is D.

Out of no where last week my husband started complaining of back pain. Then, in true hypochondriac fashion, he self-diagnosed himself as having Sciatica after reading WebMD and Wikipedia {I will blog about this another time, but Jeff is the kind of person who will deduce that he is suffering from some sort of rare disease after reading one of those AOL top stories meant to scare the shit out of you.} Basically he pulled a muscle in his back, and the pain is so bad that it's radiating around his body and shooting down his left leg. Let's just say I really haven't had a decent night's sleep in over a week. And my house perpetually smells like Icy Hot.

As if that wasn't enough, a few days ago he started to complain about his tooth bothering him. Shit.

Us women know that men are BABIES!! BABIES I TELL YOU. I challenge any man to go about their daily lives WHILE SHEDDING THEIR UTERUS LINING once a month, and then we'll talk.

So it turns out the toothache wasn't a cavity...Jeff had a cracked tooth. Nice. You can imagine the dental bill for that one.

Between all this going on, I've been playing Interview Ping Pong with a potential employer. To their credit, they've been really good about moving swiftly with the interview process. Then recently they couldn't make up their minds about whether to have me fly in again for another interview, or do a phone call? Or...oh wait! How about a WEB CAM interview?! Fantastic idea! Thankfully I had enough time to prepare and I thought the interviews went well...but it sure is weird to interview over the computer. At one point the camera motion stopped and caught me in mid-eye blink with my eyes closed and my mouth open. Not a good look.

Yesterday I found out that the FINAL in-person interview is scheduled for Monday, May 11th! Since the employer is out-of-state, this means I'll be flying out on Sunday, May 1oth -- Mother's Day.

Cue the music: DUN...DUN...DUN...

Do you realize what this means?? I DON'T HAVE TO PREPARE A SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY LUNCH FOR MY MOTHER-IN-LAW THIS YEAR!

This has become a tradition since my husband's Mom lives near us, and my Mom lives in Chicago. I've made a point every year of totally "wowing" my MIL with some kind of elaborate brunch because she's such a fabulous cook and baker. I always feel a little pressure to show off, LOL. One year I made a Quiche with a salad, fruit, and a Coconut Pie. Last year I really outdid myself and made Crabcakes and a Key Lime Pie. This year...well, I guess the pressure is off. I told her I need to take a raincheck. She was totally understanding, of course, but I still feel badly that I won't be able to do the whole schebang.

So that, my dears, is the tale of Where in the Hell Has Missy Been All Week?

Up next: I can't wait to tell you about my recent shopping experiences excursions...I bought a new suit for the upcoming interview and also a new bag, perfect for the office.

Oh! And I've just started reading a really great book...about a cat. Yes, a cat!

More soon!