A Helpful Smile In Every Aisle

There are two reasons why I love grocery shopping at the Hy-Vee on Mills Civic - Carlos and Low-Rise Pants Boy. These boys send me into a tizzy when I see them - heart pounding, hands sweating, and face blushing something fierce.

Carlos - Cesc Fabregas meets Mark Salling:



+



Low-Rise Pant Boy (aka Andrew) - Picture Christian Bale's face on James Franco's body.



+




Who would've known I'd get a 2-for-1 special today?!?

First, I spy Carlos. I was ready to take a detour and go down the aisle he was in to get a closer look...that is until I spotted her - a girl standing way too close to him. I thought about yelling, "Whore!" and chucking my basket full of groceries at her as I tearfully ran out of the store, but I decided to take the high road and give her a good mean glare instead. I'm crushed. I feel like I can't fantasize about a rendezvous with Carlos in the frozen foods section now without feeling a little guilty. Carlos and his half-smirk, pearly-white smile....Carlos with his sexy-can-I faux-hawk. Ugh. Why do bad things happen to good people?

My devastation was quickly put to rest, for a short time anyway, as I was rescued from waiting in the check-out line by Low-Rise Pant Boy. "I can help you over here," he said in a I-totally-want-you kind of way. I was just glad that as I set my basket down, it wasn't a frozen pizza, chips 'n dip, and Ben & Jerry's kind of shopping trip. I had a mixture of good and bad....My Romaine lettuce, balsamic vinaigrette, and applesauce says I'm a healthy eater - good. The 2 liter of Sunkist and 12 pack of Dr. Pepper reveals my addiction to caffeine - bad. Sourdough bread - good, after all it ain't no Wonder Bread. That was quickly negated by the WT purchase of Buddig honey ham - bad. As I watched his quick hands slide my purchases over the scanner, I was certain he was going to whip out a pen and write his phone # down on the receipt ever so discretely, only to be discovered after I left, so you can imagine the shock I felt when I didn't see it as I was unpacking my groceries. I could've sworn when he said, "Have a good day!" he was really saying, "I think you are hot." But alas, I am sitting here numberless.

Oh well, not all is lost. At least a creepy old man in the parking lot looked me up and down, smiled, and told me he liked my boots.

¡Una Margarita de Fresa en las Rocas, Por Favor!

I thought I better do a follow up after being a Negative Nancy this morning....

Although my day started out poorly, I recognize it could have been much worse, and my day ended wonderfully.

I met L, Naomi, and Rod at Los Cabos to celebrate the booking of our upcoming trip to Mexico. Our favorite waiter Carlos + 1 margarita + good food + good company = the perfect end to my day.

¡57 dias!

What Am I Even Doing Here?!?

My morning thus far:
*5:00 - Alarm goes off, I hit the snooze.
*5:10 - 2nd alarm goes off, I hit the snooze.
*Snooze expires, alarm goes off. I hit snooze.
*Snooze expires again, and once again I hit snooze.
*5:30 - I finally get up and stumble into the shower.
*6:30 - I go downstairs to pack my lunch.
*6:35 - I back out of the driveway.
*6:40 - I am between the 22nd St and 73rd St exit and realize I forget a few things of huge importance, including my work badge, I-Pod, and ID/debit card.
*6:41 - As I am exiting the interstate to turn back around to go back home to get those things, I curse myself out for being an idiot.
*6:50 - I run through the mess that is our backyard, almost slip and fall twice in my heels and race up the stairs
*6:51 - As I race around my room like a chicken with its head cut off gathering my things, I explain to L what I was doing back.
*6:52 - I peel out of the driveway and once again, hurriedly drive to work.
*7:10 - I angrily set my stuff down at my desk and turn on my computer.

...*sigh* all this before 7:30. I can tell it's going to be a good day.

At least it's my Friday. 5:30 cannot come soon enough!

Proud Aunt Moment

Well, after a long 19 months, I finally heard Regan say "Coco" in person, as clear as day and it melts my heart every time. After many failed attempts at capturing the moment, I finally got one....not the best video, but at the very end, you can hear her say it.



And a few photos:

Double Lutz Wishes & Triple Salchow Dreams

I love to try and experience new things, and after suggesting the idea of ice skating before the season is over to L, she thought Friday evening would be a good opportunity to do so.

First thing was first, dinner with Naomi and Rod. We've been trying to go through the DM Metromix Top 100 Restaurant list and decided on Mama Lacona's (esp since they are closing for good on Sunday) After a lovely dinner, we headed to Brenton Skating Plaza, where we met up with LW for a little ice skating action.

It was a beautiful night to ice skate - dry and not too cold. The DJ added to the ambiance with some good tunes, including JT/Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Metallica, all while "drinking in" the glory that is the Metro.

I'll admit, I was a little nervous. I had my doubts as to how I'd do on the ice. I kept picturing myself slinking along the side, holding onto the railing the entire time. But, turns out, I didn't do too bad. It's similar to rollerblading, which I loved back in the day. As the evening went on, my confidence level grew and I attempted some choreography. Unfortunately I wasn't able to whip out a triple axle but I did manage to skate on one leg, skate backwards, spin, and rock a few dance moves, including my go-to maraca snap. Although I missed my chance at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, I'm pretty sure I can be ready in time for 2014.

Wishful Thinker?

I was reminded of the great flick, Dumb & Dumber during my commute this morning....

Picture it. I'm driving on 235, tunes blaring, maracas snapping, and heat blasting on this record-setting cold day (Jeriann said it was -7, my car said -4) and as I switch lanes to pass a car, I look ahead of the car I'm about to pass and couldn't believe my eyes....a man riding a motorcycle. For real. Apparently he missed the memo that it's only February 25th, not to mention the fact that we just set a record low temperature. Reminded me of this part of the movie: "...we're there!"

Kickin' Creative Outlet

As I was picking up my room tonight, I looked into my closet and wondered how I am ever going to find a place for the two new pair of Uggs I got. (I know what you're thinking - 2 pair seems gluttonous, but to say I got a killer deal is an understatement...two pair for less than the price of one!)

I couldn't help but get distracted for a brief moment from the conundrum I have found myself to be in and look at what I consider to be some of my art. If you know me, you know I hardly have a creative bone in my body when it comes to the more conventional ideas of art. I cannot draw to save my life, I'm pretty sure my 18-month old niece could paint better than me, and you could mistake the clay Snoopy sculpture I made in junior high to be the Blob.

I believe my creative outlet comes through my style. And shoes are a big part of that creativity. A diverse collection of sneakers, pumps, flats, and boots. Here a few of my favs:

Collectors Item: Hale Bob's Fergie

While looking through a magazine a couple of years ago, highlighting Hale Bob's '08 spring collection, I saw these and fell in love. As luck would have it, a few weeks later while surfing the net, I found them at victoriassecret.com, marked down. A few clicks later and they were mine.

Sneakers: Adidas Sailing White

I blogged about these back in December.

Heels: Steve Madden's Triumph

A chic nod to the 80's. I rocked these in Vegas for the No Doubt concert and received many compliments, including some from ballroom dancers we sat next to at a club after the show.

Flats: American Eagle's Ava

These shoes are so comfortable - they feel more like slippers than shoes, yet they still maintain a geek chic look. And the fact that I paid $10 for them at Payless makes it even better! (Mine are red)

Pumps: Naughty Monkey's Hide 'n Seek

These are a favorite because of how different these are. There's so much going on from the wooden heel (which normally I'm not a huge fan of, but it works here) to the netting, to all the bright colors. Comments I've received on these pumps range from, "Those are the most fabulous shoes I've ever seen" to "those are 'f' me shoes." (that comment coming from a bartender in Greece)

Boots: Uggs - Classic Cardy/Classic Short

Of course I have to give my new Uggs props, mainly because of the stellar price. (And how great they'll look with my denim mini :) ) Although I haven't worn them yet (need to treat them first) I know I'll love them and get plenty of use out of them.

Booties: Not Rated's Yankee Doodle

My first and only pair of booties. Super cute when paired with a sweater dress, but versatile enough to wear with jeans.