Brain Fry

School/work/my future is frying my brain right now so you'll have to excuse my lack of creative writing. I have one class this semester that will most definitely prove to be my most intense and hardest class during my college career. I am not caught up in that class and I have a test in 2 days. Not to mention I also have a test right before that and one the next day.

I worked on updating my resume this weekend and that was quite an ordeal. My mom is a great help and I'm actually kind of pleased with it so far. I sound super smart and qualified. The stress of having to find a 'real' job in May is freaking me out. Come on Obama...fix this place before May...PUHLEASEEE!

I keep having dreams about Dru and it is pissing me off. He is physically and emotionally out of my life but he keeps sneaking in at night...WTF?! Can't I just get rid of him already? It is so frustrating.

Oh and I'm trying to pay down my bills so I am currently not shopping. That always adds to my stress level. But enough of my stresses. I am happy to be alive and healthy so I can't ask for too much more I guess. I will try to post some more creative things sometime this week but it's going to be incredibly busy so don't get your hopes up...but I do have a great recipe coming up tomorrow since I missed last Friday.

Have a good week y'all!

The Bad Economy Affects Sarah Elizabeth...

I'll be graduating in May.

That's pretty much all that needs to be said. Ok, fine...I'll elaborate. There are no loans to be had to continue school and pretty much no one is hiring. These are the only two paths I see for myself come May. That or moving back in with my parents.

NOOOOO!!!!!

I have been lucky enough to be on my own with a LOT of help from my parents since I became a college student. But May is the cut-off. We haven't discussed specifics yet, but my parents have notified me that they will no longer pay my rent and utilities among other things once I graduate. The shitty economy couldn't have come at a worse time.

I was very fortunate as a child (well I still am) and always assumed when I graduated I would be able to live the same way. WRONG. I have credit card debt that I can't get my dad to help me with and an impending date by which I have to make a life decision. Ok, I realize I am being dramatic there, but I just can't fathom living with my parents again. I'm a total daddy's girl and love spending time with him. But my mom on the other hand is pretty much intolerable. She is a wonderful woman and has taught me so many things, but our personalities tend to clash and the more time we spend together the more she gets on my nerves. I honestly do love and appreciate her for everything she has done for me, but it just isn't as easy as it is with my dad. I envy girls who are best friends with their mom, but oh well.

The economy also sucks for me right now because of said credit card debt. I have a job, but it pays a measly $10/hour and I'm only working 12 hours/week due to school. How am I supposed to pay off the credit card debt I have dug myself into with this tiny pay check? Well I get it. Everyone is screaming....JUST STOP SPENDING. I guess that is where I run into a problem. I love to look good...this means taking care of my skin, body and fashion. How am I supposed to do that on a budget!? Ugh. Blah. Boo. Frick.

Will someone please tell the economy to check itself? Because it isn't listening to me.

I want I want I want

...what I can't have.

There must be something in the air, because I have heard of this home store mecca by the name of West Elm in multiple blogs today. I browsed their website and IM IN LOVE. There isn't such a store within 3 hours of where I live, so I was unaware of the awesome-ness. It would be completely fine with me if someone wanted to buy me one of everything from this store. Hardly ever do I find myself actually saying that. Maybe it is because the lack of money in my bank account right now, but I have been wanting things more often these days. For example, I want one of everything from Anthropologie , too.

The burning desire to decorate my apartment has increased over the past few weeks because I know eventually (hopefully) Dru is going to come visit. Since we moved into our apartment in May, roomie and I have decorated to some extent. Both being college students, it is hard to make the place look exactly how we envisioned it. Our living room and dining room furniture are hand-me-downs from my parents and cousin. It is tasteful, lightly used, furniture and I am more than grateful to have it, but these pieces aren't exactly what I would have picked out if I had enough money to decorate myself.

Next, my bedroom. As I have mentioned, I built a headboard for my bed. It is beautiful and I am really proud of it. It is the center piece of my room. But that's about it. There are some great curtains in my room and two new pieces (nightstand and dresser) of furniture also in my room, but nothing else.* I have some great ideas to adorn my bare walls, but no funding for such a project. It is really frustrating because I want my room to be great and express my creativity, but I guess I'll just have to go at it one accent at a time.

So in an effort to squelch these unrealistic desires, I'll post some of my absolute favorites here and pretend they are mine. If they are on my blog then they are really mine, right?

The next 4 pictures are courtesy of West Elm:

This mirror would replace the 80's style, small, stand-up mirror I currently have displayed (only out of necessity).

The darker shade would go great in our living room with our dark furniture.

Although I have bought 2 pieces of furniture for my room already, I'm almost positive this frame would match. I hate bed skirts, and this would rid me of them forever.

The middle shower curtain is ideal for my bathroom. Classy and simple. The metallic gray on the top and bottom bands would complement the panels on my bedroom window perfectly!

A few a lot from Anthropologie:

2 things:

-I want the polka-dot dress for New Years.

-Can you tell I have somewhat of a jacket fetish!?

Oh wait! I almost forgot...one of the main things I want up in my room is my monogram or initials in some form. They have this great peel-and-stick monogram at Pottery Barn but it doesn't come in black yet, so it won't fit with my room. But I was also thinking of getting these metal initials from Urban Outfitters, spray painting them a rustic silver and putting them up on ledges in my room.

Well, that's my housewares/fashion rant for the day. If only I could have a million dollars...or just $100,000. What great things are you yearning for these days?

*I promise to put up pictures of my real room soon!

Updates and Oddities

I don't know if oddities is a word, but I like it and will start a petition to have it added to the dictionary if y'all feel the same.

Updates: Things with Dru are going great. I got over my obsession with having a title, and never said anything. Which now I am thankful for. I had a pretty good weekend, went to a football game and out with friends.

Dru had a work function down in Destin, FL. His boss takes the whole company once a year and pays for everything. Dru said the first night he was out with one of the senior managers and about 20 other people. After 4 hours of drinking their tab was...$6500!! Woah. Dru thinks the guy who owns the company (and pays for it) probably spent close to 3 million dollars.

I can't even fathom that.

Also, I talked to him Sunday. I am going back down to visit next weekend. My school has fall break so I don't have to go to class Thursday or Friday. Thursday is my mom's birthday so we are going to drive down to Atlanta. She has to do a little bit of work, but we are going shopping and out to eat. Dru is coming to pick me up Friday night (and go out to eat with my mom and I) then we are driving back to Birmingham. He mentioned on the phone that we could go SKYDIVING on Saturday!

I almost fell out of my chair. The one thing I have ever wanted to do is skydive. Always. I can't remember ever telling him this, so I guess it was just a coincidence. I don't think this guy could be more perfect!

It turns out he bought the vouchers for his dad and him to go for his dad's birthday one year. His mom checked the life insurance policy and noticed that if his dad died skydiving they wouldn't be able to collect life insurance. So...his dad never wound up going and Dru has these two vouchers that he has been meaning to use!

I didn't get to talk to him last night, but as of Sunday he was going to check into it and make sure everything was still a go! I really hope we follow through with this and actually do it! I can't wait to see him either. I wish I wouldn't let myself get so absorbed, but hey what's the worst that could happen?

In other news, this was the weekend that Ed was in town. I didn't see him once. I never even talked to him before he came. I noticed on Facebook that he had told a mutual friend he was staying with Gary. And this is without having talked to me about it at all! Which is nice, because we didn't have to have the awkward conversation and I guess he just kind of got the hint.

He came to town, they went out, I never saw him and then I get a text from him late last night that was kind of offensive. This morning he texts and (jokingly) says 'Glad I got to see you'. So I asked him about the offensive text from last night and he claims he doesn't remember because he was drunk. I refreshed his memory, and asked him a question about it to which he replied, "Jesus Sarah, it was funny at the time. F*cking chill."

WOAH.

I don't allow people to speak to me like that. I think it is completely disrespectful and tacky for a boy to cuss at a girl. So, I didn't respond, and I'm not planning on it. I don't know what the problem was, but I'm going to rid myself of any communication with him. I just don't see why I need him in my life right now. Dru is great and I just want to focus on the good things. I'm almost 100% certain that Dru would never speak to me like that.

But it did kind of motivate me. I think I'm going to start working out again. Why this motivated me? I have no idea. But I'm kind of glad it happened.

OK now that my love-life update is out of the way I thought I would share this with you in light of the Freaky Friday trend I miserably failed at.

I read this blog Dlisted, which is ABSOLUTELY hilarious. It is celebrity gossip by a fabulously opinionated gay man. If you shy away from bad language and crude topics, you may not enjoy this particular blog. However, I love all things racy and straight-forward. Anyways, he did a post today, It's Not Even Halloween Yet!, that reminded me of the Freaky Friday stuff. I hope you all read this post, laugh, then go check out the rest of his blog. It will keep you entertained for hours - I swear.

I Went Shoppinggggg!!!!

I am so pleased with myself! I went shopping this weekend, but didn't spend too much! I just want to scream! OK here is the loot (and savings):

Theory Print Sleeveless Dress

Originally: $295

What I Paid: $175

Savings: $120

Off-The-Shoulder Top from The Limited

Originally: $29.95

What I paid: $4.80

Savings: $25.15

(Sorry I couldn't find a picture)

Skinny Hinged Enamel Bangle from Banana Republic

Originally: $24 each

What I paid: $9.98

Savings: $38.02

Grand Total: $189.78

Total Amount Saved: $183.17

Not too shabby! I always feel good when I save just as much (or more) than I spend!

I am headed back to the mall today to get a few more things for my trip...basic staples that I just need in my closet. I leave in 2 days!!!

Oh, and just a little update on my running - I'm up to 3 miles now! Go me!

Oh, and YAY MICHAEL PHELPS-3 golds! Go USA! (If anyone knows him/has his phone number, you can give it to me. Thanks)

Dilemma's #3 & 4

Well I know one thing is for sure, I can always post my problems and ask for advice!

Dilemma #3:
I want/kinda need a new car. I currently drive a SUV and it is getting old. I want a new car really bad, specifically a Lexus IS 250. I am in no shape to take on a payment without getting a loan. Here are some of my thoughts...

-I have heard it is easier to get a loan while a student (maybe easy isn't really the right word, but I'm referring to the interest rates...they are lower for students?)
-The Lexus dealership in my city offers a special leasing program for students about to graduate and those who have recently graduated (I don't know the specifics of this program though)
-I am pretty sure if I were to lease said car I would be able to keep it under the mileage limit
-My car is occasionally doing some funky stuff that my dad believes to be transmission issues

So, my question to you is - Do you think I should sell the car before it completely dies and buy/lease a new one? Also, does anyone have any opinions about leasing. I have never experienced it first hand (my parent's have always bought cars) so I don't really know the pros and cons (except the mileage thing).

Alsooo...I heard on GMA this morning then read an article in The Consumerist about trading in an SUV for less of a gas-guzzler might not be the best decision. The article lead me to this website in which you put in the car you want and the car you have and it basically tells you how long it will take to break even (saving gas) if you purchased the car. I think for me it said a ridiculous amount of time like 19 years!

Dilemma #4:
I know I told y'all that I was going back to LA, but I don't think I told you the story behind my return visit:

My friend Al (who is like my BFF-dude) just turned 21. His family took him on a series of vacays for his birthday. They started out in Disney World, then went on a cruise to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Next he flew up to Chicago to visit friends that he met while studying abroad, headed down to Indiana (where he currently is now). Next Al will go to Las Vegas with the family then over to Colorado to visit more friends from study abroad. His last stop is lovely Los Angeles.

And this, my friends, is why I am going back (and because of Ed, the partying and I just love the city).

Ed and his roommate Pat will both be working the whole time so I took it upon myself to be Al's tour guide around the city. I have planned the whole trip out, itinerary and all. The last full day we have in the city we will be attempting to attend a taping of The Price is Right.

The first two times I went to LA I tried to get on the show. Both times arriving just a tad bit too late. This time, however, I will not be making that mistake. I really really really want to go to the taping (even though Bob Barker won't be there). There are three things I know about going to the show:

-show up early
-bring your ss card
-be entertaining in line

I know there is a slim chance of anyone actually relating to this dilemma, but if you or anyone you know has ever attended a show/knows anything about attending the show - I would love some insider tips!

TDK & Mission Update

I'll start with The Dark Knight:

THE BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!

I can not put into words how much I love this movie. I saw it at a normal movie theater but I totally want to try to make one of the IMAX showings this week. But the time that I would like to go is sold out all week!

On to the mission update:

I am not good at motivating myself. I didn't get up and run this morning before work for two reasons:

1. It is supposed to be one of the hottest days of the summer today
2. A friend stayed over last night and since I felt like I had to entertain this person, I didn't get to sleep as early as I had hoped

Also, I might actually go back to LA. I mean plane tickets are $250! How can I pass that up? I just need to run it past my boss today...

But I did get up, shower, eat breakfast and pack a lunch. So I am proud of that. And I am going to watch my spending for the next few weeks - like strict.

On A Mission

I am going to be shallow really quick...when I think I look better than most people in the room, it makes me feel good.

There.

I said it.

I know you feel this way too.

So, I am on a mission and let me tell you why:

Remember the story I posted yesterday about Ex's? Well I found out for sure that Gary (the ex) is more than just friendly with the girl. Ouch.

I went through a semi-depressed/pissed phase last night where I proclaimed to Jan (my bff and roommate) that I hated life here and was determined to "get the hell out of this M.F.ing place!"

What is really fueling this mission? I hate the fact that Gary and girl being together bothers me. I thought I was over him!? Whatttt.

To focus my efforts elsewhere, and ultimately avoid my feelings until they are gone, I am proclaiming this mission (starting Monday):

• I will wake up every morning before work to run, shower and eat breakfast.
• I will pack a lunch everyday to save money.
• I will use old bank statements to work out a real budget.
• I will stick to said budget.
• I will go to the gym after work for arm/leg training.
• I will not call in sick (unless I really am) or go back to California in a couple of weeks (this one really hurts because my best guy friend is going out there and I totes wanna go).

I am stopping here in my mission statement because I want to be realistic. There are plenty other aspects of my life I could improve but once I get the hang of the above activities I can focus on other things.

I realize that I have said that I want to change my life before (here and kinda here), but I think the motivation I get from this Gary and girl situation is finally enough to make me determined.

Wish me luck! I will post updates for sure on Monday.

Apologies

I want to apologize for the lack of style posting, if anyone has noticed it is missing. Due to my trip to California, I am on somewhat of a tight budget.

To tell you the truth, I really have no budget. But I just worked it out in excel for the first time to see what kind of money I should have. I am frustrated because I don't have as much money in the bank as my numbers are telling me.

I need to get this in order pronto. No more procrastinating.

Back to fashion, I will write more about it when I can finally allow myself a trip to the mall. :(

New Quest

Like the new look? I think it is a little more classy and grown-up. And it suits my new quest. I need to start acting my age. I know 21 isn't the oldest, but I have realized I'm not exactly the carefree kid I used to be. One inspiration being a personal finance blog: wellheeled. This blogger is 23 going on 24 and already has a great amount of money saved for retirement. I have none, zilch, zip, zero. I need to get on this saving thing immediately.

If not yesterday.

Of course I have had a finance class, but during that class I was the student who got the A's from having last semester's test and a bunch of friends to tell me how to study. I memorized but did not learn. I regret it. There is a reason your GPA doesn't matter when you leave college - because, as in my case, it is just a matter of picking the right teacher and knowing kids who have already taken the course.

Thankfully, I have learned this lesson with one year of college left (although I do wish I had learned it earlier). I vow here and now to actually learn and not memorize (a hard habit to break, I admit). So, in my quest to become a bigger and better person I am going to the bookstore today (read:as soon as I get some responses) to find books on personal finance. I need to start with the basics y'all - really basic. For example, I don't really know what a Roth IRA is, or a Freedom Fund. I think I have a 401K through my employer, but I don't really understand what it is or how it will help-EMBARASSING!!!

It is your job, readers (are there any out there?), to help me find a suitable book(s). Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Two requirements of suggested books:

1. FOR BEGINNERS - Dummies...but NOT those books called "Finance for Dummies" or any of that garbage
2. About personal finance

I have a spending problem.

It is getting serious. Up until last month all of the credit cards I have for shopping have been sent to my parents' house. My dad would generously pay them off as they came in. Until now. For some odd reason I finally put my foot down and had the address for all of my cards changed to my address (I must have been drunk).

Crazy right?

Although I feel better about not being such a burden on my parents (still), I totally regret the decision. See, with my dad paying them off I had no idea how much I was spending. And since he didn't say anything I figured it was a reasonable amount.

WRONG.

So I am reading Confessions of A Shopaholic and totally relate to the main character. She writes about becoming nervous before opening a VISA bill. And of how she justifies everything she buys. I, like the character, have a problem with "Buy One Get One Free" or "Triple Bonus Points Day" or "Spend $150 get 15% Off". Each time I see a promotion similar to the aforementioned, I automatically justify it by saying to myself, "Well the reward will be worth the price."

This habit must stop for the next couple of weeks. I am going to LA to visit some friends in the beginning of July and must have money for going out/shopping/eating at great restaurants. Here and now I am vowing to stop purchasing "wants" and only "needs" until my LA trip. (After I get the Betsy Johnson yellow polka dot heels that are 50% off at Belk's...where I happen to have $60 in gift certificates. That's OK - right?)