Planning...

Trying to be organized is a really hard thing for a procrastinator like myself.

It's overwhelming.

Trying to plan is just too much to handle.

I'm hoping that I can start this new year off right by using my little envelope system. It's not much, but it helps out towards the end of the year when I really need to find some extra cash. Around the beginning of the Christmas season the restaurant business is just not booming like one would think. People start cutting back on dining out because they're buying things for the ones they love instead. So when i'm out buying presents, i'm usually strapped for cash. It sucks. I want to be giving, but because i'm such a poor planner, I usually end up putting things off until I actually have the cash or I'll put it on my credit card (fully knowing that I'll be able to pay it off when the restaurant picks up again). I never put anything on my credit card that I can't pay off when the bill comes. That's one of my quirks. I'm terrified of credit cards. I hate them. They're a necessary evil for emergencies, but I only have one. Thankfully I have perfect credit because of my little quirks, so I have a great rate. At the age of 25 I had a 725 credit score; now my score is 800. Not too shabby if I must say so.

This is my little system that i'm enacting again. I got away from it for awhile because alas, i'm a poor planner and I like nice things and instant gratification. But my idea is that each week I put $10 away in each envelope. So thirty dollars a week goes into some sort of savings for myself. There's no point for me to put any of this money into a savings account because let's face it, the one cent of interest I'd make is really kind of pointless, I'd just be taking the money out by the end of the year anyway. 

I like the idea. On the back of each envelope I put the date so it'll keep me honest. I'm really hoping I can stick with it this year. I'm hoping that I can have a little extra at the end of the year. My plan is that anything that's left over I'll put towards my IRA contribution for the year. 

So here's to starting the year off right and having no debt to my name. It is a great feeling!

Leaving On a Jetplane...

I need a getaway. I'm one of those people who tends to get incredibly restless after being in stuck in the same routine for too long. I also live in the northeast and it's not a secret how much I dislike the winter. I'd love to stay in the three seasons instead of the four; it's not all it's cracked up to be.

People tend to hate on me for taking vacations, but without a conventional job and without traditional babies to take care of, it's a tad easier for me to getaway than it is for most. As long as my shifts are covered, my boss approves, and I've got the funds, I start feeling the itch to run away for a bit. 

Unfortunately, I need to save money, so there's not exactly the extra funds for vacation time. The bad thing about not having a conventional job is that I don't get paid to take off. That, is one thing I'm jealous of from those nine to fivers. So, on top of having to save up money for vacation, we have to make sure the bills are covered too because I'm not making any money either during the away time. See haters, it's really not that easy!

I'd love to visit with one of my bests in California, but with an upcoming wedding I'm in and with trying to get some studio time, it's looking like I might not be able to get out there before her hubby and her move back East—possibly back East. I'd be really sad if I miss this opportunity to see her, so I'm going to try my hardest to be as frugal as possible so I can. It's been months since I've bought a dress or boots! Be impressed people.

It's looking like my next big trip will be to my favorite place—Nashville. I mean there's Hawaii and there's Aruba, but when I go to Nashville I feel like I'm home, not on vacation. I tend to go to places I love over and over again. Just like some people are with their favorite movies that they can watch over and over again without being bored. When I'm in Nashville I feel like I have the world I love at my fingertips. Everything I love surrounds me there. I can't wait to go again in June. I can't wait to enjoy the music, feel the freedom, and not have a worry in the world.

When I'm here, when I'm in our little house in New York, I can't help but feel like there's so much more I need to experience. I feel a need to just get away from life, from responsibilities, from work—basically from it all. Vacation gives me a sense of sanity in an insane world. I always get a tad jealous when people go away, but I always know that there's nothing like it in the world. There's nothing like experiencing a different life, even if it's only for 6days/7nights.

Back...

So, we're back from our tropical getaway, but both are feeling a little bit under the weather.  I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things soon.  Isn't that how it always happens?  You go on vacation and then end up needing a vacation from vacation.  I'm really hoping that while we're on the mend we hit the mega millions jackpot.  A dollar and a dream right?  One could only dream that vacation could just be what daily life is like.  Sigh.  While I'm sleeping, with the help of some NyQuil, I'll be thinking of beaches and drinks with umbrellas...

Who Needs Bar Hopping...

Today was a fabulous day in Florida.  Not exactly the best day when it came to weather (I have the best of luck when it comes to bringing crappy weather with me to Florida, not for bringing the good weather back to New York), but the crappy weather actually worked in our favor; crappy weather equals slow days at theme parks.  

We woke up extra early (before 7:30 in the a.m. I tell ya!) but didn't get a chance to really make our way down to Orlando till about 9:30—from us fatties needing breakfast, to getting stuck in traffic, it just wasn't our day for an early wake up call.  Thankfully my brother's friend drove down, so I passed out for at least a half hour and then my brother did too; I'm really not a good passenger, the second I have to opportunity to fall asleep, I take it—I hate long drives and my back just isn't getting any better.  

My brother got us Disney hopper passes, which is the best invention ever!  I can't begin to tell you how awesome it was to step into Animal Kingdom, hop on a ride, and move on to the next park and with the weird weather (it was overcast, but sticky humid, then chilly, then humid, then just plain old cold) it was nice to be able to jump back into the car and either put on a sweater or lose it completely.

  

I don't know what it is about Disney parks that's so different from all the other parks out there... it just always makes me feel like a kid the second I step through the gates.  It just never fails to amaze me.  I've never been to Disney at Christmas time and I have to say, it was absolutely beautiful and it changed the whole park experience for me.  I felt just like a kid—even if at some points I might have felt like the cranky, whiney, tired kid.  

We hit Epcot and had a few drinks from around the world and then hit the new ride that's in the globe (at least it's new to me and it was pretty cool to see your photos from the future). 

Then we were off to the Magic Kingdom; which after a couple of drinks from around the world on an empty stomach I kept calling the United Kingdom (I was so confused on why my brother kept saying it back to me and laughing—it took me awhile to catch on).  

We hit Thunder Mountain...

Ate some lunch (did you know Disney weeded out McDonalds' and is now going for healthier fare in their parks?  Couscous is on the menu!) But not everything is healthy...

We tried to hit Pirates of the Caribbean, but unfortunately it was down due to technical difficulties.  It didn't matter, I was on a mission to find stuff for my bestie's little peanut that's growing in her belly in FantasyLand.  I'm pretty excited about the upcoming addition of Bell's and Ariel's castles come this time next year—I guess I have another excuse for a December vacation...

We were the most excited about heading to Disney's Hollywood Studios, so it was the last stop on our hopper pass (so sad to see MGM studio name gone).  

We needed to see the Osborne Family Light Show (no, not that Osbourne Family) and it was absolutely amazing!  I'm so glad my brother had the idea to go!

These lights take months to put up and then months to take down.  Set to music, the spectacle is a sight to see!  And I have to say, being with my brother and seeing snow fall around us with the Christmas lights and music, did make me a tad teary eyed—SHHH!

But they both made up for the moment I was having by taking me on the Tower of Terror; let me just say, I am NOT a fan of heights and this ride terrifies me!!!!  But my brother got me on by reminding me that years and years ago, my Grandma went on it with us... kudos to her, I wish I could find that picture!

This is Us Being Silly...

This is No Joke—That's Pure Fear on My Face!

Then they tricked me onto the Aerosmith Ride... I didn't realize it was a roller coaster with flips and spins, thankfully it's in the dark; I'm still not sure why the shoulder bar wasn't a dead giveaway for me!

I think the park hopper pass is the best idea ever; I really never realized how close each of the parks are to each other until going like we did today.  It was an amazing experience and I really did feel like a kid; which is a really nice feeling.  To just let go and have fun and be silly is kind of a relief!  But after a long day and a long drive back filled with dance songs, Christmas music, and glee soundtracks, I'm glad to be in bed.  I can't wait to sleep in!

Look at Us, All "Growed" Up...

So I realized one thing from being at a party with my brother—he is a social butterfly, which trust me, I never thought I'd say!  Normally, I'm really good with not hanging on the wall, but I just wasn't in my element, but my brother, it was so nice to see him be outgoing and with his friends.  It's funny how people are so different when they just feel like they're at home.

I did take the opportunity to dress up in holiday attire.  I'm pretty sure i've never worn a red dress and I know I've never worn a red dress like this!  

Like I said, I planned on letting loose.  But a few Malibu, Cranberry, and Ginger Ales just weren't enough to let me out of my shell and I think I was a tad too tired from my early morning flight to really feel like letting go.  But the house looked gorgeous, the liquor was flowing, and the fireplace was keeping everyone warm.

It's been a while since I had as many belly laughs as I did at this party.  Thanks for making sure I flew down just in time brother—the memories will last a lifetime!  And if one of us ever has kids, you know how you tell the story about Mom pulling me out of a restaurant when I was eight by my hair for being a brat, well, I'll always tell the story of your party.  I love it and I love you!  Thanks for the invite!

The morning after included brunch at a cute place in walking distance from his house.  I'm just not use to this morning after a party etiquette; brunch was definitely needed even though I didn't drink too much, I'm pretty sure my brother had a really good time—I don't think I've ever seen him with a hat on (I guess I'm learning a whole new grown up side to him—strange!)  

He's the best though, he even took me shopping at a antique shop where I bought plenty of vintage clip ons and some for pierced ears; he was pretty patient with me too because I just couldn't stop myself from the earring cases. I'm pretty in love with all of them, I can't wait to wear them.

Now we're watching Home Alone 2 and tomorrow we're off to Disney to see the Christmas lights.  I've never been to Disney during Christmas, but I hear it's a sight to see.  I can't wait! I love not having a care in the world.  Thank God for FaceTime, it's keeping me from missing my other half too much!  Now, I can have fun without going too crazy.  Although, I'm pretty sure I FaceTimed him three times during the party—Oh well, I'm trying.

I Am Missing this Little One too—She Doesn't Recognize Me Through FaceTime

A Much Needed Vacation...

Or at least I keep telling myself that every December.  Around October I get this grandiose idea that I need to get away from my hometown for just a little bit.  So I book a mini-vaca to see my best girlfriend last year and found myself bawling at the airport as I left my hubby when entering the security line.  This year I really needed to see my brother.  It's been way too long and he has the perfect excuse for needing to see him—a holiday bash!  This time, with the hubby working doubles on Saturdays, I had to drive myself down to JFK—let me just say, even on a Saturday, city drivers are crazy!  I'm just not a fan; I was pretty sure my death was inevitable at 6 a.m. this morning.  But I made it to the airport, and to my gate just in time to board and make my phone call to the hubby and to my mom.  

Do you do that?  Do you worry that the next flight could be your last?  Because I do that ALL the time.  I'm so scared of flying that every time I board a plane, I pretty much say my final goodbyes and a few prayers for the safety of us to my loved ones that have passed on and to God.  Maybe I'm the only looney that does that... please assure me that I'm not.  

So anyway,  the guy next to me was nice, even though he smelled like pure alcohol, and luckily we didn't have anyone in the middle seat between us—a win win in my book! I think I even slipped in a little bit of a nap, even though my back was in excruciating pain (I hurt it last week and just can't seem to mend it- not the chiropractor, not ice, not heat, not pain meds... Oh, well, I guess I just can't sit, stand, or walk too long!).

Now, I'm a small town girl, so I usually don't go to holiday parties; the only holiday party I barely attend every year is my work Christmas party.  It's pretty much a gorge of food and alcohol and I'm not much for participating in either.  I don't think that this year will differ much, it's just not my thing, but we shall see.

I'm beyond jealous of my brother's home that he shares with a few roommates.  It was built in 2005 in the craftsman style and it's absolutely gorgeous.  I feel like I'm living like a pauper, even though we have a beautiful home; a house like this in New York would definitely be beyond our means.  

So I'm going to get myself pepped up and pretty for this Naughty or Nice Holiday Bash.  I'm really looking forward to it.  These next four days with my brother will probably top any social happenings that I'll ever have back home this year.  We're such homebodies.  I love it.  But every once in awhile, it's nice to have a little change of pace.