I have truly been slacking on posts! Work has gotten quite busy, although I love that part about it. I enjoy everyone that I work with, and everything that I do which makes things even better.

Unfortunately I have become such a boring person as a result of working. I get up around 6, go for a quick run, come home and shower and get ready, work the 8-5 grind, come home and make dinner and then generally relax until going to bed (early). I think part of the reason I was so wiped out was that it was unseasonably hot here for about two weeks. Everyone was completely miserable. I would spend two hours grocery shopping just to be in air conditioning! We are all very glad that things have cooled down.

I got the sweetest compliment at work today though. Two of the women in the office remarked on how much they loved my clothing and style, and how cute and put together I always look. This comment was aimed at someone whose wardrobe mostly consists of jeans and workout gear- so I was quite flattered. I've realized that I LOVE dresses. They are so cute and comfortable (most of them) and the perfect option for work. Effortless and cute (especially in the weather that we'd been having) are two keys for my style. I don't really know why I wasn't more of a dress person sooner!

It's the weekend!

I am so happy that it is finally the weekend. I tell you; I didn't realize how exhausting this week would be. Perphaps it was because this was my first week on the job and I was nervous as well as working hard every day that I am so wiped out. A few friends of mine went to see Julia and Julie (Julie and Julia?) tonight at the local theater, but I declined for fear that I would fall asleep in my comfy chair. It looks cute, and I do eventually want to see it-tonight was just not the night. Instead, I'm curled up on my couch with the seventh Harry Potter and a huge mug of tea next to me. If I feel inspired, I might bake something later tonight. Frankly, I'm doubting I'll feel inspired so that will have to wait.

After 40 hours with my new employer, I think I am really going to enjoy my work. I think that there will be difficult and stressful times, and it might take a while for me to really get into a groove in the office, but I truly enjoy the work of it and everyone in the office is extremely kind and friendly. I just have to realize that these things take time and that there is nothing wrong with an adjustment period.

My only minor issue is that I'm still unsure what exactly follows their dress code. It's a small office and fairly casual, unless you are meeting with donors-and then it is very professional. Luckily most of my work is not with donors. Sundresses, cardigans and flats seem to be 'the thing' for late summer. I'm thinking that skirts and tights with either flats or boots will work well for fall and very early winter. I absolutely love this look, so I'm hoping it flies.

In addition to baking, I need to do a LOT of cleaning this weekend. Things piled up so much during the week. I really don't want to get into this habit. I much prefer to have a rather clean place and tidy up a bit each day to having a place that gets progressively messier and needs a massive overhaul on the weekend. Other than house chores, I am planning on working in my plot in the community garden tomorrow morning (weeding for the first time in forever) and then golfing with some friends in the afternoon (when it's much cheaper and less crowded- one of my good friends is particularly bad, but of course we don't tell her) and a cocktail party tomorrow night. That one might be a bit awkward; it's a woman that I work with whose husband is very wealthy and likes to entertain both his and her coworkers for drinks twice a year. I'm hoping for a chance to get to know the people in my office outside of work and I'm glad that the opportunity to do so came so quickly after having started. Now the only question is what to wear!

Boring Weekend

Work starts tomorrow and this weekend was full of last-minute chores in order to get ready for the craziness that will be this week.

I'm already exhausted and the work week hasn't even started...already looking forward to next weekend!

Love in a Dressing Room

I had an unexpectedly GREAT morning.

My dad contacted a junkyard in the my area and was able to find me a rim that will soon be a spare tire for my car. (Please, no follow up questions. I don't speak cartalk.) I was expecting to wait for hours in this shop because they said that the rim was still on the car. I got there, and luckily it wasn't. I was in and out in fifteen minutes. Amazing. And a good thing too, because I really stuck out like a sore thumb! (I think it was when I pulled my pink checks out of my flowered day planner that it finally hit me that the men were amused by my girlishness.)

So this left me in the city with a lot of unexpected time on my hands. I decided to run into the mall because I've been getting emails about 30% off from Gap/Banana/Old Navy for cardmembers. I went into Banana and grabbed a few pairs of jeans to try on. I didn't want to take them off! They were just wonderful! They fit perfectly, were extremely soft and comfortable, and seriously great finds. One pair were a simple, classic bootcut style. The other were more surprising to me. I wasn't sure I was going to like them when I brougth them into the dressing room. They were a straight leg, but not a matchstick or super tight fit. They're especially perfect to wear underneath boots. I fell in love. I didn't want to take them off. I would have rather the woman at the register scan them while I was wearing them.

I have now found the two pairs of jeans that I will be living in this fall/winter. Oh -and another bonus? Both pairs, which retailed at $78 and $88 (I think) came in at $70 total! So wonderful. I generally say that Banana is a bit old for me, but I think I need to stop dismissing it for that reason. This isn't the first time that I have come out of there completely blown away by a find of mine.

Husbands in trouble and I will have something very interesting in common tonight.

We will all be sleeping on the couch.

I ordered a new mattress to replace the one that I have had since I was about 12. Well, I need to get the cotton out of my ears or something because I could swear that I was told the new one would be arriving today. The company that I bought it from takes away the old one as well. So, right after I woke up this morning I stripped my bed and dragged my mattress to the downstairs hall so that they could easily take it away. Confused as to why the company hadn't arrived by noon (I always like to schedule deliveries in the morning so my afternoons and evenings aren't tied up) I call the company and the kind receptionist informs me that they will be coming to pick it up on Thursday morning.

Tuesday and Thursday sound similar...right?

Okay, not at all.

And yes, I stuck a post-it apology on the mattress for all of the other building tenants that happen upon it in our entry way.

I just finished reading American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. I thought it was great and I highly reccomend it if you're looking for one last beach read or need a book to occupy you during a flight or really if you want a good book to read for any reason at all! Very succintly, the book is about a small-town Wisconsin girl who ends up in the White House and married to the President. The author is the same woman who wrote Prep, and I thought this was even better. Although it's long it reads very quickly. I can't say enough good things about this book; 5 stars!

Not much has been happening in the plaid pad (my lovely apartment) as of late. This is quite unfortunate; I really wish that I had some great stories to blog about. I don't start working for almost another four weeks. Although I have been really enjoying this relaxing time with friends and family in my area, I feel like I need to get back to being productive.

One quick thing though. I was shopping at one of my absolute favorite stores yesterday (Target) and for all of you college girls (or anyone needing house wares or to furnish a space), I would reccomend that you stop their and check out their wonderful selection of pink and green-ness. Everything from garbage cans and laundry baskets to bedding and cooking utensils were on display in all of their colorful goodness!

Hello World

My name is Julia...and I've been stalking your blogs.

That's probably rather extreme. The truth is that I somehow discovered the wonderful world of lifestyle bloggers some months ago and have decided to start my own. Something of an online diary. Or just a refuse for my rants. Perhaps it will just be a list of my favorite things. Who knows!

If nothing else, at least now I have my own profile so that those of you I've been creeping on can stalk me back. Wait, scratch that. You can get to know a little bit about me.