Thanks for the Memories

In search of some new shorts for the Phoenix trip, I swung by Fashion Bug to search for clearance items.  I picked up several marked-down light weight shirts, khaki crops, and shorts along with some new lingerie (they are an excellent source of attractive underthings for the curvy kind of gal.)  While I was browsing, I overheard the cashier mention something about the store closing.  Now, in this apparel-challenged community, we need every women's fashion store we have so I didn't think too kindly about losing one of my wardrobe pit stops.  I ended up researching this rumor on line and what did I find?  It was true!!!  Per the press release:

Fashion Bug, a low-priced women's clothing chain, will be closing in early 2013.   Ascena Retail Group Inc. has completed its buyout of Charming Shoppes Inc., which owns the chain, and now plans to close the remaining several hundred Fashion Bug stores by early next year.

And another retail store joins the legions (i.e., Meier & Frank, Kenny Shoes, I. Magnin, etc.) in memory only, but hopefully with a kick-ass clearance sale before they depart!!

Dreaming of Arizona

In a week Michael and I will be waking up in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona.  Along with obtaining inexpensive flights, our room reservation cannot be matched, courtesy of my boss.  We will be staying four nights at the JW Marriott Camelback Resort in not just a room but a magnificent room - 1,650 sq. feet with it's own private pool!  Yee haw!!!  And all within the confines of my Marriott gift certificate, which makes it even better!! 

We've been counting down the minutes to sun, swimming, and five days filled with rest and relaxation,  Although I've been to the Phoenix area several times, since Michael used to live there he will serve as my official tour guide.  We have so many activities we want to accomplish; however, our first and foremost directive to keep in mind is to relax, relax, relax.

Today will be spent picking up necessary items (i.e., sunscreen!) along with digging through my clothes to determine if there is a swimsuit to be had....an acceptable swim suit mind you.  Stubbs also has a visit to the vet to update his shots so he is acceptable to be boarded while we are gone.  Poor baby but at least it's comforting to know he will spend the night with the shop owner.  And since my boys are gone until August 2, my mind can rest in the fact that all will remain well with the house.

Here's to a vacation full of memories in a land full of sunshine!

TGIF!!!

Growing Old and Growing Up

As part of my job, I'm privy to a lot of private information about employees.  Including age.  There are times when I'm sitting one-on-one with my co-workers, helping them complete forms or enrollments, and they give me their date of birth.  Oftentimes I'm shocked to hear that someone is younger than me when they clearly appear to be much older.  I find myself feeling good, flattered, and perhaps even prideful that they have aged significantly worse than I.  As much as this boosts my ego, it is so wrong in many other ways.  What does it matter if I appear younger than someone?  Or older?  Why does this make a difference in the meaning of life?  And is my ego so shallow that any sign of personal narcissism is acceptable?

The obvious reason this occurs appears to be my own personal preoccupation with age and getting older.  However, wrinkles and gray hair should be a badge of honor, not attributes to be hidden.  Instead of comparing my own number of years to my co-workers, I need to seek out their stories in order to learn what has brought them to that moment.  I need to celebrate the fact that this person in front of me has a captivating story to tell, regardless of age in comparison to me.  Spinning my preoccupation with age into this positive format will help me focus on the significance of life rather than simply boosting my self-esteem and shallowness.

Hello Monday!

Aww, weekend....over so soon!  It was especially sweet due to the magnificent, warm weather!  After some solo shopping in Clackamas on Saturday (killer clearance deals at JC Penny), Michael and I spent Sunday mowing and weeding the back yard.  Sooo much better!  However, I am toying with the idea of hiring a lawn care company to weed the front yard, which contains a flowerbed of rocks with dandelions and assorted greenery poking through the pebbles.  It is so not calling me!!  If it can be gotten under control, it can be maintained....or at least that's the plan!

Have a great week, Divas!

Lettering for the Living Room

Diva Marie sent me a link for Vinyl Wall Lettering on Ebay.  These are the unique sayings you can plaster on a wall for humor or poetic inspiration.  Of course Marie referred me to a Diva saying that seemed to be calling my name.  They have tons of inexpensive wall letter decor so check it out if you desire a saying for one of your rooms.  Thanks for the tip Marie!!!

Demolition Derby Diva

Sister Erin, in honor of her recent 40th birthday, will be participating in the 2012 Nantucket Demolition Derby.  Wow - never knew this was one of her passions but we are standing full force behind her!!!  Good luck and be safe little sis!!