low-class confession

Now I know this may not be the classiest of confessions... but I think I'm okay with that... I must admit that I love Big Lots... It's kind of a guilty pleasure that I know I can trace back to my grandma. When we were little and visiting my grandparents in Arizona, my grandma would always give us "mad money". We could use this "mad money" on anything we wanted.... as we got older it was for gas money, or cab fare if a date was a dud, or a little splurge when shopping. So when we were young, my grandma would take us to Big Lots (then Pic'N'Save) where we would buy a new little purse or cool markers that had an "invisible pen" for writing secret messages. I'm sure my dad loved it when we'd return with even more stuff to fit in our suitcases for the trip home.
Not that I would recommend Big Lots for food items or cosmetic-type purchases - I'm not really sure how the expiration dates work out - but it is great for party accessories, dish towels, some kitchen gadgets, etc.
On a classier note, I did go to The Gateway yesterday and tempted myself with the idea of purchasing a MacBook.... perhaps it will be my Christmas present.

the summer of mandy returns, except - it's the fall

so once, actually twice, there was "the summer of mandy" - the first was in 2002... i had just returned from a spring-term study abroad in europe and had about 7 weeks of summer before returning to school. one of those weeks would be spent in hawaii with my best friends at our best friend's wedding... so with only 6 weeks at home, and no real prospects of employment (the seasonal positions had been filled for weeks) i was able to spend that time at home being crafty - i worked on the only real scrapbooks i've ever compiled for myself, went to classes at the health club with my mom, realized that i aspire to be a "pool mom" and re-finished a cedar chest that is now proudly displayed in my parents' room.

the second "summer of mandy" was in 2003 - yes, i had back-to-back summers of "leisure" (should be read so as to rhyme with 'pleasure' - much more lush that way) - this time i was a new resident in arizona... upon arriving in arizona just a few weeks before "the start" of an arizona summer (AKA- temperatures well-exceeding 100) and my sanity being questioned for the timing of my move... i came to realize that an arizona summer is quite enjoyable if you're living in a pool - especially a fabulous pool like my aunt & uncle's. but don't worry - i also improved my sewing skills at my aunt's workshop where i learned about making amazing window treatments, pillows and bedding. my cousin taught me some valuable skills while helping to "fix-up" some of his rental properties. and i even learned that it is possible to get a black-eye from the water if you hit it face-first at just the right speed and angle.

i am happy to say that "the summer of mandy" has returned - except that it's the fall... "the fall of mandy" just doesn't sound good. i guess i can go with "the autumn of mandy". after months of debating, praying, crying and just trying to feel happy with the difficulties at work, i decided that it would be best to leave my current employment, take a little time to re-group and search out new opportunities. in taking this time to re-group i have quite a number of projects i've been contemplating/planning for months. here's a list with a few of my favorites:

1) make throw-pillows for my couch that will be delivered shortly (skills from t.s.o.m. 2003 being put to use)

2) make this fabulous rug i saw online (see below)

3) resume my knitting projects and possibly try to sell here

4) find out who my 3rd-great grandparents are... this may require a trip to italy... a sacrifice i'm willing to make

5) attend classes at the gym regularly (skills from t.s.o.m. 2002)

6) improve my drawing skills by creating a portfolio of floor plans & elevations

7) contact the salt lake county clerk's office to help with election day

i just hope a new job won't get in the way of these great projects ;)

Don't Worry.... I'm Back

So I've obviously taken all summer off from posting... I'll be sure to update with all the summer's activities, but for now I'm very intrigued with my latest find.

My roommate sent me this personality test yesterday. While I usually find these types of test to be mildly entertaining, I'm in shock as to how accurate this test is in describing me. The results describe me as "The Nurturer", which I wouldn't necessarily select first when describing myself. But read through the various characteristics and let me know if this isn't "spot-on". I'm thinking about handing this out on my next date as a sort of resume/disclaimer. Or better yet, have him take the test and see if our personality types mesh... just a thought.