So I have two rants to talk about. The first was a recent trip to Target.

I love me some target, but after my last visit left me disgruntled I will think twice about going there again. (I’m sure I’ll be there next weeK).

I received a 10% off coupon to use towards a total purchase. We bought maybe $12 worth of stuff, so $1.20 wasn’t that much off, but to me, it was enough! The young cashier scans the coupon and her computer makes this HUGE noise with a big red X on the screen. She says: “I”m sorry this isn’t valid.” And I rebuked, “Yes it is, it doesn’t expire until March 23rd and I haven’t used it yet.” So she flips on her “help me” light and a useless manager comes over and says “I”m sorry, all I can do is give you an 800# to find out why it won’t work.” I ask, “You can’t override for TEN percent? I just received this in the mail last Thursday.”

As I walked away with my purchase in hand (sadly it was stuff we needed.) I said audibly for the manager to hear “So much for customer service.”

Secondly, we haven’t had cable in over a year. It’s not because I think TV is a waste of time or anything like that, it’s simply for the $$ factor. That said we probably haven’t saved any money b/c we just end up renting a lot more movies b/c there’s never anything on the 3 channels we do get. However, we usually had coupons for free movies, or did Blockbuster’s .99 or 1.99 rentals. With that mind we went last night to rent two movies, one of which was supposed to be only $1.99. When the total came to $11 for two movies, we were like, “huh?”

I found this article to sum it up:

Beginning this week, the largest U.S. movie rental chain started charging $5 for five-day, instead of full-week, rentals.

If the customer is late returning a movie, a $1-a-day late fee is tacked on for up to 10 days. On the 15th day, the customer is charged for the DVD, which could be $4.99 if it’s a sale bin title or $29.99 for a new release Blu-ray.

If the late DVD is returned within the next 30 days, the customer gets a store credit for the price of the movie minus $10 in late fees. So if the late DVD was a $29.99 Blu-ray movie, the customer gets a $19.99 store credit.

“We think this is very forgiving. You have 45 days to bring it back. It’s similar to what Redbox does,” said Michelle Metzger, Blockbuster spokeswoman.

All I can say is Blockbuster is now a BUST.

And that my friends is what you’d call a Retail FAIL.

Ok, go to google, type in “{type your first name} needs” and write down the first 10 things that comes up. It’s funny…

Here’s what I need:

1. Stephanie needs help
2. Stephanie needs Facebook
3. Stephanie needs to pay attention
4. Stephanie needs to be in a family where there are no other children or animals
5. Stephanie needs a training bra
6. Stephanie needs to get her facts straight
7. Stephanie needs to listen to her heart!
8. Stephanie needs work
9. Stephanie needs career opportunities
10. Stephanie needs a new dress

Ok, so I didn’t post the first 10 b/c some of them were really weird….so what do you need?

Ok, so I didn’t take that long of a break…I guess I should let family know that James is doing ok (go, ahead Kerrie, “poor James”) – and other tidbits of our lives I guess aren’t that boring!

In other news, one of my BESTEST Friends from Ricks College is an amazing crafter and really, really almost makes me want to be crafty too…almost.

But, if you’re reading this and it’s still Monday before 9 p.m. PST

you could be entered in her giveaway!

http://makeitmyown.blogspot.com/

If not, check her out, she’s amazing and maybe will inspire you!

I’m taking a break from blogging, mostly because I have nothing to say. I mean, I always have something to say, but rarely is it interesting!

Someday when something interesting happens…you’ll know!

Until then, keep writing so I have something fun to read!

It’s over. ALL over. No more stressing, asking questions. No more memorizing the different type of pathogenic and non pathogenic bacteria. I can stop biting my fingernails and wondering if I sanitized enough, or sectioned correctly when doing my haircut. Why is it over? Because I’m a TOTALLY legit cosmetologist now! I’ve been working in a salon for a month now, it’s getting better and the girls I work with are really fun.

Probably the most stressful day of my life thus far. And not really b/c the test was THAT hard, it was all the anticipation, the horror stories you hear etc…I took my test with 40 other girls. Some girls were super prepared (just like me of course), other girls looked like they just woke up and threw some stuff in their bags. Not gonna lie, those girls did not pass. Test was in 2 parts. So we would wait and wait and wait. I was going to open my letter in my car by myself b/c I had it in my mind I Failed. You have to have gotten a 75 on the written exam and a 75 on the practical to get your license that day. Ohio is the only state that prints your license the same day you take your test. Since everyone else was opening theirs I figured “what the heck.” I was very scared and probably had about 10 mini heart attacks while opening the envelope. To be frank, I was super surprised I passed. Not trying to sound like a debbie downer, but I always expect the worst so I’m never let down, is that bad? Well, I got an 87 on the written and an 85 on the practical. It made for a wonderful day b/c it was also our 3rd anniversary! Due to our current financial state, we celebrated at applebee’s but it made it special nonetheless! I certainly loves James more than I did yesterday!

I’m still on an emotional roller coaster. There are no regrets in my emotions, just what ifs. I know that this is not the end. I know I made the right choice for us now. I just need to continue to hone my skill of patience which is currently wavering.

But for now, I am thankful I have a job (s), a great husband that has survived another year with me and super duper quality family and friends!

Here are some preparations for the big ol’ state board test:

A hot mess before:

All organized and ready for the big day!

Yay me!

So, it’s been a month since I’ve graduated from school. I’ve got a job, we’ll call it “The salon.” It’s going pretty good. Honestly a little different than I expected. Not necessarily in a bad way, just a little less exciting we’ll say. I am thankful for the opportunity and plan to make the best out of it that I can. It’s funny that the girls I work with didn’t waste any time (all at different times) to tell me who they don’t like and why including their annoying work ethics. I just laugh and hope to stay as neutral as possible, after all I am human . I’ve already experienced a ‘problem’ client – it was quite funny actually and after the client left, they all started laughing saying “You passed your initiation!” My favorite co-worker interaction has been when a slightly older lady who’s been doing hair since the 1800’s says to me “You remind me of my daughter [who is also named Stephanie] she’s not very tall, but she’s big.” I love people.

I can’t believe this is the last week in October. In one week from tomorrow I will be sweating bullets and biting off my nails in anticipation of passing my state boards test. James and I will also celebrate our 3 year anniversary! Time flies when you’re having fun, or stressing out. Mostly having fun though.

Mr. Woolf is doing swimmingly, being studious as ever and even got the dub of Employee of the Month. I love that dude. I came home from work Saturday and he had cleaned the whole house including changing our sheets. Man, I must have been really good in heaven, b/c I’m pretty sure I am far from good now.

The battle of the bulge #35634534534 starts again on Friday around 4 p.m. My sweet visiting teacher is going to let me come to her gym to attend one of her classes she teaches. Man, I have got to get my booty in gear. I REFUSE to buy a bigger size pair of pants, but alas I sit her on my ever growing booty talking about losing weight.

So, I am jobless (in my field at least). I have interviewed at 4 places, dropped off my resume and portfolio at another 4 places, I have an interview at a salon on Thursday and finally just registered for a temp agency to give me office temp jobs while in limbo.

Have you ever felt that low right after accomplishing something you’ve worked really hard for? I remember feeling like that right after I graduated from college, I was just there taking up space. Most of my roommates were married, or had great job offers. I on the other hand was on the phone with my mom “Hey! Guess what, I’m moving back home, I have no job! I’ll be sleeping in my same twin size bed again!” I am thankful they let me back in after being gone for 6 years! I then embarked on a great marketing career for some 7 years.

I know find myself in the same spot where I was in 2003 (in the fall too). I have been humbled that I haven’t gotten any job offers. I know that it’s probably b/c I’m not licensed just yet and most salon owners need that piece of paper, something will come of it soon. I have been in talks with a corporate salon company for future opportunities. Which is good b/c there’s lots of the salon world I want to be involved in. Once it happens I know that I will be more tranquil. Currently I am having some inner turmoil wondering if I’m good enough, you know?

Ah well, I know it’ll all workout somehow.

In other related topics…my friend Andrea asked all her blog followers to let her know they’re out there and encouraged them to comment on her posts. I know mine are boring, but are you out there? If so, stop by and leave a comment!!!

p.s. scroll down, there’s more new posts!

The weekend of the 18th was the annual Apple Festival in Hartford, Ohio. My sister-n-law Greta’s home town (which she was the apple queen one year, btw). About 3 years ago, we squeezed our way into the Betts’ tradition of making a weekend out of it. We headed up there with my parents on Friday night and stayed in a hotel over the weekend.

Basically the weekend consisted of, laughing, eating lots of food primarily fair food (fries, corn dogs, you know), 4-wheeling, more laughing and overall just a great time.

It’s times like these where I think to myself, “Man, my life is awesome!”

This past weekend we were able to go to Chicago (thank you Kesten’s and $35 one ways Southwest!)

We got in on Thursday afternoon and left early this morning. For the short amount of time, we sure packed a lot of fun in it! We were able to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Bahai Temple, Chicago Art Museum, Window shop the Magnificent Mile – I was going to buy a few new fall items at Prada, but we just didn’t have time, ha ha! I can’t fail to mention the amazing food we had Saturday night at Hugo’s Frog Bar when I hear the term “filet medallions” my taste buds will water! We were very lucky to get a ‘local’ view of Chicago too, it was so fun!

Sunday James and I ventured on our own (true tourist style) and headed over to Navy Pier . I have to say, I’m proud of myself as to make this trip as least costly as possible we only took a cab to the airport, and walked the 2 miles (each way) from our hotel to navy pier. I got my people watching fix in for sure. I loved our hotel, especially b/c priceline gave us a super duper deal! Being the freak I am, I was stressed we weren’t going to wake up in time to catch our cab at 5 a.m. So I had a really cool internal alarm that woke me up every hour starting at 12 a.m. it was awesome. Not. But we made it on time!

It was a great time and had fun pretending there wasn’t laundry or bills waiting us at home!

Over the weekend Lauren & Bob Hughes blessed us with their presence. Lauren and I were crazy friends in college and have kept in touch. We had talked about visiting each other, and Lauren made it happen! They came in Friday night (they drove 10 hrs to sleep on a full size bed, then to drive an additional 4 hrs round trip just to be with us). We got up Saturday morning and made a hearty breakfast -I’m not telling how many pieces of bacon I ate…ok FINE maybe like 6, are you happy? Then we headed up to Cleveland to go to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame – it was so busy but I loved it. I’ve been there several times, but they change out their exhibits so it was fresh. We even got to tour Johnny Cash’s 1979 Tour bus he was stylin’! After we walked around the shore and headed off to some delish food at The Hard Rock. We finished it off with an “eh” movie .

Sunday we went to church, then headed off to Kirtland to see the beautiful sites of the church. I don’t think I can get enough of that place. I learn something new each time. I didn’t know this, but besides Salt Lake (where our church is headquartered) Kirtland was the longest settlement of the early saints where they stayed for 7 years. We headed back home for a much needed family gathering – I love my family!!!! Then we headed in the car AGAIN to go back to Columbus. We drove them around a little bit on Monday and ate some good food and said adios to the Hughes, until next time!! We had a great time!