Christmas 2012

What a wonderful Christmas it was. When I left work Christmas Eve, Christmas spirit came over me and all I wanted to do was partake in the festivities. I came home and baked sugar cookies with Cayle for Santa. He really enjoyed that. We watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", read "The Night Before Christmas", and watched "A Christmas Story". It was a wonderful Christmas Eve. After Cayle went to sleep for the night, I set out his Santa gifts. He got mega blocks, a truck toy, a toddler bed set (Disney Cars), and a battery powered four wheeler from Santa. In his stocking I put candy, Hot Wheels, a Bubble Guppies DVD, rubber ducks, crayons, and a Christmas ornament in his stocking. He really enjoyed opening gifts this year. He was all about it! The thing that warmed my heart the most was him saying "Merry Christmas Mommy. I love you so much."

I got Daddy a new grilling spatula. Cayle got him some Gold Toe socks. Cayle and I got mom Bath and Body Works. We got my brother some Hot Wheels (he's collected them for years) and a gift card to iTunes. Everyone was really happy with their gifts from us.

This year I seriously racked up! I am so spoiled and I know it. I got the iPhone 4S, a Pandora bracelet with 8 charms, a new Betsey Johnson purse, gift cards to Starbucks Sephora and iTunes, Bath and Body Works, and movies. Daddy got both Mom and me bracelets from Pandora. And each charm he picked out has a specific meaning. My charm meanings are ..

A music note for my love of music
A purple leopard print charm because purple is my favorite color and I love the print.
A normal leopard print charm for my animal print obsession.
A Fleur Di Lis charm (the French crest) for our trip to New Orleans together.
A baby shoe with a blue stone in it for Cayle.
A jack-o-lantern for my love of Autumn and all it brings.
A princess fairy because Daddy considers me a princess and I love fairies.
And last a charm that says DAD because he is the one to start my bracelet and I am a major Daddy's girl.

It made me so happy that he put so much thought into that bracelet. I think it was my favorite gift.

All in all a very merry Christmas. Here are some pictures from our Day!

Tomorrow I am meeting with a financial adviser with my bank to talk about the steps I need to take in order to qualify for a loan for a new car. So wish me luck! My new car is part of my resolution for the new year!

A day dedicated to Christmas spirit.

Today Cayle and I got up early and went to JC Penney portrait studio and got Christmas portraits done. I am very happy with how they turned out for the most part. There were some I didn't look so fabulous in but Cayle's smile made all the pictures shine. I really enjoy that we can do this kind of thing together as a family. After our portraits, we went to the ornament kiosk and picked out our annual family ornament. Cayle picked out an ornament with a mommy snowman and a baby snowman hanging on to a candy cane. We had our names put on it and Cayle loved it! He held onto it the whole time. I got us some cookies and took him to play for a little while. He was so happy to be able to run around for a little bit. While out shopping I managed to find 2 new shirts. One for the Christmas party at work and one for new years eve. I'm excited about that.

My heart just isn't in the Christmas spirit this year. I'm not quite sure what it is, but I think it has a lot to do with working long hours and not being with my friends or my family. I've missed out on plays, parades, dinners, family get together's, and more. I hate it. But when I'm away from work, I try to do so much with Cayle to make up for what I have missed. I hope some Christmas cheer comes my way Christmas morning when Cayle opens all of his gifts.


I've decided that I'm going to make 2013 a year of bettering myself. I want to take better care of myself. I want to upgrade everything. My car being the main thing. I want an orange Ford Edge. I'm definitely staying true to the saying "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough". And purchasing something that costs thousands of dollars definitely puts the fear into me. But fear aside, this is part of my 2013 bettering process. Everything in my life that is run down, old, or not as good as it can be I am changing. And it's not just materialistic things (though some of it is) it's more about my mentality, my health, my job, my parenting. Everything that goes with being me and everything that I bring to the table. I want to be the best I can be.
It's all about the things I put my mind to. I've proven to myself that I can do anything...so why should bettering myself and making my life a little easier be any different? 2013 WILL consist of:

1. New Car
2. New duplex/apartment/town home
3. Healthier lifestyle
4. New job with a schedule closer to 9-5
5. Happier outlook
6. A better mom for the best little boy in the world.

Sound like a lot..but bring it on. And in the mean time, I will be doing everything to get into the Christmas spirit...maybe it'll take Christmas morning actually being here and being with the family. But it'll get there. I just need to stay positive right?


Our New Ornament.

The car I WILL get this year. Go Big or Go Home.

Our annual trip to Rock City

I'm trying to do a few different things to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Surprisingly, it's difficult this year. So I bought a gingerbread house for Cayle and me to make. Unfortunately, it was too complicated to put together so I think we'll find a simpler one and put together. Maybe make some gingerbread men and decorate those with the candies I saved from the other.

That night we went to Rock City's Garden of lights. Cayle really enjoyed it this year! He loved to point out all the colors and the different things like the snow flakes and the elves. He really looked forward to seeing Santa. I'm glad we got to go this year! I was scared that work would prevent it from happening.. But somehow I managed to pull it off. Maybe next year I will have a better schedule and we won't have to worry about things like that..

Here are some pictures from our trip!

I've wrapped all of my presents. Got everyone shopped for. I even got Cayle a few more things. I got him a Bubble Guppies DVD, a Christmas ornament, and one of those Melissa and Doug instrument sets. They're all under the tree waiting for Christmas morning. I need to get some stocking stuffers for Cayle and maybe a new brush for mom since hers has mysteriously gone missing. I wonder who took it (sarcasm. It was more than likely my neighbor breaking into houses again). But other than that, everything is good to go.

As far as work goes...I'm about to get really angry and blow my top. The guy at work that I don't like..he belittled me in front of my client the other day. My client liked Patrick's (that's the jackass I work with) haircut and wanted me to create that look. That's no problem. So I simply asked Patrick whether he clipper cut his hair or if he used scissors all over. And his response was "I dunno what does it look like?" And then came over and tried to "teach me" how to cut hair. Honestly, I could've been a barber. I can do a mean men's cut. I didn't need his help. I just wanted to know what he used so I could get the same effect. And that pissed me off. And I said to him after his little "lesson" "All I wanted to know is what you do to your hair. I didn't need that extra" And he walked off. I can cut circles around that prick. And to top it all off..my boss called me in on my day off because I was out sick all weekend. I wouldn't have been out on Sunday but she made me leave. And made it sounded like I partied my ass off all weekend. Nope. I was home. In bed. Sick. She made it sound like I was a no good employee and that I wasn't responsible. And the very thought of Regis makes me blood boil right now. I am at that point where if/when Patrick decides to pop off on me like that again I will say something and I don't give a rat's ass who's around to hear it. And I am NOT going to be nice about it. I've kept it professional for the entire time I've been there. I've kept my negative comments and opinions to myself. But I worked too damn hard to get through college to put up with that crap from someone who doesn't even belong in a hair salon. Call me judgmental, but I don't think straight men need to be doing anything in hair salons other than coming in for a service. Patrick is a womanizer. He is married with 3 kids and has gotten into trouble numerous times for sexual harassment and gambling. I've had women come in telling me that he makes them uncomfortable when he goes as far as to rub their shoulders or something of that nature. He's a piece of work. And honestly, I cannot wait for the next pop off he makes. I am blowing my top. For sure. My boss won't fire him. He's her little pet. And it doesn't surprise me that she stood by and let him talk to me like that the other day. I am at wit's end. And once this loan comes through I am out!

As far as car shopping goes. I've narrowed my choices down to a Honda Pilot or a Chevrolet Equinox. Black, silver, white, or orange in color. I really want an orange one though! With around 30-60 thousand miles on it. Anywhere between 2006-2008 year. Preferably a black or grey interior. With a way to listen to my iPod. I hate the radio. If I go after something I want I go big. And this is what I want and no matter what I have to do. I'm gonna make this happen. I feel like I deserve it. And almost in a way..it'll be like a fresh start. There's a lot of negativity surrounded around my Volvo...fights with Adam.. him trashing the front of it..long drives home from bad nights. You know..that kind of thing. So this fresh start is what I think I need to feel better. I'm going to try and go test drive a few next month or so and see what I like and what I don't like. We'll see..but in the mean time..anything positive is welcome..

So much to think about..

I had to call in to work today because last night I was throwing up, had a fever, sore throat, headaches, body aches. And I had to leave early last night because I felt like crap. I didn't have it in me to go in today. This was my second time in my 6 months of working there that I haven't been there when I was supposed to be there. And you know what my manager had the nerve to say when I told her I wouldn't be able to come in? She said "This tends to happen A LOT on weekends with you Erica. Have a doctor note when you return" And hanged up the phone. Are you kidding me? How many times have I came in for her when she's asked? How many times have a volunteered to stay late when she needed someone? Every. Single. Time. I even worked on my mother's birthday to make up for the first time I called in sick. What does she want me to do? Assuming I was contagious (and I'm not) I would've gotten every client sick and my co workers sick. Is that what she really wants? That's a poor way to handle business if you ask me. Which brings me to a big decision. I am considering leaving Regis Salon for another salon with better hours and better pay. My boss took advantage of me when I told her I was willing to work whatever schedule. I wanted to show her that I have a good work ethic. So she decided to put me on all nights. 3-9 every night. While everyone else has 3 day shifts and 2 night shifts. I get Tuesdays and Thursday off. While everyone else has their days off together. Regis has become very over staffed and it's hard to make the commission. So if I don't make commission I get paid a wage for the hours I worked. So my checks come out to around $400 the 10th and 25th of every month. I went to college for this. I got my degree in this. I can go anywhere and work for minimum wage. That's just kind of stupid.

So with that being said, after the first of the year I am applying for a loan on a new car. I really think that is the best option for me right now. With everything slowly but surely tearing apart on this car I don't see it lasting much longer. Daddy seems to have faith in me as far as purchasing a new car. He thinks that I manage my money well and that my priorities are in order. He says that if I qualify for a loan he will sign the title of my Volvo over to me so I can sell it and put that money with the loan money and get myself something really nice. Which seems pretty ideal right? I hate being embarrassed over what I drive. Not to mention income taxes come in at the beginning of the year (or a little after) so maybe I can pay off a new car completely or close to paying it off.

As far as the hours I work..I feel like not working for a corporation salon and something a little more private I would have better hours. Right now I am working late hours. In a private salon, I would more than likely have Sundays and Mondays off and most of Saturday. And the rest of the week I would be out of there by 6 or 6:30 at the latest. That seems so much more ideal than 9 or 10 at night. I think that would be a little better because then I can be home with Cayle at night. And when he starts school we can be on the same schedule or closer to it. Which seems so ideal!

Now it's just a matter of finding a salon that either does a commission or a wage. NO BOOTH RENT. Booth rent I will basically pay to work. And that really defeats the purpose. I feel like I could do a commission if the salon wasn't over staffed, so I will do some research.

And I have to PRAY that this loan happens sooner rather than later. Banks often look at how long you've been on your job before they will give you a loan. So the plan is to stay with Regis until the loan comes through then I will find something else. And since I don't have a very big clientele I won't be doing myself much damage. Granted, I will miss the clients I do have, but I suppose that's everywhere you go and with every job you have. I will miss the friends I've made while working at Regis but it's not goodbye, it's see you later. I need a better opportunity than what I have now. I guess it's all about finding your fit. And if anyone has some advice about this or an opinion..I'd really love to hear it. I need some help on this one..even though the choice seems obvious.

Getting ready for the holidays.

Today Cayle and I decorated the Christmas tree. He really liked helping this year. He actually kind of knows what Christmas is and he's really excited. For his Christmas I have him a scooter, a story book, some house shoes, lots of hot wheels, a big truck, Charlie Brown's Christmas movie, some rubber ducks, a mega blocks table, a toddler bed set, and a few other little things like some new sippy cups. I will probably continue to pick up little things until Christmas though. It's hard to shop for him when he has so much already!

Next week I am planning for us to go to Rock City and to get our family ornaments made. I want to get him a special one made and one for the both of us for when the day finally comes to move out. I am really looking forward to getting to go to Rock City. We go once a year for the Christmas lights. And I know he will enjoy being with me. This Saturday, I am taking Cayle to the Elf Workshop down at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. My friend who works there got us free tickets! I'm so excited. I'm not exactly sure what's there, but my friend really wants Cayle to see it. So I guess we will see.

Work was so exciting tonight. I had this guy come in and we got to talking while I was cutting his hair and he told me he was a member of this band I really like called deathklok! I had never seen pictures of them (their music is in a tv show on adult swim I watch occasionally) but I couldn't help but be a little star struck! Now I can say that I've done celebrity hair! How awesome! Also, my business cards came in!



I've been thinking a lot about moving out and everything..and I've decided to put moving out on hold and invest in a new car. I don't want to be in a position where my current car gives out on me and I have no means of transportation while I'm out on my own. Granted, a new car can break down, but the chances of that would be slimmer than what they are now. I'm trying to see it as an investment towards moving out. And if I have to I can pick up a third shift a couple nights a week somewhere. I'm up all night anyways. I don't know. I just feel like I should get a new car before I move. I don't see my Volvo lasting forever. My ex fiance trashed the front of it and the check engine light never stays off for more than a week or so. It gets me from point A to B, but I don't see it lasting much longer and I think the safest thing to do would be to get something newer and more reliable. And I've also considered simply skipping renting a place and go straight to buying. I want a town home. It's the perfect size for me and Cayle. 3 bedrooms would be ideal but I would be happy with 2. I really think if I play my cards right I can make it all happen and have exactly what I want out of my life. A new car and a beautiful home are goals right now. And if that means I have to stay at home in order to reach it I guess that won't be so bad. Cayle is happy here..and maybe after I get things up and rolling it won't be too much longer until things are where I want them to be. Only time will tell.

So much news!!

I apologize for my lack of activity on here work tends to take up a lot of my time and whatever time I'm not at work I like to be with Cayle. But here's some exciting news. I am an AUNT!! Kay had her baby!! Kynley Madison Jenkins. 6 lbs 14 oz. 19 inches long. Born November 28 at 3:52 p.m. And she is beautiful! I get to meet her tomorrow but I love her already. And since I no longer claim to having a sister (I'll get to why shortly) this is my first time being an aunt and I am very excited!

Cayle and I are planning a day dedicated to Christmas to try to get into the spirit. December 11th I've decided to have pictures made at JC Penny portrait studio for Christmas. They gave us a $50 gift certificate so I might as well use it right? After our portraits we plan to have Christmas ornaments made. Every year I do a special one for him and one for the 2 of us with our names on them. And if I ever find a good deal on one at Hobby lobby I get him a general Christmas ornament for when he has his own house and tree. So technically he gets 2 a year. Last year I got him a reindeer. This year I would like to find a snowman. And after Christmas this year when everything goes on sale, I plan on stocking up! I'm getting off topic though. After we get home from portraits I plan on making Christmas cookies and doing some crafts together. And that night we are going to Rock City's Enchanted Garden of lights and top it off with a picture with Santa. I'm so excited. Cayle and I really need a special day together. And what better time right? I will definitely post about that. As well as I plan to blog more on my off days so I don't completely drop off the face of the Earth.

Work has been okay. Somewhat slow. After Black Friday (which was a success by the way) we got dead. I'm assuming everyone's waiting to have their hair done for their parties or hoarding money to buy Christmas gifts. I ordered some business cards from Vista Print. I got 250 for $10. Not bad! And they look pretty awesome! I'll post a picture of those as soon as I get them. I haven't had to stay so late yet. We follow Dillard's hours so I am still working my normal schedule, but when it gets closer to Christmas I will have to stay late unfortunately.

Now to the reason why I no longer claim Mandy as my sister. I recently learned from my neighbor that she and her piece of crap husband broke into our house and while no one was here and stole what looked like food, medicine, garbage bags, sodas, and who knows what else? That is pathetic. Breaking into our home and stealing? My mother and sister got into a fist fight several months ago. And haven't spoken to each other since. Mom is calling tomorrow to talk about getting a home security system. I'll be honest with you. That'll be the first thing I get when I have my own house. But aside from breaking in, they don't work, they leech off of my 88 year old grandmother for money, forced her out of her house when they were evicted, took over her car, lie about others to make themselves look good (as if), and did I mention they were alcoholics and smoke marijuana? Yeah I found that one out recently. I don't understand not wanting to give your kids (she has 3) the best possible life. I don't understand not having a work ethic. I don't understand not wanting to better yourself and have goals. It blows my mind. But I no longer claim to being related to them. And tonight at work I talked to several clients about how excited I was about Kay (whom I claim as my sister since we were going to be sister-in-laws at one point..) having her baby and how excited I was to be an aunt. And they all asked if this was my first time being an aunt. I said yes. It disgusts me to say I am related to them..so I won't and Kay will be my sister. Sounds pretty good to me

This is a picture of my beautiful niece! She looks a lot like Kay.

Cayle's professional birthday pictures!

Sorry these are kind of crooked, but these are Cayle's birthday pictures from JC Penny portrait studio. We had more made but I haven't cut them yet. We have a Christmas and a $50 gift certificate! So we can have loads of pictures made! Tomorrow Cayle and I will do some Thanksgiving crafts. I can't wait. This week (and the past few) have been so crazy I don't even know what day it is half of the time as bad as that sounds.

After Black Friday the mall stays open an hour later Monday through Saturday and 2 hours later on Sundays. I am NOT looking forward to that...I'm actually very pissed (sorry for the French) about it to be blunt. Because I work till close every day. I may turn into a Scrooge before it's over lol. But I plan on making the most of the holidays with Cayle. Rock City, crafts, Ornament shopping, and more!

Also I will be sending out Thank You cards for Cayle's party asap!

Cayle's birthday party!

Things couldn't have gone smoother! I was so happy with the rental space, the number of people, and how well everything flowed. There were several people there including My cousins, my grandmother, great aunt, Kay, Courtney, Christina and the babies, Brittany and Samantha, my brother, and parents. Cayle got lots of neat presents mostly cars, but he got board games, a bean bag chair, and a new tricycle! My parents want to get him some new clothes since that's what I told him he needed.

It's so strange to think that he's not a baby anymore. He's a little boy. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us.

Pumpkin carving, Trick or Treating, and Birthday Stuff

Three days off from work was exactly what I needed. Cayle and I carved pumpkins and went trick or treating, and played together. It was so nice not to have anywhere to go or anything to do. First day back to work was rough. One of my work buddies quit and I didn't get to tell her goodbye. But she deserves to be happy..and you can tell she wasn't.

I've also got everything in order for Cayle's birthday. I finished his blanket I made him. Got all the invites out. Got his gifts. Had our portraits done (which turned out wonderfully!). And got everything else ready. All that's left is to buy food, bake cupcakes, and fill the treat bags!

Also if anyone needs help finding the building or anything please let me know and I will be happy to help!

I've about had it..

I'm under so much stress lately and today I just lost it. Trying to get everything together for Cayle's birthday isn't going well. I may have all the decorations, but I haven't passed out invites, gotten (or figured out) a big gift for him, figured out what to serve, ordered a cake, finished the blanket I'm working on for him, or worked on his scrapbook in MONTHS. It makes me feel like a pile of garbage.

And today was the last straw for me. My grandmother has been staying with us for the past week since she pretty much got booted out of her own home. She lives with my aunt now but wanted to come visit Cayle. But anyways she had the television blaring today when we got up. And she was trying to talk to me about something but I could not hear. So all I said was (and I quote) "I can't hear you over the t.v." I did not raise my voice. I was not grumpy. I was not rude. And for some reason that offended her so she packed up her things and left. Can someone please tell me what the hell I did that was so bad??

I had to drop Cayle off with my mom later that afternoon so I could go on to work. And apparently she had heard my grandmother's side of the story. Which was that I was yelling at her for having the TV up and that she wasn't trying to talk to me. So that pissed me off (pardon my French here..but I'm at a breaking point) and I just left for work and sat in my car until it was time for my shift. I pretty much just broke down and cried..

I know that I am lucky to have a job at a place so successful..but I feel like my schedule there has taken away a lot.. I work the night shift every night. I don't get home until after 9 every night. But I am on a completely opposite schedule as everyone else. I am home alone every day with Cayle. My friends are at work. My family is at work or school. Then when it's time for me to go in, they are coming home. When I get home everyone is in bed or going to bed..along with Cayle. So needless to say..I never see my friends.. barely see my family..barely see Cayle..that's heartbreaking. I've never felt so isolated.

Building clientele is proving difficult. Not only because it's a matter of getting my name out there..but because the walk-in clients are spread so thinly between me and about 3 or 4 others. And it's about to get thinner. Because my boss just hired another girl. I don't know what the hell she is thinking! Everyone's totals are down (meaning the service sales aren't as much as usual for everyone) so why would you hire someone else?? She has me and two others taking walk in appointments. We never have to turn away walk ins from being too busy so what the hell?! Which also translates to me not making more money any time soon which translates to possibly more time living at home..which I'm about over. I need my own space.

With work taking up all my time..my sad pathetic excuse of a room has gotten too messy. I have no time to clean. I'm too tired after work and waking up early to clean isn't exactly easy with how tired I stay. I am so lethargic it blows my mind. I have to pump coffee, tea, and soda into my system just to make it through the day.

I don't know what's wrong with me..I'm irritable, isolated, and unorganized I suppose..

Our annual trip to Rock City's Maze!

Today was my day off which is also our family day. And what a fantastic day is was! The weather was somewhat cool with a cloudy overcast but there was some sunshine here and there. We were some of the only people there. We managed to be lost in the maze for about 30 minutes or so. But it was so fun. I like to let Cayle lead the way. He gets us very lost and somehow we manage to find our way out just as easily. His favorite part was the hayride of course. And painting the "humpkin" as he calls it. Next week is Guthrie's Pumpkin Farm. Can't wait for that adventure!

Disney on Ice!!

I must say it was definitely worth the money! Cayle and I had a blast! I think I was just excited (if not more) as he was. There were pirates, crocodiles, princesses, fire works, music, dancing and more! I got Cayle a souvenir light and coloring book. I kept our tickets for the scrapbook and took over 160 pictures! We will definitely be going back next year. Next week is our trips to the corn mazes and pumpkin patches! Here are some pictures from tonight's show!

On a side note..I think I am going to have to re-think Cayle's large birthday gift from me...but I'm really not sure what to get him. I want it to be special..I don't have much time to think on it, but I just don't see him getting much use out of the battery powered four wheeler. Ideas anyone?