Yes to No in under 5 seconds

The Chef and I don't make a TON of money. No matter what you think, Chefs don't often roll in the riches until they either become famous and sought after, become a TV Chef, or own a hot, hip and successful empire. Seeing as my Chef is non of these we can be satisfied by saying we are middle class workers who are lucky enough to put a few dollars away for a rainy day.

With that being said, I like to hoard save my money. I like to save and plan how I am going to spend it. And when it comes to big purchases, (anything over 50 250 dollars) I often research the items, read reviews, compare prices then buy the item. It is the most lengthily painful process in the world smart thing to do, or so I was taught. The only problem with it is my continued fear that I am going to have "buyers remorse" and wake up in the middle of the night with cold sweats and high blood pressure for spending $50 $250.00. As it so happened we were planning on spending a lot of money because our living room needed a makeover.

I started looking at new TV benches and cabinets a few weeks ago. We needed more storage and needed to rid ourselves of the 20 something cheap scratch and dent furniture we purchased out of desperation when we first moved into the house. It was time to get some "adult" furniture and rid the house of the "college kid chic" we had been sporting.

So weeks of research and reviews and comparison online shopping lead us to Ikea where we would pick up our new adult TV stand and cabinet. It also meant we picked up several hours of assembling, hanging and frustration, but who is keeping track right?

After we secured where the items were located, and had picked up all 11 boxes, we entered the line to check out and I started to panic.

Me: It looks too high. Look. Its going to be way too big. We need to put it all back. It's not going to work.

Chef: Ok babe.

*As we were walking to place the items back on the shelves*

Me: But I really like it. I mean, I guess its not THAT big. It's only a few more inches higher then the TV stand we have now. *taking out tape measure for the 10th time*. Yeah, ok. It's going to be ok.

Chef: OK babe.

*Walking back to the cash*

Me: But it's a lot of money. I mean A LOT OF MONEY. Wow.. we haven't spent that much money in long time. You know, maybe we should wait. I bet they will have a sale soon. Lets just wait.

Chef: Ok babe, what ever you think.

*Walking back to the shelf*

Me: But I was really looking forward to this. And it would be so nice to have now. What if we wait and they change the design and we don't like the new one? No. It's final, lets just get it now.

Chef: Ok babe.

*Walking back to the check out*

Me: AHHHHHHH I don't know if I can do this. It's just so much money and I just think of all the things I could do with it other then watch a stupid TV.

*Line is progressing to cash*

Me: No, maybe we should wait. Like wait until spring and wait until we are sure.

Chef: I'm sure.

*Cashier is scanning boxes*

Me: Well what if we don't like it? Then we need to drag it back here with the box and wait in line again. Maybe we should go look at it again.

Chef: Ok, I got the receipt. Lets go. 

*Starts walking to the car*

Me: I wasn't ready.

Chef: I know babe.

P.S. It looks great. I have only a few no regrets.

Bestowed Upon Me an AWARD!

So Chrissie over at Fill the Space with Words left me a comment saying she was passing on a Liebster Award to this blog because she needed to find 11 blogs to bestow it upon. She got the link to this blog from the comment section off the Bloggess... so this means she has never heard of my blog before (but did say I was funny) and just randomly left an award in the comment section. AMAZING! a new follower. And since it is St. Patty's day this weekend and I am 1/4 Irish on my mother's side I will declare this a gift from St. Patty himself. Quick.. someone call the Pope.

Also, this isn't a REAL award with a ceremony and trophy and letter from the Queen. Its an online award passed from small blogger to small blogger to help grow the reading community and meet some new and talented bloggers from all over! Its a great way to let a smaller blog know that you are reading their stuff and enjoy their effort. It's also a great way to discover new blogs that get overlooked because they don't have a million followers. it's about COMMUNITY, people. So just smile and shut up :)

So, please take a second to jump over to Chrissie's site. Take a read and enjoy! This little award is a great way to build up your blog list and discovered smaller sites that might just make you laugh. So thanks, Chrissy.

There are very precise rules around this award...Not really. I am just following what was posted. I personally don't care if you don't follow any of the "rules". Just have fun with it. But since this is about community, please make sure to "nominate" other small blogs that you enjoy. Spread the love.

• Thank the blogger who presented you with the Liebster Award, and link back to his or her blog.
• Answer the 11 questions from the nominator; list 11 random facts about yourself, and create 11 questions for your nominees.
• Present the Liebster Award to 11 bloggers, who have blogs with 200 followers or less, whom you feel deserve to be noticed.  Leave a comment on the blogs letting the owners know they have been chosen. (No tag backs)
• Upload the Liebster Award image to your blog

Here are my answers to Chrissie's questions... 

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

People leaving crap in my work kitchen on the table and leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Hmm or maybe it is leaving lights on, or not moving over on the sidewalk so I can pass by. It could be the people that don't poop and scoop too. Honestly, I have a ton. This question is like a run away train for me.

2. What is your favorite thing to do on a "Just for me" day?

In a dream land it would be spending money on tea and pedis. In reality it is yoga and the couch with the cats.

3. What would your last meal be?

 POUTINE!

4. Who inspires you the most in your life?

The foster parents I work with. They are my daily inspiration. They are selfless and kind, giving and intuitive. I am so lucky to work with such amazing people. These are not the same people who leave the kitchen at the office dirty. They are bastards.

5. What car best describes you?

A VW Bug. Not because I am small and compact but because I am "CURVY".

6. If you could punch any celebrity who would it be and why?

The Beib. Why?...why not?

7. If you could only accomplish one more thing in your life what would it be?

So set up a province wide system to provide all youth who are aging out of care the opportunity to receive lifeskills and mentorship no matter where they live.

8. If you could take away one of your flaws what would it be and what would you replace it with?

To be honest, I like my flaws. But if I had to pick one.. Maybe my bluntness? I would replace it with smaller pores or the ability to give people and evil eye that actually looked evil.

9. Grim Reaper tells you that if you knock three times on the door, a person of your choosing, dead or alive will be at the door. Who do you see when you open the door?

My grandmother or Sylvia Plath.

10. If you could live in any movie what would it be?

Happy Feet or How to Train your Dragon. 

11. If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life and only that one thing, what would it be?

French fries. 

11 Random facts about me...

1. I drink from the milk carton. That is the only way I will drink milk because it blocks the smell.
2. I sing to my cats.. ALL THE TIME.
3. I have had the same best friend since I was 3.
4. I cry in my car...a lot.
5. I only drink one cup of coffee a day.
6. I am a size 18 and am totally ok with that. 
7. I do not own matching dishes and don't plan to.
8. I love hand-me-down clothing. 
9. I do not wear flat shoes. And don't own a pair of running shoes. 
10. I talk to my car and tell her she is doing a good job.
11. I love power tools and working with wood. 

11 question for the new award winners. 

1. Who was your first crush and why?
2. What was your favourite book as a child?
3. When you go to bed, do you wear socks?
4. One house chore you ENJOY doing
5. If you could do/be anything what would it be?
6. What is something you have always wanted to try but are too afraid to do?
7. Favourite cartoon of all time?
8. Least favourate ting about being an adult?
9. Best thing about the place you live?
10. Who inspires you and why? 
11. One person who you feel the world could live without.

NOW.. for my 11 blogs.

Absolutely Narcissism 
Brooklyn Supper 
Cubical Throwdown   
Old Muslim Woman in the Shoe  
Symphonic Discord  
A Muse Studio 
The PsychoKitty Speaks Out 
Adventures of Scarlett and Melly


OK. There are three spots left. Please feel free to claim this award for yourself!