It has taken me a while to come around to Ugg boots. At first, they seemed so clonky and large. I admired people who could pull off wearing them and at the same time, thought it was silly that people would wear them with their summer dresses.

However…living in Minnesota, boots are a necessity and hearing how comfortable they supposedly were…I was slowly softening.

During a visit with my parents, my mom and I went shopping one day~ specifically, for some new winter boots.

THEN, I saw the creamy sweater Uggs and swooned. Oh my word, those are cute. So are the grey ones. And the black. I’ll take one of each, please.

I wish.

My mom has been my boot supplier over the years and boy, have I worn the daylights out of each pair she’s given me~ new or handed down…

The couple times I’ve bought my own, I’ve gone to my favorite places~ T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s.

So…I thought…it’s time. It’ll be OK if I go for a pair of Ugg boots. I went and tried a bunch on and fell in love with 2 pairs. It was hard, but I decided to just get the creamy sweater ones and leave the black ones behind…even though I needed them.

On a whim, we stopped by T.J. Maxx on our way home and WOULD YOU BELIEVE…saw a pair of black suede boots that looked JUST LIKE the black Ugg boots I’d tried on!!! And all for a whopping $29.99! YES, I say. YES!

Now, if I could just end here, we’d have us a happy ending…life is not about happy endings though, is it? There is good and there is evil in this world, folks. And I’m here to tell you…

These…


are Good…

And these…

are Evil.

The creamy sweater Uggs are divine. I heart them. You can wear them with socks or WITHOUT and your feet have never been more comfortable. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned…and go with so much. (Way more than I even expected.) I LOVE THEM.

The black wannabes are just like the devil…sneaky and dirty. They deceived me with their comfort. Sure, they weren’t quite as cute as the real thing, but they put up a good front. Little did I know they were just waiting to trip me up every chance they got.

When I say “trip me up” I don’t mean that figuratively…I very much mean they TRIP ME UP.

Just today, I fell in them no less than 5 times. In several different locations. And it’s not the first time they’ve tripped me up. A couple weeks ago, I fell so hard in these snakes, I was worried I’d sprained my wrist.

Now, granted, I am not the most graceful rose in the pot…is that an expression? Don’t know, but it should be…still…I think they’re getting out of hand. I might just have to put them out to pasture.

It was icy today, I’ll give you that. I fell getting out of the car at the store. I fell moving a shelf from the car to the store. I fell going back to the car. I fell getting IN the car at my house. And then fell getting out of it.

You can’t stand the heat, can you. You little lily-livered sorry son of a boot.

If you see me on the ground somewhere or with a cast on some body part, you’ll know I’ve backslid and given the little devils another chance.

My friend over at BWildered put this up on her blog…a fabulous list of ways to love a child.

I saw that and all I took from it was “Bake A (Cup)Cake.”

Just kidding. Kind of. No, really…I am…

Either way, the kiddos are NOT complaining.

Today the high was a whopping 12 degrees. It’s about 7 degrees as I’m typing this…

It’s been colder before…lots colder.

Last week was in the 30s, though…and you get spoiled when it’s in the 30s. You become accustomed to a little blustery breeze whipping through as you throw on a coat, running out the door…but aren’t troubled enough to button or zip…it’s just not that bad.

When it gets in the lower digits though…especially the single digits…you start to feel downright chilly.

Alex is going to have a birthday next month~ he’ll be thirteen. In all these years, my dog has not let me down. Alex has never let much phase him. He’s pretty laid back with a side of neurotic, every now and then. You never know when tile will freak him out…or the stairs…

But, for the most part, he only gets excited by the rare appearance of the mail man coming up our driveway.

Oh, and EGGS.

All bets are off when there are eggs in the house. He becomes a different beast altogether when eggs are in the picture…

He’s been the best dog. Besides being a sweetheart, he can be alone in the house all day and not chew anything, not have an accident…I actually think he might just sleep when we’re gone. It would be interesting to see…hmmm…I need a nanny cam.

But this winter…

He’s had enough. He tiptoes outside and comes running right back in. At first, he kept wanting to go out over and over again. I finally realized it was because he couldn’t stand to be out there long enough to get his business done and was probably constipated.

However…

Ugh.

He has been having accidents! This morning, it reached the MULTIPLE TIMES LEVEL!!!

This is unheard of for Alex.

There are only three things that are big about my little Yorkie. His bark~ he does have an impressive, manly bark…and he’s just a little on the bigger side on the weight/height charts. And the other big thing…well, let’s just say, it has NOT been pleasant.

Indie is all kinds of confused on WHAT Alex is thinking, going potty in the house. He goes into full body shudders and he is not the ONLY one. I am appalled and a little distraught.

I’m hoping it is just a matter of being COLD and not that he’s getting OLD and starting to go downhill…

I was thinking this when he came in from one outing this afternoon.

He talks, you know.

He came in, looked at me and said, Where’s my treat?

I said, “Go eat your food, Alex. You’re not getting a treat.”

In my head, I said, I don’t give treats to little dogs who go in the house.

In his head, he said, It is my one vice in life. How can you do this to me?

We did a stare-down. He looked at me, sullenly.

Fine, be that way, he said.

He always gets a treat when he comes inside.

We stared at each other another 30 seconds. I won.

He trudged over to his food bowl and ate his food.

He’s not old. He’s just pitching a fit about the cold.

And I can’t really blame him.

I love to text.

As someone who is not good on the phone~ I can’t hear very well, I am only comfortable being super chatty to a small select few…which makes for some long silences, and well…did I mention, I can’t hear well? Having to say, “What was that?” umpteen times takes away some of the fun of a phone conversation. Plus, I hate that feeling of, Am I taking up their time?

However…as someone who enjoys writing, I can quickly text what I want to say and be done.

Too bad there’s some problems with this theory…

While it’s fun to receive a text, it’s just too hard to ignore when you’re out and about…when you hear that little alert, you have to check it…and that means you have to answer…and get another…and answer again…and receive another…and on and on…

Before I knew that it cost to receive texts AND also to answer them, I thought, “How fun…how convenient…” Boy, was I in for a surprise when I received that next cell phone bill. We now have unlimited texting. PTL.

So…here are a few Matters of Texting Etiquette:

(I will REALLY need to work on these because my primary form of communication (besides email) is texting…)

* First things first~ Know who texts and who doesn’t.

* If you receive a text and are busy, either type a quick response or say you’ll call back when you’re done with so-and-so…

* My husband’s favorite text response is “K…” No, not very verbose, but it gets the job done and lets me know he received my text. I’d much rather get that than not hear anything back at all.

* I think if you go to dinner, it is most polite to not have your phone within earshot, but if you do get a text and are waiting to hear about some important matter, don’t let yourself get sucked into a 20-minute back and forth texting dialogue. If it’s important, excuse yourself and get it all worked out. It’s too hard to be the one sitting there, wondering what is being said.

* Do NOT text while driving.

* Do not text during church. There are a few exceptions to this, I actually saw one Sunday that was relevant…will spare you the details…

* Do not text excessively if you want the people you’re with to feel important. There’s nothing that says, “You are boring,” any louder than someone texting all night while they’re out with you.

* Don’t always have the last word. I struggle with this~ it’s hard knowing when to stop sometimes. You want to be polite and respond…and you also want to not go on and on. So, err on the side of being brief.

Oh man, I have a lot to do in this department. As I said, I love texting. Nate really dislikes it. We have differing opinions on it, but we’ve worked out a happy medium with it, I think. I don’t text him often, only when necessary. I think it’s a huge convenience. He thinks it’s an inconvenience and why not just pick up the phone and call?! I think that if I’m stuck in the line at the grocery store, it is more polite to everyone around me to not be yelling on the phone and to just TEXT that I’m running late, etc.

Speaking of grocery stores, I knew we had crossed over to a good place with texting when Nate asked if I’d text him the grocery list. Now THAT’S what I’m talking about…I don’t know what category that falls under, but I’m ALL for it!

Have a few Matters of Etiquette swimming in my head…this has sort of been running around up in my brain for a while and realize they might be helpful to someone else. Especially in the time of endless “communication” methods, it feels like there are still some basic terms of kindness that are getting lost in the cracks. Believe me when I say that I do not feel I have them all perfected. I also realize that not everyone will agree with all of them…so just take it as my preference and opinion.

They are as follows, and in no particular order…

* Always, ALWAYS carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you. No questions asked, just do it. (Believe it or not, this DOES have something to do with communication!)

* Don’t take a cell phone call while out to dinner…unless your mother is having surgery, in which case, WHAT ARE YOU DOING AT DINNER?

* Keep your conversations to a low pitch while at Barnes & Noble and other fabulous places.

* If you say you’re going to call, do it.

* If you make “tentative” plans, don’t forget to let the other person know if those plans are going south.

* Do not overstay your welcome.

* Try to return phone calls in a timely manner…same with emails…if someone makes an effort to write you, at least acknowledge the correspondence.

* If you say you’re “borrowing” something, make sure you return it.

* Never assume. Anything. Ever.

And these are not etiquette related, necessarily, but I believe they can still go with this post…

* Believe the best in others until proven you can’t.

* Offer kindness first.

* Be willing to listen.

* Talk only when necessary.

There once was a tub.

It was so blue.

It had so many children.

It didn’t know what to do.

I am home. It feels like I’ve been gone forever, even though the week flew by…

This is the sight that I saw when I hit baggage claim around 11 PM on Monday…

My little lambies in their jammies…we whooped and hollered and carried on when we saw each other…it was so fun.

Some entertaining things on my trip…

Sat next to a girl in the airport for the longest who had an hour long conversation about her heartbreak AND was suffering from (possibly) strep throat…when she got to that point in her conversation, I saw fit to go get a snack and look for another seat.

Got held up by the guy who took my bag inside the airport…he studied my license for what seemed like an eternity…told me I didn’t even really LOOK like my picture…much better in person (why, thank you) and would you believe…an hour later, he found me in the airport and chatted me up. The lady I’d struck up conversation with (NOT the sick one) while waiting to get on the flight held it in as long as she could, but when he left, we laughed until we wheezed. She was impressed with how I inserted the fact that I was married with children…but what we laughed harder about was how geeks are the ones with all the guts. You gotta love that though. Guts, that is.

Sat next to the guy who was exhibiting Spare Soles at Market~ I believe it might be his wife who designed them…super nice guy and I think the product is so clever. Oh, how I wish I’d known about them on Day 4 of Market~ I would have made the trek up to the 13th floor to buy some.

Flew Southwest so I stopped a few times, but didn’t have to get off…slept most of the night. By the 3rd takeoff, the flight crew was riffing with one-liners over the intercom and I was just sleepy enough to be at that bonkers stage. I laughed until I cried at their jokes…and then nodded off once they finally hushed.

So…back to Market…let me introduce you to a few people…

This is Mitch. He’s awesome. He works with Woozie, the latest craze…I sold a TON of these things. The couple who made them, Frank and Julia, are so very sweet. Julia is probably the nicest person ever…

Mitch has family in Minnesota, so I’ll be seeing him again…

These ladies are great…Bethany, Denise, and Michelle…

Bethany is from Louisiana and has that lovely genteel Southern quality about her…she’s the good stuff. Denise (in the middle) was sweet as could be. Michelle (on the right) is one of the three sisters who runs the showroom and she was so kind and patient with me as I learned the process. Oh!~ there’s Doug arm on the side…he’s an awesome sales rep/minister. (He showed up more before I posted…)

This is my new friend, Esther. She is a mama and is so fun and sweet. Bless her heart, the girl has a STORY to tell from her nights at the La Quinta in Dallas…I might just have to tell it for her since it’s just too good/crazy to not share…perhaps another day…

She makes these awesome things: Magnetic Memories…I LOVE it when a Mama Finds Success With Her Brilliant Self.

OK…this is my girl, Lori…on the left. Lori Carouthers…for those of you who don’t know it, Lori Carouthers can sing the socks off a tadpole…that’s right, she can. But she can also charm the daylights out of the snootiest, uppity-est, snippiest, (you’re getting the picture, right?) people at Market and that’s saying a LOT. This girl WORKED that Market. I was so proud of her. She’s the one who got me into this and I am eternally grateful.

We go way back…it was fun explaining it to people who wanted to know how we knew each other…it’s been a long time. I love her and am so thankful we’ve had this time together the past couple weeks.

And last, but not least…THIS is the one I wanted to tuck in my pocket and bring home with me. This is Stephanie and she is a DOLL. She called me Precious (and everyone else too, but when she said it to me, she MEANT it, I know she did…) I came home talking like her. I could listen to her talk all day. She’s from Arkansas and she is a HOOT.

Turns out, she owns a store in Morrilton, AR…Clover Alley Gifts…so I WILL be seeing her again sometime. She
plumb near gave me The Big Head with all her Adoration. It was mutual, I’ll tell you that. Stephanie and Lori C together…I just about couldn’t take it, it was so much fun.

It had Tyvek and that’s all I’m gonna say about that…

Sorry, little private joke there…

I met a ton of other great people and wish I’d been taking pictures like crazy the whole time, but there just wasn’t TIME. It was too crazy a pace…but can you get a little glimpse of the fun with this?

I’ve been smiling all day, thinking about the week…

My head is spinning…

First of all, I’m T-I-R-E-D…that could have something to do with the dizziness and bleary eyes.

But mostly, I am delirious from all the FUN I’ve had at Market.

The people I have met~ the other temps, reps, exhibitors, the people running the showroom that I’m working in~ they have all been so incredibly kind and delightful. I can’t even tell you how many good friends I’ve made. Tomorrow my goal is to take a picture with a few of my favorites. And oh, do I ever have some favorites…

I meant to be taking pictures each day, but as soon as I walk in, I get busy and so very distracted…

There are a few people that I’d put in my pocket and take home with me if I could…I’m gonna wait to tell you who so I can get pictures tomorrow and just SHOW you…

What an experience. I’ve worked my tail off, barely stopping to eat or visit the ladies’ room…it’s just been pure adrenaline. I’ve loved ALMOST every minute of it.

My favorite thing to do is help people buy their entire spring/summer/fall/Christmas lines for their stores…sometimes their 2, 3 & 4 stores…whoa. Makes my head giddy just thinking about it…I cannot tell you how humbling and exciting it is.

I have just a couple more days. I’m already sad to say good-bye~ I’m hoping that I’ll see these wonderful people again.

A little update from this morning’s early rant…

Priceline let me out of the deal. Woohooo!!!

I found a great deal at a beautiful Crowne Plaza…I walked in and beamed. It’s gorgeous.

Just wanted to let you know about that…AND I rocked it today at Market.

Me + Palmy Thingy= Friends.

My day of training went well…well, I guess we’ll see how well TOMORROW when I’m actually dealing with customers and trying to answer questions and finagle a Palm order thingy device and make sure they’re ordering their minimum and getting the offset and…and…well, I’m just a wee bit anxious, can you tell?

I fell asleep early (before 10!) only to wake up at 2:20 thinking surely it was at LEAST 6 AM. Nope…so here I sits/lays…

My time with Best Western has not gone well. I will be changing places tomorrow. For instance now~ 3:34 AM~ there is VERY loud talking going on in the parking lot. Last night at 2:30, there was yelling…nope, I will not be trying another night. Have pleaded with Priceline to let me out of this…will not EVER get a hotel through Priceline again…sorry if you’re a big fan. Seems they WILL give me a break, but I have to check one more time tomorrow. Let’s all have a moment of prayer right now that they WILL let me out of this! NOT charge me for the rest of the week!!! OK…thank you.

Of course, they let me know today AFTER checkout time that it would be OK, I wouldn’t be charged the rest of the week…but then when I called to confirm that I wanted to do that, the manager was off duty and they have to confirm with HER during certain hours…so I have to start the whole thing over in the morning…when I’m gonna be crazy busy…and in a building where I don’t get phone service…

This place was NOT like the pictures. That’s all I’m gonna say about THAT.

Grrr.

I met some very nice people today…it was very interesting to learn about the products, to hear how some companies have JUST started and have already exploded with the things they’ve made…love stories like that. There’s a little bit of everything in the showroom (it’s gifts & accessories)~ from the big commercialized companies to the little sole entrepreneur who has found crazy success with their cute little “insert awesome product here”…oh, I already have favorites. You can guarantee you will be hearing more about them!!!

There’s quite a lot of information floating around in my head right now. We’ll see if it all comes together tomorrow…and I haven’t forgotten pictures!

Well, I’m going to attempt sleep again. Wish me luck.