Black Friday Madness!!!!!

Whew!  This was a great Black Friday for my twin sister, Ksea and me.  It all went down like this:

Dario and I got home from Gig Harbor around 7 p.m.  I actually got to sleep around 8 p.m.  Ksea and I got up at 11 p.m. to get to Old Navy.

We stood outside at Old Navy for about 15 minutes.  The line to get into Old Navy went literally around the building.  Once inside it was very, very crowded, but we could still walk around.  We picked up what we wanted within 30 minutes and headed to check out.    We went to get in line and one of the employees said, "The check out line starts there" and points to the other side of the store.  Ksea and I head to the line and realize the check out line went straight to the back of the store, around and down the other side of the store.  It was insane.  It took us 40 minutes to check out.  It was worth it.  I stayed under my budget, which I am very proud of and got a few things I love.

Ok.  Once the Old Navy mission was completed, we headed back home to catch some more zzzzz's.  I got to bed around 2 p.m.  We woke up at 3:45 p.m. to head to JC Penney's for their doorbusters.  I had a list of what I wanted and brought the ad with me. 

As many of your know, I have a West Highland White Terrier (Westie) named Delaney.  She is a difficult dog, but we love her.  I have always loved Westies and I am so glad I have Delaney in my life.  JC Penney had in their doorbuster ad a pair of red fleece sleep pants with Westies on them in pj's.   Ksea and I went to the pj department to look for them and they only had one pair left--a large.  They would swim on me!  I was so bummed.  While we were standing in line to check out, I realized that I forgot something on my list, a pillow from the home department.  I sent my sister on a mission to go get it.  She came back with my pillow, PLUS THE WESTIE SLEEP PANTS IN SMALL!!!!  It was meant to be!!!

There was only ONE thing one my list that I did not buy from JC Penney.  My best buy of the day:  A pair of $100 boots that I bought for $25!  WOOHOO!!!  Again, I even impressed myself that I stayed under my budget.  The check out lines at JC Penney were also soooooo long and it took us more time to check out than it did to shop, but it was, again, soooooo worth it!!!!!

By the time we checked out at JC Penney, some of the stores in the mall were already open, so Ksea and I headed into the mall.  First stop:  Starbucks.  I changed it up today.  Normally, I do not stray from my Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I got a wild hair up my ass and ordered their Caramel Brulee Latte.  It was very good and it the spot.  I had it ALL drank before we continued shopping.  Next stop:  Bath and Body Works.  I had three coupons that I absolutely had to use.  I ended up spending $60 total for a TON of their seasonal lotions and body sprays.  Who can resist a woman who smells like Peppermint?  :-) 

Ok.  Now that I had a heavy bag of lotions, sprays and clothing, we headed to the car to unload and came back into the mall to continue the shopping.  We continued to browse the stores and ended up buying one cardi at Forever 21 for $9.  Yes, $9.  Such a steal.

Last stop of the day:  Yankee Candle.  This had to be the last stop because I had a coupon for buy two large jars get two jars free and carrying around four candles is sooooo heavy (because of my accident, Ksea carried everything heavy today).  I ended up deciding to keep one of those jars for myself:  Gingerbread.  The others are for Christmas gifts.  I tell anyone that if they cannot decide what to give for a Christmas gift to go to Yankee Candle.  It is heaven for me and their scents are very long lasting, powerful, and scrumptious!!!

Ok.  We ended up getting home at 8 a.m.  After checking in with Dario and telling him about my wonderful shopping excursion, and after having a warm cup of Holiday Peppermint Coffee, I immediately retreated to the sofa for a quick nap.  I woke up at 10 a.m. and realized I am in the exact same clothing that I wore on Thanksgiving.  I literally felt gross. :-(  So, I have changed into my flannel sleep pants and have been drinking warm stuff all day long.  I took another hour and a half long nap and I am ready to consume some left over stuffing from Dario's sister's feast. 

So, Black Friday was a success for us this year.  Some years are good and some, well, they are not so good.  It is what you make of it.  For my twin sister and I, it has become a tradition that becomes a bonding experience for us and I wouldn't change it for the world.  Yes, most people think I am crazy for getting up early to do these things; however, I do not care, as I enjoy it and sets the mood for me. 

This pic is of me and Ksea at Old Navy at Midnight.  Ksea is on the left and I am on the right.

Ok.  I am off to eat leftovers now and drink a massive amount of herbal tea.  :-)  I have Target and Wal Mart to hit tomorrow.  Silly Me.......

xoxo

Cricket

I am very Thankful.......

Ok.  It's 6:22 am PST.  I was wide awake at 3:00 am and could not go back to sleep.  Good Grief.  At 5:30 a.m., I decided to walk (yes walk--it is still somewhat slick out and freezing) to Safeway to get the Thanksgiving paper, which by the way weighs 10 pounds, for the Black Friday Ads and Coupons.  I pretty much walked a mile already this morning.  It is soooooo worth it!!!!

Ok, so onto the actual purpose of this post.  I am very thankful for my family, Dario, Dario's family, my friends, and all our "furkids".  I say thanks to God every day for them in my life.  Today, Thanksgiving, is no different.

Today I would love to share with you some photos of some of the people who are very important in my life:

My twin sister, Ksea, and I at 8 months old.  To tell you the truth, I do not know who is who in this picture; however, our mother has no problem telling us apart in any picture.

This next picture is Ksea and me at our first dance recital at 4 years old.  I am on the right.  Our mother hand made those headbands--lots of pipe cleaner and glitter!!!!

The reclusive Dario and me July 2010.  Not a good picture of me, but a good one of Dario.

Dario and me at our friend's wedding day dinner July 2010

Ok...that's enough picture posting for today.

I hope each and every one of you has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I will hopefully post something tomorrow after I get home from my Black Friday Shopping Madness!!!  Bring it on!!!!

'Til then....

Cricket

Oh Crazy Blonde Target Lady.....

Ok.

I find the blonde lady in the Target television ads very funny.  Her expressions are priceless! 

She envelopes all Black Friday emotions in the commercials.

Love her!!!

Ok...I thought I would share some recent pictures of Delaney.

Delaney in the first snow of the year

Delaney with her comfort "go to" toy:  Lil' Buddy.  I cannot express enough that if the maker of these toys discontinues the fleecey wonders--we will be in big trouble.  The maker of these toys not only makes Lil' Buddy, but there is also The Vet, The Ex, Mailman, and one other one too.

Now here is one right after Delaney comes home from the Puppy Spa.  We actually call Monica, her groomer, her "stylist".  Monica does such a great job and worth the drive.  :-)  Delaney is such a pretty girl!!!

Ok.  That's enough bragging from me for now.  I will try to take more pics of Delaney and me over the holiday and try to post them over the weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving from Cricket, Dario, Delaney, Thelma and Duncan

Let it Stop Snowing for Thanksgiving!!!!

As much as the major snowfall we are having is gorgeous, it is somewhat annoying.  Anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Western Washington, understands that when it snows here it is a huge deal.  Here in Olympia specifically there are a lot of hills to get up and down and it makes driving really treacherous due to the moist air which turns our roads into ice when the weather reaches the freezing mark.  I think people assume since we Washingtonians are near Canada, that we should be used to snow.  When, in fact, it does not snow much here. 

We have maybe two MINOR snow falls each year. 

In 2008/2009 we had a very snowy winter.  Too much for my liking. Dario's father drove me and Dario to work for a straight week. 

In 2009/2010 we BARELY had any snow.

NOW....thanks to El Nina, we are going to have another winter with major snowfall.  And, it started Sunday and will continue into Thanksgiving Day.  But, thank goodness, Black Friday will come with no weather interruptions!!!!  God forbid any snow will disrupt my Black Friday shopping plans.  Yes, people I am one of those crazy people who stand in line at 3 am waiting for Old Navy to open.  This year, Old Navy will be open at midnight so I will not be going to bed after a very long day of eating and being with family. 

I am grateful for everyone in my family, Dario's family, our "furkids" Delaney, Thelma and Duncan, and the fact that we are healthy (relatively healthy in my case). 

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!  I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and friends.  Eat a lot and take a nap....go ahead--you are allowed!!!!

Cricket

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!!!

Yes...I do know it is not even Thanksgiving yet.  But I wanted to post in advance of the greatest holiday in my opinion. 

Winter is not my favorite season.  Although I think snow is beautiful and gorgeous, I am not a big fan of navigating or driving through snow and being physically cold.

However, November through New Year's is my favorite time of the year.  In general, it seems the public is in a decently better and giving mood. 

I really enjoy listening to Christmas music.  It makes me so happy.  Although my boyfriend doesn't care for it, he tolerates me listening to Christmas music from November 1st through Christmas.  The Christmas music and the scents of the holiday, ie: apple cider, pumpkin, peppermint, evergreen, etc., puts me in a happy mood and I am reminded of what this glorious holiday is about--The birth of our savior.  It moves me to remember that the person who died for my sins was born during this season. 

As I struggle with issues that are all "mine" throughout the year, I am reminded during this wonderful season that I am not alone in my silent struggles (there are many of them).  I know I am heard through prayer each and every day and thank God for giving his son as my savior.

I hope each and every one of you has a great holiday season.  May Peace, Joy and Love be with you not just during this special time, but all year long!

xoxo

Cricket