Is Black Friday 'so last season'?...

I used to TOTALLY do the Black Friday thing. I'd wake up early, go to Best Buy, and wait in line. I'd brave the potential trampling, and I'd get some goodies that after rebate were practically free, and I'd be home by 10am. But Black Friday, in recent years, has gotten out of control! Now they have vouchers for the 1st people in line. People CAMP OUT during Thanksgiving! And the deals are fewer and not as amazing.

With the failing economy, I'm wondering if Black Friday will even be relevant this year. AND, now that you can do a lot of your Black Friday shopping online, maybe this "tradition" will fall by the wayside...at least as we've known it. Still, I'll be checking out Target's sectional on Thanksgiving day...and Best Buy's...and now even Apple has a 1-day sale.

But really, I'm just not in the mood to buy anything these days. I get more excited putting money away and watching my emergency fund grow than shopping for anything in particular.

Though, some things that have been pulling at my "need/want" heartstrings:

The Apple mighty mouse

This gorgeous Zac Posen dress

A membership to this new gym/workout in my 'hood (has anyone tried suspension training?)

And, this adorable thing...my new crush

GQ and I are off to the SF Auto Show this afternoon! I'm so excited! There's a whole Smart Car exhibit! :)

AND LASTLY...

...to all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! May it be FULL both in your heart and in your belly!

• I am thankful for my new life in my new city and the fullness and joy its brought to me.
• I am thankful for my family and my friends and my cute-as-can-possibly-be nephew.
• I am thankful for having a job and feeling secure in these insecure times.
• I am thankful for this blog and all the insanity its allowed me to release as well as the connections I've made through it.
• I'm thankful for my health and the promise of a new start to a new body as of 12/1!!! Ha!

Gift ideas for him?...

I've started that extremely stressful thought process of trying to decide what to get your new boyfriend who you've only been dating for a couple months but really really like.  I have some ideas.  But me, being the overly generous (sometimes uncomfortably so) person that I am, am realizing that my thoughts of grandeur and excessive dollar signs need to be scaled back in order to not scare my "starving student" away.  

So, I went to my beloved Etsy for some ideas.  And they just so happen to have a "Gifts for Him" page setup. Ummmm...let's see.  I'm not quite sure words do justice to what I found here.  So, let me post some pictures and let's all ask ourselves:  are you serious?  

Every man's home should be decorated with cross-stitch...

Hand-knit koozie, anyone?

I'm excited about Obama...but really?

I'm without words...every man needs an "I'd rather be..." keychain

Bingo!  I found the perfect gift.  A lingerie lamp.  He'll love it!

"Vacation's all I ever wanted..."

Ahhh...nothing like vacationing to an old school Go-go's song!

GQ and I just got back from a weekend in Northern Sonoma. For those of you unfamiliar with this area, I really, really, strongly, profusely suggest, in fact insist, you come and visit. We stayed at the Old Crocker Inn in Cloverdale (thanks Amber for the suggestion!) and spent time at vineyards and breweries and hiking trails and restaurants and small towns between Cloverdale, Geyserville, and Healdsburg. This area is much more "untouched" than the brighter, shinier, bling-ier Napa. All in all, just lovely.

We started the weekend with a plan...but promised each other we wouldn't stick to it! That made it all the more enjoyable. Let's just say that between a hammock, a road side country market, and an all organic wineary, we pretty much had the time of our lives. We went where the wind, and our bed and breakfast owners, led us. And it ended up being the perfect cost-effective weekend for troubled economic times as well!!! If you want suggestions, let me know! I'm now a huge fan of the area! :)

Go! Get away! Enjoy!

Where to?...

I love this vintage luggage set on etsy! It's so great. Of course since I'm mandated by God to not spend any more money, I can't get it! ha! But, I like how it makes me feel...like I can pack up and leave at any moment's notice. Which reminds me:

I'm off to Healdsburg this weekend! I'm so excited! My first time in Sonoma. My first time wine tasting. My first time at a bed & breakfast. I know, I know! What kind of "chon-nom" (Korean word for simpleton, hick, village folk) am I? But, I like that I'm in my 30's and still learning, still experiencing new things, still exploring.

And again, back to the luggage set and why I love it. Completely impractical...I'd never travel w/o wheels on my bags!...but makes me excited about all the possibilities...

The 11th Commandment...

I had a dream last night in which God spoke to me.

He asked "Susan, how well do you know my commandments?".

I replied, "God, I try to keep as many of the 10 commandments as I possibly can!"

"Susan, aren't you overlooking the 11th commandment?"

"Huh?"

And as clear as the morning sky, I heard him say "Thou Shall Not Spend Any More Money"

Daggers. Pain. NO! I can keep the sabbath, God. I can avoid murder and adultery, God. But, not spend any more money? NO!

The problem with finishing Christmas shopping early is that you want to keep on buying...more and more presents. And then you come across stuff you want for yourself! Ugh. I must control my spending! I must!

With that being said, here are some things I want from etsy...but will NOT be buying:

*le sigh*...I want, I want, I want...

R.I.P...

I'm certain that my life expectancy has got to be less than the average Betty. The more I think about it, the more I feel there's no way, but by the grace of God, that I'll live to see my retirement. ha! Here's why:

• I sometimes drink sugar-free Red Bull in the morning for breakfast
• I sometimes forget to wear sunscreen
• I sometimes fall asleep w/o washing off my makeup
• I sometimes eat pizza and burgers 3-4 times a week
• I sometimes brush but don't floss
• I sometimes (oftentimes) drink too much beer
• I sometimes wear shoes that are too high, too tight, and too bad for my back
• I sometimes slouch
• I sometimes tip the scale at 10-15 lbs overweight
• I sometimes (oftentimes) spend way to much money
• I sometimes neglect to call my parents
• I sometimes don't get enough sleep
• I sometimes (allthetimes) watch too much tv
• I sometimes stress too much about fantasy football & dancing with the stars
• I sometimes shun exercising
• I sometimes think badly about other people
• I sometimes don't eat enough vegetables
• I sometimes (toomanytimes) feel grouchy and take it out on others

I should probably start scouting out locations for my burial. But who's got the time? I'm too busy enjoying life! :)

Uninspired...

...can't blog...

blah, blah, blah...

something, anything, come my way...

maybe tomorrow...

Weekend plans...

The weekend plans are finalizing quite nicely. Brunch and bottomless mimosas with some gal pals. Pizza making w/ GQ. Tea Time with some ladies from work. The lighting of the Holiday tree (already?) at Pier 39. Reggae club w/ GQ. And hopefully some football in the mix.

As for my obsession with ruffles, look at these cute Madden's my sister sent me:

And these adorable Juicy slippers another reader sent me:

Love, love, love!!!

Oh, and check out this new service they're offering in San Francisco! It's called Hitchsters. And according to Thrillist:

"Getting to the airport generally starts your journey off with a bitter dash of suck -- cabs drain your wallet, while rides from friends create a debt that when called in will leave you apoplectic with rage. For a more appealing option, try Hitchsters.

Started in NY and now serving SFO, San Jo, and Oaktown, Hitchsters is a free web service that pairs you up with another airport-bound human, then dispatches a towncar to swoop you both up; you'll have already paid, with Hitchsters splitting the fare + tip evenly. Simply enter your pertinent deets (address/phone/when & where you're going), and 48hrs before your flight, Hitchsters confirms your match based on proximity, flight-time, and whether or not you've specified your companion's gender (an option probably intended for women who feel more comfortable with other women, but why not abuse it, seeing as you're leaving town). Upon your return, Hitchsters'll go so far as to pair you with a suitable companion from your flight, so even if it's delayed you're guaranteed the company of someone at least as furious as you."

Not bad, huh? I think its a cool idea! I could've really used this the past few months and all the traveling I did. Taxis and shuttles were pissing me off!

Have a greet weekend, ya'll!!!

Ruffles...

...I love them! I don't know why! But I'm newly obsessed with ruffles...lots and lots of them.

Look at Holly Stalder's gorgeous ruffles:

I'd TOTALLY wear this dress!

And this capelet...or lord, just give me a reason...I want to wear it!

One more...this one was shown on A Cup Of Jo today:

It's so much fun being a girl! :)

Nothing in common...

What do you do when you have nothing in common with the guy you're seeing?

Hystorically, I'd run...run like the wind...fa' fa' away. I'd sabotage the relationship. I'd roll my eyes and get increasingly disgruntled. Who'm I kidding...I wouldn't even date anyone with whom I had nothing in common!

I'm a NEW WOMAN! Ha! Older, wiser...more desparate...ha! j/k! The Bay Area breeze has dun me good...

GQ and I have so little in common. He doesn't really follow sports (whaaaat?) whereas I live and die by my fantasy football scores. He likes reggae music (snooze) whereas I like classic rock and hip hop. He's very "new age-y" (for lack of a better term) whereas I grew up a good Christian girl. He's never, ever, ever mad or frustrated (crazy!) whereas...well, you get the point.

But, I LIKE HIM! And I have fun with him! He's down to try anything! And he MAKES me try things too! It's all pretty new to me...chinese herb doctors, reggae clubs, sustainable sushi restaurants, anything outside of Russian Hill...but its all pretty refreshing.

Try something new today! You may love it. You may hate it. But, you'll be stretched by it. And that's a good thing!

Stimulating the economy...

...all on my own! ha! I have been on a shopping frenzy of late. I'm combing etsy every day and finding new and wonderful things each time! I actually blame etsy, outblush, and my rewards points credit card for my lack of a savings account.

So, here are some of my random purchases of late:

I found these jeans on Outlbush. They're only $40, but they fit just like Se7ens and the pocket design looks just like Citizens. I love these!

I am newly obsessed with neck warmers. I love them. So cozy. I bought this one off etsy and it keeps my neck so cozy!

I found this print on etsy. The girl reminds me of myself so I bought it!

Bought this sweater from a vintage clothing shop off etsy. Love how big it is...I can get lost in it! no sucking-in-my-tummy-all-day in this one!

I'm a fool to write this since I know my sister reads this blog, but...I'm getting my entire family webcams for Christmas. (don't worry, sis, it's only ONE of your gifts!). I'm so obsessed with my ichat and love the whole Skype-thing. The thought of seeing my nephew through chat is too much excitement for me! This logitech camera is Skype-approved!

So, I'm doing my part! I'm such a patriot! :)

Could this year get any better?

It's been a really good year. I've been fortunate. And there's NO BETTER way to end it than to find out how MUCH time off I get from work for the holidays! I am giddy right now!

I was sending out an email to my staff reminding them of our holiday schedule. And then it hit me: I get all this time off too! The entire Thanksgiving week. The entire Christmas AND New Year's week. 3 weeks off in 2 months? I HAVE to do something to celebrate! I'm hitting up vineyards and breweries in Healdsburg Thanksgiving week. Christmas week in SoCal. And, I'm thinking VEGAS for New Years! Why not ride my luck and go put my entire lifes' savings on 18 black? ha! j/k...but, a few hours at the 3-card poker sounds like a good time...

...don't mean to bring up the holidays already...or to rub ALL MY PAID TIME OFF in anyone's faces (hee!)...I'm just getting really, really excited!

Contentment...scary...

This weekend, GQ and I hit up the Asian Art Museum and checked out the Afghanistan exhibit. I was more excited to see the Korea section on the 2nd floor. It was neat seeing the "real thing" as opposed to all the knock offs we have displayed around my family home. GQ was especially struck by this huge painting of the goddess of contentment. She creeps me out a bit. But, he asked me to ask her for contentment in an area of my life.

I get sketched about stuff like this. But, it got me thinking and wondering about the level of contentment in my life currently. I've always been a little scared to say that I'm content. Does that mean I'm not pressing for more? Does it mean that I've reached "the end"? Does it mean I'm just waiting for stuff to go wrong? And...when did I become so doom and gloom? Hmmm...

So, I've decided to just say it, claim it, and feel good about it: Yes, I feel really content at where I am in my life today. Life in SF is great. I live in a phenomenal city and am meeting some exceptional people! Work is really turning around and its clear that I'm needed, valued, and appreciated! My relationships, for the most part, are growing and doing well (I miss my family (my nephew especially), my LA girls, my CYG girls, and my boy Martin...but all of this is part of growing too). And other than the fact I'm only 6-4 in my fantasy football league and lost to my arch-nemesis last weekend...oh, and other than the fact that I'm a fat cow these days, life is good. LIFE IS REALLY GOOD!

Don't be scared, Susan. Life is good. That's a good thing! That's an ok thing. Embrace it. Celebrate it! Whoo hoo! So, thank you semi-scary goddess of contentment! If for no other reason but just making me realize that LIFE IS GOOD! :)

He's so great...

My coworkers and I just gathered around and watched President-elect Obama's first news conference. It was stern, informative, amusing, and refreshing. He makes you feel confident and hopeful and safe. Barack Obama, I think you've got my vote! (hee!)

...oh...something weird was going on with his eyebrows though (at least on our HD screen). If you noticed too, let me know. We're thinking he waxes...yikes.

"Gray skies are gonna clear up..." and The Perfect Boot

This picture perfectly describes how I've been feeling the last day or so. I need to snap out of it!!! Hopefully the weekend will bring me some joy and perk me up! I'm thinking: an early morning tomorrow doing laundry, drinking really good coffee, and reading my new Marie Claire! :) I'm a woman of simple pleasures...

So, in my search for The Perfect Boot, I've realized, it will actually take probably 3 pairs to get everything I want. Thus, I've invested in 2 pairs to date.

I wanted a pair of flat boots since it just makes sense now that I'm in SF. I found this vintage pair on Etsy. I was a little sketched out about wearing used shoes (ha!), but I'm putting in new insoles! And they were only $45...real leathah!!!

I also wanted a pair of booties. I've been eyeing these Report boots for some time and they FINALLY went on sale! Whoo hoo! Sold!

Now, all I have left is a pair of tall, heeled boots...either stiletto, chunk, or wedge. I can't decide. I'm thinking wedge would be better for the city walking. I still am pondering the ones by...ummm...cough...Crocs...

I know what you're all thinking...all of those pairs are BLACK! Well, I've got a great pair of cognac boots already and some funky brown ones...so I think black is what I need...and remember, I'm in a "gray cloud" mood these days! :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thank you, America...

...or at least most of you...way to get it right! It's a proud moment in our history. One of the most significant in my entire life. Congratulations, President-elect Obama!

"I Voted!"

My first election as an official San Francisco resident and one of my proudest moments...really...

Some of my coworkers...that's right...we did it...WE VOTED!!!

I'm looking forward to going over to Emily and Rob's for their Election Party. Results = good. Chili and jalepeno corn bread = even better. Champagne = can there BE a better party? :)

"Choose hope over fear"...

My own DC experience...

I just spent 3 lovely, fun and food-filled days with my girl Jeannie in DC. I'm so proud of Jeannie! She's a suburb-raised wonder, now living in the gritty nation's capital! And thriving! Well done, Jeans!

I love DC! Its so eclectic and cultural and vibrant...and it was buzzing with the election nearing! People are excited!

A couple of my favorite shots from the National Portrait Gallery:

A contemporary take on the Statue of Liberty. In light of this monumental election, I felt drawn to her.

One artist's take on Oakland. I think this is how I've always seen Oakland...gray, gloomy. But GQ's Oakland is actually very lovely...ok, true, he lives in Montclair...but I think that's part of Oakland.

We also got to see the African Children's Choir perform. I fell in love with these kids.

You'll never see the beauty of the changing seasons out west like you do out east. *le sigh* Lovely.

Thanks, Jeans...I had a blast...