Yay!

I finally bit the bullet and bought a new laptop. Apple says it should be here by the 2nd (of July) but they always seem to over-estimate the delivery date, so it'll probably be here sooner.

Basically, I just needed to a buy a new laptop before I buy the 3G iPhone because my current notebook is not compatible with anything.

Liars

The Coach store opened this weekend in WEM. Nothing terribly exciting, but I need a new bag, and I'm always on the hunt for new shoes so I stopped in on Saturday to see what they had in store. I scanned the room and spotted a prim woman with a Coach scarf looking positively bored and asked her if they had any shoes in stock.

She claimed they had sold out, but I find that hard to believe seeing as how they had just opened for business the day before. I asked her when they'd be getting more in and she seemed rather annoyed and brushed me off with a dismissive, "a month maybe?" and "you could just call the store, I guess".

Not helpful.

I'll just go to Holt's on Thursday, thanks.

Aimless Wandering

I trtied to go shopping today but I just wasn't feeling it. I found the sunglasses I want but I held off on buying them because I can probably get a discount if I buy them at their location by my work. I stopped by the Gap to check out a skirt (shocker, I know, but sometimes I do wear skirts) but they didn't have the skirt I wanted in black. I still might get the green one, but the black can be worn more frequently.

I stopped by the grocery store on my way home to pick up sugar - which is obviously the only thing I managed to leave without.

I'll just grab some later after I go to the gym I guess.

The Emperor Has No Clothes

I'm not a person who could be described as having few clothes, a few clothes too many perhaps, but never just few.

Yet, I can't seem to find anything that I want to wear. Maybe I'll pick up a new shirt before work, but what to wear in the interim? I'm tempted to wear just a camisole under a sweater, but what if I don't find something, then I'll be uncomfortable all day.

Whatever, I'll just throw on some random v-neck. Speaking of which, I've been meaning to stop by American Apparel because I need new shirts/sweaters, and maybe a cardigan.

The Accessories Closet

I had planned on going scarf/necklace shopping before work so I didn't bring my skateboard because I'm sure as hell not tooling around Holt's with an unwieldy piece of sports equipment in hand. I got lazy though and just went home after buying my bus pass and book shopping. I had to do yoga before work and I was quickly running out of time because I had slept in.

I had previously thought there was something wrong with my trucks on my longboard after an accident last season, but now I'm back to thinking it's the bearings. I'm not in hte mood to change all the bearings just yet, so Joel (my trusty longboard) is going to be shelved for a couple of weeks until the weather (read: the gravelly sidewalks) gets better.

I ended up stopping by High Grade, I had a message to deliver anyways, and I'd heard they'd gotten some new Juicy necklaces in. D was working, so I said hey as I fell in love with this ridiculous metallic blue Diesel windbreaker, but at almost $300, I'm going to have to hold off on that for a bit.

I picked a little gold starfish, because I like all things nautical and it's really understated.

The Boots Don't Make Me Invincible

Even if they do look rather superhero-esque...

I'm too tired to feel this jittery but I don't get to call the shots. I'm still technically without internet, because my phone's tiny keypad does not count. The coffee is gross today, too much equal - noted.

On the bright side, I bought two new pairs of shoes yesterday, although the loafers are identical to a pair I already own, just in black suede instead of white leather.

I bought the loafers because I wore my boots yesterday and they did a number on my ankle and had me begging for mercy by 7:30 pm, and the flats I bought just cause.

A Dilemma: Fashionista Edition

Spending $120 on a t-shirt is ridiculous right?

I was just checking.

I really want
this shirt, partly because I like KSUBI, and I find the whole Cory Kennedy/Paris Hilton phenomenon endlessly fascinating.

That being said, the ladies at Fashionista seem to have as much trouble as me resisting the siren song of that elusive perfect t-shirt.

Summer Whites

I have this thing, in the spring, when it's all wet and muddy out, and iff I had to give it a name, it would be a compulsion.

I yearn for the carefree days of summer, and buy a new pair of white canvas or suede shoes every year around this time as an effigy of the blank slate of summer that lies ahead.

I went against the grain today and bought Chucks in Optical White - totally atypical shoes for me but I'm in love with them as they're my first pair. I'm still not really sold on the classic black Chucks but I was desperate for different shoes/unsatisfied with the ones I had on.

Across the Universe

I had a meeting across the city last week and since I didn't really have anything better to do, I stopped by the grocery store on my way home. It was freezing so it was also an excuse to warn up my feet while I waited for a cab, but no one wants to hear about the weather.

I carefully selected my groceries, almost forgetting my exfoliating facial wash - the reason I had stopped in in the first place, and decided to resolve that shipping situation since I had a bit of time to kill as I waited for my cab.

My cab pulled up and this middle-aged woman scampered over to claim it and started putting her groceries in the trunk. I had been certain that this was in fact, my cab, and not hers, so I ambled over and asked the driver who had called for it. She looked a little enraged, but grudgingly gave up the cab when my suspicions were confirmed. I was on the phone at this point but the cab driver still tried to strike up a conversation with me. He had the gall to ask me if he was going the right way and for directions (uh, isn't that your job? And if you don't know, that's what the gps navigator in your car is for). I was on hold with PayPal for over 35 minutes and by that point I'd already been driven home and was checking the mail in the lobby of my building. Since there is no service in the elevator or the stairwell, I just decided to throw in the towel and try again in the morning.

Another hour or so on hold, part of it with Paypal, the rest with Karmaloop, the merchant in question, and my order is 'fixed' and apparently shipping later that day. It's Monday now, and the order still hasn't shipped - argh!

Impulse Purchases

I decided against getting that leather jacket (at least for now) since I can't really see myself wearing it all that much and because I'm already planning on buying another jacket in a matter of days.

What started out as a simple search for running shoes ended with me paying for a shoes (the only real necessity on this list), a couple of shirts (I need more shirts like I need a hole in the head), a gold necklace (wtf?), a purse (at least this one is a gift), headphones (which I admitted today I'd love to own but would probably never use) and a hat (because I never wear hats and I need to round out my collection of useless items in my room that collect dust), another yoga dvd (because the one I bought earlier this week kinda sucks) and another snowboarding magazine (as December's issue of Nylon remains at the bottom of my purse, largely untouched).

I was planning on going shopping tomorrow but the only thing I really need now is groceries and a good workout, and mascara but setting foot near a makeup counter is usually something I like to do when I look somewhat presentable...

Biker Chic

I'm copping The Pansy's style and I really want this leather jacket. Apparently my sudden interest in acquiring a leather was subconsciously influenced by her seemingly recent desire for one. I vaguely recall openly mocking her when she brought this up and asking her if she was trying to imitate our boss.

I don't really need a leather jacket, per se, but that's never stopped me before.

Things That Make Me Want to Turn Around at the Sliding Glass Doors

1. Long lines of any kind. The only thing I believe in waiting in line for during the holiday season is food and/or drink (most notably at the Starbucks or the corner store buying my fifth diet Rockstar of the day) and books/magazines (at least that way I have something to read) - anything else, I will figure out a time the when said establishment isn't busy, and come back then.

2. Proximity to screaming children. Seriously, get a freaking soother for your child, or better yet don't take them shopping at all. A couple of days ago a child got trapped between a bolted down glass door and the adjoining glass wall. It stared at the scene for a minute before walking over and calmly unlatching the door to allow the child's escape while silently judging the mom who was within spitting distance the whole time - she was talking to someone so she wasn't really paying attention. She made some sort of under her breath comment in my general direction and I wanted to whip around and explain to her that:

1. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones (or in this case, glass corridors), 2. Now's not the time to let your toddler go on little adventures, 3. You are a terrible parent.

3. Bargain-hunters. In my experience they are the most ornery Christmastime beasts as they have no concept of timeliness. "Is this the best deal I can get?" "Yup, because you're not at a stall somewhere in Mexico. If you don't buy it, someone else will. You can't just show up to the party late and expect to be the belle of the ball". I get that you saw whatever item here three weeks ago, but the fact that it was cheap and remotely nice kinda sums up why it is no longer here.

4. Window-shoppers. Unless you're just passing through on your lunch break, you have no excuse. Why would you willingly come shopping if you're too broke to buy anything. You're not contributing to anything except for the congestion. It's the equivalent of raising your hand to answer a question, and when called upon, not saying anything, just staring off into the distance. Additionally, if you haven't a clue what a store sells, here's a tip, go into the store and look around instead of gathering around outside the entrance repeatedly reading aloud the name as if that will suddenly explain to you what 'Lululemon' entails - conversely, how do you not know of the exclusive clothier of soccer-moms, the ugg-footed and people who wouldn't even know a yoga mat if they tripped over it, were you raised by wolves?

Shop 'til You Drop

"Considering how heavy my bags are, I'm pretty sure that means I can skip the gym today"

Today was the day that I absolutely had to get the rest of my shopping/card mailing/post-office going done since I don't have a full day off until after Christmas. I started early, around 9 am and picked up my new ac adapter from Apple (my old one actually full-on died last night) and picked up various gifts all over the city for about 6 hours. I got home in time to catch the last half of days.

I really should have eaten before I left but I was on task, and that would have meant that I would have to break my focus to find a washroom - not happening. First on my list, my mom. What to get the woman who has everything and then some? Sheets and a standing mixer. I had no clue what to get her manfriend so I just told her to either add my name to a card and I'd send money or pick something up and forge my signature.

My dad and his new wife are a little easier to please since they mistakenly believe that I can do no wrong. My stepmom bought my dad a new camera so I bought him Photoshop CS3 and a new wallet, a man can never have too many wallet I always say. My stepmom got a gift certificate to The Running Room (they sell shoes and other running accessories) and a weekend at a B&B in Quebec City with my Dad (they're planning a trip sometime in the spring).

After unloading the bulk of my purchases at the Post Office I made up for lost time by picking up a few things for myself (Coach flats - love them, running tights and jog bras, and a couple other small things). I honestly don't even want to think about next month's statement but I suspect it's going to be 10+ pages again.

Anticipation vs. Procrastination

I'm at home, waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Puralator to ring the buzzer, waiting in vain it seems. I've put off going to the gym until after my stories in hopes of intercepting the package on its way back to the depot. I live like a rockstar on my days off, it's really exciting as you can see.

I'm supposed to be using my time effectively, trying to wrangle my all of Christmas shopping, online naturally, into one day. I'm completely at a loss in terms of what to get my parents, never mind their significant others and respective kids, all I know is that it's going to cost me a bundle (implying perhaps, that I should wait until after Christmas to buy those boots I've been aching for that I finally found in my size)

For now, I'm going to watch a bit more TV Degrassi first, then B&B, and finally Days before I amble down to the gym. I'm on a bit of a deadline, both with the shipping of my gifts and the fact that I'm supposed to go see Juno later tonight, but I just can't seem to get off the couch once again.

Black vs. White

I made up for my lack of ambition on Wednesday by both working out and doing yoga today. I picked up my renewed card as well, so I can finally buy those boots I've been scoping (assuming they still have that one pair in my size). I think the game plan for the weekend is to go snowboarding after work on Saturday - we'll have to see how well that fares.

I'm still rather torn between the two boots, and their respective colours, but I suppose leaving the decision up to the stock list is the best option. The boots I want in the colour I want are sold out in my size, so I can either get the boots I want, in a less desirable colour, or get a more desirable colour, in a boot I'm not that taken with.

The fact that I'm reconsidering my previous choice makes me think that I should go with my gut and get the black boots.

Happy Customers

Memo to a certain Coast Mountain Sports cashier: when someone has their hand held out expectantly awaiting the return of her gold card, maybe place it in their outstretched hand instead of carelessly tossing it onto the counter - that's just bad form...

Road Trip

Not quite a road trip per se, but rather, a trip to Ikea ! I'm stoked, especially about the fact that I don't have to take the bus there (not all that it's cracked up to be, sadly).

Shoe Gazers and Blazers

Since my previous shopping trip was less than fulfilling, I had decided to stop by Urban Outfitters on my break - flying in the face of everything I believe in but, whatevs - I needed shoes (like a hole in the head, but that's another story entirely).

Back in February, I think I had vowed to never shop there again, but it's getting to be pretty difficult to stick to my guns about this one, especially since the shoes I wanted were on sale. I knew this, of course, because I have several friends who are actually employed by the retail behemoth - on of whom stopped by the shop a couple weeks back to tell me to drop by so he could avoid actually being busy by simply looking it.

I bought a pair of lace up Vans roughly two weeks ago, and fell in love. I went back yesterday to pick up a new pair because I'm a sucker for a good sale, especially one that involves shoes. I was trying to decide which colour I was most fond of (I was leaning towards navy blue), except when I got there, they were even more deeply discounted (something crazy like 85% off), so I went crazy and snatched up three pairs and impulsively bought teal nail polish (to match my favourite pair) at the till.

Then I bought groceries after work and was kicking myself because of the heft of my bags and the awkward factor of having to balance three pairs of shoes and four bags of groceries.



Photo Credit: Flickr

Mixed Results

I had all these grandiose plans for my day off but none of them really came to fruition. I really wanted to go shopping but above all, I needed to actually go through with the whole working out thing, so I dragged myself out of bed at a quarter past nine and lumbered into the kitchen to grab a glass of water before making my way downstairs.

The treadmill wasn't turned on so it took me a while to figure out why it wasn't working and I put on The sounds. I started jogging 10 minutes into it I felt like I'd been walking the whole time so I upped the ante and picked up the pace. Around the 25-minute mark, my knees started to hurt and at 35 mintues, I'd broken into a good sweat so I called it a day.

I made my way upstairs again and realized that If I hurried, would have just enough time to clean myself up a bit and catch a bus to the City Centre Mall. I was looking for a new toilet brush, I just left my old one at my old place because it's kinda gross and I'd prefer to just buy an new one, but no dice - the only ones I found were totally heinous.

I ended up buying jeans on a whim because I needed another pair of black (charcoal really, so it's justifiable) skinnies. On a whim I passed Holt's on the way home and decided to pop in to buy more perfume despite the fact that I looked like hot ass, but it was worth it because I ended up running into a friend as a result (I had completely forgotten that she worked in Manulife Place).

I was tired (being out of bed for more than 3 hours on my day off really takes it out of me apparently) and took the bus home, downloaded last night's episode of Gossip Girl, and watched B&B and Days, only venturing out afterwards to pick up some lunch. I just didn't really have it in me to shop on foot. I perused online, but couldn't commit. I might have to pick up some shoes tomorrow to compensate.

Questions, possibly ones without answers

Why, do you insist on going shopping (or rather, to the mall) without any intention to actually purchase something? Is it a game for you, perhaps you enjoy fighting your way through crowds and narrowly missing piles of vomit/spilled drinks.

The mall isn't really a fun place to be if you don't have a purpose in mind above the age of says, 8 yeears old because the people who choose to frequent such establishments to back to school shop this late in the game are usually unpleasant boors and should be avoided at all costs.

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend, this officially concludes my rant.