Blog Every Day in May Challenge

It is already the fourth of May, and this is my first post of the month. However, when I read Jenni's May blogging challenge and all the fun prompts, I decided to give it a try.
I urge you to check out the challenge and play along! In the interest of catching up, I'm posting days one through four today.

Day 1: The story of your life in 250 words or less

I am (apparently, one of the few) born and bred “Angelenos.” Meaning, I grew up in Los Angeles, and was spoiled by the weather, and too big of a chicken to ever move away. I was a psychology and English Lit major in college, and after a stint in advertising, found myself working in the wonderful world of finance. I say that with extreme sarcasm because I was lucky, and managed to find one of the few jobs in finance that revolves around people skills and not numbers. I met my husband five years ago, and we were married last July in what was, without a doubt, my dream wedding. I was one of those stereotypical girls, who started planning their wedding at the age of eight, and I have to say, it did not disappoint. I loved almost every second of the planning and now enjoy helping my friends plan their special days and hosting every sort of party imaginable. As that awkward kid who fantasized about weddings, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, to which I answered “a mom.” This has not changed, yet remains a few years down the road. I enjoy online shopping, decorating our little condo by the beach, traveling as much as physically and financially possible and obsessing over food and wine.

Day 2: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at.

I am fantastic at online shopping. I go back and forth on whether it’s a blessing or a curse. On one hand, the majority of items I buy are things I really need want, and the purchase is prompted by a sale. ie I need a pair of new black pumps for work. I receive an email from Bloomingdale’s notifying me that all shoes are currently 20%. Bam, Cole Haan pumps are purchased and I just saved $60.

This online shopping habit can be done while on work conference calls- thus multitasking and using my time more efficiently.  This opens up my weekend or after work free time to spend with those I love- as opposed to brave the crowds in a store, trying to find a pair of shoes. We all win. However, I must warn you- it’s a slippery slope. Just because J Crew is offering 25% off doesn’t mean I really need to purchase anything. Spending money buying another pencil skirt, even at 25% off, isn’t a savings.

The other element to successful online shopping is being ok with making returns. I often order two sizes, since I am unable to try the item on/ the discount is time sensitive, knowing that I will return one- if not both. If you are too lazy/ forgetful to make returns, you should not shop for clothes online.

Day 3: Things that make you uncomfortable

Confrontation. I first saw this challenge on Natasha’s blog and when I read her answer to day number three- I knew there was no getting around it- I would have to copy her. Ask anyone who knows me well; there is nothing I hate more than confrontation. It makes my skin crawl. I know it is sometimes necessary, but I would still rather be passive (and then possibly even a bit passive aggressive) than deal with conflict face to face. 

Talking about money. I’ve relaxed on this one a lot. I was raised never ever discussing money or what anything costs. It still makes me a bit uncomfortable, and the thought of negotiating my salary/ job offer makes me queasy.

 

 Dealing with the in-laws. Just being honest. Its one thing to grow up with your family, know their own type of crazy, what makes them tick and how to deal with it. It’s a whole other can of worms, to marry in to a family with all new eccentricities and not have a clue how they operate. Their methods for dealing with conflict/ stress/ secrets are completely different from anything you’re used to- add the heightened emotions of a new marriage/ wedding- and things get really, ummm, uncomfortable.

Day 4:  Favorite quote