I Love Bein' Less Large, More In Charge!

Holy Jesus, it's been a while since I've been on the Bloggerspotter. It isn't for any lack of post-worthy happenings. I just haven't had much time. Halloween was - OF COURSE - busy for me. Going from working 15 hrs a week to almost 40 was a shock to my life. Work, work, work. I like work. But then nothing slowed down between Thanksgiving and Christmas, naturally. That is a good thing because it means I have my life back in order. I'm living my life in a much better way than I was a year ago. I'm all grown up again or some such nonsense.



The main thing on my mind has been my work situation. Immediately after Halloween I decided to satisfy my curiosity and ask Mel (then the store manager) if I even had a shot at the assistant manager spot. I didn't want to bail on the tearoom but money talks, and benefits, and vacation time, and all the good stuff that comes along with a "real job." My Mom understood. Mel was shocked because he didn't realize that I was a possible candidate. That threw him into a tizzy of talking to our regional manager and forcing them to reveal what they had in mind for the position. We waited for what seemed like an eternity while this person talked to that person and that dude checked with another guy. I thought I'd never know.



Enter change. I arrived one day to unsettling news. Mel was no longer with the company. I think I actually shed a tear or two. It was quite a shock. The news was given to me by Bill. Bill had been the fill-in assistant for Halloween since Chucky left us. The store was now his. I was his pick for assistant, no questions asked. This put me into quite a confused state of mind. Could I work with Bill as well as I had with Mel? I decided I could. But there was a catch. The assistant manager position was no longer a full-time job. It was going to be 30-35 hours a week with a higher hourly rate. No assistants in any of the permanent stores has full-time stature. I had to chew it over and ultimately decided not to go for it. I figured that my Mom wouldn't be able to give me what they were offering hourly, but if I was going to work that many hours with no bennies I would rather be at AntiquiTea. It was no contest.



Enter madness. Now all I had to do was wait until the tearoom was opened and then I'd say goodbye to my awesome Halloween job. My perfect place to work. It was bumming me out, but it wasn't a huge deal. I had made my decision and I was relieved. But NOOOOOOO! It couldn't be that easy. I never really gave much thought to how much they like me in this company. I just always try to do the best job I can. Apparently, as employees of the Masquerade, LLC go, I'm some bright shining star. Bill told me he was making the company a counter-offer and that the very tippy-top of the company was involved. I was plunged back into the unknown. I had more waiting to do...ugh.



Enter clarity. They came to decide that I am worth making an exception for. Thank you, Masquerade. I'm happy to stay. I have less than 2 days before I am officially the full-time assistant manager of their Robinson store. I'm still a little surprised. This should be an interesting ride.

Peace out.

I Love The Renaissance Festival

I'm blown away by the fact that Ivy wanted a crown so bad that she actually got on that ride! There is hope for us taking her to Kennywood next year, after all. The little goofball is growing up. She had a great time on Sunday. So did we. I could spend days at the Renfest just because of the art/clothing/crafts. We ended up with another print from Delight. She's so pleasant that we always end up buying from her.

There was a booth that sells clothing where they had this handworked, purple, leather fairy costume...I should have taken a picture. It was $1500.00 and worth every last cent. The wings alone were sick enough. They were also made from leather and came to a point with these claws at the end. Oh to be rich. I would have bought it in a second. Delight told me that some heavy woman tried it on and left her granny panties on underneath it. This was a sexy, revealing outfit, mind you. I hear it was an interesting sight. Haha. Sorry i missed the show.

On Friday (going back in time here), we pulled another South Side all-nighter...and when you have to work in the AM on Sat, that is NEVER a good idea. I have a vague recollection of coming out of Dee's and devouring a Mike and Tony's gyro on some steps. Mmmmm...that's the best kind of meal. Frickin' Dee's with their 5.00 pitchers. That's devil magic there. Earlier in the night, there was this gorgeous Asian girl at Tiki who was just so starved for attention that she pretty much stripper danced all over the place all night. I am proud to have made her dance with the old drunk guy in the corner. That was classic. When I told her to do it, she actually looked at me all creeped out and said, "REALLY?" So, uhm, yeah, the hooker at the bar had standards. Of course I made her do it and it was great...particularly because he got all into it and his pants were falling down and everyone could see his tightey whiteys. Classic. I'm like a comedy coreographer.

Yesterday I went to Volant for a Tea Association meeting. The lady's shop...what was it called again???? Anyways, it was really cute. She had a tea tasting bar and a little gift shop. I MISS THE TEAROOM. Everytime I visit another one, I am reminded of how superior AntiquiTea is to all of the others. I hate to be like that, but it's the God's honest truth! It's coming along now, though. My Dad is finishing up on the plumbing, the rooms are getting painted/wallpapered/trimmed out. It's going to be so fantastic. I will miss the Masquerade, but whatever.

Yeah, I said Masquerade. And I have to touch on this before I forget about it. Chuck is gone. He got another job. It sucks so bad now because the guy replacing him for the Halloween season is an auditor for the company. He's more "by the books" than our store manager is. It's more like a real job now. Chuck and I have been friends and hanging out since I met him there a year ago. Nothing beats working with a good friend, especially when they're your boss...ESPECIALLY when they're Chuck. If I wasn't leaving after the Holiday, I would have taken his job in .02 milliseconds. And I know I could have had it. Why couldn't he have left us 6 months ago when I could have had the full-time, salaried position for a while? Ugh. Bad timing there. At any rate, it sucks that hes gone and it sucks to have this perfect job dangling in front of my face when I know I can't take it...booooooooooo!

On a lighter note, life is grand. Love it. Laters.

I Hate Being Sore

I'm a freaking weakling. I painted at the tearoom for like 5 hours straight yesterday and now I am sore sore sore. Sucks. Evan and I went to dinner and then to see District 9 (see it) last night with the intention of going for drinks afterward. Haha, we were on the way home and I couldn't figure out why I was so tired. I ended up on the couch and ready for bed before 2! It dawns on me this morning that I worked harder yesterday in the heat than I have in a while. Duh. That explains the tired.

There's a bright side to this. I painted at the tearoom! It's so exciting to see things on the upswing out there. I've had little or nothing to do with the operation over the past several months - since there wasn't much I COULD do. Plus I was working my ass off at 2 jobs for awhile, which didn't leave me much time. I'm finally quitting DSW after this month. It's kinda pointless to work one day a week and not at all some weeks. I will still have my discount until January, so that is cool. Anyways, that will free up time now that the Masquerade is getting busier and busier. The final stages of the tearoom and its opening are cutting it very close to Halloween. Haha, it WOULD work out that way so that I will be working 24/7 between both during October. Oh well, that's why I've been planning Halloween costumes and such for months already. I figured October would be mad busy. I suppose it will then be time to say farewell to the Masquerade. That's one hell of a bummer. I love that store. But nothing in the world can top being your own boss. Nothing.

Speaking of being my own boss, I am amazed at how well Freshwater Designs is doing! All of the sudden I'm selling stuff left and right. And it's not cheap stuff either. My mind has begun to revel in the thought that avoiding housework in the name of creativity might finally be paying off. Too bad that success and money making equals more taxes. Bastards.

And speaking of Freshwater Designs...I am kind of bursting with ideas lately. I don't know where it all comes from. I can't shut it off. I fear that I may be wearing myself out by dabbling in too many other crafts. Then again, one can never have too many artistic outlets. I guess I will just keep selling anything I can make. Why not? And when AntiquiTea opens, I will be ready with product coming out the wazoo.

Time to get back into my creativity cave...because I ain't doing those dishes today.

I Love My Life

Why?

Because it is epic. I know I am a wretched bitch who does nothing but complain during certain hormonal peaks and valleys, but you need to realize I am actually quite content. I just have my moments of spazzation. What broad doesn't?

There is absolutely no reason for anyone close to me in my life to still roll with me after the things I have done. But somehow, some way, I managed to at least exercise good judgment when it came to choosing my closest friends along the way. *whew* I never cease to be amazed at the love in my life. Starting at the inner circle with Evan (who is and always has been and always will be the best and most priceless friend that a woman could ask for) and trickling all the way down to the ladies and [few] gents who I work with and only see from time to time - I feel massive amounts of love. I don't know what I have done to deserve it and I am painfully aware of the things I have done to disqualify me from it. It's actually a pleasant mystery I ponder often. All I can tell you is that I am thankful for it.

In addition to the super folks in my life, I am quite fond of what I do with myself. Even while my tea business is on hiatus, I am able to do work that makes me proud and that I honestly enjoy. Rarely is there a day that I don't want to go to work. And when I don't feel like it - which is very rare - it's DSW that I shun. Never the Masquerade.

8 months ago I walked into a Halloween store and walked out with the best imaginable part-time job for me. My work at the Masquerade has resulted in so many awesome things. I have made one of the best friends that I have in my life right now. I heart The Chuck. I have met some fun and creative guys and girls that I feel enriched for knowing. And I have gotten paid to do something that I love more than anything - play dress up! They just paid me to spend 3 days at the Steel City Con dressed like a pirate and (on the 3rd day) Wonder Woman. It was truly a notable experience that led me to discover a couple of amazing people who are doing wonderful things for the world. Check out the Lake Erie Pirates (they have pics of me on there) and the 501st Legion. Good stuff.

But I won't let DSW go without a mention here. I do enjoy it there. I've met lots of nice people. And I have to say they are a company that rewards hard work and responsibility. They actually asked me if I'd be interested in a full-time management position while they were looking to fill it. I was flattered but obviously couldn't let them invest time in training me when I knew I wouldn't be there for much longer. Just yesterday, one manager made me feel awesome when he wouldn't let me just quit altogether at the end of the month like I intended to. Haha. I was surprised and again flattered to know that I had "proven myself worthy" of a little perk where I can work one little shift a week (of my chosing), thereby keeping my discount! Woohoo! Plus I don't yet have to say goodbye to them.

Things are also looking up for my jewelry. I did the Oddmall last week and it was a great marketing and networking experience. I didn't make enough to justify travelling so far for a show, but I gained valuable experience, info, and - I think - fans. I have sold a number of pricy items in the last couple of months. Helps to make the ends meet, ya know? Also helps to support my crafting addiction. I'm looking forward to having the tearoom back so that I will have a permanent showplace for my work.

OK, it's time for bed. It's like 1AM and there are at least 5 hours before Evan returns from Vegas. Can't wait.

And my daughter is the best kid ever. I just felt I needed to add that to this because it is such a happy post. She brings the happy like it's her job. Haha.

I Love This and That

I finally opened my precious little Simple. It is a lovely new toy. I wound my very first bobbin on it. Go me! And that tablecloth is not going to be as simple as I thought. It has a border. Eek! Haha. I started cutting fabric for it while Ivy watched all 20 episodes of Caillou On Demand. It won't be difficult, but at least I feel like it's more of a learning experience.

Other new and exciting tidbits:

1.) I am working at the Steel City Con with The Masquerade in April. That is going to be so retardedly fun. I hope I'm there for the 3rd day's costume contest! Homemade costumes only will be eligible. Magnificent! I won't be able to participate because I have to dress up in Masquerade merchandise. I don't have to dress up at all, but I was told I could. We all know that I never pass up the opportunity to dress like a fool. I found a super little pirate costume at the store and I believe it will be my uniform for the weekend. I don't like pirates very much, but it works. The only female Star Wars costume we have right now is Padme Amidala. It is gianormous and pretty fugly, to be honest. My boss made it clear in his own way that I should either dress Star Wars or dress pirate. Pirate wins. There IS a Rainbow Brite costume that I'm sure he would OK (it's a toy show, too) but then I would have to wear a wig...still debating, but leaning towards no.

2.) I made cupcakes today. They are in Spongebob papers with dinosaur shaped sprinkles. Why did I do this? I really have no idea. I just saw Funfetti mix in the baking aisle and had to have it. They're delicious. My co-workers stand to benefit greatly from this.

3.) I am already working on mine and Evan's Halloween costumes. I figure there will be no excuse for a half-assed job if I start now. Then I can start using my sewing skills for something important. Hehe. It's too bad this Con isn't falling later in the year so that we could enter their contest. Our outfits would fit right in.

4.) This is the best news of all. Jon LaJoie is coming to Pittsburgh and we are going. Jen is buying the tickets tonight. She burned me a copy of his CD that she bought. That guy was born with one seriously dominant funny gene. If you haven't heard "Pop Song" then you must listen to it...immediately!

I Love Masquerading

This is why I love my job...

I Love My Jobs

I love my job because my job loves me. They love me so much I am getting a key. I learned (sorta) how to close tonight. Ohhhhhhhhh yeah. They are going to pay me more, too. Nice. The best reason to work at the Masquerade? All the cooooooooooooool stuff I get. My Halloween/costume box is bustin' at the seams. I just scored a pink and black pirate costume. Very sexy. Very handy in the event of a random pirate party. I mean, Bar11 has pimp and ho parties and they have hillbilly hoedowns...why not a pirate party? I'm ready when it happens!

I also work at DSW now. Shoes shoes shoes shoes shoes...mmmmmmm. I need none. I want many. It's a cool second job. I like it. It's only 2 seconds from the Masquerade. I thought I was the old lady at Masquerade working with a bunch of 20-year-olds. Now I feel RIDICULOUSLY old because most of the DSW gals are 16, 17, sometimes 18. It's...interesting. I can't remember being 16 but I'm pretty sure that I was nothing like them at that age. Not the same kind of high school kid. Oh well, they're all nice as pie and cute beyond belief. I'll live.

But, seriously, I'm glad. No, no, really. Good times.

Goodnight.