Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Goodbye Club Libby Lu

Below is what I am contributing to a scrapbook that we are making for our fearless leader. CEO and Founder of Club Libby Lu. :)
This is very fitting, as my store closed today. We ran out of merchandise completely. The feelings going through me as I walked out of the store are indescribable. I know I will be back, we still have lots to do, but never again will I do a makeover on a little girl, or sprinkle her with fairy dust. I feel like I'm losing a great friend, and we will never run into each other again.



As I think about my life post college, many of my thoughts are of Club Libby Lu. It is full of many fond memories, amazing people, lots of dancing and tons of hilarious V.I.P.’s (Very Important Princesses).
Too many of my memories are “favorites” so choosing one isn’t a possibility for me. Instead I will tell you about a few memories that mean the most to me.

My first memory is of my interview. It was a group interview. Silly questions, secret club names and bright blonde hair are the things I remember most. The Club Libby Lu representative was “Tinkerbell” Jodie. She had her signature bright blonde hair with black flower accessory in it and I immediately liked her. She was warm, friendly and hilarious. I was in a group of about 6 high school girls. Although I probably looked like a high school student myself, I was fresh out of college with a degree in fashion and unemployed. I wasn’t sure what the heck I was doing, but I had heard about Club Libby Lu from one of my sorority sisters that was also a fashion major, so I thought I’d check it out. This is how my career started out with Club Libby Lu. Who would have thought that one of my first interviews after college would involve made up nicknames and sparkly fairy dust?
From there I ended up working as the Assistant Club Director underneath Sabrina. The next year was for sure a roller coaster of events, but one thing I was certain of was I, without a doubt, wanted to be a Club Director and I just had to be at the next Princess Ball! I wouldn’t have made it without Sabrina, she taught me the do’s and don’ts of management and of Club Libby Lu. Without her, I can honestly say I don’t think I would have survived! Below is one of my favorite pictures of us when we were a Club Director and Assistant Club Director team at 809 Oak Park.


Upon Sabrina’s departure from Oak Park onto a bigger (and newer) store I began my search for that perfect Assistant Club Director. After six months I finally found her, err, actually she found me. Senior Club Counselor, Jenny from 833 Independence was interested. I have to admit, at first I was unsure. I had just gotten out of an okay (not bad, just okay) relationship with an ACD that just didn’t make the cut. Was I up for another one? Jenny came over to work with me one day to see if we meshed well. We hit it off right away. Almost immediately I knew we would be a great team, I was ready for her to make the permanent move over to Oak Park straight away! Jenny stayed calm when I got that crazy gleam in my eyes. Jenny was my voice of reason when I had some crazy, far out there idea. There were many a Saturdays where I wondered if she could read my mind and if I could actually read hers. We could tell when the other just needed a break, or when we were sick of running the floor and just wanted to do a makeover! When I decided to hand over the club to her and move on, it was definitely bittersweet. Oak Park was my first store and will probably always be my favorite, but I couldn’t imagine passing the torch onto a better person. Today she’s one of my best friends, and one of the first people I call when I have big news, need a shoulder to cry on or just someone to laugh with.




After opening the Downtown Disney club I do not recall a single Club Libby Lu employee that did not desperately want to see it. Rumors were flying that they had a “pink carpet,” a stage and celebrities in and out of their doors.
Perhaps the celebrity sightings were true…
I was no different. I was determined to someday go to Disneyland and see this amazing store I had built up in my head. So, when the day came that I found out I had won a trip out to Downtown Disney for the Pink Twinkle Party, I think I was more excited about seeing the club then meeting one of the stars of High School Musical, Ashley Tisdale. Almost immediately after walking in the store I knew I loved the energy there, it was busy all the time and how could you not be happy in Disneyland?! There were so many kids there hoping for a glimpse of Ashley and perhaps her autograph, I have to be honest, it sort of overwhelmed me. I felt bad having that access to her, when all these other kids were so infatuated with her. So, I stayed near the front of the club and let the party with Ashley continue in the back of the club. This is when Mary walked up to me and asked if I had a chance to meet her yet. I remember sort of giggling and saying, “No, I would rather the kids get to meet her! They deserve it!” That’s when she grabbed my hand, and pulled me over to her. I shook Ashley’s hand and got my picture taken with her as well as autographs for my team and a few regular VIP’s at my club. I will never forget it!



Even after leaving Club Libby Lu after 2007, I still felt a part of the CLL family. When I spoke of the company, I always caught myself saying “We’re doing this…”, “We feel this way…” even though I wasn’t technically a part of the “we” anymore. When I decided to come back, I was welcomed back warmly and it was such a good feeling! To people outside the CLL family they will never understand why I am grateful to have returned to a company that has to close its doors. I don’t think anyone outside looking in can understand, but I feel blessed to have been a part of this process and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Club Libby Lu has done so much for me between 2004- now, this is the least I can do for them. After we close I will be taking away memories of the best job I have ever had (and probably the most fun I will ever have), amazing lifelong friends and skill sets that I could not have learned anywhere else.
Thank you so much, I will never forget.


Monday, January 26, 2009

Unemployment?


I'm slowly talking myself into applying for unemployment. I know it's not anything I should feel ashamed about. It's not my fault that I am losing my job. As a taxpayer I am entitled to be on unemployment until I find a new job. It's just hard for me to build up enough courage to do it. I don't like taking hand-outs and this is what it feels like I'm doing.
I'm a little bummed today because I didn't get the job I had been interviewing for -- again. How many times does this have to happen to me? I have been turned down a lot lately, and it's really making me feel bad about myself.
I was so excited because they had been calling all my references, even two today! Then the same day they turn me down. They told me everything was great and that I was a phenomenal candidate, they just found someone with more experience.
So, I guess I'm going to probably file for unemployment until I do find something.
I'm still looking into going back to school. Can I go back to school and be on unemployment? I need to work while I'm in school, cause... well, I need money! This is definitely one of the hardest things I have ever been through. I'm praying for all of you struggling out there with this recession and those of you looking for work. I'm definitely feeling your pain.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Happy Birthday!


To me! :)

I am 27 today! I can't believe it. I don't feel like I should be allowed to be 27, I still feel like 22. Somedays, I don't think I'm mature enough to be 27. Although, then again who is mature enough to be their actual age? Not many people I know!

Have a great weekend everyone!

PS: How fitting is it, that it's my 100th post?

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Interview Questions!

Here are my answers from Slice of Pink's interview! :) Thanks Janet!

1. Where would you like to live?

This is a difficult question for me. There are so many fabulous places where I would love to live. Not just visit, LIVE! I love seeing how other people do their daily activites and learn from them. Some of the places that pop in my mind are:
Edinburough, Scotland
London, England
Anywhere in Southern California
New York, New York



2. White, milk, or dark chocolate?

I do not discriminate against chocolate... I like it all! If I had to choose though it may go in this order:
> Milk
> White
> Dark



3. What are you looking forward to in 2009?

I'm looking forward to sort of "re-inventing" myself. I am hoping to go back to school for a Masters in Education or possibly another Bachelors. I really want to be an elementary school teacher, so I'm ready to get going on that goal!




4. What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is definitely my closet. It's ridiculous how much I have in there and probably don't wear. I really should make myself go through it and donate everything I haven't worn in the past couple years or so.



5. You win $10,000, all of which you must spend on one fabulous party. What would you celebrate and how?

If I must spend it on one fabulous party (because what else would I do with it?), I would definitely arrange a trip somewhere with my closest friends. Probably Vegas or somewhere just as sinful :) Then when I get home I would use the money (because you know I didn't spend it all gambling!) for a party at home with everyone!



Ok! Now it's your turn! Leave me a comment saying "Interview me!" and I will send you five fabulous questions! :)

Fitting quote...

"Sometimes you have to forget what you want, and remember what you deserve."

I recently came across this quote from this super sweet blog, Classy in Philadelphia. It is so fitting for what I am going through. Now if only I can follow the authors advice.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

What would you do?

Today I came across some news that directly affects someone that is very close to me. I'm just curious what you all would do in my shoes...

I have seen the same guy very off and on for the past 13, almost 14 years now. We have not be in touch for the past 5 years. Our longest streak, but in that time I have moved several times and dated several different people seriously.

Back in November we ran into each other. It's shocking it has taken this long, as some friends of friends of mine are good friends with him. Ever since then we have been like magnets to each other. We try to stop talking to each other, and we keep failing. The reason why I want to stay away is last year his girlfriend discovered she was pregnant. She had the baby late October and during her pregnancy she decided she was not in love with him and broke things off. He has had a really hard time taking it and is still struggling with it. Then I come along.

It's hard for me to hear him say he's not over her, but I have to put myself in his shoes. I've been there where it just seems impossible to get over someone. That is where he is right now. He's not over her, but he wants to spend time with me too. He says he's willing to try with me, and that recently he has discovered that when he is with me he doesn't think about her. Most people would say no, he can't have his cake and eat it too. But, he's not. A part of me feels like we ran into each other for a reason. He needs me to help him get over the drama that was his life last year and I need him to get through this difficult part of my life with my store closing. He is so down in the dumps right now, it's heartbreaking. The other night he said he felt the same way as me regarding us running into each other as fate and he called me his saving grace. It definitely made my heart melt into mush.

Ok, now for the moral dilemma here...

He has a very good job with a privately owned restaurant chain here in town. He owns a portion of the chain and could possibly own all of them someday. Saturday night he was really upset because he had gotten news that the owner is thinking of shutting all the restaurants down. He loves his job and is very good at what he does. If he does shut them down, he would have to either buy the owner out or lose his job.

Earlier today one of my closest friends, who incidently has worked for the restaurant chain in the past came across the news that the owner of the restaurant has contacted her current boss to see if he was interested in buying the chain. He's been in restaurant management before, so I see why the owner contacted him.

I know that what I know isn't probably anything my ex doesn't already know, but I promised my friend I wouldn't say anything to him. Plus, I don't want to hurt my ex any more than he is already hurting.

I already know what I am going to do with the information, but just out of curiousity what would any of you do?

What I would like right now...

Things I need...
1. New job
2. Haircut (it's beyond bad now...) and color, but that could wait a couple more weeks
3. Coffee refill

Things I want...
1. New phone
2. Laptop repaired (I'm just getting impatient now!)
3. Severance pay -- the end of February is going to take way too long to get here!
4. New good book
5. Twilight movie on dvd

Things I can't have (but still want)...
1. New car
2. Bf/ex to quit throwing himself a pity party
3. Exotic vacation
4. House of my own
5. Puppy

Things I want, but shouldn't want...
1. Bf/ex
2. Cigarette

Monday, January 19, 2009

Reading List 2008

I have always been a big reader, ever since I was a little girl. Here is my list of books read in 2008. I know there are more but they were checked out from the library and therefore I cannot remember what the title and author is!
2008 was the year for series! I finally picked up the Harry Potter books (and fell in love with them) and the Twilight series (and became one of those pathetic "Twilighters" haha!)

Change of Heart - Jodi Picoult
Marley and Me - John Grogan
Not Quite a Mom - Kirsten Sawyer
Remember Me? - Sophie Kinsella
Love The One You're With - Emily Giffin
Stupid and Contagious - Caprice Crane
Certain Girls - Jennifer Weinter
The Beach House - Jane Green
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer
Odd Mom Out - Jane Porter
The Washingtonienne - Jessica Cutler
The Frog Prince - Jane Porter
Mrs. Perfect - Jane Porter

Too many options...



There are just too many phones to choose from! Now I'm debating between the new Blackberry Storm and the pink Blackberry Curve. My main motivation for the Blackberry Curve is, well, because it's pink. I like pink. I like phones. Pink phones are fabulous in my book :) I like the Blackberry Storm because it has a touch screen, but do I really care about the touch screen? I worry with those getting easily broken, what if the callibration (or whatever it's called) get's all screwed up? I do tend to drop my phone a lot, so it needs to be durable... thoughts?

Friday, January 16, 2009

New phone shopping!!

Ok, I've had it with my current phone. I've been debating for the past couple of days between this phone, the pink Blackberry Curve:



And this phone, the Env 2:



I am a Verizon customer and do not plan on switching carriers. I am also planning on purchasing the phone from Ebay, as I do not want to have to committ to a new 2-year agreement and wait even longer for my free upgrade.
Any suggestions? Does anyone have a Verizon phone that they just love? I'm a huge texter, so any phone with a full keyboard has an A+++ in my book. I would also like something with internet browsing ability, but it's not necessarily a requirement.
Any suggestions are welcome! :)

Conference call pet peeve...

I'm sure this happens with every company, but you know what really pushes my buttons? When you're on a conference call with 20+ other people and one person has a page full of very specific questions that only apply to themselves. Don't ya think you should ask those during a one-on-one conversation or even email?
Just saying, why waste everyone's time just because you want to hear yourself talk?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Beware... rant ahead...

As most of you probably already know, the company I work for is closing. All of it's locations nationwide are shutting its doors at the end of the month.
I feel like such a horrible, horrible person but I'm so sick of people coming in here and asking me questions.
The worst is when they walk in and see my two fixtures of merchandise and little bit of stuff on the walls and ask "Are you closing?" I want to look at them and say "Are you serious? No, we're just low on stock." The sarcastic b*tch in me really wants to come out and bite their head off. I hold restraint though and try to change the subject.
I'm almost to a breaking point though. If one more person asks me "WHY?" I'm going to freak out at them and tell them to go home and Google it if they're that interested. Why the H do you think we're closing??? Because we're so profitable we've made too much money we have to shut down?????
I know I probably sound like a complete snob, but I'm so passionate about this company and love it so much it's like stabbing me with a knife and twisting it everytime I have to answer these heartbreaking questions.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

2008 year in review

January

Still working for the college and looking for a new job. Interviewing with a company that my friend works for and am really wanting the job. I was very unhappy with my current position and extremely bored!
I turned 26 and was feeling good about it! This month I also completely broke things off with "Liar" (remember him??) and I think I bruised his ego a little! Go me! haha!

February

Still working for the college. Still unhappy. This month all my former co-workers gathered for their annual meetings in Chicago. This would have been my fourth time attending. It hit me pretty hard that I wasn't present or employed with the company I was so passionate about anymore.

March

This was kind of a big month! "Liar" apologized to me for being such a tool. Annnnnnd this is the month that I found LIBBY! My mother decided I needed a cat. I think she was really worried about me living alone. Not because Des Moines is scary or I lived in a bad area, I think she was worried I was depressed! She may have been on the right track! I found Libby at PetSmart in West Des Moines and am still obsessed with her. She has added so much joy to my life, I couldn't be happier! I looked for a long time for just the right cat and I definitely found her! :) I was also STILL interviewing for that position I mentioned back in January and still unaware if I got it or not.

April

Found out I did not get the job. :( This month we also got a new director (or dean) at the college I worked for and he was the biggest chauvonist jerk I had ever met. I wasn't the type to kiss butt when it wasn't deserved and he definitely did not like that. I also considered getting Libby de-clawed this month (didn't do it) and started interviewing for another job.

May

The demise of my Macbook took place in May. This is when I had to learn to live without the internet at home. It has taken several months, but I believe I am finally cured. Thank god my computer will be fixed soon :)

June

Not around too much this month due to the ol' computer problems... I am now forced to blog from work. Oh no! Gasp! The horror!
This month I finished up the Harry Potter series and fell in love with them. I was completely engrossed in the story of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Hogwarts. I definitely plan to read them again and hope my children (that do not exist) will love them as much as me. :)
This month is also when Val disappeared! I still miss her blog very much! Anyone know what happened?

July

Spent the 4th of July at Lake Okoboji and had a blast. I also developed a crush on a 19-year old college sophomore. Still interviewing for that job, yes - STILL! Found out I didn't get it. Still extremely unhappy at the college, but determined not to let that ruin my summer. This month we "hunted" for men (lol), had not luck, oh well, still had fun! Libby also made her "great escape" during a power outage. Luckily she was fine and came home, she just wanted to go outside and check things out :)

August

The wedding of the century! One of my BEST, BEST, BEST friends got married in the most fun wedding EVER! (Excuse the all caps, I'm excited!) There were 9 bridesmaids and 9 groomsmen (damn, they're all married!) and we had the best time! After the reception we all went back to the hotel and jumped in the pool in our dresses/tuxes! It was hilarious and so much fun!
The Iowa State Fair was also during this month, I'm not a crazy Fair-goer like some people here. I did have a good time though! This month I also picked up a second job at a small sports bar in West Des Moines. So far so good!

September

Fell off the face of the earth blog-wise. This month I started really slacking with keeping up! SOrry guys! :(
This month I got in touch with my former employer and started toying around with the idea of going back... I was still very unhappy at the college and had been let down twice now with jobs that I didn't get. On the bright side I was really enjoying working at the sports bar and even made plans to move in with one of the girls that worked there!

October

I turned in my notice at the college and started work again with my former employer! I couldn't be happier! Things were going great!! They made me feel like I never left and I have never felt more loved! I know I made the right decision.

November

HISTORY IS MADE! The first African-American President is elected to office! What an exciting time for our country!!
The day after the election I received some of the most horrible news in my life. The company I work for, the company I am so passionate about and love is closing it's doors. All locations nationwide were due to close in early 2009. Everyone is in complete shock and unsure of what to do. Including me.
This month I also ran into the man that I considered the "love of my life" so far. We met when we were about 12 or 13 years old. Right before high school. It has been very off and on with us since then. The last time we spoke was five years ago right before I moved to Kansas City and graduated college. The sparks were definitely still there...

December

The announcement of the company closing has completely changed the job. This month I tried to go forward and keep the smile on my face but it was slowly disappearing. As strange as it sounds to outsiders, I was grateful I was hired back on. I am going to be a part of the final chapter of this fabulous company and I couldn't imagine it any other way. Christmas came and went. The liquidation has kind of ruined the holidays for me but when I was with family I tried to focus on them and have a good time. Everyone encouraged me to start looking for a new job, but I just wasn't ready emotionally. Things with the ex were not looking good. He has tons of personal baggage and unfortunately is not able to give me what I'm looking for. I'm still hoping it will work out with us someday, but now is not the time. I'm just glad we're back in each others lives.

2008 had a few trials and trumphs for me. I wouldn't call it a "good" year, but I wouldn't call it "bad" either. I am hoping for a stronger and happier 2009. I'm not making any New Year's Resolutions this year, besides to focus more on myself. I'm vowing to put myself first and stay happy. I am also determined to have a sense of humor about everything and not take myself too seriously. Why sweat the small stuff? :)