Rachel Getting Married

Has anyone seen it? I just rented it and am going to watch it. I love Anne Hathaway and hope it's good!!
I have the next two days off, and my original plans for my "weekend" have fallen through so I'm going to get caught up! I need to do some serious reading -- I have been reading American Wife for almost a month now, waaaay too long for me. I need to organize the clothes in my closet and put away the winter clothes and my DVR is getting really backed up. I will find plenty to do!

Crazy couple of days!

I'm doing my first floor set with my new store and it's a HUGE move!

If you have never worked in retail before a "floor set" is when everything in the store moves around and you typically get lots of new merchandise in. Retailers tend to do new floor sets for the new seasons and it's nice because it gives you a chance to really do some hardcore cleaning and organizing. In my case some "Spring Cleaning!" =)

We started last night at 6pm and by midnight we should have had 50% of it done. Let me tell you, we did not. I left at midnight and two other girls stayed until 2:30 am. I was back at 7am and we tried to work on more today but it's next to impossible when you're open. Who wants to shop a store that looks like a tornado blew through it?

The entire move is supposed to be done by 10 am tomorrow morning and unfortunately I think I'm going to fail that test... it's just not going to happen. That's okay though, I want this to be quality moves and have a beautiful, ORGANIZED store when I'm done!!

New addition to the fam...

Since Sunday I have been dogsitting for my roommates best friend's dog. It is the cutest little puggle named Zeke. He's so stinkin' cute it's almost unbearable!!

My roomie and her best friend warned me several times that Zeke can be a handful. They asked me repeatedly if I was sure I could handle him for a full week by myself as both of them will be on vacation. I assured them I was fine, I have grown up with a dog as a pet my entire life. I think can take adequate care of the little pooch. I wasn't too excited about it to be honest though. With starting a new job a couple weeks ago and being in a new relationship I was worried about having time to entertain Zeke.

I'm going to backtrack a little here.

About a month ago best friend asked roomie if we wanted to keep Zeke. Best friend had a baby less than a year ago and is in the process of planning a wedding. She felt like she didn't have time for Zeke anymore, plus best friend's fiance hated the dog. Roomie asked me, I said I didn't care but I couldn't keep him. Roomie told best friend no, that she couldn't take on another pet.

Ok, back to present.

So this week he's been great. We've really bonded! He's been sleeping on my bed and I even considered taking him on my mini day trip today to Minneapolis! Last minute I decided against it because I had never driven in a car with him and figured that 8 hours in the car probably wouldn't be the best time to try it out. Oh yeah, and I couldn't figure out how to work his harness thing....might have been that it was 7am and I hadn't had near enough coffee. Ha!

The BF even loves him and considered keeping him as well. Sweet, right?

Now, for the deal breaker. Roomie thinks best friends fiance is abusive to Zeke. Abusive as in kicks Zeke and tosses him around. Roomie says whenever she is over at their house Zeke acts really scared of fiance and stays far away from him. At their house Zeke spends all his time in the basement, practically locked down there and in the summer time out in the backyard. It doesn't sound like he gets much personal attention or play time with anyone.

I'm sick over this. The little guy is such a sweetie and he's not bad at all! The only thing he does that is remotely bad is eat the cat food, and I mean, what dog doesn't do that?!

My roomie is still on vacation and doesn't get back til Sunday but I'm hoping she lets me keep him. He's so flippin cute and no animal deserves to be neglected like he is! =(

Keep your fingers crossed for me that roomie doesn't mind and best friend wants to give him to me!!!

I left my camera at a friends house on Saturday, but once I get it back I promise I will post pictures of him!!

This is what torture looks like...

My store is selling the Twilight DVD. We received it last week and I have had to walk by it EVERY DAY since last Tuesday.

I. want. it. so. bad.

Why can't I just bend the rules and buy it early? Why, why why??

Because I am a rule follower. Yes, that is me. I follow the rules when it comes to my precious (and new!) job.

Edward, you will just have to wait two more agonizing short days.

First book signing!

Ever get that "I'mjustsoexcitedcan'tsleepfeeling"? Who doesn't right?? Well, I have it!

Tomorrow I'm driving up to Minneapolis for a book signing with Jodi Picoult! She is one of my favorite authors ever and has written some amazing books like My Sister's Keeper and The Pact. I cannot wait!!

I haven't had a chance to read her newest book, Handle with Care but it's next on my list! I can't wait to get it started!


Another reason I am super excited is I finally get to meet Lesli from Pretty Random Thoughts! We almost crossed paths once last August at the Iowa State Fair, but didn't get a chance to meet. This time we're going to meet up at Borders for the signing then out to lunch! Fun!!

Letter to younger self

This is the new prompt over at Twenty Something Writers. This is my first time participating, I've thought about it but just kept forgetting! Check this one out, there is a giveaway associated with this one!

The Prompt:

If you were able to communicate with your younger self, what would you say? Would you warn yourself of the things that are to come? Would you tell yourself to avoid certain people? Write a letter to yourself at a younger age. Feel free to tell yourself anything that you’d like to. Let us know what age of yourself you are writing to.

Letter to myself 12 years ago...

Dear Amber,

You're about to be a sophomore in high school! You've accomplished one year already!

So what if your best friend is moving away, you will visit her all the time. She's only two hours away. In no time you may have your own car, and can drive to visit her.

Speaking of cars, remember to thank your grandfather for all of his help. He was very proud of you for paying him back for your half, and on time. He may not be around much longer, so don't take for granted all he has done for you.

We all know you don't want to be pigeon holed to one "clique" and you enjoy mingling with all types of crowds, but hanging out at the "smokers corner" right off of school grounds is probably not a good idea. Something tells me they are not smoking just cigarettes. Consider yourself warned.

Just because you don't make the cheerleading squad the first time around does not mean it is the end of the world. Keep trying. Do not get discouraged, you will get there. In the meantime, do not forget to thank all the amazing girls that are already on the squad that are your friends and helping you. Their help will mean the world to you later.

Some guys are scum. One guy in particular that has been dating one of your close friends for a long time is particularly scummy. He will smooth talk you. Don't get lost in his compliments and endearments. He is bored and is too cowardly to do anything about it. His mistakes will tarnish your character if you're not careful.

Don't forget about that cute boy in biology. He may be a year younger and have braces but nobody will treat you as sweet as he does. Be careful with his feelings.

Stop ignoring your mother. You've always confided in her, don't stop now. She will always be your best friend. Don't stop going telling your father about all your dreams and aspirations. Right now it seems impossible but you're very much like him. He has the same free spirit as you do and will encourage you to go wherever your heart desires.

Hang on to who you are, do not settle for anything less than what you want...

Love,

The older and (somewhat) wiser Amber

PS: Stop pretending your hair is naturally curly. It's not. Wear it straight and remind your mother that the 80s are over.


What would you tell your younger self?

On a lighter note...

about vampires.. (haha) I'm super excited for Twilight to come out next week! If I was 13 years old I would so be having one of those midnight showings, aka sleepovers, at my house!

Ahhh, Edward! :)