A Balmy Birthday

I turned 25 today. As someone so kindly pointed out to me at work, "You're halfway to thirty!" Just what I want to hear. But seriously, I don't really care. Unless it means I get savings on my car insurance! (Which I wholeheartedly intend to investigate on my day off Friday!)

It's been a sort of strange week. My fiance has worked the night shift this week, which leaves me home alone to my own devices. At times, I enjoy being alone and being in the quiet of things, but lately, I just want us to spend more time together. Last night, my attention was diverted between keeping Armani out of trouble, reading my latest library book, and keeping an eye on the election results. Being a member of the more conservative persuasion, the results did not quite give me the birthday present I had wished for. YES, there are some young people out there who have conservative values! Surprise, surprise! Anyway...as disappointed as I was, it IS an exciting time we live in, and I am eager to see how things pan out from here. I thought I would be more upset/angry about the results, but I was not surprised by them, and was more so taken aback by my less-than-heated reaction. While I do not agree with many liberal and Obama-esque ideals, I hope to keep an open mind and hope for a bright future for our country over the next years. What does everyone else think about the election results, and the entire election season in all?
The weather today was not November-like at all. My fiance drove down to my work and we went out for lunch. And we even ate outside! Although I am a little weird and like cold weather, the occasional balmy day in late fall/winter is quite a treat! We almost (almost) didn't need our coats. But, I am ALL SET with wearing my thrifted ($6) 70's-ish tweed coat. I would wear it inside all day if it weren't for the boiling temperature of my office! I've been really into bargains lately. Probably because I know I won't have money once I start student teaching and leave the pay-roll world behind, but also because I am sick of the stuff I see at the mall. For awhile, I was starting to get into this sort of angular, austure, Victoria Beckham sort of look. But like so many times before, I quickly tired of that. Just by looking at a few blogs online, I've become inspired to really find my own style and my own way of dressing. A few months ago, I started scanning the racks at various thrift stores in my area, and I just had this sort of clothing epiphany. Usually, I'll buy clothes in bulk a couple of times a year, and almost instantly experience that dreaded BUYERS REMORSE. But after that latest shopping excursion at the beginning of fall, I just felt fulfilled and comfortable in my own skin. Partly because I spend A LOT less than I normally do, but partly because I felt like the things I bought were really reflective of me, and the things I like. I am trying to not shop as much altogether and think in terms of what I NEED instead of what I WANT AT THAT MOMENT. I think that by looking in these thrift shops and more unique places, I'll not only find things that I am more excited about, but also things that are cheaper yet last longer because of the difference in quality. Everyone knows that clothes (and a lot of other items as well!) were made better years ago than they are being made now. So, it all seems like style common sense to me. My priorities may have shifted to a more career-oriented way of thinking, but that doesn't mean I still can't look cute-and uniquely myself-at the same time.
Does anyone else enjoy thrift and antique shops as much as I do? The thing about these shops is, even if you don't come out with anything in hand, it's soooo much fun to just poke around and look at all the interesting-and often quirky-little items stuffed on the shelves and racks.
Well, this post has dragged on past its prime so...until next time!