haha my mom is scared of squirrels. To explain, she will switch to the other side of the street if one is on her side and if one catches her off guard she will scream.

Well, they have kinda freaked me out too and I am super jumpy, but yesterday it hit a new level. I was too afraid to pass one so I switched to the other side of the street. 

Today we were talking about it and she was like, “NICOLE, YOU KNOW THEY ARE RELATED TO RATS?! THEY ARE RATS WITH BUSHY TAILS!!!” I started laughing, but I really just hate all rodents. 

Whatever, its no big thing when I have room to run away from them. 

I have the day off today and I am taking advantage of it. Ever since I’ve been on break from school I have been trying to get as much rest, to try to get over the exhaustion that comes while school is in.

Earlier, I went to lunch with my step-dad, whom I am incredibly thankful for, and had an awesome conversation about finances. He and my mom really help me look at things differently and keep the important things in mind.

Now, I am to start a budget, get my portfolio in check and make a list of what I want to achieve this year, I gotta get things ready to become a real adult. I’m graduating college in the next few months! 

I forgot to post a few good things about my day yesterday so both days are cramming into this post.

Yesterday, I was able to buy myself a few goodies because my store was offering a fantastic discount, I don’t need clothes, but it is always nice to get a some new stuff. And on top of that, I love being able to buy myself things. I appreciate things more when I am the one paying for things, and I love being able to pay for things myself.

I also had dinner with my parents last night, I really need them sometimes, not even to talk about serious things, but I miss them when I am away for too long.

Sleeping in my bed, its simple and not always what I want, but last night I really appreciated it. Not because it was empty, really because it had my pillows and most importantly my heated blanket.

Today, I was trusted with more responsibility at work, which is always always a plus when one is trying to move up the ladder. 

Also, I had some time to wonder the mall I work at, I didn’t buy anything (I bought enough) yesterday, but it was nice to take a little stroll and see different things.

And I had the best hot dog & fries for dinner.

My life has been pretty insane lately, with some good and some not good at all.

To start off light- school is swallowing me whole, but thankfully we are just about at midterms. I just don’t have time like I should for homework. And I am just beyond ready to be done with school. 1.5 semesters left.

Good- I got a promotion at my retail store, which means I am now a part-time manager and I got a raise! My role is not completely different, but I am on my way to moving up in that company or to build my resume once I’m ready to move on. I also love where I am at work, the position and most of the people. Of course, my responsibility leads to more stress in my case, but hey, if there is one thing I need to improve on its my stress management, and I believe in improving while doing.

More good- My man and I have a little date night tomorrow. We are going to a concert of a band we both really like. We have been doing a lot of staying in, cooking and watching movies/tv, which I have no complaints about. However, I am really excited for us to go out and do something fun.

Not so good at all- I recently lost two people in my family. One of which I was very close to and one of which was very close to someone I was close with. So last week included 37 hours of work, classes, a wake, a funeral and a memorial service. I have been so blessed with never really dealing with a death close to me before and this has really opened my eyes. 

Overall, I need more hours in a day, but for now I’ll deal the best I can with 24, and I am really happy where things are going, but somewhat impatient to get them coming faster.

Earlier today when I was leaving for school I asked my stepdad if he liked my lipstick and he just laughed. I’m not sure if that was a good sign or not. 

I have that busy life again. I go to school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, all day both days, I’m taking 15 credit hours. Then on the other days of the week I work, and right now I am in a trial run to be promoted so I am working my little booty off. 

Unfortunately, I have a little time for my friends, family and baby. 

Bright side: Derek is only a few minutes away and this is my last year of school, at least for now. So I will struggle for now and be rewarded later. Also, I am finally making money again. It’s been a long time since I have done anything besides spending money.