Christmehs

I like Christmas well enough.

Most of the decorations are pretty (except for multicolored lights). People are generally happier (unless you work in retail). People talk about Jesus more (though let me say that he was probably not born on Christmas day...shocker). The music is alright (only between November 26th-December 31st though. And the food is simply divine (the calories, however, are not).

So, I mean, Christmas is OK. I give it 2 thumbs up.

The only thing that REALLY gets me excited about Christmas is giving. That sounds cliche, doesn't it? But it's true. I go on a month-long investigation of the "perfect" gifts for everyone I know. And I don't mean that figuratively. I literally want to give everyone presents. I have to reel myself in sometimes when I start thinking, "Now what should I get that one girl that I met a couple times and we're Facebook friends...oh what's her name?? I think she likes llamas...that's what her status said...."

The biggest problem about this is that I'm broke. I think if I had more money, I WOULD buy everyone I know presents. Undoubtedly. But since I don't, I have to get creative. Literally.

1. Jonathan and I had a $40 spending limit for each other this year. Both of us got creative. I watched sales and clearance and used my employee discount to get $80 of merchandise for $35. He, on the other hand, Got me a Thanksgiving present, a Christmas present, and "Just because I love you" present. *sigh* He spoils me.

2. Baked goods. Who doesn't love food? Baking mini-loaves of bread or cookies for people is way cheaper than getting them a trinket. And they will probably appreciate it more (unless they're on a diet...) So I made pumpkin gingerbread and gingerbread men for some of my friends. And I'm not done. I'll probably make more baked things for my family. I just can't decide what.

3. Crafts. *Sigh* I'm going to admit something personal here: I don't think I'm very artsy. I mean, I like making cards and painting and such. But I don't think it's good. I compare myself to my family and those famous bloggers and my friends...and I just don't measure up. But, I painted some pictures for people that I love and I just hope they like them. I wanted to get them something expensive, or at the very least practical (how practical is a painting???) but I could not afford it. Let's hope next year is different. I don't qualify a "Jennifer Lewelling original" as a real gift.

So giving is not so meh. Christmas however.....meh.

Opposites Attract

Jonathan and I are different. Way different.

For example, we were raised differently. Besides the whole North/South thing (which makes a big difference to be honest), our parents had different styles. Our environments were very different.

We have different beliefs. Now, it's nothing to write home about. Just those minor opinion issues.

As far as our personalities go, we're on different ends of the spectrum. I'm (daresay) chipper and social and relaxed. Jonathan is serious, quiet, and thoughtful.

Jonathan likes old people. I prefer babies.

Then we have our similarities:

We're both creative. But his is more musical, mine more artistic.

We're both stubborn. Which means when we have differing opinions.......we can't compromise or agree....

And we're both intellectual and logical....which means we could argue our differences and the reasons for them for DAYS.

We both love to read. He likes history and non-fiction....I prefer fiction. (The first time Jonathan realized he liked me what when we fought over what good poetry is.)


SO how are we still together? Listen, sometimes I wonder. Sometimes I wonder how this happened. How this stays together.

Besides our stubborn characteristics, what is holding us together?

I think it's God. And love. We've learned so much from each other. Being different allows us to broaden our horizons and learn new things. We appreciate the differences. Even though we may not agree.

It's not always perfect. We fight sometimes. But most of the time, I love my sweet, shy handsome man. He treats me so well and I could not have asked for anyone better.

More Things about Retail

10 Things Customers Should Never Do to Me at Sears

1. Touch me. If you need my attention, say "Ma'am" or "Excuse me." If you touch me, I'm not liable for hitting you.
   
2. Say "I'm ready to check-out." I am NOT a cashier. If I were, I would be behind a register. I cannot check you out. If you came to the store, you should expect to wait in line.
3. Ask my opinion on clothes. I'm always going to say it looks good so that you'll buy it and make the store more money. Every single time.
   
4. Get close to me. If you need to ask me where something is, say it loudly and from at least a foot away. I don't want to smell your cigarette smoke or body odor.
5. Unfold something and just thrown it back on the table. WHEN YOU UNFOLD SOMETHING, FOLD IT BACK! DIDN'T YOUR MAMA TEACH YOU ANY BETTER?
   
6. Ask me about JCPenny. Or Belk. Or Macy's. I don't know and I don't care.
7. Complain. Again, I don't care.
   
8. Cuss me out. It won't get you anywhere except kicked out of the store.
   
9. Ask to speak to a manager. Chances are, they're going to agree with me. Don't even bother. Because at Sears, the customer is NOT always right.
   
10. Steal things in front of my face. I will call Loss Prevention, they will catch you, and you will be prosecuted.
    

10 Things Sears Does NOT Carry

I know that Sears has the reputation of having everything. Well, yes and no. The website has TONS of stuff....but the store....not so much. Especially not since we have small store. Here are some things people have asked me about that we do not carry in-store:

1. Toilets
2. Beard trimmers
3. Hair dye
4. Girl's belts
5. Reebok jeans (I think she was confused.)
6. The Kardashian Collection
7. Lands End
8. Maternity clothes
9. Petite clothes
10. Halloween costumes (especially in December....)
    

Personality

I took a personality test tonight and I was super surprised at how accurate it was and how detailed the results were. Here's what it said:

Spirit:
You're an Energizer. Outgoing and smiley, you get pleasure from being a really good friend. You have a naturally positive disposition and a whole lot of love to give. You're a natural achiever, which is no surprise with your positive mental attitude. Right now, things are working out well for you and everything seems to be clicking into place! You have a healthy approach to life. Having a regular spiritual practice that gives you a sense of inner peace is one of your priorities. Allowing yourself that kind of time for reflection will have a positive effect. For a lively people person like you, it's especially important to balance the "up" times with some quiet and reflective downtime. You can't expect yourself to run on all cylinders 100 percent of the time. The value of quiet time to meditate on your hopes and desires shouldn't be underestimated.

Relationship:
When it comes to love, you're quite traditional. You believe in making strong commitments. "Forever" isn't a scary word to you! As a Rock Steady, it's important to you that your relationship feels secure. You tend to be realistic about what makes a lifelong partnership work and understand the value of forging a love based on friendship and respect. You believe that a true partnership is about sharing responsibility and being able to count on one another through whatever life throws at you. Creating a true sense of honesty and support means your love will grow as the years go by.

Money:
You care about having a happy family life and enjoying splurging on new items for the home. It's where the heart is, after all. You have a very healthy approach to life. You know that true happiness doesn't come from material things or possessions. It goes much deeper than that and is all about valuing those things you can't put a price on. You like to care for those around you, and if they're happy, you're happy. You appreciate that both highs and lows make up the balance of life and you always try and stay spiritually strong and focused.

Health: (Hello, swift kick in the pants...)
Unappealing as it may seem, it would be good to try to be a bit more active every day. You might be surprised at how much you'd actually enjoy regular exercise. It may sound hard to believe, but endorphins are better than chocolate if you just give them a chance! You may even find that you're in a better mood more often. Start off with something that isn't too intimidating, like climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator. You might even consider signing up for a few personal training sessions in the gym so that you have a program that's tailored just for you. You may need to think about making a few changes what you eat too. Maybe you could try making homemade versions of your favorite restaurant meals to reduce the sodium and fat content and eat healthier without compromising too much on taste.

Home:
Ever stopped to dream about your perfect life, even for a bit? Thought so! In fact, your grounded nature suggests your dream life isn't too far out of reach. You're not fantasizing about exotic villas or huge mansions - you'd probably be more comfortable in a beautiful house in the suburbs. A nice neighborhood and friendly neighbors would go a long way for you.

Entertainment:
You're creative and inventive, with a flair for transforming everyday objects into something special. After all, what's the point on spending a heap of dollars on something you can probably make yourself? Plus, great homemade gifts have that personal touch you just can't get elsewhere.

Style:
You like to take things easy. Life's busy enough without having to worry about getting dressed up every day. It's about maximum comfort with a splash of style, so it's hard to beat your favorite pair of jeans. But don't forget how good it can feel to give yourself a makeover every now and then. It can work wonders for your self-esteem to refresh your wardrobe, spruce up your hair and put on a great dress. So make sure you schedule a shopping trip and pampering session every few months. You deserve it!

What do you think? True or not? I really want to see what it has to say about Jonathan...... Here's the link if you want to take it....you totally should....

http://personality.visualdna.com/1/index.php