Out of State for the Holidays

Most of the time, I stay here with my son and our family to celebrate Christmas. Only this year, my husband has to work on Christmas and I don't want him to be alone. True story: my husband actually lives in another state. It's not far, and I know it's weird, but he has a great job out there and it's been hard for him to find something similar (or better) out here. Surprisingly, it's been almost two years since we've been doing this (him out there, me and our son here) and while it has it's up's and down's, it's somewhat working. My son and I used to live out there with him but it really didn't work for us--for me especially--so we came back. It's been much easier for me to go to school out here since my large and incredibly supportive family is here. They all help so much with my son since school sucks up most of time and I can't imagine how we would function without them. 

Back to the point: we're traveling for Christmas. Leaving first thing Saturday morning, 5:30 a.m. to be exact, and we can't wait! Bags are packed and we're ready to go. 

Black Zella bag for my son - bought during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale for half-off! I normally use this duffel for the gym because it has loads of interior and exterior pockets and bottom straps to hold my mat for yoga. 

And for me, a grey ostrich print Jessica Simpson duffel roller from Ross. Original MSRP $120, scooped up for $49.99! 

It has an outside zipper pocket, a buttoned strap to hold the handles together, an interior zipper pocket and is expandable. Best of all: it rolls!

Since it's colder out there, we're taking tons of boots, coats, gloves, and scarves! Including these lovelies....

Sam Edelman Petty Boots (half the price if you buy them in little girls' sizes like I did!) via Nordstrom

Black Suede with glitter heel. 

Even the box they came in is cute :)

Check out the cool animal print inside the boots. 

Side note: Can you tell I'm a fan of black and glitter? 'Tis the season for all things glitter! In the back are my Juicy Couture tote (more than half-off during the online Black Friday sale) and my glitter bow phone case I bought on Amazon for $10 including shipping. According to my teenage brother, I need to upgrade my phone because "Everyone knows Samsung's are the best." Amazing how teenagers always have the best tech in the family, despite not working! lol Whatev's, it works so I'm not changing it out. 

and my new faves

 Born Zelia Leather Boot in Black via Nordstrom Rack. Again, more animal print so I can fold these down! 

Also, BEST PRICE EVER. Originally $118, but I'm patient, so I waited for them to go down to clearance at $68! I'm on a strict budget since I'm not working, so everything has to be on sale/clearance AND from a discount store and I can't shop nearly as much as I used to. My favorite stores are Target, Nordstrom Rack, Ross and TJ Maxx...in that order.  

28 and unemployed

I am a person who works. It's who I am. Since I was eighteen and had my first job, I've continuously worked full-time, only taking a break after my son was born. That was six years ago, and for the first time since then, I am without a job. And I voluntarily left that job. Crazy, right?

I had this insane idea that I could take care of my son, keep my job, and go to law school at night. Between the average eight cups of coffee a day and four-hours-a-night sleep, I somehow managed to hold on for a year. But I was constantly on edge: my life felt like I was running a marathon at a sprinter's pace. And then something happened that brought that crazy train to a full stop. I was picking up my son from daycare (which was rare since I usually had to rush to class after work) when I noticed that he had learned to snap his fingers. When did this happen? Why wasn't I around for this? Who taught him? What else do I not know about my own son? I felt like such a terrible mother, that I KNEW something had to change. My schoolwork, while decent, was not to my best. I just didn't have enough time for it all.

So I quit my job. Learned how to prioritize time with my son and still get my schoolwork in. It's been four months and even though money is tight...I'm happier for it. My son is happier for it. And got damn, my performance in school has definitely taken a step up! So here I am, not working, and happier for it. I'm sure I'll get another job soon. In the meantime...gonna kick back and enjoy the ride.