When I was just a wee sprout, I remember my grams after a hard day working say “I’m just too pooped to pop!”  Visions of my grams exploding like a water balloon immediately filled my head. Today, however, I know exactly what she meant.

The weekend with Scott was fantastic! I am still planning to go to Alabama for Easter. I’m nervous and excited about it. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to him since he left Monday afternoon. Actually, I haven’t had the opportunity to do anything except run home, change, shower, try to eat and go right back to work, it seems.  We have four waitstaff members out sick, during one of the busiest weeks of the year, so guess who’s pulling double and triple shifts?

I never fully appreciated my evening shifts until after having to fill in on day shifts this week. OMUHGOSH! I just thought night time was busy!

Anywhoodles, I’m only here for a few minutes, because I’ve got to go to a few appointments before going back to work tonight. I was promised Saturday and Sunday off, and I cannot wait. I think I will just sleep. Maybe indulge in some ice-cream, but definitely sleep.

Good morning Blogsphere!

Have you ever had a day when you woke up and despite the weather - the cold, the clouds, the gloomy day - you just felt like sunshine on the inside?

Last night was wonderful! Scott and I went for a late dinner, and then a bit of dancing. I love to dance, and that man is smooth sis-ta let me tell ya! We stayed out till about 1:30 AM, despite the fact that I have a huge work day today. I didn’t care. It just felt so good to be so close! ::giggle::

I woke up at 6:30! Can you believe that? After not getting home until so late, I figured I’d probably sleep the morning away, but my lil brain was firing neurons bright and early!

Cher and I have been working on getting new products listed for our Shop over on Etsy. I’m really excited about this new venture. She’s got my bags, and is supposed to be photographing them outdoors (I leave that up to her because I truly SUCK with my lil dinosaur of a digital camera) but her weather isn’t cooperating either. None the less, please go check it out. Tell me what you think of the banner graphic because its Chloe Made LOL.

I’m hoping the shop does well, and the items I put on consignment yesterday do well too because…..

(Drum roll)

I’m going to ALABAMA for EASTER!!!!!

Scott asked last night if I would consider coming. Its something we’ve briefly touched on anyway in other conversations, and I told him, as long as I can stay in a hotel, that would be fine. SO! ALABAMA HERE I COME!

Can ya tell I’m a bit psyched about it?

Okay okay, I know you’re all dying for the skinny on my beau, so here ya go -

He’s 35, about to be 36, born in April of 1972 to older parents who are both deceased now.  (Father was retired military).

He has one sister who is 3 years his senior and had a brother who died at age 3 in a drowning accident.

He was born in Atlanta Georgia, but his family moved to Alabama when he was 7. First they lived in Mobile, then some smaller towns but settled in Montgomery when he was in his freshman year of high-school.

He attended Auburn University where he obtained his MBA in Marketing and a BA in Visual Communications Technology. He also recently completed a BA from The University of Phoenix On-line in e-Commerce.

He currently works as the Art Director for a major publishing company who’s headquarters are in Birmingham, with branch offices in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Dallas. I can’t say which for legal purposes.

He owns his own home in Montgomery, near his sister and her family and when he doesn’t work from his home or isn’t flying around the country, he commutes 1.5 hours to the Birmingham office. He says he’s never considered moving to Birmingham because his sister lives in Montgomery. (They are very close)

He is 6′ - 2″ tall (almost an entire foot taller than me), is very muscular (He loves to ski - both water and snow - plays baseball with a city league and swims a lot). He’s got the prettiest blueish-green eyes I have ever seen, has sort of sandy blond hair that is lighter on the top from being out in the sun… ugh! I just can’t describe him enough to do him justice. He’s BEE YOO TEE FULL!!!!!!

There are just so many qualities I find totally endearing about him! Like the fact that his sister has 3 kids - 2 girls and a boy - and although he doesn’t want to have kids of his own, he loves his nieces and nephew and does a lot of things with them. His sister’s husband is military and has been deployed since last May, so he spends a lot of time with her and her children.

Or the fact that he loves animals - which, I do to, which is why I don’t own one, because I am so goofy I may just accidentally kill it or something.

He’s musical - plays guitar with a group of friends, and also plays piano.

Anywhoodles - probably the thing I like most about him is that he respects me and my values and beliefs. When I told him I’d come if I could stay in a hotel, he didn’t even flinch! He just smiled and said “of course.” He did offer to pay for the room, but I won’t allow it.

We have discussed a lot of serious things. And you know, the more we talk, a lot of the things that I thought I had resolved myself to, just don’t seem that important anymore.

I try to stay level headed and remain calm and distanced, but the more we talk, and every time I see him, I think to myself that waking up next to him every day may not be such a bad thing. And I catch myself throughout the day wondering what is he doing right then, at that moment, or what does he look like when he wakes up, or just gets out of the shower or has been working in his yard? Or does he think about me as much as I think about him?  Crazy, silly girlie things like that and honestly, it doesn’t feel so bad.

One of the things I’ve always been worried about talking about in relationships is having children. A lot of people have accused me of being cold, or not liking kids and that’s just not the case. But if I’m anything, I’m level headed and I know that I’m just not at a point in my life where children would be a smart decision, you know? There is another reason too - I have always had female problems. When I was 17, I had to have emergency surgery for a ruptured ovarian cyst and my doctor told me then that I have polycystic ovarian disorder - which means my ovaries constantly developed cysts which grew out of control and were very painful. I also had endometriosis. With those two problems, I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 26. It was a tough choice to make because of the fact that I was single and even though I didn’t want kids then, there was the chance that I would, some day. But I knew with the endo that my chances of getting pregnant to begin with were slim at best and carrying to term would have been an even greater challenge. I also knew that the cysts that were constantly developing had the possibility to become cancerous later on.  Since then, I’ve just learned to resolve myself to the fact that having kids is something I won’t ever experience, and its okay. I have a great life.

Scott says he doesn’t want children because he can’t see bringing another child into a world that has such an uncertain future, and I respect that.  He says he watches what his sisters children go through with the absence of their own dad, and he just can’t see risking putting a child through that, even though he isn’t military himself, because he is in his mid-thirties and although he is in great health, you just never know what can happen.

So, we had the child discussion and you know, he made me smile so big when he said “Well that’s okay Chloe because if we had a child, I’d have to divide my attention between  you and he or she, and frankly, I would just rather dote on you.” (Yah you can say it - “awwwwwww!!!!”)

Anywhoodles!  I’m going down in a couple of weeks to meet his sister. I’m nervous about it. What if she doesn’t like me? They are so close. Scott says it doesn’t matter, but I really want her to like me, because I really, really like him! Her name is Amanda, so everyone send good vibes about me to her okay? LOL

I’ve got to get off my duff and get busy. We’re going to the Field Museum today and the Aquarium, before work.

Hope you all have a sunshiney bright day!

Love always,

Chloe Jayne

Good morning blogospherians!!!!

Sorry to keep everyone sitting on the edges of their seats. Remember the incident with the tea and the keyboard? Well, I thought I had the problem well under control, until I got home from my date Wednesday night and tried to post. My keyboard went WONKY! I didn’t realize it until I looked up from my furiously typing posture (yes, I MUSTlook at the keys whilst I type) and saw that where I know I most definitely typed “DATE WITH SCOTT” it looked more likeGWRS QORJ XDIRR. I back spaced, and tried again, thinking maybe I missed some keys or my fingers were misaligned but, it did the same thing, so I gave up the ghost and took poor miss keyboard and put her gently and tenderly in the “recycle me” box.

Wednesday’s coffee date was wonderful. We went to my favorite coffee joint, had my favorite coffee and sat for about 2 hours just talking. I swear it still amazes me how we find so much to talk about! One problem I have always had in relationships is that I get bored very quickly. I know my posts have not reflected this in the least, but (snicker) I’m a bit of an hyperactive person. I tend to go go go till I just can’t go anymore and, unfortunately my brain works the same way, always seeking entertainment and stimulation. So far though, Scott is doing very well at keeping up!

So, after coffee, he went back to his meetings and trainings and whatever else it is he does and I came home, cleaned up and got ready for our movie date. Spiderwick Chronicles is wonderful by the way! I mean, the plot and storyline seem a bit too familiar since the opening of such movies as Bridge To Tarabithia and The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe- being that the fantasy genre is done a great deal lately - but the movie its self, the cinematography, the animation and casting and costuming and digital graphics and videography are superb! I really shouldn’t compare it to other movies though, because really, it isn’t like other movies, except that it is, in a way. Does that make sense?

Oh dear, I’m rambling.

Anywhoodles, after the movie, we caught a late dinner and then took a walk through Really Huge Park and stopped to watch the fountain lights for a bit, cautiously avoiding the fourth bench near the lake. We were standing there, watching the horses spout water and he just very sweetly, leaned over and kissed me. I know I must have looked like a deer in headlights because he sort of stammered a moment and then said, “Was that okay?”

(Insert sound track of my brain screaming HELL YES DO IT AGAIN MAN!)

And he did Longer, sweeter and - hmm I better stop now, or I will be forced to go drag him out of a meeting.

Let me just say, it was very hard to come home alone last night.

This morning we met for breakfast. He’ll be tied up most of the day with work, and I’ve got two meetings - one work related, one art related - and then I work tonight from 2: PM - till 10:PM. We made plans to go out after I get off and I think we may go dancing. There are some great blues clubs around here and I’m a sucker for some blues!

OH YAH! My surprise! He brought me a bottle of “Chloe” perfume! It smells SOOO GOOD! He said he got it because it had my name on the bottle. Awwwww (mushy moment).

Okay, serious moment here.

Blogospherians - I really like this  guy! I mean, really really like him. I keep trying not to think about Monday when he has to leave again, because it makes me sad. Is that nuts? I mean, its too fast to feel that way, right? Dani says that its not really that fast because really we’ve known each other almost a year now, but I say yah, but only in a work related way and how well can you really get to know someone while you’re bringing their steak and pouring their coffee?  I mean we do talk on the phone for hours and hours, but its not face to face, in person, up close contact.

In the past week or so we’ve had some pretty serious conversations, you know, about life and life stuff . And we just have so much in common. I mean, neither of us want to have kids (I’ll explain myself on this in another post), really, and we’re both of the same mind about politics and the environment and so many things. We both enjoy the same types of movies and books and music. We have just enough differences to keep things interesting and new, but not so many that it gives us nothing in common, if you follow what I’m saying.

I just know that in the relationships I’ve had, I’ve never felt like I feel now. Sure there was the whole excitement of newness, but not like this. After a while though, I would loose interest. It wasn’t their fault really. I just have never been a person who needed to have daily companionship or daily phone calls or dates. But its not like that with Scott. I get giggly just seeing his number on my caller ID, and I swear, when he talks (and ohmygosh does he have a sexy voice!) I can’t take my eyes off him. I am captivated. He makes me laugh, he stimulates my graymatter, he teaches me about things I never even really considered exploring, and when he smiles? I just feel warm and (in Heidie’s words) TWINNKLY all over.

He asked me last night if I’d ever consider leaving Really Big City, and you know, before I could even stop to think about it, my mouth said “Yes, if I had a reason to.” And I was totally shocked because I LOVE MY CITY and I’ve NEVER wanted to live anywhere else.  I mean, my city has a pulse and a rhythm and a heartbeat and a groove that just is so vibrant and alive! But as I type this, I realize, since Scott’s been back, that’s exactly how I’ve felt. Ooohhh boy!

Anywhoodles. I must get ready for my meetings and accomplish something besides drooling today.  Thank you all who checked in on me! That felt so wonderful. I promise not to abandon post again (hey, I punned!)

Love always,

Chloe Jayne

Okay. I am not here. You do not see me sitting behind this monitor (in my robe no less) typing away on this infernal keyboard. You don’t. You know you don’t. I am merely a figment of the collective imagination of the blogosphere. Agreed? Good.

Firstly - My friend got my shipment yesterday (BTW, Cher, thanksfor calling at 7:30 AM to let me know. luvyabunchesreallymeanit ) so photos of new LACJ bags should be forthcoming.

Secondly - as written in a previous post, I was a complete computerphobe before 2 years ago, right? One of my phobias since I’ve gotten the computer is that something would happen to it - that I would somehow break it. I have exercised extreme caution with this piece of technology taking great pains not to download any malicious software or viruses or bump it wrong and I make sure I shut it down when I’m finished with it. One of my hard fast rules has also been that there will be no food or drink near the computer, for fear of spillage. And what did I do this morning?

Broke my own rule, sat down with a cup of tea, put said tea on my desk, leaned forward to look at something and low and behold when I leaned back, I dumped the ENTIRE CUP OF TEA into the keyboard.

PANIC! MAYHEM! MAJOR FREAK OUT!

I did what all good computer geeks do! I jumped up, ran for a towel, tried to absorb as much of the liquid as possible, and then, turned the thing upside down and whacked the hell out of it till narey a drop of fluid dripped! Then, just for safe measure, I took it out into the commons, and slung it about over my head, lasso style, for a few minutes.

It seems to be working fine for now. Heart attack prevented. But if you suddenly see my typing doing this —-> ;w3p098pasn;cjnasli8ru[M:OYS)E(*&p98UQ2WENASMNF<—–I swear, it isn’t me.

150 hours has expired and Scott is in town. He called when his flight landed, text-ed me from the cab, called again from his hotel and is now busy in a meeting, but assured me he will call when it’s over.

We’re going out for our third date tonight. He says that its actually our seventh, because 4 hour phone calls constitute a date, but I disagree. It isn’t a phone call until it’s past 7 hours at least, and even then I would think it depends solely upon the context of the conversation. Wouldn’t you agree?

Today has been a wonderfully productive day, but my loft is a mess. I have fabric strewn and draped everywhere, and sewing notions and jewelry findings and… wait… how did that empty yogurt container end up in my “in” box? Hmmm… pesky elves!

So, I wanted to take a break before I clean up, and surf a bit.

Thanks to everyone who dropped my friend a line yesterday. Good people really do exist out there and she was so very touched.

We’re going to see a movie tonight. Spiderwick Chronicles. NO! DO NOT TELL ME ABOUT IT! I’ve been dying to see it since it came out, so don’t spoil it for me

Scott is in town until Monday morning, so it’s sure to be an exciting and interesting weekend.

Call me old fashioned but I’m just not feeling the whole “have him over to your place” vibe yet. Maybe before the weekend is out, but not yet. I still have these safety zones ya know? I mean, its not that I’m even remotely afraid of him or anything like that. I’m not, in the least. In fact, I feel so comfortable around him, and talking to him that I find myself having internal conversations questioning the reality of it all. But I don’t want things to progress too quickly, if that makes sense. And I sort of like the mystery of it all - being picked up for work, or meeting at a coffee house, instead of here, in my sanctuary.

He says he’s got a suprise for me. I wander what it is? OH! Maybe he’s psychic and brought me a new keyboard, you know, just in case.

I’m off tonight and have the short shift tomorrow and Friday night because I’ll have a huge private party Saturday all to myself. That should be fun. OH! wait, incoming text.

Awwww, my latest message reads:

“It is unbearable torture to be this close to you and not be able to see your face! Abandon your work and meet me for coffee? I’m begging with puppy dog eyes. You can’t see them, but they are puppy-doggish.”

Hmmmm should I go? I do have this mess to clean up. Aww puppy dog eyes. How can I resist?

Dear blogosphere, gone for coffee. Be back … later.

Love always,

Chloe Jayne

Good early morning blogospherians!

Walter Winchell once said “A real friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out.”

I have to tell you about my friend Cher. If I ever decide to grow up, I want to be like Cher. She is talented, an amazing photographer, intelligent, very funny in that “doesn’t even realize how funny she is” sort of way which makes her even funnier, kind, loyal and generous to a fault.

When I met Cher, it was on the beach. I noticed right away that she walks with a limp, sometimes worse than others. I also noticed several scars (in a bathing suit its hard not to notice scars) so after a few days, I asked her if she’d been in an accident.

“Nope.” She smiled, “I have cancer.”

I know my jaw dropped low enough to scoop sand. I’ve never met anyone with cancer before and all I could say was “I’m sorry.”

She laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to die right here in the waves.” 

Over the last few years I’ve learned that Cher was diagnosed with NHL (Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) at the ripe old age of 26. She under went bone replacement surgery when the cancer manifested its self in her hips and pelvic bone, which is why she limps. She also has scars from other surgeries resulting from the cancer.  She’s been in remission for about 3 years now, but has constant struggles from the side effects of the disease, and other health problems have arisen, including Diabetes, and Congestive Heart Failure.

Now, believe me, Cher never is one to ask for sympathy and I wouldn’t dare try to prompt any for her here. The fact is, she impresses the hell out of me.

When I visited her, I expected to find her taking it easy, doing very little. What I found was a ball of energy who is constantly on the go. When I was there, she and her husband had just bought a house and she was out in her yard, every day, moving rocks and dirt and cutting grass and planting plant things. She also finds time to sew, cook, clean, raise her two children and spend quality time with her four grandchildren, is actively involved in her community and from what I saw when she was around her peer group, people are drawn to her like moths to a flame. Like I said, she impresses me.

So last night, I was browsing around the Internet, instead of working on my designs like I should have been, and I read her blog and became immediately concerned.

I called her and we talked for almost four hours.

Anywhoodles…

I won’t spill the beans about what all is going on with her right now, but I had an idea. I’ve been reading the hopeREVO site, and thought you know maybe I can get people to visit Cher’s siteand just leave her some messages of hope in her in-box. I know she would appreciate it, and I would definitely be grateful! You don’t have to comment on anything she’s posted or written, just leave something HOPEFUL in her box. And if you do, please let me know so I can send you a cute little graphic for your page.

THANKS!

Love always

Chloe Jayne

Which of these could Chloe Jayne be?

Good morning Blogospherians!

Today is an awsome day, dispite the clouds and forecasts!

I’ve got my patterns cut, my materials together and today I get to spend an entire day just creating! What more could a gal ask for?

Watch for pics of the  new Urban Girl Messenger Bag by LA Chloe Jayne coming sometime this evening.

In the mean time, here’s something to get you off to a great Monday.

I love my job. I love my job. I love my job! At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Dear Blogosphere, although there are certain business practices that tell us to chant the mantra “the customer is always right”, sometimes, this just is not the case.

I was supposed to be assigned to the bar last night. I love working the bar. The patrons are friendly, the tips are good, and usually, the worst I have to put up with is some over-zealous college kid hitting on me after one too many.

I clocked in at 4 yesterday and started setting up my station. I figured it was going to be a busy night for two reasons: (1) Saturday night (okay that’s a no brain-er) and (2) there was a big Bon Jovi concert. But at 5:30, Mr. Floor Manager tells me that Molly called in sick and I am not only going to be covering bar area, but her station as well. The private dining room, or what we lovingly refer to as “The Seventh Level of Hell“.

We have the private dining room for larger parties, and although we ask that customers make a reservation, when we have no private parties, the private dining room is used for “over-flow” traffic from the main floor.

Around 8:30 the place was really moving. The bar was full, the main floor was full, tips were flowing and all was good - and then they walked in.  He was wearing what had to be a $1200 suite, all posh and polished, and she was wearing a stylish little black dress, dripping in garish gold and diamonds. I smelled trouble.

First, they were upset with the Maitre’ d when he informed them that because they hadn’t made a reservation, he’d have to seat them in the private dining area, because there were no tables on the main floor. They openly complained about “not being seen” as they were escorted to their table.

I told them what our special was, and asked them if they’d like to order a cocktail or a glass of wine while they looked over the menu.

“Oh, we’re having champagne, dear.” The woman smirked.

Very well, I said and went off to get their bucket of bubbly. When I came back, she complained about her silverware being “Spotted” - which it wasn’t, but the customer is always right, so I took it away and got them both a new set-up. Then she complained that her glass was spotty, so I took it away and got them each new glasses. 

Every time I returned, there was a new complaint, the last one being that she was “catching a chill” from their current seating and could they please move to a different table.”

Shhhurreee.. no problem! I got them, their new silverware and glasses and champagne completely moved and left them to look over their menus.

When I returned to their table, I asked if they were ready to order, and the said no, that they needed more time. No problem, I thought. I can check up on the bar, and come back.

Now, while we are open till midnight on weekends, our kitchen closes at 11:30. The bar stays open till 12 and then we lock the doors. We don’t rush customers out, by any means, but we do not put in a kitchen order after 11:30.

By 9:25 I had checked their table no less than six times and they still were not ready to order.

She was fussing about us not having a particular type of seafood, and he was indecisive about what cut of beef he’d prefer. I tried to offer suggestions and substitutions to no avail.

At 10:15 pm they were STILLnot ready to order, and had already been through two bottles of champagne.  The Floor Manager asked me if they’d placed their order yet, and I said no, that they couldn’t make up their minds.

“Well the next time you check the table, let them know that our kitchen closes at 11:30″ He said.

I returned to their table again, checking my watch, 10:34, and asked if they were ready to order.

After answering a battery of questions about this dish or that dish they said no, they still hadn’t decided, bring more champagne. (We’re three bottles in at this point, which is a pretty quick drink-to-brain ratio). I said I’d be happy to and told them that if they were going to order certain dishes they may want to go ahead and place the order because our kitchen closed at 11:30, and off I went to get their drinks.

They sat there, playing this cat and mouse game, consuming mass quantities of bubbly, until 11:20! THEN, they decided they wanted our special. I told them I’d have to check the kitchen to make sure we weren’t out of it, given the hour.  And they were not happy when I returned to tell them that it had indeed been eaten all up.

I got a major scolding by chef when I placed their order at 11:28, a seriously stern look from Maitre d, when he realized we probably were not going to be locking the doors at 12, and when I got their order to their table, both complained endlessly about the quality of the food.

I ended up returning her plate to the kitchen three times and when I brought it back the last time, she threw her napkin in her plate and said “Well, now I’ve just completely lost my appetite! I want to leave!”

Nooooo Problem!

I gave them their check and the man says, “I’d like to see the manager!” So, I retrieved the manager.

I’m not sure what all they discussed but I know that the man told the manger that I never informed them of the kitchen closing time, and that I hadn’t bothered to check on their table for over an hour at one point. LIAR! ARRGGG!

Finally, they left, without leaving a tip, I might add.

Dear fine blogospherians, please, I implore you - when you enter an establishment to enjoy a fine meal, be aware of the staff and the establishments hours of operation. Yes, we are there to serve, and are happy to do so, but we are people too.

Don’t let that skyline fool you ladies and gentlemen, its just damn cold outside!

We’re supposed to be up to a balmy 36° tomorrow before more snow sets in on Monday and Tuesday.

Went to brunch/lunch with the girls and am now getting ready to head off to work. Big concert downtown tonight so maybe I’ll get some good tippers in the bar area.

Great day to be alive!

Love always

Chloe Jayne

NO! Not because of that you cheeky monkies!

I smashed my hand but good last night at work, and wouldn’t you know it is my right hand? I so wanted to finish my Chloe Jayne bag today! I was hoping that copious amounts of Advil and warm compresses would ease the throbbing, but its no use.

A Note of Caution:  Never brace yourself against the door jam of a swining metal door.

Yes, Scott called. It was a good conversation that unfortunately will have to continue this afternoon as I simply couldn’t bear to hear him yawn. Bless his heart. He says he hasn’t slept much, and I can empathize. I haven’t either. I told him to take a nap and call me later.

And right now, I’m on my way out to meet Dani, Molly and Lynne for brunch!