As opposed to Manic Monday, which is the usual standard around here. I love the perks of working a government job

Today has really been pretty relaxed. I got up this morning and played some video games (Assassin’s Creed – not a bad game. A little hard for me to get the hang of, but that is to be expected when you’ve not had a video game system around to play for over a month), and did a tiny bit of cleaning (not much by any means). Had to go sign papers for an offer on a house for the third time. First time the offer wasn’t right, 2nd time the offer came back rejected (simply because the other side doesn’t want to mess with an FHA loan). So this time I think we’ve gotten it right. Now it’s just hoping they come back with an acceptance.

Mom and I went shopping at Hobby Lobby, where I proceeded to see millions upon millions of things that I would love to have…. but ultimately I got out of there with just a skein of yarn for my nephew’s scarf, and a few small Valentine’s items. I saw many, many more things I wanted, but my gift card was only $20 so I resisted (not like I had much of a choice, though, considering I was an idiot and left my wallet on my desk here at home after I ordered some more yarn).

Speaking of Valentine’s Day stuff…. My ripple scarf is done! I did the bind of last night at my mom’s house (Taco Night is the best at her house!), and got to start wearing it today!

I fell in love with the colors – a dark pink, fading into a tan and white, with a mix of dark brown to anchor it a bit. And it’s decently soft, considering it’s made with the cheap Red Heart yarn (while not my favorite, it definitely fits in my budget). It just doesn’t want to lay right, which I’m sure has to do with the ripple pattern, but I’m not worried – it’s just going to be wrapped around my little ol’ neck anyway.

Hobby Lobby has a class starting up in February for cake decorating…. but with the stupid work schedule I can’t take it The classes are on Tuesdays, and I’d have to miss two of the classes if I were to sign up because of having to work late. Maybe Michael’s down by work will have one going on that I can go to right after I get out of work. I’ve got a cake decorating set that I have yet to use because I’m so intimidated by it. I shouldn’t be, because I know it can’t be as hard as I make it out to be.

I’m experimenting today with a chicken salad recipe. I crave Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwiches bad. But a meal from there is $6.30 – not exactly budget-friendly when you’re craving it every day for a week straight, even after you satisfy your craving and buy one and only one meal. I’m trying so hard to be good this year and not eat out as much at work. So I’m making my own. I figure it can’t be that hard – chicken, mayo or miracle whip, grape halves, some apple chunks and some walnuts and I’ll be good to go. Maybe some celery, though I’m really not a fan. So we’ll see how it turns out. Maybe tomorrow I’ll have a photo to share of the deliciousness of it!