Wednesday, December 22, 2010

theories?

Hey, as soon as I made up my mind that I had to write regularly, I stopped writing!  So I told myself I don't have to and here I am.
I have been meaning to write about this topic for a while.  Do you have any theories about life, the world or how it works that you can share with this blog?  I am not looking for enlightenment here, just entertainment.  For example:  you know how sometimes you hear yourself singing or thinking about a song and it is totally out of the blue?  Then you are like, huh?  where did that song come from?  Maybe you haven't heard it in 10 years.  Maybe you absolutely hate the song and you can't stop thinking about it anyway.  I mean sometimes it turns out there was a commercial on in the background or someone else was humming it but sometimes it just seems to pop up out of nowhere.  Plus, sometimes it is a song that repeatedly comes to you at random times.  I don't even want to venture to guess how many times I have randomly started humming the Meow Meow Cat Mix commercial.  Did I just write that on a public forum?
Anyway, my theory is this.  Brain Burps.  You know, kind of like acid reflux of the brain.  ARB, if you will.  You know all this crap is stored up in that brain of yours, stuck in all those cells.  Its all buried deep, layer upon layer.  Now my theory does not include what causes the reflux.  I mean, heck, I'm no scientist.  All I know, is something moves, and then something dislodges and then burrrrp.  If I visualize it, I think of a plate of nachos.  You move a bottom one and then all the layers move and you don't know which topic is going to fall down and where.  Only difference is this is reflux so it goes against gravity so the nacho/random song goes up rather than down on the plate.
This theory is a bit gross and yet hunger producing.  It also may leave you singing the Meow Meow Meow song.  For that, I apologize.  So my question for you is this:  Do you have any theories out there to explain life's complexities?  If not, what song is stuck in your head?
MEOW!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

blogger's block

Sorry to say that I have had blogger's block.  Is that an expression?  OK, it is now.  It's a few months in and I am still not sure what direction to take this blog.  All I know is this time of year has my head in a whirlwind.  Yesterday I went to get some presents and oh my....it took hours.  I got what I needed (and have a few returns to make).  Here is the most important part of yesterday's excursion.  First of all, I saw a teenager walking down the street with a pacifier in her mouth.  Is that a new fad?  Not into it.  Second, I saw numerous people walking around stores talking to themselves.  I even tried to make sure and check to see if they had a bluetooth, which none of them did.  This month is driving everyone bananas.  On that note...I must confess....at Target, I saw a 1 pound package of Reese's peanut butter cups.  It was two large cups.  I have never seen than before.  I picked up the package, read what it was and then heard a very long, drawn out "ohhh my G-d!!!"  After a second I realized that voice was my own.  I actually was so surprised that the words just involuntarily escaped from my mouth!  I quickly walked away because really that was a bit weird.  Oh, and no I didn't buy it.  $9.99 for Reese's is a bit steep.
Also at Target, I saw a sweater I liked.  It was on the wrong rack so I walked around to see if there were more.  I couldn't find them so I circled again.  I just needed to know if it was supposed to be on the sale rack or not.  When I got back....it was gone.  So then I circled again to see if  could find the person who picked up the sweater.  I didn't.  I realized that I was now circling repeatedly, not even looking to buy something but to find the person who bought the something that I have no idea if I wanted in the first place.  This is enough to make you want a pacifier or a pound worth of Reese's.  Is it January yet????  :-)

Friday, November 26, 2010

my happy Black Friday

I woke up at 5:30 on this Black Friday.  Oh, I wasn't heading to buy anything.  Scott was going to work and we were staying at his parents house.  I woke up from the alarm and Natasha the dog slowly creeping in my space.  I dropped Scott off and went home and went back to sleep.  I was quite tempted to go shopping considering every tv and radio commercial I have seen or heard for the past week has been taunting me with sales and deals.  I was more tempted to sleep. 
A couple of weeks ago the news featured a few stories about people who are only keeping what is essential and keeping their belongings to less that 100 items.  I thought that was just awful.  I like stuff.  Besides, in beads alone, I would be so far over its a joke.   I just like stuff.  pretty stuff, shiny stuff, things that bring back memories, blah blah blah.  When they showed these people's apartments, well it was just sad to me.
So I didn't get rid of all my stuff (although I am on an eternal quest to become organized and neat....G-d help me in that endeavor).  I didn't buy any stuff either.  I know exactly what I want and am saving for.   I am trying to know what I already have and where I put it.  I am sorry to say that I will not be spending $689 or whatever the projected amount per buyer this season is.  I encourage you all to shop or minimize or organize or whatever it is we are supposed to be doing and not doing all at the same time.  All I know is, I hope we all get what we want!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

What's in a name?

Why do so many of my posts have a title with "what's in a...?"  I guess now we know why the blog is called janisiswondering.  Speaking of wondering, I have been wondering and pondering what to call my jewelry business.  I am starting to work on a business card/merchandise tag.  I uploaded pictures to moo.com and then came to the part when I am supposed to write something on the tag....hmmm.  This is not easy.  It will represent me and my work.  It should be catchy.  I don't want it to just be for jewelry because sometimes I make other stuff (thanks Christie).   Anyway, in the store making process, I hired a really cute model for a photo shoot.  She was good although at one point she started biting and tossing a bracelet.

 
Oafie, a (furry) star is born

It was a bracelet that looked like a flower so I guess this is to be expected.  After the shoot, she spent a good ten minutes grooming herself and then spent the rest of the day napping.  Modeling is apparantly exhausting!  Luckily, I got a few good shots.

 Rhinestones are a bunny's best friend

So, I am still pondering the name but am thinking something to do with "burrow," such as From The Burrow or Burrow Creations.  Tomorrow I have two bracelet deliveries to make so I am so excited!  I am trying to keep positive thoughts and visualize success and I am working hard! 
I would love input about the name, business, etc.
Janis

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

the lemon blog

"you were always on my mind....you were always on my mind."  Sorry, I meant to blog sooner but things around here have been so crazy.  Everytime I thought of something to say, I realized I was about to write something personal...too personal.  I want an honest, heartfelt blog but I do not want to air my dirty laundry.  Also, you know what is hard is that, if something or someone (in particular someone) does you wrong, it is so tempting to just write it for the world.  I am not about being negative though so I censor myself.  I am going to say it like this "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade and fight the temptation of throwing the leftover lemon rinds in the face of whoever handed you those damn lemons you didn't want in the first place."  Is that a saying?  Well, it should be.  I just coined it.
So, now that all of that is said, here I am.  Everything is fine here really.  Life is just life!  In the meantime, between issues, I have been trying to concentrate on being creative and enjoying the arts and talents of others.  Also, Cuby and Oafie have been a comfort to Scott and I.  I write that as I hear the following in the next room "Hi guys!  Stop thumping!  Hey, they peed in their dish."  So maybe "comforting" is not the best word to describe my pets.  How about, entertaining and amusing (yet gross).
Thank you to everyone who has ordered stuff from me lately.  I am making sure to keep up on my new jewelry business.  I keep getting orders so I haven't had time to open a store!  Maybe that is how online stores happen?  Anyone know?  I am going to do an etsy.com shop soon though.  I am determined!!!  I would appreciate any words of wisdom from out there!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What's in a compliment?

By the way, the haircut went fine.  My hair is much shorter.  I just want to say that yes, it was blown straight and no, I don't like it.  First of all, the ends curl up and, this happens every time, the curls go either right into my eyes or up my nose.  The hair up the nose look isn't great.  The hair in the eyes is probably ok looking but annoys me after about 5 minutes.  Second of all, I just don't feel like me.  However, I got lots of compliments on it, which is nice.  I continue to think its nice-ish but that my head looks small.  Don't you think it is weird to just have a smaller head one day?  So, I thank everyone for the compliments and feel free to keep them coming (who doesn't like a compliment) but I will be washing that curl back into my hair shortly....

Saturday, November 6, 2010

What's in a hair?

Please don't write to me about DNA and chromosomes.  That is not where this blog is going.   I have big poofy hair.  I used to hate it and then, sometime in my late teens/early 20's I started to love it.  I wanted it to be as big and curly (but not furballish) as possible.  I like to get in blown out when I have it cut just for a change and I know it looks neater that way but, I for some reason think that my big hair gives me strength and power.  I mean, I am a distant relative of Samson, aren't I?  Right now my hair is long, long, long and not looking to good.  So today I have to go cut some of it off.  I am guessing about 3 inches.  It is causing me hair anxiety.  Here are some hair thoughts:
1.  The bigger the hair, the bigger my head which means my body is smaller by comparison.  Therefore, cutting inches of hair off will automatically put on at least 5 pounds.
2.  The last time I had short hair was about 10 years ago.  I broke up with some dumbass, I mean man, I mean a mean man, and somehow that made me want to cut my hair up to my ears.  (Question 1)  Why do women do this???  The hair cut was pretty cute, I think.  It also was BRIGHT red (another hair obsession that I had to eventually give up but still miss).  Well, there I was thinking my do was pretty awesome when a male friend pulled me aside and, out of the kindness of his heart, told me that if I ever wanted to get married, I should grow my hair out because that's what men want.  (Question 2)  Why do people say stupid crap like this?  I am sure that people have hair preferences but I think that is a bit extreme and not the nicest thing to say to a single girl.
3.  A women's hair sets her apart.  I certainly feel like mine sets me apart.  I know I complain about the Jewfro sometimes but really it is a large (sometimes very large) part of me.  It is also an amazingly accurate rain and humidity predictor.
4.  By the way, in the "Who Got It Right?" section of the before mentioned People StyleWatch, Sally Hershberger gave a thumbs up to Taylor Swift's man made, curling ironed, fake curls and said Mya's was "way too frizzy (which it isn't and what's wrong with a little frizz anyway?) and lacks polish."  I of course, like Mya's way better.  Her hair looks like what I am always trying to get mine to look like. 

Conclusion:  I have none.  I just think there are a lot of judgements being made on hair and a lot of weird hair pressures.  Whatever it is growing out of your head, own it!  Do what you can do to it to love it.  Don't let Sally or anyone else try to tell you otherwise.  She is trying to sell you hair straightening cream...and/or hair curling cream, at the same time.
Hair appointment at 4....hurray!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Social Network

Scott and I went to see The Social Network yesterday.  On the way there, I told him that in a few years they will probably be making a movie about this blog.  I immediately pointed out that I would be played by Scarlett Johansson, with brown hair (for obvious reasons).  If she could start snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups now, it might be more plausible.  I went through a few potential actors for Scott but for some reason he wasn’t interested (obsessed) with the idea like I was.  I voted for Fred Durst but I was picturing him 10 years ago, not now.  So now I vote for Fred Durst with botox.  So fellow bloggers, please write in and let me know who will be playing you.  No, seriously, I want you to tell me.  It's kind of funny to think about.
Here I am!

This weekend I did a lot of jewelry making.  I hadn’t made anything since, I don’t know when.  It’s been at least a year, I think more.  I actually was afraid to start again.  I planned it but then I kept organizing and looking over stuff and couldn’t get myself to pick up a needle.  Now that I finally started, I can’t stop.  Well, I am able to live my life but I do keep picking it up when I am home.  I am not sure what the hesitation was.  I happen to really like having a creative outlet and feel like something is missing when I am not working on creating something.  I hope to make enough jewelry that I can start selling it on etsy or elsewhere.  In the past few days, I have started following some amazing craft and jewelry blogs.  People out there do the most amazing things and I really respect it.  I know that I have to set time aside in my day to be creative and I am going to do it.  I am feeling inspired…I hope you all will be too.  

Jewelry

Thursday, October 28, 2010

People StyleWatch is watching…some other planet

OK, so right now this blog is just a general comment here and there until I pick a real focus.  However, I am sure that this will go in the direction of fashion or design at some point or another.  Today is not that day though.
Every month when magazines arrive in my mailbox, I get excited.  Well, except for People StyleWatch.  I am not exactly sure why I subscribed to it.  I am not much of a celebrity watcher.  I love fashion and especially accessories but I don’t really care what or “who” the stars are wearing.  First of all, I don’t know who most of them are.  Everyone looks so similar that I can’t tell who is who.  I swear Katie Perry and Zooey Deschanel are the same person.  Also, I had to google her name just now to write that.  Anyway, I think I got this magazine for free for a few months and then it was cheap so I ordered it.  Each month I feel obligated to read it since it is in my mailbox.  This month, here is what I got out of it:

What’s IN What’s OUT:

I had no interest in any of the stuff that’s IN this month:
Lifestyle diets- ugh, eat healthy, we know!!!!
Glass accessories- um, ok
Fancy vegetarian menus- sounds good…for dessert
Electro swing- never heard of it
Retro tech- record players are in?  I have no room for one. Where are all my records? How will I fit a record on my ipod shuffle?

It’s the what’s OUT part that got me though:
Off-the-beaten-path-clubs: this is so not relevant to my life at all.
Online T.M.I.- really?  The very month I start a blog???
Poker parties:  it says celebs are hosting weekly Mafia murder-mystery parties instead.  I think I saw something like that on The Office.  Is that what started this trend?  Because that was last season so that is soooo last season.
Fat Cats- it says that cat obesity is now a serious issue so people are buying interactive toys for their cats.  I wonder how many people read this article and then informed their feline that they are now uncool.   I am not a vet, but I kind of think that it is the pet owner’s responsibility to maintain their pet’s weight…and coolness.
Critter Wine Labels- people don’t want pictures of animals on their wine labels anymore.  What’s a kangaroo aspiring model to do?

So there you have it.  I have just made you so much more stylish than you were a month ago.  Now go play with your cat!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Google Experiment Part II

So, now when I sign on,all my ads are about fortune cookies.  I can buy them in bulk or design my own.  By the way, I have always wanted to design my own.  Of course then everyone would have fortunes that say "you love Chinese food" and "you didn't really need those last three bites...did you???"  But I digress, this was about google ads.  Well, I came home from the pharmacy and went online for a top secret shopping mission.  I saw something in a magazine while waiting that I wanted to look up.  We shall call it "research."  So I looked it up and then deleted my browsing history.  Well, don't you know that when I looked at the blog, they showed me an advertisement for that item?  I was like, 'what?  Google!  You are so wise but you cannot keep a secret!'  I think Google just wanted to put it out there that it knows what I am up to....and it wants me to know, that it knows.  To confuse me though, it also puts up items related to my blog such as restaurants, craft fair sites and of course, ice cream and fortune cookie ads.  Every once in a while it says something about pull-ups which holds no interest to me and sometimes it asks me if I need to lose weight.  I haven't posted about that (nor will I) but I can see how the Google Man is making this inference.  Anyway, so Part II (is the amoxicillin affecting my ability to stay on topic?) is I want YOU the reader to post some keywords/topics as comments and see what that does to the Google ads.  It will help if you do not post about the above mentioned topics.  Have fun!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

where is my brain?

Don't think I have nothing to say.  Just know that I have a bad cold and my brain is in a fog.  Why does this happen?  I mean seriously, where does your brain go when you have a cold?  I have spent so much time staring into space this weekend or I would have something to say but not have the energy to bother.  I would think the same thought repeatedly and then think, ok, I guess I need to just say this one.  On Friday, Scott was nice enough to get me wonton/egg drop soup (don't worry, he got me matzo ball on Saturday).  He even got extra fortune cookies. I opened up the cookie and at the last second realized I was staring at, but not really seeing, the cookie and was raising the fortune to my mouth.  uh....what?  Granted, I didn't complete this action but what's the deal?  Worst part, the fortune was not at all interesting and the Chinese place now gets fortune cookies that are English on one side and Spanish on the other.  Now I don't know what my lucky numbers are and can't learn a new Chinese word.  Also, I don't know how to say "in bed" in Spanish.  Anyway, my cold is going away and I will continue my life long quest of getting a fortune that says "you love Chinese food."  I got that once in high school and am totally pissed I didn't keep it.  Hopefully when I get it, I won't have a cold and accidentally ingest it.  achoo...

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

google experiment

You see how there are google ads on my page?  They are chosen by keywords in the blog.  When I kept writing about Cold Stone Creamery, all the ads were for ice cream companies.  I also noticed many ads for coupons to restaurants.  FYI, when you click on them, I get paid (not much but its something and besides, I find it exciting to stalk this aspect of my blog).  So my experiment:  if I put in a bunch of random words, will the coupons reflect this?  I also want to know if the comments count toward the keywords but we will have to figure that out another day.  On your mark, get set go:  um, Cuby, Oafie, rabbits and bunnies, rhinestones and necklaces, um, make-up, Betsey Johnson, arts and crafts, robotkid, um, why can't I think of anything, Shmoopie, Avon, I have Dr. Jean music stuck in my head, Rachel Roy jewelry, chan luu, the Office, Jerseylicious....this is surprisingly difficult.  Scott said to add:  Nike Shox, K-Swiss Tubes.  GO!!!!!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

the almost art fair

Scott and I went to an art festival yesterday...an art festival that was today.  Oops, I didn't really notice the date and for some reason was sure it was yesterday.  When we got there....no arts, no crafts, just a lady who didn't know what I was talking about.  There was a film festival going on but we didn't stay.  So, that was the bad news.  The good news is, first of all, I have such a nice boyfriend that he wasn't mad at me and secondly, I came home and starting doing some crafts that I was meaning to start.  Can I just start my own craft fair?  I have the distinct feeling that I should be doing art or making crafts but I am not sure what it is I am supposed to focus on.  You read it here first though.  One day when I am a famous ___ designer, you will remember this post! :-)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

bunny stuff!

So now the birthday is past, now what?  I mean honestly, I have more coupons that haven't expired yet but it just seems wrong to write about them at this point.  My birthday is so far away....and wow I consumed a lot of calories last week.  Besides, I am on a budget and saving money was really expensive!
Different people keep asking me to write about different topics.  Sneakers, beauty products and of course, the infamous rabbits, Cuby and Oafie.  I can get to all of that but really, I am doing the bunny fans an injustice if I don't get to the bunnies.  Do you know that Cuby has over 2,000 facebook fans?  His fame spans every continent.  Besides that, he and Oafie (and Noname and Daisy, the loves of his life) have been the subject of many lesson plans and activities here in Florida and in my sister's classes in New York.  A little known fact, I am trying to write a children's book about the story of his life.  I don't mean his current story: nap, eat, poop, repeat.  I mean how he came to be my pet.  He was a rescue who was not treated kindly in his former home.  He came here with a serious attitude and he continues to be a bit...temperamental.  It literally took years to tame Cuby.  Years and a whole lot of craisins.  I couldn't get him to bond with me until after Noname died and he got a new cage.  There was a lot of his instinct involved and I had to spend a lot of time speaking softly, sitting on the floor with him and being patient.  So, he is very cute and furry and all but also the children that learn about him are always really interested in his transformation.  They really root for the underdog (underbunny?  it had to be said).  So Cuby has taught me a lot, not only about bunnies but also about children and their natural interest kindness to animals and in fixing a wrong.  Oafie has taught me a lot too.  Mostly about how fascinating it is to watch a rabbit repeatedly groom her ears and her weird mohawk. 

Saturday, October 9, 2010

My birthday...I am full

OK, I know I said the quest would be hard work but I wasn't kidding.  Here it is, the day after my birthday.  I haven't used that many coupons and yet....I am full!  ha!  I love my free make-up from Sephora.  It is a little white eye shadow (worn today), a green eyeliner and a mini-mascara.  Awesome!  While on the topic of beauty stuff, I just ordered Egyptian Magic (the link for it is on the blog-thank you Cecilia).  This stuff is really good.  It is moisturizing and thick without being slimey.  The jar it came in (which is a good read) says it was used by the ancient Kamitians.  I didn't know who that was but apparently they lived in Egypt and had good skin. 
So now back to real life.  I guess I can't celebrate (and eat) forever.  It was fun while it lasted.  Now what to talk about?  Maybe the next 51 weeks should be devoted to becoming an exercise blog in preparation for my next bithday...yeah, right.  That is so not going to happen!!!
Celebration!  Me and my free Peanutbutter Perfection from ColdStone!!!


 Oh one more thing.  What is up with this blog?  I have heard people have clicked on follow and they are not on my followers list.  People tell me they commented but those don't show up.  Anyone know what is going on?  Blogger????

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Too tired to celebrazzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I can't keep up with my coupons.  I am so glad that most of them are for at least 2 weeks or for the whole month.  I wanted to just go out and get free stuff all week but seriously, its just too expensive.  Of course, I am going to buy something besides an appetizer or a dessert...and most coupons say you have to! 
By the way, today was day 2 of my new job teaching in a new preschool.  Can you say exhausted?  Can you say throat hurting from talking non-stop?  Well, I can't because I don't have the energy or feel like speaking.  However, I must say....I love it!  The little people sure know how to have fun.  Usually my class is pretty excited about my birthday (since they think I am ancient) but since tomorrow will be just day 3, I don't know if they are or not.  We are making pizza though (on crackers, not cooked) so really, its an exciting day all around.
I hope that I will have some energy tomorrow night because I am going to go out.  Oddly enough with all this coupon/celebration talk, I never figured out what to do this weekend.  I am going to start this year very grateful.  I have a new job that is awesome, a great boyfriend, great family and friends, 2 bunnies that are so cool (but pissed because they have not yet been blogged about) and general health and happiness.  I hope this is my best year yet and I hope all your wishes come true!!!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Free(dom)

Tonight Scott and I went to Mama Fu's for dinner and a free appetizer!  That place is so good.  Afterwards we went to Cold Stone for my free ice cream.  There were four customers in there:  Scott (who didn't order anything) and I and a nice older couple.  The man said 'oh its your birthday!"  I looked at him and he was also holding a coupon....and so was his wife.  3 out of 4 of us had birthday coupons!  I hope Cold Stone doesn't go out of business because no one is paying tonight!   

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Quest and the next quest????

I came home today to find 45 emails had been sent since checking my email in the morning.  I spent a good half hour reading through all of them.  I had emails from Dairy Queen, Bucca di Peppo’s, the Melting Pot, Ben and Jerry’s and Texas de Brazil (free entrée with the purchase of another entrée!  That’s a good one!)  I have to pick and choose which ones to print out because no one is giving away ink.  Speaking of, I am not finding too many places giving away items, not food.  I got an email from Vera Bradley but it was not birthday related.  It also was not interesting to me since I happen to detest Vera Bradley (although was willing to accept something for free from her).    My Anthropology email was also not birthday related.  So then I realized that my November quest may have to be to unsubscribe from all of these email lists I have found myself on.  That won’t make for interesting blog writing.  Side note, I am reporting an improvement in the weather conditions in Florida today.  I didn’t see even one lizard fall from the sky today.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Birthday Quest and an iguana

OK, some progress has been made.  I have coupons printed out for ice cream from Cold Stone, a free dessert from Buca di Beppo and free appetizers from Mama Fu's and Joe's Crab Shack.  Not to mention I am getting a eye make-up kit from Sephora in the mail this week (for free with purchase) and i have a coupon from Aveda for a 3 piece Smooth Infusion sample pack from Aveda...No puchase necessary!  Wow, this isn't easy!  I also found out that Discovery Cruiseline gives you a free one day cruise as long as you go with a full paying adult!  I don't know if I can make it onto that but it is worth a try!
While taking a break from all of this intense birthday planning, Scott and I went to relax at the pool.  You know I wondered if anything blog worthy would occur in my life and then there was a big splash near us.  There, a few feet away, was an iguana coming up to the surface and swimming to the edge.  He fell out of a tree into the pool where we were lounging.  This thing was bright green, about a foot long and holding a dead dragonfly in his mouth.  Scott isn't too fond of these critters so we did some quick thinking.  He went upstairs to remove the laundry from the dryer (well, I am more afraid of laundry duties than lizards) and I got the pole from nearby and put a scare into the little green guy.  First he dropped his lunch in the pool, how gross.  Then after a few pokes, he took a hint and left.  So now I feel like topics are literally falling from the sky and I am a bit scared!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Quest

Welcome to my new blog.  What is this about, you may ask?  It is about the things I think about.  I have been told time and time again that people like my facebook status updates (or statii, as I like to call them) so I should write more.  So how do you start a blog?  No idea.  But since this is a beginning and 6 days before my birthday, I will focus on that.  This is about my birthday quest, to get as much free stuff as possible.  Preferably stuff I want.  So I posted on facebook asking for people to tell me places to go to get stuff.  This isn't about the $$$ (although the fact that I haven't gotten a paycheck since August does make getting free stuff a little more exciting-by the way, my first pay day is-my birthday!!!!).  It's about just feeling like my birthday is as awesome as possible.  Think of how many people will wish me well that day!  and think of all the calories I won't have to feel guilty about because everyone knows that calories don't count on your birthday!  I didn't necessarily want food by the way, it just seems to be the most available.
So, today I spent at least an hour (no one said this will be easy) signing up for stuff.  OK, so I actually bought something from Sephora to qualify for my birthday gift but I needed it anyway.  I did realize though that a lot of "free stuff" was going to be given to me after I purchasd something else.  I'm like XXXX sorry, that doesn't count.  I may do a few of those but will have to be careful.  I spend enough the rest of the year so they could give me a break and just give me something free on this one day! I also realized that some of the coupons are for the next two weeks (thank you Cold Stone Creamery!) so I can really spread my birthday celebrations out.  This should help me with the time factor, since I do have work that day.  It should also cut down on the threat of a stomach ache since I mostly keep finding food coupons. 
Here is where I have signed up:
Cold Stone
Mama Fu's
Baskin Robbins
Melting Pot (but that website was a pain)
Buca Di Beppo's
Vera Bradley (who I don't even like)
Sephora (who I love!!!)
Joe's Crab Shack (when you sign up, they say you now have crabs)
to be continued....