Mom Sends The Msg

Another giveaway for a great cause!

momsmsg.com is a website created to give people the chance to stand for non-distracted driving. By signing the petition, you promise to refrain from activities that will have a negative effect on the way you drive. There are so many people out there who eat/talk/text/turn on the radio/adjust the air, etc all at the same time! By making a concious decision to focus on driving, we can all do our part to make the roads a safer place for everyone!

Go to www.momsmsg.com and see/sign the petition yourself.

Then head over to www.themotherhood.com to enter the contest in as many ways as you can! You have the chance to win one of three mini Dell laptops!

Remember-even if you don't win, you're a winner for choosing to drive safely! (Corny...I know..._)

Till next time...
Jenn

WRAPADOO giveaway!!!

I've got something fantastic to share! It's been a while, but I'm baaaaaack!

Check out http://thedirtytshirt.com/wrapadoo-review-and-giveaway! This blog is run by Jennifer (@Jentifa on twitter) and there's lots of great things to check out!

But, for the purpose of this blog...I'll inform you on what a Wrapadoo is! It's like a cloud that you can wear on your head. A hug for your hair. A reason to get out of bed.

Wrapadoo creator, Cynthia Saito, is onto something. No one likes wrapping a towel around their wet hair, right? It takes away the moisture your hair craves and the oils that your skin and scalp thrive on. SO! Cynthia created a dual-sided, luxuriously soft fitted head towel. It's super cute! Head over to www.wrapadoo.com to see all the different styles-mine is Pink Cheetah!

These will run you $60-80 after tax and all, which is just another good reason to enter thedirtytshrirt's contest and snag one for free!!!

I'm sure I'll invest in one soon if I don't win... :(...either way look for a review in the coming months!

-Jenn

It's been quite a while...

So... I haven't been updating lately, mostly because people haven't been reading. However, I think it's somewhat therapeutic to get things out there sometimes.

I feel as though my life is going in a complete circle. I won't go into GREAT detail, but it's pretty frustrating.

More in a minute...maybe...

It's been a while!

well, well.......forgive my lack of capitalization. it's one of 'those' days.

my second interview was today for a new, awesome little school off of 45. i REALLY want this job. i think i could really rock it! i miss being around kiddos. :(

nothing new. really excited for the fall-LOTS of great shows coming up, which i'm sure i'll be blogging about sooner or later.

i haven't been acting recently. i'm not sure if/when i'll continue. i really want to audition for the next show, but i need to make sure i can handle it and that it doesn't conflict with any of my amazing plans. (HELLOOOOOOOO, Mr. Mraz! (: )

so let's see. august 5th is Barcelona. i can't wait! i discovered them in march when they played with mae, person l, and tokyo at Walter's. they are the best. i'm serious. this poppy, bedroom-sounds, dirty tunes with annoying club beats stuff has GOT to GO! it's about time real talent shows its face! (It's About Time is also the title of a Barcelona song. I also recommend 'Fall Out Of Trees.') actually, just get the whole album-Absolutes.

september 5th is going to be a huge night for java jazz. Forever The Sickest Kids!!! WOW! also on the bill that night is my friends-Furthest From The Star, Betterluck, and DriverF. it's going to be amazing! the ffts guys are really looking forward to it, as am i!

september 10th. what's that day, again? oh yeah...MY BIRTHDAY!!! although 22 is nothing to write home over. my insurance doesn't even go down. boo.

september 16th-JASON MRAZ!!! 2nd row! i was online with m password for preorder and pit tickets were already GONE! i was less that thrilled, but 2nd row is excellent and it's at the pavilion, so that's even better!!!

september 18th-it's been 2 years, but my friends from Ha Ha Tonka have decided to come back to htown! can't wait! they're indie rockers with a country vibe. love them!

october 4th-rob thomas. he could sing the phone book! amazing talent, amazing lyrics!

november 14th-LUDO! back again! with.......HA HA TONKA! it's a reunion and i'm about to die of anticipation! should be an awesome night!

so....there's my run-down of cool things to come! i really should write more. twitter doesn't have enough characters for the complexity of my brain.

haller atcher mother
-jenn

Proof:Good People Still Exist

An Angel Among Us-Maura DeSouza

Maura went to heaven this morning. Sometime after 10am. Though I was not able to keep in touch throughout the years, I knew Maura in high school. We did a few plays together and she had an amazing voice!

I am without words. Being human, there are so many unanswered questions. Being a believer, there's so much more than this life.

update!

so...it's been over a month since i've updated.
a)because acting takes up a LOT of time!
b)i don't have many people who keep up with this
c)sometimes i just don't have the words to say

things lately have been...well...weird.

i had to quit my job. i wanted to. i was sick of the people, sick of not being heard after almost 2 years of employment, sick of being paid CRAP! i really loved the kids. that's why i took the job in the first place. i love those babies with my whole heart. i hope they never forget that.

so i've done a 180. I'm in sales and loving it so far! i still spend as much time with kids as i can, but i'm getting career-minded and this position is helping me make that decision. i feel like i would like to get involved with HR or something similar, but i'm not about to make any sudden judgements just yet. i love kids. i never stop learning from them. but maybe this is God telling me to focus and do what He wants me to do instead of just going to work to get a paycheck. (which is what the old job turned into.) we'll see...i certainly didn't go searching for this job!

theater:charlie brown has 2 more weekends (off this weekend for the strawberry festival!!! COME OUT!) we close on the 31st. :( i really expected a larger house for a great family show, but whatever... next is OZ!!! i got THE CUTEST shirt from target (i like to pronounce it as though i am french) last night!!! i'm glinda...the good! :) yay!!! it's like a vacation. i know most of my lines already and i get to be motherly. done!

shaba:my cat needs his own blog! people ask how he is before they ask how i am! most don't even get THAT far! i was cleaning a few weeks back with the screen door open and somehow, we got fleas! :( ooooh i was/am ticked!!! we thought it was allergies at first, because Shab has such loooong fur, and the vet didn't see anything. but then i saw one on the carpet and FLIPPED! so i've got powders and sprays and collars trying to kill every last pest! UH! ridiculous!

swine flu:IT'S NOT REAL!!! barbra walters was sick of talking about the crappy economy and created this conspiracy alongside ted koppel, katie couric, and george lopez. (seriously...SOMEONE has a sense of humor!) so no, not all texans have it, my northern friends. i have seen a few people wearing masks, there's a shortage of germ-x and purrel, and UIL shut down for a few weeks. haha! that's all i'm gonna say...

i got a new bed on monday!!! i lost my bed, and everything else, to the hurricane, so i got a luxury inflatable-top mattress for a while. well, shaba has back claws. enough said. a couple in JV was gracious enough to give me a queen size mattress and box spring for free! i was literally in tears on the way home! i had been on the floor for months! i slept till 1pm on tuesday! :) HUGE deal!

so i was wondering today, which is often a dangerous task for minds as large and intricate as mine, (okay, kidding!) and i've come to the realization that everything has worked out for the best since everything happened last month. (i won't get into the details)

since everything changed, i've been so much happier with life! i've got a fun and extremely financially rewarding job with potential to grow without limits, i've gotten to spend some time with Shaba and pamper him, i've had time to enjoy being with the people i love most, and i'm finding myself again. it's a good feeling. :)

on the down side, there are about 50 amazing little people i miss terribly. but i'm getting back in touch with most of them and they know i love them.

so...i'm paying the bills and then some. thank GOD!

there's something else that's been grating on my mind though...and that is...how can someone have hundreds of myspace and facebook 'friends,' all who you know on a personal level, but you don't speak or spend time together catching up on things? has our society become THAT modernized that we rely on twitter and iphones? really? because if so, i want out!

contention 1. i have my own life. i am not a celebrity-i would not appreciate that lifestyle. so...you don't need to know that i'm buying shampoo, cutting my cats' nails, then going to eat with so-and-so at such-and-such place and then going to bed at 3am. seriously!

contention 2. you can NOT sense sarcasm in a text/email/tweet/twit WHATEVER! enough said.

contention 3. i am SICK AND TIRED of people asking private questions or making comments on walls/profiles/etc. i have a voice and it works quite well. pick up a phone, moron.

so, having said that...i will continue to have a myspace and facebook to keep in touch with the 5 people who actually use it to keep in touch. i will not do that twitter crap or text you all day 'bc ur brd @ wkr!' not happening.

something caught my eye tonight that lifted my spirits. a girl i went to high school with has been battling tumors and cancer. SHSU gave her a private graduation in her hospital room and the video is on youtube. it was the most fantastic thing i've ever seen-especially on the internet. i guess there are a few good people still left in this world. God bless SHSU, God bless Maura and her family. My heart is with you all.

so...on this note? what more can YOU do to help someone today?

Busy, busy, busy!!!

so i'm sitting in the dressing room for sordid lives. 2nd weekend. haven't blogged in FOREVER! i'm starvin marvin and ready to get out of this joint. but it's all good. this show has brought me some cool new friends and given me an outlet for my current life frustration.

there goes the cue for act 3. intermission passes too fast.

anyway...i got the part i wanted in charlie brown. well, i guess i would have been happy with either sally or lucy...BUT sally gets to wear PINK!!! so i'm happy with that! :) sun and mon were auditions. tues i went to les mis with some theater peeps, rehearsals began wednesday.

my life never stops!

there's so much i could write. but just in case i ever become famous, i'd like to have some type of privacy. i guess.

not that anyone reads this thing anyway.

love love love
jenn

i'm leavin on a jet plane...

...well...not really. BUT i AM going to see ludo this weekend in austin! we were planning on seeing them back-to-back in houston then austin, but we decided we needed a break. so, we're leaving tomorrow morning and coming back laaaaaaate sunday night-which i'm not exactly thrilled about, but hey, it's all good. what can i say? i love to sleep! hopefully james and i can get to go to the zoo on monday and not waste our day off together! if not, we'll probably just watch will & grace or gilmore girls or something.

so. the making of this weekend has been entirely stressful due to finances, transportation (my brakes sound like a freight train) and scheduling. it BETTER be worth it! i'm sure it will...my favorite people, one of my favorite bands, and a day off of work/rehearsals. (which, by the way, are going NO WHERE! i have NO VOICE!) i'll blog as our weekend progresses...IF i find the time!

LUDO on cribs on MTV tomorrow! 330 i think...double check tho!

i'm working on a production of 'sordid lives' at stage door inc right now. i'm not so sure how i feel about my role, but i think overcoming it is going to lead me into the direction i'd like to go. idk. maybe i'm converting to 'the dark side.' don't judge. ha. i just hope i can survive, learn my music with an actual singing voice, and maybe actually one day make a decent profit from acting. psh. we'll see.......

i'm terrible at lying about myself and my accomplishments. even I know I'm lying! haha

i've been sick since legally blonde. i got the flu that weekend, almost a month ago, and haven't been able to breath out of my nose since! i think i've become immune to the meds...seriously. and i've got a sick kid in my class and his parents won't keep him home long enough to get better! he could shoot some mean spitballs out of his nostrils, if you know what i mean. i have a weak stomach. ew. it's sick. not to mention the kid who had the 'flu' and came back after one day! PARENTS-TEACHERS NEED TO FEEL WELL, TOOOOOO! KEEP YOUR KID HOME!!!

whew. rant of the day.

i just watched ANTM 12 online since i was at rehearsal on wednesday. i gotta say-this season is alright so far. alli is stranger than i thought. i've been her myspace and deviantart friend for quite some time. she's got some wicked eyes though. thalia is great. she just needs to work it. she's a burn victim-as a baby, she pulled a hot pot of coffee onto herself. sandra...ohhhh sandra. that's all i'll say. and a *gasp* PLUS SIZE GIRL?!?! ha. she's skinny. and really pretty. and dated dale e. jr. and from houston. i think she's my friend. or at least i'll pretend.

so i need to pack. meh. tomorrow. 'it's only a dayyyyyy awayyyyy!'

long time, no time.

i haven't written in quite some time. perhaps this is because i realize that no one reads this. or maybe because i've started rehearsals on Sordid Lives and stay busy. Or, maybe because i've become addicted to online video sites. yeah, that's probably it.

nothing really new is going on. just a lot of stress, money issues, and a cat that thinks he's a human infant. seriously. he sits on his butt and insists on fresh tap water daily 24/7/365. but it's ok. he doesn't bug me to watch cartoons or try to put forks in the outlets. so we're cool for now.

i have a feeling this blog will be about shaba. the cat's got me wrapped. i just got back from turning on the bathtub water. really. really really.

i'm watching little shop of horrors. :)

ok so. shaba. he has a camo bandana collar, his 5th colar withing 11 months. it's beginning to get frayed from his rubbing against the textured apartment walls. i think i'm going to wait a few more weeks until our anniversary to get him a new one-something expensive. something that can withstand his need to scratch.

not that you care. that's more for MY memories.

i downloaded firefox finally. i forgot how wonderful it is! just splendid. and i typed About:config into my address bar and configured the settings to true 30 false true and sped it up quite a bit! i'm just SO proud of myself!

i'm distracted. more tomorrow. maybe

I'm so 'sorey'

Okay. So. This weekend, while in Austin for Legally Blonde, I went on an 8-hr 'dress hunt' and started feeling like the air was piercing my lungs about half-way through the day. This feeling only got worse and I developed a little rattly cough. After the show (which was SO cute, btw) I got some cold meds and Cepacol (spelling?) throat drops, but nothing helped. I slept from midnight to 11AM-VERY strange for me. I'm ALWAYS up by 8 no matter what. I felt dizzy, had a muffled voice and couldn't swallow. I sat in a hot bath and let the steam hit my chest and back-hoping that would loosen things up. Then I brushed my teeth, which surprisingly helped quite a bit. On the ride home, I slept 2 1/2 hours. (We stopped for James to potty and get lunch.) When we got home, I slept more. I went to bed around midnight and woke up at 6:30. I called into work. One of the directors says I should look into getting my tonsils removed-I say "ZOINKS!" Noooo way! I'm so pain-intolerant! AND, being in America, I don't have insurance and couldn't afford the procedure even if I wanted to.

So here I am. Quarter past noon. Dying from having the feeling of having swallowed a porcupine. It's hades. I have hardly any voice, no appetite, and I feel extremely weak. I have to pay my eclectic bill today, but I ALSO need to go to the Walgreens clinic. I can only afford one. AND I need new back breaks. And gas. And groceries.

Why do these things happen at the worst times?

Any home remedies? Quick-fixes? Gah...this has GOT to end!

2 for 1 thursday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ3oHpup-pk

when will it end?

So. I've been going through some stuff for the past...er...15 years of my life and I'm ready for a change. I realized this while at Dillards...with a butthead we alllll know...

So...to set this up...we went to look for me a dress for Broadway Saturday and wound up at the mall. I looked at Coach, as expected (THEY HAVE MY PINK SHOES NOW!!!) and then at Betsey Johnson. The watch I wanted was under $150! I really wanted it-but got talked out of it. THEN, like a fool, I let myself be talked out of a $250+ B. J. luggage set for $72! :( Why is it that I constantly listen to the advice of people who constantly hurt me? Why don't I get the picture? I feel like such an idiot and a robot.

I don't have any friends near me. I have maybe 5 total. Sometimes I think there's something wrong with me. Then I realize, the only reason I have only 5 is because I'm selective. I'm hurt by uncontrollable things and other people, so I try to use my greatest judgement when choosing friends. It sucks not having anyone to spend my weekends with, so maybe I'll make a resolution to work on that.

I guess that's why BBC was never for me. And the churches. And the teachings in general. I think that 'religion' puts a boundary on how much imagination and wonder are in a belief. Like, don't get me wrong-If I was hurt and all alone, who says I can't wrap up in a blanket and talk to God like a person? Why should I have to use fancy phrases and 'heavenly father' and 'amen?' Why can't I make it what I choose? And I think I know my own heart. I don't have the money to buy myself popularity. My parents are far from missionaries/evangelists/preachers. I refuse to date around to create drama. My life is not a reality show. My name is Jenn-not LC. I have a REAL body and though it's not perfect, it's mine-not some size 0 skin n' bones crap. Heaven forbid I don't wear makeup to the gym! (or Walmart, or work, or whatever) Since when does everyone else in the world decide who you are? I guess what I'm saying is know who you are. Don't listen to other people. Work hard but remember that, in the end, it's just 'stuff' and it's just 'money.' No one says 'I wish I could have worked just one more day...' on their death bed.

I'm frustrated, so that may not make any sense. I refuse to apologize. Take it or leave it.

This is real, this is me.
--J

worst day of my life...ever

i'm not going to say a lot or give details or even make a fancy text. just know that if you are my friend, i need you now more than ever.

365x2=a LOT of stress, fun, and frustration....but mostly fun.

So...today I got to know someone's true character-and I did not like it. This was to be expected based on this person's in-and-out 'friendship' style, of course, however I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. I won't mention anything further, as that would put me close to the moral level that they themself reached. I WILL remind you...think before you speak and be true to your friends. Karma is a...well, you know...and it's already proved true in this case. (Not that I wish it upon them...)

James and I have been together 2 years today. I don't really see it as anything big. I guess that's due to the fact that I already knew-unless tragedy occured-we'd make it. So, the day is here. We at Wendy's, both felt very sick (stomach bug...WATCHOUT!) and watch American Idol with his mom (not necessarily by choice, mind you...) But it's okay. Our first Broadway show is coming up on the 7th!!! Legally Blonde:The Musical! Can't wait! Just wish I could have seen Laura Bell in the original...but then again, I'd give so much to see Kristin and Idena in Wicked! Oh well...I'll keep an open mind!

Something else on my plate is my annual trip to Austin to see Ludo and night-after show in Houston! It's something I've been doing with friends for quite a while now and we've only had one bad experience, but it turned out all okay in the end! (Well, I think so, at least!) I'm curious to hear Marshall's replacement and to catch up. These boys are just...man...no words... GO SEE THEM! (please?!) :D That's in March. Then, the NEXT weekend, it's back to Austin for Spamalot! and to see Ha Ha Tonka and maybe Cruiserweight at SXSW!

These so much to do this spring! Everyone's always allowed in on the fun!-AS LONG AS YOU HELP WITH THE EXPENSES!!!

My class is going on a field trip to H.E.B. on friday. Joy. "...and here is the milk..." :(

My favorite boy's birthday was today...BIG 5! And he told his mom, "When I grow up, I want a girlfriend just like Ms. Jennifer!" :) I love it! So cute!

I am moving to Vermont.

Not really.

Sorry, my fellow Vermont-ians? Vermont-ans? Hm.....

Duck, duck.......
JENN!

How many times...

...Do you let someone hurt you before you let them go? I realized today that there are so many people in my life who seem to hurt me over and over and over again. But, I'm the fool who lets them. When do you draw the line? When do you change your number and move away and start all over alone? I thought I had done all of that a few times now, but I was an idiot and listened to people who only come around when they want something, so now things are back to their usual suck-ish ways. My lease is up in a month or so and I want to move, only I can't find cheap rent anywhere but here. I want to move out of state to somewhere with mild weather. Somewhere big enough that no one's in your business, but small enough that someone will stop and help if you get a flat. Somewhere no one knows me. Somewhere far, far away.

If I let someone have my trust, it's saying something. I'm very hesitant to trust anyone, really. But, when I do let go, I give my all. I guess this is why some people take and take and take and never realize what a selfish and hurtful person they've become-at least around me. Then, if I dare speak up, I'm made out to be the bad guy. Typical. I just don't know when to stop letting everything be 'okay.'

Oh and the one thing I CANNOT stand-cussing. You cuss me out, you might as well forget I ever existed. I can't take that crap.

I'm not looking for advice, because no one knows what's going on-again, because I don't have anyone I can trust. So, read and think 'Is it me?' Yes, probably.

I have no constant.

Surprises, Waffles, Messy Apt., Blockbuster, Crabs

Surprises- I got a wonderful surprise visit from an old student of mine yesterday! It TOTALLY made my day! That little girl is sweet as can be, silly as can be, and already loosing TEETH! Time flies... I wish I could have spent alllll day with her! She saved me so many times. Her spirit is so loving, giving, and foriving. She's one of the reasons I think I am where I am today. LOVE YOU, SILLY GIRL! :)

Waffles-It's 8:30. Time for breakfast! But see, I'm in a pickle. I have my favorite waffles in the freezer, but off-brand syrup. I'm picky-so I only eat Mrs. Butterworth's Extra Butter Syrup. (I know, it's terrible for you, but it's my secret vice.) I think I'll give the cheap stuff a try. If all else fails, I still have peanutbutter crackers...

Messy Apt.-My apartment is ridiculous. Clothes and boxes everywhere. I'm sure that I'm subconciously afraid to make this place home again. Every time I hang something or move furniture, all I can think is 'oh...can i get this out fast if another storm comes?' I know we're still (ideally) months away from hurricane season, but the thought still crosses my mind. Especially when we put my $300 Ikea entertainment center together. It's huge and it took us 3 hours to complete! Then again, when James' dad dropped the box and chipped one of the shelves, I lost 4% of my love for it. But whatever. Things are things. So today I guess I'll clean...but then go find some way to reward myself. I'll REALLY deserve it this time!

Blockbuster-I seriously wonder how this place even exists! Sure, the 3/$20 and $4/20 deals are great, but not when there's nothing good. Why pay $4.99 or whatever it is now to rent a movie you'll watch once when you can go to Redbox and get the same movie for $1 a night? And with Redbox, you can return them to any location! (Idk about B.B.) And the service...terrible. And the location by the mall smells like mold. We scored Medea Goes To Jail ($7.99-haven't seen it before-hope it's good!), From Justin To Kelly ($1.99-yes, the american idol kids-my guilty pleasure) and The Beverly Hillbillies ($1.99-seen it a million times-loved it as a kid). This was so we would spend a 2 year old gift card. It was either that or buy snacks, which would amount to maybe 2 candy bars. That said, GO TO REDBOX!

CRABS-I like weird things, as everyone knows. I've been wanting a 'critter' lately. Maybe a bird, hamster-something funny looking for sure. Well, after going to the Circuit City store closing sale (over-rated!), I insisted on going to Earthbound-the crazy african-esque store that smells funny. The store itself actually freaks me out. It's like the one on The Hot Chick. So I picked up 2 hermit crabs-one in a black shell with colorful flowers, and the other in a giraffe shell. Shaba is HILARIOUS with them! They're named Romy and Michele, respectively. I'll have to post a video of all the kids together! HAA!

Have a greaaaaaaaat weekend b/c I'm sure I won't! :(
jennnnnnnnn

OH! And one more thing.......

Phobia, Shmobia

I haven't written in a few days, mostly because I have nothing to say, and partly because I have TOO much to say.

So, I will say this-I HATE SNAKES!!! They're disgusting, sinful, filthy creatures-and you will NEVER change my mind!

I could never get a tattoo. I'm terrible with pain. Pain intollerant, some may say...

I don't like roller coasters. I've ridden 2.

I love American Idol, Top Model, Hell's Kitchen...that's about it as far as reality goes!

I don't have cable. Or a land-line.

I'm afraid of jellyfish. And the 'cure.'

I'm out of words...so I'm boring tonight...

2 Words: culture shock.

While swimming at the resort, something happened that REALLY bothered me.



James and I were outside in the spa (hot tub) but decided to go in since hot water isn't a good idea for prolonged periods of time. There were probably about 40 other people in the pool-mostly in the shallow end-so James and I stayed in the deep end and out of everyone's way. We were watching a nice black family playing and listening to their mom get onto them. (So funny!) Then we watched a large asian family of 5-6 women and just as many kids. You could tell that it was their first time at the resort and James assumed that the women borrowed their children's swimsuits. (For obvious reasons...ew.) ..And I think he was right! One boy, maybe 7 or 8 years old, stood up with a red innertube around him and he was stark nekkid! I was immediatly horrified and ready to leave. Three tours came into the pool while this kid was in the buff, yet nothing was said! It's clearly against the rules! You're really not even supposed to jump! One woman on a tour just stared. One maintanance guy laughed. I was without words!

the luckiest unlucky day of my life!

Yesterday had potential to be a terrible day-and most of it was. BUT, after James got home from Whataburger, we checked the mail and I jokingly said, "Man, that'd be sweet if I had a free bridal magazine or a government check, or like free samples of something...or whatever." I opened the box to find loads of sales paper, (I hadn't checked my mail in 2 weeks! WHOOPS!) 2 free bridal magazines, a $100 gift card to Helzburg, (where my pink Bulova watch resides...) AND a government check! :) It was amazing. Not to mention seeing Steph and Jen and finally finding 'Mrs. Nelson Is Missing!' I can't wait to tell the kidd-os!

This morning I got a 2 week starter kit of 'good skin.' I've only tried the lotion so far, but I love it! It makes me feel so much better and it leaves the moisture in my skin without taking the deweyness out. Amazing! And I looked it up-It's only $15 or so at Kohls! They have stuff for every skin type you could imagine-EVER red/irratated and aging! You should check it out! :)

So I'm starting to feel some better in general. I tried to do a little painting earlier and I may try some scrapbooking soon. I just kinda lost all motivation and it's taking a while to get it back. Thank GOD I'll have the weekend to relax!

So now I'm going to keep it low key and sort through some hurricane stuff. (I procrastinate. I'm almost to the point where I'm ready to throw it all away.

Peave love and crabs,
J

Cardboard-the OTHER white meat?

Today was probably one of the worst days I've had in quite a while.

It all started when I woke up feeling dizzy and weak. Then there was ice all over my car which nearly made me late. I worked as long as I could before my illness got the best of me. I went home around 12:30 to rest up, but not before talking to my my boss about some issues I'm having. That turned my stomach even more.

So I get home and sleep. James makes chicken and rice and greenbeans, but it all tastes like cardboard to me. We watched American Idol and I tried to eat a few spoonfuls of ice cream. Bad idea. So now I'm back to square one with a very achy back, 102 fever, dizziness, and sore throat. Anyone have a diagnosis? Now I'm restless and can't sleep. I'm going to try to get into a doctor tomorrow. Hopefully.

On the bright side, I was able to reconnect with a family I grew to love during my first year at KRK. The little girl is FULL of attitude, but at the same time, has a heart of gold! I miss her entirely too much! It was soooo wonderful to hear from them!

Additionally, I have come to the point of apathy when it comes to pleasing people. I don't read minds. I've said that before. And don't bark at someone-you never know when they're in the middle of helping you out. GOSH! Anyone else feel underappreciated/lowly/almost depressed?It's like an itch you can't scratch. If you irratate it, it'll get aggitated and fire back worse than before.

However, I realized that my heart is still with kids. I love each kidd-o in my room, no matter how bad I'd like to punt them across the room sometimes! (Though I'd NEVER EVER do such a thing!) I wish I could take some of them home and provide for them. But I'm only one girl. I'm 21. I'm a freespirit. I'm a giver to the point where I sometimes put myself in a bind. But, that's the glory in karma, I guess. If I could have one wish, I'd wish that no child would have to suffer or have fears. When I was growing up close to Greenspoint-yes, THAT Greenspoint-I played outside rain or shine night and day. These days, even children in high-end subdivisions may not be allowed to play in the front yard. It just makes me sick.

Another thing I realized, actually in a Day-Quill-glazed dream, is that I am subconciously afraid of making my apartment home again. I live with constant fear. It may never be the same. I keep my valuables in the closets now. It's not like me. It's a hard habbit to break. My lease is up in March, so I do have some options.

And one thing I have to get off my chest before my siesta-and please, hold me to this-
I don't care how old my children are, if I even have children, where I live, the weather...no matter what the circumstance-I WILL decorate for Christmas every year, find ways to spend time outdoors, travel, and be the person/wife/mother/grandmother...etc that I know I can be. There's someone I know who is everything I don't want to be, so I've got good reason to stick to my guns! Consider it negative reinforcement, if you will.

Goodnight from Jenn, Ny-Quill, Shaba, and the 'Ped-egg!' (Oh TV...)

the cold.

The low in Houston tonight is expected to be somewhere between 28-30 degrees. Kinda a big deal for us southern folks! I had to use an abandoned Wal-Mart gift card to scrape the ice off of my car this morning, so I'm praying that there won't be enough moisture in the air to form ice again. I haven't felt cold like this since I lived in Springfield! It's somewhat exciting and enjoyable-only because I'm not under the weather-but Texas are invalids when it comes to driving on ice/snow. Actually, everywhere. We're terrible drivers. I'd like to exclude myself from this stereotype, however, since my horn's wire decided to disconnect from its fuse, I use frequent dirty looks, hand gestures, (nothing profane, mind you...) and roll down my window when necessary. Yeah. I said roll down the window. When an idiot truck driver takes a short cut out of a gas station into opposite traffic, blocking your right turn to go home after a 10 hour work day with food poisoning, yeah...you get desperate.

American Idol started tonight, so I was in a decent mood and kept the windows up today. However, I have to say just one thing-I AM NOT A MIND-READER!!! That pretty much sums up my day.

My List of my Top 5 College Memories:
5. Riding in Alisia's 'tank o' love!' aka her parent's van. (It had curtains.)
4. Going to Skinny because it was free and sometimes funny.
3. Hanging out with Jason, Jenn, and Matt-mostly because they're all so handsome.
2. Laughing sooo hard with Ashley that we got in trouble-alllll over air freshener!
1. My last day in Springfield, shopping with Ashley and eating Fizzoli's and Auntie Anne's.

Honorable Mention:
-Daniel almost killing me in his car.
-Shannon almost killing a motorcyclist on the way home from work at JAM...er...I mean...SCAM!
-Seeing Jess and Kate fight.
-Secret Sister parties.
-Watching people think they're really something. Self-glory is a turn off.

So, before I leave you tonight, I have to come up with some sort of inspirational phrase or quote.....

Eat more chicken???

Really...McDonalds is petitioning to use cows from South America for their beef products since America is not producing enough? There are looser laws and standards, of course, so you could quite possibly have that burger with a side of liver disease. YUMMM-O!

AND...there are talks of taxing owner's of livestock. As if they don't provide enough already! Apparently the gasses released from cows are responsible for global warning. But we'll drive our Hummers and F-350s to vote on that, dagnabit!

Does no one believe in the world coming to an end anymore? I'm all for peace and the three 'R's but really, there's only so much we can do. C'mon now...

tha-tha-tha-thattttt's all folks!

Confessions of a chlorine victim

I can't determine whether this is pink or not, but it's just about the closest thing I can find.

I've decided to become Catholic. Okay, not really. (Nothing personal...) However, I have decided to take on the idea of a confessional for my new blog. I've become a pretty honest and straight-forward person throughout the past few years-which is both a blessing and a curse. In the long run, I can honestly say that I tried my best not to break one of the 'big 10.'

For now, I'll let you in on something that really-and I mean REALLY gets to me. Kids. Now, you're probably thinking to yourself 'Gee, Jenn, aren't you a teacher?' Of course. Which opens my eyes to the difference in up-bringings since I was a kid...not so long ago.

James and I went to our resort for the first time this weekend and went swimming in an indoor pool. At first, we were the only two there-which was fantastic! The water was clear and warm and the hot tub was even more relaxing! About an hour or so into our relaxing dip, a middle aged mother and her 4 year old daughter made their way in. During their stay, the mom kept telling the little girl to 'hush!' and 'be quiet!' At a pool. A PUBLIC pool. THIS is what bothered me.

After a few hours of resting and put-put, James and I took another swim before leaving for the camper. This is when we encountered about 5-6 hispanic young teens horseplaying in one of the hot tubs. I guess they thought I was a teenager-as most people do-and thought they'd show off their 'sweet flips.' Needless to say, they thought wrong. Two younger white boys came our way splashing and breathing down James' neck. After about 5 minutes of torture, I spoke up and said 'Look, you have a whole pool. You don't need to come over here and bother us.' Harsh? Maybe. Effective? Definately. James and I later headed to an outdoor hot tub and the youngest boy followed behind. He'd open the door and say 'brr!' and close it. He finally got the ba...er...nerves to make his way out and, as soon as his toe hit the water, we were out. Poor boy just wants a friend. Sure. Okay.

Later we met a black family. 3 boys and Momma. I felt almost as if I were watching a Tyler Perry movie! Now, please don't mistaken my words for 'racial profiling' or some crap like that. Lemme get to my point. These three boys were scared of their mom-who was busy posing for her 4 year old-who was taking MySpace pictures for her. (Soooo funny!) They had their share of fun, even pushing the limits at times, but Momma kept them in line.

I just have to say-when I was a kid, I feared every adult. I behaved in public. At home, well, that was a different story. But I had this idea that every adult knew every adult and I'd get busted if I even tried to do something stupid. Where has this idea gone? Children aren't afraid of anyone-as evident full-time teaching job.

And, I'm still looking for the book 'Mrs. Nelson is Missing.' I need a scare tactic...Muahaha!

So, to sum it all up, if you have kids-love them. If you love them, you'll make them mind. If you make them mind, delusional, chlorine-burnt insomniacs like me will sleep soundly-even if in part thanks to Advil PM.

Sweetest of dreams,
Barney Rubble