Rush Rush, Hurry Hurry

Maybe it's because I am too sensible or because I have never felt strongly enough about someone, but I just don't get why people feel the need to move so fast in relationships. We are young. We have plenty of time. Why the rush? If you love each other now, don't you think that you will feel the same way in 3 or 4 years? And if not, YOU SHOULD NOT BE GETTING MARRIED ANYWAY.

Hell, maybe if I fall madly in love at some point I could get swept up in it all and run off with someone, I just don't think so though. I am way too practical and not big on risks. There's just too much of a potential to get hurt. And that's the reality of it.

VEGAS: America's Party

This is the best thing that I have ever read ;-)

America's Party: New Year's Eve on The Strip

Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas , NV 89109

Call For Reservations:

Map It

Price: Free
Payment Options: CASH
Show Times: Throughout the day
Show Dates: Dec. 31, 2005
Reservations: Not Applicable
Age Restrictions: Must be 0 years of age or older

Review:
America parties in Vegas

Staff Report

Hundreds of thousands of revelers are expected to fill the Strip as it is closed to traffic for America's Party on New Year's Eve.

This year marks the city's sixth annual New Year's Eve fireworks show in which spectacular displays are shot off from the roofs of 10 hotels including Excalibur, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, Bally's, Flamingo, Venetian, Treasure Island, Stardust, Circus-Circus and the Stratosphere.

The first fireworks usually go off 10 seconds before midnight and explode in time to music.

Plan to get there early, even if you're going to attend an event or party within a casino. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police shut down Las Vegas Boulevard between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road to cross-traffic as early as 6 p.m. The Strip does not typically reopen until 3 a.m.

Be warned: Around midnight, many resorts limit entrance to guests only and though police presence is heavy all along the resort corridor, you're partying with hundreds of thousands of intoxicated strangers in a crowded street. So, being aware of your personal space and safety goes hand-in-hand with having a good time.

Metro Police will be enforcing the Clark County law banning cans and bottles from the Strip, but plastic cups and containers will be allowed for all of those who want to indulge as they ring in the New Year at this incredible street party.

I'm in a freaky spastic mood today. Maybe It's my horoscope.

When was the last time you had good, clean fun? Take the time to be goofy today.

Maybe it's because I'm at work and it's my Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all at the same time. 2 day work weeks rock the hiz-ouse. In a few days I will be in chilly LV, drink in hand. If only I could stop this nasty, wheezy, chesty nonsense.

Merry Christmas

Well I may be a day late, but I wouldn't exactly call myself a dollar short.

On Christmas eve I was still so sick I could barely haul myself onto the couch. With cold meds in my I managed to make it to my dad's (with Justin behind the wheel). Family time has abounded in the past two days. It's nice having a break from the grind, albeit brief.

Christmas morning was the same old tearing into the pile that has been happening since before I could remember. The babies delighted at seeing what Santa had left them. The night before Annie had carefully prepared her dish of cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Alex, not to be out done, made Santa a note complete with stickers and cutout shapes. It was a masterpiece.

After Justin had opened several packages of bulk Costco food items (ramen, easy mac, etc.) I realized that I had yet to open anything. Now, I don't want to come across as greedy or anything, but it was a little odd, especially since I KNEW my mom had at least gotten me a sweater because I picked it out and I was in the store when she bought it. Lo and behold, there was a reason why, and I am typing to you from it now. I GOT A LAPTOP!!! Yahoo!

Justin had gotten one for his birthday and I was ever so jealous, having had to go relatively computer-free at home since my old e machine is apparently too old to be compatible with the internet. So sad.

Oh, but the fun does not end there folks, oh no. My dad got me an ipod nano too! Now I realize that it may come across like I am the most spoiled person on the planet, but I really do appreciate everything that I am given and I realize how lucky I truly am. I am grateful for so much more that the material things. When I look at Annie and Alex and see what wonderful, neat, caring people they are becoming my heart leaps. I am filled with Joy, more than I ever thought was possible.

I know I may sometimes complain about how my family makes me crazy, but I also know how much I really do love them, despite and because of it. And this year, I am truly thankful for all that I have been given. I am thankful for family. I am thankful for some really awesome friends who support and love me. I am thankful to have experienced so much. Education, travel, love, life, all of it. I know I may complain at times and get frustrated with the uncertainty of the future, but I am always aware of all that I have been give.

And for all of you out there, holiday spirit moving you or not, know that I am aware of how lucky I am to have you as part of my life. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I fought the cold and the cold won.

After being "very sick" and staying home on Monday, karma caught up with me. Big time. I'm dripping like Niagara Falls, and it ain't pretty. I'm trying to make it until 3:00 when we are being released, but I just don't know if I am going to make it that long.

The "big plan" of girly movies, bed and heavy doses of decongestant sound pretty good right now. Pretty damn good.

I'm wheezy peezy today. I didn't sleep well last night because I was having breathing issues and today I couldn't stop coughing so I had to have an inhaler hit. Now I can breathe, but I feel all shaking and ucky. Tis the season for feeling crappy I guess.

G'ma update

5'10" 70lbs isn't good.
It won't be long now folks.

Yesterday my dad and I went out to lunch. He told me about his visit last weekend and how he took care of all the arrangements. They found a place on a hill near a duck pond with a view of a harbor. It's a place she would love. We sat there together and tried our damnedest not to cry. Seeing my dad so torn up really gets to me. I'm starting to realize every day, more and more that parents are not infallible like I would like to believe. I know that the best thing I can do is be there to hold their hands and make sure to remind them that I love them, one more time.

Work Party

Ah yes the company holiday party...Oh the joys of seeing your co-workers blitzed.
Exibit A. Here I am with several co-workers. Don't we look happy???


So the day began with a group meeting to discuss all of the business mumbo jumbo. It was fantabulous. ;-) Then after that we all headed out to prep for the party. They fabulously put my up at the Tollhouse in LG. The rooms were nice and the bed super comfy. TB and I preened and debated shoes and all that jazz and then met everyone in the bar so that our DD could give us a ride.

During the party I made sure that everyone participated in the name game and distributed the employee gifts, personalized pens. After all that I helped with the food prep and (as you can see) properly documenting the occasion for later embarassment.

After dinner there was much dancing to the band we hired, SambaDa, a brazilian trio.The evening wrapped up with beers at the hotel bar. Then, somehow, I got talked into being a self-tanner applicator. I understand that this may sound weird (it does to me too) but one of my co-workers was going to meet her boyfriend the next day and she wanted to preserve that natural sun-kissed glow. The result of which was orange palms (for her) and a very slippery bathroom floor.

The next day we all had to get up and haul our bootays into the office for our 10:00 start time. Whoever decided to have the group picture shot teh day AFTER the holiday party is a real clown. We were 80% done at that point. After our meetings wrapped up I procrastinated for and hour or so and took off for home by 5:00. By 7:30 I was asleep in my wonderful bed, visions of profit sharing danced in my head.

This may not be a very good account, but I promised and so I delivered.

Zzzzzz

I am VERY tired. Last night was my company's holiday party. On a Thursday. After a day full of agency-wide meetings and all that jazz. And guess what today is? ANOTHER day just like yesterday. Only the geniuses scheduled the company photo for our website on the day AFTER the party. A party where wine and Proseco were the food of choice. Needless to say some of us are feeling less than bright eyed and bushy tailed. I have that icky hangover feeling where you are just off. Fuzzy, your head hurts a little in a dull place in the back and behind the eyes. Plus my stomach is wonky and churning. Thinking about drinking or alcohol in general makes me want to hurl. Gotta love it.

I took some seriously hilarious pictures. When I find my camera cable I will download them and post a few with all of the crazy tales.

Space Cadet

Sometimes I am such a freaking space case. I got all my stuff ready for today's agency summit and holiday party last night because I found out they got me a hotel room over here. All I had to do was get my clean laundry and grab everything. I was feeling good because I had a little time to spare and was grooving on the freeway when I creepy feeling came over me. I felt like I was missing something...Yeah, I forgot my clothes for my holiday party and several things for today. DUMB. I had to turn around at the last Scotts Valley exit and call work to tell them what a bonehead I am. All on the day that the entire office is here. Plus I gave myself a headache trying to get here on time. Nice Jennifer, very nice.

VEGASSSSSSSSS

So 2 years ago on New Years I had the best time. Vegas with the girls, what could be better than that?

Well after a brief hiatus last year, we are back!If our past trips are any indication, we will get to be wild and crazy kids. This year Veronica and I will have to show Janet and MJ the ropes. We have "our spots." Yard-sized drinks at the Bayou are a must!
Dressing warmly and yet cute while cruising the strip can be a challenge, but I'm up for it.

This year we are going to mix things up a bit and spend half the time at my condo and half at Veronica's. Either way I don't think it will really matter. I don't plan on spending much time in the condo besides sleeping. Let's just hope that I can keep the stomach issues at bay and that I learn my limits early on. Slow and steady wins the race.

Party hardy!


UPDATE:
My dad is now going to Shasta so we have the condo to ourselves! SWEET! I am so excited. I may be broke beyond belief, but I am determined to have a good time.

Annoyed

Dear you-know-who,

I drove my sniffly, tired ass all the way to SF and you couldn't even bother to show up. I have had a half-cold for the past 2 weeks, I know it sucks being sick, but our limit is 7 sick days a year, not 17. Don't you think I seriously contemplated calling in today? My bed is so warm. It's dark at 6:00 and I was not even close to being ready to get up. Plus there's the drive. And for what??? So that I can do things that you are too busy to accomplish? I have a hint, if you showed up more it would be easier to get it all done.

I know that this is going to be a busy week. We have a lot going on and I really could have been more productive with an hour and a half more sleep under my belt. I'm not trying to be bitter, but maybe next time before you ask me to make this trek, you should think about following through and actually being here, because this nonsense is getting real old.

Omnipresent,
Jennifer

Looking at 2006

My horoscope says:

You’re not one to acknowledge limitations, Leo, and thus when others sneer about your ambitions, you’re more inclined to stubbornly continue to work toward attaining them than to listen to your friends and give up. This year, you just might step over the edge and embrace some goals that most would consider impossible – and you could make a success of them. The resulting boost in your self-confidence could strengthen your love life. Committed Lions will experience a rebirth of romance; the uninvolved will attract it. The effort will, however, take its toll on your stamina if you’re not careful. It’s important that you stay healthy and not neglect your body. Once you’ve attained some of your dearest dreams, you’ll want to enjoy your good fortune.

Check it out.

I'm getting dumpped. Trina's daughter is sick so she's going to have to stay home with her. How sucky. :-(

Poor me. I'm such a loser. hahahah.

Coincidence or clairvoyance?

Today, while driving to work, I was being all heady and putting the lyrics to songs together. I had two in particular stuck there. One, "Why can't I," by Liz Phair because it was on the radio. The other was the Kylie Minogue dance song, "can't get you out of my head." Then, 2 minutes later IT CAME ON THE RADIO. The song is probably 5 years old and not played that often and there it was. It totally creeped me out. Sometimes I think I'm slightly clairvoyant and then I realized I probably just think that because I watch too many forensic science/detectivey/crime shows. Anyway, it was still freaky.

Here's a mish-mash.

I've never been the kind to ever let my feelings show
And I thought that bein' strong meant never losin' your self-control
So, why can't I breathe whenever I think about you
and I can't get you out of my head, boy
your lovin' is all I think about

Here we go, we're at the beginning
We haven't fucked yet, but my head’s spinning
So much for never makin' the same mistake
I can't believe I'm here again
High enough for you to make me wonder
Where it's goin'
The highest of flames become an ember
And you gotta live 'em while you can

To hell with my pride, let it fall like rain
Tears from my eyes
I'm not ashamed
I always get back up again
These are the times that won't come again

But I'll be fine 'till the right one comes to save me

Maybe I should stop listening to such moody stuff. :-)

My female boss just told me my froggy voice sounds sexy. Then I told her that I am trying to seduce her. Sometimes this place isn't so bad. :-)

My Tree

Since we are poor and lazy, I've decided that this will be my Christmas tree this year. I know it doesn't smell or really look like the real thing, but it does twinkle. And I like it.

Happy December!

Is it possible for your brain to run out of interesting things to say?

On Monday, my boss told me that I sounded like I was going to puberty because I was losing my voice. It's been going in and out all week. Love it. The only saving grace is that I don't have to go to SF this week. Yahoooooo! Except I have to go Monday. Oh well.

I expect the next few weeks will be very busy. I really need to get on the Christmas shopping everyone is going to end up with coal. Maybe that will be a goal for this weekend. Of course, I still have to figure out what to get everyone too. I have started the spreadsheets (yes I know I am an anal freak) and cards should go out at some point this week. And next week I have my holiday party on Thursday.

Last night I went shopping with my mom. She needed something to wear to her holiday-couples-bunko party on Friday. After deeming everything in her closet inappropriate or hideous (you would too, trust me), we hit the mall. Props to Kevin, former OfficeCrap peep, for throwing down the employee discount. Us former retail slaves have to stick together. My mom got a really cute top, but I found nothing that I would consider appropriate for a holiday celebration.

On Friday I have a girl date with Trina, of Depeche Mode fame, and I am really excited. She doesn't work with me anymore, so it will be nice to hang out and catch up. Plus I'm hoping I can convince some other people to hit the shopping train with me (ahem, Janet, call me).

If anyone is struggling with what to get me (ahahahahahah) I'll start a list. I know I have expensive taste, but I'm worth it, right? ;-)

-Laptop
-Skis, boots, poles
-DVD's
-Good tunes
-Jewelry
-Sweaters
-Soft things

Yeah, not helpful I know. :-)

Sing Songy

I must be in a Christmas-y mood, because this is stuck in my head. I just can't stop singing it. I even sing it in different voices. I would be concerned that my roomates are going to commit me, but Dan's never around and Ericka is just as crazy. ;-)

Silver Bells

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style.
In the air
There's a feeling
of Christmas.

Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear,

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing.
Soon it will be Christmas day.

Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
Home with their treasures.

Hear the snow crunch.
See the kids bunch.
This is Santa's big scene.
And above all this bustle
You'll hear,

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day.

New Friends, Food & Fun: Pamie.com style

So I was very nervous about this weekend. I though to myself, "What has Ericka done inviting these scary internet strangers to our house???" And John's taunting about pictures while we slept DID NOT HELP. Thanks for nothing! I even tried to bribe Evan to guard my door, but that didn't work out so
well either.

So anyway, we got up on Saturday and tidied/decorated (ok I did most of the decorating and Ericka the tidying) and prepared for the invasion. Unfortunately, as soon as Ericka and Lily got there I had to run off to get my hair done. (Let me just say, it was SO worth it, wasn't it. I'm in love)



I came home to a table full of ladies, boos and questionable looking Mexican candy. I stuffed all of my neurotic need-to-hide-in-my-room tendencies and decided to socialize like a normal person. We went outside and I sequestered myself in "jail," otherwise known as the area behind the trellis that had some sun. Talk was easy and the wine flowed. After we confirmed that Evan is, in fact, the ladies man, and the sun went away, we moved inside where it was warm where the food could be cooked.



As you can see, it all went downhill from there. We chowed down on the yummies and started being our ridiculous selves. Clothes, makeup, shoes, girls everywhere. We goofed around until we had enough sober drivers to haul everyone to Bocci's Cellar, our new bar de jour.



By the time the night was over, I think every person that we know in SC was there. It was a blast. I thoroughly enjoyed kicking ass at darts (although why anyone would give me SHARP OBJECTS MEANT FOR THROWING when I am under the influence, I have no clue).

When it came time for karaoke, we were set. The girls (and Josh) did some Go-Gos song and put it all out there. Aimee even gave us a little Sarah McLachlan.



Then we were ready for taco bell, the drunk snack of champions. Justin (the hero) took me for a run and much needed sustenance.



The next day we enjoyed an al fresco brunch at the Crepe Place, followed by a drive-thru tour of SC. After Noe and Taylor hit the road, we played a rousing game of trivial pursuit and then I've Never.

All-in-all I give the weekend an enthusiastic thumbs up. Thanks, ladies, for an awesome time.

I have no idea why we decided this was a good idea:

But I bet it had something to do with this:

The Holidays are here

You know you are jealous of my mad decorating skillz.

Recognition

Hi Jennifer,

Congratulations on another successful event! You're enthusiasm, attention to detail and dedication was much appreciated. Your hard work did not go unnoticed and attributed greatly to the success of the event. Everyone I spoke to had a great time and enjoyed themselves thoroughly despite the torrential rains.

And, to end the evening on a high note, we even got two new biz leads out of it.

Thanks again for your hard work.

Cheers,
VP

So tired.

5:45 wake up, rest alarm for 6:00
6:45 leave for SF
8:35 get off freeway looking for grocery store
8:40 get back on freeway without finding one
8:55 exit freeway and go to safeway off embarcadero. Miss parking sign so I get to park on the street. When the bagger don't help you carry things. Like 40+ lbs of ice.
9:25 arrive at the office and attempt to lug my ginormous load up in one trip. I am successful.
9:30-4:00 haul ass to get ready for the party, including mass cleaning/organizing, food prep, decoration, moving heavy objects etc. Get very sweaty in the process, ruining my straightened hair
4:00-4:10 change out of sweaty jeans and into schmancy "business professional" attire. Apply liberal amounts of deodorant, continue to slave.
4:30-7:30 party seems to be a success. Boos flow, appetizer munched, networking commenced. I run around making sure there are enough beverages and no garbage. Network minimally since I know no account people. Mostly make small talk with the friendly hired help.
7:30-9:00 "casually hint" to boos-soaked guest and colleagues that the party is over by turning off the music and cleaning all around them. Replace heavy objects to there original homes. Ache.
9:00ish find my way to the garage and start the drive home. I call my dad and we chat until I'm home at 10:30-45. I am grateful for the "unlimited minutes after 9:00pm" part of my cell contract. And the stay-alert assistance.
10:45 watch the last 15 minutes of ER (the wedding) and fall asleep, sans contacts :-)