Rain, rain go away, come again some other day (like fall).

With this weather there seems to be some pooey attitudes and general bad luck. I want the sun to come back and bring happiness and warmth. Was that cheeseball enough for you? ;)

But seriously, my pastiness could use some UV.

One of the best things about being a grown up (allegedly) is that you can have a Jamba Juice and popcorn for dinner and no one can stop you. In fact, a good friend encourages it and shares her nachos. Hell yeah.

From somewhere out in the world wide web...

I guess MySpace has some interesting things to offer. Thanks V. This is funny stuff.

Dear Alcohol,

First & foremost, let me tell you that I'm a huge fan of yours. As my friend, you always seem to be there when needed. The perfect post-work cocktail, a beer at the game, and you're even around in the holidays, hidden inside chocolates as you warm us when we're stuck in the midst of endless family gatherings. However, lately I've been wondering about your intentions. While I want to believe that you have my best interests at heart, I feel that your influence has led to some unwise consequences:

1. Phone calls: While I agree with you that communication is important, I question the suggestion that any conversation of substance or necessity take place after 2 a.m. Why would you make me call those ex boyfriends when I know for a fact they do not want to hear from me during the day, let alone all hours of the night?

2. Eating: Now, you know I love a good meal, but why do you suggest that I eat a taco with chili sauce, along with a big Italian meatball and some stale chips (washed down with WINE & topped off with a Kit Kat after a few cheese curls & chili cheese fries?) I'm an eclectic eater, but I think you went too far this time.

3. Clumsiness: Unless you're subtly trying to tell me that I need to do more yoga to improve my balance, I see NO need to hammer the issue home by causing me to fall down. It's completely unnecessary, and the black & blue marks that appear on my body mysteriously the next day are beyond me. Similarly, it should never take more than 45 seconds to get the front door key into the lock.

4. Furthermore: The hangovers have GOT to stop. This is getting ridiculous. I know a little penance for our previous evening's debauchery may be in order, but the 3 p.m. hangover immobility is completely unacceptable. My entire day is shot. I ask that, if the proper precautions are taken (water, vitamin B, bread products, aspirin) prior to going to sleep/passing out face down on the kitchen floor with a bag of popcorn, the hangover should be minimal and in no way interfere with my daily activities.

Alcohol, I have enjoyed our friendship for some years now & would like to ensure that we remain on good terms. You've been the envoker of great stories, the provocation for much laughter, and the needed companion when I just don't know what to do with the extra money in my pockets.

In order to continue this friendship, I ask that you carefully review my grievances above & address them immediately. I will look for an answer no later than Thursday 3 p.m. (pre-happy hour) on your possible solutions & hopefully we can continue this fruiful partnership.

Thank you,
Your Biggest Fan

P.S. THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK
1. Innovative
2. Preliminary
3. Proliferation
4. Cinnamon

THINGS THAT ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK
1. Specificity
2. British Constitution
3. Passive-aggressive disorder

THINGS THAT ARE DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY WHEN DRUNK
1. Thanks. but I don't want to have sex.
2. Nope, no more beer for me.
3. Sorry, but you're not really my type.
4. Good evening, officer. Isn't it lovely out tonight?
5. Oh, I couldn't. No one wants to hear me sing.

I guess, I am the only one looking out for my best interest

Wow, the past few days have been all over.

Saturday was relaxing and fun and then I had to go and get all sick. For 2 days. bleck. I feel human again, finally. It's fantastic. Cooking dinner last night was a blast and I really appreciated chewing like I never thought I would. Tonight is date night with Amy and I'm psyched.

What I am not psyched about is having to work super late on Friday and on Saturday.
Blah. Oh well.

Quote of the day

"Nick Lachey been getting more ass than a toilet seat since his breakup with Jessica."
Thank you www.perezhilton.com.

It's been a busy week. After having 3 days off last week, it felt like an eternity. Plus late nights for several of the days mean a tired Jennifer. Printer problems and general work blahs contributed to a cranky mood today. Thanks to Shira and her chocolate-shake-enabling ways I have perked up a bunch. Plus I got to do some quick grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. I love having veggies on hand at home. mmm hmmm.

If only I could take a nap...

Thanks again MJ

Blogging up a storm today...

A conversation with MJ...

MJ: Have u ever walked around eating and have crap on your teeth
I think that's worse than having your fly down
JM: hahah, yeah, especially when
when I had braces
MJ:No sorry...braces don't count
Its expected when u have braces
Gross...yes....but not embarassing
JM: well I'm sure I have anyway. That's when I want people to TELL ME
MJ: EXACTLY
And people don't do it
I would rather have someone tell me
JM: f*ers
MJ: Than go all day with green cilantro in my teeth
Assholes
The worst is going out with ppl u don't know...u just meet them
Everything is cool
U go out and eat
Have drinks
Thinking...that was fun...we should do it again
JM: and BAM
MJ: Then on ur way home u look at rear view mirror
JM: pepper in the front?
MJ: And baaaam
U still have olives in ur teeth from ur pizza earlier that night
Fucccckkk!!!!!
JM: or oreo, taht's the worst
MJ: Good times....to worst night ever
JM: Yeah it is
MJ: And then u think of what has happened
Like...did I tell a joke
Did I open my mouth when I was talking? Did they see it
Was I laughing?
Omg..I was laughing
They definitely saw
BASTARDS!!!!
They didn't even speak up
So I'd rather have my fly down
JM: I think you have been really traumatized by this
MJ: I have boxer briefs
Nothings hanging out

Thanks Amy!

I love this :-)

Happy Spring

The weather this weekend was fantastic.

Annie's birthday party was on Saturday and Janet, Anna and I did our best to help corral and entertain the 20 hyper 8 year olds running around my mom's house. The party was a success, but all that lovely sun and blooming flowers gave me a nasty headache. I ended up crashing early, my new favorite activity.

I woke up Sunday to a chain of massive sneezing fits and more excellent weather. This called for allergy pills and a trip to the Crow's Nest for brunch al fresco. Wind schmind, the meal was excellent. After that, Ericka and I spent much of the afternoon sprawled on our front porch, basking in the pre-spring sun.

Perfect.

Except today is Monday. AGAIN. Monday was JUST here. And the weather is back to being rainy and blah. What a way to celebrate the first day of spring.

And I left my work computer at home so I am using a loaner with none of the files I need. Dumb Jennifer. At least I am wearing my fantastic, entirely too tall heels. They are to die for. Maybe I will get a new bruise on my left knee to match the one on my right.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Not only is today all about green and being Irish and beer, but it's also grandma Pat's (no the name is not just a coincidence) birthday! Last night we gathered at the Rothmeier estate for Corned Beef and cabbage. Being the non-meat girl that I am I showed up with my own little meal and tried my darndest not to gag and wretch as I helped my mother distribute the dinner plates.

And today, being me, I am wearing an obnoxiously bright green sweater and teasing those that aren't green-clad about pinching.

Baby Olivia and Jenna came and had lunch with us. And even though neither was wearing the appropriate color, I let it slide and just enjoyed spending time with an adorable little bundle of baby cuteness. You forget how small they start out as.

I hope tonight will include some green foods, artificially so or otherwise, and a brew of some sort.

Happy Birthday Annie

Today you are 8. A lot has changed. Time has flown by like I can't even tell you. I know when you are little everything is exciting and time drags, but trust me, it really does speed up when you get older.

I remember the day mommy brought you home. I resisted you the best I could, but that little piggy face was just too much. Getting to know you and watch you grow has been so incredible. I never knew I could love a little person so much. It makes me a little scared to have my own kids because caring about someone so much is an enormous responsibility.

Thank you for 8 years of joy, discovery, awe and happiness. Enjoy your special day, my princess.

I love you,
Your big sissy

Most of the Motley Moss Crew

Back to work

After 3 days off, I'm back at the office. It feels weird and foreign. Last night and this morning I had some serious anxiety. I don't want to be here. Not that I really did much of anything while I was home. A lot of Learning Channel shows and being incredibly lazy. I couldn't even motivate myself enough to go visit Janet's classroom, something I have wanted to do for a long time and this would have been an excellent opportunity. I was just spent. I feel aimless and frustrated about where I'm going. Nothing new for me, but I think facing the fact that time is finite is certainly hitting me harder now.

Last night I had a dream about grad school. And it wasn't a very positive one either. I was at UCSC, but the campus was very different. I was following old friends around to their classes, determined to avoid my own. Then I ended up being bogged down with administrative nonsense and parking issues. I'm not taking that as a sign that I should steer clear of grad school, but I think it certainly highlights some of my reservations.

Lately my mom has gotten this idea that I need to buy a house. It went from her casually mentioning that some cute condo on Westcliff was for sale to her pre-qualifying me for a loan (without talking to me) in a week. The prospect of being responsible for something so permanent that I have to commit to financially is not necessarily something that I am ready to take on. I would like to be able to travel and figure out what I want to do with my life and just generally have some fun before I agree to take on a mortgage and all that comes with it. Yes it is a great idea from an investment standpoint, but all that permanence and responsibility scare the crap out of me.

I don't know if there's really a point to all this, just that it's been nice having some time to rest and guess growing up and facing responsibility is just something I have to do. We all do.

A BIG thanks

So the slideshow is done. Finally. A super dooper, fantastic, fabulous thank you to Nick for helping me out will all of my many formatting kinks. If it is a user friendly program, you KNOW it will be mean to me. It's the rule.

I'm very glad to have been able to do this for my family and for the woman who made such a big impact on me. Feeling the love, feeling a little ache, gonna be OK.

I feel like my life is being all-consumed by a slideshow. An emotionally draining and rewarding slideshow, but a slideshow none the less. I'll be happy for a small break next week.

Fugtastic

I have decided that I NEED one of these. It's right in line with my new years goal to become a total catty bitch.

JUST KIDDING!!!

I still want the shirt though.

Apparently today is CUT JENNIFER OFF IN A GIANT SEMI day.

Last night my nose was sore and I knew it was coming. It wasn't quite ready this morning, even with gentle prodding in the shower. I just checked again and it was primed and rarin' to go. That's right folks, frankenzit. It errupted and now my nostril is throbbing. Woe is me and my paiful schnaz. I should know better and keep toner at my desk. oh well. :-P

Happier Times

My office smells like turtle poo. I shit you not. I don't think it is helping my exhaustion.

Last night on the plane ride home I read this article about a young woman who died of Cervical cancer. She was only 28. Her close friend just happened to be a writer for Jane magazine and used the opportunity to spread the word to warn anyone else who may be at risk. It was a really touching story and as I read it I started to cry. I've been pretty good at keeping it together for the past few days, but I lost it.

My dad picked me up from the airport last night and we talked about my grandma and it stirred everything up. The stuff I wanted to sleep so that I can function. And now I'm having a hard time again. I want the ache to stop and I am pretty positive it won't for awhile. I knew coming back here and talking to family would do this, which was a big motivation for my trip.

There's just so much sadness. And I know there's a lot of good and happy out there too, but it's just so hard to see it right now. And I may "not stop crying for more than 15 minutes" but that doesn't mean I'm going to go off myself. I'm grieving in my own way and it's the best that I can do.

As part of that Jane article, the girl included the booklet from the memorial service. A poem in it really spoke to me. I think it expresses my sentiment pretty well.

God saw you were getting tired,
And the cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you,
And whispered, "come to me."

With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away,
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.