All This Adulthood is Tiring, I Need a Cocktail Wednesday, January 31, 2007

So I had this really long, drawn-out, pseudo philosophical entry written about my self-imposed guilt as it relates to shopping. It's just the typical tailspin that I go through after a week of 2 Sephora outings, 4 bills, and a haircut...then a marathon checkbook balancing session. The situation isn't always good, but hell - it could definitely be worse.

Then I had a brilliant epiphany. I am a complete ass! All this bitching and complaining about how I never feel confident about my finances, when IN REALITY, they're a good measure better than they could be. All the time spent yelling inside my head (at myself - it's difficult, not everyone can do it) about how I shouldn't have spent $X on this, but instead on that, when the truth is, I shouldn't have spent it at all.

Benjamin Franklin wasn't kidding when he said that a penny saved is a penny earned. Jeepers.

What it comes down to is that I am a HOT. MESS. about my finances. You could stick me in a dance studio for hours on end, and bark at me to, "DO IT AGAIN! AND AGAIN! ONE MORE TIME! FASTER! SHOULDERS DOWN!" and I would. You can hand me a PhD dissertation on notebook paper and tell me to have it typed in an hour, and I would do it. But tell me to balance my checkbook? Gah - it's like pulling teeth.

If I were the resolution type, I would have made a promise to myself that I would straighten up and fly right when it comes to money. But I know me, and that might not happen. Ever. So I'm just going to do my best, try to make good decisions, try NOT to shop at Sephora quite so often, and see what comes of it.

There's no point in bitching about where I am in life, because all of a sudden, I am very aware that I got me to where I am.

Whether I like it or not.

Tinkering Tuesday, January 30, 2007

So I'm messing around with the blogger template for this site, trying to get warmed up again to redesign my actual website and get it ready to be my ONLY blog. Seriously this time - it's been a sad, solitary YEAR since I got it (thanks, Sean!) and I've done almost nothing for it. Pathetic blogger! (slaps hand)

Until then, I hope you'll be entertained by what goes on with this site -- I can't promise anything good, but I can almost certainly promise some interesting mastheads. Because photoshop and myself? A MATCH MADE IN BLOGGING HEAVEN.

For the full, super-dee-duper, interwebneteractive experience, here is evidence that I'm really working hard:


This DIY web moment is brought to you by iPhoto Booth. It's also evidence that I need to get a lamp for this half of the apartment and stop biting my nails already, sheesh.

Roasty Toasty

My preoccupation with shopping has more to do with the actual perception of need, and not much at all to do with the desire to acquire. That being said, I really, really, REALLY want one of these.

Introducing The Slanket!

Seriously. Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? It's fantastic, and so timely given that Chicago is in a deep freeze. I slept in sweatpants, socks, and a hoodie (with the hood up) last night. For whatever reason, the heat just didn't kick on the way it should have -- but it's all good because I was toasty wrapped in my nineteen million pound down comforter with a little portable heating unit in bed with me...the dog.

Ohhhh, Slanket. Come to mama...

Lighter Fare

I'm not feeling quite so salty and serious this morning - maybe it's because my chakras are aligned and balanced.

Or maybe I'm just not crabby anymore.

What I Know Monday, January 29, 2007

I know that war is tragic, horrific, and often just as necessary as it is unnecessary.
I know that people often leave their handguns out within reach of their small children.
I know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
I know that there is no cure for some of the most painful and deadly diseases on earth.

You know what else? I'm furious that in a world with problems like hunger, terrorism, and rapidly dwindling ecosystems, this story is news to us. This makes me so unbelievably angry because it's PREVENTABLE, it's NEEDLESS, and it's simply AWFUL that someone could make the decision to do this to a helpless animal. I know it isn't a big story, it isn't as shocking as war or rape, but it still raises my hackles. It shouldn't be news at all, because it shouldn't be happening.

That's what I know.

Taking The Weekend Off Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Sunday? Got in a minor car accident (not my fault).
Monday? Things at work fall apart temporarily.
Tuesday? See: Monday.
Wednesday? Regretting drinking the last of the boxed wine on Tuesday.

And what's worst? Amongst the photos of my car is a gorgeous, perfectly focused shot of my newly malformed license plate. I want to post it so badly here, but the more I try and blur out my plate number, the worse the photo becomes. So you're just going to have to use your imagination. God, I'm SUCH a great blogger, no?

It has been a stressful week thus far, and weekend forecasts look even crazier. I need to recharge my batteries, give the dog a bath, and do four loads of laundry - along with about 45.93 million other things.

I'll be back on Monday.

Well Said

Sentimental as it may be (slightly), the man has a point.

A Calculated Risk Tuesday, January 23, 2007

This evening, I hunkered down with the dog and some "movie theatre butter" popcorn (which I very rarely consume because it's so difficult to get into your mouth, being all buttery and slippery and such) to watch Super Size Me. It's not the first time I've seen the film, but it IS the first time I have watched it all the way through. I got bored the first time 'round, and took it back to the video store.

I have to admit -- it's alarming. But this is not news to anyone living in even a PARTIALLY developed part of America. What I find most interesting about the film is the math...the amount of calories in something, the amount of times an average person will visit McDonalds in one week, etc. I mean, c'mon -- I got to McDonald's almost every day. I don't get any food while I'm there, but I'm there, and exactly HOW FAR does this line of finger pointing go? Am I contributing to America's obesity problem with my 1-Large-Diet-Coke-a-Day habit?

Granted, the lawsuit against McDonald's was sort of bullshit, but it remains to be seen what all of that fat, salt, preservatives, and so on will do to the overall health of our lazy, overindulgent society.

I also found it entirely entertaining that a substantial section of the film was taped at my sister's alma Mater, Madison Junior High School in good ol' Naperville, IL, otherwise known as "Naperthrill," or "The Place that You Don't Admit You Grew Up In When You Get to College Because all The farm Kids Ask You Keep Your Diamond Jewelry, Where Your Pony Is Stabled, and What Kind of Car You Got For Your Sweet Sixteen." Seriously. I didn't have diamonds, I sure as shit didn't have a pony, and I was lucky to get my hand-me-down hatchback with the peeling paint. ANYWAYS...

What was YOUR opinion of the movie? I'd love to hear from the peanut gallery on this one.

Reading Monday, January 22, 2007

From this fantastic book...

HOW TO LOSE YOUR BEST FRIEND

1. Invite him to live with you, but only if he stays outside.

2. Tie a rope around his neck so he knows where he belongs.

3. Insist on feeding him, but only the cheapest things available.

4. Make him accompany you on your errands, and while you are shopping, make him wait outside.

5. When you go on vacation for a week, leave a little something extra in his bowl.

6. Tell yourself, they survive on their own in the wild, even though your yard is not the wild, and in the wild they only live a short time.

7. After a few years, consider abandoning him, because it isn't fun anymore and you are bored. Consider the same about your spouse, your friends, and your children, too.

8. You're too busy to train him, but it's his fault if he doesn't know comands.

9. When people ask, explan that leash laws are for the other dogs.

10. Assume, despite all evidence to the contrary, that he'll be fine without you, that someone else will step in to take your place, that after all this time, he won't even know that you are gone.

You Go, Grandpa! Friday, January 19, 2007

I think this story is fantastic. Hylton has a ridiculous amount of Cup starts, and if he can pull this off, it will put every single NASCAR driver in their pretty, little, overpaid place.

Boring much? Thursday, January 18, 2007

Nothing of consequence is going on in my life right now, and unlike so many bloggers that I read, I am not talented at taking small, seemingly inconsequential events and turning them into witty, funny, and/or insightful journal entries. (See: Jonniker's story of the Neighborhood Poop Bag, or Leigh's captions on the photos of her dogs) Like so many parts of my life, I am unable to flourish -- I end up just saying things as they are. Sure, I can (and will!) talk your ear off, I can elaborate with a dramatic hyperbole or two, and I can certainly get caught up in tangents...but usually I just blurt things out with no thought whatsoever as to the medium of the message.

So, for the year 2007, I plan on paying more attention to my presentation skillz, yo. I will not be the boring blogger that you only read because you know that AT LEAST one embarassing photograph will be posted per week.

Other topics I promise to try and avoid:
- my 2007 girl-crush-of-the-year on Emily Blunt
- my new diet regimen
- how all women seem to be talking about landscaping the "hair down there" - am I the only one who's noticed this?
- excessive information about my dog, or my computer
- memes
- how the lighting in my apartment is unnecessarily harsh, and not very well placed

Also, I think I will try and master Photoshop this year, along with my finances. Neither of these will be small tasks, as I am equally clueless about both...wish me luck!

Somebody Shouldn't be Playing in Photo Booth all Day Wednesday, January 17, 2007

I would talk about the technical elements of my new computer, but that wouldn't be as interesting as this, because when it comes down to it, does talking about memory and functionality make anyone laugh like a photo of what I would look like with Hydrocephalus and Paris Hilton's nose? NO, SMARTY PANTS, IT DOESN'T.


And where else can you imagine what a two-headed you would look like? (I imagine that I would get very fed up with myself after awhile - do you see how skeptical I look of my other head?)


Here is a shot of me attempting to steal Eric Stoltz's thunder in the 2008 remake of "Mask." Enjoy that face in your nightmares tonight, everybody.


I have to say, this whole "new computer" thing combined with actually having the internet in my apartment pretty much rocks. What also rocks? Despite my plans to purchase the computer myself, Sean ended up giving it to me for Christmas -- and it has the biggest screen I've ever seen in my entire life. It's one of the best gifts I've ever gotten, that's for sure.

Also, it allows me to share photos like the ones above with all of you -- philanthrophy via the internet! My job here on earth is done.

She's Here! She's Here! Tuesday, January 16, 2007

As of 8:39 am this morning, my new computer is waiting for me in the package receipt area of the dry cleaners in my building. Aaaaah! It's a good thing, too, because the cable guy comes tomorrow afternoon to set up my internet connection. Then I will be able to blog freely, as I will not be using *whispers* my computer at work.

Seriously, though. I haven't had a personal computer all to my very self since 2003, and even in that last year, I didn't use it very much. Also, the new baby is an Apple, so this blog may finally move from Blogger to my independent domain -- I heard everything is easier on an Apple. We'll see...last time I used an Apple, I was in 7th grade and "Oregon Trail" was the most popular computer game in all the land. I have a feeling things are a bit different now. I'm just sayin'. I will also have the added bonus of no longer having to store all of my digital music and photos on this random, portable hard drive that I carry around like a technologically homeless woman.

I also have the burden of naming her -- like ships and planes, I have decided that Little Miss Apple-Yet-To-be-Named is female. iMac-n-cheese? Ida? Maxie? Inexplicably, I keep coming back to the characters on the Golden Girls...but who wants a hussy computer named Blanche? Easy mac? I welcome any suggestions.

Better Late Than Never Monday, January 15, 2007

Recently, I have read some articles concerning how people feel today's youth are disregarding (or forgetting might be perhaps a better word) the messages that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sent to the earlier generations. The optimist in me wants to think that perhaps they are getting the same messages, albeit in sleeker, more "hip" mediums (media?)...I sure hope so, at least. He is such an important cultural symbol, for so many reasons.

I hope that everyone can see his life for what it was -- a too-short glimpse into what could have been, a brilliant white-hot blast of truth and hope, a reason for so many questions and answers, and a continuing lesson for ALL of us. Even though we can't all understand firsthand what he (or anyone else of the same group, demographic, etc.) may have gone through, I hope that we can all see what is best for our futures - our SHARED future as a group of people working together to better ourselves and our society.


Besides, look at the man. Would you just look at that smile?! I would give anything to find out what the other person said...

Happy Martin Luther King Day, everyone.

Fergalicious DEF...or, Things That Make me Feel Old

During a recent dance competition, I casually leaned over to another judge while "Fergalicious" was playing and mentioned that it always reminds me of J.J. Fad's "Supersonic" hit from the late 80s. (I could never figure out whether Fergie directly sampled it, or whether it just sounds remarkably similar) The other judge sort of smiled and looked at me blankly, so I thought perhaps she hadn't heard me over the bass...so I told her this quick, anecdotal story about how the coolest class at my old dance studio once did this routine to Supersonic using black lights and flash gloves (oh yes, yes they did).


She threw her head back in laughter at the mere thought of the flash gloves (because they were a big, trendy thing for a while in the 1980's dance team world) and innocently asked, "Who is Supersonic?"

Ask and Ye Shall Receive Friday, January 12, 2007

Alrighty...here are the photos I promised. (Click to enlarge)

Sean and I - taken at a wedding last summer. Without facial hair, he looks completely different -- 10 years younger, but I didn't put up a pic of that because I was afraid it would make me seem like those girls who put up nothing but pictures of their boyfriends, and OMG it would become LIKE a total slippery slope, dude, into a Myspace page. :P ROFL! TTYL

For Kduck, my television. No rabbit ears here, my friend, although I do have many VHS cassettes and visible wires that drive me crazy, almost to the point of rocking back and forth in the fetal position.

For JenP, the veggie drawer. Current contents? Yukon Gold potatoes, green beans, and one white onion. Don't you want to be single again, Jen? Yeah, I didn't think so.

And the fridge that the veggie drawer lives in...complete with artwork from my niece and nephew.

Here is my closet...not as organized as I would like, but there you have it. The hanging space actually extends about 2 feet more to the right (behind the wall) but that is currently taken up with off-season hanging clothes, a bridesmaid dress, and a tub full of bedding.

Those of you that know me are undoubtedly shouting at your screens, "Where the hell did you put your 14 frillion sweaters and sweatshirts?!" Hence the two very tall shelves outside the closet, which I consider part of the total closet family. Also? You can bite me, because I love me some sweaters and hoodies.

And for AM, my bathroom (and assorted, peripheral junk)

Of course, when company comes over, I hide everything but the tissues and the hand soap. But when it's just me? Who cares if my eleventy lip balms, products to review, and Orajel is left out? NO ONE. (also visible, the aforementioned sock monkey jammies from Christmas Eve)

Someday in the near future, the bathroom will be painted green. Until then, I continue to be horrified by all of the things that accumulate that are only visible because every flipping surface is stark, hospital white. Aargh.

Reading Thursday, January 11, 2007

I'm reading a book that is somewhat akin to a train wreck -- I'm simultaneously horrified and fascinated by it. I can't avert my eyes!

Click Here for info

DeLurking Week Wednesday, January 10, 2007

I heard this rumor going around that it's DeLurking Week, whatever that is. I tried to beg you all the de-Lurk last year, but that didn't go over so well.

This year, I'm going to give you a little incentive -- courtesy of Alfred's Mom. Here's the deal: you delurk by way of leaving a comment, AND a request to see something in my house. Then I respond by posting a photo of whatever you requested, in a respond to your first, brave comment. It's like voyeurism blogging, only if you ask about something dirty or obscene? YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT.

I'm kidding. You won't because I'm a tease like that. But you might get a picture of a original Jamie masterpiece -- otherwise known as stick figures drawn on notebook paper that sort of look something like what you requested. SO COMMENT ALREADY, DAMNIT, BECAUSE I'M A VAIN COMMENT-LOVING BLOG WHORE. SEND ME HATE MAIL IF YOU WANT TO. I know you guys are out there because I get 40-60 unique hits every day.

C'mon, tt'll be an adventure - regular commenters (love you!) are welcome to participate as well.

In Which I Ask for Travel Advice Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Sean and I are taking a trip to Switzerland in mid-February with our friends Keith and Hilary. We're in the frantic planning stages, and my mind has very much been on things like our train itinerary, our hotel choices, and whether or not I need to buy ski pants...which is unfortunate, seeing as how my mind SHOULD be on things like work, balancing my checkbook, and ummm, work?

I am looking forward to this trip on several levels. Sean and I travel really well together (minus the occasional bickering session over the mapquest directions, or whether or not I can make it another 2 miles before I eat lunch because if I don't eat? Damn. Look out.) and I haven't taken a "for real do nothing lay around and eat" vacation since...2002, maybe? We went on a family vacay to South Carolina last summer, but since there were family functions and frillions of children running around, I don't count that one. It was paid for by my parents, so perhaps I should. That is a story for another time and place.

Have you ever been to Switzerland, people of the interwebnet? I'm geeked to get to speak some German on the trip, since I haven't used my mad Deutsche skillz since the late 90s. I'm also excited to buy some chocolate, try NOT to die as I slide down the side of the Alps on thin footboards that have been waxed for additional speed (I don't call them skis - that term is not as serious as it needs to be), and eat some great Alpine food. Mmmm, schnitzel and potato pancakes...oh baby.

Or maybe I should just try to get my picture taken with these guys...

Here is your chance to give me some advice about the trip -- suggestions on Switzerland, or just suggestions on international travel of any kind...like what OTC sleeping pills to purchase for the flights, or perhaps the most important thing to keep in my backpack OTHER than my passport and some Wet Ones. I would love the input - thanks!

My College Self would Slap my Current Self for This Monday, January 08, 2007

I know I shouldn't bitch about this because folks in LA and NYC have it much worse than we do, but I'm annoyed.

There's a movie filming directly outside my office building today - a holiday film, from the looks of the shopping bags being carried by all the extras. When the company emailed us to let us know our entrances would be blocked for a day or two, I witnessed at least 5 coworkers RUNNING FULL SPEED towards to elevators to investigate what celebrity might be outside - coats and gloves bedamned. Do you know what I did? I went into the kitchen and I made some soup. That's how much I care. Later, after having forgotten about all of the hullabaloo, I stepped out to run over to Walgreens. Oops.

9 Easy Steps to Insanity (and Rembrandt Wintergreen Toothpaste):

1. Exit elevator into lobby and wonder what all the commotion is.

2. Roll eyes at stupid ladies sweet talking the security desk into using their external cameras to follow Vince Vaughn around the sidewalk outside. (which? Vince Vaughn filming a movie in Chicago? Yawn.)

3. Reach front revolving doors, only to find them locked (and covered in signage directing me towards the extras holding area and the lunch area).

4. Turn around, take deep breath, approach security again.

5. Receive elaborate instructions on the ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE BUILDING which involves an internal elevator and the basement.

6. Wind around lower Michigan, huffing and puffing my out-of-shape self up several steep staircases, and finally reach Walgreens only to be pushed into a half-blind Streetwise guy by a rude extra.

7. Apologize to Streetwise Guy, give him a dollar.

8. Turn to glare at extra.

9. Enter Walgreens.

Frustration Station

Or, in other words, "Why You Shouldn't let Your Dana Buchman pants Touch the Floor of the McDonald's Bathroom."

In an effort to stay somewhat current in the dance industry, and also to keep in touch with certain dear friends, I staff the occasional spirit support competition for a Dance/Cheer company for whom I used to work. In the high school dance team world, the competitive season is really gearing up and getting busy - which is why I spent yesterday in central Illinois, emceeing an event. Now don't get me wrong (sing it, Bobby Brown) - I do this willingly, because I get paid for it, and because at the end of the very long and tiring day of being "on," I love it. It's an experience and an opportunity, and no day is ever the same. But 3 hours down, 6 hours on my 3-inch heeled feet, and 3.5 hours back really takes a toll on my sense of humor.

In short, I returned home tired and ravenously hungry...but a quiet night at home was apparently just not in the cards for me. To Wit: below, you will find a list of things that I encountered upon my return.

- Intermittent, pouring down (and occasionally blowing sideways) rain
- Two piles of dog vomit in the center of my foyer
- Refrigerator nearly empty of anything that is remotely edible by itself
- Laundry everywhere because the dog likes to drag it around and sleep in it

Then? THEN?! At 3:45 am, the dog decides (after begging for, and successfully obtaining a treat from me) to pee in the middle of the living room. Because he KNEW that I was awake and that I could hear him. I theorize that he was upset over just getting a treat, and not getting his entire breakfast. But I don't know...this is a dog who very rarely has accidents inside, and isn't intelligent enough to be spiteful.

I don't think I've EVER sprung out of bed that fast. Ever. And I have the undereye bags and circles today to prove it.

Name That Neurosis! Friday, January 05, 2007

Found a personality test online courtesy of Tertia and couldn't resist. I'm going to go out on a limb and agree with EVERYTHING it said about me except "agressive," "phobic," and "does not like to be alone." I also greatly enjoy my dismal (yet accurate) score in the Adventurousness Category.

Advanced Global Personality Test Results Extraversion 83% Stability 40% Orderliness 90% Accommodation 56% Interdependence 63% Intellectual 30% Mystical 23% Artistic 50% Religious 63% Hedonism 63% Materialism 56% Narcissism 30% Adventurousness 10% Work ethic 63% Self absorbed 56% Conflict seeking 30% Need to dominate 76% Romantic 56% Avoidant 16% Anti-authority 23% Wealth 43% Dependency 36% Change averse 83% Cautiousness 76% Individuality 30% Sexuality 30% Peter pan complex 23% Physical security 90% Physical Fitness 24% Histrionic 30% Paranoia 16% Vanity 76% Hypersensitivity 36% Female cliche 83%

trait snapshot:

self revealing, neat, craves attention, prefers organized to unpredictable, needs things to be extremely clean, worrying, perfectionist, emotionally sensitive, respects authority, social, vain, does not like to be alone, likes large parties, controlling, social chameleon, not a thrill seeker, enjoys leadership, takes precautions, puts the needs of others ahead of their own, assertive, rule conscious, makes friends easily, always busy, heart over mind, phobic, aggressive, clingy, compassionate, dominant, outgoing, suspicious, hard working, strong

Pretty Practical

She may be drop-dead gorgeous, wealthy, and possessing above-average intelligence, but it's always nice to know that she still wears sneakers with a suit now and then. Because really -- when it's pouring down rain, and you've got eleventy million errands to run, some of which include donning a hard hat? Sneakers are simply more practical than a pair of $1300 brown velvet Pradas. Kudos to you, kiddo.

Crafty MY EYE Thursday, January 04, 2007

I have, in the past, been relatively crafty. And by "crafty," I don't mean clever or inventive, I mean (quite literally) adept at crafts. You know, arts-n-crafts -- macrame, crochet, small pillows make of panels that I hook-n-eyed into the shape of a pineapple with a diagram and cheap, scratchy yarn, etc. All through my school years, I was always creating something or other -- ugly Christmas ornaments made of beads and toilet paper rolls, anything involving puffy paint, looming nylon loops into coasters and potholders, and personalizing everything you could imagine. Let's not forget how fast my nimble fingers can work to create an explosive hair scrunchy using strips of fabric cut by pinking shears. That is what happens when your mother sews like a fiend, and you grow up with ornately-created halloween costumes, and end up taking part in activities like dance teams, girl scouts, playgroups, after-school programs, and sororities.

Full disclosure: I didn't say these crafts were good, pretty, or even likable. I just said that I made them. Isn't it the thought that counts?

In the past 5 years, I've been ignoring my crafty side in lieu of a more modern, spare lifestyle. I have deliberately tried to shake off my childhood of knick knacks, tchotchke creation, and general fabric store excess. I succeeded in my boycott until I found, and fell in love with, an antique window pane frame off of Craigslist. It came from a church in Boston. I bought it midway through 2006, and I've been stumped about what to do with it ever since.

Here it is - complete with bad color alterations on the photo. No, my condo walls are not the color of baby diarrhea, but it should give you some idea of the scale and size.



I have 9.5 foot ceilings and expansive, EMPTY walls -- do you see how puny those photos look on the right? That's another issue altogether. First, I was going to turn it into a collage-style picture frame. Then I was going to blow up just one photo and cut it up to fit in each section. Then I wanted to turn it into a mirror, but never got around to getting the mirror custom cut and didn't know if the structure of the frame was strong enough to support the weight of the glass.

So it stands, leaning against my foyer wall, laughing at me each day as I pass. It's the ghost of Crafty Jamie Past and Crafty Jamie Present combined -- and if I don't figure out what to do with it soon, I might just have to get rid of it. Lord knows it can't hold my holiday cards forever.

This week's idea is to mount it flush to the wall above where my desk will sit (once I get a computer) and use it as a very shallow curio cabinet of sorts -- a place to set notes, photos, and leave it glass-less. Almost like a wall organizer. But that's this week.

Any ideas?

The Joy of Children Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Found some pictures on my camera from Christmas Eve, and thought they were too cute NOT to share with the world wide webnet...

Every Christmas Eve, my mother (oops, I mean "Santa") allows us to open one gift per person. Over the past several years, we have come to expect that this gift will be pajamas - to be worn for Christmas morning, most likely in the hopes that she will be able to have matching children and grandchildren in all photos. The pajama gift has morphed into a production all its own, and in 2006, the guys and girls got gender-specific jammies -- pink sock monkey pjs for the ladies, and Chicago Bears pjs for the men. Hilarious, when you think about it, because clearly nothing goes better together than orange, navy blue, and easter pink.

This past Christmas, my niece and nephew really enjoyed their new jammies -- so much so, in fact, that they spent the better part of 15 minutes running around my sister's kitchen, screaming and chasing each other. I had forgotten how much fun kids can have with even the simplest provocation.





Maybe I should add that to my list of things "to do" for 2007 - remember how much fun new pajamas are, and not hesitate to celebrate the glory that is the Target-purchased sock monkey robe.


Has anyone else noticed the countertop full-o-Christmas goodies? This is what happens when two teachers get married, and then receive bagfuls of holiday treats from their students. You can also see that I brought along the peanut brittle sent to me from AM because I quickly realized I wasn't man enough to finish it off by myself. YUM. Clearly the only thing our family loves more than flannel, and awkwardly positioned freeze frame dance moves inspired by The Wiggles, is dessert.

2007 To Do Tuesday, January 02, 2007

I'm not an advocate of resolutions, but I love me a good, old fashioned "To Do" list every now and then (or you know, the one that I write each day, then rewrite because my handwriting wasn't consistent throughout (damn the capital/lowercase hybrid handwriting!), and then rewritten again because there's a miniscule tear in the paper, and again because I need one for work and one for home, and do you see how this goes on and on, ad nauseum, because I am two lists away from chanting "Wapner, Wapner at 3 o'clock" on somebody's front doorstep?!).

(breathes)

So here goes.

Jamie's List of Things to Get Done in 2007

1. Lose 10 pounds. Not 15, not 5. Ten.
2. Spent majority of quiet nights quietly reading and not watching hours of pointless, syndicated television. If I'm going to sit around on my ass, my brain may as well get a workout.
3. Buy computer, immediately install MS Money (or Quicken, whatever) and get my shit together where my finances are concerned. (Also: learn to check my accounts each day, and reconcile each day. Should coincide with daily blog entry.)
4. Take the dog on longer walks.
5. Cook more.
6. Begin sewing again - first on the list are pillow covers for my couch pillows, then a thick, dramatic curtain to replace my closet doors.
7. Attend BlogHer '07.
8. Stop taking everything so damn seriously, and lighten the hell up.

This is not to say that I am unhappy with my life, but since popular culture almost demands that we assess and refresh our life goals each January, I figure I may as well jump on the bandwagon. I hope to feel more empowered in 2007 - not just for myself, but to enhance my interactions with those around me.

I'm Alive!

I managed to survive New Year's Eve with a minimal hangover/headache, and spent all day yesterday relaxing - brunch with friends, watched a movie, made a pot roast for the first time, and slept. A lot. In short, an awesome beginning to the new year.