Dream Interpretation Please:

Last night I dreamt that I was working retail again. It was Christmastime and the store was crazy busy. The older couple asked me to pick out pieces from a Christmas Village Collection, but the problem was that the pieces were lifesize, so it was hard to manage the sale because they wanted smaller pieces. Also, my cousin was there and she was telling them that they should look in the Lynwood area for better Christmas villages.

I woke up thinking that I am so glad I don't work retail anymore.

Remedy for a Bad Day

After arriving home from work, throw on running clothes, lace up the running shoes and head for the trail. Run at least 3 miles, with the perfect overcast Seattle weather, and pour out all your frustrations to the Creator of the Universe. Once home again, open the sliding glass door to let in the fresh air, drink two or three large glasses of water, and stretch. Next, scramble yourself up "eggs extraordinare": onion, zuchinni, turkey kielbasa, eggs, pepper jack cheese, fresh tomato, garlic powder, sea salt, red pepper, and black pepper. Sit down and eat before settling in for a long evening of homework.

APA? MLA?

There are two different format styles for academic writing. During my long (and illustrious?) career in academia, I have exclusively used MLA. When starting my year in graduate school, I asked the question, "Do I need to learn APA?" I was informed that PhDs used APA, but while working on my master's degree, I would have a choice between APA and MLA. Even in my reasearch writing class, this past semester, we were required to learn and use one of the two forms, not both.

HOWEVER. This summer I am taking a class on media influences and I am required to use APA. So, here I sit after midnight on a Sunday (or early Monday morning) using google to track down examples of APA so I can piece together my Annotated Bibliography. I've been boon-doggled. GAH!

Formatting-Schmormatting.

Overheard at the Kirland Waterfront:

"..the guy was like mexican, and the girl was white, but like totally tanorexic..."

I just wanted to say...

I love the community of people that God has seen fit to place me in. Yep. I do.

The Top Ten Cold Cereal Favorites of Jennifer Joy

10. Honey Smacks
9. Rice Chex
8. Peanut Butter Captain Crunch
7. Frosted Flakes
6. Lucky Charms
5. Grape Nuts
4. Crispix
3. Kellogg's Rasin Bran
2. Honey Nut Cheerios
1. Homeade Granola

SCARY


MyHeritage results show that I look like Hilary Rodham Clinton, but I am not sure what I think about that.

I wouldn't say that HRC is one of my favorite people, but I guess our smiles are similar. What's your opinion?

Skills.

iPOD reset

Today, while working in LA, my ipod froze up. This means that I will have to reset it. Now, for those who automatically update their ipod each time they connect to their computer, this is not really an issue, but for those who manually update, like myself, this means that all my "on the go" playlists are forever lost.

I love "on the go" playlists, as each time i make one, its usually for a certain spontaneous adventure, and then I can listen to the soundtrack of said adventure over and over.

However, I can choose to look on the half full glass side of this little problem of mine and see my ipod as a blank page waiting to be written on...

Want to hear something atrocious?

I spent over 25.00 today at a vending machine.

Google Word of the Day

gloaming: twilight; dusk.

Who can create the most creative sentence using this word?

One of my more favorite lines of poetry...

"Under the firelight, under the brush, her hair

Spread out in fiery points

Glowed into words, then would be savagely still."

Which poem, and who wrote it?

New Balance

I have always been a little negative about New Balance shoes. I suppose that this is because I associate them with the 80s, and the Nerds who would wear them with highwater peg legged jeans. (VELCRO!) Lately, I have had some pressure to think otherwise. It may or may not be the influence of my co-workers, many of whom are proud to be called a Nerd. But, the real test came when I went to the mall today and tried on a pair. Goodbye Nike! Hello New Balance. My feet will never be the same.

*PLUS! I found a stellar pair. (Hows that for an 80s word?)

Cucumber and Tomato Sandwiches

Two Slices of Bread, toasted and lightly buttered.

Spread Cream Cheese on the Toast.

Lay slices of Cucumber and Tomato on one Slice of Toast.

Add a Leaf of Lettuce if you want.

Place the Top Slice of Toast on top to make a Sandwich.

Enjoy!

Shopping Spree

Sometimes it seems like everything happens at once, the good and the bad. I wish that life's circumstances would be strung out a little, maybe like a little advent calendar. Each day a new envelope to open and see what might be inside. But no, its more like a shopping spree where you've got 15 minutes to pile as much junk in the shopping cart before time runs out, with everyone running around like chickens.

FREE CONE DAY
at Ben and Jerry's
TODAY ONLY
April 25, 2006.

Stop by your local B & J for some.

I will have visted twice by the end of today!

YUM

Favorite Barista

Who's your favorite barista? I have had many favorites, but my current favorite works at the Starbucks at the Redmond QFC near the Bella Bottega Cinema.
Why?
Simply because he takes my order like a radio sportscaster personality.

I dare say...

that without the help of a certain "mr. google," no one shall get this one, unless they had some morbid and odd reading habits as a child... (however, I will say that this is one of the best children's stories that I know).

"At this time, an elderly Fly said it was the hour for the Evening-song to be sung; and on a signal being given all the Blue-Bottle-Flies began to buzz at once in a sumptuous and sonorous manner, the melodious and mucilanginous sounds echoing all over the waters, and resounding across the tumultuous tops of the tranisitory Titmice upon the intervening and verdant mountains, with a serene and sickly suavity only known to the truly virtuous."

*I should note that on the earlier postings of this little game, Mr Fin won the first round and Mr. Gus won the second. Kudos, gentlemen, and thanks for playing.*

The postin's getting thin, I know. And you probably think... "And she complains when other people aren't blogging..."

!!!

Yes. You are correct. True. Right. You win!

So.

Bad Day or Good Day? You vote!

My car overheated in downtown seattle, with a car full of people, in traffic, already late for dinner, and then trekking halfway across town to the restaurant after pushing the car into a parking spot.
BUT I ate a great burger and had a glass of Maerzen beer at Gordon Biersch, saw Stomp with 13 super swell friends, spent half the show alternating between stars in my eyes (ohhhh and ahhhhh!) and tears streaming down my face (laughing), and maneuvered my way into getting a TTA (triple tall americano) at the Bauhaus on the way home.

Friday

When stress overtakes you and beats you over the head with a meat cleaver, it is always nice to be cheered up. Especially when you receive a small present such as a red star stamp, with Orbit gum taped to it and a flashlight usb thingy in case the lights happen to go out when trying to chew the gum and use the red star stamp.

By the way, if you come by my desk, I may or may not give you a red star.

THE MEATRIX.

I will say no more.

***EMERGENCY REQUEST***

Could everyone join in with me and encourge a certain Mr. Timothy Davis to continue to grow his hair out into a combover?

head to http://timothydavis.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment for him!

Thanks so much for your help in this matter.

Try this one:

"We both like Weather. Not this or that kind of Weather, but just Weather."

Name the author and title. And, if you are so inclined, tell me why you think I chose it.

(as before, cheating allowed. but name the source)

What NOT to do on a Monday morning...

When you are getting out of your car to get a nice cup of joe at the local coffee shop, do not toss your keys in your purse that sits on your passenger seat, hit the automatic locks and then shut the door of your car.

I repeat, DO NOT DO THIS.

...just in case you were considering it.

A Near Perfect Day

...consists of...

a saturday
waking up at 6:47 am
lying in bed until 8:00 am
with a cup of tea, a journal and a Bible
sorting laundry into 4 piles on the bedroom floor
changing sheets on the bed
and airing out the room
with the fresh air
from the rainy day outside
bleaching the tub, toilet and counters
taking out the garbage
cleaning out old clothes from the closet
showering at 11:30
an americano and whole wheat marionberry scone at the honey bear bakery
selling books for 9.75 and 11.90 in trade
finding some treasures:
a book about C.S Lewis' library, a new Italian author translated into English,
a well-worn hardback biography of Madame Guyon, Thomas a Kempis,
and East of Eden by Steinbeck.
Trading in some clothes at Buffalo Exchange for 21.50
and finding a shirt and pair of shoes there for 21. 32
wandering through the stacks at the UW Suzallo Allen Library
holding call numbers and trying to find those
elusive books
walking the u district in the rain
eating pesto feta cheese pizza at
Pizza Brava
and seeing a poster for the 2006 Seattle Cheese Festival
and hearing "Creep" on the radio
praying with a bunch of radical people
ending the night at Kahili with laptop, books
another americano
and a friend.

Traffic Jam

*Disclaimer* this post has the potential to be a little intense and self-reflective. you may want to stop reading at this point.

There are times in life, when there are intersections in relationships. Of course, the whole journey and path metaphor is competely cliche, and here I am falling into the trap. But also, I am picturing this metaphor as a intersection complete with a traffic jam. Sometimes while waiting at a stop light in life, I look around and see the people around me, maybe notice something unusual, wave exchange nods.

Now let's say there is a real tangle and the waiting takes a long while. People begin to get out of their cars, start chatting and even share their Pringles or Oreo cookies with each other. At that point in time, there are no other people in the world except those people stuck with me in the mess o' traffic. The common experience of being forced to wait is so strong, it becomes a kind of unwritten contract.

But Then! All of a sudden traffic is moving, everyone jumps in their cars, start up their engines and drive away. No time to even say goodbye.






For me, this is how I feel life is at the moment. Its not a horrible thing, as who knows whom I will meet at the next red light or stop sign. And of course, it is not a perfect metaphor--I am sure the comment line will be full of people poking holes in it--but I think it conveys a feeling, that I know is real right now.

I wish things could always stay the same. But I guess that I wouldn't be living life now would I?

WHAT ARE YOU?

I am an INFP.
Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving.
other INFP's are:
Shakespeare, A.A. Milne and Calvin (of calvin and hobbes)

On website called this personality: Intuitive Healer.

INFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder. One might say they see life through rose-colored glasses. It's as though they live at the edge of a looking-glass world where mundane objects come to life, where flora and fauna take on near-human qualities.

I like that!

Guess Who Wrote...

"But she did not hear him for the beating of her heart."

Who wrote it and name the work it is from. Cheating is allowed, but if you must, name your source or it won't be counted as a proper answer.

GROW

I am addicted to a new game. GROW. However, I think that more than the fact that it is some fascinating game, the REAL reason I am addicted is because a certain co-worker of mine told me that I would not be able to beat it. HA! I am not one to shrink from a challenge...

I also suspect that I am really truly competitive by nature....
Below are some of my thoughts on this topic.

It may look like I am having a convo with myself, but I am not. I removed the other person as to protect secret identities. I have some top secret friends who would be removed from this earth if anyone found out that I was talking to them.


jennifer joy says:
you know what i have realized about myself recently?
jennifer joy says:
i have a competitive nature
jennifer joy says:
i always thought i wasnt
jennifer joy says:
but if someone says....jen you cant do that. or jen you are wrong
jennifer joy says:
i want to prove them wrong
jennifer joy says:
even if i know i cant beat them at it
jennifer joy says:
i just want to show that i can do it too
jennifer joy says:
that's my deep thought for the day.

Toronto

...sounds like a great place to visit, doesn't it? Well, I wouldn't know as I am staying at what could be called the "Runway Hotel." Yes. Every 5 minutes or so, a large airplane jets over the hotel at a very low altitude.

However, we did find a "high quality" place to eat. Le Biftheque. Excellent. Well, not really, but definately an entertaining night.

Butcher Shop

I am considering quitting my highly affluent receptionist job to open up an American Kobe Beef butcher shop. I have even begun a marketing campaign using a friend of mine as a spokesperson.

VEGAS

need i say more?

Ever heard of Noah?
Well, he went on a little trip for forty days and forty nights.

I am taking a similar hiatus.

Don't worry, I can be found in my usual hangouts. I anwer the phone, I repy to email. I just won't be found on the internet. (or at least... I will be scarcely found).

Be back soon!

Long-Distance Relationships

Currently, I am working (inching, crawling?) toward a Master's Degree. All through a Distance Education course which means I live online, I travel through mail, and take occasional trips to the east coast.

Which brings me to my next point. Group reasearch projects.

Yes, difficult. However, with a little creativity, semi-decent communication and tons and tons of technology, it is possible and even fun. When do I get the opportunity to write a proposal for a research project with someone from Annapolis, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Texas? This year I do!

So after a few agonizing weeks, lots of emails, discussion board postings, a few group instant message chats, phone calls (the longest being 3 and 1/2 hours--ha ha I beat you Christy!) we finally got our 14 page PROPOSAL written. This is just the beginning... Now we have the rest of the semester to actually do the research and write the big fat paper at the end with our findings...

But, even with all my complaining, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. (Really Jen? what about living in Ireland or even owning a yacht?)

NO! I wouldn't trade it....

But can't I do both?

For all you C.S. Lewis fans, Douglas Gresham visited my school recently. As I live 2,974 miles from my school, I could not attend the meeting.

However, he has written a new book, which looks very INTERESTING. (yes, E*)

Serendipity: finding something of value while looking for something else.

Tell me who you think I am!

http://kevan.org/johari?name=Jennifer+Joy+Staab

Thanks...

Debate

Regardless where you stand on the whole abortion debate, you should note this little fact....

Generation X, born between 1961-1981 (about a 20 year span) are estimated at about 17 million

while....

Generation Y, born between 1977-1994 (about a 17 year span) are estimated at about 60 million.

Don't tell me that the fact that abortion was made legal in the 1973 doesn't have anything to do with the fact that there are less of us gen Xers than gen Yers....

Also, side note...perhaps another reason why I am having a hard time finding my soul mate.... (as I was born in 1974).

Just something to ponder.

A Good Day Is...

Working from home until after lunch
A proper cup of tea
An old man sitting on a bench in the sun wearing a beret
Hundreds of birds sitting on a telephone wire
Sending mail through the post office
Clear, cold and sunny
Target
Ben and Jerry's ice cream
Diet cherry Coke
a 20+ email string
Text Messages from a friend delayed at the airport

Here I am with my friend "bean sprout" at a very nice party throw by some amazing folk. Thanks Guys!

Rewind...

If you could start life over and become an Olympic athlete, which event would you choose to compete in?

Me? Snowboard Half Pipe.

Desert Island Food Survey

What one food item would you choose if you were stuck on a desert island?

I would choose the peanut.

Squirrel II

I have decided to adopt a little squirrel named Raphael. He has been, of late, spending a lot of time sitting on top of the garbage can that sits outside my window at work. He hops in, forages around for some food, then hops out and sits on top of the garbage can, eating and watching the world pass him by. I suspect that he may be a Mexican squirrel, as he loves eating tortillas. I also left some Jalisco Salsa Corn Nuts out on the garbage can for him, and he scarfed those right up.

As there is a Deli in the neighborhood that uses Squirrel in their daily "Special," I think that my job is to protect Raphu and keep him alive. However, I will not just let him have any kind of food that he likes. I will put out nuts with shells so that he does not turn into a lazy squirrel. I have a feeling that he already has a propensity toward this as he frequents the garbage can after lunch to scavange any leftovers that he can get.

For all you folks who have recently commented on the "vicious" nature of squirrels, I just want to note that I believe the best about these furry friends and will continue to promote their health and well being as much as possible.

Squirrel Poll

Today at lunch, a Mr. Christopher Moody put something nasty on my plate and this nasty thing was referred to as a "squirrel turd" by a Mr. Jon Brown. Yesterday, Mr. Mario Avila pointed my attention to this story about a squirrel. And recently a Mr. Michael G. Finley directed my attention to Portable Nut...



So I thought that I would take a three question survey to see how everyone is feeling about these creatures.

Question:
1. Do you like Squirrels?

2. Why or why not?

3. How do they make you feel?

THE SUN WAS OUT IN SEATTLE TODAY!

Breaking News!
While the whole state of Washington entered a mourning period after the depressing results of Superbowl XL yesterday, the Sun decided to grace the Puget Sound with its presence to bring cheer and joy to the native Seattle-ites. Go Sun! Boo Hawks!

P.S. I killed Dante.

Paradox
--Bertrand Russel

Laughter

I have noticed something about myself. Lately, I have been laughing a lot. A LOT. A few years ago, I did not laugh much. When people told jokes, I would either not get the joke, or I'd smirk a little, perhaps chuckle a bit. Now, any little thing gets me going. If I am instant messaging with a person, and I type in "LOL," I am pretty much really doing that. I am truly laughing!

A very good benefit to my current job is that I sit in a reception area that for much of the day is occupied only by myself. So I can laugh away to my hearts content.

I also get jokes a lot quicker than I used to. It really does not take much any more to get me to laugh. Also, another change is that I used to never think that "guys" were funny. I would think, "Oh how immature" and roll my eyes. But now--I think they are hilarious! I am not sure for this switch, but perhaps it has to do with the fact that I finally just gave up being so stuck on myself. One thing is for sure, I can also laugh at myself and I do this quite frequently.

I wonder if laugher makes one younger? No one believes me anymore when I tell them how old I am... There is a proverb: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Next time you see me, stop me and ask me to do my Old Man Laugh for you. Its my favorite laugh.

Arcadia

For all you eighties children who remember spending hours in the nickle arcades, this is a fun challenge. I find that I am horrible at multitasking, but I sure laugh a lot at myself while playing! This is probably the real reason I like it, 'cause it makes me laugh. However, I will have you know that last night I made 16th on the daily global scores...

But I know that pretty much anyone I work with can beat me blindfolded, with both arms tied behind their back all the while swimming in a tank full of sharks and doing their taxes online.

"Have you ever noticed," said Dimble, "that the universe, and every little bit of the universe, is always hardening and narrowing and coming to a point?" (283)

from That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis

Wait! don't leave yet. Yes, this is "grapesky," your favorite blog. We have made some changes around here, a new look. Its fresh! Lively! Exciting! Well, the real reason why is because I must have had some corrupt html on my other template, and no matter what I did, I couldn't figure it out. I am not at all in any form or fashion an expert on html. I am not even an amatuer. I am a "cut and paste" kinda girl....

But never fear, all your favorite links are here! And a new addition.....Dante. Try to get him to howl at the moon.

Thanks for your patience.

Out.

A few days ago, I posted about a red balloon. Today I woke up with a balloon for a head. Hoping to shrink my head back to normal size, I took a couple of tonic shots. Mind you, that's Master Tonic. If you've never had it, well, ah....lets just say, that I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Fire, is the closest thing I can approximate it to. But, it does clear the head for a little while! Currently, I am lamenting that though I went to the grocery store today, I forgot to get cold medicine. But, hey! It's an adventure, right? I'm off to bed with my cranberry juice and box of tissues.... 'Night.

I received an award today at work. Part of this award was monetary compensation, so I went to Target and bought and Osterizer blender and a very cool lamp. Not only is it nice to be given accolades, but it is fun to be able to buy somethings that I have been looking at for a while. Come over and I will make you a smoothie by the light of my new lighting device.

Today's History: The Highlights

www.mazdausa.com

www.kcls.org

www.en.wikpedia.org

www.muse.com

www.schillersny.com

www.wired.com

Red Balloon Day

This morning, when I walked out to my car, there was a red balloon sitting near it. Wow! That doesn't happen everyday. What is it about a red balloon that brings a smile to the face and a spring to the step?

There is a quaint little French movie called The Red Balloon. It is a great movie to watch because there is no talking in it, just a story about the adventures of a red balloon. Maybe you are thinking that you would not like to see this movie. You are wrong! See it!

I wonder if the red balloon will still be there when I return home this evening?

There are times when I think, what in the world am I doing trying to be a graduate student? And tonight is just one of those nights. I look at the assignment laid out for me in the syllabus, and though I plug away at it, I do not seem to be making any headway. Is it because I have never actually ever done a literature review? Is it because I am hungry, even though I ate dinner less than 2 hours ago? Is it because I am cold, sitting in this cubical at the Univeristy of Washington Allen Library? Of course, I will finish this on time and I most likely will even get a decent grade, but at the moment, all I want to do is stare out the window and the lighted brick walk below me or walk over to Allegro Cafe and buy coffee.

For all the non-Seattle based readers, especially ones who live in Pittsburg...

Sunday, January 22, 2006 7:00 PM

Finally! Seahawks going to Super Bowl for first time

Like a well-oiled machine, the Seattle Seahawks used the combination of a wide-open offense and a ferocious defense to beat the Carolina Panthers 34-14 today to win the NFC Championship.

For more, see http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2002755714_webhawk22.html

its called DOMINATION.

Movie Adventures

Today, while chillin' at a friends house, I was watching TV. Don't fall over. Yes, TV. I was just watching to normal saturday afternoon TV movie flop when all of a sudden I realize that I was about to enter into a new level of TV movies...

Nick Fury: Agent of Shield
1998
Starring.....none other than......

DAVID HASSELHOF

A treasure..... (actually, I could only handle about half of it....I fell asleep.)

Last night, I saw The End of the Spear. Excellent. Great story. (I did not fall asleep)

Some recent forays of mine out into the internet:

http://ladyinthewatermovie.warnerbros.com/

http://moretimeforliving.blogspot.com/

http://criticaldreamer.blogspot.com/

http://www.postalservicemusic.net/

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4245337360492479670&q=lazy+sunday

School Supplies

I felt like a little schoolgirl again as I was standing in the school supplies aisle at Target last night. Realizing that my little calendar that I had been using to keep track of assignments was not going to cut it this new semester, I thought that I would find something different, the first priority being more space to write. But looking at all the pens, tape, paper and notebooks, I felt myself wanting it all. I wanted to take all of it home with me, bright and new. Shiny. Precious.

I resisted tempation and only bought what I needed....

my precious

My Heart has an Echo

Today I had an echocardiogram. I have a Heart Murmur and my doctor, the famous Dr. Frank Marinkovich, wanted to check it again. Its been about 8 years since I had my last test, so I guess it was about time for another. It is the oddest thing, laying down with this cold metal thing pressed to your heart, and seeing your heart beating on a little computer screen. Mine sounds like this thump-squish-thump. I wish I could get the recording of it.

And as this Website informs me: "An echocardiogram is a test in which ultrasound is used to examine the heart. The equipment is far superior to that used by fishermen."

This is good to know. I was wondering in the doctors office today about that. Thank God.

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland has a Starbucks. My friends like to spend their lunch hour on the second level. Its very expensive to get a latte, around 5 dollars US! WOW!

The university in Bern is gorgeous. and very old. Its really what I have imagined a european university to look like.

I have decided that the train is really the best possible form of transportation ever invented.

I will be home in a few day totally loaded up with chocolate. The nice thing about having lots of friends in Switzerland is that they buy the chocolate as a gift, so I don't have to buy any!

I'm going to need a refresher course on my native language when I return as I am starting to speak Swiss-English...

Ahh......Switzerland. Courtney, Just for your information......I am not coming home.

Tonight, I am packing and finding that my two suitcases are mostly filled with gifts for people. It's so amazing that in just a little over twenty four hours from the writing of this post, I will be in Switzerland!

I will spend my first few days there in the Alps on a snowboard, so I won't be blogging much at all, but then the rest of the week, I will be able to keep you all informed of my wherabouts and adventures in the land of Chocolate....

Adventure in Lynnwood

On the way to the mall with CM to pick up a pair of jeans at the Gap, we got stuck in a little traffic at the 164th and Alderwood Mall Blvd because of a flashing red light. CM looks over and sees a dude totally spaced out in the back seat of a red car next to us. So CM starts making faces at him. Well, this pisses off the guy so he starts mouthing F*YOU and getting his "panties in a bunch" over it. This only eggs CM on and he continues to make silly faces at the car, laughing hysterically. Mind you, we are still in stop and go traffic, edging our way toward the light. Then the car next to us, rolls down the window and the guy starts waving a switchblade at us!

Yes. A SWITCHBLADE. (in Lynnwood.)

CM keeps laughing at in retaliation, pulls out his "Razor" cell phone, opens it and waves it back at them. I start worrying a little, after all, we are in LYNNWOOD. So, I pull back a little hoping that they would get a head of us. But CM still keeps making faces at the car that continues to stay level with us. At the last minute, I decide that I want to honk at them right when I get to the intersection, but at that point, the other car had pulled ahead and they beat us to the light and they drove off with the dude still yelling at us.

Whew! That was a close call. You know, those Lynnwood natives can be quite dangerous...........

It is 19 degrees Farenheit in Switzerland today. Brrrrrrrr. I will need those legwarmers. Bah to all you fashion police! I'm going to wear them proudly!

Today I received a Christmas gift, a pair of pink legwarmers. Putting all the fashion questions aside of whether or not I should even be wearing legwarmers (they do keep me warm!), a larger issue looms. On the back of the packaging in small letters, i read: One Size Fits Most. What is that supposed to mean? I think its a tragedy. Pretty soon, the labels will read, One Size Fits Some. And then we will buy cars and chairs according to size, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and so on... When we go to the office supply store to buy a pen, the clerk will ask, "And which size would you like your pen? Small, Medium or Large?"

New Year's Resolutions 2006

1. Fly on a plane to New York.
2. Borrow a Helicopter and head for NYC.
3. Hitchhike to Broadway.
4. Walk to Manhattan.
5. Teleport to The Big Apple.
6. Hop a train to the Empire State Building.
7. Sail the Pacific, through the Panama Canal and up the eastern seaboard to the Statue of Liberty.
9. Meet and marry a resident of NYC. Move there.
10. One way or another, find a way to NEW YORK CITY.

Destiny

Inching slowly ahead, my foot on the brake,
stop and go, stop and go—
my red car, an old maid waiting
for the man of her dreams to arrive,
getting closer to the intersection, but never
quite making it. The faces of the people
in the other cars tell a million stories
of love, betrayal, boredom,
but I am too busy for that now,
trying to find a song on my iPod
as my car continues the long trek
down the asphalt aisle
making sure I arrive right on time.

There is nothing like spending Christmas in a hospital room to remind you what Christmas is really all about. The presents, the money, the worries about all the details fade away and all that becomes important is the health and well-being of a loved one. People like to talk about the true meaning of Christmas during this time of year and there is always some kind of controversy raging in the public eye. But this time around, none of it matters, but what does is who or what I am focused on. The question I find myself asking myself is, whom do I worship? Myself or the little baby who rules the Universe? Am I more concerned about my life or about someone else's? And while sitting in a hospital with someone whom I love very much who is experiencing a lot of pain, this question becomes everything.

I've been HACKED!

My Roomate must have figured out my password somehow. For your information, the Gingerbread House Story is complete fabrication.

(Well, most of it. Ok, only just some. Actually, very little....but I'm still mad that she posted in my name!!!!!)

BLUE HAT DAY

I must confess. I cannot keep this wrong to myself any longer. Would it be alright if we pretended, just for this moment in time, that it's just you and me, in this great cyberspace?
I did something horrible today, Dr. Phil (would it be alright if I called you that?). I broke the roomate circle of trust. Which, might I add, is extremely important to my roomate, C. My roomate had a big, important, she-was-up-all-night-the-night-before-worrying-about-it event. She was in a gingerbread house making competition. I told her competition for the gingerbread house contest, what her plans were. I told him that their (her friend Veronica's also) house was actually going to be a trailer. A white trash trailer. As you can see, they named it after me, because she found out that I had, in fact, become a traitor. "Jen's Trashy Trailer House" it reads. I am currently sitting outside our apartment, with only my thoughts to keep me company, as she will not let me inside. How could I do such a thing to such an incredible roomate? She's the best roomate I have EVER had **sniff**. She's practically perfect, and here I am, a big mess-up, a complete blabber mouth.
Hopefully she will forgive this unforgivable break of roomate trust. What can I do to make it up to her? I desperately need your advice.

Your Hair Should Be Orange

Expressive, deep, and one of a kind.You pull off "weird" well - hardly anyone notices.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Here's some advice that I recently learned the hard way.

"KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT."

Some may think these are Abercrombie and Fitch Models, or perhaps gentlemen straight from a JCrew catalog, but I think they are more like the Bobsey Twins...

I walk in to Starbucks, wait patiently in line, give my drink order, pay and then wait again on the other end. Tall Americano with Room. I grab my drink, walk over to the condiment bar and pour in about 2 seconds of half and half, put the lid back on and head out to my car. I get in, put my seatbelt on, turn on my mini ipod and reverse out of the parking spot, holding my coffee in one hand. Driving away, I wait until I am well on the road before I take that first sip.

Each time I reach that point, it's like hearing an old favorite song from high school that I haven't heard for ten years, or running into an elementary school best friend in the mall while Christmas shopping or finding that pair of shoes you thought were lost.

It's a great part of the day.

I love it when my friends are happy and good things are happening to them.

Dear Santa:

Christmas Wish List: (in no particular order)

1. Vespa
2. First Edition by C.S. Lewis....any title will do.
3. Hair that is one color.
4. Subtract Ten Lbs.
5. Brown dress shoes.
6. Large white canvas to paint on
7. Manual typwriter, non-electric.
8. Narnia Soundtrack
9. Pastry Cutter
10. Large 3 story turn of the 20th Century house with husband and kids on land.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Joy

The Conspirators [or as they are commonly known, E*Star and Juniper]:

Going to study involves more than just books. First, there must be the proper atmosphere. Often Starbucks will not cut it at all. The backdrop must be just so--especially if photographs are taken in the course of the evening. Interesting people to watch must also be present. If there are no interesting people, then what will distract you from your studying. Music, laptops and gadgets are also useful things to have a long to continue the distractions.

For sure, the most important thing in this event is good coffee and excellent company.


And a Conspiracy.

Spying on people at coffee shops is a serious buisness. The trick is taking the picture without them knowing. However, my friend here kept putting his hand up to his head, ruining the whole effect. He does, however, have excellent taste in hats.

Today, I am learning how to build an operating system onto a computer. It brings me back to my junior high ms dos days.... you know the little mini programs that would add and subtract things. For me, that was 1988. Whee!! Goin' back to the roots, back to the roots.

Yes, Timothy, THEY are turning me into a tech. Perhaps one day I will acheive the status "nerd" or even a higher aspiration....."geek."

**Disclaimer**

All notations, comments, stories, language, and references to my roomate are most likely intended to elicit a laugh from all blog readers. Nothing stated regarding my relationship with my roomate should be completely believed, but instead regarded as suspect, or as said in the common American vernacular, taken with a grain of salt.

Once again, I am a pedestrian. My fate rests in the hands of Jared Reidt, my first cousin, resident of Bothell, WA, world class mechanic.

Advice Desperately Needed...

I came home tonight and found that my roomate had done some redecorating. She has put kitten pictures all over the walls! I just don't know how to tell her how tacky it looks. When we moved in together, we had the whole, you know, PET talk. She never said anything about being obsessed with cats. I think I could handle one small picture of a cat, maybe in the bathroom or in the laundry closet, but all over the living room and dining area? No way! I called her when I saw them all up, and she was so excited about it, kept raving on and on about how cute the kittens were. She said she thought we could just have them all taped up until she gets some frames for the pictures. What is she thinking? I think she might be going a little loopy or something. I wonder if I should be worried about her or talk to someone about this?

Who is your favorite character from Narnia?

Mine is Puddleglum.

But my favorite Narina book is A Horse and His Boy.

Do you have a song...

...that no matter where or when you hear it, you just want to turn it up a few notches and just listen?

One such song for me is:

Bad [Live] by U2 on the Wide Awake In America EP.

I'm feeling a little antsy.

The quickest way to a man's heart really is through his stomach, because then you don't have to chop through that pesky rib cage. - J. Jacques

This morning, I learned my lesson. You know that old saying, "Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched?" I celebrated last night the fact that I had no more papers to write with a nice bottle of Pinot Noir.

Foiled Again!

This morning, I found another assignment waiting for me . My crafty professor snuck another paper in. Luckily, I like this prof. and his class has been one of my easier ones thus far. So I didn't swear or throw anything.

On the upside of it all, I will just have to have another celebration in two weeks. Perhaps this time we will break out the Champagne. Care to join me anyone?

In less than a month, I will be in Switzerland. First, I will want to eat Zupfa, or if that is not available, I will eat a schoggi gipfuli. (chocolate croissant). I will hug lots of people and even kiss them! During my stay there, I will engage in the following activities:
1. Snowboarding
2. Snow Battle with the little baby Nicholas Matter
3. Eating a Kiwi Migros Excellence Yogurt
4. Drinking wine and toasting with my wonderful Hanna and Bernhard everynight before bed
5. Taking Dinah for a walk in the Forest
6. Looking at the Stars at night with Mirjam
7. Drinking a beer with Jenny and listening to music on the balcony.
8. Watching action movies with Michi and Nici
9. Driving on the moped with Eva Maria
10. Laughing with Simone and maybe even rockin' out to some Switchfoot
11. "Gitalah" with Simone and Rahel
12. Drinking a coffee with Bri
13. Listening to records and talking theology with Eric
14. Hanging out in the city with the girls
15. Eating lots and lots of food at all the dinner invitations I will have (espcially Sri Lankan curry!)
16. Taking a long walk with Shauna
17. Spending tons and tons of quality time with friends.
18. Shopping at H&M
19. Ordering a caffe creme at a little coffee shop on Nidaugasse
20. Riding a train somewhere....probably Lyss.
21. Walking to the Broekenstubbe.
22. Meeting all the MCs
23. Buying some Lobella
24. Eating lots and lots of chocolate
25. Hug a million little kids.

If anyone has ben curious as to what I have been doing with myself since August....may your curiosity be sated with this picture...

My cousin Vincent has entered a film into a contest....Read below. Check it out and VOTE! (give him 4 stars of course!)

Friends,I entered a short film into a contest called, The 64 Second Film Contest. The first phase of the contest is voted on by the public (you).As there are some other good movies posted (all are unofficially rated PG), I'm not necessarily asking for you to vote for my film, but that would be helpful as to ensure that I make it to phase two.The idea of the contest was to come up with a creative way of defining "waitlessness" in 64 seconds. It is intentionally spelled incorrectly as to define the essence of not waiting.To vote, go to: http://www.64seconds.comClick on: "the show"Scroll through the pages by clicking on "next" until you see my name and the title "Isle 3, Bottom Shelf," or this thumbnail (attached). To watch the movie again, click on the thumbnail again.I hope you enjoy it! Don't forget to cast your vote (in the upper right of the page).

One more reason for not getting involved in messy relationships....

I tried signing up for Comcast yesterday, so I can start Telecommuting (as the receptionist, yes.) Well, it seems that the PREVIOUS tenant hasn't paid his last bill. We think his name might be David Rose as we keep getting stuff from a local vet for him....

Well, I've been a bit Tee'd off, so I thought I'd google him....

And THIS was what I came up with...

If this is the same David Rose, then I guess it makes sense why he's dodging Comcast...I mean a $4,000 custody suit over a dog with his Ex. That's pretty important. Poor Guy.

I suppose I'm a little more understanding of his situation now....

WHATEVER.

Rumour Mill

Lately, some crazy gossip has been going 'round about me. I just want to make it clear that I:

Was not the pooper scooper for the three headed elephant at the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Have never been a member of a punk rock band, though I did have green hair once.

Have never been, nor plan to be a Tibeten Monk.

Have never been in jail, though I did get handcuffed once (case of mistaken identity).

Am not a secret agent for the CIA.

One Frosty Evening....

The Everyman Photo Contest results are in! I didn't win anything, but there are some amazing photos that did! I like the landscape winner alot.