The Truth, According To Wuth...

I know Victoria's Secret!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:51:00 +0000

LADIES!!!!! LISTEN UP!!!!! and gentlemen too for that matter...

For years and years we all have wondered what Victoria's Secret actually is... was she once a man? Is she an alien? Does she have 6 toes? Does she have a tail?

I am happy to report that after some help from news teams, I have discovered the answer! I encourage you to all watch this video about department stores (namely V.S.), who sell underwear, accept returns after they have been worn, re-tag them and put them right back out on the sales floor!!!!! GROSSSSS!!!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/03/victorias-secret-blooming_n_483941.html

I am extremely disappointed to learn that this practice in not illegal as it in my opinion, breaks all sorts of health code violations. Victoria's Secret is not the only store that does this! Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom's, The Gap, and many others are also committing this crime!

For the LOVE of God ladies, if you purchase new underwear anywhere - please wash before you wear! Gentlemen.. if you by something sassy for your lady don't expect her to wear it as soon as she opens it - you may get something you never asked for...

Victoria's Secret is out... CRABS!

Follow the Leader... Leader... Leader...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Fri, 27 May 2011 05:08:00 +0000

"Control is not leadership; management is not leadership; leadership is leadership is leadership. If you seek to lead, invest at least 50% of your time leading yourself—your own purpose, ethics, principles, motivation, conduct. Invest at least 20% leading those with authority over you and 15% leading your peers. If you don't understand that you work for your mislabeled 'subordinates,' then you know nothing of leadership. You know only tyranny."

— Dee Hock
Founder and CEO Emeritus
VISA Internation

The picture in the top left hand corner is inspired by my minor obsession with "Words With Friends." Best. App. Ever. But let me get to the point...

I am two classes away from completing my Masters in Organizational Leadership and it's been a long journey of reflection, growth and constant application of what I have learned. I have always considered myself a leader since I was a young girl but that doesn't come without challenges along the way. To be a leader, you need to have followers; people who believe in you, see your vision and want to be a part of that experience. You need to lead by example but let's face it, no one is perfect; we all make mistakes. The mistakes we make inspire growth and redefines our purpose and what we stand for which in turn, make us stronger leaders.

I didn't discover my true leadership skills until I worked in Financial Services at age 23. I started out as a follower. Following the lead of trusted professionals was not an easy task for someone like me at that time - stubborn, no interest in the job, no education in financial services, no room to use my creativity that was always flowing through my veins, and quite frankly, I was a wise-ass. Following is the ultimate form of self-discipline. You are a leader in training; participating in activities in effort to achieve the mission at hand. As a follower you give up your trust to those who lead you, you share responsibility, you contribute your ideas for the greater good, you support the cause, you are selfless, and you commit yourself to excellence. You follow until an opportunity to lead presents itself. This is how I can describe my journey. Sometimes you have to completely give in, step outside of your comfort zone and really try to do something you have already decided you don't want to in order to discover the maximum potential that you have inside. I learned more about finance than I ever dreamed of knowing and more about myself in those five years at that firm than I could have ever imagined. In learning how to follow, I became a leader and I will continue to learn how to be more and more effective until the day I die.

Leaders and followers are equally important and we all have the capacity to be both. The more I learn about this particular topic, the more I see ineffective leaders that need to learn how to follow and the more I see followers who are capable of being exceptional leaders. Too often I see people in leadership positions that think power and control are what define them. They get lost in their own ego that they can't see past the lid of their expensive latte to discover that without modesty, you have no respect. Without respect, you have no trust. Without trust, you have no followers. Without followers, you have nothing as a leader.

We are all capable of anything. Recognize your potential and give in to it! Get crazy! Grab a friend, chest bump, put on some wigs and go make up a dance that you can do while you sing this song! I just did it... it felt good :)

Change...It's What's For Breakfast.

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:57:00 +0000

"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." ~Robert C. Gallagher

"He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery." ~Harold Wilson

When it comes to change, you can either fear it, resist it, accept and embrace it, or constantly seek it. Change is a constant in life and it is one of the things in life I most enjoy. Whether it is changing my hair color, changing my furniture arrangement, changing the city in which I live, changing jobs, or changing my attitude - change gives me a sense of renewal and excitement.

At the beginning of this month I made a change in my attitude which left me feeling lighter. Seriously... I am about 12 pounds lighter. I have always made excuses as to why I couldn't put my needs first in my own life but after feeling rundown and exhausted after my Palm Springs trip (see previous blog), I decided enough was enough and I was going to put my self discipline to the test. This month was dedicated to no carbs, no sugar, no alcohol and no red meat. This may not sound overly challenging to some, but for me and the lifestyle I have been leading for the past 25 years, it was a bit harder in the beginning then one would think.

Growing up with severe body image issues and feeding those insecurities with things that would harm my body further was a cry for help that never came. I went through weight fluctuations my whole life and even at my thinnest when I lived in New York nearly ten years ago, all the attention I got from men played with my psyche even more because I made myself believe that I would only be loved for the person I was on the outside; self sabotage. The only one who could help me was myself. For the past ten years I have been working on changing the way I think and being happy with who I am in the present at all times - mentally, physically and spiritually. I believe that because I have gained confidence in all that I am over the years, I was able to successfully make the changes I did this month.

Testing your discipline and will power are temporary little changes you can implement into your life that could ultimately lead to a full blown lifestyle change. It's fun, it's exciting, and when finished, it's a huge sense of accomplishment. I may have some extra meat on my bones and not look like every other girl in Hollywood but I can rock heels and fabulous dresses and shake it like the rest of them! Because I am making healthier choices, I will likely be shaking a lot less (insert flabby underarm joke), in the future. But for now, I am happy being me, tummy and all.

You can change your hair, you can change your shoes, you can change your furniture - but none of that is going to matter until you change your attitude, look in the mirror and love you first. Although change can be scary and sometimes cause you to question yourself, it is necessary for survival. You either roll with change, or get left behind.

Although taken out of context a bit, I felt this song appropriate. MJ is alive baby!

Change...it's what's for breakfast... What changes are you going to make today?

Life's Little Distractions

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:04:00 +0000

One of the best moments in the movie "The Blind Side" was when Michael is in football practice and has some guy in a hold and instead of finishing the play, he gets distracted by a couple of loose balloons floating up into the sky. I watch that and it reminds me of many moments in my life. I actually remember in my second blog about Larchmont's Brick House, I got distracted from the topic at hand and ended up blogging about two flies mating on a window sill.

I am finding that lately, I am more easily distracted than normal. Some may question if I have ADHD which I do joke about at times, but I don't have it. I tested and passed. I then acted my way through anther test and failed to see if medication would help and although it did a little bit, it wasn't worth the clenched jaw all day and feeling like I needed to smoke a carton of cigarettes. I needed to rest every other day from the adderral hangover. For people who don't need it, adderrall is legal crack. I do not recommend it.

What I am getting at here kids, is that when pondering my temporary lack of focus in life, I was getting aggravated with myself for not being better at being disciplined in every aspect of my life. I was distracted by the Fed-Ex guy that came to my work the other day - why? Well, he was cute. As a result, I totally forgot to call the lady that was doing my taxes at the time she asked and felt like an idiot. I was distracted by a homeless man crossing the street in a sequined jacket and thigh-high boots and in return I sat in a dead stop at a green light until it turned red again (luckily there was no one behind me). I get distracted every morning and either forget to take my vitamins which is pretty much always... forget to eat breakfast which slows down my metabolism and makes me grouchy come lunch time, or forget my laptop which makes me late (and I LOATHE being late). Last night I got distracted by the face mask I put on and catching up on some DVR and I forgot to go to see my friend Brianna's show that I told her I would go to. Just completely forgot! And that made me a flake and flakes I have a lot to say about... and its not pretty. These are just a couple examples of MANY.

For the past few weeks, I have been a real scatterpuss but in sitting down tonight to write this blog, I realized that it has been good for me. I am still getting the same quality of work done, I am sleeping better, I have more energy, and I feel pretty motivated and confident. I think distractions have actually made me more relaxed and happier.

The moral of this story? Go ahead and get excited about that guy/girl in your life that you have no reason yet to be excited about - it'll make you happier (just don't think you are gonna get married next week and become scary). Take a break and look out the window for awhile. If a song you like comes on at work, stop what you are doing and sing every word of it (lip sync if you have to). Say hello to the person you see every day crossing the street to work or outside of your apartment building. Take the 5 seconds to say thanks to someone who held the door for you, let you go first at a four way stop, or let you go first in line. Actually stop and go into that store that you stare at every day and make a note that you want to go. Get distracted! You will meet new people, learn new things, and force your brain to think about something new which is just absolutely necessary. It's so easy to wake up and do the same things every day and not think twice about it. And NO! I don't mean do the same things every day and just do them in a different order. Take time for yourself. You know that old saying... Stop and smell the roses why don't cha?

Sometimes, just do what you feel like doing. Please yourself, not everyone else.

Click here for the song of the day and the best video ever!

A Little Night Music

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 08:15:00 +0000

Once in a while, we all appease our inner rockstar and say to ourselves, "I don't feel like going out, I just wanna wrap myself in a snuggie and watch movies" but, we go out anyway.

After an exceptionally awful day, I found myself in this very position. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you can't possibly do right by anyone. By anyone, I mean the people that don't respect and value you for what you have to give in this world. Feelings are powerful little buggers that creep deep within your being and try to take over every little action that you are normally capable of doing without compromise. Feelings are what make you, well... you.

It is so easy to let your feelings rule your life because it is all encompassing. It takes over your mind, body and soul. You feel...and when you become aware of the vulnerability, no matter what emotion, the first instinct is to succumb and dwell in your little land of emotion. Tonight I made plans to attend an event not knowing that my emotions would potentially alter my frame of mind to genuinely want to attend the event. 20 minutes after I was supposed to be somewhere, I received a call that reminded me that my issue, or momentary lapse of judgement, was somewhat insignificant.

With mascara watermark stains down my eyes and cheeks, I pulled myself together and dressed for an evening to remember. As I washed the morning make-up off of my face and painted on a new one, I looked at my multi-colored eyes in the mirror and said, "really? You have to moan and groan to pull yourself together for a night of fun with friends?"

Friends... true friends that hear you, accept you, and love you anyway... are the ones that are supposed to drag your mopey ass out on nights that you feel down. I had no intentions of going out tonight because I was so involved with my mind and what it was tricking me to believe was truth. The truth, according to Wuth... is that a little night music with dear friends is exactly what is needed to get your mind, body and soul back in order after a rough day.

Does a warm blanket and a cheesy 80's movie or romantic comedy cure the common heartache? The truth is, for us ladies, it helps us to produce tears that we haven't cried in a long time and makes us feel like we are infants being swaddled. Misery enjoys company and misery enjoys a happy ending, but I urge you all not to forget that although the couch and blanket is warm and cozy, encouraging yourself to be strong enough to engage in a social setting will indeed, bring you back to life.

To acknowledge your pain and discomfort and then rise above it, is the moment you are free.

Click here for a little night music. But only listen as you are heading to dreamland! It is beautiful.

A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:53:00 +0000

I still remember being a little girl with a lot of wants and needs. It didn't matter what it was that I wanted, it was why I had to have it. You know, because I would just die without it! My life would be over! I was pretty spoiled as a kid but I would like to think that was because I was very well mannered. I may have been the only kid that would call their friends houses and say, "Hi! May I speak with _____ please?" I got that from my sister. I don't know where she got it from but I remember watching her and thinking to myself that it sounded real nice. Like a tall cool glass of chocolate milk. That may or may not have been a reference to black men...

The point is, if I asked for something, my mom would say, "how do you ask for something?" and I would get red faced and embarrassed that I forgot and look up and say, "Pleeeeeeeasssse". If that were to score me what I wanted, she would remind me by saying, "What do you say?", and I would run and hug everyone in the room screaming "Thank you! Thank you!"

Thanking people is severely underrated these days I feel. We have all worked in thankless jobs, done thankless deeds around the house, and performed thankless acts of kindness to strangers but enough is enough. It takes less than a second to extend a warm thanks to someone for something that they did that in some way shape or form, made your day better. I may sound like a real idiot when I yell out my car window with a cheesy smile, "Thanks!" when someone lets me go first when they didn't have to, but you can tell by their reaction (even if it is an awkward stare), that they appreciate it.

Nobody is perfect, not even me. I know, I know, it's hard to believe. We all get so busy in our lives and our minds are racing a mile a minute with lists of what we have to do and not forget. Well, we all need to add to that long list - not to forget to say thank you once in awhile. Whether you work in a job where you have plenty of people to thank each day and you don't, or you have friends that don't often get "thanks" and they deserve it, or if it is a complete stranger that goes out of their way; a little thanks goes a long way. To be grateful for what you have, is to be fulfilled in your walk through life.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dating In The Modern World, For the Ladies...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Now that I am on my way to becoming a professional dater, I will not deny my friend Laura's request to continue blogging a bit more about dating in the modern world. My overall opinion is a bit biased because I live in a city where commitment and relationships don't really seem to be top priority. But, I think that most of what I have to say is true for wherever you may reside. Based on my experience, this is my truth about guys and dating. This one is for the ladies however, I will indeed have a blog for the gentlemen readers soon.

1. If he is sweet to your face and then consistently blows you off - he does not have any interest. This shouldn't be confusing but it is common for women to fall for it all the time and make excuses for the man that is always getting away. If he is constantly making plans for the two of you that never happen, he is with someone else doing what he dreamed up for the two of you.

2. If all he does is text you and doesn't call - he is only interested in one thing and will never take you on a proper date. Texting is cool for a day or two but if he is really interested in dating you, he will call. If he likes you, he cannot wait to talk/see you next!

3. If he doesn't respond to your text messages, STOP texting! He does not have any interest. Texting is the worst creation ever for those in the dating world. Guys who don't have balls - text. Women who want a lot of attention but don't want to seem annoying - text. Over-texting is just as annoying as calling all the time. Believe me, I have done it! I have looked at the phone the next morning and have felt some deep humiliation for my actions.

4. The more you look for attention, the more he will stop giving it. If you are the one, you have his undivided attention. Truth.

5. If a man breaks up with you out of nowhere, the out of nowhere part is really only on your end. It's called denial.

6. If he just loves to talk about himself or the sound of his own voice, and doesn't inquire about you on a personal level - he is using you for something.

7. If he doesn't friend you on facebook, or doesn't accept your friendship on facebook - he has a girlfriend or has many of "you's" in his life. BAIL!

8. Just as it's best to wait to say those three little words until your man does, let a guy change his Facebook status to "in a relationship" before you do.

9. When a guy repeatedly makes references to his exes with words like "bitch", "crazy," "psycho," or "sluts," guess what? He will be calling you that one day.

10. If a relationship feels like a lot of work after the first month, it's not gonna get easier...

11. Any guy who rates girls as a number from 1 to 10 is a loser, even if he gives you a 10. You're a woman, not county fair livestock (yes, I stole this from somewhere)...

12. If every time you speak or every time you text, at least in the beginning, there is "sexy time" talk happening - he is again, not interested in getting to know you - just looking for a fun thrill.

12. (Another tip I stole from someone else) A guy who talks about how skilled he is in the sack is like a man who brags about his money. Either way, he ain't got it. The kind of man you want to be with knows that actions speak louder than words.

13. If he flirts openly with you, and with almost every other girl - you are not special. Get it out of your head. These types of guys are masters of making you feel like the only one in the room and on their mind for a few minutes.

14. If you only hang out at night at the bar or after the bars close - don't be stupid. We all know what that means.

15. Online dating. This is a tough one. If you talk to a guy you find interesting, DO NOT WAIT TOO LONG to go on a date. The longer you wait, the more you start daydreaming and creating the perfect man in your head and you will let yourself down. That man doesn't stand a chance once you have manifested your own version of who he is.

16. Online Dating (cont) - If you are meeting guys online that don't live in your area, my first question is why? Most of the time this turns into the swapping of incriminating photos which is hardly a relationship. But, if you are having healthy conversation and getting to know one another my advice remains the same as regular online dating - One of you has to make a move and fast. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to be disappointed.

17. Speed dating is so much fun (see blog on speed dating from last year). Grab a pal and go on a bunch of 5 minute dates! t doesn't hurt anybody and you meet some very interesting people - BUT - given that you only have 5 minutes, ask some real questions. If you have deal breakers just ask - you will never see these guys again unless you want to and it makes the 5 minutes much more interesting than, "How are you"? "What do you do for work"? "What do you do for fun"? Generic and boring......

This may seem like an awful lot of rules or labels for bad dates and guys that are hopeless but let's be honest, if something feels wrong, it probably is. I have been in successful relationships (for a period of time), and I have been in fake relationships (in my head), and I have been in terribly dysfunctional relationships. You learn as you go. Am I am expert on relationships? No. But am I am expert on what I feel is right and wrong when in the dating world? Yes. The longer you try to hang on and change the wrong guy, the more time you are wasting being happy with the right guy.

Men aren't the only ones you lie and play games to get what they want. Women are a completely different animal. Now that is a blog for another day.

Happy Hunting you crazy animals!

You Want Me To What??

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:46:00 +0000

Although I took a brief hiatus from writing my blog, I have been filling my time with a number of new experiences to blog about. Last week I encouraged facebook friends, twitter followers, and my blog readers to let me know what it is about life they would like me to blog about as I was struggling for a place to start. I have decided that I will start with a topic we all love to read about...the ups and downs, highs and lows, pride and humiliation of dating.

When it all comes down to it, no matter how self-sufficient a woman is, the majority of women like to be taken care of and wooed. Yes, wooed. Is wooed code word for celibacy until you drop the L word or the commitment card? No. Does it mean be given a WOO card for access to discounts in my almost hometown of Worcester, MA? No. It just means get to know the girl for cryin out loud and don't ask her on a date if you aren't really interested in dating in the first place. A little over a month ago I had three of my close girlfriends in town for a week and we literally had "a whale of a time". No really, we saw a whale... With two of them married and one engaged to be married this September, we weren't exactly on the manhunt if you know what I mean. After a rainy day walking around and seeing the sights, we thought it would be a great idea to take our ratty looking selves to a local boozey spot to get a little saucy and ride a bull in the middle of the afternoon before that nights shenanigans. We strolled on in and were immmediately catered to by the manager bringing us free mimosa's while we waited for our table. With my jeans, sneakers, no make-up, ugly shirt and nappy hair - I casually may have checked out one of the employees when he wasn't looking. Well to my dismay, he was looking and called me out on it by walking on over. After some healthy witty banter, our table was ready and this guy made the move and asked for my number.

He did all of the classics. Texted me the whole time I was there. Kept telling me I was beautiful when it was obvious I looked like a wet rat. Bought us a round of shots. Talked to my friends and made them feel special too. Made plans with me right away in a social setting with my friends. Ignored me when we did go out the next night and impressed my friends, therefore impressing me. When my friend asked me to come over that Wednesday night, he spoke for me and said I was busy and then whispered that he was taking me out. Bold, brave and a very sexy move. That night we shared a magical kiss goodbye and he said he would see me the next night for our date.

When I walked out my front door that Wednesday evening, he was standing on the passenger side of his car dressed super nice, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He gave me a big hug, kissed my cheek and opened the door for me as I got in the car. We went to a comedy show, dinner and then he dropped me off and went home. WHEN DOES THIS HAPPEN? FLOWERS? NOT MAKING BIG MOVES OR HAVING EXPECTATIONS (if you know what I mean)? Sounds like the 50's. Guess what? I kind of dug it.

For the next few days we talked multiple times and as we made plans for him to come over on a Sunday, I was shocked to discover that this guy was indeed, a jackass. After a few days of him talking about himself incessantly without really getting to know me at all, I thought that maybe we just needed some alone time to chill out and chat. No date, no expectations, no reading into things. We discussed making lunch, maybe watching a movie... and when I asked him if there was anything else he would like to do he said, "I want you to (insert disgusting and humiliating sexual favor that I cannot even type without feeling my whole body flush in embarrassment and humiliation)". That was the end of my brief romance.

The point here is ladies - there may be those guys out there that know how to woo and make your knees feel kind of weak but as vulnerable as we let ourselves be at times, there is always a possibility that you may have had woo goggles on and didn't see the tell tale signs. If he is one smooth cool cat when you first meet him and you get all stupid and excited - you better put on a onesie and zip that up to the top and put a lock on it. There are some real charmers out there... just don't let them fool you. The one who would never make a fool of you is standing by.

Eclaire

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:39:00 +0000

Emma Claire Wuth, or Eclaire as I will call her for now, was born January 7, 2011 at 20.5 inches and 6.10 lbs. Being a 7-11 baby, I will never forget her birthday :)

All of my life I have been surrounded by people who have kids, want kids, love kids and want everything to do with kids. I have never understood what that means until now. My entire life I have been super awkward around children; not knowing how to talk to them, understand what they are saying, or what they need. I think I have been adult child all of my life so when I am around a child I have never met before, I feel like that awkward 7 year old in the corner trying to make new friends. Do you remember what it felt like on the first day of school, or the first day of any new class or meeting for a new hobby you picked up? You feel anxiety about not knowing anyone, how they will respond to you, or whether or not you will be liked? Well, that is how I feel around kids. They have the ability to sniff out fear of not knowing what the hell I am doing and leave me feeling helpless in their presence.

In the past year I have been introduced to many new children as my friends and family members are getting married and starting families. This past trip home for the holidays made me realize how much I have grown as my trip was less about partying and hooking up with random friends, and more about spending time with family and the friends that will be my family for the rest of my life. I spent more time with children over the holidays than I have in my 30 years on this earth and I can't describe how thrilled I am to be a part of the lives of these little ones as they grow up and learn about life and growing into the person that they are. I think back to my early years and how each event in my life shaped me into who I am today. Back then, it was so difficult to understand the significance of certain events and realize that one day I would be thankful for all of my trials and tribulations. We all have said at one point or another, "if only I knew then what I know now". That knowledge we have gained is for us to use to educate and protect the little ones that we love that are joining this world and sharing their lives with us.

This picture paints a thousand words for me as I am so captivated by Emma's beauty and innocence. I am a first time auntie and couldn't be more proud of my big brother and his wife as they embark on a new journey with this little princess in their lives. I don't have to have my own child to understand the love for a child as I have come to know it on my own with the birth of my niece. I can only hope to be a strong role model in Emma's life and teach her all that I have learned over the years.

Emma arrived 7 days before my brother's birthday and about a month before his wife's. Happy Birthday big brother and Happy Birthday Kate! I know that no gift can top this precious package in your lifetime. So I will hold off on buying gifts for you from now on :)

I love you, I love Kate, and I love Emma! Thank you for bringing a new baby girl Wuth into the family as I feared I would be the last one. Now little Emma can shine in the glorious role of Baby Wuth!!!

A lullaby for Emma

Because You're Worth It!

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 06:55:00 +0000

Sometimes... when your heart hurts, you feel like your whole body is about to fall apart. Like, your knees will give out, your legs won't work, your brain will no longer let you control your emotions and it will show all over you. It will show in your eyes, your skin, your hair, your posture, your mouth, and in the decisions that you make. I have spent my entire life protecting my heart and trying to mask my feelings from the world and only feel in the privacy of my own company. What have I learned from this? I have learned that by doing this, I am hiding and not healing. It is ok to feel the emotions that can be embarrassing; betrayed, lonely, like a failure, not good enough, put down, forgotten, used, manipulated, etc. What is not ok is letting those that assist you in feeling that way, get away with it.

By "get away with it", I don't mean "get even". I mean tell them. Tell the person how they made you feel. It took me 6 months to speak my mind to someone who always made me feel like I wasn't quite good enough. It took my best friend telling me that I was good enough to get me to realize that was indeed, the truth. I was just too ashamed of the way that I felt to actually say it out loud. I kept saying to myself "You are stronger than this. You don't actually feel this way. The more you start believing that, the easier it will be to make other people believe it too".

I believe in forgiveness. I practice it. But for now, I am going to work on forgiving myself for allowing a toxic situation cloud my judgment of myself. I will take responsibility for my naivete, actions and thoughts, but I will not take responsibility for the actions (or lack thereof in this case), of others.

What is that stupid saying? "You always hurt the ones you love?" Why is that? Because the ones you love will always forgive you? Yes... I think that's it.

Wuth-Tang Clan

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:35:00 +0000

On December 2nd, I turned the ripe old age of 30. Frankly, I am floored by this because I was only born yesterday! I haven't even learned to walk or sit without falling yet! I say "sit" without falling because I managed to fall out of my chair last Sunday night at Hotel Cafe right at the moment where everyone was staring at me and singing "Happy Birthday". Amazing. That is what I am.

My birthday was a typical day; I woke up, was late for work, sat by myself at the office for about 4 hours with no human interaction until my co-worker Adi came in with a beautiful box of cupcakes! I got pretty excited because let's face it, who doesn't love cupcakes? I left work a little early to go home and get ready for dinner reservations that my friend Mark had made with a few friends. A liquid dinner with close friends was just what the doctor ordered. Mark arrived and let me know that it would just be us for dinner and we would meet up with everyone after at the Piano Bar. This didn't bother me because I love getting drunk with Mark. We opted to go to a different restaurant that was closer to our final destination. After he took a wrong turn, we then opted to just park at the Piano Bar and go to Citizen Smith (the same establishment that I got good and boozed up at before going to Hotel Cafe where I proceeded to fall out of my chair). The restaurant was packed so I suggested we sit at the bar which is a "terrible option because then we can't smoke" Mark said. He sauntered off to see if the patio was open, when I saw that it was, I followed suit. As I got to the patio door, I looked up and felt my jaw hit the floor as everyone yelled "Surprise!"

I could not believe Mark pulled off a surprise party. He is terrible at surprises and definitely not a party planner. He completely fooled me which happens rarely. I was so overwhelmed by all of the faces but completely excited all at the same time. About 10 minutes later when all of the greetings and hugs were had, I heard someone ask, "Did you order a grey goose martini?" I turned to the server to find my dear friend Carrie (who lives in Florida), wearing a big black afro wig! It was one of those moments where you would expect to see someone scream and start jumping up and down and freaking out but all I could do was stare. My brain could not process that she was standing in front of me because I had just talked to her two hours earlier and argued about how I wanted the Cavs to win the game against the Heat that night because Lebron is a douche-lord, and how she was going out to watch the last half of the game (That game was embarrassing for Cleveland by the way). I also couldn't understand why she was wearing a black afro wig. After a solid 10 seconds of staring in disbelief and peeing my pants a little, I managed to wrap myself around her for another solid 2 minutes as she tried to balance my clinging to her, and not spilling my martini she was holding. This really was the "frosting on the cake" and when I say cake, I mean the centerpiece that was sent from my other amazing friends back in Massachusetts that was shaped like a cake made of flowers. It was the best birthday ever. EVER. I couldn't have better people in my life and I am truly grateful for that. The amount of love on that patio could turn anyone into a pile of mush.

The weekend was extremely eventful which I will have to write about in a separate blog, but it ended last night with a last minute trip to Club Nokia for the Wu-Tang Clan show. Now, I couldn't tell you one song by Wu-Tang but I do know them because people have called me by their name for a good portion of my life. To be perfectly honest, I had so much fun at that show that I don't remember the band ever going on. I also don't remember paying the tab, walking to our friend Drew's apartment building at 2am, high-fiving and chatting up the front desk guys at his building like an idiot, walking to the car, falling on the sidewalk (see picture of my road rash), or throwing Mark's beverage out the window, or singing at the top of my lungs the whole way home. We made it home around 3:30 and still managed to take a bunch of pictures, Video-chatted with Mark and Josh (who we were with all night... we didn't have enough), send a bunch of videos back and forth, and a long conversation with Shauna on the east coast around 4:30. We got about an hour of sleep before I had to drive Carrie to the airport and say goodbye. She missed her flight...

Welcome to December everyone! This weekend was a great kickstart to what I hope to be a fantastic holiday season. I am one who typically gets some holiday depression but this year, I don't know. I think it might be different. All you need is love and I got plenty of that for the past four days to last me a long time.

This Wuth-Tang has the best damn clan in the world.

Unfaithful

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:57:00 +0000

The movie "Unfaithful" happened to be on tonight; a movie I have seen several times. I only caught the tail end of the film this time around but this time, it left me thinking for longer than usual. Connie Sumner goes through the painful emotional journey of finding out that her husband not only knew that she had been cheating on him, but had hired someone to follow her and take pictures for proof. Her husband, knowing that he had killed the young man she had cheated with, has to come to terms with what he had done all for love. The married couple decide that their love for one another and their son is too great to tell the truth and come clean with what actually happened. Instead of justice being served for the poor fool who was charmed by Connie Sumners beauty and then killed for it, his story remains unsolved while the married couple decides it's best for them and their son to move past it and on with their lives as hard as it may seem. They decide to live the rest of their lives with the secret that a young man was killed because of their actions; hers in search of something missing from her marriage and his - passionate anger that his wife betrayed him. Their love was enough in the end, why wasn't it enough before someone had to get to get killed?

I have never been hopelessly in love and cannot begin to understand the emotions that come along with it but through living and learning from relationships around me, I have a pretty good understanding of what I "think" I would do in the name of love. Of course, you never really know until you are in it and actually experiencing it first hand. I know people who have cheated, I know people who have been cheated on, I know people who get involved with others who are in relationships and it's all really just messed up. When you ask the question of "why"? There is never a really good reason. I mean a REALLY good one. But somehow the risk doesn't seem to be that easy to pass up when usually, the end result is ruining the relationship you are in (assuming the partner finds out), or living a ginormous lie.

Most people I know opt just not to tell the person that they are with that they cheated and hope they get away with it which fascinates me because most of the time, the cheating goes on a very long time and they end up getting caught anyway. If you would rather keep it a secret and let it go on until you get caught, why stay in a relationship?

Relationships are a hot mess these days. You are either:

- "Happy" in your relationship but have a sense of doubt as to how long that can possibly last.
- The fool who thinks you are happy and has no idea that your partner is cheating on you incessantly.
- The "other" man or woman who has no chance at being happy with the person who is cheating on their girlfriend or boyfriend because you could a) never trust them and b) are just sloppy seconds
- The cheater who will end up alone because either the guilt will make it impossible to feel worthy of love, or worse - responsibility has never been taken and the guilt never creeps in making it impossible to become a better person and have a chance at true happiness and love.
- Or lastly, you can be the person not in a relationship who hears the horror stories of what is happening in relationships around them today, developing a fear of ever trusting anyone again.

The art of cheating is really perplexing me. Cheating is the worst thing you can do to someone that you love. It tears people apart. It makes them do things they would never dream of doing. It creates a blind fury that can be, well, quite frightening. It can ruin people. If you really love the person you are with, REALLY love them - how can you bring yourself to cheat on them and then lie about it?

"You Lost Me" (Click to Listen)

Giving Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:32:00 +0000

It's a beautiful thing to have one day a year where people say thanks. Thanks for what you ask? Well, you mostly hear people give their thanks for their health, job, families, friends, food on the table, etc. People also say thanks by taking this day to serve in soup kitchens or volunteer somewhere - you know, give back to their communities. This warms my heart so much that it made me evaluate my own actions to date. Aside from the four times a year when I clean out my closet and household and give my stuff to homeless people on the street, I haven't really given back to my community here in Los Angeles. I contemplated serving in a soup kitchen on my first Thanksgiving alone because that is super original and no one else does that on Thanksgiving (insert sarcasm). I opted to do that on any other day because let's face it - the hungry are hungry every other day of the year too. The bottom line is that there are hundreds of organizations looking for volunteers throughout the year and a countless number of ways to help any cause you are passionate about. A lot of people mistake "helping" as having to dole out some sort of financial contribution but I can assure you that is not the case. Times are tough, I can attest to that!

I consider myself to be a "giving" person but I really could have afforded to pick up a pair of binoculars to try and see past those right in front of me. You have to help yourself, help your friends, help your family - but I feel that you also help strangers when you can too. I've lived in big cities and have always been told to mind my own business and don't be too trusting of people. Sure, there is some street smarts to that advice but if you can't trust your own judgment, what else do you have? It could be something as simple as helping an elderly woman carry her bags to her car, or picking up something someone has dropped and letting them know. Help is help. A good deed is a good deed. It's free and it feels good. I am going to try and do more of that from now on because I, like everyone else in this world can get consumed by my life and become a bit selfish. Don't get me wrong, it's GREAT to be selfish sometimes especially when you aren't taking care of yourself first.

Today and everyday I am thankful for this life. It is not perfect but it is mine and I own it. I am thankful for a family that loves me no matter what I put them through. I am thankful for my friends near and far, best friends or acquaintances, because you all add something valuable to my life. I am thankful for my health and the good fortune I have been blessed with that I sometimes take for granted. I am thankful to you - the readers of my blog. All of you whether you know me personally or not, are helping me every day by reading and sharing my blog, to achieve a longer term goal that I have in my life. Please continue to share!

Although there is controversy over the date, location, and purpose of the first Thanksgiving celebration, the meaning of Thanksgiving seems to stay pretty consistent amongst most; spread love and thanks in an overly cheesy way all day long. Just don't forget that love and thanks are good every other day too :)

Click here for a song that has lyrics that matter.

Think Long and Hard Before You Bump.

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:04:00 +0000

A few weeks back I decided to really pamper myself. I went to a fantastic yoga class, got a massage and then popped over to good ol' Larchmont to get a sandwich one dreams about from Larchmont Delicatessen. As I strolled on inside donning my best workout attire and a rocking hairstyle after my sweet head massage, I perused the shelves for a tasty snack while I waited in line to order. I decided that I would try a brand of coconut water that I had never had before to try another attempt at figuring out what all the fuss was about. As I was reading the back of the box (yes, this brand came in a juice box looking container), I heard a man's voice say, "That stuff is disgusting, don't do it". I looked up to see a somewhat attractive, late 20's man-boy staring at my coconut water and smirking. I quickly thanked him for the tip and put it back on the shelf as I looked for something else that was going to quench my insatiable thirst. "That rasbberry sparkling lemonade on the other hand, now THAT is good" he added.

"I'm so glad you were here to suggest that" I replied, "I would be standing here all day trying to decide what to get".

He leaned over so his head was right next to mine and said, "It's an important decision you have to make. These sandwiches are so good you have to make sure you have the perfect beverage to wash it down with".

I looked down at my feet for a moment to ask myself, why is he still talking to me? I appreciated his sarcastic manner and Cheshire cat grin but although I felt fantastic, I really couldn't have looked worse. I swallowed my insecurity and decided what the hell? I chatted it up with this guy in line for the next 10 minutes or so and after he got his sandwich he disappeared around the corner. He was a nice guy - very personable - just made his way over to Larchmont from West Hollywood because this place is that good and he hadn't been in awhile. I grabbed my turkey caprese sandwich and headed to the checkout counter right as he was paying. As he turned to leave I extended my hand and said, "Hey - it was nice to meet you. I'm Jackie by the way". He smiled and said, "Pleasure was mine. Have a good one". I finished paying the cashier and was rifling through my purse for my keys when I heard, "Hey Jackie!". I turned and literally walked into to the guy who was apparently right at my heels. "I'm gonna grab a table outside, would you like to join me"?

Not really I said to myself. But this just happened to be one of those movie moments so I swallowed my negativity and said, "Sure, why not!" We sat at a cute cafe table outside and discussed what we do for work, where we live, and what we do for fun. It all seemed pretty perfect. As I wrapped up the second half of my sandwich to take home he asked, "What are you doing right now?" I told him I was headed home to relax and refresh before that evenings festivities. "Aw, that's too bad" he said, "I was going to suggest that we go back to your place but you have a roommate, so...".

Awkward silence... "Um, yeah" I responded in a strange tone. What was this guy thinking? He was gonna snarf down his tuna sandwich with me and then go back to my apartment for dessert? ! I brushed it off thinking he was trying to make a joke that wasn't that funny and then he asked, "Do you want to bump?"

I gasped, "Excuse me?!"

"You have an IPhone" he pointed. "Do you want to bump and exchange information? I'm asking for your number".

"Oh my god" I said red-faced and humiliated. "Of course".

We then "bumped" our phones together and as I was saving his number into my phone he asked "So, do you have a special place where you store hot guys phone numbers that you meet at sandwich shops"?

Yes, I thought to myself. They are stored right where it says "delete". I pulled myself together anxious to get out of there as he stood up for a hug. "Let's get together sometime soon" he suggested. As I drove away I received a text asking me to go walk in the park and lay in the sun with him. Weird. I told him I already had plans but thanks for asking and then questioned if he actually was a douche bag. Maybe he was nervous and was saying stupid things and was trying to make up for it. After all, who doesn't enjoy a nice walk in the park? I restored my positive thinking for the rest of the evening hoping maybe I had just met a guy who was as spectacularly awkward as myself. That positivity was crapped on when I received a text at 12:oo am asking if I wanted to have a midnight rendevous.

In classic Chelsea Handler fashion, What.... an ass. Moral of the story? Don't bump just anybody. You will regret it. He's now got my number forever.

For Bev, on her 59th Birthday...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 05:44:00 +0000

On December 24, 1985, Beverly worked hard to get her three kids ready for the Christmas Eve church service that they attended every year. With a 5 year old and two 9 year olds who weren't as thrilled to go to church as they were for Santa to come, you can imagine the difficulty getting the kids out the door. Curt, Bev's husband, focused on getting his son ready while Bev made sure the two girls looked as cute as can be in their matching dresses and ringlet curls.

Getting out of the house on time was never easy no matter how much planning Bev did in advance but tonight, with images of being able to get a good night sleep in mind, Bev was determined for everything to go without a hitch. She would get the kids to church on time, she would get them to bed without any whining, they would fall asleep immediately and she would get a solid four hours before she had to wake back up again to make sure Santa had come. All went surprisingly well on this Christmas Eve. The kids were well behaved, they looked adorable and for once, they were going to be on time.

The evening church service was always a magical one. The lights were dimmed, the candles burned, the choir donned their special Christmas robes, and the beautiful sound of the choir singing "Carol of the Bells" sent chills down the spine. Bev and her two daughters loved the Christmas Eve service because they were all a huge fan of Christmas music and singing loud for all to hear. It was the parts of the service where there was no music or singing that Bev had to worry about. Her older son and daughter were fidgety but well behaved for the most part and her 5 year old, well, let's just say she was easily bored. Bev knew that her 5 year old would need to be entertained at all times so she sat her next to her father who would be able to keep her occupied through the parts of the service she was too young to understand or interest herself with. As Bev looked around she saw her friends with their families and she would smile and wave. It was a small church so everyone was pretty tight knit.

The sermon was beautiful and just when Bev started to really tune in, she felt the back of the pew bench moving back and forth and when she looked over, her youngest was swinging her legs back and forth with her hands tucked under her bottom. Bev nudged her husband and he cautioned his daughter to stop. She stopped swinging her legs and grabbed a bible from the back of the pew in front of her and started to flip through the pages. With a sigh, Curt let her look through the book hoping that would keep her entertained until the next musical number.

As the congregation was asked to put their heads down in a silent prayer, Bev closed her eyes. All she could hear was the pages of the bible whipping back and forth. She opened one eye and gave her daughter a stare down as if to say, "Knock it off"! Her youngest closes the bible and scoots forward to place it back in the rack on the back of the pew when SMACK!!!!!!! She missed. The bible smacked against the wooden floor and echoed throughout the church. The little girl looked at her mom and dad with flushed cheeks, embarrassed about what she had done. "Pick...it... up..." Bev mumbled through clenched teeth. The little girl slid off of the pew to her feet to get it as the rest of the congregation went back to their bowed heads. The little girl pulled up her wool tights and straightened her dress and as she bent over to pick up the bible, a loud RIPPING noise echoed through the church for a second time. Her youngest daughter has bent over so quickly that a loud FART had escaped her during the silent prayer!

Heads popped up, eyes opened, and all you could hear throughout the church was the creaking of church pews from shoulders shaking in laughter but no noise escaping anyone's mouths. Bev felt the heat move through her body and the tears stream down her face in sheer humiliation and horror at what her daughter had done. Occasionally in that 60 seconds you would hear other church goers gasp for breath from holding in their laughter. Bev looked into her daughter's eyes that were welled up with tears, grabbed her purse and ushered her family out of the church.

Aside from being publicly humiliated by her daughter, the rest of the night went perfectly. The kids went right to bed, Santa came early, and Bev got to go to bed and dream about that moment in church for the rest of her life.

To my mom, Bev, who has had to endure a lot of embarrassment from her youngest daughter. I love you. Happy Birthday!

Love, your little tooter. :)

My Garden of Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:09:00 +0000

Bless me blog readers for I have sinned. Again... It's been two months since I have given you verbal diarrhea to immerse yourselves in. Two very short months and so much to say later, I fear that this post may be a mash up of thoughts to leave you with. My last post was on a the 11th of September, a chilling memory for us all, and I skipped right over my favorite month of the year, October! I am kicking myself for not being more dedicated to writing about my festive Fall activities. I was lucky this year to have met some truly wonderful women who share my same passion for pumpkins, drinking, baking and watching some classics like "Hocus Pocus". The haunting vocal stylings of Sarah Jessica Parker bring me back to the days when I would sing that pretty little melody in the shower, or on my walk to middle school, or humming myself to sleep at night. I attended the pumpkin festival again this year and found myself high on the buzz of pumpkin beer, sickened by the Queen cover band, and pissed that I went to the festival again on a Sunday when I knew they would run out of pumpkin pie again as they did last year. But don't you fret, the frown got turned upside down immediately when I saw a man rocking out to the Queen cover band donning an authentic Titanic jacket (see picture).

It is now November and while the same little worries always creep into my mind (money, finishing my homework on time and getting good grades, wondering how I am going to get my laundry list of things done, maintaining relationships with friends, opening my heart to potential new suitors), I have found that by acknowledging these worries, I have grown to not let the weight of my worries consume me and weigh me down. It is what it is, right? All of my past suffering has come from believing my own negative thoughts. We have somewhere around 60,000 thoughts a day and it has been said that 80% of those thoughts are negative. Imagine if you believed all of those negative thoughts? Well, I did once and it's not pretty...

I once thought happiness would come from a great job, a new location, a boyfriend or lot's of money and although that can enhance your happiness, it is not the foundation. Taking ownership of my happiness, looking for lessons and gifts and making peace with myself is something I have to do every day. Life is not all roses but it is surely a hell of a lot better when I am focusing on gratitude and releasing resentment and anger towards others by practicing forgiveness. It can be difficult to look inwards and acknowledge your weaknesses. Above that, it is difficult to let go of your weaknesses and love them because they are yours. I would like to share some of my weaknesses.

1. I like carbs and it shows. Sue me. I'm working on it alright?
2. I have weak ankles. No, seriously... for anyone that knows me at all, knows I fall on a regular basis. I also bruise easily so there is no way for me to hide it.
3. I like to spend money. I used to believe that happiness would be restored with a little retail therapy - now I know that paying it off brings the real happiness.
4. I am stubborn. I would rather try to make a point for the rest of my life than admit I am wrong.
5. I have a little too much trust in people. I generally trust everyone until they prove me wrong but lately, I have put in a lot of time with people who have come to be known as liars which has resulted in me feeling helpless and weak from a trait that should be a strength.

My list goes on and on but the point is - change your thoughts, change your mind. Thoughts affect us (especially the ones we don't know we are thinking). Sometimes you just have to trust life's unfolding and accept that life is going exactly the way it should. Open up and let the newcomers in. Question your thoughts because often times they don't make sense. For example (in reference to relationships), "Why do people want to be in a relationship with someone who is unavailable?" Well duh! The lie to oneself would be that they like the challenge, but the truth is that it's actually the self loathing from negative thoughts consuming you saying that second best is almost as good as first; you're not worth it so take what you can. Hey - we all saw the movie... He's just not that into you. You're the rule, not the exception. We all deserve to be the leading ladies/men in our own lives. Yes, that was another movie reference...

It is now time for me to lay my weary head but here is a little lullaby for you from Hocus Pocus. Yes, you can click to hear it...

Come Little Children

I'll Take Thee Away, Into A Land

Of Enchantment

Come Little Children

The Time's Come To Play

Here In My Garden

Of Magic

Kay Wop

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 03:59:00 +0000

Recently a dear friend of mine that I met in New York City nearly 10 years ago tagged me in one of her photos. When I saw the picture I got so excited that I peed a little because I recognized that face staring back and me and I hadn't seen her in years... I actually had that very same picture myself once but I lost it. The lady in the picture was none other than Kay Wop.

Kay Wop was one of my brilliant creations in Mary Ann Konk's comedy class at the school I went to. Let's face it... Voice and speech class is great, Meisner is exciting, Movement was relaxing, and scene study was a real treat but Comedy... There is nothing more exhilarating. Our assignment was to basically people watch around the city or character study if you will, and begin to develop a character of your own. We worked on these characters for over a month and each class came back with new information - what they looked like, what they dressed like, how they talked, what their name was and where they were from. Their stories developed over weeks until you were living and breathing that character and getting to know that character more and more was all you could think about. When I would take a sip of water I would ask myself, how would Kay do it? If I was putting on shoes... how would Kay do it? If I was going to the bathroom, what would Kay be thinking about if she were going to the bathroom? So. Much. Fun.

Kay really got some exposure to the real world when I spent time with her. She rode the subway, she went grocery shopping, she even got gas! She spent some time interacting with people which was the best part. A lot of the time, these developed characters for class don't often get a lot of interaction with people outside of the class. Kay was fearless. She was also stupid. She was an older woman who clung onto her childhood before the death of her dad at age 7, so she never fully developed into an educated adult. She was kind, she was sad, she put a lot of thought into her sentences, had a hard time seeing and she was definitely hard of hearing... HEH?

Kay had a certain swagger about her. A bend in the knees and a thrusted hip forward. She had bright messily painted lips and lipstick on her teeth. Her pink terrycloth robe with the chiffon yellow bow around the waist was her most treasured outfit. She rarely wore anything else. Her favorite piece of her wardrobe was a pair of her dad's booties that her brother, Doody gave her when she was fully grown. They were puffy and had a windbreaker type material over the outside.

Creativity is such an important part of staying healthy. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in work, or school, or some guy that I forget the importance of taking time to let my imagination run away with me and create music, or write, or perform, or play a game, or draw. You get my drift. The experience is different for everybody. I thought about Kay today because she came into my life in 2001 and that was the year I graduated from The School for Film and Television (it's called something else now). September 11, 2001 was the day that my graduating class was showing their final reel performances to agents, managers and casting directors throughout the city at an event put on by the school. We had been waiting for this day in anticipation and hope for a successful future. How very insignificant that became when we woke up that morning.

Today I let my mind run away with me. It was a day of remembrance. I remember the events of that day so clearly that it will be engraved in my mind until the day I die. The feeling of that day will stay with me each year. My thoughts are with those who lost someone that day and to the courageous men and women who have been fighting for our country. God bless.

Kay... I love you. We shall meet again.

A Wedding Toast...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:43:00 +0000

This past weekend my sister got hitched and it was really a beautiful wedding. Mount Bethel, PA really exceeded my expectations although I do want to slap mother nature in the face for making the last two evenings as cold as they were. My sweatshirt wasn't really a good look for my bridesmaid gown. The four days I spent on the east coast were exhausting as we were finishing touched on the seating chart, favors, cake, and finding a hairdresser last minute, yikes!!! But everything turned out as perfect as could be up until 3 a.m. the morning of the wedding when I realized that even though I had thought about making my speech since the day I was asked to be Maid of Honor, I still hadn't actually written it! So... I thought that I would share the masterpiece that was created. The lyrics at the end of the song is what I sang to the bride and groom after my speech.... way after.... after the awkward 60 seconds of silence that they were looking for my song and realized they didn't have it. This was the moment when I told the crowd awkwardly, "I actually prepared the song 'The Sound of Silence' for you this evening". I got a few laughs at that cheese plate of a joke but really I couldn't believe I pulled that one out of my ass! Enjoy!

Hello everyone… Before I get started on my hot mess of a speech, I would like to start by thanking you all for being a part of Kelley and Doug’s special day. Some of you have traveled far to be here and I know it means the world to our happy couple here. I would also like to thank the bridal party, Katie Frye, Erica Charneski and Nicole Gruenthal for their hard work and stellar performance over the last few days bringing this wedding together. You all did an amazing job and I know that the Bride & Groom truly appreciate all your support.

For those of you who don't know me my name is Jackie, Kelley's sister. For those of you who do know me, know that I could really use a martini right about now. When I look at the bride and groom, I feel a whirlwind of emotions. I feel honored to be here to celebrate their love for one another. I feel proud to call them family. I feel nauseous because they are staring at me. I feel like an absolute cheeseball because I am so excited for them that I could skip around all day and paint rainbows. I feel hopeful that one day I will look a fraction as beautiful as my sister does on my wedding day, and I feel comforted that my sister has found the perfect person to spend the rest of her life with. I also feel like my dress might rip if I sit down again but I’ll spare you the details…

I never knew Doug before he dated my sister but he told me a story once that made me realize that he was the real deal. On one of their first dates in the dead of winter in NYC, he forgot where he parked his car. They walked around in the freezing cold for a half hour trying to find it. They then drove around in a cab for a half hour trying to find it. Then he dropped Kelley off in a warm store to wait while he successfully continued to look for it for another half hour. When he explained that this was something somewhat normal for him, I knew it was a match made in heaven. For anyone that knows Kelley – knows that she too is a forgetful Franny, but it is also something that makes her so unique and wonderful. Doug, Welcome to the family (you are a brave man). You have made my sister so happy so I ask you from the bottom of my heart- to please take care of her and be patient with one another. I am going to tell you something really important now so make sure you remember this one very important detail… If you have to be somewhere on time, tell her the actual time you have to be there is at least a half hour before the real time. It doesn’t matter how much you prepare for something in advance, you Will be late.

Kelley, There are so many things I want to say and I know that I won’t say it right. You are a beautiful person and you have taught me to open my eyes to the world and see all the opportunities ahead. You have supported me through good times and bad. I know that sometimes I am difficult and we don’t always see eye to eye but at the end of the day, all we need to do is love one another. That is exactly the message that Pastor was speaking about in your ceremony. And I do. I love you so much, wish you nothing but happiness and am so proud of you. Take each day and cherish your time together. Love one another and stand together. Take time to talk to one another. Put your love and your family first; your job and your hobbies second. My greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years, your love for each other will deepen and grow. Years from now, may you look back on this day, your wedding day, as the day you loved each other the least.

Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete. You are family. You are home. I love you and congratulations!

"Feels Like Home"

Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life

If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light

Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

Feet...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:24:00 +0000

I am truly surprised that it has taken me this long to blog about feet. If you know me even a little bit, you know that I just don't do feet. I don't want to look at them, I don't want to think about them and I definitely don't want them near me... especially my face. Sure, feet help us to maintain balance, support us and help us to move which is all great and wonderful but they are also, disgusting...

Here is what I think of when it comes to feet:

Men - hairy toes, long toenails, dirt under the nail, smelly, sweaty, callused. Most men shove their feet in a sock all day and then put that socked foot in a shoe where the temperature only gets warmer and the germs and bacteria marinate in sweat all day. For those men who wear shoes without socks, well, you're nasty. Even though technically you are still shoving your foot in an enclosed space all day, now your foot nastiness gets all over your shoes too, your foot slides around and then your shoes permanently stink. If you wear sandals, well your foot is just exposed to all of the nastiness in the world all day. The worst part about flip flops for men and women is that after awhile there is an imprint of your foot on the actual sandal that you can never get off. It makes me sick...

Women - We have covered the flip flop portion however I see this all the time when geting pedicures - not only are the flip flops dirty but the bottom edges of the feet are black! I picture corns on toes from wearing sexy heels your entire life that are too tight in the toes, callused feet from uncomfortable or too tall heels, bunyons (ewww), yellow nails from wearing dark polish for too long, and OH MY GOD.... DID YOU HEAR ME MENTION CORNS??? Sure, a man or woman can get these things but again, this is what goes through MY mind.

Now, there is also the issue of athlete's foot, smelly shoes, smelly feet, or just plain ugly feet. I have seen feet that I would consider "nicer" than the rest but I would never categorize anyone's feet as "pretty". You might ask me if I have ever played "footsies" or touched toes when cuddling up and the answer is yes - but always on accident. There is a slight panic that runs through my body when I feel my foot brush someone else's even when there is a shoe on it. If I happen to be snuggling up to that someone special, well, let's just say I am all for crossing calves or wrapping a leg to let our feet phalanges roam free. There is just no need for intertwining toes. If my feet are cold, sit on them. Please don't cover mine with yours.

I'm gonna go throw up now...

Expectations and Disappointment

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:55:00 +0000

Song of the Day

I have always been a girl lady woman of many thoughts and lately, I have been thinking a lot about the feeling of disappointment. I always hear people say, "I am so disappointed. I guess I am just going to start having no expectations so I cant be disappointed anymore". Well, let's get serious for a moment shall we? It is common to have a set of standards that you hold the people in your life accountable for. Those standards vary from person to person depending on what they hold near and dear to their hearts. It could be traits such as being a good listener, dependable, honesty or having a sense of humor; it could be religious views, political views or ethical standards; or it could be manner, morals, values and knowing right from wrong. The bottom line is that there are thousands of different ways that someone can disappoint you. It could be someone close to you that you thought shared your same set of standards, someone you wish was close to you that you really really hope shares the same set of standards, or it could be a complete stranger that you don't really give a damn about their standards yet you still let them affect you when they don't do what you had hoped for. Disappointment reminds you of what you do and don't want out of life, it provokes thought and feeling and without thought and feeling, you are not truly living.

Have you ever taken the time to think about why disappointment hurts so much more than anger? When you ask someone if they are mad at you and they respond with, "I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed", it pierces through your heart and hurts so much more than if they just said they were mad. To be disappointed in someone means that you think less of them as a person based on their actions in that moment. To disappoint someone or to be disappointed is a moment of self discovery. Discovery in what you want out of people, and discovery of perhaps how needy someone else is. It's all in how you look at it. People disappoint me all of the time and I either choose to accept them as they are and love them anyway, or make the decision that we are too different and remove myself from that person's life. Is having expectations the same as having hope? If you "hope" something for someone or "hope" something for yourself, and it doesn't happen, disappointment is inevitable. Isn't hope what makes the world go round? The power of positive thinking?

I often ponder when someone asks me if they are being unrealistic in their expectations. I always have an answer but it is based on my set of standards so it is almost pointless for anyone to ask. But - I answer anyway because feedback makes you think and often leads you to a path of self discovery for yourself. Isn't effective communication incredible? It can be so productive, empowering and freeing.

There is a certain amount of self loathing that comes along with being disappointed. Sometimes we choose to keep going back for more and more disappointment from the same people in hope that they will change but all that is, is you letting yourself down; not believing that there is something more positive for you elsewhere. You can always have faith in people but you can't change them. You just have to make a decision to either keep them in your life and love them and be supportive in "hope" that they will one day see the light, or you have to make the decision that you are unable to accept them if they don't change and move on... even if that means a bit of soul searching and heartache that you need to work through.

People will disappoint you, you will disappoint others, and you will disappoint yourself. It's just a healthy reminder of who you are and if that is the person you want to be.

Jagermeister

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:50:00 +0000

This blog is for my friend Carrie who asked me today, "Where the hell has your blog been? I added it to my google homepage and every morning all I see is your sister's face because that's the last blog you posted! I love your sister but come on, it's time..."

So, in efforts to inspire me to get back to writing this here sensational blog, she gave me the topic of Jagermeister to write about. Well, where do I start? One would think that this Wuth would love the Jagermeister being that it is 70 proof, German in origin, and the inventor's name was Curt (same as my dad) - but alas, this liqueur made with herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits tastes like thick spicy cough syrup that immediately makes me stupid. Sure, I remember the time in my life where getting wasted was the point of going out, not the result of having a good time. My friends would call me and say, "Jackie! What are you doing this Friday? You wanna get drunk?" We would get drunk and then, because that was the only way to have fun, we would go see a band or go to a party or whatever... Those were the days when I would start with a beer, then have a shot, then have a mixed drink and then end the night at The Dive Bar in Worcester, MA doing Jagerbombs. I honestly don't know why they exist. I never realized it then, but Jagerbombs are basically like drinking vomit. It is repulsive, you make a hideous face while drinking it (real sexy), and then you sort of drift off into a state of confusion where you don't know if it made you feel better or worse. The warmth creeps into your tummy and makes you feel comforted and wanting more (Jager is a natural digestive), but drink too much and that warmth in your tummy has you running for the toilet bowl for the rest of the night.

Ahhhh to be a kid again... :) I will be turning the dirty thirty later this year and now that I have grown out of my childish ways of drinking anything I could get my hands on just to have a good time, I am now more mature and have realized the key to having fun in any situation. The answer is... VODKA. It's lower in calories, tastes good by itself, and takes just a few glasses to get that spring in your step which in turn, equates to more money in your pocket. It's a win/win!

In all seriousness, Jagermeister was initially marketed as being a medicinal product that could help with digestive problems and coughing. It was also used as an anesthetic in World War 2. I encourage you all to take a shot when you are sick with a cold; I do it from time to time when I just can't resist the urge to party while sick as a dog. It works like a charm. As a social drink? All your asking for is a slimy throat, bad breath, and some uncertain trips to the bathroom. Keep it clean - choose vodka.

To close out on this here topic I will leave you with the meaning of Jagermeister. Jager means "hunter", and meister means "master". Hunt Master. With a moose, or an elk, or whatever it is on the bottle, all signs point to stupid with this here liqueur. All I can think of is Pauly Shore in "Encino Man" saying all of those "meister" words that didn't make any sense. May you all be a "Meister" of some kind but please, for the love of Pete - don't be a Jagermeister.

Until next time,
Viel Spass Meister

Going to the Chapel and I'm...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:26:00 +0000

Gonna Be a Bridesmaid!!

I woke up on Monday morning at 6 a.m. to my telephone ringing. As I groggily opened my eyes to my obnoxious "It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time" ringtone, I was actually pissed for a moment that a) the phone was ringing that early to begin with, and b) that I missed it! Without looking to see who it was, I laid back and shut my tired little eyes for just a bit longer of a snooze and then "do do do!" My phone indicates that I have a text message.

I look down at my phone and a message from my sister reads, "Call me ASAP!" Well, you can imagine my concern as I scrambled to hum a few bars of song to get my speaking voice ready and dialed her back. In classic Kelley fashion, she doesn't answer... The phone goes right to voicemail leaving me anxious and well... irritated. I laid back down to drift off into Ray Allen dreamland and actually thought that I was at the Garden watching a game when I heard "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" blast through my phone a second time. I bolted up and answered as quickly as I could asking, "Kelley, whats wrong? What's going on?!" I heard the most excited, upbeat, happiest voice you could imagine scream, "I'm engaged!!!!!!!"

The first thing that raced through my mind was what the hell? I thought Doug (her boyfriend, now fiance) was at my parents house in Massachusetts right now and Kelley was in New York... Did he propose over the phone? The thought had crossed my mind that in Doug's clever "I will be in Boston on business, do you want to have dinner" plan with my parents was actually a smooth way of saying, "are you okay with me making a special trip to Massachusetts to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage", but nonetheless, I was still shocked! As I tried to choke out an exuberant "Congratulations!!!", I ended up sounding more like Kermit the Frog with laryngitis. My sister asked if I was crying and as I started to say, "no Kell, I just woke up", I felt a stream of water come down my cheek.

It's amazing how much joy you can feel in sharing a special moment in someone's life. I felt so much joy at my brother's wedding last May that I could not stop laughing through the entire ceremony. I feel so much joy looking at pictures of my friends children that I can't wipe the ridiculous smile off of my face and I cry just because I am so happy that they are so happy. DO NOT mistake that last sentence for me developing the "mother's instinct". Let it go people. I am perfectly happy knowing I do not have to wipe somebody else's butt or clean up puke that smells like sour milk and blue cheese.

So, in short, this blog will be an Ode to My Family. No, I am sorry you 'Cranberries' lovers, I am not talking about the song. I am talking about the two people who brought us three Wuth kids into this world. My mom who had the privilege to pop out a yellow baby, a red baby, and an ass-first, blue smurf baby (that would be me). My dad who fixed everything we broke and taught us to be self sufficient. My brother, who after many years of his world being upside down, has found it is finally right side up with a beautiful wife and home. My sister, who after years of being very patient and true to herself, has found the man of her dreams. I love them all so much my heart could pop out of my chest. We are not perfect, we are very flawed which gives me more to love.

I just realized that after all of the years I have been whining about not having found my future husband yet, I failed to realize that by being unmarried, I am carrying on the Wuth name! I am the last unwed female in the family to carry the name Wuth! Who would want to get rid of that?!

To Kelley and Doug - Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! I love you! No, I haven't met Doug yet but you know what? I love him anyway! Doug lives in Newburgh, NY. Kelley's name is going to be Kelley Ann Newman from Newburgh.... does anyone else think that's hilarious?! Maybe it's just me and the stupid New York accent I say it with... Hilarious and wonderful. xoxoxoxox

Click here for my favorite of the day!

Dear Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:43:00 +0000

Today I received an e-mail from my sister that made me think of all of the people in my life, how different they are, and how they all contribute in making me who I am today. Friends surprise you. It's amazing how you can have close friends who all really "know" you, but the experience of being "you" can be so different with each of them. These are the people in your life who you can go weeks without talking to and you don't have to feel guilty - you know that when you pick up the phone or get together, you will be right where you left off. These are the people who even when the road gets rocky, or you may not see eye to eye, are the ones who stand by your friendship first and then work through the rest. Each person has that little something extra; that quirk, or imperfection that makes them special. I realize at this point in my writing I am starting to sound like a parent having "a talk" with their child who is going through puberty and doesn't understand why they can't look like someone else.

Isn't that funny? I mean honestly, when I went through puberty I wanted to look like anything but me. I could have looked at a pile of crap on the lawn and said, "it's just not fair! Why can't IIIIIII look like that pile of dump on the lawn? At least everyone notices that!" But to get back to my point, I have started to think a lot about what some of the close people in my life are to me and why they are in my life. I have found that I can associate a word or phrase that describes what they add to my life.

Insight
Humor
Comfort
My Mirror
Truth
My Escape from Reality
My Blood
Reality
Competitiveness
Empathy
Thought
Challenges

And the list goes on and on. Sometimes what someone adds to your life isn't always good BUT - they were in your life to teach you a lesson or discover a part of you that you hadn't quite come to know. I have often been asked, "Jackie, why do you go out of your way to stay in touch with so many people?" The answer is, "because they all add something to my life and I love them, ok? So shut it!" Relationships and experiences have always been far more important to me than "things". That's worth working for.

Here is what my sister sent to me."An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full..

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do ha lf of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'

The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?' 'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.' For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. SO, to all of my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!"

Click here for my favorite of the day!

Strawberry Fields Forever

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:17:00 +0000

Ahhhhhhh.... there is nothing more like music to my ears than a good festival! What's not to love? Fresh air, great smells, fantastic food, live music, a "flea market" like feel for vendors, and some of the best people watching I have ever experienced. More to come on that, later.

Today I went to the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, CA. I consider myself to be extremely lucky because in the short time that I have lived in California, I have already formed my core group of "festival going" friends that enjoy them equally as much as I do. I have been to a lot of festivals in my time and although this one didn't beat out the Pumpkin Fest last fall, it was still quite enjoyable. Let me backtrack and explain why the Pumpkin Fest was so wonderful for me. Fall is my favorite time of year and what I miss most about the east coast. Born in Worcester, MA and a die hard Boston sports fan, the thrill of apple picking, pumpkin picking, drinking cider, driving around to look at the foliage with my parents, carving pumpkins, and baking apple and pumpkin everything, was something that I looked forward to all year. You can imagine my excitement my first fall in California when I heard there was a Pumpkin Fest to attend! This particular festival was in Calabasas, CA, no charge to get in, pumpkins of every shape, size and color, pumpkin beer, pumpkin pie, and all sorts of spicy surprises! The weather was gorgeous and we sat outside and sipped beer all afternoon while listening to the best Journey cover band I have ever witnessed. It was as if the East Coast Autumn Gods were whispering in my ear... "Don't Stop... Believin..." that my pumpkin dreams could still come true regardless of the fact that the crisp cool air was not here and the fresh apple cider was non existent. It was at this festival that I adopted my ginormous, lopsided, pregnant pumpkin son that I named Arnie. He oddly reminded me of Leonardo DiCaprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", and I couldn't resist. Here is Arnie's picture....
Now, the Strawberry Festival was still a huge hit in my book and I highly recommend it to future festival goers. Today happened to be an overcast day and we all dressed for summer... go figure. While rubbing away the goosebumps all day, we ate some great street meat - you know... chicken, hot dogs, etc. Festival food smells makes your tastebuds go crazy, makes your eyes grow extra large as well as your stomach. Festivals always have any kind of food you could possibly want which is why it is always so hard to choose. There were some things that I wouldn't dare put my tastebuds or stomach through like Strawberry Pizza and Strawberry Nachos, but there was some pretty outstanding Strawberry Margarita's, Strawberry Beer, and Strawberry Shortcake. For five dollars, you could build your own Strawberry Shortcake bowl with as much cake, strawberries and whipped cream as you could load in. I saw little piggies everywhere with whipped cream up to their armpits just trying to get their money's worth! My friend Rachel entered the pie eating contest and nearly came in dead last which was amazing to watch and we also checked out a Bruce Springsteen cover band that had a pajama wearing Morgan Freeman with dreads on the sax, a little nugget playing the bass, and the most ridiculous Bruce wanna be leading the band in song with tight tight tight black jeans that looked like they would rip every time he did an air kick, a mini fro, and some of the sweetest moves I have seen since the last time I went drunk karaoke-ing. Across the way, there was another stage with a hair band covering all of the classics. This particular festival was so unbelievably packed that they sold out of chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry beer by 4:00. Although this was only a two day festival, there was no way they were expecting this many people to show up. Some folks who went last year were commenting on how shocked they were to see such crowds at this event.

Before I depart on the topic of the Strawberry Fest, or any Fest for that matter, I need to address the topic of people watching for a moment. People watching is just fun. There are no if's, and's, or but's about it. The Strawberry Fest was filled with mom's pushing strollers in 5 inch hells and what I would assume to be, three push up bra's at once. I call them, the Real Housewives of Strawberry Pickin Oxnard....

On our way out of the festival empty handed and nothing to remember our journey by, I saw a vendor by the name of, "Once Upon A Toe". For those that know me even the slightest, knows that I hate feet. But I was so mesmerized by the name, I wandered over to see what this disgusting place was. It was a place that sold and made toe rings specially fitted for your toes! I have never been a toe ring wearer but I found a ring that happened to tickle my fancy so I decided to let this poor lady brush the hay off of my flip flopped feet, lubricate one of my toes, and jam a ring onto it. I'm not sure how I feel about it but for now I will say that it is a delight. After running our freezing buns to the car and stopping on the side of the road to buy 12 baskets of strawberries, I drove us home to L.A. with my sleeping friends in the back and front seat with strawberry juice dripping down their chins....

Favorite of the day, click here

Forgive Me Father For I Have Sinned...

noreply@blogger.com (Jacks) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Forgive me father for I have sinned, it's been 8 days since my last blog....

Ahhhh... the joy of being sick. For the past five days I have gone to work every day with a fever of 101, a sore throat, and a terrible cough. Granted, I didn't work full 8 hour days but I went in, kicked ass, and then came home and snuggled up on the couch wearing knee socks, sweatpants, sweatshirt, bathrobe, my Celtics knit hat and then covered myself with two blankets and a heating blanket. I know, sexy right? This has been the routine and given that I literally did not move from the couch unless it was to go to the bathroom, I have had plenty of time to think about some of the suggestions people have had for me to make a quick recovery.

Go to the doctor - what a novel idea! Here's the deal kids. I grew up in a house with a mom who is a RN in the ER. Any illness, backache, complaint of pain was answered with "Oh you are fine! It'll go away just give it some time! You feel awful? Try working 11pm-7am on a Saturday night in Worcester... I'll show you how awful feels." Going to the doctor for my family was something you would only do in the event of a broken bone or some other catastrophic event that may involve stitches of some kind. Hell, I complained about pain in my shoulder for almost two years and never went to the doctor because "It's gymnastics... that's whats causing the pain. You shouldn't be doing that to your body". Well, I eventually went anyway 2 years later and had a fracture of my T12 but guess what? There's nothing the doctor can do for that! His answer was that it would heal on it's own but I had to lay off the sports for awhile. That's when I packed on some pounds and focused on my new passion... THE THEATRE! I stray.... The bottom line is, the doctor cannot prescribe anything that will help to cure the common cold however, they can prescribe something that will help if you have the flu. How do you know if you have a cold or the flu? You got me! I guess you have to go to the doctor to find out... In the meantime, I will be on my couch because what doctor can actually take you within a day of you calling? Practically none. At least that was my experience in Massachusetts. I would have to wait 14 months to get an appointment! Yikes...

Take Lot's of Vitamin C - I take Vitamin C every day! I drink it, take a pill of it, eat fruit... isn't that supposed to help prevent me from getting sick. Grrrr... It will not cure me.

Take over 2000 IU's of Vitamin D3 - This one came from a friend of mine who said, "Trust me Jacks... Get Vitamin D3 and take more than what it says to per day. This is the one ingredient that will blast out any sign of a cold or flu in your system and pharmacies don't want you to know that. I've done the research.. trust me, it's on youtube". Now, I haven't tried this so I cannot tell you whether there is any truth or validity to this but let me ask you, if you heard this advice, would you run out and try it?

Instead of doing all of the above, I trusted good ol' Google and researched what a variety of professionals had to say. The one that sounded the best and the least amount of work was, Get a lot of rest, and drink plenty of fluids". One article in particular was from a good looking man said to drink sports drinks in particular "because they have electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and chloride which help your body absorb the fluids. The sugars also help give your body energy it might be losing from a lack of food intake". Click here for the full story. So yesterday I went to the store, grabbed two HUGE bottles of Gatorade and some Pinkberry of course, and headed home to see what kind of magic this Gatorade could make happen.

Two bottles later and a very restless night, I woke up for the first time in five days without a fever! I also found that throughout the night, my cough had changed. Instead of being dry and painful, my chest had loosened up and I was now productively coughing - you know, could finally feel things moving around in my lungs... Again, super sexy i know...

So, long story short, I am taking this final day of rest to kick this nasty part of this cough and then I am hoping to be back in action! My pebbles hairstyle, red snowflake pajama pants in May, table top filled with different medicines, cups and cups of different fluids are all on their way out! I am going to wash every blanket, sheet, article of clothing I have worn/touched and disinfect this apartment so I can feel renewed and fresh for the glorious month of May! Oh, and of course to also allow my roommate to have one peaceful nights sleep.... I am SO sorrry Leanne. Poor gal, she started a new job this week and she has been waking up every time I have a coughing fit. Which is A LOT....

Boy have I missed this key board...

Click here for my favorite of the day