Jennee Thompson

Currently - March 2012

2012-03-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

Current status: single

Current Facebook status: "Love isn't our duty, it's our destiny." - Anonymous

Current book: I only have a few pages left of 51/50...The "memoir" about a girl that decides to go on 51 days in 50 weeks. It's kinda good and kinda depressing at the same time.

Current song: I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz

Current color: green. I'm ready for spring!

Current drink: Chocolate martini's...so delicious!

Current food: graham crackers. Seriously. I can't get enough of them.

Current celebrity crush: Dan Stevens....best known as Matthew Crawley

Current favorite tv show: Downton Abbey...why do I always like shows and start watching it just was they wrap up the season? I might be obsessed with Mr. Bates and his story line. And I love Matthew.

Current wish list: a functioning bathroom and kitchen

Current need: to unpack everything

Current triumph: going 17 days in February without spending money

Current bane to my existence: doing my taxes

Current Shame-inducing Guilty Pleasure: brownies. I think I might have a problem.

Current blessing: Forgiveness

Current indulgence: brownies. I think I might have a problem.

Current outfit: jeans, dress shirt and sweater. That's right, I'm not wearing my pj's as I blog..how strange!

Current excitement: sleeping in!

Current favorite photo that I took:

I'm so vain...but, I like it, I look so pretty!

Current Quote: "Love is not our duty, it's our destiny." - Anonymous

What are you currently up to?

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February Wrap Up

2012-02-29T05:38:00.001-05:00

February has been a lot more eventful than January was....

Number of dates: 0

Number of second dates: 0

Number of movies watched at the theater: 1

(Act of Valor)

Number of pounds lost: 0

Number of pounds gained back: 8

Number of concerts: 0

Number of books read: 0

Number of weddings: 0

Number of Engagements: 1

(Congrats Annie!)

Number of bloody noses: 0

Number of babies born to friends: 4

(Baby boy Konner James, Baby girl Alison Nicole, Baby girl, Isabella Eden, Baby girl, Ella Kate)

Number of new jobs: 2

Number of Valentine's: 1 1/2

(weird Valentine's Day this year...had a date that fell through)

Number of writing gigs: 1

Number of bridal party invites: 1

Number of break ups: 1

Number of drinks bought for me: 5

Number of different men buying me drinks: 3

Number of moves: 1

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Project 52: Week of February 27

2012-02-27T06:33:00.002-05:00

I think my life is almost back on track which means that I need to get back on track with my goals for 2012.

February is coming to a close and one of my goals for Project 52 was to not spend any money in the month of February.

I was doing so well until we moved...and experienced life without a refrigerator.

I the last ten days I'm pretty sure I've eaten out every day and honesty, I would be thrilled to never eat out again. I'm ready for some good home cooking and a little bit of a healthier eating plan. However, for those first 1 days7, I couldn't believe how much better my checkbook balance looked when I got my first bill for the month. I don't know if it is because I'm making a little more money at my new job now or if not spending really did help me save that much money, but needless to say, I'm hoping that once we finally get situated in the house, get the kitchen set up and so on, I'll go from the 17th to the end of the month without spending any money in March.

We'll see if life goes as planned but I do intend to finish a month without spending any money. Ideally, it would have been in a row but luckily Project 52 isn't that strict. We bend a little because after all, the plan is to cross it off the list, no matter how it gets done.

How are you coming with your goals? Have you crossed anything off lately? Is there anything on your list that needs a little room to bend? If you've written an update on your Project 52, please link up. (And if you wrote one last week...sorry about that, Karen was out of town and with the move, I had no internet access....or the time to blog....) Karen and I love reading about everything you've accomplished. It inspires us to keep on doing Project 52 and we hope that Project 52 inspires you.

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Curses, Cursed and Cursing

2012-02-26T15:50:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was feeling very nervous about my recent streak of good luck because I often have more bad luck that any luck at all. Well, my good luck ran out and when it rained, it poured with all sorts of unpleasantries.

Some turned out to be a little more humorous than others. Some just left me and my family completely and utterly spent.

I've almost recovered physically but I think I will forever have some more emotional scars marked upon my heart.

I've been living with my parents for almost 3 years now and the entire time, I've spent it living in my aunt's house. The story was that we would occupy the house until she sold it or until my parents found an affordable home and move out. Luckily, my parents found their dream estate out in the country. After a long process, they finally got the keys to the house and spent many hours painting, cleaning and preparing the house to become a home.

This meant that my aunt would now be preparing to sell the house that we had turned into our home for the past few years. There was a week where I spent my day off scrubbing the basement and I started to paint it but somehow a whirlwind of events had taken place and I hadn't been home long enough to finish the job.

I barely even had time to pack my room. The plan was to have an easy move, to sort through our stuff and donate what needed to be donated before we moved it all over to the new house. Grand idea, right? Well, it didn't happen that way. The moving date was SUPPOSED to be the first weekend of March.

This is page one (of three) of things that
needed to be done before the showing

On the second day of my new job, I headed home for a quick salad. The house was in the process of being cleaned because there was going to be a showing in three days, however my aunt and cousin had gone a little crazy about the possibility of selling the house. The whole crew was at the house when I stepped inside for lunch. (When I say crew, I mean crew.... at least 6 people where there working.)

My lunch was the last thing on my mind as I went to take a bite, my aunt walked into the kitchen and unleashed as many unkind words as she could possibly possess. She called me a moocher, lazy slob and anything else that she could call me because my bathroom wasn't clean and my closets weren't emptied. I tried to tell her that I would have the bathroom spotless before the showing yet she refused to let me speak. When I finally did try to tell her that I would get to it when I wasn't home from my lunch break but done working for the day, she told me that I had the worst attitude that she'd ever seen and that my father would hear about it.

I definitely made a face at this. I was agreeing that my bathroom was dirty and that I would clean it, how is that a rotten attitude? She left me in the kitchen with a loss of appetite and feelings of worthlessness. I called my parents and told them of my rotten attitude and that the "general" as we started calling my aunt was really stressed out and to be prepared when they got to the house.

As soon as my parents walked in, what my aunt did and said made my interaction look like the better option. My family doesn't yell and scream when we are mad at each other, we argue but we rarely raise our voices. We discuss our problems. However, this day there was yelling, screaming and lots of crying. (Mostly by me and my mother.)

As my lunch break ended and I tried to compose myself enough to go back to a new job that gives me plenty of quiet thinking time, I heard the fate of our future.

"Get the hell out of my house."

By the time I got home from work, most of my room had been packed up by my parents. Almost everything had been moved. I got home and helped finish the packing. We grabbed garbage bags and just dumped our stuff inside, without organization, without wrapping the valuables, without any rhyme or reason and just a lot of anger, we simply were hurrying to get out of the house.

The bathroom isn't ready yet!

We managed to move almost the entire house (mostly unpacked) in 12 hours. We treated ourselves to a luxurious dinner at McDonalds before heading over to the new place where we set out our beds and crashed. However, the new place was still under construction. My dad had just completely gutted the bathroom which meant that there was no shower in the house. (It's a one and a half bath house.) Plus, the kitchen sink had also been gutted. This left us with the tiny half bath that has a sink about the size of a laptop.

We decided to get up at 6 a.m. and finish packing up what we had left behind the night before. We also needed showers. By 8 a.m., as I headed off to work, the house was completely empty of anything that looked like we had lived there, with the exception of the refrigerator.

So yes, we moved into a house with no shower, no kitchen sink, no refrigerator and a lot of quickly packed boxes. Honestly, there was no walking room.

My room after the move...

It's been almost two weeks since we made the sudden move and we are slowly becoming a functioning home now. I still go over to my brothers house just so I can shower and there is still a lot of hurt that comes from why we are already over at the new house. More work has been piled up and now we are trying to set up and organize a house that still has a lot of fixing up to do. Our life got pushed to the side because we inconvenienced my aunt by not having a house clean enough three days before a showing. And yes, that is the stupid ridiculous and honest truth about it, we got kicked out because the house wasn't spotless three days in advance.

It was just a little crushing to watch the relationship crumble over a stupid house. My favorite aunt, someone that I'd always respected and admired told me how she really felt about me, whether it was because of stress or what not. She hadn't sheltered us out of the goodness of her heart, as we had always assumed, she sheltered us because of the money....and clearly we hadn't paid her enough and so we got booted along with our relationship. I have come to forgive her and her actions but that doesn't mean I'm ready to forget it. I'm content knowing that my aunt will someday regret all of this and it will take her a really long time to forgive herself. I know it sounds harsh but this isn't the first time that I've been kicked out of a house and I'm sure that it won't be my last (although I really hope it is), I've come to accept that some people will burn the bridges and I can't do anything about what they think about me.

The move has consumed my family. We're exhausted, sleep deprived, stressed and emotionally spent.

Which is why it only seemed natural that I got dumped the other night. Luckily, I find this to be hilarious because I didn't even know that I was dating anyone seeing that I haven't been on a date since December. He told me he didn't want to talk to me anymore because I always come up with the lamest excuses instead of hanging out. I guess he didn't believe me when I told him that I got a new job and my schedule changed, that I was in the process of moving after getting kicked out of the house and oh yes, here was the big one.... I needed more than a ten minute heads up because I wouldn't drop everything and hang out with him. I've just come to the conclusion that if he doesn't value my time now, then he'd never value my time...so why bother? Of course, I that wasn't what I told him. I told him he was an asshole and if he would have said "when are you free to hang out" verse his opening line of come over and let's make out, then maybe, just maybe, I would have fit him into my schedule. But instead, he acted like a 7th grader and in return, I rolled my eyes.

On top of the move and the break up, I decided to send a text to my once dear friend "Romeo" and he didn't respond. I guess some people are better to remain as a part of the past. Still, I miss my friend.

I bet you'd never believe that I had a little bit of sleep anxiety and insomnia. And I twisted my knee while moving some furniture. I smashed a few fingers, stubbed a few toes and am covered in bruises. We caught all three of our stray cats and brought them with us and they all ran away. I know that there is more to this story but honestly, I'm so exhausted and ready to move past this emotional roller coaster ride of two weeks that I have forgotten any other details. I really wanted to ease into my new change of life, my new job and the new house but instead everything got thrown together and my life became a blur.

I'm just glad I now have a room that for the most part looks like a room and I can find everything except my flash drive that contains all my writing.

No panic attacks with that one.

Haha (sobs)

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Someone That I Used To Know

2012-02-22T21:32:00.000-05:00

*I know I promised a different story but I'll tell that one soon enough but I felt like writing this story instead.*

There is so much about my new job that I love. It's stress free, drama free, laid back and my boss is just pleasant. I love working for mom and pop shops even thought these types of jobs never offer high pay or benefits. This place has a very home feeling and I'm fitting in just fine.

Yesterday, an older couple came in and although I didn't originally wait on them, I walked over and smiled politely. "You guys don't recognize me, do you?"

The woman looked at me and I could see my face triggered a distant memory. "I'm Jennee." This fact did nothing for either of them. I smiled faintly. My throat was drying up and I could barely speak the words. "Romeo's friend."*

*No, his name isn't Romeo but last year I wrote about how Romeo ended our friendship of 10 years.

Even as I said his name and said that we were friends, the pain of how everything ended snuck up on me. I thought I had moved past it but funny how small things trigger emotions.

I spent the next half hour talking to Romeo's parents. And then they asked me the dreaded question, "When's the last time you've seen him or talked to him?" That triggered everything.

The only words I could muster out were, "it's been a really long time," because it had and it has. A big part of me wants to send him a text and ask him how he is doing but every time I think about doing it, I remember him sending me a text telling me that we shouldn't be friends anymore. And, I've never sent him a text message since then. I always kind of felt that it was up to him to say or do anything to put or friendship back together, if that was ever going to happen. However, I realized while talking to his parents that I've really missed him and his friendship. At one point in time, he was my most dependable and loyal friend which is ironic that he completely disappeared from my life.

After his parents informed me of Romeo's life (leaving out his relationship status which is kind of the thing that I need to know because then I would know if I'm allowed to talk to him again or not...but clearly he hasn't missed me in his life...) it was time for me to take a lunch break.

Wouldn't you know, once I started my car, the radio turned on and the music caught my ears. And then the lyrics came and hearing this new song for the first time, I couldn't believe how perfect the words were to describe my relationship with Romeo and how he became someone that I used to know.

(Somebody I Used to Know by Gotye featuring Kimbra)

The chorus:
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger
and that feels so rough
You didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records
And then change your number
I guess I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

I can't decided if I want to rekindle a once friendship because I am still so hurt by the way we ended things. I thought about the what ifs, if onlys and whys. I was dwelling on our past but I couldn't help but wonder if we could be friends again, if I still wanted to be friends with someone that would destroy a solid friendship over a girl (that wasn't me), would he even respond if I sent him a text, what would happen if he did, what could happen next? I wrote him off a year ago when he told me we should stop being friends but does he still feel that way?

I guess there is only one way to find out unless I leave it alone and keep him as someone that I used to know...once upon a time.

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A Quick Memo

2012-02-18T15:13:00.000-05:00

I have a wee bit of news to share and it is a toss up if it is good or bad news.

There is a long complicated story that I'm not going to share because I don't wish to speak ill of anyone and post it on the internet....but I moved on Thursday night and it was a little unplanned and unprepared. I'm not going to have internet connection for a while so I won't be posting my Project 52 update on Monday. So, I'll be trying to settle in and get connected as soon as possible (because we all know that I can't live without the internet!)

And then, I will fill you in. Stay tuned.

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Valentine's Kiss Blog Hop

2012-02-14T06:37:00.001-05:00

* From my current WIP * (Yes, I'm well aware how much editing I need to do...)

Ezras walked around Irene’s apartment looking around the place she calls home. There were no pictures on the walls nor was there anything really that personal about her house. It looked more like a hotel room than a home. Ezras thought back on her file that he had studied before his sting operation that lead to Irene's arrest.

Father - unknown whereabouts, Mother - unreliable and had a record longer than Irene’s.

Ezras didn’t want to feel sorry for the escort that claimed she had everything she wanted in her life, but he couldn’t help but wonder if all the money she had, all the fake relationships and no strings attached sex, fulfilled her or only filled her with loneliness. Who did she turn to in time of trouble? Her pimp? Men that hired her? Definitely not the cops.

“Det. Devdan. I hope I didn't take to long.” Irene walked out of her bedroom in a simple outfit. Blue jeans and a white v-neck tshirt. Her black hair was now dried and pulled up into a pony tail.

“No, not at all. I need to get to the office and I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing here. I know I said I’d come over but it seems that you’re safe now.” Irene steps in closer towards Ezras. “and with the second victim reported, I’m sure if we turned on the news, the third victim would be reported.” Each step Irene takes fills the distance between the two of them. The words fumble even more from Ezras’s lips. “And since you aren’t getting involved with us as a CI then there isn’t much else that I can do to help -” Irene is inches from Ezras and he is cemented in her reign. “you.”

“You make me feel safe. I need to feel safe. I don’t have anyone else that I can call.” Irene places her small hand on his forearm. Her thumb rubs his dusky skin in a repetitive motion. “I need you Detective.” Her fingers inch up both sides of him until she wraps her arms around his neck. “Don’t leave me. I need you.”

Ezras stood motionless. If he hugs her, he’s crossed a line. If he touches her, it’s his word against hers and he crosses a line. If he doesn’t nothing, she feels rejected and he might lose her as a CI, and he really could use her as his confidential informant into the sex industry. His arms hang at his side as Irene keeps pulling his body closer to hers. “Irene, I, this, I.” Even his words can’t form a reasonable answer for this woman he clearly needs him. Irene looks up at him, her blue eyes are locked on his brown eyes. “This isn’t right.” He manages to get out.

“But it is right, it feels right and you know it. Everything about being in that hotel room together felt right, they way you held me.” Irene smiles and brushes his black hair behind his ears.

Ezras finds strength in his legs and pulls away from Irene’s tender touch. “Irene, please, don’t play with me like this. I’m your arresting officer and you’re trying your seductive skills on me.” Ezras hands are his acting defense in front of him. “I can’t be here, in your home, for any reason. I should go.”

As Ezras walks away, Irene grabs his arm and pulls him in close to her using all her strength. In a swift movement, her lips lock with his and she passionately kisses Ezras. The moment sweeps over every thought of avoiding the situation. Her lips on his, his responding to the motion of her innocent desire.

Ezras breaks away, his lips still tingle from the taste of her passion. “That was-” Ezras begins to tell her that her kiss was amazing but bites his lip to stop from exploding with joy from such an amazing kiss. He covers his lips with his hands as he regains his thoughts, “inappropriate.”

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Origins....Bloghop

2012-02-13T06:04:00.004-05:00

Please visit all the other participants sharing about their writing dream.
You can find that list on DL Hammons blog, Cruising Altitude
and thank you for putting this great blog hop together!

I was 9 years old when I told my parents "when I grow up, I want to be a starving artist."

This didn't sit to well with my dad. He immediately told me that I needed to come up with a better idea of what I wanted to do with my future. I remember sitting there, in the middle seat, between my brothers, in the back seat of the car as we drove home from my brother's birthday dinner. I believe my oldest brother said that he wanted to be a baseball player and I have no memory of what my other brother said he wanted to do.

At the age of nine, I hadn't fully decided that writing was in my future but I knew that I wanted to have a creative future as an adult. And luckily, it stuck with me....as did the title of a starving artist.

However, looking back at my childhood, it seems that writing has always been very much a part of who I am.

I plagiarized my first story by the age of 7. It started when I wanted to learn to draw and so I traced the pictures from my favorite book. Since the pictures didn't look the same without the story, I copied it word for word. This proved to be an excellent idea since we no longer had to borrow the book from the library since I made my own copy. I had completely forgotten about my criminal and youthful ways until I found the copy of this book a few years ago. I have to admit, it all looked pretty amazing coming from a 7 year old.

In 4th grade, we were allowed to write books and set them on the chalk board ledge for our classmates to "check out" and read. I wrote a story that became the class favorite. It was called "The most boring story you'll ever read about Ohio." (Even at such a young age, I wanted to get out of Ohio!)

I loved the feeling of having a book that all my classmates wanted to get their hands on, and I think that is when the real dream started to form in my little mind.

Writing was still an after thought for the most part. I wanted to go into fashion designing or theater.

But the idea kept creeping back and I found myself picking up my pen and writing my first "novel" (probably 20 pages) at the age of 14. I was so impressed with the story (a 14 year old met the man of her dreams and he proposed... they lived happily ever after through their high school drama - please don't judge me!) that I read it out loud to my mom.

She wasn't impressed. In fact, I never read her the final chapter because she told me that it was a bit unrealistic. (Yes mother, another scar you've given me! haha!) I gave up on novel writing a few years later when my mom found a story that my friend Mal and I started writing.... my mother did NOT like how the story started or where it was heading. (I get it, a mother doesn't want her 16 year old daughter writing about sex and affairs...) Still needing to use words to express my creative side, I turned to poetry which flowed easily. Then, once I got a guitar, I turned to song writing as a way to express myself.

Journaling became my obsession after I realized that my fingers only understood how to form certain chords. I had fun work stories to write about, boys and everything else that a 18 year old has to record. Still, I wanted to change the stories a little more, to make them seem a little more exciting than they had when it actually happened. I wanted to change the dialog of the words spoken to what I thought should have been said. Stories with exciting adventures would fill my head, dreams would be vivid and I wanted to live in a different reality. I wanted to write the stories that I loved thinking about all day. I wanted my fantasies to breathe their own life.

I had notebooks everywhere, filled with unfinished thoughts and story ideas. I wanted to write but I had no idea how to write anything other than some childish poetry or cheesy song lyrics. I gave up and stuck with the artsy stuff that I was good at... sewing.

And then, a funny thing happened in 2006....I discovered myspace and starting writing journal entries. People were reading what I was writing and commented on what I had to say. It was like that sensation from 4th grade came back and I craved more of it, I craved the approval of my writing from the human race, I craved attention from strangers from what I would write and I craved writing.

I didn't write regularly but I tasted what I wanted to do. Writing slowly opened my eyes to a dream that was always there.

In the last 4 years of writing regularly (thanks to blogging) my writing career has really taken off. Saying the words writing career still sounds funny to me but I've picked up some freelance writing on the side, I have amazing followers and readers on my blog, I've completed 4 first draft novels and I've been encouraged to follow my dream because, as it turns out, I'm not the only one that thinks this dream of mine should come true.

There is a part of me that has just realized the dream of writing but there is another part of me that has always been nudging me to find this path, as if it's always known that I would find my way here. The starving artist in me has always been crying for inspiration, I just never knew that it was going to be the writing bug that was going to get the best of me.

And I'm ok with that.

writing is sexy

*** This song is about never giving up on the dream with music, but I find it to be inspiring for any dream!.... Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart. ***

(Even if it breaks your heart - Eli Young Band)

* Dr. Seuss Style blog hop happening on March 2nd! Please join in!

Project 52: Week of February 13

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in the Origin's Bloghop today which is why I am a bit behind on posting my Project 52 update. And, I do have something to report.

I finally decided to tackle #27 and clean out my art closet.

I am lucky to have a closet for clothes, a closet for books and a closet for my art supplies. However, when the niece came to visit and we did art every single day, I got a little lazy and starting just shoving everything in the closet verse putting everything away.

I'm sure none of you are guilty of doing anything like that...ever.

Anyway, it was getting hard to open the closet door and even harder to close the closet door. In fact, it was so bad that I couldn't even close door and so it remained open for over two weeks. I rolled up my sleeves and dug in (getting distracted along the way and finishing a few unfinished projects...) and it went from a hot mess....to this.

And then my parents got the word that they got a house and we'd be moving in 30-45 days.

And then a few days later, my aunt, the owner of this house that I've been living in for almost three years, decides to send her son-in-law over to do some plumbing. Turns out that they needed to get to the piping and the access point was through my art closet. And so everything was pulled out of the art closet and placed in the middle of my room again.

I let it sit there for a few days and finally today I just decided to box it up until we move because honestly, why should I clean out and organize my art closet one more time? And yes, I'm still taking it off the list!

How are you doing with Project 52? Link up if you've recently posted about your goals for 2012.

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Going From a Last Day to a First Day

2012-02-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

My life as a cook is over.

That is, as a paid occupation. Unfortunately, I will have to continue to cook for probably the next 50 years of my life but I won't be cooking for anyone but family and friends, and that's no so bad.

It was a strange feeling walking into my job on the last day, knowing that I won't be working with everyone anymore but pretty sure that I would still see most of them on a regular basis, so it was like I was leaving but I wasn't at all. Which is probably for the best since I don't like goodbyes and I tend to run away instead of dealing with the awkward goodbye process....seriously, I always moved at 4 am before anyone would awake and stop me to say goodbye. I don't like saying goodbye and so I always do the casual thing of "hey, well, see ya later...."

I thought that maybe the clock would stop moving and that I might live the longest day of my life over and over again but it wasn't like that. In fact, the song made famous by Europe kept being sung by my co-workers.... it's the final countdown!

Dear MW,
Thanks for the memories.... I have a ton of them.
- JTho

All in all, it was a great last day and I'm looking forward to having a fresh new first day in the jewelry business next week...but before I get back to working, I'm going to a luau....so if I act like I've drifted away, it's probably because I have.

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Get Firm this February with Gaiam TV!

2012-02-07T06:43:00.001-05:00

If you didn't get around to getting fit or trying that new style of aerobics in January, February is the month to start! Get off the couch and get active, it's easier than you know.

Gaiam TV is a great way to explore different styles of exercise and plus, you can work out in the comfort of your own home. Gaiam TV even offers a 10 day free trial with no strings attached so you can get a feel for the program before you commit to it. After the free 10 day trial is up, it's only 9.95 per month after that! This means you can stream over 2,000 videos whenever you want something new in your fitness routine.

Gaiam TV is the health and fitness junkie's netflix!

I've been using my trial period to get a little more motivated and the variety is helping me so much. *If you don't change up your exercise routine, your weight could plateau and it can get very frustrating if you're working on loosing weight.* Today, I streamed (and did) the Jillian Michael's Shed and Shred work out and whew! My entire body aches! I'm pretty sure Jillian thinks that if you don't feel the burn within the first 30 seconds of the work out you a) aren't working hard enough and b) don't want to change your body hard enough!

But if you aren't ready to start at Jillian Michael's level (and I'm not!) there are other instructors that you may have heard of....Mari Winsor, Rodney Yee, Seane Corn, and Kathryn Budig. The work outs are there for you to use and there to help you become one with fitness.

Gaiam TV is easy to use. It's set up so you can find work outs for what you want. You can search for something as broad as yoga (which offers pages and pages of videos) or you can narrow it down to weight loss videos, abs or beginners. The site isn't designed to discourage you from fitness but to make it easier for you to get the information and videos you need so you continue with your change of life.

There is more than just work out videos. There is a whole entire section devoted to philosophy and spirituality. There are a lot of videos that I plan to stream before my trial is up and if I don't get to them in the next 10 days, the membership fee is very affordable.

Don't miss out on this great offer and take the time to make yourself feel great!

Namaste.

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Project 52: Week of February 6

2012-02-06T05:47:00.001-05:00

#28 DONE!

Last week I stumbled on an open writing contest and since the topic was something I am much to familiar with, I submitted two entries into the contest. Over at Memoirs of a Single Dad, he is having a contest on the "best" or "worst" dates and there are prizes.

I lived through the stories.... Nothing for Something and Beinvenido a Miami and I would REALLY appreciate it if you would vote for me EVERY day until the contest ends. (February 15) And when I say vote, I mean vote because the winner is the person with the most comments and shares via the "shareboard" options at the top of the post.

(I could use a free membership to eHarmony and it'd really help with #11 on my list!)

I'm kind of amazed at how everything is coming together so easily for me and Project 52 this year. Maybe it's because it's my third year of doing this and I've finally figured out how to follow through with my plans or maybe it's just coincidence. All I know is that it's the start of February and I already feel like I've accomplished a ton!

How are you doing so far? Have you crossed anything off lately? Link up over at Karen's so we can stop by and see how you are doing. And don't forget to vote for me!

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Pinterest vs. Jennee #2: Glass Cutting

2012-02-05T08:54:00.004-05:00

When I heard that I could cut glass by using some string and fingernail polish, I HAD to try it. Plus, I really wanted to make some Absolute Vodka cups like I saw on Pinterest!

The Inspiration:

Source: make-handmade.blogspot.com via Jennee on Pinterest

The link takes you to a video that shows you just how cool it is, and even after watching the video, I still didn't believe that it would work.

Supplies: Empty wine, beer, glass bottle, acetone (nail polish remover), yarn, matches or lighter and a sink full of cold water.

Simply wrap the bottle a few times with the yarn and knot it. Remove the thick ban of yarn from the bottle and soak in nail polish remover. Place the yarn back on the bottle about 1/2 inch below where you'd like the glass to break. Light the yarn. Slowly turn the bottle in a circle so that the flame will heat the glass evenly, also keep it at a slight tilt so all of the heat stays in. As soon as the flame goes out, put the glass into cold water *BUT DO NOT GO ABOVE THE YARN LINE. Once it has broken, rub steel wool around the edge of glass.

Hopefully it gives you a clean break, but I never got a clean break. I got a lot of breaks just nothing smooth.

The ones that had a fairly smooth edge, I ended up using for candle holders but it's no where close to being used as a cup. I don't know if it has anything to do with the placement of the knot or how long it soaks in acetone but I plan to figure out a way to get a cleaner cut by using these few supplies.

The best part of this project....getting the bottles empty. :) Drink up! Have you tried this? Do you know any secrets or suggestions on how to get a clean cut?

Round #3 comes down to a TIE!

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Rain is a Good Thing

2012-02-03T18:26:00.001-05:00

You know the saying,

When it rains, it pours!

I think for the first time in my life, I'm glad that it is pouring. I've always associated this little saying with bad news because for the majority of my life, it has always been the bad stuff that has come in bunches and the good stuff was few and far between.

I thought maybe I had the wrong attitude and just wasn't seeing all the good in my life....but then people would actually agree with me and that fact that if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all.

I've gotten used to things going wrong and not going my way. I've adjusted to that kind of life and so when things start going good...I get very skeptical...beacuse this usually means that a good streak will be followed by a bad streak, a very long and painful bad streak.

Anyway, last week I shared that things were looking up. I had gotten a job offer at a place that I would learn to be content at, and had a few other interviews on hand that didn't go quite as well as I imagined. Over all, I was satisfied with life and could feel stress leaving my shoulders. I put away all of my unfinished art projects because I didn't feel the need to pour myself into art just so I could clear my head anymore. A feeling of peace floated around me.

In the middle of this clean up process, my phone buzzed that I had an e-mail. I opened it up and read the message.

Hi Jennee,
I just found your resume for a job you applied for back in October saved on my computer. Are you still interested and can you come in for an interview?

Now, let's refresh....there was a merchandising position at the fashion company that I had an interview for but really I just wanted to get into the company so I could maybe someday get to the stage of world wide travel. This email was from the same company...and for the world wide travel position.

Even though I had a bad vibe from the company it didn't stop me from replying to her email and setting up an interview.

As I walked back in the doors, I questioned why I was putting myself through this! I had an offer and I was happy with it. I didn't want to sit through another interview watching someone read my resume. I was wasting perfectly good ~~reading, writing~~, napping time.

However, this time, another secretary welcomed me in. She was much more professional (even though she left 5 minutes later fearing she caught the flu) and before she headed out, she informed the other secretary that I was going to be sitting in the chair around the corner and not to forget about me. "Go ahead and take a seat..." the new secretary says as we both glance towards the office where I had my first interview. There is a heated argument happening and spoken in Hindu. "...or you can walk out the doors and run as fast as you can." I give her an unsure grin and maybe she remembers me from last week. I sit down just as the office door slams in anger. I wondered if it was too late to run now that I had sat down.

Then I hear the secretary on the phone setting up travel plans to London and I think I'll take the chance.

A few minutes later, a young Indian woman walks out and introduces herself to me. Shivani and I head back to a different office, an office that looks like it belongs to the fashion industry. Dresses are hanging on racks and flopped over chairs. A measuring tape is sitting on an empty chair.

Shivani's desk is organized and we quickly go over my experience as a seamstress. "What I like about your resume is that you have a lot of variety with sewing but I really need someone with a fashion industry background."

I nod and silently curse at myself for giving up on the fashion designing dream in my youth. (True story...I got chubby as a teen and for some reason, my stupid teenage brain made myself believe that you had to have a size 0 body to be involved in the fashion industry. I blame Vogue magazine covers.)

"However, I'm impressed with you and I'd like to offer you a part time position." She told me the pay which is equal to my new pay and it's one day a week. All I do is measure clothes and type the measurements into the computer. (Ok, I'm a little insulted she thought I was under qualified for the open position of a "technical coordinator" but I'm not going to lie, I'm WAY over qualified for this part time job.)

I accepted her offer and sacrifice one of my days off. The way I see it, this could be my foot in the door at what I consider my "dream job" and it'll give me a taste of what this company will be like without having to give up my other job offer.

Later that night, I went out with a friend and although she was more interested in flirting with a married man verse hearing about my recent life changing events, it kinda worked out for me. See, I too, bumped into a familiar face while we were out. He's probably close to 60 and very generous. He's also a little creepy at times but over all, I like him. (His friend, no, not so much. A restriction order sounds nice for that guy...) We have a lot of mutual friends and since we don't really know each other, he adopted me for the night (as I mentioned, my friend abandoned me to do some flirting - which it was ok, I already told her that I was her wingwoman...) and we began to talk about the ever so fascinating topic....my life.

"Can I ask you how much you make right now and how much you'll be making at this new job?"

I tried to avoid it because I'm under the impression that he's a fairly wealthy man. I finally caved.

"That's all? Darlin' you are worth so much more than that. Let me do some talking, I think I know someone that can get you a job that will be worthwhile."

Whether he does this talking or not, it just kind of confirmed everything that I needed to hear.

I'm valuable.

For 3 years, I've only been taken advantage of in every aspect of my life. For 3 years, people have told me that I'm not good enough. For 3 years, I've been torn down to nothing....and it's changed me.

And not for the better.

I'm not the same girl that I was when I lived in Miami. I've lost that happy girl filled with adventure that never met a stranger. I used to be able to cheer anyone up in moments and now it's easier for me to be a bully. I used to be protective over anyone that wanted or needed protection and now I'm a girl that is told that I'm so desperate for a friend, for a date, for any attention at all that it makes me undesirable.

And it just breaks up so much of me to know that a stranger can see my worth when the people I see and talk to every day see nothing at all.

So finally, finally, a different kind of rain is falling from the sky. It's the kind of rain that will renew me and help me grow instead of drowning me even more. It's the kind of rain that feels good on your skin after a hot day, it's the kind of rain that comes just at the right time.

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And Guest

2012-02-02T08:18:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it is the every day things that suddenly catch us off guard. Running a red light gets your blood pumping, hearing a certain song might bring back a sad memory and turning that corner to find someone unexpectedly standing inches away from you almost always makes us gasp for oxygen. Life surprises are always out there, waiting until we are completely comfortable and content and then sneaks up on us.

Sometimes these are pleasant surprises, the ones that make you feel like you have finally found good fortune.

And then every now and again, it changes the whole outlook of your day or possibly week.

I got some mail the other day.

I love mail for the most part. I don't like the bills but I love receiving packages in the mail, even if it isn't a gift but something that I ordered. It's the anticipation of opening something that you have been waiting for. With a world of instant gratification and everything taking on a technological form, the mail is the only thing that we still wait on, and still surprises us.

I was invited to a wedding.

I am very happy for the bride-to-be and of course I will be there, watching her walk down the aisle and make vows to the man of her dreams. But every time I get an invitation in the mail for a wedding, I have a small panic attack. It doesn't really have anything to do with being single but it has everything to do with being single. I have my panic attack and then I look at the envelope and re-read the cover, hoping to see...

To: Jennee Thompson And Guest.

Although I don't have anyone that I would be taking to a wedding, I always wonder if I'll be dating someone by the time this wedding comes along. (Shockingly, I never do...)

Isn't it normal wedding invite etiquette to offer a single person to invite a guest? I've gone to tons of weddings without a plus one because it never suggested that I bring on one the invite...unless of course this just means they already know that I won't have anyone to bring with me.

Which is what the real panic attack is about.... the fact that no one thinks that I will have "a plus one." I've been defined as a single gal for life, not because this is the life that I want and hope for, but it is the title that everyone has assumed that will always follow me around, because it is the title that I've always had. And it is a status that I do so well.

In my best defense, I don't exactly bring anything to the table to convince anyone that I do want to get married and have kids in the (near) future. Because I don't date much, I don't complain about my singleness out loud, and I don't pry about so and so being single.

I've been told all my life that if I don't look for love or him, love and the man of my dreams will find me. So, I tried not to look for it. Time has taught me that that is a big lie because if I never look for it, how will I ever see anything? I'll never notice the "what ifs" and other possibilities that are happening right in front of me.

I don't want to be reassured that it'll happen someday, because it might not. I just want others to believe in the possibility that it could happen someday and at least give me the option of having a plus one to a ceremony of two people that miraculously fell in love. Because if the people I am surrounded by don't believe it'll happen for me someday, I'll find myself in agreement with them.

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Currently - February 2012

2012-02-01T08:55:00.001-05:00

Current status: single

Current Facebook status: writing is sexy.

Current book: Voyage of the Dawn Treader - C.S. Lewis. Oh how I love the Chronicles of Narnia!

Current album: Kelly Clarkson - Stronger. Yes, I love Kelly.

Current song:
Mr. Know It All.... I feel like I could dedicate this song to a few people....

Current color: Plum

Current drink: I am so sick of drinking water...

Current food: blueberries and yogurt...finally, a healthy craving!

Current celebrity crush: Gavin DeGraw

Current favorite tv show: I miss Chuck already! Who else cried during the series finale? (Anyone else feel like it should have ended differently?)

Current wish list: every piece of jewelry being discontinued from Lia Sophia

Current need: to charge my cell phone

Current triumph: only falling of the new healthy eating plan for 3 days....verse 3 weeks!

Current bane to my existence: people that tell me that I could do better, I mean honestly, I'm trying!

Current Favorite Movie: I really liked Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. I hope they make so many more Sherlock Holmes movies!

Current Shame-inducing Guilty Pleasure: Pinterest

Current blessing: having Sundays off

Current indulgence: buying jewelry

Current outfit: pajamas. I really need to stop blogging in my pajamas.

Current excitement: Starting a new job, getting a change in life....but oh so nervous!

Current favorite photo that I took:

Ok, it's not really the photo that I love...but the creation of food that I love! Mmm, this is my cranberry orange dip and it's a good one.

Current Quote: "Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart." - Anonymous

What are you currently up to?

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January Wrap Up

2012-01-31T07:40:00.000-05:00

What! January is gone already? Well, just as I've started doing a currently at the start of each month, I'm going to do a wrap up at the end of each month.

(I'm trying not to get depressed with my break down of everything. I really need to get out a little more next month...and take more pictures!)

Number of dates: 0

Number of second dates: 0

Number of movies watched at the theater: 2

(Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Chipwrecked!)

Number of pounds lost: 15 (all of that holiday weight!)

Number of concerts: 0

Number of books read: 1

(Prince Caspian - C.S. Lewis)

Number of new burns on my arm: 1

Number of weddings: 0

Number of Engagements: 0

Number of bloody noses: 0

Number of babies born to friends: 2

(Baby Jackson and Baby Knox)

Number of text messages sent/received: 2,277

Number of applications sent in: 4

Number of interviews: 2

Number of evenings out: 4

Number of pins on Pinterest: 1,473

Number of writing gigs: 1

What did you do during the last 31 days?

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Project 52: Week of January 30

2012-01-30T15:17:00.001-05:00

1/12 months of 2012 done!

Oh wait, I didn't put surviving January on my list! Man! Must add that to next year! :)

January has been a great month for me, in terms of crossing things off of my Project 52 list. There was a time where I actually thought that I made my list a little too easy...but I think I had those same thoughts last year too (and I didn't finish everything last year!)

So, what have I crossed off this month?

#7 Publish something. - Now, I'm not technically taking this one off of my list just yet because I would like to publish something a little more well....to a bigger crowd. I wrote up a thought after church one day and my dad liked it so much, he passed it on the the preacher guy. Next thing I know, I'm getting a phone call to give permission to have it printed up in the bulletin. So, kinda published, kinda not.

#10 Find an income that will allow me to move out - This one caught me by surprise because I honestly didn't think I would ever find a different job (given the rate I was going!) But yes, I got a new job with pay that will get me out of the parent's house a lot sooner. I'm hoping by Spring 2013.

*Side story.... My co-worker asked me if I had a background in jewelry now that I'm getting a job at a jewelry store. My response, without missing a beat was....no, but I have a background in being awesome.

He agreed.

#13 Do 5 creative ideas found on Pinterest. - Yeah, I think I did 5 in the first week. Way too easy of a goal.

#16 Print off my blogs. Yep, there is an amazing website called Blog2Print and they make really nice books of all the blogs that have been posted. It's so much nicer than when I printed them off myself and put them in a binder.

#33 Donate money to a good cause - Get better Steve Babb's!

That's 5 goals out of 52 that are already done. I've been in the process of completing a lot of them as well, so January was a great kick off month for me. How about you? What have you accomplished so far? What are you working towards?

Please link up so we can stop by and say hi!

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Pinterest vs. Jennee #1: Kindle Cover

2012-01-29T14:46:00.000-05:00

With Pinterest taking over the internet...and blogging, I thought it was time to creatively combine the two.

Call it crafter's fail, or take that Pinterest!, I wanted to start sharing the projects that I've done with the inspiration given to me by Pinterest. So, here is the plan (and please feel free to join me each Sunday with this project by linking up), I'm going to show you the inspiration photo and then show you what worked for me.

It's going to be similar to my How to Make a Button Bowl post, but I'm hoping that not all of my Pinterest inspired attempts end up like that! I'm actually a very artsy crafty person! And somedays, I might just come up with my own idea without the help of Pinterest.

Pinterest vs. Jennee #1 is the Kindle cover:

Source: cometogetherkids.com via Jennee on Pinterest

This website gave a great tutorial on how to make this cover, so if you have questions that I forgot to answer, check out cometogetherkids.com

Tip #1: Make sure your kindle or nook or whatever kind of e-reader you have will fit inside of the book.

If you find a thicker book, then you can glue the binding to make it a little smaller but I chose a book that wasn't very thick. (I also chose a book called The Art of Mingling. Ironic, huh!)

A quick run down of supplies: material of your choice, hot glue gun, elastic, iron on adhesive tape

A quick run down of how to make the cover: Go back to your seventh grade memories of covering a book with a paper bag, but instead, use material. Fold, wrap, fold some more, etc. Apply the adhesive tape to edges and iron to glue together. Glue the elastic to four corners (place the Kindle inside and mark where you want to glue the elastic!)

I didn't follow all the rules that was given on the other website but I found that since I wanted a tight cover I ended up using Modge Podge around the corners and I even sewed a seam down the center of the cover. If I were to redo it, I would have sewn majority of the cover because I think it would give a cleaner look.

I also HATE that the elastic that holds the Kindle in place is with a hot glue gun. It works, it holds it in place just fine but I need a clean and crisp look for my cover, so I wish I would have sewn the elastic on the material before I glued the material to the book. With my Kindle having a keyboard, there are times when the elastic is in the way but over all, I enjoy reading my Kindle a lot more now that I can hold it like a book.

I also wanted to make my pocket a little more obvious, so I added a little bit of trim. Ready for my final results?!?!?

Jennee wins Round #1!

Fashionably Unusual

2012-01-27T08:17:00.002-05:00

I mentioned yesterday that I finally landed an interview with a company that for a year, I had been trying to get an interview with.

You can imagine my excitement when they called to set up an interview. (I'd only applied 4 times in the last year and for every position that they offered...)

Let me tell you more about the job and company so that you can really grasp my interest in this position. The place is at clothing corporation, and yes, the corporate offices are in Wooster. The company is world wide and has been pretty successful for a while. Working for this company includes mandatory world wide travel and fashion shows, which is my cup of tea. Plus, there would be constant room for growth which is good for an over-achiever like myself.

The interview was set up right after I got done working at my current job...you know, a cook. Hot, sweaty, no make up, hair pulled back job...not my best look. The last thing I wanted to do was go to an interview for a fashion industry job looking unfashionable. I requested a later time in the afternoon for an interview but they told me it was that time or next week. Since I already had a job offer in my hands, I wanted to do the interview sooner rather than later.

I left from work and drove over to the interview location, arriving with plenty of time for me to do my make-up, fix my hair and change my clothes (while still in my car.) With 20 minutes to spare before my interview would take place, I headed into the small corporate office building.

Quickly, I felt like I was over dressed. In my heeled boots. Dark jeans. And swoop neck sweater. Of course, I was carrying my D&G bag.

The receptionist had an outfit on that she'd probably been wearing for the last ten years. Faded and wrinkled, she looked like she could careless about making a fashion statement. Her hair was a big frizzy mess and she maintained her desk like she did her appearance.

"Hi, I'm here for a 3:00 interview." I gave her a smile.

"Who are you?"

"Jennee Thompson."

She looks around her desk and then walks into another room. "Do you have a resume, I can't find yours?"

I always take a resume with me on an interview, even if I already emailed it in. I get it, a lot of resumes come in and it's hard to keep them all straight so I tried not to judge her for her lack of organization as I awaited my interview.

She took my resume and walked into the other room. She came back with a stack of magazines and handed them to me so that I would have something to look at while I waited.

When I say a stack of magazines, I kid you not, she gave me probably 20. It wasn't awkward at all since there was no table or empty chair to put the stack on. So now, I was holding my purse, my coat and trying to flip through 20 magazines without dropping them.

I listened in to the other receptionists talk as I waited for my interview. There was some traveling conflicts where their hotel lost a reservation and several times they wondered if so and so knew he had an interview and would be coming back into the office today.

Finally, an Indian man walked in followed by his teenage son. He approached me with excitement and shook my hand. I gathered my stuff to stand but he insisted that I stay seated, "It's only 2:55." He assures me, and apparently we can't start the interview until 3:00.

So I wait. For five minutes.

Then, the Indian guy (named Raj) comes out and asks me to follow him to his office and have a seat. (A seat beside his teenage son!) He sits down behind his desk and starts reading over my resume.

"Very good. Very good. Ah, Miami, very nice place. Very good." He says without looking up at me.

"I have a lot of variety." I add since I feel like I should say something in my interview.

"That's fine, all very good." About a minute later, he says this.... "We have a show and we'll be gone until Feb. 18th. I'll call you then with my decision."

My brow crinkles. "Uh, ok."

He offers his hand, we shake again and I walk out of his office, out the door and back to my car, mumbling WTH?!?! Was that even an interview?

There was no discussion about the position that I applied for, no discussion about my work experience, no questions about my strengths and weaknesses.....I literally drove out there to watch him read my resume.

I've had some strange interviews in my days...but this was a new one.

Part of me hopes that he'll call me on the 18th. I guess I'm hoping he'll tell me something about the job but if he offers me a job, I'm going to have to decline...because something tells me that this company doesn't have the greatest communication skills.

So much for traveling abroad and going to fashion shows.... but hey, I tried.

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Things Are Looking Up

2012-01-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

Just before New Years, everyone I knew said things like "2012 is going to be my year, I just feel it."

I was a little concerned because I didn't get that feeling. I hoped that I would find that feeling just as I hoped that 2012 would be a great year for me.

January kicked off and I was incredibly sick. Sicker than I had been in probably 5 years. It took everything out of me, including my motivation, happiness and good thoughts. By the time I recovered from my intense and unusual sickness, I was lost in depression. It happens this time of year for me, no matter how many vitamins I take or how warm this winter has been. I need sunshine on my skin and to be absorbed into my soul. Yes, every Fall and Winter, I become victim of SDD.

On top of all of this, there was dieting drama (as it cravings...)moving drama, work drama, singledom/boy drama and life just sucked.

So, I tried to change things.

Nothing changed.

I turned to art to sooth my soul and take away my stress. It calmed me yet frustrated me at the same time.

Still, I felt tortured about everything. Tortured, unhappy and restless. The weight of everything was burying me and just waking up in the morning was work.

I thought everything over and pinned the problem areas that were keeping me up at night.

I apologized to the boy, I ate a piece of cake and I applied to a few jobs. Nothing can change the fact that I'm moving. (It's not the move, it's the fact that my parents bought a house and I have no choice but to move with them when they move...)

It helped more than I thought it would.

Even though the boy still won't talk to me, I gained my pound back and I didn't have any phone calls for interviews.

So, I put the past in the past where it belongs, did some more art work and focused on living the life I want to live and not the life that keeps getting thrown at me. I focused on changing my attitude about boys, work, moving and dieting.

As I was in the middle of painting, my phone rang. I did my best to hit the send button without getting paint on my phone.

"yell-ow" It was a bit obnoxious but it was my mom on the other end and I hadn't talked to any human in 4 hours. (I say human because I'm pretty sure that I talked to my fish a time or two...)

"You need to call Tim about a job." She vaugly fills me in on what she just heard. I quickly hang up with her, push my painting aside and call Tim.

"Tim's Employment Agency" He answers, joking about how this could be the THIRD job he has found for me. We talk over what he knows and I decided I'll stop by his shop tomorrow so he can introduce me to his neighbors, the one's looking for someone to hire.

The place is a jewelry store and as much as I fear that I might find it a little boring, it will be nice to have a different pace, plus the hours and pay are better than what I have right now. And, best part yet....SUNDAY's OFF! A girl has to look out for herself and since I haven't gotten anywhere in the last 3 years, I don't see how staying at my current job will ever change that.

When I met them the next morning, I put on my friendly and sweet face and did what I do best, make people look better so they forget that I'm actually interviewing. (I've been through enough interviews to know that the secret to people liking you in the interview is to get them to talk about how amazing they are and to sell them that you find it all to be fascinating. Then, the interviewer feels so good about themselves by the time the interivew is done that they "think" they like you because of what you offered in the interview.)

They loved me and offered me a job on the spot.

They loved me even more when I asked if I could be trained on how to engrave jewelry. (I need another trade since I claim to be the Jackie of All Trades!)

And then they learned that I sew and well, I thought they might faint from excitement. (Then they told me why they loved knowing that I was a seamstress and I immediatly loved them.... the owner guy does Civil War reenactments and sometimes they need tents and costumes sewn. How cool is that!)

I accepted their offer and felt the weight of my troubles lift. Finally, a change in my life!

As I was making a few phone calls about my good news, I got a phone call from a place that I have been trying to get a job at for about a year now. A job that I am REALLY interested in. And then I got an e-mail about another job that I would like to do as well.

I set up an interview at the place I'm REALLY interested in. It's a fashion company and there offers a lot of growth in the company, such as international traveling and going to fashion shows....however the position that I finally got a call for an interview is bottom of the totem pole. I don't know what the pay is but if it is better than the jewelry gig, I think I'll have to say goodbye to the possibility of this job and head towards the fashion industry.

Then the email is a sewing job but I don't know a lot of details about that one just yet.

Still...

I guess a lot can change in 24 hours.

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Dr. Seuss Style Blog Hop Coming Soon!

2012-01-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

In attempts to have a little fun, have a writing challenge, and get a little creative, I offer the Dr. Seuss Style Blog Hop!

March 2 was the wonderful Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel's day of birth, and to honor his day of birth (He'd be 108...) post your best version of a Dr. Seuss style story or poem. It can be something that copies your favorite Dr. Seuss book, or it can be whatever you want.

You are the winninest of all the writers,

Winninest of them all whether your story be big or small

The story told is the best of all

Take your pen and cross it over your heart

Believe in your mind

Now, let's get ready and start

(I'm working on my style still, it's not as easy as one would think!)

Ok, I'll let Dr. Seuss offer you the inspiration you need....

Link up, spread the word and visit as many Dr. Seuss style posts as you can on Friday, March 2.

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Project 52; Week of January 23

2012-01-23T07:36:00.002-05:00

I've been working really hard at goal #31 this week, so much so, that I'm getting a bit obsessive about it.

Goal #31: Write a cook book, take photos of the dishes and turn it into a Blurb book

I have 35 original recipes (inspired from some rather familiar recipes) that I am dying to perfect. Actually, I'm dying to try them all but since I'm also working hardcore on goal #17 to lose at least 35 more pounds this year (and keep it off) it is making this process a little torturous.

Cheat the diet and taste delicious food so I can finish my cookbook or hope that I can hold on to this inspiration until I've met my weight loss goal? It is a dilemma, I tell you, major dilemma!

I can't help it. I love to eat and experiment with food.

Hence, the weight issue.

On top of that, people have been asking when this long awaited cookbook will be available to them. I know, I can't believe it either but people actually want to know how I make some of the food that I make at work. The problem is, I can tell them the ingredients but when I cook, I don't follow recipes, I just throw stuff together....and it turns out.

I have noticed while working on these recipes that I pretty much add black beans or spinach to everything. I was kind of impressed at how many meatless meals I have in my collection...and a lot of them are fairly healthy. That is, until I start thinking about dessert.

I confess. I am a chocaholic, sweet tooth crazed, dessert lover. Really, it is my weakness. I eat healthy all the time and work out on a regular basis...but give me some darn sugar so I can make it through the day!

So, all this to say that I am working towards my goal but there are a few limitations to being further along on this project that I am.

However, I'm in need of your help. I can't decide on a title for my cookbook, and so I started a poll on my right side bar. Please vote and help me decide which is best. Think in terms of...if I were walking through the grocery store, which one would grab your eye and make you purchase it?

Eat Well, Eat Much, Eat Often (Inspired by my favorite quote)

I'm Not Your Personal Chef, Make It Yourself! (I say this at least 6 times a day at work)

Don't Worry, Eat Happy (Because we worry way too much about eating)

Forget the Calories, Eat and Enjoy (Pretty much self explanatory)

Feed Me, I'm Hungry (That's what recipe books are there for)

I Was Told There Was Cake (It gets my attention every time)

I Try to Eat Healthy But My Sweet Tooth Keeps Taking Me to the Dessert Recipes (My dilemma!)

If you have some suggestions, please let me know. If I use your title, I'll give you a copy of the recipe book.

Oh, you want a recipe do you? Ok, this is an oldie but a goodie. I've even tweaked it a little since then...

but yes, this one will be in the cookbook....

Nutella Popcorn

How are you doing with your goals this week? What stopped you from reaching them? Did you write a blog about your weekly goals or attempts, it so be sure to link up over at Karen's!

Be sure to link up so everyone can visit you. Remember, Project 52 is a support system. If you truly want to make progress on your list this year....GET INVOLVED! It really does make a huge difference.

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Down With The DC Talk....

2012-01-18T11:47:00.001-05:00

It was a mild day for December in Ohio. No snow was on the ground and I was content in my unbuttoned winter coat. My brother and I were driving down the hilly and swerving roads to Loudonville, attempting to be good grandchildren and show up for our Grandma Thompson's 85th birthday.

As we drove through the country, we chatted about important brother/sister topics, like XFactor and Dexter. Suddenly, my ears perked up and I strained to hear the song that was softly playing thanks to Ipod Shuffle.

"Is that D.C. Talk?" I said mid conversation with Brother B. He turned up the stereo. In fact, it was D.C. Talk. "Wow, I completely forgot about them!"

And then I started laughing hysterically. (My brother looked at me like I was crazy but shrugged it off because he already knows that I am crazy.)

"Michael Tait bit my shoulder. I mean, how many people can say that?"

Michael Tait as in Michael Tait from D.C. Talk. (Or, as I just learned while googling him that he is now the lead singer of Newsboys?!?! I don't listen to Christian music much anymore.)

But in the early 90's...I lived for music from D.C. Talk. It was edgy, it was different and it wouldn't send me to hell. I had all of their cd's and listened to them regularly. When their Jesus Freak album came out in 1995, I had the whole thing memorized. Best Album of my teenage years (aside from my extreme addiction to the Broadway Musical RENT).

Life happened and I found other music that I liked more than the good old D.C.Talk boys. When they split, I got all of their individual albums but I only liked Tait's album.

I moved to Nashville in 2005, the land of musicians and my year of misery. I had a good friend that did her best to involve me in a social life but I had sever depression (that she didn't know about) and she often got frustrated with my lack of effort in involving myself in the social activities. However, we had met this guy Robbie at Bar23 one Wednesday night. (Wednesday night was 80's night and yes, we dressed up from time to time.)

Robbie invited us to go play darts one night and we agreed. When that night came, we got to know each other verses dancing with each other in 80's attire. He mentioned he worked on a sound crew (because every one in Nashville has a cool job in the music industry) and that a few of the guys might be joining him.

Not the photo of the night but from another time I played
darts while living in Nashville.

And then Michael Tait walked in and I was like holy crap, that's Michael Tait, I used to adore him as a teenager. And so, we played darts.

I'm terrible at darts. Sometimes I can't even hit the board. I don't remember whose team I was on, all I know is that I wasn't on Michael Tait's team and that he went after me. Somehow, I managed to get a bulls-eye at the moment that would cause my team to win the game. Honestly, it was a miracle.

And as a result, Michael Tait bit my shoulder because he was angry and couldn't believe that I just did that. And when I say that he bit my shoulder, I mean bit me like he was a vampire because I had his teeth marks in my skin for a good amount of time.

And that is my story of the time that I met Michael Tait from DC Talk.

See why I started laughing as the music brought back my memories? Anyway, Brother B and I hadn't listened to DC Talk in at least ten years. And so we thought that we would play the song Jesus Freak and see if we could still do the rap.

Yes, rap.

We still knew the words (isn't it amazing how we can remember the words of songs we haven't listened to in years?) and then we laughed at how we used to think that was a rap!

It was a nice little trip down memory lane as we headed to the birthday party (where I was the horrible granddaughter and told my Grandma that I was her favorite grandchild since she had no idea who I was. She has Alzheimer's and even by telling her that, she looked at me as if she knew I was lying.)

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Project 52; Week of January 16

2012-01-16T06:18:00.002-05:00

We're a few weeks into the new year and life is back to normal (or less hectic than it was during the holidays). Most people start giving up on their resolutions around this time because they tried for 3 weeks and didn't get the results they wanted, and so they give up.

If you want to quit, then quit but don't hold me responsible for any feelings of failure or lack of follow through you have when December sneaks up on us again. You alone are responsible for everything put your mind to this year. I hope you haven't gotten discouraged already and find yourself crossing things off of your Project 52 list already.

I've already crossed 2 things off of my list. #16 and #33. I'll tell you all about #16 next week because I want to tell you about #33 - Donate money to a good cause.

Saturday night a benefit dinner and auction was held to raise money for a young guy battling cancer. (I think he's 35...just a few years older than me!) It's a rare cancer of the adrenal glands, and I've been told that his cancer came back after he thought he was cured. Needless to say, he could use a little help financially to pay off his medical bills.

I talked my parents into joining me for this outing and I remembered to stop at the bank and grab some cash for the auction. I spent a little while mingling with all the people that I knew there and it was a really great turn out, probably close to 200 people! Then, I checked out the items that had been donated for the auction. I made my mind up when I saw a Ghirardelli chocolate gift basket that this would be the item that I would be bidding on.

Once the auction started, my parents and I decided that we would put all of our money together so we could go higher on bids. I liked the idea because I knew that chocolate would go for a decent amount of money. I bid on a few things but never followed through with anything, like I said, I had chocolate on the mind.

My father didn't get the memo because he got the highest bid for a tupperware set. And then he got the highest bid on a ton of kitchen supplies. And then he got some lamps. And we were out of money and the chocolate hadn't come close to being auctioned off.

So yes, I was a little sad when I didn't actually get to win anything from bidding during the auction, and I was a little sad that my dad spent all my money at the auction, but I remembered that it was going to a good cause. We still got a really good deal and I decided to take the tub of kitchen stuff since he bought it with my bidding money.

Then someone had the brilliant idea of auctioning off a crispy $50 bill and it went for $70!!!!! Talk about a fun auction and way to raise money. It was amazing, fun and all for a good cause. I intended to take more pictures during the event but I didn't want the auctioneer to think my raising of my cell phone to snap a photo was a bid.

So there you have it, #33 - Donated money to Steve Babb's medical bills = good cause.

Did you cross anything off of your list this week? Tell me all about it! Link up over at Karen's and be sure to visit and encourage others as they work towards their goals for 2012.

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