Ramblings of a Semi-Literate Mind

This is totally happening...

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:12:00 +0000

At first I didn't want to, then slowly the need to grew. I decided frak this and gave in.

It's been almost 4 years.

Let's see how it goes.

Bucket Lists

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:57:00 +0000

From one day to the next it seems, my goals in life change. The experiences I want to have before I die shift into something else. I feel like I have made so many versions of this list, but I guess for me it's about having one, not that it necessarily stays the same. This is one that I put together what seems like forever ago now. Maybe 6 years, it was sometime in the midst of my divorce. I think this is the list that really shows the things that I would like to accomplish.

To Do List
Live in a different country

Learn to drive

Date someone with an accent

Open my own business (preferably my long wanted Bookstore)
Spend more time on photography
Learn to play the piano
Learn French
Learn Italian
Spend a night sleeping under the stars
Take my mom to Egypt

Visit London and see the Globe Theater in person

Road trip across the US
Marry a funny, nerdy and adorable boy
Start a family, one that is as random and eclectic as I am
Ensure that my kids grow up to be true individuals and choose their own paths
Give my kids mini-mohawks
Create workout that I will stick to
Ride my bike for fun
Spend quality time with a koala bear

Pet a monkey

Learn to ski
See Elton John in concert
Finish College

Date a country boy

Kiss someone I love on New Year’s at midnight

Attend a masquerade ball

Start embellishing my own clothes
Create my own embroidery designs
Fall in love with someone who can't live without me
Play in the snow
Sew a complete outfit
Dye my hair a crazy color and be unafraid of what everyone will say
Shower under a waterfall
Read all the books I have always wanted to read

Wake up when my alarm clock actually goes off

Visit my grandma more often

Do something just because it feels good

Show up to work 10 minutes early

Try Yoga

Hold a lizard in my hand

Send out holiday cards

Dance with someone with no music playing

Make the ultimate mix tape

Swim in open ocean

Go on a vacation that lets me forget reality

Start reviewing books

Stop drinking soda

Move somewhere I love

Take a spur of the moment trip
Practice random acts of kindness
Have a garden
Skinny dip
Spend one night with friend’s roller skating, old school style
Volunteer at a retirement home
Have better posture

Get a tattoo

Kiss in the rain

Live one winter in a cold snowy placeWrite a book
Learn to ride a horse
Go on a picnic in my backyard
Learn to paint
Go to India
Document my life in photos
Give up cheese for one month, just to say that I can do it
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer at a food bank for Thanksgiving
Watch all 6 Star Wars movies in chronological order over 2 days
Find that perfect house

Have a library in my house

Become a vegetarian

Become a librarian
Take a trip with my sister to somewhere amazing
Read one book a week for one year
Adopt a dog
Become a big sister

Give a speech in public

Go on a cruise
Ride an old school sleep on train
Visit the Galapagos

Read every book my favorite author has written

Ugly Sexy Thursday: Taco's List

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Here is the BFF's pics, she being the crazy ass individual that she is created an entirely new category. The funny thing is I debated whether or not to add this exact category on and decided against it because it is already such a daunting task for people to pick so many faves for each category. I guess that's why we are best friends we have the same weird thought process.

She even went one step further and gave her justification for her choices like I did. Enjoy!

UGLY SEXY
Adam Goldberg - You may remember him from SavingPrivate Ryan or Dazed and Confused.
John Cusack - He’s not ugly, but he is getting a little long in the tooth. However, I will always be faithful to him.

OVERALL SEXY
Brandon Routh - That’s right, I chose Superman. And if I had my way he’d wear the costume as well. Close second:
Henry Cavill - Do you see a trend forming?
Ed Westwick - my hot British guilty pleasure.

SCARY SEXY
Peter Dinklage - Some people may be afraid of midgets (some people I know even). But I find him oddly sexy. Also, I will admit in this category I would add:
Johnny Knoxville - Don’t judge me.

MUSICIAN SEXY
John Mayer - (I LOVE him)
Chris Martin
Paul Banks
Carlos Dengler
Morrisey

OLD SEXY
Warren Beatty - Hands down. Did you see Splendor in the grass?
Gary Oldman - technically not old enough and I am kind of insulted that she said my man is old!
Robert Redford
Alan Rickman

LITERARY SEXY
Superman - Obviously I’m going to go with him. However, I also love:
Remus Lupin - because of his sexy moonlight changes, Harry Potter Series
Jay Gatsby - The Great Gatsby
Bruce Wayne - Batman
Sherlock Holmes

SEXY DECEASED
Top Pick: the sexy, depressed Ian Curtis
Jim Morrison

SEXY CHICKS
Rachel McAdams

Making my own category!
NERDY SEXY
David Tennant - The Doctor, you can’t get any sexier than a time lord!
Tahmoh Penikett - from BSG and Dollhouse
Benedict Cumberbatch - my favorite Sherlock after Robert Downey Jr.
Sam Witwer - from Being Human, my favorite sexyvampire
Eric Dane - Multiple Man
Michael Sheen - vampire, werewolf, British Prime Minister…he’s done it all sexy stylehttp://www.nndb.com/people/795/000022729/redford.jpg

The BFF

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:52:00 +0000

Today my amazing best friend Angie turns 30th. Is it a coincidence that her birthday happens to fall on May 4th - a sort of Star Wars holiday? No, no it's not. She's just that bad ass.

Our unfortunate middle school years :-(

We met in the 2nd grade. I had just transfered to a new school and we met on my first day. We were instant BFF's as only kids can be. (There was one very inconvenient hair-pulling debacle in the girls bathroom that same year but whatever) We would go on to ride the same school bus for the next 9 years, dress the same on special occasions, like many of the same boys (also inconvenient but somehow we managed to pull through), have sleep overs, watch ill- advised scary movies followed but even worse nightmares, go out in public with matching buns at the time it seemed like the BEST idea ever, dance in the aisles of supermarkets, attend many a renaissance fair, enjoy dozens of home cooked meals in each others homes and eventually grow up, get married and in her case have AMAZING offspring.

She will always be silly with me, give me good advice when needed, listen to me when I am having a mini breakdown and always, I mean always, cook a delish meal that leaves my mouth watering. In her work life she is a truly inspiring teacher. She puts in the work to make sure the students get the best she has to offer. She is the kind of teacher that I always loved growing up. The kind that actually make a difference.

She is a wife and mother (with her second baby on the way) to my favorite teeny person in the world. He has soooo much personality in that little body of his I can't even imagine what he will be like when he grows up. Her son ended up with the best of both his parents and I am sure I am biased but he is one damn cool kid. I hope my kids are as awesome as he is. I can't wait to meet my niece, who will be making her debut later this month. I know that she will be as amazing as her big brother, maybe a teensy bit better because I can spoil her with super adorkable clothes :-)

I feel so lucky that I was blessed with a best friend like Angie.

I know that no matter who comes and goes she will always be there.

Happy 30th!!

Ugly Sexy Thursday: SaV Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:48:00 +0000

My lovely friend and fellow blogger SaV was good enough to send me her Sexy list. The receiving of this list was a comedy of errors as I made the request for her list via facebook in group chat with some other friends of ours. SaV in her utter excitement (at least that's what I am telling myself) to get the list to me kept hitting send before it was done. So instead of getting one message with all her choices we got 6. My favorite was the one that had nothing but the word "MOTHER!"

UGLY SEXY
Joaquin Phoenix
Jason Segel
Owen Wilson
Raza Jaffrey
Liam Neeson

OVERALL SEXY Adam Levine
Ian Somerhalder
Alexander Skaarsgard
Gerard Butler
Shemar Moore

SCARY SEXY (for example: Christopher Walken)
Johnny Depp
Nicolas Cage
David Carradine
Al Pacino

MUSICIAN SEXY Tyson Ritter
Joe Jonas
Justin Timberlake
Enrique Iglesias
Usher

OLD SEXY (Over 60)
Sean Connery
Hugh Laurie (IDK if he's over 60, but he's old, and hot!)
Jack Nicholson
Harrison Ford
Richard Gere

LITERARY SEXY - I think SaV misunderstood this one but as she still managed to send actors (mostly) who have played famous characters from books/comics I decided to post anyway :-)
Matthew Gray Gubler
Andrew Garfield - Spiderman
Colin Firth - Mr. Dracy from Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones' Diary
Michael Cera - Scott Pilgrim
Daniel Radclifff - Harry Potter obviously

SEXY DECEASED
Heath Ledger
Skinny Elvis
Patrick Swayze
Dennis Hopper
James Dean

SEXY CHICKS
Shakira
Kate Beckinsale
Mila Kunis
Natalie Portman
Halle Berry

Ugly Sexy Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:55:00 +0000

About three years ago I put together a wildly popular (as random as that may seem) post discussing varying degrees of sexiness in actors. For whatever reason, this is one of my favorite topics to discuss with people, I think it really gives you a picture of how completely bizarre someone is. I have so much fun asking people about this topic that I decided to make it a regular feature. Of course I will start with my close friends but will gladly feature submissions from readers and other bloggers...just copy and paste the categories and send it to my email address: Cloudbug57@gmail.com

To kick it off let's go with the Jossie Posie Ugly Sexy list, the redux, as usual click on the name to see an image of the person:

UGLY SEXY
Adrien Brody - Yes, he makes the list once again. How could he not?
Romain Duris - He has some pretty wonk teeth but he's so damn charming and sexy
Jon Stewart - I don't find him classicaly good looking but still there's something about him
Marc Anthony - I have been told several times that I am insane about this one
Jason Schwartzman - He's way too short and too hairy maybe it's the mole

OVERALL SEXY
Matt Bomer - You're welcome.
Tom Hardy - He had me from Star Trek: Nemesis
Ian Somerhalder - I wasn't a fan until this season of Vampire Diaries, damn you!
Francois Arnaud - I can't get enough of The Borgias and it has everything to do with this man
Gary Oldman - Will I ever think he is anything less than hot as hell?

SCARY SEXY (for example: Christopher Walken)
Richard Armitage - Check him out in Robin Hood the BBC show to see what I mean.
Sam Rockwell - He will forever give me the unexplained creeps
Gaspard Ulliel - Another Frenchy there's something about his chiselled features that scare me
Michael Fassbender - He fits into sooo many categories but I think this one does him the most justice
Vincent Cassel - Frenchy #3

MUSICIAN SEXY
Marcus Mumford - It may just be his voice and his banjo that makes me love him so much
Samuel Larsen - Yes, he is younger than me, yes he is from Glee. Whatevs.
Common - It's all because of that super hot movie with Queen Latifah
David Macklovitch - His stage presence just makes him that much more
Ray LaMontagne - It's his lyrics and his voice. And maybe his vintage suits and hats.

OLD SEXY (Over 60)
Alan Rickman - Oh Snape.
Jeff Bridges - Hot when he was young, and still damn hot now.
Sean Connery - Bond. That is all.
Sting - I don't know why I hadn't thought of him before. He's pretty damn sexy.
Robert Redford - Obviously.

LITERARY SEXY
Edward Rochester, Jane Eyre
Eric Northman, Sookie Stackhouse Series
Dimitri Belekov, Vampire Academy Series
Dorian Gray, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

SEXY DECEASED
Gene Kelly - He's a damn triple threat
Tony Curtis
Paul Newman
Peter Lawford
Peter Sellers

SEXY CHICKS or SEXY GUYS (depending on your sexual preference)
Emma Stone - I think she has a great voice and is hilarious as all hell
Christine Hendricks - I love that she is curvy as hell and doesn't give a damn about comforming to the norm
Michelle Williams - She's like a teeny pixie
Zooey Deschanel - I mean come on! You know you love her too.
Amanda Seyfried - There's just something about her...maybe it's her eyes.

So, I've been cooking a bit

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:04:00 +0000

I don't get it either but apprentley you end up in a house all your own and you become a little chef.

The fact that I am cooking again, after years of refusing to cook anything...period is a point of contention with my family. Oh well. It is what it is. And my meals are nothing fancy just some quick easy yummyness.

This was our Valentine's dinner, homemade Fettucini Alfredo and garlic bread

Whole wheat french toast, hashybrowns and garden eggs

Cheese potatos, coffee and a spinach and swiss vegetarian egg omelet

The most delish lemonade EVER! Fresh strawberries mixed with
regular (store bought) lemonade and pink rasberry lemonade

A huge dinner omelet: tomatoes, potatos, spinach, chedder cheese, onions and of course vegetarian eggs

Orzo with tomatoes,onion, gorgonzola cheese and tilapia.
The tilapia was baked in the oven in an italin dressing marinade for 45 minutes

Whole wheat angel hair with spinach, onions, feta, garlic and olive oil.

Home Sweet Hood

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:53:00 +0000

I have been working on a not-so secret project since January and now that pieces of it are coming together I am going to share...despite working like a crazy and having almost no down time these last few months I have managed to completely re-do our new little home, in our old hood HIALEAH. Whaddaya think?

Living Room - Before

Living Room - After

All items were bought from bargain sights or with a discount.
The only pieces that came with me from the old place in this room are the bench under the window from Pottery Barn and the Coatrack (not pictured) from Urban that we spray painted in a super shiny silver.
Sofa, side tables, arm chair: www.Jossandmain.com
Coffee table: www.Wayfair.com
Rug, lamps, lampshades, throw, pillows and tv stand: Target
Everything else was picked up at my local Homegoods, BigLots or anywhere else I found some cheap but perfect goodies.

Dinning Room - Before

Dinning Room - After

Oh this little table was quite the buy. Originally the Gerbil and I had seen it at a higher prices furniture store for about $900 and he refused to pay such a high price for it. He didn't understand how I would want such an expensive table so he challenged me to find one that we loved just as much for a fraction of the price. Instead I found the same one for $350, ha! The same table from a local furniture store, brand new, not scratch and dent. We kept the gorgeous vintage chandelier you see my mom groping in the first image :-) Now all we need is chairs, these are just temp ones.
Wallpaper - Lowes
Table - ElDorado Furniture
Candleholders/Candles -Target

Library - Before

Library - After
This room proved to be a really big challenge. The house is pre-1950's and has a lot of oddish spaces. This being one of them. I always new I wanted to use it as my librabry but the problem was the ugly beige paneling they used to transform the room from a garage to a den. So I painted that shit (actually my uncle painted it) and the drop ceiling - which was originally gold. Yes, gold. This room still needs a bit more refinement, more bookshelves and a real desk chair. But I have my library!
Shelves - Ikea
Globe - Homegoods
Most of the items in this room came from my previous apartment.

This is my temporary craft corner in the library. I need to get a proper shelf.

Bins - Target

This is my GIANT backyard, nothing has been done to it yet, and this is only one angle, its freaking huge and houses
Banana, Mango, Avocado and Grapefruit trees. YUMM.

More pictures to come as the work continues :-)

And just like that

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:24:00 +0000

I'm engaged, for real. :-)

The beyond overdue blog update

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:41:00 +0000

What can I say? My cup runneth over. Things have been so great/crazy lately I don't know where to begin. I guess I will start where I should; at the beggining.

After 7.5 years at the foundation, I decided it was time to move on. I had an amazing opportunity to continue to do events at a great local company that works for both non-profit as well as corporations and I couldn't pass it up. It was the next logical step in my career and one that I feel, was long past its time.

But everything has its obstacle and the main one for me was getting over my fear of driving because I would have to drive once I made the move. So I finally, finally buckled down and after 29 long years, conquered my fear of drivig. I honestly feel that without the Gerbil's patient understaing during the process I never would have been able to go from intense fear to licensed driver in 3 weeks. That's right 3 weeks. From there I went on to buy my first car, an Espresso colored Fiat 500 Sport and enjoy my last week at the foundation.

Today marks the close to my second week at my new job and I have loved every second of it. I'm busier, get a chance to use my creativity, get a long with my co-workers, have an office minus drama and don't resent the work or anything that comes with it. After all these years it feels like a giant weight has been lifted off of me.

Things at home couldn't be better, the Gerbil and I are making BIG plans and we couldn't be happier or more focused on our long term goals. He is kicking massive ass at work and is fulfilled both musically with his compositions and in his day job. My guy is one happy rodent :-)

I feel like after so much struggle, I have reached a good, happy median.

Event though only one is getting crossed off this time, it's so major it deserves it's own update.

The Life To Do List

· Live in a different country

· Learn to drive - DONE!! Finally

· Open my own bookstore

· Spend more time on my photography

· Learn to play the piano

· Learn proper French, not the crap I know

· Spend a night under the stars

· Take my mother to Egypt

· Take a road trip across the US

· Visit Cuba with my family

· Volunteer at an animal habitat

· Marry a nerdy, funny and adorable boy

· Spend at least a month on my honeymoon

· Start a family

· Give said family (boys and girls) mini-hawks

· Start riding my bike around the neighborhood to run errands

· Love up a koala bear

· Learn to ski

· Read the complete works of William Shakespeare

· Memorize sonnets

· See Elton John in concert

· Finish college

· Practice random acts of kindness

· Ski in Switzerland

· Have a garden

· Skinny dip

· Live in the moment

· Go on safari in Africa

· Finally take a spin in my super awesome roller skates

· Volunteer at a retirement home

· Jump in puddles

· Have better posture

· Live one winter in a cold, snowy place

· Write a song

· Learn to ride a horse

· Go on a picnic at least once a month

· Paint for the sake of painting

· Watch every Audrey Hepburn movie made

· Spend a month in India

· Document my life in photos

· Give up cheese for one month, just to say that I can do it

· Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

· Read every X-men comic ever written

· Volunteer at a food bank for Thanksgiving

· Don't over think everything

· Watch all 6 Star Wars movies in chronological order over 2 days

· Read the entire LOTR series

· Find that perfect house

· Become a librarian

· Take a trip with my sister to somewhere amazing

· Read one book a week for one year

· Adopt a dog

· Go camping in the backyard

The Uncertainty Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:17:00 +0000

I've been thinking about what lies ahead and it's like a map of jumbled subway lines. There are so many paths that I can take but only one of them will get me where I need to go. The Gerbil and I have been talking about it and making decisions. Slowly.

He recently started a great job and he loves it. So far so good. Move two steps forward on the board.

But now it's my turn. I have to make a big decision soon and while I am leaning towards one way I'm nervous as anyone would be with such a life altering change.

I'm going to cross my fingers and just jump.

29 years...what's the difference?

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:33:00 +0000

My birthday was last Saturday. I am officially in my last year as a twenty-something. What can be said about it? Nothing much actually. My aunt, uncle and cousins were in town and spent some time with me at my birthday to-do and my uncle Fred asked me "So how does it feel to be 29?" I gave him the same answer I give anyone who asks me this question "the same as it felt to be 28, and 27 and even 23 really."

It's true!

It's not like something magical happens on the day of your birth. Faeries don't come out and magically make you feel older, add more wrinkles to your face. It's a gradual change. Do I feel old? Sometimes. I am not the spring chicken of 16 anymore but then again, I was never really a spring chicken. I have always been an old lady at heart. Silly when I want to be, but ultimately set in my ways and damn lazy when I can get away with it.

Having dinner at Brio with the girls, rocking my awesome Star Wars dress!

So what did I do to ring in my oh so auspicious 29th year. I spent the day lounging/frying at the beach with my friends and family. And I mean the day. I was there from 11-6. I am 17 shades of brown right now, and the Gerbil well, let's just say I have never seen such an interesting burn in my life. I think my favorite part of the day was when my best friend Angelica got there with her husband and son in tow. I kind of felt like I was on duty the rest of the day, there were so many people there. But by the time Angie got there everyone else had left, so I got to really laze around, talk, hang out. It was the mellow day I had envisioned.

We went out to dinner that night and spent the rest of the weekend at my parents. It was nice. It was mellow. It was peaceful. It was very much me.

Sometimes you just know.

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Last night on the car ride home sitting next to the Gerbs I had one of those "aha" moments where you know everything is right with the world. A moment of clarity where I realized that everything I have done has for better or worse directed me to him. I have never been one of those ooey gooey romantics. I do believe in true love despite having gone through a terrible divorce and I do believe that someone is out there that is perfect for you...but I never could have imagined that he was right outside my door this whole time.

I know that I haven't been as open about this relationship as I have been about my previous ones but it was something that I really wanted to keep to myself, hold it close and treasure it. Our story has not been as storybook as others, it's really more of a "I've heard it all before" kind of tale. But maybe I appreciate it so much because it didn't take moving mountains, crossing borders or incredible pain and hardship to make it happen.

It just did. And it works, so well.

We went to the same school. But never met. We have dozens of mutual friends. But never met. We both have blogs and subscribed to each others. But never met. And then just like that one day I get a message via Facebook that says:

" I'll just act brave enough right now and totally disregard how weird this might come out

but I just want to say I think you're absolutely le gorgeous."

The simple statement that started it all. We talked for a couple of weeks despite my dating hiatus and by the time we met for the first time knew that we would be fast friends but with no greater expectation than that. Somehow, because it was just that natural, that simple and that perfect (in a not so perfect way) we have been together ever since.

As cliche as it may sound we really do complete each other and I can't tell you how good it feels to know that you have found the person you were meant to spend your life with. In my 28 years (almost 29) I have never been so sure about something as I am about him and the strength of our relationship.

The Gerbs playing his bass at one of his YMF gigs.

Hanging out at EVE

My Valentines present - a gorgeous promise ring and some
yumm cheese danish enjoyed at our Keys weekend getaway

We like to be gross in our room

Another night out with friends and the Antisteez crew

Our anniversary present matching rings "I love you", "I know"

Celebrating his 29 birthday with my parents

On our vacation

Birthday love on the beach

That corn was delish!

The weekend that put everything into high gear...at one of his gigs post performance.

He makes it easy to laugh, cry and be silly. He supports me and together we are a strong team that makes sure we are there for each other no matter what. Do we fight? of course we do. I am a very passionate Leo and he a shifty Gemini but no matter what we never go to bed angry. It gets resolved, worked out and filed in the history books. We move on, stronger and happier because of it.

Our close friends say we are disgusting, not because we are all about PDA but because we are so comfortable around each other that he rates my burps on a scale of 1-10 and I smell his armpits to make sure he doesn't have funk. Somehow despite our oddities as a couple, the magic is there and doesn't wane.

I'm so happy that he sent that message and that I despite my initial resistance answered and started a dialogue because I honestly couldn't imagine my life without him.

Thing's I didn't even remember I wanted to do - third time's the charm

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Any long time followers of my blog will remember that I have an ongoing list of things that I would like to accomplish/do in my lifetime. It's one of those lists that you kind of forget about and by the time you get around to revisiting you realize, "Holy Shit, I've actually done some of this stuff."

That is always a welcome surprise. This time around I actively worked to accomplish one of the to-do's and the outcome my Pin-Up photos was so much better than I could have expected. So here is my latest update...slowly but surely I am checking them all off, and it feels so good!

The Latest Done List -

√ Start embellishing my own clothes - I recently started to put little touches on accessories and it's beyond addicting. I've come to realize that I can actually make most of the cute things that I always spend so much money on. Who needs to dish out the dough when I can just make it myself :-)

√ Foster stray dogs - This one is only halfsies, because technically they aren't dogs they are cats. But I currently feed and care for four. Lola, Whiney, Our Cat and Vader. Our Cat is harder to keep track of but the other three show up twice a day for food, water and some loving.

Lola on the far left, Whiney in the middle and Vader on the right eating their dinner

√ Watch less TV and spend more time on my hobbies - I gave up a bunch of my shows late last year in order to make more time for living. And have since picked up more hobbies/side projects than I know what to do with. But they're fun and keep me busy.

√ Stop drinking soda full stop - Technically this was done for me when I developed kidney stones, but having said that I am really enjoying my soda free life. I drink so much water its crazy and even indulge in juice on occasion. I'm such a rebel!

√ Take Pin-Up photos - This was one of those great experiences. I have never felt as beautiful as I did upon seeing those photos.

√ Move somewhere that I actually like - Who would have thought that moving to North Beach would make such a difference in my life. But I really love it. I love my little apartment with Teresa and now the Gerbil, I love sitting outside in the afternoons feeding the cats, I love going to the beach and laying out. And I love having so many friends so close that they can just drop by unannounced for a BBQ or an afternoon of hanging out.

√ Write something for myself, just because I want to - This became a big goal of mine this year. And within the last few months I have taken on several freelance writing jobs and made myself happy in the process by writing because I wanted.

Done but not forgotten

√ Move on - I think any readers that are still around from when the blog started will remember the day I posted about this...it was a great moment to realize that I could be happy again.

√ Create my own embroidery patterns - I just did this for the first time this week, it was fun and challenging. Please Sir, May I have some more.

√ Fall in love with someone who can't live without me – It’s funny how people come in and out of your life and then you realize their purpose…Damian, yours is to be my other half. You were mine from go and we had our own language from the moment we started talking.

√Play in the snow, like for real not the 1/2 an inch I played in - I've never been one to be childish and uninhibited...in NY this past February I couldn't help it.

√ Sell my nonsense on Etsy - I'm in the process of creating my store and getting stuff out there and I couldn't be more excited even if I don't sell a damn thing.

√Kiss in the rain – The ex-boyfriend made this happen for me on my first visit to Montgomery. It was coming down, we were in his backyard listening to the crickets it was an excellent memory I will always cherish with him.

√Wake up when the alarm clock goes off - I still can't believe I did this. (although today I was 30 minutes late to work)

√ Do one thing just because it feels good, even if it’s not the right thing - I still can't believe I did this either. Oh CacaBear!

√ Show up to works 10 minutes early - Rare, but it's happened a few times in the last year. The look of shock on my bosses face is priceless.

√ Visit my grandmother more often – I love spending time with my grandmother and as she gets older I appreciate the moments I get with her even more. I have taken advantage of those moments this year.

√ Send out holiday cards to all my friends and family - I wanted to make this happen 2 years in a row but I guess doing it once still counts for something, we did this again this year. What!!!

√ Hold a lizard in my hand, most likely a tiny, tiny, tiny baby - This just happened yesterday. My sister caught a lizard in a napkin and asked if I wanted to release it and while it was technically in the napkin this is a HUGE stride for me in overcoming my fear. I felt a rush of happiness once I successfully released the little guy in the backyard.

√ Try Yoga - And I love it.

√ Have someone ask me to dance when there is no music playing – The ex-boyfriend used to love doing this in his empty apartment.

√Take a spur of the moment trip – Austin. Pure Joy.

√ Make the ultimate mix tape – I did this for the ex-bf’s Valentine’s present and he absolutely loved it, it included a song book with the reasoning behind each selection. It was perfection.

√ Start reviewing books – I started and then I stopped, must continue.

√ Go on a vacation with close friends and don't worry about my regularly scheduled life while there- I've been lucky enough to do this twice now. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

√ Swim in open ocean without wrapping myself around someone's neck (I know I'm ridiculous, damn Jaws!) - I still wouldn't put my back to open ocean but being able to be a grown up in the ocean was pretty awesome.

√ Get a tattoo - I've gotten three and the fourth is in the works, so is my quarter sleeve. I love that I've been able to find another way to express myself.

The Pending To Do List

· Live in a different country

· Learn to drive

· Open my own bookstore

· Spend more time on my photography

· Learn to play the piano

· Learn proper French, not the crap I know

· Spend a night under the stars

· Take my mother to Egypt

· Take a road trip across the US

· Visit Cuba with my family · Volunteer at an animal habitat

· Marry a nerdy, funny and adorable boy

· Spend at least a month on my honeymoon

· Start a family

· Give said family (boys and girls) mini-hawks

· Start riding my bike around the neighborhood to run errands

· Love up a koala bear

· Learn to ski

· Read the complete works of William Shakespeare

· Memorize sonnets

· See Elton John in concert

· Finish college

· Practice random acts of kindness

· Ski in Switzerland

· Have a garden

· Skinny dip

· Live in the moment

· Go on safari in Africa

· Finally take a spin in my super awesome roller skates

· Volunteer at a retirement home

· Jump in puddles

· Have better posture

· Live one winter in a cold, snowy place

· Write a song

· Learn to ride a horse

· Go on a picnic at least once a month

· Paint for the sake of painting

· Watch every Audrey Hepburn movie made

· Spend a month in India

· Document my life in photos

· Give up cheese for one month, just to say that I can do it

· Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

· Read every X-men comic ever written

· Volunteer at a food bank for Thanksgiving

· Don't over think everything

· Watch all 6 Star Wars movies in chronological order over 2 days

· Read the entire LOTR series

· Find that perfect house

· Become a librarian

· Take a trip with my sister to somewhere amazing

· Read one book a week for one year

· Adopt a dog

· Go camping in the backyard

A birthday treat for the boy

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:40:00 +0000

I had been planning and scheming for weeks. My close friend and co-worker Cary happens to be a phenomenal photographer and we had been talking about doing a pin-up style photo shoot for the Gerbils 29th birthday. But how. We do live together after all.

I already had the clothes, so one afternoon I kicked him out invited my sister over for dress up time and we picked out and styled my shoot down to the shoes and earrings. We even picked the props. I had one special shot up my sleeve, or not to be exact. My sister, negative Nancy that she is, didn't really think we could pull off. When Cary and I discussed it she was so excited I knew beyond a doubt we had to try it. If we failed, well at least we gave it a go. Oh was I ever glad we did.

I went on the mission to end all missions for that one shot...and one bright Sunday afternoon I told him to get lost. While I was nursing a raging migraine Cary showed up and we set about posing and taking photo after photo. I did my own hair and make up and thanks to my sister and Taco I was able to crack a few smiles through the pain of my splitting headache. I ended up with some AMAZING photos...here is a sneak peak of the finished product. They are all PG-13 no worries ;-)

So, yeah, I got a few splinters. But when I saw the pictures it was worth it. And he definitely thought so.

Cary loved the silhouette pictures, the sun was KILLING me!

I wanted to make sure to incorporate his bass and amp in the shoot so I donned my best Rock-A-Billy look and went for it, there are a few with me messing around with his bass that are really silly

This is the Sexy Librarian - I am wearing my Deadly Dames skirt from Pin Up Girl Clothing in one of the photos from this set I am posing with a Light Saber. Yes, a light saber.

This is the set that I am the most natural and comfortable in. It probably had something to do with my sister and Taco acting like fools behind Cary to make me laugh. I was also SUPER comfy in that halter and short set.

These are from the "impossible set" I went out and bought as much candy as I could afford. It is a well known fact that the Gerbil is obsessed with sweets and did my best to fill Taco's tub with them. What is not known is how much other stuff is in there to make it look like its filled with candy ;-)

This photo enlarged to an 11x14 on a stretched canvas ended up being his actual physical birthday present. The shoot was really to give him options to choose from. He fell in love with this picture. Although he chose this one he says he is going to end up printing and framing a few more because he had too many favorites. In the end it was all worth it just to see his face.

For those of you in need of an amazing photographer I HIGHLY recommend
Cary Diaz Photography
not only is she SUPER fun and easy to work with she is beyond affordable.

P.S. Not only did this make an awesome birthday gift for the Gerbil it also crossed taking a Pin-Up photo shoot off of my to do list!

Oh Lordy...I have been a tad neglectful

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:17:00 +0000

Hi folks.

*Tap, tap tap, tap tap tap*

Is there anyone left out there? Here's the update. No excuses, just life.

The Gerbil has all but officially moved in. It's nice having him around. Really nice. It took some time getting used to waking up with a man in my bed every morning. I had the craziest neck pain for a solid month and a half. Total mystery but after all this excruciating pain I gave up guessing and just figured that it was the growing pains of giving up sleeping in the center of the bed.

Gerbs caught me sleeping, this was pre-him sleeping over every night, hence I'm in the center of the bed

No but seriously, I'm only half joking. Now that a couple of months have gone by we have pretty much settled into a routine. Taco seems to like having him there (or at least she fakes it well if she doesn't.) We have a good time hanging out together at home and we try to spend the weekend mornings catching up one some of our shows on the sofa with Bailey.

Taco loves it when the Gerbil eats edamame and pistachio ice cream

Moving on to Bailey... who has all but officially moved out and back in with the parentals due to ongoing health issues. We get custody on the weekends and although I miss my furbaby something fierce she is able to get the constant care she needs there. My schedule right now doesn't allow for me to be home with her as much as she needs so my parents (thank god) offered to keep her and I think she is genuinely happy with 4 days them 3 days us.

Yum snuggles from daddy

Have been scheduling some time with amazing friends and had a MUCH needed girls day to see Wicked. I fell in love. Seriously all the green and steampunk, be still my heart!

Angie, Me and Lore at Wicked for Angie's 29th Birthday!

Mothers Day and Easter were great aside from getting to see our respective families the Gerb cooked his mom and I an amazing breakfast on Mother's day and I got to spend the morning cuddling his pup Lobo. Delish!

Super delish breakfast

Lobo gives the best kisses

Otherwise, all the little side gigs are still chugging along I have three books to review at the moment working on a post for Examiner.com and Antisteez.com and a surprise or two up my sleeve and lo and behold vacation is giving me a sly sexy look because its less than a week away.

And no we are not getting married, these are just matching rings that say
"I Love You" - "I Know"

On a very personal note the Gerbs has a very important something going on tomorrow so if the the universe could align and send its good vibes his way it would be greatly appreciated.

Blog Mania

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:52:00 +0000

Introducing, ta-da!!!!

Musings of a Semi-Literate Bibliophile

Click, Read, Enjoy, Follow, Show some love.

Jossie Posie

The Cogs they are a Spinning

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:41:00 +0000

I know I have been incommunicado lately, I've been getting stuff done. Not just in my job where things have been so crazy I can't even begin to describe it; but moving, things with the Gerbs, and all the craziness with my on the side gigs.

Teresa made this really excellent comment this morning as we were leaving the house "I feel like the apartment is always going to be full of random bullshit we can never get rid of." It just seems there are never enough hours in the day. Having said that, I somehow manage to spend at least a chunk of my weekend fixing up the place and getting it organized because next weekend is D-Day and by D-Day I mean Dog Day. My fur baby FINALLY comes home. I couldn't be happier. I've been waiting for this day since that sad ass day in July when I left her and drove away (or was driven) from my parents house sobbing hysterically. It's been 9 months guys. NINE. That's nuts. This is long overdue.

You know what else is long overdue, this announcement...

I am now writing for the truly awesome

www.antisteez.com

Not only do I truly love the people there (because seriously they are all amazing) but they all have mad passion for what they do and what they are putting out in the world and you have to respect that and want to be a part of a family like that. And I am so happy to say that I am now officially part of the team...so please go show me some love and check out my first post on the New World Symphony and all its goodness...

Jossie's First Post - Click it, you know you want to

And last but certainly not least Like Antisteez on Facebook, because giving them a bit of a rubdown and a handshake on there is like giving me one and I know how much you guys love me and you will thank me on Tuesday's when you get to hear the kick ass free podcasts they produce and share, so go, get to it:

Facebook - Come Love Us

That's all for now guys, Love and kisses <3

What Moving Does to Ones Peace of Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:47:00 +0000

It basically shits all over it. Like really gross first baby poop kind of shit. Not that I've had a baby, but plenty of my friends have and I've been around for the first few days of diaper changes to know that its genuinely disgusting. Well thats what my life has been like, one hat ooey gooey turd like mess lately.

Too much to do and no where near enough time. I have a thousand projects I am working on and while I am moving they have kind of all had to be turned down to a simmer because I've had to focus all my chi on getting things squared away at home. Which makes you think "Well Jossie, you moved Feb. 19, so shouldn't you be all unpacked by now?" Why no, no I'm not. But thanks for rubbing s little salt in that still very open and raw wound.

We are still missing some furniture that has to come in, and without it I can't unpack properly. And P.S. my fur baby Bailey can't come home either. So my sole mission in life these days is to finish the damn apartment so my pup can come home because having her stay at mom and dads for 9 months is 9 months too long in my book. My parents were AMAZING with her, A-MAZING and I love them for taking her on and treating her like their own but I miss her, I miss her waking me up with kisses, sleeping curled up in butt, getting cranky with me because I'm not rubbing her enough and humping all the toys she can find big enough to hump. I want the move DONE.

The new place is genuinely great though. So thats nice. Spacious. On the water. Taco and I have our own rooms. Super homey. We have a front porch with furniture and all our crazy little gnomes, etc. Space for all our books (and there are HUNDREDS). All our art fits. Its perfect. We love it. Its home.

Our Shared Deck

Our Front Porch

Ms. Kitty Paws, we have a lot of neighborhood cats

Yes, we keep the beers where the veggies should be, we have our priorities

Getting all Romantical and Some Other Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Its that time of year kiddies. The time of year when I typically high-tail it out of my fair city with the bff and go to NYC for the long weekend. But alas, this year we ended up making separate plans. It had a bit to do with the fact that I was moving, a bit to do with the cost, and a whole lot to do with the fact that neither one of us wanted to go back to NYC. Not that we don't love New York. We do. We love our New York babies, and we miss them dearly, but I needed some time away from the city and with the fair chunk of change that I am shelling out on the new digs I decided to spend my weekend-o-love much closer to home. Namely Key Largo with the boy. Who we call Gerbil 'round these parts. Although sometimes Little Owl, but mostly Gerbil, 'cause its cuter and Goobs made it up and well you don't argue with Goobs..

So Bear took off to North Carolina for a few days and I will be heading to the Keys for a nice, much needed romantic weekend with the Gerbs. Isn't that just loverly. I think so. I have no idea what he has planned, but geez did the man make me do all sorts of homework, "do this list, and do that list, you'll know what its for later." I can only imagine he means this weekend. We shall see.I will let you know what happens. Well not everything. Somethings are just meant to be kept between a man and his woman.

My Gerbil has been very nervous about something and I think it has to do with the present he is going to give me and to be honest I don't know why. He is an amaze-balls and very thoughtful present giver, the type that just knows what to get without going crazy, just the way I like it. You can tell he's put a lot of thought into them and in the grand scheme of things whats more important the gift or the thought? In my book its ALWAYS, and I mean always the thought. That's why the way he made it official with me was oh so significant. He didn't just ask me to be his girlfriend, or assumed I would be. He sat next to me and meticulously cut out a heart from a piece of paper and wrote the words "Will you be mi (as in my in Spanish) girlfriend? on it, a la elementary school. Perfection. So sweet. I know that we will have a great weekend.

In other news, I am crazy busy with life. I am working my booty off for the day job, finalizing some crazy ex-issues, packing at night for the move, planning the wedding for my Caqui and her love, writing a piece for the oh so awesome www.antisteez.com, doing a reading challenge for the year, trying to get my shit together for school after the move, and last but certainly NOT least learning how to drive by March 1st.

Oh life, how crazy you can be :-)

The Little things going on 'round here

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Ahhh life. You've been so good to me lately, so good in fact, I'm not sure where to begin.

Although things have been hectic, I am happy. A happy I really wasn't sure I'd get to again. Which is a relief I must say. I have an amazing and loving man in my life whom I refer to as "the boy" and he returns the favor by calling me "woman" to the never ending merriment of all my friends.

Taco and I after a few weeks of looking have found our new home a lovely 2/2 on the water in North Beach and we just can't wait to move in and make it all sorts of adorable. I have been spending every spare moment I can find on Apartment Therapy putting together ideas to make our new little abode the perfect little place. I can't wait! We get the keys on the 15th and it can't get here soon enough in my eyes.

On top of my usual day job I am also planning my love Caqui's wedding. I am so excited to be doing this for her and her written in the stars love Eddie. No two people could be more perfect for each other than these two and I am already having so much fun putting their special day together for them. Not only do I get to spend SOOO much more time with Caqui but I get to take the pressure off what can be such an incredibly stressful day for her. Our planning sessions and emails are so fun because planning a wedding for a longtime friend has to be one of the little joys in life.

In the meantime, I've been keeping busy, spending time with friends from every side. Going to the boys gigs, his friends shows hanging out with the www.antisteez.com crew, my old school friends, celebrating my favorite 5 year olds birthday. It really has been a whirlwind first month of the year. I have no complaints thus far. I have kicked it off the way I want it to continue enjoying every minute of it surrounded by family and friends and happy.

February is starting off right filled with love, and positivity and as soon as my Gala is done with on Friday a mini getaway for me and the boy to the Keys to unwind before the big move. Perfection. Yes please!

Let Me Introduce You To My Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:09:00 +0000

I wanted to properly introduce you to the man in my life,because he deserves, at the very least that, for putting up with me for the last three and a half months and making me so damn happy that we are making our friends want to mass vomit...on us. No joke.

True Life Factoid #1: I have never, and I mean never met anyone that goes by so many names. Don't believe me, I've put together a little list for you:

Ruben
Damian
Ruby
Ruby D.
Rubykins
Gerbil
Gerbs
Gerbo
Little Owl
Yoda
D.C.

Dainty Fingers

True Life Factoid #2: He has the daintiest man fingers I have ever encountered and though I am constantly messing with him about them, I am jealous that my hands aren't that soft and caress-able.

True Life Factoid #3: He gets my jokes, like for reals, although he totally doesn't get my movie references unless they are fantasy/sci-fi movies (so he gets points for that). He has this ridiculously silly humor that I just love and he not only laughs at all my crazy ass bullshiz but makes me laugh too which is ridiculous. The other night we were having so much fun in the car he looked over at me and said "Babe, this is what you would be like if you smoked pot" and it made me laugh even harder because it was the perfect silly ass thing to say

True Life Factoid #4: He is into music. Not like when people say "I'm so into music, like I don't know what I would do without it *insert sigh here*" He is actually into music, making it, listening to it, appreciating it, broadening his musical horizons, discussing it, helping local musicians. Its one of his side gigs and something he gets real joy out of doing. He sees it as paying it forward and I admire him for it.

True Life Factoid #5: He is possibly the MOST polite and the NICEST human being you will ever come across. Sometimes I have to tell him to stop being so nice so I won't look bad, because seriously as polite as I can be my boy leaves me in the dust.

True Life Factoid #6: He stopped wearing his frenchy cologne because of my migraines. I told him smells bothered me and that was that, no questions asked, no discussions it was just done.

True Life Factoid #7: I didn't think it was possible to have friends that were as cool as mine, but somehow his are. I can genuinely say I have yet to meet one I didn't like, had a bad time with, or couldn't talk to. Whether on the interwebs or face to face they are just cool people.

True Life Factoid #8: People, he's an animal lover! Kitties, Doggies, Birdies, Squirrels, Hamsters, you name it he loves it. Thats my kind of man yo!

True Life Factoid #9: He's a recovering gamer much like *cough* me, I envision us sometime in the future falling back into it like two crackheads going back for one more hit but its okay because we'll rehab together once more.

True Life Factoid #10: He is truly accepting, understanding and patient. No matter what sort of crazy I throw at him. And trust me he's dealing with some serious crazy.

My 365 and the Best App Ever!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Remember back in my to-do's way back when I said I wanted to chronicle my life in photos. Remember? No, well yes. I said it. I did. And my lovely best friend Taco had started this nifty little thing called 365Project, I wanted to do it, I really did, but I lacked the stamina, the staying power to actually stick to it. Until one bright sun-shiny day I decided eff that and started it. I had just recently downloaded a new app for my lovely new iPhone, Instagram, that no lie, I want to make thousands of baby photos with and thought to myself it would be a perfect time to start such a project. So without further adieu here it is my 365Project and yesterday's photo...

http://365project.org/cloudbug57/365

Class is in Session

17 / 365

The Professor is in the midst of another philosophical rant and the students are enraptured...its my kind of scene

Also, I recently fell in love with a video app and since I like the intarwebs so much I may just share the love with you...if you ask nicely. It is really the MOST amazing app in the 'verse and sooooo worth the money.

I couldn't help myself and spent like 15 minutes recording Damian who wanted to kill me by the end of the night...I won't bore you with all the video's but here is a four minute clip of us eating shit, the beginning and the end are really the best but I don't know how to edit yet so sorry ya'll...P.S. that app is called 8mm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ0lPplwY2k

On my resolutions...sort of

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:26:00 +0000

The end to 2010 to me was so positive that I have resolved to continue that energy into the new year and beyond. I made a list of goals for 2011, something that I haven't done in years, and I mean YEARS. Actually, maybe ever. I took the time to think things through and put them down on paper (or computer) what I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. I have been told by my sister and Taco, but especially my sister that I am starter of many things but finisher of few; this is something that saddens me.

When I took the time to think about it I agreed with her to a certain degree. Its one thing to dabble in a bunch of hobbies, but its another to still not drive, or be enrolled in school and not focus my time to actually studying because it so much easier for me to slack off when I get home beat from work. A million other people work full time jobs, have a family life and go to school. If they can do it, so can I. So I sat down and wrote out my 2011 goals. The two I rattled on about above are just a taste of what was included among them.

I felt refreshed once I was done. I felt relieved, like I had done the impossible. I actually planned out the next year, not in carefull detail but I put some thought into what I wanted to do with my life and am taking steps to making it happen. Rather than just letting life pass me by like I did last year.

My mom inadvertandly also helped steer me in this direction by giving me a sort of diary for Christmas. The funny thing is that I was actually looking into getting it for myself but hadn't gotten around to it and lo and behold it was waiting for me under the tree on Christmas morning. I am all sorts of in love with it...

I think 2011 is going to be a great year for me. I am making every negative into a positive and am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I learned in the last year that I can get through a shitty situation a stronger person and come out better on the other side with some amazing people surrounding me and am so happy that the first week of my year has been spent with great friends...

Look at that face...I'm sorry if I make you vomit with my grossness

It was Bear's Twenty-Something Birthday

A New Years Done Right

noreply@blogger.com (Jossie Posie) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:42:00 +0000

My New Year's Date

I woke up first so my first sight of 2011 was my boy sleeping

We started 2011 right with brunch and some shopping poor Damian

That was ALL mine, I almost licked the plate clean. No joke.

Then we went to mom and dads where I got to spend the night with my love

And see my two babies snuggle it up.

The next morning Vickie, mom and I went shopping

And discovered the tiniest straggler in the car

P.S. We did some serious damage. So much so I almost didn't fit on the ride back

At night I went to dinner at my best friends house to do Christmas Part 3

Damian had a great time playing with the kids :-) He will make an amazing dad one day


And this ladies and gentlemen is my FAVORITE 4 3/4 year old.

To be honest I had an amazing New Year's. After the 2010 I had I really needed it. I wanted to start off the year with positivity and that is exactly what I did. I couldn't have asked for a better person to end the year with, or better friends to start it out with. My weekend was filled with nothing but love and happiness and that is exactly what I was hoping for. I even went so far as to get some closure and briefly wrote to the ex. It was something I felt I needed to do. I didn't like the way things ended between us, I am not a bitter person and was not going to allow depression to make me one. So I wished him a great year and lots of happiness. It was positive, it was the last nail on the coffin and it did the job. I can move into 2011 without the negative baggage of 2010 or the feeling that I left something undone. I ended the year right. And what more can be said really.

I hope your 2011 is filled with nothing but goodness :-)