THURSDAY IS TWO FOR ONE POST DAY: "An evening out" AND "Lunchables - advice for life"

Moving to a new city tends to leave you with no friends. Being the nerd that I am, I find it difficult to make new friends (I'm glad we have a lot of family here). So we haven't gone out and done much since we moved here. So, it was a treat when Kent and I spent yesterday evening with one, Glenn Warbler. It was a lovely time. We ate poboys and then went to cafe' du monde. It was on this outing that I discovered three things:

1. Pancho's is extremely popular on Wednesday night. I mean, the line was out the door into the lobby. People really love those free sopapilla's! We decided not to wait.
2. New Orleans has left me void of any opinions. When someone asks what I want to do, or where I want to go, I can only respond, "It doesn't matter. I'm fine with anything. Whatever you want." And, it really doesn't matter. I'm just satisfied with anything. Wierd.
3. At The New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. anything you could possibly be looking for is on the condiment bar. Could I have some Ketchup? It's on the condiment bar. Do you have any tartar sauce? It's on the condiment bar. Do you have extra ice? It's on the condiment bar. Where's the restroom? It's on the condiment bar.

Here's something that doesn't have anything to do with what I was just talking about. Do you all remember when Lunchables first came out? There slogan was "Lunch is what you make of it." That's my new motto. It's really applicable for our everyday lives. Here are some examples:

Someone at work is complaining about having to cook, clean and walk the dog when they get home, respond with "Lunch is what you make of it."

Your friend is blabbing on about having to go on a long car ride with their family, respond with "Lunch is what you make of it."

The lady behind the counter asks if you want fries and a coke, respond with "Lunch is what you make of it."

Try using it throughout the day.

One more thing...

BONUS! I hit 500 visitors today! yay!

OH HAPPY DAY!

Something wonderful has happened...






I received as a gift, THE MAGIC BULLET! Now, thanks to my cousin Tyler, I can make dips, salads, smoothies, sauces and juices all with the same small appliance! I am SOOOOO excited. Really, you all just don't understand how great this thing is until you watch the info-mercial. Thank you Tyler! I can't wait to use it!

A Very Special Christmas Post, No Family Should Miss

Here is a Christmas song that I find funny (and scary)
Sing the parts in red in a loud monster-y voice, and you'll see what I mean


Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pullin' on the reins
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
HANG YOUR STOCKINGS AND SAY YOUR PRAYERS!
'CAUSE SANTA CLAUS COMES TONIGHT!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
Oh what a beautiful sight
SO JUMP IN BED AND COVER UP YOUR HEAD!
'CAUSE SANTA CLAUS COMES TONIGHT!

Yikes...Santa?

My Cousin's Wedding

I went to my cousin Jeff and my new cousin Amy's wedding this past weekend (18th). It was a lot of fun!! My whole family danced for hours and hours. I was really glad to see everyone again, and at the same time. The older everybody gets, the less we see each other. So, I really look forward to the times we can all get together. I can hardly wait till the next wedding!! Who wants to get married next?

I Love my Jobber

Yes, I Jessica, actually like a job. I never thought that would happen, but it did. The work is more difficult than other jobs I've had and I'm given a lot more responsiblity, but I enjoy it. I learn something new everyday. There's just so much to learn. Not to mention, the people I work with are great. They're very funny and relaxed. We sit around on the floor, talk about flatulence at lunch, and don't bother using the phone intercoms, we just yell from office to office. The best part is, they like me too! After hearing about how I love Karaoke, have two knots on my head (that they think could be horns) and that I am often plagued by "French Fry Phlegm," they tell me that its just so great that they found me because I'm just as wierd as they are. So, put 6 wierdos together and you get a great office.

Yeah, well, maybe I don't have anything better to do than take internet quizzes...you wanna make something out of it?

You Are The Mouse!
Take The Animal Test today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Personality Test Generator.

You are the most curious of the animals, but be careful where you go sticking your nose, mousey. You get into trouble easily, and honestly don't get along well with independant cats, little busy body. You are a very hard worker and enjoy caring for others. Befriend a dog, he'll protect you, oh nimble one!

I'm Orange Soda!
Take Which kind of soda are YOU? today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Personality Test Generator.

I'm a little funky, a neat drink for aquired tastes. Cirtus-y!

Need to Post

Well, Glenn Warbler just pointed out that I have not updated since Nov. 29th!!! Must...Post..need idea...ugh...

Okay, well, here's something funny that happened at work today. We went to Lowe's to look at some sinks and something happened. I had just finished telling them about how something fell off of a shelf and killed some lady at one of these home improvement stores when from the next aisle over we hear. "Boom" "SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS" (constant hissing) "ARE YOU OKAY?" "SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS" "ARE YOU OKAY?" Next thing I know I'm being shoved out of the way by Lowes' employees yelling "OH #$%@! THEY BROKE A GAS LINE!!!!" That was my cue. We left and as we were leaving saw the fire truck pull up. They never did make an announcement for people to evacuate. Glad no one was smoking or carrying torches.

The Pod

Kent and I currently have most of our worldly belongings stored in a Pod. If you don't know what that is, a Pod is like the back of a moving truck delivered to your house, you load it with all of your stuff, then someone picks it up and they store it, stacked pod upon pod, in a warehouse until you call for it to be delivered to your home. You can also keep it in your yard if you would like. Well, we decided to access our Pod this past weekend so we could get some winter clothes, the karaoke machine, some Christmas wrappings and gifts, TETRIS and a pair of my boots. First of all we couldn't get the door open. It's one of those over-head, roll-up doors, and something was stuck about mid-way up that was keeping it from going up all the way. So, Kent was doing battle with the door and it was EXTREMELY windy that day! His hair was continuously whipping him in the face, so he went off on a mad search for a ponytail holder and I decided to stick my hand under the door and move whatever was jammed. I did, indeed, move the object, but not before an unknown object fell, smashed my finger and tore some skin off the side of it. It was very bloody and we couldn't find anything to wash it with except watered down coke and a kleenex. So then I had a sticky, bloody, fuzz covered finger. Excellent. We proceeded to unload what we needed, all the while, chasing our belongings that were blowing down the parking lot, like lampshades, baskets, and wrapping paper. Did, I mention it was windy? Meanwhile, my sister was enjoying the show (she did help us hold stuff though). We got some of the clothes we were looking for and the wrapping paper, but we gave up on the rest. It was just too deep within the Pod and digging in anything more than 2 feet from the door would have been a complete disaster. So, Karaoke, Tetris, Christmas gifts, and boots you will all have to wait until we find an apartment.

What do I, a 25-year-old girl, have in common with a 9-year-old boy?

I think I must have the sense of humor of a 9 year old boy. Nothing makes me laugh like gas and diarreah. I hope no one is offended by my talking about this, but to me, these things are just hilarious! If any of you know the "wal-mart story" then you know how funny bowel movements can be. Anyway, to get on with the story...

As you know, Kent and I are living with my grandparents right now. Well, one evening Kent was at the computer in the Utility Room which is right off of the living room and kitchen. My Grandpa was in the LR and Grandma in the Kitchen. I went in the Utility room to talk to Kent. I thought I would just sneak out a little silent gas in there and no one would be the wiser. Only, it wasn't silent. It was like a compact car's horn. Kent and I both looked at each other in shock with eyes bulging because we knew Grandpa and Grandma were both in earshot. So, I immediately started coughing to try to play the poot off as a cough. Then, what's the next thing I hear from the other room? "God bless you, Jessica!" Kent and I lost it! It was just so funny that my gas / cough was mistaken for a sneeze. We laughed and laughed so hard that we cried.
Oh gas...always brightens my day.

Unconscious Mutterings

Here's something interesting I found on a stranger's blog. It's a site that puts up new words each week for word association. It'd be cool to hear your responses to these words. My responses can be found by highlighting the words below. Don't look at my responses until you do yours.

I say ... and you think ... ?

Childhood:: run
Ransom:: kidnap
Melissa:: sweet
Trust me:: evil
Report:: card
Give up:: fight
Nightgown:: flannel
Smokes:: roll
Cookies & cream:: blue bell
Gameshow:: wheel

**Look for the next installment of Jessica's Big Ideas, in which you can read a slightly offensive story and learn about what age group my sense of humor resembles.**

Yes, I am Obsessed with Internet Quizzes

Which Colossal Death Robot Are You?
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey

You're Cat's Cradle!
by Kurt Vonnegut

You believe quite firmly that free will deserted you long ago and far away. As a result, it's hard to take responsibility for anything. Even though you show great potential as a leader of a small 3rd world country, the choices are all made ahead of time. You're rather fond of games involving string. Your fear of nuclear weaponry is trumped only by your fear of ice.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Delightful Week With the Zest of a Car Problem

Well, I finished my very first week of work. It was actually a good week. I had no idea that today was even Friday. I totally thought it was Thursday. That never happens. Usually, I'll wake up and think "YAY! Friday!" But, no, it's Tuesday...wah wah wah waaaaaah. Anyway, I really like the people I work with. I think I'm getting to know them pretty fast, which is really out of character for me. They already know about my Karaoke addiction. That's a big step. Also, I have been doing many different tasks, so it keeps me busy and the day goes by quickly. That's the good part. The bad part of my week was that on my very first day of work, I get home and my car konks out. As, you know from an earlier post I HATE CAR PROBLEMS! Thankfully, Kent and my Grandpa have been taking turns bringing me and picking me up from work. The general consensus is that the problem is the starter, so Kent is going to pull it tomorrow and take it to get tested. Hopefully, that is the problem and Kent can install a new one easily.

A Painful Memory

Here's something funny from my childhood. I had a "big wheel." You have to know what this is because I'm sure most of you had one. It's like a plastic bike that's really low to the ground. The front wheel is really big and the two back wheels were small. My "Big Wheel" was Barbie themed. I loved it! Only I couldn't ride it normal. I insisted on dragging my knuckles on the concrete as a rode and ran over my fingers with the two small wheels on the back. I don't know why I liked doing that. It was just my thing. My parents would tell me not to do it, but riding the "Big Wheel" just wouldn't be the same without running over my fingers. I rode it and ran over my hands till the day it was stolen. Ahhhh...Memories.

Quiz

Which flock do you follow?

this quiz was made by alanna




You're Captain Jack Sparrow: smart, savvy, a demon with the eyeliner and the best pirate we've ever seen. And only a little crazy. Savvy?

Which POTC character are you?

this quiz was made by alanna

Which X2 Character Are You?

Ahh, the Paperwork.

I just got home from filling out some paper work at my new job. Everyone there seems really nice. Including myself, there are 6 people in the office. I think I will fit right in because everybody's a comedien. And, as most of you know, I can't stop if I'm on a roll. I was very quiet today though. I'm quiet if I'm nervous or with people I don't know very well. One of the few things I did say I think may have given them the impression that I'm kinda odd. They asked me if I had a dog. So I told them no, but I would be getting a Chihuahua because they're so close to being human! Then I immediatly wondered why on earth I shared that with them. Only someone who has a Chi knows what I'm talking about. Good thing for me there was a man there who has 3 Chihuahuas, so at least he didn't think I'm crazy. :) I was excited to find out that I have my own, my very own, office! It's like the size of a king size bed, no windows, but I've never had an office to myself before so, I'm thrilled.

I am covered in dust!

After all my excitement with the new job I haven't really posted anything. Well, that's because I'm working on a big project. I decided to devote my last week of freedom to helping my mom sand down and refinish all of her kitchen cabinets. It's quite a big job! Altogether there are 41 cabinets and drawers! Oh well, I like stuff like that. Until I get tired, that is. It will be so much fun to have a house someday. I can hardly wait to buy a house that needs a lot of work and then fix it all up! I have so many ideas in my head but no house to put them in. However, I don't think that will happen for a long time, since Kent and I can't seem to commit to anything longer than a 6 month lease, much less commit to a mortgage.

Oh yes, so I did forget to actually say what I'll be doing at my new job. I will be helping with the leases and attending to the Dr's needs, such as calling repair people or cleaning people, or whatever. I'll also be doing some stuff with entering money and rent payments into the computer. They said that I will have projects, as well. I will be working from 8 - 5 Monday through Friday, so that's good. There are some apartments we're interested in that are about 2 blocks from the building where I will work. They're also right by the library, you know how much I love the library.

I'm just so tired and I feel like if I sneeze a cloud of dust will come out of my nose. I need a nap.

I'm Officially Hired!

That's right, I got a job! They called around 8 last night and made me an offer, which I accepted. I'm SO happy and thankful! Now here's something very rare to appear on my blog...something serious. This is what happened with my job search.

Well, it all goes back to July. Kent got accepted to the school and we decided that IF we got jobs ahead of time then we would move. It turns out we both felt like God wanted us to go ahead and just move. Without jobs. With only the money we had saved up. So we moved in with my grandparents. Kent got a job 2 days after being here! They offered him flexible hours to work around his classes and the right amount of money. It seemed just right. I had more difficulty finding a job. Our goal was that my job needed to meet ALL of our needs outside of Kent's tuition (his job would pay for that). So we figured out how much we needed and it came to X amount of dollars. We and other family and friends began praying that I would be able to find a job paying X dollars. Well about a month and a half into the search we began to get discouraged. No one would call me back after I told them my salary requirement. Other people told me "you won't be able to get a job making that much, you don't have enough experience", meanwhile our savings was dwindling away. We then re-evaluated our budget and made some cuts. We also decided that we could live on campus, although that wasn't really what we wanted to do and Kent would take on a few more hours. So, I began searching for Z amount of dollars. I got a few calls back after that amount was decided, but none of them worked out. About 2 months into the job search I got really down about the whole thing. I started thinking maybe we made a mistake moving here. Maybe we read things wrong and God really didn't want us here at all. Not to mention, I looked at our budget and realized our money would run out on November 15th. Then I signed up with a staffing agency. They sent me on a lot of interviews! One in particular was an interview on friday October 22nd. They really liked me and I got a call from my recruiter saying that they would probably make me an offer. It was an "okay" job. It paid Z dollars. I would be doing ALOT of filing. I would also have to drive downtown everyday and pay $1000 per year just to park! Well, as soon as I hung up the phone it rang again in my hand. When I answered, a lady said "Hi Jessica. I'm _________ a recruiter from ______ and I have your resume' in front of me." She went on to tell me about this job that sounded EXACTLY like what I'd been looking for! It paid X dollars, health insurance, vacation and the possibility of promotion. Plus it would pay the tuition for any industry related degree or license I wanted to get. It's about 1 mile from where we live and it's in the property management industry! The whole time she was talking I just kept thinking things like "How much of a chance do I really have?" "Should I turn down other offers for this job?" God answered all my questions through her as she talked. I didn't voice any of them. She also told me that she usually has a feel for these things and she thought I'd be a great match for the company. She was only selecting 3 other people for interviews. I didn't even apply for this job. Somehow she got a hold of my resume'. Possibly from somewhere I posted it on the internet. We left it as she would contact me on Monday to set up an interview for Tuesday. So, all weekend we prayed and tried to figured out what to do. On Monday the downtown job made me an offer. It was a good offer, but I couldn't help think of this other opportunity that God put in front of me. So we prayed and read and asked for God's guidance as to what to do. I had until Tuesday morning to make a decision. I just kept thinking how could I justify turning down a job OFFER that I'd been praying for for so long for a job I hadn't even interviewed for yet! Kent and I agreed though that we both felt like this other opportunity was put in front of me for a reason and it's all in God's control anyway, so if he wants me to turn down this offer then he will provide something else, whether it's the property management job or not. So, we decided that if the recruiter actually called me back to set up an interview, then I would turn down the downtown job (yikes). Well, of course I waited and waited for her to call back. When it was after five I figured she wouldn't. So, I prayed again for her to just call me and let me know either way. It didn't have to be the way I wanted. She called at 5:30 and told me I had an interview! I was so excited and nervous. The next morning the downtown job called and I turned it down. They were not happy. They tried to press me for information about the new company and how much they pay and all that, but I wouldn't give it out. I went to my interview and, by the way, I've lost all of my ability to read people. I used to be pretty good at that, but not anymore. I don't know what happened. Anyway, I wasn't sure if he liked me or not. The interview lasted about an hour and he said he would more than likely call me the next day to meet with the VP who would be in town on business. He called me the next day and asked if I could meet him and the VP for lunch (see the post that is below this one). So, I met them and it went okay. I say the strangest things sometimes and I think how on earth could these people like me. But, my recruiter called me back and said they loved me, but no offers yet. All the while we still were continually praying that I would be shown if this is the right job or also if there are any red flags I should know about. Then the guy that interviewed me called me back and said we're very interested but we need to work some things out. Okay. Recruiter calls back, they're very interested, but they need to work some things out. Hang on until next week. Alright, I will. Monday, recruiter calls again, they really like you when is the latest you could start. I tell her November 15th (that's when our money runs out, but I didn't tell her that :). Tuesday, my interviewer calls me back and wants me to meet him and one of the partners for cocktails ( I was so nervous about that). It went really well. They were very nice and relaxed people. They kept asking me if the recruiter had called me yet. I told them just that she'd called and asked when I would need to start. So, finally one of them said, well, you know, we want you. And hopefully we can get this worked out and the recruiter will call you. YES! But of course It's not official yet, so I still think there's the possibility they might not hire me. Well, on the way home I get a call from the recruiter. She says they'd like to make you an offer of X dollars per year. Do you accept? I accepted. "You're officially hired at X dollars". Oh I'm so happy! Thank you God! I just can't believe that what I had given up on over a month ago God didn't give up on at all. He knew all along what was waiting for me. Even when I acted like a baby and cried when I got turned down for jobs and said things like We should've never moved here, He knew that I was getting turned down because He had the job for me waiting that paid the amount that we had originally prayed for. Even the recruiter said, "You know, it's still a mystery to you and me how we actually got your resume. I can only assume it was from the internet, but I don't know." Someone had just given her a stack of printed out resume outlines to look through. All the work and money I spent on my own sending out resume's and paying for postage, in the end wasn't even needed. I didn't have to search for the job, God sent it to me. I just feel so "taken care of", if that makes sense. Thank you so much to anyone who prayed for us during my search. :)

Symptoms: Can't sleep, loss of appetite, angry stomach

**I've had this saved as a draft since Wednesday October 27th. I didn't want to write anything that might jeopardize my chance for the job, so now that the decision has been made I feel free to post. However, no specific names will be mentioned**

Diagnosis: My first "Business Lunch" (well really it was more like an interview while eating)

That was stressful. Going to a regular interview makes me nervous enough. I alredy have quite a few nervousness problems with the neck spasms, heart palpitations, and chest tightness. So, now I had to interview and eat! That added a whole new dimension to my anxiety. I began to think, what should I eat? Are they paying for me? What if I get a bean sprout stuck in my teeth? If I choke and require the Heimlich maneuver am I still a candidate for the job? I survived though, but not without quite a bit of sweating and an insanely long spit string connecting my mouth to my straw (I really hope they didn't see that).

Pigeons Plot in Secrecy

There's a Simon and Garfunkel CD called "Bookends" and on this CD there is a song called "At the Zoo." I would love to do a painting of what I see in my head when this song plays! It's very funny to me, but so far no one else really thinks so. In the song it talks about the animals at the zoo and what they're known for. Here are some of my favorite lines! You should download this.

Orangutans are skeptical of changes in their cages,
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum...

Zebras are reactionaries,
Antelopes are missionaries...

Pigeons plot in secrecy...

What do you think those pigeons are plotting? I think they're plotting graphs.

I think I'm in Love

There are two new (or at least new to me) products that I am head over heels for.

Definitely Number 1 has to be Kettle Corn! It is so good! It's sweet and salty which is perfect for me so I don't have to get stuck in my never ending cycle of eating something sweet, then wanting something salty, then eating something salty, then wanting something sweet. Kettle Corn is my favorite food right now.
“Sweet and salty; two opposites make the perfect pair.”— Tim Treats, Cornfield Daily

Number 2 is the Magic Bullet. I was enthralled by the infomercial and waited anxiously for the price. Which, much to my dismay, was more than I was hoping for (it's only 3 easy payments of $33.33). This thing is awesome! It makes smoothies, chops cheese, grinds coffee beans and makes juices and does gobs of other things that I don't remember! I can't even do it justice. You need to see the infomercial. I don't currently own the Magic Bullet, but when they start selling it at Walgreen's for $19.95, I'll be first in line.

The Results Are In!

After an overwhelming voter turnout (7 people :-) the poll results have been tallied.

TLC's "What Not to Wear" where they secretly tape someone all week and then tell them they dress horribly then show them how to dress well....
Received 0% of the vote.

"E" network's "Diary of an Affair" which chronicles a person's affair and how it affected their spouse, friends and family....
Received 14% of the vote.

Spanish Network's "Gana la Verde", contestants do things like eating worm burritos to win a year's legal help in getting their green card....
Received 29% of the vote.

MTV's "I Want a Famous Face" in which people will have plastic surgery to look like their favorite celebrity....
Received 57% of the vote.

I hate paying for parking

Well, it turns out "Professional Jessica" isn't so scary after all. I've gone on two interviews this week and both of them want me to come in for a second interview. One of them is the one that I thought I scared my interviewer. I like that job more than the other, but I'm trying them both. So, I guess what seems like agressive behavior to me is just the norm in the "business world". That makes me nervous about working.

"Oh, you haven't been through Navy Seal training? Then I just really don't think you have what it takes to order our office supplies."

Okay. So, lately the theme of the "I'm sorry we went with another candidate for the job" schpeel has been "You're too young", "I think you lack the maturity for this position" or "I just don't think you're tough enough." Come on people! I'm not asking you to make me a bouncer at a nightclub! I didn't realize I needed to go through boot camp to answer a phone and greet your clients. So, anyway I decided for my interview today I would be "tough, mature" Jessica. I don't think it worked out. I think it was more like "angry, scary, I will wait for you in the parking lot" Jessica. I made my voice be just a tad lower (because when I get nervous my voice turns into 8-year old Jessica) and I tried to act confident by making eye contact the whole time. (My eyes sort of look like they're going to pop out of my head if I'm interested in something and I was definately interested in the job). However, I got the feeling that she thought I was staring her down or trying to intimidate her. She kept looking away from me. I really wasn't trying to be intimidating. I just wanted to appear confident and professional with a "can-do" attitude (that was a job requirement). Instead I think I appeared to be agressive and angry, with an "I will cut you if you don't give me this job" attitude.

So, basically, I don't know how to go into an interview anymore. If I'm myself, I seem like a child who's not mature enough to do the job. If I'm professional (in my mind anyway), I seem like person in need of a psych evaluation.

Maybe tomorrow I will apply at a certain fabric and craft store for holiday help. Hopefully I will be tough enough and have the maturity level that is needed to direct someone to the sequins in the midst of restocking the buttons.

The Girl Who Grew the Golden Hair

I have some concerns about my large amounts of hair loss (I know some of you reading this share my concern), so I frequently inspect my head for bald spots. As of yet, I haven't found any bald spots (phew!). I have found something interesting though. On a few separate occasions I will see a hair that is a different color from the rest of my brown hair. So, at first I think its gray...bummer. Then I decide to pull it out for further examination. Its then that I realize that the hair is not gray at all, but it's GOLDEN. Its also very, very shiny, sort of like brass or something. This is a good thing. If my hair is going to turn golden instead of gray then I am totally okay with that, but somehow I really don't think that will happen. So, I'll just enjoy my golden hairs while I have them.

OH! Or maybe I can sell my golden hair or spin it into yarn like Rumplestiltskin did with the straw!

This is so funny!

I crack up laughing everytime I see this: Screaming Banshee

I'm Not This Desparate For Work

Here are some kind of scary ads I've come across during my job search. I claim no responsibility for these, so please don't apply for them!

Personal Errand

I need a cellular phone with a New Orleans area code. I am looking for someone to procure such a phone. This is a no questions asked position. You will be compensated for the phone and your trouble. Reply for more information.

Errands needed done - $30

I need someone to send an e-mail for me. You will need to make a new, unnamed web-mail account (such as hotmail or yahoo) and send an attachment for me from a public computer (internet cafe or library in New Orleans). Then I will need you to send a letter via a post-office within New Orleans. This is a no questions asked assignment for which I will pay $30. I will send you details only if I decide to hire you. Payment is non-negotiable

Lifestyles of the Broke and the Fameless

Due to this week's job related events (going to more interviews and being turned down) and catching up the budget I was reminded that anything Kent and I do to entertain ourselves better be free! Here are a few things that keep us entertained without costing us any money.

1. Going to the Library and looking at books and magazines. Why buy a magazine when we can have a free subscribtion to 200 different magazines!
2. Going to the Library and renting movies. Sure, the new releases are often checked out, but we can reserve them online and as soon as the movie comes in the Library calls us.
3. Feeding the Geese, Ducks, Cranes and Nutria at the Park. Any time my grandparents have old bread they're going to throw away, Kent and I save it to feed to the birds and Nutria (If you've read Kent's blog you'll know how much fun we have with the Geese).
4. Going for walks at the park. We like to look at all the dogs people have (I really want a dog). We watch the people playing Soccer or Football. One time we watched a wedding rehersal thinking it was some type of show!
5. Going for bike rides. I ride my old bike that I got when I was 11 and Kent rides my dad's bike that he got in 1965. It's a really cool bike though. One of those with the fenders over the wheels (If you've read my blog about the bike incident, then you know how exciting bike riding can be).
6. Walking around at the mall. We go in stores and read t-shirts, or bumper stickers. We play guess the name of this scented candle. We go in stores and say "Oh, this would be a perfect gift for so and so!" (of course, so and so, you will never get any of these gifts because they're too expensive). We play with the stuff at the Discovery Store.
7. Watching the "Wheel of Fortune"! We are actually in the Wheel Watcher's Club.
8. Playing Games.
9. Looking at stuff on the internet. We LOVE the internet! Right now it's free because we're at my grandparents' house.
10. Doing our individual hobbies. Kent plays Game Cube games and I crochet. My grandma had a whole bag of old yarn she didn't need, so I can make new projects all the time.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to buy something at the mall or rent a Blockbuster movie, but I'm just as happy doing our free stuff! Since Kent's in school now, our free fun will have to last for a while. Hey, at least right now we have cable! Woo hoo! We didn't have it at our old apartment and we probably won't at our new apartment either. So, here I can watch all the really bizarre reality shows like, "Growing up Gotti," "The Surreal Life," and "Dr. 90210." Plus, I can watch 7th Heaven three times a day on ABC Family....but I don't.

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Tightwad Gazette

This is my favorite book right now. Its called The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. It "Promotes thrift as a viable alternative lifestyle." It was a monthly newsletter that she sent out for years and then compiled it into several books. This particular edition has 3 books in 1, I think. Some of the ideas are a little far fetched, but most of them seem reasonable. I actually got this book for my birthday in June, but, much to my dismay, I accidentally packed it up and put it in storage with the other books. So, since I won't be seeing my copy until we move out, I checked it out from the library today. Anyway, I just wanted to recommend the book to anyone looking for ways to cut costs.

Profile Pic

The picture in my profile was our 2003 Christmas Card.

Smurfs, Raccoons and Bathrooms

When Kent and I got married I realized something about him that I never knew...

He talks in his sleep all night long! When we first got married I couldn't even sleep through the night. I had to start wearing earplugs so that I could sleep. Now that I've gotten used to it, its just funny to me. Over the last two and a half years some pretty funny things have happened while one or both of us were sleeping. Here are just a few highlights.

Two nights ago I stayed up watching TV and Kent fell asleep. Just as I turned off the TV and rolled over to sleep I heard Kent laughing, "Huh, huh ha." So, I said, "What's so funny?" No response. More laughter, "Huh, huh ha." Again I asked, "What's so funny?" This time he responded, "That smurf, ha ha." Of course I asked, "What smurf?" Kent said, "He keeps trying to drink his water, ha ha ha, but someone keeps knocking it out of his hands, ha ha." I then started laughing, because it's very funny to me that my husband dreams about smurfs. :) Of course, when I asked him if he remembered dreaming any thing he didn't remember a thing about it.

A while back when we lived in our old apartment another pretty funny incident happened. I was having a nightmare that a raccoon was on the bed. So I was screaming and trying to climb off the bed (I really was crawling towards the side of the bed trying to get off). Only I couldn't move my legs because the raccoon was too heavy... meanwhile...Kent was dreaming that I was being sucked away by a tornado and he was trying to save me by holding onto my legs (he was actually holding onto my legs). Suddenly, we both woke up and realized I was halfway off the bed and Kent was holding me down. Then we told each other about our dreams and laughed at how weird we are. No wonder I couldn't get up, I had a 6 foot raccoon (also known as my husband) holding on to my legs!

On a different occasion, I started asking questions while he was sleep talking and in the middle of us talking he said, "I really have to go to the bathroom, but the line is way too long." I said, "The last time I was there no one was in line." Then he said, "Well, a whole bunch of people just ran and got in line!" Then I started laughing and he woke up and said "What are you doing?" Then he got up and went to the bathroom. Once again he remembered nothing in the morning.

There are many more stories, but this post is getting pretty long, so I'll spare you.

Kent, you are so funny when you sleep, thanks for entertaining me. Y

Oh, the Library.

I have a new favorite thing here. It's the Library. We have the nicest library I've ever seen here. I go there 2 or 3 times every week. They have books (of course), videos, dvds, cds, magazines and a coffee shop! And it's all free (well, except for the coffee shop). Since I have no job and we're not exactly the Hilton's right now, we are frequently checking out free movies from the library. AND IT DOESN'T COST $5, like the video store.

There is one problem.....

It never, ever, fails. When I go to the library. I will look around and get a big stack of books and movies. Then right in the middle of looking at books. I get an upset stomach (seriously, every single time I have been in this library this has happened). So, I have to leave my books either with Kent or on a table and rush to the bathroom. I know the people that work there must think I have no bathroom at home, or else I'm afraid to use my home bathroom, because I do this every time I'm there. What's funny is that the very same thing happens to me at Barnes and Noble. It's so strange! I mean am I just so excited about all the books that I lose control of my bowels? Are there just to many choices and it stresses me out? Am I allergic to pages and words? I wish I knew what the problem was. It certainly would make my trip more pleasant.

Nevertheless, I'm so glad the library is here. It's just a building full of free fun for me. (Free, except that my grandpa says he's been paying taxes on it for years so he's glad someone is enjoying it.)

If you live in London and you are free tomorrow, then this is for you!

Flash Mob Pillow Fight

Is it too much to hope for a job that doesn't make me wish I was in traction with a broken leg?

I need a job. I know I won't be able to do what I really love because what I'd be doing is painting and sculpting and creating things. However, I don't think I'd ever make enough money to even pay the electric bill. It would be nice to have a job that allowed for even some creative freedom, but so far I haven't interviewed for any of those. So, I want something I can tolerate. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I do have some requirements:

1. I don't want to have barbeque sauce smeared all over my shirt and be cursed at for being out of onion rings and ribs.
2. I don't want to catch pink eye and a cold every other week from being with 200 kids a day (that's the job that made me wish for an injury).
3. I don't want to be required do my boss's kid's homework for her (apparently the job I was doing was less important than a high schooler's homework).
4. I don't want to even contemplate carrying my jewelry in my mouth for fear of being mugged or even killed for it as I leave work(that's a whole other story)!

So, I've accepted that I will take another job that I will be tired of within a month and I will be thankful for it. I'll make the best of it and hopefully it will inspire some funny stories that I can act out when I see you all. I'll work with a whole new cast of characters that I can imitate and it will make me laugh to myself when I see my co-workers doing the things that I imitate when I'm at home. Finally, I will do my art on the side. Hopefully, I'll find a shop or market here that would be interested in selling some of my pieces. And I will continue being the Happy Jessica that I usually am. :)

For those who can't stand to waste...

For those of you who don't know, I don't like to throw anything away. (That's why we have so much stuff when we move) Sometimes I actually take stuff out of other people's trash because I just can't believe they're throwing that perfectly good (or somewhat good, at least) item away. Well, I'm always looking for uses for everyday items that I throw away. Here are some that I found today on the internet. I haven't tried them yet, so I claim no responsibility. :-) Check them out if you want.

• Plastic Grocery Bags - The Bag Bed - I would really like to try this

As as sidenote for those who are interested, I found this out about the bagbed:

"This project originated from a closet full of plastic bags and idle hands. The very first night it was clear that this would be a perfect bed for a homeless person, warm and cushiony. The first bagbed was given to a local homeless woman in January who reported that it is suprisingly warm. Since then teachers and schoolchildren, retirement homes, disabled adults, girlscouts, and ordinary folks have joined the effort."

"The bagbed was awarded a $2,000 prize by The American Plastics Council in April, 1998 for the Single Most Unusual Reuse Idea."

• Tea Bags - Save the tea leaves from tea bags and use as fertilizer for plants. Roses love tea leaves. ( or so I read today)
• I always wanted to find something to do with those little paint sample squares. You can decorate a frame.
• Replace a missing zipper pull with a twist tie (we always have like a thousand of these lying around and I don't want to throw them away, so I better find alot of broken zippers)
• Use the wire inside a twist tie to repair eyeglasses in a pinch
• Place used coffee grounds around plants. They make wonderful fertilizer. ( or so I read today)
• Freeze meatballs by placing one in each of the holes of an egg carton. Seal, then put into the freezer.
• Store premade pancake mix in a milk carton. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Tie two laundry baskets together to make a dog-travel cage in a pinch.
• Throw an old shower cap on the bottom of hanging plants to catch dirt and drips. Remove and rinse when it's time for their next watering.
• Fill milk carton with water, submerge whole fish and put in the freezer to store until needed.
• Use plastic lids as coasters, mini-cutting boards or stencils.
• An unwanted candle makes a great pincushion.

I hope this was somewhat informative. If not, sorry. :-( I've got a cold today. If you have some reuse ideas to share, be sure to let me know. :-)

Is this for real?

Kent said that an air guitar is basically an invisible guitar. So, here's a funny ad that I came across on Craig's List:

Slightly Used Air Guitar. In Great Condition. - $5

"My old man gave me this air guitar on my tenth birthday and it's brought me nothing but joy. Great for thrashing and whaling. Will take five dollars or best offer. Price includes one set of air strings and an excellent air stand."

Jessica vs. Modes of Transportation

Transportation Mode #1
Yesterday I was on my way to another waste-of-time job fair when, as usual, I passed up the building. So, I had to turn around in a drive way. However, when I began to back out of the driveway my car started making a HORRIBLE scraping noise. YIKES! Let me just tell you, I freak out when my car starts making a noise. I do not pass mildly concerned or slightly alarmed. I go directly to freaked out! Cars really stress me out. I have no idea how they work, they can ruin your day at any random moment, and they're expensive to repair or replace. I seriously thought my wheel was going to fall off. After a couple of minutes it stopped making the noise so I went on to the job fair. After the "fair" I drove home. The whole way home, every time I hit a bump I would hear a scrape! I was just praying "please don't let my wheel fall off." Eventually I made it home. I got out of the car and looked in the wheel well. What do I see wrapped around in there? A coat hanger, excellent. So we pulled it out....

Transportation Mode #2
Later that day I decided to ride my bike for some much needed stress relief and to burn some calories. I got on my bike with the tires all full of air and the seat lowered to just my height. I had been biking for about 30 minutes. Enjoying the breeze in my hair and the sunshine when I began to think, "Man, bikes are great. I should really just ride a bike instead of driving. You don't have to worry about breaking down, or getting it stolen (compartively cheap to replace) or hitting dogs and cats! Plus, no gas! This could definately work. I'm going to look for a job to which I can ride my bike everyday." No sooner did I start thinking about how wonderful bikes are then my BIKE PEDAL FLEW OFF! Perfect, and on a busy corner where everyone could see! I had a long walk home pushing a bike. I did not even dare to think about how great walking everywhere would be. I probably would have fallen.

Tomorrow's Job Interview

....Administrative Assistant at a Medical Billing office. We'll see.

No Job...Nothing to do

Hi. I thought I would jump on the bandwagon with the blogging. It gives me something to do anyway. Even if I only entertain myself with this, I'm happy.
Well, I thought I'd begin my first post with a description of my typical day:

7:00 am Wake up with kent fix him his lunch and wave goodbye.
7:30 am Go back to sleep
8:00 - 10:30 am Wake up about 20 times and try to decide if I should wake up knowing that would just give me more hours of nothing to do but eat, or should I sleep and therefore prevent myself from eating constantly. Of course I choose sleeping.
10:30 -11:00 am Sometime during this window I wake up
11:00 - Noon Eat Breakfast, check the classified ads, check email, check craigslist.
Afternoon Mail out resume's and watch 7th Heaven
after 5:30 Eat dinner, follow Kent around the house, and feed my addiction (realityTV)
10:30 pm Go to bed, watch tv till midnight, then sleep.

**Sometimes my whole routine is shattered because I substitute teach!!**

Exciting!