Update

Today's game went much better. We still didn't win, but I felt like most of the girls got more in to it, I saw more jump balls than I ever have before with them...and I feel like that shows me that they are fighting for the ball. I was very proud of my team today, despite the final score, despite some really bad moves here and there, some traveling and such, they played the best defense they could, we broke double digits on the scoreboard...I am just really proud of them. Hours later I am still geeking out about it.*

On another note: The conversation hearts and I are still doing okay, we're taking things slow this time around.

I gotta stop hanging out with her. She sounds like a chicken finger.*

Last night was a terrible defeat in the world of basketball. This season hasn't been our best and that is alright - it's more about having fun right?

Last night was just rough on me. I haven't been feeling up to par this week anyway and last night was like the clincher. I gave up a little last night and that frustrates me, cause I don't want to be one of those people who gives up...even though I've always been one. I sat out...I rarely sit out unless I'm tired or think it's time to let someone else play. Last night I sat out because I was mad.

It's depressing for me, left me in a funk. I was directionless. Amber and I went to Wal-Mart between our game and the guys game. I walked around a little down hearted, I was looking for something to sooth the sting of defeat. There was an ache in my stomach that I was certain could only be filled with junk food. I looked over the Ben and Jerry's options, the Archer's Iced Oatmeal cookies...the Wal-Mart brand iced oatmeal cookies, double stuff golden oreos... Then - while Amber was down one aisle I aimlessly looked around and then I saw it, the snack cake aisle. I hid behind a display and looked at the Little Debbie snack cakes. As I stood there, probably creeping out several people who walked past, I realized that I was stalking the Little Debbies, I was checking out the different types but keeping my distance, not letting them know I was even interested because if Debbie knew, she'd pull me in with her Oatmeal Pies, her Fancy Cakes shaped like hearts.

I turned away and grabbed a box of Ritz crackers...that will make Debbie jealous. Amber and I walked to the other side of the store and that's when I saw them. A Little Debbie snack stand with individually wrapped snacks and on the top shelf who should I see? Giant Fancy Cakes in the shape of hearts. Pulling out all the stops I see. Suddenly I thought, "Was I stalking them or were they stalking me?"

We kept walking and we came across the Valentine's aisle, curse you Valentine's! Despite the box of Ritz crackers in my hand I ended up settling for a bag of conversation hearts, even though I told myself after the last conversation heart induced stomach ache that I wouldn't buy them anymore. But they called to me with their sweet, "Be Mine", "All Mine", "Marry Me", "E-mail me" ...how can a girl turn her back on such words of adoration? How can a girl resist a candy that is all about her, can't seem to get enough of her? I couldn't.

I know how it will go. Things will be sweet for two or three days with the hearts whispering, "I heart you", "Awe-some" and then the bag will be almost empty, the stomach ache back, and I'll tell myself not to ever, ever, buy them again...but they know I'll be back, I always come back.

That was totally wicked!*

I think I broke my neighborhood. I went to take the trash out tonight and I usually just throw it in over the side porch banister and come right back inside, but this time the garbage can was too far away. So I walked down the porch and happened to look out over the neighborhood. It was really dark but I could see light reflecting off water...running water.

I've never seen this before so...I called my dad. I thought it might be a burst water main, I've heard stories in my troubles (mostly because the reason getting my house connected to the main water line took so long because there were so many burst water mains). Now I was seeing one...lucky me.

I didn't even know who to call for something like this! My dad suggested the County of Henrico Emergency number, which is not as easily Googleable as it may seem. As a back up and last resort he suggested the police. Something felt off about possibly calling the police so I looked and looked but found nothing. I googled the police (who wants to call 9-1-1 for a broken water main?)

Whoa, even as I type there is a police man in my street checking out the damage. Thrilling...this is the most action packed night I've had all week!

Okay, so back to the story at hand. So I called the police department, they asked me my street, and then my "Hundred Block" that was awesome! I was like, "twelve hundred" and felt like the lady on those Crime Stoppers commercials when she says a hundred and a street name. Then they got my other information, name, number, etc. Still scared to death they'll come knocking on my door...I can only blame my collection of traffic tickets for this irrational fear.

I feel so grown up - I called the police all by myself!

Now there are two cops!

Anyway, the major con is that the neighbors will know it's my fault the water main broke...I mean, it's right across the street from me and I have a huge hole in my yard (have I not posted a picture of that? I'll correct that). Anyway, I'm going to go watch the police do their thing from the safety of my darkened living room (so they won't see the nosey neighbor spying).

Trade you a cookie for a smile!*

One of my rare responsibilities at work is to clean out old workstations (someone has to to do it otherwise how will the be clean for a new hire?)


Over the years I have found some pretty interesting stuff (and some lame stuff too like a box of tissues...woohoo).


In my own little way to keep the resigned employee close to heart (or this could be because I collect junk) I hold on to some of the treasures. Such as this:


The Krispy Kreme snow globe. Since I like Krispy Kreme I figured it fit me well, plus it's so dang cute. Had this been at home it would have probably got tossed in one of my random cleaning moods where I chuck anything that doesn't seem to be important or of any use to me. But since it is at work it's still here!


I have found a random assortment of pens, highlighters, and rulers (some really cool). I have found candy, crackers (who knows how old they are), an 8 x 11 black and white picture of some soccer mom with her feet off the ground as she gave her kids high fives (I'm assuming they are her kids). I found one of those things you squeeze to make your hands stronger and a protein shake cup. I even found a sweater once.

Note to reader - I have not kept all of this stuff!

Yesterday I found this.

I also found within myself some kind of desperation I had not known before. Apparently my goal of reading 50 books in a year has me a little nervous and I for a split second, a split second, no longer, I considered reading the book. Luckily the desperation past quickly, though the book is still in my workstation, why? I can't bare to throw away books. I will take it downstairs to the book exchange in the hopes that some person will give it a home.

Another note to readers: I don't support Nicholas Sparks (movies and/or books) mostly because, to me, "A Walk to Remember" was a sore disappointment. There was a moment in the film when he could have had me, I would have gone to the store and bought ten of his books the moment the film ended and then...he did it...he left an opportunity to make me bawl my eyes out unseized and I lost all desire to have anything to do with his story telling. ...just like the movie "My Sister's Keeper" never change the ending of a book to make yourself feel better about your movie! ...sorry, stepping off the soap box now.

So...I doubt people have the same job responsibilities I have, but maybe with roommates or something you've found strange or cool items left behind? If so, what's the strangest and/or coolest thing you've "inherited"?

'He's got your father's eyes.' 'take those out of his mouth.'*

Um...yeah - this one is really behind (original date: March 4, 2010)

She is here! Ava is here!

My fabulous parking job.

Cleaning out my closet

I have nothing to say lately, but just so you don't think I've stopped blogging...I am going through old "drafts" and finally posting them. So...here's one of just pictures - since I can't remember the stories anyway.

After we watch "The Bucket List," remember to cross "watch 'The Bucket List'" off our bucket list. *

I feel like my friend, Erica, whose last blog post stated that she has a bad habit of writing blogs but never posting them. I decided to go through my drafts and delete stuff I will never post. While doing that I found this one from November and thought I would share. So put on your tinted glasses that give you the feeling you're in a flashback:

(Original date set to post on 11/17/10)

Today we set up the Christmas tree at work, we have good reason for doing this so early - Angel Tree. Pam and I got to work setting it up and she decided that we need Christmas music. A song sung by Charlotte Church came on and the following discussion ensued.


Pam: She's dead (well, she said more but I can't remember)

Me: Dead? What happened?

Pam: Overdose I think.

Me: I had no idea she did drugs.

Pam: I think that's what it was. (turning to Amy and Valerie) Google Charlotte Church.

Me: Yeah, if you're working, stop what you're doing and check up on that for us.


Valerie looks it up for us while we continue to work on the tree. In the meantime Janine and Jon come in.


Valerie informs us that Charlotte is not dead. I repeat, she is not dead, she does have two children though. This gets Janine and Jon into our conversation where Janine, Jon and I start to talk about an unknown film that Charlotte was in (I believe it's called, "I'll be There").


Jon: She did go through a sketchy phase, she dated football guys or something.

Me: ...sketchy

Pam: That's not what I expected.

Me: (shaking head) Football guys


Jon and Janine leave and then we pull out the ornaments. Enter The Christmas Pickle.


Me: I can't remember the point of this.

Pam: (To Amy and Valerie) Hey! Google it!

Valerie finds an alternative source of where the Christmas Pickle originates, a civil war soldier who was starving and asked for a pickle as the last thing to eat, but he finds strength and lives out the war.


Me: Impressive since they're really just humiliated cucumbers.

Gone to California, to live in the summer sun.*

In 16 days I'm going to California to see this girl:

Mur and I were roommates in college for three years. We ordered lots of pizza and watched lots of Gilmore Girls. We also did crazy stuff like slide around in the snow in the mostly empty parking lot one night, threw cake over the banister, stalked Creepy Nate...

She is the first person who questioned if I am Caucasian...but hasn't been the last (most recently Joanna and I were asked if we were from "here", assuming VA we said 'yes' and then the lady said, "You are American?"...must be the bushy eyebrows).

I got a voicemail from Mur the other day saying how excited she was that I was coming and that her family is even asking. Mama Busath wants me to stay at her house...why? Because I'm awesome and made her a get well card once with a picture of me holding an icicle

I told her to take care of herself...and I would take care of Mur.

Good times.

I'll also have the opportunity to go here:

I have been here twice. Once to walk around the outside with Mur and her dad. The other to sit outside with Mur's sisters while she got married. Now I will get to see the inside.

I am so excited!

I even bought new luggage for the trip (okay, okay, so that was more a need to do since my luggage from college has/is disintegrating).

See ya soon, Mur!

You wanna throw up here, or you wanna throw up in the car? *

I was on the internet today, checking out some things...the weather being one of them. On iGoogle I have the weather up there, it shows me a little picture and tells me the high/low but that's it. No link to read up on more...just the picture. Today I saw this:


What in the world is that?! Cloudy with a chance of aliens?

Let's take a closer look:

I can't decide if the little guys from Batteries Not Included are headed towards earth or if God is making himself some eggs. Either way, doesn't really hint at what the weather will be like.

I saw an opportunity and I seized it.*

Best e-mail of the day - sent to me by my sister, Martha:

Dear God,

This year I'd like to have a fat bank account and a slim body. Please don't get them mixed up like you did last year.

AMEN

Just thought I would share.

Also - it's time for the unofficial unveiling of my birthday cake from this year:

That's brilliant, Joanna!

She'll never be satisfied by another man.*

I'd like to dedicate a blog post to my adventures at my sister's house over the past few weeks. As anyone who actually reads this blog knows, I had been living with my sister since December 16th (just moved home January 14th - my birthday woot woot!) I had many fun adventures while living with my sister and her family. So - in a collection of stories and pictures - here is my life from the last month:

Making Gingerbread Houses

Christmas

Lots of cuddle time with this one.

Lots of laughs with my sister, who may think that she has lost some social skills...but Jo, you still got it.

In one month, my sister made cinnamon rolls three times. Not because we devoured them so quickly (which we did) or because they taste so dang good (which they do) but because of a yeast debacle. Cinnamon rolls are supposed to expand like a peep in the microwave and attempts number one and two just weren't doing that. After some internet research - the third time was the charm.

In my sister's house they like to use the term 'bust' (sorry Jo, spilling the family secrets here). Tommy in particular has taken to this (p.s. busting is another word for passing wind, cutting the cheese...you get the idea). One day I was eating breakfast and Tommy was sitting on the couch in his PJs waiting to truly wake up. He looked up at me and said, "Jess, I busted through my nose." I said, "Really?" and he said, "Yeah, it was like this," and proceeded to take a deep breath in and blow out through his nose. "That must smell really bad." I said. All he said back was, "yeah."

Another time (since I think Tommy had it out for me because just like cats can sense and will sit with those who do not actually like cats, I think kids can smell a germaphobe from a mile away) I was babysitting the kids. Ava was asleep and the boys and I were watching a movie. I hear Tommy's little voice, "Jess, look at this booger." I hesitated to look, I don't like the idea of what I am about to see...I'm not big on inspecting these types of things. Part of me hoped he was just kidding...he was not. He had his finger pointed at me and on the end was a booger, too close for comfort. I jumped up from the couch the way I would if there had been a spider coming at me, and grabbed a tissue. I told him to take care of that and to go ahead and get the booger's friends while he had the tissue. Then, as part of his diabolical plan, he handed the used tissue to me to throw away...

I came into the kitchen one day to find my water bottle surrounded by a couple dinosaurs. Jacob told me it was the watering hole...

I was also introduced to the world of Wonder Pets ...I didn't have the heart to tell my nephews what Ming Ming's future would possibly be...

...We haffo help him!

My sister has this thing about smells and one day she was on the hunt for the malodorous perpetrator. She had determined that it was coming from between the counter and the oven, so she told me to "smell down there". I leaned forward, bringing my nose to the crack between the counter and oven when everything went WHITE...okay, so nothing went white, but it felt like it should. I found myself, or rather my nose, had been shocked by the oven. I may have handled the situation dramatically...jumping back, throwing both hands to my face and I may or may not have screamed - and then laughed really, REALLY hard.

I'm really going to miss "living" with them. I mean...who wouldn't?

Pull my string! The birthday party's today?

I was talking to someone once (and this is a testament of my bad memory - I have no clue who it was) about why time flies as we get older. The reason time seems to fly by now that we're older is because we have more life under our belts. When you are ten years old, one year is a very long time, you've only lived for 10 years, so one year is a tenth of your entire life. The older you get, the smaller significance a year has. It goes from one tenth, to one twentieth, to one thirtieth, and so on. It makes perfect sense to me.

So it should come as no surprise that I feel like yet another birthday has come with lightening speed. Wasn't I just 19?

It seems a shame that when you are young you can't wait to grow up, and when you are grown up you wish you could be young again. Don't get me wrong, there are certain periods of life I am fine being over and done with...middle school for example. Done and done, don't remember much of it and I hope it stays that way.

I kind of miss the days of being five years old with my main concern being my sister's not wanting to play with me, but that's life. We go so long wishing to be older than we are. I didn't ask for this full time job thing, bills, and responsibility bit. I didn't ask for the stress that comes from boys, work, bills, fender benders, getting older, and major life decisions. ...I just wanted to be old enough to drive. What happened there?

However, I am happy to report that I still have no regrets. There are things in my life that make me very, very, sad when I remember them, but they are still not regretted. I can see the value in even the saddest and stupidest mistakes and for the fun ones that didn't end badly I say, "No harm, no foul, it was stupid, but it was a blast." I truly believe that even the self inflicted heartache that accompanies mistakes has taught me great lessons about myself.

The funniest thing about life is that, if you're paying attention, it teaches you how to survive the next thing coming your way. It's like when I was little and I would complain about homework or something like how difficult third grade is, and my sister would say, "You think that's hard, wait until you get to fifth grade." These things come at us little by little so we can kind of build an immunity to the bigger things coming. You wouldn't run a marathon without training right? So think of whatever you're going through as your training so that you have the endurance for race day.

And now I have completely spewed stream of consciousness...forgive me in my old age!

P.S. It's my birthday today, I'm not just randomly thinking about aging. I normally only do that on my birthday - or when I date younger men.

Let's have an intelligent conversation here: I'll talk, and you listen.*

The water is coming! The water is coming!

My home has been without water since December 16th.


I signed papers on December 17th for the county to come and bring the water line to my property line. I got three quotes from plumbers about connecting from the water line up to the house. I picked my plumber, signed papers with them but still had to wait on the county. FINALLY, after almost a month, they are at the house as I write (my dad went and spied on them - Thanks Dad!)

I called the plumbers this morning to let them know that the county was doing their part and the plumbers are scheduled to be there tomorrow morning (ahem...snow and sleet and freezing rain...it would be in your best interest to not come as predicted but to hold off until I get my water!)

I.
Am.
Excited.

I think the first thing I can going to do is clean my bathroom and run the dishwasher. Oh the little things.

That meat lover's pizza is NOT loving me back at all! *

You know the sound a machine makes when it is shutting down? Or maybe a factory? Watch the BBC North and South when they shut down the factory (cause all the workers go on strike...I haven't ruined the movie have I?) and that's the sound I am referring to...long way around the block - I was saying that to demonstrate how I feel my brain works at times. My brain is going full speed most days from the moment I get to work until about lunch time. That's when I go for a walk with Pam. After that, it's picking back up again. Some days though I hit 2, 3, or 4 p.m. and I hear that noise - the noise of a factory shutting down and I know that I am utterly useless for the rest of the day.

...I blame the go-go cranial power house of the first half of the day. Maybe my brain is like a battery, it's freshly charged first thing in the morning and then I just squeeze the juice* too quickly. Maybe if I evened it out through the 7.5 working hours...maybe not.

Anyway, it's one of those days when "the factory" has shut down for a strike.

This is life's ultimate cruelty. It offers us a taste of youth and vitality, and then it makes us witness our own decay.*

New Year's Eve I dropped my twelve year old cousin off at a friend's house for a sleepover. I hate the ideas of sleepovers by the way.

So we get to the friend's house and we're in the driveway. I wasn't sure if she would want me to walk her to the door so I said, "Um, do you need me to walk with you to the door?" Expecting her to say 'no', but she said, "Yeah, would you?" *smile*. I said, "Oh, good, I wanted to but I wasn't sure if you would want me to come to the door." She glanced me up and down, "Yeah, you won't embarrass me." I got out of the car and waited for her to get her stuff out of the back seat and I realized that one day I will embarrass some twelve year old girl, (my twelve year old girl in case you didn't follow that thought process). I expressed this concern to my cousin and she said, "No you won't Jess, as long as you don't wear mom pants."

"Mom pants?"

"Yeah, you know, jeans hiked up to your boobs."

I looked at her with all seriousness and said, "Eventually the boobs go down to the jeans, you just can't help it."

I don't know if she laughed, but I sure did. ...either way, she still let me walk her to the door.