No Mo' Nablopomo

Ah, the last day of Nablopomo.

My experience with National Blog Posting Month has taught me this;

1. I am dull.
2. I am really self-centered.
3. I really don't think I'm dull, I'm just trying to appear humble.
4. "Moving on" is a phrase that I over use.


Moving on, I thought I would close with a top 10 awesomely cool list:

10. Nailing down the mystery behind "Lost"
9. Running fast and feeling strong.
8. Wearing cold weather clothes, especially happy scarves.
7. Gilmore Girls. I wish I lived in Stars Hollow. Are there any towns actually like that?
6. All sorts of music that inspires you to spaz out, dance, cry, clean the house, love, or worship.
5. Dogs that are always happy to see you and shove their wet nose into your neck nook.
4. Watching friends live life who have encouraged, laughed, cried, and loved alongside you.
3. Having selfless parents and siblings love us well
2. Adam is a loving, hillarious, sexy beast of a husband who fears God and sacrifices for me.
1. the Lord is for me and loves me and takes me in just as I am! Thank you Jesus!

Welp, see you in 3 days- I'm off to a wedding in Colorado (good timing, right?) So, I'll report back soon and keep you posted on the hibbity jiggity.

Looks like we got us some butterflies!

What the heck, people? 0 comments yesterday?!

Ha, well I'll show You! I"ll make my blog so awful, so boring, so dull that NO ONE will ever read it again!!! So there...

Just kidding. Anywhoos, I love being able to run again now that my achilles is healed. I tell you people, there's nothing like running for me. I mean, I like the results from lifting weights but I do not enjoy the actual act of lifting weights, you know? Especially when its meathead hour at the Y.

Flashback sequence: When I was in undergrad, we had this huge, glorious fitness facility. One day me & My roommate's sister, Leah, were lifting weights. Now, the weightroom had 2 different levels- the upper level was all machines aka the girl/wimpier boy level. The lower level was free weights- aka meathead hour- 24/7. Except there was this one really hard core girl who was one of those body builders who could've beaten up a football player. So, she could hang out with the boys down there because she had the physique of one. That sounds mean but its true and I think thats what she was going for so I don't think she'd be offended.
Anyway, me & Leah were like, you know what? Lets go down there because I really want to do fly's with the free weights (5 lb.'ers! big time.) So, we nudge our way into a little corner in front of the mirror and grab the 5's. All around us are huge people doing curls with weights heavier than Powers. Behind us, also, is bodybuilder girl. In a deep voice, (altered by supplements?), she said "Looks like we got some butterflies down here."

C'mon, girl....ish. What happened to solidarity, sister? But nevermind that. Leah and I exchanged a glance in the mirror, finished our set quickly, and stole away to the safe 2nd level to giggle. Bless bodybuilder girl's heart. (Did you know you can say anything bad about anybody as long as you say "bless her/his heart." ? Its true.
Just Kidding.

Flashback sequence over. Anywhoos, the point is I like running. I'm glad I can do it again. However, its increasingly difficult in Erie in the winter. What does one do when the snow piles on and the roads are icey? And also, its dark outside when I get home. Whats that all about? I think its hibernating season. Why can't we join the other mammals and eat ourselves silly and then sleep for a few months?

I call this meeting to order.

Nablopomo peeps- Can I get a t-shirt with this on it?

I just ran to the mall to pick up a personal gift for my bride-to-be friend, Caroline. I dreaded, I dwaddled, I did not want to go to the mall- not during (dum dum duuuuum) Christmas season! But actually, it wasn't half bad, you know? First of all, there were some nice young girls ringing the salvation army bell and they held the door open for me and greeted me- well done, girls! Second of all, Christmas music was playing..score. Third of all, it wasn't very crowded and no one approached me to fill out a survey or look at their cell phones- double score!

**Edit** I had a whole section in here about personal shower gift items but then remembered that my dad reads this blog. I bet my blog would be a lot funnier if it was anonymous. But then I'd be like, "hey so-and-so, did you read my awesome post today? " And they'd be like, "You have a blog?" And then I'd be like, "Yeah, duh- just go to www.thejenningssecede.blogspot.com" and then they'd tell everyone because this blog would be so funny because I thought I was anonymous but then remembered I'm too vain.

Moving on to corrections: The entry posted yesterday entitled "Oh the Difference a degree can make" stated that Adam Jennings would eat exorbitant amounts of Hormell chili. I was corrected today, that the correct brand is Wolf brand chili. Thats, wolf brand, folks.

Next order of business: My mom and dad are going to Arizona on a trip and didn't even tell me. I found out through her blog.

And finally, a Mitch quote for today. Did you ever hear Mitch when he was alive? It was his voice that made him so funny. Oh, and also what he said.
"I like rice. Rice is great when you're hungry and you want 2,000 of something. "

oh, the difference a degree can make.

This isn't my first blog, you know. The summer after I graduated from Baylor I worked retail and it was quite slow on most days.
So, I did what any rational person would do- I stared a blog. If you think I should seek professional help after reading THIS blog, you should've read THAT one! Well, actually you still can. Its www.xanga.com/camillethedeal . However, it makes this blog look like a Dan Brown novel, that is, well written. Which it is not, lets face it. Also, speaking of xanga, although kind of ghetto, I did enjoy the "currently listening to" feature. That is, at the top of each entry, you could select the cd/dvd/book cover of whatever you were listening to/watching/reading at the moment. Obviously that was the place where you put some cool, hip, obscure band or deep thought-provoking book even though you were really currently watching the Ashlee Simpson show.

Moving on: I'm going to Colorado for my former roommate's wedding. I'm really excited to see my girls, however, last I heard the wedding was outside unless the temperature is under 33 degrees.

And the bridesmaids' dresses are strapless.

Now, this is HER day, okay? Not mine. I'm just saying, I kinda pray that the weather is 31 degrees as opposed to 34 degrees. However, I'd take a good 60 degrees, too. Okay, reverting back to supportive bridesmaid mode. Meanwhile back at the farm, Adam will be flying solo in the house. AKA eating Hormell chilli and mac & cheese- bachelor food.

PAR-TAY!

Absurd Interview With Self

Because I'm not famous enough to be interviewed, I will conduct a brief interview with myself. In the following interview, "Self" will have the voice of Julie Andrew and "Inner Monologue" will have the voice of a slightly nervous, bumbling British reporter, okay? So imagine it that way when you read this entry. Got it? Alright, action.

Inner Monologue: Self, I want to thank you for taking the time out of what, I can only assume is a very busy day, to meet with me.

Self: Sure.

IM: Now, lets get right to it. You have been acclaimed and celebrated as the best blogger in the stratosphere. How do you handle the prestige?

Self: Well, I just try to live life from day to day, you know? When I initially got into "the game", I never imagined the response that my writings would draw. And, also, none of what you said contains any inkling of truth.

IM: Self, did you always know you wanted to be a blogger?

Self: Well, Inner Monologue, the internet was not around when I was born (I actually came up with vision and prints for the information super highway until DARPA slipped something into my formula and stole the plans, but thats a story for another day.) Anyways, even before the internet I knew I wanted to be a writer since I began work on my first novel (age: 18 months). That novel was actually the screenplay for LOST.

IM: Self, America wants to know, how do you stay so trim? You must work out all the time?

Self: Oh, booger. I've never stepped into a gym or counted calories. I just eat fish and rice and jamba juice and do yoga. Obviously.

IM: Fascinating! Self, what is your goal, your vision for your writings?

Self: I see my writings as a bursting chestnut. Though it may be crackling over the fire, the insides are only smoldering. Lets not smother the chestnuts roasting on a open fire, America, or else it will burst into flames. You, middle class, are the palm branch fanning the flames. And you, capitalism, are the crazy creek chairs. Lest we forget that iambic pentameter.

IM: Err, right. Well, thank you, Self, for that beautiful soliloquy.

I'm weird.

Surviving with Bear

Right now we're watching Man Vs. Wild on Discovery channel. I mean, the guy's certainly going to extremes to show us how to make a way in the Sahara desert. Sure, I get the survival education, but does he really need to crawl into a camel carcass, eat a raw goat testicle, and (worst of all) get water from squeezing camel poo? Gag me with a wooden spoon. But, like they say, Bear does it because one day, you just may need to, folks.

And if that day comes, I think I'll just lay down and die with whats left of my dignity.

***EDIT****

As if he knew what I wrote, Bear just said, "Those who survive in the wild are those who are prepared to step out of their comfort zones so that they can go home safely to those they love." Sorry, Bear. I'll never doubt you again. Well, except for the camel poo.

Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jig

My mom used to always say that as we pulled into the garage when we returned from any trip.

Well, we're back in Erie and happy to have our sweet friend, Powers home with us. Just FYI, if you ever want to know some good people to take care of animals- you must try Brenda & Chris at the Dog House. This was our 2nd time to have Powers stay with them and they go above and beyond. He came home clean, groomed, happy, and smelling like Polo. He played with other dogs and brought about 6 toys home with him, compliments of the ladies. Also, they just dote on him and even gave him a Christmas stocking and gift. They are good, dog-loving folks. I'll have to show you pictures later, but he is tuckered from playing and lying in our pile of clean laundry right now.

The Jennings Thanksgiving ended well and, although we were sad to say good-bye, its always good to come home.

heart & soul

Continuing our fantastic stay in God's country. Highlights include:

1. Teaching Adam the piano song, "Heart & Soul"- Adam became very frustrated when he missed notes and almost jammed his fist into the piano.
2. Driving around Ft. Worth and seeing the beautiful neighborhoods and architecture.
3. Jule (Adam's mom) backseat driving while Mike was in the driver's seat (Mike, its 32 degrees now, watch out!) She cracks me up!
4. Eating real, honest, genuine Mexican food. Ahhhhhhh. Totally worth the bloat.
5. Being with the best in-laws around.
6. The fly-fisherman salesman at Backcountry. He made me want to take up the sport.
7. Corona Lights with Mike (Adam's dad) and pool games downstairs.
8. Learning family histories and good stories about Adam's family, including a picture of Jule's mom doing a handstand on a wooden chair.
9. Adam and I playing on the Elementary school playground next to his parents' house (Tetherball (spelling?) is not as easy as it looks. And the ball hurts when its cold!!)
10. Watching college football with Grandpa (poor LSU...)

We're having a restful and great week while Adam gets a well-deserved break from medical mumbojumbo. Love y'all!

I'm fat, full, and happy watching the snow fall outside. Yes, thats right, folks. Its snowing in Texas! It was 80 degrees yesterday, yet today it snows!

Its beautiful here in Texas and as we landed we realized how much we miss this place!

Had a lovely Thanksgiving with the in-laws and will give full reports later. But for now, I'll just say that the food was delicious and Adam and I won $25.00. Happy Turkey Day!

p.s. Did anyone else see the Cherokee children singing in the horn of plenty during the Macy's parade?

panic!

Augh! Must blog before work day is over because I will go directly from work to car to Pittsburgh with husband. I will not have access to internet so this is my shot! Augh! Nablopomo will not dance victoriously over me to "Eye of the Tiger"! Cannot, mustnot, willnot happen!

What to blog about? Ummm, foreign relations? Ummm, Rachel Ray? Ummm, Bradgelina? Ummmm, thanksgiving. Yes, have a fantastic turkey day. This will be my first one without my mom & dad & freakishly close (in a good way) family friends, The Thompsons. I will miss Spinach madeline and mammaw B's dressing. However, bright side- will enjoy chilli and Cowboys game and good times with fantastic in-laws. Wipe away those tears, child!

So, I'm thankful. Hope you are too. Have a joyous holiday!

whew.

push, shove

Thoughts on Black Friday:

I actually heard today that Cole's will open at 4 a.m. on Friday morning. 4 a.m.! And, you know what? There will be a line to the state line to get inside and grab after random crappola marked at 89% off. Yow-za. I would rather jam a fork straight through my hand than go shopping the Friday after Thanksgiving. I think that any money you save on presents by "hitting the big sales" will be blown on the therapy it takes to recover from being body checked by a 250 lb. mother of 4 whose daughter wants the last Tickle Me Elmo.

Update: Just went celebrating with our pals, bethany & Josh. On the phone before, I told Bethany to wear a rose on her lapel so that I would recognize her at the restaurant. (Gilmore reference) And... she did. Except it was a huge yellow flower. I love thatg girl! Pictures to follow..

The Ants Go Marching One by One..

Hurrah, Adam is done with awful life-sucking test. We may now celebrate and not think about terriblel life-sucking enzymes and other silly doctor things for a while.

I tried to help Adam study last night. Here's me- trying to pick the perfect study tunes- Elliot Smith and slow Dispatch obviously. Then, trying to read these flashcards. Um, Peruvate Phosphate Lactate in the mitochondria must have ________ to become Metasupercalifraglisticexpialidocious? Then I ended up laughing for around 20 minutes which was very conducive to studying. Then I got sad because I miss studying. School was fun, namely studying in the library late at night for a test and being deliriously silly. And also namely, pulling things out of your wellinformed butt to write silly papers. Then I cheered up because Powers brought me a sock. Ah, good times.

Three cheers for Adam, he's a hard worker and knows things that I cannot pronounce. Now, if only he could sew clothes that look like J. Crew's and grow chocolate. Hip, Hip...

itechnology

iphones. I mean, I think the new iphones are cool and all with their billions of features, but I don't really think that I would ever use them to a fraction of their capabilities. I'm not often waiting in a restaurant to meet my boss's new fiance, whose name I cannot remember until I look it up on their wedding webpage (reference to commercial).

Not too mention the fact that I have a horrible track record with cell phones, losing, breaking, setting on top of cars that drive away, etc. and so forth. Also, not too mention the other fact that I currently am only using my mother-in-law's former phone that she graciously handed down after the antenna came off my phone and I couldn't get reception anymore (It matches Adam's phone, which was his dad's old phone that became Adam's after Adam had an accident with his. Actually I think I washed his phone after he left it in his pants in the dirty clothes basket when we'd been married like 1 month... that triggered an interesting 'discussion' about pants responsibility, but thats neither here nor there.)

For this phone, we have lost the inside charger and so I have to charge it on our 1 phone charger- in Adam's car, usually. He and I are both terrible at keeping up with our phones. So, if I had an iphone, well I would probably feel really awful when I left it stuck between my car seats, in my desk drawer, in a coat that I left at a friend's house, or in some restaurant. And who needs that kind of guilt?

Meanwhile, we are holding out because we do not have moneytrees and in January our lovely contract will allow us a new phone.

A quote & a joke

QUOTE:
I was in a casino, I was standing by the door, and a security guard came over and said "You're gonna have to move. You're blocking the fire exit." As though if there was a fire, I wasn't gonna run. If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit. Unless you are a table.
-Mitch Hedberg

JOKE:
A guy walks into a bar with a dog under his arm, puts the dog on the bar and announces that the dog can talk and that he has $100 he's willing to bet anyone who says he can't. The bartender quickly takes the bet and the owner looks at the dog and asks, "What's the thing on top of this building which keeps the rain from coming inside?" The dog answers "ROOF." The bartender says, "Who are you kidding? I'm not paying." The dogs owner says, "How about double or nothing and I'll ask him something else". The bartender agrees and the owner turns to the dog and asks, "Who was the greatest ballplayer of all time". The dog answers with a muffled "RUTH." With that the bartender picks them both up and throws them out the door. As they bounce on the sidewalk the dog looks at his owner and says "DiMaggio?".

Your Momma

Que es mas mejor que un vaso grande de vino rojo y un fuego caliente??
Nada.

Status: Watching Bridget Jones's Diary on A&E channel, enjoying a delicious glass of red wine in front of the fire- just fruity enough, and watching husband take quasi-study break from test on Monday. I Just peeled a cucumber mask off my face. Well, actually it was supposed to peel off, but I had to scrub it off.

Story: Today I went to this sweet, little old lady seamstress to get my bridesmaid dress altered. After sharing my lower bobbin frustrations with her, she took me down to her sewing room and taught me how to work the ole Singer. I want to be good at sewing, but I just wish I could just wiggle my nose and be past the learning phase. Same with playing the guitar.

Memory: When I was around 6 or 7 years old, I decided to sleep in the living room so that I could speak with Santa when he came to deliver the presents. I remember waking up around 4:30 a.m. and there were no presents under the tree. What?! What had happened??? I began to scurry towards my parents' room to immediately alert the media and when I passed the dining room, I saw that the presents had been delivered by the piano. Oh, Santa. Anything to stay incognito, eh?

If you live in Erie, this is the month to go to Super Suppers. They have their "Favorites" menu going on and it is really good. You can pick up a supper(s) or go and prepare it yourself to freeze (less expensive). You won't regret it... unless you dislike delicious food. Then you should stick with...well, nevermind.

Conjunction, junction....Whats your function?

Hooking up nouns and adverbs and clauses...

Powers has a new obsession with socks. He will search our house until he finds a sock somewhere, then he picks it up in his mouth and whips it around quickly and acts like a bucking bronco. Its very strange.

I'm off to do some mandatory volunteering for work tonight. Adam is coming to be my workhorse for the event and the box packing we will do.

Today was one of those uberbusy days at work, but everyone was positive and upbeat and we thought of a song for everything. There was also some experimentation with valley girl voices. Twas a good day.


" I like an escalator, man, 'cause an escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. There would never be an 'Escalator Temporarily Out of Order' sign, only 'Escalator Temporarily Stairs. Sorry for the Convenience.'"
-Mitch Hedberg

Close Call..

Its 11 p.m. and I just realized I haven't posted today! My schedule was a little off and I had girls' group tonight, which I thought started at 6 so I was an hour early, but oh well. Anywhoos, got home a little after 10, got ready for bed, started reading, and then BOOM! I remembered.

So, hmm... what to write about, what to write about.

Nablopomo, you are my friend.
You inspire me to work hard and write to the end
of November and I will do it, I can fend
for myself and I do not like the trend
of ankle boots with skirts but I can bend
a straw into the shape of a giraffe...the end.

Good night, bloggy friends.

apparel love

Why do clothes from J.Crew have to be so stinking expensive?? I want to marry them all....

Wah-mbulance

The venting/complaining line is a hard line to walk. There's nothing to make you never want to utter a whiny (spelling?) word again like being around a constant complainer, cousin of Negative Nelly and daughter of Debbie Downer.

On the other hand, with a close friend, it is necessary to be vulnerable and open- even about things that are difficult or trying. Some people definitely err on the side of falsey-positivity with no fewer than six disclaimers before venting, "Well, its no big deal, and I really don't mind, and she's actually a really nice person, but she kicked my dog and set fire to my house."

I don't think I mind so much confessing areas I struggle in. I've definitely learned that there is freedom when you speak things into the light. However with venting/complaining, I have a hard time sometimes deciding what things to share/what things to keep inside and simply pray about. I mean, we're supposed to build up and encourage each other, right? But sometimes we need help and maybe its time for us to vent and receive encouragement, right? Okay, then.

I definitely think its something that the Holy Spirit works out in us as we learn to walk with Him and hear His voice. The best of friends you can vent to without worry. I love it when my best pals vent because they are not Debbie Downers and I feel valued and trusted that they let it out! With my best friend you have to pull it out of her somedays, but then she finally admits, "Well, its nothing and I am so grateful to have a car and a home and I know I'm not a starving person in Africa but I've had a really bad day." Ah, release.

P.S. This is my 100th post!!!!!

R.I.P., Gilmy

Today, the last season of Gilmore Girls came out on DVD. Sadly, there were a lot of complications with the producers and the last season was under a different producer's eye and the ending of the series... well, it wasn't all that and a bag of potato chips. But, moving on.

Today was onsite interviews at work and I gave a killer tour up through the 4th floor. Its fun having anxious & suddenly insecure, nervous people around and getting to talk their ears off and they having no choice but to listen and laugh politely. Maybe I should be a permanent tour guide somewhere. Good times!

I have a sweet husband, he just practiced his OMM (Osteopathic Musculoskeletal Manipulation) techniques on me after our run. And I have to say, I don't mind being a patient.. not one bit! My back and calves are feeling nice and relaxed. (Brooke, another nice point about med school...)

Fact: Its 9 days until we head to Ft. Worth for Thanksgiving with my fantastic in-laws!

Rant.

Disclaimer: This post is rated "P" for Potty-talk. It may contain some material offensive to cottonheaded ninnymuggins. If you don't want to hear it, walk away....or type "google" or "anthropologie" into your browser thingy.

Okay, so the 1st floor bathroom where I work is the most disturbingly quiet room you have ever encountered in your life. Bathroom should have SOMETHING, okay. Background music, a fan quietly turning, a vent at least, right? Alas, no. Our 3-stall bathroom is horrifyingly silent. When its my time to shine, I pray that no one is in there. Because you can't relax, you know? And if you can't relax, you can't releeeaaaase. And its not like you can just flush and let THAT noise fill up the room b/c the flush is one of those stupid, supersonic flushes that only last 2.4 seconds. Boo.

Bathroom issue #2:
The floors are so shiny that you can see the person next to you's reflection.. and I mean, really well. Like, if you were next to me and I accidentally looked down on the ground, I could say what color pantaloones (spelling?) you were wearing. So, you spend your time trying to relax, focusing super hard on not looking at the floor, and also keeping your reflection as modest as possible. This is not conducive to the aforementioned "release".

Needless to say, the bathrooms are difficult to go #1 in, let alone drop the kids off. Incidentally, I walk upstairs to the 2nd floor bathroom at least three times a day so I don't have to camp out on the toilet and wait for the stalls to empty along with the stinking girl taking her sweet time at the sink. And then, you're all paranoid, like "wait, is someone coming in?" Muscles contract! And so, in summary, thank you, higher ups, for the exercise.

Good day.

fantastico!

Want a good recipe thats easy and delicious? Its from Cooking Light magazine and its an enchilada casserole.

copy and paste this into your window:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1535416

I add taco seasoning during phase I. I have made it twice and Adam and I like it a lot.
Enjoy!

Pulling a Lorelai

Disclaimer: If you know me, you know I love Gilmore Girls. I can't help it nor would I want to. I've always loved their dialogue and the quirky town people. And, definitely, always loved the concept of the snowy Stars Hollow. Okay, rant over.

Now for me, growing up, August meant back-to-school; back-to-school meant back-to-school shopping. I remember even in Louisiana, where it was 95 degrees on the first day of school, the clothing stores all had their sweaters, scarves, courdroys, hoodies, warm hats, and gloves on display. I always wanted to buy those things, to be able to wear those warm, cute scarves or pull on a thick sweater and take off to school.

To the majority of these items, my mom put her foot down but I walked away with at least one new sweater, which I would then proceed to wear on the first 85 degree weather day, since it was so much cooler out and all. Then, I would be horribly hot and wishing it would be at least a little bit cooler, please. But when my mother asked, "Aren't you hot in that?" I would, of course, answer, "No, duh." But, I digress. The point is, the number of days that necessitated wool coats or fuzzy mittens were few and I always was ready for them to come.

So, for now, I'm really enjoying needing my scarves and gloves. I like dressing in the long coats I always envied Lorelai Gilmore for getting to wear. I like feeling like the holidays are coming up because I can see my breath. Maybe, come February I'll be ready for Spring to come, but for now, this is right up my alley.


Unrelated: Adam just went fishing with his friend Jim, from class, and he really liked it! Maybe when the lake freezes, he'll sit in his little hut, study anatomy, and be just like a grumpy old man!

Feliz Navidad!

Yep, we jumped the gun. And it was fantastic!!!!!!

Buenos Dias, Amigos!

Today, Bethany and I went to the All Seasons Market, aka big flea market. We bought matching snowman ear muffs, which are super warm and super soft. Yay, winter. Pics from the flea market:

Answer

Whoa, y'all are smart! She wished that the genie would pick up a nearby stick and beat her half to death.
budumDUM.

I just returned from my ladies' night where we went to see Amy's play. Okay, if you live in Erie, you need to go see Run for your Wife. You'll laugh your pants off. Its stinking HILLARIOUS. Seriously, wear a diaper.

A riddle for You!

There was once a girl who was always jealous of her sister. One day a genie appeared and told her that he was "half magic" which meant that he could grant her wishes, but her sister would always get two times more than she did. She had three wishes. First, she wishes that she was the richest person in the world, but her sister soon became the richest because she got two times the money. Her second wish was that she was the most beautiful woman in the world, but her sister gets twice as much beauty. What was her third wish?

el grupo de las mujeres

I had girls' group last night, whoop whoop! (I hope you know what sound effect I was aiming for as I wrote those noises- kind of like the raise the roof noise, ok?) It was fantastic and I love spending time with those girls and enjoying life. By the way, fiction below is not about girls' group, is in fact, just fiction.

Adam had a whale of a test today and is going to need some relax time this weekend. We are discussing putting up the Christmas tree, even though my mother would be appalled (Camille, we are not putting up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving!) Oh, the cardinal Conville rules. But if Starbucks has their Christmas decorations up, then I feel justified, by golly! I mean, Lowe's and Target have had Christmas stuff up since the beginning of October, so I don't trust them. But Fivebucks, I mean Starbucks? Yes.

Currently, I'm wearing purple sweater which reminds me of Elf when he says "I like your suit, its very purple-y". That would be a good movie to have on during Texas-Christmas tree decorating- great soundtrack. Yes, our Christmas tree is a Texas tree.

The stars at night...

Fiction

I felt the heat creeping up my face. I had never relished speaking in front of others; preferring, intead, to hole up in a safe corner and observe. But all eyes were on me so I cleared my throat and smoothed my skirt. As I slowly rose out of my seat, I saw something surprising in these women's eyes. Where I had expected to see judgemental stares and even hatred, I saw compassion and kindness.

Why had I expected otherwise? Why had I spent the last half-hour weighing these women and looking for flaws? Why had I compared my size to theirs and contrasted complexions and shoes instead of listening to their stories?

I had been so prideful, so hesitant to even show up. But as I looked around the room, I was suddenly struck by the beauty before me. These women, who the world had shunned, who were told that they had no worth- they were radiant. I felt myself relax and felt a physical release from expectation. These women would be my teachers.

Magicalnessity

Hello beloved readers,

I'm going to a play tomorrow night that one of my co-workers is in. Its caled "Run For Your Wife" and got great reviews today in the Erie Times. Its a British, fast-talky, clever innuendo-y play. If you're interested, go here: www.allanact.net

random Camille trivia: i HATE the sound of stryofoam rubbing together and the sound of someone's finger rubbing against a balloon. Gag me with a wooden spoon. Whats your pet peeve?

Pictures up

Scroll down 2 posts to see the snow pictures!

Power Outage

I am at work for the 2nd morning in a row with wet hair. Why? Well, yesterday afternoon when I get home from work, I was on the computer posting my snow pictures and BAM something blew and the lights went out. Apparently, its widespread in Erie- 15,000 homes I think. So, we curled up by the fire, (Thank you old gas fireplace) and read/Adam studied.

I will post the snowy pictures tonight if the electricity is back on. (Prayerfully, it will be.)

Yesterday before the outage, Adam and I made a snow man and had a good old fashioned snowball fight. Powers was very confused as he wanted to be able to catch the snowballs, but they kept disappearing once they hit the ground or his paw. Good times!

2 posts for the price of 1

I'm home for lunch & the electricity is back! hooray!

As promised:







Getting ready with my headlamp






Adam studying in the dark






Powers pouncing on the snow

let it snow, let it snow!

YES!!

This morning, Adam crept over to my side of the bed where I was sleeping and gave me a kiss and said, "Cam, its snowing outside huge flakes. Go back to sleep, its early, but I wanted you to know."

But Adam did not know that at the word "snow", I will spring out of bed like a 4 year-old on a sugar high off of pixy sticks and throw on my boots and run outside to sprint around like a mad woman. Obviously, growing up in Louisiana, we barely had any snow, MAYBE once a year and usually more "slight ice" than "Snow" and EVERYTHING shut down for even the slightest frozen precipitation. No school, nothing was open. Things are a little different here.

So, Powers and I ran around and took pictures and then I went inside to take a shower. Well, upon exiting the shower, the electricity went out! So, I got ready in the dark sans hair dryer and Adam studied via head lamp. Who cares, its pretty outside.

Powers LOVES the snow. He sprints around and eats a bite, then sprints in some more circles then has another taste of snow. Its fantastic and I have pictures to post, but they are on my computer at home, and since the electricity is out, we can't hook up to the internet, boooo! I will post those later. Just know that it is beautiful and magical and I love it!

Thanks for the driving tips, ff! I rode with Adam this morning in the jeep and we did definitely notice the slippery road. Off to enjoy my snow-covered day!

Thunderbolts of Lightning, Very very frightening!

Recently asked galpal, Bethany, what song would play as she entered the room, if she could have a theme song in some magical sitcom land. I have decided that mine would be "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen as it is:
a. awesome and
b. hilarious and
c. full of angst and, of course,
d. I have already choreographed air guitar sequence with windmill kick.

What would your song be?

Real Simple

I used to receive the magazine, "Real Simple" monthly as a gift from Adam. Although it was a really fantastic magazine, it always made me feel bad because I was either a. too poor or b. too lazy to do their "real simple" ideas on decorating, organizing, or entertaining. However, every edition they would ask the readers a question and then the next month, they post the best replies. One month the question was "What would you do with an extra hour in your day?" Well, today, on the best of all days, you get your extra hour.

I love "fall back" day. I think I've mentioned this 2 sentences before, but it is the best of days. Not better than Christmas, though. Its a really good day, lets leave it at that. Today I forgot it was fall back which made it even better! I woke up and went downstairs for some coffee where Adam was already studying. "You're up early!" he said.

"Oh. Really?" I said, having already seen the non-updated clock.

"Yeah, we get an extra hour today, remember?"

Score. So, today was the best day ever, besides Christmas and other days that were more fantastic. Had plenty of time before church to read & journal and also clean up around the house. Took a nice, long walk with Powers today. Went to the YMCA with Adam and saw a 50 year old man doing the chinese, left, AND right splits all the way down on the abs mat (that was impressive.....and random). All in all, its been a heck of a fall-back fall day.

In other news, our great good friend Freeland Ackley, got an interview here at LECOM! He is applying for medical school next year and we have really really hoped that they would come here because he and his wife, Brooke, are our best couple friend- we love them! So, he will be here in December interviewing- hot dang!

Here's to you and yours on this fall back evening. Going to go make some supper, now.

Conversation With Self

Inner Monologue: Yoohoo, Camille.
Me: Yes, inner monologue?
IM: Don't you think you've had enough fun packs of Skittles?
Me: Wha..?! I have shown such restraint, and the stupid halloween candy basket is only sitting there begging to be eaten for Pete's sake! And I haven't eaten as much candy as Adam, so there!
IM: Right, but Adam's a boy with a metabolism six thousand times higher than yours.
Me: Listen, inner monologue, I don't know if you've noticed, but I've been eating less at meals to compensate for the candy, okay? So, I'm just skipping out on nutrients, not doubling my calories you jerk. Plus, fun size packs don't count!
IM: Right...Yeah, but aren't your jeans feeling just a little tight? Like maybe you should do some squats or lunges before you walk out into public?
Me: As a matter of fact, Inner Monologue, these jeans fit just hunky dory. And even if they were tight, which I'm not saying they are, but IF they were, well its probably because of hormonal shifts. Now, if you don't mind I have some...
IM: Wait, just one more thing..
Me: Fine. Go ahead.
IM: Weren't you going to go for a run today? And clean the house?

Oh, bother. Must now go donate halloween candy to neighbors with small children. Stupid inner monologue.

Girl you know its true....

It has often been noted that the most impacting moment for my generation was the revelation of the Milli Vanilli hoax. Actually, that’s probably never been said but I am here today, ladies and gentlemen, to argue that Fab & Rob’s lip synching scandal is to my generation what JFK’s death was to my mother’s baby boomer peers. Of course, I realize that this argument is deeply flawed, ridiculous, and slightly offensive; however let us proceed to explore the phenomenon best known as “Blame it on the Tape…(jam)”.

Let’s recap: During a live performance for MTV, “Girl you know its True”‘s recording jammed and began to skip resulting in:

“Girl you know its
Girl you know its
Girl you know its….”

And so on, and so forth.

Milli Vanilli quickly ran backstage (well, sure.) and apparently, no one at the concert even raised an eyebrow. (MTV fans are known for their keen observational skills and sobriety). However, the critics did notice and days later, the house came tumbling down when the producer confirmed that Milli Vanilli (aka Fab and Rob) did not actually technically sing, per say, on the album. Then, their grammy was revoked.

Oh, the tears. The disillusionment. The turmoil. Our nation suffered a great loss that day. Well, they were actually German, but still. It did shifted our standards in music consumerism. Now, its apparently okay to lip synch and synthesizers can make my groggy morning voice sound like Celine Dion; proven by the astounding record sales of Ashlee Simpson and Britney Spears.

Even though Milli Vanilli tried to come back, even under “Fab & Rob” (now why didn’t that sell well?!), things didn’t work out so well. Now, one is deceased (that actually is sad) and the other a D.J. who occasionally gives live performances in LA. I hope he does well and I salute you, Milli Vanilli, for your impact on my people. And the best news? Universal Pictures is making a movie based on the story of Rob & Fab.

Indeed!

Trick or Treat or Cry

Last night was a sad sight. After all my preparation, all my high hopes, all my dare-to-dream moments of picturing the adorable children lined up for Reese's and Smarties, I sat alone on the couch eating fun pack after fun pack of Skittles.

How fun.

We did not have ONE stinking trick or treater, you heard me right,folks. Not even a teenager without a real costume and carrying around a paper bag in an effort to get "sucker candy." Now, take a moments and let's rewind to my childhood. We lived down a very long and dark driveway in the country. AKA- no one ever came to trick or treat at our house. In Texas, we always went somewhere for Halloween, so this is the first opportunity for being grown-up, traditional, Norman Rockwellish trick-or-treating venue. Okay, now fast-forward to 2007. Adam and I are so excited as we finally live in a residential neighborhood. We anticipate throngs or families and we'll sit and admire the creativity of the costumes and have jolly conversations with our neighbors.

Who knows- perhaps, it was the incredibly steep hill, maybe the poorly-lit street, maybe the rumor thats spreading that we lure children into our cottage and then fatten them up and eat them! Its most likely that every child went to the other side of Cherry Street where the high-rollers live and probably give out King-Size Snicker bars. Regardless of the reason, Powers and I sat on the window ledge, gazing out, long after Adam "No Faith" Jennings gave up on the trick-or-treaters and went to study in his office. Which brings us back to me, sitting on the couch eating fun-size packs of Skittles, looking disbelievingly out into the empty yard. Am sad, old spinstress- only happy and married.

Ah, there are much worse things in the world than being stuck with 7 lbs. of candy and gaining 100 lbs. I'm over it.