Starting Point.

"Dude, you've got to come here and see this."

In the library’s computer lab, my friend, Clint, was calling someone over to our worktable. He had replaced the Baylor screensaver with one of Prince, the Artist Formerly Known as Prince, or whoever he was at the time, coyly posing in an enormous tulip.

"Isn't that awesome?" Clint laughed.

I turned back towards the computer next to his, where I was working. Clint was seriously goofy but one of my good friends at school. Ever since our Intro to Statistics class, we'd always scheduled our Psychology and Neuroscience classes together. As it was the night before our research paper was due for "Theories in Psychotherapy", we were burning the midnight oil. Preparation is so overrated.

I glanced up as his friend walked away. Hmmm. He was walking back towards his computer so I could look freely without having to worry about glancing away quickly. He had big blue eyes that looked like they were on the verge of laughing. He was soundly built ( Ha! I just read that- it sounds like I’m talking about a house or something- ‘a soundly built structure’- you know what I mean….muscular.) He was dressed like he was about to go climb a mountain, in a good way. "Clint, I'm weirdly attracted to that guy." I said.

Clint looked at me, wide-eyed. "Shut up, oh shut up. You and Jennings!! That'd be perfect! Let me set y'all up!"

"Um, no. Pass. Thanks, though." I had no interest in dating this random guy who, since I was attracted to him, would probably be a self-absorbed, too-cool shmuck- So, no thanks, okay? I had just made the comment as a breezy thing, completely normal for Clint-talk. So, he and I continued working on our paper; however, periodically Clint would glance over and say, "Jennings? Heh?" I'd laugh, roll my eyes, and change the subject before he started thinking too seriously about it.

For the next few weeks, Clint would call me on a daily basis and say things like, “Hey, me and Laura (his girlfriend) were about to go get something to eat… do you want to come?”

Me: Um, maybe. Who else is coming?

Clint: Oh, um, some friends, you know… not too sure yet.

Me: Oh, really? Who?

Clint: sigh. Adam Jennings.

Me: Forget it, thanks! Goodbye.

This continued on for a month, with both Adam and I skillfully dodging uncomfortable first-meeting encounters. Finally, the semester came to a close and my roommate, Lindsey, and I went home with our other roommate, Caroline, for a few days. After our visit in Houston, Lindsey and I caravanned to our respective hometowns- Mt. Pleasant, Texas and Ruston, Louisiana to spend the holidays with our families. On our way out of Houston, though, Lindsey’s car started acting wildly and she called me from her cell phone, “Um, can we pull over? My car is being weird.”

So, Lindsey and I pulled over for, what would become, 7 hours stuck in a ghetto of Houston waiting on her car to be towed and repaired while fearing for our lives. I waited with her until her car was all-better and then we said our goodbyes and got on the road again. However, it was getting late and I didn’t think that I could make the whole drive to Louisiana. I decided to stop in Waco (where Baylor was) and spend the night at our apartment. My roommate, Cara, was still in town because of work so she and I could hang out.

I nearly ran Cara over as I walked into the apartment. “Hey girl, late to work! See you around 11!” Great. Okay, plan B. I’ll just put on my comfy clothes and park myself on the couch. As soon as I was situated with an Uncle Ben’s rice bowl and Friends on T.V., my phone rang. Clint. How did he know?

“Hi Clint.”
“Hey, what are you doing right now?”
“Actually, I’m sitting on my couch in my pajamas. Yourself?”
“That’s lame! Come out with me and Adam!”
“Um, that’s okay. I’m already in my pajamas and I’m really tired fro-“
“Nope. No excuses. We are friends and, sometimes, you need to do difficult things for friends.”
“…what does that mean?”
“It means get ready; we’ll be over there in 20 minutes.”
“I can’t.”
“Camille, I’m serious- c’mon. Just for one hour. What can it hurt?”
“FINE. But I’m only hanging out for 45 minutes AND I’m not looking cute.”
“Whatever. See you in a few.”

I hastily got off of my warm spot on the couch and went into the bedroom. I threw on my “Indiana” t-shirt that I purchased in a Houston thrift store the day before, a zippered jacket, holey jeans, and loafers. I threw my road trip hair into two tiny pigtails and slapped on mascara (the essential). I returned to the couch to finish my episode of “Friends” and await my awkward night.

You know it was a good Christmas when...

My Recommendation....

You must read:


VEIL OF ROSES by Laura Fitzgerald

I just finished it- my sweet mother-in-law (she's an enabler) mailed it my way and it's fantastic. A great novel that opens your eyes to oppressed women in other parts of the world BUT is also heartwarming and absolutely lovely and you'll smile and laugh out loud. I love laughing out loud when I read a book, don't you?

The heroine's name is Tamila and she is a 27-year-old woman from Iran. Her parents love her and want for her a better life. So for her birthday, she is given a 90 day VISA to come visit her sister in America and, essentially, find a husband so that she can stay. The novel entails her adventures and fresh-eyed experiences from Starbucks to an O.C.D. suitor and...

May I quote every book report ever given?

If you want to know the rest, read the book!

12 days of Christmas

Hi and Merry Christmas to all! I hope you enjoyed your time with family & friends and are recovering from eating too many delicious foods like I am!

We had a fantastic time in Ruston (I’ll post pictures soon). It was weird to be somewhere that lacked snow on the ground. And what’s that up in the sky? It’s burning my retinas and warming my insides! Oh, don’t worry, it’s just (gasp) the sun. Uncle Adam and Aunty Camille played on scooters and the neighbor's trampoline with the sweet nephews. I got to go on a run with my best pal and visit some other special pals and family while I was home. My mom cooked up a storm in an attempt to force us all to make the same New Year’s resolution. The time home was rich and precious and went by far too quickly but we certainly missed ole Powers and are glad to all be reunited!

The nephews got a Wii and it is stinking FUN! My favorite was tennis. Love it. We couldn’t do the boxing on because you each have to have a virtual numbchuck (spelling?). More on that with the pictures posting.

Quick story: Adam and I flew home on Christmas night. Well, our first flight was from Shreveport to Detroit. So, we’re flying along… beginning our descent. And we were just commenting on how this was the smoothest flight ever and we were going to be early to the gate. THEN, the flight attendant comes on the microphone thingy and says, “No need to panic but the pilots are having some problems with the controls and we will be making an emergency landing in Detroit. There will be some firetrucks and ambulances that are waiting on us, but no need to panic. Also, please make sure that your luggage is securely stowed underneath the seat in front of you.”

Oh, poop. It’s the wheels, isn’t it? The wheels are stuck and aren’t going to come out. Oh well, this is it. Lets go see Jesus! But it wasn't "it" and we landed on a landing strip (on our wheels) far away from the actual airport (in case we burst into flames?) and we were inspected by the fire engines and got to drive up. We survived. Hooray!

Then, we get into the Detroit airport and our next flight was delayed. Well, that’s okay, right? No big deal- we’ll go hang out and enjoy the Detroit airport and the psychedelic tunnel (if you’ve been to Detroit airport, you know what I’m talking about.) But then the mechanics were working on it and it kept getting delayed and we were like, its late… this flight is going to get cancelled. But it didn’t and we got home at 2 a.m. and I still made it to work the next morning! SUPERSTAR.

Trivia: Michigan state law prohibits the sale of alcohol from 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 7:00 a.m. on December 26th.

My nephew was the only one who remembered the 11th day of Christmas. Pipers piping??!? Who would've thunk it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Currently: Sitting in the armchair at my parent's house. Dad is napping beside me, Adam is reading a flyfishing magazine on the couch, mom disappeared about 30 minutes ago, Gabe is in a car driving here, the nephews and Scott/Caroline combo are preparing for the drive from Austin- hooray for Louisiana!

It was a peculiar feeling flying from snowy Pennsylvania to humid Louisiana. I love it here, though. Its so nice to be in mild temperature in our cute little town, seeing old friends and driving familiar roads. Mom has the house all Christmased up and I feel completely peaceful and relaxed. Once the nephews are here tomorrow, it won't be so peaceful, but it sure will be fun!

Today my mother informed me that she and my husband have talked and they liked my hair pulled back. Okay? So don't wear it how you have it right now...
Oh, its good to be home.

Life is good right now.

I'm not going to work for 5 days.
Adam is done with finals and won't have school for 2 weeks.
We're about to hang out with Josh and Bethany.
I have a big glass of red wine.
Powers is licking his booty.

Life is sweet.

Here's to you, Mom!

Additionally, yesterday was my Mom’s birthday! Don’t worry, I didn’t forget- although I did have to call her over 15 times during the day before I actually got a hold of the woman! Something about running 10 miles or something.. craziness.

So, here’s to Mom! Marathon running & buff grandma. Prayer warrior & barley green drinker. Slightly OCD & has a contagious laugh. She's a heck of a woman!

Innovative Dad.

Well, to keep all you in bloggy land posted- Freeland finally made it, after spending the night in the Baltimore airport, to Erie. He interviewed and we all went on a snowy walk with Powers- success! It was great to have him here but I'm more excited for him AND Brooke to come.

Short story: When I was young, and my mom would be out of town, my dad would take me to the bank and have the tellers do my hair before school. Innovative Dad- just another reason to love him!

Poor Freeland

Our friend, Freeland should be with us right now- sitting by the fire, eating some warm stew, watching the snow dance outside the window. Instead, he's enjoying the luxuries of the Baltimore airport.

See, Freeland has an interview for med. school tomorrow. The plan was for him to land at 12:30 p.m. in Cleveland and drive to Erie to be with us at approximately 2:30 p.m. ish. Well, due to the weather outside being frightful and causing a few cancelled flights (NOT delightful), Freeland somehow ended up on a plane to Baltimore with a dying cell phone, no charger, and (worst of all) no IPOD! Poor guy, he's now been in airports/planes well over 12 hours. I'm sure Brooke will blog about it and give more details but HOPEFULLY he's boarding a plane at 8:15 to Cleveland and HOPEFULLY he'll be here by 11:00 p.m.

Side Note: Earlier, while talking on the phone to Brooke, she said, "I've never traveled at Christmas time but I always feel like its so crazy and things like this (Freeland's incident) always happen!" And that made me think of the movie Home Alone when the mom is trying to get back home from France so she can see Kevin and she has to ride in the back of that van with John Candy and his folk band. Then I pictured Freeland playing the tambourine in the back of a van with John Candy's band and it felt right, darnitt.

Anywhoos-
Right now, on the hour-by-hour weather forecast on weather.com it says "Blizzard" for Erie. And you thought it was just a shake at Dairy Queen... bum dum DUM.

HEY-O!

Man, I feel like a Woman.

"Do you think its going to be too dark?"

I took a step backwards, holding my gloved hands up in the air so I wouldn't rub up against anything in her bathroom and dye it black. "No," I replied. " I think its going to be fierce."

I was dying Bethany's brown hair "true black" with semi-permanent hairdye from the drug store. I sectioned a new part into her hair with the applicator tip and squeezed the color onto her root area and then pulled it along the length of her hair with my gloved hand. Real fierce.

Bethany and I have had a non-official weekly meeting for a few months, now. Every Saturday or Sunday, we get together and talk/laugh our heads off, watch something, and I occasionally perform some type of beauty treatment. Like today. This week, Bethany and I had planned a color and Felicity. See, now that Gilmore Girls is over, we thought we needed a new obsession. Thats where Felicity came into play. Neither of us ever actually saw the show, "Felicity", but it seems just like the kind of dialogue-y, relationy show that we're up for. However, not even one stupid video store in Erie carries Felicity Season One! Boo!

But I digress.

Coloring people's hair always reminds me of college. As a freshman, I had a friend from the dorm color my hair practically every week. I was 18 years old, c'mon. THEN, one time, I decided that I would like to have long hair. Didn't people like Jessica Simpson go and get natural-looking extensions all the time? Sure! So, my friend Mary Hurst and I went to a place called "Queens by Latrice" early one Saturday morning. We had gone to some random shop to pick up my extension hair (Mistake #1) and showed up at "Queens" ready to go. I spent the morning getting tiny strands of my hair braided tightly against my head. Then, she sewed the store-bought hair against my head. I have to say, I definitely picked the wrong colored hair because it looked like someone else's hair on my head. (I always said Aaliyah's hair).
Anywhoos, after three days, my head was beginning to itch and feel uncomfortable and I was tempted to jam pencils into it to scratch. That's when I decided... it was probably time. I walked into Mary's dorm room with my head down and she laughed, "Come here, I'll get the scissors."

She spent the next two hours cutting the sewn extensions out of my hair. When she finished, I felt relieved, about five pounds lighter (that hair was heavy!), and, well, just a little more like myself. Although I never tried extensions again, I continued coloring, highlighting, lowlighting and returning the favor to friends and roommates. Some of my favorite talks happened sitting on the bathroom floor with a towel draped around my neck while a friend stood over me with gloved hands and a squeezie full of color. And today, while we talked and laughed as I colored Bethany's hair, I was glad I'm a girl. Because that would've been weird if we'd been two dudes...

But sometimes that IS what I'm talking about!

Oh, Cynthia. When I said your dress was really cool, especially for 1994, I didn't mean that YOU were old and therefore it was astonishing that your dress was cute. I meant that 1994 was a horrifying year of fashion. Tommy Hilfiger plaid shirts, worn untucked and hanging down to your mid thighs, tapered ankle jeans, doc martens, and let us not forget, the year of the "Rachel." Its not you, its 1994.

Moving on, the lady that I work with had gastric bypass surgery last Tuesday morning. Right now, she can only drink 1 oz. of liquid every 20 minutes. Can you imagine? Thats like one of those little cough syrup tiny cup things. And only liquids for now- chicken broth, water, and sugar-free popsicles and jello. Crazy times.

I remember when my dad got a car phone. I think I was in 7th or 8th grade and, at the time, it seemed so bizarre. Remember when "My Best Friend's Wedding" came out and Julia Roberts was always talking on that stupid, bulky cell phone? It was still new-ish then, for people to be stuck to their cellular devices. Before cell phones, I used to know everybody's number. When I was growing up, until I went to college, I just dialed my friends on my land line. How many numbers did I have stored in my head?
Now? I know probably 3 people's numbers. I rely on my phone book in my cell phone, we don't even have a stinking land line. Unfortunately, I lose my cell phone every 2 to 3 days for a minimum of 24 hours, so that doesn't work out so well.

There are no Sonic's in Erie. I thought it was AMERICA'S drive in, c'mon!

Random post exhausted.

I like...

Disclaimer: If you are a boy, disregard this post- you'll be bored out of your mind.


As I was saying, I like....




This stuff. And you thought it was for diaper rash. Now that I live in a cold place, my face is getting dry. I actually had a red, dry spot on my cheek. Someone told me to put vaseline on it but I couldn't find any vaseline at the grocery store. Sooo, I got some Aquaphor because I remembered one of my roommates using it in college on super dry lips. Well, let me tell you people. My face is smoother than a baby's bottom and it doesn't cause blemishes! I even started putting it around my eyes since I'm already starting to get fine lines at the ripe old age of 24.
In conclusion, I recommend....
Aquaphor
for all your dry skin needs. The end.

Gymbees

Going to the Y makes for really good people watching. You see some interesting characters at the gym. To name a few:

1. "Sexual grunting guy". No matter which state or gym we've been in, there's always one. Thats right- illicit grunting man. He doesn't seem to notice that everyone is cutting eyes at each other and having to focus hard on their shoes so as not to burst out laughing. Or vomit.

2. "I don't pick up on signals that people want to be left alone" guy. If given an inch, this guy will talk to you for the better part of an hour- about carbs, the eliptical, his plans to be on "The Amazing Race". Even your "subtle" glances at your watch and "Welp...."s don't phase him. IPOD ear buds may do the trick if never taken out as said guy approaches.

3. Stinky guy. This guy may not have ever worn deodorant. And I think he rolled around in eggs before he came to work out. Oh, and also he doesn't wipe down his machines. Ewwwwww

4. Super laid back weight machine lady. C'mon lady, you've been sitting on the stupid hamstring machine for 6 minutes! How long are you going to rest between sets??? Wait..have you... have you fallen asleep??

5. Loud, obnoxious preteens. 12 year olds wearing tiny shorts "casually" walking by 14 year old boys over and over while talking loudly about who knows what? I don't- because I literally cannot understand them. Did I ever talk like that?! Don't answer that, mom.

6. Super Type A Business Woman. You'll find her on the eliptical. This woman is kinda like Michelle Pfeifer (spelling?) in the movie, "I Am Sam." She is perfectly outfitted in the newest Nike Lyrca, couldn't weigh over 105 lbs., has the machine's intensity cranked up to the max, and is working/reviewing a file/barking orders on her cell phone with no regard for other gymbees.

7. " I've never seen this guy workout" guy- Does he just hang out at the Y til it closes and then sneak upstairs and crash on a mat from the nursery? This guy is always sitting on a bench, knows everyone in the Y, but has yet to ever step onto a machine. It IS fun to stay at the YMCA, sir... you proved that song right.

8. ARGHHHHHH- Angry weightlifter guy. Enough said.

9. Starey-starerson. Yep, he stares at himself more than Narcissus. And he makes a face when he stares at himself. Kind of a James Dean lip curl/smirky "how you doin" look. And he says things to his workout buddy like, "I'm going to take it down to 45's and just do, like, CRAZY control bro." But "Bro" sounds like "Bra"- you know the guy.

It makes the gym interesting, eh?
Know any others? Who is your favorite gym character?

INJUSTICE!

Power's best pals had an adventure.




click here:

Nice Sweaters

Brand New Man

Before



After:


Today, on a blogworthy note, my best pal, Mary Lou, is doing the Dallas Marathon. I technically got her into "this mess" as she lovingly refers to it, so if you're a prayer, pray for her today! She's one heck of a runner and is blowing them out of the water, UNDOUBTEDLY, but may be "slightly" tired. Go 26.2 miles!

****EDIT******

YAY, she finished!!! 4:01- she's FAST!

Sweater Extravaganza

Don We Now Our Gay Apparel 2007.

Twas a little get together with our girls group (mostly the younger half). The insert in the invite that said, "Wear a festive sweater" was not discovered by some, but we still had a blast with apples to apples & Catch Phrase & looking ridiculous.

Mi Madre

When I was growing up, any pressing request needed to be directed discreetly to Dad. If there was a pressing request and it was mistakenly directed to the mom, or if the mom overheard you asking Dad, nine times out of ten, she replied, "We'll see."

And 10 times out of 10, "we'll see" means no.

In her defense, these requests normally had to do with sleepovers on school nights, purchasing a new pet, or buying some crappily-made yet over priced piece of jewelry/gadgetry.

My mom (whose blog you can read- see my bloggy friends) is a genius and can make you apologize a million times. As a pre-teen, I would say something flip like, "Whatever, mom, you don't EVEN know." Then.... nothing. No yelling, no punishment. She just wouldn't say ANYTHING.

Thats where she had you sweating. Thoughts start racing through your mind- "Oh, poop, what have I done?! What's she going to do? Augh!!" Panic, right? So, then you're like, "If I just play it cool and say something casual, we'll be fine." So then you crack a joke, "Oh, mom. You're such a fuddy-duddy. haha. Don't wig out or anything..." nervous laughter.

crickets.

See, this is where she skillfully had you in the palm of your hand. She could bridle her tongue and not yell at you for being a smarty pants and reel you into the palm of her hand. At this point, she's still not speaking and you're starting to feel your face become flushed. "Mooooom, don't be mad, mom."

shoulders shrug.

Dangitt! She is SO mad. Oh, man, you're so busted. "Moooom, I'm sorry. I love you.. Don't be mad at me... Look how cute I am!"

Brief glance, "I'm not mad at you, Camille."

AUUUGH! Start bargaining! "Listen, mom. I'm going to go upstairs and study for my math test and go to bed early.. Is there anything I can do for you? I'll go put my dishes away in the dishwasher...and wipe down the counter! Okay? heh heh."

Mom: "That sounds fine."

(Down on my knees at her feet) "Mooooom please don't be mad at me!!!!! You're the best mom EVER!!!!!!! You are so pretty and smart and wonderful and fantastic!!! Don't be mad!! I"m going to go do all the housework! Mooooooom!!!"

See what she did there? She had me BEGGING for forgiveness. Me- a pre-teen know- it-all with a 'tude. She's gifted, that woman.


And now, a few white stuff pictures (and I'm not talking about oreos.)
Yeah, yeah. I know you people from the north are thinking, "Whats with all the stinking pictures of the snow? Who gives a rat's patooie." Well, me. and those southerners who relish the fluffy, white stuff because its new and glorious!

Pretty White Stuff

I'm starting to understand 2 things:

1. Why the eskimoes have a dozen different names for snow according to the type. (I like this kind- very fluffy and powdery!)
2. The necessity of mudrooms


I will try for more pictures later- its still snowing a lot though and I don't want my camera to get too wet. Off to work, enjoy your snow-covered day!






p.s. Megan- I forgot my stupid camera when I went to CO for the wedding- So I'll have to steal someone else's pictures to show you~

What WOULD you do for a klondike bar?

As Sally Fields would say, "Wow, you like me, you really like me!"

Thanks for the comments. You obviously know that the way to my heart is through leaving a comment. Now that NoBloPoMo is over, I feel such a release! Like, hey, man.. back off. You can't tell me what to do, Nablopomo...not anymore. You're not the boss of me! And, I didn't even win a stupid Nablopomo prize! Ah, well I didn't want to be in the jam of the month club anyways.

Yes I did.

Moving on- the wedding was, well.. it was crazy. I mean, if it had been my wedding, I would've freaked out. But Caroline is the most super laid back woman in the world and she has no concept of time. She's like, "Ah, yeah... I forgot such and such, can you and Lindsey run and get it? You can take my car." And we're like, "Sure, no problem." in true-good bridesmaid fashion. (you always act calm around a bride and never tell them if anything is running behind or stressful). But in our minds we're like "AUUUUGHHHH everythings going to go wrong! AUGH she forgot such-and-such and now we're late and augh the world's going to IMPLODE!!!!"

And then one time, me and Lindsey were taking Caroline's car and suitcase to the wedding site- where everyone was supposed to have been at like 2:00, but it was 3:00 because Caroline's hair and makeup appointment ran long (again, the time concept) and the wedding started at 3:30. So, we're taking the suitcase and then we turn on the wrong road and its this huge park and its a 1-way road that makes a gigantic loop around some big rocks (eh, Colorado) and so we're like AUUUUUUGH, gun it!!! But then we get behind the slowest mini van of tourists alive and they're going around 5 m.p.h. just gazing at the rocks and Lindsey and I are cursing them and we're like AUGH we're going to miss the wedding!!!! But then we made it and Caroline was like, "Oh, hey guys. Whats up?" I told you, she's the most laid back bride alive- role model.
And, it was fine. I mean, she got married and at the end of the day, that was the #1 goal. I had a really fun time, too! Caroline's family is crazy fun and we stayed out late and had a blast both nights. The wedding was beautiful and a bagpiper came up over a hill playing and then Caroline walked down the aisle and it was really beautiful AND she was a gorgeous bride.

AND I got to see my pals, Brooke and Freeland which made me very, very happy and very, very ready to see them when they come visit/move here to live (hopefully)!

AND I have to give a shout-out to this lady:

The winner of the "OhmygoshyouaresoniceandcaringandIfeelawfulaskingyoutodothisbutthankyouthankyou" award.
Jen- who graciously picked me up from the airport, THEN picked me up from the wedding and let me crash at her house THEN woke up at 4:30 am to take me to the airport. She oughta have many crowns in heaven for her selflessness. And props to her husband, who also picked me up from the wedding and woke up with us. And props to her dog, Bagby, who is really stinking cute.

Anywhoos, I missed my husband and was sad not to have him there to perform our choreographed dance routines at the wedding.

Please know that Erie is really snowy and pretty right now.

I will not write anymore in this entry because I read that long entries scare away readers. So, farewell.

Trivia: Adam Jennings has never seen the Sound of Music