Tuesday, March 31, 2009

DWTS Recap #4

(You'll notice there's no recap for week 3... sorry folks!)

I was a week behind in watching last week's results show:
  • LOVED LOVED LOVED the routine during Hall & Oates
  • Adele - need I say more?
  • Getting to see Alex & Edyta dance
But onto this week. I sat on the couch this morning and clapped!

David Alan Grier & Kym -- as a longtime fan of In Living Color, I can appreciate D.A.G. I'm glad Carrie Ann is finally on board with that! I really thought David did a good job, and that Kym is an incredible choreographer! Good job!

Lil' Kim & Derek -- in spite of my previous comments, I thought this performance was spectacular! Lil' Kim was so composed and the footwork... the girls in the Pen need to give LK a shout out! Derek is growing on me... we'll see!

Chuck Wicks & Julianne -- Julianne can pull off campy (see the last three seasons), but I felt like Chuck wasn't selling it, you know? I honestly think the routine would have appealed more without those costumes, but that's just my opinion.

Lawrence Taylor & Edyta -- Unless you live under a rock, Edyta is 1) absolutely gorgeous, and 2) incredibly talented. I can't tell if Lawrence doesn't like her, but I feel like he's getting really upset with her (at least from the 10 second clips we get to see), but also in his dancing. One of the judges last night referenced that it looked like Lawrence was scared of Edyta. L, you're a big ole football player. You CAN do this.

Ty Murray and Chelsie -- INCREDIBLE. Ty Murray is awesome, and while I'm sure he would never in a million years refer to himself as a ballroom dancer, he's definitely got the moves! I'm so glad that Chelsie is a pro this year; she's done a spectacular job!

Steve Wozniak & Karina -- I feel like Karina was more relaxed this week because Denise Richards wasn't all over her man. I like Steve. He's cheesy, and campy, and nerdy, but God knows he's sincere in his faults. He can laugh at himself better than anyone in quite a few seasons, and is tough skinned enough to not let the judges comments' get to him. And Karina looked fabulous.

Melissa Rycroft & Tony -- I think this is the first time (that I've seen) Tony have a partner that 1) doesn't look like she's going to break, 2) CAN DANCE, and 3) is willing to push the proverbial envelope. I love Tony and want to see him in the final 3, or as the winner!! Vote for Tony!!

Holly Madison & Dmitri -- I'm not a fan of Holly's, but I am of Dmitri's. Holly took an actual beating this week in rehearsal and seeing her legs after their performance... OUCH! I think Holly is holding back, and that she can do better! Let's hope she gets the chance.

Steve-O & Lacey -- um.... Johnny Knoxville, I love you?! I'm glad you were in the audience wtih April Margera (Bam's Mom). I can't help but want to root for Steve-O. He can do this!!!!

Gilles Marini & Cheryl -- This dance wasn't my favorite but was performed exceptionally well. Congrats to G&C for 30! Keep it up!

Shawn Johnson & Mark -- I love that Mark gets his cheesiness sincerely (from this father), and that he's not afraid to look a little ridiculous for his craft. I thought the routine was great! but the judges were not so giving. Boo to you! Good job Shawn & Mark!

Have a DWTS recap? Leave a link in the comments!

Goals for Summer Oh-Mine!

  • Lose some weight. Duh.
  • Go to a Braves game again. I've been pricing tickets online and want to go on April 10th SO bad!
  • Invest in Real Estate. !!!
  • Learn to cook something really spectacular.
  • Take another cake decorating class (and finish it this time)
  • Finally join my church!
  • ROADTRIP!!!
  • Ride in a hot air balloon
  • Learn to sew.

Thoughts?

Monday, March 30, 2009

Back to life... Back to reality.

Well, I've returned to the land of the gainfully employed.

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There is a very weird substance on my keyboard and frankly, it's weirding me out.

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I've given my coworkers a massive lecture on germs this morning, and I'm pretty sure I yelled at New Guy. (He's still got "The Cough". Not that you should be remotely surprised, right?)

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I've failed to mention that my medicine made hallucinate slightly and gave me CRAZY DREAMS. I mean wacka-doo dreams!

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Not that I should dish out medical advice ('cause I have no proverbial shingle for that), but this seems to be the year of pneumonia. If you get a bad cough... go get it checked out. Nearly every person I talked to said they knew of at least one other person who had pneumonia. It's crazy, and honestly, it's rough on your body. Different/worse rough than the flu, if that makes sense. Again... Just go to the Doctor. It's worth the trip!

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Okay... that's all I've got for now.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

2009 Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk - Team Nathan

I wanted to blog about the walk since it's been all consuming in my life these last three months.

For starters, we had OVER 150 walkers registered today.

Our initial goal was $55,000... we raised....

$18,535!!!!!!

You also should know that the entire walk raised just over $60K... meaning we raised nearly 1/3!!!!! AMAZING!!!

The stress of the pneumonia has been hard. Because of the high number of people who went to the Smith's last night, and the potential for more exposure, I wasn't able to go. It broke my heart. I literally wound up lying on the couch crying, frustrated that my sickness was preventing me from being a part of something to important.

But, I meant that I wasn't going to miss the walk... at any cost! There were more than a few bumps in the road, and I wish I could tell you that I haven't been frustrated with people the last few months. I still have good friends who haven't paid, I got chewed out more than a few times this morning, and that in combination with my exhaustion was almost overwhelming. But I know that's a price you pay when you do stuff like this... somebody's always gonna be the fall guy, and this is my chosen plight! I made it to the school before the run (only to find out that Student Life didn't cut the check properly and the representative was not pleasant), and got to see a few of my friends who were running! God love them for running in the rain! I had a quick trip to Walgreen's for some poster board (for a sign you'll see in future pictures!), and wound up crying (the UGLY CRY) with the cashier. You just never know when grief will hit you.

And being at the walk... was no small feet. We had a HUGE group of walkers! Here is a pretty good picture of us all taken before and after the walk!



I am beyond exhausted from today. I overdid it and am paying dearly for it tonight. Honestly, I'm not excited about going back to work on Monday simply because I don't trust the people I work with. I don't think they get it... GO TO THE STINKIN' DOCTOR! Tomorrow (well today) is going to be a day of rest and recuperation. If you're still praying for me, please know that I covet your prayers!!!

Thank you again for all your giving! You are so much a part of us finding a cure!!!!!!!!



Love,
Jenn

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Various and Unsundry: I'm still medicated edition. :)

I wanted to post something right now because I don't feel AS bad as I did yesterday... :)
  • I had a dream that I got called into H.R. at work because I'd been blogging the company name. For the record, I have NEVER blogged where I work, and will never. Blogging Company Name = No More Job That I Love.
  • I actually slept for 8 hours (from 3-11) this morning. Praise the Lord!
  • My SD made chicken & rice soup that he calls the "Miracle Bowl".
  • My mom reminded me that my medical records said something else... "Patient appears slightly agitated".
  • You think???
  • I'm getting really emotional about this weekend. I'm terrified about people have germs that could hurt me (even a cold could put me back in jeopardy), but I keep reminding myself that it push comes to shove, I'll wear a mask.
  • I'll look like a dork, but who cares.
  • We're at almost $9000... and there are still people who haven't donated. I can't even begin to articulate how stinkin' excited that makes me!!!!!
  • I forgot to do a DTWS recap. Maybe later today... who knows.
  • My parents got the house painted (inside). Our living room has been clinically white for 15 years... but now it looks homey!

That's really all I've got. I mean, I sleep, I cough, I take enough cough medicine to put down elephants, don't walk more than 40 feet at a time -- my life is not uber-exciting, but it's mine, and I'll take it.

Don't forget to get signed up for the giveaway!!!!

Love Y'all!!

Jenn

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Me again, folks.

I just want to say that reading the comments that some of you left have made me cry. Thank you a thousand times over.

I have acute lower left-lobe pneumonia. I went to find a better example, and of course there are a bajillion types of pneumonia, and no definition is really fitting.

It was quick -- as in less than 7 days. It was full lower lobe, meaning the bottom half of my lung was completely white on the chest xray.

I'm not going to go through all my CBC numbers, but acting like a fruitcake and driving myself to the E.R. with a 103 fever might have been the smartest thing I've done in a while. I was able to get the first round of antibiotics before a few of my levels hit the 1,000 mark. (Which is critical when it comes to your white blood cell count.)

I am not allowed to go back to work until at least Monday, because of risk of infection to and from coworkers. Believe it or not, I would rather be at work. Somebody write that down, I don't say that, well, ever.

I honestly would not wish this on my worst enemy or Mr. and Mrs. IhopeYouFellOffTheFaceOfTheEarth.

I should tell you that I had to go pick up my records for my follow-up visit yesterday. I decided to read through them with my Mom (who came to visit me/take care of me), and I couldn't help but crack up at the notes from the E. R. Triage nurse on Saturday night:

"Patient appears to be mildly obese. Patient appears to be overly anxious. Patient appears to have some issues."

Really? I guess I should be thankful she didn't type, "She's an anxious fatty". That would have been worse.

Monday, March 23, 2009

This is not the medicine talking.

I have not been this exhausted in ... well, ever.

I've never had anything impact my lungs the way that pneumonia has.

Before you think that sentence is from ignorance, it's not. It's from inexperience.

And in my mind, now just days before the CF Walk, I can't help but gain some insight into Nathan's life. Mind you, no where near the magnitude, but I understand in a more powerful way than I ever thought I could.

  • Not being able to catch your breath.
  • Coughing until you lose your breath.
  • Gasping for air.
  • Constantly hearing yourself wheeze.
  • The constant ache that coughing causes your rib cage.
  • Trying to put on a happy face as though your okay, only to have those moments, when everyone is gone, that you remember, that I remember I'm not.
It is humbling in the deepest sense.

Because of the pneumonia, I won't be able to walk this weekend. Last year, Nathan feared even on Friday night that he would not be able to walk. And on Saturday morning, while my team is making their way around Cleveland, I will be sitting down somewhere feeling a pain that hurts the deepest depth of my heart. To think that Nathan ever felt this is heart wrenching.

And more than ever, in my heart and mind, I am convinced that no one should have to go through this disease. If you haven't given, please do. If you think about it, tell someone. Every single dollar counts.

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/TeamNathan2009

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/JenniferCalhoun

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Survey Says...

Pneumonia.

My hibernation -- not for no reason. I had a fever that wouldn't break tonight, so reluctantly, I headed to the E.R. alone. I thought I was going out of foolishness, but 2 1/2 hours after I'd taken my meds, my temperature registered at 102.4.

Kinda high, donchaknow?

My friend D. came and sat with me. I had to have an I.V. and I.V. antibiotics, and I was dehydrated. And there was no "maybe she has it, may be not", it was VERY apparent on my first chest x-ray that Leftie Lung had a case of Dirty-P.

:(

Pro: I got a Dr's note for 3 days

Con: My mom (tender woman that she is says), "Jenn, Pneumonia's nothing to joke about it. People STILL die from it"

Pro: I got a Dr's note for 3 days

Con: My brother jokingly (and innocently) sent a text that said "Don't die".

I have such a loving, caring family, no?

So, if you have come in contact with me, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS CLEAN go get checked out.

Thank you.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Various & Unsundry - Part 21

Much to the surprise of many of my friends, I don't blog everything. I actually don't blog A LOT! As I've been digging through my archives, I've discovered something really pivotal in my life that I didn't blog about at all and I'm sad because I can't remember all the details! In these last three years, I've almost totally forsaken REAL journaling (GASP!) for blogging. Plus, I know that one day, much sooner than later, I'll be turning this beloved blog into a book. My future spouse will need some reading material and I'm sure he'll find my blog book either insightful, or the ammunition to run away.

Hopefully the former.

Anyway! This week, much to the chagrin of a few friends, I have led a somewhat less than stellar life. I come to work each day, then promptly go home, take lots of medicines and go to sleep. I've had nearly 38 hours of sleep in the last four days. I'm sure somebody is appalled, but I have been sick and am thankful for nothing but sleep. Because New Guy has destroyed any credibility in actually taking a sick day (Yes, he's still here, and I'm pretty sure he's NEVER leaving), I can't take one.

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This Sunday, I'll be at Bristol. Sporting and Supporting Jr. With my friend Miranda who's new official nickname is NASCARpedia. (Seriously, have I blogged about going to my first race with her? It didn't matter what I asked... she knew it.) If they ever play a Nascar version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, I promise that Miran would be the first AND fastest winner Ever. She took me to the Charlotte race four years ago (HOLY COW I DIDN'T REALIZE IT HAD BEEN THAT LONG!), and we had a BLAST. I finally got to see DEI. (Funny story 'bout that too... When M. first went to North Carolina to interview, she called me after her interview. She was worried about getting lost and all of the sudden started screaming in the phone "DEI, DEI, DEI, DEI!!!!!". I couldn't tell if she was screaming DOA, or if I needed to call 911 and have her cell phone traced. I had NO clue what she was talking about. When she finally calmed down, she explained it to me, and getting to see it reminded me of that phone conversation.)

So... GENTLEMAN, START YOUR ENGINES!!!! VROOM!!

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And this article makes me Angry. He is the Freakin' President. The Leader of the Free World. He knew months ago. The Feds have had offices at AIG since November.

Don't believe the hype you read about AIG. Please feel free to call me and I'll explain my connection to AIG for you. For legal reasons, I actually CAN'T blog about that.

And can I also express my frustration at the celebrity that our new Pres and First Lady have become? I get it... they get publicity, but does anybody else think they're a little more focused on posing for the press than actually working on our country?

Sorry for the political diatribe, but I'm very mad about that article.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

UPDATE on the giveaway

It would probably help some of you if the address to Crystal's ETSY was spelled correctly, no?


www.finallyfruition.etsy.com

Sorry!

Let's Have A Giveaway!!!

Hey Y'all!

I haven't done a giveaway for ... well... a while. My friend Crystal has finally set up an Etsy shop, and as promised, I wanted to share her designs and creations with you!

As background, I've known Crystal since we were in the 3rd grade. We didn't get close until high school, when we wound up working both of our first jobs together. Crystal is such a neat person. And really neat is an understatement! She has this eclectic classy style, kind of a revamped Audrey Hepburn style if you will. She's a huge fan of Hello Kitty, all things art, and absolutely anything that involved Harry Connick, Jr. She introduced me to Sephora and Anthropologie, and frankly deserves a medal for that alone! I also want to mention that this is not her first foray into jewelry... she's been into jewelry creation for about 9 years. I actually still own a necklace and bracelet set from her!

In honor of her Etsy adventure, I'm giving away something of YOUR choice from her shop! Everything is feminine but tough... and definitely Crystal!

To enter in, stop by her Etsy shop http://www.finallyfruition.etsy.com/, find something you like, and just leave a comment with your choice and your email. Contest ends March 31! If you send someone here, make sure they include that, and you'll get entered twice!

She'll be shipping directly to you too!

And go!

Sharing is the new black.

I invariably run across links that I feel I should share, so I thought a post to capture all those would be great!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Can this guy be my next flight attendant? I'd tip him!

DWTS Recap - #2

Here we go... Week 2. Somebody's getting the boot tonight. Wonder who?

I need to interrupt this segment to tell you that I just got an email that Britney Spears is following me on Twitter. Wow.

I must start that it was immediately obvious that Steve-O was missing. I really do like Lacey, and I was worried that Steve-O was out.

Let's start with Holly & Dmitri --As I said last week, I feel bad for Dmitri. She didn't suck as bad as I thought she would (I was surprised and kinda impressed), but still feel like she's not connecting. Whatevertheheck that means.

David Alan Grier & Kym -- I am rooting for him, and thought he did a good job! But Miss Inaba was not nice. Actually, I thought she was 'not nice' to quite a few contestants that that's neither here nor there. The judges thought there wasn't enough routine (too much standing for DAG), but I can't help but think the the pros have the hardest job. They have to choreograph and teach ameteurs a skilled routine in a matter of days. And "ameteur" is being nice.

Denise Richards & Maksim-- I still think she's going to fall for Maksim (I mean, who wouldn't?), but I can't fault her dancing for that. Denise, you did a good job.

Belinda Carlisle & Jonathan -- we were having a discussion while watching that Maksim and Jonathan do the exact same moves, but look totally different doing them, we decided that we'd like to see Jonathan grow some facial hair. Scruffy is the new sexy! The routine was a little kitchy, but good for Belinda. She needs to work on her hips, but I loved the outfit she was wearing. 'Cause you know the most important thing is costume anyway.

Ty Murray & Chelsea -- I am a Chelsea fan because of SYTYCD, and honestly knew well, nothing about Ty. But this week - WOW! Ty was abso-stinkin-lutely PHENOMENAL! To all the cowboys/rodeo-ers who gave him a hard time, I hope you ate your hat on that routine. America just fell in love with Ty because he's so honest. And you can't Lasso that kinda love either!

Shawn Johnson & Mark -- (Mark, you are probably my favorite male pro.) Shawn was clearly embarassed about having to do a "sexy" routine, but she did a good job. I thought she deserved a better score, but 24 ain't bad.

Steve Wozniak & Karina -- Did anybody get the impression that Karina gets easily annoyed with Steve. I think he probably tries too hard (he does that for the camera), so I would imagine him being the same way in training. If I were "crushing my foot", I would not have danced. God only gave you two feet, and I'm not small potatoes, so Kudos to the Woz for taking one for the Geek Squad. And seriously, I'm waiting on the iPhone application. And an iPhone. Thanks!

Chuck Wicks and Julianne -- they're so cute it's gross, you know? I get it, you're blonde, perfect, you can dance, and sing. Thankfully I won't be following the republican Senator from Iowa's regards to off myself though. Only because the routine wasn't my favorite. The guy next to me says, "Is she losing her pants?", I said "No", and lo and behold, you nearly did lose your britches. Fortunately, having your boyfriend as your dancing partner makes it okay for him to hold your pants on. But my hope is that you stick with dresses. Those pants reminded me of the things that clean your car at an automatic carwash. :D

Lawrence Taylor & Edyta -- Edyta, you looked beautiful tonight. Lawrence, you CAN do this. We believe in you. All the men watching need you to win for redemption anyway. We're rooting for you,... just keep pushing!

It was during Lawrence and Li'l Kim that we found out what happened to Steve-O. OUCH. I'm with Lacey, to see Steve-O wince means it must REALLY hurt. And judges, you were MEAN to Lacey. Mad props to Lacey for taking it with grace.

Li'l Kim & Derek -- I still think Derek is being Punk'd and that we'll find out during Dance Center that Ashton Kutcher has been working with the producers all along. With that said, she did a good job. I think the judges got all their aggression out on Lacey and just gave away point for Kim.

Melissa Rycroft & Tony. Tony -- What Were You Wearing? I commented to the guy beside me that if HE wore that shirt, I would probably take a picture. And blow it up Poster Size. The Dance... FANTASTIC. The costumes -- FABULOUS. The entire routine -- BEST OF THE NIGHT. And Jason Meznick -- you're STILL an idiot.

Gilles Marini & Cheryl -- I like Gilles. I think Cheryl is awesome. The routine was good, but not the best. I'm not sure what litmus test Carrie Ann is using, but I thought Melissa was better. But then, I'm not a judge so who cares?

Thoughts? Comments? Commentary?? Join me!

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2009

I hope that you remembered to wear green today!

If not, I hope you get pinched. Unless you're Irish, and then I hope you get a kiss!

Green was my favorite color as a child. But as a child with a speech impedement, I pronounced it "Geen".

Being one-quarter Irish and the child of a redhead, this ranks as my third favorite holiday, after Easter and Christmas 'cause you know Jesus comes first.

Happy St. Patrick's Day Y'all!!!!

Monday, March 16, 2009

King Xerxes makes me swoon.

As part of the culmination of the Esther study tomorrow night, my FBC ladies and I will be watching One Night With The King.

Is it bad for me to tell you that King Xerxes is SMOKIN' HOT in that movie? Like, did Matt Crouch mean for the King to be walking around in the sheer shirt most of the time?

'Cause it makes This Single Girl lust. And I'm pretty sure that TBN was trying to avoid that affect at all costs.

And I'm pretty sure Beth would be appalled to know that I feel this way too. Thank God Haman looks short in the movie.

Sheesh.

iPod Monday

(You can catch the last installment here)
(You can catch them in sequence here.)

I hope you've been waiting... because I'm so ready for this!!


  • Chasing Pavements - Adele - I'm loving this song. Actually I'm loving this album! I love it in terms of relationship... do I stay, or do I leave you?
  • How do you Sleep - Jesse McCartney - The tune is catchy. I can't help it. And he stars in a movie with my favorite man, so I feel some sense of obligation to listen to his music, you know?
  • Marry for Money - Trace Adkins - I heard this song last week, and actually snorted from laughing so hard. "Don't forget your walker" at the end... hilarious!!!!!
  • More Than Anyone - Gavin DeGraw - Dear Lord, please send me a man to say this? Thanks!
  • Breakable - Ingrid Michaelson - "We're all just breakable, breakable, breakable, Girls and Boys." Can I get an AMEN?
  • 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton - There is ABSOLUTELY no explanation needed because 1) I work, 2) it's DOLLY for Pete's sake, and 3) I can quote about 90% of the movie, 4) It's DOLLY for Pete's sake, 5) Dabney Coleman still kinda creeps me out and did I mention 6) IT'S DOLLY?
  • More Time - Needtobreathe - From the movie P.S. I Love You. P.S.... I DO love you!
  • The Kiss - Karmina - This was on a preview for CSI:NY where Danny & Lindsey get married -- PRAISE THE LORD FINALLY HALLELUJAH -- and I loved it. Karmina's already made one list, and I'm pretty sure I'll be buying the whole album soon!
  • Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man - Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn - I found this by accident and I'm so glad!
  • THE ENTIRE KARI JOBE ALBUM - Kari Jobe. That girl... Whoo... that girl can sing like nobody's business. Buy the whole thing!!!

Now to some business... going forward... every playlist is on a CD! If you'd like a copy, leave a comment and I'll send you one. Thanks!!!!!

I just want to Praise the Lord in advance for protecting me.

Everybody at work is sick.

And I mean SICK.

I am not.

Thank you Jesus for protecting me. Amen.

**UPDATED AT 9:26**

Went to talk to my big boss and go so dizzy, I nearly fell in the hallway. I am very angry at my coworkers now for sharing their stupid germs.

BOO.

Friday, March 13, 2009

randomness

Have I shared this? Everytime I look at it, I laugh like a crazy lady.

And Your Welcome.

Various & Unsundry... Part 2.0

I am very hurt/angry/frustrated over a situation right now. I don't ask for prayer much for me, but if you happen to be praying anyway, I'd appreciate it.

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New Guy is sick. I TOLD YOU HE WOULD GET SICK DIDN'T I? He's been hacking and snotting and barking and making this AWFUL noise with this throat for 2 days. Ew.

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My roomie and I are looking for quilt patterns. Do you know of anywhere that has a few free ones? Also, her business will be "OPEN" in just a few days. I'm going to showcase and give away some stuff to show you how creative she is! I can't wait!!

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I bought the entire CD of ADELE a few days ago. Although I can't hear everyword (sorry!), I still love it. You can bet a few songs will be the iPod Friday later today!

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I've updated my hair post with a comparison of my brown hair to today's goth look. I've also updated my spelling (Thanks Michelle!). My hair was Papaya colored. Not payapa. I have no idea what that would look like!

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If you haven't caught any of the drama between Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer... you need to go check it out. Here's a link from gothamist.

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I am torn as to whether or not I should write about this, but in an effort to "keep it real", I think writing is cathartic.




Can I just mention that planning an event is easy, but getting people to not act like JERKS is not?




I'm so ridiculously excited about the CF walk this year. I have been, well, honestly, I've been excited about the walk since last year's walk. There is a big giant hole in my life without Nathan now. Last year, the night before the walk, I went over to his house, and just hung out with him for hours. We talked and laughed and cut up and had a good time. He told me to chill out after the t-shirt fiasco, gave me a big ole hug, told me he loved me, and thanked me for everything.




I cannot express my grief at not being able to do that this year.




The day after Nathan passed, his Dad asked me to set up the team for the walk. Information was available at the viewing and the service.




And it's now been 2 months, and all I'm getting is riddled with calls from people who "don't like the t-shirt", or are calling me with really stupid stuff. And I can get past that.




But it's the people who call under the pretense of being concerned about me that made me want to scream. The phone call that nearly set me over the

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Reason #422 to leave hair care to the Professionals

If you knew me three years ago, the running joke was, wonder what color Jennifer's hair is going to be? I was notorious for changing my hair (and I mean drastically) every couple of weeks. I've been blonde, and redheaded (every gamut), brunette, and black. I've been stripped red and blonde, blonde and brown, red and brown, red and black.

My hair has been purple and platinum and papaya and copper and dayglo orange, a disturbing shade of TRUE red, blue black, and I once looked like a red-headed Cruelle Deville.

But, after the worst hair experience ever, I nearly gave up the proverbial goat. I went to solids.

I should also point out that I was spending $80 - $120 every six week to two months on hair COLOR. That's an average of almost $700 ANNUALLY on my hair.

YIKES.

So, I've taken to coloring my hair to reduce costs, save time, and preserve some of my sanity.

When my hair was long, it would cost me $12.00 to color my hair.

Now that it's short, it's about $7.00. Nice, huh?

Except that I accidentally grabbed the wrong bottle last night. I meant to grab two bottles of #41 Medium Brown, and grabbed two bottles of #47 RICH BROWN.

So, basically my hair is black now.

I'm guessing this is going to be my first "Gothic" Spring though. :D

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

another recap -- Biggest Loser

I have seen every episode of The Biggest Loser; I have been a fan since the First Season (when it ACTUALLY aired). With that said, I have seen few IF ANY episodes as dramatic as last nights... HOLY COW!!

Last night started with a continuation from the previous week... we have all been waiting to see if Mikey lost the weight! PTL... He did!

That's followed up with the news of a Pop Challenge, where the contestant who wins the challenge gets to match up player-for-player for the next weigh-in. I'm not a huge fan of Tara (sorry if you are), so to see her win was eh. It was immediate to see (as a viewer) how detrimental of a challenge this would be. Her match-ups were kinda predictable too!

Fast forward to the training, where Filipe gets "forgotten" by Jillian. I can't help but think how hard of a job Jillian and Bob have... building relationships, designing workouts, keeping contestants on track with food, etc, etc, etc. I kept wondering why he didn't say something to her... but instead fumed in the gym? Thoughts? Anyone?

Then, comes the next challenge, an endurance race at 24Hour Fitness. Please know this is my opinion... but why is Ron still here? I get it... he needs to lose the weight. But as an overall contestant, he doesn't pull his weight. (no pun intended). And of course... if the first leg of a four part challenge is the slowest, it's so difficult to make up time. The Blue Team couldn't make it up either. The black team's prize was 24 hours of luxury.

And the black team went BerZerck! Over 15,000 calories. I say this having struggled with weight my whole life, if presented the opportunity to eat fried chicken, I would have had a hard time too. I just felt like the contestants were wreckless knowing that a weigh-in was emminent. Not to mention, do you know what happens when you've weaned yourself off of bad food and then suddenly splurge? And then to think they were drinking too?

Ew. That's all I can say!

And then comes the meltdown. Wow. I felt bad for Jilian honestly. "You do the crime, you do the time", but the black team decided to lie to her, then bully her? Yikes!

I love Bob. I would marry Bob in a New York minute too... but I couldn't tell if it was creative editing (we now know TBL producers DO that), or if Bob really didn't ask the whole story from Filipe and Sione. I guess we'll never know?

Fast forward to the weigh-in. Blue Team Loses. Ron automatically decides that Mandi deserves to go home. I'm disgusted with Ron. I really wish the ladies would have gotten together and voted him off. I really wanted Mandi to win it all! Now, I just hope she'll be the At-Home Biggest Loser winner.

If you recap... lemme know!!!

I seriously have got to quit crying at work.

I have these days. These days where I stop and think about everything going on in my life. All that has transpired and all that may potentially transpire.

And then his face pops into my head, and I realize how much I miss that kid.

I've spent some time this morning working on things for the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk to honor Nathan.

And I can't stop crying.

I miss him so stinkin' much. I had a picture framed the other day, and I cried in Hobby Lobby. I mean, THE UGLY CRY. I'm pretty sure I scared the lady in Fabrics too.

I know he is in Heaven and doesn't wish he was here with us... but man I do.

If you haven't... would you sponsor me? Every dollar counts, and $0.91 goes directly towards research.

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/TeamNathan2009
http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/Jennifercalhoun

are you a boat potato?

I've been on a 'quest' of sorts to do things differently this year. To revisit some things I really love, as well as give up things that I don't need and take on things that I do.

I just realized how ambiguous that last statement is, whoops.

Anywhoo... I'm reading again. It's March 11 (which I'm pretty sure is somebody's birthday but I've quit my calendar), and I've read 5 books today.

They were stupid, vapid books that sucked me in and I feel gross knowing that I got so engaged in them. They were:

Confessions of a Shopaholic
Shopahlic takes Manhattan
Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Shopaholic & Sister
Shopaholic & Baby

For those of you who think I'm an idiot, I do need to let you know that this is about 1500 pages of book. Which is not bad, unless you're concerned with content, in which case, yes. It's bad. I suck. Whatev.

But I've also been asked recently about books I've read/enjoyed/loved, and before I give those books away, I feel some obligation to re-read them.

I'm starting with John Ortberg's "If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat". I looked back through my archives to find stuff I'd written about it, but I was kinda lacklustery then, so I've got nothing.

This book is so good!!! I remember why I loved reading it. Now I can see areas of my life that I used it to change. Areas that the Lord used it to change. Accepting fear as a part of life and choosing to go on regardless. Pushing through the fear. Not being afraid of the fear (in a disabling sort of way) anymore.

I'm excited to see what rereading it does for me!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

DWTS Recap

I know some of you are yawning that I would do a recap, but I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm changing. I LOVE Dancing with the Stars!!!

Here we go!

Li'l Kim & Derek Hough -- I feel like Derek got Punk'd. Li'l Kim... REALLY? Her dancing wasn't horrible, but her shout out to her girls at the Federal Detention Center... PRICELESS. And did she have some work done to her face? She looked different. Quasi-unrelated -- I won't let my friend Aubre work on my eyebrows because I'm afraid I would look like Li'l Kim.

Belinda Carlisle & Jonathan Roberts -- I love some B.C. I have the moves to her "Heaven is a Place on Earth" video memorized. Cue mood lighting and excessive red lipstick. Oh, and somebody get me a globe, thanks. I thought Belinda did well... reminscent of Priscilla Presley, but good nonetheless.

Lawrence Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska -- Don't really know Lawrence, but he tried and definitely deserves points for trying. I'm afraid that Edyta is going to have to go naked before the end of the season to help him out though.

Steve-O & Lacey Schwimmer -- I actually thought that Steve-O did a good job!!! I would love to mention here that, with my love for bad boys, it was awesome to see Johnny Knoxville in the audience. I mean... YUM. Steve-O's got a lot of work (as does Lacey), but I think they'll be good. She's sweet, and Lord knows that boy needs sweet in his life.

Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke -- I love Cheryl, and am uncomfortable watching Gilles since I've seen the S&TC movie. (I know... I wish I could burn that out of my brain too.) Their dance was good, but I was sitting by a boy and felt well, uncomfortable. Gilles was pretty good overall.

Chuck Wicks & Julianne Hough -- In light of celebrity relationships, I don't think doing this show was a good idea. Chuck was okay, but Julianne is all googly and frankly, I didn't enjoy it.

Holly Madison & Dmitry Chaplin -- Holly is a few months younger than I am. As much as I love Dmitry (and he is seriously AWESOME), I feel sorry for him. She's only staying on because people have seen her naked. She was clumpy on the floor.

Ty Murray & Chelsea Hightower -- watching the rehearsal videos was hilarious. Poor Ty was more anxious of being made fun of than dancing. He was charming, in a I-normally-wrangle-and-rope-things-in-for-a-living sort of way. If Chelsea can work in a rope, I think Ty would come out of his shell more.

Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas -- Shawn is Tiny and Smiley and very professional. She really did a good job! Mark is as sweet as ever, and I hope that he and Shawn do really well.

Steve Wozniak & Karina Smirnoff -- Karina was virtually naked to woo the judges in and away from Steve's dancing. And in Steve's defense, He Did Try. He's corny and pretty uncoordinated, but he tried. And if all else fails, he has more money than we do, and he'll find a way to turn this all into an iPhone/iTouch application. "Dancing With Your Phone"... $2.99.

David Alan Grier & Kym Johnson -- I was prepared for overthetop D.A.G. schtick, but he actually did a good job.

Denise Richards & Maksim Chmerkovskiy -- Who nominated her for this show??? You're fired. She cried in rehearsals. :( Denise, this is not YOUR reality show. Keep those tears on E! and act like a 39 year old woman with kids on television. Sheesh. I didn't enjoy it, and the group that I watched with -- we're all collectively sure that Karina wants to poke Denise's eyes out. Denise -- He's taken. Remember that Sweetie.

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovalani -- her presence on this show only reiterates that Jason we'vealreadyforgottenyourname is an idiot. 48 hours of rehearsal, and she really was the best. I hope Melissa wins. Tony deserves it For Sure!

Gotta recap? Thoughts? Comments?

Monday, March 9, 2009

sssssslllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppppyyyyyyyyyyy

  • I'm exhausted from reading the last book in the Shopaholic series -- Shopaholic & Baby.

  • I was up until 2:00 reading that book.

  • There is a great liklihood that I'm going to fall asleep at my desk.

  • That last statement has NOTHING to do with my responsibilities. I have plenty to do, but no energy to do it with.

  • Two of my bosses are sick.

  • I'm pretty sure New Guy is going to "catch" whatever is going around.

  • Although it's highly likely that the bosses are sick with allergies from Bradford Pears.

  • But still... NG will probably catch it.

  • I've resorted to coffee to wake up.

  • My next option will be redbulls and a diet pill.

  • As I type that, I realize how that might affect tonight's sleep though.

  • so... on second thought, No Red Bull.

  • I should mention that I proposed marraige (to a man) last night. He shot me down, but then sent me a hilarious but inappropriate text message.
:)

Hey... WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

I want to hear.

I want to hear what's on your iPod. Or Mp3. Or Windows Media.

Or the cassette that is still in your car. (Dude, I have one too! I'll upload a picture soon!)

What's on your playlist? If you blog it... just post a link in the comments.

Is there some song that you listen to over and over and over again? Is there a CD that you can't live without?

Other than Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. 'Cause that songs gets me EVERYTIME. And it has now for um, 11 years? Wow. I guess I still don't want the world to see me. You know.

I wanna know what it is.

Doesn't matter what Genre.

I wanna know.

It's important!!!!!!!

Weekend rundown

This weekend (after my SuperCrazyLady meltdown on Friday), I went home to see my Mama.

Good times, Y'all. Good Times.

Friday night, I got to see one of my favorite people and hear what God is doing in his life. It's Big Y'all. So Big that I can't share right now, but you can bet your Sweet Bippy that I'm doing to do a big 'ole post in the future, k? Anywho, being around my friend just encouraged and blessed my heart. I love being around people who are so geniune about Jesus. So geniune in fact that they STILL have their sense of humor!

Saturday, after the various things o' the morning, my mom and I went shopping. Praise the Lord for no credit card debt.

And after my spree (it WAS a spree), I still have no debt. PTL.

I should mention that my mother has, for some time, wanted to learn how to put on eyeliner. While we were in Dillard's grabbing some make-up for her, she asked the lady to teach her how to apply it (which was absolutely precious). Not only did the lady teach her, but she put on black mascara. One of the things I inherit from my mom is that the tip of our eyelashes are blonde. My mom's eyelashes aren't stumpy... They're really long! I was mesmerized on our drive home because I've never seen her lashes so long!!! And eyeliner... look fabulous on her. My mom is a natural redhead with yellow cream skin (I got the pasty skin, thanks!). My mom wears purple, so the lady hooked up her with this really pretty plum eyeliner. Totally brings out my Mom's green eyes!

Anywhoo... after that, I went home to get ready for a live recording. B-Dub had been buggin' me for a while to come to this. The recording was good, but I quickly realized that he has NOT CHANGED IN 10 YEARS. And if this is the way I view him, what does that say about me????? Oi.

I feel like there was something blogworthy on Saturday, but for the life of me... I can't remember what it is.

I do hope you all had a great weekend! I'm working on a spectacular iPod post (and CD giveaway)! Hopefully, I'll have that up soon. L8R.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Reason #42 that I know I'm getting old

College kids were jumping on the trampoline outside my house just now (1:10AM). (It belongs to my roommate, and it's about 15 feet from my bed.) They're laughing and talking and being REALLY loud.

I actually BANGED ON THE WINDOW AND ASKED THEM THROUGH THE GLASS WHAT IN THE WORLD WERE THEY DOING. I might have said "hell"... but that makes no difference.

And then to just show that I'm SuperCrazyLady, I went outside IN MY BATHROBE AND GOWN NOT WEARING A BRA BUT WEARING BLACK LOAFERS AT 1:12A.M. and had to tell those crazy kids to keep the action at their apartment.

A rep from some denture products and Depends will be around to offer their condolences at my progressed aging, and I'm sure Social Services will be around to drop off my AARP application in the morning too.

OH MY GOD I AM THAT CRAZY LADY.

Send. Help. Soon.

P.S. I can hear them outside talking about me. And I'm just sitting in my bedroom laughing (quietly but hysterically and somewhat maniacally). Thank GOD I don't have cats.

THANK GOD I don't even like Cats.

I've got some really big news that I can't tell you about. But you should be jealous and squeal with me.

In news that will no doubt shock you to your core, I must report that,...

I will be going back to California this year.

L.A. in fact.

I'm going to do the nerdiest thing ever, and I'm so beyond excited about it that I can't even tell you.

So, to those of you (okay all of you) whom I'm griped about what a horrible place L.A. is, please know that this is the figurative process of "eating my words".

:)

Gogo... er... google searches

It's not easy to forget that someone found my blog (in October) by searching for "patent leather underwear".

Ha!

But... it keeps me on my toes to constantly look at how people wind up on my little piece of the internet.

As of late, google has directed folks my way during their searches of the following:

  • Dr. Charles Conn
  • Tyler no likie
  • St. Patrick’s Day clichés
  • Jeremy McCoy The Fray
  • Nathan the Great
  • Bad Gogo
  • Things to do before you turn 30
  • Christian mother daughter banquet games. The Price is Right.


Of course... the Bad Gogo one is my favorite.

iPod Thursday

**Updated to include the reasons... thanks Paige!**

(You can catch the last installment here)

This week's mix is a little bit random... some old... new... but definitely the top 10 on my list. I'm going to try (for at least today) to leave off why I picked 'em and why I'm listening to 'em because you probably don't care.

  • Be Okay -- Ingrid Michaelson -- I feel like the chorus of this song is an anthem for me. I'm just wanna be okay. :)
  • Desert Song -- Hillsong -- I just love the words in the song. There are seasons where we all feel like we're in a desert, and I love the Anthem... "I WILL" (not maybe... but WILL)
  • Absolute -- The Fray -- Oh to be Absolute... Oi!
  • Hope Now -- Addison Road -- I heard this on the radio a few Sundays ago and I love the words "Everything rides on Hope now... you're what sets me free"
  • Jesus Be a Fence Around Me -- Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ -- This was on Jenn's soundtrack for 2008 and I Love it! Just makes me happy and gets me going to hear this!
  • Mmm... -- Laura Izibor -- Somebody somewhere is cracking up, but this is from Tyler Perry's "Why Did I get Married" movie. If I drank wine... I would totally break out a glass of red, turn the lights low, and listen to this song. Maybe a good/potential make-out song for my hubbie. Wishful thinkin'?
  • Who am I to say -- Hope -- also from the movie... I love it. "Who am I to say, you love me, I don't know anything at all"
  • Broken -- Lifehouse -- I am a long-time LifeHouse fan. This songs just speaks to me... plus, I could listen to the lead singer's voice for HOURS.
  • It's Only Life -- Kate Voegele -- Not that any of you would imagine this, but I read too much into life. I like the message... 'cause It's Only Life. :)
  • You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates -- Wedding Singer was on the other day... and with my all-time love for cheesy romantic comedies, this song is my fav from that movie... aside from the final song with Billy Idol. Duh.


Hey... so what are you listening to? I'd love to know!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

So one of the changes is where I discuss ridiculous things and don't feel bad about it...mkay?

I'm a TV junkie. I admit it. Last night, I got to play catch up (since the Hibernation of '09) because I was behind on some tube.

NCIS -- Recap. :( Aside: I LOVE Michael Weatherly. I never watched Dark Angel, but I have a deep, unrequited love for men with chest hair. Rawr.

CSI:Miami -- I have waited for almost two years now to see Calleigh and Eric together, but that kiss was... Awkward. But it was a kiss. I also must admit that I love that Diddy, or Puffy, or Puff Daddy, or Sean or whatevertheheckhismonikeristoday did a great job and I hope he comes back as a prosecutor. And David STILL makes me swoon. I know, I KNOW. Y'all know I'm a sucker for Redheads.

Big Bang Theory -- I'm sad that Sarah Gilbert's character is a hooch, but getting to see Howard's character... well... progress... made me laugh out loud. And Chuck, please let Penny and Sheldon get together sooner than later. Oh, and your note made me laugh out loud!

How I met Your Mother -- N.P.H.... Cracks. Me. Up. Hiring actors to play his wife and child... Hilarious. "Tyler No Likie". Ha. Although... a bit anticlimatic.

The Biggest Loser -- I haven't really blogged much about this, but I love TBL. Duh. I refused to blog last season because Heba so resembled somebody I'd like to punch in the face, but I digress. I love the remaining players, except for Aubrey and the Green Team. Laura gets on my nerves, and Tara is so "in your face" that I want to scream at her. Props to TBL producers on the botched marathon finish last week, and hyped up episode that really was minor. Laura deserved to have Jillian say that to her. Good thing she couldn't ask America directly, or all 20 million of us would have chimed in too. Right now, I don't care who wins. Except for the aforementioned, I do like the remaining cast. And I wanna be BFF with Alli Sweeney, and Marry Bob. But Duh, you totally already knew that!! ooh... and the cliffhanger? A week to see if Mikey dropped enough weight! Ugh! The Suspense!!

I was able to watch Jimmy Fallon's first episode. DeNiro is odd... but maybe that's just me. I've never been a huge Justin Timberlake fan, but he really did try and calm Jimmy down. And Slow-Jammin' the News... HI-FREAKIN'-LARIOUS. The Roots killed it.

I will say... I'm not a huge Bachelor fan, but Jason is a tool. And like I mentioned to Leslie Ruth -- Deanna is miserable, and Misery just wanted some company.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

I went to the Beauty Shop and got my hair Did.

And FYI... this is JUST the beginning.

Happy Square Root Day

As a lover of all things "numbers"... I love it!

http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/happy-square-root-day-612/

And Pi Day is only 11 days away too!

Brace Yourself

Change is...

On The Way.

I might even upload a picture or two. :)

tangent

I got to sleep last night. And Praise the Lord, It Was Marvelous. I slept until 12:30, woke up, put saline in my eyes, got something to drink, turned the heat down (our thermostat was on 72 and it was BLAZING), and went back to bed.

I can't say I woke up refreshed because I never wake up "refreshed", and I was a smidge late, but I woke up.

And then I get to work late, and I realize, I work with quite a few Jerks.

Jerks who pick and choose their battles. Jerks who get mad when I'm inconsistent, but don't realize their own, OBVIOUS, inconsistencies.

It's so frustrating. I know I'm not the only one who ever experiences this. But this morning, it's aggravating.

This cycle is getting so old. :(

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Fray

If you know me, you know I love The Fray. (You would also know that "DC" came to me while I was listening to a Fray song.)

Anywhoo... being the cheeseball I am, I love knowing that people I went to college with have had success, well after college.

I mean, Lee's been a part of some incredible talent... Jay DeMarcus, Janna Potter Long, Phil Stacey, etc. And that's just the short list.

As it turns out, another Lee alum has stepped up to play for The Fray. Jeremy McCoy (who I remember being HOT back in college) left originally to join Jeff Deyo, but now he's playing with The Fray (albeit temporary) and is scheduled to be on Jay Leno tonight!!! Tune in!

:)

truth

i am a big 'ole faker.

i pretend that i have it all together, but the truth is, i've got it so NOT well put together, that i have most folks fooled.

but today is one of those days where i can't fool anybody.

because i never went to sleep.

i could tell you it's because i stayed up reading the third book in the 'shopaholic' series -- which is true. i've now read the first three and all they do is suck me in, remind me of the financial bind i was in a few years ago, give me heart palpitations, and prevent me from putting the stupid buggers down. oh, and i should mention the author is british, so now i'd really like to go get the post, and yell 'bloody' as an adjective. blimey.

but the real reason is me. i did something stupid, and would love love love love love to call in sick today because i don't want to face my world. i just don't. and as i've laid awake all night reading this book, i've simultaneously pondered how i can get out of my responsibility.

the beauty of being a woman who can multitask -- that is to read AND think at the same time -- sucks more than you know.

or maybe some of you do know and can totally relate to my neurosis and make me feel better.

but, then that makes you an emotional enabler for me. oh blimey, i'm tattering again.

ha.

but i have NOT slept. i woke up at 9 on sunday, and here it is 4:21 am and i've had no sleep. in a few minutes, i'm going to finish getting ready, and i'm going on to work. and i'm going to face the things i dread the most. i'm going to face my fear and my anxiety head-on. running away is foolish and cowardly, an i'm tired of being that way.

i am asking you to pray for me today. i'm pretty sure i'm going to hit a wall around 2.

thanks. :)

*updated... i wound up taking an hour and a half nap. although i'm pretty sure that made it worse. blimey. :)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

writing. exposure.

I've slowed on my blog posts lately. I'm not giving up blogging for Lent, or twitter or facebook, or any of that (kudos to you if you are), but slowing is a direct result of how I feel.

That is, slightly overexposed. And bruised. My hope is that this season/feeling/whatever will pass quickly.

And that's all I need to say about that for right now.