Hollywood ? Why are they all so important?

I have never really got into watching the Oscars, but this year I decided to ride it out while hanging with my sisters. The awards as I saw them...

* Chris Rock was incredibly, incredibly boring. I have seen him live during his standup routine and he is hilarious. Well, he is raunchy and bend over grab your gut funny.
* Kate Winslet is the woman - she was stunning and classy in her ice blue dress
* Robin Williams looks great in hot pink. One of the few straight men that can pull that costume off.
* Drew Barrymore looked good last night - she definately suffers from the hot and ugly syndrome
* When I heard that two very talented vocalists would be singing, Believe, I was surprised to learn it was, "Josh Grobin and BEYONCE!!! No surprise on Grobin but, Beyonce. I mean, I liked her before tonight she's refined. But the songs did not suite her style. And then she ruined a perfectly pretty black evening gown with ultra-gaudy diamonds and bad makeup. Make it stop. The kitchen sink on her ears was distracting.
* And then to make matters worse she butchered the Phantom of the Opera song, should have let Minnie Driver sing it as she does in the movie.
* Cate Blanchett is so, so classy.
* Hillary Swank has a great back.
*Sean Penn is sloppy looking
* Was Leo's date pregnant or have house dresses come back in style?
* Johnny Depp is just weird. But well respected because he has never "sold out and gone for the mainstream box office hits. I still love What's eating Gilbert Grape
* Samuel L. Jackson is still sexy -
I can't say it better than Candied Ginger
"* Jamie Foxx's grandmother's spirit animal is a white dove that arrives on his windowsill every morning at 5:30 to wake him with a gentle song and a motherly attempt to peck his eyes out, and that's why he's such a great actor. "
* Counting Crows, Mr. Jones, your still wild and crazy - Digging the eccentric artist thing.
Julia Roberts is so yesterday. But still a class act.
Clint Eastwood's mom is alive. Can I get a Hell Yeah!!
* I would like to give an oscar to each and everyone of you who sat through the evening. What other industry can you work 3 months out of the year and rake in 3 million. That's entertainment.
The above was obviously written in pure envious fashion

If your status ain't Hood - put on Wranglers

Houston, Texas - GIDDY UP! That's right, it's rodeo time.

I swear, this is the only city in America where I leave the office for lunch, head to the Galleria, and on my return I get stuck behind 3 dozen horses. They call themselves "The Trailriders" Where is the trail? All I see is loop 610. The whole spectacle of the rodeo is a grand theatrical modern way of honoring the roots of Texas . . . THE LONE STAR STATE.
Which always makes me think of the sexy saucy Val Kilmer as he saunters across the saloon and states, "I'll be your Huckleberry"
HUBBA HUBBA meow purrrrrrrrr. As I scan the rodeo crowd, all I can think is BUBBA BUBBA

Which proves, you can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can't take the Jersey out of the girl.

Last night I went to the rodeo barbecue cook off
Conversation I over heard
Girl 1: See that?
Girl 2: Jeans so tight, if I were blind I could read Braille on her thighs
Girl 1: Oh no you did-int.
Girl 2: That's right.

My mother: The Super Hero

The sky was black, and the alarm went off, I pulled the covers over my head, hit snooze and fell back asleep.

It was storming horrificly in H-town this morning. I felt the angels bowling and the guys in the apartment above me moving their furniture.

As I drove down South in the thick of it all I spoke to my mom who was also going through a bad storm.

5-8 inches of SNOW!!!! I laughed whole heartedly while I rubbed my hands together. And then felt very guilty after my mom told me she was going to shovel the sidewalk so Dad wouldn't have to do it.
My mother the super hero.

Conversation with Mom -
Mom: "How is work going"
Me: "Good,it's been a busy month with sales"
Mom: "You've been with them a while"
Me with sarcasm, "Yeah, must be all that alcohol I have been drinking"
Mom: "Honey, your not drunk. Your just lubricated"
Me, "Like a machine?"
Mom, " A well oiled one. And honey, I do hope your kidding about the alcohol"

Steady pace

All I can do today is laugh at the world.

The New York Jerk called last night to let me know he was coming in town this weekend. I really want to give him the benefit of the doubt. However, he called at 12:38 a.m., 1:23 a.m., and 1:39 a.m. He left 2 messages and was fairly coherent. Somedays I wish I was a push over or a sappy girl who gushed over the fact that, "HE CALLED!". But, lets be real. He was drunk at a bar on a Tuesday. Yes once again, a boy was just being a boy. That door's locked tight with a dead bolt.

The terms on which I will spend time with someone have changed, but my attitude has not. The terms are never completely acceptable and change with time. Respect has always been a huge item, as it should be. We all drunk dial our friends and laugh at them later. We pass the phone around to others and have them listen to the funny message that was left at 4 in the morning by so and so. That's funny. In relationships, it's not. Especially when you have not spoken in 3 weeks.

I've spent much of my life trying to figure out what was wrong with the fantasy, what's wrong with the boy, or what's wrong with me? It's a practical way of thinking through each situation, extracting the good, accepting the bad, and learning from the experience. It's really quite shallow, as it's my view on the terms that I have chosen to accept at the time. Right or wrong, which I know I can be, and dare I sound cliche, but timing truely is everything in love and orgasms.

The Rockets attempted their 9th win in a row last night against Seattle. They had several days off between game 8 and 9 due to the All Star Game. They were ahead the first half and took several chances. Unfortunately, they lost in the last few seconds by 2 points.
My buddy didn't play ...seems someone had to much fun in Vegas with the boys over the break.

Chicken Soup - but..I'm a vegetarian

Some weekends all you need is to....
Curl up with a good book
Clean your apartment
Go for a run
Lift some weights
Pay the best sister-in-law and friend a quick visit
Hug your nieces and nephew
Feel the joy as they call your name and wrap themselves around you
Watch a 2 year old mimic everything his 4 year old big sister did
Eat "healthy" with your little sis (love you booger)
Go shopping with little sis and her baby
Buy shoes
Buy shirts
Watch the confusion and frustration of a 9 month old as she eats
her first piece of bread
See the delight a big pink stuffed animal brings a 9 month old baby
Have a fabulous brunch day with your girlfriends
Have a headache Monday morning from cheap champagne in the mimosa's

Shelf life

Some people treat their ex's like a set of china dolls. You pick one off the shelf admire it, and remember the day it first came to you. You look at the doll and see how time has eclipsed it. In a jovial manner return it to the shelf. In every collection, there is the doll whose arm fell off, his suspender broke, and it has a strange odor. You try to muster the strength to play with the doll, but can not bring yourself to do so. It remains on the shelf, a distant memory of the day it came to you.

I had been very lucky to go 27 years with out having my heart broken. Call it lucky, careful, or guarded. It shattered but once. Of course there are the brief interludes where you decide to go separate ways and you carry on. Like the time an ex brought back a girl from Vegas. I turned the other cheek and walked out the door, never looking back. But this time was different. We met through a mutual friend at brunch. I'll never forget seeing him walk through the door. After he sat down, I took a skill from negotiating 101 and began telling the table about the fabulous date I had the day before. As the hours of brunch flew by, we changed locations, drinks and dancing ensued, next thing I know... I have a date with him the following week. Wonderful days turned into weeks. I called my dad to tell him I WAS SMITTEN. My father looked at the caller ID to make sure it was his single daughter on the line. Was it really me - the ambivalent single gal? Yes, and I was on cloud 9. Several months into the relationship he started to push. I didn't understand, and then he told me. His company was going to transfer him back to Florida. Moving for me, was not an option. So, we did the logical thing and ended the relationship. There were no phone calls pleading to hang out until he left as that would have only made it harder for both of us. Why lie to ourselves. I went through a period of feeling like I was falling to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. And then I picked myself up, dusted off my shoulders, and moved on.

Fast forward several months - his company changes management and it's dynamic. Suddenly, he is not moving. Our mutual friend informs me of this and I relive the relationship in a matter of seconds in my mind. Then the hurt, anguish, and longing to spend time with him. He does not contact me, and I don't contact him. Until, I am out running with a friend and I see him.
My gal pal says, "Hubba hubba did you see that guy?"
Me, "Yeah - that's Shad."
She, "Oh."

Since then, he has sent me several emails and text messages trying to start a friendship at the very least. I debate with myself on how to handle this situation. I have never been the type of person to have the residual breakups. You know the cycle, break up, get back together, break up, etc. It's worse than doing laundry.
I am friends with EVERY SINGLE GUY I have dated, except for him. When a person has hurt you so badly that it scars. Can you be friends with them? Is it possible to look past all the pain, and longing, and be friends? Would it break your heart to see them with another person? Of course we all want to think we are strong, larger than life characters and have the will to say, "I can handle this," but I can't. I can't go back and I won't go back. I have replied to his emails shutting them down and leaving him with no recourse. I've moved on, but still feel the pain.

There's a sense of calmness coming from deep inside of me. The waters are clear and I am enjoying the view.

It's usually about this time I lace up my running shoes and head out the door, in true roadrunner fashion. Never to be caught. Well, truth be told, I am tired of running. But am enjoying the ride 300%.

Sponsor

Day 10 and counting. I haven't had a drop. I have managed to drive past every Starbucks I see. But this morning, I was tempted. I feel like a junkie. Am I really addicted to Starbucks? I think about all of the factory and field workers my coffee addiction feeds. Am I really trying to rationalize my problem?
(The above was written solely for my mother who once said I needed a Starbucks Intervention) I'm fine really.


Have to run down to Pasadena for meetings - I am sure there will be stories.

Okay meetings are over with and am back in the office stopping for a mental health check up. Why? Why do I need one when it's only 2:09 in the afternoon?
Because my computer is sick! It's quite ill - I am looping adaware. Perhaps I need a starbucks - should I call my sponsor? No steady now you can focus. No uber-bitch rants. I am light headed thinking about the big cozy chairs, ambient lighting and the addictive product that doesn't kill you, but makes you rather loopy.

Starbucks has replaced 7/11s and pubs as gathering places for teens, 20-somethings and office workers -- a cultural hat trick. Just yesterday the Today show ran a segment about teenagers gathering at Starbucks after school. Is Starbucks a status hangout? A liquid crack for yuppies and their offspring? The cost to brew a cup of coffee is less than 50 cents. There for, the remaining 3 dollars and 50 cents pays for steaming the milk, and the branding and labeling of the cup.
So why and how can we justify the high cost for coffee? The idea of Starbucks brings us, myself included, self-indulged consumer society to a common ground. It's an equalizer for those of us that willing to pay four bucks for a cup of coffee and step out of the daily grind and enjoy a cup of coffee.


I am saving money right now. And going to try stop thinking about Starbucks

Earthquake

I'm a big softie.

Several years ago I had friends who worked at Enron. They had a great circle of coworkers they depended on. On the 15th and 30th of the month they were paid. They counted on the money and stability of the job to create the life they were meant to live. Suddenly, a corporate scandal makes headlines and they lose the job. They lose everything that was familiar to them and had been for years. Their foundations were shook and ripped out from under them. Years later they were able to rebuild and put the pieces of their lives back together.

Yesterday was Valentines Day.I am a sucker for love and friendship.

About a month ago my foundation was shook. I felt like an exworker at Enron. My routine changed. A terrible incident happened between a good friend and I. We have known each other for several years and have shared every detail about our lives. She's the type of friend you could call at 4:00 am due to an emergency or because you just got home and needed to chat about the amazing "Mr. Good for Me" man. With out a doubt, the phone would be answered. Sadly enough, I had not spoken to her in a month.

After a long day at the office,training our newest employee, and running across town to several meetings. I went to an art opening for Rea. I must admit, the majority of the pieces were from the "I don't get it exhibit" but the gallery is beautiful. I proceeded to drink several glasses of champagne and was feeling rather tipsy. Maybe it was the champagne, maybe it was the shots with the new employee (DQ if your reading this I am kidding), or maybe it was the fact that it was Valentines Day. The recipe of a holiday based around love and compassion fused with to much alcohol can be deadly ... or it will help you do what you need to do.

I composed myself and went right over to Tessa's. I did not even knock on the door. I knew she was there with another buddy of ours. We took one look at each other and married the friendship once again with a big hug.

Happy day after Valentines Day.

Lost an hour of sleep

I had the perfect start to my day planned. I tore myself out of bed, at 6:00 a.m., after having some very strange dreams. I put my running clothes on, grabbed a cup of coffee, and headed down to the park for a run. I arrived at the park - strapped my radio to my arm, shut my car door, and locked my keys in the car. I seriously contemplated going for a run and dealing with it after the run. An hour and half later AAA showed up (an hour and a half - errrrrrrrrr ... grrrowl I could have gone for my run after all).

It's not good when it's 7:30 in the morning and you say to yourself, "I need a drink"

I went home and got some "Mamma Sun" time on the phone and felt much better after that. Busy morning at the office today and somehow managed to diet f**K myself at lunch. I practically ate the whole salad bar at Jason's Deli then topped it off with ice cream. Back at the office I had a girl scout cookie - nothing like immediate satisfaction. (:-()

Valentines Day is approaching. My office mate just said, "Since you don't have a man what are you going to do?" I had a mouth full of water at the time and nearly spewed it all over my desk from laughter. I began cracking up and bluntly asked, "Did you really just say that?"

I feel like getting into some trouble tonight however, I may just save it all for tomorrow...

I gave up Starbucks (aka FourBucks) for Lent. Those that know me accomadate my fierce addiction to my Grande Non-fat Dry Latte. I was going to give up alcohol but since Jesus and the apostles drank wine, I decided against that. So I gave up my favorite non-alcoholic beverage, Starbucks Latte. There is something heavenly about the first sip of coffee. The fusion of the foam, cinnamon sprinkles, and over whelming aroma of the expresso make a single gal quite content. I have to admit that giving up Starbucks while being single is a risky endeavor. I could easily turn into a uber-bith. Day 3 and counting

feeling like Tara Reid on a bender

I don't get it? Why would the NY JERK's Friend call me to say hi and to just see what's up? He move away. He moved back to the the city. Away from the Astros, the Smog, the mosquitos, the no moutains, traffic construction, the Texans, and away from ME. Once again, I don't understand the whole, " I really like you so I am going to make you hate me," scenario. Shortly after our interludes, he moved. I have tried to understand why it is that he called me on Sunday after the game and left a voice mail. And . . . why his friends are calling me to see, "what's going on?". It doesn't make sense, perhaps, a boy is just being a boy and looking out for his own best intrest. Kick him to the curb???



I can't take this roomate situation any longer. Everytime I see her I want to yell, "You stole from my friend, you stole from me, you slept with married men!" But I don't I keep that between me and my blog and the 3 people that read this, She's not a good person and I can't stand to be around her - note to self - (*)

ADD ADULTS

New revelation! Jennifer Garner and I are more alike than I ever knew


Jennifer Garner To Pursue Other Goals

"I want a graduate degree, I want to be a business woman, an investment banker, a writer, a pianist. I really wish I could cook. I've never had specific goals in life. I don't say, 'I'd like my next step to be this', and then write it down and go after it. Actually, I don't write anything down. I just think things to myself and they actually start to happen. So watch out!

Not me

Email from big Sister

"Reed was pretending to call people today. He said he was calling his
"Aunt J-bird" did he get you?

He calls his 4th toe, his Uncle Scott toe.

Freaky kid."

Today is Ash Wednesday, I will be going to Mass at Lunch to get annointed with ashes. Although I really feel as though my soul is going to turn to Ash. I have been planning a girls weekend to Las Vegas during March Madness. I just realized the weekend I am going is Easter Weekend. I feel as though one thousand baths in holy water will not cleanse my soul during the time that Christ has risen. Yes I do know there are churches in Vegas - however if I enter a church during that time it will most likely be while I am calling my parents telling them to log on to www.vegasweddingsonline.com

What do I do?

HELP

CAN SOMEONE OUT THERE IN CYBERWORLD HELP ME CHANGE and GET OUT OF THIS PINK PEPTO BISMOL TEMPLATE? Please

Bondage

Sure I am upset, but another memory was created. They lost, we lost, I am still green.

I have always been a Tom Boy, a kin to Pippy Long Stocking. Growing up my father was my basketball coach while my sister took dance lessons. After school, I would run out and attempt to join my brother's ball games. Somehow those attempts to join the game turned in to a cruel game of monkey in the middle. However, these are some of my finest memories. As the years went by I would go watch my brothers basketball,football,and wrestling matches. During that time my dad took my brothers and I to our first NFL Football game -- GO EAGLES. I remember looking down at the field for the first time, and feeling like an ant. Of course we were sitting very close to the fresh air. I could almost touch the blimp.

Yesterday was the Super Bowl. The Eagles finally made it.-I haven't seen that many turn overs since I last made pancakes. The Eagles put up a good fight. The Eagles had nothing to prove. We yelled and screamed for our Eagles to come out on top. In the end, they were a team. Terry Bradshaw pointed this out, "they are the only team in the NFL" they have always been my favorite team (plus I look really good in green).

I spent football season this year running around from game to game with a good friend of mine. New Team - New City - Go Texans. Her and I now share memories and an experiences we will relive every football season. A new bond was formed.

Beyond team affiliation, sports have a symbolic meaning Rooting for the same team, or different teams is a true bonding experience. Yesterday I had the chance to go to several parties with friends but, NFL team affiliation for me, is acquainted with family. So, I went with my brother and lovely sister-in-law to watch the game. When I arrived at their house all the kids had on their Eagles T-shirts. It was the cutest thing. We sang and danced, ran around the house, and spelled out E-A-G-L-E-S! The game was starting soon so in true Philly fashion -the adults went to a Bar.

As we waited for the game to begin my sis-in-law told stories of growing up and watching the Eagles games with her dad. Her family would get together and watch the game.

Sports are so much more than a man on man testosterone animalistic drive. They are about building relationships and sharing a common ground. Watching a good athletic event is a bonding experience. It's one of the only times you will see grown men hug and cry over something they had nothing to do with. You can jump up out of your seat and give the guy across the room, whom you just met, a high five. Cheering for your favorite team brings people closer giving them a reason to connect with one another on a humanistic level. It's not weather your team wins or loses but, the experience and emotions of enjoying the ride.

Good job Eagles - I'll still wear my green.

why did you send this to me? your turn

1. What is your full name: Jess ..Sass ...Red Tornado ...J-bird...Jessie Kats... Strawberry...Big Red...Messica...I am sure there are others I don't know about
2. What color pants are you wearing now: what pants?
3. What are you listening to right now: The OffSpring

4. What are the last two digits of your phone number: 13 (call me lucky)

5. What was the last thing you ate: vegetarian gumbo

6. If you were a crayon what color would you be: Greem

7. How is the weather right now: Dusk, my favorite time of the evening.

8. Last person you talked to on the phone: Mom

9. The first thing you notice about a guy: His shoulders, shoes, and car...I mean his Personality

10. Do you like the person who sent this to you: Yeah, he's...okay, I guess.

11. Are you happy today: Asi Asi y tu'?.

12. What is your favorite drink: Vodka Soda (but I don't discriminate)

13. Favorite alcoholic drink: Refer to #12
14. What is your favorite sport: Football, Basketball, Baseball

15. What is your hair color: Red

16. Eye color: Hazel

17. Do you wear contacts: No.

18. Siblings: I am one of 5 - my parents spoiled me with lots of playmates (I don't mean the dirty kind)

19. Favorite month: October or November - when the air is crisp and leaves are falling, just right for football screaming and night time cuddling

20. Favorite food: Salad or

21. What was the last movie you saw? Nap. Dynomite (I don't get it)

22. Favorite day of the year: The one you don't expect, it's not a day, it's a random memory
23. Are you too shy to ask someone out: HELL NO

24. Summer or Winter: Winter.

25. Hugs or Kisses: Both!

26. Chocolate or Vanilla: Swirl.

27. Do you want your friends to write back: Friends? Pls. write your comments

28. Who is least likely to respond: My mom

29. What's under your bed: Bags and suitcases I will never use, occasionally you can find my cat under there somewhere.

31. What's on your mouse pad: Texas Childrens Hospital

32. What is your favorite board game? I don't know, I am never bored

33. Favorite smells: Fresh cut grass in early spring

34. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? No, but if you are a guy reading this and have mastered this task, please contact me.

35. What inspires you: The strength of my parents, the unconditional LOVE of my brothers, sisters, and their spouses. However, it is the promise of tomorrow and the moment of today that keeps me moving foward.

36. Do you like your popcorn with salt or plain popcorn? I like it with salt and plain, depending on my mood. Please pass the toothpicks.

37. What is your favorite flower: Daisies, Tulips, or Cali Lilies. It's the simplicity of these flowers that make them beautiful

38. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?

Random

Last night Rea and I went to get Chinese food - ah yes Chinese food - it's quick, it's easy, and convenient. What makes it so convenient? Is it because there is a Chinese restaurant on every corner? Or is it because they deliver? Chopsticks challenge the theory of it being ever so convenient. I have not been able to master the art of eating rice with Chopsticks. I usually give up after the third pile of grain lands on my shirt and reach for my fork. It is then I realize that even chopsticks are a convenient tool. I can twist my hair up high on my head and stab them through the center - creating the perfect, no hassle up do.

Today we went to a vegan restaurant in the third ward for lunch. The food was all natural with no animal byproducts. However, we shared a laugh over the fact that it was served to us on Styrofoam plates.

Point

You know we live in a strange world when more people tune in to watch "American Idol" than the State of the Union Address. I mean isn't it kind of the same thing? Watching a dummy sing the words others wrote? Being a Poli Sci undergrad I have seen this practice in motion many times. Ronald Reagan, R.I.P., was the best puppet of them all. He had drodes of people to write his speeches and he, in true character portrayal, affirmed the beliefs of his cabintry and party.

Every 6 months or so I do a stock check on my life and those I surrond myself with. Are they truly whom they seem to be? Am I moving in the direction I want to be moving in? Am I helping my friends and loved ones become better humans? I don't want to appear as though I am climbing a giant beanstalk looking down on the world and casting judgement - as I am not. However, for many of us, we view life as a mission heading towards a destination. We tend to worry far to much of what others think of what and who we are. We try to be good people and "do onto others as they will do on to you." I sing in my car - loudly at times while others look at me in hopes I will at the very least, put the window up. Understand, I don't have the best singing voice, even my niece says, "Aunt Jess - please don't sing. I will go to sleep on my own."

From now on, I will keep the windows up when I practice my try outs for American Idol while I tune in to Watch the State of my Unions.

I am wearing my hair curly again, and thrown the flat iron to the back of my bathroom closet. My hair was dead pan straight until I was 23 or so. It's nice to wear it, in it's natural state.

Can't see straight right now - feeling as though the world is moving to fast, and no i have not been drinking, just extremely busy at work - surprisingly enough my ADD is under control today. Well, perhaps not or else I would not be writing in my blog.

We had a plan!

Last night I spoke to my best friend from high school. We met when we were juniors in high school - I was new and she had lived in South Carolina all her life. We were very idealistic of the changes we were going to make in the world. Not that we are old maids, as we are approaching (gracefully I might add) our late 20's. Our 10 year high school reunion is this year.

We have changed, as our loved ones have changed. Her mother, the visionary dream of a Baptist Bible Thumper who rapped herself in the Bible Belt and checked it twice to make sure nothing unholy slipped passed her grip - is now Jewish.

I hated computers and am now heavily indebted to them for my daily living and paycheck

She was told she could not bear children and is now the mother of a beautiful boy and getting her Masters degree (so proud of you).

My parents, swore they would never move back up North - they are once again in New Jersey.

Do we actually go through the process of maturation? Through everyday life expriences, do we actually change as people, as we learn to understand the world better? It's not what happens to you, it's how you deal with it. That seems to be the only answer,

What made us deal with the events in our lives the way we did? If hindsight is always 20/20 then why did we make the choices we did? Why did I walk away from that relationship? Oh yeah, so he wouldn't choke me. I wanted to be a vagabond living on pennies and travel the world, why am I a corporate slave? I wanted our relationship to last forever or I wanted nothing to do with him. I wanted a better job, but I love the people I work with. I wanted a better car - but this one looks cooler.. or this one's not as cool but runs smoother. No matter what, there were things that I thought of as the truth, the way it was. And that was that.
Then something comes along, and it all changes.

Everything that I’m so sure about in my life, in my oh-so-intellectual philosophy and worldview, could change in a second. It could all change in a brief moment. I am reminded of The Never Ending Story when Atayu is given the tiny beam of light to make new wishes, new dreams, and to lay out a new plan for the changed world. The people in it are forever evolving and revolving around one another.

I hear my mothers words ringing in my head, whenever I am faced with change or indifference, she simply says, "ADJUST"