Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Choose Wisely

As some of you know, Pearls Before Swine is my absolute favorite comic strip. Although I don't read it as often as I'd like since I don't get the Sunday paper anymore (Note to self: I could borrow my neighbors untouched paper... They'd never miss it!). Anyway, I found this particular strip quite funny. Don't hesitate to laugh out loud :o)

Click the strip to see it in it's entirety...

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

English Lesson

Today's Vocabulary Words:
specific = pacific
whole = ho

Real World example:
Could you please be mo pacific? I ben aksed fo the ho fixel year.

If you're puzzled by today's lesson, try being more atlantical in your thinking (like my friend Meghan).

The inspiration for Today's English Lesson is generously paid for by your federal tax dollars.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire?

If politics intrigue you like they do me (I was a PoliSci major), but you simply do not have the time to keep up with which particular politician said what, and whether promises are kept or truths are being told, check out PolitiFact!

PolitiFact is a project of the St. Petersburg Times that assists the public in finding the truth in politics (haha oxymoron?). PolitiFact claims that each day their reporters and researchers examine statements by members of Congress, the president, cabinet secretaries, lobbyists, people who testify before Congress and anyone else who speaks up in Washington. They research their statements, and then rate the accuracy on thier "Truth-O-Meter"– True, Mostly True, Half True, Barely True and False. The most ridiculous falsehoods get their lowest rating – Pants on Fire.

They also rate the consistency of public officials on their Flip-O-Meter using three ratings: No Flip, Half Flip and Full Flop. The site doesn't appear to slant toward the right or left (this appeals to me since I am neither red, nor blue, but Independently purple in my views). Try the below links for your viewing pleasure!

To search for specific individuals

To search by subject

The see how our new President is doing, check out the Obameter

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Dear John,

Oops
Let me start over...

Dear Microsoft,

It was fun while it lasted, but I think it's time we part ways. I need some space. It's not you, it's me. I'll still see you at work, and hopefully we can remain friends.

I will always remember and cherish all of the good times we shared together. All of those times when you refused to do what I asked--hiding files from me, and freezing up for no particular reason at all. Oh, and the humorous way that you displayed the blue screen of death at the most inopportune times.

I appreciate you being there for me when I needed you most throughout school, and when I got my first job, but things change and I've grown up...

Please send all of the items I've left behind to Apple (I think you know him--you two were college roommates).

- Jessica

** DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not, in any way, condone the use of a "Dear John" letter to end an actual, human relationship :o) **

Friday, February 6, 2009

Time

I was reminded this morning how fragile and short life can be. I think sometimes we forget. This morning, after a year of battling cancer, the father of an old friend of mine passed away. I can't even imagine how my friend, and his family must feel. After hearing the news, I started to think about our constant battle with the clock.

One of my biggest fears is running out of time. Side note to self: I wonder if this is why I don't wear a watch. When I say that I mean in all aspects of that statement--being late to appointments, finishing tasks within the prescribed deadlines, time here on Earth, finding the time to call and write to those I care about, getting home in time to take care of Bella's needs, time to volunteer, enough hours on my timecard, even the time to write this blog... The list goes on!

Our lives our so fast paced and busy these days that it's difficult to find the time to do the things we intend to, like keeping in touch with each other, and just spending more time living each day thankful that we are still here. It's often the case that we all simply manage through our own routines of work, bills, errands, and chores (all of which do have to get done).

Oftentimes, I'll regretfully realize that I put limits on myself with what I have time for. Sometimes it's at the expense of my laundry that is waiting patiently in the hamper to be washed, and other times it's at the expense of family and friends that want to see me. It's difficult to strike that perfect balance of managing it all, but I think a few things are key:

1) Being aware of what is important, and what can wait.
2) Taking time for yourself.
3) Being spontaneous and not always being tied down to a routine or schedule (this one is really difficult for me personally. I always want a plan!)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Mission Complete!

I can't even imagine losing my dog; especially on a day like today where the sidewalks and roads are covered with ice making it treacherous to be outside. Well, for one little girl in my neighborhood, that is exactly what happened.

I was outside around 4:30 pm trying to walk Bella (more like trying to teach her how to ice skate up the street), when one of my neighbors came around the corner looking for her dog, Rocky. Apparently, Rocky (Yorkshire Terrier) had run off with his leash still attached to him, but sans ID tags. I tried to help find him, but it was too difficult to get around by foot, and Bella wasn't cooperating with me. So, I asked where she lived and memorized the address.

By the time I walked through my door, my heart felt wrenched for the little girl. I couldn't stop thinking about whether Rocky had gotten hit by a car, or if he was scared and cold somewhere. I thought about Bella being lost, and with it getting dark soon I was getting worried. I chastised myself for not doing more to help. I was just about to get in the car to look for him when I grabbed my laptop instead. I went straight for Google. That wasn't much help, so I logged onto Craigs List and posted an ad. On a whim, I searched the Pets section for missing animals, and the ad for Rocky was right on top. My heart was in my throat as I quickly typed an email asking for whoever found him to call me. Within 15 minutes, the lady (Kristen) who found him had picked me up at my front door and we delivered little Rocky home safely. I have to admit, I almost cried because I was so happy.

I guess Rocky ran out into the street in front of Kristen's car. She stopped and he came right over to her, and she picked him up and took him home. Thanks to her and Craigs List, a little girl has her dog back. Mission Complete.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

I can't stop laughing :o)

I'm not a Britney Spears fan (big surprise, I know), so when I heard that The All-American Rejects covered a Britney's new comeback song, Womanizer, I had to check it out. By the way, how many comebacks is she going to try to make? I think there have been at least three by now.

I digress. Sorry.

Check out the video below for a few laughs. The link to the original song is also below (the embed feature was turned off on YouTube). I should forewarn you that once you listen to The All-American Rejects version, you won't be able to get it out of your head. Enjoy!



Original Britney song and video.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!


Today has been a sloooow day. Even my schnoodle, Bella, hasn't been very lively today. She's been rather content to just sun bathe on my livingroom floor, or snooze curled up on the sofa. I think I might possibly be the only person I know that didn't wake up with a nasty hangover. My hugs and sympathy to those of you who are still feeling last nights excitement. :o)
xoxo


I'm not much writing resolutions as the result of a new year. However, I do keep running lists in my head and/or journal of things I'd like to do, or improve upon. I gather these up one by one as time passes. I think it's good to reflect on them from time to time--just to determine how much progress has been made, or if a different approach is required. I think the new year is a good time to reflect, add more things to the list, cross some accomplishments off, tweak others, and to count blessings. So, while the world is somewhat asleep and quiet today, that is just what I am doing.

Happy New Year everyone! Best wishes in 2009!!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Try to stay out of the dog house this year, boys :o)

This is hilarious, and quite possibly true...

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Green might be in my palette, but Grinch is not a color...

It took me awhile, but I think I am finally in the Christmas spirit. I'm not sure if it was visiting Homestead Gardens, the two batches of homemade kahula I made, decorating my Christmas tree, stringing lights on my porch, carefully selecting gifts for friends and family, watching classic holiday movies, or wrapping presents that did it. Somewhere along the way, I managed to transform from Grinch to Holiday Cheermeister.

I've been thinking a lot about the things in my life that I am grateful for and thankful to have. Mostly I am happy for being alive and healthy, and for those who are a part of my life. To me, holidays are about reflection and the coming together of people. I think my Dove Chocolate wrapper pretty much summed it up today, "Togetherness in itself is a holiday treat." I hope you have found some holiday cheer this season. It's a shame not to.


Happy Birthday, Andy :o)