Couch Potato

Today is like the best day ever. I woke up around 7:30 a.m. (sounds bad, but it wasn't). I closed the bedroom door so John wouldn't wake up. Then I had two bowls of Cheerio's with honey on top, and proceeded to watch HOURS of television. I got caught up on "Traveler" and "Studio 60" that I haven't seen in weeks, and even watched that final episode of "CSI: Miami". Then John got up and we went to Jimmy's Egg and had waffles.

Then, guess what I did? I came home, and watched more TV! And this was all before I even read Emily's post that called for me to be on her Pop Culture team for my TV knowledge. It's been the best day. After getting home Thursday night and getting in bed around 4:30 a.m. (making me officially awake for 24 hours) and after several weekends of company, it was nice to have a Saturday to do absolutely nothing.

Now I'm flipping back and forth between "The Firm" and "A Few Good Men" (nothing like Tom Cruise in the early 90s). We're supposed to go to Norman tonight for Brooke's birthday, but I'm not sure I'll make it.

Hey, don't judge me. It's not like I can go play outside, since it's a swamp out there! This is, what, the 17th straight day of rain?

Hey--does anyone want to go to Crossroads with me to visit Steve and Barry's and check out Sarah Jessica Parker's new clothing line? Everything under $20....can't beat it!

Weary Traveler

Written last night...

Well, stuck here in the Houston airport. I HATE THE EAST COAST. EVERY time I go somewhere on the East Coast I get stuck in transfers. Because I'm live in stupid Oklahoma City and there are no direct connections anywhere that isn't within driving distance. I am TIRED of traveling, I hate this. My plane is indefinitely delayed because it hasn't even left New Jersey yet. We're looking at MAYBE a 2:40 a.m. departure, and that's if the plane leaves New Jersey in the next 15 minutes.

At least Continental feeds you. American Airlines doesn't even give freaking peanuts. On my flight from Charleston (West Virginia, not South Carolina because what could be more fun than flying out of an airport smaller than Wichita?) they gave us an entire TRAY of food. Trail mix (with yogurt chips, like chocolate chips), M&M's, crackers with cheese and salami....it was delectable.

I really do love my job. I really do love what I do, I love going places and meeting people and experiencing new things. So I don't HATE the travel. I just hate flying. I hate being away from my family, even for one (now two) nights. Since January this year I have been away on the following trips:
L.A. (once)
Dallas (four times)
Norfolk (twice)
Charleston, WV (once)

Through November I am scheduled (doesn't mean there won't be additions) to be in the following places:
Norfolk (at least once)
Charleston, WV (twice)
Rochester, NY (once)
Atlanta (probably once)
Sacramento (once)
Dallas (who knows how many times)
Chicago (once)

So you can see....the travel is wearing on me.

On a good note, I managed to start and finish my book club book of the month: "A Mighty Heart" by Mariane Pearl, about the life and murder of her husband Daniel Pearl in Pakistan. It was fascinating. I wasn't sure how much I liked it in the beginning...it seemed a little fictional and romancy for a non-fiction. She wrote in flowery, descriptive prose about her love for her husband, and I was taken aback since the premise of the book was non-fiction about a brutal beheading of a Wall Street Journal reporter by terrorists.

It didn't take long for me to become completely entranced, utterly confused, and blown away by how little I understand of the world. By the end of the book, I was sobbing like a baby, big crocodile tears on the airplane. The epilogue includes some of the letters Mariane has received from across the world for her son, who was about 3 months from being born when his father was killed.

What I discovered was a story about a man I could only wish I knew. A love between two people that defines what we're all looking for in someone. A strength and power in this woman that I can only wish I had. It's powerful. You'll be traumatized by her experience, and that of her husband's. And you will be hopeful because of the legacy he left behind. We truly cannot understand the hatred and misunderstanding those across the world have for us in America. We may not be responsible for it as everyday citizens, but I really feel we have a duty to understand it. Daniel Pearl was one person, who (much like Anne Frank) believed there was good in people to be found. He sought truth over an audience (unlike many journalists). And he brought his wife along for his adventures. In the end, it was due to her diligence and strength that brought his story to a global forefront, and tracked down his killers.

Anyway.....didn't mean to give a book review. Especially since my book club hasn't met yet! I was just moved by the story, and I think you should read it. It doesn't provide a lot of closure, but it will help you understand that we need more Daniel Pearl's in the world to bridge this idea of peace and understanding.

The Meaning of Dreams

So I had a very strange dream last night. I was at my house packing a suitcase when Joey Lawrence from "Blossom" rang the doorbell. He was there to take me to church camp. So I loaded up my stuff in his car and we started to drive off. Then I asked:

"How long will we be at church camp?"

"Until July 9th," he replied.

"Joey! I can't go to church camp! I have a business trip tomorrow!" (which I totally do)

"WHOA!" he replied and drove me home.

Then he came inside, and we still had my cat Max who came to greet us at the door. And for some reason, Joey and I loaded Max up in the cage, took him to the vet, and had him put to sleep.

I don't know what that dream means. I think it might be God's way of punishing me for lusting after Ocean's 13. He's laughing saying, "you want a celebrity in your life, I'll give you a celebrity--here's Joey Lawrence. And he's going to kill your cat."

The End.

Me and Wii: So Happy Together

I would invite you all over for a Wii tournament, but at this time I can't move. I pretty much kick @$$ at Wii boxing, but it comes at a price.

I feel like I've been run over by a truck and I can't lift my arms over my head....or even out in front of me. Every muscle from my waist up hurts. The Wii can be very dangerous.

Also, I'm not too shabby in bowling, either. I got a turkey (that's three strikes in a row for all you non-bowlers out there) on Wii bowling. I'm pretty good, guys....pretty good.

The Perfect Anniversary

A nice dinner at Casablanca's.

A hilarious movie at the theatre (Knocked Up).

And coming home to a brand new Wii (bought at cost, thanks Julia!).

Here's to the next 4 years...

Dear John Letters: Volume 3

Dear John,

Thanks for loving me, even though my car keeps getting dents in the door.

Thanks for loving me, even though I'm not very creative.

Thanks for loving me, even though I'm a clean freak and I'm always nagging you to put your clothes in the hamper.

Thanks for loving me, even when I am sweaty and broken out and frizzy-haired and look like a different person in the morning.

Thanks for letting me think I'm smarter than you.

Thanks for always making the tough phone calls, like when our SECOND table top was delivered to the house with damage and we are requesting another one.

Thanks for making me laugh all the time.

But NO thanks for locking the windows after you fart in the car. No matter how much I love you, or how long we're together it will never be OK.

Love,
Jess

Dear John Letters: Volume 2

Dear John,

You and I are not big gesture type people, are we? We're not big on fancy gifts for special occasions, we're not dress up and go out on the town type people, we're not super romantic. But there are a lot of things I love about our relationship and the small things that make up our "Everyday Love".

1. I love when we go to breakfast together. Seems like we have the most fun when neither of us is fully conscious of the day yet.
2. I love that you cook for me. Well, you fix dinner anyway. I HATE being in the kitchen, and I love that you don't mind it.
3. I love that you make cookies for the girls in my office.
4. I love when you quote stupid movies.
5. I love that every time I yell at you from the bedroom to come in there because I don't want to get up, you just come. You never gripe and sigh and yell back like I would if you called me in there.
6. I love that you can be comfortable (or look comfortable) in any social situation.
7. I love that you still consider your high school best friend the one who understands you best.
8. I love that you made my friends your friends.
9. I love that you want me to play golf. I don't want to play golf, but it makes me feel very special that you would want me to be part of your passion.
10. I love that you call me all the time during the day, and you're never embarrassed to answer the phone when I call.
11. I love that you tell everyone how you keep your woman "in check" and then say "yes dear" when I'm around.
12. I love that you take care of me when I'm sick or hurting, and you never minimize it or think I'm a hypochondriac. Even thought I might be.
13. I love that you take pictures of our cat, Faith, and text them to me when I'm out of town with funny subject lines.
14. I love that your strengths make up for my weaknesses.
15. I love that you love my Grandpa, and love to spend time with him. I love that you confide in him. And I love that you're always the one to suggest we go visit.
16. I love that you bought me an iPod, even though you hate that stuff. I bet you'll end up buying me an iPhone!!
17. I love that you would rather be outside than inside glued to the TV like I am. I think you should be solely in charge of entertaining our kids.
18. I love that you put up with my best friend and all her quirks, and even kind of like her!
19. I love that you finished your degree while working full time and learning how to be married. That was one of the proudest days of my life to watch you walk across that stage, even more than when I graduated.
20. I love how you never, ever sleep on the couch when we're fighting. That we really, truly don't go to bed angry because we always go to bed together.

Just a FEW of the things I love about you.

Love,
Jess

Dear John Letters: Volume 1

Dear John,

It's June 18th. I'm trying to remember what I was doing this time 4 years ago. I was in my third week of work at the new job, still intimidated and scared out of my mind. It was 4 days before our wedding. Looking back, I can't believe I made so many life changes at the same time, and I'm positive I wouldn't do it that way again. But I also think that's what kept me calm getting ready for the wedding. You were the one sure thing in my future....work and life after graduation was so unsure and scary. You weren't. I knew everything would be fine.

I'm not very good with dates, unless I have everything written down and backtracked in my Daytimer. So I'm not very good at remembering the date of our first (or second first) dates. I don't remember the date we got engaged (early May), or of our first kiss (though I remember it was our SEVENTH date and I thought it would never happen!). I don't remember the date of the first time we said "I love you", but I remember how it happened. So I'm sorry I can't celebrate these little pieces of memories each year as they happened. But know that they are fresh in my mind, and I remember every detail surrounding them.

I remember our first first date. After you called me out of the blue, and I felt like I had to say yes since I babysat your nephew and liked your family so much. And then we went to Spaghetti Warehouse and I rolled my eyes and thought you were incredibly dorky and judgemental, and you thought I was self-absorbed and stuck up. And we both fumbled for excuses as to why we couldn't go to a movie. I think getting up early for work was your excuse. I was so glad to be home and I dashed my mom's hopes and dreams when I told her it would be a cold day in hell before I would go back out with you.

And I remember a few weeks later when we were at VBS at Westwood, standing in the parking lot with all eyes on us as we exchanged pleasantries. And I don't know what made you ask me to go to dinner that night, or why I even agreed. But thank God I did. And we went to Interurban and laughed and talked like we were long-time best friends. Then, we walked to the movie theatre to see this little movie called "American Pie" that was supposed to be hilarious. And it was and it set the tone for this wonderful little relationship where we could laugh at anything, even awkward moments.

I remember how we went on a lot of dates that summer. And how it took you about a hundred years and SEVEN dates before you kissed me. And I remember we'd come back from Frontier City where you finally held my hand, and we were sitting in your Grand AM in the driveway saying goodnight and FINALLY you leaned over and kissed me. I still remember the butterflies in my stomach and I must have been beaming from ear to ear when I went inside.

I remember how you came to Norman so many nights after I moved into the dorms my freshman year. I was homesick, but excited. And I remember how you'd come down and we'd drive around town and talk about my roommates and suitemates and how it wouldn't take long for me to make friends. And I remember that night we hung out in my dorm room, and you finally left after Jenny got back and was ready for bed. And you left....then you called and we talked on the phone and finally you said "I want to tell you something, but not on the phone". And you drove ALL the way back to Norman, where I met you outside and sitting on the bench in front of Walker Center in the middle of the night you told me you loved me.

And of course, I remember that crazy night during finals week that you proposed. I knew it was coming....I even knew you'd asked my mom for permission. And we went to Chili's that night and you were nervous, but we had a horrible waitress and bad food and I think I was crying about my Political Research class final so you didn't do it. But you helped me study back at my apartment that night and I was getting ready for bed and I turned around and you were just standing there in the middle of my room staring at me. And you said you wanted to ask me something, got on your knee and asked me to marry you. And I remember thinking "I'm not even wearing make-up and I'm in my PJ's", which really should have made you think twice and remind you how self-absorbed and stuck-up I was!! Then I cried and said yes, and I ran into the living room to tell Laura, who was waiting up because you told her you were going to ask. And then I called everyone to tell them and I passed my final the next day with flying colors with that lucky diamond ring on my finger.

See--dates aren't important. It's the memories that count. I do however remember our anniversary date. The one I carefully selected and reviewed on a thousand invitations. And I know that it's Thursday. And every day this week, I'm going to remind you of special memories I have with you. Because I love you, and I love this journey we're on together. And I love every thing about what's gotten us here. And this week, I'm thinking of you.

Love,
Jess

Party Central

I'm watching one of my favorite movies, "Sweet Home Alabama" on TV right now. And I started to roll my eyes and wonder why they always have to portray people in the South as total hicks and that the only thing to do is play pool at some dumpy bar with lots of mullets.

But then I think about this weekend and realize maybe there's NOT that much more to do here! I'm so excited to have my cousin and his friend staying with us this weekend. But....there's a lot of pressure to keep two 21-year-old college military guys entertained. Especially when they go to school about 90 minutes north of New York City and are used to having that at their fingertips.

They arrived pretty late on Thursday night, and were pretty tired from a 4 a.m. wake up call that morning. So no worries on Thursday. Friday we all slept in for a little bit, but the storms made it hard to sleep for too long. I drug them around town to Target, Starbucks, and Grocery Store. Then, we went to see "Ocean's 13"!! So, it was a GREAT day for me....very exciting.

But I am very aware that it is not necessarily a GREAT day for them! So I've felt the pressure to keep them entertained. We did take them to eat some real Mexican (ok...real Tex-Mex) food last night. Tonight, they are going out on the town. Dinner at Toby Keith's and the evening in Bricktown. If all goes well, I will be fast asleep before they get home!

I am encouraged because they told me that Oklahoma City is way more exciting than Manhattan, KS (sorry, Cary) which is where they've been spending their time for the past few weeks. So, score for me!

But the surprising thing is, I don't feel old. Or boring. I feel pretty great that my idea of fun is a quiet night in watching movies, or a rowdy cards night with friends. Or counting down the days until football season. And I can just enjoy the occasional party scene from a distance.

Gosh, I hope they're not too bored!

Anti-American

I had a really long raving blog that I just deleted about American Airlines because I just don't care anymore. Whatever....that's the traveler's plight, I suppose. I got home around 2 a.m. last night. But I did have my bags so I guess I should be "grateful" to AA. Whatever.

Tonight's the night! Headed to "Wicked"! Then the house will be full of military men, as my cousin and his friend are spending the weekend at our house.

Then John will be home tomorrow. He's already torn up Kansas City. He was obviously good luck at the Cardinals/Royals game last night as the Red Birds won handily. He had a good time.

Julia comes home TONIGHT! I'm so excited to see her. I think she's ready to be here, and I'm ready to have her back.

Emily, make sure and let me know what the new book is after tonight's meeting. I can't believe I have to miss book club. If you have not read John Grisham's "The Innocent Man" go get it! So good.

The new book for my other book club is "A Mighty Heart" by Marianne Pearl. Very interesting.

And that's about it. Thanks for all the....thoughts....on my travel adventures in Norfolk. I'm a little grossed out now.

Is it too much to ask?

Is it too much to ask that my hotel bathroom NOT be covered in black pubic hairs?

Because if I'm being too picky let me know.

I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm not going to comment on my American Airlines experience until I'm safely at home tomorrow night in bed. John's out on business this week--he got to fly Southwest. But the last time I arrived at this hotel I spent an hour blogging my experience, so take from that what you will.

I had a very nice cab driver for the 30-minute ride to the hotel this evening. He politely informed me I really need to have my first baby by the time I'm 30 because a woman's egg production decreases dramatically after the big three-oh. No, I didn't bring that topic up, I just apparently look like the kind of person who needs to know that. Apparently I have a sign on my head asks cab drivers to have conversations with me.

Room service is on it's way, as I just realized it's been 9 hours since I last ate. It's not pretty!

High Fives

What? Two posts in one day? It's TRUE!

I've seen this quick little survey on other blogs, thought I'd add my 2-cents as well. Enjoy.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
June of 1997. I was just out of my sophomore year of high school, which I am convinced was my favorite year of high school. Just finished show choir and dancing with giant dolls, so you can imagine how stressful that year was. I was also quite the little reporter for the high school newspaper, "The Ruff Draft" which is a bigger deal than you might think. I was NOT finishing up JV cheer or student council or any of those cool things. I also was not partying in Oak Tree with the popular people....but I had great friends anyway. I probably would have just arrived home from another year at the most beautiful place on Earth, Camp Blue Haven. I think I went to Washington DC that summer with church on a mission trip. It was quite a summer.


What were you doing 1 year ago?The great thing about this little blog is that you can read what I was doing this time one year ago. Right here. Been to a Cardinals game and shopping in St. Louis. Oh!! Hahahahahahahahaha.....I was working out at that time. At a GYM. On a regular basis! Hahaahahahahaha. Sorry....that was funny. Yeah, that lasted didn't it? One year and 8 gained pounds later. And, Dr. Jason Knapp graduated from dental school, which is sad because he and Kristen are in the process of moving to Bixby as we speak to open their own practice. That year went by way too fast.


Five Snacks You Enjoy:
1. Chocolate chip cookies
2. Wheat Thins 100 calorie packs (that one is for you, Honey)
3. Hershey Kisses
4. Ice cream
5. Chocolate chip cookies (I eat enough to warrant two spots)

Five Things You Would Do If You Were a Millionaire:
1. Pay off all our debt
2. Travel Europe for a month
3. Buy fun gifts for everyone in the family
4. Go to the beach, every weekend (which would mean buying lots of sunscreen)
5. Buy John a Wii

Five bad habits:
1. E-mail as the main form of communication
2. Bad language
3. Obsess about cleaning
4. Never washing my car
5. Too attached to my laptop (working a lot)

Five Things You Like To Do:
1. Watch TV (especially marathons)
2. Eating Dessert First
3. Hang out with family
4. Spend time with my friends who make me laugh
5. Spending time with John
6. Reading People magazine on Fridays (it deserves to be added--it's that great)


Five Things You Would Never Wear Again:
1. High-heeled tennis shoes (Yes it's true. Skechers, if you want to know the culprit)
2. Short skirts
3. Leggings
4. Polyester (don't even look at the sophomore year yearbook)
5. Neon

Notice I didn't say my NKOTB t-shirts....because I would wear them again. I promise I would.


Five Favorite Toys
1. iPod
2. DVR
3. My iPhone (in 18 months when my T-Mobile contract is up....but it's already my favorite. I dream about it)
4. The new grill (I don't really use it, but I reap the benefits)
5. LCD Television

Promotions are a good thing

It's a good day. Even though I have to fly American Airlines again tomorrow, it's still a good day. Performance reviews are over, all went very well. I can breathe a sigh of relief....they still want me to work here!

It's also a great week because Thursday I am going to see "Wicked" at the OKC Civic Center. I have read the book (re-reading it over the next few days in the airport), I've memorized the music, I've fallen in love with the story. Even though the book is profoundly disturbing and a little inappropriate at times, it's still a fascinating story. Anyway...I can't wait to finally see the musical in person. Um, THANKS Robin!

My sister also comes home this week (she's currently gallivanting around London), my cousin is coming to visit, I have Friday off work, and my latest TV obsession "Big Love" starts tonight.

Which brings me to a whole other topic. Have any of you watched "Big Love"? Probably not because you're all good people who think polygamy is wrong and don't appreciate Bill Paxton's naked butt in every scene. I, however, have few morals when it comes to TV watching. We'll just be honest. Anyway, it's this fascinating show (not reality, just HBO scripted drama) about a well-to-do family in Salt Lake living a polygamist lifestyle. Why is it fascinating? Because it's a RELIGIOUS thing, not just a way for the man of the house(s) to have more sex. Everyone involved truly believes it's the path to Heaven. And they all love each other and work as a cohesive family.

I KNOW it's fiction, but it's still a fantastic look into a different lifestyle.

No, I'm not asking John to take a second wife...I'm way too selfish. And to be quite honest, he couldn't handle it. He can hardly handle me (apparently I'm high maintenance), imagine him with another woman in the picture. And there's that whole I'd like to end up in my Heaven thing so I don't test God on things like that. Plus, it's icky.

Grateful

For those of you who have spent any amount of time with me, you know I'm quite the little blog lurker. I don't comment on anyone's blog unless I know them. But....since most of you that I know are terrible at keeping up with your blogs I'm forced to read random strangers blogs.

This is not a blog I read as regularly as some others, but I catch up whenever I'm trying to avoid doing something productive (like filling out my performance review papers for tomorrow). Then I read this, begin to ball like a baby, and take a long time to say a prayer and thank God for 4 wonderful, loving, healthy grandparents.

Then I pick up the phone, call Springfield just to say I love them (had to leave a message) and go back to saying a prayer for my grandparents, and for Sarcastic Journalist. Sometimes blog lurking can be an emotional roller coaster.

What's Going On

This is my life right now....

--My cousin, Josh, is coming to visit and stay with us next weekend! He's a senior at Westpoint (wow!) and is training in Ft. Riley, Kansas for a month. He's taking one of his weekends off to come visit. We haven't seen each other since the fabulous Disney Cruise our family took 5 years ago. He'll be the first guest to stay in our new house and I'm so pumped to see him!

--I'm officially training for a half marathon. NO, crazies....not RUNNING a half marathon. Walking a half marathon. Believe it or not, it's a big deal and two of my girlfriends and I are going to start a 24-week training program through Weight Watchers. We're going to get in shape, get healthy, and eventually walk 13 consecutive miles. And while doing so, we'll be having fun with each other! I started walking my neighborhood this weekend....I have to take advantage of the warm weather!

--Argh, I had to book American Airlines again for next week's trip to Norfolk. I tried to book Southwest and Continental but the departure times would not work. I don't want to be there any longer than I have to....so American it is. This time I'm flying both ways through DFW, so hopefully that will mitigate any problems that O'Hare caused. I also made sure I was only flying American, not American Eagle. Hard to get booted off a big plane for luggage reasons.

--On another flying note...I have flown Southwest enough this year to earn a free roundtrip ticket. Yet ANOTHER reason I heart Southwest. Rapid Rewards....literally.

--Here is where I will be on Saturday night. Check it out....then come visit me. Sign up to participate if you want! It's the first "Tournament" listed, on 2nd Street in Edmond. I'll be there ALL night so PLEASE come visit! No, I'm not a gamer. Just dedicated to the client.

--Welcome to my world...spent the day yesterday dealing with this. Maybe it's not American Airlines that is cursed....maybe it's just Norfolk.

--Currently watching: Traveler, The Real Deal, the final episodes of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I'm a little nervous about "Traveler". I'm so afraid to get into it for fear they will cancel it like they did "The Nine" and I'll be very bitter about never knowing the whole story. That's all I will say. I'm getting all mad just thinking about "The Nine"....

--Currently listening to: "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne, "You're My Best Friend" by Queen, "I'll Stand By You" by Carrie Underwood, "The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani. I also like that new Bon Jovi song....

--My sister keeps posting good stuff about her trip to Italy. She's seeing all kinds of stuff. Can't wait for her to be back next week and show all her pics!

And that's my life!

Back to Back

I have a problem. It's a slight obsession. Basically, I will watch ANYTHING in marathon form. The most embarrassing example: America's Next Top Model. I cannot stop myself. This is not something I would ever program into my DVR, but when I'm flipping channels and run across MTV or VH1 playing back to back episodes of Tyra Banks instructing a bunch of anorexic crack addicts something in my body says stop. Settle in. Watch the carwreck unfold.

And I do. Suddenly, I become a modeling expert. She's too posed is often the judgement I find myself making.

But that's not all. The Real World, What Not to Wear, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Little People Big World, and the always popular Law and Order 1,2, and 3 on USA and TNT....I can't help it. I'm crazy about back to back episodes.

And here's where it gets even worse. Sometimes, like this morning, my cat wakes me up by knocking over a glass of water all over my cell phone and book club read of the month and then I'm up. Doesn't matter if it's 7 a.m. or 4 a.m. (like this morning) I can't get back to sleep. And instead if plugging in an On-Demand movie or watching one of the million items on DVR, I find myself searching for familiar infomercials. I am easily sucked in...Bare Escentials, GT Express (yeah, bought it), the midget guy that makes millions off the real estate CD. The Magic Bullet (can I vacation there?), Ronco (set it and forget it), Jack Lalanne's Power Juicer, Windsor Pilates (bought that one, too)....it's a personal QVC for the early morning hours.

Ok....now that I've obviously watched too much TV and spent four hours writing a presentation for work tomorrow, I think I'll take a walk around the block. It's a nice night, I finally moved Kelly Clarkson onto my iPod, John's working. Time to get out and about and think about what life would be like without cable.