:: Always the Freak ::

:: Monday, February 28, 2005 ::

Note To Michael(GB)

Sure, conflict is what makes Survivor fun, but I have to draw the line at singing lady, no matter what you think! I can't imagine sitting through 39 days of survivor with my fingers in my ears saying "la la la la la la la la la". I am HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY she was gone! WHOOOOO!

:: Jenn 2:00 PM [+]

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Too Much To Blab

Whats up with Blogger again? Bleh.

I have so much to say with regards to this weekend and the race, among other things. So, to keep from boring everyone (i know how my attention span on long ass posts is), I'll just do a Nascar Series of posts this week. To keep it fair, I'm going to start at the beginning which was Friday and the Truck Race. It was my first and I was looking forward to seeing something new, even though I don't really know the drivers so much. While walking in, Mr. San Diego asked which driver I would be rooting for and I said, "Steve Park". Some of you may remember back to the olden days when Steve was racing cup and I was a secodnary fan of his because 1, he was cute and 2, he was sort of the underdog and I just have a thing for liking the underdog... especially if he's sorta cute like that. Even when the Kathleen fiasco went down, I still liked the guy who was her favorite driver, too. So, it seemed logical to root for Mr. Park in the truck race, the series he went over too when quitting the cup series. And, don't I pick good!?! He got his first win in the truck series on Friday night, making him one of ten drivers to win races in all three series of Nascar. Congrats Steve! You go! It was a very exciting finish and was based largely on the fact that the first place driver ran out of gas, leaving it open for Steve, but hey, he had to be up there to get it, right? Great race, great finish... mucho fun and NO RAIN!!! More on racing tomorrow!

:: Jenn 1:40 PM [+]

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Remember When?

I remember when I used to always play the "I remember when..." game. You know remembering all the great things of your past and your youth that really don't mean shit anymore? yeah. Forget all that. It's over. It's time to move on. Wait, this is so not what I started out to write. What I really meant to say was:

Remember when I used to share the "What the hell happened today in history" stuff? Yeah, me too. So, just for the hell of it, I thought I'd do one today.

1455 - Johannes Gutenberg prints 1st book, The Bible (this is an estimated date)
1836 - The siege of the Alamo began in San Antonio, Texas.
1896 - The Tootsie Roll was introduced by Leo Hirshfield (it was named for his daughter)
1927 - President Coolidge signed a bill creating the Federal Radio Commission, forerunner of the Federal Communications Commission.
1944 - John Sandford (John Camp) was born. He writes the "Prey" series of mysteries.
1965 - Stan Laurel, the "skinny" half of the Laurel and Hardy comedy team, died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, Calif.
1968 - Wilt Chamberlain becomes 1st NBAer to score 25,000 points.
1978 - Some of the winners of the 20th annual Grammy awards for 1977 include: the Eagles (who boycotted the ceremony) winning Best Record of the Year for "Hotel California" and Best Arrangement for Voices for "New Kid in Town." Fleetwood Mac win Album of the Year for "Rumours." Song of the Year was tie between "Love Theme from A Star is Born" by Paul Williams and Barbra Streisand and Joe Brooks' "You Light Up My Life."
1994 - Dakota Fannin was born
1995 - Dow Jones closes above 4,000 for 1st time (4,003.33).
1997 - NBC TV shows "Schindler's List," completely uncensored, 65Million tune in to watch
1997 - Scientists in Scotland announced they succeeded in cloning an adult mammal, producing a lamb named "Dolly".

Alrighty then. There it is a blast from the past on two levels.

:: Jenn 11:49 AM [+]

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Survivor

Welpers, the new season of Survivor has begun. Honestly, it's already got a good start. Last season was mostly boring/annoying, so I'm hoping this season will pick up the pace. I was sad to see two people get kicked off right off the bat... wellll, okay, I was sad to see one of the two people kicked off right off the bat. The lady they axed was really annoying. SHe had a bunch of Survivor songs she had planned to sing. They nipped that in the bud. But, even though the guy that got kicked off was young, I felt really bad for him. Then I felt even more bad for him when I read about all of the survivors and found that he was a cancer survivor. Why? I dunno. It's just a bummer to not even make it through the first day and all.

The cast looks pretty good although there aren't many "older" folks this time around. I think 3 are older than me and the rest are all younger! I haven't made my pick yet. But, I have a couple I'm keeping my eye on.

Mr San Diego and I are going to apply. Of course the bummer is that we won't BOTH be able to go. They SHOULD do a couples one, though! But, we'll apply for the next one anyway. I know I won't get picked because I'm not the "survivor type", but what the hell, the worst that can happen is they ignore me, right? I think it would be cool. I just don't want to have to eat something gross. That is usually the big keep me out of it factor. But the hell with it. I'm applying, damn it! I wanna be a survivor!

:: Jenn 12:27 PM [+]

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Sigh

I wish I could have a big handful of days where I could sit around and scrapbook. I did about 10 pages today and I ahve hundreds more to get through. Right now I am just focusing on getting 2004 DONE. Then I will get current with this year and ggo back to working on 2002. Some day, I'll get this all up to date. I will!

Subject Number Two. Could this rain stop already? It's making me nuts and I LOVE rain! SO, If I'm sick of it... it is time to STOP!

Back to work tomorrow. =( But only three days of hell this week. And, I'll stay at my mommy's on Wednesday, so only 1 day of brutal driving in the rain (if weatherDOTcom is telling the truth).

:: Jenn 8:12 PM [+]

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Surprise Sunday Appearance

I know it's rare, but I thought I'd write a quick note to express my disappointment that Jimmie did not win the Daytona 500 today. But, oh well... a top 5 is good. Not good enough, but I guess I'll forgive him. It was a good race, but we were a little distracted as we had friends over to watch with us and they had a little one that kept everyone hopping. It's good to get the kid thing out of the system overy once in a while. I love playing with them, but I also love being able to send 'em home! hee hee

I'm very happy that I'm off tomorrow and then again on Friday for the beginning of California Speedway's weekend of racing! YEA! Only a three-day work week and an exciting weekend ahead of us. Things are goooood. Plus we got pit passes this time, so I'm really looking forward to my first time checking out the pits.

Oh, and I made beef jerkey in my food dehydrator. It came out pretty good, but was done in less than 12 hours, which is way less than the 24-36 hours they said it would take!

Good Night, Gracie.

:: Jenn 9:59 PM [+]

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Okay, I'll do a meme from Chad

What's your favorite kind of cookie?
I like Oreos, but I love Ginger Snaps. I mean love. I could fully just munch a whole box or bag of them in a sitting. I used to really dig Bakery Wagon brand, but I cna't find it anymore so now I buy some brand in a box. Mother's, maybe? Not sure, but I really like them. The cool thing about Ginger Snaps is that you can eat them with water, punch, soda, or even BEER! Yeah, Ginger Snaps. Mmmm.

Who is America’s most overrated actor?
No question in MY mind. Leonardo DiCaprio. What's up with him playing all of these roles that should be played by an adult rather than a 12 year old!?!?! And, can he make a movie that is of a normal length so that one being forced to watch his movie isn't stuck watching him on the screen for three freaking hours? I don't get the hoopla. Really. Why does everyone like this guy so much?

Name a guilty pleasure.
I guess it has to be the fact that I LOVE the O.C. I do. I love it. Mr. San Diego says it's a soap opera (although he doesn't have a problem watching with me!), but it's one of my most favorite shows and I never miss an episode.

“Scrubs” or “Everybody Loves Raymond”?
Scrubs is one stupid ass show. Period. So, by default (and the fact that it does make me laugh when I watch it, which is rarely) I'm going with Raymond.

Name two things you can’t live without.
The previously mentioned Air and Water work for me, but if you want to go BEYOND that, food and shelter. Oh, you didn't mean it like that? Hm. My family & Books.

Your first pet’s name + your mother’s maiden name = your porn star name.
Midnight Brown.

What song are you listening to right now?
The AC is making a little whooshing sound... that's about it.

Name your celebrity crush.
Just one? Actually, I'm not one of those "star-fucker" people who moons over celebs, but I have actually SAID that I would totally "do" Heath Ledger. I also like Johnny Depp a lot and who could ever resist Mel Gibson? Even though he's a little old for me, I've always thought he was a damned fine specimen of a male human.

Favorite punchline from a joke.
Naw, I give up. You can have the duck.

Who do you want to pass this meme off to?
Blah blah blah... I just did it because I could. If one wants to do it, they will.

:: Jenn 11:08 AM [+]

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Talk about screwed up!

After my doctor appt yesterday I know now that I have a rotator cuff tear, carpal tunnel syndrome and my excema is back (I think, either that or I have a weird little wrash on my wrist that itches!) On top of all that, I have this bizarre craving for a hot dog and I don't even EAT Hot Dogs! It's scary, but I think I'm heading out to get a dog at Orange Julius. Wish me luck, I surely don't need food poisoning on top of everything else!!!

Tonight my daddy and his girlfriend are coming over for dinner. I'm going to attempt to duplicate the caribbean chicken salad I had at Chili's the other day and we'll have some cornbread to accompany it. Mmmm... I think I must be hungry... I can't stop thinking about food!

:: Jenn 9:10 AM [+]

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By The Way

We, in fact, did NOT get to ride our bikes last Friday as planned thanks to the torrents of rain we had Thursday through Saturday night. Sunday cleared up, but was still wet everywhere, so wwe're so far failing at the whole bike riding plan. Maybe this week? Hm. Well see.

:: Jenn 10:35 AM [+]

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Heck Golly Darn Grrr

I so hate it when Blogger blows it and my post goes bye bye. I TRY to remember to type it then copy it and then attempt to post, but when I do that, nothing ever goes wrong. It's only when I FORGET to do that that I get CANNOT FIND PAGE, blah blah blah. Shit.

Let's see. Whined about interviewing for my assistant, offering position to EXCELLENT candidate and getting DECLINED. Damn damn damn Now we have to start all over, sort of.

Then I discussed the joys of my new telephone that even though I asked the Verizon lady for a "telephone that receives and makes telephone calls, has a clock with alarm, and stores telephone numbers in it", it also has this cool voice recognition feature that I am having fun with. It's shiny. Oooh. I likey. It vibrates really good, too!

I think I also mentioned that Chili's Caribbean Salad is a most excellent choice for a meal.

I did, however, forget to ever tell you all about the new holiday we call (Mr. San Diego)-ukkah. It's actually said with his name, but I'm still not actually typing that here. Anyway, it is comprised of eight fabulous days of gifts and surprises. I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it. What's not to like with the presents coming for eight days in a row!?! Here is what I got him:

Day 1, Feb 5: Two $10 Jack In The Box Gift Cards
Day 2, Feb 6: Rusty Wallace DVD
Day 3, Feb 7: Blue Levi's Jeans
Day 4, Feb 8: A pair of pants and shirt for work (he has to look nice at work)
Day 5, Feb 9: A pair of new swim trunks (THANK GOD... his were OLD!)
Day 6, Feb 10: A ball-hitch for his truck to pull the jet ski trailer
Day 7, Feb 11: Two DVDs - TombRaider 1 & 2
Day 8, Feb 12: A Maglight flashlight set with a big giant one and a little tiny one.

Nothing terribly big and exciting, but it was a fun way to do gifts and I'm thinking we'll make it a tradition.

One last thing. Today is the second anniversary of Tyler Trujillo's death and I just wanted to take this moment to remember him and his humor & wit, and to wish his family well. His parents have become friends of mine and even though Joyce is on her way to a fabulous trip to Italy, this is one rough day for her. Your family are all in my heart and my thoughts today and always. xo

:: Jenn 4:51 PM [+]

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Um. Uh. Huh.

I guess I just listened to the MOST bizarre book I've ever listened to or read. I've read good books, bad books, sad books and funny books. Interesting books and touch to get through books, but Running with Scissors has GOT to be the most bizarre story I've ever read... made more strange by the fact that it is apparently a memoir and TRUE!

Augusten Burroughs, our writer, reader, and hero had a most strange upbringing. After his drunk dad and psychotic mother divorced, mom gave her insane psychiatrist custody of Augusten. Sounds okay, except that his house was iot's own kind of insane asylum. The family was WHACKED beyond ones wildest dreams. I think the part that left me the most speechless was when most of the family started analyzing Dad's (the psychiatrist) POO every morning to use it as a tool to read the future. They would remove it from the toilet and place it ont he picnic table outside to dry up and harden. Seriously. Everyone in the family (and it was a pretty big family) walked around eating drug samples and crazy patients lived in their home amid the filth and roaches. Oh, did I mention the 33 year old guy who became 13 year old Augusten's lover? The good doctor felt that once a person became 13 he could make his own decisions and live his own life, so no one stopped the relationship! I haven't even TOUCHED on Augusten's mom. I'm telling you, if you think your family is or was fucked up, you gotta read this book. I don't even know what to rate it. I think the writing was great and the narration was great. The story, well, was bizarre and it didn't really have a beginning and end, it just was sort of an excerpt of his life. I'm gonna go out on a limb though, here and recommend you check this out. It's something else. I guess I'll give it a 7 for shock value and interesting writing.

:: Jenn 8:39 PM [+]

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I've Got Something To Say

I just don't feel much like saying it and I haven't been online to write until now. For his birthday, Mr. San Diego took me to a surprise experience in Culver City to watch Jeopardy being taped. It was very cool. We were asked not to blog the results, but for those of you who care, I will say this: You won't want to miss watching on Feb 23rd. Jeopardy history will be made AND I WAS THERE. How about the luck there, huh? OBVIOUSLY, I'll blog about that more when the time comes. We also sat next to the wife of the winner of the Feb 25th show.

I'd write mroe but I'm depressed because Mr. SD and I just had a rip roaring scrap and I'm sad and feel bad because I am such a hateful evil bitch who can use her super bitch powers to destroy people with words. I should just get hit by a car or something. How nice for me to spoil the birthday week like this. I'm going backto my St. Pauli Girl now. Hopefullly I will be a little more cheery in our next installment.

:: Jenn 9:50 PM [+]

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Odd Jenn

SO, Friday I got a TON of hits from other blogger people. I'm guessing that there was some sort of glitch and everyone who clicked on "Next Blog" got me or soemthing. Verrrry odd.

:: Jenn 9:55 AM [+]

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A Journal Entry by Jenn

I spent the last two days learning beginning Microsoft Project and I think it's awesome. I don't know how practical it's going to be in my particular job, but it definitely has some great features for scheduling and monitoring projects: your tasks, resources, and budget. I really enjoyed the class and loved learning something new for a change!

I also got out of the class a little early yesterday and had the opportunity to run down to California Speedway and check out a few minutes of driver testing. That was cool to see, but it was rushed and I didn't get to stay long, so that was disappointing... as was my camera's batteries being dead!

Just finished an Iris Johansen book, Blind Alley, which was much better than Firestorm and the narrator was better than the narrator of the other one. It was pretty good and now I want to go to Herculean in Italy. Some day. I'm gonna give it a 6.5. Now I started Grisham's The Summons which is pretty good so far. I'm still surprised how much I've come to like Grisham.

Mr. San Diego's birthday is on Tuesday (the 8th) and we're doing some surprise that he won't tell me what it is for his birthday. All I know is it's near LA. But, Wednesday night it occurred to me that it might be a good idea to get him a birthday gift or two! Yikes, I had put it off and it sort of snuck up on me. So, I did some shopping last night and I have 5 things so far. I think I am getting him two more things, maybe three and then I am giving him one gift per day starting on Sunday and we'll end up on Saturday the 12th when his family comes over for a birthday BBQ. It will be fun. I am kicking myself for giving him this cool jacket I bought him a couple of weeks ago, though. DUH! I should have saved it for a birthday gift!

So, I just found out that this annoying person at work has complained to the Association about my having a meeting with her. The Association is like an employee union. I'm really just not all that concerned because the meeting I had with her and her sister was one that I felt had the urgency that required immediate action rather than waiting for her immediate sup and my boss to be in the office the next day. I also feel that everything I said was completely appropriate and correct, so I can't worry about it. The funniest part was that going into the meeting I really liked her and coming out, I found out what she was really like and she totally lied to my face during the meeting. I really hate being lied to. I hate people making excuses and people blaming others. Those are BIGGIES for me. It's pretty hard to turn anything around once you have proven to me that you are a whiny liar. But I was pleasant and professional through the whole thing so whatever. She can whine to the Association alllllllll she likes. Ass.

Whereas I had another employee thank me today for helping her in a personal situation. She was in my office and told me about a fight with her husband about a potential move and I told her, "look, you have to keep an open mind. You don't have to move tomorrow, but keep your options open and look for the positives and the pros and cons between moving and not moving." When she told me that she and her husband weren't speaking, I asked her, "do you love him?" "Are you happy with your life?" she said, "yes". So, I told her, "Call him up, tell him you're sorry and you love him and you guys can work things out as time goes by." She laughed but said ok and today she tells me that she did what I said and it was this amazing thing between them and they are going to go look at their options if they decide to move and thanked me profusely for my advice. How about that!?! It made me feel really good.

The best news of the week is today is Friday. The weekend is almost here. Thank goodness! Next week I will only be working on Monday and 1/2 day on Thursday in the morning, so I'm on a sort of mini-vacation. YEA!

This post is too long. I'm done.

:: Jenn 2:17 PM [+]

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#^&*!&(^

There has been some full-on suckism at work in the last 24 hours. Last night was HORRIBLE, but I'm doing better today. I don't really feel like writing it all, I just feel like complaining. Thisgs are getting better and I will be in a class the next two days instead of HERE! YEA!

AND, I got my reservations for an August weekend of camping at Doheny State Park. I can't believe they were sold out in an hour, but I got mine, baby! WHOOO! Camping on the beach! YEA!

:: Jenn 3:18 PM [+]

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