mrs. jack

Me as a Simpson

2006-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Make you as a Simpson at this place.

Nice to meat you..

2006-09-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

Freaky. In the clowns are scary sort of way. And what else is frightening is that its only 80% pork. That leaves 20% for who knows what? Tube socks? Horse hooves? Belly lint?

An acre of corn a wee bit of inspiration...

2006-08-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

I just love hearing about stories like this one.

It makes me smile for some many reasons.
1. Because someone who is dead is still remembered and cherished.
2. Because it's Julia Child, who I look up to.
3. It's a freaking corn maze and looks like lots of fun!
4. Because someone thought at one point "How cool would it be to make a corn maze from a picture of Julia Child?"

Things that make me smile today..

2006-08-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

number one and only, originally uploaded by Morran.

Isn't this just the cutest picture? I found out about it about another blog I read everyday, A Bird in the Hand.

And I also found something else that I like. This makes me think of Aluciel a bit. Click here.

Work? Que es?

2006-08-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today, I've been working mostly on the guild's website with Squark. It's been nice and rewarding. Mostly because I haven't had to write the code.

/cheers for not being the code monkey

And because he's seemed impressed with my Photoshop skills. It's always nice to be appreciated. During my free time I made this wee lil picture of Josie here.

I wish everday could be Art Day

2006-08-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

When I was in grade school we had days when we went to Music, Art, or P.E. I hated P.E. cause it always just reminded me I was out of shape, overweight, and not coordinated. And music class was okay but the teacher drove me crazy. But I loved Art class. I remember not wanting to put my markers or paints away. Wanting to stay in the Art Room for hours just basking in the skylights and painting. I still feel that way.

So there are times when I lose myself and I just randomly start doodling. I think it's my only way of finding peace. Sort of like meditating just with a more productive outcome. When I'm doing graphic design, not so much. I take my love of art and I force it to be precise and I'm highly judgemental. But when I'm doodling, like I was during my highly important meeting, I don't panic. I know there is always more ink and always more scratch paper.

Something I made today...here.

Out of my mind on Friday; Out of the house on Monday

2006-08-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

After three weeks of feeling funky, I went to the doctor on Friday. Turns out I have a sinus infection. I prefer to say "had" like now that it's diagnosed and I've got antibiotics it's gone. But apparently I have to ingest these drugs in order to evict the infection. But my energy has tripled and I finally feel back to normal. Now to start working out again.

Last night I had a wee panic attack. I'm anxious about having to talk to my mom. My family and I have such a breakable link connecting us that I'm never sure what moves I can make that will break the whole damn thing. I lay in bed last night for 3 hours just thinking about how I could approach this relatively benign conversation about staying at a hotel and taking home some of my things. I stared at the ceiling while I analyzed how she would react and how based on her reaction how my brother would interpret that. Then after 2 hours of endless worry, I realized that I'm screwed either way. I won't say this makes me feel better but at least I know where I stand.

One thing I know about myself that is true. I need to know where I'm stand...even if it's in hell.

I feel sick so I must be in love.

2006-08-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

Another meh day at work. I'm feeling so nasty and bloated. Yeck! But while doing my daily blog surf I found this super cute purse at Outblush.

Sure it's $425 dollars and sure I'd never dream of spending that on a purse. But when has true love ever been financially responsible.

Emailing with Catrena & Aluciel

2006-08-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

After becoming addicted to Veronica Mars, Catrena, Aluciel and I have started joking about the show and the characters. As is the usual case, my joking usually ends up being photoshopped.

See Exhibit A.

See here where Wallace Fennell starts a rap career about living in Chicago. It all started out innocently until the Photoshop came out.

Since I was gone..

2006-08-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

I now spend my days at work, talking to my friends on gmail.
I've finished 5 of the 6 Harry Potter books.
I've become addicted to Veronica Mars. Thanks Catrena & Aluciel.
I've gone on vacation to Pismo Beach.
I've applied for a job and then not been interviewed. (It's okay I decided.)
I've cleaned the house a few times.
The cats have yacked on the carpet more times than I've cleaned the house.
I baked a gallete from my Martha Stewart Baking Handbook.
I've lost 65 pounds.
I've only had a few more zits.
I got my hair all cut off.
And I've started saying Siriusly....a lot.

Picture that I like today.

Fresh Fruit

2006-05-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's almost 5 here and yet another day DONE! Another evening at home, getting to do whatever I want! I just now remembered that the Farmer's Market is tonight so husband and I are going to go over and walk around. Maybe pick up some fresh fruit & veggies. I'm getting tired of a bagel for breakfast and want something different.

Also, I'm updating my blog because:
a. I need to.
b. I have no more work to do. Er, well I have no more than I'm doing today.
c. I'm sooo ready to leave and sneak outside into the cool weather and read my magazine instead of sit up in my penthouse office with the muggy hot air! (Why didn't I just OPEN the window instead of sit here, feeling muggy! ARGH!)

Things I like

2006-05-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

I like the pattern for the bedroom.

Sheep and I say BAH!

2006-04-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

What the crap is up with my lack of allergy meds? Seriously! Stupid HMO won't approve the meds the doctor prescribed so now I'm waiting until they bicker it out.
/rolls eyes

Since my allergies have flared up, I've had to cancel walking at lunch which was my major source of exercise. I'm hoping to replace it with swimming but we'll see. I need something that's going to be as aerobic. And I need to start doing weights and that sort of poop. I can't let my allergies knock me off course when I've been so good at exercising so far.

Once again my face is getting a bit oily but only because the timely time of the month is soon upon us. Funny how now that my skin is relatively calmed down my hair is bothering me. I'm tempted to make an appointment and chop it all off. I know I was wanting to grow it out but I forgot how bad it looks when I do.

I suppose there are worse tragedies than lack of allergy meds and wiggedy wack frizzy hair but to a girl, there really isn't. But at least it's almost the weekend. Tonight I get to kick back and do whatever I please. Talk to my friends online and play WoW. And all in T minus 13 minutes. Stupid waiting for 5 o'clock. Seriously BAH!

Paper Dolls

2006-04-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Find your own pose!

Strange, how such random questions could prove to reveal so very much. Husband and I typically do end up sleeping like this. We start out cuddled together and spoon but by the time we wake up only our fingers or toes are touching.

So this last weekend, was hijacked by allergies. Husband took care of me, while I begged him for spaghetti meal after meal. He'd ask me what I wanted with it and I'd say, "Nothing I just want spaghetti." Then after I'd gobbled down a regular sized portion, I'd tell him I was still hungry. How infuriating! Poor love, I think by Sunday night he was going to pull my hair out.

But I'm back on the job on Monday. I'm taking allergy meds and I've called in asking for a new prescription from my Dr. We'll see if she'll actually prescribe me something without looking me over. I'm not too optimistic but here's hoping.

This is the first weekend, I didn't go to my WW meeting. I was just too sick to get out of bed. And on Sunday, I didn't wash my face. It felt so strange not to wash my face whe I woke up and before I went to bed. Glad to say I got up this morning and promptly washed my face and felt much better.

I'm not sure how long these allergens are going to plague me but I'm hoping they'll be at bay soon. I can't stand not being able to walk at lunch. Yet I dread going outside and coming back feeling sicker than before.

"Oh you're so good..."

2006-04-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Since I've started dieting I hear that a lot. Which I guess means I'm doing what I'm supposed but sometimes I just don't want to hear it. It makes me feel bad momentarily and pause. I realize they are commending me but it brings me down because it makes me feel like I'm flaunting the fact I'm drinking water instead of something yummy. (note to self: Miss Mt. Dew!) I tend to blow it off as I do most compliments because I'm not doing this to be 'good' I'm doing this because it has to be done. There is no good or bad to it, it's just what it is and I have to get it under control.

Meh, whatever. I'm just going to let it roll off my back and say thanks next time. Not much I can do. I will NOT become one of those "dieting people." I refuse to tout my diet to other people because dieting is poopy and unless you really want to, it's not really worth it. Somehow I think the American Diabetic Association won't be quoting me in their next phamplet. ;)

Happy Birthday!

2006-04-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today is my 27th birthday. Unbelievable to me, is the fact that I could be 27! Ever! It never occured to me when I was dreaming of growing up that people go through those 'middle ages'. So since I have no 'planned expectations' for myself, I get to pretty much make it up as I go along, until of course when I'm 30 and I need to have a kid.

Even as a little kid, I knew numbers were important and your age was a defining number in your life. I just never really thought of it defining me in a bad way. I always figured turning another year older was a good sign. A sign that I'd been successful at maintaining my life for a full year so that much like the DMV, God would renew my life and let me try another.

I am damn proud of what I've done with this past year. I grew up a bit this last year and learned to take it easy on myself. I'm still uptight and tend to go to extremes but not quite so often. I've also put value on taking care of myself. Proof being that I've almost lost 20 pounds since January. And I'm back to the same size I was wearing when I was 18. Not that the size I was wearing at 18 is anything to brag about but getting back to it is. I've also started doing more with my time. I've started walking, belly dancing, and learning to speak Italian. I think my new goal is to be a Jack of all Trades. I might not be the best at something but I'll be mediocre and damn near everything.

So, thanks. Thanks for reading, to those who do. Thanks to husband, for giving me a reason to stick around. Thanks to family, for keeping me grounded but reminding me that I need to fly. Thanks to blue sky, for making me smile. Thanks to new friends, for good laughs, camaraderie, love, and /hugs. And thanks to God, if this is my only chance around I hope I'm making you proud of me.

Happy Easter!!

2006-04-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Just a little something I made for the Spring holiday. Woot for April the 18th almost being here!!

How To Buy Happiness. Cheap.

2006-03-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Everything I ever wanted to hear!
_________________________________

How To Buy Happiness. Cheap.
Is having lots of bucks not bringing you lots of bliss? Maybe the problem is all in your head

By David Futrelle
October 1, 2004

(MONEY Magazine) – Make love, not money. That was the most unusual message of a research note this summer from stock strategist James Montier at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, urging his well-heeled clients to set aside thoughts of stocks for a moment and to focus instead on the things that really make folks happy—namely love, sex, exercise and sleep.

As frivolous as it sounds, this is much better advice than you'll usually hear from Wall Street. For all the energy we spend chasing the green stuff, studies reveal that for most people the old saw is all too true: Money won't buy you happiness.

Sure, in any given country at any given point in time, the rich tend to be a bit happier than the poor. But across-the-board increases in living standards don't seem to make people any happier. Disposable income for the average American has grown about 80% since 1972, but the percentage describing themselves as "very happy" (roughly a third) has barely budged over the years, according to the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center.

Why is this? Well, as Cornell University economist Robert Frank notes, we humans are highly adaptable animals, quickly adjusting our expectations to new realities. As living standards increase, most of us respond by raising our own standards. Things that once seemed luxuries now seem necessities. Call it the "once they've seen Paris" effect. As a result, we're working harder than ever to buy stuff that satisfies us less and less.

How to snap this vicious cycle? New research in psychology and economics offers practical suggestions on how to increase your consumer satisfaction—without increasing spending.

• IF YOU CAN'T BE WITH THE STUFF YOU LOVE, LOVE THE STUFF YOU'RE WITH. Research by Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, found that people encouraged to keep "gratitude journals" were far more satisfied with their lives than those who weren't encouraged to accentuate the positive. So don't waste your life fretting over what you ain't got. Give thanks for what you have—it can actually do you good.

• SPEND SELECTIVELY. Splurge only on those things that really bring you lasting pleasure; skimp on the rest. If you're a true-blue cinephile with a DVD collection to rival Roger Ebert's, it might make sense to invest in a plasma TV. But for most of us a cheaper alternative is more than good enough.

• DON'T BUY THINGS, BUY FREEDOM. While people easily adjust to bigger houses and cars, stress is stress no matter how rich or poor you are. As Frank notes, commuting through congestion is miserable for most of us, whether we've been doing it for four months or 40 years, and an assortment of studies shows that commutes (even as short as 15 minutes a day) can have serious and measurable effects on health. (There's a reason bus drivers seem so grumpy all the time.) If you're working endless hours to finance a lifestyle that isn't making you happy, consider cutting back your hours and getting by on less. It may not be easy to do, but in the long run it's likely to make you far happier than a new SUV ever could. —DAVID FUTRELLE

Blog Rule #1: Actually blog from time to time

2006-03-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry about my lack of posting. I have apparently hit another dry patch. Well to be honest, I've hit an anxiety patch. This past week, I've been anxious about something or another every day. It's tiring and not too fun or interesting. Not to mention, the weather has been quite ho-hum lately with lots of rain and clouds. The rain kept me inside most of this last weekend and the gray sky looks a little to scary. Our IKEA finally opened, and I've yet to go see the new store in all it's grandeur.

1. Clean My Face
First time, I've made it through my monthly flow without a zit. I have noticed lately that I have been going to bed without washing my face. I always catch myself but seems I'm starting to forget. Got to keep up the good work.

3. Lose Weight
I can't believe it but I lost 4 pounds last week! I was completely shocked. I really had figured I'd gain weight because of the flow but nope. I lost and I lost big time! I'm official 12 pounds down! Woot, woot! I also found a new breakfast that I'm really digging: Hummus, baby carrots, cheese, and fruit cup.

5. Start walking
I've kept up on my walking and the 4 pound loss really motivated me! Nothing like a major loss to encourage you to keep exercising. My office workers are talking about getting me to talk at least 4 times a week. EEP! I think I'm going to take it very slowly.

Wha? I have a blog..

2006-03-01T16:02:00.001-08:00

Otherwise Known As.."I completely forgot to post!"

My mind has been elsewhere lately and I'm not all together too certain where elsewhere is. Maybe the weather in elsewhere is nicer than here. Lately it's been rainy and then it gets sunny right at 10 'til noon, so I think about going for a walk at lunch, but then 10 minutes later it's rainy/hailing/nasty. But today was beautiful. A bit cold but nice and I really enjoyed the walk. Note to self: Buy yourself some shoe supports.

1. Clean My Face
Well little more than a month after dedicating myself to washing my face, and I can go without wearing cover up make up. My face isn't perfect, you can still see uneven skin tone, etc. but I'm zit free and happy. This week is my "on the flo" week so I'm keeping an eye out on my skin and dabbing on some extra zit creme during lunch.

3. Lose Weight
Since it is the week of the flo, I'm not sure how I'm going to do at the scales this weekend. Typically I've gained but I've learned a lot this week. You really do have to write down every single thing you eat. I've been flaking on that during this time and the last, so I'm being extra dilligent. I'm hoping to be down 10 pounds by April!

5. Start walking
This week, as I mentioned, the rain has been playing havoc with my schedule. I need to get one more run in this week. I'm hoping tomorrow will be decent.

Returnith - 4. Send Valentines! DONE...kinda!

2006-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

I'm back. After far too long away from my blog, I returnith. Returnith isn't a real word but it makes my return seem so much more dramatic, no? Well where was I? I was busy, bust at work. Busy getting together a large meeting and now it's complete. It was a grand success and for that I'm grateful. But I'm enthusiastically charged about the fact it's over and over means I can relax. And relax = good.

1. Clean My Face
Last week all the stress, gave me two large zits. Yuck but they too shall pass thanks to dilligent cleaning. I'm really surprised that I've been able to keep up with this as long as I have. I'm not certain that my face is back to the way I used to remember it but it is undoubtedly better than it was at the beginning of the year.

3. Lose Weight
I've been keeping track of my points on a daily basis. Monday was a bit tough because I'm not at a computer all day thus not likely to log on and do my points. But I did nonetheless and I'm glad. I can get so tired and yet I did it anyway. Even though my mind/negative spirit didn't want to. And sticking with the program has seemed to help. I lost a pound last week, 2.5 pounds the week before, etc for a total of 7 pounds total. I'd like to keep my weekly loss to a pound a week. I'm not sure that's possible but it'd certainly be nice.

4. Send Valentines!
DONE...kinda! Because I was so busy running around trying to finish up my big meeting for work. I completely neglected this wish and but it on the back burner until finally it was Feb. 14th. So in a last minute ditch effort not to stop/fail a goal I sent out a quickie email to everyone I knew. It wasn't what I dreamed of doing. No I dreamed of looking up everyone's addresses and sending them home-made Martha Stewart-esque valentine postcards, but I sent of cheapy emails instead. I think the sentiment is all that counts and my mom and family were rather surprised. While I'd still like to randomly mail out some attractive postcards, it'll be a project for the summer, I think.

Now I need a new goal and I think I have just the one.

5. Start walking.
These ladies at work walk every day at lunch and I promised I'd join them after the big meeting. So Saturday I bought a pair of Nikes and went out with them for a walk on Tuesday. It was nice. During the first half I thougth I might die but once I got past the midway turn it was easy. I missed having lunch with husband but I think it's a good way to get in some exercise. For the time being I'm only going to go for 2x a week. And as most who know me know, I'm a cheapskate so I'll be darned if I'm going to waste those new Nikes. I do love them so. I'll have to take pictures!

Other news: I took off Friday to rest after the big event at work. Husband and I lounged around the house and did absolutely nothing. It was more than I could have possibly imagined it to be. Saturday we went and took a tour of Scharfen Berger Chocolate Factory. It was a great tour, had a great time, got lots of free chocolate and a free dent in my CAR! Someone in the parking lot backed into my car and left NO NOTE! I'm beyond angry but that's why we have insurance. I'm trying to move on and pray that karma will take care of this one for me. Then we went out for retail therapy on 4th street then for a nice fish dinner at Spengers. Sunday, Husband's dad and brother came over and we made them dinner. It was nice to have someone over to our "clean" house. (I sped cleaned like you wouldn't believe!) I'm glad to say they enjoyed our WW meal. I think we might need to entertain a fellow couple some time. Hmm..Monday, I got to play online with my bestest buddy. For me that was a real treat. I've been blessed with a lot of great online friends and I'm grateful. I started my wee little mage on the path to herbalism and made some in game money. Oooh money, how I love thee. ;)

Elizabethtown

2006-02-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching Elizabethtown. And I learned something very important.

"Always wear a red hat to the Farmer's Market because Orlando Bloom might run up to you and make out with you."

A long overdue update later today.

Office Zen

2006-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes when the color printer won't print what you want it to, just print what it will let you."

ZOME! I almost forgot..

2006-02-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have a blog! I could have been posting a long post here instead of reading waay old posts on other blogs! Oh..you poor readers!
/comfort
/soothe

1. Clean My Face I'm happy to report that my face is still pretty darn clean and is looking better everday. I don't have to use as much make up as I did last week. So all in all I'm quite pleased. I've still got a wee bit to do..but much closer than I was a month ago.

2. Dinner Party CASE CLOSED!

3. Lose Weight I went to WI on Saturday and I lost exactly 2 pounds! My horrible monthly visitor chimed in (side note: so glad that today might be the laaast day!) so we'll see if that makes any difference when I weigh in on Tuesday. We're going to get back on schedule. The Saturday leader was nice, still not Gretchen, but friendly and helpful. I thought it was a good and productive meeting. We went to split an omlette and walk around Farmer's Market afterwards.

4. Send Valentines! For my first fun goal, I sure haven't done anything. Jourdan showed me some law and order valentines his friend made but I'm not really looking for anything that professional. I really want something personal and home made. (a) cause it's cheaper (b) cause I think homemade shows more love and (c) cause I'm itching for another craft project!

Well off to knitting tonight!!

2. Dinner Party : a tasty success!!

2006-02-02T08:28:00.001-08:00

1. Clean My Face
My face is almost completely free of nasty red zits! I'm so pleased! I know this isn't the time to start slacking off on my cleaning but boy just having a fresh face every morning is a nice change of pace. I think the zit cream is really what turned the tide in my favor. ALL HAIL ZIT CREAM!! /we're not worthy!

2. Dinner Party COMPLETED! I'm so very happy to say that I've finally achieved and completed a goal. The dinner party was really fun! There was a bigger turn out than I expected and lots and lots of good food. So much food in fact that we're having another party using the leftovers this weekend. I'm grateful that Paul lent us his home and nice table along with lots and lots of dishes. What a nice way to kick off the year, no?

3. Lose Weight
Our WI (weigh in) was Tuesday but I came down with another bladder infection. OY! I'm just finishing the antibiotics but what a pain, literally! Needless to say, we didn't go to WI but we're going on Saturday. However, I have noticed little changes: I have more energy, my waist looks different, and food is NOW so different (e.g. Yesterday I chose not to eat some tasty little 3 Musketeers fun size bars because I knew I had better chocolate for less points at home. I never imagined I'd be such a chocolate snob. /shrug)

4. Send Valentines!
I'm thinking of sending Valentine postcards to all my friends. Need to find the paper and pattern! Finally a FUN GOAL!!