tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5771957912356016582024-03-05T00:05:17.354-08:00Frazzled and Frizziejackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-85332809699200780842008-07-02T16:37:00.000-07:002008-07-02T17:27:15.667-07:00Exciting Developments...Let me start by saying that some of us (namely me) suck at this whole blogging thing. I love reading everyone's updates but for some reason I NEVER update my own blog (in case you haven't noticed). Then again, my husband updates three or four times a day so I am pretty much covered... right?<br /><br />Moving on...<br /><br />We have been busy! We are officially moved in to "The Garden District" and seem to be settling in just fine. I like the new place a lot. It actually seems bigger with all of our stuff inside than it did completely empty! We have had to get creative on storage because of the limited space. I bought lifts for the bed so that we could store most of our folded clothes underneath in plastic bins. It really seems like it will work perfectly. On the down side we almost have to make a running leap at the bed to make it in at night.<br />We decided against renting the stackable washer/dryer for the closet in the living room and as it turns out we couldn't have managed any other way. So just to give some fair warning, some of you (you know who you are) may be seeing us on laundry day. I promise we'll bring beer or wii or whole wheat boboli crusts (depending on the generous homeowner of the week)!<br />Our fine feline companion is also settling in quite nicely. He has been more affectionate than ever in the past few days. I think he really likes it here!<br />This afternoon we made a trek around the Capitol Heights area scouting homes. It was a lot of fun, but there are definitely some real fixer uppers around that neighborhood! Here are a few of the places we liked...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14jipWX5FUe0wIB51oBoxsHpQ-n3_GjQeBCacbIgpqhKZluiHQA7pz4oAp0QfGPpH0xx3RXwEffyD8vNWuPd8ys1g_nz25FKYGUlteE2zVGsykGFTCQgrDOMPvfmT5n_n_4__6EItItI/s1600-h/photo1215041563208.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14jipWX5FUe0wIB51oBoxsHpQ-n3_GjQeBCacbIgpqhKZluiHQA7pz4oAp0QfGPpH0xx3RXwEffyD8vNWuPd8ys1g_nz25FKYGUlteE2zVGsykGFTCQgrDOMPvfmT5n_n_4__6EItItI/s320/photo1215041563208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218572679113216562" border="0" /></a>This on has a beautiful, recently re-done back yard/porch area... but it is only a 2 bed 1 bath!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEn3KTOZuq__fcxUM0nD4vhkKk9wqSMRcS7LsEz_loQWENU9NfdCnhRhSwjC2LGmaqEHJzMUQORc_3hzXyDdOuDLQupz1O868RtS4SEaPUya8y-OVCt-4CEM-qVaR7OgAy3yxidcUXNk/s1600-h/photo1215041597947.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEn3KTOZuq__fcxUM0nD4vhkKk9wqSMRcS7LsEz_loQWENU9NfdCnhRhSwjC2LGmaqEHJzMUQORc_3hzXyDdOuDLQupz1O868RtS4SEaPUya8y-OVCt-4CEM-qVaR7OgAy3yxidcUXNk/s320/photo1215041597947.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218572684210766738" border="0" /></a>Probably the best looking "fixer upper"... as in it has the most potential to be really pretty.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWRo2Bl8d8qx_4eEFUWcroAwykAb0mH0167CyqDus6QGFSMpYJKtwM4Ud-HnEF9ncm-4wH6UKbbToAYbI6o4PlP0ebBK_Z0GrAv6T8So6iGi9DuueCoOn98GaJaX2bK6PrFoyiAwf2Oo/s1600-h/photo1215041636715.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWRo2Bl8d8qx_4eEFUWcroAwykAb0mH0167CyqDus6QGFSMpYJKtwM4Ud-HnEF9ncm-4wH6UKbbToAYbI6o4PlP0ebBK_Z0GrAv6T8So6iGi9DuueCoOn98GaJaX2bK6PrFoyiAwf2Oo/s320/photo1215041636715.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218572689267242322" border="0" /></a>This one is at the upper reaches of our budget (as in spam for breakfast, lunch and dinner), but MAN its pretty!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bjjtCthrF7gZdMZojyYJI2eAFA7T_Db_EvVYXwX-PZrL2IvolOXz-lM1iabGJpRYtIn6KC3LbP9JXMuQKqk6SkjjWXz5JdwJVrmHIbstGDPNRSbelweOnGxz7JRFsMSMPWzgLpWvf7Y/s1600-h/photo1215041670111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bjjtCthrF7gZdMZojyYJI2eAFA7T_Db_EvVYXwX-PZrL2IvolOXz-lM1iabGJpRYtIn6KC3LbP9JXMuQKqk6SkjjWXz5JdwJVrmHIbstGDPNRSbelweOnGxz7JRFsMSMPWzgLpWvf7Y/s320/photo1215041670111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218572702140258178" border="0" /></a>This house is not in Capitol Heights, but it is actually in our price range and on our street (historic marker included!)... but will it still be available when we're ready to buy?!<br /><br />Needless to say we aren't ready to buy juuuust yet, but it is fun to look. There are a few more things that need to fall into place before we're ready to move again, but I have no doubt that now that we're back in Montgomery it's all gonna work out.<br /><br />Just a couple more things...<br /><br />1. I have the best in-laws ever. Transient or not I always feel at home when I'm with them.<br /><br />2. How awesome is movie night going to be?!<br /><br />3. I had the good fortune of meeting the two sweetest babies ever! Lily and Harper are truly a gift from God! (Luke kinda freaked, but we even got to hold them!)<br /><br />4. We're baaaaaack!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So... we are going through a pretty exciting time now! The future seems very bright! And I am so happy to be home!jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-73258239904922254152008-05-31T08:47:00.000-07:002008-05-31T10:10:17.726-07:00So excited I can hardly stand it... but trying to play it cool.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJLxeDi5w-2AV6-_ciVY1t-IAyl1tkVKbfvDQUPMqHX5JNxUSyudihzEZLfZIKaE-bQdV7eShdbAyyNaOyBnczQKMUFM5BgkkuCqn2eyYvCGQPhZ8lj92kp4MyiHF7B9JihNT7XZK9YY/s1600-h/DSCN4176.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJLxeDi5w-2AV6-_ciVY1t-IAyl1tkVKbfvDQUPMqHX5JNxUSyudihzEZLfZIKaE-bQdV7eShdbAyyNaOyBnczQKMUFM5BgkkuCqn2eyYvCGQPhZ8lj92kp4MyiHF7B9JihNT7XZK9YY/s320/DSCN4176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206590409778345842" /></a><br />Luke keeps telling me to try and not be "too" excited because nothing if for sure just yet...but... I can't stand it!<div><br /></div><div>I just found out yesterday that the Montgomery PI is in need of a manager and we may be moving back home!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>As some of you may have already heard I have been up for one of the upcoming regional manager positions with my company. Unfortunately to accept either of these positions we would have to move to Philadelphia or Phoenix. Which for obvious reasons we didn't want to move that far away from home. So we were faced with the decision of what to do next. I accepted the Hoover studio with the understanding that I would quickly move up the food chain and become upper management. Then priorities began to shift. We started to realize that, well, we like it in Alabama. Also, we started to think about buying a home and eventually starting a family. Well, we just didn't want to do those things so far away from our family and friends. But unfortunately we didn't have jobs in Montgomery (where we eventually wanted to end up). So we were stuck in Hoover. Luke and I have agreed that we feel that Hoover has seemed like a place that we are visiting, even though we have been here for almost a year. Our apartment is nice but feels like an extended-stay hotel. All and all we just haven't planted any roots here.</div><div>Then I find out that I could be back in the Montgomery studio in under two weeks! One job in Montgomery down one to go! Neither Luke or I wan him to leave Axcan, but the chance to move back home seems too good to be true. I just don't know if we can pass it up! We have been really considering buying a house and neither of us want to commit to the Birmingham area for a minimum five years (to build enough equity to sell).</div><div>We haven't heard the definite 'yes, pack up and move', but the possibility... yipee!</div><div>We will have to think long and hard about job opportunities for Luke, but (I think we're on the same page) it is worth it.</div><div>Please keep us in your prayers. I know that the potential problems that could be incorporated in such a quick move seem small in the grand scheme of things, but they are big to us. Overall, I'm excited and nervous, but... I can't wait!</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-75952164710934367042008-05-07T13:18:00.000-07:002008-05-07T13:27:50.143-07:00It is done.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYwTe1oAjiRfmdxho_pE1yvVkprbcurIPtwZOvWfBUK71VO9DkYXL-TNXOL8d5roJpNRa8IMTxee6T9XSEKjVKGWCZgE77cdEsE8FpEN9a5heKZ97u3sz3A2h5B5R1iM1IDKQ5w_wkmk/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYwTe1oAjiRfmdxho_pE1yvVkprbcurIPtwZOvWfBUK71VO9DkYXL-TNXOL8d5roJpNRa8IMTxee6T9XSEKjVKGWCZgE77cdEsE8FpEN9a5heKZ97u3sz3A2h5B5R1iM1IDKQ5w_wkmk/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197733233745309986" /></a>So, SJP I am not, but I love my new hair! The photo doesn't even due it justice. I think this may be the best hair cut I've ever gotten. Thank you to everyone who posted/encouraged me to do it!jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-47156958460486896072008-04-30T19:25:00.000-07:002008-04-30T19:30:28.546-07:00An opinion please...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFf2C-NVozuexq0vId4NOIvJbc4sQnj_rNmG6leDDj9uJn17hBL-6cNlBmNCt-MjM7ORzNicrgCKoGzG6seU8UdI_NBWWmUUtcVHs0gGD6bBi6_gJPVxQoJLmt_zqiprOVpk41ubAlEo/s1600-h/brown+sjp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFf2C-NVozuexq0vId4NOIvJbc4sQnj_rNmG6leDDj9uJn17hBL-6cNlBmNCt-MjM7ORzNicrgCKoGzG6seU8UdI_NBWWmUUtcVHs0gGD6bBi6_gJPVxQoJLmt_zqiprOVpk41ubAlEo/s320/brown+sjp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195229967142358610" /></a>Please ignore for a moment that this is a teeny picture and I totally edited her hair to make it brown instead of blonde...<div><br /></div><div>I have been debating a new haircut. That being said, I could be easily convinced to go for the just-a-trim-because-I'm-growing-it-out route. But I think that this may be a cute option. My adoring husband won't vote, because he says it should be 'whatever I want'. But I'm just a big ol' girl when it comes to these things and I need some honest opinions (and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">no</span>, this is not shameless comment pandering!).<br /></div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-30150975352492576292008-04-30T18:02:00.000-07:002008-04-30T19:03:43.275-07:00I'll take my Lincoln Towncar now please.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3Afrx3TRNER8OhNB3hbSiBenOYC_oWQfLg99ntUP1hmhcgCj_kFzPd3qofGnXzth8FtJ0XlzzkTMxpgfCwIDK1SWJPy1eD0Z3ivwcmILK3QYHHw-tUMyi2DGr0Qy7rq3Ji8G0YH1ZeA/s1600-h/old-lady-driving.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3Afrx3TRNER8OhNB3hbSiBenOYC_oWQfLg99ntUP1hmhcgCj_kFzPd3qofGnXzth8FtJ0XlzzkTMxpgfCwIDK1SWJPy1eD0Z3ivwcmILK3QYHHw-tUMyi2DGr0Qy7rq3Ji8G0YH1ZeA/s320/old-lady-driving.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195224177526443586" /></a><br />I have officially joined the league of old lady drivers everywhere. <div>Let me preface the explanation with a few facts...<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love my car.</div><div>The Sentra usually gets anywhere from 28-32 mpg.</div><div>Today on a road trip from Hoover to Mobile (and back again) I got an impressive 36 miles per gallon!</div><div><br /></div><div>Wanna know how I did it?</div><div><br /></div><div>I drove the speed limit.</div><div>Wild, isn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>I usually max out around 78-80 mph while on the interstate. I never drive over 80 (intentionally). So pulling back to 70 mph was not a drastic cut-back. But because I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">did</span> cut back I made it from 60 miles South of Montgomery to my apartment on a quarter of a tank!</div><div><br /></div><div>Crazy, huh?</div></div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-67466208313296241702008-04-28T08:09:00.000-07:002008-04-28T09:23:58.912-07:00Do I wear the orange hat with the green scarf or the blue beret with the gold broach?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeGyqdxZA7dBf4I1zSXARldrjnbZ5Y8gUbgV5oKYTn-BXtih9D3XiaSpi9V0B_ig4ybjwChyphenhyphen_osEhUvjFgg138Zp-rqr2Is689N4icOZvA4PtbeggfbbtCwLP2i1ghQIUVs7WwpJmstc/s1600-h/sammy2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194326172879293970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeGyqdxZA7dBf4I1zSXARldrjnbZ5Y8gUbgV5oKYTn-BXtih9D3XiaSpi9V0B_ig4ybjwChyphenhyphen_osEhUvjFgg138Zp-rqr2Is689N4icOZvA4PtbeggfbbtCwLP2i1ghQIUVs7WwpJmstc/s320/sammy2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">Our trip to London is quickly approaching and I must admit my biggest concern (now that the flight and B&B is booked) is what to wear! The last time I traveled over seas it was to Italy and Greece, and lets face it, I had <em>no</em> hopes of fitting in there! Too pale and too low fashion. Everywhere we went it was 'American? I can help you!' Not Canadian, Australian or even British... American. I'm not saying that I'm not 'proud to be an American', but there is something to be said for submersing yourself in a culture and... not sticking out like a sore thumb! Now finally I'm going to a place that pale skin and frizzy hair isn't too abnormal. Finally!</span></div><div>The travel book that Luke picked out suggests bringing all types of clothing (year round). This way, you may dress for the temperature and not be perceived as a <em>rude</em> American, by complaining about it being too hot or too cold. I get it. That's a great idea. But I have this little thing that I like to call 'over-packers disease'. Once I get started I can't stop! Some where deep down I think that I am part boyscout or something. I can't stand not 'being prepared'. I have to have a sweater in summer and short-sleeves in winter. I'll definitely need my dressy jeans and my casual jeans... my skinny pants and my I-had-one-too-pints-at-that-last-pub pants... But where does it end? I also have to take into consideration that I have to get through security/customs twice (each way). Fortunately I don't have a wardrobe entirely comprised of liquids and gels, but still... my blow dryer looks like a weapon! Speaking of which I need to get an outlet converter or else I really will be aiming a deadly weapon at my head...</div><div>I really want to go shopping for new things. I want to get a new hair cut. But then again I want to save my money for the trip! What is a girl to do? I may have one <a href="http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/2635440.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=B43C13524355E928D9B39BF1E416F296A55A1E4F32AD3138">idea</a>...</div><div> </div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-30742716986161574082008-04-07T14:57:00.001-07:002008-04-07T18:01:24.020-07:00Quotable Quotes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLVOsM58wkMeyeVRzGnJbNQ7dvESDn15ViSvIEnzfUoKlOfyYKjWDTmkiM_Q37_EZBEUL0HDAoM2FmsXGl8481EBksv6GvIYxSHzog09lt4qt1LVGgABLsqeMEQ-rbWG48ZyUU-nHreA/s1600-h/still_life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLVOsM58wkMeyeVRzGnJbNQ7dvESDn15ViSvIEnzfUoKlOfyYKjWDTmkiM_Q37_EZBEUL0HDAoM2FmsXGl8481EBksv6GvIYxSHzog09lt4qt1LVGgABLsqeMEQ-rbWG48ZyUU-nHreA/s320/still_life.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186673024390012290" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I just picked up a copy of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Still Life With Woodpecker</span> by Tom Robbins. After the dedication and before the prologue there are a couple of quotes, one of which I just love. It got me thinking. What are some of your favorite quotes?<div><br /></div><div>Here's the one that I read:</div><div><br /></div><div>"You don't need to leave your room,</div><div>Remain sitting at your table and listen.</div><div>Don't even listen, simply wait.</div><div>Don't even wait.</div><div>Be quite still and solitary.</div><div>The world will freely offer itself to you.</div><div>To be unmasked, it has no choice.</div><div>It will roll in ecstasy at your feet."</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>-Franz Kafka<br /></div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-35915317844679422192008-04-04T22:59:00.000-07:002008-04-05T00:01:05.784-07:0010 things... that bring me joy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bCl6yNlofTA4p9OMNqyWmB8bq6i7cHa4wbKS7nnTjiD6G_UiYMye8LexPI9hJBPnEjE5eNUaMAQeNhB90wRbFI9cHD6fyZL-RY2kqjNx9NcLmsNsrtsgpZ-SD-fasDsnEVr26amxy4E/s1600-h/photo1207375205988.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bCl6yNlofTA4p9OMNqyWmB8bq6i7cHa4wbKS7nnTjiD6G_UiYMye8LexPI9hJBPnEjE5eNUaMAQeNhB90wRbFI9cHD6fyZL-RY2kqjNx9NcLmsNsrtsgpZ-SD-fasDsnEVr26amxy4E/s320/photo1207375205988.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185638074710629730" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>So in order to follow up that miserable pity party I have decided to make my own twist on my recent 'tag' of "ten things you may or may not know about me".<div><br /></div><div>1. I am amazingly blessed to have married the love of my life. He is loving, caring, forgiving and most importantly in recent months... tolerant. I'll be the first to admit that I have had basket-case tendencies in the past few months. He has managed to put up with discussions about my job, our future, where we'll live, and, in general 'our paths'. What can I say, I've been slightly obsessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Our families. I have been very fortunate to find that my mother and sister are two of the best friends I've ever had. We're silly together. We shop together. We can ever share a few margaritas and bitch together. And besides, they're family... they have to put up with me. And not to brag, but I think I may have the best in-laws that the world has ever known. E is hilarious, loquacious, and admirable. Truly a great friend and ally. H is sweet, caring and overall just a good guy. He makes me feel that I am really his daughter. And T, well, its fun having a kid brother.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Our fantastically fat Kitten (pictured above in his newly acquired Montgomery Biscuits souvenir helmet). We have had many self-proclaimed 'not cat people' people tell us how awesome he is... and he is. Mr. Sullivan is fluffy, fat and fabulous. He is much more like a dog than any cat I've ever met. He greets me at the door, begs for food and even lets me pet his belly. By far, my favorite thing that he does is nuzzling my arm and falling asleep in my lap. Second to that is his 'flop' (nuzzling my feet and then collapsing to the floor... I can't do the cuteness justice).</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Our trip to England. I am so excited to share a little piece of Europe with my beau. As long as my vacation days work out, we will be leaving in mid May and have just under a week to see all we can see of London (and because we are dorks... Cardiff). Luke has been to London before, but he was a teenager... so no pubs... so he hasn't really been to London. I've been to Italy and Greece. But it will be nice to go a country that speaks our native language, sort of. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. Our friends. We certainly don't see our friends nearly as often as we would like, but they are a source of joy in my life none the less. We were blessed to have some concurrent vacation time and were able to go to Montgomery for the Biscuits opener. Although it makes me very sad to think of all the fun we miss out on while being in Birmingham, the time that we do have is amazing. When we returned home today we met up with Cassie and Jacob for a rainy day cookout which was filling to say the least.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Spring.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. Cleaning. I love bathing in a clean shower and crawling into a made bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. The sound the Kirby makes through the WiiMote when I select him as my character for serious ass kickin' on SSBB.</div><div><br /></div><div>9. Reading blogs. It's like non-creepy voyeurism. </div><div><br /></div><div>10. A good book. Come to think of it... I go back to work on Tuesday... I'm going to be in need of a good distraction... any suggestions?</div><div><br /></div><div>In conclusion I would like to apologize for my previous pity party. I have so much joy in my life sometimes it is too easy to pin-point the things that aren't perfect and forget about all the blessings. I have so many things to be thankful for and one of them, dear reader, is you!</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-58251749133545870352008-04-04T21:43:00.000-07:002008-04-05T00:09:54.553-07:00Did you miss me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIK8NkyPfgeVfuoT_PhPrAKQaT7yiDPWfFFHD7mFHED1pDPgPzis2NGiIOHYoBR2YLPsSkLH0XlpS6TMQB2QSkDYXzBplgEbG-OBDOIcLgD2HDrstFVl8_PciVo_BOJZkxB0Pjw4udRkk/s1600-h/bunny_sad_qjpreviewth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIK8NkyPfgeVfuoT_PhPrAKQaT7yiDPWfFFHD7mFHED1pDPgPzis2NGiIOHYoBR2YLPsSkLH0XlpS6TMQB2QSkDYXzBplgEbG-OBDOIcLgD2HDrstFVl8_PciVo_BOJZkxB0Pjw4udRkk/s320/bunny_sad_qjpreviewth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185654554500144498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*note picture added as ironic side-note... I actually meant this... sad isn't it?<br /></span><div><br /></div><div><br />Probably not, but I'm back anyways...<div><br /></div><div>You know how you feel when you run into an old friend that you haven't seen in years? You used to be really close, but you just drifted apart. Of course, you're excited to see them, but when they ask how you've been and what has been happening in your life, you just don't know how to sum up years worth of experiences so you just say...'not much'. That's how I feel as I sit here typing. It seems that all at once, everything and nothing at all has happened. Work is work. I could complain more, but I don't want to risk sounding like a broken record. I am still in need of change and at risk of becoming stagnant. I would look for new work, but it seems pointless. I know too many people looking and not finding. Besides I would be immediately fired if I was caught submitting my resume anywhere. I make great money now. yeah. I find myself starting to hate the green stuff. I move to B'ham for this job/the promotion it promised and now I find myself not even wanting it anymore. If I stick it out they may even move me to the great city of Philadelphia... awesome. It is absolutely DUMB to give up my wages for a job that I am good at... on the verge of being the best at... but I feel my heart pulling me down another path. Unfortunately all the things that I want seem to be ironically attached to money and if I leave this job for the sake of happiness/sanity those things will completely vanish as possibilities. Sometimes I just want to crawl back into the womb.</div></div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-75624599474316632882008-03-06T16:34:00.000-08:002008-04-04T21:43:34.286-07:00LJM's previous TV appearance<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As all of you I'm sure have suspected...<div><br /></div><div>Yes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LJM</span> has been performing under the assumed name 'Amanda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Overmyer</span>' on TVs beloved American Idol. Please do not continue to vote for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LJM</span>. A vote for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">LJM</span> actually binds you, in contract, with Satan himself. You have been warned.</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-54636560119000554432008-02-21T07:42:00.000-08:002008-02-23T20:20:42.684-08:007 odd things about me...Laura tagged me on her blog.... so here's my response...<div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. I LOVE television. I'm not talking I watch an hour or two every night. no, no. I plan my days around tv shows, wait with baited breath to see what has happened to my favorite characters and watch even the fluff shows (like Designing Women-- my favorite). The awesome power of DVR has allowed me to have a somewhat normal social life, but even Luke knows not to disrupt 'my shows'.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. (in response to Laura's #2) I cannot stand spicy foods. I usually blame it on being allergic to my braces when I was in the fourth grade and having an open wound instead of a mouth for a year of my life... but really... I'm just a wuss.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I have a tattoo of two 'f holes' on my back-- like Man Ray's "Violin d'Ingres".</div><div><br /></div><div>4. I love working with my hands. Any excuse to get my hands dirty is a good one (almost). As long as it is creative or constructive I enjoy it.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">always</span> wear a bra... even when I sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. I'm really good with numbers. I can recall long strings of numbers with relative ease. Letters on the other hand... they always move around on me. I can't spell and some days I can hardly read. The entire time I was reading "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy "Gandalf" read to me as 'Gadlaf'. I have no idea why.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. I love, love, love to make people laugh. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So there ya have it!</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-28685721027987365532008-02-12T13:44:00.000-08:002008-02-12T15:00:23.141-08:00In Desperate Need of a Change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7H0Zegfj_SpxxXozSogTeBstgYqmei86AtBh9kD1t3E2jvErhLWEM6OyKSj6RA1Wz6ri_ZTxwk75Gmj76jBjbEBuYLdecFYQyfWRbQReZM9XV_7yzoKTvDNyTthUjOkFhUoYA5d0Lnls/s1600-h/IMG_0866.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7H0Zegfj_SpxxXozSogTeBstgYqmei86AtBh9kD1t3E2jvErhLWEM6OyKSj6RA1Wz6ri_ZTxwk75Gmj76jBjbEBuYLdecFYQyfWRbQReZM9XV_7yzoKTvDNyTthUjOkFhUoYA5d0Lnls/s320/IMG_0866.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166230660946126690" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div>So recently I have found myself waiting for a big change to come along. I just needed something to happen. I found myself just sitting around worrying, over nothing. It was like a new hobby I was developing, the constant need to fret. I never had anything to direct my frustrations at, just overall dissatisfaction. Which is even more frustrating in and of itself, because I have so much to be happy about. I have a good job, a fantastic husband and a ridiculously adorable cat. But even still I had nothing in particular weighing on my conscience, and it was driving me crazy. <div>A few weeks ago I went to visit a friend of mine who recently gave birth to her first child. A beautiful little girl. I did what any good friend/photographer would do in the situation. I took pictures. Because of my job I wasn't able to attend any of the pre-baby activities or really spend anytime at all with my friend while she was pregnant. So I compensated for the potentially awkwardness of the situation by doing something I'm comfortable with... hiding behind my camera. I couldn't quite empathize with the pain or drama or life altering affect of child birth so while everyone chatted I snapped photos. So when that was done I just sat there in awe of the situation. I have been friends with this girl for over ten years. She was one of my first friends when we moved from Georgia to Alabama. The first time I met her she was in the eighth grade and carrying around a baby doll. We stayed friends throughout high school and even though I was a year ahead of her in school we ended up going to the same college and staying friendly. She ended up being a bridesmaid in my wedding and I in turn was one of eight attendents in her wedding (which was just a few months after mine). And now she is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">mother. </span>Crazy. But I digress. </div><div>So there I am sitting there in my friends house, holding her new baby and like a git what am I doing?! Feeling sorry for myself. </div><div> The promotion I was waiting for had been postponed. And as much as I had told myself I wouldn't, I put a lot of eggs in that basket. We moved away from Montgomery for the sake of this promotion, knowing that we didn't want to end up in Birmingham. We were living in rental with no hope of moving out anytime soon. And I was working in a studio that was more of a hassle than it seemed to be worth. I just felt stagnant.</div><div>So what do I take it out on? What is the one thing in the bounds of my immediate control? Trivial as it may seem... it was my hair. </div><div>As long as I can remember (at least since puberty) I have had a strange relationship with my hair. Growing up it was straight as a board and when adolescence came along, genetics threw me a curve ball and decided it was time for it to go curly. So for an frizzy two year period I survived taunts of the chia pet jingle and classmates sticking pencils in my ponytail without my knowledge. So like all pre-teen girls, I found something about my body to torture my self over. In my later teens I eventually grew to appreciate my curly hair, even though I still didn't like for anyone to touch it. Then it turned into a force to reckon with. All the sudden the teasing had taken another turn. Jealous friends made it seem like I was flirting with some sort of unfair advantage and it was okay to make me feel guilty for getting attention from boys. So what did I do then? I took my senior trip and cut all of my hair off. I had no more than two inches of length left. I went to college with a short do and little bit less confidence. Then came weight gain, re-growth, a bad dye job and the cycle starting all over again. </div><div>I started growing it out when Luke and I began dating and cut it off after the wedding. And since then I've been kind of in between.</div><div> As a little girl my hair was a source of comfort for me. My mother tells me that when I started 'acting wild' she would sit me down and braid my hair. I'm sure it was just the simple act of making me sit still that did the trick, but to this day I'm never fully relaxed until my hair is pulled away from my face. </div><div>So as I sat there wallowing for no good reason I made a decision. The hair had to go. It was weighing me down. Along with my sister and another friend we planned a trip to a salon that accepted walk-ins and was open late. Forty minutes later, I came out a new woman. My outlook on life has actually changed since I've had my hair cut! I feel refreshed and relaxed and ready to take on the world. It is so funny to me that something that seems so trivial to most would have such an impact on me, but what can I say? It has. </div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-91724036336942837132008-01-21T17:33:00.000-08:002008-01-21T21:08:18.798-08:00The Big Picture...Sometimes I wish I could just take a big ol' step back and take a look at the big picture. I want to be able to see my perfect career and have a goal to work towards. <div><br /></div><div>Before I met Luke I prayed and prayed that God would let me meet 'the one'. At first I would pray for really specific qualities. 'God, please give me someone who will'... fill in the blank... be my best friend, spend money on me, be super hot... all the things a seventeen year old girl <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">would</span> pray for. Then I decided it was just flat out time to meet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the</span> one. I wanted to to just meet him, we didn't have to fall in love immediately, he could have a girlfriend, we didn't even have to be in the zip code for a few years, but I just wanted to meet and recognize 'the one'. And, of course, along came Mr. Lucas and all my prayers were answered! (including the 'having a girlfriend' and 'moving away' part)</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm wondering what I have to do to find the same answers for my job. Something tells me that I won't be where I am forever and I just wish I knew which goal to work towards. I know that I have a lot of potential with the company I'm with now, but just don't know that I can (or want to) keep up with the pace for very much longer. My father has spent almost thirty years with the same company and I am positive that he hasn't exactly loved every minute of it. So I feel guilty not being satisfied with a good paying job that I know I'm good at. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here come the ridiculous prayers... can't I get paid for doing nothing, I could start my own brewing business, maybe I should start a franchise of some kind, can't I get paid what I'm making now for a job that is less stressful, couldn't I just win the lottery, maybe I should work for something that I really <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">believe</span> in, like a charity, what is my 'passion', is there anyway I can get paid for eating and drinking beer, should I stick with photography, can I afford to base a small business investment on my skills as a photographer, what hours do I want, what comforts would we have to live without, is it possible to have it all...</div><div><br /></div><div>And most of all I want to know <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">when</span>. When will it all happen? Do I have to stay in this job for another year? Another five years? What?!</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently found out that the decision on the promotion I am eligible for (which I was told would be made this week) won't be made until June! How frustrating! For the first time in a long time I had a goal with my job... if you move to B'ham and take over this crazy studio and start traveling all over the southeast you can look forward to a promotion after Christmas. They never mentioned that it would be six months after Christmas! So now I'm just feeling like I'm at a stand still. Sure I'm on the same path, but now the destination is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">so</span> much farther off! Now what? I was expecting a change in January (a lot of changes at that)... so now I just have to keep up the same momentum and hope that it works out for me in June?! I just want to run screaming for the hills! But I'm responsible enough to know that is not possible. I have a commitment to our family to uphold and I take that responsibility very seriously. But geez... I feel like I'm treading water here!</div><div><br /></div><div>So this is the point that any sane person, or any member of AA would let me know to 'let go and let God', but I guess I'm loosing it a little.</div></div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-27085398880078038322007-12-24T11:01:00.000-08:002007-12-24T11:23:02.127-08:00And now Christmas can begin...Finally, after a gruelling 2 months of blah Christmas work I, on December 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, will begin celebrating Christmas. It finally feels like the holiday has begun. It seems silly (since we've had our work Christmas tree up since October 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span>) but its not Christmas unless I can relax. <div>Luke and I will be opening presents this afternoon. Its a little bit of a downer not to be able to wake up in our own bed Christmas morning and promptly begin opening presents but I'll take it. Really, any time spent with my fantastic husband is a holiday so I can't complain. I can't wait to see what he thinks of his gifts. We told each other that we wouldn't do much gift buying since I happen to be typing on our biggest Christmas gift right now... but I think we both knew we would end up with a quite a few goodies under the tree. Besides I just can't help but spoil the man I love. My biggest gift to my self has been paying off our biggest Christmas gift to one another. As much as I complain about work (and no, I won't get into a rant right now... even though I could) I am so proud that I have a job that allows me to provide a few luxuries for our little family. I even got to go and buy the kitten a few stocking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stuffers</span>. Maybe they'll distract him long enough that he'll forget just how tasty that pine flavored water under the tree is... maybe not.</div><div>For all of you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">that</span> we will be able to see today or tomorrow... I can't wait! And for those of you we may not see, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your families and I hope to see you soon!</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-68450180894628038792007-11-13T16:05:00.000-08:002007-11-13T18:09:07.760-08:00JOY to the worldSo...Montgomery, Memphis, Orlando and Tuscaloosa... phew!<div>Needless to say, I've been traveling again. It has been a busy couple of weeks, but good none the less. I'm really enjoying my new position as a 'traveling manager' but it can be a bit exhausting. Its just being away from home that is exhausting. I never really relax unless I can sit on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">my</span> couch with my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">husband</span> and maybe, just maybe watch a little <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Designing</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Women</span> on the the dvr. I'm home now, thank goodness, and the prospect of traveling out of state (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">again</span>) is still looming somewhere in the not-so-distant future, but I am going to enjoy it while I can.</div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas started the week before Halloween for me. We have a fully decorated six foot Christmas tree in our first camera room complete with presents, a fire place and rug. 'Just like your own living room! hehe!' ...sigh. I really do love my job (most days), but my lord! Do people have to become even more obnoxious to celebrate the season of Christ's birth? It is supposed to be 'the most wonderful time of the year' and people just get more crabby and pushy than ever before. They suddenly become the only people on the planet who have families to feed and presents to buy. 'But you don't understand? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I</span> have a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">child</span>! Why should I have to wait fifteen minutes after my appointment to have my portraits taken?!' First off <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">ma'am</span> everyone here has a child. And that is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> why we are running fifteen minutes behind schedule! Secondly, I'm sorry we don't have any more cards that have 'merry Christmas' on them, but I didn't design them! Besides, would you like to explain to me why you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">had</span> to have your pictures next to our fully decorated tree complete with presents, fireplace and rug for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Christmas</span>? I think maybe just maybe next year you should dress up your family in nativity costumes, and every one will know exactly how pure and christian your family is at Christmas! Little Billy can be the baby Jesus, daddy can be Joseph and you can be the ass! </div><div>I really do love Christmas. I love my family. I love the gifts and, God knows, I love turkey, but come on! I know, I know... my business would be nearly as booming if it weren't for the holiday rush, but seriously... give a nickle to the Santa in front of Wal-mart, share a fruitcake and have a little more patience for those that serve you.</div><div>I think my favorite Christmas tradition came from the Lucas family. On Christmas eve after church they go to the local Waffle House in their Christmas finest, chow on some delicious greasiness and tip the waitress (who God love her is working on Christmas eve!) one hundred dollars!</div><div>Okay, so maybe I'm venting a little to early in the season, but ya know, when Christmas starts before Halloween and lasts after the new year its hard to stay jolly. Maybe it will help when my family (Luke, the kitten and me) begin our own holiday festivities. But even then, I don't want to 'rock around the Christmas tree' until after thanksgiving! Oh well, this is my third Christmas with PI and they are always interesting if nothing else. I love being busy, I love seeing my bonus grow and, believe it or not, I love to see happy customers! So here I go again... 'Its the most wonderful time of the year...'</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-74501585243946829162007-10-09T17:43:00.000-07:002007-10-09T18:10:03.310-07:00Go ahead, yawn now and get it out of the way...So first off I'm a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">terrible</span> wife for not blogging about our 1 year anniversary sooner but let me just say this... I might just have the sweetest husband ever! I was absolutely blown away by the wonderful book that Luke gave me! It has photos from our entire first year or marriage and a few sweet words from the hubby as well. I can't wait to show it off the next time I see everyone! We were able to visit with Brooke and Justin (our friends from college who now reside in Lansing, Michigan) and (of course) Cassie and Jacob. Justin is in law school and Brooke has taken a job with PI. Cassie and Jacob live right up the road, but we still don't see them often enough. It was nice to spend our anniversary with a few of the folks who were there at the original celebration. It was like a mini-reunion!<div>On to more dull matters...</div><div>I have been working like a fool for the past few weeks (thus, no blogging). I spent a few days in our corporate city, Charlotte, NC for a managers meeting. Believe it or not, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas</span> starts in a couple of weeks and we are all getting geared up for the madness. Patton Creek is not doing as well as I would like and that has been uber frustrating. We are not nearly as busy this year as we were last year and that is making our financial budget nearly impossible to beat! So if any of you are looking for reasonably priced portraits from a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">really</span> enthusiastic photographer... give me a call!</div><div>I found out on Wednesday that I needed to travel to Jacksonville, FL again this week and then found out on Saturday that I was staying home... roller coaster city! I would have been travelling with one of my associates from Montgomery who was taking the management position in Jacksonville. Well, my boss decided I should stay home and focus on my own struggling studio and send someone else with her instead. I must admit I was a little relieved. phew! Today I found out that my replacement in Montgomery quit today and the associate that would have been taking Jacksonville was coming back to Montgomery. So needless to say things have been a little crazy but I'm just taking it one day at a time.</div><div>Luke is working late tonight and I have the apartment to myself (with the orange puff-ball, of course). It's no fun coming home to an empty apartment. Now I know how Luke feels all the time!</div><div>I know this is probably the most boring blog ever, but here it is... an update... finally...</div><div>I can't wait to hear from all of you soon!</div><div>Happy Blogging!</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-47740803337903327482007-09-11T18:01:00.000-07:002007-09-11T18:33:36.693-07:00Do you ever feel bloated... You, know irregular...Have you ever had one of those weird weeks, where you just feel... off? This has been one for me! This "week" started last Tuesday when one of my associates quit. No huge loss really, but it came as a small shock to me. To follow that up the ladies toilet backed up and was flushing with dirty (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">smelly</span>) water. I found out what the problem was (which I'll mention in a minute) and called a plumber. The poor bastard that came out was required to tell me what the problem was before he could fix it so... I'll paraphrase... 'it seems that some one has put, how can I put this, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">fecal matter </span> in the upper tank of the toilet. I'm just gonna have to get something to break it up and that should fix your problem. If it doesn't you're gonna have to get a new toilet.' I tried my best to look shocked and amazed when he described it too me, but I had actually found the pile before I called him... poor bastard. So he comes back in with a metal stick (the official tool I'm sure) and pokes it until it flushes into the bowl. EW! I had to hold back so many giggles I could hardly stand it. We had been upper-decked!<div>Moving on... I was trying to reach Luke on the way home Sunday night and didn't notice the car in front of me put on their breaks (at a green light mind you) and... SMASH! I hit the silver sedan ahead of me... in the new car! I was going less than five miles per hour but still it was devastating. I've never been in a fender-bender before much less in a new car. I was furious. The first thing out of the other driver's mouth was 'I've, like, never been in a wreck that wasn't, like, totally my fault... hang on, let me call my dad...' So she calls, tells dad its just a scratch (which it was!) and he says 'call the cops'. So I wait for twenty minutes with the 19 year old when low and behold the motorcycle cops show up. A little 'what happened' and 'license and insurance card please' and I drive home. I was so pissed, sad, weepy, the whole deal. Really and truly the car is fine. I broke the front plate holder (it was empty anyway) and what damage was done will be covered when we get a replacement. Still... it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">sucked</span>!</div><div><div>THEN... We really busted ass last week and still didn't make our sales goals. It was a HUGE disappointment.</div><div>This week I have to open and close every day to get my hours because I'm schedule for a long weekend (Friday-Monday). To kick that off my alarm didn't go off this morning and I was late! I couldn't shower, put on make-up anything... sigh. I haven't been late in a long time and it just wasn't a good way to start off the day. To finish the day I did something even more dumb than not waking up on time... I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">killed</span> the studio mini-fridge. Trying to be ever vigilant with studio cleanliness I decided to clean out the freezer. The freezer has <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">never</span> been cleaned or defrosted and there was only about a half inch clearance between the ice and the top of the freezer. So what do I do? I go at it with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">screwdriver</span> like an IDIOT. And the story ends with me puncturing the freon line and having freon spray out onto my hands and face! GUH! So I had to call our fabulous supply guy, Henry, and explain to him how I killed the fridge and beg for a new one... at least he got a good laugh.</div><div>So there you have it... one of the weirdest weeks ever.</div><div>Please tell me its not just me...</div></div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-23059381996420867492007-09-02T18:02:00.000-07:002007-09-02T18:37:26.336-07:00Off time... and medium-sized newsSo after a couple more weeks I've managed to come up with a little off time, just in time for Labor Day. I spent most of yesterday <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">preparing</span> for yesterday. Sound a little odd? Well, it was.<div>I woke up late yesterday morning and decided to give Cassie a call suggesting that we go to Costco for supplies for our little opening game get together. Unbeknownst to me this turned into a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">five</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">hour</span> trip. First, it was just going to be there and back. Then my mother called... 'sure we can me you at Starbucks for a cup of coffee.' Which turned in to a great little lunch and trip to the home goods store. Then we were on our way to the big store so we could buy big snacks. Then Cassie wanted to go to Wrapsody, a local shop that sells up-scale odds and ends (Vera Bradley purses, personalized stationary, blah, blah, blah). We spent another exciting half hour there. Well, finally, on to Costco... were we debated for another hour (plus) on whether or not Luke really needed 72 Bagel-bites, whether boneless chicken wings were really chicken wings at all (five pounds it still <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">too</span> much, I say), or if we should go to a real grocery store. Finally we purchased our over-sized goods and headed to Publix to spend another 40 bucks on food for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">four</span> people. Sure the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">case</span> of Samuel Adams Oktoberfest was great, but geez, we had enough food for a small army! Finally the game started. We all gorged ourselves on over salty food (funny how that pound of baby carrots remained in the fridge) and Auburn won. phew.</div><div>Today? Well, most of today I've spent watching the fabulous TV phenomenon <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Heros. </span>I love it! Does it count as the exercise that my body so desperately needs... maybe not. But I am exhausted if that counts for anything.</div><div>Tomorrow we will be happily travelling to Montgomery for an Upchurch family gathering. I'm really excited! (And thanks to Costco I now have 165 sturdy paper plates for the family!) I feel like we haven't been home in ages, even though that's not entirely true. We will, unfortunately, be taking the bean as our sweet ride tomorrow. The Sentra has less than 100 miles before it needs an oil change and we don't want to go over (for the sake of the warranty). Lets hope its not a hot one tomorrow!</div><div>On to the medium-sized news...</div><div>I've been promoted! Not the big promotion I'm hoping for this time next year, but it will definitely do for now. The company has created a new position, 'travelling manager'. That pretty much sums up the job description too. I'll be able to appoint an assistant manager in my home studio and travel to other studios in the region helping out, trouble-shooting, re-training, etc. The new position comes with an increase in pay and bonus potential and also increases the likelihood that I may have a region of my own before too long. I'm pretty excited about it professionally, but the prospect of being away from home more is a little troubling. I do wish that Luke could come with me when I have to travel. He may be able to come every so often, but in between those it'll just be a fat orange fluff ball and a particularly patient husband at home awaiting my return. I won't be the only 'traveling manager' in the region so I won't be gone all the time, but I do think that amongst all the benefits there's a little guilt built in too. But this is the next step for me professionally and who would have guessed that it could have come so quickly!</div><div>I can't wait to see all of you in Montgomery (if possible) tomorrow, and Jason I promise we will bring you your magnet one of these times...</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-22787222167601526352007-08-16T14:35:00.000-07:002007-08-16T15:00:06.830-07:00ants, birthdays and more about work...Did you know that a vacuum cleaner is a great way to deal with an ant infestation? Last Friday (my <strong>birthday</strong>!) Luke and I came home from my sisters house to find a trail of ants leading from the living room all the way to the kitchen sink! While Luke made a late night trip to find some ant traps I spent half an hour sucking the the bastards into the bowels of our hoover.<br /><br />On to other birthday goodies...<br />Luke got me The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppet Movie and season one of Doctor Who! I am so excited about all three! Good husband! I've already watched The Muppet Movie and I can't wait to start the other two. In case you didn't already know... I <strong>love</strong> Jim Henson Workshop. Also with the very generous gifts of all four of my parents (Marshes and Lucases alike) I was able to get The Muppet Show season two, the BBC's Pride and Prejudice mini-series and Big Brain Academy for the Wii. I really racked up this year... 25 is working out pretty well so far... Most of all I enjoyed having an excuse to talk to all the people I love. I heard from almost all of my friends and family either via phone call, text or facebook. I love birthdays. They're like your own personal holiday.<br /><br />As for work... Things are going pretty well. I really can't complain. I have been well received by the staff and have made a lot of improvements to the studio already. I just wish that I could do more. But after working a 55 hour week last week I was definitely ready for some rest. My mom gave me a massage to day (which was amazing) and I'm <em>finally</em> feeling relaxed. I have today and tomorrow off before another crazy Patton Creek weekend, thank goodness.jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-54774649429533075422007-08-08T20:13:00.000-07:002007-08-08T20:23:52.134-07:00after a few days...So...<div>I'm not so sure how my reception with the natives of Patton Creek is going, but I am liking the new position. So far, my biggest accomplishment is cleaning the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">disgusting</span> studio into something a little more recognizable. I found documents dating back to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">2004! (</span>we're only supposed to keep them for about 30-60 days) So, needless to say, I can tell that the two previous managers were... men. I'm still getting used to a completely new pace of work... we did <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">40</span> appointments on a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Tuesday</span>! I'm used to maybe... 12. However, I really am going to like this studio. I like the people, I love the pace. I just hope that I can find my place and establish myself as a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">leader.</span> Please keep me in your prayers. If all goes well, I should find myself with a nice big bonus and promotion by this time next year... fingers crossed.</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-577195791235601658.post-18109462400619815602007-08-04T19:21:00.000-07:002007-08-04T20:23:31.253-07:00What a week...Luke and I are sitting in our new living room watching Doctor Who (the 1960s black and white version). Under some prodding (you know who you are) I've decided to start a blog. I must admit, like all the events of this week, I'm slightly excited and nervous about it...<div><br /></div><div>I've been thinking a lot about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">home </span>this week. We've just made the move from Montgomery to Birmingham (Hoover to be exact). Like any move it was difficult. The apartment it starting to feel like ours now that we have our photos on the walls and our furniture in place (check out <a href="http://luke-sha.blogspot.com">luke's blog</a> for pics). If only we could eradicate the old, stale apartment smell we'd be in business. I think the cat has made the made the transition the best of all of us. He is as fat and lazy as always. I think the only motivation he has it to lay on every piece of carpet in the apartment.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will be starting in my new studio, Patton Creek, tomorrow. Speaking of nervous... I've been 'hand-picked' to run the number two studio in the entire country (only narrowly topped by a studio in the mid-west). I know that I possess all the qualities of a good manager, but that being said... I'm very much 'on the radar' now. Even the smallest mistake will not go unnoticed. I will be going from around 12 to 35 appointments a day to 30 to 65 appointments a day (needless to say, a big difference). In case you didn't already know I did <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">start</span> at Patton Creek a couple of years ago. I was used to that kind of business at one point, but I've never been <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">in charge</span> of it. When I first became a manager it was a new studio. New associates, new problems, etc. But now I'm walking into a staff that I didn't pick, problems that I couldn't have anticipated. I'm sure I'll be fine but I can't seem to quell the nerves. And for any of you that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">love</span> Christmas and all its carols and traditions... step in my shoes for a week at Christmas. It is twelve weeks (starting the last week of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">October</span>) of pure, unadulterated jolly hell. I know the evidence leads to the contrary but I really do love my job, no sarcasm intended. I enjoy it, I'm good at it and I'm well compensated for it, but my God Christmas is a trying time. I guess I'll deal with that mess when I meet it. And I'm sure you, dear readers, will hear all about it. Until then I will just plow ahead with a little luck and a lot of prayers.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I can only hope that Hoover will become home (in some respects). I'll never be able to replace Montgomery, in the same way that Montevallo can never be replaced. I owe part of who I am to Montgomery and the people I grew close to there. It will always be home. But while we are here, yet again, our lives are going to change. I must remind myself of the advice we were given (after only one margarita)... (to paraphrase)... As long as we have each other we will be happy.</div>jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972214530993580723noreply@blogger.com7