Beep, BLEEP.

And now, I rant.

Driving in Charlotte on a daily basis is becoming more and more unbearable. I have driven all over the Southeast, and I strongly, strongly feel that Charlotteans are the worst drivers, ever. (Not to mention, our roads suck.)

If you don’t believe me, just take a little drive and observe others. They are inconsiderate, ignorant, and completely unaware that there are about 500 other cars on the road with them. So, I have decided that I will make a list of tips for all drivers who happen to stumble across my blog that may just help you not become an idiot-driver.

Pay Attention: This seems like a good one to start with. I honestly don’t mind if you put your make up on, eat, change clothes, or read in the car. (As I am guilty of all but the reading – and I don’t recommend that by the way.) We all have busy lives, and all multi-task. Traffic sucks, and we get bored. But for crying out loud, look up and around you every once in a while. You are not the only car on the road, and if you make me miss a green light because you were busy organizing your CDs, we’re not going to be friends.

Turning Signals: Not just for decoration. Use them. Appropriately. If you are turning left on a four lane highway onto a road that does not have a stop light or turning lane to protect you, a turning signal would greatly increase your chances of not getting your rear-end smashed.

Headlights: Contrary to what some make think, these aren’t just for the dark. If it’s foggy, and/or rainy turn your damn lights on!! It never ceases to amaze me that the cars that do not use their lights - 90% of the time are darker colored. If your car is the same color as the road, you’re gonna get creamed. Use your headlights.

Speed: Going 40 mph in a 65 mph zone IS NOT SAFE. You are not helping anyone, you are not being cautious – you are just in the way. And I would venture to say that slow drivers cause more wrecks than speeders. The spawn of Satan that I rear-ended was a “cautious” driver.

Driving Lanes: USE ALL OF THEM. If there are 2 left hand turning lanes, use both of them! Do not stubbornly sit in the right lane of the two and block traffic from going into the left one because you’re going to eventually need to turn right on the NEXT road A HALF MILE down. I am extra hostile about this one. Prime example: Randolph Rd turning left onto Sardis Road. I sit and watch these a-hole drivers allow the left lane to be completely empty while at least twenty more cars could go when the light turned green if everyone used both lanes.

I could probably list 100 more, but I will spare your time. Hopefully these tips have given you a little laugh and will keep you safe next time you brave I-485, or any other road that is ill-designed!

Free as a bird.

Today is a very sad day in Southern Rock history. Pianist and original band member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Powell passed away this morning at age 56. Judging from the article I've read, he died of a heart attack. He called 911 around 12:55 a.m and was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is quite possibly my favorite band of all time. I fell in love with their music when I was in high school and was really moved by their guitar and piano solos. A lot of people have the misconception that Skynyrd was just a racist, loudmouth rock band, but if you really just sit and listen to their music, it really is wonderful. There are few songs that can move me like Simple Man and Freebird. They just don't make 'em like that anymore!

Good messages. Great music. Excellent musical solos. Billy Powell could play his solos with his eyes closed and never miss a beat. He was consistent and really felt the music that he played. I guess he gets to go join the other original band members in Heaven. I hope they're having a heck of a reunion.

Rest in peace, Billy. You're a free bird now!

Wait for it...

Last night I caught the very end of TLC's "A Very Duggar Wedding" - and whoa. If you guys have never seen their regular show "17 kids and counting," it follows the Duggar family of 20 members. Yes, that's 18 kids (they've added one since the show began) and Mom & Dad.

They believe children are a gift from God (and I can agree to that) but will accept as many as He offers. (I just can't have that many!) This is what has allowed them to have 18 children within about 21 years or so. This lady seriously pops them out every 9 months.

They only buy things with cash, and they use their small army to shop, clean, and even build their own home. It's a very different way of life, but I think they're a neat family so I won't make fun one bit!

So back to the wedding - their eldest, Josh, was married back in September of last year and they released the wedding episode not too long ago. Of course the bridal party was ginormous being that they had to incorporate all family members in some way - can you imagine buying 11 tuxedos, 5 bridesmaids dresses, and 2 flower girl dresses. Sheesh. On second thought, I have no doubt that they made them or got them on an unheard-of sale. (Photo of the massive family here.)

So the big deal with the wedding is...the wedding kiss - yes the one that seals the deal, the "You may now kiss the bride" type kiss - was Josh and Anna's first kiss ever.

Okay, so you want to wait to have sex until you're married. Excellent, I commend you! But kiss?! Whoa, Nelly. I'm not saying that they should ho around and make out in public and get all fancy now, but just a little peck to see if there is any chemistry at all, whatsoever between the two of them before they walk down the aisle!?

Their priorities aren't mine, so they waited until the wedding to kiss. Yay for them. Okay, now what? The last scene of the show is Josh & Anna walking into the hotel room and shuting the door. Ahhhhhhhhh!!

Those of you who are married know exactly how much pressure there is on you your wedding night - even if you test drove the car before you bought it. The immense pressure of "this is the night we will remember forever, and ever" can weigh fairly heavy, and if you've never even KISSED how the heck do you plan on being remotely comfortable with each other in that way.

I (unwillingly) can see it now - "uhh hi, *peck kiss* well now what are we supposed to do?" It makes me cringe, and I feel so badly for them.

Being that they got married nearly 5 months ago, I'm sure that they've figured it out by now, and if they're following in tradition, she should be about 5 months pregnant.

Lawd have mercy knows! I nearly go into a panic thinking about how nervous that would make me. I'm not promoting sex before marriage by any means, but can you imagine not kissing!!! I'm in a wad about this!

It's a start!

I just finished decorating my first cake!! It is really simple in design and honestly I know it's not the best thing in the world, but I'm kinda proud.

It's just a chocolate cake with white icing - violet flower clusters on top. I added more to it, but like this picture the best.

It was surprisingly relaxing to do this after I got over the initial nervousness of figuring out what the heck I was going to do. I really want to get into this and learn to make fondant icing and everything! Gotta start somewhere!

Nerdlicious.

Here's the scenario: At lunch with a few friends. I get my change back from the waiter and happily alert everyone at the table that, "oo I don't have that quarter yet!" Yes, I collect the state quarters, and yes I'm aware that that lowers my cool points.

Got me thinking though - I am nerdlicious in many ways. In fact, I think of myself as an undercover nerd who occasionally forgets that things that excite me are weird to other people. So rather than hiding them, I shall shamelessly tell you some of the nerdy things that I do. (And would love to hear your confessions as well!)

1. I collect state quarters. I have the big fold out map where you put all of them in their correct spot. (I acquired Hawaii today.)

2. I put puzzles together on a fairly regular basis. Even decide which one I will do according to the season. (Christmas, summer etc.)

3. I love word finds. My grandma got me into these when I was like 5 and I've never gotten over the excitement of finding each word. (I can also thank her for getting me into puzzles.)

4. I love video games. Give me Mario and I'm happy for hours.

5. Seeing eclipses, other planets, and the space station are all monumental events in my life.

6. I obsessed over Harry Potter. And still do occasionally. Some of you may think this isn't nerdy, but there are nay-sayers who think it's ridiculous. I'm working on becoming a Twilight nerd, too.

I know that there are plenty more nerd qualities that I possess, but that's all I'm willing to divulge at this point. Out of my few faithful readers, some of you are bound to have this nerdy-ness as well, and my feelings just might get hurt if you don't share. So let's hear it!

Snowed in.

Tuesday was the first time I have seen snow in years it seems. We happily woke up to over four inches at my house! It was so beautiful! Nate dutifully jumped up and headed to work (that's just what manager's gotta do) and immediately called and told me not to dare think about driving - he ended up passing 11 cars in the ditch on the road outside of our neighborhood alone.

With my now fourth day off in a row - I got set to do a little reading (the Twilight series in case you were wondering) and lots of relaxing. A wrench was thrown in my joyful mood when I made a quick stop on facebook. Every other status message was "can't believe one inch of snow is causing this havoc" "can't believe I'm out of school today, the South is nuts" etc.

Well listen here, Yankees, North Westerners, and anyone else who is used to feet of snow at a time - down here in the sunny South, where we get about a half-inch a year - we do not have snowmobiles, proper shovels, or salt machines. Heck, some people don't even have proper clothes for snow.

It drives me insane that we are mocked for cancelling school, and being excited about it when it snows. We don't get it that often so it is ridiculous for us to have top of the line snow equipment when we seriously may only use it once in about 5 years.

So rather than complaining about your day off - embrace it, or at least let me enjoy mine! I don't go to New York and make fun of people who pass out when the temperature hits a mere 90 degrees! I would much rather have the day off then try to brave it and risk getting hit by one of the other idiot-drivers who is trying to make it to work two-wheel drive car. It's just not worth it!

Travel Fever.

In the Fall of 2005 I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a study abroad program through my alma matter, Wingate University. One of 17 students, we hopped across the big pond and resided in St. John’s Wood in the northwestern part of London.

This came at a time when I was, let’s just say, less than happy with life. A long-term boyfriend had just left me for one of my friends, I didn’t know anyone at Wingate, and I just wanted OUT. Hmm, London sounds like a good place to start.

Little did I know, this “escape route” would lead me to find one of my serious passions in life – traveling. London was fantastic. It’s a city that seems to have its own heartbeat. Live, vivacious, and extremely fast paced. I probably could have spent all 108 days abroad in London, and still not seen it all. I did not, however.

One of our first stops in London was at the STAtravel office to set up our trips for the coming months. Ireland, Amsterdam, Italy, Paris, and a trip with the school to Plymouth and Edinburgh, Scotland. Seeing places as grand as those – with so much history – made me want for more. I am intrigued by different cultures, and the breathtaking landscapes that are this little earth that we live on.

Since that time, about every six months or so I get the intense urge to – go! I want to see something new, witness a new phenomenon, drive across a new state line! I’ve made it a goal, Lord willing, to see all fifty states, and to make it to Australia, if not New Zealand too!

Having all new PTO time at work has jumpstarted my desire this year, and all I want to do is plan, plan, plan. We are hoping to go on a cruise this year (will be my first) possibly go to Disney World, and I’m hoping to plan a girl’s weekend in New York.

At this point I’ve been to nearly all of the states within a reasonable driving distance from home, so the next 30 or so will likely have to be by plane, which is obviously expensive. But little, by little I hope to accomplish most of my dreams. (Hey, my granddaddy has been to all 50 – it’s possible!)

I am so thankful for the trip of my lifetime. It opened my eyes to a whole new world, and introduced me to friends that hold a very special place in my heart, and even eventually led to me meeting my husband. Good choice, all around!

Coke addict.

Hello everyone, my name is Jessica, and I am Coke addict. Coca-Cola that is!

I have a serious issue with caffeine. About 2:00 p.m. this afternoon it came to my attention that *gasp* I had only had water to drink today! Okay, don't think about it, you don't need it. Stop it. Stop it. Ugh. Too late. Coke is on the brain, and I am helpless. (Maybe that explains my growing headache.)

Just when I think I'm over my craving, my co-worker pops a top from the next office down. Most people think cold, refreshing beer at that sound - not I. The dark, sweet, oh-so-not-good-for-you Coke is on this girl's brain.

So what do I do? I cave. And go straight to the breakroom and buy my poison.

I decided last fall to make, no FORCE, myself to only have one coke a day. I realized that all of that sweetness can't be too good for your innards. It has been proven that a nail when left in a bottle of coke will completely disappear in a few days. Who needs that kind of damage on their stomach lining - not me. I'll admit, I deserve a pat on the back as I only rarely have two (or more) a day.

Heaven forbid I would have ever taken up smoking, I would probably have cancer at this point or at least be struggling with half a lung. I don't (or didn't) think that I have an addictive personality, but the little red can says otherwise.

Pretty girls got it good?

During my forty-minute drive home last night I stumbled upon an interesting topic on the 95.1 night show. They were discussing “why pretty girls are the most insecure.” Women were calling in left and right, totally agreeing with this fact and offering their opinions on why: Constantly being compared to others. People assuming they are dumb. Being secretly hurt by the “skinny” comments. The list went on and on. Boo freaking who, right?

Not quite. This got me thinking. Of the top 5 prettiest women I know personally, from high school, college, whatever, if you really got to know them – they did not feel that they were as pretty as everyone else thought, and even have (or had) quite the complex.

While I do not personally know why exactly this is, I can tell you that at one time in my not so distant past the “skinny” jokes were ever present, and ladies and gentlemen – it sucked. I have down right had it out with a girl who told me she was, “gonna feed me lard to fatten me up.” I not so kindly pointed out that her calling me skinny over and over, and acting like I had the bubonic plague was just as hurtful as if I were to call her a fat cow that I was going to feed slim fast.

I guess when you’re told, “gosh you disgust me, you’re so pretty” or “oh my God why do you have to be so good looking, it’s not fair” over and over it weighs in on you? I think that would definitely give me a complex.

One of my “top five” in particular revealed to me after high school that she had never really felt like any of the boys ever liked her. The wheels in my head came to a grinding halt. WHHHAT? Every guy in our high school, ever, had liked her or thought she was insanely beautiful. What did this equal for her? Not a single damn one of them talked to her because they thought she was out of their league. How bout that for a confidence boost.

But of course, there is a flip side. Those cocky good-looking girls who look in the mirror about 55 million times a day, yup! met those too. My cynical side tells me that their over indulgence in themselves is just them secretly trying to hide their feelings of insecurity and lack of personality. But hey, what do I know?

Bail ME out.

All of this talk about "bail outs" is making me sick. Was I seeing things correctly last night when I saw "the porn industry bailout" across the bottom of the screen on Larry King Live? Sick. Sick. Sick. Does Jenna Jamison really need more money? Really?

Congratulations corporate America, you screwed up big time, and we the tax payers are going to fix it for you. Fantastic.

My Dad told me about a month ago he saw an article that stated that the amount of money they have given to the auto industry, insurance industry, and God knows who or what else, when evenly divided among all citizens of the United States, would amount to $100,000.00 EACH. And that doesn't even include Mr. Obama's grand bail out numbers. We're talking a lot of green paper here, folks.

Here's an idea Washington - give every legal American citizen $100,000.00 and I can promise, guarantee, and pinky swear that that will stimulate the economy. Most Americans are materialistic and would go straight to the malls. Sure a few, maybe even 30% would save it all, or use it to pay off debt. But the overwhelming majority, I feel, would blow it. On cars, clothes, dinners out, vacations, and maybe even porn (if that really "helps" the economy somehow).

Chew on that thought for a little while.

Time Allocation...

Is apparently something I need to get better at. At work, I have a system that allows me to focus on the most important things first, and I am still able to get everything done in an extremely timely manner. Sometimes I just flat out dominate life at work.

But my personal life, eehhh not so much. I feel like from 8:30 to 5:30 (work hours) time crawls, even if I am super busy. I get home at 6:15, and BAM before I know it it's 11:30 at night and I'm dead tired and it's way past time to go to bed. I'm left thinking what the hell did I just do in the last five hours, and why don't I have anything to show for it!?

By the time supper is cooked and we've eaten, it's time to take a shower, brush teeth, remove contacts and go to bed. There are so many things that I want to spend more time doing.

For instance: going to dinner at our parents house more often. We both love our families so much - why the heck don't we make more time for them? Reading. I love to read. It broadens your vocabulary and just overall makes you think better. Writing. This has become a passion of mine lately, and I started a book but haven't worked on it in months. Scrapbooking. I used to scrapbook everything Nate and I ever did. Since we got married I haven't even touched the stuff.

I guess the more mature I get, the more I realize how many things just don't matter, and what really does. My goal is to start allocating my time in the evenings better so when I crawl in bed at night I have a sense of accomplishment rather than, "oh my gosh I did nothing with my life for the last five hours!"

Intentional Effortlessness.

Today we shall discuss the phenomenon of what I like to call “intentional effortlessness” among women. We’ve all seen it – those that spend hours upon hours attempting to look like they just rolled out of bed. I first noticed this trend over the summer while shopping at a local mall. A girl about 20 to 25 years old was wearing blue jogging pants, a college t-shirt, and Uggs, but had her hair placed “just so,” and was wearing impeccable makeup.

From there, I saw it in more and more women – particularly in wealthier stay at home moms. That effort to look like she just got out of them gym (when she hasn’t set foot on a treadmill in years,) and is off to do something important in her matching black Nike jogging suit – like solve world peace. I just don’t get it. Why would someone go to such great lengths to look so “careless”?

Even more recently, I had to go to a Target in a wealthier part of town during the Christmas season (when it's busy, crowded and picked over) and every other woman was taking part in this phenomenon. Sweat pants, Gucci sunglasses, tennis shoes, and a Coach bag. I mean, whhaat? I understand showing your wealth and status symbol if that’s the kind of thing you like. I mean it’s your money. Carry your Louis, but don’t try so freaking hard to look like you’ve actually accomplished something today besides watching Oprah.

Harsh, I know.

A New Year.

Happy New Year, everyone!

A new year, for all new adventures - and I just had my first new experience of '09. Nate and I just got back from deer hunting! I grew up with a Daddy that hunted, so having a husband that does is just natural. I, however, had never been before.

Contrary to what you may think, it's really not boring! It's actually really exciting. Once we got all suited up (I looked like a giant leaf) we walked to the field we were hunting. Rather than risking my life in a tree stand, Nate decided we should just sit on the ground. So we perched beside a hay bail and waited...

And waited. The deer were smarter than we were this time, and none came out in the open. We did hear a few things walking through the woods, and definitely jumped a deer when we were headed back to the truck. Unfortunately, today is the last day of deer season in North Carolina, so I'll have to wait until this November to go again.

Since Nate and I got together, I have become somewhat of an outdoors-woman so to speak. I have bass fished my whole life, but Nate introduced me to fly fishing when we went to Alaska, and now I've been hunting! Just checking some things off of my list of things to do in life!

The real question of the day is - if one would have walked out, would I have had the guts to shoot it! Not so sure, but hey I never thought I dress up like a leaf and go sit on the ground either!