I. Hate. Reality. Television.

Last night before passing out in a near coma (I’ve been sleeping like a rock lately, and am tired all day) I was flipping through the channels when I stumbled across several reality TV shows. After seeing Sharon Osbourne listen to a trashy girl complain about another bratty girl in the house, I found the lovely Paris Hilton BFF show. Oh. My. God.

It was likely watching a very painful train wreck. Last nights episode (I’m assuming a re-run?) showed Paris down to four tentative “BFF’s.” I happened to turn it on as the elimination was occurring. Here sits Paris in this magnificent chair, beautiful no doubt, but whining to the girls about how her feelings were hurt because she didn’t think the one girl wanted to be there. Boo freaking hoo.

REALITY CHECK: No one, no matter how much money, no matter how much fame, is worth having to go through the things these girls have had to do. Being Paris Hilton’s new BFF should not be your ultimate goal in life.

The girl was kicked off and Paris said “TTYS” rather than her usual “TTYN” (talk to you never, maybe?) because she really liked this girl apparently. When the show cut to the girl crying her little eyes out because she had been kicked off that was all I could take, and I turned the channel. I mean, REALLY? How, I ask, is this television!?

I know some people love it, and call it a “guilty pleasure.” I personally think it’s dumb and condescending. Up until I graduated college I very rarely watched TV, so maybe I’m not the best judge but there are SO many things you can do with your life than watch this crap. All it does is help talentless, bitchy, and otherwise complete boring people get really rich for nothing. Talk about your American dream. Now go watch the Discovery Channel and learn something!

What I want to be when I grow up...

This past weekend Nate and I went to a friend’s wedding in Charleston. It was to be outside at an old hotel in historical downtown, but unfortunately it rained heavily forcing the sixty guests inside to the reception area. The ceremony was short and sweet… and I mean short! We’re talking seven minutes including walking up and down the aisle time. No music, no unity candle, no fluff. Just “I do,” “I do.” Ring. Ring. Okay you’re married.

The bride and groom were so happy that they barely remembered not to kiss after she had weaved her way through the tables to her handsome future hubby. Everything was beautiful, and it was a great night to be had by all.

The next morning Nate, having had just a few too many drinks, requested that I drive the three hour trip home to give him a break. I obliged, and he quickly fell asleep leaving me to my thoughts. I just kept replaying a conversation I overheard at the reception in my head over and over. (As nerdy as it may sound). Before we all headed out to the dance floor to shake our moneymakers, a female friend of mine who is a tap dance teacher made the comment that, “pshh this is what I get PAID to do” when a male friend had jokingly told her that she couldn’t dance. Her response to him was, “and what do you get paid to do?!” “Draw,” he laughingly said. He is a graphic designer for Anheuser Busch.

Jealousy basically shoots through my body when I think about this. Here I sat with two very close friends who are totally happy in what they are doing. They are living their dream, and making a wonderful living doing so. My girlfriend has always danced, and has turned it into a career that allows her to do something she loves every day. Likewise, my male friend always loved drawing growing up and he made a successful career out of it.

This got me thinking. If I could get paid to do something that I loved, what would it be? Idea 1: Music. I grew up playing many instruments – of them piano and guitar have always been my favorite. Unfortunately, while I’m a decent player, I’m no virtuoso so a career in either is simply out of the question. Idea 2: Arguing. While I’m only half joking, from age 7 I had wanted to be an attorney. Everyone always joked that I’d be great at it because, “I would argue with a stop sign.” A bad experience in a law firm, the high price of law school, a lost passion for the law, and that’s out too. Idea 3: Writing. I absolutely love to write things that I like to talk about. If I could get paid to write for a living I would be one happy individual. Now there’s an idea!

I wonder though just how many people have stayed at jobs over the years just so that they could have a paycheck. My Daddy has always encouraged me to do something that I love, and if that means becoming a lawyer, or being a stay-at-home Mom, it’s fine. With the economy the way it is hard to encourage people to branch out and follow their dreams, but it will get better one day and I can only hope that one day I am completely happy in my job doing something I absolutely love every single day.

*Note: I like my current job. I’m just sayin’.

A Pleasant Surprise.

I don’t usually watch the County Music Awards, or any award shows for that matter. I just don’t care for things like that because half of the time the performances are big let downs when it is broadcast loud and clear for millions of folks to see that these high paid men and women do not perform well live. Gasp!

However, last night I found myself watching them anyway, and I must say that I was more or less impressed! There was plenty of cleavage and big hair to go around, but on top of that the performances weren’t terrible. Kenny Chesney, who is an excellent live performer by the way, rocked out along with various other artists who were able to belt it out with no problem.

And can we say holy hottie, Shania Twain. I was so happy when she stepped out on the stage, and I support a Shania come back. Oh and Brad Paisley took a piece of my heart when he kissed his wife’s tee-ninsy (I’m assuming pregnant) little belly before accepting his award. Country music singers seem to be the most down to earth in the biz. I mean can you see T.I kissing his baby-mama belly before he accepts an award? I didn’t think so.

Moral of the story – I love country music and the beautiful men and women that sing it!

Christmas, already?

While riding to dinner on Monday night, I couldn’t help but notice a few homes with Christmas lights already up. Yes, in early November! One particular house was completely decked out – blow up snow globe in the front yard and all. These people take their Santa duty seriously.

If you have been anywhere near a Wal Mart, Lowe’s, or Target you have seen that the lights, trees, and random tacky snow globes (like the one mentioned above) are already out. This year I have decided I am NOT going to have a problem with these early birds anymore.

Last year, the day after Halloween the Christmas music started on the radio, and it made me mad. I felt like Thanksgiving was getting gypped, and it just made me grouchy. Rather than letting it ruin my month, I’m just going to embrace it. Enjoy the early Christmas sales, and just turn the channel when radio stations play Christmas music. Not quite ready to Deck the Halls just yet.

Even though its here two months early, Christmas really only comes once a year and when it’s over, it’s over. Nothing is sadder than a dying Christmas tree with all the presents gone from underneath it. So bring on the Christmas cheer, just don’t play Silent Night just yet…

Come December though, there will be Ugly Christmas Sweater parties, a decorated house - Clark Griswold style, and lots of presents to go around! Let’s just get through Thanksgiving first!

Every girl loves flowers.

No matter your age or marital status – every girl loves getting flowers. Some say, “oh, well it’s just a waste of money” or “I’d rather have something practical,” but you know good and well that getting a bouquet of flowers at work can brighten your day… as did these!

Nate sent me these today for our First Anniversary! I can’t believe it has been an entire year already! It seems just like yesterday I was running around picking out my wedding dress, deciding on flowers, throwing bridesmaids luncheons, and counting the guests. We had a wonderful wedding and I wouldn’t trade those memories for the world.

Here we are a year later, and we are just as happy and still going strong. I thank God as often as possible for putting a love like this into my life. It is such a blessing.

Nate, thank you so much for being the amazing husband that you are. I look forward to many, many more anniversaries!

*Sorry if I got a little sappy, I’m just happy :)

Destination Relaxation!

This week has been very draining. I was swamped at work, Nate has had less than a pristine week at work, and the lack of a complete night’s sleep from the puppy is starting to take a toll on both of us. She is just like having a small child, and sometimes I’m convinced it’s worse!

But just in the nick of time, we get to go on a mini-vacation! Our one year anniversary is Monday, the 10th so we’re heading up to the mountains to stay at a quaint little bed and breakfast. I hope we’re not too late to enjoy at least some of the fall leaves. I’m so happy to get to spend time with my husband but am really looking forward to no alarm clock, no rules, and no set place to be!

Happy Friday!

Time to Stand Together.

Yesterday was a defining moment in the history of the United States. Our first African-American President has been elected. I congratulate him! This morning I woke up to tons of Facebook status’s stating whether or not they were pleased with the election. Some people say they are moving to another country, others are so happy they are crying. It’s divided straight down the middle.

What I do know is that no matter who you voted for yesterday, today is the time to stand together. People fear change, and a black, former Muslim no doubt brings fear into some hearts. Myself included. But after watching his acceptance speech I have nothing but happiness and encouragement for him. This man deserves a chance to run our country. If perhaps a trial comes while he is in office and he fails miserably – only then hate him, only then blame him. As for now we need to look at him as a clean slate and move forward. Like it or not, he is your President and it is time to support him.

I have heard people say they are going to hang their flag upside down, or wear all black today for the death of our country. That is selfish and quite frankly, it’s stupid. We’re all nervous right now, but I totally believe that God has a plan at all times. This is very obviously his plan right now. God did not forget us yesterday, he was there for every second. So let’s trust His decision and move forward.

As for John McCain - good run, buddy! If you have not taken the time to watch his concession speech, please do so. McCain set the tone for the positive attitude that will allow us to move forward in a way that will be productive and prosperous for us all. It’s time to let go of the harsh feelings and join together as One Nation, Under God.

I am Jessica, and I approve this message.

Decisions. Decisions.

Today marks the most important election in my lifetime, if not one of the most important elections ever. As we all well know, it is the first time an African-American has been nominated for the presidency. Half of the excitement to rush out to the polls stems from this, but the other half is people’s dire need for “change.” Whether it be McCain or Obama they are voting for, most basically just want George Bush out!

It was really exciting driving into work this morning and seeing just how many people were standing in line to vote at the four or five centers that I passed – the lines were wrapped around buildings. I think it is fantastic that our country has finally taken their right to vote seriously. A friend told me that 85% of registered Floridian voters had already cast their vote before this morning. We all remember what happened back in 2000 when Bush and Gore were going head-to-head. I guess these people want to make sure that doesn’t happen again! (Not that I blame them!)

I will shamefully admit that I have totally been torn on who to vote for. Most people will say, “What!? HOW can you not know? They are so different!” Problem is – I tend to lean Republican, and share most of the same values, morals, and ideas as the Republicans typically do. But, I also know that statistically the economy is much better when a Democrat is in office. So what do I pick? To stand by my beliefs and what I think is ethically and morally right? Or stand by my desire to make my dollar stronger again? The latter of the two seems selfish, but we are in an ever-sinking economy and I just can’t convince myself that another Republican is the solution to the problem. Have no fear though, I have made an educated decision and will be heading to the polls this afternoon to help make history!

Money, it's a gas.

Can someone please tell me why little green pieces of paper practically run the lives of every single person on the face of the Earth? (Obviously not every Country's money comes in the form of green paper, but you get my point!)

With the U.S. economy facing it's worst crisis in over a half-century, how much money you have - or don't have - is becoming more and more of an issue. The cost of everything is going up. Food, gas, clothes, everything. The only thing NOT going up is housing costs and that's because a ton of people are losing theirs. The supply simply outweighs the demand.

And gas prices. What the hell? Charlotte, North Carolina has GOT to be the most selfish city in the South. There is a reason that our gas prices are still higher than everyone else in the U.S. - we panic. The unnecessary demand outweighs the supply.

My dental hygienist informed me during the recent gas scare - where people were waiting in lines for hours and pulling guns all to get a couple gallons of gas - that she stopped every other day to "top off, you know, just in case." She, my friends, is the problem. And if you did this too - shame on you! Stopping to finish off your tank is selfish and unnecessary. If you NEED gas, get it - but don't pull into the quarter-mile long line just so you can be sure you get your slice of the pie. Side note: I am seriously convinced that this scare was brought on to persuade people that, "expensive gas is better than no gas."

Another example of this selfishness: someone says the words "ice storm," and bread, milk and batteries are GONE from the stores. Doesn't matter that it's two states away and probably won't even effect us - "I've got mine, and to hell with everyone else!"

Money brings out the worst in all of us. Sure, it's great to have nice things, new cars, and beautiful homes. And it's super easy for me to sit here and say that you shouldn't be selfish, but the fact is it's human nature to be out for yourself. Can we do away with money? Absolutely not - it's what makes the world go 'round. Sometimes it's just a little depressing to think about the state of the world in which we live in.

I leave you with Pink Floyd, Money.
Money, get away. Get a good job with good pay and you're okay. Money, it’s a gas. Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash. New car, caviar, four star daydream, think Ill buy me a football team.

Money, get back. I'm all right jack keep your hands off of my stack. Money, it’s a hit. Don't give me that do goody good bullshit. I'm in the high-fidelity first class traveling set and I think I need a lear jet.

Money, it’s a crime. Share it fairly but don't take a slice of my pie. Money, so they say is the root of all evil today. But if you ask for a raise it’s no surprise that they're giving none away.

When it Rains, it Pours.

This week has been absolutely crazy! I haven't even been able to think about writing. Our brand new puppy became extremely sick in the wee hours of Sunday night/Monday morning, so Nate and I spent the majority of the night at the Emergency Vet. The word “parvo” was mentioned and I nearly had a heart attack. There was no "waiting to see if this one blew over.” Parvo kills puppies.

Thankfully, Bailey did not have parvo, but she did have various other stomach bugs including a disgusting bout of roundworms. She spent the next few days in and out of the vet, only coming home for about seven hours on Tuesday and then back in again until late Wednesday night. More than a few hundred dollars later, we have a healthy dog. Well, sort of - our nights now consist of waking at least every two hours to allow her to relieve her bladder and belly, and a 5 a.m. round of FOUR medicines.

It is amazing how quickly you can get attached to pets. The first night without her was really hard on us – having only had her for 7 days when she was admitted, you would have thought we had had her for 7 years. The house felt so quiet and empty. But, now we have her back full throttle. The biting, scratching, whining and barking are back, and life as we were beginning to know it can continue.

In other news, my car also has “more damage than originally thought” from my October 2nd accident. I’m driving around in a brand new Dodge Charger rental with terrible gas mileage and hellacious blind spots. So if you see me coming, watch out!

The main stress issue in all of this, is money. Money. Money. Money. Everything costs lots and lots of money, and I hate it. More on that to come…