One Day Left

One day left of 2009. Won't miss you baby. But I did have some highlights, both good and bad.

January- Got to see my grandma in Yuma. Saw my friend's band Black Heart Procession at the Casbah (first time at the Casbah).

February-Start of the decline of my former company.

March- Started posting on twitter, just playing around experimenting.

April- A lot of depressing stuff going on at work. I did find use for youtube though.

May- Finally got laid-off (blessing in disguise- maybe). Lots of thoughts on Paris and changing my life.

June-Airborne Toxic Event (Event), that was a fun night, met the band for the first time. Anthology is a very cool venue. Got a new dog Lola, she was a rescue from the Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter.

July-Went to my first-ever Tweetup, VIP treatment. As glamourous as it sounds, it wasn't. No talking with Shawn Merriman, but I did meet some friends IRL. Entering the Social Media Whirlwind started re-learning at UCSD for a class taught by Becky Carroll. Great times. My sis visited an i went to the San Diego Zoo. Went to see Horsies and Airborne Toxic Event again.

August- Saw Airborne Toxic Event yet again on the roof of the Hard Rock Hotel. I guess I had a summer fetish with Airborne Toxic Event. Two of the Three events were radio-sponsored. I am not sure how I got to attend these, but I did. 4-day Road Trip: San Diego-Palm Desert-Camarillo-San Jose-Camarillo-San Diego. Lost my cat (she was 9)...She wandered somewhere and didn't return :(

September- Yee Haw, I went to Dallas for a wedding. Saw Kathy Griffin Live.

October- Ahh, Regina Spektor Piano Goddess- saw her at HOB. BlogWorld in Las Vegas, what a fun group of people- can't wait till next one, Halloween is always fun, Saw some oldies with Elise at Jack's Fourth Show

November- David Sedaris (got to see him), Gary Vaynerchuk (got to meet him too), Thanksgiving with my folks up north. Nice road trip.

December- Nice quiet month for celebrating the holidays. Ready for 2009 to be over and focus on all the good things to come in 2010. I am fortunate to have despite the few setbacks. They say good things come to those who wait.

Picking and Choosing

Another job interview today, interesting to have been on my umpteenth interview in a lifetime. Everytime I enter the room, the first things I always wonder are: Is this person going to like me? Am I gonna wanna work here? Is this my existence worth being here 8 hrs. a day? Sometimes I think "I love you already but you don't even know me" or "Jesus, am I really going to try to get a job here." In a way interviewing is like dating. Do you like me? Do you want to be my friend? Want me to introduce you to my family? "If I like you, I will call you," they always say. Better yet, I will e-mail you if I like you and want another date but either way, I will let you know that either "I am into you" or "I just am not into you." Today, it was really hard to read my date (interviewer). I am not sure if I am going to go out on that "second" date or not. "It would be nice to see you again", I say, "call me if you want to introduce me to your family." Dating* Sucks. 

*Dating Aside- Obviously, I need a job. I have a real "family" to support after all. But if all else fails, I can write about my job interviews as I were going on dates. Maybe someday I will get married to a job. 

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Christmas Time Memories 2009

Just a few moments this holiday season. It was a memorable Christmas in San Diego.

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My Facebook Statuses for 2009

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January.pdf (124 KB)

Kind of fun reading these all in a row. Great recap of my thoughts for 2009. Will be fun to see my thoughts in 2010. Happy Holidays! Jennifer

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Going Minimalist

It is all about content they say, I sure hope so, I have been playing with my blog template and cannot find one I like. I know I have my ideal design, but right now it is all in my head. They say, don't procrastinate...just do it. So I am doing it with content. Spending more time writing less time designing IRL. I still design in my head. Baby steps.

Year in Review in 9 days

I have 9 days to write this post. It will be 2010 soon, every year I think that the next year will be better. I sure hope so. This year kinda sucked but I tried to make lots of lemonade. Yes, I am hoping 2010 will be better. Here are the pros and cons of 2010: Well start with cons first then pros (End off with a good note).

Cons:
- Lost my job
- Haven't replaced my job yet
- My mouth is like a sick puppy, needs caring for all the time (Gum issues)
- Less money for vacations, crap that ends up in my garage

Pros:
- Still have my health
- Spend more time with family
- Got Lola a new dog (probably wouldn't adopted her if I still had my job)
- Joined Toastmasters to conquer my public speaking fear
- Started conversing/engaging on Twitter, met some IRL friends out of this
- Learning loads in Social Media- Got to meets some good role models IRL
- Not as stressed from work
- The gym became my friend and not my enemy
- Did a tiny bit of travel- San Francisco, 3-day cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Las Vegas, and took a mini-road trip going to San Jose on the 101.

Late Night Snuggie Post

I will admit, I love my Snuggie, I was skeptical at first (this was over a year ago) but as soon as I got mine, I was hooked. I got it as a gift from my mother-in-law. We received four burgundy Snuggies, one for each family member, but I am the only one in my family that uses their Snuggie (so I guess I technically own 4). I wear my Snuggie around the house, haven't ventured out in public (yet) like some have (guy on dance floor in Vegas). My husband doesn't appreciate it when I wear my Snuggie when snuggling with him, he finds it a bit disturbing when I come to bed draped in cheap, fleece material. I am not picky when it comes to warmth, I am ok wearing a oversized fleece mess.

I don't find the Snuggie to be the next peacoat, but it does work as a nice oversized robe. My dogs even chewed holes in one of my Snuggies and that seems to be my favorite one (the holy one). The material isn't the best, but it keeps me warm. I highly recommend this product even though there are better quality ones out there- Nuddle, Slanket, Brookstone NAP. I endorse Snuggies for people. I don't endorse Snuggies for Dogs, Blythe Dolls nor I endorse Snuggies for Trolls. 

Photos by absolutelysmall (Blythe doll Snuggie seller) and beckynot (Troll Snuggie seller)

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The Sing-off

I tuned in to "The Sing Off" a reality/talent singing/A cappella style show on NBC. First off, I had no idea what to expect, I only saw the commercial a couple of times (thanks to the magic of DVR). The first thing they did was bring all the groups out to sing a song together. I was a bit confused but then I got it. They were all competing to be the best A cappella group on TV. A few thoughts on the show:

 

-       Ben Folds- Umm, he is genius. Didn’t know he was a judge on the show before watching (shocked to see). I love his music (Bitches ain’t shit, Cologne, Jesusland, Smoke, Battle for who could care less) I didn’t know he was so in-tune to music theory. He understood the voice intonations, he explained why things worked and didn’t work. Good choice NBC. His tour t-shirt needs to now read. I heart Ben Folds before he sucked, but now he redeemed himself and is a singing judge. (I own his tour shirt)

 

-       Boys II Men Shawn Stockman- Nice sweater. I wanna see a B II M reunion on this show. His judging was on the nice side, but respectable.

 

-       Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls- Huh? Are you taking what Paula is taking?

 

-       Humanizing these singers, I liked the stories before the group sang. People have challenges but they aspire doing what they love despite hardships. Excellent message.

 

-       I don’t like the comparison to Glee/American Idol. Glee is a different type of show, the singers rehearse, record then lipsync. Glee is a comedy not reality. Glee isn’t all A cappella. The only thing they have in common is group singing. Because of Glee,  the Sing-off contestants need to be careful on song choice. My brain loves the Glee Soundtrack and when you sing Somebody to Love, that is what I am going to want to hear (Glee Cast) The Sing-off isn’t American Idol either, yes the singers are off key but there are no silly antics leading up to the competition.

-       My favorites/thoughts of the night…Beezulbub group. Love they made a human van and sung at the same time (something Glee show should do- A whole show on Beatles music). Also, if you sing a song that was on Glee, it better be a better rendition, which it wasn’t (Socal Group). Not loving the faux hawk on the Mormon girl lead singer but she can screech out a tune. The Barbershop ladies in red-they were cute and there were only four of them, they remind me of the Red Hat society. The guys from Puerto Rico- I liked that they put a spin on the Jason Mraz song, made it their own (they could of butchered it, but they didn’t). It is all about performance at the end.

 

-       I know I couldn’t do any better. I am not one to watch shows with Nick Lachey (ex- Mr.Jessica Simpson), but I will make this one exception. Good Clean Fun/Good Luck to all. 

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Baby Mantras to live by and The Adult Version of Pin-the-Tail on the Donkey

I went to Thread San Diego Today. Three words to describe:  Inspiring. Uplifting. Defining.

Artists doing what they love. Here are two of my finds today:

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The Real Job Hunt is about to begin

I have to admit, I have enjoyed my run as being a SAHM. It has been therapeutic and rewarding to watch my children grow up before my eyes and have no distractions of the 9 to 5 grind. But being a SAHM unfortunately doesn't pay the bills. My challenge is monetizing my thoughts and insights. I have a gazillion ideas but they all go in every which way. I want to work in art, i want to work in marketing, I want to work in social media, I want to work in France or at least travel to France (don't know French too well), I like going to see live music so maybe I want to promote music, I want to help homeless people get back on their feet. I obviously need a plan, some patience and maybe a crystal ball.

People Sure are Dedicated

Yes, I like Adam Lambert's voice, I like his theatrical presence and that he is authentic. I am not a diehard fan, but I did get to hang out with a bunch of them this afternoon. I had the opportunity to take my daughter to see Adam dedicate his American Idol Finale outfit to the Hard Rock Hotel. I spoke with a few of them and some were camped out since 8am just to get a glimpse at the action. 

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I Suck at Gift Giving

Confession, when it comes to gift giving I suck at it. I just bought myself a Paul Frank Hoodie with built-in earbuds and a coffee cup from Starbucks today. I did buy a friend a doodle book yesterday but I was tempted to start coloring in it. Yes, the holidays are for being charitable, being with family and counting your blessings. But all the ads, deals, excessive word-of-mouth on gadgets/books/knick-knacks gets me every time. Tis the season for overbuying. I need to stop this 2 for me - 1 for you ratio formula for gift-giving. It really should be 0 for me - 30 for you (I don't really NEED anything).  As for the hoodie I ordered, I will find it handy to have built-in earbuds for my old-school ipod (till I accidently wash it). Then may be I can buy that new ipod Nano (so colorful). Enjoy the pics.

photo credit and where to buy:
ipod nanos-apple.com
paul frank hoodie - Karmaloop.com
Doodle a year - Mcasd.org

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Flash Mobs are Cool

I especially like train stations, open spaces, museums. A Universal Love...as you can see by the various cities that love to do a random dance.

For your viewing pleasure, here are my favorite Flash Mob dances:

 

Sound of Music incorporated in a Flash Mob. Yodalay-Yodalay-Yodalay hee hoo...

 

Even corporations turn Flash Mobs into commercials

 

Can't leave out MJ's Thriller

 

Museums in Paris have flash mobs too

 

 Even Oprah doesn't know that she was flash mob punk'd

 

Oldies but Goodies

 

 

 

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The Hottest Toy of 2009- Zhu Zhu Hamsters

I saw these Zhu Zhu critters on the shelves in September, fully stocked and ready to be taken home. At the time, I didn't care to have one of these fake rodents in my house. Still don't, but I am curious on the mayhem, these little mechanics are about to stir. Disclosure: I own a "real" hamster, which doesn't have an off button and it stinks at times, why would I need a fake one?  So I passed up the chance to get my hands on the "Hottest Toy of 2009". Shucks, I always do that ( a chance to buy in bulk and charge people 5,6,7 or 8 times the retail amount).  I could of cashed in for the sake of those poor parents trying to fulfill their kid's holiday wish. Retailers are counting on Black Friday to have this toy hamster bring in the masses. On Black Friday, Toys R Us is planning to have a lottery to have a chance to buy one of these $10 electronic fur balls . Heck, this beats buying them on the black market for $60 each. But is my headache worth $50, probably not. My prediction, one year from now that little $10 or $60 fake rodent will be on the bottom of someone's closet (Hammy or Hamlet can be friends with Tickle me Elmo and Furby). Can I add there are accessories too- playhouses and trails with add-ons, hamster balls, skateboards. Add about $20-$100 extra dollars (for retail) to this mix, closer to $200-$500 for black market fulfillment. Holidays fun yet? It hasn't even started, it isn't even Friday yet.  P.S. if you see one of these things send one my way, my kid "kinda" wants one this Christmas. 

PPS. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and don't stress out. Family or Friends rules out woes (Thankful for great people)

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Team Edward

I have to admit, I do like the Twilight series, it gives people the chance to swoon over something positive in their lives. There are too many crappy things going on in the world. Why not escape in a good fantasy movie like New Moon.  They make fabulous merchandise for the movie, isn't that what it is all about the merchandise? My key find are these Team Edward T-Shirts. I am thinking about getting them for my family members. Why? Because Edward is the name of my husband not because I am a New Moon fan (but I can pretend).

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Parent-Teacher Conference

Highlights...Looking at E's work of her hand-drawings of a cartwheel demonstration and balloon sayings "I don't feel so good" (girl upside down) and her drawings of her cheeseburger cravings in gymnastics.  Overall a good PT meeting. I am glad that there are caring teachers out there.

Another edition of How am I?

I am doing just great from the standpoint of my health, my family's health, love from family and friends. Still wanting to get to Paris, France sometime soon. I still am employable, just haven't found the right gig yet.

My list of desires in a position:

*Flexible (from the time I am writing this post Graveyard may do too)
*Use of my brain (Social Media Marketing preferably)
*Close to my house (Preferably in my house)
*Pay would be wonderful (enough to save to retire when I am 65 but will settle on paying my bills)
*If I must work out of my house and have to work during the day, doggie's to work would be nice.


That's all on the job situation. It is approaching Thanksgiving. I will be thankful that I get to be happy everyday of the week. My mind has been meandering but I am getting there. Lots of family roller coasters but the train hasn't fallen off the track yet. What is broken can be fixed. This is what I am thankful for this year.

No Running in Target Either

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Black Friday out of control- Really?

Did people just now find out that the lottery system is the way to go with the Black Friday Bunch? Crazy people getting up at the crack of dawn for crappy electronics, game systems that are not hard to get anymore and free snowglobes for the first 200 people. New rule for 2009- No running in Walmart. Any other rules I should know about? I wonder how Twitter will play into this crazy insane shopping day? 

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108137/calming-the-black-friday-crowds

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Why books won't go out of style

I own so..so..so many books. I like the look and feel of the cover and the paper inside. My grandmother owned a bookstore in the bay area and when I was little I used to marvel at all the books she had in her store. I was drawn to the vintage magazines and toys she had on her shelves. I like that you can just pick up a book and go to the page you were on. This last week, I went to two book signing events. The first book signing I went to was the David Sedaris event at the new Balboa Theatre in San Diego. David is so damn funny. He has a voice that I can listen to for hours telling me silly, offbeat stories about his family life or some satire he concocted from his vivid imagination. David is a cute little guy that drew a picture of himself in my book of him throwing up. He said he is too old for people to be taking real pictures of him, so he drew me a picture of himself. Then I told him I saw him on Letterman (YouTube Style), he then proceeded to draw chunks coming out of his mouth and told me, "that is me when I got off the stage on Letterman". The second book signing this week was a wine tasting event for Gary Vaynerchuk's book CRUSH IT! Gary has a sense of enthusiasm that makes you want to go CRUSH IT yourself. I admire his wine tasting abilities- not sure if I could pick up the petrol, beef jerky hints in wine myself but fruit hints of the wines- yes. I liked 3 out of the 4 wines which is not bad for someone who doesn't like the strong tannins in wines. Both of these events I thoroughly enjoyed and had a physical book in my hand at the end of the night. 

My point to this post is-  if books went out of style, what would we have these authors sign? Would there be a blank page for the kindle for the author to stylus their autograph? Would furniture makers slow down the production of book shelves? How about B&N, Borders and most important the indie booksellers? I understand the usefulness of a kindle for clutter relief and ease of use when traveling, but damnit, I like my books. What if my kindle fell into the bathtub? I would loose my page literally. Paper and ink wins this debate. Technology has won most of my heart but in the publishing world, I will stick to the real thing. 

 

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Ups and Downs

Last night, I went to see Regina Spektor at the House of Blues. She plays piano effortlessly. Her voice is amazing and her lyrics are offbeat yet beautiful. Her ensemble band was really good as well. Two young asian men playing bass and violin and Matt Chamberlain (drummer) who has drummed for Tori Amos in the past. Dinner at the Red Pearl was excellent. Their dishes are asian yet you would not be able to duplicate by eating anywhere else. I just have to say I love going out and having fun. Downtown wasn't busy at all, it was great to walk around without worried about the craziness of traffic and groups of people. This was my up.

Tonight is my down, lethargic evening puts me to bed at 7 pm. Throat scratchy, sneezing, getting up every few hours to put benzocane on my toothache. The seasons decided to change overnight. I am feeling a bit better, but it seems so hard to think of productivity when you are feeling like this. Life is funny like that I guess.

My picture with Chris Brogan

We are were some crazy San Diego Tweeps in the right place at the right time. I look forward to reading the book "Trust Agents". Love ya BWE09, looking forward to BWE10 - I am pictured far left.

Jack's 4th Show

Sat. Nt., I took my 7 yr. old to the Jack's Fourth Show (concert) at the Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine. Jack is a popular radio station in the LA area. I got tickets through a promotion so I thought what the heck. So E and I drove up to see Missing Persons, RATT, Eddie Money, George Clinton, Joan Jett, B-52s, Foreigner. It ended up we only say 4 of the 7 bands but for being an outdoor show, not bad. This was not her first concert, she had been to two prior concerts. When she was 5 yrs. old, I took her to see Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus and last July I took her to see the Idols Live. Both of those concerts were in her age range, not so sure this was but we went had a good time and I survived. Wasn't sure what I was thinking taking her to see a bunch of bands older than I was. But she knew some of the music from Joan Jett and the B-52s (from playing the Rock Band video game) so I wasn't too worried about her being bored. Here is my recap:

I knew Missing Persons and RATT were the first bands to come on so I took my time getting to the concert. So we ate quick dinner at a restaurant called Harpoon Henrys along the Dana Point Harbor. I had a clam chowder bowl and she had the grilled cheese. Ok for restaurant food, there were probably better places to eat out there but I was not familiar with the area.  After eating, we continued onto Irvine. When we got there and RATT was just wrapping up the song Round and Round comes on and E says I know that song. Ok, I am thinking...so much music from Rock Band and Guitar Hero is overlapping this generation it is crazy. I have tix to lawn seats (free for all in the top level, you bring your own blanket and sit wherever there is a space), we sit in front of a wall in the back, pretty much the only space for a blanket left. No one in back of us so that is good. There were a few kids I saw walking up to the lawn area so I am thinking..this concert is kid-friendly (relief in my mind). I drove an hr. and a half and I am not turning back. It kind of was kid friendly, I just wasn't sitting in that area. E and I sat where in front of us were nice people drinking beer and having a good time. We got settled at about intermission time and then Biz Markie came out and did a guest appearance which was great. He say his one hit wonder "Just a friend", old school rap and some beat-boxing. Those were memories. Then Eddie Money came out, he has some good hit songs, I totally forgot that was him that sang...Two Tickets to Paradise, Baby I'm in Love, Take me Home Tonight. But he looked and sounded like crap- the songs were good though.  E was having a good time noshing on her pretzel and cotton candy. Next up was George Clinton, he comes out and starts singing "Flashlight"- I start smelling skunk, so glad E didn't notice. George is one crazy guy, his dreads were out of this world plus one of his band mates comes out in an adult diaper. Laughter from E. "Ha ha, the guy is wearing a diaper", she alerts me. I am thinking well at least he is clothed or better yet is wearing more than a sock. E enjoys the guitar and blues riffs. I heard the people around me praising the guy in the rastafarian beanie. Great, I am thinking, he also proceeds to light a "cigarette" and I give him an evil eye- someone points to E telling him there are kiddos around. He then goes a few steps up to hide his smoke.  I am glad she didn't notice. Then is Joan Jett. She starts singing some of her unknown songs and goes into her classic songbook Crimson and Clover, Heartbreaker, finally E's favorite I love Rock and Roll. I myself can't believe I am singing this with my 7 yr. old, I remember singing this very song on the bus in first grade "put another dime in the jukebox baby". Ahhh the memories. Joan Jett was probably the best performer there and she is a rock goddess which made the trip up to Irvine well worth it. Lastly, we the B-52s came on they looked the same as in their Love Shack Video, just a tad bit older, same hair-dos. But they started with old, old songs ones I didn't recognize at all. Got to the point where E was coming down from her sugar high (or perhaps a contact high).  She did want to stay for the song Roam but it wasn't meant to be, we did hear it from the parking lot as well as my fav. Love Shack. In the sea of cars luckily, I found mine. We got home about 11pm a decent hr. considering it was out-of-town concert. Beat but glad I went so I can cherish memories reliving the 80's with my 7-yr. old daughter.

My thoughts on hate

 This is a rant.

I have seen many news stories lately on hate, religion and war. History repeats present in many forms. Wars because of religion. Hate because of religion. Wars because of Hate. Religion based on Hate. It is this cyclical mess the world cannot get out of. I tend to shy away from the news, CNN or any other source that brings news because it just isn't positive anymore. Everyone is fending for themselves. It seems the only time people come together is when there is a catastrophic event or a fundraiser/marathon/ awareness month. Right now, there is a war on what kind of healthcare America should provide. The reason why we don't have the healthcare system France, Spain or Sweden has is because there is no compassionate care in America, it is all about the bottom line. TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy are basing story lines on this, Seattle Grace can't give a test because it is $5000 and who is going to pay when the patient cannot afford? I understand that there are costs associated with healthcare and it is a business like anything else, but to be afraid to go to the dr. because of affordability scares me. I have seen bills from my son's checkup on a region and it wasn't pretty. I could of bought a used car with the 5 hrs he was in the hospital (most of the time waiting) and there were no operational procedures done.

I am no expert on War, Religion or Government Affairs, but what I do see is Hate. I have seen it when gay marriage wasn't granted legal in CA when it was already legal for that time window. Isn't LOVE of another person regardless of their gender enough?  LOVE is so hard to find these days, I myself have been through the struggles of finding LOVE. Religion has made these guidelines that it has to be between a man and a woman, because the bible told us so. I am all for religion, free belief system, that is why America has the freedom they have, but when any hate of another is involved it makes me sad.

My conclusion on hate is we live in this divided world. I am not so sure how long it will take to bring us all together but we cannot let a catastrophe or casualties in our system bring people out of their bad reasoning of the world. 

Halloween Preview

Went to Target this evening, spent about $75 on 3 halloween costumes. One complete Witch Costume and two doggie costumes. This is great (hint of sarcasm) with $75 I could get a weeks worth a groceries, but I am settling for one month of joy. You cannot buy pictures of your dogs dressed up as Frankenstewie or Lola the Princess. E is a witch this yr.

I should be sleeping

I blog best in the middle of the night or just before bed. I seem to think more openly, possibly something I wouldn't say if I was not half asleep but cannot sleep. Perhaps, i have things on my mind. Today, I slept in and didn't feel guilty, I had a massive headache so I was technically sick. If I mope around without being sick, I am unproductive but if I am sick and mope around it is alright. I guess there is logic to this, but I would like to mope around and not feel guilty about doing so being perfectly healthy. Right now, I don't even watch Oprah when it is scheduled, nor do I tune in to The Priee is Right. I would love to watch Plinko in HD and scream at the TV but I don't. I don't even schedule trips to the beach and pretend I am in Hawaii. I love my computer too much and my twitter friends. Can't afford the iphone service, so until that time comes I am glued to my home wi-fi and leave only for hour-long trips jogging around the lake or climbing the mountain. My dogs Stewie and Lola,  like my company and I like their company as well. They follow me around the house, they know when it is treat time. Lola likes her daily greenie and Stewie likes his dried chicken wrapped rawhide. Lola also likes drinking out of the hose when I am watering my plants currently on life support. This is a great partnership the dogs and I. Anyways, I really should be sleeping because right now I am just ranting.

5 pink tents

This weekend, my mother-in-law gave my daughter 5 pink tents to have a future proposed sleepover. The tents were from last yrs' 3-day walk and her friends knew my m-in-law had a granddaughter. So they decided it would be cute to give us the tents for this sleepover purpose.  My m-in-law dropped off the tents to E and she was so happy, already planning out who she was going to invite. I jokingly said "oh we can drop one off downtown", she replied quickly and mentioned her friend didn't want to see the pink tents downtown. Oh, I bit my lip hard, shut-up and left the room.

This has gotten me thinking about these tents and the homeless everytime I see them and they are still sitting on my living room floor. There is a huge homeless population in San Diego. Do we help them or ignore them? As a human being, I think the answer is to help, but obviously to many the answer is to ignore.  I would like to be helped if I were in that situation, it really isn't hard anymore to lose it all. I am now strongly considering volunteering for a homeless organization with or without the 5 pink tents in hand. What do I have to lose? I still have a roof over my head.

Lots of places and things to do

Lots of places and things to do this month, but still not working (another post, another time).  Another birthday passed by...the big 34, I think next yr. is a milestone, maybe I will actually have a birthday dinner with friends or something more than this yr. I am actually enjoying my time with the family, not so stressed out, rushing everywhere, trying to be everyone to everbody all at once. These are my top Sept. thoughts:

TEXAS
I went to Texas last week for a beautiful wedding, didn't actually set a foot in Dallas, but was about ten miles away, maybe next time. Observations:  Everyone spoke in a twang accent. If I had stayed there a bit longer, I might of even picked it up. Loved the La Madeleine Restaurant, never thought I would listen to beginner french lessons in a Texas bathroom. Another thing that grabbed me was a bbq restaurant called Red, Hot and Blue that we went to served "pitchers" individually as their glasses. 32oz of sweetness is what they called it, plus you get free refills if you wanted. I guess they do say everything is bigger in Texas.

KATHY 
Last nt., I saw Kathy Griffin Live. Her Balls of Steel tour, she mentioned tweets as twats, and had a lot of celebrity dirt stories. I think you either love her or just are plain offended. She is great in my eyes, so what if she is so wrong. Her topics last nt: Oprah, Whitney, Britney, Jon and Kate, Barbara Walters, Miley Cyrus, Palin Party, Paula, a bit on the Kanye/Taylor fiasco..and other stuff to bad to say aloud. My thoughts on her routine:  Someone has to bad mouth the celebs- why not it be her? Laughter is the best medicine they say, I got a great dose last night. The end.

FRIENDS
Old and new friends...I have my two oldest friends still around, 21 yrs. of growing up together, thick and thin. Not so hard to believe we stuck together for so long.. I wouldn't have it any other way, I love we share our differences, similarities, struggles and our achievements together. I just have to say if it weren't for them I would never have met my husband, had two wonderful kids or have fallen in love with San Diego.  I have also found new friends both in the former workplace and most recently by twittering (great cocktail party). I just have to say I have met the greatest people, everyone has a story to tell, some great ideas, many experiences good and bad. Can't wait to see the friendships grow and bloom. My thoughts on this: I never know where anything takes me anymore. May my experiences give me a great journey till Oct.

How am I

I am doing, still not "working" (I am working just not with a paycheck). I am now contemplating my definition of a "paycheck" (don't get me wrong, one of those would be nice). I want to enrich myself and work in a place that helps me grow as a person. I am not sure if one exists right now. As long as I can afford my long-term pursuits, I will keep growing as a person. My short-term pursuits have got me life knowledge but nothing sustainable for me to grow on. My enjoyments, learning more on social media and the change that is bringing to the marketing/advertising world. The old way was to advertise pay traditional media like newspapers, radio, television and magazines to get the word out either by selling product or service out and letting consumers come to you, a great one-way conversation. The new way- listening to consumers/friends/family, letting them know that you are out there and giving something to them to engage each other and talk about your product/service/life. This makes for a exponential buzz factor, transparency and real-time conversation with your audience. I am still learning technologies, there are much to be learned and new ones created everyday. That is the beauty of the industry right now, it is evolving, never a dull moment and as long as I am engaged, I will keep my ear to the ground and sponge the knowledge up. There are many groundbreaking leaders out there right now, I consider them inspiring and helpful to me. Knowledge really is a powerful thing. I hope to continue soak it up.

Two months really?

Sorry, blog I haven't touched you in over two months.  Let's see in two months, I have managed to:

1. Keep my leisurely duties with keeping house, dogs and kids
   
2. continue studying social media
   
3. had my sister and niece over for a short visit
4. Have a zoo membership because of the family visit
5. join toastmasters
6. See Airborne Toxic Event two more times and hangout for nanosecond with drummer and bassist at the roof of the Hard Rock Hotel
7. Finally drive up to the front of the Hotel Del but haven't entered yet
8. Apply for lots of jobs to find that no one cares that I like to email resumes, I am not that thrilled either that I have had five jobs in the last ten yrs., I wanna job watching Oprah and eating licorice.
9. See horsies from Turf Club, once you go turf you never go back. So horsies, I won't see you for about another yr. or so.
10. Go to the beach a couple of times. Not the many like I hoped.
11. Managed to meet new people through twitter of all places. I seem to stick with the old friends, but I gave it a try.
12. Did author a new blog on wordpress called secretsandiego

Well hope I write again before I turn another age again. About 3 wks from now.

Airborne Toxic Event- June 17, 2009

Yay! I saw them live. One of the best performances I have seen yet. I should of taken pics but was told not too. I do what I am told (sometimes) Anyways, it was a happy night. Red wine had a lot to do with it. Thank you, French House Pinot Noir.

Unpredictable

I find life unpredictable. I just found out my old friend Mike's wife was one of the journalists that was held by NK.  I do hope that justice will serve right and she returns soon to her family. It is so hard to think that something so traumatic can be so close to my heart. I am one of those people that protect their friends and family.  Don't mess with me or my friends/family. I know someone is watching up above. I find it hard for myself to wait, I cannot imagine what it is like for Mike and their little girl. I do see and appreciate my family in a new light and think that cherishing what I have is my first priority. I do see a happy ending.  Hope is my new favorite word.

Writing is theraputic

Only on blogger.  I haven't been able to put pen to paper, I write only in the middle of the night and what is on my mind or passionate about.  I need to catch up on my Getting Goop-y posts about Gwyneth's blog.  Maybe that will be my Catharsis to get my life on track again.  I am slowly getting there, I guess that why 'work' is called 'work', you work to make a living, you work to have a life, you work to make something you enjoy.  It is quite a process, I do see a light though really faint, I see it. 

Oh the changes we seek

Life is one of those mysterious things.  All the challenges, uphill battles it brings. I guess life would be one boring gesture if there were no ups and downs in life.  I take this challenge on to find what makes me happy, fulfilled.  I have to keep telling myself one journey may lead to another.  I think I am like the character Matt in Ugly Betty, always going from one thing to the next. This summer, for as long as I can, I plan to enjoy my time with my children, maybe try to volunteer for a bit. Apply to colleges for work...not sure about private sector jobs anymore, they are too elusive. Get myself out there to see if I have marketable skills for the masses.  Love the continuous weekend I am having so far, but I know that will get old knowing my trips to Europe will be scarce if I don't work.  

Today

Today, I joined the ranks of the unemployed.  I really am totally ok with it. My line of work is a dying art.  The only thing is what do you do for money?  If I had a choice and now I do, what should I do with my life now.  Things I like right now. France, french things, art....this all leads to me being a artsy Parisian.  Realistic no but anything is possible.  Truly, I need to be me.  I have been suppressing it too long. I am going to decide in the next coming weeks what is right for me. Not a job, not a career, but truly what is me.  My passion, what drives me. Not just what collects a paycheck.  I have played that game too long.  C'est la vie.  Another fork in my illustrious world of me.

Jen in Real Life

For a while, I thought things were getting brighter. This week has been a bit gloomy.  There were layoffs at work and some other stuff going down on the homefront. I don't like being depressed about things. I thought I was over that. I am over it. I just count my blessings and the things I have and feel achievement and love.  That is all I want to feel. I hate depression, economic downturns and soul taking gestures in the world.  I want and need the art around me and the greed-free idealistic aura to surround me.  I still see travels to Paris and other beautiful european cities in my horizon.  I hate being told what to do, who to fire.  I don't want to contribute to the failing economic downturn.  The end.

twitter- a little over one month

Crazy, how time flies while your having fun.  I discovered twitter.  Time waster, maybe..learning new things definitely. Things I will not let you know.  When I am going to the bathroom, when my doggie is going to the bathroom or when my kids are going to the bathroom.  But it is sort of a method of releasing random thoughts in my head or just journaling in bite-sized pieces. Here is the 102 tweets so far from @jboydsandiego:

 

 

@Lilazndude I am so far behind on Lost, I think I need to take 8 hrs. to catch up now.10 minutes ago from web in reply to Lilazndude

  
  



http://tinyurl.com/ckn4o2 (via @addthis) Great use of this application, this is just the start of real time learning11 minutes ago from web 

  
  



Ok, I should of got the facts first http://tinyurl.com/c4n49p - at least something positive came out of this contest. My bad.24 minutes ago from web 

  
  



what is w/this Kutcher/CNN garbo? I get that his EGO went up mucho points. 1M acknowledge his existence, his next msg. should be UR PUNK'D.32 minutes ago from web 

  
  



I think @oprah will be a great boost for twitter, O has many people who love and respect her. Great tool for her 2 spread her pos influence.about 1 hour ago from web 

  
  



RT @LukesBeard Create a Retro Photo and Background http://snurl.com/g2ple - Thanks for this, now to learn Photoshop!about 1 hour ago from web 

  
  



@anyamarina Cool Louie thanks youabout 5 hours ago from TwitterFon 

  
  



Ate west coast bbq, I hate it when I eat too much, but it was so good. Gonna watch the shows on NBC tonight, lay in bed and just be.about 6 hours ago from web 

  
  



@Lilazndude so do you find following me amusing? Are you going to SF this weekend too?about 10 hours ago from web in reply to Lilazndude

  
  



RT @CombsSeth Fucking hipsters! http://tinyurl.com/c8vkwu - This is funny!about 12 hours ago from web 

  
  



I'm irritated by everything. I think I need a vacation.about 14 hours ago from web 

  
  



Still sleepy, at least it is sunny today. My inbox is overflowing with things to do, but don't wanna do anything. Is this normal?about 17 hours ago from web 

  
  



http://tinyurl.com/cw3uzm (via @addthis) can't wait!9:19 PM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



Cool to see how many servers facebook has to store all their photos9:09 PM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



employment branding at facebook - http://tinyurl.com/dm4eu29:08 PM Apr 15th from ShareThis.com 

  
  



Waiting for ai results show to come on. Also have a new hairdo :)8:17 PM Apr 15th from TwitterFon 

  
  



RT @melgordon Who has a better business card than this? http://tinyurl.com/4xy6e6 -My response is Lego-http://tinyurl.com/c94rpf Best Ever!3:01 PM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



on the 4th peep (yellow bunny) out of 12 in the package. thats my 110 calories of sweetness for the day.11:56 AM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



work, work and more work today. After work, new hairdo.10:12 AM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



kings of leon "use somebody" ♫ http://twt.fm/515688:30 AM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



back to get some zZzz3:11 AM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



I found this article to be useful 4 those Twicruiters/Twijobsearcher http://tinyurl.com/bceltr3:06 AM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



@sodaly agreed, it is a San Diego twitter affliction.2:34 AM Apr 15th from web in reply to sodaly

  
  



Ok, I am obsessed with peeps and Easter is over http://tinyurl.com/cweyff - you need to see this "Nighthawks" Peep rendition2:33 AM Apr 15th from web 

  
  



I just ate a whole box of these artificially smelling sugary tasting yellow bunny Peeps, out goes my no-sugar diet.2:44 PM Apr 14th from web 

  
  



Twitter is not about making money by spamming a follower. It is about networking and learning new things that may interest me. Please!11:54 AM Apr 14th from web 

  
  



Even though I have all these other twitter tools, I still use twitter and twitterfon. I guess the basics work best.9:51 AM Apr 14th from web 

  
  



http://tinyurl.com/d77snn mmmmmm...PEEPS are good8:43 AM Apr 14th from web 

  
  



@SDSU_NewsTeam- Sun went bye bye8:39 AM Apr 14th from web in reply to SDSU_NewsTeam

  
  



RT @yazad: Good advice for Job Boards (ain't gone yet), from ERE: http://tinyurl.com/c2e9p7 I totally agree-save yourself while you can8:21 AM Apr 14th from TwitterFon 

  
  



Another day, what adventures will my mind take me today?8:18 AM Apr 14th from TwitterFon 

  
  



Twitter Tuesday, what do we do today? It is not follow Friday, or unfollow Monday. The question of the day.5:05 AM Apr 14th from web 

  
  



Ahh... feel much better in Pj's getting ready for primetime tv.6:21 PM Apr 13th from web 

  
  



Tired of work today, wanna go home now4:18 PM Apr 13th from web 

  
  



@LiveSpeakR shewanders.com for photography4:14 PM Apr 13th from web in reply to LiveSpeakR

  
  



Multi-tasking my superb coordination skills, with daydreaming about vacations I will not be able to take till next yr. and reading tweets.2:30 PM Apr 13th from web 

  
  



Why can't everyday be a holiday, I am looking at the calendar, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday..Is there a Easter Tuesday?10:29 AM Apr 13th from web 

  
  



listening to the adventureland soundtrack, if you like the 80's you'll like this music.9:53 AM Apr 13th from web 

  
  



How can people get up so early? I was up at 7:15 am and I am still dragging.8:01 AM Apr 13th from web 

  
  



Why can't they have Britain's Got Talent in the US too? We have a BBC network. http://ping.fm/naPU39:59 PM Apr 12th from Ping.fm 

  
  



Peeps for Breakfast, Peeps for Lunch, Peeps for Dinner. Happy Easter!8:14 AM Apr 12th from Ping.fm 

  
  



Hmmm...I wonder which stores are open today? I plan to go the movies and perhaps the ceramics cafe'. Of course, it depends on family plans.3:40 AM Apr 12th from web 

  
  



RT @guykawasaki: Deep-Fried Peeps http://adjix.com/r3qu Sounds Gross6:27 PM Apr 11th from TwitterFon 

  
  



Last minute, consumerism shopping a' la easter bunny. Waiting for those peeps to be on sale on Monday for half off. Marshmellow madness=:)3:35 PM Apr 11th from web 

  
  



Saturday morning, should be sleeping in. I wake up with things I wanna do (art classes, gym times) on the internet. Then I will zzZZ again.5:29 AM Apr 11th from web 

  
  



listening to the Decemberists perform live (recording) on npr. http://tinyurl.com/dlxbdg Concert in my living room. Nice.8:37 PM Apr 10th from web 

  
  



Ready for the weekend, back to the real world tomorrow with kiddos back and a tore up front yard.1:42 PM Apr 10th from web 

  
  



@chriscantore I love the easter bunny video. Happy Easter Bunny Weekend to all!!!http://tinyurl.com/9rrbeg8:25 AM Apr 10th from web in reply to chriscantore

  
  



Guide to everything Twitter- Like learning a new language- http://ping.fm/RIjjS7:11 PM Apr 9th from Ping.fm 

  
  



http://tinyurl.com/c76xgx Ping.fm + HootSuite: Distribute Your Tweets Everywhere- I love it! Update all at once.7:02 PM Apr 9th from web 

  
  



Trends in Recruitment Advertising http://tinyurl.com/c4c35l I see social networking taking a big piece of the mix.2:13 PM Apr 9th from web 

  
  



On my to do list..See Tokyo!, Paris 36 and eat at Red Pearl Kitchen. Boy do I have the travel bug.I am waiting till next yr. J'ai volante'!4:25 AM Apr 9th from web 

  
  



Ate Sammy's Woodfire Pizza, waitress got a dollar tip for every time she came to our table. $3. At least we didn't complain.6:42 PM Apr 8th from web 

  
  



@bcarroll7 Flour Power in El Cajon or Cake (more expensive)4:00 PM Apr 8th from web in reply to bcarroll7

  
  



learned so much this morning. Unfortunately, I have not found anything on recruitment advertising with the use of social media.10:51 AM Apr 8th from web 

  
  



@maryjanefrances - couchsurfing.org I haven't used but it seems to be a safe way to travel for less and meet people along the way. Goodluck8:53 AM Apr 8th from web in reply to maryjanefrances

  
  



loving everyone's links about social media/advertising, I am going to learn so much. Thanks everyone!8:46 AM Apr 8th from web 

  
  



RT @SocialNetworkTV: Twitter To Find A Job - Forbes http://bit.ly/JQTi85:54 PM Apr 7th from TwitterFon 

  
  



just ate a small bag of cadbury mini eggs..210 calories absorbed in a matter of minutes.1:44 PM Apr 7th from web 

  
  



Branding webinar..in a ten min. Never hurts to refresh refresh refresh10:51 AM Apr 7th from web 

  
  



Branding webinar..in a ten min. Never hurts to refresh refresh refresh10:51 AM Apr 7th from web 

  
  



Sharing is caring http://www.cheezhead.com/20..., in the world of recruitment advertising8:56 AM Apr 7th from web 

  
  



Right brain is on-ready for work. I still need my coffee. So quiet and peaceful. No kids or dogs. Right brain= work Left brain=fun8:42 AM Apr 7th from web 

  
  



had my fat food fix. Jack in the box chicken strips and curly fries. I heard Sonic had a 200+ car line at 7:40 pm Crazy....8:24 PM Apr 6th from web 

  
  



back to work tomorrow, time to put my right brain back on.5:24 PM Apr 6th from web 

  
  



Naptime-life is good today2:52 PM Apr 6th from TwitterFon 

  
  



the cutest pic for a sonny angel http://www.dreams6.com/hpge...8:07 AM Apr 6th from web 

  
  



going to enjoy the beautiful day, get a facial and have a clean house when I get back. The birds are singing what could be better?8:02 AM Apr 6th from Ping.fm 

  
  



eating pesto pasta with pinenuts with yellow gold potatoes even the dogs like it.5:11 PM Apr 5th from Ping.fm 

  
  



up from my nap still in the frazzled mode2:48 PM Apr 5th from web 

  
  



Happy Saturday Night, gonna eat my leftovers from last nights amazing dinner at Costa Brava.9:02 PM Apr 4th from web 

  
  



Watching milk6:46 PM Apr 4th from TwitterFon 

  
  



@uyensday I wish but didn't go to afterparty. It was a great show!6:39 PM Apr 4th from TwitterFon in reply to uyensday

  
  



woke up from nap still have this not yet back into the world feeling.4:17 PM Apr 4th from web 

  
  



My favorite time of day, savoring my white mocha from Starbucks. Still replaying After Party at Jimmy's in my head.8:48 AM Apr 4th from web 

  
  



@uyensday http://twitpic.com/2syyz - great pic. I was there last night but standing at the side near the bar.8:43 AM Apr 4th from TwitPic 

  
  



@happyron use ping.fm it is a great tool to post on all 3 in one swoop. Good luck to you in your music career.8:41 AM Apr 4th from web in reply to happyron

  
  



It seems that John Mayer has nothing to do on a Fri. nt. but twitter. I however am going out to the Casbah for the second time in my life.6:56 PM Apr 3rd from web 

  
  



No kids for a week. What am I going to do with myself? Going to actually stay up after midnight tonight.Lets see if I turn into a pumpkin.6:53 PM Apr 3rd from Ping.fm 

  
  



Remembered dream last night...I couldn't inverse my french verbs and my pronunciation sucked. Hmmm. Real Life maybe?10:01 AM Apr 3rd from web 

  
  



@threadless Congrats on the 200,000 followers9:51 AM Apr 3rd from web in reply to threadless

  
  



@DanitaArt Get Well Soon! Love your art.8:13 AM Apr 3rd from web in reply to DanitaArt

  
  



rise and shine..Madonna gets rejected in her adoption bid. Crazy to think that so many children need help and when help comes it is rejected8:10 AM Apr 3rd from web 

  
  



Going back to sleep now.4:56 AM Apr 3rd from web 

  
  



I am up way too early, set up my ping.fm acct. So I can use my million social networks I have signed up for in one post. Productive=Sleep4:48 AM Apr 3rd from Ping.fm 

  
  



Nite10:42 PM Apr 2nd from TwitterFon 

  
  



I want one of these! http://consumerist.com/5195...8:13 PM Apr 2nd from web 

  
  



No Office or 30 Rock what the Heck?8:06 PM Apr 2nd from web 

  
  



anya marina "move you" ♫ http://twt.fm/246238:05 PM Apr 2nd from twt.fm 

  
  



Trying to get family in gear. My front yard is tore up and have no idea how to fix it. Still going to casbah tomorrow night LATE. Like 10pm7:29 PM Apr 2nd from web 

  
  



 

@lillynn29 you can change your twitter name to ""30. Didn't want relatives following me so I took it off facebook. Will call on weekend7:27 PM Apr 2nd from web in reply to lillynn29

  
  



 

A Master List of Free Online Language Lessons: http://lifehacker.com/51948...3:36 PM Apr 2nd from web 

  
  



Thinking about the weekend.. can't wait to see Anya Marina at the Casbah tomorrow night. Workie today and getting kids ready to go tomorrow!8:10 AM Apr 2nd from web 

  
  



wondering spain or italy? Next yr. trip8:33 PM Apr 1st from web 

  
  



up at a god awlful time again. hope to go back to sleep soon3:52 AM Apr 1st from web 

  
  



off to a photo shoot at balboa park! Then back to the office I go.8:32 AM Mar 31st from web 

  
  



accidently listening to infomercials...more scammy crap in real estate.4:15 AM Mar 29th from web 

  
  



listening to genius mix of somewhere around midnight and cooking dinner5:51 PM Mar 28th from web 

  
  



instructables.com is my new favorite site of the moment3:59 AM Mar 27th from web 

  
  



20/20 vision I am not9:39 AM Mar 23rd from web 

  
  



pet peeve..if I call you you should call me back3:54 PM Mar 22nd from web 

  
  



to yoga or not to yoga that is the question9:12 AM Mar 22nd from web 

  
  



teaching myself to play beer pong10:41 PM Mar 21st from web 

  
  



found a dead rat on my porch, not a good way to start a morning8:28 AM Mar 20th from web 

  
  



trying to bend the rules, pissed off I can't bring dog to work anymore.7:48 PM Mar 11th from web