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

Posted via email from Jennifer's epiphanies

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

Posted via email from Jennifer's epiphanies

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. 

 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Jennifer's epiphanies

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.