Pain in the…

I had the most awful abdominal cramps today. I was literally crippled on the ground as the Kid ran around me, thinking we were playing a game. I thought I was going into labor, it hurt so bad. I busted out the old pregnancy books to look stuff up. Funny, that with the first pregnancy, I read those books cover to cover, watching every week with such interest. This one, I barely found the books on the dusty shelves. I was cracking up, at some of the ‘advice’ for this trimester.

"If you have hemorrhoids, sit on a bag of frozen peas."

Yikes. Don’t go to dinner party at a pregnant woman’s house. You never know where those veggies have been.

"If you want to have sex during pregnancy, do a ‘dry run’ and try out positions fully clothed."

HA HA. That is awesome. It’s like the handbook to ‘virginal fun’ or something.

Anyway, I ended up calling the doctor. She was booked and said, "it's probably JUST NORMAL." i.e. I'm booked, don't bother me. I guess I'm ok. Well, sort of. But that doesn’t make my tummy any less painful. Owie.
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Do you really want to live forever, forever, and ever?

Morgan Spurlock cracks me up. Supersize Me was riveting and crazy. Now he has his own one hour tv show that has someone doing an "experiment" for 30 days, hence the name of the show, "30 Days." I'm disappointed that he's not doing all the challenges himself, but you know his girlfriend is probably like, FORGET IT.

Last week's show was called "Anti-Aging." It centered around a guy from L.A. in his 30's, married, with kids, who wanted his slim body and tight abs back, from his high school days. I just shook my head. You just know this is going to end badly.**

So the guy is taking all these hormone drugs, testosterone, 44 vitamins a day, it's nuts. Speaking of nuts, his sperm count goes from 80 million count to...ZERO. Ha, after just three injections. If that doesn't tell you that steroids are bad, I don't know what will. He also becomes a raging freak, and gets liver problems, so he stops the treatments. Wise choice, man.

Episodes to come? A mother concerned about her kid's drinking, agrees to go on a 30 day binge drinking session with her daughter. Lovely.

**It should be noted that when Kyle graduated high school he weighed 100 pounds. GOOD LORD. What guy weighs 100 pounds when they graduate high school?? That's insane. So he was very interested in this show and how this guy was going to get back to his high school weight. I say forget it. You're 30, deal with it, baby.
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stinkin' badges

Went to Disneyland today, ah the benefits of having a pass. I went to buy a personalized keychain for Leslie, since she just had her new baby Kate. Yay! I also got a keychains for the other kids too, cause god knows, it sucks ass to sit back and watch your siblings get gifts. Not that I'm speaking from childhood experience or anything... yeah.



This year is the 50th anniversary of the park and they came out with new badges. I bought one. I admit it. I'm a whore for anything with my name on it. Two "N's", thank you.


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"Yeah, I just stare at my desk, but it looks like I'm working."

Click for flickr details.

This shelf is above my craft desk. I forget that it's there sometimes. I went up to dust around and took another look at these old models I built years and years ago.



click for bigness.

This was my college graduation thesis. Yikes, I graduated 10 years ago. The design was a museum that faced Wilshire Blvd. My point was that L.A. is a car town and you could see facets of artwork from the street. Blah, blah, yeah. I used work from one of my fave artists Barbara Kruger.

This model is a mere 7" long and 2" high. Yeah, I make tiny things and I'm a sucker for detail, what can I say. All those tiny trusses? Basswood cut by hand. I am dangerous with an X-acto blade.
Don't challenge me.
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The Libiyans!

Last week I went shopping, walked by an outdoor patio and saw Christopher Lloyd eating lunch.
aka Reverend Jim, aka John Bigboote, aka Doc Brown.
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I saw him searching into you and ached a while

What does it mean when iTunes keeps giving you Yaz?
Just wondering.
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The TICK vs.

Last week I went to the Office. When I stopped by, I got to spend time with one of my fave Southern gals. Who else will talk to me and use words like, "My Beau" and "Ya'll"?

The Kid came along with me for the ride. Of course everyone wanted to play with him and he stood there, stupefied.

MsL*y: "Maybe it's just a Southern thing, but my friend's baby had tick paralysis."
Jenn: "Tick, wha?"
MsL*y: "Where the tick buries itself in you and you can't move. We used to have 'tick checks' when we came in from playing outside."
Jenn: "That is a definitely a Southern thing, sister."
*at that moment, cut to my Kid falling to the ground in a heap*
MsL*y: "I guess he has tick paralysis, too."
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Darlin’ don’t you go and cut your hair

What is the deal. Everytime I look in the mirror and think, "Goddam, could my hair get any worse?" That's the day I get floods of compliments. It's puzzling.

Today I was thinking, I have to do something and fast, cause I look like crap. THREE people today said, "Your hair looks BEAUTIFUL today."

What.

They actually used that word. That is ridiculous. I was thinking that today was the turning point of either cutting it short again or just growing it out really long.

I think I'll just go back to hat wearing.
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I'm only human, of flesh and blood I'm made

Everyday between 11am and 1pm, the Kid takes a nap, if i'm lucky, he can go all the way to 2pm. Yay, I can get things done. Sometimes I get about 15-20 mins nap time in there too.

Today I woke up lying on my stomach. Boy, did that ache. Not good. I think I smushed this little thing inside of me.
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Happy Birthday to me

Today Ani sent me a big package full of gifts for my birthday. Only...it's not my birthday. Not for another two months. HA!

Also, yesterday, I was going to a party, parked my car, and right there on the sidewalk...I found $20! At the party someone asked me what I was doing for money since I'm not working anymore and I said, "Walking around and picking it up off the street..."

This is the best birthday ever! Except...it's not my birthday...


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My home is where the heart isSweet to surrender to you only

Mochiko is a rice flour, and a staple in Japanese pantries. You can use it to coat chicken, make rice cakes, and tons of desserts. You MUST have this stuff - you won't regret it!

So in this book of "all mochi recipes," there is this custard mochi with blueberries that caught my eye. Weird, I know, but it was actually like a chewy coffee cake. Not bad. Not the greatest, but hey, it was worth a shot. My grandparents ate the whole damn pan.

Recipe...HERE.


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Kitchen Nightmares

Bad tv. There is even less on in the summer, than normal. Hard to believe. Yet, I am HOOKED on Hell's Kitchen. God, Gordon Ramsay is an ass, but I love his shows. "Kitchen Nightmares" was pretty good on the BBC. "Hell's Kitchen" however, is bad...Michael Jackson BAD!

He yells obscenities and treats people like crap, but I like watching how the kitchen works, which, granted, takes a back seat to the f* words. Still, some of those people are total morons, so what do you expect, it's reality tv. If you're too ashamed to watch it, you can get some really good recaps here.

Kyle has never had to cook a meal in all our years together. I'd rather he not touch my cookware, frankly. Those two times he set foot in the kitchen? Exploded a PYREX pot (I didn't know that was possible), burned the teflon completely off of a pan (again, is this possible?), and melted the silicon off a wisk. I think he does these things on purpose so that he never has to cook. Talk about Hell's kitchen...
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drop it like it's hot

It's summer. UGH, kill me. For some reason I always cook MORE in summer, which is stupid, since turning on the oven is a dumb idea when it's 100 degrees in L.A.

Last week when I went to the Opera with my mom, we ate at Kendall's Brasserie at the Music Center. I had the most delicious white fish I have ever had. There was tons of garlic (my fave), teardrop tomoatoes, and I think I saw some green olives in there.

It was so good I decided to go home and figure out how to make it. However, I realized that I wasn't even supposed to be eating white fish, since I was pregnant. Just great. So I adapted the recipe and used it for pasta. It's really lovely with seared white fish...if you're not pregnant.

Here's the recipe. This is not the "official recipe" it's my own adaptation, that's pretty spot on.


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Lipstick cherry all over the lens as she’s falling

I am so losing it. I didn't even realize I had made a flickr account. I guess I should make the most of it.

I went and cleaned it up and re-org'ed it a bit. I guess I should look around to see who to add to my contacts, but I don't even know who has one. I didn't know I HAD one. Yeesh.

Take look if you want. I'm sure to add more shoe pics soon...
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I went down to the beach and I saw Kiki

Yes, Mr. Anderson. I got it.

Ok. I loved this song.

However, this version, not so much.

But I still laughed. Quietly. To myself.
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Play with fire, you must be mad Are you only Jack the lad?

My Grandma LOVES movies. She watches a ton of them. Only now am I realizing...maybe she's not really paying attention...

Jenn: "I heard you saw Revenge of the Sith. It was good, right?"
O.G.: "Oh yes! Only...why was Darth Vader in that outfit?"
Jenn: "Um, are you serious?
Didn't you see his legs and arms get cut off?"
O.G.: "No."
Jenn: "What exactly did you think he was doing on that lava rock? Just crawling around for fun?"
O.G.: "What lava rock?"
Jenn: "Goddam, are you serious? He was freaking BURNING!
He can't survive on his own, thus the so-called 'OUTFIT.'"
O.G.: "Oh."

I just hope when she sees Batman, I don't hear,
"Why is he wearing..."
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Rarr.

My friend from high school with the same name, moved to Atlanta about 10 years ago. I haven't seen her since. HA. Kidding. I never thought that So-Cal girl would move away from here, but she got married and had two kids, and never looked back. I am envious of her giant ass house and yard, but then I'd have to move to Georgia, so forget it.

With my Kid #2 on the way, hers is turning ONE. So, the task was to come up with invitations for a safari theme birthday party. I decided to go with lions.

Click on image to see the inside.


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You can’t change the world, but you can change the facts

So last night I was randomly clicking on livejournals looking for craft-astic blogs to start reading. Through a series of links I found this webstore for the Red Dress Shoppe, that has the cutest of cute dresses. They used to have a store in Pasadena, up until recently! If only I weren't going to be huge in a few months I would buy this stuff up.


Here are a few of my faves: "Sexy Bombshell Dress", "Bunny" shoe - in black," "Black Eyelet "Tiffany" Dress."


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Far and away

Damn, I just spent hours on amazon clearing out old wishlists and updating their "recommendations." Jesus Christ, just because I bought one Michael McDonald cd, long ago, now they are recommending Doobie Brothers up the ass. NO THANKS. (Remember on What's Happenin' when they went to a Doobie Bros concert and Rerun got busted? Woodsy, I'm talking to you, and you alone.)

For Father's Day I bought Kyle the "The Complete Far Side 1980-1994". What I really wanted to get won't be released til October, so this will have to do. It's a complete collection with explanations, unreleased strips and letters. Totally interesting, and totally heavy. It weighs 20 pounds - that's more than the Kid. I nearly got a hernia lifting the thing.

Kyle probably wanted anime, but screw that. I will tell you this. In our shared netflix queue, we have a total of 145 items - FOUR of which are mine. One Pixies dvd, one New Order, and a few Queer as Folk-s. The rest...is anime. This is why I don't get all excited when the mail comes. No one sends me fun things anymore. Phone bills and Thai take-out menus, are not 'fun' mail.

Speaking of fun mail, wait til you see my friend's kid's bday invites I'm working on...
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Bat-astic

I will only go to the movies if I hedge my bets that the movie is going to be worth it. First of all paying $11-$14 for a ticket is a killer. Also, against my protests, Kyle insists we go to the largest theater with the loudest THX on earth. Leaving me clutching my head and fearing permanent brain damage to my unborn child.

These things aside, we went to see Batman Begins, and it was fantastic. Maybe the best Batman movie? Maybe. I never really cared for the Tim Burton movies that much, the man is, well, freaky. Which was very evident when they showed the preview for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now, I love that movie, and I will be seeing this one, but...it's sooo Tim Burton. Yeesh. Johnny Depp with a pageboy haircut? That ups the freak factor right there.

As far as this movie, I thought it covered the life of Bruce Wayne to Batman nicely. When my brother was 6 he had a Batman outfit complete with plastic utility belt. The belt and it's use always intrigued me, and this movie pretty much covered how the whole thing went together. I also was a fan of the visuals for the trains and the bridges of Gotham. Great architecture.

I'm a big Gary Oldman fan, and thought he was so very good. Katie Holmes really surprised me because ever since she and Tom Cruise started eating Dianetics for breakfast (doesn't that sounds like a cereal?), I thought she was a little bit too hyped. But she wasn't bad. I may have developed a slight crush on Dr. Crane, Cillian Murphy. He is like a cute Tom Welling except about 100 pounds too skinny and short for my taste.

After the final scene Kyle turned to me and said, "Did you notice Katie Holmes' nipples? It was distracting..."
Uh, no. I'm sure all the other men in the audience did. However, I was concentrating on poor Bruce's angst and not getting the girl and how lonliness defines his character, thanks.
Although I did wonder why you would wear a white silk shirt out to walk amongst the firey ruins of Wayne Manor, but I now I know. To show off your nipples. Lovely.
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Don't touch my tuts

This fine Saturday morning I headed to LACMA. The King Tut exhibit is back in Los Angeles, the last time was 1978. I haven't seen a more beautiful day in months. Luckily the weather was fine and the line was short. Good thing cause heat and crowds make me supremely cranky.

It amazes me how artifacts from 1400 B.C. Can remain so beautifully intact. I was hoping to see some of his coffins, or more of his elaborate burial items, but those seemed to have made the rounds the first time.

They brought the whole thing back to the 21st century by showing a CT scan of King Tut's body, to prove that he wasn't murdered. I felt like I was watching and episode of ER. It was a little weird.

Mostly it was kind of sad. He took all these precautions to insure the most perfect afterlife imaginable - meanwhile they go and dig up his bones and throw his offerings up for display. Now he's screwed. Poor bastard.

I'm sure he can take comfort in the fact that they sell chocolate replicas of his head on a stick in the gift shop. Now there's your foothold in history.
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If this car's rockin'...

Yeah, yeah, there have been earthquakes all week. So freakin' what. They're only 5.0's so stop freaking out.

Everyone's panicking and it's only because the MJ trial is over, so there's nothing else to cover on tv. It still amazes me how quickly the newsteams get out to Caltech and get those quake-hags up and on camera talking about shifting plates. 20 years I've been watching the same two women, 20 years they've been saying the same damn thing.

Maybe it's not a big deal to me since I've lived here my whole life and had to do those stupid earthquake drills in kindergarten. I tend to forget that most people who live in Los Angeles have moved here from somewhere else, so they've never felt one. I guess it IS scary. Sorry for being so insensitive. Frankly, I'd be more freaked out by a tornado destroying my house. However, I do remember watching Superman (the movie), when Lois was trapped in her car during the earthquake and dirt fell in her mouth. All I could think was, yeah, earthquakes suck cause I don't want dirt in my mouth.

Wanna how it went down in my house? The quake hit. I looked at my brother. He looked at me. I said, "I guess we're having an earthquake." Then we finished eating. The end.

In my opinion, a bigger one's coming. This IS earthquake weather. Cool mornings, hot afternoons. Mark my words. It's coming people. Just stay under your desks.
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I’ve got another confession to make, I’m your fool

I have been listening to Foo Fighters "In Your Honor," for a few days now. It is...wonderful. I really love it, and not just because Dave Grohl is on my short list of men I still love, even with facial hair. (I prefer a clean cut man, but he gets a free pass.)
The cd - it's good. Really good.

Double discs are always a plus, sure you get more for your buckage, but it usually (usually) means that the artist has something more to say, than will fit on one cd. In this case, Disc one is hard rockin'. Typical FOO. Disc two is acoustic. I think they are just as good acoustic, "Times Like These" is always a really nice listen.

It's hard to say which I like more. The acoustic is rather nice to listen to at the end of a long day. But...I have always been more of a loud guitar lovin' kinda gal, when it comes to bands like these. Either way, you can tell that all the songs have sentimental meaning. I'm sure the media will focus on "Friend of a Friend" from Disc two, since it was written about Kurt Cobain & Krist Novoselic, but both albums have lots of lovely emotional lyrics.

So if you want a tiny bit of rage and whole lot of guitar, this album does not disappoint.

blue eyed dressed for every situation

I have a thing for button down shirts. I used to wear a lot of them when I was working. Sometimes you can look a little too 'Martha Stewart,’ still, nothing is nicer than a crisp Oxford shirt.

Normally I have to buy a larger size to accommodate the bust, but my waist is fairly average, so it usually ends up looking pretty "tent-y". Not attractive. Now they sell shirts sized based on your bra cup size. Brilliant. Whether you're large or small the shirt is supposed to fit perfectly.

However - $165 for a shirt? I don't have cash like that to throw around. Who am I, Oprah? You know darn well she's going to catch wind of this and give that sh*t away on her next show. Damn, I need to get me some tickets.
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Pimp My Ride

It's summertime (sort of). Time to plan your vacations. I have worked on and visited a lot of theme parks. People always ask me about them, so here's some info, only my own opinion, of course.

The best theme park? Hands down:
Tokyo Disney Seas
That thing cost 2.5 BILLION and it shows. Visually it's spectacular. It's truly beautiful, considering it's a theme park. And, seeing as how it's in such a well oiled machine of a city, transportation is easy. Just get on the subway (Disney themed out, of course) and your stop is right there. Makes you want to throw your SUV away and move to a city with decent public transport. Wait, give up my car? Never.

The best coaster?
The HULK - Universal Islands of Adventure
I rode it twice in a row and got good and sick, always a good sign for a coaster, I suppose. I like how the add says, "Feel the RAGE." More like feel the nausea. It's a good nausea, though.

The best ride? It's a tie. To date, I still say
The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
- Universal Islands of Adventure
That ride is, well, AMAZING. So brilliantly done, all rides should live up to this standard. The vehicles, how the screen as well as the 3D, engages the rider, it's all done so perfectly. And if you love Spidey, well all the better for you.

Soarin' Over California- Disney's California Adventure
Is also extremely well done, especially if you know the correct row to sit in. (Front row, middle seat) The "feel of flight" is very real, and if you don't get sick from the "smell-o-vision" it's an interesting touch. Of course, regarding this ride, I am totally, unapologetically, biased.

**Now, they've redone Space Mountain for Disneyland's 50th anniversary, it's supposed to be back to the good old days of a true, fast, dark ride, except now...there's techo music. YEAH, I'm sure Walt loved him some techno. I have yet to ride it cause dammit, "Expectant mothers should not ride." Good thing they post that or else the queues would be filled with women about to go into labor. Right.

The best themed land? Also a tie:
Again give it up for Universal
(even if they wouldn't hire me, the suckers)
Suess Landing - Universal Islands of Adventure
It is literally as if you've walked into a Theodor Suess Giesel book. It's so real, even down to the kiosk that sells "Green Eggs & Ham" - how cute is that? Of course, I happened to go with someone who wasn't born in this country and therefore had never heard of these books and he thought the whole thing was a crock. I think he just wanted to go back on the Hulk Coaster. But, if YOU love and remember Dr. Suess, it's worth a look.

Animal Kingdom - Walt Disney World, Florida
Again, so nicely done. If you don't want to get the necessary vaccinations to go to the Serengeti, take the kids to FLORIDA. Yeah, well, no one said it was perfect, but you can safely see lions and rhinos up close and not get killed. I still say it'd be funny if we found out they were all animatronic, but whatever. The land itself, is tricked out safari style, the centerpiece being a giant man-made tree, that cleverly houses a ride. The whole park meshes well within it's safari theme.

Best Kid's Theme Park?
Legoland California
Again, you could say I'm biased, HOWEVER, it was not until after I worked on their parks that I had kids, and can I say, I really appreciate how slow and boring everything is. Do you know what I'm saying? It's definitely not for adults, ride-wise, but there is so much for little ones to enjoy, it's just, well, pleasant. There are lot of cool Lego exhibits, which I found just astounding to look at, seeing as how I love detail. Full cities, people, characters, all made out of Lego, now that's cool.

I know, I know, since there's mostly mention of Disney and Universal, I'm playing favorites, but frankly, others don't compare when it comes to giving you a good ride and a good themed out queue. I do love "Superman - the Escape" ride at Six Flags magic Mountain, but waiting in line for two hours for a 30 second ride is not worth writing about. The Superman rides at the other Six Flags parks are much better, as you get more ride for your money.

Hope these suggestions help for your theme park enjoyment.
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"I want 30 sliders, 5 french fries, and 4 large cherry cokes.I want the same except make mine diet cokes."

When I was pregnant with the first Kid I wanted apples. Tons and tons of apples. Apple cider, especially. This time around I desire Cherry Coke, so awfully, it's unbearable. I know I'm not supposed to have caffeine, but dammit, if I can't have coffee...

However, today was a really really bad day. So, I got myself a DECAF Coffee Frappuccino. Better than nothing. This was after taking the Kid to the doctor, since he woke up from his nap looking like Rocky after Apollo Creed beat his ass. He has some weird puffy eye thing, so the doctor said to drug him up with Benedryl and call it a day. I did, we went home, I turned my back for one second and the Kid had reached onto the table and started drinking the coffee. I know it's decaf, but still...there's some caffeine in that thing.

I can just imagine the Benedryl/caffeine nightmares he's going to have tonight.
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Shot through the heart, and you're to blame

iTunes - you are crazy with the shuffle today. You're telling me with all the Madonna I own, not one song? Check out the last one. Yeah, that's what I said.

Lost in the Supermarket - The Clash
You Know the Rest - Til Tuesday
Made of Stone - Stone Roses
A Foggy Day - Billie Holiday
The New Year - Death Cab for Cutie
Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
Fifty Years After the Fair - Aimee Mann
Gin & Juice - Snoop
Pearls Girl - Underworld
Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head - They Might Be Giants
Bad Boys - WHAM!
Amancer - Luis Miguel
Try All You Want -Electronic
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - ELF Soundtrack
I Just Wanted to See You So Bad - Lucinda Williams
When She Begins - Social Distortion
Si Je T'avais Ecoute - Les Nubians
Love is a catastrophe - Pet Shop Boys
You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi

Turbo & Ozone would be proud.

The Block at Orange is an odd, odd little place. It's a haven for O.C. families, surfer dudes and skate punks. For being so damn far in-land there are a hell of alot of surfer themed things going on there.

For me, it was nostalgic cause it was where one of the first Gameworks was located, sadly, no more. It's sad to see one of your old projects torn down after a few years, but that's progress.

The weird mix of stores includes a Krispy Kreme, a Saks Fifth Ave, not to mention a Frederick's of Hollywood, which apparently sells a bra called the "Extreme Cleavage Bra." I suppose you wear that while drinking EXTREME Mountain Dew, who knows.

There is also a Hilo Hattie's, in case you are too cheap to fly to Hawaii, you can just go buy shit there and tell people you went on vacation.

Then there's my personal fave, the VANS indoor skate park. For all your skater needs. I got the Kid a brand new pair o' shoes, of course. How could I resist, toddler size 4, old skool black and white checkered Vans? Come..on..with..that!! Now I just need to throw down some cardboard and see his moves...
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You better work.

These are my fave work heels. They are 2" heels, which make me a full 5-3", at the end of it all. I feel so much taller when I wear them, I'm sure I stand up straighter.

At the Office there is a narrow pathway to our desks - due to the clutter around that place. As I was leaving the kitchen I saw CdeL (he's tall and thin as a rail) at the other end of the pathway. He looked me in the eye, and started walking towards me like a supermodel, as if on a catwalk. So I did the same. I wonder what our co-workers thought we were doing, exactly.
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"Are you looking for the mother lode?Huh? NO."

What did I do last night? I watched Teen Titans and ate these.

My mouth is on fire.


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And When I Go Away, I Know My Heart Can Stay With My Love, It's Understood

The Kid woke up from his nap crying...loudly. He must have nightmares, much like his momma. I went and picked him up from the crib, he was sobbing, trying to catch his breath. I sat in the rocking chair as I held him to my chest.

His arms tight around his little stuffed monkey, my arms tight around him. His whimpering subsided as he laid his head on my shoulder and I pressed my cheek against his sweaty little head.

We rocked back and forth for a few minutes. He turned his head and looked at me, kissed me on the lips, then turned his head back and laid it down. He did that every few minutes. For half and hour we rocked back and forth. I held him tight and he'd turn and give me kisses, until finally we both fell asleep in the chair.

This is love.
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Remembering you, standing quiet in the rain,as I ran to your heart to be near

I put some pictures on wall next to my Kid's highchair for his amusement.

That one in the lower right corner? That's for MY amusement.


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7 letter word for nerdy

My brother and I watched "Word Wars- a look at the world of competitive Scrabble." It was interesting, kinda pathetic, and damn entertaining, considering.

I love playing Scrabble, but I can never find anyone to play with. I used to play all the time with my grandpa before he lost his eyesight, but everyone else I know can't stand the game. I found some online Scrabble 'type' games, but they're not the same. I don't really enjoy playing with strangers and it's more fun to have the board right in front of you.

This movie was slightly scary, when you realize HOW MUCH these players were into it. Most of them didn't have jobs, and devoted all of their free time to playing...Scrabble. Obsessive? Definitely. They also made their living doing it, how you can afford to live off Scrabble, I'm still not understanding. Also there was a huge absence of women in the tournaments. In the end, the winner seemed to garner tons and tons of fame, of course, that was among...other...Scrabble players.

I thought the movie was entertaining, then again, I thought "Spellbound" was hilarious.

My brother said they should have subheaded the movie: "Scrabble: It's all about the money and the bitches."
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I wanna be a dog

My cousin. I only get to see him once a year when he's down for E3, but I always look forward to it. I miss having him around. Maybe because of conversations like this...

GLord: "I want to tell you something, but I don't want you to be offended..."
(Me rolling my eyes)
GLord: "WHY ARE YOU ROLLING YOUR EYES? I haven't even said anything!
Jenn: "Well, what do you expect when you start a sentence like that??"
GLord: "I'm going to name my dogs after your kids. So you better tell me the name of this second one."
Jenn: "What? You don't think THAT'S offensive?"
GLord: "No, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Jenn: "RIGHT. Then why don't I just name my KID after your DOG?"
GLord: "We can do that..."
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Lips like sugar, sugar kisses

sTivo went to Spain, on what I like to call a "Hey-I'm-single-I-can-do-as-I-damn-well-please" kind of vacation. He emailed me while there, just to tell me he was at Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, and thought of me. Yay for great architecture.

Now he's back and he stopped by tonight to drop off tons of sugary goodies for me. Whoa. Talk about sugar high. Nutella sandwiches, little mini donuts called MINI FILIPINOS - which he thought was goddam hilarious, little hippo candies, some weirdly packaged RACIST candy (not a good shot in the upper right corner), and of course, an abundance of oddly flavored Mentos, (the licorice ones I quickly spit out).

Check out my stash!

All that noise, and all that sound

New music Tuesday was always busy when I worked in the record store. Today I went to BestBuy armed with my $5 off coupon, and got Coldplay's X&Y for a mere $5. Yay, me. Everyone else in line behind me had the cd in hand, as well. This is good news to me because with everyone trying to get the cd for free, it's nice to see that some people in this world still care about paying for good music.

Considering the huge amount of hateful reviews...I like it. I didn't really expect anything out of the ordinary, it's Coldplay, and sure, X&Y does sound "Coldplay-ish." What else? Maybe I'm just in the mood, who knows.
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Both ends burning with a strange desire

Just like the woman who sued McDonald's for burning herself, I now feel her pain. I went to Coffee Bean to get my Japanese Cherry Tea. I knew the stuff was hot. I was especially careful since I had the Kid in my hands.

When I got to O.G's house, I put him down, and took the lid off to let it cool. Big mistake. Burning hot tea all over me. God, the pain. Yup, all over the tummy with the baby in it.

O.G. busted out her home first aid kit. I was wary since last time I checked, most of that crap expired in 1986. She assured me she repurchased everything recently. The stuff she had worked, cause I feel better. Now I have a little red scalded mark on my tummy. Nice.

I guess I should switch to ICED tea.
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I believe in a thing called love

If you've never had a migraine you are one of the lucky ones. They are crippling. The only cures are sleep, loads o' drugs and darkness. Since sleep didn't do it and I can't take drugs, I basically just kept to the dark.

Last night, in pitch black, I brushed my teeth, folded the laundry and washed the dishes. Not bad. If I ever go blind I might do alright. I have cat like eyesight. That must be my superpower.
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All these places have their moments

Crying = migraine. Just so you know. That makes for a sleepless night. Sometimes, Sunday mornings can be a cure all. Especially early morning, 7 to 8am, just after the sun has come up, it's finally peaceful.

I like to go out and get the paper just after it arrives, when the dew from the ocean is still hanging in the air, making your skin prickle, just so. There are no birds chirping, no dogs barking, just nice, lovely...quiet. Sitting on the porch, feeling the cool air surround me, thinking of nothing. That is what I look forward to, before the day begins.

I wish it could stay like this forever, but it's just a tease. In a few hours, the sun will blaze it's way across the southland with such fury that you half expect your body to melt if the sunlight touches you. Errands, chores, work, one thing after another, and before you know it, the day's over.

When evening comes, the sun may have gone down, but you can still feel the steaminess of the day trying to hang on for one last second. The quiet of night isn't the same as the quiet of the morning. My head is buzzing from all of the things I did, and all of the things I didn't get to do.

At the end of the day, I close my eyes, and rest my head on my pillow, trying to clear my thoughts, knowing that otherwise, my dreams will make me too restless to sleep. At least I know that when I wake up, I can still have that small lovely moment on the porch, back once again.
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You're so money and you don't even know it!

Remember in Swingers when the girl was more attractive for living in a 310 area code instead of the 818 Valley code?
Yeah. That's real.

Now the powers that be are thinking of adding an overlay code - that is another area code before the area code - before your phone number, simply because there aren't as many 310's to go around.

This overlay thing isn't new, it's done in New York and Atlanta, both major cities with large populations. However, I doubt any of those residents would cry themselves to sleep at the loss of the blessed area code.

In Los Angeles, the 310 is the holy grail for some reason. There are even companies that will sell you a 310 code. This is because if you live on the Westside, suddenly, you're "somebody." Actors, agents, they all feel they get more respect, rather that with an 818 (Valley), 714 (the O.C.) or the dreaded of them all, the 909.

The 310 covers the beach, to Beverly Hills and the whole Southbay. That is - it extends to where we live. Do I care if it eventually changes? Not really. The only reason I don't want to lose my area code, is simply because it's a pain in the ass. Do you know how many services and things I'll need to change?
Ugh. The thought.

Well. If the overlay plan goes through, that means you'll have to dial 11 numbers just to reach me.
Don't bother. I probably won't answer.
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what's in a name?

I an seriously at a loss for names for this kid. I am waiting to find out what it is, however I feel like maybe I should get a jump on the situation.

I have been asking people for girl and boy name suggestions.

Maybe I should have asked Penn of Penn & Teller. He named his daughter Moxie Crimefighter. Yup, that's what I said.
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Friday I'm in Love

The kid's napping away. I have Coffee Bean - Japanese Cherry Tea, and some brand new cds.

What more could I want from a Friday afternoon?

Well. After reading this and cracking the hell up, now I want to see Love Actually for the millionth time. I mean, who can argue with that dancing?
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I remember you! You drive like a PTA mother.

If a car starts riding my tail on the freeway, I will ignore them completely. If they start honking, I may just give them the finger.

Inevitably, it's always someone I know, and I look like an ass.

The other day, a mini van was tailing me on the 405. Then came the honking. Then out of the corner of my eye, the window rolls down, followed by frantic waving. Finally I was like, WHAT THE...
and it was Leslie.

Hey, she could have had a gun, who knows.
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Pink Ladies: "And we're going to rule the school!"

I took my Kid to the park. We fed the ducks and had a great time. Oh and he got bullied. BY GIRLS. The poor kid's only 16 months old, and he's already being bullied. Nice.

There were these two little blonde girls, probably about 3 years old. Twins, dressed in pink head to toe, they wore matching Hello Kitty baseball hats. That's a sign of evil, don't you know? They could barely speak, but they went up to him on the jungle gym, pointed at his face and yelled, "BABY, BABY!" I thought it was cute til they kept following him and were all up in his grill, in a threatening way.

Their domestic engineer (read: Nanny from a foreign country) didn't seem to think their actions were abnormal, for them I guess. They must act like crazy asses all day and she's probably sick of having to deal with it. Seeing as how she's not even related to them and all.

Considering he's MINE, my kid has a nice demeanor. Plays well with others, and is curious and friendly to all. Obviously, he takes after his father. So he tried his best to tolerate the evil twins, but soon grew weary of their taunting.

The Kid knew to be cautious of them, so he came running to me and grabbed my leg, hanging on for dear life. That seemed to set the girls off even more. They came right up to us, stuck the brims of their evil kitty hats in his face, and said, "BABY - You go to MOMMA!" Hahaha It was so evil I had to laugh. My kid can't even speak, but you know he must have been thinking, "What is up with these bitches?"

Those little twins are going to be big trouble to boys later, I can see it. Meanwhile, my kid better learn to deal with aggressive women.
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Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.

Do you know how many emails I got regarding my cute shoes, that I wore the other day? Mostly commenting on my "petite and delicate" ankles? Odd. Luckily, all the emails were from women with a love for shoes, and not creepy men with foot fetishes, thankfully.

Still it made me laugh out loud considering the comment my mother-in-law made to me, just before she left. I wasn't going to say anything, but with all this 'petite and delicate' talk, it just seemed appropriate.

"Jenn, I'm so jealous. Your legs are so beautiful and curvy, NO MATTER HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOU GAIN."

Yeah, see? It's that last punch in the face you never see coming.
I need to learn to how to duck and cover.
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