Jensieve

Madcap Scribblings

2011-10-02T20:57:00.004+01:00

I am officially in a book of Madcap Scribblings which is out soon!
To look for me, I am in the 4th row(across) with an X above my noggin.

I hope to meet the creator of this book in one week's time.
Only having been aware and fan of Mighty Boosh for one year, I truly am converted into this surreal world of sensation and delight.
It is kinda like someone has turned off the lights, added a spotlight, turned my quite similar world of imagination inside-out to be put on display and enjoyed like vol al vents.

In other words, I relate to the humour and context of the mighty boosh series/creators(Noel Fielding/Julian Barratt)

Can't wait to get the booK!

Strange...

2011-09-11T11:28:00.001+01:00

Reading back to 2001 on this day, I recalled the name "Elaine" popping in my head.
To me if felt like someone that had passed away, due to the 9/11 attacks and I was merely recognising their existence, maybe helping them pass over to the other side of life.

Out of curiousity, I found myself looking at the list of casualities and there were 2 ladies that had the name Elaine as a first name that died that day.

Elaine Cillo

Elaine Myra Greenberg

Remember II things: 9/11 Retrospect

2011-09-11T10:58:00.000+01:00

Remember II things: 9/11 Retrospect
by Jennifer Payen on Saturday, 10 September 2011 at 22:29

There are some people that I've spoken with in the past that have said to me, "It seems just like yesterday."
Over the past 10 years, regardless on whether or not your are American, British, Chinese, Indian, German, whatever, if you were alive, over the age of 5, and didn't shut your eyes to the world around you, you WILL remember at least one of the following or maybe more:

1. where you were;
2. what you were doing;
3. friends or family you spoke with;
4. the phone calls;
5. texting;
6. emails;
7. and even maybe the clothes you were wearing and what you had for dinner.

The day after was a bit like a rude transition, from a dream into a cold harsh reality, and public reaction, as the ash was still settling(literally) and unsettling, fires still burning(and did so for 3 months afterwards), our shocked minds huddled together in an awkward silence.

Although there was no one I knew personally that died or was injured in such a national and more importantly a human tragedy in a new century and a decade still in its infancy, I did feel an overwhelming sense of sadness, similar to losing a group of friends or family- a terrible and unavoidable accident.

But it wasn't an accident; there was a purpose. To inflict fear, to make us weak, to knock us off the wall like Humpty Dumpty, falling to pieces.

The irony in all of this was the simple fact that even when events became more clear, the destruction and loss of life self-evident, a strange thing happened...

We came together as friends, neighbors, communities, and families.
Together we united as a country.
Standing taller, unfaltering.

Other countries reacted with sympathy, but mostly with understanding and disbelief of what just took place to a country. We were viewed as the superman country of the world, but we were faced with a strange kryptonite. For this to happen, it was unthinkable.

There was an overwhelming sense of AMERICA, our nation that was born only 225 years before.
We were living the definition again, breathing it, believing it.
We actually looked at people in the eyes more, as we all felt that we had a shared experience, no matter the circumstance.

Now, here is my personal experience of the day.

I was half asleep in my dorm room. I was a sophomore at university.
The sun was peeking through the curtains. It was a bright day already.
As I didn't have a class until close to 10am, I didn't feel the need to get up quite just yet.

It was just before 8am, central time.
All of a sudden my roommate, Nicole bursted into the room, as she had an early class.
She shouted, "We are under attack! Turn on the TV!"

I jumped out of my bed in one fellow swoop to my 19'' television I brought from home and switched on the news. Not too much was known but the more I watched, the more that was being unveiled in real time.
At first it just seemed like a fire. I watched in shock as the newsreaders were saying that it possibly was a terror attack from a group based in the middle east.

I never had heard of this group and being naive, didn't realise these groups actually existed.

My initial reaction to take action, as much action I could do from a dorm room, I picked up the phone.
I called my parent's house.

"Dad? Are you okay? Are you watching this? I can't believe this is happening!"

I don't remember the convo verbatim as I was in a weird state of shock.
But nothing, NOTHING prepared me for what I was to witness next.

An explosion. The other tower.
I thought it was a replay of the first.

"Dad? That.."
"Jen, that was the other tower..."

I couldnt believe this was happening. What was going on. I felt hopeless and a bit nervous, and really just wanted to go home. Another plane had crashed, with people most likely on the aircraft, into the other tower.

As I watched more, strange things randomly were falling from the towers are they blazed. It wasn't till later that I found out that people that had no means of escape, hope to live, wanted to have some sense of control in there last act of being alive. People were jumping out of the tower.

What goes through someone's mind at that point, I ask myself but would never want to really know.

I then got ready for my meteorology course with Prof Wolf.
As I walked through campus, I felt like a ghost, blood drained from my heart.

My professor was also in shock and visibly angry as he too was feeling helpless. We all chatted for about 10 mins and he let us go home early. He wanted us to contact our families as this was something bigger than JFK getting shot.

This was my generations JFK moment, forever in our memories, in stone - a tribute to Gilgamesh.

I had another class in the late morning. I walked to the classroom, only found two other people waiting, and the professor just told us to go home and that most classes would be cancelled campus-wide.

At that point, I got in my car and went home.
Driving back home, only 25 minutes away, I felt that not only had I changed, but everyone else around me too.

As the days past, like dandelions, american flags started popping up everywhere, on houses, in gardens, stickers on the window, on people's t-shirts, and even on cars.

I put red, white, and blue streamers on my car antenna. Even a year after the fact, I got a nod from a stranger in a parking lot, as he looked at my streamers, a respect/to recognise our shared experience.

One of the STRANGEST reactions to me out of all of this was when songs were being banned from airplay. Anything that had any reference to flying, airplanes, etc.
I even had a top 100 songs listed on my dorm room for the longest time as it was so strange, the censorship.

So, here I am, writing down my memories, distorted by time, but the emotion I felt on that day, the days to follow and even now, it's still with me, shaping my ever-present, reflected in the puddles of the past, and shining a light on my future as well.

We are the culmination of our experiences, but today, please Remember II things.

Donate to Japan/Tsunami Appeal...

2011-03-13T18:17:00.002Z

I just made an online donation to the @britishredcross Japan Tsunami Appeal. You can too at http://bit.ly/dQIii4

Diffuse

2011-02-26T22:36:00.003Z

dark corner of my mind/
this spot always seems quite warm/
with a cat in the wings to take its place/
whilst playing musical chairs by myself

my confidence escapes me
or ex-capes me, how I say
i wish for things out of reach
and pray to pray more often than I do

sighing deeply
heart half hanging by a thread of loneliness
to cut this tie that i tie
would it be an end or maybe a chance, to grow

Up, I think up
and down, it dips my thoughts low and almost out of reach
to gain something is to make it individual
and to create/mold it, this means to give wings
spreading it into the unknown and beautiful universe

Why is it called the universe
when quite possible it could be a biverse or triverse or quad
we put limits to create understanding
and like a butterfly, it must be let go

I mustn't dwell
Good will come
however long it might take
My type of "good"
When it is least expected.

So, that's it then...

2011-02-05T10:12:00.004Z

I have officially and with out a doubt, posted off my application to be a citizen of my current country of residence.

This morning, I couldn't eat until I went to the post office, secured Special Delivery, and had enclosed a return envelope, also special delivery.

I have triple and quadruple checked my application, making sure that all of my required documents(+more) were evident.

A wave of nausea has come and gone.

Now, I sit with an empty plate, which once had 3 pieces of toast with nutella, and a half cup of coffee, or maybe it's half full today?:-p

When I was just about to make my exit at the post office, I said to the royal mail employee, 'This is QUITE a monumental day.' and smiled. He seemed to have enjoyed the process as well, as he noted my application title as well as the destination of the address.

5 minutes later, I went to go pick up Jassen's valentine's day gift at another post office pick up. We don't normally go all out on gifts and such, but I found something quite nice, that I think he will enjoyed, so it's all good in the Jen hood.

Over the past nearly 7 years, we normally head to a fast food place to celebrate our love and being together. This year, it might be a bit of an upgrade to the previous years as we are starting to run out of places to go.

So far, we have gone to the following places:

2005- McDonalds
2006- Burger King
2007- Pizza Hut
2008- Subway?
2009- Wimpy's
2010- Nando's

I'll wait for Jassen to come around to double check the places we have gone, but believe that is close to correct.

THis year, we might try a local Turkish restaurant, which always smells great when we walk past it, and looks lush inside.:-)

And so it begins...

2011-02-01T21:30:00.002Z

Just finished the above book. I found it for £2.00 bookshop and noticed it months back. Finally, I decided to myself to pick it up and have a go.

And as synchronicity goes, last week, I believe it was a friday, I came across over 7 different and unique instances of the name "Alice", both at work and at home.

Lesson: I will try my best to pay attention to the universe more than I already do.

Might as well...

2011-01-31T21:42:00.003Z

update a little.

It has been AGES since I've blogged and even written in my journal that I commute to and from work with.

Life has changed a little, but still things are pretty much rock n' roll.

Getting closer to being a dual citizen, so wish me luck in the process.

It kinda feels like I am running a marathon, nearing the finish. I can see the line to cross and actually it brings me great pleasure to know that in the 6.5+ years it has taken for me to get where I am, there has been a lot accomplished, both on a personal as well as in Team "Double J"

I am nearing my 30th year of being on this planet. WIth that said, I will be running, on my 30th, 10km, which is roughly 6.2 miles? Crazy, I know, but totally do-able. Now only if I would start training...:-p

765

2010-01-11T07:59:00.002Z

If I would have been more diligent in posting bits of my life, since 2005, I would have something close to 4.5 years of posts, X 365. But how I am, that would never be. My attention is somewhat diverted, kinda like a cat with yarn.

I am 1.2kg away from what I was nearly a month ago. Once I get to that, I need to lose .8kg by the end of the month, so in total, need to lose 2kg which is 4.4 lbs, I believe. I have been weighing myself everyday, for the past few days, and it seems that I have lost a few pounds. With it being Christmas weight, I think that is why it is just dripping off.

I know it seems like I am obsessed with losing weight. Well, not far from the mark on that one, cuz I am obsessed, but it's good to have some sort of direction. Once I reach my goal, it would be a matter of maintaining and then focusing on other goals.

In early spring, or in March, I will head to a specialist shop with running in order to get proper running shoes and attire. I might also drag Jassen along, as I am not one to run alone in local parks. This also has dual purpose, as not only would I be training for my event, but Jassen would be getting his butt into gear and shaping up. Well, at least that is the plan.

Pepper is lapping up water. Seems quite thirsty from our little run around with the ribbon. She loves ribbons! Alrightee, need to get a move on.

Take care, all!

Yogurt/Yoghurt

2010-01-03T09:03:00.002Z

As I eat my breakfast, I sit in a slight state of contemplation.

Jassen flicks on the tv show, Glee.

Pepper chases a hairtie that is tossed around the room. Funny girl.

Managed to lose over 7lbs before the holidays and now, managed to gain back 4lbs of it. HA!
Not bad for eating more food and not exercising.

Now, I am back to the grind.

Here is the plan:

Lose 15lbs by Feb 28th/March 1st

Lose 10-15lbs by April 30/May 1st

= Goal

I should be able to shift the 4lbs I gained in the next couple of weeks. I also wouldnt mind being ahead of schedule.
As soon as spring is springing, I will start training for my 5K in September. This should help melt the weight off as well as tone. This should be a good year.:-)

Blank.

2009-09-13T06:09:00.004+01:00

It is early in the morning.

I have just woken up from a very aggressive dream that was very trying on my art of cynicism. I was a traveling transport of emotions, literally, as when things got tough and I acted out, I would get really angry and throw that at people, even if they weren't entirely at fault, purely with words and this raw animalistic angst that seemed to spread even deeper into my core, as time progressed.

There was one instance of a very rude lady, trying as she might to board the tube, as I was attempting an exit. She pushed her way through, I screamed at her, she physically kicked me, whilst she stood, but then all of a sudden, possibly due to my guilt of the situation, she magically was just sitting in a wheelchair attempting to board. It was all very strange.

I was travelling with my family, which consisted of my mom, dad, a little sister, although there isn't much of an age gap, she is still and always be the younger of us two. I felt in my element, London, but likewise, disconnected and alone, amongst the crowds of people, wanting to get from point A to B.

I know there was a few more run-ins with people, but at the moment, it escapes me, along with the understanding into why I felt so angry throughout my dream? It's not like I had a bunch of cheese before drifting off into la-la-sleepy-land last night?:-/

I could feel the injuries, the kicks and pangs inflicted from other people's aggressions radiating pain within my body.

We got off the train, then realised that the one we just jumped off, was the one we still needed to be on. I jumped, along with my family, back onto the train, and I tried as I might to get a seat next to my dad, as my mom and sister were able to be sitting all along the same stretch. I screamed, ARRRRRRRRGH! and the guy that took the spot I was aiming to be in, gave me the look, of "What the hell is up with you, man?" At this point, I actually apologized, as I was sitting right across from the guy and just told him flat out that I was having a really bad day, just as a point of possible forgiveness on my part.

In all honesty, this dream really was a bad dream, kinda like a wannabe-nightmare, but on a more realistic level that would happen even in my waking hours.

All of a sudden people with guns were messing about, the train was slowing down in a tunnel(typical), and they began to open fire on people. I got up and saw that my dad had also gotten up to try to deal with the issue at hand. He went to the main culprit, but way too much time passed, and people with the guns developed their own thoughts on the situation, my dad then attacked, but he was too late, and the guy found my dad's weakness, as he began to collapse in my arms.

It actually felt quite similar to when Salt, my cat, was dying in my arms on the way to the 24 hour vet. Weak, frail, and not a whole lot that can be done, but with hope always lingering like a leaf twisting in the breeze.

----------------

So, now I am awake, Pepper having been given food for the first half of the day, fresh water, and she is now perched on her cat tree as she greets the sun that is making its rounds for the day.

There was a fire down the street, smoke clouds bellowed above, but fortunately, it looks under control and fingers crossed, no one was hurt.

I don't really see the ghost of my cat, Salt. I wish I could, just to know that he is existing on another level and not just the energy in memories that I hold of him. Maybe I'm just greedy, but I once felt so secure in the fact that there was something else, something beyond. I still do, but that has been tested all too much recently, so it leaves me weak and unsure. Unsure about my self; unsure about the future; am I going about life right; when will I get a grip on my own confidence again or do I have to make an entirely new one?

Time. My frienemy. I. The fool.

My mind feels blank on this canvas, already painted.

Salt

2009-07-05T21:04:00.011+01:00

June 10th 2005 - July 4th 2009

I will miss you my sweet kitten.
Words and even my emotions I am feeling right now
serve no justice on how I really feel at the moment, the memories, the laughter, your spirit, which can never be compromised, unbroken, and solid with light.

As I struggle to understand why you were taken away
so quickly, you never gave up the fight until the very end,
when it was just accepting what was placed in your paws

It's unfair and not right that you are gone,
but I believe in the reasonings that tie us to this existence.

I just want to thank you for the beauty you brought into my life, the fun and games with the ribbon, and times when you
would meow, "Heelllooooo?" at the door with such energy and force, a definitely force to be reckoned with

As I listen to all different sorts of songs, in sounds of remembrance, Salty...

Salty, you were my one, the only.

Your memory I will keep close in my heart for as long as I breathe(and more)...

The beginning

2009-06-24T19:57:00.001+01:00

Umm..yea, video that is found is from the Danny Wallace Booksigning that I helped organized. Jassen also has a jaw-dropping role as well(Literally!) I am sitting next to him.:-p

It is...

2009-06-21T10:10:00.002+01:00

the 5th anniversary of me and Jassen being a "we". My my time has flown....:-)

I am on day 172 of exercising EVERYDAY! Crazy person that I am.

It's father's day and I want to wish my Dad a happy father's day!

I think twitter writing is rubbing off on my blog.

Hmmm....

Another day...

2009-05-05T07:55:00.003+01:00

another £...

I ended up going to sleep around 10, but found myself awake-----ish around 450am. That kinda sucked considering I had well over an hour more to sleep. Not too much to say, but work has been so busy, especially last week, so I hope that by the middle of this week, things will start to slowly cool down. I am not expecting for it to come to a grinding halt, but a slow down period is something to appreciate, when it comes around.

I am starting to study for the next part of my visa, but I look forward to this friday, as I plan to study my little heart out, and paint one of my bedrooms, in no particular order. I will then probably book my test for sometime this month, get that sorted, as well as whatever else the application process will be looking for. I believe that July/August time, I will get more info on my visa status and then plan from there, maybe get a holiday sorted, since by that time, I will be in total need of one, as well as Jassen.

Alright, I really do gotta head out.

I'll try to blog a bit more later.

PeACE!

Just thought...

2009-04-16T21:13:00.002+01:00

I'd share...*sings* My god, it takes an ocean of trust....*

It's been on my mind, this song. I like it.
And if you are a lyrics kinda person, here goes!

I hear a sound, a sound above my head
Distant sound of thunder, moving out on the moor

Blackbirds flew in and to the cooling towers
I'll pack my bags thinking of one of those hours with you
Waiting for you

My God it takes an ocean of trust
In the kingdom of rust

I long to feel some beauty in my heart
As I go searching right to the start

The road back to Preston was jutted out in snow
As I went looking for that stolen heart for you
Waiting for you

My God it takes an ocean of trust, it takes an effort it does
My God it takes an ocean of trust
It's in the kingdom of rust
Oh, in the kingdom of rust

I long to feel that wince in my heart
As I went looking I couldn't stop
Now I'm waiting for you

Yes, it does
I know it takes an ocean of trust
In the kingdom of rust

Day 96...

2009-04-06T07:42:00.003+01:00

of exercise.

Yesterday was Jassen's birthday and I made him some cupcakes and cake with frosting. Yumminess personified!
I also treated him(well, he called up to book the appointment) to get a professional massage, deep tissue massage to be specific.

I do feel a bit rundown this morning, and I even was in bed by 930pm! It's just for the fact my body hit the 7 hour mark and was like, "OK, fuuuuully charged." I woke up around 430am and was thinking WTF! I waited about 10-15 minutes to naturally fall back into sleep, since I had an hour and a half before I was going to get up, but nooooo.......my body was like, "It's time to get up!" *sighs*

I think I had too much caffeine yesterday and annoyingly enough, the effects like to delay hours after the fact.*grimaces*

Allllllright. Need to get a move on!

Happy Monday, all!

Hope it's a good week.:-)

So...yea...

2009-03-18T14:54:00.002Z

I managed to do well in a job interview and get a job!

YAY!!! FINALLY! After over 3 months of NOT being employed and looking for a job that would be ideal for me, the agency I am signed up to pulled a rabbit out its hat!

Basically, it is a job as a fundraising co-ordinator for RNIB, which is the acronym for Royal National Institute for Blind People. It seems like the dream job, in which I will be helping with the work load in regards to donations for the charity via varies channels as well as helping out the events and marketing team! It is a job that takes a very organized individual and I do classify myself as OCD, so sounds rockin'!

I can't believe my luck and I look forward to tomorrow, which is the first day there. I will be definitely going through the training they provide, but I am excited at not only the experience but making a difference in people's lives in a big way. What ever it takes, i'm there!

The really nice part is the hours too. Who said that 9-5 was dead?(me hehe) and it will take anywhere between 20-25 minutes commute to get there, which is WONDERFUL! Oh fun.....life is getting more interesting, indeed.

I'm faster than the internetz!!

2009-03-17T10:17:00.002Z

Well, I kinda feel like that today, as the web pages seem to load soooo slow this morning. It is nearing the 1030 in the a.m. mark and I am being lazy me. It's quite nice out and has been for the past few days, three days running! I am thinking that Spring has popped in a little early, before the 21st, just to say hello, drop it's bags for a few months, before summer takes up rent in June.

Fingers crossed for something positive today.*fingers cross*

I think nearing the lunch time mark, I will do my 76th day of exercise. I look forward to when the 210th day arrives and then I will be even more conscious of what I am putting into my body...

NEWS FLASH: Something Positive just happened, so watch this space!!

Yay.

Happy Friday the 13th...

2009-03-13T08:09:00.003Z

Again.:-p

I haven't done a blog in quite some time! I've definitely been on the internet though...Looking for new jobs and entertaining myself when I get bored.

I've actually put a cooking hat on, as of late, and finally attempted my very first cheesecake. I also made a cake and baked homemade cookies, probably a couple of times by now. I also at some point, made beef casserole(2 times), a taco salad at another point, homemade CHILI/CHILLI , and Jassen is getting better at making his lentils, which are quite YUMMY!

We have also, since the beginning of the year, been budgeting how much we spend in groceries. At first, it was £120 for the month, and we easily got it down to £75, due to over estimating January, and NOW we are attempting £60 a month. We are definitely seeing how far the pound can stretch. So far, 13 days in a month of 31, with 18 days left to go, we have something around £24 left.:-/ I mean, I did end up making a few things from scratch and such, but I think we can totally hack it(fingers crossed).

I will probably do a bit of shopping today. We need breakfast stuffz, so I might get enough for this week and next week, so sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, and probably some orange juice. Also more dinner stuffs, as in chicken burgers, burgers, and I think we are fine for veggies. I also will pick up some salad since Jassen is desperately wanting greens from other than the veggies I cook.:-/

I am assuming I will spend around £7 this trip, bringing the total down to £17, which will probably be for things like milk. We found a deal with bread and butter this weekend, so I froze them. We will crack into the bread this weekend/next week, which should last us and then we will have to get bread 1-2 times more(40p each). Milk is on sale for 86p at Asda, so if it is still on sale, will probably get some more on sunday.

I know I am being a bit anal at the moment with money, but its a nice challenge to see how far money can go, if you push it, that alot of the products we get are the same as most others, maybe not eating as much "stuff" that we use to....that sort of thing.

If it gets too close for comfort, we do have a coupon/voucher for Tescos that can be used.:-p

And so on to other things, I've been exercising still, everyday and I am up to 72 days today, once I actually do and go exercise.

I am currently on the elliptical machine for 25 minutes and then I go on to do squats, stretches, and crunches, etc. for another 12 minutes or so. In April, April fool's day, I will increase my time to 30 on the elliptical and do that each month until July. At that point, I will be exercising nearly an hour everyday, which I think would be some feat! ALL in the name of health. I've always wanted to be in good shape, so there is no time like the present to do it in, plus I think the "future me" will appreciate the time and effort and not beginning too late in life.

Alrightee....I will attempt blogging more......get my head out of the internet clouds.

See ya.;-)

A worm hole stuck in a black hole

2009-02-25T09:54:00.003Z

I am one of the biggest procrastinators I know! I have been doing my usual and daily internet rounds, but when I find sites and such that strike up an interest, I just get SUCKED in!!

For the past 1.5 hours, I have been struggling to go and exercise. I know that if I get it done early, I will feel a nice sense of completion, accomplishing something that is for myself, which is a really nice feeling. I have been doing exercises everyday since the beginning of the New Year, which is 56 days or 8 weeks!!!! Yay for me.:-)

Another thing is the attempt in looking for a job. The motivation is totally not there, but I need to will myself to try, cuz chances are that there is something out there for me, to make money, to bring money into our household of two(plus our kits).

It was soooo easy to get a job the last time and on multiple occasions, usually coming out of people at agencies that I have visited, tell me I should have stuck with it. I wasn't happy, wanted to try something new, a change in direction, but I guess I had more faith in finding a job within a month or so, and now it is edging closer to the 3 month mark. YIKES!

Send me some good vibes, peeps!
Thanks.

x

What stands between...

2009-02-11T10:19:00.002Z

me and progress, is my self.

I've come to a point in which I find that I am battling with myself....my lack of confidence in my skills and my ability to complete things. It has been 2 months since I left my job at the bookshop, and part of me kinda wishes I still had that job for money security purposes. Although, I wasn't mentally happy there, hence wanting a different kind of job.

I've signed up at an agency, have been with that agency for now a month and still they have yet to give me any sort of work. Tomorrow, I intend on doing a "sit-in" service, which isn't one that someone calls in and you automatically run to the job, but that if someone calls up for workers, and you fit the criteria they ask for, then it sets you up with working the following day, week, etc. *sighs*

Part of me just wants to give up, become a hermit, but I know that would eat me up on the inside. I look forward to the weekend. I kinda see it as a little oasis that doesn't last for too long, but it's enough for a breather and for me to forget the fact that I am jobless. I think by the end of this month, if I am not set up with a job, I will look for minor little whatever jobs just to get some money flowing a bit.

And now...

2009-02-01T10:58:00.001Z

one of my favourite bands, Coldplay, have a new video. VERY FUNNY!!:-p

And another one...

2009-01-31T23:20:00.002Z

of my favourite songs...

I remember my first boyfriend. He loved the Smashing Pumpkins, I started listening to them, and got obsessed. Ah, youth.
But seriously, I might seem abit of a goth at heart, and maybe that is the case a little.....:-p

One of my favourite songs...

2009-01-31T23:18:00.002Z

Sour Girl-Stone Temple Pilots

<a href="http://www.joost.com/082023d/t/Stone-Temple-Pilots-Sour-Girl-(Video)">Stone Temple Pilots - Sour Girl (Video)</a>

PS.....Scott Weiland is hot.;-)

Just for fun...

2009-01-22T08:20:00.003Z

It seems that Obama restated the oath.

Here is a linkie:

Obama does an Oath Re-do

I should give myself a pat on the back. Yesterday was three weeks of non-stop, everyday exercise. I've also been a bit more conscious of what is going into my body, even if I do still each chocolates and such.:-p

I haven't properly weighed myself, which I would definitely do in the morning time after I woke up, but I'll do that sometime next month to see if I am losing a little weight. I do believe that I am in the very beginning stages of "shaping" and I have a feeling that the fat that likes to hang around my sides, will start to get smaller soon. I think it's good to exercise everyday, no breaks in between, so I can't just say to myself, 'Oh, I don't have to do anything today, cuz I'll just work on it tomorrow!'

I think that if I leave myself any gap to just relax, then I will just get into the habit of relaxing more often in regards to the exercise. And I don't want to do this to myself.

It's strange to think we are already more than 3 weeks into the new year. I always think that time can't move any faster, but somehow in someway, shape, or form, it does. It is surely winter here, as cold and hard rain beat the windows of my flat. Granted I am up near the top half of the complex, the winds seem to be a bit more harsh.

I've been keeping track of out-goings of how much Jassen and I spend in groceries, and so far in January, we have spent a little more than £48, which so far is under the estimation that I created a week and a bit ago. I figured that an average, we must spend close to £35 a week, but I've been pretty conscious of spending and deals and going for store brands, as they seemed to be nicely priced.

What is a good idea, and what Jassen and I like to do is get the bog standard soup, say tomato, and then I just add veggies to the mix and serve it with a sandwich, or crackers, etc. BAM, you got yourself a simple little meal. Cost-effective too!

I am still struggling in the mornings to start my day, but yesterday I managed to get up around 8ish, and collect a package from the post office around 9. I also went straight to Asda(part of Wal*mart), and did some brisk food shopping, came home, exercised, did some training on Excel, since I haven't been too exposed to it, started training on Outlook(seems easy enough so far), and straightened up the place a little by vacuuming and some clothes washing...

So, all in all, I did accomplish a fair bit of stuff yesterday. I am hoping today to get going like I did yesterday, just to keep myself preoccupied. I signed up at a recruitment(temp) agency a few weeks ago now and have been waiting to get some sort of work, but my old job, supposedly it took them sometime to come back with a reference, which is the excuse as to why I wasn't being hailed down for work.:-/ I'm still on the hunt for other prospects and probably will be until I find that right thing.

Okay, so today I will be exercising as soon as I am finished blogging here, I will then ready myself for the day, head to Asda, as the kitties food supply is dwindling into the red, come back, attempt to slam dunk the Outlook training, since it seems pretty common sensical, and do a bit more research and applying job wise. Sounds like a fun filled kind of day.

Take Care!

It's an Obama of a day!

2009-01-20T20:17:00.003Z

New President
New Sense of Hope

Exciting times.:-)

I went to Madame Tussaud's wax museum and hung out with my old friend Obama.

Apparently at the luncheon, two senators collapsed. One being Ted Kennedy, had a seizure and is battling brain cancer and 92-year old Robert Byrd. I know that the meal was based on the tastes of Abe Lincoln, so I wonder if it had something to do with the food or just an exhausting day. Ted is conscious in the ambulance at the moment, and I'm sure that more will be updated soon, if not later.

I am watching Barack and Michelle, along with the Vice and his wife reviewing the troops. Quite cool.

Hudson Miracle...

2009-01-18T11:32:00.001Z

The human race can be awesome...

2009-01-16T11:51:00.000Z

Obama Countdown
created by James Miller

OOoooh yea....:-)

At least there is something positive going on, besides the crash landing with everyone surviving on the Hudson Bay,,,

Nothing much...

2009-01-13T12:07:00.002Z

is happening at the moment.

I have been having issues with lack of sleep,even though I feel like I should be getting enough of it. The trouble is that when I wake up in the morning, say around 4/5am, it breaks my sleep and I feel the need to sleep a bit more. I've been averaging getting out of bed around 930 to 11am. I really need to get that down a bit, say 8am?

So, instead of jumping start onto the computer, which is what I normally do, I did my exercises, cuz I know that I easily get sucked into typing and communicating online. I bumped up the usual 15 mins to 18.30 on the elliptical and plan to start on 20 minutes a day with the machine, as well as the crunches, stretching, and squats, etc. I really need to get down to this weight I have in mind, not only for health, but sanity!! I haven't checked my weight in a while and probably won't until next month at some point, cuz I know how weight fluctuates when you are losing it and gaining muscle.

I didn't make any breakfast and now it is past 12 noon. I've eaten a fun pack of M&Ms, had some orange juice, and some water. Food will happen in about 20 minutes or so, and then I will need to think about dinner and what we might be eating.

We had shells and pasta sauce last night, which was tasty and wouldn't mind a repeat, but maybe something else will sound more appealing later on.

I guess there is/was a blizzard on the way to my home town, where my parents live, so I will check in on them soon, just to see what the conditions are like and if my mom's school got cancelled.

"It's a little bit funny...

2009-01-12T08:54:00.003Z

...this feeling insiiiiiiiiiiiide" Okay, enough of Elton John/Bernie Taupin combo!!

I was just making an observation that recently, since I have been updating my blog a bit more than the norm, I am getting a little bit more traffic. So, if, and this is a big IF, anyone out there that hasn't made themselves known, please don't hesistate. Say Hello!:-p

Anywho, I woke up at about 8:30 this morning, struggling between just laying in bed, or actually starting my day and getting things accomplished. I was a bit nervous though, when I started to look for my wallet, bag, thingie that I carry around with somewhat important things, I.D, etc. I couldn't find it in its usually spot on the coat rack. So, I started to panic a little and ended up realizing my mistake. I had forgotten, which is usually the case, that I had hung it at the end of the bed, which is enveloped with clothes that really need hangers and hung up in the closet. So, I found that, put my phone on charge, since I am awaiting any kind of phone call from the agency I signed up at on Friday.

Really, I just need to start my day with the exercise I've assigned myself to do, take a shower, be ready for anything that comes my way, yet there is such a draw, just to check my emails, old internet haunts, facebook, and other ways of communication. It's a bit like finding gifts of your existance, here and there, and getting updates on those around me, and so on.

Okay...kicking my butt, as exercise is the one thing I have control over, ya know? It's nice to accomplish something in a day, even if it lasts 30 mins...;-)

Star Trek....

2009-01-10T15:57:00.003Z

Enterprise is actually getting more Star Trekkie as it heads towards the end of the first season. Still have a few more episodes to swim through, then it's on to season 2.:-)

Here is the gameplan:

Watch Complete Enterprise Series
Watch Complete TOS Series
See if the Cartoon of Star Trek for the Original Series can be hunted down
Watch Star Trek Movies, 1-10
In May, go to movies to watch New Star Trek Movie!!!

Sounds like a plan.;-)

I haven't been up to much today with the exception of waking up at 545am, finding that once again, twice this week, the water wasn't working. Jassen called up MHT and found out that the electricity had gone out in the middle of the night again, but that was taken care of, so he reported the water, was made in charge of contact with the engineer that came in to reset the water. Apparently the engineer had to get permission to break down the door of the water room, which is kinda crappy. With all of these homeless peeps that manage to find a way into our flat, it's not good to have anything open like that.

So, once the engineer came in around 8am, Jassen stuck with him and will figure that if next time there is an issue, he might be able to fix it himself, if given the task.

Speaking of water, I think I need a shower after marathoning a few episodes of star trek, having a breakfast lunch thang and exercising. The sun is setting now...I look forward to days staying lighter for longer...

Bring on the Pizza!!

2009-01-09T16:59:00.003Z

So, I finally went to an appointment with an agency that I have been in contact with and re-registered myself with their company. Right away, I might have the possibility of a new job, starting Tuesday. I believe there to be interviews on Monday, so if I am one of the lucky candidates and they want me, then I will be employed again, for at least half a year, if they job suits! Nice prospect.

This morning, I headed out the door and reached the train station at 10 past 9, got a travelcard, and TOTALLY forgot that it's peak time until 930am, so I had to shell out my entire £10 that I laid down in front of the (rude) ticket man. When I asked politely;

"I thought that travelcards were £6.70?"
He rudely responded, "Yea...after 930am."

I excused my mistake and ran up the flight of steps to the platform(my parents know the ones that I speak of) to get my train at 9:15. I got to King's Cross, changed for Piccadilly, then headed to Holborn. The agency I totally overlooked and started walking down the high road. I called them to double check where they were located and how I didn't see the sign was that it was straight on coming out and around the station. Ah well, a nice bit of exercise doesn't hurt anyone.

So, I filled out forms, slowly to assure accuracy, which took 50 minutes, and then did a few proficiency tests for copy writing, numbers, and MS programs that are commonplace in the city working environment. After 2 hours, I was nearly completed when all of a sudden the last test went corrupt!! So, I was given a link when I got home to complete, which I've already done.*wipes brow*

I've been awake since 6:30 this morning, and whilst half sleeping and in the dream world, I managed, somehow to exercise 15 minutes on my elliptical and also do my squats, stretches, and crunches, etc. I gotta keep to my NYR- DAY 9 today. I look forward to the end of the month so I can happily say that I stuck to my guns for over 4 weeks, with less than 26 weeks to go!:-)

Have a wonderful weekend, you guys!!

xx

I look forward to...

2009-01-07T20:54:00.002Z

a new Star Trek Series.

I was google-ing, New+Star+Trek+Series and this looked promising.

Mmm Star Trek

I have high expectations for the new movie coming out this spring.

Currently, Jassen and I are watching,"Enterprise" and I feel like it never disembarked off the docks. We are nearing the end of the first season and the writing is a bit blah and the characters somewhat disconnected. I really don't think that Scott Bakula was the greatest choice for captain(and Im sorry to say that, as I was a fan of Quantum Leap), but we shall perservere in hopes of the series getting better.

It has been said that the 4th season is pretty good, but can I hold out til then?
Might continuing watching the Original Series, and then have a movie marathon of the 10 feature lengths culminating to when the 11th will premiere.

To the New Year!cheers

2009-01-04T09:20:00.004Z

I hope you all brought in the New Year with positive thoughts of the future for not only yourselves, but for those around you as well.:-)

For New Years Eve, I spent some time with Jassen's family. We decided weeks before to do a meal of it to bring in the New Year. I figured I would try my hand at preparing ham(or gammon, as it is known as here in the UK and Ireland) and alllll the fixings!

Also for the first time in my life, I made scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, AND a special orange sauce that complimented the ham oh-so perfectly!:-) That really made me happy.:-p

For the salad, I had brought over shrimp and a homemade cocktail sauce to go with it. So, with combined brainpower, my mum-in-law, Devi suggested a shrimp salad. I took her advice from there and it ended up being rather tasty.

We had some wine with the meal and then crowded around Jassen's dad's tele with Brut Champagne to bring in the New Year. I had my parents on iChat, as so they could be somewhat a part of the festivities.

To be honest, I could care less about another digit or two changing on the calender, but I like the idea of starting afresh, anew, with the best of intentions of not only becoming a better person on an individual basis, but as a human being on a whole.

So, shall i share what my resolutions are for this year and so on? I'm not one to be superstitions in dispelling any truth on the matter.

Here goes:

Although it might seem like an obvious choice, I am on a regime of diet and exercise at the moment. I am on DAY 4 and so far so good. It has been suggested that when people DO take on such a resolution in the beginnings of winter, they find it almost impossible to resist the temptations of winter aka fatty foods. On average we give up on diet and exercise between the first 2 to 6(my opinion about the 6 weeks) weeks.

I was told by a friend of mine recently that for every 500 calories you omit from your daily intake times that by 7 days of the week, that is 3500 calories less or 1 pound lost.

500 less per day x 7 days = 3500 calories or 1 pound lost

Really, that is not a bad deal. On top of that sort of conscious dieting, if exercise is involved, that helps to aid in the simple fact of NOT just losing any old weight, like from muscle mass, but fat as well. If you lose from the muscle and not the fact, you probably get something like the Oprah effect(Sorry O), in which it rubber bands right back atcha as soon as you slip off the wagon.:-S

ULTIMATELY, my goal is to rid myself of the weight of 30 pounds(more like 25) to reach the ideal weight of 140. OH-My-gosh. To be at an ideal weight, it would be wonderful, especially that since being the UK, people CAN be big or overweight, but whilst commuting into the city, ALOT of people are thin and lean due to all the walking they have probably done all of their lives since they could first walk.

But really it isn't so much of a vain motivation, but for when Jassen and I do finally decide to set up the JJ Camp, and start a little posse, I will be(and hopefully him too) in good shape, and good health to make the process not only smoother, but super healthy for any little creature we create, comes into this world.:-) Big enough motivation, if you ask me.

So, yes....that is my personal deal.
As for on a more human level....

I aim to be a bit less sensitive than the past year,
less cynical(as it ages you and wears on your heart and others around you)
more positive(because it definitely pays forward),
take on new challenges(like for me at the moment, getting a new job)

and overall, just be a better, stronger peg in the spokes of life.

Hope you all reach your goals of happiness.;-)

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-26T03:38:00.001Z

I hope all of you out there had a Fantabulous Christmas and Wonderful Holiday!
Was Santa Claus kind to you?
:-)

xx

Coffee...

2008-12-22T12:09:00.002Z

sounds nice about now, but I really don't think it would help to combat my tired body.

I ended up falling asleep around 730/830pm, not quite sure, and around 830 or 930, as I couldn't really grasp the concept of time, Jassen and my mom were trying to get me to go to sleep in my bed. I protested as I felt it was too early to do so.:-p

So, I think there might have been light convo, but then I did manage to head on to bed. I slept until about 1ish. I felt like it was 4ish in the morning, as I heard my sister, who was packing and readying herself to go back to Florida(she only visited for 3 days). I got up and mosey-on down to the living room, then looking at the clock as I past by the kitchen. I then proclaimed, "HEY! It's only 1ish in the morning!":-S

So, I chatted for a small while with my sis, watching some Beyonce music videos and protests on Scientology(which was short lived and kinda weird to watch), then I headed back to bed. My sis asked if Jassen and I wanted to go with her to drop her off, but get a dunkin donuts before hand, but we declined, not only due to tiredness, but the combo of it being ridiculously cold out, a bit too early for coffee(430am), and really just a general sense of being "not with it". Luckily, Jassen and I didn't tag along as Nicole's bus was stuck in bad weather about 30-45 minutes away, so right now, my parents are driving my sis to O'Hare. If they left the bus stop around 5, I would assume that they are nearly there, hoping that traffic isn't too bad for the working class driving into Chicago.

I will expect my parents to be back home probably around 800/830, but latest 9am. My sister will be taking off around 9am, arriving back in Florida around 12, having a short break in between and then heading to work a little later.

No offense, but I couldn't do that. Be awake for hours before hand, travel to the airport, fly, travel from the airport, rest for 2 secs and then head off to work for 10-12 hours. Hope she drinks plenty of coffee!!

Any who, during the 3 days of my Lil sis's visit, we went to our favourite Italian restaurant in Oak Brook, did some shopping on Saturday, chilled out, and then Sunday had breakfast with some family friends and their kids, hung out, and then did some gift exchanges. Later, we did our gift exchange with my sis, went to one of our favourite Mexican restaurants, came home, I made cookies, and chilled again.

I still feel like I need to get a few other things for my folks for Christmas, but first things first, I need to get one of their gifts out of the jeep that I have been hiding since Saturday, due to it not being in a proper bag or anything and I didn't want to blatantly carry it through the house.

I need a coffee.

Ice Storm is a-comin'

2008-12-19T03:20:00.002Z

Oh my...
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Sitting in the dark...

2008-12-17T09:31:00.003Z

at home in the States.

I have been visiting my folks for a few days now, since in the evening on the 14th and I feel the sensation of time drifting ever so fast. It's annoying sometimes.

Since I have been home, I have managed to clean up the Kitchen, Living Room, Bathroom and put a fair amount of Christmas decorations up. There is a little ways to go, but I will attempt to get those all taken care of over the course of the next few days:-) We have inherited a bit more decorations due to my dad's best friend's mother passing away and she LOVED all that was Christmas!

Yes, it is 330 in the morning, but my body clock is still trying to adjust, but I did manage to fall asleep before 830pm, so in reality, I have slept a whole 6 hours thus far! I will probably head back to bed momentarily, but until then, I BLOG!

I emailed a friend, trying to confirm some dinner plans, so I await her decision on whether or not to have dinner either today or tomorrow. We are heading to Olive Garden, so I am looking forward to introducing that to Jassen.:-)

I'll blog some more later.....

P.S. I believe there to be about 3+ inches of snow accumulation. WooHoo for Christmas!!!

Oh, gosh...

2008-12-12T09:45:00.003Z

LeRoi Moore
1961-2008

I feel so out of the loop with Dave Matthews news....but I just found out that LeRoi Moore passed away in August of this year.:-(
He was the saxophonist of the Dave Matthews Band and founding member. He was born in 1961 and what can I say, his solos and soul that he put into the band's music, Just Beautiful. I'm sad to hear of such a loss but I look forward to the next time I see the band....I will think of him.

Times,...

2008-12-11T13:37:00.002Z

they are a-changing!

Yesterday was my official last day at Waterstones. It was a nice little run of over a year and 3 months. I guess I really started to turn into the furniture there cuz loads of people were either in shock of my leaving or thought that I was moving back to the states.

Of course, I am not moving back to the states,..for now. I really do want to head back in 10-12 years. I like the idea of settling a bit here, starting a family, the beginning education for spawn and then head to the states for the rest of education and closer friendships and less stress of growing up and living in a city.

I honestly and whole-heartedly miss the States and my friends, especially Val. She is the type of friend that is soooo easy and fun to hang out with. No friendship-pressure to perform, cuz I do believe some friendships are abit hard to maintain and require alot more work...Do you know what I mean?

Basically, we would go to a few haunts, bookshops, music shops, etc. or just chill at home, watching tv, chatting, being creative....that sort of thing. I loved that and miss it.

Don't get me wrong, I am making friends over in this side of the world, but it's different. It's not like I have the mobility in the same way. I don't have a car here...I am not really encouraged to get an UK License, but I believe that each time I go back to the states and then back the UK, my US license resets for one year and I can drive on that. The car insurance and MOT et cetera is sooooo beyond expensive, it's just annoying...

I'll type more later.....feel a bit distracted!!!
x

Things...

2008-11-26T09:07:00.002Z

should be work with ALOT of fun!

There are a few of us, in the art department I work in, going to see a movie tonight. We all agreed to be flexible and easy with the choice. At first, I thought it was going to be "W" but it was changed to.......wait for the pun.....wait for it!! The CHANGLING! It is super close to work, so I will probably pop over to HMV before or after to get my deary some game points. I think a new version of street fighter is out, so it's my gift to him.:-p

So, yea.....work today, movie and junk tonight, and then shopping for the thanksgiving dinner I have planned for tomorrow. We only have a few close friends coming over, so it should be good. In total, there will be about 9 people, but Jassen's lil bro will probably only stay for so long. We need to figure out chairs, since we only have 5.

*20 mins pass*

Ok. Asked Jassen about taking a trip to IKEA, maybe compliments of his mom to pick up 4 chairs. Hehehe
We shall see. If not, maybe he could get 2 today and i will get 2 tomorrow, via public transport.:-S

I am making a list of things to get, foodwise. I LOVE THANKSGIVING and eating....Yay!

Alright....gearing up for work.:-p

Asda(walmart) Edmonton, UK opens today...

2008-11-17T11:18:00.004Z

Here is a view from the flat.

so, a quarter til opening, at 9:45am, I stood in the crowds to see what the new Asda was all about and possibly catch a few deals. As I was standing in line and the natives started to become restless, people started to push unnecessarily. I don't understand why people feel the need to do that? The struggle of it all.:-(

Before getting into the crowds

Anywho, there I was in between 2 shopping carts intersecting at a 45 degree angle, with me in the middle, being squished. My poor hips! Finally at about 10:15, I was let in. I still can't believe that people use their kids in buggies as battering rams and excuses to push through to the front.

Crowds. At this pt. things were alright, pleasant, etc. 10 minutes later, it wouldn't be the case...

The deals werent THAT great, but alright. I wandered around for about 30 minutes and made my way to the checkout which was smooth and easy. I headed out and around, then walked parallel to the St. George parking garage home.

I was soooo glad to be in the comfort of my own home.
I ran into a guy and his kid and he asked if it were true that everything is half off. I looked at my receipt and said, 'NOPE, not true'

The lies people say to stir up crap.*le sigh*

After I left, I looked from my flat and noticed an ambulance and then soon a police car that shortly followed. Seriously people, like one of the police officer's said, upon coming in, "Quit pushing people! It's just a supermarket, for crying out loud!"
I second that.

Glad to be home, but was it worth it?

Thinking about family...

2008-11-14T14:34:00.004Z

that have passed.....grandparents, etc.

New song by Dido:

The Day Before The Day

speeches won't be made today, clocks will carry on
flowers wont be left in parks, work will still be done
people wont be dressed in black, babies will be born
no flags will fly, the sun will rise,
but we know that you are gone

you who love to love and believed we can never give enough

it wakes me every single night, thinking through the day
did you stop at any time have doubts at any stage
were you calm or were you numb or happy just to get it done
i've lived my life without regret until today

you who love to love and believed we can never give enough

I didnt get to say goodbye the day before the day
was trying to get to work on time, thats why i turned away
and missed the most important thing you've ever tried to say
i've lived my life without regret until today

you who love to love and believed we can never give enough
and you who hoped that underneath we all felt the same
that was until the day before the day .

Here is the song, via youtube.com:
Push Play to begin.

I made...

2008-11-12T09:59:00.002Z

another blog...dedicated to the humorous side of politics(as the description goes) of Barack Obama. I am sure much more is to come.:-)p

Here is the site

and yes, it is L0(as in zero)LObama.blogspot.com

Politics never seemed so interesting...

2008-11-07T17:01:00.002Z

as it does now.

My vote.
My president-elect to represent me among the millions of other Americans.

In 2.5 hours, Barack will meet with the press and then a press conference.

*stays tuned*

I am filled with not only a sense of hope, but excitement at the prospect of not only a better America but a better world.

Fellow Americans, we gotta stay involved just as much, if not more than ever!

OooooHHHhh Yeeeeaaaah....

2008-11-06T09:54:00.004Z

Got this from my friend Lisa's site, who got it from her other friend's site...etc. and so on...:-)

And...

2008-11-05T12:10:00.002Z

you voted.....Oh yea....

Indiana only has 99% results in. I wonder if they are now counting absentee votes?(mine and my dad's):-p
And yes, I stayed awake until 6 am in the morning watching it....and I am feeling it.:-p

OBAMA!!!

Please Vote November 4th... OBAMA/BIDEN....

2008-11-02T11:08:00.000Z

Need something to...

2008-10-23T22:51:00.000+01:00

crack me up...

SNL...

2008-10-20T10:22:00.004+01:00

is making it hard for people to watch this video via youtube, probably cuz they are more supportive of the democratic party(is my guess and party that I most endorse)...but yea...Palin on SNL with Tina Fey.

I just found out...

2008-10-18T07:54:00.003+01:00

one of my friends from school named Ben is in hospice and the outlook is not good.

Here is his wife's blog where she is keeping us updated.

If you can donate to his cause, please do.

HOPE FOR BEN

I'm a bit in shock at the moment.

sorry...

2008-10-17T10:17:00.001+01:00

Joe da plumber(who actually doesn't have a license from what the news is speculating)
=
Paid diversion?

Maybe....

Been...

2008-10-17T08:42:00.004+01:00

a bit sickly as of recent. It seems that I have some sort of cold/flu deal. It felt like the flu to begin with, I still have body aches and the likes, but my nose is plugged like a cold, et cetera. I hope that by tomorrow, when I have work(off today which is good for recouping) that I will feel at least 85%.

Jassen happened to enter a competition and got tickets to a listening party for Dido. I know he is a fan of her first album from yonks ago. I know a few of her songs and will research a little more before attending. I mean, we get to meet the lady herself in a secret location. I am sure there will be pictures(which reminds me to charge our own camera battery!) so I will have to have a little think of what to wear/how to do my hair so I look alright. Vain, I know.:-p But it's fun.

This is her new album:

Coming out soon on the 17th of November for the UK (18th in the US)

Go to her official site to hear a few of the new track numbers!Official Dido Site

With her father's passing in 2006, much emotion poured out of her from the loss. And what better way to cope than with creating(music for this matter)something of a positive nature.

I have heard a few tracks and think them beautiful and reminds me a little of Sarah McLachlan. Invigorating.

Why Hello...

2008-10-14T07:37:00.002+01:00

little bloggie!

It's been a bit of time, but I have been writing here and there in my own personal journals that I carry around with me whilst commuting back and forth from work. Also have come up with an idea for a potential book.:-p I need to stick with this, see it through, since often times I leave things to the wayside.*annoying*

I also want to do some fun/inspiring things. At the moment, I feel the rutty-ness of life, but I do see the light. I think next year, Jassen and I will do a bit more traveling in the UK as well as Europe.:-)

I was thinking a bit, inspired by Jassen's line of thinking, but don't you feel that, at the moment, there is a bit of a "calm before the storm" action going on? I mean, with the whole stock market deal and the question of "why?" things like this are happening? If any one can honestly clarify, let me know! I mean, if American and now British tax moneys are going into the stock market(which is a risk), what happens if things go bust? Do we not find ourselves in a worse situation? Confused.

VOTE!

2008-10-02T13:22:00.001+01:00

Seriously...vote

If you haven't registered to, please do today!!

I'm not obsessed...

2008-10-01T09:18:00.002+01:00

but I think I will go to ikea today. There is something oddly relaxing about perusing the items, getting ideas for what other things to have in the house that would prove useful/helpful.

During my days off, I have relaxed a little, karaoked much, had korean foods, watched and caught up with my favourite series(and Jassen's too of course!), Boston Legal, House MD, Heroes, and have been on many mini marathons of Star Trek: Voyager(near the end of season 2 of 7). There is a load of clothes in the wash, things are getting even cleaner, by me "detail cleaning". I've been attempting to go into all nooks and crannies and getting things in ship shape order.

Last night, I went through 2 drawers of papers and stationery bits, as well as a box of mail and so on. It's so crazy, just how paper adds up! So, I managed cleaning a few areas, but I still need to go through a few storage containers. After that, I will print out the rest of the wedding pictures to put in albums, and begin printing pics from June 2007+ . If I manage to get this far in the day, I will consider that a major accomplishment!

Alright. I am giving myself 20 minutes to get ready and out of here! IKEA, Comin' atcha reaaaal gooD!!

Supposedly...

2008-09-21T07:57:00.002+01:00

the Cern machine that is suppose to test out the after effects of the big bang, etc....Broke. Now, I kinda hope they fix it.

I've been working this weekend and look ultra forward to having off monday and even a later shift on the tuesday just give more of a breather. My stomach hasn't been the best for about a month, so I will be getting more yogurt for my tummy pangs!

The kitties are chilling, with Pepper on the top of the sofa on a nice and warm blanket and Salty is sitting like a chicken in front of the turned-off tv as I type this blog. Jassen is messing with a pocket pc that I trialed at work to see if I could get a wifi connection to check my email, etc. But it failed.:-p

I have about 30 mins to go before I have to head out to recharge my oyster pass and then I will have to catch a bus due to the Victoria line being shut for the weekend(sucks butt), but the works should be done in November, which in reality isn't that far off.

I'll try to blog a bit more....soon.:-)

Oh my gosh....

2008-09-12T07:53:00.002+01:00

a day off!

I really needed this day off. *wipes brow*
I am on day 5 of no coffee, to cleanse my system a bit. I've also been cutting back the total caffeine in my diet, drinking water and fruit juice and eating some yogurt, which I need to get more of.(YUM!)

There is a particular department store going out of business, I will say after I've been there, but I am going there this morning to see if there are any deals.:-p Also, need to get a fresh copy of On the Road, since the one I've borrowed is looking quite mangy!

That's really all at the moment. Might head to Bath for the day in a few weeks or maybe Glasgow. We shall see!
:-)

Today is...

2008-09-10T09:37:00.002+01:00

the day for the CERN experiment to go ahead...

Would be interesting to know the after effects of the Big Bang...

A little rap about the experiment:

News

I love my Elbow...

2008-09-09T11:54:00.001+01:00

new video from Elbow. They are also up for a Mercury Prize! Let's hope they get it tonight!

The Bones of You...

An Observation...

2008-08-30T08:16:00.002+01:00

John McCain
Denny Crane*

Does it not
sound the same?

:-p

*Denny Crane is the fictional character in Boston Legal,who is a fierce republican and legendary lawyer, played by William Shatner.

A day off...

2008-08-28T13:33:00.002+01:00

And as I sit here and watch re-runs of Home Improvement, I ponder on whether or not I should officially greet the day. I am trying to motivate myself to go outside and get some air. I want to head to Ikea and get a few things, just need to kick myself in the butt.....

:-p

Oy Vey!

2008-08-22T08:38:00.002+01:00

I had some ready oats this morning as well as some jammed french bread. Both were hot and I believe I managed to burn the roof of my mouth, as opposed to my tongue. OY VEY, i say....

Watching the Olympics and more specifically the 1000m kayaking. Yay Britain!! They got gold and actually, the United Kingdom is 3rd place according to the medals table.

The Olympic city handoff will be on Sunday(i believe) and the next city is London. W00T! I hope to get some sort of tickets for something when they are here in less than 4 years.:-)

I need a coffee.....It's been a few days.....:-S

Mine eyes have opened...

2008-08-19T08:44:00.004+01:00

for the truth knows of no limits.
It shines and shines and blinds those that will not accept it.

Realization is a friend of mine
an old one that taps you on the shoulder, saying,
"HellO! I am here....I exist."

Patterns are seen
the dots are then connected
karma has a funny way
and will always come knocking at your door

If you hear the knocking and resist it
it will come barging in.
Nothing holds back karma, the funny little friend.

Bloggie Blog...

2008-08-18T07:46:00.005+01:00

Eating my morning micro-oats. I like them alot, so I stocked up and bought a few boxes(8 per box). Only costs 89p for a box, so that's cheap breakfast....but tasty as well. It's important to be tasty and nutritious as well.:-)

Not too much to say at the moment. It's raining at the moment, and it started last night around 9-10p.m. (now its nearly 8am). I think the weather affects us more than we give it credit. This morning, when I woke up, I found it both a little stuffy and hard of breathing. I told Jassen this and he noted the same.:-/ I guess misery loves company, but really to me, it's a varying degree. Hmmm......maybe I just need a bit more hydrating.

Yesterday, Jassen and I managed to head to the movies and watch, The Dark Knight. Oddly enough, with all the hype and how many people insisted that it's a movie you will have to see twice due to its web of complexities, I found the movie to be not only average, but understandable. Honestly, I don't feel the urge to see it again, anytime soon that is. Are people that dim and can't pay attention to a movie that is 2.5+ hours long?

Strange...I feel like the quality of films and tv is getting worse and that people will digest anything nowadays. Is that what it's come to? I call it the MTV-Effect. At first, MTV was the first of its kind, back in 1981. It was a music video station that reveled in it's alternativeness and wasn't shy at being bold.

After a while, it started to morph into reality Tv (ex. Real World Seattle) and from there, the producer and creative powers that be, just simply let in the whims of its viewers(or let demographics play too big of a role)take control. The viewers then had more playing power on what they think they would like to see, not anything new and just the same recycled crap. Music videos disappeared and was then moved to the likes of MTV 2 and sister station Vh1 appeared on the scene. I loved Vh1, with its music videos, 8-trak flashbacks, and even the behind the musics, until it became too much. Now that soon after went to crap and the music videos were then moved again.

So, really what I am saying is that too much of an alternative, new and exciting thing, makes it obsolete over time....Out with the old and in with the new!

Went to a party...

2008-08-13T11:02:00.006+01:00

put on by one of my co-workers. Face paint and alcohol were involved....I blame it on my peers and Jassen for the strange interpretation of facepaint, who is suppose to be my bodywatcher....hehe. thx.

Lisa and Sim. Lisa was the birthday girl.

Lisa, Sim, and Cass(who put on the party)...

Me and Jassen sitting on the couch, one drink down(and yes, my shirt is reversed like that in person, no special effects for that one!

AHHH!!! FACE PAINT! Jassen has his intepretation of the sea, a green one full of algae, on my forehead. Not too sure about the other bits, but it looks like it was a half attempt at whiskers...

Man, the paint is thick! I simpathesize with the medium. A brush would have been just lovely!
We stayed 4.5 hours and left at 2am. We hoped to be home around 3ish, but alas, there was a traffic jam near Tottenham Court Road, so we arrived home after 4am. Needless to say, I was tired and angry at that, even though it couldnt have really been helped. And yes, we rode home, WITH the face paint on...Im sure it caused some topics for discussion, in many languages, on the bus.:-p

Eating...

2008-08-12T07:42:00.002+01:00

some MicroOats with syrup/honey which is quite tasty. I am probably going to make an early start work today, since I will be heading to the movies after work with Jassen. We are going to see Get Smart, which might have already been out in the states, and most probably for some time, but what the hey! why not? It's freeee!:-)

It is downpouring at the moment and has been rainy since the early morning. I always like to keep the window open a crack or two to promote fresh air and it was quite relaxing hearing the rain. I slept something like 7.5 hours but my body aches for at least 1 or 2 more....go fig. hehe

Alright, chickedees! See ya!

x

Big news on Wednesday...

2008-08-08T09:32:00.004+01:00

in my hometown of Portage, Indiana. As I was talking to my dad who is on an island next to Aruba gigging, he told me that Barack Obama came through Portage and stopped. He was hungry and stopped at Schoops, a burger joint that might be a small chain, not too sure. If I was back in my hometown at the time, I would have suggested Culvers. Anywho, he left with 4 burgers!!:-p

BIG NEWS in a SMALL TOWN(of 35,000+)

I do miss home a lot, the quietness and how serene it can be....the sound and the lull of a slow train on the tracks behind my house..... parents bicycling with their little ones.....

Salty going BESERK!

Pepper investigator!

This arrived yesterday at my doorstep. It was relatively easy to rig together and the kits like it alot! Especially the box it came in....:-p

The countdown...

2008-08-05T07:53:00.004+01:00

to work.

I woke up more or less an hour ago, and I find myself blogging. I am superly tired and my eyes are heavy, but the green tea in front of me has a small promise of caffeine contained within its limits.

I managed to finish the book I was reading, Shadow of the Wind, which when was suggested to me by a customer at work, I thought it would be some sort of spiritual book . Instead it was a fiction book that was based around a boy that worked in a bookshop with his father, finds a mysterious book in the Cemetery of Books and tries to unlock the mysteries of the author and why so few copies of his works can be found. It is based in Barcelona and the book is a translation, but overall it was alright. I can see it being turned into a film, since that's what seems to happen more often than not.

*Drinks stroooong green tea*

Today, I will bring with me on my commute to work, A New World, by Eckhart Tolle. He is also the one that wrote, The Power of Now, which I loved. I managed to start this book already, but that was months ago. This will be my commuting and reading at work book, then Thursday, i will start the Keroac book at home.:-)

Ta for now...

Happy 700th post!!

2008-08-04T09:54:00.002+01:00

Yay!
But really I wanted to congratulate myself for exercising.....a little over 15 minutes due to time restrictions but I totally went into high gear for about 7 minutes worth, in an attempt to equal it out as if I did 20 minutes.:-p

I'll make up for it the next time I work out, which may or may not be tomorrow, but definitely Wednesday.

I'm sweating like a fien! I hope it isnt a sticky hot/humid day.....ah well, BRING ON THE COMMUTERS!!!

:-S

Guess who...

2008-08-04T08:45:00.003+01:00

is in need of a dire break?

MOI!!! And that will be happening, starting Thursday. I am taking a mini-vaca for 4 days/3 nights, and just doing things that I want to accomplish. For instance, I am wanting to read, On the Road, by Jack Keroac. I've read Dharma Bums and fell in love, back about 5 years ago, so this should be a treat!!

Another thing I want to do is print out my blog. I think I have about 4 or 5 months' worth of blogs to still print out. I am sometimes a little paranoid that one day I will log on and it will be sucked into an unknown blackhole in cyberspace, so that's my motivation.

And....I want to print out more pics to add to the album. I am about a year behind in pictures(From August 2007), plus it would be nice to start putting together the wedding album pics. They are a bit spread out around the house on different computers(PCs, and Macs), so I will gather them all up and start on a printing/collection mission.

I will also be hitting the high street at some point to exchange a shirt at Jane Norman's since it was stitched a bit funky and possibly H&M. We shall see on that!

Lastly, I have about an hour or so to go before heading to work. I've been up for a little over an hour, but it's hard, trying to will myself to exercise for 25 minutes on the elliptical. I know that after I do that, it will lift my spirits a little, but the push...AHHH!!!

It will be done.:-)

And...

2008-08-01T09:22:00.004+01:00

it's the 1st of August.

It really doesn't feel like we are on the downslope of the year. I can recall it being new year's, with the fireworks happening on the horizon, looking towards central London. I can think back to when Jassen and I went to Dublin for a few days, back in early Spring and got rained out alot of the times, especially sitting on a double-decker opentop bus! I can remember Jassen's birthday and wrapping a bunch of gifts, a lot of them from firebox, in bright red paper. It was exciting when my parents came to visit for a week, minus the 3 flights that were delayed, that instead of arrving 8am in the morning, we picked them up close to 10/11pm at night at Heathrow. I note the bus/coach journeys not only to Brighton via Southampton( i think), but the bus to Salisbury and Stonehenge.

I reminisce traversing across London on a London pass with my folks, going to the likes of Ben Franklin House, Trafalgar Square, up to Westminster, along Southbank near the eye, to Big Ben, and walking along Parliament to the Jewel House and around the Westminster Abbey, where Princess Diana and Charles were married in 1981, then to 10 Downing Street. We hitched a boat ride down the Thames towards the Tower of London, went inside and also saw the Crown Jewels(very pricey!) We went to London Bridge and then to eat at a Wagamamas, past the Southwark Cathedral, and that's all I can recall, since I think at that point, we were really tired.

I recall Bank Holidays and I remember my birthday and the nice presents I received, from my parents and from Jassen, who got me an aeropress expresso coffee handheld maker that works wonders! And a rainbow projector that is really quite good.:-)

My friend Carol came to visit for less than a day before heading back to the states from a boat trip around Scandinavia and Russia. She met me at work had a 30 minute break at Caffe Nero and then met up with her later to head back after rush hour, then manage to get some kebabs and chilled at home. She was also the first to give us a wedding anniversary card(early) along with a gift card for my favourite place, WHITE CASTLE!

Salt and Pepper, my kits, turned 3 this year. And they are growing up fast!

Jassen won tickets to see Coldplay at Brixton for free and I was his date! That was fun and then the next week, I won tickets to a preview of Prince Caspian at the Empire in Leicester Square. I was sick as a dog that week, so it would have better if I hadnt been. We got free popcorn and water though!:-)

Jassen and I celebrated our 1st anniversary as a married couple on 07-07-08(4 years together on the summer solstice). We gave each other cards, I gave Jassen an origami set(since 1st anniversary is paper) and Jassen gave me a gift voucher to go float. Float you might ask? Well, its a not-so-new concept in which you go to a facility that has floatation tanks. You can either have a bathing suit or go in the nude, as you have the room and tank to yourself. You shower, then step into the tank. When you sit down, you float back up to the top of the water, as there is a bunch of epsom salt in the tank, which causes you to float. You can either close the tank door, have the lights on or off, you have a call button if you need it, and a spray bottle of water if you get salt in your eyes. You also have to wear earplugs upon getting in. They give you a choice of music to listen to for the first 10 mins to ease yourself into relaxing and letting go as well as when your hour is up!

All I can say was that it was an experience and maybe not one that I will try again. It was good for about the first 15-20 minutes, getting use to letting go, but I could feel the stress in my neck and feet alot of the times and when it got past the 20-25 minute mark I was just pushing myself along the sides in the dark. hehehe. When I got out, Jassen was sitting in the hallway in a chair in the corner. He too had done the floatation, but got nauseous half way through and got out.:-/

A few weeks later, we got free tickets to go see Wall-E, which is wonderful and I highly recommend it!

I won tickets to see Man on Wire but declined since I looked at the email that was looked at by me at 5pm, it was sent at 3pm, and the show started at 630pm. Not really enough time to get in the mindset of a movie and travel out maybe 50 mins each way.:-p

I've had my elliptical machine for a small while and after being sickly for a week, I attempted to use it more often. The computer bit of it was out of commission for a while, but really all it needed was a battery or two.:-p So, I've been exercising close to religiously for a few weeks.

Although, I need to will myself at the moment. I am doing a late shift at work, so I still have 3.5 hours of freetime.:-p

I've been listening to the music artist, Sam Sparro, which is quite a lot like Jamiroquai, so highly recommended if you are in the mood for new music that sounds like it was manufactured in the 80s.

It's a bit windy at the moment, since it was soooo warm the past week and temperatures are plummeting. I look forward to the cooler weather.

Just...

2008-07-30T09:03:00.001+01:00

poking....some fun?:-p

Watch...

2008-07-26T00:49:00.000+01:00

I watched this knowing that he had passed away, but I didnt realize it was today.:-/
RIP.

Siiiinging in the raiiiiin....

2008-07-18T21:19:00.002+01:00

:-)

and this link that lacks an embedding code:

MintRoyaleSingingintheRain

I'm not gonna lie...

2008-07-18T20:42:00.001+01:00

Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Movie (2009)

I'm a little excited....

My friend Val posted a video in tribute to, I think it was Big-Top Pee-wee...So, I researched and...

WAAAAHLA!!

*giggles*

Makes me want to start a foil ball again...:-p

Although,...

2008-07-18T20:04:00.002+01:00

you can't see my flat in this video, this music video was recorded right outside in and on the Edmonton Green Parking lot. I just think it funny that there is so much activity that we are left unaware of until one day you find out right outside your house, someone made a music video.
:-p

The music is...

2008-07-16T11:01:00.002+01:00

a bit creepy in this, but interesting nonetheless...
What do you think?

Illusions of Reality

Coldplay Album still is Number 1...

2008-07-15T07:46:00.002+01:00

after 5 weeks of being in the charts.:-)
Just thought I would share that little factoid.

I booked some holiday time off in the month of August, so I look very forward to when August comes around.

One idea that is in rotation is hopping on a bus to Nottingham. It would take something like 3 hours to get there, but while there, some exploring of the area is a must! There is Nottingham Castle on Maid Marian Way as well as Sherwood Forest. Ah...The city of Robin Hood. Also there is an outdoor performance of A Midnight Summer's Dream that would be playing on the grounds of Nottingham Castle, which we would most probably attend.

I like the idea, so it will probably happen. I also like the idea of day trips around the UK. I would still like to go to, Manchester, Birmingham, Blackpool, Devon, Dover, Cardiff, Loch Ness(or a few places in Scotland), as well as Northern Ireland at some point. I think it's possible to go to these places over the next few years....and Europe(Brussels, Paris, Spain, Germany)

I know Jassen wants to visit Japan at some point, so if there is a deal in the next few years+time+money, that will be done as well. Ohhh....and I heard the Australia is nice as well.

Mmmm.....to travel...:-)

We all got a little Yoko...

2008-07-12T23:05:00.002+01:00

in us!

Suggested by my friend, Nick....I checked out Yoko's blog. For some reason, I really like her blog and it sets my mind at ease...

Check it Out!

Hums Strawberry Swing...

2008-07-10T09:08:00.002+01:00

Strawberry Swing is a new Coldplay song off the album, Viva La Vida. It's a nice song and a definite head and shoulder bopper.
This morning, I pushed myself onto the elliptical machine. The part that is a bit sucky is the fact about a week and a half ago, the computer part that reads out the calories, miles traversed, as well as time and heartbeat, puckered out. It might come down to the fact that the batteries took a flying leap, because there were instances that I heard it beeping from the other room randomly. If that be the case, then its just a matter of battery replacement. If not, it will come down to the wiring, which means I will have to dismantle it, when it took me a few hours to put it together in the first place.

I really do hope its the batteries, but a big part of me thinks it's not.:-/ Oh, fuddy duddy!

So, yes...I managed 20 minutes on an oddly hard setting, without the add of a computer to tell me my stats, but thats a bit unmotivational, ya know? Plus the machine wasn't the cheapest(and not the most expensive) but still. So, after 20 mins of panting and perspiring, I did some crunches and stretches and called it a day. It's official, I call today off, come back tomorrow.....If that could only be true...

It's a work day today for me and I am already looking forward to my day off on Sunday. I have been scheduled to work 5 days in a row(on day 3), then have one day to take a breather, then 4 days in a row, then off Friday, work the weekend, have a Monday off, then the following week, I will have a weekend off. I just figured out that really I only have 9 days off a month(work 21/22 days), but since my schedule is shift work and there is no sight of a 9 to 5, really it leaves me a bit frazzled. *sighs*

Jassen says that I should work on a project, so I started a little one. Not going to say what it is exactly, but once it's formed into something a bit more feasible, I'll let the proverbial cat out of the bag.;-)

Hope all is well!!

~Jen

Lots going on...

2008-07-05T19:35:00.005+01:00

today.

I went to work, as I normally would, five days a week, but there was a difference. This difference was in the fact that Danny Wallace was making an appearance at the bookshop I work for. A single idea, brought to the surface, fruition fruiting away, and as a result, many many people were made happy today because of it all working out(two thumbs up).:-)

We had a full house, with something like 100 people at the in-conversation/signing. I met Danny a little bit beforehand and he commented on the fact that he read some of the things I had been posting, either it be on his website or facebook, I'm not too sure of which one. I am sure that some of the signing eventwill be featured online at some point, so I will be sure to feature it here as well, since I was front row, centre, thanks to Jassen for being husbandly and saving me a seat, when many wanted the front row.:-)

At one point during Q & A, Adam, a guy from the audience piped up and told us his story about how Homebase checked his I.D. whilst purchasing a shovel. Apparently you have to be 18 or older to get one of those. Hahaha...After he made his complaint, Danny said that he wanted to rectify the situation, so I believe he dialed information and got through to the Homebase at Guildford in Surrey. He got through after a few moments and asked if this was indeed true and it was. Haha...Anywho, Danny asked for 2 then hung up. It felt very radio-esque/pranky, but fun as well.:-)

Here are some pictures from today's events:

The first picture is Danny et Moi:

The second is Danny, Jassen, et moi, and it was an in-transit picture, but still good, nonetheless:

The third pic is of the autograph and personalized message to me from Dan the Man.

And the last is a bottle of wine that I was given by Silv, the assistant events coordinator, who was very appreciative of me coming up with the idea and helping out, since it was just the two of us.

Yay!! It was a nice day.:-)

Post Script(that's P.S. for long);-)

Buy the Book, "Friends Like These" By Danny Wallace. Out Now!

Coldplay, New York, Panties, Oh my...

2008-07-03T12:30:00.001+01:00

Poor Chris.:-/ This was at the Today Show in New York.

Feeling like...

2008-07-03T11:21:00.003+01:00

I lost a grip that I never had...
that the ground beneath has gone mad...
concentration lacking
and disgust with the way I feel

digging
digging
deeper into this cavern that never was, but is, and hopefully will not be

Sipping on this tea of life
as it drips, drops, and
now, drunken is my soul on this delight

but why...
why must I ask why more often than not since
more often than not, there is no answer,
cuz I am....

I am the answer to a lot of the questions I seek,
eating my own foot in the process, until I inhale myself whole like a hungry snake,
into nothingness, but I am not nothing
only I let that thought manifest, shall it be
but not....since fears are just that...

fears are non-material, brought into your world....to dwell and stay for as long as you house them..
fears are kept at bay....just waiting for your command...you can use them to your advantage, or let them over take...but you are still in control, even when you think you are not....

Why am I so sad?
I need to justify this feeling....
and then throw it to the wayside
cuz I possess it too tightly....

in a grip that has lost itself, since it can never be truly tangible....

Guess...

2008-06-30T21:45:00.002+01:00

who just booked tickets for....

THE HOOSIERS!!

It's not until the latter part of October, but it is something to look forward to, PLUS it's a fancy dress party in which the theme is: What Do You Want to Be When You Are Grown-Up?

I'll probably dress like a rockstar or something. I have a few months to think on it.:-p

And so,...

2008-06-30T09:06:00.004+01:00

I sit with a homemade, Aeropress expresso drink, Kenya Bold to be exact, and wonder why I am so tired. I feel weakly/tired this morning, so I hope that the coffee will work it's magic. I am feeling better than I did(Although, this weekend consisted of a major sore throat, so I was a little paranoid and checked my throat a few times to inspect for the possibility of strep throat.) Luckily, I don't, but I feel like the energy has zapped itself out of me.

I will be heading to work in less than an hour and I also will be working tomorrow. I am looking forward my next day off, as well as Saturday, since that's when Danny Wallace(humourist) is coming to the bookshop! I am more than half way through his one book entitled, Join Me, and I've already read, Yes Man, which is recommended.:-) This new book of his is called, Friends Like These, and the concept is that of bringing school friends together after years of being apart.

Over the next day or two, Jassen and I will need to sit down and tentatively map out what kind of stuff we want to be up to for the rest of the year, be it travelling, or concerts, or just different things to try out. Honestly, I need a motivational push to make my working days a bit more enjoyable. At the moment, I am in a self-made rut(and being sick last week hasn't helped too much). We all get like that, I'm sure and it's either Time or Myself that will rescue me out of it.

I choose myself.

While I sit here...

2008-06-26T12:30:00.002+01:00

on the couch, being sick(and praying I'm better by tomorrow), I figured I would blog a little since,

A.) I have a laptop so whilst lying down it is easily propped,
B.) For some reason, my body is weak, yet my mind quick and fingers nibble,
C.) I want to complain about being sick since I am big whiney baby when I am under the weather. big. baby.

Not only am I sickly, but my back is in some pain and i'm stiff, my legs are cramping up, and I re-hurt my ankle(the same one in which I hurt, walking down steps at the Tottenham Court Road Starbucks) last night walking down the steps in the Empire that lead to the theatre, and I am getting shooting pains up my leg, not forgetting to mention, and yes, this might be a tmi moment, be forewarned, girly "issues".

It's like I am a walking magnet of pain. I am drinking fluids, water, juices, took vitamin C(like my mom always tells me to do), and my pile of snot rags are all going into an empty tissue container, as opposed to randomly thrown on the ground below me, since when Im sick, part of me doesnt care about messes. But then later on, I will use the energy I have in reserve to push me to tidy up as much as possible. This might be a bit morbid, and I have always done this, but maybe in a way it's like me mentally preparing for death and wanting things in order...EEEH?

Alright. I'm going to drink some more juice and take a nap. My eyes are quite heavy.-_-

Some sort of luck...

2008-06-24T18:33:00.003+01:00

Last week, Jassen and I were fortunate enough to attend the Coldplay Concert at Brixton, free, due to Jassen winning the ticket lottery.

This week, Jassen and I will be attending a screening/premiere of Prince Caspian in Leicester Square tomorrow, due to me entering a competition to win tickets!

Somebody pinch me, but this seriously makes me want to apply for tickets/competitions more often, with such luck.:-p

Also....Wish us well, in our attempts to get tickets at the door for John Mayer later this week. If not, we will just have a lovely Nando's dinner across the street from the venue.:-p

This is sad....

2008-06-23T07:11:00.003+01:00

George Carlin died at 71. He complained about chest pains and passed in the afternoon.

I remember him from the likes of Thomas the Tank Engine(Shining Time Station). I believe he took over Ringo's spot after he left the program, but his voice had alot of character and I appreciated that! It's strange when people pass....

George

My birthday gift...

2008-06-20T08:28:00.002+01:00

the big one that was wanted, arrived.

I wanted to get an elliptical machine in order to exercise a bit more. I am quite diligent when it comes to cross trainers/elliptical machines, so this should be a good investment! It arrived last night, before 630pm, Jassen had to do a driving lesson for an hour, so I managed to get the majority of it put together. In total, I think it was put together in less than 2 hours. That was a workout in itself!! Yeesh!:-p

It is called the Olympus Enduro and is a store brand of a company called JJB in the UK. I know it's definitely going to kick my butt and now I need to force myself to exercise, at least 10 minutes to begin with...

Talk lata!

Jen

VIVA!!

2008-06-19T00:48:00.002+01:00

I am full of it.
First, Coldplay and Secondly, finished reading Danny Wallace's Yes, Man...

Life is good!

For those of you interested...

2008-06-18T09:43:00.005+01:00

Here is a link to some lovely Coldplay videos that Jassen took at the concert at Brixton on Monday. The link is to Jassen's blog.
There were loads of Celebs there as well, which I didnt realise until it was noted in the papers! Kelly Osbourne and Stella McCartney for a start!

Good Concert......really!

Coldplay At Brixton link

Today is somewhat,...

2008-06-18T08:11:00.005+01:00

an anniversary in itself. Basically, back in 2004, I decided to head to the Glasto fest and stay with Jassen and his family. Today, 4 years to date, was when I first set foot in the U.K. I was a bit nervous and kinda shy, but kinda not as well.:-) I arrived on Sir Paul McCartney's birthday, met Jassen, half asleep and exhausted, just after he tripped over a crowd of older people's bags. I saw it happen, but pretended I didn't(He knows this now).;-)

So, yea...Happy Birthday Paul! You are 66 today!!

And Happy 4-Year Anniversary of coming to the United Kingdom. Much time and experiences have taken place. To think, I met Jassen, have been to 3 Glastonbury Festivals, 1 V Festival, got 2 beautiful cats, got engaged, lived with Jassen and his folks, been to Stonehenge twice, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Dublin, Brighton, Bristol, have had 2 jobs over in the states, Movie Theater and a bookstore(Barnes&Noble), have had 4 jobs in the U.K.(Breakthrough Breast Cancer telesales, gps signal maker, junior receptionist at a barristers chambers, and the biggest bookshop in Europe), got married, got a home(flat), seen Coldplay(3 times in the UK), Elbow(4 times), Travis, Imogen Heap, Radiohead, Guster, Sigur Ros, and a few others, travelled nearly all of the piccadilly stops(jumped off and on rotation took pics with Jassen), with the exception of 4/5 stations..But, If you look between the cracks of these experiences, there are many other's in an out of their shadows.

There are many more experiences to happen and I look forward to it all....well, not so much the bad stuff, but it will get me to the good stuff.

I feel an underground trip on the horizon. Maybe get the remaining stations on the piccadilly and work on the circle line. So many lines to choose!!

Solstice Moon rising...

2008-06-18T08:01:00.003+01:00

Msn had an article about the moon illusion, when it's bigger than what it really is. I kinda wonder how many illusions there are that we perceive to be true! If you know others, blogback!

Here's the link:

Moonillusion

and apparently, the concept of the full moon, is just a myth!!!!

FullMoonMyth

It's an older article, but interesting to say the least.
Astronomy was fun to take in college/university:-) I studied my textbook back to front, and I hope I still have it at home somewhere. Unless I sold it to one of my school mates that needed to take the course....EEK!

Connections and disconnections

2008-06-17T08:17:00.003+01:00

The older I get, the more I feel out of touch.
Maybe it has something to do with not enough sleep and the fact that I havent had coffee in a week(sitting with a coffee at the moment!:-)), but sincerely,...Maybe I feel like this cuz there is something I feel...a purpose that I have.....that maybe, there is a bridge I have yet to cross(a big bridge) or that maybe I am enroute or actually on the bridge as I write this.

It's like waiting in a line, but not knowing exactly what you are waiting for. Possibly, by waiting, you will be rewarded, or maybe just given the dummy prize, but I like to think positive about the outcome, whatever it may be.

Just a thought.

2008-06-17T00:07:00.000+01:00

Set list

Life in Technicolor
Violet Hill
Clocks
In My Place
Viva La Vida
Chinese Sleep Chant
God Put A Smile
42
Square One
Trouble
Lost!
Strawberry Swing
Yellow
If I Should Fall From Grace With God

Encore
Fix You
Lovers in Japan

VIVA LA VIDA, baby...

2008-06-16T08:41:00.002+01:00

After work, I am heading to a Coldplay concert.YAY!
Jassen and I, if I havent mentioned this already, won free tickets to a free concert at Brixton. Last night, Coldplay had a friends and family concert, to start the gigging off. They said they were a little ruff around the edges, but good. I look forward tonight. Bring on the rawness...it's what makes us human.:-)

Let the time roll!

Ying and Yang sorta day...

2008-06-12T21:52:00.003+01:00

So, I was attempting to get voted in to be a store representative by my fellow peers, but it didn't work out in my favour. Everything with a reason is my motto. On a more positive note, Jassen mananged to win free tickets to see Coldplay on Monday at Brixton. That show will also be on Radio 1.;-)

Other things that I am looking forward to are as follows:

1. Elliptical Machine/Cross Trainer to arrive within a week
2. Rock Band for Xbox360, which was ordered yesterday and should arrive either tomorrow/monday latest
3. Day Off on Sunday
4. Coldplay Monday
5. Day Off on Friday
6. Jassen and me(our 4-year anniversary) on the summer solstice(21st of June)
7. July 5th- Danny Wallace to visit Waterstones-Piccadilly, for a book signing. It was my creation, my idea to have him visit, so I am uber excited about that! Starts at 3pm, if anyone is interested.;-)
8. July 7th- 1 year wedding anniversary!!!

I'm sure other things are on the horizon, so I look very forward to the future!

Here are...

2008-06-11T08:32:00.001+01:00

some videos from the night. I met the reporter as well.:-p

Harry Potter Auction

and another

What's Your Story?

I was probably behind the counter on the art side.:-p

Jensieve

Madcap Scribblings

Strange...

Remember II things: 9/11 Retrospect

Donate to Japan/Tsunami Appeal...

Diffuse

So, that's it then...

And so it begins...

Might as well...

765

Yogurt/Yoghurt

Blank.

Salt

It is...

Another day...

Just thought...

Day 96...

So...yea...

I'm faster than the internetz!!

Happy Friday the 13th...

A worm hole stuck in a black hole

What stands between...

And now...

And another one...

One of my favourite songs...

Just for fun...

It's an Obama of a day!

Hudson Miracle...

Nothing much...

"It's a little bit funny...

Star Trek....

Bring on the Pizza!!

I look forward to...

To the New Year!*cheers*

Christmas Wishes

Coffee...

Ice Storm is a-comin'

Sitting in the dark...

Oh, gosh...

Times,...

Things...

Asda(walmart) Edmonton, UK opens today...

Thinking about family...

I made...

Politics never seemed so interesting...

OooooHHHhh Yeeeeaaaah....

And...

Please Vote November 4th... OBAMA/BIDEN....

Need something to...

SNL...

I just found out...

Been...

Why Hello...

VOTE!

I'm not obsessed...

Supposedly...

Oh my gosh....

Today is...

I love my Elbow...

An Observation...

A day off...

Oy Vey!

Mine eyes have opened...

Bloggie Blog...

Went to a party...

Eating...

Big news on Wednesday...

The countdown...

Happy 700th post!!

Guess who...

And...

Just...

Watch...

Siiiinging in the raiiiiin....

I'm not gonna lie...

Although,...

The music is...

Coldplay Album still is Number 1...

We all got a little Yoko...

Hums *Strawberry Swing*...

To the New Year!cheers

Hums Strawberry Swing...