Slow News Day

This is my friend Laura while she was out walking through Boston for the Breast Cancer Three Day.   She and Courtney came across the random mailbox and took a picture.  (Click the picture to enlarge.)

For those of you completely random stalkers out there reading this blog - no, I have no particular reason for posting this picture of a completely random mailbox.  

I've Come To An Important Conclusion....

After watching multiple recent television appearances, I must say - John McCain can form a coherent sentence; he is not the third term of George W. Bush.  

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THIS is the next Dubya.

Political Cartoons

Some of my readers will love these; some will hate these.  

(underneath it says "such as....the Iraq")

When John and Barack Become Too Much to Take....

This man is running for president of the United States!!!   Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr....

In all seriousness, the libertarian party is a lot more relevant than it gets credit for....  socially liberal, economically conservative - there are a lot of young people raised republican who have become libertarians.  It would be good to have a third party with a candidate in serious contention for the race....

If Barack and John continue to piss me off more and more daily....

Meg Ryan's Wedding

Ok, so I was out of town this weekend in Hillsboro, IL, for Meg Ryan's wedding (she wanted to pick somewhere lowkey for the event where she could effectively avoid the paparazzi).  For this reason, I haven't posted this weekend and right now I've got a good old case of blogger's block.  My sincerest apologies to my blog's enthusiasts.  In the meantime, here are some pics from the event.  

The Roadtrippers and the Bride

...adding in the Maid of Honor, my pledge kid (slash sister....)

Say Sigma Kappa!!!  (not sure why I stood like that)

The infamous roommate, me, the one and ONLY Meg Ryan (well, now Holderread)

The happy couple...I caught the groom looking all excited and nervous right before the ceremony

Drinking Games During the "Foreign Policy" Presidential Debate

Every time either candidate simply re-identifies the problem instead of proposing a solution or actually answering the question.

As you read this, I am passed out.  Someone fill me in on the end of it.  

Pet Peeve Alert

So I have a lot of pet peeves. A LOT. This I know.

One of my more major pet peeves is when people make observations about me to me. I do not need my personality traits, etc., pointed out to me. "You look sick" - music to a girl's ears. "You seem annoyed" - Now I am for sure.

Well, at work, we have a rep who works out of our New York office. I only interact with him over the phone and through e-mail, for business related purposes. This past week I got the opportunity to put a face to a name.

During our *ahem* after work festivities, he decided to start to tell me that I seem to be a very guarded individual (maybe he secretly works part time with that damn handwriting analyst...). He would like to get to know the "many layers of Jaime" - maybe I'm giving him too much credit by assuming he meant this in a more appropriate context than he actually did.

Sigh. Is it that obvious? Seriously - we have a 'I'll book your flight, send me your expense report'-style interaction...how personal was/is he expecting me to get?

Drinking Games With the First Presidential Debate Coming Up

The only constant is "Change".

The Humor Continues

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Washington Mutual Chief Executive Alan Fishman could walk away with more than $18 million in salary, bonuses and severance after less than three weeks on the job, according to the terms of his employment agreement.

Remember, September is National Humor in Business Month. It's just trying to uphold its reputation.

I should have had this job; I could have f'ed it up just as well as he did.

Does anyone else HATE the company nickname 'WaMu'?

I Wish You Well....

After last night's blogging, quite frankly, the well is dry.

No promises of any posts. However, there were times I promised posts and did not deliver. The only consistency is inconsistency. It's your dice to roll, if you'd like to check regularly for a new post.

Irony

On the way home from work, I kept thinking "I should blog tonight, but I don't know if I'll be able think of anything!"

Shameless Promotion with No Kickback Whatsoever

So my boss burned me a copy of David Cook's Analog Heart solo album from his pre-American Idol days (some benefits of a job can never be cut despite the shitty economy).  I must say, it's a lot better than his American Idol works (probably because it's original and not just a remake of some song I didn't like in the first place).  I must recommend checking it out!  

Truly Random

Ok, so this is a completely random rambling (hey, for once, this  blog is living up to its name) - but I feel like I seriously need some motivation/inspiration.  I have a serious case of the doldrums.  Please don't make fun of me for using that word.

I guess this is one of those tacky "diary style" blogs that I made fun of everyone else for doing on 'xanga' a couple years ago (does that site even still exist?  sorry xanga enthusiasts...).   I always wondered why people wanted to share their actual personal feelings with whomever out there in the online community might be reading  (not that I have a delusional sense of my own audience).   Alas, I have fallen victim to it.  I should pick a current mood 'emoticon'.   I'm not sure what that emoticon would be, exactly.   A 'doldrums' emoticon?! 

Maybe I should have listened better when Barack Obama spoke - I hear he inspires (sorry, I couldn't let that little one get by).    Blah.  Yuck.  Is it just me?  Is it maybe the change of seasons?  (Summer was waaaay too short.)   Am I at least not alone?  I have a feeling I'm not....  Meh.  

On a Blogging Roll....

When in doubt, hate on Bush. At least, that's my plan.

Presented Without Comment

Chris Matthews of Hardball (MSNBC) asking a guest "why won't the president come on and explain to us in plain English why this is happening"?

Any Guesses?

Anyone have any idea who this guy might be?    There might be a prize involved....

Vampires

Ok, question here:  What's with the vampires lately?!?  The HBO True Blood Series, the Stephenie Meyer book series (which is apparently the new Harry Potter with the youngins),  some upcoming movies, etc.  

I know I'm not the first to make this observation or ask the simple question:  why?  Vampires aren't a new concept at all...why are they suddenly appealing/sexy/interesting/popular/whatever the heck they are?

Does anyone else remember when pirates were a big deal like 4-5 years ago?  People were all excited about 'talk like a pirate day'?   Tons of people were pirates for Halloween (hmm...).  I guess vampires are the new pirates.  

Although one would might suggest that one work showcased a vampire and the idea caught on - what about all the ideas that don't catch on?  Hmm.   Anyone out there interested in/excited about vampires?  Praytell...why???

I Missed It!!

This blog passed a milestone recently - it is six months old!   September 17 was the big day - I must have been too busy ripping on Obama & Palin to notice....

Don't you dare say this ISN'T a big deal.   Tons of couples celebrate their 'six month anniversary'.  Do you know any new parents who don't make a big deal of their first baby's six month birthday?  Yeah, I didn't think so.   

This is my baby - I am celebrating it and talking about it like an obnoxious new parent.   Well, the new parent who accidentally leaves her kid in the grocery store, seeing this is a 'belated' six months.  It's my first blog.  Let's all hope it's like wine and gets better with age.  

Since I've Heard People Like the Drinking Games Series....

Unlike Joe Biden, this one will get you good and drunk.  :)

Did You Know?

September is National Humor In Business Month....

Gee whiz, what else does it have in store for us?!?!?!

For Courtney...Because She's Been Commenting a Lot Lately :)

"You suited up! That is SO going in my blog!"

I must say....How I Met Your Mother is a pretty good show. Thanks, Courtney, for introducing me to it. Now if you can just stay away from my man (in your dreams), I'll stop stealing your wardrobe for Halloween. Much appreciated. :)

Go Cubs Go!

I will wholeheartedly admit it, I am your ultimate fairweather fan!  Actually, that's probably not completely true.  I have always been loyal to the cubs being my team, whether they won or lost.  I just didn't care all that much.  

However, I am sincerely, truly happy they are winning.  I come from a long line of northsider cub fans.  Go cubs go!  As long as my neighborhood doesn't riot and Henry doesn't get flipped over, I'll be happy.  

...And Your Tina Fey Glasses!!!!

Over the past couple days, I've noticed multiple ads for Lasik Eye Surgery.  Random, because I have not blogged about anything regarding eyesight (and that's where the ads typically come from - things I've blogged about - hence the dating sites and halloween costumes).  

I can only wonder if the google ads are stalking me (maybe they're taking a cue from the Chicago Dianetics Society), because, let's be honest, I have TERRIBLE eyesight.  I have the worst eyesight of anyone I've ever met.  

I always meet people who comment to me on how bad THEIR eyesight is - I'll then ask them their glasses prescription and they'll say 'Oh, it's like negative four!'.  UMM, mine is over negative 10!!!  In order to find my glasses on an empty table without contacts in - I have to put my arm out and 'slap around'.  Without my glasses, I cannot recognize people from more than three feet away, nor can I read the giant "E" at the eye doctor's office.  

Maybe these google ads are trying to send me a hint.  Has anyone out there had Lasik Eye Surgery?   Any recommendations/warnings?  Let me know your thoughts.  

Completely and Totally Pointless

The other night, I was out painting the town red and heard a classic dance floor staple.  "Ohh, we're halfway there...."

Even despite the hair, you can file this man under 'married men too old for me that I somehow find desirable'.   Put him next to Bill Clinton.  

Halloween

So last year at my work, we were told we could 'dress up' for Halloween - in fact it was encouraged.   Let me tell you, there are limited, um, let's call them 'work appropriate' halloween costumes for women my age.   And that didn't stop some women I worked with from going all out....

Anyhow, it might not be easy to tell from the pictures, but I was Pam Beasley from NBC's "The Office".   I curled my hair and wore half of it back like she does and dressed in her typical garb (sweater, button down shirt, skirt).   It was quick, cheap, and to be quite frank - very last-minute.   

However, it was successful!  A good amount of people recognized and appreciated the costume.  Considering my actual job in my 'office' - it was what I like to call 'subtle humor'.  

Since I hadn't put much thought into the costume ahead of time - this year I was thinking of repeating 'the Pam', but putting more detail into it (maybe a Dunder Mifflin nametag - even though she doesn't wear that, maybe some keds a la the second season Dundies).  

However, another idea recently emerged.  There's another woman out there whom I could easily emulate with a few basic details (hair, makeup, clothing, etc.).  Another woman who would be familiar and could easily be appreciated by many.  I don't want to tip my cards too soon - however, I think a loyal blog reader could figure out the woman I have in mind.  

So, I'm leaving it up to you, dear reader - I'm hoping to get some votes.  Pam Beasley or the other choice?  Which would be better?  More interesting?  Less common?  I'd like to hear your opinion....  

Most Random Thought

So on the way home from work on the train today, I finished my magazine and had nothing else to do so my mind was wandering (let's be honest, when isn't it?).  I got to thinking 'what if I leave my purse on this train?' (recurring fear).   If by some twist of luck/fate a decent person stumbled upon it and wanted to return it to me as opposed to burgle me, how would he/she get in touch with me?

Well, the obviously idea would be to look at the contact info on my driver's license, which is inaccurate (my parents' house).  However, it would work well enough for the intended purpose.  Many people's IDs have outdated information.

Then I got to wondering - the telephone number is a staple of driver's license.  When will the e-mail address join the ranks?  Most people I know have changed physical addresses and phone numbers at some point over the past, say, six years, however, they have had at least one constant e-mail address.  Although people may change their primary contact e-mail, they usually almost always keep old e-mail addresses and still check them periodically.   Once someone moves, he or she completely detaches from the address - but an e-mail address is like a diamond; forever!

I should talk to someone about this idea of mine.... 

Vintage Jaime

So this morning, I had to go in to work early to set up for a special training session. I ended up taking a train that departs about 20 minutes earlier than my usual train. I couldn't help but notice while on said train, there was an attractive young gentleman on said train as well.

I did not speak to him. I do not have direct plans to speak to him. There wasn't even eye contact. However, I now have motivation to leave for work early every day. Which, let's face it, can't hurt.

I suppose only those of you who have known me very well for a very long time can truly appreciate this post.

Drinking Games With Two Months Until the General Election

The name "Joe Biden".

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Stone Cold Sober.

Slow and Steady....

So, as I'm sure you know if you regularly read this blog - I have turned this blog into an independent business (where's my tax break??).    I always love and appreciate it when people click the ads.  :)

Anyhow, enough of that - I'm not the Cutco knife saleswoman here; I know that's not what you came here for.   However, I do have something very exciting to report - this blog has STEADILY been making one cent a day for the past couple weeks.  

It might not sound like much, but it's something I didn't have.  And you all know about 'slow and steady'.  Besides, it's more symbolic than anything - people are regularly visiting the blog.  That makes my heart smile.  And I am not the Hallmark card type.  

Knowing I have readers only makes me feel more compelled to post regularly and give my readers what they're looking for.  However, there are times I can't force inspiration for a long rant.  Therefore, expect many more posts in the 'pointless' category in the near future.  I'm not sure if this is good news to Jaime's blog's readers - but it is news about Jaime's blog, and that's what I'm here to report.  

Banned Books Week

So, my mother recently informed me about banned books week coming up soon.   Also, with Sarah Palin allegedly wanting to get multiple books banned - the topic has been brought up moreso often than usual.

I am not sure how I feel about the concept of banned books.  I have read a handful of the books that typically appear on the 'banned books list' and I definitely think someone somewhere is being waaaaay too sensitive.  There's definitely less offensive and/or controversial material in said books than in, well, every other form of media children are exposed to. 

However, that being said, I don't know how I feel about the concept of banning books.  There's a certain level of,  say, decency required of every other form of media and there are certain regulations out there.  I'm not saying some books should 'disappear', but perhaps a little regulation in some way wouldn't hurt.  

Now, I am certainly no expert on the matter - in fact, my information on the subject is very limited.  I didn't do any research for this post - this post is my attempt to do research.  I probably have more librarian friends than any other non-librarian - most who read this blog.  I do not know much about the matter - I would like some feedback.  :)

I Can See Russia From My House!!

LOL. LOVE IT!!

Could Tina Fey have been any better!?!?! I think Tina Fey is in my top five favorite celebrities. Maybe it's in the bangs.

Rainy Days

As you might imagine, I was a little bummed out about this weekend being all nasty and rainy and being hauled up in my apt (for the most part).  UNTIL I noticed my blog had a record 35 hits today (as of only 5PM!!)!! 

I get it.  People are stuck inside, they need something to read to kill time.  BAM!  There you go!  I appreciate it and love it nonetheless.  

WOOHOO!!!  

It's Almost That Time Again....

To some, fall signifies the start of football season.   To me, fall signifies the soon impending start of another intensely passionate and competitive Sunday afternoon sport.  Seriously, is there anything more exciting?   Anyone who questions the ferocity of figure skating - just remember Tonya and Nancy....

Follow Up to a Previous REALLY OLD Post/Copying Emily AGAIN

There was a question about which Friends character I am....

There you go!

"Hi, I'm Chandler.  Could I BE wearing any more clothes?"

Something that Annoys Me....

One question that I HATE:  What kind of music do you like?

It's a staple of all first dates and random 'getting to know you' conversations.  It's the standard ice breaker for awkward silences with coworkers.  I NEVER ask people this question and I wish they would do the same for me.  I don't know why it annoys me so much, but it just does.  

Maybe it's that I can't quite classify my taste in music down to one genre like "country"; my answer to this question would be 'I like and dislike some artists and songs from every genre'.  I understand the purpose of this question is to see if one shares a specific favorite musician or song in common - but then why not just ask about specific artists or songs?!?!

That, and from my experience in group conversations - almost everyone gives the same response I do - some variation of  'a variety' and maybe names one artist or genre that he or she is partial to.  

Maybe a part of it is that I find it difficult to speak about music objectively since I have no background in it - I like the songs and artists I like because I like the way they sound, but I can't really say much more about it than that.  If someone wants to debate on the quality of an artist - I got nothin'.   

I'm sure those with training and experience in music can talk about how they hear influences of another artist in someone's work or the quality of guitar rifts - but I have nothing more than a superficial knowledge of music and I don't pretend otherwise.  

Am I alone on this?  I think I must be, because EVERYONE seems to ask this question.  Are people annoyed by the fact that everyone answers this question with some generic response?  I've taken to giving sarcastic unrealistic responses, such as "Christmas music" or "Well, I've always been a huge Barry Manilow fan".  

Superficiality

Which ticket is better looking?  I'll leave it up to you, my reader....

Does it matter?  Hmm....

Bangs Bond

Ok, so 'bangs' have been the trend for about, oh, something around under two years for now.  

I am frustrated.  I have had bangs for almost 12 years consistently.  I STARTED the trend.  Sarah Palin, Reese Witherspoon, etc., are now either randomly famous or randomly trying this hairstyle (amongst their three different hairstyles a year).  

We true bangs enthusiasts know what it's all about.  It's not a random pursuit of the presidency.  It's not the latest hairstyle.  It's a way of life.  I had bangs when NO ONE did.  And I kept cutting them nonetheless.