30 Days of Blogging: Day 28

day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of

Good as new

I was out of town for a quick little getaway....blogging was not an option. Not because I was away from the internet, but because I am not iPhone savvy.  Forgive me for missing a few days.
 
My thesaurus is from 1962. I'm pretty sure I stole it from my parents. Sorry Mom and Dad. Hopefully the English language hasn't changed that much since the '60s. I am wondering why 30 Days of Blogging didn't ask me to look through the more common place for finding words...a dictionary.
 
1. Changeableness: I didn't know you could add a "ness" onto the end of any word and it would still be considered a word. Synonym: alterability.
 
2. Corpulence: portliness
 
3. Dilapidated: decayed
 
4. Gewgaw: trinket
 
5. Hoodwink: hoax
 
6. Salacious: lewd
 
7. Pilfer: rob
 
8. Rowdyism: hoodlumism....again...can you just throw an "ism" on the back of a word and it still be a word?
 
9. Scurfy: flaky
 
10: Voracious: ravenous

30 Days of Blogging: Day 27

day 27- my day job verses my passion

Guy Fieri

First let me preface this by saying...I am sooooooo happy to have a job...especially one that I like. Truthfully, my day job...err.... night job is in most respects awesome. I get to take care of the cutest little patients in the world, work with an amazing group of talented ladies (and a few men) who I am lucky enough to call my friends, and I work 3 nights a week which is considered full time. Pretty great. If I could tweak my job to make it perfect I would work from 11 am to 3 pm, three times a week. I could sleep in and come home in time to take a nap. Of course they would have to pay me like 8 million dollars an hour for that schedule to work out fiscally. Nothing sad would ever occur at my job either. While there are mostly happy positive outcomes, there are things that break my heart.
 
A wonderful thing about my job is that because of my hours (and i'll admit it, my pay) it allows me to pursue my passions. Travel, food, fun, biking, sleeping, shopping, camping, hiking, running, and crazy headband collections are all made possible because of my job, that I really am passionate about.
 
So as for my passion, besides tiny baby nursing, I would like to be the next Anthony Bourdain sans chain smoking. I would even take Samatha Brown even though she is kind of annoying. Maybe the next woMAN vs Food gal....I can seriously eat a lot if I feel like it. I'd even be the Diners, Drive ins, and Dives host, Guy Fieri, but no way am I getting that ridiculous hair cut or wearing a flame t shirt. No way.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 26

day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for

Since it specifically says "things" and not people, I am excluding you, family and friends, from my list. Don't be sad. I'm thankful for many things.  This list is off the top of my head, so don't feel left out (strawberries) if you have been excluded.

1. Bacon

2. Polka dots

3. Headbands

4. Bikes

5. Rivers

6. Disneyland

7. Central Heat and Air

8. Pretty throw pillows

9. Arched windows

10. Shark Vac and Steam Cleaner

30 Days of Blogging: Day 25

Day 25- what would I find in your bag

No matter how often I clean out my purse, it quickly reverts back to its old messy self. I am glad there isn't a saying similar to the one referring to food, "You are what you eat," about purses. That would make me sad. On any given day these items could change, but for today, these are the items in my purse:

• Wallet
• Phone
• Day Planner
• Target receipt from today
• Valentine's Day Fresh Choice coupon $5 off any purchase of 2 meals after 5 pm. Expires 2/28/11
• Coupon for 3 chances to win a Golden State Warrior Prize Pack
• Save Mart receipt from 2/9/11
• Bed Bath & Beyond receipt from today
• Phoenix Noodle House receipt from 1/16/11
• Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Ticket from 11/3/10
• Google Maps printout for a store my mom and dad found in Modesto that they thought I would be interested in
• A phone number scribbled on a piece of paper. I think it's for my doctor.
• TJ Maxx receipt from today
• I <3 (heart) State Parks Car Decal
• Keys
• Overly Priced New Balance iPhone Holder for running
• Headphones
• Ice Breakers Mints
• Business Card for my fabulous hair stylist Stacy
• 4 uncapped pens, one capped pen, and one broken pencil
• One empty tube of Chapstick
• One full tube of Chapstick
• Another Save Mart receipt from 2/15/11
• And another from 2/18/11
• Safety pin
• 2 bobby pins
• Hair tie
• Movie Stub for Eat Pray Love 9/21/10
• Compact
• Feminine Products
• A band aid
• Another hair tie
• A lip gloss
• One Pirate Skull and Cross Bones Earring

I spy with my little eye

Please, don't judge me.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 24

day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why



I'm not a quote person. I rarely remember lines from movies...even if I really like them. My brain just doesn't care enough, I guess. Back in my Sunday school days, I was a champ at memorizing scriptures. Now my championship belt has been handed to my brother. I recently read the following scripture and enjoyed it immensely. So for now, it can be my favorite.

Jeremiah 1:5  Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

It's nice to know that there is a plan out there for all of us. It takes some of life's grueling pressure off of us who feel like we need to control everything.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 23

day 23- something you crave a lot


 

 
I crave many things... food and non food items alike. However, if I tallied up all of my cravings one amazing item would prevail: Diet Pepsi.
 
Nothing compares to popping open an ice cold can of heaven's nectar. The fizzy artificial sweetness is somehow the best tasting drink in the world. I don't know if it is the aspartame or the potassium benzoate, but it keeps me coming back for more.

There are imposters out there. Don't let them fool you. I'm talking to you Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Rite, Diet Sams, and Diet RC Cola.  You don't even compare.

There was a slightly sad time in my life when I drank almost a 2 liter of Diet Pepsi a day. Then Danny started this whole healthy living business and things started to change. If it has the word diet in front of it it should be healthy right? I welcomed change in most areas, but giving up Diet Pepsi has always been a struggle. I am now at the point in my long struggle with Diet Pepsi addiction, where I don't have to have one every day. I don't keep it in the house anymore. I have even gone for a  few blocks of 30 days without having one. I will admit, every now and then I fall off the wagon, and have a can or two, of the greatest man made drink of all time.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 22

Day 22- What makes you different

Besides my DNA and fingerprints, I'm not quite sure what makes me different. I'm positive that there are people who have a similar personality and features to me. I'll give it a go though, because DNA isn't a very clever answer.

I told Danny about this blog post and he immediately came up with the same idea that I had. At least I know someone else sees this difference in me too. Danny says my life is one giant paradox.

My personality and interests often contradict each other. I guess this makes me different. I'm a day dreamy imaginative person, but I'm extremely logical. Does that make sense? I like watching sports AND going to musicals. I like to lift weights and go for walks.  I love dresses and zip up hoodies. I love the sciences and the arts. I like girlie things, but I'm not a huge fan of pink. I dream about living on a ranch, but also in a condo in the city. I like shiny things, but I don't own a lot of jewelry (by choice).  I really care about the quality of life that livestock has, but my favorite food group is meat. I'm a germaphobe at work, but not at home. I like pictures, but scrapbooking annoys me. I get my hair done every 7-8 weeks, but I have gotten a pedicure once in the past 4 years. I like indie rock and mainstream pop. I like cats and dogs. I enjoy reading celebrity gossip and the actual news. I love to hang out with friends, but also love to be alone. I'm not romantic, but I'm sweet. I'm not crafty, but I'm artsy. I love the great outdoors, but I really want to go to New York.  I am a nurse, but hate going to the doctor. I work in a place where I take care of some of the fragilest humans on earth, but at home Danny says I am one of the roughest people he knows (funny my mom says this too, when I do her hair and makeup for her).

I don't know if this even makes sense or if it makes me different, but in my day dreamy logical head it does.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 21

day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy

There are a bazillion things that make me happy, but the first thing that came to mind were drawer knobs. Knobs make me so very happy. I have become a collector of cute little knobs. There are no bad thoughts when you look at a blue and white polka dotted knob or little knobs that look like clocks... never. They spice up a boring desk and make my T.V cabinet look splendid. I don't spend a fortune on them so that makes me happy too. Danny rolls his eyes when I get new knobs because they don't always fit where I want them to go, but he figures it out, because they make me happy.

A painted knob on my desk

Closet knob from Danny

Homeless knobs

This one makes me really happy

Ceramic knob

Pantry knob

A whole lotta knobs

Old Timey Clock knob

30 Days of Blogging: Day 20

day 20- write a letter to someone

Dear Borders Books,
 
I am bummed you are filing for bankruptcy. You are closing your Sisk Road location in Modesto. This is going to be a big inconvenience for me. You were the closest book store to my house and I frequented your place of business. I prefer your location to the lesser Barnes and Noble on McHenry Ave because of not only location, but organization. I can easily find what I am looking for in your store. In Barnes and Noble I have to ask for help...something I hate doing.
 
200 of your stores are closing out of 642. Of course Sisk Road had to be one of them. Perhaps this speaks ill of Modestonians literary interests. If you open a location in Ripon, I promise we will keep your business in the black.
 
I suppose online retailers like Amazon and all those techy reading devices like the Kindle didn't help in your business pursuits. I for one prefer holding a book to squinting my eyes at a screen all day. I like to write little notes in my books and fold the corners to mark my page. I cannot do this on a Kindle. Perhaps you should commission some scientists to do a study on the ill effects of reading e books. I don't really know if there are any, but I'm sure they can tweak the outcomes in your favor.
 
You may suggest I go to the library or buy my books online. Your suggestion is not well received. I like to own my books. I know I am killing trees. I'm sorry. Even if I only read them once, I like the way they look sitting on my shelf. I have bought books online before, but going into a bookstore and wandering is a million times better.
 
You disappoint me Borders. I guess I will reluctantly be making the trek to Barnes and Noble or Yesterday's Books. Such a sacrifice.
 
Sincerely,
Jessica

30 Days of Blogging: Day 19

Day 19- Write about a sweet memory you have from the past

Romantic, I am not. Sweet however, is a whole different ball game. I can out sweet a basket full of puppies and a small child's lemonade stand. I have many sweet memories from the past, but I will keep it simple (and sweet) by just sharing one.

Like my lovely self, my dad works nights. Instead of 12 hour shifts, he works 8 hours, five nights a week. He would get home around 8:30 in the morning from his job at Livermore Lab. My mom, brother, and I would greet him and say goodnight.

One day my mom had the fun idea for us kiddos to hide from my dad when he got home. This was great, playing a trick on Dad was always fun. We chose excellent hiding spots behind the couch and anxiously awaited his arrival.

When Dad came home, he said hi to my mom then asked where us kids were. She replied, "I don't know? They must of run away!" My dad said something to the sort of, "Oh really? Well thank goodness for that, now we can go to Disneyland." My brother and I would pop out from the most secretive hiding place in the world, rush up to our parents, and beg to not be left behind.

The best part about this sweet story, is that this was a regular occurrence in our house a few times a month throughout my childhood. Sometimes we would hide behind the couch...other times under the piano.  Every time we got a kick out of it. I think my parents did too.

A few months ago I was at my parent's house, talking to my mom, and she told me to hide behind her bedroom door. She called my dad into the room asking if he had seen me. Soon they were planning a trip to Disneyland without me and I was jumping out from behind the door begging to go.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 18

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

It seems like I have already answered this question with my bucket list, but I guess I can always dream more.
 
Plans: I'm planning on semi redoing our office. We have a bunch of mismatched bookshelves overflowing with books and it makes me want to vomit when I look at them. I have a nifty idea for some tall white bookshelves flanking the desk, with a fun bulletin board above it. Ikea is going to make this a reality soon. I just need to find a day that Danny and I have off together. Wrestling season is almost done. Whew.
 
Dreams: I dream of owning chickens. Egg laying chickens. (Is there another kind? Clearly, I was not raised on a farm). Every morning I would go out, gather up a few eggs (in a sweet basket), and make breakfast. I love eggs, especially farm fresh eggs. Maybe I would feed the chickens some flax seed so my eggs would be high in omega 3s? My chickens would be quiet chickens.  Perhaps I could find some that aren't very messy too.  That would be excellent.
 
Goals: My current goal is to finish up this blog, because I really must get ready for work. (I realize that's a lame answer).

30 Days of Blogging: Day 17

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Anthony Bourdain

 
When I first read this prompt I thought I should pick a noble, intelligent, Winston Churchill/ Abe Lincoln type of person, but being noble is hard work. Instead I choose the foodie, Anthony Bourdain. I've always wanted to be a foodie traveler. The combination of delicious food combined with travel and some journalism thrown in there seems right up my alley.
 
You know Anthony Bourdain from the Travel Chanel's show No Reservations. He also has a few books out and is an executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles  in Manhattan.  On his show he travels around the world trying traditional foods from the places he visits and makes witty commentary.
 
He is hip and edgy even in his old(ish) age. He can be a bit crass at times, but no one seems to care. He is always invited into people's homes for big family meals where he is treated like a king. He is even invited to go on non food expeditions like Swiss wrestling or bocci ball tournaments. He travels to the coolest  places, eats the coolest food, and is just plain cool. He does all this while remaining thin. I would definitely like to be Anthony Bourdain for a day...or two.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 16

day 16- a picture of yourself

 
 
This 30 Days of blogging thing sure does want me to post a lot of pictures of myself.  To mix it up, here is a picture of my brother Isaac and I washing our dog Lady. I was probably in 6th grade here and going through my tom boy stage. I remember the shoes I had on were Nike's. I thought they were the coolest shoes in the world. 
 
Isaac's face is pretty hilarious. He was in 8th grade, if I indeed was in 6th. At this time in our lives we were almost the same height.  Sometime in high school he became really tall and I fell behind height wise. It looks like we were having a lot of fun bathing the family pet.

Lady was a boarder collie mix. My parents got her when I was on a trip to Canada with my cousin. I came home and there she was in all her  cute puppyness. My family had already named her Lady. I thought her name needed a little something more so I decided her full name was Princess Lady Oreo Penelope Grossenski the 1st.  The name never really caught on, everyone just continued to call her Lady. Every now and then I would bust out her full name. Lady was a great dog. She didn't live a very long life, maybe 8 years or so. She had a stroke or got into something poisonous (we aren't sure) and had to be put down. My mom and I cried quite a bit when she died. I'm sure my brother and dad secretly also cried. I still miss Lady. She would have gotten along well with Butch and Tayler. I hope she is having fun in pet heaven and hanging out with the various cats we had throughout my childhood: Daisy, Lilly, Peanut, Big Bird and Tellie as well as my hamster Squiggles and my mouse Stinky.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 15

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

Black Tongue-Yeah Yeah Yeahs
 
More Like Her- Miranda Lambert
 
Boys Don't Cry-The Cure
 
The Hardest Button to Button-White Stripes
 
Animal- Mike Snow
 
Song Away- Hockey
 
I Summon You- Spoon
 
The Pretender- Foo Fighters
 
Dog Days are Over- Florence and the Machine
 
White Blank Page- Mumford and Sons

30 Days of Blogging: Day 14

day 14- a picture of you and your family


Well for now our little family consists of Danny, the dogs, and myself. The dogs won't stay still for a family picture, so Danny and I will have to do. Sorry.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

30 Days of Blogging: Day 13

day 13- your 5 favorite books and why

The Catcher in the Rye - Holden (the main character) is full of teenage angst. He is the total opposite of me, maybe that's why his character sucked me in.
 
The Grapes of Wrath- We read this book in high school. I think I was the only person who was excited to do so. My mom's family came from Oklahoma in the dust bowl. I thought it was a cool way to see a fictional take on this part of my American history.
 
To Kill a Mockingbird- It's a classic.
 
Julie and Julia- I am kind of obsessed with the movie, naturally I had to read the book. Although, the movie was actually better than the book, it did get me pumped about blogging, cooking, and life's adventures.
 
The Bible- Is that cliche? Oh well, the Bible is pretty profound.

30 Days of blogging: Day 12

day 12- write a poem to someone you love

I have two not so secretive facts to share with you. The first is that I am not very romantic, in fact I believe Danny once told me I was the least romantic person in the world. That might be an exaggeration, but it is true that I don't spend all day writing sonnets and baking heart shaped cookies.

The second secret it that I used to write funny poems for my friends. I would make them rhyme and they would have hilarious inside jokes sprinkled throughout. They were goofy...not romantic. I did write one for Danny for his birthday a few years ago. It is probably the least funny poem I have ever written, but it has the word love in it, so I guess it qualifies as romantic. I wrote this poem in lieu of a birthday present, because we were saving up money to buy our lovely abode.

I Love you Danny Boy

By Jessie Lehr

This poem may not be what you want…

But I put it in a very nice font.

It may not be very funny…

But we are trying to save a little money!

My Danny boy, you are sweeter than honey.

When you are around, I get very happy, I sure do…

I get so excited, I sometimes annoy you.

But you see, I just can help it, I love you so much…

I’d even love you if you were Dutch.

You make me laugh, you make me smile…

I’d hike up a mountain for you mile after mile…

(Even if I had to take a million breaks to catch my breath)

I’d do it for you, my former Kelley brother’s chef!

The best decision of my life was choosing you to marry.

(Plus I got the bonus of your great beard: so HAIRY!)

I’ll love you always, this I know is true.

Danny boy, I’m so in love with you

 
Three little notes about this silly poem. This poem was written in 2008ish. I like how even then, I was on to the Dutch. Danny used to work at Kelley Brothers as a cook in high school. I need to remind him of this when I am tired of making dinner all the time. I love Danny's beard. It looks nice on him. Without it he looks 12.

30 Days of blogging: Day 11

day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die

This one is easy because I've already written about my bucket list in a previous post: http://myslightlysillyworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/check-lists.html

Jessica's Old Bucket List

Run a 5k

Hike Half Dome

Go fly fishing and wear those goofy pants

Knit a hat

Get a master’s degree in some sector of nursing

Travel to Paris

Learn to make Sushi

Deadlift 200 lbs

Travel to New York

Kayak in the ocean

Backpack the Ohlone Trail

Start a blog

Own a chinchilla

Sew my own dress

Eat a lobster roll in Maine

Ride bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge

Because I am a living, breathing, changing person, I have made some changes to my list. I have also actually accomplished a few of these goals, which is very exciting.

Changes:

Get a master's degree in some sector of nursing: I am hesitant about this one. First of all school takes up a lot of time...a ridiculous amount of time. I would still have to work and carry on with all my housewifely duties while getting a master's degree. That just seems extremely overwhelming. Plus, when I think about nursing school, I get stressed. Nursing school was one of the most stressful times of my life, it is not fun at all. Before college, I loved school. I loved learning, I loved reading, I even loved homework (Nerd). It probably helped that it was easy for me. Still, I loved it. Once nursing school started, I was a wreck. There is so much pressure put on students...if you don't pass this test you are kicked out of the program... if you don't know this calculation you could kill someone (Not kidding). Of course I did just fine in school, but the stress of it all made me lose my love of it. Plus I really like my job, which doesn't require a master's. So we will see about this little goal.

Learn to make Sushi: Sushi is raw. I really don't need to learn to do anything besides rolling it up tightly and cut it. Besides, half the fun of sushi is going out to dinner and using chop sticks to actually eat it.

Backpack the Ohlone Trail:  I've decided to change this to just go backpacking again. I went once a long time ago. I would like to go again and not be limited to where I have to go.

Jessica's New Bucket List

Run a 5k  -- I did this! January 2, 2011, I ran a 5k.

 

Hike Half Dome

 

Go fly fishing and wear those goofy pants

 

Knit a hat-- I knitted half a hat...then messed it all up and haven't returned to it....someday I will.

 

Travel to Paris

 

Deadlift 200 lbs- getting there

 

Travel to New York-- our annual trips are getting closer and closer. This year is Philadelphia, so close!

 

Kayak in the ocean

 

Go backpacking again

 

Start a blog-- Done!

 

Own a chinchilla

Sew my own dress

Eat a lobster roll in Maine

Ride bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge--this spring, my friend Melisa and I are doing this!



30 Days of blogging: Day 10

Day 10: Songs you listen to when you are happy, mad, bored, sad, or hyped

There are about a gazillion songs in the world, so narrowing it down to one per the specified mood is pretty difficult. These are the songs presently associated with these moods, but this could all change tomorrow... or in a hour.

Happy- When You Walk in the Room by Fyfe Dangerfield. There is probably a happy dance going on too. I have amazing dance skills, FYI.

Mad- I guess it depends on the reason I am mad. It takes a lot to make me mad.  Usually I would just turn whatever I am listening to up a little louder, but not too loud....as I don't like loud things. For anger's sake, I will say I've got Friends by Manchester Orchestra.

Bored- If I am bored I am most likely not listening to music. I am in a TV or Facebook coma.

Sad- Wonderwall by Oasis

Hyped- Anything by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs except their song Maps falls into the non existent peaceful/lovey category.

30 Days of blogging: Day 9

Day 9- something you’re proud of in the past few days

The past few days I have been working and sleeping, with some eating and showering thrown in there. Not too many proud thoughts have come to mind in the past three days. Since you, 30 days of blogging, are twisting my arm, I will say that I am pleased with myself for turning in my annual work evaluation form before the due date, for healthy food being cooked even while being in a half zombie state, and for the dishes being done.

30 Days of blogging: Day 8

Day 8- short term goals for this month and why

This will never happen


1. Clean out my sock drawer. Why? Because I could sew a crazy sock quilt with the number of mysterious single socks in my drawer... and that is not okay. Good news is, I already completed this little short term goal. Go me.
 
2. Drink more water. Why? "They" tell us we should. 
 
Those are my only goals this month. I don't want to set the bar too high. Failure isn't very pretty.

30 Days of blogging: Day 7

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

Mom and Dad

These "someones" are my parents...how much more impactful can you get? They definitely fit the stereotype that opposites attract. This worked out nicely for me because I get the best of both worlds in my genetic make up. Thanks Mom and Dad

30 Days of blogging: Day 6

Day 6: Favorite super hero and why

Captain Planet and the Planeteers

He saves the world from evil pollutants like smog and nuclear radiation. The Planeteers: Wind, Water, Earth, Fire, and Heart battle it out on earth on their own, but when the evil doer is greater than these individuals, they combine their rings to summon...Captain Planet. What a nice little symbol for team work.  He can fly, is a shape shifter, is strong, and has telepathic abilities. He has green hair and wears his underwear outside his pants...the sign of a true super hero.

I watched this show with my brother as a kiddo...apparently reruns are shown on the Mother Nature Network. Maybe I will subscribe...but I would probably show greater reverence to Captain Planet by taking a trip to recycling than sitting around watching his show.

I still have some of  his song memorized. Sometimes I sing it to my friend's kids when their dad throws some sort of icky Styrofoam in his fireplace. It's my passive aggressive way of letting them know it's not okay.

Captain Planet, he's our hero. Gonna take pollution down to zero. Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart! With your powers combined. I am CAPTAIN PLANET!


Remember kids....The power is yours.

30 Days of blogging: Day 5

Day 5: A picture of somewhere you have been




Chicago

 Probably the coolest place I have been to thus far, in my short years of being an amateur travel enthusiast.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 4

Day 4: A habit you wish you didn't have

The bad habit list could potentially be very long. From minor things like drinking too much coffee to major things like my chaotic organization style, there are many habits I would like to change. However to err is human right? Last time I checked, I was very human. I'm working on the coffee and the organization. One habit I have that is very hard for me to break is my self confidence or lack there of.

I will always think I should be smarter, funnier, prettier, thinner, kinder, gentler, more aggressive, more understanding, more domestic, more independent, stronger, faster, more energized, more organized, less involved, more involved, more tenacious, more Dutch, and more loving than I am. 

Now I want to go throw up from that little soul exposing exercise. Feelings are so mushy.

30 Days of Blogging: Day 3

Day 3: A picture of you as a child

A few months old, happy and chubby

Doesn't my mom look beautiful?
That's really saying something for the '80s.

We were tired.

1 year old,  helping lay bricks at the then brand new house.