My Civic Duty

So, once again I've been called for jury duty. Somehow they manage to get me every time the four year period is up. When I was 18 I liked jury duty. At 31, its a hassle. I've been out of the office so much for meetings and stuff lately that another day will really set me back. I have my fingers crossed that I don't get picked and I serve my one day and I am dismissed. While I welcome a day away from the office, this is not what I had in mind. Plus, every time I go, they play the same movie...Family Man with Nicholas Cage. Cute movie, but once was enough. Three times was more than annoying. I am curious to see if that's still the movie of choice down in good old St. George.
But here's a thought. Right now the unemployment rate is the highest its been in what, 25 years or so? So why not at this time have people who are on unemployment serve? I know jury duty doesn't pay much, but that $40 could really help when you have nothing coming in. I know it takes a day away from possible interviews, but right now things are so bad that really who's hiring?

WTF?

Just read a post on TMZ about the world's ugliest cat..

And I thought the previous winner was bad...

Yikes!!!

My Munchkins

Traveling for business sucks. Last week I was in Florida and this week Denver. Now I'm home and there's a million and one things to do. Laundry, work, paying bills, cleaning...ugh it doesn't end! But today I took a comp day and had the sweetest surprise..an after school visit from my niece and nephew! I was so excited when I heard the doorbell ring and saw that sweet little face of my nephew at the door. He thought he was just coming to hang out with Uncle Frankie while my brother got Grace at school, and I think he was even more excited to see I was home. Then Grace came and was happy to stay and have lunch with me while her dad went to the store. We played, had subway, watched icarly and snuggled on the couch. They are just the sweetest little people in the world! It was totally worth traveling to have today off to spend with them.

When Facebook Attacks

Even as a fan of Facebook I will admit its weird, inappropriate at times and can just be plain old immature. But still, its all in good fun. What I can't stand is when Facebook feels the need to say "(insert name here) is now listed as single". Must they do that? Must they put an announcement for the whole world to see? What's even worse is the comments that people leave! " Oh no, what happened to you and so and so?" "You looked so happy!" "Dude, that's messed up." " Call me I'm here for you!" Come on people, let the moment be somewhat private for God sake! I understand being on there in the first place and putting your whole life up for the world to see is crazy enough, but must we add to the insanity? Breaking up with someone on your teens is one thing, but when you're in your late 20's a break-up is never easy. Please people, think before you post.

Welcome Home Chris!

My good friend Julie's fiancé just returned home from Afghanistan and the Staten Island Advance ran this sweet article on his homecoming. I had to share it! Welcome home Chris!

New Year, Same Old Me…For Now Anyway

Yup, I’m back. I know it’s been a while. It seems like time was literally flying last year and before I knew, it was over…which makes me happy because 2008 sucked. I won’t sugar coat it, it was just a bad year. And the more I talk to people the more I realize I’m not alone. Besides the obvious economic struggles, I think there was just something in the air that made it miserable for all. Well time to put it all behind and start over! At least for me.
I decided the other day that I wanted a New Year’s resolution, something I could actually follow. But then I thought about it and those resolutions are too easy to break, come February they are usually forgotten about…Weight Watchers, going to the gym…all the new year’s clichés. So I decided instead to think about things in my life, things I often forget about or push to the side, things I need to make time for and things that would make me happy. So I came up with a list.

1. Stop stressing about what I can’t control. I tried this last year and I did ok. I of course had my moments, but overall I handled some things better than I would have in the past.
2. Blog more. It’s a stress reliever and from what I hear from friends and family, it makes them happy. Done.
3. If I buy something, I must use it. No more “saving things for a special occasion”. Seriously, no more clothes left with tags on. No more shoes waiting to be worn for a night out. I’ll use the good dishes and glassware. This item on the list also means no more buying lip glosses/makeup/hair products until I use the other ones. Which takes me to #4…
4. Be clutter-free. Typically I’m a neat freak. But while on a two week vacation from work, I cleaned every closet and cabinet in my house and had over 6 big garbage bags full of crap. So as orderly as I think I am, there’s always room for improvement.
5. Stop putting off the same old projects. Last year I purchased tons of picture frames for vacation and family pictures that need to go in them. This year, not only will I frame them, I’ll actually hang them on the wall. Crazy I know!
6. Take better care of myself. Although I get regular check-ups and visit the dentist twice a year I need to eat more veggies, get more fresh air, spend less time online, get more sleep, and cook more.
7. And finally, save more money!

Looking back over this it seems like alot…but I’ve been through worse. Hopefully 2009 will be full of change and good things for all of us.

Vote Aqui!

Just a friendly reminder to go out and vote! I think if we learned anything from the last election its that every vote counts!
I already went at 8am this morning and walked in with no lines :-)