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The bookmobile came on Monday. We had a great time tie-dyeing our t-shirts. Ginny made sure to bring vibrant colors for us to use.
The first picture is Ira's shirt. It will have lots of bull's-eyes. The next is an example of a swirl. Then there is Marie's big patriotic bull's eye.

subset: commoncrawl


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NANTY GLO - A weekend of upsets was capped off Saturday with a 22-14 Blacklick Valley win over previously undefeated Meyersdale.
Tyler Edwards opened the scoring with a 49-yard touchdown run on the Red Raiders' first possession. Kody Donaldson's extra point was good for the 7-0 lead.
Blacklick countered with 22 straight points all in the first half.
The first Viking score came off a four minute drive that was capped off by Taylor Holby's 9-yard touchdown run. Michael McDermott converted the two-point play for the 8-7 lead.
Three minutes later the McDermott took a handoff two yards for the touchdown.
McDermott and Taylor hooked up for a 42-yard touchdown play early in the second quarter. McDermott again converted the two-point play.
The Red Raiders (5-1) scored at the 7:04 mark of the second quarter to pull within striking distance. Mike Burkholder scored on a 27-yard run. Donaldson's PAT was good.


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Yesterday, I talked about making lists of your borderline players. Today, I'm going to identify some of those players and give examples of the types of internal debates you should be having with yourself or with your partner(s) during this portion of the winter. Remember this list isn't all inclusive and is not meant to be. What this list is intended to do is spark debate about these types of players and establish a value baseline prior to Spring Training to give you a framework to look at when your fellow owners come a calling.
I've included prices from my American League to give you an additional framework: obviously, your league is going to have some different parameters that you need to adjust for accordingly.
An additional wrinkle here, that you almost never see on other websites, is the addition of inflation to the dialogue. Saying that someone is a freeze without the context of inflation is a waste. If someone is a $20 player who has a salary of $20, he won't be borderline in a league with inflation of 15% of more. I'll post a full discussion of inflation calculation shortly.
I've tried including a cross section of rookies, veterans, and salaries as well.
Kenji Johjima $19. Personally, I thought Johjima went for too much money at my auction last year. I expected a solid catcher who would hit for good average and drive in runs but not for a lot of power. However, Johjima exceeded those expectations, earning 17 Patton $ last year. Given his age, he should be able to duplicate or come close to duplicating his $17 season.
The question for me with Jojhima, then, becomes position scarcity. The American League is thick with catchers, and the only significant move is the addition of Piazza and the subtraction of B. Molina, which is probably a wash. In an open auction, Johjima might slip to $14 or $15 given the depth at the position. In a freeze league, many catchers get kept since a lot of owners want a starter heading into the season. My call: Keep with inflation.
Esteban Loaiza $10 To the uninitiated, it will seem silly that we're even discussing a pitcher who tossed up a 4.91 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP as a $10 freeze. A couple of factors make Loaiza worth discussing: a thin pitching pool, a good home venue, some solid years in his past, and a lights out August that was hard to forget.
At $10, I would throw him back. Believe it or not, he will go for around that in an A.L. only league, but this is an example of a guy I'd rather see another owner have for $10 or $11. If I get him for $7, that would be OK, but this is someone I don't want to pay par for. What is worth doing is sniffing around your league to see if someone has a high enough opinion of Loaiza to get something back. Throw back.
Raul Ibanez $24 Like Johjima, I thought that Ibanez went for too much money. And, like Johjima, Raul had an awesome year, earning $26 while hitting 30+ HR and driving in over 120.
However, here's a guy I'd either trade or throw back if I didn't get any takers. He'll turn 35 next season, and has never done anything near what he did last year. Yes, if he mirrors what he did, he'll turn a modest profit. But I'd rather not freeze players where the best case is only a small profit. Throw back.
Ryan Shealy $15 This is a FAAB price. And, though it might sound radical, I'd keep Shealy at this price.
His numbers last year- 7 HR 37 RBI 1 SB .277 BA in 202 AB – are uninspiring on the surface for a corner infielder. Pumping those numbers up to 600 AB, though, gives him a 21/110/3/.277, which would have been good for $19. Add to this the fact that last year was Shealy's first significant crack at MLB, and I could see him getting a little better. Keep.
Joel Piniero $10 Here's a guy you're solely keeping for the role. A lot could change in Boston between now and Opening Day. But as of right now, he looks like he's the morning line favorite to be the closer.
My advice right now is Keep. But there are several caveats. Most importantly, you can't keep too many guys like Piniero. A team of high risk players at $10 is a risky strategy and a surefire way to set up an early exit. There's nothing wrong with one high risk/high reward guy like Piniero. But don't fill your team with these guys. Again, remember context.
There are several more examples, but this is just a cursory example of the discussion you should be having now. If you disagree with any of my examples above, that's great…there are always going to be 12 owners with 12 opinions in a room, and you should be experienced enough to know what your preferences are. The most important thing is beginning the conversation now, not one week before the freeze date, and certainly not after other owners start calling and e-mailing with trade proposals.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71570073762873043422018-03-02T10:44:11.663-05:00Just A Girl in the Big, Bad WorldObservations and an action adventure guide to survival of... whatever it is I happen to do day to day. Usually involves cute shoes and a super dose of attitude.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-9963499534057083612012-01-11T12:46:00.000-05:002012-01-11T12:46:24.621-05:00Peek-A-Boo!Loyal blog followers, how I've missed you! It's been a few months and I'm sure a lot has been going on with you. It sure has for me! If you've been reading my little corner of the interwebs for any length of time (or you happen to know me in person), then you know things, they have been a-changin'.

I lost my job at a law firm I thought was great. Turns out, everything happens for a reason. I now have a job at a nationwide law firm with 1000 times better benefits (including free parking in downtown, a block from the Amway Center, 24/7/365) and MUCH nicer coworkers. Suck on that, old law firm.

My fiance and I have been scouting for a place to live. Nothing set in stone yet, but we've got an application in at a place I'm in love with... So cross your fingers and toes for us! Fiance also just started a new job that's extremely exciting and has a very promising future. Our days of both being unemployed are OVER! Can you hear the choir singing Glory Glory? I certainly can. Oh, speaking of choirs and church and such, in November I had my first rite on my way to baptism on Easter Vigil this year. It was joyous, exciting, scary (I was in front of the entire congregation!) and fun all at the same time. Fiance's mom took pictures, but her camera skills are a little weak, so the pictures didn't come out great, otherwise I'd post a couple. My next rite, the rite of election, is next month at the biggest Catholic church in the Orlando diocese: Mary, Queen of the Universe. It's going to be a big, big deal. Lots of celebration to follow.

We finally set a wedding date! While I'm not at liberty to tell you the exact date at this point, it will be in the fourth quarter of this year. More blog posts to come on wedding planning and general hysteria.

I changed my Twitter name to @J_Rad2012, so if you're a follower, tuck that under your hat.

I had a very strange encounter right before Christmas with an ex from ages ago. That definitely deserves its own post, so consider this a teaser.

Anyway, I'm on my lunch break at this very moment. I can't get into anything super long-winded since I only have a few minutes left. I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm back, baby! One of my resolutions this year was to keep up with my blog, so you can expect to see more in the near future. Until then... :)Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-24695339144008912332011-09-24T04:03:00.001-04:002011-09-24T04:10:07.941-04:00Modern LoveI promised a blog entry regarding the products that I'd sneak onto the desert island (still cringing) if that fate befell me. Now that I'm in my thirties, I've really started to find myself being loyal to products that work for me. Then again, some things that worked when I was younger just ain't cutting the mustard anymore. I have tons of things that I adore, but I thought that I'd limit today's jewels to cosmetics and hygiene products. Sound like a deal? Okay, here we go...

Every girl needs a good cleanser. This comes from my years being brainwashed as an Estee Lauder beauty advisor, however I have to admit that it really is good advice. An ideal cleanser will remove most make up and all the dirt and oil accumulated on your gorgeous mug throughout the day. If you wear waterproof makeup, you'll need an actual makeup remover but that's another entry. My favorite cleanser happens to be a cheapie that you can actually afford! Remember, I'm a bitch on a budget. L'oreal Go Clean is the best that I've found. I have combo skin and this isn't too drying or too harsh. I have to admit that I do love that little scrubbie thingie, too.

My Estee Lauder brainwashing told me that I must include a toner but I'll be honest with you, I just don't care for this step. If that's your thing, go for it. Some chicks need it. I'm not in that crowd. Up next for me is a fabulous moisturizer. This is SUPER important. And you can't use the same shit you put on your body. Your face has delicate skin. I assume that most of you reading are around the same age as myself... We have to start thinking about fighting off those wrinkles!

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturiser rocks my socks. It's like a gel... But a cream. It's light enough not to feel like I'm wearing an oily mask, but rich enough to actually give me some moisture. I dig it. And for the price, it ain't too bad.

Now it's time for the fun stuff... Makeup! If you don't like makeup, you're a Communist. I'm just sayin. Anyway, before you start spackling yourself up, you need to get rid of those pothole sized pores on your nose and cheeks.

Benefit: The POREfessional is that exact spackle you need. Yes, for a little tube it has a pretty big price. But you have to understand... It fills in the giant crater sized pores that could house small orphaned children. That's worth the money. A little dab goes a long way. And it's translucent, so it's not changing your face to some weird color. I've even worn it without other makeup over it and it works fab.

I'm a believer in mineral makeup. It's one of those things that you're either totally for, or you're totally aghast at. I don't have too many breakouts or scars to cover (just that one bullet hole), so I don't need theatrical coverage. Bare Minerals Foundation is really the only choice. Accept no impostors. Yes, it may look scary all loosey goosey in that little pot... I understand if you're OCD you may have a hard time with it. It comes with a great brush, called a kabuki, for application. I've found that a tissue on my bathroom counter alleviates powder fallout. Go with one of Bare Escentuals "Get Started" kits to begin with. The coverage is sheer and build-able. You can thank me later. Just Tweet me @NoelleSebastian.

It has kind of a dirty name, and I like that about it. It's also one of the most popular blushes EVER, and for good reason. NARS Blush in Orgasm (yep, exactly) makes almost any girl look like she just... Well, you know.

There are a million and three eyeshadows out there and I could spend a whole blog talking about the ones I love. For everyday, I wear something that's not even really considered an eyeshadow at all. It's also made by Bare Escentuals, and it's an all over face color called Pure Radiance. It gives your eyes a little shimmer and a pick-me-up without being too over the top. It's all you need at the office with a swipe of eyeliner and some good mascara. Speaking of which...

Eyeliners piss me off most of the time. They're either too chalky and don't glide on like they should, or they're so oily that they smudge and you end up looking like Rocky Raccoon by your morning coffee break. Neither of those situations instills much hope in eyeliner wearers of the world. Behold, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. These pencils are the perfect balance of smooth and long-lasting. They aren't waterproof, which in my book is a plus because I hate waterproof shit around my eyes. They come in lots of sparkly, pretty colors, but honestly my favorite is called Zero, and it's the basic black. Around the holidays, Sephora has gift sets where you can get a bunch of these little babies at once for a killer deal. And hey, the holidays are just around the corner. Santa, are you taking notes?

Before we can even talk mascara, we have to talk about the device depicted above. An eyelash curler is essential, unless you're lucky enough to have perfectly curled and long, lush lashes. If you are one of those people, poop on you. Anyway, it's painless and it takes about 5 seconds for each eye. The difference it makes is pretty remarkable. I love my Tweezerman curler.

I'm like the Goldilocks of mascaras. This one is too thick; this one is too thin; the brush on this one is all wrong... I picked up a gift set of sample sized mascaras from Sephora after Valentine's Day this year, and the winner from that pack was Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! It does everything in one tube: Curls, volumizes, conditions AND lengthens. What more could you want? And for me, the formula is just right.

I'm definitely the type of girl who doesn't feel dressed until I have some perfume on. I like clean scents. If it has too much musk or it's too flowery, I just can't hang. I want something that not only I like sniffing at, but men do as well. So far, Clean Shower Fresh has made a good impression on both genders alike. The Clean perfume line has at least 5 scents, probably more. I just happen to be diggin on this one right now... But when it runs out I might go for something a little more Autumnal. Or maybe not. Woman's prerogative.

Anyway, my only other piece of advice is to get yourself enrolled in the Sephora rewards program and look for kits with stuff you want to try whenever possible. It makes a big difference.

And is anyone else cringing about the desert island oxymoron? Still just me? Geez.

*Today's entry title is from Matt Nathanson's new album, conveniently titled "Modern Love"
Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-52512703686316161252011-09-19T17:19:00.002-04:002011-09-19T17:19:58.466-04:00That About Sums It Up.No words, really... Just a graphic of how I'm feeling today. Well, most days.

Jenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-68641000159223870672011-09-07T22:06:00.000-04:002011-09-07T22:06:42.975-04:00Don't Count Me OutHi friends and neighbors!

It's been a minute since I've blogged and I feel ashamed of myself for neglecting my bloggerly duties. Yes, I just made up the word 'bloggerly'. Call Webster. Anyway, I just wanted to check in and say a quick hello. I wanted to let all 8 of my loyal followers know that I'm alive and well. My new job is fantastic, but draining. I love it and I'm definitely not complaining. It's just that when I get home from work, social media and anything to do with looking at a computer screen are at the very bottom of my to-do list. So, essentially what I'm trying to say is that it's not you, it's me.

I'll be back, though! I have lots of mayhem to report, including getting an extra hole installed on my face, a battle with a medicine ball, why beer and pizza Fridays make me more productive, products I'd take to the proverbial desert island (side note: does anyone else cringe at the oxymoron that is "desert island'? Just me?), how getting a professional picture taken is 100 times worse than school pictures ever were, why I like animals better than homo sapiens, and many other blog worthy rants. Brace yourselves. It's coming.

P.S. How do you like the new look?Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-84235832626494293182011-07-04T19:46:00.000-04:002011-07-04T19:46:40.948-04:00Mercy, Mercy, Understand... I Need Less Drowning, More Land...Hypocrisy is a funny thing. I said a lot about quitting Facebook, most of it I'll still stand behind. That doesn't make me any less of a hypocrite for rejoining the social network again. I missed keeping in touch with friends that I'd normally not have contact with. I'll admit that it's a convenient way to keep track of people. What a double edged sword that is, though. I love my friends, but those on the fringes had to be eliminated. Part of the reason I quit Facebook in the first place is because it was propogating rumors and lies, the likes of which I hadn't seen since junior high. I stand behind my decision to drop out of that for a while. I've trimmed down my "friends" list considerably this time around. We'll see how long I last this time.

The Lord has blessed me with a new job. I am so unbelievably thankful. I stumbled upon it almost by accident, and I can't believe how right this place is for me. The people I work with are great. The working environment is awesome. I now believe even more in the power of prayer because of this job. I prayed long and hard for this and I was blessed in return for my patience. That's all I'm going to say about the job... I'm doubtful it will make a reappearance in any entries here.

I'm not sure that I have much more to say about things right now. I'm just taking one day at a time. I've found more land, less drowning. Pretty good feeling.

Today's post title is from "Mercy" by Matt Nathanson. The new album, "Modern Love" was totally worth the wait!Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-50749450443684703632011-06-11T06:53:00.000-04:002011-06-11T06:53:19.202-04:00Honeysuckle BlueMy current address makes the sixth city that I've lived in since moving to the penis-shaped state back in the 1990's. I was barely 16 when my family moved to Florida. It wasn't my idea, and honestly I wasn't exactly thrilled at changing schools my Sophomore year of high school. And what the hell did a farm girl from the mountains in Georgia know about palm trees and beaches anyway? It's not like I was going to jump on a surf board and hang ten, for crying out loud. I knew about tubing down the Toccoa River and jet skiing on the chilly waters of Lakes Lanier, Notley and Blue Ridge in the sweltering July heat. Frankly, I thought (and still think sometimes) that Florida smelled like rotten eggs. Swimming in waters that have the potential threats of alligators, sharks, jellyfish and the like just didn't thrill me. I don't like sand between my toes--or in any other crevice for that matter.

My first landing place on the big move to Florida was the town of Indian Harbour Beach. It's a small town, although compared to where I came from in Georgia, it was a bustling megalopolis full of promise. Pizza delivery? That actually exists? Cable television? These were things only dreamt of by those of us who grew up where I did. Satellite Beach was next on the zip code tour of Central Florida. Satellite and Indian Harbour are basically the same town. Then came the big, fat ugly mistake: Orlando. My family stayed on the coast while my idiot self moved inland. I hung in there in the interior for about 9 months before I made my way back to the coastal breezes of the Melbourne area. A few years and boyfriends later, I found myself living on the west coast in Tampa. After three years it was back to Melbourne... And now I'm in Longwood, which is a suburb of Orlando. Incidentally, I lived in the wrong part of Orlando during my first foray to the interior parts of the Sunshine State. Longwood is beautiful. And really, the name Longwood is hilarious. That shit's on my driver's license!

When I look back at all the places I've bounced around, I realize that I don't have a place I truly consider my hometown. I was born in Gainesville, Georgia, a town I never lived in. The place I associate my childhood with, Suches, is still missing from some maps because it has a post office, the smallest public school in the state of Georgia, and one convenience store. That's ALL. Blue Ridge, the town I lived in before I made my triumphant entrance into weiner land (aka Florida), probably would be the closest thing I have to a 'hometown'. Here's the thing, though. None of my family lives there. I have very few friends there. I haven't been back there in 13 long years. I fear I wouldn't recognize it, there have been so many changes there since I left.

Although both my parents, my grandmother, a cousin and a stepsister live in Melbourne, I've never considered that home. Yes, I know a lot of people there, and when I visit I often run into people I know. I just never felt any sort of affection for that place. I guess the way I feel is how military brats must feel. When you move around a lot, you don't get a hometown. I'm hardly complaining, because I have friends in each of the places I've mentioned. I could have a couch to sleep on in Blue Ridge tonight if I wanted it. I'm always welcome in Melbourne, especially because my family is there. But there isn't that pull to come "home" to any of these places like there is with a real hometown. When people ask me where I'm from, my answer is usually along the lines of, 'Originally from Georgia, but I've lived all over Florida most of my adult life.' That's kind of a sad way of saying, 'I'm not really from anywhere except where I am right now.'

I do consider myself a Georgia Peach, however. I am a Southerner in all the best ways (not the Bible-thumping, gun wielding, South-Shall-Rise-Again ways). I suppose all I'm really trying to say is that home is where your heart is. It's where you hang your hat and your heart. I'm so glad to be happy where I am, even if it won't ever be where I'm "from".

*Today's title is from the song of the same name by Drivin' N' Cryin'. Reminds me of Suches!Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-1782747821834009292011-06-10T13:04:00.000-04:002011-06-10T13:04:00.527-04:00If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's MeReturning phone calls has never been one of my strong suits. In fact, I'm really, really terrible at it. I always get caught up in something else and forget until days later, when it's too late to call back because whatever the message was about is a moot point anyway. I say this in the interest of full disclosure, because what I'm about to say makes me seem like a bit of a hypocrite. It wouldn't be the first time I've been accused of that, but whatever. Just go with me on this.

In the last month, I've been on two interviews for large law firms in the downtown area. These firms are by no means Mickey Mouse operations. They're big, sleek and wealthy. The first interview I went on, I couldn't get a read on the interviewers. It was short and to the point. I answered all their questions in the manner I knew they would want them answered (which isn't to say I lied about anything because I didn't). I was ushered out pretty unceremoniously and told they'd be in touch. I had a feeling that was the kiss of death. The following week I gave my contact in their human resources department a call, and he said that they were still interviewing candidates, but that I was a contender. He gave me a time frame to call back to follow up and I did. Not only could I not get him to pick up his phone, he never returned my calls either.

The second firm I interviewed for was much different. The interviewer took her time, explained the position and the firm thoroughly and answered my questions. The interview took over an hour, and when I was leaving she told me that she would definitely be in touch late the next week. I left feeling really good about how things went. I contacted HR late the next week, to be told that candidates were still being interviewed and to check back the following week. I was starting to get a sense of deja vu. When I emailed HR again, I got no response.

Before I complain, I have to acknowledge how lucky I was to even get interviews. It means they thought I was qualified and wanted to see how I could work out. I'm sure there are other job seekers out there who are more qualified than me, considering I'm still working on my paralegal degree. I was grateful for the interviews and it definitely made me feel better about my prospects. Having said all that, I'm utterly pissed and dumbfounded that neither of these places had the decency to call, email or send a letter saying that someone else got the job. I don't take things like that personally and would have welcomed the closure of knowing that I didn't get the position. I don't think that's too much to ask. In my humble opinion, it's very unprofessional to just leave people hanging. I mean, yeah I got the hint... But this isn't a junior high break up. There's no need to be a pussy, just make the call.

I'm still searching, and although the actions (or non-actions, really) of those two firms was a little disheartening, I'm not getting all down in the dumps. This kind of thing takes time. And if anything, I've got plenty of that. In the meantime, I'm tossing around the idea of going back to work at a cosmetics counter. I did that in my early 20's, and it wasn't terrible. The money was pretty decent and the discount was great. We shall see. I'm trying to stay focused on the positives. I love where I'm living. I have a great boyfriend. I'm healthy. The rest will fall into place, I'm certain of it.

*Today's title is from Jimmy Buffet's song of the same name. Parrotthead forever :)
.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-52516366872319707602011-05-27T13:32:00.000-04:002011-05-27T13:32:32.616-04:00What I Know About Lady JusticeAs I mentioned in my last post, I've been following the Casey Anthony trial pretty darn closely. The reasons for this are twofold. It's a local case, happening about 10 miles from where I sit typing this post right now. Also, I've come to love law and the intricacies of our judicial system. And then there's the added bonus that this trial has turned out to be much juicier than anything we've seen yet this millennium. The only thing I can really compare it to was the Menedez brothers case back in the 90's. Even that isn't a fair comparison because that case was about two men killing their parents. This is about one (very pretty) young woman allegedly killing her own (adorable) toddler.

You could ask anyone in the Orlando area if they know about Casey Anthony, and the answer would be a resounding yes. Not only does everyone know about it, every has already made up their mind as to her guilt or innocence. My not at all scientific conclusion is that probably 98% of people believe she's guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The beauty of (or fallacy of) the judicial system in America is that all the defense has to do is introduce reasonable doubt into the mind of (in Florida--other states have different rules for producing a verdict) one lone juror. If the prosecution can't prove beyond reasonable doubt for every single person in the jury box that Casey Anthony murdered her daughter Caylee, then Casey cannot be found guilty. First degree murder means that the act was premeditated with malice aforethought. In layman's terms, it was maliciously planned and carried out.

I consider myself in the lowly 2% of the population that are withholding judgment against Casey Anthony at this point. Yes, Caylee is no longer with us and that is an awful tragedy. I absolutely believe that Casey Anthony had something to do with her death. Did she intentionally plan out her own child's murder? I can't be sure of that. If I were on the jury, at this point in the trial, I would be the one lone juror who had a reasonable doubt.

I would have never, however, been selected for the jury, had I been called to serve. A part of me feels sorry for Casey Anthony, and I felt that way before the defense dropped the bomb in their opening statement that her father and brother allegedly sexually abused her. I think she's a girl who has some serious mental and emotional issues that predate any of the events surrounding Caylee's birth, life or death. That doesn't mean that I couldn't find her guilty if the state's evidence and testimony supported their case. It just means that I think Casey Anthony's whole existence has been somewhat tragic.

Getting a fair trial in the midst of the frenzy of media coverage this case has gotten will be extremely difficult. The American justice system was created and put into practice in a time when those in charge couldn't even dream of television, internet, cell phones, satellites and the like. The system was never perfect, and even less so in the present day. I still believe in Lady Justice, though. I believe in the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. I believe in the death penalty for those found guilty of heinous crimes by a jury of their peers. I believe in the prosecution's burden of proof. Because of, and in spite of, all this, I hope that Casey Anthony gets a fair trial, for the sake of Caylee's memory. The person who deserves justice more than anyone is that little girl who didn't get to experience the life she should have.Jenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-51957329628080955212011-05-24T15:26:00.000-04:002011-05-24T15:26:32.031-04:00Back In The SaddleI'd say that over a month of not posting a new entry to my blog is a little excessive. Things in the Noelle world have been a little topsy-turvy to say the least. I have a lot to say, but I think for now a list of updates is all I can muster. I have to ease myself back into this. It's like exercising, I think. You can't just go balls to the wall your first day out. So here's the scoop, in case you were wondering what the hell happened to me.

I'm living in Orlando now. Longwood, actually. Longwood is NOT Orlando, as I've been told, but for all intents and purposes, it's close enough.

I've started sending out my resume and looking for a job again. I still will be going to school, but I need cash flow and I'm going bonkers with nothing to do over the summer. Liquidity AND purpose will make me a happy girl.

After a lot of soul searching and reflection, I'm converting to Catholicism. I may have mentioned this in a previous post, but I went to my local parish and signed up for the classes I have to take before I can be baptized, confirmed and receive my first communion on Easter Vigil (the Saturday before Easter Sunday) next year. Classes start in September, and are every Sunday after Mass and every Monday night at 7:00. Prince Charming is my sponsor, and I've asked his mother to be my Godmother. I can say without reservation that the decision to become Catholic is not at all influenced by him or his family. I've been searching for, groping for, wishing for something right for a long time. After attending Mass a few times, I felt deep down in my bones that I've finally found what's right for me.

If you know me, you'll know that for a very, very long time I've said that in order for me to run, someone would have to be chasing me. Not to be a hypocrite, but I've changed my tune. One of my friends has taken up running, and she blogs about it frequently. She's inspired me to give it a try. A real try, not just go out once and then give up. If I can get into it, which I think I can, I'm going to start training for a triathlon. I know that sounds incredibly crazy coming from me, but I need to get myself in shape before I hit the big 3-0 in a few months. Obviously I won't be ready to throw down by then, but I'll at least have some tone and look good in pictures. Vanity drives a girl to do things differently, ya know.

My very favorite artist, Matt Nathanson, has a new album coming out on June 21 called Modern Love. I own ALL his other stuff and it's awesome. I'll be buying the new stuff on iTunes the day it comes out. It might seem like a strange thing to be so excited about, but this album has been a long time in the making. I follow him on Twitter, and I've been charting the progress of Modern Love for a while. If you're into Indie rock, you should definitely check him out here.

I've deleted my Facebook account. If you're dying to find out what I'm up to, you'll have to come here or follow me on Twitter. I'm pretty obsessed with Twitter and also with FourSquare. Thank you iPhone, for turning me into a freak. Okay, I was already a freak...

The Casey Anthony trial started today. If you aren't familiar with it, just do a little Googling. I'm obsessed with it. I'd LOVE to be a paralegal working on that case. Prosecution or defense, I wouldn't care. It's super juicy.

So that's the latest in my world. I hope you haven't all tuned out completely. All seven or eight of you, that is! If you're the praying sort, please say a little one for me on my job search. If not, could you think positive thoughts for me? Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-71597337544196529142011-04-22T07:00:00.000-04:002011-04-22T07:00:29.897-04:00There's A Fire Starting In My HeartThis entry is going to be a bit of a mish-mash, so hold on tight. I figure bullet points is the easiest way to go about this, since it's early in the morning and I'm not inclined at this point to put together fully coherent thoughts.

I deleted my Facebook account. It's just become too Big Brother-ish. I don't like everyone and their uncle knowing all my business. I had too many 'friends' who I would probably never speak to in real life. Why do these people need to know about my daily life? They don't. Not to mention, Facebook is too much like high school. If you've read any of my blogs or know anything about me, you'll know that high school and I didn't part on amicable terms. Getting out of there was one of the greatest days of my life. Why should I relive it electronically?

That being said, I do still have Twitter and Foursquare accounts. Neither have my picture or full name attached to them. If you'd like to follow me on either application, you can find me @JStoutie.

I'm slowly repairing a broken friendship (A., this isn't about you. We're fixed!) and I'm so happy to be making baby steps back to open communication. I know better than to let communication lapse. It's the enemy of any good relationship.

I'm a hypocrite. I freely admit it. For years I wanted no part of religion. I think that harkens back to the day when I was 10 years old and attending summer Bible school at a friend's Southern Baptist church and the preacher told me I was going to Hell because Jesus hadn't saved me. After that, I figured this Jesus dude must be a real ball buster and I didn't need any part of that. That was nearly 20 years ago, and I'm finally starting to open my heart. I've been to Catholic mass a couple times now, and I've also been doing a lot of reading. What really did it for me was reading a book called The Shack by William P. Young. Honestly, if you're on the fence about God or you just want a reaffirmation of your faith, I strongly urge you to read this book. I don't plan on turning this blog into anything preachy, so don't worry. Faith is making an appearance in my life, so I'm sure it will make an occasional appearance here as well. I'm still snarky, but my edges have been softened a little.

Prince Charming and I put the brakes on our nuptials in a big way. The stress of planning a wedding got to both of us. Nothing has changed about our relationship except that we're taking the time to enjoy each other instead of crazily running around trying to put together a huge shindig. That's not what it should be about, and we both realize that after coming to our senses.

I'm only going to say this, and then leave the subject alone: "Googling" someone isn't a good idea. You only get half truths and misinformation. Ask questions, don't try to do an amateur background check.

I'm taking two classes for the summer semester that I'm pretty excited about. Both are online which isn't my favorite, but my favorite professor and mentor, Dr. J., doesn't teach classes during the summer. Online classes also give me the freedom to travel a bit and not have to be in Melbourne on any particular day. I'm taking Business Organizations and Law Office Procedures. They may sound boring to you, but they are both classes that are essential to my field and I'm looking forward to learning what I need and getting them out of the way. Fall semester will be here before I can even blink. I should probably start thinking about my Fall schedule, come to think of it.

If you like getting manicures or pedicures, you need to seek out a salon that uses Shellac nail polish. The stuff is incredible. My manicure lasts for almost 2 weeks with no chipping. Also, if you're a runner and your polish rubs off your toes (PlumQueen, I'm talking to you), you need to try Shellac. It's more expensive, but it's SO worth it. That's an endorsement coming from the Queen of Unemployment. If you're in Central FL, the best place to go is Sorelli Hair Studio. I get all my salon services done there (hair, facials, waxing, nails, massage) and everyone there is awesome.

Well, I think that's it for this time. As usual, everything is up and down and up again. I wouldn't have it any other way!

*Today's post title is courtesy of "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele. Get that album, she's incredible.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-55771807347029292172011-02-07T22:05:00.000-05:002011-02-07T22:05:26.423-05:00Amazing AgainJust one short year ago, my life felt like it was falling down around me. I had no job, no car, barely a place to live... I was on the verge of a very strange breakup with someone I thought I cared a great deal for. Last March I moved back in with Mom, filed a FAFSA and got myself enrolled in school again. Slowly but surely I've been digging myself out of the awful pit I found myself in. It's been an up and down sort of path to get to today. I've had setbacks and triumphs. I've been enormously humbled by the events of the last 14 months.

I was beginning to give up on the whole dating thing. I had some fun dating around with a few guys, but nothing serious. I just figured that something would come along eventually. Honestly, I was happier alone than dating a bunch of randoms. It just got too tiresome. I've said this in past posts, but juggling a bunch of prospective dates is just not my style. A couple weeks ago I made a deal with myself. I decided to pay for one month on Chemistry.com (possibly the only legit dating site I hadn't yet given a go). If, at the end of that month, I wasn't at least exchanging emails with someone, I'd delete my profile and go back to being dateless for at least a few more months.

Let's just say that $40 membership was a very, very good investment. I met someone that I can honestly say without any hesitation that I'm totally crazy about. He's smart and witty. He has a good job and is completely self-sufficient. He appreciates and respects the crapola I've been through in the last couple years and understands that I'm working extremely hard to make a better life for myself. He has a pug and loves to cook just as much, if not more, than I do. He's astoundingly generous and humble. There are qualities he has that I honestly never thought I'd actually find in a man. We are already so comfortable around each other that I have a hard time myself believing that we met in person for the first time less than a week ago.

I know it sounds like I'm jumping the gun on all this. I don't think I am.

There's this cyclical quality to life that I'm finally starting to wrap my head around. Shit happens that gets you completely down and out, but then slowly things start to cycle back around. Inch by inch, day by day, your world starts to turn itself right-side up again. Things are starting to look amazing again.

Today's blog title is from "Amazing Again" by Matt Nathanson (the best indie artist EVER)Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-65344813360266195682011-01-18T01:53:00.000-05:002011-01-18T01:53:29.315-05:00I Tried To Laugh It Off But I Made Things WorseI've always said that I have no regrets. Everything that I've been through, good, bad or indifferent has made me the person I am today. While I'm still a work in progress, I feel pretty all right with who I am. So why would I regret the choices that have made me, me? At least, that's my working theory. I have my moments of doubt for sure. Recently I heard two little words that made me realize that I do wish that there are some things I'd done differently.

My wife.

Those are the words that absolutely cut me to the bone. Things happen the way they're meant to. I truly believe that. I just know that had I known then what I know now, I'd choose differently than I did. The aftermath of those words reverberating in my mind is that I began to look back at my life and think about the things I'd do differently had I known better at the time. Nothing can be changed now and I wouldn't want to have a re-do even if I could. I just look back with melancholy at a few situations I've been through. Yes, apparently hindsight is 20/20 and all the other cliches in that same vein.

 I know that I'd have chosen my words more carefully. I'd think longer and more meaningfully about making decisions that not only affected me, but also people I cared deeply about. I'd answer the phone more and rely on voice mail and caller ID less. I'd have given myself the benefit of the doubt much more often. I would have valued friendship more and fleeting romance less. Apologies would have been more abundant.

Life is like that I guess. You fall in love, you make friends... You think you know more than you do. Friendships fade if not tended to. You second guess that love you fell in. You stumble and fall. You make bad decisions. Not everything winds up the way you planned it. You get lost on your way to a dream. Maybe you find a better one. Maybe you're still figuring it all out. And maybe, just maybe, that melancholy you feel about the things you should've done differently becomes part of the fabric of who you are. Maybe it makes you stronger and wiser.

Today's title is from "Second Chance" by Faber Drive. Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-67331856437776064102011-01-06T21:01:00.001-05:002011-01-18T01:54:35.855-05:00Listening For Voices, But It's The Choices That Make Us Who We AreFor a long time I thought that just 'going with the flow' was definitely the right way to live. I definitely believe that it's advantageous to be flexible, but I don't think rolling with every punch gets you anywhere. There's an old saying that I really like: "Only dead fish go with the flow." Dude... So true.

I've finally realized that letting the wind blow me around where ever it may isn't the way I want to live. Sometimes I need to push back a little. Or a lot. A long time ago (a decade, to be exact) when I first moved away and enrolled at a university, I had absolutely zero desire or drive to be there. I didn't know what I wanted in life (still don't) and just wanted to be free. Maybe it was being 19 years old... It could've been anything, but I know now that I'm not that girl anymore. It took me a decade to figure it out. A decade. Damn, that sounds like an eternity.

What I'm trying to say and not really saying well is that I've made some bad choices, but I'm not letting that shit define me. Watch me fight back and win. I refuse to be 40 years old and busting my ass at some shitty paying retail job and hating my miserable existence. I've finally realized that being lazy and too flexible is just dumb. I'm going to fight hard to make a life for myself that I'm happy with and proud of, no matter what it takes.

So bring it on. I can handle it.

Today's title is from "The Unwinding Cable Car" by Anberlin.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-28599175675695991622010-12-30T17:06:00.000-05:002010-12-30T17:06:12.059-05:00Resolve and Other MythsI think that most people who know me personally know that I'm not a fan of the Christmas holiday. I think it's way overrated and people spend much too much time dwelling on spending an excess of money trying to get the 'best' gifts for everyone they know. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those Jesus-Is-The-Reason-For-The-Season-Keep-CHRIST-In-Christmas types. Far from it. In fact, I cringe when I see that crap. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and if you're blessed to live in America, you have the freedom of speech. That being said, shut up. Really. And if you have a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas day, I'm likely to tell you that December 25th is not, in fact, the day of the Savior's birth. But really, I don't want to argue. Believe whatever floats your boat. Here's how I sum it up (courtesy of Badass Geek):

And now on to other matters... I've decided that after years of having a singular New Year's resolution (which was to never have any resolutions), I'm going to make a few this year. Now is as good a time as any to turn over a new leaf. It just so happens to coincide with the calendar changing from December to January. I need to make some changes. So here they are:

Fast food no more than once per month,

Exercise at least 5 days per week,

Study hard and make A's in all my classes,

Reconnect with friends who I've neglected my relationships with.

That's it. Four is a nice, round number. I think I'll be able to handle that. We shall see.Jenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-90836455896408198712010-11-13T23:00:00.001-05:002010-11-20T10:26:23.968-05:00The American HolidayIt's almost upon us again. Thanksgiving. Unequivocally my very favorite of all holidays. There are a lot of reasons to love Thanksgiving, most of which have to do with unadulterated gluttony. Is there really anything more American that one day devoted to the gluttonous consuming of as many calories as your body can handle before calling uncle? No my friends, nothing says America like Thanksgiving. Sure, other countries have their own versions of our American tradition. Canada celebrated their Thanksgiving last month. Although I've never encountered a foreign Thanksgiving, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that it wouldn't compare with the States version.

I love the family aspect of the holiday as well. I'm a huge believer in the power of family, be it blood relatives or close friends. A day to give thanks for your loved ones strikes a chord with me. Another thing I love about it is its decided lack of religious foundation. No matter what your religion, you can celebrate Thanksgiving with abandon. It sort of sums up the American way of 'all men are created equal.' I love that. Just the thought of a day set aside specifically to be thankful for everything you have, no matter how much or how little, is a lovely idea. Some critics of the holiday argue that the original Thanksgivings were an exploitation of the Native Americans... Blah, blah, blah. Being of Native American descent myself, I don't believe that hooey.

There's the football, which I'm not a fan of at all. I'll admit that it's a huge part of the American landscape on Thanksgiving, though. It's not the same without a game on in the background... One that I ignore completely. Of course there is the Macy's parade as well. I never watch the whole thing, but the end with Santa always makes me smile like a little girl.

And then there's the actual food. There are certain things, in my mind, that must be present on the table for it to be a true Thanksgiving dinner. First and foremost, there's the turkey. Turkey is the essential ingredient not only to the holiday dinner, but to the leftovers for the next week. What's life without a turkey sandwich on Black Friday? Of course if you're from the south, there has to be some incarnation of sweet potatoes. This is essential. Stuffing/dressing... The debate about which is which rages on. If you're Southern like me, dressing is baked in a dish on the side and stuffing is baked in the bird. Both must be on the table. End of argument. Gravy. Gallons of it. No compromise, it must be homemade. That stuff in a jar is a joke. Mashed potatoes... No potato salad, baked potatoes or rice thankyouverymuch. And if you even think of busting out instant mashed potatoes, I'm not coming to your Thanksgiving dinner. That's just blasphemy. Green bean casserole... I like mine with fresh green beans, but that might offend some people. It must include French's onions on top. Cranberry sauce is ubiquitous, although I must admit that I really love the stuff in the can that's flopped out onto a relish tray with the lines from the can still intact. I make a damn good cranberry mold as well, but I'm just as happy with the canned goodness. There must be some sort of pumpkin dessert. Good southerners wouldn't be without a pecan pie on their table on Thanksgiving day, either. Apple pie is the All-American dessert, so it's always welcome. Some sort of dinner roll must be present to slop up all those gallons of homemade gravy, too.

I've been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving this year, because as I stated, it really is my favorite holiday. Part of the reason that I've been thinking so much about it is because I've been having thoughts of moving out of the U.S. in the next few years. Yes, I'm dropping that bomb in the middle of my American holiday post. No, I'm not answering any questions about when or why. I just know that if I do make that move, Thanksgiving will still be held on the last Thursday in November in my house, no matter where in the world I'm living. I would say that it's the one day out of 365 that I'm the happiest. Nothing is better than surrounding yourself with your loved ones, a huge table of homemade comfort food and the opportunity to reflect and be thankful for everything you have. I'd say that's a holiday without borders, even if it is All-American.Jenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-33209558257250375842010-10-29T01:27:00.000-04:002010-10-29T01:27:07.261-04:00Advice from the 90'sIf you were alive and semi-coherent in the late 1990's, you no doubt heard The Sunscreen Song by Baz Luhrmann about one thousand times too many. It was on the radio every hour and most people I knew could recite it verbatim. That was the thing about it... It wasn't really a song. It was a commencement address set to music. For a while when it first came out, I loved it. After hearing it for about 365 days in a row, I was over it. Recently I revisited it just for nostalgia's sake. The song kind of sucks but the advice is great. Below is the commencement speech in its entirety. I italicized those things which particularly resonated with me. It's funny how a little over a decade can change your point of view on things. For a trip down memory lane and some sound advice, enjoy.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '99:

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering experience… I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh never mind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and
recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked…

You're not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with
people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes
you're behind… The race is long, and in the end, it's only with
yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you
succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

 Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your
life… The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe
you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary… What ever you do, don't
congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your
choices are half chance, so are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body, use it every way you can… Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance… Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for
good.

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the
people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you
knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live
in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will
philander, you too will get old and when you do you'll fantasize
that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were
noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund,
maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one
might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will
look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen…

Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-55077836153187263862010-10-14T20:00:00.000-04:002010-10-14T20:00:33.190-04:00On Hiatus... Sorta.Ever since I started dating (at the tender age of 14), I've been a serial monogamist. I've pretty steadily had a boyfriend since that first loser I dated all those years ago. I've gone periods without, but those periods have been without any sort of romantic prospects, not just without a boyfriend. I always liked being in a relationship, but I never once thought that it was detrimental to my sense of self to have a significant other.

Consider my mind changed on that subject. I've been on a boyfriend sabbatical for a while now, and I have to say that I'm loving it. Never had I had more time to devote to myself. Call me selfish, but I really like that. I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I want in a relationship and even more time thinking about what I don't want. I think my mind and heart are both in a good place. It's nice to focus on yourself. Physically, I'm better than I've been in ages. Last time I was at the doctor, I'd lost another 10 pounds. While I still have a long way to go, it certainly feels good.

And that's not to say that I'm remaining completely celibate boy-wise. I've been dating here and there. I kind of dig that as well. I've never really been the type to go out on dates and meet a lot of different people. This is new and somewhat uncharted territory for me. I like having the company of someone I like and enjoy being with, but not having to check in and give minute updates on my everyday life. I like that I can keep some mystery. I'm feeling more fulfilled than I have in years... In more ways than one.

Finding someone to eventually settle down with is still something that is very important to me. I'll get to that place eventually. I've learned that it's not a race and I don't need to settle. Ever. I deserve the best and nothing less. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy what comes my way. It's working out well so far.Jenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-22354642962639440932010-09-20T21:21:00.000-04:002010-09-20T21:21:05.473-04:00Enjoy Your Tea PartySeveral of my very close friends would be considered right-wing Republicans. For the record, I'm about as far to the left as one can lean without falling over. I rarely state this fact or enter into political arguments, for the simple fact that what I believe is really nobody's business. I don't feel the need to defend myself against anyone because we're all equal. Our forefathers founded our nation on that notion anyway. I have a friend that I tease occasionally about clinging stubbornly to her guns and religion. She laughs and agrees with me, saying I'm too far out there. Another friend named her daughter after a Republican president, and when she found out she was pregnant for a second time, I teased that she should name the baby Clinton if it was a boy. She laughed and said her husband would kill her for even suggesting it. Most importantly, my best friend is a Republican. We've had differing opinions about politics for as long as I can remember us having any sort of awareness about the subject. Yet I think that's part of what makes our friendship so great. We think the other is a little crazy, but it's okay. That's what friendship is about.

So pardon the fuck out of me if I offend your Tea-Bagging, Right-Wing sensibilities. I don't spout leftist propaganda (and even I'll admit there's a lot of that out there), nor do I subscribe to the notion that anyone who isn't a Democrat is stupid, or in some way a lesser human being. I see room for most viewpoints as long as they don't threaten or encroach on another group's freedoms and liberties. If you know me at all, you know I'm a joker and I'm going to tease about differences we may have. Apparently that's not allowed if you're a tea partier. I lost a friend of over 20 years today over a couple joking comments about politics. You'd have think I insulted this person's mother, for fuck's sake. Why is it that when you're the one doing the joking, you can push the line as far as possible, but when you're being teased back, you're touchy over the slightest little thing?

I personally don't have time for that nonsense. I'll go right on believing what I believe, and my true friends won't care. Those who find that they can't be friends with me because of my "leftist views" or the fact that I make jokes out of a place of affection... Well I guess they weren't really friends at all.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-65897169141150170352010-09-12T23:18:00.000-04:002010-09-12T23:18:09.553-04:00GravityOn Saturday, I turned 29. If you do the math, you'll realize that I met my 20's watching the Twin Towers fall. It seems like it was just yesterday. Nine years. This is my last year in my 20's, and I'm not so sure how to take it. I've said jokingly that this is the oldest I'll ever get. I'm just going to continue turning 29 from now on for each birthday. I'm not scared of getting older anymore. There was a time (probably when I turned 20) that the thought of 30 sent chills down my spine. I've come to realize that even though life gets exponentially more complicated as the years pass, the potential for joy also grows. It gets compressed into smaller moments, but those moments feel so much sweeter when they come along.

There's a couple lines in my favorite John Mayer song that I'm beginning to believe more and more:

Oh twice as much ain't twice as good
And can't sustain like one half could

I crossed my fingers and wished upon wishes that when I saw John Mayer live on Friday night in Tampa, 'Gravity' would be on the set list. The birthday fairies smiled upon me and I got my wish as the second to last song before the encore. I don't care what anyone thinks, I'm saying it now. John Mayer was better in concert than Dave Matthews Band. If you read my post about that concert, you know that I had a fantastic time. This show was even better.

I've lived a lot of life in the past 29 years. I've had so many experiences, both amazing and awful. It's been a crazy roller coaster and I'd expect nothing less in the years to come. I know I'm in a good place personally right now. Financially, I'm a disaster. Physically, I'm a work in progress. Spiritually, I'm not where I want to be. Emotionally, I'm not sure I've ever been better. I still struggle with the angel and devil on my shoulders when it comes to relationships. I wonder if having a hardened heart is the way to go, never getting too close. Then again, my instincts tell me that the only way to approach life is with a heart wide open. I may always grapple with that quandary. Maybe the older you get, the easier it is to find a happy medium. Who knows for sure?

If there's a lesson to be learned from my 20's, I think I learned it on September 11, 2001 in my first day as a twenty-something. Never take it for granted, because before you know it, it can be gone. Jenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-43097976312217474842010-09-04T02:10:00.000-04:002010-09-04T02:10:58.686-04:00Bone In The ThroatIn the past, I've posted lists of things that annoy me. I don't know if it's a side effect of getting older (my birthday is next week, dreadful), or just that I find more things to be pissed about. Maybe it's a combination of both, like the old man who gets pissed at the kids on his lawn. Whatever the reason, my list is longer. Here are a few things that have irked me as of late, in no particular order of course.

The excessive use of exclamation points. In previous posts, I think I have committed this sin. Henceforth, that will not be happening. The exclamation point has a time and a place, just like the question mark does. You wouldn't put a question mark at the end of a statement. Stop using !!!! like you're in middle school.

People who don't read. Is it because you're stupid? Really, if you don't read at all, you appear pretty stupid.

Not responding to text messages, emails, voice mails or other communication. I highly doubt that anyone is so busy that they can't shoot off a quick text message. Are your thumbs broken? That's possibly the only good excuse.

Poor spelling. In an age where just about every form of communication has a spell check, there is no excuse for blatantly poor spelling. My iPhone predicts words I could hardly dream of.

Gray hairs, particularly mine. Other people's gray hairs don't bother me. I'm not even 29 yet. There is no need for this kind of hair drama in my life.

People who claim to not like animals. I've encountered this twice in the past couple weeks. I'm sorry, you cannot be trusted.

Anything "fat-free". What's there instead of the fat? Chemicals? I'll take a little fat, thanks.

Online discussion boards for college classes. I'm not there to discuss shit, I'm there to get my degree. Talk amongst yourselves, but don't require me to participate.

Just to even things out, here are a few things that really make me happy.

Someone cooking for me. This list may be in no particular order, but that is definitely number one. This is especially true if it's unexpected. Even better if the food is good, but honestly that isn't a prerequisite.

Concerts. I saw Dave Matthews Band last month (as referenced in a previous post), I'm seeing John Mayer this coming week and Anberlin in November. Live music makes me feel alive. I dunno, call me a dork.

Fried chicken. My ass proves it.

Learning. This whole going-back-to-college thing has really made me feel good about myself. I'm being productive and I feel like my brain is getting a workout.

Pedicures, manicures, hair styling, facials and massages. I'm a chick. I love to be pampered.

Sleep. I don't get all that much of it thanks to some serious insomnia, but when I do get it, it's downright blissful.

That's enough for now. I needed a little rant. I just thought I'd throw in some good stuff to keep my chi in balance and my zen aligned... Or whatever.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-4340107988001445422010-08-30T05:12:00.000-04:002010-08-30T05:12:46.084-04:00Stand There And Watch Me BurnThere are a few universal truths that I keep forgetting. I get all worked up, when in reality if I had just remembered these tenets, I'd have seen it coming from a mile away. As much as I want to be romantic and see the world through those rose-colored glasses, it just sets me up for a letdown. There's a quote from my very favorite movie, Say Anything, in which Lloyd, the main character, is explaining why his friend is in a better position emotionally than he is. He says to her, "I guess when you start out depressed, everything is a pleasant surprise." That's so true. When you expect the worst from people, you're never let down. Unfortunately this goes for people you think you know well, just as it goes for casual acquaintances and random strangers alike.

Honestly, I had to give myself a couple days of cooling off time before writing and publishing this post because I was so angry. I don't get worked up too often anymore, and it takes much more to get under my skin. Here's something I've definitely learned: If you have to remind someone that you're a good friend, you aren't. Just having to tell someone, "I'm an awesome friend," is completely ridiculous. Either the person you're reminding isn't worth your time, or you've been a jerkwad. Similarly, if you keep saying, "I'm really a good person," then you AREN'T. Who are you trying to convince? Yourself? It certainly isn't convincing me. It's really true that actions speak louder than words. If you think I need some sort of summation or closing argument on your case in chief regarding your character, then things obviously aren't looking that great for you.

If only I could remember that I'm going to be disappointed in people the majority of the time, I'd be so much better off. People say things they don't mean. You're told what they think you want to hear. Not so much to protect you, but to protect themselves. They think of themselves before others more often than not. They ignore the things that they don't want to have to deal with. It's just human nature. Hell, I do those things sometimes. I try not to but last I checked I am, in fact, human. It's always better to face things head on and to tell the truth. It's not polite to always think of yourself before the people you say you care about. I just really abhor being disappointed in people I love.

And hence the end of my shiny, happy blog posts. ;-)

*Today's title is from "Love The Way You Lie" by Eminem feat. RihannaJenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-29245696584783282852010-08-17T03:13:00.001-04:002010-08-17T13:13:04.437-04:00When In Rome...On more than one occasion on this blog, I've expressed my desire to go to Italy. I even posted a list of things I want to accomplish before I die, and touring Italy was numero uno (that's Italian, not Spanish). I don't think that one trip to 'the boot' will suffice. I think about all the Parmigiano Reggiano and Proscuitto di Parma to be had in Parma, the fiery peppers to sample in Calabria, the sun-drenched herbs of Tuscany... I could go on and on... And on. When I think about it, it seems like it would take years to fully explore that country the way I'd like to.

However, if for some reason I was only able to ever make one trip to Italy (God forbid), I would go to Rome. I'm sure most people would pick Venice as their number one. The gondolas, Murano glass, Piazza San Marco... It's all very romantic. Really, they can keep their stinking polluted canals. I know that their seafood is second to none, and of course there's the architecture. While I want to see it, I'd pass Venice up in a heartbeat in favor of Rome for my one-stop-Italian-tour.

Why Rome? Oh my... Why not Rome? I'd like to say it's because Vatican City is there, but I'm not Catholic. I'd also like to say that seeing the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Solare Obelisk or the Pantheon are high on my priority list. If I'm honest with myself and you dear reader, none of that matters. What matters is something I can't explain. It's something about the Roman way of life that appeals to me. If anyone embodies La Dolce Vita, it's the Romans. Rome is positively overflowing with fat, American tourists... Yet it still holds on to its very ancient heritage. Truth be told, I'd like to live there.

I'd like to live an Italian life, going to the market everyday to purchase my produce for dinner. Sitting in an outdoor cafe, sipping vino and eating cacio di pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) sounds like the most divine way to spend an evening with someone special. I don't know what exactly it is that appeals to me about Romans so much, or the Roman way of life, but I'd like to live it for a while. How could you not want to live in a place with all that ancient, beautiful genius in your backyard?

More importantly, in my opinion, how could you not want to eat as well as Romans? It's really all about the food for me, and Rome is probably the most perfect place on the planet for me to eat myself into oblivion. Sure, I'd find some restraint somewhere deep down... I guess. I think a stay in Rome is in order. Six months should do. Anyone want to come along?Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-16241007556123461362010-08-11T22:45:00.000-04:002010-08-11T22:45:55.056-04:00Happy AccidentsMy posts have gotten a little touchy-feely lately, and for that I apologize. I'm warning you up front, dear reader, that this is another one of those posts. So I'm in a happy place. Sue me. I promise to resume my usual derision-filled rants soon enough. For now, let me have my moment.

I like the term "happy accident". Sometimes things have a way of happening that turn out to be better than you could have imagined. I love that. With life being so stressful and filled with disappointments, a happy accident once in a while definitely helps me keep the faith. What exactly do I mean? Well, basically anything unexpected that seems to just fall out of the sky, especially when you're really looking in the other direction. That's what an accident is anyway, isn't it? Unplanned, unscripted... It doesn't have to be a car crash. It can be an impromptu cup of coffee with someone that stops your heart for a second or two. Doesn't that sound lovely?

Yes, it certainly does. Imagine my surprise when that's what fell into my lap yesterday afternoon. I had been chatting with someone for a while and we decided to meet for Starbucks and conversation. I had absolutely zero expectations, other than getting my caramel macchiato fix. So when I found myself leaning closer, speaking more softly, laughing a little more... I was definitely surprised, and most pleasantly. Yesterday gave way to a stressful morning today (I shall leave those details out, as they have nothing to do with this little story) and then there I was again with this new person.

After spending the better part of the afternoon together (driving to the Port to look at the ships, walking on the beach, eating the world's best fried chicken), I was starting to feel a little dazed. The rest of the world was starting to fall away and seem a little out of focus. Before I knew it, the proverbial clock struck midnight. Responsibilities beckoned. Just like that, it was over and I was in my car driving home with my heart beating so erratically that I felt a little light-headed. Honestly, dear reader, it's been years since my heart has felt more than even a tiny blip on its radar. To say I was blind-sided would probably be a fairly accurate description of today's events.

So what now? I haven't a clue. I wish I could wrap this story up with a pretty little bow, but you and I both know that life rarely works that way. He's on his way back to Memphis... His home. And here I am, with an erratic heartbeat. I'd love to be able to say that I could sustain myself on a few precious hours of whatever it was that was happening between us. I wish that I could. I can't. It wasn't nearly enough. Imagine a divine dessert, placed in front of you with a spoon and a welcome. After one or two bites, that lovely plate is taken away, and the sweetness lingers... But really, you'd just love a couple more spoonfuls. Or the whole plate. Or the whole dessert, do you mind bringing the pan out from the kitchen? That little bit you were lucky enough to taste couldn't be enough to satisfy. That's how I feel.

Happy. Very happy. Wanting more. We shall see...Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-15468938877384046632010-07-29T22:32:00.000-04:002010-07-29T22:32:57.579-04:00The Space BetweenIf you were to hear the term "romantic realist," what would you think? Would you consider it an oxymoron? The two adjectives seem diametrically opposed... A romantic is generally someone who sees the world through rose-colored glasses, who thinks the best of everyone and looks for good in every situation. A realist is someone who looks analytically at every situation and never sugar-coats anything. So how in the world can one and the other live together in the same person? Honestly, I'm not sure. I know that I think of myself as a romantic realist. I want the best from every situation, yet am fully aware that the best doesn't come easily. I have no illusions that every person is good and just, but I hope to find a glimmer of good in everyone.

I look at life as a series of moments... Moments that can never be replicated, and that are meant to be lived for. There is space in between these amazing moments that has to be filled with living, making it to the next moment. We search for meaning in everything, when sometimes things are meaningless. There are snippets of being really, authentically alive that come few and far between. Those are what we live for. Every minute of our lives can't be made of the best, otherwise there would be no way to recognize the truly beautiful stuff when it falls in our laps. And there are some truly astonishing things to live for. Everyone's definition of a good life is different, but mine is finding those moments and squeezing every last drop out of them.

What sparked this particular post? Oddly enough, a Dave Matthews Band concert. Things happen so fast in life sometimes. One minute you'll be moving along in your everyday life, and then something jumps out and grabs you and shakes the crap out of you. I saw DMB in Tampa last night, and as I stood there with probably 30,000 other lucky souls, a thought occurred to me that I hadn't really had before. For me, in my life, standing there listening to Crash played live was a once in a lifetime experience. I doubt that I'll ever go to another DMB concert, not because it wasn't great, because it really was. It's just that sometimes life gets in the way of living. I'll move on to other things, the band may stop touring... Whatever the case may be. Going to the concert was not at all planned. Even though I'd always wanted to see their show, I'd never really given much thought to buying tickets myself and going. When a friend offered a free ticket the day before, I looked at it as an opportunity that could not be passed up. Now I can add that experience to an ever expanding portfolio of times to look back on and be so grateful for.

The moments you step away from yourself and realize, holy shit, I'm really alive, that's what I'm living for. It doesn't always have to be something as dramatic as a phenomenal concert with thousands of other people. I've found that feeling in first kisses, belly laughs, good meals, a sweet nap, sweating my ass off, running from South Carolinians chasing my best friend and I through the mean streets of Satellite Beach, having a glass of wine over good conversation, sitting in traffic, landing a plane by my own hand and so many others. Feeling those emotions make life worth living. It makes all the mundane shit we go through everyday seem trivial.

So yes, I think it's possible to be an oxymoron. I'm okay with being a dichotomy. Makes me more interesting, right?

*If you don't know where today's blog title came from, I feel sorry for you.Jenhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157007376287304342.post-22303213203331028262010-07-17T21:14:00.000-04:002010-07-17T21:14:01.004-04:00The End Where I BeginAs of July 1, I've been out of work for seven months. It hasn't been easy on me. I hate just sitting around and not having anything to do. I gave up looking for a job a couple months ago, deciding to focus solely on going back to school. While I was happy with that decision, I wasn't happy with the fact that I'd have to live on student loan money alone. I'd be able to do it, but it wouldn't be easy or very much fun at all.

On Wednesday, I received a phone call from a staffing agency who found my resume posted on one of the career websites. They had a client who needed someone with my experience and wanted to talk to me about the position. I called back out of curiosity, but I really didn't think anything would come of it. After speaking to the very nice woman at the staffing agency, she e-mailed over a couple quizzes for me to take online to make sure I would qualify. I took them and waited to hear back. Thursday morning, bright and early, I got a phone call from staffing lady... Hired. No interviews, no application, no nonsense. All I had to do was take a drug test and come to her office to fill out some paperwork. So of course I did both of those before the end of the day on Thursday. My start date is this coming Wednesday. It's a long term contract position, and I'll be receiving a full benefits package (vacation, health, 401k) from the staffing agency.

It just goes to show that when you stop looking so hard for the answer, it will show itself. I honestly believe that good things come to those who wait... And those who keep the faith that things will work out in the end. I'm so unbelievably grateful that I can't even express it. After these past few months of ups and downs, all I could think of to sum up the situation is a song by The Script, 'The End Where I Begin'.

Sometimes tears say all there is to say
Sometime your first scars wont ever fade away
Tried to break my heart
Well it's broke
Tried to hang me high
Well I'm choked
Wanted rain on me
Well I'm soaked
Soaked to the skin

It's the end where I begin
It's the end where I begin

Sometimes we don't learn from our mistakes
Sometimes we've no choice but to walk away, away
Tried to break my heart
Well it's broke
Tried to hang me high
Well I'm choked
Wanted rain on me
Well I'm soaked
Soaked to the skin

It's the end where I begin
It's the end where I begin

Now I'm alive
And my ghosts are gone
I've shed all the pain
I've been holding on
The cure for a heart
Is to move along, is to move along
So move along
[X3]
What don't kill a heart
Only makes it strong

Sometimes tears say all there is to say
Sometime your first scars dont ever fade, away
Tried to break my heart
Well it's broke
Tried to hang me high
Well I'm choked
Wanted rain on me
Well I'm soaked
Soaked to the skin

It's the end
End where I begin
It's the end
End where I begin

Sometimes we don't learn from our mistakes
Sometimes we've no choice but to walk away, awayJenhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Not including yesterday's high Bud Light intake with our visitors from Maine, I've been working hard for the past month to slim down. I joined Weight Watchers on December 31 and took off 9 lbs. in the month of January. Unlike Tony who can eat the same things day in and day out, I get bored with food. Tony steers clear of my "healthy" recipes; however, it seems Jill inherited my adventurous eating and love of fruits and veggies. Here are some recipes I've tried over the last few weeks:
Creamy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 wedges The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese
Two 5-oz. raw boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
1/8 tsp. each salt and black pepper
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8" X 8" baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Cook and stir mushrooms and onion until softened and lightly browned, about 6 minutes.
- Transfer cooked veggies to a medium bowl, and blot away excess moisture. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and cheese wedges, breaking the wedges into pieces as you add them. Stir until cheese has melted and coating the veggies.
- Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Evenly divide veggie mixture between the centers of the cutlets.
- Roll up each cutlet over the mixture. If needed, secure with toothpicks. Place in the baking pan.
- Cover pan with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
MAKES 2 SERVINGS (Weight Watchers pts = 5)
Crazy-Cheesy Cauliflower Mash (3 main ingredients, can't go wrong!)
4 cups frozen cauliflower florets
2 wedges The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese
2 tbsp. reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping
Seasonings: black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder
- Place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave for 3 1/2 minutes.
- Uncover and stir. Re-cover and microwave for another 3 1/2 minutes, or until hot and soft.
- Drain excess liquid. Add cheese wedges, breaking them into pieces, and Parm-style topping. Add a dash of pepper and 1/8 tsp. each salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Thoroughly mash and mix. Enjoy!
MAKES 2 SERVINGS (Weight Watchers pts = 3)
Hungry Girl's Big Batch of Growing Oatmeal
4 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
2 cups old-fashioned oats
8 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Splenda or Truvia) – I didn't include this but instead sprinkled sweetener on top of each serving
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
- Combine all ingredients in a large nonstick pot. Add 4 cups water, and mix well. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
- Stirring often, cook until thick and creamy, about 25 minutes.
- Let cool completely, about 2.5 hours, cover and refrigerate.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS (Weight Watchers pts = 5)
*When reheating each serving, I added ½ cup skim (WW pt value 1) milk to thin the consistency a touch. I also added chopped fruit like apple slices, strawberries and blueberries. Well worth 6 points; it's a TON of oatmeal!
All three recipes are courtesy of Hungry Girl.


text:
A light earthquake with magnitude 4.3 (ml/mb) was reported 40 kilometers (25 miles) from San Mateo del Mar in Mexico on Friday. A tsunami warning has not been issued (Does not indicate if a tsunami actually did or will exist). The 4.3-magnitude earthquake has occurred at 05:06:15 / 5:06 am (local time epicenter). Exact location of event, longitude -94.798 West, latitude 15.8932 North, depth = 52.08 km. Global date and time of event UTC/GMT: 08/09/17 / 2017-09-08 11:06:15 / September 8, 2017 @ 11:06 am. All ids that are associated to the event: us2000ai0k. Unique identifier: us2000ai0k. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 52.08 km (32 miles).
Event epicenter was 54 km (33 miles) from Salina Cruz (c. 73 600 pop), 65 km (40 miles) from Juchitán de Zaragoza (c. 67 600 pop), 67 km (42 miles) from Santo Domingo Tehuantepec (c. 37 400 pop), 83 km (51 miles) from San Jerónimo Ixtepec (c. 23 200 pop), 64 km (40 miles) from Unión Hidalgo (c. 12 700 pop), 80 km (50 miles) from Chahuite (c. 9 800 pop). Nearest city/cities or towns, with min 5000 pop, to epicentrum/hypocenter was El Espinal, San Pedro Tapanatepec, San Jerónimo Ixtepec. Nearby country/countries that might be effected, Mexico (c. 112 469 000 pop).
Each year there are an estimated 13,000 light earthquakes in the world. In the past 24 hours, there have been nineteen, in the last 10 days nineteen, in the past 30 days nineteen and in the last 365 days thirty-seven earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater that have been detected in the same area. Earthquakes 4.0 to 5.0 are often felt, but only causes minor damage.
Did you feel anything?
How did you respond? Did any furniture slide, topple over, or become displaced? Leave a comment or report about activity, shaking and damage at your home, city and country. Read more about the earthquake, Distances, Seismometer information, Date-Time, Parameters, Location and details about this quake, that has struck: 40 km SSE of San Mateo del Mar, Mexico. This data comes from the USGS Earthquake Notification Service.
Copyright © 2017 earthquakenewstoday.com All rights reserved.


text:
The service here could not be beat. I loved the fact that you could choose to have the buffet or order from the menu. My party did both. Even off the menu, you get to hit the soup and salad bar.............big mistake for me; I...More
1 - 10 of 41 reviews
The service here could not be beat. I loved the fact that you could choose to have the buffet or order from the menu. My party did both. Even off the menu, you get to hit the soup and salad bar.............big mistake for me; I...More
There's a dearth of affordable catering options in northern Michigan, and I was concerned about booking a small pick up catering job from my home in Virginia. But Susan, the coordinator who took my order, walked me through it and accommodated every question in need,...More
Stumbled upon this restaurant during a drive. It's not on the main strip so unless you are looking for it you will never know it is there. They have full menu but we skipped that and went straight for the charming buffet! Very nice salad...More
We went here a few times during our week vacation to Otsego Lake. We had dinner, then went back for breakfast on Sunday morning. Every thing we had was excellent! The service was great, and the manager stopped by our table a couple times to...More
We enjoyed the buffet. Had ribs, brisket, fish, chicken and much more. All the food was delicious and even ice cream for dessert.
BJs recently catered our wedding, which was an outdoor event near West Branch, MI. We live out of state but planning the event went seamlessly. The food was excellent, from the appetizers to the late night snack they had it down! Our dinner was the...More
Just looking for breakfast early on a Thursday, not disappointed. Might be the best sausage gravy I have ever had, homemade sausage and all. Good service as well, no complaints.
The youngest of our daughters recently married the man of her dreams in Gaylord, Michigan, a lovely town in the north of the state, but one with which I was totally unfamiliar. After a couple of trips up there, I found BJ's and the experience...More
BJ's has been extremely accommodating for our groups. They have opened their doors at 6 AM so that we can meet there when their regular opening time is 7 AM. They have a senior special breakfast that is very good as well. Our groups meets...More
My husband and I looked at the top restaurants in Grayling here on Trip Advisor. We decided to try B-J' s. It was a decent buffet with lots of variety. Everything was fresh and there wasn't anything we disliked. My salad was fresh and tasty...More


text:
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Diamond, Gold Bracelet, Tiffany & Co.. ...Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
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DescriptionDiamond, Gold Bracelet, Tiffany & Co.
The bracelet features full and marquise-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.80 carats, set in 18k gold, marked T & Co. Gross weight 9.10 grams.
Bracelet Dimensions: 6-3/4 inches x 1/8 inch
Clasp Dimensions: 5/16 inch x 1/4 inch
Avg Color: G-H-I
Avg Clarity: VS
Shape(s): Full-cut
Count: 51 - 75
Overall Condition: Very Good
Condition Notes: A timeless diamond bracelet from an iconic house. Marked T & Co. 750.
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