Holy Long Hair Batman!


For the first time since I was about 11, I have what stylists consider "long" hair. It's a whole new phenomenon to me. I've always let my hair get to a certain point, then I cut it. Usually not past my shoulder. But, now it's gone far past my shoulder, and I love it. So I think I'm going to keep it. I'm also going to be in a wedding in September, and the bride would like everyone to keep their hair down. So, I definitely want to have long hair for that. Maybe I'll just see how long it will grow before I start looking ridiculous.

Dog Days



Brady (my new puppy) is doing so well. She has adapted to a whole new lifestyle rather quickly. She has met about 30 new people in the past week, and she is doing a great job.
My only problem is that the dog is too attachted to me! When I leave, ifeven just for a minute she gets depressed. I am hoping that this will fade with time. I just feel awful that when I leave the house, she mopes around and just lies down on top of my sweatshirt. It's kind of pathedic. :-(

Drastic life changes in only 48 hours....


It's amazing what yo can do in 2 days....For about 2 weeks I have been looking for pet. All my life I have always had a pet. So, for the past 2 years, I have felt something was missing.
I was looking for a kitten. I have never been a huge cat person, but I figured if it was my own, I couldn't help but love it. IN the process of looking, I found a post for a puppy. So, thinking that I had nothing to lose, I replied. Next day- as I figured- got nothing.
Wednesday, I look in my inbox. There are 7 e-mails with the subject "Kitten", and 1 e-mail with the subject "Puppy".
I immidiately got SO excited. The woman proceeds to say that the family that was supposed to adopt 'Winnie' didn't show up. So, she was still available to a good home. Since they were getting ready to go out of town, they needed her to go to a new home that day.
So, needless to say, I fell in love with her. And, now I have a puppy. I changed her name. So, now I have a 10 month old Maltese named Brady, (after Tom Brady,duh)


























Friday I went with my friend Christina to get her tattoo...and yup, guess what I did.....











I love it! :)

I’m doing just fine



So the past two weeks have been nothing but emotionally draining for me. I was awaiting news that would inevitably change my life. Nothing would be the same. It's amazing how just a few words can change your entire life and those around you forever.

The anticipation was overwhelming. My thoughts were racing, heart constantly beating, I found myself not being able to concentrate on much of anything. I rarely talked about it. I shared minor details with those who are closest to me. And that was really to justify my abnormal behavior. I guess I thought if I didn't talk about it, it wasn't really happening. I know that is not the best way to approach a situation, but it's all I knew how to do.

Thankfully, the news was positive. Currently there is nothing to be concerned with. The relief itself caused tears to form. Throughout the whole waiting process, I had yet to cry. Because, I knew if I started, I wouldn't stop. And, I refused to succumb to the thought that this was possible.

Thank you for the calls, texts, e-mails & prayers. They did not go unnoticed. I appreciate you all more than I can express. I couldn't imagine going through this alone. So, thank you again. Knowing that there are people there for me no matter what the circumstance is so comforting. I love you all. (That is as mushy as I will get ever)



Go Patriots


-J

Updating my Life through bullets.....

. I love my new posistion. I get to do office work, and hang out with kids. It's perfct for me.

. I am obsessed with football. I look forward to every Sunday an so I can watch the games. And the Patriots are kicking butt. I feel bad for any of my friends that aren't Pats fans, because I torture them.

. "My Boys" is one of my new favorite shows. I think it's the smartest thing TBS has ever done. (Besides have "The Office" re-runs) The show is my life played out in a sitcom.

. I am getting a tattoo on Friday. I'm scared out of my mind of the pain, but I am going through with it in 2 days. I finally found the perfect one for me, I'm in love with the picture. I think the pain will be worth it.



. I finally have some geat friends at work. And, I love it. We get along so well, and it makes work fun. AH,finally.

. I'm going to Missippi for my birthday and Thanksgiving this year. This will be the first Thanksgiving that I've ever spent away from my family. But I will be with special people who like faimly to me. I am looking forward to it.


. I'm going to try to blog more frequently.....it's kinda cool. :)

2 Weeks of Rock & Roll




The last 2 weeks were the most stressful, intense, draining and amazing weeks of my life. I found out what it would really be like to be on the road....and do I want to do it still? Absolutely.
We started our adventure in Vienna with Sons of William on Wednesday the 11th. The sons were opening for Michelle "Moaning" Malone. The Jammin Java isn't really my favorite venue, but I can't complain about the distance.
The next show was Saturday in Va. Beach. This show billed Sons of William opening for The Clarks. I've seen The Clarks several times, so I was much more familiar with their fans than I was Michelle. Clarks fans always turn out. No matter where the show is, they all flock out of Pittsburgh, support their hometown boys. It was a great show for Sons of William and The Clarks. My main complaint about the Jewish Mother was the temperature. It was SO hot, and there wasn't ever relief.
We got home on Sunday, and from there drove to DC for our first Marc Broussard Soul Revue tour.
I had heard SO much about this tour. I was ridiculously excited to finally experience this show. And man, I am SO glad we went to this one! I already love the 9:30 club. It's just a great venue for a concert. And from the second Marc walked on stage, the energy in that room was amazing. Even though it was the first show of this leg of the tour for me, it was by far the best. Having Joe Stark play on stage with Marc and the guys was such a treat, and added so much to the show.
After the 9:30 club show, we had only 2 days to prepare, pack, clean, and hit the road for a week.
The second stop brought us to Sayerville,NJ. Home of Jon Bon Jovi (all of you that know me well, can smell the irony) Sayerville was the epitome of "the middle of nowhere". We arrived at The Starland Ballroom just before the doors open. We walk in the door, and immediately jump behind the table and get to work. The outside of this venue looked like a barn. I was a little nervous to see the inside. Ironically, it was gorgeous inside! It was nice and intimate, with perfect lighting. It seemed like a short show, but spectacular, none the less.
Thursday, we head on up to New York City. (the part of the trip I was the most excited for) We headed up there early so that we could meet up with Scott and go to the afternoon Yankees game. Of course, they lost, but I love just being at Yankee Stadium. After the game, and dinner, we got on the subway for the Irving Plaza show. Within seconds of walking in the door, we're put right to work behind the table, and didn't leave for the rest of the night. I love going to any show in NYC. The vibe/energy in New York is just amplified. I especially loved this show, because some of my best friends were there. :) I was excited for Jamie to go to her first Marc show, after being a long time fan. After the show, we headed back to Amelia's apartment on Bleecker, where we were staying for the night. (thanks Amelia! :) )
Friday, was a day off. We meet up with Katy and Matt at Abounding Grace, and went over to the outreach they were working. I love that we were all in the city at the same time! I bought an awesome hat on St. Marks. Woo:)
Then, Ali, Amelia & I headed out to Brooklyn to see Will Hoge play at SouthPaw. I've heard SO much about Will Hoge, and have listened to him for a while, but have never seen him live. So, I was particularly excited for the last minute decision to go to this show.He was amazing. His voice is flawless, and that band in ridiculous. They definitely rocked it.
Saturday, we headed out of Manhattan, and were on our way to the Hamptons. (that sounds so snobby, ha) Eventually, after getting through that Long Island Expressway traffic, and the insane 27E traffic, we arrive at The Stephan Talkhouse in Amangsett. This place was SO small and apparently legendary, and I immediately got super excited for this show. We met up with Brian, and headed in before the doors open. We chilled with him for a while before the show started. The show was spectacular, as expected. After the show, working was very hectic. It was so dark, and SO cramped. I started to get a little stressed out. There were so many people, and I felt like they were just circling me.....kind of intense.
Sunday, was the Xponential music festival in Camden,NJ. There were way more people there than I expected. But as soon as Marc took the stage, it was like one big party. He has this amazing ability to change a dull boring crowd into a huge dance party. They definitely dug it. People were chanting his name, praying he would come back on stage. Awesome.
Monday- day of rest. (definitely needed)
Tuesday- I was dreading Tuesday, July 24th since the beginning, because I knew it was my last show. I love Ram's Head live...it's such a beautiful venue. And, of course, Marc brought his best out to Baltimore. I brought some of my friends that have never seen Marc before, and they were definitely impressed. He is just an incredible performer. And he has the talent to back it up. A lot of "artists" are amazing performers, but aren't that talented when you strip everything down. But this band is just so ridiculously talented, with the personality to back it up.

I had SO much fun during my week on tour. I just felt at home, and I was doing what I love to do. I was surrounded by great music, and wonderful people.
Now, I have to get back to real life......

Summer, Summer, Summertime



I don't know about everyone else, but I LOVE summertime. I know that as a teacher, I am legally obligated to love the summer for the mere fact that I have off. We count the days down from spring break. But, that isn't even the only reason I love this season. (Although it is enough of a reason) Summertime is just so nostalgic. Every time summer hits, I remember my summers as a kid. We packed up the ol' van and squeezed 8 people in there, and headed to Florida. I LOVED that my grandparents lived in Florida. The choice to drive, however, was not my favorite. But, with a family of 8, our options were slim. Anyhow, we would go to the beach everyday, No matter the weather......everyday. And our trips to the beach were always the same. Wed relax for about 15 minutes, then my dad and I would go in the water. He'd splash and dunk me in. I pretended to hate it, but really, it was the most fun I'd have with him. Then because I am his daughter, and can't sit still, we'd go on a walk to find seashells. I'd come back to Pop's house ever day with a bucket full of shells. I loved it. And that was every summer for me from as far back as I can remember until I was 15.

Summertime is also great for eating outside. I don't know why I get such a thrill from eating outside, but I absolutely love it. Anytime I have the opportunity, I will always opt to eat outside.