Home is where the fart is ...

I'm turning into a real life grown up. I pick my battles. I get up before my alarm sounds. I make dinner most nights. I'm purchasing a home of my own. However, I still love what I love. Inappropriate remarks? Sure, every so often can't hurt. Laughing until we're both crying because of some stupid video on America's Funniest Home Videos? I wouldn't be me without it. In other words, my irreverence still shows up every now and then. Truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's like I told Mr. M. the other night, "we're like 16-year olds with bank accounts." Because we are. We listen to loud music and eat candy whenever we feel like it.

We also try to be emotionally graceful and patient. We try to make the wisest decisions we can, and we love our creatures to bits and pieces. But, most of all, we are mindful of one another.

Ah, the dichotomy of adulthood.

So, would you like to see our house? Of course you would! We invite you to get your rear end to Texas for cocktail hour on the patio!

What are you up to today?

copying: this fun post idea from an awesome gal I've known nearly my whole life.

enjoying: thinking about my cute doggie.

eating: raw bell peppers and broccoli.

dreading: all the work that has to be done.

feeling: hopeful about what's to come.

looking forward to: my sister coming to visit and my dad's birthday next week.

wearing: my favorite shade of green today.

needing: to lighten up.

wanting: for this weekend to get here now!

procrastinating: ugh, cleaning house.

dreaming: of all of the delicious produce my garden will make for me.

missing: summer vacation as a kid.

working on: making it all happen.

cooking: up anarchy every chance I get. (Just kidding! But I do love stirring pots and pushing buttons.)

craving: quiet time with those who matter most.

mindful: of my actions and words.

smiling: because my life kind of rules. I am grateful.

I'm on the hunt ...

The house hunt, that is. Yes, I am finally taking another step into adulthood. I am going to buy my very own house. Exciting? Yeah, kind of. Scary? Absolutely.

I've seen several houses already, and I suppose it took that many for me to realize that I can't afford to pay attention in my current neighborhood. Nearly $300 per square foot is pretty expensive. I do love it there. But, I will love my very own place even more. Mr. M. and I have decided to perhaps entertain the notion of possible co-habitation once I purchase my new, palatial mansion and we have very different house priorities. But, we have agreed on one thing so far - the backyard. We are both crazy about having an incredible backyard. I can deal with him wanting one whole room specifically dedicated to his drumming. I can even deal with him not hating carpet like I do. But, the backyard? I won't budge on that one. Fortunately, we were able to land on the same page.

So, I'm a-hunting! And as soon as I find the perfect backyard ... er, house ... I'll post pictures and invite you all over for a meat-free barbecue. Doesn't that sound like fun? (I'm talking to you, meat eaters!)

2011

In the year 2011, I am working really hard. I am working to be completely ambivalent about: LSU football, Michael Vick and Rush. So far, I'm doing well! I haven't made any ugly remarks about LSU and I've only smiled to myself when the Philadelphia Eagles' season ended. As for Rush, I'm growing by leaps and bounds. I actually spent twenty of my very own hard-earned dollars to buy that crazy documentary for Mr. M. And boy, was he excited! I sat through it and watched it again. Yes, again. It was on TV one night and I caught the last half of it. Am I the only one who absolutely LOVES rock docs? I watched Behind The Music on Lil Wayne. Twice. The moral of that story is, I can watch just about any documentary on anything.

I've also been kickboxing like a ninja! And I have FINALLY found an exercise that I don't hate! This is huge for me. See, I have always hated exercising nearly as much as a teeth cleaning combined with a PAP smear. Yeah, it's that serious. But, I actually look forward to my kickboxing classes. I take class at a martial arts studio. I think that's why I like it so much. It feels like it's so much more hardcore than just taking aerobics at a gym. We're so serious, we kickbox in our bare feet. I'm counting the days until I'm officially named, "Ninja Jess." I would invite you all to the ceremony, but that wouldn't be very ninja-like, would it?

What are you up to this year? I doubt any of it is nearly as exciting and meaningful as what I'm doing. Come on, I'm trying to be indifferent about Rush. I deserve a medal or something for making it this long and not calling Geddy's voice that of a woodland creature from middle earth. Crap, I guess I have to start over now.

The King is Dead

I was inspired to write a music-based post from my good pal Andrea. She's beginning a new weekly music series on her blog. Anyway, my comments on her post today made me think that I need to shout from the rooftops my love for all things Decemberists. My favorite baroque pop ensemble is back with a new album that you can look for on January 18. Which, in case you were wondering, is a mere FOUR days before my birthday. Coincidence? Perhaps. I like to think it's a personal gift from Colin and Company to yours truly.

I know that not everyone loves them like I do, but have you seen this? It's their video for O Valencia!. Check it out yesterday. Seriously. (I might be a little overzealous today, I ought to have warned you at the beginning of this post. My apologies.)

The point of this post? Ah, yes. The new album. Listen to the first single, "Down By The Water" here and let me know what you think. I think it's fantastic and I am counting the days until The King is Dead is residing in my iPod blaring on my stereo.

Oh, and I think Colin is a little dreamy. Just thought you needed to know.

Jamaican Me Crazy

Oh, man!!! I fell in love with Jamaica! The people, the landscape, the coffee - all are incredible. Seriously, Blue Mountain Coffee is the cat's pajamas. I learned a lot during my short visit, mostly that I can't wait to go back. I also stopped by the Cayman Islands, and while it's beautiful there, it lacks the soul that lives and breathes in Jamaica. Sure, it's easier to get around its flat terrain and the people certainly have more money. But as Mama Karen told me that day, they (the Jamaicans) might be poor of money, but they are rich of spirit. And believe me, I can personally attest to it. These people have an authenticity that can not be faked. And I got several giggles from all of the generous women who were offering to braid my hair. This one woman couldn't stop stroking my hair - at first I was uncomfortable, then I realized that this is just how they do things. They don't have problems, they have "situations." They live in a perpetual state of no worries. As lame as it may sound, I get it now.

If ever you get the chance to see this vegetation-laden island for yourself, you absolutely must. It's a jungle in the best sense of the word. Of course I have more photos coming, but enjoy this one for now.

Boyfriend Cat

While posts like this are painful to write, they are most certainly warranted. The cat who adopted my parents several years ago, passed away today. I love that kitty. He was a handsome gent, but he definitely started out awkward and unsure. He grew into a curious, dapper feline who made us all laugh and smile when he decided to grace us with his presence.

He liked to visit with my dad in his man cave (also known as the garage), but also thoroughly enjoyed a nap in the flower bed. The only measure I have of how much he was loved, is how low all us Newmans are hanging our heads today. I almost had to leave work when I got the news. I'm trying to make it through the rest of the day without thinking of all of the questions I have. Is his pain gone? Is he happier now? Does he know that I love him dearly and will never forget him? I'm desperately hoping that the answer to all of these questions is yes.

You're probably wondering how his unique name came about. Well, if you've ever met my parents, you know that we all have a knack for nicknames, and animal names are no exception. Boyfriend Cat loved my mom. She was always his first choice for a lap, or even some casual petting. We decided that he thought that she was his woman. Hence, Boyfriend Cat.

Once a Newman, always a Newman, little man. We'll see you one day.