Where's My Oscar?

I've been wandering around for the last 24 hours performing some Academy Award-winning dramatic monologues. They are mostly about how the weather at Jazz Fest on Saturday will be and how flip flops are just such a horrible idea, but sneakers will likely be uncomfortable and even how I just don't know what to do. Then I sigh and flail about, mostly throwing myself on the couch in despair. The Fantastic Mr. M. just smiles at me, then says in the calmest tone you've ever heard, "Jess, it's going to be fine." I subsequently roll my eyes and tell him, "You ALWAYS say that." And it's true. He always tells me that things like this will be fine. Here's the kicker: they always are. I have a flair for the dramatic. I do, and I think it's the Sicilian in me. We're almost always loud, and we're always a little dramatic. Okay, a lot.

The point of this story is that I'm anxious. I'm nervous. See, I'm finally going to see what all the fuss is about. And by fuss, I mean Pearl Jam. I've been a fan for over half of my lifetime, but have never seen them live. And I've seen a lot of shows. In fact, I've crossed every band I want to see off of my list with one exception - Pearl Jam. See, if you don't know about the true Pearl Jam fans, let me shed a little light for you. It's a cult-like following that is terribly difficult to explain. Once people realize that I'm a fan of Pearl Jam even after their first three albums, they're typically befuddled. And there are even a handful that will question me about whether Pearl Jam is still together making music. In those instances, I have to swallow very hard and try to not look at them like they've sprouted a third head.

I have a hard time keeping my opinion to myself, and that characteristic is heightened ten fold when it comes to music. I can't understand why people don't see things the same way I do, but I suppose that's my challenge. In addition, it's what makes the world go 'round. Anyway, the next time someone asks you if Pearl Jam is still making music, tell them that they are in fact still making their mark. If you don't believe me, listen to this song and you will hear it. This song got me out of bed on many a dark day. I hope it finds a meaning for you as well. Enjoy.

A Heatbeat Away From Fame

That's what my dad said when I told him that the book that I edited was now on amazon.com. Everyone keeps telling me what an accomplishment it is, and while I would normally agree, the actual editing process is not what I would describe as being laborious. Perhaps that's because I enjoy it. Writing is way more difficult than actually editing. Editing is pretty formulaic. I can almost turn my brain off when it's time to edit. While that isn't entirely accurate, I think you know what I mean. I can edit for hours on end, and still feel like a million bucks. But when I write for about an hour, I'm in need of a serious nap afterward. I like to compare it to walking into a crowded room completely naked. It's exposing all of your insides for your readers. And creating words from nothing is a little tiring. But, absolutely rewarding.

The point of this blog entry? Shameless self-promotion, of course. Get thee to amazon.com and pick up a copy of my heartbeat away from fame. I hope you enjoy it.

Nature + Science = Happy Gal

Things at Newman Farms are coming along nicely. I was pretty worried for a while that my plants might bite the dust, but nature has a way of righting its wrongs. All this late cold weather hasn't helped anything, but my garden has fought and I'm beginning to see some real progress. A cucumber plant seemed to have grown by leaps and bounds almost overnight. If nothing else, I have already learned more patience. And if you know anything about me, you know that patience has never been one of my strong suits.

This weekend, my fantastic boyfriend's fantastic sister came to Houston for a visit. We had so much fun seeing all that this incredible city has to offer. I know, I know ... everyone thinks that Houston is lame. Not the case at all, my friends. It's a super cool place with neat little things around each corner. Yesterday, we went to one of my favorite places ever - the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Let's not kid, I love all things museum-y. I've spent a lot of time at HMNS, but yesterday I took in my very first IMAX film. We saw Hubble 3D, which is narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. It has to be said that he's a much better narrator than Oprah. Yeah, I'm still pretty bitter that she somehow finagled her way into narrating Life on the Discovery Channel. Anyway, for you other science nerds out there, check out Hubble 3D as soon as you can. For now, check out the trailer.