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.

Boot Lust

I realize it's still August. I realize that it's about a million degrees outside. However, I am lusting after a pair of boots. I would probably wear them despite the sun-like temperatures outside. I don't care. I just want these boots.

Let me back up.

See, I used to shop often. Okay, a lot. I always had new outfits to wear for the tiniest, most unimportant of occasions. And while I still love a new dress every now and then, I don't shop like I once did. Few things in the stores make me excited. So, I typically just stay away. I'll visit one of my favorite hot spots sometimes. But that's only because it's merely blocks from my house. And my sister loves it. So, when she comes to town, we have to stop by and browse. Long story short, I used to see lots of things that I thought I needed to own. Now, it rarely happens.

Until I saw these boots. I am completely aware of the fact that a blog post specifically dedicated to boots is absurd. Well, you haven't seen these boots. (Not yet anyway. I'll show them to you later. Hello, I'm building suspense!)

Okay, so why haven't I just bought these boots? What am I waiting for? Well, they're a little pricey. To the tune of $250. While that isn't the most ridiculous number ever, I'm definitely having a hard time parting with that much money. So, I'm going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth trying to make up my mind. So, I need your help. To buy or not to buy: that is the question!

Wanna see what they look like? Here they are!

I've Gone To Look For Myself

Yeah, I've gone to look for myself and I can't be certain as to when I'll return.

Fortunately, I do remember enough about who I used to be that when I receieved an invitation to this event tomorrow night, I was beyond excited. I was elated. I still can't wait to sit and listen and learn. And all about the Byronic hero, no less. It's a free event and I will get the opportunity to hang with a cool chick who understands that working in a corporate environment will (it already has in my case) drain all you have to offer in a heartbeat.

Work has been tough, but my vacation is right around the corner. Truthfully, I think it's all I'm living for these days. Obviously I'm being dramatic, but you understand. Once vacation comes and goes, Halloween is lurking around the corner. And the weather will begin to change. And then the holiday season is officially upon us. Where has the year gone? It's gone to good times, bad times, tears, laughter and everything in between. This is what time does - it passes.

It feels nice to write something that isn't work-related for a change. Next time, maybe I'll tell you all about how awesome my Super Mario for the Wii skills have become.

The Number of the Beast

Okay so, I saw Iron Maiden last week, and of course they were spectacular. In fact, it took nearly 48 hours for my face to return. Why? Well it was rocked off, obviously. And my pal Donny G. was able to come on down to the show, which made it even better. In addition, my dad was there and Mr. M. was finally able to see what all the fuss is about. Believe me - the fuss is SO warranted.

Oh, and we were super close to the stage. That didn't hurt anything. Steve Harris was right in front of me for a good portion of the show. It was awesome. We got sweated on by Bruce. That was both awesome and gross. Mostly gross, though.

An Ode To Point Five

My best friend, Jennifer, is .5. And you have to pronounce it 'point five.' Of course it comes with a story. See, when she and I were younger, about 19 or 20, my dad nicknamed us the Dream Team because we stayed up so late and slept so much. Sure, we wasted some time napping, but we had terrific amounts of fun along the way. She and I took it a step further and started calling each other Point Five. See, two point fives equal a whole. That's how much we meant, and still mean, to each other.

Jennifer came into my life when I was 16. I was a much different girl pre-Jen. She and I became so close so quickly because we couldn't have needed each other more. We instantly realized that we were so similar, yet so different. High school is a funny thing. See, I thought it was for the most part, a tremendous waste of time. With a handful of exceptions, I took nothing with me after I was handed my diploma. And those few things were not academic. They were friendships. I didn't really learn anything new. That's what college was for. I think any place, other than prison, that requires you to ask permission to use the restroom is ludicrous. Even in most prison cells, the inmates have their own restrooms. Anyway, I digress. I'll talk about the time suck that is Lafayette, Louisiana's public high school system another time. Sorry, Ovey Comeaux. It's true.

Anyway, Jennifer is a tremendously talented individual. Whether it be painting, make-up artistry, music or writing, she's an incredible human being. And more recently, she has also taken on the role of mother to a beautiful 18-month old boy. She is an amazing woman who I admire each day. She has certainly not had an easy path, but she has managed as gracefully as ever. I look up to her, I laugh with her, I love her. She is family to me. And the best part? I got to choose her. That's what's so neat about friends.

Check out her late father's awe-inspiring art work here. I think you'll quickly notice that the multi-talented apple does not fall far from the multi-talented tree.

Kick Out The Jams

And believe me, Pearl Jam kicked out the jams like I couldn't have even imagined. It was a pretty magical show. Yes, it ended early. Yes, the crowd was huge. Yes, I had an amazing spot that I camped out in for about seven hours while patiently waiting for them to hit the stage. Yes, I missed several other acts that I wanted to see. Yes, it was worth every minute.

It's been busy since I got back from my triumphant return to the Crescent City. I only unpacked our suitcase last night, in fact. I had to get back to work on Tuesday, and spent the majority of my day saving a blind puppy's life. Long story, so I'll hit the high points. A co-worker of mine studded out his yellow lab and one of the pups has been deemed blind. Well, the pup's "grandmother" decided he would have no quality of life, and toted him to the veterinarian to have him euthanized. I got wind of this and took it upon myself to halt the lethal injection and get him set up with a suitable home. It took a while, I had to make lots of phone calls, send tons of e-mails, but it finally worked. I found a terrific home for him and I'll even have the opportunity to meet the little fellow tomorrow morning. What sweet relief! I was determined to find someone who could adequately care for this special needs dog, and that person showed themselves, right as his clock was about to strike midnight. I wept with emotional exhaustion and happiness when I received word that he would receive a forever home. It feels incredible to do what's right in this otherwise bleak and evil place in which we live.

When I got home from work yesterday evening, I held my baby dog Emma so tight, I think she began to think I was crazy. I wonder if she will ever know just how much her mommy loves her.