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.

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.