Much Thanks

So much to be thankful for this year. A short list in off-the-top-of-my-head order:

1. Jason. So worth the wait. (Although this additional 5 weeks absence is a bit much!)
2. Healthy Family. I got to see quite a few of them this year and although it does clarify why I'm odd, I wouldn't trade them in for anything. I also expanded my family through Jason and yes, it does clarify why he is odd.
3. Boom and Pullo. The canine odd couple have provided more love and laughs than annoyance -- although Pullo is determined to make it a close call.
4. Loyal Friends. There are so many of you that brighten my life. I hope I do as much for you as you have done for me.
5. New Experiences. New York City, motorcycle dirt drag races, Long Island, the middle pond, bully breed dog show, Gatorama, the James river, kayaking, camping, Coney Island, E-Z Pass.
6. Good Music. Social Distortion, Morrissey, The English Beat, Delta Spirit, Cracker. While I didn't make my goal of one excellent concert a month, I found new bands and got to see old favorites.
7. Good Books. My bookshelves are literally overflowing with books read and to be read. The new Kathy Reichs and John Irving are top on my list after I finish my birthday books.
8. Employment. I complain a lot but I'm happy for the paycheck.
9. Contentment. I didn't have it for years and I can't tell you what a relief it is to have it back.
10. Silliness. Awkwardfamilyphotos, overheardinnewyork, all those little bits of comic relief sprinkled throughout the day.

Tell all your single friends, take stock and say thanks.

XO, JamieSmitten

Happy Birthday to Me!

Despite my persistent birthday curse (No sex on 11/15 for Smitten! Ever!), I had a very nice day.

Day 3 without Jason started out with an early (ahem) birthday text from JodiO that intimated that I resembled a monkey and possibly smelled like one too. I love old friends -- and she hasn't even SEEN my crappy new hairstyle/color! The boys and I slept in and then had breakfast while we waited for clean clothes from the dryer. I'm not sure if Apple Jacks and cafe con leche are the traditional breakfast for the 43rd birthday, but what the heck, I've never done this before.

Then my Jason called and promised he would never be away from me for my birthday again. Ever. If anyone can break the birthday curse, it is my Jason.

A looonnnng walk in the sun to the post office was made ever more eventful by mountains of dog poo (canine presents, every one!) and lots of phone calls from dear friends and family. I kept the ringer on high because I have some excellent ring tones assigned to all of you. I always get attention when O Canada begins to emanate from my pocket. I highly recommend it.

Several more texts and phone calls later, I had managed to run some errands and have a birthday Krispy Kreme. Classic birthday lunch. Then DFF arrived for a walk with the boys and a nice long chat. After stretching everyone's legs, Anne and I headed to Lowe's for my most awesome birthday present. No more grilling in the dark when my Jason gets home thanks to this:

Then it was off to Tarrant's for a way too tasty/way too filling/sooooo yummy dinner. Pan fried Sea Bass (again, I invoked birthday immunity from calories) with shrimp in tomato vodka lobster cream sauce. Oh yes, I did. Followed up by New York (is there any other kind?) cheesecake with blueberries. Oh my, the food coma was swift. DFF has spoiled me again.

And then, when I was already feeling thankful for the small things today, the phone rang and my Jason called to tell me he loved me and missed me. Fork in me, done.

Tell all your single friends, life is good and great is just around the corner (COME HOME SOON!),

XO, JamieSmitten

Promise

ME + HE = FOREVER

Tell all your single friends, worth the wait and the birthday.

XO, JamieSmitten

Looking On The Bright Side

Well, I'm going to try to anyway.

GOOD THINGS:

I voted! So for at least a few more hours, I can think that my candidate wins!

Being forced to wait until November to get the 2nd set of tires installed meant that I saved $70 for buying Michelins!

It finally stopped raining!!

I have a brand new floor and painted walls in my storage closet!! My Man is the best.

So we absolutely, positively won't think about.....

the fact that the mouse in the bathtub on Saturday morning probably has an entire posse looking for him

or

the fact that my hair, despite REPEATED washings, is still Elvira black AND little pieces are definitely sticking up in the back

or

the sad outcome of last night's baseball game (see above, re My Man is the best)

or

the continued ill effects of last night's "fancy mac and cheese" (I blame the scallops)

Because we are all about POSITIVITY.

Tell all your single friends, we'll see if this power of positive thinking really works.


XO, JamieSmitten

You Know What I Hate?

Does this ever happen to you?

You are sitting there minding your own business and someone you know (and this is where you find out they really aren't good friend material) says, "what's wrong with you?" "Usually you are cracking me up and making me die laughing. I don't like having to be the entertaining one."

You know what, people? I am NOT the paid entertainment. Yes, I am usually upbeat and making jokes but it is not my job. And you telling me that I'm not being entertaining enough for you? That just makes me want to get up and leave and not come back.

Except while you were complaining that I wasn't entertaining you as much as usual, you also fucked up my hair color and cut. So now I have to go back. When YOU get back from vacation which you reminded me of so that I could tip you generously (your words).

Yep. I'm going to be a freaking barrel of laughs when I sit in your chair.

Tell ALL your friends, don't expect me to entertain you unless you are throwing $20 bills at me.


XO, JamieSmitten