Merry Christmas!

Outtakes from this year's Christmas photo!


Tell all your single friends, silly hats + puppies = holiday fun


XO, JamieSmitten

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

I Am in Love!

With NYC!!!!!
And Jason

Tell all your single friends, drive it like you stole it.

XO, JamieSmitten

Hopeful (with a dash of reality)

Hooray! Now we can get down to the business of restoring our economy, ending this war, and redeeming ourselves in the eyes of the world.

And if we could hurry up with that, I'd be thrilled. Especially since my quarterly 401k statement arrived in the mail to inform me that my Personal Rate of Return for the past quarter was -39.4%.

On the plus side, I also received From Britain...with Love -- my very own official Shuffleathon 2008 cd. Review to follow once I have properly reviewed the music (naked, with alcohol).

Tell all your single friends, Good Times are on the way!


XO, JamieSmitten

Happy New Year!

One of the benefits of living in a booming metropolis (cough) is the major New Year's Eve celebration. All day I have witnessed the influx of barricades, beer trucks, portajohns, and cotton candy stands.

After a stop at Neighbor John's for good liquor and food, I wandered down to the end of the street to watch the ball rise. It went much more smoothly than last year, but the fireworks were a little anticlimactic.

Thanks to my stellar camera, you will think it was much more exciting than it really was.

Now I'm settling in for a half hour or so of Boom barking frantically as all the partygoers stumble down the street looking for the cars they left many, many blocks away.

Tell all your single friends, 2009 is the Year of the Recovered Mojo!!

XO, JamieSmitten

Happy Holidays!

Boom and I send our best wishes for happiness, health, peace, and super-sized treats for all your days.





Happy Holidays!


Tell all your single friends, MC and HNY!


XO, JamieSmitten

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tell all your single friends, be thankful for all your blessings -- family, friends, and meatless Turk'y Roast!

XO, JamieSmitten

What I Read Today

Favorite Food: Flowerless chocolate cake

Clearly, I've been baking chocolate cakes incorrectly for years! Will add flowers from now on.





Tell all your single friends, learn the difference between good and well so your co-workers won't think you are an idiot (because we do).








XO, JamieSmitten





p.s. Happy Canada Day!!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It's not just about the beer. Well, maybe it is!

Tell all your single friends, I lied when I said I was wearing green underwear.


XO, JamieSmitten

Merry Christmas to All!