It's Tricky hitting Middle Aged

During a recent conversation with my good friend T regarding the status of our health (unexplained aches, pains coming out of no where, not bouncing back as quickly as we had before in our younger years, etc.) , I finally blurted out "We are middle-aged!"  AHHHH!!!  I can't believe I said it out loud.  I told her "I've said it, my body knows it but it just hasn't sunk in."  T replied "Don't let sink in."  I know that I am M.A. but it doesn't feel right.  When I think of M.A., I remember a scene from Happy Days when Mr. C. is celebrating a birthday in his 40's.  Someone said something about him being middle-aged.  For some reason that has always stuck in my head.  I was about 7 or 8 years old when I saw the episode and thought "wow, he is really old!"  And now here I sit at the beginning of my 4th decade and still don't feel like a grown up.  I know I don't act like one.  If I was married I would act differently?  It's odd to think that when my momma was my age, she all ready had 5 kiddos and the responsibilities of it.  She looked like a grown up and acted like one.   And I, well I have a cat and still watch cartoons and music videos (thank you VH1 Classic). It's not shocking to me anymore that I am 40 but I guess because I really have no responsibilities outside of my cat, it still hasn't sunk it. Maybe it doesn't have to.  Maybe it's okay that I am this way.  I am going to yes it is.

I am now done with the "what does it all mean" phase of the program.  Time to move on to the most important story of the day - The Oscars!!  I ended up going to an Oscar watching party and had a great time.  It was fun to be a room full of people that get as excited as me and my sister L get when watching the show.   Had lots of great food and drink and now today I am paying for it.  This comes back to me being M.A.  I am not as spry as I once was and sometimes I forget that. :)

Here is my quick rundown of the show.

• Anne Hatheway - That girl has a great stylist.  She was flawless in each costume change.  I thought she was so adorable.
• James Franco - I knew he would be super laid back and I am laughing at people online who were surprised by it. Really, do you know the man's work?  Come on, he is not the most hi-octane person so why the face?
• Alec Baldwin/Morgan Freeman - Loved it!! 
• Mark Ruffalo - the cutest guy ever. Sad that he didn't win but check out this article about tweeting his Oscar speech.  How can you not like this sweetie?
• Christian Bale - uggh, beard needs to go.  That ruined his look and speech for me. I kept noticing that it was a different color.
• Cate Blanchett - Love you in everything but that tacky chenille bedspread.
• Helen Mirren - Lovely!  She is a hot lady.  Just not happy that is in the Arthur remake with Russell Brand (Yuck - dude take a bath, comb that hair and you're not funny).
• David Seidler (The King's Speech) - You are my new hero.  I too am a late bloomer.  
• Robert Downey Jr.  - HOT!!!!  Quick movie suggestion, check out his film Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang 
• Sandra Bullock (or as Ryan Seacrest calls her, Sandy Bullock) - She looked amazing. That woman gets hotter and hotter. LOVE HER!!!  The next time I am in Austin, I am totally looking you up.
• Best Picture - Kinda weird that it was the images of all the films but dubbed over by "The King's Speech".  I will be honest, I kinda thought that the Social Network was going to win Best Picture.  
• Natalie Portman - Abfab!  
• Colin Firth - Validation!!!  He looked great and was so charming during his speech.  I love that he adores his wife so much.

All in all, I think it was a great show.  Great company and a great night. 

I couldn't decided on the theme for today's soundtrack.  Finally decided on feeling young.  These are just some of the songs bring back some great teen memories for me. Night-tracks, sleepovers, rollerskating and 16 magazine.  I would love to know your songs. Feel free to post.

 

Thanks for reading my blog!

Julie

This week just Keeps Getting Better

Good news, things are indeed getting better for me.  I now have another interview next week.  Those of you keeping score at home, I now have 2 interviews.  I am alive!!!  Here I was thinking that all these resumes I have been sending out were landing in a big Internet trashcan.  Well most of them are but that is besides the point. Yeah for me!  I will be out in the real world at least two times next week.

Rats, now I have to get my hair did before then.  I can't show up with all this lovely gray hair that has decided to declare a mutiny on my head.  I need a fairy godmother that will show up, wave her magic wand and my hair, nails and eyebrows would be did.  Poof - all good.  Sometimes I hate the real world. :) 

Can I to lose 5 pounds by then?  Back to the treadmill for me.  I didn't go to any of my training sessions, I was playing busy the role of "Slacker" this week. So now I need some major motivation. I think it will be to fit into my work pants.

Can I tell you how much I am loving my fios?  I found a channel devoted to movie soundtracks.  How cool is that?  Now that I think about it, how cool would it be to work on soundtracks for a living?  Listening to music and watching movies all day, oh heaven!  I do that now but no one is paying me.  I wonder how you go about getting a job like that?  Sounds like a gig I would love!!  I think I need to research that.   

I decided to add a few of my favorite pictures from my past life in radio.  Oh, those were some good times; going to concerts and meeting musicians.  Unfortunately, I was never able to meet my all time favorite band: U2 but I am not giving up hope.  I will meet them.  Oh, it will happen.  

All righty, that is all I have for now.  I must hit the gym today.  It's a sunny day and I need to get some vitamin D walking from my apartment to our gym.  Today's tasty soundtrack theme is gym motivation.  Why?  Because I need to get my lazy butt into the gym today!   Feel free to make some suggestions for my gym playlist.  Love to know what motivates you.  Enjoy!

Hope you have a great week! Don't forget to watch the Oscars on Sunday.  I know I will have lots to talk about pre and post Oscars.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Julie

Learning to Fly so I don't go postal

What's a girl to do when she is unemployed?   The most obvious is looking for a job. As most of you know, I spend the majority of my day doing so.  After that, it's up to the girl.  And this one is doing a little bit of everything. Below is what keeps me from going postal.

The library has become a good friend of mine.  Yesterday, I checked out three books: "My life in France" by Julia Child, "Julie & Julia" by Julie Powell and a book on social media.  As you can tell, I am getting a bit obsessed over Mrs. Child.  I started the Julia Child book and love it.  I stayed up pretty late last night reading it.  I am finding her fascinating and there are some great pictures that her husband, Paul took. There is a downside of my newest friend.  They are closing my library on March 5th and a new one will open but it will be even farther.  Boo!  Of course it might be a good change of pace since my current library is small and smells really, really, really old.

Then I also do some volunteering.  I am working on the April golf tournament for Girl Power 2 Cure.  It's been nice because I am doing things that I did when I had job. Checking out blogs, websites and meet up groups and begging for some support and exposure.  That's basically what PR is and it does get a little time consuming. But when you get great results then it's so worth it.  If you know any golfers check out the website: http://www.girlpower2cure.org/golf .  Even if you aren't a golfer there are other ways to support the charity.  I need to hurry up and get a job so that I can buy some raffle tickets because there is some rockin' prizes. Mama needs that digital camera. 

I should go workout tonight but just have no desire.  What I really want to do is curl up on the couch and read my book.  Which is probably what I will do.  I know it's a beautiful day but I am okay with just sitting here and being a bum.

OMG - I almost forgot to include this lovely tidbit.  I have an interview next week.  It's a company in Frisco.  The distance totally sucks but one can't be picky when one is not getting any bites whatsoever.  And I had a prelim interview yesterday with another company.  Things are starting looking up for me.  So far I've applied for 15 jobs this week. Someone has got to take mercy on me.

Okay, time to get my reading on.  For today's soundtrack, the theme is songs that keep me from going postal. Hope you enjoy them.  Let me know your songs.  I am always looking for good music.

 

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

I am a Square Peg

This little lay-off has given me even more time to do one of my favorite things, watch TV.  I have been addicted since I was a kid.  I remember coming home from school and doing all my homework as fast as I could so that I could be ready for prime time television.  I memorized the times and channels of all the best shows.  Well, the best in my little mind. I actually thought that "Joannie loves Chachi" was genius.  I guess my love-colored glasses for Scott Baio clouded my judgement.  However, I did discover the gem "Square Pegs."  I loved that show!!!  I wanted to be Sarah Jessica Parker. That shows what kind of dork I was when I was younger.  I wanted to be the dork in the series, not the cool, mean girl. 

TV' has also filled the void of not having boyfriend. I may not have a man in real life right now but I can always depend on my TV boyfriends.  They are always there when I need them.  And now with the greatest invention ever - the DVR, I can count on them 24/7.  I just finished watching last night's episode of "Castle".  Oh, Nathan Fillion, I am so perfect for you.  Now that I think about it, I have lots of TV boyfriends.  Below is my list TV boyfriends, not in any order:

• Jim Halbert - The Office
• Richard Castle - Castle
• Marshall "Marshmallow" Erikson - How I Met Your Mother
• Conan O'Brien
• Michael Imperioli - Detriot 187
• Benjamin Bratt - Law & Order
• Chris Noth - in anything
• Donnie Wahlberg - Blue Bloods 

Along with the all the love, there also comes a dislike.  A dislike of horrible commercials.  I can't understand how these made it on air.  Below is my top 3 "Yuck" list:

• McDonald's coffee: Apparently, drinking it makes you want to slap the dog out of the table. 
• FC Dallas: Who came up with that horrible song? Awful!!
• Cinnamon toast crunch cereal: Googly-eyed, tongue flailing squares of creepiness.

Well, I guess I better get back to my friend, Oprah. Since she is going to leave us, I need to watch her as much as possible.   Today's soundtrack comes from the best TV shows ever plus one rockin' song from TV On The Radio (two of favorite things).

Am I wrong on my choice of TV boyfriends?  Feel free to let me know who your TV boyfriend is and your thoughts on the worst commercials.  Thanks for reading my blog.
Julie

We're going to be friends for a long time.

A stud and dud.  That was the theme for my movie-filled weekend.  How is that possible since I am sans a cash flow?  Great friends, that's how. Friday night I spent it with my friend T and Liam Neeson in his new movie "Unknown".  It's not the most believable premise but wow!  He was so great in it.  Entertainment Weekly felt the same way about him and the movie. Check it out: http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/02/21/liam-neeson-born-again-action-star/  .  I've been a huge fan of his forever (I love me some Irish men) and I am so glad that he is rocking the box office for the second time.  Good for him!  Sunday I went with my friends H & B to see "Just Go With It".  I was very disappointed by it.  Adam Sandler is just regurgitating what he as done in the past but with no heart.  What happened to the good characters and sweet storyline like in "The Wedding Singer" and "50 First Dates"?  I loved those movies.  I was really sad that this one doesn't even compare.  After the movie, H commented "That was Brooklyn Decker?  I didn't even know that she was an actress".  At the same time both me and B said "She isn't it."  We all busted out laughing. 

I have been truly blessed with some of the greatest friends ever.  I thank God for them each night.  After dealing with so many downs, it's so nice to know that my friends are still standing there with me and will pick me up when I fall.  I can't say this enough, I am so lucky to have them in my life. 

Growing up in the Panhandle I've made some great friends.  Over 20 years later, I know that I could call any one of them and they would be there for me in a heartbeat.  Plus this little thing called the Facebook has made such a difference in our lives.  It's great for a little gossip, a pick me up and inspiration.  I don't know who to thank for creating Facebook. I guess I need to hurry up and watch "The Social Network" and find out.

Today's soundtrack is "Friendship".  I hope that everyone is as blessed and lucky as I am in the friends department.  This is my favorite quote and sums up all of my friendships.  "A good friend will come bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying...'Damn,  that was fun!"   Here's to many, many, many more years of friendship and love.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Julie

It feels like a Lady Marmalade day minus being a hooker.

So I received two "maybe" emails from potential employers.  Sweet!  It was a nice, "Thanks for applying and we may have some interest in you" email.  That may not seem like a lot for most people but seeing those words made my day.   Most days, I receive no indication of whether or not there is even an iota of interest.  Then of course there are the days where I get the rejection emails so seeing a maybe is a huge step for me.  It may not turn into anything but for a moment I have potential.

It's Sunday and another week of unemployment has begun.  Today I am not sad about it, it's just my reality.  My reality for a while.  I know this will pass and my new job is patiently waiting for me to find it.  And I will.

Fios is now my favorite thing.  I've been a TV watching fool.  Well even more so than before.  I recorded "Julie and Julia" and have watched two times all ready.  I had all ready seen it in the theater when it came out and loved it.  I now want to read the Julia Child's autobiography "My Life in France".  I sure hope my local library has it.  I kind of remember watching her show when I was younger but I really didn't have any interest.  After watching the movie it has now peaked my interest in her. Who knows, maybe I will also pick up her cook book and try my hand at cooking.  Nah!  My idea of cooking is using my wonderful George Foreman grill.  Hot dogs never tasted better.

Hope you had a great weekend.  Today's soundtrack is  French Flair.

Thanks for reading my blog.
Julie

Danger! High Voltage it's Friday!!!

It's Friday! If I was employed that would be two of the greatest words ever.  Since I am not, it's just another day that I am on the government dime.  I am tired of being a statistic.  I need to be productive.  This week I've received another 3 rejection emails.  Boo!!!!  That is starting to affect my mood but I am trying to stay positive.  Must stay chipper. I will combat it with workouts, my blog and hanging out with family & friends.  And possibly some Twizzlers and On Demand.

The last time I was laid off, it took me five months to find a job.  It wasn't pretty either.  So many of my weeks were depression filled.  You know that saying "Fake it until you make it"?  Well I tried really hard to follow that philosophy but there came a time where I didn't care.  I didn't want to see anyone, talk to anyone or even venture out of my abode.  I was a pretty sad sack.  Thank goodness my family and friends stood by me and put up with my poop.

Now it's different. I am making an effort to stay happier, healthier and social.  One thing that has helped me so much is working out. I've always worked out but this time I am on a mission.  That mission is to fight off the stress of this crappy situation.   I've lucked out here in my complex. We have a personal trainer that teaches five classes a week.  I am totally taking advantage of that. And it's paid off.  My sister, I will call her Sister B commented on the fact that I now have a butt.  She couldn't believe it.  I was Flat Stanley all my life and now I am headed into Jennifer Garner's Alias territory.   One good thing has come out of the unemployment blues - I am bootylicious now!

I feel better now that I have vented. Even though I really can't celebrate TGIF, I will still have a great kickin' soundtrack.  Enjoy!!

I know this isn't the actual video but when I hear 

this song all I think about is this hilarious skit.

RIP: Swayze & Farley.  You are missed!!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Don't Stop Believing in Goals

When I was younger I had a major goal in life and that was to graduate from college.  That may not sound like a big deal to most people but with our background it was.  My mom's family started out as migrant workers and traveled wherever the crop was for that season.  So, unfortunately my mother was not able to get an education.  I believe they moved to my hometown around 1948 or 1949.  She had five children and all five of us settled into the school system as did most of my cousins.  Education was something we did not take for granted.

I assumed that once you graduated from high school that you automatically left for college. Why?  Because that is what most of my family did.  I still remember when my brother and sisters left for college.  For years I thought that was the rule.

There was never a day where I doubted that I would not be going to college.  I remember going out with this one particular 19 year-old guy when I was 16.  Yes, I know now that I was way too young for him.  One night we were talking and he brought up the future.  I told him my plan was to leave this one horse town and go off to college.  He actually laughed at me and told me that it would never happen. Who was I to think such thoughts?  I remember looking at him and thinking "what an idiot!". Good thing I dumped him.  Okay, he dumped me but I am the hero in this story.

After graduation my goal was to find a job.  Then as I gained more experience, my goal was to work at certain companies.  Check and check, more goals accomplished.  Now that the cold finger of injustice (my lay-off) has wrapped it's bony fingers around me I am re-thinking my goals.  What is it that I want to do with my life?  That's kind of hard to decide right now but I will start with what I don't want to do and that is to become a teacher.  Why? I do not have the patience for the kids (and their parents) and the fact the educational funds are always getting slashed.  I thought about becoming a teacher in college.  It was my major for half a semester.  As I was taking a few courses I started looking at all the other students around me and realized that I was so out of my element.  They looked like teachers, acted like them and had the patience of a teacher.  I was completely opposite - I was a spaz, loud and a complete nut.  Good thing I found my way into radio. I fit right in and I was so happy to meet my peers. People who watched the billboard charts and lived to hear new music. That was a good ride while it lasted.

I have so much respect for teachers.  They work so hard for so little.  They make such an impact in so many lives.  I can still name the teachers in my life that made a difference.  Thank you Mrs. Landtroop, Mrs. Sherman, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Kelso, Mrs. Montgomery and Mrs. Clements for believing in me even when I didn't.  That is what a great teacher does, instills you with hope and encouragement.  I don't think I am that person.  However I do have several family members in the education field that possess those qualities and I am so proud of them. They range from teachers, a band director and a counselor.  They make so many sacrifices and I am thankful that I am related to each of them.

The lesson learned today, I can't be a teacher.  So what will I be when I grow up?  What is my next goal professionally and personally?   Maybe I will be a writer?  This blog has been such a great outlet and I think the more I write, the better I will become.  I am also an avid journal writer.  I've been writing in one since I was about 12 years old.  Of course those will not be published.  I can't incriminate myself like that. LOL!  I started reading a book called Note to Self  On Keeping A Journal And Other Dangerous Pursuits by Samara O'Shea.  I love it!  It's been a great exercise for me. Check it out if you get a moment.

Time to start working on those goals.  Here is today's soundtrack with today's theme - Reaching a goal and succeeding at reaching it.

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

My Mom: Kind and Generous

Still looking for a job but have another good lead.  In the meantime, I am trying to find ways to save money.  One of the things I have done is get a bundle package for my TV, phone and interweb.  Woo!Hoo! Everything was installed yesterday.  I love it!  I don't know how I lived without a DVR or On Demand all these years.  Now, I will never sleep nor leave my apartment.

So far, I've recorded 4 shows and watched one TV show through On Demand.  That show as Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? on WE.  My sister has been raving about the show.  And I really love Joan Rivers. In my past employed life, I was the Dallas publicist for her documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.  That is where I fell back in love with her. Anyhoozlebees, I decided that my lunchtime routine would be a pbj & banana sandwich and the Rivers gals.  And the show did not disappoint.  I laughed, cried, and choked on my sandwich.  They are so dysfunctional but that is why we watch them right?  Who wants to see a boring family?  But you can tell that they really love each other.  I can't wait for the rest of the season.

As I watched the show I suddenly started feeling cheated.  Cheated that I lost my mom when I was just a kid, that she didn't see me graduate from college, she didn't meet my first serious boyfriend or get to share any of my professional accomplishments.  Nor did we get to argue about that first serious boyfriend, the job I quit because I thought I could do better elsewhere, or the fact that I am not married.  I didn't get that any of that, good or bad.  I know it's been 22 years but it still stings.  When I see a mother and daughter relationship, I always get a little jealous.  I can't help it.  I also get a bit offended when I watch a TV show where the mother character is so hated.  I just want to scream and say "It's not fair. At least you have a mom."  

There maybe some people that don't understand that.  I don't know a lot of people that lost their mom when they were young and most of my peers are still very lucky to have a mother.  So sometimes I feel like I am in my own little, sad club.  A club that I didn't want to be a part of but unfortunately it wasn't my decision.  I sometimes wonder how my life would have turned out if mom would not have passed away so young. Would I have made the sames choices regarding my love life or my career?  Who knows?  

Losing my mom at a young age has made me the person I am today.  And I like this person.  In my short time with her, she taught me how important family is in your life, how to be a generous person, how to waltz and how to laugh.  I think a lot of my family remembers her always laughing.  I love that!  That is how I want to remember her.  Plus her love of Kenny Rogers and Eddie Rabbit. 

But what I wouldn't give to have my mom here with us enjoying holidays, birthdays, watching Sunday football and our big Gamez family reunions.  I am grateful that I did have my time with her.  It was short but I am grateful nonetheless.

Me and Mom - 1976

Today's theme - Mommas!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Julie

Everlasting Love

Why is dating so difficult?  Especially here in DFW.  There are so many people and yet I can't seem to meet one nice, sweet, cute, smart guy that is interested in starting a relationship. I tried the bar scene, online dating and blind dating.  And I have zero to show for this.  Okay maybe not zero because I've learned what I don't want.  I have met some nice guys but no chemistry whatsoever, then I've met some perverts. I won't even get into that story. 

I used to think that I would be casually going along and bam! I would meet the man of my dreams.  Isn't that what they say?  You will be living your life (trotting along: la, la, la, la) and then it just appears when you least expect it.  Maybe I am looking for it but I am also not stalking it.  If that is the case, why hasn't it happened yet?  I have to assure myself that it's in God's hand and I can't make something happen out of nothing.

I hate to admit this but my mind has been warped by all those wonderful 80's movies.  A good friend of mine and I were once talking about how we've built these type of expectations up so much that when we are faced with the realities of a relationship we scoff at them.  We want to be Samantha Baker.  The love of my life would make me a cake and we would sit in a candle-lit room on a dining room table just like Jake Ryan. Or maybe his declaration of love would be him standing outside my window holding up a jam box a la' Lloyd Dobler.  My grown up mind knows this is total b.s. but my 14 year old heart is still holding out for that. My sissy and I talked about this also.  We came to the conclusion that yes, we know it's not real but it's a nice outlet for us.

In the meantime, I will continue to wait for the one.  This man will go to as many Rangers games as possible with me, understand my U2 obsession and be an all around fine guy (not the Herb Tarlek kind either).  Here's to finding an everlasting love.

 

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!  And remember, you can be your own Valentine.  As a matter a fact my present to myself is FIOS.  Woo!Hoo!

Thanks for reading.
Much love!
Julie

I believe in Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. In years past, I would be sad about not having a Valentine. But the older I get, it doesn't seem to bother me as much.  I am still a little down about it but not totally obsessed as I used to be.  I guess age does mellow you out or maybe I have just lowered my standards.  Not sure but either way, it's not that bad. As Hugh Grant's character in Love Actually said "Love actually is all around".   You just have to look around and it's up to you as to where you find it.

Here I am at 40 years old, never married and not a date in sight.  I am getting used to the idea of constantly being single.  It's not what I want but it's my reality for now.  Most of my family is either married, divorced or in some type of relationship.  I am the Lone Ranger for the most part.  I have a few relatives that questioned what was wrong with me.  They can't seem to figure me out.  Here's the thing, not much to figure out about me. I am just a gal that can't seem to find her right man. Picky? Yes!  Desperate? - Possibly.  Totally kidding on that. If I was that desperate then I would have settled a long time ago.  I haven't because I know the right man is out there for me. But where?  Is he in coma, under a rock, a coalmine, a rehab center?  I will just have to wait and see.

It did take some of my family awhile to get used to the fact that I don't have anyone special in my life.  When I was in my mid-30's, one of my aunt's sent me a card and let me know she realized that I did not need a man to make my life complete and how proud she was of me and what I accomplished.  That was a huge for me. Not that I needed validation but considering that my family is Hispanic and having a family is really important, it made me feel really good about myself after that.  I needed that boost. 

Now what do I do in order to find that man?  I don't know.  But there will be lots of praying and good thoughts.  No more bars though.  I just can't take that scene anymore.  It's not me.  And don't get me started on online dating.  I am not saying that it's totally bad but I just seem to meet all the creeps.  Most of the guys I have dated were socially awkward and it showed.  Nonetheless, I will still try that avenue but not hold my breath. 

So here is to finding the right man and remembering that Valentine's Day is not just about having a special someone.  It's about having love in your life. And I do, from my family and my great group of friends.  I am really lucky to be surrounded by so much love.   I am not just blowing smoke.  There is a lot of love in my life.  Now if I could find it at home making dinner for me.  Then my life would rawk!

The soundtrack for today is love - Duh!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Much Love,

Julie

Mr. Firth and Caramel

I am so ready for the Oscars.  I know it's about 3 weeks away but I am all ready counting down.  I have always watched the award shows.  I doesn't matter what it is, I am watching. Except for the People's Choice awards.  I am really not a fan of that one.  I haven't watched that in years and to be honest they are way too rigged (and cheesy) for my taste. However I will hunker down and watch the rest of them.  I love watching all the beautiful people walk the red carpet, the "I'm just happy to be nominated" chit-chat and the watching nominees wait while their name is not called.  How do they stay so poised? I would probably start crying on camera if I didn't win.  But then again, I guess that is why they are actors.  You never see any of them breakdown after not hearing their name called. Is that why there are so many after parties for the non-winners (I will not call them losers) so that they can drink away the disappointment?

This year is Colin Firth's year.  He was nominated last year (for A Single Man) with Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) and he received no love.  Now, it's opposite.  JB is up for best actor in True Grit and Colin in The King's Speech and Colin is now getting all the praise. Woo!Hoo!  Love it!  I've seen both of the films and really liked them. However, I felt that Jeff Bridges was a little much like his character "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski.  I don't know why but I do.  I still liked the film but I think that Colin will be the man this year. 

For today's soundtrack, the theme is movie soundtracks. Enjoy!

The Truth about Cats & Dogs

Reality Bites

500 Days of Summer

Bridget Jones' Diary

High Fidelity

The Lost Boys

Thanks for reading and stay warm!

Julie

Career Opportunities

Almost 7 months have passed since I was a productive member of society.  That's almost 4 years in dog years.  It's flown by and at the same time it feels like just yesterday when I received the ax.

The weekdays just drag on when you have to stay in your own yard and don't get to play with other kids.  TV isn't fun anymore because afternoon TV is pretty bad (except for Law & Order - RIP: Lenny Briscoe).  Then there is the endless hours of searching for a job online.  At least 20 - 30 websites are scoured daily.  A few emails and phone calls are sent out for networking purposes and still no J-O-B.  Don't get me wrong, I so enjoy reading all the job postings that I am not qualified for, over qualified or just plain scare me.  If I see the job listing for the professional gentlemen that is looking for a barefoot assistant again (yes, you read that right), I am going to scream.  Dude, apparently the high unemployment rate still isn't a good enough reason for anyone to do something that weird. 

Being laid off also offers you plenty of time to think.  Sometimes too much.  You can only go down memory lane so many times.  Facebook is a good way to spend mindless hours but that soon fades.  Never fear, there is always a new website, blog, or video to check out.

If I arrange my closets one more time I will scream.  I  shouldn't complain because I was able to arrange every closet, shelf, desk, and cabinet in my apartment a minimum of four times.  I've dropped off about 5 trunk loads of stuff at Goodwill in the last 7 months.  How is that possible?  At least I have become more charitable and my apartment is really organized.  Not having a job also allows more time to workout.  Especially since there is a really cute guy that works out about the same time as I do.

I guess this all my ranting for today.  I will now go reorganize my bedroom or watch Law & Order. Below is today's soundtrack.  Today's theme: Working.  Let's all hope that I can finally get to do so soon.

Bring on the work!!!  Thanks for reading my blog.
Julie

Football and Dazed

And the Super Bowl is here.  It's pretty much down the street from me.  I wasn't looking forward to it since The Cowboys weren't even close. But now that it's here, I am actually kind of excited.  I wish I would have been more a part of it. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I missed it.  I don't know why I didn't join any of the volunteer committees. What was I thinking?  Well, apparently I wasn't. When Arlington was announced as the destination for the 2011 Super Bowl, I was so excited but I was working a lot and didn't think that I would have time for a committee.  Now, I am kicking myself.  I am in promotions & publicity and I should have jumped at the chance to work on anything.   I am sitting here watching all the events pass me by and being envious of everyone that got involved.  Earlier this afternoon, I did however drive by the Omni in Las Colinas to see if I could stalk the Packers.  When I arrived all I could see was the team buses which took up most of the street.  My stalking quickly ended.  I guess now all I can do is just enjoy all pregame activities and eat my weight in snack foods. 

What is the lesson I learned ?  It's to take a chance, see what is out there and get out of my comfort zone.  You only live once, blah, blah, blah.  You know all those sayings. But seriously, lesson learned.  Quit being a wuss and live.  Or as Wooderson in Dazed and Confused stated - "You just gotta keep livin', L-I-V-I-N!  DISCLAIMER: I do not endorse the drug usage in this movie. But I do loooooove this film!!   It captures the year and the small town feel. 

Speaking of that film, Richard Linklater is fantastic!!  I think he know his craft and does it so well.  One of my favorite scenes from Dazed & Confused is below.  I can't explain it but just the flow of the music and way the camera follows the cast is just amazing.  He rocks it!!!

Today's soundtrack theme is the Super Bowl. Enjoy!!!

Reason: Which little boy doesn't dream about playing in the Super Bowl?

Reason: Duh! Steelers, please.

Reason: For my little Aaron Rodgers.  I couldn't go "We are Champions" because that is too easy.

Well, thanks again for checking out my blog. Happy Super Bowl!
Julie

Shiny, Happy People

The other day I was in the gym and talking to my workout partners about what I wanted in life.  And that is basically to be happy.  And of course they all laughed.  Let me back up and tell you how we arrived at the mocking and laughing.  We began talking about having money and I said that it is was my opinion that money doesn't always make a person completely happy.  They of course all jumped down my throat saying that I was wrong and if they were rich, they would be more than happy.  Now don't get me wrong, money is a factor in being happy but that's not all.  I've never been a person that grew up aspiring to be rich.  I aspired to have a career and to be comfortable.  As I got older and wiser, I aspired to work in a field that made me happy.  And luckily enough for me I did attain those goals. 

After we had that conversation, I began to reevaluate what truly makes me happy.  As of today, it's knowing that I have a wonderful family and great friends that I can turn to at any given time (for a pep talk, a hot meal, or a venting session), I have a good prospect on a job and my bills are paid.  Now here is where it gets tricky.  What is going to make me truly happy?  The perfect job, a husband, children, a new bra, charity work, the new Matt Damon movie, the New Doubt CD, a huge lottery win?  Whatever comes my way, I will be happy.

In order to commemorate my HAPPINESS mantra, let's add a soundtrack to it.
Makes Me HAPPY:

REM - Shiny Happy People

Earth, Wind & Fire - Sing a Song

The Lemmonheads - Into Your Arms

 

Harry Connick, Jr. - Recipe for Love

 

Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

B.o.B. (Featuring Rivers Cuomo) - Magic

Olivia Newton-John & ELO - Xanadu

Audioslave - Dandelion

Beastie Boys - Hey Ladies

 U2- All Because of You

 

Thanks for taking time to read my blog and stay warm.

Julie