9.30.2009
The Post About My Love/Hate with McDonald's
There's a part of me that wants to hate it. It wants to point its finger at the saturated fat and the influenza-ed playplace. It wants to shake its head at the onions on the cheeseburger ordered without onions.
But it doesn't point. And it doesn't shake.
Why?
Because of my most recent experience.
First, I read this great article: 10 Secret Menu Items at Fast Food Restaurants. I tried my first secret order at In-N-Out Burger while in California on vacation. I ordered my burger "Animal Style" which made me slap my knee. Too yummy.
Next up was the Neopolitan Shake from McDonald's. It's just what you're dreaming of. A layer of chocolate, a layer of strawberry, topped with a layer of strawberry. This milkshake made me want to birth babies so they could experience the overwhelming sense of gladness brought about by this concoction.
You too can feel glad.
But there's still that part of me wanting to judge McDonald's.
Perhaps it's because of this:
There's so much wrong.
Can you find all the wrongness?
{image: Jamie}
9.28.2009
The Post About Cheez and Chips
I love them more than my muffin top should allow.
So imagine the giddy that ensued when this arrived in my mailbox:
Lisa at Parallel Botany sent me this fabulous dose of happiness. I squealed.
Lisa has a delightful blog full of creative and beautiful things I like to look at. And wish I could make show up at my house.
Seems like it worked.
She also has free wallpaper. Coiled Rainbow is currently taking up real estate on my desktop.
Thank you Lisa.
Speaking of things I love to put in my belly...
By themselves, none of these really intrique me. Except maybe that adorable jalapeno hiding behind the lime.
But if you get out your knives that can cut aluminum cans and wield a little magic, then you get this:
I have made it my life's work to find the perfect salsa.
My work here is done.
Quick and Easy Salsa - Pampered Chef Amy
3-4 tomatoes (chopped)
1/4-1/2 onion (chopped)
1 whole jalapeno pepper (stemmed, seeded, and diced)
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
1 clove of garlic (pressed)
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of lime zest (the green skin stuff)
Juice of 1 marred lime
Gather them all in a moment of silence and then marry them. Then say a prayer of thankfulness for the blogger who brought this to you.
My #1 suggestion for co-consumption would be these:
But Tostito's thought little of me and recently discontinued these heavenly chips.
But Tostito's thought much of me and recently started selling these heavenly-er chips.
Revel in the goodness.
{images: Jamie, Parallel Botany, Jamie, Tostito's}
9.27.2009
The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.37
Read
A blog that's funny is always a bonus. My apologies. Lovely Listings is a comical collection of all those things people think are fine to keep in their house while it's on the market, but don't. And then their house doesn't sell and they fire their agent because they think it's her fault. But it's not. It's the 60+ dolls they have displayed in their sunroom. This happened to me.
Watch
I've rented three movies in the last two weeks. Duplicity and Wolverine completely disappointed - except for the abs of one Hugh Jackman. But State of Play is a different film. Phenomenal cast and topsy turvy plot that keeps you guessing. Really. Reporter investigates the murder of a congressman's assistant and he discovers a big fat conspiracy. Jason Bateman alone makes it worth two hours of your time.
Listen
The Family Followill band (a.k.a. Kings of Leon) is quite enjoyable. I play this song, Closer, way more than appropriate. You should download them immediately. And legally.
9.22.2009
The Post About What's Adorable for Some...
9.21.2009
The Post About Putting the Cart Before the Horse
Some things in life are absurd.
Children dying of preventable diseases. Drunk driving. Racism.
And then there's the truly absurd.
People who don't know what to do with a shopping cart after they're finished using it.
There are two groups of shoppers I need to address.
1. Those who leave the cart in the middle of a parking space or near a pole or on the end of an aisle. NONE of these are suitable resting places for your used buggy. NONE. There are only two appropriate spots. The first is the parking space with rails that usually has a large sign reading "Your Cart Goes Here. Thank You." The second is back inside the store usually near an elderly person welcoming you to the shopping establishment.
2. Those who manage to steer their cart to the above mentioned corral area, but fail to follow the universally agreed upon system of storage. Carts are intended to be pushed into one another. Not parallel or perpendicular or in the shape of your astronomical sign.
If you fall into either of these categories, I accept your apology.
{image: Jamie}
9.20.2009
The Post About the Rabbit Recommends v.36
Read
I'm a baker. And by "baker" I mean I don't really don't cook in any other format, so I've christened myself a "baker." But know I use the term loosely. I've been inspired by so many sites on the internets, but none more than Bakerella. I love that she's from the South (where sugar and butter are reigning queens) and isn't a professional. But you would never know the latter by visiting her site. Her cake pops will change your life. Yes, boys - change-your-life.
Watch
I've previously professed my love for Joel McHale from The Soup. He takes all the contagion found on reality shows and exposes them for their real comedy. He has a new scripted show on NBC called Community. I watched the pilot this week and really liked it (see below). Even more than the season premiere of my beloved "The Office." Any show that can channel the greatness of "The Breakfast Club" should be given a fair chance.
Listen
I did it. I watched Whitney Houston on the Oprah premiere. Oprah has a strange hold on me. I keep thinking if I watch that Dr. Oz will show up on my porch with a basket full of her favorite things. In terms of Whitney, I was probably intrigued to see if "crack was still whack." And apparently it is. She was poised and still has that amazing voice. This song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" about did me in. Welcome back.
9.18.2009
The Post About Dogs Need to Know Their Place
I'll wait for your shock to subside.
People here love their dogs, but there's a line. That line is Oxycleaned away in the Golden State.
Evidence:
I'm sorry, but your Fancy Feast does not get to be on the same aisle as my Cheez-its.
In addition, your food does not get to be kept at a better temperature than my Hot Pockets. Which I never found in this grocery store.
Even Jelly Belly is in on it. Note, the CLEAR WARNING not to give this to your beloved puppy. It actually tastes like churned up dog biscuits (or mediocre Vietnamese) and YOU should eat it, but not Fido.
These are just two of the gorgeous dogs we met at our Beverly Hills hotel. Bright eyes, silky coats, and easygoing demeanors. BUT THEY WERE ON OUR ELEVATOR. And seemed inconvenienced when we wanted to ride. Umm, no.
However, we did see this:
But don't be fooled. There's no similar instruction for humans when they go potty on the streets or hills of Los Angeles. And it happens. Believe me.
Final thought: Anything or anyone who would eat the poo you are scooping up should not get equal rights.
What about you? Do you treat your pet better than necessary?
{images: Jamie}
9.16.2009
The Post About Traveling Graces
They put up with me - a person who likens vacation planning to wedding planning. This would explain the occasional appearance of Tripzilla. It might also explain me throwing a hissy fit in the middle of Paramount Studios when we were late and they didn't accommodate our slow-waffle-eating-selves. Pathetic.
Back to the tripmaids. Let's tackle Caryann:
She's just like this getup. Colorful and comfortable. Caryann's also a self-admitted bad manager of time.
And possibly footwear.
She is the best vacationer because she's always looking for an interesting experience and ice cream.
Alli isn't assaulting this fella. Albeit, that wouldn't be completely out of character. She's actually offering to take his picture with a family member or bikini-clad vegan who needs to wash her hair. She was always wanting to help others get quality group pictures.
She was also always on the prowl for a Ross or Marshall's. WE'RE ON VACATION. NO SHOPPING AT DEPARTMENT STORES.
Unless it's Ikea.
As lovely as these two women were, there was a moment when I wanted to punch them in their faces.
We walked 3 miles and I took a picture of San Francisco City Hall.
I wanted to be in a cab.
So what did we do in the city of 43 hills?
Kept walking. Up hill. EVERY WAY.
But I didn't punch them. Do you know why?
Because you would miss moments when they get enthralled with geography. Who knew mapreading could be so fun?
No one.
9.15.2009
The Post About Go West Young Woman
Last week, I rose out of the storms and humidity of Alabama and adventured to California for eight days.
Eight days filled with sights and sounds and tastes of one of my favorite states.
You can argue the left coast will eventually fall into the ocean as a result of faults that shift right or morals that shift into the crapper.
Either way, you should book your ticket.
It's one gorgeous place.
My fellow fighters of the San Francisco hills and the Los Angeles smog were Alli and Caryann. They require more discussion.
Stories to follow...
{images: Jamie}
9.13.2009
The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.35
Read
My companion on the plane ride back from my most recent vacation was a plane full of football fans and this book - The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares. I hesitated to pick this author of the Traveling Pants Series since I'm trying to make more adult-like decisions. However, having Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift in multiple playlists is not helping. This novel was a heartwarming and wrenching tale of two sisters and their longtime friend, Paul, navigating the final season at their summer getaway. What I liked best was the way Brashares provided a thick foundation in the first few chapters for this trio. I instantly felt connected.
Watch
We got to see a taping of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson while in Los Angeles this past week. This is part one of the monologue from that night. He is funny. Seriously. Even during commercials when not legally required to be so.
Listen
I really loved Joy Williams many moons ago. And now I love her again. She has become a new artist in my eyes - more songwriter-ish and less manufactured. She has two EPs out now that are beyond delightful. Songs From This and Songs From That, the latter which includes this song "Speaking a Dead Language."
9.10.2009
The Post About Healthcare Reform and Hot Guys
I learned my lesson. Not everyone can play nice with this particular topic. Just watch any cable news network.
I've disabled comments on this one since I can't easily moderate crazy while in the audience of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Originally posted July 24, 2008
The Post About Dirty Jobs
I write that as someone who didn't have it for 7 years and now does. (Of course, my insurance only has to cover check-ups right now. What if I developed an illness that it wouldn't cover?) I write that as a daughter of parents who pay almost $1000 a month in order to have basic coverage. I write that as a sensible human being who knows that people get sick and deserve help without needing to sell the kidney that the stone came out of.
9.09.2009
The Post About I'm Glad I Didn't Run Away
I recently received a notice from the Post Office regarding the space my postal carrier pulls into to deliver my mail, Apparently it was starting to sink a bit.
This notice was not an FYI.
They expected me to fix it. So I did.
And by "I did" I mean I called my Dad and asked him to fix it.
He did.
One of many reasons why I love my parents. And why I'm codependent.
Originally posted July 7, 2008
The Post about Talking to My Parents
My parents and I had a really great conversation this past week about all kinds of things. I am so glad to be able to have "really great conversation(s)" with my parents. They probably thought it was impossible since most of my chats with them started with one of the following:
- "I didn't plan my money well this month."
- "I locked my __________ in my ________."
- "Can I have this?" (said while pointing to food, dishes, books, furniture...)
The best question that came out of the conversation was "What do you do about the sin of others?" Billy Graham said once "It is God's job to judge, the Holy Spirit's job to convict, and our job to love." We all agreed on that one.
9.08.2009
The Post About 10 {Wishes} on Tuesday
Updates to these:
6. John Krasinski is engaged. Boo.
7. I do have a beautiful red patent tote (take that Valentino.)
Originally posted August 12, 2008
The Post About If I Could
If I could...
1. I would only eat cheez-its, hummus and drink gallons of sweet tea and still lose weight.
2. I would sing like Brooke Fraser and play violin like Martie Maguire.
3. I would speak fluent Spanish with my Hispanic friends at El Vecino and Sabor Latino.
4. I would wear my hair like Princess Leia and people would want to copy my sassy style.
5. I would travel in my time machine to the 4th grade and convince myself not to let my mother pick out my clothes or choose which perm I should get.
6. I would say "yes" to a marriage proposal from John Krasinski, Jack Shephard or an owner of a Chick-Fil-A.
7. I would carry the Valentino Histore Patent Tote in Red and skip to work.
8. I would say things like "You're fly, sugarpie!" and "Don't pee where you can't stand."
9. I would tile my bathroom floor and be featured in Dwell magazine.
10. I would click "Last Minute Deals" on travelocity and then go wherever they said.
If I could...
9.07.2009
The Post About Being in Labor for 5 Days
Except this week.
I'm on vacation. Hopefully you're enjoying this Labor Day in the comfort of breathable cotton while eating something carb-heavy.
While I'm gone, I thought we might do a few past posts that I either enjoyed writing or enjoyed your response to them...
Enjoy.
Originally posted April 23, 2009
The Post About One Day Too Long
Today you get a small glimpse into my daily. Truthfully, you have front row seats for that show anytime you stumble upon this blog, but I decided to do it with intention. I let Sammy the Samsung capture a few moments so you can see what unfolds in a typical day.
I generally wake up at 7am to their faces - Matt and Meredith of the Today show. I find other morning programs to be more annoying than necessary, but Al Roker can prompt that feeling in a new york minute. This is my vanity at the height of scurrying. My alarm clock is the one clock that's 6 minutes fast to remind me to keep moving. Would you like me to explain the sense of that? I would need to refer you to Jan and Chuck's Rabbits because it seems to be a result of parental logic and not real logic.
After a 20 minute commute of good driving, I find myself at my lovely nonprofit where I plan events and market great things like adoption. It's a risky job. It includes an elevator that speaks to you through tremors and labored cranking that it might not kill you to skip the danish in the breakroom. It includes a telephone that rings with consumers who didn't see that line about a silly deadline or who think adoption can help grow their business. It finally includes a little addiction called Outlookism. Hi, my name is Jamie.
At lunch, I always seem to have a craving for Old Navy. Most days, I don't indulge. But today, my internal organs rallied and practically drove the car. I left with a snazzy canvas tote, little lovebug pajamas for my new college-roommate-niece Isabella, and something springy for myself. The US economy will stay on the straight and narrow if my reproductive organs have any say in the matter. And they do.
After work, I headed to church for mid-week services. I choose the downstairs gathering because hanging out with youth keeps you young and upstairs someone often plays an organ and they tend to vote on things - these things specifically get you old. Joseph, minister to students, shows pictures of things that make him laugh, which make most others head tilt and eye roll. He always redeems himself when he opens up the Bible. Good message. Afterwards, I continued a fight with Shawn, my minister of worship, who had talked inappropriately (there's a better word...) about Earth Day on his facebook. I "accidentally" ran into our pastor in the hall and decided to get him fired. It was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, my pastor is more like God in the ways of mercy than in the ways of open the earth and swallow those goobers whole. So I keyed his car**.
Finally, I arrived at my cozy home and consumed a PB&J, nutty buddy bar, and an Anthropologie catalog. I settled in with the blogosphere and Jon Stewart before calling it a day well lived.
Thoughts? Concerns? Suggestions?
**I didn't key his car.
9.05.2009
The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v. 34
**Leaving on a Jet Plane Edition**
Read
This post comes to you while I'm several thousand feet in the air probably staring at someone. I've packed several books, including Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide. This is not your typical vacation fare, but it's perfect for anyone who plans meetings, corporate events, fundraising affairs, or conferences. It's also not too shabby if you're simply planning a big party in your living room. I'm hunkering down in coach with this and a shiny legal pad and aim to plan.
Watch
I'm not really a buyer of movies. I just checked my DVD "pile" and I own the following: Mary Poppins, Twilight, Finding Nemo, and The Star Wars trilogy. That's it. However, I am a HUGE fan of renting movies. And the term "renting" has taken a new turn since Netflix, and RedBox and now my newest pleasure - iTunes movie rentals. For $2.99-$3.99, I can rent a fabulous flick to be enjoyed from the widescreen of Bugs, my iPhone. The Good Shepherd and the Gooder Matt Damon will be joining me on my flight to California.
Listen
While on the left coast, I'll be connecting with one of my favorite people...
9.04.2009
The Post About Keep Calm and Carry On
I need to be filling this bag you see with all good things for a much-needed trip away that will have me landing in California in a mere 24 hours.
I'm dreading the getting there. Two planes requiring 5 hours of recycled air and two 6-oz sodas passed off as sustenance.
Then there's my ADD. This will play out with me having books and mags and podcasts and a movie and SweeTarts packed in my carryon in hopes of defending myself against becoming THAT passenger. You know the one who fidgets and stares. Sometimes out the window. Sometimes at you. You might be awake and quietly reading about stock options or the must-have items found in the SkyMall magazine. You might be sleeping in a contorted position dreaming of solid ground beneath your feet.
It doesn't matter. At some point, without proper medication, I will begin to stare at you. Or your hands. Or your laptop. Neither of us will know what I'm looking for. But I will look nonetheless.
I apologize in advance for creeping out those seated in 22B and 16B.
{image: Jamie}
9.02.2009
The Post About My Neverending Hangover
Truer words have never been stitched.
The roles of alcohol and cigarettes in this play are being performed by excessive competitiveness and the cheese dust settling in my lungs.
It's time for an intervention.
After I get back from vacation.
{image: Jamie}
9.01.2009
The Post About Ovulation Can be Tempting
I wrote once how biracial babies trump uniracial babies. I took that controversial, but solid stance in anticipation of my college roommate giving birth to her caucasianasian baby this Spring.
Please review Exhibit A:
Bella is sorta fabulous.
And likely dehydrated. She produces more drool than a chubby dog in a hot Savannah summer.
Her other hand is missing because I put it in my purse.
Wasn't I nice to leave her one? We agree they are delicious.
Her parents think her hands are delightful as well.
So much so, they keep a closed circuit video feed running from her crib so they can get their fix when she is swaddled and dreaming.
Speaking of her room...
She will chase rabbits too.
Angie and Victor didn't know what they were having until she popped out. Bella did this so quick that Mommy didn't even get the nice drugs.
Ugh.
When she finally arrived, Angie was so relieved and exhausted and full of joy that it took her a second to realize no one yelled out "It's a Boy!" or "It's a Girl!" She asked her husband and mom as she held Bella tight - "What is it?"
Victor quickly replied "It's a boy!"
Umm...no.
She's all girl.
With a closet to match.
{images: Jamie}