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UJ: Women's Rally in DC

This Sunday there was a Rally for Women in Washington, DC. I watched most of it on C-SPAN. The main point of the rally was to bring attention on the issue of women's rights and reproductive health. I think, especially given this administrations stance on abortion and controception, this rally was crucially important.

I was also kinda sad watching it...mainly because I wasn't there. In years past...there is nothing that would have kept me away from a national event like that. And, I think in years past...I was much more of an active feminist than I am now. I had more friends who were active feminists...we worked and lobbied on issues that related to women's rights. Now..I still lobby, mainly on issues of homelessness and poverty, but I do feel this disconnect to the feminist movement. I still feel like just as much of a feminist, but I don't feel like I am as outward about it. I think that is something I need to work on...and to change.

Shelley

UJ: much love for jack black

I love Jack Black. I do...seriously...I am smitten with him. He rocks my world...makes me laugh so hard. I think 'School of Rock' is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a LONG time.

He makes me laugh...which makes him dreamy.

He beats to his own drummer...which yes, is very sexy.

and I just love his little belly.

Shelley hearts Jack Black

UJ: tornado watch

There are a couple tornado watches in Indiana tonight. They have come and gone...and are more North than where I am. It caused some damage, but I think everyone is okay.

I grew up on the east coast...so, I don't have a lot of hands on experience with tornados. But in a nutshell...on a global and not personal level, I am very attracted to them. They are so beautiful in structure and form...and so powerful. I understand the gravity of how destructive they can be...that people's lives and homes can be destroyed. But, I can't help being a little obsessed and attracted to them.

If I heard there was a tornado watch in my area..I would want to be outside and watching it. I probably wouldn't because it isn't safe...but I would hate the idea of it happening...without me being able to witness it.

The power and beauty....it breathtaking...from afar...and as long as it isn't your loved ones and your house that it is going through.

Shelley

UJ: sunny sunday

It is so beautiful today...even warmer and nicer than it was yesterday. Yesterday....the sun was out and it was in the high 70s. It was gorgeous. I had to work for most of the day at a Celebration of Families event in town...had to represent my agency, etc. I didn't really mind though..since it was so beautiful and got to see some co-workers who I really like.

And then today...working again, but once again...I don't mind. It is for a pretty good cause. Today is the annual homeless walk. We walk 5K and also raise money and awareness about the issue of homelessness here. I am so happy about the weather...right now, it is 80 degrees and the temp is climbing. I think it will top out at about 85 today. Gotta love that.

I am gonna get me some sun today...all for a good cause too.

Much love to you all...

Shelley

tax day!

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I have been having some strange dreams lately...mainly about some stuff that isn't resolved in my life. I can tell ya...I am not happy about it.

I liked it better when I didn't remember what I dreamt.

Shelley

UJ: fuzzy bunnies

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday.

What does easter mean to me?

Three Words.

Cadbury Mini Eggs!

oh yeah...and Peeps...stale Peeps!

*winks*

Shelley

UJ: My obsession with the Apprentice

I've written before that I shamefully love Donald Trump's show, 'The Apprentice.' I admit it...I enjoy it...I look forward to seeing it each and every week. And yep...I care who wins. As for proof of how obsessed I am with this reality show...here is an incredibly long post with my thoughts:

I didn't watch it until they moved it to Thursday nights...and since then, I have been hooked.

So, last night...there were 4 players left in the game and during the show, 2 more would be fired. Their final competition as a foursome was to go through a grueling set of interviews with 4 people in Trump's company...who he completely trusts.

In the end, Nick and Amy got sent home. I thought Kwame might get sent home, but in the end...I wasn't surprised it was Nick or Amy. It wouldn't have been my choice, but I also understand why the decision was made. The game is now between Bill and Kwame.

I have said before...Nick is my guy. One, on a girly level...I think he is easy on the eyes and has charm and charisma through the roof. But, more than that...since I would never select someone because they were charming and pretty, if it were me, I would have hired Nick. I think Nick has the personality to lead people...and sometimes that is more important than the skill sets needed to lead. I think Nick knows the value of establishing a personal relationship and what that can mean in the future. When I decided about Nick...it was during the episode where they had to raise money by riding the bikes around NYC. I was sold on Nick when one of the signs fell off...and there was an issue as to whether or not to refund the money to the business. Bill told Nick to meet with the guy and talk him into accepting as little money back as possible. Nick met with the guy...and gave him all the money back. Nick said he felt like he needed to do the right thing...and that he couldn't try to swindle this man out of his money when he didn't get the service. Also, Nick mentioned that the personal and business relationship was more important to business than the few hundred dollars he might be giving back. I would want someone like that working for me...someone who has a sense of what is right and what is wrong, a strong sense of business...and someone who sees the big picture. Bill was worried about the couple hundred dollars...Nick was seeing the big picture. So, if I were Trump...I would have selected Nick. I think he needs some mentorship and some experience, but I think he is a gem...and a keeper.

I was HAPPY to see Amy go, well...kind of. I was saddened that now there are no longer any women in the game. Do we remember how this show started? In the first 5 competitions...when it was men vs. women...the women won every time. Since the teams got mixed up...the women have slowly disappeared. I think the women became their own enemy. I am saddened though...that obviously these women showed such strength...and now, none of them are remaining.

But, as for Amy...I am happy to see her go. I never thought she was that amazing to begin with. I think she manipulates things...and outright lies when something happened that would not make her look good. Example? In the episode where they had to do an event at the Taj Mahal. Amy had the idea for the rental car...which blew. When Trump asked whose idea it was...hmm, what did Amy say? Amy says, "Oh, I don't remember whose idea it was...." I don't want someone working for me...who will lie to their employer to save their own ass. I also think Amy's ego needed to be checked...big time. I think she thought that this game was hers to win...and because of that, she wasn't effective...she was annoying. Amy deserved to get fired....and now, she seems to be living in the bitter barn with Nick!

Bill and Kwame are battling out now...with former Apprentice players as their employees instead of their teammates. They have to plan and run a Trump event and whoever does the best job is hired. How interesting! I think that Kwame and Bill...both made some pretty big mistakes, so if I was hiring...I am not sure I would want to hire either of them.

Bill: Until last night, I was VERY impressed with Bill. I think he will probably win the game now, but I think he is screwing up. Bill went from a team player to a cocky guy in a matter of minutes. I was not impressed with how Bill started dealing with people once he became the "boss." The biggest mistake for me...is his arrogant attitude and how he is treating the people he is doing the event for. Bill's event is on a golf course...and through the whole episode, he proceeded to just piss off everyone who is working at the golf course. He is acting like only his concerns matter...and he bluntly said so to the camera. How is that establishing a relationship with the people there? Do you think any of the people at the golf course would want to do an event again with Bill? I would think not. And...he doesn't seem to be working at all as a team with his "employees." I would careful...cause I think Bill's team might be more interested in sabotaging him than Kwame's...since Bill's "employees" like Amy and Nick...are completely living in the bitter barn, so working hard for Bill might not be their top priority. Anyways...I think Bill's attitude and arrogance sucks...so for that, I think he is failing at this job.

And KWAME: In my opinion, Kwame isn't doing that well either. Each player had to pick 3 employees...and I just don't get why Kwame chose Amarosa. I really don't...what was she going to bring to the team? He had Heidi and Nick still to choose from...what was he thinking? Amarosa was just doing to bring drama to whatever team she was on.

I think Heidi hit the nail on the head when she talked about the problem with Kwame...he is non-confrontational and he is unwilling to not be the nice guy. Kwame did some things extremely well...he involved his players in the plan and really treated them like a team, not just lowly employees. I think that was very good...but his dealing with Amarosa was terrible. She outright lied to him...and has put his whole event at jeopardy by losing the talent through her lack of attention to details. What do I think Kwame should have done? I think Kwame should have fired her. I think Trump would have loved that....I think it would have shown amazing leadership qualities on Kwame's part. It would have been a hard thing to do, but I think it would have made Kwame's team stronger...and more likely to succeed. I think Kwame is smart as can be...and he is one heck of a nice guy....but, I don't see that he has the instinct of an executive...and that he is a leader.

I don't think much of Bill or Kwame anymore, but if I had to choose one...I would pick Kwame. I think Kwame could learn over time to be a leader...but, I don't see Bill learning to lose that arrogance and attitude. Hmm...I'll be watching next Thursday to see what happens.

Reality TV is the devil....but lord, I love that devil!

*winks*

Shelley

UJ: Let America Be America

I have written numerous times about how I do not support this war we are in...how I do not feel that the war with Iraq is doing anything to stop terrorism...and how I feel that Dubya is using the tragedy of 9/11 in order to push his agenda and wipe out Iraq.

I watched most of the Rice interview with the 9/11 commission. It was pretty much what I expected...I was impressed with how hard they committee pushed her. And of course...the answers seemed more like election spin doctoring...than actually finding out what happened and trying to prevent another attack from happening. It seems like Bush NEEDS 9/11 to be an asset for him when he is campaigning...and that frustrated and offends me.

But..while I was at someone else's journal, I got directed to the following link. And...in a very powerful and visual way, it explains why I have such a response to this war in Iraq. I am not only angry because we have been lied to as a nation...and that we have been used in a pawn in order to further a political agenda, but I am angry...and frustrated because it is doing more harm than good.

This little clip explains my point very well.

VIEWER BEWARE: There are a few pictures of the casualty and tragedy of war in this...and some may find them graphic. I think they serve their purpose and are appropriate, but wanted to prepare people.

http://www.disgraced.org/pax.html

*sighs*

Shelley

UJ: happy bday to you...

Today is my brother's birthday. He is 29 today. I don't think he reads this journal, but happy birthday to him anyways!

Happy Birthday to you....
Happy Birthday to you....
Happy Birthday dear ol' brother o' mine....
Happy Birthday to you....

I hope he gets to enjoy the day!

Love,

Shelley

UJ: lazy morn'

I spent half the day home from work today...mainly because I haven't been feeling well. I started to feel kinda icky on Saturday...felt sore, but ok on Sunday...and then just felt misreable on Monday. If I could have left work...and just spent the day in bed, I would have.

So, I planned to take the first half of the day off today...rest up and feel better. I don't have time to be sick...and really was upset that I was getting sick.

Of course, I feel better this morning...since I had the time to stay home. Yesterday, I felt pretty ill...but had to be at work. I think...that I wasn't sick and it was a mild case of food poisoning...I ate some cheese that I think was "not-so-good." See....dairy is bad! BAD!!!

I enjoyed my half day...and now, I am getting ready to head back to work. There is too much to do...for me to stay home if I am no longer actively feeling sick. But, it was nice to be able to relax this morning, read some email...catch up on some things.

Oh yeah...I also got to watch an episode or two of Dawson's Creek...now, yes..it is cheesy TV, but well...I will admit it, I love it!

*winks*

Shelley

P.S. Pacey is hot!

had the most bizarre dream last night....

I was working for a friend...and I can't remember which friend it was...but, I was working at his store in the mall in my hometown. And as I was working in the store...people I knew kept dropping by...people I knew in high school...people I knew in college. Mainly people I haven't seen in years.

Then, there ended up being a strip tease show in the middle of the mall...and my friends from college were excited that they were in it. Now...this is bizarre because my friends in college were almost all feminists, if not radical ones. So, my real friends from college...they would more likely be protesting this strip tease...in a mall mind you, but instead they were getting all excited to be a part of it. Bizarre.

Then I left for lunch...and went to the mall food court. I could find no food that I wanted...and decided on an egg roll. I asked if it had meat in it...and the guy promised no. So, I started eating the egg roll...and as I was walking back to the store...I noticed there was meat in the eggroll. There was steak all mixed in it. So, I spit out what I was eating...but then it got weird. I kept finding meat in my mouth...I would spit it out and more meat would show up there. I just couldn't get it out of my mouth. Bizarre, eh?

Sometimes it is so strange....when you wake up and realize that a bizarre dream was just had. A dream about working at a mall....with a strip tease act in the middle...and then the constant meat. Hmmm...I hope no one plans on psycho analyzing that! I usually never remember my dreams...let's hope they all aren't like that! lol

Happy Monday Morning All....

Shelley

UJ: the jersey in all of us!

I just got back from seeing Jersey Girl. I decided to go see a matinee, so it wouldn't be so expensive. I decided I deserved a movie...even if they are WAY overpriced.

I thought it was cute...definitely not Kevin Smith's usual type of role, but I was glad to see him do something different. The first 20 minutes or so...are pretty serious and sad...and I am not used to that in a film that Kevin does though.

There's an Aimee Mann song in the movie, which of course is a plus! And I think that Benji and Liv Tyler make an adorable couple on screen, so that's another plus. And the little girl in this movie...you know, the Jersey Girl...she's too cute for words. Finally...George Carlin...so funny!

All in all...a good movie and a needed laugh. Who knows...I might even see it again, if it comes to the cheap seats. I was going to stay...and either see Taking Lives or Eternal Sunshine on a Spotless Mind, but well...I figured one movie was enough...for me and my bank account!

*winks*

Shelley

UJ: woe is me....

So far my weekend is going better than my cranky mood on Friday. I had to work today, but it was a volunteer activity with a bunch of kids from a local church, so it was lots of fun.

There is a laundry list of reasons why I was pissed at the world on Friday...most of them don't bear repeating since they really weren't that much of a tragedy, just common stressors. One is sticking with me though...

I have mentioned this before...I had this friend in grad school and then for the year after. We hung out a lot and she was probably my closest friend in Bloomington. Well...over the last 9 months or so...we haven't been friends...in fact, we haven't even talked. It's been hard for me...but something that a month or so ago, I think I finally accepted and got over it.

Well...it feels like that gaping wound has been opened again...and salt rubbed right in it. I saw this friend on IM...and decided to stop being angry and stubborn and say hello. I was angry she hasn't called or IMed or emailed, etc...but instead of just being angry, I just decided to IM her and see what was up. We had a pretty blah converstion..."Hey, how are you? How is work? How's the family?" And then at the end of the conversation...she says that it would be nice to get together, etc. So, I told her I am home most nights...and to give me a call. She said ok and that she would call me next week.

Well...you guessed it...next week has come and gone and my phone hasn't rung. I guess I should have learned my lesson months ago...when she stopped calling then. You know...I never knew I was such a bother than she couldn't make a 5 minute phone call. Yep, it pisses me off...and hurts me too. It reminds me how much my friendship doesn't matter to her.

I know...I know...I should stop letting her make me feel that way. I know that in my head...but easier said than done. Anyhow...that is the woe is me...Shelley once again lets herself feel like a disregarded doormat. But in the end...it's no one's fault but my own.

Note to self: next time, just close the IM window...

Shelley

UJ: grumble, grumble...

There are just some days when the whole world just pisses you off.

Today is one of those days.

That is all. Carry on.

Shelley

UJ: signing the next year away

I had the day off of work today, which was nice, refreshing...and a welcomed breather. I am working this weekend again...so, I needed to take some time during the week and it ended up being today.

I got some errands run today...got to sleep in until about 9am, which usually never happens...cleaned my apartment a little bit...and just relaxed.

Oh yeah...and I signed a lease at the little apartment I was looking at. I am going to be moving to the new place sometime in June. It is a small, little place...but, I live by myself, so small is just fine by me. Also, the rent is significantly less than what I pay right now...so, that is the major selling point. Plus..there is only one other apartment there and it is very quiet. The other person living there is NOT a student and they said she was looking for a quiet place to live too. I am going to really enjoy living in a place where I can sleep...and not only when it is convenient for my neighbor and his loud stereo. Finally...it is closer to work than the place I am at now. I will be able to walk to work on most days...which will be a nice, built in exercise and will save on gas mileage and wear and tear on my car. All in all...it seems like the perfect place for me, so I feel lucky that I found it.

The only downside...it is on the second floor, so now I am dreading moving all my stuff from my apartment now to the new one..and up that flight of stairs. Luckily...some of my friends are helping and my daddy is coming out soon. Did I mention how much I adore my daddy? He's the best daddy EVER!!!

Shelley