A glimmer of hope on the job front....

I just got a call from the HR person at a job I sent my resume to...and I sent the resume YESTERDAY! It won't be a great paying job...but I think I could really like doing it.

She had a question for me...and said that she thought I was an extremely strong candidate. They are going to be setting up interviews soon...well, within the next couple of weeks.

So, hopefully I will get one...and knock their socks off!

I still have three more resumes to send out too...I hit the jackpot with Sunday's job postings since they were a bunch working with homelessness and women and children.

Maybe my anxiety and restless nights....was for a purpose...to get me up and looking again...instead of wallowing in my unemployment blues!

Wish me luck...if you happen across this entry!

Shelley

Friday Feast...a little late!

Hey y'all...here is the Friday Feast just a tad late!

Enjoy!

Appetizer
What is a word that your family uses that would not be considered common?
Well....my brother and I call each other insulting names as terms of endearment...like I will call his a gutter whore and he will turn around and call me a slutbag, etc. But...the whole family doesn't partake in that. I guess we call people a bumble butt...if we think they are a fool. I called my dad it once...and it stuck.


Soup
What theme of calendar do you have on your wall this year?
I don't. I stopped having wall calendars years ago. I never use them...and never ever write on them, so it is a waste of money and space for me.


Salad
Name 3 people you speak with on a daily basis.
Umm...this would have been a lot easier when I lived in Indiana...I talked to numerous people every single day. Let's see...since I moved back east...probably my mom, my dad and my cat. Yep...that's a hopping social life! *winks*


Main Course
If you could put a new tattoo on someone you know - who would it be, what would the tattoo be of, and where would you put it on them?
Hmm...this is an interesting and kind of hard one. I think tattoos are so personal, so it is hard to say what you would put on someone else's body permenantly. I had a group of girl friends from college and I would design something that signified our posse...and anyone who wanted one could get one. That's about as specific as I can get on this one. Bizarre question...just bizarre.

Dessert
What is the last beverage you drank out of a glass bottle?
Water. I drink most things out of a bottle. I drink about 100 oz of water a day...all from water bottles. So, there ya go!

Hope ya enjoyed the Friday Feast!

Shelley

restless nights...

I have bouts with insomnia from time to time....it usually means I am stressing about something.

Well, I had one last night. I got tired about 11:30pm...but once I lied down to go to sleep, I could not fall asleep. At about 12:30ish...I clicked the TV back on and watched for a little bit...then I tried to sleep...then I watched more TV...then tried to sleep... You get the picture!

So, 3am rolls around and I am still awake...and not happy about...knowing that my alarm is going to go off at 6:30am and that I am supposed to be working out at 8am.

I finally did get to sleep...don't ask me what time. And...when my alarm went off, I considered skipping my class, but instead...I got up, had my breakfast and went to the class. I was tired, but glad I went.

I think the no sleep is due to some anxiety about still not having a job. I think that I thought I would have one by now. I have made it to the second and final rounds a few times over...but never had the position offered to me. I know that two months isn't a long time...especially when money isn't an issue, but I can tell...it is still getting under my skin.

I am sending out a few more resumes and have a few resumes currently out there. So, I am going to just have to relax and give myself a break. I know I am a good employee...and that sooner or later, I will find an employer who values that. But...I wish it would be sooner or later.

Shelley

random questions of the hour....

I saw this over at Jen's so I thought...why not and filled it out. Do the same, why dontcha!

Your name spelled backwards.
yellehS

Where were your parents born?
My mom was born in York Beach, ME and my dad was born somewhere in PA.

What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
A virus update...I know how boring!

What’s your favorite restaurant?
The Encore Cafe in Bloomington...I would eat there everyday if I could. Their veggie chili is to die for!

Last time you swam in a pool?
Oh my...I couldn't even tell you. I might have been years ago.

Have you ever been in a school play?
Yep...bunches.

How many kids do you want?
I am pretty sure I don't want any.

Type of music you dislike most?
Country...no, rap....no, country....no, rap....no, country. You get the idea.

Are you registered to vote?
Yes I am! I would register twice if they let me. I need to re-register in NY though.

Do you have cable?
We do!

Have you ever ridden on a moped?
Yes, I have. My dad had one when I was a kid.

Ever prank call anybody?
Yeppers

Ever get a parking ticket?
Yep, but I got it over-turned, so I didn't have to pay it!

Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
For sure, sign me up!

Farthest place you ever traveled.
Spain

Do you have a garden?
My family does...but I don't tend to it.

What’s your favorite comic strip?
I don't think I have one...don't read em.

Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?
I do.

Bath or Shower, morning or night?
Shower, in the evening or right after I workout.

Best movie you’ve seen in the past month?
Kill Bill Vol. 2

Favorite pizza topping?
Olive and mushroom

Chips or popcorn?
Popcorn

What color lipstick do you usually wear?
Don't usually wear it...and I have a few colors when it is required. They are pretty light though, so it is hard to tell I have lipstick on, even when I wear it.
I don’t wear lipstick.

Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
Is that what the kids are doing these days? No, I haven't.

Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
Yeah, when I was little...but everyone seemed to win and it was just an excuse to get all dressed up and to get to be on a float in the parade! lol

Orange Juice or apple?
Apple

Who was the last person you went out to dinner with and where did you dine?
I went out with my parents and we went to Applebee's.

Favorite type chocolate bar?
Milky Way

When was the last time you voted at the polls?
2003

Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
Yesterday...mom grows them in the garden.

Have you ever won a trophy?
Yep...dance trophy and them one for a dorky science thing.

Are you a good cook?
Good...no. Acceptable...yes.

Do you know how to pump your own gas?
Of course I do.

Ever order an article from an infomercial?
Yep. Too many diet things...that of course never worked.

Sprite or 7-up?
Diet Sprite

Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work?
Yep, numerous times.

Last thing you bought at a pharmacy?
Hmm...can't remember. I don't think I have bought anything since I bought the meds to get over having strep.

Ever throw up in public?
Nope.

Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love?
Both....lol I would prefer happiness.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
Nope, I think it is a romantic notion. I think that when love happens it is hard work.

Ever call a 1-900 number?
Nope.

Can ex’s be friends?
Yes, as long as they are truly an ex.

Who was the last person you visited in a hospital?
My mom.

Did you have a lot of hair when you were a baby?
Tons. I was born with a full head of hair that went halfway down my back.

What message is on your answering machine?
Don't have one. But my cell phone says... "Hey, you've reached Shelley's phone. Sorry you missed me, leave a message and I will get right back to you." BEEP!

What’s your all time favorite Saturday Night Live Character?
It's old now...but it is Goat Boy! BAAAHHHH!

What was the name of your first pet?
Lynx, my first cat.

What is in your purse?
Purse? What is this thing? I don't own one. Seriously.

Favorite thing to do before bedtime?
I don't really have a ritual...probably my fav thing would be to talk to someone I adore on the phone before bed.

What is one thing you are grateful for today?
My friends and family.

There ya go!

Shelley

Iraqi death toll

As of this very moment...962 US soldiers have died since the war in Iraq began.

I support the US troops...and the best way I can support them, is to not support this adminstration and to want them to come home.

Much love to the soldiers and their families,

Shelley

Olympic Fever!

I originally said that I wasn't very interested in the Olympics...and didn't plan on watching much of it, but....that's isn't quite true. I have at times been watching them like a mad fool!

Initially...I just wasn't very jazzed about the games, but once they started...that feeling really changed. I have such a passion for sports...so it didn't take much for the Olympic spirit to be in full force. I have been amazed by these athletes and the competition...the hype...and the controversy. It's really been an amazing experience to watch.

First off...Michael Phelps...the swimming machine. I usually am not too interested in swimming...I'll watch it, but not something I am eager to see. Phelps changed that for me. One, he is so phenomenal...he's 19 and without a doubt one of the best swimmers in the world, if not the best. He won 8 medals...6 gold and 2 bronze. I was really exciting watching him swim. Oh yeah, it doesn't hurt that he is hot...yep...quite a hottie! lol And finally...he is a great sportsman. He has nothing but positive and kind things to say about his teammates and his competitors....and of course, he gave up his spot in the finals of the relay for his teammate, so that he could share the gold medal with him. That is an amazing gesture...and I am not sure that any other athlete would have done that. Phelps said that he is enjoying the personal spotlight, but he hopes that it brings attention to the sport of swimming, not just for him...and for me, that works. I am much more interested in swimming than I was a week ago...and that is all due to Michael Phelps.

and let's talk about gymnastics. I think it is an amazing and incredibly difficult sport. I used to do a smidge of gymnastics when I was a kid....until I started getting taller and taller...and I realized I was quite afraid of heights! I can't even imagine being able to do what those athletes do, both the women and the men.

And poor Paul Hamm...the kid who came from behind to win a gold medal on the all around. And then...the controversy comes....he is told that the Korean athlete wasn't scored correctly and he should have won. Now he is being told he doesn't deserve his medal and that he should be a bigger person and give the medal back. So, do I think he should give the medal back? No, I don't. One..it isn't his place. The Olympic committee should make that decision and not put it on Paul. They said that they can't change the medals, but that Paul could give it back. Come on..make a decision and stick with it. And secondly...yes, the judges made mistakes, but if you continue to review the tapes...the Korean athlete made another error which wasn't scored and he could have finished in fourth. So, you can't look back. Paul Hamm was Gold. He is a Gold medalist....and nothing should be said differntly, in my opinion.

And I am also watching sports such as track and field, beach volleyball (where the US women are doing SO well), basketball (where the men are losing all over the place), diving (where is scary as all hell to me), and many other sports. I thought I was going to think the Olympics were boring...but, I couldn't be more wrong. I have enjoyed watching the events...and have been really proud of the US showing so far.

Shelley

Movie Review: Kill Bill Vol. 2

So, as I said before...I saw Kill Bill Vol. 2 last week. I also saw Kill Bill Vol. 1 a few weeks before.

First of all...I waver back and forth about what I think about Quention Taratino. Sometimes I love his work and something it just doesn't do anything for me. Pulp Fiction was brilliant, but Reservoir Dogs did nothing for me. So, I wasn't sure what I would think about the Kill Bill movies.

Well, I find it hard to talk about Vol. 2 without even mentioning Vol. 2. Everyone talked about how gruesome and violent Vol. 1 was...and yes, it had numerous fight scenes and such, but I didn't think it was overwhelming violent, especially for a Tarantino flick. The violence almost seemed cartoonish to me...which made it seems less real and therefore less gruesome. And...the choreography of the battles were amazing...so, I think I was more impressed by the art of it all. After seeing the first movie, I was really looking forward to the second one.

I rented Vol. 2 and ended up watching it with my dear ol' daddio. He didn't see the first movie, but decided to watch the second one. And it is true...that you don't need to see the first one to see the second one, even though I think you should. I think that Vol. 2 does stand alone...but that the two movies together make a really dynamic package.

Vol. 2 was much more story and dialogue centered than the first one...and it shows just how much Quentin shines when it comes to writing really intelligent and thought provoking dialogue. One thing I notice about Quentin...his writing is so sharp. All of the interchanges have purpose...he doesn't tell you something unless there is a reason to do so. I really respect that...since I often see writers writing for the sake of dialogue or to make a moving statement. Quentin does move the audience, but he does it with purpose.

Another things about this movie...and something I think Quentin also does well...he takes flawed and dark characters and really brings them to life. This movie is all about badass, hitmen...and how they are now turning on one another. But, he shows the variety of emotions that we all have. He shows how envy and revenge bring people to places they didn't want to go....they show how pure love can shine through even the most dark souls. He shows how someone can have compassion in one moment and then turn around and without flinching can commit such gruesome acts.

Uma's character, 'The Bride' was a paid assassin just like the rest of them...the only difference is that they turned on their own and now she is out for revenge. Uma is the heroine...the one we root for, but she is also a cold blooded killer. Some may think that is sick, but I think it is such an interesting story to tell.

And now is the always present feminist response....the women in this movie are amazing. Quentin decided to tell a story that involved some amazing smart and strong women. One, there is Uma...who is the woman out for revenge...out to Kill Bill, but she also does it with such committment, force, strength and intelligence. And she isn't the only one...Uma also fights two amazing women in this story, Lucy Lui and Darryl Hannah. Yep...Darryl Hannah is flopping in the surf waiting for the likes of Tom Hanks to save her in this film. She is tough and unforgivening...and smart and strong...and yes, evil. In most films...all of these characters would be men. I really appreciate a story like this being told with strong and dedicated women.

I don't want to say too much...which I probably already have, but I highly recommend this film. Without spoiling people...I think it is amazing. I was really glad I saw it...and I wish there was Kill Bill Vol 3, 4 and 5!

So...head to Blockbuster and rent Kill Bill why dontcha!

Shelley

UJ: vacation no more

Hmm...well, I was *supposed* to go on vacation next week. I was *supposed* to be going to Arizona with a friend to visit another friend.

Well...I am going to be staying here and on most days, I am going to be going into work...to be dealing with something or another. There is a lot of stuff going on at work and some of these meetings and retreats and such, I feel if I miss them...it will make my work so much harder.

So, my vacation won't be much of a vacation....and it's probably the right thing to do, but it still sucks.

Shelley

This Week's Friday's Feast

This week's Friday's Feast is up, so here it is:

Appetizer
What does the color pink make you think of?
It makes me think of a girly girl. I have always not liked the color pink. One, I have red hair, so pink really isn't my color...no matter what Molly Ringwald happens to think...I am not pretty in pink. Two, it just seems like a really meak color. And three...the color pink reminds me of Pepto Bismo...and that's not a good thing. You could say I don't have kind thoughts when it comes to pink.

Soup
Name something you have lost but later found.
Oh, I lose things all the time. I used to lose my keys on almost a daily basis when I was in college. I'll just say that at one point...I have lost my mind and then found it.

Salad
In 3 words, describe this past week.
Pretty Boring Actually.

Main Course
What are you obsessed with?
Oh, so many things. I get obsessed quite easily...not in a Fatal Attraction way, but still.... I either don't do something at all...or I do it to death. Probably one of my biggest obsession is music...it just fills my soul. I love music and what it brings to the world. So, when I find a band or a musician I love...I easily get obsessed with it. I also get obsessed with social justice and politics...I think it comes from wanting desperately to have a world that thinks of others...and a world that makes strong and heartfelt choices. So, I easily get wrapped up and maybe obsessed with political matters. I might have a new obsession tomorrow...I'll let ya know!

Dessert
What kind of perfume or cologne do you like to wear?
I am a Bath and Body Works kind of girl...I should own stock in the stuff. I love the natural scents though...and I usually go for the fruity, earthy and non-floral smells. So, if you ever are pondering a gift for Shelley...Bath and Body Works is always a safe bet!

There is the Friday Feast ...go fill it out yourself, why dontcha!

Friday Feast Rewind....

Hey all....

In my old blog, I used to do the Friday Feast but since I didn't have a blog...I haven't gotten around to it in a few weeks. They should update for today's feast this afternoon...but here is last week's Friday's Feast.

Appetizer
Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?
This may seem like a strange answer...since he isn't actually considered an anchorman, but my answer is Jon Stewart of the Daily Show. I adoringly love him...because he is funny and because through comedy...he actually informs people about what is going on in the world, especially in the political realm. I really look forward to watching The Daily Show every night.

Salad
If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?
Hmm...Newtown? Just kiddin! I think I would find someway to name it after Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She's an amazing woman...who spent her life fighting for the rights of those who did not have them...so she deserves much more than to have a town named after her.

Main Course
What will most likely be the next book you read?
Hmm, not sure. I am just finishing Hillary's book...so maybe I will keep it in the family and read Bill's book, but then again...it's 900 pages long!

Dessert
What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?
Oh, it's eyes. If someone has gorgeous eyes....it just pulls me in. hummina!

There ya go...I should be back this afternoon for this week's Friday's Feast!

Shelley

Movie Review: Bad Santa

So, I rented a couple of DVDs last night...I rented Kill Bill Vol. 2 (which I will get to later) and Bad Santa. Well, I thought that I would think Bad Santa was crude, but hella funny. Let me say:

WORST
MOVIE
EVER!!!

I am not a fan of that film....at all. I don't think I laughed once. I think a lot has to do with how much I thoroughly dislike Billy Bob, but still...I just didn't think it was funny. I kept waiting and waiting for it to be funny. I got the unrated Badder Santa version too...so who knows, maybe I would have thought the just simple Bad Santa would have been funnier.

Why didn't I think it was funny? Well...I thought the plot line moved way too slow so that the Santa character could be as crass and mean to children and adults around him as possible. I thought the Santa character was so unrewarding that I didn't care when he wanted to help the little kid he was living with...that twist of the movie didn't resonate with me at all. And...I guess I just didn't find a movie funny that told the man joke for 90 minutes...swearing as much at kids as possible. Just not funny!

If you have seen it...and well, find it funny...feel free to tell me about the error of my ways.

More on my take of Kill Bill Vol. 2 later...which was much more satisfying!

Shelley

Oh vey...and here it begins!

Hey all...I hope that some people find their way here. Welcome to Shelley's blog!!!

I had a blog at ujournal.org for years...where I rambled about what was going on in my life, ranted from time to time and bored readers with reckless abandon! It seems as if ujournal is not only down, but dead in the water. It's kinda sad...because I wrote there for years and to lose all of that and all. I wish I could read over some of those entries and remember where I was at that moment...the good and the bad.

But, it also isn't a bad thing...in some ways. This blog is a new start....a new place to write. In many ways...I was feeling like my old blog was very stagnant and yep, boring. So, I am starting again...I realized through not being able to write that I missed it. I missed being able to process things on this lovely blog and to just be able to rant something as it comes up.

I hope that this place won't bore people to tears....and that I keep finding things I want to comment on. If you are reading...feel free to leave a comment and say hello.

*winks*

Shelley