old skool

Seven Quick Takes (v.9)

As always, visit ConversionDiary.com to read more quick takes or  better yet, participate!

1. I've had a really, really busy week. A lot is going on at work (I'm preparing for a press conference on the 26th and a big launch of something on the 2nd) and I'm trying to make sure I've covered everything. I've never done this before, so maybe next time around it will be easier. However, my workload at work is making my workload at school become a 2nd priority. At this point I'm just going for a B and a C. How pathetic. I never thought I would reach this point, but that is all I need to graduate. I usually hate to even make a B--so the fact that it has come to this? Sad. Oh well.

2. I'm setting up for a big meeting and presentation today when my a guy calls me on my work cell phone. I presume he first called my office and when I didn't answer (wasn't there), called my cell. He's like "Oh hi Jill, this is so-and-so. Do you have a minute?" I tried to be polite, and responded, "Actually I don't, I'm sorry. I'm getting ready for a really big meeting here in about 15 minutes."

His response? "Well, I hope it's an important meeting."

Are you kidding me?! This is a guy I have met once. In December. ONCE. Further, I hadn't heard from him since that initial meeting. I'm not typically a "what's-in-it-for-me" type person, but he's calling me because he wants something from me, not because he has something to offer. I just said, "You know, actually it is a very important meeting. I have a launch on April 2nd and this meeting is critical." Perhaps he was expecting me to be a shrinking violet, because when I said that and didn't back down...he changed his tone. Grr! What I really wanted to say was: "Ya know what buddy, you're only screwing yourself."

3. This is also work-related. I really have nothing else to talk about (sorry), but this one is funny. I talked to an older gentleman on the phone this week. Later that same day, I got a voicemail from him. Based on what he said, he did not remember he had talked to me. Fair enough, maybe he made a lot of calls. The next day though, he leaves another voicemail, and it was like he still didn't remember that he'd talked to me OR that he'd left me a voicemail. I sort of felt sorry for the guy!

4. The weather has been so nice this week, I am really excited for warm weather! Several days this week I rolled the windows down in my car...it was so nice to get some fresh air! I saw people out walking, wearing shorts, and a number of people running outside. It made me wish I was one of them (and I'm not much of a runner, though I need to be).

5. My Kentucky Wildcats won today! Woohoo! GO CATS! You can't consider yourself a true Kentuckian if you don't love Kentucky basketball. They played their first game in the SEC Tournament at 1:00 today. Fortunately we have cable at work, so I kept popping into the break room to catch a few minutes of the game. It is SO fun to get excited about UK basketball after a few abysmal years with the last coach. I would LOVE to be in Nashville catching some of the tournament!

6. I am in love with this apron. I guess I have a thing for red and polka dots, since I purchased a custom camera strap for my Canon 30D that is red w/white dots. My cousin told me it looked like I had a Minnie Mouse camera now. So I guess that means this is truly a Minnie Mouse apron,  but that's okay. I love it!

7. I am considering changing the name of my blog. Old Skool is kind of dumb. Yes I am "old" to be in school, but pretty soon I won't be (in school, that is). Plus it is just dumb--it doesn't tell you anything about me. Right now, I'm having a bit of trouble thinking of something unique. Any ideas?

That's all for now kids! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

2009: In Review

In keeping with all the other cool kids in the blog-iverse...I thought it only appropriate to post "a year in pictures." 2009 was a good year, albeit one full of changes.

January 2009

We rang in 2009 at the home of our friends Steve & Alicia.
(and I fell in love with their brown leather couch.)

We got a new dog! Taffy, on the right, was transported to us from Tennessee. We found her on Petfinder.com, the same site we used to find Lilly.

February 2009

Lilly and Taffy wished the bloggers a Happy Valentine's Day! :)

My hubby surprised me with calla lillies--same as our wedding flowers--and a Red Door Spa gift certificate for Valentine's Day!
(I apparently didn't take many pictures this month)

March 2009

After a weekend of really warm temperatures...we got over a foot of snow!

We celebrated hubby's 28th birthday at Mohegan Sun

April 2009

Taffy got caught tearing up her toy

We went to our friends Chris & Priya's house for Chris's birthday (he is standing, 2nd from the left)

 

With friends Alicia & Priya...miss them *tear*

May 2009

I joined Priya and her Dicey Divas for Bunco...and filmed her "Mini Bar in a Box" video.

Some of my family came to visit! This is my cousin's daughter at the beach in Rhode Island...

...and this is their son! He loved chasing after those birds!

A week after my family left, I went to Kentucky for my cousin Stephanie's wedding! She looked absolutely beautiful!

June 2009

I got to hang out with my friend Elizabeth, a former co-worker who moved to Boston for the Northwestern MBA program. This was shortly after she'd returned from a trip to South America--for school! I don't get to do things like that in my MBA program. Dang!

A wedding shower was held for my friend and co-worker Dana. Her wedding was in mid August and I was unable to attend because of all the back-and-forth traveling :(

July 2009

Well...while I might not have done much, Taffy sure was busy with the flip flops! July marked my last day of work at United Way as I prepared for our upcoming move to Kentucky. I did not do nearly enough to "prepare" in terms of saying goodbye to friends, etc. I'm still sad about that. Time caught up with me. I'm still hoping for a 3 day weekend and a cheap flight...

August 2009

After looking at what felt like a hundred houses...we found it! :)

We also celebrated my mom's birthday.
(This photo caused me to realize my hair looked yellow.)

September 2009

Apparently, I took no pictures...?! We closed on our house, had furniture delivered...it was a busy month!

October 2009

I met UK basketball player Perry Stevenson (fyi: he is 6'9...18 inches taller than me!)

I decorated my porch for fall

We went to Midnight Madness, the opening night of UK Basketball

and I met my brother's girlfriend :)

November 2009

I was able to go to my brother's Senior Day and see their performance.

We had my family over for my Dad's birthday

We were also able to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families for the first time since 2004

December 2009

I allowed Ann & her husband John to talk me into eating at the sushi place...but I got chicken! ha!

I dyed my hair back pretty close to my natural color.

I went to my first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party! This is my old roommate Deborah!

Our new couch was delivered. Five of the 7 pieces were damaged. They were re-ordered but I made them leave what they delivered. It was 3 days before Christmas, family was coming, and my dad had already helped TJ move our other furniture upstairs! Anyway--I still like it :)

We celebrated our five year anniversary! This photo was used on our Christmas cards which I got out way late...and didn't even manage to get them all sent out (sorry!)

Group shot of extended family on my mom's side. My dad would not be in the picture ("I need a haircut.") Turd.

Our "family" Christmas tree with all our ornaments!

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Obviously, I'd like to take more pictures in 2010. You're probably thinking "geez, this was a ton of pictures!" but I felt like I didn't have a lot to choose from some months. That is one of my goals for the upcoming year. I'm not huge on "resolutions," but I do think it is important to think about your goals and objectives. I've thought about them, I just need to give some thought to my strategies...but perhaps that is another post for another day.

What are your resolutions, or goals for 2010? Share them with me in the comments below!

Ten on Tuesday (v.2)

First of all, please allow me to say that I cannot BELIEVE it is December! Where did this year go?! holy cow!

Visit Chelsea to read her Ten, and link up with other Ten on Tuesday players :)

1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?
Well, I guess you could say I went to a concert tonight (Monday). I went to see The J-Town Brass which is a quintet composed of my brother and 4 of his college friends. They were really good and I enjoyed it. My brother plays trumpet and is very talented, so I enjoy his performances. In terms of more famous acts, I guess the last group I saw was Eve 6 in about...May or June. I think they are trying to make a comeback.

2. Is it easy to make you cry?
That depends. I cry easier now over things that would not have bothered me in the past. Things that make me really angry sometimes result in crying. I guess the short answer is yes. But if you make me cry, don't expect to find yourself in my good graces...

3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?
I feel totally snotty and self-absorbed saying this, but yes. Yes I do. I've dealt with some really hard things in my life that people are surprised to hear about, and even more that I'll never tell them (unless of course they're a therapist or something ha). It is those things that have made me strong and independent, and have given me perseverance.

4. Name 7 completely random things that you like:
clear Christmas lights--the feeling of new socks--a clean house--my tempur-pedic pillow--polka dots--eiffel tower/parisian things--the beach

5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?
I barely watch TV so I don't really have a fav reality show. I'm a loser, sorry.

6. What is your favorite hair care product?
Bed Head "After Party" smoothing creme

7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Oh Holy Night...it is easily one of my fav Christmas songs :)

8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist?
Yikes! The number one thing? This is a toughie. I've barely made my list, much less prioritized. I guess I would say a new Blackberry or iPhone.

9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?
Yes. In high school I sat my phone on top of the car as I was getting in. I left it on top of the car and proceeded to drive away. I didn't realize what had happened until way later (back then, ya know, texting wasn't around so I could go a day without realizing!). The next morning on my drive into school, I found my phone in the median. I threw that baby into Park and got out to retrieve my phone. Amazingly it still worked. They just don't make em like they used to!

10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?
No, no, and no! I did however score some big bargains the night before Thanksgiving. I got TJ 2 coats for $99 eacy at Macy's. One coat itself was $200+ on the regular price tag!

My eyes are literally closing...so I'm out peeps!

This Was My Day

Morning. Wake up early, and I am freezing. The good news? I could breathe and wasn't hoarse, thanks to the humidifier I purchased at 10:00 pm last night (from Wallyworld)! Proceed to call several doctor's offices {DOES NO DOCTOR IN THIS TOWN TAKE NEW PATIENTS?!} I decided it was time to do something about the persistent hacking cough...but I did not arrive at this decision on my own. No, I only decided to go to the doctor because last night, I got on The Google. Shortly thereafter I was 99.9% convinced I had given myself a hernia from coughing so profusely.

Fortunately, I do not have a hernia, just some really bad pulled muscles. I feel kind of dumb for going to the doctor for pulled muscles, but as I explained my symptoms, the doctor also thought I could potentially have a hernia. So see? The Google wasn't ALL wrong/mis-informative/bad. The bad news however is that if I continue to cough so much, I will need Depends in the near future. Hopefully this medicine will kick in before I pee my pants...

After the doctor visit, I stop at home because I need my prescription card. I come in through the garage and very quickly become scared. There was a light on that I'm pretty sure I've only turned on like...3 times since living in this house. In fact, I'm still a bit scared. I looked in the linen closet, shower, closets, etc. for a boogeyman. I'm *hoping* that I leaned against that light switch by accident as I carried a box in the house and just didn't realize what I had done. I don't know how I would have totally BLOCKED that from my mind, but I'm hoping that is what happened, okay? Okay.

Once I've picked up my prescription card, I go to The Walmarts which is just a short drive away. After dropping off my prescription, I peruse the "Health & Beauty" aisles, also known as "Make-Up and Nail Polish" here in the Bluegrass State. Of course, I find $15 worth of beauty products I desperately need. Then I decided to use the restroom.

Now we're all well aware that The Walmarts offer the finest facilities in town. I walk in, fully prepared to find The Stinky Stall, which seems to be a refined talent I possess. Instead, though, I find a stall with the door WIDE OPEN and a lady sitting on the throne to be seen by God and Everybody. She had something in her hands...what I do not know, as I only caught her from my peripherals. Was she reading? Texting? Searching her handbag? WHY did she leave the door open?! As I was washing my hands, I see her exit the stall. She is holding a large envelope of photographs, so I assume that is what she was looking at so intently...and then SHE washes her hands. I lost all hope that she was just using the toilet as a seat, and can only assume that she used it for it's intended purpose. GA-ROSS, PEOPLE!

That was my day. I can only hope tomorrow is not so gross. I'm going to try NOT to go to Walmart, so surely that will help?!

Woes of Moving

If you've ever moved, which I'm sure you probably have, you don't need me to tell you that there are some "growing pains" that go along with it! I'm not even talking about things like unpacking, finding "homes" for things, etc. No, the things I'm talking about are a little more on the...shall we say...superficial side? (some of em)

Fact #1--A good hairdresser is hard to find. During my time in CT, I had two hairdressers. I only switched because my "original" girl got so expensive...her work I was never displeased with, just the price. Anyway, I was fortunate--both gals I went to were very good. Now that I'm here...I need a new hairdresser. My hair was getting a little out of control--and by out of control, I mean my roots were looking a little trashy. I asked my friend's friend where she got her hair done, because it looked really good. She actually recommended a hair school! So I went. The girl did a nice job, but I was there FOUR HOURS. I didn't even get a hair cut or flat iron! On the upside, it looks good, but TJ said he doesn't think I saved enough $$ for it to have been worth 4 hours. Men...can't please em!

Fact #2--I hate finding a new doctor! My last doctor was the bomb dot com. He might have been a "military doc" but in all seriousness, he was the best doctor I've ever had. Ever. He would remember things I told him 2 years ago. My previous doctor? Couldn't remember things I told him 2 months ago! That said, my new doctor has big shoes to fill. I've received four recommendations of doctors and fortunately they are all covered by my new insurance. How do I know which doctor to choose? I wish I could set them all up for speed-dates. I'm glad I just wrote all this out...because it reminded me I do not currently know for sure where copies of my medical records are located...dang. One more thing to look for!

Fact #3--Getting a new driver's license, registering your car, setting up utilities, changing the address on alllll your stuff...yeah,  basically all that sucks. Some of those items are still on my list. There is still so much to be done around here,it really isn't funny. I should not be so lazy. I said it folks...L-A-Z-Y. And speaking of--I'm tired *yawn*

Welcome to Kentucky

Wow. I cannot believe it has been SO LONG since I last blogged. I've thought about it many times, but felt as though I had "nothing" to write about. Well my friends, that is not entirely true. There is actually a lot I could tell you, but much of it is random...

When I last wrote, I was a resident of Connecticut. No more, my friends! (what's w/me saying "my friends" ?!) Anyway. I now live in Kentucky. As many of you know and some of you may not...Kentucky is both mine and my husband's home state. We moved at the end of 2004 to my husband's first duty station with the Navy, but now we are again in the "civilian" world. My husband has been working at his new job for about a month. 

Since we moved back, we obviously needed a place to live, right? Well, we made the leap and we are now homeowners! We closed on our house September 8th, and all our stuff was delivered the next day. It had been in storage for about a month. I cannot tell you how GOOD it felt to sleep on my own bed! It was glorious! When we went to bed for the evening, TJ said "This bed feels so good, I almost don't want to go to sleep." This is a picture of our house, that I took the first time we saw it. I need to get an updated pic because the yard looks better :)

I had forgotten about my allergies, to a degree. I took allergy shots for many many years, but when I moved in 2004, I stopped taking them. My allergies weren't too bad in South Carolina or Connecticut...but nowww I'm back. I'm sure being around a lot of construction doesn't help, but I have experienced a lot of nasal congestion plus an awful cough. It has gone from sounding like "40-year-chain-smoker" to "barking/howling dog." I am probably going to have to go to the doctor. Problem is...I just moved and I don't have one!

Let's see...what else. I am currently in the process of looking for a job. Can I just say, I kind of hate this process? I am also in my second-to-last semester of the MBA program...which is a really good feeling even though the classes aren't my favorites.

That's about it for the "good material" at the moment. I figure I can't use it all up in one sitting, right? :) If you're still reading or visiting, thank you. I'm sorry I suck at blogging!

Challenge: so far, so good

I'm three days into my challenge and I'm 3 for 3! Hooray! I just finished a looong walk with my outta shape dogs (probably 1.5 miles, and they're both passed out on the floor now!). Immediately prior to the walk, I did the SHRED. Needless to say, I am happy with myself for exercising today! I have exercised four days in a row (sat/sun/mon/tues), which doesn't seem like something to be bragging about, but when your exercise habits have been a little...shall I say, scarce...I consider it an accomplishment! :)

So speaking of SHREDding...here's a cute picture I took this morning of my dog Taffy. She likes to "shred" her toys and pull stuffing out of them. She did this while I was upstairs making the bed.

This makes me worry about taking her to my mom's house. Taffy has never been there before, and she kinda likes to chew things up. Mostly just toys, but occasionally flip flops and mouse pads. Well, my mom has Boyd's Bears everywhere. Taffy is going to think she has died and gone to doggie toy heaven! She especially likes to chew the feet and ears off animal toys. My mother has been warned.

Thanks for the encouragement on my workout challenge! Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow! :)

This is why I should be able to run!

I've stayed pretty up to date on "hometown" news since moving away 4+ years ago by reading the newspaper online. Just this morning I read an article that featured a project one of our friends is working on, and talked about years ago, so that of course made me smile! But I also read this article, about a 60-year-old woman who runs all the local road races and recently completed a 5K in 27 minutes.

TWENTY-SEVEN MINUTES.

SIXTY YEARS OLD.

I'm just gonna be honest here. I don't know that I could run two miles in 27 minutes. I am 26 years old. Yes, I am ashamed.

But on a brighter note, I did get out of bed this morning and go for another run walk. YAY MEEEE!! Gotta start somewhere.

(anybody know how to get rid of shin splints?)

July 11th--I can't think of a witty title...

Good morning! I'm feeling good right now! I am proud of myself because 1, I woke up before 9 am on a Saturday; 2, I folded a load of laundry right away; and 3, I went for a short run/walk (which nearly killed me) and then got my dogs and walked them!

Here it is, only 10:00 and I feel like I've accomplished a lot! I know I shouldn't be so "proud" for doing a short run/walk, but I am not a runner. I wish I were. I've noticed people who lose a ton of weight and/or look slim and slender either have ridiculously high metabolism or cholesterol (as is the case of my 5'9 115 lb friend on Lipitor), OR are runners. I do not want to lose a ton of weight. However, earlier in the week I went out looking for some new jeans and became incredibly frustrated. Yesterday, I tried on a bathing suit (that I bought 2 years ago--it fit fine back then) and felt like I needed a "wide load" sign across my behind. More of my a$$ was out of the suit than was in. While this might be a good look for the Victoria's Secret model in the catalog, who convinced me I need the suit...it is not a good look for me at this point in time. Also? I just figure I needed to do some exercise. If I run again tomorrow I will consider it an astronomical accomplishment.

Onto something else...you might be wondering what happened to Fashion Friday these past 2 weeks. While Fashion Friday is not gone completely, it is taking a short hiatus. As you'll infer above--where I reference the bathing suit that now looks like a piece of fabric over my behind whereas it once looked like a bikini bottom--I apparently don't have a ton of self control. This ties into Fashion Friday because...I've shopped wayyyy too much lately. I find cute items online for FF, then somehow they make it into my online shopping cart and before you know it, I've got an email in my inbox thanking me for my order!

I decided I'd put myself on a shopping ban. Well, it has not worked so well. For one, I've found a way around it by using gift cards that I received as, well, gifts. So see, it wasn't like cash money I could use to pay a bill. Two, I have not used gift cards. I've just gone against myself. NOT GOOD PEOPLE--not good at all.

Oh self-control, where art thou?!

However I am selling some stuff. Here's why--the jacket is too big. Only worn twice, no stains, nothing. Excellent Used Condition. Skirt--in the closet for 3 months, haven't worn it. Blouse--also too big, purchased on Final Sale and cannot return it. More details below.

For Sale: J. Crew by jill.barnett featuring J Crew

All J. Crew Items:
-EUC, Crocodile Cocktail Jacket Sz 4, only worn twice--$75 inc. shipping
-NWT, Stretch Sateen Pencil Skirt, Sz 6--$40 inc. shipping
-NWT, Ivory Silk Meringue-Sleeve Blouse, Sz 4--$20 inc. shipping
 
Interested? Email me or leave me a comment here! We'll do the transactions via Paypal for security purposes.

For now friends, I gotta run. Gotta shower and all that jazz. I'm meeting my friend Lauren for lunch and I don't want to smell as though I just went on a run/walk. I doubt she'd appreciate that. Happy Saturday!

welcome to July

Can you believe that the year is half over?! Obviously, I cannot! Because life has been relatively uneventful lately, I'll just make a list of some things...all completely random, of course!

1.    I am now unemployed. Yes, you read that correctly. My last day at work was this past Thursday. While it is true I could have stayed around a little longer, my leaving was inevitable. With hubby's upcoming separation from the military, and starting a new job, and our moving...it was gonna happen. The timing worked out perfectly. I wanted to leave before I got knee-deep in campaigns, and also leave at a time where they wouldn't be "high & dry" and would be able to fill my position. It is a weird feeling, this unemployment thing. I keep having the feeling that I am supposed to be somewhere.

2.    My hubby is at an interview right now! Fingers crossed for him that it goes well. About a month ago, we went to buy him a new suit for interviews and such. We wavered between two jacket sizes. The larger one seemed a little big in the shoulders; the smaller one needed a sleeve let out just slightly. Anyway--I tell you this because I have a funny story. Last week, we took his jacket to a tailor recommended by my friend. The tailor was this little old Asian lady. He put his shirt and jacket on for her and when he came out, she says "OH MY! Why is you jacket so smalll? You look-a like you wearing your high school graduation suit! You look-a like you poor, like-a you cannot afford new clothes for interview! Jacket TOO small!" Obviously, this was much funnier in person. She kept going on and on, about how men want to look "big, powerful, wide--not skinny like woman!" Ultimately, my husband went back and got the larger jacket. Lesson learned. When I went back and told my friend, she laughed and said she was sorry that happened to my husband, but that she was glad I went there so I had such a funny story to tell her! ha!

3.    I'm really "over" all the hoopla surrounding Michael Jackson. Every news channel seems to be carrying coverage of his funeral, crowds surrounding his estate, controversies, etc. He's on the cover of every magazine. I understand he was a popular figure, but this is a little over the top! I feel slightly sorry for Farrah Fawcett's family, but not that much because they are likely thankful for the chance to mourn in private. One funny thing about MJ? Over the weekend, I saw an elderly woman buy an US Weekly magazine that was all about MJ. I laughed hehe :)

4.    Something else I'm over? ALL THE RAIN! Heavens to Betsy! It feels like it has rained for the last month. The past few days were beautiful, warm, sunny...but today, the rain is back in full force. I haven't been swimming at all this year--not that I'm entirely anxious to put on a bathing suit anyway, but that is another story...

5.    Really missing all our family lately. Hopefully I'll see them soon...