The Beauty and the Mess

Exhaustion. I didn't get much sleep for various reasons, and then I spent this morning rearranging file drawers. I have a new idea to add to the rain days: nap days. Because sometimes you're not sick, but you need rest. I think my subconscious goal is to find an excuse for every workday of the year. Speaking of workdays, I'm working on Presidents Day. Do businesses have to choose between MLK day and Presidents Day as a holiday? I don't think I know anyone who's off on both of those days.

Yesterday on my way home, I suddenly felt bummed because it had been a while since I got any fun mail. When I went to the mailbox, I had not one, but two fun mail items! Lauren sent me a cute note and a picture of Joe and the car in the snow, and Lori sent me a CD! It brightened my day. Thanks, guys! :)

American Idol was very enjoyable last night. It'll be interesting to see who makes it through. I like Fantasia, even if she supposedly sounds like Macy Gray. She just radiates personality. Marque is my favorite, though. :) Simon is on crack - first he complains about how "boring" and "safe" everyone is, and then cool Katie Webber sings a jazz song, and he tells her she's like a lounge singer. Make up your mind!

I love Tuesday nights because I get to hang out with Ryan and we go to McAlister's. I swear, those people ought to pay me.

( Jessica's Random Questions )

American Idol concert photos are here! I hated to put them in a Yahoo album, but with Lawson's server apparently down (and with the amount of space I take up there anyway), I thought it was the easiest thing. Plus, my mom wanted to see them. By the way, does anyone know why you can't use apostrophes in the photo descriptions? That seems like it'd be a pretty easy thing to code. But what do I know?

( Jessica's Wedding Survey Redux )

Thanks so much for all of your birthday wishes! :D My birthday weekend was excellent. ( Lots to tell. )

I am quite enamored with my new journal layout. I know this is what basically everyone has now, but I really like it.

I'm having another bad day healthwise. Yesterday I was overwhelmingly tired. I went home and slept a lot, so today I'm more awake. But I have a host of other problems, like a headache so bad it was making me dizzy earlier. I took a Claritin and I think it's working (I can always tell when Claritin kicks in, because I suddenly develop cottonmouth). :P But I'm not having much fun. Apparently the different systems of my body formed a conspiracy and decided to turn on me all at once. This, too, shall pass (hopefully in time for my birthday).

I meant to tell about the weird American Idol dream I had two nights ago. I was a contestant on the show, but I couldn't find anything to wear. The judges kept sending me back to wardrobe and said I couldn't compete unless I had a better outfit. When I finally found the wardrobe department, all they had to offer me was a pink and black leotard that had supposedly belonged to Marilyn Monroe. I refused to wear it. Apparently they found something else for me, because then I was about to go onstage for a duet with Clay (!). I panicked and started yelling, "How did I end up on this show? I can't even sing!!!" Then I woke up. LOL.

( Short survey from Jessica )

Good news: I have safely taken the car to the auto shop and received a Suzuki Somethingorother to drive for the next week. I faintly hoped they'd give me something cool, with a sunroof or something, but it's bare-bones and power-nothing, like my own car. It also drives much worse than my own car. But it does have a CD player, and I'm not paying for it, and this whole process was much easier than expected. Thanks, God! :)

Thoughts on American Idol:
Corey: Eh. Ruben: Amazing as always. Unfortunately, though, I think the 205 thing is here to stay. :P Trenyce: Knocked my socks off. And she's from Memphis! I think she could go to the top five. Clay: I love Clay. He's going to win. Mark my words. :) Blonde Kimberly: Cute song, but...just okay. Joshua: I like him, but I wasn't thrilled by his rendition. (Kathy's comment: "Oh, please don't go country.") Charles: Eh. Carmen: Carmen is good, not great, but something about her makes me root for her anyway. Julia: A USAToday reporter called Julia and Blonde Kimberly the "Karaoke Twins," and I have to agree with that. It's a shame, though, because Julia seems so nice. Rickey: He's definitely improving. Kimberly L.: Very talented. I hope she stays.
I think it's so interesting to see how the contestants are gaining confidence and expertise. Every week, they seem more sure of themselves. It's a neat process. And I was so jealous of their Old Navy shopping spree! "Grab as many tank tops as you want"?!?! Forget the recording contract and the million dollars...just let me run wild in the Old Navy. :)

I wish I could sing well. I've thought about taking voice lessons, but I feel too old, and I'm not sure if I could go through with it. I'm probably so bad that the teacher would just shake her head and sigh, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do for you." :) I miss singing with people. Other than Sunday mornings, I never get to do that anymore.

Isn't my new icon cute? It reminded me of Gandalf, who drinks our drinks whenever our backs are turned.