Jana Says

Living life from cover to cover

This week in…: The eighth one in 2016

by Jana 25 Comments

this week

  • Finished Remember Mia and The Flood Girls. Picked up Luckiest Girl Alive. Started Glass. Show Us Your Books is March 8, and I’ll have full reviews then.
  • Made grain free chocolate chip cookies. You can find the recipe here. Guys, they were so good, I don’t know that I can go back to making regular cookies. Even the child says she prefers them. 
  • Been listening to Theory of a Deadman’s “Blow”. Favorite lyric? Kanye West says rock is dead. Guess he’s off his meds again. Lost his mind about the time he got with that Kardashian. LOVE. IT.

 

  • Found and started recording this documentary series on Gen X. I haven’t been able to watch the first episode yet (second one airs tonight) but I’m really looking forward to watching it because I’m Gen X. And it’s narrated by Christian Slater. Yay!
  • Also binge watched the hell out of Brotherhood. Not the greatest show I’ve ever seen but addictive as hell. 
  • Put up the announcement about my pitch contest. I’m nervicited. That’s nervous and excited. I just hope I get some entries. 

nervicited

  • Apparently Judd Apatow has a new show on Netflix. One of the executive producers also graduated from the same high school he did. They reference a math teacher, Mr. Eldi. Mr. Eldi is a real person. I know that because he was my math teacher, too. So that’s pretty cool. Fun fact: he’s the only math teacher I had that got me not to hate math. I also wound up in his class after I failed a different one. 
  • Internet reads: This New Yorker piece on another side of Appalachia, which is really just a book review but it makes me really want to read the book. Make sure you go through the slide show of pictures. This millennial’s incredible response to that girl who was fired from Yelp (the author of the response is a repped, professional writer to she clearly has some talent. Should not detract at all from her point, though). If you don’t have a passport (or an expired one, like me) and still want to travel to some exotic places, here’s a list of six you can travel to. This excruciatingly long, but dead on balls accurate, video of a day in the life of a 1990 teenager (it’s real because he recorded his own life).
  • Funnies:

If I had to date, I’d totally do this

starbucks

What happens when I attempt to read any classic book

war and peace

EAT ALL THE FEELINGS

eat feelings

If I did weekend recap posts, this would be the weekend to do it because it’s nonstop packed with things to do. I am going to crash HARD on Sunday night. Hope you all have a great weekend, too!

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Playlist with Jana and Erin: Surprising songs

by Jana 19 Comments

It’s that time again, the last Thursday of the month, the time that Jana and Erin bring you a playlist that usually has a theme with a twist.  This month, we are talking about songs that may surprise you to find out we are fans.

If you ask either of us about our favorite music, we are going to tell you that we are rock chicks, rock ‘n’ roll fans through and through.  Then, we come up with lists like this, and we realize that we actually have quite eclectic tastes, and we assume others should know this already.

But, let’s share ten songs that we love, and they may surprise you:

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis – (from Erin) – It’s pretty obvious that she is heavily influenced by Mariah Carey, and both Jana and I despise Mariah Carey music…but I like this song so much that it is on my work playlist, and I hear it probably four or five times a day.

When you think of Jana and Erin’s favorite music, boy bands are probably not what you assume is going to be represented.  But.  Here’s two songs that we love:
Me and My Broken Heart by Rixton
Perfect by One Direction
Battle Scars by Guy Sebastian & Lupe Fiasco – Guy Sebastian was Australian Idol’s first winner (before Erin lived in Australia and now the show is defunct); we know nothing about Lupe Fiasco, but this is a catchy little tune.
Everyday by Buddy Holly – Actually, Jana said “(p)retty much anything by Buddy Holly. I fucking love him.”  So, Everyday it is.  He is considered a pioneer of rock’n’roll, so it may not be that surprising after all.  But, 1950s rock is not exactly what you’d expect from us.
Lose Yourself by Eminem – Rap.  Rap isn’t something you’d necessarily expect from us either, but damn, this is a solid song.

Ride Wit Me by Nelly – What?  More rap?  Some of these crossover rap songs make it into the pop charts because they are just too catchy to look past.  Nelly figured that out with a number of his songs.  Jana and Erin are guilty for falling for some of those catchy-pop ploys.

It may not surprise you for Erin to list a country song, after all, she’s from Texas.  But, Long Island native/Delaware dwelling Jana naming a super-twang-infused country song?   That should surprise you…
Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares) by Travis Tritt

Hollywood by Michael Buble – He’s cheesy, and his music is not at the top of most of our playlists.  But, hey, we like what we like, and won’t feel guilty about it.

Womanizer by Britney Spears – Pop princesses are not on our regular listening rotation, for the most part.  But, dang, sometimes they grab you and won’t let go…even if you want to let them go, they stay in your head, they make you dance and sing along, and well, that’s just what this song does.

What songs would we be surprised that you love?  Are you surprised by any of these??

 

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This week in…: The seventh one in 2016

by Jana 27 Comments

this week

  • Finished The Woman Who Stole My Life and am halfway through Remember Mia. Picked up no new books which is fine because I have 6 more on my nightstand and approximately 8 billion on my Kindle.
  • Recorded podcast episode #3 with my Show Us Your Books partner in crime, Steph. Look for that to launch on the same day as the next SUYB, March 9.
  • Made a pretty cool dinner. It was seasoned pork chops (which I ordinarily do not like but this way was palatable), roasted potatoes and green beans, both tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and all put on the same pan to cook (at 425). I sort of set the smoke alarm off and proceeded to not only run my daughter out of the house (literally) and frighten all the animals but the end result was a good (and mostly not burned) meal.
  • Right now is prime TV season for me. All the shows I like are on or are coming back in the next month or two so I’ve been stacking them all in my DVR for a good TV session over the weekend. And I know I’ve mentioned this show before but it bears repeating. American Crime (not to be confused with the OJ story on FX; this show is on ABC) is unbelievable. This season is tackling issues no one tackles on TV, at least not in a non-tabloid way (yes, SVU, I’m looking at you) and if you’re not watching it, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s HARD to watch. Really fucking hard. But important.
  • Worked on the foundation for a Twitter pitch contest for work, where I’ll ask people to pitch me their book projects in 140 characters or less. Winner gets a book deal. Still need to run the logistics and legal stuff through the boss man but I’m excited to do it.
  • Internet reads: Her Name was Skeeter: The Mystery of the Missing Muppet, found on Mental Floss. A staple in my life, Rolling Stone, had a great piece about the rise and fall of Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned, crazy, former maybe also still current leader of a polygamist cult. This awesome letter on The Huffington Post to anyone who feels like they’re falling behind in life. And finally, from Fast Company, 10 research proven things working parents can stop feeling guilty about (I am working on 4 and 5. I’m actually doing really well with most of the others).
  • Husband quote of the week: Everyone I needed to talk to about procuring a meteorite was on vacation this week. I think it’s a conspiracy.
  • Funnies (they have a theme this week. See if you can find it):

IMG_1792 97B6C741-66BE-4D2B-8102-1782FFEDE1E8 FullSizeRender (34)

Have a great weekend! See you back on Tuesday with a little rant about something that’s been bothering me lately.

 

 

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Grammy thoughts

by Jana 15 Comments

If you want a full recap of the Grammys, my girl Erin has a good one. If you want a full list of snarky comments about the Grammys, then stay here.

This past Sunday was music’s crowning night–the Grammys. As a fan of music, I always look forward to this show if for nothing more than the performances. I love seeing talented performers from various genres coming together and singing and playing and showcasing just how amazing they can be. I don’t put much stock in the awards for reasons that are boring, and like all awards shows, the banter between presenters plucks every one of my nerves but I can usually deal with it because performances.

This year, though, left me feeling all kinds of ways. Here’s a few of my thoughts, not in chronological order of the show because I’m old and it happened a few days ago.

Oh, look. Taylor’s opening the show. What a fucking surprise. The only other surprise would be if Beyonce opened.

I love LL. He’s the only one who should host this show forever and ever.

OOOH! A tribute to Lionel Richie! I like Lionel Richie!

Is it just me or is Demi Lovato completely oversinging? She has a good voice but this isn’t doing it for me. Also, is she the one dating Fez from That 70s Show? I can’t tell the difference between a lot of these pop singers.

I don’t know any of these songs. At all. Maybe one or two. But if this is any indication of the state of music, I’m glad I live in a rock music bubble. Because this shit sucks.

HELLOOO, guy singing with Carrie Underwood. You are pretty to look at (no, Husband, I don’t care that he went to the Kansas City Chiefs’s training camp. But that is a fun little fact I will file away).

Does Ariana Grande have a cold? She sounds stuffy. Poor girl.

I’m not quite sure what Kendrick Lamar just said but his performance was pretty cool.

Did I just not hate Bieber’s performance? I can’t tell anyone that. It’ll have to be my secret shame.

Oh, this tribute to Glenn Frey is making me teary. Even if Jackson Browne just screwed up the lyrics.

FINALLY!! I get to see what all the fuss is about with Hamilton.

I totally get what all the fuss is about with Hamilton!! (checks broadway.com for tickets and realizes that I’ll probably never see Hamilton)

Alabama Shakes just won for best rock record? Who the fuck is Alabama Shakes?

What the hell was up with that Gwen Stefani song? It started off fun and reminding me of 90s Gwen but then it crapped out. And I want to understand the video but I think I’m too old to process all that.

Pink is covering “White Rabbit”?! Badass woman covering badass woman? Erin and I were on point with those selections!!! WE SHOULD BE VOTING ON THE AWARDS. (note: this was in a commercial. It’s okay if you missed it)

Elle King didn’t win anything. Disappointing.

Well, look at that. Meghan Trainor won Best New Artist. I wonder if that Best New Artist curse will apply to her.

Adele’s having some tech difficulties but I don’t care because I am mesmerized by the talent of her hair and makeup people. They should win an award because her hair and makeup always look amazing.

I am really enjoying Gaga’s performance. I’m glad she’s doing it because I really appreciate how seriously she takes her performing responsibilities.

Why is all the rock music stuff buried at the end of the show? Annoying.

Hollywood Vampire is a weird supergroup and the best thing I can say about that performance was a) glad to see Lemmy getting a tribute; b) Johnny Depp CAN hang with them; and c) at least now when I say that at the end of the day my makeup makes me look like Alice Cooper, the youngsters will know what I’m talking about.

It's this, in case you still don't know what I mean.
It’s this, in case you still don’t know what I mean.

Oh. There’s the Beyonce appearance we all knew was coming.

What did Bruno Mars just shout? Does he think they’re besties now because they performed together at the Super Bowl?

YES, TAYLOR!!! That was the best “fuck you” to Kanye ever!!!

I hate myself for staying up to watch the whole thing, especially with this closing performance. Joe Perry playing guitar with Pitbull is like a second rate version of Slash playing guitar for Janet Jackson (on “Black Cat”) and Sofia Vergara dancing around dressed like a taxi while douchebag Robin Thicke sings a few notes is basically the worst choice ever.

Also, overheard at my house while watching the show with The Child:

Child: Is that a tribute to Richie Lionelson?

Husband: Lionel Richie. Richie Lionelson works in a bowling alley.

Did you guys watch the Grammys? What did you think?

 

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This week in…: The sixth one of 2016

by Jana 20 Comments

this week

  • A huge thank you to all our Show Us Your Books participants!! Next one is March 8 which, incidentally, is also the day my and Steph’s podcast, The Armchair Librarians, launches. Get prepared for lots of book talk. And swearing.
  • I am straight up shitting the bed on Erin’s book challenge. I cannot get it together despite having many of the books already in my house. My personal reading challenge is going well, though, as I’m currently reading the second book for that (I have it spread out for one book a month on that), The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes. It’s total and complete chick lit but it’s a necessary break from the heaviness of what I read last month and what’s on tap for the rest of this one.
  • Picked up The Flood Girls, Glass, Fallout, and Beasts and Children to read after my current two, The Woman Who Stole My Life and Skippy Dies.
  • Not enough book talk yet? Too bad and we’re going to get a bit ranty up in here. So, as you guys might or might not remember, I volunteer twice a month in my daughter’s school library. I was there this week and learned that once the kids move into fourth grade, they no longer have book checkout during their weekly library time. Rather, they get 40 minutes of supplemental English and Language Arts instruction. Now, let me be clear. I am not opposed to the extra instruction. But what the fuck with not giving them time to browse and check out books? Sure, the fourth and fifth graders can go during open library time but “only if their schedule allows”. HUH? What if their schedule doesn’t allow? They get no book that week? How is that helpful, especially when they’ve been given reading homework each and every night. THEY NEED ACCESS TO BOOKS IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT. Not every parent has the resources or time or desire or whatever to take their kids to the public library or buy books from Amazon. You can’t require kids to read and not afford them the opportunity to pick out books to read. Not only that, now there’s a situation where kids are reading books in class, for classwork or homework, and now they’re thinking reading is a chore. Which it is not. I can’t handle the thought of raising a generation of kids who hate reading. However well-intentioned the decision to remove book checkout from these kids was, it’s a fucking stupid decision and really needs to be rethought. /rant
  • You know what I didn’t want to do this week? Spend an exorbitant amount of money having a clogged drain unclogged by a professional plumber because what we had in the house to do it just wasn’t working and my kitchen was flooding. But I got to do that anyway. Which kind of sucked.
  • I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day but it’s recently come to my attention that it’s on Sunday. I should probably do something for the child. Any suggestions?
  • Started watching The Affair. Ordinarily I don’t watch anything that has infidelity as a premise but McNulty from The Wire is in this one and I thought I’d give it a try. Glad I did. I still hate the premise but I can look past it because it’s a really well done show.
  • Girl Scout cookie order came in. Tagalongs and Thin Mints, I’ve missed your sweet, sweet goodness. Samaos, you’re basically poison but your purple box is pretty.
  • Internet reads. This really cool gif about the evolution of the modern desk. This fascinating tale of a dispute between a publisher and an independent artist. I will confess that I am not on the Beyonce bandwagon and I’m tired of the whole world kissing her ass and thinking she’s infallible; Rolling Stone has some thoughts on that, too (for the record, I watched her Formation video. It’s a shit song but I do respect the point she was making with it). And the whole site Introvert Doodles.
  • Funnies

farts stupid question fat and cake

This weekend is supposed to be cold as fuck and we have no cheerleading so I’ll be inside, on the couch, reading, watching TV, and working on some podcasting and book stuff. Maybe clean if I get bored.

Hope you guys have a great weekend!

 

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