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Friday favorites, husband edition

October 17, 2014 by Jana 20 Comments

A few nights ago, my husband and I had this conversation. I should state upfront that I was laying in bed, half asleep, because it was almost midnight and we had just finished watching Sons of Anarchy and if you watch that show, you know how it exhausts you from all the emotions.

Husband: Are you asleep?

Me: No. I’m getting ready to run a marathon.

Husband: Okay, then. I’ll be in bed when I’m done powdering my wig for my meeting with the dignitaries tomorrow.

And, that, my friends, is a small glimpse into the mind of the man I married. The man I’ve been with for the last 18 years. The man whose 37th birthday is today (since I’m 4 months older than he, he loves to tell me that I a) robbed the cradle and b) will die first. I know. I’m a lucky lady).

Since I’m broke because, you know, I make no money, the only gift I could give my husband (who will not allow me to use his name because he’s crazy and paranoid and afraid that people will try to find him and then stalk him. And I’m the one with issues) was allowing him to take over my blog for the day. That’s a big deal, you guys, especially since writing is not his forte (he’s an idea man. I make the ideas make sense) and also, everything on the internet is forever. Which is more than I can say for the cake I might or might not bake.

Anyway, I let the husband pick today’s favorites. What he didn’t mention in his favorites, mainly because he stuck to the structure I use, is that he also loves golf, Orioles baseball, Broncos football (even before Peyton Manning came on board), science, Kit Kats, coming up with the world’s worst jokes, bothering me with riddles that are impossible to answer, podcasts, and Jeeps. He also loves me and our daughter but that goes without saying. So does the fact that we love him back.

And now, the rest of his favorites.

Favorite song

The husband does not like music as much as I do. In fact, he’s one of those people that probably could go for months at a time without listening to it which is just bizarre to me. However, when he does listen to songs, he does pick mostly good ones. I say mostly because when we first met, he owned Shaquille O’Neal’s CD. It’s one of his shameful secrets that you now all know. Feel free to mock. However, for his selection, he picked one of our favorite Mr. Greengenes Stone Balloon (RIP) staples, AC/DC’s “Big Balls”.

Favorite frugal find

We live in Delaware, home of Dogfish Head Brewery and at the main facility in Milton, they give brewery tours. We did that as part of our anniversary weekend this year. Also attached to the brewery is a bar/holding area and they give away 4 free samples of any beer on tap to every person who wants them. You don’t even have to be on the tour. You can just stop by after work and get your free beer. I’m glad we live over an hour away because he’d be home late. Every night.

Favorite book

The husband is not a big fan of fiction. He reads mostly biographies and magazines along with some books related to his industry (I call them textbooks. He disagrees). Occasionally he’ll read fiction. Specifically, Michael Crichton. And only Michael Crichton. He’s read through all of his books and picked this one as his favorite.

Favorite TV shows

As far as TV goes, when it comes to picking a show we can agree on, Congress has an easier time coming to a consensus. However, we do sometimes find stuff we both like and then we watch all the shows on all the days and then we go back to fighting and that works for us. That said, some of his favorites aren’t terrible. They’re actually pretty damn good: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Big Bang Theory, Sons Of Anarchy, Family Guy.

Favorite Internet reads

The husband likes to spend his time reading and reading the same websites, and also he likes to be a pain in my ass so instead of sending links to specific posts, he sent me general websites like people have time to check them out. But, if you do have some spare time, the husband recommends Mental Floss, Cracked, and The Oatmeal. Since I’m respectful of your time, I have a ton of links saved to share with you guys next week.

Favorite quote

Challenge accepted.

Favorite funnies

I have not vetted all of these. So…consider yourself warned. I don’t know what’s in them.

Thanks to the husband for sharing his favorites! He’ll be making more appearances, though I haven’t quite worked out the details yet.

This is homecoming weekend at our alma mater and since we met in college, you think this would be something we’d attend with gusto. But, alas, it is not. In fact, this year we get to spend homecoming weekend dealing with cheerleading stuff. Again. So I’m glad we’re shaking it up a bit. However, we are going out to dinner at a restaurant with actual cloth napkins! I guess that’ll have to make up for everything else.

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday. I’ll be returning with another parenting post so stay tuned.

Linking up with Amanda

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Stuff and things, things and stuff

October 16, 2014 by Jana 26 Comments

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a brain dump like this and I figured with all the serious posts this week, it might be a good idea to lighten the mood around here. Let’s do that with examining what’s been going on inside my head lately.

Why do crime/thriller shows always portray the murderers and criminal masterminds as (usually) good looking, intelligent, cultured, wealthy people? I mean, I get that they can be psychopaths, too, but these shows are seriously increasing my paranoia quotient regarding the upper class.
Speaking of my paranoia, a new cat has decided our backyard is its kingdom, terrifying our existing cat. They sort of got into it on Sunday and now I’m petrified my cat will get into a violent bloody fight with squatter cat and my cat will bleed to death (never mind the fact that my cat is inside 80% of the time).
Having a cold is pretty much the worst thing ever. It makes you feel like shit but there’s absolutely nothing you can take to make yourself feel better, unless it’s NyQuil and I really don’t have time to spend in a NyQuil coma. Also, the sneezing part just sucks.
I was a mystery reader in my daughter’s class this week. I read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day because I think even kids should read the book before they see the movie.
Is anyone else doing NaNoWriMo next month? I am because clearly I have issues and like to pressure myself for no apparent reason other than maybe I think it’s fun.
Tomorrow is my husband’s birthday. I have not bought him a gift, a card, or even thought about getting or baking a cake or any sort of dessert because he is the worst person to shop for and he drops no subtle hints or clues and if he does, I’m clearly too dumb to pick up on them. We are going out to dinner and he is guest posting tomorrow so at this point, that’ll have to do.
Did you guys see the news that Rainbow Brite is getting the reboot treatment a la My Little Pony and The Care Bears? Did you see that Molly Ringwald is going to be one of the voices? The child that grew up in the 80s is rejoicing but my adult self knows it’ll probably be shit and ruin yet another sacred childhood memory.
My 20th high school reunion is in May. I’m pretty sure I’m not going to go. High school was a fucking nightmare and I can’t justify paying to spend money to see people who won’t remember me anyway. But I am curious.
I’ve been trying to participate in a 21 day intentional blogging challenge, hosted by Jeff Goins. It’s not going well. I think I’m 4 days behind and I can’t find the most current task, let alone the ones I’m missing. I think maybe this was a terrible mistake.
I finally jumped on the blog button bandwagon and designed one. I need to put it on my sidebar so anyone who likes me can grab it and put on their site (hint, hint). I’m pretty sure that’ll take me about 4 more months to do. #lazyass But here it is in case you want it now:

<div align="center"><a href="https://janasays.com" title="Jana Says"><img src="https://janasays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/jana-says-button.jpg" alt="Jana Says" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

So now that you’ve had a peek inside my head, tell me. What’s going on in your life lately? Are you as scatterbrained as I am? Would you go to your high school reunion?

Linking up with Kristin

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Friday favorites, volume 22

October 10, 2014 by Jana 15 Comments

Guys. If you follow me on Instagram, you know this already, but yesterday I took myself on an afternoon date to see Gone Girl. The movie was absolutely fantastic. The casting was spectacular, Gillian Flynn did an incredible job adapting the book (probably because she’s the book’s author, too), and really, with Trent Reznor doing the music, you know the soundtrack kicked ass. I have never been so pleased with a book to movie adaptation and no joke, you need to go see this movie.

But the best part, besides the movie itself, was the matinee price, the virtually empty theater, and not having to worry about making anyone else happy and worrying if they’re enjoying it, too. That’s a lot of pressure. And I really did enjoy being there by myself. I think I’ll date myself more often.

I could talk about this movie, and going by myself, for many minutes but that would get boring so let’s move on to the other things I enjoyed this week.

Favorite song

Ever since I saw her on an episode of Sons of Anarchy, I’ve been thinking about the basket case that is Courtney Love. Remember back in the 90s when she had her brief period of normal? Remember how Hole had decent music? I do, and I’ve had “Celebrity Skin” stuck in a loop in my head. So let’s listen to that now.

Favorite frugal find

Thanks to Steph’s Wallet Watch, I am not shopping except for necessities. And as much as I’d like to classify nail polish as a necessity, I can’t. So I’m not even looking for deals and finds because it’ll just be too tempting. Plus, the husband and I are saving our money for when the Orioles make it to the World Series. Because we’re going. We’re not sure when and if it’ll happen again.

Favorite book/TV thing

I finished my Goodreads reading challenge! I’ve read 37 books (well, 38 but one doesn’t count, if you remember that from Tuesday. And since so many of you want to know what it is, I’ll tell you. You know Kailyn from Teen Mom 2? It’s her book. And I like Kailyn. And she lives in Delaware, like I do. But her book was awful). And in addition to The Rosie Project, I’m also reading Laura Vanderkam’s 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. It’s definitely making me rethink about how I spend my time every week. Very eye opening.

No favorite TV thing. Still watching the same shows. On season 4 of The Wire, which, given my background working with kids, is very difficult to watch. But still a great show.

Favorite Internet reads

One of my favorites shows growing up was The Wonder Years, and I’m still annoyed that it’s not on in reruns (but thank you Amazon and Netflix), but this post with 28 fun facts about the show was lots of fun to read. Keeping with the Gone Girl love this week, you need to read this interview with Gillian Flynn. Go read it. Then come back so you can leave me again to read these hysterically awful proofreading fails. And once you’ve dried your eyes from that, finish up my weekly favorite internet reads with this article on parenting as a Gen Xer. It is a perfect read. I wish I was astute enough to have written it.

Favorite quote

Favorite funnies

Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion

It’s fun to keep them guessing

If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist. Or happen.

Seriously, watch the fuck out

This weekend is filled with orange–pumpkin picking and watching Orioles games. Because I’m still in shock that they’ve made it this far. #wewontstop

Hope y’all enjoy your weekend, too!

Linking up with Amanda

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More rational irrational fears

October 8, 2014 by Jana 31 Comments

Remember last week how I made everyone feel better about themselves and also slightly less crazy when I shared some of the ridiculous things I’m afraid of? Well, friends, get ready because I’m about to do it again.

That’s right. I’m coming at you with a whole new list of completely irrational things that I am genuinely terrified of for no other reason than my brain is broken and I clearly have major issues.

1. Cocaine. Not only have I never tried this drug because, you know, it’s cocaine but also when I was in 8th grade or so I read that Sweet Valley High book where their friend Regina tries coke at a party and DIES of a heart attack. Best “just say no to drugs” campaign ever.

2. Being poisoned. I can’t even explain this one away with a back story but I legit fear someone putting something in my drink or food and then I die.

3. Falling. Specifically, down a flight of stairs and breaking bones. I did fall roller skating when I was 7 and broke my wrist and spent 6 weeks in a cast so this one actually has basis in fact. But that was in a crowded public place. I fear doing it down the stairs in my house and being stuck and not being able to get my phone and call for help.

4. Being impaled. See also: being stabbed. Like being poisoned, I have no reason for being scared of this but I just am. I should probably stop watching violent crime shows. It might help ease this particular fear.

5. Losing my luggage. Not that I am a world traveler nor do I fly more than twice a year, so the odds of this happening are slim, but every time I do fly and I have to check my luggage, I have a panic attack that my suitcase winds up somewhere I’m not and someone else has my stuff and then I have to buy all new things or be smelly and dirty.

6. Getting on the wrong plane/bus/train. Sort of the same as losing my luggage except this time, I’m the one who gets lost. And then I wind up somewhere I don’t know and I have a horrible sense of direction and I get even more lost and my phone is dead and I can’t call for help or use a map and no one will help me and then I just cry. Or maybe get abducted. Either one is totally plausible.

7. Trucks. Specifically, driving behind trucks. It terrifies me when I can’t see traffic lights or other cars, and when I’m stuck between two trucks, I’m fairly confident I’m going to get smushed. I realize this puts no faith in the drivers of said trucks and I have more respect for them than that but it does nothing to ease my fear.

8. Home invasions. Again, it’s probably too many crime shows. And news stories. But this is a fear I’ve had going back to my childhood in one of the safest, crime free places on the planet. It won’t go away. It’s also the reason that when we first moved into our house, we kept our dog locked away in our room while we were out. Just in case.

9. Foul balls. I love baseball. I love going to baseball games. But unlike everyone else in the stands, when a foul ball comes my way, I don’t charge for it. Not only do I think I’ll take a tumble over my section (see: fear of falling) but when I was 16, I got hit in the face with a line drive and I can’t shake the thought that it’ll happen again. So when a foul ball comes my way, I cower.

10. My dogs being stolen. If I take my dogs with me and I have to run a quick errand, I will leave them in the car (weather dependent, of course). In the less than 10 minutes it will take to run said errand, I am paranoid that when I come out, my dogs will have been thieved from my car and I’ll never see them again. I also fear that someone will climb our fence and take them from the backyard when I let them out. It doesn’t mater that I watch them like a hawk (which, incidentally, I’m also afraid of). The fear is real.

Bonus fear, as told by a dog:

I think this is it for the irrational fears. The rest that I have are completely rational and make sense and I don’t like to talk about them that much because they’re not really very entertaining.

Did I miss any? What other ones do you guys have? Do you think this list covers any of them?

Linking up with Kathy and Liz

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10 things I wish I knew when I started blogging

October 6, 2014 by Jana 27 Comments

I had originally planned to write today’s post as an instructional manual on how to be the world’s shittiest neighbor. And I assure that’s coming later in the week because really, who doesn’t need that information and also, I’d be a terrible person to withhold it from you now that I know all the secrets. But when I saw today’s prompt from Helene and Taylor’s #Blogtober14, I had to get on it.

Today’s prompt is “10 Things You’d Tell Yourself When You Started Blogging”. This one is a big one for me because if I were starting a blog now, I’d probably do everything different than when I started 3 or so years ago. I mean, I’d still write and all that, but I’d have a completely different focus and I’d approach it in a different manner. I’m also confident I’d have a different attitude towards blogging which would probably change everything.

The good news is that blogging is fluid and you can change direction anytime you want. So I’m working on that. And as I talk to myself as a new/old blogger, here’s the lessons I learned and what I keep reminding my new blogger self.

Bloggers are friendlier than you think. Even though someone has a huge audience, they will still take the time to talk to you. Reach out to them and let them you know you like what they do. You never know what can happen.
Not everyone will like what you have to say. That’s fine. There’s enough readers to go around and some are bound to enjoy your writing.
Be considerate to your readers. Respond to their comments. Engage with them. Post regularly. And if you need to abandon you blog, write a quick note thanking everyone and letting them know you appreciate their months or years of support.
Have a life. Blogging can take up all the time if you let it. But you can’t let it. You still need to enjoy life and have experiences and not ignore all the real people even though blogger friends are usually way better. In fact, doing all of that will make you an even better blogger.
Stats don’t matter as much as you think. Yes, likes and shares are indicators that what you’re writing resonates with readers. But they’re vanity metrics. The real value is in the community and the relationships and the content you create. You can’t always measure that in numbers.
Be authentic. Even if you’re writing as a caricature or fictional version of yourself, be honest in that voice. Readers can tell when you’re bullshitting them. So don’t do it.
Never share anything you’re not comfortable with. There are people who will want to work with you but only under certain circumstances or they might try to pressure you to write about a topic or a person you don’t want to. It doesn’t matter. Don’t let them bully you. If you don’t want to share or write something, don’t. Your blog, your space, your rules.
Set some ground rules. This is a follow-up to number 7. How do you want your blog to look? What do you want to write about? How often do you want to write? What’s your commenting policy? What social media channels do you want to use? How do you want to interact with readers, bloggers, and brands? How do you want to brand yourself? This will certainly all evolve over time but always keep this in mind. This is how you’ll present yourself and your blog to the world and it’s okay to have complete control over it.
Define your purpose for blogging. Everyone starts blogging for a different reason. Some do it for fun, some do it for work, some do it for platform building, and some do it because they think it’s a way to make millions of dollars. All of those are fine (albeit maybe not entirely realistic) reasons. But you need to know what your reason is and who you’re writing for. Once you establish that, everything else will eventually fall into place.
Have fun but don’t pressure yourself. If done right, blogging can be one of the most fun choices you make. You’ll interact and form relationships with people you never thought you would. You’ll have weird, interesting experiences. You’ll learn all kinds of new skills and tricks and vocabulary words. You’ll get free shit! But if you start taking blogging too seriously, or if it becomes more of a chore than fun, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.

I could definitely add another 10 items to this list, and maybe I will one day, but I’m curious. Other bloggers, what would you tell yourself if you had a Deloreon and could talk to your new blogger self?

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Friday favorites, husband edition

Stuff and things, things and stuff

Friday favorites, volume 22

More rational irrational fears

10 things I wish I knew when I started blogging

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