jamie ann

I am under instruction to explain first why you aren’t getting your beloved Jamie writing to you again, so soon after she was taken away from you for a whole week (the instruction, I might add, was from a source other than Jamie). Jamie and I are both members of 20 Something Bloggers and we’ve all decided to throw the blogging world into slight (and by slight I mean total) disarray with The Big Blog Swap. So today you’ll find Jamie on over at my blog, Crazy Brit Heaven, and y’all are stuck with me… (mais ne panique pas, it is just for one post…)

Now that the introductions are out of the way…

I was wandering through my town tonight on my way home. I generally love walking at this time of night, at this time of year, because the world begins to calm down. A gentle breeze picks up, people are strolling instead of power-walking, laughter flows freely and the world takes on a mystical glow from restaurant fronts and street lamps. Tonight was no different.

Except for one thing.

Tonight I realised that, despite being a Londoner through and through, I really do adore living in a smaller town. On the way home I passed by at least three or four friends, all of whom took the time to stop and say hello. I had such a clear sense of belonging to a community. I know there are downsides to that. The gossip. The people living in each other’s pockets. The quintessential claustrophobic downfalls of a ‘village’. But I have come to understand that it is just about possible to steer clear of that, to keep your head screwed on and above water, and only to appreciate the care and genuine interest, which bounces off the people living in your neighbourhood.

One annual event took place last week to mark an historic moment which happened in our town. Although admittedly the history was glossed over, the “townspeople” showed up en masse, with kids and with families, to relax and enjoy. I honestly never thought I’d be describing my home town as a place where I could refer to the inhabitants as townspeople…

I love the life of the city and I’m glad that it’s still only 40 minutes train journey away – it’s still within grasp. London will always be where my heart lies. The electric buzz and indescribable, magical pull of city life will never leave me.

But tonight, with my window open, watching the silhouette of the world and revelling in the total calm of this breathtaking evening, I’m proud to call this home.

Much love,
xx

I’ve over at Ben’s place today while he is moving in his new house. You really need to go check it our because my pup is still sadly called Smokey McLuvin and I need help with names.

Not to be forgotten, that bossy Edie makes an appearance too!

The winner of the Good Clean Dog giveaway is…

The Dutchess of Kickball!

Thank you all for entering. Keep Good Clean Dog in mind for all your puppy dog’s needs. You already have favorite items! Thanks to Cory for taking part in the giveaway as well!

Dutchess, email me your info and we will hook Olivia up with some doggie spritzer!

This place is lacking some adorable.

It’s an oldie, but a goodie. I miss my little, fluffy pup. She’s so big now!

Picture this.

Nanny Jamie is playing with the almost one year old in the living room. 2 year old was in his room doing his business, he normally goes off and tells me when he is ready to change.

Then, it got quiet. Too quiet. I burst into his room.

What do I see?

A two year old with both legs in one of the leg holes on his Pull Up. Poopy diaper on the floor and a big brown spot where he plopped ass down on the cream carpet.

Later we see a disheveled nanny scrubbing the carpet with everything under the kitchen sick trying to get shit off the carpet.

That was only part of my day.

Yesterday was rough.

After a week of magic, fairy dust and no worries, I was back home. Back to reality.

Nannying is burning me out, the 12 hour days running around after kids who aren’t even mine. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kids to death. They are my babies, but I’ve been doing this long enough to know, how a kid acts with their parents and how they act with a sitter or nanny are on opposite ends of the behavior spectrum. The kids have more good days than not so good days. I really can’t complain, I get paid very well for what I do and I am practically part of the family. It’s just wearing me down.

I have money issues like no tomorrow. BlogHer is coming up, tuition, gas, and now vet bills. Turns out this dog my cousin gave me, doesn’t have any shots and must be neutered. All that is coming out of my pocket. I feel like I’m drowning and will never catch up.

My parents are officially divorced now, it happened last month. Unfortunately, they are both still living here so it’s like nothing has changed. House repairs, big and small, must be done before the house can be sold. I’m betting we will be stuck in this shitty situation until at the very least fall, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were here longer.

Meaningless little stuff that on a normal day wouldn’t bother me, yesterday had me absolutely reeling. I came home, the internet was being a bitch and it just pushed me over the edge. Everything bubbled up and over and I was done. Tears were officially flowing and I let it all out.

I sent boyfriend a text that I was going to bed at about 9:30 because I just needed the day to be over. He knows me too well and called. He talked and calmed me. He reminded me that yeah, things might suck now but I do have a lot to be happy for.

And I am.

Right then I was just feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. It finally all caught up with me and came out.

I’m happy I have someone to bring me back down and remind me of these things when needed.

I love him.

I don’t even know where to start with this! I didn’t take as many pictures as I would have liked but I did take some! Also, left out are the ones where I look like an idiot or really chubby. Sorry guys, but that’s just not happening!

It stormed and rained off and on all week but never for too long.  The plane got in at like midnight and by the time luggage was retrieved, car rented, checked into the timeshare and settled in it was about 4AM. Needless to say, we slept very late, but that night we decided to hit up Universal Studios: Island of Adventure.

Island of Adventure is awesome because it has the Hulk rollercoaster. It kicks every one of those sissy rides at Six Flags’ asses. When I went two years ago, boyfriend and I just got off it and were walking past it when we seen that some poor smuck’s phone must have fell out of thier pocket and smashed into a million peices. We then realized it was the same phone boyfriend had and oh…wait…it was boyfriend’s phone. We learned our lesson that year, hand off phones, sunglasses and wallets before riding the Hulk.

I also tried to sneak a peak of where they were building The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with no luck. I talked to some people who said they are redoing part of the Lost Continent and building up some not developed part of the park for it! I’m telling you now, I will be there when it opens in 2009.

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As you all know, a new pup has come into my household. It’s incredibly great timing because this week’s etsy feature is about dogs!

Good Clean Dog’s products are all natural and gentle on the skin for those sensitive pups. They offer all kinds of products from shampoos down healing salves.

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Remember me? I’m the girl who normally rambles on this little blog here. I know I had some amazing bloggers here for the past week but now you are stuck with me again. I know, I know. I’d be sad too. I missed this place though! Fill me in on what’s going on!

We had Danger Man himself, the lovely and talented Brandy who tells us girls in relationships how it is, Deutlich who is coming to visit me Chicago this weekend, my favorite blog whore, Meghan who screams in strippers faces, the other love of my life, Ben, who enlightened us all about hot, sexy porn, the plan for the blog bash of the century by our hostess with the mostess, Nicole. Friday we had closet White Sox fan, All the Wine, who I absolutely adore and finally, The Googler in the flesh…or text…something like that, but point is – you all now know Jenn’s secret identity.

Now if that isn’t quality entertainment, I don’t know what is. In case you missed any of those, you better get to clickin’!

I’m still working on getting all my vacation photos and thoughts organized but I’ll leave you with Goofy whispering sweet nothings in my ear. He tried to get a little fresh but boyfriend set him in his place.

Dear Google,

It has been a while since I last plead my case. First I came up with a list of reasons why you should hire me. After that was ignored I came up with a list of possible positions I’d be willing to create if hired. I still haven’t heard back from you though. At first I thought it was me. I spent days reflecting on and rereading my posts.

Maybe it’s me? Is it my ears? Perhaps my amazing sunburnning skills?

I know what it is…it’s my Wii bowling skills. Well if it makes you feel any better, I’m not a pro anymore. I’ve stepped down from that pedestal pretty quickly and moved onto greener grasses.

Okay fine. I used yahoo alright. But it was just one time! It meant nothing to me! I was just trying to….you’re so pretty baby, I’m sorry. Come back okay?

But then I realized no, it wasn’t me. I’m much too awesome. So naturally I blamed the Internet. Something is preventing you there at Google HQ from reading my blog. I realize this happens from time to time. Apparently it’s affecting Comcast, too. When the lovely Jamie asked if I’d round up her week of guest blogs (No pressure there!), enthusiastically I replied with a “Super Fuck Yeah!” (Sorry Mom, but this isn’t my blog and I’m allowed to swear now.) Thinking that Google should definitely be able to read this, I decided to make a second third attempt.

I’ve decided that you need a spokesperson, er a mascot. I am volunteering to be that mascot. Just call me…The Googler. Normal chick with two cats by day, The Googler by night! Jen Lancaster has hopped on board. You better get on before you miss the train to Awesomeville. Did I mention there will be a cape?

So what would The Googler do for you? Let’s say you’re having a party and your little geeky baby doesn’t want a stupid clown. Call on The Googler. Balloon animals? No problem. Unless they pop. Then we have a serious problem because I will be out of there faster than a fat kid in spandex.

I’m also willing to move around the office very stealth like and use my skills to help people Google things. Let’s say someone is, god forbid, using Yahoo. I know…I almost cried, too. Well I’d sneak attack them and change their search engine back to Google before they even know it. Microsoft wants to pay people? That’s no match for my skills! By the end of my tenure people will be like, “What’s Yahoo/Microsoft?” And I’ll shake my head as I say, “Exactly.”

Consider the extra money we could bring in with the appearances. I could become an ordained minister and wed people as The Googler. There could be Googler action figures, mugs, even holiday calendars (Tastefully wrapped in my Googler cape of course). I’m pretty sure this is the direction you need to be going Google.

I’ll sit back and wait for the offers to come pouring in. And don’t think you fooled me by contacting me for a massage therapy job. You know I don’t have enough experience yet and that was a very cruel email! (Send it again in two years and we’ll talk!)

Sincerely,

Jenn a.k.a. The Googler

I have one of my own. No, unfortunately, not my own Ben, but my own Calvin! With that said, introducing my newest addition to the Lovely clan.

My cousin had him, but moved and could no longer keep him. He may only be here temporarily or maybe if we fall in love (which will be hard not to!), permanently. Edie and him are the best of friends and wrestle their little hearts out. He’s her shadow. Mr. Wiener Dog’s right eye is half blue and half brown too!

He was given the unfortunate name of Smokey McLovin. Seriously? No dog of mine will be named that nonsense. Too much fierceness for that reject name. We are still thinking of a good one. Any suggestions are welcome!

More pictures, thoughts on guest bloggers and Florida recap to come. I’m still recuperating from vacation but had to share this adorable little acquisition of mine. Be on the look out for one last guest blog tomorrow from my BFF!

* Jenn totally came up with that title, btw.