I Am *So* That Person

Have you ever been a member of a book club or other discussion group? Was there that one person in the group that always seemed to have an opinion or monopolized the conversation? If you can't think of anyone that fits that description, then its probably you.

Well, I recently realized that I'm totally that person in my monthly book club. I swear that I wasn't always this way. In the beginning, I was one of the quieter ones. But something happened over the years and now I can't seem to shut myself up.

I try to stop, I swear. I even tell myself, "Okay, Jackie. This time you are only going to comment on every third subject that comes up." But then I get there and before I know it my mouth is opening and closing non-stop and I hear myself going on and on and on and on.

It probably doesn't help that we usually have wine during our meetings. Two glasses and my filter almost completely disappears. Its like being in a book club with Lisa Lampanelli.

Actually, that would be pretty awesome. In fact, nevermind. Let me pour a glass and tell you all about my opinions on our latest book. Just don't expect to get a word in edgewise.

Things That Make Me Feel Stabby

Things That Make Me Feel Stabby:

1) People that use the bathroom stall right next to me even though EVERY OTHER stall is open.

2) Glenn Beck.

3) People that litter on the street 5 feet away from a trash can.

4) Twilight Moms.

5) Drivers that think the rules of the road do not apply to them.

6) Guys that wear their pants around their knees

7) Glenn Beck.

8) Being asked "When are you due?". I am not, nor have I ever been, pregnant. Thankyouverymuch.

9) Able-bodied people that stand still on escalator - especially if you block me from being able to walk past you.

10) No serious. I really hate Glenn Beck.

My Life List - 2010 Edition

A year or two ago several of my friends told me that they were creating a "30 Things To Do Before I'm 30" list. And I, of course, decided I needed one too. (What can I say, I'm part lemming. I think it was on my maternal great-grandmother's side.)

The problem was that my 30th birthday was only about a year away and my list was pretty ambitious. By the time my I hit the big 3-0, I had only accomplished 7 of the list items. That's when I decided to turn it into a "Life List" (AKA a "Bucket List", but I hate that name).

I'm continuously marking off items as I accomplish them - this blog was one - and adding new goals as I think of them. They can be as simple and short-term as attending one of the movies in the park that Chicago holds every summer (accomplished Summer 2008) to swimming with dolphins (not yet, but let me know if you're friendly with some dolphins that might like to hang out with me).

The problem I came across a couple of months ago is that I keep adding really grandiose items that take time, money or a combination of the two. Things that will most likely not happen in the immediate future. Things like trips to Africa or completing a marathon. So I decided that, in order to stay motivated, I needed to identify the things on my list I could complete within the year. And that is how I come up with "My Life List - 2010 Edition".

I'm not going to give you the full 2010 list (a girl has to maintain a modicum of mystery), but here are a few goals:

1. Get completely out of credit card debt. - This was a big one and something I've been working on for a few years. And I'm so happy to say that I'm only 1-2 payments away from it actually happening!!

2. Take tennis lessons. - I'm signing up for a 3-week class in May. If you're in Chicago and want to take it with me, let me know.

3. Donate to at least 5 separate charities. - I can't believe this one is already done! I'll admit that the amounts I've contributed don't exactly compare with Bill & Melinda Gates, but it feels great to support wonderful organizations like Children's Memorial Hospital, United Way, Red Cross Haitian Relief Efforts, and National Public Radio (NPR).

I'll let you know as I continue to check things off my list. But in the mean time, what's on your list?

The Things I See in the Shower

My shower is tiled with brown slate. I think. I don't know. I'm not a tileologist.

It looks like this:



And sometimes, while I'm patiently waiting the recommended 2-3 minutes before rinsing my conditioner, I see new images in the tile. Like when you used to lie on your back in the yard as a kid and see images in the passing clouds. I've seen hearts, birds, teddy bears, faces, and ghosts. Today I even saw a leprechaun. But that could have been a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder flashback from my St. Patrick's Day celebrations last week.

Trying to find new images is like a fun little game that makes my showers more interesting. Its almost enough to make up for the fact that I don't have a ledge to set my foot on when I shave my legs. Almost.