Doom and Gloom

Life has given me lemons and I've made frickin pineapple juice....seriously enough with the optimism right?  Well not really, but it makes me feel better if I say it.  I pride myself on being optimistic....but I don't think it comes out as optimism. Bummer.  I'm feelin like I need a "right-place-at-the-right-time" moment, but I have a hunch I won't get one.  Figures.  I blame China.  *big sigh* Well...I guess I'm gonna have to make my own batch of homemade cheerfulness (if I could put it in a package and sell it I'd be rich b/c I've mastered THIS art) this week.  I'm in the mood for a little foolishness, a little nonsense if you will.  Please pass any along if you feel prompted.  Oh, and if I get ONE MORE wedding invite I might just.....well never you mind{I being completely facetious}.  Guess WHO is goin to the Backstreet Boys concert at the end of this month?  If you guessed me-you win.  I am.  Don't judge.  Yes they are a poor man's *Nsync, and yes they've had their time in the sun but you know what....I'm excited....hot summer night+bsb+the combs girl posse = a night to remember.  Don't hate.  I am pleased as punch folks.  It's just that sort of thing.

All my Mamas

Hold up!  Hold up!  You thought I only had ONE mom?  No sir.  I have special circumstances.  Special cases (yours truly) require special attention.  In the plotting and scheming of things I think the Almighty knew that my mom would need extra help with me as I am particularly of a dramatic nature...well...I was.
I have so many women that have played such an amazing roll in my life but the ones who have always been there and who have picked up the pieces time and time again are the women that I like to consider the "A Team" b/c there is not "A" single time/situation/circumstance/trial they haven't been able to pick me up and send me on my way with a smile on my face.  Whether it's a batch of Shanna's famous chocolate chip cookies, a sleepover/study session at ML's, a trip down memory lane with Gram, or a shoulder to cry on at home.....or (and may we never......NEVER forget) whether it's a GOOD (hearty) laugh at the "Campbell Way."  Oprah was a genius when she said "Biology is the least of makes someone a mother."  I have been (to say the least) blessed with at least 4 mothers in my life who have picked me up out of the depths of despair, who I have traveled to the ends of the earth with....well, Europe does seem like the end of the earth when you're a teenager....who have stood by me thru my {VERY} awkward stages, lime lights, triumphs, failures, more failures, good, bad and super ugly times....b/c (as they say) that's just what family does.  Somebody really knew what he was doing.  I know that all of us have amazing mother figures in our lives...I just think they go over looked every once in a while and we need to give them their props more often.
Dear Gram, Mom, ML, & Shan,
What can I say that hasn't already been said and that isn't cliche and annoying?  All I can say is, that as I look back on my existence there isn't a memory that doesn't involve you or your influence.  I've stumbled and fallen, but have been picked up, dusted off and set straight all by you.  We've laughed and cried and yelled and laughed and traveled and I've had the time of my life and I feel like I have it made in the shade....I love you all so much.
Jen

Humble-i-zation

It was the 11th hour on Saturday night (literally) when I realized I would repeat another 15 hour work day in about T minus 2 mins...or so it seemed.  I traded shifts with a beloved co-worker (I seriously love her to death) and I came to the conclusion that 15 hours of teenage girls on a Sunday would be the absolute death of me....or my sanity.  Sunday is supposed to be about relaxation, spiritual worship, family, good food...all of which I would not be a part of....don't get too disappointed folks, much to my surprise, I had one of the most spiritual Sundays in my young single adult life.  5 words..."Music and the Spoken Word."  I always made fun of my dad for watching it EVERY Sunday *ugh not that again*.....*geez dad I didn't know it was a General Conf marathon*...you know, cheeky stuff like that.  I stand corrected.  As I entered the warm room we call the Tabernacle, I immediately thought of 2 things...sleep....and how I was NOT going to fall asleep.  Have you ever sat in the Tabernacle?  Whoever designed those seats KNEW how we work....there's no falling asleep while sitting in those pews.  Just then, my heart stopped.  I caught a glimpse of Dallin H. Oaks.  I was fixated.  I made it my personal mission to notify all those around me.  I attempted to do it in the most quietly dignified way I knew how but I'm not a very quietly dignified individual.  It was time to begin.  They started to introduce special groups and individuals in the audience.  Dallin H. Oaks was one of the first.  They introduced a group of Veterans who enlisted at and early age {they happened to be sitting in the row right in front of me} I was touched....as the stood up some of them had their badges..some had canes...some were wearing fatigues.  It was a warming feeling.  We {West Ridge Academy} were next to be introduced {a nice surprise....I always love being introduced....side note...I think..no..I'm positive...I'm the only one that waved to the audience} it was after our introduction that the MC stated "the girls of West Ridge might be a little excited about our next guest to be introduced as he is sitting near by....David Archuletta."  Hold up HOLD UP!  Dallin H. Oaks AND David Archuletta?  {Pres. Oaks was sitting 5 rows in front of me...David only 3...we were close}......I mean, I didn't even vote for the kid but in that very moment I became 15 again...and was an instant super fan!  And just when I thought it couldn't get any better...enter....President Thomas S. Monson.  My heart dropped.  I felt like the most fortunate girl in the whole world.  As if my heart wasn't overflowing with spiritual-ness....Motab was so inspiring.  I have to relate to you folks...when it comes to spiritual stuff I'm kind of a brat {not always}.  There was an orchestra that was accompanying the choir.  Is it just me or does music have the most moving abilities.  My heart was in my throat the entire time.  It was only during their rendition of "The Sound of Music" that my water works kicked in {trust me...I had NO control over it....who wants to cry in front of a posse of teenage girls...certainly not me} The words, the orchestra, the beauty of everything combined and in that moment I was overcome with the spirit....that's the only way I know how to put it.  I haven't felt that way in a very.....very long time.  Some of you might be thinking how laaaame this post is, but I have to tell you.....I've never been so grateful to work on Sunday.  You know, in all HIS omnipotence, and majesty it's little things such as these that persuade me to believe that he knows us...and he knows what we need and when we need it...and that even though we may think we have slipped through the cracks and our existence is unknown....he gives us little moments of humility that let us know he's still there, and that he still knows us.  And that's all I have to say about that...if that makes me lame so be it....I'm a lame-oh.....a lame-oh who is oh-so-grateful for THIS specific act of humble-i-zation.

Those who can't do..teach. Those who can't teach...teach GYM

Summertime is right around the corner, and I mean that in a literal sense.  I KNOW that one of these days I will open my door, walk out of my apartment and around the corner and IT will hit me like the ton of sunshine that I have desperately craved for the past 8 to 9 months.  With that in mind, I will HAVE TO dress for the occasion.  Hoodies and sweat pants will not accommodate my zealousness to stay cool (literally hahaha).  I've been going to the gym.  Don't let's fall off our chairs now.  Those of you who attend the gym regularly are seriously my hero (mom).  Ummm.....it's kinda hard....especially for those like me who enjoy the comfort of a cushioned seat and a dark theater, pop corn and jalepenos in hand, or the comforts of plastic booths that only the likes of trendy restaurant chains can give, or even the simple pleasures of ones own bed...I am a sucker for just about any excuse of not going to the gym.  However, I thoroughly enjoy  the alleviation and contentment I feel after I get my cardio in for the day.  With this in mind I would like to send out my positive and/or non-positive vibes to the gym-goers of the 2000's.  But Jenilyn, what do you mean by "vibes?"  Ok ok....how do I say this without being....rude?  I'll just disclaim this next bit with "no offense but...."  (don't you love how people say that, but what they say is still offensive)
No offense but.....when there are 5 treadmills to my right and 7 to my left, please....PLEASE do not occupy the one RIGHT next to me.  Also, will you please (PLEASE) pop a piece of gum in your mouth if you're gonna run, walk, or do anything that requires breathing heavily next to me?  Work out breath is relentless, and all that huffing and puffing does no good for the situation.  I understand that sometimes we rush off to work in the morning and forget a few token gym items in the hussle out the door, but will you please try to remember to bring a work out towel.  All that sweating is seriously NAST, and when you wipe it off with your hands then touch the equipment I get a little germ anxiety not to mention....the thought of YOUR sweat......and others....mounding up on the machines....elghhhhh....I'm gagging.  Also, I am a very friendly person....I like to get to know people...but NOT when I'm working out.  I'm in a zone there....and I'm out of breath....I don't have the resources to keep a convo going....sorry about it.  Please don't stare (I'm not saying they're staring at me....I'm just saying "don't stare" it's not polite....I learned that like forever long ago).  Oh!  Guys....(I have never seen a girl do this that's why I say "guys") please, please don't spit in the drinking fountains.  I will not write more on the matter for fear of "losing my lunch." These are just gentle reminders....no harm intended.  I would never say any of these things in a mean voice....when you work out you create endorphins....endorphins make people happy....happy people don't just say mean things.
Just to lighten the mood....don't you just love love love when people keep checking themselves out in the mirror at the gym?  Hahahahaha.  I'm not talking about when they watch themselves in the mirror while they're lifting (to correct their form)...no no...that's just fine...it's the ones that keep walking around, turning to different angles, staring at themselves...fixing their outfit or hair etc. You KNOW that in their minds they are just ecstatic about how "good" they look.  Ah!  I just think it's hilarious!  So anyway, I hope everyone is looking forward to picnic weather, flip flop season, pool side fun, gettin yo' tan on, fireworks (and I mean that in more than one way *winks*), late nights, outdoor fun, suh-suh-suh summertime!

I pledge allegiance....

Am I unpatriotic b/c I did NOT watch (nor had the desire to watch) the Olympics?  In the back of my mind there's a voice insinuating that I am not the proper American I should be b/c I lack the luster a "true" American would have while enjoying a nice evening at home kicking back and watching the ever impressive athletes wow us with their olympiadic abilities.  Somehow pushing a stone/marble puck/ball/disc, whatever the heck you call it, over the ice while 2 people scrub the ice (for a purpose I don't really understand) is hardly thrilling.  I mean, I just can't imagine anyone on the edge of their seat w/beads of sweat running down their forehead waiting for the results of that specific event.  Come to think of it, I can't imagine anyone even watching that event, unless a family member was competing, and even then they watch out of sheer obligation...not b/c they yearn for the elation that "sport" can provide.  
 Did you know that Figure Skating has different categories....there's couples skating...figure skating....and figure "dancing" meaning...no jumps, no stunts just dancing...on...the ice....ummm that's weird...b/c that's what I do EVERY single time I go ice skating...the fact that it's an Olympic event is confusing, maybe I should try out next time.  I don't know if they'd be able to handle my ice dancing skills....they're pretty elite.  Did you guys see the event where they cross country ski and then randomly shoot at targets?  Who the H came up with THAT event?  I just don't get it.  Don't get me wrong, I love the (cool) events like Snowboarding....Bobsledding (Cool Runnings did me in),  Speed skating, figure skating (not figure dancing), anything w/cool stunts is right up my alley.  All the boring events can just sit on the back burner if you catch my drift.  Thanks.  

Just sayin....

DISCLAIMER: I totally made my donation to the Haitian/Save Haiti fund and this is not a knock on the crisis at hand but rather the "wolves in sheeps clothing." I know that a lot of us are so sick of hearing about Haiti and all the vent-sessions going on but you guys....but I just saw this video and the second I saw this video I could not hold it in!  In the beginning there were a few tugs at the ol' heartstrings...The shots of Haiti are truly heartbreaking.  Enter: the Sugarland singer...immediately ruined the "We Are The World" experience for me....her facial expressions are...for lack of a better word...annoying.  However, a quick save was made by none other than the illusive Josh Groban who (I've heard) moonlights as Prince Charming.  WARNING: I'm probably not going to be sympathetic to the rest of the ARTISTS  (I will to a few...but the majority...no).  The video wouldn't be complete without "the greats" Tony Bennett and Babs lend a hand or rather vocal cords in an attempt for some nostalgic flavor....here is where we start to crack down.  The split screen of Michael and Janet....no offense (but this will be offensive to some)...ghetto.....you can't really tell if Janet is singing or if she's lip syncing....the reason being: they share the same voice!  Killer.  Ps Babs. thanks for throwing in a lil' "pop" in the bits....way to stay true to your sound.  Speaking of "Pop"...enter: Miley Cyrus...now, don't hate me for this comment but I thought she nailed her snip-it...that's my girl Hannah!  Do yo' thang!!!  Oh no, don't get too comfortable with the edge b/c immediately following Miley is our latest buzz kill Enrique Eglesis...honey, we were done w/you after your last hit "Hero"....you couldn't let us have THAT be our last memory of you...you had to sign on to THIS project...didn't you?  Closely following Enrique...a favorite of mine..Jamie Foxx...thank you for doing this project.....if we need anyone to "blame" for it's disappointing solos...we know who to go to.  Question: is it wrong that I can't tell the difference btwn Will.I.Am and Wyclef John?  B/c I seriously can't....and I'm really good with pop culture.  The next few artists nail their bits on the heads...kudos to Adam Levigne, Pink, some random black guy who sounds familiar but have no idea who he is, Michael, Usher (very nice)...and the Queen of Pop herself Celine!  Flawless performance...set the bar, and set it HIGH.  I particularly enjoyed the conducting stylings of Lionel Richie while Celine is so easily doing what she was born to do....execute her "solo" w/flying colors....and then we see Fergie (whose name is really Stacie Ferguson..."Fergie" is a self-proclamation...she is NOT of royal descent..just in case you didn't know)....and Fergie...well...Fergie just botches it up, don't really know why she's there...speaking of "why is he/she there" did anyone notice (at minute 4:51) that Jeff Bridges and Vince freakin Vaughn are in the "choir?" Um....did I miss that 15 min where they had released an album with their vocal stylings (solo and/or backup)?  Not far behind we have my favorite part....Lil Wayne, who is backed-up (heavily) with synthesized technology (that's real big these days).  Snaps to Mary Mary holdin it down for the "Gospel" community. To the most comical part of the performance, I realize that it is 2010 and music has changed drastically since 1980 something when the song was first recorded, but did we have to ruin it by adding the breakdown of rap?  What was once a classic is now a farce.  I am fully amendable to "improving" things....but I resort to the old saying "if it's not broken don't fix it" and so it goes w/this song.  I am completely impressed with this project as a whole, and I am certainly touched with the unity involved.  I just have a hard time getting around the egos that went into this project "for the right reasons" b/c I'm pretty sure I saw million dollar dresses on a few red carpets AFTER this song was recorded.....I wonder what Haiti could've used THAT money on....weird.  Whew!  What a great vid right guys?  Those are just thoughts....my thoughts....again, I'm NOT hating on Haiti....just the video...and some of the artists.

Common...or Competition?

It's hard enough to go through life TRYING to figure out exactly what you're good at....what your talents are and WHY you're here.  This makes it even more annoying when you glance at someone and KNOW immediately what they're good at and why they are alive.  For example:  Lisa Leslie.  One look at the girl and it is as obvious as the day is light that she is supposed to be the Queen of the WNBA.  No doubt about it.  She was built to play basketball...not only play basketball but dominate the court as soon as she sets foot on the hardwood, pavement what have you.  She exudes basketball player.  Megan Fox.  She could be nothing less than a movie star.  Um....no offense but if she was taking my order at Burger King....or ringing me up at the grocery store, or even answering my call as a TMobile Rep....I could not/would not take her seriously.  She was born to light up the Technicolor dream screen.  I'm not saying I'm a fan but I'm not going to question the obvious.  Lady Gaga.  I have not one ounce of hesitation in my body when I say that she was born to be a big weirdo creep.  She's a creeper.  She oozes psycho grody-ness.  Some people say that she her weirdness is "originality" and that it's "impressive."  To them I make this point: you can also be impressed by a 3-legged dog, but that doesn't mean you're gonna go looking for one to call your own. My point is....you look at ANY of these people and immediately you know their calling in life. You know just by the looks of things that, THAT is what they are supposed to be.  But.......what about me?  What about us normal folk....the conventional hob-nobbers who live the everyday rustics of mediocrity? How do we find our calling in life?  *sigh*  Maybe it's just that I'm good at everything?  No....that can't be it.  Or can it?  Maybe, it's that we need a million of us average joes around so that when the ab-normal (I know this is one word but I separated it for effect) people arrive....we look bad....or do we look better?  Am I a deep thinker or what?  Maybe THAT'S what I'm meant to be (a deep thinker)?!  Oh no.  Do I look the part?