New Jewelry

I got the best jewelry for my birthday. Jason's family really understand what I like especially since we've been together so long. Karin got me four beautiful necklaces, all of them very different from the last. Jan got me two beautiful earrings from her trip to Alaska. They are made from local craftsmen. My friend Kate, got me earrings while we were at the Ren Fest, which I just adore. I love when I suddenly go from having nothing new to having a bunch of new things all at once, all that I really enjoy. Last night we went to a friend's birthday party and I wore one of Karin's necklaces with Jan's earrings, they went great together. Thanks all for the best gifts.

I Could Save Your Life!

Quick certification classes are the coolest concept. I just got back from a 7 hour CCBC class titled First Aide and CPR for Young Children and Adults. It was very informative. You watch one section of a video while following through with your provided manual, then you discuss in the class, and take a short quiz, and then continue that pattern.

You have a partner and you practice some of the first aide procedures with them as you go through, such as stopping a bleed and the Heimlich Maneuver. Then when you get to the CPR section you practice on dummies going through the steps one by one. You go through different possible scenarios and keep practicing. The instructor then tests each person making sure they hit each point. We then had to do the same thing with baby dummies.

How scary it would actually be to use these procedures in real life, but at least I know them now and will feel more comfortable and knowledgeable to help out in these situations. We all left with our certified CPR cards, that last two years. How cool, I can now help in saving a life from a one day class.

P.S. Hey Kate R, I learned how to use an epinephrine shot, so next time we go to the Ren Fest we're covered.

Fearless Karaoke

I gained real confidence this weekend at my friend Kate's Karaoke Birthday bash. I've always been able to get up there and sing in groups or maybe do one solo as I shook in horror. This time I went with complete confidence, singing multiple songs by myself. I started with the Squeeze song Tempted. As I was singing in this white trash hole in the wall bar, a fight broke out. Guess what I did? I kept my cool and kept on singing. Everyone in our party was proud of me for staying calm and finishing my song. I've got to say that was the first time my voice caused a brawl.

Then I sang PJ Harvey's Down by the Water, which Jason said was my best. I finally chose the right songs for my voice. They were more talky songs with attitude. That's what I need to stick with. I finished the night off with the Violent Femme's song Add it Up. I love singing and this really gave me the chance to feel that energy of the spotlight. I really had a great time.


Jason sang many songs and his voice was amazing as usual. At one point I came out of the restroom and he was doing a duet with this fantastic girl singer. My jealousy went away fast because they sounded so good. I would love to be a girl rock star, but I'll settle with Karaoke every so often. My fears are gone and I'll hopefully forever be able to sing my heart out in front of a bunch of strangers. It's really exhilarating.

Movies That Will Move You, Part 1: Gran Torino and Nick and Norah

I saw two movies this weekend that I would add to my top 50 list, Gran Torino and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. They were both stellar films for completely different reasons. Gran Torino featured Clint Eastwood in a brutally honest performance as the grumpy old widower with terrible bigotry issues, trying to claim his neighborhood back from an Asian takeover. His demeanor is slowly transformed as he starts befriending the neighborhood children. It's a deeply engrossing portrayal of friendship in its truest light. I recommend this film to anyone, just be ready with some tissues.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist on the other hand is delightful. Micheal Cera plays Nick (very similar to his Juno role) whose trying to get over his first love when he meets Norah, played by the alluring Kat Dennings. Like the film Go, this film takes place in one crazy night in NYC. All the many characters are believable and relateable. The soundtrack is incredible, or at least it was for me, since I listen to all the music that was played. It is a fun thrill ride, and not as predictable as all other romantic comedies.

My friend Kate Reckner asked if she could come over next Sunday to watch a film on our, as she puts it "Big Ass TV". The idea of having a movie night every Sunday came to mind. Let's get this started friends, let me know if you're interested in joining us!