A Happy Halloween to you from our little Re'pup'licans.

Trick-or...razor blade???

To make a really long story short, my sister Nicki and I HATE candy corn. There is just something about it that grosses us out beyond belief. We hate it more than circus peanuts, yes we do, but we hate it less than those horrible sugary orange pumpkins that sometimes come in the same bag as candy corn.

When we were kids we would pin each other down and force the disgusting holiday treat into each other's mouth using so much force that we would sometimes get a bloody lip or gums. Yep, it's that bad. To this day we still hate the treat more than anything else.

Isn't it funny how things have changed? Remember when you used to go trick-or-treating all over the neighborhood and reach your glittery little hand into a big bowl of loose candy? Mary-jane's, bubble gum, and lollipops were the common bounty back then. My sister and I used to roam our neighborhood without a care in the world or any suspicion that we may be about to consume a treat harboring a razor blade. It's such a shame.

Then there were always the people who handed out the little boxes of raisins or that damn apple. Really? Come on. Just give me my Reese's Peanut-Butter Cup, sans the poison, and I'm happier than a vampire at a blood bank.

THE LAST FIG LEAF according to Dr. Suess

I start every night of my groups with a quote. I use one of my favorites as often as possible and I think it's the most appropriate way to start this post:

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

My blog is now public and I'm scared to death.

Wednesday, Oui? Puppy Love

Late into the night I was doing some work from home and I had the TV on as background noise. I wasn't even watching it, but a commercial came on about animal abuse. I saw these dogs living in cages with just one ratty toy. It broke my heart as I looked around my house; two overflowing toy boxes, three doggy beds, one doggy couch, medicines, books on dog care, gallons of food and a storage bin full of clothing; boots, life jackets, summer clothes, winter clothes, fall clothes, dress up clothes. My dogs live in the lap of luxury, spoiled at every moment by love, affection, and material.

I am an annual donor to the ASPCA as well as a member working to find ways to help abused and neglect animals, I encourage everyone to find out what they can do.

So how is this Oui material? You know how all parents think their child is the cutest that ever lived? I know lots of parents like that. When you love someone/something, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it's difficult to see flaws.

Well, everyone loves our dogs. Not just us. Everyone who comes in contact with my little men fall head over heals. I had a woman knock on my door Friday saying "I work at the dry cleaners three doors down and I have to tell you the highlight of my day is watching you walk your little Chihuahuas. Can I meet them in person?" I swear, true story.

All these people can't be wrong. Oui?

Deil Niamond

About a month and a half ago my father, crazy Richard, called me squealing with excitement that he had purchased 6 tickets to see Neil Diamond. Our family, every-single-one-of-us, loves Neil. I know, weird. So, I was so excited, "you got two for Aaron and me, right?" He assured me he did, and that was that.

A few days later, I asked "Where is the concert?" When he tells me it's at the Rochester Opera House I was a bit alarmed. Rochester is the armpit of New Hampshire and the ROH is a hole in the wall theater. Seriously, what is Neil going there for? Is he on his last leg and only doing small venues? When my dad said it was for charity, that sort of cleared it up for me.

A few day's after that my dad calls me again, "Um, about those tickets, it's well, not exactly Neil Diamond, it's an impersonator." I wasn't surprised by this point. I had grown to suspect it due to the reaction of got from everyone I told; "Neil is going to be in... Rochester?" So, I know Rochester (or Crotchester as I lovingly refer to it) has a reputation, I grew up there, but I didn't know everyone thought so poorly of it. Come on people it does have some redeeming qualities, I'll get back to you on those as soon as I think of them.

I figured I would go anyway. Hey, it's something to do right? Plus it would make my dad really happy. Unfortunately, I came down with the flu the night of the concert. Well, I didn't get the flu, I was already sick when I went to get my flu shot on Friday morning. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Nurse: (prior to injection) You don't have a cold, flu or fever do you?

Jessi: (Liar) Nope.

6 hours later, on the way to "Deil Niamond" on the phone with my mom, the nurse.

Mom: Why did you lie!? They ask you that for a reason, you are going to get really sick!!!

Jessi: I don't know, I didn't want to have to reschedule and I am really sick!

Mom: Well, snuggle in tonight, drink some tea, is Aaron taking good care of you? (she can be warm and fuzzy, sometimes)

Jessi: I can't. I'm on my way to the fake Neil..

Mom: What? Fake? I thought you were going to see Neil...

Jessi: (Cutting Mom off) Dad bought impostor tick...

Mom: (Bursts of laughter) hahaha... Rochester... hahah...fake...that is so your fath...hehehe hahaha wahhhhhahhahah!

Jessi: Goodbye, Mom!

Mom: hahahahahahahahah hehehe hehehehe hahahah!!!

I have to say the concert was amazing. While I was there, I temporarily forgot I was so sick. The guy looked sorta like Neil, but sounded exactly like him. When the first few notes of his first song started playing I completely forgot he was fake... and he even sang my all time favorite Neil song, I am I said. It really was a great time...

Until the car ride home when I remembered I was sick...

My fever was 102.7 when I got back to Concord.

Aaron: (when we got home, pointing toward the bathroom) Straight into a warm shower young lady.

Booo! Sick all weekend, but so worth it. Love you Deil Niamond!

Update!

So, I have an appointment scheduled to see an allergist on 11/11 at 11:o0... That was the soonest they could get me in. I know, I should have brought the machete... damn it! I guess, until then, I will just continue to annoy the shit out of Aaron by blowing my nose all through the night. Who needs sleep anyway?

Politics v. Politeness

So I got an email from a friend of mine today, forwarded to her, stating that the following was written by David Letterman. Being familiar with David Letterman, I did some research to verify, knowing he stance with politics. Sure enough, several sources including www.snopes.com state that it was not written by Letterman, or Jay Leno, as other folks have endorsed. However, I think it is important for everyone to read, regardless of who wrote it. Please be advised the author is, at this time, unknown.

It's very political for my blog, but truth is, I especially like this because I am, in fact, a supporter of our President. *GASP*

Oh and while I'm feeling so feisty I'll add that I am voting McCain/Palin *GASP*. I do promise, however, although I'll be unhappy if Obama (that hurts to say) wins I will again support our President whoever it may be. I may not like them, but it is who we, as a country, chose. Got to love our right to vote and our freedoms... something our troops fight for every day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Democrat or Republican this is SO, SO true. Please read.

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and wants a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents; neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know.

What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?


Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' ' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then, the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative. 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

Jackpot!

I'm a busy-bee... I have about 4 posts planned for today (including this one) so stay tuned!

Aaron + Jessi

The White Mountain Range

Last Saturday Aaron and I went to the Oak Hill Fire Tower. It's actually a bit of a hike, considering it's so close to home. I love the fire tower-- you can see for miles and miles, you can even see Mount Washington on a clear day.

This was actually place Aaron and I went on our "first date." When we got up there, that day, he carved our names into the metal at the top of the tower, something I NEVER do and usually consider rude and disrespectful. BUT there were thousands of names and initials carved into the beams of the tower so he couldn't resist. When we went back on Saturday we found them, a little aged by time and the elements.

There is a cabin-like-thing at the top of the tower and lucky for us, this Saturday, there was an older gentleman "manning" the station and using his walky-talky to call in any suspicious smoke. Oak Hill is actually a State Park so this man must have been a forest ranger or something. He invited us up the last set of stairs into the cabin and showed us the view, explaining all of the mountains in the horizon. It was amazingly beautiful with the day so clear and the foliage so brilliant.

It was nice doing it again, and talking about when we first met, when Aaron begged and begged and begged for me to be his girlfriend ;) Thinking back to that time in my life, when I didn't want commitment, there was a deep sadness in me seeing him proudly carve our names into the tower. I specifically remember thinking "I hope I don't break his heart." He loved me then, way less than he does now; but then, just days into our "dating" and years after we'd first met, he knew. I didn't, but he did.

At the top of the tower there was a guest book. I signed it on Saturday, "The Molloys- Concord, NH" months and months later, this time completely agreeing with him.

What are your thoughts?

Okay, reader challenge.

Read this and comment. Please, all of you. I don't ask much but I am really curious about your thoughts.

I'll tell you what I think; my opinion as a substance abuse therapist.

• Two of five college students are binge drinkers.*
• 1,400 college students die each year from alcohol related injuries.*
• 70,000 students are victims of alcohol-related sexual assaults each year.*

Lowering the drinking age is not going to help "kids" make more responsible decisions, it just gives them license to engage in dangerous behaviors.

The human brain is not fully developed until 21-25 years-of-age. Introducing foreign chemicals into the body can be detrimental to normal development not to mention create a heightened propensity to form an addiction.

The drinking age was lowered at one point in time, during the Vietnam War, when the draft was instituted. Do you know what happened when the drinking age was lowered? There was a dramatic increase in alcohol related deaths because kids are not responsible or emotionally mature enough to be making informed decisions about alcohol.

Some facts about booze:

• Alcohol is the #1 date rape drug.
• Alcohol is the #1 most widely abused drug in the U.S.
• Alcohol is the #1 gateway drug.
• Alcohol is the only substance in which a chronic abuser can die during withdrawals and detox.
• Alcohol is not an illegal substance to buy or possess (under most circumstances) if you are over 21-years-of-age
  

Playing Devil's advocate, and for the sake of argument, there are some good points about lowering the age to 18:

• The market for fake IDs would diminish.*
• College students could drink in their dorms instead of their cars.*
• Law enforcement money could be redirected to other programs.*
• Students would not be asking others to buy large amounts of liquor for them.*
  

So folks, what are your thoughts? In honor of Red Ribbon Week, lets start a debate. Please, please, please participate.

*extracted from http://www.oregoncatalyst.com/index.php?/archives/1657-The-Drinking-Age-A-Spirited-Debate.html

DONE!

That title scared you didn't it?
hehehe.

Well, I am done. I'm making an appointment, as soon as my doctor's office opens, to see an allergist.

Yesterday, I got to work at 5:44 am and didn't walk though the door of my apartment until 8:07 pm. That's right folks, you do the math; I worked 14 hours yesterday! That's insane. I had to be up at 4:00 am!! Why did I do this, you ask? Well, it's Red Ribbon Week and I attended a breakfast/conference yesterday morning. I have about a 25 minute drive to the office, I couldn't sleep, and had to meet my co-workers there at 6:30 am for a 7:00 am breakfast anyway so I just went in a little earlier (and made ribbons with fabric and red glitter paint for all my co-workers... they are actually beautiful!)

Why couldn't I sleep? Well for the same reason I couldn't sleep last night, after working 14 hours- of course it's because I like to be up at 2:00 am wiping the snot off my face and pillow. So enjoyable. I have to go get my flu shot tomorrow and I'm very tempted to barge into the office of the attending allergist yelling, with a machete in my hands, "Well you see, doc, I was in the area getting a flu shot so I figured I would save you the trouble of scheduling me an appointment for 2 months from now, I've done the research and a person can only live about 11 days without sleep and I'm pretty desperate creeping up on day 8, so what'dya say, can ya fit me in Doc?" All said with luggage beneath my eyes and a serial killer smile on my face driven insane by full upper-body hives.

Seriously, I worked 14 hours yesterday, 11 the day before, and 9.5 on Monday all because I am so uncomfortable when I lay down. Work is my only solution. I hate leaving our dogs but Aaron is already at work, which leaves me home with the TV and I hate TV. I suppose I could read, I did just get Stephanie Meyer's new book, The Host. Listen to me, I sound like I'm on crack!

Let's change the subject.

I apologize that I neglected to post a Oui (which should, grammatically, be "an Oui" because of the vowel, but I like "a Oui" better so there. I acknowledge the error, but it's on purpose [I really feel like I am on crack, although I've never tried it, but I do know the signs and symptoms]) Really, though, you all understand why there wasn't a "Oui", right?

That's it, where's my phone?

What's up Doc?

For as long as I can remember I have been stricken with allergies. As I have heard it, apparently, the body is supposed to regenerate itself and change every seven years. While I have become healthier in some aspects, it seems I keep adding new allergies to my existing ones.

When I was little I was affected by things like pollen, flowers, dust, and typical hay-fever. When I grew a little older it became some metals like nickel and pewter; then cats and dogs and Dove soap and Aveeno lotion, and everything else. Now there seems to be something else that I am allergic to and I can't put my finger on it.

Last week, after waking up almost every night for two months with snot running down my face because I was so clogged up, (and at Aaron's *gentle* urging "For Christ's sake, go get yourself checked out so I can sleep!") I finally went to see my doctor.

My Doctor, oh my doctor. His name is Hongbao Ma, or 'Dr. Ma.' So far, I've liked Dr. Ma; he seems to be a very good doctor with only two downfalls. He speaks BROKEN English and, although he seems fairly young, he appears to have a poor memory as evidenced by him introducing himself every time we meet and informing me that it's nice to meet me.

Well, last week, he pissed me off and I am at my wits end!! I made the appointment and went in; the scenario when like this:

Dr: Hih Jes-ka, nice mee youah, I'm H(popping sound/unintelligible first name) Ma. (Hi Jessica, it's nice to meet you, I'm Hongbao Ma.)
J: Hi Dr. Ma, it's nice to SEE you again.
Dr: Wha bringy heeah? (What brings you here?)
J: I have really bad allergies that seem to be getting worse. I don't think my medication is working. I have been on it so long, can I get used to it? Does a body do that?
Dr: Youah sneeze?
J: (sigh) Yes.
Dr: Youah weeze?
J: (impatient) Yes.
Dr: Youah noo wunny? (Is your nose runny? OR- {Do you know how to play rummy} [?])
J: YES! (to both actually)
Dr: [Pulling out a pointy thing to stick in my ears] Ooh, oohkay, lemmee tack luuk. (Okay, lets have a looksie)
Dr: Youah ear foo snah!!! (Your ears are full of snot!!! {Or do you hear that futon?} not sure which [?])
J: (Ashamed/whisper) Yes.
Dr: (Moving to shove instrument up my nasal cavity) Oohh, youah noo cwogged up tie (Wow what'd ya know, your nose is also clogged! -OR- {Have you read any novels by John Updike [?])
J: (head bowed) Yes.
Dr: (In an excited tone) Jes-ka youah haah awwergy!!! (Jessica, brace yourself, I have some bad news. You suffer from severe allergies which do extensive damage to your quality of life)

Seriously? I left the office to go to the pharmacy for Nasonex nasal spray and Claritin (over-the- counter) "wiitoutahad" (Yeah, that took me a few times too. He wanted me to buy Claritin with out the D, so, NOT Claritin-D) I did, knowing it probably wouldn't work because I was switching from 180 mg of prescribed medication to over-the-counter 10 mg pills.

Sure enough I got worse... see my hives??? All over my body!!!



I call back and I'm told "Jes-ka, youha knee see awergest" So either my knee is their guest, or I'm guessing I need to make an appointment with an allergist.

Wednesday, Oui?

I love this picture, just captured the other day, of my puppies. They are enjoying the morning sun creeping through the windows as they lay in 'their' bed. It’s as if Manny was saying, “No Bing, I love you more.”

It's scary how happy these boys make me.

Apple Season- 2008

Aaron and I went apple picking yesterday. Every year I like to make applesauce; canning it and having a year's supply as well as enough for Christmas gifts. Due to the high cost of apples we only "picked" a half peck of apples (which cost about $6) Luckily for us, Aaron's dad is the produce manager at Hannaford and was able to call one of his accounts and get us about 50lbs for free. We peeled, cored and cooked about half of them, yielding about 13 jars of sauce. We should have enough for about 13 more jars, a few pies and some apples to eat! Yum... have I mentioned I love fall!?

Hiking for a cure

Yesterday I participated in the fifth annual Expedition Inspiration-NH Take a Hike Program at Mount Major near Alton Bay, NH. What an amazing day! Our team "Hiking For a Cure" raised almost $700 to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.

Unfortunately Aaron wasn't able to make the hike as originally planned due to a skin issue but, I still went, bright and early on a beautiful autumn day.

I had never hiked Mt. Major before so I was excited for the challenge. Not having really hiked alone (without Aaron) I was forced to carry my own pack for once (which will totally help me think twice when I insist that Aaron bring me a full change of cloths... oops) I found the hike to be easy with some points that were sticky. It's a great hike for kids and dogs with an amazing view of Lake Winnipausakee and the Presidential Mountain Range. The foliage at that top was absolutely breathtaking and my pictures don't even really do it justice.

On the way down I decided to separate from the rest of my team and explore alone. I truly think I found a new passion, trail-running. I had never before ran on a trail, but I ran down the side of Mt Major (only about 2 miles) and had a great work out. I have always run on pavement and it never occurred to this nature lover to run on a trail. I loved it!

I was way too early for the 8:30am meet at Mt. Major's trail-head so I stopped at a scenic outlook and took a few pictures and finished the rest of my coffee. Steam was coming off the lake as the morning sun made the water glisten even from a distance... Amazing.

The foliage was amazing. These pictures don't do it justice, trust me!

Us at the 'near summit.' I was so proud of my team. Two of the ladies had bum knees, Zachy who is 8 years old was so excited to be hiking and Sue is a survivor- we conquered the mountain!

The best team, ever; Sue, Leana, Zach, Erica, Josiah and Me!

The picture at the beginning of this post is our packs at the trail-head of Mt. Major. We painted tribute flags in honor of those who we were hiking for. We hiked in honor or remembrance of someone we love who has been affected by breast cancer. I hiked for one of my best friends, Kim. A 37-year-old mother of a 12 year-old-boy; an amazing friend, colleague, comedian, hard-worker, mother, advocate, and survivor of breast cancer with mastectomy. I love you Kim, you inspire me.