Jamma Party: The Life of Jenn Y.

Despite what Ms. Magazine may say, I do believe men are very useful at times. Take this morning, when my tire went flat on the way to breakfast. Luckly, Big was able to help, and my dad was able to come and help out as well. Afterward, I treated Big to breakfast at Shoney's.

This weekend was really nice, I met some really nice friends of Big and Bert, and we took them around to Carytown. We scrounged for DVDs and found Comic Book: The Movie and the complete series of The Tick. So we were pretty happy campers.

Speaking of happiness, I realize, in catching up with someone from my past, that this place that I have gotten to in my life is really wonderful. It's stable, and calm and peaceful, fun, safe, but still exciting.

I think I just wanna stay here for a while.

Jersey Girl review
I admit, I'm biased. I adore all of Kevin Smith's movies, and this was no exception. Given how sappy the previews make it look (I guess trying to market to a Britney-lovin, glitter-adorning teen market), I was glad that "Walkin' On Sunshine" was not in the soundtrack.

It's obvious Kevin has evolved in his filmmaking, as well as in his personal life. He has run the gament from hermaphroditic porn and fart jokes to comic book worship, lipstick lesbians, and pot smoking anthems. We love him for it. And then there is this movie, a complex film about relationships between fathers and their children. Kevin has been married for a few years and has a daughter of his own. Also, Kevin's dad died this year, and if you know the back story, it makes watching the film that more poignant.

Ben Affleck stars as Ollie, a widower raising his daughter in New Jersey, after he is ostracized from New York after a huge snafu in his public relations job. Ollie and his daughter Gertie live with Ollie's father, "Pop," played exceptionally well by George Carlin. Gertie and Pop love New Jersey life, but Ollie is itching to return to the city and to the success he once had. Usually, I find Ben's characters to be massive tools (think misguided and close-minded Holden McNeil in Chasing Amy) but, even though Ollie has his rather hideous moments (such as calling his 8-year-old a "little shit"), Affleck portrays him as sympathetic and likeable. The writing is sharp and the delivery is great from all the actors. Gertie's mom, played by Jennifer Lopez, is killed off in the first 10 minutes of the film, and it's rather interesting to watch the scenes between Lopez and Affleck post-Bennifer (the love scenes appear a bit fake). And I wish Liv Tyler had a bigger role. Other than that, it's a nice movie one could watch repeatedly. I probably will.

Fee really has impressed me this week with her training. We go to a nearby school, which is run by Ms. Pat, who has over 48 years of training experience. We use Gentle Leaders and leashes to learn the skills. For the first lesson, we are working on the basics: "sit," "stand," and "heel." FiFi was really good wearing the Gentle Leader, and learns quickly. I'm going into it with a different attitude this time around. It's a very structured program, so we have to do our homework. I've noticed that our bond has gotten better, and she's a bit more under control. I think this is a good thing, and Big approves of it wholeheartedly, and wished he could have put Rusty in such a class when he was a pup.

Last night FiFi got outside the gate, and scared the shite out of me when she started chasing bicyclers dangerously close to Three Chopt Road. Luckly, she's okay, but I've decided that another dose of puppy school isn't a bad idea. So tonight, we're registering at another puppy school. This one sounds a bit more in depth than the last school, more of a focus on safety and practical training versus just "sit" and "stay." Big is going with us, which I am really grateful for, in case I get called out to see patients. Wish us luck.

Today is cold. I bought a lavender candle. The house smells nice and makes me sleepy. Tonight is a rare night off, so I am working on finishing a sweater, listening to the new UB CD.

I realize I haven't done much pub activity in the last few weeks. Maybe it's something seasonal, but I just haven't been in a party kind of mood. Plus, since I came home from Florida, I've had to work overtime to catch up. Plus, since I gave up drinking for Lent, I haven't had much motivation to go to the pub. Maybe Spring will bring change.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIFI!

Since I couldn't take my computer to Disney, I decided to travel journal in ink form. The most tolerable journal I could find was a garden-themed blank book with Winnie The Pooh on the cover. All the rest were fuzzy or pink or featured Disney Princesses, none of whom I could ever really relate to.

Basically, my folks and I stayed at the campground, Fort Wilderness, because it's cheap and we were able to bring FiFi, plus we've always stayed there since I was, like, 13. All of the main theme parks and the water parks and the other resorts are accessible by bus. The first day I stayed in the campground, sunning myself on the beach and reading BUST. I managed to go to all 4 parks, and it was pretty nice. Unfortunately, at the same time I was there, a cheerleading competition was going on, so the parks were overflowing with skinny vile teens in Britney wear. It was funny to watch them go to exhibits like The Living Seas at EPCOT, which features a presentation on manatees and conservation, when it was clear they had no clue.

But mostly I tried to keep a positive attitude. I ignored the Britneys and focused on what I wanted to see. I went to the interactive exhibit, DisneyQuest, and that was awesome. Also I caught a Jim Brewer show at House of Blues. And I spent a lot of time at Animal Kingdom reading up on conservation. The food was awesome, and FiFi had a blast in the RV.

On call this weekend, so not planning much. Work has owned my butt since I got back. Now am playing with FiFi, who has been neglected terribly since we got back also. She went from being Extremely Spoiled to just Excessively Spoiled.

Will pull out my travel journal soon and tell youse all about Diz-nay.

Well, I am back, and I had a kick-arse time. My parents spoiled FiFi rotten. More later.

Dear Auntie Em,

Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog [to Disney]

Dorothy

See ya next week!

Oh, come on now.

Yay. It's March. Only 3 more days until FiFi and I go on our Disney vacation!