I know everyone is all in the Thanksgiving mood and getting ready to get in the Christmas spirit, but since Hobby Lobby has had their Christmas decorations up for four months now, I figure I’d better go ahead and get a head start on New Years.

2 years ago my New Years Resolution was to be less  of a flake (which was mostly a success) and last year I decided to be more committed to appreciating the culture of my city, (at which I miserably failed.) This year I have been wanting to have another go at inner-self improvement, but I had been having a difficult time figuring out what I would like to improve, until recently.

Actually, there have been a few things that have made me realize that there is something about myself that I want to change. I feel like all the signs are pointing to it, and maybe January 1st is the time to do so (or maybe I’ve already started.) Either way, I should really do something about it for the better.

I think I need to be a little less snobby.

Wait, wait! Don’t get the wrong idea… It’s not like I go around judging everyone or anything. And I want to change!!!

I don’t think I’m better than anyone, quite the opposite actually…I’m not the smartest person, I don’t have the nicest things, I’m not the funniest, I’m not the best at anything really, and I’m ok with that!! It’s just that I sometimes feel… like I might have the best taste in all things in the world!

I’m talking everything! I love the best movies, music, T.V. shows, vintage clothing, comedy… Don’t even try to tell me otherwise, because you’re wrong.

My friends have been telling me for years that my taste is not the end all be all of tastes, and that is fine. I don’t love my friends any less because they aren’t obsessed with the Beatles, or because they don’t like to sing Meatloaf at karaoke, or because their favorite movie is Drive Me Crazy (I love you  Amber,) or because they like Grey’s Anatomy.  It honestly doesn’t bother me that my close friends don’t all share my same interests, as long as there are some people out there with which I can have a common bond of my favorite things. And as long as my friends realize that though they may hold different opinions that me, mine are far superior.

I think I’ve already told y’all that this weekend my sister and I went to go to see “Where the Wild Things Are.” We have seen probably a million movies together in our lifetime, and the same thing always happens. Every time I am finding myself grinning with pleasure or laughing my ass off,  I look over at my sister and my heart fills with dismay when I see that she isn’t having the same reaction. After this particular movie I started to grill her, just as I always do.

CJ: “Sooo.. Didnt you LOVE it!? Oh my gosh, I really liked it!!”

Sis: “Yeahh… I mean… it was alright…”

CJ: “Um… ALRIGHT??? You do realize that was a Spike Jonze movie don’t you??? The same guy who directed Adaptation, the best movie of ALL time!! And even if it wasn’t the BEST movie in the world, you had to have enjoyed it…. You enjoyed it didn’t you ??? You didn’t even laugh once!”

Sis: ” Yeah… I told you… it was ok, just not my favorite! And I didn’t think it was funny…”

CJ: “Well!! You obviously have no taste!! You don’t think ANYTHING is funny! I bet you don’t even like Steve Martin!”

And then she let me have it.

She told me that just because I like something doesn’t mean everyone else does, (duh) and that sometimes it comes across rude when I try to push my passions on other people…

CJ: So I guess it’s also rude when I get really mad  when I’m trying to make someone watch a Kids in the Hall sketch and they would rather read a magazine?”

Sis: Rude.

CJ:And also when I make every one in the car be quiet so that they can hear the lyrics to Wilco or Joshua Radin and make them give me their interpretation…?

Sis: Rude.

CJ: And when I make everyone be quiet in the car so they can listen to my impression of Bob Dylan singing every song that comes on the radio?

Sis: That’s just annoying. Especially after the first 2 songs. And you don’t sound like Bob Dylan.

I thought about this for a while, and when writing my post yesterday, I realized that I have always been pushy about the things I enjoy… especially to my closest friends and family members. I have come to the conclusion that I really want to have a more open mind… and I really think you guys (bloggers) are already helping.

I feel like I’m really getting to know some of you, and you’ve really given me the opportunity to open my eyes to things that I normally wouldn’t have given a time of day. Sometimes I’m so surprised when I feel like I know a lot about who you are, and then you reveal something new that I never would have expected, and I love you more for it! And since I do, I accept that maybe my opinion isn’t  superior (maybe.) I’ve realized that if I just shut up and read about other people’s passions, mine aren’t the only ones that matter.

So basically, what I’m trying to say, is that I am so very thankful for each and everyone of you that I have gotten to know the last few months. Even the people that I haven’t corresponded with, you’ve helped me expand my horizons a ton! I feel like I have learned so much and I can’t wait to gain an even more open mind with each day!! (Can I have some wine with my cheese?) But seriously.

Now I just have to apply my new found open mind to real life…

And while we are on the subject,  Kim over at Perfectly Cursed Life has begun a tradition that I absolutely love, the annual “Thank You for Blogging” award, designed to honor bloggers that you are thankful for.  I recently handed out awards, and her rules are you have to hand it out to at least 4 other bloggers, so I’m going to keep this right at that… though I would hand this out to a zillion people if I could stay awake.

First off, if you haven’t checked out Kim’s blog, do it now. She definitely has a way with words, and has a way with being funny, while also making ya think! What I’m trying to say, is she hits you in all the right places.

I’ve only recently come across Beckeye over at The Pop Eye, but if you have an interest in anything pop culture… she is a must! Before I started a blog, I spent all of my internet time on film and music sites, and I’m so happy to have found a mix of everything I love on one little site!

I’ve said it before, but Meg at Lost in Thought is easily one of my favorite bloggers ever. I feel like whenever I read her posts, I am taken away in a whimsical land… and just when she gets me going all sentimental, I laugh my ass off. Loves this girl!!

I’d also like to pass this on to Dani over at She Laughs too Easily and Cries too Loud. Always hilarious, always poignant…. and I just don’t have enough good words to say about this lady! Check her out!

OK one more, Tricia at One Step To Recovery. You already know that I love you to pieces, but for everyone else, check out this girl’s blog!! I go crazy when she doesn’t update!  She is hilarious and says it like it is… Trust me, you will love her!!

I’m not sure I’ll be around tomorrow, (could surprise ya!) But I figured I’d leave you with this!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is the only old pic of me with a headdress on where I don't look stupid. Bahahaha!

Today, though… I am determined to make today a good day.  I have no excuse for it not to be!

For one, I’m off work today! I know a lot of you suckers had Monday off to celebrate the dude who discovered America… well I, for one would much rather be off on a Friday when I actually feel good.

Things have been kind of hectic in my life lately, and I haven’t exactly been in the best of spirits.

But by george, I’ve got plenty of reasons why I know this weekend WILL be a success.

First thing this morning, I’m heading to the post office to get myself a passport.  I am a total loser, and I haven’t been out of the country since my senior trip after high school, but I’m tentatively planning on going to Mexico in December- and I’m pumped!

Note to self: Your passport has the potential for being around for the next 10 or so years. Do not make this like your license. Fix your hair. Put on a descent shirt, and for the love of God- at least use spit and a t-shirt to remove the black from under your eyes.

OK.

Back to my weekend.

I get to see my sister, for the third weekend in a row! I know that doesn’t sound like a huge deal, but we sometimes go months without seeing each other, and right now there is no one in the world that I would rather spend time with.

Additionally, one of my best friends who I haven’t seen in forever is in town this weekend. This is the girl who sent me a pair of traveling pants a few months ago when I was upset about a boy. Have I mentioned how great my friends are?

At some point this weekend, even if it isn’t until Sunday, I am going to go see Where the Wild Things Are. I have seriously been neglecting the cinema lately, and my insides are starting to ache a little.

On top of that, I am going to the State Fair today! I’ve never been before. I’m going to try my best to resist trying this fried butter that I keep hearing so much about. ( BARRRRFFF) But mostly I want to act like a fourteen year old who just got their braces off and is running around yelling “yippeeeeee,” and riding every ride.  Maybe I’ll even find a dreamy boy to ride the ferris wheel with… and maybe just maybe, he’ll pull the stretch yawn move and put his arm over my shoulder. (Anyone remember that?)

As if I need to add anything to make this weekend even more perfect, but Saturday is homecoming at my college- and I am super excited to get to go back. I’m sure I’ll run into people who I haven’t seen in a long time, and for the first time in a while- I am actually kind of excited about running into people!

I’m usually that girl who puts her head down I see you, and feigns that I don’t recognize you. But today I have a bit of an incentive to be a little more confident.

If you’ve been following me you know that a few years ago I was pretty close to becoming a contestant on The Biggest Loser. For the trip to the final round of eliminations in Los Angeles, they told everyone to pack a “goal” item of clothing. I chose a black dress that I had kept from my senior year in high school. It wasn’t anything special, just a sleeveless dress from Express, but it has become a very important item of clothing for me in the last couple years as I have been struggling to lose weight. I have kept it tucked away at my parent’s house, and every few months I pull it out and try it on… just to see. Well this last weekend I pulled it out from it’s hiding place, you know… just to see…

And sweet baby Jesus!  It actually  fit!!!! I don’t plan on actually wearing this dress anytime soon… or maybe I will… to get my passport picture taken in. You know, just because I can.

Just so you get a better idea as to why I am so excited, you have to realize that I couldn’t even get this dress over my boobies 2 years ago.

I don’t have many pictures left of myself from that size, (because I destroyed them all) but here is the best I can find… And I can’t believe I’m resurrecting this.

yeah, that's me on the left.

But alas, after 2 long years, about a million trips to the gym, and very little bread… Here I am in this very old dress that I have grown a tiny bit obsessed with. (Please ignore my face in this picture. No makeup+no sleep= kinda scary.)

Welp, I can’t believe I’m going to post this. But there it is! That’s me!

Happy weekend yall!

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And while we’re on the subject, how am I going to wait until October 16 to see Jonze’s “Where the Wild things Are?” I only hope that they haven’t changed too much from his original Spike Jonze-ish vision, since I know that this has been in the works for the last ten years. Apparantley Universal thought Spike’s vision was a little too dark and they fought about it for a verrrry long time. Now it’s finally being released by Warner Bros, and by looking at the trailer, I have high hopes despite the delays.

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If you are wanting even more of a fix, check out this website, We Love you so- the unofficial site for all things related to, and things that  helped to inspire  “Where the Wild things Are.”