I'M DONE DEALING WITH YOU, DEBT!!

Not literally, yet.. but I mean figuratively. And  I don't mean "good" debt like a car loan or a house payment.

I mean evil debt. Two in particular:

Macy*s. And Nordstrom.

Every two weeks, the story is always the same: I get paid. Then I hand over my money to everyone else... And like most other that I owed bills: I had waited until the day before the due date to pay. This time was a bit different though, this time Christmas had just passed, and I had extra money to spend..

In three weeks I'll be moving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, from a stable job to an unknown job, where I expect my hourly rate of pay to drop about 2/3. These past few months, it was pretty important that while making such a stable income that I save money and not spend my money recklessly. Both of which I have definitely not been doing.

Oops.

The one promise I did make myself was that I would make sure to have paid off any "frivolous" debt before the big move. That being the two mentioned above. 

So, I sat looking at my two bills, which weren't really all that bad. I owed Macy*s a tad under $150, and Nordstrom, a little over $300. (I must mention the Nordstrom total is after I decided so responsibly to return a pair of very cute Hudson Jeans that I got at The Rack for a little over $100. But they were a piinnchh too big, and I thought it wasn't wise to keep them. Go me.) My total debt was about $450.

When I wrote the checks, I felt good. I might of even smiled. It feels amazing to pay off a bill, especially the big ones. It's cliche, but you do feel "lighter" once they are out of the way. I set out to pay my debt.

Now, for those of you who don't know, I  reside about 6 blocks or so to Union Square, so naturally, I walked. I came to Powell, made my usual right, heading to the mall, and suddenly it hit me.

"Dude," I thought, "I could be buying myself a Coach purse right now, instead of paying all this debt."

I don't even like Coach purses at that much. "Or.. I don't really like Coach purses, but I could buy.. whatever!" Buy this time, I'm passing by Sephora. "I could buy anything in Sephora........." My eyes wander to the windows.. I mean talk about having every 

That's when I started to feel a little.. yukky. Granted, the items I had charged onto those cards were getting good use: I was able to re-vamp my wardrobe, etc, but I was using my Christmas money to pay for things I had already bought, when instead I could be out buying new things, or saving the money for my "unstable" future endeavors.

Ok, it's starting to sound like I just like to buy things, but I think you guys get what I mean. But for the record I guess I should say a few unselfish things like "or give it away to charity or buy a homeless person a steak." 

What I'm trying to say here is that there's no reward in owing money to anyone but yourself. And instead of knowing that's what's really best for me and my money, I finally get it.

So, Dear Debt, I am done dealing with you! I will no longer make childish and impulsive decisions because in the long run they do not pay off! I will find a way to pay CASH for things I want and I will still be able to buy big ticket items without falling for your tricky ways! Who's the loser now?!

Shout out to @SuzeOrman, for without her, my finances would be nothing!!

TWITTER TRENDS I've made up! (Or at least I'd like to think)

When first starting Twitter, it took me a while to really understand the whole "trending" thing. So I thought I would be funny (it was funny!) to just randomly make my own trends.

Alas, none have caught on. So, here are a list of Twitter Trends I have made up, that I thought I made up and already existed, or just trends I want to become cool so just "#" away already, will you??


#partypartyparty (this one was already used, but I don't care, 'cause it's something @redheadmostr and I made up together! Waaaay before Twitter was cool! humph)

#onebadbitch (I didn't make this one up, but I was the 6th person to use it, and that's close enough for me :) )

#stupidautotext (this one I did make up!!.. I think..)

#brokecollegestudent

#ilovemakingmyowntrends

#imsocool

#thatdrunkgirl

#Jen :) (No, sadly I didn't make this up. The people who worship me did.)

And more to come! Now go and find fun and creative ways to use them!

(Don't forget to follow me, #Jen, #onebadbitch, a #brokecollegestudent: @MissJenFriday on Twitter.com!)

Guys Online, No Surprise.

Guys really don't comprehend the word "No."

As I mentioned earlier, I have decided to try this online dating thing a real shot (in the dark, HA!). I've been on about 2 months (?)  now, and so far it's really no different than meeting guys everywhere else.

Sometimes (ok, this is actually MOST of the time for most girls, something else I've learned recently), you get an occasional DOUCHE BAG (DB for short) who hits on you. As the girl, you knnoowww you are totally not interested in this guy, but, ok, you don't want to be a bitch so maybe you chat for a while? Or maybe you don't, it all varies depending on the level of DB (there's at least three, more about those later..).

No matter how you let him down, he typically can't let it go. He's got to try again, maybe a third time, maybe even insult you.

What's up with that? If a guy gets at you, and you don't respond, you're a.. "bitch." If a guy gets at you, and you politely tell him no, you're a.. "bitch."How are you supposed to tell a guy no, without looking like the bad guy (girl?)?

Take this conversation I had on OkCupid.com between me and one of these male species, for example:

(*Please Note* The chat was initiated by "dude"; I visited his profile, and per OkCupid, we are 0% match, 0% friends, and 0% enemies. He has two pictures posted, one shows about 3/4 of his profile and he's not even looking at the camera, and the second is of him climbing a mountain, with his back facing the camera. He's 31. At this point, we had been chatting for approximately 7 minutes.)


DUDE:do you think we should meet up?
ME:no, sorry
DUDE:how come?
DUDE:i'm surprised
ME:why surprised?
DUDE:well, why not?
ME:I'm not too attracted to you
DUDE:even though you laugh at all my jokes?
DUDE:i mean i'm not holding the fact you have a big ass against you!
DUDE:(that's a joke-your ass is delicious lol)

You would think a guy would give up about there. No.

DUDE:can i come over?
ME:no
DUDE:we could take a bath together...
ME:i dont shower
DUDE:i'll sponge you down then
DUDE:lol
ME:then what?
DUDE:after i sponge you down?
ME:yes
DUDE:i comb your hair
DUDE:go down on you
DUDE:and then we take a nap while watching a movie
DUDE:intense i know
DUDE:but you seem worth it
ME:why thank you i am so happy to be worth it by you

You're probably as disgusted and bored as me right now.. Time for me to be annoyed.

ME:are you dense?
DUDE:i'm totally certain i'm much smarter than you actually
DUDE:actually nevermind
DUDE:you're not even that pretty
ME::)
DUDE:lick
ME:disgusting.
DUDE:it's ok. work out more and it will be fine
ME::)
ME:you too.
DUDE:haha i'm plenty fit thanks
ME:hahah you're welcome.
DUDE:i still would tongue your asshole if you asked nice
DUDE:kidding
ME:I know you would. you're forgetting the part that I don't want you to.
DUDE:ok bye
DUDE:ick
DUDE:i don't know if i would
DUDE:you're kinda a bitch
DUDE:i have to be in love for that to happen
DUDE:haha

I just wanted everyone to know how big of an ass some guys make of themselves.

Just because you talk to me/initiate contact with me, I am not obligated to give you a chance. Don't get mad if we don't want you. Don't chat with girls who are way above your league. She's not going to do whatever you want... Life just isn't that dream porno you think you will one day walk in on in that grungy bar you really like to go to. You're going to have to pay for that

Until then,
Dear Guys,
Online or Otherwise,
You Are No Surprise. :)

OkCupid.com = The Next Facebook?

As funny and adorable as I am, if I do say so myself, I am "100%-not-even-like-maybe-she-has-a-dude-and-she's-just-lying-single."

So, ok, maybe I am kinda curious about this internet dating thing, so, ok, maybe I did create a profile on OkCupid.com.......

I would like to also think of it as entertainment..

Follow along with me, as I share with you my journey in what single girls have to chose from these days..

Let's explore this world together..!

If Kids Ruled the World..

I got this forwarded to me from my mom. Usually they're all about loving Jesus and stuff, but this one was pretty funny!!

A 1st grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class.  She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb.  It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders.  Their insight may surprise you.  While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic!

1.	Don't change horses	until they stop running.
2.	Strike while the	bug is close.
3.	It's always darkest before	Daylight Saving Time.
4.	Never underestimate the power of	termites.
5.	You can lead a horse to water but	How?
6.	Don't bite the hand that	looks dirty.
7.	No news is	impossible
8.	A miss is as good as a	Mr.
9.	You can't teach an old dog new	Math
10.	If you lie down with dogs, you'll	stink in the morning.
11.	Love all, trust	Me.
12.	The pen is mightier than the	pigs.
13.	An idle mind is	the best way to relax.
14.	Where there's smoke there's	pollution.
15.	Happy the bride who	gets all the presents.
16.	A penny saved is	not much.
17.	Two's company, three's	the Musketeers.
18.	Don't put off till tomorrow what	you put on to go to bed.
19.	Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and	You have to blow your nose.
20.	There are none so blind as	Stevie Wonder.
21.	Children should be seen and not	spanked or grounded.
22.	If at first you don't succeed	get new batteries.
23.	You get out of something only what you	See in the picture on the box
24.	When the blind lead the blind	get out of the way.
25.	A bird in the hand	is going to poop on you.

                      And the WINNER and last one!   

26.

Better late than

Pregnant

I'm officially famous?

I got my first piece of, shall I dare call it, FAN MAIL the other day. Rather than it be delivered by postal mail, these kind words reached me by e-mail. Is this how all the celebrities are getting their fan mail these days?

Subject: Fan letter-well wishes

Dear Jennifer Ann,              
                                 
I came across your site and truly think you are a very talented and charming actress and model!! You have a wonderful look!! I wish you much future success and I hope you will please be so kind and send me your autographed photo.                                                         
                                                         
Thank you,                                                            

Lenny DiSilvo      

 

I had to laugh at "Jennifer Ann." But I am pretty charming.

He did actually leave his home address. Total creeper?

I feel flattered and uneasy at the same time. Not sure if I will be so kind. He might be planning a shrine of me in his home. That's pretty cool..

I bet it's a SPAM anyway.

Recepie Review: Scallop Salad Nicoise

Let me start by saying I have never tasted scallops, nor have I ever attempted to cook them. But I have been inspired to find my inner chef thanks to TV shows like "Top Chef" and, more recently.. Hell's Kitchen. Ooh! I love the filth that comes out of Chef Ramsey's mouth! Ramsey, as well as Chef Tom Colicchio, are always harsh on those little bitches, er.. EXCuse me.. competing chef's scallops. Enter: Inspiration to Cook Scallops.

Recipe? Check. Find it here: Shape Magazine Online -- Scallop Salad Nicoise and here: Epicurious -- Scallop Salad Nicoise.  You know the pic looks tasty!! You'll understand why I picked this recipe this week. Plus, you'll want to read the ingredients to follow along in my journey.. 

(**Please Note: The Epicurious version has the complete ingredient list; Shape Mag's version does not list the white wine vinegar or the olive oil in the dressing, but it includes them in the directions..**)

 Groceries? Check! Thanks to my new HTC Evo and all of it's wonderful apps I never forget my shopping list at home, and was able to grocery shop when convenient for me! (Quick plug, yes, but no, I don't get any sort of extra bonus for that. I should, though.) There weren't any "nicoise" olives at the Safeway I shopped, so I opted for the "variety" olives at the olive bar.

Vinaigrette? Check. I ended up adding a little more dijon mustard, maybe about 2 teaspoons instead of the 1, and half the amount of the white wine vinegar, uhhm because that stuff smelled strong (another of the many first things I would try..)!! Since the shallot I bought was BAD :( I substituted red onion. Although I must note I have no idea what would be the equivalent to a shallot, as this is the first time I am eating and working with shallots, as well, but it's what I had in the fridge, people.

Salad? Check. I didn't see plum tomatoes at the grocery store so all I had was a Roma tomato which replaced the plum tomatoes, but while we're on the subject, can someone please explain to me if all these tomatoes really taste any different or is it all just an evil plot to trick us.... Plum, Roma, Heirloom..?? Ok.. back to the topic at hand. I have no idea how to pit olives. I just left them as they were and pitted them as they popped into my mouth. I've never cooked "real" green beans, so I'm hoping I "trimmed" my green beans. I assumed I could just snap 'em the way I see them do it in the movies.. Flashback: Soul Food. Plus, I'm like, "Here we go scallops, it's just you and me.."

Eat? Check!! All in all, on a scale of 1 to 5, I give it... drum roll, please.. 4 stars. I added avocado, so that made it delicious. I think next time I won't put salt in my vinaigrette but I might go ahead with more white wine vinegar. I didn't cook my potatoes long enough (my fault) so I suggest cooking them longer than the suggested 9 to 10 minutes or testing one before taking them out of the pot. The butter lettuce is yummy and I might start adding this to more of my salads. The tomatoes didn't make any difference (knew it!) other than the occasional pop that goes the plum tomato in my mouth, and my "snapped" green beans turned out just fine! I have no idea which olives were which, except the green ones, so.. choose the olives at your own risk. Although if you like green olives, they were pretty good. The purple ones.. ehh. What about the scallops, you ask? Well, I don't know if it was the scallops I bought, or how I cooked them, or if that's how scallops are supposed to taste, but... I mean they were ok. A bit too "fishy" tasting for me, yet I would try them again. Also maybe too salty? I ended up having to cook them about 4 to 5 minutes on each side but that could have been because my flame was too low? However, I gobbled that salad down! (My apartment did smell like fish all night and even a bit today. When I got home I lit some incense..)

I would recommend this recipe when cooking for others (make sure they like scallops. Oh, and make sure you can cook scallops) like when family visits, or light lunch for a date! It paired wonderfully with my Pinot Grigio..


Lot's of firsts me here. Thanks for sharing the experience.

XO

Rules to Visiting Your Friends (Or Just Me.)

Sooooo... I'm really annoyed. I have friends. Friends who have moved away.

Ok, fine. I am a friend. I have moved away. FINE. But here is a Golden Rule to follow when "going home," visiting family, or traveling to a town where you know these said friends reside.

DO NOT, I mean, DO NOT expect your friends to have time to spend with you if you have not given them the proper "heads up" that you will be in town. WE have lives too. We are NOT just sitting around, twiddling our thumbs thinking, "Gee, I sure wish (insert egotistical friend's name here) would appear. Until then, I shall wait." We have JOBS with SCHEDULES that require us to BE THERE. SO, don't show up in town on a Friday and call me talking about "I'm in town!! Do you want to come over here tomorrow??"

Here's what I'm going to think: YOU don't want to see ME. You want ME to see YOU. And see how cute the new baby is or how happy you and your new boyfriend are. PLEASE. You came this way for a reason. And spending time with me was obviously not in your picture perfect weekend. 

And don't even think about trying to give me a guilt trip; "Well I'm leaving tonight, so..." or try to blame it on me, "Are you ever going to see me??" YES. It's called PLANS. Oh, and please, don't squeeze me into your "already made" plans. "We are going to the wharf on Saturday, you can just meet us there!" Oh, I can, can I? Oh that's right, I'm just sitting around, waiting for your phone calls all day...

So, If I know I am traveling to Los Angeles, and I know I have a few friends who live there who I would love to see, I follow these 5 Simple Rules to Respecting Friends I Wish to Visit:

RULE #1: I tell them as far in advance as possible, considering they have a life too, that I will be in town from Day 1 - whenever, and can they get together?

RULE #2: I DO NOT get mad if they do not have time. I simply express my disappointment, and hope for next time. (Chances are, if you followed RULE#1 you're friends will do what they can to make the time for you.)

RULE #3: I DO NOT expect them to drop everything for me just because I am in town!! I am not a Princess. Repeat: I AM NOT A PRINCESS.

RULE #4: Make plans together. DO NOT expect the people you are visiting to tag along onto your plans. They live there. If they wanted to do it, they would.. on their own time. Ask your friends what you guys should do, or make suggestions. DO NOT say: "We will be at the mall, if you want to see me."

RULE #5: DO NOT MAKE YOUR FRIENDS FEEL GUILTY IF YOU CANNOT GET TOGETHER! They want to see you too! If you find yourself at this juncture, you DID NOT FOLLOW THE RULES. Please re-read post and get it together.

Hopefully this will reach the hands of those I am trying to reach.. In any case, I know someone out there knows what I'm talking about!!

xo