Charleston, Here I Come!

The much awaited trip to Charleston has finally arrived. After many weeks of preparation, I will be venturing off to the sandy beaches of South Carolina to run the Cooper River Bridge Run. Undoubtedly, this weekend will be a nice little mini-vaca from my hectic school life. How long has it been since I last went to the beach?

The bridge is a 10k, which is approximately 6.2 miles, and I am really looking forward to beating the Kenyans this year (in case you didn't know they usually run this in about 30 minutes -- or basically 5 minute miles). No big deal right? But in all seriousness, my aim is to run the entirety of the race and finish in under an hour. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

In preparation for the race, I have updated my Ipod, and plan on listening to Ellie Goulding and Ke$ha non-stop. Perfect playlist.

Following the race will be a day out on the beach (maybe a nap will come into play as well) and a much needed drink. Afterall, it doesn't make sense to be on the beach without a drink in your hand right? 

Saturday night brings the real fun. Furthur in Charleston with some very fun people. And for those of you who don't know who Furthur is, they are a band founded by the former members of the Grateful Dead. Jealous right? Needless to say, this weekend will consist of a lot of hair swaying and an overall good time.

Time is going to drag, as it always does when you are looking forward to something....

I Am Always Right

It's true, I am never wrong. In any circumstance I am always right (most of the time). Lately, I have begun to wonder what leads me to this particular conclusion. Why do I feel that I am right about everything?

Being so stubborn is not a quality many people possess to the degree that I do. When I put my foot down, there is no going back and no hope for whomever is on the receiving end of the warpath I have just created. This has cost me many relationships in the past.  Not just relationships with the opposite sex; this has also gotten in the way of friendships and family to an extent.

Why is it so hard for me to let things go? Why must I hold grudges for so long when I have probably done far worse? Does this make me a hypocrite? Yes. Does this mean that I should never put my foot down? No.

Somehow, ordinary people are able to decide what is enough to be so stubborn. I, on the other hand, can hold a grudge until the day is young (I am always right, afterall). This has become more and more of a problem lately as I have begun to reflect on the decisions that I have made. Why is it so hard for me to suck up my pride and admit when I'm wrong?

The answer is simple, I am never wrong. That, or the fact that I am struggling between two (or three or four) different identities that encompass my body. Is it too late to get things figured out? It's never too late (and trust me, I am right about this).

Double Vision

Have you ever stopped to wonder if there is someone else in this world that looks exactly like you? What if you were a twin at birth but were separated in the hospital? Okay, I see where this sounds like something off of Unsolved Mysteries, but these are serious questions!

I've always wondered where my look-a-like is, and what she is like. If I had a twin, I would like to think that she was so completely opposite people wouldn't believe we were related (if not for the fact that we looked exactly alike). Would my twin have my sense of style or would she like to do the same things in her free time? Would she have a pet cat named George?

I want my twin to be from Australia, with a cute accent. And I would like to think she loves the show Summer Heights High as much as I do (but maybe more since she is an Aussie). Would we be best friends, or complete opposites?

Legit questions, or too much time on my hands? You all may think differently once I find my other half. Terrorizing cities one by one...

Thank You Pandora

Currently, my Pandora station is set to this girl. So while I take a brief break from this research paper that is due in about 20 hours (that I may or may not have just started tonight, oops?), I cannot take a break from this song. It has been on repeat all weekend long. This musical mastermind has managed to incorporate everything I love into a song/video. The flashing lights, the colors, the dance moves, the hair swinging, the electronic beatz.... I think I'm in love.

Is This Real Life?

Recently, I had a little car trouble. What started out as a flat tire has led me to question all that I believe in. Namely, how I somehow attract the crazies no matter what town I am in.

If you know anything about me, you probably know I don't have the greatest track record. I have chosen some real winners in my dating career, but luckily I'm a single girl now (which may or may not be a good thing according to my mother). Being single leads to the opportunity that I may attract another looney.

But back to the story at hand... My flat tire led me to call Triple A (which I will not be using again anytime in the near future). Well as fate would have it, they send me a fine young specimen. After changing my tire we parted ways. A few days later I receive a facebook message from this prince charming.

You won't understand his potential unless I expose what this message said verbatim:

"Hey ain't you the one that I changed your tire and put air in your tires for lol."

WHY ME?!? Do I have a sign on my head that says, "If you're not going anywhere in life, I'm interested"? Actually, don't answer that question.

So now after my flat tire fiasco, all I'm left with is a local stalker and an unconfirmed friend request from Doug. Oh what a joy. 
 

It's All About The Benjamin's Baby

My frivolous spending has gotten me into trouble, yet again.  However, this time it is not an impulse buy or a splurge I am regretting; it is ever investing in a debit card that really is bothering me today.

For the second time in the span of two years, someone has gotten hold of my debit card information. You think I would learn the first time but you know my pattern of decision making, I don't need to explain further. Actually, this time it was not my fault. Somewhere I used my debit card and entered my pin in a facility where my card was scanned! Unbelievable right? Who are we supposed to trust nowadays? (wow, I do sound old)

Someone in Washington DC is living it up right now, thanks to the $700 they conveniently came into possession of today (I am a good Samaritan afterall). What kind of luck do I have to be the lucky recipient of this not one time, but two (my mother would say this is not luck at all, rather it involves karma).

The first time this happened to me I purchased several mattress toppers for a special someone in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the goods never reached them and I am still on the lookout for that special somebody today. I admit, the first time WAS my fault. My addictive online shopping behaviors are what ultimately cause my demise. But this time is a completely different story.

If people can simply scan your card and your pin number when you think you are making a secure transaction, who can you trust? It makes me want to withdraw all my cash and stash it under my mattress (I guess it was a mistake in telling you all this grand idea). And although this idea makes me only sound more old and senile by the minute, I would be willing to risk that for my dear Benjamin's.

Now how am I ever going to be able to save up for my retirement?

You Spring This On Me Now?

Recently, my mother informed me that I would not be getting an Easter basket this Easter. Seeing as how I am a mature 23 year old, I reacted how any sane person would; I pouted.

Easter is our thing. Okay, so maybe it's really Jesus's thing, but you get the point I hope. Easter has always been very special to me; the next best holiday after Christmas and my birthday. Don't get me wrong, it's not about receiving material things, it's the principle of the matter. I don't think you can ever be too old for an Easter basket, that makes no sense whatsoever. 

I think this topic also hit home due to the fact that it reiterates the fact that I am getting older (something I am trying to forget on a daily basis now). And if I don't receive an Easter basket, well that's just a blatant sign that I am getting old and decrepit at lightning speed. My youth lies in my Easter basket people! This is the only way I can stay young.

Not to mention, my mother still plans to give my brother an Easter basket. Children bias? Yes, I think so. This problem is just as bad as racial discrimination or gender bias. Giving one child an Easter basket while the other goes without is cruel and unusual punishment. And I know my rights!

Don't rain on my parade Mom! Just give me my Easter basket and no one gets hurt!

 

We All Have To Give Up Something Sometime

It's here again. That dreaded time of the year when we all willingly give up something near and dear to our hearts. As I look back on previous years of Lent, I can laugh at the fact that I gave up the silliest things; things that, at the time, were very unrealistic (given my lifestyle and life choices).

There was the year I vowed to give up bread. Now, let's be real here, 46 days is a VERY long time to go without eating bread of any sort (when, in fact, this made up about 50% of my diet at the time). I love bread about as much as I love cheese, or condiments for that matter. However, recently I have kicked the bad condiment habit... It's all a part of my new found, healthy lifestyle I have recently picked up on. Giving up bread is about as easy as giving up air consumption, for me it is inevitable that I will be partaking in the two.

So I thought maybe I could give up cheese? I have a girl friend who gave up cheese for Lent last year and the results were incredible (not that she needed to lose weight to begin with, but results were noticeable nonetheless). The more I think about giving up cheese, the more I get a headache. I'm getting too far ahead of myself.

I have permanently given up fast food and sodas, due to my diet regime. I have reserved a special day for these 'off-limit' items, and that day is called my 'cheat day'. Some people have a cheat meal, well I have a cheat day (which sometimes turns into a cheat week or cheat weekend, depending on how long I am at home visiting with my mom). Usually my 'cheat days' are set aside for the days where I know I will be drinking. Since this occurs less and less in my life, cheat days are building up very quickly. So for the most part, cheat days are really just 'hungover, unmotivated-to-eat-anything-good-for-me, lazy' days. And I'll take that.

Speaking of alcohol consumption, there was the year I decided to give up alcohol for Lent. Well, that lasted for about 3 hours. In my prime, I indulged in maybe a little too much alcohol consumption. Some call it a problem, I called it normalcy. But really, giving up alcohol while you are in college is just a pipe dream (especially when alcohol consisted of 80% of the fluids you were drinking on a regular basis).

Now would be a perfect time to give up alcohol for Lent, but now it just seems too easy. Like I am cheating in a game I am only playing with myself. I would like a challenge people! So I realize what I must give up......

As of lately, I have acquired a very dirty mouth. I have no idea where it came from. My mother always taught me to speak like a lady. Always BE a lady. I guess now is better than never on taking you up on your advice mom. Sorry for the delay...

My potty mouth is a trait I would definitely like to kick to the curb. Although I have full control over what I say, in the heat of the moment (ex: when a car pulls right in front of me) it's easier to 'talk the talk' rather than to 'walk the walk'. Besides, my young infant George doesn't need to hear foreign language when his mother stubs her toe, or sleeps through her alarm, or is on the telephone, or... well, you get where I'm going with this.

So here is to 46 days of a dirt-free mouth! And here is to hoping everyone succeeds in all of their Lent endeavors! See ya April 23rd!

Houston, We Have A Problem

Just call me Jamie "The Predicament" Duncan. This name partially spawns from my favorite reality tv show of all time (Jersey Shore for those of you who currently live under a rock) and the fact that no matter what I do, I always find myself in sticky situations. Granted, 99% of the time I land myself in these particular situations, there is a small percentage of times when problems find me.

The specific predicament I find myself in tonight deals with several other people with whom I work with (additional added stress). There happens to be a man (who is married with offspring) and another girl that often take flirting to the next level. We will call this married man "David" and the other woman will be known as "Rose". And to further clarify: No ladies and gentlemen, I am not the other woman in this scenario (for once). Just kidding sheesh!

Well, like I was saying earlier, David is married with two beautiful little girls. Did I also mention that David is quite the looker? It comes as no surprise that all the girls at work practically swoon over him. But I know people that would say Boone doesn't have much to offer in the male department, and hey, I will agree with you there. To a degree.

Anyway, back to the point. So David and Rose have always had a flirty kind of relationship (come to think of it, Rose has a flirty relationship with everyone). I don't say this in a mean way, because Rose and I are actually pretty good friends. However, recently the innocent flirting has gone over the top. The two lovebirds often meet each other at work and exchange devious smiles with hidden meanings that lie beneath. The list could go on and on, but you get the picture: this is something that shouldn't be taken lightly due to the fact that David is responsible to a wife and children at home.

Leave it to me to let my imagination get the best of me. I began to create scenarios in my head where David and Rose actually cross that imaginary line and enter into "Cheatville". I thought, "What would I do if I found out this vital information?" Would I tell David's wife (who is a regular in the workplace)? Would I confront either of the two parties involved? Would I simply act as if I had no idea what was going on?

This led me to the notion that I would simply have to leave an anonymous letter for David's wife. If I told her outright that would make a hostile work environment for me, and not to mention I would lose some friends in the process. I could theoretically confront the two, but that serves no justice because David's wife would never find out. And I could not simply act as if I had no clue.

An anonymous letter is the only option. Reaching this conclusion was no feat: I had wise mentors who once had to do the same thing. Recall on Season 2 of the Jersey Shore, Snooki and Jenni faced the same ordeal I am going through. They had a civic duty to let Sammi know what was going on behind her back: and what better way to do that than an anonymous letter?

Although this task eventually blew up in their faces, I would be more clandestine about it. I probably have a wider vocabulary than the two combined, so I know I could convey a message that would really get through to David's wife. And although this "incident" hasn't occurred (yet), there is a huge possibility that it might. And in that event, I will be prepared.

Good thing I come off as a dimwit to everyone right? That way they have no idea the true intellect that lies beneath. Perfect plan. Should we applaud the girls from Jersey Shore for shedding light on this particular method of tattling? Or should we condone myself for looking for a reality tv program for any type of answer to the current situation (or any situation for that matter)?

You can be the judge of that. As for me, I will continue to find inspiration by channel surfing. There is a new season of Real World that begins tonight, and I have my notebook ready. I know there are infinite opportunities there. I can only hope to one day be one of the reality stars I so highly admire. A girl can dream right?

It's Fat Tuesday, Let's Get Crazy

Happy Fat Tuesday Ya'll! Adding on to my streak of boringness, I am home alone watching a documentary when the world is out celebrating (or so goes the image I have concocting in my head). Further proof that my life is just at a stand still right now in the "fun" department.

Thank goodness for Netflix (and an ex-boyfriend who may or may not know I still use his account). When I have exhausted all other resources, I turn to my trusted Wii (which seems to provide unlimited amounts of fun). So far today I have finished a book while at work-- thank goodness for the ability to multitask, managed to wake up at 9:00, AND still have time for a much needed nap.

My mom always asks me what I plan to do in the real world where people don't actually nap... I simply laughed at the thought of this, because out of all my bad habits, napping is just something I cannot kick. Anyway, after this much needed nap, I tuned in to the documentary section of Netflix. 

If the chance ever arises, I highly recommend watching the Wal-Mart documentary. It is unbelievable how much this corporation gets away with. I am protesting this monopoly and encouraging my family to follow in my lead (oh I DO love being a trend-setter). But realistically my family seldom, if ever, shops at Wal-Mart to begin with. This is my petition to the world for everyone to stop giving them your business until they change their practices!

What does this have to do with Fat Tuesday? Nothing at all. Once again, I was just distracted by something on television. Is this a sign of ADD? Possib....... Oooh shiny red ball.

A Change of Plans

Well, who would have guessed? A change of plans.... with me. Okay, well I am not the most reliable when it comes to making plans and keeping them. But this is a big one.

Recently I have decided that I will go to law school. After about a year of graduate school I have had some time to think about what I really want to do. Sure, being a professor would be loads of fun, but it isn't something I want to do anymore. I never realized the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. The research and analysis that goes into finding and recording data is just something that does not interest me in the least bit.

I also came to the conclusion that I wanted to go to law school due to the fact that studying and memorizing court cases is something I look forward to. Sure, I say that now but it may change once (and if) I get into law school. I have a busy few months ahead of me: finish this semester of grad school, study for the LSAT, take the test in June, apply to law schools by Octoberish, AND still finish out with my program. Goodness grief, good thing I love school so much huh?

I have recently become very money-hungry. I have always been goal-oriented and I have always enjoyed making my own money. It is exhilarating for me to be able to go out and splurge on things knowing that I have worked hard for my money. That's another thing I take pride in; I have always been a very hard worker.

With this being said, I am proud to announce that I recently was given the chance to become a graduate assistant. This basically means I have a second job that pays well and is also a great resume builder. While this new job takes merely a few hours out of my week, my second job (as a waitress) has proven to be the best job I have had thus far. I really can't even think about leaving this job because it has been so great. The hours are fabulous, I pretty much make my own schedule, and did I mention the money? I cannot wait for summer when we are slammed and I can walk out with a large sum of money in my pocket.

Having money is something I enjoy very much; which partly plays a role in my recent life decision to apply to law school. I have (and always will be) an independent girl. I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy making my own money and would never want to be dependent on a male for anything. Is this weird? No, it makes perfect sense to me. On the off chance I ever do end up getting married, I want to be able to be self-sufficient. 

With thoughts of law school running through my head, I not only think of future job opportunities; I also think of future men opportunities (I can say men now, because I am a woman right?). Thus far, I have had no luck in the men department in my graduate program. But then I think of all the eligible bachelors that await me at Elon, or Campbell, or UNC (because let's be real: I'm a homebody when you get down to it).

So I will be fervently preparing for my upcoming test on June 6th. This comes at a perfect time since Bonnaroo starts on June 9th (which is just in time to celebrate). And might I add: THE LINEUP FOR THIS SHOW IS AMAZING. Just a few more events to look forward to in my near future. 

 

Change isn't always scary, it can also be pretty exciting when you have an open mind :)

When Did I Become So Boring?

Okay, so it is currently 10:00 on a Thursday night. At this point, the old Jamie would currently be preparing for a night out on the town. Instead, I find myself in my pajama set (bought by my mother for Christmas -- thank you by the way), with my cat, and blogging. Oh my goodness, what has the world come to? Have I really become so boring?

Why in the world do people have to grow up? While all of my friends are preparing for a week full of bliss (also known as Spring Break), I find myself getting a head start on my research paper and getting some last minute reading in. Something is wrong with this picture right? I should be packing my bags to go to some tropical island where I should be consuming mass amounts of cute little drinks with little umbrellas in them..... A girl can dream right?

Thursday nights have become a thing of the past for me. No more going out during the week for me. For crying out loud, I'm lucky to get out one night during the weekend now-a-days. Who would have ever thought that I actually would put school before my social life? Luckily, I was blessed with an ability to pull anything out of my ass (sorry for the language mom). I could go out on a Thursday night when I had an exam early Friday morning, and STILL make a decent grade. I could walk into a room where I unexpectedly had an exam (it's not my fault I never went to class), and pass it with flying colors. So I guess the fact that my social life came first wasn't SO bad...

Now I am just old and downright boring. My weekly routine consists of work, class, running, and (here's the kicker) even cooking. Yes, I have recently acquired a need to actually make things instead of having others make things for me. I am assuming this is all just a part of growing up, but I can tell you right now I do not like it one bit. There is more out there than just this. Who says that all grown-ups have to be boring anyway? I have always been the exception to most rules.... Why change that now?

This older, more mature version of me isn't cutting it anymore. Eventually one day I will just wake up and not even recognize the person in the mirror. That's it, I'm booking a flight to a tropical island............