The Post About My Love/Hate with McDonald's

McDonald's.

There's a part of me that wants to hate it. It wants to point its finger at the saturated fat and the influenza-ed playplace. It wants to shake its head at the onions on the cheeseburger ordered without onions.

But it doesn't point. And it doesn't shake.

Why?

Because of my most recent experience.

First, I read this great article: 10 Secret Menu Items at Fast Food Restaurants. I tried my first secret order at In-N-Out Burger while in California on vacation. I ordered my burger "Animal Style" which made me slap my knee. Too yummy.

Next up was the Neopolitan Shake from McDonald's. It's just what you're dreaming of. A layer of chocolate, a layer of strawberry, topped with a layer of strawberry. This milkshake made me want to birth babies so they could experience the overwhelming sense of gladness brought about by this concoction.

You too can feel glad.

But there's still that part of me wanting to judge McDonald's.

Perhaps it's because of this:

There's so much wrong.

Can you find all the wrongness?

{image: Jamie}

The Post About Cheez and Chips

I heart Cheez-its. I love every flavor and every size serving.

I love them more than my muffin top should allow.

So imagine the giddy that ensued when this arrived in my mailbox:

Lisa at Parallel Botany sent me this fabulous dose of happiness. I squealed.


Lisa has a delightful blog full of creative and beautiful things I like to look at. And wish I could make show up at my house.

Seems like it worked.

She also has free wallpaper. Coiled Rainbow is currently taking up real estate on my desktop.

Thank you Lisa.

Speaking of things I love to put in my belly...

By themselves, none of these really intrique me. Except maybe that adorable jalapeno hiding behind the lime.

But if you get out your knives that can cut aluminum cans and wield a little magic, then you get this:

I have made it my life's work to find the perfect salsa.

My work here is done.

Quick and Easy Salsa - Pampered Chef Amy
3-4 tomatoes (chopped)
1/4-1/2 onion (chopped)
1 whole jalapeno pepper (stemmed, seeded, and diced)
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
1 clove of garlic (pressed)
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of lime zest (the green skin stuff)
Juice of 1 marred lime

Gather them all in a moment of silence and then marry them. Then say a prayer of thankfulness for the blogger who brought this to you.

My #1 suggestion for co-consumption would be these:

But Tostito's thought little of me and recently discontinued these heavenly chips.

But Tostito's thought much of me and recently started selling these heavenly-er chips.


Revel in the goodness.

{images: Jamie, Parallel Botany, Jamie, Tostito's}

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.37

Each weekend, I post a readable, a watchable, and a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens next. Earlier volumes can be found here.

Read

A blog that's funny is always a bonus. My apologies. Lovely Listings is a comical collection of all those things people think are fine to keep in their house while it's on the market, but don't. And then their house doesn't sell and they fire their agent because they think it's her fault. But it's not. It's the 60+ dolls they have displayed in their sunroom. This happened to me.

Watch

I've rented three movies in the last two weeks. Duplicity and Wolverine completely disappointed - except for the abs of one Hugh Jackman. But State of Play is a different film. Phenomenal cast and topsy turvy plot that keeps you guessing. Really. Reporter investigates the murder of a congressman's assistant and he discovers a big fat conspiracy. Jason Bateman alone makes it worth two hours of your time.

Listen

The Family Followill band (a.k.a. Kings of Leon) is quite enjoyable. I play this song, Closer, way more than appropriate. You should download them immediately. And legally.

The Post About What's Adorable for Some...

A rubber band wrist on a baby is absolutely delicious.

A rubber band wrist on an adult is a sign of an imminent coronary.

I need to start working out. Or aging backwards.

{image: Jamie}

The Post About Putting the Cart Before the Horse

Some things in life are absurd.

Children dying of preventable diseases. Drunk driving. Racism.

And then there's the truly absurd.

People who don't know what to do with a shopping cart after they're finished using it.

There are two groups of shoppers I need to address.
1. Those who leave the cart in the middle of a parking space or near a pole or on the end of an aisle. NONE of these are suitable resting places for your used buggy. NONE. There are only two appropriate spots. The first is the parking space with rails that usually has a large sign reading "Your Cart Goes Here. Thank You." The second is back inside the store usually near an elderly person welcoming you to the shopping establishment.

2. Those who manage to steer their cart to the above mentioned corral area, but fail to follow the universally agreed upon system of storage. Carts are intended to be pushed into one another. Not parallel or perpendicular or in the shape of your astronomical sign.

If you fall into either of these categories, I accept your apology.

{image: Jamie}

The Post About the Rabbit Recommends v.36

Each weekend, I post a readable, a watchable, and a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens next. Earlier volumes can be found here.

Read

I'm a baker. And by "baker" I mean I don't really don't cook in any other format, so I've christened myself a "baker." But know I use the term loosely. I've been inspired by so many sites on the internets, but none more than Bakerella. I love that she's from the South (where sugar and butter are reigning queens) and isn't a professional. But you would never know the latter by visiting her site. Her cake pops will change your life. Yes, boys - change-your-life.

Watch
I've previously professed my love for Joel McHale from The Soup. He takes all the contagion found on reality shows and exposes them for their real comedy. He has a new scripted show on NBC called Community. I watched the pilot this week and really liked it (see below). Even more than the season premiere of my beloved "The Office." Any show that can channel the greatness of "The Breakfast Club" should be given a fair chance.


Listen


I did it. I watched Whitney Houston on the Oprah premiere. Oprah has a strange hold on me. I keep thinking if I watch that Dr. Oz will show up on my porch with a basket full of her favorite things. In terms of Whitney, I was probably intrigued to see if "crack was still whack." And apparently it is. She was poised and still has that amazing voice. This song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" about did me in. Welcome back.

The Post About Dogs Need to Know Their Place

California is a different place than Alabama.

I'll wait for your shock to subside.

People here love their dogs, but there's a line. That line is Oxycleaned away in the Golden State.

Evidence:

I'm sorry, but your Fancy Feast does not get to be on the same aisle as my Cheez-its.


In addition, your food does not get to be kept at a better temperature than my Hot Pockets. Which I never found in this grocery store.


Even Jelly Belly is in on it. Note, the CLEAR WARNING not to give this to your beloved puppy. It actually tastes like churned up dog biscuits (or mediocre Vietnamese) and YOU should eat it, but not Fido.


These are just two of the gorgeous dogs we met at our Beverly Hills hotel. Bright eyes, silky coats, and easygoing demeanors. BUT THEY WERE ON OUR ELEVATOR. And seemed inconvenienced when we wanted to ride. Umm, no.

However, we did see this:

But don't be fooled. There's no similar instruction for humans when they go potty on the streets or hills of Los Angeles. And it happens. Believe me.

Final thought: Anything or anyone who would eat the poo you are scooping up should not get equal rights.

What about you? Do you treat your pet better than necessary?

{images: Jamie}

The Post About Traveling Graces

"Grace" is a fair description for my California co-trippers - Caryann and Alli.


They put up with me - a person who likens vacation planning to wedding planning. This would explain the occasional appearance of Tripzilla. It might also explain me throwing a hissy fit in the middle of Paramount Studios when we were late and they didn't accommodate our slow-waffle-eating-selves. Pathetic.

Back to the tripmaids. Let's tackle Caryann:

She's just like this getup. Colorful and comfortable. Caryann's also a self-admitted bad manager of time.

And possibly footwear.

She is the best vacationer because she's always looking for an interesting experience and ice cream.


Alli isn't assaulting this fella. Albeit, that wouldn't be completely out of character. She's actually offering to take his picture with a family member or bikini-clad vegan who needs to wash her hair. She was always wanting to help others get quality group pictures.

She was also always on the prowl for a Ross or Marshall's. WE'RE ON VACATION. NO SHOPPING AT DEPARTMENT STORES.


Unless it's Ikea.

As lovely as these two women were, there was a moment when I wanted to punch them in their faces.

We walked 3 miles and I took a picture of San Francisco City Hall.

I wanted to be in a cab.

So what did we do in the city of 43 hills?


Kept walking. Up hill. EVERY WAY.

But I didn't punch them. Do you know why?


Because you would miss moments when they get enthralled with geography. Who knew mapreading could be so fun?

No one.

The Post About Go West Young Woman

Last week, I rose out of the storms and humidity of Alabama and adventured to California for eight days.


Eight days filled with sights and sounds and tastes of one of my favorite states.


You can argue the left coast will eventually fall into the ocean as a result of faults that shift right or morals that shift into the crapper.


Either way, you should book your ticket.


It's one gorgeous place.


My fellow fighters of the San Francisco hills and the Los Angeles smog were Alli and Caryann. They require more discussion.

Stories to follow...

{images: Jamie}

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.35

Each weekend, I post a readable, a watchable, and a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens next. Earlier volumes can be found here.

Read

My companion on the plane ride back from my most recent vacation was a plane full of football fans and this book - The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares. I hesitated to pick this author of the Traveling Pants Series since I'm trying to make more adult-like decisions. However, having Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift in multiple playlists is not helping. This novel was a heartwarming and wrenching tale of two sisters and their longtime friend, Paul, navigating the final season at their summer getaway. What I liked best was the way Brashares provided a thick foundation in the first few chapters for this trio. I instantly felt connected.

Watch

We got to see a taping of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson while in Los Angeles this past week. This is part one of the monologue from that night. He is funny. Seriously. Even during commercials when not legally required to be so.

Listen

I really loved Joy Williams many moons ago. And now I love her again. She has become a new artist in my eyes - more songwriter-ish and less manufactured. She has two EPs out now that are beyond delightful. Songs From This and Songs From That, the latter which includes this song "Speaking a Dead Language."

The Post About Healthcare Reform and Hot Guys

This post was about as political as I ever got here in the Rabbit world.

I learned my lesson. Not everyone can play nice with this particular topic. Just watch any cable news network.

I've disabled comments on this one since I can't easily moderate crazy while in the audience of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Originally posted July 24, 2008

The Post About Dirty Jobs

Mike Rowe. He and George Clooney have convinced me that 40-something men can possibly be attractive. I haven't completely converted yet - my apologies to all the "mature" men out there...

It is the only reason I ever watch "Dirty Jobs" or want to buy a Ford truck. Mike Rowe.

I read this interesting tidbit in Newsweek last week and I found my inner-Jamie rising up...

"...the airwaves are overrun by TV shows about people—er, men—with dangerous, physical, soot-collar jobs. If people want to come home from a hard day's work and watch other people put in a hard day's work, more power to them—these shows attract tons of viewers. What's annoying is how they suggest there's a fascinating character study happening beneath the surface. What makes someone do this for a living? They seem to ask. We've got a theory: money, and lots of it. Want to see a really dangerous job? How about a woman working for minimum wage at a big-box retail store who can't afford health insurance? Marvel as she scans groceries, aggravating the carpal tunnel for which she can't go to a doctor. It might not be as visually compelling a show, but it would certainly be more relevant."

The presidential election is uber-important this year. I am not yet convinced as to which candidate better represents the issues that are most important to me. But I do know that a lack of affordable and adequate health care for citizens of this country is a serious problem.

I write that as someone who didn't have it for 7 years and now does. (Of course, my insurance only has to cover check-ups right now. What if I developed an illness that it wouldn't cover?) I write that as a daughter of parents who pay almost $1000 a month in order to have basic coverage. I write that as a sensible human being who knows that people get sick and deserve help without needing to sell the kidney that the stone came out of.

The Post About I'm Glad I Didn't Run Away

I recently received a notice from the Post Office regarding the space my postal carrier pulls into to deliver my mail, Apparently it was starting to sink a bit.

This notice was not an FYI.

They expected me to fix it. So I did.

And by "I did" I mean I called my Dad and asked him to fix it.

He did.

One of many reasons why I love my parents. And why I'm codependent.

Originally posted July 7, 2008

The Post about Talking to My Parents

My parents and I had a really great conversation this past week about all kinds of things. I am so glad to be able to have "really great conversation(s)" with my parents. They probably thought it was impossible since most of my chats with them started with one of the following:

• "I didn't plan my money well this month."
• "I locked my __________ in my ________."
• "Can I have this?" (said while pointing to food, dishes, books, furniture...)

But in the last few years, I have become more stable and they have found that somewhat interesting. We talk about politics, religion, family, world events, etc. The thing is we don't always agree. Which has taught me the best lesson of all - listen. In my 20's, I would have just climbed up on the soap box of the moment and started pointing fingers and taking names. My 30's have calmed me down a bit which makes those talks much more enjoyable. (although sometimes I still feel myself feeling quite soapy at times...)

The best question that came out of the conversation was "What do you do about the sin of others?" Billy Graham said once "It is God's job to judge, the Holy Spirit's job to convict, and our job to love." We all agreed on that one.

The Post About 10 {Wishes} on Tuesday

Updates to these:
6. John Krasinski is engaged. Boo.
7. I do have a beautiful red patent tote (take that Valentino.)

Originally posted August 12, 2008

The Post About If I Could

If I could...
1. I would only eat cheez-its, hummus and drink gallons of sweet tea and still lose weight.
2. I would sing like Brooke Fraser and play violin like Martie Maguire.
3. I would speak fluent Spanish with my Hispanic friends at El Vecino and Sabor Latino.
4. I would wear my hair like Princess Leia and people would want to copy my sassy style.
5. I would travel in my time machine to the 4th grade and convince myself not to let my mother pick out my clothes or choose which perm I should get.
6. I would say "yes" to a marriage proposal from John Krasinski, Jack Shephard or an owner of a Chick-Fil-A.
7. I would carry the Valentino Histore Patent Tote in Red and skip to work.
8. I would say things like "You're fly, sugarpie!" and "Don't pee where you can't stand."
9. I would tile my bathroom floor and be featured in Dwell magazine.
10. I would click "Last Minute Deals" on travelocity and then go wherever they said.

If I could...

The Post About Being in Labor for 5 Days

That's true for me every week.

Except this week.

I'm on vacation. Hopefully you're enjoying this Labor Day in the comfort of breathable cotton while eating something carb-heavy.

While I'm gone, I thought we might do a few past posts that I either enjoyed writing or enjoyed your response to them...

Enjoy.

Originally posted April 23, 2009
The Post About One Day Too Long

Today you get a small glimpse into my daily. Truthfully, you have front row seats for that show anytime you stumble upon this blog, but I decided to do it with intention. I let Sammy the Samsung capture a few moments so you can see what unfolds in a typical day.


I generally wake up at 7am to their faces - Matt and Meredith of the Today show. I find other morning programs to be more annoying than necessary, but Al Roker can prompt that feeling in a new york minute. This is my vanity at the height of scurrying. My alarm clock is the one clock that's 6 minutes fast to remind me to keep moving. Would you like me to explain the sense of that? I would need to refer you to Jan and Chuck's Rabbits because it seems to be a result of parental logic and not real logic.


After a 20 minute commute of good driving, I find myself at my lovely nonprofit where I plan events and market great things like adoption. It's a risky job. It includes an elevator that speaks to you through tremors and labored cranking that it might not kill you to skip the danish in the breakroom. It includes a telephone that rings with consumers who didn't see that line about a silly deadline or who think adoption can help grow their business. It finally includes a little addiction called Outlookism. Hi, my name is Jamie.


At lunch, I always seem to have a craving for Old Navy. Most days, I don't indulge. But today, my internal organs rallied and practically drove the car. I left with a snazzy canvas tote, little lovebug pajamas for my new college-roommate-niece Isabella, and something springy for myself. The US economy will stay on the straight and narrow if my reproductive organs have any say in the matter. And they do.

The other important of my job is what fuels it. There's passion for the struggling, but the real fuel comes in the form of coffee, other liquids, and some carby goodness. I included the pic of the water as proof that I do choose it on occasion. And this frozen Cheese and Spinach melt from CPK was delightful. And I've tried a lot of frozen.

After work, I headed to church for mid-week services. I choose the downstairs gathering because hanging out with youth keeps you young and upstairs someone often plays an organ and they tend to vote on things - these things specifically get you old. Joseph, minister to students, shows pictures of things that make him laugh, which make most others head tilt and eye roll. He always redeems himself when he opens up the Bible. Good message. Afterwards, I continued a fight with Shawn, my minister of worship, who had talked inappropriately (there's a better word...) about Earth Day on his facebook. I "accidentally" ran into our pastor in the hall and decided to get him fired. It was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, my pastor is more like God in the ways of mercy than in the ways of open the earth and swallow those goobers whole. So I keyed his car**.


Finally, I arrived at my cozy home and consumed a PB&J, nutty buddy bar, and an Anthropologie catalog. I settled in with the blogosphere and Jon Stewart before calling it a day well lived.

Thoughts? Concerns? Suggestions?

**I didn't key his car.

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v. 34

Each weekend, I post a readable, a watchable, and a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens next. Earlier volumes can be found here.

**Leaving on a Jet Plane Edition**

Read

This post comes to you while I'm several thousand feet in the air probably staring at someone. I've packed several books, including Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide. This is not your typical vacation fare, but it's perfect for anyone who plans meetings, corporate events, fundraising affairs, or conferences. It's also not too shabby if you're simply planning a big party in your living room. I'm hunkering down in coach with this and a shiny legal pad and aim to plan.

Watch


I'm not really a buyer of movies. I just checked my DVD "pile" and I own the following: Mary Poppins, Twilight, Finding Nemo, and The Star Wars trilogy. That's it. However, I am a HUGE fan of renting movies. And the term "renting" has taken a new turn since Netflix, and RedBox and now my newest pleasure - iTunes movie rentals. For $2.99-$3.99, I can rent a fabulous flick to be enjoyed from the widescreen of Bugs, my iPhone. The Good Shepherd and the Gooder Matt Damon will be joining me on my flight to California.

Listen

While on the left coast, I'll be connecting with one of my favorite people...Robert Pattinson Cari. She and Dale host a snazzy morning show on an even snazzier radio station. And no matter where you are in the US, you can indulge in their lovely by listening online. You can also get your fix by listening to this recent conversation I had with them about needing to sell Bugs because of poor people. (It's about 3 mins)

The Post About Keep Calm and Carry On

I need to be filling this bag you see with all good things for a much-needed trip away that will have me landing in California in a mere 24 hours.

I'm dreading the getting there. Two planes requiring 5 hours of recycled air and two 6-oz sodas passed off as sustenance.

Then there's my ADD. This will play out with me having books and mags and podcasts and a movie and SweeTarts packed in my carryon in hopes of defending myself against becoming THAT passenger. You know the one who fidgets and stares. Sometimes out the window. Sometimes at you. You might be awake and quietly reading about stock options or the must-have items found in the SkyMall magazine. You might be sleeping in a contorted position dreaming of solid ground beneath your feet.

It doesn't matter. At some point, without proper medication, I will begin to stare at you. Or your hands. Or your laptop. Neither of us will know what I'm looking for. But I will look nonetheless.

I apologize in advance for creeping out those seated in 22B and 16B.

{image: Jamie}

The Post About My Neverending Hangover

Truer words have never been stitched.

The roles of alcohol and cigarettes in this play are being performed by excessive competitiveness and the cheese dust settling in my lungs.

It's time for an intervention.

After I get back from vacation.

{image: Jamie}

The Post About Ovulation Can be Tempting

I wrote once how biracial babies trump uniracial babies. I took that controversial, but solid stance in anticipation of my college roommate giving birth to her caucasianasian baby this Spring.

Please review Exhibit A:

Bella is sorta fabulous.

And likely dehydrated. She produces more drool than a chubby dog in a hot Savannah summer.


Her other hand is missing because I put it in my purse.


Wasn't I nice to leave her one? We agree they are delicious.

Her parents think her hands are delightful as well.


So much so, they keep a closed circuit video feed running from her crib so they can get their fix when she is swaddled and dreaming.

Speaking of her room...

She will chase rabbits too.

Angie and Victor didn't know what they were having until she popped out. Bella did this so quick that Mommy didn't even get the nice drugs.

Ugh.

When she finally arrived, Angie was so relieved and exhausted and full of joy that it took her a second to realize no one yelled out "It's a Boy!" or "It's a Girl!" She asked her husband and mom as she held Bella tight - "What is it?"

Victor quickly replied "It's a boy!"

Umm...no.

She's all girl.

With a closet to match.

{images: Jamie}