Bookish Jen

My friend and I were texting during the walk on the champagne carpet and during the ceremony, and we were both wondering what happened to the charming Hug Grant of the 90s. Now he's old and crotchedy.

For all that is holy, will someone please give Mrs. Barbara Howard her $50.00 Buffalo Wild Wings gift card!!!

I just got a call from my recruiter. He told me about a short term admin job at a financial services company that is located quite close to where I live. The pay is decent, and so are the hours. He's going to meet with the office manager tomorrow and present my resume to her. Wish me luck.

I went to school with a guy we called "Mascara Man" because he had such long, dark, lush lashes. I'm still jealous.

Please tell me I wasn't the only one who got teary eyed when Janine and Ayesha had their argument. And when besties Barbara and Melissa had their spat, I got so upset. Don't break up the band, ladies!

Something about Paula Faris bugs me.

Looking forward to Margaret Cho, love her.

Don't we have enough makeup lines already? Youthforia is just going to be another brand in an already oversaturated market. Plus, the products were so damn expensive.

This was a wonderful episode. First, it was great when Erika showed up. I like seeing recurring characters. But she was right. Janine should not tell Mo she kissed Gregory. Of course, Janine shows up to Bone Town with Gregory in tow, and they spill the beans about their kiss in the flower classroom. Mo took it really well. But ribs and jalapeño poppers do soften the blow. But a restaurant called Bone Town? I think I did a Gregory look at my TV when Janine mentioned her covered in meat and sauce, going to Bone Town with Mo. At first I thought Bone Town was a euphemism for sex, and I know I'm not the only one. Like many of you I wondered if Silly Socks was a real thing so I googled it and came up with nothing. I guess the writers made it up. I can understand Jacob wanting his students to do a mural more inspirational, but it's okay to indulge in some pop culture silliness. If I had been a part of a mural when I was in grade school, I probably would have suggested Fonzie, the Sweat Hogs, and Star Wars. And I liked how the students' future aspirations were a part of the mural. I actually got a bit verklempt and teary-eyed when one student said he wanted to be broke, I mean a teacher. And I can't wait to see how Barbara, Ava, and Melissa teaming up will turn out as they fight to make sure Abbott doesn't turn into another charter school more considered with test scores than their students. Their hijinks will be legendary. (See what I did there?)

This was a really good episode. And I like it for the many reasons all of you stated. Who knew teacher conferences could be so much fun?

She's also very anti-vax and anti-pharma. Sure, I'm all for eating well and getting exercise, but I wouldn't be able to function without my thyroid meds.

Exactly. I'm sure I'm not the only one who saw that want ad and was completely offended.

I don't have Paramount+ so I'm not watching the revival. And it looks like I'm not missing a whole lot. I don't even watch the reruns that much on ION, especially the latter years when CM skidded off the rails. I don't know exactly what it is, maybe it's all the horrific things we've gone through in the past several years, but I can no longer watch people being horrible to other people. I need shows that are more positive and uplifting.

I talked to my recruiter today, and he said they haven't got any assignments in that need my skill set and would pay me the wages I deserve. He told me that there are six people they want to send on appropriate assignments, and I'm one of them. He says we are the company's top performers. Granted that's nice to know, but maybe he's blowing smoke up my ass. Money isn't an issue yet, but I am getting bored and antsy. I have looked for permanent employment, which is completely draining. I did see one job ad that stated the following (and I'm paraphrasing). "If I have over 10.000 emails in my inbox, you better have 0." "If my desk is covered with files and paperwork, your desk better be clutter free." "If I have 100 phone messages to answer, you better be answering them." That job sounds like a nightmare.

I snort laughed when he did that. Oh, our little Janine. Though this episode had it's funny moments, I appreciated its focus on mental health. People who look the strongest are often dealing with some really heavy stuff like Barbara and her husband's health issues. Barbara is often the rock, but she needs her own rock. I love her friendship with Melissa, and I'm glad Barbara took some "me time." But just when we think Ava is growing as a person, she high tails it of the school during the fire and goes to a spa.

I would have called him "Stranger Things," but yeah, that was kind of funny. I watched both the pilot and this episode. Neither one was perfect, but I'll keep watching for now. And I always like seeing Lauren Ash on my TV screen.

I live in Milwaukee, and the closest airport is Mitchell Field, which is hardly major like O'Hare or JFK.

It's been ages since I've flown, but are there fancy restaurants at airports suitable for a romantic Valentine's Day date? I only see Sbarro's and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Anyway, what a delightful episode. When Janine had her phone call with her sister, I expected her sister to be obnoxious, but she turned out to be very pleasant. Hmm, what's up with that? Mo and Gregory both bought perfectly wonderful gifts, but for the wrong women. Amber seems like a total fashionista so you know she'd be all about the Telfar bag. Janine is where fashion goes to die, but she'd love to put together a Lego's bouquet. Now Janine knows Gregory is all woodgie-coo for her. I don't doubt she has some feelings for him. If Gregory and Janine are end game please don't have it dragged out and make them a solid true blue couple. Do not Ross and Rachel them please. Guy is a sweetie and I loved how creative he was with Melissa's "I Love You" message. He's a keeper, Melissa. But I think my favorite part was showing Jacob excelling at his job and implementing black history every day into his students' lessons. It would be so easy to write him off as a clueless woke white guy, but the writing team is too good for that. And color me shocked that Ava learned to appreciate Jacob and now wants to get the credentials she needs. Could this be growth? There are many reasons why I love "Abbott Elementary," but the positive portrayal of teachers and education is a big one.

I'm currently reading "Fabulous Nobodies" by Lee Tulloch. This book was published in 1989, and it's an entertaining look at people trying to get noticed and famous long before social media and reality show cretins like the Kardashians/Jenner's.

Did anyone notice how Donnie's new "woman" looked like a little girl version of Janine?

Thanks for all the support. I'm okay with not getting the assignment. Hopefully, something will come up soon.

Well I didn't get the temp job I was talking about. The people who interviewed me liked me, but they went with someone who has more experience in the company's field.

The interview went very well. I should know by tomorrow if the assignment is mine.

Reading all off your mental health issues makes me feel less alone. I've always dealt with depression and anxiety but I could keep the demons at bay. Then several years ago, my life took a turn for the worse. I was laid off and was out of work for a very long time. A romantic relationship fell apart. Two of my friends ghosted me. My dad died. And once the pandemic, I went in a tailspin. I contemplated suicide. In the spring of 2020 I had a nervous breakdown and ended up in a psych ward for a month. While hospitalized, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. One of its symptoms is depression. I got on the right meds and went to therapy. I'm doing so much better now. Still, I have my sad moments. I've been feeling bummed lately. It's been really cold for the past couple of weeks. I haven't been able to take walks outside and I haven't been to the gym due to the cold. Luckily it's going to be much warmer next week.

I have an interview for the temp job I was telling you about tomorrow afternoon. I talked to my recruiter and he said it's for only a month and the pay is excellent. Hopefully, everything will go well.