You Know You Don't Post Enough When...

...You can't remember the URL for your own blog. I had to go to my seester's blog and click on her link for my blog in order to refresh my memory. Okay, everyone, let's all say it together...Gina fails!
Anyway...so I'm in between projects to get done today, so I thought I'd give a bit of an update on what I've been up to lately. Some of it I don't really want to talk about or get into right now, so if you REALLY want to know about that part of my life, feel free to comment with your email address, if I don't already have it. But it's probably not as exciting as I'm sure you're hoping for it to be.
I'm currently working/planning on some Christmas presents for my family. I can't go into the specifics, even though the only presents that I have the ideas for are all for the nieces and nephews. I'm sure that most of them are too young to even care about blogs, especially mine. But for some reason I have this need to keep their present ideas from their parents...with the exception of my seester. I have to run my ideas past somebody, right? Anyway, I'm still trying to come up with some ideas for the adults. That's the tough part.
I've also got a few crafty ideas stirring in my head that I might try to sell at some point, if I can work up the ambition and the supplies. Some of it I already have, and I might just use some other stuff that I had been planning on sending to the D.I. I'm planning on making beaded lanyards (I've got one that I've been using that lots of people have commented on, and I would have posted a picture here, but I accidentally left it at my seester's house after the Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe I'll have to make a stop there in the next few days so I can get it. My niece was having a blast putting it around her neck and talking about how "pitty" it was. I also have an idea for some cute hair clips that should be fairly easy to make. Hopefully I'll be able to make some and post some pictures. But please don't look forward to it, because knowing my history, it'll be several months before anything else gets posted.
I also started last night with my church calling. I'm an indexer, which means I get to pull demographic information from old census and military draft records. It's actually kind of fun, and I already indexed about 170+ names just last night. Anyone can do it, just set up an LDS account and then go to indexing.familysearch.org and sign in! I'm excited to be able to help those that weren't able to hear the gospel before they died. And it's been fun as I've indexed some draft records to see where some of these people were born. So far I've seen names of people that were born in Italy, Poland, Greece, Russia, and Czechoslovakia. There may be more, but that's all I've got right now.
The other thing I need to do that absolutely needs to get done today is to put some music on an iPod for my Andrea friend. Some of my friends (and former roommates) have bestowed upon me the nickname of \m/(Rocker) Gina. I'm their go-to person when they need music for something, or if they heard a song on the radio and only remember part of the lyrics, and they need to know what song it was. I'm even considering buying myself a keytar (which is pretty much a portable keyboard on a guitar strap) and joining a band. I even have a name for said band, thanks to Andrea's mom (Mama Sayre)...Check this out...Rocker Gina and the Gene Pool. Awesome name, I think! What do you think?

Note to Self...

Never say you're going to do something that you know isn't going to happen.

In my last post, I explained my game plan to blog more often. I said that each week, I would try something new and then report back the following week. Four months later, and I'm just now reporting on my Twitter experience. Feel free to award me with a big, fat F.

As far as Twitter goes...the jury is still out. I know, I know, I've been on Twitter for four months already (that's a lot of weeks, by the way), I should have a decent opinion by now. But I don't. So the best thing I can do at this point is to offer a few pros and cons of Twitter.

Pros:

• Instant gratification. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, with just a few clicks on my phone, I can check in on whatever is new with all of the people/entities that I follow. And in some cases, updates are sent to my phone as a text message.
• Fascinating information. One of the entities I follow is full of the most interesting, if useless, facts. Did you know that a chocolate bar has an average of eight insect legs in it? And don't tell me you're surprised by that knowledge. I've never been inside a chocolate factory (although that might be a bit of a dream come true...Love me some chocolate!), but I'm pretty sure there are large vats of chocolate that don't have much of anything covering them...or maybe that's just how I envision factories, thanks to the years of my youth watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
  

Cons:

• Waste of time. While it is interesting to read up on and get updates on everyone that I follow, is it really imperative for me to know that so-and-so is putting out a new album, or that there's a giveaway tomorrow on a radio station program that I don't even get to listen to anymore, or that if you bite down on a Wint-O-Green Life Saver in the dark, you will see sparks? (The last one I already knew, but that one was for all of you who wanted to hear a random fact today) The point is that yes, it's true, my brain is full of trivia that's useful only when playing Cranium and the challenge is to guess what song is being hummed, and I'm such a nerd (particularly when it comes to music) that I know within about a dozen notes that the song is "Material World" by Madonna. Why should I add to the massive amount of useless facts already shoved into my head instead of learning something new that's actually useful?

So after all of that, for now, I remain a Twitterer (if that's even a word). To be honest, I'm mostly a follower because I'm pretty sure there's nobody out there that's that interested in knowing what I had for breakfast yesterday (french toast with a side of bacon) or what I did last Saturday (attended the Scottish Festival and discovered a great Celtic band, the Wicked Tinkers-you should check them out, and if you live near me, let me know if you're interested and I may let you borrow a CD or two so you, too, can marvel at how a band can merge the bagpipes and a didgeridoo and make fantastic, entertaining music).

Tweet Tweeter Tweet Tweet

Okay, friends, here's the plan. In an effort to get myself to do more blogging, and to help make it interesting, I am going to try something different...for me, anyway. Once a week, I am going to try something new, and the following week, I will report my findings/opinions/comments/etc. This week's experiment: Twitter. Hopefully, most people that know me know that I am not the kind of person that jumps on the fad train just because it's there or because everyone else is doing it. Granted, I've been on the Facebook wagon for several years, but even with Facebook, it's been difficult to avoid the barrage of FarmVille invites (I will never succumb!).
I considered a few months ago signing up for Twitter, but eventually steered myself away because I didn't need yet another thing to waste my time with. And to be honest, this week really isn't the best week to be starting a time-waster. We've got some massive training starting this week, and I'm involved in the preparation for that. Wish I would have remembered that prior to coming up with my hare-brained plan, but when do I ever think all of my plans through?

Oh yeah, one more thing...if you want to follow me on twitter, here's the place to go...

ginarj

Enjoy!

It's official...

I am terrible at following through on what I say I'm going to do...like my blog. I don't really have much of an excuse, other than always finding something else to do instead. Who knows, maybe I can make a New Years' resolution to do more with my blog, even though I'm essentially setting myself up for failure, just like my gym membership.
Anyway, here's a quick update on what's going on in my life, for the person or two that hasn't given up on this blog or me yet...
Work-Still do it, can't afford not to. Do I love it? Not necessarily, but it's a job, and I'm grateful for it and the fact that it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Home-Haven't found a new one yet. For anyone who doesn't know, the house I've lived in for almost two and a half years has been on the market for about a year and a half. For a long time, there weren't any decent offers, so the family decided to split the property and sell the house separately from the half-acre next to it. Well, shortly after the property was split, a couple made an offer on the entire property, and the owners accepted it. They've got until the 23rd to back out or for a loan to fall through, but the house is pretty much sold at this point. It's been coming for a long time, but it's still hard to comprehend that change is coming quite quickly. Anyway, I've got an option or two that I'm looking into a bit, but if nothing works out, I'll be back with my sister for a little while. Lucky her, huh???
Church-Still go, haven't gone inactive yet, so don't worry. Our ward was supposed to be going through some big changes effective January 1st 2010, which meant I would end up being in a brand-new singles ward. And I was super excited for the change and had started preparing myself for it. Unfortunately, we were informed a few weeks ago that the change is not coming about as quickly as anyone had hoped. Apparently you have to have your ducks in a row before starting up three new wards and kicking several family wards out of their building. So I'll be staying in the same ward, unless one of my housing options is a go. If I move back in with the sister, I'll still be in the ward I am in currently. I'll keep you updated...or not, knowing me.
Dating-Haven't done much of it...ever. Not that I'm complaining about it. Sometimes I wish that I could find that special someone, get married, and live happily ever after. And then other times, I think that maybe it's a blessing to be single, especially after witnessing some of the things that people close to me have had to go through, both dating- and marriage-related. I've got one or two people that have someone they're thinking of setting me up with, but I'm not worrying about it too much. Besides, worrying doesn't change anything, right? I hope that doesn't sound negative, because that's not my intention. I've just got bigger fish to fry right now.
I know, I know...I promised much more exciting posts for this blog. Sorry to disappoint you, but this is all I've got right now. Besides, I've got my ward Christmas party in about 15 minutes, which is bound to be an interesting experience...

I've come to the conclusion that I don't post on my blog nearly often enough (I know what you're thinking, it's not hard to come to that conclusion...). To be honest, I tend to think that my life isn't exciting enough for other people to want to read about. Then I thought about my vacation the beginning of this month and thought, hey, I DO do interesting things. So I'm going to try to do a better job of posting on this blog...not necessarily just the weird and unusual things I do, but also my own personal music reviews (because of the love I have for music and the special place it holds in my heart) and just fun, random things that I do or that happen or that I come across. Hopefully in the process, I will be able to get into the habit of blogging. Here goes!

Gina needs...

My Haley roommate suggested I try this...It's quite entertaining.

Google the phrase (including the quotes) "[your first name] needs" and write down the first 10 results.

1. Gina needs to change her self-talk.
2. Gina needs to be clarified.
3. Gina needs a drink.
4. Gina needs some new kidneys!
5. Gina needs you!
6. Gina needs an English tutor, please.
7. Gina needs many services- social services, financial services, mental health services, manicure and pedicure services (so true...)
8. Gina needs spiritual intervention.
9. Gina needs to speak her mind.
10. Gina needs to come out with an energy drink next.

So there are are a few ones that I skipped because they were really dirty, but I've still got some funny ones!

Open Your Eyes / Highlander / Dancing Queen

It's been a while since I've written a blog, and I thought this looked like fun, so here goes...

JUST FOR FUN….
Feel free to do this yourself.

Directions:
1. Put your iPod, iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the “next” button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY OR NON-SENSICAL IT SOUNDS

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
She's Too Much - Duran Duran

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
We Apologize For Nothing - Fightstar

3. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
There's a Good Reason These Tables are Numbered, Honey - Panic At the Disco

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Does Your Mother Know - Mamma Mia! Soundtrack

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?
My Blue Ocean - Kara's Flowers

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Happy - Natasha Bedingfield

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
So Long, Goodbye - 10 Years (Ouch!)

8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Different - Acceptance (Again...Ouch!)

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Undone - Owsley

10. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Natural Disaster - Plain White T's

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Drop Out-The So Unknown - Jack's Mannequin

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Heart Attack - Low Diamond

13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Forever - Walter Meego

14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Rise - Flobots

16. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Trigger Happy Jack - Poe

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Said You'd Be - The Panic Channel

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
All Over You - The Spill Canvas

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Paint Your Target - Fightstar

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Request Line - Black Eyed Peas feat. Macy Gray

21. SONG THEY WILL PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Handlebars - Flobots

22. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Open Your Eyes - Fightstar

(Just because I'm curious to see what the outcome would be a second time, I did it again...it's interesting to see what obscure music I have and how most of these songs have less than nothing to do with the questions.)

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Bloody Mary - The Panic Channel

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Well Enough Alone - Chevelle

3. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
She Had the World - Panic At the Disco

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
What's Been Going On - Amos Lee

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?
Your Man - Josh Turner

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N Roses

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen

8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Tracy's Song / Only Time Will Tell - Nelson

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
My Own Summer (Shove It) - Fightstar

10. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Hard To Say - The Used

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Super Trouper - Mamma Mia! Soundtrack

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Freckles - Natasha Bedingfield

13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Silent Scream - Richard Marx

14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP?
1985 - Bowling For Soup

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Franklin - Paramore

16. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Love Me Dead - Ludo

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Someday - Plain White T's

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Yeah! - Usher

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Peace of Me - Natasha Bedingfield

21. SONG THEY WILL PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Shiver - Coldplay

22. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Highlander Theme - Queen


(Okay, one more time....)

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
2 Minutes to Midnight - Glamour of the Kill

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Rules and Games - Funeral For a Friend

3. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
Piece of Your Heart - Natasha Bedingfield

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
She Won't Last - The Panic Channel

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?
The Days I Recall Being Wonderful - Fightstar

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Didn't I (Blow Your Mind) - New Kids on the Block

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Le Disko - Shiny Toy Guns

8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Grand Unification, Part 1 - Fightstar

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
99 - Fightstar

10. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Silent Movie - Natasha Bedingfield

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Do You Know What I'm Seeing - Panic At the Disco

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Take Off Your Colours - You Me At Six

13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Cry Baby Cry - Duran Duran

14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Intro - Bullet For My Valentine

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You - Marc Cohn

16. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Blue Bruises - The Panic Channel

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Grand Unification, Part 2 - Fightstar

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic (Live Version) - Paramore

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Miss California - Jack's Mannequin

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
The Poison - Bullet For My Valentine

21. SONG THEY WILL PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
The Sweater Song - Weezer

22. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Dancing Queen

Okay, so I cheated by answering the questions three times...But I didn't skip, I promise!