Hello everyone. I cannot believe how many emails I received just because I missed a few days blogging. At least I know that you all are enjoying Ghettopolitan. I have not felt very well which is why I missed Saturday and Sunday but I'm back now so read on. I am proud to announce that since this blog began a little over a week ago I have had over 1,000 views (not including my own of course). Thanks for reading.
Today's post is for Jessica Hardy. She was one of my first blog followers and one of my first students:) I love Jessica. For those of you who do not recognize her name--Jessica is a swimmer. Please check out her website Jessicahardy.net. Not only does she hold 3 world records, she also has had to fight back from false allegations regarding steroid use. I am proud to say that she has been cleared of all charges and is making quite the comeback. She is an inspiration in so many ways and I am one of her biggest fans. JESSICA ROCKS!!
Ok-so with me--not much is happening. The last few days have been kind of rough but I think I'm getting back on track. I am really ready for Thanksgiving break. Since not much is happening I thought I'd answer a few more questions about myself. A few people sent some in so here ya go:
My real name is Trina Jo. That is what the TJ stands for. Everyone in my family still calls me Trina but everyone else knows me as TJ. I guess it's kind of like a second persona.
Some of the charastics that I like about myself are: my humor, my ability to be empathetic, my loyalty, my optimism, and my desire to stay young at heart.
Some traits about myself that I don't really care for are: my amazing ability to procrastinate, my fear of rejection, my lack of organization, my addictive personality, and the fact that I am really hard on myself.
I am trying really hard to like cats. I think I'm coming around. One cat in particular was quite nice and comforting to me today. I love that cat and my friend Melissa's cat so I guess some cat's are ok.
5 things I love: Sesame Street, Documentaries, Bubble Baths, Cheese Pizza, and Def Leppard
5 things I don't much care for: The Family Guy, Horror Films, mud baths, Peeps, and Ke$ha (I'm kind of over her)
Was going to get a McRib today but my ulcers would not hear of it. Does anyone know how long they are back for?
A friend of mine was drinking diet mountain dew today and I pointed out that diet mountain dew is kind of a white trash drink. That's not a bad thing--it's a good thing so if you drink diet mountain dew then you are awesome. Her response was--"um they sell it in Orange County" to which I replied "The OC is white trash--they just have more money." Secretly I think she liked that comment and secretly I think she likes being white trash with money.
Alright that's all that I have for today. I teach tomorrow from 8am to 10pm so I'm off to bed.
My goal for tomorrow is patience.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thank you for your service
Today's blog is dedicated to my cousin Stevie. She is a badass M.P.O. in the United States Army and I love her very much.
Here are some Veterans that I would like to acknowledge:
Family: Uncle Andy, Uncle Duane, Uncle Bob, Uncle Dale, Uncle Henry, and Grandpa Clem
Students: Luc, Troy Ruben, Jay, JT, William, Ben, and Sam
Friends: Simone and Brad Jones
Thanks for your service.
That's all for today. I just wanted to focus on the brave men and women that have risked their lives so that I can be free. I am humbled and thankful.
Here are some Veterans that I would like to acknowledge:
Family: Uncle Andy, Uncle Duane, Uncle Bob, Uncle Dale, Uncle Henry, and Grandpa Clem
Students: Luc, Troy Ruben, Jay, JT, William, Ben, and Sam
Friends: Simone and Brad Jones
Thanks for your service.
That's all for today. I just wanted to focus on the brave men and women that have risked their lives so that I can be free. I am humbled and thankful.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The good, the bad, and the ugly. Oh--and the weird
Today's blog is dedicated to T.C. All I will say about TC is that she is a brave person. She has sacrificed a lot to get where she is--and is beginning a pretty intense journey. Don't worry peeps--her journey is leading to amazing things. Godspeed T.C.
Ok so today was quite the day. It's only 6 and I am ready for bed. But before I get into my day I need to revisit yesterday's post. My mother sent me an email because apparantly I forgot to add the shredded cheese to the lettuce salad recipe. Oops. Midwestern salads include: iceberg lettuce, croutons, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Thanks mom for keeping me on top of the salad recipes. I also received a comment from my cousin Jackie. She alerted me to the fact that I forgot to tell you all to cook the ground beef before adding the soup and tater tots. Hopefully no disasters incured due to my errors.
Happy Birthday to:
My papa. My dad is 57.
My friend Animal. Animal's age is not allowed to be posted:)
Ok so my day--At about 7:30 this morning, I witnessed a nasty traffic accident. Thankfully everyone will be ok--it was just not a pretty thing to see. Motorcycle + Car making bad lane change= YIKES. I got out of the car to check on the motorcycle driver. I said are you ok. He said F*&# no--my leg is broken so I called 911 and of course I was put on hold. I looked his leg and it was indeed broken.I am so glad that I did not pass out--that would not have been helpful at all. At least the bike driver was able to sit up and was coherent. That made things a little less scary. Ok then the man that hit him drove from the car pool lane to the right shoulder then tried to run back across the 5 lane freeway to check on his victim. He was nearly hit by like 3 cars.
Then I directed traffic until the police and ambulance arrived on the scene. That is a helluva way to start a day. At least I wasn't in the accident.
I gave an exam today so that was pretty chill. Then I went to breakfast. Watsons drug and soda fountain in Orange is one of my favorite diners in all the land. I had the $3.99 special which consisted of: two triangles of french toast, two strips of bacon, and one egg. It was wonderful. Then I went and got a massage. Just saw a commercial for the McRib. I really want one before they disappear. Interpersonal comm class was great. I really heart my students. One student brought me a cookie that he made. He is a vegan--and a smoker which is odd but not the point. He made me a vegan choc chip cookie and it was really yummy. Thanks Kyle. Oh and my student Johnny has a job interview tonight. Send good thoughts his way. He's a good kid and the company would be lucky to have him as an employee.
Had an appointment this afternoon to discuss my spine--got some work to do on that. Today I wore a hat and belts with weights in them and got on some vibrating machine. I looked like an idiot but it was kind of cool. Then I got my neck stretched a little--got to wear another weird hat for that one.
That's it folks--I got nothin else today. Time for a bath, some tea, and bed. Oh and Hell's Kitchen comes back tonight. Yay. I'm loving the comments. Keep em coming. TJ
Ok so today was quite the day. It's only 6 and I am ready for bed. But before I get into my day I need to revisit yesterday's post. My mother sent me an email because apparantly I forgot to add the shredded cheese to the lettuce salad recipe. Oops. Midwestern salads include: iceberg lettuce, croutons, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Thanks mom for keeping me on top of the salad recipes. I also received a comment from my cousin Jackie. She alerted me to the fact that I forgot to tell you all to cook the ground beef before adding the soup and tater tots. Hopefully no disasters incured due to my errors.
Happy Birthday to:
My papa. My dad is 57.
My friend Animal. Animal's age is not allowed to be posted:)
Ok so my day--At about 7:30 this morning, I witnessed a nasty traffic accident. Thankfully everyone will be ok--it was just not a pretty thing to see. Motorcycle + Car making bad lane change= YIKES. I got out of the car to check on the motorcycle driver. I said are you ok. He said F*&# no--my leg is broken so I called 911 and of course I was put on hold. I looked his leg and it was indeed broken.I am so glad that I did not pass out--that would not have been helpful at all. At least the bike driver was able to sit up and was coherent. That made things a little less scary. Ok then the man that hit him drove from the car pool lane to the right shoulder then tried to run back across the 5 lane freeway to check on his victim. He was nearly hit by like 3 cars.
Then I directed traffic until the police and ambulance arrived on the scene. That is a helluva way to start a day. At least I wasn't in the accident.
I gave an exam today so that was pretty chill. Then I went to breakfast. Watsons drug and soda fountain in Orange is one of my favorite diners in all the land. I had the $3.99 special which consisted of: two triangles of french toast, two strips of bacon, and one egg. It was wonderful. Then I went and got a massage. Just saw a commercial for the McRib. I really want one before they disappear. Interpersonal comm class was great. I really heart my students. One student brought me a cookie that he made. He is a vegan--and a smoker which is odd but not the point. He made me a vegan choc chip cookie and it was really yummy. Thanks Kyle. Oh and my student Johnny has a job interview tonight. Send good thoughts his way. He's a good kid and the company would be lucky to have him as an employee.
Had an appointment this afternoon to discuss my spine--got some work to do on that. Today I wore a hat and belts with weights in them and got on some vibrating machine. I looked like an idiot but it was kind of cool. Then I got my neck stretched a little--got to wear another weird hat for that one.
That's it folks--I got nothin else today. Time for a bath, some tea, and bed. Oh and Hell's Kitchen comes back tonight. Yay. I'm loving the comments. Keep em coming. TJ
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Waffle Sandwiches and facebook finds
Ok-today's blog post is dedicated to Megan Day. Megan is actually a student of mine. She is really nerdy and I like that. Megan always sits in the front row, has an eagerness that is infectious, and is wicked smart. Oh and another thing--she looks exactly like Julia Stiles. I mean exactly. She will not share books with people because she thinks that once she reads the words--they are hers to keep. Weird. She aspires to be a writer. She'll succeed.
So--today has been very interesting. My hours got cut at OCC for spring. I think that losing classes just reinforces my decision to pursue a new career. BRUXIE just opened in Orange. Um--what BRUXIE is is delicious waffle sandwiches. They have sweet and savory. I recommend the buttermilk fried chicken or the PB&J. See-instead of bread--it's fresh waffles. FRESH WAFFLES. I know--it is very exciting.
About 13 years ago I met a women in San Francisco. We met at a club, had a fling, and moved on. She found me on facebook. I've often wondered what happened to her so it was really cool to get her message. I really do like facebook. I think it's so cool to reconnect with people.
Ok so the comedy stuff is going pretty well. Winning the competition finals in a few weeks would be an awesome way to get things moving faster. If anyone knows of any comedy clubs or ways that I can get some stage time--please let me know.
This morning in one of my classes we were discussing food and culture. When they asked me about the foods that I grew up with I told them about casseroles. Everyone pretended to be disgusted but secretly they all wanted one. My favorite casserole is tater-tot. It's like a white trash version of shepherd's pie. Here is the recipe:
1 lb ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup (the Iowa state spice)
1 bag of tater tots
Some people add corn or peas or green beans. Never add lima beans--that's nasty,
Mix cooked ground beef, corn or peas, and soup. Put tater tots on top. Bake until tater tots are brown and crispy. That's it. Some people like to add cheese but I think that is overkill. Enjoy this dish with a nice iceberg lettuce salad with ranch dressing and croutons and you have a true Midwestern feast. It's delicious.
Ok so it's 4:00 and I am already tired. have to teach tonight til 10. I'll post more later. Love to you all. SEND COMMENTS PEOPLE. I won't keep writing unless I know peeps are reading:)
So--today has been very interesting. My hours got cut at OCC for spring. I think that losing classes just reinforces my decision to pursue a new career. BRUXIE just opened in Orange. Um--what BRUXIE is is delicious waffle sandwiches. They have sweet and savory. I recommend the buttermilk fried chicken or the PB&J. See-instead of bread--it's fresh waffles. FRESH WAFFLES. I know--it is very exciting.
About 13 years ago I met a women in San Francisco. We met at a club, had a fling, and moved on. She found me on facebook. I've often wondered what happened to her so it was really cool to get her message. I really do like facebook. I think it's so cool to reconnect with people.
Ok so the comedy stuff is going pretty well. Winning the competition finals in a few weeks would be an awesome way to get things moving faster. If anyone knows of any comedy clubs or ways that I can get some stage time--please let me know.
This morning in one of my classes we were discussing food and culture. When they asked me about the foods that I grew up with I told them about casseroles. Everyone pretended to be disgusted but secretly they all wanted one. My favorite casserole is tater-tot. It's like a white trash version of shepherd's pie. Here is the recipe:
1 lb ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup (the Iowa state spice)
1 bag of tater tots
Some people add corn or peas or green beans. Never add lima beans--that's nasty,
Mix cooked ground beef, corn or peas, and soup. Put tater tots on top. Bake until tater tots are brown and crispy. That's it. Some people like to add cheese but I think that is overkill. Enjoy this dish with a nice iceberg lettuce salad with ranch dressing and croutons and you have a true Midwestern feast. It's delicious.
Ok so it's 4:00 and I am already tired. have to teach tonight til 10. I'll post more later. Love to you all. SEND COMMENTS PEOPLE. I won't keep writing unless I know peeps are reading:)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Don't hate cuz I'm late
All right. Today's blog is for Sue Meinke. Sue is a friend of mine from high school. We go WAY back. She sold me my first car--a mustang. We ran track together, partied way too much, and I think of her often. I believe she lives in Texas now and is very accomplished as a mother, a human being and in many other things.. WORD.
Ok-I did not forget to blog yesterday. I simply laid down to take a nap at around 6 pm and woke up this morning. Oops. Either way--here I am. I love the extra hour that we get but I really hate that it gets dark so early. Yesterday was truly a ghettopolitan day. After my girlfriend Myriam and I gave our rabbit a bath in the kitchen sink we went shopping in Orange County. More sweater vests, some new shoes, and bath products. Oh and Myriam got some sweet MC Hammer pants. Oh and Fashion Island is the whitest mall I think I have ever seen. Even though we spent a few hundred dollars in Macy's the cashier still asked Myriam (my mexican partner) what she was doing all the way over here. HA! I thought Beverly Hills was pretentious but no....the OC takes the cake. Also--I think 90% of the people we saw had either a small dog (with them in the mall) or recent plastic surgery. Some had both. Don't get me wrong--I love the OC. Many of my students live there--it's just a really weird place.
I love the movie Marci X. It's really stupid but it makes me laugh ALOT.
Ok--I've decided that in this blog I'll tell you all a little bit more about myself. Some of you know me very well--some of you not at all so I'll give you a few basics then you can tell me what else you want to know.
I am from IOWA. I am 39. I am queer in about every sense. I have been with my partner Myriam for 12 years. Her website is dahliaseason.com.
Religious views: There is a place for me in the afterlife. I have a Christian background, am a certified Kosher chef, and consider myself very Buddhist.
Political views: Well I am about as left as a person can get. Some people call people like me "bleeding hearts." That's great. I am compassionate and believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities in life. I think that there are more lazy rich people than lazy poor people. I'd like to see more balance. I think I'm a liberal Democrat with socialist tendencies. I am a member of the NRA and the ACLU so figure that one out.
Here are a few things that I hate: Cilantro, apathy, Will Ferrell, most cats, and camping
Here are a few things that I love: Fried chicken, informative debates, Sandra Bullock, weiner dogs, and The Four Seasons
Biggest fears: snakes and flying. Needless to say--I did not see the award winning film Snakes on a Plane.
Biggest regret: None. Everything in my life has happened for a reason
First hero: The Fonz
I'll post again tonight. More info about me and a few haiku. Thanks for reading.
Ok-I did not forget to blog yesterday. I simply laid down to take a nap at around 6 pm and woke up this morning. Oops. Either way--here I am. I love the extra hour that we get but I really hate that it gets dark so early. Yesterday was truly a ghettopolitan day. After my girlfriend Myriam and I gave our rabbit a bath in the kitchen sink we went shopping in Orange County. More sweater vests, some new shoes, and bath products. Oh and Myriam got some sweet MC Hammer pants. Oh and Fashion Island is the whitest mall I think I have ever seen. Even though we spent a few hundred dollars in Macy's the cashier still asked Myriam (my mexican partner) what she was doing all the way over here. HA! I thought Beverly Hills was pretentious but no....the OC takes the cake. Also--I think 90% of the people we saw had either a small dog (with them in the mall) or recent plastic surgery. Some had both. Don't get me wrong--I love the OC. Many of my students live there--it's just a really weird place.
I love the movie Marci X. It's really stupid but it makes me laugh ALOT.
Ok--I've decided that in this blog I'll tell you all a little bit more about myself. Some of you know me very well--some of you not at all so I'll give you a few basics then you can tell me what else you want to know.
I am from IOWA. I am 39. I am queer in about every sense. I have been with my partner Myriam for 12 years. Her website is dahliaseason.com.
Religious views: There is a place for me in the afterlife. I have a Christian background, am a certified Kosher chef, and consider myself very Buddhist.
Political views: Well I am about as left as a person can get. Some people call people like me "bleeding hearts." That's great. I am compassionate and believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities in life. I think that there are more lazy rich people than lazy poor people. I'd like to see more balance. I think I'm a liberal Democrat with socialist tendencies. I am a member of the NRA and the ACLU so figure that one out.
Here are a few things that I hate: Cilantro, apathy, Will Ferrell, most cats, and camping
Here are a few things that I love: Fried chicken, informative debates, Sandra Bullock, weiner dogs, and The Four Seasons
Biggest fears: snakes and flying. Needless to say--I did not see the award winning film Snakes on a Plane.
Biggest regret: None. Everything in my life has happened for a reason
First hero: The Fonz
I'll post again tonight. More info about me and a few haiku. Thanks for reading.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Day 2--so far so good--just not too exciting yet.
All right Jackie. This one is for you.
Jackie is my awesome cousin. We grew up together and I think she is the bees knees. She is a fast walker and a fast talker. She is a mother of three, loves sweets, plays the violin, reads A LOT, thinks Hillary Clinton is the bomb, is an artist, and laughs at my jokes. We once had matching ponchos.
Daily Haiku:
Midwestern salads
All contain one of two things
Mayo or Jello
OK--interesting day today. Saw Meg Whitman at Chick Fil A, bought two sweater vests at Macy's, had dinner with the in-laws, and well--I guess it wasn't all that interesting. It was fun though--except for seeing Meg Whitman of course. She is evil.
A few people have asked me what is going on with my comedy career so here it is in a nutshell: Since age 4 I have wanted to be a comedian. I'll be 40 this year so I figured it was about time that I chased my dreams. I've been a chef, a college professor, and about a thousand other things, and though I know I am successful--my true calling is comedy. This will be my final year teaching. I have begun the comedy journey by performing wherever I can. I have already won first prize in my first competition. In one years time my goal is to be making a living by doing what I was born to do. I am looking very forward to the journey. I am looking for testimonials so if you think I'll be a good comedian--send me a blurb about why you think I'm funny or why you think I'll be successful and I'll post it on my resume.
Not too much else going on yet. I do have a question to pose though: How old is too old for trick or treating? My students actually had a heated debate about it today.
Please send your comments and questions so I can delve deeper into the blog. What do you all want to read about? Jackie--I know you are reading this--what would you like to see on future blogs? Thanks for reading folks.
Tomorrow's blog will be dedicated to Sue Menke.
Jackie is my awesome cousin. We grew up together and I think she is the bees knees. She is a fast walker and a fast talker. She is a mother of three, loves sweets, plays the violin, reads A LOT, thinks Hillary Clinton is the bomb, is an artist, and laughs at my jokes. We once had matching ponchos.
Daily Haiku:
Midwestern salads
All contain one of two things
Mayo or Jello
OK--interesting day today. Saw Meg Whitman at Chick Fil A, bought two sweater vests at Macy's, had dinner with the in-laws, and well--I guess it wasn't all that interesting. It was fun though--except for seeing Meg Whitman of course. She is evil.
A few people have asked me what is going on with my comedy career so here it is in a nutshell: Since age 4 I have wanted to be a comedian. I'll be 40 this year so I figured it was about time that I chased my dreams. I've been a chef, a college professor, and about a thousand other things, and though I know I am successful--my true calling is comedy. This will be my final year teaching. I have begun the comedy journey by performing wherever I can. I have already won first prize in my first competition. In one years time my goal is to be making a living by doing what I was born to do. I am looking very forward to the journey. I am looking for testimonials so if you think I'll be a good comedian--send me a blurb about why you think I'm funny or why you think I'll be successful and I'll post it on my resume.
Not too much else going on yet. I do have a question to pose though: How old is too old for trick or treating? My students actually had a heated debate about it today.
Please send your comments and questions so I can delve deeper into the blog. What do you all want to read about? Jackie--I know you are reading this--what would you like to see on future blogs? Thanks for reading folks.
Tomorrow's blog will be dedicated to Sue Menke.
Friday, November 5, 2010
In That Beginning (that is the gangsta' spelling for the)
This is the first post of my new blog Ghettopolitan. Hopefully you will enjoy my daily banter. Some of you have known me for many years, some for a short while, and others--well--I'm not sure how you found my blog but welcome.
OK-first post will be very brief. I just want to tell you what this blog is all about. First of all, ghettopolitan is a term that I came up with and it's just a fancy way of saying trashy chic. Think of a $200 trucker hat, a velveeta and foie gras omelet, or using a coupon to buy a rolex. That is me--ghettopolitan. I'm an enigma and I love it. Each day I will share with you a haiku or two, maybe a recipe or food recommendation, my thoughts on current events, answering random questions, information about my comedy shows, and much much more.
I so hope you will give this blog a chance. I guarantee a new posting every day, and I'm pretty sure you will enjoy what I have to say. If you don't then let me know and we can battle it out on-line. I love a good discussion. So many people have begged me to start one--so here it is folks. Tomorrow's post will be dedicated to my cousin Jackie. Maybe the day after that it will be YOU. Keep reading and find out.
OK-first post will be very brief. I just want to tell you what this blog is all about. First of all, ghettopolitan is a term that I came up with and it's just a fancy way of saying trashy chic. Think of a $200 trucker hat, a velveeta and foie gras omelet, or using a coupon to buy a rolex. That is me--ghettopolitan. I'm an enigma and I love it. Each day I will share with you a haiku or two, maybe a recipe or food recommendation, my thoughts on current events, answering random questions, information about my comedy shows, and much much more.
I so hope you will give this blog a chance. I guarantee a new posting every day, and I'm pretty sure you will enjoy what I have to say. If you don't then let me know and we can battle it out on-line. I love a good discussion. So many people have begged me to start one--so here it is folks. Tomorrow's post will be dedicated to my cousin Jackie. Maybe the day after that it will be YOU. Keep reading and find out.
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