yeah, i don't read, i just guess

2007 marks the first Christmas ever that I got something that I actually returned. Sure, I've gotten things I haven't liked, but I feel like I really must be growing into an adult if I'm mature enough to just say, "no, I do not like this" and take something back. No, it wasn't this dog. It was a shirt with none other than ELMO on it. Honestly, I can't tell you what my mother Santa was thinking. Cookie Monster? Oscar the Grouch? Yes and Yes. ELMO? God, no no no! But I took it back and got something much more suiting to my tastes. A shirt that just plainly speaks to the heart of me. A shirt that Eavvon would definitely approve of. It says "Proud to be Awesome". I suppose I could have posted a photo of it, but Matt's dog Reese is much cuter and likes the word "Africa". That's much better than a picture of a shirt. Besides, Reese completely agreed with the shirt and wanted to be my best friend and steal my herpes. But I would never give Reese my herpes! No matter how awesome I am!

oh man, this is really livin'

Some Little Known Facts About Gizmo:
1. He loves plastic bottles
2. He does not love rawhide, chew ropes, or any other sort of paraphernalia meant for dogs to purely chew on.
3. He will not use a dog pillow or blanket until I've used it for a while first. (I use his dog bed mat as a seat cushion and now he loves it)
4. He sings along with harmonica
5. He loves cherry tomatoes
6. He growls at everyone and everything. He's very vocal.
7. He's terrified of thunder, fireworks, and a plethora of other loud sounds
8. He loves cardboard wrapping paper rolls.
9. He hates wearing hats and will become basically comatose if made to wear one (even if it makes him an adorable penguin)
10. He turned 3 years old today!


happy birthday, gizmo wilkerstenitious! xxoo

gee, pop, you forgot to say "halt"

I hope everyone had a holly, jolly Christmas. Considering that I've been watching an overdose of The Office and am now watching The Jungle Book on DVD, it can be surmised that I have nothing to complain about, and I don't. I didn't feel very well all day, which I hate. And not just because being ill is unpleasant. Being ill on Christmas day just makes you look ungrateful, like you don't appreciate things. What I might have appreciated more is not falling so asleep in the middle of the day and staying awake the first time I was woken up rather than the second time 10 minutes before we were supposed to leave for family dinner. But, thanks to yet ANOTHER Christmas miracle, dinner was running late and I arrived with time to spare!

Christmas is done. Here's to a merry New Year!

my mouth is dry I can't speak up

Lisa, does this picture make you horny?
Do I make you randy, baby? YEEAAAH

a jihad for his cutie pie

It was hard to pick a picture from our visit to see Samuel today. He's getting all big. And I think he could hold full conversations with Gizmo, though. I think they speak the same language. Believe it or not, Samuel sat on my lap this morning too. Shocking, I know. It's probably the first baby under 2 years old that I've ever held. My mom took some pictures of that but my God are they unflattering. Besides, this one is pretty damn awesome all on its own. :)

my heart is war torn

Considering Samuel is only about 6 mos old, I think it's safe for me to post a picture of his Christmas present before Christmas. I don't think he'll be logging on and checking up on my blog anytime soon. Just wanted to share a photo before I wrapped it up. I guess the photo isn't so great but if you've seen the album cover than you get the general idea of what the shirt looks like up close. Baby clothes are so cute, like anything miniaturized. Muffins, candies, schnauzers. All mini, all awesome.

BTW, J&tY played an awesome, somewhat spontaneous set tonight. The CD is selling well and people seem to really like it. People were singing along with Zoee & Gizmo and doing air-glockenspiel.

J&theY, the band you want to air-glock to!

some people live in a house on a hill

Ever wonder who puts up the delightful Christmas decorations in your local malls or casinos? Well, I don't know who decorates yours, but my dad put up the ones in many malls in the tri-state area and in the Trump Plaza casino in Atlantic City. Of course, not all by himself. But it's nice to see him be apart of something much bigger than himself. Even if it's the most boring thing to hear every little detail of. On the topic of festive casinos, the Tropicana is a jerk. Jamie wanted to see indoor snow. What the flip, dudes?! Might as well had put a lying sign that read, "There is no Santa" or something. Thanks for ruining her Christmas!

i dont have any music on to quote for once in my life

Considering how little I ate last week because of all the anxiety about the release party and such things, today I made up with a lot of calorie intake (for me):

- egg mcmuffin (yeah, i was up early enough today! mind blowing!)
- my first tastes of "smoothie" Skittles (nearly killed me)
- gnocchi posterino? (did not taste like potatoes and ketchup!)
- pinkberry! (lived someone's dreams!)
- chai latte (finally, that void is filled)
- nutter butter cookies (those were a bad choice)

And you would just never believe the drama that has surrounded my 2nd annual Christmas with the Team. Misunderstandings, strikes, fake outs, French bastards, and more. But I think, all in all, it was worth it! And it proved to one and all that I'm a big girl and I can go all the way up to NYC all by myself without anyone there to entertain me. Even without headphones one way. Though on the way back some agent talked to me half the way anyway. I'm rambling. I need to go to bed. My head is going to implode. Or I'm going to blow my brains out. Which ever comes first.

click.click.BOOM

oh well you know it's a fool who plays it cool

Been slacking on this blog thing, but with good reason; a CD release party was had! Finally, after months of stress and toil, the CD is finally done and pressed and in the merry hands of others. If you weren't able to make it out to the party, which is a huge bummer, I'm posting a little video from said party. As you can see, the follow-up album to Localized Phenomenon will no doubt be a big departure from our original stuff. We're always trying out new styles. Seriously. Come to any practice*. We run through just about all of them when there's time. Next time; Math Rock.

thanks Lisa! You're the bestest! You're so the best filmographer we've ever had! And I'm not just saying that because you're the only filmographer we've ever had...

* - don't literally come. I will call the cops.

you can indicate everything you see

For all those people out there that were concerned that Stephen Lynch perhaps "lost it" or is "not so funny" anymore, I am here to assure you that he is. He's still "got it". He can make you laugh when it's hotter than Hell, you can barely see, and some blonde in the back row is singing as loudly and off-key as possible. It must be part of Murphy's Law that says that those who sing bad, sing loudest of all. I guess their voices just stick out loudest of all like a sore thumb. A sore thumb that smells of almonds and is possibly gangrenous. Amputation needed. STAT.

I'm driving in your car asleep

December 8th sucks.

But oddly enough, I'm going to be in the same venue (Tower Theatre) I was at last year on this day. Except with a much, much funnier performer. Fiona Apple just isn't as funny as Stephen Lynch. She's got to work on her comedic timing. I hope Stephen doesn't cry in the middle of his set like she did... awwwkwwaaard.. rickrickrick...

I ♥ Dr. Winston O'Boogie

ever notice how the cops can't stand the music?

Another great piece of cinematography by zee lovely Lisa.

I feel I should apologize for the number of J&theY posts there has been lately. But I figure since #1) this is my blog and #2) the album which I worked on for the the greater part of this year is coming out this month, that you should understand where I'm coming from. That being said, it should be noted that I posted a new song from the album on our myspace page! check it out!

kids lie all the time

A super special sneak peek at J&theY's debut album!
It's going to blow the classical music out of your butts!

so much love and devotion no matter what i go through

Lisa has begun her filmography career with JeNell & the Yets in fine fashion!

On a side note to the filmographer: to retain your position, there will be a sort of "East Coast Ridin" requirement. That's not bribery. That's just truth.
Just something else to think about. ahem.

Anyway, watch the video, enjoy it, and then pat Lisa on the back for being swell.

the "F-dash-dash-dash" word

Something arrived via UPS today. And I could talk about it, but I'm not going to. What's inside is pretty rad. I can say no more. But instead I'll proudly announce that since last year, the side of these boxes reminds me of A Christmas Story. Sometimes being the baby in the family sucks. By the time you're around, your parents can be tired of things that are played annually on TV. Especially movies that are frequently played for 24 hrs straight. But, I caught up! And soon enough, you all can be caught up with what's inside these boxes! But don't worry, it won't shoot your eye out.

whoever wrote this episode should die

In celebration of the holiday season and the release of our debut album, Localized Phenomenon, Jamie and I decorated some JeNell & the Yets ginger balls to be hung on the Revelation Record & Novelty tree with care. To see more, come to Revelation Record & Novelty on Decembot 15th and check out our beautiful art and buy our beautiful album. Fah la la la la la la la laaaaaa!

would you like to give her a party?

Some people will do just about anything for some extra income. I went in "Jenell" and four hours later I came out "Jen the Ripper" having ripped up at least 3 boxes worth of old medical files. And I'll be doing it again next week too. Don't be jealous!

if it hits you is it my point or yours?

Ruby Tuesday must have gotten wind that some people have been talking shit on them and many other establishments in their restaurant league and have since gone from kitsch to class! Once upon a time, if you've never been, Ruby Tuesdays was basically an Applebee's with a salad bar. But look at them now! There's modern styled plates and they serve their Jones Soda in a fancy glass! They even serve the ketchup on a fancy plate! I don't know what happened, perhaps Gordon Ramsey from Kitchen Disasters came in, but something lit a hot, yet classy fire under Ruby's ass! Kudos!

nope, ship shape!

I started this last month, but finally I put the finishing touches on it. I would say I did it "last night" but I didn't go to bed so it doesn't feel like that happened last night. Anyway, the quality got a little destroyed in uploading, but it's alright, I guess. It's a little promo/invitation ala Pocket. I hope you enjoy it and will pass it along to your friends or family or co-workers or co-pilots or deputy or personal assistants or A&R people. Thank you, now back to your regularly scheduled reality shows.

got to get you into my life

Another holiday of festive eating here and gone. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and that no turkeys died in vain. Personally, I was pretty pleased with the choices available to me today. Without any pre-coaching, special requests, or "I made this for you" bullshit, my aunt was able to prepare things that I actually really, really like. This is unfounded. A miracle! That plus the good news about the Grinch show brings us to TWO holiday miracles today! On another note, that sweet looking fruit dish is not the dessert I had. That is a candle. It looks and smells delicious, but I'm pretty sure that's just a trick to make you eat it and ruin your holiday. I actually can't tell you first hand because I ate pumpkin pie, not fruit candle. Though, I nearly fell for it. It was a close one.

no, there was a spider, there was a big spider

I think everyone should say a little prayer for my puppy. He's suffering from the driest skin... ever. If I had some money, I'd take him to the vet again for perhaps another allergy shot (since he is completely flea-free), but that's just not in the cards. So once a week baths, anti-itch sprays, and nursing tape are just going to have to do!

So, say a prayer.. for he may bite himself into.. oblivion.

darkness comes to kick your ass

I don't have anything to say about today really. So, instead I'll post this video someone contacted me with today that they took on Halloween at Revelation Records. And what I'd like to know is why none of you told me how dreadful I sounded?! Granted, I still had a cold, but my God, it's just bad. It pains me.

Lisa, please tell me the footage you got is a bit better vocally!

jump right into my nightmare the water is warm

It's too early to turn on your Christmas lights or sing Christmas songs at the Oar House, but it's just never too early for a pig to dress up in a Santa outfit and sing a festive song. Don't give him too much grief for skipping Thanksgiving, though. Pigs can't read calendars. I'm sure he loves Thanksgiving. Everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving. I believe the traditional Christmas dish is ham... UT oh.

that mud did him good

Believe it or not, Jamie and I saw "Dan In Real Life" in this very theater. Not "American Gangster". Apparently some people in the theater on the other hand thought they were seeing "American Gangster" when they sneaked into the theater. They didn't even question it when the previews were for Disney movies. D'oh.

let's show some manners here

God does not want my left leg to live.

Let's tally the ailments that have befallen my left lower extremity lately. I've got this shin splint which gets more painful in cold or rainy weather (my "espn"), I strained my knee the other day somehow, my thighs are sore from my dance support, and then to really put the hat on the Lincoln, I got a big, hefty splinter in my foot this afternoon. Now I walk like a pirate and I had to bring the rock to Pitman sitting down. :(

coke is fuckin dead as dead

I have been terribly lazy with my little bloggy here. I guess I could say that I've been too busy to update, but that's not necessarily the reason. There was a day I intended to update but someone straight stole the picture I wanted to use, but I'm not hating. Lesson learned? When you want a photo for your blog and you've forgotten your camera at home, use your camera phone instead.

In other news, J&theY have been playing shows and keeping busy, which is good since I'm feeling probably more stress now that the CD is out of my hands than when it was still here. I won't go into the details, but when asked if I wanted to be in on the food decisions for the release party, I definitely opted out. I cannot be making anymore decisions than necessary.

In non-band related news, last night Jamie and I went to POOL in Harrah's Casino to bare witness to the spin-spin skills of Joel Madden. Apparently when we joked that swimmies were part of the "proper attire required" we were not far off. Lots of interesting things went down but this update is a bit long as is so I'm going to just leave it to the imagination of my audience.

But one last thing...
AH ha, AH ha, keep your hands off my ass, keep your hands off my ass...

I want my house to be seen from space

This picture essentially sums up what I've been occupied with the past few days; ze band. Thursday I finished up all the last touches on ze album and drove to Northfield to Fed Ex it. Then Friday we had practice. Though it was mostly us goofing off and switching instruments. Then today we had a show up in Haddon Township. I gave myself an "F" for the show, but everyone else gave me a "B"; for blacklisted! WHATEVA SUCKAHS! You gonna regret that shit when we is huge!

don't have a panic attack and don't curse

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and who better to imitate than the occasional blogger, part-time comedian, most-times musician, John Mayer? If you frequent his site, you'll see that he's transformed his blog into a mlog. A blog of his most personal facet of his life; his meals. In keeping up with this innovator, I considered transforming my blog into a mlog. And then I remembered what most of my daily meals entail, like today's incredible meal of left over salad and cookies (yes, I ate that yesterday too), and I realized it would look more like an ana-log and that's neither good for my image or good for my (m/b)log.

i am your second

Lessons Learned Today:

- Never trust monopolies. Since they have all the power, they'll cut your power and make you lose $200 worth of sale.
- Don't sign anything. Unless you get the rights to your masters.
- No matter how old you are, you cannot have a platonic relationship with a man without everyone assuming it's something more.
- People in Millville have no sense of humor about themselves or their city.
- Walgreens is chock full of dumb at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon
- It's hard to have a cute dog when you're trying to get work done
- Leftover chicken and salad just tastes better eaten cold and while dancing in front of the fridge

Some of these things I didn't learn today, but whatever. Let's not quibble over tiny details.
I'm so glad I got to use the word "quibble".

either you get this or you don't

Remember when you were young? How the hero was never hung? Always got away. Remember how the man used to leave you empty handed? Always, always let you down. If you ever change your mind about leaving it all behind, remember, remember, today. And don't feel sorry 'bout the way it's gone. And don't you worry 'bout what you've done. Just remember when you were small. How people seemed so tall. Always had their way. Do you remember your Ma and Pa? Just wishing for movie stardom. Remember when you were young? How the hero was never hung? Always got away. Remember how the man used to leave you empty handed? Always, always let you down. If you ever change your mind about leaving it all behind, remember, remember, today. And don't feel sorry, 'bout the way it's gone and don't you worry 'bout what you've done...

No, no, remember, remember,
The fifth of November....

*KABOOOOOOOM!*

welcome to Costco, I love you

Previous and terribly more exciting plans to make a journey to the West of Chester were canceled. I was saddened to not get to see lovely Lisa, but I tried to make up for it the best I could by going out to see a delightful little filmed by Wes Anderson by the name of The Darjeeling Limited. I'm a fan of Wes Anderson films and this one didn't disappoint me at all. I might be a little bit bias considering my affliction for Adrien Brody, but I thought the characters were lovable, the scenery was gorgeous, and it entertained me, which is most important, I think. I would recommend it to anyone that loves Wes Anderson, India, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, or seeing Natalie Portman's ass. Considering the full cast, I hope that this means that Adrien Brody will be featured in many more Anderson films in the future.

this place is like no other

First the party was on, then the party was off, and then it was on again. You just never know what's going to happen when my brother is involved. It sort of broke my heroin/vicoden filled heart that Amy ditched out on us thus killing the possibility of an annual Halloween at the Bode tradition. So I guess we'll settle for the tradition of beer, boobies, and bitches! holler!

On another note, I finally got Fock the Cock back. And, if you're up for it, carry an over-sized rooster around, see how many penis jokes you hear.

better water by design

In all technical terms, the album is done being mastered. Just one little thing to be fixed and then it's off. I don't know if it's my lingering cold or the impending stress and pressure of this time crunch, but I are so tired.

And I apologize to my English teachers for my bad grammar here and on the album. If it's any consultation, I knew it was wrong. I just did it anyway.

you're on my radar

Halloween 2007 by all technical terms has passed, but it won't be the last time I bust out the track marks and false tattoos. Another festive occasion coming up this weekend! As for the last two, they were pretty good. The second one was a bit better than the first. Not only did we not get lost trying to get there (since it was in Millville) but there was a foul-mouthed priest, Chase from House, Harry Potter in drag, an undercover detective posing as a writer and even Buffy showed up! The only bad thing was that Paris Hilton came and I had to pretend I liked her and let her order my meal for me. Moreover, it was a pretty rare show featuring a special performance of "Better Like Butter"; I mean, what Buffy wants, Buffy gets. If you'd seen the stake she had...

sometimes I hate you

Three Halloween Costumes in One!

I don't want it

Today I woke up. I woke up quite a lot. Every hour all night because of my insistent cough, but I gave up and got up at what my clock said was 9 in the morning. My smart clock is so stupid and behind on the times. Literally. It was 10. Anyway, I spent the day with my mother and while at the grocery store, we decided to buy a pumpkin. Carving a pumpkin is an activity I can accomplish without the use of my voice so I decided to do it up despite my previous distain for it. I carved my pumpkin to represent how my head feels; on fire.

you're a total prostitute

If I don't stop coughing I'm either going to die of cough exhaustion or lung expulsion.

I am/was a medical transcriptionist so those are real things.
No matter what Google says.

But, I guess my album will go number one.
Or at least get us more hits on myspace.

your kind of music? absolutely.

Played a show tonight at the Fuel House Coffee Co with my band. It was a really nice place, I must say. And a pretty good time despite it being basically empty until the last five or so songs, the fact that I practically lost my voice, Jamie lost a very long piece of hair, and Nathan fell asleep at his drums and was thus immediately fired from the band. But, it's okay, we went to the Oar House later to find Randy (the dastardly crank caller of Millville) and instead found a new drummer (pictured)! His name is Ferrari and he's the coolest guy....ever. We're gonna blow the fuck up, but in a good way.

you can shine your shoes and wear a suit

Samuel is much cuter than Mexican food.
And guess what he's going to be for Halloween?

A penguin!

get the hell away from me, punk ass bitch!

Man, the baby looks really different than the last time I saw him. Delicious looking, but not at all like a baby. Okay, alright, I admit it, I never saw Samuel today! He's not been turned into a plate of Mexican food! We had planned to go see him, but like most things that are planned by my family, it was canceled very last minute. Supposedly we're going to see him tomorrow. But I won't hold my breath. I can never hold it very long without giving myself an asthma attack anyway.

take the money and run

If you had a rare gem, where would you hide it? Well, if you were Jamie, you'd hide it right in plain view! You'd dangle it right from your rear view mirror in your car leaving it open to being stolen at any given moment! And if you were Jamie, you wouldn't even notice it was missing! If you were Jamie, you'd be more worried about your lite rock lanyards!
I just don't understand some people. No respect for priceless jewels. Some people don't deserve to have them if they aren't going to appreciate and care for them!

you made me love you, I didn't wanna do it

I don't know why certain people are so surprised that I'm going to be Nicole Richie for Halloween. Do they think I can't pull it off? I can't imagine why.......

my sweet little religion you mean everything to me

Good Charlotte shows in Maryland? Sub-par.
Army of Me shows in Maryland? Fan-tastic!

There was fans being brought up to dance on stage and fans getting personally serenaded and special performances of "Better Run" and "Be By". It's too bad Nathan didn't attend THIS show because it blew their show at the North Star Bar away! Though, I'd like to exchange bar environments. There's this thing that they do in Baltimore that I haven't seen in for months. I think it's called "smoking". I've been absolutely spoiled by NJ state laws. People at Fletcher's were all, "Sucks to your as-mar!" and then they were pretty concerned about "curfew" and getting people out....these are all things I just do not condone. I didn't drive 2 hrs for this sort of under 21 treatment!

how can i catch up when i still want you?

For all the people out there that like to prank:
Pranks and jokes can be great, but they just are not funny when they screw with a person's fragile emotions! But if you must, at least quickly retract the statement as so the person's emotions won't be left in absolute agony for too long. I guess it also helps if you later announce that you've been celibate for three years too. And are very sweet about some Twizzlers.

For all the people out there confused by this blog:
How does it feel to want?

it feels so good from where I'm standing

Played my first gig at Neena's Brick Oven Pizza in Sewell, NJ, but I hope it's not my last. It was a very nice place for starters, but more than that, it was a paying gig. It's not often that I get flat paid and even more rare when the pay is actually decent. I'm not rolling in the benjamins now, but it was definitely great for the amount of time I played. Just under 2 hrs. Which is half what I normally play for half the money. And what's more is there will be a recording of my performance available for others to hear as soon as my "best friend", Will, gets it finished! Free recording and pay? Holl-er.

are you there? I'm having trouble finding you

I have to apologize to my two readers, I've been so lazy with this blog lately. But not without good reason. I've been musically busy and I can only update it on a certain computer so it's somewhat a pain, but I press on! Jamie and I went to Uno after the open mic in Pitman and our second trip to Best Buy and Jamie got this magical drink. I don't know what it was to be honest. But thankfully it wasn't any sort of potion that shrunk her to the size of a thumb or grow bigger than a house. That would have been inconvenient.

why am I watching Field of Dreams again?

On Friday night, I burnt my tongue on some delicious chai tea from Bogart's. Sunday, I asked my mother how long it takes for a burnt tongue to heal. She said, "a couple of hours". Well, now it's Monday night and my tongue still hurts and still I can't really taste right. And to add insult to injury, a few canker sores have popped up in my mouth. What did I do to deserve such a difficult mouth?

Speaking of difficult, I wish my lungs could make it through the beginnings of autumn without giving up on me. Sucks to my as-mar!

ugggggghhh

Someone please tell me why I'm watching the "E! True Hollywood Story" of Jessica and Ashlee Simpson. It's really just pissing me off. Especially the part about Ashlee and her career and how cool it was that the world got to "see how a record is made" on her show! PAH! That being said, it's about time I just gave up on this day. All I've really done is lounge around and watch TV (asides from going out briefly with Jamie so she could eat). But I think of all the dumb shit I've watched, this has been by far the most aggravating and stupid. And I've been having a lot of nightmares lately so no doubt I'll have more tonight after putting myself through this torture! Oh God now they're talking about her "acid reflux" -- I hate this propaganda! Though, it's seriously funny when her friends cry about her career.

dear time....

Fuck you, PeePaw!

Best Friends Forever and Ever Just to Spite You,
Pitch