So now that I have published a book, I feel like I am trying to merge two identities, and things might get a little confusing. So I want to have this post explain a little bit about what is going on for any new travelers to the squeaky world of Jess and Paula.

My name is Jessica Smith. I publish under a pen name of Paula Jean Ferri. The two names are interchangeable in my mind though. While I was born as Jessica, around the age of 17, I developed a new lifelong friend, who I affectionately call Paula. Her name is a little more searchable than mine is. Besides, I probably wouldn't have had anything to write about without her, so she became the author.

Feel free to wander the blog and discover a little more about Paula's antics. I am also on Medium writing as often as I can between my three outlets (books, blog and Medium). I would LOVE to hear more about you and any questions you may have. Please send an email to Paulajeanferri@gmail.com.

Last, but CERTAINLY not least... I can't thank you enough for visiting!! I LOVE that you are here and hope to see more of you! Be sure to keep up to date on my website:

paulajeanferri.com

These Are the WORST!

So I don't get embarrassed super easily, because Paula, right? But sometimes, I can get super embarrassed, even if it's just around my husband.

The thing is... it's just too funny not to share. So now that the initial embarrassment has worn off, the worst tics are the ones that combine with normal bodily functions. Like the trio where I burp, make a sound similar to the burp, the finish with a high squeak. 

Those are common and I've come to terms with those.

What REALLY got me this week, was a few days ago when I was home for lunch. My husband and I were both messaging people, when I barked, then instantly farted.

My husband was on the floor he was laughing so hard and I was beet red.

So that's all I have to say about that. It was awful, but my husband appreciates me.

New Tic Alert!

Hey friends! So fun story today because I'm not sure how much time I will have available tomorrow! I have a church event all weekend, it's one of my favorite times of the year. 

While 10 hours of religious discourse may not be everyone's cup of tea, I love this time to learn and grow and I'm convinced it helps me become a better person. 

So while I have some free time on Friday, I'll do my weekly post today! 

Anywho, Paula is always up for new tricks, we know this about her, right? I thought I had posted about one of the two new tricks Paula has been doing, but I guess I haven't shared it yet! 

So a few months ago, Paula started to notice how my boss opens a Rockstar energy drink every morning. Something about the sound tickled her fancy, and I started doing a "Tsss- Ahhh" sound that was whispered, sounding just like the opening of a can.

It was a bit of a change considering Paula usually is quite loud and proud of her presence. But the concept of a whisper must be her new thing, because she has started aggressively whispering nonsense and I find it hilarious.

It's never actual words, or even really coherent. Some times it starts with a gasp and will continue with something along the lines of "dah tsi bah" whispered quickly in succession. 

Paula never fails to keep me on my toes.

Some Antics This Week

Paula has been up to her trickster ways again, and it's been incredibly fun. Three new stories this week! It might be a record since I started recording these. And all three of them at work.

The first was with a coworker who is going to retire soon. I don't remember the exact conversation, only that she told me that, "You have less wrinkles than I do."

At which point, Paula started to laugh hysterically. Which was a bit rude. Not sure why she found that so funny, but it goes to show that sometimes she can be a bit of a jerk.

That, or she thinks that I have more wrinkles than my coworker. I don't think Paula was referring to herself given that she is around 21 at this point. Which explains more about her being a jerk than anything else. She is young, after all. 

The next story was with another coworker who loves Paula. To be fair, Paula loves her as well. So when Paula started to chatter, Magaly (pronounced Mah-GAH-lee) echoed what she had just done. Paula did NOT like that.

Magaly got a stream of chatter that sounded like Paula was chewing her out. 

Diva that Paula is, she doesn't like to share the spotlight or have her lines stolen.

The last story that happened this week was just yesterday. It's been a long week and I was quite tired, so at one point during the day, I let out a large yawn. 

A customer that was standing nearby said, "None of that, it's too early for that, you still have a few hours left in the day!"

So my snarky little Paula came to my rescue and let out a few chatters. The customer looked confused at what on earth had just happened, so I asked him, "Is that better?"

Poor fellow didn't get the joke, but my coworkers had a great laugh. 

Hey friends! It's so crazy to me how quickly time is flying by at this point. We are already almost through September! 

I do love September, it has always been a life changing month for me where everything starts to go better. Especially the dates in the 20's for some reason. Maybe because today is my half birthday, but who knows? 

I've finally started making some amazing headway on Madamn this week. I spent about 4 hours on Thursday night just churning out new words and fixing things up thanks to the help of my amazing editor. It's coming together so well and I'm actually enjoying reading my own book again!

Which makes me start to skip forward to the fun part. 

Come February or march, I'll be running a Kickstarter campaign to get funds for special editions and to help cover the costs of publishing. Then it's on to planning the official book launch party in Paris at Em's own chateau. I'm so freaking thrilled to do all of this. It's almost hard to do the actual writing part (which is kind of essential). 

So the forward momentum I've been having plus my favorite time of year means this coming week is going to be amazing!

Memories of Paula

Guys, I wish I had a better memory. Paula has had some amazing antics this week that have made me laugh so much.

That was entirely the purpose of this blog when I first started. 

But now that I sit down to write these "unforgettable moments" guess what happened?

I know that there have been instances at home. I know there have been instances at work. 

And I'm kind of crushed that those memories are already gone. Some were even just today. But they were so small and simple and well-timed, that at the time it only felt natural.

Isn't that just the way life is sometimes?

We remember feeling slighted by a coworker, or the stress of a busy day. 

But it's those small, natural, and easy moments that get forgotten. Yet those are the ones that can really make life worth living if we are willing to pay attention to them. If we are willing to take the time to savor them and remember them.

Life is full of good times.

I know I need the reminder to cherish these times more often.

The Song of My People

This week, Paula had some new antics. These days it isn't very often she does something new and memorable like this. 

So I work at a bank, right?

There are security guards that come through every so often and make updates with technological devices. Truth be told, I'm sure exactly what or what they were making note of, but I do remember the device making a little singing noise.

At which point the security guard says, "Yes, sing me the song of your people."

OF COURSE Paula had to make herself known. She always feels called to sing the song of her people, whether invited to or not.

It did bring a rousing round of laughter to a slow day at work, though.