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

Pomegranate Festival

Hello again. It seems I keep missing Saturdays, maybe I'll have to switch to another day. But yesterday, I was at the local Pomegranate Festival in my hometown with a booth to sell my books. It would have been decent, except that the booth fee was double what I'm used to paying at my local craft fair, not to mention they also charged tax. 

And I'm beginning to think this is just not the right venue for books. I still did make some money, but it's also possible that most of that was spent on Christmas gifts and pomegranate products. It is up in the air if I will do it again. By this time next year, I might not have to worry about such small numbers like what I saw over the past 2 days.

At least I made a profit and had a week to spend with my family. I miss being with them. It's hard to live so far away.

I know, that seems fairly rare in this day and age. I've seen all the memes about avoiding family at holidays, etc. I know I've been very lucky to have such awesome parents and grandparents. I'm bummed I don't get to spend the holidays with them, so at least I had this week with them.

Latest Update

Hey friend, it's been a minute! This past week got really intense, you here's a late update for last week. 

My first round of edits has been completed and I'm doing a bit more of a punch up and revision while working with a writing circle. 

Then I got to do a bit of traveling and it was really nice to get out of town for a bit. I got to see a silent movie with a live organist (check out the Organ Loft if you are ever in Salt Lake City) AND got to attend a reunion with my high school class. Well, half of them. It wasn't advertised super well. But those I did see, it was great to catch up with. 

I'm currently doing a few revisions and hopefully spending some time this week finalizing details for the Kickstarter campaign and Paris launch. Logistics are always the hardest part for me. Luckily I have a bit of help, but it's still taking way longer than I want it to. 

This coming weekend I'll be at a small town festival in Logandale, NV to sell some of my previous books and am excited to see how that goes! There are over 100 vendors and I hope to have a bit of time to wander around myself. 

Hope your week is fantastic and I'll be back in a few days with more updates.

Should I Make a T-Shirt?

Last night I went out with my coworkers to a fundraising dinner for my community. I love my coworkers, they are so much fun to hang out with, especially seeing them in circumstances that aren't professional.

We get along well even at work, but outside of work, it gets really fun.

And Paula does love her fun. So she had to make a few appearances, of course.

So for background, one of Paula's tics is a very loud and obnoxious laugh. Very similar to the laugh of Mozart in the movie Amadeus. If you are unfamiliar with the movie or the laugh, here is a compilation of all the laughs in the movie.

Basically, Paula sounded like she had a bit too much to drink herself, even though I don't drink. My coworkers had all had a bit of the wine provided at this point, so when she went off, I made a comment of, "Who needs alcohol? Paula's a party on her own!"

I actually don't remember if that was exactly it, I made the comment off-hand, not really thinking about it.

However, my coworkers LOVED it. One even said she wanted that on a shirt. 

Maybe it was the alcohol talking, but maybe it might be a good way to start conversations and create some TS awareness.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, let me know if I should make a shirt!

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.