And...we finish with Tropical Storm Wraspir

Before I get into the storm of all storms we floated through this morning, let me tell you about what we did yesterday.

We drank beer.

Okay, we did something more than drink beer. We went to Tulum. Tulum is a Mayan city on the shore that was responsible for trade that wasn't agriculture. Almost all other mayan cities traded agriculture, but this beautiful city was right on the water and so was able to keep themselves alive for awhile. Until the Spaniards of course.

I had Tulum on my list of ruins to see and am so glad I got to see it. It was gorgeous. I can't even tell you how beautiful it was. It was windy though. I couldn't believe how windy it was. But we all survived the tour bus ride and the walk to the ruins. We had a fantastic tour guide who was very passionate about the Mayans and their culture. I learned a lot about them. A few things I didn't know either.

The castilla (castle) below is the main temple of the ruins. I can't tell you the whole story about it because 1) I can't remember and 2) limited minutes left on the boat. But if you're ever in Cozumel Mexico, take the hour trip south to Tulum. You won't be disappointed.

After walking through the ruins, STL SIL and I walked straight to the restaurant and bought ourselves a beer. It was sooo hot yesterday, and humid. Sunny at times, (I got burnt) but the humidity was almost unbearable. So we had to quinch our thirst with Mexican water - aka beer. And while we were there we decided to have some tacos. Mmmm.

The trip to Tulum was a 30 minute boat ride (ferry) in very rocky waters, then an hour bus ride. We stopped about 10 minutes out for a potty break (apparently at the site you have to pay to use the restrooms...a whole $.35 ...

After the the ruins and boat ride, we took another VERY rocky boat trip back to Cozumel. Once there we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow. Half the family went into Cozumel to shop and the smart ones of us, went back to the boat. Just crossing the gang plank and the skies opened and dumped.

We are at sea today (Saturday) and unfortunately the weather isn't cooperating enough to be out on deck. But I don't care...I'm on vacation. We sailed through a MASSIVE storm this morning. Thunder and lightening, and sheets of rain and wind. I sat just inside the deck and watched and sang the Gilligan Island theme song in my mind. As the lightening flashed and thundered roared, I sat complete content and not even a bit worried we'd sink.

Today we're all just hanging around the boat. Some of us reading, some of us playing shuffle board, and some of us drinking coffee. Tomorrow we disembark and will start our New Orleans part of this adventure. I can't wait. And can only hope its warmer than it was when we left.

Al-Tuna The Hun Ruins

Today was Al-Tun Ha Mayan ruins. Both sister in laws and I headed out to these and a Belize City tour.

We started the day be having to tender into Belize. The bay is too shallow for the cruise ships so we had to get on these little dingy's and go into town about 2 miles from the boat. These "dingy's" seat about 40 people...so they aren't that small. But it was interesting. A bit choppy, but fun.

Belize in general is beautiful. Belize City, not so much. Poverty stricken and just nothing to really warrant a tour in my opinion. I was expecting to see some historical sites, and instead got to see some houses that have been put together by gum and shoe laces...scary. It does make you feel fortunate for what you have though.

Al-Tun Ha ruins were nice. They weren't as big as I expected them to be, just one big plaza of structures. No temples per se. The tour guide said temples are only in ruins when sacrifices were performed. I still am not 100% sure how they know, but they do.

After the ruins, the sister in laws and I HAD to have a local beer. Belikin beer. Tasted like Tecate again. Makes me wonder if they're all made in the same brewery. It was refreshing and tasty, so I didn't mind. Then we made it back to Belize City and we decided we were hungry. Off to The Wet Lizard bar. We had more beer and tacos that were out of this world. We also had some interesting salsa. It was cucumbers, onions, lime and cilantro. Sooo good.

The family all went their separate ways today and did a bunch of different things. We all gathered after for beer and chatter. Good times.

Tomorrow is Tulum. I can't wait. Its the excursion I've been waiting for. I got a nice little blister today so I'm not sure how tomorrow's going to go. But I don't care...I'm on vacation.

Bienvenidos a Guatemala!

In case you were worried, we made it to Santo Tomas, Guatemala. We weren't affected at all by the earthquake in Haiti, even though it's just a bit away. I thought the boat was rockier (if that's a word) last night, but figured it was the beer I drank.

Speaking of beer, My BIGGEST Brother, St.Louis SIL and I headed off to San Felipe Fortress today. It's an old fortress the Spaniards built to protect the area. To get there we traveled about an hour and half through little villages and the lush, lush greenery of Santo Tomas. Absolutely beautiful. Although, you are forced to remember you're in a third world country where poverty is abundant. Made me a bit thankful to be on the bus, and not living the rough lives they must live.

The fortress was quite interesting, and I love all the history of it. REAL live pirates were captured and held there. If they died, they were buried there too. The grass area in the picture below with the canons are where they buried them.

It's a beautiful area. Our tour through the fortress was very informative. We had a good guide who took the time to explain almost everything. My BIGGEST Brother forced me to walk through this very dark, very dank hallway (I hate dark dank things) to the jail. It was so dark you could barely see the hand in front of your face. I didn't like it one bit, but was glad I braved the darkness to find the jail. It was spooky, but interesting.

From there we climbed all over the fortress and explored the rooms. The Spaniards must have been very short and very thin people. There were some hallways I wasn't too sure I was going to make it through.

The tour guide had mentioned to us about their "official" beer - which I felt obligated to try. I mean you've got to experience the culture, right? So my BIGGEST Brother bought me a beer. Gallo (pronounced GUY-YO) is their official beer. It's a light beer and quite good. Reminded me of Tecate. Notice on my brothers beer the top. They served it to us with a napkin wrapped and stuffed into the neck of the bottle. We could only assume it was to keep the bugs out.

Tomorrow we're in Belize. Sister In Law's and I are doing Al-Tun Ha (which we are affectionately calling Atuna The Hun) and then a Belize City tour. Should be quite fun...I hope I get to taste their national beer too.

The weather hasn't been overly cooperative. It hasn't been sunny. Warm, but not sunny. Which I keep saying I don't mind because I'm on vacation.

Hola from Costa Maya...

First off, if you got an email from me and you weren't expecting one, and it had no subject line, ignore it! Apparently I picked up a virus yesterday from the internet onboard...and I'm not talking of the Noro type. Sorry if you did.


Today we docked in Costa Maya Mexico. No photos unfortunately. I'm not on my computer, but the ships. I'll get them posted eventually. Anyhow, Costa Maya wouldn't really exist if the cruise ships didn't come in here. There was absolutely nothing but tourist shops on the dock. Thankfully we were not sticking to the dock.

We headed to Chacchoben Mayan ruins. Not as cool as Chitza Nitza I had seen previously in my trips to Mexico, but still pretty darn cool. We took a short bus ride - as in duration not length of the bus - to the ruins. Once there our tour guide gave us the low down on the site. At least what they "think" it was about. Interesting that it seems a lot of what's "known" about the Mayans seems to be a good guess as to what happened. Anyhow, it was fun, and pretty cool to hear all the history and information about the region of Mexico we are in.

After the tour we hopped back on the bus. Along the route, we stopped at this little village in which the women were selling pineapple slices with a chili powder on them. BigBro and I had heard of this before we left, so we decided we needed to try it. Interesting flavor. The sweet and salty thing going on. Not hot as in spicy and not like our chili powder. But it was pretty good.

Tomorrow a few of us are off to Santo Tomas to see the San Felipe Fortress. Hopefully I'll fix my computer and can post photos. Again, sorry if you got the virus email. I hate that.

The ship is moving a lot tonight. There's a lot of speculation that we'll hit a few big waves thanks to that earthquake in Haiti. I'm not too worried. I kinda like the rocking. It's soothing. Except when I'm trying to walk staight, then not so much.

Ahoy Matey!

We'll we're at sea and I'm trying very hard not to be bored. Thankfully the whole fam damily is here to entertain me...and entertain me is what they do. The ship is rockin a bit today, which makes walking interesting. I feel like a drunk sailor most the time...and I'm not, I swear.

Yesterday I got to experience getting dad checked in. He's a handful when you're used to only being concerned with yourself. But we made it. We sat and waited for mom and the rest. In the meantime I had my first bucket of beer. Okay, I didn't have the whole bucket myself...sheesh...what do you think I am, a lush? Wait, don't answer that.

We did our lifeboat drill. Which, as it turns out, the later you are to the drill, the closer to the front of the single file lines they put you in you are. Which puts you first on the life boat. So the morale of the story is in the event of an actual emergency, take you time and be late. You'll get in the boat first. The whole women and children first thing is, apparently, a crock.

After that we scattered to the five winds. Some went exploring, others, went back to the rooms. I decided to head back to our sardine can (aka our room) and unpack. I'll try to get a photo of this so called "sleeps 3 comfortably" room. It would, if it were three midgets. I'm just sayin'.
I was up early this morning hoping to catch the sunrise...I was about 30 minutes too late. Caught a glimpse of the elusive sun through the clouds instead. It's warming up though. Tonight standing on the deck, I barely shivered. God it better get warmer.

Tomorrow starts the excursions. I'm off to a Mayan ruin. Which you'll hear a lot of this trip. I can't help myself. I love the history of the ruins.

I'm off to la la land. The boats been rocking a lot today and am hoping it'll rock me to sleep.

Nuh Orleens! - BRRRRRR!

I know you're not shocked, but there's a STARBUCKS here. And thank god for that. We woke to a balmy 23F this morning.

The whole family is here too. We went to Mulates last night for some cajun food and music. It was a blast. From what it looked like the food most got was good. I had just a small plate of shrimps in BBQ sauce (which was just Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce) but it was good all the same.

This morning ST. Louis SIL and I walked to Mecca Starbucks. One to get out and two just because ...

On our trip we found this sculpture of a house in a tree. As we got closer we read the plaque. This tree house is made out of scraps from other houses, etc after Katrina. The artist made it as a testament to what nature is really capable of.

We're off to the boat today. Its freezing outside, so I'm hoping that as we head out to sea it gets warmer. The Parka I did not bring. brrr...

Islands in the stream, that is what we are...

Oh god, how'd Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers get in my head? I'm in deep doo doo if they're song is stuck. For the record, if you clicked on the link, you'll notice it's Kenny Rogers before all the plastic surgery.

I am ready to be on vacation. And by "ready" I mean, packed, camera tuned up and all batteries charged, computer ready to be stuck in a bag, ice box cleaned out, cat sitters arranged, neighbor told I'm leaving, keys ready for cat sitters, enough cat food for the beast, vacation plan done at work to hand off stuff, and passport in my pocket...

I'd say I soo need this vacation, but I wonder how much of a vacation this is really going to be. I mean my entire family - all sibs and their significant others will be on this trip. I really am not 100% sure this will be relaxing...Fun? Definitely. Exhausting? Certainly. Full of lifetime memories? Absolutely! But relaxing? Doubtful.

Its hard for me to actually relax on vacation. Especially if I'm going some place new. I have this unexplained phobia that I'll miss something important and so therefore can't sit and rest because I'm sure I'm missing that important thing. I thought as I got older this would fade, but it doesn't appear to be doing that...yet. Maybe I'm not "old" enough.

Oooo...gotta get cash! Making a mental note now.

We head out bright and early on Saturday morning. Our flight leaves Seattle at 6am! Yes, you read that correctly, 6 AM ... in the morning...which means we have to be at the airport in the middle of what I still consider night. Blueberry, lucky her, is taking BigBro, Seattle SIL and I to the airport. She owes me, and I'm calling in the favor!

Did I mention I'm ready to be on vacation?

But don't worry, you won't have to go without your daily dose of Jenn, I'm bringing the laptop so I (and the Mom Unit) can blog. I'll try to post photos, but am not sure of the bandwidth...we shall see...

I'm accustomed to a smooth ride

...I have the song Obvious Child by Paul Simon stuck in the noggin. I decided to look up the lyrics because there's a portion of the song I just mumble because I had no idea what he was saying. And now that I've read the lyrics, I have no idea what he's saying. Weird lyrics. I love it when songs are deeper than me. Makes me feel, well accustomed to a smooth ride.

This smooth ride is about to end though. Tomorrow is "Back To Work" day. blech! I've been off work - sorta - since the 24th of December and I'm getting used to this "free time". Now I just need to figure a way to have this "free time" and get paid.

And so I decided today I'm going to start to play the lottery. Why not? $1 a week - if I remember to buy a ticket...I'm feeling lucky. And if all of you send your luck this way I'm sure it will pay off.

Hold please while I blow my nose....

Okay, where was I? Oh yes, luck. A small side of me is nervous asking for you to send luck to me because it could just as easy be bad luck as it could be good luck and since I'm about to get on a big boat...I can't risk running into an iceberg, so never mind on the luck wishes. Keep them yourself.

Seriously. Keep them.

I've been blessed - or lucky - to have come down with a small cold. Perfect timing really. I mean why not now? I suppose it could have waited until next week...which would have sucked tremendously. So, I'll sniffle my way through the week. It's holding with just a stuffed nose now, and am hoping it stays there. I bought myself some Airborne though figuring it wouldn't be a bad idea to start hopping up the immune system. I mean I'm about to get on board a ship that if it doesn't hit an iceberg, does have a disease on it...what's that cruise ship disease? Not SARS...what is it? Um... ? Well whatever it is, I figure if you isolate hundreds of people on a boat, and one of them has a virus...it'll get passed. And so I've got my purell, my airborn and my germ phobia all packed.

I just have to get through 5 days of work...ugh.

Well, hello Two thousand and ten...please be kind...

As I sit here watching the Tournament of Rose's parade I can't but feel a bit moody. (to be honest, I got all teary-eyed when Ohio State marching band went by - don't ask. Oddly enough I did not cry when the Oregon Ducks - blech - went by. I mean their uniforms did almost make me throw up...)

Right, where was I? Oh yes, the year that was.

It wasn't a horrible year. But it wasn't a good year either. In fact, I know more people who are quicker to bid it farewell than to be sad to see it go. Why is that? How is it that so many people could have had such a crap year?

As I sit here in my new pink Sunggie (Blueberry got me one for Christmas which we celebrated last night) my mind quickly drifts to the bad of 2009 - and there was a lot. But then I forced my mind on the good, and found that when you really look, there are quite a few good. Sure, some of the bad, was - well - bad BAD, but we made it through. That is good. We prevailed. And I always will.

How do I know that? (OH geeze...here come the tears) because I have the greatest network of friends and family! There is nothing I can't get through and there is nothing our family can't get through because we have each other.

So let's wave goodbye to 2009, and welcome 2010 knowing we greet it with an army of courage. Bring it on!

And just what is my plan for 2010? Well, I have a small list. Just 10 things because well, it's the last two numbers in the year, so why not 10 things.

1. Monthly Photography - I'm going to do my best to get the PhotoGods back together in 2010. I miss getting out and taking some shots and learning a little about photography. We've already discussed it and while January will not work for me (I'll be on a cruise) we'll start in February. So hold on for some kick ass shots in 2010.

2. Photography / Cake decorating / Photoshop class - I think I want to take some type of class. I can't decide which of the aforementioned would be more fun, but which to take?

3. Bake more - specifically bread. I know, right? Bread? Why would you want to bake bread if you can just buy it? See, I am not a baker. No patience for it. But for some ungodly known reason I think I want to become the family cinnamon roll maker. My Gma Wraspir used to make some kickass cinnamon rolls and I miss them. I wish I would have learned from the Goddess of Cinnamon Rolls, but alas I did not. So now I have to suffer through it myself. My GalPal Claudia suggested I start with pizza dough - and oh by the way she'll help me taste test...in fact, she got me a pizza cookbook for my birthday - she's sneaky that one. So stayed tuned. We'll see how far I get with bread...but I swear to try. Any advice?

4. Visit Smith Tower - What is Smith Tower you ask? It s a Seattle historic landmark. It's got an observation deck with a unique view of Seattle. It is one of the first skyscrapers in the world and stands only 540ft, so it's not tall, but it's history.

5. Walk the docks by UW - I don't really know what else to call these, and I don't know how to get there (BigBro can help I'm sure), but out on Lake Washington by the UofW are several walking docks, etc. They go way out into the water and are all connected somehow. I drive by them every time I pass them on the 520 bridge and think I have to do the right thing and take a stroll on them.

6. Wine Tasting in Wenatchee - You may not know if you're not from around here, but Washington has some great wine country. There are several wineries in the area and only a couple hours drive away. Why not spend a weekend?

7. Museum of Glass - I've mentioned this before as it was going to be part of my list of 40. I didn't make it last year. But I will this year.

8. Visit Leavenworth - Leavenworth is this little village in the mountains here. It's a winter wonderland in the winter, and gorgeous during the spring and summer. Recently Amtrak has added Leavenworth to its schedule. How fun to just hop on the train, no worrying about driving/parking etc.

9. Monthly Scrapbooking - I gotta get caught up. Specifically heritage photos. I have hundreds of heritage photos that are screaming to be scrapbooked...I've had them for years. It's time to get the family history down on paper. Not to mention almost all of 2008 needs to be scrapbooked. I started yesterday by doing my 40th and 39th birthday parties (see how far behind I am) and made the goal of doing 4 pages a month. That's ONLY 2 - 2 page layouts, which I do all the time. That can't be that hard. I wonder if I can get ALL Caught up and not have anything to scrapbook by end of 2010...hmmmm? That would be huge...

10. This one I can't blog about. And one I'm not 100% sure will come to fruition. It depends on a lot of other forces coming together - or not coming together. So I'm leaving this one as possibly open for something else.

And with that, I'm going to get back under the Snuggie (BTW Blueberry did an "As Seen on TV" Christmas for me...though she doesn't know it - I asked for a Snuggie, the Perfect Brownie Pan, and a Grill Daddy - well she didn't actually get this one, but got me a gift card to go get it) and I'm going to finish watching the parade and then maybe, just maybe go for a little walk.

My 80's Band name would have been "A Flock of Flamingos"

Well another birthday has past. And again, I feel blessed to have such wonderful friends. Thanks to everyone who stopped by last night...much wine was drunk, much food was eaten, and we discovered the name of my 80's band...

This year's theme: Pink-A-Licious. Which, by the way, only came about because when I asked the helper at the local party store if she had any pink birthday plates, she took me to their new display of "Pink-A-Licious". It was fate. I had to.

Pink-A-Licious entrance to Chez Jenn's. The joke all night was whether you could come in and shut the door without getting the pink strings caught in the door.

My long time friend Julie. She actually signed my letter of employment into GeekSoft way back when - 1993....

We all know this character: Blueberry was, of course, there.

My pal Mega-roonie. She and I go back to the days at the Cat Shack. She's all grown up now and doing quite well as a big wig HR person...she would disagree in the "big wig" part. Mega-roonie brought me this little glass indicators that were little suction people. If you look close you'll see I have several on my glass. The quote of the night: "Just lick him". See they kept falling off and every time they did, someone would say, "Just lick him".

Chickenlady! One of my favoritest people. Friends with her thanks to a car accident way back when in 2000. Holy Cow...we've been friends for almost 10 years. Here's to another 10!

Claudia is responsible for the Flock of Flamingos. Her and Blueberry were whispering one night after they left my place, and me thinks this might have been what they were whispering. Still, the Flock of Flamingo candle holders were a smashing success to me and now Claudia gets left-overs for life. Once I start cooking again that is. Although, she did have a thought last night. She suggested I just cook and put them in the freezer for her. I just might have to now.

PhotoGirl and the Yank both made it. Brought a fantastic bottle of wine I hear. I was too busy drinking my Barbera...nummers. The Yank became the photographer most the night. I needed someone I could trust to take photos to document what I may or may not remember.

Oh, lifetime Geeksoft friends Kim (on the left) and Julie (previously mentioned). Kim's a riot and I just love being around her. I'm going to make a goal of spending more time with her next year. My sides generally hurt after spending time with her.

Ahhh, Mr. Volleyball. Just look what he did! He carved my name out of rice krispie treats...I'm so blessed. The rice krispie treat story goes way back - and so its a standard now. Thank heavens he spelled my name right though, how embarrassing if he hadn't.

Part of the gang: PhotoGirl, Blueberry, Mr. Volleyball, the Birthday Girl, The Not-So-Newlywed and Jack the baby.

In the end there were several others there who I did not get pictures with...fooey! BigBro and Seattle SIL were there, Mrs. Geek from work was there, and Queen PopUp and her king were all there and managed to escape a photo op with me. I'll get you...just wait.

For those who didn't make it, you're forgiven. I still love you.

Seriously though, thanks to everyone. I needed a good fun party and you all stepped up to make it just that. There's enough wine left over for a few other parties...so I'll see you all sometime in the new year...dinner at Chez Jenn's.

Its my birfff-day...

Yes mam, I am now 41. Wow. How'd that happen? I'm excited though, I feel pretty darn good for being "in my forty's". And after all life begins in your forty's right? As Patron Saint told me today 41 is a prime number and therefore I'm in my prime. I'd better make the most of it.

We're going to start the celebration off with appetizers and wine tasting at Chez Jenn's. Several friends are coming over tonight for the great celebration. It should be a blast. I've got homemade olive tapenade, teriyaki meatballs, pistachio cheese log (minus some of the pistachios - we had a small kitchen mishap in which I dumped most the chopped nuts on the floor...Me good.), shrimp/cream cheese spread and of course wine. Lots of wine.

In other exciting news, I selected my cruise excursions last night. Not too surprising almost all of them are visiting mayan ruins. And I managed to stay under my budget! WooHoo! That just means extra $$ for drinks on the cruise ship. That cruise ship that is going to leave in T-minus 10 days. Not that I'm counting.

Now I have some birff-day candles to blow out....

Happy Christmas to all....

Ahh Christmas day. Filled with so many glorious memories. This Christmas is odd for me in that I'm not with my parents. We choose to not fly down to Tucson because we'll be seeing each other in January for our cruise. Not to mention the finance of flying during Christmas. If I could have found a cheap ticket, I may have surprised them.

Still, I find myself thinking of Christmas' past. And trying to recall fond memories. I have a few, quite a few actually. Even when the $ was tight, us kids always had a Christmas to remember. We may not have received the gift of the year, but we always got gifts filled with love.

One memory that leaped out to me this year was that of my Grandma Miller. She had a unique gift wrapping skill. She used foil papers and decorated our gifts with what we loved. The photo below is of Gma Miller and some of her gifts. The frog gift was for my Aunt Toad (no that wasn't her real name, but she collected Frogs).

This photo below is one of my favorites. We're in Trenton, NJ - I must be about 3 or 4. Like my hair doo...? I know, right? Hot. I don't remember what I got that Christmas. I'm sure it was great and I'm sure I played with it, and/or the box it came in, for hours.

Then there are the Santa photos. I only have 2 that I'm aware of. The first is in New Jersey in 1071 and the second in Albuquerque in 1972.

Last, the sister's photo in front of the tree. I never realized how 70's our trees were in the 70's. The first in Minot, ND (BRRRR) and the second in Great Falls, MT in 1977. Just look how stylin' my sister and I are...

Still, I find myself thankful for each and every Christmas. The one's filled with family and the one's spent without. Its hard to remember, with all the hustle and bustle around this time of year, that it is a time of year for love.

My New Boyfriend

It’s no secret to anyone that I’m a coffee fan. I can’t prove it but at one point in time Starbuck’s ran through my veins. Starbuck’s has been my BF for years. Until now. A new BF has blown into town and pushed Bucky’s to the side. I’ve been stalking this BF for a couple of months and only recently found my confidence to see him up close. It didn’t take long. It was love at first sight. I had to bring him back to my home.
Once back home he fit in quite well. And now, I don’t think I can live without him. Meet my new BF.

Now some would say I’m a coffee snob and so would also be surprised at this new relationship. But I gotta tell ya, I was blown away by the quickness and precision of the coffee maker. One perfect cup of coffee in less than 15 seconds. WOW! Not only was it quick, but a quality cup of coffee (Disclaimer: I believe it has everything to do with the fact I purchased the Tully’s Kona coffee cuppettes as my coffee for my BF to make. And “cuppettes” is my term, not theirs). And as a former Bucky’s addict fan, it surprises me just a little that I now prefer to make my own coffee at home. I’m now addicted to a new way to get a cuppa Joe.

In other non coffee news, my belly button is leaking. I don’t think my BB will ever heal. Ever. Apparently, the stitch that was inside has decided to go rebel and get all infected. Now, lucky me gets to wash it three times a day, antibiotic cream and I get to take antibiotics. I’m so luck! I was also scolded by my doc about not recognizing that I am not yet healed. She told me that 3 months, minimum to heal and I just need to get that through my “thick” head. Me? Thick head? Hah!

One more “working” day this year. Our office shuts down the last week of the month and so as of tomorrow at 3pm I’m supposedly on vacation. Although, lucky me, (again with the luck? How’d I get so luck?) own a program that doesn’t shut down and will have to “work” occasionally. Not real thrilled about that. In fact, find myself getting somewhat bitter over it. But it is what it is.

Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes, how do you measure, measure a year?

Normally I'd measure my year by the number of coffees I have taken in, yet this year it doesn't seem appropriate considering I'm not doing coffee now.

Side Note: I did have a really, REALLY bad day at work yesterday so took off at/around lunch time. Not being hungry I went to my other safe haven, Starbucks. I ordered my normal Grande Vanilla Americano with xtra room. Added my cream and sugar. And about 30 minutes later I was the speediest of typists. I'm thinking perhaps jumping back into a triple wasn't such a good choice.

Right, back to measuring.

I could measure it by the number of people I did not kill.

Or I could measure it by the amount of love and support I felt throughout the year.

Or even still I could measure it by how often the local weather forecasters are wrong.

Nah. I think I'll measure it by a LIST OF 40 NEW THINGS

Yes, my faithful readers, the list is complete. (if you get my Christmas card you are 1) very lucky and 2) already know the list). Still there are others who really are dying to know what's on that list.

So without any more goofing around...drum roll please...

My 2009 List of 40 New Things

First let me say that if you don't 1)like, 2) think its not new, or 3) have any other negative opinions about my 40 new things, I'm returning your Christmas gift.

Ahem

Starbuck’s Instant Coffee – anyone who knows me knows Starbuck’s runs through my veins - or well it did. Instant Starbucks! My life had been changed forever.

Bosses for dinner – having people to dinner isn’t anything new. But having my boss and my bosses’ boss to dinner was new to me. I BBQ'd and ran out of gas...thank heavens they like their meat rare.

Podiatrist – What? There was never a need before. And I can't say it was all that helpful cuz - *clears throat* someone didn't follow all the doctor's orders.

Photograph a 5K Run – PhotoGirl asked me to assist in photographing a 5K run at a turnaround point with Seattle in the back ground. It was a blast. Tiring holding up the camera for so long, but fun all the same.

Grease the Musical – Grease is the word!

Roller Derby – A whole different crowd to watch and a whole new sport to learn and appreciate. I think I should have been a roller derby girl in another life. I think I actually came up with a roller derby girl name too...Jenicide I think.

Photograph Susan G. Komen Gala – Fancy pants gala event in which I was asked to photograph the SGK volunteers. Had to "search" for a formal and then remembered by I didn't like formals...itchy, uncomfortable, and too much work.

Moved to a townhouse – Moving isn’t new – I mean if you know me, you know moving isn’t new. But moving to a town house is. And having three floors of goodness is new. That's three whole floors full of cat fur. Yes mam.

Read 100 books – I didn’t manage to read 100, but 73 instead. Still I’ve never read 73 books in a year. So it counts. And I got turned onto a very cool site called GoodReads. It allows you to track the books you've read and want to read. I have 272 in my "want to read" queue. And no I won't be trying to read 100 next year. Maybe I'll shoot for the remaining 27 (did I do my math right? 100-73 = 27 right?)

Volunteer at Getting Started Meetings – After participating in the 3Day last year, I knew I wanted to volunteer this year. So I started by helping at the Getting Started Meetings. It was a blast and yes I cried every single meeting thanks to the overly moving video. Yes, I'm going to volunteer again this year. That should be interesting. I'll break out blubbering at the opening music...watch, you'll see.

Pampered Chef Party – Also no “new” but I hadn’t had a party in 10 years, therefore, new. Anything you haven't done in 10 years and re-do is new. Jenn's Law #45. What? You don't believe me. Well, Jenn's law #46 says, Jenn does not have to care if you believe her or not, so there.

3Day Expo Volunteer – Again, my chance to participate in the 3Day without walking. But being allowed to hang with some extraordinary men and women.

Photograph Race for the Cure – I got to wander around the R4TC and take photos of the volunteers. They give so much and I was so thrilled to be a part of it.

il Divo – Wow. And Yum.

Dueling Pianos – It is what it sounds like. Two pianos going back and forth - well dueling - playing and singing. The bar was sketchy, but the company was fun.

Seattle Duck Tours – Goofy? Definitely. Worth it? Most certainly! I mean I met my soul mate on the duck tour...the driver playing really bad 80's songs - surely my soul mate.

Black Bottle Restaurant – What? I have never been there. And for the record for all you Seattle folks...Yum. If you go, get the Blast Broccoli. ZOMG sooo good.

Photograph a Wedding – Nerve wracking! But worth it to learn more about photographing people. Not sure I'd ever do it again, maybe drunk I would.

Volunteer for Survivor Brunch – For once I actually volunteered instead of photographing the volunteers. And I won, I mean Blueberry won, a free cruise on Holland America.

Try 100 new recipes – Again, didn’t get to 100, but got to 67 – and I’ve never tried 67 new recipes in a year. A few friends appreciated the endeavor. One friend concerned that I'm not eating and therefore not cooking and therefore she doesn't get left overs. She'll survive....maybe. Almost all are on my cooking blog. Go ahead, take a look. I'll wait.

Carve a white pumpkin – I didn’t even know there were white pumpkins, but I carved one for my Great Pumpkin Carving Party. It had white guts even.

Have an Ultra Sound – Yep. I had to have an ultrasound. It’s not what you think.

Had a Hysteroscopy – yah, ick.

Visited an OBGYN Oncologist – there was concern of some pre-cancerous cells found during the hysteroscopy. Had to go to an oncologist for my options.

Had a Hysterectomy – this was my option. A robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy. But you know all about that. BTW, the belly button incision is almost all closed. Thanks for asking. The stitch that was still in it fell out. I thought I lost my umbilical chord again.

Took Percocet – in the hospital they gave me Percocet as the pain killer. Weeee!

Had a catheter – 'nough said.

Estrogen Patch – well taking out the girly parts means I needed something to help “balance” me out. Notice I didn't say make me normal? Yah I know the peanut gallery pretty well and they'd contest that in a heartbeat.

Giving myself injections – because of blood clot issues in the past, and now being on estrogen, the doctor thought giving myself injections of a blood thinner for 21 days post surgery would be a great idea. I hated it. Nightly tried to talk myself out of it. And yet, 21 nights in a row, I managed to put a needle in my tummy. It's amazing what you can do when you have to.

Hot Flashes – Oh yah, these are fun. Even being on the estrogen patches, it’s a low dose and so some of the menopause side effects will come through. My own Personal Summers is one…and I cry at the drop of a hat. Wheeeee!

Program Manager – I was promoted shoved into being a Program Manager. Its hard work, and a bit discouraging at times, but its fun and new and I’m learning a lot.

Lead a Quarterly Business Review – Being the Prgm Mgr I was the lead on the business review for the first quarter. Lots of hard work, and a bit unnerving, but I put on my ubber confidence pants and prevailed. Didn't even get yelled at. So that's a plus, right?

Straight No Chasers – If you want to hear a 10 man acapella group, search for these guys on YouTube and sit back and be amazed.Go to Benaroya Hall – Straight No Chaser performed in a local theater I’ve never been in. It has a huge Chihuly glass chandeler above the stairs (look to the right of the picture)...I wish I would have brought my camera...

Super Diamond – Whoa! Went and saw a Neil Diamond tribute band. I had no idea what songs Neil Diamond did that I knew. Of course Dudley opened for them, which was the real reason I went.

Saw New Moon – What? I’m a Twilight fan. Go Team Jacob!

Bought and iPod Car Stereo – Love it. I get to skip past songs quickly. In my 4 mile commute I can listen to 30 songs...

Cracked Windshield – yes the Mustang has a boo boo. But in all my life, with all the cars I’ve owned, I’ve never had a cracked windshield. Honest! And this one apparently I'll have for a while. Every time I go to replace it, some financial catastrophe happens and it has to wait another month.

No one’s every asked me if I’d eat a triscuit off the floor – my office mate was helping me come up with one more. And in fact I've never ever been asked that. Who knew this list could produce such wild abandonment?

And the 40th New Thing: Never before (and never again) have a made a list of 40 new things.

The other thing I love to do this time of year is re-read my blog posts for the year. I don't read them all, but I skim through them and I gotta tell you...I'm all shades of surprised you all are coming back to read. There's some weird stuff in this blog...but it's all me, and all friends, and apparently almost nothing is off limits.

Hitting the Panic Button....

I hit the panic button today. I had a wee little panic attack today. I got another medical bill. It won't end. And as I added it to my spreadsheet of bills, I double triple checked to make sure it wasn't a duplicate. And when I realized it wasn't my heart sank.

I knew what I had to do. I had to call the momunit and tell her I forfeit the $$ I've put in for the cruise, but I can't go. The $$ I was saving for that cruise would have put a small dent into the medical bills.

Then after thinking about how the MomUnit would respond (most likely by saying "Put on your big girl pants and deal with it!) I realized the small amount I'm budgeting for the cruise really won't put a big dent into the medical bills. At which time I decided - "Meh - I need the cruise."

Crisis averted. Phew!

Today was move day at work. I moved from my comfy office with PMDude to back out into the new "bull pin" we've created for the program I'm supposedly managing. Poor PMDude, he won't have anyone to bring him random 80's songs all the time. Nor will he have someone constantly yammering on and on to her computer. He'll be bored. I'm concerned for his well-being.

Nothing overly exciting for this weekend. Meeting some Husky friends tomorrow night for dinner. (Side Note: Almost cancelled the dinner too for above mentioned medical bills). Then I'll be sitting all warm and cozy in my apt as we wait for SNOW to supposedly arrive on Sunday. Yes, Snow. As if the frigid cold we've been experiencing isn't enough. Blech! Snow.

Its too cold to type...

Its 16F outside right now and I swear to GOD I'm frozen solid. If I were to slip and fall on the pavement I'd break into a thousand pieces. We'll have temp records break tonight. The record was 21F in 1972 and tonight it'll be 17F in Seattle. I mean lakes and ponds are frozen around here...the who? the what now? Ponds don't freeze in Seattle. Hold Please.

My pond is frozen! Ice skating anyone? Oh wait, that means I'd have to go out. Never mind!

I know you want one, so I'll give you a food update. 16lbs. That's what I've lost since the surgery. I'm finding that I almost have to force myself to eat something. I used to laugh at all those skinny girls who used to say, "Oh I forgot to eat." I always wondered, "Who forgets to eat?" That so wasn't within my vocabulary. And now, I find I forget to eat. It's insane. I miss food. I miss eating.

On a plus note, I have a bunch of new clothes I get to wear for the cruise. You know those clothes? The ones that get pushed to the back of the closet because they don't quite fit. Yah, well I get to move them back to the front again. Woohoo! Too bad most of them aren't sweaters or long johns.

I got my Christmas cards done yesterday. Its been weird for me to not have them done by Dec 1. Still, they're done. My letter is basically the 40 New Things list (which I'll post here eventually). My little tradition is the last card I do is for my parents. The first is for my Aunt Jean so I can get it to her before hers gets to me (family race every year). I was marking my X's and O's on the letter when I saw it. A typo! Dagnabit! Oh well. You''ll survive. If you don't like it let me know and I'll drop you from the list.

I'll end this on a happy note. My heart grew 10X yesterday. You may have heard that we had 4 local police officers shot down two weeks ago. It's hit the area hard and the outpouring of support for the families has been overwhelming to see. One local pizza chain, Papa John's, is donating ALL the proceeds of pizzas purchased yesterday and today to the families of the slain officers. I drove by two Papa John's on my way home yesterday and was stunned at the lines. The stores are mostly delivery and are usually empty when I drive by. Yesterday, the line for one was out the door and around the store. I get all teary thinking about it. Tonight they are saying that if you didn't get to buy a pizza (they ran out of dough and what not) you can buy gift cards and they'll put that money toward the donations too. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause.

Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

I couldn't resist. This is my second favorite Christmas song. Why? Well, why not! It is, after all, full of 80's singers...so are you really surprised?

14 lbs, in a month. That's the amount of weight, officially, that I've lost. I had my post op dr. appt today. I was an hour and half early (wrote the wrong time down apparently). Thankfully the NP took me early. She's a delight by the way. As she called me back, I stepped on the dreaded dr. scale (which by the way its well known the dr. scale is 5 lbs heavier than my own scale and it has nothing to do with me "adjusting" the scale). She looked at the number on the scale. Flipped a page in the chart. Looked at the scale, and stated, "It appears we have something to talk about today. 14 lbs in a month - not bad. Not good, but not bad."

Turns out I'm completely normal (no comments from the Peanut Gallery).

She had a little heart to heart to me about this whole surgery thing and said that she thinks I need to come to grips with the reality that the surgery I had wasn't "simple". According to the inner workings of my body it was a major change. My body is trying, as best it can, to get the balance back. She asked me to think hard about the "loss" if you will and focus on the healing and not so much on the side issues.

The lack of appetite, fatigue, and general feeling of not wanting to do anything is part of the left over from the general anesthesia. She said in some people it could take 8 weeks to work it's way through. IF I'm having this same issue at the end of January then I should come back in and we can discuss options. And by "options" she means anti-depressants. Which I want no part of - thankyouverymuch.

I asked about the weepy-ness and hot flashes too. Apparently because I'm on such a low dose of estrogen some of the menopause side effects will still be present. In a much smaller manner, but they will still be there. She told me that as for the weepyJenn that I should consider a couple of things. First, my body is trying to find the balance with out the testosterone and estrogen from the ovaries. And second, it is the holiday season and sometimes we're a bit more emotional this time of year. That's all good and fine, but I am tired of crying at the stinkin Folgers commercials. Damn you Folgers! Oh, and that dang Anhauser Busch commercial with the troops walking through the airport. One person starts to clap, then another and then another. Before long everyone is applauding the troops...oh god...make it stop!

Anyone want to step up and pay my medical bills? You'd be my BFF. No? Really? Hmph! Fine.

37 more days until the cruise! Not that I'm counting or anything.

Will you tell the folks back home I nearly made it?

If you know the song to the lyrics in the title you 1) need help and 2) get BIG Jenn kudos.

Right, so I'm sitting her being depressed watching the Crapple Cup. Good Lord, my Cougs really need to pull their helmets out of the collective behinds. Ugh.

My appetite is missing. If you've seen it can you do me a solid and send it to me? I keep expecting to see it on the back of a milk carton or something. Today at 3:45pm I realized I hadn't yet had a morsel of food. That is so unlike me. Food and I are BFFs. Its frustrating to not even want to eat. Further I don't even want to cook, or think about food, or shop for food, Ugh...I so miss my old self at times.

My new diet today has consisted of Nutella and Fritos. Nice huh? I had a handful of Frito's at 3:45pm and then a spoon full of Nutella. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm thinking this could be the new diet craze.

Last night BigBro, Seattle SIL and I went and saw Straight No Chaser. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend seeing them. Fantastic singers, mixed with some comedy and throwning 10 attractive boys and you got yourself a winning combination. Check out their Twelve Days of Christmas on their website. Seattle SIL managed to get us front row seats...it was perfect. I could gaze into the eyes of so many talented men. This year they did a song called the Christmas Can Can...I almost pee'd my pants laughing at them. Click here to see it! Do it! Go back and click that link!

21

And I'm done.

• 21 nights of trying to talk myself out of giving myself shots
• 21 injections
• 21 empty syringes
• 21 little purple bruises at the injection sites (looks kinda like a constellation)
• 21 days of doing something I never thought I'd do

I light my torch and wave it for the NEW MOON on Monday...

Go Team JACOB!

Yes that's right I went an supported Team Jacob this weekend. I went early on Saturday to avoid any screaming teeny boppers. Blueberry and Mrs Braspir (who's name will now be Queen PopUp). I was no fan of the first movie. In fact, I hated it. Too many longing looks and no enough dialog. Blech!

New director for New Moon and it's an entirely different movie...well of course it's different, but you know what I mean. Loved it. I may have to walk over and see it again this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, its Turkey day in case you didn't know. A lot going on this weekend. Here's a little preview for you:

1. Turkey Day of course. I'm hoping the prodigal brother makes it over from Eastern Wa so I can see him. I haven't seen him in about a year. Spending Turkey day with BigBro and that fam. Food and Family, what could be better.

2. Hair cut - Yes. It's time. Despite the money being short at the moment, a girl has to look like a girl. Which means getting one's hair styled correctly. Plus..well why am I trying to explain it to you?

3. Straight No Chaser - Yes that's right. Don't be jealous. BigBro, Seattle SIL and I are all going to see them. Seattle SIL found they were in town and so offered it up. I can't wait! In case you don't remember who they are...check this out.

4. Apple Cup - Though this year it should be called the Toilet Bowl. Stinky. That's what our two university teams are this week. But yes, it's the University of Wa Huskies (BOOO) vs the Washington State Cougars (Yay). Someone has to win. They both stink, so who knows. The cougs stink way more than the huskies...so I'm guessing they'll lose.

5. Christmas Photo Sunday - Usually by this time of year I already have my cards done. They are usually made by hand and my letter is usually written, printed, envelops addressed, sealed, stamped and ready to go. This year I haven't even started. I'm way behind. So I've decided to go a different route this year. One of my volleyball buds has a photo studio in his house and offers to do photos. And I'm going to take him up on this offer. The question is what to do. I have a few ideas, but I'm sure you my faithful readers have ideas. Do tell. No. There will be no nudey photos...I can't afford breaking his camera and replacing it.

6. My last injection! This should be listed first cuz that day is Wednesday. Yes that means I have THREE left...not that I'm counting or anything.

Misty Eyed Moron...

"Who would that be?" you ask. Me. Unbelievable amount of tears that seem to seep out of my eyeballs these days. Make. It. Stop.

This could border on TMI, but if you're a reader of my blog you know that just about nothing is off limits. So here goes.

I had a very easy monthly visit from Aunt Flow. Very easy. All my life, (well okay except in 11th grade when I pretended to have cramps to get out of gym class. Only the gym teacher was also our school nurse who informed me "Exercise is good for cramps.") I had no real issues with Aunt Flow. I was regular, light, and never a moody basket case. Oh I had mood swings, I won't deny that. I was just never that crazy girl who went on an emotional roller coaster during those precious days each month.

Crying was something I left to the serious heartbreaks or losses. And I assure you there were many heartbreaks in high school and college that brought me knee deep in salty tears. Still, I felt I was a strong girl. And as Frankie Valli said, "Big Girls Don't Cry" (or Fergie for you younger crowd...she said it too).

It was rare that I cry in a movie. I left the sniveling to Blueberry. She used to cry when we would watch Little House on the Prairie re-runs in college. After the show I'd shove the box of Kleenex toward her and she'd exclaim, "Pa can always make me cry."

But not me. No way no how. I wasn't a crier.

Until recently.

Apparently by removing certain girl parts certain other parts feel the need to go into overdrive and leak tears. Its insane. I cry at every little thing these days.

Break a nail - I burst into tears.

Stub my toe - I lose it (but it really hurt)

Then I was watching Ellen tonight and she had a 12 year old kid from the Philippines who came out and sang "All By Myself"...it was beautiful...and by the end of the song...weeping.

Watch some stinking hallmark commercial about Thanksgiving and sending a loved one in the war a card -- oh geeze here I go again.

Talk amongst yourselves.

*sniff sniff...
Right. I'm composed.

Now, I am no where near where others are or have been. I can't even imagine going to that place...and if fact just thinking about it makes me cry.


The doctors told me I "could" have some menopausal side affects because the estrogen patch I'm on was such a low dose. When the said "could" I heard "never".

Still, here I am getting ready for bed thinking about all the things that made me tear up a bit today (9 times, but who's counting) and suddenly I realize, my EYES ARE LEAKING AGAIN. ARGH!

On a more positive note, and a note that won't make me cry - I don't think - I have 8 shots left. E-I-G-H-T! But again, who's counting.

I guess this is my life now. Weepy Woman! And the BEST part is I suspect it'll get worst when I'm in my 50's when the real menopause kicks in. Oh that will be just ducky. Can't wait. I've got so much to look forward to.


If you're still reading, stay tuned for my next blog where I discuss my own personal summers that go on too.

I did manage to go into the office today too. I spent 1/2 of the day getting reacquainted with all the old crew at work. It was nice to go in and have conversations with people who actually talked back instead of look at you blankly with their black furry face. I may have over did it. May have. Still it felt good to get out among the living, non crying people.