I vant to dwink you blood - insert vampire accent here!

Some wild, insane twig got up my butt today and I decided to give blood. Now, I'm sure I've mentioned in the past how I HATE needles. Not just hate them, but HATE them. So why decide to go give blood? Surely I know they use needles, right? Yes yes. I know that...and still I felt like it was the right and good thing to do - now, a feeling that floats to the top all that often and when it does, and I feel that compelled, I follow my hunch.

Aside from being a bit woozie from the loss of blood, I think they may find that my blood might have some remnants of alcohol in it. I'm just saying. I had beers with the crush last night and there might be some left over droplets of alcohol in my blood stream...I sure know there are some left overs in my head.

Oh, you got that did ya? I had beers with the crush last night. I thought I'd sneak that in...

Oh, you want to hear the story do ya? Well I don't kiss and tell. Oh wait, don't get all excited, there was no kissing. I did, however, do my best to flirt. Not something I'm good at, and certainly still unsure if he gets my flirting. I would have to say with 100% assurance that if he didn't' get my flirting last night, this boy will never get it and therefore I should cut bait and move on.

Man, you are a tough audience. You want the goods don't ya? You want the whole story. Fine twist my arm, I'll tell ya. And I might ask for some advice about whether the boy is interested or not. You tell me.

It started by us "planning" to meet at a the Hotwire to discuss some project management stuff. Okay, I admit it, discussing project management stuff for PMA *might* just be a pretense to get together with him. *Might* be. He has been having some back pain issues of late and so was unable to meet (and more importantly sit) at Hotwire. So he offered up going to a bar and standing to discuss said project management stuff.

Feeling a bit inadequate and a bit lazy, I did what I do best, I gave him an out. Surely by telling him if he was too tired to meet, he'd take the out right? But instead he CALLED me. CALLED me. Now, traditionally any phone conversations between he and I has been because he's not remembered how to get to my place and may be a bit lost. So him actually calling me, threw me for a loop. I think that's a good sign, no?

We made our plan, I changed my clothes and I was off.

We met at a nice little pub in Seattle. Quiet and not busy. I got there before him and was fortunate to find prime parking right up front. Its probably important to know that previously in our phone conversation he was telling me where I could park and I made some comment about parallel parking in-abilities and how bad I was at it. So he told me of a few other places that weren't parallel parking. Though since there was parking right up front, might as well take it. AND I had like a half of mile, so I was good. Once he got there, he made a joking comment about how far I was from the curb out side...and that he was pretty sure my front tire was about 18 inches away - so I was good. He continued by saying if we wanted to go get a ruler to check we could. See? Teasing is a good positive thing I think. Mom always said the boys that tease you like you.

The night progressed, and I pulled out my best "flirty" smile and winks all night. I made sure when there were opportunities for our arms to touch (we were, after all standing next to each other) that they touched. I made sure that I was attentive to his stories, and was not hogging the conversation. I asked pointed questions, and laughed at all the right times and his jokes...which were rather amusing. We talked about my soon to be purchased Mustang. He's mildly amused, I think at how excited I get about that car. When I mentioned that I have no idea where said excitement about Mustangs comes from in general. He commented that it was something that defined me. See? Again, with the insights.

I did have an opportunity to broach the subject of this "crush" thing, but I wasn't on my best game and so didn't think of it until on my way home. Naturally. We were talking about eHarmony and I was saying how I hated the experience because it took so long for people to respond. He said, "Well Jennifer you've waited this long." See! I could have said, "And Mr. Crush, why are you making me wait longer?" But no, I didn't think about it - of course, admittedly, hearing him say my name made my knees buckle and I was trying to figure out how exactly that was happening...and about the same time I realized that was happening I was thinking, "Oh man, this is going to be painful."

I'm off to NY this week so won't get a chance to see the crush until after. But he did make a point to ask when I got back...could be just polite conversation I suppose. But I'm choosing to believe it's because he's counting down the days when he can see me again. Oh wow...that was even too much sap for me. Sorry. I'm going now.

I Wanna Be Sedated

As I sit her today trying to focus ONE coherent thought, a fleeting thought passes me that it sure didn't hurt this much to drink a "little" 10 years ago. A hang over at 37 sure appears to be a different beast than it was 10 years go. You'd think that as we got older that dealing with just a wee bit of alcohol wouldn't be as painful. But alas, here I sit in my post-drinking, post-dudley stuper trying to remember what it *was* like back then. And well, thinking just makes the sledge hammer in my head that much more obvious and unwelcomed. Blessed be the inventor of Tylenol. That person I truly love this morning.

DMQ put on an exceptional show last night. Their loungy selves sang the night away and I, the most important crowd monger, helped add the little "gid" in their "giddy up". I too sang my little heart out last night and consequently am a little hoarse today. They were the perfect date last night (since the crush didn't show - but he didn't say he would I just was "hoping" - cuz that's what I do, I hope.) and did all my favorite Dudley-ish-ess songs. Their evening started off with sultry sounds of the lounge (though their signature opening song, oddly enough, Copa Cabana didn't make an appearance last night), a little dash of Dancing Queen, a pinch of Elvis, a cup of Neil Diamond and topped off with fanciful song about Peace, Love and Understanding. They did show me one good time.

They did make a few key announcements last night that not only excited me, but saddened me. Their saxophone player is leaving the band. So sad to see him go. He's been a part of dudley since dud was a part of ley. AND they are doing a CD recording party at a local hot spot. So naturally, Biggest Dudley Fan Ever (BDFE) - aka Me, will be on hand to help cheer the boys into another exciting CD.

I have no break lights...

Seriously. I have no brake lights. I don't know why. Mom doesn't know why...and get this FORD doesn't know why.

Some random, grumpy commuter drove past me yesterday on the freeway and YELLED out his window to me that I had no brake lights. Not having brake lights, admittedly, is a bad thing and I'm sure annoying for those drivers who I see gripping their wheel in my rear view mirror. I found myself apologizing on the way to work this morning for each of those drivers who as quickly as possible changed lanes. Only a few shook their fists at me. I smiled and waved back acting as if I had no clue. Which, generally speaking, is the case.

I decided on the way to work to swing into Ford to ask them about the brake lights. I should back up first. Last night after said grump told me I had no brake lights, I high tailed it to Schucks...um, where is Schuck's in Lynnwood exactly? So I high tailed it home, logged into internet and then high tailed it to Schucks.

Bob at Schucks was - relatively helpful. He sold me two new brake light bulbs and gave me a screw driver to go change them myself. Um, yah Bob...I'm a girl. I don't do that stuff. But alas, screw driver in hand, intelligence quotient at all time high - I'm sure - how hard could this be. 45 minutes later - two broken nails, several cuss words used that would make a sailor blush and the bulbs were changed. Bob couldn't come out to check my brake lights for "safety" reasons, so off I went. I found a store to back into and check...no brake lights. Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!

Now what?

It was almost 8 so I just decided to go home and deal with it in the morning. I did, however find and read the owners manual. In which I found nothing about brake lights and trouble shooting in the event that they don't work AFTER you purchase bulbs. Oh and I should mention that Bob, at Schucks told me on a very constant basis BOTH brake bulbs go out in cars...yah, I know what you're thinking...I was there too. Wait? What? In all my years of driving NEVER have BOTH gone out at the same time. But I digress.

So off to Ford of Kirkland this morning. Now keep in mind, I have an appt with Ford of Kirkland tomorrow to "test" drive another Mustang. Yah I know, I don't need to "test" drive it anymore...I know I want it. But heck, I might as well. I gotta say after their assistance this morning, I'm questioning whether I want to buy a car from them. First, naturally, I didn't have an appt. Which I admitted to the service doofus, we'll call Joe. All I wanted to know from Joe was, IS THERE A FUSE SOMEWHERE I CAN CHANGE? I mean after all, I am a mechanic now that I've changed brake bulbs. I can surely change a fuse. Joe, repeatedly told me they didn't have any scheduled time to fix the car today. And I repeatedly told Joe, I'm not asking that. After several minutes of this, Grace chimed in that what Joe was saying is that it may take them time to check out the car to see why the brake lights aren't working. Ah, finally... English.

Joe wasn't completely useless, he was amusing to watch as he grew more and more anxious with each question I had. Oh and a 1994 Explorer apparently is old, he told me. Dah! He said, and I quote, "That's an old car. I'm not sure how those were built." Okay.....I'm willing to bet any amount of brake fluid that current Explorers aren't THAT different...but who am I...I'm a rookie mechanic.

Moral of the story: Um, yah, there isn't one. Other than I have no brake lights and Joe in Kirkland is dumb. Tomorrow I'll cautiously drive to Kirkland again and drop the car off. Oh goody...a day at a Ford dealership. Perhaps I'll leave with a Mustang who's brake lights do work.

In the words of Rachel Ray, "YUM O"!

Friend Erin came over tonight for a much needed night of scrapbooking. It feels good to finally open up the creative Jenn again. She's been missing way too long.

As with anyone who visits my house, I cooked dinner. Oh man did I ever. I have a list of 800+ recipes so its often challenging - to put it mildly - to pick a recipe. I usually have a vague idea of what I want. I stumbled onto this recipe on my list - Sirloin Burgers with Balsamic Mayo, Mushrooms and Swiss. I'm sure I witnessed Mistress Ray making it on one of her shows and I thought, "I must make that."

And so today was the day. In typical Jenn fashion I did "MY" version. I substituted sirloin with ground chicken. Not only to help me keep my girlish figure, but beef and I aren't getting along these days. I also think the bun is overkill...its a HUGE burger and the bun just gets in the way.
Ken if you're out there listening - You GOTTA make this recipe on your own.

BURP!

Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?

I'm not a Stevie Wonder fan, but that song ALWAYS comes to mind when I look at this.

I mean, come on? She's beautiful. And if all goes right, SHE will be mine in August. This is the car and color of what I am soon to be the owner of...if all goes as planned.

Many of you may know that I owned a Mustang from 1999 - Oct of 2000. I loved that car. I miss that car. I got rear-ended and they had to total out the car. I was completely bummed. I knew a new design would be coming out and so opted to wait for the "new and improved" design.

I have test driven the car...and like a school boy on his first date, I got all giddy and excited. It was all I could do to contain my excitement so the sales person didn't "sell" me the car on the spot.

I have decided to go with the hard top instead of the convertible. I just don't like the way the convertibles look when the tops up. And living in Seattle, having the top up will happen more than the top being down. I'll be getting the V6 - der...as if I could afford the V8...AND I'll be getting a standard. I've gone back and forth between the standard and automatic transmission. I commute far enough now that a standard transmission will be a pain in the ass...1st gear, 2nd gear, stop. 1st gear, second gear, stop. But I also know I may not ALWAYS be commuting this far AND driving a standard is just plain more fun.

This purchase will have to wait though. I'm eagerly planning my NY adventure. While I will mainly be there to work...all work and no play makes Jenn very cranky. So I do plan on doing some site seeing...AND my sister-in-law, Beverly, will be joining me for a weekend. Should be a ton of fun. Can't wait. Any suggestions on what to do and see there are appreciated and welcome? Obvious things like Empire State Bldg, Ground Zero, Liberty need not be mentioned. But any other random suggestions are.

Turn the heat down...sheesh - oh and RECIPE FOUR

You know you've been in Seattle too long when you complain when it rains that you want the sun. Then the day comes when the sun comes out and you complain because it's hot. This was my thermostat in my car that was sitting in the SHADE yesterday. ONE - HUNDRED-AND -FUCKING-THREE!!!!!

And today was not much better. It was riding around 98 degrees today - and now at 9:06PM it's still 84 degrees outside...and interestingly enough 85 in my apartment. I suppose this heat could be my fault...I am, after all, that powerful. I was just saying last week that I was sick and tired of the dreary Seattle-ness that had been lingering. I "wished" for hot weather. I got cocky and well - now I'm paying the price.

Enough of my complaining...for now anyhow, at least for complaining in the blog. I'll be complaining under my breath all night when I can't sleep because it's hot.

RECIPE 4...I think we're on 4. This recipe sounds good today just because of the lemon-ness of it and that sounds refreshing. I also make this as more of a side dish than an actual meal. Though it's pretty tasty the next day as a cold pasta.

MAMACELLO PASTA
1 lb Spaghetti or Linguini
3 T EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil for you NON Rachel Ray types)
4 Cloves of garlic, finely chopped (um yah, I use about 6)
2 pinches Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 C Dry white wine
2 Lemons zest
1 Lemon juiced
1/2 C Heavy Cream
Handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 C Fresh Basil, Shredded
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for topping pasta - I have yet to find Pecorino Romano so I used Parmesan.

Cook Pasta. Reserve a cup of the liquid.

Heat a deep dish skillet over low heat and add EVOO. When the EVOO is warm, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Turn off the heat and set the garlic aside for 5 minutes, then raise the heat to medium. Add the wind and lemon zest and boil to reduce the wine by half, about 3 minutes.

When the pasta is just about cooked, add a ladle of the starchy pasta cooking water to the skillet with the sauce and stir in the heavy cream. When the cream is warmed through, whisk in lemon juice into the sauce and season with salt.

Drain pasta and toss with sauce, parsley, basil and a couple of handfuls of cheese.

Happy Fried Day

And this from Lisa...

Killer site...no pun intended

I was browsing around on my new favorite blog (seen to the left at Shmool) and found this excellent link.

http://www.theskeletonshop.com/

Now, first I have to say it's not necessarily what they have for sale at this site. No its, not that at all. Instead THE SITE IS FUCKING COOL. (Sorry mom). Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I come across such a creative site. Okay. Okay. So I'm geeking out a bit. Okay a lot.

Side tangent:
Do you think there could be 6 degrees of separation in blog land? Odd as it seems, I think maybe. I started reading the writer of Shmool's blog (Urban Bourbon) and see in his blog a reference to Break Up Babe's blog. Her blog is listed on Gary's blog. So either she's really REALLY popular with the boys, a damn good writer (which I must say she is) or the 6 degree thing is working?

And the scale tips...

I'm reading this book called The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell. It's an interesting read that is about change and how change is effected by our environment and situations. Anyhow, the part of the book I'm currently at is about the Six Degrees of Separation. You've all heard of this theory, that everyone can be connected somehow by six people. Anyhow, this also brings to mind the Small World theory. How random things happen because a few people happen to be at some place, some time for some reason...and something happens.

Now that you're completely confused, let me tell you a story. Oh and I highly recommend any of Malcom's writings.

Many weeks ago I had set up to meet Lisa, Kristine, and Gary at a free Dudley Manlove show at the University Village. Lisa and Kris both confirmed they'd be there (we were meeting to discuss decorations for the up and coming 25th Anniversary party I'm throwing for my parental units). I heard nothing from Gary ( and in case you're just tuning in, Gary = crush). So I naturally assumed that he wouldn't make it. No biggy. He didn't really "commit" to joining us, just said many week's ago he'd put it on his calendar.

Last night Kris ended up having a conflict so it was just Lisa and I. We sat outside the RAM before the show and had happy hour viddles. The show starts, we walk over (I should explain that this show as outside and part of a summer concert series that the University Village (shopping center) is putting on. So loads of people, families, kids, etc.) we are standing in the back of this MASSIVE crowd of people. I look over and there is Nancy and Mike. Nancy had invited Mike out to spend time with her friends and they had no idea it was a DMQ night...but once they found out sure enough they knew I'd be there). So there's the small world part. What are the odds that they would be there by a random invitation without knowing it was DMQ?

Anyhow, so still no Gary. But by now the boys had started to play and I was just fine. They end their set, Lisa takes off. I decide to go to Starbucks for an ice tea and then contemplate leaving. But figured it was sunny out and I could manage to stand and watch the boys for another hour.

The second set begins, I'm standing in the back roughly the same spot I was before. I glance over to Nancy who's gesturing over head and pointing in a direction just to the right of me. And there, standing is Gary.

The moral of this story is had Nancy and Mike not been there I NEVER would have seen Gary and we would have missed each other thus me missing a prime opportunity to tell him of my crush (which I didn't do so just relax). I mean literally he was about 4 feet from me and I wouldn't have gone in that general direction.

Oh and as to why he wasn't there at the original time. He got home from work, fell asleep and woke up late. Then decided to jet down to see the band. Now frankly, had I not fully committed to something, and only slightly suggested I 'might' be there, I'm not sure that if I had got home and fallen asleep that I would have made my way out to see a band...unless of course there was someone you were interested in who would be there. I'm just saying.....

The Rights of People

I will never understand why the right to marry if your gay is an issue the Senate is discussing. Now, I realize I live in Seattle and we are a bit more "liberal" here with regards to gay rights...but I also think we're on the right course with the rights of our gay community.

Why does it matter to people? Why does it matter to Mr. Senator in DC whether two women or two men who LOVE each other marry? Who does that hurt? How exactly does that effect him/her? I'm not sure where I saw this, or heard it, so I can't quote my source, but homosexual marriages have a much lower divorce rate then heterosexual marriages.

I just don't understand how people can sit in judgment toward people who have "chosen" to live their lives a certain way. And I use the word "chosen" loosely because I have several gay friends who would argue they didn't really "chose" it is just how they are - and I'm not getting into the debate of whether gay is biological.

People's sexual preference doesn't, and shouldn't effect me in any way, shape or form. I know several women and men who are gay and they are active, smart, lively participants in our communities. They pay taxes just like the rest of us, they have feelings like the rest of us (and by "rest of us" I mean the non homosexual community), they put their pants on just like the rest of us. In fact, the only real difference is who they choose to spend their lives with. Is this no different than how we treated African American's 50 years ago? Someone please explain to me how does a preference of your sexual partner make you any different than anyone else?

I really wish someone, anyone, would provide me a "valid" argument as to WHY the senate or any politician should have a say in who marries whom? And don't throw to me that it's against what the Bible says...90%, I'm sure, of people who use that don't even attend church. And really is your sexual preference a religious issue?

And this is where my lack of faith gets me in trouble. I believe in God. I believe in spirituality, I am not, however, a person who believe in organized religion for the most part. Religions, as I've seen them, are quite judgmental, which is odd considering that Christianity promotes "love thy neighbor" - well except, apparently if your neighbor is gay.

And don't even get me started on abortion.

WTF?

More Pink Poodles (you have to scroll down to see them). Did I miss the memo on this new "trend"?

Friend Megan sent this to me today suggesting my mom does this to her two boys. Sadly, I doubt Brown Boy Beau can be died Pink...and I'm pretty sure Black Boy Schuster can't be died pink too...but it sure would be fun to try.

Pirates, Pasta Sauce and a Crush

Pirates, yum. Okay so maybe only if the pirate is Johnny Depp. I went yesterday to see his new movie. I didn't realize this was movie 2 of 3. Did you know that? I didn't realize they were making a third, but in fact they are and it will be available next summer. Knowing that going in helps a bit. It's definitely a #2 movie. Remember how the Back to the Future #2 movie was a bit awkward and unfinished? That's how this movie was. All that being said it was FANTASTIC. Johnny Depp = Yummy. Orlando Bloom = Yummy. And for the guys Kiara Knightly = Yummy. If you're into girls that is. Go see it! You won't be disappointed. Excellent special effects and creativity.

Pasta sauce, yum. Ken gave me a classic tomato sauce for this week's recipe (July 11th). I made it earlier this week and in the words of Rachel Ray "YUM O!" It's tasty. And in my typical Jenn cooking fashion I didn't actually follow the recipe completely. I added pepper flakes and I blended the mixture for a nice smooth texture. (I so need a food processor).

A crush, yum. So the crush went with me to see Pirates yesterday. I didn't take this opportunity to actually announce my crush on him. I do think however that he knows. How could he not? Could guys really be that dense? Don't answer that. Anyhow, I took this opportunity instead to get to know him a bit more. I asked questions instead of my normal "not" asking. We went to Mike's house after the movie for a BBQ and we all had good solid, continual conversation. I know everyone is dying for me to make a move. But I like the way this is going. I like getting to know him. Oh and I had to ride in his car yesterday. A big step for me since I generally don't like letting other people drive, because too many people scare me. He drives like me...so I'm good. No fear there. So for all of you who are waiting with "baited breath" for something to happen. You'll have to wait longer. Sorry. (and in case you're wondering I've been watching the hits on my blog and as far as I can tell he still hasn't hit it. So I think I'm safe. If I'm not, oh well. Then I guess he'll know!)

Entertaining the masses

Many of you know I'm a project management geek. I can't help it. When a former boss about 2 years ago suggested I take project management classes, I never imagined a beast would be awaken inside of me. Project management fit my personality so well, it was like putting on a new skin that was designed just for me.

One of the classes required to pass the certificate courses at Bellevue Community College is the practicum class. This class provides you with a team and a project. Your goal is to successfully see that project to fruition by utilizing all the great things you've learned about project management. The class I took was responsible for developing a website and a club for the Project Management Association at BCC (BCC PMA). I became the Vice President of the Project Management Association at that time and worked with the board to try to make the PMA be a functional association that was a benefit to its members. We were never very successful. We talked a lot, and planned a lot, but did little. Being on the board was frustrating to me because I was giving it my all, and cared about the association. The other board members generally had other lives and didn't really want to put in *that* much effort.

The board has been disbanded and now I'm the "Chairwoman" (though I think I'm going to change my title to President - it sounds better). The board is me, a webmaster Gary (aka the crush) and a BCC representative. My first act as president was to get the name out there. We have a membership base already of about 150, but haven't really don't any promoting of the association for a couple of reasons. One, we had nothing to promote and two we didn't have the bandwidth to promote it.

This gets me to my point, finally. BCC does an orientation class for students who are thinking about taking the project management curriculum. I asked if I could speak about the PMA and to introduce the students to our association. And oh by the way, I'll be teaching the orientation class in October - I'm soooo excited for that.

So last night I presented to about 16 students. Now remember when I said I hate doing presentations...last night was different. I was so in my element. I loved getting up there and talking about this association I am passionate about. I made up little business cards for myself, I had hand outs to send them away with, and I provided them a bunch of reasons to participate in our association.

While I was driving home I thought about a question Gary had asked me once he joined the board as the webmaster. He asked why I put in so much effort into the PMA and questioned if my effort would be better spent in say the Proj Mgmt Institute (the official PMP organization). Not a question anyone had ever asked me, including myself. At the time I told him that I really do care about the success of the association. It was something I helped build and I really believed that it could be successful and that I could make it that way. After my presentation last night, I now believe more than ever that it can be successful and will be. It hasn't been before because we lacked direction and full support of the college. Both we have now. And I have a passion for it. That's what drives me. This passion to spread the word of project management and get people as excited as I am about it. (I realize some may consider this a sickness and think I may need professional help. )

Now if I can only get the webpage updated and looking cool. Anyone out there know web design and is willing to design our webpage update for free?

Think Pink

This isn't me. I swear. I would never wear sweat pants and I don't have a fanny pack.

The side text with this photo said, " Pink Princes, a 1 yr old toy poodle, enjoys a walk around Oakland with owner Unique Hildreth. Hildreth, who says she has worn pink every day for the past 5 years, dyes the poodle about once a month to maintain her pinkness."

Soooo many things wrong with this, I don't even know where to start.

First off, wearing pink every day of the year for the last five years? Yah right. One would think you'd get tired of that. Of course with a name like Unique you'd also think she'd be unique...which I guess in a weird twisted way she is.

A pink poodle? How cool is that? Pookie might look good pink. Hmmmm If I do take the pink thing *that* far, y'all would be the first to know...well actually mom would be because I'm sure I'd be laughing so hard it would require a call to the madre.

Google me this. Google me that.

Randomly I like to check to see who's checking me out. So today I checked my stat counter and found that someone "googled" (I know its not really a verb) Jenn's Doings. Being the button pusher I am, I clicked on the link to Google. And this is what it said.

I don't think you can read that too well, so here's what it says about my doing's,

" Jenn's Doings Notify Blogger about objectionable content. What ...
Jennifer Sarcastic Joy to Be Around Wraspir . TWO SURVEY : If you read it ... Side Bar : Spell check for Blogger wanted to replace iPod with " wiped " . ..."

Huh? I have objectionable content on my site? Now that just hurts. I know I'm not the most exciting blogger out there, or I may not even have that exciting of a life, but "objectional content"? That is way harsh.

I do also find it amusing their "Jennifer Sarcastic Joy to Be Around Wraspir". Again, huh?

The two other results from the search are for Wraspir's I didn't even know existed, which isn't hard considering our family is ENORMOUS.

So I have just one request to all you out there "googling" me...don't just a blog by its cover...or post for that day. Get to know the blog. Be the blog. Feel the blog...oh wait, now I'm getting into Objectional content.

Pretty in Pink

I am unsure as to what my current fascination is toward the color pink, but its happening. I've never really been a pink girl. Which of course means "girly" stuff. And yet, I find myself drawn to pink of late. Mid-life crisis? Desire to be more girly? If I find out what the problem is, I'll let you know.
I had to buy a new cell phone. My previous - perfect - cell phone had a "3" problem...as in the 3 didn't work. And since many phone numbers, and my password, has the number 3 it became a pain in my butt to deal with. So I upgraded to the new Razor PINK phone. Aside from it being beautiful and slim and techy and all, it really kinda sucks.

I liked having different ring tones on my other phone. I downloaded special songs for friends that fit their personality...or I'd just change the ring tone every now and then to imitate my current mind set. But this phone has NO extra ring tones. In fact, I had to call my mom and ask her to call me back today JUST to hear how it rings. (Yes, I'm that pathetic that my phone rarely rings and if it does its probably my mom.)

I'm going to go to the Verizon store today to see if by chance they can transfer my other ring tones over, and then show me how to change it. I tried last night, by reading the manual, and seem to have an issue....well, that and there ARE NO RING TONES? So I got brave and downloaded a fun sound...and can't find it on my phone. Very bizarre. I'm usually pretty savvy with these gadgets...but this one has me all flummoxed. (Flummoxed = Word of the day. I had to use it in a sentence.)

In other news, I am feeling very "out of it" at work. WAY too much on my plate and its all swirling, incoherently in my head. I'm seriously hoping that the information finds a home in my grey matter soon...its keeping me awake at night. And I'm not a very good insomniac....

Recipe Swap: Week Three

Last night I made Ken's Andouille and Chicken Jambalaya. I'm a big fan of jambalaya and this recipe ROCKED. Now, admittedly, I made my own adjustments, but that's what's so great about cooking. You can, and you know it will still turn out exceptional.

For Ken's recipe go to his blog for June.

I used chicken stock instead of water. I'm more and more convinced that adjusting with chicken stock for water in most recipes adds a lot of flavor.

Now, for this week I'm going to give Ken one of my favorite recipes. Oh who am I kidding? They're all my favorite. And this is one recipe I have never messed with. And the dark beer adds a lot of depth and flavor to this dish that I never would have imagined. I used a porter for the dark beer as it didn't really specify.

Carbonnade a la Flamande
(From what I can tell this translated means Flemish Carbonnade of beef)

Servings 8 - though you can adjust that by how much pasta you make. It heats up as left overs EXCELLENTLY. And I'm not a left over type of girl.

3/4 C All purpose flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/8 tsp Nutmeg (yah its an odd ingredient, but it adds a nice little "hmmmm" to the recipe)
2.5 lbs boneless chuck roast, trimmed, and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 Strips bacon, diced
2 C Chopped onion
1 T chopped garlic (I use two large cloves)
1 C Less sodium Beef Stock or broth(14.5 oz)
1 C Water
2 T Brown Sugar
2 T Red Wine vinegar
2 T Tomato paste
2 T Dijon mustard (don't use yellow mustard on this)
1 tsp Fresh Thyme
2 Bay leaves
1 (12oz) can Dark beer
2 T Chopped Fresh parsley

Combine flour, salt, pepper, Nutmeg, and steak in a large zip lock bag. Seal, shake to coat.

Heat a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bacon to pan, cook 1 minute. Add beef mixture; cook 3 minutes or until browned. Do not Saute. Brown the meat on all sides. Remove beef from the pan.

Add onion and garlic to pan; saute 5 minutes or until tender.

Return beef to pan. Stir in broth, scraping the pan to loosen the browned bits. Add water, brown sugar, Tomato paste, dijon mustard, fresh thyme, bay leaves and dark beer; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook 30 minutes ou until beef is tender.

Discard bay leaves. Garnish with parsley.

I cook egg noodles on the side and top them with this stew. Its almost like a stroganoff type set up.

Have fun. And Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Pookie!

The Great Black Feline who rules this place turned 11 yesterday, though he acts like he's still 3 (don't get me started on how long it takes boys to mature). He was a little depressed yesterday because he got no cards & no call from Grandma. He did what any cat would do when they turn 11 - he slept all day. It was hard to see that he was in fact celebrating since it appeared like he was doing what he does every day. Only someone who really knows him knows he was depressed-sleeping.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOKIE!

Other names he goes by:

His original name was Dulcinea. But then his little kitty cotton balls dropped and I realized he was, in fact a boy cat. He then became Fang because he used to bite all the time. One day I decided he was my little Don Juan. So DJ, or Don Juan, is his "real" name. And then some where along the way I started calling him Pookie. While watching STOMP I read that STOMPs original name was PookieSnackenBurger...so Pookie became PookieSnackenBurger. I have all sorts of "names" from that: SnackNPoop, PookieSnack..etc. Occasionally he gets called My Big Black Beast of Burden. Or Mi Gatito Lindo (my beautiful cat).

No matter his name though he's my buddy, my pookie, my cat.

It's ironic really

Say it with me, and be sure to use a heavy southern accent, "That there is what we call ironic."

So here I was sitting in my apartment feeling a bit lonely and bit sad that I had nothing to do on this beautiful day. I decided then that I'd go be with people. I figured I didn't really need to know these people, but to be around people. I decided then that I'd go see the movie Cars.

I walked down to the theater (about a block from my place) bought my ticket, pop and popcorn ( $16 later - what a racket) found my theater and stepped inside. Expecting to see several people already there I was aghast to see not a soul in the theater. No one! I had my pick of every chair in the place. I laughed at myself considering the reason for going was to be with people.

I picked the perfect seat. Plopped my feet up on the rail in front of me and started in on my popcorn. One Kernel at a time. I sat there marveling that a movie, a SMALL pop and a SMALL popcorn cost me $16. Amazing.

The minutes ticked away and I sat patiently waiting for the movie to start. The lights dim and the previews start...wait. What? Is no one else going to watch this movie but me? You have GOT to be kidding me?

So this is the ironic part. I go out to be with people and instead I am treated to a solo viewing of the movie. Not a soul in the theater but me.

Calgon take me away! Even more ironic is I didn't feel lonely in this big theater all by myself watching a movie solo. I did, after all, have my $5 popcorn and $4 pop. I was good to go. Oh and the rebellious side of me snuck in two small dove chocolate pieces.

I can't believe tonight's the night...

That's right. Tonight is the night. I've waited for this moment with an anxious sensation for weeks now. I've finally decided, tonight is the night.

I need to be prepared. Perhaps some retail therapy to help ease the nerves. I need to make sure all my senses are ready for this ultimate experience of which I've waited so long to take place. I know you all have been waiting for me to do this, so wait no more. Tonight is the night.

You guessed it, I'm going to cook Ken's recipe of the week. (Andouille and Chicken Jambalaya)



What? What did you think I was going to do? OH. You thought I was going to tell the crush he was a crush. Yah, well unfortunately I have this small issue of trying to get time with him alone.

A shining example of my married life...

So I read the Onion. I love it. I find it amusing, most of the time. And I have to constantly remind myself that this is, in fact, sarcastic wit.

But today I find myself less amused than normal. I am reading this article and am suddenly, painfully, aware that this could me my married life if I never get up the nerve to talk to the crush.

Get Thee to a Nunnery!

Mike Greene should appreciate that title. It was, after all, his favorite phrase in high school. But being that he was Jesus Christ, I had to let him say whatever he wanted.

I feel obligated to warn you all that this particular post will have no rhyme or reason (I know what you're thinking. "Like you normally have rhyme or reason.") As it turns out I have a kajillion things on my mind and no where to place them...thus putting them on the blog.

First and foremost, I'm going to NY. Yah baby! I've been given the task to take over the planning and coordinating of one of our major tradeshows (unfortunately its because the current event planner and my officemate is leaving the company). So I'm feeling enormously overwhelmed with this. I know I can do it, I've done it before...its just so much so quickly. I'm having those nights where 1) I can't fall asleep and 2) when I do fall asleep I dream about SpeechTek. Ugh! I have a 7 page check list going right now of things I need to do for this event...I'm sure I'll survive it. I must! I must!

Because MS is already paying for my airfare, I'm planning on staying through the weekend and meeting my sister-in-law there and doing the NY thing with Beverly...which basically means shopping until you can't feel your feet. My nephew lives there, so I'm counting on him to "help" me see a few sights. I can't wait!!!

Other fronts, I'm dealing, albeit not so well, with my good friend Mike having a new girlfriend. I love her and I'm soooo very happy for him. I'm just having a hard time dealing with the loss of a best friend. I know this is the way it goes. I know that people get coupled and you rightfully do things with them instead of other friends more. Its just hard when Mike and I have pal'ed around together for years. I'll survive...I must! I must! What does make it easier is Nancy is quite cool and seems to be a lot of fun.

On the crush side, well let's just say I'm batting zero. (Hey I could play for the Mariner's and be their star batter with that average). For every step I take forward, I seem to take twelve back. A friend who recently saw he and I together made an observation that there's something there based on the way he looks at me. Great...but will he ever do anything about that? Doubt it. He seems too shy for that. I must be the brave one here.

Which got me to thinking about how as adults we really don't have very many opportunities to take risks. We are somehow conditioned to play it safe. I'm really in a win-win situation with the crush. If I do say something - scratch that - WHEN I say something either way I win. We're either friends or we're dating. So maybe this is my opportunity to grow just a wee bit more and become an *gasp* adult.

I will survive. I must! I must! And if I don't, you can find me in the nunnery likely. Taking my vow of silence and poverty. I'm sure they'll let me post on my blog though...I am, after all, not "officially" talking.

Its Raining Men...

Or just raining.

The weathermen in Seattle SUCK. For the record. Though I suppose to their credit, they did say 15% chance of showers tonight...but who'd believe them. They're always wrong.

All day it was sunny and about 70 degrees. Perfect weather to sit and watch the fireworks. Mike and Nancy picked me up and we headed to Bellevue. We park, plant ourselves on the lawn, pull out our viddles and then...drop...drip...drop...Wait? What? You've got to be kidding me. Its raining.

Then as if the heavens opened up. For 5 minutes straight it absolutely down poured...not your normal Seattle mist...torrential down pour. Everything was soaked. We were absolutely soaked.

About an hour or so later, we decided that it was cold. Not only were we wet, but the sun was starting to go down and it was getting chilly. So we hoofed it back to the car, drove across the way and parked in a grocery store parking lot. Being that we had about an hour, we did what every cold Seattle person would do...we headed to Starbucks. Hot chocolates in hand, we went back to the car. It was great fun. Not only were we still able to watch the fireworks, but we were dry and warm now...AND it didn't take us 4 hours to get out of the mall parking lot to get home.

Though funny enough, we discovered as we tried to drive up my road in Lynnwood, that just a block from my apt Lynnwood was putting on one heck of a fireworks display. Next year, we'll just stay here.

As if on queue...

I'm not sure of the statistic, but the standard joke in Seattle is that summer starts July 5th. Meaning it usually rains on the 4th of July. In the past week or two we've had EXCEPTIONAL weather. Which is standard protocol for the mental trip the weather here in Seattle plays on its patrons.

Today is July 4th. I joking thought to myself last night as I watched the weather report anxiously waiting for the news of rain. Nothing. Wait...what? No rain. Surely the weather gods realized it was the 4th of July.

I changed the channel. Ah ha....channel 13 ...they'll tell me it'll be raining tomorrow. Nope. Drat.

So off to bed I went. My mind spinning...I wasn't able to understand this craziness that was happening. Maybe it was due to Global Warming? Yah. That's why.

This morning about 5:30AM I was awaken by thunder. Yes, thunder. I wanted to laugh out loud - but I didn't because I would wake the cat which meant he'd pester me until I fed him. My world had been restored. I knew it would rain on the 4th of July.

Now, this doesn't mean its still raining. Oh no...its 65F outside and sunny.

Tonight's festivities will be going to downtown Bellevue with Mike and a few other friends to enjoy the atmosphere of the 4th. Bellevue Square does an excellent display. I will be making Secret Cosmos ( cosmos that we put in a thermos and plastic colored glasses so they don't know what we're drinking).

And as a special gift to us, Pookie and I have one less life. Last night some rodents (aka local brats) were throwing fireworks around. One said firework landed in my back patio. It wasn't your normal fire cracker...it was one of those large ones. Pookie, who had been sitting by the sliding door. The fire cracker went off, he went off, and I went off. Good times. Pookie has gone into hiding.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be

As if the Great Yahoo Swami was smiling upon me. It sent me this inspirational horoscope on Saturday afternoon...after my giant leap. Coincidence? Or something more?

Learn to give yourself up to the universal flow. If it's really meant to be, none of your efforts can screw this up. On the other hand, if it's not meant to happen, nothing you can do can make it occur.
I find it amusing that it says, "none of your efforts can screw this up," as if to say its customary for me to screw things up, but try as I might I won't be able to screw this up. Hah...just watch me.

This weekend's "growth" got me to thinking...scary I know. But stick with me on this. Recently I watched a movie called "What the Bleep do we know" (Thanks ChickenLady for the recommendation) and this movie, like so many things in my life, seemed to come to me when I needed some type of cosmic explanation for why things go the way they do for me. I, of course, took notes, because I was sure there was going to be some revelation spoken to me. Something I knew I'd forget if I didn't write it down.

Now several week's later I was reviewing the notes I took. And what jumped out to me is this enormous pink elephant standing in the middle of my reality, blocking my view of what is real versus what my past experiences tell me are real. Is it possible that we are conditioned to our daily lives, so conditioned to the way we create our lives, that we buy the idea that we have no control at all? Maybe too many memories clouds our vision?

I know I may be losing you, but stick with me, I'll get to a point, I promise.

During the movie one of the many scientist they have on there – whether real scientist or not they spoke to me. Anyhow, one of them goes into this discussion about how the brain is made up. He says,

“The brain is maid up of tiny nerve cells called neurons. These neurons have tiny branches that reach out to other neurons and form a neuron net. Each place in which they connect is incubated into a thought or a memory. The brain builds up all its concepts by the law of associate memory, for example ideas, thoughts and feelings, are all constructed and interconnected in this nero-net and all have a possible relationship with one another. The concept in the feeling of love, for existence, is stored in this vast nero-net. But we build this concept of love from many other different ideas. Some people have love connected to disappointment. When they think about love, they experience the memory about pain, sorrow, anger and even rage. Rage may be linked to hurt which may be linked to a specific person which is then connected back to love. “

“We build up models of how we see the world outside of us. The more information we have, the more we refine our model one way or another. And what we ultimately do is tell ourselves a story about what the outside world is. Any information that we process, any information that we take in by the environment, is always colored by the experiences that we’ve had and an emotional response to what we’re having to what we’re bringing in. “
See?

Now here’s my point. Here I am, at a crossroads again. I will take the leap and have the conversation with the crush. I mean really, what’s the worse thing that could happen. The WORST thing is he could spit in my face, call me an old hag and tell me to get out of his life. That, for certain, won’t happen. Even if he just wants to be friend, I’m in a win win situation. I win because I was brave enough to put myself out there and have gained anew friend (and maybe some respect for being so brave). AND I could win if he says that he too is attracted to me (ironically as I type that my brain is saying, yah right.).

I know I’m a good person. People like me. I’m stable, solid, a bit nutty but overall, a good person with a good solid head on my shoulders. And I can cook. What guy wouldn’t like that?

The real trick to life is to not be in the know, but to be in the mystery.


And as if the cosmic forces already working towards me aren’t enough. This just in. I get a daily quote and this is what today was:

“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”

One Giant Leap for Jennifer

Have you ever had someone come into your life and you’re so thankful for that person? Like their entire purpose is to help set your boat back on course. That person for me is my friend Claudia. She started as one of my instructors, and then we became friends. She’s been off gallivanting around Italy and has recently returned to reality. She and I met for breakfast this morning as we had a lot to catch up on. She caught me up on her adventures in Europe and I caught her up on the crush. She had some interesting insight into the “right” thing to do with the approaching the crush.

Now, keep in mind, I’m petrified of talking to him about any interest I have towards him. I know. I know. I lose nothing by telling him. He’s a nice enough person that I know even if he didn’t share the interest we’d still be friends. And there is that small percentage of a chance that he’d actually be interested. I know all this. I do.

Anyhow, Claudia had a great explanation that I can’t possibly type out because it takes too much work. But she did talk me into actually taking a step and calling him to invite him to do something tomorrow.

See I had planned a spontaneous trip to Westport tomorrow. It’s a nice weekend and would be a perfect time to take the trip. I sent him an email on Friday to ask him (because it’s easier to do those things with the cloak of email). I hadn’t heard from him. I was just going to let it go. Claudia talked me into calling him. WHAT? Call him? You mean pick up the phone and risk actually talking to him?? Oh god no. No way.

But in the end, I did it. I dialed the phone. It rang. My heart increased its pumping. It rang again. My palms got sweaty. It rang and rang and rang. YES! Voicemail. Voicemail I can do. So I left a message.

Bad timing for him, but still. I made one big step. And for that I feel good.