A Half a Marathon? Me?

Why yes it's true. BeagleBabe asked if I'd be interested in walking in the Seafair Half Marathon with her this year. The marathon is in late June, so by then surely I should be able to walk 13 miles without any issues. So I figured, why not! I've always thought it would be quite an accomplishment to run a marathon. While the accomplishment side entices me, the running side does not. But if I can walk in one, hell yah I'm in. One more thing off my list of things to do in this lifetime.

In other news, wait - there isn't any other news. My bad.

CheeryO

It's a Snow Day! It's a STAY HOME day!

I woke this morning to the sound of silence. As I turned off the buzzing alarm clock, it dawned on me that I didn't hear any cars on the road outside. "Uh-oh!" I thought. That could only mean one thing. Snow! I jumped out of bed, startling the sound sleeping Pookie. Opening the blinds in the living room I am shocked to see 5+ inches of snow. Not bad considering the weather folks of this area said we'd only get a dusting of snow. FIVE Inches of snow.

Knowing the Mustang would be perfectly content with staying home, I logged into the computer. I was greeted almost immediately with an IM from our Sales VP who's visiting from the UK indicating she was the only one who made it in, and I should stay put and work from home. Ah, no worries there.

This weekend was full one indeed. Friday night I stayed in for the night and regrouped for the up and coming busy weekend.

Saturday morning it was up early to meet the team for a 6 mile training walk. We started our walk at one end of Alki and walked to the other end around the waterfront. 7 miles. It was great fun. And in fact, I was shocked and stunned that we had walked 7 miles. Blueberry, Heidi and I were a bit sore right after, but spent a good amount of time stretching and downing water.

Team Saving 2nd Base: Blueberry, BigBro, Heidi and me. Notice the sign I'm wearing. Heidi made the signs for us to wear as we walk. I was surprised how creative we go while walking on fundraising ideas. We should be able to make our money and then some. Ignore the math on the sign. Heidi had an issue with 4X$2,200. Not that I can really make too much fun of her because we all know how good I am at math. But it was funny none the less.

Sunday I expected to be sore when getting out of bed and starting the day, but was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't. Met up with my new photography "club" (PhotoGodsNW) in downtown Seattle. Our topic of focus was patterns / textures / and reflections. It was fun for me to wonder through Pike Place market and be able to ask questions to people I consider excellent photographers. A bit intimidating at times, but I'm up for the learning aspect...and of course the social aspect of it. I'll be posting my photos soon, so stay tuned.

Ooo, just noticed we're having a heat wave. It's 35 degrees outside.

One Big Blob of Blubbering Mush

If ever I had to prove I was a woman (here me roar) I would only ask the accuser to come with me to a Getting Started meeting for the Susan G. Komen 3-day / 60 mile walk. My god. It was all I could do to compose myself during this meeting.

We were late due to a misunderstanding on the invitation and walked in to the last 10 minutes of emotional movie about the walk. There wasn't a dry eye in the place, myself included. Then as the coordinator walked through (pardon the pun) the three days events it hit me again. A rolling wave of emotion. I can't even blame PMS.

I've walked a lot this week and have a plan to walk tomorrow (rain or snow - yes snow) 6 miles. The team is meeting to do this blessed event down by the water, which of course will mean its colder. Right now its going to be 32F. Oh goody.

The week got better, barely. The shining moment was Skippy being on vacation for the next 4 days starting today. It was lighter and more fun at work. PMDude and I got to actually banter without any input from Skip. Oh glory day.

I got another donation today. BIG SHOUT OUT TO TYLER FOR HIS DONATION!!! Tyler and I used to work together at the Cat Shack. I made the decision to stretch my donation requests far and wide, and look. Not only did I get a donation, but maybe reconnected with a friend from the past.

I had a major brain fart today that I'm trying to decide whether to share it with you or not. See, every now and then little blond strands break their way through and do something down right silly. So it's been relatively sunny this week, but butt cold. Yesterday I figured I'd go get my car washed because it's disgusting. The thought that actually crossed my mind is as follows, "Hey, I can walk to the car wash." If you got it right away, you win. If you're still thinking about it...you're worse than I.

AI = Freakville

OMG...I can't do it. I can't watch American Idol. Patron Saint loves it and rants and raves about it. So I figured, she couldn't possibly be wrong about how good a show is. But I can't do it. I feel so embarrassed for so many of those people that I have to look away. My guts just quiver in the "OMG that poor person". There are some certifiable freaks out there.

This week so far peeps has been H.E. double toothpicks. I'm considering a career change since this PMing thing seems to not be working out just right. Hah! I know that the world of PM has it's up and its downs...but good grief. Must ALL The downs be within a two week period?

I have learned quite a bit this week though. Most importantly how there's a HUGE loss in the translation from my English to those of my Brit compadres. What I think is written in good, well explained English, isn't always understood in good English. I've tried very hard to not micromanage a few, but alas I find that was a mistake.

I just want this week to be over. Though admittedly I get to look forward to wine tasting on Thursday.

I can't think of a title...

It's official. There must be something in the air. I've had three friends of late all become somewhat "adult" and start focusing on items they've put off. I for one have been extremely motivated of late and wonder if there isn't something in the water.

Now I've not been motivated at work. A couple of project issues and a few clients giving the why for makes work boring. Even Skippy hasn't been entertaining us (on a side note though, PMDude and I are overjoyed because one Skippy will be on vacation for like 4 days starting Friday and through next week. It's so wrong for us to be happy, but we can't help it).

Today was a Monday through and through. It started by leaving at 0'dark thirty to get to work. I glanced at the thermometer as I walked out the door and took a double take. Did it really say 27 degrees. Oh dear god it was going to be cold out. Traffic was blessedly light thanks to Mr. Martin Luther King. I get to work and am barely through my first cup of tea when the door opens. I assumed it was PMDude, but was shocked to see it was Skippy. My first thought, and for this I'll be going to hell, was, "Wow, way to ruin a Monday." See I hold the first hour / hour and half at work as sacred time. It's usually just PMDude and I and we get a buttload of work done. For Skippy to disturb it - well that's just wrong.

I've been focusing very hard on getting my inbox down to something manageable. PMDude loves to throw out the single digit number that his inbox holds (I hate him sometimes). So I've decided I need a new tactic. Besides "Select All / Delete". I want to find a sound byte that is Homer Simpson saying "WooHoo!" Then every time I delete / move or respond to an email I get a pat on the back. And doubly I'd likely annoy PMDude in the process.

Blueberry and I got out and walked 2.21 miles today. How do I know it was 2.21 miles? BigBro gave me a pedometer and now I can keep track easier than driving my car through the path I want to take. We may have gone more today, in fact I felt I could go more, if I wasn't freezing my toes off. When we left Chez Jenn's it was 34 degrees out. When we got back it was 31 - and the sun was still out. Blasted winter! I need me some spring and I need it fast! I'm tempted to go do some tanning to just get warmed through.

I am on my way

Yes sir, well on my way.

First sorry to my "fans" that I've not written since Tuesday. It was a killer of a week at work in which I got a chance to listen to two customers complain about not getting what they paid for. That always makes a project manager feel good. But c'est la vie. Life continues and contingency plans have to be put into place then.

Our 3day team is almost solidified. Blueberry is all registered. BigBro will register early in February. A good friend from my early MS / Volleyball days has chosen to join our team as well. So very exciting for Saving 2nd Base.

I've now clocked 15 miles total in training. Not a lot by some standards, but it feels like a lot to me. Blueberry, BigBro and I met today and walked around Greenlake. Blue and I then stopped and she bought a pair of new walking shoes and had breakfast. After breakfast she and I decided to walk Greenlake again. After lap 2 the old pedometer said I had gone 13, 207 steps. Ole! And 6.72 miles. Ole Ole! I'm surprisingly not that tired or sore. I've done a good deal of stretching so hopefully all will be good tomorrow. We shall see.

On our second track around the lake I ran into a former boss. A former boss I didn't get along well with in the beginning and then, then she became a mentor. She is the one who got me into project management and had help in making me the career woman I am today. Weird running into her at Greenlake. But I got a $25 donation from her while we were chatting. So big shout out to Kathy! Her donation gets me to $200 raised. Just $2000 left. Oh lord that's a lot of $$.

I step out of the ordinary

Big! HUGE! ENORMOUS Shout out to Freak Magnet for my first donation! You rock the cat box! (If I have to explain ... that's a play on Rock the Casbah 80's song - never mind).

Big! HUGE! ENORMOUS Shout out to PMDude for sending my letter to his friends. Who knew he had more than 2? You rock the cat box too. I promise you one cookie for each dollar your friends donate.

Update Posted several hours after the first time I posted this -er ah - post:
CAPTAIN SARCASTIC OFFICIALLY ROCKS TOO.

So...? Who's up next to step up to the competition?

Blueberry and I met up and walked 2 miles tonight. She's quite gung-ho too, though is holding back some reservations about asking friends/family for donations. I say you have got to throw shame out the window and ask! Ask! Ask!

This decision, I have to say, has completely motivated me. And my lack of patience has kicked in. Not only do I want to meet my donation minimum NOW, but I want to walk NOW! Of course I realize I have to wait, work hard, and enjoy the trip.

On a different note, ever see a commercial that actually makes you laugh out loud. A local ski resort has new runs they've opened. They're commercial begins with the chanting of monks and pans into one that holds a skeleton key. The next screen you see them inserting the key and turning it. Finally the last scene you see woman's legs and a Chasity belt drop to around her ankles. Their tag line: 100 new virgin acres open. Hilarious to me! Might be more funny if you saw it, but trust me. Funny!

Oh and Skippy found out that we call him Skippy. The Brit in the office and Skippy teach ski lessons together. The Brit's kids take classes and one of his kids happens to be in Skippy's class. Apparently, Little Brit must've overheard The Brit call Skippy, Skippy and so when was introduced to him yells, "SKIPPY!" I would have paid money to see the look on Skippy's face. I would have even paid pounds (as in GBP).

Okay, this girl is pooped and needs to get her apartment torn apart for carpet cleaning tomorrow. The Big Black Beast of Burden has been put on restriction from any further fur balls tossing.

Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind

Now that I've decided to walk in this 3-day 60 mile Breast Cancer race, I'm all in. BigBro, Blueberry and I are all walking. We've created a team and are now officially called Saving 2nd Base!

I crack myself up though in that I'm all in as a PM. Once I made the decision to go for it, I launched myself into creating my very own project plan and schedule. I outlined what my risks, my constraints, my assumptions, all of it are. In all reality it is just like a project, and what better way to ensure my success than to just go for it 100% and be the PM Queen I know I am.

There is small flaw in the project plan though and that is my lack of knowledge of the weather forecast. I had decided yesterday after I walked 3 miles with my BigBro and Niecy-poo, where the weather was sunny and beautiful, that I would walk 3 miles tonight. Rain or shine! I figured if the post man can do it I can. Well, let me tell you, I am reconsidering my "rain or shine" attitude. I believe Seattle weather is why gyms were created.

But alas, I got home tonight after driving in a torrential downpour of rain mixed with snow, changed my clothes, put on what I thought was a waterproof jacket ( I was wrong) and I headed out. I had clocked a route the night before so I knew how far 3 miles was and I knew where I could cut a mile out. About 500 yards into this adventure, I thought I might have made a mistake. But I kept telling myself, "Keep going. You can do it. It's not really freakin freezing out here and you're not really soaking wet already." So I kept going. At about 1000 yards my shin splints started having some input to this idea of walking rain or shine. At about 1 mile, the shin splints stopped their gabbing, I was absolutely soaked, a bit cold, my nose was running, and my iPod had died. Still, I had 2 miles left and about .5 miles to decide whether to stay the course for 3 miles or turn right and only do 2 miles total. I'm ashamed to say, I opted to turn right and only walk 2 miles. My god it was cold! I did the two miles in just about 45 minutes and reached my front door feeling so very proud at myself for not letting Mother Nature talk me out of it.

I'm feeling very motivated at this point and really want to keep this motivation alive. If you have any ideas how to do that please share.

And as you will like see on just about every blog from here on out, my donation site is open. I would appreciate anything any of you could contribute. I'm trying to think of something special to do for all those Jenn Fan's who do donate, so if you have any ideas on that too, please share.

To donate to end breast cancer, click here.

Encouragement is what I'll need

You may recall last year I wrote a blog about my big brother walking in the 3-day 60 mile breast cancer walk for Susan G.Komen. I was so proud of him and impressed at his commitment to walk for family members who have had to deal with breast cancer. His dedication to walking in this race was truly contagious.

Well, I did it. I signed up for this year's race. I'll be calling on my blog folk eventually to support me in this endeavor, not just financially, but spiritually or even emotionally. I'm really nervous about committing to this. I mean, what if I can't do it. What if I can't walk 60 miles? BigBro guarantees me that I'll not only be able to do it, but that it'll be an experience of a life time. I have to trust that if I train accordingly (starting tomorrow) and really focus I can do it.

So in order to not back out or chicken out, I registered today. I set my goal at $4200 to raise. I've got some time so I think I can do that. Wanna see my personal page? Click here. I'll be updating it eventually, but for now it'll do.

Wish me luck!

Monkey pack him rizla pon the sweet dep line

2 Loud shout outs for anyone who knows where that lyric is from.

Any...whoo...

Tonight I met BeagleBabe at Seattle Cellars downtown for some wine tasting and girl chatter. She and I try to meet on a relatively regular basis for happy hour. Sicknesses and the holidays had put the kabosh on it for a month or more, but we're back in it.

Seattle Cellars had some fantastic wines tonight from Estancia winery. We sampled a Sauvignon Blanc, a chardonnay, a zinfandel and a Shiraz. By far the zinfandel was our favorite. I'm not a big white wine girl so I was a bit unsure about the two whites, but the sauvignon blanc was surprisingly delicious. I bought a bottle, or two, or three or four. The price was spectacular for what I considered to be darn decent wine ($9 a bottle). I didn't buy a chardonnay, not a big fan.

The tasting is free for the most part, at least if you bought a $10 glass it's free. The glass you can bring back each time and then the tasting is free. The way I figured it, BeagleBabe and I are going to need to go at least twice a month for the entire year to get my $10 worth. Oh the pressure. How will I ever survive?

I got downtown early and stopped at a very trendy and comfortable coffee shop. Had the most fantastic mocha breve (shhh don't tell anyone). I had my new little point and shoot camera with me (I've not blogged about it, but I HATED my other little POS. It was an HP and I absolutely despised it. So I bought myself this cute little pink Sony.) Anyhow, I had it with me and thought I'd play around with some of the settings. While I was sitting there I noticed a chess set sitting there. This little shoot took some nifty photos I think.

In other random and somewhat non interesting news, PMDude hasn't been at work for the last two days and I've been forced to deal with Skippy on my own. I am absolutely sure, in fact 100% sure that there is a village somewhere missing their idiot. His arrogance and his overall stupidity truly amazes me. I had an opportunity to put him in his place and it made me all giddy inside knowing I could do the "I told you so" dance, but refrained. Though I did send PMDude a highlight of the experience.

This afternoon though was the classic move. I was meeting with two other compadres in the office in our conf room. Skippy be-bopped his way over and stuck his head in. Now granted the door wasn't closed, but it was VERY obvious we were working. Anyhow he poked his head in and asked what we were doing. Huh?What? One of the compadres said, "ah, we're working, ever heard of it?" I almost spit my tea out. Didn't expect that. The other compadre invited Skip in to maybe "learn" something, but warned him to just watch and not interrupt. Yah right. That's like telling a guy to not think about sex. So not going to happen. Anyhow, the meeting progressed and Skippy proceeded to add his mastery into the conversation. Honestly, I left the room shaking my head. I just couldn't believe that I have to deal with this on a regular basis. Even my daily utterance of "Calgon! Take me away." isn't working.

I Vant to Suck Your Blood

Howdy! Which is Texan for "Hi!"

Don't ask. It's not even 7AM and I'm feisty. PMDude isn't at work today. Some lame excuse about a car dying and needing a new transmission. As if. Doesn't he understand he's my sanity in this increasing insane office environment.

But alas, I'm prepared without him all the same. I know you're dying to ask how. I know you are. Well, if you must know, I have my defenses ready.

Yes sir. Uh-Huh! That's right! Garlic. Now, traditionally to keep vampires away one would wear garlic around their neck. Seeing how that would clash with the stylish fashionable items I wear today, I can't wear said garlic necklace. But last night, Chicken Lady and I landed ourselves one helluva a garlic feast. We saddled up to a little table in a restaurant in Bellevue called Mediterranean Kitchen. Both of us love this joint, and her hubby (Mr. Chicken Lady) is not particularly fond of it because there's too much garlic. WHAT? How could one have too much garlic? It's just not possible. Freak! Their hummus is quite possibly the best I've ever tasted. And I've tasted my fair share of hummus (interesting little Jenn tid bit here. I'm not a fan at all of garbanzo beans - or chick peas if you will -yet I love hummus. Huh? Odd. Freakish even.)

What's so spectacular about this hummus is the amount of garlic it contains. Flavorful without blowing your head off with heat. As I drove home last night, left overs in hand, I laughed out loud at how stinky the car was with all the garlic in there.

And garlic stays with you man. In fact waking up this morning I had that pasty garlic film in my mouth and I smiled knowing I would be having garlic for lunch too. My defenses are all set. Maybe PMDude is thankful that he's not here to smell the aroma that is Jenn today.

Holy 2008 Batman!

WoW! Just one week into the new year and I've already a week behind in blogging. I thought about blogging every day for the year like Patron Saint is doing, but realized my life isn't that interesting.

You may recall that my new year's theme included "living" a bit more, or more specifically doing things more that I have a passion for, like photography. Well, I'm doing just that.

I've gathered a small, selective group of friends who are also photographers to play photography 101 with me throughout the year. I also tapped into some other friends who I consider excellent photographers what ideas they have for topics.

Since all of us have our own talents and levels of experience in photography and we all seem to share the desire to take some time and learn and practice our skills of photography. I bought my Canon in July and just don't feel like I understand it's capacity nor do I understand my own. And for me it's been so long since I've thought about photography that I feel like I'm starting from scratch.

Photography is about light and how you can manipulate light. While the list of topics I have now is extensive, I'd like to focus (pardon the pun) on how to use levels of light in these situations. Specifically, low light photography - at night and in dark places. Winter is a great time for this, the cold air makes for crisp night shots. And an excuse to stop and have a coffee afterwards. Different times of day - sunrises and noon and dusk all require different skills and can drastically change a scene. The direction of shadows and even the occasional lens flair can change everything. Colors of light - different light has different colors. Sunlight is white and lights with incandescent bulbs are yellow. Florescent light is blue. This ties into the available light, but find a way of using the color. Colors - I mentioned colors of light, but color is a different thing. Find new ways of grabbing color, or pure ways of grabbing color. Movement - find ways of capturing movement. Whether it is stillness or speed. Black and White - Experiment with black and white.

Whew! That makes me tired already. I generally take photos of flowers, and generally macro. I need to branch out and test my skills in areas I'm not comfortable with. For example, I am horrible at taking candid shots of people, yet I find myself in a situation to do that all the time.

And what of these topics:
City-scapes
Different Point of View (looking up, looking down, from a dogs eyes)
Reflections
Sky stuff
Patterns
People (youth / old)
Color / texture
Architecture
Close up work
Shadows / reflections.
Landscapes
Waterscapes
3-Day Breast Cancer Walk / Emotions – this is assuming I am walking in it.
Fall / Seasons
Sunrise / Sunset / Night / Morning

My plan is to have our photos all posted to a Flickr site and allow each of us to review each other's photos. I want the feedback from people I have deemed solid photographers. Any feedback will give me the training I need to be an authentic, full fledged photographer. Who knows, some day I may sell my photos or be published - unlikely, but wishful thinking.

Chop Suey OMG is so good

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm barely alive I think. First off...Chop Suey! What a fantastic little club for the boys to play in. I've seen them in so many venues and have my opinion of all of them. But Chop Suey has a nice combination of great sound, large dance floor, and seats. Yes, you read correctly. Seats. These old bones need to sit once in a while.

Wanna count down with me?

The show opened with one of my other favorite bands I was introduced to by DMQ called The Fiasco. I have two of their CDs currently in my possession and will be ordering another shortly. Me likely.

The evening started at my place with Parchment Halibut with homemade pesto on top. Delicious! Big shout out to the ParentalUnits for supplying the fresh Alaskan halibut. MMMM!

Chop Suey had just opened when we got there, so we had plenty of places to choose from. People watching, I gotta tell ya, on New Year's Eve in a hot spot like that is hysterical. I really need to work on my judgmental side. But man, some people make it so easy.

DMQ played a few new songs. I love when they pull songs out of the closet that are new to them to play, but old to the rest of us who happen to know the lyrics.

This song is for PMDude. It's my gift to him for the New Year!