Well, hello there...

I have heard, and I've listened. A few of you, who shall remain nameless, have commented on the difficulty in reading the previous color scheme of my blog. And since those that shall remain nameless I appreciate reading my blog, I am henceforth reserving the right to change my background...again.

My what a day. It came in like the grief and went out like the "can I get an AMEN?" Fast day truth be told. I'm not even sure what I did today.

I do know I came home and cooked. Made a delightful little dish in which I actually, believe it or not, followed the recipe. If you like the spicy this is the recipe for you. I'd put it on my cooking blog, but since I've changed my background I've lost that link...which thankfully the practical woman in me stored on her computer at work.

THAI STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS
Serves 4 - but I drilled it down to 2 - this is the 4 recipe

1/2 cup White vinegar
1/3 cup Sugar
1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 T Fish sauce (did you know if you didn't have fish sauce soy sauce can be used in it's place? You do now!)
1 T Fresh grated ginger (I used about 2 tsp of dry ground ginger)
3 cloves Garlic, minced
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 T Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper

Heat vinegar, sugar and pepper flakes in small sauce pan over medium high heat until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Off heat, stir in cilantro, fish sauce, ginger and garlic.

Rub chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over hot fire until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to platter and brush with 1/4 cup sauce. Tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve, passing remaining sauce at table.

I let the chicken sit then thinly sliced it on a bias. Put that over rice, and drizzled the sauce over that. Nummers!

In other thrilling news from the Jendo, I finished my 15th book tonight. My life apparently has gone missing. I'm addicted to a writer now and as with many of my other addictions, I can't stop until I've read them all. I've only about 30 more books to go...

Saturday wait, and Sunday always comes too late

The weekend's are funny things aren't they? First you can't wait for it to get started, then suddenly you find yourself sitting on the couch at 9:30 pm wondering what the hell happened to the weekend. It seems so unfair. When I have my own world, it'll be all about a 5 day weekend and a 2 day work week. And the sky would be ... pink!

So yesterday I did all of -nothing. Not a single solitary thing. I woke at 7am, made coffee and toast. Then promptly sat my butt on the couch and read an entire book all day. I did take bathroom and food breaks, but otherwise I did nothing. It was a horribly stormy day here in the NW. A perfect day for sitting and doing nothing. And so I obliged. The day really did require it. And who am I to say otherwise.

Today on the other hand was the complete yen to yesterday's yang. It was sunny and beautiful today. A slight breeze in the air, that just hinted to spring. These are the days this time of year that I think of as "teaser days". It gives you just enough look at spring to make you yearn for it, then tomorrow it will abruptly rip you back into reality of spring in the NW. Rain. Rain. And some more rain for good measure.

I had a small crowd of friendlies over here. My middle brother - we'll call him - Cowboy J - brought a bar over from my parents house in eastern Wa. This bar is made of teak and weighs a ton, or so I remembered. Cowboy J however was a smart one and took it apart so it was easier to move. He did, however, forget all the hardware in Seattle so I can't put the darn thing together. Anyhow, being that I remembered it weight a small mega ton I had planned on many strong manly men being here to help. Without knowing any, I invited some friends instead. Hahahah just kidding manly men who were here to help. You know I love ya.

I had a house full. I marinated steaks in the Better Than A-1 marinade...OMG so good. Did balsamic green beans - who's recipe will be on the other blog this week - Herb Orzo pasta salad, and a german chocolate cake for dessert. Everthing turned out fantastic and actually tasted pretty darn good. I just love to cook for people. It's so rewarding to see people enjoy your cooking.

And so here I sit dreading another day of work tomorrow. Not because I hate my job, cuz I don't, but sometimes I wish I had one more day off. Just one more day.

“Together, we can make a difference” – Breast Cancer 3 Day

I remember thinking as I walked along a dirt path in September 2008 that this was going to change my life. I didn’t know then just how it would, but I knew that the Breast Cancer 3 Day would change me. I can’t help but smile, and tear up just a little, when I think about all the wonderful memories, all the amazing people, and all the money raised to help fight. As one woman said in the video, “it’s my statement”. I was doing something about it. I knew I was a very small fish in a very large pond of people who were doing something about breast cancer. The Breast Cancer 3 – Day’s slogan “Everyone deserves a lifetime” is one that I truly believe in and am proud to say I’ve help take a step toward ensuring just that.

Just a few statistics:

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes, and one woman will die from breast cancer every 13 minutes.
• Currently, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US (can I get a YEEHAW?)

Staggering when you think that you can probably name 8 mothers, sisters, best friends, aunts, wives, etc. But there is hope, and with hope we can, and will, make a difference.

Last year, my BigBro, Blueberry and I raised $21,000. Just the three of us. Even today I look at that number and am proud to say I played a part in a much bigger picture. The numbers for 2008 Breast Cancer 3 Day are out. And as I read those numbers, I welled up…again … the pride so intense.

85% of the funds we raised goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Those funds will support research, education, awareness and community health programs. The other 15% goes to the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT). NPT provides long-term support for breast cancer research, treatment, prevention and education.

The Breast Cancer 3 day took place in 14 cities last year. Hundreds of miles walked in training and preparation for it. Hundreds of men and women strapped on their tennys and took the step to end breast cancer forever. Those men and women raised $110 MILLION dollars. Yah, take a deep breath and let me say that again. $110 MILLION DOLLARS!!!! And here’s an even bigger number, since 2003 they’ve raised $400 MILLION DOLLARS.

If I didn’t feel proud before, and if I didn’t think we could end breast cancer forever, I believe it now.

But wait, if you think that’s still not enough. If you think you want to do more, but know I’m not walking. No matter, you can support my BigBro, Blueberry or BigBro’s wife. They’re all three taking the step again this year. My heroes. I will be their walker stalker and be a hero my own way.

Every little bit helps – if you want to donate – here are their details. You can pick one of them, or all of them – but please…let’s keep the trend of raising enormous amounts of money going.

Ric Wraspir (aka BigBro):
He’s already raised $710 buckaroos.

Janet Wraspir (aka BigBro’s wife)
She’s already raised $445 buckaroos

And Blueberry (aka Sherrie – my favorite survivor) She hasn’t raised anything yet…but she will.

Just one more thing…ONE HUNDRED AND TEN MILLION DOLLARS! Do you dare to imagine a world without breast cancer? I do.

Well...you know, I can love you like nobody can...even better.

Thanks to Patron Saint for getting this song stuck in my head. Manic Monday was bouncing around in there first thing this morning, and well...that didn't last long cuz next thing I knew Red Red Wine was up there looking for room. It's a mess up there I tell ya.

In other thrilling news from the JennHood - I hurt. I went to the chirocracker today - and just so you know I LOVE this guy - he's an amazing person as well as a great chirocracker. He did warn me though that I might be hurtin' a little today. Hurt is one thing, but feeling like I've been hit by a truck is another. I know this is for a good cause - namely ME. But man oh man...And the best part, I get to see him tomorrow and the next day. All this so I can feel my feet again. He did say I "may" need to go to a foot doctor - but then he mentioned something about needles and cortisone shots and large needles - so naturally I did the grown up thing and put the stops to that conversation. First things first. Let Dr. D take a stab first...then it will take me another 6 months to get up the nerve to go see a foot guy who may or may not put a large needle in my foot...ick.

Blueberry and I went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic on Saturday at The Big Picture. It's a very swanky, 21 and older, lounge with a movie theater attached to it. It cost - relatively - no more than going to an actual theater. But the BEST part is they serve you drinks during the movie. Yah, that's right. You order your drink, tell them what seat you're in and what time you want it delivered. And so half way through the movie I had myself a second Stella delivered to me. It's the bomb! The movie was mildly entertaining. Actually that's not completely true - but I have to admit beer may be part of this next comment - it was amusing and entertaining. A lot more than I expected it to be. It didn't follow the book too closely. The plot and general workings of the movie was similar. At any rate, I say wait for it on DVD or Netflix - unless you have a Big Picture in your neighborhood ... then I recommend seeing it a couple of times.

Face the Adult Music

White coats and cold stethoscopes are not my idea of fun. I am not a big fan of doctors. I spent 5 days in critical care back in 2002 for blood clots and I saw my lifetime share of doctors – according to me. Since that time, I’ve had very little – only necessary really – interaction with doctors. I’ve wondered a lot about why I have such an aversion to doctors. I could blame the 5 day “vacation” back in 2002 – but really that turned out okay. I felt like a pin cushion afterwards, but really nothing horrific happened. I didn’t fully comprehend at the time that I could have died at any moment. I did, after all, feel sick, so how could I die. Yet several days into it I realized just how serious it was and adjusted my attitude accordingly.

Since that time, my only interaction with hospitals and doctors has been around blueberry’s battle with breast cancer. I really didn’t have to do anything but be supportive and look away when the needles came out. (maybe I did more – maybe). At any rate, I’m unsure if her experience has affected me and my feelings toward doctors/hospitals. I suspect it might have.

This last Christmas I had to spend some time in and around hospitals too with my Uncle being so sick. And perhaps that’s why I have issues with doctors. I fully recognize they are there to help and in fact logically, the more you visit the doctor the less likely you should have too.

All that being said, I’m going to the doctor – well some may argue they aren’t “real” doctors. Chicken Lady has ever so delicately pushed me into going (thanks Chicken Lady). The MomUnit, BigBro and Blueberry have all said, “YOU need to go see the doctor.” It’s not like I didn’t hear them, I did…I just chose to “not” hear them.

Since the 3Day I’ve had issues with my feet. The balls of my feet – both of them – have been numb. That’s not good, right? I’ve managed to postpone the doctor visit but now think I need to be an adult and go see the doctor. I’m forever telling people to go to the doctor – it’s time to practice what I preach (incidentally I preach other things more fun and I don’t find myself practicing them either…like drinking wine, boys, etc – I should really focus on this practice what your preach thing.)

Ahem

So Monday I have an 11:30 appt with a chirocracker….! I’ve had some lower back issues too and so Chicken Lady and I speculated that there’s a chance there’s a nerve being pinched somewhere. Baby steps. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll move on to a foot doctor.

I also have some moles (that’s moles as in brown bumps not MOLEY as in Mexican sauce) that need to be looked at. They haven’t really changed too much in the past 100 years, but there have been a few more that have taken up residence. And so, the adult thing would be to go have them looked at. The 34year old in my office did, so I had better.

This weekend enjoyment will be a 3Day Getting Started meeting and a viewing of Confessions of a Shopaholic at the Big Picture.

Sunday with Susie Homemaker

There are rare occasions where my "maternal" side takes over. And by "maternal" I mean that gene in which you clean, do laundry, pot plants, bake, clean some more and get a pedicure...yah that gene. It was in full swing today.

Sunday started with snow...again. If you can believe it. I know you folks on the East coast laugh, I'm sure, when I complain about snow. But snow and Seattle are not two words that should ever - and I mean ever - be used together. Today's snow was, thankfully, nothing more than snowball size flakes falling from the sky and melting upon impact. I get a very unhealthy giddy-ness when I see the flakes melt instantly. More than once I thought, "Hah. Take that!"

After I made a pedicure appt for the afternoon, I decided it was time to get to it. I had purchased some primroses a couple of weeks ago - but then we had a cold snap pass through so I didn't want to plant them. Finally, a couple of them have died - or committed suicide I suppose - so I decided it was time. Picture if you will, me, a small spade, light rain, dirt and flowers standing on my back deck - digging ... planting...fertilizing...watering...cleaning up. What a spectacle! But they're potted and look pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Had the few not died, the planter boxes would look even better, but whatever.

After cleaning dirt off the deck...I made banana bread. I used to be horrible at banana bread. But STLSIL helped by this FANTASTIC loaf pan that is fail-proof. And from someone who failed often, I can agree. I can't screw up banana bread. Though this batch, I think the bananas screwed it up. They weren't quite "rotten" enough - if you know what I mean.

Cleaned the house, did laundry and headed north to the hood for a pedi. The salon I frequent did an entire overhaul on the inside and it looks fancy. Almost too fancy for the likes of me now.

Last night I got to have dinner with some UK folks that are here in town. What fun! Great food, great girl talk...the best!

All in all the weekend flew by...again! I feel very satisfied at this moment. So now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a smut novel to read...

Watching for the watchmen

I made a very last minute decision yesterday to go to the movies. I haven't been to the movies since Twilight (stop laughing!). I used to be very into the movies. Used to love to go. Then it became financially obvious that it was way too expensive to go. I felt I could spend the money elsewhere. But for whatever reason, I felt the urge/need to go to the movies.

The Watchmen was the movie of choice. I had heard some pretty good reviews of it and thought an action type movie was just what I needed. Diet coke and small popcorn in hand I settled in for a TWO HOUR AND FORTY FIVE minute movie. Turns out, my bladder with a large diet coke doesn't quite make two hours and forty five minutes. I'm just sayin'.

If you like blood, violence, full frontal male nudity with a really steamy sex scene, this is the movie for you. If you like a well told story with a somewhat interesting ending, this movie might be for you. If you like plot and a story that makes sense - I'd find another movie. It's quite possible this movie was WAY over my head. I like to be entertained at the movies, I don't want to have to think too hard.

I can't really say I'm all that surprised at the movie. I didn't really know that much about it and wasn't really a comic follower as a kid and so knew not much about them in general. On the plus side, I had a great diet coke and some pretty darn good popcorn.

Yo...da wood spider

OMG...I laughed so loud when I watched this video. Thanks to Viking Girl for sharing with me.

For all those who sent their happy thoughts...Thanks. Dad's doing WAY better. His knee surgery was fine and he came through it well. Now it's wait and see.

"Walk me down the aisle, daddy, it’s just about time."

There comes a time in all children's lives when they realize their parents are mortal. That their lives will end just as ours will. You never want to think about it and you never want to plan for it. You want, with all your heart, to wave the magic wand he bought you as a gift for your 5th birthday, and make them live forever - healthy.

I've commented before on my father's failing health. With each trip to the hospital, I tell myself that it's only temporary and that tomorrow he'll be runnin along beside me as I take my first trip on a new bike. And there comes a time when you have to realize, as an adult, that your parents may not come back from the hospital. That a parent may have to spend several weeks in the hospital getting better.

Dad will most likely be in the hospital for a while. He has a staph infection for sure, and won't know if he has the MRSA strain until tomorrow. The MRSA strain can be fatal - and that's scary. On top of that he'll need to be in an antibiotic knee brace for 6 weeks - in the hospital (well rehabish place). After which time, knee replacement surgery and then rehab. So it could be another 6 weeks. He can't go home until he can keep himself steady - or get up at all - on he own two feet.

Tonight, after receiving this news from my mom, I called dad in the hospital. He answered the phone in his normal chipper voice. I launched into my speech about how I had heard he was taking up vacation in a hospital bed. He asked who it was on the phone. My heart sank a little. I tried desperately to compose myself and answer him without letting him hear the pain in my voice. I kept telling myself, it's not the man - mentally - that you know. Once he knew who it was, I asked him what he was doing to occupy his time. His response was slurred and incoherent. When I asked him again, he told me it was Wednesday and on Wednesday the people were on the TV. My heart broke into a million little pieces. I had no idea what he was talking about and no idea how to respond.

I continued to ask him about his room in the hospital and he told me that he was in the trailer in the back north corner. I had to ask again, "A trailer, dad?" His response was as matter of fact as it could be, "Yes," he said, " the blue trailer." I gulped back the heart ache that had lodged in my throat.

He continued to tell me he read the paper today and was hoping to get one tomorrow. Then promptly switched to asking if I wanted to talk to "J". I could barely hold back the tears. I wanted to scream and yell, "BUT I'M J...." I wanted him to understand that he was already talking to J...but he moved on to another subject. Suddenly he asked if I had spoken to my mom and had heard about what was going on with him. He sounded like dad again. I missed him.

I told him I had to go, and I'd call him tomorrow. Then I said through bit back tears, "I love you dad." He responded with, "I love you too J."

I hung up and curled up in a little ball and cried.

Suddenly I felt very alone. I consoled myself by remembering all the good times we had and how so very lucky I was that he had come into my life. He may not have been my biological father, but he was, without a doubt, my dad. And even though the man I spoke with tonight only had a vague resemblance to my dad, I knew, without a doubt, that my dad was still in there somewhere. And all I could wonder was how on earth my mother dealt with this daily without curling up into a little weeping, mess. I think she may be my hero.

Spring has not yet sprung...it snowed...again

Now I know you folks in the NE are probably laughing at my, what seems to be, constant complaint about the snow...but seriously. Enough already. Every person I seem to know is tired and ready for winter to move it's little butt on out and make room for spring. But no...it has to snow again. Stupid snow!

While complaining about the snow, I found out that the DadUnit is back in the hospital. By "back" I mean he's been in and out of the hospital for the last week. The best part, the doctors can't really figure out what's wrong. They "think" there's an infection, but can't pin point it. Oh goody. He's fallen a couple of times at home, and the MomUnit can't pick him up so they call 911. The EMTs then want to take him back to the hospital, and that just pisses the DadUnit off so he gets mean. Finally last night the lead EMT guy almost demanded that they transport him.

So today, the MomUnit is with him in the hospital still trying to figure out what's wrong. They've decided to take him off all his meds - which I'm sure makes him a very unhappy sort - to see if they can narrow down the infection root cause.

I have faith in doctors and try to remind myself that they are first and foremost humans. It's frustrating, to be sure, that they can't determine what's wrong with him. Yet at the same time, I am glad that at least they are trying to figure it out. Whoever said medicine was an exact science was smokin some wacky tabacky! Unfortunately, a lot of it, especially with symptoms like dad's, it's trial and error. Frustrating? You bet. But I have faith they'll figure it out.

Good thoughts and prayers are welcome.

Springing ahead is for the birds...

For some reason springing ahead affects me way more than falling back. I covet my sleep and when some government takes an hour away, it's annoying. I'm just sayin.

Of course it might not have anything to do with being out last night at the Grace Notes Gala. Yes, boys and girls, yours truly dressed up, in a dress...a real dress, and took myself out for a night on the town. It was a fabulous evening. Nothing extraordinary happened, but it was a blast to be out and about with people who were there to help fight breast cancer by handing over their dough for cool auction items. Last year the Gala made $900,000 - this year they expect to make around $700,000. For one night, that's an amazing amount of money to me. Here's to all those who made a difference last night.I ran into two 3Day pals (both who work for the 3 Day event company. Erin and Suzanne. I just love them...Blueberry described Erin as infectious (in a good way) and I have to admit, both of them are that way. Such good hearted, good spirited people. It does my heart good to know I know them. The picture is horrible of me. I think in my haste to make it on time, I forgot to put on my neck. Either that...or well - ick!


I discovered something about myself last night. While the "girl" in me likes the idea of dressing up and being all fancy, the "woman" in me prefers sweats and flip flops to a dress any day. I am my mother's daughter!

Tonight I had the NewlyWeds )or formerly known as the Newlyweds, over for dinner with Blueberry. Mr. Newlywed won Jenn Trivia back in January and his prize was a 4 course meal at Chez Jenn's. Let me just say, Chef Jenn did one bang up job tonight. Just about everything that touched my lips got an MMM MMM Good out of me.

Most notable was dessert. I'm really not a sweets girl. I'm a deep fried, crunchy, carb girl, but could really do without sweets - mostly. But every once in a while a dessert comes along that just makes you feel all gooey inside. This was one of those desserts. Frozen Peanut Butter, chocolate, Banana Loaf. Oh. My. God. It was easy and scrumptious-dilly-ocious. It's an Everyday Food recipe and it's one that will get an instant reply at Chez Jenn's.

The other surprise tonight was the salad. Quite frankly one of the best salads I've ever had. It would be awesome in summer and with some grilled chicken on top of it.

The whole menu?- go get your expando pants on before you read this - and it can be found on my cooking blog

Course 1 - Appetizer
St. Louis Fried Ravioli
As if ravioli isn't already scrumptious, St.Louis had to go and fry it. My. God. This recipe was delicious.

Course 2 - Salad
Mixed salad with Vanilla-Pear vinaigrette and toasted walnuts
I can't even find words to describe how great this salad was. It's a cooking light recipe, and was the only thing on tonight's menu that was - light that is.


Course 3 - Main course
Chicken with Mustard Mascarpone Marsala Sauce
Old time favorite of mine. It's a Giada deLaurentis recipe and quite simply elegant and delicious.


Course 4 - Dessert
Frozen Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Banana Loaf

Jenn's Top 40

Earlier this year I vowed to do 40 new things in my 40th year (even though my oldest brother would say it's my 41st year - and he'd be right - he doesn't read this blog, so he'll never know I said he was right). I wanted to give a brief update on how I'm doing.

First, I think I've forgotten a few of them, but I'm sure I'll remember eventually.

40. New location
Yep, I'm counting the move as a new thing. I've moved a thousand times in my life, but that doesn't mean a new location, new house and new commute isn't new.

39. 3Day Getting Started Meeting Volunteering
While the 3 Day isn't new to me, and going to a 3 Day meeting isn't new, volunteering for them is new. I love it too. It's so fun to see the people who are on the edge about deciding to watch, change their mind after listening to the 3Day adventure and watching the 3Day "we're gonna getcha" movie (that's obviously not it's real name... I'm just sayin).

38. Grace Notes Gala Volunteering
Tonight is the Grace Notes Gala for Susan G. Komen. I'm the official volunteer photographer - or rather that's the title I've given myself. I actually had a little dreamy-poo about this event last night. And let me just say, things didn't go as planned.

37. Attend a black tie event
The gala tonight is a black tie event. I've never attended a black tie event, so this should be interesting/fun. The dress is ready. The shoes are ready. The shawl is ready. I even have a necklace that matches the dress...so I'll have bling.

36. Superdiamond
I'm adding Superdiamond to the list since I hadn't seen them before. And I have to say, they are definitely on my list of bands to see again. Next time I'll have to invite Chicken Lady though. She was bummed post Superdiamond that she didn't come with us.

I think that's all I have now. I have a couple more that I'm holding onto should I need to meet the 40 at the last minute. They're new, but not very exciting. And yes, the ones I've just listed are exciting. So there.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Monkey business on a sunny afternoon

As I sit at my tidy desk thinking about what to write, in the background, this song is playing. Its been stuck in my noggin all freakin day. It dawned on me as I was flipping through blogs that I, myself, haven't written in almost a week. That either says 2 things. One, I have such an amazing life that I can't quite possibly find time to write. Or two, I've got nothing to say because aforementioned "life" seems lacking. You decide.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Sorry, Tarzan got me.

Ahem!

So this week at work has been busy, but not necessarily in a very productive way. Execs from the Land of Eng were here, and that causes hub bub! Yes, that's a word - or two words. I felt like I was constantly trying to keep up with what was going on. Thankfully I have had several projects kick off, now if only that will sustain me.

In other non-important-but-feel-the-need-to-share news, Saturday is the Grace Notes Gala sponsored by Susan G. Komen. I'll be attending. Or rather volunteering. I'm the official "volunteer" photographer. I'll be taking shows of the SGK volunteers in action. It's a fancy pants sort of thing. And by "fancy pants" I don't mean just changing your underwear. No it's black tie and cocktail dresses. So I've been on the Great Dress Hunt for a month or more. Cursing myself a bit for tossing out this perfectly good bride's maid dress that would have worked perfectly and actually looked pretty darn good on me.

So I have two dresses. One borrowed and one bought. The bought on was one of those situations where I had seen the dress. Deemed it too expensive for this one event (it was only $75, but I didn't want to spend $75 at the time). Went back to buy a shawl from the same store. Saw the dress on sale. There was three. What was the likelihood that any of them would be in my size? Right zero to none. But alas, all three were in my size. And the dress was marked down to $14.99! Yes, go back. Read that last dollar amount. So naturally, I had to buy it.

The borrowed dress is a formal, halter dress in a chocolate brown. Beautiful dress and it fits - shocking. It is a perfect dress if I were going to the Gala to just sit and eat dinner. Running around taking pictures, I'm afraid it might get to be too cumbersome.

Here's the dilemma. Brown dress is floor length. I can wear flats that I already have. New dress is calf length and would require new shoes and so wouldn't work with flat shoes. The shoes for this dress would have to be 2 hour type shoes. The new dress is way more comfortable for wondering the rooms taking photos, but may not be quite as formal as required. Tomorrow is the great fitting. I'll be trying on each dress, with shoes, and camera and wandering the Jendo taking photos - just to see. You know sorta a "dress rehearsal". Get it?

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh


Jenn out!

And if you'll pardon me, I'd like to say we'll do okay, forever in blue jeans.

First let me admit that there were TWO...count them T.W.O. songs that were original Neil Diamond songs, that I had no idea they were originally Neil Diamond's. My whole perception of these two songs, was shattered - okay not really, but still. It certainly didn't stop me from singing along though.

Red Red Wine...Really? My version, which I love, is UB40's version. And secondly, I'm a Believer - in my book the Monkey's did this song...and then Smash Mouth. I had no idea.

And let me just say, SuperDiamond, quite simply ROCKED! There were several, and I mean, several songs I didn't know. My "Neil Diamond" knowledge is at about 3rd grade. Unbeknowst to me, though, we had a closet Neil Diamond fan among us. I won't share HIS name with you to spare him any embarrasment...be he was the ONLY guy with us.

But first, let me back up to Dudley. Every time I see them know I'm more and more impressed. These guys really have it together. I did have a birds eye view of the show. As you can see in this photo, I was Main Stalker Chick right up front. (BTW - we decided that it's unfair to call me a stalker - it's very un PC...so from hence forth I'll be "boundary challenged". There. I feel better already.)

 

So yah, the boys put on one helluva show...again. Their set included all of my favorites like Dancing Queen, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, Rio, and Take on Me. Oh come on...you know you'd sing along. They did surprise though by pulling out one of my other ALL TIME favorite 80's songs. It was the first video every showed on MTV...Video Killed The Radio Star. They did it fantastically.

As I mentioned, my view was very close. If I was any closer, I'd be on the stage. Blueberry, the other stalkettes we see all the time there (and have grown to really enjoy their company) and myself were center staged. Lead Singer dude could have, thankfully he didn't though, dropped sweat on me. Ah memories. Stefan, Mr. Lead Singer, has so much energy on stage. He bounces around constantly and I gotta admit, I get tired just watching him. He adds a very nice, very welcome element to the already great band.

DMQ performed for about an hour, and a bit. They, as usual, wow'd the crowd. And to end the night, I got a hug from the bass player Steve as I mentioned to him on my way out that they were sounding better than ever. They really are such nice boys, and I really hope they have continued success. Cuz I really don't want to have to start being "boundary challenged" with SuperDiamond. But I will if they push me.

Right so SuperDiamond. To sum up the show in one word: Amazing. The lead singer, Surreal Neil - actually let me back up.

They open their show with a serious drum adventure. Me loving large very loud drums was in heaven. The video I shot of it, didn't turn out quite as I had planned - too much base - but trust me when I say, they make an entrance. The crowd exploded upon just the band members coming on stage, then when Surreal Neil was introduced, they were at a fever pitch. I felt like I was back at a Duran Duran concert...only with a few years on me and well, Neil Diamond songs.

Opening Drum Adventure video: Sorry it's not great, but you get the idea.



You'll notice from the videos that we weren't front and center for SuperDiamond. We got from a very reliable source that being up front for them was painful, and no fun. The crowd tends to push forward and it gets to be too much. Me, having a small anxiety about large crowds now, took that advice and ushered our group to the back for the show. Good call on my part I think.

But let me start with one of the final songs they did. After being on stage for an hour and three quarters, they came out and did more. (More, More, More popped in my head...which DMQ sang that night. Written by a porn star...) They hadn't done Sweet Caroline and I wasn't at all happy about that. They couldn't do an entire Neil show and NOT do Sweet Caroline...I mean that's like giving up chocolate for Lent...just wrong.

But they did please. They came out and played Sweet Caroline and America, and a few others for their on core (is that even how you spell it?) Do notice in this video the crowd participation. For whatever reason it cracks me up and I LOVE it when the crowd gets into the show.




So, if SuperDiamond is ever in your neck of the woods, and you like any Neil Diamond songs, I highly recommend them. Very high energy, (I have a secret crush on the bass player now - he's to the Left of Surreal Neil - tall guy ...), very Neil Diamond-esk - sounds like Neil himself, and a show you won't walk away from thinking that's a couple of hours of your life you'd never get back. If you're not a Neil Diamond fan, I would only recommend seeing them if you appreciate superb muscicians ...these guys -especially their drummer - were fantastic music players. The drummer...let me not get started on him. Being a drum line lover, this guy had all the sticks. Truly good. And a bit cute too - but that's not why I liked him. Really.

So I'll leave you with this video. I have a couple FAVORITE Neil songs, and Forever in Blue Jeans is one of them...though I thought it was titled Money Talks.