Hold on to your seats boys and girls. This is going to be a whirlwind blog. I have from Thursday night thru Saturday to tell you all about. That is, if I can remember. It’s gone by so fast I can barely remember an hour ago.
Thursday afternoon my St.Louis Sister-In-Law (SLSIL) arrived at Grand Central. It was sure good to see a familiar face that promised hours of entertainment after a week of work stuff. Quickly dumping her bags at the hotel we were off to find a place for a cocktail.
FNE was to meet us later for dinner. Two beers into it we finally get a call from FNE asking where we were and did we know what was going on outside? Huh? Outside? We glanced up from our cocktails and WOW what a site. It was pouring. I’m not talking just a simple little drip drop. No. This was the type of down pour in which you even think about going out in it and you’re soaking wet. FNE arrived – not so drenched because he had his umbrella – smart boy. But the thunder and lightening was amazing. It was rattling off the cement jungle like nothing I had ever heard. Fascinating.
Once we thought it died down enough to venture outside to find a cab, we were off to dinner. Pete’s Tavern. One of the oldest taverns in NY. I forget off hand exactly when it was established, but it was the early 1900’s or so. The cab dropped us off about 50 years from the place. It was still raining significantly. FNE and I made a mad dash for the bar awning and by the time I got there I was soaked. SLSIL has the umbrella so she was just fine. We didn’t care though; we were in for a treat. Nice little quaint bar and dining area and absolutely fantastic Pinot Noir.
Because of the rain, we knew Friday would be super clear. So SLSIL and I got up and headed to the Empire State Building. I had been down there earlier in the week to check it out and saw the line was 2.5 hours long. So we wanted to get an early start to avoid the lines. And avoid the lines we did. It maybe took us 30 minutes to get in the building, buy our tickets, wind our way up to the elevators and onto the observation deck (which for the record is 102 stories high). What a view. FNE was right, you could see forever…well, at least into Jersey. It was spectacular. To see all of Manhattan laid out below you like a maze was truly a breath taking sight. I felt all Sleepless In Seattle up there…well, with the exception of no Tom Hanks and about 150 other people, but still. I knew instantly that I was in love with the massive city that was laid out before me. Like the Grand Canyon, pictures can’t do it justice.
Regaining our breath from the view, SLSIL and I braved the subway system ourselves. STSIL is surprisingly good at navigating the several thousand miles of underground transportation. We snaked our way to none other than Canal Street to by, of course, more purses. I realized at this point that I may need an intervention for the whole buying purses thing. I was hooked. But we got there and into a shop for “purses”. I still hade a few to buy for other people, but I couldn’t pass up the Pink and Black Gucci bag. I just couldn’t. It called to me. It “made” me buy it. And its sooo damn cute.
While SLSIL and I were wondering after my purchases, a woman came to us and asked us if we wanted to buy purses and to follow her. SLSIL and I follow, only this lady was leading us away from the main drag and down a road that just didn’t seem right. My hair stood up on my neck and I knew we should turn around. Finally, I spoke up and told SLSIL that we were not going that way. Try as the woman might, she really wanted us to come with her, we headed back. Who knows what would have been waiting for us.
Regardless, we were hustled into another “back” room – though neither of these were quite as “back” room as the one the day or so before. LV, Gucci, Prada bags in hand, we were off. Next stop: Bloomingdales.
I’ve never been in a Bloomingdales and I think I’m very glad there is not one in the general states around me. SLSIL twisted my arm to buy things. She did. I swear. She decided to do a quick make-up make over, so as I was sitting (resting my feet actually since they hurt like crazy); Victor the make-up artist was assisting SLSIL, but could have sold me ocean front property in Arizona. He was so fun and easy going. $100 later I had new make-up brushes, eye concealer and lip gloss. God I love NY.
We rounded out our shopping spree at Macy’s. SLSIL was looking for some cute little items for her granddaughter – aka my Great Niece. We had just a few minutes to spare to make it back to the hotel, dump our loot and off to meet FNE for dinner. He had told me the night before to take the Red #1 subway from 42nd and 6th to get us to his neck of the woods. SLSIN and I walked to 42nd and saw no Red #1 subway train. But we were old pros at this by now, so surely we could get to Soho from here. Down into the bowels of NY we went searching for a train that would take us south. We asked the attendant who pointed us to the “V” train. Easy enough, it’ll drop us off on Houston Street, which was where we were to meet FNE.
15 minute ride, and we are at the end of the line. They announce we must depart. Which was fine considering it was Houston street anyhow. We ascend to the light and SLSIL says, “huh, this doesn’t seem like our type of neighborhood.” And in fact, it was a bit unlike where we would have preferred to be. So instead of trying to figure out which way to go we call FNE and ask where to meet him. Once we explain where we are we hear this, “Dude, how’d you get there?” Which meant of course we were no where near where we should have been. FNE suggested we get in a cab and head to Houston and Hudson. A $7 cab ride later we find FNE. We were no where near where we should have been. He gave us such crap all night. Though he did admit that he mayhap directed us incorrectly to the subway location.
We wondered through Greenwich for 30 minutes or so. We had reservations for dinner and had some time to kill. We found this amazing bakery that’s “famous” called Magnolia’s, who specialized in cupcakes…and specialize they do. We bought 3 for dessert and made our way to dinner. Tonight’s cuisine was Cuban. This little tiny, dinky restaurant…Havanna. Again, amazing food. Oh and the pitcher of Sangria was out of this world.
Stomachs full, we hopped a cab to the theater district to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. A hilarious show to be sure. I found my sides aching at times from laughing so much.
Oh I almost forgot. While walking around after dinner, SLSIL “forced” us to go into this up scale grocery store. I had to find a restroom anyhow, so why not. As we were leaving though I saw a star. And not just any star, but Vizzini. You know, from Princess Bride.
Saturday dawned another beautiful sunny day. The humidity, thank god, had gone away. It was just sunny and about 75F. Perfect weather for trekking around NYC.
We hopped another subway, navigated expertly by SLSIL. Off at City Hall. Beautiful buildings this City Hall. This area is where Law&Order is filled. I’m not a huge fan, but it is fun to see places in person that you see on TV all the time. It makes TV more real.
A short walk to the West and we found ourselves at Ground Zero. We walked through this amazing church called St. Paul’s Cathedral. This church is basically in the “blast” direction of most the dust and rubble. Yet miraculously it sustained no damage. Instead it became a haven for the service men and women who were working at Ground Zero. It offered them a place to rest themselves and get food and water. This was a moving moment to me. Hundreds of thank you cards, art work of appreciation and courageous words decorated this church.
Ground Zero itself was nothing spectacular. It’s no longer a hole in the ground or anything other than a construction site. What was amazing, however, was the expansiveness of it. To be able to stand there and see just how large these buildings were and how much area they took up. That, in and of itself, was truly humbling.
We then started walking, I think, south toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Our goal was to walk out to the middle and get spectacular photos of Manhattan and the East side. And that we did. The bridge itself is truly breath taking. I know I’ve said this time and again on my journey in NY, but the architecture here is stunning and brilliant.
By this time, my feet were screaming for me to stop. Stop punishing them any further. I suggested we stop for lunch and then go about our business. A small little bar just down from there was a great place to stop and have a bite and a rest. My poor feet. They were tingling so much that the tingle was working its way up my legs, through my body and out my eyes. I know, that sounds weird. But I could feel the pain through my eyes it was that bad. These feet, apparently, were done seeing NYC.
Then came the highlight of my trip. Okay, maybe not really, but it was, for me, a treat. We found the Chelsea Market. If you’re a Food TV fan you know the Chelsea Market. Not only is the network located there, but it’s the most amazing market I had ever seen. It wasn’t at all what I expected as I had the image of an actual open air market in my mind. Instead it was specialty shop after specialty shop of amazing new items that were beckoning for me to try, taste, or buy. At the end of the market we found the Food TV network doors. SLSIL, also a FN fan, and I had to have our photo taken there. We just had to.
After the Chelsea Market, I begged for a break. Pleaded really. SLSIL just wanted to go, go, go…as did I, but my feet had other plans. Having some sympathy for me, we subway’ed ourselves back to the hotel. Dropped our bags, and let our feet relax a bit. But SLSIL wouldn’t allow that for long. She had some kind of ants in her pants. Soon we found ourselves walking to Central Park. It was a beautiful evening, so why not.
Once at CP I suggested that we do a horse drawn carriage ride. I had, effectively, done everything else in NYC that I wanted, this was just icing on the very adventurous cake. Charlie, our horse, drug us through the beautiful park. His “owner”, Emmett, occasionally adding in tour guide items and pointing out landmarks. That was another 30 minutes rest for my weary footsies.
But dinner was to be had yet. We walked the rest of 5th Ave. The side of 5th Ave that I will never shop in, nor any of my relatives. Why couldn’t we be from old money? FNE drug us into this hotel exclaiming that a place that served the best burgers ever was inside. I couldn’t see how, but what the hell. And sure enough, in a dark hall way we say a little, tiny, neon sign that simply read “Burgers” with an arrow pointing to the right. Inside the door, and sure enough, a burger joint. In fact, called “Burger Joint”. It was a tiny hole in the wall, that truly did serve up on helluva burger.
Full, happy, sore feet, and ready for a drink, we found an Irish pub and sat and watched some sports. While sitting, (I have to tell you this story) a young man – maybe mid twenties – walked in carrying a teddy bear over his shoulder. He sat at the bar in front of us. It was clear to all of us that he wasn’t playing with a full deck when he placed the teddy bear on the bar and said to it, “You okay?” Whatever. He ordered a shot, almost choked on it. Paid his bill – not tipping the waitress accordingly because he felt she was rude to him. Though he stated “You probably think I’m a whack job, and I am.” No argument here. Clearly a whack job. But amusing and only in NY was all I could think.
So my NY adventure has come to an end. I’m sitting in the airport awaiting my flight – delayed of course. I’m so tired, and in a way ready to come home. But after this last week I’m not sure how Seattle can compare to this city called New York.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Little Girl gets unleashed
At dinner last night, I retold my story from the other night of going into the “hidden back room” to a few co-workers (who shall remain nameless to protect their innocence – cough cough choke choke. For literally purposes we’ll call them Accomplice Gal 1, and Accomplice Gal 2 – AC for short). AC1 and AC2 twisted my arm to take them to buy purses. I didn’t wanna go, I swear…I went kicking and screaming the entire way. I swear.
We three hailed a cab and off to Canal street we went. Our first attempt to buy “purses” was a flop. The store owner didn’t want to show us her “back room”…so we moved on. Two stores down a small Asian woman asked if we wanted to see her purses. Well, of course. We were, after all, on a search for a bargain.
To the back of the nameless store we went (all these stores are lined on this street and none of them appear to have names or addresses). In the back we saw a wall. Just a wall. Nothing that resembled a door. Then as the thought crossed my mind this door swung open. We were ushered into a small room we’ll call a “holding pin”. Three of us and this little Asian woman all in a small room the size of a closet. My mind was racing with what exactly was going on. There were a few purses, but nothing that seemed like what I had seen the night before. The thought barely cleared my mind when I noticed the small Asian woman removing shelves and bags from a wall. Then a small half door opened. We were then directed to “crawl” through this half door. What the hell was I doing? Inside was a welcoming site…purse upon purse upon purse. There were so many. I was like a kid in a candy store. If I weren’t in public the little girl inside me would have been jumping up and down clapping giddy like.
Anyone who really knows me knows I’m a total purse whore. I love purses. I have several and I love the idea of being able to swap them out at any given time. So going into this room was my dream come true.
$200 later we left. Back into the “holding pin”. The little Asian woman pulled out a walkie talkie to call outside to make sure the coast was clear to come out. Out we came. Bags in hand.
$200 got me
3 “Prada”clutch size bags
4 “Kate Spade” handbags medium size
3 “Kate Spade” hand bags, a bit larger
1 “Burberry bag”
1 “Prada” wallet
1 “Burberry” wallet.
No, they aren’t all for me. I took orders remember. Well, okay one, or two of the Kate Spade’s might be mine. The Burberry bag and wallet are definitely mine. I'm already using them.
If you get any collect calls from the NY State Prison system, answer it. It might be me asking you to donate money for my bail.
We three hailed a cab and off to Canal street we went. Our first attempt to buy “purses” was a flop. The store owner didn’t want to show us her “back room”…so we moved on. Two stores down a small Asian woman asked if we wanted to see her purses. Well, of course. We were, after all, on a search for a bargain.
To the back of the nameless store we went (all these stores are lined on this street and none of them appear to have names or addresses). In the back we saw a wall. Just a wall. Nothing that resembled a door. Then as the thought crossed my mind this door swung open. We were ushered into a small room we’ll call a “holding pin”. Three of us and this little Asian woman all in a small room the size of a closet. My mind was racing with what exactly was going on. There were a few purses, but nothing that seemed like what I had seen the night before. The thought barely cleared my mind when I noticed the small Asian woman removing shelves and bags from a wall. Then a small half door opened. We were then directed to “crawl” through this half door. What the hell was I doing? Inside was a welcoming site…purse upon purse upon purse. There were so many. I was like a kid in a candy store. If I weren’t in public the little girl inside me would have been jumping up and down clapping giddy like.
Anyone who really knows me knows I’m a total purse whore. I love purses. I have several and I love the idea of being able to swap them out at any given time. So going into this room was my dream come true.
$200 later we left. Back into the “holding pin”. The little Asian woman pulled out a walkie talkie to call outside to make sure the coast was clear to come out. Out we came. Bags in hand.
$200 got me
3 “Prada”clutch size bags
4 “Kate Spade” handbags medium size
3 “Kate Spade” hand bags, a bit larger
1 “Burberry bag”
1 “Prada” wallet
1 “Burberry” wallet.
No, they aren’t all for me. I took orders remember. Well, okay one, or two of the Kate Spade’s might be mine. The Burberry bag and wallet are definitely mine. I'm already using them.
If you get any collect calls from the NY State Prison system, answer it. It might be me asking you to donate money for my bail.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
The Jenn Wears Prada
Day one of the full on show. What a success. All has gone off without a hitch. As if I had any concerns. Here's a picture of the booth without anyone in it. I think it looks pretty nice. It looked better with people in it. And people in it we had. Tradeshows, especially techy ones, are hours of entertainment and people watching. This one is no different. I expected the normal nerdy / geeky guys. That's a given in this industry. I didn't expect the old ladies that are like 100 years old. Man. There were about a half of dozen of them today and I was constantly afraid I was going to have to call 911 to get them oxygen or something. The new and rare item that was spotted today were HOT men. Not so common in this industry, and even more rare in product groups at the big software coming in Redmond. Yet, I found myself gazing, longingly at several today. One of the SpeechTEK gals has a "Best in Show" contest she's running. My mission, should I choose to endure it, is to pick a Best In Show tomorrow. Oh the trials one must go though.
After the show, myself and three gals from SpeechTEK all headed off to Little Italy for another titantic dining experience. I took them to the same place FNE took me (Favorite Nephew Ever for those of you just joining us). We ate just as much though I swore I wouldn't.Yah so after the amazing dinner we had, I attempted to find the bakery for the cannoli FNE made me eat last time. Thankfully I couldn't find it. So we all waddled onward.
Instead, I found myself in a small back room of a shop who were selling "purses". It appears to be no secret that these "fake" purses are sold throughout this area, yet I found it amusing that we had to go into this secret back door to look at them. All the while I was thinking, "I'm gonna end up in jail with a cell mate who likes her women bigger." Not to be intimidated by this "illegal" act I was committing, I bought a Prada hand bag. Now, please notice...IT'S PINK!!!! t matches my phone. Oh stop groaning, you know you would have done the same thing. If you think you might want one, let me know and I'll see what I can come up with. They have Gucci, Kate Spade, Prada (like mine) Chanel, Louis Vitton, everything and in every color.
Monday, August 07, 2006
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Holy Speech Recognition Batman! What a day! Up and on the floor by 7AM to help complete the build out of the booth. 99% of it was together, but we had some last minute graphic changes to make. Ironically, the big boss came down for like 30 seconds and happened to pick out the ONE thing that we were changing and called it out as wrong. I doubt I'll hear a "You did a great job." on this one from him. Though I feel pretty darn good on how this whole thing has turned out. Monica left me a ton of great notes and tips. She gets most the credit.
I left the hotel for all of 2 minutes today to grab a quick lunch. Me and the "Dirty Water Dogs" are getting a long well. $2 for a dog...can't beat that. And I'm trying very hard to not think about what could be in it. So don't even think about leaving a comment about how gross hot dogs are. I'm not listening.
My life for the next two days will be speech recognition and nothing more.
Oh and I'm peeling. Goody!
I left the hotel for all of 2 minutes today to grab a quick lunch. Me and the "Dirty Water Dogs" are getting a long well. $2 for a dog...can't beat that. And I'm trying very hard to not think about what could be in it. So don't even think about leaving a comment about how gross hot dogs are. I'm not listening.
My life for the next two days will be speech recognition and nothing more.
Oh and I'm peeling. Goody!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
My Little Town blues....are melting away...
New York has a power all unto itself. An energy that just pulls at you and demands a "I am woman hear me roar" attitude.
Before leaving Seattle, I felt lacking in the confidence arena. Encounters with big boss left me feeling less than adequate. Yet, here, I feel as if nothing will stop this from putting a W in the column of life experiences.
Cute contractor guy met me this morning to go over the build out of the booth. He then promptly gave me several "suggested" spots to dine without the tourist. (Side bar here: I found myself yesterday wondering around Time Square and saying things like, "F*cking Tourists" as they got in my way.) Anyhow, CCG has everything under control. He's even called me every 40 minutes or so to let me know the status of the booth. In that case, I'm headin' out into the great wild yonder that's called NY.
I scoped out this restaurant we will be having our morale dinner at on Wednesday (Trattoria Dopo Teatro). I thought it prudent to make sure it wasn't a dive and the website described it perfectly. And I thought I might want a map for the team so they can find it. Anyhow, on the way back this "tourist" stopped me by saying, "You look like you live here, can you tell me where Macy's is?" Mouth dangling by the shock of "you look like you live here" I spouted off the directions. Because, in fact, I was a full fledged New Yorker now according to my FNE (Favorite Nephew Ever). Later I recounted this story to FNE and he laughed and told me Macy's was no where near where I told the woman. I told her 42nd and 5th...FNE reminded me of the moving "Miracle on 34th Street" Right, 34th Street. Oh well, I felt like I knew where I was sending her. (FNE later "tested" me on my directional ability about NY. I think I failed.)
FNE met me today to take me to Chinatown for an amazing meal. We hopped the subway and ended up walking through most of Chinatown. Soooo many people. I don't like crowds as a rule, and this was crowded. But FNE kept plodding us on toward the little slice of Chinese heaven we'd be dining at. The smells that assaulted me through this hike left something to be desired, I must say. But, into this "dive" we go and I was no where prepared for the delish meal that would send my taste buds into overdrive. I let FNE order since he'd been there before and since Adventurous Jenn is out in full force lately, why not try something new. He ordered these steamed dumpling things that had pork and crab in them ( When the waitress put the plate of steaming dumplings in front of us, my first thought was, "those look like testicles". I couldn't tell FNE they looked like testicles since I figured as a guy he might think that's gross. What? They did look like testicles...Scouts honor!). We then had chow mein with "meats" and shrimp. "Meats", I believe, translated into chicken and pork - I didn't really want to ask. And I couldn't figure out why "shrimp" wasn't classified as "meat". Anyhow, finally rounding out our meal we had General Tsao's. Can I just say, without risking repeating myself, Oh. My. God! I can't even begin to describe how out of this world amazing the flavors were in this food. Testicles and all. In the words of Rachel Ray, "YUM-O!"
After our feast, which by the way only cost the two of us $23 - cheap, we marched our way through SoHo. The streets were lined with "artists" selling their masterpieces. There were some amazing art out there. Too bad I didn't have $400 to spend on a unframed print. There were some real gems out there.
Trekking through SoHo, through Little Italy, and into another subway, we found ourselves back in Time Square - well thanks to FNE because coming off the subway I would have zigged where I should have zagged and wouldn't have ended up anywhere near the hotel.
I decided after a day of walking through what felt like ALL of NY, I would dine in tonight. Me and my sore feet drug ourselves down to the hotel restaurant, Encore. I ordered a simple Turkey Club sandwich that came with chips. $16! Yes you read that correctly. $16. Ironically, I decided to not order room service because I couldn't believe they would charge me $16 for a sandwich.
Samir - my cute waiter - was the real treat though. As he poured my water he asked if I wanted anything to drink (heavy on some Mediterranean accent - maybe Greek). I smiled and ordered a diet coke. He tilted his head to the left and stated with authority, "You have a beautiful smile." And I thought, "You just got yourself a big tip." Yes it crossed my mind he says that to all the girls...but I didn't care. An older lady sat in the table next to me and he didn't say it to her, so there. After eating every morsel of my $16 sandwich, Samir approached and said, "While I am sure you are sweet enough, would you like dessert?" Have I ever told you about my "thing" for dark skin, dark eyes, full accent guys? Yah, well, now you know. While I had to deny Samir his opportunity to "flirt" with me through a dessert course, I thanked him and flashed a 9.0 smile on the richter scale. And then slipped him my room key. OH pipe down, I'm just checking to see if you were still paying attention to this massive post.
And in other note-worthy news, not a peep from the crush in 7 days. This just reaffirms my thought that I need to have this chat. And since I have all this new found confidence courtesy of NY it shouldn't be too hard. I should check, though, the local souvenir shops to see if they sell "confidence" in a bottle. It'd be handy back in Seattle. I'm just saying.
Oh one other note. EXACTLY one year ago today (almost to the minute) I became a Project Management Professional (PMP). I'm one of 180,000 PMPs worldwide. Hmm, how small my significance now seems. But no worries...I am a PMP...for a year now.
Before leaving Seattle, I felt lacking in the confidence arena. Encounters with big boss left me feeling less than adequate. Yet, here, I feel as if nothing will stop this from putting a W in the column of life experiences.
Cute contractor guy met me this morning to go over the build out of the booth. He then promptly gave me several "suggested" spots to dine without the tourist. (Side bar here: I found myself yesterday wondering around Time Square and saying things like, "F*cking Tourists" as they got in my way.) Anyhow, CCG has everything under control. He's even called me every 40 minutes or so to let me know the status of the booth. In that case, I'm headin' out into the great wild yonder that's called NY.
I scoped out this restaurant we will be having our morale dinner at on Wednesday (Trattoria Dopo Teatro). I thought it prudent to make sure it wasn't a dive and the website described it perfectly. And I thought I might want a map for the team so they can find it. Anyhow, on the way back this "tourist" stopped me by saying, "You look like you live here, can you tell me where Macy's is?" Mouth dangling by the shock of "you look like you live here" I spouted off the directions. Because, in fact, I was a full fledged New Yorker now according to my FNE (Favorite Nephew Ever). Later I recounted this story to FNE and he laughed and told me Macy's was no where near where I told the woman. I told her 42nd and 5th...FNE reminded me of the moving "Miracle on 34th Street" Right, 34th Street. Oh well, I felt like I knew where I was sending her. (FNE later "tested" me on my directional ability about NY. I think I failed.)
FNE met me today to take me to Chinatown for an amazing meal. We hopped the subway and ended up walking through most of Chinatown. Soooo many people. I don't like crowds as a rule, and this was crowded. But FNE kept plodding us on toward the little slice of Chinese heaven we'd be dining at. The smells that assaulted me through this hike left something to be desired, I must say. But, into this "dive" we go and I was no where prepared for the delish meal that would send my taste buds into overdrive. I let FNE order since he'd been there before and since Adventurous Jenn is out in full force lately, why not try something new. He ordered these steamed dumpling things that had pork and crab in them ( When the waitress put the plate of steaming dumplings in front of us, my first thought was, "those look like testicles". I couldn't tell FNE they looked like testicles since I figured as a guy he might think that's gross. What? They did look like testicles...Scouts honor!). We then had chow mein with "meats" and shrimp. "Meats", I believe, translated into chicken and pork - I didn't really want to ask. And I couldn't figure out why "shrimp" wasn't classified as "meat". Anyhow, finally rounding out our meal we had General Tsao's. Can I just say, without risking repeating myself, Oh. My. God! I can't even begin to describe how out of this world amazing the flavors were in this food. Testicles and all. In the words of Rachel Ray, "YUM-O!"After our feast, which by the way only cost the two of us $23 - cheap, we marched our way through SoHo. The streets were lined with "artists" selling their masterpieces. There were some amazing art out there. Too bad I didn't have $400 to spend on a unframed print. There were some real gems out there.
Trekking through SoHo, through Little Italy, and into another subway, we found ourselves back in Time Square - well thanks to FNE because coming off the subway I would have zigged where I should have zagged and wouldn't have ended up anywhere near the hotel.
I decided after a day of walking through what felt like ALL of NY, I would dine in tonight. Me and my sore feet drug ourselves down to the hotel restaurant, Encore. I ordered a simple Turkey Club sandwich that came with chips. $16! Yes you read that correctly. $16. Ironically, I decided to not order room service because I couldn't believe they would charge me $16 for a sandwich.
Samir - my cute waiter - was the real treat though. As he poured my water he asked if I wanted anything to drink (heavy on some Mediterranean accent - maybe Greek). I smiled and ordered a diet coke. He tilted his head to the left and stated with authority, "You have a beautiful smile." And I thought, "You just got yourself a big tip." Yes it crossed my mind he says that to all the girls...but I didn't care. An older lady sat in the table next to me and he didn't say it to her, so there. After eating every morsel of my $16 sandwich, Samir approached and said, "While I am sure you are sweet enough, would you like dessert?" Have I ever told you about my "thing" for dark skin, dark eyes, full accent guys? Yah, well, now you know. While I had to deny Samir his opportunity to "flirt" with me through a dessert course, I thanked him and flashed a 9.0 smile on the richter scale. And then slipped him my room key. OH pipe down, I'm just checking to see if you were still paying attention to this massive post.
And in other note-worthy news, not a peep from the crush in 7 days. This just reaffirms my thought that I need to have this chat. And since I have all this new found confidence courtesy of NY it shouldn't be too hard. I should check, though, the local souvenir shops to see if they sell "confidence" in a bottle. It'd be handy back in Seattle. I'm just saying.
Oh one other note. EXACTLY one year ago today (almost to the minute) I became a Project Management Professional (PMP). I'm one of 180,000 PMPs worldwide. Hmm, how small my significance now seems. But no worries...I am a PMP...for a year now.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Start spreadin' the news...
Everything you've heard about NY is true. It's fast paced, high energy, and oh so much to see. The last two days have been nonstop enjoyment. I'm hot. I'm tired. My feet hurt. I'm dehydrate and I'm sunburn. But I can't stop. I'm addicted to NY. I can't even find the words that describes this city that never sleeps.
I had dinner last night with a younger, handsome gentleman - Favorite Nephew Ever (FNE) Stephen- who picked me up at my hotel and showed me NY - in a New Yorker's manner...we walked. We left the Marriott in Time Square and headed, I believe, North-ish. I can't really tell here which direction is what...no mountains or water - well there's water but you can't see it. Anyhow, he took me up to Central Park. We wondered around there and 5th Avenue. All the while the FNE being the perfect, seasoned New Yorker tour guide. We hopped in a cab and headed to Little Italy. One of the items on my list of things to do in my life was to have dinner in Little Italy. And so we did, but not before walking through Soho. Very chic and expensive shops everywhere. The atmosphere there is so unlike what I've been experiencing in Time Square. Time Square, FNE told me, is really a drag because it is such a small part, recognizable part, but small part of the whole NY picture. And now, after the last two days, I get what he's saying.
Anyhow, back to dinner in Little Italy. Oh. My. God. Can I just say I swore I'd never eat again after the meal we had? (and yet I found myself seduced by NY pizza today) FNE picked the best restaurant and ordered this 4 course family style meal. It was after the first course (Caprese Salad - FRESH mozzarella and tomatoes) I knew I was going to be in trouble. And we were. Pay special note to the massive bottle of wine I'm holding in the photo. Interesting thing they do in Little Italy restaurants. When you order you tell them what type of wine - in this case FNE ordered red. The plunked this - relatively full, but opened - bottle of wine in front of us. They charge you based on how much wine is left in the bottle when you're done. Then say if a table next to us, after we've left of course, orders red wine, they'll put that bottle there for them to drink from. Very unwasteful I gotta say. Though FNE and I did a pretty good job of this bottle.
Stuffed to the gills and swearing off food for the rest of our lives, FNE, then announces we *must* try this cannoli from a bakery around the corner. Huh? What? Didn't we just say we would never eat again? But alas FNE was again right. We ordered two mini canolli's...a little slice of heaven I gotta say.
Then to finish off my initiation in becoming a New Yorker, FNE took me on the subway. We gotta get us one of these in Seattle. I'm just saying. Cheap and quick. He promised to show me a subway rat, but we found nothing...darn it - okay so secretly glad we didn't.
By the end of day one, FNE announced that I had officially become a New Yorker in that I had:
1) eaten a "dirty water dog" from a vendor on the street
2) eaten in Little Italy
3) Walked just about everywhere
and
4) ridden the subway
Yesterday I did the Midtown/Downtown bus tour. I sat atop a double decker bus as it drove through the lower part of Manhattan. Excellent way to get in most the sites with little time.
This morning, though, was what I wanted to do most...harbor cruise around Manhattan. I'm so very thankful that 1) I got up early enough for the first cruise and 2) I got up early enough to at least beat some of the heat. It was amazing to see all sides of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Harlem (upper tip of Manhattan island), and the Bronx all on a 3 hour tour. (I know what you're doing...you're singing the Gilligan's island theme...I've been doing it all day). I was supposed to take the Uptown bus tour, but missed the last bus by just minutes. I then decided to wonder up and down the streets in the area to find something to eat. And I did...NY style Pizza. Burp! Nothing fancy, just good ol' fashion cheese.
A strange thing is happening to me today too. I woke up with the annoying and ever so presence pain in my SHINS! I think perhaps they are wondering what the hell I'm doing walking miles a day without first "training" to do so. The optimistic Jenn says to push through the burn. While the pansy Jenn says, "Tylenol. Take Tylenol." Guess which Jenn won?
Tomorrow I actually have to start working...darn it. Work always spoils all the fun.
I had dinner last night with a younger, handsome gentleman - Favorite Nephew Ever (FNE) Stephen- who picked me up at my hotel and showed me NY - in a New Yorker's manner...we walked. We left the Marriott in Time Square and headed, I believe, North-ish. I can't really tell here which direction is what...no mountains or water - well there's water but you can't see it. Anyhow, he took me up to Central Park. We wondered around there and 5th Avenue. All the while the FNE being the perfect, seasoned New Yorker tour guide. We hopped in a cab and headed to Little Italy. One of the items on my list of things to do in my life was to have dinner in Little Italy. And so we did, but not before walking through Soho. Very chic and expensive shops everywhere. The atmosphere there is so unlike what I've been experiencing in Time Square. Time Square, FNE told me, is really a drag because it is such a small part, recognizable part, but small part of the whole NY picture. And now, after the last two days, I get what he's saying.Anyhow, back to dinner in Little Italy. Oh. My. God. Can I just say I swore I'd never eat again after the meal we had? (and yet I found myself seduced by NY pizza today) FNE picked the best restaurant and ordered this 4 course family style meal. It was after the first course (Caprese Salad - FRESH mozzarella and tomatoes) I knew I was going to be in trouble. And we were. Pay special note to the massive bottle of wine I'm holding in the photo. Interesting thing they do in Little Italy restaurants. When you order you tell them what type of wine - in this case FNE ordered red. The plunked this - relatively full, but opened - bottle of wine in front of us. They charge you based on how much wine is left in the bottle when you're done. Then say if a table next to us, after we've left of course, orders red wine, they'll put that bottle there for them to drink from. Very unwasteful I gotta say. Though FNE and I did a pretty good job of this bottle.
Stuffed to the gills and swearing off food for the rest of our lives, FNE, then announces we *must* try this cannoli from a bakery around the corner. Huh? What? Didn't we just say we would never eat again? But alas FNE was again right. We ordered two mini canolli's...a little slice of heaven I gotta say.
Then to finish off my initiation in becoming a New Yorker, FNE took me on the subway. We gotta get us one of these in Seattle. I'm just saying. Cheap and quick. He promised to show me a subway rat, but we found nothing...darn it - okay so secretly glad we didn't.
By the end of day one, FNE announced that I had officially become a New Yorker in that I had:
1) eaten a "dirty water dog" from a vendor on the street
2) eaten in Little Italy
3) Walked just about everywhere
and
4) ridden the subway
Yesterday I did the Midtown/Downtown bus tour. I sat atop a double decker bus as it drove through the lower part of Manhattan. Excellent way to get in most the sites with little time.
This morning, though, was what I wanted to do most...harbor cruise around Manhattan. I'm so very thankful that 1) I got up early enough for the first cruise and 2) I got up early enough to at least beat some of the heat. It was amazing to see all sides of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Harlem (upper tip of Manhattan island), and the Bronx all on a 3 hour tour. (I know what you're doing...you're singing the Gilligan's island theme...I've been doing it all day). I was supposed to take the Uptown bus tour, but missed the last bus by just minutes. I then decided to wonder up and down the streets in the area to find something to eat. And I did...NY style Pizza. Burp! Nothing fancy, just good ol' fashion cheese.
A strange thing is happening to me today too. I woke up with the annoying and ever so presence pain in my SHINS! I think perhaps they are wondering what the hell I'm doing walking miles a day without first "training" to do so. The optimistic Jenn says to push through the burn. While the pansy Jenn says, "Tylenol. Take Tylenol." Guess which Jenn won?
Tomorrow I actually have to start working...darn it. Work always spoils all the fun.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
A date with the airport
And so it begins.
I'm not even at the gate yet and I'm assaulted with the information that 1) my bag is overweight ( it's a sensitive bag and now feels sad to hear its overweight) and 2) my flight that was scheduled to leave at 11:45pm won't be departing until 1:45AM. AM? Did they not get the memo that I'm old and surely have no way to stay awake until 1:45AM? The only good reason to stay awake that late is to either be with someone who's giving you a reason to be awake or watching a band or something? Otherwise that is a prime hour for sleep.
After I removed the projector I was transporting for work, and a book, my bag felt immediately better about itself. It's interesting that the projector and a book was about 10 lbs. Whodathunk? Only 52 lbs now and so fit into the "range" as noted by "Cisco" the ticket agent. What a horrible job that would be? But Cisco seemed undaunted by the hoards of people in line behind me and greeted each one with enthusiasm that can only be found in someone new on the job. Today was Cisco's 4th day.
Now, back to the problem of the delayed flight. What to do? Ah yes...my haven. Lucky for me my pal Bucky's (aka Starbucks) was still open for dispensing of the much needed caffeine. 20 oz Iced Vanilla Americano in hand - I'm good to go. Oh damn, there's a bar. That might have been better.
The airport is an interesting place. You get any number of oddities here - aka people. First off they shouldn't allow kids in the airport past 7pm. Especially if they're tired and cranky. Secondly, when did leg warmers come back into style? I mean really? Hello the 80's called, they want their fashion back. It's a shame really, without the warmers the rest of the outfit warn by a 55 year old isn't bad. Then there's this guy wondering aimlessly in front of me. He's dressed all in black except for his canvass vest with bulging pockets. Wait? What's in those pockets? I'll be watching that one closely.
The other "thing" that's been going on in my life is I can't shake this nagging feeling that I should have said something to the crush before I departed for this trip. It's this nonstop poking feeling in my noggin that just keeps saying,"What if you don't come back?" The pessimistic Jenn, of course, is worried about what that might actually mean. While the optimistic Jenn secretly hopes that means she'll meet a fabulous Italian guy while dining in little Italy, who will whisk her away to some place exotic, like Queens or Brooklyn.
So as I've been sitting in the airport people-watching I imagined a phone conversation going something like this.
"Yah hi crush, this is Jenn" and of course I wouldn't give him time to speak, I'd just launch into my rehearsed, eloquent speech.
I'd continue, "Every now and then I get these nagging feelings that I can't shake. It's like a hot poker in my noggin' demanding that I do something about it. I've learned from past experiences that they are gut feelings that rarely go away and that I need to pay attention to them.
"Of late that "gut" feeling has been related to you. And more importantly telling you that I've liked you for a very long time. And I just think you need to know that before I leave for NY.
"It shouldn't be a shock or a surprise to you, but, well I'm not the best flirt and you may, in fact, not have noticed. And if you've ever read my blog you certainly know. But, there you have it. "
And in my delusional world, he'd respond like any normal guy would in a positive and upbeat manner and say something witty like, "Good to know" Or "Oh, well that's nice."
I jest.
I'm not even at the gate yet and I'm assaulted with the information that 1) my bag is overweight ( it's a sensitive bag and now feels sad to hear its overweight) and 2) my flight that was scheduled to leave at 11:45pm won't be departing until 1:45AM. AM? Did they not get the memo that I'm old and surely have no way to stay awake until 1:45AM? The only good reason to stay awake that late is to either be with someone who's giving you a reason to be awake or watching a band or something? Otherwise that is a prime hour for sleep.
After I removed the projector I was transporting for work, and a book, my bag felt immediately better about itself. It's interesting that the projector and a book was about 10 lbs. Whodathunk? Only 52 lbs now and so fit into the "range" as noted by "Cisco" the ticket agent. What a horrible job that would be? But Cisco seemed undaunted by the hoards of people in line behind me and greeted each one with enthusiasm that can only be found in someone new on the job. Today was Cisco's 4th day.
Now, back to the problem of the delayed flight. What to do? Ah yes...my haven. Lucky for me my pal Bucky's (aka Starbucks) was still open for dispensing of the much needed caffeine. 20 oz Iced Vanilla Americano in hand - I'm good to go. Oh damn, there's a bar. That might have been better.
The airport is an interesting place. You get any number of oddities here - aka people. First off they shouldn't allow kids in the airport past 7pm. Especially if they're tired and cranky. Secondly, when did leg warmers come back into style? I mean really? Hello the 80's called, they want their fashion back. It's a shame really, without the warmers the rest of the outfit warn by a 55 year old isn't bad. Then there's this guy wondering aimlessly in front of me. He's dressed all in black except for his canvass vest with bulging pockets. Wait? What's in those pockets? I'll be watching that one closely.
The other "thing" that's been going on in my life is I can't shake this nagging feeling that I should have said something to the crush before I departed for this trip. It's this nonstop poking feeling in my noggin that just keeps saying,"What if you don't come back?" The pessimistic Jenn, of course, is worried about what that might actually mean. While the optimistic Jenn secretly hopes that means she'll meet a fabulous Italian guy while dining in little Italy, who will whisk her away to some place exotic, like Queens or Brooklyn.
So as I've been sitting in the airport people-watching I imagined a phone conversation going something like this.
"Yah hi crush, this is Jenn" and of course I wouldn't give him time to speak, I'd just launch into my rehearsed, eloquent speech.
I'd continue, "Every now and then I get these nagging feelings that I can't shake. It's like a hot poker in my noggin' demanding that I do something about it. I've learned from past experiences that they are gut feelings that rarely go away and that I need to pay attention to them.
"Of late that "gut" feeling has been related to you. And more importantly telling you that I've liked you for a very long time. And I just think you need to know that before I leave for NY.
"It shouldn't be a shock or a surprise to you, but, well I'm not the best flirt and you may, in fact, not have noticed. And if you've ever read my blog you certainly know. But, there you have it. "
And in my delusional world, he'd respond like any normal guy would in a positive and upbeat manner and say something witty like, "Good to know" Or "Oh, well that's nice."
I jest.
Give my Regards to Broadway
I'm embarking on my NY adventure tonight (red eye flight out - ugh). A little anxious, but excited.
Half of the trip will be for work and half for fun. It's the fun part with which you'll need to be concerned. Because I know you all would love to go with me and experience NY Jenn style, (camera in hand taking fab photos of anything and everything - my little keepsakes) I wanted to be sure you were all aware that I would be posting my adventures here on my blog. AS WELL AS, my new flicker site will contain photos of my NY adventure.
Don't be shy, check them out.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennwraspir/
All that being said its the 11th hour and Jenn, Queen of packing 14 weeks before a trip, has yet to pack. The small apartment (aka the suitcase) I'll be bringing with me has been sitting in the middle of the living room mocking me every night. I really don't want to pack. Which is weird for me considering I love packing.
Last night I moved the suitcase, after taking the cat out of it, to the room. That's a start right? I did put the "work" related items in the suitcase - so that's at least something.
The last day at work has been painful. I made a couple of what I consider minor mistakes - you know I'm human and all - which caused my main boss person to "lose trust in my abilities". Ouch! That's way harsh. As I mentioned, in my opinion the mistakes I made were not earth shattering, they were fixable, and really minor (forgot the dial in number for a meeting and had to run back to my office to get it - and - had a duplicate piece of information in a massive slide deck that's laden with content - see..not so bad). His concern is that I am not able to see the big picture of this tradeshow and he's worried that I'm not paying enough attention to detail. Ok. Got it! After his rant though, what existed of my confidence was gone. So naturally the next thing I had to do was for him.
Confidence taking a vacation, I dove into this next task. Once completed, I sent it to Stressed Boss and told him in bold letters - THIS IS A DRAFT. I wanted him to glance through it and let me know if I'm on the right track. I didn't want to continue if what I was doing wasn't anywhere near what he wanted. His response mirrored the rant of earlier. So at this point, I need to work EXTRA hard to gain his trust back. I know he's super stressed...I get it. I'm super stressed and am therefore taking things more personally than I should. But good grief.
In other news, I've not heard hide nor hair from the crush since Sunday. But that doesn't surprise me too terrible much. (Where'd that phrase "hide nor hair" come from anyhow?")
Half of the trip will be for work and half for fun. It's the fun part with which you'll need to be concerned. Because I know you all would love to go with me and experience NY Jenn style, (camera in hand taking fab photos of anything and everything - my little keepsakes) I wanted to be sure you were all aware that I would be posting my adventures here on my blog. AS WELL AS, my new flicker site will contain photos of my NY adventure.
Don't be shy, check them out.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennwraspir/
All that being said its the 11th hour and Jenn, Queen of packing 14 weeks before a trip, has yet to pack. The small apartment (aka the suitcase) I'll be bringing with me has been sitting in the middle of the living room mocking me every night. I really don't want to pack. Which is weird for me considering I love packing.
Last night I moved the suitcase, after taking the cat out of it, to the room. That's a start right? I did put the "work" related items in the suitcase - so that's at least something.
The last day at work has been painful. I made a couple of what I consider minor mistakes - you know I'm human and all - which caused my main boss person to "lose trust in my abilities". Ouch! That's way harsh. As I mentioned, in my opinion the mistakes I made were not earth shattering, they were fixable, and really minor (forgot the dial in number for a meeting and had to run back to my office to get it - and - had a duplicate piece of information in a massive slide deck that's laden with content - see..not so bad). His concern is that I am not able to see the big picture of this tradeshow and he's worried that I'm not paying enough attention to detail. Ok. Got it! After his rant though, what existed of my confidence was gone. So naturally the next thing I had to do was for him.
Confidence taking a vacation, I dove into this next task. Once completed, I sent it to Stressed Boss and told him in bold letters - THIS IS A DRAFT. I wanted him to glance through it and let me know if I'm on the right track. I didn't want to continue if what I was doing wasn't anywhere near what he wanted. His response mirrored the rant of earlier. So at this point, I need to work EXTRA hard to gain his trust back. I know he's super stressed...I get it. I'm super stressed and am therefore taking things more personally than I should. But good grief.
In other news, I've not heard hide nor hair from the crush since Sunday. But that doesn't surprise me too terrible much. (Where'd that phrase "hide nor hair" come from anyhow?")
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
And this from the Yahoo Swami
"Believe it or not, you're ready to take a risk. Actually, it's not even a risk -- you know the price of staying exactly where you are is just too much. Move toward what genuinely moves you. Don't stop 'til you get there. "
Is there no one out there who's on my side? Even the stars are pushing me.
Fine. Okay I'll tell him.
Crush! I like you.
There I did it. Satisfied?
Is there no one out there who's on my side? Even the stars are pushing me.
Fine. Okay I'll tell him.
Crush! I like you.
There I did it. Satisfied?
NY State of Mind - Capital is Chaos
I got it.
I get it.
I hear ya.
Sheesh! I never would have thought my posting my mini-adventure with the crush would unleash the savages that are my readers. I love it! 9 comments on one post. That's a Jenn's Doings All Time High. If I had known what a rush of feedback I'd get, I would have done this sooner...now I'm addicted to the feedback and will need to give you all what you are so hankering for....the beans.
Will our heroine's flirtatious-ness land her the man? Will the man get it? Will our dynamic duo finally see that they are dancing around each other? Stay tuned to find out. (That's what they call the hook in TV land so you'll tune in to see what really happens. )
From what I can gather the basic message from the lot of you is to stop wasting my time fishing and jump the crush. Got it. But it'll have to wait until AFTER NY. Maybe I'll ask the Wizard in NY for courage.
Speaking of NY, life at work is complete chaos. We made a major announcement this week internally that has everyone all a flutter. AND this announcement has helped to send my world of event planning into a complete tizzy. Have to change our message now. Ugh. So here I am in stressville here and have nothing to wear.
I will be posting from NY - for a couple of reasons. First off, this blog acts as a sudo journal. And secondly, I want to be sure to share any embarrassing and madcap stories with everyone. Because I guarantee me being in NY by myself for a couple of days, and then dealing with union people for three days, and then spending some "site seeing" / "shopping" time with my sister-in-law is surely going to be righteous blogging material.
I will be posting all my photos on my new Flicker site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennwraspir/
Go. Check it out.
I have posted all my worthy photography up there that I currently have scanned in. I decided awhile ago that I wanted to be sure all my "photography" pictures were online some place, in the event that some day I might sell a piece or two. That and I don't have the negatives anywhere to speak of so I should have it "backed up" somewhere.
On another note - I got to actually be a sudo teacher last night. Friend Claudia had some other business to take care of and so asked me to "sub" for her for the Practicum Class. Which really meant just hanging out and "listening" to them talk amongst themselves and trying to add intelligent feedback in the end. But as it turned out, I did a lot more than that. See the Practicum class is doing a project for the association of which I am President (all hale President Jenn). And so I found myself adding my two cents in more than I probably should. But they were struggling...and I just had to help them. In the end, it was fine, but I do feel a wee bit guilty in that I might have distracted them a bit. Its all good though. I'm going to NY.
I get it.
I hear ya.
Sheesh! I never would have thought my posting my mini-adventure with the crush would unleash the savages that are my readers. I love it! 9 comments on one post. That's a Jenn's Doings All Time High. If I had known what a rush of feedback I'd get, I would have done this sooner...now I'm addicted to the feedback and will need to give you all what you are so hankering for....the beans.
Will our heroine's flirtatious-ness land her the man? Will the man get it? Will our dynamic duo finally see that they are dancing around each other? Stay tuned to find out. (That's what they call the hook in TV land so you'll tune in to see what really happens. )
From what I can gather the basic message from the lot of you is to stop wasting my time fishing and jump the crush. Got it. But it'll have to wait until AFTER NY. Maybe I'll ask the Wizard in NY for courage.
Speaking of NY, life at work is complete chaos. We made a major announcement this week internally that has everyone all a flutter. AND this announcement has helped to send my world of event planning into a complete tizzy. Have to change our message now. Ugh. So here I am in stressville here and have nothing to wear.
I will be posting from NY - for a couple of reasons. First off, this blog acts as a sudo journal. And secondly, I want to be sure to share any embarrassing and madcap stories with everyone. Because I guarantee me being in NY by myself for a couple of days, and then dealing with union people for three days, and then spending some "site seeing" / "shopping" time with my sister-in-law is surely going to be righteous blogging material.
I will be posting all my photos on my new Flicker site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennwraspir/
Go. Check it out.
I have posted all my worthy photography up there that I currently have scanned in. I decided awhile ago that I wanted to be sure all my "photography" pictures were online some place, in the event that some day I might sell a piece or two. That and I don't have the negatives anywhere to speak of so I should have it "backed up" somewhere.
On another note - I got to actually be a sudo teacher last night. Friend Claudia had some other business to take care of and so asked me to "sub" for her for the Practicum Class. Which really meant just hanging out and "listening" to them talk amongst themselves and trying to add intelligent feedback in the end. But as it turned out, I did a lot more than that. See the Practicum class is doing a project for the association of which I am President (all hale President Jenn). And so I found myself adding my two cents in more than I probably should. But they were struggling...and I just had to help them. In the end, it was fine, but I do feel a wee bit guilty in that I might have distracted them a bit. Its all good though. I'm going to NY.
Monday, July 31, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, July 28, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
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.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
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.
Friday, July 21, 2006
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?
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?
Thursday, July 20, 2006
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.....
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.....
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, July 17, 2006
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.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
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!)
Thursday, July 13, 2006
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?
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?
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
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
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.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
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....
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....
Sunday, July 09, 2006
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!
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.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
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!
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!
Monday, July 03, 2006
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.”
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.”
Saturday, July 01, 2006
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.
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.