Saturday. Glorious day. Waking early, Jenn stretches and thinks about what lies ahead of her. A day of peace. Nothing overly demanding. Nothing overly difficult to do today. She rolls to her side and realizes the cat has stretched the length of himself out on her comforter, again. He'd found the new house to his liking and made it his domain, as would have been expected. Some day she's going to have to find a way to keep him off the bed, she thought. Yah right. Scratching behind his ears she hops out of bed.
Downstairs she smiles as she witnesses the sun just peaking over the rooftops. The sun. What a welcome site in February in the Northwest. She wondered if it would be cold today or if they'd get a peak of what Spring promised. She hoped for the latter.
Pulling her coffee maker out from under the cabinet, she smiled, secretly admitting she really liked the fact that she had a new counter to pull her coffee maker from. She glanced around the spacious kitchen and felt at home. Finally. A home. Not hers, she mused, but she could make it her's none the less, and she would. She has.
Coffee brewing, she opened the back door to test just how "springy" it was going to be. Shivering, "Not yet," she thought. Still a little brisk outside. Sliding the door shut she sighed, and wondered what the day had in store for her. She turned as the coffee maker beeped, announcing that her elixir of life was ready. She knew that she probably drank too much coffee for her own good, but she'd make that change another day. Maybe she'd give it up for Lent. She laughed at the thought. "Yah right and maybe I'd give up breathing," she said outloud to no one.
With her elixir of life in her hand, she settled on the couch to watch the morning news. Marveling, as she watched, at how the silliest story makes the news these days. She guessed it was better than all the bad that's out there.
It was time. Time for her favorite activity of the weekend. She glanced to the countertop where her brandy snifter of recipes sat. Some probably thought she was a bit crazy to put all her recipes on little strips of paper in a snifter to pick from weekly. She really didn't care. She knew she loved cooking, and loved trying all these new recipes. Some were good enough to repeat. Others were suitable for the shredder. She'd keep the bad ones for at least a year though as she'd put them in her annual cookbook. Just because she didn't like them, didn't mean one of her family members or friends wouldn't.
She probably could cut back on some of the more "fattening" recipes in her arsenal. But she'd think about that next week. Looking at her calendar she knew she needed three new recipes. Dipping in, she chose. Opening it and reading it, she tossed it back thinking it was way too much for just one person. She continued this exercise until she found three that might due for a single girl.
A single girl, how she despised those words. Someday, she hoped, maybe if she was really good, or if she gave up coffee, she'd find her Principe Azul - which was Spanish for Prince Charming. Shaking her head she laughed at the thought. No, she figured her life was for just her to enjoy. Unlikely she'd find someone to put up with her and her ways.
Sifting through her recipe file she finds the three new recipes. Suddenly she remembers the family will be over Sunday for dinner. She'll need one more recipe. What sounded good? What has she already made that was, perhaps, a bit healthier? She knew just the recipe. She'd made it in January and loved it instantly. She added that recipe to her pile.
She went about the rest of her morning. Doing laundry. Trying to change her sheets, and finding that the cat had taken up home on her bed, still. She knew she probably shouldn't give in to him so often, but he was so cute. He gave her hours of amusement. Sometimes just looking at his facial expressions made her laugh. She needed help. She was thinking about how to change her plans for the day because the cat was asleep on her bed.
Glancing at the clock she realized she had to get moving. She was volunteering for a 3Day Getting Started meeting again today. She smiled at her reflection and was proud of herself for giving back. She wasn't going to walk in the 3Day this year. It had been an experience to end all experiences. Changed her forever. She still carried the thrill of the event with her even today. Instead of walking, she decided to support it by volunteering. And she loved going to these meetings and listening to the stories. She knew she'd cry again today. She always cried at these things. The bloody video they showed. Guaranteed to make her cry. Today! Today she giggled she would not cry. Much.
She backed the car out. Still thrilled by the idea of having a Mustang. It was a beautiful day after all. Rolling her windows down, she glided along. She loved the wind blowing through her hair. Someday she'd own a convertible. A Mustang one to be sure. What other type was there?
She turned the music up and started on her way. She'd be going back to her old neighborhood today. The first neighborhood she lived in when her parents moved her to Washington in 1986. It had been a sad, sad day when they left California. She could feel the heartache as if it just happened. Somehow she'd survived, just like her mom had said. And now, some 22 years later she was sure to smile if the song Careless Whispers came on the radio. While it made her cry like a newly widowed woman in 1986, now it just made her smile. Strange turn of events she thought.
She finished up the 3Day meeting and hopped back into her Stang. There was just enough daylight left for a quick trip by the old house. Up the hill, rounding the corner, it wasn't like it was. Where once stood brilliant Douglas Firs now stands townhouses, and condos that were more expensive than their large house they lived in in the eighties. Not deterred, she climbed the long hill, as if she was just on her way home from high school. At the top, she turned to the right. There it was, the house. Not quite as she remembered it. She remembered it being larger, much larger. Had time changed her that much. It's yellow now, with white trim. The unholy ground cover was still there. God she had hated that ground cover. It was only pretty in the spring when the pretty yellow flowers bloomed. She sighed a heavy sigh and turned to leave. She thought about the memories that house held. Not all good, but most were. She couldn't complain. Her childhood wasn't perfect, but it was a good childhood. Mostly.
She curled up on the couch with yet another book. She'd finished another last night. That was 4 this month already. She was on some kind of role. Now addicted to a new writer, she admitted to herself that she just might have a small amount of OCD. Once she hooked on to something, she rarely let it go until she was ready or bored. Flipping on the TV to see if just in case something was on she couldn't live without. Flip. Flip. Flip. She maneuvered through the channels. So many channels. So little to see. Then she stopped. Grinned a wide toothy grin, Grease was on TV. What a naughty movie it was. It was perfectly innocent when she saw it for the first time in the 70's - she thought it was the 70's. Then as a college student she'd watched it again and was shocked and a little embarrassed when she had realized what some of the comments phrased. Her favorite song Grease Lightening was one. That John Travolta...he could sure dance and sing...couldn't act back then, but he did Grease Lightening better than any of them. She laughed because the TV station was skipping past the not so family orientated lyrics of Grease Lightening. She had to admit, her love for hot rods might have started with Grease Lightening. And what the heck was up with the seran wrap in that scene.
She settled in to finish the movie and start a new book. It was 9PM and the cat would be hungry. Again, the cat. She surely needed a life. She'd think about that next week.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I am a rock, I am an island...
This song has been stuck in the noggin all day. I had to do a debrief about a project that unceremoniously got cancelled, and my resource call this project a "Bring me a rock" project (meaning the customer kept asking us to bring them a rock, but never saying what size or what color...you just keep bringing rocks based on their feedback, but you never really get the right rock). Once he said "bring me a rock" - it was stuck. On the plus side, PMDude thought of the same song..though it's unlikely it was stuck in his head. He has 5 kids...no way there's any more room for useless songs.
In other news, I've been publishing a lot to my other blog. I'm trying to be much better about publishing all the recipes I've tried and trying to say something about them besides, "OMG sooo good." or "Grody". Anyhow, check them out. The one I made tonight, not so good. But last nights...delicious! I think I'm going to actually try this one with chicken too. I'm betting that will be just as good.
Tomorrow night - - in case you want a preview -- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Pesto Sauce and BIG mushroom - veggie saute. That Rachael Ray - I tell ya - she needs to learn how to cut down on the War&Peace titles. At any rate, no big occasion tomorrow - just Friday.
This weekend will be chalked full of stuff. Saturday, after sleeping in and kicking the cat, I'll be volunteering for another 3Day Getting Started meeting. I'm going to try my best to not cry. I know, who am I kidding? Then Sunday, BigBro and Seattle Sis are coming over with the Brasch's for dinner at Chez Jenn's. I have no idea what I'll make yet. Thankfully, they are all family (or like family) and so no need to try something impressive. Food, for our family, is good. That's how I keep my girlish figure.
And without making you wait any longer, here's Chez Jenn's. Staring the Big Black Beast of Burden.
In other news, I've been publishing a lot to my other blog. I'm trying to be much better about publishing all the recipes I've tried and trying to say something about them besides, "OMG sooo good." or "Grody". Anyhow, check them out. The one I made tonight, not so good. But last nights...delicious! I think I'm going to actually try this one with chicken too. I'm betting that will be just as good.
Tomorrow night - - in case you want a preview -- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Pesto Sauce and BIG mushroom - veggie saute. That Rachael Ray - I tell ya - she needs to learn how to cut down on the War&Peace titles. At any rate, no big occasion tomorrow - just Friday.
This weekend will be chalked full of stuff. Saturday, after sleeping in and kicking the cat, I'll be volunteering for another 3Day Getting Started meeting. I'm going to try my best to not cry. I know, who am I kidding? Then Sunday, BigBro and Seattle Sis are coming over with the Brasch's for dinner at Chez Jenn's. I have no idea what I'll make yet. Thankfully, they are all family (or like family) and so no need to try something impressive. Food, for our family, is good. That's how I keep my girlish figure.
And without making you wait any longer, here's Chez Jenn's. Staring the Big Black Beast of Burden.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Jenn…26 never looked so good on a 40 year old.
Today is my birthday between my dad and I. He adopted me 26 years ago (I think – I can never remember if it was ’81 or ’82). Anyhow, every year we celebrate on the 17th of February, one more year of Father/Daughter-ness. He’s so lucky. He really got quite the deal, if I do say so myself. This year I received two dozen beautiful roses in celebration. Surprised when Her Royal Geekness appeared in my doorway with a box that said “1-800-Flowers” on it. Priceless was the look on her face trying to figure out why I’d be getting flowers. Filled her in on the whole deal, opened the box, found the card that read, “Happy Birthday Pup, love Dad.” I think in celebration I should get today off too. All those in favor?
The three day weekend went way too fast IMHO. I blinked and it was over.
Yesterday, Blueberry, Chicken Lady and I piled into the Blueberry Mobile and headed to IKEA. You kinda need a whole day for IKEA if you know what I mean. Us and every single screaming child on the planet were at IKEA. We ate Swedish meatballs, rambled through the store, bought a few things we couldn’t possibly live without, and came home. All in all, a nice day. Aside from the screaming kids.
Speaking of screaming kids, Dudley on Saturday night was quite awesome. Now, you know I’ve had my reservations about them since they’ve changed their lead singer. The last show had me thinking that this new guy was better, and definitely sealed the band. Saturday night’s performance confirmed for me what I had feared all along…I have a new crush on the new lead singer. He seems rather gooberish at times, but fun and damn can he sing. The band was tight. Performing love songs for the first set – just about put me to sleep – included in the set list was The Love Boat Theme, Can’t Take My Eyes off of you and Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together. All good songs – though some would argue that. But the second set…that’s when they came alive. They pulled out some of my all time favorite Dudley songs: Sweet Caroline (with the audience participation this song is quite frankly awesome. Those who have never seen Dudley before, I’m sure where wow’d at the crowd participation), Dancing Queen, and Venus. The Dudley virgins we had with us, I think, had a good time. They didn’t run from the room screaming, so that’s a plus. The third set was going to be all 80’s music, but we all were tired and ready to go home.
Other things I did this weekend, that you really know you want to know…I finally took pictures of the Jendo. Now I only need to find the adapter do-hicky thing to get them off the camera. So stay tuned for those this week. You know you want to. I also posted the three recipes I tried last week to the “other” blog. Check them out.
So while the weekend went by way too fast, I did have a good one. And the bonus is this is now a 4 day work week. WooHoo!
The three day weekend went way too fast IMHO. I blinked and it was over.
Yesterday, Blueberry, Chicken Lady and I piled into the Blueberry Mobile and headed to IKEA. You kinda need a whole day for IKEA if you know what I mean. Us and every single screaming child on the planet were at IKEA. We ate Swedish meatballs, rambled through the store, bought a few things we couldn’t possibly live without, and came home. All in all, a nice day. Aside from the screaming kids.
Speaking of screaming kids, Dudley on Saturday night was quite awesome. Now, you know I’ve had my reservations about them since they’ve changed their lead singer. The last show had me thinking that this new guy was better, and definitely sealed the band. Saturday night’s performance confirmed for me what I had feared all along…I have a new crush on the new lead singer. He seems rather gooberish at times, but fun and damn can he sing. The band was tight. Performing love songs for the first set – just about put me to sleep – included in the set list was The Love Boat Theme, Can’t Take My Eyes off of you and Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together. All good songs – though some would argue that. But the second set…that’s when they came alive. They pulled out some of my all time favorite Dudley songs: Sweet Caroline (with the audience participation this song is quite frankly awesome. Those who have never seen Dudley before, I’m sure where wow’d at the crowd participation), Dancing Queen, and Venus. The Dudley virgins we had with us, I think, had a good time. They didn’t run from the room screaming, so that’s a plus. The third set was going to be all 80’s music, but we all were tired and ready to go home.
Other things I did this weekend, that you really know you want to know…I finally took pictures of the Jendo. Now I only need to find the adapter do-hicky thing to get them off the camera. So stay tuned for those this week. You know you want to. I also posted the three recipes I tried last week to the “other” blog. Check them out.
So while the weekend went by way too fast, I did have a good one. And the bonus is this is now a 4 day work week. WooHoo!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely.
Well, if it isn't the day to hate of all days. Thankfully, it snuck up on me and I didn't even realize it was here until yesterday when I saw the pretty red heart shaped boxes of chocolate. I did manage to get a card off to the ParentalUnits earlier this week, can't for them.
Yesterday as I said I viewed the red heart shaped boxes in a store. When Blueberry was a kid, our Grandfather would get her a small little box of chocolates. He did it for all the girl grandchildren that I know of. Not sure about the boys...probably got them a fish filleting knife. Anyhow, when Gpa passed away, Blueberry and I had a conversation about how sad it would now be. We'd miss all the little Gpa things that, while we joked about them constantly, we'd miss them. They included Gpa's LOVE of ordering from Finger Hut. He' always order things and get free items. I had a number of really cheap necklaces, bracelets etc. He even got my niece a doll one time...it was a black doll, but a doll none the less.
Anyhow, I decided to pick up the heart shaped candy box at Rite Aid many years ago and continued the tradition for Blueberry. The other item on my list to get was Lime Away. See, there's hard water at the new place...so I figured Lime Away will help some what.
I took my cardboard heart filled with candy and my Lime Away to the counter. The cashier behind the counter looked as if she would have rather have been somewhere else. I plunked down my purchases. The cashier looked at the candy, looked at the Lime Away and said, "Well, that's one way to take care of him."
I didn't get it at first, but then realized she saw me buying poison and candy. I laughed all the way to the car.
Yesterday as I said I viewed the red heart shaped boxes in a store. When Blueberry was a kid, our Grandfather would get her a small little box of chocolates. He did it for all the girl grandchildren that I know of. Not sure about the boys...probably got them a fish filleting knife. Anyhow, when Gpa passed away, Blueberry and I had a conversation about how sad it would now be. We'd miss all the little Gpa things that, while we joked about them constantly, we'd miss them. They included Gpa's LOVE of ordering from Finger Hut. He' always order things and get free items. I had a number of really cheap necklaces, bracelets etc. He even got my niece a doll one time...it was a black doll, but a doll none the less.
Anyhow, I decided to pick up the heart shaped candy box at Rite Aid many years ago and continued the tradition for Blueberry. The other item on my list to get was Lime Away. See, there's hard water at the new place...so I figured Lime Away will help some what.
I took my cardboard heart filled with candy and my Lime Away to the counter. The cashier behind the counter looked as if she would have rather have been somewhere else. I plunked down my purchases. The cashier looked at the candy, looked at the Lime Away and said, "Well, that's one way to take care of him."
I didn't get it at first, but then realized she saw me buying poison and candy. I laughed all the way to the car.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Set a Course for Adventure, your mind on a new romance...
What?
Doesn't the Love Boat Theme ever get stuck in your head?
Well, it's stuck in mind for the simple following equation. Valentine's Day is tomorrow. When I think about VD Day, I think about Dudley. When I think about Dudley and VD Day, I think the Love Boat Theme - because that's one of the first shows and one of the first songs I remember from the boys. See? Simple explanation. PMDude is sitting over in his chair shaking his head at the shock of how my brain works. It seems to make perfect sense to me.
Of course going to YouTube to find the Love Boat Theme, got us checking out all the other intros from shows in that era like, CHiPs, Magnum PI, Fantasy Island, The A-Team...ahhh good times.
Friday. Ahhh...can you feel it? A three day weekend ahead. Yes, we get Monday off to celebrate our President's (Lincoln and Washington specifically - I think). I'll be heading off to IKEA with Blueberry and ChickenLady on the day off...oh fun! I can't wait! I love me some IKEA.
In other fun news, Saturday is the Dudley Valentine's day show. Should be fun this year. It's not at the Triple Door like it has been in the past. Instead it's at a small, little, hole in the wall tavern that fits WAY too many people in between it's old, crumbling walls. I'm just sayin' I am near an exit - or try to be - when I see them at the Sunset. If there were any bar in Seattle that I could imagine going up in flames in less than 30 seconds, this would be the bar. But that's not stopping me from going. Wild bulls couldn't stop me from going. Only Pablo the pool boy waiting in my ... um oh Hi Mom. Never mind.
As I was saying, nothing could stop me from going. I'm having a few friends over (UK friends yet to be named, Blueberry, HikerGirl and RunningMan). PhotoGirl and the Yank will be meeting us there. Good times.
And now, for something I've been tagged with in FaceBook by a few folks.
39 odd things...
39 ODD Things about you! It used to be 44, but the list I received only had 39 questions - so I'm changing it to 39. If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 39 things about your friends, and let them learn 39 things about you! Tag the person that sent it plus others.
1. Do you like blue cheese? In a creamy dressing yes. All by itself…jut a little.
2. Have you ever been drunk? I lost count how many times. Hello WSU grad!
3. Do you own a gun? Nope – Unless a twirling rifle counts.
4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? I’d go for the red one…it leaves a nice red tongue and mustache
5. What do you think of hot dogs? After a 15 mile walk, or well, after any walk…or at the baseball/football/sporting event…definitely.
6. Favorite Christmas movie? I’m a sucker for Rudolf.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Um, Hi, have you learned nothing from my blog…Venti Vanilla American with Xtr Room (cream and sugar added for taste!)
8. Can you do push ups? Why would I? Does pushing yourself up once you’ve sat on the ground count? Then Yes.
9. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? It used to be these gold earrings Dad bought me in Saudi. But I lost them…so now it’s the ring I bought myself for my 30th birthday
10. Favorite hobby? Moving, scrapbooking, cooking, photography.
11. Do you have A.D.D.? A.D.D. Attention Defi…! Hey, look a butterfly!
12. What's your favorite shoe? If I didn’t have to wear any shoe, I wouldn’t. But I do like my pink croc flip flops.
13. Middle name? Joy – cuz I’m such a Joy to be around
14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I’m tired and wished I could have stayed in bed 2 more minutes. I don’t want to get on the status call in 10 minutes. Why can’t the Pointy Haired Boss be absent today.
15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? See #8, Ice Tea, Water
16. Current worry? What to make for dinner tomorrow night before the Dudley Show.
17. Current hate right now? The fact I’m at work
18. How did you bring in the New Year? How did I bring in the new year? I think I had a party at my place! Yah that was it. And I may have drank some. Maybe.
19. Where would you like to go? Italy! All expenses paid.
20. Name three people who will complete this? Mom, maybe Vicky, maybe Her Royal Geekness
21. Do you own slippers? I do, but they’re still packed and I never wear them. See #13 for what I wear
22. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Black with white – the colors of Nuns
23. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Ugh Groddy!
24. Can you whistle? Does wheezing count? Then yes. Otherwise no.
25. Favorite color? Currently, Rusty Orange is the new Pink28. Would you be a pirate? Argh you kidding? Get it? Argh = Are…okay…more coffee
26. What songs do you sing in the shower? It’s probably quicker to list what song I don’t sing. But I’ll play along. Its usually whatever song was stuck in my freakin noggin from the day/night before. For example, today was Seasons of Love from Rent.
27. Favorite girl's Name? Lily.
28. Favorite boy's name? Jack
29. What's in your pocket right now? I don’t have a pocket right now – so nothing.
30. Last thing that made you laugh? Dilbert!
31. Best bed sheets as a child? Oh good lord, I don’t remember any of my bed sheets as a child!
32. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? An enormous cat scratch that left a huge scare on my left arm, and caused me to miss going to a movie the day the damn neighbor cat scratched me.
33. Who is your loudest friend? Um…me! Wow…I don’t think I have any loud friends…Mrs. Stalemate…maybe…
34. How many dogs do you have? Well if you count the cute beagle puppy I tried to steal yesterday, none. But I want one, or two, or three…
35. Does someone have a crush on you? That would mean I’d have to know single men…which I apparently don’t…
36. What is your favorite book? Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha).
37. What is your favorite candy? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
38. Favorite Sports Team? Oh boy…I’ll say the Seahawks…
39. What song do you want played at your funeral? Any 80’s song that is happy and hoppin so people can dance.
Phew. That tired me out.
Doesn't the Love Boat Theme ever get stuck in your head?
Well, it's stuck in mind for the simple following equation. Valentine's Day is tomorrow. When I think about VD Day, I think about Dudley. When I think about Dudley and VD Day, I think the Love Boat Theme - because that's one of the first shows and one of the first songs I remember from the boys. See? Simple explanation. PMDude is sitting over in his chair shaking his head at the shock of how my brain works. It seems to make perfect sense to me.
Of course going to YouTube to find the Love Boat Theme, got us checking out all the other intros from shows in that era like, CHiPs, Magnum PI, Fantasy Island, The A-Team...ahhh good times.
Friday. Ahhh...can you feel it? A three day weekend ahead. Yes, we get Monday off to celebrate our President's (Lincoln and Washington specifically - I think). I'll be heading off to IKEA with Blueberry and ChickenLady on the day off...oh fun! I can't wait! I love me some IKEA.
In other fun news, Saturday is the Dudley Valentine's day show. Should be fun this year. It's not at the Triple Door like it has been in the past. Instead it's at a small, little, hole in the wall tavern that fits WAY too many people in between it's old, crumbling walls. I'm just sayin' I am near an exit - or try to be - when I see them at the Sunset. If there were any bar in Seattle that I could imagine going up in flames in less than 30 seconds, this would be the bar. But that's not stopping me from going. Wild bulls couldn't stop me from going. Only Pablo the pool boy waiting in my ... um oh Hi Mom. Never mind.
As I was saying, nothing could stop me from going. I'm having a few friends over (UK friends yet to be named, Blueberry, HikerGirl and RunningMan). PhotoGirl and the Yank will be meeting us there. Good times.
And now, for something I've been tagged with in FaceBook by a few folks.
39 odd things...
39 ODD Things about you! It used to be 44, but the list I received only had 39 questions - so I'm changing it to 39. If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 39 things about your friends, and let them learn 39 things about you! Tag the person that sent it plus others.
1. Do you like blue cheese? In a creamy dressing yes. All by itself…jut a little.
2. Have you ever been drunk? I lost count how many times. Hello WSU grad!
3. Do you own a gun? Nope – Unless a twirling rifle counts.
4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? I’d go for the red one…it leaves a nice red tongue and mustache
5. What do you think of hot dogs? After a 15 mile walk, or well, after any walk…or at the baseball/football/sporting event…definitely.
6. Favorite Christmas movie? I’m a sucker for Rudolf.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Um, Hi, have you learned nothing from my blog…Venti Vanilla American with Xtr Room (cream and sugar added for taste!)
8. Can you do push ups? Why would I? Does pushing yourself up once you’ve sat on the ground count? Then Yes.
9. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? It used to be these gold earrings Dad bought me in Saudi. But I lost them…so now it’s the ring I bought myself for my 30th birthday
10. Favorite hobby? Moving, scrapbooking, cooking, photography.
11. Do you have A.D.D.? A.D.D. Attention Defi…! Hey, look a butterfly!
12. What's your favorite shoe? If I didn’t have to wear any shoe, I wouldn’t. But I do like my pink croc flip flops.
13. Middle name? Joy – cuz I’m such a Joy to be around
14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I’m tired and wished I could have stayed in bed 2 more minutes. I don’t want to get on the status call in 10 minutes. Why can’t the Pointy Haired Boss be absent today.
15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? See #8, Ice Tea, Water
16. Current worry? What to make for dinner tomorrow night before the Dudley Show.
17. Current hate right now? The fact I’m at work
18. How did you bring in the New Year? How did I bring in the new year? I think I had a party at my place! Yah that was it. And I may have drank some. Maybe.
19. Where would you like to go? Italy! All expenses paid.
20. Name three people who will complete this? Mom, maybe Vicky, maybe Her Royal Geekness
21. Do you own slippers? I do, but they’re still packed and I never wear them. See #13 for what I wear
22. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Black with white – the colors of Nuns
23. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Ugh Groddy!
24. Can you whistle? Does wheezing count? Then yes. Otherwise no.
25. Favorite color? Currently, Rusty Orange is the new Pink28. Would you be a pirate? Argh you kidding? Get it? Argh = Are…okay…more coffee
26. What songs do you sing in the shower? It’s probably quicker to list what song I don’t sing. But I’ll play along. Its usually whatever song was stuck in my freakin noggin from the day/night before. For example, today was Seasons of Love from Rent.
27. Favorite girl's Name? Lily.
28. Favorite boy's name? Jack
29. What's in your pocket right now? I don’t have a pocket right now – so nothing.
30. Last thing that made you laugh? Dilbert!
31. Best bed sheets as a child? Oh good lord, I don’t remember any of my bed sheets as a child!
32. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? An enormous cat scratch that left a huge scare on my left arm, and caused me to miss going to a movie the day the damn neighbor cat scratched me.
33. Who is your loudest friend? Um…me! Wow…I don’t think I have any loud friends…Mrs. Stalemate…maybe…
34. How many dogs do you have? Well if you count the cute beagle puppy I tried to steal yesterday, none. But I want one, or two, or three…
35. Does someone have a crush on you? That would mean I’d have to know single men…which I apparently don’t…
36. What is your favorite book? Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha).
37. What is your favorite candy? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
38. Favorite Sports Team? Oh boy…I’ll say the Seahawks…
39. What song do you want played at your funeral? Any 80’s song that is happy and hoppin so people can dance.
Phew. That tired me out.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I am Princess. Hear me Roar!
We have a standing rule in our office. If you are stepping away from your computer (i.e. leaving the office) you need to lock your computer for security reasons. On the one hand it’s a fairly lame rule because we’re such a small office that is some random stranger came in and started tapping away on one of our computers we’d ask, “Hey! Random Stranger Guy – whatcha doin?” Still, the rule remains. And if you should be unfortunate enough to leave and not lock your computer, there’s approval for anyone to send an email from said person’s computer to the entire office with things like, “Hey everyone. I’ll buy beers on Friday.” Or “Hey everyone! I’ll be bringing in donuts (buying lunch, etc) for everyone on Friday.” It’s a fun little reminder of our rule.
Now, some of us have only once been caught with our proverbial pants down and have had an email sent out. Some of us learn.
Some of us don’t.
As is the case of poor Skippy. Remember him? I’ve not had a lot to say of late about him cuz, well he’s mellowed some and I frankly got bored of his antics. Still, he’s been caught I don’t know how many times with his computer left open. Heather is usually the first in line to send an email. She took this rule to heart and I swear she sits and waits, patiently, like a hawk watching it’s helpless prey.
So, Skippy left for lunch and unfortunately for him left his computer open.
Heather hops on over and sends this email to our entire office:
Subject line: I love being a princess
Body:
I want everyone to know that I am a princess and I love pink!
Then she promptly hops back to her computer and responds with:
Acceptance is the first stage. From Jenn, Rose, and I, welcome to the club!
But Heather took this one step further…she changed his desktop picture. Which of course I couldn’t leave alone and took a photo of and sent a message indicating we were getting his crown engraved…or something like that.
I’m not sure he’s too happy right now. Everyone in the office has now seen the desktop and has made some smart ass comment…now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go polish a crown.
Now, some of us have only once been caught with our proverbial pants down and have had an email sent out. Some of us learn.
Some of us don’t.
As is the case of poor Skippy. Remember him? I’ve not had a lot to say of late about him cuz, well he’s mellowed some and I frankly got bored of his antics. Still, he’s been caught I don’t know how many times with his computer left open. Heather is usually the first in line to send an email. She took this rule to heart and I swear she sits and waits, patiently, like a hawk watching it’s helpless prey.
So, Skippy left for lunch and unfortunately for him left his computer open.
Heather hops on over and sends this email to our entire office:
Subject line: I love being a princess
Body:
I want everyone to know that I am a princess and I love pink!
Then she promptly hops back to her computer and responds with:
Acceptance is the first stage. From Jenn, Rose, and I, welcome to the club!
But Heather took this one step further…she changed his desktop picture. Which of course I couldn’t leave alone and took a photo of and sent a message indicating we were getting his crown engraved…or something like that.
I’m not sure he’s too happy right now. Everyone in the office has now seen the desktop and has made some smart ass comment…now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go polish a crown.
Monday, February 09, 2009
So I’ll be waiting for the real thing…
Yes boys and girls, Nickelback is stuck in the noggin today. (I also find it amusing that all the guitar players in this video all stand the same - it's like they're clones) Which is okay by me, except I really only have one verse stuck in my head.
It’s been a couple of days since I last wrote, but I assure you nothing exciting has gone on in my little world to require immediate blogging. So let's review just how much hasn't gone on.
Last week seemed to go by so fast, and yet felt like an ubber long week. By Friday I was exhausted. Went home and BBQ’d up some hamburgers with a salad and had myself a fine evening in. I did a bit more organizing/unpacking of the place but really didn’t do more than move stuff from one counter top to another. And I started a !#$%^& book that I couldn't put down all weekend.
Saturday was a peaceful day. I got up, showered, made coffee, took a 2 hour nap, got up, fussed with the hair, got dressed, went to the annual Ground Hog’s Day party, and was in bed by 10pm. Such a life I tell ya. Oh and I think I kicked the cat...I didn't feed him though because Sunday AM he "reminded" me that I had neglected to feed his royal highness.
In case you care, Pookie spent the day perched on the hope chest watching kitty TV all weekend. He appreciates that I arranged the furniture just so he could have some place to sit and watch the world go by. Spoiled!
Sunday was much more productive. I got up early and actually made significant progress on the scrapbook room. I am having a hard time fitting all my crap into this room for some reason. I can’t quite figure out why either. It’ll all fit eventually. It’s a great room for scrapping. Nice big windows that overlook the pond out back…very bright and cheery. Now if I could ever get the inspiration again.
Blueberry and I went to get pedicures. The balls of my feet – both feed now – are still numb. They’ve been numb since the three day bruising of them. I suppose I should do the right thing and go see a doctor – especially since mom and BigBro will both yell at me for not going already. Sheesh!
I need to go out and find myself a formal cocktail dress. I’ll be volunteering for a local Susan G. Komen Gala (Grace Notes Gala) and apparently its black tie. THANK GOD my parents raised me to know how to act in such an environment. I won’t have to be concerned with knowing which dinner fork to use, or how to greet highly influential people. I’m secretly hoping one of our local baseball heroes will be there. He’s been to several in the past, and I’d be just lame enough to ask for a photo with him. Blueberry asked me to get his autograph and I said I’d NEVER be so forward to ask for an autograph at this event – but I’d totally be forward enough to ask for a photo. Besides, I could simply explain that all my avid fans would need to see the fabulous new dress I had to buy for this event. I’m also secretly cursing the fact that I just got rid of some of the bride’s maids dresses I had – one of them would have been perfect for this event. Ugh.
So until next time, Cause, Nobody wants to be the last one there…Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares…someone to love with my life in their hands, there’s gotta be somebody for me out there…
It’s been a couple of days since I last wrote, but I assure you nothing exciting has gone on in my little world to require immediate blogging. So let's review just how much hasn't gone on.
Last week seemed to go by so fast, and yet felt like an ubber long week. By Friday I was exhausted. Went home and BBQ’d up some hamburgers with a salad and had myself a fine evening in. I did a bit more organizing/unpacking of the place but really didn’t do more than move stuff from one counter top to another. And I started a !#$%^& book that I couldn't put down all weekend.
Saturday was a peaceful day. I got up, showered, made coffee, took a 2 hour nap, got up, fussed with the hair, got dressed, went to the annual Ground Hog’s Day party, and was in bed by 10pm. Such a life I tell ya. Oh and I think I kicked the cat...I didn't feed him though because Sunday AM he "reminded" me that I had neglected to feed his royal highness.
In case you care, Pookie spent the day perched on the hope chest watching kitty TV all weekend. He appreciates that I arranged the furniture just so he could have some place to sit and watch the world go by. Spoiled!
Sunday was much more productive. I got up early and actually made significant progress on the scrapbook room. I am having a hard time fitting all my crap into this room for some reason. I can’t quite figure out why either. It’ll all fit eventually. It’s a great room for scrapping. Nice big windows that overlook the pond out back…very bright and cheery. Now if I could ever get the inspiration again.
Blueberry and I went to get pedicures. The balls of my feet – both feed now – are still numb. They’ve been numb since the three day bruising of them. I suppose I should do the right thing and go see a doctor – especially since mom and BigBro will both yell at me for not going already. Sheesh!
I need to go out and find myself a formal cocktail dress. I’ll be volunteering for a local Susan G. Komen Gala (Grace Notes Gala) and apparently its black tie. THANK GOD my parents raised me to know how to act in such an environment. I won’t have to be concerned with knowing which dinner fork to use, or how to greet highly influential people. I’m secretly hoping one of our local baseball heroes will be there. He’s been to several in the past, and I’d be just lame enough to ask for a photo with him. Blueberry asked me to get his autograph and I said I’d NEVER be so forward to ask for an autograph at this event – but I’d totally be forward enough to ask for a photo. Besides, I could simply explain that all my avid fans would need to see the fabulous new dress I had to buy for this event. I’m also secretly cursing the fact that I just got rid of some of the bride’s maids dresses I had – one of them would have been perfect for this event. Ugh.
So until next time, Cause, Nobody wants to be the last one there…Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares…someone to love with my life in their hands, there’s gotta be somebody for me out there…
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Thai Barbecued Chicken Recipe
Some of you may know that I have a recipe blog. I attempt to put my newly tried recipes out there and rate them. Even the one's I'm not a fan of and won't ever make again, I put out there. It's rare that I come across a recipe so delicious that I feel obligated to share it with you - my true readers. I posted three new recipes today that I've tried this week.
Chicken Cacciatore - just okay; may not make it again
Teriyaki Strip Steaks - ditto
and
Thai BBQ'd Chicken
It's the Thai BBQ Chicken one that has me all giddy tonight. Quite possibly one of the best recipes I've ever made - and I followed it about 99% - which if anyone knows how I cook is a shocker.
But before we get to the recipe, you need to hear my story of grocery shopping tonight. In an hour - I left work, got to the grocery store across the street from my house - bought chicken and rice - drove home - got the mail - pulled in the garbage bins - unloaded purse and groceries - read recipe - realized I forgot oranges and limes - WALKED across the street to store - bought oranges and limes - failed attempt of flirting with cute check stand guy - got home - and made my marinade. IN. AN. HOUR from leaving work.
It took me all of 7 minutes to get home...which I love. The rest was the filler stuff...ain't that GREAT! I love my new place.
Now the recipe.
THAI BBQ CHICKEN
Serves 4
2 frying chickens, cut into pieces (I used chicken breasts - boneless - cuz that's how I roll)
Marinade:
6 T Freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup Thai fish sauce or soy sauce (I used half fish sauce and half soy because I couldn't make up my mind)
1T Asian chili sauce (using this amount didn't make it spicy at all)
2 T finely minced ginger
6 cloves garlic finely minced (do not skimp on this...garlic is life)
1/4 cup finely minced whole green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh mint leaves (I skipped these - not a mint fan)
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup minced cilantro
Combine the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours (I let mine sit for about an hour).
Grill your chicken.
You will want to come back for more, I promise you. Don't make this marinade any earlier than the day you plan to use it. The herbs will deteriorate. I accompanied this meal with sauteed fresh asparagus with grill seasoning (OMG so good), and Thai Kitchen Thai Yellow Curry rice. I had not had that particular rice and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. MMM. It didn't have a strong curry flavor (mom!) but a pleasant flavor. I almost did the Lemon Grass rice...and may try that next time.
Chicken Cacciatore - just okay; may not make it again
Teriyaki Strip Steaks - ditto
and
Thai BBQ'd Chicken
It's the Thai BBQ Chicken one that has me all giddy tonight. Quite possibly one of the best recipes I've ever made - and I followed it about 99% - which if anyone knows how I cook is a shocker.
But before we get to the recipe, you need to hear my story of grocery shopping tonight. In an hour - I left work, got to the grocery store across the street from my house - bought chicken and rice - drove home - got the mail - pulled in the garbage bins - unloaded purse and groceries - read recipe - realized I forgot oranges and limes - WALKED across the street to store - bought oranges and limes - failed attempt of flirting with cute check stand guy - got home - and made my marinade. IN. AN. HOUR from leaving work.
It took me all of 7 minutes to get home...which I love. The rest was the filler stuff...ain't that GREAT! I love my new place.
Now the recipe.
THAI BBQ CHICKEN
Serves 4
2 frying chickens, cut into pieces (I used chicken breasts - boneless - cuz that's how I roll)
Marinade:
6 T Freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup Thai fish sauce or soy sauce (I used half fish sauce and half soy because I couldn't make up my mind)
1T Asian chili sauce (using this amount didn't make it spicy at all)
2 T finely minced ginger
6 cloves garlic finely minced (do not skimp on this...garlic is life)
1/4 cup finely minced whole green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh mint leaves (I skipped these - not a mint fan)
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup minced cilantro
Combine the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours (I let mine sit for about an hour).
Grill your chicken.
You will want to come back for more, I promise you. Don't make this marinade any earlier than the day you plan to use it. The herbs will deteriorate. I accompanied this meal with sauteed fresh asparagus with grill seasoning (OMG so good), and Thai Kitchen Thai Yellow Curry rice. I had not had that particular rice and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. MMM. It didn't have a strong curry flavor (mom!) but a pleasant flavor. I almost did the Lemon Grass rice...and may try that next time.
Take a risk, take a chance, make a change and breakaway.
When I was a kid, I was really good at Jacks. Remember that game? You had 6 jacks and one ball. The idea was you’d go through and pick up the jacks as the ball bounced. First you’d, drop the ball and pick up one jack. Then drop the ball and pick up another. You’d go through until you picked up each one individually. You’d continue this routine through picking up 2 at a time, then 3 at a time, etc. Picking up the six was always the hardest for me because I had small hands apparently. Occasionally I’d miscalculate the ball and I’d miss it. Which meant you’d have to start over.
Each morning I have a routine. It works for me and it fits into my schedule of getting up “just in time” and not wasting any sleep. Well, I’ve miscalculated the ball. Being in a new place, my old routine isn’t working. I find myself running, almost literally, into myself trying to get ready in the morning. I almost have to laugh at how much getting ready has been on “auto pilot”. My autopilot is sick apparently. Or broken.
Thankfully work is only minutes away now and it’s not like I have a specific time I have to be here. It’s a self imposed “required” time. I like getting in early so I can leave early.
The past two days my routine has been a scatterbrain attempt of getting out the door. Now that I have stairs to contend with I try to make sure I have everything before I go down stairs. Yesterday, I forgot my shoes. Back up stairs to get my shoes. Monday it was the purse. But Monday had its own special enjoyment. I had already backed out of the garage and the garage door was already closed when I realized it. I’m just glad I wasn’t standing in Starbucks when I realized I had forgotten my purse.
Today was trash day. I’ve never had to worry about trash day (well I have since 1991). I remembered last night because the neighbors had put their cans out. (I’ll thank them later for the visual queue). This morning I knew I needed to take the recycle down with me to put out with the trash. All the way downstairs, coat, purse, shoes. Pulled the little red can out (garbage). Pulled the big blue can out – recycle. Dammit! Back up stairs to grab the recycle. Stumbling on the cat on the way up I realized I forgot to feed the beast. Okay I didn’t so much forget as he “reminded” me verbally when I re-entered the house. Feed the cat, grab the recycle, back downstairs. Got in the car, pulled back and waited to make sure the door closes all the way. I glance up and see I had left all the lights on. Bugger! Open the garage door, back inside, back up stairs. Flip. Flip. Flip. Downstairs, in the car, shut the garage door.
I’m exhausted. I kinda feel like my routine has become this game of jacks and I’m not even getting passed picking up one at a time.
Each morning I have a routine. It works for me and it fits into my schedule of getting up “just in time” and not wasting any sleep. Well, I’ve miscalculated the ball. Being in a new place, my old routine isn’t working. I find myself running, almost literally, into myself trying to get ready in the morning. I almost have to laugh at how much getting ready has been on “auto pilot”. My autopilot is sick apparently. Or broken.
Thankfully work is only minutes away now and it’s not like I have a specific time I have to be here. It’s a self imposed “required” time. I like getting in early so I can leave early.
The past two days my routine has been a scatterbrain attempt of getting out the door. Now that I have stairs to contend with I try to make sure I have everything before I go down stairs. Yesterday, I forgot my shoes. Back up stairs to get my shoes. Monday it was the purse. But Monday had its own special enjoyment. I had already backed out of the garage and the garage door was already closed when I realized it. I’m just glad I wasn’t standing in Starbucks when I realized I had forgotten my purse.
Today was trash day. I’ve never had to worry about trash day (well I have since 1991). I remembered last night because the neighbors had put their cans out. (I’ll thank them later for the visual queue). This morning I knew I needed to take the recycle down with me to put out with the trash. All the way downstairs, coat, purse, shoes. Pulled the little red can out (garbage). Pulled the big blue can out – recycle. Dammit! Back up stairs to grab the recycle. Stumbling on the cat on the way up I realized I forgot to feed the beast. Okay I didn’t so much forget as he “reminded” me verbally when I re-entered the house. Feed the cat, grab the recycle, back downstairs. Got in the car, pulled back and waited to make sure the door closes all the way. I glance up and see I had left all the lights on. Bugger! Open the garage door, back inside, back up stairs. Flip. Flip. Flip. Downstairs, in the car, shut the garage door.
I’m exhausted. I kinda feel like my routine has become this game of jacks and I’m not even getting passed picking up one at a time.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
You may be my lucky star, But I’m the luckiest by far
Okay, you wanna know how I got that song in my head...? Follow my poor steam driven locomotion thought.
We had a pot luck of sorts today at work. Everyone was to bring their favorite "snack" and we were going to take a break and watch Superbowl ads. In typical pot luck fashion, only a few brought stuff. So I was thinking to myself how "un" lucky pot lucks are in an office full of men.
Then I was thinking about phrases that has "lucky" in it and was going to try to make a witty joke, when out of no where Madonna fills my noggin with Lucky Star. And just by reading that title, everyone here's the opening bar don't ya....and you see Madonna dancing rolling around in her quintessential 80's look.
Side Bar: Madonna's album Lucky Star was the FIRST cassette tape I ever bought. My first CD was C+C Music Factory. You probably didn't need to know that. But what is a blog for if not for useless knowledge about me.
Right, so where was I? Oh yes, ranting about the lack of participation in pot lucks.
On the Jendo front, I unpacked the spare room scrapbook room last night. Box after box of scrapbooks I cussed and swore to not make any more. Then I'd open a box of new paper I bought for a specific SF page and get all giddy with excitement to do that page. It's a curse. I know.
I now only have boxes left where the contents of said boxes belong in the spare room closet - which is still being occupied by some items from the Jendo's owner. And I can't seem to find my computer speakers anywhere. I vividly remember putting them in a box that was a combination of last minute stuff - none of which had anything in common with the other. They'll show up someday.
I forgot to mention yesterday that it was Ground Hog's day. I don't know about in your neck of the woods, but I have no idea if the silly rodent saw his shadow here yesterday or not. It really would have depended as to when he came out of his hole (do we even have ground hogs in Washington?). I'm going to pretend he came out in the earlier morning hours when we had a cloud cover. And in my fantasy, he didn't see his shadow and Spring is just around the corner. How's that grab ya?
Monday, February 02, 2009
You put the boom boom into my heart....
Ah, what a commute! I left the Jendo at 6:25AM, hit every red light possible, stopped and got coffee, and was at my desk by 6:40AM. I'm sooo gonna love this place.
Last night as I wondered through the Jendo I couldn't help but feel like I'm being spoiled by living here and am going to be extremely depressed when/if I ever have to move out. I love, love LOVE this place. The cat, thanks for asking, is loving it as well. He's learned that if he bolts in front of me and then immediately stops on the stairs that there's a 90% chance he'll trip me.
I didn't do a darn thing yesterday. I watched the superbowl (boo for the Steelers winning). I did laundry (which included actually folding all of it and putting it away - an oddity to be sure). Went grocery shopping. And I cooked Chicken Cacciatore for dinner. That's it. That's all I did.
Now, I've been tagged about a thousand times for this 25 Random facts thing. So here it is for your reading enjoyment. If you devote some of this to memory, you may win Jenn Trivia next time.
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
1. I own a kick ass Mustang (well “own” is all relative…the banks still “owns” it.
2. Little Mermaid is one of my all time favorite Disney movies. I can almost guarantee I can sing all the songs by heart.
3. I’m a PMP (Project Management Professional), and have been for 3 years now.
4. I played volleyball from my sophomore year in high school up until about 5 years ago.
5. I read PM books for fun.
6. I test/try/cook between 2-3 new recipes a week. Then I compile all those recipes at year end into a kickass cookbook for my friends and family.
7. I have two blogs. One for cooking, and one for fun.
8. I have a cat. His name is PookieSnackenBurger…and he is the King of the Castle.
9. My highest sneeze in a row count is 21.
10. I raised $6,700 for Breast Cancer last year and walked in support of finding a cure.
11. I get songs stuck in my head easily. I can hear someone say something, and WHAM a song stuck in my head. (See typing “WHAM” made “Jitterbug” stuck in my head)
12. I’ve just completed my 28th move.
13. I try to go through life with three words in mind: Live. Love. Laugh.
14. A part of my high school life was spent in a boarding school in Switzerland (TASIS).
15. I hate bell peppers and bees.
16. I collect odd looking flamingos.
17. Pink is my favorite color – but may soon be replaced by Rust orange.
18. I buy a Venti Vanilla Americano with Xtra Room every day on my way to work. I usually only drink 16 ounces of it and leave 4. Which begs the question why don’t I buy a grande instead?
19. I am fluent – ish in Spanish.
20 . I have 18 scrapbooks ranging from my early childhood to 2008.
21. I plan for and then shop for the week’s meals.
22. I adore my parents. And most my siblings.
23. I am really bad at math. I mean really bad.
24. I love taking pictures. I will someday do my best to not be overly critical of my photos.
25. My family doesn’t have a family tree…we have a family hedge!
Last night as I wondered through the Jendo I couldn't help but feel like I'm being spoiled by living here and am going to be extremely depressed when/if I ever have to move out. I love, love LOVE this place. The cat, thanks for asking, is loving it as well. He's learned that if he bolts in front of me and then immediately stops on the stairs that there's a 90% chance he'll trip me.
I didn't do a darn thing yesterday. I watched the superbowl (boo for the Steelers winning). I did laundry (which included actually folding all of it and putting it away - an oddity to be sure). Went grocery shopping. And I cooked Chicken Cacciatore for dinner. That's it. That's all I did.
Now, I've been tagged about a thousand times for this 25 Random facts thing. So here it is for your reading enjoyment. If you devote some of this to memory, you may win Jenn Trivia next time.
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.
1. I own a kick ass Mustang (well “own” is all relative…the banks still “owns” it.
2. Little Mermaid is one of my all time favorite Disney movies. I can almost guarantee I can sing all the songs by heart.
3. I’m a PMP (Project Management Professional), and have been for 3 years now.
4. I played volleyball from my sophomore year in high school up until about 5 years ago.
5. I read PM books for fun.
6. I test/try/cook between 2-3 new recipes a week. Then I compile all those recipes at year end into a kickass cookbook for my friends and family.
7. I have two blogs. One for cooking, and one for fun.
8. I have a cat. His name is PookieSnackenBurger…and he is the King of the Castle.
9. My highest sneeze in a row count is 21.
10. I raised $6,700 for Breast Cancer last year and walked in support of finding a cure.
11. I get songs stuck in my head easily. I can hear someone say something, and WHAM a song stuck in my head. (See typing “WHAM” made “Jitterbug” stuck in my head)
12. I’ve just completed my 28th move.
13. I try to go through life with three words in mind: Live. Love. Laugh.
14. A part of my high school life was spent in a boarding school in Switzerland (TASIS).
15. I hate bell peppers and bees.
16. I collect odd looking flamingos.
17. Pink is my favorite color – but may soon be replaced by Rust orange.
18. I buy a Venti Vanilla Americano with Xtra Room every day on my way to work. I usually only drink 16 ounces of it and leave 4. Which begs the question why don’t I buy a grande instead?
19. I am fluent – ish in Spanish.
20 . I have 18 scrapbooks ranging from my early childhood to 2008.
21. I plan for and then shop for the week’s meals.
22. I adore my parents. And most my siblings.
23. I am really bad at math. I mean really bad.
24. I love taking pictures. I will someday do my best to not be overly critical of my photos.
25. My family doesn’t have a family tree…we have a family hedge!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Welcome Home!
At last. I'm in. I've moved. And I'm 80% unpacked. The kitchen in ready for the first big meal to be made (beside cereal). The Master Bedroom is together and worthy of the great big black beast of burden (he approves). Pictures hung (thanks Blueberry and Kris). Cable's set up (thanks cable guy). Books on their shelves. Clothes in their proper storage...and I have room left. Can you believe it? My dresser is almost completely empty because of the killer closet set in the master closet.
Now...the move. Thanks to Seattle Sister-in-Law I was able to get moved. I was dead. This cold is kicking my a**. Without SSIL there to keep me moving, I think I would have just let the movers move without me. I was pooped yesterday. In fact, ended up in bed by 7:30. I tend to tire out so quickly with this !#$%^ cold.
So soon you'll see some photos of the Jendo. Tomorrow is my day of rest!
Now...the move. Thanks to Seattle Sister-in-Law I was able to get moved. I was dead. This cold is kicking my a**. Without SSIL there to keep me moving, I think I would have just let the movers move without me. I was pooped yesterday. In fact, ended up in bed by 7:30. I tend to tire out so quickly with this !#$%^ cold.
So soon you'll see some photos of the Jendo. Tomorrow is my day of rest!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Just when you thought it was safe...
I've decided to take a half day today to get home and finish packing. In the meantime, enjoy this song that's stuck in my head as you ready my boring blog today. And I suppose I should apologize ahead of time cuz it'll be stuck in your noggin for days now.
Last day in the hood today. Bittersweet in some ways. I really like the neighborhood I live in, but I really hate the commute. The new neighborhood will kick ass no doubt.
Last night met The Dane and Chicken Lady for a quick bite and then over to the Jendo to help move the closet modules back into the closet. Holy Mother of God those things were heavy. And no boy in sight to help us poor defenseless girls...okay, so not so poor and not so defenseless. We were, after all, hopped up on Thai food.
The new carpet looks good. It smells so new and carpet-ty. There were some issues getting it installed (delays really) and that had me a bit worried I'd be moving in and having to move everything for the carpet to be installed next week. But alas, all my worrying was for not. Maybe never on a Thursday, a Thursay, a Thursday should I stress.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Were heading for venus and still we stand tall...
Sorry for the 80's reference in the title...wait, no I'm not. Two things about this song...at Quartz Hill the year I was rifle captain, this was the main song in our field show. Oddly enough, I still get glimpses of the routine. Wait, I totally just lied. It wasn't the Final Countdown, it was Only Time Could Tell, by Asia. What a dork! I blame the cold medicine.
The other thing about the Final Countdown,
every
single
time I say "final countdown" the song pops into my head. Which makes perfect sense, right? If you watched the video, what wicked hair right? He's got such body in his hair when he bounces up and down. Who didn't love the 80's hair bands?
Ahem...
Right, so the final countdown for the move is progressing at lightening speed. Suddenly I feel like I don't have enough time...for which I blame the cold. It's taking 10% as much effort to pack as it normally would because after I pack a box, I have to sit and rest. Stupid cold!
I'm also counting down the number of commutes I have left. I have 2.5 full commutes left - thanks for asking. That's 100 miles for you mathy types.
And with that, I think I'll actually get to work this morning. Though the brain isn't engaging properly. Not even coffee is helping. Which is always a bad sign.
The other thing about the Final Countdown,
every
single
time I say "final countdown" the song pops into my head. Which makes perfect sense, right? If you watched the video, what wicked hair right? He's got such body in his hair when he bounces up and down. Who didn't love the 80's hair bands?
Ahem...
Right, so the final countdown for the move is progressing at lightening speed. Suddenly I feel like I don't have enough time...for which I blame the cold. It's taking 10% as much effort to pack as it normally would because after I pack a box, I have to sit and rest. Stupid cold!
I'm also counting down the number of commutes I have left. I have 2.5 full commutes left - thanks for asking. That's 100 miles for you mathy types.
And with that, I think I'll actually get to work this morning. Though the brain isn't engaging properly. Not even coffee is helping. Which is always a bad sign.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Well it winds through Chicago to LA....
The countdown is on. T minus 5 days. I'm not counting today since it's already, well, today.
Depeche Mode is helping me finish my packing today. Pookie happens to really like their version of Route 66...as do I. I'm about 90% done packing. Just the left over items in the kitchen that don't quite have homes yet, and a few odds and ends in the spare room. Otherwise, I'm in box heaven. I'm at 37 boxes right now and expect to crack my record of 41 without any problem.
Just found out the carpet will be installed on Tuesday next week, which gives us 2 days for the cleaners to get in there and clean just in time for the Great Move. I gave it my best worry - but it seems it will all work out just right. As if I had a doubt!
I'm in the middle of cleaning the oven too today. I've never in all my 40 years let a self cleaning oven, clean itself. It's always scared me just enough that I've just used Easy Off. Not this time. No Easy Off for me. I decided it was potentially too toxic and so we're going the natural - oven route. It's been going for an hour and man it's hot and stinky.
Okay, I need to get back to Depeche Mode and the kitchen packing. Toodles.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Rest In Peace Uncle Dick: 1929 -2009
When I was younger, I used to spend summers with my Grandparent’s (my mom’s parents). I have so many found memories of those summers in California. Grandpa was always the one I wanted to follow around and help. I adored grandma and grandpa. They were fun, but in a no nonsense sort of way. They had a simple way about them. They weren’t rich with money, but were rich with love and integrity. Character traits they passed down to their kids
Grandpa had three older children with another woman before he married the woman who would become my grandmother. Uncle Dick was the oldest of grandpa’s kids. And was like a mini version of Grandpa.
Uncle Dick passed away last night. He was 80. His passing isn’t a surprise, and in some senses a blessing. He’s been sick for several weeks, and we all knew it was just a matter of time. He lived a good, long life, and it was his time to be in peace.
Sadly, I didn’t get too much of an opportunity in my life to really get to know him. We never really visited them, because they lived in Alaska. We’d only really see him when there would be a family reunion. It’s only been really the last two years - since he moved to Tucson - that I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know him. He reminded me in so many ways of my grandpa – which makes sense sine Uncle Dick was his son. His eyes sparkled like grandpa’s did. You could tell when he was about to make a funny because he’d get an almost impish look on his face. His sense of humor was very slight, but it was there. When you saw it, you laughed.
He’s a veteran. He fought in WWII and Vietnam – that I know of. He flew helicopters in Vietnam. He liked to talk about flying, but didn’t like to talk about the wars. He may have fought in a few others, but I remember only discussing these two with him.
He was honest, loving, and sincere. A man true to his word. You knew where you stood with him, and if you were on his side, you were lucky. If you weren’t, you knew it.
He’s the first of my mom’s siblings to pass. She’s handling it as well as could be expected. He’ll be missed by us all. But he’s in a better place laughing it up with other relatives who have passed.
Grandpa had three older children with another woman before he married the woman who would become my grandmother. Uncle Dick was the oldest of grandpa’s kids. And was like a mini version of Grandpa.
Uncle Dick passed away last night. He was 80. His passing isn’t a surprise, and in some senses a blessing. He’s been sick for several weeks, and we all knew it was just a matter of time. He lived a good, long life, and it was his time to be in peace.
Sadly, I didn’t get too much of an opportunity in my life to really get to know him. We never really visited them, because they lived in Alaska. We’d only really see him when there would be a family reunion. It’s only been really the last two years - since he moved to Tucson - that I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know him. He reminded me in so many ways of my grandpa – which makes sense sine Uncle Dick was his son. His eyes sparkled like grandpa’s did. You could tell when he was about to make a funny because he’d get an almost impish look on his face. His sense of humor was very slight, but it was there. When you saw it, you laughed.
He’s a veteran. He fought in WWII and Vietnam – that I know of. He flew helicopters in Vietnam. He liked to talk about flying, but didn’t like to talk about the wars. He may have fought in a few others, but I remember only discussing these two with him.
He was honest, loving, and sincere. A man true to his word. You knew where you stood with him, and if you were on his side, you were lucky. If you weren’t, you knew it.
He’s the first of my mom’s siblings to pass. She’s handling it as well as could be expected. He’ll be missed by us all. But he’s in a better place laughing it up with other relatives who have passed.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Ahhh, what a combo! It's my sick food. Know what that means? Yep. I'm getting the ick. It's been rotating around at work, and just about everyone I know has had it / has it. The ick is most definitely set up home in my head/chest. Oh goody.
I tried having a conversation with the ick to see if it would perhaps wait until Feb 2 to come on. I mean two weeks isn't that much to ask is it?
I'm very behind in packing. I was planning on using this weekend to finish packing everything. Next week should be all about cleaning and no packing. Well except for the "last box" that gets packed. The last box contains coffee, coffee pot, cup, bed supplies, and bathroom necessities. Whatever you know you'll need for the first night and next morning. I've spent many nights looking for the items previously mentioned - so past experiences has taught me about this box.
The only other box that may need to be packed is the "what the hell do I do with this" box. That's the box of things you didn't know which box to put it in, and now you're desperate and it goes into whatever box is left.
As I pack my life up into cardboard boxes, I reminisce (did the song Reminiscing pop into your head? Or was that just me? Sing with me..."Friday night it was late, I was walking you home, we got down to the the gate, and I was dreaming of the night... Walking through the park and reminiscing) my previous moves. What good and what bad came with the each move. The fun in driving around the "new" area finding the short cuts, finding the local Starbucks, or finding the best sandwich place around. The hidden little secrets of a new city that are just waiting for me. Now granted in the last 15 years my moves have kept me in the general Seattle area, but none the less, each move has brought with it a new adventure. Sometimes as small as having a spare room now. Other times, has big as having a STARBUCKS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET!! ahem.
And so, we're down to 9 days until the move, 7 commutes - 280 miles, but who's counting. The townhouse is coming together. It'll be close, but I think the carpet will be installed on time, and the cleaning complete before my first box gets put into place. I have been taking little trips to visit the new Chez Jenn's down to it during my lunch hour to drop off a few fragile items.
Alright then, I'm glad we had this little chat. I'm going to go stick a neti pot in my nostril and see what joy comes out. But you probably didn't need to know that.
I tried having a conversation with the ick to see if it would perhaps wait until Feb 2 to come on. I mean two weeks isn't that much to ask is it?
I'm very behind in packing. I was planning on using this weekend to finish packing everything. Next week should be all about cleaning and no packing. Well except for the "last box" that gets packed. The last box contains coffee, coffee pot, cup, bed supplies, and bathroom necessities. Whatever you know you'll need for the first night and next morning. I've spent many nights looking for the items previously mentioned - so past experiences has taught me about this box.
The only other box that may need to be packed is the "what the hell do I do with this" box. That's the box of things you didn't know which box to put it in, and now you're desperate and it goes into whatever box is left.
As I pack my life up into cardboard boxes, I reminisce (did the song Reminiscing pop into your head? Or was that just me? Sing with me..."Friday night it was late, I was walking you home, we got down to the the gate, and I was dreaming of the night... Walking through the park and reminiscing) my previous moves. What good and what bad came with the each move. The fun in driving around the "new" area finding the short cuts, finding the local Starbucks, or finding the best sandwich place around. The hidden little secrets of a new city that are just waiting for me. Now granted in the last 15 years my moves have kept me in the general Seattle area, but none the less, each move has brought with it a new adventure. Sometimes as small as having a spare room now. Other times, has big as having a STARBUCKS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET!! ahem.
And so, we're down to 9 days until the move, 7 commutes - 280 miles, but who's counting. The townhouse is coming together. It'll be close, but I think the carpet will be installed on time, and the cleaning complete before my first box gets put into place. I have been taking little trips
Alright then, I'm glad we had this little chat. I'm going to go stick a neti pot in my nostril and see what joy comes out. But you probably didn't need to know that.
Monday, January 19, 2009
All the single ladies...
I think I'll start titling my blogs with a line from whatever song seems to be stuck in my head. Since the alarm went off this morning I've had Rehab and Mercy on the brain (I think they both sound similar so I combine the two songs...don't ask.) Then I got Beyonce's Single Ladies on the brain...and that's the one that stuck. Ugh. It's such a curse.
Right, okay, this weekend in review.
Packed
Cleaned
Socialized
Packed
Cleaned
Socialized
Packed
Packed
Cleaned
Cleaned
Yah, that covers it. I saw that yawn. I can't help it if my life is revolving around moving.
Ah yes, the move. I'm behind the 8 ball now. I've been delaying packing a few rooms because I was sure I would need stuff in those rooms. And I had anticipated being able to pack at least one this weekend - which got put aside to help The Dane go through more stuff in the soon to be Chez Jenn's. Which was fine, I rather enjoyed going through someone else's stuff...it just put me behind. So ruthless packing and cleaning starts tomorrow. Can't start tonight due to socializing. What? I have my priorities.
In other news, the Stang decided to take a hill sideways this morning. In less than a 15 minute window, the roads became very slick. I left Starbuck's on my way into the office (all of a quarter mile) and coming down the big hill into the office, I stopped at the top, put the car in first gear...and the car - all by itself - started sliding. WEEEEEEEE! Thankfully, it slid correctly and in the right direction that I was able to stop perpendicular to the hill and drive in a back way into the office. Good times. If I wasn't 100% sure before, I am now... Robinson.
A View into my daily life
As if the blog isn't a view into my daily life.
3. Little Pink Duck - My little pink breast cancer duck. You can't tell, but it lights up. My friend Megan gave it to me last year in support of my Pink Issue and support of the breast cancer thing I was doing.
4. Pink Nano and speakers - PMDude isn't at work today so I get to plug the POC (Pod Of Crap) in and listen all day.
5. Blank picture frame - it's actually a digital frame. I only turn it on every now and then.
6. Pink Chevron Car - Susan G. Komen volunteer coordinator let me take this little car home. If you push down on the car as you push it along, the eyes move up and down. So cute.
7. Celebrate Courage coffee cup / pen holder - Blueberry gave me the cup last year. Not a big fan of it for coffee, but it does a kick ass job holding my pen collection ( which you'll notice also includes scissors and a nail file).
8. Behind all that poster: On Rainy Days. In it's entirety.
Generally speaking, I'm a neat speaking. I say "generally" because I've been known to be not OCD clean enough. I have piles of stuff that linger throughout the week. They may, or may not, be picked up on the weekend. It all depends on the plans. I am a firm believer that fun stuff should come before cleaning. The MomUnit would cringe to know that her Saturday morning required housecleaning ritual she tried to instill in me didn't keep. Though God knows she tried her best. Sorry Mom.
Anyhow, our sales VP will be in town next week. She's been here a number of times. Yet, for some unexplained reason, we've been asked to "clean" up a bit. My desk at work is almost always clean when I leave. A boss many moons ago at Boeing told me that you should always leave with your desk clean - people assume you've completed your work and you've got your act together. She added, "even if it means tossing piles into a drawer".
Since I knew I wouldn't have to clean my desk for the exec visit, I looked around at my desk and started giggling. This is not a desk of a professional. It does appear to be a desk of someone who needs help.
From left to right - let's review.
First - ignore the background. Those are cleaning supplies that I use to blow dirt out of my keyboard and to wipe down my monitor. Let's start with the blue ball on the left hand side.1. Instant Excuse ball - This past Christmas we had gag gifts at the holiday party. I wasn't able to stay the entire time so I didn't get to pick a gag gift. Instead, post party, the pointy-haired boss came around with the gifts. PMDude had the Instant Excuse Ball - so naturally to support my compadre I too needed one. It has great excuses like: Oprah, Car Trouble, I was mugged, Traffic was bad, full moon, amnesia, and my personal favorite: No Habla ingles.
2. Sarcastic Ball - the purple ball next to the blue ball is the Sarcastic Ball. PMDude ALSO has this one. I bought them for us last year because I laughed my ass off reading the responses. For example: Who Cares? , As if, Ask me if I care, Forget about it, and my favorite, Yeah, and I'm the pope.3. Little Pink Duck - My little pink breast cancer duck. You can't tell, but it lights up. My friend Megan gave it to me last year in support of my Pink Issue and support of the breast cancer thing I was doing.
4. Pink Nano and speakers - PMDude isn't at work today so I get to plug the POC (Pod Of Crap) in and listen all day.
5. Blank picture frame - it's actually a digital frame. I only turn it on every now and then.
6. Pink Chevron Car - Susan G. Komen volunteer coordinator let me take this little car home. If you push down on the car as you push it along, the eyes move up and down. So cute.
7. Celebrate Courage coffee cup / pen holder - Blueberry gave me the cup last year. Not a big fan of it for coffee, but it does a kick ass job holding my pen collection ( which you'll notice also includes scissors and a nail file).
8. Behind all that poster: On Rainy Days. In it's entirety.
9. Lamp danglers - you'll notice on the lamp two things: a starbucks mug and a body looking thing. The starbucks mug doubles as a Christmas ornament if one were to put such things on one's trees. The body dangler thingy is a cat. It's hands and feet have magnets n them...Blueberry again.
10. Honorable Mention: The Christmas wrap in the background. PMDude and I wrapped our door for Christmas. I wonder how long the wrap will stay in its current place. I'm better at least until April, or next Christmas.
Friday, January 16, 2009
In the space between sleep and sleeplessness
I swear, soon, very soon, I'm going to be able to fall asleep without any herbal assistance.
Not too surprising, but the move has been on my brain. Things are progressing nicely though and I think everything will fall into place. That's not what has me lying awake at night. No, I'm still putting my stuff together in the new place in my head. Calgon take me away! (and if you don't know that reference you're either 1) too young and I hate you or 2) from another country or planet).
Last night I tried a fantastic recipe and surprisingly enough it was low-cal. I haven't been posting recipes on this blog, but on my other one about cooking. But this recipe I think is one that should be posted on the blog that people actually read.
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons honey
1 rounded teaspoon cumin (I didn't use cumin - not a big fan. I did, however, use some coriander instead. YUM!)
A handful cilantro, finely chopped, about 1/2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, canola, or corn oil
4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast (I used chicken cutlets because that's what I had on hand)
1 teaspoon grill seasoning blend or coarse salt and pepper
4 crusty rolls, split
Toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sliced avocado
I am not a big fan of these toppings so I bought a bag of cabbage slaw mix and used that. I gotta tell you people....that ROCKED the CASBAH! So crunchy and yummy.
Cilantro Mayo:
My own invention and not part of the recipe. But I love cilantro, like mayo - so why not put them together. A handful of cilantro chopped, 2 T or so of mayo, and a squeeze of 1/2 a lime. Mix those bad boys together and spread on your rolls. You won't be disappointed.
Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle chicken with seasoning blend or salt and pepper. (I just added the grill seasoning to the bowl with the other ingredients.
Coat chicken in dressing and set aside for 10 minutes.
Grill chicken on a grill (Indoor or electric) 6 to 7 minutes on each side or pan fry over medium high heat in a large nonstick skillet uncovered 6 minutes per side.
Slice chicken breasts on an angle and pile meat roll bottoms. Top with either the recommended toppings, or my cabbage idea.
Chef Notes: I think this would be excellent in tortillas too. In fact, my dinner guest (no nothing serious, just a good GalPal from years gone by) suggested mixing the cilantro and lime in sour cream instead of mayo for the tortillas. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
What did I serve on the side you ask? Well, a broccoli salad of course. This salad as a number of variations that I add, but this is what I did last night. BTW - it holds up GREAT for a round two should you make too much and have left overs. Like you would if you were me, but you're not...I'm just sayin...
Broccoli Salad
Enough broccoli florets for how many people you're serving
Handful of shredded cheese of some sort (I used cheddar last night because that's what I had on hand)
Sprinkle of bacon bits
Handful of raisins, cranraisins, or anything like that.
I usually, but didn't last night, add a chopped apple or walnuts to this too.
Dressing: Simple Dijon Mustard vinaigrette: 1T Dijon, 1T sugar, 2T olive oil, 2T Rice vinegar (or any vinegar you like), minced a small onion or can use a shallot (which is better but I didn't have any of those.) Shake and pour over salad.
In other non food news, I'll be packing all weekend. My place and helping pack up the remaining articles of the landlords old place. I know you want to help.
Not too surprising, but the move has been on my brain. Things are progressing nicely though and I think everything will fall into place. That's not what has me lying awake at night. No, I'm still putting my stuff together in the new place in my head. Calgon take me away! (and if you don't know that reference you're either 1) too young and I hate you or 2) from another country or planet).
Last night I tried a fantastic recipe and surprisingly enough it was low-cal. I haven't been posting recipes on this blog, but on my other one about cooking. But this recipe I think is one that should be posted on the blog that people actually read.
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons honey
1 rounded teaspoon cumin (I didn't use cumin - not a big fan. I did, however, use some coriander instead. YUM!)
A handful cilantro, finely chopped, about 1/2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, canola, or corn oil
4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast (I used chicken cutlets because that's what I had on hand)
1 teaspoon grill seasoning blend or coarse salt and pepper
4 crusty rolls, split
Toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sliced avocado
I am not a big fan of these toppings so I bought a bag of cabbage slaw mix and used that. I gotta tell you people....that ROCKED the CASBAH! So crunchy and yummy.
Cilantro Mayo:
My own invention and not part of the recipe. But I love cilantro, like mayo - so why not put them together. A handful of cilantro chopped, 2 T or so of mayo, and a squeeze of 1/2 a lime. Mix those bad boys together and spread on your rolls. You won't be disappointed.
Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle chicken with seasoning blend or salt and pepper. (I just added the grill seasoning to the bowl with the other ingredients.
Coat chicken in dressing and set aside for 10 minutes.
Grill chicken on a grill (Indoor or electric) 6 to 7 minutes on each side or pan fry over medium high heat in a large nonstick skillet uncovered 6 minutes per side.
Slice chicken breasts on an angle and pile meat roll bottoms. Top with either the recommended toppings, or my cabbage idea.
Chef Notes: I think this would be excellent in tortillas too. In fact, my dinner guest (no nothing serious, just a good GalPal from years gone by) suggested mixing the cilantro and lime in sour cream instead of mayo for the tortillas. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
What did I serve on the side you ask? Well, a broccoli salad of course. This salad as a number of variations that I add, but this is what I did last night. BTW - it holds up GREAT for a round two should you make too much and have left overs. Like you would if you were me, but you're not...I'm just sayin...
Broccoli Salad
Enough broccoli florets for how many people you're serving
Handful of shredded cheese of some sort (I used cheddar last night because that's what I had on hand)
Sprinkle of bacon bits
Handful of raisins, cranraisins, or anything like that.
I usually, but didn't last night, add a chopped apple or walnuts to this too.
Dressing: Simple Dijon Mustard vinaigrette: 1T Dijon, 1T sugar, 2T olive oil, 2T Rice vinegar (or any vinegar you like), minced a small onion or can use a shallot (which is better but I didn't have any of those.) Shake and pour over salad.
In other non food news, I'll be packing all weekend. My place and helping pack up the remaining articles of the landlords old place. I know you want to help.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The trouble with moving….
I get no sleep. Every night I have good intentions to sleep. I do all the right things to prepare myself for sleep. I put on the PJs (which are most likely on the moment I walk in the door from work), brush the toofies, kick the cat, set the alarm, read a boring book, etc. Last night, I was pooped. Dead tired and ready for a nice long sleep (I was in bed by 8:30pm). At 11pm – still wide awake.
This weekend I spent a good amount of time in the new place helping to get it ready for move in. We painted, we moved stuff, we packed stuff, we threw stuff out, we moved more stuff, we cleaned, etc. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday worth of being in the condo. All the while I was dressing it with my eyes. Making visual mental notes so I could “think” about the move.
At home last night, I had all those visual mental notes slamming against my cerebrum trying desperately to form into some sort of sense. For example, cleaning the kitchen allowed me plenty of time to see the kitchen in all its glory. So last night, instead of sleeping, I planned the layout of where all my kitchen items would go. I moved items around in my head – arranging them to find the best configuration possible. When I think I finally have the perfect configuration, I remember another small detail and I have to start all over again.
This exercise was repeated for each room of the condo (it’s technically a townhouse, but condo is easier to type). The spare room: where to put the desk, where to put all the scrapbooking supplies, what about that corner, what should I put there…? And so on and so on.
By the time I fell asleep last night I think I had everything perfectly in place. Now if I could only remember.
Packing is going swimmingly. I'm 80% packed. Holding off packing the scrapbook supplies and the kitchen…although…there are several items in the kitchen I’m not likely to use so might as well pack them. The mover estimator guy is coming tonight to see how much crap he’ll be moving. Here’s hoping his estimate is decent.
In other very important news, I burned the last of the duraflame logs last night. The new place has a gas fireplace with a switch to flip it on. But here’s the funny part. The only reason I burned the last log last night was because I need to clean out the fireplace and didn’t want to waste a perfectly good duraflame. It’s a sickness. I know.
This weekend I spent a good amount of time in the new place helping to get it ready for move in. We painted, we moved stuff, we packed stuff, we threw stuff out, we moved more stuff, we cleaned, etc. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday worth of being in the condo. All the while I was dressing it with my eyes. Making visual mental notes so I could “think” about the move.
At home last night, I had all those visual mental notes slamming against my cerebrum trying desperately to form into some sort of sense. For example, cleaning the kitchen allowed me plenty of time to see the kitchen in all its glory. So last night, instead of sleeping, I planned the layout of where all my kitchen items would go. I moved items around in my head – arranging them to find the best configuration possible. When I think I finally have the perfect configuration, I remember another small detail and I have to start all over again.
This exercise was repeated for each room of the condo (it’s technically a townhouse, but condo is easier to type). The spare room: where to put the desk, where to put all the scrapbooking supplies, what about that corner, what should I put there…? And so on and so on.
By the time I fell asleep last night I think I had everything perfectly in place. Now if I could only remember.
Packing is going swimmingly. I'm 80% packed. Holding off packing the scrapbook supplies and the kitchen…although…there are several items in the kitchen I’m not likely to use so might as well pack them. The mover estimator guy is coming tonight to see how much crap he’ll be moving. Here’s hoping his estimate is decent.
In other very important news, I burned the last of the duraflame logs last night. The new place has a gas fireplace with a switch to flip it on. But here’s the funny part. The only reason I burned the last log last night was because I need to clean out the fireplace and didn’t want to waste a perfectly good duraflame. It’s a sickness. I know.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
And nothin's gonna stop me but divine intervention, I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
Friday’s have a way about them. There never seems to be an in between Friday. It’s either boring as all hell or it’s as hectic as all get out. Today, was the latter. I knew yesterday that today was shaping up to be insane, but I didn’t really get a complete understanding of it until about 7:02 AM. At which point it was too late to call in sick. ( Side bar: There’s this guy in Starbucks – where I’m sitting waiting for a meeting to start – who’s wearing a cow shoes. And by that I mean, leather, of course, but with the Holstein cow pattern. Bizarre. I wonder if his wife bought them for him and said that they look good.) Right, so back to Friday. Today is only a precursor of how busy the weekend will be.
Oh, and the moment you've been waiting for. .... drum roll please.....
Jenn's 40th Birthday Party Pictures
Yah, sorry it took so long. I had - um - issues with the photos. I deleted them off the camera card before I moved them over to my hard drive. But thankfully I had already uploaded them to snapfish. Which then meant I had to order a CD...ugh.
Last night I met the Dane at the old Condo to put primer on the wall to prepare it to paint tomorrow. Then tomorrow, Blueberry is coming with me to paint the wall and spackle (that word always makes me laugh for some reason) any holes that might be left from nails. We will most likely help them pack some stuff up too. Which is good for me since I love, love, LOVE packing. It's a sickness. I know.
The apt is probably 60% packed. I’m holding off on the kitchen and scrapbookingmess room because – well I might need something there in the next three weeks. And as sure as I pack something I’ll need it. That’s how my life goes.
I’m also worried about the MomUnit – which takes up space in my head. My uncle is dying. The MomUnit is with him and sadly watching his downward spiral. Must be extremely hard to watch that. I can’t even imagine. On top of that, The MomUnit and the DadUnit visited the doctor. The DoctorUnit didn’t have anything good to report about the DadUnit. Not too surprising, but that just adds to the MomUnit’s stress which adds to mine. So happy thoughts in the MomUnit’s direction. Cuz if she’s happy, I’m happy. See how that works?
Other than that I intend to try to sleep in this weekend. Though my new upstairs neighbors are, I think, rabbits. At least they are practicing like they're rabbits. Stamina... I'm just sayin...
Oh, and the moment you've been waiting for. .... drum roll please.....
Jenn's 40th Birthday Party Pictures
Yah, sorry it took so long. I had - um - issues with the photos. I deleted them off the camera card before I moved them over to my hard drive. But thankfully I had already uploaded them to snapfish. Which then meant I had to order a CD...ugh.
Last night I met the Dane at the old Condo to put primer on the wall to prepare it to paint tomorrow. Then tomorrow, Blueberry is coming with me to paint the wall and spackle (that word always makes me laugh for some reason) any holes that might be left from nails. We will most likely help them pack some stuff up too. Which is good for me since I love, love, LOVE packing. It's a sickness. I know.
The apt is probably 60% packed. I’m holding off on the kitchen and scrapbooking
I’m also worried about the MomUnit – which takes up space in my head. My uncle is dying. The MomUnit is with him and sadly watching his downward spiral. Must be extremely hard to watch that. I can’t even imagine. On top of that, The MomUnit and the DadUnit visited the doctor. The DoctorUnit didn’t have anything good to report about the DadUnit. Not too surprising, but that just adds to the MomUnit’s stress which adds to mine. So happy thoughts in the MomUnit’s direction. Cuz if she’s happy, I’m happy. See how that works?
Other than that I intend to try to sleep in this weekend. Though my new upstairs neighbors are, I think, rabbits. At least they are practicing like they're rabbits. Stamina... I'm just sayin...
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Trivia
Part of the 40th Bday party was Jenn Trivia. I was shocked and stunned (not really) at who won. Blueberry wasn’t allowed to play – she knows too much. But Mr. Not So Newlyweds (formally mr. Stalemate formally Mr. Newlywed) won – he either pays attention, or can retain useless information better than anyone. I’m betting on the latter.
Anyhow, Jenn Trivia got me thinking about odd Jenn facts. I thought I’d make it a regular on the blog appearance, but then remembered I forget when I make things “regular”. So instead, you will get random useless odd facts whenever I think of them (and remember to post about them). Lucky!
Jenn Odd Fact # 467
Said to PM Dude today...
Jenn: “Did you ever see the “choppin brocahlee” skit on Saturday Night Live?”
PMDUDE: “Yes.”
Jenn: “Well, every time I eat broccoli I say “choppin brocahlee” in my head.”
Jenn Odd Fact #113
Whenever someone says Albuquerque I spell it in my head A.L.B.U.Q.U.E.R.Q.U.E. We lived in Albuquerque and it seems it was one of the first words I learned and learned how to spell.
Jenn Odd Fact #42
I can't wink both my eyes separately. It's a genetic flaw. I'm sure of it.
Anyhow, Jenn Trivia got me thinking about odd Jenn facts. I thought I’d make it a regular on the blog appearance, but then remembered I forget when I make things “regular”. So instead, you will get random useless odd facts whenever I think of them (and remember to post about them). Lucky!
Jenn Odd Fact # 467
Said to PM Dude today...
Jenn: “Did you ever see the “choppin brocahlee” skit on Saturday Night Live?”
PMDUDE: “Yes.”
Jenn: “Well, every time I eat broccoli I say “choppin brocahlee” in my head.”
Jenn Odd Fact #113
Whenever someone says Albuquerque I spell it in my head A.L.B.U.Q.U.E.R.Q.U.E. We lived in Albuquerque and it seems it was one of the first words I learned and learned how to spell.
Jenn Odd Fact #42
I can't wink both my eyes separately. It's a genetic flaw. I'm sure of it.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Art of the Move
The moving process has begun. My apartment is full of musty old boxes, just waiting for me to fill them with all my belongings. I love moving! Anyone who’s know me for more than 5 years knows that moving is built into my genes. It’s part of who I am. It’s like an alarm clock goes off every 3 years or so (it used to go off a lot more often). I must be part gypsy.
Houston
New Jersey
Albuquerque
Minot
Great Falls – we lived in 4 different places in GF (Maybe 5). I went to 4 different schools for my third grade year.
Lancaster – 3 different places
Redmond
Tasis (I’m not counting Saudi Arabia here since that was part of TASIS – though it was still a move)
Pullman – 4 different places
Guadalajara
Redmond
Bellevue
Kent
Renton
Home to Redmond with Mom and Dad for 6 months
Bellevue
Renton – Two different places
Bellevue
Kirkland
Bellevue – two different places this time
Lynnwood
And finally back to Redmond
This will be my 31st Move! I’m sure I’m missing one or two somewhere. But that’s quite a list in 40 years. That’s and average of 1.29 yrs in one place.
I have several friends who have asked why I move so much. When I mention I’m moving to people I get a mixed reaction. Some are like, “Wow, again?” Others are not surprised at all. And still others feel the need to ask, “Why?” and that is usually followed with, “I hate to move.”
So I started thinking about it. Why do I like to move? I could blame the list above – I was an military brat for the first several years of my life. And anyone who’s father or mother was in the military knows you move a lot. There were always boxes we just didn’t unpack – there wasn’t a need. I got used to not getting very comfortable in one place. And as sure as you did get comfortable, you’d hear the news – we were moving.
Moving around so much as a kid, I believe, made it very easy for me to make friends. I do remember as a kid not wanting to become too good of friends with anyone because, well, we’d be moving. In Lancaster is where I felt that finally we would be staying put in the same city at least for some time. We were in Lancaster for 10 years. And when I think about where “home” might be, Lancaster is usually the first to come to mind. It was where I was molded into who I am today. It was most my teenage years. It was where I met some of my still bestest friends. It was where heartache first touched me. It was where we lost Grandpa Spaid (not as is we lost him and don’t know where he is, but more he passed away). It was where I gained a new dad and three new step-brothers (BigBro being one of them). It was where I tried smoking for the first time and just about choked to death. It was where I got in some of the biggest trouble I’ve ever been in. It was where God became a big part of my life. It was where I learned to twirl a rifle, and march in step. It was, in my mind, home.
Then we moved.
And now Seattle and its surrounding cities/towns is my home. And moving around Seattle has been my pastime. I’ve had several roommates – some of whom I would prefer to never see again (not you Blueberry). But I’ve lived the most by myself. And I like that. I own what the big black beast of burden allows me to own in my domain. And now I’m packing again. Packing up items that have become the definition of my adult life.
Boxes scatter the apartment. Items are carefully packed waiting for a spot in their new home. Many things are being discarded – used and no longer needed. I’m a big fan of getting rid of things. I’d rather pass them on then pack them and take them with me. But I’m at that very odd phase of packing. It’s too early to pack everything – and I can guarantee once something is packed, I’ll need it. And yet I can’t wait to pack because I hate last minute packing chaos. So I’m trying to be very systematic about my packing. And yes, for those who know me, we’ll have a color coding system to indicate what floor or room the boxes should go into.
And so in three weeks I’ll be unpacking and putting my belongings into new locations, new homes. I’ll be spending the month of February trying to remember where I unpacked something and where it might make most sense to go instead. Unpacking is my favorite part. It’s all new, fresh, changed.
Houston
New Jersey
Albuquerque
Minot
Great Falls – we lived in 4 different places in GF (Maybe 5). I went to 4 different schools for my third grade year.
Lancaster – 3 different places
Redmond
Tasis (I’m not counting Saudi Arabia here since that was part of TASIS – though it was still a move)
Pullman – 4 different places
Guadalajara
Redmond
Bellevue
Kent
Renton
Home to Redmond with Mom and Dad for 6 months
Bellevue
Renton – Two different places
Bellevue
Kirkland
Bellevue – two different places this time
Lynnwood
And finally back to Redmond
This will be my 31st Move! I’m sure I’m missing one or two somewhere. But that’s quite a list in 40 years. That’s and average of 1.29 yrs in one place.
I have several friends who have asked why I move so much. When I mention I’m moving to people I get a mixed reaction. Some are like, “Wow, again?” Others are not surprised at all. And still others feel the need to ask, “Why?” and that is usually followed with, “I hate to move.”
So I started thinking about it. Why do I like to move? I could blame the list above – I was an military brat for the first several years of my life. And anyone who’s father or mother was in the military knows you move a lot. There were always boxes we just didn’t unpack – there wasn’t a need. I got used to not getting very comfortable in one place. And as sure as you did get comfortable, you’d hear the news – we were moving.
Moving around so much as a kid, I believe, made it very easy for me to make friends. I do remember as a kid not wanting to become too good of friends with anyone because, well, we’d be moving. In Lancaster is where I felt that finally we would be staying put in the same city at least for some time. We were in Lancaster for 10 years. And when I think about where “home” might be, Lancaster is usually the first to come to mind. It was where I was molded into who I am today. It was most my teenage years. It was where I met some of my still bestest friends. It was where heartache first touched me. It was where we lost Grandpa Spaid (not as is we lost him and don’t know where he is, but more he passed away). It was where I gained a new dad and three new step-brothers (BigBro being one of them). It was where I tried smoking for the first time and just about choked to death. It was where I got in some of the biggest trouble I’ve ever been in. It was where God became a big part of my life. It was where I learned to twirl a rifle, and march in step. It was, in my mind, home.
Then we moved.
And now Seattle and its surrounding cities/towns is my home. And moving around Seattle has been my pastime. I’ve had several roommates – some of whom I would prefer to never see again (not you Blueberry). But I’ve lived the most by myself. And I like that. I own what the big black beast of burden allows me to own in my domain. And now I’m packing again. Packing up items that have become the definition of my adult life.
Boxes scatter the apartment. Items are carefully packed waiting for a spot in their new home. Many things are being discarded – used and no longer needed. I’m a big fan of getting rid of things. I’d rather pass them on then pack them and take them with me. But I’m at that very odd phase of packing. It’s too early to pack everything – and I can guarantee once something is packed, I’ll need it. And yet I can’t wait to pack because I hate last minute packing chaos. So I’m trying to be very systematic about my packing. And yes, for those who know me, we’ll have a color coding system to indicate what floor or room the boxes should go into.
And so in three weeks I’ll be unpacking and putting my belongings into new locations, new homes. I’ll be spending the month of February trying to remember where I unpacked something and where it might make most sense to go instead. Unpacking is my favorite part. It’s all new, fresh, changed.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Someday I'll wear pajamas in the daytime...
Welcome to your 40's. The 40's came in like a lion for this girl.
The Peanut Gallery : Brian, Kathy, Jackie, Bob, Margo, Janet, Mark, Vanessa, Julie, Ric, Sherrie, Jenn Suzie, Jo, Mark, Mike and Nancy.
The evening started with decorating and helping put together the tasty treats. I had to "test" each and every treat we were going to offer the guests. And I can say with 100% certainty that each and every offering was DELICIOUS! We had shrimpees, hummus, olive tapenade, meat/cheese tray, vegi's, baby quiches, and German Chocolate Cake cupcakes. MMM MMM Good.
Everyone played Jenn Trivia - Mike was the winner. Scary that he knows that much abut me. I guess I'll have to take care of him in the event I run for office. His prize? A 4 course meal at the exclusive Chez Jenn's. He's one lucky guy. Blueberry came up with some excellent questions that had a few friends stopping and saying things like, "Wow" and "really?" and "OMG are you serious?"
I drank some cosmos and then some water...cuz being 40 now you have to be sure to hydrate.
And so in the end, I'm 40. Ready to take on this decade with passion, grace and style.
Oh and one more thing...it's !@#$%^&* snowing again!
Last night was the big party. Everyone who was anyone (or who didn't have other plans) were there.
The evening started with decorating and helping put together the tasty treats. I had to "test" each and every treat we were going to offer the guests. And I can say with 100% certainty that each and every offering was DELICIOUS! We had shrimpees, hummus, olive tapenade, meat/cheese tray, vegi's, baby quiches, and German Chocolate Cake cupcakes. MMM MMM Good.
Everyone played Jenn Trivia - Mike was the winner. Scary that he knows that much abut me. I guess I'll have to take care of him in the event I run for office. His prize? A 4 course meal at the exclusive Chez Jenn's. He's one lucky guy. Blueberry came up with some excellent questions that had a few friends stopping and saying things like, "Wow" and "really?" and "OMG are you serious?"
I drank some cosmos and then some water...cuz being 40 now you have to be sure to hydrate.
And so in the end, I'm 40. Ready to take on this decade with passion, grace and style.
Oh and one more thing...it's !@#$%^&* snowing again!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Cheers to 2009!
Welcome to the first blog of 2009. This year I think will be a great one. At least that's my plan. All those out there who plan on making it not a great year for me - go away! You're not welcome here! That means you! Right there - the one up front! Leave!
There - now that we cleared out the riff-raff let's get down to the celebrations. Fondue part dos at Chez Jenn's last night. I cheated with the cheese fondue and bought it already made - that being said it was - IMHO - delicious. Surprisingly so. We had about a half of cup left so I think everyone else thought it was good too. Dessert fondue was Toblerone - omg so good! It was almost a sin to eat it. We had apples, pound cake, marshmallows; and pecan Sandies for dipping. Blueberry brought some homemade caramels she had - we dipped them too...delicious.
We started the celebration around 7 and took it will into the evening. In attendance - Claudia & Chris (not pictured); me; Mark & Vanessa; Sherrie; Margo & Bob. We did the obligatory catching up; eating; drinking; cheering; and photo taking. Bring on 2009.
Today I'm catching up on cleaning - what a mess new year's eve makes. Tomorrow I have to go back to work. That will be weird to go into the office. I've not actually been "in" the office since the 17th of December. Huh - hope I remember where I sit.
I think I mentioned in a previous post that my New Year's "theme" this year will be 40 New things! I've already started making a list. If you've got something new you think I should try - send it my way. I'll consider it!
This weekend is the big birthday gala - more food and more drink. I can't wait. It should be a blast to be at a party I didn't do any planning for. I can't remember the last time I had a party that I didn't plan! So watch this space - you may see some photos!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me!
The Big Four O....whodathunk? I really am still a bit in shock over the whole thing. I don't feel 40 and don't really want to be 40...though I guess the alternative isn't an option either.
We didn't do too much today. Ran a few errands and then had a family gathering tonight with the DadUnit's World Famous Ribs. OMG soooo good. BURP! If you've not experienced the ribs, I'm sorry. If you have you know how good dinner was. Ribs, homemade potato au gratin, 7 layer salad and Garlic baked green beans. German Chocolate Cake with WAY too many candles on it.
Cousin Bruce thought he'd be a funny man and brought a blow torch to light the candles with. Hardee Har har...Our family...such comedians.
I heard from almost every person I know in Facebook wishing me a happy birthday. Thanks everyone. That was fun to witness. I'm so blessed.
I decided today my new year's theme will be - well not so much a theme this year or a resolution as it is a plan. I'm going to do/try 40 new things. I've set no limit as to what it can be - so it could be walking a new trail, trying a new restaurant, moving into a new condo...who knows. It's going to be a great year.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Last day in my thirties!
Its still even hard for me to believe that tomorrow I'll be forty. How'd that happen? My grandmother always told me life moves faster when you're older...I didn't believe her then. Now, I think I might.
We were supposed to go to Tubac today. It's a quaint little town full of fun stores to shop in. Unfortunately my Uncle has been in the hospital since I got here and today the prognosis wasn't good. The doctors have done all they can for him and have said it's only a matter of time.
Uncle Dick is 80 year's old. Twice my age. And it's sad to see him in such a state. Thankfully he's not in pain. He's also not willing to chat about the end and what his wishes are. Men. The MomUnit, after hearing the news this morning when we dropped off his pumpkin pie (his treat), didn't much feel like going to Tubac. Which was fine.
Instead we drove to the University of Arizona and I finally found my UofA sweatshirt I've been hunting for. Then to In N Out for lunch. I decided when the MomUnit's number is finally called I'm going to put an In N Out burger wrapper in her coffin with her.
Tonight we're heading to dinner with some family friends to celebrate the first of three birthday parties. Yay Me. I love having a birthday around Christmas sometimes. You celebrate for days. Then tomorrow the DadUnit is fixing his world famous BBQ ribs for me and some other family friends. German Chocolate cake for dessert. Nummers!
The rest of today I'll be sitting outside. There's this bright round thing in the sky that is producing warmth here. I googled it to find out what it is.
So with that I farewell to you all and farewell to my thirties. WAHHHH!!!!
We were supposed to go to Tubac today. It's a quaint little town full of fun stores to shop in. Unfortunately my Uncle has been in the hospital since I got here and today the prognosis wasn't good. The doctors have done all they can for him and have said it's only a matter of time.
Uncle Dick is 80 year's old. Twice my age. And it's sad to see him in such a state. Thankfully he's not in pain. He's also not willing to chat about the end and what his wishes are. Men. The MomUnit, after hearing the news this morning when we dropped off his pumpkin pie (his treat), didn't much feel like going to Tubac. Which was fine.
Instead we drove to the University of Arizona and I finally found my UofA sweatshirt I've been hunting for. Then to In N Out for lunch. I decided when the MomUnit's number is finally called I'm going to put an In N Out burger wrapper in her coffin with her.
Tonight we're heading to dinner with some family friends to celebrate the first of three birthday parties. Yay Me. I love having a birthday around Christmas sometimes. You celebrate for days. Then tomorrow the DadUnit is fixing his world famous BBQ ribs for me and some other family friends. German Chocolate cake for dessert. Nummers!
The rest of today I'll be sitting outside. There's this bright round thing in the sky that is producing warmth here. I googled it to find out what it is.
So with that I farewell to you all and farewell to my thirties. WAHHHH!!!!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Day After the Day After...
It's the day after the day after Christmas today. All's quiet in the Wraspir household - with the exception of dad wheezing in the chair as he reads, the birds outside having some sort of discussion over the bird seed, the dogs barking and carrying on and the clitterclack of the keyboard. But otherwise, it's quiet.
We got home -slugged around the house, watched the thermometer dip to the 20's and the snow start to fall slightly. Dinner was left overs - because if you've ever been to Chez Jenn's Parent's diner you know that the fridge is bursting at the seems with food and left overs night is a required dinner. The DadUnit didn't eat last night. He was in one of those moods. He was pouting because we were having dinner so early - it was 6:30PM...so we let him pout.
I think he had a bad day yesterday. He was quite argumentative with everyone and hated almost everything. He sat quietly reading most the day - but when he said something it wasn't necessarily nice. I miss my dad.
Today is a lazy day. I had planned on sitting out on the deck and sunning myself -but seeing as it's 26F outside - I think maybe not.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...
I bet you're wondering where I'm typing this from aren't you? Come on admit it, you spend your every waking hour thinking about moi.
Well, thankfully, I made it to Tucson. Mother Nature gave us quite the wallop in Seattle and did all she could to strand thousands in Seattle's airport. But by the time I had to leave on Tuesday they had sorted "most" of the weather issues out and I was off. The airport was a zoo and I wasn't so glad to be on an airplane as I was that day. People were tired, rude and cranky - you couldn't have paid me enough to be an airline ticket agent that day. No way nohow.
Way back when on a trip back into Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I followed my good friend JC through customs. Saudi customs was crazy strict and would, at any time, try to find something in your luggage they didn't approve of. I used to put all my dirty girly under clothes on top hoping they'd just move along. Rarely did they. Anyhow, JC and I were in the customs line and I was dreading it. He had a green passport - diplomatic - meaning they couldn't search his luggage. He and I passed through "together" so the Arab guard wouldn't check my luggage. We whizzed through customs.
Tuesday morning after BigBro dropped me off, I ended up in a long line waiting to check my luggage. A young lady in front of me and I got to talking. We laughed and joked all the way through the line. As we got closer she suggested I follow her through security because she had a super secret pass to the front of the line. Okay...I'll follow you. We detoured at the end of the 2 1/2 hour security line to the front of the line. They directed us to another 30 minute line. Phew. As we stood in line, I got to thinking about Saudi and how I'd always get frisked when leaving. Secretly I think the Arab women enjoyed humiliating us foreigners because it gave them power they didn't have. As we got through to where we actually showed our boarding pass - I was waiting for the frisking treatment. But nope...they pushed me on through. On the other side - new friend and I parted ways. I stood in another line- Starbucks - but it was well worth it.
I made it to sunny Tucson. I landed in beautiful sun shiny weather. Christmas morning we woke to rain and hurricane force winds. Rain I don't mind so much. It's not white and it's not frozen. Christmas was relatively uneventful. We woke later than normal, open gifts, had Dad's World Famous biscuits and gravy for breakfast and then just vegged out.
I did find out that Blueberry, who was supposed to be watching my cat, made it over to Spokane after all - so she left the keys with a friend to check in on Pookie. Only the keys she left weren't for my apartment. So poor Pookie is home alone and most likely starving right now. I'm hoping tomorrow I can talk an apt worker into going in and feeding him. Poor kitty.
Tomorrow we're hitting the stores. We are most likely crazy to be going out the day after Christmas, but it'll be fun. And I need a Starbucks fix.
We are going to also take in the Desert Museum and the airplane graveyard (mostly for photography purposes for me). Birthday dinner will be tritip roast, and some fixin's. I opted to stay in for dinner as going out for dinner these days sets the DadUnit into a fit and makes him ubber grouchy. So...Happy Christmas everyone.
Well, thankfully, I made it to Tucson. Mother Nature gave us quite the wallop in Seattle and did all she could to strand thousands in Seattle's airport. But by the time I had to leave on Tuesday they had sorted "most" of the weather issues out and I was off. The airport was a zoo and I wasn't so glad to be on an airplane as I was that day. People were tired, rude and cranky - you couldn't have paid me enough to be an airline ticket agent that day. No way nohow.
Way back when on a trip back into Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I followed my good friend JC through customs. Saudi customs was crazy strict and would, at any time, try to find something in your luggage they didn't approve of. I used to put all my dirty girly under clothes on top hoping they'd just move along. Rarely did they. Anyhow, JC and I were in the customs line and I was dreading it. He had a green passport - diplomatic - meaning they couldn't search his luggage. He and I passed through "together" so the Arab guard wouldn't check my luggage. We whizzed through customs.
Tuesday morning after BigBro dropped me off, I ended up in a long line waiting to check my luggage. A young lady in front of me and I got to talking. We laughed and joked all the way through the line. As we got closer she suggested I follow her through security because she had a super secret pass to the front of the line. Okay...I'll follow you. We detoured at the end of the 2 1/2 hour security line to the front of the line. They directed us to another 30 minute line. Phew. As we stood in line, I got to thinking about Saudi and how I'd always get frisked when leaving. Secretly I think the Arab women enjoyed humiliating us foreigners because it gave them power they didn't have. As we got through to where we actually showed our boarding pass - I was waiting for the frisking treatment. But nope...they pushed me on through. On the other side - new friend and I parted ways. I stood in another line- Starbucks - but it was well worth it.
I made it to sunny Tucson. I landed in beautiful sun shiny weather. Christmas morning we woke to rain and hurricane force winds. Rain I don't mind so much. It's not white and it's not frozen. Christmas was relatively uneventful. We woke later than normal, open gifts, had Dad's World Famous biscuits and gravy for breakfast and then just vegged out.
I did find out that Blueberry, who was supposed to be watching my cat, made it over to Spokane after all - so she left the keys with a friend to check in on Pookie. Only the keys she left weren't for my apartment. So poor Pookie is home alone and most likely starving right now. I'm hoping tomorrow I can talk an apt worker into going in and feeding him. Poor kitty.
Tomorrow we're hitting the stores. We are most likely crazy to be going out the day after Christmas, but it'll be fun. And I need a Starbucks fix.
We are going to also take in the Desert Museum and the airplane graveyard (mostly for photography purposes for me). Birthday dinner will be tritip roast, and some fixin's. I opted to stay in for dinner as going out for dinner these days sets the DadUnit into a fit and makes him ubber grouchy. So...Happy Christmas everyone.