Sticks and Stones

I've been called a lot of things in my life. Some good, some not so good. But there is one word that keeps popping up in rare, but way too familiar situations...the word snob.

I started wondering about the word and wondering if I was a snob. I mean I am particular about a few things, but does that make me a snob? Or just particular?

What started this disastrous thought process was my morning cuppa Joe. I was standing in line behind a woman who was dressed to the nines. She stood out because she was clearly not a Hotel CaliforniaSoft tech type which is what generally frequents my coffee watering hole. Anyhow she blurted out her order, which she had to repeat twice because of the enormity and complexity of it. Having been a barista for a couple of years, I knew the fear these types of drink orders produced. But that wasn't my first thought, my first thought was, "Man what a coffee snob." Then amused at myself I realized people had, recently, called me that as well. Funny that I put this woman with the complicated drink in that category, but not myself.

But am I a coffee snob? I think there's a distinct chance that I am.

I digress. I looked up "snob" in the dictionary. It's a noun, not too surprising. But the first definition is, "one who blatantly imitates, fawningly admires, or vulgarly seeks association with those regarded as social superiors". Eh, what's that? Well, I knew that wasn't me. So I read on.

Definition #2 (it was actually definition #3 as Definition #1 was Cobbler, which made no sense so I discounted it - ahem) "one who tends to rebuff, avoid, or ignore those regarded as inferior or one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste". That sounds more like it.

So I got to wondering, is being a snob about such things as coffee or food (the other instance in which "snob" was thrown at me...as in "I'm a food snob.")? Isn't appreciating better quality stuff really about just that "appreciating" quality? By desiring higher standards in things like my coffee make me a snob? Maybe.

While I contemplated the fact that the woman in front of me wasn't likely to get the coffee she wanted the way she wanted it because it was so complex, (incidentally the order was for: one quarter-decaf, quad grande, three pumps of almond, extra-chocolate drizzle, nonfat, dense foam, 185 degree, latte - I know, right?) I stood very confident that my simple Venti Vanilla Americano with Xtra room drink would be perfect. And yet, day 2 with a new barista and day 2 my coffee wasn't right. I found it amusing I was miffed that I had to deal with a substandard coffee drink. And that realization meant I could most definitely be put into the coffee snob category.

I'll stand firm though, and defend myself until my caffiene-drenched blood runs no more, that there is such a thing as BAD coffee. There are very few things I hold sacred...but my coffee is one of them. And for all those people out there who think they can't tell the difference between good coffee and bad coffee, I'm going to choose to ignore you and your inferiority! teehee...

So yah, I most likely am a coffee snob. And I'm most likely a food snob - to some extent. But the best part about knowing that is knowing that I'm okay with that. I could be called worse things, and probably am - behind my back. But that's okay. I'd likely just ignore the ones who insult me, considering they're inferior beings and all.

My lost cause...

I met a friend for lunch a week or so ago. We'll call her K. K told me of her recent dilemma about her closet and her clothing issue and how she needed to organize her closet. She had finally gotten so fed up that she was going to hire a professional organizer to the tune of hundreds of dollars to come in to "organize" her closet.

Stunned that someone could make that kind of $$ doing something I absolutely LOVED, I offered K my organizational skills to help her clean out her closet. All I asked for in return was dinner and maybe some wine. She was thrilled. She thought I was crazy to see this sort of thing as "fun", but whatever.

On my drive back from lunch I was surprised at how excited I was to be helping her clean out her closet. I've done this several times with Blueberry too and knew I had to come up with a plan and get a commitment from K regarding how to proceed. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, I missed another calling in life.

I think because of all the moving I've done in my life, I'm an expert at purging. I'm not a keeper, a pack rat, a whatever you want to call a person who keeps stuff around. Don't get me wrong, I have kept sentimental items, and such, but overall, I'm not a pack rat.

I read somewhere, or heard or something, a long time ago about how people attached memories to things and so can't get rid of the thing. Our emotional side kicks in and we have to hold on to the old ratty sock with holes in because it was the sock your kid was wearing the day his first tooth came in. Know what I mean? This "expert" had said that people don't realize that even if you get rid of the item, you still have the memory. And suddenly it made sense. It is, however, a lot easier said then done...but still.

So in preparation to help K with her closet I started thinking about what I knew to be true to help organize the closet. The rules if you will. I had posted on FB that I was excited to help her and couldn't believe the number of people/friends who emailed me or left a comment asking me to help them when I was done.

So, for all of you who are ready, here are the rules of engagement:

1. Be ruthless. You have to willing to part with items in a logical, non emotional way, and you have to be ready to let go. You have to be willing to ask the hard questions and answer them honestly when it comes to 1) how long has it been since you've used/seen/worn an item, and 2) how realistically likely would it be that you'll need it in the next year?

2. Allow yourself three piles and stick to it. The two piles should be 1) Keep or 2) Goodwill or donation. There is some debate to have a third pile of items that might be worth selling or sending to consignment. If you're that type, then by all means - but that pile has to go too. There may be a need for a 3rd pile of "unsure". In that pile should be items you need to try on to make the determination.

3. Decide quickly. Don't hum and ha. Your initial gut decision should be the one you go with. Then no going back.

4. Once you've gone through the piles. Bag up the donation pile and put it in your car ASAP. Do not allow it to linger in the house. If you let it linger, you may how dumpers remorse and want to dig something out of there. In K's case, I took the bags (12 of them) with me so she couldn't go through them again.

5. Now, go through the pile to keep. Double check for stains, tears, anything that makes you think you should get rid of it.

Once you have your "keep stuff" now starts the harder part, what to do with it. In the case of the clothing, there are several "theories" on how best to organize a closet. Some people prefer Winter / Summer type of organization. I feel strongly that you should keep all your clothes together and separate by color. You'll be amazed to see how many new outfits you might come up with because now you can see all the brown shirts you have. The other benefit of sorting by colors is you now have a look at the spectrum of your clothes. Next time you're out shopping for a new shirt, you now may know that you have no purple shirts, or not as many as you want. If you're like most of us, you automatically drift toward a single color (mine is black because it's slimming). But now you're aware that you have 15 pairs of black slacks and you don't need any more. (I'm a minimalist and don't have 15 pairs of slacks in all my colors combined - I have 7 that's it.)

Now, that you've got room in your closet you can sit back and focus on more important things. I won't lie to you though, keeping it this way is a commitment. And it may require you to regroup in a couple of months again. I tend to go through my closets every 4 months give or take. My rule of thumb is if I've not worn it in a year, it goes. Chances are high I've purchased something I like more and wear more often, so get rid of the excess. I happen to have a huge closet with loads of room, and by loads of room, I mean LOADS of room. I'd say maybe, 1/3 is used right now with clothing - including all the fancy stuff you only wear once in a while.

So after helping K, on my way home I started thinking about a career in this sort of thing. Clearly there were people out there who did it already. But the key, to me is, not cramming something down someones throat, but rather figuring out what "process" works best for them. The way I organize my closet and or life works for me, but may not work for K or Blueberry or anyone else. So really being a professional organizer isn't about just organizing, it's about the psychology behind why people don't organize to begin with. Organization is NOT something you're born with like good hair or straight teeth, it can be learned.

And to K - good job. You were such a trooper as we went through every single piece of clothing you have. I so wish we would have taken a before and after shot...you know, for my portfolio should I decide a career change is in order.

Most Embarrassing Moment of the Week!

Typically on weekends I make coffee at home. 5 days a week I stop at Bucky's (Starbucks that is) and I figure on the weekend, there's no reason since I do, after all, have a coffee maker. I know, I hear ya. Why am I not making coffee during the week? Because.

So Saturday morning, I realized I didn't have cream for my coffee. Off I went to Bucky's and figured I might as well do my grocery shopping too. I realize Bucky's and the grocery store is less than .1 of a mile from my place, but I had a lot of heavy stuff I was buying and I knew it wouldn't do my back good to carry it all home (cat littler, ice, cat food, etc). So I drove.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed almost immediately the fire truck. I've been in QFC before while the boys of the fire world were shopping. No, I don't stalk them. It just happens that they seem to almost always be there when I am. Weird, right? Maybe they're stalking me.

Anyhow, the Manager of the Bucky's by me knows me because she used to work at the Bucky's I frequent every morning. I walked in and scanned Bucky's and thought it was relatively quite for a Saturday morning (or course it was only 7:30 AM, but still). I chit chatted with the Manager as she took my order. I asked her, "So where are the hot firemen?" Her face went almost white and she grinned and said, "Right behind you."

I slowly turned my head to see 5 grinning guys...they all noddin and said, "mornin'." I smiled, waved embarrassingly and slithered back to my car and died.

In other non-Jenn-embarrassing-the-hell-out-of-herself news...we're having one helluva storm tonight. High winds sustained at 30-40 MPH with gusts to 55 mph and rain, lots and lots of rain. Weird weather for Seattle in the spring. But whatever. If my power goes out, I'll just call the firemen. They'll come running since we're BFFs now.

Alcanzar Una Estrella

Back in 1990 I was given another opportunity of a lifetime. (The first going to a boarding school in Switzerland – thanks mom and dad). I got to participate in an exchange program with La Universidad de Guadalajara. I wasn’t sure the ParentalUnits would approve or be able to afford it, but as it turned out they not only approved, but a semester in Mexico was WAY cheaper than a semester at WSU. So I applied and was accepted. I got notified of the family I would be living with and in August of 1990 I was on an American flight bound for Guadalajara.

I can remember packing that summer and feeling a bit odd about leaving my friends behind – again – and jetting off to a new adventure. Knowing I wouldn’t forget it… Ever. I almost backed out. Friends being all important to you in your late teens. But I had the ticket and my passport and I knew I’d be coming back. I knew from after the TASIS experience that my life would not be the same and those relationships with my friends would be strained and then different when I returned. Yet I knew the true friends would support me and be sending me reese peanut butter cups in the mail (Thanks blueberry).

Landing in Guadalajara I was petrified. I had 7 years of Spanish at that point and upon stepping out of the jet way forgot how to even say hello. The family I was to stay with the – oh god, what was their last name…? Um…huh? Gone…Their last name...- anyhow, the mom and dad met me at the airport. The immediately reminded me of my grandparents on my parents side. She was tall and authoritative; he was shorter and immediately seemed very loveable. I knew instantly though who ruled the roost. Ariana and Salvador where their names.

As we drove through Guadalajara – they pointed out sights and gave me the lowdown on the school. I had a couple of days before I had to register, and they were certain I’d be settled in by then. And they were right.

The next day, Ariana took me to the school to get registered. It was about a mile away and we walked. All along the way she gave me pointers on how to be safe. After registering, she took me to the cathedral downtown and gave me the historic walk through. I was in awe. Guadalajara wasn’t anything like the border/tourist towns of Mexico I had expected. It had, culture. People everywhere. People crammed into local busses, hanging out the doors as the bus waddled along belching noxious black smoke out their tail pipes. (I’d later discover that blowing ones nose when one was in such are area produced black snot – I’m just sayin’.) Still I couldn’t get enough.

The family was fantastic. I quickly learned that the mother doted on everyone. I did almost nothing for 4 months. I barely had to pour milk on my cereal – she took care of it. She could cook like there was no tomorrow too and I begged her to let me help her and learn. In fact, I still have her recipes. They’re all in Spanish and I don’t dare try to translate them now.

I had a roommate there too. Another exchange student from WSU. She was blond and skinny and all the Mexican boys were attracted to her. But she was nice and fun and we got along great. She had some complications towards the end of our stay that tested my ability to not only speak Spanish, but to keep myself together in a crisis in a foreign country. Good times.

Right, so after staying in Mexico for so long, I learned to think in Spanish. I can’t really explain it, but my mind just worked in Spanish and I had to struggle to think in English when I’d speak to my parents. Then when I came home, I had to almost retrain myself to think in English. It was very bizarre, but man was I fluent. I watch Spanish TV almost nonstop (Univision). I was still addicted to the Spanish Novelas and had to keep hitting them to keep fluent. (By the way, Salvador used to joke about the soaps being called “novelas”. If you separate the word you get No ve Las…which basically means, “don’t watch them.” – funny huh? ) One such novela stuck with me, Alcanzar Una Estrella. The lead was a hot Mexican boy and I was so infatuated – Eduardo Capetillo. The song has been stuck in my head all morning. And wouldn’t you know it…YouTube had it.

Obsess much?

So I have, on occasion, found myself a bit OCD about things. I can't help it really. It's part of this wonderful DNA I received. Basically, it's built in.

Usually my obsessions are harmless. Nothing more than a few loss dollars and maybe a bit of sense along the way. This year's obsession is one that has surprised even me. Blueberry is calling for an intervention if it keeps up. Which is too bad because I'm sure I won't find the time to meet since all my time has been given to one thing...reading.

I've always liked to read. I love how my imagination takes flight as I read the words. I'm particular about what I read too - shocking I know. If I don't get interested within 25-30 pages, I move on. I have no problem putting down a book and never picking it up again. I have friends who do have that - we'll call it "issue". You know who you are too. I, do not.

Since the start of this year I've read about 37 books. Now, before you get all, "omg she needs a life" on me - I do, in fact need a life, but that's not the point. The point is I'm reading like it's the only thing to do. I've been addicted to Nora Roberts of late. Not overly complicated literature I realize. And each book is pretty much like the last with a few small items changing, but I can't stop reading them. I can take down a NR book in 2 days - reading only after work and before bed. Which if you do your math you'll realize I run out of books pretty quickly.

Enter local library. Yay. I stepped foot into a library - on my own fruition and without needing to study. It smelled the same. Libraries always smell the same. The librarian was the same older grey haired lady with her bra strap sliding down her arm and large horn rimmed glasses with a chain on them. She's scary, but helpful. The air is full of the smell of old, musty pages, flipping dust into the air with every turn. Dewie and his decimal system still in tact after all these years. Though admittedly a lot of the books are now sorted by author name instead of an assigned number...but still...it's the same.

What isn't the same is the enormous amount of technology libraries have today. I'm a smart girl, one who can figure things out relatively quickly, but I gotta tell ya, ordering books online and trying to figure out when and if they'll be available for me to pick up has been nothing but a hard time. I did get the hang of it though and currently have 7 books on hold that will be ready for my pick up within days. And returning books. OMG. It's a matter of sliding up to a machine that resembles an ATM, scanning the bar code and letting the little conveyor belt take the book away. No more stamping the fronts with dates for return, no more dumping the books in a big huge metal bin...it's all automatized (is that even a word?)

But despite my library-ness of late I bought 4 new books that are a new vampire series (only they spell vampire vampyre - which is just weird and wrong). It's the House of Night Series. I've started the first of 5 books, Marked. Its no Twilight, but they are surprisingly entertaining. I love how each new vampire series has a new twist on vampires. For example, Twilight has the vampires around during the day and attending high school and acting as if they are "vegetarians" in that they don't drink human blood. The Sookie Stackhouse series (The books HBO's True Blood series is based on) has the vampires coming out of the dark and integrating into world mainstream. They announce to the world that vampires do exist and they are living among you. Great set of books, by the way. Now the House of Night series has the vampires, or vampyres being "marked" to be turned in to vampires. No biting to turn them, but instead they get this funky tattoo on their fore head. Marked usually in high school, so they then have to attend this vampire high school. All very odd I know, but it's fascinating to me how a topic that is hundreds of years old can be turned to fit our world today.

So...House of Night series is my new favorite obsession. It's my obsession, yes my obsession. OMG I've forgotten how TOTALLY 80's and how TOTALLY horrible that video is.

Welcome to the Church of the Holy Cabbage. Lettuce pray.

Ahhh Monday...how I really really don't like thee. But alas, here we are again. A new week for new adventures. Huh, that's weird. No new adventures scheduled for this week.

The weekend, as weekends do, flew by without really stopping for a glass of wine. When asked what I did this weekend, all that came to mind was - eat.

Saturday AM I had to start my day off right with a good solid breakfast. Someone, who shall remain nameless, was craving pancakes like a month ago which prompted me to buy pancake mix and syrup. And now, every Saturday I make three pancakes. Interestingly enough, Pancake #1 is always undercooked. Pancake #2 - over cooked. But pancake #3 is always just right (where have I heard that before?). I need to find a way to start with pancake #3 and then make 3 just like it.

Then as if dough for breakfast wasn't enough, I met Seattle Sis-in-Law and one of the other crab hat ladies for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in town, The Mediterranean Kitchen. They have the BEST, most garlicky hummus that I've ever had. In fact, I had so much garlic pulsing through my innards that I couldn't even pick up my most recent vampire book to read.

ahem

Anyhow, their portions are enormous. For the price you pay you easily get two or more meals. So Sunday "brunch" was left overs. Even though I hadn't fully recovered from eating so much on Saturday night, I felt the garlic call to me and had to help myself on Sunday for "brunch".

Then I went grocery shopping. You should - and by you I mean me - never ever go grocery shopping while you're hungry. I spend way more. Thankfully I stayed WELL within my budget this Sunday and got a little exercise walking around and around the store.

Sunday night it was dinner at the Keg for Blueberry's free birthday meal. Bigbro, Sisterinlaw and blueberry and I signed up for the birthday club. So for the month of your birthday you get a free steak dinner up to $23.95. It's quite a deal if you ask me. We're thinking about signing up our entire family. One per month regardless of when their birthday is. They'll never know.

Sunday night I was, again, miserable. You'd think I'd learn. But that "old dog new tricks" thing was in attendance. I swore I'd never eat again. (hahahahah yah, right).

I did do other things this weekend besides eat. I spent several hours in the scrapbook room organizing, and inputting recipes into my crazy recipe database that I'm obsessed with. So far this year I've tried something like 37 new recipes. And considering I put in an average of 10-15 new ones each month, I'll never EVER get through all my recipes. So I'm starting to be very particular about what makes the cut for the recipe bowl.

Aside from all the food, I did finally get caught up on some TV shows, as well as finished yet another book. I so need a life.

"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this” - Henry Ford

For reasons I can’t really explain, I’ve been thinking about my first car. The one that, as a teenager, I wanted to prove I was somehow cooler than I was. You car, after all, defined you right.

My parents, thankfully, weren’t the type to go out and buy me my first car. It certainly wasn’t from a lack of me wanting them to. Instead it was there way of teaching me the valuable lesson of earning your way to something you want. That being said, when the DadUnit was offered an opportunity for this car, he jumped at it. I mean who wouldn’t? The previous owner basically told dad, “If you tow it from the back yard – you can have it.” And so dad, being dad, towed the 1971 White Ford Country Squire station wagon (let’s not forget the wood paneling). He put 4 new tires on it and a fresh battery I think and handed me the keys.

Not exactly the car I had in mind. No, I wanted a much slicker Mustang of some type…1966 or 1967 convertible perhaps. Instead, the other Ford and I got along.

This car was a beast. And by “beast” I mean – I could fit 15 friends in it at once – not that I did that ever or anything (Hi Mom…thanks for stopping by). This car had black vinyl interior – which is AWESOME in Southern California. Yah, your thighs hitting that black vinyl on a hot day was like frying eggs in a skillet. I quickly purchased my first car accessory – a beach towel for the front seat.

Despite the hideousness of the look of the car, it did get me around, barely at times, but around all the same. It got like 8 gallons a mile too – and I’m not joking. Though back then gas was less than a dollar a gallon and school was only like 4 miles from home, so I could go for a bit on the gas I could afford to put into it.

I have two favorite stories surrounding this car. The first is about good friends of our family, Dick and Maryanne Holly, who came to visit. They drove up to our house in a motor home I think, to stay a week or so with us. Dick offered me a trade. If I’d let him and Maryanne use my car while they were here, he’d fill it up with gas before they left. To a teenager who never EVER filled it up past a quarter tank, this was like winning the gas lottery. “Of course you can use it,” I said in my most innocent of voices. The week progressed and Dick took the beast out to fill it up. Upon his return he looked white as a ghost and exclaimed that he never EVER would have made that offer if he’d known it had a 20 gallon tank. I stood silently with my sheepish grin in the corner.

The second story revolves around my BFF Laura. She and I at some point were inseparable. We did everything together. She and I had been out on a Friday night just doing teenage girl stuff and stopped to get some ice cream – cones to be exact. We didn’t stay at the ice cream shop for too long before we got this wide twig to drive up to the Manson Mansion. See the urban legend for our area was the house that Charles Manson and his followers lived in was just up a dirt road up a hill in our neck of the woods. So yah, hell yah, I was in. We got in the car, ice creams in hand (what? It was an automatic beast that basically drove itself…I didn’t have any problems with an ice cream cone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other) and off we went. Neither one of us really knew where this supposed house was, but we toodled our way into the dessert. Looking back now it was probably the dumbest thing we ever did because the car wasn’t exactly a 4wheel drive and overly reliable – and this was WAY before cell phones. We could have been stranded for weeks before anyone found us. But I digress.

So here we are toodling up a road, in the dark, out in a part of the desert not overly inhibited, when suddenly a garbage can was in the road. I swerved to miss it and hit it straight on. Slightly dazed and nervously giggling we dredged on. The warm black hard top road suddenly disappears into a narrow, slightly bumpy dirt road. I stopped the car. We stared at each other and quickly decided that was enough.

Now, the Ford Country Squire Station Wagon had a turning radius of well – I guess you could say – it didn’t have one. There was no way to turn around. So I had to back all the way down this road/hill, in the dark, in a very uninhabited part of the desert. Of course, all the while we were freaking ourselves out by stories of getting lost out there and what if there were still Manson followers up there. I didn’t think that ford could get to the speed we got it to to get home.

I only really got in trouble once that I recall with that car too. The “rule” of the house was I could ONLY drive it to school on days we had rifle practice (I was in the band color guard – rifle captain to be exact). Well, on one particular day I decided to drive it to school. We didn’t have practice, but I knew I would be home WAY before mom and dad were. It was a normal sunny, windy day in Quartz Hill – but it was a bit dark for when I had to get to school. I left the lights on. Though I didn’t realize I had left the lights on until ALL the busses had left for the day. I don’t really even remember how I got home. I just know dad had to take me BACK to school to jump the car. Let me tell you, 4 miles doesn’t seem very long normally. But when you’re in a car with a VERY pissed off dad who never yelled, but lectured…that four miles could take a lifetime. I’m sure I was grounded for that one.

I make fun of the car, but secretly I was proud to have something to call my own. It wasn’t bright and shiny, or brand new, but it was very functional. It served its purpose. And it will forever be a part of my memories.

OMG I Totally Missed My Calling...

So first and foremost...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLUEBERRY (one day later).

There now that that's out of my system. What did we do for Blueberry's birthday...well go to the roller derby of courst. Which, as you know, counts toward my Forty new things for 40!

The rest of the photos are on Flickr should you feel the need.

Let me just say, I so could have been a roller derby girl. The MomUnit can attest to how I was a roller skating fiend in my youth! I was at the rink almost every weekend. I could go backwards, sideways, shoot the duck (go down in a squating position with one leg extended), I was fast and I could crash like the best of them. In fact, truth be told my FIRST kiss was on the roller skating rink with Tommy something or other during a slow skate.

ahem, but I digress.

I WANNA be a roller derby girl in my next life. There's a whole sub-culture that exists that we had no idea was there. These chicks...and that's a nice term for them, are brutally awesome in their own roller derby way. A lot of them I'd not want to meet in a dark alley, ever. Buff, tough, and seriously good at what they do.

Upon entering the arena Blueberry and I were "tagged" by a very tall, beefy woman with red lipstick and black eye liner, I wasn't going to argue with her when she wanted to put war paint on our face. Little did we know that was a team we'd be rooting for. Then we found the Rat ... had to stop and snap a photo with the Rat. He stunk too...wow did he. (PhotoGirl, The Rat, me, and Blueberry)

The first bout was just okay. It gave us a chance to wade through the "what the hell is going on". We had no idea what the rules really were - we had an idea, but weren't able to put them in perspective. The "jams" (2 minute game for lack of a better word) were so fast and furious that you couldn't really tell what was going on. They had like 6 refs, they had penalty boxes, and 10 derby girls on the route smashing, skating, and body checking each other. What sane person could figure this out? Being a very sane person, I wandered off to find rule books, which helped a bit more.

Each bout has two 30 minute periods. A jam is 2 minutes unless the lead jammer calls it off - which they do by slapping their hips. The "pack" was responsible for basically not allowing the lead jammer through. Each time the lead jammer looped the pack points were made. It was all so interesting and odd and exhilarating.

There were two bouts last night: Bout 1 Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets. I know, right? Great names. Bout 2: Derby Liberation Front (DLF) vs Grave Danger. We then found out that Blueberry and I had been tagged by Grave Danger - so despite the fact that DLF were the favorites, we had to root for Grave Danger.

So Bout 1 was just okay. The chicks could skate and there was some fantastic battles out there. But out 2....WOW. The first jam starts and you could almost see our entire group scoot up to the edge of their seats. THESE chicks were going to be brutal...and they did not disappoint. Their skating, body checking, snarling, jamming, everything was that much better than the first bout. It felt like watching the Mariners after watching the Aqua Socks.

By the time the second bout came, well, about, we knew what was going on and found ourselves cheering with the rest of them. We never did get the scoring right. After each bout we'd chat about how many points we thought the lead jammer got, and we were rarely, if ever, right.

All in all, I'm going again. AND I need a Roller Derby name. Two, well three, were mentioned last night when I said I found my calling. 1) Jentle Death; 2) Jentle Wrat and 3) Mentle Jentle (Thanks Yank for that). But some of their names just cracked us up: JoWanna Asskicking; Mona Lethal; Darth Skater; Crash Gordon...and much much more...so see, I need a roller derby name.

PS - Who ever left me the Anonymous comment - first who are you - second - sorry I didn't root for DLF...but I so would if I saw them again...they were quite simply AWESOME!

On my signal, unleash hell...

Deep breath.

Hold it.

Slowly release it.

This has been what I've been doing for the past three days. Stress has been my partner in crime. It's had hold on my life and was refusing to let go no matter what I did.

I can't release too many details about the stress maker, but can tell you that I had to go interview at a large software company in Redmond for a large project we are in the running for. They wanted to check my project management skillz! And them skillz are mad, let me tell you.

I found out about this interview last Friday and waited, somewhat impatiently for the official time. We got that time on Tuesday and then he hounds of hell were unleashed. It felt like a combination of studying for my PMP again, packing to move and interviewing for a new job all at the same time. I knew the win/lose of this wasn't on my shoulders, but I sure couldn't get it out of my head that if we lost it, I could be responsible.

I'm very confident when it comes to my PMing. I've learned a lot, and have a lot more to learn. This interview went well IMHO. It could go either way, but I felt good when it was over today.

In other news, I'm going to the Roller Derby this weekend. Blueberry turns a whopping forty-one and we're celebrating by going to the Rat City Roller Derby. WhoA! Last year during one of our walks we passed a roller derby bout underway. We stopped momentarily to watch and we decided that it would be a blast to go. And so here we are going for Blueberry's birthday. It's unlikely I'll bring my big camera. They're asking to sign a release form that I'm not sure is worth it. But never fear...there will be photos...oh yes...there will be photos.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a tall dark bottle glass of wine with my name on it.

The New Top Model: PookieSnackenBurger

I got bored a couple of days ago and pulled out the camera for Pookie's most recent photoshoot. There's a small, very small, insecure part of me that thinks I shouldn't be sharing photos of my cat to the world - you know - getting that "Crazy Cat Lady on the Corner" title. But, he's a ham and a half at times, and while he was being cooperative I shot these.

Post 3 Day Weekend Wrap Up

This should be quick. I can tell you all that I did over the weekend in pretty short order. In a word...nothing.

That's right...nothing. But in between the nothings time, I did a few other things.

Went to a new restaurant on Friday night with the Newlyweds (or Stalemates - I need to come up with a new nickname for them). We tried this little grill called Oddfellow's in Redmond. It was quite possibly one of the best burgers I've had in this area. And that's saying a lot considering I got the "must have cheeseburger" gene from The MomUnit. If The ParentalUnits make it to Seattle this year I might have to take them there.

Oh I had to work a little on Friday too - even though it was technically a holiday for our office. There's a part of me that's fine with "helping out". Then there's a part of me that gets ticked off because I had to work on a holiday, and I'm pretty sure they don't pay me enough for that. But like I said, the "other" part won out in the end because I do like my job and my company.

Saturday I was lazing around the house wondering what to do all day when the phone rang. It was a colleague from the UK asking to help download some files. 8 GB of files. Guess I found out what I'd be doing on Saturday. I watched the files download and crash for 4+ hours and decided perhaps a quick run into the office would be a better way to download. I was wrong. I gave up after 45 minutes and figured I gave it my best - since it was a Saturday - and that would have to do for now.

After that I had a hair cut appt in Edmonds. Off I went - got my coffee - sat in Starbucks and drank said coffee with my book in hand. I hadn't gotten two sentences read when a woman plunked down across from me. I glanced up briefly, and caught her eye. She - what I consider - squealed in delight because I happened to be reading the same book as her. Which then meant we had to talk about the characters and the story and where we were in the book. Get this, we were 3 pages different from each other. Weird right? Anyhow, post small world adventure I got all my hair cut...and short too. Edmonds isn't so close to me anymore so I put off the cuts longer than I probably should.

After cut, I went home and cooked dinner. Speaking of cooking, I've updated my cooking blog to a cool new template. It makes me hungry every time I look at it. Go check it out. I'll wait. I've posted 25 new recipes already in 2009. I'm sure I've tried more, but that's all that seemed to make it to the blog.

My neighborhood has a new puppy in it. I met her last week. She's a white German Shepard that has feet the size of Texas. She'll grow into them eventually. Anyhow, she was out and about with her people when I noticed that she was wearing bunny ears. I laughed so hard at the look on this dogs face with these enormous feet and enormous ears. Oh it totally made my day.

Yesterday, I cleaned. I did laundry. I read. I watched some saved TV shows. I gawked a the amount of rain that was falling from the sky and wondered if Noah and his Ark would be stopping by. I made Hunter's Stew for dinner, and watched my new favorite movie. Bolt. OMG...it's such a cute movie. If you're a dog lover, and you've not seen this little animated gem, I highly recommend it. It's Disney and has some parts to it that are so "dog" behavior. If you don't know about it, here's the trailer.

And with that, I'm off to the chirocracker...

Set your course for adventure, your mind on a new romance…

Did somebody say cruise? Okay, if you insist, I’ll go on a cruise. But only because you insisted.

The MomUnit “twisted” my arm into going on a 7 day cruise with her, The DadUnit and a few other characters. We’ll be cruisin’ the western Caribbean in January…which is 8 months, 18 days away. But being the ever studious planner that I am, I started to check out the port of calls today.

Our port of calls? Well, we’ll start in New Orleans(NO). I’ve had NO on my list of places to see eventually. I’ve no desire to be there during Mardi Gras or the Jazz Festival seeing’s as I’m not a big fan of crowds. Yet, NO has called to me and the photographer in me wants to spend hours/days/weeks wondering around their old cemeteries. That and see the French Quarter – or what’s left – and a few other sites. So we’ll start there. I’m hoping I can talk the ParentalUnits into staying a couple of days on either side of the cruise. I’m sure it won’t be too hard…I’ll use my inherited persuasiveness – aka Guilt trip.

From there we’ll spend a day at sea. I’m not 100% sure I’m going to enjoy being out in the middle of the ocean. The control freak in my might have issues with not being able to see land. But we’re working on that particular personality – um – quirk. After that day at sea we’ll land in Costa Maya. Costa Maya is in Mexico. It’s a small town, I suspect a tourist town and so will be bombarded with “hey lady, want to buy … ? Is cheap.” According to Google Costa Maya is in the state of Quintana Roo…which is a weird name for a Mexican state. I can’t help but wonder how different their food may taste though…being “that” side of Mexico. Wikipedia told me about a bunch of little towns/villages around it all having a lot of “X’s” and apostrophe’s in the names. I might have to pull out the handy dandy Spanish Dictionary for this trip. The Currently Planned Excursion (or CPE) will be to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. I’m a big nerd about ruins. I love to go to ancient places and see what is left of them. Buildings that have stood for hundreds of years. It’s what keeps me wanting to go back to Italy. Way…Back…When during my trip to Cancun – the single solitary reason I wanted to go to Cancun was for Chitza Nitza….More ruins. It was fantastic. I think I took 10 rolls of film just there (that was back when cameras held film.) It was spectacular…as well as the torrential downpour that day during our tour…oh yah…good times.

Right so moving on. From there we go to Santo Tomas de Castilla - Guatemala. (Side bar: When I lived in Guadalajara in 1990 I had a friend who couldn’t remember where I was between Guatemala and Guadalajara and so called it Guatalamara.) Hun…anyhow, there is, of course, an excursion that goes to some ruins sorta…again. This one will need to be figured out at a later date.

From there we’re off to Belize City. It didn’t take me long to know that I’ll be taking the excursion to Altun Ha. Another, yep, site of ruins. Apparently there’s a nine and a half pound jade head of the sun god Kinich Ahua there. Oh yah, gotta see that. Did you know that Belize is the only South American country in which English is the official language? It’s one of the only facts from one of my college classes I actually remember.

After spending the day in Belize, we’ll be in Cozumel. Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean off the Mexican Yucatan peninsula. On the aforementioned trip to Cancun, we got down to Playa del Carmen with is just outside Cozumel. But from Cozumel the best, and most looked forward to excursion will exist…to Tulum.

Tulum are – yep Mayan ruins, but they sit on the coast. When in Cancun we tried to figure out a financially capable way to go to Tulum – but couldn’t. So I put that aside for another day. And another day will be here in January 2010.

From there we head home. I’m sure by then after being cooped up in a room with The ParentalUnits for 7 days we’ll want to be well rid of each other. (Hi Mom…just kidding). The cruise is freestyle which – thank god – means no formal wear and it’s eat when/where you want. Part of the reason I hadn’t gone on cruises before (there are several reasons actually) was that there was always this “formal” night and you could only eat at certain times and it was all a bit much. But now, The MomUnit has twisted my arm…so I must comply with her wishes. It is, after all, the good daughter thing to do.

Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!

Oh good Lord. It's a beautiful day here in the NW. The sun is out, slight breeze in the air, the temp is at about 70F...it's beautiful. Its Spring. And by spring I mean thousands of teeny tiny, itsy bitsy pieces of pollen that have found their way up my nose and pushing my eye balls out of my ears every time I sneeze. And sneezing is what I've done today. I lost count at 23. My nose is getting raw, my eyes are red and watering, and my kleenex box has become my best friend. Time for a trip to the drug store for allergy medicine.

This weekend was a Twilight weekend. Blueberry and Chicken Lady stopped by last night to have homemade Chicken Pot Pie and a viewing of Twilight. I'm still not as big of a fan for the movie as I was for the book. Still it was entertaining. We drank wine, we ate appetizers, pot pie, and chocolate and we debated vampires. Good time.

Achoo! Sorry, I don't have much more...need to go blow the schnauz and curse the best time of year in Seattle.

I Was Here!

Since I'm not actually walking in the 3Day this year, I decided to put my talents into volunteering. I've been doing their Getting Started meetings of late (8 total so far). At each meeting they go through what to expect, how to raise $$, how to train etc and they show this video.

I cry.

I get the song stuck in my head. (shocking I know)

There was a meeting tonight and I listened very carefully to the lyrics of the song and teared up just thinking about the song being an anthem for myself. At one point the lyrics say, "And I know, I know that I will do something than just pass through this life...I'll leave nothing less, nothing less than something that says, I was here!" And that struck a serious chord with me. (That's an intended pun by the way).

I realized I want to be remembered for what I did. For the mark I made. And I want to be sure I leave a mark. I know I'm not the most generous volunteer out there, never planned on being that. But the fact that I'm giving back, the fact that I've done the 3Day and continue to support a cause that is my statement in a way...I'm very proud of that. And whether anyone remembers me, they may remember I was here and left a mark.

And if you're feeling up to it...go visit the 3Day videos...get a kleenex. You've been warned.
http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Videos

Well, hello there...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday wait, and Sunday always comes too late

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just a few statistics:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Face the Adult Music

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

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

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

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

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

Ahem

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

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

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

Sunday with Susie Homemaker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watching for the watchmen

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

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

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

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

Yo...da wood spider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good thoughts and prayers are welcome.

Springing ahead is for the birds...

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Jenn's Top 40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Saturday everyone.

Monkey business on a sunny afternoon

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

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

Sorry, Tarzan got me.

Ahem!

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

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

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

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

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

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


Jenn out!

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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




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

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