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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Big Blob of Blubbering Mush

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

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

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

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

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

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

AI = Freakville

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

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

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

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

I can't think of a title...

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

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

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

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

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

I am on my way

Yes sir, well on my way.

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

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

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

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

I step out of the ordinary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind

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

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

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

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

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

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

To donate to end breast cancer, click here.

Encouragement is what I'll need

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

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

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

Wish me luck!

Monkey pack him rizla pon the sweet dep line

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

Any...whoo...

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Vant to Suck Your Blood

Howdy! Which is Texan for "Hi!"

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

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

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

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

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

Holy 2008 Batman!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chop Suey OMG is so good

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

Wanna count down with me?

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

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

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

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

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

I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life

Why is it that at the end of the year we feel obligated to review our year? Why is it only now that we are concerned with how we're living? It seems we should be "concerned" the entire year. And maybe we are, but we just don't say it or really truly think about it.

2007 was a year to be sure. Like everyone, I had ups and downs. My life is like a roller coaster. To quote the song from the title, "The ups and downs and crazy turns along the way. It'll throw you off if you don't hold on tight. You can't really smile until you've shed some tears, I could die today or I might live on for years." If it wasn't so topservy turvey would we even know we were truly living?

I don't do resolutions much. I find that it's generally just setting myself up to fail, and well, I just don't need that. Instead, I like to think of a theme. Last year I didn't really solidify a theme so I just lived. Not sure yet if it was all that different from when I do have a theme, but with a theme it helps keep me focused.

This year's theme: Drum roll please.

LIVE IT! LOVE IT! LEAVE IT!

It came to me last night while I was reading my Christmas letters from people. I thought about what it was about life that really holds people back.

LIVE IT! - Instead of being all wordy and talking about doing things. Do them. Don't wait for anyone to be available to do the things you want (or wait for the weather to be perfect), just go out and do it. And I think it goes without saying that living it includes new adventures. New things I've not done before, but have wanted to.

LOVE IT! - I have a lot of things I'm passionate about. Some I've jumped in full tilt and have embraced all there is (i.e. cooking). Some things I've only have mastered and feel I just need to work a bit more to really see my passion come to life (i.e. photography). And finally, there are some things I do that I question almost every time I do them as to WHY I'm doing them - sometimes it seems silly (i.e. scrapbooking) and yet I love it. So enough of that. If I love it, I will learn it, study it, live it. (see #1).

LEAVE IT! - We all have it. Baggage. For some reasons there are things I have yet to be able to let go of. I'm unsure if these things are holding me back, but I suspect they might be. So this year, I'm going to focus on leaving things. Letting things go. (i.e. XXXcrush, friends who no longer exist). Not having to understand why things happen, but to just accept that they happened for a reason, and move on. (See #1 and #2 above).

And with that, I say look out 2008. So I lift a cup of cheer for Auld Langs Syne (which I think means "days gone by and says we will always remember them").

Fork me a Some Fondue Goodies

Y-A-W-N! I'm a tired girl today. My birthday party last night took the wind out of me. I got to sleep in today until 7:35. Blasted being old. I laid in bed waiting for sleep to come back, begging the sand man to stop by for just a couple more hours. No such luck. I think the sand man woke the feline in the house on his exit. Argh.

Last night's party was a complete success, as expected. I mean how could it go wrong with fondue, friends and a 70's theme? My apartment was decorated with some snazzy little swirlys. I found myself a pimp daddy hat to wear with my 70's-ish outfit. Megan brought her pimp daddy hat too so we were like twins, but not. We started the festivities with a fantastic cheese fondue with fantastic little dippers like bread, vegi's, and apples. OMG it was good. I kept warning everyone to not fill up on cheese because the best was yet to come.

We stood around my table and fed ourselves with chicken, beef, shrimpees, and vegi's. I made some dipping sauces that kicked ass. I spiced up Uncle Dan's ranch dressing that was OMG so good. A peanut dipping sauce that was a bit spicy, but OMG so good. A hoisin/soy/huli huli sauce that was OMG so good. And a cocktail sauce that I added some zipBamBoom to and was, you guessed it - OMG so good. Did I mention that the fondue was OMG so good? BTW it was later pointed out that Megan and I didn't have the gangsta sign quite right so they called us White Girl Ganstas!

But wait, there's much much more. I decided to use one of the mega Toblerone bars I brought back from London for the chocolate fondue. I swear to you we all needed a cold shower after eating that. I added some heavy cream and cognac to it and it was DELICIOUS! I also made a caramel sauce for dipping too. I figured the chocolate would go the fastest, and yet the caramel was gone in a heartbeat. I had marshmallows, graham crackers, apples, raspberries, pound cake, angel food cake, ginger snaps, and apples for dipping. I started with a marshmallow in the chocolate and thought I found heaven. Then....then I made the discovery of the apples in the caramel....OMG. Definitely needed a cold shower.

The gang was all here and left full of fondue and wine. From left to right: The Newly Weds Mike and Nancy, Vanessa's mom, Pink hat me, Vanessa, Blueberry, Mark, HikerGirl, PimpDaddy Megan, and Chicken Lady in the front.

Thanks everyone for making my birthday a memorable and fun filled event. I need to start planning for next year's big Four O!

You Look Like a Monkey...and You Smell Like One Too.

I'm not sure what is actually worse about today. That I'm another year wiser, older, more experienced? Or that I'm up at O'dark thirty on this blessed day?

Yes you got that right, it's my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to MeeeeEEEEE. Happy Birthday to me!

Before I get into the planned celebration of this fantastic day that really should be a holiday for everyone. And in fact, most people get today off. I got home last night and spent the first 30 minutes reassuring Pookie that I would never EVER leave him alone again for 7 days. Sheesh! You would think he was the master of this place. Oh wait, he is.

Thursday before I left, the family treated me to a dinner at Lil' Abner's in Tucson. It was hyped up as some kind of magnificent steakhouse, so I was all in. I love me my steak. Dad's BBQ is usually my preferred steak location. Dad has competition though. Lil Abner's has no menu. It's a old looking shack that allows everyone to write on the walls. Every wall has ink on it. Even the ceiling had writing. I saw my name at least a dozen times, but felt obligated to put my own stamp. It's an interesting restaurant. As I said, there are no menus. The offer only a few items. a 2 lb Porter House Steak, a 7 oz petite filet, a half of chicken, half or whole rack of beef or pork ribs. Each protein is served with family style beans, and Texas toast. Baked potatoes can be ordered too. But that's it. When the waitress said a 2 lb porterhouse all I could think was, "Who could eat that??" I didn't see it ordered once while we where there. I had the petite filet and it was delicious! Afterwards, I was greeted with a round of "Happy Birthday" and a free chocolate sundae that was made with HOMEMADE chocolate sauce. OMG it was so good.

Now for today's actual festivities. As I mentioned in a past post I'm having a fondooooOOOO party. It should be quite fun. I'm a bit behind the 8 ball though since I've really not planned a thing. But thankfully I'm up early today to get things done on time. Stay tuned for details of the event. OMG I can't believe I'm this age. I just looked at the photo above and can't believe I'm -gulp - Thirty Nine. How'd that happen?

Christmas 2007 is almost over

As I sit and type this I'm sitting on the porch with the sun shining and warmth everywhere. The wind is kicking up so it's getting a bit chilly, but nothing I can't handle. It just sure feels nice to be in the sun.

Santa was good to me this year, got some good gifts that even I didn't know I wanted. Got a nice Pashmina shawl mom carried all the way over from Greece. Also got a nice hand carved wood salad bowl that was carved out of a root of some tree. It's gorgeous. Oh and meet Count Beau of Hershey - he looks so cute with those antlers.

Last night we had our traditional Frito-Lollies for dinner. A couple new people at dinner who had to be trained in the proper preparation of Frito-Lollies. (And in case you aren't aware of Frito-Lollies, they are corn chips and chili with all the fixings.)

Today we did the normal Christmas with big breakfast and opening gifts. HikerGirl, Beau, Schuster (the two poodles) and I went for another hike/walk at Catalina State Park. Beautiful day for it. The wind made it a bit crisp, but we survived. On our walk we stumbled onto this saguaro. I counted about 25 arms, which the family determined meant this one was about 200 years old.

Dinner was a prime rib, with potatoes, green beans, and salad. Delicious! Dad BBQ'd the prime rib and did his normal fantastic job. We had a crowd here again and everyone left full and promising to never eat again.

Pictured below back row from left to right: Dick Gale, Dad, Bob Grabo (high school buddy of dad), HikerGirl, Bruce Sanderson, me.

Front Row / Left to right: Holly Sanderson, Cortney Sanderson, Mom, Lano Gale, Uncle Dick (Mom's brother)

The Long Arm of a Cactus

Hello from the land of Saguaro's (sah-wah-rohs). I have to say, every single time I'm in Tucson, I feel like I'm home. Maybe I was a Saguaro in a previous life. I'm prickly enough at times.

HikerGirl and I took off on a grand adventure around Tucson. The MomUnit mapped out our path so we wouldn't get lost. Map in hand, HikerGirl as the navigator (which I found out way into the trip she hated) and we were off. Our first stop was Gate's Pass to look out over this valley that looked as if it went on forever. HikerGirl got the hiking bug and up she went to an outlook, then she came down and drug me up. I'm glad she made me. It was beautiful.

The drive up to this vista was beautiful as well. Saguaro's line the hill side and look to be little fingers sticking out of the ground. These cactuseseses (cacti's? cacti? whatever the plural of cactus is) absolutely fascinate me. I learned something this trip too about these lovelies. A saguaro may grow an arm every 50-75 years. So when you see one in the area that has 5 arms it's average age is 160 years old. Oy-vei that's old. They grow on average just an inch a year, but that depends entirely on the moisture they were able to store. Some saguaro's are 30 feet tall here. There's been a few I've stood next too and they appear to be almost two stories high, I swear. These trees (and yes they are trees) line the slopes of the mountains here like pine trees do in Washington. They're everywhere. And of course, I've named everyone of them Ned.

After wandering through the desert and hiking a wee bit we were famished. I mean since we've done nothing but eat the entire time we've been here, it had been about 2 hours since we last ate. So off we went. First we had to stop and see the San Xavier de Bac. This mission was established in 1699 and is still in use today. In fact, we got there in time for mass. Which was unfortunate in that we couldn't go inside to see how beautiful it was. The front of the mission was also being renovated so I couldn't get the money shot I had planned.

Finishing there, we headed north again to historic Tucson and hopefully a place to eat. When I read about historic Tucson I was so excited to walk through all the old buildings and see history everywhere. I figured since it was a tour trap it would be packed and so braced myself for all the people milling about. Getting a little lost, or "misguided" at first, we eventually what we found. We drove right through it the first time not realizing it...that's how small it was. Oh and have I mentioned it was a ghost town? Not a soul in sight. No one. We just shrugged our shoulders,looked to the left and there was El Charro's Mexican restaurant. Home of the chimichanga...so they say. Apparently the chimichanga was an accident, and the word chimichanga means thingymajig. Either way, we had the BEST food I've had in a Mexican restaurant in a long time. Delicious!

From there we headed to Catalina State Park for some hiking. The sun was starting to set and we were due home for, you got it, dinner. So HikerGirl and I walked through a trail and ended up at a river - no lie - water was running through it. We walked have the way out and couldn't go any further. So we turned around and took another path. Walked about 15 minutes marveling at the nature around there. Turned and saw an entire ridge of saugaros. Loads of them.

Today is Christmas Eve so The DadUnit and I are headed out for our traditional shopping and lunch. He's been very cranky this year so far so this should be interesting.

Luggage! Luggage! Where for art thou?

Hi campers,
I can't believe it's been since Tuesday that I last shared with you my life, but that's how it goes. A lot has gone on since then. For one, I'm in Tucson. Yay me!

HikerGirl and I head south on Thursday morning to spend the holidays with my parental units and some other fantastic family down here. We departed for the airport on time and had NO lines to speak of really once there. I was, in fact, quite surprised that it took us all of 5 minutes to get through security. No lie! We made it to the "other" side and promptly found ourselves in the new-ish mall area of SeaTac having soup and a drink before our flight.

It should be pointed out that while we were giving the gods our luggage we joked about how Blueberry ALWAYS loses her luggage. I jested that she should toss her luggage and start fresh.

Fast forward to Tucson. My flight was on time, HikerGirls was slightly delayed. I wondered down to baggage claim to meet the parental units and then off to find my luggage while I left them there holding down the fort. I watched as all the travelers picked their suitcases and off they went. Round and round they went. Then ... it stopped. Er, ah, this can't be good is all I could think.

So, now what? The luggage lady was standing there and promptly offered to help me. Discussing my situation with her, we noticed a suitcase that looked exactly like mine, but blue. LuggageLady surmised that perhaps the owner of that suitcase mistakenly took mine. Great. I'll never see my favorite sandals again!

Into the little room that stunk of old cigars and she took my information. Including where they should send the luggage should it show up.

All I could think was that karma was getting me. I joked about Blueberry's luck, and here I was without a toothbrush.

We headed home. Armed with a phone number to call in the morning to check. I wasn't hopeful. I mean, after all, the last time I lost my luggage it took 5 days to get to me. I was already planning my new wardrobe I'd certainly have to buy now.

Friday morning I was shaken awake by dad handing me my cell phone (at 6:38 AM). It was the express luggage people and they had my luggage. Apparently it wanted to leave Seattle on the later flight. Yay! About noon - ish yesterday I got my luggage. Everything, including my favorite sandles.

The MomUnit, good friend of the family, HikerGirl and I are head to Mesa today for their swapmeet. Can't wait. I love wondering through those things seeing all the crap that people are willing to buy. Twenty bucks says I come home with some crap!

Yesterday it rained and was brrrrr cold. Today, the sun is high in the sky. It's about 31 degrees right now, but I know Arizona and it will be 70 by noon and I'll be happy as a clam.

A Day in the Life of PMQ and PMDude

A conversation today between PMDude and myself. Sit back, get your groove on and enjoy, or be disgusted…


Jenn says: It's because I have http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1982CsSlIA&feature=related in my head

PMDude says: Oh dear god in heaven

Jenn says: You'd sooo miss it if I weren't here...

PMDude says: for a split second, i was excited to see what that was.

Jenn says: You'd never have a full appreciation of just how bad of music is out there.

PMDude says: good point

PMDude says: there's a pile of music that I've endured the first 5 seconds of.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXPunYxhU_8

PMDude says: you leave me no choice

Jenn says: bring it on

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMycfdNdlKA

Jenn says: You interrupted Franky Valli for that?

PMDude says: could have been worse:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5eZSa7URA

Jenn says:
Oh.
Jenn says:
My.
Jenn says:
God.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx64_N4AA04

Jenn says: I can't watch that without laughing

PMDude says: Are you declaring war?

Jenn says: Who me?

Jenn says: "I eat them raw like sushi" come on? Those are some damn solid lyrics

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnzgNAzquCw

Jenn says: Marky Mark...he's hot...

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp-is6S_b_g

PMDude says: I like him better as an actor

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI8OM8tydlw

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcsvm_rcmDw

PMDude says: OMG

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE9oiMLIHGA

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeI6WFEaFkM

Jenn says: I couldn't even listen to that one...

PMDude says: I'm still listening

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7l250E5uM4

PMDude says: wow

Jenn says: but wait...there's much much more

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=387ZDGSKVSg

PMDude says:
o
PMDude says:
m
PMDude says:
g

Jenn says: Okay, I have to stop...there are too many bad 80's rap

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMjM7292eHk&feature=related

PMDude says: YES!!

Jenn says: Holy cow... that's some kind of wild 80s hair

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O4sSZc2WCU

PMDude says: That's on my iPod

PMDude says: This one isn't:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk8Yo4pzhWs

Jenn says: It is on mine...

Jenn says: I officially think you won this battle...but since you opened that door http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unBACOHFXes

PMDude says: I hate you. Why'd you have to bust out the britney

Jenn says: You started it with MMM Bop (which I just mis-typed to MMM Bob...)

PMDude says: i give

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxXLp-2J3wI

Jenn says: OH MY GOD...SICKO A brazilian as**shaker

PMDude says: He is about as worthy of breathing oxygen as Skippy is.

PMDude says: In fact... Skips new nickname is K Skid

Jenn says: I'm all in.

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlKocJWE5S4

Jenn says: That songs on my iPod - but in Spanish

Jenn says: Now we're talking H.O.T.

PMDude says: o dear god

PMDude says: you leave me no choice:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6blgjF6UkU

Jenn says: Oh dammit...i thought it was a song by http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4qVJnhZwWY

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FWI_fLkw3k&feature=related

PMDude says: talk dirty to me... WOW... I had erased that from my head.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMlyqKa1p78&feature=related

PMDude says: holy crap

PMDude says: Ok. it's over

PMDude says: officially

Jenn says: Now this is bad...but this thread got me thinking about it.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NdAUnnU9Ac

PMDude says: classic

PMDude says: forever - you know that one?

Jenn says: from?

PMDude says: Perfect. one moment please.

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c

Jenn says: oh..it has subtitles... good...i can sing it...

PMDude says: complete with black/white flannel

Jenn says: I'm all verklemped...

PMDude says: good.

Jenn says: oh it's not over...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU_9-uuKz0I

PMDude says: are you expanding the context here?

Jenn says: Apparently

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anLfoy2XsFw

Jenn says: but sadly that song led to this one...don't ask...

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPstB-1TXGU

Jenn says: he totally looks like a p*rn star

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFaXTcR4dtE

PMDude says: you gotta stop and take that all in...

Jenn says: Right...taking it in... Much like this one...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8

PMDude says: I watch that one almost weekly

Jenn says: shocking

PMDude says: hate you

Jenn says: not yet you don't

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn7d7gZj_qc

PMDude says: OH MY GOD!!! My sister used to love this song when she was like 5

Jenn says: Personally I'd LOVE to see the DMQ gang sing it.

PMDude says: "the guys"?

Jenn says: Yes. My guys.

PMDude says: Ok... outside the genre' but annoying nonetheless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCQuFYH79tQ

Jenn says: and which genre are we talking? We've been all over the board.

PMDude says: good point

PMDude says: Classic:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_ZP8HMz6Y&feature=user

Jenn says: OMG... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K26y7J2rOo

PMDude says: that's just wrong

Jenn says: on so many levels

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5t5GukrWOU

PMDude says: i win

Jenn says: RU Sure? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs37NSLy3z4

PMDude says: Ok... that's a good one too

Jenn says: speaking of being wrong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlw2EMpIYes&feature=related

PMDude says: do people really have that kind of time?

Jenn says: we apparently do...

I Work My Fingers To the Bone, to Make Myself a Name

The MomUnit all but "demanded" I write a new blog. Sheesh! Doesn't she know I'm a busy busy girl this time of year? She should, she is, after all, me, just many many Many year's older. (Smooches mom - see you in two days, then you can kill me).

So what has had me so busy?

Friday, Blueberry and I went to see Jersey Boys. OH. MY. God. What a fantastic show! It's rare, that my increasingly cynical self, comes across a musical that absolutely mesmerizes me. This particular show...whoa! I never knew I was such a Franky Valli and the Four Seasons fan. I knew every song they sang, and sang along with the crowd. As we were listening/watching them increase in stardom, I'd turn to Blueberry every other song and say "Dudley sings that song." (insert stalker status here). The other thing I never EVER do is buy the CD they sell there at the show, but this time I couldn't help myself. The actors were so incredibly talented and the music was so good, I figured why not. I've been listening to Jersey Boys for three days straight now. (Not too surprising, I have My Eyes Adore You stuck in my head).

My favorite songs in order of favorite:

1. Can't take My eyes off of you - I wasn't even a live yet.

2. My Eyes Adore you

3. December 1963 - a nasty little song - in a good way - when you actually listen to the lyrics

4. Sherry (Number 1 of the Top 10 worst this year)

And since I know you're dying to know, Dudley does Can't Take My Eyes Off of You and December 1963. I'd LOVE to hear them do My Eyes Adore you as a ballad instead of Me and Mrs. Jones (I happen to hate that song, though when Paul sings it he does such a good job, I almost forget I hate that song.)

That was Friday.

Saturday was a big party at some friends house. I did my obligatory eating, drinking and being merry. It was fun. I like and despise this time of year for the social engagements that crop up. I am the first in line for a gathering of friends, but during the holidays it almost gets to be too much. I know, I should stop my belly aching and be happy I even have friends to celebrate with. I'm just sayin....

Sunday, Blueberry and I had dinner with some college friends. They bought this fantastic house 4 years ago and we are just getting around to getting down there. It was good clean fun to sit and get caught up with them. We made the "promise" to try to see each other more than once a year. But you know how that goes.

I got to thinking on Saturday about my reputation. One of the guests said something to me about my "reputation" being at stake (I don't even recall the details of the conversation, so don't ask) and it got me thinking about what my reputation actually is. While I know what the word means, I called on my old friend Merriam to tell me what it really means.

1 a: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

b: recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability

2: a place in public esteem or regard : good name

Hmmm? I had thought my character drove my reputation to some extent, but it never really crossed my mind that other people have control, almost as much as I do, over my reputation.

A couple of weeks ago I did an online version of the Johari Window. The basic concept of this exercise is to map personality awareness. You basically describe yourself first from a list of adjectives, then you ask friends, family, co-workers etc to describe you from the same list. Once mapped out you get a grid with four quadrants: Known to Self/Known to others, Known to Self/Not known to others, Not Known to Self/Known to others and Not Known to Self/Not Known to others.

In my window there were a few in the Not Known to Self, but known to others quadrant that I felt I knew about me (friendly, witty, trustworthy, giving, etc) and a few surprises of what people knew about me that I didn't know about myself (able, adaptable, complex, logical, observant etc). The "Facade" quadrant had Proud as the only word to describe me that I Knew about myself, but others didn't know about me (well until just now).

I guess my point is, that it's an interesting exercise to think about what your reputation is and how it differs from people to people. My reputation at work, I'm sure, differs from my reputation with my friends (there probably is some overlap, but generally speaking). And do I need to investigate what that reputation is and make changes to it? What reputation do I want to have? Inquiring minds want to know. And I think 2008 may be the year to seriously think about it.