Adventures of a Life-Aholic

New Blog Host

2010-01-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

Trying something new... we'll see if it works. Check out this week's blog here.

-Jen

Adventures of the Newlyweds

2010-01-15T22:17:00.000-08:00

This past Thanksgiving marked the first official holiday Anthony and I shared together as Husband and Wife.

(As I have said before - technically, it is the second holiday... I seem to remember spending 4th of July with him... ;-) But I still don't count that as our first official Holiday together, seeing as how we were celebrating our Marriage that afternoon, rather than INDEPENDENCE Day!)

I was so happy to be in Carson City, NV with my mother's side of the family. Don't get me wrong - I loved Thanksgiving last year with Anthony's Family. It was a blast and I learned a lot! But I missed and longed for my own family and our homegrown traditions (as I'm sure Anthony expeirenced this year).

Thanksgiving is so wonderfully predictable and dependable at my Grandmother's house. Cooking starts at 9am. The Parade is on - if you don't like it, go away. Dad BBQ's the Turkey. Mama and Granny rule the kitchen - what they say goes. What they ask for (nicely, of course!) gets done. The "Kids" set the table. Everyone contributes something. This year I did the ham, but usually I do the Jello Salad. New Tradition this year = Anthony contributes, too!!! He brought one of his favorite family traditions to us. Every year his mother makes cardamom bread for Thanksgiving. It is Anthony's favorite. Anthony learned how to make it this year from her! He made it and brought it for everyone to try. Everyone loved it! He has been told he is expected to provide it from now on. That made him smile. A little part of him is now officially part of us.

"Dinner" is really "Supper" as we eat around 4:30pm. PopPop says the prayer. Dinner always lasts a rediculously long time as we are all eating and talking and laughing, and eating some more. Clean up is a team effort - everyone has a job. The table and kitchen are 85% clean before dessert is served (always several types of pie and hand made whip cream, which I got to make this year).

I LOVE our Thanksgiving. It is one of the few times a year I get to see my Mom's side of the family, and I always miss them more when I have to go home. But this year, it was so special - Anthony was no longer "The boy Jen brought" or "Jen's Friend." He was just Anthony. And more importantly, a member of the family. Not that he hadn't been welcome or anything before now - he was! Everyone loves him! But this year was different. The jokes were no longer "inside jokes" as he was in on them. He participated, rather than obverved. And, as always, he made me feel incredibly lucky to have him by my side.

(Ok, everyone, all together now - Awwwwwwww.)

Oh - and Anthony and I got to share a bed this year! Thanks to Alyse being gracious enough to give up the sofa sleeper, Anthony and I didn't have to sleep on the air matress and non-fold out couch (respectively). So Thank you, Bug! It made our first Holiday together that much more special.

Now to my favorite part of T-day weekend. Seriously people, the BEST part of Thanksgiving weekend for me has NOTHING to do with Thanksgiving. True, I love T-day and all of its traditional glory. But Black Friday - now THAT is something we do right. Shopping, you say? NO WAY!!! Dude, after all that tryptophan, we sleep! We wake up no earlier than 9am. This year I slept till 10! Lunch is left overs. YUM. Then, the family - the WHOLE family, Granny and PopPop included - goes bowling. Joey, my 3 year old cousin, loves to bowl. And we all have a blast watching him. Let's face it, we know my dad is going to win, closely followed by my Uncle John. But we play! And we cheer each other on, and have a grand old time. Black Friday rules in my fam!

Ok - Time-out must be taken this year to adress "The Bet."

My father is a logical, level headed, incredibly smart man. But every now and again, he does something totally out of left feild that ends up biting him in the butt. This is one of those times.

My dad was observing my cousin Alex bowl. Alex ended up with 2 pins, close together, but not next to each other. My dad said he'd give Alex $10 if he could knock down both pins. My father knew that the chances were VERY slim, and that $10 wasn't that big of a loss, if somehow he did make the shot. As my father predicted, Alex didn't make it. "Awwwwww," we all said. "Good try, Alex!" Then, Alyse went up to bowl. After her first turn, she ended up with a 7/10 ish kind of split. Super difficult shot. Dad said, 'Whoa! That is a $50 shot. If you make that, I'll give you $50."

Guess what happened...

She made the shot. And Dad had to pony up. One of those stories we'll be telling for a while...

Anywho - after we are done bowling, the whole gang treks back to Granny's house for Taco night. Let me tell ya, peeps - I don't care how good that Mexican place is down the street. These are the BEST tacos you'll ever have. Period. We love Taco Night. Pan fried corn tortilla tacos, lightly salted, with perfectly seasoned ground beef. Add the "fixings" to your liking and dip in home made green or red sauc. Have some authentic Mexican rice (also home made) on the side, and you've got a recipie for the best dinner on the planet.

Mine always looks a little bland - all it is in there is meat and cheese... but still soooooo good!

Taco night ends our festivites. We go home on Saturday so we have Sunday to rest before the world goes back to normal on Monday. It was truly a wonderful holiday filled with family, fun, and amazing food. Can't wait to do it again in 2011. Now onto Francis Family Thanksgiving this year! Woot!

Oh yea - did I mentioned it snowed while we were there?

Love it.

-Jen

Chocolate Brown

2010-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

As many of you may have noticed, my status for the last couple of hours as been simply, "Chocolate Brown." You may have also noticed that I'm not the only one out there who has some sort of color as their current status.

If you haven't been let in on the secret yet, here it is: "Chocolate Brown" is the color of the bra I am currently wearing.

Yup. You read that right. I'm wearing a chocolate brown bra right now. What color are you wearing?

I was so curious as to why all my girlfriends had colors up as their status. I come to find out that someone late yesterday/early today started sending out a message to girl's Facebook Inboxes saying something to the effect of "let's take over facebook" and put our status as the color of our bra to 'confuse the guys."

Apparently this silly idea didn't go very far. I mean, who cares? I have better things to do with my time than try and confuse boys. I can do that just by being a woman. BUT when someone decided to add purpose to this little endeavor, it EXPLODED. That purpose?

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Who wouldn't want to jump on that bandwagon!? Of course, you get your naysayers out there who ask, "how on earth can that help? How stupid." Well Mr. Negative Nelly - I'll tell ya what purpose it serves! The "secret" element to it all compelled people figure it out - to be "in the know." In essence, to do some research. Because of this phenomenon, people have been stumbling across blogs like this:

cancerspot.org

Go on. Read it. I'll wait.

You done yet? Good. How great was that? So well put.

Ok, Ok. Let's face it. Negative Nelly is right - Letting the whole world know what color my bra is has ZERO effect on breast cancer research or even awareness. But when my color, combined with everyone else willing to participate encourages flow of information and ideas, it has a HUGE impact. People get information they didn't have. (Did you know that men can get breast cancer, too? Did you know that, according to the CDC, 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer in 2005? Did you know that breast cancer is the 7th most common cause of death among women (Also CDC)? Bet you didn't. See? You just learned something.) This silly crazy exercise obviously draws attention to breasts in general. My fellow blogger is right - while your down there checking out that awesome color, give yourself a breast exam.

Instructions for giving a self-exam can be found here:
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp

I felt compelled to blog. Cancer has touched my life in the cruelest of ways over the years. Fierce battles that have been fought hard and finally lost. But they fought to live because they had the chance. They got help because they could. It makes me SO angry when I hear stories of people who die from this disease, but could have been saved with early detection. I have been giving myself a "Self breast exam" from the age of 16. Once a month, EVERY month. No exceptions.

And ladies - a tip for you. Let's be honest - no one knows your knockers like your boyfriend (or girlfriend)/fiance/husband (or wife), right? Let them give you the exam. They may notice something you won't. And they'll think you are SO COOL for letting them do it. ;-)

I lost my Grandmother to breast cancer in 2002. We lost her sister, my Aunt, just last month to the same. Enough is enough. We have the power to take action. For all the naysayers out there who said "this is dumb - wouldn't donating to research be more helpful?" I say yes! It would be more helpful! Get off your butt and do it instead of picking on those who are trying to make a difference! To those who are aware that breast cancer runs in your family - be responsible! Self exams starting right this second! Annual exams without relenting! To everyone on the whole planet (because it isn't just breast cancer - it is all cancer) Educate yourselves. Knowledge is power.

In the meantime, I am proud to tell you that it's Chocolate brown. All day. Tomorrow will more than likely be black.

I will get off my soap box when every man on the planet knows they are subject to this too. I will get off my soap box when every woman does monthly self exams, annual paps, and regular mammograms when the time comes. Until then, I'm never going to stop talking about it. I'm never going to ease up. I'm never going to let it slide. We can change the future. We can change the outcome. But just like this little exercise, it can't just be me. It's gotta be everyone. EVERYONE has got to get in the know.

-Jen

Blogs, blogs, blogs!

2010-01-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have so much to blog about and so little time!!!

But I always tell myself, Jenifer! You are NEVER going to simply HAVE the time. You have to MAKE the time.

I don't make New Years Resolutions. I find them a little hollow - we say we will do something just for the sake of having something to do! So no, I don't make resolutions. I set goals.

Goals in my life are really important. They keep me going. They keep me challenged. So one of my goals this year is to blog, at least once a week, every week in 2010. Starting with this one. (That will = no less than 52 blogs this year. But I think I can do it!!!)

Like I said - I have so much to blog about! Right now, I am working on a 2 blogs from November (Friend's wedding and Thanksgiving), 1 blog from December (Christmas), and 2 blogs for January (New Years and San Fran Trip).

Also, as promised, the start of the new year will mean the re-start of the Cupcake blogs!!! I won't be doing them as frequently as I used to (every week!!!) But more like once a month. We think we can handle that. I will be writing a blog soon with a list of the projects to come so if you want to jump in and help on one, you are more than welcome!!!

I must apologize to Miss Miranda D'Angelo. She and I were supposed to start our "Wreak This Journal" Journey back in September and it never happened. I PROMISE we will start that before the end of January. But, that will mean that you need to start your own blog, missy!!! Hop to it! ;-)

And lastly, Anthony and I fully intend to take CherryTree Threads to the max this year. We are in the works to become an official Company. Anthony has already designed a logo and is helping me with a website (shout out to showit sites that Bree Shepard introduced me to! They rock!) So I will be making frequent updates about CherryTree as we grow and find our way in this crazy world. Wish us luck!

2010 looks to be shaping up quite nicely! We really are enjoying married life and our jobs. We are so thankful for everything we have coming into this year and feel truly blessed. We hope that our (or rather, MY) goals inspire you to create some of your own. And if you haven't already, start a blog! I'd love to keep up with you by reading your daily adventures!

Happy New Year everyone!!!
-Jen

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-24T10:43:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to take a second to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Anthony and I begin our 55 hour Holiday Extravaganza in t-minus 4 hours and can't wait!

Thursday, December 24th:
3pm: Christmas Eve gathering with my Father's extended family (Dinner at 5pm)

6pm: Drive to Ventura

6:30pm: Swedish Smorgasbord at Grandma Tillquist's house (Ant's Mom's extended family)

10:30pm: Drive to Moorpark

11:00pm: "Midnight Christmas" gift exchange with my immidiate familiy, complete with PJ's, donuts, and cinnamon buns! yum!

Friday, December 25th:
1am (ish): Drive home to Thousand Oaks and SLEEP!!!!

7:30am - wake up, breakfast at home with Anthony for our first ever Christmas at home as a married couple! The gifts are already under the tree, calling my name!!!

8:45: Drive to Newbury Park

9:00am: Christmas brunch and gift exchange with Anthony's immediate family (including our Nephew Max's FIRST CHRISTMAS!

12:00pm: home for lunch, maybe a quick nap?

2:00pm: Drive to Palmdale for Christmas dinner with Anthony's mom's extended family

10:00pm: home!!!

Saturday, December 26th:
SLEEP IN!!!!
2pm: Drive to Moorpark for Day After Christmas dinner with my Dad's extended family.

*whew*

Tired just reading it!!!
And SO looking forward to it all. Gotta start getting ready!!!

Merry Christmas!
-Jen

Book Review

2009-12-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Trying something new here, and hopefully trying out something else new later this week. (Don't hold your breath tho - Holidays = Busy girl = not a lot of time for blogging.)

Just finished a really, REALLY great book. Out of 5 stars, I'd give it 4 and a half. One of those that you really just can't put down.

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown.

I know, I know - the book was just made a movie and was secondary to The Da Vinci Code - blah blah blah.

First, I'll have you know that I read The Da Vinci Code by shear interest before the movie was even being filmed. It stood alone on a book shelf and just invited me to pick it up and read it. I had NO IDEA at the time that it was a series, nor did I know that it was the second book in said series and not the first. But I digress...

The point is that I loved the Movie, "The Da Vinci Code" and really want to see "Angels & Demons." But, of course, that means I need to read the book first, right? ALWAYS!

So, on our trip home from Reno over Thanksgiving, I picked it up off of the airport newsstand shelf and started reading. Instantly, I was hooked - the same way I was with Da Vinci Code. Mr. Brown has this ridiculously simple way of writing. It makes everyone from the most intellectual reader to the "I don't read very often" type feel right at home. And history buffs/ conspiracy theorists are just clamoring for the next page. Myself included. I love the fact that while his books are TOTAL works of fiction, they are based in real, HISTORICALLY based fact. These places, these documents, these secret societies all existed or still exist today. How cool is that??? The research he must have done to keep these books true to realty must have taken years. I can't even imagine. And here he is - writing it all out in a way that makes it all visually available for anyone. LOVE IT.

Angels & Demons is the first in a series of at least three books (possibly more - don't know). The series follows a Harvard Professor named Robert Langdon on some pretty astonishing, life threatening adventures through ancient relics and symbols, set in modern day scenarios. Crazy as it sounds - it all somehow works. It's even believable! This stuff could actually happen! (Possible, but not likely... I hope.)

This adventure takes us to Vatican City on the Eve of Conclave, as the current Pope has passed away and the time for a new regime is in order. But conclave and it's ancient traditions are threatened by the Church's ultimate and most aggressive arch enemy - Science itself - in the form of an very old Secret Society called the Illuminati. The legend of The Illuminati goes back to the days of Galileo. These men met in secret all over Rome to discuss scientific breakthroughs and theories away from the eyes of the Church. Eventually the Church crushed the group and forbade them to ever meet again. But Secrecy has always kind of been their thing, and the time has come for them to reveal themselves in a modern world as a fierce alternative to Religion.

In this story, the Illuminati is back, and they are out for revenge!!! I won't tell you what happens - You'll have to find out for yourself. All I can tell you is that you NEVER see the ending twists coming, I don't care how many times you think you know. I found myself saying, out loud, "What??? Wait a minute - how is that.... huh???" And then reading on and saying (again out loud) "ohhhhhhhhhh. I get it." And this happened more than once.

It really is a very well written work of fiction and I highly, highly recommend it. The Chapters are numerous, but usually very short, so it is an easy read. The short chapters are a tool Brown uses to cut from one story line to another n order to keep you abreast of all the information you need to know to keep putting two and two together. It is also convenient for when you need to put the book down for a minute or two to walk the dog or eat - telling someone "just one second, I need to finish this chapter" really only takes another minute or so on average.

So now, I've read Angels & Demons. Looking forward to watching the movie. I am also re-reading The Da Vinci Code (which makes LOADS more sense in the first few chapters, now that I know what the references to The Vatican mean to the story). Once I finish it this time around, I fully intent on going out and purchasing "The Lost Symbol" the third book in the series. I simply can't wait to find out what happens to Langdon and the absolutely riveting half fact/ half fiction adventure.

What are you still sitting there reading this for? Go read the book!

-Jen

Another Day like any other

2009-12-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang!

Sorry it's taken me so long to get something up here. It's been 2 weeks! Yikes!

Life has been so busy at home and at work lately, that blogging totally feel to the wayside. Work this week was crazy due to a HUGE computer crash we had. Lost a lot of data that we had to recover by re-entering it all back into the system manually. Not so fun. And on the home front, preparing for Christmas, seeing our families, and trying to start our own traditions has taken up almost all of our time. What time isn't taken up has been devoted to CherryTree. We are up and running on Etsy.com (cherrytreethreads.etsy.com) and I've loving it all. Life is pretty good, tho! Well - mostly...

I'd like to take a moment and say a little prayer for my Aunt Lynda, who passed away one week ago, today. She fought a ridiculously tough battle with breast cancer for the past 15 years, and even though she passed away due to the cancer, I'm proud to say that she actually won that fight. She rode the wave of borrowed time for longer than any Doctor predicted. And she lived up every moment. She had 3 kids - all married - and 9 (nine!!!) Grandchildren. She traveled and worked right up to the end, and I couldn't be prouder of her defiance. In her son's words at her memorial: "Cancer certainly did not define her." She was a trooper and a wonderful woman who will be missed.

A Prayer for my Aunt:
BROKEN CHAIN
“Little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.”

Life is so crazy. My mother always told me, "If you want to make God laugh, then make a plan." She, as always, was right. Plans go awry. My Aunt's passing was jut another example. We thought she'd be here to share Christmas with all of us. So as the holidays approach, I'm not making plans, so much as I'm trying to make opportunities for memories. I plan to have my camera with me every second (much to Anthony's dismay) and fully intend to document our memories here on my blog.

I'll do a blog about our Thanksgiving Traditions (hopefully) this weekend. I have so many pictures to share with all of you. I also have to do a blog on my friend, Danica's Wedding. Then, coming up is Christmas Tree Hunting, Christmas parties, and our Christmas Traditions, followed by our trip up north for NYE. Lots to come.

It is odd to not be coming up with something new to be Thankful for every day and writing about it. Truth be told, I don't have the time right now to do that. But I definitely think about these things every day. And I'm thankful for all of you who read my ramblings!

Work is going well. I've had a hand in two new toy lines that will be coming out in early 2010. Can't wait to show them to you. Dog Lovers out there, get ready for some cool stuff!!!

I promise to do my best from here on out not to go more than a week without blogging. Keep up with your blogs too! I love reading them. I want to hear all about your holiday traditions.

Have a great evening!
-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Today.

2009-11-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Once again, I just ran out of time to blog over the last two days. It is crazy how busy the last 48 hours got. Work was nuts both days, plus cleaning, packing, and traveling = tired Jen. But it was all sooooo worth it.

On Tuesday I was going to blog about being Thankful for my Dad and my sister. I know just how lucky I am to have the family I do. My father is my hero. I'm certainly Daddy's little girl. He brought music into my life, and I can't tell you how big of an impact that had. But more recently, my dad and I have found a communication groove that I just love. We talk tech. We talk sports. We talk world news. We discuss things I didn't really appreciate when I was younger. And I love to hear about what he thinks - it always makes me think. I'm so thankful to have a father that I have a great relationship with. I'm so thankful that both of my parents are so much more - they are both my close friends.

And my sister - ha! Don't even get me started. She's amazing. I mean yea - she's annoying as all get out sometimes. She's super set in her ways and more stubborn than I am. But - she's my sister. She's so creative and so smart. She's such a fighter - in a good way. She sticks to her guns and her beliefs, and she loves with all of her heart. She keeps me on my toes. As the big sister, I'm always worried about her, even when we both know I don't need to be. But I'm lucky enough to have gotten along with her over the years, and because of that, she talks to me. She comes to me with things. I know things no one else knows about her because I'm her confidant. She's a wonderful young woman that I love to hang out with. She's got such a great sense of style and flair that I love to watch. And we have so much fun when we are together. We laugh. We sing. Sometimes we even dance! And who else can I do that with? Not many people, for sure. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. I'm thankful to have a great relationship with her. I've always said she was my first best friend. And she still is. I'm thankful for my sister.

Yesterday I was going to blog that I am thankful for my friends. All of you. You know who you are. I am so blessed to have such great friends. A group of girls that can't be beat. Some great guys that are simply beyond compare. I've got friends that listen, friends that always say what I need to hear, friends that are always there (both metaphorically and physically) whenever I need them - without questioning why they are answering a phone call at 3am or standing in a parking lot 20 minutes from home in their PJ's because my keys are locked in my car. I'm one of those people that is kind of fearless. And I think I have that part of me because I've never felt alone. I've always had good close friends nearby to back me up - forget about whether I'm right or wrong. (If I'm wrong, we'll just have a chit-chat about it later, right?). I'm so thankful for your friendship. I am so thankful for your loyalty. I am so thankful for the warmth that you've wraped around me countless times. I can't ever express to you how special each and every one of you are to me. It can't be done. Just know that I love you, and thank God that He placed you in my life.

And today, I'm so Thankful for one thing. This:

I am so Thankful for my amazing and loving family. I couldn't have asked for better people in my life. There is so much love in this group and I'm so lucky to be a part of it all. I'm thankful for our traditions. I'm thankful for the laughter. I'm thankful for the memories.

I'm thankful for my Family.

Thanks so much for reading! This was fun! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Mail Merge

2009-11-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

I remember about 5 years ago, now (the summer before Anthony and I started dating) I learned about this wonderful thing called "Mail Merge."

For those of you who don't know, as I didn't back then, Mail Merge is this fabulous little device in Microsoft Excel. It is used to convert Excel Tables into working Word Docs. It's great when you've got to duplicate sometime similar, but every one is still different. For example: when you are making hundreds of name tags that all look the same, have the same font, are all set up the same - but every name is, of course, different. You put all the names in order in excel, then you mail merge them to fit into your nifty pre-perforated template for name tags, hit print, and VOILA! You are in business. Saves SO MUCH TIME!!

I use it on more occasions than you would think. Most recently, we used it to print addresses on our wedding invitations. Super cool! Who needs a calligrapher when you've got mail merge?

And today, I used it again. I'm working on our Christmas Cards (I have this high flying goal of having them ready to mail on Dec. 11th - We'll see.) and I have over 110 to send. I have no idea when our Christmas card list got so big! I mean, I only sent 70 last year! And I know I'm probably forgetting someone - sorry if it is you! I didn't mean it, I promise!

But with the daunting task of addressing envelopes looming near, I am so relieved to know how to use mail merge. I will print beautifully written labels to put on envelops that the post office can easily read, and I won't get a hand cramp! Yippie!

So, with so much to do this holiday season, I am so thankful for time savers like Mail Merge. Thank you Microsoft!

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Sunday

2009-11-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

And on the 7th day, God rested...

Boy did He have it right. It has been a super long week. And on top of it all, Anthony AND the dog got sick, so I've been doing all I can to care for them, and to keep the house together. Thank goodness Anthony is no where near as big a baby as I am when I'm sick!

The good news is that Pup is better. He's much happier, and we aren't dealing with the accidents or messes of a couple of days ago. And while Ant isn't better yet, he's on his way. He went to the doctor - of his own accord (miracle of miracles!) and got meds. He's been on a codeine induced rest regimen since Friday. He should be good to go for our little trip on Wednesday. Woot! Now if I can only keep myself healthy, we will be right on track! Knock on wood and keep those fingers crossed!

One way I'm ensuring I stay well: resting.

I know that is such a simple concept, but it is so important. I know so many people out there, especially during this time of year, think they don't have the time to rest. I keep saying it isn't about "having" the time. It's about "making" the time. Otherwise, you'll get sick and your body will take you out of the game for much longer than you had anticipated in the first place.

So today, we are home. I've gotten several things done, most of which take more mental effort that physical effort. And Anthony is enjoying his video games and my company. We ran all of our errands for the weekend yesterday for the sole purpose of being able to stay home today. And while I have a lot to get done today, I'm doing it all from my couch.

And I think a nap will be in order later. Oh - forgot to blog yesterday, so there you go. Yesterday, I was Thankful for Naps, wishing I could have taken one. I'll make up for it today!

I'm thankful for the down time. I'm thankful for the company. I'm thankful that my little family will be healthy and happy this Thanksgiving, and that is really all I can ask for. I'm thankful for restful Sundays.

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: My Mom

2009-11-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

Again, I know I was going to wait until next week to be thankful for the people in my life, but once again, I find it hard to resist!

I had lunch today with my mom. And let me tell you - an hour is NEVER enough. She and I could litterally talk for hours. And we have! And I always realize way too late just how much I have to tell her when I see her. I need more hours in the day.

When I was younger, I definitely went through that whole "I don't need anyone - including my Mom" phase. We had your typical arguments and miscommunications, as any teenager does with their mother. But I consider myself SO lucky. I know others who never moved out of that stage. Or worse, I know some who went from typical miscommunication to outright NO communication. But not me and my mom. We worked through that awkward phase of mine and now, she isn't just my mom. She's one of my best friends.

I can seriously tell her ANYTHING. And sometimes that is great, and sometimes, I have to remember, she's still my mom. Haha. But she takes it all in stride and with a heck of a lot of grace.

Best of all, my mom has never been "Mom," as so many others call their mothers. Nope, she hated that. And when I was younger that annoyed the crap out of me. But as time has gone on, I'm so thankful she never gave in. She's MamaBear. Or Mama for short. And that title says so much about the kind of mom she is. She's warm and compassionate. She's protective and inclusive. No, she's not fuzzy, but she certainly is cuddly! She gives great MamaBear hugs! She listens really well and always seems to say the right thing - even when the right thing is the LAST thing you wanted to hear. She's got great judgment and she's just so darn cute on top of it all!

My Mama has always been the proud type - proud of her husband, proud of her baby girls, proud of her family. She's always encouraged both me and my sister in whatever it was we were taking on. And she never missed an opportunity to tell us just how proud of us she was. I think it was (and still is) a huge contributor to why we both succeeded in a lot of areas growing up. I owe a lot to my Mama. She believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. She sacrificed so much to give me everything she could. I'm super lucky to have someone like her looking out for me.

I tell people that if I end up being half the Mama she is, then I know I'm doing something right. She'll be embarrassed that I said that on here, knowing that a whopping 2 dozen people read my blog now. But it's true. She's a really special woman and I'm so thankful God put the two of us together. He knew I needed a mom like her - He knew I needed a MamaBear.

I'm Thankful that I have always had someone looking out for me. I am thankful I have always had someone to turn to. I am thankful that I have always had someone there willing to pick up the pieces, even when the reason a situation was such a mess was totally my fault. I am thankful for her wisdom and her insight. OH! And a super big shout out to her home remedies, too! (Remember the pics of the tar on the entire Exec Cab's feet my Senior year in college? Yea - MamBear to the rescue on that one!)

My mom is more than a mom to me. She's an inspiration. She's a goal of something to live up to. She's an example worth following. And she's such an amazing friend. I'm SUPER thankful for my MamaBear.

Love Jen
;-)

Today, I am Thankful for: socks

2009-11-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

By show of hands, who likes to wear socks? Anyone? Anyone?

Well, I do. I LOVE socks. They are so comfy and so squishy and soft and warm! A good pair of socks really can't be beat.

But, of course, they can't be just any socks. No, my socks have character. For example: one of my favorite pairs is the powder blue pair with rainbow paw prints all over them. Or what about the white ones with he multi-colored shamrocks? I have socks for pretty much every holiday, too. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, just to name a few.

I also have several different colors of argyle, and some more subtle patterns that I could wear to work under dress pants. But NONE of my socks are plain. Even my tennis shoe socks have a stripe or a color or a small pattern on them. Each pair of socks has it's own personality. I love to wear them and show them off when I can.

Now that the weather has turned cooler, I get to wear socks! I'm so happy! Currently I'm wearing the multi-colored shamrocks. Tomorrow? Who knows. It is all about what I choose to wear and what mood I'm in. But I'm thankful that this subtle accessory of mine makes me feel so good. I'm thankful for the comfort they bring. I'm thankful that they keep my feet warm, too! I'm Thankful for MY socks.

Today, I am Thankful for: Traditions

2009-11-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Can't you just hear it?

Tradiiitiooooooon! Tradition!

Every time I hear the word "Tradition" I hear Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof singing "Tradition!"

And man, does my family have Thanksgiving Traditions. Everything from religiously watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to cooking our Turkey on the BBQ, I can always count on our family traditions.

Thanksgiving for my family is always at my Grandmother's house in Carson City, NV. On Turkey Day, the cooking starts at 9am. Bird/stuffing first. Everyone contributes something - appetizers, garnishes, entrees, drinks... everyone has a hand in our feast. Our appetizers always end up being "lunch" and they are always predictable: shrimp, olives, pate, olives, veggies, olives, some kind of bread, oh... and did I mention olives? (My favorite!)

We always have 2 meats - Turkey and Ham. This year, I'm cooking the ham. We always have jello salad - this year is Orange. So yummy. We always have rolls, stuffing, salad, veggies (that I never eat), mashed potatoes and MORE OLIVES!! And then dessert, which is a pie or two and cheese cake.

The "Kids" (which is still me, my sister, and now Anthony) set the table, which will have 13+ people at it this year, before cooking is done. PopPop always says the prayer. Everyone helps out with clearing the table and with the dishes to make it easier and faster. Then afterwards, we play games as a family with the TV on in the background.

T-day is a whole weekend for my family. And we go bowling on black friday to avoid the shopping crowd. And we eat left overs for lunch and have Taco night for dinner. AH-maaaaazing! Seriously - a house full of mexicans and spaniards? Yea - let's just say, we do Taco night RIGHT!

And this year, we add another tradition! Anthony, of course, has to contribute this year too. So he taught me how to make Cardemom bread like his mom makes for Thanksgiving every year and we are bringing that to the feast. It is one of Anthony's favorite traditions of his own Thanksgivings, and now it is a part of ours! I am so happy to share our very first holiday together as a married couple. Well... second. I seem to remember spending 4th of July with him this year...

So I'm thankful for traditions - both new and old. ;-)

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: The cold weather

2009-11-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

Jen confession #102 - I'm a cold wuss. Like, no joke, I used to wear sweatshirts in the spring and early summer in Southern California because I was cold. Yea. Wuss.

Then, in 2007, Anthony and I moved from SoCal to NorCal. And I learned that what I thought was "cold" was never actually cold. From early September to late March you need full on pants, jackets, scarves and closed toe shoes. It is below 50 degrees for 4 months straight! (Now I know anyone who has lived in snow is laughing at me, but dude - baby steps, people!)

So I was forced to adjust. I worked through it. I got used to the weather. I survived.

And then, this year, we moved back to SoCal. And we are one week away from Thanksgiving, and tonight, for the first time, I thought "Oooo. It's cold." Until now, it's been cool. And I was wearing flip flops and sweaters or long sleeved t-shirts while all my friends are in hoodies and tennis shoes.

And let me tell you - Anthony and I have just been so miserable with the heat! All the way through to Thanksgiving! What gives? We complain (to each other) that we miss Fall in NorCal. But going back to live there won't be happening for several years. So having some Fall weather here makes us feel more at home. I, and I think I speak for Anthony too, am very thankful that Fall seems to have finally arrived here in SoCal. Wooo hoo!

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Anthony

2009-11-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

So, I was going to wait until the week of Thanksgiving to do a few blogs about the people in my life that I am thankful for. And of course, one of the people I am most thankful for is my husband, Anthony.

But I felt like I had to do this one today. On the way to work this morning, I heard a song by Daruis Rucker called "History in the making." The song is all about this guy who is making a memory out of the current moment he is sharing with his girl and saying that this could be a moment they want to remember as part of their personal history. One of the lines in the chourus that just hit me was, "Baby this - could be our last 'first kiss'."

Have you ever thought about that? That the person you spend your life with gave you the last 'first kiss' you'll ever have? I really never did until today. Anthony and I will celebrate 5 years together on Friday. And 5 years ago this month, I had my very last "first kiss." I remember it like it just happened, but it's odd to think that it will never happen again.

And then I look at my husband, sitting next to me and I think about all the things he does for me - like being in his jeans and white t-shirt (my favorite) that he chose to wear, just for me. He cooks for me. He buys silly little gifts for me on random Tuesdays just to tell me he loves me. He takes such good care of me, every day. And he gives THE BEST hugs and kisses. (Nope - don't want to hear rebuttle. End of story - THE. BEST.)

He makes me laugh like you wouldn't believe. The laughter we share brings us to tears on a pretty regular basis. And he teaches me new things every day. He pushes me to think both inside and outside of the box. He encourages my creativity, and he puts up with my crazy shinanigans.

He is a family man, who has embraced my large, loud, crazy family - and accepted me into his even larger, even louder, even crazier one. And through everything we've created our own little crazy family. Granted, right now it is just him, me and the dog, but it is our family nontheless.

Anthony inspires me, every day, to be the woman and the wife and the friend I want to be. I am so thankful to have Anthony in my life. I am so thankful he chose me. I am so thankful he loves me with all of his heart and lets me love him right back. I am thankful for his hugs and his kisses and his funny, quirky sense of humor.

I love Anthony more than he knows. And as we look back on our first 5 years together, I can't help but be thankful that he gave me my last 'first kiss.'

Love you, Ant. Happy 5 years on Friday!!
-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Sewing Skills

2009-11-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

I have a VERY funny dog.

He insists on sleeping underneath blankets. He actually puts his head on pillows. He buries himself in towels, laundry, or anything soft we leave around. I've even found him inside my hoodie sweatshirt before! But he's so darn cute, so we let him do these weird things whenever he wants.

He's a finicky dog. He only eats one kind of dog food - all other brands makes him sick. He only likes the bone marrow treats - the rest of them will be left on the floor for me to step on. He only likes rawhide sticks - not bones or ears or whatever. He only wants to bury himself in CLEAN laundry - dirty laundry is something he turns his nose up to. He doesn't want to sit next to you. It's your lap, or nothing. See? Finicky dog.

The thing he is most finicky about is: Toys. It must have three specific criteria to qualify as a "Pup" toy. 1) it must fit in his mouth. 2) it must be plush (as opposed to rubber or latex). 3) It MUST squeak.

His favorite squeaky toy is this very small orcha whale. We bought several of them at once, predicting that Target wouldn't carry them for long. And we were right. Finally, we are down to two orcha whales left. And one of them is... dun dun dun! defective! The squeaker is broken! So of course, Pup won't play with it. Sad face.

And then, this afternoon, it happened. He tore apart the one he will play with. It is dead. It's just not something we can let him play with any more. He was so upset when I took it away. He whined and barked and just looked so pathetic. And he, of course, turned his nose up at the non-squeaking one when I brought that out as a replacement.

And then, the lightbulb went on! I thought - ok - I'll take the working squeaker out of the old whale, and put it in the new whale! So I pulled out the old squeaker from the huge rip. Then I got out my seam ripper, thread and needle, and went to work. ORCHA SURGERY!!! I ripped the seam of the new whale, took out the broken squeaker, made the switch, sewed him back up, and voila! WHOLE NEW TOY. And Pup is already warming up to the new whale! (It always takes a day or two - he knows it isn't the same toy.)

But the best part of the story? Pup was just so funny as I was "in surgery." I was here, on our couch, stiching the whale back up, and pup was just so crazed! He was jumping up and down and whining and trying to bite the whale to take it from me - I think he thought I was hurting it!! He was like a worried parent uncertain that the Doctor even knew what she was talking about, let alone what she was doing! It was so cute. Poor guy. But it was worth it! He took it out of my hand when I was done and ran away to protect it.

All is well that ends well. Pup is happy with his new toy, and I am happy that the old whale is finally gone. And that is a long winded way to say - I'm super Thankful for my sewing skills!!! They came in handy!

Now I just have to figure out what to do in 8 months when the "new whale" becomes the "old whale" and I have no quick fix. ;-) Oh well.

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: A clean house and Popsicles

2009-11-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

Gah! I did it again! I TOTALLY forgot about blogging yesterday. Plumb forgot. BUT I forgot because of what I was doing instead - cleaning my house.

So, yesterday, I would have written that I am Thankful for a Clean house:
Jen confession #82 - I am not always the cleanest person in the world... I can be sort of "messy."
Jen confession #83 - I have a neat freak buried deep in me somewhere and she comes out a couple of times a year.

One of those times was yesterday. Maybe it was because the house had literally exploded at the seams. Maybe it was because I'd vacuumed at work, caught the cleaning bug, and brought it home with me. Maybe it was because my Mother-In-Law was coming over the next day. It was most likely a combo of all three. Either way, Anthony and I came home from work yesterday, ate dinner, changed clothes, and cleaned our apartment - top to bottom.

Anthony cleaned the kitchen until it sparkled. I put everything away and dusted the whole house. DUSTED! I even got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed our bathroom floor! We finally finished unpacking everything, and all of our "stuff" has finally found a home. We did laundry and vaccuumed and put all the dog toys away. Dude, let me tell you - MY.HOUSE.IS.CLEAN. So clean that when my MIL came over this morning, she commented! She told me my house looked nice and clean!!! (I know that Elissa and Becka are reading this and their jaws are hitting the floor) You have to know Linda - but if there ever was a woman out there who would win a Gold Medal if "cleaning house" was an Olympic Sport, it would be her. Talk about clean freak! So when SHE thinks MY house is clean... It's like wow.

If you know me well, I'm not really the one who seeks approval. The way I do things is just that - How I do things. And if you don't like it, tough toenails. BUT there are a few things that I can't help but get excited about when I hear them - like when I bake/cook something and my mom thinks it tastes great. Or when I solve a puzzle and Anthony give me props. This is one of those times... A seal of approval on a clean house from the MIL makes me feel pretty good.

But the best part? I freakin LOVE my apartment. And I love it a million times more when it is clean. There is so much space! And it's so cute! (If I do say so, myself!) It's small, and slightly eclectic, but it's ours. And we are so happy here. I can relax in my livingroom when it's this clean. So I'm thankful for my clean house.

As for today, I am Thankful for Popsicles.

Yup. Popsicles.

As I was writing this, I couldn't figure out what I wanted to tell you all that I was Thankful for for today. And then, Anthony, without me even asking, brought me my last creamsicle in the box. It made me so happy! And I knew what to write about.

I insist on always having them in the freezer. Currently there is half a box of Chocolate Pops left. But creamsicles are my favorite. Mmmmm. Gotta love that creamy center! I love that popsicles can be fruity, creamy, or chocolatey. I love that they are always sweet, and always COLD. (Obviously, right?) Popsicles just make me happy! And it makes me even happier to know that my husband knows me so well. So tonight, I am thankful for that cold, sweet treat. I am thankful that it is one of those "simple things" that Anthony can do for me. I am thankful for the happy feeling I get when I eat one. So yea - I'm Thankful for Popsicles. ;-)

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Pilates

2009-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Ho-leeee-coooowww. I'm in pain. But a good pain. A pain that is rightfully earned with sweat (thankfully no blood, or tears... but close!).

I started doing Pilates earlier this year. A wonderful friend of mine, Kristen Routh, teaches the class. Kristen and I go way back. She was literally my first friend at CLU. We were paired up in an activity in our Peer Group over oritentation weekend and have been friends ever since. We had so much in common - Sports Med majors (hence our peer group pairing), dancers at heart, sarcastic sense of humor, dog lovers... the list goes on. She's great...

BUT. (There is always a but) She is a tough cookie. Man-alive, she is a buff woman. Strongest girl I know. Honest to God. Seriously - she has this quiet nature about her, but I would NEVER want to make her mad. She kicks my butt every week without ever touching me. I don't want to know what her punch would feel like!!!

And her class is as tough as she is. My best girl, Miranda, came with me to class tonight, and she agrees - this isn't just Pilates. This is ass-kicking, body molding, strength building, craziness! And, that being said, we are so thankful!

As a child/teenager, I was THAT girl - the athletic/dancer/gymnast/skinny girl who could eat anything. Sorry if you hate me now. But I was active. I ran around like a crazy person, so what I ate never mattered. And the metabolism was higher than you ever want to know (even actually dangerously high.) While I'm still "skinny-mini," I finally have the ability to gain weight, the metabolism isn't quite as high, and I'm no where near as active. So if I want to stay that girl that you all love to hate (which, honestly, I do!) then I've got to do SOMETHING. And let's get real - skinny doesn't = Fit. I am SUCH A WUSS!!! I can't lift anything. I can't run long distances. I am asthmatic. I am so not fit. So pilates keeps me active, and is helping be build strength. I did push-ups! 5 REAL push-ups in a row, no giving up or giving in. I've NEVER done that before. And while that is no big deal for so many peope out there, it's HUGE for me. So I'm making progress and I'm thankful for that.

So I'm thankful for the sweat. I'm thankful for the newfound strength. I'm thankful for the chance to be active. And I'm thankful to have a little friendly competition with Miranda (thanks for being such an awesome pilates partner!) and for a chance to see my good friend Kristen on a regular basis. I'm Thankful for Pilates.

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Rolly Chairs, Blokus, And Glee!

2009-11-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Gah!!!! I've missed 2 days!!! Sorry people, time just got away from me.

Ok, to make up for it, here was Monday's Thankful Item: Rolly Chairs.

Yup - you heard me. Office chairs that have wheels on the bottom of them so you can roll. Gotta tell ya - LIFE SAVERS in my office. My boss's desk is about 15 feet from me. Close enough to talk, but not close enough to throw things safely, or see her computer screen. So... when I need to be about 3 feet from her (about 8-10 times a day) I roll.

Oh - and I have not 1, but 2 desks. Have I ever mentioned that? Yea - computer desk is the main one, about about 6 feet to my right is my second desk, where I do all of our office shipping and catalog "stuff." This second desk holds a good 20% of my day! So, I roll.

Rolly chairs - the vehicle of the modern office. That's how I roll. And I'm Thankful. ;-)

Tuesday's Thankful Item: Blokus.

If you have never played this game (or even heard of it), DUDE. It is an awesome game. It's a puzzle, and looks like Tetris, but slightly different. It is seriously HOURS of fun for me and Anthony, and last night - we picked up the "Travel" version for our trip to Reno for Thanksgiving. It's so cool! We played it last night before we went to bed, just to make sure all the pieces were there. (And to anyone who's played with our normal size set - the blue "one piece" actually came with this one! Woot!).

Blokus makes me think. It makes me strategize. And I CAN BEAT ANTHONY AT IT!!! I am so thankful for the fun it brings to our home.

And Today's Thankful Item: Glee.

If you aren't a Glee fan... well, then we simply can't be friends anymore. ;-) Just kidding. But seriously - BEST.SHOW.EVER. But the best part for me isn't that the show litterally mirrors my life in High School, or that there is FINALLY a "HSM" for adults, or that this craze of singing kids is sweeping the nation. Nope - the best part for me is that Alyse, my sister, comes over to our house to watch it with us. Every week. Without fail. I get my time with her, diving into a world we've been a part of for sooooooooo long and is finally COOL!!! We are at home with this show, and we get silly and excited when it comes on. (Like when we litterally SCREAMED out loud when Emma sang for the first time! AND she sang "Could Have Danced All Night" from my fair lady. I mean, is there a better song out there for her? I think not!)

So I'm thankful for the show, and how happy it makes me. But most of all I'm thankful for one more thing my sister and I have in common and can share. Because my time with her is priceless.

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Pasta

2009-11-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Blog #4:

Oh Pasta - How I love thee. Let me count the ways!

Dude. I. LOVE. PASTA. I have since I was a kid - a kid small enough to truly think it was really called "noodles." And the finicky eater in me has changed so little since then. I wouldn't touch pasta unless it had butter on it. LOTS of butter. ONLY butter. And then, as my iron deficiency reared its ugly head in my pre-teen years, it was butter and salt only! No red sauce. No cheese. No veggies. No meat. (Yup - you heard me. No meat!)

My favorite dinner of all time was steak and pasta. But not just any steak and pasta. No. No. No. It was specifically Steak and Pasta made by my Teca (Grandma on my dad's side.) Man oh man. She DRENCHED the pasta in butter. And she cooked the steak JUST right. (which is probably why my dad does steak so well). And she never argued about my sister and I wanting NOTHING to do with veggies. It was a special dinner we got throughout my childhood, and I'd give anything to have one more. Sadly, Teca left this world in 2002 and I've had to find other ways to like my pasta since.

In college, I discovered a love for Parmesan Cheese. Salty Cheese???? Yes please!!! And now, my pasta has evolved from "plain butter" to "Pasta with Butter, Salt, Parmesan, and the occasional helping of grilled chicken." I've also conceeded occasionally to have my pasta with a meat sauce - of course there needs to be very little sauce and A LOT of meat, still covered in parmesan, but still - I'll eat it. But I just love pasta. After all this time. And it is so easy to make. Truth be told, it is the first thing I ever learned to cook.

So, as I eat my curly-q pasta with butter, salt, and parmesan, I am thankful for so many reasons. I'm Thankful for the memories I have of Teca in my childhood. They were great times. I am thankful that, no matter where I am or what I am doing, pasta is always an easy fix to my eating issues. And I am thankful that there is a comfort food that makes me so happy all the time. So yea - I'm Thankful for Pasta.

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Weddings

2009-11-07T23:55:00.000-08:00

Bolg #3:

Anthony and I just got home from a wedding. Through facebook, I have reconnected with an old friend from High School. Her name is Danica and she got married today! (Shout out, and congrats to her and Rob!)

Danica and Rob are Mormon and got married in a Temple this morning, which Anthony and I could not attend (although I really would love to see the inside of a Mormon Temple someday - I hear they are just beautiful.). Anthony and I went to the reception this evening. Gotta say - it was beautiful. They went with fall colors - browns and oranges - with accents of a lime green. It was a great combo! And there were little silk leaves on the tables too! And the room was draped with a white cloth coming from the center of the room where 3 huge paper lanterns were lit. It was just lovely. And you could tell that Danica and Rob were happy, too. She looked gorgeous! Like a princess.

I couldn't be happier for my old friend. And, of course, I couldn't help but think back to my own wedding, just 4 months ago. It was everything I wanted - My Hunter Green colors, the dress that made me feel like a princess, decorations that fit my personality, and our family and friends by our sides. It was a wonderful day I will never forget. And I'm so Thankful that it turned out the way it did.

So many people worked really hard to help me and Anthony have our special day. Mostly our parents and our bridal party. And it went off without a hitch because I had so many people looking out for me. I remember only good things from that day.

So I am thankful for weddings. I am thankful that Danica found her Prince Charming and had her happy day. And I am Thankful for the people in my life that made my own wedding possible and so spectacular. I'm one lucky girl.

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: RootBeer

2009-11-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

Bloggy Blog #2:

Jen Confession #8 - I'm addicted to caffeine. And not just caffeine. But caffeine in the form of Soda. Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper... I can't help myself! I love soda!

But, as we all know, caffeine is not a good thing to be addicted to. So I've worked very hard over the last month or so, and gotten myself down to 1 (count it - ONE) cup/can of caffeinated soda per day. And some days I've totally gone without. (Truth be told - having piggy flu for two weeks didn't hurt the effort! I was on water and juice the whole time!)

I'm super proud of my accomplishment and anyone who has known me for any reasonable amount of time knows what a feat this is. But I will tell you that I get easily bored of water, apple juice, and lemonade.

This afternoon, it hit me - that 3pm lull where I might actually fall asleep with my eyes open at my desk. I had little choice - so I walked over to "Merlin's," a little deli about 5 doors down from Charming, and had my first soda since Tuesday. Ahh. Blissful caffeine rush. It got me through the rest of my day, for sure. But, that meant no more soda for today. And that sucked because I had intended to have a soda with dinner. And it was a huge dissapointment to replace it with propell water. So for the rest of the night I was craving a soda. Of any kind. Oh well. Had to deal. So I went the evening without my much desired beverage.

And then!!! Anthony to the rescue!!! We were out and about and he reminded me that most RootBeers don't have any caffeine! So, while we were out and about, he walked me over to Bristol Farms to get one. But they were closed. Boo. So he drove me to the McDonalds down the street. Ummmmm.... when did McDonalds stop serving RootBeer? Boo. So he drove me to Rite-Aid. And once again! Foiled! No RootBeer!!! So Anthony drove me to Ralphs (in the same parking lot) and FINALLY!!! We found Mugs RootBeer in the refrigerated section. It was wonderful! I had my soda, and didn't break my rule about "no more than one can of caffeine!" So cool.

So, that is a long winded way of saying I am Thankful for RootBeer. Oh - and one amazing husband. ;-)

-Jen

Today, I am Thankful for: Charming Pet Products

2009-11-05T16:42:00.001-08:00

Bloggy-blog #1 of my "I am Thankful" Series.

Today, I am thankful for "Charming Pet Products." This is the company I work for. And I'm thankful for them for a myriad of reasons. First of which is: I HAVE A JOB!! I was laid off from Stanford in April, and finding work in this economy was no easy feat! But Charming (as we call it) has embraced me with open arms... and a much needed pay check.

So, yes. I'm thankful to have a job at all. I know not everyone around me is so lucky. And while I could easily complain trivial things like my pay is lower than I'm accustomed, or the work isn't part of my desired field, or whatever else there possibly is to complain about (can't be much I only came up with 2!), why would I? I have a job. I'm thankful.

But I am duly thankful for the job in-and-of-itself. I am thankful that I am busy most of the day. I am thankful that I believe in the company and our products. I am thankful that it is a relaxed setting (as I sit here in Jeans and a T-shirt). And I am super thankful that the hours are flexible. For example. Just a few weeks ago, a friend needed a mid-day lift to the airport. My boss said, "come in an hour early and take a 2 hour lunch. Help your friend." Easy peasy.

I am thankful that I get to bring my dog to work! Pup, bless him, is such a fickle little guy. Being alone ALL DAY upsets him - and then we get things like torn up bathroom trash or knocked over tray tables or "gifts" of the most unpleasant kind when we get home. So I am SO THANKFUL that I get to bring the little mooch...er... I mean pooch to work with me every morning. He gets a car ride that he cherishes, he gets exercise when Henry (the Boss's dog) chases him around the office, and he is only alone for 4 hours in the afternoon, which he can TOTALLY handle. Problems solved. So I am very thankful for that.

Ooooooo! And I'm Thankful that I work close enough to home that I get to go home for lunch with the Hubby pretty much daily! SUPER BONUS!

And most importantly, I am thankful for my bosses, Christine & Nick. They aren't just bosses, they are becoming friends. Not only do they treat me as an equal around here, but they share their lives (which, with two little ones is never boring!) with me, and let me share mine with them. I feel a certain amount of respect for the knowledge I bring to the table, and for the first time in a long time, I feel truly appreciated for the work I accomplish.

So, as I sit here at my Charming desk at the end of the day - noticing that both bosses have left for the day, leaving me to my own devices and trusting that it's all gotten done (which it has), that I really couldn't be more blessed with the job that finally said "Yes!" to me. I promise to not take it (or anything that goes along with it) for granted.

I am Thankful for Charming Pet Products. =)
-Jen

So many new toys!

2009-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

Ok, so this blog is going to be a jumble of thoughts and craziness!

First off, CherryTree Threads is online!!! Check us out at CherryTreeThreads.etsy.com and take a look around. Right now I've only got 9 pieces of Jewelry up, but a few blankets, aprons, and a few "Holiday" items are in the works and should be up in the next few weeks. Great gift ideas here people!!!

Also - I want to know what you think! I need all the help and (constructive!) criticism I can get! So facebook me with feedback, or email me at cherrytreethreads@gmail.com

I also will do custom jobs! So if you are looking for something for yourself, or for a great gift for a friend/loved one, let me know! I'd love to work it out.

Onto the next thing - this blog is also a TEST RUN! My friend, Amy, pointed me in the direction of TwitterFeed.com (I stalked the info on twitter, Amy! Thanks!) Supposedly, if I set it up right, this blog should appear on my Facebook, and a URL to it should appear on my twitter. We'll see if I did it right.

If you aren't already following me on twitter - click "Follow Me on Twitter" off to the right hand side of the blog! CherryTree will have one soon. We'll update every time we add an item to the site.

Enough with business... On a more personal agenda - I have to apologize. I know several of you have been waiting patiently for the next installment of "The Cupcake Project." It is to be a replica of "Starry Night" in icing. Crazy, I know. Unfortunately, I must put the entire project on hold for a little bit. With the holidays coming, and us being the Newlyweds figuring out budgets and such, money is not something I can spend at will. And truth be told, cupcakes happen to be one of my more expensive hobbies. So sorry, but Starry Night won't happen until sometime after the New Year. Forgive me. I'll make it up to you. You can come eat the cupcakes when I finally do finish it. ;-)

In it's place, I've taken on a few other (much lower cost) ideas. First of which is a journey my Friend Miranda and I plan to take together and document. In an attempt to open up our creative brains, we are blindly following a book I bought a few months back called "Wreak this journal." It is a journal that tells you to do absolutely outrageous things to it, in it, around it, etc. in an effort to get you to be more creative. It is meant to be totally left up to our interpretations. So that will be fun to see, and interesting to learn what comes out of it. More on that soon.

Next, I took yet another idea from my friend Amy and modified it. Every Year she does a "December Daily" where she writes a short blog for every day of December. In the blog she covers everything from Holiday Traditions, to photo's of the season, to what she's doing with her family and friends in the Christmas Spirit! Looks like fun! But so as not to steal her thunder (just her wonderful ideas!) I'm starting now. And then, of course, the Theme will be "Thanksgiving." Everyday (starting today - right after I finish this blog) I am going to write a small blurb about something I am Thankful for. I'll do it right up to Thanksgiving day! Should be fun! Please feel free to also steal the idea. I'd love to hear all about what everyone around here is Thankful for this Holiday Season.

Lastly, I'm working on some blog ideas for December. The Holiday season is my favorite time of year - not just for the obvious reasons of cheer and good food - but for the togetherness. The events that surround the holidays that ensure I see people I wouldn't otherwise see, and the people I choose to spend my time with. The holiday season brings out the best in people and I love the festiveness of it all. So I'll be blogging about some of my favorite Holiday Traditions, as well as exploring some new ones! Should be a fun adventure.

Lots and lots to come from the bloggy-blog. Hope I can keep up!

Have a great day, everyone!
-Jen

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-11-02T00:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry everyone! I've been super busy over the last 2 weeks and have ZERO time to blog. But I wanted you all to know I didn't fall off the face of the planet or anything. I have some great things to blog about very soon! Promise!

In the meantime, check out my newest gadget!!!
(Off to the right and down a little) ------------------------------------->
CherryTree Threads is officially being sold on Etsy.com:

CherryTreeThreads.etsy.com

There is only one item on there right now (just figuring it all out!) But I hope to have several more items up before the week's end. And I make custom pieces!! So if you want something made especially for you, let me know! We'll get it done! You can email me with requests and pricing at cherrytreethreads@gmail.com.

Woot!
-Jen

CherryTree Threads

2009-10-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Alright - It's time to go public.

No, I don't have some big hairy secret or anything. I have an idea. Well, "We" (as in Anthony & I) have an idea. And that is to start my own run-from-home business. My "Arts & Crafts" have started to take over, and I've had several people (from friends to complete strangers) ask "How much?" for some of the things I make.

Most prominent of these items are the jewelry pieces I've made. Next are the blankets/quilts I've been making. The last item is a new venture, so we'll see how it goes - Anyone interested in really cute, really flirty aprons? The baker/party hostess in me loves the idea of having aprons that match my shoes. Hahaha.

I'm working on a website through showitsites.com (Thanks Bri and Sandy!!) and working on everything from a logo to a mission. I've got a lot of work cut out for me, but I think it will be really fun. And if it works, maybe it will be something I end up doing full time. I've learned a lot from the small businesses around me - My dad, a few friends, and even the company I work for now. I'm going to start small and see where it takes me. I've got a couple of "Projects" (what I call each item I work on) going on in the Jewelry department, and I plan on taking pictures of what is available and putting it on the site. I'm hoping to have the site up and running by Halloween.

But the one thing I think will set me apart is that I don't plan on selling just pre-made things. I am putting a page on my site where customers can contact me with ideas of their own that I can custom make for them - I mean, that is how this whole thing really started! I didn't like anything I found out there for jewelry for me and for my bridesmaids for my wedding - so I learned how to make it! And it was perfect. Exactly what I wanted. I'd love to make simple little details like that easy for Brides coming down the pike.

I know that my ideas and concepts are a little "all over" at the moment. But it's coming together. And I have a name! I knew from the word "Go" that I wanted to incorporate my love of Cherries into my logo and theme. Anthony came up with CherryTree Threads, and I fell in love. So there it is!! I'm excited for the adventre. Keep checking back for more news!

-Jen

Thousand Oaks Quilting Show!

2009-10-07T18:31:00.001-07:00

We LOVE Quilts!
As some of you already know, one of my ever expanding hobbies is quilting. I got into quilting for my mom last year. We have this family tradition where every year we pick each other's names out of a hat. They person you draw is the person you make a handmade Christmas gift for the next year. Well, last year, I had my mom as the person to make a gift for. She'd loved quilts for a long time and within recent years had started to learn to quilt. But I knew that she wanted a companion to do these projects with, and I thought - sure. Why the heck not? I'll learn.

So, my good friend and co-worker (who's been quilting, the old fashioned way (by HAND) since she was about 12 or so) agreed to teach me the basics. She was an AWESOME teacher. She made everything about this intricate art make sense.

This is a picture of a quilt sewn by hand in the 1930's:

So, I made my first basic quilt: a purple lap quilt in a "chair rail" pattern and I gave it to my mom last Christmas. I told her the quilt was the tangible gift for her to hang on to, but the real gift was that I had learned to quilt so we could quilt together. She cried.

Here we are, and almost a year later, my mother and I have a real love and appreciation for this art, and we've actually been making quilts along the way! I've made 3 so far (the first, plus one for my nephew, Max, when he was born in March, and the largest quilt I've made so far was for my sister as a gift to commemorate her Graduation from CLU in May) and I'm currently working on the most daunting quilt I've tried so far - a queen sized bed quilt called a "wedding quilt" to have here at home for me and Anthony. Imagine! A quilt for me!!!!

Just one of the more intricate quilting patterns possible out there!

Well, my Mom found out that CLU was hosting a local Quilting show, so of course, we had to go. It was amazing! The quilts were fabulous, and the fabrics for sale were too cute to pass up. We had such a good time on our "Mommy/Daughter" day, and we learned some new things along the way! Plus, we both have new ideas for quilts, and some new projects, too! Check it out!

Trunk of trimmings!

A Quilt that my Mom and I bought raffle tickets for. Hope we win!!!

Hippo & Elephant Print! You have no idea how cool/rare this combo is!!

My mom bought the print in 2 colors to make totes for me and my sister.
Our favorite Animals are Elephants and Hippos, Respectively.

Trying out the "Quilting Chair" which is ergonomically correct for quilting!

Historic Themed Quilt! How neat!

I took a liking to the next quilt:

Very cool concept: Bicentennial Celebration of a town, this quilter went door to door collecting neck ties from each family! She embroidered the family names on the ties, then quilted it together - naming it "Ties that Bind" and displayed it at the town celebrations. How great is that????

You can TOTALLY see that it is made of neck ties!
Totes!

Quilt made of old Jeans! How cool! I'm never throwing another pair away again!

Just some more beautiful quilts that I loved:

I can't wait until I'm good enough some day to have one of my quilts in a show. That would be so awesome! But I've got a ways to go before then. This was so much fun, and I can't wait to get started on my next quilt! I promise to blog about it, and a couple of other sewing projects in the works, when they are complete.

-Jen

Expanding our horizons

2009-10-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I recently started to really look at our daily diets and how it effects our lives. If you weren't already aware, I am SUPER picky. I don't eat things that are green, except for green apples and celery. I don't eat vegetables except for corn, celery, & carrots. I don't eat seafood of any kind. I don't like potatoes, or meatloaf, or most soups. I don't like tomatoes, or onions, or mushrooms. And I'm not a big cheese person at all. But I still HAVE to have cheddar cheese on my hamburgers and Parmesan on my pasta. Oh - and my foods are almost never allowed to touch each other on the plate. I hate that. Bleh.

When Anthony and I met, I felt wonderful because I'd finally met someone who ate a lot like me! Plain, simple, and carbo loaded. But a few years ago, Anthony started to branch out, and he has FAR surpassed me. But maybe not in a good way - he hasn't been eating all that healthily. So we decided 2 things. That I needed to branch out more, and Anthony needed to eat better. So, we've been trying. And it's been going well! We've almost totally cut out Soda (and Anthony has already lost a pound or two because of it!) and there are more fruit and veggies in the house now than I think there has ever been.

So, in honor of making this new lifestyle a routine, Anthony (the cook between the two of us) made us dinner last week in our brand new wok! (Shout out of Thanks to my parents for buying it for him for his b-day! It's coming in handy!)

We marinated lean steak strips in a Baja Chipotle sauce overnight. Anthony threw the meat, along with an orange bell pepper and some shrimp into the wok, and voila! A pretty hearty meal! We put that over rice, and had at it. It was so tasty! And much healthier than what we normally eat! Check out the pics!

Now, I could just stop there and pretend I ate it like it looks above. But let's not kid ourselves here, folks. First, I don't eat shrimp. Second off, I'm pretty sure I don't like bell peppers. And third - IT'S ALL TOUCHING!!!!

Nope... This is what my plate looked like:Now, I did eat the pepper! I didn't like it enough to say, yea - I'd eat that all by itself! Or even enough to say I'd eat a lot of it in one dish! But I can tolerate it enough to eat them if they were mixed in with a dish, say at a Chinese restaurant or something. So that is a start. I didn't get the shrimp down. Smelled it and gagged. So Anthony ate it for me. But the meat and the rice were great together! And no soda, either. I had propel water. So while I'm so not saintly yet, I'm doing well on the trying new things!!! Let's hope I can keep it up!

-Jen

Things I want, but Cant Afford...

2009-10-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Impulses and I don't always get along. I'm totally guilty of doing the "impulse buy" when I'm out and about - bringing things home that I know I don't need, but still just "HAD TO HAVE." Anthony loves to roll his eyes at me for it.

I do this thing when I'm in stores with Anthony where I see something I want, but know I don't need - I tug on his arm or sleeve, point at it as if I were 5 years old, and pout, "Anferneeee! I want that." 5 years together and it's still never worked. Ha! I guess that is a good thing. Because if I'm honest (and I should be), Anthony rarely deprives me of things I want when we can afford it. It is always the things I want that would break the bank that he turns me down on, and I can't really argue with him on it.

In light of this little rant, I thought I'd put a list of things together that I REALLY want, but can't have. Or rather, can't afford. I bet you anything several of these items will end up on my Christmas or Birthday list in the near future - but trust me. I'm not holding my breath. Promise.

1) RosettaStone in Spanish & in Arabic.
- Seriously people! Ant and I aren't kidding when we tell people we want to be able to actually speak the languages of our heritage well enough to teach our kids. We have every intention of learning the languages, passing them on, and speaking them regularly in our home. But we gotta learn them first. Why does the darn program have to be so expensive? I'll tell ya why - IT WORKS. And supply and demand says that yes, they can charge $500 for the full lesson because who else is going to teach you? That's right. Nobody. Pony up.

2)
Coach Purse. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not all that "trendy" when it comes to designer things. But we all also know that I have 2 very distinct weaknesses... purses, and shoes. And not just any purse or shoe - no no! It has to be designer for it to really "wow" the crowd. Now, let's face it. I have one guess purse, and about 20 knock offs, and NONE of my shoes are designer, unless you count Ann Taylor as designer. I don't. I'm talking Calvin Klein, Gucci, Jimmy Choo - ok, I'll stop drooling now... Which brings me to:

3) Calvin Klein Mary Janes. Mmmmmmm. Look how pretty they are!!! I actually want the gray suede version of this, but I couldn't find a pic. But still... I want!

4)
J-Crew Black Dress. As part of my 101 in 1001, I'm on the search for the PERFECT "Little Black Dress." Look no further, people! I've found heaven in black cotton cady (as they call it). I've tried it on, and if looks could kill, you'd be dead! I love it. Too bad it is currently $225, and Anthony won't let me buy ANY one article of clothing exceeding $60. Hrumph!

5)
Elfa Storage Center for my home office. Yes, I have a home office. Actually, I share a home office with Anthony. And it needs help! We are organized people, no doubt! But there is just never enough space. I want to create a space for all of my beading and sewing projects so they won't get mixed up, wrinkled, or start to overlap on to Anthony's precious drawing boards. Help me Elfa! Help me!

6)
New Sectional Couch. Don't get me wrong - the futon ROCKS! But let's face it. We want a house. The Futon will rock the world of the office before too long, and we'll need something to sit on!!! And I've always wanted a sectional. They are so comfy and inclusive, and they just fit me so nicely. Can't you just see me, relaxing with a blanket, a book, and the dog on this? You know you can!

7)
Jewelry Armoire for my every growing collection. I make jewelry, people! My collection is starting to escape it's tiny little excuse for a Jewelry organizer, and I won't stand for it any longer! I need something like this, that holds it all, organizes it all, and matches our bedroom furniture. It's beautiful cherry wood and contemporary look and feel is calling out to me - "Jen! Come organize me!" Oy.

8)
Victoria's Secret Pea Coat. Just because. I'm the biggest cold wuss on the planet, and Anthony would indulge me with coats and scarves (my favorites!) when we lived up north as sort of a "Hey - Thanks for packing up your life and moving to a totally new place that is way colder than you ever expected so we could be together" gesture. Let's just say, it worked every time! I want to go back! And dangit, I want to go back with this in my suit case!

9)
My Siberian Husky. Oh Pup, don't feel betrayed. We love you to pieces. But let's be honest. Pup, you aren't a real dog. You are more of a dog/cat/mountain goat rolled into one, with the neediness of a small child to boot! I am a DOG person - through and through. I would never turn pup away, or get rid of him, or even think of such things! But I am fully aware that when his adorable/funny/crazy little life is over, it's back to big dogs that know how to sit, stay, FETCH, roll over, and heel. And man, am I in love with this breed. Such stunning beauty. Can't wait.

10)
The iPhone... I know, I know... "Jen! You said you hated that thing!" And really, I do. If I had a dime for every time I tried to get Anthony's, Phil's, Gaby's, Morgan's, and now even Beckie's attention away from that thing and failed, I'd take you out to lunch! But, alas, it's functionality, dependability, speed, and convenience have come to outweigh all that. The world is a changing people, and my "media phone" that let's me check email and my bank account and not much else just isn't going to cut it. If I'm going to own my own business someday, I've got to get over it and get one.

BUT I STILL DON'T HAVE TO LIKE TEXTING ON IT!! So there. :-)D

So there you have it. 10 things I really want, but can't afford at the moment. Anthony says that when I win the lottery, I can have all those things and more. Hahaha. I just have to remember, I have to play to win. ;-)

-Jen

Art & Wine Festival

2009-10-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

Two Weekends ago, Anthony and I traveled up north to visit friends and attend the Annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival. We flew up to NorCal on Friday night, spent Saturday in San Francisco with Anthony's parents and good friend, Danny Greenia. We went wine tasting, had lunch at our favorite diner in Geradeli square, and wandered around for the afternoon. Saturday night, we went to the Sharks Vs. Cyotes Pre-Season Hockey game at the Shark Tank. Sharks won!!! Woot!!! (Sorry I don't have any pictures of that! Left the camera at home).

Sunday, we attended the Festival. We met up with Danny again, along with our friends Kim, Morgan, & Mariel, and enjoyed the music, the food, and the art! It was great fun! And Anthony ran into many old firends (or their parents) and got to introduce me all day as "My Wife, Jen." It was so cool to hear. Hahaha. Enjoy the photos!!!

Danny's Great Smile to start off our day!
Beautiful San Fran.
On the way to the Wine Cellar, we saw this in a store window. Lauged really hard and agreed that this is the kind of thing we'll probably dress our kids in when we have them. Too funny.
Ant & Danny in front of Cellar 360.
The View from our table:
The Boys, settling in.
:-) Great photo of Ant and his Mom laughing at something they were talking about.
Gaby loves to share wine!
Here we go, people! I'm trying wine!! Well, sniffing first...
Savengion Blanc - I actually could tolorate this one. It tasted like grapefruit.
Check out the spread! 2 different kinds of goat cheese and one kind of cow cheese - the cow cheese (the really thin one with the purple line) is "Drunken Cheese" which means it is soaked in wine. And those crustini's... OMG to DIE FOR!!! So Good. They were drenched in some buttery, salty, garlic-y goodness and we ordered a second plate! We ate every last one! Can't wait to go back, just for those!
Some artsy photos Ant and I took of the glasses:

Ant trying wine. Also a big step for him. Niether of us really like wine.
Oh, Danny - my wino friend. He and Gaby loved trying them, and discussing them.
Second one I "liked" (which really means that I can handle/tolorate it enough to drink a glass - I still don't actually LIKE any wine). It was about the 5th or 6th wine I tried. It is called Nightengale, and it is a dessert wine.

Napkin. Looks cool.
Wandering around SF means a trip to Boudin!!
The boys, checking out MORE wine. Hahaha.
Meet my new friend!
Segway Tour!!! I want to do this someday!
Sigh. I love San Fran...
Trolly!!!
Sunday, on our way to the festival.
How cute are parents? I love pictures like this of them and of my parents. I sneak them in whenever possible.
GIANT spider. Bleh!
Danny stole the camera for a while! It was a beautiful day, even if it was too hot!
Mr. Anderson's Band - we always watch them.
Oh Morgan... Never without the Iphone.
Anthony (wearing Kimmi's hat) and Kimmi!
The Group! (Minus me, the photographer)

We had such a great time visiting with everyone. A weekend up north after 6 months (or more for Ant) was a great treat! But it reminded us of how much we loved living up there, and now we miss it. Not that we didn't miss it before - we are just more aware of it. We love the people here in SoCal - they are one of the greatest reasons for being down here! But we know where we want to end up, long term. In the meantime we'll enjoy our mini vacay's to visit there. It was a great weekend! Can't wait for New Years!

-Jen

Cupcake Project - Box of Chocolates

2009-09-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay - It's been over a week since I actually made these! But I will tell you, already, that I want to do this one again - in February when all the great Valentines day candies are out! It will be so much better!

This project is: Box of Chocolates! Here is the pic from the book.
This is the first time I've made Chocolate Cupcakes for the project. Gotta tell ya - it's a welcome change from all that vanilla! And this project is also of the "Mini" kind. I love working with Mini cupcakes! They are so fun and have so much potential to be something creative. And they are so cute!
Like I said earlier - I need to do this project again near Valentines day. The candies I had available to me weren't all that fabulous. Not a lot of reds or pinks. Kind of had to go scrounging, and it left a lot of other candies left over. But we were able to bring back the runts left over from "TV Dinner" night. The Pink Hearts were PERFECT!
I covered all of the cupcakes I could (there were several left over) with chocolate fudge frosting (yum!) and each "chocolate" was supposed to look different. Some of them had Hershey's kisses on top, some had peppermint circles, others had flowers made out of Smarties, and some even had actual pieces of chocolate (Snickers/Milky Way/3 Musketeers in bite size) on top. I decorated the chocolates with a thin drizzle of vanilla frosting (you know, how See's Candies does on their chocolates) and voila! I had "chocolates" to go in my box! (Oh, and excuse my scruffy look - I'd just gotten home from my Pilates Class - don't worry! I washed my hands before baking!)
Now... Also because it isn't around Valentines Day, "Chocolate Heart Boxes" were pretty scarce, so I improvised. I took some crinkled up tissue paper and placed that in my Cupcake garage. I placed all the little "Chocolates" in the "box" and put on the lid!

TaDa!
Elissa took the mini's to Family Game night for the cousins all to enjoy. Ant and I would have brought them ourselves but we were on a plane to NorCal! Hope the gang enjoyed this week's creation!!!

Next Project (and it may be a week or two before I actually accomplish it) is rather daunting: Van Gogh's famous painting "Starry Night" in Cupcakes. Yikes!!! But it is the last project in chapter one, and from here on out, I can do them in any order I want! Woot! Wish me luck!!!

-Jen

Blog Stalker to Blog Slacker!

2009-09-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I know -

I'm slacking. It's been more than 2 weeks since I've posted. Sorry peeps - been a little busy!!

So I did another round of cupcakes (blog to come tomorrow! Promise!) and then Ant and I went on a little vacy to NorCal to visit Ant's parents and go to the Annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival (Also, blog to come tomorrow!)

I had all the good intentions of blogging right away, but then - blah - I got sick this week. Fever of 100 Degrees, sore throat, the works! It's been loads of fun, let me tell ya! But I'm on the up and up again, and just had to post this one thing:On Sept. 12th, We did a Family Photo Shoot with Bri (Who else? She's my forever photographer, not to mention good friend from HS!) and we just got some of the photos back from her blog. She did it again! She managed to capture all these great smiles and faces that we make every day together. She isn't afraid to get down in the dirt to get the shot she wants, and she delivers images that will blow you away, not just because they look cool, but because you can actually see the love. I'm amazed.

Ok seriously, Bri - I cried, my mom cried, my sister cried, and both Dad and Ant laughed. Which is the best reaction to get out of them anyway, so good job.

BUT SERIOUSLY PEOPLE - You should call her. ok, I know. I love her, and so I'm biased and think that everyone else should love her too. But honestly - I've never come across another photographer out there who takes the time and care that she does. If you need family pictures done, or a wedding photographer, or head shots, or school portraits, or ANYTHING WITH A CAMERA you need to call her.

Go Ahead. Call her. I'll wait.

Did you call her? Good. Now that that is settled, I can rest easy. Honestly, I'm not just talking here. And she didn't put me up to this. Anthony and I LOVE our wedding photos. I have a book full of our engagement photos and it took me and Anthony 3 whole days to pick just one to be the "official" photo. We couldn't decide because we loved so many of them. I'm so relieved I'm not the one laying out the design for the Wedding album - otherwise it would have over 1000 photos in it (literally!). I have head shots of my sister, we have these awesome family shots, Ant's side of the family is starting to do photos with her too, so we have those, and I've recommended her to about 4 or 5 Brides I know with absolute confidence. Bri is not only an Amazing Photographer, she is an amazing person. And when she'd done with the photos, she goes and blogs about how wonderful and amazing the people/families she shoots are (Myself included), so I wanted to take a second to rave about her.

Bri - You've been so wonderful to all of us. You've been professional, fun & easy to work with, charming, passionate about what you do, and the best part is that I've NEVER seen you work coming anywhere but from the heart. You capture moments rather than images. You make people laugh and you bring out the best in them and you capture it. You make us look good!!!! You find those smiles that JC Penny's will NEVER be able to get, I don't care how great their studio package deal is. You will be taking my family's pictures for years and years to come, and I will recommend you to anyone who will listen. You are more than a photographer - you are a great friend and I cherish having you back in my life.

If you haven't yet, people - check this lady out!

Website: www.briennemichelle.com
Blog: www.brienne.net

Ok, one more because I love it.

Full post of all of my favorites to come soon.
-Jen

Seriously people - CALL HER!

Cupcake Project - TV Dinner & Spaghetti Dinner!

2009-09-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!! MEGA LONG POST AHEAD!
(Stick with me here, people - I promise it will be worth it!)

So, for the most part, I thought I would be taking on this cupcake journey solo. Immediately I realized that wasn't true, since Anthony has been with me every step of the way. But what I wasn't ready for was all the people wanting to join in! It's so neat to have people thinking that what I'm doing is cool.

With that said, this week's project is different in 2 major ways. First - It isn't just the normal 1 project/2-page spread that I've dealt with so far. It was 6 pages!!!! 2 Projects! That is 4 pages of instructions for the TV Dinner project, and the normal 2-page spread for the Spaghetti Dinner. (Don't worry - it is super large font and has pictures!). Second big difference - I was not alone!

Meet Beckie:
Beckie is one of my best friends in the whole world. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding and she was Matron of Honor in mine. We've been friends for over 7 years now, and she's been one of the greatest roommates I've ever had! And she was the first to volunteer to help me out with my project. We had so much fun!

We started out with teaching Beckie all the new techniques that the book taught me (because that is a rule! We follow the book, even when it leads us down an unsure path!) and got baking!

Our first project was TV Dinner. Here is what it looks like from the book:

We took it in turns and did the "peas & carrots" first. Beckie made the frosting green, and we added green runts and orange runts. It looked cool! Then came the potatoes! Mashed, to be precise. Vanilla frosting (over frosted, really) with a yellow starburst (circa Corn on the Cob) for butter, and caramel sauce to look like gravy.
Then came... the chicken bones. *WARNING* At least a P-G13 RATING for the next paragraph or so...
So the book innocently says "Trace this out on wax paper, then fill in the outlines with melted white chocolate." Ok - so. We did that. And when you fill it out with the chocolate, it ends up looking a little... ummmm... phallic. No getting around it:Of course, jokes ensued, and we giggled a lot. But it turns out that is what they are supposed to look like! Because when put into the tops of cupcakes covered in frosting and Special K crumbs, it actually looks like a fried chicken leg! Add one last cupcake covered in chocolate frosting and jimmies (or sprinkles, or 100,000's, or nonpareils - take your pick) to look like a chocolate pudding dessert, and voila! TV Dinner!

We had a lot of fun!
Then, we got right to work again, this time on our Spaghetti Dinner! (Obviously, it was the night of entrees). And I had the perfect Pasta Bowl my mom gave me a few years back to display our masterpiece. We put the rest of the cupcakes from the batch into the bowl. Then the instructions said to add cocoa powder and yellow food coloring to the frosting to make it "brownish-yellow" for the pasta. We were skeptical - not gonna lie. We thought it was going to look like mud.
But once again, I was taught to trust the book. It looked great! We covered the cupcakes in a thin layer of frosting and all three of us (Anthony joined in too!) had at it! It was so much fun to just be messy with frosting! We squeezed the whole bag out over the cupcakes through a tiny little hole and it really looked like Pasta!

Beckie added the "Meatballs and Sauce" which are Ferrier Roche chocolates and strawberry preserves. It looks pretty realistic. And smells so good! That really is a lot of frosting!

Thanks, Beckie, for coming over and helping me with my project! It was so much fun. Can't wait to do it again!
Next week - "Box of Chocolates." Oh - and if you are interested in helping me, come on over and claim a page in the book! Miranda called dibs on the "Owls" project, and Alyse called dibs on about 4 projects (don't worry - there are still a ton of projects left untagged) and I'm looking forward to all the help! I'm loving this project.

-Jen

Charming Pet Products

2009-09-08T15:36:00.001-07:00

Hi All!

I'm blogging from work (have a little down time at the moment) and wanted to give you all a little update on my new home away from home.

It's been great. I've been here for a few weeks (already got my second pay check! Woot!) and have settled in nicely. I love my hours (although Anthony HATES them because they are so much better than his!). I start every morning between 9am and 9:30am, and leave around 5pm. I get to go home for lunch every day because we live about 10 minutes away, and I bring Pup to work on a pretty regular basis. It's pretty sweet!

I've never had a 35 hour work week before (I'm used to 45-50 with most of my past jobs!) so this is a really nice (and in my opinion well deserved) change. Don't get me wrong - I may only work 7 hours a day, but this is the first job I've had in a LONG time where I work all 7 hours (minus 15 minutes every now and again for things like blogging!) My down time here is really limited. This fact makes the day go by SO fast. I love it. There is always something to do. I could finish 100% of my To Do List for the day, and it wouldn't matter - There is still a ton to get done.

They now have trained me enough to take over the customer service phone - always fun and interesting - plus I do half the orders on a daily basis and most of our in-house shipping. Plus I manage the office (Duh - I'm "Office Manager") so I'm in charge of all the filing and the phones, and the mail, and all that "stuff" that has to get done. No clue how my boss, Christine, was doing it all by herself. Literally, I took half of her job off of her plate and she is still up to her ears in work! Hence why there is so little down time around here.

The other half of my job is working with Christine's Husband, Nick. He is our Marketing Department, Design Guru, and all around "Idea Guy." I work with him on up-to-date marketing techniques to help the business grow. I've also helped out on a couple of toy designs and hope I'll get the chance to design my own toy one day! How cool would that be? And part of working with Nick means doing a lot of work for our trade shows (we start this coming weekend with 6 of them back-to back! It's going to be crazy!). I've been helping with our booths and designing an easier set for our out of state Reps so they are more likely to follow through on the look. I even hopped into AI (Adobe Illustrator for the readers not in the trade) and did some design work and had header boards made for all of our floor displays! It was cool to get the final product back knowing I designed them! I'm so used to taking other' people's ideas and making them realities, so it was a big step to start with a blank canvas and make something new. I know I'll get to do it again with this company, and that sparks a whole lot of motivation and imagination for me.

I'm starting to ramble on - thanks for getting to this point, if you are still reading! I'm really enjoying my job. It's keeping me busy and the versatility is keeping me challenged. I'm pleased about that. But the greatest piece of the pie is that they (my bosses) wholeheartedly believe in me. They know (as I continue to prove it) that they can ask for something, on top of everything I already have going, and know that it is still going to get done, and BEFORE they feel the need to ask for it again. I have no one breathing down my neck, or checking over my shoulder. And as the days go by, they feel less and less of a need to "check" my work for errors, as I'm making less and less of them as I go. It's a great feeling to be needed and to know that I was hired to do a job they know I can do. Things are looking good on the Pet Toy front! I promise to do a blog if I get the chance to design a toy!

-Jen

Anthony's Birthday

2009-09-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

This past week, Anthony turned 24!

Birthdays are always special for the two of us. We always do something nice for each other like breakfast or a gift we've really been wanting... oh, and let's not forget that Anthony proposed on my Birthday! But usually, it is something simple. This year, however, seeing as how this was his first birthday as my husband, I wanted to make sure he knew just how special he is. So I did a little more than normal this time around.
First, I arranged a dinner for him at his favorite restaurant. When we lived in NorCal, we discovered this burger joint called "The Counter." We LOVED it. Such amazing food. And we were sad when we moved back down to SoCal, knowing we wouldn't be able to go there all the time. But then, we found out that one had opened here! In Westlake! So for his Birthday, the dinner venue was an easy choice! His siblings and a few close friends came to eat with us. It was a lot of fun! And of course, Anthony is always happy to see our niece, Laila.
In addition to dinner, I invited a few friends that Anthony didn't know about. His good friend and college roommate, Ritchie, came out for the evening to be with us. He showed up at the house to suprise Anthony and got a few rounds of Wii games in before dinner. And our good friends, TC and Jane were secretly invited too! They couldn't make it to dinner, but they drove out later that evening (bless them) just to hang out for 2 hours and then go back home. We have such good friends!
Ant's Birthday continued on Saturday with my parents - Our family tradition is that the Birthday Person gets to choose what is on the menu for dinner. Ant chose Poppi's Ribs! Sooooo good! And that was followed by Family Game Night. My parents bought him Wii Resort Sports for his birthday and he was exstatic! He's been wanting that game for weeks! And we stayed and played the game with my parents until 1 in the morning! Always good times.
And lastly, I bought Anthony the final book (DVD collection) to the Avatar Series - something he's been waitng so patiently for - and you should have seen how happy he was! That is the best feeling, when something so simple makes him so happy! And he knows that I'm paying attention to things that are important to him.All and All, his birthday was a total success and we had a great time. Cheers, Anthony! Happy Birthday!

-Jen

Blog Stalker Update

2009-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed.

Seriously, people! I thought maybe, MAYBE, 5 people read my blog. Turns out more than 15 people read my blog! Including my husband! I didn't know he read it!

So, 12 comments on my actual blog, 3 comments on my facebook, and at least 3 others that I know of that haven't commented and that is 18 people! Holy cow!

I can't tell you what it means to me to know that people are following me. It actually works as a TOTAL motivator to continue on with the writing, as well as completing all of my projects. It's like someone out there is holding me accountable. It's awesome.

So Thanks to everyone who commented. I appreciate it. And I'm so happy to have a few new people to Blog stalk, and even happier to find that my blog has acted as inspiration for a few other people's blog. That is an amazing feeling, and I'm so blessed to have wonderful people in my life.

Bri - you are gonna have to show me this Google Analytics thing you speak of. I want to know!

Mary - don't worry about adding me to your blog - I facebook stalk you, too. :-)

To everyone else out there reading - THANK YOU! This is such a cool feeling.

-Jen

Blog Experiment

2009-09-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'll admit it. I'm a Blog Stalker.

Yup - you heard me. If we've ever met, and I know you have a blog, I read it. I read all of it. I look at every line, every photo, every comment made. I'm what my husband lovingly calls a "Space Invader" - you know, like the game? He's clever like that.

Anywho - back to blog stalking. Through my friend, Bri, I learned about "Google Reader." If you have gmail, or a google account, you can get Google Reader. You type in someone's blog address, and the darn thing alerts you whenever anyone in your list updates their blog. And I mean, whenever - 24/7 ability to stalk other bloggers. It updates almost instantly after someone hits "publish." So I check my reader at least once (but more like 3-5 times) a day to see who's been online. And I read them all. I know all about who Bri has been photographing mere minutes after she posts. I know what my friend Brenna is up to out in Ohio. I know what photos my friend Amy has been taking on her latest photo journalism adventure. I read my mom's stuff, Sandy's stuff, I even read the blog belonging to the cupcake book that inspired my cupcake project!

So then, that got me wondering. If I read that many blogs, who's reading mine? I have no clue. Besides Beckie, who's got me set up on her Iphone, and my mom because she thinks I'm cooler than I actually am, I have no idea who reads my babble (like, at all, let alone on a regular basis). I know Mary and Amy have read at least one because they commented, but I don't know if they've been back. (P.S. Mary - If you are reading this, I can't read your blog - it's private, which is good! So Can you add me please?)

So here is my experiment: Leave a comment on this one. If you read my blog, or have ever read my blog, leave a comment (saying ANYTHING) on this one. I'm just curious. And YES BECKIE - THAT MEANS YOU TOO! Ms. "I read it all but never comment." :-) I love you!

And if you read this blog and you think I might not have your blog set up in my reader, leave your blog address. I'll start stalking you, too. Promise. ;-)

Thanks guys!!! Cheers to all the other Blog Stalkers out there!
-Jen

I ate new things!!!!

2009-08-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. That NEVER happens, right? Jen, try new foods? Impossible. But I did. And Anthony and Paul are my witnesses!

On Marco's last night here in the states, we went out to dinner with him and his family on his dad's side (we are his Mom's side of the family) and there was no getting around it - we were doing things the Lebanese way. No excuses, no backing out. :-)

This is what our table looked like. Look at all that food! The empty basket in front of me was pita bread, but we ate all that!!!
Happy Brothers eating good food:

Saddie (and Paul) with her Felaflels. She loves them.

So here is a list of the new things I tried:
- Hummus
- Almond Rice
- Chicken Shawarma
- and a Lebanese dessert that I can neither spell nor pronounce, but it was essentially a rice pudding soaked in Rose Water with Bananas, Strawberries, and Honey on top. Looks like this:

My Dinner: Shish Kabab (so beef on a stick) with Almond Rice! Yummy!So, here is where it all stood on the Jen eat-o-meter: Hummus - gross. Texture and taste are just NOT for me.

Almond Rice - AH-MAZING!!!!! Loved it. Sooo good. I want to learn how to make it at home. And Saddie (Marco's Aunt) said she'd teach me! Whoo!!!!

Shawarma - Pretty good. Not my favorite, but I'd eat it if that is what they were "serving for dinner" so that is a step in the right direction!

Dessert - YUCK! I immediately tasted the rose water and nothing else, and then the texture of a thick, sticky, rice pudding set in, and I had to wash it down with some coke!!! BUT the point is, I tried it. And they were proud of me for that. Cool!

Oh - and the first night we met them all (2 days after Marco arrived), I tried Kafta for the first time which is a ground beef mixed with a whole bunch of herbs and spices, and grilled on open flame inside a piece of pita bread. That was yummy too! Even Gaby (Anthony's Dad) was proud of me for trying that one!

It was great fun, and we had a blast laughing about my silly eating habits. I'm so glad to have had the chance to get to know more of Anthony's family. They are wonderful people and (now that we know where they live/how close they are!) we'll be seeing them much more often. Cheers to new adventures!!

Take #1 - Saddie trying to feed me - a theme in Lebanese families - EAT MORE!
Ok, normal, nice family. We miss you, Marco!
-Jen

Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes!

2009-08-29T22:02:00.001-07:00

Today's battle: MINI CUPCAKES!!!

And when I say Mini, I mean teenie-weenie!! 3 of these little babies equals one regular size cupcake! A batch of batter that makes 24 regular cupcakes made 72 (count them! 72!) Mini Cupcakes. Wowzers. And I have special cupcake pans and liners just for them! Check it out!

See! Lots of Mini Cupcakes!!!Today's project required a LOT of work. I cut 200 mini marshmallows into 3 pieces each to make the bottom part of the pieces of popcorn. I laid them out in a leaf pattern, and then put a dab of frosting in the center of each grouping. I added a whole marshmallow on top of the frosting to complete the kernel. It was cool! They really looked like popcorn!

Buttered Popcorn means both yellow and white marshmallows. Vanilla cupcakes and vanilla frosting! Yummy!

We took them to Family Game Night to share with everyone. They were a big hit!!! And I thought they were cute! My favorite so far.

Next project is a combo! TV Dinner, Spaghetti & Meatballs, & a box of Chocolates. Yay!!! I love this project!

-Jen

Weekend at Disneyland

2009-08-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

So, Anthony's cousin, Marco, has been visiting us from Lebanon. How fun! He's a great guy and has been so wonderfully patient with all of our tourism shenanigans and our need to just "Go-Go-Go" in order for him to "see everything" before he leaves next week. We are sad to see him go! But we've had a blast while he's been here!

Last weekend we took him to Six Flags Magic Mountain. The only photo I have of that trip (as my camera battery was dead as a door nail) is one that Marco's other cousin, Amanda, took for me. Long story short, my childhood friend's little Bro works at the park, found me, and told me where to find him in full costume. SO. MUCH. FUN.

So as not to stop the whirlwind of fun, we took Marco to Disneyland for two whole days!!! Day one was just me, Marco, and Anthony. We had a blast! Marco got to go on every ride he wanted to go on, and several we went on twice just for good measure.

Some of our favorites: Big Thunder Mountain, Screamin California, and Toy Story!

Marco was so happy after the ride because he won! He beat me on his first try!
See - I'm yellow, he's Green.
On Day two, we were joined by Anthony's Brother, Paul, his wife, Elissa, and her sister Stephanie. Family day!! Since Marco his seen it all, and the rest of us practically LIVE at Disneyland, we went on Marco's favorites again!

Including Tower of Terror - which was SO much better when Marco suggested that he and I not hold on for the whole ride. HOLY CRAP. It was so scary. Which is what made it better, of course. Oh - and sorry to Steph that I cut you in half in this photo.
We are going to Miss you, Marco! Come back soon!!!
I will post about the Buttered Popcorn cupcakes some time this week!
-Jen

My first day at Charming Pet Products

2009-08-20T00:05:00.001-07:00

Self portrait this morning right before I left for work. Ant had already left for work, so I had to use the mirror on myself, but I think it came out ok! I wanted to show you how happy I was!! Not to mention I wanted to show off my outfit. :-)

My bosses told me "casual" dress in our office. I'm wearing a tunic top and capri slacks. Probably one of THE most causal outfits I've ever worn to work anywhere since graduation, and I was still a little over dressed. (Opps! Jeans tomorrow, I guess!) On our causal Friday, I could probably get away with sweat pants and a hoodie if it was raining outside! But I won't. Promise!

I must take a moment to point out my jewelry. The set is one of my own creations. Those lovely beads are the glass beads Anthony bought me in Venice on our honeymoon. I finally finished the set (necklace, bracelet, earings) yesterday and couldn't wait to wear them! I actually picked out my outfit just to match the beads!

But enough about my outfit - I promised to tell you about my job!! It was great. I came in and got right to work. I made a ton of new files to organize my desk, and set up all of my computer files and apps. I helped modify some new toy designs, made a few new contacts and learned about all of our forms. Later, I ordered new pieces for our trade show booth, filled out all my starting paperwork, and opened a twitter account for the company! It was a busy day, and I still didn't get to everything. Finally! A position that is going to keep me busy for the majority of my days, and a boss that trusts me and my skills enough to let me do my job on my own. I know they were happy with me today, and that makes it so worth it!

Tomorrow I get to bring pup to the office! This should be fun and interesting. I hope it works out! I'd love to bring him on a regular basis so he doesn't have to sit at home all by himself all day. But that will all be up to him and his behavior. Here's hoping!!!

Oh - and Beckie - I wore the black sandals you gave me (the ones with the cute kitten heels) and once again, they rocked! I love you!

Goodnight everyone.
-Jen

Cupcake Project - Bagels and Lox

2009-08-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

This week: Bagels and Lox. This is the picture from the book:

This is the picture of my finished Product:

What do you think? This week was fun! A little more time consuming than last week, but just as fun. I think I'm getting a little better at frosting the cupcakes, and I think my "artistic liberties" with the final product aren't all that liberal. I think they look pretty close!

This time around, we've got Lemon Cupcakes with vanilla frosting. The frosting is yellow, and the cupcake acts as the "plate" for the bagel. The "bagel" is made of a mini donut with black sugar sprinkles to look like poppi seeds. The "cream cheese" is vanilla frosting, the "lox" is an orange starburst, and the "capers" are green apple licorice.

And can I just say that I LOVE my Kitchen Aid. It keeps up with everything I throw at it. Or, in it, I guess. :-)

This time around, I used the correct size ziploc bags, and I gotta say that the book knows it's stuff. It was EXACTLY the right amount for each batch. Genius.
See! The bag is totally empty! And the cups are all 2/3 full!
Yummy Finished Product. And for some reason, I just love this picture. Go Anthony!

My taste testing, photo taking, upside down husband.
Making the donuts and the Lox:
And Voila! Bagel and Lox!
This batch made 24 cupcakes. This time around I took the whole batch to Beckie at her office to share with her co-workers who caught wind of my project and so nicely volunteered to be taste testers! Thanks guys! Hope you liked them!!!
Next project will be later this week (in time for game night) and will be "Buttered Popcorn."
-Jen

I got a job!!!!

2009-08-17T15:04:00.001-07:00

I thought I would post it here:

I GOT A JOB!!!!

Holy cow, does that feel good. I start on Wednesday at "Charming Pet Products" here in Westlake Village, CA. It is a small company that makes dog toys and accessories and distributes to major vendors like PetSmart. Ever seen the Rubber Chicken Dog toy that makes that God-awful screeching noise? Yup - THAT'S US!

The company is owed by a lovely married couple who needed an experienced Office Manger. Well who better to fit the bill than me? So that is what I'm doing now. No more NCIS Marathons! Sad. But I'm so, so, so glad to be part of the working world again. I missed it. And now that I have no wedding to plan, I'm starting to get bored by myself at home. So this was perfect timing.

And the best parts of the job (besides it being RIGHT up my alley) are that I get to bring pup to work (as long as he gets along with the other dogs and lets me get my work done) and the office is right down the street from where Anthony works! So we'll still get to do lunch together pretty regularly. Whooo!!

I promise to do a post on Wednesday night to tell you all about my first day. Yippie! Wish me luck!

-Jen

It’s time to let go…

2009-08-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t bring myself to write it out before now. Putting my goodbye to her in writing made it final. That she isn’t just “away” or “out of sight.” She’s gone. But realizing she’s been gone almost a year now, and seeing the picture below triggered a tug in my heart I couldn’t ignore. I felt like not putting this down in writing was an insult to her memory – like I never said goodbye. And I know her – she is sitting up there, patiently waiting for me to do so. Waiting for me to say, “Ok Jo Jo” so she can leave her “Stay” position and run around in heaven.

This photo isn’t the best I have of her. But it is a special picture. It's a photo I have from the last day I saw her. It was taken totally by chance. I didn’t take tons of random pictures of her when she was alive – I was too busy enjoying her company. But she was there when I went to try on my wedding dress for the first time, and since we were taking pictures of that, we took some pictures of her, too. She was so happy to see me. Especially after losing Kasey only a few days prior. We helped each other heal a little bit that day.

I don’t know why I couldn’t write this sooner. I owed her a proper goodbye. But I think it was my own way of keeping her close. It was my way of holding on to her just a little bit longer. I’m not delusional. I know that both of my dogs died within 2 weeks of each other. I know that I saw both of them for the last time over Thanksgiving last year. I’m very aware, physically, that they are gone.

It is sad, but it is true - it was far easier for me to let go of Kasey. I came to terms with Kacey’s death many years ago. We had to deal with reality – she was sick. My parents bought her literally YEARS of extended life. In anyone else’s care, she would have died 4 or more years ago. And don’t worry - it wasn’t the kind of extra life that is sad or pathetic and hanging on simply because we humans can’t find the strength to let go. No - She LIVED for 4 extra years. She ran, and played, and loved her little heart out until the very end. It was easy to say goodbye because I was prepared. I could let go because she had told us to be ready a long time ago. I could let go because I was the only one who really, truly got to say goodbye. I was there. She waited for me so I could tell everyone else that she was ok. She told me she was ok. There was no possible way for me NOT to let go then and there. Kasey girl made it easy.

But Jo… My Jo baby. My Princess, my Ju Ju Bee, my gorgeous girl. Nothing, not even my gut feeling that this was going to happen, could have prepared me for that phone call 12 days later. It didn’t even hit me right away – My mom was crying and said those words – “Honey, I’m sorry. She’s gone.” And I couldn’t process that sentence. With Kacey it was instant tears; the time had come. But with Jo, it was, “huh? What are you talking about? Gone where?” It took several moments to even acknowledge that anything had been said, and several more moments for it to sink in. Visions of her literally flashed in my mind. The day we brought her home. The day she met Kasey, and somehow was able to tell me that we needed to keep her. The day I left for college and the first time I really realized just how close we were. Every time I came home from school – or really any time I came home from any extended leave of absence, and the joy in her face that I was home. Her high fives and handshakes, how happy she was when I let her up on my bed, the way she looked at me when she wanted me – no – NEEDED me to pet her incessantly… all I could see for several minutes was images of Jo.

And there are so many images. I wish I could pluck them from my mind and put them together in some cool montage for you to see. She was beautiful. She was everything a dog is supposed to be. She was friendly, happy, loyal, patient and loving. And don’t ask me to explain it because I can’t. But I swear to you – I could communicate with that dog. Not just your average “Here girl” and she came, or response to her name or knowing the tone of my voice. No, seriously people. I could talk to that dog. Like she spoke clear and plain English. She had this uncanny way of telling me things. Things I needed to know. Like that Kasey was the right dog for us, or that Alyse needed me but she wasn’t going to say so, or even that Anthony was someone she trusted.

Jo was more than a dog to me. She was a friend. A real friend. She could tell when I needed her. I could be crying in my room upstairs, and she could be out in the back yard barking at a rabbit, and she would instinctively know – Jen needs me. And she’d come looking for me. She’d wait for permission to jump up on my bed and then she’d just lay down there, next to me and wait. She’d listen to my whole story, and then she’d lick my hand and nudge her head under my arm so I knew I could hug her. I’d always feel better. She was an awesome friend and companion.

I don’t know… there are moments when I’m so angry. Maybe even at her. Jo, why didn’t you say something? After all the talking we did over the years, why didn’t you tell me you were sick?! I would have helped you! I would have made it better. I would have taken care of you the way you always took care of me! I would never have let you down.

But then, I know, in my heart of hearts that you didn’t want to tell me. You didn’t want any of us to know. You took it upon yourself to take care of Kasey, and you put your own pain and suffering aside to do so. And by then, it was too late. When she was gone, you were too far along for anyone to do anything.

I’m so sorry, Jo baby. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there with you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to hug you and tell you I love you and to let you know it was ok. I’m so sorry I didn’t instinctively know, the way you always did, that something was wrong. But most of all I’m sorry it took me so long to say goodbye. That is the difference between dogs and humans. I had to hold on. I had to pretend that I could still hear you bounding up the stairs. I had to pretend you were still sleeping under my bed. I had to pretend that every time I cried, you’d know and send your love. But you’ve loved me, unconditionally, from the day we brought you home. And I know that didn’t stop just because you passed away.

I know you and Kasey are wherever we are supposed to end up. I know you are there, waiting so patiently for me. I know, without a doubt that you found Kasey right away, and you helped her find our home in heaven. I know that, no matter how long it takes me to get there (and I’m sorry it will be such a long time before I get to see you again) that you will never, ever leave. I know you’ll wait. I know you’ll be there to welcome me home and it will be like nothing ever changed. Play with as many figure 8 toys as you can find while you wait for me.

I love you so much, Jo. My little black bear. I think about you all the time. I miss you, and you will always, always hold a special spot in my heart.

“Ok Jo Jo. It’s ok.”
-Jen

Cupcake Project - Corn on the Cob

2009-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

So I started my Cupcake Project last night. I decided (with a little guidance from Anthony) to do the first chapter of the book straight through, in order. That way I learn all the techniques I need in order to do all the fun/specialty designs in time for the holidays.

So this first attempt is: CORN ON THE COB!!! Check it out!

That is 3 cupcakes - vanilla - with yellow frosting, Lemon/Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly's, black and white decorative sugar (to look like salt & Pepper) and a starburst to look like butter. How cool is that???

It was fun to make! And Anthony was a great photographer. Plus he makes a great taste tester. And I learned new baking techniques, which is always fun, such as using a piping bag to evenly pour the batter, evenly frosting the cupcake, or making a starburst as pliable as play dough. This is going to be a great baking experience. Check out the rest of the photos.

Mixing the batter:

New pouring technique. It works!
I learned new ways to frost evenly, too!
Now, who wants to be a taste tester?
Next time - Bagels and Lox. Can't wait!
-Jen

Sometimes, Always, Never

2009-08-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

I got this blog idea from my friend, Bri. Thought it would be a fun thing to try. If you want to steal it, please do! And let me know so I can read it!

I sometimes…

... sing in the shower as loud as I can
… talk to my reflection in the mirror
... want to read all the tabloids I can get my hands on
... want to take a whole day just to quilt
... wish I was still dancing

I always…

… want to bake
... fiddle with my hair
... have a million ideas floating around in my head
... want more shoes
... have something to say ;-)

I never…

… drink enough water
... want to try new foods
... have enough craft/creative time to get it everything done
... take out the trash
... like talking on the phone

That was fun! And actually a little challenging to come up with 5 for each category. Hope you enjoyed!

-Jen

Things I LOVE

2009-08-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd make a list of things I just love...

- Anthony
- Home made cookies (Or really any home made baked good... usually made by me)
- Dr. Pepper
- Doggies
- My Doggie
- Old movie musicals
- SHOES! - No, make that FABULOUS shoes.
- DVR
- Sewing
- The Big Bang Theory (The TV show, not the actual Theory)
- Country Music
- Elephants
- Zoo's in general
- DISNEYLAND!!!
- So You Think You Can Dance
- My niece and nephew
- My GodSon and his sisters
- Come to think of it, my whole family. :-)
- Monkeys (Especially the Rally kind!)
- The Harry Potter series
- Beading
- Flip Flops
- Musical Theater
- Really great pictures of people I love
- Facebook. Not gonna lie.
- Buttered pasta with Parmesan Cheese
- My bridesmaids - they just rock my socks.
- Cute Dresses
- Internet connections
- My bed
- Laughing until I cry
- Hoodie sweatshirts, fuzzy blankets, and Nestle Hot Cocoa on a rainy day
- And FroYo. Yup. FroYo... the tart kind with yogurt chips, gummybears, and fresh fruit on top. Yum.

Just some of the things I really, really love.
-Jen

Lovin' the married life!

2009-07-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I have been married for 25 days already! Where does the time go?

Ok, so I always knew I was going to love married life. But I really didn't know just how much I was going to love it. I especially didn't know if it was going to be all that different from the relationship Anthony and I had just 26 days ago.

And then I look at this picture:
This is just ONE of the many amazing pictures that our photographer, Brienne Shepard, took on our wedding day. But this one is my favorite (so far, as we haven't seen them all yet!) of just the two of us. Not only is it a great photo, but I see more than most people see when they look at it. I go straight to our smiles and our eyes. I know what those smiles mean. I know what that look says.

I can't remember a time that I was happier than I was on my wedding day. And I can't remember a time I saw Anthony happier, either. It was a wonderful day. And now that it is over and the honeymoon has come and gone, we are left with the "back to reality" feeling. It's the everyday stuff that is no where near as exciting as being surrounded by 150 people in fancy outfits and our own paparazzi. But I gotta tell ya - I love it. I love going to bed at night and saying good night to my husband, as opposed to my boyfriend. I love his kisses (which seem to be more frequent than they used to be... or maybe I'm hallucinating) and his hugs. I love cooking dinner for us. I love just hanging out with him.

Neither Anthony or I have changed as people in the last 25 days. Same old, same old. But we have become a family - an official one - and I am loving every minute. Can't wait to see what comes next!

-Jen

(And just because I love these 2 photos so much - I'm posting them too!)

New Ideas blooming!

2009-07-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Anyone heard of the new movie, "Julie & Julia"? If not it is a new movie - well, actually, it was a book first, about a woman (Julie) who goes page by page through one of Julia Child's cookbooks and blogs about each thing she makes.

Well, I'm going to be sort of a copy cat. But not with one of Julia's books. I'll be following a Cupcake cookbook called, "Hello Cupcakes!"

While I won't be doing one everyday, like in the story, but I will be taking the book page by page as frequently as I can. And, since Anthony and I aren't going to eat ALL of them (that is just too much sugar!) I'll take volunteer taste testers!!!

Keep watching!
-Jen

REAL LIVE QUIDDITCH!!!

2009-07-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

My sister and her BFF are awesome people. I've known this for years. They are the type of people that have NEVER cared about what other people think of them - they do what they feel like because they are out to have a good time. And it is always good, clean fun.

Yesterday was no exception. Alyse and Lauren went all out for their friends and arranged a real, live, workable Quidditch match! (For those of you who don't know, Quidditch is a "Harry Potter" term. It is a Witch's & Wizard's game that, in the wizarding world, is played on flying brooms. We played "Muggle Quidditch," which means no magic was involved, but the rules and object of the game were the same.) We had huge Hula hoops on Pipes for goals, 2 different kinds of balls and bats, and a real moving Golden Snitch! Hehehe - LAUREN!!!

We had such a good time playing - and man was it a workout! I don't think any of us expected it to be such a physical game!

This match was Gryffindor Vs. Slytherin. Slytherin was a heavy hitting team (even with a man down!) and won 2 out of 3 games! At the end of the night, no one really cared who won or lost, we all had a great time!!! Check out our team photos!

Gryffindor:

Slytherin:
We are doing it again next saturday! I hope we'll have team shirts by then! I'll post some pictures from then too.
-Jen

101 in 1001

2009-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

The following is my list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. I started this journey on 9/20/08 and have until June 18th, 2011 to complete the list. Here is to the next 2.7 years! Cheers!!!

(Black indicates: DONE!!)
In Alphabetical Order:
1 BEAT ANTHONY AT CHESS!!!
2 Become a Mentor
3 Buy a Condo or House
4 Change all the passwords on my accounts to ones that I'll actually remember
5 Compile a list of what it would take to open up my own Leadership Camp
6 Compile a team builder manual
7 Complete another DS game all by myself (Bomberman Land 2 - Summer 2009)
8 Do something totally different with my hair (July 2009)
9 Establish "One Night Out" monthly with Anthony
10 Establish the first annual "Girls Only" weekend (Sept 2009) (*$5 Savings)
11 Establish the first annual "Mario Kart Glory Tournament!" (Knowing you'll never win!)
12 Find "Jen's Signature Dessert"
13 Find a Church that caters to young families
14 Find a Hobby - BEADING!!! (9/20/08) (*$5 Savings)
15 Find a recurring activity to do together with Anthony
16 Find an organization you can do charity work for
17 Find and become a part of a Higher Education Association
18 Find and become a part of a Leadership Association
19 Find that perfect "little black dress"
20 Find the Dog Park and take pup there once a week for a month straight
21 Finish 2 scrapbooks
22 Finish putting the Rolodex together
23 Finish the "Family" picture wall (June 2009)
24 Finish the Engagement Journal
25 Get a media phone - and use it (Feb 2009) (*$5 Savings)
26 Get a Pen Pal in another country
27 Get another Promotion
28 Get Francis Family Portraits taken
29 Get involved in a Ministry at the church we find
30 Get my blood drawn (June 2009)
31 Get my MA (May 2009)
32 Get the Saturn Outlook (actually, we got a GMC Acadia, but same thing!) (June 2009)
33 Get three new letters of recommendation
34 Go camping with Elissa, Paul, Laila, Phill, Becka, and Max
35 Go on a weekend vacay with JUST Anthony
36 Go through our books and donate what we don't want to charity
37 Go though EVERY piece of clothing and give away what doesn't fit (Dec 10, 2008) (*$5 Savings)
38 Go whale watching with Anthony
39 Go with Anthony to ComiCon
40 Graduate as a member of Phi Kappa Phi (May 2009)
41 Have a "Harry Potter-Athon" with Alyse and Lauren
42 Have my teeth whitened (June 2009)
43 Host a Murder Mystery party
44 Identify 25 things I love about myself
45 Join an activity class (Pilates with Kristen! Sept. 2009)
46 Keep a house plant alive for an extended period of time! (June 2009 - Present!)
47 Learn how to play backgammon (March 2009) (*$5 Savings)
48 Learn how to play poker
49 Learn to make candles
50 Learn to Speak Arabic
51 Learn to speak Spanish
52 Learn to understand the stock market
53 Make 3 new, non-work related friends
54 Make a "Jen & Ant" website that is functional and fun!
55 Make a "Wedding time capsule" to open on our 25th wedding anniversary
56 Make a Bucket List
57 Make a Goals Journal and keep up with it
58 Make a MyPublisher Book about the Feet Pictures!!! Make it a series
59 Make contacts in the Freshman Dean's office (NSO 2008) (*$5 Savings)
60 Make Honor Roll for Graduation (May 2009)
61 Participate in the Bay Area's 3-day walk for breast cancer
62 Pay off debt to the Bank of Dad
63 Pay off the USAA credit card! (Feb 2009) (*$5 Savings)
64 Plan Ledesma Family Portraits with Bri (Sept. 2009)
65 Read "Hope, Love, and Prayer" that Mama gave you
66 Read 1 new novel a month for 3 months straight
67 Replace all of our light bulbs with CFL's
68 Re-read the Harry Potter Series
69 Research Leadership Camps
70 See Michael Buble in concert
71 Send Max something in the mail (July 2009 - PostCard from Greece)
72 Spend an entire weekend with Max
73 Start a "Dinner for 8" group
74 Start a "Francis" family tradition with Anthony
75 Start a Leadership Forum online
76 Start and maintain an effective filing system for Jen and Anthony (Oct. 2009)
77 Stray from Harry Potter *gasp* and try out this "Twilight" thing
78 Swim in an ocean, for pete's sake!
79 Take a dance class (Tap!!!)
80 Take a park and rec class with a friend
81 Take a photography class
82 Take a train ride to San Diego for the weekend
83 Take Alyse to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium
84 Take Max, Ashley, and Tay Tay to Disneyland
85 Teach a Leadership class or seminar
86 Teach pup to stay!
87 Travel out of state 3 times (Must be 3 different states!)
88 Travel to another continent (July 2009)
89 Try one new food a month for three months in a row (Oct, Nov, Dec 2008) (*$5 Savings)
90 Update the Family Recipe Book (Sept. 2009)
91 Volunteer at the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival
92 Volunteer in my town's school system
93 Volunteer time at the University I work for.
94 VOTE!!!! And not by absentee ballott (2008 Presidential Election!) (*$5 Savings)
95 Wear my pedometer everyday for a month and monitor my steps
96 Win a non-work related award
97 Win an award at work
98 Write 2 new short stories
99 Write a children's book with Anthony
100 Put $5 in savings every time I complete a task!
101 Celebrate #101 with a Fancy Dinner out with Anthony.

New Blog!!!

2009-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

So this is my new blog. Hopefully I will be better at it this time around than I was last time. And the old blog is going to make way for the new "Jen & Anthony" blog we will both be maintaining... which really means I'll be typing and Ant will be sitting next to me, making commentary.

To come soon (hopefully later today): Re-posting my 101 in 1001 list and updating it here for all of you. Also to come soon is a photo update of a few important things: 1) our honeymoon (All my favorite pics), 2) photos of our apartment. I know I usually post those right after we move, but this place has undergone so many changes in the few short months we've been here that I decided to hold off until we were finished with the decorating. and 3) THE WEDDING!!! As soon as I get the photos back from Bri, I'll be doing a full post. I can't wait!

Keep checking back! I'm excited!

-Jen