tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76468025655893915802024-02-17T06:23:36.614-07:00Crazy? Certainly.Being normal is not one of my strengths.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-15022793081599723902017-09-27T15:53:00.002-06:002017-09-27T15:54:14.279-06:00How many bureaucrats does it take to screw in a light bulb? Wait... do they even do that?If you were born with US citizenship, you have to know that you are pretty freaking lucky. And if you've only used your passport to travel but not actually live or study abroad, then you've probably been lucky enough to never have applied for a visa because US passports are pretty much allowed anywhere as long as you don't stay more than 90 days. Additionally, while we are used to the standard lines at the DMV, or the passport office, or any other place that involves bureaucracy - we are also used to bureaucrats in the US at least feigning that they care about customer service and that they'll try to avoid have adults melt into a tantrum fit while preparing and/or waiting... those interminable hours of waiting.<br />
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However, most other bureaucracies could not give a rat's ass if you lose your shit. They relish it. They thrive on it. They'll make you go to the back of the line and suffer some more. Now, I don't want to give the impression that the Spanish consulate is quite to this level but, that's because I'm not really sure if they are or not, since I did everything possible to avoid losing my shit, having my spouse lose his shit, and most of all making sure the preschooler didn't lose her shit AND looked cute and darling throughout the whole process. I did watch other people at the consulate lose their shit and boy, I wish I could have had some popcorn with me at the time because it was quite the show!<br />
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To begin with, the consulate's website is scarce with details on how to go about the whole process but here is what I recommend, because this is what I <i>HAD</i> to do:<br />
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Fill out the application and additional paperwork that is included on the website. Take any document that you have ever needed in your life to prove who you are (birth certificate, marriage certificate, US passports, <strike>written testimony of the doctor who delivered you</strike>), add in documentation that shows that you are on the up and up (FBI and your local state law enforcement agency - in our case CBI background checks, credit reports, bank account statements) and for good measure, make sure to have a medical certificate of good health signed and sealed by your primary care doc. You must also sign up for medical health insurance that will cover you in Spain with an international health insurance company. Have fun staying up until 2 AM and then trying to explain to a man with a thick Scottish brogue what the hell it is you need and why. As part of the completed packet that you'll be giving your consulate officer, you have to show documentation of the purchased health insurance.<br />
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Now, take all of your documents to your local Secretary of State to have them notarized and sealed with an apostille from the Hague Convention of 1961, then pay to have everything translated by an official translation agency (don't you dare do this yourself even if you have a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish NOR should you use Google Translate for this even though this would all be free), also have those translations notarized and sealed with an apostille.<br />
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Then - make copies! At least 4 of each piece of paper that you will be presenting to your consulate officer. OH!!! Did I forget to tell you that you need to make an appointment before all this? Yes, the appointment and interview process needs to be completed no more than 3 months before departure, and you "<i>need</i>" one for each person that is traveling - we managed to squeeze all three people into the one half-hour that I had been able to schedule online. You need two passport sized pictures of each family member as well. Don't get sassy about it like my spouse did asking "If they're getting copies of our US passports which have our pictures on them, why do they need us to take additional pictures?" - the answer is: I don't know, do as the bureaucrats want, sit down and shut up. Appointments are only offered Monday through Thursdays 9am to noon (at least this is the rule at the consulate we went to). They have a strict policy against answering any emails or phone calls so I don't suggest that you try to communicate with anyone that way.<br />
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After all of this, if you get approved, you must leave your US passports at the consulate while they work for up to 2 months on stamping them with your visa. However, when we went in it was only taking them about 2 weeks but just being without my passport for that long was making me breakout in hives. I mean, what if the zombie apocalypse took place and I need to flee to Canada or something....?!?!?! How could I do that without my passport?!?!?!<br />
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Overall, they were lovely at the consulate and as accommodating as bureaucrats can be. The cute kid who managed to hold it together until we were in the parking lot definitely helped (all done with the help of a bag full of snacks, water, and a tablet with some movies loaded onto it). If you ever want to go through this process yourself, contact me, I'll be happy to give you all the details that I can. In the end, it was a good preparation process for all the bureaucratic BS that we've had to deal with once we arrived in Spain, for example: You want to rent a place? You can't do that without your Spanish ID. You want your Spanish ID? You can't do that without a permanent Spanish address.<br />
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Remember that Wisconsin employer who was recently in the news for having his employees "voluntarily" get micro-chipped? I'm liking that idea more and more. Just micro-chip people with all the information any bureaucracy will ever need and then scan them when you need to go through some approval process. I swear it's like the whole world is conspiring to make my whole head into a shiny and sparkly, gray-haired disco ball well before my time.<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-28904335413067213872017-09-27T14:37:00.000-06:002017-09-27T14:37:03.307-06:00Adventure starts with running away from homeOr with getting rid of a lot of <strike>junk </strike>stuff. At least our adventure does. And when you are married to someone who is great at holding on to <strike>junk</strike> things because you never know when it might come in handy, well, this process is just a freaking treat. This is when my training of watching many hours of shows on HGTV that entailed some form of purging came in handy.<br />
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Things get divided into 5 categories: save in storage, take with, sell, donate, trash. You have to go room by room, even if your house is less than 1000 square feet and has two small storage sheds, you'd be amazed by what pack-rats can stuff inside and want to hold onto. Because then you have to have a whole process of: <i>Really</i>? Do you <i>really </i>want to pay someone to move this for you all the way to another country? OR Do you <i>really</i> want to pay a storage facility to keep these unopened bottles of motor oil for a year or more? Yeah... this process is super fun (NOT).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9awMZyvd7tp2d8w_B8LYbMkH6x3oAd_9FysixmJv9VPKdqVbCkauPu_b5XDQkC5yyYw7ob7yh21jDt-_Lvf3mzPdS2FLpXxz6Y3QzANcXnWWmfAcwWmwDwWZkq0gnihaYdHWB0pG5To/s1600/yard+sale+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9awMZyvd7tp2d8w_B8LYbMkH6x3oAd_9FysixmJv9VPKdqVbCkauPu_b5XDQkC5yyYw7ob7yh21jDt-_Lvf3mzPdS2FLpXxz6Y3QzANcXnWWmfAcwWmwDwWZkq0gnihaYdHWB0pG5To/s400/yard+sale+2.jpg" width="221" /></a>Then, you hold a couple of yard sales because you live in Colorado and the weather cooperates Friday but not Saturday and then again just for the morning of Sunday, so you still have a bunch of stuff to get rid of and you really want to try and make a buck off of it so you put it all in the carport and then pull it all back out the following Thursday to see who you can sucker into buying this stuff that you no longer want/need/have room for. This was my first experience with a yard sale seeing as how in Costa Rica, yard sales are not a thing in any way, shape or form. They were fun and boring. It was weird to have people come into our yard and peruse our stuff. It was weirder still when a part of me that I never knew existed was actively trying to hawk our things. We made some money and got rid of lots of stuff. Our kiddo, who is 4, had somewhat of a hard time with mom "selling all of her toys" (which of course as with all 4 year olds, that's an exaggeration because we put plenty in storage and brought one and a half suitcases FULL of toys and books) and still brings this up 6 months later. She was also personally affronted when someone would come into the yard, perused and left without buying something. There were a lot of questions, asked multiple times: Why are we selling our stuff? Why doesn't that guy want to buy anything? What are we doing with the money we get? Can you buy me more toys with the money we get? And these are only the questions the 4 year old asks.<br />
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While all of this is going on (you know, the packing, putting in storage and getting rid of all the items that fill your home), you also should be taking care of ALL the other details. And you do, except well, some... well, some you just leave hanging in the wind until you can muster the strength and energy to deal with them.<br />
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This means details like: What are we doing with the cars? What about the dog and the cat? How do we get our stuff over to wherever we are going? How do we apply for a visa and where do we do this? And... you might have the propensity to have a panic attack or spring some new gray hairs every time your anxiety kicks in (I wouldn't know, anxiety doesn't tend to affect me, HAHAHAHA!!!!), but don't. Once you put the wheels in motion, things start falling into place, as if by magic. We had a lease, our broker called and asked if we were ready to trade it in after two years (so, a year early than what we leased it for), we said yes and it all worked out nicely and inexpensively.<br />
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As for the other car? Well, we owned that one outright and since my spouse had a car accident and totaled it 5 weeks before we were moving, well, that took care of that vehicle - yeah, I can tease and laugh about the accident now because he's okay and recovering but it wasn't that way for a few weeks. And let's just say that in this case, that isn't my idea of things working out nicely nor inexpensively... but I keep telling myself there must be a reason why this happened and that although I'm not understanding it at the moment, I hope to look back soon-ish and be able to see it.<br />
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The dog.... she's 11 and deaf. She's a ball of anxiety of her best days. Putting her on a plane to fly in cargo for many hours didn't sound like the best of ideas to us. My father-in-law graciously accepted to add her to his pack (he had two dogs already) and she seems to fit right in and be happy with them. He even rigged her up with a cow bell so that he can find her, since she can't hear him and respond when she's called. We do miss her dearly, though.<br />
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The cat has been through hell and back. She's a survivor. She came into our home when our child was a little over 2 years old and has put up with everything a toddler can put her through. Multiple lotion baths, carrying her here, there and everywhere, getting a door slammed on her tail and nearly severing it, and finally last December she survived a month out in the rocky mountain wilderness during a very snowy and cold time. This was courtesy of our pet-sitter who didn't heed our instruction that the cat is a daredevil who tries to escape out the door every chance she gets. When we came back from visiting our family in Costa Rica, the pet-sitter told us he was 100% sure she was dead, either because something ate her or because, you know, winter. She wasn't. I was ecstatic when we got the news. Of course we couldn't leave her behind! She's young enough and seems to have gotten over her PTSD from last December so I wasn't worried about having her travel for 22 hours and move to a new environment.<br />
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Taking a pet with you somewhere isn't necessarily easy though. First you need to figure out how your pet will travel. Some cargo company that specializes in this or a commercial airline? We traveled with Icelandair. They allow pets as cargo. We had to call them, tell them how much she weighed and the measurements of the travel container she would be in. They charged us $147 for her airfare.<br />
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Depending on the country you are traveling to, you need to meet certain requirements. We got lucky that Spain isn't very complicated (they just want health certificates for the animal) and they don't do a quarantine, although Iceland quarantines so we weren't allowed to see her during our layover. Our vet works with the USDA to give her an updated exam that had to be completed no more than 20 days before our flight and they filled out all of the necessary paperwork. Then the USDA vet has to sign the paperwork that your vet has completed and your pet is good to go. All of this paperwork varies in cost but you can plan on spending about $100 to $150 on this piece. More if your pet doesn't already have some things taken care of like an updated rabies vaccine and a universal microchip (both of which she had).<br />
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Finally, at the airport, she gets checked in at the check-in counter, but then the pet's carrier gets scanned in a special area of the airport (which is not right next to the check-in counters but a little walk away) and after that she is finally checked in and you don't see her again until your destination, where she arrives at looks at you like What. The. Hell. Feed her some wet food and hopefully she'll forget all about her recent ordeal.<br />
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The whole visa thing... that's for another post!<br />
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Throughout my research, I kept finding nomadic people giving advice saying you should always have a handful of things that make any place feel like your home. A blanket, a picture in a special picture frame, some book ends or a tchotchke that you've had forever. We brought a blanket with us that Sean and I have had since we met back in 1996. I went to a print shop nearby and printed a bunch of pictures right away at put them all over the place, and while we didn't bring any tchotchkes our kid's toys and books strewn all over the place give the place that homey feel. But what makes our new place feel mostly like home? Our cat. Because "What greater gift than the love of cat?" - <i>Charles Dickens </i><br />
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-81851622424725437552017-09-18T08:39:00.002-06:002017-09-18T10:09:26.949-06:00We have nothing to lose and a world to seeOkay, okay, so I know that you are just dying to figure out what in the world is going on with us and why oh why we moved to Spain (or, most likely you aren't but let me delude myself with self-importance here, after all, I'm writing a blog - about me, my life, my family - insert eye roll here).<br />
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Well, so, here goes. We moved to the Denver Metro Area back in 2003. It has been a great place to live. Denver has SO much going for it. The proximity to many outdoor activities and the mountains, tons of activities for singles, couples and families, a pretty diverse population, an awesome foodie paradise with a thriving medical and recreation marijuana industry - Denverites are spoiled rotten. We've loved being in Denver for (wait for it): four-teen years! We've built our community, our support system, our tribe there. We bought our first home there and had our first -and only- baby there.<br />
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We moved to Denver shortly after graduating from college and getting married. We knew a couple of people there and that was it. When we packed our Penske moving truck with all of our earthly possessions, our two cats and a dog and drove off from our apartment in Waukesha, WI, I kept thinking "it's like we are pioneers moving out West, except that it's 2003 and we have a moving truck and not covered wagons". It was, an adventure. I had been in the US for less than 10 years living in a comfy bubble of college life and post-college life in a place that I felt comfortable in and understood. Moving to Denver was a whole new ball game for me. Like all adventures, we had our ups and downs, but we learned so much and grew from it. Can you see where I'm going here....?<br />
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I've been itching for the past few years. Looking for jobs around the world. Applying for this and that and praying to the job gods that something comes through.... zip, zilch, nada. And then, I got laid off in the Fall of 2015, started my own business, acquired a kick-ass business partner and focused on that while doing a bunch of side projects and letting my creative juices flow. Slowly but surely, I started floating the idea of selling our house to my spouse and moving somewhere else. A lot of conversations were had, many things discussed and a lot of mulling over took place.<br />
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Where would we go? Anywhere. Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico seemed like good choices because it wouldn't be hard to obtain residency in any of those places. While I love many parts of Canada and do speak some French, I wanted a place where our child would be immersed in Spanish - so that was out. The more research we did on Mexico, the more nervous I got about safety because the very specific part of the country I wanted to move to. It also seemed to familiar. And if Mexico seemed familiar, well, Costa Rica was then clearly out of the question being incredibly familiar - not really an adventure but more an extended stay vacation that would rarely pull us out of our comfort zone. And while the idea of our child being much more knowledgeable about where I grew up and being surrounded by friends and family was extremely appealing, it just didn't feel right.<br />
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So now, what? Ecuador? Peru? Argentina? Chile? Colombia? We wanted a place that was new to all of us, that was Spanish-speaking, where I would be happy with the weather most of the time (yeah, humidity and heat are not friends of mine and make me a really cranky person), that would allow us to explore and travel but also be enticing for our friends and family to come visit.... what about.... Spain? Extensive research was done, pros and cons weighed and well - we're in Spain!<br />
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Is it totally bonkers to sell your house, pick up and move to a country you have never been too before? Um, you know what the name of this blog is, right?<br />
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Don't get me wrong. Our life in Denver was good. It was steady and predictable in the most comforting of ways. I knew what to expect, how to navigate things and where to find anything I needed. And yet, I also had a very high level of anxiety and stress. Our family was in a perpetual state of "fine" and "chugging along". Which, by no means, should be categorized as something negative it just... isn't what we want out of our lives. Life is an amazing journey with so much adventure waiting to happen and we had a choice; we could stay or we could go. We could make things happen or stay complacent.<br />
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The poet Seamus Heaney wrote: The way we are living, timorous or bold, will have been our life.<br />
Well, this is us. Being bold.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-42253359775944779272017-08-16T22:12:00.003-06:002017-08-16T22:12:58.775-06:00Hello?Hey!<br />
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So, yeah.... it has been 3 and a half years since I last posted anything on my blog - WHAT. THE. HELL? Yeah well, what can I say... things got a little busy. And I've been tired a lot because raising a tiny human isn't as easy as everyone else makes it look, you know you are basically teaching them how to do EVERYTHING. And I don't mean the easy stuff either like how to walk or whatever but how to blow their noses (think about how you learned to blow your nose - it ain't an easy thing to teach nor to learn), saying please and thank you, coughing into your elbow, not putting everything you come into contact with into your mouth, etc. And now that we're finally to the stage where the child can refrain from trying to be a suicidal stunt-person for more than 5 minutes at a time, things seem to be calming down a little and I'm back!<br />
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For those parents who manage to raise a kid or kids under 5 AND work on a blog, kudos to you!<br />
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Anyhow... so, what have we been up to? Well - all sorts. But I think you'll be most interested in what we've been doing the past few months.<br />
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Our family is moving! There has been a lot pushing us in this direction and now we are finally here. We sold our house and moved out late April, waited for the school year to be over mid-May and then headed on a road trip through parts of the west coast. We've spent the rest of the summer in the rural community of Westcliffe, CO right in the Sangre de Cristos Mountain Range (a new post dedicated just to this summer will be coming up soon) and in less than two weeks will be moving to..... Spain!<br />
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So, be on the look out for upcoming posts on the move, our travels, etc. I'm super excited to see what happens - hope you join us on this adventure!<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-7154991324148483472013-12-31T15:26:00.001-07:002013-12-31T15:26:58.284-07:00Gratitude<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a friend, someone I went to high school with but haven't seen since my freshman year in college. She is very religious and spiritual. At the end/start of every year, she prays until the word for the year comes to her. This is <i>the</i> word, an inspiration or direction, for the entire year. Previous words of the year have included contentment, joy, determination. Every year, I've followed with interest what the word of the year will be, mostly because even though I am not a religious person, I find it an interesting way to deal with whatever God/the universe/life (you pick) brings to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As of yet, I haven't had any revelations for a word to guide me at the start of a year </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(maybe because I don't pray?) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">BUT as I review the past year, one word does come to mind, a word I've been feeling in a very present and constant way all year long: gratitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I was pregnant, I often thought about what I wanted out of life for Bundle. My wishes for her were: may she be healthy and loved aplenty. You see, while I was a healthy child overall, as I look back at my childhood what I mostly remember was being loved. Not by throngs of people but by a few select, wonderful people who I could count on no matter what. Did I have a perfect childhood? Far from it. But I knew that I had the unconditional love and support of those few and that allowed me to be independent, self-assured and to be where and who I am today. So, I didn't feel that love from some people that I was supposed to feel/get that from? It turns out, that's okay, it wasn't needed after all and I might be the better for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But as for the wishes of a new mother, you might be thinking: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. And yet - this beggar is definitely riding a horse! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't get me wrong. We've had a year with many ups and downs but that doesn't rid me of my gratitude. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7jQxAUt9LROtHIS9FxJpvVimF1qNUt_PHQ4jpgWft9kePlEiwz8FtC4GGkviM2zdTETtnBDT644JyZHmKe1zw6aa-wMvEoVNaVJXUjrsG5X0gRE_BEGv1W4WIpHcHkox9EB0eaNgayc/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7jQxAUt9LROtHIS9FxJpvVimF1qNUt_PHQ4jpgWft9kePlEiwz8FtC4GGkviM2zdTETtnBDT644JyZHmKe1zw6aa-wMvEoVNaVJXUjrsG5X0gRE_BEGv1W4WIpHcHkox9EB0eaNgayc/s200/IMG_0589.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the most notable downs was the loss of our 12 year old canine soul mate Aggie in January, and yet, even at that time; gratitude. Gratitude that we have an awesome vet who loved our dog almost just as much as we have. A vet who showed deep compassion, understanding and was willing to go along with our madness (feel free to ask me about the madness later on if you wish to know more details). A staff at the vet clinic full of kindness and sensitivity. Sympathetic friends who at a moment's notice took care of Bundle and gave us the opportunity and time to give our dog undivided attention in his last moments with us. In the past year we cried, we lost, we got mad and/or hurt, we were disappointed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The year brought many ups as well. We grew as people. We were a part of many of Bundle's milestones and most of her daily living. We added new and wonderful people to our lives. We had adventures, improved our living conditions (new carpet!), got healthier, and laughed often. We learned so much, were reminded of things forgotten and we reconnected. We were able to spend lots of time with family (and that includes friends that are considered family), including going to Costa Rica for Christmas for the first time in 14 years! And again, the take-away from all of our ups has been: gratitude. Gratitude that Bundle has a grandmother that will drive two and a half hours each way, in a single day, to spend a few hours with her at the Christmas Market. A Tita who will move earth and water for her and a Tito who although is not biologically related to her adores and loves her like no other. Cousins who I swear are going to wear out her name from saying it so much (to get her attention) but love playing with her, picking her up and sharing their stuff. Aunts who don't hesitate to change diapers, (even the poopy ones!), are always willing to give advice, and lend a helping hand to her parents. Uncles who without even meeting her or uncles who get to hang out with her often, spoil her and make her giggle. Oodles of love, hugs, and kisses from all of our friends and family. Bundle is loved aplenty, from near and far, by many - and by extension, so are her parents. Having my wishes come true for Bundle and being given this past year, find me filled with gratitude, feeling fortunate, and privileged for having gone through it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, thank you - to all of you, for being a part of our lives, enriching and making them better. We love you all! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">May 2014 be filled with laughter, adventure, love, and peace for all - we can't wait!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-69704978822600230622013-06-24T03:42:00.000-06:002013-06-24T03:43:14.952-06:00The best egg rolls e-vah! (Yeah I said it)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was back in college (it's impolite to ask how long ago that was so: don't), I bought a package of egg roll wraps at the store to try and figure out something to do with them. Coincidently, the package comes with a recipe suggestion which was the foundation for the recipe that I have used over and over again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, first let me tell you that my egg rolls are NOT meant to be eaten as an appetizer, you can have two or even three of these and have it be your meal, period. Secondly, these are not an everyday meal <strike>although I will confess that shortly after graduating from college I ate these egg rolls for a whole week straight, breakfast, lunch and dinner</strike>... these are the "I'm starting my diet tomorrow and want to pig out" or "I had the bestest, most awesomest day ever and don't want to go drop a huge chunk of change on dinner out" kind of egg rolls, okay? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So don't go thinking I'm suggesting you incorporate these into your monthly repertoire cause, I'm not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are also non-traditional egg rolls - no mushy cabbage/carrot combo here, these get filled with real yummy stuff. First, I cook whatever veggies sound good (or use leftover roasted or grilled veggies from the night before) - in this case I had a bunch of cauliflower, broccoli and snap peas. I roasted the first two and sauted the snap peas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQb-v_wUUYImsIbrQRPuHW4hzdpYvSnRpte9sAkxCWJFP05AAZ3yksGftFmvZsE6-iPtcW3Cj7npvL9MNtgacQQAX3WPWZFQUMSdO4KqBUwNxqrapQSgIYK2nJ8YOPPUt0L7GZna-Kso/s1600/DSCF1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQb-v_wUUYImsIbrQRPuHW4hzdpYvSnRpte9sAkxCWJFP05AAZ3yksGftFmvZsE6-iPtcW3Cj7npvL9MNtgacQQAX3WPWZFQUMSdO4KqBUwNxqrapQSgIYK2nJ8YOPPUt0L7GZna-Kso/s200/DSCF1098.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8bvzUPcbIOS3T_OpNzfsSuDfTHn_bnsWRtaq62PZDj_1dQZud3YcUOL0RXcm0iA1mYxXF3334OICEMerd4_9M0rgP5VGc4pWtsCcMh-BUw1Oyi1encCZftYJ9k2kurKuoW2Uo007LZ8/s1600/DSCF1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8bvzUPcbIOS3T_OpNzfsSuDfTHn_bnsWRtaq62PZDj_1dQZud3YcUOL0RXcm0iA1mYxXF3334OICEMerd4_9M0rgP5VGc4pWtsCcMh-BUw1Oyi1encCZftYJ9k2kurKuoW2Uo007LZ8/s200/DSCF1101.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then, I dice up the chicken and coat it in a mixture of cornstarch and soy sauce, trust me on this! If you use 1 TBSP of cornstarch, you need 2 of soy sauce to dissolve it in, I just eyeball it depending on the amount of chicken I'm cooking (for this recipe I had 4 chicken breasts), in this case I had about 3 TBSPs of cornstarch and 6 of the soy sauce.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken - Before, aka Raw</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I decided to add some julienned carrots to the cooked veggie mixture for an extra crunch and flavor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0C-13_HB9xIAC1XPl4r38OMOgsoPES5mEjPz98ogpnxNpD-ieg0gFNnqBsQNP1N5DVfvLE0ji2qDD2kq3VK6zomjDNjX7Iemy_HP1ZhO4DiPCfx_41zkwF22gx0v2dt9CenEuCRYPGY/s1600/DSCF1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0C-13_HB9xIAC1XPl4r38OMOgsoPES5mEjPz98ogpnxNpD-ieg0gFNnqBsQNP1N5DVfvLE0ji2qDD2kq3VK6zomjDNjX7Iemy_HP1ZhO4DiPCfx_41zkwF22gx0v2dt9CenEuCRYPGY/s320/DSCF1103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let the chicken caramelize in the pan - the cornstarch/soy sauce combo will give it this fantastic end result coating that I have never achieved when using anything else. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken After, aka Mmmm, Delicious</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating up the oil</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you have all of the ingredients ready, you can start to roll the egg rolls. If you don't know how, you can follow the directions that come on the back of the package OR since we live in a much more modern era now, I'm sure you can find a youtube video showing you how to do it. Mine are never the perfect specimen of an egg roll, but I don't care cause they still taste freaking awesome!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqZ-lFrykEnEjR9AKTZEIzL0oqH58kRz2repf9fYDiiEgbdZudhnezIZkWcRZvnF7vracQy3W6y0zof1btV2fa6pgpN3jE08T66ww_r5UhF8xTyP-eNlXe0l_5GxT47OJNDFXDsdNVVU/s1600/DSCF1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqZ-lFrykEnEjR9AKTZEIzL0oqH58kRz2repf9fYDiiEgbdZudhnezIZkWcRZvnF7vracQy3W6y0zof1btV2fa6pgpN3jE08T66ww_r5UhF8xTyP-eNlXe0l_5GxT47OJNDFXDsdNVVU/s320/DSCF1106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the egg rolls filled</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filled and awaiting an oil bath</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cook the egg rolls until they are golden brown - whichever level of golden brown you prefer. Serve two per person with some soy sauce for dipping. I recommend that you cut them in half to let some of the heat out (cause you don't want to burn your mouth) first.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batch numbers one and two</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batch number three</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE2btycF3WhLV4cG3EuEkYY3t4Vt_Hbe_mJJjTKkb9Tro6josZ40sGbnMVoKDuHN_JzTl5VGXIBKZ3dDHQOeWWnIRzgBUZ5aE-JffImMfwadVuwpDc7gm_O1zC2mQd1s1fV2y2_EBoog/s1600/DSCF1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSE2btycF3WhLV4cG3EuEkYY3t4Vt_Hbe_mJJjTKkb9Tro6josZ40sGbnMVoKDuHN_JzTl5VGXIBKZ3dDHQOeWWnIRzgBUZ5aE-JffImMfwadVuwpDc7gm_O1zC2mQd1s1fV2y2_EBoog/s320/DSCF1100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cutest sous chef!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This particular recipe yielded 16 egg rolls, meaning I had enough filling for that number. If you happen to have leftovers: for reheating I recommend that you nuke them for a minute and then stick them in your toaster oven or regular oven and bake them for a little bit to get them to crisp up again before you devour them. However, these are best eaten fresh, enjoy!!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-9047445671820673522013-06-16T18:16:00.000-06:002013-06-16T18:16:04.942-06:00Action expresses priorities<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clearly my inactivity on my blog (nothing since December) explains my priorities... I have to be honest, I can't really rate them in order of importance because I think there is a big mosh pit of priorities all at the top vying for the number one spot and I find that I just have to cycle through them as best as I can - talk about learning to juggle! But this blog has not been a part of the mosh pit, it has stood quietly swaying to the music, in the back row, watching everyone else go at it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, here's my dilema: I have a ton of ideas about what I want to write about but no freaking clue where to start. Things like mommy brain, traveling internationally with a 5 month old, baby adventures/personality/frame-of-mind, yummy recipes, celebrations, my opinion of things like Mother's and Father's days and what happens on Facebook during these and any other "holidays", and much more. If I could just straighten out the jumble in my brain I could get started....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year, shortly after I became pregnant I read an article in <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/02/19/the-pregnant-brain-how-mothers-think-differently.html" target="_blank">Newsweek</a> that talked about how a woman's brain goes under "maternal programming" which basically involves memory loss in order to make room for new capacities to be a good mommy. Let me just say that this is an ongoing issue for me, this nagging feeling that I have to take care of something but can't remember what that something is (which often happens at the office). I find myself interrupting people often and my interruption normally begins with "I'm sorry I'm interrupting you but if I don't get this out now it will be gone from my brain for who knows how long and I need you to know this before I forget it AGAIN". Yes, like Sisyphus, my memory issues have become my boulder -although it is yet to be determined if I will have to deal with this for an eternity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having read this article and the study linked to it has at least made me feel better about the memory problems. I don't feel as if I'm losing it completely. Every time I have this issue I remind myself that it allowed me to acquire other much needed abilities to better care for my child. But here's the thing... dementia and Alzheimer's Disease run in my family. Since around 10 years of age I have worked constantly on my memory abilities and my memory was a source of pride for me (not so much now). Additionally, since 2004 I've worked at keeping up my language skills, making sure my diet has plenty of omega 3 fatty acids, doing crossword puzzles, reading and any other mental exercise I find to be fun in order to maintain to the most important of muscles in good shape. My brain has for a long time, held more importance to me than my body - I watched my maternal grandmother "live" with Alzheimer's Disease for 10 years, let's just say that the last few years I use the verb living in a very liberal manner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My brain was also affected by pregnancy in another way. Things I used to "care" about like assigning blame to the correct person <strike>most of the time this would have been DH</strike>, no longer hold any importance to me. I don't care if you were the last person to use the snow scraper and now I can't find it (so you're going to get yelled at for this infraction) and the windshield needs to be cleaned so that we can make it wherever we are going. What matters is that it's cold, the baby is in the car and I don't want her to be cold so we need to get going to warm up the car faster and in order to get going we need to clean the windshield so we NEED to find the scraper and get the windshield cleaned ASAP. I must admit I'm glad to be rid of this part of my personality, I had tried for many years to not care about petty stuff like that but having Bundle "fixed" my brain and this issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have decided that the blog needs to move closer to the mosh pit and further away from the back row, so hopefully, I'll start posting regularly - no promises though. Now that you have a better glimpse of my "mommy" brain, I hope you understand. And if you just need to know what's going on, email or call - I'd love to hear from you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">XO ~ Jenny</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-11589969593936696662012-12-22T00:33:00.001-07:002013-06-24T03:44:07.707-06:00Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My, my, my... how things have changed! Bundle is now 7 weeks old, can you believe it?!?!? DH and I have made it 7 weeks without killing or maiming the kid - I think that is news to celebrate! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't think it's news though that Bundle's parents love food and love the opportunity to go eat out when they can get it. In her 7 little weeks, Bundle has been to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Grand Lux after taking her holiday pictures, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Sushi Sasa, Izakaya Den, and Sushi Katsu - hey sushi was on the off-limits list </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">mom </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for 9 MONTHS, and therefore dad couldn't have any so they've been </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> a little </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">deprived </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and had to make up for it - hey, I didn't ask DH to give up </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> booze, the least </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he could do was not torture me by eating sushi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - The 9th Door for tapas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - Super Star Asian Kitchen for dim sum </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - a quick bite before the art museum at Katie Mullen's Irish Pub </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> - and... Benihana's - with Papa and Nana</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yep, this kid gets around, foodie in the making! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She's also been to the Denver Art Museum to see the "Becoming Van Gogh" exhibit during which she was very alert, than ate (loudly, this kid makes sucking noises like there is NO tomorrow and her food is going out of style) and to top it off didn't bother to burp - she belched, drunk Barney from The Simpsons style. Patrons around us couldn't help but laugh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, back to the point. DH and I have taken notice of the reactions from other patrons and employees at all of these food establishments towards our Bundle <i>and</i> which places are kid friendly (meaning they have a changing table, we don't care about a kid's menu), and only one of them fit that bill. Before you UGH and sigh loudly in exasperation, please know that Bundle has been well behaved at each and everyone of those places, never losing her cool (until we are getting ready to leave and stuff her back in the car seat and even then she isn't loud) and sometimes sleeping through most or all of the meal. The thing is, now is the perfect time to take her because she is pretty easy and doesn't need much entertaining and easily falls asleep. Also, DH and I are of the philosophy that going out to dinner is one of the most fundamental social educations a child can receive. Sitting and having dinner at a public establishment is a force for civilization. The sooner Bundle feels that force, the better she'll adjust. Lastly, how are we ever going to teach her how to properly behave in restaurants if we aren't allowed to take her?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although so far we haven't had any restaurant employees balk when they see her, other patrons certainly take notice. They fit into one of the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a- could care less and don't even seem to notice (we used to fall into this category)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">b- love seeing her and desperately want to hold her</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">c- balk - big time - act like their evening has been ruined by having a sleeping baby sit next to or near to them. Let me just say that the people who fall into this category get on my freaking nerves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since we used to fall into the A category, we have certainly been in for a rude awakening, and guess what? We are not in Kansas any more. DH and I are not used to getting dirty looks on a regular basis (okay, so I am but I'm normally the cause and am well aware of what I'm doing to deserve them), repeatedly during the course of a meal while at the same time getting these adoring, doe-eyed looks - mostly these are directed at DH when he is doing his daddy duty and simply holding Bundle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I remember being taken out to eat by my grandparents often, some of those places were "family-friendly" and some were not. My grandmother also insisted on taking us a few times a year to a very fancy place for tea and we would receive "going out to eat" manner lessons at those teas as well, from how to politely address the server, to which fork to use or how to sit at a table. Never a dirty look from anyone. It may be that these events took place in Costa Rica, where children are seen and heard, and people don't have a problem with it. Kids are a part of life and are therefore expected to show up, well, everywhere. Although I thought I was over the "culture clash" phase of living in the US, having a baby is bringing all sorts of issues up to the surface, hmmmm..... this might be fodder for another blog post, but I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have you had this happen to you if you have kids? If you don't have kids, how do you feel about having them dine out and why? Would really like to hear some thoughts on this so please share!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-20190762190693728402012-11-21T01:43:00.000-07:002013-06-24T03:44:29.387-06:00Omwana taba womoi, or, It takes a village to raise a child<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't think it's a secret, at least not to the people who have been around me for the past couple of years, how much I love the Pacific Northwest. The love affair started many moons ago with a cookbook called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Northwest-The-Beautiful-Cookbook/dp/0002551519">Pacific Northwest: The Beautiful Cookbook by Kathy Casey</a>. I don't know why but the pictures and recipes in that book just spoke to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At long last, DH and I had the chance to go visit some long time family friends in 2010 and then again in 2011, let's just say it was love at first sight and I fell hard. Since our first trip DH has heard me repeatedly say things about us moving out there, how I love the water, the climate, the people, etc., on and on... I looked for and applied to jobs out there with the plan that if I was offered one, we would move out and then DH would have to find something there as well, (hang in there, I swear this is going somewhere)...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Water</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd6zeqxfgw83nwpxYRQ3cWxHEuFLRWaQALM5ltpdvZSqvUDiN9VVWj6uBoe12uEINopMNUPmFyzQRBXoYqpFx4w83lzbtFYM2Vj2Vy02B0pX8NOdqlKNN2okAW0qm0MKibyUPSuGfeL4/s1600/OP52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd6zeqxfgw83nwpxYRQ3cWxHEuFLRWaQALM5ltpdvZSqvUDiN9VVWj6uBoe12uEINopMNUPmFyzQRBXoYqpFx4w83lzbtFYM2Vj2Vy02B0pX8NOdqlKNN2okAW0qm0MKibyUPSuGfeL4/s200/OP52.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and mountains...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't think my pictures do the place justice, but you get the point...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But then, things changed. First, I got pregnant (no biggie, right?) and felt like I was sleep walking through life for the first few months. I was exhausted all the time, my brain didn't function properly and I was sick for what felt like non-stop. I was grateful that I wasn't at a new job, with new coworkers/boss having to prove myself to them, instead I was in what I might call a "loving" environment, working for and with people who knew me, what I was capable of, and were patient and understanding of my circumstances. Unexpectedly, events during this past summer in the community I work in further changed my situation. All of a sudden, my program was getting local, state and national coverage (check me out on NPR and the BBC, links and autographs sent for free) and I was being recognized at a higher level than ever before for my work... career-wise, it was time to stay put.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the same time, the people in our lives reminded us what community really meant. From the very beginning, we received tons of help and advice with my pregnancy. Congratulations and enthusiasm when we felt like deer caught in headlights. Lemon and ginger teas, sour patch goodies, almonds, crackers and preggie pops to help with the constant nausea and vomiting. Chat fests and moral support to let me vent, ask questions and voice my insanity. Three different baby showers! And then came the hand-me-downs of clothes and all sorts of other goodies to stock baby for the first 9 months at the very least. In all that we also had a savvy bargain hunter (and advice guru) who helped locate a Pack-n-Play and a Bobby pillow. Our baby would lack nothing because of our community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then, the child who from now on in the blog will be known as "Bundle" (at this time it stands for bundle of joy but it could be bundle of "I'm going out of my mind" or bundle of Chinese sleep deprivation torture, etc., at some point as well) came along... she's only two and a half weeks old but I am so in love! (Yes, go ahead and get mushy on me, but only briefly!) Both DH and I are enchanted by this little one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bundle has reminded me and opened my eyes as to how lucky we are. Lucky and grateful, because she's perfectly healthy (we were worried about jaundice and diabetes for a minute there), she has 10 fingers and 10 toes, the cutest facial expressions and hilarious little noises and squeaks come out of her. Lucky and grateful because even though my relatives all live far away from her, we have a ton of aunties and uncles, who are all here (or a phone call away), ready and willing to lend a hand, give support and love her and her parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do I still yearn to live in the Pacific Northwest? Absolutely. But for now, I'm happy and extremely grateful that we don't live there. That we are in the right place and the right time for our Bundle to have this lovely village that is here for her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To all of you who have helped and supported us - THANK YOU! We don't know what we would do without you!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-59078248040270569552012-10-30T01:08:00.000-06:002013-06-24T03:44:45.245-06:00The Pregnancy Fairy<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This blog post is not meant to be insensitive. If you're trying or have tried to get pregnant and weren't or haven't been able to, I'm sorry. This isn't meant as something to rub in your face or me being ungrateful for what has been happening and is about to happen in my life - it's me venting... so, if this upsets you, please stop reading now.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a woman who wanted to have a baby, and one day the Pregnancy Fairy visited her and granted her this wish and they lived happily ever - WTF?!?!? Oh no!!! The Pregnancy Fairy is a b (rhymes with witch). Why, you might wonder... well because the Pregnancy Fairy is a lot like Rumpelstiltskin, she'll grant you the wish but it'll cost you - and dearly. How, you ask? Well, some people have really great pregnancies and they barely have any pregnancy symptoms (you are SO lucky and I totally envy you, how did you manage to pay off the Pregnancy Fairy?). Others have one symptom right after the other, even up to the very end they have something or other pop up. Guess which category I fit into?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let her fool you, she's an evil and mean fairy...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like to think that I'm overall an easy-going person. I am very organized and have to be for my job but as with everything, there comes a moment where I just say, I've organized and prepared and now I'm gonna wing it (so this makes me easy-going, not irresponsible). I am also the opposite of DH (a perfectionist) when doing a project, say like building a garden box. DH builds the box and leaves it unattended with me hanging around, I am so excited to start planting that I just start dumping soil into the box. DH's reaction to this: "What are you doing? Do you want to do it right or do you just want to dump soil and start planting and see what grows?!?!" I stay quiet knowing that my answer being the latter is probably not the right one to give. DH: "Cause the right thing to do is to line the box with weed fabric and <i>then</i> start dumping soil in there", me: "oops". But since I already "ruined" the project, might as well finish dumping the soil, plant stuff and see what grows. If this involves weeds sprouting through I may never hear the end of it, oh well. But, I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What pregnancy has made me realize is that when I'm "winging" something, I'm normally in control of my body. I can make my body go and go and go without feeding it for hours or taking a pee break, I can make my body push through pain to accomplish what I want. Then comes the Pregnancy Fairy and she poops on your parade while putting the brakes on you having control of anything you might want your body to do. I've often wondered if my attitude towards the Fairy has made things worse... or maybe (gulp), my age?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm tempted to list all of the many gifts the Fairy has given me but somewhere along the way that would become an over share, but I will give you a few:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> carpal tunnel syndrome</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> intense vomiting and nausea lasting until I was 6 months along</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> gestational diabetes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> sciatica</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> swelling (especially my feet)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> extreme fatigue </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> insomnia (with random bouts of falling asleep nilly-willy in the middle of the day) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> numbness in my hands</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> atypical migraine in combination with bells palsy (which started as a possible stroke)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> skin tags</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> hormonal outbursts and crying</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> overexertion followed by BHC (Braxton Hicks Contractions)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> extreme exhaustion... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and of course who can forget the growing belly which limits and restricts many of my movements.... <i>and</i>.... I'll stop there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although please believe I could keep going, and it doesn't get any prettier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week, when I am so close to my due date, the fairy showed up with yet another gift (after she gave me what seemed to be a pretty big serious present last week) - I wish just for once she'd give me a gift receipt along with it or just refrain from being so dang generous.</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-62026960720270901752012-09-16T13:19:00.001-06:002013-06-24T03:45:27.441-06:00The best and the worst in the land of the opinionated<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, I had been avoiding posting (although I started writing several posts) because frankly I'm tired, have a to-do list a mile long and most of my thinking is consumed by either work or pregnancy.... and I thought people wouldn't be interested in reading about that. But what do I know, maybe you do want to read about it, so here goes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to say (and those of you who have been through this will chuckle in a minute) that pregnancy brings out the worst and best in people who interact with the pregnant person. While at Lowe's I get offered multiple times not only help in finding something I need but also a: "would you like some water?" At the MicroCenter when picking up some computer stuff for my DH that they can't seem to find, keep me waiting for an extra 20 minutes and perhaps I get a touch testy, the employee was super nice and even gave me a great discount for "all my troubles". At the dry cleaner's I'm asked if I'm all set because I look like I'm going to burst "any minute", and when I explain that I still have a few more months to go I get asked if I'm having twins... let me just reassure you that we now have a new dry cleaner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the biggest thing I have found to be both the best and the worst of pregnancy is people giving me (and DH) advice. If you are one of the people who fit in this category let me clarify. I really appreciate and find it to be a good thing to get advice from people who know me, aka friends and family. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For example, someone I went to college with and is now a Facebook friend got me linked into Amazon Mom - this is good advice that I appreciate. I also have no problem when someone tells me what worked for them in a non-pushy way as if saying: babies are all different, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for the other and here is what worked for mine, in case you want some more info.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the other hand, DH's physical therapist telling him that we <u>need</u> to have certain sleeping arrangements for the baby, in my book is what I consider not-such-great advice. Why? Because DH's physical therapist doesn't know us, he sees DH twice a month (for the past 8 months) and shares his words of wisdom without having a clue what DH and I are like, what our arrangements are, etc. And this kind of thing happens ALL THE TIME.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At first, I thought this was just one of those things, you know, like weddings - pregnancy and babies brought out the "advice" giver in people. But slowly, I started to realize that I haven't received unsolicited advice from people outside of Colorado. People online or on the phone don't just offer it up, during our visit to Ohio no one had any pearls of wisdom to share and in Mexico City no tips were given. People showed interest and asked questions but didn't volunteer their opinion. So much interest was shown that while in Ohio we did contemplate getting a t-shirt that said something like "it's a girl, she's due first week of November, no we don't have a name yet and yes, it's our first".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You may think that my opinion on advice is a touch harsh but, have you ever lived in Colorado? People here who you don't know from Adam feel <strike>they have the right</strike>, they are honor-bound, nay that it is their duty, to share and inform you on what is best for you, especially when it comes to pregnancy and a baby. At first, I thought this was just a "me" thing, being hormonal and whatnot - I was just seeing people in an un-kind way. However, a recent trip with a male colleague who is from Minnesota (but has lived in Colorado for 3+ years) further supported my position when he said "people in Colorado are too opinionated, and they always feel like they need to share, when I have kids, I hope we are no longer living in Colorado". 'Nough said!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would love to hear your stories of what advice/opinions people gave you (or your DH) during this time in your life!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-2153888766788815242012-05-20T23:46:00.000-06:002013-06-24T03:44:59.527-06:00Just call me a fuddy-duddy<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An adjective that I would normally not use to describe myself but, there are always firsts. And here is why. I grew up in a very traditional time in a traditional country... during my formative years I was taught to address everyone who was clearly "older" (I'd say 25 and up) in a couple different ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don/Doña - which doesn't have a direct translation into English but it's essentially a title of courtesy proceeding a man/woman's first name, roughly translated into Lord/Lady - or if you grew up in the South it would be the equivalent of using Mrs. Mary, Mr. Robert or Miss Kathie before a given name as a sign of respect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="ES-CR">TÃo/</span><span lang="ES-CR"></span><o:p></o:p>TÃa - meaning Uncle/Aunt in Spanish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Which "title" you were given varied on your relationship to my family (and my parent's choice). If the person was a close friend of my parents, older cousin of my parents or grandparents, godparent, or the likes, they received the familial title - otherwise everyone else was relegated the more formal title.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why do I bring this up? Because it flabbergasts me repeatedly how children in the US are not given direction by their parents as to how to address their elders. It chafes me to no end to have a 4 year old address me by my given name as though we were equals, but what else is the kid supposed to do other than revert to the "hey, you" or go with the name they hear the parents use? Rarely have I had a parent "introduce" me to their child so that they know how to address me. Occasionally, parents will introduce me as "title" Jenny but then fail to use it themselves when referring to me, thus confusing their child. And while I am fine with adults addressing me by my given name I find it incredibly rude to have a child do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I understand that many people find it okay to have their children refer to their elders by their first name, this is just not something that we see eye to eye on. I don't believe having children be formal and giving respect verbally to an elder makes them a milquetoast child, but rather one who respects age and knowledge - plus I hope we teach our child that not every adult deserves respect but you should still address them accordingly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, I recently read an <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nina-badzin/kids-manners_b_1518714.html">article</a> on this matter. Mom and Dad were divided, Mom wanting to not be a fuddy-duddy, and Dad being a traditionalist, and how they worked it out. This led to a very short discussion on the matter with DH, luckily, we both agree in this area, even though he didn't grow up with such formality (but he has been listening to me b**** about it for many years).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Additionally, I was taught to finish most statements with sir or ma'am, an example of what would happen in our household growing up:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mother (yelling from the opposite end of the house): JJJJJEEEEEENNNNNYYYYYY!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me (as I walked toward the end of the house she was in): Yes, ma'am? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A couple of times I dared to answer back: What? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To which the response from my mother was a mixture of controlled fury and indignation: What did you just say?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: I mean, yes ma'am?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mother: That's better...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, I don't entirely know if I will instill in our child to always use ma'am and sir with DH and I, but definitely with others. Watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, you'll notice how he addresses elders and how polite it comes across, I love it! (Clearly, this doesn't mean that if you haven't raised your child this way, your child isn't polite, I am just stating my preference.) However, you can count on the fact that if you get introduced to our child it will be one of three ways: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss/Ms/Mr First Name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss/Ms/Mr Last Name</span></div>
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<span lang="ES-CR" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TÃo/</span><span lang="ES-CR" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><o:p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TÃa or Uncle/Aunt First Name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are welcome to state your preference for what you would like to be called or we can assign you a title, but whatever happens please don't ever say to our child: "oh, just call me (insert given name here)" because you know that mixture of controlled fury and indignation I mentioned my mother having? It happens to be a familial trait. So, just let me be a fuddy-duddy, okay?</span></div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-51924427110780105452012-05-20T20:52:00.001-06:002013-06-24T03:46:10.393-06:00WHAT THE WHAT ......?<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, over the past several weeks I have tried and tried to figure out how to write this post and get it out of the way. Most likely when I am done with this I will be dissatisfied but, what the heck, right? For those of you who missed the news, DH and I are having a baby. Yes, I admit I obtusely "announced" this on Facebook a few weeks ago through my twisted sense of humor and not everyone caught it, sorry I can't help myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And I apologize that I have not been keeping the blog current, at first I was tired ALL the time, and randomly falling asleep (I still do this but not nearly as much). I was so nauseous that the smell of the inside of our refrigerator was torture for me so I took a cooking hiatus for a couple of months, therefore no food posts. And finally, what little brain power I had left was dedicated to keeping things together and trying to get work done. Hopefully, I will be able to stay on top of things for a few months!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh! And if you have any questions (or you're just curious), feel free to ask - I will try to answer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-57154495786746817342012-02-17T00:43:00.000-07:002012-02-17T00:43:30.902-07:00Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I lie. Don't judge, cause you do it too. Really. We all do it, <i>ALL</i> the time. Don't try denying it cause then you'd be lying. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We lie because it makes social interactions go smoothly. We lie because we know that words can sting and hurt. We lie because we want to make our friends and loved ones feel better. We lie because we don't want to be rejected or punished. We lie to save face, to avoid conflict, and to keep from rocking the boat. We lie to avoid having to face an unpleasant truth about ourselves. I mainly lie to not feel judged. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When DH and I first starting dating we made a pact. When you ask the other person "are you lying?" they must absolutely answer with the truth (so either yes or no). These interactions go something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Me: Did you do x, y and z?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> DH: Mhm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Me: Are you lying?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> DH: Mhm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Me: Please go do x, y and z, ASAP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You don't have to explain why you lied, you just have to tell the truth. Sometimes, we answer with "maybe". This is normally followed by an explanation like: yes, I am lying, but otherwise it'll spoil the surprise. The other person will then let the issue go. I don't know why but it has worked for 15 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This pact however, has not stopped me from lying to the rest of the world. In the past few years I have tried to practice having honest relationships with people. This can be really hard to do because it seems to me that people want to be lied to. With some friends I can say something like: "I know we made plans but I'm really not up to it", I can explain to these friends why I don't want to do it and they don't judge. I can say anything including: I'm just not in the mood, I just want to hang out on my couch by myself, I'm feeling grumpy cause I got in an argument with someone or I'm tired. Most people don't want to hear this. They want you to suck it up and put on a good face. They think it's about them and take things personally, feelings get hurt and so on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, my solution to this is that I will now post the most common lies I use. I hope you read it and know that when I use these I just might be lying to you. Believing is your choice. But know that I would instead rather have the relationship where I could just give you an honest answer and not have our relationship suffer because of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The lies I say the most:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>1- I don't know. </b> This one buys me time to come up with a better way to respond with what you want to hear instead of just blurting whatever is on my mind and possibly hurting or upsetting you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>2- I didn't get the message.</b> Most likely I did get it and chose to ignore it for any number of reasons such as: I was in a bad mood, I didn't want to talk to you, I think you are an asshat and didn't care to help you out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>3- Mmmmm, this (insert food product here that you prepared) was so good - yum!</b> Cause if we're honest, you don't want to hear that I didn't like it or that you did something wrong like forget to add salt, overcooked it, or any other number of things. I am trying to not use this and instead just say something like: "thanks for sharing this, it was really nice of you to do", which it totally was nice of you to do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>4- I'm on my way. </b> And technically I am on my way, but just haven't made it as far on that way as you would expect/want. Perhaps I'm just getting out of bed and heading towards the shower but hey, you are my eventual destination. Don't judge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>5- I can't, I'm busy and I'd love to, but... </b>yeah, this means I wouldn't love to. Normally, when I would really love to but can't I say something more like: "aw, crap/damn". I'm also not busy, I just don't feel like it. And of course I can, but I don't want to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>6- That's cute. </b>No, probably not; at least not to me. But if you're asking me that's what you want to hear. I really want to say that I don't like it but it doesn't matter because we don't have the same taste and if you like it that's all that matters but you don't want to hear that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>7- That makes sense/I get it.</b> Because if I don't follow I look like a moron, and this moron doesn't like to be judged for being a moron who doesn't follow what you're saying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would never lie. I willfully participate in a campaign of misinformation. - Fox Mulder</span><br />
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</u></span></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-56325046469887522592012-01-12T01:20:00.000-07:002012-01-12T01:20:04.013-07:00Personal Manifesto for 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Uu6tpQU79jd6Ly_RhSx7SQG4ok3e3X4sJp47BrGHXSMxv7MwELPrXpRhHA2kgxBUpXXsGWNOMP4QLC2A6hWvRN9eMSdgJHHc-s6RgbiO4qApZUn38P_vAmhraPXYKxL0I9bYsS6XgZ8/s1600/2012+Manifesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Uu6tpQU79jd6Ly_RhSx7SQG4ok3e3X4sJp47BrGHXSMxv7MwELPrXpRhHA2kgxBUpXXsGWNOMP4QLC2A6hWvRN9eMSdgJHHc-s6RgbiO4qApZUn38P_vAmhraPXYKxL0I9bYsS6XgZ8/s640/2012+Manifesto.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-45293336674795895432012-01-03T23:01:00.001-07:002012-01-03T23:02:18.952-07:00Pepparkaka... which is to say Gingerbread in Swedish, although I agree it tastes like caca.<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, before I move forward with the obligatory New Year resolution post I have to tell you all about my Gingerbread Lane. I had never made a gingerbread house in my life before so I absolutely had to do it this year and I thought it would be a lot more fun with some friends to sucker into this. Cause adults decorating houses after drinking a little are way better at it than children have ever been.</span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will confess that I started out with the idea that I would make the dough, and then the parts AND the icing as well since I was to provide the brick and mortar but I just didn't have time/gumption/desire, etc. So I bought the houses already adorably made at IKEA and then bought the icing at my local supermarket's bakery. Guests brought the decorations...</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDeQVZSxRYk/TwPQt5JAE_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/Z-zK3ZCOX1o/s1600/2011-12-16_18-59-08_405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDeQVZSxRYk/TwPQt5JAE_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/Z-zK3ZCOX1o/s320/2011-12-16_18-59-08_405.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting all set up to start - notice the BIG bottle of wine a wonderful guest brought!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUOpmlYxzl8/TwPQ1VTvYOI/AAAAAAAAANA/4gvYUAGERI8/s1600/2011-12-16_19-24-26_287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUOpmlYxzl8/TwPQ1VTvYOI/AAAAAAAAANA/4gvYUAGERI8/s320/2011-12-16_19-24-26_287.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting started with the foundation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPzL6cgLB4I/TwPQ6xNIveI/AAAAAAAAANI/Y_IqsLu7NF8/s1600/2011-12-16_21-44-06_638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPzL6cgLB4I/TwPQ6xNIveI/AAAAAAAAANI/Y_IqsLu7NF8/s320/2011-12-16_21-44-06_638.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very first Gingerbread House!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qS71L42ieFU/TwPhIDEOgWI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ADvgDOLz6bM/s1600/2011-12-16_22-25-49_320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qS71L42ieFU/TwPhIDEOgWI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ADvgDOLz6bM/s320/2011-12-16_22-25-49_320.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful friend who brought the wine, also drank it - said she was inspired by the neighborhood we work in, rrrriiiigggghhhhttttt, it had nothing to do with the wine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npyvPuu2OMc/TwPhUXb29YI/AAAAAAAAAPk/OhTMON8Flc4/s1600/2011-12-16_22-31-36_532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npyvPuu2OMc/TwPhUXb29YI/AAAAAAAAAPk/OhTMON8Flc4/s320/2011-12-16_22-31-36_532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The experienced Gingerbread House decorator</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T6dLuBOm7M/TwPho6J8XAI/AAAAAAAAAPs/quLv31u5Dzg/s1600/2011-12-16_22-47-09_649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T6dLuBOm7M/TwPho6J8XAI/AAAAAAAAAPs/quLv31u5Dzg/s320/2011-12-16_22-47-09_649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KmA-A42I-E/TwPigCWjCKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/KEwGAjza24w/s1600/2011-12-16_23-04-54_626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KmA-A42I-E/TwPigCWjCKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/KEwGAjza24w/s320/2011-12-16_23-04-54_626.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gingerbread Lane...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ned-ekZGjIc/TwPi--qYllI/AAAAAAAAAQE/yZWLvCXvh6Q/s1600/2011-12-17_10-24-46_131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ned-ekZGjIc/TwPi--qYllI/AAAAAAAAAQE/yZWLvCXvh6Q/s320/2011-12-17_10-24-46_131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My house had to be relocated - for easy access.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DM5CjOFE_YQ/TwPjdK7iZpI/AAAAAAAAAQM/PgFrki7f1jk/s1600/2011-12-17_17-22-06_445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DM5CjOFE_YQ/TwPjdK7iZpI/AAAAAAAAAQM/PgFrki7f1jk/s320/2011-12-17_17-22-06_445.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the insurance claim after disaster struck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tons of fun, will most likely become a yearly tradition for adult friends to hang out, relax, have a little wine, eat tons of candy and if time allows decorate a gingerbread house!</span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-84470175828815913482011-12-14T21:14:00.001-07:002011-12-14T21:14:02.904-07:00My dog is a pirate gangsta.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our dog Aggie has a gazillion health issues. He had cataracts in both eyes which led to blindness, a retina being detached, glaucoma and having his left eye removed = pirate. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is also allergic to the state of Colorado, meaning prairie grass, aspen trees, flea saliva and pretty much anything living so he has a ton of skin conditions which have led to the thinning of his fur. DH thought it was <i>hi-la-rious</i> to buy Aggie a sweater that would help keep him warm in the style of a hoodie = gangsta. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A couple of weeks ago the temperature in Denver was frigid, below freezing, single digits and teens which meant Aggie needed to wear his sweater, I was the recipient of several picture text messages which made me think of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFK6H_CcuX8">Coolio's Gangstas Paradise</a> (it's okay to sing along)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"...As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there's nothing left, 'cause I've been blasting and laughing so long that even my momma thinks that my mind has gone..."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92lEaVwsKaFwjiQAAOaczBiO54SR3kLokxnCe_WyVCk3AuFy6HK5g6wtNA_lsRAKNVxUhuqPjuPOfSD9LWAD_tqx9TxdOB48_bTr79ey_eR1Ws-RouqcxBCeACeJXvmIBMAZZfW0fB2w/s1600/IMG_20111206_103637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92lEaVwsKaFwjiQAAOaczBiO54SR3kLokxnCe_WyVCk3AuFy6HK5g6wtNA_lsRAKNVxUhuqPjuPOfSD9LWAD_tqx9TxdOB48_bTr79ey_eR1Ws-RouqcxBCeACeJXvmIBMAZZfW0fB2w/s320/IMG_20111206_103637.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whatcha' doin', fool?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLunTuOTF__xlxaaaew0ef3J2WevICPQtvggGu4IYqjviJqF2mBXEZMGDuyGviVTmjmoTU8AUBzr-mQ3zx2oRXuOnDX5ypgNjB4H-3Sy9yswNqngFBaNPRNedth4PT94zCeCzbIA7kmTo/s1600/IMG_20111206_103854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLunTuOTF__xlxaaaew0ef3J2WevICPQtvggGu4IYqjviJqF2mBXEZMGDuyGviVTmjmoTU8AUBzr-mQ3zx2oRXuOnDX5ypgNjB4H-3Sy9yswNqngFBaNPRNedth4PT94zCeCzbIA7kmTo/s320/IMG_20111206_103854.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thug life</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfZsQRLCB8bSBf2_A8dlHvilCfthL0xZLD9WfDZQYzivJ6l4EgAAMhA76X9wqPZJ4zDTvcJl6kBUEE_6KMogLq3PFVVmf4Bi3rz4SNTIwdh6GRiLXj_-7w6ZlpbdW09FpxxRaN9SvyPg/s1600/IMG_20111206_103922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfZsQRLCB8bSBf2_A8dlHvilCfthL0xZLD9WfDZQYzivJ6l4EgAAMhA76X9wqPZJ4zDTvcJl6kBUEE_6KMogLq3PFVVmf4Bi3rz4SNTIwdh6GRiLXj_-7w6ZlpbdW09FpxxRaN9SvyPg/s320/IMG_20111206_103922.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't make me bust a cap in you...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUr5oUz8eZ8SfwG2Mkubd70c_GV9Kyye12fnIgCnNSd4BL87LCehHMjZX5KWwgHW_Lhp6h2PPpLCnIixCe_oP9JK9vdCO4nuEo18bNeyvAPcl-8gtqrRuGPuhIduH6jrNJ7woHB1AxVs/s1600/IMG_20111206_104657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUr5oUz8eZ8SfwG2Mkubd70c_GV9Kyye12fnIgCnNSd4BL87LCehHMjZX5KWwgHW_Lhp6h2PPpLCnIixCe_oP9JK9vdCO4nuEo18bNeyvAPcl-8gtqrRuGPuhIduH6jrNJ7woHB1AxVs/s320/IMG_20111206_104657.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast makes me sleepy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trust me, these are all better than the other ones DH comes up with like: "you are just so cute, yes you arrgghhh!" Aren't you happy I shared?</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-40742093820356965002011-12-12T21:11:00.000-07:002011-12-12T21:11:11.567-07:00If you want me to, I do.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have you heard that the 7 year itch has now become the 3 year itch? Apparently, after 3 years people are bored and annoyed with each other - things like weight gain, toe-nail clippings on the bathroom floor and snoring are passion killers so I'm in trouble because I'm pretty sure I've done all three of those, although mine are cute and endearing snores... and love handles... but not the toe-nail clippings, those are just gross no matter what. This is also the time when couples start taking each other for granted so let me spell it out for you:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Feeling annoyed/bored + Taking for Granted = Aw, crap!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How do you avoid this? You don't really. You remember that marriage like everything else in life ebbs and flows. Sometimes you are going to be annoyed, you are going to take and be taken for granted, and times may be rough and tough, but you are also going to be charmed, marveled and loved. And it isn't all on the other person - cause you aren't a slice of heaven either all the time, mmmm'kay?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But this doesn't really matter for my relationship because today is our 9th wedding anniversary (if you are keeping count, with dating that means a total of 15 years together) BOOYAH!! How do we do it, you ask? Hmmm, let me share with you my wisdom: I have no freaking clue! I think it's because neither one of us is willing to give in and let the other person just be happy - kidding! Also, I got lucky and DH just adores me no matter what (love handles and all), he really has so little freaking clue I just keep him so distracted he forgets to take any action but sometimes he realizes how little clue he has, conversation a couple of nights ago:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: Hello?!?! You are now supposed to reciprocate the compliment I just gave you. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DH: Oh! Were you fishing for something here? Well, I'm sorry cause I just really suck at that game, I suck at being a fish.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: Really? How so?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DH: This is me, swimming along in the pond, totally clueless looking for something to eat: Hi worm! Mmmmm, I'm hungry... do you know where I could find some food, worm?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">True story.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3yZOhG18FSyb9KnBj6eLMIzeazty6ysvuGyjjS_jjx9upTZNMyxWDXjCbyf-n8WXNTBnBvwbELY57T8EhjWhaRSyh08LNHuZgQLJISelXg5yyMXfyVn6HX144wSDbCbPyrX0H3dGL4U/s1600/2011+Anniversary+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3yZOhG18FSyb9KnBj6eLMIzeazty6ysvuGyjjS_jjx9upTZNMyxWDXjCbyf-n8WXNTBnBvwbELY57T8EhjWhaRSyh08LNHuZgQLJISelXg5yyMXfyVn6HX144wSDbCbPyrX0H3dGL4U/s320/2011+Anniversary+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really debated about what I should write for this post. Should I do an open love letter to DH? Should I impart words of wisdom from the lessons I have learned over the years? Or should I just rub it in people's faces that we've made it this far? Obviously, I had to go with the last one, cause I'm not a sage so no wisdom here (although I love to think I have some) and let's face it, if I'm going to get super mushy no one really needs to see/read that except the intended. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks honey - for all the years, the laughter and tears and to many, many more!</span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-10396902781220047892011-12-12T00:26:00.000-07:002011-12-12T00:26:09.937-07:00My house has so many decorations it looks like an elf pooped Xmas all over it... and maybe has diarrhea.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know! A complete turn-around from last year's <a href="http://crazycertainly.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas">post</a>!!! SO many things have changed!! I don't have the bah-humbug attitude this year but I also have a whole different relationship (if you can call it that) with my relatives.... my how things change in 12 freaking months!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am almost done with decorating inside the house and have done most of the decorating on the outside as well, there is a strand of lights however that is just being an asshat and won't cooperate with the "vision" I have for the lights. We have a completely decorated tree, garland and wreaths hanging at almost every window, stockings are hung, decorations on bookshelves and flower arrangements in every room. I have gotten presents for a few special people, wrapped them and delivered most of them. Our "happy new year" cards designed by yours truly have gone out to many but I'm not done yet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The past couple of years I realized that we weren't being very good about incorporating traditions from both sides of the family so we have focused on bringing DH's Swedish heritage into the mix including ordering a pair of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomte">tomtar</a> and going to Georgetown's Christmas Market to look for and purchase a <a href="http://lostinstockholm.com/2009/11/20/its-christmastime-but-uhhh-what-swedish-christmas-decorations-to-put-up/">yule goat </a>because what says Christmas more than a yule goat, right? The yule goat's job is to protect the presents, so we needed a big one - the cat did not get off on the right foot with this new creature under the tree who hindered her playing with ornaments and wrecking havoc but they seem to have made peace with each other. The trip also gave us some outdoor festival fun that included wassail (which I will try to make at home and if so, recipe and post will follow), ribbon fries, a fried snickers bar and window shopping. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If that weren't enough, I am having a Gingerbread House-making Party this upcoming Friday. Thanks to Ikea for having convenient "brick" or gingerbread pieces and I will have to make the "mortar" or royal icing the day of. Luckily guests are bringing all sorts of candies to decorate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, I am considering making some St. Lucia buns for Tuesday since it is after all St. Lucia day but it all depends on my mood and how productive I feel, if it happens I will make sure to blog about it with pictures included.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-z4qEZHGZhyphenhyphensh-htFDOSHI3tBtaK7L482FdKqZnBqhpsJ5PjPvUQplR-By_OCWUvNWvVzt5g338z4ujSgba-STf6UQvFLJ07pXMPIR_eZg-h7Qkq7yI1c36h1b91_XsJSjbrCw_yTQk/s1600/2011-12-10_17-13-17_369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-z4qEZHGZhyphenhyphensh-htFDOSHI3tBtaK7L482FdKqZnBqhpsJ5PjPvUQplR-By_OCWUvNWvVzt5g338z4ujSgba-STf6UQvFLJ07pXMPIR_eZg-h7Qkq7yI1c36h1b91_XsJSjbrCw_yTQk/s320/2011-12-10_17-13-17_369.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Norse the yule goat under the tree on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What prompted this change you ask? Well, not entirely sure but after Thanksgiving I was just in the spirit of things. Life is in a better place that's for sure. Things like my job have worked out in a positive way and I have an additional 10 hour a week part-time job that so far is proving to be a lot of fun. We are both in pretty good health, physically and mentally. You can also do a lot of growing in a year (although since our diet we have both shrunk physically - yahoo!). We have a lot to be grateful and happy for. Mostly, things just seem to be falling into place, after so very long of feeling like they were all lopsided or topsy-turvy they have started to balance out and how could that not make you feel festive and joyful? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My hope for you is that your life is also happy, lived in good health and festive for this holiday season and if you feel like sharing, please tell me what gets you in the Christmas spirit!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-70281999801285052322011-12-10T01:48:00.000-07:002011-12-10T01:48:54.212-07:00When I'm good I'm very, very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, I've been bad keeping up with the blog because I've been better at just living and having fun. When we last "met" I was going to do my first 5k at the Dirty Girl Mud Run and then headed to Costa Rica for work. Here for your enjoyment are before and after pictures of Team Boobees (with one missing Boobee who had to do the run a little later)... just about everyone said they'd want to do it again next year, it was a ton of fun and we are always happy to take new recruits! Thank you ladies for being game!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjuW35GSvbQmT9Yr63W4KQ7LV0Terxa7sWE6dcpxFYyqRbfbPky-g4_6BE-dYbJSV2cxg4FbzpUBtK0iA9IXZwEroCI5plZVIO_A_4ZHE9MW8NwiqMc41uOcDJhuOUAaaKr5s3voDrD0/s1600/DG4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjuW35GSvbQmT9Yr63W4KQ7LV0Terxa7sWE6dcpxFYyqRbfbPky-g4_6BE-dYbJSV2cxg4FbzpUBtK0iA9IXZwEroCI5plZVIO_A_4ZHE9MW8NwiqMc41uOcDJhuOUAaaKr5s3voDrD0/s320/DG4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyMBSnIK4u4qZk0wZ305kVSKItkbAEdgkP3bMzME7u9ulMIqoiHTIIbo3seb66Mqk4wJ-HOQnWRft4DFfiy5GFZwLXe6TIPv3Ijvh_KmgXURcwXCrqpgqEmDK1oHs5DE4b0zs3m4XASk/s1600/DG28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyMBSnIK4u4qZk0wZ305kVSKItkbAEdgkP3bMzME7u9ulMIqoiHTIIbo3seb66Mqk4wJ-HOQnWRft4DFfiy5GFZwLXe6TIPv3Ijvh_KmgXURcwXCrqpgqEmDK1oHs5DE4b0zs3m4XASk/s320/DG28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shortly after all this, DH and I headed to Seattle, a colleague/friend who I like to call "Onion" and I were presenting at the <a href="http://www.integrationconference.org/">National Immigrant Integration Conference</a> and my boss came along for good measure. As we were walking towards dinner one evening my boss said "the four of us are the start of a good joke: a Jew, a Mormon, a Catholic and a Lawyer walk into...". We got to explore Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall (no one added to it but we did dare each other to lick it), several restaurants and stores, the aquarium and Occupy Seattle, only because you couldn't miss it. DH and I stayed an extra week to spend some time with our favorite extended family members The Rues, we celebrated both DH's birthday and Halloween in Seattle and also went off exploring on our own into Victoria where they also had an Occupy camp which seemed a lot better than the Seattle one and then Vancouver, by the way, Vancouver has the best sushi <b>e-v-e-r</b>!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjor3wejXz2NJh5we-M7eBd0AgGESWZIOq0uh43GZrPZcqf7M9Wc14E9TdJmmT5S31qAtNDpLJJa5yWWVY3f4P3n0amZEC2k5BkJi7tIJP1U5Mj2mBX5KkVvn8jev7vf1TsgdUx6hq9oE/s1600/2011-10-25_10-41-23_396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjor3wejXz2NJh5we-M7eBd0AgGESWZIOq0uh43GZrPZcqf7M9Wc14E9TdJmmT5S31qAtNDpLJJa5yWWVY3f4P3n0amZEC2k5BkJi7tIJP1U5Mj2mBX5KkVvn8jev7vf1TsgdUx6hq9oE/s320/2011-10-25_10-41-23_396.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion pretending to lick the Gum Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n6pySP0eteNwerkTDExZDFoatPOmU4j_kttVEzL7M40PandqoTT2RKR9qa5AbKfhunG3UDi81Ws4mezCpUlPBKuFe0O1p8dTByyCoac8QKuugXWqtt8RvNG52_6_gZsd5fvMspO2w48/s1600/2011-10-28_16-49-40_548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n6pySP0eteNwerkTDExZDFoatPOmU4j_kttVEzL7M40PandqoTT2RKR9qa5AbKfhunG3UDi81Ws4mezCpUlPBKuFe0O1p8dTByyCoac8QKuugXWqtt8RvNG52_6_gZsd5fvMspO2w48/s320/2011-10-28_16-49-40_548.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite places in the world: The Rues backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCDr0GXiRn5cFbzxCTG1H3SZ-UVom9V5JDvQ74rjk3sasv0bkZJWSoejA2BswwkNy5-WqAD5ltkJuIJJQwZo3LYrrF-fyZuZN9IFKKA5rLS8tIcK3ttDxcgZ-XrsUH3QCqhmUikoIJxU/s1600/2011-10-29_23-07-20_463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCDr0GXiRn5cFbzxCTG1H3SZ-UVom9V5JDvQ74rjk3sasv0bkZJWSoejA2BswwkNy5-WqAD5ltkJuIJJQwZo3LYrrF-fyZuZN9IFKKA5rLS8tIcK3ttDxcgZ-XrsUH3QCqhmUikoIJxU/s320/2011-10-29_23-07-20_463.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DH and I on Halloween - we went to Battle of the Funk Bands!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntdSM9xI2VW5BS-PVxg3PIlJPyt0zgRNu38WEhvfdYQFeummV96V8H824TdQ3vOi6ucwh_n-jkcMGuat42EMqM6i5_Xer5nB0aTRE-ULg5shoZTEue56p03sQTK8-SyU4vyFrA-56Cns/s1600/2011-11-02_15-22-51_70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntdSM9xI2VW5BS-PVxg3PIlJPyt0zgRNu38WEhvfdYQFeummV96V8H824TdQ3vOi6ucwh_n-jkcMGuat42EMqM6i5_Xer5nB0aTRE-ULg5shoZTEue56p03sQTK8-SyU4vyFrA-56Cns/s320/2011-11-02_15-22-51_70.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Canadian nature looks like, right smack in the middle of Vancouver.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we returned our dogs acted as though we had abandoned them in the worst way possible, yes, it's horrible when you get to stay in your own home, sleep in your own bed, eat your home-made diet all with the company of a full time pet sitter, we are just terrible, terrible people.... as will be evidenced in a future post entitle something like: Our dog is a Pirate - Gangsta, complete with photos. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since then we celebrated my birthday (gracias for the many birthday wishes, one of the perks of Facebook, email, calls and texts) and Thanksgiving. This year, has been my year to question things and try my best, no matter how uncomfortable to break out of the mold/rut/comfort zone - I mean I just posted a picture of me in a witch costume for Halloween, the last time I got dressed for Halloween was back in 19 - I don't know when, but hey, I did it. So, this year we did <i>not</i> roast a the turkey, nooooo, we roasted a Turducken - gasp! In years past, DH has always asked it we could cook the turkey in a new way, either deep fry it or make or a Turducken or something different... so this year it was the year of Turducken. It was a pain in the a** but not for me, for DH who had to de-bone each bird... here are before and after pictures:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A08_SI2ZDOvwSLc0W7eemgZJua1yF8lFxKhrKAOscOK-3BfwsRtnK5Dt_uLTox6W6Y63iYsbMgpEcJbuuiiVpcNk3TtSo8LZFGgIhf7cjVro-m6i6_rleh87wo7OCsj3gtKI22AuY70/s1600/2011-11-24_16-41-58_765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A08_SI2ZDOvwSLc0W7eemgZJua1yF8lFxKhrKAOscOK-3BfwsRtnK5Dt_uLTox6W6Y63iYsbMgpEcJbuuiiVpcNk3TtSo8LZFGgIhf7cjVro-m6i6_rleh87wo7OCsj3gtKI22AuY70/s320/2011-11-24_16-41-58_765.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splayed out for all to see - stuffing included</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgondGY5IBgJCpwALG4tiZevpGXlnh429ULyxTxMN_wBcColQ7bTZX4kbWPIyRWt0nHg8By88O7rffb_kc1qkRf2Wrx5-SQCgsbCU9b_CJkzrMMEwVWXbKLFPUpyALv0MZGLttF1gRIuXo/s1600/2011-11-24_16-48-45_455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgondGY5IBgJCpwALG4tiZevpGXlnh429ULyxTxMN_wBcColQ7bTZX4kbWPIyRWt0nHg8By88O7rffb_kc1qkRf2Wrx5-SQCgsbCU9b_CJkzrMMEwVWXbKLFPUpyALv0MZGLttF1gRIuXo/s320/2011-11-24_16-48-45_455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a hard time making it look like a turkey again but here it is</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k1nJvBzY1fb4XXk8mUkluY08dJqRcIDadpYQYUXtzHU6i3JallX-m2Vk1eKjInARDHBrn2LutlI12BbMtIZ6Q06LbLZRB4kJfVATzqHWcWImQ8LduRKEmjJlxLq7NmbbBVfql53UFwg/s1600/2011-11-24_22-00-45_454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k1nJvBzY1fb4XXk8mUkluY08dJqRcIDadpYQYUXtzHU6i3JallX-m2Vk1eKjInARDHBrn2LutlI12BbMtIZ6Q06LbLZRB4kJfVATzqHWcWImQ8LduRKEmjJlxLq7NmbbBVfql53UFwg/s320/2011-11-24_22-00-45_454.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In all it's cooked glory: TA-DA!! Try not to look so jealous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, I have you mostly caught up now - posts to come on the upcoming holidays, our wedding anniversary and some miscellaneous stuff (how to be a good or bad house guest, the perils of Facebook, cooking and more), maybe if I say it here I will actually follow through with writing them, let's hope I keep up with my end of the bargain. </span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-85339498358907989922011-09-16T15:50:00.000-06:002011-09-16T15:50:11.750-06:00Life is a marathon, not a sprint<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is what my boss said to me the last time things were really hectic at work. In April, I was in the process of hosting a team from Costa Rica, running a 9Health Fair and preparing for a work trip to Costa Rica - all in a span of 72 hours. Now, I've never run a marathon (and no plans to do that as of yet) but I know what a marathon is: an endurance race that tests and tries the body eventually taking it beyond its breaking point.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, never has that saying felt truer than since that day. The last five and 1/2 months have been CRAZY. Stuff has happened, stuff's gone down. Let me see if I can organize it as clearly and concisely as possible - with the caveat that things in life happen simultaneously and there are constantly balls in the air that we are juggling so clear and concise may not be entirely possible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right before those crazy 72 hours in April, I had submitted to my employer a proposal to create a new position (mostly doing what I do now) and hire me for it because of the <a href="http://crazycertainly.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-transition.html">transition</a> happening with my job.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I returned from Costa Rica, and decided to give up soda (like manna from heaven that I haven't tasted since -that's right people, what you are about to read has been handled <i>caffeine free</i>) and then mid-May started a diet, to wit: 25 lbs lost and counting. During this time and until now, we all know that I <a href="http://crazycertainly.blogspot.com/2011/08/falling-from-grace.html">fell from Grace</a> and had to deal with our <a href="http://crazycertainly.blogspot.com/2011/08/close-encounters-of-law-kind.html">legal system</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What you don't necessarily know is that I was also looking for a job and going on interviews because of the aforementioned transition - while also continuing to work at my current employment. I've also been sick on and off with a couple of colds, a cyst that thankfully went away on its own but not before causing me tons of pain, extremely dry eyes due to which I couldn't get a current prescription for new contacts and also had to have my draining tear ducts 'plugged' up - literally, oh! and who can forget the root canal I had to have last week and the growth that was cut and burned off my big toe this week because well, life wasn't fun enough just yet! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After the deal with the toe (I know TMI just be grateful I'm not posting a picture), I came home after work to find that our home had been broken-into. Yep, broken-into. Thankfully, Hailey, Zoey and Aggie were not hurt and are fine. What was stolen? Several things, most of them I'm sure replaceable (still figuring out what's missing) but among those was my work laptop - with 3 years of work on it. Can you say UGH?!?!?!? Also, our sense of security, safety and sanctuary for our home seems to be MIA. What I gained? ANGER and I'm on the precipice of completely losing it, holding on by a thread (although ask DH and I'm sure that point is be debatable) and desperately looking for perspective. Because it doesn't end there folks, no, that would be too freaking easy. I leave for Costa Rica on another work trip in 9 days and have tons of work to re-do and replace, <i>thanks asshats who stole my laptop</i>. In 7 days I am completing my first <a href="http://www.godirtygirl.com/">5k</a> - which I hope will serve as catharsis and fun - lots of it. Thanks to my wonderful Team Boobees for doing this with me - I love you all and we haven't even started yet! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh wait! Somewhere in there, like between the cyst and the dry eyes I got a job! YES!! Okay, well kinda because my current employer has decided to keep me on as a permanent (non-grant funded) employee!!! We still haven't figured out exactly what I will be doing although it will involve more of what I already do so I'm still in a little bit of limbo but it is great news! See, not all of it was bad. And it really hasn't been all bad. DH and I had friends over for dinner and lunch throughout the summer to visit with, our friend Travis came and stayed with us for a little bit, DH and I lost weight, we've had a bounty of harvest from our garden, and we've had some interesting and fun adventures this summer and as I type Hailey is sleeping on my lap, purring and I can hear both Aggie and Zoey snoring not far from me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">See, this is why life is a marathon, because it requires us to endure until the end without quitting at any point before the finish line and without cutting corners. This doesn't mean that we can't complete the marathon, one sprint at a time. </span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-5435197762345137832011-08-11T16:18:00.000-06:002011-08-11T16:18:51.078-06:00Close encounters of the Law kind<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love lawyer shows. My heart belongs to a lawyer. I listen to law cases discussed all the time <strike>at least until my eyes glaze over and then I just pretend to listen</strike>. I work with law enforcement day in and day out, I even have a few cops I would <gulp> call my friends... but I have never had to deal with the law until this summer, prepare yourself for: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE LAW KIND - cue <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdbYsoEasio">Wilhelm scream</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, for those of you who don't know, I was in a little fender-bender in May where I grazed the car in front of me in order to avoid being rear-ended full on by an asshat in rush-hour traffic and creating a multiple car crash (because my car would have hit the one in front for sure). This got me a ticket for "careless driving" which I was totally POed about because I was being careful trying to avoid a BIG accident. I kept hearing from people, "you should have just let that car hit you, you could be avoiding all this mess" - and by mess they meant having to go to court because the ticket didn't give me a monetary amount that I could pay immediately (not that I would have).</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My attorney (also know as DH - Dear Hubby) and I went to court. My attorney thought I could explain the situation and plead down to something more reasonable, be happy and done with it. But nooooooo, turns out the City Attorney we dealt with is a total bully and thought he would force me to pay with a different charge of "following to closely" (which I wasn't). My attorney advised me to plead not guilty and stand up for myself. At this point, half of me just wanted to make the mess go away but it was overpowered by the half that wanted to stand up to the bully so I went with counsel's advice. The judge was so shocked she did a double take... yep, that's me, shocking judges since 2011. I gotta tell you though, I felt super-duper important standing there speaking to the judge with my attorney slightly behind and to the left of me offering me advice like when the judge asked: jury or judge? My attorney whispered: jury. And then I answered like a puppet sans hand stuck up my body (for a more natural effect). After that I went to see the clerk and set a date for my trial - fun times.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two weeks later I get a jury summons. I have somehow always been lucky enough to have gotten out of jury duty. Could I have this time? Yes. But I chose not to, I decided that if I was going to have a jury trial might as well understand the jury experience, right? Let me just say that the difference between Arapahoe County (where I live) and Denver County (where I had my traffic thingy) is like ice cream and cake - both desserts, both sugary.... but nothing alike. To begin with the courthouse in Arapahoe County is <u>nice</u>, it looks and smells clean, you can tell it is well cared for and the placing is actually welcoming... in Denver County the building makes you feel like you are up sh*t creek without a paddle right away with a slight smell of urine in certain corners. Jury duty was interesting, it was fun listening to answers and thinking "you're not going to make the cut buddy", the judge I was assigned to was really nice, what I imagine I good judge to be like, overall a positive experience. Denver... not so much.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two weeks before my trial asshat City Attorney adds some BS charge about changing lanes unsafely or something - ugh! Night before my trial - I got to do what the pros call "prep" more like torture, but I do have new insight and appreciation for what DH does. How did it end? My attorney has told me to answer: truth and justice prevailed. My interpretation of that: stand up to bullies and you just might get to kick them in the nuts once in a while, like in this case!</span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-72545727579434723202011-08-11T01:53:00.000-06:002011-08-11T01:53:23.217-06:00Falling from Grace<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It has been an 'interesting' few months... and by 'interesting' I really mean scary, sad, and uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, this hasn't been an ongoing and ever-present thing throughout the past few months but more of something like the Whack-an-Alligator game that you find at places like Dave & Busters where you whack the gator and it retreats but sure enough it comes right back out while speeding up. It also hasn't been the only thing going on in my life, (more to come in future posts) so when the alligator attacks from the hiding hole it can exacerbate other irritants. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What happened? I fell from Grace. What does that mean? I fell out of favor with someone who can seem/feel God-like, at least to me. How did that feel? Scary, really scary. Like I was taking a bungee jump with no bungee cord. It meant consciously making a break from indoctrinated behavior, thought process and automatic response. Sad, because I had chosen to ignore deplorable flaws as long as they didn't apply to me or affect me too much but now they can no longer be swept under the rug <strike>or hidden in the back room like we used to do to our 'touched' relatives</strike>. And most of all uncomfortable, because falling from Grace meant hurting another in the process (not on purpose but inevitable), letting go of things I thought I knew and taking a big leap while trusting that the person I've become could do this. All in all, let's just say wwwwwaaaaaayyyyy outside my comfort zone.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Falling from Grace has also meant awesome discoveries, like true and kind love, what having a tribe looks like, affirmation, confirmation and solidifying of affection/relationships, how to forgive myself and learning that I am strong enough to hold on to what I deem true and right... for me. It has allowed me to grow as a person, I've learned to take the hit (although painful) instead of hitting back, and boy is it hard and tempting to hit back - I know that the alligator is hurting and therefore lashing out. Could I hurt it some more by whacking it back? Absolutely. But I'm trying my best to resist even grabbing the mallet to avoid doing any further damage.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unlike what we are taught by most religions, falling from Grace hasn't been a punishment, it has been a journey of discovery. I have however willingly and conscientiously chosen to disobey and rebel by not conforming to the norm, I have chosen myself.</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-78755358277017708582011-07-26T21:52:00.000-06:002011-07-26T21:52:37.917-06:00Things I learned by going to school in Wisconsin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently, DH and I had an old college friend and one of the best men in our wedding (a Wisconsin native) come visit for a few days. We reminisced, of things and people like beloved Patrick Blessing, Pearl Harbor parties in the basement of Merriman house, Ripon police officers and more. In many of the stories we found little pearls of wisdom that we believe we would not have acquired had we not gone to school in Wisconsin, to wit this list:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1- You can always find something portable to use in a hotel room when someone (possibly you) is feeling sick and needs to vomit and can't make it to the toilet, e.g. an ice bucket, a trash can, the dirty laundry bag, a glass, the pot for the coffee maker, etc.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2- Never, ever leave someone who is super intoxicated (read: if you can still stand but they can't) alone to meander off and find their own room, dorm, etc. You want to be responsible, two drunks are always better off than one alone.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3- If you want to be a good roommate, floormate, friend, etc., you must at all times keep on hand quality supplies that can help you clean up a <strike>puke-fest</strike> mess created by drinking too much vodka and eating pizza while celebrating someone's birthday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4- A "tall" drink as they call them in Colorado, does not mean the same amount of alcohol you would have in a regular size but with more mixer, it means you make a bigger drink with more alcohol and the same amount of mixer you would use in a regular size as they do in Wisconsin.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5- Wisconsinites are trained from when they are wee ones to make Bloody Marys, this is why they make the absolutely best ones!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I realize that all of these are related to alcohol, but hey, aside from getting a good education at Ripon, I learned how to be a responsible drinker there! And for the mommies out there, I am sure some of these will come in handy! Please feel free to add on any that you might have, would love to hear/read them!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646802565589391580.post-36522554955723548322011-06-20T19:18:00.000-06:002011-06-20T19:18:04.152-06:00Mock Moussaka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This weekend I was sick (and still am), I had energy in short fits but I wanted to make a good/hearty dinner for us on Saturday so I tried my very own version of Moussaka. You can do it little by little and never use up all of your 'sick' energy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had never had this dish before but many years ago when I still watched Iron Chef one of the judges and Iron Chef Cat Cora used to mention it often from their Greek heritage and I always thought it sounded interesting. So I looked up some recipes for it and decided my version would be 'mock' because I didn't want to cook it with traditional Bechamel sauce (since flour is a no-no at this time) and maybe instead with some Alfredo sauce, also I used beef instead of lamb but other than that basically the same recipe... if you like eggplant (or even if you don't), this is the dish for you. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4vGTkJB1FnH4lWwWzRNRnJuEriTqp24DIegOr0jQspIenqt5ymAy2nTr0hEilMu_hdNr-nJoeieKqcJcZanSTSvQa7rJFszhsRfn28SnAQC8iYg_zWrI7Ahb7_lWWllkhn8Ht0aPILg/s1600/IMG_2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4vGTkJB1FnH4lWwWzRNRnJuEriTqp24DIegOr0jQspIenqt5ymAy2nTr0hEilMu_hdNr-nJoeieKqcJcZanSTSvQa7rJFszhsRfn28SnAQC8iYg_zWrI7Ahb7_lWWllkhn8Ht0aPILg/s320/IMG_2830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this were Lasagna, these eggplant slices are your noodles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peel, slice and then salt your eggplant. You can place it in a colander or on a rack (as above) to get it to sweat and release the bitter flavor it can have, do it for about an hour. When you are ready to cook it, wipe it clean (don't wash or it will soak up that water) with a towel.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBz8xVc080tKNtWVyTzg4fUFawYOC11yKQYJjsENN2wiwD_ESD8MvKfESjE25MVshkUGuHEYoZ6EgwHaSLkqnH2GbpIayxBX1SaPI3tDxAvao88-6D2UOmB8DAWHvR5C78jCFz4V1XYs/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBz8xVc080tKNtWVyTzg4fUFawYOC11yKQYJjsENN2wiwD_ESD8MvKfESjE25MVshkUGuHEYoZ6EgwHaSLkqnH2GbpIayxBX1SaPI3tDxAvao88-6D2UOmB8DAWHvR5C78jCFz4V1XYs/s320/IMG_2832.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meat mixture with no tomato sauce added as of yet...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rAcWTTSYPG100bOmqOAvi3zk3fvSi8McgSFIEd6Xfga1dRV_v-WJYmFHhIev4Ew2Sl0EkSMwRkYlhfPoZBCo81nwcfjC07VxXJWaHnHFcUUOytrnHCxxLm6Zj0naiwQZWIwM3UxFEnM/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rAcWTTSYPG100bOmqOAvi3zk3fvSi8McgSFIEd6Xfga1dRV_v-WJYmFHhIev4Ew2Sl0EkSMwRkYlhfPoZBCo81nwcfjC07VxXJWaHnHFcUUOytrnHCxxLm6Zj0naiwQZWIwM3UxFEnM/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted eggplant laid nicely as my 'noodles' in the casserole dish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLZEOwx-1IjmME3gWnz3urtF-shrsGwIiTLFUCf3D0wjYnwroj-QqhzIdFeVbmj-cVyHYuDIPvN5mUHh0g-spXOqyeSnw7zTmBcKHhsLr_sFfLilkVTHS575WWw931vYf9SZLbSLmn5Y/s1600/IMG_2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLZEOwx-1IjmME3gWnz3urtF-shrsGwIiTLFUCf3D0wjYnwroj-QqhzIdFeVbmj-cVyHYuDIPvN5mUHh0g-spXOqyeSnw7zTmBcKHhsLr_sFfLilkVTHS575WWw931vYf9SZLbSLmn5Y/s320/IMG_2835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meat sauce with tomatoes layered on top of eggplant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i8j5wlWm9sEeWOfeH0fX9-ZYdRqdiz2-5eWoLEkiUk7OtF3CDInvFfhHQgQ2Wm_UpKRGyDoef1lMR0UNUqdcIGE4n0V7f_YTS-wH7XKsdFgY7HnUGUTiA1vFUx2BRRQpc6tq3hiNQPI/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i8j5wlWm9sEeWOfeH0fX9-ZYdRqdiz2-5eWoLEkiUk7OtF3CDInvFfhHQgQ2Wm_UpKRGyDoef1lMR0UNUqdcIGE4n0V7f_YTS-wH7XKsdFgY7HnUGUTiA1vFUx2BRRQpc6tq3hiNQPI/s320/IMG_2837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE - Home made Alfredo on top (only cause I was too lazy to go buy some Alfredo - oxymoronic)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm0fnt_a0V4GCvq4UEjwVYXAVZTmJKbP7P-_-EiMy3eIJEuApkh2bBcE1WJGgC-kg5_9kMe-BLj5YQk54auZhQ_BtaNmYO5zSP5T2AiQeXokaRa37BrB4M8nE1g9V1hnnF2FzT-0d0r4/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm0fnt_a0V4GCvq4UEjwVYXAVZTmJKbP7P-_-EiMy3eIJEuApkh2bBcE1WJGgC-kg5_9kMe-BLj5YQk54auZhQ_BtaNmYO5zSP5T2AiQeXokaRa37BrB4M8nE1g9V1hnnF2FzT-0d0r4/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sWxtSYcFd8/Tf_uqLDFXsI/AAAAAAAAAG4/pT9wbQFnpMU/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sWxtSYcFd8/Tf_uqLDFXsI/AAAAAAAAAG4/pT9wbQFnpMU/s320/IMG_2840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07812385728865598212noreply@blogger.com2