More Adventures With Dan and Jenny

Dan and I visited the nation's capital this weekend. It was lovely until the rain came. We spent a few hours at the the Natural History Museum and then made our way over to the American History Museum. In order to do so we had to buy poncho's that cost more than my first born child; however, it was worth it to be a little bit more dry than had we not. Ironically, we have a plethora of rain coats and umbrellas at home getting no use.

Some of the highlights of our trip were Julia Child's Kitchen as well as the Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers from The Wizard of Oz (saw them a few months back but this time I got a picture)

And a very funny story, albeit not quite as funny as the last time we went and Dan "talked" with the squirrel that attacked him, happened as follows:

A random mother and son were walking through the exhibits:

Boy: What's this?

Mom: I dunno, what does it say?

Boy: I dunno, I can't read! (With his cute speech impediment, it came out more like "I dunno, I can't weed")

So funny!

Also, we ate at the Good Stuff Eatery (http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/). Chef Spike from Season 4 of Top Chef's very own burger joint!

It was yummy and the atmosphere was what you would expect from a TV icon. I highly recommend it.

Also, we became a walking advertisement for the Smithsonian since our ponchos had it written all over it. We had about 10 or so people ask us where we got them. I am no kidding, almost everyone who past us while we were wearing them inquired. That was pretty funny.

All in all, a great time and I am so gosh darn proud I actually blogged about it!

Until next time.

Alice in Wonderland

This looks very cool. I am always so intrigued when Johnny Depp is in a new release because quite frankly, he always does a stellar job. So, enjoy this wicked awesome trailer from the new movie Alice in Wonderland:

Doppleganger

I am currently reading "The Time Traveler's Wife". It's a good read.  A long read. But a fast read. That's neither here nor there. The point of all this is to say I came across a word I had never heard or read before. 

Doppleganger.

I, of course, had to look up the definition.

Any double or look alike person. 

The word is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no chance that it could have been a reflection.

Now normally I would not care one bit about this. But it came a day or so after I had my own doppleganger experience. 

I was at work, the girls were napping. I was naturally put-zing around on the internet and glanced out the window, to see a girl loading up her Jeep. And the longer I stared at her, the more I was like, "She looks like me. That could quite possibly BE me!! Is it?"

It was a strange out of body experience. As I watched her shift various items in her Jeep, I was sitting there thinking of how this must be what I look like to other people. 

I mean we are talking about the same hair color, body type, nose, side profile, paleness, and shoulders. 

I had to get over the fact that she was sorta dressed like Princess Leia...I figured she must be dressing for some convention or something along those lines (something I would never do) but besides that, she was me!

Crazy.

Jon and Kate.

So, I swore I would not make another comment on the whole Jon and Kate fiasco of 2009; however, this recent video I found was so hilarious, I had to share it. And then this got me to thinking...so I had to share my thoughts.

I was so upset when I heard things were going awry with their marriage. It bothered me for so long and now, frankly, it's just a waste of my time. I just felt like we, as viewers, were betrayed by them. I mean, it's not like the show was scripted and some writer decided to end the 10 year marriage during May Sweeps to increase viewership. What's worse is that this marriage is (was) real. And now it's over. Just like that, it's dissolved. I feel like they made poor choices. They let fame and money get in the way. They became self-centered. They put their children FIRST in their marriage, where children do not belong (it should go God, spouse, children in that order). They made themselves, their kids and their lives out to be idols. They pretty much destroyed themselves and got paid for us to watch. I feel so gross having even given them much of my time in the first place. What a waste of my time! 

However, I must say that at the onset of this show, I was excited to see a couple who talked about how important God is in their family and even carried on about church events and throwing up Bible verses on the kitchen cabinets. It was refreshing and I actually admired them for their willingness to show that they loved God. But then, it turned into this dirty mess. I am ashamed for them. I realize that we all make mistakes and I shouldn't judge too harshly; I guess I am just so incredibly disappointed. Anywho, that said....ENJOY THIS VIDEO:

Top Ten Time

I know I always say this, but I can't believe how much time I have let pass before updating. This used to be something I looked forward to doing in my day and now it feels a little like school work. I think it is in large part to the fact that I have two children in my care as opposed to just one. When I finally have down time, I find myself wanting to read or nap instead. Actually, yesterday I took a little nap in Evie's toddler bed with her. Yep, all 5' 6" of me in her 3' bed. Best sleep ever. 

So, allow me to catch up over the past month or so:

1. Went to Wisconsin to visit with Dan's family. (We also drove all 13 hours)

2. Went to Summerfest in Milwaukee and saw Guster play. They rocked!

3. Dan and I celebrated 8 months of togetherness fun.

4. Came down with a wicked sickness...ended up being just some virus, but one that caused a high fever, chills, headaches, body aches, sore throat. Oh and chest pain. A looooot of chest pain, I could barely breathe. So, yeah that was fun.

5. Super excited to see Harry Potter, hopefully in the next week or so.

6. Working as a "stay at home mom" has it's advantages including, going to the gym, pool privileges, and free cable/internet access.

7. Being a "single parent" is also a ton of long, hard, laborious work. It get to the point where I

pass out when i finally sit down for a break. 

8. Checking off my summer reading list with books like Salem Falls, Plain Truth, and The Host.

9. It's hot outside.

10. I love that since the DTV change we have new cable stations with all my favorite shows!!

REALLY???

This morning I decided to take Evie and Suzanne (now 3 months) to the pool (ie. the parental summer social scene). And by "decided" I mean I was "guilted" into it by their mother. She has this way of making me feel like I should do something because she thinks it should be done. Well, that's another blog entirely. This one is dedicated to the fact that the neighbor Heather seems to think I am incapable of remembering my charges. 

Allow me to explain. 

One time Evie was playing out in the backyard, er, alley. No yards in the city. Just concrete. Heather was out as well watching her three children (although I am reminded of how she mysteriously disappears for a few minutes every so often, leaving me alone with all her kids and my own). When she walks outside she will inevitably panic and ask me, 

"Where's Suzanne???"

This usually causes me to freak out for .2 seconds as I try to remember, where in fact Suzanne is. Usually I have her strapped into the stroller, bouncy seat, or car seat nicely displayed in the shade so she is out of the way, but visible. 

So, today when we were at the pool she once again started up some general conversation. She interrupted her own dialogue with, "WHERE'S SUZANNE???" 

Um, over here under the umbrella.

Now I am unsure of the reason why she seems to need to ask me this EVERY time. And I am also unsure as to why it bothers me so.

There are several reasons for this. Possibly, she herself always freaks out when she realizes one of her children is missing, running into the street after a ball, climbing the very TALL fence, or hanging out of the open third story window (all of which I have seen with my own eyes). Possibly, it's because she believes I am incompetent at my job. It's hard to be sure. 

Sweatin' To the Oldies

We just experienced the most amazing weekend. I really don't know how Dan and I do it, but often times I sit back in amazement of how each weekend is more enjoyable than the last. It started out with a nice, lazy Friday. The kind of evening you love to share with someone close. We had some dinner out and then a movie at home. It was the perfect end to a very long week. 

Saturday we had a birthday party to go to and a wedding. We basically barely made it to Chris' 30th birthday party (due to some Bay Bridge beach traffic) before we had to turn around and go to Ben and Halley's wedding. Luckily, the wedding was not too far from Katie and Chris' house, so we were able to crash there after a long night of partying and visit with them in the morning. 

The wedding was on this beautiful plantation that was pretty enormous. We had to be shuttled from the parking lot to the ceremony site! 

The wedding was wonderful, but the sun was BLAZING. Even under a tent. The bride and groom provided all the guests with a bottle of water and a fan. Even so, it was still so stinkin' hot. And the sweat only had just started to pour. 

While we waited for the wedding party, we enjoyed some amazing appetizers and spirited drinks. My friends and I had a great time laughing and getting extremly silly. Largely due to the buzz I am sure we were all feeling. 

Dinner was also great. Good company and a lovely vegetarian entree (everyone else had the filet) made my evening just perfect. 

Then came some dancing.  Probably a full 3 hours of dancing. And sweating. If any of you know what I look like when I come home from a nice 7 mile run at the gym, then you will know how much I can sweat. I was probably even MORE sweaty by the end of this evening. I had sweat in my eyes! I know attractive, right?? Good thing that Dan was also dripping in perspiration and our friends were glowing as well. 

There's something about sharing unique experiences with friends that totally bonds you. And memories like this are just the start of long, beautiful friendships. I thoguht that my life was pretty much over when college ended. It felt like I could not even imagine moving on and finding a new way of life, especially without my good friends right alongside of me. I feel blessed to know I have found some new friends here in Baltimore, but it also makes me love and appreciate the friendships I have with my lovely college friends. 

Zombie Kid

Found this today, thought it was too funny:

What's New With You?

It's interesting. I was going to blog today in a list format because there is so much to catch up on, but before I gathered my thoughts I was scrolling through some of my friends' blogs and lo' and behold Steven has also used a "list"!! So, I swear I'm not stealing your idea Lammy...just continuing the new trend!

Here goes:

-For some reason I am currently obsessed with catching the Tyra Banks Show (sometimes we cut our walks short so I can come back to watch it, I'm not proud of this)

- I L-O-V-E coupons!!! I have become a coupon junky. Even cutting out coupons for other people who may use the ones I won't. Does this make me like, old?

-Most days I am covered with spit up and poop (not mine) by the time I get home. Ah, life with a baby...

-I get to see my college girls this weekend. WOOT! Nothing like chick flicks, croqueting, Taco Ring, and gabbing to spend a weekend.

-Dan and I are celebrating our 7 month anniversary today. Yay us!

-I learned about freezing grapes from Dan's roommate Aaron. They are the BOMB DOT COM! Try it. I find they are more filling in the frozen form and they make great ice cubes.

-The entire Inner Harbor reeks of dead, rotting fish. Literally even Federal Hill stinks. And I thought the gross chicken crap was bad in Salisbury. 

-Eliza's maternity leave is over in TWO WEEKS. FREEEEEDOOOOOOOOM!!!

-I'm excited for summer. Even though I will be working throughout the summer months, I am looking forward to some pool action and warm weather. Also, there will be weddings, trips, family visits and the like!

-Last weekend, we went to a wedding that had a catered chocolate bar. It was so yum-double-o, I actually hit it up like three times (shhh).

-I might (might) have a small tan. Although most would still consider me "fish belly white", I don't care because I see some color!

-Now I don't feel so silly asking for an iced coffee and Dunkin Donuts as the weather is finally warm enough for one. 

-I FINALLY HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE!

13.1

WOW! Has it really been 19 days since my last post?? Sheesh. Apologies to all five of you who read this blog. I also apologize to the random person from Belgium or Ireland who checks my site because they were google searching things like "spit in my eye" (lyrics to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody) or "riverdance". 

So, to update...I have decided just today that I am going to run the Balitmore 1/2 Marathon. There are many reasons for this decision, not including the "I-must-be-crazy" reason. Some of my thoughts on this are as follows:

-plenty of other people have run one and not died

-if the people on the Biggest Loser can do it, so can I

-it's time for a challenge

-free food? where?

-it's four months away so it's easy to think it's a good idea (on race day, I may be wearing the "it sounded like a good idea at the time" shirt from onemoremilerunning.com)

-gives me an excuse to eat my heart out at Thanksgiving (pay no mind to the fact that the holiday falls a full month and a half AFTER the race)

-because I am, in fact, crazy

So there you have it. My stupid reasons. Will I make it? We will see come race day.

Wanna join in on the fun? go to thebaltimoremarathon.com

...what have I gotten myself into?

Updates

Today's highlight friends?

My sweet Evelyn asked me to put her breakfast bar back together. As in a Nutri-grain bar type of food (this one was the Whole Foods variety). 

She also exploded when I ate one of her strawberries. As in one out of the seven in her bowl.

After the fun little game of "I want to eat a chip", I was ready for a nap as much as she. Because you see, when Jenny would give her a chip, she would scream "no chip". She would then move on to another food. I wised up after about three go's at this.

I am exhausted. Wiped. Raising two children is hard work. 

In other news, Dan and I just celebrated our 6 month anniversary. I know, right? I feel like it's been a lot longer than that, but I also feel like in the grand scheme of life, we have barely scratched the surface. 

It's May and my allergies are here FULL FORCE! How I loathe pollen. 

The randomness continues as I share one quick story from last weekend. We decided to stop by my brother's house last Sunday after we ate some Pei Wei (yummers). We helped the kids wash the car and played around outside for a bit (it was gorgeous out). When we all went inside, the adults were hanging out in the living room while my brother's boys were out on the deck. We hear some dramatic noises and some screaming ensued as apparently Lucas had hit Reid. 

Reid is never as innocent as his cute little face seems. He had antagonized Lucas outside. I know, I witnessed it. Anywho, Lucas gets sent to his room and Reid is outside leaning against the screen yelling in the deepest voice possible:

"I hate Lucas. Let's throw him in the dump. I hate Lucas. I'm hungry."

There you have it, the making of an ADHD child. 

Am I Ready For This?

Hello blogger friends!! Look at me blogging so quickly after my last blog. It's like old times, eh?

**Darn you Dan for introducing the "eh" into my v

ocabulary**

The reason for such a quick update is because I am finally free from Evie's mom. Well, only for a day or two. She is still on maternity leave until the end of forever, she just had to fly to Florida for a wedding. This means...I have Evie until grandma (Oma) comes to watch her tomorrow. Until then, Evie and I will be hanging out for 32 hours. Mostly catching up on episodes of The Office and 30 Rock. 

I'm kidding. 

It's almost like the old proverbial "when the cat's away, the mouse will play" type of scenario. I feel like with mom out of town I can go crazy! I can blog. I can bake. I can make a mess! I can be out of control! 

However, if this morning's outing was any indication of the time to come, I may want to crawl in a hole and cry.

Today I took Evie to the library. A normal day. A normal outing. A normal Evie. Until she turned into a crazy person. In a nutshell, I told her "no" and that we had to go home. She screamed. She cried. She yelled for her mommy. 

Her new trick is to lay herself out on the floor, ever so gently. She goes boneless. When I go to pick her up and set her on her feet, she lays back down. 

There is one way to get me all sorts of angry and this is it. Children have been pulling this kind of junk for years. I dealt with them a lot when I was a preschool teacher. Heck, I was still dealing with them when I was the director of the preschool.

No matter. 

Needless to say, I carried her to the bathroom where I gave her a little encouragement and out we went. 

Let's not mention that the express checkout was giving me a lot of extra trouble and I forgot my sunglasses at the counter. 

Don't worry Dan, I remembered about the time we had already walked to the car and turned around to go get them. :(

Pictured above:How I felt upon arriving home today. (From Mo Willems Knuffle Bunny book)

Heather Oberle=Supermom

Has it felt like 8 Forevers since I last blogged? It has to me. Sorry for being MIA, but between two kids at work, nice weather, busy weekends, and practically living with my boss...things have gotten a bit crazy. 

It's not for lack of things to blog about. For sure, I am always finding something I would like to share with you all, it's just lack of time anymore! What I would give to have no life again...

Ok, totally kidding on that. 

Anywho, so I am now here to ask you to vote for my sister in Richmond's "Supermom Contest"!!! She was nominated by a neighbor friend and my brother-in-law has asked that I "work the internet like it's my job" to solicit votes.

All I can say is she really is a great mom and I hope I can be just as good some day. Between all the class projects, library time, driving to soccer practice, cheering on the sidelines, being her children's advocate, wiping noses, making the best homemade applesauce this side of the Nile, and even teaching her children about Jesus, she is a hard working woman!!

So, if you know her but at all, I implore you to send in a quick vote to richmondmom.com

Not sure what she wins, but I am sure it's great and much needed.

Thanks!!

A Conversation With Evie

Evie had a huge blowout in her diaper (I will spare you gross details) and this was the conversation that ensued:

Me: What did you eat last night???? EEEWW!!

Evie: I had mexican.

Nuf said!

Top Five Worst Babysitting Experiences

As I was thinking back on how long I have been a nanny (pretty much straight out of college, I know I had lofty ambitions), I was remembering some of the better times. And while I was reminiscing, I was trying to keep the worst memories out of my brain. And then it struck me, how many awful/awkward experiences there have been. So without further ado, I give you:

My Top Five Worst Babysitting Experiences

*Before we begin, you must know that I was employed by an agency that would often times send me to a family's home only once or twice (it was on an as needed basis). I knew the families were safe and vice versa as we all have to go through a bunch of applications and such.

1) One time I was at the home of a kid who was the biggest bully ever. I was literally scared of him. He as older kid and wanted to be home alone on his Saturday, rather than stuck with me. I actually let him watch TV all day (I know, how wrong of me, but if you saw this kid you wouldn't want any altercations with him either). Some of the highlights from this day include him stapling his finger, throwing rocks at squirrels, and watching his dog throw up blue play dough.

2) One time I was sent to a hotel room. YES. A hotel room. To watch a toddler for an evening while his parents were at meetings and parties down in the lobby of said hotel. He was a cute little guy. I wasn't expecting too much of an issue (besides where to put him down to sleep as they did not have a pack-n-play). I was told to feed him Teddy Grahams if he was feeling sad. He also liked warm milk. His mom had just finished feeding him rice pudding when I arrived. With a tummy full and fresh diaper he was ready to go. It only took the kid 1/10th of a second to realize his parents had abandoned him. The wailing begins. So. I feed him Teddy Grahams. Doesn't seem to do the trick because now he is wailing AND has a mouth full of food. He chokes. And then proceeds to projectile vomit all over himself, the bed, and the floor. What's worse is we are in a hotel and there are no paper towels or cleaning supplies around. He kept wanting to walk towards me and scream, and I (like any self respecting sitter would do) hid myself on top of the dresser for two hours so he wouldn't throw up on me.

3) One family I sat for were regulars. They had three boys (ages 4, 2, and a few months). I enjoyed working with them. Most of the time I would be there for a lot of hours. Both parents worked as ER nurses. One day, the baby was in his bouncer seat and the older two were off playing. I went to the next room to put a toy away and when I came back, I saw the baby was choking. His older brother (the two year old) decided to feed him a goldfish cracker. Since the baby was not on solid foods, he choked. I had to flip over the baby and the entire bouncer seat since he was strapped into it. He was fine after I removed the foreign food from his esophagus.

4) Evie fell once and clocked her head against the bottom step at the perfect angle to create a golf ball sized bump on her head. The worst part was watching it swell up in a matter of seconds and then fill with blood. Oh, she never actually bled...or cried for that matter. But I was a mess. 

5) Once I watched these two kids for about 11 hours. I had never watched them before and their mom had a normal sitter, but needed me just for the day. The younger of the two kids literally (literally) screamed the whole day. I was so done by the end of that day, I came home and cried. I remember thinking if this was what motherhood was all about then I didn't want to have any part of it.  I couldn't even go near him without it making him cry harder. 

Pet Peeves

I realized today when the cleaning lady said "you's going out today?" that this not only disturbs me to hear, but just makes me cringe! So, here are some more pet peeves...

PET PEEVES:

1) Making up words, not for coolness but because you actually think it is correct grammar

(examples include: "whole n'other" and "supposebedly")

2) When parents linger before leaving you with their child...JUST GO PEOPLE!!

3) When people call you and inquire: "Who's this?" You called me!

4) Eye crust

Is That Chicken???

One would think having a week off would supply me with more than enough time to write a blog; however, I do try to only write about things that seem worth my time and yours. I have been sitting on a good one for the past week, but have not found the time to sit down and blog.

Side Note: I found it much easier to blog while at work. You know, when I am supposed to be working and stuff. And, recently since Evie's mom is home I feel slightly weird blogging while we are sitting around waiting for the kids to wake up. Yes, this has been my life for the past few weeks. Maternity leave can not end soon enough.

So, here I was last weekend in VA Beach. Tori, Katie, and I went down for a race on Saturday. The Shamrock 8K. We got in late Friday night and because we had to pick up our race packets, we weren't ready to eat dinner until about 9:00. I was starving. Beyond starving actually. We decided to eat at this cute little bar type place. I will refrain from telling you the name, as I have found anytime I mention actual places, those places look at my blog (I know because I have a tracker on my blog and can see who is looking).

Anywho, hands down it was the worse dining experience I ever.
Long story short...

We ordered drinks (like most normal people) and the waitress came back to get our order, but had no drinks in her hands.

When she did finally come back with drinks, mine was completely wrong. I ordered a diet cream soda, and got a diet pepsi.

Then I had asked what was in the tossed salad before ordering it. I don't eat bacon, so I needed to make sure there weren't things in my salad I would not eat. All the salads on the menu had a list of ingredients, except that one. Probably because most normal people know what comes in a tossed salad. I know I do, but again...had to check to make sure they weren't adding things I refuse to eat.

The waitress responded with this: "spring mix, sprouts, and some other things"

Some other things? Other things? What if I have an allergy concern woman!? Know your menu!!!

Jenny: "Some other things? Well, do the other things include bacon?"

Waitress: "No."

Fine then, great. I then asked to add chicken to it too (this comes up later). So we wait and wait for our food. We barely see the waitress so I suck it up and drink my diet pepsi instead of what I really wanted.

Our food arrives. Tori seems to be complaining that she wanted a hot sandwhich and that she asked for a certain type of bread, etc. So, her order seemed off. Then I look at my salad. Friends, if this was a "tossed salad" then spin me around and paint me stupid.

Here is what was in it:

spring mix
sprouts
asparagus
artichoke hearts
heart of palm (a vegetable-like artichoke)
italian seaoning
a lot of oil
cherry tomatoes
NO CHICKEN


I am first ticked that there is no chicken. Then I am thinking, this is not what I ordered. This does not look like a regular tossed salad. She must have gotten it mixed up with something else. In fact, I remember seeing a salad with these ingredients on the menu and deciding that while it looked good, it was just not what I wanted.

So, I am in a pickle. I am beyond hunger at this point. Our waitress is never around. Do I suck it up and eat it? Or do I just wait to send it back.

I decided that I wanted my real salad.

So we track the waitress down. Tori tells her about her sandwhich. Then I say, "there's no chicken on this salad, plus I just don't know if this is what I ordered. Are you sure you grabbed the right salad?" (Nicely of course)

I wish I could tell you this was not the response I got from her:

"Well, did you dig down deep? Sometimes the chicken is at the bottom."
I dig up everything for her...still no chicken.

"Well, is it shredded??" She asks.
Nope. I don't see shredded chicken anywhere.

"Well, is that chicken?" She points to the heart of palm.
NO, CLEARLY NOT CHICKEN.

By "points", I mean she is basically touching my salad. And by "chicken", she meant the noodle like vegetable (the heart of palm) that is also NOT CHICKEN.

You probably had to be there to fully appreciate this story, but who doesn't know what chicken looks like?

She came back a minute later with my actual salad. It was a regular, tossed salad WITH chicken that you could see and didn't have to dig for. Praise God. Now let's eat!

Detention!

Last Friday, we *(Dan and I) went to see the play that Tori was helping to direct. It was a high school production of "Once Upon A Mattress".

Anywho, the fun began that day for me when I could not find my keys before work. In a panic, I literally tossed junk all over my room. It wasn't until after I trashed my room like a rockstar, that I realized my keys were in my roommate's car!! I had left them there the night before and she had already left for work! I couldn't find my spare keys. How was I going to get to work?

I rememebered my friend Val also works in the city, so I called her to see if she had left yet. She hadn't, so I caught a ride in with her. 

Later that day, Dan had to pick me up...

Anyways, we were on the go heading to Annapolis, so we had to get dinner somewhere. We decided to wait until we got to the high school to pick up Subway (it's across the street). So, we brought it back to the school since the Subway is really just a kiosk at the gas station. 

We searched around the school briefly for somewhere to sit. There was none to be found so we ended up eating on/near a teacher's desk shoved in the hallway. I repeat. No chairs in sight. At all.

While Dan stood next to it, I perched myself happily on top. 

Haha. Halfway through, this petite blonde lady, with way too many words came up to us. She asked where were were from, who we were supporting, bantered about the Baltimore area, and so on. One of the better conversations with a stranger I have had. 

Come to find out, she was the principal of the school. We figured this out when her sweet demeanor morphed into..."Can I get you a chair??" Disguised as her wanting to provide for my needs, her real intention was: Get off my desk before you break it, you hoodlum. 

So, she goes back into this dark, forbidden hallway. She retrieves this leather chair on wheels. 

Too funny.

When I was finished with it, she came back promptly to return it to the office from whence it came. 

Never, never throughout my four years of high school did I ever get in trouble, or get a detention, or anything. I go back for ONE night and get into trouble. Sheesh. 

*Dan thinks it's funny I use the word "we" in my blog now without even stating who the "we" is. I assume, dear reader, you now know that the "we" generally will always come to mean "Dan and I" unless otherwise noted. Thank you.*

PS. My keys were in my room on the floor where I normally throw them

HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY!! (A JIB JAB)

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River Dance (We'd Like to Remind You That There's No Flash Photography In The Theater And That Smoking Is Strictly Prohibited, And Now. Riverdance.)

I got a phone call the other day from my sister's mother-in-law, Mary Kay. She and I both have this obsession with Ireland. She actually has a lot of Irish blood in her, while I...well, I have a smidgen. BUT IT ONLY TAKES A SMIDGEN PEOPLE!!!

Anywho, she called to ask if I would like a ticket to see Riverdance, since they were at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore.

WOULD I EVER????

I mean, so very awesome. 

It was a wonderful evening. Very inspiring. Super lovely.

And I braved this night, after another root canal! Go me. 

My tooth was ok, but while my face was numbed up on drugs, I bit almost straight through my lip! Yowzers.

Here, a taste:

Sidewalk Chalk and Cheerios: And I Am Not A Mom...

Yesterday Evie and I took a walk around the neighborhood and then went to the grocery store. It was such a fantastic day! The weather was perfect. I had to take advantage, because I know all too well that the cold weather will return after a short-lived warm front. 

Upon coming home, we found Connor, his mother Emily, and baby Sarah outside enjoying the nice day. We stopped to play for a little while. 

Emily and I usually talk about everything under the sun. When I come over to her house on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she will generally run my ear off for a good half hour. Most of the stories are about how Connor refused a nap the other day, or how he decided to draw on the bottom side of the table with his crayons, or even more humorously...how his hand gets stuck in the collar of his shirt when he tried to remove his clothes while lying in his crib.

It was because of this woman that I finally realized how Evie's neighbors have become my own community. I mean, I am here so often, that her neighbors are my neighbors. One day, I was in and out of about three people's houses. I stop in to say "hi", pass mom's I have seen at the library "reading time", play out in the back with other moms, stop to talk to people I know from the MAC, and so on.

I really feel like this is my network. My ministry. It used to be more focused on the kids, but now I realize how much time I spend with these stay at home mom's, that I realized the other day how much life I could speak into them just by spending time at the playground, or following after the kids at the park. 

Especially Emily. I don't know what it is about this woman that makes my heart hurt for her. She seems so put together on the outside, and yet the more I talk to her, the more I see how she is just so all over the place. 

One time, I was listening to her talk for close to 20 minutes and I was enjoying the conversation, but thinking to myself, "Ok, how do I bow out gracefully and tactfully?". That's when the Holy Spirit convicted me to just shut up and listen. This woman needed me to hear her. She just needed someone to hear her. She needed someone to rescue her from the monotony of motherhood. From the noisy silence, as I like to call it. It's not that it's quiet when you have children running around the house. It is so not quiet. But, it's just. So. Lonely. 

A loneliness that I can understand all too well, really. 

Sometimes, this makes me yearn for motherhood, but also (smartly) want to run in the opposite direction. I feel like a stay at home mom, but am not. I feel like I got the best of both worlds...but then why do I feel so out of place?

Anywho, here I was yesterday afternoon, hearing this woman go on and on about cheerios, and sidewalk chalk. Again, enjoying the conversation. It finally turns to the topic of faith. Her daughter, having been baptized into the Catholic Church on Saturday, was the perfect opening for me to tell her a small piece of my story. That was just. So. Awesome. 

Then we got to talking about how she gave up sweets for Lent (I have as well, so it was cool to talk to her about how it was going) because she finds that, "Easter is such a boring holiday, I like to jazz it up by being able to eat sweets again". I am not kidding you. This is what she told me. 

My first thought, as sad as it is to admit this, was "yeah, it is". Then I was like whoa, wait a minute here!! Easter is the very definition of excitement! Hello. Jesus just rose from the dead! Are you even serious?!? There couldn't be anything more exciting in life. 

Let's just hope that I can communicate this to her in the near future.

Pet Store Fun (This Is Disturbing...)

I forgot to tell you all about one of the highlights from this past weekend...

We were in my old neighborhood visiting my old house that my family lived in from the time I was 6 to about the age of 10.We also saw my old elementary school, William S. James Elementary (or as I pronounced it in 1st grade, Willmer S. James) School. Afterwards, we went to IKEA and White Marsh Mall. It was there that we decided to go look in the pet store.

No, we are not currently looking at buying a cat together (like Ross and Julie from Season 2 of Friends), we were just looking people!!

Anywho, we were looking at some of the cutest puppies this side of the Chesepeake, when we saw probably one of the grossest sights I have encountered in the whole of my life.

One of the cuter puppies (with a "sold" sign on his cage) pooped. Turned around. Sniffed his poop. Then proceeded to eat the poop. All of it. Then, he licked up the remnants, much like an old man who enjoyed his dinner so much, he just needs a little smacker-el to finish it off.

I didn't believe Dan when he said, "He's eating his poop". I thought for sure he was being silly! But, no. Not so.

I talked with my friend who is a vet and she said it is not uncommon for animals who are caged to do this. Especially dogs, since they have a highly developed sense of smell and can actually smell their food inside of their excrement.

Still. Gross.

Bathroom Mishap.

Today, I hit up Shopper's Food Warehouse. Before I schlep my way to Evie's home, I usually go to the store to pick up a few items for the day. 

This day was no different. However, I had to pee so badly that I found myself in the nasty bathroom in the back dungeon.

I have never really ventured into this bathroom before (maybe once or twice), I try to avoid it at all costs. 

Side Note: Dan, you can pick your jaw off the floor, I know it's shocking to think I have not used this bathroom much in the past. But. I really haven't.

Anywho, I was using said bathroom when I hear someone come in and all of a sudden my door is flying open and I am staring into the face of a middle aged employee. 

"Girl" she says to me, "You gotta learn to lock the door!!"

"I did!" I say. (Who forgets to lock the bathroom door?)

She responds with, "That happened to me before in here".

Ok then. So it's possible these doors don't lock properly then?? And it's not a user error?

The add insult to injury, I frequent this grocery store so often that I see her face every morning as she check s out my food...

Stellar.

Conversation With A Nephew:

Reid: Aunt Jenny

Jenny: Yes, nephew?

Reid: I hate girls.

Jenny: How come?

Reid: Cause they're pretty.

I'd Rather Have a Root Canal?

You know the old saying "I'd rather have a root canal?"I have never actually been able to say that legitimately. Now friends, I can.

I have indeed undergone my first of two root canals as of 1:30 yesterday afternoon. And the killer...they only got 2/3 of the tooth done. So, that one needs to get finished and then we need to start on the other.

There is nothing worse than having to sit there for an hour and a half and hold your mouth open for them to drill, poke, pull, grab, clamp, squeeze, and do basically everything they need to do while in your mouth.

So, in honor of all that I have created a list, cause you know how I like lists:

Things I would rather do than have a root canal:

be with Dan
hang out with friends
stand in a line
go to the MVA
watch a movie (even one I particularly dislike, such as "The Visitor"
shop
eat
shop
be creative
bake
sing
drive


You get the idea...


I would rather have a root canal than do these things:

clean up vomit (my own or someone else's)
sit in commuter traffic
get mugged
eat tuna
try to sleep with the mouth pain before the root canal
run more than 6 miles
watch someone's child when they are at home and more than capable of watching said child
my taxes

Top 12 Valentine's Day Moments

Happy Belated Valentine's Day all!!

Mine was a happy one, thank you for asking. In fact, this whole weekend pretty much rocked my world so... 

Here are some of the highlights, Top 12 Style (Because 10 is not enough and I like random):

1) Dan got stuck in a car at the Auto Show

He got in. Closed the door. When he went to get out, the car would not let him out. He unlocked. Locked. Pushed. Pulled. You name it, we tried it. But the car door was not opening. HAHA, THE BEST!!!

2) I slipped AND fell on cut up, gross, dead hair on the floor at Bubbles Salon

On my way to the restroom in the back of the Salon, I slipped on someone else's hair. Onto my wrist. Yick. Lawsuit?

3) The gay guys we sat next to at Pei Wei

Clearly both gay. Clearly on a Valentine's Day date. And get this, the more "feminine" of the two had on a wedding ring, the other did not. Scandal!

4)I tripped up the stairs at my apartment. 

Yes, UP the stairs. Keys actually flew out of my hands on that one too! Those who know me best will not be shocked at this at all. Dan, if you can still like me after watching that kind of nonsense, not only does that make you Boyfriend of the Year, but so awesome!

5) Trying to figure out which was cheaper to buy, one 5lb bar of Hershey's Chocolate (The World's Largest) or the 23 regular sized bars (adding up to 5lbs)

After much calculation, we figured the best option is the 23 bars of chocolate. Don't let them fool you!

6) My father called to ask me if Dan was taking me out to a fancy place for dinner

And I quote: "Is he taking you to Taco Bell?"

7) I walked into AND USED the men's bathroom in Walmart

Need I explain it? In my defense, they normally put the women's bathroom on the left at Walmart...

8) Sarah called to ask how our day was going

She also asked if there was "any rain?". A little confused as to why she cared if it were raining or not, I replied with "a little". Immediate giggling in-sued on her end, as she then clarified what she actually said (that I misunderstood) "Jenny, I asked if there was a RING!"

9) Dan asked for the time

My response? "It's 20 almost to 6". Apparently, this was funny.

10) Racing home from the Cracker Barrel at an extremely fast pace ;)

I will leave the details of this one to Dan and I.

11) "Hey Jesus"

Dan got to fully appreciate Vintage 21's "Jesus Videos". Funny.

See below.

12) Seeing each other all weekend and parting only to sleep?

Priceless.

I know, I know. Cringe all you want people. But we had a great time!

Dental News

So friends, I am heading back to the dentist tomorrow. About a year ago, when I moved to Baltimore I found myself in a loooooooooooooot of mouth pain. Wasn't sure what was happening to my face, but figured it had to do with my wisdom teeth. The pain was getting so horrid that I seriously lost sleep at night. So I made an appointment with Evie's parents' dentist.

Dr. Garcia took one look into my mouth and was aghast at what was happening. Lots of cavities, wisdom teeth that required immediate attention, root canals needed, and on top of all of that...an infection that needed some serious antibiotics to heal.

Two days later, I had my wisdom teeth extracted. Most people plan these sorts of things way in advance. Not JB, she waits until there's a decent infection to get her butt in the dentist chair. And, it's not because I hate the dentist. On the contrary, I find it rather fufilling to get my teeth cleaned. However, my bank account wanted to run in fear is all. Anyways.

The best friend Tori came to pick me up the day of my surgery since I couldn't operate heavy machinary afterwards and apparently I was ridiculously funny whilst on the anethesia.

I do remember getting into her car at Target (to get my prescriptions filled) and I saw a banana peel on the ground and pretended to slip on it while ever so gently saying "whoo". I was suuposed to be very careful. I think it was more funny at the time.

Anywho, now it's time to head back to get the root canals. The process was expedited as last night while eating my dinner, my back molar chipped. Yay. I now have a stabbing pain in the back of my tongue from the jagged point my molar has now made.

In honor of my next dental appointment, scheduled for tomorrow (pray that Dr. Skane can smooth down the sharp point and that the root canal procedure is relatively inexpensive), the best friend sent me this video. IT IS HILARIOUS. You have to watch it the whole way through to appreciate it ok? Really. You won't be disappointed, Jenny and Tori give it an enthusiastic thumbs up:

Walter, The Giant Man

On Friday night late, I went to Giant on my way home from Dan's house. As soon as I walk in, there is a man standing at the customer service desk (not an employee). On the counter was a large black duffle bag filled with large manila envelopes, papers, and other random filing nonsense. Next to the duffle bag is a Giant bag filled with his purchases. There is no one behind the desk. 

So, why friends is he still in the store if he already bought stuff? Is he waiting for a friend to finish his shopping? Waiting for a ride? Unsure of his current whereabouts? Oblivious to the scene he is causing as he walks a step or two, pauses, turns around, walks back, pauses looks up, then walks somewhere else a step or two, then pauses, etc. On and on this goes. He looked rather sketchy, allow me to explain: a short, balding man of about 45 years of age. Rounded around the middle, eyes that looked tired and droopy, a disgruntled look upon his face. I was intrigued. Scared. Curious. 

I go about my business. I literally need two items. I get them rather hastly as I am now creeped out by this man, we shall call him Walter. Walter continues to walk around aimlessly. Neither looking at products or making any sort of progress in the store. 

I am now standing in the only available line. Normally, at this time of night there is no line. If there is, it's a short one. As many customers are literally running in for one or two items (as I am), but I am currently standing behind a woman who has literally decided to buy the whole store. I applaud her effort. I realize now is the time to shop for your groceries. I can appreciate that. 

As I am watching this man wander aimlessly about. He eventually makes his way over to the line. Apparently, he is making another purchase. Now there is just no comprehension of what this man is doing. 

As we stand there and wait for the cashier to ring up about 5 bags of cat litter, Walter sneezes. Doesn't cover his mouth. And now snot is running down his face. AND HE DOESN'T EVEN BOTHER TO REMOVE IT. It sits. And sits. And slides. 

Until finally, he takes his arm across his face and wipes it off with his shirt. EEEEEWWWW. I am so disgusted by this display, I can't contain myself. Makes me wonder what other Cretans have touched the credit card machine that I now have to touch. And while I know he was behind me, who knows who came before me. Yick. 

Be Ok?

Maybe I am listening to Ingrid Michaelson a little too much...

I just heard Evie saying

"Be ok. Be ok."


Lyrics from the song entitled "Be Ok."

Conversation with a Toddler

I am trying to prepare this poor girl for the birth of her new little sister...

Me: Where's your baby sister?
Evie: Mommy.
Me: What's your sister's name?
Evie: Suzie.
Me: When she coming?
Evie: Two weeks.
Me: You want to have a baby?
Evie: Baby. Umm.
Me: Well, I think you're getting a baby, like it or not.
Evie: Like it.

Every Little Thing She Does is Baking Magic...

As sung to the tune of "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". Get it? Haha. Ok, it's been a long week...


So, this morning in all my Betty Crocker/Ace of Cakes wonder, I have created a yummy treat for my small group peeps. I realize I am a far cry from either of these bakers. I am also not the first to come up with this most stellar of all stellar ideas; however, I am always wanting to kick it up a notch when I bake, so check these out...





It's hard to tell, but they have icing on them. They are fairly simple to make. Just make the brownies according to the package. Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out brownie "cookies". I was going for a Valentine Day theme...however, I lacked any heart shaped cutters.

Side Note:

1) I call myself a baker and I don't even have the fundamental accutraments for baking various holiday themed treats.

2) I suppose that in my previous anti-Valentine Day life, I never thought to buy heart shapes.


Then melt chocolate icing (I just used store bought, but I suppose you could make your own as well) in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir it. The consistency should be smooth and thin. If it's not, put it back in the microwave for 15 seconds. Stir. Continue this process until it is all melted. You can either drizzle the chocolate or dip the brownie into it. Whichever you prefer. Then add some spirnkle magic!!

Yummers.

Confession.

I realized today when I was reading over my friend Ellen's 25 Random Things on Facebook how much of a fraud I really am! Oh friends. I will talk to you about the benefits of using reusable bags when grocery shopping until the cows come home (can we just stop and think about that cliche for a moment, please?), and yet, I will be the last to admit how I barely use them!

It's a sad thought to me.

My name is Jenny and I use plastic bags.

And it doesn't stop there! I talk about the benefits of eating locally grown foods, organic foods, and loading up on lots of fruits and veggies, and still put many gross-preservative-saturated-bad-for-you-unhealthy junk into my body. I guess it's hard to eat completely all natural foods. And the people who do, I tend to make fun of and call them tree huggers. But I do try my best to be earth friendly and eat as naturally as possible.

It's not for lack of trying for sure. I always have the intention of using cloth bags and if they are in my car, but full, I will dump out the contents of said bag just so I can use the bag to avoid getting a plastic bag.

I normally will remember when specifically going to the grocery store for something, but if for some reason, I go on a whim, I will use the plastic bags.

Side note: One time I was at Giant. I ran in to grab something small. So, when I was checking out, I told the cashier that I didn't need a bag...and she responds with (no lie), "well, you're getting one anyways"

I'm sorry. What? Aren't you the ones who tell us to buy your stupid bags and such?

I guess that's not so bad. But, then I think about how all the landfills will be filling with these stupid non bio-degradable bags and how my children's children will still be able to go a visit their grandma's 100 year old bag! "Come on kids, let's go take a walk to the landfill!"

And then I think about how they will still make these plastic bags even if I choose not to use them.

But why do we keep making them then? Why do we make things like styrofoam, if it's bad for the environment?

I suppose it's cheap to make, but still.


When I was in fifth grade, I decided I was going to single handedly save the rainforest.

I even started a club. I forget it's name...aaaaaaaand I think I was the only member? But, I found the list of activities this group was going to do including recycling, car pooling (like we could drive at the age of 10), reducing trash, etc.

I know, I was a nerd.

While we are on the subject of me being the biggest hypocrite ever, let's discuss children and sugar, or children vs. the TV.

I will tell you how important it is for children to get many nutrient rich foods and how they should eat as little sugar as possible, but then when grocery shopping, I get excited to feed Evie things like cupcakes and brownies, cookies and chocolate.

The whole TV thing, just don't get me started, that's another blog entirely.

So, there. You have my confession. I feel a lot better.

25 Random Things

So, I put this up on my facebook page, but many of my readers don't have facebook, or may not even be my friend on facebook (you should friend me though if you're not because I would love to know who my fan base is, also I don't bite, I promise)


25 Random Things

My reasons for doing this are three-fold:
1) I am bored, an 1.5 hour left at work and my charge is happily playing with her books
2) I enjoy talking about myself :)
3) Gives you insight into my world

So, here goes:

1) I realized the other day while I was showering that I have to use both soap and shower gel. The soap makes me feel clean, the shower gel makes me smell pretty. One without the other is like not even getting a shower at all. And, I realize shower gel does clean one's body, but in my brain it doesn't.

2) I used to live in Asia (Korea) and Europe (Germany). While growing up I sometimes hated being out of the country, but now it makes me feel cultured. In fact, I still sometimes think I AM German.

3) When I was little, I forced my parents to say "Good night, I love you, see you in the morning" about 10 times (for serious) before tucking me in at night. I thought that if they didn't say it, they would die in their sleep. Don't believe me? Just ask the siblings.

4) My dad told me that Jesus was coming back to the earth, for some reason, in my seven year old mind, that meant that he would look the same way coming as he did going (bloody and gross). I also stubbornly believed that he would come when I was in the shower, and I would be the only one who knew of his return. Thus, I showered like any self respecting 2nd grader would shower...with the curtain open.

5) Weight Watchers effectively changed my life around for the better, but has subsequently ruined it as well. By that I mean, I can no longer look at food without thinking of "points". It used to be fun trying to figure out how I was going to fit my meals into my points for the day. Now, it's pretty much sucking my will to live.

6) I cannot wear anything without smudging, tearing, dripping, smearing, or getting something on it...within the first 24 hours. It's a mathmatical improbablity. As hard as I try I will never look as polished as the people in the J Crew catalogue.

7) I get a medium cinnamon iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts every morning before work. I add one tablespoon of sugar-free hazlenut cream to it. It costs $2.01. The workers see me pull up to the store and begin making my drink before I am even in the building. (This would be cool if it weren't for the fact that there are many other customers they do this with).

8) I have a fish I named Dunkin (see Number 7) that has become very important to me. I may cry when he goes belly up.

9) I am addicted to Splenda. I keep a stash in various places. My car, my pocket, my kitchen, my purse, my dresser drawer. When I lived with my brother and his family, my sister-in-law actually had to HIDE her Splenda so that I wouldn't use hers.

10) I went to college secretly to get my MRS degree. I did not get one.

11) My best friend Tori and I share a brain. Quite literally, we have thought the same thought, at the same moment, even when we are hours apart. We normally find out later that we had the same idea at the same moment in time. It is no longer cool. It's just normal.

12) Speaking of Tori, I love to go to Williamsburg with her and her family. Mostly cause I get my own room with my own bathroom. I have never actually had my own bathroom (I have always shared one) so I love that I can wake up and shower without disturbing the rest of the house. It makes me feel like a princess.

13) I desire to live an extraordinary life, but have found that I get stuck in the midst of a mundane existence most days. Therefore, I try to make the most normal of situations, completely fun, random, memorable and out of this world. Just ask anyone close to me.

14) In college, Tori and I would pretend that we were from England and walk around the video store talking in our best British accents.

15) I love popcorn. I eat it every day. 1

16) My boyfriend Dan is the most charming, wonderful, kind man I have ever known.

17) I have a terrible fear of clowns. Because my reaction to them is so dramatic sometimes, people think I am faking.

18) I think I have ADHD, OCD, and various other diseases and disorders.

19) My commute causes me to feel anger like I have never known. Words escape my mouth that I would never think to say in a million years.

20) I learned the importance of flossing and visiting the dentist regularly when my wisdom teeth started breaking in my mouth. Ouch.

21) I missed college and my college friends so much after we graduated, I actually fell into a mild depression afterwards.

22) I love to run. Even if it's raining or 30 degrees outside, I will run. Now that I belong to the gym, the elements don't matter, but I enjoy it. I wish I had more time to committ to it.

23) I love to bake and cook. Decorate and shop. Eat and sleep. Run and veg.

24) I want to own my own bakery called "All About Sprinkles".

25) You think this is random... I have a blog that I created a few months ago that I would like to believe will one day become internationally known. It goes into greater detail about how random my life really is...www.jennybsocalledlife.blogspot.com

Clearly you already knew about the last one, but that's what I wrote on my facebook page, so I kept it as is. Alright. Hope that give you more insight into my head.

Martha vs. Cookie Monster

Well, my lap top charger died the other day. We're talking sparks, exposed wires, and such. It was getting pretty bad. Needless to say, I have not been able to use my lap top since then. Only me. 

It snowed a lot last night and then iced over, so this morning I literally had to chop my car out of it's icicle cocoon. That was fun. I got to work on time which was nice, but now I have the dilemma of what to do with my charge.

I'm thinking it's a baking day. So, we are about to head into the kitchen to see what we can find. However, while I was looking for some fun recipes online, I stumbled on this you tube video. Please watch. And please enjoy.  By the way, it's stinkin' hilarious.

I was looking for Martha Stewart's Monster Cookie recipe (how I found this in case you were curious).

Meet the Fockel's

Well friends, I'm back. Sorry for the hiatus, but I took a little trip all the way to Wisconsin! Dan took me home to meet his family and to visit where he grew up and I must say it was a fantastic trip. It was my very own "Meet the Fockel's". Seriously. And while nothing ridiculous happened to me while I was meeting all the Fockel's and other extended family members, it was just as exciting for other reasons. I mean, I didn't catch any rooms on fire, or clog toliets, or even clumsily hurt any of the furniture (which if you know me but at all, you know I am prone to do such).

Days before we left, Dan kept sending me the weather forecast. It's "-7 degrees back home" or "it's starting to warm up and its now 9 degrees". Sheesh. I was prepared for the bitter cold, but it really wasn't too bad. Honest. Usually the cold only gets to me on work days when I have to leave my house before the sun is up and scrape off my car and am forced to be in the cold. Otherwise it's not too bad. Especially if you are prepared.

Speaking of prepared, I was ready to meet the Fockel's! But nothing could have prepared me to meet some of the warmest people ever. And I am not just saying that because some of them read my blog, either :) Honestly, I didn't realize that people that sweet existed!

We had a great time. Dan got to show me around the city of Milwaukee as well as his schools, where the Milwaukee Brewers play, and various other places he would go when he was younger. I simply love visiting places that have history. Growing up as an Army brat doesn't really afford you a place to have roots really. All my friends growing up are scattered over various parts of the world now. So, it was wonderful to see places that mean a lot to him.

So, yeah. I got to meet the whole family! They even graciously allowed me to catch the Raven's game, even though we lost. Boo.

And Sunday, quite literally, the whole family came over for a look see. They all wanted to meet me I suppose, and it was an honor to be there. Really.

So, all that said. I had a fabulous time and now it's back to the daily grind of life.

Hopefully, I will have something to report on soonish. Until then...

Toasters, Potter, and Yoga...OH MY!

So, two nights ago I decided to make an egg sandwhich. I go through these phases where I crave certain foods. Currently I am going through the egg sandwhich phase. As well as turkey burgers and Luna bars.

Anywho, so I put my bread in our toaster and leave the kitchen (I already made the eggs and was just waiting for some toast). You would think that one would need not to stand guard over the toaster. It's a pretty self-sufficient electrical appliance...


Not in Jenny's universe.


I hear the "pop" of the toast and go into the kitchen to retrieve the toast and step into a cloud of black, puffy smoke. My toast is charred and on fire!

What happened? I suppose something at the bottom of the toaster caught on fire, but I was not anticipating the scene I walked into.

Then this morning on the way to work, I was behind a car that had a plethora of bumper stickers on the back. Harry Potter stickers were all over and some of my favorites included:

I'd rather be playing quidditch
Expecto Patronum
Harry Potter for President


This last one is the one I would like to discuss. Is it wrong to think that Harry would make a better president than Obama? Or that if Harry were to be listed on the voter's ballot, I would choose a FICTIONAL CHARACTER to run our country!?

Then yesterday I decided to do some power yoga with Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser. As I am doing it, I am thinking that this isn't so hard. I'm not even breaking a sweat. I have done yoga before and I am ridicuously flexible, so this will be a cinch. Friends, this morning...upon exiting my bed, I could feel the pain shooting through every muscle of my body! Oy!

My sister-in-law even warned me that it would feel like you weren't getting a workout but just wait until the next day and you would feel it.

Anywho, randomness usually comes in threes for me. So, that's been my life since the last blog.

German Treadmills

I went to the MAC yesterday for the first time. For all of you non-Maryland folk, that's the Maryland Athletic Club. It's a gym. Or more accurately, it's a spa.

My employers are members of this gym, so I have heard about it's many perks. I never thought I would ever walk through the entrance for various reasons, including:

1) I do not belong to said gym

2) I do not have enough in my bank account for said gym's monthly rate

3) I do not look like this...

Well, my wonderful employers signed me up for a week's membership so I could not only check it out, but also because I was working late one night helping out Eliza with Evie (since she's pregnant, she can't do too much at the moment) and she normally goes to the gym after work, so the three of us went.

It was like walking into a world I knew not existed. It was so chic. There was a coffee bar that sold starbucks, and a computer lab. There was a food counter and lush towels. Machine after machine. Rooms for classes. A day care center for Evie. There were pools and hot tubs. There was a gigantic locker room with showers, lots of counter tops and jars filled with cotton balls.

My treadmill, when I got on, yeah...it was digital and was writing things in German. German!! Ok, that was because I accidentally pressed the wrong button. But let's face it, the fact that it was even able to speak German is amazing. Also, each machine had it's own personal TV. That's right, so you can watch cable at your leisure. It just put my gym to shame!

I felt kinda like I was in one of those movies where the small town girl finally makes it to the big city and she's looking around with eyes big as saucers trying to drink in everything around her. And the camera pans around her, circling her from all angles!

Oh well. I do love my gym, a lot. I have no reason to change. But, it was nice to visit, if only for a little while.

All Things Irish

I attempted to put my pictures of Ireland at the end of this blog, but when you upload them, they automatically get uploaded to the beginning of the blog, so I am too lazy to move them all down. This blog, therefore, will be a bit backwards.

Bono created this small chain resturant called "Nude". It's like the Irish version of Panera Bread. Didn't eat there, but took a picture and thought it looked rather posh.
They call it "child minding" in Ireland, not "babysitting", so I thought this was a neat sign on the back of an Ice Cream Truck.

While I did not get to actually drive this car, I got very excited to be in it. I did however, get to sit in the passenger's seat of a van and it was the absolute oddest driving experience ever.

Me. At the Celli. It's an Irish Dance. We were taught some steps and we had so much fun dancing the night away. I must say I got pretty good. Also, I am wearing a hat someone (forget who) brought with them. It's rather silly, but so fun to wear!

This was a cute little fruit/smoothie/tiny grocery store in Greystone's where we stayed. It is called the "Happy Pear" and you know what? It did make me happy.

I love all things Irish. Did you know?



I have blogged about many things, so how could I have failed to report on my love for the Irish culture and people before now?



It's a shame. I am ashamed of myself. Really.



Anywho, I was listening to some awesome Irish rock bands in my car today and remembered watching a small clip of the Irish step dancers last night on hulu. Then I remembered my trip to Ireland in the summer of 2007 (missions trip through my sister's church). And I just got this sense of excitement! And I had to share it with you.



I don't know when this fascination started for me. Was it in grade school learning about the country's history?

Was it when I realized I am part Irish? (Which I have decided to make a huge deal about...I gotta be proud of my celtic roots!!!)


Was it when I realized I fell in love with an Irishmen?



Tricked you with the last one, I have never been in love with an Irishmen. Ah, except Liam Neeson, actor and Irish.


Was it when I heard some Irish music one day and realized that I liked bagpipes and celtic sounds?



Who can really say.



All I know is that my blood runs green.



When I had the amazing opportunity to visit the beautiful island, I stepped off the plane with my mouth wide open in awe and adoration. I don't think it shut closed until we landed back in DC. We actually flew over sheep grazing in meadows!! Just like you see in the quientessential movie clips or photos.



There were castles and old stone buildings, still standing after centuries of wear. There was lush mountain sides and cute little towns with cottages all in a row. There were even tiny houses built for hobbits! I swear. These houses were so small, you would have to duck to get through the door. And the houses were draped with beautiful flowers and landscape. Your thinking that's rubbish? Maybe I stumbled into a nice neighborhood? No, they just take such good care of themselves and their houses.



While there, I learned many things including:



people are more important than time (it;s the opposite in America), so chances are if you stop by a friend's house to "drop something off", you will be forced in for tea and cookies



driving on the road is interesnting to say the least



they are a very friendly people



their accents are ADORABLE



Until I can go back, I suppose the closest I will get to the country again is visiting Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, VA.

Which I love, by the way...

Mental Note

Note to Self:

Self,

Please remember to use the word innocuous today in a sentence.

Thank you,

Self

Welcome Inside Jenny's Head

You know, I was going to write a totally cool blog and I have seemed to have forgotten what I was going to discuss.



I suppose there are many topics I could mention here, as it is my own personal blog, but I find that unless I have some witty story to share, it's just not going to be fun for you to read, my devoted reader.



So, allow me to throw some randomness your way. Once again, this vessel may explode unless I start extracting useless information/memories/thoughts/opinions in your general direction.



I went to a Ravens game about a week ago. They were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars and the win placed us into the NFL Play-offs baby! After last season, it was nice to win some games this year. I would like to consider this the year of "redemption".



Timmy told me that many businesses are keeping their prices and skimping out on their goods. For example, ounces are a smidgen fewer in glasses. You get less food on your plate. How simply scandalous!



Welcome back to the Baltimore commuters. While I despised the fact that I was the only person working last week through the holidays, I did enjoy the lack of cars on the road and the drive home was positively exhilirating! I could actually get my car speeding into the double digits!!!! EEK! I found myself mumbling a bit this morning on my way to work when I saw all the heavy traffic (I was secretly hoping that people just stopped working all together and/or found various forms of travel). Then I brightened at the thought that this means I am now no longer the only person in America working! Wa-hoo.



I am starting to miss all my friends. Ok, not so much starting...as I am just continuing to miss them more and more. Whatever happened to our "let's all live on a cul-da-sac when we're married" idea? Hmm? It could totally work! I think a nice central location such as Baltimore would be perfect--o!



So, how about all the new TV shows starting this week, huh? I get a little ADD at the thought. I find myself needng to pencil it all into my organizer. Then I have to stop and remember that none of this is very important in the grand scheme of life! God is my God, not the bloody TV.




Ok, was that random enough for you? Welcome to my head.

This One's Just For Dan

But the rest of you might get a chuckle out of it as well, especially Tori! I meant to post this a while ago...

Parking Fiasco

This was just too funny not to share with you all...


I was driving my brother Timmy and his best friend Brock to the Raven's game on Sunday. Yes, I finally made it to a game!

Side Note: My brother likes to play "cool" with Brock. On a normal day, if Timmy were in my car we would be jamming to the likings of Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears (I'm not proud of that), and Fergie. When we got into my car, Beyonce was playing on my ipod. And my brother, having to play the cool card act goes:

"Jenny, I can't listen to this crap!"

Timmy. Timmy. Timmy.

Anywho, so we finally make it to the parking garage and Timmy tells me to try and back into a spot. I have never backed into anything, unless it was a garbage can or telephone pole, or something rather large that I should have seen and didn't. Therefore, I chose to never back into spots. It scares me. I might hit something. Or gulp. Someone. I have lived my life pretty well not backing into parking spaces up until now.

I digress.

So, I continue to drive and I am passing spot after spot because the garage is tiny, there are too many cars, and Timmy is in my ear saying "Back it in...back it in Jenny!" I'm starting to perspire at the thought. So, finally I can't take the pressure and I say, "Timmy, I can't back it in. You back it in!"

Timmy: "You've never backed your car into a space?"

Me: "Uhhh, no. So, if you want it backed in, you are going to have to do it yourself."

Timmy: "JENNY. YOU ARE EMBARRASSING ME! You can do this. Now do it!"

AHHHH...so the pressure is on!! Eyes are fixed on my lack of finesse. Timmy breathing down my neck. Cars passing left and right. Pillars on both sides of the space.

But friends. I did it. In one go. Done.

I feel accomplished. Amazed at my ability and Timmy's...er..um...patience.

I Hate Goodbyes, But I Love Hello's!!

Goodbye 2008. I shall miss you most of all...not.

I am super excited for the new year.

Although personally, I use the month of September as my "new year". I guess it's because I was in school for 22 out of my 27 years of life, I have gotten into the habit of marking my fresh start in early fall.

Speaking of fresh starts, I find it rather ridiculous that people even make New Year's resolutions. And while I can understand the motive behind such a decision, and even applaude and encourage people in their endeavors, I just find it odd that we feel like we have to start "fresh" every year. Does something magical happen between the 11:59:59th minute and 12:00:00?? Besides having to relearn how to time stamp stuff, I just don't see the big fuss behind it all. Help me understand people!

And while I find it rather silly people feel the need to wait for this particular time frame, I find myself jumping in with both feet to the whole goal setting thing!! What can I say, I am a walking contradiction.

I am pretty sure 2009 is going to just be a life changing one for me. I am hoping that my lofty ambitions and crazy plans, not excluding opening my own cupcake cafe, running a half marathon, sailing off to New Zealand, and desiging/selling aprons (that's a new one),
will take effect this year!

So, strap on your seat belts blogging friends, it's going to ba a wild ride!!