tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-131535962024-03-07T01:02:56.104-05:00On the Porch Swing...WELCOME!!!! Sit down on the swing and stay a while. Maybe we'll talk...or just listen... I just hope that everyone has fun...and maybe learns something while they are here.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-85955878328728930432007-05-12T20:56:00.000-05:002007-05-12T21:23:19.417-05:00The joy of learning....Learning....<br /><br />It's everywhere. In academics, obviously. In every day life, absolutely.<br /><br />Over the past 9 weeks, I've been learning about New Media in the IMC program online through WVU. Learning about how electronic media works and what is the best media for different programs/companies. I start a new term on Monday, so I'm excited to see what I'll learn in the new courses for the term. (I'm doubling up this summer...yeah I'm a crazy woman!)<br /><br />Through my work with nonprofits, I'm learning about how communication (internal and external) can make or break a company or organization. Many nonprofits don't spend a lot of time or money on communication planning and then wonder why funding, support, and services aren't as successful as they had hoped. I do a lot of technical assistance and training for nonprofits in my work and I have seen over the past few years, the turn around in focusing on communications. Many groups, once they have a plan in place, have seen a huge return! So, not only have I learned this, I think that nonprofits are learning this as well.<br /><br />In life, I'm learning many other things. What I like to do, how I'll spend my time....<br /><br />I'm learning so much. I'm excited to see what I'll learn this week! Seems as though life is as adventurous for me lately!<br /><br />The old adage is that it's important to "never stop learning". I guess I'm on the right track!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-69386463634564952192007-05-07T21:51:00.000-05:002007-05-07T21:57:28.963-05:00What is this thing for anyway?Okay, so I'm torn. I like utilizing my blog to share family stories and what is going on in my life. However, I don't want this to turn into a sharing of personal info and that kind of crazy stuff. I know folks who have those kind of blogs and it's just like, "Uhm...ok and WHY do you think that you need to tell me that?" HA HA<br /><br />So, I'm going to try to explain what's been going on with my life without going into great detail.<br /><br />I'm no longer married. I am living on my own again. I am struggling with being single again. (It's been a LONG time since I've been single.) I wonder if I can handle taking care of the house on my own. I wonder if this is all going to work out. I wonder if I'll be okay.<br /><br />Some days are great. Some days are hard. But I'm praying a lot and spending a lot of time with family. I think that it will all work out because I have friends and family who love me very much.<br /><br />Ok, so I was successful....I left out the details. I didn't get too personal. I walked that fine line and I think I made it across without falling off.<br /><br />So, my question for you is where do you draw the line on your blog. What's personal, what's information you should share, and what's the grey area? <br /><br />Hope you are all having a great week.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-61041805391008574212007-04-23T00:58:00.000-05:002007-04-23T01:02:13.325-05:00I'm BAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!!!Okay, so the title is a little cheesy..... but it's true. I am back to the blogosphere.<br /><br />I am making a comeback (or attempting it) because of a multitude of reasons. Between my marketing class this term which covers blogging and other new media as well as other things in my personal life, I realized how much I miss blogging!<br /><br />So, here I am. My goal is to post once a week, if not more often. Hopefully, people can read the posts and they are interested and they actually want to read it! ;)<br /><br />Stay tuned for the updates that have been going on in my life for the past few months! You don't want to miss this! Okay, so maybe you do...heck, some of them I wish I could have avoided!<br /><br />Be back soon! :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1156817045730138552006-08-28T20:50:00.000-05:002006-08-28T21:04:05.780-05:00Too many things to name.Do you ever feel like your "to do list" just keeps growing instead of shrinking? Like you can't get anything done and when you do, there are three or four more things added to your plate?<br /><br />It's almost like I should repeat the line from Animal House, "Thank you sir, may I have another?"<br /><br />School has been going well and I got a great score on my first assignment. Let's just hope I can keep it up. I love the online class discussions. It is great to get insight from other marketing professionals. Lots of insight and new ways of thinking. It's great!<br /><br />Lots going on.....new and different things at work, which can be interesting and challenging at the same time. Then there is school and volunteer duties..... So, we'll see how I can juggle this. Bad news is, I can't juggle. Well, tasks maybe, but not like a circus juggler. <br /><br />So, I guess my wish is that my friends pray for me. I need sanity and strength at this point.<br /><br />Thanks! :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1155698797726347742006-08-15T22:22:00.000-05:002006-08-15T22:26:37.746-05:00Countdown is quickly approaching!SO MUCH GOING ON! There are great things happening! I'm dealing with change fairly well and work is going great!<br /><br />It's late and I am so sleepy. I wanna share the wonderful stories of the outreach we've been able to do. I promise that I will post it this week. PROMISE PROMISE!<br /><br />I hope that you guys are having as great of a week as I am!!!!!!!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1154488807301710822006-08-01T21:55:00.000-05:002006-08-01T22:20:07.406-05:00Dr. Panucci and her staff are amazing!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/jen"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/lower%20pretreat.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/200/lower%20pretreat.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Trying to think about the postitives.......<br />There's lots on my mind.....politics, the war, school starting soon, and man other things. I could have posted about any of them. I decided not to. I've already had my blood brought up to the boiling point several times today....I didn't need another.<br /><br />So, I decided to take a moment to praise my wonderful orthodontist, Dr. Donna Panucci and her staff <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/lower.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/200/lower.jpg" border="0" /></a>(<a href="http://www.panuccismiles.com">www.panuccismiles.com</a>) for amazing care, customer service, and skill. They took great care of me and have changed my smile...and me forever (that is as long as I wear my retainer!)<br />(pictures at right - pretreatment pictured first then post treatment)<br /><br />I got my braces off on June 22, but I hadn't formally thanked the staff for an amazing job!<br /><br />If you want an idea of what they can do....look at the photos.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/jen"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/200/jen%27s%20new%20smile.0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I am so proud of my new smile! Most of all, I am so grateful for the wonderful care that the staff provided to me.<br /><br />Dr. Panucci did not pay me to say this. I promise. I just want to thank her and her staff! I have NEVER had this level of professional yet very personalized care by any medical/dental professional in my LIFE! She has customer service down to a science! Me and my new smile! (at right)<br /><br />I can smile proudly now! Orthodontic treatment is expensive. However, the treatment that I received was worth every penny! (and more!) I am honestly going to miss seeing the gals at the office every 8-10 weeks! (I'll miss them too much that I'll probably take them some baked goodies every once in a while!)<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/front%20pretreat.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/lower%20pretreat.jpg"></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1154315115707737522006-07-30T21:43:00.000-05:002006-07-30T22:05:15.816-05:00Tom Cruise...before and afterWARNING! STUPID POST.....Just an observation that I thought was worth commenting on....<br /><br />I came up with this post as I flipped through the TV channels today. Not one, but TWO wonderful Tom Cruise classics were on today. At the same time, on two different cable channels, Days of Thunder and Cocktail were on today. I started watching Days of Thunder, then flipped over to Cocktail and got wrapped up in it and didn't flip back to DOT until nearly the end. It made me a little sad.....no not the movies....but the wonderful actor and guy that Tom Cruise used to be. He went from famous to infamous, or so it seems. His relationship with Nicole going sour (one of the few Hollywood couples that I really thought had a chance), his shortlived relationship with Penelope Cruz, and his weird relationship/marriage/pregnancy with Katie Holmes. And I haven't even mentioned his inconsiderate comments about postpartum, his reaction to Katie's weight gain from the pregnancy, the wedding, the birth of the baby...and I'm not even going to talk about the religious beliefs. (I won't talk about it b/c I believe that everyone has a right to their beliefs. I think he's weird, but not b/c of his religion. I just think he's turned weird on us.)<br /><br />Seeing the movies of his glory days really made me long for the Tom Cruise of the good ol' days. You know, the guy from Cocktail, Days of Thunder, Top Gun, and others....and we can't forget Jerry McGuire......one of my personal favorites. Gosh he is too cute in that movie.<br /><br />I guess things change, people change. I can't expect every person to stay the same. I know I've grown and changed since the first time I saw Tom Cruise on the big screen. So, who am I to call him weird for changing, too?<br /><br />Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that we have forgotten about how people were many years ago. I had forgotten about the young Tom Cruise......just as we often forget about the wonderful woman and songstress Whitney Houston of years ago. <br /><br />***NOTE I didn't realize this until today.....Brian's (Tom Cruise) bartender friend, Doug, marries a beautiful blond in the movie Cocktail. She is the same girl that plays the doctor who falls in love with Dalton (Patrick Swayze) in Road House. (Another personal favorite!!!)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1154313788920315352006-07-30T21:18:00.000-05:002006-07-30T21:43:09.043-05:00Banana Clips and Lycra Leggings....Okay.....I'm officially OLD!<br /><br />I've always heard that the first sign of getting old is if you see a trend come around the second time. Well, it's official, I'm OLD!<br /><br />This weekend, my husband and I went to the mall. As usual, we save time by separating and going to our favorite stores and then meeting up at a specific time and store. <br /><br />I don't often go into Claire's (an accessory store targeting the 10-15 demographic), but a new line of jewelry by Mariah Carey caught my eye. As I was looking around, I saw some really pretty earrings, etc. But, while I was looking over the hair accessories, I saw banana clips.......OH MY GOODNESS! I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but according to the sales associate (who was obviously younger than me) stated that they were in style. I'm not sure that she knew that they were BACK in style as opposed to being "a new style". Then, as I was walking around the store to see what deals I could find... I saw black leggings in two lengths....capri and ankle....with lace. Okay, I wore these under skirts when I was in middle school.... (about 15 years ago) <br /><br />I hadn't thought about it much, but then I realized that I had seen several teenage girls wearing these under super short shirts over the past few trips to the mall....and this visit was no exception.<br /><br />I vow that I will not follow this trend. A few years back, a friend told me that "friends don't let friends wear ponchos"....well, I make this comment....."If you wore banana clips or leggings the first time around, don't wear them the second time around....They weren't attractive then and they are still unattractive now!"<br /><br />I know that I'm not "old" yet, but I am getting older. I also know that I have far outgrown the attire of the "youth" of today. I still feel that I keep up with styles...but they are styles for my age. I never thought that I would say this....I swore I'd never be this way, but we always say NEVER SAY NEVER. Okay, so here it goes.....I can't believe some of the skirts that young girls are wearing. I'm just thankful that they are wearing the black leggings under the skirts now. I'm tired of seeing girls with skirts so short they can hardly walk b/c they are afraid of showing off more than a little leg. I even attended a wedding this Spring where a teenage girl wore a skirt that could barely be considered a skirt. Even wearing this skirt to a club or a party would be a stretch, but a WEDDING??!!!!!!! OMG!<br /><br />Okay, so the lesson is what is old is new again and I am getting old and I have turned into my grandmother.....which I've realized...isn't such a bad thing. My grandmother is a respectable lady and has always looked gorgeous, and has always dressed in good taste.<br /><br />**Here's another observation from this weekend. Okay, maybe in some magazines, it is "cool" to wear the collar of a polo shirt flipped up, but it just looks a little rediculous to me. I am not the MOST fashionable by any means, but I have never seen a flipped collar look good on ANYONE.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1154143932048728502006-07-28T22:14:00.000-05:002006-07-28T22:32:12.116-05:00The Countdown is ON!Okay, so graduate classes start in less than a month and I am a craszy woman. My thoughts are.... "What the hell was I thinking?" "I can't believe I'm doing this!!!!" and "Wow, this seemed like a good idea a few months ago....."<br /><br />So, what is going through my head right now? BUSY BUSY BUSY<br /><br />I just keep thinking about how busy I am now and the fall is the busiest time for me at work (for our whole department, actually) and I can only imagine what it is going to be like with school added on top of that!<br /><br />I know one thing.....my rear needs to get in gear! Get organized, accept loans, and get started reading my books when they come in.<br /><br />I've got a large list of "must reads" for a marketing professional before school starts. I've "skimmed" most of them....still need to read a few more. Okay, so I realize that "skimming" doesn't count as really reading them, but I figured if I was going to get through the long list before classes started, that skimming was the only way to do that. I'm sure I'll get back to actually reading every word from cover to cover someday.......<br /><br />So, say a little prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me......I can see it now.....Weather still warm....packing my laptop, notebooks, textbooks, files from work in my messenger bag...and just hoping that I meet all of the deadlines.<br /><br />So if you see me walking around, pencil behind one ear, book in hand, cell on the other ear.....then you know....it's official. SCHOOL HAS BEGUN.<br /><br />And, you know what is the worst thing???? Gone are the days that mom and dad would take me school shopping....gone are the days that I would get all dressed up for the first day of school after changing three or four times.....<br /><br />It's an online program....I don't think that my husband will buy the fact that I need school clothes! :)<br /><br />One thing that is still alive and well....First day of school jitters....Here is is three weeks away and I'm already getting the jitters....OH DEAR!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1153962534861279742006-07-26T20:07:00.000-05:002006-07-26T20:08:54.880-05:00Change is inevitable....Okay, so we've all "learned this lesson". CHANGE...<br /><br />I just wonder if we really learn the lesson EVER.<br /><br />I don't think so because if we really learned it, we wouldn't be tested on it quite often. Maybe I'm speaking for myself, but change has always been difficult for me. I'm growing up and it's getting easier, but sometimes I experience a little regression and get a little whiny.<br /><br />Is it just me....or does change always come just when you start getting "comfortable" or confident in what you are doing????<br /><br />Everything is going great in my life, but I am having to say goodbye to a wonderful mentor and friend and boss. Our Executive Director is taking a wonderful position in higher ed in North Carolina and he will be leaving in August. I honestly wish him the best and I am excited about the future of our organization. I can't help but be saddened that I won't have him around.<br /><br />Then after I found out about our ED leaving, my program director told us that she is taking a new position within the organization (which is a great thing). However, she will no longer be my boss. Thankfully, I will still get to see her and work with her. I have been blessed to have two great supervisors and I am struggling with this. My new direct supervisor (beginning next month) and I work well together. That doesn't help with missing working for my current boss. To beat it all, I'm "losing" both at the same time....August 15th. I am not the only one at the office dealing with this and we're going through this together. That has helped.<br /><br />I swear...some days I feel like a mature professional....other days, I feel like a kid whining around about things. I know that this is selfish and I want things to stay the same and I know deep down that things will be okay. But, for right now, I have to deal with it the best way I can. I am in preparation of saying good bye to my bosses. I am sure that I will blubber like a baby. I guess I will say it in a letter b/c I don't want them to see me cry. My letters will go something like this....<br /><br />To the ED -<br />I wish you the absolute best and I just hope that your new coworkers and employees are as grateful to have your leadership, expertise, and kind heart as we are. You have always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. You have enabled me to reach new heights and achieve things that I didn't think were possible. May you continue to be a blessing to others as you have been to us. I truly hope that NC realizes what a great guy they are getting!<br /><br />To my supervisor -<br />This new position is a great opportunity for you. It will be a way for you to use your amazing talents and expertise. It has been great working with you and I hope that we continue to work together. You have given me the confidence to attempt new tasks and overcome obstacles. You have been empowering, inspiring, and working for you has been gratifying. You are an amazing woman...a strong, intelligent, dedicated woman. Thank you for believing in me and giving a young girl who was "wet behind the ears" this opportunity. Thank you for believing in me!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1148784464371428502006-05-27T21:39:00.000-05:002006-05-27T21:49:06.413-05:00Me and James Taylor<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/Jen&JamesTaylor.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/320/Jen%26JamesTaylor.jpg" border="0" /></a> Okay, so it's not the best picture in the world. But, I guess it's cool that I stood this close to one of the best musicians EVER! I can't hear a James Taylor song without thinking about my dad. My dad is a James Taylor fan....although not as much as I thought b/c he didn't want to pay the large ticket price to go. But he enjoyed seeing this photos along with the others that I showed him. If nothing else, it got a "That's cool" from my dad. Which for me, is priceless.<br /><br />So, here's my "MasterCard" commercial:<br />Ticket to James Taylor Concert: $90<br />Tshirts from the concert for me and dad: $70<br />Getting to meet James Taylor and hearing my dad say, "That's cool" ---- PRICELESS<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">**Note: Mr. Taylor doesn't look very happy to be in this photo with me. I know why. The random guy in line who was getting a cd or something signed that I handed the camera to didn't understand to hold down the silver button to take the photo. So I, oh yes, I had to ask JAMES TAYLOR to take a second photo. I apologized sincerely and he replied, "I'm sorry too." But, he was a good sport and took the second photo. This explains the scornful look. He was smiling in the first one...or at least I pretend that he was. :) </span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1146872448702546742006-05-05T18:36:00.000-05:002006-05-27T21:53:55.206-05:00James Taylor Concert<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/1600/james2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/320/james2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="left">Okay, I was going to mention it in my previous post, but I figured that it deserved it's own post. I AM GOING TO SEE JAMES TAYLOR IN CONCERT ON MONDAY NIGHT! OH MY! I grew up listening to JT with my dad. Tickets were a small fortune (just under $100 each), but I think that it will be worth it. And even better, I am going with a close friend and her mom. I can't wait!!!!!! Okay, I guess it's been a long time since I've been to a concert b/c I just found out that you can't bring in cameras any more to concerts. WHAT???!!!! Since when? From what coworkers and friends tell me, it's been that way for a while. I know, I don't get out much. HAHA But, I am sure that I will post on Tuesday and give you all the details. I would post pictures BUT!!!! WE CAN'T TAKE IN CAMERAS! ARGHHH!!!!! You know who's even more out of the loop, though??? I've actually had people ask me who James Taylor was when I was talking about the concert! WOW! Talk about living under a rock! :) </p><p align="left">Here is the photos that I just added:<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5521/1145/320/jamestaylorperforming.jpg" border="0" /></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1146872180501576382006-05-05T18:12:00.000-05:002006-05-05T18:36:20.516-05:00It's been a month!!!Okay, so I feel guilty. I haven't posted in a month. Pretty pathetic, I know.<br /><br />I know it's not an excuse, but I have been swamped with work. Traveling all over the state providing trainings and having a great time. I have to admit though, it's wearing me out! I've been places I've never been and it's been great.<br /><br />Last month, I turned 26. Yeah, 26! I know that to some people that isn't a big deal or you're thinking "that's young". But, what you don't understand is that time is passing too fast. I can remember when a year lasted forever. Now, it's over in a flash. I guess I'm just getting older. I have had to come to terms with it. DOESN'T MEAN THAT I LIKE IT THOUGH! I graduated high school 8 years ago! 8 YEARS AGO! I can't believe that I will be attending my HS reunion in two years. OMG! (I think I'm going a little overboard. I can't help it.)<br /><br />I should be thankful for what I've been able to accomplish in my years on the Earth and celebrate the people that have helped me acheive these things. I do celebrate them, but there are times when I just wish that I could eat a donut without having to buy new pants (because by eating the flippin' donut it makes my pants too tight). I wish that I could dance like I used to and move like I used to. I need to get back to the gym. My thighs are a little "thicker" than I would like. I watch Dr. 90210 on E! quite frequently and have been dreaming about having plastic surgery. Mainly, liposuction and fat injections. I know, that sounds like an oxymoron. Lipo for my stomach, hips, and thighs and fat injections under my eyes (I have a small indentation under my eyes...something that has bothered me for as long as I can remember.) My husband doesn't know about this. He would think I was crazy. Besides, it is so far outside my budget, that it won't ever happen anyway. I can keep dreaming!<br /><br />That leads to another thing. I am going back on South Beach on Monday. I know, I know, I've said that before. But I am doing it FOR REAL this time. I wish I had something to keep me motivated like I did the last time. Something about having to fit into a spandex aerobics outfit that makes you wanna eat right and work out.<br /><br />But, for now, I'll have to settle for the fact that I get my braces off in June! I can't wait. I go to the orthodontist at the end of this month for a check up. As long as everything is still on track, then I will get them off in June! :) I am excited and sad. I love my orthodontist and her staff and I will miss them. I guess I'll have to just go in and visit every now and then! :) (I might as well as enjoy their perky personalities....I'll be paying for the braces for at least 3 more years! YIKES!)<br /><br />So, I guess that's what is going on with me. Waiting to hear back about my application to grad school, trying to lose some weight and get healthy, get lots of work done, and spend time with my husband and Wrigley.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1144288096587614512006-04-05T20:34:00.000-05:002006-04-05T20:48:16.610-05:00Cookies and *&#%..."Where's the cookies and -BLEEP-????? That came from a line from Bernie Mac's stand up on The Kings of Comedy. It is too funny.<br /><br />It is appropriate for what I've been up to, though.<br /><br />Besides the creation of my version of muffies, I have tried to create other SBD friendly recipes. Tonight, I fell off the wagon, though. I had a Krispy Kreme donut, a couple of salt and vinegar potato chips, and a cheese breadstick from Giovanni's. Now, I wish I wouldn't have. But it was so good. Now, I can leave my cravings behind and get back on the wagon tomorrow.<br /><br />Diets are a roller coaster for me. I'm trying to make a lifestyle change. So, if I "treat" myself every now and then (and I don't make a habit of it), then I should be ok.<br /><br />As for the muffies, the recipe is provided at the end of this post.<br /><br />I made cookies with organic naturally white whole grain flour tonight. They turned out good. At least I thought that they were good. Not amazing, but good. Anthony thought that they were "okay", which means that they are good, but not "bangin" as he would say. Now, my self filled cupcakes are "bangin" and my meatloaf (which I made tonight) is "bangin". What he means by this is that he can <strong>eat a lot of them</strong> or as he says, "bang the heck out of them". <br /><br />So, I guess it is back to the drawing board for something different...something better.<br /><br />Here are my recipes: SBD Friendly.....<br /><br /><strong>Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffies</strong><br />1 cup whole wheat/whole grain flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />3/4 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 ½ sticks of butter<br />1 cup splenda<br />1 tbsp SF maple syrup<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1 egg<br />A splash of milk<br />½ or ¾ cup sour cream<br />½ bag of semisweet chocolate chips<br /><br />Mix flour with soda and salt. Cream butter; gradually add splenda until light and fluffy (5 minutes) blend in vanilla, egg, sour cream; grad add flour mix; beat until smooth.<br /><br />Batter will be very sticky like muffin batter.<br /><br />Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.<br /><br />Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Check them at 8 and you may need to bake them a little longer. I like my cookies and muffies a little chewy.<br /><br /><strong>Mamaw's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made over.....</strong><br />1 cup whole wheat/whole grain/organic naturally white WW flour<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 ½ sticks of butter<br />1 cup splenda<br />1 tbsp SF maple syrup (a little less is what I use)<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1 egg<br />1/4 cup sour cream<br />1/2 bag of semisweet chocolate chips<br /><br />Mix flour with soda and salt. Cream butter; gradually add splenda until light and fluffy (5 minutes) blend in vanilla, syrup, egg, sour cream; grad add flour mix; beat until smooth.<br /><br />Add more flour if sticky.<br /><br />Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.<br /><br />Bake at 375 for 10 minutesJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1144118718404530552006-04-03T21:35:00.000-05:002006-04-03T21:45:18.430-05:00Muffies!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE PANERA BREAD! It is a great place to eat. It is a restaurant with a wonderful menu, lots of choices, and reasonable prices! This weeekend, I found another reason to LOVE Panera!<br /><br />This weekend, my husband and I went, (as a part of me losing the NCAA Tourney Bracket bet) and we ate. As we were leaving, we got a few pastries to take home. Who could resist?<br /><br />(I did have Whole Grain bread and a WONDERFUL GREEK salad, so I thought that a bite of a cookie wouldn't kill me.)<br /><br />Anyway, Anthony got a Muffie. Okay, so I'm sure you're asking the same thing that we wondered....what's a muffie? It is a hybrid of a muffin and cookie. I don't think that Panera has a trademark on the name, but it is genius. <br /><br />For those of you who are Seinfield fans....there is finally something that is like the top of the muffin - muffin caps! NO STUMPS HERE! He got a banana nut muffie and I tried a bite.<br /><br />I got home and immediately I wanted to recreate it in my kitchen. So, with a couple recipes to look off of: my grandmother's famous choc chip cookies, an oatmeal cookie recipe, and a muffin recipe, I combined some of the components and I came up with an oatmeal chocolate chip muffie!<br /><br />So, congrats to Panera for finding the best of both worlds....a soft moist cookie/muffin top. It's a MUFFIE! Get 'em while you can!<br /><br />If you can come up with some other muffie combinations, let me know! :)<br /><br />Since the recipe I came up with this weekend was experimental, once I jot down everything and the measurements, I'll post the recipe.<br /><br />MUFFIES - YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Have you had any muffies?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1144118059495612112006-04-03T21:17:00.000-05:002006-04-03T21:34:19.516-05:00YUMMY Veggie Lasagna :)Veggie Lasagna (This is a variation of a recipe that I found on <a href="http://www.3fatchicks.com">www.3fatchicks.com</a> - A GREAT diet online support site with GREAT recipe swaps!)<br /><br />Yellow Squash/Zucchini (I used 3 yellow squash and 1 zucchini)<br />1 tablespoon of Italian dressing (I made my own viniagrette instead).<br />Use just enough to coat the squash and zucchini<br /><br />Marinate for 4 hours in the refrigerator<br /><br />Grill the squash and zucchini until tender (I used my George Foreman Grill)<br /><br />Spray a deep baking dish with Pam<br /><br />Layer the bottom with the grilled Zucchini and Squash<br />Cover with your favorite spaghetti sauce (I made my easy marinara-see below), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese (I added 1 egg to bind it together and added some drained frozen spinach - It was excellent. Next time, I may add just a little italian sausage.)<br /><br />I layered this.....little sauce (to prevent sticking), then a layer of squash, marinara, cheese filling, squash, marinara, cheese, squash, marinara, and LOTS OF CHEESE ON TOP!<br /><br />Bake at 400 until done. (About 20 mins.) (Let it set for about 5 minutes before cutting/serving.)<br /><br />This was so good, you just can't believe it!<br /><br />Jen's easy marinara (This is a variation of a Weight Watcher marinara)<br />1 large can of stewed crushed tomatoes<br />palmful (2 tbsp) of garlic powder (or a minced garlic clove if I have it on hand)<br />palmful (2 tbsp) of italian seasoning blend (I use Emeril's Italian Essence, but any brand will be fine)<br />1/4 tsp or small pinch of salt<br />1 tbsp or 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (depending on whether or not you like spicy food)<br />1 tsp of splenda (or sugar if you like) --- Any time you add sugar/splenda to a tomato product, it brings out the tomato flavor and helps develop the flavor in the sauce. I use a pinch of splenda in my salsa too.<br /><br />Mix together and simmer in a sauce pan until warm throughout. I use this for pizza sauce, pasta sauce, and dipping sauce for grilled veggies or breadsticks.<br /><br />If you like your sauce extra chunky, then add a small can of diced/whole stewed tomatoes. Dump contents of can into a bowl and use a fork to break up the tomatoes into chunks, then mix in with other sauces.<br /><br />As easy as this sauce is, I will never buy store bought sauces again. At least, I know what goes into it......Also, to make it a meat sauce, I just brown the meat (Italian Sausage or ground beef, etc.) and then drain. Then, I add the sauce to the skillet.<br /><br />The viniagrette that I used to marinate my squash was a mixture of a good grade olive oil (you want something with a green tint. Light color olive oil is good for cooking, medium color (for my tastes) are better for salad dressings, etc.) I used about 3 tbsp of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for those of you who don't watch Rachel Ray HAHA) and about a 1 tsp or so of red wine vinegar. I added a little salt, a little Emeril Italian Essence. I would have added a little more seasoning if it was a dressing, but since it was a marinade, I made a little heavy on the EVOO since I was grilling the veggies.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1144116990743429742006-04-03T21:12:00.000-05:002006-04-03T21:16:30.766-05:00Doing well....I know I haven't posted in forever. I've been one busy girl! :)<br /><br />My diet has been going well. I haven't weighed in yet, but I already feel better and my clothes aren't screaming for relief! (I've still got a ways to go, but I'm getting there!)<br /><br />I've come across some new and great recipes! YUMMY! I'll be posting those on here soon!<br /><br />We moved to our new office last week. It is SO nice. I'm still unpacking boxes, but it's coming along slowly but surely!<br /><br />I'm still trying to find time to submit my application for school. I really need to do that this week. Man, I'm a slacker. :)<br /><br />So, what's been going on with you guys!???Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1143414918867174712006-03-26T17:54:00.000-05:002006-03-26T18:15:18.903-05:00Back on the wagon....this time for real!Okay, so I've said before that I was getting back on the healthy eating wagon. It wasn't successful. So unsuccessful in fact, that I have gained 10 pounds and my clothes are too tight. I have a couple suits and pants that still fit. (Clothes that were too big a year ago.) This time, I have decided to go back on the South Beach Diet. I went on the diet before and felt SO good. Lots of energy and just felt good overall. I have decided to get back on the wagon and be serious about it!<br /><br />So, in the morning, I will be back on the BEACH. I hope it works as well this time as it did last time. Wish me luck!<br /><br />FYI - Don't worry about me. South Beach is NOT ATKINS and you won't see me die of a coronary in the next month. South Beach is low carb and low fat diet. You can eat good fats (lean meats, olive oil, etc.) and good carbs (whole grain breads, pastas, etc.). So, don't worry. :)<br /><br />This decision was not just about the gained weight or tight clothes, it was about the way I've felt the past couple of weeks. With the food that I have been eating, it is no wonder why I have felt like crap. So, I made this decision to feel better and to be comfortable in my clothes. Plus, when I felt better and my clothes fit, I felt better about myself and was more confident. So, just cheer me on as I try to get back into my "skinny clothes". ;)<br /><br />Not that you guys want to hear it, but I will be posting my progress (hopefully) every week.<br /><br />Thanks for your support!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1142472160255829692006-03-15T19:28:00.000-05:002006-03-15T20:22:40.303-05:00WOW! What a week....and it's only WEDNESDAY!In all honesty, I was dreading this week a little. On Monday, we had the farewell luncheon for our office manager. (I really wasn't ready for her to go. Also, I dreaded being without her asisstance.) Then, I spent two days in Parkersburg for a training that my organization provided. We had wonderful contracted trainers/consultants to provide the information, but I still went up to help facilitate and do registration, etc. So, I was dreading the trip and the time away from the office because there is SOOOO much to do!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />However, it was a blessing in disguise. Tuesday was an empowering day. One attendee said it best on her evaluation comments, "I felt as though I have gained a better working knowledge of [the topic]. I also leave this training feeling empowered with new skills & abilities." WOW! I felt the same way. During a group exercise, success stories of organizations emerged. One story lead to another and soon tears began to flow without guard or apology. Stories of children having a joyous holiday (when they weren't expecting to receive anything), families having a warm place to stay, welfare moms making it and becoming successful professionals, teenage mothers having neccessities for themselves and their children, more and more.....<br /><br />Pauses during the sharing session were only evident when the words were hard to form through the emotion. Every attendee was involved, whether it was verbal or just shown through their body language. There were nods of understanding and hands over mouths to help keep the emotion from purely erupting from their bodies. <br /><br />Today's training was a little less emotional, but greatly informative and engaging. Today also gave us an opportunity to dive into each other's life experiences and successes. <br /><br />It's so often that we just go through the motions...not knowing what impact we have on one another. One of the many things I learned (or at least was reminded of) this week is that our lives do not go unnoticed. That we are all intersecting beings and we all have impact on others. It is our choice whether it is a postive or negative one. I hope that my impact is positive. <br /><br />We will never know what we mean to another....or how many we have touched. But, what we do know and remember are the people that have touched our lives. So, as long as we pay that forward, then we can make a difference. <br /><br />Two quotes that I think are appropriate:<br /><br />"I believe that everyone is the keeper of a dream - and by tuning into one another's secret hopes, we can become better friends, better partners, better parents, and better lovers." Oprah<br /><br />"Unless you choose to do great things with it, it makes no difference how much you are rewarded, or how much power you have." Oprah<br /><br /><br />And just a quote that I received in an email forward today from my friend, Michael, that really helped me today....<br /><br />"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business." - Michael J Fox<br /><br />I just want to thank ALL of you that have helped me in a variety of ways. Thank you.....<br /><br />***For those of you who think this might be cheesy, I truly wish that you could have been at the training this week. I truly believe that events like these can be LIFE changing. You just have to accept the message that was given to you. The message I received yesterday is that things are going to be fine and that I am making a difference and that my work and life is worthwhile. It's hard to not yell it at the mountain tops when you get this kind of message.<br /><br />My response is, "I hear you loud and clear."Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1142089986380255702006-03-11T09:41:00.000-05:002006-03-11T10:13:06.400-05:00Interesting Recipes....I just realized that I never posted about this....<br /><br />For the Super Bowl, Anthony wanted something different. So, after looking around <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com">Food Network's </a>website, he found a recipe from one of Emeril's episodes on party food. It was called Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna. At first, I have to admit that I was skeptical. The ladies in the deli at Kroger were intrigued when I asked for a 3 pound chunk of bologna. <br /><br />But I brought it home and prepared it. The aroma filled the kitchen and I was reminded of Easter Sunday as a kid. It smelled just like a yummy, sweet baked ham.<br /><br />We were even more surprised when we pulled it out of the oven and it tasted even better than it smelled! We served it on bread as sandwiches. Next time, I think I'll make some au gratin potatoes to go with it. WHO KNEW that bologna could taste so good.<br /><br />As you know, I love to cook and to find new and interesting recipes. So, I'm glad that Anthony found this one!<br /><br />So, if you know of any other interesting recipes that are worth a try, send them my way!<br /><br />If would like to try the Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna for yourself, click <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_25852,00.html">here</a>. (It goes over really well for when the guys all get together for basketball or football games.) ***Hint - I made a 3 pound bologna instead of the 6 pounder that it calls for. It fed a crowd, but if you are having a big group, then get the 6 pounder..... It is really easy to adjust the recipe to feed your crew!****Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1141874627279143912006-03-08T22:10:00.000-05:002006-03-09T20:19:41.916-05:00Can't help but LOVE Vicki's!Okay, so I'll admit. I'm a Victoria's Secret customer. I love their products. No one makes undergarments like they do. Also, from a girl who has always been self conscious of her chest size, Vicki's has been a self esteem builder. (If it wasn't for Vicki's Very Sexy bra with SUPER DUPER padding, i'd still be in a training bra.....:( )<br /><br />Their undergarments are comfortable and well made. Initially, I thought that they were expensive, but once I realized how great their products are, I knew that it was worth the cost!<br /><br />A college classmate once told me, "Once you start wearing Victoria's Secret, you won't be able to wear your other underwear." She was right! I started buying from VS several years ago. I haven't purchased underwear anywhere else since!<br /><br />So, what does all of this mean? Well, as a marketing professional, I look at the reasons why I am a loyal VS customer. I LOVE their products, their sales professionals (they are so helpful), and their commercials are intriguing. Their commercials make me think of several things.<br /><br />When I saw their new IPEX commerical last week, I caught myself wanting to rush out to VS and get a new bra. Other than the fact that I could use a new one, I decided that I wanted an IPEX one because the ad "suggested the idea". Once I realized that the ad worked for me, I wanted to analyze why it did. So, I wanted to find out what the thought process was for this outcome. I realized that I first thought, "Wow, look how beautiful those women are. If I have a bra like that, I will be beautiful." Then, I thought, "I really need to put down these potato chips and get into shape."<br /><br />I realize that it is obvious that they play on the beauty and sex appeal of their models to sell their products. Hey, I know that sex sells. But to me, this is more than that. I love their products and sales staff. Their products have helped me build self esteem. So, I take that positive image/memory and mixing that with great ads, I just can't help myself!<br /><br />A friend told me that the ads have the opposite effect on her. She thinks, "I can never look like that, so why even try." She isn't a VS customer. She said that the fit is not quite right.<br /><br />I guess that just goes to show that advertising affects people in different ways. <br /><br />So, what do you think about when you see Victoria's Secret ads?<br /><br />I hope you will read this post and reply. I really want your input.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1141521613704438352006-03-04T20:04:00.000-05:002006-03-04T20:20:13.740-05:00I want to take a walk down the red carpet!!!!The Academy Awards are tomorrow night. I have only seen one movie that is nominated for best picture. I have a desire to see many of the movies that have received nominations in a variety of categories. I want to see Memoirs of a Geisha, Brokeback Mountain, Capote, TransAmerica, Good Night and Good Luck, Munich, among others. The one movie that I have seen is Crash. It was a moving movie and leads the audience to deal with issues of prejudice and intolerance in an 'in your face' true realistic way. I personally loved this movie and found it extremely insightful. It is a movie that my husband agree with. We both agree that it was outstanding. The cast, the story, the concept, etc.<br /><br />So, as I try to make my picks for the winners, I'm having a difficult time since I have not seen all of the movies. So, here are my picks....We'll see tomorrow night who will take home the little gold bald men!<br /><br />Leading Actor - Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow<br />Supporting Actor - Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain<br />Leading Actress - Felicity Huffman - TransAmerica<br />Supporting Actress - Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain<br />Directing - Crash<br />Musical Score - Pride & Prejudice<br />Best Picture - Crash<br /><br />Those are just a few of the awards being presented tomorrow night. We'll see if I'm right. I think I might be off on a few of them?!??!<br /><br />So enjoy the walk down the red carpet! I wonder who will have the most contraversial speech tomorrow night?!? That's one of the best things about award shows.....you never know who is going to say what!!!!!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1141259288491947842006-03-01T19:18:00.000-05:002006-03-01T19:28:08.516-05:00March has been sneaky!I can't believe that it is already March! I have a training in Wheeling on Tuesday and I didn't realize until yesterday that the training is next Tuesday! OH MY!<br /><br />Spring will be here (and gone) before you know it!<br /><br />I guess I am getting older because time flies by. I can remember when I would say, "I can't wait until summer" or "I wish it was Christmas"....My grandmother used to accuse me of wishing my life away. I used to take time for granted. Now, I WISH I had that time back.<br /><br />I'm 25 years old. To some, I'm sure that it sounds like I have plenty of time left. Besides the fact that we never know when it's our time, even though I am 'young', it won't be long before I have kids, they grow up and graduate, and I begin to receive the senior discount at Shoney's. :)<br /><br />So, until then, I'll try to enjoy every moment and not to "wish my life away".Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1141006491777590382006-02-26T21:04:00.000-05:002006-02-26T21:14:51.800-05:00Great Weekend....I have had a great weekend!<br /><br />Friday evening was spent at home......After a one hour deliberation with the Tax Dept and the Assessor's Office about my property taxes.....ALL $270 of it! (They misquoted me....original quote was $136 - over the phone....Then, in person on Friday, when I went to pay it, it was $270. Then, they said that they had misquoted it and it should be nearly $350, but since they misquoted me at the $270 amount, that is what they will charge me. I'll have to go in tomorrow AM to give them the check. ARGHHH!!! $270!!!!!)<br /><br />Saturday was spent with my friend, Annette, and her parents. They are so nice! I went with Annette and her parents for a quick tour of Charleston. We went through Kanawha State Forest. We made a wrong turn and even though we thought that we would come out on Rt. 119 in Corridor G, we actually came out in Hernshaw (right outside of Boone County). Nothin' like a Saturday adventure!!!! Plus, Annette's dad is afraid of heights and he was a little concerned winding around a curvy dirt road with NO guard rails! :) It was a trip to WV that I doubt they soon forget!!!!! Anthony and I met up with them for dinner and had a great chat and some great food! Annette's mom paid the bill before I even had a chance! So, we will return the favor next time. It was such a great visit! I also got to talk with Michael Ann and Libby on the phone. It was a great day!<br /><br />Sunday was spent with my family. I hadn't seen mom, dad, and the boys for a few weeks. I had a great visit. I didn't get to spend much time with dad though. He got off work after 4 and I thought he got off work at 3. :( I hope to spend more time with him soon. <br /><br />It's back to work tomorrow....a good week ahead, I think. I am always excited to get back to work after a great weekend. Good times with friends and families recharge me for work!<br /><br />Talk to you guys soon! Have a great MONDAY!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13153596.post-1140750256109216452006-02-23T21:55:00.000-05:002006-02-23T22:04:16.130-05:00It's almost Friday....YIPPEEE!I love my job, but man, I am so glad tomorrow's Friday. It's been a busy and long week. I'll be glad to see quitting time tomorrow. Heck, I may see about getting off early and taking some of the vacation time I need to take!!!! :) One good thing about tomorrow is that I have a lunch meeting at my favorite restaurant downtown, Blossom Deli. So, that means some awesome chicken salad on mixed greens and a fountain cherry coke. MMMMM MMMMM (I could eat there every day and not get tired of it. I LLLLLOOOOVVVVEEE that place!)<br /><br />I have a great weekend ahead, too. I think Anthony and I are going out to dinner again sometime this weekend. WOW Twice in one month...can you believe it? :) Annette's parents are coming in for a visit this weekend and I am going to visit with them on Saturday. I am looking forward to meeting them! Then, on Sunday, I will be at my mom and dad's visiting with them. My mom's birthday is today and I will get to visit with her on Sunday and I am really looking forward to it.<br /><br />I just read through the two prior paragraphs and realized that this post is pretty lame, but I this is what is going on and I don't know what else to write about....heeeeeeeee<br /><br />So, you'll just have to take it for what it's worth! :)<br /><br />I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11138777543444999951noreply@blogger.com1