On the Porch Swing...

The joy of learning....

2007-05-12T20:56:00.000-05:00

Learning....

It's everywhere. In academics, obviously. In every day life, absolutely.

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!)

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.

In life, I'm learning many other things. What I like to do, how I'll spend my time....

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!

The old adage is that it's important to "never stop learning". I guess I'm on the right track!

What is this thing for anyway?

2007-05-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

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

So, I'm going to try to explain what's been going on with my life without going into great detail.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Hope you are all having a great week.

I'm BAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!!!

2007-04-23T00:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the title is a little cheesy..... but it's true. I am back to the blogosphere.

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!

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! ;)

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!

Be back soon! :)

Too many things to name.

2006-08-28T20:50:00.000-05:00

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?

It's almost like I should repeat the line from Animal House, "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

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!

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.

So, I guess my wish is that my friends pray for me. I need sanity and strength at this point.

Thanks! :)

Countdown is quickly approaching!

2006-08-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

SO MUCH GOING ON! There are great things happening! I'm dealing with change fairly well and work is going great!

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!

I hope that you guys are having as great of a week as I am!!!!!!!!

Dr. Panucci and her staff are amazing!

2006-08-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

Trying to think about the postitives.......
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.

So, I decided to take a moment to praise my wonderful orthodontist, Dr. Donna Panucci and her staff (www.panuccismiles.com) 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!)
(pictures at right - pretreatment pictured first then post treatment)

I got my braces off on June 22, but I hadn't formally thanked the staff for an amazing job!

If you want an idea of what they can do....look at the photos.
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.

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)

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!)

Tom Cruise...before and after

2006-07-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

WARNING! STUPID POST.....Just an observation that I thought was worth commenting on....

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.)

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.

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?

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.

***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!!!)

Banana Clips and Lycra Leggings....

2006-07-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

Okay.....I'm officially OLD!

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!

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.

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)

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.

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!"

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!

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.

**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.

The Countdown is ON!

2006-07-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

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....."

So, what is going through my head right now? BUSY BUSY BUSY

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!

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.

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.......

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.

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.

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.....

It's an online program....I don't think that my husband will buy the fact that I need school clothes! :)

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!

Change is inevitable....

2006-07-26T20:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, so we've all "learned this lesson". CHANGE...

I just wonder if we really learn the lesson EVER.

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.

Is it just me....or does change always come just when you start getting "comfortable" or confident in what you are doing????

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.

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.

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....

To the ED -
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!

To my supervisor -
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!

Me and James Taylor

2006-05-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

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.

So, here's my "MasterCard" commercial:
Ticket to James Taylor Concert: $90
Tshirts from the concert for me and dad: $70
Getting to meet James Taylor and hearing my dad say, "That's cool" ---- PRICELESS

**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. :)

James Taylor Concert

2006-05-05T18:36:00.000-05:00

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! :)

Here is the photos that I just added:

It's been a month!!!

2006-05-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I feel guilty. I haven't posted in a month. Pretty pathetic, I know.

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.

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.)

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!

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.

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!)

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.

Cookies and *&#%...

2006-04-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

"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.

It is appropriate for what I've been up to, though.

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.

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.

As for the muffies, the recipe is provided at the end of this post.

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 eat a lot of them or as he says, "bang the heck out of them".

So, I guess it is back to the drawing board for something different...something better.

Here are my recipes: SBD Friendly.....

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffies
1 cup whole wheat/whole grain flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 cup splenda
1 tbsp SF maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
A splash of milk
½ or ¾ cup sour cream
½ bag of semisweet chocolate chips

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.

Batter will be very sticky like muffin batter.

Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.

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.

Mamaw's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made over.....
1 cup whole wheat/whole grain/organic naturally white WW flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 cup splenda
1 tbsp SF maple syrup (a little less is what I use)
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 bag of semisweet chocolate chips

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.

Add more flour if sticky.

Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes

Muffies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-03T21:35:00.000-05:00

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!

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?

(I did have Whole Grain bread and a WONDERFUL GREEK salad, so I thought that a bite of a cookie wouldn't kill me.)

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.

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.

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!

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!

If you can come up with some other muffie combinations, let me know! :)

Since the recipe I came up with this weekend was experimental, once I jot down everything and the measurements, I'll post the recipe.

MUFFIES - YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you had any muffies?

YUMMY Veggie Lasagna :)

2006-04-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

Veggie Lasagna (This is a variation of a recipe that I found on www.3fatchicks.com - A GREAT diet online support site with GREAT recipe swaps!)

Yellow Squash/Zucchini (I used 3 yellow squash and 1 zucchini)
1 tablespoon of Italian dressing (I made my own viniagrette instead).
Use just enough to coat the squash and zucchini

Marinate for 4 hours in the refrigerator

Grill the squash and zucchini until tender (I used my George Foreman Grill)

Spray a deep baking dish with Pam

Layer the bottom with the grilled Zucchini and Squash
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.)

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!

Bake at 400 until done. (About 20 mins.) (Let it set for about 5 minutes before cutting/serving.)

This was so good, you just can't believe it!

Jen's easy marinara (This is a variation of a Weight Watcher marinara)
1 large can of stewed crushed tomatoes
palmful (2 tbsp) of garlic powder (or a minced garlic clove if I have it on hand)
palmful (2 tbsp) of italian seasoning blend (I use Emeril's Italian Essence, but any brand will be fine)
1/4 tsp or small pinch of salt
1 tbsp or 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (depending on whether or not you like spicy food)
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Doing well....

2006-04-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted in forever. I've been one busy girl! :)

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!)

I've come across some new and great recipes! YUMMY! I'll be posting those on here soon!

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!

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. :)

So, what's been going on with you guys!???

Back on the wagon....this time for real!

2006-03-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

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!

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!

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. :)

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". ;)

Not that you guys want to hear it, but I will be posting my progress (hopefully) every week.

Thanks for your support!

WOW! What a week....and it's only WEDNESDAY!

2006-03-15T19:28:00.000-05:00

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!!!!!!!!!!

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.....

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.

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.

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.

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.

Two quotes that I think are appropriate:

"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

"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

And just a quote that I received in an email forward today from my friend, Michael, that really helped me today....

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business." - Michael J Fox

I just want to thank ALL of you that have helped me in a variety of ways. Thank you.....

***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.

My response is, "I hear you loud and clear."

Interesting Recipes....

2006-03-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I never posted about this....

For the Super Bowl, Anthony wanted something different. So, after looking around Food Network's 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.

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.

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.

As you know, I love to cook and to find new and interesting recipes. So, I'm glad that Anthony found this one!

So, if you know of any other interesting recipes that are worth a try, send them my way!

If would like to try the Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna for yourself, click here. (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!****

Can't help but LOVE Vicki's!

2006-03-08T22:10:00.000-05:00

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.....:( )

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!

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!

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.

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."

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!

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.

I guess that just goes to show that advertising affects people in different ways.

So, what do you think about when you see Victoria's Secret ads?

I hope you will read this post and reply. I really want your input.

I want to take a walk down the red carpet!!!!

2006-03-04T20:04:00.000-05:00

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.

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!

Leading Actor - Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Supporting Actor - Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
Leading Actress - Felicity Huffman - TransAmerica
Supporting Actress - Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain
Directing - Crash
Musical Score - Pride & Prejudice
Best Picture - Crash

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?!??!

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!!!!!!

March has been sneaky!

2006-03-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

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!

Spring will be here (and gone) before you know it!

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.

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. :)

So, until then, I'll try to enjoy every moment and not to "wish my life away".

Great Weekend....

2006-02-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

I have had a great weekend!

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!!!!!)

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!

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.

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!

Talk to you guys soon! Have a great MONDAY!

It's almost Friday....YIPPEEE!

2006-02-23T21:55:00.000-05:00

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!)

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.

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

So, you'll just have to take it for what it's worth! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)

Dreams and Thoughts....

2006-02-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

DREAMS...
I have had crazy dreams lately, and from my conversation with my friend, Charlie, I'm not the only one. It seems as though it has been common lately. They just don't make sense!!!!

I dreamed one night this weekend that I was trying to save puppies from a cage. The puppies were in a cage with snakes and I couldn't get the puppies out without getting bitten. But, if I left the puppies in the cage, they would be eaten by the snake. (In my dream, I believed this.) So, I tried and tried. All the while, I was in an empty office space with realty signs all around me. I understand that part, though. We have been looking for new office space at work and there are three coworkers selling/buying houses right now. One of them has a dog who just had pups, so that might explain it. Who knows? It is all a little crazy for me, but most of my dreams are.

THOUGHTS....
I have been thinking a lot about people lately. Some people who I haven't thought of for a long time. A few of them are people who I was close friends with during high school. One girl in particular, has come up in conversations three times in the last few months. First, I heard that she was working in an office where my aunt used to work. Then, she is in women's club or group with a lady who called and registered for one of our workshops at work. (Coming from a small county, people always ask if you know 'so in so' and I usually do.) Then, today, another friend contacted me and asked me if I knew this girl (since she knew that the girl had went to the same high school.) My friend today had my high school friend's phone number. I think I might call her this weekend. It is a little strange, but I feel like there is a reason for me thinking so much about her and hearing so much about her. So, I figure it's worth a phone call. Besides, I would love to hear what she has been up to.

I have also been thinking about people that I continually think about. More so than usual, though. I always pray for my friends and family before I go to sleep at night. I pray for their health and safety. These are people that I think about at least each night. But, I have been thinking about them even more. I think about times that I spent growing up at my grandmother, aunt, papaw, mother and my best friend, Tamara, and her family. Then, I think about the wonderful times I spent with my brothers, my dad, my mom, my nana and granddad. I also think about all of my other family members and friends that I have such great memories with. I don't know why. Every little thing is triggering a memory......Maybe it is to help me appreciate things and not take things for granted. There are moments during the day when I still go down the hallway at work and for a split second, I forget that Michael Ann isn't in the office next to me anymore. And, now that our office manager is moving, it will be weird dealing with that too. I'm glad we are moving office space because maybe this won't happen anymore. Then, there are certain things that remind me of Tamara and the times that we spent every waking moment together. We are both married and have jobs and lives that we have to lead, but no matter what, we are still best friends. But I would love sometimes to just go back to the days when we played Barbies, swam in the neighbor's pool, and ate without care that it would go to our waistline. Just one day of being little carefree girls again. It's not that I don't want to be with my husband or have my current life...I am lucky to have the life I have. But, who doesn't want to go back to the carefree days of childhood?

And then, there is the times that I spent with my great friend, Lib, chatting on her couch and talking about our lives and enjoying each other's company. Even going to Walmart was fun with her. She and I are going to start grad school together, so I hope to get to see her more soon.

A friend who I have become close with at work, Annette, is our VISTA. She has a one year 'committment' to our organization and then she is probably moving back home to Ohio. I don't want her to leave and I have already told her that she moved to WV and we aren't letting her leave! HAHA Her one year project will be finished in October, so we've got some time. I'm trying to make the most of it. But, I know that she will be leaving when fall comes. I just hope it's one long summer.

Basically, this post is tributed to all of my friends and family.... from childhood buddies to career colleagues. A special thanks to the friends and family who have supported me for as long as I can remember. A special thanks to my friends from college, work and professional life that have supported me and pushed me to grow and learn. I can't believe how many people who have helped me get where I am. It truly takes a village to raise a child. I am still being 'raised' and still learning.....AND I am so grateful to my village.

Back on the wagon.....I think.....????

2006-02-21T18:02:00.000-05:00

I started back on Weight Watchers today. (I actually started yesterday, but didn't count my points.) Anyway, I'm already feeling better and I'm eating MUCH better.

I even resisted temptation when I made dinner tonight. I made hamburgers and homemade onion rings for Anthony and his dad. I didn't eat them. I had one bit of an onion ring to make sure that they were done, but no more. I had a huge salad and Chicken Enchiladas Suiza from Weight Watchers. I'll finish off with a Healthy Choice Chocolate Ice Cream Bar.

YUMMY!

I made a wonderful BBQ Chicken Pizza last night and homemade Cinnamon Rolls (all weight watcher friendly, I might add....) And tomorrow is Mexican Lasagna. YUMM-O!!!!

Keep your fingers crossed that I stick with it! :)

Cooking and eating are therapeutic for me!

2006-02-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

I am feeling much better. I got up off the couch and went to the grocery store this afternoon.

Cooking and eating are therapeutic for me!

My father in law and I were watching Food Network (our favorite Saturday past time) and it was a day dedicated to Italian cooking. So, with that inspiration, I planned on making stuffed shells florentine with homemade marinara, salad, and dessert.

I got to the store and they didn't carry the jumbo shells! ARGHH!!! I hate planning a meal and then not being able to get everything to make it. It was bad enough that they didn't have shells (because that is a common item), but when I decided to make a prosciutto marinara with linguine instead, I went to the deli and they didn't have any prosciutto! So, I decided to make baked penne with an italian sausage and meat sauce. It turned out really well. Not stuffed shells, but good.

Anthony got me chocolate dipped strawberries from Godiva for Valentine's Day. So, I got some strawberries, cherries, and grapes to dip for dessert tonight. I've made them before, but they were especially good tonight. I also dipped some banana slices b/c I had some extra dipping chocolate left over. I will freeze the bananas next time before I dip them...it will make it a little easier! :)

The grapes are my favorite.....tart and sweet in the same bite. YUMMO! (I watch Rachel Ray, can you tell?)

A good dinner and a good evening.

Anthony rented SAW II and we are watching it. I'm trying to watch as little of it as possible b/c I'm a scaredy cat! HAHA

Let's hope it's a great evening.....and I win the Powerball Jackpot! :)

Even if I don't win the powerball, tomorrow morning will be good. The menu for breakfast is homemade scones with a brandied raspberry and cherry preserve. I bought the preserves at the store today. It is actually marketed as a "fruit caviar" and seems to be a very high quality preserve/ice cream topping. (And it could be that I am a sucker for good marketing!) It looks divine and I can't wait to try it with my homemade scones! YUMMMMMMY!

(I just read that last paragraph.....I actually compared eating breakfast to winning the powerball. Man, I've got a problem. I love food more than money....there's something wrong with that or is there????)

Finally getting over my cold....

2006-02-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

I caught the cold bug that has been going around earlier this week. It came down hard on me Thursday night. I woke up before the sun rose with a horrible headache. I managed to get the energy and motivation to go downstairs and get some medicine. I know from experience that if I wake up in the middle of the night or early morning with a headache, I have to take something. The concept of "Oh, I'll sleep it off" never works. So, I took some medicine and went back to bed. Then I went back to sleep after much tossing and turning. Then, before I knew it, it was time to get up. I kept thinking, "Just five more minutes", as I did when I was a kid. I finally rolled out of bed....late, but I did finally get up. I showered and began getting ready. I felt better after my shower, but by the time that I put my makeup on and dried my hair, I was wore out. It's sad when getting ready for work wears you out....I knew I was sick.

I had a press conference on Friday, so I couldn't miss work. Of course, if you ask my coworkers, I wouldn't have missed work anyway. One coworker told me after coming in about 1/2 hour late on Friday, "I told the other girls that Jen takes off early sometimes or comes in late, but Jen never takes a day off." She's telling the truth. I really don't take time off of work very much. I enjoy my job very much. I love doing what I do! Actually, my Executive Director told me that I have to take some time off soon or I'm going to lose it b/c I can't carry all of the hours over to next year. So, I guess I'll take some time off soon. I don't know what I'll do, but I figure out something. I'd rather take it off for a vacation or a day out with the girls rather than a day on the couch with a snotty nose! ;)

Support Marriage Equality!!!!

2006-02-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

Visit www.millionformarriage.org to show your support and sign the petition!

What I've been up to.....

2006-02-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

Hye, i'ave had so much going on, but I jus thavne't been able to get it down into a post. So, here's a bulleted list of what I've been up to:

First, I've been working on our training sessions for work. I've been bringing work home with me almost every evening for the past couple weeks so that I can get everything done. We are doing a "trial run" of some of our trainings with our staff this week (to make sure that everything we want to cover is included in the presentations). So, I have to make sure that my presentations are finished and ready to go by Wednesday. :) Wish me luck!
I went to hear my friend Charlie (read his blog) and the band that he performs in, The Carpenter Ants, with another friend last weekend. I had a blast. They are SO talented. I love their music! It is a great blend of all different sounds and I truly enjoy their music. Many of their songs speak to me deep down....and a few others are songs that I listen to for a smile or laugh. If you ever get the opportunity to see the Carpenter Ants perform, DO IT! I had never seen them live, but I had heard two of their CD's. They are even better live! Because you get to see the joy and enjoyment on their face, but even on their CD, you can hear their joy and smiles. Check them out at http://www.carpenterants.wvmusichalloffame.com/. A BIG SMILE AND ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE ANTS for their wonderful performance at Vandalia Lounge last Friday night. I had a blast!!!!!
I've decided to pursue my Master's Degree through WVU's Integrated Marketing and Communications program. I will go back into debt, but it will a wise investment. I am applying for some scholorships too, so I hope that will help. The program is an intensive program that takes less than 2 years to complete. Semesters are 9 weeks long and I will be taking two courses per semester. Man, I will be a crazy woman this fall!!!!! (I'm excited about this because my friend, Lib, is going to be in the program too. We'll be study buddies!!!! YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!)
Anthony took me out to dinner at a great new restaurant downtown on Friday. The food was great and we got to spend quality time together. I couldn't tell you the last time we went on a "date" together. It was so nice. When we went out all the time before we got married, I took it for granted. Now, I truly appreciate him taking me out for a nice quiet evening....and not complaining when I ordered the Shrimp Scampi (that was a little expensive). We had a wonderful evening! I felt so bad though when Anthony was up all night vomiting. (I don't think it was the food...he was coming down with something last week and I think that it finally hit him hard Friday night.) I know that he said that it will be a while before he eats spicy food again....I take it that it wasn't as tasty coming back up! (Okay, that was gross and probably TMI, but I felt compelled to share....for some twisted reason.)
As in my other post, we have had problems with email at work over the past couple weeks and it has driven me crazy!

I think that's all....Just workin', livin', and preparin' for grad school.

I'll keep you guys up to date! :)

Life without email....

2006-02-13T19:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, so we live in the 21st century.....We depend on our state of the art forms of communication to survive.....cell phones, blackberry devices, PDAs, email, instant messaging, text messaging...the list goes on and on.

But what happens when you are without these things? PURE CHAOS! We have been having major difficulties with our email server for over two weeks now. Each morning, we pray and cross our fingers and click "Send and Receive" and hope that it will be a day when we are looked upon favorably by the "email gods". Today was a good day....most of us had email, but there were many days recently when we weren't so lucky. And, some employees are luckier than others....because some of our employees haven't been able to access their email in over a week.

My point to this post is that who knew how dependent we are on these forms of communications? These days were very nerve-wracking for me. I caught myself pacing back and forth from the copy machine to my office (which is about a 3 minute walk). Wondering around like I didn't know where I was going or where I should be was common during these days. I was physically and mentally lost.... When my email is working, I am a compulsive 'send and receiver'. Every few minutes, I click on my Outlook and hit the S&R. Then, I return back to whatever else I was doing. When I can't hit S&R constantly, it messes with my schedule and throws a wrench into my day.

Adding the fact that my cell phone has been on the fritz lately (it won't hold a charge and doesn't notify me of all calls....until it is a 'missed call'), it has been a hard couple of weeks.

So, am I the only one that is so dependent on technology? I don't think so because there were many of my coworkers who were frazzled by the lack of email access. It does feel strange that I rely on it so much, though. There were days when I jokingly told our executive director that he needed to order us straight jackets. Another employee and I joked that if he saw us rocking back and forth in a doubled over position, not to be alarmed....it was just email withdrawl.

So, the question that I pose to you is: What thing are you dependent upon? Did you realize that you were dependent when you had to go without it or did one day did you just have some other form of epiphany? I'd like to know....I'm generally interested in what you have to say AND I'm searching for someone who is in the same boat! :)

FUNNY NOTE: When I attempted to publish this post. An error message on blogger that I needed to repost it in 10 minutes b/c updates were being made to blogger. HAHAHA I just can't win with technology lately!!!!

I love the Super Bowl! And the commercials!

2006-02-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, call me crazy, but I have always looked forward to the commercials on Super Bowl Sunday. I haven't always been a football fan, but I have always been a fan of a good commercial. I guess I was 'destined' for my career.....

I have always appreciated advertising and the "power of suggestion".

So, here are my favorite commercials so far (considering it is only the third quarter).

Dove - True Beauty: Okay, so I got teary-eyed. I can't help it. What girl hasn't felt like that? I have been a huge supporter of Dove's Beauty campaign from the beginning. Now, they are bringing our youth into it, which is awesome. This commerical had all of the elements....tugging on the heart strings, relating to personal experience of viewers (people relate to the young girls in the ad - at least I did), a great product to advertise, and a catchy tune to remember the ad. I have always loved Cindy Lauper, especially that song. It is definitely an ad that I will remember. (And as a consumer, I will remember it when I go to the store. I am already a Dove consumer, but I will look at their other products to help support their campaign.)

Here are a few cute ones that I enjoyed:

FedEx "Cave Man"
AmeriQuest Mortgage "Medical Misunderstandings" and "Turbulence" (both were great!)
Careerbuilder.com "Chimps"
Michelob Ultra Amber "Touch Football" I loved the end --- "That was a 'late hit'." HAHA
NFL Network "Connected by the Game" (My favorite part was the little girl who had on the shirt that said 'Anyone but the Cowboys'. I LOVED THAT!)
Sprint "Theft Deterrent" This had a surprise element. Very funny! ("The Music Downloads" commercial for Sprint was cute, too.)
Hummer H3 "Little Monster" (not extremely funny, but it was cute and unique)
DisneyWorld "I'm Going to Disney World" (It's amazing how many people relate Disney World to the Super Bowl. Everyone knows that the saying is, "You've just won the Super Bowl, now what? 'I'm going to Disney World!')

Since this is just the third quarter, I'm sure that there will be more. I wanted to post my favorites though before I got too nervous about the game to post. HAHA

I really want Pittsburgh to win and they are only up by 4. Anthony and I have bet against each other. I brought up the idea in a way to bribe him to take me out to dinner sometime soon. (We haven't been on a date in a long time!) Then, it turned into me wanting to go to New York. So, if I win, we go to NYC (which I doubt will happen anyway), and if he wins, he picks this year's vacation spot. I don't even know how it got changed to this, but I think I had a better shot at getting dinner with my husband than a weekend in the Big Apple. (Especially since he knows that if I got to NY, I want to go to see a play on Broadway. Shyeah, like that will happen!) But, we'll see!

The line before the game started was Pittsburgh -4. (Seahawks are getting 4 points.)

I want Pittsburgh to win so bad (even before we placed the bet) and Anthony has been cheering for the Seahawks for some unknown reason ???!!!!!! So, the Steelers has to win by more than 4 in order for me to win the bet. Steelers are up by 4 now and if things don't change, neither one of us win. I'd still be happy, though.

We'll see.

I'm going to go back to the game......

GO STEELERS!!!!!!!

So - here's what I want to know.....Who did you cheer for during the BIG GAME? And what were your favorite commercials??????

State of the Union.....

2006-02-01T18:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know that I am late posting this, but I was so fired up last night, I knew better than to post then.

So, here is my attempt to be calm.....

First, I would like to commend the President on his moment of rememberance for Mrs. Coretta Scott King. It was the honorable thing to do. It's nice to know that he would take the time to remember someone who is something that he will never be. (A strong AND compassionate visionary.)
He wants to reform health care. Okay, so I give him credit. I just hope he doesn't screw it up and make it more complicated like he has Medicare.
One main deficit of the speech - Very little mention of Katrina and no mention of the mining accidents AT ALL. This has been in the national news and has received attention by all levels of government....well, except our President.
We're oil addicts. Okay, so while it may be true, our nation has been that way for a long time. I was just shocked that he worded it that way, considering his VP's company.
His attempt to "recover" from the overwhelming response by the democrats in the audience after he stated that his social security bill didn't pass. He stuttered so much in his attempt to regain the attention of the room that no one could understand what he said.
I'm not going to even touch the "War on Terror" discussions. Don't even want to go there. I do understand that we can't pull out now this far in the game. I just feel he's giving us the run around.
No Child Left Behind - This program has not worked, is not working, and will never work. We need programs that help children achieve in school, not discourage them. (School test scores are combined and there are no considerations made to children with learning disabilties or those in special classes and therefore affects the entire school's test average.)
He spoke about "working towards" a balanced budget. So, he's going to try to achieve something that he was given when he took office???? So, he's basically he's telling me he's going to try to fix what he screwed up.
Bush wants to stop the divide between party lines. As one commentor said, 'It would be difficult for Bush to do so. You need respect from both parties to achieve this and Bush does not have support or respect from both parties.'
I will be brief on this topic because you all know how I feel. He spoke about "morals" and "values". I don't agree with him. He states that he believes in family values. Are nontraditional and blended families not families? I believe that his "value" is lacking compassion and tolerance.
He spoke for a few seconds about federal funding to nonprofit organizations to assist in community needs, focusing on AIDS support. I was pleased with this comment and shocked that he would even utter the letters A-I-D-S. I was so proud that for about 30 seconds, he seemed to show some concern and compassion for a problem that has been plaguing the world for years.

Okay, so there is my synopsis. I've condensed it down. I could have went on for days. I was so fired up last night, fire was coming out of my ears.

Then, this morning, on the local morning radio program, they were discussing Cindy Sheehan's arrest. I tried like hell to get through to the show this morning. I know that they had a ton of callers with varying opinions. For those of you who don't know, Cindy Sheehan, mother of fallen solider, wore a shirt to the Union Address last night with "2,245 Dead. How many more?" on it. She was escorted out of the building. Another woman wearing a tshirt with "support the troops" on it, was escorted out of the building. There are two differences between these two women. One woman is the wife of a republican senator and supports Bush. The other is not. Now, you tell me which one was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct?

I agree, in a way, with one of the radio show hosts. There is a time and a place for everything. There is tact and class. But, she wasn't holding a sign, obstructing someone's view. She wasn't "overly distracting". She was just there to hear what the President had to say and maybe by wearing the shirt, she was hoping that it would remind him of all the fallen soldiers....and their families.

I guess Hillary's obvious knod of disgust and disagreement should be considered "unlawful" too. Maybe the extended cheering and clapping of the democrats after Bush's statement about his SS bill rejection last night could be considered "unlawful conduct". After all, it did catch the President off guard....it was something he wouldn't agree with or approve of. AND it did reflect badly on the President. So, are all of those things "unlawful acts"? I guess most of the acts that the President does himself would be considered "unlawful acts" then. Afterall, he does a darn good job at making himself look bad.

I'm a Christian.....and.....

2006-01-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday. One that I had seen before...many times.

"CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT"

Why do people see this as an oxymoron?

Why do people assume that a Christian is a right wing fanatic?

Why do people assume that right wing fanatics are religious?

A few months ago, I saw an inspiring quote that was posted in the comments on a friend's blog. "I'm a Christian, but I don't use it as a weapon."

I don't know who originated that quote, but it is definitely an insightful one.

So, I will say: I'm a Christian Democrat. I'm a liberal. I am a Christian but I do not use it as a weapon.

I'm not ashamed of any of those comments. I am ashamed of some of the activities of "fellow Christians". I'm ashamed of the "church" in Kansas that pickets funeral services and other services and blames tragedies and disasters on "punishments from God". I'm ashamed of Jerry Fallwell and Pat Robertson or any other "Christian" that uses their faith for acts of hate. (And the fact that they have the 'spotlight' or means of spreading that hate like wildfire makes it worse!) I'm ashamed of groups all across the country and the world who perform acts of violence, hatred, intolerance, and disrespect in the name of God, or a higher being.

So, I ask of you.....be proud of your faith, but do not use it as a weapon.

I can handle making choices for myself...

2006-01-27T19:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, first of all, I want to say that I am so glad that Marquee Cinemas in Charleston knows that the residents of the valley are capable of making a decision for themselves. Instead of the cinemas deciding not to offer "Brokeback Mountain", they have decided to let the customers decide. If you want to see it, you can, but if you don't, then you don't have to. Just like any other movie.

On the news last night, a manager from the theater stated that he had received complaint calls from customers. He said that some of them even threatened that they would never watch another movie in the theater again. He said that he had received calls of people who thanked him for allowing the movie to be shown. He said that it was a decision of the customer to make, not him. I totally agree. I personally want to see the movie, but I respect the choice of others who don't want to.

But I just don't understand why this movie is a problem. I never hear on the news about people calling the theater complaining when they show a horror movie, a movie with heavy sexual content, or extreme violence. That is because all of that is becoming accepted and you don't hear about people complaining about that as much. However a story of family, love, work, and friendship is a problem. Homophobia is becoming a huge problem. It scares me that so many people have such hatred and disrespect for a community the way that people do towards the homosexual community.

President Bush got caught off guard earlier this week. A person in the crowd told him that he knew that he was a rancher and thought he'd enjoy the movie and asked him if he'd seen it. His reply..... What do you think he said? (Besides being caught off guard of course.....) Check it out by clicking here.

Something on the other end of the spectrum, which I thought was weird and incorrect was the comment that Heath Ledger made about West Virginia. It was inaccurate and just WRONG!
According to MSN.com, Ledger also took a swipe at West Virginia, and displayed a dubious grasp of American history. “I heard a while ago that West Virginia was going to ban it but that’s a state that was lynching people only 25 years ago so that’s to be expected,” he was quoted as saying. (Click here for complete article)

I haven't seen the movie yet. I intend to see it this weekend. But, without seeing it, I know that it has taught me something. There are still stereotypes, hatred, and intolerance in this world. Whether it is regarding sexual preference, race, ethnicity, geographic location, heritage, and any other "category" that you can think of. In my opinion, it's being condoned in our society and by our government. I'll try not to dwell on it, but act on it. I will not stand for this hatred. I will do little things every day to educate myself and others. That's all I can do.

Friends are priceless....

2006-01-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know, but I have such great friends that I just thought I would share my excitement with everyone.

The silver lining
the icing on the cake
friends are what makes
a day great

tears and sadness
whiped away
and you make it
through another day

smiles with dinner
laughes with chocolate
all the great things
come with great friends

That poem doesn't tell it all and it PRETTY LAME, but I am so so blessed to have all of my wonderful friends and you all know who you are. I've had a very busy and demanding week and knowing that my friends are just a call or email away has helped me push through and get things done. :)

Slumber parties to dinners out to spending time with popcorn and a movie....friends are just the BEST!!!!!:)

Thanks to all of my friends who have loved me.....through tough times and fun times.

:)

Still busy busy busy!

2006-01-24T18:03:00.000-05:00

Man, I thought things would slack off, but ....ummm...not yet!

I get things marked off my "to do list" each day, but things keep getting added to it, so it continues to grow even though my days have been productive.

I hope to post something more interesting soon......

There's a reason that chores are called chores!

2006-01-19T21:53:00.000-05:00

I decided that I would clean out my closet tonight. Dancing with the Stars was on and Anthony hates the show, so I thought that I would clean out my closet while watching it on the bedroom tv, leaving Anthony to watch something else.

I went through shirt after shirt and dress after dress and finally went through every article in my closet. I had went through my dressers a few months ago, but only did a "skim" of my closet at the time. So, tonight was down and dirty....purging anything that I haven't worn in months....or don't plan to wear....or that my body or age won't allow me to wear any longer.

So, what resulted was a large black garbage bag of clothes. So, I'll take it to work and see if any of the coworkers would like any of the articles, and then what is left will be bound for my hometown's ministry center. I'm a PACK RAT, but for the first time, purging was a little easier.

This time, I found it theraputic to go through the closet, but I did get a little sad. Clothes that I can't wear....they are too small or too 'youthful' for me to wear now. I'm getting older and a short pleated skirt that is adorned by many girls is no longer appropriate for me...or my wardrobe. That doesn't mean that I don't miss the days when I could get away with a skirt like that...or was there ever such a day????

Okay, so this was physically AND emotionally draining. I'm older...and I'm okay with that. I just wish that I still had my youthful body. I've got to get serious about my diet....I've got to get serious about exercise! AND before it's too late.....I don't want to get to a "point of no return".

However, on a positive note, I did enjoy Dancing with the Stars tonight and did get one of my "to do" items checked off my list.

So, it was atleast a productive evening.....

BUSY BUSY BUSY....

2006-01-17T19:25:00.000-05:00

Man, I am one very busy girl this week.

I looked at my schedule and my "to do list" and I almost had a coronary! It's one of those situations where I didn't know where to even begin. But I decided to write everything down in order of importance or in order of how things needed to be done with due dates for myself. Taking the time to do this will save me time in the long run.

Tomorrow I have to get many of those things done on my list because I'm going to be out of the office on Thursday and Friday and I don't want to get too far behind. So, I'll try to tackle most of my list before the end of the day tomorrow.

I did well today. Even the webconference that I was dreading turned out to be very informative and interesting. I know, it's surprising....I usually despise conference calls.

So, I'll get to work early tomorrow to get a head start on my "TO DO LIST"....

I just hope that my to do list doesn't grow too much over the next few days...but unfortunately, I'm sure that it will.

I'll hurry back from an out of town meeting on Friday to make it to a memorial service on Friday night. Then, a friend is having a party on Saturday. Sunday is brunch with Michael Ann and I've got a Mary Kay party to hold on Sunday afternoon.

Busy....busy....busy.....

It's TV time again.....

2006-01-17T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm....I love January! New episodes of the great shows begin again. New episodes of Lost, Dancing with the Stars, Two and a Half Men, King of Queens, House MD, and many more! I'm so excited. I'm a tv fanatic...I can't help it!

And, with a new season of American Idol beginning tonight, I'm even more excited.

;)

So "stay tuned" for continued reviews of my favorite shows. I know....you guys are bored by this, but humor me! HAHA

The BOOK Dilemma!

2006-01-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, so many of you all know that my husband is in his second semester of grad school. As everyone knows, college (especially grad school) can be very expensive. Luckily, he has received student loans, etc. So, we have been blessed by that.

I was always amazed at how much books cost when I was in college...and how little we got back for them at the end of the semester. There was always a new edition coming out or the professor was going to use a different book the following semester. After my college bookstore was switched to a "barnes and noble" bookstore, it got even worse...

So, when my husband bought books last semester, we were reminded of the high cost. So, this semester, he decided that we should do some research online to see if we could find used or discounted books.

So, after hours of research last night, he got frustrated and said to forget it. (He does that when he is tired of dealing with something. Every once in a while, the "only child" in him comes out. And it did last night over these darn books!)

So, after hours of research and a few arguments later.....I found his books all online....a few used and one new (at a discounted price). I saved him over $100 and they should be shipped in time for him to get his reading done for his assignments. In a panic that they wouldn't arrive in time, I searched the Library Commission site for available copies of the books. The only ones they had were in Morgantown....so I don't think that will be much help.

So, pray for the packages to arrive on time. ;)

The Governor's Address....

2006-01-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

First of all, I would like to say that I think that our Governor is a great communicator, eloquent speaker, and truly involved and dedicated to improving West Virginia. My father in law and I watched the State of the State Address tonight (Anthony was at school). We were amazed at his great news that he had to share.

First, he started out about the miners....read the names of all 12 miners. It was a very somber beginning. After talking about the Miners' Fund, he recognized Rev. Dennis Sparks, the Executive Director of the WV Council of Churches. Dennis is an amazing man and has worked very close with our programs at Mission West Virginia (where I work). The WVCC does great work!

Then, with the sad news provided, he moves on to some good news for West Virginians!

Some great health care news! Programs for $99/month for comprehensive health care and nearly a $1/day for preventative care programs. These programs will be provided WITHOUT government subsidies. Not sure how we are doing this....According to Gov. Manchin, it is through partnerships between the state and the healthcare providers..... I think this is great!

A great outlook for labor....They are creating a partnership/collaboration between DOW Industrial Park, several colleges, and a few other partners. My father in law told me that this center will resemble the Triangle Research Park in NC. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this initiative....there are changes being made to my alma mater, West Virginia University Instititute of Technology. They are moving the Engineering programs (which is the heart and "bank" of WVU Tech) to South Charleston. This will kill Montgomery and WVU Tech. I'm unsure of how this will affect the school in the short term or the long term, but I know it won't be good.... :( This is the only disappointment that I heard throughout the speech.

AEP has petitioned to build the IGCC plant in WV (convert coal into clean fuel). This will bring jobs and stretch our fossil fuel resources.

He also mentioned harsher penalties for sexual offenders and a few other important topics.

At the end of his speech, they revealed a new sign with the current tagline, "West Virginia - Open for Business" with a beautiful background. (Not the best design work I've ever seen, but good.)

There have been great strides in the improvement of WV over the past year. Workers' Compensation reform, insurance reform, education reform, and further improvements being made as we speak. The Governor and the First Lady are very dedicated to the people of WV. I have had the pleasure of meeting both of them several times. Gov. Manchin is a wonderful man, but there is something about Ms. Manchin. She is a delight....intelligent, articulate, beautiful, classy, and amazing. She has a way to brighten up the room (and the woman dresses to a "T")!

So, overall, I am excited about the work that the Governor and his administration has been doing....I just wonder what will become of WVU Tech. We'll just have to wait and see.

Grieving in the Spotlight...

2006-01-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

I wrote this last week and realized that I hadn't posted it.

Grieving in the Spotlight
to grieve is so hard
to grieve in front of the camera is unbearable
for flashes of light from in front of the media
to the front page of the paper
how can they move on
how can they grieve
with every tear that falls down
is on the evening news....??

Lucky Charmz Blog is a GREAT READ! :)

2006-01-05T22:56:00.000-05:00

Check out a great blog at http://oneluckycharm.blogspot.com/.

It is entitled "A Gift of Life" for a reason....read it and you will see!

More about the miners.....

2006-01-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

Something was said during the newscast at 10 pm tonight that was so fitting....sad, yet true....

"IT IS OFTEN SAID IN APPALACHIA ... THAT IF YOU WANT TO MAKE GOOD MONEY ...AND YOU HAVEN'T GONE TO COLLEGE ... YOU HAVE TO CUT YOUR FORTUNE FROMTHE EARTH ... WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, MOTHEREARTH DEMANDS PAYBACK IN THE FORM OF BLOOD.THESE MEN, SAY FAMILY MEMBERS, UNDERSTOOD THE DELICATE DANCE ... AND WEREBOUND TOGETHER BY THEIR TENOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MINES ... IN LIFE... AND IN DEATH."

So sad.....really makes you think, though. Just so sad.

Continuing to pray.....and think....

OH MY! Do I LOVE watching ballroom dancing!

2006-01-05T21:59:00.000-05:00

It all started as a kid with my favorite movie of ALL TIME - Dirty Dancing. The "plain young girl" becomes a beautiful dancer through the lessons of her partner. (It doesn't hurt that her partner is totally HOT and that she falls in love in the process....)

Now, as I have watched another wonderful movie, "Shall We Dance?", and watched part of the first season of Dancing with the Stars on ABC...it strengthens the desire to want to become a ballroom dancer.

I took ballet and jazz when I was little and was a dancer on the dance squad in high school. (Yes, I danced.....competitively...and in my mind, it is a SPORT!!!!!)

I LOVE DANCE! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT....and I will someday take ballroom lessons. I don't have to compete....I just want to learn....because I know I will love it. :) :) :)

Just a little wish....maybe for the New Year...who knows??????

I'm going ContraDancing again tomorrow night, so maybe that will feed my need for dance for a little while! :)

I watched ABC's Dancing with the Stars season premiere tonight. It was great and I was very surprised by some of the celebrities' talent....or lack thereof (HAHA).

I will post soon my reviews of tonight's performances......STAY TUNED!

ADDITION:

Here's my reviews from tonight (as if you all care! HAHA)
Lisa Rinna (Soap Star/Talk Show Host) and her partner Louis van Amstel were great Her movements were as smooth, but they were very good.

George Hamilton (actor) and his partner Edyta Silwinska were fair. She was great, he was decent. And compared to the other ones who were poor to mediocre, he was pretty good.....

Giselle Fernandez (journalist) and her partner Jonathan Roberts --- To be honest, somehow i missed this performance....so I can't "judge" them....

Master P (rapper) and his partner Ashly DelGrosso - Well, P was HORRIBLE...he just stood there while she danced around him. I felt bad for her b/c she was really talented!

Tia Carrere (actress) and her partner Max Chmerkovskly were good. She just had a baby a couple months ago and did a damn fine job!!! and looked stunning!

Kenny Mayne (ESPN Commentator) and his partner Andrea Hale....Once again, I felt sorry for her because he was so awful. He really tried...poor thing...at least he tried...but he should go back behind the sports desk. :)

Tatum O'Neal (actress - was the famous athlete in Bad News Bears) and her partner Nick Kosovich were really good. I was proud of them. There were a few others that were better, but she was in character and pulled it off.

Jerry Rice (football star) and his partner Anna Trebunskaya were good. I was actually very impressed by Jerry. He tried, had heart, and did well. :)

Stacy Keibler (professional wrestler) and her partner Tony Dovolani were AWESOME! They are my #1 pick! OUTSTANDING!!!!! WOW!!! Her legs are what I would dream of having! She's got a dancer's heart and body!

Drew Lachey (98 degrees band member and star in RENT) and his partner Cheryl Burke were great. They are my #2 pick! I was SO surprised by Drew's talent. (His brother Nick was there to cheer him on....without Jessica, of course???!!!!)

That's just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.....More info on the dancers and the show can be found at www.abc.com.

:)

A Contract for 2006

2006-01-03T18:17:00.000-05:00

I resolve to do the following in 2006. No excuses. No whimping out.

I will get back on a weight loss plan and stick with it!
I will join the gym and work out AT LEAST 3 days a week.
I will visit my family at least twice a month (hopefully more!) and I will call family members at least twice a week.
I will plan get togethers with my girlfriends. We will get together at least once every 2 months. (Because I know that our schedules are so busy and travel is an issue.)
I will learn more about my faith and the Episcopalian Church. (I have been a practicing Christian and Episcopalian for many years, but there is still so much to learn.)
I will learn more about other faiths. (I have wanted to do this for years and have even made it my resolution for the past three years...but this is the year! NO EXCUSES!)
I will learn to say NO to any more outside responsibilties. I will continue my charity work that I am currently involved in, but will not take on any more. I will be using that spare time to spend with my family.
I will read at least one book a month.
I will obtain information about graduate school and begin to get serious about starting back to college. (I hope to start grad school this coming fall.)

Ok, so there are a few more that I might want to add. But for now, at least I've covered:

Stimulating my mind, body, and spirit.
Doing some things for ME and spending time with friends and family
Cutting back on other obligations and attending to my primary obligation, which is my family.

Lessons Learned....

2006-01-03T18:03:00.000-05:00

As you already know....My grandfather passed away before Christmas. With many deaths surrounding me the past few months....friends' family members and a family member of my own, it has been a very realistic few months. I found out today that a friend's grandfather also passed away. As I told her in an email today, "I knew that we were close and that we would share special moments together, but I never thought that we would share the same loss…at the same time. I guess it will be another time that we remember how much our friendship means and how it helps us get through tough times. You are a very special friend…thank you for being there…always!"

My next post includes my resolutions for 2006. I learned so much in 2005 and I will not forget those important lessons. Celebrate the little things, give praise, and be grateful for friends and family, and spend as much time with your loved ones as you can. Because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Those moments with your family and friends that you will remember forever. You don't always get a chance to say good bye....you don't always get the opportunity to tell them how you feel....you have to seize the moment and let people know their importance.

So, let me take a moment to say to all of my loved ones - You make me who I am. Every day... I carry something of yours with me.... Even though people pass on or move on, those memories will never fade. I am a tapestry, woven of lessons and memories from you.

May you receive many blessings in the new year.

Prayer Request....

2006-01-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

I received this email from my friend, Michael, via email this afternoon. I thought I would share.

"As most of you know, West Virginia is suffering from a horrible situation right now. There are 13 coal miners trapped in the Sago Mine in Upshur County. This happened around 6:30 a.m. Monday morning, and as of right now, there still hasn't been any contact made with these miners and no one even knows if they are alive or not. We, as West Virginia, not only need to come together as a state but as a family. We need to pray hard for the 13 men that are trapped as well as praying for their family and friends who patiently wait to find out any updates. Please send this to everyone on your mailing list, even if they don't live in WV, prayer does work and God can work miracles, we just have to keep our faith."

Thank you, Michael, for sending this to me. I will continue to pray for those miners and their family and friends. As Governor Manchin has said, "in West Virginia, we believe in miracles." And that is what we are hoping and praying for.

An Eventful Christmas....

2005-12-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in several days. There has been a lot going on....

I spent Thursday afternoon with my family....I didn't get to spend much time with Dad because he was busy on the phone with his brothers and sisters making the arrangements. I just feel so bad for all of them....I know that it has been difficult for all of them..... :(

On Friday I went up to the station to spend the morning with my friends at the station....as a tradition....we always do that on Christmas Eve or the last "live" day before Christmas. It was fun. Definitely memorable...as always!!!! I always have a blast! It lifted my spirits!!! Friday was also our office holiday party & it went very well. We had a white elephant gift exchange and all gave donations to a person in need. I'm the "social coordinator" for our office meetings, etc. This was no exception....I love doing that stuff, though! It really cheered me up! We all wrote down our favorite holiday memories and I read them aloud. Then everyone guessed who's memory it was. Then, we also wrote down a reason why we love working for our organization. That was very inspiring and motivating! Reminscing with holiday memories was really fun, too!

Friday night - Anthony and I went downtown for me to finish shopping and I dropped him off at a friend's house to play Madden. Charlotte Russe was having a huge sale, so I got a pair of earrings, bracelet, a belt, pair of pants, a cami, and pair of pants for about $40!!!! Got some great gifts, too! Then, when I got home, Anthony and I decided to exchange gifts....he got me a pink sapphire and diamond necklace that I had been eyeing at the jewelry store...and a NEW BLENDER! YESSSSS!!!!! Mixed drinks, here I come!!!

Saturday - I got up and got ready. It was a long day! We went up to my grandmother's for dinner. We had a great visit! Then, we went to my mom and dad's for gift exchange. Anthony and I got some KILLER stuff! My brother is so awesome! He got us Sirius Satellite radio!!!! Mom and Dad got us some really cool stuff...I got some cookware, new gadgets, lots of great stuff for the kitchen! AND a retro piece of Blenko that I have been wanting. Anthony got a rare collector piece of Blenko (in opaline and cobalt --- his fave!) He also got an antique "road" sign that said Wrigley Field that mom and dad got him from an antique store. Gosh, we got so much stuff that I can't even name it. I felt bad because I didn't get a lot for my family, but they said that they enjoyed their gifts, so I guess that is all that matters..... Actually, all that matters to me is that my dad was happy....or seemed to be....he seemed to have had a good Christmas, despite all the other stuff going on.

Sunday - I got up at 8 AM. Started on the chocolate chip scones for breakfast. (Which turned out awesome BTW) Then, through the course of the day....homemade pasta sauce with italian sausage and beef, homemade lasagna, homemade italian sausage bread (I can't spell Minialotta???), self filled cupcakes, chocolate covered marshmallows, baked a pumpkin pie, manicotti, prepared the salad, thawed the shrimp ring, and Anthony's mom made some baked spaghetti....!!!! We ate about 4....a few people came over to share the holidays with us. There are a few others that are supposed to come by too but haven't showed yet.....I am so full that I feel like I am waddling like a penquin!!!! I've had two bowls of salad, a piece of lasagna, and some spaghetti....and a cupcake! Man, I definitely need to get my a** to the gym ASAP!

So, I have had a wonderful Christmas! I hope you have had a joyous holiday!

Continue to pray for my family during this difficult time....

Best wishes for the New Year!!!! Hey - speaking of New Year's...what are you guys doing to celebrate?

I could not imagine...

2005-12-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

I could not imagine losing my dad. I don't want to think about it. But, since last night, that's all I can think about. I got a call from my mom last night that my granddad (my dad's father) passed away yesterday evening.

I am sad, but I know that Granddad is now back with Nana. Now he is not lonely. He will never be sick or lonely again. He will never struggle to remember someone's name...he will never forget a face...a place...or time...

Please pray for my family during this difficult time. I am worried about my dad. I love him so much and it hurts me to see him hurt.

I can not imagine losing my dad. I don't want to think about it....but since yesterday, that's all I can think about.......

MMMM....CUPCAKES!!!!

2005-12-20T21:20:00.000-05:00

I just finished up in the kitchen...third night in a row. I am seriously considering finding a sweets anonymous group...I really think I need help! HAHA

What I baked tonight was my aunt's self-filled cupcakes. MMMM with buttercream frosting.

They are yellow cake mix cupcakes with a chocolate chip cheesecake filling...with homemade chocolate buttercream frosting (recipe to follow).

Like I told Annette in an IM post a few moments ago....."I just made the best cupcakes. OMG! I haven't had them since I was a kid...they turned out SO good....I swear...I'm considering marrying it.... :)"

My aunt made these for my birthday parties. I remember them being good, but I didn't realize you could feel LIKE THAT from a cupcake! The only dessert that has made me feel that good (before now) has been the walnut hot fudge cake with ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream from Blossom Deli in Downtown Charleston....

So, try this recipe...It will amaze any baker...and any guest. (It's SO easy!)

Self-Filled Cupcakes
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 6 oz pkg chocolate chips (I use mini semi sweet)

Mix the cake mix according to pkg directions. Place paper cupcake liners in muffin tins. Fill liners 2/3 full with cake batter.

Cream togteher cream cheese and sugar. Beat in egg with a dash of salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop one rounded tsp of cheese filling into each cupcake (on top of batter). Bake according to pkg directions.

Makes 30. Frost with Buttercream Frosting.

Buttercream Frosting
1 stick butter or margarine (Can not use light or reduced fat...:( will separate/not blend properly
1 lb of confectionary sugar
2 or 3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp cocoa

Mix together until well blended. may have to add an additional tsp of milk, but mix well first before adding any additional milk. Beat until completely smooth and creamy.

Ice cupcakes.

Some lovin' from the oven!

2005-12-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

I just got finished decorating my second batch of Christmas cookies. I forgot to get food coloring at Kroger, so they were iced white but sprinkled with red and green sugar. They taste pretty good...not quite as good as my Aunt's, but it's a start.

I have provided the recipes for my aunt's shortbread and sugar cookies below. I hope you enjoy them.

YUMMY! You don't get much better than butter and sugar. Okay, so I will DEFINITELY have to join the gym after the holidays.... :)

Sugar Cookies (Refrigerator Cookie Recipe)

5 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 sticks butter
1 stick margarine
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla

Cream margarine and butter add sugar…beat until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add to other mixture; mix well. (really stiff)

Chill overnight. Roll out; bake on ungreased sheet 6 to 8 minutes in 400 degree oven.

Cool and then frost.

Makes 100+ cookies (I divided this recipe in half to make about 50 cookies.)

Shortbread Cookies

½ lb (2 sticks) margarine
2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
4-6 cups flour

Cream butter, margarine, and sugar. Gradually add flour (3 or 4 cups and then mix by hand – knead) shape into small balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork or cookie press. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

(I LOVE these cookies with a cup of hot tea.)

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas....

2005-12-18T19:40:00.000-05:00

After talking with my aunt today to get some of her FAMOUS recipes, I went to the store to stock up on baked goods. Unfortunately, the shelves were pretty bare and I wasn't able to buy the brands that I normally buy, but the cookies that I have made so far have turned out pretty tasty! The sugar cookie dough is in the fridge setting overnight and the shortbread cookies are in the oven. As I've posted several times in this blog, I love my aunt's shortbread and hot tea. So, after the first batch came out of the oven tonight, I had a cup of tea and a couple shortbreads. I will be posting the recipes later tonight in case you'd like to bake some up in your kitchen.

Anthony helped me roll out the shortbread cookies and he says that he will be helping me paint the cookies tomorrow night after they cool. I am excited that he and I are making our own traditions by carrying on some of mine from childhood.

It's beginning to feel, taste, and smell a lot like Christmas in the Wagner house. :)

More blessings this holiday season....

2005-12-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

I wish I would have had the chance before now to let you know what has happened since Friday morning.... So, without further delay, let me begin....

Friday - While working at my desk, I received a phone call from my mother. (I know this is getting confusing....So, since I know all of you pretty well and I use names of people in my life already on this blog, I will just start using first names....My mother is Helen and my (step)Mom is Drema.) Anyways... Helen called and asked if Anthony and I were coming up to Mamaw's for Christmas Eve. I told her that I thought we weren't doing it this year....since we hadn't done that celebration for the past two years b/c of weather (we had it a week or so early last year). Anyways, I was ecstatic when she gave me the news. She was confused because she thought all along that we were getting together for the feast of roast, potatoes, and the fixin's. I somehow assumed that we wouldn't get together (because of the scheduling changes of recent years). You can imagine my excitement when she called me back, after confirming with Mamaw that we were getting together (because I had her so confused)!!!

So, that was blessing #1.

Friday night - I began my shopping for the family that I am sponsoring. I was able to get so many nice things between the two days of shopping (Friday and Saturday). My mother in law had a great time picking out gifts and just enjoying each other's company. The crowds were completely unbearable either. A great trip with my mother in law and the experience of doing something for others made me feel good.

Saturday - I went shopping with Annette and had a blast. She is so much fun. And, man, that girl is smart. I have learned so much from her and I am excited to find out what else is in store!
We finished up our shopping before 4:00! Much sooner than I had expected! Also, while we were shopping, my mother (Helen) called and wanted to give me $20 towards the family sponsorship. I was so excited! That is a total of $345 that was contributed by my loved ones to help this family.... We were able to get a TON of clothes, including coats for all three kids for under $200! With shoes, clothes, toys, gift cards for groceries and necessities for the mom, all in all, it was under $400!!! I just hope they like everything! Blessing #3 - Great day with a friend and doing something for someone else....AWESOME!!! (Plus, adding shopping into the mix just makes it even better!)

Then, after shopping, I spoke with mom (Drema) and she and Dad were in St. Albans shopping at KMART (for my brothers reading this...I'm not tellin' what they bought!!! You'll just have to wait! HAHA) They were getting ready to go to dinner...I was still stuffed from lunch with Annette, but I went for the visit. We had a blast. I really needed some quality time with the folks. Being with my mom and dad always lifts my spirits. Blessing #4 - QT with the folks!

So, after a weekend full of blessings (including my mother in law making homemade biscuits for breakfast YUM), I am ready for the holidays. Heck, I might even put the Christmas tree up today. After all, The Grinch even got into the holiday spirit at the end.....

May your holiday season be as blessed as mine has been.

I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life...but most of all, I am thankful for my family. Whether times are tough or great, they are always there. Thanks! :)

Very busy weekend....

2005-12-16T06:55:00.000-05:00

It's Friday...Finally!!! But....there's a catch! I have a very busy weekend ahead of me! I'll have to come back to work to get some rest! (HAHA)

Tonight, it's off to do some shopping with my mother-in-law. She needs to finish up her shopping and I will be going along for the ride (or the drive....since I will be driving). The only down side is that we have to go out Corridor G to get the things that she wants/needs. That place is pure craziness on the weekends...especially during the holiday season! So, that should be interesting!

Saturday is a big day! Shopping all day (since I only have a few gifts checked off on my list). My friend, Annette, and I will be headed out to Barboursville to hit the stores hard and heavy! I have a million things to do and not much time to do it! Only 9 days until Christmas! Well, 8 considering we exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. I haven't even finished making a Christmas List....OH NO!

Sunday, I will either be going up to my mom and dad's to visit or meeting my brothers for a movie in town. Either way, it will be a good day! :)

Anthony and I decided last night that we will start our own tradition this year and do our own Christmas dinner. Normally, we go to my parents' house for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year, I'm going to create our own Christmas feast. I have cooked a turkey and the fixin's with my mom's help one time. I think I can do it, but I will definitely have my mom on speed dial! I hope that she will speak to me after I tell her that I won't be up to celebrate on both days. The past few years haven't felt like the Christmas celebrations of my youth....I miss the old traditions...and going back to those aren't possible, so I guess we'll start new ones. So, hopefully this will help with my lack of holiday cheer. :(

(Yes, I know....chastise me if you will...I still don't have my tree up at my house...other interior decorations are up, but no tree....maybe if I get inspired this weekend, I'll put it up. mmmm probably not.....)

My wish was granted...My prayer was answered...

2005-12-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

In my recent post, I wished (and prayed) for something special to do this year....something different...something to help someone else. A friend of mine who I hadn't talked to in a month or so was telling me about how her organization still had some families that needed a "secret santa" sponsorship for the holidays. She was worried because it was so close to the holidays. I felt like it was a message. I mean, you can't get more obvious than that! Someone to come right out and say it....

So, that is my blessing for today. I've found something to bring back the spirit of Christmas in my life. I will spend my money on something important...someone else instead of another "thing" to collect dust in my house.

Friends are going to help me sponsor the family...I already have people telling me that they will help.

I am so blessed for what I have been given...now it is my turn to give to someone else.

Pray for all of those families in need this holiday season...and all year 'round.

Jen :)

Holiday Season....Cheers and Tears....

2005-12-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about this post for some time now. I guess with the holiday celebrations around the corner, I have been thinking about the celebrations of Christmas past. Baking cookies and decorating them all by hand...the cookie as our canvas and icing as our paint. Painting them with a brush and decorating with sprinkles. My aunt and I baked many goodies during the holiday season....coconut bonbons, sugar cookies, peanut butter balls, peppermint patties, bourbon balls, banana bread...the list goes on and on. (She did most of it, I was just a 'helper'. She is amazing in the kitchen!)

Listening to carols while making crafts for the church bazaar....My favorite 'carolers' are Brenda Lee, Burl Ives (who I believed was the "real" Santa Claus...well, he did look like it!), and many of the other classics. Every time I hear "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", I think of those wonderful times with my Aunt.

On Christmas Eve, we would go up to the Church and hear the story of Jesus' birth. Father Roy would read the story. Even when I was older, I always enjoyed hearing Roy Gene tell the story. Then, we would go down to the parish hall and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and eat birthday cake that my aunt made. Then, we would go home and Mamaw and Aunt Jordan would prepare a feast for the family....open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy...veggies...and all the fixin's. Then, we always had coconut cake (that Aunt Jordan made...what can I say? the women in my family can COOK!!!). My Uncle Joe always had cake with fruit salad instead...he doesn't like coconut. He washed it down with a glass of milk with ICE!!! (He is the only person in the world that I know that drinks milk with ICE in it!!!)

Then, the table was cleared and the dishes were cleaned. As a kid, I remember that this seemed to take an ETERNITY!!! Gifts could not be opened until AFTER the dishes were done. I usually bounced around the living room in excitement and anticipation. (My heart races just thinking about it.)

So, finally, my aunt would bring the gifts up to the living room from the downstairs. (They had to keep my presents hidden...I was a shaker and "present detective"...always wanting to know what I got before I opened it!) Then, I would open gift after gift.....I was really spoiled...errrr ummm blessed...Yeah, that's it....blessed. Looking back on it I really feel guilty. Granted, there were kids that got more than I did, but I still got much more than I needed. Maybe I shouldn't feel so guilty...my family did it because they loved me...and they wanted to spoil me....but I can't help feeling like I was a spoiled little brat. (That's because, many times, I was.... I got gifts on Christmas Eve from my family, a HUGE stocking on Christmas morning, and then I still got gifts from my mom and dad, too! (There were a lot of traditions...going to Nana and Granddad's, Christmas Eve at Mamaw and Papaw's, Christmas Mornings at Mom (step) and Dad's. Things changed as lives changed... Too confusing to go into all of it. It confuses me and I lived it!)

This was supposed to be cheerful and here I am being gloomy.....I just can't get over the thought that there are so many people out there that are not as blessed as I am. I have a wonderful home, a great family, a rewarding job, and I have a lot going for me. So, I hope that this season I will do more to help those in need. I have already given my annual gift to the March of Dimes, and we are collecting money at work for a person in need, and I have dropped money into the red bucket every time I see a bellringer. But, it still feels like I am not doing enough. I saw a segment on GMA this morning about Target and the Salvation Army teaming up to get items to families in need, many of the families were victims of Katrina. One child asked for a lantern....another asking for pajamas. A LANTERN and PJ's??? That's what they want? Not asking for Ralph Lauren PJ's or something outrageous or pricey or trendy. Just everyday things. It breaks my heart. I will try to stop crying long enough to log on and buy a few things today. (Marketing side note: GMA - You know what 'heart tugging' segments are all about. It worked!)

One step further is that I think of the people who do not have their families for the holidays...our soldiers overseas and their families....the victims of Katrina....people who have lost loved ones from a variety of causes. I have lost some members of my family, my nana (paternal grandmother) and Papaw (maternal grandfather), but I am blessed to have many of my family members still around to celebrate the holidays.

Many of my friends have had family and friends pass throughout year. Holidays are always difficult after a loved one's passing When people pass, the holidays don't feel the same....celebrations are changed...traditions are transformed into something new and strange... The traditional routine of the holidays change...and so do the emotions that are felt during the season.

I am going to spend as much time as I can with my family this holiday season and througout the year. Because, as I am reminded often, people that are here today, may not be tomorrow. So, spend as much time as you can with them. Enjoy them and celebrate them.

Not only is this holiday season a joyous time, but it can also be stressful, depressing, and akward. So, in your prayers, please remember those who are celebrating their holiday in a different way...that they will find comfort in the memories of holidays past, and find renewal in new traditions and in the new year...that there are good things to come...and that the people who are not with them physically are there spiritually.

My prayers are with everyone this holiday season. That your celebrations will be that....a celebration...of life, joy, and togetherness.

UPDATE....

2005-12-08T10:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know that I haven't posted in days.... I apologize. It's been pretty busy.

So, I have decided that even if it is a short post, I am going to post something every day. (Hopefully, I will stick to it. HAHA)

So, I have a few posts that I will be putting up over the next day or so. Lots of things have been going on, I just haven't had time to post them!!! HAHA

Okay, so here is goes......

Dancing the night away....In a new way! :)

2005-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

A friend and I went to a FOOTMAD (Friends of Old Time Music and Dance) event last Friday night. A ContraDance!!!!! My friend and I were a little hesitant to go because of the "fear of the unknown". We checked out FOOTMAD's website and the description made the event sound fun...so we put on our jeans and tennis shoes after work and headed downtown for an evening of dancing!!!

We walked in slowly. We acted very shy (ok we felt it...which is shocking, I know...I am never shy)

After talking to a few folks for about five minutes, I saw a friend and her husband! I was so glad to know someone there! She and her husband gave us a little "crash" course for a few minutes before we got started. It was a small group to start, but by 8:30, it was a full house! Probably 40 people (if not more) had come out to join in the fun!!!

Contra is similar to square dancing....a mix of the dancing that you would see in medival times and square dancing...if you can make that comparison! HA (That is my comparison. For more info about ContraDancing, click here.)

There was a live band (three young and VERY TALENTED musicians from Northern WV) and a dance caller. It was definitely an experience that I want to continue.

So, the main thing to keep in mind....I am VERY out of shape...haven't been to the gym in months...haven't worked out at all for months.... By the end of the first dance, I was sweating and very winded. I thought...."Man, I need to get my butt to the gym!!! I'll have to get in shape to even do this!" HAHA

I think that some of the people I danced with felt bad for me, being winded and a beginner, so they went easy on me. However, there were a few that were outstanding dancers and they didn't cut me any slack. One older gentleman (about 60 or so) and I were doing a "swing" (a spin) and I felt like he had put me into a clothes dryer!!!! You definitely have to keep eye contact or you get very dizzy....although with this guy, it didn't help. I'm just glad that I didn't hurl! HAHA

Everyone gave me tips and advice on how to improve my technique, but everyone is there to have fun....and if you mess up, they don't take you out to the parking lot to beat you or anything. It is really all about fun.

So, I must say that I tried something new last Friday and it was a success!!!

Friday night was a living experience. Thankfully, even though I was winded, I was still able to feel the extreme sense of happiness and livliness that was flowing through the room. Every person in that room had a smile on their face. Friday evening was almost a spirital experience. It felt so good down in my soul to be dancing again...and with wonderful people. I was able to dance and work up a sweat without worrying about the people who had too many drinks or people getting the wrong idea. I have found a place to dance....and not in a BAR!!!

Dancing has always been fun for me and it has always uplifted me. A dance held in a church (an Episcopalian church, which made it feel even more comforting) with great people and awesome music. How can you beat that????

ContraDances are taking place all over the country. Click here to find out more about ContraDancing.

What's up with the news lately????

2005-11-29T21:29:00.000-05:00

I started a post last night about the latest news reports on how marketing professionals and retailers are "taking Christ out of Christmas". I had a HUGE post that rambled on...and I ranted and raved. So, I deleted the old post and I am starting over.

I am just going to state my opinion and my reason and that is it. I am going to try to keep my emotions out of it.

So, here it goes.

The reports say that many stores are promoting the holiday season, rather than Christmas. Many people say from within and regarding these reports that the retails have taken Christ out of Christmas.

Okay, so there's the report and the comments.

Here's my comment. They are not taking Christ out of Christmas. They are bringing unity to the holiday season. If you are a Christian and you are speaking with another Christian, I feel comfortable saying, "Merry Christmas". If I do not know a person or if I am speaking to the public or group, then I feel that it is appropriate to say, "Happy Holidays". I feel that it is ignorant to assume that even though the Christian community is larger than other faith communities in the US, not everyone is a Christian. Everyone is entitled to celebrate their holiday.

Who better than the retailers and the marketing professionals to bring the unity to the forefront?

I am a Christian and this holiday season, I will be celebrating Christmas. Many of my friends will be celebrating Christmas, many will be participating in other celebrations. So, I say "Happy Holidays" to all of my friends, whatever their faith may be.

So, there's my point. And that it is...the point. I tried to keep my rants and raves out of it. I tried to keep my emotions out of it.

One final thought, many Christians have said that focus on the holiday season rather than Christmas is taking Christ out of Christmas. I say to them....I am a Christian and I celebrate my faith. I just believe that He wants us to show love, compassion, and tolerance to everyone, regardless of faith.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

****Question - as a marketing professional, would you not purchase your holiday items from a store who markets their holiday items as such rather than "Christmas items"??? Just a little survey for my professional life......

"Oh...the humanity!!!"

2005-11-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

So, Anthony's mother and I went to Walmart last night. After I posted the last post, I called Walmart to see how long the line was, or if there was one yet. Oh, yeah there was!!! The lady on the other end of the phone informed me that there was quite a line and continued by saying, "Oh, honey, there's been a line for a while...One lady has been here since 5 this morning." I got off the phone, threw on some shoes, and headed for Wally World. When we got there, I realized that what the lady had told me was true...the line was LONG. As soon as we got in line, a Walmart employee went through the line and gave out numbers. They only had 45 systems and we were number 47. We didn't even get a number. So, we stood in line for about a half an hour and then I called Anthony. He said that he didn't want me to stand in line just for the core system (when he wants the complete system). So, I left there, ran in Goody's for a few minutes to look at their sale items, and then went home.

I went online (for the millionth time) to check if there was any available...of course there wasn't any. I won't buy one of these off of eBay b/c there are too many scams right now since these are hot items. Not something that I will risk...and besides, they want $700+ for them on eBay.
When I spoke with my brother yesterday evening, he said that there was already a line outside of Target. This was at about 5 or 6 PM, when they don't even go on sale at Target until 8 AM today!!! There was a line at Circuit City, too.

I called Kmart and they already had a long line outside the store at 9 PM last night and they didn't go on sale there until 8 AM. SO...I was not going to camp out in the COLD for it.

I guess Anthony will have to wait until after Christmas. :(

I understand the idea behind having a limited number of copies, but as a consumer, it infuriates me that there are not enough to go around! Besides, since it is a hot item, they could sell more if there were more available. According to CNN earlier this week, there were allegations that Microsoft had an agreement with their component suppliers that they could only produce "x" number of components before a certain date. This would provide the support that Microsoft needed to only issue a limited supply of the components.

So, I am curious. If you know that you have an item that will sell like "hotcakes" and there is a lot of hype around it, wouldn't you want to provide more to sell more? Or, would you want to spread it out over a few months to drive the hype farther and to keep your sales up over a longer time period? Considering that the PS3 comes out in '06, I guess Microsoft chose the latter of the two choices...and for good reason. While it makes sense, it still angers me!!!! Oh, how I wish I could get an XBOX! :)

Here another picture from last night's adventure. (Keep in mind that the entire line can not be seen because the line wrapped around the eisle.)

Leaving for Walmart Soon

2005-11-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

Pray for me...I'm leaving for Walmart in a few minutes to (hopefully) get Anthony an XBOX 360. Oh, I hope we get one....I will be soooo sleepy in the morning, but I *guess* it's worth it.

:(

Pray for me... :) :) :)

Camping...at Walmart!

2005-11-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

Yep! That's what I'm doing tonight.... My husband wants an XBOX 360 Game System for Christmas. They go on sale at Walmart tonight at midnight. My mother-in-law and I will be "camping out" in the Layaway Dept tonight. (That's where they are selling the games. I guess so that it won't crowd the electronics dept.) We plan to arrive at the store about 9 or so. Hopefully, this will give us a better shot at getting one. There are only 30 game systems available at each store.

I don't know why they don't have more game systems available, but every time that a new system comes out, they only send 30 or so to each store. I guess they find this amusing... :( What does that mean for the moms and dads that want to get them for their kids...OH, and the wives that are getting them for their husbands? It means that we have to do anything to get them....My mother-in-law reminds me of the days of fighting in the eisles over Cabbage Patch Dolls...Heaven help us if that happens tonight. I am normally not a fighter, but I'll have the "throw down" with someone if they try to cut in line.

I intend to take my book and a folding chair with me to Wally World. If we don't get one tonight, then it's off to Target and Circuit City tomorrow before 8 AM to stand in line once again.

ARGHHH the agony….to stand in line for friggin three hours to pay several hundred dollars for something that will provide him with another reason to ignore me.…or at least provide him with something that he finds more fun and interesting.

I am beginning to wonder about my sanity at this point. As if he doesn't occupy the living room tv enough as it is....He already plays Madden on the PS2 every chance he gets. When he isn't playing football on tv, then he is watching football on tv....whether it is a game that is on or he is watching SportsCenter for the millionth time (to watch the highlights from the game he just watched). I just know that having the XBOX 360 in the house will provide the opportunity for my husband to leave a permanent imprint on the couch for at least a couple weeks.

He also informed his mother and I that he will get his XBOX early if we get him one....Oh, did I tell you that he always gets his gifts early? That is something that his mom started many years ago, and somehow, I've continued. :(

I bought him XBOX Live for his XBOX a couple years ago and he stayed up several nights playing it. When I say that he stayed up all night, on those nights, he didn't go to bed until it was almost time for me to get up and go to work! It's a good thing that he has part of this week off and can play it all weekend, too. Otherwise, he might be inclined to use his vacation time to stay home and play the game. It's sad, but true...

I love my husband and he loves me. I think he'd find me more interesting if I came with games and controllers and that he could turn me off and on whenever he liked. Unfortunately, for him, that model wasn't available when he married me. I don't come with those features.... :( Of course, when I married him, the Cooking, Cleaning, ATM model wasn't available, either. Instead, I got the account auditor model instead. HAHA

Does anyone out there have something that you JUST HAVE TO GET someone for Christmas??? What is it? It better not be an XBOX b/c that might reduce my chances of getting one. :(

Somebody pray for me tonight...Pray that I don't get into a fight with someone else in line...Pray that I get one of this expensive toys for my 25-year old husband (so that I can be his "hero" for a few days)...and Pray that I don't fall asleep at work tomorrow...Most of all, pray that this doesn't drive me insane. :)

Oh, yeah, and happy holidays! (Can you sense the sarcasm...??? 'Cause I'm layin' it on pretty thick!!!) I feel like exploding into Clark Griswold's rant from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. And...it's not even Thanksgiving!

(If you want to hear the rant that I am talking about, click here. Then, click on the file name, "Nuthouse".)

We whimped out. :(

2005-11-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

Anthony and I were planning on going to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter last night. By 9:00 PM, we had talked ourselves out of it. With the temperature outside continuing to drop and the thought of only getting a couple hours of sleep, we decided against it. I kept asking Anthony if he wanted to go, because I didn't want to let him down, but he kept saying the same things to me..."It's cold..." or "The showing is too late." So, maybe we'll watch Harry Potter sometime soon.

Heather is definitely cooler than I am. She went with her kids last night.

As for tonight, we are going to dinner with my friend and my brother and then maybe to the movies.

I hope you all have a great day.

Jen :)

It's Thursday...

2005-11-17T17:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, so while I thought that today would be pretty uneventful, it proved wrong.

First, I got up, watched GMA, and was getting ready. Today was one of those days where everything looked like crap when I put it on. I tried on about 15 outfits before I decided to wear my brand new suit (which I got for $50 at TJMaxx this weekend YEAH!!!). I didn't want to wear it yet. I wanted to save it for a day when I would be out of the office or at an important meeting. :( But, with "nothing else to wear", I decided to give into temptation and wear it. It is a "classy" gray and black tweed suit. It is a wardrobe set - jacket, pants, and skirt. Okay, enough about the suit...(I just love a good deal!)

So, off to work I went. I mailed out a very important package via USPS express mail yesterday to arrive in DC at an office "on/near the hill" today BEFORE NOON. I received a call from the DC office today at 2:30 that the package had not arrived. ARGHHHH!!! I can't believe that the package didn't get there! It had to be there! It should have been there before noon. So, I called the PO that it was routed through. They didn't know what happened to the package either. The postmaster told me that he would call me ASAP to let me know what he found out about the package and in the meantime, he would have another carrier pick up the package from the other carrier and it would be delivered immediately. Okay, so I called the DC office back. I told them it should be delivered by 3 pm. I didn't hear back, so I assume that it was delivered. The USPS site has not been updated yet, so I have no way of knowing...until, that is, when USPS updates the computer system. :(

Side note...I read Jessica Cutler's book, "The Washingtonienne" this weekend. It is a novel loosely based on Jessica's involvement in a sex scandal on Capital Hill. I'm sure you've heard about it...since it involved a blog and all. (Check out her archive by clicking here. Check out her current blog by clicking here.) I don't normally read this stuff, but it definitely was interesting. Especially since I finished the book in less than two days (not reading constantly, of course.) But, I couldn't put it down!!! So, while I was talking to the DC contacts yesterday and today, I thought, "I wonder who the 'Jessica' is in their office." I know that is awful!!! I guess it's because I just read the book, but my goodness, I can't believe I thought that while I was on the phone. I'm just glad that I didn't have a Freudian slip and say something...I would have been SO FIRED!!!!

I had a big message posted here, but when I went it to fix a typo, I deleted a big chunk of the message instead!!! ARGHH! I was writing with fury from a stupid thing today and I guess it was meant to be that I deleted it. :(

I'm going to the premiere tonight, so I'll post how it goes. :)

Just got an update...the package was indeed delivered at 3:30. YIPPEEEE

What's Going On...

2005-11-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

I was trying to come up something to write this evening...not much came to mind. So, I thought that I would just write what I'll be doing over the next few days. (Not that my life is that amazing or interesting, but I can't think of anything else.. :( )

So, tonight, I'll be doing the usual Wednesday ritual...Watching "Lost", then the news, and then bed.

Tomorrow, during lunch, I'll be meeting my friend, Michael, for lunch at our favorite restaurant. I haven't seen her in months and I am really looking forward to seeing her!!!!

Then, tomorrow night, my husband and I will going to the premiere party in Charleston for Harry Potter. We have never seen an HP movie in the theaters. We normally just wait for them to come on HBO. However, we won free tickets from a radio station. Anthony is really excited about it. I am interested in going, but I just hope I can stay up that late! (The showing is at midnight.) We are usually in bed and asleep by 10:30. HA HA

Friday, I will see Michael again after her flight comes in from DC. The office staff is all planning to go to lunch with her to catch up....

Friday evening, I will pick up my friend and coworker, Annette, at the airport. She has been in Atlanta all week for a training. UHHH After leaving the airport, she and I will join my brother and husband for dinner at Diehl's (an awesome local family owned restaurant). After dinner, we might go to a movie. Who knows???

Saturday, we've got the big Michigan/Ohio State football game. It's always a party at our friend's house. He's a huge Michigan Fan and so is my husband. So, Anthony is excited about this. Goodness, I hope that Michigan wins. This is a VERY IMPORTANT game for my husband and all of the other Michigan fans....Ohio State and Michigan are HUGE rivals....the winner gets bragging rights for the year....And if OSU wins, then I'll have to deal with a very upset husband. HA HA

I guess that is all I have planned for the next few days. Enough to keep me busy, definitely.

So, if you weren't bored before reading this, you are now. HAHA

What do you have planned for the next few days????

"Complaints and Grievances"

2005-11-13T19:48:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of George Carlin. I was watching an HBO special the other night and he always talks about things that "bother him". Now, his new cd, "Complaints and Grievances" highlights the "bothersome" topics.

So, in similar interest, I thought I would post a few things that bother me. Granted, some of these are a little shallow and some are a little political, but I thought that I would warn you ahead of time. Don't expect these comments to be life-changing or stimulating.

But just for fun...I'd like to share my frustrations, complaints and grievances.

Mullets... I don't like mullets on men or women...Sorry....I never liked it when they were in style (if there ever was a time) and I definitely don't like it now. (I think it is especially "interesting" when a man has a mullet and he is balding on top and grows the back out to compensate....)

"Mom Jeans" - Since when did it become a rule for women to wear their jeans right below the bra? Oh, and to accent it with a belt really sets the look off! NO MORE MOM JEANS for the love of all that's holy!

I hate double knobbed faucets because getting the right temperature and pressure is like balancing an equation (suggested by my friend, Annette, and I totally agree! - I hate the double faucets in public bathrooms....you can never adjust the water pressure accurately and you end up with water everywhere.)

People who pull out in front of you on the road and then turn off immediately after!!!

Speaking of driving....I hate people that go 20 mph below the speed limit and then begin to tap their brakes a million times to "signal to you that you are too close". Ok...so I have a tailgating problem, but FTLOG, would you please drive the speed limit (or something close to it????) ESPECIALLY IN THE PASSING LANE.

Speaking of the passing lane...DON'T drive in the passing lane (going slow, usually) because you are making a turn a few miles ahead.....arghhh (This happens to me going from St. Albans to South Chas. all of the time!)

How Blockbuster Movie Rental holds back a copy or two of their "guaranteed to be there" rentals so that you can't get the rental for free if they didn't have a copy available. ARGGH (okay...I'm cheap....I'm trying to get a free rental...I admit it!)

The people at the KIOSKS at the mall that step out into your walking path to say, "Excuse me, Miss. I have a wonderful product that you need to try." I am marketing professional and I understand that they are trying to make a sale. However, trying to scare me or nearly making me trip over you in my path just to sell me some new gadget or hand cream, is not the way to do it. When I am a woman on a mission. Don't get in my way. HA HA

How public bathrooms usually need a HAZMAT crew to clean them. People say that men's bathrooms are dirty...I've never seen one, but it would take a lot to be more gross than some women's bathrooms that I've seen. Do people not have any common sense or manners???? Also, why is it so hard to keep paper products and soap in the bathrooms?

It's one thing to talk on a cell phone in a store or restaurant (I can over look that), but it is another thing to be screaming so that your friend on the other end can hear you because you or they are having signal problems. Usually the louder the voice, the more embarrassing the comments. When is screaming through the phone to your friend talking about how you are going to kick someone's *** or how you spent your night last night a good idea???? Maybe when you don't have any class???

I am all about getting good service at a restaurant or at a store, and I hate getting poor service. However, I HATE when people show themselves in a restaurant by cussing the server or telling him/her that she is worthless, etc. Once again, a lack of class.

When businesses don't take check/debit/credit cards. I know that it can be an extra expense for businesses, but come on!!! Sorry, if you want my business, you have to take plastic...I NEVER carry cash. (I'm lucky to have enough change to put in the parking meter.)

The new fad of "short pants". I loved cropped pants and capris in the summer/spring. BUT...what is the new fad of the pants that come just below the knee? They are everywhere!!! They look cute on some, but I just can't bring myself to wear one. (Just like the "poncho" fad of the past few seasons. There was ONE time that I considered purchasing a "poncho"....and a good friend talked me out of it. She said, "Friends don't let friends wear (or buy) ponchos." HAHA

Anyone who is homophobic.... Hey, I said that there would be some topics that would be "political". I don't want to elaborate because this post will turn into a "novel". I could get fired up and go on all day about this. Man, it burns me up!!!!

Something that used to tick me off growing up (and still does on occasion) is when a Presidential Address is shown in place of one of my favorite shows. I can't help it that I would learn more and it would be more interesting to watch Will and Grace than the President?? (That was a low blow...I do watch the Presidential Addresses just to keep up on what it being said, but it doesn't mean that I like it.)

I'm sure that there are many more... and I will continue to post them. I can't think of anymore right now, though. So, I'll turn it over to you. If you have any complaints, grievances, or frustrations that you would like to share, please feel free to post in the comments. :)

A new experience...

2005-11-09T20:38:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of being in a room of wonderful women today. Quite frequently, I am blessed by the presence of such wonderful women. Today was especially great! A coworker and I went to a Women's Club meeting today. We were welcomed with open arms. The room was filled with memories, years of experience, and extensive wisdom...We were so pleased to be a part of it, if it was just for a day. :)

The wonderful reception hall was decorated in white and gold and the air was full of country kitchen aromas. There was definitely a feast being prepared.

After all of the "thank you for coming" and "so nice to meet you" comments we heard, the gathering was about to begin. Before going through the line to partake of the wonderful food that had been prepared, one of the ladies came before the group to do an inspirational message. She read a poem from a writer whose name I've heard, but can't recall right now....the message was about how this person lived to provide for their community... that while he might not be everything to everyone, he will be someone to somebody... that he will be "used up when I die" and do all he can for his community. I had never heard it in so few words or so simply, but it really hit home with me. I work for a nonprofit, volunteer for nonprofits..it's the work that I live for.

After the wonderful message, the lady also gave blessings for the day and the food. Then, she lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and one verse of "God Bless America". It had been a long time since I had said the Pledge. It took me back to my school days. Whether because of age or lack of understanding, the Pledge became "routine" and was sometimes taken for granted. Today (maybe because of the war...) I got teary-eyed when reciting the Pledge. I glanced around the room while singing "God Bless America" and was reminded of what our soldiers sacrifice for us, then and now. I also saw the women in the room who have had a part in improving opportunities for women...and improving their community.

I was blessed to be around such outstanding women today. I commend them for their work, talents, and dedication.

A special thank you to the Women's Club of Charleston for inviting me to be part of a special day...a day that I will remember for a long time.

Getting back to my reading...

2005-11-08T19:32:00.000-05:00

It amazes me how influence from other people can remind you of things that you are missing out on...things that I once enjoyed. I was an avid reader when I was a child. As I posted in an earlier comment, I am back into reading again. The passion of two friends has rubbed off on me. A few months ago, Charlie, my friend at the library, gave me some suggestions about a few books. Then, when a new coworker and I were discussing literature at lunch one day, I was reminded of all of the "classics" that I had always wanted to read, and never read. She graduated from a prominent liberal arts college with a degree in English and Religion. She is so smart (and such a great writer), she has inspired me to read those books I never read. There are a few that I have read and she has not, so we have decided to start our own "book club" and read books that one of us has read (and fall in love with it all over again) so that the other can fall in love with it for the first time. She suggested to me, Emma, by Jane Austen. I suggested to her Lord of the Flies by William Golding. There are a few that both of us have read, but since it has been so long, we want to get reaquainted with the stories.

She has reminded me how great reading and how powerful and wonderful words can be. We watched a little bit of "Shakespeare in Love" last night. That is definitely a movie that I will have to watch in it's entirety.

So we will have "book club" meetings and also get together to watch a variety of movies. Whether it be a thought-provoking film such as "The Color Purple" or a comedy such as "Old School". There will be evenings of literary discussion and evenings of pure laughter...or complete tears. (We have "Steel Magnolias" and "Philadelphia" on the list as well.)

It is just nice to have friends from all different interests and passions. It definitely adds spice (and knowledge) to my life.

So, thanks to all of my friends who all bring different things to our friendship. Without the wonderful relationships that we have, I wouldn't know what to do. My friends all have passion, knowlege, expertise, and interest in a variety of topics. Thank you for bringing spice to my life!

79 years...

2005-10-31T22:05:00.000-05:00

My grandmother turned 79 years old yesterday and they held a surprise birthday party for her at church. Many members of the family were there, along with other people that she has cared for, in one way or another.

Mamaw has been a grandmother to me and many other kids from the area. She was always ready with a spoonful of Dimeatapp or Vicks 44 when she heard a sniffle or cough...whether it was her kid or not...:)

She always knew what always made me feel better...a cup of chicken noodle soup... a homemade roll or cookie...or just a hug.

After leaving her party yesterday evening, I started thinking...She has done so much for people around her. Have I shown the compassion to others that she has? I don't know, but I will try to be and try to make her proud. In 79 years, I could not even name (or count) the number of people that she has helped. Just as our minister said yesterday while blessing the food, he was giving thanks for my grandmother and all that she has done for so many.

Our church has a free luncheon every Wednesday. My grandmother is always in the kitchen with the other ladies from the church cookin' up something good for the guests. She's always in the kitchen...period! Always cookin' up something tasty!

And now as I am writing this about her...I am beginning to understand...

It is strange how simple things can make you realize complex concepts! My grandmother didn't go to college...didn't finish high school. She helped run her family's business...She raised a group of great kids (and some good grandkids :))...She provides warm meals to many people...has reached out to many in a variety of ways. Sometimes I want to be "somebody" and fantasize about being famous or "well-known". I have been reminded of what is important. It's not that you are "somebody" to the masses, it's that you are a "friend" to a few. My grandmother is someone and a friend...she's someone to ME and all of the other lives that she has touched.

My mamaw is still teaching me things all the time. I just hope she knows how much I've learned from her and how grateful I am to have her in my life.

I just pray that I will have her in my life for a while longer....And I know that it is unreasonable, but I hope she's around for another 79 years. :)

It's been crazy 'round here!

2005-10-31T21:41:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...I have posted anything in so long. So, to get you up to speed, I'll fill you in.

First of all, work has been crazy...getting ready for a huge event!!! Also, my husband has been working really long hours and I feel that I haven't seen him much lately.

I have also been really busy with meetings and events for the March of Dimes. I serve on the WV Chapter Board of Directors, a few planning committees, and the Chair of the Communications Committee. So, with it being special event season as well as getting ready for Prematurity Awareness Month (which starts tomorrow, Nov. 1), we have definitely been busy. For more info on the March of Dimes, visit the website at www.marchofdimes.com. One out of every eight babies born in the US are born prematurely and one out of every seven babies in WV are born prematurely. Prematurity is the leading cause of death in babies. To find out more or how you can help, visit the website provided above.

Also, I have started selling Mary Kay Cosmetics. I love it! I have been selling since the end of July and it is helping me to stay busy. :) (If you would like to book a party or to place an order, email me. Also, you can order online, email me for the website address.)

So, now that I've filled you in with what has been going on....what's been going on with you? I know that everyone seems to be very busy right now....it's always a busy time of the year. I just can't imagine how busy it will be during the holidays....I have not even thought about the holiday gift giving yet....Have you?

I hope you are all doing well...I'd love to hear you share your "current events".

Jen :)

Alchemy and Esoterism, Islam and Popularity: a joint post written by Charlie Tee and Jen

2005-09-25T12:45:00.000-05:00

(To read Charlie's post on this topic, click here.)

Okay....Friday was "one of those days"....One of those days where fire comes shooting out my ears. And as a regular visitor atop the soap box, happens quite frequently. I received a forward in my email inbox about how I should "boycott the upcoming release of the United States Postal Service stamp" which commemorates a Muslim holiday. To read the entire email message, click here. After reading this "harmless" email, I realized that not only was this message wrong in content, it was also COMPLETELY intolerant and ignorant. To read the press release with the correct message, click here. What I find a little amuzing is that the press release for the release of the stamp was back in 2001. I guess this group hoping that we will boycott this is a little late in the game....

So, here is my response to this message....

If we judge a whole entire community on the actions of one person or a small segment of that community, such as this email message does, then we have many more problems to face than I thought. (I tend to be positive and 'nieve' in thinking that we are becoming more tolerant and compassionate.) Was the entire Christian Community judged after the Timothy McVeigh bombing or after WACO? Is the Christian community seen as having the same beliefs as the extreme right (Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, etc.)? I've not seen it.... Do we judge every police officer in the United States for the brutal acts of a few corrupt officers? Once again, I haven't seen it. So, why then, is it "patriotic" and "acceptable" to judge a peaceful religious community for the actions of a few radicals?

I honestly can't understand. So, let me remind people of something that I learned when I was a child.....Something that I learned in Sunday School many years ago....I learned that respect and compassion is very important and is a core value of my faith and beliefs. Something else I learned as a child is that one rotten apple can spoil the bunch. It may be a "old saying", but it still shows itself everyday.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, people were talking about the looters, the gang members, the "community of sin", and many other "generalist" comments. Why are we always looking to the negative? What would you do in that situation? Why can't we remember all of the people who needed help and couldn't get it? Thankfully, through all the volunteerism and donations that have been provided, we finally show compassion...something that we should have been doing all along.

So, as a step off my soap box once again, I encourage everyone to learn about things outside their own community. I am thankful to have friends and resources that provide me with a multitude of learning opportunites...and I am grateful. I feel that it is important to understand the culture and lives of my friends and neighbors.

So, when it comes to judging a whole community, stop and think before you speak or act...and most of all....EDUCATE YOURSELF!!!

(Once again, to read Charlie's post on this topic, click here.)

We've made it two years!!!

2005-09-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

My husband and I celebrated our two year anniversary at the end of August. It's hard to believe that we have only been married for two years. It seems that we've been together much longer because I can barely remember what it was like before we were together (not that I want to remember...)

He got me a beautiful clock for our anniversary....it was engraved with the words, All I ever wanted in life, I've found in loving you.... It is also engraved with our names and anniversary date. I cried when he gave it to me. I cried because I feel the same way about him.

His love for me hits me like a ton of bricks sometimes. As we go throughout daily routines, sometimes we take advantage of what we have. But when we get out of the routine and realize what we have, it is overwhelming for me. Men don't always understand women or their emotions and my husband is no exception. There are times when we are together and suddenly, all at once, I realize how much we love each other and how in love we still are. Then, I start to cry..... It doesn't make sense, but it's the only way my mind and body can express it.

I just can't imagine spending one day without him. He's out of town this weekend and I will be sleeping on the couch. I just can't imagine sleeping in the empty bed. (Even though Wrigley would find a way to still push me to the edge and nearly knock me out of bed! haha) I am so used to having him beside me...I just can't do it. Many days since we are so busy, we don't get to spend much time together. But I always know that he will be with me when I go to sleep.

There are times when I want to kick him in the head...as I am sure he'd like to do the same to me on occasion, but when the day is done, we know that we have each other.

I know that it sounds sappy and cliche', but I just don't know what I would do without him. He's solid and so strong, but has a heart of gold. He shows such compassion and he has a wonderful spirit. Yes, he's stubborn and so am I, but we've been able to compromise...

It's so hard to express how much I love him, so I only hope that he knows that when I say, "I love you" that he realizes what I mean.

The kids are growing up...

2005-09-17T22:36:00.000-05:00

I just spent the evening with my family and, as always, I had a great time. Now that I have a place of my own and my own family, I only get to see my family a few times a month. But lately, especially, I have been reminded of how much they mean to me. I don't know where I would be without my family....ALL of my family. I know that I have told you so much about my grandmothers, my aunt, and some other family members. I don't think that I have written much about my brothers. So, I'd like to introduce you to them. This is also a tribute to my family and what they have done for me. (You will read about my family over the next few posts....)

My brothers are all grown up. I guess it is difficult because it also makes me realize my age. But before I can explain the present, I'll need to take you back...... Back to the early 90's....

My dad met my stepmom a while after he and my mother got divorced. In many of these posts, I will refer to my stepmom as "mom" and my biological mom as "mom"...I know that is very confusing, but in this post, the mom that I mention is my stepmom.

Anyway... The first time that I met my stepmom and her three sons was one day when dad had visitation with me. Normally, on a day with dad, we went to the park, to family friends' houses, or to the movies. On this day, it was different. It was the day that I would meet my mom and my brothers. Although, I didn't know it at the time. After we got half way to my dad's girlfriend's house, he told me where we were going and that I would meet his girlfriend and her three sons. I was nervous and a little confused. As most kids are going through a divorce, I couldn't quite comprehend my dad having a girlfriend. Although, on top of the anxiety of "Will they like me??? Will I like them?", I was excited! I was going to have other kids to play with for the day! I was an only child and loved having other kids to play with. So, when I got there, I had a blast playing video games with the boys. The youngest was three years old, the middle one was six (I think), and the oldest was my age (12)...we were only five weeks apart.

Here's a story about my youngest brother....and it's also a story from the first day we met....

"BOO", the youngest, scraped his toe on the heating vent and was in desperate need for a band-aid. (I always told mom that we should have bought stock in Band-aids. I think that my mom kept Kroger's and Johnson & Johnson in business, at least during the 90's. I bet you found out why we called him "BOO" by now??) Mom was out of bandaids that day and I told "BOO" that I would take him over to his grandmother's across the street to get a bandaid. Through his tears and sniffling, he agreed. I was carrying him down the front steps when I missed the last step and fell. Not only did I fall, but I dropped Boo on the sidewalk...on his HEAD!!!! He dusted himself off and asked me if I was okay. Then, began laughing uncontrollably. I was sprawled out on the sidewalk with my ankle turned in an unnatural way. I was crying b/c I had sprained my ankle. Dad came running and was hysterical. Dad had not told my grandmother when he picked me up for visitation that he was taking me to his girlfriend's house and he was concerned that he would not know how to explain how I twisted my ankle. My grandmother is the biggest worry-wort that I have ever met. She would have died...or killed my dad, I'm not sure which. So, BOO forgot all about his toe and went back inside. Dad picked me up and carried me inside. Mom put ice on it and Dad hoped for the best. Within a little while, I was better and was up and about again. Thankfully, we didn't have to feel the wrath of my concerned grandmother. (HA HA)

So, that is the story of the first time that I met my family. One day, after many weekend visits and even after my grandmother met my dad's girlfriend and the boys, my mom and dad told me the great news. I still remember sitting in the car and mom and dad telling me that they are going to get married. I remember asking if I could be there. They told me that they were going to Virginia alone for the weekend. I was still SO excited. They got married two days before my birthday. Getting another mom and three brothers was the best birthday present I have ever received. There were times when I wish that I could have my dad all to myself, but that was when I was young and foolish. I cherish every minute that I get to spend with my mom, dad, and brothers. And now, I realize that my mom has made my dad a better man, husband, and father.

The kids are growing up. Boo is now 17, the middle one is 20, and the oldest is 25. I am the oldest by five weeks. My mom always enjoys explaining our age difference when people ask. She said that it was a really long labor.

She's not kidding. Raising me was definitely work. I was obnoxious and selfish. I was used to having everything my way...I was the only child and only grandchild for a long time. I had to learn the hard way that everything isn't all about me.

I know that there has been MANY times that my mom and dad just wanted to wash their hands of me and give up...but they didn't. They were there when no one else wanted to be. Even at my worst, they still loved me. They may have not liked the way I acted sometimes, but the loved me unconditionally. Two of the greatest memories I have is meeting my mom and brothers and my dad walking me down the eisle at my wedding.
To read more about my family, click here for my next post....

To my Mom and Dad.....

2005-09-17T22:25:00.000-05:00

My stepmother has been a very large influence in my life. She is one of the many wonderful women in my life. TALK ABOUT STRENGTH! One of my wishes/greatest desires is to be as strong as she is. She has raised three children...okay make that three and a half (she had me through the tough teen years)...And for a part of her motherhood, she was a single mom. She has always made sure that our basic needs were met and MORE!!! She never let me give up...and she never gave up on me! I thought she was tough on me many times, but now that I am older, I understand that it was her way of making me learn and be independent. She made me realize that I COULD stand on my own two feet....I COULD get a college degree AND a good job...and that I COULD make it on my own! I did it all through her love, support, guidance, and honesty. She has done so much for me....She was my study buddy in college, my teacher, my friend, my mentor, and most of all, an ear and a shoulder. I will never be able to thank her for all the things that she did. She let me live, but prevented me from bringing harm to myself, has let me learn and still act stupid on occasion, and I don't know how I'll ever thank or repay her.

To my dad.... Thank you for the advice, love, and great conversations. You've been so good to me and I will always be your little girl. Thank you for being honest and loving. Because of you, fried bologna and chocolate milk is a meal that I enjoy and a time with you that I will never forget. As I get older, I realize why I loved watching Mighty Mouse with you. I know that I always thought that the theme song was about you. I always knew that you'd be there when I needed you....("....Here I come to save the day!")

I'm grown up. I'm a married woman. But you know what??? Sometimes, I realize that I'm just a young insecure girl (that akward kid in school) stuck in a woman's body....still lost and trying to find my way. The only thing that helps is that I know that I have so many people in my life that love me and will help me find my way.

I am truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in my life. I just hope that they know how much they mean to me. Every person I meet shapes my life and without the relationships that I have made over the years, I am nothing.

EEEKKKK!!!! I've become a coffee drinker!

2005-09-14T18:42:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, I've never really been a coffee drinker. The only times I can recall really enjoying coffee is when I was a kid. I would sneak a sip of my grandmother's cold coffee (which was mostly cream) while she was cleaning house.

I have always been a hot tea drinker. Dark English Breakfast tea with Sweet-n-Low and a little evaporated milk. There's nothing better than that with a piece of my Aunt's homemade shortbread.

One day....many weeks ago...while at a meeting with a friend/colleague/mentor and all around great guy, I was introduced into the world of coffee. That was all it took. I kept saying to him, "I don't like coffee." He suggested Chai Tea as an alternative. I replied that I had tried it and didn't care for it.) So, he suggested the Milky Way Blast at Taylor Books. When the Taylor Book staff member described it, I got a mental image of a milkshake with a hint of coffee. (I know, how dumb??) I wasn't disappointed, though. It is a frozen delight with milk, espresso, and caramel and chocolate syrups. As the great Rachel Ray says, "YUMM-O!!!!" That day, I was hooked!

I work in St. Albans, but days that I am anywhere near downtown, I give the City of Charleston some meter money and visit Taylor Books for a Milky Way Blast. Since the first day of being a coffee drinker, I have tried a few at Starbucks and one at Capitol Roasters. (The German Chocolate one is great at Roasters!)

One of the drinks that I tried at Starbucks was not great. It was a frozen drink (like Taylor's Blast) but it had chocolate syrup and mint chips. It was not that great and for the price, it REALLY wasn't that great. I'll stick to my Taylor drink, thank you!

Then, this morning....I went to the United Way Day of Caring event in Charleston and I stopped at Starbucks at the mall (only because I was already parked at the Civic Center...otherwise, I would have went to Taylor!) So, anyways...I got a Caramel Macchiato. I wanted something warm for a change. OKAY YUM again! Actually something from Starbucks that is worth "wow-ing" over. My friend got a Pumpkin iced thing and it was good too.

So, while Starbucks has a few things worth trying, I'll stick to the local Taylor Books. The people are great and the coffee is great too!

So, a special thanks to the wonderful (and local) Taylor Books who has some great stuff! (and my friend who suggested giving coffee another try!)

World Music Awards...

2005-09-14T18:22:00.000-05:00

I received a phone call last night from a good friend instructing me to turn the tv to the World Music Awards. I had been watching the season premiere of HOUSE and then the news. I didn't realize that the WMA's were on, but I flipped off the news to the WMA's, as instructed. (After all, I tend to be an "award show" junkie.)

As I turned it to the channel, I realized why my friend had called me. Destiny's Child was being serenaded by Babyface and Usher. Men who only need to be refered to by first name. :)

Extreme talent was present as well as dashing good looks. :)

I was pleased with what I saw of the performance (which was only the last 45 seconds, unfortunately). However, I was a little surprised after the performance was over.

They honored Destiny's Child with a WMA as "Best Female Group of All Time". I LOVE Destiny's Child, don't get me wrong, but best female group of ALL TIME???? What about Diana Ross and the Supremes...What about the other wonderful girl groups of the past????? Influence from the outstanding girls groups of the past have surely inspired these women in their music as I am sure that DC will inspire groups of the future. I don't doubt that they are one of the best groups of all time, but to honor them as "Best Female Group of All Time" is a little much. Maybe they have had more album sales than groups from the past, I'm not sure. I was happy for them (especially since they are continuing their solo careers and the DC group is no longer). I just thought that maybe there might have been a few more candidates that they should have considered.

I am a firm believer that the music of today is because of yesterday's music.

I don't believe that we would have the talented John Mayer if other wonderful guitarists and musical poets like James Taylor and Eric Clapton had not gone before him. Britney and other "pop divas" would not be here without Madonna and other female pop artists paving the way.

So, I guess my final comment is that while I think that Destiny's Child deserves an award for being an AWESOME female group, I just don't know if they deserve being titled "the best of all time." Just as if Beyonce' was up for an outstanding female artist award, I would be pleased, but if they refered to her as "best of all time", I'm sure many people would be scratching their head wondering why Aretha, Diana, Patti and many others weren't considered.

Music takes me places....

2005-09-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

As I have said before, I am a huge fan of music. I have an eclectic collection, from rap to classical and everything in between.

Today, I stopped by the library and picked up a few CDs. I picked up a 50's collection CD. I skimmed through the track list and decided to get it. I have to admit, I didn't look closely at the track list because I have ALWAYS loved 50's music, so it didn't really matter what songs were on the CD.

I was ESPECIALLY pleased when I popped the CD into my car stereo and heard "Come Go with Me" by the Dell-Vikings. (I had to look at the CD case to give you the artist because I was not familiar the group.) However, I am VERY familiar with the song. This song takes me back to the young age of 9, when I took dance lessons. I took ballet, jazz, and modern dance from an instructor in Oak Hill. We did "Come Go With Me" and "Wooly Booley" (spelling?) for two of our "pop/oldies" numbers in our recital. I don't recall the other numbers we did, but every time that I hear "Come Go With Me", it takes me back immediately. (I can still remember part of the routine...sad, I know!)

As I drove home listening to the song, I realized that I was smiling ear to ear...uncontrollably. It was a feeling that I doubt could have been dampered by any force. I was remembering fond memories of my childhood. How lucky I was....How lucky I still am!

So, as I continued to think good thoughts on the way home, I realized that in the scheme of things...in the events throughout our lives, it's the little things that matter. It's the wonderful songs that remind you of childhood play time and childhood dreams. It's the homemade ice cream on a summer day...or warm soup on a winter day. It's the friend who will pray with you and hold your hand during a tough time. It's the thoughfulness of a gift. (Not neccessarily the gift itself, but its meaning or reason.) It's the little things that matter.

As you know, I am not a mother (unless you count my little one, Wrigley), but as advice to parents (and advice that I will use myself when I become a parent)....it's the LITTLE THINGS.

It's the times that you teach your child to ride a bike....They keep falling down (or wrecking, in my case) and you try and try again. And then celebrate with them when they are able to ride on their own.

It's the fried bologna sandwiches and chocolate milk on a Saturday morning....A perfect breakfast for watching cartoons with dad.

You get the point. I hear so often to not sweat the small stuff....I do, however. To me, the "small stuff" IS the "big stuff". The small stuff is what we are made of. It's the stories of our lives - the memories - that we carry with us.

Maybe since I am a "detail-oriented" person, this is important to me. But I am sure that we all have a place in our heart for the little things.

It's nice to tap into those wonderful memories. Every time that I think about the small puzzle pieces that have shaped my life, I smile. So, if you think about the happy little things that you've had in your life, I guarantee that you'll have a grin from ear to ear, just as I do now.

May God bless you with the small things and may you praise him for those blessings.

What a weekend!!!

2005-09-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

Okay, so long story short...I had an INTERESTING weekend.

First, I went to a MLB game with my husband and the family of a woman that he works with. It was fun. Of course, since my husband is a HUGE Cubs fan, we watched the Cubs play the Pirates. There was a "interesting" part of the trip. We got lost in Pittsburgh. Actually, it was in between Greentree and Pittsburgh. First, we got a little lost when we were at Station Square (I think that is what it is called.), then we tried to find something to eat and drove around for over an hour. We ended up going back to the hotel, still hungry....We finally ended up eating at Taco Bell before midnight. We went to the game and had a blast (I'll post the pictures tomorrow.) It was my first MLB game and that's all it took to get me hooked. It's MUCH better in person than on TV.

Before the game started, Anthony's mom called us and said that there had been a contractor out cutting down a neighbor's tree since dawn that morning. Of course, our little one was barking all day at the contractors outside. Later in the day, we got another call from Anthony's mom. This time, the contractor wanted to talk to him. He got on the phone and told Anthony that they had torn down a brick flower pot/landscaping box near our parking spots. When we got home, we realized that they had demolished the brick construction, got saw dust all over our other car (the one that is BRAND NEW!), even though they asked Anthony's mom moved it 5 times upon their request. Our next door neighbor was out of town, but he left his truck here. They did more than just cover his truck with sawdust. His truck is scratched. I'm sure he won't be happy about that.

Anthony called the contractor on Saturday night when we got home. They came yesterday to clean up all the dirt and the bricks from their demolition. They are supposed to come this week to rebuild it for us.

Also, we found out on Saturday night from another neighbor that she tried to get the information from the contractor (so that we could contact them if any other problems arose), and it took five requests to get the information from the contractors. They didn't give her a business card, but just their name and phone #. No company name was on the work truck, nor was their any other form of ID, just the information that the man gave our neighbor.

I'm not too worried since they have already cleaned up our yard and will (hopefully) be back soon to rebuild it. However, I am a little upset b/c the contractors or neighbors failed to inform us about this before they had it done. Since it blocked our street for nearly 8 hours and no vehicles could get in or out, it posed a problem. My father-in-law is chronically ill and could need emergency medical attention at any given time. There is an elderly gentleman on our street as well.

Also, if my in-laws hadn't been here, heaven only knows what would have happened to our yard or our new car since we were out of town. The residents on our street could have moved our vehicles down the street (off the hill) if we would have known prior to the work being done. I feel that we should have been notified (by someone) before Saturday.

The lesson learned....I will notify my neighbors of any work that is being done at my home that would affect them in any way. I would expect my neighbors to do the same.

CNN was prepared...the FEDs were NOT!

2005-09-05T19:39:00.000-05:00

As I (along with the rest of the world) continue to watch coverage of Hurricane Katrina, I have come to a concerning realization. The media (CNN, ABC, MSNBC, etc.) were more prepared than our government in this terrible disaster. It saddens me that our tv crews can get in, but food and supplies can not. There was no plan for security in case of a disaster like this. We have really let the people down. I commend the media for covering the events and bringing us the stories of the victims. Maybe we should look to them, since they were the only ones prepared, to help us prepare in case of another natural disaster.

The lack of preparation and security plans has caused the area to become lawless and dangerous for the victims as well as the relief workers.

I am not blaming one person...I am not blaming our President or any other Federal Official. I just think that the government (as a whole) failed the communities who were affected by this tragedy.

Some friends of mine always say, "Don't complain without having a suggested solution." So, I don't know much about disaster preparedness, but I will say this....The government and the citizens need to do what they can to help with the relief efforts now and help (do their best) to prepare for the future. There should be security plans in place to protect the relief workers and citizens.

I know that is not much of a solution or plan, but it's all I have. I just feel awful that we let our fellow Americans down.

A final thought regarding this tragedy....."I pray for the families affected by this tragedy and I pray (and hope) that it never happens to a family again."

She's leaving...

2005-08-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

My friend, Michael, left the office today...for the last time. I told her "See you Monday" because I couldn't handle dealing with her not being in the office everyday.

We are going to keep in touch and have already made plans to get together over Labor Day weekend. I know that we will continue to be friends...I know that we will keep in touch.

I can't help but be sad even though the new job is an awesome opportunity for her. I wish her the best and I know that she will be successful, but I am going to miss her terribly.

I am normally a very emotional person and I am surprised that I made it through the day without crying. Maybe it is b/c I know that I will see her soon or it might be b/c reality has not set in yet.

She and I always talk on the phone every night, so I'm sure that tonight will not be any different. So, that helps.

As James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" plays on my radio, I begin to realize that when I come into work on Monday, her office will be empty. No pictures on the wall, no laughing coming from down the hall, I'm just afraid work won't be fun at all.

I really like my other coworkers, it is just that Michael and I have a wonderful relationship...we were like sisters...we still are. She was always so honest to me...told me what I needed to hear rather than what I wanted to hear. She was my cheerleader, my coach, my friend, and my sister. She will still be all those things, but I won't have her in the office next door to me. I'll call her everyday...I'll see her often...I'll remember her forever.

I've been blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life, and Michael is one of them. So, today, I celebrate all the people who have made me who I am. Today is a day that I have truly cherished friendship, as I need to do everyday.

The amazing poet, Maya Angelou, says....

"The happy heart

runs with the river,

floats on the air,

lifts to the music,

soars with the eagle,

hopes with the prayer."

Another statement from Dr. Angelou continues to put my thoughts into words:

"Your life is much more important

than you can imagine.
A little tenderness between people

can make life more bearable,

and a lot of tenderness...

my goodness.
Life is a gift...

let us respond

with grace and courtesy."

Michael has given me a happy heart whenever she is around and I am thankful for her.

We kid about the name that her parents wanted to give her before she was born...."Sunshine Moonbeam". We have joked about that many times. Now, I understand why her parents considered it. She has always been a ray of sunshine and always brightens my day. (I know....mushy and stupid, right??? That's the cool thing about being among friends and acting stupid is that they still love you anyway. --- Michael and I are definitely friends....we've shared many dumb moments together.)

SPAM on my BLOG!!!

2005-08-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's not enough that I receive a million emails every day telling me about medications "that will improve [or enhance] my sex life" or "consolidating my debt", but now, I have had a SPAM posting on my blog. That's a little ridiculous!!!!

I clicked on the name for the profile of the person who posted the message. There is no bio/profile, just the screen name.

Has anyone else had this problem???

Click here to view the comments on my last post where I received a "SPAM" post.

I guess it never takes long for the mass marketers to get their grimy hands on something.
----Even though I am a marketing professional, I still get really upset with SPAM and telemarketers. Sorry:(

Memories Escaping...

2005-08-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

I decided to write a poem about my granddad. I wish I could help him.

Memories Escaping

Memories escape him
Just like a balloon.
They fly away
Right out of the room.

He can talk about the war
Just like it was yesterday.
But he can't remember
being there for my wedding day.

They had to sell his house
and pack up all his things
he had to move from the playground of his children
and leave the porch swing.

He has been battling for a while now
I am sure he misses her love and care
he could use her help now
if she could only be there

I don't know how long he'll fight
or if he'll go during the night

But I know that when he sees her
his fight will be through
and he can tell her
that we miss her too.
~Jennifer Renee Wood-Wagner

(It's not my Nana's writing. But I hope she's listening. I hope she knows how much we all miss her.)

A poem of young love...

2005-08-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

Here is a poem about my Nana and Granddad.... I thought it was so sweet.

REMINISCING
She was sixteen, he was twenty--
A giddy girl and a quiet young man,
A chance meeting at a carnival in town--
That's the way it all began.

Reflection of a silvery moon
Shimmering on waters below,
A timid kiss in the still of the night
And two young hearts aglow.

A summer of Sunday drives,
Double dates in a '33 Ford,
A movie, a hot dog and a coke--
Luxuries he could afford.

But off to the war he must go,
The year was nineteen-forty-two.
Letters back and forth across the sea--
There was lots of growing up to do.

The war was over, he was safely home.
Her high school graduation was past.
Two weeks of getting reacquainted
And their wedding day at last.
~Gloria Hall Wood

As I was reading and posting this poem, I wondered what it was like back then. If she could be here to tell me more about that time in her life. Also, when I began reading this poem, I thought, "Times were so different back then." After reading the poem, I realized that many things are not. We are still sending soldiers overseas and their loved ones are here at home and wondering if/when they are coming home.

I pray for the safety of our soldiers anywhere and everywhere. I am so thankful that they are fighting for us...just as my grandfather did.

From My Porch Swing

2005-08-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

I came across this poem in the book this evening. I don't know why I hadn't seen it before. I guess the title caught my eye.... I think she's been speaking to me all along...I just haven't been listening hard enough.

From My Porch Swing
Yellow buttercups glow
In morning sunshine.
Sweet-smelling honeysuckle and
Red rambling rose are entwined.
Birds sing praises
As they swoop in and out of
The old maple tree, gathering bounty
For the open mouths of their babes.
The earth is alive,
Freshly bathed by a summer rain.
It's June!
~Gloria Hall Wood

I was a calendar girl...once.

2005-08-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

My grandmother wrote a poem about all of her grandchildren in her book entitled, "Storehouse of Memories". The poem that she wrote about me was called, "OUR CALENDAR GIRL". It tears me up every time I read it. Mostly because she isn't here....and there are other reasons that I will discuss in a later post. I miss her. I hope she knows that.

Before I start crying too hard, here's the poem....

A calendar was a Christmas gift
from Jennifer to me.
I opened the present and
a prettier gift I shall never see.

Blonde curls, blue eyes and dimples---
She's a real beauty.
A smile that melts my heart---
She's our calendar cutie.

She's a knock-out in a bikini.
She's a picture in a plaid shirt and blue jeans.
She's a dream in a straw hat and sundress,
And in a pamper, she steals the scene.

Each day of nineteen-eighty-two
I'll look up and see
Our pretty little calendar girl
Smiling at me.

With this poem, there are pictures of me from that calendar. As soon as I can scan the page, I'll post it. It's kinda cute.

(I don't know where she got the bikini line, though...I guess b/c it was so long ago. HA HA)

My other grandmother...

2005-08-16T18:53:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I write frequently about my grandmother (maternal grandmother), but I haven't mentioned much about my paternal grandmother(yet). She was a published writer/poet and she always inspired me. Her work inspires me to continue to write and try to be as wonderful as she was. She was a writer from the heart. She was smart, even though she was very modest about her intelligence. I have a million questions for her...if only she was here with me again.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, talented writer, and a woman with a strong spirit.

My memories with her was what inspired the name of my blog. "On the Porch Swing" - There were many wonderful moments spent on the large porch swing on my grandparents' porch. She would sing hymns and other songs to me. We would play games and just chat out on the RED porch. If I recall, the wood on the deck/porch needed treating and they painted it red. I don't really know why, but I remember thinking how pretty it was. I thought it was special. Not many people in our neighborhood had a red porch. All the kids played on the BIG RED PORCH.

In the summer, the grandkids and other members of the family would gather at Nana's and Granddad's for homegrown green beans and new potatoes, corn on the cob, and other special summer foods. Summer get togethers also included cold soda pop in the glass bottles. The pop was usually used to wash down the marshmallow pinwheel cookie that she gave us. We wouldn't tell that we had the cookie because none of us were supposed to have them. She let us have one so that she could sneak herself one. She was a diabetic and after she took her insulin shots, she would take the needles out of the syringe and rinse it out. Then, the cousins would use bowls of water and the clean (needleless) syringes as waterguns. As always, it escalated to the boys getting the water hose out and before we knew it, we were all drenched.

Then, at Thanksgiving and Christmas, we would gather at the small house full of love for a joyous holiday feast. There were so many cousins and I loved spending time there.

The fondest memory that I have, besides the porch chats, were the times that Nana would share her stories and poems with me. I spent a lot of time admiring her typewriter in her room. I loved her stories....

I remember going with her to meet with some of the writers in her writing club at a local restaurant. She ordered me a chocolate milkshake. I enjoyed it while enjoying "grown up" literary conversation. At the time, I thought I knew what they were talking about...okay, so I was pretending. I always pretended to be "grown up" when my parents/family members had company around.

My Nana wrote stories and poems about all of her grandchildren. (I will post those soon.)

I have three of her books. One is a collection of family stories and poems, one is a collection of stories and poems from the Writing Club, and there is another family-related book with pictures and history of the family members.

Over the next few posts, I will be writing more about my Nana and her wonderful stories and poems.

For now, I would like to show you two of her poems that she wrote in "My Family Album" that will give you a glimse into why she inspired me, even though I was so young when I knew her.

MY DESIRE

A Robert Frost or Browning

I'm sure I will never be.

The wit and charm of Irma Bombeck

was never meant for me.

I would like to be a writer,

Or a poet, with meaningful thought---

To write something that someone will enjoy,

Though it may not amount to a lot.

To write a story of interest

Or just a cute little rhyme;

To describe a scene of beauty

Or depict a day and a time.

Something with human interest

And a bit of history;

Maybe a little humor,

Or a touch of mystery.

Ability to put thoughts and feelings in writing

Is something I have hoped to acquire.

To paint a pretty picture with words

Has always been my desire.

~Gloria Hall Wood

JUST A THOUGHT

Sometimes we worry that we don't accomplish much

As we go along our way,

But sometimes the little kindesses we do

Or an encouraging word we might say

Might help some stumbling foot

As it trods from day to day.

To make someone's load a little lighter

Sometimes it isn't hard to do---

To make his day a little brighter

With a cheery word or two.

Just a cup of kindness given

Will be returned to you.

~Gloria Hall Wood

I truly hope that I make her proud. There are many things about my Nana that I want to share. I want to share what she did for me with you...in hopes that maybe she can still inspire others even when she is only with us in spirit.

Keeping in touch....

2005-08-14T19:45:00.000-05:00

(I started this Friday night, but didn't get a chance to finish it until today)

Okay, so we say that all the time...."We'll keep in touch!" "I'll call you often." "We'll get together frequently."

There are more phrases that we say when we are saying goodbye to someone. Do we keep in touch, though? Usually we don't.

There have been cases that I have kept in touch, and then there have been times when I haven't. Not because I haven't wanted to, just that I didn't make the time. I used to say that I was too busy and didn't have the time. Now, I know that I need to MAKE the time.

I have recently set a goal for myself to visit with my friends more frequently and to at least call them once a week and chat for a few minutes and to see how they are doing. My goal is keep up with my family, too. I feel awful for not doing a better job on this before, but I am dedicated to improve it.

So, there have been several events that have lead to setting this resolution... Obviously, since it's not quite New Year's yet, there has to be a reason, right?

Okay, so there are several reasons. I have had a close friend move away recently. She is still about the same distance from me, just in another direction. She has been busy this summer and so have I. However, we said months ago that we would try very hard to visit as often as we could. We have kept that promise this summer and we have been able to see each other fairly frequently, which is AWESOME. I see how great it's been to see her frequently and I want to keep it up. This is the woman that I have watched grow up and she has watched me grow up. She and I have been BEST friends since we were SEVEN years old! This has inspired me to keep this up and to apply it to all of my friendships!

Also, with the passing of a friend's family member, it reminded me how precious life is. (read more)

Okay, so here's the third reason....I have a close friend who I spend SO much time with and she is changing jobs. I am so proud of her and SO happy for her! It's an outstanding opportunity and one that she should not pass up. I know that she will excel at it and I will be cheering her on!

That doesn't help the fact that I am going to miss her like crazy! She is so good to me. I will be lost without her. Not only will I have to find another lunch buddy, but I will lose my cheerleader. She has always encouraged me. She always gives me constructive criticism on my work (or life for that matter) when it is needed and ALWAYS tells me "WELL DONE" when I have performed well. When she was on vacation a few months back, she called me from her vacation spot and we chatted. It was great since I was very lonely in the office then. I am afraid what it will be like when I realize that she's gone...and not coming back. So, I'll call her on the phone frequently and we will have a SHOPPING SATURDAY together at least once a month.

So, this was what made me dot the "i" and cross the "t" on the resolution. I have to keep in touch. My friends mean too much to me to not to.

I am only what I am to my friends and family. They are all I have. As you probably know, I tend to look externally for praise and guidance. I also enjoy being around people that I care about and who also reciprocate those feelings. So, it is important to keep in touch with those who touch my life.

I just want to thank all of my friends who are so good to me and are always there. I have had so many great memories and I will cherish those friendships forever.

A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

2005-08-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

I have had a WONDERFUL weekend. I went to the mall with Anthony, bought him a new wedding band and a new watch. (His friend is a manager of a jewelry store, so we got a good deal!) Then, I went shopping with a friend and her mom. (I got two pair of awesome shoes --- and only paid $25 for both pair!)

Yesterday, I went to my mamaw's to visit with my family. I ate, laughed, and visited. Then, we got up this morning and did it all over again. We had hashbrown casserole and french toast for breakfast and then a big spread for dinner. Homemade rolls, meatloaf (my aunt's meatloaf is awesome), green beans, zucchini rice bake, ham, macaroni salad, mashed potatoes, chicken and stuffing casserole and a few other things that I can't remember. Then, for dessert, we had chocolate eclair cake (which is sinfully wonderful), chocolate covered cherry cake, and lime fluff. Of course, I had a little of everything. I definitely need to get back on track with eating right tomorrow. By the time that I left Mamaw's today, I needed bigger pants. :(

I was reminded this weekend that we are all getting older....and at a rapid pace. My uncle (who lives out of state) would ask in conversation about someone who lived in the area to see how they were. Many times, the response from my grandmother, or other family members, would be that they have passed away, are in a nursing home, or they are not doing well.

Another reminder is that my cousin, Thomas, is growing up so fast. He is in middle school and I can remember when he was born. He was born in 2003. I can remember when he came home from the hospital and had to be on a monitor when he slept. He also had to have a blood transfusion because of a bad case of Jondas. Now, he is a very tall, skinny, and handsome young man. He's always been so smart and continues to be. Before I know it, he will starting college, then getting married and having a family of his own. I guess the scary thing about this realization is that I am getting older and that I am not a kid anymore. I know that it strange, but sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize that this is my life....It's real....I am not playing "house" like I did when I was a kid. I enjoy being an adult and I am enjoying learning new things and growing up, but sometimes I don't really realize it. Then, other times, it hits me a like a ton of bricks.

Also, this also means that my Mamaw and other close family members and friends are getting older too. I won't have those instrumental people in my life forever...I need to take advantage of their friendship, love, and wisdom while I can. So, I will continue visiting with my family and posting the lessons that I learn and the stories that are told.

I hope that you have enjoyed my posts about my family and I hope that you will enjoy the ones I will post in the future.

I hope you had a great weekend, too. :)

When can we get the REAL Whitney back?

2005-08-12T19:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, so to give you a little background on why this is a topic, I was listening to the radio this evening and heard an old Whitney Houston song. Then, as I was flipping through the stations on the TV tonight, I stopped when I heard Whitney's voice on one of the all music stations. It's just so sad that she is not known as the wonderful and soulful singer that she once was. Her rendition of "I will always love you" has always been one of my favorite songs...especially one to (attempt) to belt out. Now, we know Whitney as a "has-been", "crack head", or just "Bad Boy Bobby's Crazy Wife". There are few, if any, artists in the mainstream now that have the talent that Whitney had. It's just so sad. She went from a gospel music singer to pop star to a washed up crazy woman. I wonder if she had the chance to go back and change it all, would she?

I miss hearing the wonderful voice of Miss Whitney...now the only time I hear her voice is when I flip through the channels and come across Bobby's reality show. She will sing a line or two occasionally, but I have to admit, it's not pretty. So, here's a crude statment....be prepared...I don't normally say things like this, but "Whitney should have laid off the pipe to save her pipes. Now, she's washed up along with her hubby with no hope of recovering her talent. I guess the 'reality show' will pay the bills for a while, but I just miss hearing her beautiful voice.

Maybe she'll make a comeback. What's the odds? Maybe she'll take Vanilla Ice's place on Hit Me Baby One More Time next season. Who knows????

Another Visit to Grandma's!!!

2005-08-12T18:48:00.000-05:00

First of all, I want to apologize for not posting for so long! I have been running around like a crazy woman lately! (This is my first post this evening, I plan on posting about a few other things on my mind.)

Secondly, I want to say that I am very excited about this weekend. My family is getting together at my Mamaw's. My uncle and my aunt will be in from Pennsylvania. The whole gang will be together....eating and laughing. Those are the things that we do best!!!!

So, I hope to have some stories from this visit to post next week. I am going to take a recorder so that I catch all of the story!

So, I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

Jen :)

"My Stupid Mouth"

2005-07-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know that my posts have been a litte dreary or sad lately. I decided today to post something a little more on the "light side". I have to admit, it's a look into my life, but it is quite amusing...At least I think so.

Okay, so for those who don't know me very well.... I'll give you a little insight into my personality. My husband tells me all the time that I try to hard to be nice...to be funny... He says that people like me, but that I am annoying because I try too hard. Overcompensation, I guess. He says it is the most positive, loving way...I think.

I have been listening to John Mayer's CD, Room for Squares. I know that it is an older CD, but I had not ever had a chance to listen to the entire CD until this week. (Thanks to my local library, I am enjoying this for FREE.)

When I heard the fun and upbeat song, My Stupid Mouth, on the CD, I smiled and laughed outloud. Who knew that John Mayer knew me? He doesn't, but he is telling my story even though we have never met. (Link for the lyrics is above, but to hear a snippet of the song, click here and then click on music, then on "Room for Squares" and click to listen to the song.)

I knew the song was for me when I heard the first few words...
My stupid mouth
Has got me in trouble
I said too much again

How many times has that happened to me? How many times have I laid awake at night for hours wondering if I have offended someone, wasn't nice enough, was "overly friendly", wasn't funny, or said too much. Usually, I worry about the first and last of the list the most.

Then, there's more....
I'm never speaking up again
It only hurts me
I'd rather be a mystery
Than she desert me
Oh I'm never speaking up again

I don't know how many times I have thought that. I am always afraid of losing a friend and/or making a fool of myself. Then, I get to the point where I tell myself that I will never EVER provide "too much information" again, but I always have one more thing...one more comment...one last remark. My grandmother has always said, "You'll have the last word or DIE." Isn't that the truth? I'm getting better...I hope. (Although, I get it honest. My mother is stubborn and my dad is a rambler...just like me.)

During the song, every time John refers to "I'm never speaking up again", his next line is "Starting Now" or "One more thing." Once again, I guess someone told John Mayer about me.

One more thing...
Why is it my fault?
So maybe I try too hard
But it's all because of this desire
I just wanna be liked
I just wanna be funny
Looks like the jokes on me
So call me captain backfire

Okay, now this is the deep part. It all comes down to the fact that I want to be liked. I don't want to make too many waves, at least in a negative way, and I DEFINITELY do not want to offend anyone. So, now you know me. I may be outspoken and I seem to make friends easily. But INSIDE, I'm wondering... Am I trying too hard? Am I being funny, but not obviously trying to be funny? Do they like me? What do the others in the room think of me?
Am I rambling or saying too much? Then, after I leave the conversation or event, I analyze every comment. Geez, Jen...What did you say that? Why weren't you more witty? Why did you short change yourself and make such dumb comments? Why did you act like a kid? Why are you so boring? You should have said this instead of that! And the list goes on and on.

So the next time that you see me and you say hello, I'll try my best to say something interesting, intelligent, witty, and without rambling. If I fail to meet the requirements that I have set for myself, please forgive me. I am trying. It is something that I have struggled with every day and probably will for the remainder of my life. So just hope that one day I can find the "filter" that John speaks about in his song. I just hope my friends will still love me in the meantime.

Laughter and Tears...

2005-07-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

After the funeral today, I spent time relaxing. First, with a much needed nap and then with reading a few books that I picked up earlier this week from the library. I read another one of Dr. Angleou's books today, "Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now". (This book was recommended by my friend, Charlie Tee. Thank you Charlie...I really needed this.)

Little did I know how helpful this book would be for me today. The book is a book of short stories...maybe I should rephrase it. It was an insightful and inspiring book that gives such outstanding insight in multiple areas/topics. One section was titled "Death and the Legacy". "I find it impossible to let a friend or relative go into that country of no return. Disbelief becomes my close companion, and anger follows its wake." Believe me, I understand. However, later in the text, she states "Also, when I sense myself filling with rage at the absence of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns and questions, my efforts and answers should be focused on what I did or can learn from my departed love. What legacy was left which can help me in the art of living a good life?"

That was the theme of the service today. It was the first funeral where I can say that I felt joy and saddness at the same time. Joy that a young boy will never hurt again...Joy that a young boy got a heart and was able to be a child and play and laugh...

However, the veil of sadness was never far from our hearts and minds. One moment, the family and friends of the young boy would be laughing and reminiscing, the next we would be sharing tears of sadness. Just as any other veil, it is something that you can see through...I know that the family of the young boy can see through their sorrow to rejoice in his memory and be thankful that we will see him again one day.

As I sat through the service, I thankfully had my supportive husband by my side. He held me close as the young boy's family and friends stood up to say good bye. With one arm around my shoulder and the other hand in mine. I held onto him tightly as tears ran down my face. The service began with a man singing "Lean on Me", which was the young boy's favorite song. That song always makes me tear up anyway, but on this day, it was even more emotional. This song, a song of friendship, brotherhood, and sharing sorrows and joys with others, was this young boy's song. He always shared his joy with others. I had only been blessed to meet him on a few occasions, but it was always joyous and fun. He always had a smile on his face. As many of the speakers said today, "He was a brave young man...a caring young man..."

So, I guess what I have learned from this experience is that we should love and show love every minute of every day. Acknowledge and recognize those who have inspired and loved us. Don't wait until tomorrow to be the person you want to be today.

Hard to say goodbye...

2005-07-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

I just received the call that everyone dreads to receive. The call that informs you that a loved one passed away. A very close friend of mine called to tell me that her cousin passed away today. Her cousin, more like her brother, has gone through a lot in his life. Even though he had not yet begun his teenage years, he had faced more struggles than most adults. Numerous surgeries, including a heart transplant, multiple hospitalizations, and he went through it all with unsurpassed courage and bravery. Medications, trips to the hospital and doctors, procedures, tests, and many other obstacles were presented to him, but he was able to push through. It has been hard to say good bye for his family, because they always hoped with every procedure, every doctor's visit, and every illness...that he would pull through...and he always did.

It was less than a year ago when I met him, but he always brightened my spirits. He had a light about him. Even when his heart was sick, it was still so fully of joy and love.

He had a heart disorder and was on the list for a transplant for a while. He finally received a heart several months ago. We were all joyous when he came through the surgery successfully. My friend's parents traveled many miles to be with him during all visits and surgeries. They worked so hard to provide the parental support that he needed. Waiting for a donor is very hard and I know that his family had a hard time with the wait. It makes it harder when some people, medical professionals included, felt that he was less deserving than other patients of a transplant. He was a young boy with developmental disabilities.

Somehow, medical professionals made the determination that because he wasn't "a normal child", it would not put the organ to proper use. I don't know how they can determine what is and what isn't a normal child. Thankfully, the family was able to find a hospital in Virginia who would perform the transplant.

He had been doing well until a few days ago when he came down with a stomach virus/flu. He was dehydrated he was admitted to the hospital. As they were running more tests, they found fluid on his heart. They performed a procedure to remove the fluid. Then, as request by the parents and his physician in Virginia, he was to be transported this morning to the hospital in Virginia. Because of a variety of complications, he was not transported until several hours after the originally scheduled transport time. He had two heart attacks today, but his body was unable to fight anymore. He passed away this evening.

I know that his family will miss him. I know that I will miss him. He had so much HEART for one boy! I know that it is hard for his family and I am going to do what I can for them. I am thankful that I have my friend and her family in my life and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet someone who has always reminded me of how precious life is and how to fight for life every day!!!

So, as I get ready for bed, I'll say a few extra prayers and give thanks for all that I have been given. I'll hug my husband a little tighter and be thankful that I got to spend another day with my family and friends.

I was listening to the new Rascal Flatts CD in the car yesterday. There is a song that talks about a friend who passed away and how it inspired them to live each day to the fullest. The line goes, "I want to be running when the sand runs out." So, I guess that's what I'll do. I'll spend time with my family and friends. I'll do work that I am proud of and that will hopefully affect the lives of others in a positive way. Most of all, I'll cherish every moment and be thankful for all the blessings that I receive.

So, right now, I'll give thanks for all of my friends. THANK YOU!

One last thought...all lives are valuable and no live is without value...no matter who they are, their age, their health, or other characteristics...We all have value and all desire to be valued.

Good night

Bush Makes Pick

2005-07-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

I just got online to check my mail and I saw that MSN had listed Bush's pick for Supreme Court even though his formal announcement is not planned to take place until 9 or so.

Click here to read the article.

This might prevent you all from continuing to read my blog, but I am going to say it anyway...

(I hope I don't offend anyone, but I feel that I need to speak my mind.)

Heaven help us that Bush has selected a CONSERVATIVE to the court. I understand why he did....it's his views and he wants someone who sees eye to eye with him. However, I would like to see a balanced court, no matter who is president.

QUOTE FROM MSN ARTICLE: "He [Roberts] co-wrote a brief in 1990 that suggested the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade..."

Let's just say that I am very afraid. Afraid of what the future will hold. I believe in the right to choose...not a choice I would make personally, but I support to right for a person to choose. Okay, so I am a liberal. I am not ashamed...I get on my soap box proudly. I have realized that I am one liberal in a world of non-liberals in this area, but I can't help it. I sport my HRC member/supporter sticker on my car and YES, I still have the Kerry-Edwards sticker in my back window. I am not a straight ticket democrat, but I am a LIBERAL.

I am not UN AMERICAN...I support our president AND I proudly support our troops.

I am sure that this decision will make Jerry Falwell very happy. He's planning a celebration as we speak, I'm sure. Falwell and his "supporters" scare me. The thought that Disney World is not appropriate for children because they hire members of the gay community and have activities and parades for the gay community is absurd. That is just one of the many "insightful" thoughts that has come out of his mouth. I am sure that he believes that homosexuality is an contagious disease that could taint our children. When I hear him speak, I don't know which emotion is the strongest...ANGER, FEAR, or SADNESS. If this isn't enough to evoke emotion, here's a quote of Falwell's that I just found on the 'net. "The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians." SCARY STUFF, HUH?

I am a Christian and I am a firm believer that "loving all God's creatures" is paramount. I believe that using faith to create hate, terror, and intolerance is WRONG.

Okay, so I'll get off my soap box for now....but just keep in mind...Just because people have different views on certain things does not mean that they can't respect and befriend one another. I am a believer in equal rights for all...not just a select few or the "chosen ones". If that's being liberal, then so be it.

I hope I haven't offended anyone. Have a great evening.

Stories from my grandmother - STORY ONE

2005-07-15T19:12:00.000-05:00

I realize it has taken me longer to post this than I had planned. I have been swamped and I apologize. Without further delay, here it goes.

Intro: Eerie as this story is, I love to hear my grandmother tell it. She said, "Now, why do you want to hear this story again...it gives me chills to tell it." I told her that I was weird, I guess, but that I just love to hear her voice when she tells it. She makes me feel like I was there. That is why (I guess and hope) that I love hearing her tell this. (This is told from her point of view.)

One afternoon, while doing some house cleaning, I went outside to beat some rugs. The kids [my mother, aunt, and uncles] wanted to go down to the little service station to get a candy bar. On any other day, I would have given them a little money for a treat and they would have walked down to the store and returned to the house, with candy bar in hand. However, I was busy this day, and I kept telling the kids to wait a few minutes and that they could go later. A few minutes after me telling them to wait, I heard an explosion. I looked out through the yard and saw the service station at the bottom of the hill on fire. I told my friend, who was visiting, to take the kids to the top of the hill behind the house. Then, I saw a ball of fire coming up the hill toward the house. As it got closer, I realized that it was a man....a man on fire! I threw a blanket around the man to put the fire out. He was still ALIVE! His skin was charred and I am sure he was in extreme pain. Dr. Frazier was nearby and he came town to tend to the man. Dr. Frazier tried to give the man a shot, but was unable to because the man's skin was so damaged from the fire. The man asked for a glass of water. I ran and got him the water and the doctor gave him some pain pills. I think that he passed away before they got him to the hospital.

Later, we found out why the service station had went up in a blaze. A group of 'gypsies' had been painting houses and doing repairs through out the town. They needed some work done on their van. While Mr. Puckett, the owner of the service station, was doing repairs on the van, he needed to do some welding. The 'gypsies' didn't tell Mr. Puckett that there was paint, paint thinner, and tar in the back of the van. When he began welding, the station exploded. If I remember correctly, the only way they were able to identify Mr. Puckett after the accident was by his dentures and a belt buckle. After the accident, they also found the hand of a man who was in the station during the explosion far from the scene.

To this day, I think that Mamaw's maternal instincts kicked in and warned her about the events. Maternal instincts and God saved her children from the blaze.

I know that I can't tell this story as vividly as she can, but I gave it a shot.

A visit to Grandma's...

2005-07-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

I just got home from a glorious visit with my grandmother and aunt. A friend of mine went with me, which made it the four of us girls just sitting, talking, and EATING. We laughed and laughed all evening and all of us told stories.

Then, this morning, after my aunt fixed us her speciality breakfast...chocolate chip whole wheat pancakes and bacon, I took my friend on a "tour" of my hometown. We passed the Dairy Queen and the store which used to be Gino's where my best friend and I would spend our allowances on blizzards and mini pizzas. Then, we passed my middle school, the skating rink, a few houses where my friends used to live, the cemetary where I drove a car for the first time (which was a disaster by the way), and a few other memorable places. I hadn't really thought about my home town in the way that I did this weekend, or at least I hadn't thought of it that way for a long time. I had never been so proud to be from a little town with a big heart. I had forgotten how sweet the people are....but I had never forgotten my wonderful aunt and grandmother.

I always look forward to going to my grandmother's, but I sometimes dread going back to my home town. It's not that I am ashamed of my past or the town, it is just that I used to think that many small town people were small (or closed) minded. I am beginning to realize that there are always those individuals wherever you go. That should not be a reason to not enjoy my visits back home. Besides, I am a girl from a small town, but I am not closed minded. So, I guess I was guilty of doing something that I criticize others for...stereotyping or generalizing a population.

Sometimes I forget how beautiful and peaceful it is in Ansted. I have to admit, I have taken the beauty for granted. Especially, when fall comes and the leaves turn, I love to drive over Gauley Mountain and look at the wonderful views. On my way up the mountain yesterday, I thought that this time, I wouldn't take it for granted. I stopped along the road in a few places to document the beauty with a camera...Cathedral Falls, Glen Ferris Falls, and a few others along the Gauley River.

So, after my friend left to go home, I spent a few more hours with my aunt and grandmother.

During this weekend, I got a few stories from Mamaw and my aunt that I would like to share over the next few days. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

I learned more than I expected this weekend. I learned how to enjoy and love my hometown again!

The letter to my grandmother...

2005-07-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

Before you read this post, please read my earlier post from this evening, if you haven't already. It explains this post.

So, here is my letter from my grandmother. I hope I can get through this and I hope it isn't a bunch of rambling babble.

Mamaw,
There are so many things that I want to tell you. I don't even know where to begin. I guess by telling you THANK YOU, would be most appropriate. Thank you for caring for me and raising me. Most of all, thank you for tolerating me and loving me when I was a mouthy teenager and was quite unlovable by most people. Thank you for showing me how to be a strong woman, although I still struggle with it. Thank you for showing me what love is all about. Thank you for showing me how to trust people and how to find the good in people, even though it has burned me a few times.

I know that I didn't always appreciate or understand your protection of me, but now I understand. I am getting older and (trying to be wiser), but I still need guidance from time to time. I am so glad that you are there. I think about you all the time. I should call and visit more often. I enjoy our visits...eating, laughing, and talking. (Of course, you knew that eating was in there somewhere!)

Food has always been a part of my life and I think that it is because of you and Aunt Jordan. I connect food with fond memories of hot rolls, warm cookies, and tall glasses of milk to wash it down. The get togethers at the house or at the church always felt like home. Or if it was just you and me eating slices of ham on your fresh hot rolls at the dining room table, it was still home. That is why, I'm sure, that so many of my friends always enjoyed visiting the house and enjoying your food...because for many of them, it was the closest they had ever felt to home. For other friends, it was a second home, just as their house was my second home. You always opened your doors and kitchen to anyone. You always offered a slice of pie or cookies with a cup of hot coffee to all of your visitors. Your hospitality has rubbed off and I am proud to say that I got that characteristic from you. I love cooking for guests and I always wonder if my dishes would make you proud.

I could write this letter forever and still never be able to thank you enough. I would never be able to tell you all the fond memories you've given me. So, for the next few points, I will highlight some of the ones that I think about frequently. Then, in another letter, I will tell you more of my wonderful memories from you, Aunt Jordan, and the wonderful house that has always been filled with love.

Baking Christmas goodies and painting sugar cookies.
Sipping hot tea with honey and nibbling on homemade shortbread cookies.
The summers with chicken nuggets and 'tater tots' for lunch. But Tam and I always had to eat our green beans and applesauce...."You have to eat your veggies!"
Sneaking a drink of your cold coffee when I was a youngster, only to realize that it was more cream than coffee!
Being able to sit on your lap and cry my heart out, whenever I needed to...no matter how old I got!
The trips to Hardee's with you, Papaw, and Aunt Jordan on Saturdays. Then, I usally got to go on a shopping spree (man, I was spoiled!)
The great lengths that you, the family, and the church family went to so that I would have a wonderful wedding day! Preparing/hosting the rehearsal dinner, preparing breakfast for all of our overnight guests, and preparing and hosting the reception. Not to mention paying for all the food!!!! THANK YOU!
Opening your heart and home to my husband and loving him as your own. He loves you very much! His family does too!
The stories that you have told me and the lessons that you have taught me. I love spending time with you. I have learned so much from you and I know that I have a lot left to learn!

Like I said, I could go on forever...I have so many more memories that we can share. I hope that we continue to make and remember memories for many more years.

I love you and respect you more than you will ever know. I hope that this gives you some idea. I thank you and Aunt Jordan and the family for having faith in me and loving me unconditionally.

Love always,

Jen :)