tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204434892024-02-08T13:21:24.997-06:00Work in Progress"To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you may be the world"~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-81029797850903226612008-04-22T01:15:00.002-05:002008-04-22T01:49:03.090-05:00Wasting TimeYeah, here I am again, apologizing for a lack of updates. Not to worry. I am fine, wasting time online in the wee hours of the morning. Doing what? Youtube, mostly. Allow me to share with you.<br /><br />Major Celeb Crush from middle school onwards(even today, I must admit), Adam Ant!<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YeGgLwD8wdc&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YeGgLwD8wdc&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />My company spent a grand on the full video / training aid that this is taken from. I had to sit through a full 17 minutes of this at work during a meeting. UGH, but a nice goal, I guess:<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S_6y1CieJHo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S_6y1CieJHo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I still LOVE to watch this..... I laugh out loud every time!<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRuNxHqwazs&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRuNxHqwazs&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />And Mr. H from the Letter People ( one of my fav shows as a little one): It's HAIR-ible. I mean it's terrible....IT'S HORRIBLE!!!!! Embedding was disabled, so clicky da linky.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3KRvWW4Cc0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3KRvWW4Cc0</a><br /><br />Well, there's been that, and Facebook and all its glorious games keeping me busy. Getting stuff ready for Sam's birthday on Thursday. Hopefully I get a few good pictures in so I can share. And our anniversary, FOUR WHOPPING YEARS!, is next Monday. No plans of yet, but we're working on that.<br /><br />AND, for anyone in StL that reads this, the <a href="http://www.stlouisbookfair.org/">Greater St. Louis Book Fair</a> is fast approaching. I'm making a list of books to search for this time. Last year, my mind went blank as soon as we got there. NOT THIS TIME :-)~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-63768745259993044362008-02-20T23:04:00.005-06:002008-02-21T01:16:25.281-06:00WARNING: Gross info! Read at own risk!SO... Long time, no blog. Yeah. Not much to tell. I mean, stuff's going on, but nothing to BLOG about, really.<br /><br />My niece Olivia had her first birthday 9 February, and she had a great time! And my sister Steph found out she and Brian are going to be parents, again. Baby #2 is due 24 September. How exciting is that?! And more baby related stuff: my cousin is having her baby shower this Saturday. Little ones abound, eh?<br /><br />I actually got sick a couple weeks ago. Of the many colds and other bugs Michael and Sam have had and shared between them, I've not really gotten sick. Nope, this one I picked up from work, and brought it home all by myself! And fortunately, Mike and Sam didn't get it.<br /><br />I actually came down with the fever while at work. Everyone knows that feeling: "Gosh, I feel like poo, but I think I can finish my day..." and then the chills set in. I was wearing two shirts already, and put on a sweatshirt jacket....only to still have goosebumps all over! So, trouper that I am, I finished my shift and came home to bundle myself in flannel and blankets. I was running a fever of 102.3, and planted myself at the far end of the sofa, wrapped like a mummy in my blankets, and sat there and shivered.<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*****GROSS INFO ALERT*****</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>The fever lowered over the next two days, and by day four, was gone. I was left with the dry cough and, uh, bathroom issues. Like, every 20 minutes for an hour following ANY meal. NOT NORMAL, mind, you. So I call the doctor. He says I have to eliminate caffeine and drink water. And THEN asked what <span style="font-style: italic;">color it was!</span> I mean, gosh, what a question. I suppose I paused for a second or two, having just been asked a disgustingly personal question. Then he goes, " You <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> look, don't you?" UGH! I can't go on, here, but the remainder of our conversation was gross, and so now, long story short, I'm fully back to normal ol' me, with the dang cough.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">****NOW, BACK TO NORMAL, POLITE SUBJECT MATTER****</span></span><br /></div><br />My dad's birthday was Monday, 18 February..... he would have been 60 years old. I dunno, this year when his birthday rolled around, it hit me kinda different, and I was a little out of sorts over it. Last year on his birthday, I didn't seem to be bothered by it. Any insights?<br /><br /><br />Sam did his first REAL drawing the other night, too. Like, he told me what he drew, and I could actually tell what it was. Sad thing, though: he drew it on a MagnaDoodle, so it is very erasable and temporary. I was hoping he'd draw it on paper, so I could display it proudly alongside his other scribblings. NOPE, so I had to take a photo of it quickly.<br /><br />AND, he is getting in to cooking. A couple nights ago, spaghetti was on the menu, so I head into the kitchen to start making the sauce. As usual, here comes Sam, "Sam cookin' too?" as he scoots a chair up to the counter next to the stove. He helps me stir a pot or pan, blows the steam and whatnot. This night, as he's stirring, he smells the steam, and he says," Pepper? An' salt!" Then he grabs the pepper grinder and adds the pepper!!!! I took some photos of that as well! He looks so proud, standing there with his spatula and pepper grinder, confidently helping his Momma prepare a meal! That's my little man!<br /><br />Well, I suppose there was more the blog about than I thought. And now, after a very dull night at work, I shall finish my tea and shuffle off to sleepy town.~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-64901142021538605902008-01-15T15:14:00.000-06:002008-01-15T16:02:09.195-06:00Seven Facts About Me<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">To Amy: Ha-nee-na-na! I did it!</span><br /></span><br />The Rules:</span></span><br /><ol style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>Link to the person who tagged you (<a href="http://www.myfriendamysblog.blogspot.com">AMY</a>) and post the rules on your blog.</li><li>Share 7 facts about yourself.</li><li>Tag 7 random people at the end of your posts and include links to their blogs.<br /></li></ol><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number one:</strong> I never had heartburn until I was pregnant, and I even still get it now. How can people endure this? Now I have to be careful of eating foods that are too spicy.<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number two:</strong> I have a love of Indian food. Like, from the subcontinent of India. Deeelish!<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number three:</strong> I still own cassette tapes of music, and actually listen to them sometimes in the car. Like my Cure tape with FAITH on side A, and CARNAGE VISORS on the B-side!<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number four:</strong> I drink whole milk....red cap, baby!<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number five:</strong> I have never given away, sold, or gotten rid of any textbook from college, or any notebook / workbook/ binder from school. I might need to look something up at some point, you know.<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number six:</strong> I've been trying to teach myself to crochet for three years, with NO success.<br /></li></ul><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li><strong>Fact number seven:</strong> I enjoy cleaning my bathroom.</li></ul><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So here is who I've chosen to tag: </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/chrispontiousrok">Chris</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/mommytoevan">Andrea</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/samievaughn">Samie</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/rocketmankoji">Kory</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/teamhitfaced">Kevin</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/thegrimmster">Katy</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/riddhiculus">Riddhi</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">! GO!!!!!</span>~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-54551711122476405772007-12-18T15:01:00.000-06:002007-12-18T15:28:33.953-06:00Christmas PreparationsGifts have been bought, and for the most part, are also now wrapped. And since we got our tree last week, the gifts now have a place for display! Sam has been pretty good about NOT touching the tree. The needles prick and tickle him, so the tree's defenses are functional so far. He learned to say "Christmas lights" and "Christmas tree". The "lights" and "tree" are pronounced quite clearly... "Christmas", on the other hand, sounds like "Crimmis", which makes me smile and giggle. He's so proud when he learns a new word, and especially when grown-ups understand what he means.<br /><br />I am sooooo in the Christmas mood. Every year, my place of employment pipes in holiday tunes starting the week of Thanksgiving, and by the first week of December, I declare that I never want to hear Christmas music again. This year is different: I revel in the holiday music. I even listen to it at home, in the car, and at work (though I have no choice while at work). I found myself humming The Little Drummer Boy in the shower a few days ago.... I suppose I could contribute this Christmas Spirit to the fact that Sam is really starting to understand about holidays and remember events. It's like I've been transported mentally back to my childhood, and get to experience Christmas in that giddy, little kid sort of way again. Michael initially saw me as a weirdo; but then he caught it, too. We were at Target last week, and we were excited to pick up candy canes and hang them on the tree. BOTH OF US! It was a great feeling, and all over candy canes!<br /><br />Sam's got a cold again. A nasty one with a lot of chest congestion. He coughs in the middle of the night and it sounds awful. I go in to check on him, and it didn't even wake him up! The first couple of nights, he couldn't sleep, so I sat with him on the sofa..... He ended up sleeping just fine, and Momma was a zombie.<br /><br />AND, baking is in full swing. Cookies, cookies, cookies. A few batches have already been made and some have already been shipped to dear friends and family. I have a full five days left to complete everything.... I have also taken a few orders from co-workers for holiday baked goodies. Our apartment smells so yummy: cinnamon, sugar, chocolate, coffee, and coconut aromas fill our little place. A few neighbors have commented that the hallways in the building smell so wonderful.... Apparently we are the only ones who really cook or bake. I'm making little tins of cookies for our neighbors, as well. Spread Christmas cheer, you know.<br /><br />To you all who read this, have a Merry Christmas, with friends and family, and some peaceful time to reflect on what the holiday truly means for mankind.~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-81613715775812035632007-10-26T17:38:00.000-05:002007-10-26T17:45:18.894-05:00HalloweenOkay, it's fall, and Halloween is fast approaching. Not that we celebrate Halloween. I mean, we eat candy corns and the candy-cornified pumpkins, and all the other candy goodies. But we don't decorate the house, dress up, or go trick-or-treating. To us, its just not a "real" holiday. Perhaps we are sticks-in-the mud, but it's one of those Just-for-Fun holidays, like National Talk Like a Pirate Day.<br /><br />Anyhow, I do have pretty good memories of Halloween and Trick-or-treating from when I was a kid, and in the spirit of Halloween-ness, I'd like to share some of my favorite Halloween fun-times of today (or the last few years). All thanks to one of the coolest guys around: odd tOdd! Check 'em out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oddtodd.com/halloween1.html" target="_self">Odd Todd's Halloween Special 1</a> <a href="http://www.oddtodd.com/halloween2.html" target="_self">Odd Todd's Halloween Special 2</a> <a href="http://www.oddtodd.com/halloween3b.html" target="_self">Odd Todd's Halloween Special 3</a> <a href="http://www.oddtodd.com/halloween5s.html" target="_self">Odd Todd's Halloween Special 5 (version1)</a> <a href="http://www.oddtodd.com/halloween5ex.html" target="_self">Odd Todd's Halloween Special 5 (version2)</a>~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-82678855666917690752007-09-10T23:29:00.000-05:002007-09-10T23:34:09.098-05:00Baby!Well, a great big congrats is in order for Stephanie and Brian! Evelyn was born this afternoon at 1:55, a whopping 7lbs 13oz, 21 1/2 inches long, with a luscious, full head of dark hair! I visited for a short while this evening, and am in love!<br /><br />Since Mike has our camera in Australia, I cannot take any pictures of my own, but as soon as Andrea or my mom e-mails me copies of theirs, I can forward them to you, if you wish. Just let me know!!!!<br /><br />That's all for now. I have a heap of laundry with my name on it, so I'd better get started! WOOOO-HOOOOO! <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">BABY!</span>~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-84562757626446101222007-09-08T20:40:00.001-05:002007-09-08T20:53:35.558-05:00Bad, bad me.Yes, it's been over two months since I've made a current post. I have no real excuse, either (as usual). I've been knitting a baby blanket for my soon-to-arrive-however-late niece. You'll all be pleased to know I've finished knitting, laundering, and gift wrapping said blanket. Now I'm just waiting for the little darling to be evicted from her nice, quiet, warm apartment so I may give her the gift. Any day now. She was due 5 September... My sister will be induced tomorrow night, so I'll be an auntie 3times over by Monday for sure. GOOD LUCK STEPH AND BRIAN!!!!<br /><br />What else has been keeping me so darned busy? Hmm, work, cleaning and various other domestic things, and getting Michael ready to travel. Kinda last minutely he found he would be going to Australia for a couple weeks, sans moi, and we had to get things squared away before he left. Also, cleaning out my MySpace page, enrolling on Bebo (if you Bebo, let me know so I can add you), and figuring out Facebook. Facebook seems to be my fav place to keep in touch; it's so much easier in my opinion. Anyway, if you find me on Facebook, I'm almost always there. And Skype... that's how Mike and I will keep in touch while he's gone. Talking overseas for free. Want more info on Skype, just ask me! You can find me there, too.<br /><br />All is well on the homefront, though. Baking like mad. In one day, I made brownies, blueberry-banana nut bread, and buttermilk biscuits. After work that same night, I made chocolate chip cookies. My oven was cranking out the goods, despite the 100 degree weather outside. I'm ready for fall and winter, my friends! The other day I made peanut butter cookies, too. OH YUM-A-LICIOUS!!!!<br /><br />Well, I must cut this blog short....my laptop battery is almost down to nothing.~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-69541902558085862712007-06-28T10:17:00.001-05:002007-06-28T11:20:57.934-05:00Cool Videos I Like (but you may not enjoy so much)Okay, so I've not blogged in like, a month. It's been busy-ish here at the Schaefer house. Nothing in particular, just general stuff. But anyhow, a brief update:<br /> Sam's verbal skills are growing! He recognizes most of the letters of the alphabet, and his numbers 1-10. We're working on colors, but he's a quick learner. I swore I heard "SH!T" and the infamous "F" word, so he's also very observant while I 'm driving and nearly getting hit by a massive truck (a la an incident a few weeks ago). Mike and I have to really watch what we say even in those scary "life and death" moments. Eeek and yikes!<br /> I've also been knitting like a mad woman on a blanket for my newest niece, Evelyn, who is scheduled to make her big debut in early September. It is very difficult to knit a blanket in summer, knowing full well that it is 90+ degrees outside while I'm sitting with a blanket on my lap (even if I <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> inside in the AC). It's a mental thing, and I'm getting over it.<br /> Okay, so for a few videos I've been watching lately. Some of you may be offended (not really). If you've been to the Onion's website, you might have seen these.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/videoplayer/flvplayer.swf" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" flashvars="file=http://www.theonion.com/content/xml/63152/video&debugging=true&autostart=false&image=http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/TRAFFIC.jpg&bufferlength=3&embedded=true&title=Tired%20Of%20Traffic%3F%20A%20New%20DOT%20Report%20Urges%20Drivers%3A%20%27Honk%27" height="355" width="400"></embed><br/><a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/node/63152?utm_source=embedded_video">Tired Of Traffic? A New DOT Report Urges Drivers: 'Honk'</a><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/videoplayer/flvplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="400" height="355" flashvars="file=http://www.theonion.com/content/xml/61183/video&autostart=false&image=http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/SARCASTIC_PRAISE.jpg&bufferlength=3&embedded=true&title=Report%3A%2070%20Percent%20Of%20All%20Praise%20Sarcastic"></embed><br/><a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/video/report_70_percent_of_all_praise?utm_source=embedded_video">Report: 70 Percent Of All Praise Sarcastic</a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BakQE5VTfVw"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BakQE5VTfVw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-4v6tlcnvSw"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-4v6tlcnvSw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />So, yes, I've been doing a lot of silly surfing....I hope you enjoyed these...~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-15978185791430540832007-05-23T21:24:00.001-05:002007-05-23T21:40:35.989-05:00Lovin' MozSo, I finally got to see my second Morrissey concert. I bought the tix months ago, and realized a few weeks ago that I had not one person to go with. What, you may ask, is a married woman doing without a date to a concert? Well, Mike isn't a Morrissey fan, and I thought for sure I could find someone to go with me. HA! Was I mistaken...<br /><br />For many and various circumstances, I couldn't find an accomplice, so I tried selling the tickets myself, and Mike tried at his job. We got one of two responses: "Morrissey? Who's <font style="font-style: italic;">that</font>?" or "Morrissey? Me at a Morrissey show?! NO way (cue stinging, hurtful laughter)." Last week I even tried giving them away, with no success. Mike felt bad, so he decided to go, since he knew I was so looking forward to seeing this show.<br /><br />And it was great!!!!!! Mike's parents watched Sam for the evening, and had a fun time. This show was better than his last visit to StL, many old favs, new gems, and more old favs! And he took his shirt off no less than three times! *swoon*<br /><br />I even fell into form and bought a tour t-shirt...and had a few vodka tonics. It was the best night out I've had in a long time. There were a few people I was expecting to see there; notice I didn't say 'hoping to see'. I looked around and saw no one familiar to me but Michael and Moz. Two men I find most sexy and handsome on the planet in the same building at the same time! WOOO HOOOO! So awesome!!!<br /><br />And today, back to my established routine. More specifically now, Sam's bath time. I've been revisiting my Smiths and Morrissey collection today, and Sam seems to enjoy my singing, even if it is way off key. So now, we go to listen to "Bona Drag" at the end of our evening. Good night.~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-3860731781903687032007-05-08T18:59:00.000-05:002007-05-08T19:14:43.502-05:00Lonely...with Rice Krispie TreatsOkay, so I've been alone in the house now for nearly six hours, and starting to feel lonely. I mean, not really, cos Sam is here. But Michael and I haven't been away from one another for more than 8-12 hours a a time since we started living together. I have four and a half days to get through!!!! He's in Chicago for a International Retrosession Reinsurance Conference, hob-nobbing with people from his company's overseas and interational offices (i.e. Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, UK, Canada). And in a very nice hotel on Lakeshore Drive!<br /><br />I'm feeling pathetic, though, because many married couples are separated for far longer; like military families...they may not even know if or when their spouse will come back home. And so here I am, worried over four days. I should get over it and just relax, I know.<br /><br />Anyhow, I had this tremendous craving for Rice Krispie treats, so I made a batch. I can't stand the store-bought kind, and they aren't hard to make at all. Sam and I are going to watch ARISTOCATS tonight and have popcorn and Rice Krispie treats with chocolate milk to wash it all down. Somehow, I'm very excited that we have plans, especially since this is my favorite Disney movie ever. Yeah, laugh it up....how many of you have seen it? I can't explain why, but I love it. Maybe its the fact that the motivation behind the whole plot is a rich old woman puts in her wil that her cats are to inherit her fortune and the butler is offended since he's devoted his life's service to her and gets nothing. I dunno....<br /><br />Okay, it's almost movie time, so I've gotta go. Happy Springtime, little bunnies!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-3093602966303573042007-04-26T10:15:00.000-05:002007-04-26T10:33:41.880-05:00Laundry or Toys? Laundry or Toys? TOYS! Duh.....Just a brief update, since I am super-duper busy this week...<br /><br />Sam turned the big 2 on uh, Twos-day, I mean, Tuesday. It was a blast. I sang Happy Birthday to him throughout the day, and after the first couple times, he thought it was hilarious. I baked him a cake, made the icing and decorated it all on my own. I'm getting better with my cake decorating, too. Mixing the colors, writing, making fun borders, and all the rest. It WAS quite exciting for me (the geek such that I am). I made a great roast beef dinner, too.<br /><br />After dinner and before cake, Sam opened his gifts. It took him a while, but nearly every gift got a "WOW!" or "WHOOOOOAAAA!" after it was unwrapped, Mike got great pictures, too. Hopefully soon I will post them for you all to see.<br /><br />Sam did a great job blowing out his candles....he wanted very little to do with his cake other than lick off the icing; go figure! He DID enjoy the ice cream, though.<br /><br />At work, I am training again. We have such a high turn-over. I'd say 50% of new hires don't make it for one reason or another beyond their probationary period. And of the 50% that does make it, 2/3 of THEM leave before their one year mark. Quite discouraging, but such is the grocery business.<br /><br />And speaking of work, this coming Sunday marks my ninth anniversary at Shop nSave. It's funny, I took the job to pay off my car and to get going in college. Paid off car one, traded in and bought car two. Blah, blah, blah, and I'm still there nine years on. It's not too bad, but I don't see this as a real "career" type job. Circumstance has me tied in for a while until I am freed up to pursue the rest of my education. But most of you know this already. Blah!<br /><br />And to further the adventure of my week, I am off to conquer the mountian of laundry in the next room. Or at least make a small dent in it. After all, Sam and I have a slew of new toys and birthday stuff to investigate. I think laundry can wait a little while, in light of such investigations! ;-)~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-61140506394655342032007-04-11T10:10:00.000-05:002007-04-11T10:22:00.252-05:00Sigh of ReliefLet me say that I am ENTIRELY relieved that the true father of the late Anna Nicole's baby has been scientifically determined. I have been so exhausted from daily TV-watching to see if the results were in.... I have a divot in my thumb from channel surfing where the divot from my Nintendo thumb used to be!<br /><br />HA! If you believed any of that you deserve to be fooled! And for those of my friends, I apologize for the momentary drop in the level of respect you have for me. But seriously, I AM glad its over cos maybe now people will shut up about it. It made the BBC World news, for crying out loud. Is <em>that</em> really news?! NO! Grrrr!<br /><br />Anyway, my cousin gave birth to her second child on Friday 06 April. The new one's name is Emily Myong, and mom and baby are doing well! And in other family baby news, my sister Stephanie found out that she is having a girl (and found out on her birhtday, no less!) What a birthday gift, huh?<br /><br />Well, just thought I'd get back into the Blogging habit. That's all for now!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-79422780161727832242007-04-03T22:59:00.000-05:002007-04-03T23:21:11.124-05:00Back from HiatusOkay, so a month and a half after my last post, I finally get to PROVE to you all that I'm not dead! HA! So there!<br /><br />Anyway, HP sent us the wrong power supply replacement for our laptop, and the battery only lasts so long, hence I've been internet-less. *sniff* Oh, the sheer torture of not checking out Odd Todd's 80's video of the day! But this morning, a very nice UPS man brought us the CORRECT part we need, and PRESTO! I'm back!<br /><br />So, March has been busy. For my birthday, Mike took me to <a href="http://www.maggianos.com/index2.asp">Maggiano's Little Italy</a> for dinner. Awesome, all around! Well, it started off great, in the bar, where I started with an Absolut Pears and tonic. YUM. And the food was excellent: HUGE PORTIONS! We took over half of our entrees home and had left-overs for almost 3 days! Still, no complaints. Thank-you, mom, for watching Sam for us. It IS nice to get out and about without the little one, though we love him dearly.<br /><br />Michael, for his birthday the following week, he requested a home-cooked meal (a la beef stew and from-scratch biscuits), which I was happy to oblige.<br /><br />Most imporantly, I paid off my car!!!!!! And just last weekend I received the title in the mail! I actually own something! And I must say it is a good feeling to not make a car payment. PHEW!<br /><br />So what have I been up to otherwise? Sam has discovered Curious George and Thomas the Tank Engine,and loves them. When he feels confident enough to point out and say "George", it comes out sounding like, " Zyoz", and with Thomas ( and any other train) he likes to say, " chooooooo-choo". And <em>that</em> turns into a game of him fake sneezing, holding his one hand under his nose, throwing his head back and bowing forward with a cute "AAAAAAAH-chooo!" This may go on for a few minutes up to nearly half an hour. When you find material that's funny, stick with it, right?<br /><br />And keeping Sam from climbing up the kitchen cabinets to get ON the countertops..... The terrible twos are terrible for a reason: I have near-heart attack every day cos of my little daredevil, and NO is the most rotten word a two year old could ever hear (aside from his own short-lived screaming fit upon hearing "NO"). Ugh; I thank God it is only a phase.<br /><br />And cooking. It's like a mini-vacation for me. I've been just making things up, whatever sounds good. Luckily I've had good results :-) And apple pie, well, apple turnovers. I found a simple recipe for them one night at work, and made them the next morning to go with breakfast. YUMMMMMMMMMY!<br /><br />And the usual house-keeping stuff.... Busy little me. Anyhow, it is later than I am used to, so I'm signing off. But hopefully not for too long ;-0~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-9804458066846768932007-02-14T15:10:00.000-06:002007-02-14T15:21:54.748-06:00Valentine's DayUm, yeah... So it's Valentine's Day again. And I say the same thing year after year to the schmuk's running around like mad buying flowers, chocolates and cards : why wait for Valentine's Day? There are 364 other days in the year to show your love (or lust, if that's all you can pathetically care for). Okay, so I say it to myself, not aloud. But I wish I could've shouted it to the guy last night arguing with me over how unwell his bouquet looked. He was in a terrible hurry to buy a premade, grocery store bouquet that was obviously past its prime.... NOT MY FAULT! Ya know this day is coming, why wait until the last minute?! Grrrrr!!!!! You can say I LOVE YOU evey day, and should. Don't save it all up for one day! Sheesh!<br /><br />Anyway, Happy Birthday, Mom!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-31134847470671873102007-02-02T10:08:00.000-06:002007-02-02T10:22:50.043-06:00Runny, stuffy, sneezy, OUCH!It's cold outside.... really cold. Like highs in the 20's cold. Much below average for this time of year, and much too cold for me. I used to like winter more than any other season; but I'm more of a spring / autumn girl. I still have aversions to summer (at least a StL summer). Ugh. Spring and autumn for me.<br /><br />It's cold inside, too. Colds in our noses, all three of us. AGAIN. We're all pumped full of fruit juice, water, and Dimetapp. At night, Michael and I indulge in a nightcap of Nyquil, and all three of us are slathered in Vick's Vapo-rub. I hate Vick's. HATE IT, but it works. And red, sore noses abound! Aloe and lotion type tissues only work for so long, and then ANYTHING on your nose hurts like heck...<br /><br />On a different note, CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah and Chris B. on the birth of their little girl last week. You are no doubt experiencing the joy and wonder of a newborn.<br /><br />Well, I think Sam and I are going down for a nap...BEFORE lunchtime. There's nothing like going back to bed on a cold day when you have a cold. Plenty of rest can only help, right? Next line of defence: chicken noodle soup for Sunday dinner!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-54126364009281737762007-01-26T15:09:00.000-06:002007-01-26T15:29:09.954-06:00Squirrels and "Bbrrrrm-brrruuummmmm!"My daffodils and crocuses are beginning to poke their green leafy tips through the dirt, and its only mid-January!!!!! I suppose on average this winter has been mild. We've had near sixty degree days followed by blustery, icy, snowy ones. And today is in the upper forties, almost fifty, and my bulbs are confused. And I'm worried (again, like last year when this happened), because the temperatures are supposed to drop into the low twenties by this evening. I hope my plants are going to be okay... And now if the squirrels will stop digging them up! Argh!<br /><br />But, since it is warmer than usual today, Sam and I played outside for a while before lunchtime. It has been a long time since he's been outside to <u>play</u>. We've gone outside and ran to the car, but not actually played. We broke out the Tonka dumptruck and he had a great time throwing sticks and pinecones and rocks into his truck. "Bbbbbrrrrm! bbbrrrrrmm-brrrm!" His truck sounds and giggles are a delight to hear, and to see my little boy running around in the sunshine gave me a great feeling of joy! And even saying that sounds to me like a vast understatement.... *<em>sigh*</em><br /><em></em><br />The little one is down for his nap, so I'm catching up on internet stuff. Sam likes to try to steal the mouse from me, and I like to not let him have it; to save on frustration on both sides, I save my computer stuff for his naptimes, or after Michael is home from work to "distract" our young lad. And I have maybe twenty minutes left until he is awake and ready for more fun.<br /><br />Anyway, I really have no news... I've nearly finished the blanket I'm knitting for my soon-to-arrive neice, Olivia. I've made major advances in organizing our filing cabinet for the New Year (sticking to my resolutions). Same old stuff. No American Idol, or other TV shows, to speak of (don't really watch), except for ARTHUR on PBS and my usual cooking shows. Loving the deep-fryer we got from my mom for Christmas (healthy-eating resolution not doing the greatest). I've made falafel, fried mozzerella, and fried chicken. And Michael's favorite (Sam loves them too): ONION RINGS. I've also made doughnuts from scratch....it's not that difficult, but it IS slightly time consuming. But they are oh-so-tasty. Especially with a cup of hazelnut coffee! YUM!<br /><br />I will have to start posting my favorite recipes here, so you all can try some of this food if and when you're interested....another day, perhaps. My time is up, and so is my boy. Aloha.~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-56645962708872070762007-01-10T10:08:00.000-06:002007-01-10T11:01:13.462-06:00Starting The New Year Off RIGHT!Happy New Year!<br /><br />I have a great bit of news to share....my sister Stephanie is pregnant! She and Brian are expecting their little bundle of joy to arrive in late August or early September. Congrats to you two! You'll be awesome parents!<br /><br />Also, my youngest sister, Andrea, is nearing her due date rapidly for her little Olivia Jane. Our family is growing by leaps and bounds!<br /><br />I have made a <em>few</em> resolutions for the New Year:<br /><br /><ol><li>Be more organized than last year (an on-going resolution for me)</li><li>Be more adventurous in my cooking, trying new recipes more frequently</li><li>Be more patient (the terrible-twos are upon me!!!)</li><li>Continue to keep in touch with friends and family (snail mail ahoy!)</li><li>Include more healthy foods and activities in my daily life</li></ol><p>Our Christmas tree came down on New Year's Eve. It was drying out faster that we hoped, and Samuel managed to start pulling light strings off anyhow. We're still finding pine needles almost everywhere, even though we've vaccumed a few times since the tree went bye-bye. It is so annoying to step unknowingly on those, especially barefoot (which is often -- we don't wear shoes in the house). Hopefully any stray pine needles will be vacuumed or otherwise found within the next few days....</p><p>Another bit of good news, however odd: My company awarded me a prize for being passionate in my job. Our company's mission sttement has five key values: Passion, Urgency, Integrity, Standards, Focus. Twice a year, one employee is chosen as exemplifying one of the five key values. Store or corporate employees nominate candidates, and the "winners" are tallied. For the second half of 2006, I was voted for my PASSION in my work. I try to be as in to my job as I can possibly be. I mean, it IS only a grocery store service counter, but I do deal a lot with the public, money in varouis forms, and securtiy issues for the company....so it DOES matter quite a bit to me. Especially since I've been working here for nearly a decade.....(ugh, did I <em>really</em> just put that in writing?!) Apparently, others have taken notice, and voted for / nominated me for the award. Not too shabby!</p><p>We've been having a mild winter here in StL, aside from that ice storm we had that knock power out for most of the metro area. But now it is getting bitterly cold outside, and another potential ice storm is approaching for this weekend. Working in the grocery industry, the public has been incited to near-panic, buying huge quantities of firewood, canned soups and bread, milk, eggs, etc. We'll be busy, all of us here in the StL grocery industry. I understand folks want to be prepared for an emergency, but panic only feeds frustration and more panic. People just need to slow down and think things through, show common-courtesey to your neighbor, and calm down a smidge. </p><p>I've been working now for the past eight days straight.....and am feeling drained. I'm off work for the next two days, and plan to make big warm hearty meals for dinner and enough for leftovers. I've got a great recipe for Baked Potato Soup (tomorrow's dinner) and an EasyApple Cake for dessert (also tomorrow). Both can be found at the webpage for Penzey's Spices; just click on their link for recipes. I love Penzey's. They have a local shop, so I don't have to order through the catalogue, but the catalogues are very informative, and have recipes, too, which is why I continue to request its delivery.... Check them out!</p><p>It is time for me to get to some housework. And Sam needs a juice refill. I hope everyone's year is starting off on a positive note! </p><p></p>~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-9612563207478354272006-12-29T22:39:00.001-06:002006-12-29T22:39:36.294-06:00My Last Post ......of 2006A short summary of my Christmas holiday:<br /><br />1.) It IS possible to use seven pounds of butter in less than a week<br />2.) I am capable of baking and gifting / giving out 20 dozen cookies (six varieties!)<br />3.) Although I loved baking them, and eating them, I don't want to make another cookie for a while.<br />4.) Sam is a great cookie quality examiner! So is Michael!!<br />5.) I love schnitzel!<br />6.) I love big Ham dinners, even if I have them 3 nights in a row.<br />7.) Sam loves noisy toys! And what boy doesn't?<br />8.) Sam also loves his new rocking horse, and blocks, and alligator, and PJ's.....<br />9.) I love Christmas-time family gatherings<br />10.) I hate stepping on Christmas tree needles! Argh! YES! We've got a real tree.....for a few more days<br /><br />That's pretty much it. We're back to work and back to our everyday routine. It was so neat watching Sam figure out there is cool stuff under wrapping paper, and then tearing it to shreds. And watching him gaze at the tree lights, and muching on cookies and candy canes. He is a real joy in our lives!<br /><br />I hope you all had a wonderful and joyous Christmas! Have a Blessed and Happy New Year! Hoorah for 2007!!!!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-16553594146022931082006-12-20T11:00:00.001-06:002006-12-20T11:00:05.929-06:00Ready? Set? HOLIDAY!The tree is up, still. Sam has not yet managed to bring it down, thank goodness! We decorated only the top half, so as to remove some of the temptation the play with the ornaments. Well, that was the idea. I spend half of the day saying, "No no, Sam. No touching the ornaments!" and the other half of the day baking cookies among my regular daily stuff.<br /><br />I've had gifts bought and wrapped since before Thanksgiving, so that has been crossed off my list for a while, now. I've planned how many different kinds of cookies to make, and in what quanities. I'm still busy getting them all made and baked and packaged. We've taken our annual family portrait (for those who are on our card list, keep checking your mailbox!) and put our Christmas cards in the mail.<br /><br />Now, we're just waiting for the big day! No work, no "official" obligations of any kind....just spending time with family. Eating a BIG breakfast....I'm thinking fried eggs and potatoes, bacon, toast with cinnamon sugar, and coffee (of course). Watching Sam open his gifts. Being thankful for what Christmas Day is <em>really</em> about.<br /><br />Other than that, all is normal here (if it was ever normal in the first place). Five days to go, and I'm sitting on the sofa with my laptop, relaxing between batches of cookies! Lovely lovely day. Sam and I are going to do a tour of quality control on the current batch of macaroons now that they're cool. We need to make sure they taste <em>just</em> right, you know.<br /><br />Wishing you all the true Joy and Wonder of Christmas, and a Peaceful New Year!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-1164215727846011392006-11-22T10:57:00.000-06:002007-10-31T02:58:55.478-05:00Turkey, Gobble and Belch! (excuse me)This week has been most stressful. Between working and my usual daily "mommy" routine, I've had to find time to make and bake food and goodies for various work functions and our own meals. I love cooking and baking, as anyone who knows me will tell you, but I can't wait until tomorrow for a break! Our Thanksgiving celebration is going to be at one of my uncle's homes. Someone else is roasting the turkey and making sides. I have contributed, however, and by more than my presence at the event. Today I am making a chocolate cherry cake, and it is the last of my Thanksgiving holiday culinary effort. A huge sigh of relief will be heard as soon as the cake is iced and decorated ( aprox. 1:45PM CST).<br /><br />And I give thanks for my place of employment being closed tomorrow, only one of the three days a year we close. And I have the extreme privilege of actually CLOSING the store. Yes, folks, Jen gets to work from 4pm until at least 12:30 am (usually ends up being 1:30am by the time we make final security checks to verify the absence of any lingering non-employees). Eight years running, I have been honored with this same shift the night before Thanksgiving. Tomorrow will be a day of rest for me, I assure you all.<br /><br />So, now as I wait for my cake layers to cool, I sit here on the sofa, typing to you and watching Sam play with his little truck (brrrrrrrooom bbrrrrrm brrrrrmmmmmm!), I can see it is a day to take a nice walk outside. For the middle of November in StL, it is nearly 60 degrees outside at noontime! Sam and I shall take advantage of this for sure!<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving! Eat much, and then some more. And then eat plenty of dessert! And most of all, even if plans happen to fall through or something should not go as expected, be THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! And in all honesty, we shouldn't need a special day to give thanks for what we have been given, we should be thankful everyday, for every day.~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-1163017269827361792006-11-08T14:02:00.000-06:002006-11-13T14:15:11.336-06:00Great Freinds, Great Times!<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Well, most of you all know that Amy came to visit over this past weekend, and it was great. I was hoping for a nice few days of weather, and had been slightly dismayed that it was dreary and cold and rainy as we left for the airport to pick her up. Not thinking that she doesn't get to experience a true autumn weather pattern living in So California. So it was really perfect for Amy's visit.<br /><br />We had so much catching up to do, and places to see, other friends to chat with. We managed to get the high school group together for a mini reunion, which was awesome to see everyone. Especially more so since we managed to actually DO IT! We have a tendancy to be coordinationally challenged. We have become soooo much more mature (hee hee hee)!<br /><br />I also had a great time being a hostess. Not that I made gourmet meals or anything like that, but it does feel good to invite someone into your home and to your table. I love cooking, too, so that made it that much more special for me.<br /><br />And Amy got to meet Samuel. Our little bundle of energy, who showed Amy he can scream and wail just as well as he can be cute and giggly. Thank God the terrible twos are only a phase. He had a great time feeding Amy popcorn, and making her his master creation, sock tea. His imagination is growing by leaps and bounds!<br /><br />And alas, Tuesday came so quickly, and it was time for Amy to go back home. The weekend went by too fast. It was great to catch up and see Amy again. Our lives have taken us in vastly different directions, but at our cores, there are parts of us that have remained the same, that we recognize in eachother and identify with. And although we live in distinctly different places, and haven't seen eachother in over three years, we have kept our friendship alive and well; an accomplishment I am proud of!<br /><br />Amy, thanks for visiting us and my new little family. We had a wonderful time; I only wish it was longer. We will have to return the favor someday and go to visit you. Hopefully, it won't be another three years before we meet again. But since life is unpredictable, thank goodness for letters in the mail, e-mail and BLOGS!</span>~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-1158073970739618322006-09-12T10:06:00.000-05:002006-10-11T14:38:00.636-05:00Lazy DaysOkay, so we've sent our laptop to my brother-in-law to see if he can fix it...after all, he's the one who built it. So it may be a few more weeks til we get it back.<br /><br />According to Michael, I made an awesome spice cake yesterday. He even said I may have outdone myself this time. Recipe may be posted here soon, when I have more time to type.<br /><br />Sam is growing, growing, grwoing! He now drinks from a real glass (no sippy cups for this lad!) and doesn't spill.<br /><br />My sister Andrea is closing on her home tomorrow, and then the painting fun begins! They plan to move in on Saturday! WOOO-HOOOOO!<br /><br />And now the new season of MARTHA is starting, so I must watch!!!! And then its playtime outside for Sam. Rain puddles abound + one active puddle-jumpin' little boy = GREAT FUN!!!!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-1155324419588563312006-08-11T13:59:00.000-05:002006-08-16T17:39:23.776-05:00A [Not-so-Brief] Brief UpdateWell, I have been very busy, picking up extra hours at work, running over to Mom's to do laundry(our one dryer in the building is out of service--a month now), and general day to day stuff.<br /><br />So, a brief update:<br /><br />Item 1: As some of you all know, I have been designated to train new cashiers at work. My latest adventure has been training Princess. Yes, laugh if you must. I do, but to myself. How could you do that to a child? I just don't get it.<br /><br />Item 2: Said trainee confesses to me, after I filed her tax forms, that her husband gets paid cash, so they don't need to pay taxes on his income. And then, out of the blue, asks how we find out if someone is stealing. Big, major, flying-in-my-face red flags here!!!!! This was only her second day, and she's asking how we catch thieves! Hello!!! Anyway, after training session #2, I immediately phoned my supervisor with my suspicions. She agrees with me, but we have to wait and see if she does anything.<br /><br />Item 3: Spent day off #1 doing laundry at Mom's for like, 6 hours. Sam doesn't nap if we're not home. He'll just lay there and scream. So I ended up with a cranky Sam, and Michael ended up with a cranky Jen AND Sam. Sorry Mike, love.....<br /><br />Item 4: Day off #2 (next day) I did absolutley nothing that wasn't relaxing, except for diaper changes. It was wonderful, and it even rained most of the day! Near perfection. After dinner we, all three of us, watched the "Sea Hawks". Old B&W movie with Errol Flynn. He is a handsome devil! Wooo-Hoooo! Sam discovered he likes Kettle Corn. All around good day.<br /><br />Item 5: TODAY..... grocery shopping. I like it, I hate it. I shop at my place of employment, so everyone stops to chat and play with Sam, so it takes me two hours to complete my trip. Unloading groceries in the Midwest August heat and humidity, a 22 pound boy in one arm, two bags of food swinging from the other. Four trips in all, back and forth between the car and our apartment. Needless to say, afterwards we had lunch, and as soon as Sam went in for a nap, I crashed my lazy butt on the sofa! I still need to put half of the groceries away (canned goods and such), and then its my turn to make dinner for my coworkers. I have to get going on that and be at work by 5pm.<br /><br />Okay, so it wasn't so brief! Anyhow, I can't wait til tonight's over. Princess and I are paired up again tonight, and I don't know how I'll be. I watch her like a hawk, trying not to be obvious, paranoid she might try something with the cash drawer. Stress I do not need! Whatever, I have a wonderful husband and son to come home to, even if they'll be asleep when I get back.<br /><br />On a different note, has anyone heard of LimeWire? It's a music-file sharing program. I've only heard a few people talking about how cool it is, but would like some input from people I know and trust. If you've used it, let me know how you think it is (ease-of-use, safety issues, etc.) Thanks a bunch!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-1154120766645647402006-07-28T15:52:00.000-05:002006-07-30T20:37:53.633-05:00A Little Something to Look Forward toIt has been a very hectic week. Terrible storms and an entire metropolitan area with out power. Being at work, which was transformed into a dark, stinking warehouse full of rotting food, throwing hundreds of thousands of said stinking, rotting food away. A dear friend who's husband died very suddenly a week ago today, feeling her pain, comforting her as my heart bled for her.<br /><br />And now, a bit of a break. A few calm, semi-relaxing days. Most of the area has power restored, and it is now safe to drive around without worrying about fallen tree limbs and electrical lines over roadways.<br /><br />We determined that we lost over $175, 000 of perishable food from my store alone. Multiply that by 20, and you get the monetary loss of my company. We've been cleaning and restocking over the last day or two, so now we are almost back to normal.<br /><br />My friend who lost her husband is getting back into a bit of normalcy, and is returning to work late next week. She is still unsure about the future, but she knows she must get on with day-to-day life, as normal as possible.<br /><br />And tonight, dinner with an old friend. Riddhi, I've been so looking forward to hanging out with you again, and eventhough its something small and simple, it has brought me out of my "funk" and brightened my entire week.<br /><br />It is so neat that a seemingly easy, uncomplicated thing such as spending a few hours with a dear friend can make such a difference in one's life. Even getting a letter in the mail, or an email out of the blue from a friend means so much. If there is someone out there that you have sort of lost touch with or haven't heard from in a while, drop them a line, give them a call. It just may make a world of difference!~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20443489.post-1153004239131048562006-07-15T17:30:00.000-05:002006-07-19T14:40:50.413-05:00Jen's a Slob and a Bum!!! :the week in retrospectSo, I was supposed to be on vacation this past week...It all looked bleak when I noticed last week Friday that I had been scheduled to work....My supervisor forgot about my vacation time, and half-heartedly made me a bargain. I worked Sunday and today, and she would take care of Monday through Friday. It was all fine and dandy unitl I realized yesterday that it was unpaid! It was suppoed to be a week of PAID vacation, a vacation that I had marked on our planning calendar at work. It had been marked since mid-January. How unprofessional of her to forget!<br /><br />Luckily we had not planned to go out of town, or much of anything. I just wanted a paid week off work, to sit around and play and be free. I had really intended to use this week to catch up on my scrapbooking stuff. I've got a pile, a growing pile, of photos, various papers, stickers, patterned pinking shears, and albums. For instance, our guestbook from our wedding reception is a scrapbook. Guests signed and wrote on various pages, and my plan was to insert photos from the reception, the cards that were attached to wedding gifts, etc. It is still unfinished. Those who know me know I have the tendency to suffer from acute procrastination from time to time. The past two years have been just that. Now to the wedding pile I've added Samuel's stuff (baby books & the like). I did not one thing toward accomplishing anything other than being a bum.<br /><br />Is that so wrong? I mean, my days are filled with Samuel and his interesting games he makes up, diaper changing, and cleaning, cooking, laundry. All of which I fully accept as mine. But I wanted a break....so Sam and I, almost every day, spent a good hour at the park, came home for lunch, and then we both took naps. I'm talking two hours of sleep, here, folks, in the middle of the day. No cleaning up, no laundry. I did cook dinner, and tidy up before bedime, but I was a major slacker compared to my usualy daily activities. AND FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK!!!!!!!!<br /><br />It felt so good. Last night, the last night of my un-paid vacation, we drove over to <a href="http://www.teddrewes.com">Ted Drewes</a>. For those not familiar with this St. Louis establishment, it is the place to get the best frozen custard in the universe! I am currently addicted to the Heath Bar concrete. Sam also had his first taste. Mike shared a bite of two of his butterscotch with extra butterscotch concrete. It was love at first taste!<br /><br />Anyhow, it's time to get back to reality, and to get back into my routines. Bills are sitting here, laundry's calling my name, and dinner needs cooking. The part I hate most about vacation is when its over. *sigh* Back to the grindstone, eh?~ jen ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14869371206617342973noreply@blogger.com3