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One of my firsts

Written on April 13, 2011 by Jennifer in blogging, playing along

I just spent the last two (four) hours browsing through my flickr stream and old BlogHer and Blissdom photo streams searching for just one picture of me with Casey.

Two (four) hours and I couldn’t find even one.

Which I think is weird since Casey is someone that I’ve known since the beginning, when I discovered that there were women writing online, honestly and openly about their lives. I’ve said it a million times before, but these blogs showed me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles in finding my footing in the rocky path of motherhood. Moosh in Indy was one of my early reads, back in those wild west pioneer days of mommyblogging, back when our blogs were hosted on Blogspot and when we reciprocated every comment. One of the first posts I read of hers was when she walked right into a plate glass window in Chicago. I still even remember her first avatar, and it made me want to know her outside of the glow of a computer screen.

Now I can say that I do know her in real life. She was one of the very first of my online friends that I told my kids real names. When Carson lost his beloved Lou Bear for a few days, Casey was sweet enough to buy a look-a-like on Ebay to replace him. And when I moved to Indiana, she welcomed me with open arms and made it that much harder when it was time to move away.

In almost five years, I learned so much from her, acceptance, honesty, love of photography, and what it means to be genuine. I’m thrilled to celebrate you today, Casey and baby Mozzi. I’m beyond excited that you are almost at the finish line, full term!! I can’t wait to see those wee baby toes and see those wee baby outfits.

And the next time we’re together, can we get a picture with just the two of us?

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2010 and 2011

Written on December 31, 2010 by Jennifer in playing along, Quirky Me

I’m stealing this from Devan, Jennie, and about 200 other bloggers probably. In fact, ever since I started blogging, I’ve meant to take part in this meme.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

I took pictures every single day for my 365 project. I’m really proud that I completed the project and of how much my photography and editing skills have grown. I’m also really, really, REALLY glad to be finished.

I also started trusting God and including Him in my life on a regular basis, not just for an hour on some random Sunday I happened to go to church.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

There’s something about the words “New Year’s Resolution” that just screams failure, but I did set goals. This year I’ve worked really hard at being more calm. In fact, I carried a little index card with the word “calm” written on it in my purse as a reminder. I think that I made some improvements in my flying off the handle tendencies and I know that there were times that I was really pleased with myself for not yelling, particularly at my kids. I’d have to say that I still have some work to do in this area.

Goals for 2011:

Personal:

1. Continue to work on being more calm, less rushed, less prone to yelling
2. Lose two pants sizes
3. Drink at least 64 ounces of water everyday
4. Bake bread from scratch
5. Run two 5K’s
6. Have an email/social media/computer free day per week
7. Read a whole bunch-a books (again)
8. Help teach my children to be kinder and more thoughtful by doing random acts of kindness.
9. Get a passport and travel somewhere out of the country with Tate for our 10th wedding anniversary
10. Keep in touch better with my extended family members
11. Initiate more with friends, be the one to call, the one to invite out for dinner…
12. Catch up on Mad Men
13. Organize our basement and attic
14. Have a garage sale and/or donate to a worthy organization (any suggestions?)
15. Buy all new make-up with the help of a friend to tell me what to buy
16. Be a better blog commenter (comment on at least 10 blog posts per week)
17. Take more risks even if it means that I might look stupid or embarrass myself

Photography:

1. Take photos of at least 3 families
2. Get more photos printed
3. Make a photo book of my favorite shots
4. Get better with photographing and editing shots taken in artificial light.
5. Learn to use my external flash (affiliate link)
6. Shoot a wedding
7. Instead of Project 365, complete a Project 52, choosing the best photos from each week in 2011.

Spiritual:

1. Write one post about my faith that explains how much it means to me
2. Read books about other faiths
3. Remember to pray before every meal
4. Lead a prayer outloud
5. Lead a study in my women’s group at church

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin had twins who are truly miracles, surviving against very slim odds.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank God.

5. What countries did you visit?

None.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

More patience.

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I ran my first (and only) 5K on July 3. It took me 40 minutes, but I ran the whole way. I can’t believe I actually did it.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Completing my 365 project and not missing any days. I didn’t always use my fancy camera, some of my photos were taken with my phone, but there was not a day that passed that I didn’t take at least one photo.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Gaining quite a bit of weight, especially in the past few months, because I eat like I’m 12-years-old instead of 35.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I’ve been sick for the past three weeks. I’m really sick of being sick.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My Canon 50D and my 24-70mm lens (affiliate links)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Everyone I know who did something kind for others.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

The members of Westboro Baptist Church. They get me so riled up! It pains me that people use Jesus as an excuse for hate when that is SO not at all what Jesus taught. “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13: 34-35

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills, eating out (or rather, OVEReating out)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

God, Photography, LOST, iced tea

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Jason Gray‘s More Like Falling in Love

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier, fatter, richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercising

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Overeating and yelling

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We spent Christmas here at home with Tate’s parents and sister. It snowed and we gave and received lots of wonderful gifts. Christmas was very good.

21. Did you fall in love with 2010?

Well. This is going to sound SO, SO weird for me, but I guess I fell in love with Jesus. I wish it wasn’t so hard to admit and I wish I felt 100% comfortable and brave enough to say that.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

LOST. I watched the entire series from start to finish starting in May after the show actually ended. Best show ever, I miss it.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I really don’t like to use that word, hate. But no, there is not.

24. What was the best book you read?

I can’t pick just one, I read a lot of great books this year! (I also read a lot of TURDS, yikes, how DO some books get published?!)

Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller
Waiting for Birdy, by Catherine Newman
Same Kind of Different As Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
My Life in France, by Julia Child
Zeitoun , by Dave Eggers

(all of the above are affiliate links)

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

The music at my church

26. What did you want and get?

A new camera and lens

27. What did you want and not get?

I can’t think of anything, I’m a very lucky girl.

28. What was your favorite film of 2010?

The Blind Side (I think it actually came out LAST year, but I just saw it this year.)

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 35 and I’m thinking that my advanced age is why I don’t have any memory of my birthday.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I would have liked for Tate’s job to have been a lot less stressful.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?

Trying hard not to look frumpy.

32. What kept you sane?

Both kids being in preschool!

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Listen, I’ve already outed myself as being one of those crazy Jesus lovers, I can’t talk about politics, too! (But I will say that the any political agenda that includes any sort of hate or exclusion makes me feel very prickly.)

34. Who did you miss?

Family and friends who live far away

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Knoxville Pixie

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

Backup your computer files. Be kind, be thoughtful. Being brave is something I hope to learn in 2011.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Ugh. I only just recently re-entered to world of grown-up music after years and years of Thomas and Backyardigans songs. Maybe I’ll have a song lyric next year.

********

I have a great life and I’m immeasurably blessed. Thanks to all of you who stop by here and read the silly things I write. Happy New Year!

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Debut

Written on April 16, 2010 by Jennifer in blogging, playing along

I’m visiting the Mouthy Housewives today and doling out advice!

Please go visit me over there now! Please??

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The hope of magic

Written on December 10, 2009 by Jennifer in blog nosh, Need to Know, playing along

One of my children’s favorite books is The Polar Express. They’ve been begging to have it read to them nearly every night since the first Christmas commercial was broadcast back in October. I also love this story, it’s beautiful illustrations and the reminder about the true magic and spirit of Christmas.

On the other hand, BAH HUMBUG.

I think I first began to lose the magic of the Christmas season the first December after Tate and I were married. Instead of looking forward to all the merriment and celebration, it started to feel like nothing more than a to-do list.

1. Attend the same Christmas party that had been cranked out every year before.
2. Fret and stress over over every gift purchase.
3. Travel long distances home for the holiday and bounce from one relative’s house to another, trying to keep everyone else happy.
4. Unpack 1,000 ornaments out of their boxes to decorate the tree, only to have to repack them three weeks later.
5. Hear the same sappy Christmas songs on loop, no matter your location.

And the list could go on and on. So for the past several years, I’ve invited Scrooge and all his angst into my heart to endure the purgatory of December.

Will Jennifer allow Scrooge to dominate this holiday season? Will she soften her anti-Christmas stance? Will she post a video of her singing Christmas carols while hula hooping?

Find out! Click on over to Blog Nosh Magazine to read the exciting conclusion and learn more about this Blog Carnival, sponsored by the Tide Loads of Hope program.

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It’s Thank Your First Commenter Day!

Written on November 25, 2009 by Jennifer in blogging, NaBloPoMo, playing along

Let’s all take a moment and give thanks to our host, Neil, for reminding us to remember our first commenters as we prepare for the most thankful of all holidays, Thanksgiving.

Though I still find it incredibly thrilling to see that I have a new comment, nothing really compares to the very first comments you receive. In the early days it was so amazing that someone actually read something that you wrote (and it wasn’t your mom or your English professor.)

I’d first like to give thanks to Heather, Queen of Shake-Shake, before she was actually the Queen of Shake-Shake. She was just a friend of mine I met in a playgroup. She was the very first person to comment on my blog. It was a comment she left on this beautifully written masterpiece, Finagling.

However, no offense to Heather, but since she’s a friend of mine, I feel like I actually should give some credit to my very comment from a stranger. Let’s all bow our heads and give thanks to Mommiebear2, from Who Cries Over Spilled Milk who also left a comment on the same post.

The comment she left:

“Like said above, a double stroller is awesome! My daughter was about 1 1/2 when my son was born (premature at that – 25 weeks) but somehow I managed, and you will too. ”

True words, Mommiebear2, true words. Thanks for the smiley face, too.

I remember sitting at my desk in our office, staring in amazement at my computer screen. I couldn’t fathom how she’d found my blog, but immediately felt like we’d be close friends forever. Unfortunately, we lost touch several years ago. I’m glad Neil had this idea, giving me the nudge to look her up.

So Mommiebear2 (and Heather), thanks for my very first comments!

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This is for after Thanksgiving when you’re sick of leftover turkey

Written on November 23, 2009 by Jennifer in beef, Mouthwatering Monday, NaBloPoMo, Pictures, playing along, Recipe

I know that conventional wisdom would dictate that if I’m going to post a recipe on the Monday before Thanksgiving, that the recipe would be Thanksgiving-ish. Well I’m going to buck conventional wisdom and pour some hoisin sauce down her gullet.

So this is a recipe for great beef stew. To be perfectly honest, I don’t really like beef stew. Actually I didn’t really like beef stew until I met Mahogany Beef Stew and we began a torrid love affair. He’s so meaty and hearty, there’s plenty of him to share.

This would be a perfect thing to fix, say, today or tomorrow, then reheat and serve on Saturday when you’re really sick of turkey or have already run out.

Let’s put on our aprons.

(Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit) (Fancy! I know!)

4 tablespoons olive oil
3 1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces (or pre-cut stew meat)
1 medium-large onion, chopped
2 cups red wine (pinot noir, cabernet, zinfandel…whatever you like)
1 can reduced-sodium beef broth
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, undrained
1/2 cup hoisin sauce (can be found in the Asian aisle)
2 bay leaves
1 pound carrots, peeled, cut diagonally into 1-inch lengths
1 package of baby portabella or white button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 1/2 cups of peas (frozen or canned)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. Add meat to pot; sauté until brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove meat from the pot and place on a plate to add back later. Allow the pot to cool or the onions will burn. Once cooled, set the heat to medium-low; add 2 tablespoons oil to pot. Add onions; sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add carrots and mushrooms. Cook for 7-8 minutes. Mix meat into vegetables. Add 1 cup wine, beef broth, peas, tomatoes with juices, hoisin sauce, and bay leaves. Bring to boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover pot and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining cup of wine. Cover; simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover, increase heat to high; boil until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes longer. Reduce heat to medium, add cornstarch mixture and simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Season stew with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Head on over to Rachel’s place for more recipes!

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Everyone really means everyone

Written on June 9, 2009 by Jennifer in blogging, confession, playing along

I have this really strongly worded post in my drafts folder regarding my current feelings on blogging and all of my insecurities that seem like they are highlighted by blogging. It continues to darken my drafts folder rather than my front page for several reasons, one of which being MY INSECURITIES.

I’m guessing that if you’re going to BlogHer in Chicago this summer, especially if it’s your first time, you’re probably nervous.

1. What if nobody knows who I am?
2. What if nobody talks to me?
3. What am I going to wear?
4. What if I don’t get invited to any of the parties?

This will be my second time attending BlogHer and #1-3 all apply to ME, but I know, logically, that mostly my fears are just my little demon insecurities creeping in and attempting to sabotage me. Fear number 4, though, you’re covered because you’re already invited to a party, a party that I’m helping to host.

The People’s Party 2009
open-invite pre-BlogHer party
Thursday, July 23, 2009
8:30-11pm
Sheraton Chicago X (“Ten”)

~~~

Hosted by:

The Bloggess
Green Mom Review/ IzzyMom
Motherbumper
Mrs. Fussypants
Playgroups Are No Place For Children
Velveteen Mind

sproutlogo

crocs

gerber

disney_world_moms

smashies

pnn

one2onenetwork

3smartgirlz

chrismann

A private performance by Chris Mann, Share the love on his Fan Page!

The People’s Party is aptly named because it is for EVERYONE. I hope that when you read “everyone” you realize that “everyone” includes YOU. And you. And YoU. And yOU. It’s the perfect place to meet people, so that you’re not just sitting in your room, alone, watching p()rn in your PJ’s, scratching your butt, and eating an overpriced hamburger you ordered from room service.

What I need for you to do now, is go over to Megan’s place, and RSVP that you ARE coming to the Party, when you get back, we can chat about insecurities #1-3 (listed above.) Hurry back!

Did you RSVP??

Okay! {clap, clap} Let’s talk about our feeeeeeelings.

1. What if nobody knows who I am?

I’m SWEAR I’m not trying to scare you, but many of the people you’ll meet will have never heard of you, or your blog, or your Twitter name. That’s okay, though. I’d never heard of Amy in Ohio or Mommy Bits and they hadn’t heard of me until last BlogHer and now this year, I’m driving from Tennessee to Cincinnati and driving with them the rest of the way to Chicago. It’s like, we all became friends or something. Weird. I know.

If someone hasn’t heard of you, it doesn’t mean you’re not worth knowing. Introduce yourself to people and don’t be offended when they have no idea who you are.

2. What if nobody talks to me?

Okay, I swear AGAIN that I’m not trying to scare you, but you *might* have to talk to people first. I know it’s scary and all your insecurities start bubbling up in your throat and choking you at the mere thought of walking up to someone, sticking out your hand, and saying, “Hi. I’m Jennifer from Playgroups are no Place for Children.” The thing is, though, if you’re standing alone in the corner, it’s not very likely that someone is going to just come up and talk to you out of the goodness of their heart. That’s just not how it works.

Every year after BlogHer, there is a backlash against the “cliques.” With THAT many women (especially women), who rarely get to see one another, there are bound to be groups that form. Many of the so-called cliques are groups of women who’ve known each other for years, send one another Christmas and birthday cards, call one another on the phone. In other words, they have a HISTORY together. It’s natural for people to hang out with the people they already know, and usually they aren’t purposely leaving anyone out.

I promise you, though, that if you go up to people, introduce yourself, ask them questions about their blog and where they’re from, most people will AMAZINGLY talk to you. If you’re with a group who decides to go to dinner, say, “hey, mind if I come, too?” If they are not complete a-holes, they’ll say, “Of course you can!”

Something that I did last year with a group of people was to form a sort of support group and exchange cell numbers before leaving for the conference. That way I ALWAYS had someone to call if I was suddenly feeling like I had nobody to eat lunch with or to go to the free swag suites.

Remember that if you don’t make an effort, you will SO regret it when you get home. Take the chance, it will be worth it.

3. What am I going to wear?

Go read this post by OHMommy.

During the conference, I’ll probably be wearing simple tanks, t-shirts, jeans, and possibly a casual, flowy skirt. In the evenings, I’ll probably go fancier with a dress and some cute wedges. Last year, I felt TOTALLY underdressed at all the cocktail parties. I won’t be making the same mistake this year.

Anymore fears that I didn’t cover? Any questions?? I hope that you have RSVP’d by now for the People’s Party!! See you in Chicago.

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