Should old acquaintance be forgot...

Have a safe and happy
New Year's Eve!

Love, Jen

2009: Revelations & Resolutions

My formula for a great new year:

4H + 3F + 2D + S = The Good Life

Health

I resolve to be healthy, strong and fit from the inside out

Happiness

I resolve to greet each new day with a smile

Hope

I resolve to stay positive and optimistic about the future

Heart

I resolve to be empathetic of people and things around me

Faith

I resolve to keep building a stronger relationship with God

Family

I resolve to show love and gratitude to my family

Friends

I resolve to make new friends and treasure the old

Dedication

I resolve to make and follow through with my goals

Dependability

I resolve to be consistent and reliable to myself and others

Spontaneity

I resolve to have more fun, see the world and enjoy myself!

Wishing you and yours all the best in 2009,
Jenni

Holiday wishes...

Merry Christmas

From Me

To You!!!

My Grown up Christmas List

Here is my real Christmas list this year...for these things I wish:

I wish...all animals have a warm place to sleep and food to eat.
I wish...those people without homes find a light of hope.
I wish...the troops are safe and sound and return home soon.
I wish...the elderly are treated with kindness and respect.
I wish...those spending Christmas in a hospital feel the spirit of the season.

I wish...for Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.

Love to all,
Jenni

Santa Part 2

I'd like to add a few more things to my [materialistic] list...

1) This faboo briefcase for my budding pre-law career.

2) This top-rated elliptical trainer to burn off all the Christmas cookies.

3) And don't forget these smokin' hot boots are already on the list.


I've been very good this year,
j.

It's almost here!

I can't believe Christmas 2008 is less than a week away! All my shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Tonight we are going out for dinner and one of my favorite past times--looking at Christmas lights around town! I don't know if it's been the cold and dreary weather but I have never been so ready for the weekend. I have been looking forward to Saturday and sleeping in ALL WEEK!

Have a good one!!

True Love, Dedication...and Heart

After much anticipation, I watched Marathon Love on Discovery Health Channel last night. I laughed, I cried...I was inspired. It is a touching true story about a man who loves his wife, a woman who defeats all odds and a family full of heart. I made my parents record it and I even posted a blurb about it on my Facebook page. It was amazing and I will be watching it again and again.

To read more about Jamie and Lyn Parks, please visit their website: http://www.lynjame.com/

Happy Monday everyone!
j.

Who Da Man?

That's right...he did it. And boy does he ever deserve it. Sam Bradford is only the second sophomore to ever win the Heisman. And I couldn't be more proud. See ya in Miami, Sam!

Shop 'til you drop...

...or until your hiney hurts from shopping online. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping...since the family drew names this year it's been a lot easier with a few less gifts. The nieces and nephews are all taken care of and I really like their gifts...hope they do too!!

I hope you are getting all of your shopping done AND that you are enjoying this festive time of year. We got our first snow up here and it's been very cold. It's definitely Christmas!!

Love to all,
Jenni

My Little Tree of Christmas Love...

I am officially full of the Christmas Spirit!! I am almost finished putting up all my decorations and the house is so inviting and warm. My tree isn't as grand as some, but I love it. It's perfect for me and the kitties. Here are a few pics of my cozy Sunday evening at home!

My OU ornament!Can't forget Spongebob!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good: It's Friday. The weather is sunny with a high of 45 degrees. Edmond is all aglow with beautiful Christmas lights and the holiday spirit can be felt everywhere in my wonderful town. Mom is selling candy and goodies during Dicken's Weekend in downtown Edmond and I am her Little Helper! Another 'good' is the Big XII game tomorrow--I will be cheering my Sooners on to victory!!

The Bad: It's Friday. I have a Biology final exam on Saturday morning at 9:00 am. There will be no sleeping late tomorrow, no staying up tonight being lazy and watching movies or my plethora of DVR choices. I've made A's on every exam in this class and there is no reason not to ace this final. So I will continue my studies tonight.

The Ugly: Next Thursday is my Differential Equations final exam. And even though I have pulled miraculously through this semester, I am dreading it. My previous three exam grades (and I cringe as I make this public) are as follows in order from exam 1 to 3: C, A, B. I've been all over the spectrum but I'm pretty sure I'm maintaining a B average at the moment. So this final exam could go either way. If I can keep that B average I will be VERY pleased to say the least. And DE will be OVER!!

Thanksgiving '08: A Recap

I had such a good time over the Thanksgiving holiday. We went to my brother's house in Tejas and it was great to see everyone. The kids were hilarious and adorable as usual! I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful family--there is a lot of love there! It was one of the best times...

Here are some pics:

Our first stop in town was Build-A-Bear. Here are my niece Sydney and my nephew Brandon, perusing the loot in the store.Here is my other niece, Samantha, with her cutie bear, Rainbow.

My brother and my sis-in-law. They are both disgustingly fit and good-looking. Here they are eating an apple. An APPLE! Where are the sausage balls? Cheese dip??

How cute is this?? Sam helping Aunt Jenni make cupcakes!

My peanut, all grown up! Here is Brandon ice skating. We had such fun out there!

Here are two of my favorite things: Sydney and Alex the cat!

Two beautiful ladies...Grandma Ruby and Mom!

3.1 or 13.1? Hmmm....

I am thinking about training for the Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon. I am already signed up for the 5K, but what if I really try to prepare for the half? I have a LONG way to go training-wise (I'm sitting here eating Teddy Grahams). But I always wanted to run a half-marathon, and even if I am not ready by race-time (April 26) at least I will have made some progress for the 2010 race!

I've downloaded some really great training plans and I've got a lot of time especially with final exams being over next week. I am not totally accustomed to running in this Oklahoma wind and it's going to start getting very cold very soon. But I can give it a try, right? I'll keep you (my many, many fans) posted on my (if any) progress. Yay for me!

Here, Kitty, Kitty!

You ever notice how when you pour food into a cat’s bowl they come running? No matter where they are in the house, when they hear that food hit the bowl they make a beeline for the feast.

Funny thing…

At my office we keep a big bowl up front filled with candy all year. Sometimes Jane will put those peppermint patty things in there and sometimes, it’s peanut M&Ms. I noticed something interesting the other day … when Jane poured a fresh bag of peanut M&Ms into the glass bowl, it made the “tink” sound like cat food in a bowl. The men came out of their offices like cats to a feeding frenzy. I’m not even sure they realized they were doing it, but man it sure was funny.

All I could picture were the men running to the bowl for their treat…kept me laughing all afternoon.

Heading South...

Mom, Dad and I are packing up the car, making 96-year-old Grandma Ruby comfortable and headed to Texas! We are celebrating Turkey Day this year at my brother's house in The Woodlands. The ride down there will be relatively quiet, but as soon as we set foot in that house all Heck will break loose!! My nieces and nephew will be wild and fun, football will be on 24/7, boardgames and poker chips will make an appearance and the house will smell of fattening goodness. I can't wait!! Thank goodness I have gotten over my yucky bacterial ear/throat infection and am feeling so much better. Jeffrey, Susan, Brandon, Sydney, Samantha and Alex--here we come!!

There is nothing quite like spending holidays seasons with those you love (AND we actually like each other, too!)

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!! Go Aggies, go Sooners!

xo

Jen

Woe is Me.

A bacterial ear/throat infection hit me like a brick last Thursday. I am finally back at work today, although I am totally spaced out. I'm on a major antibiotic (and by major I mean it's a heavy dosage AND it's a big ole horse pill). I really hope the congestion clears up before our trip down to Texas on Wednesday. I can't hear, smell or taste anything. My world has been filled with nothing but Ricola cough drops, orange juice and Nyquil. My nose is incredibly sore from the blowing and the running...what a pity party (sniffle, cough). My mom is just the sweetest thing ever, taking me to the doctor and picking up my prescription. She came over again on Saturday to check up on me too. Thanks, Mommy! But I am on the mend and feeling much better today than last week.

Avoid The Crud at all costs, people! Wash your hands, eat an orange and get plenty of sleep!

The Phlegm Monster,

Useless Trivia of the Day...

* Goldfish have the attention span of about 3 seconds.

* Daddy longlegs are not spiders and do not bite.

* Women eat more hotdogs than men do.

* American car horns beep in the tone of F.

* Cows are among the gassiest animals on earth.


Happy Wednesday!

My Fixer Elixir

A glass of wine DOES solve everything...

My Greek friend, Ianthe, introduced me to Riesling wine about 5 years ago. I've since tasted a variety of the sweet German wines and they are for sure my favorite. I particulary enjoy Liebfraumilch (German for "Beloved lady's milk" or something like that) but I couldn't find a good pic of the bottle. The best Liebfraumilch by far is Schmitt Sohne.

"Liebfraumilch is a fine blended wine utilizing four different types of grapes grown in the Rhein region. Liebfraumilch is the most popular style of wine from Germany and is always a quality wine."

I also like Blue Nun German wines (pictured above). A lot of people don't care for the sweetness of German wine, but I *heart* it. Yum...me likes my wine! :)

Cheers,

Letting go of the past...

I've reached an amazing milestone in my personal life...I finally opened up a few pockets from my past and emptied them. There were parts of my past that were bogging me down for many years, and it can be very hard to let go and move on. But with the strength and independence I have gained the last year or two, I am stronger than I have ever been before. Old wounds have healed and faded away. I learned a lot from those wounds and they have made me all the wiser. A strong sense of self, prayer, the support of loved ones and friends--these all make my everyday life possible.
Spreading my wings and flying high

Studs.

These guys knock my socks off...and last night was no exception. The Eagles performed at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards. I particularly enjoyed the fact that they all wore suits and ties for the performance!! It was great. Dude, the Eagles rock!

So here is some Eagles trivia for any fans:

Which California hotel was featured on the cover of the Eagles' classic 1976 album, Hotel California?

Tending to the Family Tree...

Since moving to Oklahoma in 2006, I have more than ever started to embrace my roots. The more history I can learn about Oklahoma the better. For my birthday this year, mom and dad bought me 3 books on the history of Oklahoma. I am reading one now about Oklahoma place names and it's really neat stuff. I've also been researching our family tree. With a lot of help from my extended Okie family, old photo albums and the internet, I have compiled names, events and even physical records of genealogy. It's very exciting! My ultimate goal of this search is to determine whether I have proof of Cherokee heritage. My paternal side of the family is positive that my great-great grandmother was of Cherokee decent (we do not know for sure if she was full-blooded Cherokee).

I am very proud of my roots and where I come from in this world!

More as it develops...

Change is good...

...no matter the outcome. Get your vote on, America!!

The Aftermath.

What in the world am I supposed to do with all this??????

Now that's what I call leftovers! Bring on the cavities...

Happy All Saints' Day,

Happy Halloween!!

Be safe and have fun!!

Toodles,

A super cool invention...

I recently purchased one of these online and used it for the first time today (I got the blue one). It is uber cool. I like my morning cereal, and I like to eat it at my desk at work. So all I have to do the night before is pour in a little milk, some cereal and I'm ready for the morning! The milk stays cold and separate from the cereal, plus there is even a little built in spoon! You can find them here.

Today's cool t-shirt...

Easy trivia: Who invented this so-called charity????

Santa? Are you ready for my list yet??

Hi.

If someone could buy me these smokin' hot boots I would appreciate it.

Size 8 1/2.

Thanks.

It's my Berfday!!

And this will be the best year yet!!!

Recipe of the Week: Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells

Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells

1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
1 T extra-virgin olive oil + 1 T unsalted butter
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (15 oz) can artichokes, quartered and chopped
1 (15 oz) container part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender but still very firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the garlic and cook until the onions are soft and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, salt, black pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is slightly golden and cooked through. Add the artichoke hearts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a large bowl combine the cooled turkey mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Stir to combine.

To stuff the shells, cover the bottom of a 9 by 13 baking dish with 1 cup of tomato sauce (I made my own). Take a shell in the palm of your hand and stuff it with a large spoonful of turkey mixture, about 2 tablespoons. Place the stuffed shell in the baking dish. Continue filling the shells until the baking dish is full, about 20-24 shells. Drizzle the remaining tomato sauce over the shells, top with the grated mozzarella. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 day and up to 1 month.

To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake until the shells are warmed through and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 60 minutes (20 minutes if shells are unfrozen.)

Delish!!

A True Love Story

Happy 39th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!


Much love,

Quote of the day...

"Knowing you is like going into the jungle...I don't know what I'll find next and I'm real scared."

Jerry to George
Seinfeld

Gus & Libby

I am in love. Recently a pair of the sweetest kitties found their way to my porch. I faintly remember returning from a jog around the neighborhood one night a few months ago and seeing a few newborn kittens playing in the yard down from mine. But I never really saw them again--until they showed up at my front door! At first they were really shy and wouldn't let me pet them. But I've been speaking kitty-talk and feeding them and now they are my 'outside' babies. The orange one is Gus (Gustopher Gustafson) and the calico is Libby (Libitina Lovington). I've tried letting them in the house (Gus especially, since he follows me everywhere). But my 'inside' babies just aren't having it. Charli is interested in the new addition(s), but Cleo is, pardon my french, a beeotch. She hisses and growls at Gus. He is wary but explored the house nonetheless. I want him to stay and snuggle and be happy and warm and comfortable. I worry about him and Libby being outside, especially now that it's getting colder. I know they can survive but I want to take care of them! Gus is such a sweetie...he makes my heart smile. Such furry little charmers!!

This post has no title.

Texas has the #1 ranking this week. Yuck. I'm not going to pretend that they aren't playing some good football, but I don't have to like it. Our Sooners are still in the top 5 and that shows stamina and consistency. There is still hope for a National Championship...

That's all I'm going to say on this Monday morning.

Later,

This man is making my life miserable...

He is Pierre-Simon Laplace, a pioneer in mathematical physics and astronomy.

I enjoy math. I do not, however, enjoy mechanics. All the nerdy engineering students in my DE class are loving the last few weeks of Laplace transforms and all they entail. I don't care about springs attached to objects with a mass on the end...blah, blah, blah. Just give me a differential equation to solve and I am happy--I don't want to know how it applies to physics. Ok, I got a B in Physics but only took it because it was required. I just plain don't like studying it. Ironic, considering my love for biology, chemistry and geology, not to mention how physics makes the world go round. But, alas, I have no love for physics. Don't get me wrong...it's a fascinating field of study. It's just not my cup of tea. Perhaps I don't like it because it reminds me of a self-righteous, arrogant mechanical engineer I used to date...who knows.

But I for sure can't wait until we are done with Laplace and can move on to another mathematical topic in DE. Only one more week of this crap...