Two Tons of Steel

My main squeeze and I are going to see these guys play live Saturday night here. Love their stuff and the fact that they are Texas boys! Enjoy one of my favorites...

SPS

SPS - "Stupid People Syndrome"

Pejorative term for humans who lack the ability and desire to understand or communicate with non-SP during regular, every day activities; persons usually found working at Wal-Mart, the DMV, or sharing the road with non-SP.

Can you tell it's been a LONG week?!?!

Pity! Party of One! You're table is ready!

Last night's workout was 1 solid hour of upper body weight training. CANNOT.MOVE.ARMS.ABOVE.HEAD.

Note: Since hitting the age of 30 and gaining upwards of 70 pounds (of which 40 I have lost and kept off), I have no upper body strength.

Sure, I played softball, volleyball, and basketball throughout my youth. Sure, I can still throw a football like no other chick you have ever seen (my big bro is proud of this). Sure, I can help my dad move big, heavy items when he needs help. I am strong woman...hear me roar! *beats chest*

But I'll be damned if those stupid skull crushers don't have my arms shaking every time Mike the Trainer forces them upon me. And when we hit the chest press or incline press, just call me a girlie-man and let me go home. After a few groans and muttering some 'bad' words to Mike, I completed the workout, red-faced and stinky. I barely managed to drive myself home because my arms felt like lead. Tonight I hit the trails for another 3-miler. Welcome back, Super Jenni.

Workout: Upper body, weights
Duration: 1 hour
Calories burned: Approximately 4 Shiner beers

First "jenni-ism" of 2011

It's embarrassing, but that's what this blog is all about...me being ME. :)

While cooking in Handsome Man's kitchen, I hold up an aluminum bowl and without thinking ask, "Can I use this in the microwave?"

To which my handsome man answers, "Uh, no babe, it's metal."

Thank goodness I'm cute, right?!

Update

Wow, what happened to Jenni-isms???!!!

I've never gone this long without blogging...and, ironically, there is SO much more to blog about! I've been busy and loving every minute of my life. I truly enjoy having a blog as a journal that reflects my thoughts, goals, ups/downs, and every day life. I'm going to do my best to get back to my most favorite blog ever and ALL of my fans :)

Here is what has been a-happenin' in the land of Jenni-isms:

1) I went for a run last night...first time since OCTOBER, people. It was exhilarating! I sometimes forget about my serious love affair with the pavement. But each time I step back out there I am reminded instantly of why I run. Mike the Trainer and I have worked out a nice new schedule of 1 hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. This leaves the rest of the week to work on cardio. I'm still determined to take up swimming eventually, but for now I plan to run at least 3 times a week, hit up the elliptical at the gym or a spin class a few times a week. Have I mentioned that I've lost 18 pounds since moving to Dallas??!! Yay, me!

2) I am falling hopelessly and happily in love with my handsome man. Since our very first phone conversation (he called me Nov 18) we have been together. It will be 2 months this week but it feels like longer...and that's a good thing. We are definitely in a "relationship" and it's the real deal, folks. We are committed to each other, to being open and honest, to enjoying every moment we're given, and we are hopeful for our future together. It's more than I ever thought it could be...and keeps getting better. He is my sweet boyfriend and I couldn't be more happy and proud.

3) I've been cooking up a storm. I mean a STORM. I hate that I haven't documented my adventures because the recipes I have tried are amazing and turned out great! I suddenly found myself wanting to cook for my handsome man all the time and have turned somewhat DOMESTIC. *shock* What?! Domestic?? Yup. And I'm loving every second of it! I love to cook and see satisfaction on the faces of those who experience my creations. I have a long way to go before I can claim to be a great cook (like Mom and my late Grandma Ruby). But I'm very comfortable in the kitchen (well, Handsome Man's kitchen as he has a great big house). The last month or so I've made Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Spinach and Bacon Mac 'n Cheese, Blue Ribbon Chili, Classic Pot Roast, Cinnamon Chocolate Bread, Shiner Bread, and Cookie Dough Truffles. Handsome Man is very content, indeed (and lucky!)

4) I get to see my besties in a month!! Karen, one of my oldest and dearest friends, is getting married on Feb 5! She is marrying her best friend and the love of her life, Jeff. Now, even though I have yet to meet this man, I have no doubt they will live happily ever after. I've never seen or heard Karen this way before...her relationship with Jeff has transformed her into an even more beautiful, loving, thoughtful person and she literally glows with love. I can't wait to introduce Handsome Man to Karen and Katie. It will be our first road trip as a couple and will be a great time!

5) Last Saturday I started a new volunteer gig. I researched some local animal shelters and decided to apply as a volunteer with the Frisco Humane Society (Handsome Man lives in Frisco and I LOVE, LOVE the town...plus I spend most of my weekends there). I met up with Angie from FHS at the Frisco Petsmart where they have the adoptions every weekend. They need help with the cat side of things and I am more than okay with that. I spent 2 hours there learning how to become an Adoption Counselor. Basically I try to help those looking to adopt a cat by finding out what they are looking for, what their living arrangements are, and let them interact with the kitties. It's actually quite a big responsibility as I decide ultimately who gets to adopt. You can only ask so many questions and use intuition, but you always hope and pray that an animal ends up in a happy, loving home. There are so many success stories and I am bound and determined to do everything I can for those furry felines! :) I've also been asked to help out with one of their computer databases to help keep things organized. I definitely feel this is where I am supposed to be and will dedicate as much time as possible to this cause.

6) Um, did I mention that I finally graduated???? Yup, back in December I became an official graduate of the University of Oklahoma. It was pretty awesome. I drove up to Norman to pick up my cap and gown, walked around campus, and reveled in the feeling of being a Sooner. Mom and Dad attended the small ceremony for my college and we celebrated with lunch afterward. I am considering grad school and have signed up to take the GRE, but we'll see...for now I'm enjoying my well-deserved free time.

8) College football season is over :( But I am starting to get more into the NFL so at least I get to stretch out football for a bit longer. I can't wait until next season because I plan to attend more Sooner games. And it's even more fun because now I am dating a Texas Tech Raider who will go to the games with me (I like to remind him constantly that we kicked their hineys last season 45-7).

7) For the Christmas holiday we drove down to The Woodlands to stay with my brother and his family. They couldn't make it to my graduation but they had a big congrats sign and an awesome cake for me! Plus, the kids all made me special cards and I felt like the most loved Aunt ever. We had a great holiday and I just adore my family. Oh, and I actually won the poker tournament for the first time EVER in the history of family game night. Vegas, here I come...

So that's it in a very condensed nutshell. 2011 has welcomed me with open arms and I am embracing every moment! Here are some pics of the last few months...

Mom and me, graduation day



My cake and homemade cards

Mom, me, Dad at their Christmas party



Me & Handsome Man at my company Christmas party

Me & Handsome Man celebrating his birthday

Aunt Jenni and her Rugrats

 

3-2-1...Happy New Year!!!



Total awesome-ness

The last week has been a true success filled with total awesome-ness!

1) Mom and Dad came down to stay with me for the holiday. We had so much fun...we missed the rest of the family but the three of us enjoyed our time together. I think they were very pleased to see their little girl doing so well for herself! :)

2) The weather turned colder and I love it! It was pretty warm there for a few days and I have welcomed the "sweater weather" with open arms!

3) I talked to my nieces and nephew on Thanksgiving...they couldn't make it up here for the holiday and I miss those little goobers!! But we have made plans to visit them for Christmas. I can't wait!

4) The new man in my life is something special...very special. He and I are going strong. It's been a week and we have either talked on the phone or texted every day. We've been on several dates and are enjoying each other's company so much. My heart is aflutter and I feel safe, comfortable, excited, content, and hopeful.

I hope everyone is feeling as lucky, happy, and blessed as I am at this moment in my life.

Gobble, gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!!


Family, friends, good food, beer, football, cold weather, love, laughter, and being lazy...I am grateful for so many things!


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I think I'll stay in this roller coaster ride after all...

It's amazing what a difference a few days (and a few prayers) can make. I was definitely feeling blue after the K incident last weekend. And I've been confused and a little frustrated with the whole dating thing since Date #1!! :)

I realize I haven't been in the dating game very long. It just takes some getting used to after being out of it for so long. But I am grateful for this last month because I have learned so much about myself. Once I got over the initial crushed ego and self-doubt of why I never heard from C, and then why it didn't work out with K, I realized it was all for the best. Of course, this was with the help, love, and support of my friends and family. As Mom commented on one of my lastest posts, "The best is yet to come." And I truly believe that. (love you, mommy!)

As last week wore on, I became my happy self again, enjoying work and the people around me (AND some not-so-sappy music!). Then out of the blue a coworker/friend (Steven) came up with the idea that he was going to try and set me up with one of his good friends...there's a story there but that's for another post someday. Needless to say, Steven's friend called me Thursday night--we had a great conversation and he asked if I'd like to get together sometime.

Last night we went out and it was really nice. No pressure, no tension...just easy, comfortable, and relaxing. We talked over dinner and drinks for almost 4 hours and the time flew by. I'm not expecting anything at all...I like him, and would very much like to see him again. I found this morning that I'm not worrying about whether he will call or not...sure, I'd like him to, but I'm simply carrying on with my daily life and enjoying it. I'm okay with ME and my life right now, no matter what boys may come and go. I am more certain than ever that He is looking out for me. Being happy and self-content totally rocks. :)

On another note, there are only a few more weeks of college football left!!! I can't believe this season is almost over. And I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week!! Mom and Dad are driving down to stay with me and celebrate the holiday. I can't wait to see them and show them around my new digs. My brother and his family won't make it this year because my sis-in-law's mother had surgery and they will be staying with her. But we're all planning on being together for Christmas. Have I mentioned this is my most favorite time of the year??!! Family, holidays, football, beautiful Fall weather...this girl is smiling!

Arg...I'm at the office working today and hope to get home in time for the OU game. BOOMER!!

Have a fabulous weekend my friends...

Edited to add: The new guy called this afternoon, asked if I had a good time last night, and asked me out again tonight. Once again, the conversation was easy and fun. All I'm going to say is I'm happy he called and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. :)

I'm a cool kid now

Today I bid farewell to my beloved Crackberry and bought an iPhone. Finally!!

I have to admit this thing is hella cool...I can blog anytime, anywhere!

It has certainly brightened this sullen week...




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One last thing...

...why can't every guy think like Griffin House?? THIS is what I want...too much to ask???

A long week...

Sigh. Looks like it's going to be a long week filled with sappy love songs...please bear with me and enjoy the tunes.

BOOMER!

On a much lighter note...can I just give a "Hell Yeah!" to my Sooners???????

I took my friend and coworker, Karlie, to the OU/Texas Tech game on Saturday in Norman. We met Mom and Dad for lunch and it was so good to see them. The game was awesome and as Karlie said when we left, "OU schooled Tech." For sure!!

It was a beautiful day and I was absolutely ecstatic to be there, supporting my team. And they were OUTSTANDING! Final score??? 45-7.

One of the best days I've had in a long time...

Ooooooooooooooo....U!

And yes, Karlie is wearing her Cornell sweatshirt...I allowed it because it was cold and she is my friend. :)

I am soooo not a pro

This dating thing is just not in the cards for me...I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for it. Is it me? Is it something I said? Is it them? Who knows.

I think what gets me the most annoyed and frustrated is the lack of closure. As a Type A and a "planner" I like things to be put nicely in their place. If you don't like me, let me know. If you do not want to see me again, you should probably tell me. I don't do the dilly-dally thing. It doesn't take me long to realize whether I like something...and I will always be up front with you.

Needless to say, I'm 99.9% sure I will not hear from K again. Disappointing, yes. Sad? Very much so. I was not prepared for this, and am still shocked at how much it hurts. He is a amazing guy...and someone I easily could have gotten serious with. I was picturing so many things in my present and future, and he was part of all of it. I know it may seem strange after only 1 date and some texting/emailing...but for me it was almost love at first sight. And I have no idea what happened in all honesty. Maybe it was something I said. Maybe he had his guard up. Maybe I'm not what he's looking for. I highly doubt that last one...not because I am overly-confident...but I felt it and I know he is interested. So, I will most likely never know if I did something wrong. The truth?? If I did something that upset him, he should tell me about it. We had an very real connection and immediately hit it off...I thought it was the beginning of something phenomenal.

Even if I did say or do something wrong...The One wouldn't let that stop him from pursuing me. The One won't let anything stop him from winning my heart.

Sigh. I'm through with match.com for awhile. I don't have it in me to go on another date right now. I have other things to concentrate on anyway. I was so sure this thing with K had potential...and if I'm that wrong about something then perhaps I have no business putting myself out there!!

I want love...I want the real deal. And I think I deserve it...scratch that, I DO deserve it. And I know I am so willing to give it as well. I sure hope The One is on his way to finding me...I'm finally ready and want to share my life with someone.

Sorry to disappoint the readers in that there won't be any dates or boys to chronicle on the blog. But I'll try to keep you entertained somehow! :)

The constant roller coaster

When life is good, it's great. When life gets tough, it's lousy. And then there are those times when life is simply in-between the two...and the roller coaster is just cruising along. You don't know whether you will go up or down, but you know a change is coming soon.

It seems I've had many up's and down's the last month. I'm not complaining...after all, I'm learning more about myself and those around me with every moment that passes. I've experienced a plethora of emotions in just the last 5 days. Such is life I guess. As my mom reminded me tonight, "feelings" are what remind you that you're alive! I was having a tough time today trying to figure out and work through a situation, and Mom was full of supportive words and advice. She sent me a quote from my late Uncle Danny...he had emailed it to her more than 5 years ago when she herself was struggling with her prayers to Him and what the right answers were for her. Here is what he told her:

"You just stay with that notion that God is not against you, but for you. He knows best, that's for sure. Just increase your trust for Him and things will turn out for the best."

My uncle Danny was a wise man. He was also one of the most generous, affectionate, and loving people I've ever known. His faith always amazed me, as he was certain of God's love and will, and he was always content in knowing the Lord would guide him, love him, and live through him.

Sometimes I wonder if He hears me...and I long to be confident and sure of His love for me. I asked Him several times today to help me make the right decisions in my life. I am willing to do what it takes to be a better person and live the best life that I can. So many things in life take a leap of faith...falling in love, trusting in God. We may have to step out of our comfort zone, close our eyes, and put our trust in someone else. It may be scary, and it may even cause pain in the long run...or it could be the most rewarding and wonderful thing we've ever experienced. But we'll never know unless we jump, right?

I'm still a happy girl and the subject of my last post is still alive and well in my mind (and heart). I don't know what the future will bring...but I do know that He is with me and I'm holding on to that faith with everything I have.

Right next to the right one

That is where I was tonight, sitting right across from (and eventually next to) the right one. Perhaps it is too early to call him The One, but he's pretty darn close.

What a difference a week can make...those close to me know that I have been through somewhat of a tough time, emotionally and spiritually, the last few weeks. Boys in general played a large part in that rough patch. But I'm glad I endured the wreckage since it meant that I would eventually meet K, and my life would be permanently changed...for the better.

It was a simple date. I was not expecting much more than maybe a friendship to come of it. It's not that I wasn't attracted to him...I wouldn't have agreed to meet if I wasn't. But I was getting used to the idea of "casual" dating in that I wasn't going to LOOK for love anymore. The emotional turmoil of the last few weeks threw me for a loop, and I was starting to doubt if the real thing was out there. I thought I would go on a few dates, meet some new people...and continue to be disappointed. But as it turns out He had other plans for me.

Yes, I believe certain people enter and leave our lives for reasons we may not ever understand. I don't know about fate per se, but K...K is my own little serendipity.

Tonight, with K, everything felt good. Everything felt natural. Everything felt exciting. Everything felt...promising. It was all there in one little room upstairs at a pub. It was all there in those eyes when he looked at me, and when he smiled.

That's all for now. But I can't wait to see him again. :)

P.S. Even though he doesn't deserve to be in the same post as K, I just want to say that "C" did call...and pretended like he didn't spill his life story the night we went out or basically attack me the moment we walked into my apartment. That was just a bizarre experience altogether. And I'm glad he never called again.



P.P.S. K texted me within minutes of saying goodbye to me. Be still my heart...