Happy birthday, Grandma!!

On this day back in 1912, my Grandma Ruby was born. Yes, she is 97 years young today!!!! She is kind, beautiful, loving and has a contagious laugh!
Happy birthday, Grandma...I love you!!
Dollbaby

Gross (in my book=Cool)

For a few years I have been obsessed with watching medical mystery shows on TV. For instance, Mystery Diagnosis on Discovery Health Channel (DHC). I can do without the silly closeups of people's faces and the 'dramatic' reinactments, but the overall concept intrigues me. I love hearing about misdiagnosed or rare diseases as well as the symptoms. Perhaps it stems from some minuscule hypochondriac tendencies, but I'd like to think I just enjoy learning about microbiology and physiology of the human body. Other, more graphic shows I watch include Trauma: Life in the ER (on TLC) and Impact: Stories of Survival (also on DHC)...lots of broken bones, live footage of ER trauma and followups on injuries. When I can, I also catch I Was Bitten on Discovery Channel. But my newest obsession is a show called Monsters Inside Me (DHC). When I first read the title of the show on my DVR guide, I really had no idea what the show might entail. Then I read the description: Stories of mysterious illnesses not caused by viruses or bacteria but stealthy, cunning creatures that have taken up residence in their unsuspecting hosts — parasites! Every story is a life-or-death battle between modern medicine and evolution as these patients fight off the MONSTERS INSIDE ME.

I watched it last weekend and it was pretty cool. Again, I can do without the closeups of the people detailing their experience--just show the blood and guts already! :) But I love learning about all kinds of 'stuff' out there just lurking, waiting to strike and wreak havoc. Hey, there's nothing wrong with being more aware of my surroundings, right??

I'm not weird, I promise...just a bit of a curious nerd.

Saturday fun

We celebrated my Grandma's and my Aunt Jo's birthday this past Saturday (their birthdays are actually this Friday). Lots of family came over and it was great! Unfortunately, we didn't get many pictures (it was a full house). I made a cake and some layer dip, but we only got a pic of the dip. Apparently the cake was quite good *toots own horn* and mom has requested that I make it again. This way it can get the close-up it deserves! :) I followed a Barefoot Contessa recipe for Honey Vanilla Pound Cake which we served with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. I adapted the 7-layer dip from a few different recipes. More on the cake later, but here is the dip:

Jenni's Layer Dip
serves 12

1 pkg taco seasoning (I used low sodium)
1 can fat free refried beans
8 oz light cream cheese
16 oz light sour cream
16 oz jar of salsa
6 oz chopped black olives
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 c chopped green onions
1.5 c chopped tomatoes
1.5-2 c chopped lettuce

Blend taco seasoning with beans and spread as first layer onto a large platter. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese and spread over the beans. Top with a layer of salsa. Sprinkle on the black olives and top with the cheese. Finish with a layer of shredded lettuce, green onions and tomatoes. I made this a day ahead (up to the salsa layer) and the flavors really worked well. It was a hit!!
After the family left, I went with mom and dad to their HOA picnic (they are the secretary and treasurer). It was so much fun! The weather was warm but with a breeze and the people were great. I lost to Dad at horseshoes, met the perfect baby (I basically 'borrowed' him from his parents the whole time and didn't want to give him back), and chilled out. It was a marvelous weekend...

Woot!

Only 25 days until I get my OU season tickets...

Only 44 days until kickoff in Dallas...

BOOMER SOONER!!

I need your support!

Dear Friends and Family,

This is my first year to enter the 2009 Komen Oklahoma City Race for the Cure®! I've joined a great team with which to run this race. The head of my team, Natalie, recently lost her mother to breast cancer after a courageous battle. One in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Central Oklahoma Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure.

I will be participating the this race on October 10, 2009, in the fight against breast cancer. I personally do not like soliciting money, but I believe greatly in this cause. Please join me in the fight by pledging in support of my participation in the Race or contributing generously to the Central Oklahoma Affiliate. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically under served communities in Oklahoma City and national breast cancer research. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message.

If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!

Jenni Rush


Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central Oklahoma Affiliate
1900 N.W. Expressway, Suite R325
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Click here to visit my personal page.
Click here to view the team page for Anne's Angels Booking It For A Cure

It matters to me.

"The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records. They are written, as with a sun beam in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power."
~Alexander Hamilton, 1775


"America--not just The Nation--but an idea, alive in the minds of people everywhere. As this new world takes shape, America stands at the center of a widening circle of freedom--today, tomorrow and into the next century."
~President George Bush’s State of the Union Address
January 31, 1990


A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
~Amendment II, The Bill of Rights


Stand beside her,
And guide her,
Thru the night with a light from above.

~ Lyrics, God Bless America

Wanna get long and lean??

It's a product review by Yours Truly! Financially, this DVD was only $6.99. But for my physical and spiritual health, it was a huge investment! I don't usually like exercise videos, but I highly recommend it. My local library allows you to check out various DVD's for 7 days. It's a great way to try out an exercise DVD before you decide to buy it! So I checked out a few and found this one to be exactly what I needed. Strength training can really help out with my running. And you can't beat a $7 DVD from Amazon!

The Trainer's Edge: Integrated Strength Training
Total time: 45 minutes (the workout itself, from warm up to cool down is 40 minutes)

Product Description Integrated Strength Training utilizes a series of exercises that work both upper body and lower body muscles simultaneously, maximizing the efficiency of the workout while burning calories and increasing lean muscle tone.

Equipment needed: 1 – 2 lb. hand weights, floor mat

What I really like about this workout is that you can increase (or decrease) your weights...after 2 weeks I'm already moving up to 5 - 8 lb. hand weights. There are no awkward moves or difficult poses. It's a simple workout that works the major muscle zones while making you sweat!

I just finished this workout...I feel faboo! Now I'm off to make this super yummy summer dish and enjoy the rest of my evening!

I &hearts golf

Today was my last lesson and I can't wait to get back out there and play! I'm going to try and talk my dad into going with me. I will miss the Pro, Derrick, because he was totally cool and I learned so much from him. I played when I was younger but it never hurts to get a refresher course! If you're looking for a new hobby, I highly suggest the classic game of golf. It is addicting!

Happy 4th!

Proud to be an American,
Jen

My thoughts exactly!

In a recent interview with Glamour magazine...when asked about still being single, Renee Zellweger announced she is enjoying it and has no immediate plans to become attached.

"If I'm going to give it up, it better be good - because I'm having fun," she said.

I couldn't have said it better myself!! :)