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.

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...




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Birthday Girl

 Happy birthday to me!!!

The last year has brought many changes to my life. I feel like I am right where I need to be.

Something tells me this year is going to be the best one yet...

Cheers!

Speaking of...

Have I ever mentioned how much I love getting my hair blow dried? Maybe it's the heat, the droning of the dryer, or the slight tugging at my hair, but I almost always close my eyes and drift off.

Speaking of hair...I found a new salon in the Dallas Galleria and got my hair did last night.

Speaking of getting my hair did...I had 2 people working on it. One person does the cut and and another person does the coloring. This was new to me but very cool.

Speaking of coloring...I had my first ever gay male stylist. He was a hoot and a half and told me he was going to dress up as a "Slutty Eskimo" for Halloween. Don't ask.

Speaking of Halloween...I've been mulling over the idea of going as the BP oil spill. Maybe I'll wear a blue shirt and put brown or black felt patches on it, and make a rig headband.

Speaking of oil...I'm still rocking my new gig. I love it here and this company is the BEST.

Speaking of the company...our CFO "dabbles" in investing and owns a huge liquor store chain here in Tejas. This means that all employees here at corporate get a "preferred member" discount card on all purchases. Jackpot!

Speaking of liquor...one of my favorite beverages of all time is Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante. Regardless of the alcohol content, I could/can drink an entire bottle in one sitting.

Speaking of Asti...I think my love for this glorious nectar stems from the holidays growing up when my parents would let us have a little glass at dinner (during which I usually got silly and was once even asked by Mom to leave the table because I mentioned the word "poop"--Mom does NOT like bathroom humor at any time).

Speaking of holidays...this year marks the first time I will ever host Thanksgiving dinner for the family.

Speaking of Thanksgiving...it will also be the first one without Grandma.

Speaking of Grandma...she called me "Dollbaby" from about the first week I was born until the last time I saw her. And she was the only one in the family to call me that.

Speaking of family...I'm flying out to OKC on Thursday to attend Grandma's memorial service and celebrate her long, beautiful life.

Speaking of flying...I'm headed to the library today to pick out a good book for the airport/plane.

Speaking of good books...I started The Time Traveler's Wife on Saturday afternoon and didn't put it down until I finished it at 2:30 am. [Review coming soon but let's just say it was EPIC]

Speaking of Saturday...I was so engrossed in the book that I missed most of the football games on TV. That means the book had to be THAT good.

Speaking of football...this weekend brings the ever-so-crucial game between Texas and Oklahoma. The Sooners need to pull out a win this year.

On that note, BOOMER SOONER and have a nice day!

Yours Truly

19 years ago...

I looked like this:

For the record, my Sweet Mother actually paid someone a lot of money to make my hair look like that. Why we thought I needed a perm...I'm not suggesting I'm not totally adorable, but the hair is a bit much!

What I wouldn't give to have that youthful skin again...

Welcome Home!

I'm finally settled in and loving life in Dallas. My job is awesome and I've met some amazing people. The weather?? Um, not so much! We've had triple digits the last week and a half that I've been here and no rain.

Last night I hopped on the treadmill for the first time in almost a month. There is no way I am getting outside in this heat! I am joining a gym this week (company-paid membership...just one of the MANY perks at my new job!) and hope to expand my workouts and try some new classes/machines. It's been very hard to stay on track food-wise as vendors bring in breakfast every.single.morning. We are talking doughnuts, kolaches, tacos, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, yogurt, fruit, etc. Yes, I have tried to stick with the fruit but gave in to a breakfast taco today!

All in all, I am really happy with this move. The town home, the job, the people, and the atmosphere...it's all good. But I miss Mom, Dad, and Grandma so much!!!I'm just glad to be back in blogland and happy to get back to regular posting...new recipes, crafts with Mom (she is making me a quilt and some new pillows), decorating the new place, exercise/running, new friends, old friends, college football...you know, the usual. :)

The Big Move to the Big D

Wow, I've been away too long...my poor blog has suffered! But things are so intense and hectic these days that I've no time to blog about daily life! Five weeks ago I accepted a fantastic new job in Dallas. Yes, I'll be moving BACK to Tejas but at least it's not Houston Humidtown. I am very excited (and a little nervous) to begin a new chapter of my life. Things seem to have just fallen into place in so many ways and I know this is the right move for me. I'll miss my folks like crazy and will go from being 5 miles away to about 250! But we are already planning many visits. I LOVE, LOVE my new townhome and my new office. The company is a lot bigger than where I am now (going from 8 employees to about 300). It will be an amazing opportunity and new experience for me. I do have some old friends and some family in and near Dallas so I am looking forward to getting out and having some fun!

After putting in my notice at my current job, scheduling the movers, organizing my stuff, having my first ever garage sale, buying furniture, training someone in my old position, finding a place to live, AND finishing this summer school session, I have to say that I am BEAT! My day-to-day has been insane and it's going by very fast. I'm just trying to enjoy each moment and look forward to each new day. Whew! It's been a whirlwind and won't stop for another few weeks until I am finally settled in...

Needless to say, with this heat and my busy schedule, running has taken a backseat in my routine. But there are some awesome places to run in Dallas and I can't wait to explore!

More updates soon! Can't wait to get back into running, cooking and sharing new recipes, and blogging about my ever-so-exciting life :)

Everything changes...

...if you want it to! Some exciting things are going on in my life right now. Stay tuned for some news maybe later this week...

In the meantime, I've been chugging along this summer with work, school, and trying to keep up with running. It's been tough...I am NOT a morning person and miss my evening runs so much. But the heat is sweltering as usual and it's not safe to run later in the day. I have not been successful at getting up at the crack of dawn to run, and I LONG for it! And, after about a month of eating more than I should with less activity, I have gained a good 5 pounds. But I am back to eating several smaller meals a day with lots of yummy fresh fruit and veggies. I feel SO much better when I eat this way! I've discovered a new love in the snack department--Atheno's Roasted Red Pepper hummus. Excellent with pita chips!!!!!!

All in all, things are going well. Just been pondering some possible life changes...

I came up with a new quote to match what I'm feeling lately:

"Sometimes God doesn't necessarily close a door before he opens a window and you're left with 2 choices...it's up to YOU to find the strength and make the right decision."

Some things I could do without...

...that still find their way into my life:

Velveeta cheese
This stuff is just gross. And it's actually called "stuff." Food stuff to be exact. It's not really cheese. No nutritional value whatsoever. Yet if someone mixes it with rotel and sausage, I'm all over it.

Dr. Pepper
I don't drink coffee so DP is my caffeine vice. But I don't need it. I've gone weeks without it before.

Cat puke
Am I the only one who has yacking feline furballs?? What's the deal? Not a week goes by that I don't find a little kitty barf on the floor somewhere. I just hope one of my cats is not bulimic...(ha-ah, not quite as they both have bellies that swing when they walk).

Dropping my cell phone
This happens too frequently. Thankfully, other than a lot of scratches, my Blackberry is still ticking. (I also drop keys and forks)

Leg cramps in the middle of the night
Is this a runner thing? Am I not stretching enough? There is nothing worse than when your leg and toes contort in pain just from switching positions and/or stretching out in bed.

Sock tan and watch-band tan
I guess there is no avoiding this if I am going to be a runner. It's very unattractive, yet I almost wear it like a badge of honor??

Gnats in my kitchen
They must love my produce. I like to keep my tomatoes, avocados, nanners, and oranges on the counter. But the gnats are everywhere.

Exercise DVD music and instructors
I like to try out new DVDs from our local library every now and then. I just got one for pilates and one for 10-min abs. The background music sucks and the instructors are way too high on life. That's why I like the Biggest Loser workout videos. They use real people (overweight contestants from the show) and even though Bob gets on my nerves, it's fun and a great workout.

Okay, enough ranting for this Saturday morning...it's a gorgeous (and hot) weekend!!

My Grill

Back when I was a wee youngin' and my permanent two front teeth came in, they didn't look like all the other teeth. There were white marks on the front and even though I had a nice smile, it was noticeable. I went through many a school year (mostly elementary when kids have no class) of kids asking, "What is that white stuff on your teeth??" My mom always suggested I answer with, "What is that yellow stuff hanging out of your nose?"

I never really cared much about it and as I got older most of it started to go away. But on one tooth it actually got worse. I finally found out the "white spots" were areas of demineralization. This was not a result of acid eating away at the enamel--after all, the permanent teeth had it as soon as they grew in. Some dentists have told me the demineralization is due to inflammation or infection, such as I had a fever when the teeth were developing. Others have told me it has to do with the fact that I have had strep throat so much throughout my life. Who knows??!!

Although the marks weren't something I dwelled on or even really cared about, I always hoped that someday I could get them whitened or something. Well, it turns out that one of the front teeth was getting weak due to the demineralization and needed to be fixed, i.e. bonded. They basically just dug out the weak spot (aka, the white spot) and filled it in. So, that is what I had done this morning! Here are the before and after shots:

BEFORE: Demineralization on #8 and #10 (central incisor and lateral incisor, respectively)

AFTER

You'll notice there is not a HUGE difference...and there is a little bit of demineralization on the canine, but I told him I wasn't concerned about it if it's not causing any damage to the actual tooth. But this is the look we were going for...I didn't want new white teeth or anything fancy done. I like my smile and wanted to keep MY smile! My dentist was happy with the results and now I'm going to be on their website...yikes! But at least you can't see my face :)

I'm still numb up to my nose and can't wait for it to go away so I feel normal again. All in all, it was a successful morning in the chair!

You know you're a runner when...

* You're first thought when you look at the weekly weather forecast is, "When can I fit in my runs?"
(In Oklahoma--when will it NOT be 98 degrees or 50-mph winds??)

* Your watch face is bigger than your iPod.
(But I could not LIVE without my Garmin 305!)

* You have more running clothes than regular clothes in the laundry pile.
(And it's stinkier...ew) 

* You no longer make fun of fanny packers because your running belt looks similar to one.
(All the cool kids wear running belts)

* The salespeople at your local running shop know you by name.

(Hi, Brooke and James at Elite Feet in Edmond!!)

* You know how to take a cup of water from a race water stop without choking or spilling it.

(I learned this the hard way)

* At least one of your website usernames or email addresses has the word "run" or "runner" in it.

(Does "ezjogger" count??)

* You own more pairs of running socks than dress socks.

(And I lose more running socks in the "Dryer Abyss" than any other form of clothing)

* Your Facebook updates frequently involve running.

(Frequently? Daily. I know all of my friends are sick of hearing about it!!)

* When you hear PR you automatically think "personal record" and not "public relations."

(What the heck is public relations??)

* You have running clothes and an extra pair of running shoes in your car, "just in case."

(You never know when you'll want to just GO.)

* Your holiday wish list can be fulfilled at any running or sporting goods store.

(Santa? This one is for you...)

* You get excited when the new Runner's World comes in the mail.

(Honestly. I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting)

* You always have your next race on the calendar.

(And on my blog)

* Your runs are sometimes longer than your commute to work or school.

(Longest run so far: 6 miles. Commute to work round trip: <5 miles)

* Your body aches but you're thinking about that next run.

(We runners are gluttons for punishment)

* You've lost a toenail and you tell people, "It's not that bad."

(And I've stopped getting pedicures. I'm not into running for the glamour)

* You apply medical tape or lube to various parts of your body and it seems perfectly normal.
(I've become an expert at strategically applying tape, moleskin, and body glide)

* You are confident you could escape from Houdini's straight jacket because it is probably easier than getting out of a sweaty running bra.
(This one speaks for itself...)

I may not run a 7-minute mile or even a 10-minute mile...but I am A RUNNER. I may not run marathons or average 30 miles a week...but I am A RUNNER.

I am A RUNNER because I say I am.

And no one can tell me I'm not.

Sigh.

Who's been sick for basically the last 2 weeks?? Moi.

Last week was 2 ear infections and a throat infection. This weekend I hurt my back. And by Tuesday of this week I came down with the mother of all stomach bugs. Seriously, folks, you do not want to contract this horrid illness. It's not a 24-hour bug. It's not even a 48-hour bug. It's an at least 4-day, praying to the porcelain gods, sleeping 16 hours a day, and feeling sorry for yourself because nothing is on daytime TV kind of bug. I tried to come in the office on Wednesday but the Bossman literally told me to go home. He was nice about it (after all, he had it last week) but everyone steered clear of me for sure!

Anyhoozlebees, I am finally back and work and have never been so happy to sit in my office and chat with coworkers. Despite being behind at work and feeling nervous about catching up on school stuff, I am so glad it's over.

I'm planning on posting a much less gross post for tonight about the race last weekend and other stuff. It's time to get back on the blog roll!!

3 Things

I'm addicted to lately:
Bodycology vanilla body mist, Monk reruns, and avocados.

Just thought you should know...

I've never...

* had a cup of coffee
* sat on a heated toilet seat
* ridden on a train
* puked from being too drunk
* been in a strip club
* NOT had a pet
* met a pizza I didn't like
* ridden a tandem bike
* been to Canada
* had the measles
* cheated on a math test
* been a morning person
* had a root canal
* broken a bone

Swing life away

From the time I was 7 and up until I was 19-years-old there was a particular swing in my hometown that I loved. It was capable of going exceptionally high and I must admit I was good at getting air. There is nothing quite like the feeling I get when I swing. It always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel like a kid again...no worries, no deadlines, no bills to pay. I love the feel of the wind in my air and on my cheeks. I can almost feel the plastic seat and wrap my hands around the thick metal chains as I push and pull my way to freedom. Sometimes, if I got high enough, I would feel that familiar twinge in my belly...the excitement and tingle of going so high on the swing and testing the limits of basic physics.

I wonder if that swing is still there...just beyond the gazebo in the park on Tree Lane. Next time I'm in town I may have to check it out. There is no age limit when it comes to swinging...

New year, no limits

The first Monday of 2010!! Are you excited?

Other than the fact that it it still freezing cold outside, snow is still on the ground, and the next holiday is months away, I am gearing up for the year ahead! I've officially started training for the OKC Half Marathon in April and I'm coming up with new and tangible goals for 2010. Last year was great, but I'm going to do everything I can to make this year even happier and healthier. I will continue to incorporate more fitness and better nutrition into my everyday life. I also want to find new outlets for creativity...I've already found that photography is a fun way to express myself. I'd like to try out sewing and more crafty avenues. My top priority this year (besides the half-marathon) is finally graduating!! I'm chugging along with classes and should be finished by the end of the year--finally!

I'm still pondering new ideas and goals...I love a clean slate!

My new ride

So excited and very happy...I am in love!!

Nissan Pathfinder

Who I Am

I am Ruby Maude's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done,
My mom is still my biggest fan.
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand.
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am.

adapted from Who I Am, Jessica Andrews

End-of-year goals

I'm sitting at my desk at work, eating some awful canned soup I found in my desk, and thought I would jot down some goals for the last 1 1/2 months of 2009. It's currently 41 degrees outside and I have no desire to venture out there for anything (like a decent lunch). I am finally feeling better after being sick for 4-5 days. I always get this same sinus/throat/chest infection this time of year...this time it took a Z-pak, Mucinex D, cough syrup and plenty of sleep to make it go away! I woke up yesterday feeling human again, although this cough may stick around for a few more days. I am feeling very productive and thoughtful today...what this really means is that I am in my typical "list-making" mood. Making lists makes me happy. Crossing things off the lists makes me even more happy. Yes, this is a little OCD.

So, here are a few small goals for the next 30-45 days:

1) Create a tangible, reasonable budget that allows for bill payment + small savings.

2) Totally clean the house. This includes carpet cleaning, baseboard wiping, wood floor polishing, all bedding and blankets washed, kitty box biohazzard'ed disinfected, and kitchen and utility floor mopped.

3) Summer clothes boxed; winter clothes pressed and ready.

4) Boxes of old clothes to Goodwill (there are about 3 large boxes since I lost weight).

5) Christmas gift budget/ideas for gifts

6) Garage sale?? I've been needing to have one--so much "stuff" and I know I could make a few bucks. Schedule a Saturday.

7) Clean out garage for said garage sale--it's a pit.

8) Mow last time and bag all leaves (my entire backyard is blanketed with so many leaves--it's what I get for having 3 large oak trees).

9) Organize the study (which has been clean for 3 straight months!). What can be boxed, stored, sold, given away...clothes, electronics, linens, purses, bags.

10) Make room in the study to add Grandma's dresser and to do yoga.

Whew! I feel better having gotten those things down and in print. Now, all I have to do is get started...