Guest Blog: The Mer Show

Be sure to check out Mer's blog...she is one cool chick!

The Mer Show -- Guest Blogger on Jenni-isms

Everyone knows that Facebook is a social phenomenon, but for me, it has been practically a life-changing experience. Seriously! When I first heard about it a few years ago, I equated it to My Space and blew it off, thinking it was way juvenile for a mature late 20-something like me (yeah, yeah, it was a few years ago). I refused to create a profile until Facebook became the hot new recruiting tool for finding fresh talent - I'm a technical recruiter and so it's really important to stay current with the hot trends in recruiting. So one day at work (baaad idea), I created a Facebook account in order to do some recruiting. Well, let's just say that it's been the most counterproductive decision I've ever made in 10 years of recruiting!!

Anyway, I was shocked at how many friends from high school and from different periods of my adulthood reached out and "friended" me. Quite frankly, I was pretty content to leave high school behind and never really looked back, but when I started reconnecting with old friends from Kingwood, many fond memories flooded to mind - I mean, I did go from preschool through graduation with everyone, so those memories encompassed my entire childhood! I revisited that time in my life for the first time in many, many years, it was pleasantly surprising! Over the last year of playing around with Facebook (OK, fine - more like using it on an addictive level), I have gotten to know many of my high school classmates better than I even did when we were in school together, and it's been really cool connecting as adults! I skipped our 10 year reunion a few years ago because I just felt so disconnected from that time in my life, but now that our 15 year reunion is coming up, I'm actually really excited about attending because I look forward to seeing some of my new-old friends (like Jenni!) in person after Facebooking for the last few months. It's going to be super fun!

Through this spectacle called Facebook, I also found out I had a half-sister I never knew about! Yep, she found me on Facebook about 6 months ago and reached out to deliver me the shock of a lifetime. Apparently my father had a brief marriage FIFTY years ago and had a daughter, but when her mother remarried, and the new husband adopted her, the ties with my father were severed completely. So now I have reconnected with childhood friends, gymnastics and cheerleading friends, college roommates, a few ex-boyfriends (still glad they're exes, by the way), and even a SISTER!!! Unbelievable.

One last unexpected benefit of this unexpected medium has been the Facebook Mommy Network (no, this isn't a "group", it's just my name for the group of mommies who have saved me from jumping off the ledge). I had a baby boy 7.5 months ago and admittedly went into motherhood having no idea what I was doing - really, I'm talking clueless except for what I read in books! I have relied so much on other moms who experienced some of the same challenges I have and have received so much great advice, support, and encouragement through the most challenging days of my motherhood experience. Not to mention that Facebooking through my iPhone while nursing got me through many, many sleepless nights with my son the first four months of his life. It was probably during those long nights, rocking and nursing a colicky baby for hours and hours that I got to know my new-old friends the best - I looked through everyone's profiles and pictures on my phone when the world was sleeping, yet my son and I were NOT. Thank God for iPhones and thank God for Facebook - it has truly gotten me through my son's infancy!!!

I'm sure at some point, my fascination with Facebook will end, as most of my obsessive pastimes do, but until then, count on me for daily updates on how my life is going and comments on all your photos, links, status updates, and notes. I'm the person that actually reads them. :)

Mer

Friday tunes

This song is kooky, but I've always loved it!! I dated a guy from Great Britain back in 1995 and he played this for me...I had never heard it before and thought it was so funny. It always gets me in a good mood!

(and I love the video because there is nothing quite watching two people who truly experienced the love of a lifetime...)

Coop goodies, fro-yo, and fading memories

After work, I met Mom and Grandma at our local coop pickup location. We got some really good stuff this time! Lots of arugula, sweet potatoes, squash, sweet peppers, pears (for mom), whole wheat tortillas, and fresh, homemade zucchini soup. Then we hit up a new frozen yogurt place near my house. The new "healthy fro-yo" craze has migrated from California and no less than 4 have opened recently in our town! This one is called Orange Tree. It is really cool because you just serve yourself from a variety of neat flavors and you add the toppings of your choice (they even had Captain Crunch cereal)! I got strawberry, chocolate and vanilla (and I MAY have topped it with some Heath bar crumbles). I did NOT like the strawberry...the schnozberries did not taste like schnozberries (name that movie). It was funky. But the chocolate tasted just like ice cream. Grandma seemed to enjoy hers and Mom loved it.

It is definitely a more healthy yogurt...I didn't feel full or anything and ran 4 miles about 20 minutes after eating it. Guess it's true about that whole probiotic thing!

As for the fading memories...Grandma literally kept insisting I had gotten a new car. I did trade my truck in for an SUV...more than a YEAR ago. I even drove her around in it when I first got it! But she just couldn't believe she had seen it before and swore she didn't remember. I feel for her because it must be very frustrating to know your mind is getting less and less sharp. As long as she never forgets that I love her then that's all that matters, right?! :)

Splish splash!

It's almost time for some fun in the sun! Mom and Dad's pool is in the final stages. I'm so happy for them (and me)!

Before...
After...

A day to remember...

Stand beside Her, and guide Her
thru the night with a light
from above.

College football lives here

I think I'm finally level-headed enough to discuss the college football kickoff weekend. Yes, my Sooners suffered a loss and did NOT do well on the field. It's bad enough that Gresham was out with an injury (more on that later) but our offensive line is new and for lack of a better word, very virginal. They did not protect the QB, run the ball, or complete the passes. Not only that, but what is up with all the penalties!!?? Worst of all, Sam Bradford was injured after being sacked when he fell on his shoulder. He was out for the game and now may be out for up to 4 weeks. According to the news this morning, Gresham is now out for the season. To top all of this off, OU is now ranked #13.

*deep breath*

On a lighter note, the Cowboys played an awesome game and their BCS ranking is the highest ever in the school's history. Also, the Aggies won their game so I am happy for my brother, sis-in-law and my nephew, Brandon.

Back to the Sooners...Landry Jones may have what it takes to grow into a great QB. And lucky for him we have a few games coming up against not-so-tough opponents. BUT it's not in the bag. Tulsa (9/19) may put up a good fight. And if Sam isn't back by Miami (10/3) then we may be in trouble. Did you see them against Florida State on Monday night?!? But I'd rather lose a game to Miami if it means Sam can rest up and be ready for the Texas game (10/17).

In closing, I am still looking forward to the season. I'm am behind the Sooners 100% past, present and future.

I'm a Sooner born and Sooner bred and when I die I'll be Sooner dead!

Mom & Dad's Pool!!!

It's almost done! I can't wait...they even let me help pick out the tile, color scheme, etc. I think it looks amazing. Woo-hoo!!!!!

http://oklahomapeachfuzz.blogspot.com/

Guest Blogging: September '09 Edition

I am proud and excited to announce that Mer, from The Mer Show, will be guest blogging right here on my little bloggy! We've been talking about doing a blog 'flip' and I will post something on her blog and vice versa. We just thought we'd shake things up a bit! :)

A little about Mer:
Meredith and I grew up in the same suburb north of Houston and graduated in the same class. We knew each other but didn't really hang out...you must understand our class alone had about 700+ people! Mer was pretty, smart and popular and was involved in cheerleading and gymnastics. When I say involved I mean SERIOUS. This gal was competitive, athletic and strong (and she still has a fab body because of all those years of hard work!). After high school, Mer went on to graduate from the University of Texas (insert Sooner comment here) and begin a career in Technical Recruiting. She spent some time in California and last year fell in love with Sheridan and got hitched. This past January they had little Patrick!! Now Mer and family are back in Texas--Austin to be exact--and living a great life.

Mer and I reconnected last year on Facebook and I quickly became a fan of her and her blog. We have a 15-year high school reunion coming up in October and I'm really looking forward to seeing her, meeting Sheridan and keeping in touch.

Here is a pic of Mer, Sheridan and baby Patrick...stay tuned!

My Friend, my Hero, my Dad

I’ll bet you didn’t know you were my hero
I don’t think I’ve told you until now.
But you were the one who shaped my future
And I’d like to tell you how.

Everything you did was good for me
Nothing was ever for your own gain
You took the time to teach me and to love me
Without you, I wouldn’t be the same.

I don’t know how I was given such a blessing
You were everything I needed you to be.
Someone to watch over me always
And Dad, you’ll always be a hero to me.

Oklahoma Girl

Yep, that's me! If you ever need proof of my Okie-ness, just stand outside my bathroom window while I'm in the shower (I'll be singing this song at the top of my lungs).

A Friday Lovesong

There is no video...but this song is amazing. I love Paul Carrack. Enjoy!




Artist: Paul Carrack
Title: I Don't Want Your Love (I Need Your Love)
Album: I Know That Name

Better than Bueno

And by that, I mean better than Taco Bueno! I've really been a health kick lately, logging miles of running and eating balanced meals. But I still have 'one of those days' every now and then and yesterday was a perfect example. Severe thunderstorms had kept me up the night before and I was like a zombie at work. Last week I over-trained and have been on the verge of a hamstring strain, plus I worked out my abs to the core and by yesterday I was feeling like I had been pummeled with a baseball bat. On days like that it's easy to leave work and just think "I'll swing by Taco Bueno and pick up dinner" (on the way home, literally around the corner). Well, I instead decided to go straight home and make my own healthier version of Mexican food. This meal has become a staple in my house and it's so easy, quick and low in fat.

Cheesy Chile Enchiladas

3-4 servings (1 enchilada)
6-8 oz of cooked chicken (last time I used Morningstar Farms soy crumbles and it worked great--last night I had some leftover baked chicken and just cut it up to use)
1/2 c lite sour cream
1/2 c salsa
3/4 - 1 c reduced fat Mexican cheese or sharp cheddar
4 oz can of diced green chiles
3-4 whole wheat tortillas (I have also used corn tortillas)
1 can enchilada sauce (1-1 1/2 c)

Preheat oven to 350. Combine the sour cream and salsa. Coat the bottom of a small casserole dish with enchilada sauce (since it's just for me, I use a dish that holds 4 corn enchiladas or 3 larger whole wheat tortillas, but 8x8 should work fine). To assemble the enchiladas, lay out each tortilla and spoon 2 T of the sour cream mixture down the middle, add about 2-3 oz of the chicken (substitute any meat or non-meat here--beef, beans, soy, tempeh, etc). Sprinkle on some chiles and 1 to 2 T of the cheese. Roll up as tight as possible and arrange in the dish. Once you've assembled all of the enchiladas, top with remaining enchilada sauce, the remaining chiles and the remaining cheese. Cover in foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
Edited to add: Recently added pico de gallo to the recipe...MUY BUENO!!

Upcoming events!

I can't believe Fall is almost here! I've got a lot going on the next few months...and it's my favorite time of year.

September 5th
OU Football season opener against BYU

October 10th
Komen OKC Race for the Cure 5K
I've exceeded my donation goal--yay!


October 17th
My high school 15 year reunion
I've planned a vacation around it--can't wait to see old friends and family!


October 24th
I'll be 34 years young!

Is that all there is?

Is this what life is like when you get older??

Finish up the workday on Friday, meet the family for (a superb) dinner, pick up some groceries for the weekend (i.e. wine and catfood), finish the laundry I started on Tuesday, have a glass of said wine (or two, or three...), soak in the tub while listening to Bach (very loudly), relax on the couch (with Charli the cat) to watch a scary movie, then end up in bed, asleep by 11:00 pm????


Because if that's all there is, believe it or not, this girl is pretty damn satisfied.

One month to kickoff...

Let the countdown commence...Saturday, September 5, 2009
Cowboys Stadium
One Legends Way
Arlington, Texas 76011
6:00 PM