A Week Ago/ Rockstar

A week ago, I was in Kellogg.

And right about now I was getting to my Sarahs house, slightly nervous to see my old friends. I had just stopped at the Gondolier to use the bathroom and buy a drink- brushed my hair, touched up my mascara... just in case everyone was standing outside when I got there.

I pull up, sit for just a moment. Deep breath... ok, I'm going in. My internal monologue (aka IM) was in OT:

"Ohmygosh, I cant do this. Yes you can. Oh man, what if its wierd? It wont be. What if I look silly or say something ridiculous? You dont, and of course you will. hahaha" (Its ok, I can laugh at myself)

So, here I am- worried. But I get to the gate and here comes Alex. My long lost albino snow monkey best gay guy friend from high school. Yay! A hello, a big hug and all previous thoughts are out the window. We go in and everything is JUST like it used to be. Just relaxed and happy. (IM- see, told you it would be fine. Shush).

We hang out for a bit. I cant help myself and tell the most ridiculous of jokes (hee hee) and then we take off for up town. We took the short cut and went right up to Dirty Ernies. Right off the bat, we had to hit the bar. What?! A double vodka cran just makes these socail events easier! (IM- alki. You shush- I dont do this often.)

So some people, did some visiting... Sarah had to leave... Alex and I stayed and talked. And talked, and talked and talked. I cannot remember the last time I talked with someone like that. And you know what was awesome? No judgement. I told him my deepest darkest secrets, and he didnt bat an eye. All week long, Ive been remember this and that thinking "Oh god, did I REALLY say that outloud?!" Turns out, I did.

If I had shared all that with someone I know and see all the time, I'd be so worried. By now, I would have spent many hours going over my conversations thinking "Do I need to call them and apologize for my honesty? Did I say too much and embarrass myself?" But, with old friends (even ones I dont see often), I feel like I dont have to worry. They have seen me in a marching band uniform for Petes sake. How much worse could it be?

Last weekend was so great. This weekend has been busy so far. Babysat little BBQ last night, lots of baby cuddles to make my heart melt. Today was Jam Fest, at work, so I mostly visited my afternooon away and got to listen to some good music. Tomorrow, lunch with friends. And then, the CHAOS BEGINS.

Hailee is coming over for Lady Gaga... my inlaws (including Chips Gramma) are coming over the same weekend for a game and Ikes birthday... Seattle sight seeing... back to Kellogg for wedding stuff... a trip to Lewiston to see more family... back to Kellogg for more wedding stuff.. wedding.. party... back home. Work, work, work... labor day weekend... get ready for school... school...Brad Paisley... and then? Breathe!

My new addiction is the blue can of zero carb Rockstar. Sound like I'm gonna need to mainline it in the near future.

Goodnight!

I have a dream (board)

So, on my long-quick trip back home last weekend, I spent quite a bit of time either rocking my "right now" ipod mix or listening to Cosmo Radio on Sirius. Im quite fond of "Cocks with P" and also "Get in Bed". Haha, it makes me feel naughty to say those things out loud. But, they are both really good shows.

Anyway... one of them were talking about "vision boards" or "dream boards" and all about putting what you want out to the universe to help it come to realization. You know, you think positively on the things you want out of life and your own positive energy gives strength to the things that will propel you closer to your dreams. Law of attraction, I guess. Apparently, there is a whole book (The Secret) that I need to read.

So- I'm going to do a board. I dont know if you are supposed to share your hearts desire with the world via social media... but here I go. The following items will be represented in word and image on my board (in no particular order of importance):

I am happy in my marriage
I can play the guitar
I have finished school
I am healthy and happy with my body
My house is orderly and pretty
I am a good mom
I have a good relationship with my sisters
I am a good friend

With exception to my body, I am not unhappy with my life. I am a moderately good wife,mom, friend, sister... but I just feel like I'd like to be better. Finishing school has been on my "to do" list for as long as I can remember and I just want to learn the guitar for fun.

So- here it is.

Hey Universe..! Bring it on!!

Recap? Noo... Twitcap

I found myself missing Twitter over the weekend. So, I saved it all up in my head and half twitted myself to death this afternoon.

The Land of Jen Presents-
All Class/ Gary Bear Wedding Weekend in Re-cap

Friday:
3:45 Off I go, cant wait to get home, gonna be an epic weekend! Woot!

4:30 OK, really- off I go, gas etc... Finally hitting the road

530- Oh goody, road construction AND motor home caravans, my lucky day

730-ish, Moses lake. Nice "queen beyotch" license plate holder on your 3 wheeler lady.

9:57 Holy crap, how about a litle warning when the speed limit changes from 45 to 75 and the road changes to only 12 FEET WIDE!

9:57 Hello Gaurdrail! That was a close call! But, I see the lights of town... 10:00. Hmmm- Can I remember which house is Sarahs? Well, yes!

11:00 going to Eddie Joes for the class of 94 meet up

11:05 Ok, Im gonna need at least 1 tall glass of social lubrication to not feel like a grown up band geek.

11:30 Just acosted with a violent hug by a "long lost friend" who I will not name via twitter but who was not really my friend or long lost.

11:50 Ho hum, this is dumb. Enough social awkwardness for one night, heading home.

12:15 trying to make friends with Tank, my pitbull-mastif mix DOG NEPHEW, so that he wont kill me when I come home tomorrow night.

SATURDAY
2:30 AM- my night now tendencies clearly come from my father

915 AM. I have a phone call? I dont even live here anymore! My parents number has been the same for 35 years- makes it easy to find me. ;)

1PM- lil sis straightened my hair. Off to Bonners.

330ish- made it to moms room. Cleeeear at the end of the hall. Hot as hell in here!

330ish- Holy crap! I had a dream that took place in this room! THIS room! THIS patio! THIS view. How wierd is that?

530ish- Standing room only. Proud Gary Bear standing up front. love the last minute facebook jokes. Now it begins

530ish- Aw, so beautiful. Love the "aye" from her dad. And apparently, Adams rib was the beginning of Friday night prime rib specials all over the world.

630ish- hanging out with the fam. thinking about buying the cheap cigs and throwing some cash into the slot machine

7:15- I lost

730= got me some Zips and a huckleberry shake. Headed home. :) Again. :)

10PM- Pull into the Gondolier, used to go there with a friend all the time. Gondolier burgers were bomb.

10:30- You know whats AWESOME? Hanging with old friends. So many years gone by but still so comfortable. So happy right now.

11ish- Heading to Dirty Ernies

1130 Oh man. Gotta love the valley "hey beautiful, where you from?". Um, here.
12:00- Dancing, laughing, singing... Hey look its......! :)

SUNDAY
1230 AM- still dancing, laughing, singing. Making "friends" in the bathroom line.

12:32 HAHAHAHA- the walls are covered with naked men. Havent seen that many dongs since.....__________ well, never. LOL.

1:30- whats up with last call anyways?

2:00 chatting it up with Alex. They took our table!A shared trip to the porta potty- Gott a love a guy who will go with you to pee

230 AM- at the park. My cousin walks by "what are you doing?" (catching up). Her friend: "Dont wanna 'catch up' in the bushes like everyone else?

230- LOL. There will be no "catching up" with Alex.

240- Are you thinking what Im thinking? Probably! Runs off to the swing and slides at the playground, giggling like a maniac.

300 AM- Spotlighted by the local authorities- been a while since thats happened, haha.
330- hanging out in my car, catching up. HAHAHA- just joking. We were warming up before heading home. Bye Alex, love you!

4AM- pulling into the drive. Tanky!? Tanky!? Its your auntie Jennnn! Ive got a cookie for you!

4:05AM Oh thank GOD- he remembered me. All arms and fingers are still intact. Gigantic dog hopping around the living room.

415- sleepy. Maybe I'll take my contac...

7:15- Holy Shi*t- my eyes are glued shut! Drops, advil, pepsi... good to go back to bed.

930AM- Sweet Jesus what is that bright light?! Oh- the sun? Riiiiiight.

1145AM- up and moving , gotta get going. :( Man, I hate leaving this place. I really, really hate it. Why cant Seattle be in Spokane?

12:30 off I go

630 PM- Ah, my babies and my hubby. I hate leaving "back home" but man, I love being "home, home".

And this concludes the Land of Jen twitcap. Your regular programming will now resume.

:)

Fee Fi Fo Fum, Thank God I Have A Day Off Because I Needed One.

I'm feeling much more "with it" than earlier this week. How about a Wallowa Lake recap? Complete with photos?! Alright then! Here we go!

You know I am a huge procrastinator, so we were up til midnight thirty on Wednesday getting ready to leave! Thursday night dinner was the responsibility of the West Side Wilkersons, so I was trying to pre-cook as much as possible. Starting with GLORIFIED BEANS. Called my momma for the recipe, found that there was no such thing. I guess back in the day there was no Food Network to Google for recipes and people cooked from scratch. What the heck!!?

Shaun wanted to get up at 4:30AM on Thursday, but (oops- darn luck!) we slept in and didnt get on the road til 7. He decided that getting to the freeway via Orting was quickest (!?), stopped for coffee and breakfast and hit the road. I take issue with his driving on occasion and decided to point out (by insanely slapping the dash repeatedly and stomping my foot into the fake brake on the passenger side) that he was about to rear end the car in front of us. He slammed on the brakes, sending the coffee all over the dash and the only jacket I packed. Turns out, the view from the drivers seat is different and he did not feel as close to the car in front of us as I did! Hey, perspective and all that. Whatever. Lets just say the first half of the trip was very quiet....

The drive was quite a bit longer than we thought, so we got there just in time to unload and go fishing before dark. Dinner was a success, with only one minor explosion (gas stove!) and the beans were pretty good if I do say so myself.

The guys started Friday off with a little more fishing and were quite the sucess! After a little nap, Shaun, the kids and I went into Joseph for part of the afternoon. Its a cute little town, still waking up from winter. There is a bronze factory there so sculptures on each corner. Lots of little shops, including our favorite: "Mad Mary's All Things Fat and Fabulous" where we went to a REAL soda shop and had chocolate and brown cows. I wanted a purple cow in the worst way, but they were out of grape soda!

Jake and I went to the beach to skip rocks, wade in the freeeeezing water, make friends with some wierd local, watch an eagle family, track a momma and baby geese, climb in a cool silvered tree grove and a discover a petrified deer (read CHICKEN) bone. Everyone else went hiking, bike riding and , of course, fishing. Apparently there is some wierd species of kokanee there, so fishing was a key part of the trip for Shaun, Val and Chris. They were good sports though and took the kiddos out in the boats and to the dock.

The town of Wallowa Lake is still closed til Memorial Day- so, no go carts, bumper boats, mini golf, arcade... no cell service, no internet... no tv... I was so worried that the kids would be bored!

But, you know what?! The entire rest of the trip was spent on various relaxing activities: hikes, walks, bike riding, trying to get the deer to eat out of their hands, playing in the creek, baseball at the park, beach combing, tree climbing, reading, board games, visiting, sitting in the sunshine, napping and laughing... Everyone was way too worn out to be bored!

It was good to see everyone, we really dont get together as often as we should. The kids had a great time with their cousins, I enjoyed catching up with my sister in laws and getting to know everyone just a bit more.

The drive back was along the Columbia and through Portland. We saw a lot of things we'd like to come back and stop at next time we drive that way. Summers just getting started, I'm sure I can squeeze in a road trip somewhere!!

Take care! Love ya!

So, my photos wouldnt upload- sorry guys. Check facebook, I'll make that album public so everyone can see the photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2060561&id=1097259583&saved#!/album.php?aid=2060561&id=1097259583

I Have A Follower!

Woo! I have a follower! One of my favorite people ever, Terri Dewey! (waves excitedly to Terri!)

:)

I totally meant to blog about the almost annual family gathering with Shauns family this last weekend. But, I dont think I have the engergy at the moment. Promise to post a few pics and stories later this week.

So anyways...
Lets play fill in the blank: Life is_________ in the land of Jen.
Good? Mostly.
Busy? Always.
Manageable? Barely.

Is it just me is summer bounding full steam ahead before we can even get out of spring? I feel like things are spinning, spinning, spinning around me and I'm just tripping and stumbling around in circles trying to catch up.

Work is so super busy (but thats a good thing, right?)...School is almost out and half the summer is already "penciled in"... my car needs work... my bedroom (ok, who are we foolin'- the whole damn house) is a mess... I want a pool, but the yard needs to be done first ... I've got a big event at the end of summer that I have to get planning, but I cant seem to get started... all my walls need painting, but I cant pick a color..I need to learn to mind my own business, but I'm having a hard time squelching my Super Jen to the Rescue tendencies with certain people in my life...I'm pretty sure I have deep vein thrombosis and need antidepressants, but cant seem to make myself go to the doctor...and, I need a nap.

There are a million other things on my mind that I could whine about and I could go on and on, but I'm just way too unmotiviated.

OK, so my blog is a little whiney tonight. See- I told you I need a nap!!?

With that, I'm heading to bed. Heres to hoping for some good solid sleep and a productive tomorrow.

The Torture of Chores

Here we are, the end of April. What happened to my new plan to blog? Oh yeah, totally forgotten amongst all the other stuff of life! Well, I'm good. Kids are all good. Husband is good. Life is... good? Of course it is! This is The Land Of Jen, people!!

You know, baby books make it seem like the earlier years are the hardest. School aged kids are tough,man! Luckily I have a good bunch. They are all smart, nice and (most of the time) moderately well behaved.

BUT, Like many American kids- ours our spoiled. We have a constant battle against the entitlement in younger people today. To wager against that, we feel like making our kids do chores and be responsible for their actions are good ways to help them learn to not grow up expecting the world delivered to you on a silver platter.

According to my little darlings, other kids get to do whatever they want and their moms do all the chores while they just get to sit around on their butts. According to them we are hard, hard, hard-assed parents! I mean- we're really awful:

We make them save their money for things they really want!
We shop sales racks (unheard of, apparently, in other moms of teenagers)
We make them go to bed at the same time every night!
We make them do things "as a family"!!
And, heaven forbid, We make them do chores!!!

Here is the torture enducing chore chart:

**Chores and homework are done before any TV/phones/computers/ipods**
Jake- takes the daily trash out, feeds and waters the dog, empties the dishwasher and helps bring up laundry.
Ike- takes the big cans out weekly, lets the dog out, loads the dishwasher and helps bring up laundry.
Kayla- helps with dinner, sets/clears the table and keeps laundry going.

Seriously, I thought they were going to report us to CPS enforcing slave labor.

We've always had a chore chart, completion has been spotty, with no real consequence for not doing it (there I go, adding to the problem!!) But, now- they are supposed to do their chores without being reminded. If they dont do their chore, they can receive a consequence to be determined by one of us: loss of phone/tv/ipod/computer, not going to play, going to bed early, or extra chores.

So far, the boys have lost tv for one night and it took Kayla 2 nights to get her phone back. Hard assed- yep, thats me.

Well anyways... we are down to using tissues for TP, so off to the store I go!

Have a good weekend!

Hey, I Have A Great Idea

... I'll start a blog and then forget to update it for MONTHS. Oh, wait...

Ha! Anyways- it has been quite a while. So, a recap:

October- Birthdays!
We didnt do much for ours, K had a couple of friends over for a haunted house night. I took three girls and one very lucky boy to a few haunted houses, bought them pizza, etc. I think she had a good time.
We were waiting, waiting, waiting for the house sale stuff to come through.

November- Thanksgiving!
Ike celebrated his birthday- since his is in August and we had just moved, we wanted to give him some time to make a few new friends before his party. I thought for sure he'd want a big blow out, but he just wanted me to take him and his friends to the movies. I dropped them off, and sat way up above them. What?! He's only 10!! ;) I cant NOT keep an eye on him!
Thanksgiving was a trip back home. And awesome. We very, very rarely travel in the winter due to road conditions and crazy holiday travelers. But, the stars were aligned I guess- we had perfect roads BOTH ways. And it was WONDERFUL to get to be with my family on Thanksgiving. The big family gathering on Thanksgiving is a cherished childhood memory. I was thrilled to get to share a bit of that with the kids.

December- was a blur~
Work was CRAZY busy and all the days in this month mesh together for me.
As far as Christmas-ish stuff goes... we made sure to hit Fantasy Lights, as always. We managed to get the tree up well before Christmas this year (as opposed to my normal WEEK before decorating frenzy).
Christmas Eve we went up to Aunt Ellens house and I was happy to suprise her with some long lost pictures from her childhood. It was a gift for her, but so much more for me to get to see the joy on her face. Christmas Day was great.
I ADORE being with family, but sometimes our quiet Christmas Days are just what we need. We did stockings and presents and then a sort of brunch of left over pizza (Oh! So not traditional!) before heading out to the movies. We saw Avatar- wow, it was really cool. We got home so late that we scratched the ham we had planned and had (cringe) more left over pizza!

Guess what happened that was awesome in December? We signed papers on the house on December 31. Happy New Year to us! Finally! Can I get a "yay-for-shaun-and-jen!" Thanks!

New Years was a blast! We had a house full of friends and the kids played their guts out. Shaun went all out with Sushi and all kinds of other goodies. One friend brought poppers for all the kids, now they want to have her over to play every weekend! :)

January tripped on by without too much hassle or craziness. Well, except for a few parenting challenges. I tell you, I have a new respect for my parents... especially concerning my teen age years. But, all we can do is our best. And so we move on.

February is here and its gonna be great! My mom and sisters came over for a baby shower for little Quentin James Curry this weekend. It was really terrific to get to spend time together. I put together a fantastic Seattle-on-a-budget type tour and we had a fabulous time.
The superbowl was today- we spent it with another family and had a good time. They had a little 3 year old girl and man, those little kids can really move. Its a wonder I got any rest at all back when the boys were little! But, you know what? I miss those days. Those cuddly little baby faces- all those squishy little hugs and the constant exploration: "momma, look!" every five seconds. Time goes so fast.

In fact, time goes so fast that I've recapped the last 4 months in just this little blog entry!

Goodnight friends!