tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138465682024-03-23T13:30:17.470-05:00 Everyone is entitled to my opinionMom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. Scrapbooker, family historian, reader, cook, photographer. Volunteer. Political junkie. Springsteen fan. Loves deeply, strives daily to be a cheerful, kind and generous person. Fails regularly. Snarky, judgy and more than a little blunt. Some people don't appreciate my style. If you're one of them, that's ok. Get your own blog.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.comBlogger1199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-89564883342971940772016-01-14T19:57:00.001-06:002016-01-16T13:40:24.409-06:00For the recordIt's been a rough couple of months. I am posting this so that I can remember later exactly what happened -- I couldn't make this stuff up.<div><br></div><div>Tuesday, Nov. 24 Rob drove to Menomonie to bring Garrett home for Thanksgiving. The 2005 Chrysler Town & Country died near Wabasha on the way home. They had it towed to Wabasha. The mechanic took a look at it Friday and said it blew a cylinder. Sent to salvage.</div><div><br></div><div>Evan's truck died. Distributor. $400 to replace.</div><div><br></div><div>Monday, Nov. 30 we had the 2004 PT Cruiser towed to Virgil's to have what we thought was a hose leak fixed. Turned out it was the water pump. Simple, except the engine had to be pulled in order to get to the water pump. Estimate? $1200. Sent to salvage.</div><div><br></div><div>Thursday, Dec. 3 we looked at a 2005 Dodge Stratus with an automatic transmission and bought it for $500.</div><div><br></div><div>Somewhere in here the fridge died and cost us $160 in repairs.</div><div><br></div><div>Sunday, Jan. 3 Rob went to take Spence to choir and the transmission on the Dodge was frozen. Had it towed, and it was deemed irreparable. Sent to salvage, but they can't pay anything for it without a title and we still don't have the new title from the state.</div><div><br></div><div>Evan's truck died again. $300 for a new ignition relay. </div><div><br></div><div>Evan hit a light pole on Thursday, January 7 in his truck. I can't even.</div><div><br></div><div>Sunday, January 10 -- dishwasher latch broken. Runs but will leak water all over. Ordered replacement part on eBay; fortunately Rob can fix this one.</div><div><br></div><div>Also bought another $500 car (a 2002 Saturn with a manual transmission).</div><div><br></div><div>Monday, January 11. Below zero temps. Saturn won't start. Battery? No. Turns out it's the ignition. Order replacement part from Rock Auto.</div><div><br></div><div>7 weeks.</div><div>3 cars salvaged. (All Chryslers, tyvm.)</div><div>2 cars purchased.</div><div>About $1000 in car repairs and tows, all told.</div><div>Just over $250 in appliance repairs.</div><div><br></div><div>I am not even certain this is everything, but I feel better that I got it recorded somewhere. Through all of this, I often thought of the line from "Rosalita": "Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny."</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-89288444767162221602015-04-19T21:54:00.002-05:002015-04-19T21:54:13.273-05:00MovingNew location -- www.harveland.comJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-43002121383254904432015-01-01T17:13:00.001-06:002015-01-01T17:13:46.561-06:00Ring in the newI have always loved New Year's Day. No pressure, no place to be, no stress. We had a low stress holiday season overall but today was still nice. <div>My work life is ramping up - I am transitioning from 16 hours a week to full time. It is good, but I am nervous about the transition. Change is always hard for me.</div><div>We went out for a little while so G and Rob could use some gift cards, and now we're home and Rob is brewing a batch of nut brown ale. I am snuggled in bed in my pajamas watching HGTV.</div><div>I began 2014 with a terrible sense of dread and impending doom. A friend read my tarot and said she saw a big change; a birth of sorts. It made no sense in January, but today I see the growth and the birth in my professional life. </div><div>The year had its ups and downs, as they all do, but overall it was not filled with tragedy as I expected. As I grow older I ask fewer questions about what the future holds because I have experienced more of the really hard stuff. Today I am grateful for the last year and hoping this year is happy and holds few, if any, surprises.</div><div>Happy 2015 to you and yours!</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-12587559106646877292014-10-31T21:53:00.001-05:002014-10-31T21:53:42.989-05:00Carrying a TorchA boy I once loved died last night. Too young, needlessly. He fell asleep at the wheel.<div>Today has been a torrent of memories ... a Boston Red Sox cap, softball games, a Chinese restaurant in Georgia. Barracks, uniforms, and magical summer nights. A reunion, deep affection, and a long, soul-baring talk. A sunset over the ocean, an impromptu dance in a Hollywood restaurant, a hip LA bar where he sat in with the band, the Chinese Theatre at 3 AM. </div><div>He was happy. He was good at what he did, and he was loved. He was glad I had Rob and though I hadn't seen him in over 10 years, we both knew if the other needed us we would be there.</div><div>The world is a sadder place tonight. Please hold his beloved mom and sisters in the light. He was charming, intelligent, a talented musician and promoter, an incredible dancer, and an all- around good guy. </div><div>Dammit, Torch. You told me you wouldn't break my heart again.</div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-58712454458778134942014-10-29T19:20:00.001-05:002014-10-29T19:20:42.732-05:00It's ComplicatedMy surgery. It was far more complex than the doc had anticipated. There were complications, a second surgeon had to be called in, and what was supposed to be an hour and a half turned into a 6 hour procedure.<br />
Friday night I was miserable, ALL NIGHT.<br />
I left the hospital Sunday afternoon, and was back in the ER 30 hours later with more complications.<br />
I prepared well for this -- I really did. But HOLY MOLY was I unprepared for the level of pain and the sheer misery.<br />
I am 5 days out. I hope that some major changes will happen next Tuesday morning, and that they will make my life easier, if not pain-free.<br />
In the meantime, I am at home, on the couch, resting.<br />
Frankly, it's boring as hell. I don't do boredom. I can't really read -- hard to concentrate. I have watched a little TV (thank you Netflix), but it is so difficult for me to just sit.<br />
More next week -- and I hope it will be more upbeat.<br />
<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-5980353802133815372014-10-05T11:43:00.001-05:002014-10-05T11:43:17.419-05:00Fall cleaning on steroidsI am preparing for a surgical procedure that will have me in bed for a week or two, and in the past month I have been feverishly cleaning and organizing.<div>It was all overdue; the deep cleaning of bathroom, the washing of walls, the dusting and reorganizing of my laundry room, which had become a catch all and my personal nightmare.</div><div>It's been a busy, busy month because of that, and because the kids' activities require precise scheduling and rides, and because I brought in a big contract at work that promises to get bigger. Balancing school, work, home, church ... it is all good, but the weeks pass in a blur of chores and dog walks, emails and driving. Always the driving, and of course the laundry.</div><div>This is a gift to myself; I have been working to complete cleaning chores so I can focus on my recovery. I have meals in the freezer, I have mobilized my village in advance so I will have support, and I am making sure my bedroom is tidy and restful.</div><div>The church rummage sale is coming up, and I have purged outgrown clothes and shoes, unused kitchen gadgets, and extraneous household objects. They are piled in totes and paper sacks, waiting for Wednesday, when I can drop them off. I am looking forward to this day, for the space it will create in my life, and for the coffee I will share with a friend that morning.</div><div>The season is changing; fall is always melancholy for me. But I take comfort in the fact that, for once, the thing I need to do for myself is also the thing I need to do for my family. I am grateful for that intersection, and for the reminder that in caring for myself I am, by extension, caring for them. I need to remember that and be mindful of it always.</div><div><br></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-84752340794531485552014-06-22T21:21:00.001-05:002014-06-26T14:59:56.009-05:00Solstice Party RecapWe hosted a summer solstice party at our seasonal campsite yesterday. It was an item at our church auction last November, so I had a long time to pore over Pinterest and get ideas.A struggle with depression this spring combined with all those wonderful ideas left me overwhelmed.I finally pulled the menu together over the last couple of weeks, and since at the end of the evening someone suggested it was such a success we turn it into an annual event, I figured I'd better document what I made.<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/2013/09/rosemary-potatoes-recipe/" target="_blank">Garlic rosemary fingerling potatoes with Lemon garlic aioli</a></li>
<li><a href="http://cooklikejames.typepad.com/cook_like_james/appetizershors-doeuvres/" target="_blank">Beet, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts with basil vinaigrette</a>, served in Belgian endive leaves (you have to scroll down quite a way, and I substituted toasted pine nuts because I don't care for walnuts)</li>
<li>Fruit skewers (watermelon, strawberry, red and green grapes, pineapple)</li>
<li><a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/02/02/caprese-skewers-with-balsamic-drizzle/" target="_blank">Caprese skewers </a>(grape tomatoes, pearl mozzarella, sun gold cherry tomatoes, basil from my camper herb garden) with a balsamic vinegar reduction drizzle</li>
<li>Shrimp, red pepper, and pineapple skewers in a teriyaki marinade</li>
<li>Teriyaki tofu, red pepper and pineapple skewers, also in a teriyaki marinade</li>
<li>Veggies and dip</li>
<li>Chicken breast skewers with peanut satay sauce</li>
<li>Crackers with an incredible <a href="http://www.northprairiesignature.com/detail.php?product=40&category_id=15" target="_blank">pepper relish</a> made near our hometown in North Dakota</li>
</ul>
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We pre-mixed Mojitos (plain and <a href="http://www.theroastedroot.net/strawberry-rhubarb-mint-mojitos/" target="_blank">strawberry-rhubarb</a>) in jelly jars so people could add the club soda right before drinking. Left some non-alcoholic so that people could enjoy that as well, and add the rum if they wanted to.</div>
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We served beer Rob brewed, Spring Grove soda, and lots of water.</div>
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Fun, fun night! I never took one picture, but it was lovely, and I was grateful to share the night with such a great group. I typically hate that night because it is the beginning of the dying of the light, but it was less painful surrounded by friends.</div>
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All in all, a resounding success.</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-4169851470277147732014-04-23T10:01:00.002-05:002014-04-23T10:02:30.487-05:00Guest Post from Aislinn: National Infertility Awareness Week<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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It is National Infertility Awareness Week, and I am hosting a guest blogger today. Aislinn from <a href="http://www.msbabymakin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Baby Makin' </a>and I got connected through my friend Lauren at <a href="http://www.jesseandlauren.com/" target="_blank">Our Crazy Ever After</a>. If you go to Lauren's blog there will be a linkup of all the guest posts she set up for this week. Thanks to Lauren for the idea, and to Aislinn for the guest post.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div id="convio-content-508518154" style="display: inline; float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.resolve.org/"><img alt="resolveeupdates" border="0" src="http://familybuilding.resolve.org/images/content/pagebuilder/18193.gif" height="56" width="150" /></a></div>
<i><a href="http://www.resolve.org/" target="_blank">RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association</a>, established in 1974,
is a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide
network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal
access to all family building options for men and women experiencing
infertility or other reproductive disorders. RESOLVE founded the
National Infertility Awareness Week in 1989.</i><br />
<i>
RESOLVE improves the lives of women and men living with infertility. </i><br />
<i><br />One
in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age is diagnosed with
infertility. RESOLVE addresses this public health issue by providing
community to these women and men, connecting them with others who can
help, empowering them to find resolution and giving voice to their
demands for access to all family building options.</i><b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><i>Now, without further ado, Aislinn:</i><b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I saw the call for infertility bloggers to write about
their struggles during National Infertility Awareness Week, I jumped on the
chance. After I submitted my comment, however, I sat back and wondered to
myself, "what am I going to write about?" My writer's block wasn't
due to the fact that our journey was so long that it would take forever to
explain, or too emotional that it's hard to talk about; in fact, as funny as it
sounds, I like talking about our infertility journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was holding me up, is that after a year and a half of
trying, I'm finally pregnant. In fact, I'm 6 months along with a healthy baby
boy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was afraid that since I am "on the other side,"
my story wouldn't be as compelling, as emotional, or informational as other
women who have been fighting for years with no success. But then I thought
about this year's NIAW theme, "<a href="http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/home-page.html">Resolve
to know more</a>," and made my goal to make information about infertility
more available. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even if our journey <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i>
took a year and a half, and we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only</i>
had to use ovulation medications, our journey was still long and emotional, but
most of all, it was educational. As strange as it sounds, I'm thankful for our
infertility. Would I wish it on my most hated enemy? No. Never in a million
years do I ever wish for someone to go through the roller coaster of
infertility. I am, however, thankful for the information I've gained about my
body, the pride I have when I know I've advocated for myself with my doctors, and
the confidence I have in my knowledge of infertility. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone, but
women especially, to have knowledge about their bodies. When I was diagnosed
with PCOS (<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Polycystic ovary syndrome</span></a><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">,) I spent hours
researching, reading books and blogs, getting my hands on any information I
could. <span class="apple-converted-space"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Things I thought I knew from my grade school sex
education class were quickly thrown out the window. Did you know that a woman's
egg is available for fertilization for only 24-48 hours? Or that your hormones
fluctuate throughout the month, and if one of your hormones is out of whack, it
can make pregnancy pretty much impossible? The more I read, the more I was
surprised at how the human population survived with all of the things that
could go wrong. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Throughout our journey, I started piping up when
friends quoted wrong information, and I came out publicly on Facebook about our
journey. I was hoping that I could spread some of the knowledge that I had
gained to other women so that they didn't have to go through the journey we
did, or at the very least, it would be a shorter one. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">As part of the "Resolve to know more..."
theme, and subsequently my "resolve to teach more..." hopes, here are
a few things that most people do not know about infertility: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">1. Infertility is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">disease </b>or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed
after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if
the woman has suffered from multiple miscarriages and the woman is under 35
years of age. If the woman is over 35 years old, it is diagnosed after 6 months
of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. (Information taken from </span></span><a href="http://www.resolve.org/infertility-overview/what-is-infertility/frequently-asked-questions-about-infertility.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">here</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">.) </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Infertility
is a medical problem. Approximately 30% of infertility is due to a female
factor and 30% is due to a male factor. In the balance of the cases,
infertility results from problems in both partners or the cause of the
infertility cannot be explained. (Information taken from </span></span><a href="http://www.resolve.org/infertility-overview/what-is-infertility/frequently-asked-questions-about-infertility.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">here</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">.) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">3. Infertility will affect 1 in 8 couples. That means
you, or someone you know, will likely battle with infertility. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">4. People struggling with infertility want your
support, not your advice. If they have been struggling for any length of time,
they've heard standing on your head after sex will get you knocked up (and have
probably tried it).</span></span> They have also heard enough stories of your mother's
friend's hairdresser getting pregnant after trying X, Y or Z. What they really
want to hear is "I'm here for you," "Is there anything I can do
to help?" and "I'm here if you need to vent, need a hug, or need a
really strong drink." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">5. Many women going through infertility have a hard
time attending baby related events. There's a common term used in the IF
community of "depressed happiness," when you hear of another
pregnancy, or get another shower invitation. It's a strange emotion of feeling
absolutely elated for your friend/relative, while feeling like it's never going
to happen for you. Many women find baby showers a stab to the heart, and while
they want to be there to support you, they cannot handle hours of cooing over
tiny baby clothes and warding off questions of "when will it be your
turn?" </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">If your friend politely declines your baby themed
event, please don't be upset with her. Unless you are aware of her treatments,
you never know if she's just had yet another failed cycle, a miscarriage, or
the blow of learning she'll need IVF just to have the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chance</i> to conceive. She may send a present through the mail, with
another attendee, or want to celebrate privately with you. While it is your
chance to celebrate, be aware of her emotions. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">6. Infertility is expensive. My husband and I were
lucky to "only" need ovulation medications to conceive which are on
the low end of the price scale. We were also lucky to have many of our
ultrasounds and blood work covered by insurance, but not everyone has that
luxury. I have heard so many stories of women taking out loans, emptying their
savings, or borrowing from relatives just to have the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">chance</b> to conceive. Remember, treatments are not a cure for
infertility. Treatments are just the way to give the couple their best chance
of conceiving. Success rates depend on so many things (age, diagnosis, etc.)
but typically IVF only has a 50-60% chance of working.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">7. There are ways for you to help. You can write
letters to your government, asking for mandated infertility coverage in your
state. If you know your friend is struggling with paying for treatments,
approach her about the possibility of having a fundraiser. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Note: please approach her before doing any
sort of public fundraiser. Some women are very private about their journeys and
do not want their community to know.</i>) If you know she's just had a failed
cycle, take her out for a drink, or to a movie, something to get her mind off
of her loss. Purchase gifts from Etsy shops that are raising funds for
treatments (</span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoDamnCharming"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So Damn Charming</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> is an example.) And, as always, let her know that you're there
for her in whatever way she needs you to be.</span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cpb-py-2y1Kho9eF1Bz8NRUUkneiSff1Z6849WyiYRt1ny6c2lnQW1uQbXCAtl_3GX7MQcVgOO3zSC8_xN7Fy8qbaZNaQPL2wlWGsxWD_HFVN7Z29IM7e18Hae1dKIq2DBb7/s1600/aislinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cpb-py-2y1Kho9eF1Bz8NRUUkneiSff1Z6849WyiYRt1ny6c2lnQW1uQbXCAtl_3GX7MQcVgOO3zSC8_xN7Fy8qbaZNaQPL2wlWGsxWD_HFVN7Z29IM7e18Hae1dKIq2DBb7/s1600/aislinn.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #111111; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span><i>Aislinn is a Missouri girl living in Mississippi due to her husband's
job. She works in an art gallery, and has two cats, Mika and Carbon.</i></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-60655137773018033022014-03-30T17:11:00.001-05:002014-03-30T17:15:01.284-05:00Me timeIt's no secret here that I am a girl who needs her alone time. March has not been so accommodating of that. <div><br></div><div>I love that my boys are involved in extracurricular activities -- one in track, one in dance and singing, one in Model UN this year -- but it has me feeling more than a little stretched right now.</div><div><br></div><div>This month, with its Mayo Clinic visitors, a kid in driver's ed, and me at the center of a church service for today (which went off without a hitch), has been busy.</div><div><br></div><div>So busy that, aside from the new Cosmos, I haven't seen much TV -- even the news. So much that I still have not even downloaded the book group book. So much that I vowed to dye my hair on Thursday, and the box sits on my bathroom counter, as yet unused.</div><div><br></div><div>I am ready for some me time -- preferably with a book. We all choose how to spend our time, but with my job , the boys, church, friends and a wet basement, I have had few choices. It's, frankly, been a drag.</div><div><br></div><div>March has been cold -- today's high was supposed to be 62, but a stiff breeze and cloudy skies left it feeling colder. We are all frustrated. I am looking forward to a trip tomorrow, the first college visit. Just me and Garrett, in what I hope will be fun and eye-opening and inspiring for him, as I guess all parents hope when they embark on such trips. We 're not going south, but a change of scenery will do me good regardless of the temperature .</div><div><br></div><div>March. There's one day left of you, and somehow I have a vague, unsettled feeling that you'll get your licks in until the last possible minute. You have not been pleasant, and I will be glad to be rid of you.</div><div><br></div><div>I just hope that whatever you have up your sleeve is something I can handle.</div><div><br></div><div>April, come on in. Bring your showers, as long as temps are closer to 60 than 30. I'll take it -- and my camper (and a few good reads) are waiting.<br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykNTjivI5B5M-zE4MckoraPDeuNBdiFCN3TH-cw7HrJ7b-w-eHeAzS5sh3OoDHUDxqK9-kim9h9lph_d0w9oha5lgBO7nlFhG7t27pNgxCi9QUxF2EmS-szelXPBV4uv8pmh2/s640/blogger-image--1422967505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykNTjivI5B5M-zE4MckoraPDeuNBdiFCN3TH-cw7HrJ7b-w-eHeAzS5sh3OoDHUDxqK9-kim9h9lph_d0w9oha5lgBO7nlFhG7t27pNgxCi9QUxF2EmS-szelXPBV4uv8pmh2/s640/blogger-image--1422967505.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-72439354089486380832014-03-28T14:46:00.001-05:002014-03-28T20:04:20.270-05:00Mine fieldMarch has been a mine field.<br />
<br />
When my boys were small, we had several years (5 at least, maybe more) where March was nothing but one runny nose/cold/stomach flu after another. I would have sick kids, each bringing home a different illness, then sharing it with his siblings, so that we had a round-robin of disgusting symptoms coupled with fights over taking medicine and kids so clingy I couldn't go to the bathroom alone.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, we are done with that phase, and things have been calm the last few Marches. <br />
<br />
But this year. Oh my, when it hit, it hit hard. A friend's mom with a scary diagnosis and a decision to move in with said friend for access to docs here at the Clinic. Temporary. to be sure -- just a couple of months. But it throws things off to have a houseguest for weeks, especially if said guest is maybe not feeling well. Would any of them do it any other way? I think not. But that doesn't make the hard parts less hard.<br />
<br />
In the midst of that, the loss of a beloved pet. Because, why not face mortality on 2 fronts, right? Tough days for that family, for sure.<br />
<br />
Then, extended family members and the loss of another beloved pet.<br />
<br />
Another friend is in a leadership position in an organization that is facing some challenges that are shaping up to be a battle. Unnecessary, unpleasant, and stressful for me on a different level because I am part of the organization.<br />
<br />
Extended family in town for tests at Mayo.<br />
<br />
Friends of friends here for the same reason, now extending their stay to 2 weeks or more, hoping for answers.<br />
<br />
I am trying to be a good friend, to be supportive without being prying or intrusive, to accept whatever information people feel comfortable sharing. But I feel like I am standing in a mine field, and my friends are walking all around me, and every few seconds something else blows up.<br />
<br />
And Sunday night, my own explosion. After a long and painful separation, difficult but necessary, I will have the opportunity to reconcile a relationship, exorcise some demons, and provide comfort (I hope) to someone I love.<br />
<br />
This morning? A friend I have known for nearly 10 years online lost her dad.<br />
<br />
Seriously? <br />
<br />
Life is a mine field. We are all, I guess, dodging fireballs and hoping we can navigate our way through with as little damage to ourselves as possible while still providing support to those around us. I hope you and yours are well, if you're reading this, and if you're in a mine field of your own right now, take comfort that you're not alone, and remember Winston Churchill's words, "If you're walking through hell, keep going."<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-50932535081913725622014-02-03T14:09:00.002-06:002014-02-03T14:33:23.645-06:00It's BeautifulThere was, apparently, a kerfuffle over a Coca-Cola <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=443Vy3I0gJs&list=PLCIVZWq1FAwcWJmgdF5o3-QTZZ-OnBUgA">commercial</a> that aired during yesterday's Super Bowl. It shows people of different cultural and religious backgrounds and "America, The Beautiful" is sung in a number of languages; Hindi, Tagalog, Spanish, Hebrew, Senegalese-French, Arabic, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keresan_languages">Keres</a> (spoken by the Pueblo people of New Mexico), Mandarin, and I may have missed one or two. Click the link and it will trigger a number of behind-the-scenes videos showing the recording of the song, too.<br />
<br />
The metaphor for America that I have always loved is that of the tossed salad-- all mixed together with each culture maintaining its own unique flavor. This is what makes us strong. If you don't like this commercial, you are missing the point of this country.
In the mix is also this longer video that shares the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ReHUMUb9gY&feature=share">stories</a> of the people who appear in the video. It's a powerful reminder that we really are far more alike than we are different, and that pretty much all of us want the same things for ourselves and our families.<br />
<br />
In an America that is a tossed salad, I myself am a tossed salad, too. As a white woman I have noticed that often it is assumed I have no cultural identity other than "white." While my ancestry, as far as I know, is all European, I actually have ancestry from many areas: Holland, France, Ireland, Norway, and the UK. And, if you get really picky (which I do), I have ancestry from Wales, Great Britain, and Scotland, each a part of the UK with distinct culture, language and traditions.
All of those cultures (to varying degrees) are part of my experience and my heritage; lumping them together and calling me "white" removes my own individual cultural identity. I am not whining, just making an observation; for me, understanding my friends of different backgrounds happens when I hear their stories and understand some of what makes them who they are. I think that is true of everyone, regardless of their race, religious or cultural background. It would seem Coca-Cola agrees with me on this point.<br />
<br />
At any rate, acknowledging the linguistic, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of our great nation is wonderful. I guess there were some people who were unhappy with the song being sung in languages other than English. I, on the other hand, applaud Coca-Cola for showing the incredible beauty of this country AND its people.
For lunch today, I'm having a salad -- and a <a href="http://us.coca-cola.com/">Coke</a>.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-11533177945303754612014-01-30T16:40:00.001-06:002014-01-30T17:19:22.597-06:00Finally, photosLast year I posted about being <a href="http://jsvh.blogspot.com/2013/05/inspiration-strikes-again.html" target="_blank">inspired</a> to create a couple of end tables out at the camper. We hope to add a deck this summer and these will add some color and be functional, too.<br />
<br />
We found a little red side table in Lanesboro at a vintage shop. I think we paid $25 for it, which is high, but Lanesboro is a tourist town and when I tried to bargain, the guy told me he had just put it out and he knew he could get that price. He was right, so I bought it.<br />
<br />
I brought it home and wiped it down with a damp cloth and then just let it sit for a few weeks. As is my usual style, I knew it would eventually tell me what I should do with it. At the same time, I was collecting a few Minnesota themed items, digging things out of boxes, picking up a vintage postcard here, and an old wooden fishing lure there, thinking they might have something to do with the table, or perhaps another project for out at the camper.<br />
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Now we will flash back to about 1999 or 2000; Rob and I watched a lot of HGTV. Keep in mind that this was before the home improvement and DIY craze; we did it because we had bought an old (1952) house that needed updating and we couldn't afford to hire the work done. There was an episode (not sure of the show) where a family in California turned their garage into a family room. (Not uncommon, Minnesotans -- square footage is at a premium out there.) Anyway, they did it in a 50s diner theme, with black and white checkered flooring, chrome and hot rods. So cool. They had a bar with bar stools in one area of the room, and they placed diner-style paper placemats, flatware, etc. as if they were place settings, added a few Hot Wheels cars for color, and poured an epoxy resin over all of it.<br />
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It. Was. Genius.<br />
<br />
Rob and I have mentioned that dozens of times to each other -- it was unique, fairly simple, inexpensive, and a conversation piece. But I never had the project to try it on.<br />
<br />
Until we found the red table.<br />
<br />
The epoxy is a mess. Two different jugs that you mix together. I was surprised because it was more expensive than I had expected, although still affordable in the overall project budget; I got ours at Menards. There are small containers for smaller projects; the tables required 2 of the biggest kits they carried.<br />
<br />
Tips for working with epoxy resin:<br />
<br />
Lay newspaper everywhere. Multiple layers.<br />
Be somewhere that is well ventilated but where the objects can dry without being disturbed by insects, dust or debris (so outside is not recommended).<br />
Buy several measuring cups and rubber spatulas at the dollar store. You will not be able to clean this stuff up.<br />
Be patient, follow directions, and DON'T PANIC. (Thank you Douglas Adams).<br />
<br />
Rob built a frame for the table edges so that the resin would build up and stay in place rather than running off the table edge. He used scrap wood and covered it with duct tape so the resin would not stick to the tape. He clamped the corners and I got to work. It took several layers -- I would mix, pour, let dry, and repeat. Allowing adequate drying time meant it took a couple of days.<br />
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I placed the items haphazardly, as if they might have just been casually tossed there, and the result was this:<br />
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Not great photos, but you can sort of see in the top one that the wooden fishing lure actually sticks out from the surface a little bit. The paint is the color that was on it -- it had a few splashed of beige and brown paints but I strategically covered up some of those spots and left it alone. The company hasn't done any testing o how the epoxy holds up in cold weather, but this one made it through the winter last year in the shed at the campsite. It is maybe a little yellowed, but for this application, I am okay with that.<br />
<br />
Next up? Its companion piece, a French Provincial nightstand I found for $10 at a garage sale. The color is Superior Blue, for our lovely lake, and I did the same trick again, only this time it required a lot of sanding and mucking about with prepping.<br />
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This one has a bobber on it, a photo of my paternal grandparents' lake cabin, a vintage postcard of Rochester's own Plummer building, a rock that I picked up at Kris's place after she died, a Mayo keychain, and a birchbark postcard that was sent by my grandma to her parents in the early 1940s. The card is curved and sticks out a bit from the surface -- the curved one is the original. I added a photocopy of the writing on the back as well -- that is that darker brown rectangle on the left. The bobber sticks out a bit, too, but I like that it has some dimension.<br />
<br />
SoI did have the table done in time for the party, as mentioned in the entry I linked. I just (clearly) took a little longer than expected with sharing this project.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was worth the expense of the resin and the time involved -- Maybe by this fall I will be able to post a picture of the two tables on the deck next to the camper!<br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-34834267067529551372014-01-07T19:49:00.001-06:002014-01-07T19:49:43.306-06:00Crafty New Year!Happy New Year! As usual, I am an inconsistent blogger. Oh well. Maybe that is just how it's going to be around here for a while.<br />
<br />
The holiday season was ok this year. My Seasonal Affective Disorder is not bad. I think the Vitamin D supplement helps, as does my little blue light.<br />
<br />
For Christmas, my uber-talented mother-in-law hit one out of the park by giving me a set of super cool embroidered flour sack towels. I have a few vintage ones, and an old set of Martha Stewart Days of the Week ones that have seen better days. These each have a different garden veggie embroidered on them, and they are AWESOME.<br />
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So now I want more. I decided I want some with the little Dutch girls on them (you've seen those, right? Picturing a chore for each day of the week.) So I went to eBay, found the original vintage uncut, unused patterns and ordered them.<br />
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I love them so much I am a little afraid to get started on them so I found another set that I also love and decided to start with that, in one thread color per towel to keep it simple for me.
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A trip to Fleet Farm for the towels, a JoAnn Fabrics run for the embroidery floss (OMG I totally had SO. MUCH. FLOSS when I cross-stitched. Sigh.) and I am on my way. PS -- Embroidery is hard because you are supposed to keep your stitches even. I am not so good with that yet. Don't judge. It's more important that I have the towels and that I did the embroidery, right?
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As long as I mentioned my mother-in-law's incredible talent, I should post a picture of her knitting work, too. She knits Christmas stockings and there are families in our home town that have 2 and 3 generations with stockings she has made. These patterns are just a few of the designs she can do. If you are interested in ordering stockings you can email her at joannknits [at] harveland [dot] com
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Obviously she will only take on as many orders as she can produce, so ordering early is best. Email her for pricing quotes and any other information you need, andthanks.<br />
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So I have started yet another crafty thing, but I am justifying it by telling myself it's a useful one. The new year is underway, and we are sliding out from under this crazy cold spell. Back to work and school tomorrow for all of us, and highs in the 30s by Friday.<br />
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Soon? An update on my most favorite Black Friday purchase EVER, and perhaps more.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-25113475538909081502013-11-26T09:57:00.001-06:002013-11-26T09:57:25.752-06:00Deep Fried Turkey and ... Ducks?My new job at ADB Advertising is a great gig -- I love what I do and my <s>boss</s> intrepid leader, Alex (we all know I only have one Boss) is an amazingly creative and talented guy. The fact that he is so good at what he does is underscored by the fact that he and State Farm Insurance basically came up with the <a href="http://www.adb-studios.com/blog/dueling-turkeys-or-we-guess-great-minds-do-think-alike/" target="_blank">exact same ad</a>. (Clearly we don't have the resources to get the guys from Duck Dynasty, though).<br />
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Go figure. <br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-76827186007313376402013-11-16T20:29:00.000-06:002013-11-16T20:29:03.662-06:00Pink Tulle Tree DIYA friend pinned the image of the pink tulle tree below on Pinterest. It said there were instructions, but the picture didn't link to anything. After a Google search and several "404 Not Found" errors, I found the DIY linked below with the image below on <a href="http://dizzymaiden.tumblr.com/post/13068546856/truebluemeandyou-diy-vintage-retro-tulle-trees" target="_blank">this</a> Tumblr page. I copied and pasted the instructions, which were posted by Vicky at craftster.org in 2008, according to the page. I have slightly altered her instructions below for clarity, but the title is a link directly to her post. <br />
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<i>I want to be clear: NONE of this is my work or my idea, I simply decided to put everything together and pin from my blog so that there was an image with a proper link. If any of this work (photos, instructions, etc.) belong to you I will be more than happy to credit you, link to you, or take this down if you wish. You can reach me at jennifer [dot]my3sons[at]gmail[dot]com.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.wwvisions.com/craftbb/ornament/9144.html" target="_blank">Nylon Net Christmas Tree </a><br />
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Materials: <br />
3 1/2 yards Nylon Net--72" wide<br />
1 dowel stick 18" long--1/4" diameter<br />
1 5"x5" wood block<br />
1 cardboard circle 8" in diameter<br />
small ornaments, angel or ornament for top<br />
glitter<br />
cut one strip 15" long x 72" wide, then cut strips in the following dimensions<br />
14" long x 72" wide<br />
13" long x 72" wide<br />
12" long x 72" wide<br />
11" long x 72" wide<br />
10" long x 72" wide<br />
9" long x 60" wide<br />
8" long x 60" wide<br />
7" long x 60" wide<br />
6" long x 45" wide<br />
5" long x 45" wide<br />
4" long x 45" wide<br />
3" long x 45" wide<br />
Fold strips in half starting with 15x72", making it 7 1/2 x 72". Run
heavy basting thread close to fold 1/4". Tie both ends of thread
together as tightly as possible, tying several knots. Open material and
ruffle. Slip the 8" cardboard circle onto the dowel rod which has been mounted in wood base. This will provide support for the ruffle. Repeat for each strip.
After all net discs have been placed on dowel stick, ruffle completely.
Add small ornaments. Put glue on edges and add glitter for extra
decorations. <br />
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Another idea I saw on another crafty tree while I was searching for this (sorry, I have no idea where it was now): use costume jewelry for the "star" topper on the tree -- a snowflake/star brooch was the perfect topper in one of the photos, and I have seen similar ones at KMart and Walmart this time of year in the little boxed sets of rhinestone costume jewelry. It might be worth picking up a few of those sets when they are on clearance after the holidays if you have plans to make some of these trees in the future.<br />
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I hope to try this in the next few weeks -- if I do, I will post pix and will add to the instructions if I discover any helpful tips or tricks.<br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-23692637750179419012013-11-08T16:11:00.000-06:002013-11-08T17:10:12.071-06:00Again I resist being put in a box, religion edition I read a blog by a woman, <a href="http://www.swistle.com/" target="_blank">Swistle</a> ("rhymes with thistle") very regularly. She is funny and smart and insightful but also humble and down to earth and real.<br />
<br />
Recently she posted and asked her readers to weigh in and let her know how religious they are. I wanted to answer; really I did. But I couldn't. She had been as inclusive as possible in her descriptions of "religiousness" and was clear about people making choices that were close to theirs even if they didn't exactly match.<br />
<br />
So I think I am closest to this description from her choices:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4. Medium-High Religious.</b> You belong to a church, and
you participate regularly (or you don’t right now but really feel you
should as soon as it’s possible). You teach your children the stories
belonging to your religion; you pay attention to their religious
education, and think it’s important that they get it. <span style="color: red;">You would be
upset/worried if they didn’t grow up as believers. You pray fairly
regularly and/or think you should do it more. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">You accept your religion’s
structure for how things work: there is an actual supernatural world
with actual real supernatural entities in it; there is a heaven and/or a
hell and/or other supernatural location where humans go after death.</span></span> If
there is a difficult issue to figure out where you stand on it, you’d
take your religion into account while deciding. If you had to make a
short list of words describing who you were, your religious affiliation
would be in there for sure. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">You feel your religion is the right one,
though other religions may come close. If you found out your religion
was untrue, it would be intensely upsetting and you would have to
completely restructure your life and beliefs around this new
information.</span></blockquote>
However. There are a number of statements in there that are NOT true of me at all. I turned those colors to help you out. So let me handle those issues one at a time (color coordinated, of course), after I say that I am a Unitarian Universalist who was raised a Lutheran Christian and who today rejects magical thinking in religion and looks to science to help me make sense of the world. I find ritual intensely meaningful and felt it was important to give my kids a base that would give them basic knowledge of many world religions.<br />
<br />
BUT.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">I would NOT be upset if they didn't grow up UU. Our religion allows for a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Where my kids find meaning is not as important to me as that they DO find a place where they fit in and feel like they are part of a faith community.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #6aa84f;">My religion has </span><a href="http://www.uua.org/beliefs/principles/" target="_blank">Seven Principles</a> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">that guide its adherents, not a single set of beliefs we all have to agree upon. Some people believe in supernatural things (there are UU Christians, for example), but some people don't. We have no doctrine or dogma. One of our slogans is "Many Beliefs, One Faith."</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I feel that my religion is the right one FOR ME, but that all religions are equally valid as a place to find one's moral center and that all paths to the divine are valid because spirituality is such an intensely personal issue. There is nothing in my religion that one could find untrue, so there would be no restructuring necessary.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
So there you have it. A simple explanation that really opens up more questions. That, too, is a very UU thing. We don't answer questions -- we question answers. We think. We meditate. We ponder. We potluck. We sing. We ... well, let's just say that the word "prayer" is pretty loaded so we don't really use that word. But we worship, together, and we are a spiritual community.<br />
<br />
We are Humanists, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, Pantheists, and much more. We believe in social justice, in the democratic process, in the interdependent web of life. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. My church has a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/firstu/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>page where you can find out about lots of those things and how they fit into UUism.<br />
<br />
Here is Swistle's next <a href="http://www.swistle.com/2013/11/08/what-kind-of-religion-are-you-step-one-the-poll-data-collection-stage/#comment-181191" target="_blank">post</a> in case you want to participate in the discussion. <br />
<br />
<br />
And Swistle/Swistle readers, if you are here, thanks for taking the time to stop over. Want to ask questions? Feel free! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-41247891562203051952013-11-06T17:22:00.000-06:002013-11-06T17:22:03.055-06:00Busy.Wow. I have been busy. Things are moving even faster than usual around here, but most of it is very, very good and for that I am grateful.<br />
<br />
I started a new job officially in mid-August. My previous position, at a non-profit, was great but they opted not to fund my position after June 15. I respect that decision and believe it was the right one, both for the program I was running and for me. It forced me out into the job market and, after 13 years of volunteer work where I told myself (and my long-suffering husband) that my many hours of labor would pay off someday, I found a job at a small advertising firm that makes the most of my skills.<br />
<br />
It. Is. Awesome.<br />
<br />
The boys are good. My church life is good. My friends are good.<br />
<br />
I am doing well, using my little light and staying busy. Rob is traveling for work right now and honestly, I could use a little break. (Shout out to the single parents out there who do this job alone every day.) But life -- with Coming of Age, Our Whole Lives, scouts, Model UN, dance, babysitting, girlfriends, jobs, etc. etc. is GOOD.<br />
<br />
And, for the first post of this month of Thanksgiving, I will just say that I am grateful for all of it.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-22289788555346817272013-08-27T18:00:00.000-05:002013-08-27T18:12:46.936-05:00CrypticDon't you hate it when a blogger is cryptic about something? I mean, either say it or don't, but don't put it out here halfway so that I (the reader) am left wondering what the heck is going on. Am I right?<br />
<br />
Yeah. Totally annoying. However.<br />
<br />
I used to have a job. I didn't talk a lot about it here, but it was as the Coordinator of a little thing known as a timebank. You can find more information about timebanking <a href="http://timebanks.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a wonderful concept that I believe could change the world. I LOVE it. If you are looking for more details on timebanking I am available to consult. My rates start at FREE (if you want to Skype and ask a few questions) and go up from there to an hourly rate (perhaps to present to a group live or via Skype) or a one-time consulting fee to help prepare, launch, or jumpstart an existing timebank. I am flexible, friendly, and far less expensive than you imagine.<br />
<br />
Anyway. As the timebank Coordinator I was employed by a marvelous nonprofit social services agency. I was proud to work with such a committed, caring group of people who strive always to make the world a better place and make sure that those of us who have less at least have all they need. Good work. Good people.<br />
<br />
But in June there was no more funding for my position. This was not a complete surprise; I had known all along that there was a larger plan (and budget issues) at work. The end just came sooner than I expected.<br />
<br />
So this summer I have had the opportunity to do some freelance writing/editing/audio production work. FUN, more than work, to tell the truth.<br />
<br />
And it looks like this little gig is working out even better than I had hoped.<br />
<br />
So ... great things are here and on the horizon.<br />
My professional life is terrific.<br />
My family is healthy ( a huge gift that, after 2 weeks where i was LAID FLAT by a back injury, I do not take for granted).<br />
And ... (cryptic post alert) ... I have details and links to share about the happy things in my work life, just as soon as all of the "i"s are dotted and the "t"s are crossed.<br />
Cryptic, but happy.<br />
Annoyed? Sorry -- but I hope this means you'll come back in a week or two to get the full rundown.<br />
It is good stuff.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-88355748910316235262013-07-22T17:17:00.001-05:002013-08-27T18:15:55.799-05:00Royal BabyThe Little Prince is born. I predict these 4 names, in order of likelihood of appearing as first name.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Philip</div>
<div>
Spencer</div>
<div>
George</div>
<div>
Charles</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We shall see. I hope his mum comes up with 100 silly, obnoxious nicknames for him that never make it to print but still make him blush at 20.<br />
<br />
Update, August 27, 2013.<br />
<br />
George Alexander Louis<br />
<br />
So I was a tiny bit right, but mostly WRONG.<br />
<br />
I still think Spencer should have been in there, but I hold out hope for a future child; perhaps it was just too much to place on the heir.<br />
<br />
Regardless, he is as cute as any newborn, and as the parent of boys ages 16, 14 and 11 I am pretty nostalgic for that cuteness, though not for the sleeplessness that accompanies it. </div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-20839319389901090932013-06-20T20:41:00.004-05:002013-08-27T18:16:24.917-05:00Life is GoodI haven't posted consistently for some time, and though the lack of posting was first brought on by stress, it later became just another symptom of a busy life.<br />
<br />
I got a part-time job. I continued to volunteer in politics, at my kids' school, and at church.<br />
<br />
My eldest got through 2 years of high school and surpassed me in height. My middle child survived Middle School and suffered occasionally from Middle Child Syndrome. My "baby" hit age 11 and 5 feet tall. I fought depression through winters and, just as I thought winter 2013 was coming to a close, was hit (along with the rest of the upper midwest) a miserable, drawn-out winter-spring mashup that culminated in 15 inches of snow on May 2, beginning a month that saw only 3 days without precipitation in my town. It was brutal.<br />
<br />
The only good thing was that, for once, it wasn't only me complaining that winter had overstayed its welcome and I needed the sun to come back.<br />
<br />
In May I found out that my job at a nonprofit agency was ending in mid-June. It was not funded for FY2014, and, honestly, it was time for me to move on and the members of the program I was running to step up. I was not really sad to be moving on, though I enjoyed the work, the agency, and the people I worked with.<br />
<br />
And now? Well, I am no less busy.<br />
Currently on the docket:<br />
<ul>
<li>volunteer work with a local political candidate (very short term) </li>
<li>freelance proofreading/editing work</li>
<li>taking over the Caring Congregation Committee at church, managing a group of 20+ volunteers, for at least the next year</li>
<li>building a business plan for a communications consulting firm, possibly launching this year</li>
<li>starting a new part-time gig (will post a bit more next week on this one)</li>
</ul>
At this moment, my family is spread about in a way that is entirely new to me. My husband is in London on a work trip and will (I hope) be home in less than 20 hours. My eldest is at a camp for the week, training to be a staff member. He will soon be at camp Thursday through Sunday each week. Middle is at Grandma and Papa's, going to movies, helping on their hobby farm, and fixing things. He loves it. Spence is here with me and the dog at the camper. We escaped from town this afternoon and invited his pal Tim to spend the night. They went to preschool together in Rochester, and Tim moved with his family to the farm. Our campground is about 3 miles from Tim's house and has given the boys the chance to maintain their friendship despite living 45 miles apart. It's pretty cool.<br />
<br />
And I am sitting in the camper (too muggy outside), watching the sun set behind the beautiful bluffs of southeast Minnesota. The sky is the color of peach sorbet right now, and I am feeling more content than I have all week.<br />
<br />
It's been a whirlwind. My life has seen so many changes in the last few years, and it seems that change is pretty much the only thing I can count on, as cliched as that is. I used to use this blog as a place to clear my brain, and I have missed it. As I move forward, building new routines and figuring out how the pieces of this life fit together, I hope that I will carve out time to come back here.<br />
<br />
If you've stuck around through the years and made it through this little rambling piece, I thank you.<br />
Here's to looking back. And to new beginnings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-86391853892097596272013-05-13T11:25:00.000-05:002013-08-27T18:17:04.366-05:00Love is Law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNCu36_9eqvhTh9C9ExNVltdJleMOwig9ancOzeci217RQqK3QIyHeJ4dE61AIVcjIQxGD2Yuzlfv9aeulB0hv1q-XsDZyMBauYNLjcUjb4Ynavi2o06iFoEtdt3I2VEm3uiR/s1600/rainbow-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNCu36_9eqvhTh9C9ExNVltdJleMOwig9ancOzeci217RQqK3QIyHeJ4dE61AIVcjIQxGD2Yuzlfv9aeulB0hv1q-XsDZyMBauYNLjcUjb4Ynavi2o06iFoEtdt3I2VEm3uiR/s320/rainbow-flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Photo credit: </i><i>http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/07/in-sleepy-minnesota-suburbs-church-ladies-launch-gay-marriage-crusade/259678/</i><br />
<i>The website credits Benson Kua/Flickr as well.</i><br />
<br />
Today is an historic day in my state. Minnesota Senators are going to vote today on Marriage Equality. The bill passed in the Minnesota House last Thursday. If the Senate passes it today, DFL Governor Mark Dayton says he will sign it -- possibly within 24 hours.<br />
<br />
The image above was found in a Google image search and it was exactly what I was looking for.<br />
<br />
I have been married for 17 years. My marriage at its core will not be affected by this vote. My life WILL be affected, though, because the lives of many of my friends, my church family, and families whose children attend my kids' public school will be affected, in a profoundly positive way.<br />
<br />
There are SO MANY things tearing at the fabric of our society. But this? This is not one of them.<br />
<br />
Today my state could take a step toward equality, toward respect, toward acknowledging the fact that love is love.<br />
<br />
Let freedom ring.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-68525410086575091732013-05-12T16:43:00.003-05:002013-05-12T16:43:42.779-05:00Inspiration strikes againI had a LOVELY day yesterday, getting our camper ready for the summer. I cleaned and scrubbed with very cold water, wiping out fridges and freezers, dusting, vacuuming, pulling bedding and towels out of Rubbermaid totes, and got everything shipshape with the help of my family. Awesome.<br />
<br />
Part of the rush of the day was that I am hosting a Tupperware party out there on Saturday the 18th. I needed it to be squared away, and the weather this spring has been less than cooperative.<br />
<br />
Last year we found a vintage nightstand in Lanesboro. It was red and chipped and had some paint spills on the top. Funky. A little gnarly. I LOVED it. We bought it, I brought it home and wiped it down, and I added a number of Minnesota-themed items (a fishing lure, some bottle caps from Lakemaid beer, postcards ...) and I poured a couple of layers of resin over them. The table turned out terrific, and I was on the hunt for another, thinking they would be great as side tables to hold drinks and magazines at the campsite. Plus, they would look cute on the deck. What's not to like?<br />
<br />
I found another nightstand, kind of a French Provincial look, very curvy and the exact opposite of the sturdy and very serviceable red table (which even has a little drawer). I chose Superior Blue both for the color and the name, honoring a sacred place for my state and my family, and painted it. And then. I stuck one of the resin bottles on the paint and it ... melted it. And I couldn't face it any longer and stuck it in our storage unit for the winter.<br />
<br />
I pulled it out today, inspired by the party. I could debut it on Saturday if I get my act together. So. You heard it here first.<br />
<br />
I hereby challenge myself to sand the bad spot down. To prime and paint it again. To put together the random Minnesota trinkets and ephemera, and to add the resin. By Wednesday night, so it has ample time to dry.<br />
<br />
Inspiration is good. Spring has arrived (though it is only in the 50s today and yesterday it was sleeting). I am feeling creative. And motivated. And hopeful.<br />
<br />
It is a brand new day. Check back here for pix of BOTH tables by the end of the week.<br />
<br />
Challenge accepted. BRING IT.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-81011684524368625172013-05-03T12:51:00.001-05:002013-05-03T12:51:56.303-05:00May 2 snowstormThis was taken around 8 AM. Snow fell until mid afternoon, totaling 15.5" and we got an additional 2 inches overnight last night. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipKQ6qs-KPQnyp2q3KtMZawhgggy7C1rYDkQeBdNK86LrM833fbo58ooNl3lvNOfTSAElqMy-Fxtw_SP3qwlVoe5LfZ3ro4im9XYIPMmpZdokQBk6q9KkZPnxoXmD9UPJ1kJh/s640/blogger-image--1773841267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipKQ6qs-KPQnyp2q3KtMZawhgggy7C1rYDkQeBdNK86LrM833fbo58ooNl3lvNOfTSAElqMy-Fxtw_SP3qwlVoe5LfZ3ro4im9XYIPMmpZdokQBk6q9KkZPnxoXmD9UPJ1kJh/s640/blogger-image--1773841267.jpg" /></a></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-77398607412639040692013-05-03T12:47:00.001-05:002013-05-03T12:54:15.223-05:00Global WeirdingI live in Rochester, Minnesota. It has been an odd year, weather-wise. The winter wasn't terribly tough, but we have just been struggling to get it to leave. Temperatures were below normal for the majority of April. We have had excessive amounts of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and all of the other cold and unpleasant forms of precipitation. Of course, thanks to the precip we have also had clouds. The entire month of April was gloomy and depressing.<br />
<br />
Imagine our collective joy when we finally, FINALLY had several days in a row of sunshine and warmth. On Saturday, April 27 my family and I spent the morning at a neighborhood park picking up litter for a community cleanup project. We wore t-shirts. I wished I had brought a hat and worn sunscreen. It was nearly 80 degrees.
And we knew a storm was coming. From the reports I had heard, we were to be getting rain followed by snow -- 4-6 inches was the number I heard most. Which, when you live in Minnesota, you are not shocked by. Eh, ok, there will be a day of snow, which will melt and make a mess, but in a day or two (no more) all will be back to normal again and we can resume our delayed spring.<br />
<br />
Until I woke up yesterday morning. To the SIXTH snow day of the school year for my children. (I grew up in NORTH DAKOTA and never had 6 snow days in a school year!) And to six inches of snow in my back yard, which grew throughout the day until we had a grand total of 15.5 INCHES. OF SNOW.
It took out power lines, including ours. (Shout out to the awesome peeps who braved the snow, the treacherous roads, and the bitter cold wind to bring me power in just over 3 hours. You ROCK!) It was so wet and heavy it weighed down tree branches and split trees. It toppled a pine tree in my neighborhood and pulled its roots out of the ground. It squashed our 6-7 foot tall arbor vitae hedge (that blocks the neighbors' heinous yard from our view) and I am concerned it won't recover this summer. Maybe ever.<br />
<br />
The city forester posted on Facebook that the city lost more than 500 boulevard trees in one day. Let me say that again: more than 500 boulevard trees. The day we did the litter pick up there were dozens of volunteers in that park and the surrounding neighborhood planting 200 trees. Volunteers. Last year our city did a tree planting where, I believe, 1500 trees were planted in a day, mostly by volunteers. Our city forester is a tree hugger of the first magnitude. Our city is indebted to him for the amazing dedication and passion he has for his job. We plant a lot of trees here, and the community gets its hands dirty doing it. And in a day we lost 500 trees on city land. I can't even imagine the number of trees we lost on private property. Unreal.<br />
<br />
So today, is it melted? Is it gone? Well, sorry, no. We got 2 more inches of snow overnight (ummm. no I am NOT lying) and later today it is supposed to rain. Have I mentioned that with all the earlier moisture we had my basement has been a soggy mess for 6 weeks? Oh. Never mind.<br />
<br />
The local weather guy said this morning that since records have been kept in Rochester (1886), the total snowfall in May for all of those years combined is 4.9 inches. In one day we got 15.5 inches.<br />
<br />
Tired of winter? Frustrated? Disappointed? Angry?
None of that seems to come close to what "Rochestafarians" (thanks Ryan) are feeling right now. I usually am pretty good with words, but today, my vocabulary is inadequate.<br />
I took a picture on my phone -- will post that shortly.<br />
If you are the praying type, pray for spring.<br />
And hurry, please.
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846568.post-47786367492093069552013-04-26T17:04:00.000-05:002013-04-26T17:06:54.550-05:00I don't even know what to call thisI am steamed. Or rather, I was steamed the other day. I've pretty much calmed down about it now, and I am reaching that phase where I am once again accepting of the existence of idiocy, even as I rail against it.<br />
<br />
What got me started this time?<br />
<br />
Somebody preaching on Facebook about how the Girl Scouts are evil and they are so glad their daughter could join the American Heritage Girls (whose website states that it trains girls through "service to God," whatever that means) and that now they may be leaving Boy Scouts of America because of its impending changes re: homosexuality and scouting and they are sad because there is no organization for him to transition to.<br />
<br />
Of course, said person also touted her devoutness (she's a Catholic) and her feeling that it is so important to teach her children family values because they have been "intrusted" to her. Whatever. God entrusts heroin addicts, prostitutes and Muslims with children, too, so I'm thinking that maybe the fact that you simply HAVE them is no indication that He thinks you are particularly worthy.<br />
<br />
I am SO TIRED of people of ANY religion claiming they know the ONE TRUE PATH.<br />
<br />
I am SO TIRED of people who are afraid of something so they deny others' humanity and rights.<br />
<br />
I am SO TIRED of people who are bigoted and prejudiced somehow managing to claim that they are on the higher path.<br />
<br />
I am SO TIRED of people bitching about how they don't want to live in a (Muslim) theocracy and then pushing their own religious beliefs on a free society with the individual right to worship (or not) as one chooses. (Thereby creating, wait for it .... a THEOCRACY.) Seriously?<br />
<br />
I am SO TIRED of having to be quiet about this so as to not ruffle feathers.<br />
<br />
Because then it's just my feathers that are ruffled. Again and again and a freaking-gain.<br />
<br />
OH. And I am SO TIRED of people who constantly trumpet the right of unborn babies to live but in the next breath would deny basic rights to those babies if they grow up gay.<br />
<br />
If you want to have a conversation about this with me, you have to understand something: YOUR religious beliefs do not trump mine, or anyone else's. <br />
<br />
We are talking about HUMAN BEINGS in this debate. PEOPLE. Who are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, uncles and aunts, moms and dads, and SPOUSES, regardless of what they are called legally. These are PEOPLE. God's own beloved children, whom he has created in His own image and has commanded His followers to love as themselves.<br />
<br />
SO why is it so hard for you to understand that they are really just like anybody, and let them live a committed life with someone who loves them? Why is it that you and I, because we are straight, get all the benefits of a legally recognized union and they don't?<br />
<br />
Deep breaths. Deep, deep breaths. Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11024071754031560340noreply@blogger.com0