Operation Teddy Bear

I know I complain about my job as much as the next guy, but I really DO get to do a lot of fun things, too! Every year, WLC sponsors Operation Teddy Bear, which is put on by the Volunteer Center of Long Beach. Low income 1st grade classrooms are selected throughout the South Bay for this special treat, where volunteers go and read to them, then give them backpacks full of educational toys and books. This morning I read to students in Carson and instead of sitting in the teacher chair, I got down on the floor and read a SpongeBob story. The kids did a lot of ooh-ing and ah-ing and I just loved the opportunity to do something difference and bring a smile to their faces.

I did it!

I posted here a few months ago that I really wanted to take a photography class at some point and I gave myself a year to actually stop stalling and do something about it! Well, I did it! I found a class at the Irvine Fine Arts Center that begins on January 5 and runs through March. I'm pretty excited and proud of myself for actually following through on something. Hopefully by next year, I'll be able to use one of my own pretty pictures for my Christmas card!!!

Australia review

Clare and I saw Australia on Saturday night and I have to say...it was AMAZING! I was kinda dragging my feet to see it, and really only went because I felt like I was being sucked into my couch on Saturday afternoon. I was SO pleasantly surprised by this film.

It was cinematically gorgeous. There were sweeping views, wide shots of the outback, really authentic sets, and great historical relevence. The story was incredible, too.

I was expecting some sappy love story, but really, that was a minor part of the film. There is a great "coyboy" story about cattle and land wars, an awesome story about a child and his relationships with the adults around him, and let's not forget the huge World War II thread. The movie lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes, but I was pulled into it the entire time...and I don't even particularly LIKE Nicole Kidman. Ha! I highly recommend this movie for women AND men. Go see it!

Say it with me now, AWESOME!

The Fire

I was stuck on the 91 on Saturday trying to get home for SIX hours. The fire was terrible and tragic...and made me want to pull out my hair because I literally couldn't get home. My parent's home is fine - just smells like a camp fire - and Grandma was temporarily evacuated, but she's home now. I don't know anyone who lost a home, but I have heard of friends of friends situations who have. So sad. Here's a pic from my car when I was at the 91/71 interchange for two hours without moving. They sent all traffic up the 71, and then there was a terrible accident there. Idiots...

Christmas tunes

We had a little friends Thanksgiving dinner at Clare and Matt's house that Jennifer actually planned, but because of the ashes and fires, had to be moved from her house. It was delicious and fun to be surrounded by a large group of friends. I made some soup, which was a disaster...tasted like hot apple sauce and not the squash/apple soup concoction that I copied off of someone else's blog! Ha!

While we were all hanging out (me with gorgeous little Jackson on my lap), Jennifer asked us all what our favorite Christmas songs were. I couldn't think of a favorite carol, but there are two songs that I LOVE to hear at Christmas time and keep in the rotation on my iPod. Enjoy!

Christmas Song, by Dave Matthews

Point of Grace, When Love Came Down (don't mind the cheesy video)

The holidays will be here soon...

...which means it's totally FINE to bring out the Christmas movies! Here's a clip from a newer favorite. Enjoy!

Call me crazy...

...but I love to read the weird news of the day. Below you'll find today's favorite:

Man's coffin kills wife on way to cemetery
A traffic accident hurls coffin against the back of woman's neck

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Police say a woman has died on the way to a cemetery when a traffic accident hurled her husband's coffin against the back of her neck.

Police said 67-year-old Marciana Silva Barcelos was in the front passenger seat of the hearse when the accident occurred Monday in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Barcelos died instantly.

Her 76-year-old husband, Josi Silveira Coimbra, died Sunday of a heart attack while dancing at a party.

The driver of the hearse and Barcelos' son suffered minor injuries.

Centrevol Show

My cousin Pete's (Sara-Britt's husband) band had their CD launch party and show on Friday night in Long Beach. Missie, Emily Shuler, and I met up at SB's apartment for a little pre-party action, then we all went to the show together. Pete is really talented and you can tell the guy just LOVES making music. I was really proud of their performance and the turnout. We had a lot of fun! Check out http://www.centrevol.com/ for more info on the band and get their CD, Beggars and Thieves!

Missie and I goofing off with Bryan

Shuler, Missie, Bryan, and I

Pete rockin out

Bryson Turned Three

Carlee's son Bryson turned three this weekend and we had a bbq/pool thing at Uncle Craig and Julie's house. He was adorable with his new toys, but had some fussy times, too. I felt the same way on my birthday, kid!

Bryson with Brian on his new bike!

With Katlyn, Sara-Britt, Katie, and Miss (cousin lovin!)

Carlee Kajsa

My wonderful cousin Carlee turned 30 on Monday! We celebrated this weekend with a murder mystery cruise in the Long Beach Harbor, Bryan flew in two of her best friends, he bought her the dining room table she's wanted for years, and then we all got together for our traditional Hibachi dinner last night!

Carlee posted on her blog and included some hilarious pics from our childhood...so I'll post some from this weekend; the adult versions of ourselves. : ) Carlee is more than a cousin to me, she's like a fabulous younger sister, and most definitely a dear friend! Carlee and I were raised across the street together, went to church and school together, and even danced together. We had ups and downs like siblings often do, but at the end of the day, she's someone I admire so much. She's an incredible wife and mother (with another on the way), and on top of that, she gives so much of her time to good causes, her friends, and constant learning. When they say that we eventually become our mothers, I can honestly say that she's already becoming Auntie Candy (my fav aunt), in that she is always doing something fun with Bryson and lately she's the queen of the crafts (which totally cracks me up!). Carlee has an infectious laugh and can be silly with the best of us, but she also craves knowledge, which makes me admire her even more.

Me and Carlee before the dinner cruise

On the dinner cruise, we all had to use aliases. I was Jewish Matchmaker and Carlee was Chinese Acrobat. At one point, she had to stand up and people thought her baby bump was fake!

Happy birthday, once again Carlee. I love you!

I'm also including this pic of Sara-Britt and Pete. When we picked him up, she just noticed his new mustache. We were teasing him quite a bit, so his alias became Stache! He took the murder mystery VERY seriously and ended up winning the whole thing!

Funny Birthday Card

I got this today from an old roommate. It made me laugh, so I had to share it!!! Ecards are becoming more and more clever!!!

http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=198363545&m=4017&rr=y&source=bma999

Tuscan Pork

I saw a recipe in my Traditional Home magazine on Saturday morning, which made me think "I'VE GOT TO MAKE THIS." It just so happened that I had friends scheduled to come to dinner on Sunday evening, and when I looked at the ingredients and instructions, I realized it was totally in my wheelhouse to make! While my photo doesn't compare to the deliciousness of the photo in the magazine, or the deliciousness of the taste, I wanted to share my latest culinary achievement!

Ingredients:
1 pound pork tenderloin
2 teaspoons each snipped fresh sage and rosemary
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon fennel pollen or fennel seeds, crushed
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 crusty baguette loaf

Instructions:
Trim fat from pork. In bowl combine sage, rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic, and fennel pollen; set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add tenderloin to skillet. Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until evenly browned, turning often. Remove pork from skillet' cool slightly. Rub entire surface with herb mixture; set aside.

Have baguette horizontally. Remove bread from inside of crusts, forming a thin shell. Brush inside of shell with remaining olive oil. Place pork on baguette bottom; cover with top. Trim ends of loaf. Tie at 1- to 2-inch intervals with kitchen string. Place on baking sheet; bake, uncovered, in 375 degree over 30 to 35 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of meet registers 155 to 160 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes. Slice; serve.

Now, in all fairness:
I screwed a couple of things up. I didn't crush the fennel seeds, but I don't think any of us noticed. AND, I forgot the garlic, so at the last minute, I dusted the pork with garlic salt. I actually thought it gave a nice light flavor! I also had a thicker tenderloin, so I probably baked mine for 40 minutes when all said and done. Still, it was incredible! I served it with a baked sweet potato, some rice pilaf, and light green salad. It was a feast fit for a QUEEN! And the guys loved it, too!

Kitchen Confidential: Recipe Reviews

I'm learning to cook...and conquer my fear of the kitchen! Sometimes, I hit a slam dunk and sometimes...not so much. Here are some of my fun escapades in the kitchen!

September 22, 2009 My Lowfat Version of Fast Food

August 31, 2009 Baked Caramel Apple Goodness

August 23, 2009 Amazing Chicken Brine

June 11, 2009 The Best Dang Corn EVER

May 25, 2009 Chicken Nacho Pizza

May 11, 2009 Seal the Deal Tacquitos

April 20, 2009 Mexican Meatloaf

April 13, 2009 Homemade Salad Dressing

March 14, 2009 Gingerbread Pancakes

March 8, 2009 Cheeseburger Bake

February 28, 2009 Tenderloin with Plum Chutney

February 16, 2009 Risotto, Flank Steak, and Baked Fudge

February 2, 2009 Kitty Litter Cake

November 3, 2008 Tuscan Pork

Halloween at Work!

So, we had the annual mandatory Halloween costume party at "the developer" again. This year, the Public Affairs Dept was determined to win...sadly, we did not. However, we believe it's because we have the smallest department, not because we didn't have killer costumes. AND we should have gotten extra points for dressing up as a Chino icon. What were we, you ask?! The Prison City Derby Dames...the Chino women's roller derby team! I was GLAMazon, Boss Lady was BreakHer Babe, and the Assistant was Aztec Queen. What do YOU think of our costumes???

The Derby Dames

The Assistant's daughter is a makeup artist and taught her how to put on bruises and tattoos. Fierce, aren't we?!
I even got a tatoo on my back!
My sister helped us out by putting our faces into pics and then I made posters and "tickets" which I placed all around the office! Everyone LOVED them and thought that they could have been real!
Boss Lady really loved this one!
Ya, I totally posed upside down for this one...ha!

Our Team!

Where was I?

My friend Kelly did this on her blog and I thought I'd follow along!

Fifteen Years Ago
In October of 1993, I was about to turn 17. I was a junior at EDHS, heavily involved in dance team, church, hanging out with friends, and thinking about college somewhere far far away! I drove a super cool red Nissan truck with no power steering and a hydrolic clutch...we'd take that truck into all sorts of adventures, and I can't even count the amount of times friends and I would pile in, and jump the dip on Bastanchury and Rose to see if our heads would hit the roof!

Ten Years Ago
In the fall of 1998, I was already living in DC! I graduated early, was living in Arlington with Robin, working on Capitol Hill, and making all sorts of new friends. Angie was living in NYC, and we talked on the phone nearly every day thanks to the Federal Government. Ha! I was attending McLean Bible Church with Keirsten and finally found my groove! I was also a lot heavier, had terrible fashion sense and BLOND hair!

Five Years Ago
I was working at the Toll Roads in the job that I thought was absolutely perfect for me! I had been in my condo for a year, drove a super cute black convertible, and had made some amazing friends! I was a volunteer in Student Ministries at Mariners Church and went every Sunday with Krissy-pooh! I was still dateless, but much happier with myself - I had brown hair (finally!), contacts, wore makeup and color in my clothes, thanks to Jennifer. Ha! My brother and Shannon had just been married that summer, so we'd been in Santa Cruz and Hawaii before that! It was a really fun year!

That house was NOT my project!

As my friend Steve said there were 2 very noticable things about that house...the overwhelming smell of weed and a giant stack of porn in the bedroom. My dad laughed and said he thought the house was "futuristic" when it was built in the 50s and agreed with me that if we pushed on it real hard, the whole thing might fall down.

The process continues...

Thinking and praying because...

...I may have found my "project." Many of you know that I love working on my house (teeny tiny condo) that I've had for 6 years and I've been determined to find a home to restore. Well...I may have found the one. Stay tuned and pray for my decision, if you think about it!

Joshua Radin

I think I've already professed my love for Joshua Radin on my blog in the past, but I feel the need to do it again. I'm working from home this morning and I just downloaded his second CD, Simple Times...it's genius. His songs are filled with beautiful harmonies, gorgeous guitar melodies, and a soft and raspy voice. I can listen to the songs at work, in bed, when I'm reading, or even entertaining. If you haven't already, check him out: www.joshuaradin.com.

My birthday is November 5, and he'll be at the Anaheim House of Blues on November 9. I think I'll buy myself a present and go and see him that night, so if anyone wants to join me, I'd love the company!!!

Netflix

I've been a hold out for Netflix all along because I figured I had cable and TiVo, and let's face it, I already watch WAY too much TV. But I finally caved two weeks ago for a trial run. So far, I've had three movies delivered and it's SO flipping easy! I love that I can choose from so many DVDs! I grabbed Made of Honor, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and something else already. I also just got a friendly email telling me that Pride and Prejudice will be delivered on Saturday. How rad is that?! AND, I'm not ashamed to admit that next up in my queu is Anne of Green Gables. : )

Life is grand with Netflix and I'll mock it no longer.

The Buggie came to visit!

Last weekend, Greg Bug (and Danny) came to visit to go and see Buddy's race. When we got to the racetrack, she was already there, hanging with Grammy. We played for a while and later went out to dinner. On Sunday, I spent some time over there with them, too. My love grows for this precious little girl more and more each time I see her. She's verbal now and it's just hilarious to see how she's starting to view things and ask questions. When she cries and wants to be held, she says "hold you", which totally just breaks my heart and melt even more. Here are a few pics of my adventures with my niece.

She thinks it's funny to steal my sunglasses

She gave cuddles to Carlee's baby/belly
She ran around and played chase with cousin Bryson (who is just a year older than her)
She loves to brush her teeth...or maybe she really just loves the minty toothpaste
She LOVES to eat
She LOVES Grammy and to say CHEESE
She likes Nemo, or as she calls it, Meemo, and cuddling
She LOVES eating Daddy's spaghetti, even when he's not done with it

Fun weekend

Friday night - drinks and nachos at Las Brisas with the Fitzgeralds and Barbie. then swung by Barnes & Noble, bought some books and read with a glass (or three) of wine on the couch till nighty night.


Saturday - met the Elefante's bright and early and headed into LA for the USC football tailgate and game. ate way too much, enjoyed beers, saw an old friend from the Schwarzenegger days. went home, got ready and wento to dinner with the Venegas' and Dana and Scott at some swank new place in CdM...very tasty. drank champagne and ate an INCREDIBLE creme brulee.


Sunday - went to lunch with girlfriends from HS and their children....yes, children. they all had them. we ate at the Rainforest Cafe and I'm SHOCKED that kids don't crap their pants in fear... swung by my parents house, lounged for a bit with them and Miss Kitty. grabbed a beer with my friend Matt in Fullerton, then swung over to the Fitzgeralds for dinner and more champagne and lots of Little Baby J.


So as you can see...my weekend with filled with friends, food, and booze. While it was great, I didn't clean, take in my drycleaning, buy stamps, or groceries...basically I avoided any of the things that I needed to do, but do I mind one bit??? Nah!!!

Clare, Matt, Little Baby J, and me

Financial Advice in a Scary Economy

If you had purchased $1,000.00 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago you would have $49.00 left.
With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1,000.00.
With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214.00 cash.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle.

It's called the 401-Keg.

I'm a DUMMY!

My cousin Carlee (who is more like a sister to me, as many of you know) has had a blog for a long time...and I didn't know about it, or more likely knew, and then forgot. So, as you'll notice, she's a new link in my "pals" section...let the blog stalking begin!!!

And yet, ANOTHER baby...

My best friend from college, Emily, just gave birth to her second son. She went in and shot that kid out pretty darn fast, according to Jason! I'm praying that this recovery will be light years better than the first.

Welcome to the world Brody Paul Littlejohn!!! I can't wait to meet you and give your mommy and daddy a hug and a kiss. I know that they'll continue to be wonderful parents and will give you more love than anyone else in the world can. Connor will be a fantastic big brother and the two of you will have so much fun as you navigate this crazy world together!

Love, Aunty Jenny

PS - I still think Icabod Jennifer would have made a great name for him...

A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E

Carlee just sent me a link to Hot Topic's website because little Bryson got his first modeling gig!!! He's such a cute little monkey and it appears as if he'll be taking after his daddy! I had to post just a few pics that are too stinking cute...

Love Affair

I've begun a new love affair...with my bike! A few weeks back, I met Genevieve and we rode down to Zov's for dinner. It was an easy ride and I realized that I worked my thighs. So I hopped on a couple days later. Last week, I rode two mornings for four miles, and one afternoon for 8. Last night, Missie came over and we rode to Golden Spoon and this morning, I got up a little earlier than usual and rode 8 miles again. I strapped on the iPod, the dorky helmet and my camelback and I was good to go for about 40 minutes. It was a beautiful morning and is starting to feel like fall. I definitely think this will be a good routine for me as I get the work out bug going again. : )

Introducing Jackson Peter Fitzgerald

Seeing one of your best friends with her first child is truly a surreal experience. I just got home from visiting the Fitzgeralds and baby Jackson. He's delicious and soooo tiny! Jennifer was radiant and Seanito is already in total dad mode downloading pics, wrapping the baby into a burrito, and making sure everyone supports JP's little head. : ) Hearing Jennifer's story brought tears to my eyes...she was so strong and so brave and so much in love with her little boy already that she just couldn't wait to meet him. Now that he's here, I've seen my friend give her heart away once again. God is so good!

The new mama and her little guy!
Gramacita and a smiling Jackson. : )

Sean's perfect burrito. Ha!

I got to hold the little doll, too! He's TEENY!

Shortly after this pic was taken, we realized he was hungry again. : )

Another baby!

And in other news... my dear friend from high school and dance, Rachel, had her first baby yesterday, too! Welcome to the world Delaney Rose Hinson!!! Can't wait to be there for your first dance recital!

Labor Pains - UPDATE!

One of my best girlfriends, Jennifer, has been in labor since yesterday and was just taken in for a c-section... They went in to be induced yesterday around 8am, but things didn't really get going until this morning around 5am. I can only imagine that both the moms, Jen's dad, and their families were in a wild anticipation for quite some time, which makes me think that there are other kinds of labor pains...not just those that make you push. I'm sitting here excited that Jackson Peter will be here in just a couple of minutes, but also nervous for my friend...I'm almost teary-eyed, too (good thing I'm in the satellite office today). I know she'll be fine, but I also know that she would have prefered to do this the other way. One thing I know for sure, though, is that this baby is VERY LOVED and has been wanted for a long long time. I can't wait to meet him tonight!

UPDATE -- HE'S HERE, HE'S HERE! Jackson Peter Fitzgerald was born at 2:51 p.m., and weighed in at 7.74 lbs., 19” long with lots of dark hair! According to Jennifer's mother-in-law, she came out of the surgery laughing with the nurses! Praise God!

Texas/Labor Day Weekend

Wow - this is a week behind!!! I'm becoming a blog slacker...so sorry to my loyal readers (aka - mom).

Over Labor Day Weekend, I went to Austin to spend a couple of days with Robin, Jon, Mackenzie, and Travis. It was a blast...besides the 1000 degree weather. : ) I arrived on Saturday afternoon, got to the house, then almost immediately went swimming. Mackenzie was very excited to show me how she can swim under water now. She did a great job, too! And little Travis wanted in on the action, too. He jumped in to Robin a few times and wasn't afraid of going under water in the slightest!!! Robin cooked a yummy meal for dinner, as usual, and we spent some good time hanging out and visiting...a child may have projectile vomited at one point in the evening, too, but we won't mention that here. ; )

On Sunday, I joined the Ayers' family at church, then we went to La Madeline for lunch. La Madeline is an ALL TIME favorite restaurant of mine!!! They have them in DC, too, so whenever I visit either place, I try to make it over there for quiche lorraine and a potato gallette. DELIGHTFUL!

On Sunday evening, Robin and Jon graciously hosted a bbq and Jamie Kay, Michele, Angie came from south Austin and Lindsay and Tom Ballard, came with their son Zach. It's really fun because the Ballards live just down the way from Robin and Jon, too! Jamie Kay, Angie, and I haven't been together since Angie and Emily were pregnant with Greta and Connor. We all flew to Minnesota together and spent a weekend together about five years ago. Though we only spent a few hours together, I realized how much I missed my dear AXO friends. They drove up to FW to spend a little time with Emily, and I was really sad to miss that trip...it's been too long since the band was together!

I might be slightly obsessed with s'mores.

Lindsay and I (GWU friends and AXO sisters, too!)

Robin playing with Zach and showing him a cricket.

Angie, Michele and Jamie Kay, and me

And now I must brag...on Monday, Robin suggested the outlet mall in San Marcos. I thought we'd go and mull around a bit, but I hit that outlet mall HARD and got a huge jump on Christmas shopping!!! Are you jealous, yet? It is so outside my nature to get started so early, but I am so happy to have a few gifts out of the way already!!! I also bought two dresses for myself from BCBG for like 14 bucks. : )

All in all, I had a WONDERFUL time with dear friends. Thanks Robin, for making me feel at home and for continuing to be a great friend even though we're many miles away!!! Love ya, chick!

Massages, Wine, and Danny Boy

At the end of August, I also got to see Danny Boy for about five minutes! Ryan Dan (a family friend from church) got married on August 23, so Dan flew out to go with my parents. I think it was down in the Fallbrook area, so they all stayed at the Pechanga that night. Dan and my dad went and did some sort of race car thing on Sunday morning, and I went and picked up Missie and my mom for massages at the Pala Casino and Resort (they have a GREAT spa). Then we all went to Ponte for a yummy dinner (and so I could pick up a wine club shipment). We had fun being just the five of us again...for a little while, but we also really missed Shannon and Grey-bug!

Donna Summer

This summer, I've been able to see quite a few shows at the Hollywood Bowl through work. It's always a really fun time, filled with good food, great wine, and really fun music! At the end of August, I entertained two girlfriends from my Rotary club and we got to see Donna Summer! It was a blast!!!

Julie, Jen, and Ruthe

Mackenzie's first day of school!

My wonderful little goddaughter, Mackenzie Reece Ayers, had her first day of kindergarten, yesterday! Robin sent around some adorable pictures, but it's so hard to believe that she's growing up so quickly!!! Five years old and in school already - NO WAY! Look how cute these pigtails and gigantic backpack are!

On another note, I'm going to TX for Labor Day weekend to see the Ayers family (and a handful of other TX friends). I can't wait to hit golf balls, play, color, and EVEN watch Hannah Montana!

someecards.com

I really love someecards...mostly because they are so dry and sarcastic! Whenever I get a newsletter from the company I can't WAIT to see the newest cards. Today, I saw this one and boy did it make me laugh! In my job I deal with a lot of crazy environmentalists and I hear about greenhouse gases all day long, so when I saw this one, I was ALMOST tempted to shoot it around...not really, but it still made me laugh!