That's What Jenni Said

Jonathan and I have traveled for each of the past two weekends and we're just a bit tired now. Two weeks ago we drove up to Davis, West Virginia for a romantic 12th anniversary celebration. We stayed in a cozy bed and breakfast - the Meyer House- and had a great time. The home was appointed with lovely antiques and our hosts made sure our suite was just perfect with a welcome basket of cheeses, chocolates, and sparkling beverages. Each morning a delicious breakfast awaited us downstairs. Saturday morning we were presented with eggs benedict served alongside seasoned skillet potatoes and grilled asparagus. Sunday we were served stuffed french toast with fresh fruit. Our hosts have an extensive DVD library so we took the opportunity to watch a movie during our stay. We chose Little Miss Sunshine and laughed the whole way through. It's a zany yet touching comedy about family life that we both enjoyed. I highly recommend it to you. When we weren't enjoying our suite at t...

I've been reading the news articles this week on the famous family from Arkansas that has 18 kids, and now a new baby on the way. (Mom is 41). More interesting than the articles are the comment chains on discussion boards and blogs about the news. So many people are so very critical of this family's choice to have a large family, despite the fact that they are debt free, contributing to their community, and have had zero trouble with the law or authorities [i.e. so far all of their kids seem well adjusted and good little citizens]. This family is also not living off govt welfare. One argument tossed out against chemical birth control during its development was that the widespread use of it would pivot society toward devaluing human life. And this seems to have happened, based on the comments expressed by people on the internet about this family. They are derided viciously for their decision to have so many children. Liberals have tagged them as selfish, mentally ill, oblivious ...

It's not everyday that fantastic artistic talent comes across your desk. Today was a lucky day. http://www.austinkleon.com/category/newspaper-blackout-poems/ I LOVE this guy!!!

Greek Vegetarian Sandwiches (for lunch) Lay out a slice of lavish bread on a board or plate. Down the center of the bread lay a handful of spring salad mix. Top it with thinly sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced tomatoes, roasted red pepper, fresh ground pepper, feta cheese crumbles, diced fresh basil, and 1 tsp of Greek dressing. Fold the left and right sides of the bread over the middle like an envelope and enjoy. I serve this for lunch with a side of rice that has feta and dill mixed in. Yum!   Coconut Cream Fruit Pastries Start with frozen puff pastry sheets. Defrost and unroll 1 sheet. Cut into 9 squares and bake according to directions. While that is going in the oven, take a pint of whipping cream/heavy cream and whip it according to the directions (basically you put it in your stand mixer and let it go until stiff peaks form, adding sugar along the way to taste until it is as sweet as you prefer). When its stiff, carefully fold in about 1/4 to 1/2 can coconut milk to t...

...to Facebook. So if you're there, add me: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=603259739 NYC last weekend was fabulous. Went with 3 friends and we enjoyed the night life and saw Wicked on Broadway. This is going to be a wonderful summer.

Here’s what’s new with us… Things have been going well for both of us as far as our jobs are concerned. J is still with Learning Tree and very much enjoys it. He will soon be at the tenure level that will allow him additional vacation time each year. My annual employee review was recently and it went well. I think I am going to stick with my current company most likely at least through the end of our current contract (2.5 more years) if not longer, assuming they have additional work assignments for me once this contract is concluded. I’m working on obtaining my SAS Programming Certification which should be a benefit to the company and myself. Outside of my full-time job, I continue to take on small, part-time IT consulting projects through ParJen Consulting ( www.parjen.com ). Outside of work, we enjoy our playtime. J is quite busy with the church softball league. There are numerous practices a week and the games begin Monday. I’m wrapped up in my various Meetup groups planning and at...

The most strange thing happened to me today... I went to put in a call to a web design client in Cincinatti, OH (area code 513) and instead dialed 315. Probably because 315 is familiar to my mind as I grew up in NY in that area code. Anyhow, the person on the other end answers the phone and he sounds just like someone I grew up with. Apologized for the wrong number and tried my number again, getting the same guy. I realized after he told me I was dialing 315 what was going on but I was still stuck on the fact that he sounded just like someone I used to know. Turns out he IS someone I used to know. A close childhood friend. We started chatting a bit and caught up with each other. How strange is that? Small world. In other news, I've been meaning to post the pictures from my 32nd birthday party. The theme was "Ides of March" and everyone dressed in Roman costume. Here is my favorite picture- my best friend Anna and I standing at the ready.