Pür Jenius

Wet Head

2008-09-03T21:21:00.001-04:00

I love getting my hair styled after I get it cut. But today, I needed to save time, so I decided to forgo this indulgence and left the salon with a wet head (and had to walk through downtown Asheville to my car).

I don't think I will do this again. I am going to have to spend an hour now trying to straighten these crazy waves. It is definitely worth the time and money to have a professional make me feel great!

Followed My Intuition

2008-09-02T20:11:00.003-04:00

I often hear people say "You have to follow your intuition, especially in regards to your health.... Push your doctor, ask questions, seek answers...." Well, today I pushed my doctor. I haven't been satisfied with her solutions for some health concerns I have. So, I made an appointment, went to see her, and really grilled her about my concerns.

I am glad I did. I found out that she hadn't document my largest concern, which could lead to problems later. And, we agreed upon a different course of action.

If this doesn't work, I will get a second opinion (which will be another first for me!)

Fun Depot

2008-09-01T17:07:00.001-04:00

I caved and finally went to Fun Depot. For those of you not familiar with this Asheville icon, Fun Depot is like Chuck E. Cheese on steroids and minus the scary mouse. My kids have gone a few times, but I have lucked out and avoided the amusement center. Well, today, the girls had a birthday party to go to, so I went.

Actually, it is a nice place for kids, but just too big and noisy for me. I played a few driving games and got motion sickness. I am so old!

Nike+ 10K & Lake Keowee

2008-08-31T20:06:00.006-04:00

Today, I accomplished 3 firsts:

Completed the Nike+ 10K Human Race with Erin
Completed two races in two days
Spent the afternoon at Lake Keowee, SC

Ednita T., a new Facebook friend, challenged me to complete the Nike+ Human Race when I was seeking things to do for this year. So, Ednita, I did it! Thanks for the awesome suggetion!
Not only did I complete the Nike+ race, I complete the Apple Festival 8K the day before.
We were invited down to the Roder's lake house at Lake Keowee, SC. This was our first time at Lake Keowee (and the first time skiing since moving from CA). We spent the afternoon relaxing, boating, tubing and skiing with the Roders, Aalborgs, and Millers (Matt's sister's family). The Thomas boated by and enjoyed witnessing Matt push Pat into the lake (after Erin lied to him and told him Pat pushed him in). The Roder's home is amazingly beautiful! The lake incredible. The company great.

Apple Festival 8K

2008-08-30T20:06:00.004-04:00

I'm such a slacker. Now that I work in the health care field, I often have to attend community events and health fairs. Well, I figured out a way to be involved, but not stuck working some booth or information table. I volunteer to run the races. I got this idea last September when I was going to have to work a health fair for four-plus hours. I figured if I ran the half marathon associated with the event, I would be done with my required attendance in half the time!

Well, today, I ran the Apple Festival 8k to accomplish the same goal. I did OK, better than I thought I would, but nothing great. For some reason I felt like I had to vomit the first mile and the last .9 mile. That was NOT fun. But I finished, and was not the last across the line.

Sleeping On It

2008-08-29T21:03:00.002-04:00

Tonight I am going to bed mad. That is not my practice and I don't really like it. But, I don't feel like talking it out.

Hope

2008-08-28T23:57:00.000-04:00

For the first time in my adult life, I actually have hope today for America!

Runners High

2008-08-27T19:54:00.002-04:00

I finally achieved it—I got a runner's high today!!!!! I might start really liking this sport!

Lunch with a New Friend

2008-08-26T17:02:00.001-04:00

This afternoon, I went to lunch with Stacy Dortch. Dined at Apollo Flame. We had yummy Greek salads and a great talk.

Tofu Bites

2008-08-25T19:48:00.002-04:00

I am not a huge tofu eater, but since I am now a vegetarian, I am needing to try to eat it for protein. But I have a very hard time with its texture (as with a number of other foods).

Today I tried oven baked tofu bites (from Earthfare). Crunchy, but pretty tasteless. And, I don't even think they are good for you.

Personal Best—5 miles

2008-08-24T20:01:00.004-04:00

Today I ran my personal best five (5) mile run. I wasn't trying to do this, but I was able to clear my mind and have fun (not usual for my runs). I ran it at Fletcher Park.

My First True Asheville Party

2008-08-23T23:58:00.001-04:00

Today I went to my first "Asheville" party. Katie, a co-worker, through herself an amazing 30th birthday party. There were carnival sized inflatables, games, and crafts. Great music and food. Even a cotton candy machine. Matt and I learned how to spin the powder into actual cotton candy!

Sophie and Emma said this party was "the BEST ever...." And Sophie noted, "And Katie is an adult and still had the coolest party!

Costumes optional!

Sudoku

2008-08-22T23:27:00.001-04:00

I actually finished not one, but two sudoku puzzles today! I always give up when I have about four squares complete. That is when my trouble begins. But I was determined to finish. My friend Karyn can do the puzzles in ink. I am sticking with pencil for a while. I think I may be hooked now.

Apple Cider Chicken

2008-08-21T22:21:00.001-04:00

Tonight we had a meeting at A2C, where dinner was served. The entree was Apple Cider Chicken, something I have never heard of, let alone tasted. The dish consists of grilled chicken, sliced and tossed with cinnamon apples, cabbage and onions, served on a bed of linguine. Since I am currently not eating meat, I tried it sans the chicken. Very different taste. Not really ingredients I would chose to put together.

Usual Suspects

2008-08-20T22:57:00.000-04:00

Went to the Usual Suspects for a work meeting. Never been there before and not sure I would have ever gone. Great Orange Ginger Tofu!!!!

Ridin' the Bull

2008-08-19T23:45:00.002-04:00

I broke down. I said I'd never do it, but I did.

I drank...a Red Bull!

I have never had the desire to try one of these energy drinks, but I was dragging and had to drive from Transylvania to Spruce Pine, one meeting to the next. I was sleepy on the mountain roads, so I stopped at a gas station to get something with caffeine. I drank a whole diet Red Bull.

I don't think I will be drinking one again. It tasted like watered down cough syrup! But I did wake up, a bit.

Boy Toys

2008-08-18T22:30:00.003-04:00

I am a genius!

Tonight, after two years, I figured out how to program the universal remote so we no longer need to have three remotes to command the TV, satellite, and DVD. Freedom!!!

The DirecTV installation service repair man couldn't even to it!

Allu Tikke

2008-08-17T20:25:00.002-04:00

Tonight we grabbed some Indian food after buying yet another refrigerator. I took the opportunity to try a new Indian appetizer, allu tikke. If you like samosas, you will like these potatoes patties lightly spiced with ginger sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Word Clouds

2008-08-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

I was in a creative mood today and wanted to create a card for Matt. I found a cool web program and created this fun word cloud with the lyrics from Faith Hill's song "Breathe".

In Honor of Karen Kaatz

2008-08-15T21:51:00.001-04:00

I took a suggestion from the list submitted by my friend Karen and went braless for a day (a work day)!

Having pectoralis minors, I seriously don't think anyone could even tell! But, I sure was a lot more comfortable today!

Toxic Taste

2008-08-14T20:43:00.001-04:00

Sophie had me try a new candy today, Toxic Waste. Similar to a War Head, this candy is extremely sour! My tongue went into shock.

To Fridge or Not To Fridge

2008-08-13T23:00:00.001-04:00

We came back from Cabo to find our fridge had burned out...not a great way to return home.

So, after work, Matt and I went and bought a new refrigerator. We were amazed that we all (girls included) agreed on one fridge (we had been fridge shopping a year ago and gave up because we all fought). We bought it, scheduled the delivery and headed home in celebration.

Then we measured! To make sure it would fit, we remeasured the cabinet and realized it was at least 6 inches too deep and would stick out into the kitchen.

Matt said he could live with it. I could not. For the first time, I didn't second guess myself and insisted we cancel our order.

This is the first time I have ever bought something so expensive and returned it the same day. It is also the first time I listened to myself and didn't just "live with" it.

"Awesome Possum"

2008-08-12T13:27:00.001-04:00

My life in the South is now complete! I have finally seen an ALIVE (keyword here) possum on the road! All I ever see is dead road kill, but this morning (3AM) I saw a living, breathing possum crossing the road as I served not to hit him.

I am happy to report both rodent and driver survived and are OK!

Now, I just want to see one hanging in a tree by its tail!

Gone with the Wind

2008-08-11T11:20:00.002-04:00

Today, I embarked on a life goal I have had since I was a teen. I have always wanted to read the Southern epic Gone With The Wind. For some reason, I always find something else to read. I picked up a copy in the Cabo airport to read on the way home. Since it is over 1400 pages, I think I will be reading this novel for a while.

I have already realized I have A LOT to learn about the South!

Local Transport

2008-08-10T11:12:00.003-04:00

Whenever we travel to foreign land, Matt and I like taking local transportation to experience the real culture. Today, we took the girls on the local autobus to downtown Cabo. The trip was long, hot, but possibly the highlight of our vacation!

Ate Crow/Laker Fun

2008-08-09T11:01:00.001-04:00

I "ate crow" once today already, so I won't recount my experience again! Usually, when I am embarrassed, I hide out...but today I chose to surface from my hotel room and hang out with everyone again.

Another cool new thing was seeing Byron Scott at the Dreams! (Ex-LA Laker and New Orleans Hornets coach.

Hot Reception

2008-08-08T10:51:00.002-04:00

Leslie, this one was for you! The jalapeno just wasn't hot enough, so today, at my sister's wedding reception, I ate a habanero...and yes...it was HOT! HOT! HOT!

My mouth was on fire for at least 20 minutes (and I had no leche or sucre to cool it down).

Emma ate one too! I couldn't believe she tried it and survived!

It's a Secret

2008-08-07T10:49:00.002-04:00

I can't document what I did today because it is illegal in the United States. :)

Dreams

2008-08-06T10:41:00.001-04:00

The family spent the day relaxing poolside that the Dreams Resort in Cabo San Lucas. We were all here for my sister Sam's wedding. This was my first time at an "all inclusive" resort. It was fun just to hang out and have every whim taken care of as requested!

Plus, the resort is just beautiful! Right on the beach!!!!

Sea of Cortez

2008-08-05T10:31:00.002-04:00

Ever since I read Steinbeck's The Log from the Sea of Cortez, I have wanted to visit the area. Today, I planted my feet firmly in the surf. The water was clear, aquamarine, and warm!

Cabo Wabo

2008-08-04T10:27:00.001-04:00

Today we landed in Cabo San Lucas in Baja, Mexico! My first trip here. Boy is it hot! But beautiful. I am so excited to be at the beach again.

Hills and Hookers

2008-08-03T10:04:00.003-04:00

I started off the day with a morning run. Realizing we'd be heading out to Atlanta to catch our flight to Cabo, I new I better "try" something new early just to make sure I did something. So, I took a suggestion from Leslie M. and added a few "backwards" runs to my workout. Leslie suggested I run a mile backwards, but I am not up to that yet, so I ran the hills on my course backwards. I am glad no one saw this, as I wasn't very coordinated. Boy, did my thighs kill afterwards.

But this was not THE NEW experience of the day. Later, I found myself having to explain prostitution to my two young daughters!!!!

We pulled up to our hotel by the Atlanta airport, we found four cop cars out front. I was very uneasy about staying, but Matt said that whatever was happening was almost over and it should be fine. So, I went inside to register. While I was at the counter, three scantily clad women were escorted out of the hotel by the police.

Sophie immediately commented on their "horrible fashion choices." Emma, ever skeptical, began asking questions. So, Matt and I had the fun opportunity of explaining what these women did for a living. Luckily, the girls didn't comprehend it all!

Zen Jenn

2008-08-02T09:28:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the gap in postings. I just returned from our vacation to Cabo San Lucas!

So, I left off on August 2, 2008!

The weekend was busy with errands and packing, so I tried to cram in a few "new" things from ideas people sent me. A few of my friends suggested I try to meditate. For those of you who don't know me well, this would not be an easy accomplishment because I can't stop fidgeting or thinking about things!

But, tonight I tried it. While not completely successful, I was able to sit in complete silence and focus on my breathing...for about 15 minutes! (My colleague at work gave me some pointers on breathing techniques...thanks April!)

I definitely want to try this again. I really do think it would be beneficial to someone like me...and I did have a realization about myself that I want to explore further.

Pay to Pray?

2008-08-01T21:12:00.003-04:00

Today I wanted to do something that would actually expand my understanding and knowledge of the world. I have a co-worker who is Jewish and fascinating. During a conversation about the clients we work with, she made a comment about synagogue membership.

Intrigued, I followed up with some questions and learned that most Jews are required to pay substantial membership fees to join a synagogue (in addition to paying tithe, or ma'aserot)--a concept completely foreign to me.

At first, this whole concept was crazy, but then learned that Jewish law forbids carrying or exchanging money on Shabbat, the Sabbath, making it a sin to tithe during the service.

To understand this practice a bit more, I did some research.

Historically, tithes were given to the Levites, the tribe in charge of the Temple and the ancient ritual practices. Because the Levites were unable to grow food, they were supported by the community.

“And to the Levites I hereby give all the tithes in Israel as their share in return for the service that they perform,” (Numbers 18:21). “But do not neglect the [family of the] Levite in your community, for he has no hereditary portion as you have” (Deuteronomy 14:27).

Today, the synagogue staff is considered the modern equivalent of the Levites and Kohanes, or priests, of ancient Israel. Congregations need a spiritual leader, usually a rabbi, to perform religious services and ceremonies and to provide guidance. The executive directors and administrators are the modern day Levites who maintain the synagogue. In return for providing these services, the community supports their synagogue staff through dues. And paying a membership represents a deep commitment to the Jewish community and faith.

I also learned that synagogues sell tickets to High Holy Day services. The worship services are free but they can only take place because there is financial support from a community that pays the rent, utilities, salaries and all that is needed to create the worship experience. For non-members, a portion of these costs are included in the price of the tickets. Synagogue membership includes the cost of High Holy Day tickets.

While I am not sure I truly understand this practice, I found this practice to be very interesting and thought-provoking. Wow...

Coasting on Empty/Ambushed by Child

2008-07-31T21:51:00.003-04:00

Not a very eventful day. I am busy getting ready for our trip to Cabo. But, this evening I had to run my nephews, Jake and Josh, out to Hickory to drop them off with Daina R. While on the way, my car ran out of gas. This is the first time I have ever run out of gas while driving. Luckily, this happened at the top of the hill (above Old Fort), so we coasted all the way down the hill, to our exit, and right into a gas station. Who doesn't believe in miracles?

Another first today: I was ambushed by Sophie! When I went to pick her up at camp today, she and her friend Cheyenne ran up and asked if Cheyenne could spend the night (since this "would be the ONLY time ever that she could"). I immediately told Sophie I needed to meet and talk to Cheyenne's parents before she could come over. Well, boy was I surprised when I learned that Cheyenne's dad was there and had been waiting over 40 minutes to talk to me. Apparently, Sophie and Chey had borrowed a counselor's cell phone, called Chey's dad, asked him if she could spend the night and if he'd bring her clothes to wear. And he did!

Well, the little conspirators are asleep upstairs now! Maybe I should go double check...I am not sure I trust them!

Aye Carambola!

2008-07-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

I think I found the fruit Eve picked and ate. Today I tasted a starfruit (also known as carambola). It was pretty tasty, like a cross between a pear and a grape. Crunchy with a sweet/sour taste. I strongly recommend trying one.

Chocolate HEAVEN!

2008-07-29T22:18:00.001-04:00

Today was one of the BEST days of my life. I went to the French Broad Chocolate Bar in Asheville and left with a chocolate hangover. I met Erin H. there for a work meeting. We had Frigid Dark Chocolate drinks (yes, dark chocolate). On top of that, the manager gave us free samples of hand made specialty chocolates. This is my new favorite spot on earth!

Keyless Entry

2008-07-28T22:14:00.000-04:00

Spent the day in Greensboro attending a meeting. Since this was work related, I had to rent a car. When I checked in at Enterprise, the attendant handed me a small remote. I asked for the key and was informed I was getting a brand new vehicle that did not require any key to operate. At 6:00 AM, this was a bit much to comprehend.

I was able to open the car without a problem, but figuring out how to start that sucker was a huge challenge. I felt like such an idiot! Eventually, I managed to get the engine running. Soon, I was driving a keyless car for the very first (and hopefully last) time! I need a key!!!!

O'Natuals

2008-07-27T22:09:00.000-04:00

A new restaurant, O'Naturals, opened up this week in Asheville. Its a new healthy organic "franchise" started by the makers of Stonyfield Farms yogurt. Matt and I decided to go on a date and eat there. While it wasn't ground breaking, the food was good and decently priced. We'd definitely eat there again. I had a spicy Thai salad. Next time I want to try a flat bread pizza.

New Starbucks

2008-07-26T20:05:00.001-04:00

Took a trip to Starbucks and tried the new chocolate banana Vivanno smoothie drink. Not too impressed. Tasted like the Slim Fast shakes I make myself every morning. Come on Starbucks--take it up a notch.

Reading Between the Lines

2008-07-25T22:37:00.001-04:00

Celebrating Belle Chere today!

This afternoon, Matt, the girls and I went to Belle Chere with Mike, Karen and Blake. I was going to count going to the festival as my "new thing" for the day, but technically, I did go to Belle Chere last year (we went downtown to eat...didn't really go to the festival, but...).

So, while I was there, we all were looking for something new for me to try. I passed on the crazy carnival rides and getting my face painted (maybe later!).

Matt convinced me to step out of my comfort zone and have my palm read. We found a small booth and I paid $8 to gain "insight" into my life. The experience freaked me out a bit, as he was dead on about a few things I was experiencing in my life. But, then again, if I was a palm reader, I could probably learn how to read people pretty well and trigger the same shock.

Me Just Being Miley

2008-07-24T21:57:00.000-04:00

Today I picked something from the list my sister Sam sent me. Being her devious self, she suggested that I listen to an entire Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana CD--in its entirety! I know she thought that would be torture. Since Sophie is such a fan, I figured I had already be subjected to such misery. But, as I looked at the albums on Sophie's iPod, I learned that I had NOT listened to an entire Hannah Montana CD.

So, today, while on the way to FLAG camp, Emma, Sophie and I listened to the ENTIRE Breakout album. By the time we got to camp, I wanted to break out of the car!!! The entire CD was about teenage breakup misery!!!! I lived through that once--no need to return!!!!

However, she does have a cute version of Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. My daughters were so impressed I knew the words to this song!

Thanks for the torture Sam!

Hemp Piss

2008-07-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

Ok, I love Dr. Oz, but he is off his rocker when he says Hemp milk tastes good.

Dr. Oz just raves about the health benefits of hemp milk. So, hoping to find a dairy-like product for Matt, I picked up some hemp milk at Earthfare. Matt tried it and said it was not something he could stomach

(which told me ALOT!). But, I decided I should try hemp milk too.

First off, it smelled like hay. Plus, it is a nasty brownish green color. I almost lost my nerve, but since I had to try something new, I was determined to at least taste it. My face says it all!

Trip to Fresh Market

2008-07-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

Asheville has some pretty cool specialty grocery stores. I often shop at Earthfare and Green Life, so I assumed Fresh Market would be pretty similar, if not sub par with the others given its location. However, today I stopped by the Fresh Market on Merrimon to see what the hype is all about.

I fell in love with this store. It reminds me of a mix between Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Wonderful produce, specialty items, and a great coffee bar.

This is my new favorite spot in Asheville!

Jenn Deere

2008-07-21T10:16:00.000-04:00

I am now a true Southerner. Not sure I am proud of that, but its true. Today, I learned how to mow the field with Matt's John Deere (notice I said Matt's!) riding lawn mower. It is not as easy as I thought it would be. Driving is easy, but mowing is hard. Apparently, I did not do a great job because Matt fired me after I did one full circle. Not that I am crying. Mowing is boring! It is slow and tedious... Matt said I had to make sure the lines were straight! Give me a break! I'll let him have that chore all to himself!

"Tool Man" Tyner

2008-07-20T22:00:00.003-04:00

No creativity today! So, I did chores. One item lingering on Matt's "Honey Do" list was to make bed slats for Sophie's bed. I decided to take on the challenge. I am pleased to announce I made six bed slats (out of real wood!) for her bed. They worked perfectly.

Another new thing I did today was taste the new dark chocolate mint Three Musketeers. Emma had one and graciously shared a bite with me. OMG!!! It is my new favorite candy bar and definitely worth every calorie. I can't wait to try one straight out of the freezer!!!!

Chocolate Souffle

2008-07-19T21:53:00.000-04:00

Today I attempted to bake my first souffle. Of course, it had to be chocolate! It turned out OK. I definitely need more practice, but at least it didn't fall.

New Paths

2008-07-18T18:30:00.000-04:00

Today, I learned a few new ways to navigate around Asheville and Candler (where the kids go to school and Erin lives). Libby L. (one of my co-workers) showed me how to drive from downtown/Access II Care to Mt. Pisgah without having to take the 40. After a year-and-a-half, I feel so much more liberated and street savvy.

Frog Prince

2008-07-17T22:10:00.003-04:00

I kissed a frog. He didn't turn into a prince, but that's OK, I already have one at home! (Yes, this is the same frog that was AWOL and found behind the dryer. I caught him myself in our front yard. We call him Jeremiah.)

Virgin No More

2008-07-16T22:05:00.004-04:00

Today I watched my very first full episode of Sex and the City. I know...I am a bit late on this one. I saw the movie this summer and became hooked. Erin bought me the first season set for my birthday. I can't wait to watch all of the episodes! (I also realized I need a new hair style...I am stuck in the '90s like Carrie!)

I Had a Dream

2008-07-15T23:49:00.002-04:00

Every since high school, I have wanted to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. burial site in Atlanta, GA. Dr. King is a hero of mine, representing someone who had a vision and dedicated his life to fulfilling it.

Well, today, the girls and I got lost in downtown Atlanta and stumbled upon the National Historical Site. Not only did we spend time at the Reflecting Pool and his burial site, we toured his birth home, Firehouse #6 and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. The highlight of our visit was seeing the old mule cart that carried Dr. King's casket during his funeral procession.

I definitely suggest this experience to everyone. It served as a powerful lesson both in history and social justice.

Spicy Bite

2008-07-14T19:46:00.003-04:00

Today I decided to tackle one of the suggested things sent to me by my friend Leslie Martin. She challenged me to eat an entire jalapeno pepper.

Well, I did it! It wasn't bad. Tasted like a green pepper...not spicy at all (a bit of a letdown). So, maybe I'll try the habanero next. Maybe NOT!

I am not sure I want to try eating cereal with water (instead of milk) either. I am starting to think Leslie may have an evil side! J/K.

Oh, I think the pepper just hit my stomach...

Doe River Covered Bridge

2008-07-13T21:12:00.006-04:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to see a true covered bridge. I would read my grandma's books on the south and dream of riding a horse drawn carriage over one of the many covered bridges in Tennessee.

Today, we found and visited one of the last remaining covered bridges in the state of Tennessee. While not very attractive, the Doe River Covered Bridge is one of four included in the National Registry of Historical sites. Built in 1882, the bridge cost $3,000 to construct and remains a solid structure today.

Hopefully, I will get to see a few more of these types of bridges in my lifetime, maybe even ride a carriage across one.

Other firsts today:

Went to Parks Mill in Abingdon, VA.
Visited Sycamore Shoals, site of the Transylvania Purchase.

Exploring Southwest Virgina

2008-07-12T22:00:00.007-04:00

Today was full of new experiences, some planned and some not desired.

First, we traveled to Virginia to bike the Creeper Trail. We started our ride at the Whitetop Station. From there, we traveled 17 miles to the town of Damascus. Trip highlights: seeing beautiful yellow poplars, playing in the cool stream, and eating ice cream at Creekside Cafe.

Other firsts for today:

Walked the Appalachian Trail.
Having both children almost ride off cliffs (Emma actually fell off, but luckily her fall was broken by a huge boulder!)
Eating at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse in Bristol, TN (yes, I have eaten at a Japanese Steakhouse before, just not this one!)

Day 2 and already challenged

2008-07-11T18:14:00.002-04:00

Its only the second day of trying to find new things to do and I am challenged. Its hard to fit new things into the work week. But today I did learn a new thing...I learned how to use the ACS database. I know this may sound boring to most of you, but for a geek girl like me, it was pretty fun! Thanks Tony for taking time to teach me how to use the system!

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-10T16:13:00.001-04:00

Since my actual birthday falls on a Thursday this year, there isn't too much time to plan for anything big. We have plans for this weekend (more later), but today is a really busy work day.

So, I did something I have always wanted to do but have never allowed myself. I ate my birthday cake for breakfast.

And I am so sorry I waited to start what will now be a tradition! There is NOTHING better than homemade chocolate cake for breakfast on my birthday.

Emma and Sophie loved it too!

365 New Things for a New Year!

2008-07-09T15:26:00.003-04:00

Inspired by a young woman who wanted to try 365 new things during her 29th year (http://jen365.blogspot.com), I decided to do the same thing before I hit middle age!

This year, I want to do 365 things I've never done before, living life to the fullest while having a total blast. I want to try new things, learn new things, understand new things! Little things or big things...nothing illegal though!

Starting on the "10th anniversary of my 29th birthday" (July 10), I will do/learn at least one new thing every day for 365 days. While I won't be traversing the Great China Wall or conquering Everest everyday, the things I try can be as simple as "wearing pink fuzzy slippers to work," "learning and using a great new word," or "doing a cartwheel in the mall." Simple. Fun. Low Cost. Different. Just something to say "I've Done!"

I'm going to keep track of all the new things I do or try here in my blog. I'd love for you to send me any suggestions you have. Believe me, generating a list is a bit challenging, especially leaving in a rural community. Thanks to all of you who have already sent me ideas on Facebook. Keep them coming!

And, if you want to join me on this goal, let me know. That would be fun! The more the merrier, and the more accountability!

Now, I am off to start my year of great adventures....

My fortune for 2008-2009!

2008-07-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

Here is to a year of trying 365 new things!