Ate Crow/Laker Fun

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

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

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

Dreams

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!