New things a day

Fade to Black

2010-02-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed having this blog up to share in my past project of New things each day as well as the 365 photo project. But with my schedule becoming increasingly busy and my photo project also being up on my Facebook, I don't see the need to continue this blog.

I will be keeping this up for a couple of days before closing it entriely. If there are any of you who want to stay in contact via facebook, please leave me a comment with your name. Since I moderate all comments before posting, I will make sure your name is not published on my page. It's been great keeping up with you all and I will continue to follow your pages.

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Photos, Photos, Photos

2010-01-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am slowly getting into this 365 photo challenge and trying not to be hard on myself (as some of my friends doing this are pretty polished photographers...one having her own studio.) But I am enjoying doing this. There are a couple of days I had a lack of sleep and kicked myself for not bringing my camera, but as the days have gone on I have found myself going out of my comfort zone to get photos and thinking outside the box. Without further adieu, here are my shots for this week.
This is the shirt I had custom made after my Grandmother passed. It says it all!
This is our underground parking lot that was supposed to be done by January 1st. It probably will be done by...Spring?
On the way to a client appointment. Doing a lot of hurrying up and waiting.
Pretzel on his nightly romp outside.
This is the Ice Houses on one of the Nearby lakes. I wanted to get a photo of the actual fishers that were out but the skiers kept getting in the way.

Hope you all have had a great wknd!

-Jackie

A "New" Project 365

2010-01-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

I tried this project a few months ago but ended up stepping away from it due to the loss of my Grandmother as well as some other things that had come up. But I am jumping back on the Bandwagon of the Project 365 photo challenge. Here are my first shots of the year!

This is my puppy looking out the window at yet another round of snow that our state is well known for!

This is my husband putting up the Valances in our living room. I love how he can just balance off the chair like that!

This is the snow globe I found at Walgreens over Christmas. I just love it. To the left is a photo from my 30th Birthday Cruise to Key West/Cozumel and on the right is a gift we received at our wedding.

This is my favorite kind of popcorn (the mix of cheese, caramel and regular popcorn). I was eating this as I was in front of the TV getting suck into a episode of the Bachelor. (Of Course since it was a drama filled week, my husband got sucked into it also.)

So that's round one of photos for you. Hope you enjoyed. Until next time.

-Jackie

New year, new Goals

2010-01-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

I do not do New Year's Resolutions. I do however, set my goals at the beginning of the year and then revise throughout the year as needed. In college I used to set a ton of goals for myself (about 20-30). I remember in 1998 I acheived all of my goals but 2 of them. These days I limit myself to 3 or 4. For 2010 I have named 4 goals for myself (one is a continuance on the caffiene reduction and exercise I started in September) but the one I am going to talk about today is the one that is most important to me. That one is being a more positive person and surrounding myself with positive people instead ones that insist on bringing negativity into my life.

This is something I have struggled with in my life. I used to think that if I looked for the worst case scenario I would never dissapoint myself. In mid 2007 I began working towards being a more positive person, and I was making progress. Then 2008 hit and knocked me flat on my butt, so much so that by the end of 2008/beginning of 2009 I would present people with a laundry list of issues I faced in 2008. It also made me shut myself off from the world for awhile and isolate. The second half of this last year was the time I finally began to stop apoligizing for the person I am and get back into the world.

This is not going to be an easy goal (I already thought about giving up on day 2 when I was struggling) but it's something I am very dedicated to doing. I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Take Care,

Jackie

The Soundtrack of my life--an end of the year entry

2009-12-30T07:03:00.001-08:00

My friend Angela posed a good question on her Facebook the other day: What songs would you choose for your personal soundtrack? After a lot of thinking about it here are a few of mine.

1) Dixie Chicks--Wide open spaces. I love playing this song whenever I am going through a new chapter of my life. I feel like this song is timeless.

2) Nancy Sinatra--These Boots are Made for Walkin'--(Not what you might think), instead of the song being about a cheating lover, I make it to be about people who try to walk all over me (like my last CM consultants).

3) How you Live (Point of Grace)--This is a life song for me. It's how I want to live my life.

4) If you're going through Hell (keep on going) Rodney Atkins--A song that has really helped me get through the bad times.

5) The Facts of life theme song--I love the 80's, I love 80's Cit Coms and I love this song. It really fits me especially that part that says "When the world never seems to be livin' up to your dreams, then suddenly you're findin' out the Facts of Life are all about you."

6) Love of my life (Michael W. Smith and Jim Brickman). It is one of my husband and I's songs.

7) It's so hard to say goodbye (to Yesterday)--Boyz 2 Men--This is one of the newer songs in my "Soundtrack"......this is the song I listen to when I want to remember my Grandmother...the line that sticks with me the most is "And I'll take with me the Memories...to be my sunshine after the rain."

8) Hands (Jewel)--Though it's considered a "Secular song" (though I am someone who listens to all kinds of music not just Christian), I love how it talks about helping others, being God's hands, and standing up for what's right.

9) That's what Friends are for--It's another timeless song and about true friendship.

10) Vienna (Billy Joel)--Even though I am a huge Billy Joel fan, the first time I heard this song was the first time I saw "13 going on 30"....it's a song I like to listen to when I am getting caught up in the chaos of the world.

Hope you enjoyed my list and hope you all have a Happy New Year. May 2010 be a wonderful year for all of us!

-Jackie

Christmas was delayed/a end of a 7 year Tradition.

2009-12-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

As some of you already know, my family Christmas was delayed due to the Winter Blizzard that Hit MN, the Dakotas and Iowa especially hard (and made it's way on down all the way to Texas)! Because of the storm my sister and niece were not able to make it up and we were not able to either because the Highway leading to the road by my Mom's was covered in ice. Needless to say we have rescheduled for New Years day but my Brother (the chef) is stuck working that day. =( Major Bummer.

But that's not really the subject of today's entry. Today I wanted to talk about Christian Radio stations. Since 2002 I had been listening to one main Christian Station called KTIS. In the early years I used to look forward to listening to it on the way to work and was involved with helping the station by volunteering and contributing financially. I also enjoyed attending events like the Point of Grace Concert at Mall of America that they sponsored. But over the last 3-4 years the station has adopted more of a "corporate" format adopting the catch phrases like "Keeping your family safe on the way to work and school," introducing games like the "Family name game" that leave people out of contention if they don't have children and they play the same songs over and over again. I contacted the station a few times and even offered suggestions as to how they could change the station to minister to everyone but I was ignored on all attempts.

Last night I read a "rant" entry from my friend Dan who recently moved to Atlanta from MN (he works for Delta). He was expressing his frustrations over how the radio station in Atlanta (The Fish) has adopted the same corporate format and the same contests, mottos and songs. I same to find out through the open discussion that there was another radio station here called KLove that plays a variety of songs and doesn't have the corporate motto or catch phrases. I turned them on on the way to work this morning and my mood instantly lifted. It was at that point I decided to end my 7 year relationship with KTIS. I e-mailed them, explained why I was done and now I am on my way.

I am once again looking forward to my drives to work with my new radio station friend, KLOVE!

Take Care,
Jackie

2009 In Review

2009-12-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

I saw this on another blog and thought I would do this also. 2009 had it's ups and downs this year but lead me to a much better frame of find and helped me better sort through it all. Here's a cliff notes version of it all.

January--Busily got files ready for an audit, helped out at a nearby soup kitchen. Found out we were getting a very nice tax refund which helped fund what was to come in the summer. =)

February--Celebrated 7 years of marriage. Became proud owners of a Wii Fit. Became a red head for awhile. =)

March--Helped out with Special Olympics. Began to took for a new apartment as we were getting very fed up with our current one. Very busy month at work. I billed 500 units (average billing is 395). Celebrated Mike's and Pretzels birthdays.

April--Found the apartment we would end up moving to during the summer. Put the deposit down. Got a Wii Fit and started using it! COMPLETED my new things challenge!

May--Very uneventful month. Mainly focused on Packing.

June--Moved into our cute new place (our 3rd floor corner apartment). Little did we know one of our friends would become our neighbor just a few months later. Auditioned for the Eaglebrook Drama team (I did get on the list but one barely gets called for it).

July--Went through a month of disputing our damage deposit charges as our former landlord made up a bunch of bogus charges. We eventually won and got our deposit and half a months rent back. Re-established an estranged friendship. Celebrated my 33rd Birthday (and the neighbors dog bit me that morning, not fun) and got to ring it in with my family and Grandmother.

August--Had a great time at our Cities Festival in the Park, dealt with some drama that is am not going to get into, our friend JP moved into our building, found out my Grandmother had stage 4 cancer, took a flight to Montana with my Siblings to spend time with her.

September--My Grandmother passed away from Cancer. Rang in the College Football Season and watched a lot of Florida Gator Games.

October--Started Volunteer Orientation at Hope Lodge, Attended Grief Support Group, Discovered Fruit Bouquets, started attending Fusion at New Hope Church attended Home Safety Training as well as getting to see Dr. Daniel Amen's conference which was awesome. Started operation caffeine reduction.

November--PAID OFF MY STUDENT LOANS, went to a Vikings game (yes, I am shocked too but I did not root for them), lost my 1st 10 pounds, My husband and I had our own Thanksgiving, attended a Scrapbooking Retreat wknd (Which did not end well), got a replacement TV for Free!

December--Fought bronchitis, played Santa and delivered the Hennepin County gift program items, saw a Christmas Story at the Mounds Theater..the rest is still unwritten.....

-Jackie

Feelings of Inadequacy...

2009-12-20T08:12:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been thinking about 2008 and 2009. At the end of 2008 I was just ready for the year to be over (like many people I knew). I have not felt the same way in 2009 though looking back this year has had it's share of struggles (my husband not being able to find steady work, the drama we had at our last apartment the first half of the year and of course losing my Grandmother to Cancer). When I look back on both years I found myself thinking "Why is it so painful to look back on 2008 when 2009 had it's fair share of struggles?"

After hearing a Message at our Church (Eaglebrook), I figured it out. In 2008 I shut down and surrendered to feelings of inadequacy......I threw myself into Caretaking for others and shut myself off from the world, even in the areas I was doing well in (an example of this is work). In 2008 I played the internal tapes in my head of "you are not a good person, that's why you don't have a lot of friends", "your husband is struggling because you have not done enough to be a good wife.", "your co-workers do not like you and that's why they wrote some negative comments on your 6 month review." After a year of this all I wanted to do was hide under the covers and isolate. I would look at other people's lives, decide they were perfect (when there is no such thing) and continue the negative self talk. Not healthy at all.....

This year I have really learned a lot about getting through tough times and taking care of myself. I have learned how to better nurture the friendships I have that are working and to get rid of the unhealthy ones. My marriage has improved as well as our level of communication with each other. It was heartbreaking but one thing she taught me was to seize the day and don't take the relationships in my life for Granted. Because of this I have been more open to forgiving people and sorting through hurts instead of just stuffing them down inside. While I still struggle with feelings of inadequacy I take the time to figure out where these feelings are coming from and whether or not the issue is something I need to change or just an area in life where I need to refocus my thoughts on the positive things. Are these things in life I don't have that I still want? Of Course, but I also need to give myself credit for the things I have accomplished in my life or this year for example (finishing a year long new things challenge, starting to Volunteer at Hope Lodge, drastically reducing my caffeine intake).

What will 2010 bring? I have no idea. Would I love it to have less drama in it? Of Course. But I also want it to be a year where I can continue to enjoy the little things, to take a few chances and to be able to not compare myself to others/beat myself up. My theme song is the song "How you live" by Point of Grace. I think the Chorus of the song best sums up what I want for my life.

Turn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances, let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it, looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew, and it's not what you did it's
how you live.

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-16T04:38:00.000-08:00

Would you like it if the Tables were turned?

2009-12-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

I have been sick this week. With being sick has come more time rest on the couch and watch TV. What I have been seeing lately has disgusted me; a lot of coverage of Tiger Woods and the "mistresses in his life". Seriously? My personal favorite is when they go to these launch parties for toys, clothes, etc and ask former teen stars (like Joey Lawrence and Melissa Joan Hart) their throughts on Tiger Woods. It saddens me to see that in the middle of the Christmas Season where many of our soldiers are away from home, during a time where we should be focusing on giving to others and good will towards men, that people are glued to their TV's watching Tiger Woods fall off the pedistal many of the same people put him up on.

Do you know what I would love to see? I would love to see camera come into the homes of these TV Correspondants (like Mary Hart and Nancy O'Dell) and have them air THEIR dirty laundry and TV to see how they like it. While I do agree that public access comes with being a celebrity and that morals are important, I also believe that those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. How many people do we really have to see interviewed for their thoughts on Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods, Jon and Kate or any other figures in the spotlight?

On Wednesday I was really looking forward to hearing stories about the winner of the Biggest Loser and the Highlights of the finale the night before, like each season prior. Nope, a whole 30 minutes devoted to Tiger Woods and how insiders in Sweden saw this coming......it's days when I am sick on the couch I am glad I can flip the channel to Wheel of Fortune or Let's Make a Deal...shows that don't involve celebrity scandal.

That's just my pet peeve.....how about instead of focusing on celebrity scandals we can focus on making the world a better place?

-Jackie

What a wknd

2009-12-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hope you all are having a great wknd! Unfortunately mine has not gone as planned. I was supposed to go down to Iowa for my niece's 2nd birthday today but at work on Friday I ended up having 4 asthma attacks along with chest pains. I needed to take last night and today off to recover. I really wanted to see the little Tyke turn 2 but unfortunately I will have to wait until Christmas to see her! My husband, puppy and I ended up snuggling on the couch where we watched UP (which was kind of depressing) and Star Trek. I am not a Star Trek fan but I LOVED the movie. I am going to add it to my DVD collection.

Another thing I love is the site I love free things. If you are on Facebook you can find a page there which list the free deals and samples along with the link to sign up for them. If not you can go directly to their website. I have gotten a lot of cool things from them including boy shorts, food free samples and coupons for free items! I just love that site!

I am kind of floating through the Holiday season. I was glad to hear we are not having a Christmas out to Eat Party at work like we have done in past years. Instead we are having a Potluck. That is just fine by me because besides putting my time in to help others (through the Salvation Army and Hope Lodge), I want this Christmas to be as low key as possible. We have not put up any Christmas Decorations or lights and besides the work potluck the only Holiday Party I am attending is at Hope Lodge. I might be going to a Chris Tomlin Concert but that is because my friend is looking for someone to use the extra ticket she has. So we'll see.

Hope you have a great week!

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T06:01:00.001-08:00

Where has the time gone?

2009-11-29T12:42:00.001-08:00

Hello,
It's been quite awhile since I last posted, where did the time go? Things are going okay here, just been really busy with work. Some months its really quiet to the point it is boring. Other times I wish the phone would stop ringing because everyone seems to be going into crisis at the same time.

Hope you all had a Good Thanksgiving (I know those of you in Canada Celebrate Thanksgiving before we do). Since I worked at Hope Lodge during the day; it was just Mike, Pretzel, our friend JP and I. (There are some photos to the right and above) It was almost better that way this year. With it being so soon after my Grandmother passed, I am more floating through the holiday season more than anything. I am very glad due to budget issues, we are having a Potluck instead of a restaurant Christmas party. Most of the Christmas events I am participating in this year will be pretty low key.

On Friday I left for a scrapbooking retreat. I wish I could say it went well but besides getting pages done in my Memory album for my Grandma and being about to be out in the woods for awhile, it was awful! I ended up having to leave early because of the lack of sleep I got and because I kept trying to fight off a migraine. The people who were there were either related or already knew each other so I tried my best to get to know others. When I got home the male half of the team hosting this had unfriended me from Facebook. Facebook has it's Glitches so I thought it was a mistake and sent him a friends request as well as some others there. They all were ignored. Then this morning I get a nasty Facebook message from the Female half of the CM team stating that she is unfriending me because she did not appreciate my attitude, I should not have left early and I accused her of rigging the drawing. Whatever. She kept drawing her relatives names and I made a joke (that others had done before this) asking "are you sure my name is in there." But either way, I am glad I went to get work done on the album though I want no more contact with these people. I believe in being direct with others when there is an issue going on and if I need supplies I can always buy/order elsewhere. I would rather have people ask me what I meant than make assumptions.

Onto a MUCH MORE positive note...

A couple of weeks ago I went up to see my Mom on the way to visit some clients. I was able to pick up some dolls and things my Grandmother had made me. I was also about to pick up the Afghan my Grandmother was working on for my husband at the time of her passing. It's nice to have these items in my home as they a nice reminder of my Grandmother and things that warm my heart.

Have a good week!
-Jackie

Something Different

2009-11-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

I love to read. It's one of my Favorite hobbies. Last year alone I read 58 books. I used to love it when we lived close to the library....I would hop on my bike with my backpack, get a ton of paperbacks (16-20) and then whip through them all within a week or two. This year has been no exception. On Facebook I keep a list of books I have read along and a small blurb on my thoughts about each one. I decided it would be fun to highlight one-two books every week or two. Since I didn't partake in any Halloween activities this year and instead whipped through books when I was not volunteering at the Hope Lodge, Here are the two books I would like to talk about.

I'll start with the one I loved first. Ever since I heard that Patrick Swayze had written an autobiography during his battle with Cancer I knew I wanted to get it. Well, the library had it for me on Friday and I started to read. I have to say that this book is a must read. If you think the whole book is about his fight with cancer, you would be mistaken. I loved reading about his Childhood, how he met his wife Lisa, their struggles with having enough money for food and rent as they went through dance schools and companies, the ongoing knee injury he faced, family tragedies and what he learned from them and so much more. I found myself not being able to put this book down. I like the fact that he did not come off as someone who was too big for their britches nor as someone who made excuses for every single mistake they ever made (e.g. Valerie Bertenelli and her autobiography). I found myself relating to struggles he faced with things such as identity, the loss of a family member and most of all the heartbreak he and his wife faced as they battled infertility. I highly recommend this book!

As for the second book I read (Smart Women by Judy Blume) I cannot say the same thing. What I can say about this book is that it reminded me a lot of an episode of Desperate Housewives (from what I have heard). The story revolves around three 40 something divorced women and their families. It was more a story of bed hopping and these women worrying so much about their own "happiness and satisfaction" that they seem to forget about their children. When I was growing up I enjoyed Judy Blume's books. In 1999 I read her book Summer Sisters (which overall I liked but hated the ending). I was hoping for a lot more form this author and I was sorely dissapointed. I stopped reading the book with 2 chapters left (it was 352 pages of bed hopping and selfishness). I will not be pursuing any more books from this author, that's for sure!

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed my post. Have a good week!

-Jackie

Change your Diet, Change your life

2009-10-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been almost 2 weeks already and I cannot believe the change that has come about. One small change I decided to make in my life snowballed into other health changes. I went into all of this with one goal--caffeine reduction/elimination. I have come out of it with so much more. When I go to the Grocery store I now want to eat healthy. An example of this is today, I went to the store and saw cupcakes on sale. Normally I would have scooped them right but instead I bought the Special K Chocolate Delight cereal. I have turned down sweets at two different events and I have started taking my vitmamins again!

My only issue right now with vitamins is being able to take them all at once (to stomach them), I absolutely cannot each them in the morning without getting sick. I have to wait before bed to take them. I am now taking Calcium+Vitamin D, a Multivitamin, Fish Oil and Green Tea tabs. I think it has really helped with my mood and I have so far lost 4 pounds (I am not in it to lose weight but if it happens I will not complain.)

I have more energy to do things and take far less naps than I used to. Last night I went out with a friend to a 20-30 somethings group and I would have never done that on a Sunday when I had to work the next day. It's amazing the changes that take place when you change one thing in your life you did not think that you could.

-Jackie

One week, bubble baths and change of seasons

2009-10-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will mark one week since I started my caffeine reduction. There have been good and bad things about it. The Good things have been: increased energy (after the first couple of days), the desire to be healthier in my eating along with what I drink, sleeping through the night instead of taking naps and a having the weight loss/body fat reduction I am already experiencing as a result. Some of the bad things have been: some nausea (which came heavily on Monday morning), headaches every night for the first few days (so much so I had to miss Grief Support on Monday night and got , my coming to love the snooze button in the morning. But I am very committed to doing this and am going to keep on going. It will be worth it not to have an addiction so strong to something that does so much harm to my body!
Bubble Baths--I am becoming increasingly addicted to them! I have been taking them in the evenings when I am feeling queasy or after working out. I love how they are an inexpensive way to pamper myself!

One of my co-workers talks about how her clients have had increases in hospitalizations, episodes or just increased moodiness when the seasons have changed. I have really noticed it this week, the phone has been ringing off the hook from providers, clients and hospital with fires (not literal fires but issues) that I have to deal with. I am hoping things will slow down in the coming weeks--if not I have a five day wknd coming the weekend of Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a good wknd. The forecasters here think this will be one of the last weekends for Fall Colors so I plan on enjoying them. The picture to the left is from a walk I took at our Nature Center last weekend. I really enjoy spending time there!

Take Care,
Jackie

Kicking the Habit

2009-10-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have decided to get rid of my Caffeine habit. I tried this before but for the wrong reasons (I had a doctor who would not perscribe me migraine meds and instead told me to kick caffeine. I eventually got another doctor.) But I have decided I want to get rid of this part of my life. Lately I have been up to 5 pops a day (normally Mountain Dews). I do not like having to depend on Pop for energy boosts. I do not like having the crash that comes when the caffeine boost is gone. I do not want to put myself at risk diabetes or chest pains.

Today was day one of my caffeine elimination. I will not go cold Turkey (and have been advised not to by many websites and others who have done this). I had struggles that I have read are normal. While I slept like a baby last night, I had a great deal of trouble concentrating today, was irritable and tonight while waiting for my husband to get out of a taste test, I had a huge drop in my blood sugar and felt weak and dizzy. After we had supper I felt like my old self again and we enjoyed a walk around Mall of America. I want to get out and enjoy life more and not worry if a venue is serving caffeine. I want to get up and go without having to rely on the Mountain Dew pick me up. It won't be easy and will be gradual but I am ready and willing to do it.

I will keep you all posted in the coming weeks on my progress.

-Jackie

Movies, Fwinter and Life

2009-10-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

Hope you all had a good weekend! I was excited to go to the movies this wknd. A friend of mine and I saw Julie and Julia. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it! I want to buy this when it comes out on DVD. It was the highlight of my weekend.

This weekend we Minnesotans welcomed the beginning of FWINTER (fall and Winter). The last time we had winter this early was 20 years ago! I am actually enjoying it but am not liking the fact that come Saturday we will be back up in the 70's again. If the snow is going to come early, I wish it would stick around for awhile.

I hit a personal milestone today---I ran two miles today on Wii Fit for a total of 10 minutes! This is huge for me because I have never been able to run (between my joints and my asthma). I am looking forward to doing this program on Wii fit more often.

Other than all of this--I am doing a bit better but still have my really hard days (yesterday was a real stinker of a day for example). This weekend I am starting my volunteering at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge (It's like a Ronald McDonald House for Adult Cancer Patients and their caregivers who like at least 40 miles away. I will be volunteering for 8 hours a month and am looking forward to this. Right now I am just pushing through day by days--it's the best I can do!

Take Care,
Jackie

Grief and Hope Lodge and Twins...Oh my!

2009-10-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

I did a wordless Wednesday post previously but I decided that I can't leave today wordless...there is a lot going on right now and I would rather be vocal about it.

On Monday I attended my first Grief and loss Support Group meeting. I had my hesitations about it (one of them being that I am the Youngest Member there) but I am really glad I went and will continue to go to the meetings twice a month. What a lot of people don't realize is my Grandmother lived with my family for many years (from when I was 9 until a little bit after my 16th birthday) and in many ways she was like another parent for me (and my siblings). As I watched the first DVD session I felt myself nodding along with a lot of what they were saying on about what comes along with the Grieving process. Some of the things that impacted me the hardest was when they talked about how you can be fine one day or for a few days and have grief hit you like a big wave. (This has happened to me quite a few times). Another thing they advised was not to make any big decisions right now if you don't have to. This is something I needed to hear because with all of this I have wanted to run away from a lot of things that were familiar to me and start fresh as I am trying to figure out who I am after this loss. It was also nice to be around people with similar experiences who understood what I am going through.

Another big thing for me this week was going through Orientation today at the Minneapolis Hope Lodge. This is a lot like the Ronald McDonald house but for patients and their caregiver over the age of 18. It is nestled right on the U of M campus and people who stay there live at least 50 miles away from where they are getting treatment and do not have to pay anything. They have 9 paid staff and the rest (about 200) are volunteers. I am going to be putting in 8 hours a month and am really excited about it. I can sign up via the internet and have signed up through the beginning of January! I was pleasantly surprised to see Christmas Eve and Christmas day having all their volunteer slots filled. Some days I will help out for 2 hours or so after work and some days I am just filling in for 4 hours on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

I am very happy to see the MN Twins in the Playoffs! I was supposed to go to a Game this year but was in Montana during this time so a friend and her boyfriend got to see them. I am really hoping they can sweep this series and make it to the World Series!

We're gonna Win Twins
We're gonna score
We're gonna win Twins
Watch that Baseball Soar!
Knock out a Home Run
Shout out Hip Hooray!
Cheer for the MN Twins Today!
Have a good rest of the week!

-Jackie

Welcome October!

2009-10-01T17:00:00.001-07:00

There is a song from Greenday where the lyrics go "Wake my up, when September end." Until recently I would think to myself they really need to choose another month because I love September! Sadly, September of 2009 was not one of those Septembers. Looking back I found myself in Auto Pilot for much of the month. I remember my breakdowns and I remember family Moments before my Grandmother passed and afterwards, but regular day to day moments are a big blur. I was looking at my billing for work today and was surprised to see how much work I put in even though I was done for a week and a half. I found myself thinking "When did I get all this work done?" Then I realized that it was all done in autopilot.

I am a Social Worker. In school I learned all about the grieving process. There were even 2 questions about it on my licensing exam. But this is the first time in my adult life where the death of a loved one has slapped me in the face the way it has. I find myself somewhat estranged from many of my co-workers, a few that I used to feel close to I no longer feel that way anymore. I like to go in early or work from home more and more these days so I do not have to be in the office. Granted, I have no issues going out and seeing my clients; it's just the day to day interactions with my co-workers and boss that seem to shake me up. I already feel uneasy as it is with a lot of them because the after work activities consist of going out and drinking. I do drink from time to time but the bar is not my scene. Sometimes the situation with my co-workers makes me feel like I am back in High School. I am hoping this will go away with time.

Next week I am going to my Mother's house where she will have my horse quilt and dolls my Grandmother made for me when I was a child as well as the poodle skirt she made for my Halloween Costume. In sixth grade I played a munchkin in the school play and she made my costume, complete with the munchkin shoes. I am hoping to get a Hope Chest for Christmas where I can store these items that are so close to my heart along with other cherished items like the jewelery I wore on my wedding day, my veil and other things.

I am trying not to get angry at myself for having moments of sadness, discontent and anger that are more easily triggered. Some examples of this would be watching the Wonder Years (on You Tube) and bawling my eyes out when there is a scene where a character close to Kevin passes away. A friend of mine (who has never experienced infertility) posted a blog from someone who experienced it but then adopted and had a successful story. I became angry with my friend and almost said something because not only has she not experienced this first hand, but I feel she also discredits that adoption is not for every couple. Yesterday at work I had to deal with a crisis situation after getting a call from a client who was involved in a family dispute. After a call to the police and adult protection I was so shaken the only thing I could do was go home and finish my case notes there,

I am looking forward to the baby steps coming up (including going to the support group next week) of getting back into the social swing of things. I am trying to go slow right now as to not overwhelm myself. This wknd I am going to my first scrapbooking crop since February where the women are NOT mommies and I do not have to deal with the Mommy and Me talk. Next Wednesday I am going to my volunteer orientation at Hope lodge which is a facility (of many locations one being in Minneapolis) where cancer patients and their families can stay in private suites while also provide a wide variety of cancer programs and services that provide information, resources and support to ease the cancer journey. Next weekend my friend Sara and I are also going to the Apple Orchard so that should be fun. Yesterday I bought my first batch of Honey crisps and have been eating them with Carmel dip. Tasty!

Have a good week everyone. Thank you for all the support.

-Jackie

Anybody here?

2009-09-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

I am back. I have not found the desire to blog like I used to. I keep having to remind myself that it has only been 2 weeks since my Grandmothers passing. I am doing better but still have my difficult days, like today when it was difficult to even get out of bed and out of my PJ's. Since I went to Church last night I ended up lounging on the Couch and Watching State Fair and Top Gun. I also found myself bawling my eyes out in Top Gun when his Wing Man died. I have never cried during that part before and I have been the movie a million times (my family and I saw in 5 times when it first came out in the theatre. My Grandmother loved the movie so much she got it as part of her paid subscription to Sports Illustrated). It's difficult because my world has been shaken so hard and I do not know what is normal for me anymore. A lot of things that were important to me are no longer important.

I had joined an Alpha Group this fall but have decided not to continue in it. It is hard for me to sit in a group where they talk about how God cured them or their illnesses and injuries while my Grandma did not have the same story. Also one member of the group keeps talking about how their is a miracle from God every time a baby is born. I have to bite my tongue and keep from saying "Not all of us get blessed with this miracle." This study is not out of the Church we currently attend but one we attended for 4 years then ended up leaving because they only seemed to care about women with Children. Needless to say, I am "dropping out" of Alpha and have decided to attend a Grief support Group instead. I really need to be around people who are going through what I am and don't expect me to brush things off and move on with my life like I don't miss my Grandmother.

I guess this post kind of turned into a rant...for those of you who have read up until this point, thanks for listening.

-Jackie

My thoughts and Feelings in a Unique way

2009-09-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today..

Outside my window…is a full parking lot. The Garages have all been taken down to make room for underground parking...which is leaving a temporary hassle in our Parking lot.

I am thinking…I miss my Grandma and wonder when I will start to feel like myself again

I am thankful for…the years I had with my Grandmother and the support I have received during this difficult time.

From the kitchen…Dirty Dishes

I am wearing…pajamas

I am creating…this blog entry .

I am going…to watch the last episode of Guiding Light tomorrow. I will miss that show! (See cast Photo on the top of this entry.

I am reading…"Jennifer Johnson is tired of being Single..." (Only because I heard the Author on Twin Cities Live talking about it and I am still on the waiting list for LA Candy.

I am hoping…that my rude and disrespectful client does not call me tomorrow. I am about ready to tell her if I am doing that terrible of a job please call my boss and asked to be re-assigned a case manager. (Stepping off my soapbox now)

I am hearing…The fan

Around the house…the pleasing sight of the Orchid plant my co-workers/boss bought me after my Grandmother passed away

One of my favorite things…Sleep

A few plans for the rest of the week…work from home tomorrow =), a Luau party on Saturday afternoon followed by a Rememberance Dinner for my Grandmother....(she was cremated per her wishes and we will have the funeral in the Spring...just the way she wanted it. She will be buried next to my Grandfather...who I love to brag about. He was a WWI Airforce Pilot and Flew on the Memphis Belle)

It's so hard....to say Goodbye...to yesterday....

2009-09-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

I got the call I have been dreading for the last month this morning.....my Grandmother passed away from Cancer today. She was 85 years old. For those of you who don't know my Grandmother was one of the closest people in my life. She lived with my family for a number of years and was always one of my biggest supporters. I get some of my craftiness from her as she made dolls, afghans, clothes, many things including the angel that sat on top of our family's Christmas tree. She was a wonderful cook and one of my favorite things she would make was her doughnuts from scratch. She loved animals (especially dogs). She always encouraged me to go out and pursue the things I wanted in life. I love her dearly and will miss her. I am proud to be her Granddaughter. Rest in Peace, dear Grandmother.

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Where to go from here

2009-09-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I am enjoying my last days of vacation before I go back to work. For those of you who are not on Facebook or who didn't get to see my note on there, I will tell you that the trip to see my Grandma was a much needed one. I needed to see for myself how she was doing and to be able to say the things to her I needed to say. She is still bedridden at this point and does not eat very much most days (pudding and coffee most days with maybe half a slice of toast). She says most everything tastes like cardboard, which I have heard is common amongst cancer patients. She is having a steady stream of visitors which is good and Montana is a great provider for hospice care. They have a PCA and Skilled Nurse working with her and Aunt and Cousin are also around to provide care for her. I will continue to keep you all posted on how she is doing.

I am not 100% sure in what format I will continue this blog. I was doing the photo challenge but I fell off that wagon during the time I found out my Grandmother was/is sick. I will continue to take and post photos on here but I think in a less structured format. I might move this blog to wordpress if I can't figure out how to post photos without them all moving to the top.

I am looking forward to fall--it's actually my favorite season of the year. The trip to Montana left me with a lot of questions (not doubts necessarily but questions) so I will be taking the Alpha Course this fall at Our Old Church that was right behind our old apartment complex. I tried to take this course 5 years ago but I was on call 24/7 at the job I was employed at during that time and kept getting called into work. I am looking forward to actually being able to take and finish the course.

This month is already looking to be a busy one but busy in a good way. Hubby & I are continuing to help with fruits of the city where we get fruits from tree's of private homeowners as well as orchards and the fruits get donated to local food banks. At our last picking in Rush City we were able to donate 12,000 pounds of Apples which went to numerous Twin Cities and Wisconsin Food Shelters as well as the Food Bank in Rush City, where we did the picking. I am also looking forward to scrapbooking again this weekend. I found a group of scrapbookers who are in my age group and not part of the mommy and me crowd. The first crop is this wknd and there will also be Social Activities planned with this group.

In addition to all of this our Church is expanding our seating by 3,000 seats. At Fall kickoff next wknd they will be telling us how this is going to happen. This is exciting because this campus (which is our third campus, the building given to them by a Baptist Church that was closing it's doors) opened in 2008 and is already running out of room at the Sunday services. Should be an exciting time for our campus and Church in general!

I do have some photos to share but you will have to wait until I get my USB cord for my new camera (old/new, I bought it from a friend). We did not do much while in Montana but I did get some good shots. Until next time..

Take Care,
Jackie

Something fun until I return....

2009-08-28T20:08:00.001-07:00

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I am leaving for Montana on Tuesday morning and will not be back until late on Friday the 4th. I am hoping to go back to my regular updates when I return. But for now I wanted to share something fun with you I found one of the sites I am subscribed to. Hope you enjoy....

Outside my window..I am loving this fall like weather and am hoping it will stay that way.
I am thankful for...my family
From the kitchen...Carmel Machiato Ice Cream from Starbucks (got it for free with a coupon)
I am wearing...Pink Top and Jeans
I am creating...this post
I am going...to the State Fair Tomorrow
I am reading..."Holy Discontent" by Bill Hybels
I am hoping...my one day of week this week goes by fast and that the Windsheild repair specialist comes way before 5 on Monday (on the way to Apple Picking today a rock hit my windshield). Since the crack is only dime sized, the insurance with take care of it with no deductible.
I am hearing...My husband rearranging furniture around the office.
Around the house...is the sound of silence that we were seriously lacking at our last apartment.
One of my favorite things...hitting the snooze 1 or 2 times because I actually like my apartment and want to stay in bed longer.
A few plans for the rest of the week...Law and Order tonight (I already went apple picking today), State Fair on Sunday, Work and Packing on Monday then I will be out in Montana spending time with my Grandmother as well as my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins who live there.

A few pictures to share---There was a car show in our city last wknd so here are a couple of photos of that for you. Also a picture of my new hair color. You can't see it as well as you can in my photos on my other camera but I do not have a USB port for that one. I am hoping to have a lot of photos to share with you when I return from Montana.

-Jackie

On a Personal Note (and a small sample)

2009-08-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how many people are left reading this but I just wanted to let you know that I found out this week my Grandmother has stage 4 cancer and has less than 6 months left to live. I will be flying out to see her in Montana the first week in September. I have learned 2 things this week 1) Cancer sucks---it tears apart families and breaks hearts. My father also died from cancer in Feb of 2008. 2) You really find out who the supportive people are in your life. I have had some really wonderful family members, co-workers and friends come around me in support during this difficult time. On the same note I have been also hurt be some people who have found out via e-mail or Facebook about the news and have said nothing--not even an "I'll pray for you and your family". My husband reminds me that they just might not know what to say but it's still hard. I am just trying to focus on the time i have left with my Grandma right now and having people to support me.

Having the photo editing software has been a good distraction during this hard time. The first picture is of Pretzel trying to get water off of the ac unit after a rainstorm. The second photo is of The Cheese Cave in one of the small towns I had to go to for work. Photo #3 illustrates one of my central locations in my job (besides my office) which would be my car. I added a black and white background with a photo booth frame. The last photo is of Mike and Pretzel taking a nap. I added a Green toned background.

Until next time,

Jackie

Photos amidst Chaos!

2009-08-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Without sounding conceited, I am proud of myself right now for two reasons. The first one is because I found a way to make this challenge even more exciting (and learn more about photography) by trying the photo editing. Some of my pictures have no need for editing but it's fun to take others and make them all the more appealing. I am giving my Facebook audience somewhat of a sneak peek by showing a Photo or two each week, but I am continuing to post all of them on here.

The second reason is because this has been a crazy month and still I have been able to get the photo a day challenge in. I have not been feeling well because of my stomach (I think it's stress related), changes at work due to the budget cuts and people leaving the office for other jobs and because of some personal things that went on over the last week (nothing marriage related). But without further adieu I present: This week's photos!

Top: I Obamaized this photo showing off my tan line from my Flip Flops. I just had to retire the pair I have been wearing all summer but I got a new pair; I like to wear flip flops until it snows!

Photo #2--We babysat our friend's daughter. This is my husband eating my Chicken Enchilladas and "L" having a small sample. I like how Pretzel is peeking out from under the table and how our kitchen has such a home feeling to it now!

Photo #3---This is my hubby biking to his contract job. I would have liked to crop this more but I think it looks okay.

Photo #4--Driving to the small town I go to (to get my oil changed). I go there because they know my name and are always honest with me. I did nothing to edit this photo. I love it the way it is!

Photo #5--"L" brought over Pretzel a treat today. I love the Vingette around it as it really softens the photo.

In two weeks I am on vacation for a week--except some fun "MN Vacation photos that week." I will back way before then but just something to look forward to.

-Jackie

Playing Around

2009-08-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Here are the photos I have for you today. For those of you on Facebook you may see one or two of these each week. I am doing this to give the people who don't visit this blog a small taste of what I am up to (but not the whole Enchillada--they need to come to this site if they want to see that. I am also playing a bit with phone editing on some of the photos. Not all but I feel that part of a photographers work is working on photo enhancement. It's a skill I have been wanting to learn for a long time.

Onto my photos

The first photo is from Baja Sol (and inspired by Jeannie). This is my favorite place to eat and only tend to on special occasions. Tonight before book club I took the money I saved on shoes (I got two pairs for $13) and got a Shrimp Enchilada.
The second photo is of our neighbors cat Morrie. He likes to lay outside in the afternoon and get some sunlight. I am going to make a copy of this one and give it to our neighbor. She said he is getting old so it will be nice for her.
I took this one in the park where Mike and I like to take our dog Pretzel. I added a Vignette effect to it.
This is my favorite donut shop. I went there on the first day of my current job and it has been a fun occasional stop ever since. This photo is dedicated to my friend Dan, who is a Meteorologist. It was raining that day and we had had tornado's come through the Twin Cities the night before so I added the lightning effect just for him!

Hope you enjoyed. Good night!

-Jackie

Week 2 of Photo Challenge

2009-08-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt that with each passing day you knew more and more you needed time off? That's the way I have been feeling lately. I have been so stressed and distracted I have forgotten to take my camera with me when I go out. But have no fear: I still have some good Photos of the day to share with you! The first photo on the top left is Pretzel and I walking down the long street that runs on the side of our complex. It's nice to live in a neighborhood without constuction and with sidewalks and trees!

The photo on the top right was actually taken today! It's the picture frame I got for my desk at work and it says "Who's your doggy!" I got it at one of the outlet stores here for $2.00! Good deal! =) Pretzel is wondering why his photo is not in the frame yet!

Photo #3 represents the fact I am looking forward to having the ENTIRE first week of September off! Part of that will be going to a Twins Game as they are playing their last season in the Dome. I am very much looking forward to it.

Our fourth picture was taken on a late night this week where my husband was doing one of his contracting jobs. This is Pretzel waiting rather impatiently for his daddy to come home.

Picture #5 repsents Sunday the 2nd where I had a grueling migraine as well as some drama via Facebook which many of you know about.

Our last picture repesents the happiness that comes with being in our new place. I love being able to be at home now where it's quiet and whip up my infamous cookies!

Until next time,

Jackie

Week one of being 33--and week one of my challenge

2009-07-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

This wrapped up my First week of my 365+ photo challenge. The first picture was from the Employee Appreciation Party. It represents the things I liked most about the Party (the cool new bags we got and the Cookbook which included my Recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies). I have been working for this company for a year and a half now and love my job. But next year I might sit employee appreciation out. The food they have had for the last 2 years has not agreed with me and I don't have a knack for winning prizes.

The second Photo was taken using the Self Timer with our $100 gift card we got from Rent.Com as they were the referral source in finding our new place. We got a lot of cute things for the apartment with it. =)

As seen on Tv---as we know, some things work really well that are in infomercials (George Foreman Grill and the Magic Bullet for Instance) Other things---not so much. The Bumpits are one of them. I have something similar from Goodie that gives ones ponytails more volume and that works 10 times better than the bumpit. I have thin hair as it is and all this seemed to do is pull my hair and I could never seem to cover it up. Good thing I got it at the Dollar General. =(

Finally, it is the 33. I thought this was cute because I just turned 33 and the Wii decided that day this was my Wii Fit age. For some reason the Wii Fit seems to think I just turned 30 though and I can't find a way to fix this. Oh well....

-Jackie

July 27th, 2009 (Day 4)--New Beginnings

2009-07-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today's picture is symbolic of the official new start in my family--ringing in another year of life for me (the big 33) and finally being able to close the door on anything having to do with our old apartment. After almost a month of waiting (due to carelessness on their part)--we have our security deposit back. Due to the dog bite and a busy wknd we held off getting my birthday cake until today. I am using the self timer for this picture. This represents a celebration in my life, in more ways that just a birthday!

The thing is---I am no longer feeling angry---I just feel sorry for them that they choose to treat people like that. I pray that one day they reach a point where they need to put the integrity in their company. But until then......I will enjoy my existance and return to my regularly scheduled life...already in progress. =)

-Jackie

My New Challenge

2009-07-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed doing the 368 New things a day challlenge. I enjoyed it so much so that I decided I wanted to undergo another 365+ day challenge. I have heard of others doing this so I am to......

I will be doing a 365+ photo a day challenge. I actually started on July 24th instead of my birthday, July 26th. Above are the first three photos: the first one is of the sunset from our balcony, the second is my friend Andy's Projector screen on which we Played my new Wii game of Trivial Pursuit, The third was a not so fun thing---I got bit by the neighbors dog early in the morning hours of my birthday. I decided to document this photo not to focus on the negative but because one year I know I will look back on it, laugh and say "What a nice Birthday Present"...

Stay tuned for more challenge photos as the year progresses.

-Jackie

Sleeping in and Delilah

2009-07-23T18:47:00.001-07:00

Now that the drama with our old apartment is pretty much behind us (The check for our security deposit is in the mail and we are ready to move on with our lives), we are really starting to find even more blessings that come with our new place. One of them is the City Park where Pretzel likes to peek in the bushes looking for birds and we enjoy the open area with it's trees and hills.

There are two big changes that have happened in my routine since our move. The first is: I am actually comfortable enough to go into work a little later than I usually do. My commute went from 30-45 minutes one way down to 15-20 minutes. Also our apartment is so peaceful and comfortable it is nice to be able to not be up at the first alarm all the time. My average start time at work used to be between 4-6am. Now it is between 5:30-7am.

The other big change is in my nighttime routine. At our old place we had to deal with screaming kids and the wonderful downstairs neighbors to the point we could not be on the deck anymore because they would climb in and out the window and upset our dog. Not the case here. It is so peaceful around here, tonight I sat on the deck with Pretzel and started the second book in the Twilight series. I also love opening the deck door and feeling the cool breeze come in, instead of watching TV each night like I used to I have rediscovered listening to the Delilah show at night. She used to be a favorite of mine right out of college when I was working overnights at a Residential Treatment facility for teenage girls. Over the years I have listened to her now and again but not as a habit. More women listen to Delilah each evening than to any other radio host in the United States. Some of the song requests she fits to pick the listeners stories I think are a little cheesy, but overall I love hearing the readers stories and songs I have not heard for quite awhile. I do have to watch my Hell's Kitchen on Tuesday nights but the rest of the time I like to listen to Delilah when her show is on the air.

-Jackie

If you don't have something nice to say....

2009-07-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Many of you know, I love Facebook. Not only has it been a chance to reconnect with old friends as well as getting to know new ones, but it's also been therapeutic for me. One of the things I have doing was when I was having a bad day and did not want to sound too negative I would write my rant in Spanish. Today I ended up having a negative Facebook experience with some acquaintances of mine, a married couple....the same married couple where I attended their wedding shower even though I have been struggling with infertility. They informed me that "If I could not post in English I should not post at all."-- My Mom always said if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all!

Just to give you some background, this has been a terrible day for my husband and I. We found out some more negative information concerning our former apartment manager that I do not want to get into right now. The comment that was posted on Facebook upset both my husband and I and I explained (once again as I had explained this with them before) that this was something I did on Facebook when I was having a bad day, I did not appreciate their comments and it was my Facebook and I would post what I wanted to. (I also have 4-5 friends who do translate and enjoy doing this as they are fluent in Spanish). 30 minutes later they tell me I need to make Facebook fun for everyone and needed to STOP writing in Spanish. After consulting with a friend of mine on there I decided I did not need that negativity on my page and took them off my friends list. They know I was having a bad day still chose to attack me over Speaking Spanish on my site once in awhile. Sheesh!

I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day...

-Jackie

Where do I go?

2009-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am a stuffer...pure and simple. I am the type of person who will let things build and build and build until I reach my breaking point. An example of this is at my current job. Some people wrote some negative comments on the staff review section of my six month eval. Since they remained anonymous I think they turned off their filtering system and turned on the passive aggressiveness. I stuffed my hurt and anger down for six months until we had a meeting at work where we were supposed to "put all of our issues with each other on the table" then the whole story came flying out. It felt good it was out but I hated the fact that I stuffed it down so far and let it fester for so long.

This week was another example of this. Last week a co-worker (who complained about EVERYTHING) left for a "better" job. He also left us with files in disarray and ones that had nonworking phone numbers. This left extra stress and work for me and my co-workers. This commenced my infamous "Stuffing".....by Wednesday of this week I was at my breaking point---I wouldn't talk to my husband about it, I burst into tears numerous times and everything else that was added to the pile felt so much worse (My stuffing pile that is.) I knew I had to get away on Wednesday so I ended up at Barnes and Noble for awhile. I am terrible at going away to sort things out. Our old place did not have a lot of places I could go without having to hop in the car and trek a ways....my husband also had a rocky year last year and I became afraid of getting out and doing things for myself in case something happened with him when I was gone. (Which he finally had to sit me down and tell me I needed to stop that.)

One of my new things needs to be rediscovering those places I can get away to. I used to love to have those "Thinking spots." I used to love to take my scrapbooking supplies and head out to Archiver's and work on my pages. I used to love to take walks at the Nature Center or around the lake. I just stopped doing that in 08 and need to start again. I think Barnes and Noble is a good starting point because it's close and because I can sit and read without a commitment to buy anything.

By the way, I will be starting a new 365 day challenge on July 26th. I will post about it on this site but will continue to let you know about my new things as I do them.

-Jackie

I Finally won

2009-07-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

I am a follower of a website called Chic Book Reviews. New books are discussed and sometimes the author is interviewed. Reviews are done on the books by the website's author and sometimes books are given away....usually 1-3 a week. I was beginning to think I would never win any books off this site...until this morning when I won....The new Joyce Meyer book (see above). I actually just got done reading it this wknd as I checked it out from the library but I loved it so much I was planning on buying it!

I can tell you this much---after the week I have been having (a client screaming at me on my voice mail, a co-worker leaving files in disarray after he found another job and leaving me overwhelmed)...it's nice to have something like this coming my way. =)

-Jackie

Defamation of Character, Hufflepuff and Pizza personalities

2009-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Well this week has been.....interesting to say the least. We checked out of our apartment on Monday and to my dismay have never been treated so poorly by an apartment manager in my entire life. She is trying to suck us out of our whole security deposit for things like burned out light bulbs, blinds that were so crappy they broke when we pulled the string for them to go down, a bathtub we reported yellowing and dirty upon move in, a window that cracked because it froze this winter and the other window that cracked because the neighbors slammed their doors and windows so hard that the window cracked. The property manager also called me a liar twice and my husband a liar once upon checkout which would be consider defamation of character. Needless to say I am playing phone tag with the Property management company who was delivered a complaint from the Better Business Bureau on my behalf and have requested a response from the company. I stated besides some burner pans that got yucked up and we chose not to replace and about an hour of cleaing because I did forget to clean out a drawer in the bathroom, I want me security deposit back, the cancelled check fee for a check she lost and then found in her pocket a week later back in 2007, and half a months rent since we left on the 12th of July and had everything out the next week. She just could not meet with us until the 30th because she said she had a "conference in Wisconsin to go to." I have everything documented to, because I am a Social Worker and we are good at doing that. =) So hopefully this can be over after today and we can go on with our life and enjoy our new place.

Onto happier "new things"

I found this quiz from Minnesota Monthly regarding "what Pizza Personality are you." I love most pizzas so I had to check it out. The results were pretty accurate.

Your Pizza: Leonardo's
Homesick Chicago transplants have been known to fly down to the Windy City for a deep-dish pizza because Minnesota, for all its charms, tends to make deep-dish pizzas that are either not deep enough, or, well, repulsive. It’s time for homesick Chicago transplants to join hands, sing, and rejoice! There is, in fact, one place in the Twin Cities that knows how to make a deep-dish pizza. The place is called Leonardo’s, in Mahtomedi, and it doesn’t look like much, just a little storefront in a little strip mall. But appearances can be deceiving. Call ahead with your deep-dish order because it will take Leonardo’s a good 40 minutes to cook their Chicago stuffed pizza, as it should. When it’s done, though, you will have a heavy, casserole-sized, well-cooked two-inch-deep pizza stuffed with Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, provolone, mozzarella, and—most important—a spicy, garlicky, thick, zesty, magnificent marinara sauce.

I have not tried this Leonardo's but I love to make Road Trips around MN to explore new places and try new foods. This might be worth the effort!

Another new thing answered my question I have always had surrounding Harry Potter: Which house would the sorting hat choose for me? According to the Facebook Survey: Hufflepuff, because I love Justice but do not like conflict or hurting others. I have a Pure Heart, according to my results. Awwwww....

-Jackie

Wordless Tuesday (because I need it as therapy today)

2009-06-30T05:55:00.001-07:00

Holy Discontent!

2009-06-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

What a week this has been with all the celebrity news and of course, the Jon and Kate+8 drama (I do not follow the show but have heard so much about it on Facebook and in the news that it just leaves me appalled the way they are dragging their children through this media circus)! Today while I was at Church we had the treat of taking a break from our regular message series and got to watch a message from Willow Creek Chuch and got to watch the message from their annual leadership conference which inspired the book "Holy Discontent: Fueling the Fire that Ignites your personal Vision."

I found a review on Amazon.com that really illustrates what the message of the book is about. Here is a Snippet of it "Hybels doesn't come across as an expert but rather as a fellow traveler cheering us on to find our holy discontent, develop it, and keep it alive. If you find yourself frustrated by injustices in this world and wanting to do more than just complain about it, Hybels encourages: 'Figure out what you can't stand. Channel your holy discontent energy into helping to fix what's broken in this life."

The teaser for the book asks this question: What is the one aspect of this broken world that, when you see it, touch it, get near it, you just can't stand? Very likely, that firestorm of frustration reflects your holy discontent, a reality so troubling that you are thrust off the couch and into the game. This is what inspired me to write this post today. I have had the moments in my life where I got to this point and these inspired me in my life. Here are the areas in my life where I have had that Holy Discontentment put on my heart.

1) Fighting Legalism in Churches--As someone who has been rejected by a Church in the past because of Legalistic issues, I find it very important for Churches to reach out and be supportive of people, not judgemental. When I say this I mean political or otherwise. As a Christian I do not believe I have to be a cookie cutter image identical to everyone else. I am not perfect but I also do not feel shaming people for their faults is going to convince them to walk into your church door. It's judgement and non-caring attitudes I feel that have causes a lot of churches to close their doors. Today only 30% of Americans attend Church. I am doing my part to help my Church reach out to others in the community.

2) Mental Health& The Disabled--I get so tired of people telling others who suffer from depression or other mental health issues or physical disabilities to "Snap Out of it". You would not say that to someone who has diabetes or Parkinsons. I also get frustrated when politicians go and cut funding in these areas but open entertainment halls or baseball stadiums. This area is one I focus on through my career but I believe my career has a dual purpose. It's not just a paycheck for me, it's to help others but to have someone who cares out them and is willing to take the time to sit with them and listen.

There are more but these are the big two in my life. I already asked the library to purchase the book for me so I can dive in and learn more about this issue. I know this is not your average, "New Things" post but it has been an important new thing for me.

-Jackie

Ouch ooch eech ouch~

2009-06-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

Last night we finally got the last load of stuff from the apartment. My husband and his friend did not get to our new place until about 8:45-9pm though. What a haul! We did not finish until after 11pm on a work night. Thank God I have such great people living in our complex, offering to open the doors for us and assisting with things that needed two hands. With that said one of my new things for the week is moving at night, going to bed super late on a work night, still getting to work at a reasonable hour and though my clothes are in piles and boxes, looking my best this morning anyway! Honestly though, I will be glad when all this moving stuff is over. We clean out the old place this wknd and check out on Monday. Gah!

I have also started to take my new commute to work. No more 694 to 94 which is a big old mess! Now I get to take 35W which is a lot easier of a commute. Just have to take 35W a small ways and then take back roads to get to work...it's nice. The photo above is the view of the city I get to see each morning right before I reach my exit. What's even nicer is that I pass by 2 of my favorite eating establishments on the way home--Counsins Subs and Baja Fresh. I save those for special occasions but I love that they are there when need them.

New things of yesteryear

2009-06-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was doing my routine checking of e-mail before work and came across a blog about Food and Drink Trends of the 1990's......Surge, Mentos, Koala Yummies, etc. When I thought about the post I realized there were a lot of trends I enjoyed that were not in this post...Doritos 3D, Clearly Canadian, Pizza Hut's Bigfoot pizza and of course Crystal Pepsi. I went beyond what I would normally do and researched some of these trends--the biggest one being the Okay Soda Trend. The idea for Okay soda came from the same gentleman who came up with the idea for New Coke in the 80s. They found that Coke was the 2nd most commonly used word in the world while the #1 word was Ok. So they came out with Ok soda and released it in limited test markets (Minneapolis, MN included) in 1994. Despite a strong "Gen X" ad campaign..the soda flopped. I remember trying it and thinking to myself "This is just okay...nothing special." I also started a dialogue on Facebook posting the article about the food and drink trends of the 90's and also talking about my favorite 90's trends. Over all, I love 1980's Nostalgia the best (80's items, 80's movies, 80's cit coms...) but since my teenage/college years were in the 1990's it's also nice to take a trip down the road of that decade once in awhile. Above is a picture of Mario Brothers soda. For the life of me I cannot remember this at all. Can anyone else?

-Jackie

In With the New

2009-06-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be one week since we officially moved in to our new place. Even though we do not have our stuff entirely out yet, it's been a lot nice being here. (Praise God!) This is the first apartment where we have been on the 3rd floor and have a view of the city from our deck. We also for the first time have our own walking trail and field area behind the complex. Besides picking up a load or two this wknd we will probably be taking it easy until next week when we can get the rest of our stuff out and start preparing for check out on the 29th. I have taken 10-15 minutes off my commute too which is really nice.

Some other new things for the week.

1) WE have chosen to go without TV until we get our DTV rebate card in the mail. I procrastinated on this one, which is highly unlike me. It's been nice to not have TV as a distraction.

2) I did rent "She's just not that into you." I thought it might be kind of dumb but I was actually pleasantly surprised. Besides one storyline and some slow moving points in the movie, it was actually okay!

3) I tried Jones Soda for the first time. I have never had a soda that tastes so much like the flavor it is representing! (Green Apple). I will have to try some other flavors down the line too.

I know I have been away for awhile but am hoping to get back on track with keeping you all updated on my new things.

Take Care,
Jackie

Figuring out that there is a reason for this

2009-06-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

As a few of you already know, we are in the process of moving out of somewhere that in our two years of living there has become a rat hole. The funny thing is, we passed up the place we are moving into on Friday for our current place two years ago because they had a better move in special (and because back then the complex looked 110% better than it does today). Normally I would be kicking myself for not moving there two years ago, but last night I realized something....

In 2007 I was working at a different job where I would end up getting home around 6 or 7pm. I had to do a lot of driving for this job and if we had been living (at our soon to be new home) I would have been taking a different direction home on August 1st, 2007. That direction would have put me on 35W the day the bridge went down. I remember the events of that day very clearly and though I can't tell you for sure what time I would have been on that bridge, I am grateful I had a different route to take home during that time. So my new thing is being grateful for the good times I had at our current place and how life has a funny way of working things out sometimes. (With that said my heart continues to go out to all of those who were involved or lost someone on the bridge that fateful day).

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T05:11:00.001-07:00

QUIT CALLING ME!

2009-05-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

I had the same cell phone number for 5 years. Then I started getting collection calls for some random person who was obviously not at the number. I use my cell phone for work so this was getting frustrating! So I called T-mobile on April 30th and changed my number. Not only did they try to charge me $25 to change the number but then I started getting sexy text messages instead titled "hey sexy" and "meet sexy local singles" I ended up taking them to the better business bureau because this was frustrating. Then just yesterday I started getting collection calls for the new number. So I called T-mobile, got those old charges reversed and switched my number for a 3rd time. Kind of a pain in the butt but the woman I talked to was so helpful and sweet! There is also a block on my account now for text messages. I have never been a big texter anyway! I have never had problems with Tmobile up until now, hopefully that will be the last of the drama! At least work foots my cell phone bill anyway...

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

Trekkie?

2009-05-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of days I was dealing with stress from work--so much so I was actually physically sick. For that reason I did not bring a lunch to work. By lunchtime the stress was relieve (due to awesome co-workers and a great boss) and I was starting. SO I headed to Burger King and Jumped on the Star Trek Wagon. I got our friend Andy (who is like a second brother to me) a Star Trek glass. They asked me which one I wanted and I let them pick one. He ended up with the Uhura glass. I like doing special things for my friends when I can--after all he is the one letting me use his Wii fit and he also was the one responsible for getting my husband and I together. Yay Andy! (That's Andy in the Second Picture in case you were wondering!)

-Jackie

Something for Virtually nothing

2009-05-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

We have been wanting to find a bike trailer so we (Mike and I) can go out for bike rides and take Pretzel along. I put a listing on Freecycle and asked if anyone had one they are no longer using. I got a reply. It only needed a small cleaning and a some tightening from my husband and voila...a item that is $550 at Rei is ours for the small cost of gas to get there and the short amount of time to get it together. How fun!

-Jackie

A week of New things

2009-05-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

This week has been very interesting in terms of new things. Here are just a few of them.

1) I actually Celebrated Cinco De Mayo. Had a Cinco De Mayo Cake--at work they had a Cinco De Mayo Feast. But since a few people (including myself) could not make it the celebration continued into the next day. I had homemade Guacamole. Yummy!

2) I participated in a Product study which involved the use of a Red bag they use for bodily fluids. I can't get into specifics because of confidentiality and it sounds grosser than what it was but I got paid $85 for my time--$20 of that went to IKEA. How I love Ikea...

3) I got my mother I plant for Mothers Day. But she is a gardener so it is perfect. I love it so much I almost wanted to keep it for myself! =) I am planning on getting plants for our 3rd floor corner garden apartment when we move in 34 more days.

4) I became a resident of a construction zone. --See pictures above. Is it no wonder we are moving?

5) I saw Bride Wars---and Hated it. It has to be one of the 5 worst movies i have ever seen.

6) I met a new friend for Lunch at J Cousineaus. This person and I really hit it off. We are a lot alike--neither of us had ever ate at J Cousineaus....and I don't think I will be back there again. Ish.

Have a good wknd everyone!

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Playing in Traffic

2009-05-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today I took Pretzel out for a walk and the street next to our building is closed. The Construction vehicles were sitting out so Pretzel and I decided to explore the closed street. I didn't play on the Bulldozers or anything but it was a good photo opportunity.

-Jackie

A terrible, Horrible, no good, VERY BAD thing!

2009-05-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was on my way to work when my car started making a loud noise which seemed to be coming from the back. I pulled into the lot next to the Dodge Dealership and found I blew out my back right rear tire. So I had to take cancel all of my appointments today to hurry up and wait for the car. Not to mention the fact I just shelled $200 out for license tabs and now I had this bill to pay. The picture above is pretty accurate but my damage was a lot worse. The tire was pretty shredded.

Here are some positives that came out of it all.

My boss was understanding and supportive of the whole thing.

Our friend JP picked me up and took me to pick up my car.

Though I normally do not deal with that Dodge Dealership, they were nice and friendly. They had someone drive me home so I did not have to wait 3 hours for the repair to be done.

At least I wasn't injured.

-Jackie

A New things adventure

2009-04-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had to be over by Mall of America for a meeting about a Product study I am doing (I can't get into details but I will say for once not having children is paying off...for this study anyway.) Well I had a day of new things AFTER I fought the traffic from YOU KNOW WHERE in order to get there. Here are the new things I did.

I went to Ikea for the first time--I LOVE that store. I only bought a couple of things but got good deals on them. I WILL BE back!

I tried the Arby's Roastburger for Lunch PRIOR to heading to the Mall--It was ABSOLUTLEY TERRIBLE! What a waste of money!

I had always wanted to Play Bozo's Grand Prize Game--yesterday that thing got check off my new things list--when I went to Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America (which was better when it was Camp Snoopy).

I went to the American Girl Store--Those dolls are cute but are $110 for just the doll and starter outfits. (GULP).

I tried Panda Express for dinner--It was delicious. I WOULD CERTAINLY try this again

I walked around the Mall for 2 hours in my flip flops.--Not recommended, I was very sore today. Talk about feeling the burn!

I followed in Jeanne's footsteps and photo documented my journey.

-Jackie

Wordless Wednesday--the start of a New things Wed ...

2009-04-29T11:55:00.001-07:00

Monday of New things

2009-04-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

I am not normally home on Monday nights because of Small Group. But tonight it got cancelled because everyone else could not make it (that is starting to become a pattern every other week in our group.) When I got to page 400 of Twilight I decided to take a break from it So I watched the TV Show the Big Bang theory. It's never looked appealing to me but I think the previews have deceived me. It is a very funny show. I found myself laughing a lot. I will have to start watching it on Monday nights when I am home.

EXTRA CREDIT: I Checked out a Frank Sinatra CD from the Library with one of my favorite songs on it. I have been singing it on my way to work in the mornings to lighten up my Mood for the Morning.....I Did It....Myyyyy way!

-Jackie

A wknd of New things

2009-04-26T13:17:00.001-07:00

This wknd has not turned out 100% the way I planned but it has been a good wknd nonetheless. I had a few new things this wknd. Here they are:

I took Pretzel for a walk away from our house. There is an area by the library that I know is a Pet Friendly area. So I took him for a walk there, put him in the car, then drove him home. He was so spoiled on Friday, he got 2 car rides and one walk!

I watched Slumdog Millionaire: It's sad to see what this main character (and his love interest) had to face growing up but it had a good ending. For me I think it is one of those movies I watch once and it is enough.

I jumped on the Bandwagon and started reading the first book in the Twilight series. I am halfway through, all I have to say is so far, so good.

I was awakened at 3Am by a sick puppy. Pretzel had eaten something that did not agree with him. I made him boiled rice and hamburger which the vet says helps dog settle their stomach. I had to miss my Volunteer "gig" today because I needed to monitor him and make sure he was okay. He was fully back to his old self by 2pm.

We gave A BIG LOAD of stuff to a lucky Freecycler: I have always agreed with the saying "The early Bird get the worm"--it was true with this Freecycler. This family was first to reply on things I posted and they ended up with a Playstation X, a 27 inch TV, scrapbooking stamps and a stamp pad, some old clothes of mine and a Kodak Easyshare battery charger with batteries. It is nice to get some things off our hands now that we are moving!

I messaged some people on Facebook about old photos. : I found doubles of photos I had from a 2003 scrapbooking meetup in Wisconsin and from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship which I was a part of in College. I am hoping these people will be interested and these photos will find a new home.

-Jackie

Recorder Fit

2009-04-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

This was one of those weekends where New things come out of Nowhere! On Saturday my husband, friend Andy and I went out for lunch and then went to Gamestop and Barnes and Noble. It was at those two places my new things came about.

First at Gamestop Andy bought a Wii Fit but decided he did not want to use it yet so is letting me borrow it. I did my first workout last night (Sat). I love that you can pick your own trainer and the exercises you want to focus on but Hate that they make your Mii gain or lose weight based on your weight and BMI. What a downer! I am thinking if I continue to like this I will be getting one for my birthday in July. I am very sore this morning and I only did a few exercises. I also learned my my posture is leaning towards the right. Wow!

Then we went to Barnes and Noble and I found a Recorder and songbook. I played the recorder in 4th grade and only learned one song. So I got the songbook and recorder (only $5!) and went home and started to learn the notes. I am working on Camptown Races and do not have that down yet but see above for a video of me doing a simpler song!

EXTRA CREDIT: I went to Target to pick up some supplies and got a free re-usable bag with a coupon for $2 those energy efficient bulbs. I am excited to have the bag to shop with at Target and at Aldi. We only use the plastic bags to clean up after Pretzel with anyway!

-Jackie

Radiant Red?

2009-04-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am moving in 55 days so the bulk of my time has been spent getting rid of old things, packing and throwing things out. But I read on a Xanga site many days ago reviews on some John Frieda products that are supposed to be great for keeping your hair color vibrant and shiny. Normally I am a skeptic when it comes to this sort of thing BUT with the number of comments left on this website with reviews like "my hair has a good deal of shine to it" and "it shows my red highlights without leaving my hands the same color" I had to try it. My ideal color is reddish brown (see above). I had red in my hair when I was a baby. Red highlights look good on me but with red shades, it's hard to keep the shade for too long. So I bought the Radiant Red Shampoo and Conditioner this morning and used it. Those light enhancers they talk about? It's true. I am also seeing more of the red shades in my hair and that's only with one use! For you Brunettes and Blonde's out there--I have heard good things about those products too. Considering my hair is in need of a good trip and not at it's best--but I am getting these results--this product gets the Jackie seal of approval! (Sorry I can't post a current pic, my camera is out of battery power. Boo!) :(

Take Care,

Jackie

Very Fishy (April 16th)

2009-04-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

I actually have 2 new things for today. First of all I made a fish dish for supper. I love shrimp, scallops and mussels but am not a big fish person. But today I decided to try it and make Telapia. It was flaky and okay but not my cup of tea.I ended up giving the rest of it to my husband.

I also was featured in the Alumni Newsletter for the Social Work department at my College. This is a big New Thing for me because for the first time in my career I feel successful. When I supervised group homes I felt burnt out more than anything. When I supervised Nursing Assistants I felt some sense of accomplishment but was burned out from being on call 24-7. My current job brings a nice sense of balance.

-Jackie

The top 15 because it's too hard to do just 10!

2009-04-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a list of my top ten new things. But before I start on those I have to mention these five new things...that were special to me and close to making the top 10 but just didn't get there...

15) Taking a shower on the deck, in the rain with all of my clothes on--it felt great on a hot summers day!

14) Going to the Viking Museum with Amy, Andy and Mike in Alexandria. It was so fun!

13) The live CD recording concert I went to at my Church, Eaglebrook. It was so cool to be a part of such an awesome worship CD!

12) Mike and I's Thanksgiving was a little on the drab side so we bought our own Turkey and had our own Thanksgiving that next Sunday which watching the Jets play football. (And lose.)

11) With a Community Women's group I participated in a Fall Swap where we brought items we didn't want and were able to "Shop" each room and pick up 5 items each trip of things we DID want. I was barely able to carry everything to the car!

and now for the top 10....

10) I went to the New Guthrie Theatre with my Mom (in Minneapolis) and we saw "Little House; the Musical"--Melissa Gilbert played Mrs Ingalls. We also ate in the Guthrie restaurant beforehand. It was a lot of fun!

9) Going to Cantebury Park with Mike and Andy the wknd of my birthday on $1 night. It was so fun and I won the first 3 horse races. I just picked them by the name and the stats.

8) Volunteering at the House of Charity Soup Kitchen. This is something I have started to do on a regular basis.

7) I become ordained online to become a Minister. I can perform any wedding ceremony now. (Don't ask me to though because I did it for fun more than anything!)

6) I got lost and found the Mansion of Kevin Garnett, former Timberwolf and current Boston Celtic!

5) I worked as Head Election judge during this history making election.

4) I helped spread the word about Ratchet, a dog who was adopted in Iraq but who the military was trying to detain from being rescued and brought back to MN. There was enough response that Ratchet was allowed to be brought back to his loving home in MN (It was a US soldier who adopted him).

3) My husband and I attended our first service at Our New Church, Eaglebrook. We cannot tell you how much the people in that Church have blessed us!

2) I got my beloved car...my 2007 PT Cruiser!

and the #1 new thing....you may be surprised! It occured on Day 83 of my new things challenge....

1) I was going to have dinner with a friend when a car full of College Guys pulled up alongside me and serenaded me. It is one of those moments that is so rare and funny you can't help but remember it fondly!

I hope you enjoyed my recap of my top 15 things. Here's to more fun and exciting new things in the Future!

-Jackie =)

Day 368 (April 12th)--This is it--now what?

2009-04-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today was one of my favorite Holidays--Easter. I was glad it was not snowing here like it was last year as it made for a depressing day. This morning my husband and I spent Easter with my parents, sister and niece. The new things of the day for me are very heartfelt as they represent yet another step forward in my battle with infertilty. For privacy reasons I am not posting the pics of my niece on here but for those of you on facebook, the pictures are on there. Not only was I able to shop for and give my niece an Easter Present but I was also able to hold my sleeping niece in my arms without breaking down. I cannot tell you how huge this was for me.

When I started this new things challenge a year ago, I was in a very rough spot....I was in the midst of a year that shook all I knew to the core and one week after I started this challenge, my husband faced a crisis that made me wonder if I would be able to continue. I tend to be someone who is very hard on myself and there were days when I wondered if it would always be dark--would I ever see that dawn that follows the darkest days? This challenge has really taught me a couple of very important things 1) You can serve others without having a lot of money--a small act of kindness can make all the difference. 2) Looking for New things really helps you appreciate the simple things. and 3) A lot can change in your life for the better if you just open your heart.

I want to thank those of you who have ever read this site or left a comment. Finishing this challenge was huge for me and I feel finishing it on Easter was huge for me. I have decided that I will continue this blog--I have new things I still want to do. But I will not be doing them everyday. I will update this blog as I try new things and want to share them. New things have become a big part of my life and I want to continue to share them with you all. I also want to thank my husband Mike and my good friend Andy who encouraged me during this challenge. They were a big source of some of the new things I have tried.

I think it is important to see where you've been when you move forward. My next post will be highlighting the top 10 favorite New things. I look forward to sharing them with all of you.

Take Care,

Jackie

Day 367-- (April 11th) Mid Day and Mandarin Buffet

2009-04-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of new things today. The First is that I went to Easter Celebration Services the day before Easter. We are having our family gathering at my Mom's who lives out of town tomorrow and also our church is so big that they ask the people who can come on Saturdays to do so to leave room for more attendees on Sunday. (The 2pm Service I went to was PACKED!)

I was SUPPOSED TO go see my co-workers play tonight, The Secret Garden at a place Theatre in St. Paul but I got so lost I ended up at the State Capitol. (This happens to me quite a bit--my next Big Purchase is a GPS) so instead my husband and I had date night at a Mandarin Buffet. One part of the buffet is you choose your meats, veggies and sauce and the chef will cook it up for you stir fry style. I had steak and it was delicious. It's a little pricey but my check was a tad bit extra this time. We have had a stressful week so it was also good to have that time together! We will go there again, just not weekly or anything!

-Jackie

Day 366--April 10th--New Good Friday Tradition

2009-04-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am someone who wants to attend Good Friday Services each year. One year I ended up in the emergency room and remember telling my husband "But we are missing Good Friday Services." This year my husband was helping out a friend with his new business so it was just me. The church we attend has 3 campuses but for services like Good Friday and Ash Wednesday services are held at the main campus only. I hate getting in and out of there so I decided to try something different.

I was going to go to a Catholic Church at midday but I was having a rough day so I ended up going to the first church I found with a 6:30 PM service. I had only been to this church for taste tests and had worked there during the election. I grew up ELCA Lutheran and this was a MISSOURI SYNOD Lutheran Church which is very different that what I was used to. The people were very friendly and though I walked in late (during the sharing the peace with one another) I was greeted right away and given a bulletin. The interesting part was during the Seven words of Good Friday they had people by letter of their last name come up and pound a nail into the cross to represent the sinful nature for which Christ died. I did participate in this and found it to have a deep impact on me. My husband was raised strict conservative Baptist and I asked him about that when he got home. He said that the Baptist Church found things like that Blasphemous and they would have not done that. (He is not fond of his upbringing in that Church..I'll leave it at that.) It was a good new thing for me to do but I still want to attend a Catholic service sometime to see what it is like. (For those of you wondering, my husband and I attend a Non-Denomination Church).

-Jackie

Day 365 (April 9th)--One year yes, but I have an announcement!

2009-04-09T19:25:00.001-07:00

Today is the official one year mark and my 365th day of completing my New Things challenge. Due to circumstances beyond my control today, I had to do a last minute switch on today's activity. But I've thought about it and decided I am going to do things differently. INSTEAD OF DOING A 365 DAY NEW THINGS CHALLENGE, I am extending this one to 368 days. The official last day will be on Sunday. I have some fun things planned for these last few days and am excited to break the mold and do 368 days straight instead of 365.

This new thing was challenge by the Host of the Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan. A couple of weeks back I read his book about going the distance and doing things you once might have thought of as being impossible. One section of the book talks about reliving things from your childhood. With waiting on news about our new apartment and having time off from work the last thing I really wanted to be doing was acting like an adult. So today I did many childhood things.

1.I ate captain Crunch in front of some old episodes of the Brady Bunch, a childhood favorite of mine.

2. I named my 5 favorite childhood TV shows and posted them on Facebook.

3. I curled my hair....as a child I loved curls and started getting perms when I was 9.

4. I read two pre-teen books

Would I do something like this again? YES! Channeling that inner child is something I think we need to do every once in awhile. It helps one forget about the "grown up stresses" of life for awhile.

-Jackie

Day 364 (April 8th)--Going Deeper

2009-04-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

I have been meeting with a small group through Eaglebrook Church on Monday nights. We ended up dumping the book we were doing (A book for busy women that is actually focused more on stay at home moms...but she does not advertise it as such.) So this week we decided on our next course of study and we have decided to do an inductive bible study. These are different than regular studies as they did deep into the book of the bible you are reading, verse by verse. Right now we are studying the book of Philippians. All I can tell you right now is that the study is different for me and will take some getting used to. I am more used to topical bible studies and once I took a class where we read the whole Bible in 90 days. We'll shall see how this goes....either way it is better than Elizabeth George and her busy womens devotional...

-Jackie

Days 363 (April 8th)--Ahhhhhh!

2009-04-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I am just two days away from accomplishing my new things goal? Wow! Today I was not feeling well when I went into work...I was suffering from the stomachache and backache that are common for women (won't get any further into that one). I had to go in because I wanted to get things wrapped up before my vacation. But the pain was pretty intense. So I tried this silk rice pack that was donated to our office. It looks like a silk long sock but has rice in it. You microwave it and it heats up. I used it for my back and stomach.....ahhhhhhh! I felt 100% better after that. I am going to have go and get myself one of these sometime soon. If I wasn't a terrible sewer I'd just make one myself!

-Jackie

Day 362 (April 6th)--I get lost in your eyes....

2009-04-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

"It's like being lost in heaven, when I get lost in your eyes." LOL! There's something about starting work at 4am (no, that's not my new thing) that makes one a little silly. This new thing was very unplanned but I think it has been one of my funniest. A few times in my year of new things I have been randomly serenaded, once when a car full of college guys pulled up besides me (this is my favorite of the new things so far) and another time when I was bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Today the shoe was on the other foot when I was at the store picking up a couple of small things. Debbie Gibsons song "Lost in Your Eyes" came on and I sang it (loud enough for others to hear) all the way through the store....from one end to the other and through the self checkout. I did get some curious glances, yes but I had fun and hey, I had been up since 3 am so I was entitled to be a little cheesy. Wasn't that what the 80's teen idols were all about?

EXTRA CREDIT: I took my husband over to do a taste this this afternoon and I got to encounter one of the stupidest drivers on the road. Right off the Highway there is a side street with a clear divide between the two lanes. But this lady kept driving directly into the wrong lane. I was the third car that passed her and I motioned that she was going the wrong way but she just kept going. I would have called the cops but did not catch her license plate number. The last I saw she was heading past 2 other people doing the exact same thing. She looked older, I hope a cop caught her and took care of it.

-Jackie

Day 361 (April 5th) Goodbye to you

2009-04-06T15:14:00.001-07:00

I am not someone who is a clothes horse. When I find a good piece of clothing I had onto it for quite awhile. Heck, sometimes I even hold onto the clothes I have had given to me (or I have bought and decided later I did not like) for that same long period of time. One of these pieces of clothes is a cardigan my oldest sister gave me 9 years ago. I keep it because I can never seem to find another one I want to buy to replace it. It is getting old and worn. Today I finally gave in and put it in the Goodwill pile. I am hoping to find it's replacement in the next couple of weeks.

-Jackie

Day 360 (April 4th)--Baby showers and Artwork

2009-04-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my first baby shower. My husband and I have been struggling with infertility for the last 5 and a half years. It's been hard. But I made it through the shower without breaking down and in one piece. It was for a friend of mine. It was strange though because there was just lunch and gifts. Aren't there normally games at baby showers? My friend Liz was great--we are both uncertain if we will ever be able to have children so we stuck together--talked and laughed and talked about what gifts we would like for our own personal use. Afterwards I did reward myself and got some sushi!

I also created some artwork using my photos on loonapix. One is so cute I used it as my Facebook Profile pic. (See above).

-Jackie

Day 359 (April 3rd)---Love someone tonight

2009-04-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

The above slogan is from the Delilah Show which a popular show where she lets her listeners tell stories form the heart and make dedications. I have listened to this show off and on for the last 9 years. Tonight I e-mailed in a request. Some of you may know about the rough 2008 my husband and I had. I shared our story and requested a song. Hopefully she will respond. Here is some of the lyrics from the song I requested--an oldie but a goodie. (On the Wings of Love by Jeffrey Osborne)

Just smile for me and let the day begin You are the sunshine that lights my heat within I'm sure that you're an angel in disguise Come take my hand and together we will rise
On the wings of love Up and above the clouds The only way to fly Is on the wings of love On the wings of love Only the two of us Together flying high Flying high Upon the wings of love

EXTRA CREDIT: I went to a Lia Sophia Jewelery Party. They have some nice items but it's pretty pricey. The cheapest items are $20. I think I like Premiere better. We had to go around and say where we wanted to wear our Jewelry using the name of a place that went with the first letter of our name. Since my first name is Jackie I said. "I will wear my Lia Sophia jewelery is Jail!" LoL!

More Extra Credit: My co-worker who was throwing the party had her sister there. Her sister is going to my throwing this co-worker a surprise party to celebrate turning 50 (she does not look 49 at all...wow!) and I am going to supply the work contact list to her via e-mail. I can't wait to be part of the planning! She is great!

-Jackie

Day 358 (April 2nd)--Showing off my creative side

2009-04-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Part of this new thing I got from reading Heidi's blog but the context of this I thought up all on my own. I created some Social Work inspired clothing and apparel on zazzle.com. Above you will see my handiwork. These are mottos/slogans we use at work to get us through the more challenging days. The one on the T-shirt is one of our favorite mottos. There is a place where we can sell our designs....maybe that will be a future new thing?

-Jackie

Day 357 (April 1st)--A few new things and a few cool ones too!

2009-04-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

Today I went to get a Mountain Dew from the machine downstairs. Instead it gave me a Diet Mountain dew. I have always wanted to leave CHANGE in a vending machine but today I left a free pop for whoever wants it! I hate diet pop!

EXTRA CREDIT: As an April Fools Joke I kept calling my co-workers phone and then hanging up right before she got over there!

UPDATE ON APARTMENT--We were able to get out of the lease early. Our lease expires the end of June but we will be moving throughout the month of June due to one more free specials (or at least we hope so) at the apartments we are interested in.

This isn't really a new thing but it is cool and helpful when one is trying to save money (see above)

-Jackie

Day 356 (March 31st)--Saying Goodbye (In More than one way)

2009-03-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Where is everyone? I am beginning to think my site has become boring!

Anyway....

Today I said goodbye--said it twice so to speak. First I went to the last day of our Local Scrapbook store (across the street) being open. It will be sad to no longer have them there.

Then I watched Marley and Me. I was having a bad day and knew the ending had to do with saying goodbye. I bawled for a good hour. I am glad to have such a cute puppy who lets me cry into his fur and gives me kisses. I have a short video I took of his reaction to seeing Marley on the TV but my computer is being stupid. In the meantime, here are some other photos for your viewing pleasure! (If you see the video actually show up below...it means I was successful!)--Okay some random video just came up for our old place we lived in back in 2006. But it's also a cute video and I hope you enjoy it! I just wonder how it got there!

-Jackie

Day 355 (March 30th)--Learn to drive without your shoes

2009-03-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have a really cute pair of shoes (see above)...the match the outfit I was wearing today perfectly...the problem--after sitting though a long training my feet hurt like heck! So after the training I drove home wearing only my socks...my shoes sat nicely on the passengers seat. This was one of those days I am glad I started at 4:30am--because now I can take a nap and a load off of my feet!

-Jackie (who cannot believe there are only 10 days left in her New things Challenge...)

Day 354 (March 29th)--The Proof is in the Video

2009-03-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Back in November of 2007 I paid my rent but did not put the check in an envelope. The apartment manager not only misplaced it but acted like I was dishonest about it. So I wrote out a second check and paid $30 to cancel the first one, only to find the rent check under my door the very next day with a note of "I found it!"--. If you have read a couple of my recent entries you can probably sense my frustration about my current residence. We will be moving this summer. Rent is coming due so I decided to be proactive against her not losing my rent check. I videotaped myself putting the rent check in the box. Here is the video. Please excuse the first thing in the morning hair and no makeup. I usually look better than this. This is also my first time posting a video so this is also a new thing for me! I do apologize that it's sideways but I have not figured out how to edit that yet. But now I have video proof as well as an internet audience of witnesses who can see that I paid the rent!

-Jackie

Day 353 (March 28th)--Get Lost!

2009-03-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Today what I needed was to get away from Life for awhile and be alone with my thoughts. The work week left me drained emotionally and I was already physically drained from getting over being sick. So today I took my PT Cruiser and literally got lost. I spent a chuck of time driving through the wooded/farmland area in a City about 10 minutes away. Being alone with my thoughts in an unfamiliar area is just want the doctor ordered. I will be doing this again!

-Jackie

Day 352 (March 27th)--Personal Best

2009-03-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today there is a positive new thing and a negative one. First the positive: I scored a 230 in Wii Bowling as well as 7 strikes in one came--5 of them were consecutive. (the score of 270 came the next day as I took these photos the day after--please excuse the first thing in the morning look) I am am okay bowler in real life (120 is probably my average) but never as good as I am on the Wii.

The negative: Our apartment community has really gone downhill over the last year thanks to our property manager. She does nothing when the police continually come over the same tenants...amongst other things. So I outed her on my Facebook as the worst property manager in the whole wide world! Good thing my profile is only able to be seen amongst my friends....I can't wait until we move!

-Jackie

Day 351 (March 26th)--Bookish

2009-03-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I love books. I really do. Mostly I tend to get my books from the library or from Half Price books, or as a gift. It is a rarity I will get a book from the store right when I hear about it--I will generally get it only after I have read it and decided I like it. When I give away my books I tend to bring them in for money to Half Price books (where they give you diddly squat for them), I give them as gifts or what I used to do was trade them in on Paperback swap. Today I did something different--I gave about 7 of these books--mostly hardcover--away on Freecycle. I put up 2 ads--one giving away clothes (which I have done many times) and one giving away the books. I had seven responses and had to turn 6 people away. The only annoying thing about Freecycle is there are the chosen few who do not read the ad. I always say "must take everything" and these people (especially for the clothes) are like "well list the titles you have for me" or "I'll come by and see what you have." No, when I say "Must take all" I mean "must take all". Not to be mean, but my Mom always told me "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

-Jackie

Day 350 (March 25th)--With Flying Colors

2009-03-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today I had my review at work for my 1 year at the job. This has been a source of anxiety for me because on the peer review section of my 6 month review, some of my peers were less than nice. But I had the evaluation today and my boss rated me as exceeding expectations in all areas except for one which was also one I stated I needed to work on. The peer eval section was good too with the exception of 2 team members who stated my teamwork was only adequate. Whatever. Can't please everyone I guess.

The other interesting thing about this review was I only went in for it---something I ate last night did not agree with me so I ended up taking a sick day.

-Jackie

Day 349 (March 24th)--On a Lemony Day, here is some Lemonade

2009-03-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Due to many things (a dreary day, almost getting rear ended, anxiety over my 1 year evaluation tomorrow and some needed drama from someone I know)...it's been a lemony day. I cannot think of a better way to make lemonade when life hands me lemons than to award my favorite blogs the Lemonade award. These are 10 bloggers who show gratitude and/or a great attitude. Here are my 10 nominees in no particular order.

1) Michelle's Blog--she has eight children and shows a wonderful balance in her life. She is also an amazing photographer!

2) Life or something like it--Jeanne really knows how to enjoy the simple things in life. She is a wonderful friend to those around her and an amazing scrapbooker.

3) Jen--This is Jen's Everyday giving blog. She is amazing and really opened my eyes to the Random acts of Kindness we can do for others that do not take oodles of time or Money.

4) Stuff Christians Like--I stumbled across this blog about a month ago. It's amazing the way this author brings up issues that can be a problem in Churches but puts a humorous spin on it all and opens the doors for dialogue.

5) Day by Day--A true example of a woman who leans on her own faith and positivity through her struggles with infertility.

6) Collette--She not only did a year of new things, but has a big heart in the way she gives back to others.

7) Mrs Wissmann--Amanda always brings a smile to my face with the way she enjoys the simple things in life and her entries that are warm and full of life!

8) Heidi's Journey to 30 --Before I knew about the In the New Blog (Jen the original) I found out about the New things challenge through Heidi. I would not have started this without reading about it from her. Heidi tries new things and puts a hilarious spin on them!

9) Mandy's Blog--Mandy is a true example of finding the good in each day. Though she is a Bears fan (boo Bears) she is funny, kind and caring. I have really enjoyed getting to know Mandy first through her blog and then through Facebook.

10) Mallorie's Blog--Mal is someone who is very inspiring. She took her hobby of Photography and turned it into her own business. She is undergoing a photo a day challenge and is very upbeat. (The fact she is a Packer fan does not hurt things either.) =)

So these are my 10 nominees. If you're interested in nominating other bloggers for the award, here are some guidelines:
1) Put the logo on the top of this entry on your blog or post.
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post and let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
4) Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Off to inform my nominees!

-Jackie

Day 348 (March 23rd) With sympathy

2009-03-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I learned that one of my co-workers had to put his dog down after a fight with cancer. The dog could barely walk and it was recommended by the vet. He and his family are having a hard time with this so I sent him a pet sympathy card. I know how much Pets can be a part of the family and wanted to show my sympathy.

-Jackie

Day 347 (March 22nd)--Shuttle

2009-03-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Last wknd I was unable to make it to Church because of the 14 hour blinding migraine I had and then on Sunday I had already committed to helping out at Special Olympics. So when I went to Church today I was shocked to find the parking lot blocked off with arrows to go to a shuttle lot. I go to a Church that has three campuses, the third (which is the one we go to) has been opened for a little more than a year and our attendance has grown so much at our campus that they are running out of room. Which is funny because the Church prior to this was a Baptist Church with dwindling numbers. Instead of closing their doors they just gave the building to our church. So part of my new thing today was being shuttled to Church. They picked people up in the shuttle lot, dropped them off at the front door and then brought them back after the service was over. We only have one car in our family so it's nice to have someone else drive once in awhile--even for a couple of blocks! It may not seem but it's really nice! We are blessed to have such a wonderful church to go to!

-Jackie

Day 346 (March 21st) Roxanna Saberi

2009-03-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today I have 2 new things--one serious and one fun. For the serious new thing I signed a petition to release American Journalist Roxanna Saberi from Iran. In order to silence her, Roxanna Saberi was entrapped by agents of the government and arrested for the crime of buying a bottle of wine. We believe that she is being held in that same Evin prison where most political prisoners are held, tortured and executed. She has been unable to communicate with the outside world for weeks. We believe that Roxanna's life is in grave danger and that she may meet a very grisly death unless we put pressure on the Regime to release her. This petition will be presented to senior Iranian officials in a very public way so that the Regime will feel unable to secretly murderer Roxanna. I did a lot of work with Amnesty International in High School and have been wanting to do a new thing associated with them once again. For those of you who are interested the link to the petition and story is below.

http://www.petitiononline.com/ourdream/petition.html

My other new thing--my husband and Puppy Pretzel's birthdays are today. Mike turns 36 and Pretzel is the old age of 5 (35 in dog years). We had a birthday celebration earlier for Mike as he is not very big on his birthday. However, we had a birthday celebration for Pretzel. He was treated to a nice new Beef flavored bone and also got the Frozen Paws Dog treat. He also stole my sandwich today when I was not looking but that was not a planned treat!

-Jackie

Day 345 (March 20th)--Karen Kingsbury

2009-03-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

This new thing is something I have wanted to do for a long time but have not been able to put it into words....until today. One of my Favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury and her books have spoken to me in many different ways. One book in particular Beyond Tuesday Morning really helped me through a rough patch I was going through in my life in 2006/2007. Today I contacted her via e-mail to let her know how much her books have meant to me, especially Beyond Tuesday morning. Even though she is a very famous author, I think it is important that she hear positive feedback from her fans.

-Jackie

Day 344 (March 19th)--2 second delay

2009-03-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a training put on by the Department of Human services. It was video cast to many of the counties throughout the State of MN. Because of this there was a video camera set at each County location and then a TV screen where the program was broadcast from. Each County had a camera to record questions that they might have as they may show the training again in the future. The cameras had a two second delay and I could see myself clearly on our location's camera. So I had a little fun and played with the two second delay. I would do subtle things like move my hand and see how long it would take for it to show up on the camera, fix my hair, wiggle my pen around, etc. Though I did take good notes from the training it was also entertaining to be able to play around with the two second delay. Maybe I should avoid trainings that involve this, it could be addicting!

-Jackie

Day 343 (March 18th) Standing up for what is right

2009-03-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: This entry is not a forum for people's political views. The comment section will also be moderated. This is something I have always wanted to do and I did it. Now onto my regularily scheduled post...

Since we are in a recession I know many states are having to deal with some steep defecits. Our Governor of MN (Tim Pawlenty) has been making massive cuts to Social Service funding (cutting dental care to those clients who cannot afford it, removing housing vouchers, etc while putting funding into a new Baseball stadium). With the economic bailout money from the Obama administration and money from a Tobacco settlement paid out to MN, it pretty much elminates our deficit. The Senate of MN is proposing a balanced way to end the defecit while Tim Pawlenty is trying to put a 4 year freeze on additional Human Services funding (for families, the elderly and the disabled). Last week, the Minnesota Senate leadership released a budget plan that addresses the deficit in a balanced manner. To solve our massive deficit, the Senate proposed raising $2 billion in revenue and $2.4 billion in cuts (7% cut to every area in the state budget). By both raising revenue and distributing the cuts across the board, we stop the majority of the budget solution coming from services for low-income children and family, the disabled and the elderly - as has been the case in previous years.

Today I took action and wrote to my representatives (ALL OF THEM) along with fellow Social Service workers like myself in support of the MN Senate budget plan. As a Social Worker I have always found it very important to stand up for what is right. This is one of those times.

-Jackie

Day 342 (March 17th)--N.o.w.

2009-03-18T14:47:00.001-07:00

I (sort of) borrowed this idea from Heidi who recommended this book in one of her posts but I took it a step further. I not only read the book No Opportunity Wasted by Phil Keoghan but I also made a No Opportunity Wasted Contact listing 7 areas in my life I am going to step out and do things I have always wanted to do in. I will not give away the things I am going to do as these are for future entries. However, I will give you a sneak peak of three of the 8 areas highlighted: Face your fear, Take a leap of Faith and Break new ground. For more information here is the official NOW website.

-Jackie

Day 341--March 16th--Fighting World Hunger

2009-03-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

I totally borrowed this idea from Jen . I went to this site. For every vocabulary word you get right they will donate 10 Grains of Rice through the UN World Food Program to stop hunger. I plan on making this a regular thing and encourage you all to do so as well. I donated 200 grains of rice today alone!

-Jackie

Day 340--March 15th--Glad I did it but

2009-03-15T13:43:00.001-07:00

Today I did something I have always wanted to do, I helped out at a Special Olympics event. I ended up helping to see merchanise at their Regional Swimming meet. In about 5 hours time we were 75% sold out of our merchandise. I was also able to catch some swiminning races that they had. The problem ended up being in two areas; disorganization of the where the volunteers should go and disorganization which ended up with them running 90 minutes behind in all the events. I do think Special Olympics is a good cause but on the road of volunteerism, it's really not for me.

-Jackie

Day 339 (March 14th)--Do the shuffle

2009-03-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

I got an Ipod Shuffle for Christmas but have not used it before. First we had no working computer because of a stupid computer virus then Itunes refused to upload anything to my computer so I was pretty much stuck. Well, thanks for our friend JP, I was able to finally upload tunes to my Ipod. I have been needing this too--there are 10 of us in the same office area and it can get distracting at times, especially with one co-worker who sits on her phone and with coworkers talking about her nights out at the bar and how she got drunk. TMI if you ask me!

-Jackie

Day 338 (March 13th)--Undercover for Nothing

2009-03-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Besides going to taste tests for extra money, I also like to do mystery shops from time to time. I do not go as often as I used to but I have done a lot of them in my day--everything from going to a daycare center posing as a prospective parent to being on a consumer panel discussing steaks to evaluating Lifetime fitness. Today I was supposed to go undercover posing as an agent from a phone company where I would go into an apartment complex to see if they had this company's promotional materials in their move in packet. So I go to Target and buy the gift card they are supposed to get after the audit is over, I change my clothes from jeans to business casual and go out of my way to get to this place only to come to find out they refused to participate in the study. I did all that mystery shop work for nothing. Well, almost for nothing. I e-mailed the scheduler when I got back. They are still paying me for the shop and I will get reimbursed for the $10 gift card. Let me say I will never live at that apartment complex I audited though--the agent was yelling at some tenant on the phone in front of me about going to court blah blah blah.....

-Jackie

Day 337 (March 12th)--Rock the Shamrock (Shake)

2009-03-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today I did something I have been wanting to for a long time.....I tried a Shamrock Shake....and it was DELICIOUS! I now understand why people look forward to the "Limited time" McDonald's has then each year! Will I ever have one again? Most certainly!

-Jackie

Day 336 (March 11th)--a Couple of new things

2009-03-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today I was not feeling well (and am blessed to have such a great boss and great job) so my boss told me I could go ahead and finish the day from home. (We can work from home once in awhile). So I was able to lie down for a couple of hours then make up the 3 hours I had left. While I was typing up my case notes I watched Oprah who had celebrity chefs on her show talking about how to make the take out style meals at home for a lot less. Previously, the only cooking show I ever watched was Rachel Rae and only in small tidbits. I learned today how to make some meals such as Shrimp Tacos and Restaurant Style Nachos from tortillas. I learned from Chefs like Tyler Florence some cost cutting solutions like substituting Turkey breast for Hamburger and the importance of having a slow cooker (which we do.) The first family they profiled on there spent $400 a week on take out. I wonder where they struck it rich. I kick myself for spending over $30 a week on fast food/takeout!

EXTRA CREDIT: Kohl's was having a sale and I was in DESPERATE need of new jeans (my old ones keep sliding down, even with a belt) and tops for work. I ended up getting a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans. I have never owned a pair of this brand of jeans before...I might have to buy another pair in the future. I have been having trouble finding a nice pair of jeans and these are the PERFECT FIT and for a great price!

-Jackie

Day 335 (March 10th)--Integrity

2009-03-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Integrity is a word I have heard a lot about lately and is something I strive for in my life. I like Horton in Horton Hears a Who Sums it up best when he says "I meant what I say and I say what I meant."

When I think of my car dealership who have not only sold me all the cars I have ever owned (expect for my 1st one which was a hand me down) and is my repair shop one word comes to mind: integrity. With that said I nominated them for the 2009 Business of Integrity for the MN Better Business Bureau. Every year the Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota honor businesses that demonstrate and exemplary level of Ethics. I really hope they win. The awards ceremony is not until October 28th but I think it would still be a nice Honor for them. We hear enough about businesses that rip people off or have poor customer service. I like to let the businesses who go the extra mile know they are appreciated!

-Jackie

Day 334--March 9th--Recipe Submission

2009-03-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Remember that recipe for Chocolate Chunk peanut butter Cookies from last week? Well, the place I work for is celebrating their 40th anniversary and are putting out a cookbook of recipes. Well, this recipe is going into the cookbook! Since it is not being published as a book for sale it is just going to be a cookbook for staff and families. Still, it's nice enough that I have mastered a recipe I can finally submit for something like this!

-Jackie

Day 333 (March 8th)--Carnival Games

2009-03-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went out to lunch with our friend "A" for my hubby's birthday. He is a big Wii fanatic like me and lent Mike and I some games. Today I tried one of those games, called Carnival Games. Many of the games on there remind me of the games that were at my High School graduation all night party. Frog toss, Test Your Strength, the one where you roll the ball but it can't come back on the other side. Fun times!

-Jackie

Day 332 (March 7th)--A Down to the Wire new thing

2009-03-07T20:36:00.001-08:00

Tonight I actually had a different new thing planned but due to technical difficulties I was not able to do it. So you will see THAT new thing in the coming week. Tonight I found a article about famous feuds....quite a few I had been already aware of but I decided to research a Specific Hollywood feud between two sisters from old Hollywood--Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine. Olivia played Melanie Wilkes in the Movie Gone with the Wind---and I guess just picked on here younger sister Joan like nothing else! They both went into the acting business but their mother would not let Joan use the family name so she had to come up with a screen name! Also when they won their Academy Awards (Joan first) they would blow off the sister that was trying to congratulate them! They finally stopped speaking all together in 1975. This is the kind of Story line that is so good I don't think Hollywood could come up with something as good if they tried! In my family I have had some bumpy patches in the past with my sisters, but nothing EVEN close to this!

-Jackie

Day 331 (March 6th)--Beans!

2009-03-06T14:15:00.001-08:00

This new thing has been a two day event--I have been working with a taste testing agency on a new product (I can't get into specific details due to confidentiality) but I tried 16 bean side dishes in the course of two days. I do not think that will be a staple in my diet anytime soon!

-Jackie