Gettin' Old

I made a sobering discovery last week: there are actually gray hairs growing out of the top of my head. My first thought was, "Why have none of my tall friends told me about this?" Stiff, wiry little suckers, they are not very long, which leads me to believe they are pretty recent acquisitions. At first, I thought maybe it was the way the bathroom light was reflecting, so I yanked one out and took an up-close look. Sigh....These hairs are not gray, they are pure white.

Ten Guilty Pleasures

Yes, it's confession time. Here are ten of my guilty pleasures. What are yours??

1. Marshmallow Peeps

2. Degrassi, all incarnations

3. Cosmopolitan magazine

4. Redeeming coupons and rebates

5. Jean Auel books

6. McDonald's french fries

7. Step aerobics

8. The kid who plays Jacob in the Twilight movies

9. The Container Store

10. Britney Spears

It's not 'cause I don't like the taste...

When you look up animal rights activism in the dictionary, you are not going to see my picture next to the definition. I believe in respecting the lives of animals as much as possible, but I do, perhaps selfishly, put my own health and well-being above that of my four-legged and feathered friends. For example:

• I don't eat most meat, but I do eat seafood.
• I eschew leather, unless I'm buying running shoes.
• I eat eggs, but I only buy the organic, cage-free cartons.
• I enjoy the San Diego Zoo, but I'm not a big fan of Sea World.
• And, as I tell anyone who asks, KFC still smells delicious when I drive by.
  

My pseudo-vegetarianism/avoidance of animal products is a completely personal choice, and not a lifestyle I try to impose on others. How could I, when the nuances of my eating and purchasing are so inconsistent? I find it pretty easy to be a vegetarian in southern California, where soy products are so readily available. But the fact is, if I was on a deserted island and the only way to live was by eating meat, would I? You're damn right I would. And really, those who try to live an all-out vegan lifestyle are in for a slippery slope...Do you kill spiders in your house? How about those little critters that die in the harvesting of vegetables? What about the gelatin that coats film and car tires?

But if animals are going to be raised for human consumption, I don't think it's too much to ask that they have a healthy - if protracted - life. There are a few instances of animal cruelty that I do find disturbing and, should friends seem interested, I request the following:

• Go for the cage-free or free-range products.
• Please don't order the veal. I'm sure it's delicious, but the life of a veal calf is a sad affair. You can google it if you don't know what I mean.
• Ditto for foie gras. It's pretty nauseating the way it's produced.

And I do have one other animal issue that's been on my mind lately, but more about that tomorrow...

Centering...

Anyone who knows me knows that I am absolutely reliable about one thing: I look for the positive in every situation. I started writing in this blog regularly last summer (if you're reading this on Facebook, it's much prettier at http://sdjennyhow.blogspot.com/) as a way to keep seeing the silver lining - a sort of gratitude journal, if you will.

Here are some of the things that I am grateful for...

• My dog, Brandy
• Cosmopolitan magazine
• Nachos
• When my students say "thank you" as I'm passing out tests
• Coming home to my own place
• Immersing myself in a film at the theater for a couple of hours
• Toddlers who grin at me
• The baristas at Starbucks who start my drink as soon as I walk in the door
• This American Life podcasts
• Madonna
  
• A good glass of wine ... a good beer ... a good gin and tonic ...
  
• That the teacher next door to me always patiently listens to my sob stories, even if the bell is going to ring in 1 minute
• Hot tubs
• The internet
• Coupons
  
• Not having a single regret when it comes to love
  

Today's Horoscope

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). No wonder someone is so crazy about you today. You're spontaneous, joyful and gentle. You're exactly the kind of partner a sensitive Pisces or Cancer has been looking for. Laughter and love are your future.


Oh go on, horoscope...you flatter me so!

The Most Wonderful Time

I love this time of year.

I haven't always felt this way. There's been many a December, several in recent memory in fact, where I've felt nothing but stress, heartache, and the desire for the entire holiday season to just. Be. Over.

But my existence is a lot simpler now. I no longer rush around like a maniac trying to make, locate, buy, and ship the exact perfect gift for every friend and family member. Through the circumstances of life I've been compelled to reorganize my priorities and I've learned how to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Or in this case, maybe stop and smell the pine boughs!

As the air turns colder (although, what was it, like 80 degrees in San Diego today??), and the Christmas tunes start playing on the radio, my nesting instincts kick in. I love just puttering around my little apartment, cleaning out closets, clearing out the cobwebs, and considering my goals for the new year. I break out the warm pajamas, bake cookies in the oven to warm up the house, and sip hot chocolate. Following the early sunsets, I turn on the TV and enjoy the holiday classics all over again: Rudolph, the Grinch, Charlie Brown, It's a Wonderful Life... I love them all!

And as 2008 winds down, I find myself reflecting more than ever on the many blessings I am lucky enough to enjoy...
-A secure job in these tricky economic times. And a 3% raise to boot!
-A cozy little home in a beautiful coastal city.
-A sweet dog who is my constant companion and an affectionate, pretty little kitty who, well, is not too much trouble.
-The most professional, caring, fun coworkers ever.
-Amazing friends who surround me with love and laughter.
-My strong, caring family that always welcomes me home.
-And an incredible, loving partner who, beginning around the middle of July, has made every day feel like Christmas.

Hell ya, I am an American

As I read through today's San Diego Union Tribune, I read a few stories that reminded me how lucky I feel to have been born an American...

Mumbai begins grim recovery
300-plus dead in Nigeria's sectarian riots
Death sentence upheld for woman convicted of adultery in Iran

As a nation, we are facing economic travails, sure. I am not saying that our county is perfect by any means. In the good ole' USA, there is corruption, poverty, and crime. For heaven's sake we have citizens so hell bent on getting the cheapest television set that they will trample a man in order to get it.

But I am so lucky to be wrapped in a warm blanket of security as my fundamental human rights are protected by our collective belief in a just society, our infallible Constitution, and our incredibly well-outfitted national defense. I can live each day with the knowledge that I can say what I want, see who I want, lay claim to my own property, and find fullfillment in a meaningful job. Not many women around the world can claim the same. For all our flaws, I do truly believe our country is the greatest on earth.

Photo Mosaic

A clever idea from Sabrina's Blog:

The rules:

Using fd’s Flickr Toys,

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker).

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (I didn't have anything for this one, so I stuck in a picture of Brandy!)

Here is my mosaic...


This was fun to put together, even though it took a little time. I would like to play around more with the Flickr Toys website - it has tons of cool projects to try!

Birthday Pics

I'm too tired to write. They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so here are 4,000 words....
Thanks to all my dear friends for coming out and to Meggie for organizing. Love you!!

Ask Not What You Can Do For Technology....

I've been saying it for months now, and a new study published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project just confirmed it: modern technology is not driving a wedge between people as many doomsdayers have been predicting. It's bringing people together by opening channels of communication that did not exist a decade ago. Read the Washington Post article or just peruse the "Cliff's Notes" version of anecdotes from my life:

• In a word, Facebook. It's gotten me in touch with high school friends I haven't seen or talked to in 15 years or more. I've had virtual reunions with people I cared deeply about at some point in my past. And it's the only way I ever get to see my 23 year-old brother.

• Meetup.com. Last year, I was really looking for some new ways to branch out in my life. Enter Meetup. I was able to find a knitting group and a book club in the same week without even leaving my house. I've since dropped the book club, but I still attend my knitting group regularly and have met some really great friends there. And several of them are also my Facebook friends!!

• Emailing/IM-ing/Texting. In this busy life, I'm not always able to call a friend or family member. But by emailing, IM-ing, or texting, I am able to keep in touch with many more people than I otherwise would. When I'm sitting at my computer at 5 in the morning, I can fire off an email to a buddy who would have a few choice words to say if I had rung them on the phone!

• Speaking of texting, the Washington Post had this to say:

The ease of being in touch has created a phenomenon that Rainie calls "love taps," in which couples exchange hellos and touch base with a regularity that did not exist 10 years ago.

I love that term "love taps!" I certainly do my share of love-tapping all day long. Receiving a sympathetic text from Jared sometimes seems to be the only thing that gets me through a hard day.

• And of course, no list of kudos for technology would be complete without my giving props to Match.com. I have several friends who've met the loves of their lives through this popular online dating service. I certainly have met a few nice gentlemen myself who I may never have encountered otherwise. And for a shy, reluctant dater like me, Match was the perfect venue for me to showcase myself and meet interesting men. I was able to expand my dating range all the way to Riverside County without, once again, ever leaving my home! If not for modern technology, how could I have ever known there was at least one gorgeous, sweet, intelligent, good-smelling, single guy left in this world!?

A Worthy Cause

I will be participating in a walk later this month to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My sister-in-law battled lymphoma several years ago. Scientists have made great gains toward curing blood cancers in the past decade, thanks in part to fund-raising efforts of organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please think about joining me for the "Light the Night" walk and if you'd like to donate, here's my fundraising link:

http://www.active.com/donate/SanDiego/2502_sdjennyhow

If you do decide to participate, you can register under "Team Pitta," which is the team I am on. Thank you!!

I'm also a Carousel!

Thanks Gail - this is very addicting!!

You Are a Carousel

You are young at heart and a truly playful person. No one would ever accuse you of taking life too seriously. You are definitely in things for the fun. You find joy easily, and you are often building up anticipation for your next adventure. In relationships, you tend to want to be babied and taken care of. And while you may be a bit high maintenance, you are incredibly loyal. Your life is simple and satisfying. Each day you treat yourself to something you enjoy. You have a lot of emotional attachments, and experiences are extra vivid to you. You tend to be nostalgic and sentimental. The past is important to you. Comfortable around all living things, you have a special connection to animals and children. At your best, you are whimsical, free spirited, and creative. Even if your schemes seem a bit strange, they usually work out wonderfully. At your worst, you are spoiled, demanding, and impossible to satisfy. You've been known to act like a brat if you aren't getting your way!

What Carnival Ride Are You?

I'm a Frappaccino

I got this quiz by following the link on Gail's blog. I am such a sucker for these kinds of things. I love quizzes, personality tests (see previous entry), and those dumb emails where you answer a bunch of questions and then forward it to all your friends. I am mildly interested in astrology too. Maybe I'm not-so-subtly trying to figure out who I am??

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Personality Test

Today I took the Facebook version of the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. I took this test years ago - in my high school psychology class, I think. I've long since lost and forgotten the results, so I was curious to see what this popular personality test would reveal. I came out as an "ENFJ." Here is what that means:

E is for Extroversion. I am an extrovert which means I like to be with others and to talk things out rather than contemplate inside my own head. Sometimes I act before planning and thinking things out completely.

N is for Intuition. This means I am more interpretive about events than factual or detail oriented. Instead of systematically working through problems, I tend to brainstorm solutions (preferably in a group, of course).

F is for Feeling. This applies to how I approach decision-making situations. I am inclined to consider the feelings and points-of-view of others rather than the cold, hard facts when making decisions. I am a peace-maker and non-confrontational.

J is for Judging. This means that I approach my outer life with a sense of planning and forethought, and like to have things finished and decided. I am a checklist person and I don't procrastinate much.

Apparently ENFJs make good teachers. Hmmm.....

September 11

Every morning, my students and I begin the day by writing in "Freewrite Notebooks." Everyone writes on a topic of choice, and students who would like to are able to share their writing aloud. This week, one of my students shared this lovely piece she had written. I don't think she would mind my passing it on. (Keep in mind that this family was living in Boston at the time - the two planes that crashed into the twin towers originated in Boston). I've corrected the spelling and left out any proper names for confidentiality:

September 11, 2001

A sad day especially for me. My uncle had his wedding September 12, 2001, so my dad was flying out on September 11, 2001. But thank goodness the flight was full. But I just think about it every day, how my dad could be gone forever and my little brother was just born. I was 2 and I think about how thankful I am and lucky I am for him to still be with me alive. And my first friend that we met at 6 months old, her dad worked at that twin tower building but amazingly took the day off. God let us both have our fathers today and I thank him so I pray happily to God every single September 11th. I will never forget that moment in my life. It's true. Ask my dad. The End

If I Were a Baseball Player...

If I had been born a male, my number one job choice would have been F-16 pilot for the US Navy. Yes, I was heavily influenced by the movie Top Gun!! But, my second job choice would have been Major League baseball player. I went to the Padres game last night, and Jared and I were talking quite a bit about the game past and present. It got me thinking about the what-if's had I been lucky, talented, and, well, man enough to go down that path....

If I Were a Baseball Player:

1. I would not be married. What's the point? It seems to me that with all that fame, money, and athletic ability, a ball player could have a different beautiful companion as often as desired. Are any MLB players faithful to their wives?? I seriously doubt it! Why be unfaithful and potentially hurt that one woman? Why give up half my ungodly income and scar my kids in the divorce? Just stay single and live it up. I'm just saying - that's what I would do.

2. I would be a pitcher. Now of course, this makes big assumptions about my body composition, strength, and talent, but it's my dream world so I can be a pitcher if I want. To me, the pitcher/batter duel is the most exciting part of the game - the mental and physical come together in the blink of an eye. I love it when a pitcher can use all of his skill as a planner and an athlete to outwit a pitcher. There's nothing better than seeing an opposing power hitter swing way in front of a third-strike change-up or way above a wicked curve as the bottom falls out of it. Yeah, I'd want to be the guy responsible for that.

3. I know it's not such a problem for pitchers, but say I was an outfielder instead - I would not use steroids, HGH, or any of that nonsense. Putting up huge numbers and breaking records is great and all. I certainly can understand the desire to be a superstar. But it's so apparent which guys are juicing - why would you want to always be remembered with an asterisk next to your name. Call me crazy, but I'd much rather be a Tony Gwynn than a Barry Bonds... a Greg Maddux than a Roger Clemens.

4. My song, when I came up to bat (yes, I know I'm a pitcher, but I'm apparently in the National League and an amazing hitter!) would be "Groove is in the Heart" by DeeLite. This song from the late 80's is like a shot of adrenaline every time I hear it. I realize it's a bit girly for a superstar ball player, but what the hell...

5. And finally, I would retire with dignity. I would hang up my mitt at the apex of my career and I would stay retired, for goodness sakes. Some of these boys are hanging on way past their prime, even if it means bouncing around from team to team just to extend the glory for another year or two. I know there's money to be made and obviously these players have some real talent left if they are able to score contracts, but I would love to be the one of those few who goes out on top - and stays there.

So, there's my pipe dream. Perhaps if I'm a good girl in this life, the spinners of the karmic web will allow me to come back as a baseball hero in the next. Let's just hope I don't forget all of my lofty goals should I make it to the show...

Random Musings...

I really don't have anything profound to say today, so just some miscellaneous goings-on from my life:

• I ran eight miles this morning with Meg, Susan, Matt, and Mark. Yeah us!
• I finally saw Clerks 2 this weekend. Thanks, Jared ;) Oh, and Reese's Pieces too. Yum!
• Yesterday, I went to breakfast at the Original Pancake House. Today, I ate half my leftovers. The rest will be breakfast tomorrow!! Big portions? I'll say.
  
• I have not watched any of the Olympics. I am a bad American.
• Today, I celebrated my niece's 5th birthday. It's so weird. She is beginning Kindergarten in a few days. I remember enrolling her big brother in preschool 3 years ago, and he is about to start second grade. Kids really do grow up fast...
• I just learned today that my good friend Ashli, who now lives in Phoenix, is coming to visit in September. I am so excited to see her! We worked together for 6 years, and I miss her terribly since she moved away.
• Tomorrow, I go back to work full time. School doesn't start until the following Monday, but I have a heck of a lot of work to do between now and then!
• I came across this interesting opinion piece today in the Union Trib. Food for thought, certainly. Although with the examples of inexperienced politicians that Condon cites, I'm not sure he really proves his point. Be sure to read the comments at the end. They will make you feel smart, I guarantee it.

The source of my bubbly disposition? I think it's pretty easy to see . . .

Jared and Jen at Pacific Coast Grill, 8/10/08 (well-hydrated)

High School Yearbooks

I recently pulled out my yearbooks from my last two years of high school. I hadn't looked at those things in years. I was 16 when I graduated from high school, so I've doubled up my life since. Certainly I made some interesting observations while flipping through those pages....

• Boy, was I skinny back then. I don't think I had developed any hips to speak of yet, and I had yet to discover the "freshman 15." But I thought I was fat! Weird...
  
• I was blond. Very, very blond.
  
• I loved Madonna then. I love Madonna now. I guess some things never change.
  
• Those popular guys I had crushes on don't look nearly so cute to me now. And the little pipsqueaks who had crushes on me look adorable (and are probably millionaire software moguls!)
• I always felt like a little bit of a geek - not part of the popular crowd. I certainly didn't ever party, was never in the homecoming court and I didn't get asked out very often. But looking back now, I realize that I was super-involved, got along with everyone and really had a positive high-school experience.
• I was sure I would be living in Hollywood by now. I would be acting, producing, directing. I would be a star!!
• Now that I'm a teacher myself, I can look at my high school teachers with a different level of respect. Even the ones I really didn't like. How they were able to put up with giggly, hormonal, distracted adolescents such as myself, I will never know!!
• My kids are going to laugh at those pictures some day. We all thought we were so cool. With my huge dangly earrings, parachute pants, and teased, sprayed-out hair, I look anything but cool!
• Mostly when I look back at my 15 and 16 year-old self, I think about how I felt like I knew everything. I had so many strong opinions about love, friendship, spirituality, right and wrong, where I would end up in life . . . If I've learned anything since, it's simply that life is unpredictable and people can surprise you.

Life is an incredible journey and I love that I've been able to adapt and change over the years. I am so grateful for everything I have and for the friends who enrich my life. I'd love to be able to tell that 16 year-old baby "Buckle your seat belt, girl, you are in for an incredible ride!" I'm excited to see what the next 16 have in store...

If I Won the Lottery

Here's a little something I busted out during Writing Camp today after almost being late due to a heavy traffic morning...

There is a short list of things that bug me in this world, and a good portion of the items on that list have to do with driving. It's funny because as children and teenagers we are all so enamored with the idea of learning to drive and getting our licenses. I remember being 16 and feeling like driving was an adventure. Any excuse would do. Want me to go to the grocery store, Mom? Can I take that letter to the post office for you? Even driving my little brother to school was so much fun!

For me, though, driving has lost its novelty. First of all, I hate traffic. I am the calmest person I know, but if there's one sure way to send my blood pressure to glorious new heights, it's sitting in a traffic jam. This makes me pretty picky about where I live: within 10 minutes of my job is ideal.

I also can not stand speed bumps. For some reason, they just seem to rattle me in the most unpleasant way. I am one of those people you see veering way left or right just to avoid a bump in a parking lot. Even if I can get one tire to stay on flat ground, I feel a little better about the whole experience. Maybe speed bumps remind me of all of the figurative bumps in the road of life that I've encountered in my 33 years.

Maintaining the car - what a pain! It's not enough that I have to keep myself clean, fueled up, waxed, and polished, but I am expected to do this all for my car too? No wonder that stuff is considered a man's job. My apartment always seems to need straightening up, my dog needs grooming, my plants want to be watered, and my job takes a little teeny bit of time, too. Where am I supposed to find the leftover seconds to get gas, wash the car, check the oil, get a tune-up, have the tires rotated . . . .?

Certainly cars seem to bring out the worst in people. How much tailgating, cursing, gesturing road rage is committed by folks who are perfectly pleasant, polite individuals in all other aspects of their lives? It seems that being enclosed in that big hunk of metal and gears emboldens us all to turn into jackasses.

Don't get me wrong - I don't mind getting out on the open road and cruising along on a road trip. If I can get a good talk-radio podcast going and keep a bag of salty munchies by my side, I'm content to drive for hours. Long, easy drives can actually be quite meditative and soothing, I've found. Plus, my car computer tells me my average mpg, and I just love watching it climb to 29, 30, 31 or beyond! But how often do those kind of drives really happen? Once, maybe twice a year for me.

Now, I have tried to make driving more pleasant in the best way I know how - by getting a car I absolutely love. My little wagon is definitely a prized possession, and I am a little more motivated to take care of it than I would be if I had a not-so-fun or aesthetically pleasing ride. But still, if I won the lottery tomorrow, the first thing I'd do is hire a chauffeur.