::Waives:: Hello, anybody out there?

Oy, where has time gone?  I know it's been months since my last post- and I wish I could tell you that in that time I had done some new and amazing things- but alas, I have not.  I am however going to make a more conscious effort to start blogging again.  Mrs. Lindauer has inspired me to post some goals for 2011.  So, without further ado, here they are:

1) Drop 40lbs by May 7th, 2011.  That's right, I'm assigning a number, a date, all the things you maybe shouldn't do in weight loss goals.  But I don't care.  I need to put it out there, for all of you to know, to keep me accountable.  Dropping 40lbs will bring me about 10 lbs lower then my wedding weight.  Why May 7th?  That's the day we leave for Disneyworld and 1) it's a date to strive for and 2) I don't want to have to buy all new shorts for Florida (unless their to big).

2) Make/find (adoption people, I'm not going to steal an infant here!) a baby.  Come on, we're a beautiful family I know (that wasn't cocky), but an infant would add some pure cuteness, can't you see them in between Aaron and I, next to Miley:



3) Graduate with my degree (I should be done by October 2011!)

That's it, those are my goals this year.  3 simple goals for the entire year.  I have an amazing husband who's set me on the track of financial glory- so no real goals there.  I also have an amazing husband who loves me for me, and loves me in a way I'd never thought imaginable- so again, if I had any goals on that it would be that our love continue to grow and mature.

Arizona I quit you.

Let me be frank here.  I do not claim to be a Democrat, I do not claim to be a Republican.  In fact, my Maricopa County voting ID card states I am a registered Independent.  I'm a registered Independent because there are Republican ideologies and policies that I agree with and there are Democratic ideologies and policies that I agree with.  Therefore, I will only register to a party if I feel specifically so inclined to be able to vote in that parties primary because there is a candidate I hope to see succeed (yes, I am that big of a nerd).

Tonight however, I am disappointed in my fellow Arizona residents.  Tonight, like so many election nights in the past, voters in Arizona had a chance to make a difference and instead, they settled for status quo, not even promises of change.  In all of the campaigning this year, I heard nothing of things that our Governor, Congressmen, or Senators would do to make change for this state.  In fact, all I heard was mud slinging.  I heard of defaulted loans, broken promises, and other personal attacks, and little on why each candidate was qualified to do their job.

Tonight, my fellow citizens did exactly as they were told.  They kept individuals in office who have had YEARS and YEARS to make change and dig Arizona out of a hole, and instead, they rebelled, and voted for anything but a democrat, because Democrats want big government and that's bad.  This year, when Arizona voters went to the polls, they had one thought on their mind-  immigration.  And SB1070 would be repelled if a Democrat was elected.

Newsflash- SB1070 will go to the Supreme Court, and it will be repelled.  If you have to ask why, read recent Supreme Court case decisions.  A person can not immigrate to a state, and therefore a state does not have the ability to make an immigration policy.

This year, residents of Arizona should have focused on our failing education system (for those who aren't aware Arizona is now dead last in terms of education base lines across the country- that's right folks Alabama has even surpassed us).  This year, Arizona residents should have also been concerned about our failing economy built around new home build and real estate- in 2010, not as great of a plan as in 2005.... And yet, no one was campaigning or debating these facts.

I hate to break it to you folks, but Arizona was a tool this year.  That's right a tool.  The republican party used this state and Jan Brewer (why this woman thinks she has a future is beyond me- think Sarah Palin- she's a pawn).  They pushed 1070 to bring national attention to an issue that the "Big Government Washington Dem's" were failing at, to bring attention and bad light on them.

Well guess what folks- I hate to break it to you- but Obama's administration has been in office a whopping 2 years and immigration has been a HUGE issue for more then 2 years in this state... so for all of those people who feel that Obama is sucking it up at this issue- take a look in the mirror at former President George W. Bush, the all Republican Senate, and the all Republican House we had just a few short years ago- they sucked it up too.

My point?  What everyone seems to be forgetting during all this mud slinging on left vs. right, is that less then a decade ago, the entire country got so sick of of democrats, they voted in all republicans.  But guess what?  4 years later, they were sick of that, so they elected in a mixed house and senate with a republican President.  Then they were so sick of the republicans they ousted them all and put in all democrats.

Now mind you- again, I am a registered Independent.  I just get so sick of Republicans name calling Democrats and vice versa- because guess what, having all control under one party, is the quickest way to get yourself ousted from office- people get sick of it!

And voting for someone just because they're in you're party like a good ol' boys club- makes me ill.

I do give props to District 7 for ousting Harry Mitchell though, finally a group took a stand against someone who's again been in office for 40 years and made no significant changes for his peeps- and in comes a new guy promising change.  That my friends is Democracy at it's finest.

Aaron and I are now looking for a new home in one of the other 49 states in the union... Arizona, I quit you.

Where I've been...

I disappeared- again.  I know, I'm kinda into that lately.  I just wonder off leaving you with no clue or idea as to where I've gone.  I've just been so busy lately LIVING life that I've not really had the time to write about it. 

First off, I absolutely, 100%, COMPLETELY love my job.  Each and every day I love it more and more and am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity.  Second, I am a Zumba queen!  (not in the sense of being good at it, just in the sense of, I do it, a lot!)  Third, I'm finishing my degree, finally!  Ugh school is not fun at all, but it's getting done, just a short time until I have my Bachelors finished, then I'll tackle my masters! 

Now the big one.... Aaron and I have been praying very hard and have decided to seriously pursue adoption at this time.  We're not giving up on trying to have a biological child, we just feel that this is what God has placed on our hearts right now.  Originally we were only interested in international adoption, as domestic adoption had to many "what if's" and almost felt like a marketing campaign to me to be honest- trying to market yourself through pictures and words as the best possible home for a set of biological parents to place their child.  Aaron and I are so much more then just words and photo's.  However, with changes to our state Adoptions Laws, we may be more into considering domestic adoption from our home state.

So that's it... nothing to incredibly exciting.  We're just living our lives happily together.  We did just get back from Disneyland... pictures to come =)

The Things That Live Inside My Head

*Disclaimer:  These are things that have been living in my head for about a month now, and I need to get them out.  I've been hesitant to do so, in fear that it may offend some people.  If one of these comments was made by you, please do not take this as my passive aggressive way to convey it to you, and please understand I just need to get it out of my head, this is not about you I promise.

It's been a while since I posted about the frustrations of trying to expand our family.  I can honestly say that I feel this has been a lesson in humility from the Lord.  There is so much that I have learned from this process.  Here's my example: A few months ago I was at a gathering, in which another young woman was asked by someone whom having a child had come easy, "How come you don't have kids yet".  This was done in a very kind and kidding manner, but I saw "the look".  Anyone who's been there knows the look because its flashed on your very own face a million times.  The woman politely responded that"it just wasn't time yet", but I knew otherwise.  It's a look that bonds women of any ethnicity, religion, and social background.

My lesson has come from understanding that some of the most innocent questions or comments can cause quite a bit of pain to someone else when you don't understand their situation.  Please, please do not take this the wrong way, I do not expect anyone to filter out a conversation because of my fertility issues.  (again, read above, this is my rant, nothing more).  But for me, it's made me aware of the things I'm saying (not just about babies- anything that has come to me and given me success) as you never know the situation that someone else is in. 

For example, here's a totally harmless quote that I heard last month, "she's probably my only chance to be an uncle."  The statement as it said was completely kind and actually loving.  However to me, it was a dagger in the heart.  To me it was a write off of the possibility that I could EVER have a child of my own for this person to consider his niece or nephew.  (again, please see my disclaimer).  It honestly killed me and I had to step away.

Now I understand this is all about how I take it, and how I allow my emotions to flow, and understand I am working very hard on this, and think I've gotten better, but that comment has honestly eaten away at me daily since I heard it- and I just had to get it out of my head so it would stop.

Please don't take this for more then it is.  I am completely happy with where we are at in trying to expand our family.  I am beyond thrilled for everyone in my life who has lately found out they are expecting (there is not a limited supply of babies!) and if anything it gives me hope that ours is coming!  This is quite simply my rant to get something out of my head so that I can focus on other non-emotional stupid things.

Massive Fail

I'm alive, I swear.  I had gotten off to a good start, and fell off the bus.  I've just been so tired that between work, school, my gym schedule, and volunteering I've not felt like blogging.

I honestly came home, made dinner, and then slept for 3 hours before waking up to do a few things and am now heading back to bed.  Crazy huh?  I'm just so damn tired all the time!

I'll get back to 30 days of truths tomorrow!

30 Days of Truth- Day 2

Look- I'm already further then I made it on the 30 day challenge!

Day 2: One Thing You Love About Yourself

This is actually an easy one for me to answer.  I LOVE my eye's/cheek bones!  I'm of Eastern European and Italian decent, and these two ethnicity's combined in their best form to give me some awesome eyes/cheekbones!  Seriously- check it out:

Photo by Noyan Photography

I also love that I can see the positive side of things.  I know it's probably annoying to some, but I've always been told that being easily amused is the sign of a happy person- and I consider myself a happy person who looks for the 1/2 full cup!

What do you love about yourself?

Because Seeing An Elephant Fly isn't the Only Magic About Dumbo

30 Days of Truth: Day 1

Okay, so my 30 days of "getting to know me" was an epic fail.  I admit it.  Thus why I'm starting over, with "30 days of truth".  I found it through my good friends Vanessa (The Life of NesJas) and Jess (Momma V).

Day 1: One Thing You Hate About Yourself

Wow, let's go ahead and get right into it then huh?  Let's see... what do I hate about me.  Simple.  I hate my ovaries.  I could say that I hate my weight, which while my weight has troubled me my whole life, honestly, it doesn't "bother" me I guess.  I'm still incredibly active doing Zumba and such, and thankful for that.  I'd love to lose weight, but my motives for losing weight aren't for physical beauty, it's for my damn ovaries.

I hate my ovaries.  I hate that they are a host to tons of tiny cyst's that keep them from producing the hormones needed to procreate.  I hate that they allow these cyst's to play "house guest" producing excess testosterone which gives me facial hair, acne, and other undesirable characteristics.  I hate that my ovaries can't do the one simple function they were placed in my body to do- mature an egg ready for fertilization so that I could be a mom.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would take medical intervention for me to be a parent.

Hating your body for it's internal parts is quite an internal conflict.  They're my ovaries- no one is going to give me an ovarian transplant, but at the same time, they're the leading cause to my inability to do the one thing a woman is designed to do- procreate.  My ovaries cause me to fail at being a woman.  There's nothing more I hate about myself then that.

30 Day Challenge- Day 1: Getting to know me

So I'm a little late to the party, but decided to join the 30 day blog/journal craze! This will involve me posting at least one post a day related to this challenge. The first challenge is "getting to know me". So, without further delay...

I am Jenn. I'm a Christian, twenty-something married lady enjoying my life in the valley of the sun. I'm married to an amazing man- we got married last June at the fabulous Ritz Carlton in downtown Phoenix.
I'm a "pet" mommy to 4 animals: Miley (dog), Simba, Nala, and Budders (cat's).

Miley

Simba

My husband and I bought our home together last spring, and love it! We hope to eventually (5-7 years) turn it into a rental home, and purchase our "forever home" somewhere north of the 101 between Cave Creek and well far east into North Scottsdale.

I do operations management, meaning I love numbers, in the education field. My husband is also in education, and he does financial planning.

My other amazing job is getting to be a Godmother to the most amazing little girl on the planet, my Bella-Bear. She's currently 15 months old.
My favorite place on the planet is Disneyland. I'm always asked why, and well, here's my answer: Where else on this planet can grown adults skip around in foam mickey ears and be absolutely 100% accepted? Not to mention, in Disneyland, there are no worries. Everything is perfect- there's no bad, no wrong, no ill intent, just people who love each other capturing beautiful and lifelong memories (at least from my perspective).
I'd love to be a mom, and will be one day. I found out in February 2010 that I have PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) which explains a lot of struggles I've had my entire life, but also explains why having a child has some extra speed humps. I'm currently working on a life long battle of losing weight with the help of my gym, will power, and my good friend "Bert". It's our goal that this will help us full fill our dream of being a parent, but if not, thank goodness my employer offers Adoption Assistance, as our backup plan (and may even be a primarily plan) is to adopt a child from Russia.

I have amazing parents, and a wonderful sister. I am the female version of my dad, but my mom is super amazing too, and I got some wonderful traits from her. My sister is often the complete opposite of me, and I envy her for it. She's exotic and mysterious- something I'm not. Oh and she's like insanely beautiful.
I have amazing friends, and honestly could not be more content with my life. I have been so unbelievable blessed that I couldn't even begin to tell you how lucky in life I am.

So welcome, I hope you enjoy the journey with me... Looking forward to getting to know everyone else a little better too!

July 17th, 2010

Saturday July 17th, 2010 ended up being an extremely exciting day for my mom and I! Saturday July 17th, was Disneylands 55th birthday. We knew they were coming out with special released Disney Dooney and Burke purses, and at 3:00pm on Friday July 16th, decided we'd be driving out early Saturday morning to get ours!

Mom drove down Friday night, and early Saturday morning (4:00am) we hit the road for Disneyland! We made great time and actually ended up parking in the large parking structure at about 10:30am.

We immediately got in line for the purses, and since we were probably 20-25 people deep, I ran down to pin traders and picked up the 2 pins that came out for their 55th birthday (one scheduled, one surprise release). When I got back, mom had moved maybe 15 ft. After about an hour, it was finally our turn to head into Vault 28, and we picked out our purses!

Having over $500 worth of purses to cary around, we decided to head back to the hotel to drop off our "loot" and freshen up. We had to be back between 2pm-4pm to pick up our "gift with purchase" items, and of course wanted to enjoy Disneyland on its 55th birthday. We used my left over Marriott points, and stayed at the Fairfield Inn located right across the street- which worked out AWESOME! Once we got back to the hotel, mom jumped in the shower, and I tried to work some Disney magic of my own- and it worked! I called day of to see if by chance they had any World of Color dinner packages available for that evening and they had just had a cancellation for Ariels Grotto for the 2nd showing! We got SO lucky, and of course snatched these up! Knowing we were seeing World of Color on this trip ON Disneylands 55th Birthday gave us a 2nd wind, as neither of us ended up taking a nap (I maybe dozed for 15-20 minutes while mom showered). So we got dressed and hurried on our way up to pick up our gift with purchase item for spending $150 in Vault 28 on Dooney's! (This ended up being a D&B cosmetic bag with the same print! So cool!)

After picking up our gifts, we took the monorail into Disneyland and hung around... We also stopped for the only photo we got of the two of us the entire trip!

Mom decided to head back to the hotel to drop off some of our shopping purchases as well as change her shoes- my knee was starting to bother me so I stayed at Disneyland, and eventually headed over to first aid to ice my knee- I just pushed it to hard.

After icing my knee, it was pretty much time for our reservation at Ariels Grotto for World of color- after dinner we watched World of Color which was pretty much the most awesome Disney night time spectacular EVER!

After World of Color, we got on our first (and only attraction) of the day, Soaring over California. We had fast passes for Splash Mountain, but were just so dang tired we decided to call it a night since we knew we would be back in August. We made our way back to the hotel, and crashed pretty hard.

Sunday morning we woke up, and headed home. All in all, it was a quick trip, but honestly it was so awesome just being there on such a special day, and having our own special Disney magic!

And So It Ends

Today was my last day at work. For 5 years, I've commuted from 4 different residences to one location in downtown Scottsdale. For 5 years, I've pulled into my greatly appreciated (and very much missed) assigned parking spot # 555, in the super awesome underground parking garage our building came with. For 5 years, I've lugged a lap top and blackberry around shamelessly, pulling over on countless roadsides to take my wireless card out and submit a report or email. Today, I left that familiar and safe building empty handed.

I resigned from my position over 4 weeks ago, and though I knew I was leaving (and have never once second guessed this decision) today, it was real. Today I was saying goodbye, and today I was realizing that this familiar and comfortable place full of people I love and adore, would no longer be my place of employment. Today, I closed my office door, placed my keys in an envelop with a blue post it note, and walked out into the sun, wondering what tomorrow would bring. Wouldn't you wonder the same?

Well I'm glad you would, because, tomorrow brings the start of my new job. That's right, while dealing with the emotions of leaving my comfortable environment, I was also dealing with the anxiety of worrying about my very first day of employment starting tomorrow. Being the new kid in school is so stressful. Actually, I wouldn't know, I've never been the new kid, so I imagine it to be stressful.

I laid out my clothes. You heard me, laid out my clothes. I'm so nervous that while I should be sleeping, I can't because I have 29709878 thoughts running through my mind. And while I'm excited and nervous all in the same, on question looms on my mind. One question makes me quiver with fear. One question will make or break my day tomorrow.

Should I pack my lunch?

Think about it, I don't want to walk in as the new kid with my little brown paper sack asking, "where should I put this?" Seriously- how old am I? So what do I do? Plan on purchasing lunch? The only thing remotely close to the office is a McDonalds, a McDonalds (yes, aside from the parking garage, I'd say the lack of food choices is the new buildings biggest downfall). So what do I do? How do I make sure I have the nutrient goodness I need without looking like a total dweeb, asking my new boss where to store my brown paper lunch sack, like a 7 year old kid going to 2nd grade? This one, minor, simple, and well, ridiculous question is weighing so heavily on my mind this evening that I'm deathly afraid I'll get no sleep over a simple brown paper bag.

What would you do?

Getting to Know you Sunday Part 3

1.If you had 5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done?
Oh goodness.... honestly.... I kinda dig who I am.

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why?

My mom did (and still does) watch All My Children growing up, but I haven't watched it in at least a decade (goodness this makes me old)

3. Favorite clothing brand?
Hmm... I love me some Michael Kor's but I only buy him on clearance... I dig NY and CO

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year?
Maid Service for a year, for sure!

5. would you ever vajazzle?
I don't know what this is...

6. Favorite Disney Princess?
Do you have to ask, really? Cinderella... proof that a shoe can change your life! (Plus proof that every little girl (and not so little girl) ) needs a fairy godmother!

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out?
Toy Story 3 made me tear up, the last movie that made me straight out ball...hmm...Schindlers List

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what?

Me, no. But the doctor broke my Tibia for me...

Because being a *fairy* Godmother means believing in the power of a shoe

Amazing People to Work With

In 6 more working days:

• I will no longer have to deal with I-10! (Pro)
  
• I will no longer work with one of my BFF's Jamie (Con)
• I will no longer get to occupy my day by chatting with my Vampire friend (Con)
• I will get to learn a whole new technical set of skills and continue advancing myself (Pro)

I'm so excited to start my new journey, but I am a bit intimidated. Working with such an amazing group of people (two listed above, but many more included) has been such a humbling and educational experience. I learn daily from these people, and I believe that I can accomplish my job from their support and enthusiasm. While I fully believe my new position will come fully loaded with individuals willing to do the same... They won't be my McReemy, C, C, & C friend, my Vampire friend, or my "initials only" friends.

Looking back and reflecting, the thing I'm the most grateful of my current employer for- would be the people they brought together to make a team. There may be other things they do that I have issue with, but that, that is something they are truly genius (jenius) at!

Because Dreams Really Do Come True...

Getting to know you Sunday- on Monday

1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?
Um.. I cover them up. They get sun burnt REALLY easily.

2. Road trips or Plane trips?
Honestly, I fly so much for work, I'm all about driving! If I can drive there in the same or less time then flying, so be it!

3. I can't stand it when...?
Oh so many things... 1) People hog a lane at the pool, that they are just "dilly dallying around in". Seriously, get in the leisure pool then. That's my pet peeve of the evening.

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?
You know, I think I'll reserve the answer to this one.

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?
I don't even know what a blog carnival is.

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?
Time that's uninterrupted with Aaron and Miley

7. Pancakes or waffles?
Waffles! With strawberries (fresh not frozen/canned) and whip cream when I'm being bad.

8. Water Park or Amusement Park?
Um, do you need to ask? DISNEY!

Dear LifeTime Fitness Members- Part 2

Dear LifeTime Fitness Members,

Thank you for being willing to share a lane with your sister/mother/aunt/friend so that I could have my own lane in the pool. I really appreciate not having to sit around and waste valuable time when I could be swimming- that was very kind of you.

To the little girl who swam next to me, and asked how I was able to breathe and keep swimming all in the same- I was so happy to get to help you learn your breathing technique. You will rock it at your next swim lesson. Feel free to hop into my lane anytime if you want my "expert"- ha- opinion and help.

To the couple who got in to the lane next to me during the last 1/2 mile of my swim. If you didn't notice, I was wearing goggles. In case you don't know what goggles are for, they're to help you swim in the pool by 1) deflecting water from your eye and 2) allowing you to see in the water. This also means that I can see what you are doing (not by choice) under the water. If you'd like to get freaky-deaky in the pool, get your own damn pool. I did not bust my bottom for an hour just to finish my workout watching you feel each other up. Yes it was me who informed member services, and yes I will do it again. I don't pay good money to watch you get to 2nd (or is it 3rd) base in the gym pool.

Again, for the most part, LifeTime fitness members are awesome!

Sincerely,

Me

A Year Ago Today (well today in 21 minutes)

We were leaving for our honeymoon....sigh. I'd love to go do that all over again. Thankfully we are- in 10 months! Until then I can only dream....

Until then, we'll be Disney Dreamin'....

Getting to know you Sunday!

So my friends Vanessa and Jess posted this and I thought I'd join in!

The questions..


1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? (Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc)

Hmm...this is tough for me. While I'd love flight, if those I love didn't have it, it'd be self defeating. I most certainly do not want X-Ray vision (ew). So maybe Superhuman Speed...this way when I'm running late, I can go really fast to get there!


2. The best thing I ever won is....?

Hmm... I've never really won anything. So I'll be deep here and say an internal battle with myself in which I allowed logic to take a backseat to what I knew was right in my heart.

3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?

No, but I do skype a lot when I'm on the road with Aaron and Miley!

4. What is your favorite Summer month?

June <3 I love that in June the weather can be so unpredictable, and we're still in zero humidity. Plus it's the month we celebrate our anniversary.

5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?

This is tough- I've never been a big Ocean (beach) girl until I went to the Atlantic ocean, and it was WARM! I'd have to say though, pool! I love laying poolside and swimming!

6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?

So many! Obviously, marrying my husband. Probably the countless summer trips I took to Disneyland with my parents over summer break.

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?

Um... currently the Greek Yogurt at Costco.... very yummy and so much cheaper then Fresh and Easy!

8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?

I hadn't exactly planned on it, but if it's on one of the rare occasions I'm watching TV, sure!

Where has the year gone...

Yesterday, Aaron and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary- man where has the year gone! We had originally planned on going out of town, but after I resigned from my job (yes, I resigned from my job) we ended up staying in town. We had a wonderful day- which started with breakfast at the Ritz Carlton (where we were married last year), took us over to the Biltmore for a little shopping and relaxation, a nice nap at home, and a wonderful dinner at the Melting Pot. Let's do a little "then" and "now" shall we?

June 12th, 2009:

June 12th, 2010:

(they moved the piano and furniture around)

And look, someone else was getting married at the Ritz Carlton on the 12th of June as well! They even had their reception in the same ballroom we did, though we had an outdoor ceremony on the pool deck.


After a wonderful breakfast, we walked around the Biltmore (got all my Macbook questions answered!) and then came home to rest before going to The Melting Pot! We had a wonderful dinner:

(Dessert the best part!!)

Because Cousin's are Simply Siblings Living in a Different House.

Luckiest Girl in the World

Meet these guys:

They are my parents. They happen to be the most amazing parents on the planet (true biz- that's not even me being biased). Awesome parenting skills aside, there's something even cooler about my parents- how much they love each other.

My parents have been married for 26 years. Those 26 years have thrown them quite a few curve balls, but it's clear to not only myself, but anyone who meets them, that those curve balls have done nothing but make their marriage stronger.

With our 1 year anniversary coming up, I thought it was important to reflect on my parents and how they've influenced what I want out of a marriage. Additionally, with recent family events, it's made me even more grateful and appreciative of the relationship my parents have.

Growing up, I never really realized how lucky I was to have two parents who loved each other. It wasn't until I was older that I truly gained appreciation for what I had. And even though there are times when my sister and I have to give each other the look because mom and dad are "going at it again" (IE: making my sister and I blush with their affections), I am so thankful that I have two parents that love each other enough to still want to be publicly affectionate with each other.

I don't know that I can ever truly thank my parents enough for the values they instilled in me, the value of knowing that a marriage is something you work for daily, but if you're willing to work for it, the rewards are endless and infinity + 1.


I can only hope that Aaron and I can set the same example for our children that my parents have set for me.

So much to say, so little time...

So, I'm sitting in the boarding area in Salt Lake City Utah, waiting to board my flight to Phoenix. I've not really had time to update my blog in a few weeks, and trust me there's plenty to update on including:

- Jan Brewer's appearance on CNN
- Jan Brewer's meeting with the President
-Life updates for Aaron and I... (Big news here, not involving a baby though)

I am hoping to have some down time this weekend to make some updates- but just wanted to make note that I am alive, and breathing =)

Oh BTW next Saturday is our 1 year wedding anniversary, can't believe how fast its gone!

Our Bountiful Basket

This morning we picked up our first Bountiful Basket in quite some time. Or pickup location is only available every-other-week, and this was the first time in a lllooonnngg time I've remembered to put my order in on Tues or Wednesday.

As you can see Miley was VERY excited to help us pick up our tasty goodness:

We arrived at our location about 15 minutes early, and I was excited to see they were distributing the goodies! We got in a very short line with some very nice people, and soon it was our turn to empty our veggie basket and our fruit basket into our cloth grocery bags we brought with us. I loaded up the veggies, Aaron the fruit- and the whole time he seemed uninterested in the entire process which surprised me!

Take a look at our loot:
We got:
- 1 head of Romain lettuce (I think)
- 1 head of cabbage
- 2 enormous cucumbers
- 1 bag of mini carrots
- 7 tomatoes
- 5 avocado's
- 3 smaller yellow zucchini (butternut squash?) I don't know they're yummy
- 1 bunch of banana's
- 1 container of strawberries
- 1 container of blackberries
- 6 peaches
- 11 apples
- 1 coconut

Talk about a ton of stuff! I have NO clue what to do with the coconut though- any suggestions?

Because it's Friday- and We ALL Need Some Air Guitar...

Happy Friday!

The Thing I Hate Most About Managing People

Firing people.

However you want to phrase it: Separation, Termination, Fired, "Getting Quit"... they all have the same meaning. In every termination I've ever done, there's this moment. In this moment, regardless of how justified or warranted the termination is, where you and the person your terminating are just two human beings trying to make it in this world. It's in this moment, that my heart aches a little and reminds me that every manager is also a human.

Because My Dad has ALWAYS Been My Best Disneyland Buddy

The People We're Destined to Meet

The other day at work, I was chatting with a co-worker about one of the biggest pro's of our team being the people who were hired. Our now Vice President (JD) has done an amazing job putting his team together, and matching individuals who connect on so many levels. I look at the individuals I work with- like Jamie and Jillian (okay used to work with) and it amazes me how we found each other. Now don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that the three of us would have someone found each other- even without working for the same employer- but it's just amazing to see how people come together.

It really got me thinking about the individuals in my life- and their purpose. I believe each person in my life has a purpose and was put there by God for a higher meaning. However, I've always had this thought (or rather ever since I saw "What Dreams May Come") that maybe our souls are connected in a way, that when we venture to earth- part of it is a mystery, a game of sorts to find each other in our mortal form. I don't know if this contradicts my Christian beliefs- I've heard heaven explained a multitude of ways from various members of clergy. I guess there's just something about it that appeals to me. When I think about the people who I can form an instant connection- and a bond so strong that it doesn't matter if we talk daily or yearly, or if we see each other every day, or once every 5 years- that bond and connection is stronger then titanium.

Jamie and I hit it off instantly- I think she had worked with me for all of 3 weeks before we spent hours chatting on Memorial Day and hit off an instant friendship. The same with Jillian, instantly when we both started speaking on a more regular basis we connected. And then of course there's my husband- the man whom I knew I would spend the rest of my life with almost instantly within meeting him. There was an instant connection- deep within.

I'm sure this can be chalked up to science or emotional intelligence- the reasons why we instantly bond with some over others- but I have to believe there's just a deeper meaning, a deeper connection that allows us to open ourselves up to some more then others- sometimes with very little background about them.

I guess that's just my hypothesis for the evening... what's yours?

Because she deserves to understand the finer things in life...

Honest Dissent or Disloyal Subversion

"Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage" - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Aaron and I sat down this evening to watch the movie Defiance. While we weren't sure what to expect, what we got was an amazing story of courage, bravery, and community. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I have a special place in my heart for acts of defiance to the German Reich, SS, Gestapo- whatever you want to call them, and watching this movie ignited a thought burning for an outlet of expression.

My purpose for sitting down this evening was not to detail the story of the Bielski brothers- though they have my undying gratitude and respect for creating a community and allowing Jews to live as "humans" even if it meant building camps within the forest, at a time when society wouldn't allow them too persevere. My purpose was to reflect upon these individuals who stood up against those who were wrong, and protected those caught in the middle.

The stories of Tuvia Bielski (and his brothers), Oskar Schindler, and Hans and Sophie Scholl are often not the stories taught in classrooms- but maybe we'd benefit from learning about their courage and willingness to question what is popular, and defy what they know in their own to be wrong. These are individuals who risked their own lives to save others. While the Bielski brothers and Oskar Schindler have countable lives saved- Hans and Sophie Scholl unquestionably brought a new light to the German people on what was really happening under Adolf Hitler's reign.

These individuals who can be counted one fewer fingers then I have, effected the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals- literally saved thousands, and yet, very few are household names until Hollywood makes a movie about them. In fact, if I were to poll 50 high school seniors, I'd be willing to bet that 75% would know who Oskar Schindler is, but maybe 5% would know of the Bielski brother's, and less then 1% of Hans and Sophie Scholl. In a world where everyone has an opinion of our current government and its policies, how many are truly educated and understand what each of these policies mean. How many individuals voted for Barack Obama because of his catchy slogans, convincing speeches, and media perception of his revolutionary plan to change America. How many people didn't vote for Sarah Palin because of Tina Fey's popular skits on SNL, media comparisons to "Caribou Barbie", and film (which may or may not have been edited) of her stumbling on her words- as apposed to the true understanding of who she is.

I know, you're thinking, "Jenn, if you have a point, make it." Well here's my point- if you think that the millions of non-Jewish/gypsy/whatever citizens of Western and Eastern Europe didn't know what was going on- think again. This is the power of propaganda, the media, and a savvy politician pushing their own agenda people. Millions of people believed that the persecution of these people was not only "okay" but beneficial! That these people were the cause of Western Europe's (primarily Germany and it's allies) down fall- they had somehow caused this, and therefore by eliminating them, they would again prosper. One man started a campaign that changed world history as we know it. One man started a campaign responsible for the deaths of millions of Jews, soldiers of all nations, and countrymen alike. As a society we have more access to information then we ever had before- but how do we use it? How many people know how to look up a bill and its formal reading, or to view how their congressman/senator voted? How many people know where to find majority and descending opinions from Supreme Court cases which shape and interpret our constitution to make law? Very few right? Yet, how many people know how to log in to Facebook- I mean shoot, there's an app for that.

These individuals deserved the memorialized ad honored for their contributions- yet I would imagine that their idea of being honored wouldn't come from statues or parks named in their honor. It would come from every day citizens having the courage to stand up for whats right, and stay informed- before it becomes a much larger task then anyone could imagine, costing the lives of millions, to make a change.

So the burning question I have is- why do we not share these stories? Is it because we feel we have so much more history to cram into our World History classes that they're of less importance? Or in our own way, do we fear teaching our children that it can be considered a heroic act to defy what society accepts as the norm?

I'm not sure I can answer that question for you tonight.

"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels--men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, we may never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion." --Dwight D. Eisenhower, May 31, 1954

Because I have the Worlds Best Mom...

Prop 100

May 18th is just around the corner, and regardless of how you feel about it, the important part is that you get out and vote in this special election. So whats up on the ballot? A $.01 sales tax that would help "bail out" education (2/3 of the money goes here) and public services (1/3 goes to first responders and senior health care). It's a temporary tax, 3 years, that's set to add in excess of $1.7 billion dollars to the books.

While there are many different theories behind those who oppose and support Prop 100- the main supporters are the usual suspects: education, the universities, local municipalities. Those in proposition are those against additional taxes, and the most vocal proponent would probably be the Goldwater Institute, who believes education needs reform, and bailing them out only enables their poor behaviors.

While I agree that our education system needs a major overall (so does our entire state budget and tax flow- for those who are unfamiliar, Arizona has a "designated" tax fund, meaning that even if an entity has a surplus, it can't "lend" cash to another entity because our Constitution is set up as so money that portioned for one department, stays with that department). Additional School Districts need to get a major handle on their expenses, primarily their administrative expenses. Unfortunately, if we allow Prop 100 to fail, in order for the message to be heard and acted on, years and possibly generations of Arizona children will be effected by our educational short falling. It's a lose/lose situation.

As stated earlier- regardless of how you'll vote for Prop 100- the most important thing you can do is get out and vote for this special election May 18th.

Update to my 101 list...

Okay- I'm going to have to make some modifications to a few items...

Green = Finished!
Purple = in progress
Blue = completed what I can at this point (annual/semi annual/etc)

Family & Friends:
1. Have a baby Working on this
2. See Isabella at least once a month every month (5/33)
3. Send out Christmas Cards each year with an annual update letter (1/3)
4. Have a date night with Aaron at least once a month (6/33)
5. Complete annual "Family Chronicles" (pictures and blog entries) (0/3) Working on this.
6. Update my passport- Filled out all paperwork, just need to take it in to get a photo
7. Get Aaron a passport-Filled out all paperwork, just need to take it in to get a photo
8. Complete the 365 day's of Photo's with Aaron, Miley, and any other family members that may come along (0/1)
9. Take a girls only vacation
10. Send each member of my immediate family (Mom, Dad, Andie, Joyce, John, Jared, Aunt Mary, Uncle John, Aunt Betty, Randy, Sharon, Michele, Trey, Kim, Isabella, Ray, and Aaron) a physical birthday card for their birthday. (0/34)
11. Throw a birthday party for a friend
12. Finish Miley's training
13. Take Miley for a walk every night for a month (0/31)

Health & Fitness
13. Lose post-wedding weight (0/20) -gulp- (Ya um... let's just say that I gained another 10 lb's, but I've lost 15... so 15 more to go.)
14. Lose an additional 5 lb's (after #13)
15. Lose an additional 10 lb's (after #14)
16. Lose an additional 20 lb's (after #15)
17. Jog 10 miles in one week
18. Jog 20 miles in one week
19. Jog 80 miles in a month
20. Participate in each Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K (0/2)
21. Participate in each Heart Walk 5K (1/3)
22. Complete the Susan G. Komen 60 mile walk
23. Take a ballet class
24. Hike with Aaron to watch the sunrise once a month (0/33)

Financial & Giving:
25. Complete Baby Savings Fun
26. Have a 1 year emergency fund
27. Reduce monthly personal spending to $50 for 3 months (0/3)
28. Start college funds for future children
29. Purchase a new economical, more fuel efficient vehicle-bought a 2009 Nissan Rogue
30. Payoff vehicle mentioned in item #29
31. Pay for the person behind me at a drive through
32. Payoff 50% of student loans
33. Pick two Christmas Angels, each Christmas (0/6)
34. Place $5 in a special savings account for each item I finish
35. Donate $5000 (from item #34) to a charity of my choice anonymously

Organization & Home
36. Create and file a will
37. Create and file/update a Living Will & Power of Attorney
38. Set up a Trust Fund for future children
39. Purchase new couches- done!
40. Decorate the house (no bare walls!)
41. Go through boxes in the garage and toss out/donate what we no longer need.
42. Go through closets and donate all clothing we no longer wear.
43. Put together the bunk bed in the office, and make it an actually guestroom/office instead of "the other room"
44. Have my wedding dress cleaned
45. See if Aunt Betty can turn my wedding dress into a blanket and christening outfit for future children (note- if she can't find someone who can)
46. Meet my neighbors (0/2)
47. Remove all "shred" boxes from the house (IE: have them shred)- done!
48. Sell or donate all old text books- done!
49. Sell or giveaway all left over wedding items
50. Create my own wedding album and make 3 copies (1 for me, 1 for my parents, 1 for Aaron's parents)
51. Scan all "paper" photo's and back up on an external hard drive
52. Back up all digital photo's, music files, and movies on an external hard drive
53. Learn to use my MAC and all of its functions
54. For each vehicle create a vehicle history binder tracking all oil changes, scheduled maintenance's, tire rotations, etc. (0/2)
55. Get a new energy efficient washing machine (once the dryer is paid off)
56. Learn to use my dryer and all of its swanky functions

Personal Well-being
57. Forgive two people whom I feel have wronged me
58. Go two weeks without something sweet- because I can.
59. Join a women's study group at church
60. Find a church I feel I belong and am a part of
61. Take one trip that I allow Aaron to plan entirely (IE: don't be OCD)
62. Don't visit someones facebook page who A) isn't my FB friend and B) I have nothing to say or genuine interest in what they are doing for one month (IE: stop FB stalking people I shouldn't be)

Friendships
63. Reach out to 3 new people to form friendships (0/3)
64. Plan 4 different seasonal outings for friends (1/4)
65. Host a holiday party
66. Host a murder mystery party
67. Have 3 "girls weekends" with Jamie & Jillian (0/3)

Travel
68. Take someone to Disneyland who's never been before
69. Take Sean to Disneyland for the weekend all by himself
70. Take a weekend road trip somewhere in Arizona I've never been before
71. Visit the Museum of Tolerance in LA
72. Visit the Holocaust Museum in DC
73. Visit Trey in Colorado (on a none work related trip)
74. Take Aaron outside of the US (outside of North America)
75. Rent an RV with my parents and cruise the US
76. Visit Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim in San Antonio (meet the cousins)

Domestic Challenge
77. Learn to cook 5 different dinners
78. Bake Christmas goodies every year (1/3)
79. Cook 10 recipes out of the Deliciously Disney Cookbook with Aaron (0/10)
80. Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal for my family
81. Bake Aaron a Birthday Cake for each Birthday (0/3)
82. Learn to bake dog friendly treats, and bake them for Miley every year on her anniversary (0/3)
83. Master making a delicious bunt cake to rival "nothing bundt cakes"
84. Host a murder mystery dinner
85. Learn to use all kitchen appliances and utensils I currently own.


Work Related
86. Meet with each one of my team members once a quarter for each quarter (0/28 * 13)
87. Send a hand written thank you card to each team member on their anniversary date (0/28)
88. Meet with each district manager each quarter (0/4*13)
89. Meet with deaf employee's and conduct an entire meeting without an interpreter (0/2)

Other Items:
90. Learn another language (conversationally)
91. Tip 100% for good service
92. See my natural hair color (in progress)
93. Go see 5 different concerts from 5 different genres
94. Visit Ellis Island
95. Write on a public restroom wall
96. Take another political ideologies class
97. Finish my bachelors degree
98. Write an article and submit it to a local news publishing
99. Send a care package to a soldier serving our country
100. Put my toes in 3 different oceans (0/3)
101. Visit my grandparents graves on their birthday's (0/3)

Because being a *fairy* Godmother is Awesome....

Is she not the most adorable girl on the planet?

So I was tagged again...

So Shelly tagged me again- same rules as below, just decided to do it again (this time I went into my modified folder to find a different photo).

This would be our second go round into the photo booth at our wedding. As you can tell I certainly had a lot more alcohol then Aaron did- he had none, but he DID put on the batman mask =)

Food Inc.

A very informed (and helpful) lady from the local Nest board I frequent, had posted a recommendation for the movie, "Food Inc". I decided this afternoon to sit down and watch this documentary on the food industry, and the powers behind it.

First of all, let me say, I may not eat meat for a very long time- it was absolutely and incredibly disgusting. I for one will be marching downstairs in about 5 minutes to take the new bag of lime wings we just purchased from Costco this morning, and throwing it into the garbage after seeing how the "manufacturer" of these wings stipulates it's contractors (farmers) breed their chickens. These chickens were literally toppling over because they grew in size so quickly that their bones and internal organs simply couldn't support them! After listening to the testimonies of some of the farmers who grew organically, I will certainly now be changing my shopping habits to Sunflower Market, Sprouts, and other local farmers markets. Additionally I will start regularly ordering my produce via bountiful baskets and learning to love produce of all seasons (read me not being so picky!).

I think what angered me the most, was the political movements behind all of this. The alarming statistics of the 50,000 FDA investigations done in the 1970's compared to the 9100 (and change) done now, is horrific, especially considering how many new outbreaks of Ecoli we hear about ranging from meat, to spinach, to tomatoes.

Additionally- the lock and key the meat packing and agricultural industries have on farmers, labor, and resources is absolutely disgusting- and due to these "veggie laws" consumers are all but gagged from complaining or discussing concerns regarding products. Whats worse are the "Cheeseburger laws" the meat packing industry has gotten passed to make it virtually impossible for you to sue them (and their the ones killing people)!

One point that was brought up during the film, that hit home considering recent debate here in AZ, was how our subsidisation of corn has impacted migrant farmers in Mexico. Basically, with the introduction of NAFTA and the substation of corn, we put over a million and a half farmers in Mexico out of business (they couldn't produce and make profit on corn at the prices we were selling it). Right- so we put them out of business, then make it a crime for them to come to our country trying to survive? What makes matters worse? This documentary also alleged that there is a Meet Packing Plant (or several) that are busing in migrant workers and turning over 10-15 individuals a day, to keep them from being raided (read not losing enough work force to impact production).

So- we shut down their industry, make it illegal for them to be here, bus them in, use them, then deport them when their time comes so we don't raid the meat house and impact what we pay at the local grocery store for a pound of beef?

Wow. What's wrong with that picture?

Dear LifeTime Fitness Members

Dear LifeTime Fitness members-

Thank you for your hospitality and always being so kind and welcoming when Aaron and I come to the gym. It's so nice to be around friendly people who you don't feel are oogling you.

However, I do have just two things to ask of you:

1) Please do not drop your kids off at the pool at 10pm, and allow them to play Marc Polo while you're off doing lord knows what. While trying to relax in the hot tub, there was more noise and ruckus in the pool area then I've experienced at Disneyland- created by 4 10-12 year old boys.

2) I respect that people don't want to see my body in all of its glory, thus I respectfully wear a bathing suit that does it's best to cover my problem area's, and not show off all my junk. Ladies, please do not replace your bathing suit top with a cotton tank top- in case you didn't know, when cotton gets wet, it gets translucent... Gentlemen, I do not walk around in a bikini top because I know that I (let alone anyone else) does not want to see my pale out of shape stomach in all of its glory- however, a few of you could do the same courtesy. When your belly laps so far over your waistline- that you have to pick it up while going up the stairs- maybe it's time to also wear a shirt in the hot tub.

Again, thank you for always being so courteous- it's a pleasure working out with you!

Sincerely,

Jenn

Missed Point on "Animal Hybrid" Bill

So the latest AZ bill to attract attention and buzz is the bill that "eliminates Animal/Human Hybrid Embryo's". I have to say, I'm a little frustrated with the media, because while yes, this provision is in the bill, the bill was passed to forbid research that involved using embryonic stem cells for research (still allowing for adult stem cell research to occur within the state).

Aaron and I actually watched the Senate debate on this bill (does this make us lame?). One Senator, who did veto the bill, mentioned how this would only add to the humility and shame that has been laid on this state by the rest of the nation by keeping this provision in the bill. Now granted, she was for human embryonic stem cell research as well- saying that by forbidding this, we would keep new industry out of Arizona by pushing away cutting edge technology.

Of course, who spoke after her- big sandy blond guy with his bow tie mustache saying how Arizona was not in a state of humility and he couldn't be any more proud- really people?

Don't get me wrong- while I think this provision should have been stricken from the bill (this isn't even something that's happening anywhere in the US- nor is it something I believe we have to worry about) I do support the banning of Human Embryonic Stem Cell research.

Lesson to be learned Arizona State Officials- let's really think through all the wording in your bills. A lot of the bad press you've received in the past weeks really could have been avoided, if you'd have thought through your actions. The intent on most items is legitimate, but there's just little follow through.

So, because the point was missed on this one- again another point added to the growing theory that Arizona is the Alabama of the 1960's, regressing not progressing.

Our Summer Vacation Decision...

Drum roll please...

Aaron and I have finally made our summer vacation destination decision... Are you ready?!?!


This would be the lovely St. Regis Bora Bora! Sadly, we will not be visiting this summer, however we are hopeful for next summer. We decided if we're going to drop thousands of dollars on our dream tropical vacation, we're not settling! We're hoping for 7-9 days (since 2 days would be travel) of pure fun, relaxation, exploration, and spa wellness at the insanely beautiful St. Regis Bora Bora next summer.

I'll be doing quite a bit of research on the area over the next year, and specifically the hotel, they also have a Four Seasons, but this hotel was HIGHLY recommended.

This year, I'm hoping to surprise Aaron with a special treat for our anniversary, but it won't involve a plane, or sadly a beach.

Regardless, I'm very happy with our decision- once we get this under our belt, we're hoping to try other exotic destinations!!