Achoo!

Thanks to my pal, Brooke Ackley (hey-o!), I have discovered NaBloPoMo or National Blog Posting Month. The challenge is this: post every day of November.

That challenge is just like a spoonful of raw cookie dough: I can't turn it down..... and it may make me throw up.

That was really cheesy and kind of gross sounding. Moving on, want to take the challenge? www.nablopomo.com .

Fantastical

Spent the most fantastic weekend with post-anatomy husband- walking Powers several times, cooking chicken tortilla soup and eating it in front of the fire place, we even got to go to the grocery store together which is something that was a weekend tradition pre-med school.

Thought: There is something terribly wrong with going to the gym on rainy days.

Fact: I went on my first run, post achilles injury today. It was 1 mile but felt good! I am taking it easy so as to not re-injure.

Question: What would you do on a guilt-free day to yourself?

high hopes

its chilly outside. c'mon mr. snow!

Scary Moments

You swore it would never happen. You said, "When I grow up, I will do things differently!" You criticized their clothes, words, choices, politics, and food all while making mental notes to "Show them!" And then one day, you find yourself changed. Maybe its a rushed phrase you uttered, maybe its a picture you see, maybe its a comparison someone else draws. Regardless of how it comes about, the horrifying truth is set free. You see that you are becoming your mom and/or dad.

I think I've always known that I was a lot like my dad. We are loud, enjoy making songs out of any word/task/concept that anyone utters or does. My mom always said "You and your daddy..." as in "You and your daddy are on my last nerve..." We snacked the same way and joked the same way. But my "Oh, I'm becoming my mother!" moments came after I was at Baylor. I would catch myself grocery shopping like her, muttering the same phrases that I had hear from her mouth, relating to women in a way that I had seen my mother do, putting on lotion the same way, and even having similar thoughts on money and home decorating. I was becoming more like my mother and father every day!

However, once the shock wears off, you might start to like it. You MAY even look to your mom and dad's example to follow (gasp!)
I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way, I realized how fantastic my parents are, how truly blessed I am. I am fortunate to have two still-married parents who love the Lord and love us well; as well as a mother-in-law and a father-in-law who support us and are always kind and loving (By the way, I'm happy to report that Adam is becoming more like THEM as well!). Maybe its growing up that makes you realize the sacrifices your mom and dad made. Maybe once you realize the value of a dollar, you can see how giving they are. Maybe its moving out, heading to school that makes you appreciate the constant encouragement and unconditional love that they give. Either way, I'm proud to find myself "turning into" my mom and dad.

Texas Hold 'Em

First of all, I need to air my grievances. Where is the first snow, people? I read that the first snow last year was in mid October. I mean, I even bought boots with tread on the bottom of them and a really warm/waterproof coat. I am so excited to see out little house with a blanket of snow and to see Power's confused circle running techniques to cope with the white, cold ground. Its going to be magical.

Moving on- last night, Josh & Bethany came over for a little pizza & Shiraz to celebrate Josh & Adam's last Anatomy test! And in true Jennings style, we forced our guests to play Speed Scrabble. (I think I've clarified on here before, but speed scrabble is not like the old school scrabble where you have to wait for 30 minutes while someone figures out where to put their stinking letters. Its fun and fast.) And then, of course, we played Texas Hold 'Em with chips and not real money since we are all poor med students & wives.

Oh, Bethany. She pulled the wool over our eyes. She acted like she didn't know how to play. "I'm confused" "I'm not sure about this" "i GUESS i'll stay in...." She waited as our confidence grew and then BOOM! she laid down her hand. And she won several times. Good thing she only won chips.....and all our pride to wear as a badge upon her garment.

Top 10 Best Smells

10. fresh laundry
9. freshly painted walls/house/shelves/anything
8. chocolate chip cookies
7. sharpies
6. a new can of tennis balls
5. babies (not the diaper smell, the fresh, pink smell)
4. the ocean
3. Christmas trees
2. cinnamon
1. freshly brewed coffee in the mornings

mushygushy

“They say love is blind...and marriage is an institution. Well, I'm not ready for an institution for the blind just yet.”
-Mae West

You know, I actually really enjoy being married. Sure, there are times now where "Everyone Loves Raymond" hits closer to home than it did pre-wedding, and maybe thats part of what I love. We're imperfect, but its two people doing the best they can to do this thing. Key word(s): two people. I don't think one person can love enough for both people, can fight enough for both people, an strive enough for both people... I think it takes two (baby... me & you.) Actually 3 because of God, but you know what I mean..


The times I feel really loved aren't huge, flamboyant, or expensive gestures. Its not when Adam's parked in the driveway all night holding a boombox over his head, playing Peter Gebriel's, "In Your Eyes." (Happens all the time!) Its when he reaches for my hand in a crowded place, when he fixes a glass of red wine for me and then we take a walk and talk, its when he wants to drop me off or pick me up so that we can ride together, its the everyday things that leave me feeling affirmed and confident that he's in, he's for me. And, I think in the end thats what we need to know, to know that he/she chose us and chooses us today. He's good at that.

And also we laugh a lot together. Thats key.

fall esta aqui

Powers had already had supper

and now, Powers wanted to go out..


So, we went on a walk to see fall.

This is my Everest...

Adam Jennings is not a quitter.



Even after years of unsuccessfully finishing the "Lord of the Rings" series, the man has resolved to persevere with a resolute, "This is my Everest" mentality.
Beginning his junior year in high school, Adam knew and understood that these were important books to read. That somehow, by discovering the epic journey of Frodo Baggins, Adam's own journey would be enlightened. When a friend spoke of the wonderful cinema trilogy, Adam could reply, "Have you read the book? I have." But who knew back then, that finishing the book would be HIS journey to Mt. Doom. Only instead of destroying the ring, he could finally heave the weight of this incomplete task into the firey lava pits of Morodor.
Every night, he curls up in bed with new resolve. After reading page 229 six times, he is ready to move on. However, before his fingers can even turn the page, his eyelids are drooping, his will diminishing. Then he concedes, "That's probably enough for tonight" and picks up his Harry Potter.
For the actual text to have survived so many years on Adam's bedside stand is an affirmation to the publishing house's commitment to using only the highest quality resources. The Lord of the Rings has survived being dropped, swept under the bed, spilled upon, and of course, tramplings by Powers. Yet, it survives just as Adam's pledge to finish the trilogy. With dedication that makes Rocky Balboa look like a truant, he will nestle up with his novel and embark once again.
And, one day, he will prevail.

Just not today.

saddle up

Happy Weekend!

all is well in Erie, PA. We're going bowling tonight with our original (and only) Texas/Erie combo friends, Sarah and Josh. Bowling always gets me into trouble. I always think I'm a lot better than I really am because I took Bowling in college one semester, but, turns out, I'm really not all that good. Will report back with scores later tonight.

Adam's downstairs studying for his last anatomy test, praise the Lord! Its on Friday and he spent his last official lab with his cadavier yesterday. I bet he's going to miss that old body. He can't be replaced with just anybody, you know? any....body....

moving on-
and for the joke of the day:

"I have to have a raise," the man said to his boss. "There are three other
companies after me."
"Is that so?" asked the manager. "What other companies are after you?"
"The electric company, the telephone company, and the gas company."

Adios, Dallas Marathon

Well, I had to officially drop out of training for the Dallas marathon. I did everything I could for the ole leg- took meds, ran in the water during the week to stay off of it, iced it; but for the 3rd week in a row, when i tried to do my long run, i ended up hobbling and crying. So, after some discussions and wake-up calls, I have realized that I need to give my leg a chance to heal. Its getting worse and today even as I hobble around, I know I'll do a marthon, darnitt. Just not on December 9, 2007.

Luckily, I have an amazing and encouraging husband who reminded me that the training wasn't a waste. It was good and I pushed myself and enjoyed the challenge and mileage. He's a good one. Now, I'm going to spend the next few weeks with no running and all swimming and strength training. Good times!

Fall down

I love this time of year. The weather's cool and crispy and it reminds me of the newness of the start of school, which is odd since it was probably closer to 95 degrees on the first day of school in Louisiana, but still. New resolutions to keep my trapper keeper organized with perfect holepunched papers neatly divided into subjects, leaves crunching as I walked to the neighbor's house, coming home and spreading out my homework on the kitchen table.

Days like today are meant to be spent slowly, sipped with ease. Days like today should start out in a hoody and jeans at Cafe Cappucino having coffee and an spinach & cheese omelet. They should be spent playing outside with the dog, eating a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup for lunch, curled up with a good novel and a blanket, laughing with good friends and a glass of wine while playing some absurd boardgame late into the night and then sitting outside in the dark with your fleece zipped up to your nose asking 'what if' questions.

Ah, fall.

for you, mom

ITS FALL!!!!!

Tonight
Oct 10
Showers
N/A/48° 60%


Thu
Oct 11
Showers
54°/46° 60%


Avoid a Wet Pet
Fri
Oct 12
Showers
52°/46° 80%


Sat
Oct 13
Few Showers
52°/48° 30%


Sun
Oct 14
Few Showers
58°/46° 30%


Mon
Oct 15
Partly Cloudy
60°/49° 10%


Tue
Oct 16
Mostly Cloudy
55°/51° 10%

Jafar, Jafar, he's our man.

okay, i have been "tagged" by Brooke! Here we go...

1. Who is your man? Powers......and Adam Jennings, okay just Adam. Sorry, Powers
2. How long have you been together? we've been married 1 year and 5 months
3. How long dated? We dated for 1 1/2 years before we were married
4. How old is your man? 24
5. Who eats more? mainly Adam. He eats more fruits, meats, vegetables. I eat more chips & salsa and sweets.
6. Who said "I love you" first? Adam. Well, we agreed that we wouldn't say it until we got engaged but I was used to saying it to my friends, so I would be like "okay bye love yoooo..unicorns. i love unicorns."
7. Who is taller? Adam
8. Who sings better? Camille. no offense, Adam. I was clearly meant to be on Broadway. joke.
9. Who is smarter? Oh, please all that anatomy and microbiology and organic chemistry is a piece of cake. I do it while I write economical dissertations. Adam.
10. Whose temper is worse? oh, mine. I'm an emotional lady. Adam is an even steven.
11. Who does the laundry? me
12. Who takes out the garbage? both of us. Its a chore getting all that recycling and trash to the street. Which reminds me... we need to do that tonight. Thanks random questionaire!
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? What does that mean? Stage right? Actual right? Which one is stage right? um, if I'm laying in the bed on my back, Powers and Adam are to my right. oooh, thats right.
14. Who pays the bills? Adam. I don't like to bother my pretty little head with that silliness.
15. Who is better with the computer? probably Adam. Although I use a lot of excel. And, darnitt, I'm not so sure he could man this blog!
16. Who mows the lawn? Adam
17. Who cooks dinner? me. We used to both cook, but it did not go well. Adam is a perfectionist. Everything has to be exact. I am a gut cooker. I kind of do what I feel. His head almost imploded when we cooked together. And I almost beat him with a spatula. But ask him whose food is better. Ah-ha! He is the master griller though.
18. Who drives when you are together? Adam. He's not so much a fan of my driving skills.
19. Who pays when you go out? Adam. joint checking account though.
20. Who is most stubborn? thats hard to say.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Powers
22. Whose parents do you see the most? who knows now that we live in pennsylvania
23. Who kissed who first? Adam kissed me first. Well, we waited some time for our first kiss. And Adam was pretty excited about it. (As was I) One weekend, we went to Ft. Worth and to P.F. Changs. Well, we ate appetizers and then had a huge meal. We were so full but we still decided to order this dessert, The Great Wall of Chocolate. It was gigantic. Its meant for like 4 or more people to share. Well, I told Adam that if he could finish the whole thing, we could have our 1st kiss. I mean, he took on the challenge. He was sweating and turning white by the end with the strangers around us cheering him on once they understood the cause, but we had our 1st kiss!
24. Who asked who out? Clint? Just kidding. Adam asked me out on our 1st real date.
25. Who proposed? Adam. And it was beautiful.
26. Who is more sensitive? what??? you think its me?? oh my gosh, i'm so hurt! me.
27. Who has more friends? me. Adam is more loveable, though. I'm just more social. He's too busy with med school to have too many relationships!
28. Who has more siblings? Me... Adam's an only child. I have 2 brothers
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Powers

how bout that dog?

Powers likes to rake....

The parents came to visit this weekend and it was fantastic! They were our 2nd guests to stay at Casa de Jennings bed & breakfast. Its so nice to have them here and my mom aka "coach" aka "the boss-woman" aka "wonderwoman" and i went on a run at the park saturday morning. My calf acted up again and so after 4 1/2 miles, I had to walk 4 1/2 miles back. I was supposed to run 15 miles! So, I'm in the pool again this week and then next week I'm going to go for 15 again.

Saturday, after the park, we went to North East to Mazzo winery. May I recommend the "Country Red" - not too shabby & a good table wine.










On the drive out to North East, we passed acres and acres of vineyards. And then, we went to a farmer's market where mom had us picking up pumpkins to make our porch more fall-y.






That night, we enjoyed our new purchases and grilled steak outside. It was a little sad, I talk to mom & dad about how cool it is here, how nice the temperature is. So, obviously, as soon as they board the plane to Erie, the temperature rises to 80 degrees. Oh, well. Still a little cooler than the bayou.






And, of course, what Conville visit would be complete without a little manual labor? The boss put us to work but the yard definitely looks much better!





Overall, it was fantastic to have the most generous, gracious, loving parents stay with us this weekend. We are blessed!

girls group!

I love my girls' group. There is nothing like sitting around with a bunch of women from all over the world (even the Ukraine- thanks Natalia for bumping our stats!) and laughing, crying, and enjoying one another and life. Thank you Lord for friends in Erie!




Tonight we met at Natalia and Filip's apartment downtown (minus 2 of our friends). Its in an old building called the "Boston Building" and it used to be a huge department store but is now loft apartments. In the center is this huge clock that everyone in Erie used to meet under. Example: If you were meeting up with friends, you would say, hey meet me at the clock, and they would just know the clock in Boston's!





Now, as you've heard me report, I do have the best stinking husband in the planet and he is my best pal. But sometimes boys just don't get us crazy girls. Like if I'm analyzing and bringing 30 different perspectives and thoughts to one moment in time, Adam will smile and nod but really if you look closely, you can see a distant twinkle in his eye where he has officially lost track of where I am and is thinking, "Huh? Are we still talking about a slice of pizza?" But if I bring that thought process to girls' group, they're like, 'oh, right exactly!"

good times.

sushi

nothing says celebrate like sushi...

Adam finished his big exam today and so, obviously, it is completely necessary for us to eat large quantities of rice and fish. Our pals, Bethany & Josh joined us to celebrate being young, married, and medicalish spouses.

On a frustrating note, I have hurt my calf somehow. It appears to be achilles tendonitus but it is not good for marathon training. So, I'm icing and stretching and trying to recooperate so that I can run my little heart out and finish my 26.2 on December 9th. I would be so sad if, after all this training and planning, something got hurt and I couldn't run. That would be depressing. However, nothings as sad as the time my mom trained for a marathon and then the week before had her gallbladder go boom and had to have surgery and miss the marathon! Ah, I'll be fine and will survive. As my mother said while I was growing up, "Take two ibuprofen and push through it."
That was her motto for any ailment.

Speaking of, the parent units will be in town Friday evening! Adam and I are so excited to have them here to visit and show Erie and all its glory. I think we may go to North East to see the vineyard country. Thank you and goodbye.