January 31, 2006 last first day ever!* I dropped my parents off at the airport and I was off to school. It only took me twenty minutes to park, so I had a lot of time to kill before my first class. As luck would have it, I ran into D and K on my way and we ended up hanging out until I had to go to class. I like Prof K. I think it's going to be a good class - it may even challenge my faith a bit. It's going to be a great approach to the ECC and there's only a midterm, final and a book review. Which is really good when I got to see what my other classes were like. Prof R is just as I remember and I think about 2/3 of class is students that I've been in classes with before. I think that will really help me feel comfortable about speaking up in class (20%!). I signed up to turn in my book review next week, just to get that out of the way. The research paper is going to be a killer, but I knew that when I signed up. Prof C's class is going to be a huge challenge and I feel like I'm probably in over my head, but it's Prof C, so I'll stick it out ;) It was a really good first day. *As an undergrad anyway...he he! Jenn posted at 1:34 AM |

January 30, 2006 a day in wine country My parents and I spent the day in Napa Valley. Most of our time was spent in St. Helena and Calistoga. We took the Sterling tour after a quick lunch in St. Helena and it was everything I remembered it to be. After that, we took a quick jaunt up to the Old Faithful geyser of Calistoga. While the 20-ft geyser was less than impressive, the menagrie of "fainting" goats, "llamas" and sheep were more than enough to keep me entertained. The lamb took a special liking to me as I to it, jumping in the air and fliping if I wasn't paying enough attention to it. In less than 12 hours I will be in my first class. Crazy but true. The closer I get to time, the more anxious I get about the courseload I'm taking. I think I may truly be over my head this time. At least I have a Prof C class to look forward to tomorrow. Jenn posted at 3:20 AM |

January 29, 2006 pine fresh It may sound corny and stupid, but cleaning my apartment today (with my parents' help of course!) really made me feel better. You wouldn't know it to look at my place most of the time, but I do like things clean. I just never seem to have the time to do it right. I shudder to think what it's going to look like as the semester wears on. The weather was cold and rainy, so we decided to hang around the city instead of going up to wine country. We cleaned the apartment, ran errands, did laundry. Probably not the favorite things to do on vacation, but I'm super happy they got done. School starts in two days - I can't believe it! Jenn posted at 2:15 AM |

January 28, 2006 feels like home to me I've been home for about 48 hours now and it feels great. I hadn't realized how much I missed my own space, my own bed, etc. Of course, school looms closer than I would like, but I think I can handle it. Dinner was great last night. I didn't implode as two worlds collided in an Italian resturant in North Beach. We ended up staying for 3 hours, laughing, talking and having an awesome time. It was so nice to see (almost) everyone again. It's hard to believe break is over already and yet it was hard to be away from my awesome friends for six weeks. I feel like a freshman all over again ;) Today, the 'rents and I checked out the East Bay and had some fabulous pizza as previously recommended by C. I also got my television fixed as it apparently had lost the red. When I asked, "where did it go?" no one seemed to know. Tomorrow, we're off to wine country as long as it's not raining too hard. Jenn posted at 1:45 AM |

January 26, 2006 back home It was a long trip, seated next to a guy who wanted to talk and I didn't have my headphones accessible, but I made it. It took over an hour to get home from the airport because there was a fire on the Bay Bridge that forced us to take the San Mateo and generally hosed up traffic. But there is good news: my car started! I thought it was having battery problems before I left, but after a bit of coaxing, it turned on. So I could... have Taco Bell for dinner. Having no food in the house, I drove down to TB for nourishment since after paying over $500 for the damn plane ticket, I'm sure as hell not going to pay $5 for the crappy meal on board the plane. had a letter from Verizon in my mail (the part that had been crammed in my mailbox), apologizing for harrassing and promising me a refund check that I should have had last August. even though the power has been out sometime while I've been gone, it wasn't a total pain-in-the-ass to change all the clocks. I've got about an hour to get myself together before I have to go pick up the parents. I hope the weather gets better because this cold, rainy crap is not making me glad I'm back home ;) Jenn posted at 11:15 AM |

January 24, 2006 last full day Well, this is my last full day on the East Coast before I head back home. I'm taking a quick break to blog in the middle of trying to pack. I seem to have accumulated a lot of stuff while I've been here this month. Who knew?! Looks like a trip to the post office is imminent. The baby shower was great. We ended up with too much food and two of the co-hostess ended up sick by the end of the night, but it was still good fun. I won Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Baby, which was a nice cap to the afternoon. It's hard to believe, after all that planning, that it's over, but it is. It was really nice to see everyone. Baby Matthew has gotten so big! It's been a good trip here, but I'm think I'm ready to go back to my life in the Bay Area. I think this fish really said it best: I wear happiness like well-tailored clothing or a pair of new shoes. I want to show it off, take a spin in front of a three-way mirror, or prance around in it at a fancy party. Look at my new happiness! Doesn’t it make my pores look tiny? I want to revel in it. I love being happy and being able to tell the truth when people ask how I am, what my life is like in California. Yeah, it's a pretty good life. Jenn posted at 6:17 PM |

January 21, 2006 Freitag Fragen 1. If you have a full-time salary paid job and are expected to work at least 40 hours each week, many hours do you really work.. more or less? When I had a 40 hour a week job (actually the last one was 37.5 hours a week), I definitely worked less. I would ask for more work (yeah, I'm one of those people) and they never had enough to give me. So, eventually, I'd just screw around and space out my work during the day. I'd still get more done than most people, even though I was bored for at least half the day. 2. Which way does your toilet paper roll? Forward or backward? Definitely forward. It's the only way! 3. Whats your favorite candy? Pick only one. Candy corn - it's the only thing about Halloween that I like! 4. What book are you reading right now? John Adams by David McCullough...still. Check my book blog for my progress. 5. Are you jealous of anyone? Currently, no. Well, maybe people who don't have to work for a living and have tons of money, but that's not really an active jealousy. 6. Laundry...do you sort it into colors and groups or just throw whatever in? Oh definitely! I always do the white load first. Then I have two dark loads - one regular and one delicate, both go in cold water. I never realized how particular I am until I came back East this time and tried to explain it to my mom. 7. What smelly candle is your favorite? Do you have one that you just don't like one bit? I don't have too many candles that smell. Actually, my aunt Denise just got me a candle that smells great. I don't think I have any don't like... 8. What is your best feature? Physically - my legs. Personality - my loyalty. 9. What are your plans for the weekend? Baby Shower. Baby Shower. Baby Shower. Jenn posted at 2:46 AM |

January 19, 2006 T13 #2 Thirteen Things about My Last Week on the East Coast 1. I slept until 1:30 this afternoon since I didn't set an alarm. I think that's the last time I can do that during this break. Sigh. 2. Going to see Syriana with Matt tomorrow. Now that George has won the Golden Globe, I figured I should get off my ass and actually see the movie. 3. Finally going to dinner with Eugenia tomorrow after about 3 weeks of trying to get together. Last time we had dinner just the two of us, we spent 3 hours dissecting HBP - I doubt that will happen this time ;) 4. Spring (Semester) Fling dinner is scheduled and the RSVPs are flowing in. 5. Talked to Erin about the baby shower yesterday. I can't believe that after all the planning, it's in two days! 6. I get the car tonight and I think mom and me are going shopping. For what, I don't know, but I rarely get the car on Thursday nights, so I want to take full advantage. 7. I need to call or email HT - see if he has any time before I go back. It seems like pressing my luck to see him twice during a break, but stranger things have happened. 8. I need to call Rachel too. I promised her that I would, but I just haven't had time yet. 9. By this time next week, I'll have been home for almost 24 hours and my parents will have been there for about 3. 10. I've already finished one thing of yarn and have proceeded onto my second. Which sounds like a lot until you realize that I've got like 18-19 to do. Maybe more. 11. I am going to miss being able to watch two solid hours of A Different World. 12. However, I bought the season 2 L&C dvds, so that should keep me busy! 13. I really want a Henry's Auto Insurance bobble head. View More Thursday Thirteen Participants Well, it turns out that my second turn at this is the last as the maintainer of the meme no longer wants to do it. It was fun while it lasted! Jenn posted at 6:58 PM |

January 18, 2006 new obsession I just love the way the 2007 Saturn Sky looks. I gotta say, I wanted a hybrid, not a convertible for my next car, but this one would definitely change my mind! Jenn posted at 4:13 AM |

January 15, 2006 didn't come to play today But at least it looks like the Broncos are going to take care of the Pats. I'm so sick of hearing about Tom Brady that I'll listen to hype about Jake Plummer just to shut them up. Good visit in Richmond. Weird dinner, but I knew it would be. It was good to see Tyler and Chase - we just don't keep in touch the way we should. It was a tough drive back with all the wind. And Burke Lake was closed due to a downed tree on a power line. Some of these wind gusts feel like earthquakes shaking the house. It's too cold here - though it's supposed to warm up later this week. I finished my first knitting project last night and have commenced an even larger one. Pictures coming later in the week. Jenn posted at 2:27 AM |

January 14, 2006 lyrics of the moment I know we watch TV 'Til we fall asleep Not very exciting But it's you and me And we'll always Be together You and me Always and forever Bop bop bop bop bop It was always You and me Always and forever You and me Always and forever "The You and Me Song" by The Wannadies Jenn posted at 6:18 AM |

Megan's Quest-E-Oh-Nays 1. Do you lie about your age? Why? Not usually. No one believes how old I am to start with, so why would I lie? I think age is just a number anyway. It has no real bearing on how someone acts, really. 2. How many resolutions have you broken so far? Most of them. I haven't been running. I still swear. But I'm trying to be better about all of them and I think that's what counts. I'm not beating myself up when I forget, but just trying to be more conscientious in the future. 3. What's your best attitude adjuster? Talking with my friends. Just sitting on a couch shootin' the shit can really take my day from crappy to happy without much effort. It's amazing how wonderful that is. 4. Do you have any vacation plans this year? Where are you going? I'm still toying with going to Europe after graduation. I don't know if I can afford it or what my job situation will be. After I start this elusive "real job," I won't have any vacation time to take so it will all be moot. 5. I'm looking to buy a new purse...what would you recommend to me? Katie and Caryn have one that's really cute, but I totally can't remember the designer. I saw them at the Hallmark at Fair Lakes, but they didn't have the cute small one in a nice fabric so I didn't get one. 6. Nail polish or au natural? Do it yourself or manicures? I polish my toenails, but not my fingernails. I had my first manicure for Kristin's wedding, which was really great, but I couldn't do it all the time. Never mind the cost, I was just too worried about chipping the polish and all - too much pressure for fingernails, really. 7. What was the last thing you searched for on the computer? I can't remember. I think it had to do with Chad Allen and that new indy movie he's in. 8. What's your fav go to recipe, ya know the kind thats good and tasty every time? I don't cook, so I don't have any recipes. I've never had anything come out good and tasty anytime! 9. Tea or coffee, and how do you like it? I'd go with coffee, but fancy cappuccino-like or frapuccino-like. I've never had straight coffee. 10. Some people always feel cold in bed and others are always hot...which are you? Do you sleep with lots of covers, or just one? It really depends. My room at my parents' house is always too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. At home, I usually just sleep with a sheet and a comforter. 11. What are your plans for the weekend? Tomorrow we're going down to Richmond for dinner with friends. Sunday, we're having a family dinner at Outback. And Monday is still open - I didn't realize it was a holiday until today. When you're being a bum like me, holidays are irrelevant because I'm doing nothing every day ;) Jenn posted at 2:31 AM |

January 13, 2006 wanderlust has returned I spent a great evening with HT tonight, having dinner and then looking through his photos from his trip to Europe this summer. If I didn't already want to go to Europe as my graduation present to myself, I definitely would after seeing this photos. Hearing him talk about the places he went and people he met just made me want to throw everything in a bag and run to the airport. I only hope that I can have the meaningful and beautiful trip that he had in my own way. Jenn posted at 3:26 AM |

January 10, 2006 can't walk away from a sale I met Rachel for dinner at the new, swanky shopping center, Fairfax Corner. We decided to meet in front of Ann Taylor Loft and then decide where to eat. Well, that was a mistake because ATL was having a winter sale. I got there a few minutes early (*gasp*) and decided to look around. I ended up buying the two items pictured here. I didn't try on the shirt, so I dunno if it fits, but if not I can take it back. They were both marked way down, so I got a great deal - which I love! I had a great dinner with Rach. We haven't had a chance to catch up or get together since this time last year, so there was a lot to discuss! Hopefully, we'll be able to hang out again before I head back. Of course, there's only two weeks left, so we'll have to do some scheduling magic. The temperatures have been great today - feels like the Bay Area! I hope it stays that way all week because I'm just not made for this cold weather ;) Jenn posted at 1:48 AM |

January 8, 2006 total follower I started a book blog to keep track of my attempt at 50-in-52 this year. It's empty now, but I'm hoping to finish my first book soon. I guess I shouldn't have picked such a long book with which to start. Got to see B-ron (ha!) at church and got to congratulate him. At least he's doing it the "proper" way. We ended up talking for over an hour - I can't remember the last time I saw him, truly. It was good to catch up, since I have no idea when I'll see him again. I've got a dinner tomorrow and one on Wednesday, possibly one on Friday too. We're toying with the idea of going down to Williamsburg for Governor Kaine's inauguration in Williamsburg before heading back up to Richmond for fake family dinner. We'll see what happens. Jenn posted at 9:26 PM |

unsportsmanlike conduct What is with the rash of athletes acting like idiots on the field? First it was Marcus Vick during the Gator Bowl. Now Shaun Taylor during tonight's playoff game against Tampa Bay. I'm glad the Redskins won the game, but damn, I wish they could act like adults while they do it. Jenn posted at 2:59 AM |

January 7, 2006 success Before I forget, I want to say Happy Birthday Amanda! I got an appointment with my stylist for next week! I wasn't sure I was going to get one at all because Roxy always books up weeks in advance, but when I called today, she had an opening. I haven't had my hair cut since before I left for my second road trip and it needs it so badly. I'm thinking of doing something a little different. I have a picture from Shape magazine that I'm taking in - keep the long hair, but put in some layers. We'll see how it ends up ;) I'm prepping for the Redskins playoff game - only half hour till kickoff! I'm trying not to expect anything - it is the Redskins after all - but I'm hoping my prediction from the summer comes true after all. Go 'Skins! Jenn posted at 3:40 PM |

Megan's Friday Questions 1. What did you do for New Year's Eve? Absolutely nothing. And I loved it. 2. Did you make any resolutions? Yep, I did. I actually wrote them down and everything. 3. If you had to change your domain name, what would you change it to? Well, I just changed to this one in August, so I can't imagine changing again so soon. If I had to, perhaps I'd go with lovejenn.com or something like that... 4. What was one thing on your wishlist that you didn't get for Christmas but you wish you had? Friends season 10 DVD - I want to have a complete set of DVDs, but I'm too cheap to spring for it myself. 5. If you could be granted just one non monetary wish (for yourself; so world peace doesn't count) what would it be? a flat stomach 6. Full day at a spa (manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, hair cut and color, waxing etc.) or $750 cash. Which do you take? Full day at a spa! KB gave me a gift certificate to a spa one Christmas and I absolutely loved being pampered liked that. 7. What's your creative outlet? Writing - in my online journal, my paper journal. Reading - fanfic, novels, history books. Singing - in the car or in the shower. 8. What was the last thing you dreamed? I didn't dream last night because I couldn't fall asleep and never really reached REM sleep. The last one I remember had something to do with this year's Sac trip being a ropes course of some kind. I dunno, it was really weird. 9. What was the last nice thing someone did for you? Took me out to a movie they didn't really want to see just so I could see it on IMAX. 10. What are your plans for the weekend? Probably knitting and shopping - and sleeping... Jenn posted at 2:17 AM |

January 6, 2006 new meme Thirteen Things about Jenn 1. I finally got enough yarn to start the big project I'm working on - or will work on when I'm done with my current project. 2. I witnessed a hit-and-run accident today. 3. And the person who hit-and-ran left part of their car behind - their license plate. BUSTED! 4. I lost my keys for two days, only to find them in my big bag of yarn. 5. My dad made fish for dinner tonight and the house still smells like it. 6. I discovered that Z104 has disappeared from the airwaves and been replaced by classical music. I remember when this station first started, when I was in high school, and it only had a 20-song playlist and no DJs. I can't believe it's gone. 7. I have dinner dates with Rachel and Kimber for next week. I haven't seen either since at least the summer (and even before that for Rachel, I think). 8. I'm going to play tourist with my mom tomorrow and then see Harry Potter 4 on the IMAX theatre. 9. I broke down and emailed someone last night that I swore I wasn't going to email over this break. But no response yet, so it may be anxeity over nothing. 10. I'm taking part in a challenge to write in a paper journal every day for the entire year. Only five days into it, but so far, I'm keeping up. 11. I miss the Bay Area! 12. I made Dean's List again for Fall 2005 - 3 semesters in a row, baby! 13. Coming up with 13 things about yourself when you are on a school break is harder than it sounds. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. NuttyDukky Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! Jenn posted at 2:34 AM |

January 5, 2006 suck it, SC! University of Texas National Champions! What an awesome game! I'm not so much a Texas fan (though I want to shout out to Stace, who is having the time of her life right now, I'm sure!) as much as I am a USC-hater. I've wanted to see SC go down all season and I am lovin' this right now! I hope this is an omen of things to come - perhaps a Redskins victory over Tampa Bay on Saturday? Here's hoping! My social calendar is starting to fill up, in the good way. I've had time to sleep in, see friends, knit, do laundry and do the church stuff. I don't feel quite as slothful as I did last winter break, but I'm definitely feeling relaxed. Of course, in three weeks, I'll be back in SF and ready to go again! Listening: "Good Day" by Luce - oh yeah! Jenn posted at 3:35 AM |

January 4, 2006 slept till 4pm and since then I've been refreshing my grades page every 20 minutes. I finally got my SF grade (A-), but my women's history grade isn't up yet. I know it's only quarter of 9 on the west coast, but it's bugging me! At least I don't feel so bad about procrastinating - apparently, my profs do it too! Jenn posted at 2:45 AM |

January 3, 2006 happiness is... being snuggled up in my bed with flannel sheets and eating fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies while watching season one X-Files episodes on TNT. Jenn posted at 2:41 AM |

January 2, 2006 Happy Birthday Caryn! You are always the brave one, turning the "new" age first. I hope it's everything you want it to be! Jenn posted at 3:29 AM |

January 1, 2006 all is right with the world again Despite the horrible way this year started off for me (with a migraine), the day has just gotten infinitely better. 1. The Redskins just beat the Eagles, 31-20, to clinch a playoff spot. They spent most of the game making the Eagles look good, but finally got themselves together to pull out a win. Let's hope they can keep the momentum going. 2. I kept the promise to myself and earned an A in Prof C's class! He just posted his grades this afternoon. Only two grades left - and they are due by Tuesday - before I know how I truly did this semester. I gotta get back to my knitting because this project's got a deadline that is looming. Jenn posted at 10:46 PM |

2005 - year in review This is post #1300 and the first one of the New Year. Here's my year-in-review, using the first sentence(s) from the first post of each month. January: I have arrived home from spending First Night Old Town with Caryn and Tommy, Adam and Chris (and their respective girlfriends). February: I got my annual Windsor prom catalogue, which as I've said before is like porn for me. March: I have arrived home from my conference in Sacramento and I had the best time! April: Happy Big Scary Birthday, Kristin! May: This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week as designated by the National PTA. June: amount gambled in Reno, NV = $0 July: Even with Sandra's little announcement, it was still a light day for me at work. August: Since I got home, I've been glued to the results of the OH-02 special election. September: There's a guy in my women's history class that has the same name as KB. October: I can't believe it, but the Virginia Tech Hokies are 5-0 and ranked #3 in the nation across the board. November: Happy Birthday Tyler! I'm sorry I didn't call, but I hope you had a wonderful day! December: Since late last night, the wind has been blowing and it has been pouring. Jenn posted at 3:01 AM |

Auf Widersehen 2005! It's becoming a tradition, so here's my annual year-end survey. 1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before? I took all upper division classes. I worked on the Hill. I drove across the country twice (instead of just once). So many things... 2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Well, according to the ones I made last year, I didn't keep them (but I had to go back and look since I had forgotten). I have made more for this year, but I don't know if I'll keep them any better. 3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Chris's wife Tyne had a baby boy. My soul sister Sharon had a baby girl. And the lovely Stace had another baby girl ;) 4. Did anyone close to you die? Well, we weren't close - actually had never met, but I did get really shaken up by John Spencer's recent death. 5. What countries did you visit? None but the US of A. 6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005? A college degree 7. What date(s) from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? February 27-March 1 because that was the trip to Sac that changed my life; May 3 because that's the day I found out I got the internship; November 19 because it was my birthday and I had a great time! 8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting the internship on the Hill with my political party 9. What was your biggest failure? I don't know that I had any big failures this year. There are things that I wish I would have done differently, but I learned from them and made it a success. 10. Did you suffer illness or injury? My usual bout of migraines and colds. Nothing drastic. 11. What was the best thing you bought? Skinny jeans - I love them! 12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Lots of people - those who faced adversity head on without whining 13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The Bush administration for the second year in a row, especially their lack of response to the Katrina victims. 14. Where did most of your money go? Rent, bills and school stuff, as per usual 15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Getting my internship - just ask Prof C! 16. What song will always remind you of 2005? "Breathe (2am)" by Anna Nalick 17. Compared to this time last year, are you: i. happier or sadder? way, way happier ii. thinner or fatter? about the same, I think iii. richer or poorer? probably poorer as usual 18. What do you wish you'd done more of? go out with my friends and open up to people 19. What do you wish you'd done less of? be afraid of what people think and use that as a crutch not to interact with others 20. How did you spend Christmas? at my grandparents, as per usual 21. Did you fall in love in 2005? Nope, not as such 22. How many one-night stands? none, thanks 23. What was your favorite TV program? The Office 24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Yeah, but only because I didn't know her - but she graduated, so it's all good ;) 25. What was the best book you read? Well, Peter Schrag's Paradise Lost definitely changed the way I think about my new adopted home state. I dunno if it's the "best" but it definitely made me think. 26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Anna Nalick and Avril Lavigne 27. What did you want and get? an iPod, local friends, good grades, an internship 28. What did you want and not get? a boyfriend, a TiVo, straight A's...it could be worse, I know ;) 29. What was your favorite film of this year? You know, I didn't really see that many movies this year, but I'll go with "Wedding Crashers" - cracked me up! 30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 25 and I had a great night out with my friends. 31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? I dunno - I had a pretty great year, so I can't really think of anything. 32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005? pink - and lots of it! 33. What kept you sane? my friends, family, professors and all those who put up with me on a daily basis ;) 34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I dunno if I had a celebrity crush - though I do love the way Daniel Radcliffe is growing up ;) 35. What political issue stirred you the most? Summer 2005, baby! 36. Who did you miss? My friends back East when I was at home and my friends at home when I was back East ;) 37. Who was the best new person you met? All my SF friends - I feel so lucky to have met them "on vacation" :) 38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005. I am the only one standing in the way of everything I want, so it's up to me to go out there and take it! 39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Let down your defenses Use no common sense If you look you will see that this world is a beautiful accident turbulent suculent opulent permanent, no way I wanna taste it Don't wanna waste it away Jenn posted at 12:54 AM |