tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106839132024-03-13T12:02:26.551-07:00JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-17506544071067048722009-07-28T12:40:00.001-07:002009-07-28T12:51:57.634-07:00New Jersey and New York City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9WjgBqmrI/AAAAAAAAEUI/XM5GF2OylWk/s1600-h/NY0153w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9WjgBqmrI/AAAAAAAAEUI/XM5GF2OylWk/s400/NY0153w.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363600849113881266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9WjBXgyqI/AAAAAAAAEUA/pwDJu2T-Mco/s1600-h/MoMA1893.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9WjBXgyqI/AAAAAAAAEUA/pwDJu2T-Mco/s400/MoMA1893.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363600840884013730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9VAsIb-oI/AAAAAAAAET4/GWoKxqvBMfg/s1600-h/NY+Love+1997.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9VAsIb-oI/AAAAAAAAET4/GWoKxqvBMfg/s400/NY+Love+1997.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363599151556459138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9VAHM1BTI/AAAAAAAAETw/2SkM-YZGfAE/s1600-h/NY0147w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9VAHM1BTI/AAAAAAAAETw/2SkM-YZGfAE/s400/NY0147w.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363599141642765618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9U_1RhlUI/AAAAAAAAETo/1mwkqBUVBM0/s1600-h/NY0145w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9U_1RhlUI/AAAAAAAAETo/1mwkqBUVBM0/s400/NY0145w.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363599136830625090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9U_ZpEqRI/AAAAAAAAETg/lVEOAEXYgFE/s1600-h/AP0026w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9U_ZpEqRI/AAAAAAAAETg/lVEOAEXYgFE/s400/AP0026w.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363599129413200146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9U_O1gM5I/AAAAAAAAETY/3FmDbnTnzC0/s1600-h/NY2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/Sm9U_O1gM5I/AAAAAAAAETY/3FmDbnTnzC0/s400/NY2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363599126512546706" /></a><br /><br /><br />So you are probably wondering who the guy in the picture is...well its Bryan. <br /><br />Bryan and I met five years ago at Becker College. We've stayed in touch since I've moved out here and after four years I finally got to see him again! Best week ever I must say. Got to go to Asbury Lanes, NY City, MoMA, Risotteria Restaurant, Laugh so hard, and so much more. What else can I say besides, he's amazing and I'm happy. <br /><br />More pictures are on my flicker page at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyjene/sets/72157620268210211/">New Jersey and little bit of NYC</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyjene/sets/72157620417018391/">MoMA</a><br /><br />Now if only the next four months would pass by quickly I would be even happier.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-23635537686241722322008-10-29T07:09:00.000-07:002008-10-29T07:39:13.928-07:00Florida<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2982588064_3dcc42fb14_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2982588064_3dcc42fb14_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2981845345_29880d3d36_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2981845345_29880d3d36_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2981735479_faff346b73_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2981735479_faff346b73_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Back in August Sara told me that her and Jed were going to visit my mom in Florida and I thought it would be cool to surprise her by going myself...so I did. Sara and I had this all planned out for two months. She and Jed were going to fly in earlier, then take my mom to Orlando for some fun at Sea World and I was going to fly in when they were there to surprise her and did we ever! I think she cried for about an hour after I walked in the door. I hadn't seen my mom in almost two years. It was a great week with the three of them. We even got to have a mini family reunion with one of my Aunts (Lisa and her family) and my Uncle (Mark and his family) who both live in Florida too.<br /><br />You can check out photos on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyjene">Flickr</a> page. Don't forget to check out Jed's videos!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-89486455944572047532008-08-25T20:02:00.000-07:002008-08-25T20:16:19.143-07:00Ha Ha Ha<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/100826494_4f6dc5a13e_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/100826494_4f6dc5a13e_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure if I wrote about this before but sorry if I have.<br /><br />On my way back from visiting Sara, Jay and Jed over Christmas, I got suck in Germany for two days. I guess around here there was a crazy storm going on and flights were getting canceled so I called from England to make sure mine was all set, they said it was. I took the bus from Sara and Jays at 4am for a two hour ride to the airport, I asked again and they said yes my flight was still on (they also told me I was allowed two carry ons...a carry on and personal item, they lied, i ended up throwing a bag away, sad sad moment). I FINALLY go threw security and checked AGAIN about my flight, actually I checked twice and a third time at the gate. According to everyone my flight from London to Germany was all set, and my flight from German to San Fran was also all set. They lied again. I landed in Germany only to find out that the night before my flight was canceled from there to San Fran! I ended up getting stuck in Germany for two days, with no luggage. <br /><br />My flight the next day was canceled again. I ended up getting a later flight. I finally land in San Fran only to find out I still have no luggage. Normally I wouldn't of minded so much but I had brought back from Italy some fresh pressed olive oil, some pasta and dried mushrooms along with some beer from England. I called United every day for a week until they finally caved and gave me some miles and a travel certificate! I ended up getting my luggage about six days later with little damage.<br /><br />They started with $150 in a travel certificate but that wasn't good enough for me and my 15 phone calls, so I ended up with $400 in travel certificates. I bought my ticket home for Christmas on Friday and only had to pay $129.00 out of pocket...thank you very much United.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-70043240203542678852008-06-26T19:55:00.001-07:002008-06-26T19:58:13.876-07:00New BlogNo, I'm not getting rid of this blog (even though I haven't updated it since April), but I did create a new blog: <a href="http://www.creativecookinggf.blogspot.com">Creative Cooking</a> with recipes that I have adapted to be gluten free. So if you have a chance check it out. (Right now there is only one recipe on there, but I will be adding more!)<br /><br />EnjoyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-80624046459559456742008-04-25T19:14:00.000-07:002008-04-26T05:27:39.592-07:00Happy 50th Birthday Dad<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/SBKaH9ecQqI/AAAAAAAACQY/4ZQJ-UBcWNc/s1600-h/031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/SBKaH9ecQqI/AAAAAAAACQY/4ZQJ-UBcWNc/s320/031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193382781863608994" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/948181922_3ce80a74fd_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/948181922_3ce80a74fd_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/344959617_6a0d2ff64d_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/344959617_6a0d2ff64d_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Dad,<br /><br />Happy 50th Birthday! I'm so happy that you didn't have a clue that I was coming for your birthday. I thought for sure my not being sad about missing your birthday was going to give it away. A few weeks ago I was looking at the post I wrote about two years ago for father's day and figured I would take some of those and write 50 memories or things I love about you and our relationship, so here it goes (not in any order):<br /><br />1. "hola" <br />2. Fishing (on the Reel Lucky, Fly Fishing, and of course the Cape)<br />3. Flying to Nantucket for Lunch<br />4. Our hand shake for scratch tickets<br />5. My anatomy books <br />6. Fly tying classes (especially when I won, haha)<br />7. Tux (sniff sniff)<br />8. Vermont...our spot, Hogback Mountain, The Spiral Shop, Brattleboro, our sandwich place (which we still don't know the name of, but continue to call it "ours"), the army navy store, the barn with all the license plates<br />9. My Camera's (All of them)<br />10. My photography books<br />11. La Gloria Cubana Wavells<br />12. Fishing in the rain down at the Cape and almost getting blown in the water, best fishing day we had<br />13. Learning to fly fish (and all the reminder casting lessons after)<br />14. Christmas mornings.<br />15. Wine tastings: Our tour of the vineyard in P-Town..."So can anyone tell me....anyone?"<br />16. Encouragement in photography and life in general.<br />17. Doing laundry with the blue haired ladies<br />18. Getting books from you with notes of encouragement on the inside of them<br />19. Thursday night dates<br />20. Taking Photography Class with Ed (and we can't forget Fernando, but his friends call him Fred)<br />21. When I broke my back and had to wear the back brace (such a dork).<br />22. Sara laughing so hard she cries...and all we can do is laugh at her<br />23. Purgatory<br />24. Hot Dog Annie's, Coney Island, Super China buffet<br />25. Lobsters and Muscles<br />26. When you came to visit me in Cali!!<br />27. Trips to B&N<br />28. My pocket protector, microscope and dissection kit (man I was an odd child).<br />29. MONEY....don't give me any of that do goody good bulls*!t<br />30. Catching my first fish at the club and then my fist one deep sea fishing on the fly rod.<br />31. Being rocked to sleep in the rocking chair (especially when I had ear infections).<br />32. Your humor...nuf said<br />33. Digging for night crawlers in the golf course<br />34. Ben (Benny, cockroach)<br />35. Hanging turtles from the swing set and me experimenting with the turtles heart (it was beating in my hand and I thought if it was frozen then defrosted it would beat again...it didn't).<br />36. When you played Jesus in the Godspell that the Joy Church put on<br />37. "the box"<br />38. Birthday calls at 5:00 am<br />39. The best chocolate pecan pie ever<br />40. The year you helped me make all of my Christmas presents<br />41. Our first game at Fenway<br />42. The voice mail you left me when I moved to Cali saying how proud you were of me for doing what I'm doing(that I had saved up until my phone busted)<br />43. The look on every one's face the night you said I was adopted and we laughed at it<br />44. The CHUCKY poster!!! (I still can't look at that thing)<br />45. Getting flowers from you at my office on my birthday<br />46. "Benny and Longbow" written for at least the next 30 years on the Cape Cod Boardwalk!<br />47. Our daily phone calls<br />48. Loaf of Italian Bread, kalamata olives, Vermont cheese and a glass of wine = one great meal.<br />49. When you busted out on how old Moses really was when he died and told me I should read my bible more<br />50. That you love me for me, you encourage me to be me.<br /><br />This list could go on for a really long time but I figured 50 was appropriate. I love you dad. I'm extremely happy that I could be here with you for your birthday this year. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and you enjoy yourself. Sorry Sara couldn't be here too!<br /><br />Thanks for all the good memories and even the hard times that have made us who we are and made our relationship what it is today. I wouldn't change anything.<br /><br />Love,<br />Benny<br /><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/344953859_72eae64e7d_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/344953859_72eae64e7d_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-45085190258548800272008-04-12T21:44:00.001-07:002008-04-12T21:55:00.897-07:00Dancing the night awayLast night Victoria and I headed up to the City (aka San Fran) to see Adam Freeland at <a href="http://www.mighty119.com/">Mighty</a> <br /><br />Here are a few pictures from our little adventure!! Sadly we rocked it old school with a disposable film camera (haha) and ran out of pictures by the time we got on stage and got to meet him...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2408682768_9cdafeca80.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2408682768_9cdafeca80.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(Adam Freeland)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2408675016_0df2798dbd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2408675016_0df2798dbd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(best not to ask)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2408677876_ee4187abd3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2408677876_ee4187abd3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(me having some fun)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2408683938_3b72a14ac0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2408683938_3b72a14ac0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(Adam rockin it)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2408690306_86e1f68477.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2408690306_86e1f68477.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(Victoria waiting for Adam to start)<br /><br /><br />For a few more picks go to my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyjene">flickr</a> pageJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-48047353659014953542008-04-09T13:05:00.000-07:002008-04-09T13:06:56.396-07:00Charity: WaterIf you know me well, you know how much I love this organization. Please take a minute to check out this video and also their website at: www.charityis.org<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-AqlLyLeJuQ&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-AqlLyLeJuQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-39578308721560536422008-03-30T17:36:00.000-07:002008-03-30T17:51:30.415-07:00AugustanaI always complain about the lack of music (ok, good live music) in this area. You either have to drive to Santa Cruz, San Jose or San Francisco to hear anyone half way decent. All of which aren't too bad except when the people you really want to see are playing during the middle of the week (which happens ALL the time). So when Heather called me two weeks ago at work and said that some radio station around here was giving a way tickets to see Augustana at some secret show, of course I went right to that website to see how to get these tickets. I sent them an email...about a week later I heard back saying I got two free passes and I'll be on the "guest list", ha. Mind you the place they are doing this secret show is at Doc Rickett's some place down town that I would never step foot in due to the high volume of country music played and very interesting crowds. Just not my type of place. Seeing as Augustana was going to be there, how could I resist? <br /><br />So come last Wednesday night we go, get in line (oh wait there wasn't a line!!), get my name checked off the guest list with my plus one (heather) go inside and have a seat. The crowd is ummm lets say not what I would of ever expected. Lots of people who didn't know who these guys were, a bit older (no offense to anyone reading this but I'm sure you are all wondering who the heck Augustana is anyway). At one point I really wanted to go up and apologize for the lack of people there. The radio station didn't do the best job with reaching their target audience thats for sure. And Dan and Chris are probably thinking how sucky Monterey is. People are sitting around whispering if the two skinny guys in tight jeans that look like rock stars (oh you know the type I'm talking about), are part of the bad...obviously they are. So I go up, introduce myself and say I'm a photographer, mind if I take some pics during the show, they are all cool about it. The set was a bit short but I'll take what I can ged, and it was ALL acoustic! Ahhhh. And yes they played "Boston"<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from the night! <br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fjsmanseau%2Falbumid%2F5182653256277027921%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />Over all awesome set and wicked cool guys.<br /><br />To hear them check this out: <br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UnqvjD7Kxs4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UnqvjD7Kxs4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-75074215731811156262008-03-13T21:18:00.000-07:002008-03-13T21:20:21.844-07:00ScreamThis is what I want to do...just scream. Doubt it would change much but seems like it would feel sooo good. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p5lwctT0sY4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p5lwctT0sY4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-30975853120234598832008-03-04T10:57:00.000-08:002008-03-04T10:58:40.663-08:00Passing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/346698928_f6685232d2_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/346698928_f6685232d2_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(Jed his great-great-grandfather at Grampa Cormier's Mass, December 2006)<br /><br />Marco Ricci, 92, of 7 Lincoln Street and formerly of Leicester, Brookfield and Worcester, died Friday, Feb. 29, in the Meadows of Leicester, surrounded by his loving family, after an illness.<br /><br />His wife of 54 years Irene P. (Hebert) Ricci died in 1998. He leaves a daughter, Therese M. Sauro with whom he lived; a son, Francis H. Cormier of Leicester; a daughter, Pauline R. Merhib of Leicester; 20 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and 2 nephews. He is pre-deceased by brothers Guido and Armando Ricci and a son, Raymond A. Cormier.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-58479175809988134822008-02-26T07:20:00.000-08:002008-02-26T13:28:35.479-08:00These Walls That Surround Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R8Quf09HREI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/QqmwfFoEyNI/s1600-h/DSC_0099aw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R8Quf09HREI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/QqmwfFoEyNI/s320/DSC_0099aw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171309396453966914" /></a><br /><br />Walls are built for protection. Protection against many things such as the elements or people. I built walls (not literally) as protection. Some who know me well would say the wall I have built is about the size of the Great Wall. Nothing to be proud of by the way. <br /><br />I've been hurt, we all have and we all deal with it in different ways. Mine methods would be the walls I've built, letting very few people in the secret door and even more common sarcasm. Some say if you are from the East Coast, you are born with it. <br /><br />So I've been thinking about this a lot lately, my way of dealing with things, and I think it hit me a little harder when I posted the "Tour Bus For One" blog. I'm not sad or anything, actually while writing this I'm in a pretty good mood. <br /><br />The Wall:<br /><br />I let few people in, very few actually. Why? Fear. There are plenty of people that I will let in to an extent and be social and have a somewhat superficial relationship, but when it comes down to getting to really know me, knowing those things that make me tick or even smile...that is where the few people come in. I hide behind my camera, books, movies and music. Some (ok including myself) would say I'm anti-social, a loner, better off alone etc and to some extent they are true. I enjoy my time, I don't like crowds of people, I do enjoy going out but don't mind being a home-body at all. <br /><br />For those who are close to me I will open up, share whats actually going on with me, the good and the bad. With them the fear of rejection and humiliation is a lot less than with others. These people I know will not turn their backs, will accept me as I am. To me these people are hard to come by. Maybe its because I don't trust people much, that I don't get to see the potential of them, but again its fear that holds me back. I will bend over backwards for these people and give the shirt off my back if needed, and in doing so not expect anything in return. I value these people so much and have learned a lot from them and our relationships. <br /><br />I love to give things (not always have the means to do it but I enjoy it). I've learned over the years that people will fail you (I will fail you and you will fail me, its reality), so I do my best not to expect anything in return. <br /><br />Sarcasm:<br /><br />I use this way to much. It keeps people at a safe distance. I figure if I keep them at that distance (what ever it may be), there is less of a chance for me to get hurt. The hard part is how to not be so sarcastic... <br /><br />Recently a friend asked me some questions and of course I can spit out any sarcastic smart ass answer and come up with a huge list for you, but when it boiled down to giving an honest answer...I couldn't bring myself to do it. (And sadly this person is one who knows me well and I've let in but obviously not all the way). Why did I hold back (AGAIN)? Probably because this question was leading to a place where even fewer get let in...a place where I am extremely vulnerable. Part of me just wanted to bust out the truth with these answers but was so afraid of laughter on their end, I didn't do it. <br /><br />After this conversation a huge part of me wants to just throw the towel in, break down the walls and go out there and see what happens...hopefully I'll get there. I guess one day at a time, just keep chipping away. Seriously, whats the worst that can happen...I'll be disappointed? (to this person I've very thankful)<br /><br />"Here's to living in the moment..." (jimmy eat world)Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-91521127591994580732008-02-23T18:41:00.000-08:002008-02-23T18:49:43.016-08:00Stormy Skies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R8DZ7U9HQ9I/AAAAAAAAB3s/zs9J652_gdo/s1600-h/DSC_0019aw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R8DZ7U9HQ9I/AAAAAAAAB3s/zs9J652_gdo/s320/DSC_0019aw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170371985481876434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R8DZoU9HQ8I/AAAAAAAAB3k/z3AUQhyTomo/s1600-h/DSC_0027aw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R8DZoU9HQ8I/AAAAAAAAB3k/z3AUQhyTomo/s320/DSC_0027aw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170371659064361922" /></a><br /><br />I know I shouldn't complain because everyone back home is getting slammed with snow, but I'm starting to get sick of our rain. I guess this is the extent of our storms out here, which is kind of sad if you stop to think of it...no thunder, no lightning, just rain and some winds, but nothing compared to back home. Last year we did get a few small hail storms, but that was it. I have to admit I actually miss thunder, especially on a hot summer night when it shakes your whole house. For now I guess its just rain. I have to say though, there is one thing I look forward to during these so called storms...the amazing skies and clouds. <br /><br />Last night Luke and I went up to the roof of his work to take some photos and above are two that I took. It was cold as heck but worth it in my opinion. The sky was breathtaking. <br /><br />Not much going on around here, sorry for the lack of updates.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-4824370413777318632008-02-07T14:56:00.000-08:002008-02-07T15:06:03.028-08:00"Tour Bus Built For One"<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyjene/162719541/" title="Lonely by JSM Photography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/68/162719541_e5a04618b3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Lonely" /></a><br /><br />I saw this card last night, bought it and put it in a frame, sadly this speaks volumes about me...<br /><br />"She wasn't much of a joiner. She hated groups, clubs, sororities, memberships, organizations, societies, gangs, crews, mobs, posses, crowds etc. She preferred to exist as a self-contained unit - a solo artist - on a tour bus built for one."<br /><br />(Got to love hallmark)Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-31425444737845510482008-02-03T23:25:00.000-08:002008-02-03T23:43:57.024-08:00LOVE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R6a-0mRvgVI/AAAAAAAABw4/kQ5H3XgXcz4/s1600-h/DSC_0001bw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R6a-0mRvgVI/AAAAAAAABw4/kQ5H3XgXcz4/s320/DSC_0001bw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163023833664291154" /></a><br /><br />The picture above may be a bit odd or even disturbing to some people, but please read on and I will explain. <br /><br />I chose today to write about this for two reasons, I received an invite on Facebook to attend Love is the Movement (February 13) with an organization called <a href="http://www.twloha.com">To Write Love On Her Arms </a>and because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. (suicide rates are at their highest during this time of year)<br /><br />Many of you who will read this know the story or at lest some of it. Some of which you may try to forget and pretend it doesn’t exits and some of you may be learning of this for the first time. I on the other hand will never forget this and am daily reminded by the scars on my wrist (picture above). I won’t go into all the details because this could go on for a long time. <br /><br />For years I suffered with depression, suicide and cutting issues. It started when I was pretty young and continued on until my early twenties. Most of my depression and rebellion was blamed on my parent’s divorce, moving around and all the stress that caused. I was sent to see school counselors, and others not in the school system. Me being the stubborn person I am, decided I didn’t need to talk to them or try to work out any of my “issues”. Instead I turned to cutting…figuring a physical wound would justify the pain of the emotional ones. <br /><br />The firs time I attempted suicide it was my wrists that I cut, then I attempted my neck and eventually gave up on the suicide attempts and just started cutting. Again with my wrists, my ankles, and any other place you couldn’t notice very well. Most of these attempts were when I was home, in the next room from family…after coming to my sense and realizing this wasn’t the answer I would just jump in the shower, try to wipe it all away and go on pretending life was just fine. <br /><br />Now, I know people reading this are thinking a few things right now and some common thoughts to stories such as these are:<br />“This is stupid”, “ Why would anyone ever do such a thing”, “There is more to life than this”, “People who do this are dumb” etc…. Oh I’ve heard it all let me tell you. But from a person who has dealt with this, let me just say, its not as easy as you think. Yes, obviously there is more to life than this but when you are so depressed you don’t see those options. You don’t see those around you who love you and want to help you. You have tunnel vision. You think the world would be a better place with out you, but truth is…it won’t be. You are here for a reason, we all are. So instead of these comments, and if you know someone who is hurting in this way…help them. Reach out a hand and just love them. Don’t tell them they are wrong and stupid, Try LOVE and a bit of GRACE. <br /><br />It has been almost six years since I have attempted anything or cut myself. Its been a long hard journey but a good one that has taught me a lot of things not just about myself but God. <br /><br />I am not writing this for people to feel sorry for me or anything like that. I am good now, I’ve grown and realized that yes there is more out there and there’s a plan and a purpose for me being here. I have always been an open book…ask me a question and I’ll answer. But I do write this for people who are suffering, have suffered, or you have a friend or loved one in a situation like this…there is hope!! One resource is an organization called <a href="http://www.twloha.com">To Write Love On Her Arms</a> Please take a few minutes to check them out! They are amazing in what they do and I wish that when I was dealing with this they were around.<br /><br />The picture above is of my wrist with the areas of some of my scars highlighted in red.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-2533531630355865062008-02-01T07:27:00.000-08:002008-02-03T23:25:16.268-08:00Published on ShmapCheck it out....I've officially been published on a website called <a href="http://www.schmap.com/">Shmap!</a><br /><br />A photo I took of Faneuil Hall (Boston) a few winters ago was picked for consideration and I got an e-mail today saying it was published. For the direct link to the section my photo was published on click <a href="http://www.schmap.com/boston/home/#r=none&mapview=Map&tab=Text&p=320947&topleft=42.4118,-71.13081&bottomright=42.28747,-71.03434&i=320947_3.jpg">here</a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-65534628068457383992008-01-27T15:23:00.000-08:002008-01-27T16:18:55.330-08:00I saw dead people<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R50TQGRvgLI/AAAAAAAABvQ/afytXflsFHM/s1600-h/bodyworlds1.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R50TQGRvgLI/AAAAAAAABvQ/afytXflsFHM/s320/bodyworlds1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160301915320320178" border="0" /></a>You could say growing up (well even now) I'm not your typical girly-girl. My favorite and most memorable presents from when I was little were the following:<br />dissection kits, microscopes, the human anatomy coloring book, models of the human body (think car models little boys would but together but of the body), anatomy pop-up books etc. (some of these I still have).<br /><br />On top of the awesome presents some of my favorite memories are: after turtle hunting (ha, I can only image the thoughts running threw peoples minds right now) I had the heart in my hand which was still beating, and wondered if I froze it then defrosted it would it still beat...it didn't and I was crushed. Another is salting the skin of a black bear my dad had shot on a hunting trip. (This bear is still part of the family). Skinning muskrats in our basement. And of course cutting anything open that I could find...especially worms and fish. I can't forget seeing Gross Anatomy for the first time. <br /><br />So yesterday Victoria and I went to see <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.bodyworlds.com">Body Worlds</a> in San Jose. I was in my glory, a kid in a candy shop you could say. I don't even know if words can explain my excitement of seeing real dead bodies in front of me cut open and on display. I got to see embryos at all different states (this blew my mind). At eight weeks you can see their little fingers and toes. I saw a woman who was pregnant with her stomach opened so you could see the fetus. Loved the organs separated from the body. One of the first things we saw was a full skeletal system and right next to it was the was the muscles to the same skeleton! It's truly amazing what they can pull off. I could go on forever but don't want to give to much away in case you all go and see it at some point. Two sad parts...couldn't take pictures and couldn't touch anything. It was amazing. <br /><br />I walked out of there and thought, why the heck did I screw off so badly back in school and not pursue my dream of working in the medical field??<br /><br />In May it will be down in L.A. for a few months...I plan to go again :)<br /><br />If you get a chance check out the website <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.bodyworlds.com">here</a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-10504988080953777262008-01-13T11:41:00.000-08:002008-01-13T11:47:29.224-08:00I got a fish!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R4pqmsTsfNI/AAAAAAAABns/6Tum3EvJJwg/s1600-h/DSC_0001a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AmERNa2YBa8/R4pqmsTsfNI/AAAAAAAABns/6Tum3EvJJwg/s320/DSC_0001a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155049936440294610" border="0" /></a><br />I really would of liked to get myself a cat but for now that is out of the question...sooo I got myself a crowned tail beta fish instead. his name is Aslan (go figure, ha).Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-78151949462671051392008-01-12T11:31:00.000-08:002008-01-12T11:37:07.317-08:00A trip in picturesFor now I will say that the trip was amazing! (will write more later).<br /><br />I've been working on getting photos up on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyjene">Flickr</a> site. When you have a chance stop by and check them out...there are plenty more to come so keep checking back.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-69531630716388197132007-12-24T05:30:00.000-08:002007-12-24T05:39:07.678-08:00UpdateClick <a href="http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=232356&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231772&contentPK=19351148&folderPk=108181&pNodeId=231882">here</a> for an update on the accident we saw the other day. I forgot to mention that we were the second car on the scene and did the best we could to help out. After the first rescue/fire truck showed we turned around and left. Jay has been checking online for any news and this is the first we have heard...2 days later. The past two nights have been a bit hard for sleeping for me, but I guess that is to be expected after what we saw.<br /><br />On a much happier note time with the family is awesome! I can't even begin to explain the fun and joy of being around Jed. I'm sure it will just get better as my time here goes on, and its going to be so hard to leave.<br /><br />We aren't doing much today, just packing and finishing up some planning for Italy. Stonehenge was closed today so no luck on that. Oh well, maybe next time? Its a very different approach to Christmas Eve than we are used to, with the huge family parties and what not, but its nice and relaxing. Tonight we get to play Santa's for Jed. Can't wait to see him open presents tomorrow morning. In the afternoon Sara and Jay's friends Bobby and Nicole will be coming over for dinner. Hopefully an early night and then off to the airport!<br /><br />This will probably be the last post for now. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-80913224438599250732007-12-23T04:37:00.000-08:002007-12-23T06:30:31.990-08:00The first few daysThe First Few Days in ENGLAND!! <br /><br />Day One:<br />Flew out on Wednesday night from San Fran and didn't sleep at all for the 10.5 hours. I'm the person who never has a hard time sleeping on a plane (or any where). Lucky me had an 11 year old kicking my seat the whole time, who never slept either!<br /><br />On Thursday I arrived in London around 7 a.m. stood for a good 45 minutes in the customs line and almost didn't get my passport stamped. Why you ask?? Oh because the nice man that I had gave me the hardest time about not having a street address for Sara and Jay (they have an APO so thats what I use). Then I didn't have their UK number only the US number. Soooo that was a nice 15 minutes trying to convince the guy that I was actually here to visit my sister. <br /><br />By the time I get down to get my luggage it was just sitting on the ground...now you wouldn't see that in the US anymore, luggage just laying around. I tried to call Sara a few times to let her know I was here and the hard time I was having, but no answer. So I made my way to the central bus station and found out that my ticket was for the wrong place, or so they said. I asked a woman there where I get this bus to Cheltenham and she oh so kindly informed me that my ticket is for Victoria, not London...thats nice and dandy but where is Victoria??? So after several times of asking I was told to buy another ticket which I did. After getting in this nice long line, buying my ticket I found some more phones to call Sara and go figure they were out of order, so off to find some more phones. I found some, Sara answered and bottom line didn't have to buy another ticket but I did. I waited another two hours in the cold, got on my bus and slept for two hours!!<br /><br />Arrived in Cheltenham around 1:00 in the afternoon, was picked up by Sara and Jed. We hung out for a bit till Jay got home, had an awesome dinner and then went out for a bit that night to meet some of their friends from Church.<br /><br />Day Two:<br /><br />Sara and I hung out with Jed. We went for a walk down town and I got to go to one of their farmer's markets. Let me just say that it puts ours to shame. Amazing...lots of fresh veggies and cheese and meat and good stuff. Ohh yes the locally brewed beer :) Checked out a few more places downtown and then headed back to bake some cookies. Well, Sara baked and I wrapped the suitcase of presents :)<br /><br />In the afternoon Sara's friend Nicole came over to train us (she's a personal trainer) for an hour or so. Then Sara, Jay Jed and I went out to ZiZi's...a wicked cool restaurant that is in an old church. Bobby and Nicole came over after that to watch National Lampoons Christmas!<br /><br />Day Three:<br /><br />We all got in the car and headed to Bourton-On-The-Water and Stow to do a little walking around and sight seeing. Both are really beautiful little villages. Had some fish and chips for lunch and walked around some more. Checked out some cool little shops too. <br /><br />On the way home there was a van behind us with a young guy and girl and Sara was commenting on how he was driving like a jerk. He was driving really close behind us so she slowed down a bit so he could pass, which he didn't. He continued this for a little bit so she slowed again and eventually he passed. He also passed the person in front of us and sped up the hill. <br /><br />As we came over the hill Sara slammed on her brakes and all we saw was two cars one on each side of the road and a mans arm on the ground (still attached to the body, but it was very visible). Sara rushes out of the car, as do Jay and I but we begged Sara to get back in. That was the last thing she needed to see, especially seeing as she was the one who noticed them acting like jerks on the road not even 5 minutes before hand. So she stayed back with Jed and Jay and I went to see what we could do.<br /><br />The white van was on its side, windows smashed and the other car was small and black and seriously had NO front end left. Jay and I kicked pieces of the cars and glass to the side of the road. Sara and two blankets in the car and we brought them over to the people in the white van. Let me just say that seeing the accident was bad, and as many bloody movies that I watch and am completely fine with, its a whole other thing when you see it in real life right in front of you. I don't know if I will ever forget what I saw. The blood, glass and just everything was unbelievable. The man in the black car was fine for the most part, minus no front end left on his car, gas leaking everywhere. He had some lower back pain but could still feel and move his feet. He had a few cuts on his fingers and I gave him some hand wipes to take care of the blood. But honestly thank God for a seatbelt and airbags.<br /><br />The guy in the black car said that he was just driving along and all of a sudden this van was coming at him and spinning, he didn't have enough time to pull off the road. I'll be honest, its hard to have compassion for people who are just flat out stupid when driving!! Sara just called the hospital because we couldn't find anything on the news or paper to see if everyone was ok, and it turns out that they are. The girl is in intensive care and they both made it threw the night. The other man was fine too.<br /><br />Needless to say its been an adventure so far!<br /><br />Today is Jay's 26th Birthday! We went out for breakfast (some nice scones, with butter jam and tea) Then back here to make his birthday dinner (well start it anyway...Sara's award winning chili) and cake (well chocolate nut pie, yumm). We are off in a little bit to see a Christmas Concert at their church then back here for dinner, gifts, pie and fun with Bobby and Nicole.<br /><br />Tomorrow we are off to Stonehenge!!! Then its Christmas, time for some packing and on Wednesday we leave for Italy!<br /><br />Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br /><br />I'll write more later (or when I get back) and will post pictures when I get home.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-56906555085330116942007-12-04T12:11:00.001-08:002007-12-04T12:22:57.012-08:00The Big 26<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2083281410_3dd2df18aa_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2083281410_3dd2df18aa_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2082497919_93a7b97f93_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2082497919_93a7b97f93_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So today at 9:41 am (est) I turned the big 26...nothing really big or amazing about turning 26, but hey.<br /><br />Above are two pics of my birthday celebration from this past Saturday. I'm not much in to frilly things (as you all know) and obviously not very typical...so this year I got Stars and Skulls (can't really go wrong!!) My roomie printed a bunch of skulls out and put them all over our apartment with some pretty sweet blue and black stars. My cupcakes rocked...gray funfetti frosting with skulls stuck in them with start candles!<br /><br />Heather, Victoria, Lisa, Luke, Jenell, Alicia, Eli, Devin, Dustin, Scott and I went out to eat then Topher met us back at my place for some cupcakes. It was a great birthday I must say.<br /><br />However about a week before today it started to hit me really hard that my grandfather isn't around. This is the first of many years that I will no longer hear the story of when he came to visit me when I was born. I guess at the time he was living in NH and the day I was born there was a blizzard going on he always told me how he drove down to see me in the hospital that day and no matter how much snow there was it wouldn't of stopped him from coming to see me. So even as I write this I have tears in my eyes, it sucks. He is my first grandparent I have lost and its been almost a year which is hard to believe. There is so much that he will miss, its hard. I miss you gramp.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/481388957_4bc410a529_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/481388957_4bc410a529_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-3369466531636390052007-11-25T10:08:00.000-08:002007-11-25T10:10:20.957-08:00Point Lobos AdventuresYesterday a few of us went for a hike around Point Lobos and had a little bit of fun playing with the sea creatures in the tide pools at Weston Beach.<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fjsmanseau%2Falbumid%2F5136839416090971361%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-55301472912011380262007-11-23T21:41:00.000-08:002007-11-23T21:57:45.539-08:00Thanksgiving, Relaxing<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2058321349_9012c798f0_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2058321349_9012c798f0_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(I heart these two! ~ Lisa, me and Victoria on Thanksgiving)<br /><br /></div>A Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone.<br /><br />We all have a lot to be thankful for, I could go on for quite a while but for now I'll limit it:<br />Family, Friends, A job, Trials, People who challenge me to grow and step outside my little world, Love, Honesty (even when it hurts) and so much more.<br /><br />This year I got to spend Thanksgiving with some awesome friends. I have spent Thanksgiving with friends for the past two years and so far each year has been different friends...its been good. I remember growing up and everyone going to my grandmothers house (as we did for many holidays). As we all got older we did it mostly with our families at home or with boyfriends families. Its very weird not having any family around to celebrate holidays with. But this year it was like being with my family. Lisa's mom came up can cooked this amazing huge meal for all of us. It was at Luke and Lisa's, her mom and Bart came up along with her sister and brother, of course Victoria was there and then Jason, Anneke and the kids all came so it was awesome. Lisa had the great idea of it being "Pretty Dress Day". Shes so fun. So all us girls got dressed up, which by the way brilliant idea when stuffing your face with turkey and good food...nice loose dress!! ahhh no having to unbutton any pants :) Way to go Lisa!<br /><br />Its so nice to have a few days off and relax for a bit. I've needed some down time for a long time now. I got to sleep in the past two days and its been amazing! All my photos are done, nothing major coming up before I leave (photo wise that is, work is whole other story). Today was mostly relaxing, Victoria and I got up and went and had coffee and breakfast at the beach, then for some crazy reason decided to go to the mall to grab something. Ahhhhh way to many people, thats all I'll say. Then off to the butterfly farm! Lots of them, just not any pictures of them, ha.<br /><br />Tomorrow some more sleeping in is on the to-do-list. Then some hiking at Point Lobos with Victoria and Topher (and aslan of course). Hopefully get some good shots from there, we'll see.<br /><br />Only 26 (almost 25) more days!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-49319079493913426222007-11-09T12:45:00.000-08:002007-11-09T12:49:49.719-08:00Beautiful Disaster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/1035098307_7c1baebee8_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/1035098307_7c1baebee8_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />She loves her mama's lemonade,<br />Hates the sound that goodbyes make.<br />She prays one day she'll find someone to need her.<br />She swears that there's no difference,<br />Between the lies and compliments.<br />It's all the same if everybody leaves her.<br /><br />And every magazine tells her she's not good enough,<br />The pictures that she sees make her cry.<br /><br />And she would change everything, everything just ask her.<br />Caught in the in between, a beautiful disaster,<br />And she just needs someone to take her home.<br /><br />She's giving boys what they want, tries to act so nonchalant,<br />Afraid they'll see that she's lost her direction.<br />She never stays the same for long,<br />Assuming that she'll get it wrong.<br />Perfect only in her imperfection.<br /><br />She's not a drama queen,<br />She doesn't want to feel this way, only seventeen but tired<br /><br />She would change everything for happy ever after.<br />Caught in the in between, a beautiful disaster,<br />But she just needs someone to take her home.<br /><br />Cuz she's just the way she is, but no ones told her that's ok.<br /><br />And she would change everything, everything just ask her.<br />Caught in the in between of beautiful disaster,<br /><br />And she would change everything for happy ever after.<br />Caught in the in between of beautiful disaster,<br /><br />But she just needs someone to take her home<br />And she just needs someone to take her home.<br /><br />(Lyrics by Jon McLaughlin)Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10683913.post-78315375168051910152007-11-08T14:19:00.000-08:002007-11-08T15:05:03.985-08:00The Run Down<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/586001881_285ff2f114_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/586001881_285ff2f114_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Let me try to catch you all up of whats been happening in my world over the last month and whats coming up. <br /><br />I got my new camera!! I LOVE it. I got the Nikon D80, and have named it! (oh yes, I figure if I name this and love it, it will be very good to me and not die). So its name is Alsan. He arrived just in time for lots of work...<br /><br />I was asked to take family portraits by my friends mom. It had been a good ten years since they had family pictures taken. So of course I said. It was my first photos with my new camera! To check them out click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/gp/22456584@N00/88995C">here</a><br /><br />For the third year in a row I was asked to photograph the Thomas Kinkade Master's Event for the Monterey and Carmel galleries. Three days of photography and about 1,000 shots! Now its editing them down, putting them in order, creating a dvd, adding music and finalizing everything before November 12th. Wish me luck!!!<br /><br />Next up, a fund raising event for the Monterey Institute of International Studies. The event is tonight at the La Mirada Museum. I was asked to come and take photos from some c0-workers who fell in love with my photographs from the Philippines. At first I was kind of hesitant to respond to their request, because normally is family and close friends that are very excited about my work, not so much people I don't know that well. It was however very flattering to hear their very kind words and excitement about working with me. So that event is tonight, I'm excited and a bit nervous. I think I get like that before anything I do, because I don't want to let anyone down, especially if I'm hired by them.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'm taking the day off!!!! A bit excited about that. I hope to sleep in a little, get some more time to work on the photos from the Kinkade event. However, I guess its not a full day off, well it is from the office, but I was asked again by my co-workers to come and photograph a Translation and Interpretation forum that will be happening on campus tomorrow afternoon in hopes to get some new photos for the website. So we'll see how those turn out also.<br /><br />It is about five and a half weeks until I take off to see my sister! Seriously I wish I could explain my excitement of this trip in better ways, but I just don't know how. I finally get to see my sister, brother-in-law and nephew for two and a half weeks!!! The last time I spent even a week with them (actually it wasn't just with them) was last Christmas. Most of our time however was spent with family especially towards the end of my time back home, when my grandfather passed away. I don't think I have spent even a week with just them since they moved from Monterey to Maryland two years ago and I haven't spend this much time with Jed ever! Talk about a really sweet trip this is going to be. Not only to I get to see them, but I get to go to England and we all are obviously going to Italy together. <br /><br />I've been missing having family around for a while, but in the past few months it has been really bad. I keep thinking of how awesome it would be to live closer to Sara, Jay and Jed someday (hopefully soon). And I pray that it happens. Who knows where they will end up next, but I'm hoping its where I will end up also. It's been harding just seeing my nephew grow up in pictures and video clips online. He's the only one I got (right now), and I wish I was able to see him more. Be able to watch him so they could go and have a date night. I would love to be able to help my sister out when she's sick or Jed's sick and she needs to get stuff done. So we'll see, but again, hopefully soon.<br /><br />So my friend Topher sent me a message the other day asking what I was doing on December 2nd and if I wasn't doing anything, would I be interested in going on a 8 hour boat ride to take pictures of whales and creatures while being taught by professional photographers! Ummm, heck yes I would!! Boat, Pictures, Sea Creatures, Pictures, need I say any more?? We leave before the sun rises so we can catch that while we are out too! <br /><br />My birthday is coming up. I crack myself up because every years I get sooooo excited about it for like three months in advance. When it starts to get closer, my excitement goes away. Mind you this lack of excitement has nothing to do with getting older, I could care less. I have no idea but I just am not very excited about it. I don't want anything huge or crazy, just dinner and something really low key and laid back. I'll be the big 26 this year. <br /><br />I'm doing a bible study online with my sister and a bunch of girls (we are all spread across the U.S. so its pretty cool). We are doing the Beth Moore study on the Fruit of the Spirit. With everything else going on, I've been really behind on it, but trying to catch up. I'm enjoying it and getting kicked in the butt by a lot of it. <br /><br />Lately I've just been having a hard time, if you see me regularly, you would notice. Hiding my emotions is not my strong suit. Its written all over my face. So Sara suggested I skip to the third video, she says I would relate a lot with it. And oh boy did I ever. Its all about Rejection. One thing that Beth touched on was with all relationships there is the risk of rejection. I can say with everything in me that is why I don't keep many friends. I don't have lasting relationships, and I can barely keep one with God some days. We've all experienced rejection and I'm not saying that I have more than anyone else, but I know for myself that my rejection is extremely deep rooted. It sucks. I have a hard time loving myself, loving others and letting anyone love me. They can say they do but I tend to doubt people. Stubbornness doesn't help much either. I got about halfway threw the video (in tears) and still need to finish the rest (probably need to watch it another 5 times to let it all sink in). I'm a work in progress.<br /><br />When things go wrong, I try my hardest to run (China, California...where next?). I hate confrontation. I would much rather close my blinds, shut my door, curl up in a ball, sleep it off or look for the next place to go then to ask for help, a huge or open my bible. Knowing very well that its not going to work. When will I learn? I know what to do, but I feel stuck. Its within my grasp yet I don't even try, I just stare. Why? Again...I'm a work in progress<br /><br />I'm sick of crying.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524683222563797597noreply@blogger.com2