tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31443861673621164542024-02-19T01:17:22.331-08:00Vanilla Jenn...slightly less interesting than you might think.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-91962520135160442772009-05-07T12:23:00.001-07:002009-05-07T12:25:16.913-07:00I know.Yes, I know. I haven't posted in two months.<br /><br />Here's the skinny - that wonderful, amazing, so perfect for me job that I loved? I was let go last week. The economy caught up with me once again, and it sucks. <br /><br />But I've been spending the last few days working on a new project, something I hope means that I will never be laid off again.<br /><br />Check out my work in progress <a href="http://jenniferthomasdesigns.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />More to come, I promise!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-60689200028635222862009-03-09T16:42:00.000-07:002009-03-09T16:58:14.407-07:00Sleep SweetOver the last year or so, I've encountered my first bout with serious sleep issues. It's not that I'm sharing a bed with my husband - he's easy to sleep with. Actually, I think I've been able to correlate the incidences of sleeplessness with my anxiety levels.<br /><br />When I was at my previous job, I rarely slept. I was always stressed out, and if I did actually manage to get to sleep at a normal time, I would inevitably wake up several times during the night, heart racing, mind a blur. When I lost my job, I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I finally started sleeping soundly and for 8 hours at a time. It was such an incredible relief, even given such an upsetting situation.<br /><br />Oh, don't worry - it caught up with me. It was inevitable that I would start losing sleep as time went on and I wasn't able to find a new job. I would say it was around the holidays when I started noticing it again. Although the last thing I want is to be reliant on sleep aids, I began taking Tylenol PM or Advil PM, just so that I could get some shut eye before 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning.<br /><br />Enter my new job, and the wonderful, blissfulness that is sleeping like a log was my friend again. Not only was I happy and not stressed, I was physically exhausted. I'm spending 7 hours a day on my feet, and those dresses are HEAVY. I've been headed to bed around 10:00 every night and sleeping better than I have in years.<br /><br />Last week, insomnia struck again. It may have been travelling to New Orleans for the weekend, it may have been some things on my mind related to a party I'm helping to plan...regardless, it was no fun at all. I briefly mentioned my lack of sleep to a girl I work with, and Monday morning I found the sweetest card in my inbox. She wrote me a quick note and included a verse from Proverbs that could not be more applicable. I may not consider myself to be the most religious girl on the block, but I firmly believe in prayer and the power of having people thinking/praying for you. I'm so thankful to have people in my life, even those who I've just met or only know peripherally, who care for me enough to pray for me. I only hope that I have the grace to return the favor.<br /><br />"When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea,<br />thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."<br />-Proverbs 3:24Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-56453837348966216022009-02-25T15:53:00.000-08:002009-02-25T16:00:49.323-08:00Molly or Melissa? Hey - how about NEITHER?Wow. Thank you so much to those of you who left good wishes on my last post. Dad's hanging in there - he had an appointment with the surgeon scheduled for today, but things got backed up, and he didn't want to wait around all day. Honestly, I can't say I blame him. Even this early in the game, he kind of feels like he's getting the run-around from this practice - particularly since they wouldn't even be able to schedule his surgery until May (!!!). He went ahead and made an appointment with another practice in a city 25 minutes away for tomorrow, so hopefully that will go as well as we hope!<br /><br />On another (far more superficial) note, I couldn't be any more obsessed with this season of the Bachelor. It's not even that I like Jason himself all that much - it's the drama, drama, drama...and the online spoiler/speculation/conspiracy theories that have popped up to a ridiculous extent, thanks in large part to <a href="http://www.realitysteve.com/">Reality Steve</a>.<br /><br />I've gotta tell you, it's gotten so bad that I even had a seriously in-depth dream about the final episode of the Bachelor last night. It involved them bringing back participants from previous seasons, Jason himself being eliminated, and the potential for a girl choosing to be with another girl in the end...because that sounds like traditional ABC fodder, right? :)<br /><br />So yes - I am ridiculously excited for this Monday. I may have to banish Mr. T from the television for the evening, because I think that this is an event that will have to be viewed LIVE rather than on the DVR! I can't be the only one who's obsessed with this stupid show, can I? Ladies, help me out here!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-22822045712639984862009-02-16T15:29:00.000-08:002009-02-16T15:37:32.770-08:00One more time around<div>So, the bad news. I mentioned in my one-year anniversary post that my mom had breast cancer last year. She was diagnosed in July, had surgery in August, and she finished up radiation treatment right before Thanksgiving. Luckily, she's fine now. She's taking Arimidex every day for the next five years to help prevent relapse, but we've all been breathing easier lately.</div><div></div><br /><div>However...</div><div></div><br /><div>We found out Thursday that my dad has prostate cancer. It's incredibly small, and obviously very early, but it's still very scary. His father, my Poppy, passed away a year and a half ago after a 15-year battle with prostate cancer, so this is a familiar and terrifying enemy. Dad's made the decision that he wants to have surgery - just take the thing out, and be done with it. So now we just have to wait for his consultation with the surgeon and subsequent scheduling of the procedure.</div><br /><div></div><div>It's just unbelieveable. I never thought that I would see both of my parents diagnosed with cancer in less than one year - and before I turn 30, no less.</div><div></div><br /><div>Mr. T and I headed to Greenville on Saturday evening to have dinner with them, which was lovely. My brother and his girlfriend came over, and we had a fabulous lobster dinner and plenty of red wine. I'm so glad that we went, and I think that my dad was happy to have us all home for a little while.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303543395382504642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRKboD7Zl_iYrqw9TFf4cubNvJOCJ1BcdtdZmSyQ-vzSCGZQslx3dzkjiHB8THVkVzd2zlh3NtLWwJBxP2wqNd1EJFZ0eBzF88VOvQUEMomoXZv9D6x_1KNKmQ1fugA2k3JG6opHH9XqT/s400/I072.jpg" border="0" /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-38309177262009298042009-02-14T04:24:00.001-08:002009-02-14T06:36:31.487-08:00My ValentineWe got some bad news the other day (I promise I'll write about that later), so today more than ever I'm so thankful for this guy:<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo36_yE9n4ifrmUT1jK72oNQ97gy3GzMSaJlFlrYBL6kJYtEOIiDz2VmrFaMaCllh6VUAiEpP26uB9WlQh6FsKQAijTNK09F6CQBPzOXm8T2r2BmfL9MnSW8QT6VTxPzmFPOaasTaBXLJ/s1600-h/D027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302628410253750898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo36_yE9n4ifrmUT1jK72oNQ97gy3GzMSaJlFlrYBL6kJYtEOIiDz2VmrFaMaCllh6VUAiEpP26uB9WlQh6FsKQAijTNK09F6CQBPzOXm8T2r2BmfL9MnSW8QT6VTxPzmFPOaasTaBXLJ/s400/D027.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302629054499564962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDx8hCoUDM1HHsdn5EeOIvrewd-ZzI33tkVzZrtWWYxxJVzX_oq4v5NKQeAJrD6BF6TjPYSZXhIAk7mJz6MqnymYVofdRInLJR_KHfPz70ZW4tPz1mds2AlYDpc5uHRaPuJY8RFuW27Xy/s400/A107.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302628805783963602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQJoXg6ribGadrv2mV0SROTcgS4lY98kjmii2ZZlNaLsqGMuFcSbrdcKs3L-W-1tI2DAHeVO0bQ9kGHaoekmi6KKYBOUeFrHM2marmZYQcuit7Ng2pdaF-eZCRPf4NcbVcW0ZZuXjNqO/s400/H026.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Happy Valentines Day, Mr. T. </div><div></div><div>I love you.</div></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-55657567077529128442009-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:002009-02-11T18:00:54.201-08:00Things I LoveWow. In the last week and a half, my life has turned completely upside-down...in the best way possible.<br /><br />I absolutely LOVE my new job.<br />I love going to the shop in the morning.<br />I love being surrounded by amazingly beautiful dresses all day long.<br />I love everyone who works with me.<br />I love being paid to read wedding magazines.<br />I love little tasks like folding veils, organizing purchase orders, and studying the dress names.<br />I love when a group of women come into the shop, and you can immediately tell which one is the bride because of the size of the smile on her face.<br />I love listening to my colleagues and the dress designers talk about the fabrics, and knowing that soon I'll know almost as much as they do about taffeta, organza, silk, satin, charmeuse, alencon lace, chantilly lace, chiffon, and tulle.<br />I love that all of a sudden, I work in fashion.<br />I love that I get to dress up and look pretty every day.<br />I love the look on a bride's face when you place a veil on her head for the first time.<br />I love how everyone has an immense amount of confidence in me and my ability to be great at this job.<br />I love hearing about the bride's fiance and watching her face light up when she talks about him.<br />I love that, for the first time in my adult life, I don't sit in front of a computer all day long.<br />I love hearing the words, "I LOVE THIS DRESS."Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-11496802636956837602009-02-01T08:29:00.000-08:002009-02-01T08:57:43.560-08:00Tagged: Five Obsessions<div><div>Okay, so as I mentioned in my last post, I've been tagged by Stephanie at <a href="http://thiscasita.blogspot.com/">This Casita</a> and Kasia at <a href="http://goodfinking.com/">Good Finking</a>...</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzt0Hs_NEFYEnWHeZ1uakN-PmrSCLdiT-VdjN6JpIt5t_qgKWvkj-Vtbo2mkFFd0MYUuUFWeAWkcXUXgY7C4178dZlJu9q-SaXgkFoLh_z9_k2B7jxT2GrgHaozB4aK_Kz6oJDk60GYji/s1600-h/fabblog.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297867134421782082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 149px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzt0Hs_NEFYEnWHeZ1uakN-PmrSCLdiT-VdjN6JpIt5t_qgKWvkj-Vtbo2mkFFd0MYUuUFWeAWkcXUXgY7C4178dZlJu9q-SaXgkFoLh_z9_k2B7jxT2GrgHaozB4aK_Kz6oJDk60GYji/s400/fabblog.bmp" border="0" /></a>Rules of the tag: List 5 Obsessions/Addictions that you have, and tag back to the person(s) that gave you the award. Post the rules and tag an additional 5 people.</div><div></div><br /><div>1. <a href="http://www.nbc.com/Friday_Night_Lights/">Friday Night Lights</a>. I love this show - almost as much as I love my husband. We don't have DirectTV, so I had to wait until January for the new episodes to air on NBC, and it was seriously painful. Apparently, Mr. T has already read all of the spoilers and knows exactly what will be happening this season, and he has been warned of the dire straits that will befall him if he utters even one syllable about it to me. Anyway, I truly think that it's one of the best-written, best-acted shows on tv right now. And I love me some little Matty Saracen.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297868965852525970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrDChoqdAUideDJX1T29zsG4_Qpn01umI2yhssbDuReRWoDyQf5BesKcuCbC0oMWy91KGFE_hD6UJFNuFNlYQh48D58U2vwzKnnXz1dVhMPcV5-6j9UeAZz6adLJiHhI8kEQrr_YSHizW/s400/ms.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p>2. Wine. Red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, dessert wine, I love it all. My Christmas present from Mr. T was a series of six wine classes at the <a href="http://www.vikingcookingschool.com/hc-cgi-bin/hc?templ=new_vcs%2Fcalendar.html&store=36">Viking Cooking School</a>. Class #5 is tomorrow night, and I'm sad that we're so close to being finished. I have absolutely enjoyed learning so much about how wine is made, how to discern the type and what region it's from, detecting scents/flavors, and appreciating the differences that can appear even within a single glass of wine. It's been fantastic. Is it bad that I'm obsessed with wine?</p><p>3. Georgia football, duh. Mr. T and I are season ticket holders, I have a dog named Knowshon, my other Christmas present was a signed picture of <a href="http://www.georgiadogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=308360">the other Knowshon</a>, we took our engagement pictures in <a href="http://www.georgiadogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=1366914">Sanford Stadium</a>, and our wedding <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/09/13/sneak-peek/">Save the Date</a> included a 2007 UGA football schedule. Yeah, I think we can safely call that an obsession.</p><p>4. The following websites: Facebook for social networking, Gmail for email, Google Reader for blog following, Weddingbee for all things bridal, Television Without Pity for snarky tv info and recaps, Indeed for job hunting.</p><p>5. Comfy clothes. Old Navy yoga pants, long sleeved t-shirts that have been washed so many times that the hems are coming out, super-soft sweaters, and my beloved Uggs. I got these for Christmas from my mother-in-law, and I have worn them every. single. day. since then. I'm smitten.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297873596746978322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 380px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZvOYmDdFp3ojLeGSSzwVJmAfF6A1lJ0NjHQcD-rwaGATLQaZnY2D5ZGRQ14Iihx15sDqCjzkRiaeBJ0JZloHtgYt9xLAV8HDvWMfLBIzAgWtiBbkGeoXnesGITHhUBW_YZqtfkrmPz2-/s400/bronze+ugg.jpg" border="0" />That's all, folks! I'm not going to list anyone to tag, but if you'd like to list your own obsessions, please do. I'm really enjoying reading all of these!</p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-11034358820480355272009-01-30T11:28:00.001-08:002009-01-30T11:36:13.481-08:00WOO HOO!Okay, guys...this is it. I start Monday.<br /><br />I am the newest employee at a fabulous wedding dress shop just two miles from my house! I am incredibly excited to start this new adventure and amazing change in my life. <br /><br />Ever since getting engaged in December of 2006, I've been fairly infatuated with weddings. I was an avid reader of The Knot until I discovered the gloriousness that is <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">Weddingbee</a>. Contributing as Mrs. Magnolia, I think I had a great taste of the bridal industry, and my interest was definitely piqued. I've considered pursuing other paths, such as wedding planning and stationery design - both are still options I wouldn't rule out in the future, but for now - wedding dress sales it is!<br /><br />I truly think that this is going to be so much fun and such a wonderful change of pace. I CANNOT wait for Monday morning! (How many people do you know who say <em>that</em> on Friday afternoon?)<br /><br />P.S. I've been tagged by two lovies ladies - the fabulous Kasia at <a href="http://goodfinking.com/2009/01/27/five-finky-obsessions/">Good Finking</a> and the simply adorable Stephanie at <a href="http://thiscasita.blogspot.com/2009/01/tagged.html">This Casita</a>. I will definitely be posting my obsessions this weekend, so stay tuned!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-83943533354413257342009-01-26T17:54:00.001-08:002009-01-26T17:57:19.141-08:00This is the start of something good...don't you agree?I got a job offer. As in, I was told - go home, talk to your husband, see if this will work for you guys. If so, you can start Monday.<br /><br />Whoa.<br /><br />It would mean a pay cut, but it would also be more fun than any other job I can think of. I know that I could be really good at it, and I would love going to work every. single. day.<br /><br />Stay tuned. There's sure to be some serious discussions between Mr. T and me, but we'll see...Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-54616038056216540852009-01-23T13:25:00.000-08:002009-01-23T13:30:59.314-08:00She's Crafty!What did I do today?<br /><br /><br /><br />I made an apron...seriously.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiO7y5oX9ey3h8dRWsX7VLjN8j_acX6iUHaJWY5apUe_Da4hFF9zzWQSmwTAEBBs3QY43P-zs21LgcyLLitN_TJFAOScc4zxNMkaNhz5Ji6gKwdOeb5SG1X4sx04eGiCwsHI_PLWsxa9o/s1600-h/100_0582.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294604054680069554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiO7y5oX9ey3h8dRWsX7VLjN8j_acX6iUHaJWY5apUe_Da4hFF9zzWQSmwTAEBBs3QY43P-zs21LgcyLLitN_TJFAOScc4zxNMkaNhz5Ji6gKwdOeb5SG1X4sx04eGiCwsHI_PLWsxa9o/s400/100_0582.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p>It's totally imperfect, and I kind of like that about it. The pleats are on purpose, though - imperfect as they are.</p><p>The "M" is for my friend Michelle, who will be receiving this apron as a birthday gift tomorrow evening.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P048aFcyWeA20QhWqLr4i3wG1qiwzOWGTTPBmt79smsbFzUUShgSztISuheDkOpphwROeKCvvsa4VRBryQI73MmhqAOSRHQR9u7nuKw05F1yrCIo3wgRBecaUFsmSWIFyc-UcTL9eQPq/s1600-h/100_0583.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294604043196066722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P048aFcyWeA20QhWqLr4i3wG1qiwzOWGTTPBmt79smsbFzUUShgSztISuheDkOpphwROeKCvvsa4VRBryQI73MmhqAOSRHQR9u7nuKw05F1yrCIo3wgRBecaUFsmSWIFyc-UcTL9eQPq/s400/100_0583.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Because nothing says, "Happy Birthday" like your very first sewing project since high school, right?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAT-emIZoslD55QXh7_9OX9rS7Knugeh1mo5zrQLTNElzr6CCQPVi-blDJxgSEJEEc-z-d8_jg51Me2Bw2tQrxO8i0EiSmTqUvoA7HIcdMjLoMZvqIApQWUVElRGoRG-P43Y6RK7cb0no/s1600-h/100_0584.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294604039123830626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAT-emIZoslD55QXh7_9OX9rS7Knugeh1mo5zrQLTNElzr6CCQPVi-blDJxgSEJEEc-z-d8_jg51Me2Bw2tQrxO8i0EiSmTqUvoA7HIcdMjLoMZvqIApQWUVElRGoRG-P43Y6RK7cb0no/s400/100_0584.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0NWrixZ3lD91UrUkPfmWw0eqznwN6XOoA2vs05UvlM3TZ5-DsJBdD3TSinxglAU3uoCHr6nwHSsofpvUsfNoUOxeO7BjSJZFdYf6zpnCTjQcLBcf8_Jw6tFgAazypEwC5LS_LLN3JJFu/s1600-h/100_0586.jpg"></a></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-58070345010169483482009-01-03T11:05:00.001-08:002009-01-03T11:11:50.556-08:00New Years Eve: A Progression of Pictures<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jRpR1L3e1VdDVzw7fgR1_Fu6_WWgKOMGtBRXmvS04APiLaauLeOzylCjtIh_2rvobEuwCw3sZA4xCvanYLuWH78q9T0yv0rNdilckEUBhNmk0_UkYvb1yIWkcQ0R-yiVlTClsLeaBm_l/s1600-h/NYE1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287146065356461970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jRpR1L3e1VdDVzw7fgR1_Fu6_WWgKOMGtBRXmvS04APiLaauLeOzylCjtIh_2rvobEuwCw3sZA4xCvanYLuWH78q9T0yv0rNdilckEUBhNmk0_UkYvb1yIWkcQ0R-yiVlTClsLeaBm_l/s320/NYE1.jpg" border="0" /></a>We went to dinner at <a href="http://www.roomattwelve.com/roomhome.htm">Room</a> in downtown Atlanta. Eh, it was okay. Good company, though! Afterward, we hit up our usual party at the Capital City Club. I hadn't been back there since our wedding reception almost a year ago! I just love that we have a reason to celebrate there every year.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287146065709324354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik7v7xV-OJPndhR1qYaY4iZtn0o4ruSBx1LsaqyGVxYMhppvUyb-1g57PClcPOmesYYVyCalI61JIKF8Hnd371It-tr2s9hl-QSWdve8Zp9c-Mju-vupq_-jELen4ryPZdHVUHNwEyc7l/s320/NYE2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy New Year! I love my husband!</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287146070903279570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27WdhWUqPX1mlDhBOIHTFW4cW8-WGpgvcNA2XXrENMQACZdQo8M3JlihqcWl5bEFdeTLZapbS-6ZLY8RLLqfdtLe8NLpI6KSKurp44wed3XaSpXDeTGP3MGPrpCf5vZFxU-p76fKbdwFy/s320/NYE3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Now show me you love me. Kiss me for the camera!</span></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287146076061718578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-Au6eGoPKP1mssb0fwlYj7WsRMmqdds_vQ5NDAiJcnzrRBNBi4Fi0_rsZPAQ9G95e7I8YJCbL1KvcQd49ZQzVOsZTHR6-DZoKKgn6LS8Pw8sYhXUL0MXHQ6iU71c-XgafIZA9ntw7uO0/s320/NYE4.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Success! Happy New Year!<br /></span></em></p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-86487981405361572272008-12-31T06:21:00.001-08:002008-12-31T06:41:58.703-08:00Adios, 2008<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I don't know about anybody else, but I am ready to put 2008 behind me. I've been giving it a lot of thought as I've been brainstorming for my one-year anniversary post for <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">Weddingbee</a>, and here's the thing - post-January 12th, our year went downhill fast. We've both dealt with huge stresses in our personal and professional lives, including health issues for our parents and me losing my job. </div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285962029246960850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8zkQGJkW-mrrDZMYnGGSz6MTnxFjdMAbZizd-ikhw-Qb7OgNAnr3zUwWxaNPteXQxMU0yhSW6l9vIK0Gj8AYiAsjatD85FKYQyH4QaBs1inxgmtRIqvQbZBYkAcGUHgxH_qrlFPOZB_s/s320/I381.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Me with my beautiful mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July. She had a lumpectomy in August, and she completed radiation treatment in November. Six months after her diagnosis, she's completely cancer-free!</span></div><br /><div></div><div>At the same time, I can't imagine having gone through this year any other way than with Mr. T. The old cliche is that your first year of marriage is the most difficult - and yes, ours absolutely was. But it wasn't difficult because of us - we were the easy part.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285963702445690130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0HLKLWB_O6JR5VOIshuelCWrzDGiqRQOOjgmGSbpBb9eBenrMce8w23S2TNH-QO8hhvN3UhLTXlmJNO3JI0wgoQZVTnKWV9-K5_lJZpn2nvo6VJUby9NVSrWbOCMxy_Frngs6sXtZAyP/s320/100_0298_01.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Our adorable house in the snow - the day we got home from our honeymoon!</span></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285963250325031458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhpNvhR1ILzVIDPUMXkECHuHARF3FsZluj5YdXd2vcLyznp5dEVwYGqz4ZmlmrrbTUKW4yrRLEjTTZZYhFMgKFBKo6ZO53Gr40bd6yZ1WmRRrUeLeY_Dd99dvOixy7euDRMlUlduWxQlz/s320/100_0398.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285963251318105954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzJAHNJAIk2oeucK4akBpREJLxKdSRdpgP4mh1vKP02X48yp00BI6C9u24hT_hl-4TT5ioyGEKL3thK8uhiKIdCE0g3Q8963hp1YARF4ZUP3w5SumSljW9tex4OFjuBawGx7xy6eoAWmz/s320/100_0439.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285963260597802578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcLGasjWc6ts9Xg5l0WACublSjfVvxkoWGWWLWswLJuQ5TPUYrSzLsyHlckVDTxjSfEZVOhhBlQRfACIWO0TVy-IkSj3IzOtKZNpSP4GaR0bptEiPAsuUzwSjomJRPj2GmDKcmjGG28QK/s320/100_0444.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285963266682727794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0LXasX2OJETlirWT0b-YIXv7uDzShrRGGI_1cpurDFwZrSxlpVQBqJsdplsco5EpJu3zlpnr-u35MQkC_YrY6Q7ehYw6NLkTyr_IH392q20MMqdROGurX_471xRMXYkVQIkrEsxq83V_/s320/100_0468.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285963697296435426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdKl_UFNm8wSshvp2jLDVwbAri_YTwfNhKMRWUXBI0WqG-kqJh6CvtvhHhBiTtzu7EkSGo8oTNT3lYFcP908MBMX5SHHX_J1Xy07I2DuRAqvj_OjBhphjp87AYem6bvCNiyLE8gtLYBxc/s320/100_0539.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285962517186670770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT8Q_oSJoc0Ot35jr2b83HyPtKE9nHEEBKdN2d5lf_xa5pZgFcXgFGwcJSHgKMZi6UsmNm0kJ5DXX_5RClyaVO46bLT05fTlTbiy2khCRJsfet3eIZOzdqKkG_gT4m_W-8v0pteo0VIDm/s320/H011.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-21159685100056178042008-12-23T05:50:00.000-08:002008-12-23T06:01:00.109-08:00Merry Christmas from the Ts!<div><div>First of all, I'm so sorry that I left that previous post at the top of the page for so long! Talk about miserable, right? To be perfectly honest, it was a rough week. But around Thursday-Friday of last week, I started to come out of my funk and realize that this is not the end of the world.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'll find a job - clearly that one wasn't the right one for me. And my old boss...well, we're still dealing with that situation. For now, let's just say that he won't respond to my calls/emails. It's so very mature, I can hardly stand it.</div><div></div><br /><div>Our Christmas cards went out last week, and we did not pick #3 - sorry, guys! I let Mr. T make the final decision, since he thought he looked like a goober in all of them. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984508034186082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 357px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXx_V5gQQNtEl4fFaJR9W8xMileR69xxJlJK3X_6KoAdkgfIkMJVW_jT9GlW025fQZzUZrGBxbYULlur4ab0_q-Mk2YwtKphNkJtG3IAs4N-ISKGZpIyfLDZLfDuB1Bn2wd0q9ZKDgd3B/s320/Christmas+Card+2008.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div>Oh well - I think he looks great!</div><div></div><br /><div>And now, for a little blast from the past, how about a picture of me dressed as a cheerleader? I dressed up as a member of the "Holiday Cheer Squad" for the Atlanta Santa Pub Crawl a couple of weeks ago. Gooooooooooo Santa!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282984998728093650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiikYk_9z-JkjMdAgGYyVDnAw_ymlaWD6K2jYYubyy1onncF63zRW1fe3lqWnsYAQyJ6pnz0tvcXYTE9YrdOldbyOlSchQ3URbl35iXr9jiQ51RYoilTrHLXFmUxs0RrQPkAPupGKfuJl/s320/100_0560.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>So, it's not exactly the same as high school. What can you do?</p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-53433913347811934772008-12-11T12:17:00.000-08:002008-12-11T13:15:56.477-08:00Hopes DashedSo I just found out (through unofficial channels, but it's official enough) that the job that I really really wanted went to someone else.<br /><br />I don't understand - it seemed to be a perfect fit. I had impeccable references for this organization, I completely hit it off with the manager, I had a great meeting with the CEO last week, and my experience lined up perfectly with the job description. I had even heard through the grapevine that I was the only candidate that they brought back to meet the CEO.<br /><br />I guess that turned out to be false, huh?<br /><br />The bottom line is, I'm worried. I'm concerned that my former boss is trashing me to potential employers. I emailed him a while ago to ask him to provide references when requested, and he never responded. I have to wonder: if this is the case, how am I ever going to find something new? I work in a very small professional community, and I'm terrified that someone is ruining my reputation, phone call by phone call.<br /><br />I have one more ball in the air - I have a second phone interview next week, but I truly feel like this job is a long shot.<br /><br />So, today is a bad day. I'm incredibly disappointed, and really really sad.<br /><br /><em>ETA: Suspicions confirmed. My old boss is out there slamming me. The job was mine, they were prepared to make an offer until they talked to him. I'm horrified, absolutely horrified.</em>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-41296366283750802452008-12-07T13:16:00.001-08:002008-12-07T13:17:54.950-08:00Potential Christmas Cards...<div><div><div>So, what do we think? Which picture do you like the best?</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277160308842880258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjd0kAyrMrGFlTtxuQKPJ7sO6jCb1LS3pCSor6dkDJh4gnGB6lrEx0MCl6UPJW-rh0o2GD8qdtooKKfcwClzD5Dv1JZAPXvAKeGaPCPbeX53u6Si4K6CEyR8AYGLIOFM4a-2YIpsraxOK/s320/2008+Christmas.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277160313379023618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj_S3i8qBre9bYwnC_atDbZ9RY2uxaxyyX0FGGwXJ-BYMNVWaZ8ct716pNcM6YsWs_DJ4UqCMgpQ-zKKpG89a2jKrGUVXwRCq_R6tGvWwTJBs6cPLXqBZTLYwLy8NX715TuinHrrZOsEa/s320/2008+Christmas2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277160323174156978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukP_WAm3p5QqWTuyG8vQm9SaaaeNP0xRcyjb7gHpQ8sUqWQ40XSYZEIRMEDghzOlIYc-d3kWCsD2hvfnPpFse5Xsa02gR30ocBkgUP_bg_eXG0dTV3XdjYFUoPmcP3lEslT04LWhxDWEr/s320/100_0539.jpg" border="0" />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-38554426649834508422008-12-06T06:36:00.000-08:002008-12-06T18:11:41.659-08:00Tagged: 8 ThingsTagged by <a href="http://taraintheatl.blogspot.com/">Tara</a>!<br /><br />8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:<br />- The Office<br />- Gossip Girl<br />- Top Chef<br />- 30 Rock<br />- The Soup<br />- True Blood<br />- Rock of Love Charm School<br />- Friday Night Lights<br /><br />8 Things that Happened Yesterday<br />- A second interview! (and meeting with the CEO...woo hoo!)<br />- A visit from my mother-in-law<br />- A doctor's appt with Mr. T<br />- A successful london broil in the crock pot<br />- An interesting conversation with Michelle<br />- A purchase of the new US Weekly<br />- A viewing of Silence of the Lambs<br />- A difficult time falling asleep<br /><br />8 Favorite Places to Eat:<br />- Pero's (Atlanta)<br />- Hal's on Old Ivy (Atlanta)<br />- Moe's or Willy's for burritos<br />- Restaurant Eugene (Atlanta)<br />- Avra (Atlanta)<br />- Stax Omega (Greenville)<br />- Sonic<br />- MF Sushi (Atlanta)<br /><br />8 Things I am Looking Forward To:<br />- Getting a new job!<br />- Christmas<br />- Our one-year anniversary<br />- Becoming a mom (at some point!)<br />- Paying off debt<br />- A new season of True Blood (I'm addicted!)<br />- Getting our Christmas cards out<br />- Losing ten pounds<br /><br />8 Things on my Wish List:<br />- <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-7517821520493546531&id=843962&parentid=SB_BW_WALLETS&pushId=SB_BW_WALLETS&popId=SB_BAGS_WALLETS&sortProperties=&navCount=4&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=grn&colorName=GREEN">This</a> Orla Kiely wallet from Anthropologie<br />- Cowboy boots<br />- New cushions for our patio furniture<br />- A DSLR camera<br />- A truly fabulous DvF wrap dress<br />- A BlackBerry Storm<br />- Another Georgia SEC Championship<br />- A new job!<br /><br /><br />8 People I Tag:<br />I'm not going to tag anyone, because I totally don't have very many readers. Oh well! :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-41521878178667946622008-12-01T20:34:00.000-08:002008-12-01T20:42:14.476-08:00Ouch.So I just noticed that a woman that I used to work with, who I didn't even really like all that much, has de-friended me on Facebook. I have no idea why. She wasn't my favorite person, but we were always fairly friendly in the office. We haven't been in touch since I left my job, so I know that I didn't do anything to offend her.<br /><br />But she has de-friended both me and Mr. T. It's so bizarre. Why would someone do that? Perplexing...<br /><br /><em>Update: And, I just found another one. This is SO WEIRD.</em>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-48838663787407693842008-12-01T09:18:00.001-08:002008-12-01T09:44:24.142-08:00The HuntI haven't addressed this yet on my new blog, but here's the deal - I'm currently unemployed. I was let go from my previous job at the end of September, and I've been on the prowl for a new gig ever since. My focus has been to find a new role in the arena where I've built up my resume - government affairs. I have a good amount of experience doing contract, trade association, and corporate work, and everyone seems very impressed by my skill set, but so far nothing has popped. Last month, I interviewed with a gas company and a hospital system, and last week I had a phone interview with a national organization concerned with MS. Just this morning, I had an interview with an energy company here in Atlanta. So yes, there are opportunities out there, but I'm worried that I'm <em>this close</em> to exhausting them. I think the energy company I met with today is my best shot of finding something before the new year - we'll see.<br /><br />Luckily, Mr. T is doing very well in his job, so money hasn't been a huge issue thus far. The main problem we're facing is that he works on a contract basis, and thus doesn't have corporate-subsidized healthcare. At the moment, we're existing on the very expensive Cobra plan my old job provided. Yuck.<br /><br />It's really hard to stay positive when you're job hunting in this economy. I believe in myself, and I know that I will find something eventually, but there are only so many jobs - and many more job searchers than there are openings. It can be incredibly frustrating.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-13157142178650009362008-11-26T13:48:00.001-08:002008-11-26T13:48:56.735-08:00I'M OBSESSED.<object width="400" height="311"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/v/LFtFRLBzBy/aus=false/pv=2"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/v/LFtFRLBzBy/aus=false/pv=2" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="311" allowFullScreen="true"></embed><a href="http://www.imeem.com/lenka/video/FQ3dogA6/lenka_the_show_music_video/">The Show - Lenka</a></object>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-32361828020191971642008-11-25T08:55:00.000-08:002008-11-25T09:02:23.127-08:00Up and Down the StreetDude. So, last night I decided that the ten pounds I've gained since the wedding are going to have to come off. My pants don't fit to the point that I've had to start buying new ones...and I like my old pants just the way they are.<br /><br />So, I went to the L.A. Fitness website and printed off the class schedules for a couple of gyms in the area - whoever had a fun-looking step class scheduled for this morning, that's where I was headed. I settled on a "Step Circuit" class at 9:45 this morning. I hadn't taken a step class in probably nine months, so I was a little nervous, but I figured I would just suffer through and be sore for the next few days.<br /><br />Since it was a mid-morning class, only a few people showed - seven, I think. The instructor then decided to take it upon herself to change "Step Circuit" to "Boot Camp." At that point, I was actually excited. I've wanted to sign up for one of those 30-day boot camp at the park programs, but I haven't been willing to shell out the $300 to do so. This would be the next best thing, right?<br /><br />OH. MY. GOD.<br /><br />I made it 30 minutes before I had to leave the room, because I thought I was going to puke. Seriously. This woman kicked oy ass UP and DOWN the street so completely, I thought my legs might fall off. And my arms, for good measure.<br /><br />Wow. The entire episode made me feel ridiculously out of shape, which is kind of miserable. However, I did finish the class. And afterward, I walked another mile on the treadmill. And I'm planning to go back tomorrow for a Step + Abs class. Yes, I will be over-the-top sore for Thanksgiving, but it's a start, right? I've got to get some of this cushion off, or soon my entire wardrobe will be moot!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-67878023210754079672008-11-24T14:26:00.000-08:002008-11-24T14:37:27.454-08:00Sausage & Peppers<div>This recipe has become one of my absolute favorites lately. As far as I'm concerned, the best part of cooking is the prep - chopping vegetables, separating them into different containers in advance of throwing them all together...it's cathartic for me. There's not a <strong>ton </strong>of prep that goes into this dish, but I so enjoy it!</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sausage & Peppers (adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Ever-Sausage-with-Peppers-Onions-and-Beer/Detail.aspx">here</a>)</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>3 tablespoons olive oil<br />2-3 pounds Hot Italian Sausage<br />5 bell peppers, sliced (for variety, use red, green and yellow)<br />2 large red onions, sliced<br />3 cloves garlic, chopped<br />2 (12 fluid ounce) bottles beer<br />1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste<br />2 tablespoons oregano<br />2 tablespoons hot sauce<br />salt and pepper to taste </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Cook sausage links until browned on all sides. Generally, I also add whatever leftover sausage products I may have in the refrigerator - keilbasa, salami, etc. Remove sausage from pan, and set aside. Pour in 1 bottle of beer to deglaze the pan, scraping up any blackened bits from the bottom. Add the peppers, onions and garlic to the pan. Stir in the remaining beer and the tomato paste. Season with oregano, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer until onions and peppers are tender. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272356214849584178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpR3vwvYfRHKLwtEvDi4G_TeTXkhhtUesbBgmStEMZuRnEEyzf7euOl4P9oNBIaCZF8tN1GRt_-fw8MfVTn2b9rRojMU4x9Me0eQCKCurnrEnV1v5qtP2QeafJGkHjuMmjaq9_NIkXo-I/s320/100_0500.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Slice the sausage into bite size pieces, and add to the peppers. Cover, and simmer until sausage is cooked through.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272356323462666498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kb46rb-BJHqy7PnMqyEHJn4FHZmPE93VkJaGhJ6uufTbzerajPjxF366DXgO4vT99yhFKvzTLp6fsUONHMzw6Z7Q33TxkRBd1MWGgQMhkE5CvuQ6-2sFuYt52SWs5T7AJ42crlMR8_7D/s320/100_0502.jpg" border="0" />Serve over egg noodles with crusty bread. <br /><br />This is great comfort food, and it's perfect for this time of year when it's so frequently cold and rainy!<br /><br /><div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144386167362116454.post-48735306559945086112008-11-24T13:03:00.000-08:002008-11-24T13:07:36.714-08:00Testing, testing...And so it begins!<br /><br />I've blogged before, specifically as a wedding blogger <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/">here</a>. However, as I approach our one-year anniversary, I realize that the topics on my mind have changed, and I think I need a new blog to represent that.<br /><br />Topics will most likely range from nesting to food and cooking to general venting...and maybe eventually pregnancy/baby thrown in for good measure. (I'm not pregnant yet, but I'd like to be sometime this year.)<br /><br />So, here goes!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459778596171661970noreply@blogger.com1