I'm gonna be bold and say that the Banana Republic outlet store in Tulare is better than the Banana Republic store in Fresno. It's bigger, the selection is more varied, and everything is affordable. I heart it.
That is all.
Feel free to go back to your normal Monday.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Aging Gracefully
Yesterday I ran some errands, which included a stop at the grocery store. I picked up the normal stuff, and I also happened get some alcohol. No big deal.
When I got to the register, the cashier wanted to check my ID for the alcohol. I opened up my wallet to the clear-screened flap where my driver's license sits. The problem with my wallet, though, is that it blocks part of my birthday. Month and day are clear as, well, day, but you can't see any of the year printed on the ID. The wallet block it.
I run into this problem everywhere, and waiters or cashiers always ask me to take my ID out so they can make sure things are cool. However, instead of asking my to take my ID out of the wallet to make sure I wasn't a lying, underage sneak, this cashier decided to guess.
Yeah, guess. (That's professional)
And...
He guessed 4 years before I was actually born.
I think both the 24-year-old version of Jen and the 28-year-old version of Jen are both still too young to be really offended, but I can't help but be concerned that on my thirtieth birthday, I'm going to look 45.
Anyone have any consoling words?
When I got to the register, the cashier wanted to check my ID for the alcohol. I opened up my wallet to the clear-screened flap where my driver's license sits. The problem with my wallet, though, is that it blocks part of my birthday. Month and day are clear as, well, day, but you can't see any of the year printed on the ID. The wallet block it.
I run into this problem everywhere, and waiters or cashiers always ask me to take my ID out so they can make sure things are cool. However, instead of asking my to take my ID out of the wallet to make sure I wasn't a lying, underage sneak, this cashier decided to guess.
Yeah, guess. (That's professional)
And...
He guessed 4 years before I was actually born.
I think both the 24-year-old version of Jen and the 28-year-old version of Jen are both still too young to be really offended, but I can't help but be concerned that on my thirtieth birthday, I'm going to look 45.
Anyone have any consoling words?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Resolute
With the new year, and a different state (in more ways than one) than where I started last year, I figured I was one of those people who should make some New Year's resolutions.
I guess "those people" are those who have habits they would rather leave behind, or have made the decision to work harder, or to make themselves better. "Those people" sound like good company to me.
So here we go.
-Try to keep on a schedule: You know how other people make New Year's resolutions, like, I dunno, on New Year's Day, and not on January 10? Yeah, this is why this needs to be your first resolution for 2011. Use your planner, Jennifer. It is your friend. No more holiday-induced procrastinating.
-Remember to wear your glasses while reading and on the computer: Um, please excuse me for a second....
...
-Be healthier: Take your vitamins. Avoid foods and drinks with unpronounceable ingredients. Get over the idea that you would rather stick your hands in hot soup than floss your teeth.
-Dress purposefully and unregrettably...: Do your hair more often. Iron your clothes. Break out of the jeans rut you are in. When buying new clothing, make sure it will last, and that you will love it for many years to come. Always ask, "Would Grace Kelly wear this?"
-...but take it easy: Stay on your budget. Grace Kelly was Princess of Monaco. You, however, are saving up for some big ticket items.
-Give your blog the time it deserves: Remember why you started this blog? You wanted to remember these times, good or bad. You wanted a place to comment on your interests. You have a lot to say. You love saying it. Do yourself the favor and WRITE IT DOWN. You may have other regrets, but don't make one of them forgetting to blog about your memories.
-Spend more time with important people: Family and friends mean the world to you,* so you want to make sure you spend as much time as you can with them. If you keep your scheduling resolution, this should be no problem.
-Do not take out your own struggles on the person nearest you: Remember that you have a new team member, and you both have the same goals. Make it up to Stephen by apologizing more, in general. And by cooking more delicious dinners.
-Pray a whole lot more, and make your faith a bigger priority: This will help with many things (these resolutions being among those things).
-Give things a shot, and be more open to new possibilities.
With that last one, it's finally time I shared on the blog a new adventure: I am going back to school. After graduating a couple years ago, and nearly swearing that I would ne'er return, I am headed back to Fresno City College to begin earning a paralegal certificate. It's a two year program, but I am going to take this first semester to see what I think of the legal field, how that fits into my own goals, and praying that God will guide me to follow His plan for me.
Oh, and it starts today.
I guess my last resolution should be, "Never say never."
What are your resolutions for this new year?
*I hope you all know that. I love you!
I guess "those people" are those who have habits they would rather leave behind, or have made the decision to work harder, or to make themselves better. "Those people" sound like good company to me.
So here we go.
-Try to keep on a schedule: You know how other people make New Year's resolutions, like, I dunno, on New Year's Day, and not on January 10? Yeah, this is why this needs to be your first resolution for 2011. Use your planner, Jennifer. It is your friend. No more holiday-induced procrastinating.
-Remember to wear your glasses while reading and on the computer: Um, please excuse me for a second....
...
-Be healthier: Take your vitamins. Avoid foods and drinks with unpronounceable ingredients. Get over the idea that you would rather stick your hands in hot soup than floss your teeth.
-Dress purposefully and unregrettably...: Do your hair more often. Iron your clothes. Break out of the jeans rut you are in. When buying new clothing, make sure it will last, and that you will love it for many years to come. Always ask, "Would Grace Kelly wear this?"
-...but take it easy: Stay on your budget. Grace Kelly was Princess of Monaco. You, however, are saving up for some big ticket items.
-Give your blog the time it deserves: Remember why you started this blog? You wanted to remember these times, good or bad. You wanted a place to comment on your interests. You have a lot to say. You love saying it. Do yourself the favor and WRITE IT DOWN. You may have other regrets, but don't make one of them forgetting to blog about your memories.
-Spend more time with important people: Family and friends mean the world to you,* so you want to make sure you spend as much time as you can with them. If you keep your scheduling resolution, this should be no problem.
-Do not take out your own struggles on the person nearest you: Remember that you have a new team member, and you both have the same goals. Make it up to Stephen by apologizing more, in general. And by cooking more delicious dinners.
-Pray a whole lot more, and make your faith a bigger priority: This will help with many things (these resolutions being among those things).
-Give things a shot, and be more open to new possibilities.
With that last one, it's finally time I shared on the blog a new adventure: I am going back to school. After graduating a couple years ago, and nearly swearing that I would ne'er return, I am headed back to Fresno City College to begin earning a paralegal certificate. It's a two year program, but I am going to take this first semester to see what I think of the legal field, how that fits into my own goals, and praying that God will guide me to follow His plan for me.
Oh, and it starts today.
I guess my last resolution should be, "Never say never."
What are your resolutions for this new year?
*I hope you all know that. I love you!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Christmas, New Year's and Other Events
Happy 2011 blog readers! I hope that your Christmas was fabulous, your New Year's was spectacular, and that you're not done celebrating either of them. Mine were quite nice; how was yours?
On Christmas Eve, we had our annual Feast of Seven Fishes. We only had Five Fishes present, but we made sure to overeat on them all, so everything balanced out.
On Christmas Day we got to go to Mass, hang out with family, and help Stephen's grandparents celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Definitely a huge milestone, and a worthwhile goal for those of us who only have 59-and-a-half years to go.
My birthday was a nice relaxing day with family, and trying to detox all of the yummy but somewhat regrettable eating decisions from the previous, like, month. I'm pretty sure you spent my birthday doing the same thing, and that you didn't even know we were celebrating together. Surprise!
New Year's Eve and Day we hung out with family, watched movies, and played some video games (well, I mostly watched people play video games). I have some resolutions I'll share soon.
Then, Stephen and I had the anniversary of our first date--6 years.
By the time that rolled around, though, we were exhausted. However, we remembered that we wouldn't have been as exhausted this season if we had never met.
Awwwww.
OK, I'm headed back to sleep now.
On Christmas Eve, we had our annual Feast of Seven Fishes. We only had Five Fishes present, but we made sure to overeat on them all, so everything balanced out.
On Christmas Day we got to go to Mass, hang out with family, and help Stephen's grandparents celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Definitely a huge milestone, and a worthwhile goal for those of us who only have 59-and-a-half years to go.
My birthday was a nice relaxing day with family, and trying to detox all of the yummy but somewhat regrettable eating decisions from the previous, like, month. I'm pretty sure you spent my birthday doing the same thing, and that you didn't even know we were celebrating together. Surprise!
New Year's Eve and Day we hung out with family, watched movies, and played some video games (well, I mostly watched people play video games). I have some resolutions I'll share soon.
Then, Stephen and I had the anniversary of our first date--6 years.
By the time that rolled around, though, we were exhausted. However, we remembered that we wouldn't have been as exhausted this season if we had never met.
Awwwww.
OK, I'm headed back to sleep now.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The 12 Days of Cooking
Hello blog readers! Has your Christmas season been as busy as mine has? I thought to myself this morning, "Hey, I have time to blog! Yippee!" Then I looked at the blog and realized that I haven't been here in ages.*
But all is well, because we are here together now, laughing, drinking hot cocoa, and anticipating one of the holiest nights of the year. And how have I been prepping for this night?
By cooking every last lick of raw ingredients in my kitchen into every imaginable Christmas treat for four weeks straight.
It has been exhausting, but a lot of fun. It partly makes me wish that the season went on much longer than December 25 (oh wait...it does.) And, it makes me want to break into song.
Lucky you, I don't know how to add audio.
Nonetheless, you get my lyrics. Also in your favor: the tune is a dash familiar to you. Hum along to The Twelve Days of Christmas, won't you?
On the twelfth day of cooking, my kitchen gave to me:
Twelve loads of dishes,
Eleven dozen cookies,
Ten dozen truffles,
Nine dozen cupcakes,
Eight Tums needed,
Seven grocery store stops,
Six mini-meltdowns,
FIVE BATTLE SCARS!!
Four weeks of working,
Three dozen brownies,
Two failed attempts,
And a huge batch of TAH-MALL-EES!
That's right! After all those sweets, I went over to my in-laws' house and made tamales.
You know, because I am Mexican now.
Here's the proof:
He's finally going to share all his years of experience.
I see five plates, but six shot glasses. Hmmm, someone is getting the fuel without doing the work.
Yum.
My first masa-smeared corn husk.
Double yum.
I hope you have a very safe and holy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I'll be sharing my memories with you soon, but don't forget to make your own!
Feliz Navidad!
*More than a couple weeks is pretty much ages in in the blogosphere. I'm surprised the blog didn't have wrinkles.
But all is well, because we are here together now, laughing, drinking hot cocoa, and anticipating one of the holiest nights of the year. And how have I been prepping for this night?
By cooking every last lick of raw ingredients in my kitchen into every imaginable Christmas treat for four weeks straight.
It has been exhausting, but a lot of fun. It partly makes me wish that the season went on much longer than December 25 (oh wait...it does.) And, it makes me want to break into song.
Lucky you, I don't know how to add audio.
Nonetheless, you get my lyrics. Also in your favor: the tune is a dash familiar to you. Hum along to The Twelve Days of Christmas, won't you?
On the twelfth day of cooking, my kitchen gave to me:
Twelve loads of dishes,
Eleven dozen cookies,
Ten dozen truffles,
Nine dozen cupcakes,
Eight Tums needed,
Seven grocery store stops,
Six mini-meltdowns,
FIVE BATTLE SCARS!!
Four weeks of working,
Three dozen brownies,
Two failed attempts,
And a huge batch of TAH-MALL-EES!
That's right! After all those sweets, I went over to my in-laws' house and made tamales.
You know, because I am Mexican now.
Here's the proof:
He's finally going to share all his years of experience.
I see five plates, but six shot glasses. Hmmm, someone is getting the fuel without doing the work.
Yum.
My first masa-smeared corn husk.
Double yum.
I hope you have a very safe and holy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I'll be sharing my memories with you soon, but don't forget to make your own!
Feliz Navidad!
*More than a couple weeks is pretty much ages in in the blogosphere. I'm surprised the blog didn't have wrinkles.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Crumbling Affection
Cookies.
Nothing hits home in quite the same way as a cookie.
Cookies and milk are a treat I still enjoy. Cookies and punch (a far inferior combination) nevertheless remind me of childhood parties, and school dances, and red KoolAid stains on your shirt that blend very well with smeared chocolate chips. Cookie dough ice cream stands alone.
You may have a favorite meal, or dish that mom makes that simply doesn't measure up to anyone else's version. But nothing beats the cookie straight from the oven, having only cooked through enough to keep the warm, soft edges from melting onto your greedy fingertips.
See? This is a feeling that pie could never evoke.
So why must I make you feel this way right now, while you are sitting at your computer or reading this on your smart phone, and very likely not near a bakery?
I must because it's cookie swap time.
Every year before Christmas, the Mastro ladies gather 'round to swap cookies. You bake five dozen of your signature nosh* and swap them with the several other varieties of treats that all your relatives brought. You leave with a bunch of different types of cookies without having to make anything but one type of cookie in your own kitchen.
Genius and delicious. Now, if only we could figure something like this out for weeknight dinners....
Anyway, I don't want you to miss out on an Advent or Christmas cookie swap just because you have no long-standing family tradition to eat way more butter and sugar than should be humanly allowed. Here's a guide to hosting your very own meaningful cookie swap that I really enjoyed reading.
For my cookie swaps this year, I'll be making my signature kolach, a cream cheese dough filled with fruit preserves. They're like miniature hot pockets, but sweeter. And, you can eat eight of them before you realize you're full.
In fact, maybe I need to go make them now.... Happy baking!
*I have totally just given an "out" to all of you Mastro ladies out there currently reading this blog who do not have the time to make your five dozen cookies. The stores have some good stuff nowadays. Feel no shame.
Nothing hits home in quite the same way as a cookie.
Cookies and milk are a treat I still enjoy. Cookies and punch (a far inferior combination) nevertheless remind me of childhood parties, and school dances, and red KoolAid stains on your shirt that blend very well with smeared chocolate chips. Cookie dough ice cream stands alone.
You may have a favorite meal, or dish that mom makes that simply doesn't measure up to anyone else's version. But nothing beats the cookie straight from the oven, having only cooked through enough to keep the warm, soft edges from melting onto your greedy fingertips.
See? This is a feeling that pie could never evoke.
So why must I make you feel this way right now, while you are sitting at your computer or reading this on your smart phone, and very likely not near a bakery?
I must because it's cookie swap time.
Every year before Christmas, the Mastro ladies gather 'round to swap cookies. You bake five dozen of your signature nosh* and swap them with the several other varieties of treats that all your relatives brought. You leave with a bunch of different types of cookies without having to make anything but one type of cookie in your own kitchen.
Genius and delicious. Now, if only we could figure something like this out for weeknight dinners....
Anyway, I don't want you to miss out on an Advent or Christmas cookie swap just because you have no long-standing family tradition to eat way more butter and sugar than should be humanly allowed. Here's a guide to hosting your very own meaningful cookie swap that I really enjoyed reading.
For my cookie swaps this year, I'll be making my signature kolach, a cream cheese dough filled with fruit preserves. They're like miniature hot pockets, but sweeter. And, you can eat eight of them before you realize you're full.
In fact, maybe I need to go make them now.... Happy baking!
*I have totally just given an "out" to all of you Mastro ladies out there currently reading this blog who do not have the time to make your five dozen cookies. The stores have some good stuff nowadays. Feel no shame.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Turkey in the Wine
So it's been a while since I've taken to sitting down and writing about what's up in my little world. Can I blame it on a subdued state since Turkey Day? The continued job hunting and researching? Write it off to too much baking?
...
...
Um, I'm going to stop writing excuses now, because you might not find it in your wonderful hearts to forgive me for A) neglecting the stupendous connection between us that is this blog, and B) being annoying.
My Thanksgiving was good. How was yours? Did you eat more than necessary, as is now expected of you until New Year's? I did! And what did I do after that?
Why, I went wine tasting, of course! Nothing quite tops off the Thanksgiving weekend like drinking the equivalent of five glasses of wine whilst being chauffeured around an unfamiliar city.
Want proof? OK! Here's our loot.
And here's some pictures from our wine tasting trip to Paso Robles, which was a birthday surprise for Stephen's cousin, Nick.
Since you are such sweet blog readers, I'll share a little sweet treat with you: a picture of the raspberry-marbled cheesecakes I made for Thanksgiving.
Happy eating!
...
...
Um, I'm going to stop writing excuses now, because you might not find it in your wonderful hearts to forgive me for A) neglecting the stupendous connection between us that is this blog, and B) being annoying.
My Thanksgiving was good. How was yours? Did you eat more than necessary, as is now expected of you until New Year's? I did! And what did I do after that?
Why, I went wine tasting, of course! Nothing quite tops off the Thanksgiving weekend like drinking the equivalent of five glasses of wine whilst being chauffeured around an unfamiliar city.
Want proof? OK! Here's our loot.
And here's some pictures from our wine tasting trip to Paso Robles, which was a birthday surprise for Stephen's cousin, Nick.
Since you are such sweet blog readers, I'll share a little sweet treat with you: a picture of the raspberry-marbled cheesecakes I made for Thanksgiving.
Happy eating!
Friday, November 19, 2010
At Least My Feet Are Covered
It has been a while since I've had a fashion Friday, but since I have a bit of a fashion conundrum, I figured I would post my problem here, like a good blogger, and seek the wisdom of my readers.
Every year, Stephen's National Guard unit hosts a Christmas-time event. This year the event is in Sacramento, which should be a fun change from Visalia (no offense to Visalians). They call this event a "ball." This is deceiving.
There is no dancing. There isn't even any music. It's just a dinner and slide show and speeches and lots of men yelling "Hoo-ah!" repeatedly. Not very Cinderella-esque, but I'll let them call it what they want. They defend our country and all that jazz.
Also unlike Cinderella, I have no fairy godmother to produce for me the perfect gown in the perfect shade of blue to match my eyes. It's formal attire required, but I (sigh) have nothing to wear. Such a basic life conundrum, really, and not at all limited only to "balls."
But with the event in two weeks, I think I need to get it figured out--and figured out before everyone is out shopping every second of every day. Anyone know of any good, affordable places to find formal attire?
Thanks for your help, you fairy godmothers you.
Every year, Stephen's National Guard unit hosts a Christmas-time event. This year the event is in Sacramento, which should be a fun change from Visalia (no offense to Visalians). They call this event a "ball." This is deceiving.
There is no dancing. There isn't even any music. It's just a dinner and slide show and speeches and lots of men yelling "Hoo-ah!" repeatedly. Not very Cinderella-esque, but I'll let them call it what they want. They defend our country and all that jazz.
Also unlike Cinderella, I have no fairy godmother to produce for me the perfect gown in the perfect shade of blue to match my eyes. It's formal attire required, but I (sigh) have nothing to wear. Such a basic life conundrum, really, and not at all limited only to "balls."
But with the event in two weeks, I think I need to get it figured out--and figured out before everyone is out shopping every second of every day. Anyone know of any good, affordable places to find formal attire?
Thanks for your help, you fairy godmothers you.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday Latest
So here's what's up with me lately:
I am currently researching some new career options. I am not yet going to elaborate on them on the blog, other than to say they seem like they use a lot of my writing and researching skills, and fit with my lifestyle. I will say that when I am comfortable and confident enough that they are the right fit for me that I will share more. Until then, you can pretend I'm doing something crazy, like underwater sea urchin hunting, synchronized sky diving. Whatever blows your skirt up.
With my increased amount of free time, I have been able to catch up more with friends and acquaintances. This is something I didn't make as much time for as I should have while I was working, and I hope I can continue to maintain this reconnecting after I figure the career stuff out.
Also while I figure out career stuff, I am embracing the holiday spirit by baking pretty much everything in my repertoire, and then some. Do you have a holiday party coming up? Want to give some yummy gifts out to friends? Need some sweetness in your life (like as a hidden midnight snack)? Give me a call or shoot me an e-mail and maybe I can make something for your holiday that will brighten your spirits and fill your tummy. Win-win.
I appreciate your patience as I figure out my life alongside figuring out when the heck I will get my blog to the spot that I want it.* I truly want to dedicate more time to the blog, both because I enjoy it and because it deserves more attention. I so appreciate when people tell me that they enjoy reading my blog, or let me know that they miss it when I don't post something new. It means more than you could know to hear that encouragement.
New things coming my way from all angles. I want to know: what is new with you? Are you going through any big career, education or life transitions?
*Art imitating life?
I am currently researching some new career options. I am not yet going to elaborate on them on the blog, other than to say they seem like they use a lot of my writing and researching skills, and fit with my lifestyle. I will say that when I am comfortable and confident enough that they are the right fit for me that I will share more. Until then, you can pretend I'm doing something crazy, like underwater sea urchin hunting, synchronized sky diving. Whatever blows your skirt up.
With my increased amount of free time, I have been able to catch up more with friends and acquaintances. This is something I didn't make as much time for as I should have while I was working, and I hope I can continue to maintain this reconnecting after I figure the career stuff out.
Also while I figure out career stuff, I am embracing the holiday spirit by baking pretty much everything in my repertoire, and then some. Do you have a holiday party coming up? Want to give some yummy gifts out to friends? Need some sweetness in your life (like as a hidden midnight snack)? Give me a call or shoot me an e-mail and maybe I can make something for your holiday that will brighten your spirits and fill your tummy. Win-win.
I appreciate your patience as I figure out my life alongside figuring out when the heck I will get my blog to the spot that I want it.* I truly want to dedicate more time to the blog, both because I enjoy it and because it deserves more attention. I so appreciate when people tell me that they enjoy reading my blog, or let me know that they miss it when I don't post something new. It means more than you could know to hear that encouragement.
New things coming my way from all angles. I want to know: what is new with you? Are you going through any big career, education or life transitions?
*Art imitating life?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Blog Neglect
Sorry to any who may have been poking around on the blog the last couple of weeks. I have been busy on the job hunt, researching some new opportunities, and getting sick. I have also been doing some good old fashioned cooking, and prepping stuff for Thanksgiving. I will be more on top of things next week and hopefully get into a more suitable routine for blogging very soon.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. This is where I'll be (at least on Saturday at 1, where there will be a craft fair!)
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. This is where I'll be (at least on Saturday at 1, where there will be a craft fair!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)