Jen

Happiness Is....

2001-12-07T14:52:29Z

I remember when I was little seeing this Snoopy/Peanuts book called "Happiness Is" With all of these random little thoughts like, "Happiness is catching snowflakes on your tongue." Suprising, what made me think of that. Considering the time I've had at work these past few weeks, I'm remarkably happy with life. I cannot believe how great things are going with Benson - I've just never met anyone like him. He's got to be the most open and honest person I've ever met. So wonderful. So happy. He stops by work just to see me to say hi. Its hard to remain professional when you're grinning from ear to ear. Eventually someone at work is going to find out, but I just dont care. Even my boss is rooting for us. It's just nice. And I'm very much in the middle of the Christmas spirit. Warm fuzzies. I've got a pile of wrapped packages on my bedroom floor, and am heading out to buy more as soon as I am finished here. Happiness is.... ?

jenlb21 @ 2004-01-10T23:01:00

2001-11-11T04:16:07Z

I have to say, one of the most difficult things about surgery isnt the first week (the one where everyone coddles you and takes care of you and you dont have to work because OH MY GOD, you just had SURGERY) but definitely the week after that. I went back to work this week. It was hell. I dont know which is true, the job requires me to be quite active, or I put a lot of pressure on my self and wont allow time to sit down and rest. I am simply exhausted. And frustrated. I tire too easily lately and it just plain sucks. Oh well, HOPEFULLY it will get better soon.
Oh, and the latest addition to life's daily stressors - I apparently dont have health insurance right now. Isnt that GREAT? BC/BS hasnt given me an identification number yet, and I cancelled my COBRA coverage (stupid of me to believe that the transition between insurances could go smoothly). I went to refilly a Rx yesterday and the pharmacist wanted over $80 for it! YIKES. However, they were nice when I went in today and explained my little dilemma, and gave me a weeks worth of meds. until I can get the insurance mess straightened out. WAsnt that really nice of them? :) I thought so.
I'm supposed to be packing for my trip Monday. Bleck. I am no longer excited. I have too much work to get done before then, and I got my ass chewed out at work today by my manager. I have HOURS of paperwork to complete before monday, and have to work tomorrow. Guess what I'm doing tomorrow night? I repeat: Bleck. Oh well at least I have the whole weekend off next weekend. And the week after that is Thanksgiving and I'll get to see GREG!!! I'm going to leave off on that happy smiley thought. Ta ta for now.

Its about time....

2001-10-23T14:41:12Z

God, I have really slacked off on this thing. It used to be that almost every day, or at least once a week I would update my journal. I think its been at least a month. I'm so horrible. I'm so busy! Do you realize its the end of October already? Halloween is next Wednesday. I've also been thinking a lot about Christmas already. Gifts are gonna be tough, because I"m really strapped for money and although I just negotiated for a really excellent salary agreement at work, I have car insurance and student loans to pay for still. And, if I want to go back to school, thats gonna cost money too. Plus my car has some serious mileage and I'm worried about having enough money for upkeep should something unexpected occurs. Like saving for a rainy day. I"d like to take my 30G a year and go buy some nice stuff! Being a responsible adult SUCKS. Also in the back of my mind is Kari's wedding. Ok, OK, I realize its two years away, but as maid of honor, I want to make sure there's not some tradition I'm forgetting or something like that. Am I supposed to host some ridiculous engagement dinner or something? Cripes if I do. Everyone's eating macaroni salad and cold cuts :) Anyway, back to christmas. I have ideas for mom and dad, working on something crafty (as usual) for the girls. Have no clue for Kari - and am I supposed to get a gift for Chris? Whats the obligation there? I'm stumped for Darce, grandma and grandpa and Aunt Betty/Uncle Bob. What about Jimmy? Hmmm, he'll be a toughie too. I have to hit the crafty store and get some ideas :) Anyway, enough of my wacky random thoughts. More to come. (Hopefully this year)

Its about time

2001-08-30T13:47:18Z

Ever since Dan commented to me that its been forever since I"ve updated my LJ, I've been trying to sign in to do such. However, everytime I tried to log in, I got an error message telling me that the site was having difficulties. But I could still read my previous entries and entries by my friends. How strange.
Anyway, I am depressed to report that not anything exciting has happened in my life. The lives of people around me, yes, but not my life.
There....wasnt that worth waiting a week to write?

jenlb21 @ 2001-07-02T11:21:00

2001-07-02T15:24:28Z

I have to admit, I suprised even myself. I managed to complete most of the things on my list yesterday! Yippee! I still have to finish Erica's gift and buy a card (oh, and lose 20 pounds) but that's it! HOORAY! Amy is trying to convince me that drinking massive amounts of water will guarentee weight loss by Friday. All I"m convinced of so far is that it makes me have to go to the bathroom... A LOT! Yesterday she and I walked two miles together - half of it was uphill too. Amazingly I am not sore today, but I thought I was going to die trying to get up that hill. I am sooo out of shape, its truly embarassing. I really really want to go rollerblading but am ashamed to admit that I dont know how. People tell me its just like roller or ice skating. Unfortunately I"m not that good at either of those. Hmmm this presents a problem. I'm working closing shifts this week - they want to train me in how to close the store. This should be interesting. I'm disappointed though that nobody fun will be there with me tonight. Boring. I think Jon and I are closing tomorrow night - that could be interesting. :) We'll see.... Right now, I think I should go get another glass of water.....

My Pathetic life

2001-07-01T18:01:57Z

I think there is nothing more depressing in life than signing online and finding out that not only is your email inbox empty, but none of your buddies are online either. I'm soooo bored. Amy is at Chris's wedding in Pennsylvania all weekend, Jess has to work, and Dana I"m sure is recovering from last night as has become her typical Sunday sleep away the hangover routine. No one is home in my house either. Bummer. YOu'd think I'd use the time to do some of the million things I have to finish doing, but I cant seem to motivate myself. Hmmm maybe I'll make a list of things to do, kinda like Dan did. Wouldnt you just love to know what things I'm procrastinating?
1. Go downstairs and get laundry out of dryer
2. Fold laundry
3. Fold laundry sitting in basket at end of bed already
4. Straighten up bedroom - this will allow me to complete #5 which is:
5. Dust bedroom - dust bunnies on shelf are multiplying quickly
6. Wash,wax, and clean car - Desperately needs it, especially before going to Geneseo for Erica's wedding this weekend - which reminds me of #7
7. (potentially the most fun thing on the list) Finish Erica's wedding gift and that also means:
8. Buy Erica wedding card to replace wedding card already bought but cannot find. Perhaps will turn up during #4 - HOPE HOPE HOPE. This reminds me, am I supposed to sign both my and my date's name to the card? I suppose that would be the thing to do.
9. EAT LUNCH - already almost 2pm and am quite hungry, however do not have motivation to go downstairs to make sandwich or such
10. Lose 20 pounds before Friday. Am hoping to stun certain people who I'll be seeing during the wedding weekend with gorgeous drop deal beauty - newest cute haircut can only be done justice by quickly losing massive amounts of weight. May be
able to cross #9 off list!
11. Go for walk - in order to help accomplish #10
12. Stop writing rediculous list and get a life.

Goodbye for now!

On cloud 9

2001-05-14T19:39:40Z

I just want to know, what exactly does it mean when a guy says he thinks you're "cute". Does that mean "Hey, you're cute, but not my type", or "Wow, she's cute, I'd like to get with her." I'm completely smitten, and the only thing I have to go on is that he thinks I'm cute. Dana wont hear from him until Wednesday - the wait is going to kill me. Maybe though, it will be a nice birthday present? I can only hope so!

Howdy Ho Ranger Joe

2001-05-06T15:33:30Z

Hellooo again,
Let's see, nothing really major to report this week. Kari is up and doing well after the surgery. I taught kindergarten this week and have just been in a general state of contemplation about my professional future. I've come to the conclusion not to make a decision. How's that for an answer! Let's see Friday night went with Jimmy and Jessie to Gully's - a boat with live bands on the waterfront. It rocked! I actually ordered a drink too - a margarita - and it was goooood. We had a lot of fun - listened to the band and danced, but had to get home early because both Jimmy and Jess had to be up early Sat. morning. Saturday I hung around the house and finished Aunt Judy's birthday present. Talked to Amy about finalizing birthday plans. What a mess that is. She's way to concerned about the whole thing and both Dana and I have told her that we both just want to go out to dinner. So I guess that's the plan. Its turned out handy having our birthdays only one day apart - since we're all so busy we can set aside just one night to celebrate. I personally am looking forward to dinner with the family at Gasho. YUMMY!!! The thought just makes me drool. I should go get some paper towels and wipe that up.......

Slacking off

2001-05-01T00:05:52Z

Wow, I have gotten really bad about updating this thing. Oh well, besides which, I've been plain busy lately. Let's see - went to Geneseo two weekends ago - the visit was much, much too short. All ready to start classes in June though, so at least that part is taken care of. Went to Club Red Saturday night with Colleen and Louis - Louis drove. There was a really, really awesome live band playing but Lou wanted to leave because they werent doing the usual dance mix and he kept insisting that live music is impossible to dance to. Whatever - I thought they were one of the best cover bands I've ever seen. And the lead singer was totally adorable! Let's see - left Geneseo Sunday morning and got back home in time to pass out from exhaustion on the bed. Worked in the middle school all week. If that's not draining, I dont know what is. Friday I got a call at work from Aunt Judy telling me that Kari was in the Emergency Room with her gallbladder acting up, and they were waiting for a surgical consult. So I rushed right to the hospital after work only to find out that they had discharged her. She was feeling much better so Friday until Sunday I went on the Youth Congress with the Church. It totally rocked! I had the best time, but got very very little sleep. By Saturday night I was literally falling asleep standing up and managed to stupidly lock myself out of the hotel room. Did I mention that we stayed in the Hilton - it was AMAZING. I've never stayed in such a nice hotel. Well anyway, it was about 12:30 at night when I locked myself out (which also meant the three kids staying with me couldnt go to bed either) So I called down to security to let me in and I was getting pretty cranky when they still hadnt shown up at 1:00 in the morning. I called down again and finally a security officer showed up, but insisted that he could not let me in until I showed him some ID. Well, of course my purse and therefor license was in the room and I tried to explain this politely to the officer, but he just wouldnt let up about it. Finally I ended up yelling "If you'll just let me in my room I'll be happy to get my license and show you, but if I could get in there to get my purse, I wouldnt be sitting here in the hallway waiting for you to take over half an hour to let me in!" Sorry, I was really cranky and tired. Needless to say, I finally got in the room and showed the guy my ID and went to be sometime after 2:00. 6:30 the next morning I got up, packed and did the closing worship ceremony. Got back to the church to drop off the kids in my car and guess who was waiting for me? YUP Aunt Judy - because Kari was once again in the ER. So on about 4.5 hours of sleep I went BACK to the hospital, where they had admitted her to do the surgery today. I only stayed for about half an hour, and was falling asleep on my feet again, so I went home to take a nap. Couldnt sleep much because the phone kept ringing (VERY ANNOYING) but managed to get about a solid half hour in. Aunt Judy called to remind me that the evening of music was at the church at 6:30 and I had mentioned earlier that I had wanted to go. Why not? I brought my sleep total up to a whole five hours at this point. Glad I went though. The organist spoke to me afterwards about joining the church choir again. I miss singing soooo much, so I said I'd love to sign up until I go back to school in June. HOOORAY! I cant wait for rehearsal Thursday. Oh, and I finally get to meet Bill on Wednesday. I'll keep ya posted on how that finally goes :) Right now Kari's doped up on painkillers so I left the hospital and came home. I need to do my laundry from this weekend and get some sleep. Signing off for now!

Happy Easter

2001-04-16T15:44:57Z

Wow, I guess its been a really long time since I wrote in this thing. Anyway, Happy Easter everyone! My weekend went something like this - Thursday school was closed so I babysat for my friend Eileen's sons Andy and Danny. I had so much fun! Went to Maundy Thursday service at church. Afterwards ran to the store with Aunt Judy - realized I wasnt feeling well - maybe coming down with a cold. Friday woke up feeling plain awful - cough, congestion, stuffy nose and a low grade fever. Called Debbie because I was supposed to watch her kids in the morning - she was desperate for a sitter and her kids are sick anyway so I watched them until noon. Met up with Kari and Chris at home - we went wondering around all the stores looking for a chocolate bunny for mom's easter basket - most places were sold out. Finally found one across town. Came home and felt really exhausted, so I took a nap for a while. The phone woke me up and it was Jessie. So glad to talk to her. After I hung up with her I realized I was burning up in my own skin. Fever up to 101 and I had the chills so I took some tylenol and called mom to tell her I wasnt going to Good Friday Service. One of the holiest days of the year. Oh well, Jessie says "God, unlike employers, will let you take a sick day" Isnt she the best! I thought I burned whatever little flu bug I had out of my system overnight because I felt much better saturday morning, so I told Darcy to stick with the plan of her coming to visit. Darcy got here and then we went to Jen's baby shower. It was nice, but kinda weird seeing a friend that young having a baby. After the shower we went to the mall. I got a dress to wear for easter sunday and the million (ok Two) weddings I have to go to this summer. After that, we had dinner and then went to play mini golf with Dan and Jimmy. Woke up Sunday morning and saw that the Easter Bunny had left me a Mobil Gas card and mini chocolate bunny. He must know I'm going to Geneseo this weekend. Went to church Easter morning and then afterwards to walk around Lake Minnewaska. It was cool. Darce and I didnt stay long because I had such a bad cough again I couldnt tolerate walking around that much. She left shortly after we got back to my house, and I took a nap. Woke up with a low fever again *sigh* so today I called the Dr's office. He's on vacation. Figures. So I'm going to see some guy my mom recommended. Hopefully he will make me feel better :)

The phattie sistermobile

2001-03-26T23:09:19Z

So since my car is in the shop tomorrow I get to drive (drumroll please) the PHATTIE SISTERMOBILE. Please God, let it be warm and sunny so I can open the sunroof. And please, dont let there bed awful rap crap in her cd player blasting when I get in the car. ANd dont let me forget to take the picture of chris off of the dashboard......

What a wonderful invention!

2001-03-23T15:12:13Z

So I was thinking in the shower this morning - heat lamps are such a great thing! How else can I flip a switch and make my whole bathroom warm and cozy by the time I get out of the shower? Just one of life's little pleasures I guess.

Huh?

2001-03-21T01:43:18Z

So Laurent called about 3:45 today to cancel tutoring. I'm so thrilled I spent my prep period and lunch today making review sheets for her big test friday. Grrrr, it's very frustrating. I suppose I shouldnt care, it is her test afterall.
Anyway, I was just watching celebrity "Who wants to be a millionaire?" I love how they dumb down some of the questions - now I can play along! Yipee!

Just an update

2001-03-20T02:22:34Z

Well, at least my weekend got better after friday night. Saturday I hung out with Jess and her sister Jen who is sooo pregnant. Kinda scary. I almost blew the secret about her baby shower when she said goodbye I almost said "See you for the shower" Like how obvious. But I didn't - whew! Jess and I decided to do a Galleria 500 and then come back to my house. I cooked chicken parmesean for dinner - so yummy - and then Dan and Jimbo picked us up and we went to the movies. Dan almost killed us on the way because it was snowing and roads were slippery and he was driving way too fast, but we did finally get home safe and sound. Saw the weirdest movie - gone in 15 minutes. Freaked me out. Sunday after church at least 12 people complimented my hair - thanks! I'm glad they like it. I still wonder if I should grow it out long again. We'll see. Might be nice having it short for the summer at least. Sunday afternoon family friends stopped by which was nice - havent seen them in a while and then mom made eggplant for dinner. Seems like a lot of the weekend focused around food.
Today I was supposed to only work a half day as a floater for meeting coverage, but they screwed up the schedule and I got to work a full day instead for third grade - Yippee! I even ran into my old third grade teacher - how cool! Got home and Lori called to see if I could babysit the kids tonight last minute. Would I ever? I adore those kids - they're angels (most of the time!) Might be there tomorrow night too. Got home now and it's 9:21 - trying to decide if I should kill myself staying up late to work on review sheets for Lauren before the big bio test on Thursday. If she doesnt care, should I? Yeah, because that's just the way I am. She may not care if she passes - but I sure do. But not tonight. I'll bring it to work with me tomorrow and type it up tomorrow night. At least I can use my own computer for that and dont have to worry about my sister hogging hers. Ok, time for bed now! Goodnight.

Feelin' Lonely

2001-03-17T01:23:12Z

This stinks. It's friday night, and I was supposed to be having dinner with my 3 best friends, and one by one, they all cancelled on me. I even asked a "friend" from high school if she wanted to do something tonight - but she had plans too. I am the only pathetic loser who doesnt have something to do tonight. So I'm sitting here all by myself because the person I want to talk to most isnt on IM. What a sad little life I'm living. Anyone want to join my pity party?

Chivelry - is it dead?

2001-03-14T01:38:14Z

Ok, I'll agree with Dan - falling in love is definitely wonderful. I just hope that I never lose this feeling. Why is it that the beginning of a relationship is always wonderful, and then things fizzle out and it becomes blah city. I mean, if the person youre with picks their nose you just seem immune to it. I'm not saying I want to be wined and dined forever, I just believe in romance and chivelry. Oh lord, I"m rambling.......

Can you believe this guy

2001-03-10T06:20:36Z

So I'm stopped at a traffic light yesterday and the guy in the truck next to me starts reving his engine - which is the only reason why I noticed him anyway. Well apparently he was definitely trying to get my attention because when I looked over at him he was literally hanging out of the window waving at me. And this is supposed to make me swoon? What's up with that? Thank God for sunglasses - he couldnt see me roll my eyes.

It's snowing!

2001-03-09T19:57:34Z

So after all the hype about all the snow we were supposed to get this week, it is finally really snowing. I was disappointed that we didnt get the 30 inches we were supposed to this week, but the snow right now is so pretty. Really big white fluffy flakes. I just want to run outside and catch them on my tongue.

Interesting.....

2001-03-08T20:29:10Z

Ever have one of those days when you feel like you're devinely inspired to do something with your life - kind of like a calling? Today was my second day teaching social studies, and I sort of liked it. The kids thought I was great (they have no clue) and told me I should become a social studies teacher full time. Are they kidding? I just hope I make as good of a speech therapist as I apparently do a social studies teacher!

Pennies from Heaven

2001-03-08T03:08:27Z

You know how they say the best things in life seem to just fall in your lap? I believe that, because I think I've finally gotten lucky enough to have something fall from the sky! I think the gods are smiling at me.

First Entry

2001-03-08T02:56:37Z

Well, I think I've done it. Thanks to my buddy Dan ( HI Smooch!) I've finally set up this online journal - my first ever. Now, if I can only think of something to write about......