I don’t know what it is about me. Maybe a sign that I can’t see but the general public can. I envision it to say something like “Say stupid things to me” or maybe “I’m gullible, please approach with crazy story/plan/idea.” Or even worse, something like ”Say the dumbest thing you’ve ever said out loud TO ME, PLEASE, PICK ME!!!!”

Aside from some of the more mundane things like - “Are you SURE you’re not having twins?” when I was pregnant, there have been some real good ones. Sometimes people don’t even have to use words -  like the time that someone cut me off in a Walmart parking lot, then turned their car around and spit out their window on my windshield. Or the time when a CHP officer pulled me over to give me a ticket and ended up trying to offer me his phone number (along with the ticket). I even had someone who worked in HR tell me my boobs were big, while we were standing in the company restroom.

Because of these things, my friends have always joked that more happens to me in one day than the average person. If I had a nickle for every conversation with a friend that started out with me saying “You are never going to believe what happened to me today” I would be a wealthy girl.

Recently the activity has picked up a bit. I even got an anonymous email from a “secret admirer.” Seriously. Apparently I am still in 6th grade and no one informed me. I don’t know what I do that attracts the crazies but I sure have cornered the market on it. Sometimes I wish a was a shrinking violet, I wish I was someone who could just fade into the crowd - but no. I’m the girl always trying to get noticed and as I do, it is inevitable that the “noticing” take some awkward form that embarrasses both me and the other person.

So my readers what is your story? What is the stupidest thing someone has said/done to you?

Last night my mother, youngest sister and I went to Santa Cruz to see David Sedaris. For those of you not familiar with Mr. Sedaris, he is a critically acclaimed author (humorist) and he has written several best selling novels. He also is a regular commentator for National Public Radio (NPR).

My mom first read one of Sedaris’s books and passed it on to me, I quickly fell in love with the way he spins a personal tale. My little sister starting reading his books this summer as well and, like my mother and I, found herself laughing out loud at his wacky tales of summer jobs, drugs and family life. When I found out he was coming to Santa Cruz I quickly bought tickets for all of us, knowing that my mother and sister would like to see him.

For those of you that read Heather Armstrong’s website, no I am not trying to copy her - I had these tickets months ago. However I do think it is a strange coincidence considering we have the same couchas well. Big difference between us is, hmmmm, well the advertising income she boasts and maybe writing talent but whatever.

Anyhow, I wondered if Sedaris would be as funny in person as he is to read and in fact, we were not let down. He manages to take a mundane tale from his life, say a bad college professor’s lecture and turn it into a story with such detail and brilliance you feel as though you lived through the lecture yourself. I can only aspire to make words come alive on a page in such a way.

Interestingly, he spoke about the internet and its’ impact on the writing business. He basically said the bad part about blogging is that everyone is now “writing” and that most of it is really bad. I guess for that I owe y’all an apology.

Even after the insult to my writing talent, I wanted to stick around and have him sign my book. He was really engaging with each person in line, asking questions and slinging one liners left and right. He seemed to have a different random question for each person. When I got to the front I waited for my question. Will he ask me if I am a cat person? What my favorite installment of Back to the Future is?  How I feel when I see the color blue? As I stepped up to the table and handed him my book it went something like this:

DS: You’re a Scorpio.

Me: No.

DS: A Libra, you’re a Libra.

Me: No.

DS: Well then someone is.

Me: I’m a Capricorn and my birthday is 11 hateful days after Christmas. Everyone is broke, on a diet and sick of parties - terrible birthday.

DS: Hmm. Me too, Capricorn that is. My  birthday is the day after Christmas. We usually put off celebration until a later date.

Me: That sounds like a good idea.

So much for witty repartee. I really wanted to say something that would make him remember me - something that would end up in one of his stories. However, that was not to be. Instead, a few other little pleasantries were uttered, he wrote something in my book and I walked away. When I got back to my car, I looked into the book to see what he’d written:

 If only one day I could be so clever.

There is a bird in Egypt that flies into the mouth of crocodiles and dines on the tiny bits of meat strung between the giant carnivores teeth. The Plover, or Crocodile Bird, plays an important role in the dental health of the crocodile and in turn the croc does not eat the tiny bird resting gently in it’s mouth.

I heard about this symbiotic relationship this week and it made me think of my trip to San Francisco, whereby I balanced on the sharp teeth of consumerism. Unfortunately unlike the Plover, I did not escape unscathed. Instead, whilst teetering between spending money and not, I fell into the jaws of corporate America and didn’t crawl out until I’d spent nearly $200. I am ashamed.

The picture I posted yesterday shows me holding an American Eagle bag. This was the first purchase (some undies and leggings if you must know). Then I had to buy a skirt and a shirt at Gap. After this Kevin and I went to the movies. What happened after that you ask? Well, when we emerged from the theater it was freezing and we had a long walk. Next thing you know, we where in front of Old Navy and I remembered that cute jacket I had posted a while back. So we went in to check it out. Turns out, it wasn’t as cute on. But this one was! After I purchased the jacket I new I was done. Done spending again for a while. Partly because I couldn’t afford anymore but also because it was uncomfortable to spend so much money on myself. I now realize that the larger goal (buying a house) is actually more attractive than my wardobe. Who would have thought?

So, I went two months and two weeks without purchasing one item for myself. I didn’t make it to November 8, which was the goal but I came close. I can tell you that I certainly learned something with this experiment, I learned that I don’t need as much stuff as I thought I did. I learned that if you don’t have money, you probably shouldn’t spend money - the most important lesson of them all. I guess the key, as with anything, is moderation. Buying one shirt or one jacket is okay but buying a whole new wardrobe in one day is not advisable.

I believe that because of this experiment I will be more like the Plover. I will stand on the teeth of a giant (aka the MALL) and simply pluck a few items out, instead of diving in head first and risk being swallowed whole.

I know, it’s been a while since I’ve updated about the no-shopping pledge. So tomorrow I am on for a full update, in the meantime here is a teaser……………….

PS - do I look maniacal or what?

A while back I posted this and some of you were disappointed in my decision. I have wrestled with this decision more than I have ever wrestled with a political decision. Normally I am totally sure who I am going to vote for, normally I vote party lines. However, something happened to me between 2004 and today. Something that changed how I view politics.

My post about why I would vote for John McCain still stands. Foreign policy experience is why I would vote for him. However, last Sunday when Collin Powell announced he was endorsing Obama, things changed for me. Powell was the only voice of reason in the Bush Administration, he was the sole practitioner of “diplomacy before invasion” policies and he was completely shut out and then dismissed. I have always respected Powell, he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and he is a Four Star General, which gives him major street credentials in foreign policy.

As I sat and listened to Mr. Powell’s brief explanation of why he was voting for Obama, I realized that I had a decision to make yet again. As a Christian and a long time Republican, I have always stood for the following principles:

• small government
• reduced taxes
• limited government interference in the private sector
• limited use of “choice” i.e. - health of the mother, rape/incest
• energy independence i.e. - the use of multiple sources vs. oil/gas only
• states rights -meaning the right of each state in the union to decide on certain policy issues for themselves
• no “nation building” foreign policy exercises

The above list is what traditionally the RNC has stood for - until the Republican rise to power in 2000 and the complete hijacking of the party by the “religious right” and Karl Rove. I know, you are wondering why I would be concerned about the religious right when I proclaim to be a Christian. The answer is simple - I don’t believe those in the religious right have my beliefs in mind. I think they are fundamentalists who wish to preserve a certain way of life, not a Biblical perspective. They have hijacked the Republican party and just like any other lobbying group - became drunk on the power. Karl Rove knew that Christians have certain “hot button” issues like abortion and he completely extorted the Christian community by making us all believe that if you are a Christian you can only vote Republican because of this issue and a few others. My friends, this simply isn’t true.  George W. Bush proclaims to be a evangelical Christian. He appointed two judges to the Supreme Court. He and his party had total dominance in Congress until the 2006 election. NOTHING HAS CHANGED ON THE ISSUE OF ABORTION. It is a total falsehood to think that if you elect a Republican the issue of abortion will be dealt with.

So, here I am, lost in a sea of political confusion and turmoil. I keep going back to a book a I read a few years back called Blue Like Jazz. Donald Miller is a writer I look up to for so many reasons but mostly because he challenged my worldview. When it comes to churches and government - really what would Jesus do? What would he think? Was he not most concerned about the needy, the helpless and the lost? Where are those people in today’s politics? In today’s churches? Have we as Christians been completed co-opted by the Republican party to think there is only one way to represent our God? I call shenanigans on that.

Let me be clear that I don’t believe the Democrats are any more sincere or moral than the Republicans. The truth is, politics are ugly and the people elected to higher office are mostly self-involved. They may not have started that way but the system leaves you very little choice - trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand. What now you ask? Throw up your hands and walk away? Don’t vote? Absolutely not.

This election has caused a deep and visceral reaction from America - we must be growing as a country because it appears that we are going to split at the seams. Since my vote for Bush in 2004, I have been in a confusing and awkward slow dance with politics. I love it but I am sick of my feet being stepped on. I am sick of being led in a direction that I fear is wrong. So, I am going to do what my heart has told me since the beginning of this election when I bought that t-shirt and sparked a controversy at Starbucks in Washington, D.C.

I don’t think that Obama will change the system or the world. I don’t think he will always represent me and my beliefs. I do however, think that he has the leadership qualities that this country is currently lacking and I think his ideas are worth a shot. We have had 8 years of failed policies - policies that frankly don’t even represent true republican beliefs. I am ready for change and I am ready for Obama.

All,

Just wanted to say thank you for all of your comments lately. I love logging in and seeing your comments! Even when you disagree with me - Hi Betty! - I still love the dialogue. It is always interesting to me to see people who know me through other people - Hi Sara! - commenting on the site and saying that they read it regularly.

I love to write and it makes it that much more enjoyable to know that people are reading and engaging with me. You guys are the best and you keep me going. So keep reading and tell your friends…Mama needs a book deal

Jenn

PS - another post coming today on politics…don’t be surprised if I change my mind yet again. I know what you’re thinking, “Jenn you fickle, fickle woman!” I know, I’m a real pain in the ass but at least I keep it entertaining………

First of all, apparently those who view my site would prefer it if my husband wrote on here more often! I have had more hits on this site today than I’ve had in a long time! So, to answer the burning questions regarding his post…

1. yes I was very surprised and teary eyed

2. he is definitely going to get lucky tonight.

On to the race. I guess I just can’t explain what yesterday felt like. Those of you who know me, know that I do not like to do things alone. I would prefer to be with people at any given moment of the day. I like to share life’s experiences with others. All of life’s experiences…even going to the grocery store. So, the fact that I signed up for and mostly trained alone for this race was a big deal for me. When I signed up, I didn’t really expect to get in (the Nike Women’s Marathon is a random lottery entrance). Over 30,000 people put their names in and 20,000 were allowed to participate. Once I was notified, I realized that not only did I have to do this race, I had to do it on my own. I was really nervous.

We arrived in SF on Saturday to register and have a little “couple time” in the City before the big day. At the registration area I started to realize what a big deal this was going to be and I became pretty anxious about being about to complete this task alone. We shopped for a while (I know, it hasn’t been 90 days, confession time on Friday!) and we saw W. the movie. Before my conservative readers freak out that we saw this movie let me say that (again with the lists!):

1. there was NOTHING else out and I wasn’t about to see the Secret of the Bees or whatever

2. I love politics so I find any depiction fascinating, even if I don’t agree.

The Expo where you sign in was amazing. All of Union Square is decorated with pink Nike paraphernalia and I loved it.

Kevin had control of the camera and managed to capture me in my true element, amongst stores, people and the City:

After walking around quite a bit, my feet were sore and I figured that wasn’t a good thing. So, we headed back to the hotel and had dinner at the Pub next door. After that I went back to the room, got my clothes ready and made sure I knew where I was going the next day. By 9:30 we were asleep - unfortunately that didn’t last long because the bed at the hotel was HORRIBLE and neither Kevin nor I slept much all night.

I got up at O’Dark Hundred and got a cab to the start line. Kevin was going to pack up the room, check out and meet me at the finish line (more on this later). When I got to Union Square I was in awe. I guess I have seen large crowds assembled before at concerts but for some reason seeing 20,000 people ready to run yesterday morning was just amazing. I started wishing that I had signed up for the Full, a feeling which would fade significantly at about Mile 10 and completely dissipate at Mile 11. I held up my cell phone so I could get you a peek at the crowd:

I met a girl in line for the bathroom named Jeanie. She was my age exactly, two kids and a hubby and was running for the same reason as me - mostly just to say she did it and to prove that a woman can recover from kids and be even better on the other end of pregnancy/childbirth. I was in the same time slot as her but lost her in a sea of people just after we parted ways at the port o’potty.

At about 6:45 AM the anticipation was getting pretty heavy and I realized that I was so far back it would be 15 minutes or more before I made it to the start line. Standing there, not knowing anyone or having anyone to talk to was odd for me. I am usually the one with my family or my girlfriends, chatting it up. Yesterday, I was all alone.

The first couple of miles were a blur and mostly just a pain as I tried to get around walkers and those running with their friends 5 across. Next time I will for sure start in a faster time bracket in order to avoid some of the walkers. Anyhow, it wasn’t until about Mile 4 that I started to come to the conclusion I may never be able to stop running. Meaning, the end was so far away that I couldn’t even picture it. Either way, it was about this time that I slowed down for my first water break. I slowed my pace and grabbed water, just like the runners you see on t.v. However, I tried to continue to run while drinking… I found this to be completely unsuccessful. I would have to wait until the next mile to actually consume any water.

I knew that mile 6 was the big hill that everyone talks about in this race. It is an entire mile of a steep incline. All of the people around me were talking about it and everyone seemed to have a game plan. Some were going to walk, some where going to walk every two minutes, some where going to complain the whole way (this seemed like the favored strategy). For whatever reason….I kicked butt on that hill. I loved running up it and I was pretty stoked when I saw the downhill in sight. What I didn’t plan for was how much the downhill would hurt. My knees felt as though they might pop right off and roll like tires down the hill without me.

At some point - mile 8? - I realized I was more than halfway and I started to feel really proud. We were running through this tunnel and on the other side was a beautiful view of the SF Bay. I actually teared up. I started to think about all of the people who can’t run. I started to remember why I wanted to do this in the first place. I remembered sitting in labor with Isaac and thinking, if I can do this…I can do anything. And indeed I was.

The next mile they had fresh orange slices. I don’t know what to say about these orange slices…other than I am pretty sure they had crack in them. Ladies, remember that meal you have after you give birth? You feel like nothing has ever tasted this good and you are amazed that you are able to eat when 30 minutes ago you thought you were dying? That is how good that orange was.

Mile 10 was a real bitch. It was a slow incline followed by a very steep downhill with a gorgeous view of the beach. However, the downhill was combined with a whole lot of wind and cold. I was miserable. This was the only part where I thought that I wanted to just stop. Mile 12 felt like forever but as I rounded the corner and saw the finish line 300 yards away, I was completely overcome. I had done it. And I had done it well. I started to sprint and I think I may have elbowed a lady out of my way…if you’re reading lady with the pink bandanna and blue shorts, I am sorry.

As I sprinted toward the finish line the smile on my face was huge. I felt like an Olympian, which I know is ridiculous, but it was really that awesome. My final race time was 2 hours, 25 minutes and 35 seconds. By no means a winning number but it was my number.

 Probably the most talked about thing at this race is the coveted Tiffany necklace given to the finishers. What I didn’t know until race day, is that the necklace is handed to you by a SF City firefighter in a tuxedo. This was the best part for many women…for me, I wasn’t really that pleased to see someone so dressed up when I look like death (see below).

If you are interested - here is the necklace (front):

Here is the back of the necklace:

Just after I collected my necklace and t-shirt, I texted Kevin and let him know that I was finised. When I didn’t hear from back from him in a few minutes, I called him. The Hubby, God bless him, got lost…then took a cab….then couldn’t get close to the finish line because of all of the road closures….then he had to run 3 miles to get to me. Poor guy comes running up, massive camera in one hand and my tube of Icy Hot in the other. He was so disappointed to have missed the finish but I was just happy to see him and happy to be done.

Words can’t express how I felt yesterday. I know it wasn’t a full marathon but my heart didn’t know the difference as I crossed the line. I’ve given birth to two beautiful boys and it taught me that the human body is an amazing creation. Running this race was just another way for me to appreciate how much I can do if I focus on a goal and never look back.

Thanks to all of you who watched the kids while I was doing training runs, to my hubby who had to put up with a lot of yapping about this goal since March and mostly to my kids…for giving me so much confidence.

Words for my wife…

Let me be the first to say, Jennifer is officially a bad ass! (pardon my french).

I suggest re-naming this blog as the current title certainly doesn’t do justice. My Jennifer is NOT “just another jenn”! She set a lofty personal goal, began training many months ago (during one of the most major transitional periods in her life) and subsequently achieved success. I, for one, am very proud of my wife. You all know I don’t typically comment on here - so please consider the magnitude of importance in which I leave this. To most of you, Jenn provides a interesting perspective on life - a transparent and clear representation of her life along with the daily challenges and unique experiences that accompany it. I must admit, she does a rather good job of it!

But to me, Jenn is much more than an entertaining and/or interesting read in the morning. She is an amazing mother, a hard worker, funny as hell, smart, witty, quick on her feet, and possesses the ability to out-debate just about any political junkie out there…including myself.

I felt compelled to draft this today as I was reminded this weekend just how truly lucky I am to have her in my life. This race was so much more than accomplishing a half marathon run, so much more. So Jennifer, this is for you. Congrats on your huge achievement! The boys and I are so proud of you, and I’m sorry for hacking your site

Hubby

(I promise not to put your readers through this again…change your password)

I will post more later - however, I ran the SF Nike Women’s Marathon (the half) and finished! 2 hours and 25 minutes. I have pictures and everything but right now… I need to rest.

Today I read two of my favorite bloggers, then sat staring at my computer in total disbelief. Let me explain…

I am a woman. I am a woman who has been pregnant 5 times. I am a woman who only has 2 children to show for those 5 pregnancies. I am a woman who had to have a D&C three times in order to remove embryo’s that had unexpectedly died in the womb. I understand the issues related to pregnancy, pregnancy loss and fertility. I understand them more than I would like to.

So, with that said… I bring a large amount of bias to the discussion of abortion. I have experienced the “empty arms” of a pregnant woman whose baby is no longer alive inside of her. The thought of choosing that out of convenience is abhorrent to me.  However, I refuse to stand in judgement of those who have, that is not my purpose or place and that is not the point of this post.

However, when I read posts both here and here about how a “thinking woman” couldn’t vote for McCain because of his stance on abortion, I wanted to stand on a hill and scream. First of all, that you would incite women who are well rounded creatures (not unlike their male counterparts) to vote on a single issue, well that alone insults my intelligence. Secondly, to assert that there is only one way to think on this subject is absurdly naive. Have we really come to the point as a society that we want above all else to protect the right to terminate a pregnancy? THAT is what we are going to fight FOR?

What about the children? What about the fact that we as a society haven’t educated men and women enough to know that if you participate in action A, the result could be B? No, instead we just want to make sure that after the “action” a woman can walk into a clinic and “take care of business.”

I understand that Julia (aka alittlepregnant) is talking mostly about the health of the mother issue. I agree that a woman should have “choice” in this instance. However, there has to be a reasonable definition of “health” and John McCain was absolutely correct - the pro-choice advocates have expanded this definition. I am not a doctor so I will leave this definition up the medical community.

However, the stats on abortion are staggering. Twenty-two percent of ALL pregnancies end in abortion. From 1973 to 2005 more than 45 MILLION abortions have been performed. Three-fourths of women having abortions cite financial concerns. Forty-six percent of women having abortions HAVE NOT USED CONTRACEPTIVES. You can read a lot more facts here.

I do not want to demonize the women who have to make this choice. I do however want to point out the fact that a generation of women since Roe vs. Wade have rallied around a cause that is not worthy of celebration and protection to the point where it would be the deciding factor in a political election. We are a country of ingenuity and intelligence and this is the “right” we boast in protecting?

Why can’t we rally around appropriate sex education? Why can’t we discuss options besides termination? Why does abortion have to be the answer for so many women? Can we not keep some sense of self-control as a part of this debate? Or do we legislative to the lowest common denomination and then simply hope for the moral best? I think we can do better. I think our politicians and N.O.W have done this country a disservice. Roe vs. Wade may be here to stay but it is NOTHING to celebrate.