tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29309141448610534822012-02-21T03:18:01.225-05:00Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.comBlogger2431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-35844091523230341152012-02-21T03:18:00.000-05:002012-02-21T03:18:01.242-05:00

Brian and I both had the day off today, which was good, because he managed to get tickets to a taping of "Live With Kelly" (formerly Regis & Kelly).  Yeah yeah, I know, a taping of a live show...?  But if they were to actually show it live from Hawaii, it would have to start at 4am.  Anyhow, it was at the new Disney resort over at Ko Olina, which we've driven past but never been to.  It was

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-41121759336612635212012-02-20T01:20:00.002-05:002012-02-20T03:34:04.692-05:00

I've been enjoying a kitchen renaissance lately, with my luxurious free time.  Good for the soul, bad for the waistline... Last week, I made some mint-chip cookies (sorry for the lame photo - I didn't take any until I only had one left. :) Forgive also the crummy photo quality - the kitchen's a wreck, and I want to get back into the habit of posting.)  Anyhow, it was everything I love about

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-61948634481552350242012-02-19T20:38:00.000-05:002012-02-20T01:40:41.935-05:00

Had a good grocery outing today.  I think I've become completely desensitized to Hawaii food prices.  The numbers that used to give me pause no longer do.  I passed up some local lilikoi butter - but I might wait until I make some headway on my apricot jam, with some scones I hope to make later this week.  I'd like to go to the Whole Foods here and see if they have double cream.  Maybe I should

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-85712978699404591082011-11-24T04:27:00.001-05:002011-11-24T04:47:48.190-05:00

So I had a ton of tie ends (the skinny tails), left over from making a tie skirt1 a couple years ago.  I figured I could put them to good use, and finally decided I could make little cuff bracelets out of them and some cute vintage buttons I inherited from my mom and grandmother's sewing collection. I measured them on my wrist, folded over the not-pointy end and stiched it closed.  Matched a

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-8832119285043916822011-11-23T23:15:00.000-05:002011-11-24T04:26:25.896-05:00

So I've been on quite the crafting binges lately.  And a lot of them have involved reuse of otherwise unused objects.  Partly because of thrift, and partly because we live on an island now, and I'm a lot more sensitive to our waste these days.  Not that I wasn't before, but when you live on a very small pinpoint in the middle of the sea from which our garbage gets shipped, anything I can do to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-83815081550061654392011-11-20T22:02:00.001-05:002011-11-20T22:58:10.421-05:00

So I passed by some Crispix mix in a store a few weeks ago that had furikake in it. (a Japanese seasoning for steamed rice that has sugar, salt, sesame, and seaweed in it - don't turn up your nose until you try it, it's good!)  I love love love a good chex Mix, but was unwilling to pay the confiscatory price they were asking, so I started searching for recipes and found this and this. I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-68519895268937546952011-11-17T00:30:00.000-05:002011-11-17T00:30:00.980-05:00

About a year ago, I bought a lovely basic grey skirt.  Knee-length, goes with lots, fits well.  So you can understand my dismay when, on the second or third wear, I stained it by sitting on a sharpie or pen or something.  Well, I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it, even though there was a big black stain on the caboose, so I set it aside, figuring I could wear it with long jackets or sweaters

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-23771122939826634632011-11-16T20:44:00.001-05:002011-11-16T21:10:46.066-05:00

So I've been addicted, in my unemployment, to pinterest, where in a 5-minute span, I can grow my project-list exponentially.  But, I now have time for all the projects I've accumulated for the past seven years!  So I've been doing a lot of crafting and DIY projects. One recent obsession: refashioning t-shirts into new things.  I'm kicking myself for giving away so much of my clothing before we

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-5400073096290809382011-11-15T20:22:00.000-05:002011-11-16T20:43:29.188-05:00

Went back up to Hale'iwa today and tried Aoki's Shave Ice - which was not-crowded and right across a gravel lot from the always-crowded Matsumoto.   First, they weren't crowded with tourists.  Which we aren't any more. :) Second, they had more pleasant seating out front.  And just seemed cleaner than Matsumoto. Third, they had some interesting flavors - including Blue Hawaii, which might

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-78491996000138973362011-10-31T18:50:00.002-04:002011-11-03T01:38:57.230-04:00

So we've been "home" for about two weeks now (staying in a hotel for the first ten days doesn't count), and we just about have everything situated in the house.  The kitchen was the first room to be settled.  The guest bedroom is all set up! (Book your vacations now!) The office is almost ready.  The bathrooms done. Our closet still needs some organizing, and everything could use a good

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-45836387724594548842011-10-28T15:24:00.004-04:002011-11-03T01:39:29.809-04:00

So I think my newest goal is to make a thorough investigation of the island’s shave ice and determine which one, truly, serves the best.  Made a visit to Matsumoto’s up in Haleiwa with a friend earlier this week, and while it’s popular and very tasty, it’s also always crowded with tourists, the benches outside smell like garbage, and the staff is hit-or-miss on friendliness.  I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-31646080414215255552011-10-28T15:11:00.003-04:002011-11-03T01:39:52.005-04:00

I only recently began ordering pulled pork (usually at those barbecue places that bring you otherwise plain pork and allow you to sauce it yourself) and I sure don’t like that nasty brown smoky-sweet rubbish that is commercial barbecue sauce.  Ugh.  But, I can tolerate the sauces at those barbecue joints that are more tomato-tangy than anything.  So, having found a recipe for slow-cooked pulled

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-23308092439330047932011-09-26T22:20:00.002-04:002011-09-26T22:21:32.836-04:00

Well, have I been woefully negligent in posting, or what?  I started a bunch of posts over the summer and never finished them.  Until now... so, apologies for the newsreader bomb, subscribers.   Anyhow, the big news this summer, if you don't already know it, is that we are moving! To Hawaii!  Mr. Jenspin got a promotion, and that promotion is on Oahu.  It hasn't felt real. It gets a little

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-27608310709094677562011-08-13T21:03:00.000-04:002011-09-26T21:19:07.695-04:00

This summer, I'm giving myself some Iron-chef-style personal challenges with the things that are in my pantry (seriously, where did all these kidney beans come from??). Recipes I've bookmarked for later: Orange-Blossom Creme Brulee Red Beans and Rice (it's been hard finding a recipe that doesn't use canned beans when I want to use up dried) Curried Courgette Soup Lilikoi Chiffon Pie

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-29270498965482007312011-08-03T20:42:00.000-04:002011-09-26T21:35:30.296-04:00

More kitchen fun, this time with gelatin. The basic proportion?  1 Knox envelope, with 2 c. liquid. Assemble your liquids! Last year, I made americano gelee with unflavored gelatin, espresso, and water. This time, I'm using Shokata (lemon-elderflower soda), leftover Shiraz from last night's dinner (I added a couple teaspoons of sugar to the hot wine to take a bit of the edge off), and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-29733548643913917032011-07-14T20:37:00.000-04:002011-09-26T20:37:37.326-04:00

Hot glue is just as miraculous as duct tape. What can't be fixed with a glue gun? Well, mine's been hot today. I have a long summer-project list - things I'd love to do, but never have any time during the school year - and I made some progress on it this morning. First, a wreath. I saw a clever cookbook-page wreath in a fancypants kitchen shop in Marin.   When I picked it up, I saw the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-41560436016867461262011-07-12T15:56:00.004-04:002011-09-26T20:31:13.373-04:00

So I had a burst of industry today. Surveyed our pantry, looked up some recipes, and went to the grocery store and came home with all kinds of fresh food for the week. I do love summer produce! Bought blueberries, mango, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, potatoes, bananas (both green and ripe - some for eating, some for baking), plums, green onions, peaches, plus some tilapia, ham, and sausage.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-41679369291360319752011-07-06T19:38:00.002-04:002011-07-06T19:50:24.822-04:00

If to distant lands I scatterIf I sail to farthest seasWould you find and firm and gather 'til I only dwell in Thee?If I flee from greenest pasturesWould you leave to look for me?Forfeit glory to come after'Til I only dwell in Thee(Brooke Fraser)

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-26572027235607292022011-06-26T20:28:00.000-04:002011-09-26T20:29:30.226-04:00

It's summer, which means I finally have time to tackle all the projects that come up during the school year. I've also been inspired by last year's cleaning and purging of a friend's apartment and classroom, prior to her cross-country move. And it just feels good to live light. Here's my summer-project list. I'm really good at starting projects, but less good about finishing them, so maybe

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-24039850228460134732011-05-26T22:04:00.005-04:002011-05-31T11:45:21.382-04:00

So this month, no, this year just screamed by. I can't believe it's getting to be my birthday already - our last day of class is tomorrow! Some have asked for my annual list, so here it is. :)As always, nothing means more to me than handwritten notes and letters from friends. There are few joys quite like receiving mail!Moleskine Recipe JournalTrish McEvoy #9 perfume2G SD memory cardsPilot

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-70237362900186868402011-02-28T18:46:00.003-05:002011-02-28T22:28:04.832-05:00

I've been involved, or privy to, at least four separate conversations today about learning and teaching and just what it is we've each learned from one another. And another conversation about how shamefully neglectful I've been of my blog. So, here you go, dear reader. Some (largely unedited) thoughts.As a teacher, I like to think I teach my students plenty. Well, some days more than others,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-49037086892838956612010-11-19T18:05:00.002-05:002010-11-27T09:48:56.783-05:00

Since friends and family will be asking soon enough...Handwritten letters from friends! I really mean it - that's why this is at the top of my list.Dansko clogs in Petrol Patent, size 40I had a pair of black Danskos that were my everyday shoe for about 8 years - the sole has finally crumbled.Chaco ZX/2 sandals, size 9These are my everyday summer shoe; I lost one shoe somewhere between Hawaii and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-6475238412635906542010-11-13T17:26:00.005-05:002010-11-13T17:48:22.867-05:00

Wow, it's been too long.As has this week. Normally they fly by, but this one sure took its sweet time. I remember thinking on Wednesday morning that it had to be Friday. Thursday, at the very least. But no. The week's journey was an interesting one. Went swimming into others' spiritual storms and found myself in a pretty dark place by midweek. Where the work seemed far too big. And it is

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-60263755840255220002010-08-19T23:39:00.001-04:002010-08-19T23:39:00.821-04:00

All I HaveLyrics by Mat KearneyWell here we go at it three years laterWould you help me to dream it all up again?Tired of the same song everyone's singingI'd rather be lost with you instead Don't you come around hereCome around here any moreDragging my fearsDragging my fears out the doorAll I have all I have all I have, well, you know it's yoursEvery breath every step every moment I'm looking

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-65321757656531826902010-08-18T21:22:00.002-04:002010-11-13T20:12:53.335-05:00

The smell of tomato vinesBaking on parchment paperThe celloKaleidoscopesFront seats on roller coastersThe contrast of bright white planes or birds against dark cloudsParsley. I'll eat your garnish right off your plate.Cherries from canned fruit cocktailDichroic glass jewelryCake. Ice cream. But not cake-and-ice-cream together on the same plate. I don't like when the cake soaks up melted

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-25597463478296739132010-08-17T21:53:00.001-04:002010-08-17T21:53:00.193-04:00

A broken footA lovely vacation, up until (and quite frankly, even including) the aforementioned footCatching up with a long-neglected friend in CaliforniaA lot of grading:- 2413 question-1s on the 2010 AP Chemistry examA lot of cleaning:- A better cleaning of a friend's refrigerator than I have ever done to my own.- An organized pantry, two bedrooms, and an office (in progress), inspired by the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-69518814430297441882010-08-16T13:12:00.000-04:002010-08-16T13:54:38.360-04:00

Who has two thumbs and fails at pocket-pie making? That's right, this girl.Like most misadventures, it all started out fine. I got some empenada discs at the grocery store, intending to fill them with jam for a sort of riff on pop-tarts. You know, a quick on-the-road breakfast, what with school starting soon and all. So I plopped a tablespoon (okay, more like two) of my homemade blackberry jam in

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-68955571861688423022010-08-15T22:26:00.001-04:002010-08-16T10:44:13.082-04:00

I'm not sure why it took me so long to get on the unflavored gelatin wagon. Turn any liquid into Jell-o?? I'm in!Americano Jelly2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (could use sheets, too, I imagine, but the Knox stuff is available everywhere)1 c. cool water1 c. hot espressoBrew some espresso (or just make some strong coffee).Meanwhile, soften gelatin over cool water. (I just want to poke it!)Line a 8-

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-52736707562892474342010-08-03T11:27:00.004-04:002010-08-03T11:34:23.814-04:00

The loaves in this picture differ only by a couple tablespoons of milk and a couple tablespoons of honey instead of sugar. I must have measured something wrong on the oddly-shapen right loaf. It tastes fine, but it's as dense as lead.I turned two slices of the left loaf into the most enchanting French Toast to ever pass my lips. A generous shake of my new kitchen-magic Cake Spice didn't hurt.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-56477302339147146902010-07-29T00:02:00.000-04:002010-07-29T00:09:52.201-04:00

I was on the Big Island of Hawaii recently, where I broke a bone in my foot. It's a crummy thing to have happen on vacation, surely, but if it was going to happen, at least it was after we got to the volcano - I'd been there before, so I only missed out on one hike I hadn't done before.There was a surface lava flow just outside the park, so we drove to the county-run viewing area. On a foot

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-6119498587976332010-07-28T19:52:00.008-04:002010-07-28T20:47:33.430-04:00

In the past 12h, my kitchen has been the epicenter of quite the cooking-quake:Started off with a full cooked breakfast (including freshly-made scones) with homemade yogurt and homemade blackberry jam. So the yogurt and jam don't really count towards today's cooking throughput, but eating has to count for something.2 loaves of Banana Granola Bread - one to keep, one to send to a friend.Chocolate

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-30387856985870555072010-07-03T02:43:00.002-04:002010-07-03T02:43:00.137-04:00

A friend and I have thrown around the phrase "things that look good on paper" lately. Which has me thinking about the things in my life that have looked good on paper. Things I thought I wanted that didn't turn out so well. Or, truly, those things which I thought I didn't want but have proven to be more than I could have ever wanted, with rewards exceeding my imagination.Chemistry. I always

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-449253541195721962010-07-01T20:42:00.005-04:002010-07-01T21:02:43.948-04:00

Working the Mosaic coffee bar, I pride myself in knowing regulars by their drink choice. I may have virtually no idea what their names are, but I do know their drink. (Mr. Toffee-Nut Latte, I'm talking to you) I love winning the race to get their usual drink started before they even ask for it.And people - whether they admit it - want to be known, to have their needs anticipated. We cloak it,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-89039306511643230652010-06-30T14:56:00.000-04:002010-07-01T16:09:28.629-04:00

So I'm about to go back to CA for the first time in five years. I'd been having strong Monterey cravings over the past year, and I am super-excited to be visiting again.Something I've always remembered from the treacly Life's Little Instruction Books is:"Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard."I've done

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-21009678808579114892010-06-28T20:15:00.014-04:002010-06-28T22:04:44.138-04:00

I've had quite the leisurely week - exactly the kind that summer break is supposed to provide. Good, restorative days that lead you to forget exactly what day it is.Monday - Beach!Spent a terrific day with terrific company at New Smyrna Beach, which has the powdery sand of Daytona without its gross spring-break-iness. Went out in the water (70-something-degree water felt a lot warmer in the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-48840408943358118422010-06-26T10:44:00.000-04:002010-06-29T13:36:20.018-04:00

A year or so ago, some friends were over for dinner, and - inexplicably - we started this list. I just rediscovered it in with some other papers, and, well, here you go:Songs that would NOT sound good on bagpipesJingle BellsJesus Freak - dctalkAll Out of Love - Air SupplyIt's My Life - Bon JoviI've decided to start using the phrase "That's as bad as Jingle Bells on the bagpipes". I'm hoping

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-63419131869323301472010-06-11T19:15:00.002-04:002010-06-11T19:24:20.274-04:00

My summer reading pile, in no particular order:Here in Daytona - not that I envision a ton of time for reading, but better to have too much reading material than not enough - I have brought the Lewis, the Miller, the Johnson, and the Kirn. I'm halfway through the thin-though-dense Lewis and am sorry for having put him down for his fiction for so long. And I'm sort of glad for having lost the

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-89752114594145893212010-04-08T16:25:00.004-04:002010-04-08T16:42:51.963-04:00

It's that time of year, again (already). Late spring - marked by an acceleration to the finish line, exacerbated by a late spring break.As we ready ourselves for the season, some Kahlil Gibran:And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, Speak to us of Children.And he said:Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.They come through

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-56042189514616581842010-04-05T16:27:00.001-04:002010-04-05T17:10:55.876-04:00

I finally got to see a shuttle launch all up-close-and-personal!I often disparage the local news channel, especially after having been edited to sound like an absolute ignoramus, but one thing they do really well is NASA coverage. I just happened to see, sometime on Friday, that there was a shuttle mission scheduled to launch early Monday morning. And, most fortuitously, I am on Spring Break

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-72628230229002587082010-04-03T20:15:00.003-04:002010-04-03T21:03:05.977-04:00

It's Spring Break (finally!), and I have an overly ambitious reading list. To which I will permit myself to attend once my term grades are finished. At this rate - and now that I've trimmed it a little - I've got to read about a book per day - ambitious indeed! But I think I will plan to spend a couple days at the beach, which will make for good reading time.Tea With Hezbollah, Ted DekkerThe

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-6193555013789939972010-03-25T21:59:00.004-04:002010-03-26T00:32:51.125-04:00

This morning, on the way to school, I was singing in my car - as I do, loudly - when I drove through the orange groves on either side of the road. The scent of springtime orange blossoms is enough for you to stop your car in the street, but all I did was stop mid-verse to breathe in. Later, on the way home, passing the trees again, the stirred-up atmosphere made for more fleeting fragrance -

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-20045096553418227102010-03-20T16:41:00.002-04:002010-03-20T17:02:42.604-04:00

Several of my current favorite songs all have the word "hurricane" in the lyrics. I like to think it's not because of my meteorological background (after all, it's my husband with the tropical experience), and that it's all a mere coincidence, but, really, who am I kidding...How He Loves, Jeremy RiddleListenWinter Snow, Audrey AssadWatchCrashing Down, Mat KearneyListenand just for good measure,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-77943979926306891032010-03-05T22:01:00.009-05:002010-03-08T16:31:41.235-05:00

Had a mixed-bag kind of day today.It started rather inauspiciously when I discovered that I had lost my favorite rhinestone airplane brooch from my winter coat. I halfway recall having it catch on something last night, but I can't remember whether it was at MCO or EWR or anywhere in between, but I don't suppose it matters. And a quick scan of the internets shows no duplicate on offer anywhere.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-20920412713825188632010-02-26T21:56:00.004-05:002010-02-26T22:04:17.361-05:00

Spent a ton of money at Whole Foods tonight, but the company and subsequent dinner was totally worth it. So far tonight, what's come out of my kitchen:Saveur Lamb BurgersA riff on these, sans mustard and sauteed onions. Amazingly good on toasted wheat buns with feta, cucumber, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Served with Israeli couscous and a steamed artichoke.Roasted-Banana Browned-Butter

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-73278856006372400512010-02-13T19:48:00.006-05:002010-02-13T20:25:19.459-05:00

Even though (because?) I have tons of work to do this weekend, I'm really glad for the holiday weekend. This morning, I worked against some of my sleep deficit, which grew significantly this week and left me vulnerable to an opportunistic cold virus. I slept until 930a, which was perfect - long enough for good rest, but not too long that I felt I squandered the morning.Yesterday's grey all-day

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-82521470365677106842010-02-01T22:56:00.007-05:002010-02-03T00:28:09.230-05:00

Three weeks ago, I stumbled into a conversation with my last-period philosophers about the nature of teaching and why I choose to teach when I could make (and have made) way more money doing something else. One student asked me how much money it would take for me to leave teaching and return to research, and I told him honestly that it would take a lot - if not an infinite amount. Because I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-13311818664994502082009-11-23T21:59:00.009-05:002009-11-25T03:09:27.665-05:00

Today, I took my parents on a Gulf-Coast Adventure. We drove 2+ hours to Tarpon Springs, a touristy community north of Tampa, known for its Greek-immigrant population, drawn originally for its sponge industry. The spongebeds are mostly depleted, but the old-Florida tacky-fabulous "museums" and sponge shops remain amidst Greek restaurants and bakeries.We arrived late in the morning, and scored

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-43500191771985915792009-11-23T00:25:00.008-05:002009-12-12T20:17:02.886-05:00

What I'm telling those that ask:13 weeks of pottery studio time! Who knew this existed?? Would be so fun for summer.Rain boots! I like these and these.New Dansko clogs. Mine were a Christmas gift several years ago, and I keep leaving sole fragments wherever I walk. At this point, re-soling is likely out of the question. These are what I have. I don't understand how these are different.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-5853398075436185122009-11-23T00:17:00.002-05:002009-11-23T00:24:36.574-05:00

...I had a blog.It's Thanksgiving Break. And with this prolonged sabbath, I intend to rest. And read. And write. Though I need to read lab reports and write grades on papers, a friend has convinced me to feel little guilt about taking a deserved time of rest.Tomorrow's Destination: Tarpon Springs.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-79017159934689070682009-06-14T09:09:00.001-04:002009-06-14T09:09:00.940-04:00

The Peace of Wild ThingsWendell BerryWhen despair grows in meand I wake in the middle of the night at the least soundin fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,I go and lie down where the wood drakerests in his beauty on the water,and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild thingswho do not tax their lives with forethoughtof grief. I come into the presence of still

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-65114223765517406922009-06-13T23:06:00.002-04:002009-06-13T23:57:11.111-04:00

...the world requires no audience, no witnesses...(Conor Oberst, I Must Belong Somewhere)At sundown, I often think it strange that the waves continue crashing, the mountains keep on standing, even after they dissolve into inky black. All the beauty on earth is routinely hidden. The mere fact that I can't see it doesn't keep it from happening. Which immediately feels extraordinarily

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-45068479453165086042009-06-12T11:41:00.010-04:002009-06-12T13:15:01.969-04:00

I'll admit I really only wanted to be in Girl Scouts for the badges.  Okay, and maybe the cookies.  Because you could get a badge for selling cookies!So, much delight to come across this!Here's my sash!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-47119855602335071672009-05-23T10:00:00.000-04:002009-05-23T10:00:00.912-04:00

Graduation is today.  I adore graduations, as I do most ceremony.  (Okay, partly because there is costuming involved!)  The symbolism of academic regalia.  The families and the accomplishment and the transition.  The pomp.  The circumstance.  The tears I shed are from an overflow of feelings, not exclusively sadness.  I never fail to find myself swept up in a tempest of emotion.  Sure, there is

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-84434419254701544752009-05-09T00:51:00.008-04:002009-05-20T19:59:17.929-04:00

It's already nine days into my birthday month, and I'm finally now alerting everyone.It's nice to have a birthday at the very end of the month - once the calendar page changes, I get several weeks of anticipation.Here's my list of what I want for my birthday, for which I know you've all been waiting.Remove Before Flight keychainHinge Wallet - because Jess says I need a new walletStila Twinset in

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-36379961644516207182009-05-09T00:24:00.004-04:002009-05-09T00:37:12.413-04:00

What I ordered for my mom for Mother's Day:What was delivered:The hell?!  Okay, okay, to be entirely fair, the florist did tell me that they were out of the dahlias, and I told them to substitute a chrysanthemum or lily or something else big.But come on.First, with the colors of those roses in there, I'd have probably gone with a dark pink or red gerbera, not orange.  Or yellow spray roses

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-90792045227284323202009-04-11T13:26:00.006-04:002009-04-12T15:54:11.780-04:00

It's been an interesting and busy week, but, outside of my Monday-night small group's discussion of Passover, I haven't paid much attention to the upcoming Easter celebration, much beyond buying Peeps1 for my chemistry classes' gas-laws demonstrations.   I have foregone many of the typical Eastertime traditions - nothing given up for Lent, the extent of my fasting was for a blood test one

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-28049351372002575632009-04-05T13:03:00.000-04:002009-04-11T13:24:18.353-04:00

We hosted our supper club this month, which meant it was our job to decide the theme.  We'd done the same stuff, so I decided that this month's supper club was brought to you by the letter S.  Everything had to have an ingredient that began with S.  We had a spinach salad with strawberries and sunflower seeds.  San Pellegrino.  Sunflower and flax seed bread.  Blackberry cobbler (it had sugar in

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-18843039949191393472009-03-28T15:15:00.000-04:002009-03-28T17:56:58.979-04:00

Central Florida may want for charm most days, but there are some things that make living here pretty cool.  Like a space shuttle launch at sunset.  And when its landing path is right over your house.Boom!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-5108264663151669702009-03-28T10:14:00.006-04:002009-03-28T10:47:10.170-04:00

Knowing a friend likes sour-cream-blueberry donuts from the local donut purveyor, I decided to do a variation on them for his birthday.  I modified a pound cake recipe into cupcakes, topped them with my usual buttercream, and arranged some white chocolate ribbons on top.1 c. butter, softened2 1/2 c. sugar6 eggs, separated1 c. sour cream (I use the light stuff, to maintain some pretense of

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-12698797394532278992009-03-14T11:12:00.004-04:002009-03-14T11:47:11.223-04:00

I've yet to find a pancake recipe that surpasses Bisquick.There!  I said it.I've munched pancakes all around the globe, and yet, I haven't found any that I like better than what I make at home with Bisquick.  Okay, truth be told, I do fancy it up a bit - I use the extra-fluffy recipe, with its triple-action acid-base chemistry1, to produce a magically voluminous cake.  And I fry them in a little

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-34393617593629311862009-03-10T16:31:00.008-04:002009-06-13T23:57:52.551-04:00

We're on spring break, and we've had shockingly beautiful weather, real chamber-of-commerce kinds of days. And perhaps it's a bit ungrateful for me to say that I am not quite ready for summer. I'm reluctant to give up my wool and my turtlenecks, even though we have had a decent run of winter. But I'm not quite ready for the summer pattern just yet. That said, we've had a string of days lately

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-39054479126352267572009-02-28T10:19:00.004-05:002009-02-28T10:27:22.666-05:00

I'm sitting outside on a glorious Saturday morning.  I'm sitting on an airy patio at Whole Foods, waiting for members of my book club.  It's shockingly beautiful outside - just some cirrus in the sky, temperate now but will reach the 80s this afternoon.  There's a farmer's market 50 feet from me.  I have a coffee and a pretzel roll, and I'm listening to a guy-with-a-guitar.  When I saw him drop

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-64383219858285327982009-02-15T19:19:00.003-05:002009-02-25T01:12:03.041-05:00

Rest in peace, all souls from CJC3407.Commuter aircraft get a bad rap for a wide variety of reasons.  I've long disliked prop planes, and I'm sure I can trace this back to the Roselawn ATR accident.  I know they're as inherently safe as any other tube of metal hurtling through the air, but they sure are noisy and cramped, and to be honest, I generally prefer to divorce myself from the operation

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-15992677113756793822009-02-14T23:30:00.001-05:002009-02-25T01:08:27.041-05:00

Here's a cake I made for a Valentine's Day dinner at church.  I didn't actually get to go because we had relatives in town!  Anyhow, it was red velvet on the inside with almond buttercream.  I know the purists in the audience will recoil - no cream cheese frosting with red velvet? sacrilege! - but I really like the flavor of the almond better.  There are few cakes that truly benefit from cream

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-91426957625892050772009-02-08T23:18:00.010-05:002009-02-25T01:07:10.412-05:00

I just got back from the BEST weekend EVER!Mr. Jenspin and I attended an event for Continental most frequent fliers.  It was totally free, put on by employee volunteers who seem to have as much fun as we do.  We just had to buy plane tickets to Houston.  We went to one a couple years ago, and had the best geeky fun time.  We had face time with the President and CEO and a lot of the top brass -

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-90150406082624137392009-02-01T10:33:00.005-05:002009-02-01T11:24:29.859-05:00

Citrus aren't my favorite fruits, but since I live in Florida and like to eat seasonally, citrus is about the only thing available right now.  Well, that's not entirely true - Plant City strawberries are beginning to make their debut.  Anyhow, there is a roadside stand, just a table and a tent, on the road to school.  A year ago, I stopped and bought a bag of tangeloes.  I brought them home and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-17325244373312974062009-01-24T19:52:00.003-05:002009-01-24T20:19:19.189-05:00

I need to do some work - grading, lesson plans, a set of journal annotations - so it's probably best that I can't find any LED flashlights anywhere in the house.I enjoyed quite the gourmet afternoon, that began with a long-overdue trip to Whole Foods.  The tally:- Devon clotted cream (for scones, with apricot jam)- Pretzel bread- Potatoes- Papadums- Yogurt (to inoculate a batch of homemade yogurt

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-42048809772172206782008-12-11T22:03:00.001-05:002008-12-11T22:06:14.118-05:00

Been listening to my winter playlists, but I need some new songs.  Here are the favorites so far this year:It's Christmas Time, The LovemongersVeni Veni Emannuel, The Gregg Smith SingersGo Tell it on the Mountain, NeedtoBreatheO Come O Come Emmanuel, Chasing FuriesSame Old Lang Syne, Dan FogelbergSong for a Winter's Night, Sarah McLachlanLast Christmas, Savage GardenThe Last Noel, The

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-7433867937506693422008-11-30T15:06:00.001-05:002008-12-01T13:15:58.961-05:00

College bookstores.  College towns, in general.  I spent 24 years of my life in college towns, and I just dig them.Orion.  Okay, it's probably everybody's favorite constellation.  But I like it.  He says winter is on the way.Being greeted by a kiss on the cheek.  I've noticed an uptick in the number of friends who do this, and I love it.  It's very continental, which is immediately appealing,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-35562028039573697872008-11-29T15:15:00.003-05:002008-11-29T15:39:10.988-05:00

What an enjoyable morning!  Beautiful weather and excellent treats.  The Winter Park market is the closest central-Florida  approximation to the Monterey Market - if not in size and produce offerings, then at least in people-watching opportunities and dog-friendliness.What my ten dollars bought:A gigantic bag of kettle corn1 - still hot from the kettleA carton of yellow tomatoes - you'll see them

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-75430015862028596362008-11-28T06:00:00.001-05:002008-11-28T06:00:00.133-05:00

Once again, in the spirit of the crass commercialism that is Black Friday, it's all I want for Christmas!Prayer of St. Francis braceletBaker's Edge pan - it's all corner pieces!Wall poster Chart of the Nuclides."I'm So Adjective, I Verb Nouns" t-shirt.  Mens L.Jemma Kidd I-Tech Eyeliner in AbstractNars Eyeshadow Duos in Caravaggio and Rated RLush Snow Fairy Shower GelCake TurntableFat Daddio's 3"

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-31375337977418711182008-11-27T13:41:00.004-05:002008-12-01T13:32:50.944-05:00

I was tempted toliveblog Thanksgiving preparations again this year, but the preparations are just not terrifically interesting.  I'm in the midst of mincing vegetables for stuffing, and the roll dough is rising, but there are no grandiose preparations this year - or, at least, they are somewhat routine.  Our turkey is already cooked - we let the local Kiwanis club smoke it - so it has been

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-43194311889537931022008-11-22T16:20:00.005-05:002008-11-22T16:51:39.406-05:00

I picked my parents up from the Sanford airport last night - a strange little airport, with lots of British low-cost carriers and signs that warn visitors to look left before crossing - and found a cute little restaurant in an area of town I've never before visited.  I'm going to start a new tag of posts - reviews.  I'm always quick to give an opinion, and it's good to keep a collection of local

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-73768535823655605472008-11-15T17:42:00.006-05:002008-11-15T17:52:51.787-05:00

With our 'merican sensitivity to "difficult" math, you might think we'd be less reluctant to adopt some standards that would make our lives a little easier.  I'm talking about a conversion to the metric system.   Measuring in mL, cm, and g would take a little bit of work at first - some rewriting of recipes, some new traffic signs, and a couple generations who would internally translate mL back

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-82486173718706862142008-11-13T19:00:00.002-05:002008-11-15T12:40:40.800-05:00

Jennifer (Witch 1).  Jennifer is happy to be appearing on stage again, this time in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged.  Previously cast in motherly roles, she plays one of Macbeth's witches - a role for which she says teaching has prepared her.  Favorite roles include Debbie in American Beauty, Messenger in The Wiz, and orchestral credits in Lessons and Carols.  Love and kisses

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-14937165765456295222008-11-12T18:11:00.003-05:002009-06-13T23:58:35.085-04:00

I took a picture of this frog on our bathroom window two months ago. It seems a nice accompaniment to Jess's post. I didn't name it. Maybe I should.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-32048539055382130432008-11-05T00:31:00.001-05:002008-11-06T00:32:31.823-05:00

I've recently seen photographs of several friends and acquaintances I haven't seen, in person, in at least ten years.  (mostly a result of certain social-networking sites)  Clicking through their photos, I'm struck by how much they look like grownups.  I'm not saying they haven't aged well - it's just that they don't look like they're in high school or college anymore.  My mental image of them

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-44607969853021899672008-11-03T23:02:00.001-05:002008-11-03T23:02:10.883-05:00

I have long been interested in personality types - particularly Myers-Briggs - ever since I was first "typed" at a cheesy leadership conference my freshman year of college.  Having never had a psychology course, I was amazed by the information, insight into why I do things the way I do them, and why I think the way I think.  [Sure, I'm not one for taxonomy and labels, and I realize these things

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-3870054352757862742008-11-02T18:38:00.001-05:002008-11-02T19:10:41.340-05:00

If I ever run for public office, my platform will be abolishing Daylight Savings Time. I'm quite serious.It's 630p, but it looks like 1030p.  Which is doing nothing to help my Sunday-night-before-term-grades-are-due panic.  Never mind that everything with a clock was programmed to change two weeks ago.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-76489227246596855792008-11-01T12:38:00.005-04:002008-11-01T14:50:55.338-04:00

Yesterday, a friend mentioned a student of his who once began writing in a notebook - specifically, writing everything that needed to be said that day in the event he didn't have another.  At first, that sounds noble and smart, however, it also seems fatally overwhelming.  I try to do that while on travel - to record everything that I saw or that happened (plus my reaction) in my travel journals.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-68950510262277759052008-10-29T23:11:00.004-04:002008-10-29T23:16:54.287-04:00

Alternate Title: Because Jess DidMy haul from the ridiculous used book sale in Gainesville a couple weeks ago.  I was going to list them here, but it's far more efficient to photograph them.  Even if there is a wonky shadow across the spines and the angle is kind of weird.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-37027698531642787032008-10-20T22:37:00.004-04:002008-10-20T23:37:22.582-04:00

I had been playing Christian-music Russian Roulette (very similar to Bible-Verse Russian Roulette, just on the iPod) for the past couple days - resisting the temptation to skip tracks and listening to whatever song pops up on the random play.  At any rate, on my way home tonight, I decided to listen to a specific song, this song, a song I've always liked the sound of but never really listened to

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-10851523324658494382008-10-13T12:16:00.011-04:002008-10-13T12:30:53.102-04:00

Here's what I did on Sunday, instead of grading papers.A couple weeks ago, I found my box of pastels in a closet of craft supplies (what, you don't have a closet for craft supplies?  I have two. :)  Well, one and a half.  Anyhow...).  I pulled them out and figured I'd eventually do something with them.  So last night, with a couple photographs for inspiration, I laid down some pigment on paper.(

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-58956313360694133482008-10-11T15:20:00.008-04:002009-06-13T23:59:02.997-04:00

Shoulder to shoulder,preened and ready,necks craned fortheir first glimpse.Suffocating clouds.Delayed arrival.Love's threadbare clothinggoes unnoticed.Could they ever thinkhe might not cometo court again tomorrow?

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-68872918013759381502008-10-05T15:44:00.000-04:002008-10-11T15:49:58.496-04:00

Ha ha - well, the latest project I've actually finished.  The scrollwork is a little shaky, but it's not bad, considering I was balanced upon crutches to do it. Jess's Birthday Cake!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-76495201693917276322008-10-01T15:52:00.001-04:002008-10-11T16:29:44.050-04:00

In no particular order:Subways and trams.1990s Jonathan Pryce.Jeremy Irons in Lolita.Eyewear.Semicolons.The ice at Tijuana Flats.Blackberry fragrances, like Sephora Mure andTrish McEvoy #9.Cheese fondue.Used books and used book sales.Backseam hosiery.Palladium windows.Dances with steps (e.g. Electric slide, most ballroom dances).Chivalry.  Hey, I like a door held open for me.Dill weed.Fountain

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-1828526040324264142008-09-29T23:46:00.006-04:002008-09-30T00:11:38.014-04:00

I don't really have anything profound to say about these works that have caught my eye lately, other than to note that they've caught my eye.  For all my romantic notions about everything else that urges me to rush in to it like the proverbial fool, the harsh light of reality glints off of parenting.  And these two items have stuck with me for a few weeks now.  I don't know why, haven't really

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-76453781645312638282008-09-20T15:11:00.006-04:002008-09-20T15:53:43.021-04:00

I've had quite the taste for banana bread lately - some is in the oven now! I've yet to try a bread that beats my mother's recipe (which goes back at least another generation). Rich banana flavor, deep brown crust, freezes well. And it's very easy to make uninspiring banana bread unless you know the rules:Good things come to those who wait. If your bananas aren't at least a week old, don't

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-40911661545740241162008-09-13T13:35:00.004-04:002008-09-13T14:25:46.950-04:00

My playlist for cleaning the kitchen and pantry, repotting my kitchen basil, and baking a tres leches cake.  How Will He Find Me, The WeepiesCacophony, Tilly & The WallShimmer, FuelOur God Reigns, Brandon HeathWhere I Began, Caedmon's CallHope to Carry On, Caedmon's CallThe Man Who Sold the World (MTV Unplugged), NirvanaAll I Want Is You, U2Englishman in New York, StingAll This Time, StingSister,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-34143374670317731882008-09-12T11:27:00.008-04:002008-09-13T10:33:29.098-04:00

This week, I attended a poetry reading by Poet Laureate Billy Collins.  He easily would have been one of my favorite professors in college.  I had been introduced to his work by a friend a couple years ago, but I was only familiar with a few of his poems - most notably The History Teacher.  What a delightful evening!  I know this is obvious, but it's one thing to read a poem on a page, and very

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-46997164636146266492008-09-04T20:12:00.006-04:002009-06-13T23:59:30.961-04:00

Tonight's sunset was beyond stunning! Like, stop-everything-leave-the-food-cooking-on-the-stove-and-go-outside-and-gawk beautiful.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-21079655878033091792008-08-26T20:07:00.004-04:002008-08-26T21:10:44.521-04:00

Today was my 24th First Day of School. Granted, most of those were as a student! Nevertheless, it's time for a new start, time for another cycle of catch-and-release.I was reminded of my first day as a teacher of teenagers. It was a significant career change, so I had a lot to prepare. I spent so much time and energy preparing for that first first day: syllabi, lesson plans, my classroom

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-63496664729653762872008-07-28T02:52:00.006-04:002008-07-28T03:02:57.567-04:00

Paul Simon Old friends Old friends Sat on their park bench Like bookends A newspaper blown through the grass Falls on the round toes Of the high shoes Of the old friends Old friends Winter companions The old men Lost in their overcoats Waiting for the sun The sounds of the city Sifting through trees Settles like dust On the shoulders Of the old friends Can you imagine us years from today

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-72800830754925086332008-07-25T09:41:00.006-04:002008-07-25T10:25:48.506-04:00

Excerpts from the Travel JournalMonday, 23 June 2008 Paris, FranceWe arrived in Paris yesterday, but I wasn't fully aware ofthe differences between Paris and the Italian cities we visited [Florence and Rome] until today. The light is completely different - the sunshine that buttered Italy in gold has given way to a crisper light, one that renders Paris in more of a greyscale. It's not gloomy,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-13356768654155787382008-07-24T09:52:00.002-04:002008-07-25T01:39:08.869-04:00

At a recent appointment, my doctor gave me a brochure describing how their pap tests now screen for HPV (previously known by the less-than-savory name "genital warts" and is now recognized as a cause of cervical cancer) and why we women over 30 aren't being vaccinated against it. Pulling out of the parking lot, I was stopped at a traffic light, so I grabbed the brochure and opened it.My eyes

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-58708642256273949322008-07-21T23:45:00.002-04:002008-07-21T23:51:37.410-04:00

I've had a fantastic mail week! A birthday gift, notes and letters from a few far-flung friends, a couple postcards from a friend who's touring the country and knows I love postcards. Hooray! :) I can't even describe the joy I get in my driveway as I leaf through mail and spot a hand-addressed envelope with my name on it. I think I will spend tomorrow morning making some cards and doing some

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-12227525003326281852008-07-18T10:16:00.020-04:002008-07-21T23:59:24.095-04:00

[Updated with pictures: 21 July 2008]Since I have my laptop in the kitchen, I'm tempted to liveblog my cake-making today. I'll do it as long as I'm running on schedule. :) Delivery is set for 500p, with a 50-min drive.Pre-Blog: Most of cake baked. Top tier (6" pecan spice), second tier (9" pecan spice), third tier (12" toasted coconut), and one layer of bottom tier (16" vanilla bean - but

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-42283074411014732322008-07-17T01:01:00.006-04:002008-07-22T01:14:29.224-04:00

Speaking of a macro lens, these weren't taken with one. But they approach the effect more than any photos I've taken (at least recently).

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-26022475724411542352008-07-11T13:39:00.004-04:002008-07-11T13:44:45.243-04:00

Hello, my name is Jennifer, and I have a problem.I definitely need a macro lens.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930914144861053482.post-22916104345200495282008-07-10T14:42:00.004-04:002008-07-10T14:46:09.360-04:00

Apparently, I'm starting a new series. I haven't forgotten my plans to write about my trip, honest. Summer produce is just so darn photogenic.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01675390488470351317noreply@blogger.com0