What a Blustery Day!

It's a perfect day to post a WHOLE bunch of random pictures from the past month, in no particular order:



This is Wayne's Russian hat. I look really good in it.


This is one of many silly hats that Art owns. He looks really good in it.


We had ice cream cake with neon blue icing that got on everything. It's like it was alive and spreading......


Some Mexican candy. Don't you want some?


I'm thinking of submitting this to FailBlog.org. Jockey=phones?


Mari and I trying on sunglasses in Seattle




This was at Boston's (like Boston Pizza). I think it was supposed to be a political joke.


Sozan did my makeup one night. She's really good at it. I haven't been able to duplicate it on my own.


HUGE marshmallows. As big as my hand.


Joe and Phil at Olive Garden after we went to Lake Padden.

Art.

Sozan and Wayne

Me. Pretending to not notice that I'm taking a picture of myself.
.

Lake Padden. Sozan and I walked all around it (about 2 miles).


Oh, that's it! We're going to Costco today because we got a free membership (shh, don't tell anyone!) Yay for saving money on groceries! Except we might not because it's really tempting to buy all sorts of cheap things you don't need.

One of Those Days

It's not been a bad day. Just sort of boring. Uneventful.

I had breakfast. Then I washed the dishes. Actually, I think those are the other way around.

I watched a movie online. And I think I'm going to take a shower soon. I'll probably eat a sandwich later.

So, you best move on now. There is nothing to see here today. But I might put up some random pictures tomorrow.

Whoa.

Don't all fall over from sheer excitement, okay?

Sunday Stuff

Know what I just discovered? Rummikub. I have never played that game before, and then Joe and Phil brought it over the other day and taught me. And now I like that game. Kind of addicted.

I also watched two cool movies this weekend: Everything Is Illuminated and Bolt.

The first one is an independent film starring Elijah Wood. He's plays an American who goes to the Ukraine to find out more about about his grandpa, and the Ukrainian men who help him are pretty funny and crazy. It starts out as a comedy, but by the end, it's more serious and deep, but beautiful.

The second is an animated film about a dog. Normally, I think dog movies are super lame, but this one was really funny. If you enjoyed Kung Fu Panda, you will enjoy this one.

Guess what else I discovered, for the second time: to not play Monopoly against PHIL!!!!!!!! What Wayne said is SO true: "I never believed in luck until I met Phil." This guy started ripping us off and taking our money with the LOWEST VALUE properties. He managed to get a few more by the end, but he didn't even really need them. He was doing pretty well with just the little purple ones right after GO.

I mean, I'll give it to you, Phil. You're good. But you're a little too good. The odds are always stacked conspicuously in your favor. Maybe you really do have the force......

(Yes, I just made a Star Wars reference. We were playing Star Wars Monopoly. It's like the regular Monopoly, except it's 122,385,897 times more nerdy. Next time, I'M going to be Darth Vader.)

Anyway, at church today I found out that they're giving some old books and Bibles away for free. So I grabbed a book. And Art grabbed FIVE Bibles. Did I mention that we already have ELEVEN?! Well, one of the Bibles is for me. So now I have two. And Art has 14. We're like, the holiest people on the west coast right now.

Well, that's basically it for now. Art has to get up really early in the morning, so I have to shut this thing down and get ready for bed. Oh, and I finished the puzzle last night. It took me 2 days, which is a little fast for my taste. I like a puzzle that really challenges me, and takes me a week or so. But I still enjoyed it.

G'night!

What Blog?

Oh, you mean this blog? My blog?

Sorry, too busy puzzlin'.......

Hilarious Quote of the YEAR

In typical Art style....


"What are these called: Bottomless Butt Fries?!"


If you're as confused as I was, it's because he was talking about CUPCAKES. Sozan brought over some very delicious CUPCAKES. Bottomless Butt Fries indeed.

I will be laughing at this for quite some time.


**The name of the recipe that Sozan used is called Black Bottom Cupcakes, so it guess it makes sense. Kind of.**

Most Beautiful Day

I saw a large black squirrel in our backyard today.

Don't I have just the most fascinating life?! I can't tell you how many famous people are begging to make a movie about me.

So it's a beautiful day today, and I can't be bothered to do the dishes. Wayne and Sozan are coming over, and the four of us are going to Bellingham, to Lake Paden/Padden. I've never been there, but I'm guessing it's a pretty place to go for a walk on a day such as this.

Oh, mom, I was wrong about Art spending the night in Bellingham tonight. That's NEXT week Wednesday. So I won't be crying my lonesome self to sleep tonight. But I will one week from today.

Marilu, you read this blog sometimes, right? Do you want to make some vague plans for next week? We could work out, I could help you with your homework, or I could distract you from your homework, whatever works for you.

Finally (but probably not) I got my income tax return today! It's a very large amount of money, and I'm very happy, and Art and I are going to Olive Garden again for dinner like we did when we got his return. Dang. It just occurred to me that I might want to put on some makeup. Oops. No time now.

Finally finally, all my nagging finally paid off and Art came home with some postage stamps this morning! So I'm sending my friend something in the mail, because her birthday was yesterday. Shh, don't tell her; it's a surprise! (Not her birthday, obviously. I think she knows it was her birthday. I meant the gift. Don't tell her about the gift).

Okay, our friends are here, and it's time to go!

A Few Pictures Are Worth a Few Words

I washed the dishes today.


Dirty dishes


Clean dishes

Don't you love how I took pictures of them, like I have nothing better to do? Also this time, I washed every single one. I didn't leave any behind. Aren't you so proud of me?

Art shaved his head today.







Doesn't he look good? He even cleaned the bathroom afterwards, which I am thrilled about.

In other news, I had a dream last night that someone was trying to frame me for stealing their expensive jewelry. Like that would ever happen. Do you KNOW how much jewelry I don't have? And I often I don't wear it? I am not interested in your jewelry. Now, if your house is filled with cookies, well, that's a different story.

Then my dream switched to me clinging to Prince Charles, crying, and begging him to be kinder to me, because apparently, he was "the only dad I have!" Can you say bizarre? At that point I woke up and thanked the Lord that dream wasn't true.

Because if it was, it would be SO inappropriate for me to be attracted to Prince William. Not that I am, of course. Psh. Who needs Prince William when I get to be married to this guy?

Hmmmm........

Not much excitement around here today.

I didn't get any sleep last night. As in none. And I have no idea why. And I seriously didn't want to go to church, but Art made me, because he is a good husband. He also made me breakfast, so he gets extra points.

We went to Wayne and Sozan's for lunch. She made really yummy enchiladas. We played a rousing game of Star Wars Monopoly this afternoon and I almost won. But then I lost. Phil is way too good at games like that. Never play against Phil!

I spent the next few hours watching Phil and Joe play video games, and then I got so bored I finally convinced Art that we should go home.

Art suggested that I start recording everything I eat, because that might give me some insight on a few things. Like why I couldn't sleep.

Someone thought that maybe I couldn't fall asleep because I was too sore, which would make me uncomfortable, but I don't think that's it. I wasn't tossing and turning, trying to find the right spot or anything. And because I know my mom is going to suggest it, no, I wasn't worried about anything.

I want to say it's just random, but I know better than that. The human body is never random. You know the saying, "Everything happens for a reason"? It is never more true than in this case.

Well, I am tired, and hopeful that this night will be a success; as in, it will be normal, and I will do what most people do at night, which is sleep.

I'm Usually Better at Planning These Things

Art just took a bath.

Which means there will be no more hot water for a while.

Which means either a cold shower, or no shower, for me.

I just remembered that we have dinner plans with a church couple at 5:00.

That I only found out about late last night.

That Art SWEARS he told me about on Wednesday.

Which I SWEAR could not have happened, because I was cleaning the house for most of Wednesday, which means I wasn't conversing with Art. Also, Art was conversing with Wayne, whenever either of them managed to look up from their respective computers, which wasn't often.

I'm going to make an attempt at showing in about 10 minutes. Dear God, let it be hot. Or warm. Just not cold.

**Updated**

Yay, it was a hot shower! I was able to take my time and get really clean and pretty-feeling.

End-of-the-Week Musings

Did you know....that I often make fun of Art for being so weird, but I'm actually kind of jealous of him, because he is comfortable being weird around other people, and I am not. I'm only weird when I'm alone, but when I am alone, I am not necessarily being weird. It's like I'm too practical, even in private. (And by weird I mean making faces or noises or talking to myself. Stuff like that.)

Did you know....that when I wash the dishes, I almost never wash every dish? Once there are one or two dishes left, and the dish rack is full, I just empty the sink and walk away. Those last couple of dishes are not worth washing if it means I have to dry a few others just to make room for them.

Did you know....that I used to have a water bottle with me at all times, wherever I went? It started in high school, probably because of choir, or voice lessons. My teacher told me to drink lots of water, all the time. So I became known for having a water bottle with me 24/7. And for the past few months, I haven't had a water bottle, and I realized that I was dehydrated. I know I have no excuse for not drinking water, but it's so much easier to do with an ever-present bottle.

Last week, I finally got myself a bottle again, and my intake immediately increased. It truly makes a difference.


Did you know....that I really miss having a job? I mean REALLY REALLY miss having a job. I miss being able to buy a book, or a movie, or some chocolate without worrying that we might not be able to pay our rent because of it. I miss having a reason to leave the house. I miss feeling important. I miss appreciating free time.

It's like Art's boss said the other day: "I don't know how people retire." Having nothing to do, all day long, day after day, month after month is not glorious or fun. People might tell me that I could be doing so many things with my free time, but free time is so much more enjoyable when you know what it's like to not have free time.

The reason people enjoy vacations so much is because it's rare. It's a treat. It's not an everyday occurrence. They work hard, and they need a rest. They've earned it.

I've been resting for eight months now, and I'm tired of it. "Rest" doesn't mean anything anymore. I'm tired of not having anything new to tell people.

The number one thing I get asked is, "how is the immigration thing going?" And I'm not insulted by it, don't feel bad if you've asked me that a few times in the past few months. But here is the truth about the immigration process: it is 5% filling out paperwork, and 95% waiting. So just know that if you ask me that question, my answer will probably be, "well, we're still waiting on our blah blah blah..."

I think that's why I'm going so stir-crazy. I've been waiting and waiting, and I'm so close! There's the possibility that in a week, I will have a Social Security #, and I can finally DO something! I can finally contribute to society, finally get a job, finally feel like I have a life! (And if anyone dares to dash my hopes by telling me that I probably won't find a job because of our economy, I will unleash such a fury on you....)

Anyway, sorry for the rant. I didn't really intend to go in this direction. Then again, I didn't intend to go in any direction. I just wanted to write. And this is where I ended up. I'm going to work out again tonight, and I think that will help with my mood a little bit. It really is the best way to blow off a little steam. Other than blogging, of course..... ;)

No Clever Title. Just an Update.

Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. I've been around, I've just been busy with other computer/internet stuff. And I went out Tuesday evening and Wednesday evening. So this is what's new with me:

I am almost 100% sure that I'm going to remove most of my pictures from Facebook. The new Terms and Conditions state that they can use any picture or video from any person for whatever purpose they feel like, and they don't care that thousands of members are against it. And I think that is lamer than lame. I want to have some control over who sees my pictures.

Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day! Did you wear green? I did. And I dressed up, and had fantastic hair, and did my makeup all nice, and then I forgot to take a picture of my beautiful self to show all of you. Plus, I wore my new pearls.

Anyway, Art and I went to a small house party with some friends, and friends of friends. And you know what? I actually had a good time. I'm normally very uncomfortable around drinking and drunkenness, but this wasn't one of those crazy parties where everyone was loud and lewd and out of control (with the exception of one girl who clearly doesn't know when to stop). Everyone else was just cool, and I enjoyed talking with them (and eating green cake, which sounds so gross, and it looked kind of funny, but tasted surprisingly good).

Oh, and Debra brought a traditional Irish meal in a crock pot, and it was beyond delicious. Debra, you will have to share your recipe.

Yesterday I cleaned my house. I cleaned my house because Wayne came over. And when Wayne comes over, he sabotages the laptop and spends the duration of his visit on the internet, and then I have nothing to do, so I clean. In his defense, he doesn't have internet at home, so it's only fair that we let him use ours while he's here. But in my defense, I wouldn't be so pathetically bored without a computer if I had a book to read, or a puzzle to put together, or a JOB.

I just remembered that I had a dream last night that I heard from the US Consulate in Seattle, and they told me that I had to go back to submit a second set of fingerprints, and I was horrified and extremely upset, and my life was over. In reality, if that happened, I would be miffed and disappointed. I guess we'll know by the end of next week. Hopefully.

Finally, I worked out last night! I haven't worked out since Valentine's Day, and speaking of love, today marks eight months of being married. Happy Eight Month's Marriage Day!

So I worked out with Mari, and even though I'm kind of sore, and I can't straighten my left arm, it was actually fun. It was a team workout, and I've decided that Mari and I should always do team workouts. It's more motivating when your partner is depending on you to finish a certain "task" so you can move onto the next thing.

It goes like this:
Person A does 25 reps of a certain type of weight-lifting.
Person B is on the row machine, and has to row until Person A is done.
Then they switch.

Then Person A does 25 pull-ups.
Person B rows until Person A is done.
Switch.

Person A: 25 medicine ball slams.
Person B: Rowing.
Switch.

See what I mean? Whoever is rowing is depending on the other person to get the 25 reps done quickly. Otherwise, they'll be rowing for ages, and it just prolongs the workout, and the agony.

So what do you say, Mari? On the weekend, we'll do a team Angie? (100 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats).

I think that's all the updates I have. I asked Art if he had anything to say, and he said he's going to take a nap (he had to be up at 4:30 this morning). But he's not napping. He's on the computer. And...um........it's raining. All the rain that I thought we were supposed to get in January? We're getting it now.

I finally have a water bottle again, which means that I drink more water throughout the day, which means I'm going to bathroom more, and speaking of that, I gotta end this post NOW!

Pearly Hopes and Dreams

Art told me this morning that he is so glad that I have a pulse. He says the most romantical things, doesn't he?

I spent all day in Seattle yesterday.

Art attended a Nutrition Certification in Seattle yesterday, and he left at 6:30 am. I also went to Seattle, but not for the same reason. Mari picked me up at 7 am, drove us to Oak Harbor, picked up her mom, and we drove to Seattle to attend The International Gem & Jewelry Show.

When my mother-in-law asked me last week if I wanted to go, I told her "no." I'm not really into jewelry, I don't have a lot, and the stuff I DO have, I hardly ever wear. But when I heard that Mari was going, and that Art was going to be gone all day as well, I decided to go.

I have never seen so many beads, gems, jewels, precious metals, and rocks in one place! Tables an booths were absolutely covered with everything from diamond jewelry to endless varieties of strings of beads to make whatever you want, to volcanic rocks and crystals, to individual gems, both refined and unrefined. It took us three and half hours to look at every table in the whole room.

Mom gave each of us money to buy whatever we wanted, and at first, I was convinced I wouldn't get anything. I mean, this was not cheap, low-quality stuff. This was the real deal.

Well, I guess some real deals can still be affordable.



Those are pearls, people. MY pearls. I am the very proud owner of a set of freshwater pearls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Perhaps some of you don't know. I love pearls. I LOVE pearls. Big puffy pink heart love pearls. When I got to the pearl vendors, I oohed and ahhed and cooed and gasped, and fantasized. But I didn't think I would find a necklace and matching self-sizing bracelet for $30!

Something else you might not know: I hate bracelets. HATE them. They never fit, which makes them loose and annoying, so I never wear them. Except if they're made of pearls, and the bracelet can fit any wrist.

I am beyond excited. I'm so in love with my new jewelry, and I feel like the richest girl on earth. I thought that pearls were incredibly expensive, and thought that I would only own something made of pearls in, like, ten years or something.

Of course, now I need a new little black dress to wear these with. ;)

I'm Drunk. On Food.

Art and I went on a date this evening.

Yesterday he asked me, "Jenene, do you want to go on a date tomorrow?"

"Sure, Art. Where?"

"I don't know, that's your job to figure it out. I did the hard part by asking."

Uh huh.

So we went to Olive Garden. I think this is the second time since we've been married that we didn't share an entree. I don't know why we didn't this time. Probably because he really wanted salmon, and I wanted something with shrimp. And of course, neither of us finished and ended up taking half our meals home with us anyway. Dang salad and breadsticks. Not that I'm really complaining.

And then Art had the audacity to order dessert. I was beyond full, and so was he, but that Torta di Chocolate won't eat itself. Also, it's to die for, so I had a few bites anyway.

What was that about not spending? We got Art's income tax return, so we were celebrating. And I'm expecting to hear about mine next week, so we'll be nice and cozy for at least a little while. Plus, Art will be getting more hours with Jogo as they start up a couple of new programs, and if I get myself a job next month.....jackpot!

Things are certainly looking up around here.

Now excuse me while I make like a beached whale and not move for a few hours.

Adventures in Anacortes

Here is a summary of yesterday. I need not have gotten up so early. I thought we were leaving by 9am, but Wayne and Sozan didn't even wake up until 9:30.

We left by 11:00, and drove to Deception Pass first. We walked around there for a while, and then drove back to Anacortes, and attempted to go up Mount Erie. Unfortunately, the roads were still pretty bad from the snow we got on Monday, so we'll have to save that trip until summer.

We went to Washington Park instead, had a picnic, ate some donuts from The Donut House, and played at the playground. We are eight years old.

Most of the pictures here are action shots.












Deception Pass. These boys make me nervous.










We did a lot of spinning right after we ate. Which is generally not recommended.


































It was a fun, beautiful day.