We've all heard about the child abuse scandal at Penn State. Chances are, you heard about coach legend Joe Paterno being fired as a result. Or the outraged students. But as this article states, "See with your own eyes what he did and how he did it, then have a thought."
After reading the grand jury testimony, I was absolutely disgusted. I honestly can not stop thinking about the atrocities laid out in the case against Jerry Sandusky and how many people could have stopped the abuse but failed - essentially dropping the ball.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
High Achievers
There are numerous things I want to write about right now. This morning I sat down at my computer with intentions to write and lots of ideas in my head. I will probably regret writing this so quickly and without much thought.
I am proud of my friends. Recently I read an article in Washingtonian titled, "Are Twenty-Somethings Expecting Too Much?" and it got me thinking about the type of people I have in my life and the decisions they make for themselves. Career choices, significant others, ways they spend their time, what they believe in... some friends make me proud just to know them.
I am proud of my friends. Recently I read an article in Washingtonian titled, "Are Twenty-Somethings Expecting Too Much?" and it got me thinking about the type of people I have in my life and the decisions they make for themselves. Career choices, significant others, ways they spend their time, what they believe in... some friends make me proud just to know them.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Strategy Change
I decided a few months ago that I wanted to start seeing a new psychiatrist. A couple factors went into this decision. First of all, my doctor was out in Fairfax and I'm not big on long distance relationships. Another big factor in deciding to break up was that he only wanted to see me for 30 mins every three months and never really wanted to discuss where things were headed. But the main reason was more than just timing. I need a doctor to support me, not just write my prescriptions.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Persnicketiness
Do you ever think of an interesting word that you want to use, only to realize that you're not 100% sure what that word means, then look up the word just to be sure you aren't using it in the wrong sense?
I do.
per·snick·et·y [per-snik-i-tee]
adjective Informal .
1. overparticular; fussy.
2. snobbish or having the aloof attitude of a snob.
3. requiring painstaking care.
I do.
per·snick·et·y [per-snik-i-tee]
adjective Informal .
1. overparticular; fussy.
2. snobbish or having the aloof attitude of a snob.
3. requiring painstaking care.
Monday, October 10, 2011
"Whose bread I eat, his song I sing."
What makes someone loyal? Is it a sense of duty? Maybe sometimes, but not always. Is it give and take? To some, yes - but if it were always true, the word betrayal wouldn't exist. For most people, loyalty is self interested. Everyone has different priorities. Family, God, country first. There will always be conflicts of interest. People align their loyalties based on what is most important to them. I am no exception.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Who are you?
I haven't posted a blog update in awhile, for a couple reasons. This summer I was busy being awesome, working my butt off at the new gymnastics camp and spending time with new friends! But I also got a few not so nice comments on my blog from someone(s) who wanted to remain anonymous. I tried to let it roll off my shoulders and just continue writing. Since you haven't received an update in a couple months, you would be right in assuming that not caring about what people posted was harder than I would have liked.
Not anymore.
Not anymore.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Highlight of my day!
On the way to camp, some guy in an orange jumpsuit riding in a van labeled "Arlington County Corrections - Waste Collection" hollered at me. Swoon.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Hello again.
A few of you asked for new blogs and I failed to deliver.
At least 3 drafts were created over the past month, but never finished (typical.)
Hopefully you can forgive me, as I also have some exciting news I would love to share later in this post!
Original title:
Hi, my name is Jenni and I have Attention Deficit Disorder.
Earlier this year, I wrote about being diagnosed with ADD. Now I'd like to write about ways that I'm dealing with it and becoming more confident with myself.
At least 3 drafts were created over the past month, but never finished (typical.)
Hopefully you can forgive me, as I also have some exciting news I would love to share later in this post!
Original title:
Hi, my name is Jenni and I have Attention Deficit Disorder.
Earlier this year, I wrote about being diagnosed with ADD. Now I'd like to write about ways that I'm dealing with it and becoming more confident with myself.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Life on Paws
Note on the title of this post: if I ever get a boat, that is what I'm calling it.
Last session, my Thursdays were ridiculously long. Leave the house at 7:30am to head to class, straight to work at 9:30, there until 8:30pm, with only a 1 hr break for lunch. This session, no morning class and I have a 3 hr break for lunch. At first I wondered, what am I supposed to do for three hours in the middle of the afternoon?
But its actually been quite nice. I decided to use the break as "me" time and put school, work, cleaning, wedding planning and everything else on PAUSE and just do whatever my heart fancies. Last week I went shopping and out to lunch with Vanessa.
This week I decided to just relax. I went to Teeter and bought cheese puffs, Diet Coke, and a Real Simple and took them over to the park.
Last session, my Thursdays were ridiculously long. Leave the house at 7:30am to head to class, straight to work at 9:30, there until 8:30pm, with only a 1 hr break for lunch. This session, no morning class and I have a 3 hr break for lunch. At first I wondered, what am I supposed to do for three hours in the middle of the afternoon?
But its actually been quite nice. I decided to use the break as "me" time and put school, work, cleaning, wedding planning and everything else on PAUSE and just do whatever my heart fancies. Last week I went shopping and out to lunch with Vanessa.
This week I decided to just relax. I went to Teeter and bought cheese puffs, Diet Coke, and a Real Simple and took them over to the park.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Diagnosis
One of my goals for this blog is:
To address the negative stigma too often associated with having ADD.
Over a month of blogging and I've yet to even discuss the topic! What better place to begin than - the beginning?!
To address the negative stigma too often associated with having ADD.
Over a month of blogging and I've yet to even discuss the topic! What better place to begin than - the beginning?!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Teaching Portfolio
In my teaching class, we were required to put together a teaching portfolio. Instead of simply creating a binder, I decided to create a website to showcase who I am as a teacher. Not only does my online portfolio show my teaching philosophy and how I got my start, it also will show potential employers how I plan to incorporate technology into my classroom and communicate with parents and students outside of the classroom.
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Stream of consciousness
I can't sleep. And not the tossing-and-turning restless half-asleep business. Literally. Can. Not. Sleep.
This happens to everyone, I know, but it always seems to happen to me when I'm stressed out and have a lot of important things going on. I have two finals tomorrow, first one is at 9:30am. Excuse me as I refrain from using a three-letteranagram acronym to express my angst. [Edit: anagram? wow I must have been out of it.]
So instead of staring blankly into the night with a million thoughts jumbled around in my head, I'm going to attempt to reign some of them in and put them into words. There will be no organization, just letting ideas flow out through my fingers and hope for the best.
Feel free to skip on below to some pictures of my adorable niece and nephew. But if you feel compelled to read my delirious ramblings...
This happens to everyone, I know, but it always seems to happen to me when I'm stressed out and have a lot of important things going on. I have two finals tomorrow, first one is at 9:30am. Excuse me as I refrain from using a three-letter
So instead of staring blankly into the night with a million thoughts jumbled around in my head, I'm going to attempt to reign some of them in and put them into words. There will be no organization, just letting ideas flow out through my fingers and hope for the best.
Feel free to skip on below to some pictures of my adorable niece and nephew. But if you feel compelled to read my delirious ramblings...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Pictures from Easter Weekend
 |
| Helping Derek make chocolate cupcakes! McKenna smiling on cue behind Derek, adorable. |
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Modern Families
To follow up my post about my Bestie, and since its Easter, I decided to write about family.
As the old adage says, "You can choose your friends, but you can not choose your family." Or can you? Surely you can't choose your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a child, you're pretty much forced to be around those people, like them or not. But once you're an adult, you have more control over who you want to spend time with.
This weekend I had quite a few interactions with family. I spent Friday afternoon texting with my dad. Called Mom later that night. Sat close to Jim on the couch as he talked to his parents so I could hear the conversation and chime in when they asked about me. Got a Facebook posting from his Aunt Peggy later that night.
Saturday morning I woke up to an email from Jim's sister Jessica with a picture of his niece Hailey looking adorable in a spring dress. That afternoon, Jim's mom sent me an email and I sent her a few pictures of the wedding venue Jim and I went to see. Then we went to see my cousin Amber, her husband Mike, their kiddies Derek and McKenna, and my Aunt Sharon! 12 family members in less than a day!
I absolutely love going to visit the Le family. We all have such a good time together relaxing and playing with the kids. Saturday night we made cupcakes, colored eggs and had sushi and filet mignon/shrimp hibachi for dinner. Easter morning Amber made us cinnamon rolls before she, Derek, Jim and I headed off to church. Poor little Derek didn't make it through the service (he stayed up so late with us Saturday night) and we had to leave early because his snoring got so loud people started to stare. He got some energy back when he found his Easter basket though! After he showed us everything the Easter Bunny brought him, we went out in the backyard to find all the eggs that "Hop" hid! McKenna also learned how to "smile" at the camera, so Amber followed her around snapping pictures. (I will put up some of the winners when she sends them to me - they're hilarious.)
OH yeah - this is supposed to be about family, not just about my awesome weekend. Then again, this is my ADD blog so just roll with it.
Check out this adorable baby -
As the old adage says, "You can choose your friends, but you can not choose your family." Or can you? Surely you can't choose your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a child, you're pretty much forced to be around those people, like them or not. But once you're an adult, you have more control over who you want to spend time with.
This weekend I had quite a few interactions with family. I spent Friday afternoon texting with my dad. Called Mom later that night. Sat close to Jim on the couch as he talked to his parents so I could hear the conversation and chime in when they asked about me. Got a Facebook posting from his Aunt Peggy later that night.
Saturday morning I woke up to an email from Jim's sister Jessica with a picture of his niece Hailey looking adorable in a spring dress. That afternoon, Jim's mom sent me an email and I sent her a few pictures of the wedding venue Jim and I went to see. Then we went to see my cousin Amber, her husband Mike, their kiddies Derek and McKenna, and my Aunt Sharon! 12 family members in less than a day!
I absolutely love going to visit the Le family. We all have such a good time together relaxing and playing with the kids. Saturday night we made cupcakes, colored eggs and had sushi and filet mignon/shrimp hibachi for dinner. Easter morning Amber made us cinnamon rolls before she, Derek, Jim and I headed off to church. Poor little Derek didn't make it through the service (he stayed up so late with us Saturday night) and we had to leave early because his snoring got so loud people started to stare. He got some energy back when he found his Easter basket though! After he showed us everything the Easter Bunny brought him, we went out in the backyard to find all the eggs that "Hop" hid! McKenna also learned how to "smile" at the camera, so Amber followed her around snapping pictures. (I will put up some of the winners when she sends them to me - they're hilarious.)
OH yeah - this is supposed to be about family, not just about my awesome weekend. Then again, this is my ADD blog so just roll with it.
Check out this adorable baby -
 | |
| Hailey in her Easter dress! |
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Allergies are killing me, but I still stop to smell the flowers.
...and they smell simply delightful.
When life gets a little crazy, I remind myself that its easy to find pleasure in little things. These are a few ways I've combat stress lately:
When life gets a little crazy, I remind myself that its easy to find pleasure in little things. These are a few ways I've combat stress lately:
remembering the little girl I told to "run as fast she could"
& her responding she didn't want to get a ticket
forgetting my rain jacket
& remembering I'm washable
the soft purr as Zuzu comes to life
(I finally named my scooter)
doggies barking at me as I scoot past them at the park
& barking back at them
smiling and waving at strangers
them thinking I'm crazy,
but probably making them smile too
beeping (and getting beeped at) by fellow scooterists
& her responding she didn't want to get a ticket
 |
| These coasters at Francesca's: "All I want is an umbrella in my drink." |
forgetting my rain jacket
& remembering I'm washable
the soft purr as Zuzu comes to life
(I finally named my scooter)
doggies barking at me as I scoot past them at the park
& barking back at them
smiling and waving at strangers
them thinking I'm crazy,
but probably making them smile too
beeping (and getting beeped at) by fellow scooterists
 |
| bright yellow flowers, still fresh after a week! |
the sparkle in my engagement ring looking at my suntanned legs and toes (thanks self-tanner!) taking different routes to the places I go on a daily basis  |
| this little guy snuggling up to me |
learning how to say "lookin' good" in sign language
& doing it every day in the mirror
Feel free to add your own!
& doing it every day in the mirror
Catching up!
My two weeks off work have been pretty productive.
I spent all of last week at Patrick Henry Elementary school shadowing Miss Carmen. The experience will be getting a post all of its own later today!
Last Friday night Ricky, Cari, Jessica, Ben, Ryan, Pam and Brian hosted an engagement party for Jim and I. All their hard work paid off and the night turned out great. Some highlights included:
- cheesy sausage balls and spinach balls
- mini Cadbury eggs
- fondue (cheese balls in cheese fondue - amazing)
-pork BBQ (which Jim and I ate right out of the crock pot in the back of Ryan's car later that night)
- peach sangria
- flowers, plates and napkins in our wedding colors
- a sentimental slideshow
The party room at Ricky and Cari's place was the perfect venue, Jim and I are considering getting married there... just kidding.
In all seriousness, Jim and I are headed to Cabins, West Virginia on Saturday with my parents to check out a potential wedding venue. I've been trying to come up with a list of questions and specific things I want to look at while we're there. Wedding planning seems to have consumed all of my thoughts and free minutes lately; if I'm not researching or talking about ideas, I'm thinking about them. We've settled on quite a few important details and I think we decided on an official "theme" of the wedding last night.
I spent all of last week at Patrick Henry Elementary school shadowing Miss Carmen. The experience will be getting a post all of its own later today!
Last Friday night Ricky, Cari, Jessica, Ben, Ryan, Pam and Brian hosted an engagement party for Jim and I. All their hard work paid off and the night turned out great. Some highlights included:
- cheesy sausage balls and spinach balls
- mini Cadbury eggs
- fondue (cheese balls in cheese fondue - amazing)
-pork BBQ (which Jim and I ate right out of the crock pot in the back of Ryan's car later that night)
- peach sangria
- flowers, plates and napkins in our wedding colors
- a sentimental slideshow
The party room at Ricky and Cari's place was the perfect venue, Jim and I are considering getting married there... just kidding.
In all seriousness, Jim and I are headed to Cabins, West Virginia on Saturday with my parents to check out a potential wedding venue. I've been trying to come up with a list of questions and specific things I want to look at while we're there. Wedding planning seems to have consumed all of my thoughts and free minutes lately; if I'm not researching or talking about ideas, I'm thinking about them. We've settled on quite a few important details and I think we decided on an official "theme" of the wedding last night.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
New Scoot and a Wedding Dress
Wow, what a weekend!
Saturday morning Jim and I woke up early to go to his Cheetahs game at 8am. The girls played a great game but ended up losing (other team was much better; three girls also played on a travel team.) After picking up some breakfast, we headed towards our next destination... the scooter store!!!!
I'd done some online investigating and really liked the Genuine Scooters Buddy 50 model. Okay, so I really just liked that it came in pink and had a cup holder. And the pictures online showed a cute wicker basket with flowers on the front. The dealership in DC carried the Buddy line, but didn't keep the 50cc's in stock. (For those of you who aren't familiar with the scooter lingo, "cc" refers to the engine size. In Virginia, if a scooter is 50cc's or less - aka doesn't go over 35 mph - then you don't need to register or insure the bike, or get a motorcycle license. Zing!) But the owner happily gave us plenty of information about scootin' and took down my name and number to pass along to anyone selling a 50cc.
Later that day I got an email from a guy who'd just picked up his 2006 Honda Metropolitan and heard I was interested in a 50cc. He was selling his for $1,200 and would include two helmets (guy and girl), a heavy duty chain, battery jump starter and scooter cover. The email didn't include pictures so obviously I googled and my oh my, was I pleasantly surprised! ITS ADORABLE!!!!
Saturday morning Jim and I woke up early to go to his Cheetahs game at 8am. The girls played a great game but ended up losing (other team was much better; three girls also played on a travel team.) After picking up some breakfast, we headed towards our next destination... the scooter store!!!!
I'd done some online investigating and really liked the Genuine Scooters Buddy 50 model. Okay, so I really just liked that it came in pink and had a cup holder. And the pictures online showed a cute wicker basket with flowers on the front. The dealership in DC carried the Buddy line, but didn't keep the 50cc's in stock. (For those of you who aren't familiar with the scooter lingo, "cc" refers to the engine size. In Virginia, if a scooter is 50cc's or less - aka doesn't go over 35 mph - then you don't need to register or insure the bike, or get a motorcycle license. Zing!) But the owner happily gave us plenty of information about scootin' and took down my name and number to pass along to anyone selling a 50cc.
Later that day I got an email from a guy who'd just picked up his 2006 Honda Metropolitan and heard I was interested in a 50cc. He was selling his for $1,200 and would include two helmets (guy and girl), a heavy duty chain, battery jump starter and scooter cover. The email didn't include pictures so obviously I googled and my oh my, was I pleasantly surprised! ITS ADORABLE!!!!
Friday, April 08, 2011
April Showers
Today was my first day biking in the rain. And it felt... glorious! Okay so it wasn't really raining while I was riding, just a light sprinkling. Still, it wasn't bad. And the weather is only going to get warmer, so I may welcome the rain might when its blistering outside.
Which is another one of my fears.
Blazing hot sun = sweat. And I HATE to sweat. I mean really, there isn't anything else I can think of hating more than sweating. I don't work out because I hate to sweat (yes I do Zumba, but don't really feel the sweat as I'm grooving to the music.) The thought of having to get somewhere and sweating my butt off as I push myself up a hill makes me want to cry.
An addition to my list of things to buy: a new comfy bicycle seat. My ass is killing me after 3 days of biking. Not cool.
Today is the last day of classes! Three more tonight and then I'm done for two whole weeks! During that time, I will be shadowing Cari at Patrick Henry Elementary, taking Lucky to the vet, going to the dentist and eye doctor myself, planting my herbs, visiting my family, and oh yes... planning my wedding!
Lily brought me flowers yesterday. Aren't they beautiful?
Which is another one of my fears.
Blazing hot sun = sweat. And I HATE to sweat. I mean really, there isn't anything else I can think of hating more than sweating. I don't work out because I hate to sweat (yes I do Zumba, but don't really feel the sweat as I'm grooving to the music.) The thought of having to get somewhere and sweating my butt off as I push myself up a hill makes me want to cry.
An addition to my list of things to buy: a new comfy bicycle seat. My ass is killing me after 3 days of biking. Not cool.
Today is the last day of classes! Three more tonight and then I'm done for two whole weeks! During that time, I will be shadowing Cari at Patrick Henry Elementary, taking Lucky to the vet, going to the dentist and eye doctor myself, planting my herbs, visiting my family, and oh yes... planning my wedding!
Lily brought me flowers yesterday. Aren't they beautiful?
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Car-Free Life
On Monday, I began my Car-Free life. Old run down Stacey was dropped off at Hector’s (my mechanic) and I told him I was not interested in taking her home with me. He decided to buy her for a handsome $400 and I hopped on the Metro to head home. We will see each other once more when I drop off the title and clean out the few things I left in her interior. I always imagined this day would be difficult, but quite frankly.... I feel liberated.
And a little scared.
And a little scared.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Goodbye Winter 2010 Session
Finally, the last week of gymnastics classes in the Winter session is upon us. The good news? A two week break from work to focus on school, student teaching hours, the move, and wedding planning. The bad news? No paycheck during that time. Ouch.
For preschool classes, I try to make the last class as much fun as possible by swinging on the rope, extra time in the foam pit, choices in jumps and floor course activities. This is sometimes difficult because we have to save time at the end of class to hand out ribbons to each of the students. And little Josie who doesn't want to come up on stage is holding up the rest of the class...
For preschool classes, I try to make the last class as much fun as possible by swinging on the rope, extra time in the foam pit, choices in jumps and floor course activities. This is sometimes difficult because we have to save time at the end of class to hand out ribbons to each of the students. And little Josie who doesn't want to come up on stage is holding up the rest of the class...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Embarking on a New Journey
I've known for quite awhile that I want to spend the rest of my life with Jim. We fit together like puzzle pieces, perfectly aligned in some areas and each of us compensating where the other is lacking. Like many other couples, Jim and I would like to make our relationship legal at some point. One week ago, Jim asked for my hand in marriage. For those of you interested in all the sappy details, here is the proposal story...
Now reflecting on the past week, I can sum it all up in one word: spectacular. I find myself gazing at my fiance and smiling as I imagine our life together. In reality, not much as actually changed - we've lived together for almost a year. But Jim and I have spent hours discussing our ideal relationship and working to build a perfect partnership, and I know that he is my soul mate. Though we already act like a married couple, pledging our union to one another in front of our closest friends and family will be a significant step in our relationship.
Looking toward the future and preparing for our nuptials, quite frankly I am terrified. Planning a wedding is a monumental task for anyone. For someone with ADD, it seems astronomical. I struggle with remembering to create grocery lists, leave the ones I do write at home, indecisively stare at the rows of cereal choices, inevitably end up buying things I don't need and overlooking obvious staples.
How on earth am I supposed to plan a wedding?!
Join me as I attempt to do just that.
Now reflecting on the past week, I can sum it all up in one word: spectacular. I find myself gazing at my fiance and smiling as I imagine our life together. In reality, not much as actually changed - we've lived together for almost a year. But Jim and I have spent hours discussing our ideal relationship and working to build a perfect partnership, and I know that he is my soul mate. Though we already act like a married couple, pledging our union to one another in front of our closest friends and family will be a significant step in our relationship.
Looking toward the future and preparing for our nuptials, quite frankly I am terrified. Planning a wedding is a monumental task for anyone. For someone with ADD, it seems astronomical. I struggle with remembering to create grocery lists, leave the ones I do write at home, indecisively stare at the rows of cereal choices, inevitably end up buying things I don't need and overlooking obvious staples.
How on earth am I supposed to plan a wedding?!
Join me as I attempt to do just that.
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