it's a marshmallow world in the winter

Yesterday I made homemade peppermint marshmallows. YUM, and FUN.

A pristine pan of uncut marshmallows... I thought I was pretty cool at this point.

And then... I attempted to swirl/marbleize red food coloring on the top (since they are peppermint-flavored.) Yeah, that didn't work... especially when I tried to go all crazy and fix it. It looked, in Eva's words, like "mangled face." Yum!

My FIRST attempt at swirling wasn't horrible, but not great either. I decided to nix it and go for the perfect pristine white and fluffy marshmallow.

It just required some extra cutting... seriously how pretty is a big block of marshmallow??

(It's this pretty, in case you were wondering. And super-soft and fun to play with. Yes, that means if you get handmade marshmallows from me, I probably played around with the large block a bit. And let a few cut blocks drop to the floor and bounce, they're so springy... what of it, what.)

I would like to have a bed made out of marshmallow.

Pretty, cut blocks... with a light dusting of powdered sugar to keep them from sticking together...

Sigh.

And now I forever have the "It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter" Christmas song in my head. Totally worth it.

every day that I am single, some guy is MISSING OUT.

I actually say that quite a bit, but pretty much only when I've cooked something especially good or am having an especially good hair day. Which is quite a bit (when I try), if I'm going to be honest... honesty is another desirable quality in a girlfriend/fiancee/spouse, right?


Here are three reasons why some guy is missing out TODAY:

1. For dinner, I cooked (for myself--alone! Sad.) the following: seared flank steak with a four-spice rub; roasted mushrooms; spinach salad with goat cheese, dried cherries and a balsamic vinaigrette; and baked sweet potatoes with maple sour cream. YUM.


2. I only ate small portions and didn't eat dessert, because I am very very skinny.


3. My hair was looking pretty good.

Okay, so Number 2 is actually a lie-- while I did only eat small portions of a pretty balanced (post-fast) dinner, I had a few little Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Shortbread Stars later while watching a Christmas episode of Little House on the Prairie. And I'm not very very skinny. Or very skinny. Or, skinny, really... huh. But my hair was still looking pretty good.

(photo and recipes courtesy of Martha Stewart Everyday Food magazine. Easy, and yummers.)

Is santa real? You tell me.

A lot of you have been asking me what I would like for Christmas. I think that most of you have been asking that in your head instead of outloud, though, and since I don't want to push anyone out of natural shyness, I'm just going to go ahead and answer your query! Very generous of me, really.

So here we go (and remember, YOU ASKED. And I don't do things small.)

JENNIE'S WISH LIST 2008-2009*

1. Discovery Channel Shark Week DVD box set
2. LOST Season 4 dvds
3. bobbin winder (that feature on my sewing machine is broken)
4. new MAC makeup for my tired winter face and the vampirish-but-not-pretty dark circles under my eyes
5. Origins Never A Dull Moment face scrub
6. iPod Nano (black or silver, I can't decide)
7. a desk
8. a wingback chair with ottoman for my bedroom, to read in
9. a trip to Nepal
10. a really good makeout (or two, or three)

What. I'm just sayin'.

Now, because I am Single, I generally buy my own gifts. Not big-ticket items like the above list (books, always, and last year's haul included some Emergency Prep gear), but something to put under the tree and/or justify selfishly buying when I should really be Feed(ing) the World or something. But when you don't have a spouse and/or your own family to think of you, you have to fend for yourself. It works out great, though, because I know exactly what I want... and come to think of it, I've given myself some super-fanstastic stuff over the years. Thanks, me! (please note: I don't write myself thankyou cards, though-- THAT would be weird.)




I wrap my gifts to me and fill my stocking, too -- if I didn't, virtually all I'd have to open on Christmas morning (alone, of course) are the cool gifts some of my students give me -- mmm, asian boxed cookie extravaganza sets! Nail polish! Coffee!** -- and cry. Instead, I get to open the various gifts I'd purchased over the past month or so. Sometimes I'm embarrassed by my generosity to me. It's very cute and unassuming.

And so far, here is the great image that will greet me this 25th of December: me finally getting to read the Twilight "Complete Illustrated Movie Companion"*** I gave myself and waiting to open whatever awesome thing Chad and Lucy (of the Not-Ugly Babies) were so generous to gift me with. There should also be another pile of wrapped books behind me, and a Marshmallow Tree from See's in my stocking. Yay!

COUNTDOWN!

Only 20 days to go!!

hurry Christmas, hurry fast!

* This is a real wishlish written in the back of my 2009 pocket calendar. I figure I'll eventually get numbers 1-5, 6 if I'm lucky, and #10 is a pipe dream. Sigh. But a good pipe dream.

.

** I do truly appreciate anything given to me by students. Not just so I have something to open, but it's so sweet that they think of me and make that effort. And the coffee is great for re-gifting :)

.

*** While it may APPEAR that I am reading the Twilight Complete Illustrated Movie Companion in this photo, I am NOT-- I am just PRETENDING to, for the shot. I would not ruin the anticipation of Christmas morning! Though I may have learned that the sun came out just at the right moment for the shot of Edward's skin in sunlight, diamond-sparkle twinkle-twinkle-sound-effects.

this post is titled, "Chad and Lucy Don't Make Ugly Babies"

.
.

I mean, SERIOUSLY.

including their other two still-babies-to-me:





I wish I could say it's the doezie genes for sure, but I'm thinking it's more the combo of both of them. They are beautiful people--



(never mind that certain photos seem to indicate otherwise)

TWIceLIGHT!

I LOVE HIM. I LOVE HIM SO SO MUCH.

And trying to prove that love... for I am very proud, and not at all ashamed, to say that I have seen Twilight twice already! (in one day :) First the midnight (12:01) showing on a very early Friday morning, and then returning to see it again at 2:15pm that day, 12 hours after we left the movie theater at 2:20 am! Best day ever! :)

my custom-made (by me, of course), commemorative shirt and the back side of it. The ink color is glittery silver. Yes, like Edward's skin in sunlight. Sigh.

I went with the fantastic Ballard girls-- Julie, Rebekah and Melissa-- here I am with Melissa at the front of the line. How did we get to the front of the line? Because REBEKAH got there at 2pm to wait! :) (but no one was in line at that time, so she went inside and watched a movie. Then got back in line at 4:30pm. I got there at 8:40pm. I'm a bad friend. But a grateful friend... :)

Bekah at the front! Love her!


... not bad for 2:28 am! Soooo happy...

If you weren't planning on seeing the movie, look again at the top photo collage and realize why you should. Even you, Laney-- he may be no Silvester Stallone, but... well, that's not really a bad thing. Sorry, Laney.

My other friends went tonight, but I figured I probably shouldn't see it more than twice in a weekend, BUT-- I will TOTALLY go with any of you next week to see it/see it again! Truth!

I am 13 years old, btw. And proud of it.

Walker, Texas Ranger for Governor!

Really, I'd rather be blogging about my recent super-great trip to DC/VA, but life's too busy at the moment to focus on that. So, in the meantime, here are some exquisite words from a man who I won't exactly name (so as to distance myself from any potential Google-search hatred as much as possible, as this place has turned into Crazytown) and can't recall actually ever having seen on the big (19-inch) screen for more than a moment before I changed the channel, but for whom I now have a huge respect. 

Well done Mr. N! Please run for office-- it's high time we had a new "actor" in the Governor's seat, after all, and it would be great to have one who would actually stand up for the democratic process...   

http://townhall.com/Columnists/ChuckNorris/2008/11/18/if_democracy_doesnt_work,_try_anarchy?page=full

congratulations, President-Elect Barack Obama!

I may be Republican and I didn't vote for Obama, but I am proud to be an American and happy that we have a president whom the people are excited about. If nothing else, it is encouraging that so many people went out to vote, and if Barack Obama can ignite patriotism in his presidency and help to bring back an overall respect for our country's leaders, I am happy. Apathy makes me sad, and I can't stand it when there is disrespect for our elected president.

So I support you, Obama!

And p.s.-- loved McCain's concession speech. That was absolutely dignified, respectful, humble and just fabulous. Again-- really proud to be an American today.

(above picture: I was in downtown LA a few weeks ago, buying screen printing supplies, and an outside wall on the street next to the store really struck me-- it says a lot...)

And here I am shaking Obama's hand very excitedly. It was such an honor that he came to my school on Halloween!

I'm voting YELLOW

...and I may not be allowed to wear any political attire to the polls (i.e. my well-worn Yes on 8 shirt) but that doesn't mean I'm not going to be whispering "yes on 8 yes on 8 yes on 8" under my breath so silently that the voters in the next booth will think little angels are breathing words of encouragement and guidance into their ears.

Seriously can't wait for this election to be over. I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN (wearing my USA shirt today, in lieu of aforementioned controversial proposition shirt), but I am a little nervous about what those Americans in California are going to vote, today. Okay, a lot nervous. It could go either way.

We'll see, tomorrow....!

-And there's not much time to blog right now, I'm in school, but before it's all after the fact--

Last Saturday was a YES ON 8 rally at a prominent intersection in my town, and it was AWESOME!! SO encouraging to hear all the honks (in favor, of course--but in favor or not, did it matter? I love honking!) and see all the thumbs-up, cheers, people driving by waving YES ON 8 signs out their windows, etc. We also got some people pointing "up" with their longest finger towards our signs, that was helpful too. It was like being in a parade, except in reverse, of course, since we were along the sidelines, but good because it was the closest I'll ever be to being the Rose Queen (totally robbed of that at age 17).

I was really hoping that someone would angrily throw something at me, y'know, to take it for the team and become a Rally Martyr. It looked for a while there like that dream wasn't going to happen (though my friend Laney said she'd go buy some eggs and throw them at me), but-- THEN-- dream come true!, these two guys drove by my corner, yelled angrily out the window "RRRRRAWWWWRRRbladdirahdiggeRAWR" and CHUCKED something at us/at my friend Brandy's feet--finally! And awesome, because it was a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Win-win!!

So get out there people-- VOTE VOTE VOTE--

(never been so happy to have people stare at my chest. STARE STARE STARE)

Below is my favorite rally-er...

eight pride parade

Looking for another way to say Yes on 8? Let your chest (and back) do the talking! Let's face it, if you're a woman, someone's bound to be reading your chest at some point during the day... might as well have them read something of actual worth (words), a bold statement, a phrase that will generally cause a bit of shock or an unreadable expression from the viewer and you won't know if they agree or disagree... no matter what, it makes for a good time at the grocery store! (or Souplantation, if you're my roommate). Clothes used to be about covering nudity...protection from the elements... even fashion... all those purposes are sooooo last season. Now it's all about the eight.

So if you're ready to put that torso of yours to good use, you are ready for a FREE (-ly printed) SHIRT FROM ME! You provide the shirt and I'll print it for free, OR I'll buy the shirt and you can pay me back, and I'll still print it for free. You'll for sure have it by this weekend's rallies. Show your Eight Pride!!

shirts are $4.50 women, $5.00 men... specify Yellow Haze (as seen in this blog) -- OR, for the truly devoted, Lemon Zest (the vibrant, bold yellow of the Yes on 8 campaign) along with the size (women's shirts S-M-L-XL; men's S-M-L-XL-XXL).

Best deal in town. Really, I don't care if no one wants a shirt, less work for me, but... you just might. I'm planning on wearing mine every day during non-work hours (not quite appropriate for the workplace, somehow...) If it starts to stink, all the better-- then I will really get people's attention.

the back of the shirt is the Yes on 8 logo, used with permission (as far as I can tell; it was available for download on the protectmarriage.com site... good enough! I had to re-draw it anyway, the file was too small)...

Oh and you may wonder, why not put the logo on the front of the shirt? I'll let you find the answer to that question for yourself. Here's a hint: the upward curving arms and the round heads of the adult figures combine to form a shape that would be a liiiiittle bit awkward on the front of a female shirt... what I like to label/warn as "awkward placement" to my screen printing students... :)

And by the way, at MY house, we are all about the 8.

our yard sign has been stolen about three times so far...

Erin is Super Eight, and spends all of her free (and not-so-free) time making calls via the Internet... (sometimes she forgets they can't see her, and she actually waves when she starts off her conversation with a big "HI!". True story. We forgive her.)

and I (and my car) adamantly, vehemently, absolutely protest the actions of the CTA and Superintendent of Schools in donating 1.4 million dollars to the NO campaign, to aid in the defeat of a proposition that, in THEIR words, "...has nothing to do with kids and schools." What??!!! Don't even get me started. Seriously, don't.


eight pride eight pride eight pride YES ON 8 eight pride eight pride eight pride

when I run, I run for THE PEOPLE. And the Karate Kid.

Running 10 kilometers through Bakersfield on any given day? Hell.


Running a 10-kilometer race through a section of Bakersfield on site of a correctional facility neighboring a massive cow farm with massive cow smell and conquering obstacles of hurdles, mud pits, walls, rope crawls, trenches, log walks, ditches, hills, slides and 6-foot-deep water-filled ditches?


Puuuuure HEAVEN.

Volkslauf (pronounced fullxlauwf, rhymes with chokeswowf) is German for "The People's Run", but... call me a race-ist or whatever, but even though there are 2000 participants, I don't think "people" in general should be running anywhere near this thing. It's no walk in the park, unless your park is filled with Marine sergeants yelling at you to keep moving, loser, and requiring you to cartoon-run through a half-mile ditch of chest-deep freezing-cold twig-and-hay-filled muddy water. And that was just Obstacle #8 out of 29.

Not that I am some big racer myself. I don't really like running (booooring), so I wasn't In It To Win It-- really I just wanted to finish. And get all kinds of dirty, and laugh a whole lot. I sure didn't train for this--haven't really run since last December when I accidentally ran a half-marathon--so I'm just glad I was able to get over most of the walls and didn't die. So, I may not have finished in the top ten, or even the top 100 of female 10k-ers, per se, but... I DID finish in the top... 124! Hard-core!

(And I just barely missed finishing as number 125--whew-- but that's because I had the good sense to sprint ahead down the last descent and five yards to the finish alone, suddenly ditching my triathlon friend and running mate Eva who had held back the whole time so we could do the race together. I think she was okay with it, and of course very happy for me, in the end.)

And, well, they may not have given out any medals for 124th place (jerks), but I did NOT go home without a few mementos from the race! 27 mementos, to be exact. One for each of the 26 obstacles I completed (no way was I climbing that 20-foot slat wall), plus a bonus! I win!

Yep, those are all real bruises, and all from the Volkslauf. And all very, very pretty.

Am I delicate, or am I hard-core? You decide.

(for an even more graphic image, click to enlarge)

______________________________________________________

Some select photos...

THE TEAM

(pre-race stretches)

Jennie-San, Tank Top Dale, Extreme John, I-was-robbed-of-124th-place Eva

pre-race puking from the cow whiff:

and pre-race saluting the crane-raised ginormous flag

Remembering why we were there.

Because THIS IS AMERICA, people.

Remembering our freedom from the Germans and all that.

We were racing for Old Glory, for Betsy Ross, and for

the inmates of Lerdo Jail Facility, Bakersfield, CA.

THE RACE

_____________________________________________________

we went OVER things

(check out the sergeant shaking his fist at me!

He knew I was about to make a break for it and go around the wall, instead of over it, as soon as we helped Eva over.)

we went UNDER things

(under the cargo nets on the right, we were sprayed with hoses as we crawled through. Just like 'Nam.)

ACROSS

(here's where I got my sweet rope burn)

UP

DOWN

and THROUGH

(my cannonball into the last trench. You can just barely see my Ralph Macchio headband)

check out everyone's faces! Hah! Six-foot deep, final swim to the last hill. This is how Eva got her mud-goatee.

John demonstrating the true Volkslauf Ultimate Challenge. This is why we call him Extreme John. Also because, even with a hurt knee, he can still run a race 30 minutes faster than a perfectly-healthy sidekick . Puh. What's with that.

BEST FACE EVER

_____________________________________________________

THE FINISH

_______________________________________________

AND, FINALLY...

grapes soaked in the dirty mud from your hands? No worry.

dirty socks? Toss them in the "discard" pile as you ascend the final ramp.

the sweet reward of your disgusting self being hosed down by a fireman.

Ohhhh, yeah.

See you next year!