Author Archives: Jen

About Jen

Jen isn't quite sure when she lost her mind, but it is probably documented here on Meditatio. She blogs because the world needs her snark at all hours of the night... and she probably can't sleep anyway.

7 Quick Takes Friday — Randomness

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7 Quick Takes

–1–

The family remembrance for Erik was wonderful. We had a liturgy from the Jewish Book of Prayer and my brother and I read “The Road Less Traveled” by Robert Frost. While Erik had spent some of his time being hyper-Calvinist, he would not have wanted a formal funeral and I think he was fairly anti-religious toward the end. It was meaningful for all of us and I learned a bit about Erik that I hadn’t known.

–2–

Erik’s ashes will be interred at the family plot (or what is rapidly becoming the family plot) at the pioneer cemetery in Pedee, OR later this year. I’m acquiring a small stuffed lion to be buried with him because he was a Leo and loved lions. If I can’t make it, I’ll give it to my mom to take it to the interment.

–3–

Medi-Cal LOST the paperwork that I hand-delivered to them. There are few words that can describe my angst and rage. Social Security is saying the same thing about the stuff I hand-delivered there. It’s maddening.

–4–

We’ve made some food discoveries with Daniel this week. I was having some Kraft Deluxe Mac n’ Cheese (the stuff with the Velveeta-like cheese sauce) and Daniel was mugging me for it. I finally started doing the “one-bite-for-me-and-one-for-you” thing with him. Yesterday, he was mugging my mom for some of her quiche. (Apparently, he doesn’t have the allergy issues with eggs that I do.) Today at the church picnic, I kept him busy while I ate by passing him pieces of Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Gorganzola. It’s definitely progress.

–5–

I keep having a craving for Hawaiian pizza (pineapple and Canadian bacon) from Round Table. I grew up on it so it shouldn’t be surprising that I’m craving it. It’s still the best pizza I’ve found locally. (Pizza My Heart in Santa Cruz will always have a special place in my heart with their pesto pizza.) I just wish I could do the ordering online.

–6–

I’m reading God’s Harvard: A Christian College on a Mission to Save America By Hanna Rosin and it’s pretty interesting. It’s about Patrick Henry College and how it was founded to raise up a generation of young people to enter government and take it back from the liberals… or something along those lines. If you’ve read The Unlikely Disciple by Kevin Roose (which I also *HIGHLY* recommend), you’ll like this one.

–7–

I’m reading God’s Harvard on my NOOK. It was a gift from a family friend while Daniel was in the hospital that was designed to keep me occupied during the large amount of downtime I had. With a generous gift certificate to Barnes & Noble from my mother-in-law for a birthday present, I’ve been able to put some books on there that I’ve always wanted to read and figured that it would be good on long car rides where I wasn’t driving — certainly easier than taking a whole tote bag of books.

(For more of this, head to Conversion Diary.)

Tetelestai

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I was a bit vague yesterday in my post but…

My cousin Erik passed away tonight. He was only 40 years old and had really struggled in life. I’m glad he finally has the peace he couldn’t find in life but I’m mourning the fact that I’ve lost any chance to have a relationship with him in this life.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Erik. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Please pray for me and for my family.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: June 6, 2011

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY June 6, 2011

Outside my window… cloudy with sprinkles. It should hopefully clear up by tomorrow.

I am thinking… about my extended family — some difficult decisions had to be made today by some of them.

I am thankful for… being able to be in San Jose yesterday and today as those decisions were being made. (I know I’m being vague but it’s kind of a touchy family issue.)

From the kitchen… pita and hummus.

I am wearing… grey maternity shirt and blue plaid boxer shorts that I sleep in during the summer.

I am creating… this entry.

I am going… hopefully nowhere big this week other than maybe San Jose for a funeral.

I am reading… In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming.

I am hoping… I get decent sleep tonight.

I am hearing… Daniel’s musical toys.

Around the house… dishes and laundry to be done.

One of my favorite things… purry ginger tabbies and licorice cats.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I’m enjoying not having any day planned out except for Friday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing… I’ll have new pictures next week, OK?

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes Friday — Seven People/Groups/Organizations That Are Incurring My Wrath

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7 Quick Takes

–1–

Social Security Administration: Get off your butts and process my son’s case. You’ve had the information for a month and a half already!!! If you’ve lost the paperwork, let me know so I can at least get copies to replace stuff.

–2–

Medi-Cal: Get off your butts and process my son’s case. I know you’ve had budget cuts and have sooooo many cases blah blah blah. Again, you’ve had the paperwork for a good long time. Get off your butts and do something!!!

–3–

People who park at the library on flea market days: I’ve mentioned this one before. It’s still pissing me off. The sign is in English and Spanish. I know you can read at least ONE of those languages. PARK ELSEWHERE. You’re preventing people from accessing the library because you’re clogging the parking lot and the access road to the book drop.

–4–

Congresscritters trying to gut Medicare: Is it just me or does anyone else find it “amusing” that the ones trying to get Medicare cut apart are the ones who HAVE government pensions (and huge salaries) and aren’t going to be screwed in their old age by lack of access to affordable medical care? Yeah, I thought so.

–5–

People who cut into congested traffic without using their turn signals: Seriously, this is dangerous. I can’t read your mind and suddenly careening in front of me is not the best idea, especially at 70 mph. (The speed limit may be 65 mph but the flow of traffic is at 70.) Be thankful that I’m alert and not one of the people jawing away on their cell phones (HOLDING THEM) while they drive. Otherwise, things would really suck.

–6–

People who park their *MASSIVE* SUV’s in “compact” parking spaces: You must be blind because there is no other compelling reason for thinking that you can fit your Suburban in that parking space. Then again, they granted you a driver’s license so you must be able to see and read the word in that parking space — you know… “COMPACT”. You also must think I’m made of paper and can squeeze in there to get into the car or that I *LOVE* getting into the car through the passenger side. Guess what… I don’t! Park your gas guzzler elsewhere please.

–7–

Sarah Palin: Ahem… could you stop grandstanding and claiming that you’re “not running for President” when in fact, you’re trying to drum up popular support for a run by your “tour of American sites”. I wish the media would stop trying to chase you and focus on something else more constructive. You’re a freaking moron and God help us if the Republican party picks you as their candidate in 2012. And really… since when is Trump’s condo an “American site”?

(For more of this, head to Conversion Diary.)

Reflections on Atheism (VIII)

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OK… I’ve seen the atheist community on the web raise money for Camp Quest and I’ve seen it come together to support Damon Fowler and provide him with money for college. Great job, y’all.

Here’s my question: how have you rallied to do something like tornado relief? I’ve heard people call in on KLOVE and Air1 with a message like “I live in [small town] and I’ve got an empty 56-foot truck/am collecting diapers for kids in Joplin/am doing [insert good deed] and I wanted to let people know that if they wanted to help, they can contact [that person]. Is there some way that y’all get information on a national level? I’m not assuming that religious radio is the only way to do this — I’m just wondering how y’all would do it because I don’t know of non-satellite radio stations that broadcast nationally that would rally the atheist community.

As usual, I’d love comments.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: May 30, 2011

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY May 30, 2011

Outside my window… cloudy and cool. We’re supposed to have a weather system off the coast and it’s giving me a headache.

I am thinking… about Daniel’s MRI appointment tomorrow.

I am thankful for… a visit with family. Daniel and I went down to San Jose on Saturday afternoon and spent time with my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and my aunt and her boyfriend who were on their way back up from Anaheim where my youngest cousin had competed in choral and band competitions with her high school. My aunt and her boyfriend were driving the instruments back up to Washington.

From the kitchen… nothing homemade. Tonight was Hawaiian pizza from Round Table.

I am wearing… a blue shirt and my penguin pajama bottoms.

I am creating… this entry.

I am going… to Sacramento tomorrow for Daniel’s appointment and a few other places this week though I’m not entirely sure yet.

I am reading… The Alpine Uproar by Mary Daheim.

I am hoping… Daniel’s MRI comes out clean.

I am hearing… a neighbor trimming their lawn or leaf-blowing or something.

Around the house… clean thanks to Jon.

One of my favorite things… Hawaiian pizza from Round Table. I had forgotten how good their pizza is.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Daniel’s MRI tomorrow, Ladies’ Night Out for church on Wednesday, and errands TBA for the rest of the week.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing… I’m unfortunately out of pictures at the moment. 🙁

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes Friday — Good Things About the Rapture Not Happening/Being Postponed

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7 Quick Takes

In response to last week, here are some positives about the Rapture *not* happening.

–1–

Getting to see Daniel grow up. I’m kind of looking forward to seeing where my adventures with Daniel lead. He’s such a cute little boy and it’s so fun to watch him learn new things and grow.

–2–

Getting to joke with my family about which city would be annihilated next. It was entertaining on Saturday to do this with my family. Do I feel bad for those duped by Harold Camping? Yes. Does it mean I can’t have a sense of humor? No.

–3–

Not being “left behind”. It would suck as tornadoes and earthquakes and tsunamis hit and destroyed — wait, that happens anyway. Never mind. And seriously… what’s with the tornadoes south of Chico?!?!?!? This is California, not the Midwest.

–4–

Getting to see multiple episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” this week. I’m sure heaven would have been great but dude… 4 episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” this week that weren’t just for those with cable/satellite.

–5–

Getting to meet Kym tonight. I got to meet my wonderful online friend Kym tonight. I just wish it had been better circumstances. (I was visiting her in the hospital.)

–6–

Getting to watch “The Biggest Loser” finale. I’ve been seriously cheering for Olivia and Hannah. So glad they make it to the final and that Olivia won.

–7–

Getting to do this quick takes post. OK… cheap one here but it’s nice to still be able to blog.