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.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 22, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 22, 2012

Outside my window… sunny after the rain and wind earlier. There was also a tornado to the north of us. Did I mention that I live in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA???

I am thinking… that I’m enjoying the quiet in the parsonage (other than the Giants’ game on TV) and the light filtering in through the windows.

I am thankful… that Jon got to St. Louis safely.

In the kitchen… kuchen later this week for the church’s Oktoberfest.

I am wearing… green shirt and black sweats.

I am creating… NaNo plans.

I am going… hopefully nowhere special this week.

I am wondering… why Cullen walks on his clawpoints. He clacks on the wood and linoleum when he walks.

I am reading… A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

I am hoping… the Giants win tonight.

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday. (It got postponed due to health issues with my massage therapist.)

Around the house… vacuuming to do.

I am pondering…

A favorite quote for today… ??Nothing you have not given away will ever really be yours.?? ? C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… quiet time to do things during Daniel’s nap

A few plans for the rest of the week: coffee with a parishioner tomorrow, Morning Prayer on Wednesday, teaching Bible study on Thursday, and my massage on Friday. Oktoberfest is also Friday but I think we’ll just donate the cost of tickets.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Writing, Voting, and Interesting Office Supply Products

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

I VOTED!!!! *cue confetti and balloons* I’m in California so we have all the normal slate of candidates in addition to a bunch of ballot measures so the envelope to mail back the ballots requires extra postage. I also wish that there was an “I voted!” sticker included in my absentee ballot because there might be merchants who give perks for those who voted like free coffee or something. Oh well… Jon just dropped his absentee ballot off at our town hall and they were giving out “I voted!” stickers so I have one on the fridge so that I can get any perks offered by merchants for having one on Election Day.

— 2 —

I’m doing NaNoWriMo again. I *might* actually win given that I do have some more spare time than I’ve had in the last few years with Daniel in school. I’m recycling my characters from last year and altering a few of them. My main character is a pastor’s wife — what can I say? I write about what I know. It’s either that or write about import brokerage stuff and a cross-border murder.

— 3 —

I was taking a drive when I heard this song. Daniel had woken up grumpy and we were driving around when this song came on. After CSI was over tonight, I started looking for it online and was having a heck of a time finding it. It turns out that it’s probably just been released to radio stations and the album isn’t due until January. Still… I found it on YouTube! Boo yah!

— 4 —

Cardinal Dolan said something awesome on his Twitter today. His remark: “If I only sat down with people who agreed with me, and I with them, or with those who were saints, I??d be taking all my meals alone.” I think it’s relevant in our politically-polarized country where one side is claiming that the media is on the side of the other and there is so much back-biting. I have readers on this blog who agree with me politically and readers who think I’ve lost my mind for backing the candidates I back. Somehow, we all manage to find common ground and I’d readily break bread (or a gluten-free alternative) with any of them.

— 5 —

OMG NLCS baseball!!! We swept the Reds *in* Cincinnati and we’re currently playing Game 4 in St. Louis. I’m thinking of Kathleen Basi and Grace Patton as I’m watching. I have no idea if Grace is a Cardinals fan (or if she’s even all that concerned with baseball) but I remember talking about the World Series with Kathleen last year and now our teams are playing each other in the NLCS! As much as I’m a Giants fan, I do like the Cardinals and I’d totally root for them if they prevailed and made it to the World Series to play Detroit.

— 6 —

For those who read all the interesting comments on the BIC for Her pens, there’s now a new office product sensation. Yes, I totally realize that Romney’s “binders full of women” are binders full of women’s resumés. Yes, I would totally be mentioning this if Obama or Biden had said it. No, I didn’t watch the debate — I was too busy being righteously indignant over NCIS being pre-empted. I had also already filled out my ballot on Sunday night so the debate wasn’t going to change anything for me.

— 7 —

My grandma turns 92 tomorrow. She was the first college graduate on my mom’s side of the family. (My grandfather didn’t finish because Pearl Harbor happened.) She and my grandfather just missed making it 63 years when he passed away in 2006. She still lives at home and gardens a little bit. She also plays bridge twice a week. Happy birthday, Grandma! I love you!

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

An Admonition from My Devotional Book

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The following passage stuck out to me in my devotional reading today.

“Don??t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord??s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” — 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Of all of it, verse 23 (which is bolded) stuck out: Don??t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. I think it leaped out at me because it’s election season here in the USA and the smear ads are incredibly plentiful. I also deal with people who have tried to pick fights on here (thank God for comment moderation) and who have called me all manner of names because I happen to support President Obama. It’s a hard thing some days to know that people who don’t even know me or who have talked to me are demonizing me.

I’m not saying that those with whom I disagree are the devil — I included the whole part of the passage for the sake of adding context but it did stick with me that I shouldn’t have anything to do with the fights being picked on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve refused to watch any of the debates because I already know how I’m voting and I’ve actually unfollowed people on Twitter during the debates so I don’t have to deal with reading things meant to pick fights. I’m staying away from certain blogs which are incredibly vitriolic toward anyone who doesn’t agree with them politically and I’m attempting to be judicious in anything I post here or on Facebook/Twitter.

Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. I’d love to post my thoughts on Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan but I’ve realized that I don’t think I could do it in such a way as to not come across as one of the people who I deem vitriolic. “Obamacare” has benefited my family greatly and while I may be theologically conservative, I’m socially moderate. Paul Ryan is too extreme for me and I cannot, in good conscience, vote for Mitt Romney. I have people of whom I am incredibly fond who think I’m deluded for supporting Obama. I can deal with that. My life would be pretty boring if I surrounded myself only with those who espouse all my opinions. What I cannot do, however, is get caught up in the nastiness that seems to be pervading this election.

So please, tell me if/when I ever cross the line.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 15, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 15, 2012

Outside my window… dark. It was sunny and in the 80’s when Daniel and I were out having adventures today. I’d kind of like the 70’s back, please.

I am thinking… that this is one heck of a baseball game! (Giants-Cardinals, Game 2)

I am thankful… to attend the wedding of Jon and Susie this weekend. Not only did I get to see one of my dearest friends (finally!!!!!!) tie the knot (after 13 years), I got to see college friends who I hadn’t seen in 11-12 years, meet the tween daughter of two of them, and meet the girlfriend of another. I got to see and hear one of my favorite professors play organ and I got to experience a lovely Chinese wedding banquet complete with lion dancers.

In the kitchen… ramen.

I am wearing… navy blue maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… NaNoWriMo ideas.

I am going… to hopefully head to the zoo tomorrow with the bear child depending on how I feel. (He has today and tomorrow off of school.)

I am wondering… when we’re actually going to have a real autumn. I miss autumn in the Midwest.

I am reading… A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. No, it isn’t as good as the Harry Potter books thus far but I’m not all that far in.

I am hoping… the Giants win Game 3 in St. Louis.

I am looking forward to… my massage on Friday.

Around the house… vacuuming to do.

I am pondering… when/if I should see a doctor about my post-nasal drip.

A favorite quote for today… ??A Christian society is not going to arrive until most of us really want it: and we are not going to want it until we become fully Christian. I may repeat “Do as you would be done by” till I am black in the fact, but I cannot really carry it out till I love my neighbour as myself: and I cannot learn to love my neighbour as myself till I learn to love God: and I cannot learn to love God except by learning to obey Him. And so, as I warned you, we are driven on to something more inward – driven on from social matters to religious matters.?? — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… a good dinner with friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer on Wednesday, Daniel’s eye appointment on Thursday, and a massage on Friday. Oh… and watching whatever Giants-Cardinals games are televised locally.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Twittering Cats and Baseball

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

My Giants are headed to the NLCS! They came back from 2 games under to win the series over the Reds. We’re waiting to find out if they’re playing the Nationals or the Cardinals. I’m also waiting to find out if the A’s made it in as then there would be the possibility of a Bay Bridge Series. If that happens, I’ll be checking my earthquake insurance policy after what happened the last time… The A’s lost to the Tigers so we’ll be waiting to see who the Tiger’s play. I’m kind of glad not to have the A’s playing the Giants in the World Series — less chance of an earthquake.

— 2 —

There was a debate on tonight or something, right? Just kidding. I didn’t watch it. I watched an hour of syndicated Big Bang Theory reruns instead. I think it was probably a better use of my time.

— 3 —

One of the Cathsorority chicas posted a link to a webcam of a giraffe about to have a baby. We’re all watching it and commenting on it. I’m incredibly amused that our group of women who are located in a number of states between the east and west coast are so fascinated with this. Then again, we’re women — we dig birth.

— 4 —

I get to go to a wedding this weekend. One of my good friends from college is finally (!!!) marrying his girlfriend. My parents are going to baby-sit while Jon and I head to San Francisco for it. I’m looking forward to seeing some of my college friends again, some of them for the first time since graduation and others for the first time since my wedding 10 years ago. Tomorrow morning, I need to go shoe-shopping and pick up some nude pantyhose as well as pack up some laundry to do at my parents’ house. (I don’t think it will get done before we have to leave for San Jose.)

— 5 —

It’s finally cold enough here to need the furnace tonight. A week ago, we were in the 90’s. Today, it was in the 70’s and it’s chilly tonight. I’m hoping this is a trend. I hate hot weather. The only thing that would make it better would be rain.

— 6 —

I created a Twitter for my black cat Edda. Why yes, I have no life. Why yes, I have insomnia. I figured a Twitter was easier than remembering to update her blog daily. She is @eddapuss.

— 7 —

I still haven’t figured out Daniel’s Halloween costume yet. Not having a verbal child, his Halloween costume is up to me. I might go to Goodwill and see if I can’t put one together that I like. The last three years have been bear-related so Paddington might be an option.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 9, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 9, 2012

Outside my window… dark and cloudy. It was only 75F today which is glorious. I’m kind of bummed that the temperatures are going back up to normal (80’s) next week.

I am thinking… that I miss fall in the Midwest (Minnesota and Ohio). I loved 4 distinct seasons and seeing the trees looking like they were on fire with color.

I am thankful… for Jessica’s baby being born healthy. Go visit her and show her some love!!!

In the kitchen… failed ravioli with pesto. Let’s just not talk about it again, m’kay?

I am wearing… grey maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… ideas for various things.

I am going… to get some quality time with a friend tomorrow.

I am wondering… how I’m going to make it until the election. The attack ads are wounding my soul. I’m seriously pondering the idea of sending tinfoil hats to the National Republican Congressional Committee based on the conspiracy theory ads they’re running. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is also on my sh*t list.

I am reading… Bossypants by Tina Fey. Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish it this weekend with all the driving going on.

I am hoping… my absentee ballot arrives soon. I can’t wait to vote! I just wish they included an “I voted!” sticker with it.

I am looking forward to… Morning Prayer and hanging out with Anne.

Around the house… *sticks fingers in ear* Lalalalalalala! I can’t hear you!

I am pondering…

A favorite quote for today… “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” — Martin Luther

One of my favorite things… the quiet time after everyone goes to bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer tomorrow, shoe-shopping and finishing paperwork on Thursday, heading to San Jose on Friday, and wedding of a good friend on Saturday.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook