tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347414072024-03-20T01:52:41.107-07:00BiteSize's BrewsWhat's Hop-pening? A blog about beer.Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-29727128551468275982010-08-06T13:17:00.001-07:002010-08-06T13:17:46.627-07:00New Blog - Check It Out!Please check out my new blog: BiteSize Brews: <a href="http://bitesizebrews.com/">http://bitesizebrews.com/</a>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-63794973250828867052010-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:002010-05-09T12:13:31.853-07:00Red Razzleberry StoutHAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! My present to my mom is home brewing at home while she is out playing golf. She isn't a fan of the smell and I'm not a fan of golf. So this works out well.<div><br /></div><div>I've started working on my 4th of July brews for the family reunion. I'm doing a Red, White and Blue theme. Today is Red Razzleberry Stout, adapted from <a href="http://apparentattenuation.blogspot.com/?zx=6175de662c11e3f4">Aaron's</a> <a href="http://abovetheresthomebrewing.net/RedRazzleberryStout.aspx">Above the Rest Homebrewing</a> website.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><ul><li>7 lbs of liquid amber malt extract</li><li>1 lb of crystal mat (120L)</li><li>1/4 lb of H.B. Britsh chocolate malt</li><li>1/4 lb of black patent malt</li><li>4 lbs of organic frozen raspberries (donated by my Aunt Kirstie)</li><li>1 tsp of irish moss</li><li>1 tsp of gypsum</li><li>2 oz of Northern Brewer hops</li><li>1 package of Irish Ale yeast</li></ul></div><div>Directions:</div><div><ol><li>Steep grains for 30 minutes in 3 gallons of water at 155 degrees F.</li><li>Remove grains, add gypsum.</li><li>Add liquid malt and bring to boil.</li><li>Add 1.5 oz of Northern Hops for 55 minutes.</li><li>At 30 minute mark - add irish moss.</li><li>Add .5 oz of Northern Hops for last 5 minutes.</li><li>Chill wort. Add raspberries and yeast.</li><li>Ferment 5-7 days.</li><li>Move to secondary and ferment for an additional 5-7 days.</li><li>Bottle / keg and enjoy.</li></ol><div><i>Know another get raspberry or stout recipe?</i></div></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-80026203865560857272010-05-01T09:34:00.000-07:002010-05-01T09:44:01.460-07:00Jiving at JiveTwo weeks ago I went to a happy hour event at <a href="http://www.jivesoftware.com/">Jive</a>, a software company based here in Portland, Oregon. Not only do they have a great product and a sweet office. They also have their own custom pint glasses. Needless to say, I kinda wanted one...<br /><br />Last week I emailed a friend who works there and offered a trade. One Jive pint glass for one home brewed beer (Blueberry Pale Ale - I'll post the recipe soon). He agreed and we met for lunch this week to make the switch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJlvkI4QaLIYBs1CgOlvKFA445sQmuvMmyx5-h-_w79Gho0c4flv_JzQLBykkyAJ10ZLvlHQ__EGuARTdjKCphWalF8PuSv1zJphgVYEfpuBAPX2zNUyTYWtWL3YQFS3fafWXA/s1600/jive.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJlvkI4QaLIYBs1CgOlvKFA445sQmuvMmyx5-h-_w79Gho0c4flv_JzQLBykkyAJ10ZLvlHQ__EGuARTdjKCphWalF8PuSv1zJphgVYEfpuBAPX2zNUyTYWtWL3YQFS3fafWXA/s320/jive.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466342662033320386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Aren't they cute? Does your company do custom pint glasses? Let me know!</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-13573956372951794992010-04-28T11:55:00.000-07:002010-04-28T12:26:23.752-07:00BiteSize's BrewsI really like this new blog name. (Thanks <a href="http://www.lamargoti.com/">Lauren</a> for suggesting it.)<br /><br />Why Bite Size?<br /><br />It's been my nickname since freshman year of high school. Long story short, one of the senior guys over heard my dad calling me "Pint Size" after water polo practice one day and thought my dad said "Bite Size." Thus the name has stuck ever since. It also helps that I come from a family of giants and yet am pretty short. Plus, it's already my Twitter name, <a href="http://twitter.com/bite4size">bite4size</a>.<br /><br />Why Brews?<br />This one<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span> should be pretty obvious. It's a blog about beer or "brews".<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What do you think of my new name?</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-31447024235215263182010-04-27T21:15:00.000-07:002010-04-27T21:36:46.937-07:00"The Time Has Come"<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:large;"><div><i>the Walrus said, "To talk of many things"</i></div>Of blogs-- and beers -- and stating facts--</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Of fermentation-- and dreams--</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And why my blog is out of date---</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And whether it shall change."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">(Adapted from Lewis Carrol's The Walrus and The Carpenter)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Yes, the time has come for my blog to change. Something I've been meaning to do for awhile, but funny how time can get away from you. But like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Madonna</span> has taught us time and time again, we need to re-invent ourselves (and our blogs). Mine has got from a college update blog, to a transitioning into the real world blog and now to a beer blog.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Yup, I finally thought of a theme for my blog. Beer! It seems so obvious now that I've finally set my mind to it. Why didn't I think of this earlier? I know what you are thinking, "Ah, there are so many beer blogs out there, especially in Portland." But I've got some great reasons behind this one:</span></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love beer (duh!)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love brewing beer (and I keep OCD notes about it).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love talking about beer (as most of you know).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I'm a girl (not many girl's know as much as I do on this topic).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I'm young (not many YOUNG, WOMAN home brew).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I live in Portland, OR (the beer capital of the world).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love traveling (thus more breweries to try).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love hearing the stories behind different beers and breweries (good content).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I can't commit to blogging as much as I want to (and this will keep me focused).</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love social media (thus I can promote, share, talk about more breweries).</span></span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So what does this mean for you? Suggest a new name, links, breweries, times to meet up for beers, etc. And I'll happily oblige. I'll also be slowly updating my blog to meet my new theme.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-47444205678233851722010-04-06T11:56:00.000-07:002010-04-06T12:29:44.638-07:00Two Things You Should Know About MeI was supposed to be in a class webinar for my Master's course - however I can't seem to log on. Therefore, I'm writing this blog post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two Things You Should Know About Me:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. If I say someone is in my family and they live in Oregon, they aren't really blood relatives.</span> <br />My mom, dad and I moved to Oregon when I was a baby, my little brother was born here. However, none of my extended family lives outside of New England. To make up for this, I have been blessed with a lot of "family" out here. We go to the Carey family reunion every year for 4th of July. I have many Aunties and Uncles from both my "mom's side" or my "dad's side." I also have a tendency to call my friend's parents "mom" or "dad". Maybe I'm old school (way old school - tribal style), but I really do believe it takes a community to raise a child and I owe these people a lot and it's a term of endearment for me. I would like to point out I love my real parents very much as well as my family out on the East Coast. I just wish I could see them more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Everyone is my best friend.</span><br />When I was little, my mom told me it wasn't nice to call friends "best friends" because it made other people feel bad. The way my brain processed that is, <span style="font-style: italic;">well then, everyone can be my best friend</span>. Apparently this confuses a lot of people in my adult life when they attempt to keep track of all my best friends. My advice to them is, you'd be amazed how awesome it is when all your friends are the best ones.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Just two random things about me. Now, tell me two things about you.</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-27235241530721219532010-03-25T08:28:00.000-07:002010-03-26T10:43:39.280-07:0010 Years Ago...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEIRq6Y4-ItmAzYGyEB3YuRUBZdvhxOai0-jC7YWPQFbDBGDrass7yqaMCx20bbQEOLjqHQTB9d-LtwNgv70aWJKQLqWnHtOe9M6aukuEhPrFn3Kl_1t8pyIWAheVhSQ9qEuNrg/s1600/n18602071_31181860_7650.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEIRq6Y4-ItmAzYGyEB3YuRUBZdvhxOai0-jC7YWPQFbDBGDrass7yqaMCx20bbQEOLjqHQTB9d-LtwNgv70aWJKQLqWnHtOe9M6aukuEhPrFn3Kl_1t8pyIWAheVhSQ9qEuNrg/s320/n18602071_31181860_7650.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452999186286768466" border="0" /></a>10 years ago today, I broke my leg. Broke might be an understatement, I shattered my femur while skiing on Spring Break. Last Saturday, while my mom and I were skiing (yes, I still ski) I realized it has been a DECADE since that day. Crazy! In honor of this special day I thought I would do a trip down memory lane of all the things I've accomplished even with my titanium rod and four pins:<br /><ol><li>Learned how to walk again (very important).</li><li>Learned how to rely on my family and friends for everything (humbling).</li><li>Played varsity water polo in high school (major goal in rehab).</li><li>Swam competitively for my university (definitely was the slowest kid).</li><li>Completed 3 Nike Women Half Marathon's (and I got the Tiffany Co. bling to prove it!) <span style="font-style: italic;">See above photo. You can kinda see my scar too...</span><br /></li><li>Enjoying telling stories of how I got my scar "I got bit by a shark," "I got knifed," and "so-and-so hates me".</li><li>Going off in airports (sometimes) and having to explain to people "no I can't take off my leg."</li><li>Still skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, camping and traveling.</li><li>Being able to do stupid things ("I can't break my leg again", "I'm bulletproof", "I'm 1/2 robot", etc.)</li><li>I now have the perfect excuse as to why I'm so short compared to the rest of my family!</li></ol>Here's to a couple more decades of health and happiness. I can't wait until all my friends are 60 and catching up to my bionic-ness!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Where were you 10 years ago?</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-20443594986137654482010-03-17T15:00:00.000-07:002010-03-17T15:16:09.561-07:00New Job!Many of you know I recently became a "free agent" in the job hunting scene. I'm happy to announce that I'll be the new Community Manager at The Standard in their Business Development department. I'll be in downtown Portland, if anyone wants to meet me for lunch or happy hour :) I think this is the best place for me to sharpen my social media / project management skills so that I can be a stronger marketer. <span style="font-style: italic;">I keep wanting to say "when I grow up." Does anyone else who's older than 25 struggle with that?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When exactly do you grow up?</span> As Warren Miller says, "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" Maybe I just struggle with this more than my friends since I still look like I'm 13, not 23...<br /><div><br /></div><div>Half way through my first day - so far so good!</div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-35048722010408268272010-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:002010-03-18T13:18:36.557-07:00Richard Stearns, World Vision PresidentLast Sunday, I got the opportunity to hear Richard Stearns speak at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church. Stearns is the President of <a href="http://www.worldvision.org/">World Vision </a>and the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Our-Gospel-expect-Changed/dp/0785229183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268943493&sr=8-1">The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World</a>. He spoke, of course, about what God expects of us. The answer is actually really simple:<br /><br />God wants everything: our heart, mind and soul.<br /><br />This leads to a trickier question: <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Are you willing to be open to God's will for your life? </span><br /><br />This is when you start looking up James 2:14-19, James 1:22, Ephesians 2:10, Luke 6:46 and Matthew 7:21-23. It starts getting a little intense.<br /><br />As Stearns says "Good works and deeds are the evidence of our personal salvation."<br /><br /><ol><li>Love God.</li><li>Love our fellow man. It's that simple.</li></ol>"God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, who then sent us to be His hands and feet." <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What does that look like?</span> Think of the parable of the mustard seed. If a tiny mustard seed can move mountains... What if we were each a mustard seed and we each had a shovel. How easy would it be to move a mountain? Now what if social injustice (lack of clean drinking water, sanitation, education, medical care, etc) was that mountain.<br /><br />Don't think someone else will do it. It's our job and God expects us to do it. And we can do it.<br /><br />The mustard seed can move a mountain. I think we can do more than that.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Are you willing to be open to God's will for your life? </span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-63536500962214610192010-03-15T22:31:00.001-07:002010-03-16T15:43:34.146-07:00Red Chair Group in PDXLast Friday I had the opportunity to attend the <a href="http://www.redchairgroup.com/">Red Chair Group's</a> conference here in Portland, OR. I studied social media in college and have done some freelance work but my primary focus the last year and a half has been gaining a solid foundation in sustainability. This conference gave me the chance to get back to my roots.<br /><br />Lead by <a href="http://www.redchairgroup.com/who-we-are">Olivier Blanchard</a>, this conference focused on mid-level managers and account-level professionals on how to properly manage, measure and grow social media programs under their care. Perfect for me and my new position as Community Manager at The Standard (more info on that in another blog post). Some of my favorite take aways from the event included:<br /><ul><li>"You can no longer live on the mountain." You need to engage in with your customers and communities. "Customize content for all channels." <br /></li><li>It's my job to help bosses understand the shift that is happening. Something I definitely need help doing. But this conference helped me with that. From vertical engagement (the brand speaking to the consumer) to lateral engagement (the brand speaking to the consumer, hearing back from the consumer and the consumers talking to one another).</li><li>Social media enables social community. Yet another way to view this shift. "Create something worthwhile, then let the community share it."</li><li>There are four core disciplines of Social Media:</li></ul><ol><li>Strategy (Development)</li><li>Operations (Integration)</li><li>Monitoring reputation, community and customer support (Management) : ME!</li><li>Analyst (Measurement)</li></ol><ul><li>"Value has become a buzzword. Buzzwords are meaningless. Value is not a product. Value = Usefulness."</li><li>"Think of your department goals. Goals are not targets. Set targets. Be specific. Be Clear."</li><li>There was a lot of talk on legal considerations when it comes to social media. I learned something new here. Libel is written defamation and slander is spoken defamation.</li><li>Rules for Engagement:</li></ul><ol><li>Never get suckered into an argument.</li><li>Stick to the facts.</li><li>Never assume anything.</li><li>Be helpful.</li><li>Some people can't be reasoned with.</li><li>Do the best you can.</li><li>Listen more than you speak.</li><li>If you feel outnumbered, get help.</li><li>Follow up.</li></ol><ul><li>Steps to Channel Development:</li></ul><ol><li>Identify channels you should be in.</li><li>Understand channels you should be in.</li><li>Create listening outposts.</li><li>Connect with key citizens "denizens".</li><li>Become involved with topics and conversations.</li><li>Develop a positive reputation.</li><li>Grow social equity.</li><li>Establish leadership presence.<br /></li></ol><ul><li>ROI = gain from investment - cost of investment / cost of investment.</li></ul><ol><li>Establish a baseline.</li><li>Create activity timelines (schedule!).</li><li>Monitor impacts on conversations.</li><li>Measure transactions.</li></ol><ul><li>F.R.Y. = Frequency, Reach, Yield.</li></ul>Just want to share some highlights of the conference. Red Chair Group PDX will be back this fall, so I'll be posting information on that as soon as I get it. And I'll be attending <a href="http://socialfresh.com/portland/">So Fresh PDX</a> in a couple of days so look for that post soon too.Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-39117425357399501572010-03-14T21:45:00.000-07:002010-03-14T22:04:55.054-07:00What's On Your Bookshelf?I gave up TV for Lent. Which has honestly been pretty awesome. I've been getting more sleep and reading WAY more than I have since before college I think.<br /><br />So far I've finished:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Principle-Unlocking-Secret-LifeChange/dp/1590525086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268628639&sr=1-1">The Treasure Principle</a> by Randy Alcorn - A Christian view on money and how it isn't mine, it's His.</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stones-into-Schools-Promoting-Afghanistan/dp/0670021156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268628617&sr=1-1">Stones into Schools</a> by Greg Mortenson - What has been happening at the East Asian Institute since <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Cups-Tea-Mission-Promote/dp/0143038257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268628590&sr=1-1">Three Cups of Tea</a> was published.</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341">The Help</a> by Kathryn Stockett - What it's like to be a black maid in the South during the Civil Rights movement.</li></ol>I'm one of those people who reads more than one book at a time. Being that my mood changes a lot it would make sense that my choices for reading would change as well. Right now I'm working on:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Tough-Mother-Taking-Business/dp/0786719141/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629070&sr=8-3">One Tough Mother</a> by Gert Boyle - about the Columbia Sportwear's CEO and the lady behind the brand.</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Purity-Principle-Safeguards-Dangerous-LifeChange/dp/1590521951/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629099&sr=1-1">The Purity Principle</a> by Randy Alcorn - I got the chance to met Randy's wife, Nanci last year and she gave me a bunch of his books, finally getting to them. This one is about a Christian view on sex.</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Flat-Updated-Expanded-Twenty-first/dp/B002N2XI02/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629116&sr=1-1">The World Is Flat</a> by Thomas Friedman - I've already read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Flat-Crowded-Revolution-America/dp/B002BWQ504/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629136&sr=1-1">Hot, Flat and Crowded</a>, figured I should at least read this best seller.</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grapes-Wrath-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143039431/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629020&sr=1-1">The Grapes of Wrath</a> by John Steinbeck - My book club book from last month which I never finished (shhh! Don't tell...)</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Wonderland-Lewis-Carroll/dp/144042909X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629158&sr=1-1">Alice in Wonderland</a> by Lewis Carroll - I went and watched the new Alice in Wonderland with <a href="http://janetfraser.blogspot.com/">Janet</a> and her awesome daughters and felt like I missed some parts so now I need to re-read this book and see what I forgot.</li></ol>I also am going to be adding two more books to this list shortly:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kite-Runner-Khaled-Hosseini/dp/1573222453/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629370&sr=1-1-spell">The Kite Runner</a> by Khaled Hosseini - Just got it on CD for my iPod. (I already got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Splendid-Suns-Illustrated/dp/B00394DOE8/ref=pd_sim_b_1">A Thousand Splendid Suns</a> loaded but wanted to read this one first)</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Our-Gospel-expect-Changed/dp/0785229183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268629285&sr=1-1">The Hole in Our Gospel</a> by Richard Stearns - President of World Vision USA and whom I just heard speak this morning (blog post to come).</li></ol><span style="font-style: italic;">What are you currently working on?</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-27819212291393170832010-03-11T12:23:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:38:16.981-08:00Seeing GodI've been volunteering at <a href="http://www.sunsetpres.org/content.cfm?id=2076">Wildfire</a>, the middle school program at my church, for over a year now. I have a solid group of 7th grade girls, whom over this last year I've gotten really close too. <a href="http://godsidekurt.com/">Kurt</a>, the youth pastor, most recent talk series has been called Pause, something I agree middle schoolers don't do enough, between cell phones, iPods, Facebook, school, homework, sports and other after schoool activities these girls are more involved than I ever was at their age.<br /><br />Last night, Kurt compared pausing and looking for God to looking for <a href="http://www.findwaldo.com/">Where's Waldo?</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Just because you don't see Him, doesn't mean He isn't there.</span> I thought that was a great comparison. He then challenged the students to spend 60 minutes sometime in the next week to seek God. Really try to find Him, like they would search for Waldo. As a leader, I try to do the "homework" as well. Lucky for me, I've already found Him...<br /><br />As many of you know, it's been a rough couple weeks for me. I was laid off, so now I'm a networkin', meetin', coffee drinkin' fool and to top it off a new friend of mine, Kate, is missing in the Gorge. I'm burned out, professionally and personally. Last night, while at Wildfire, I got a text saying <a href="http://www.katu.com/news/local/87294157.html">Kate's search has been called off</a>. Heart broken is an understatement to how I was feeling, but I tried to put on a good face for my girls. But then worship started and I lost it. I'm not a crier, but I bawled like a baby... And something weird happened...<br /><br />I got a hug. Not just one hug, 15 plus, from all my girls, then from their friends and other leaders. I couldn't imagine being in another place to get such bad news and be able to cry out the weight on my heart. For the first time, instead of me loving on my girls, they were loving on me. And I couldn't be more humbled by their actions. So for those two hours at Wildfire, I saw God's red and white Waldo cap on each of my girls and couldn't be more grateful for having them in my life.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Where have you seen God lately?</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-41558637188842381542010-02-25T14:18:00.001-08:002010-02-25T14:41:30.432-08:00Middle School Camp 2010 Highlights<div style="text-align: center;">Man, my life has been crazy! Lots going on in the world</div><div style="text-align: center;"> of Jenna, but I thought I would share my highlights from </div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter Camp 2010 Everyday Apples.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF560KvDdeOwz-hMXVOBDfWLCTh0KI-3YWcJHi1nkcq8yS5QI108nDUfZWVDcQdbrN9khU72OBi5sRsazeVrQJvvNXNHCBXTd6wGETmQrMwVABHPuERUBHa6Zp17oTtQwgoCJYwg/s320/group.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442314708003801138" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><ul><li>Sundays from Heaven: Dropping ice cream sundays from 2nd floor of building onto eagerly awaiting middle schoolers with bowls.</li><li>Earthball: Dominating mud game, humans vs. 6 foot yoga balls.</li></ul><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnADR-LfhyphenhyphenXj3_vqJp9pBiWpOLPZZspgQOkicVVCNNGvAFjv0OB_aDj_nugzZFts31sRdKS99dGnea-a2RSOSXEclZYbhiJDZu0v_9RNbWwY1L0uYe6cC5Zar_In5rGftMtb-fuw/s320/mud.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442314493245503666" /></div><ul><li>Accidently sending my co-leader Jenn to the ER: Don't worry she's okay and our 7th grade girls got a perfect example of how God answers prayers.</li><li>Meeting my co-leader Jenn: She rocks! God has great things in store for her. I'm a little bit jealous of her passion for life (okay WAY jealous).</li><li>Having one of our girls REALLY open up about her life in the foster care system.</li><li>DANCE PARTY! Yes, the tights made a return.</li></ul><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU7btwowLOyKq0L9TBYgngvvugHSALIyMsZaIltxehSl16k90kT3EacJlX1OcctmGvZ2zIiOzPMAjn4joVlRi7YKgZUoezuK4cIfeiPKJ7WZNdi4ReptiwraTP8edjbHSuIh15A/s320/dance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442314094541954354" /></div><ul><li>Being fed: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for four days straight!</li><li>Laughing so hard with my girls, all I can say is "Kurticus"...</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing like spending time with 7th grade girls to help you get your priorities straight in life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Love, laugh, pray.</i></div></div></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-54756141924787896272010-02-04T22:05:00.000-08:002010-02-04T22:22:33.847-08:00"Bars close at 2AM, My House is Always Open"I love <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">micro brews</span>. Maybe it's because I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">micro brew</span> capital of the world. Or maybe it's because I like the taste. Or maybe it's because I compare beer tasting to wine tasting (I'm classy like that). Or that trying out local breweries gives you the opportunity to learn about the local community and the stories behind the beer. Or maybe it's all of these reasons... yeah, I think so too...<div><br /></div><div>I graduated in May 2008 from college, my mom asked me what I wanted for my graduation present. I said "an iPhone!" Mom <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">promptly</span> said no. And I countered with a micro brew kit. And after a year and a half of stalling. I got one! Granted it's borrowed from a family friend but I got permission to brew in the house!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've started my own micro brew adventure. Luckily I found <a href="http://abovetheresthomebrewing.net/default.aspx">Above the Rest Homebrewing Supplies</a>, in Tigard, Oregon. Not only do they support locally sourced and organic products, they give FREE classes! How sweet is that? To top it off, Aaron, is a genius and can pretty much answer every question you have. He just loves beer, the science, the freedom, everything! <i>Shameless plug, buy something at Above the Rest Homebrewing Supplies and mention my name and I get 10% of my next purchase.</i> So support a great family owned company and me and buy from them!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, I brewed my first Amber Ale and it's not in the first week of fermentation. More coming soon...</div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-92083705268651649912010-02-01T22:13:00.000-08:002010-02-01T22:22:47.195-08:00Why Green Jobs?<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Last week I got the opportunity to attend Portland Green Professionals Conference as a volunteer for Willamette University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was fortunate enough to hear all the keynote speakers as well as attend two of the panel discussions: Sustainability in Education and Sustainability Consulting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was great to hear all the awesome things that are happening nationally, state wide and right here in Portland around sustainability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In a world where recession, high unemployment rates and climate crisis dominate news reports, this conference was a refreshing and encouraging place to be. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lots of people ask me what does it mean to be working for a sustainable consultant, how they can get more involved and why green jobs matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here are some trends and statistics I learned while at the conference that might shed some light on the green scene:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li>Portland aims to create 10,000 new green jobs in 2010 in industries including sustainable consulting, utilities, carbon neutral & renewable energies and education.</li><li>There have been a call to action placed around green jobs, they must be:</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Not only white collar jobs, but blue collar ones too (LEED certified construction <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>anyone?)</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Available for every walk of life (social impacts are important when it comes to being <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>a sustainable community)</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Pay a living wage (Amen!)</li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jon Wellington, the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the first keynote speaker described green jobs as vibrant, secure and successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He pointed out that Americans waste 50% of our energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Which posed the question, how do we improve efficiency?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Anyone who has a passion for process-flows and Excel spreadsheets should be really excited right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some other cool trends Wellington highlighted were:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li>In stream turbines BEFORE ocean turbines (I wonder how this will effect plants and animals in streams…)</li><li>LED lights will replace compact florescence (Anyone see the Portland Christmas tree in all it’s LED lighted glory?)</li><li>Vegas LEED certified buildings (If you can be sustainable in Vegas, you can be sustainable anywhere)</li><li>Smart grid technology, which is being led by General Electrics smart grid technology</li><li>Get away from incentives -> create a market (Sounds like business class to me)</li><li>Make capital available to allow people to get involved (Portland has some great programs like Energy Trust)</li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next up was Bill Bradbury, my tall Segway riding friend and is also on the Oregon’s Global Warming Advisory Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who spoke about how climate change is affecting Oregon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Citing the dead zone off the coast, which is caused by the acidification of oceans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Just think of the 6.3 billion tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere, of which 3.1 billion tons is sequestered by oceans…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is hope though Bradbury also spent some time talking about Al Gore’s Challenge to RePower America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This goal of a 100% renewable energy country in 10 years through: energy efficiency, renewable energy, a smart grid and plug in cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seems like a pretty big challenge to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But definitely one I’d like to aim for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bradbury pointed out three reasons while Oregonians should get on board the RePower America Challenge:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol><li>Climate Crisis</li><li>Struggling Economy</li><li>Opportunity</li></ol><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally Erin Flynn, from the Portland Development Commission spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I heard her speak at the Green Light Greater Portland conference this summer and while her speech was pretty much the same it was really great to hear how on track Portland is to being the most sustainable city in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Makes me proud to say where I come from!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here are some interesting trends around Portland economy:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li>1,000,000 expected young workers in Oregon by 2030</li><li>Oregon Industries are broken up into four clusters:</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Advanced Manufacturing</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clean Tech</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Solar Manufacturing</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Wind Energy</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Green Development</li><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></span></span>Energy Efficiency</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Electric Vehicles</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Active Wear</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Soft Ware</li><li>Oregon has the highest concentration on clean energy jobs, which is growing at a rate of 5% a year (versus the national rate of 3%)</li><li>The average wage for a green job is $22.61/hour</li><li>There are currently 51,402 green jobs</li><li>Oregon Sustainability Center is the first net zero building in conception in the state</li><li>Wind turbines have over 8,000 different components, therefore there is a growing need for certified suppliers</li><li>Portland has some challenges to over come as well, investors have a perception that Portland doesn’t know how to focus on customers, marketing or how to grow a business (This I found particularly interesting…)</li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next was the Sustainability in Education panel, which feature PSU, U of O, Willamette and Marylhurst University, while I’ll skip the marketing pitches that were happening in this session for which school is better (my slightly biased opinion is Willamette) I will highlight the benefits of an education in sustainability:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li>Green energy in China is a $1 TRILLION dollar market</li><li>Talent goes to where the opportunities lie</li><li>Sustainability education is an asset (or even a requirement)</li><li>Project management and systems thinking are fundamental</li><li>Knowing how 3<sup>rd</sup> party verifications and metrics systems work is important</li><li>Being able to answer the question what happens when a revenue stream becomes normal, what do you do?</li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last but not least and definitely my favorite session of the day was the Sustainability Consulting session with featured Brightworks, Fluid Market Strategies and MarketShift Strategies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think I liked this panel the best because my brain gets business and likes lists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Scott Lewis’ (Brightworks) Success Factors:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol><li>Need to understand the market need (both from an ecological and financial standpoint)</li><li>Deliver real value</li><li>Be flexible, nimble, responsive and agile</li><li>Remember why you are doing this!</li></ol><p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">“The only thing that is certain is things change.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stephanie Swanson’s (MarketShift Strategies) Best Practices:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol><li>Connect the dots – systems thinking</li><li>Find value in chaos</li><li>Plan for policy opportunity</li><li>Scale for flexibility</li></ol><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not to mention leverage, planning, energy verification and implementation are all key.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was a ton of information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hope you enjoyed it and now have a better sense of why I think green jobs are the careers of the future and why I couple other local people think so too! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Questions/comments?</i></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-38408256276165695492010-01-24T14:16:00.000-08:002010-01-24T18:14:56.644-08:002010 CharitiesIn 2010, I'm planning on supporting two great charities: <a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva</a> and <a href="http://www.winetowater.org/">Wine to Water</a>. I chose these two charities for a couple of reasons:<div><ol><li>They make great presents: Kiva's gift certificates and Wine to Water wine.</li><li>They help two cause passions of mine: Microfinance and clean water.</li><li>They are legit: Backed by the <a href="http://www.skollfoundation.org/">Skoll Foundation</a> and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive09/doc.hendley.html">CNN</a>.</li><li>They have an educational value to them: Getting younger generations involved in microfinance and clean water issues.</li><li>They believe in social media: <a href="http://www.kiva.org/about/inside">Kiva's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5126989835">Wine to Water's Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/wine_to_water">Twitter</a>.</li></ol><div>Now you know why I love them, but let me tell you a little bit about each of them, so you can love them too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. Imagine creating an online stock portfolio, but instead of investing in large multinational corporations your investing in people. You can check out entrepreneurs' profiles on Kiva, choose who you want invest in. Your investing in human being, who is striving towards economic independence and thus improving the lives of not only themselves, but their family and community. With a 98% return on loans, you can reinvest that money into another individual within 6-12 months.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wine to Water is focused on providing clean water to needy people around the world. Over 1 billion people in the world today lack access to adequate water and sanitation. The first miracle Jesus performed was turning water into wine. Being Christ-like, Wine to Water prays that those who have plenty of water can help provide someone who is less fortunate with the gift of clean water. This can be done by buying Wine to Water wine or hosting a Wine to Water fundraiser.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Who are you supporting in 2010?</i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><div><br /></div></span></div></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-70013585458482519122010-01-22T12:46:00.000-08:002010-01-22T12:59:22.523-08:00Where I'm AtI've never been one for New Year's Resolutions, but I am one for constant improvement. I've broken my goals down into three categories: mind (career development), body (physically and the fun stuff of life), and soul. Here they are, call them what you'd like.<div><br /></div><div>Mind:</div><div><ol><li>Improve my "professionalism," my dress, organizational skills, and manner.</li><li>Improve my writing skills. I'm going to practice this by blogging more here.</li><li>Start thinking about grad schools. Take a couple courses here and there and find out what I like (and how I'm going to pay for it.)</li><li>Grow my "freelance business" / non-profit idea more. Don't know about this? Ask me about it sometime.</li><li>Invest in something, a house, a car, the stock market, etc.</li></ol><div>Body:</div><div><ol><li>Work out consistently.</li><li>Go camping more or do more weekend get-a-ways.</li><li>Actually sign up for roller derby.</li><li>Start brewing my own beer.</li><li>Eat healthier and locally, build my chicken coop and learn what foods are grown in the Pacific Northwest and in what season.</li></ol><div>Soul:</div><div><ol><li>Pray more (with authority).</li><li>Build more community in my middle school small group. Hang out with them outside of Wednesday nights.</li><li>Work on forgiving those who've hurt me. Not because they need it, but because I need it.</li><li>Have a better attitude towards things I don't agree with 100% (be humble basically).</li><li>Invite more friends to church and develop my spiritual gift more (and don't let it freak me out so much...)</li></ol><div>Better late than never. <i>What are you doing to improve your life in 2010?</i></div></div></div></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-91471685104177834822009-11-28T22:45:00.000-08:002009-11-28T22:54:50.460-08:00Why I Love Good Customer Service and Beer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; ">As many of you know. I'm kind of a brewery fanatic. I tend to choose where I'm going to eat based on new breweries I've never been too. We live in the micro brewery capital of the world. Who can blame me? I also have a pretty "epic" logo pint glass collection from my travels. And this Thanksgiving weekend was no except. My dad was visiting from China (I have him to thank for getting me into breweries) and Kirk was playing basketball in Washington.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">So for lunch we stopped at <a href="http://www.fishbrewing.com/">Fish Brewing Co.</a> in Olympia, WA. They are an organic brewery (which is awesome in it's own right). And was pretty bummed when I found out they are out of logo pint glasses...Fast forward to dinner, we decided to check out the <a href="http://www.pdxgreendragon.com/home">Green Dragon</a>, who Dad had heard about from some friend in China and I had heard about through <a href="https://twitter.com/bite4size">Twitter</a>. And guess what? They were also out of pint glasses! I was so bummed and told our waiter about what had happened at Fish Brewing. She disappeared and came back with a Fish Brewing pint glass for me! Turns out they sell Fish Beer there and had some promo pint glasses. She seriously made my day!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">When was your last great experience with customer service? Or tell me about another great brewery.</span></span></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-72294067062982546032009-11-10T16:17:00.000-08:002009-11-10T16:22:10.265-08:00This Holiday Season, Give Gifts that Give TWICE!As many of you know I've been doing freelance work for an awesome company call CafeGive for the past couple of months. A lot of you have been asking about it. What I'm doing, what CafeGive does, how you can get involved. So with the holidays just around the corner I thought I would pass on the love by sending you all:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your Personal Invitation to Shop for a Cause</span>:<br /><br />In July 2009, a brand new business launched, and I have been a part of the creation process. Please spend some time on our site, <a href="http://cafegive.com/">www.cafegive.com</a>, where your purchases will benefit one of the <a href="http://cafegive.com/causes">causes</a> you choose. Help us build some momentum for this new way to shop — where causes benefit and you can support change in the world! I am so excited to share it with you.<br /><br />Lots of online stores—find gifts, cards and more!<br />• We’ve added lots of stores and made it really easy to shop while you earn for a cause.<br />• Over 150 great stores to choose from...we have it all, no need to go to the mall. Choose a cause you want to support!<br />• You’ll find local and national causes—benefitting children, animals, or the environment. Now that I’ve told you, pass it on!<br />• Visit <a href="http://cafegive.com/">www.cafegive.com</a> and see how easy it is to select a cause, shop, and create a widget to encourage others to shop.Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-67396392027143706522009-10-17T14:36:00.000-07:002009-10-17T14:48:14.838-07:00East Coast Day #2As mentioned before I stayed up a little too late (like 2AM, which honestly is like 11PM my time, which is pretty good for me), working on my Bible Study, The Search for Significance, and my book club book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. But in hopes of conquering jet lag, I set my alarm for 8:30AM, on a SATURDAY, which is really 5:30AM for me.<div><br /></div><div>I managed to get up and survive quiet happily on coffee all day. Can I tell you how awesome my day has been? Grammie and I started our day checking out the Brewster Women's Library, where she volunteers. We used to check out books and movies there. I must have rented The Last Unicorn there over a hundred times when I was little. Then we headed to Paine's Creek, home of Kate's Ice Cream, which has real bubble gum in their bubble gum ice cream. And where I fell on the rock jetty and got my ankle crushed between two big rocks, when I was like 6. Followed by the Thrift Shop Grammie also volunteers out that is supported by her church. We then went to practice using an ATM machine, something that is still new to Grammie, followed by a grocery store run.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Grammie took her afternoon nap, I took a walk up to the Brewster store, a penny candy store (now a dime candy store), I went to EVERYDAY while on the Cape. Then walked back on the beach. Even though it was misting out, it still was fun. When I got back, we looked through my parents wedding album, which was fun, my mom looks freaking amazing and my dad has a classic 80's mustache... We also looked through my baby album, which is is amusing because I'm 2 weeks older than my cousin Paul and the only way you can tell who is who is because I'm like twice the size of him. Seriously, I was one fat baby. Everyone used to call me "no-neck" apparently.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Did you have a funny baby name?</span></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-84343653552457066092009-10-16T20:38:00.000-07:002009-10-16T20:42:04.879-07:00Almost Didn't Make It...but I'm now in Massachusetts! Cape Cod to be exact.<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday I realized United booked the wrong dates for my trip. Can we say freak out? Luckily things got taken care of (or are still in the processes of being handled but I'm here so I'm not worrying). Anyways, I stayed up most of last night. Flew through Denver, arrived in Boston, took the bus to Cape Cod. Had my cousin John and his wife Katie pick me up from the bus station. It was so great seeing them, I hadn't seen them since May 2008 when I graduated from Bentley. And headed to my grandmother's "Grammie"'s house. It was so great seeing her as well!</div><div><br /></div><div>There is just something about being "home" that makes everything feel so good. So what am I doing here tonight? The same thing I did while at college, come down for a weekend, spend the first night working on homework. Although tonight it was "real" work. Can't believe the last time I was here I was a college student and now I'm a graduate!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">What was your worse airplane experience?</span></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-24648824054376984322009-10-11T00:20:00.000-07:002009-10-11T00:29:30.682-07:00East Coast Tour 10/16-10/25I'm heading to the East Coast on 10/16 for the first time since graduation! I am beyond excited. I get to mix: work + family + college friends = nine days of craziness. People keep saying "oh your taking a vacation!" To be honest, it doesn't feel like it will be one. Here is my schedule:<br /><br />Arrive Friday Night: Take bus to Cape Cod for the weekend. Visit with Grandmother, Aunt, Uncle, Cousins.<br />Sunday: Take bus to CT. Visit other Grandparents, more Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Plus an old college friend.<br />Wednesday: Head back to Boston. Sleep over with college friends.<br />Thursday: Watch my boss do presentation at MIT, sit in on a class, have lunch, maybe take a tour and get something from the gift shop?<br />Friday: Alumni Weekend at Bentley + dinner and a play with another set of Aunt and Uncle and Cousins.<br />Saturday: Bentley round 2 with friends.<br />Sunday: Fly home.<br /><br />Monday: Back to work.<br /><br />Which is honestly a crazy busy week:<br /><ul><li>Bible Study</li><li>Book Club</li><li>Roller Derby Bootcamp</li><li>Halloween Inspired Wildfire</li><li>Two Willamette Events</li><li>Halloween</li><li>CafeGive proposal<br /></li></ul>Good thing I strive under pressure!<br /><br />When is your next "vacation?"Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-28734813187205796422009-10-04T22:44:00.000-07:002009-10-04T22:47:20.217-07:0010/4/09 2.0<ul><li>Jon and I caught four mice in my garage this weekend. More like Jon caught them. And after every one I prayed, "Dear Jesus, I'm sorry. Amen." I tend to be an overly passionate person when it comes to mercy killings. I was the kid who would try to save the slugs after the neighborhood boys pour salt on them. Or when our neighbors had mice in their rice bin I wanted Mom to save the mice babies from the snakes in the backyard. Or when Dad ran over a rabit when we were driving to Utah and called out "Thumper" I cried for about an hour.<br /></li></ul>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-44571189726952408772009-10-04T21:42:00.000-07:002009-10-04T21:47:33.926-07:00Floating Thoughts 10/4/09<ul><li>I'm going to Boston in two weeks - still haven't bought my tickets. I should be doing that instead of writing this blog post. Excited to see friends and family. Going to see my boss teach at MIT, going to Bentley's Alumni Weekend and visit Cape Cod and CT. All in a week!</li><li>Tomorrow is my two week post-op. appointment for having my toenail permanently removed. It's healing nicely, still kinda looks like there is a nail there, but I know that its just a scab (which kinda looks like my original toenail and thus why I had this surgery). Can't wait to see what it looks like healed.</li><li>Had such a good weekend hanging out with Jon. It's so good to have old friends!</li><li>I'm officially joining the Rose City Rollers and doing roller derby. Month long boot camp starts November 1st.</li><li>Excited for my Bible Study to start up and the fact that we picked a book.</li><li>Working on my Thriller dance for Wildfire. Shall be interesting.</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">What have you been up too?</span>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34741407.post-44928147450790853692009-09-16T11:01:00.000-07:002009-09-16T11:03:32.584-07:00Antarctica Update - TWO MORE WEEKS!<div>Here is an email I received today from Quark! Just wanted to ask everyone to keep voting for me! And help me spread the word by telling YOUR friends, family and co-workers about it. Right now I have 112 votes! Would love to see a couple more hundred (or thousand) votes in the next two weeks!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out my blog and to vote here: <a href="http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/604"> http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/604</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks again!</div><div>Love,</div><div>Jenna</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 109, 148); font-family: arial; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30px; "><table border="0" cellspacing="4" cellpadding="0" width="664" height="540" style="width: 664px; height: 540px; "><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="180" align="left" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><img border="0" alt="" align="left" width="153" height="200" src="http://www.bettermail.ca/clients/90/Blog%20Your%20Way%20/blank_135x176.jpg" /></td><td valign="top" width="745" align="left" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><p style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,Arial;">Who will become the Official Quark Blogger?</span></strong> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">Dear Jenna,</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">After over 600 blog entries and 46,000 votes cast, the competition to become the<a href="http://www.bettermail.ca/ct/90/85826/65953874/e3c811ba05c044b6bd67800dc336ea6c" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(54, 84, 82); ">Official Quark Blogger </a>enters its final two weeks.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">For competitors, the next two weeks are vital, as there is still time to overtake the leaders or consolidate a lead. <a href="http://www.bettermail.ca/ct/90/85826/65953876/e3c811ba05c044b6bd67800dc336ea6c" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(54, 84, 82); ">Keep spreading the word</a>! You have until September 30, 2009.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">Or…competitors may ask their supporters to vote for another competitor, if they feel they no longer have a chance to become the Official Quark Blogger. We make this suggestion, because last week, a generous competitor asked to transfer his 500 votes to another contender. He will inform his voters through a notice on his blog entry.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">The rules of the competition do not allow us to change a vote. Only the voter can. So for all you voters, it’s time to decide if the blogger you chose is the best candidate for the job. You can <a href="http://www.bettermail.ca/ct/90/85826/65953876/e3c811ba05c044b6bd67800dc336ea6c" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(54, 84, 82); ">change your vote </a>at any time before September 30, 2009. </span></span> </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">Please note that voters are under no obligation to change their vote! </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">Thank you to everyone for participating, and for making Blog Your Way to Antarctica a runaway success.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">Sincerely,</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; "><span style="font-size: 14px; ">Quark Expeditions</span></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12401992255443495310noreply@blogger.com0