Jen's World

Sixty-Five Hundred Miles High

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:23:00 +0000

For the last hour I've been riding high. High up, that is. My father, a seasoned pilot, is flying me and my daughter to Northwest Arkansas. Ahhh, the Ozark Mountains are green and picturesque as always. Although I grew up flying with him to all sorts of places, it's been a long time since we've flown together. It's peaceful and beautiful. The sun set about 30 minutes ago and the orangy-pink glow of the horizon reminded me of why I wanted to fly planes once apon a time. This is as close to God as it gets. Physically, at least. That also reminds me of why I wanted to be an astronaut at one time too! Ha! Dreams are great aren't they? Realized or not, dreams are what makes us move forward, one day at a time. They also keep a small part of us child-like forever. That is how I feel now, looking out from sixty-five hundred miles above earth. It's as if time hasn't passed at all. I'm still the little girl watching my dad, thinking how amazing and cool he is.

~ Jennifer

Snow Days and Back to It

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:17:00 +0000

We have been snowed in here ever since Sunday evening. Twelve inches of snow to be exact. Crazy for a place that hasn't seen this much snow since the early 80's. It finally started to thaw out yesterday with a remaining few inches left, but the schools are back open and I have to go to work again. Yuck! Yes, it gets a little insane being stuck indoors with kids and the husband. Especially the husband! A man just needs to work and that's all there is to it. One day is nice to all be together, but after that he doesn't have the patience with everyone (since he's not use to all the commotion), and the increased tension just adds to the cabin fever. I'm not saying I'm ready to get back to work...just that I'm ready for him to! Men are suppose to be the hunters and gatherers and that's all there is to it. No one said if women could fill the roles of mother, wife, and breadwinner then the men should be able to to. Yes, I know. They should be able to, and maybe you have one of the evolved ones, but I'm a realist and not going to hold my breath.

Anyway, its off to school for the kids and to work for me. Yawn.

Winter Freeze

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 04:57:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I have been shivering my butt off for the past week. I know the "artic blast" has been sweeping the nation the past few days, but really...this is the South for crying out loud! I have an allergy to freezing temperatures. I get bumps all over. Okay, well maybe that is a physiological reaction called goosebumps, but I feel like they go bone deep. I wish I could hybernate till this weather passes. If it's going to snow or sleet, let it snow and sleet every day until it is gone for good. At least that way, schools would remain closed and I couldn't drive to work. I could hide out in my warm, cozy home sipping hot cocoa and serving up chili. I would stay in my lusciously soft, polyfleece pj's and fuzzy socks while watching DVDs of all the movies I missed in theatres over the past year. Now, that sounds sweet! So, if the cold winds want to blow, if they have to blow, bring it on baby!

In the mean time, I'll brave the ice like everyone and not complain. Well, I'll try not to. I still prefer mild temperatures, sunny days, and going coatless. Nonetheless, I will still bring out the fuzzy socks and cocoa, but hey, that's a Winter tradition regardless of where you live.

Lazy Does It

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Couldn't sleep Friday night. Sometime after midnight, I found myself looking for the New Moon movie for free online. I plugged in my earphones so my hubby could stay in his coma. After finding a few that wouldn't load or getting a message saying the file could not be found, I lucked up and snuggled into a pretty descent movie. It was free, which made it even better!

At 3:15am the movie was ending and I was certain I could go to sleep. I did. I did until 1:30pm! Wow. I hopped out of bed and realized it was really, really cold. The temperature outside had dropped ten degrees last night. I have never been a fan of below freezing temperatures. All I wanted to do at that point was take a very hot, steamy shower. Ahhh, it felt so good I found myself comparing this enjoyment to other pleasures to see which one was better. Sadly, I hate being cold so much that this moment was right up there.

Next, it was time to get things done. I had told my family I had plans to do specific chores today. I also told my daughter she would be helping me. When I found her in the living room, curled up with both of our dogs, and completely zoned out watcing the third Charlie's Angels movie, I could tell she had no complaints. I would not get scolded by her for sleeping half the day. Nor would my husband be making fun of me for my irresponsible behavior because he seemed to be MIA. Oh yeah, that's right. I remember now. He told me last evening something about going duck hunting with an old friend he hadn't seen in twenty years. I hope this friend isn't an ex-convict or in anger management. Am I paranoid for hoping he thought to do a little background checking before riding off into the sunrise in a truck loaded with firearms, shotgun shells, and with a man who might not be the same person he was twenty years ago?

Well, now that I had wasted another half hour pondering on this I suddenly felt cold again. My darling daughter looked super comfy wrapped in her fleece blanket, while curled up with one toy poodle and one border collie. The fireplace was definitely putting off heat but I wasn't close enough to it, yet, to smooth out the goosebumps. The other sofa looked very inticing. What the hell was I thinking? I just slept half the day away and I was contimplating laying back down! I decided to go make a cup of coffee first. That would warm me up and revive me. Yes, that was a great idea. Who was I kidding? Now I had a hand warmer, warmth inside my belly and a delicious aroma of hazelnut and coffee beans making me dizzy.

The guilt was nagging. I needed to at least get some laundry finished and wash the dirty dishes still in the sink from dinner last night. But, strangely enough I was feeling very tired. I didn't want to do anything but be one with the sofa. So, with my coffee mug in hand I easily made my way toward the warmth of the fireplace and the soft velvetty feel of my red, suede sofa. Nothing seemed that pressing anymore. If my husband could go hunting with an old friend/could-be turned psycho hit-man, then why couldn't I skip the domestic duties and be lazy for the day? This sounded perfectly rational to me. But, I opted to be lazy in my warm, snuggly bed in front of my own flat screen. Being lazy in private seemed like an even better idea. Mmmmm. It was everything I'd hoped it would be. Quiet. Toasty. Powerful. After all, I had complete control of the remote. Even though I fell into a sweet slumber, I dreamed I could flip through the channels and stop whenever and on whatever I wanted to. (This could get really addictive.) Maybe I should encourage my husband to search for other old friends. Facebook came to mind. Perfect.

Next time my body tells me I need a time out, I don't think I'll feel so guilty. Why put up a fight? After all, being lazy is really easy to do. Easy and necessary from time to time.

Jen D.

As Far As New Year's Resolutions Go

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:54:00 +0000

New Year's Day is behind us now, and just like the beginning of every new year it will take me at least a month before I am able to write "2010" without scribbling through "2009"! And, just like every New Year's Day since I was a teenager I did not make any New Year's resolutions. For as long as I can remember, my dad has asked me, "What are your New Year's resolutions?" just days before the impending holiday. If I didn't give him any, he would come up with some for me. It didn't take him long, mind you. He already had in mind what they should be anyway. I always hated the idea of having to lie to myself and everyone else. I've always felt that if we want to change something about ourselves or make a goal to do, or not do something, we should be able to make that self-proclamation anytime we felt like it. It is the pressure of having to come up with these pie-crust promises on January 1st, that causes us to fail. There isn't conviction behind most New Year's resolutions. However, some people might honestly want to achieve these goals or make solid changes. If that is the case they will be more likely to succeed. But, can't we do this on March 1st, June 10th, or even our birthday? After all, aren't birthdays the first day of a new year in our life? Timing isn't important. It is about deciding to do something when we truly want to, and when we feel ready to try.

When I talked to my dad yesterday, like always, he asked me to tell him my New Year's resolutions. I told him I have one resolution and it is to quit smoking this year. Even though I made this decision long before New Year's Day, I opted not to ruin his moment. I want to quit. I need to quit. Now is as good a time as any. Although he was very happy to hear it, he kept true to form and told me one that he felt I should have. Obvioulsy, one resolution wasn't good enough. I wanted to tell him that even though I thought his goal for me was a great idea, since he chose it for me, he could do it for me as well!

To all of you who made New Year's resolutions, I wish you the best of luck! If you find you can't remember what they were one month from now, don't beat yourself up about it. If, however, you made resolutions built on solid convictions, chances are you won't need luck because you've already made up your mind to do it. That is worth celebrating.

Happy New Year!

Help Me Find Something Fun To Do!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Okay, here I am sitting in the bed, watching a movie with my daughter, and even though this is fun it's not "just for me fun". I mean look at what I'm doing. Typing away on my laptop and pretending to be really into the movie. I was the first few times I saw it. All I want is something that belongs to me. My time to do something completely for me and no one else. Not like taking a bubble bath with candles, or going for a walk. I am not a baby who needs to be coddled. I want to do something fun and that takes time...my time. It would also be nice if at the end of it all I had something to show for it. I would be open to any and all suggestions.

Do You Have To Be So Opinionated?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:27:00 +0000

This is my very first post. I don't expect anyone to really read this. With all the hundreds of thousands of blogs out there these days, I imagine a large percentage of them remain unobserved, lost in cyberspace indefinitely. I don't really care at this point. This is my beginning. I am currently bored, apathetic, and irritated. This non-state of being has led me to try a new way of venting. So, here goes...

I am sick and tired of people having to be loud and heard all the time! Or, at least being loud and trying to be heard. It's obnoxious noise. Do I care whether or not you believe I am not disciplining my child "the right way"? According to who, you? What the hell makes you, a simple, average, no-better-than-me person, think you -- "You" is an individual I really know.--are an expert at rearing children? Why do you think your opinion on anything is better than the next person's, or mine for that matter? Opinions are a person's ideas and beliefs on a subject . Often times they are based, unfortunately, by one experience, the influence by another person, or maybe something as pathetic as an article or television program recently viewed. Guess what dumb-dumb? The latter are the products of another person's opinion. Take yourself seiously if you want others to and form your own damn opinion. Get a real clue based on facts gathered from extensive research, education, or many experiences relevant to the point at hand. Only then, have you earned a respectable right to voice your opinion. Then, maybe, someone will actually want to listen.

Yes. I realize this is me giving my opinion on giving an opinion.

Can It Be True? MMS for iPhone Finally here?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

YES! It is hard to believe, but it is finally here. I know, I almost peed my pants! Even though this information was released on Sept. 3, 2009, not so surprisingly, I just caught wind of it. I'm still posting the news here because one, I'm just too jumpy with joy, and secondly, there might be some who are a tad bit more out of the loop than I. Keep your shorts on for a minuter longer, and see for yourself!

Breaking News: September 25 for MMS on the iPhone
by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Sep 3rd 2009 at 3:10PM

"Hot off the proverbial presses. Finally, AT&T has a date for MMS! The word came to me a few minutes ago from Brad Mays of AT&T."

Just in case you still think it's too good to be true, you can view the full article here:

MMS Release Date for iPhone

Remembering 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:24:00 +0000

Today as I watch the news coverage of the tragic events of Setpember 11, 2001, I have been reminded how delicate and precious life is. Even more so, I am reminded that even though the media reminds us daily of the evil and corruption in our world, there are many brave and selfless people all around us. There IS still good in the world. Do you remember how the country came together when we were attacked? In the midst of all the chaos and horror of that time, our differences were put aside and for a while we were a country united. Thousands of people volunteered and many lost their lives in doing so. Those couragous individuals showed no discrimination. They did now care about color, religious beliefs or political views. They only saw people who were sufferring and in great need of their help. Humanity was brought out in everyone alike and courage was displayed at it's finest. Lest we never forget that time in American history! God bless those who lost loved ones, those who died in service, and those still fighting today for our freedom and safety.

For the land of the free and the home of the brave." -Francis Scott Key

I took these pics (iPhone) when I was in NYC for the

4th of July weekend.(Except for the top pic.) It can be found on the NYFD website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/home2.shtml.

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:53:00 +0000

True beauty isn't hard to find when you take the time to look for it! I think everyone should take one day off from work --Lie if you have to, there are worse crimes in the world! Televisions, cell phones, PDAs, and computers should all be turned off and left behind. Yes, we can do it. Remember what separates us from the animals? (If you don't know, look it up, seriously) Go to the most beautiful place you know. It must be outside and within a half days drive (so you have at least a few hours to enjoy it). This place should be so beautiful to you, that you instantly feel relaxed, at peace, and as if your mind has been set free. We owe it to ourselves to slow down, put the breaks on, and heal every now and then. Every day our country gets a little faster, a little louder, a little more technical, and quite frankly, a little more scary! We are obsessed with the news and politics. Where is the beauty in that? Even the media's coverage of celebritites isn't glamouous anymore. Today they base their stories on the horrific fall of a star (i.e., garbage). Not the inspiring rise of a star (i.e., beautiful).

In the stars?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:34:00 +0000

What the heck was up with today?! I need to look but I'm going to ask anyway. Is it a full moon? It has to be! Please tell me I'm right. First, the morning started with an international panic bc twitterers-- Yes, I'm in that group.-- couldn't communicate via the social networking drug. Then, the rest of the day, my day, I walked through one fire after the next. Pardon my French, but my day was shit. Here's to hoping a new day...well, brings a new day!

My Little Teenager

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:29:00 +0000

This is my daughter. I'll call her "MA" since that is her nickname. She looks just like me in this pic! I have pics of me at her age and the likeness (based on this picture) is scary. Anyway, we're getting ready for the weekend already around here. Okay, I'm always getting ready for the weekend; who am I kidding? MA is flying up to NW Arkansas (Ozark Mountains) with her grandparents and My hubby and I have friends coming to stay with us from out of town. An adult weekend...I can't wait!

I really feel the need to let my hair down this weekend. If we don't go out dancing, then I'm just going to crank up our home stereo and rock on! Yes, I'm channeling the little teenager inside of me. C'mon! There's a little teenager left in all of us!

I'm going to dance my arse off and have a blast. However; I will quickly turn the music down if "21 Guns" by Green Day starts playing. (Sorry guys! It's nothing personal.) My daughter has played that song so many times in the last few weeks that I'm SO SICK of hearing it!

Oh shiznit! Now, I sound like a mom again. :-/

Friday night! Booyah!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Davis) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:12:00 +0000

I love Fridays and so does everyone else, right? In a world where there is so much chaos, debating, and fighting going on I like to feel I thought of one thing everyone can agree on...TGIF!!!