Jennifer's Joyous Journal

The Name Game

I've been thinking a lot about baby names recently. I really like biblical names though that doesn't really leave many options for girls. For boys, I like Joshua, Jacob, and Noah. For girls, I like Rachel and Sara. I think my child's middle name will offer some connection to our families: Jacob Vladimir or Sara Katherine or Noah Benito (I think I like that one) or Rachel Rita (though her initials would then be RRR).

Another week...another deadline keeping me

Another week...another deadline keeping me late at work - I'll also have to work over the weekend since I'll be out most of the day tomorrow for an apicoectomy. I really need to get my office organized so we can start thinking about hiring another graphics person. The work load is getting to be more than one person can easily handle.

The apicoe was a success

The apicoe was a success and not too horrible. I opted for the nitrous oxide during the procedure as opposed to the intrevenous sedation and I believe it was a wise choice indeed. I remember thinking during the hour-long operation that I didn't really want it to end because I was enjoying the laughing gas so much. I had other deep thoughts while I was under the influence, but I don't remember what they were. I do remember wishing I had a note pad or something so I could write them down - though I quess that would have been difficult to do even with the proper implements considering the situation. I spoke with Aunt Kathleen tonight and apparently my cousin, Matthew, recently experienced nitrous oxide when he had his wisdom teeth removed. Rumour has it he giggled thoughout the entire procedure. I'm thinking about starting a users club - maybe he can be a co-founder :-) Stepan said he'll get me some for my birthday (I thought I would write that down now so he doesn't forget)....I'm thinking about stopping my oral hygene regiment so I can go in for another procedure....though on second thought that might prevent Stepan from ever kissing me again. He refused to french me tonight because he was grossed out by the stiches - what can I say, he's a goober, but that's probably why I love him so.

Yes, the previous entry was

Yes, the previous entry was created under the influence of codine :-)

I mentioned that I spoke

I mentioned that I spoke to Aunt Kathleen last night. I didn't mention that she called me when she came across a book (illustrated, laminated, and bound) in her "old photos" box that was written and illustrated by me. We have no idea how she ended up with the book, but it's really cool that she found it. I've been wanting to plan a trip to Houston and now I have an added incentive - I must pick up my manuscript!. Maybe at the end of the month, I'll have time. Next weekend, I'm suppose to do the Ride for the Roses (25 mile route) with Elizabeth and the following weekend is the Danskin Training Camp...though I haven't actually signed up for either one of them.

I'm still dealing with post-dental

I'm still dealing with post-dental surgery instructions. Now that I'm back at work, the hardest one is staying away from carbonated beverages until Wednesday - how am I suppose to stay awake in the afternoon without a Diet Coke?

Regal has gone Coke! Yippee!

Regal has gone Coke! Yippee! Now going to Gateway will be just as enjoyable as going to Tinseltown :-)

Saddam Hussein can keep his

Saddam Hussein can keep his stupid oil. I rode the bus to work today. It took about 30 minutes longer than it takes to drive, but it only cost 50 cents and I got to read. I could have caught a bus right outside my house, but I left too late so I also got to walk through the park to Metric. Also, I just got onto the first bus to come along after asking the bus driver if he stopped at UT. He said he did - I should have asked where he stops at UT. I assumed he would stop on Deen Keaton, but he actually stopped on MLK so I also got to walk through campus. Thankfully, it was a beautiful morning for a walk.....I'm feeling pretty proud of myself!

I think I see my

I think I see my house in this picture.

Called to Serve

When Stepan and I got back from Brazil, I received a Summons to Report for Jury Duty in the mail. I've received summons in the past but I've never served since I could claim a student exemption. This summons was different though. For one thing, I couldn't claim the student exemption. For another, it was for US District Court - not a county or state court. When you're called for federal court, you're impaneled for a two month term. So, since March 4, I've been calling the court every Friday evening to check the court schedule and to hear if my juror number has been called. For three weeks in March court was not in session - I was beginning to think that I would never actually have to appear at the courthouse. Well, today, my number came up. I have to report to the Homer Thornberry Judicial Building on Monday morning at 8am. I get the impression that most people think of jury service as a hassle and an inconvenience. But I'm looking forward to it. This will be my first experience with courthouse activities and I'm anxious to see what it's all about...afterall, Law & Order, Family Law, and Ally McBeal on some of my favorite TV shows!

Like Cecily, I wasn't going

Like Cecily, I wasn't going to post this, but it made me smile and it made me think of reading to Jonathan :-)

which children's storybook character are you?
this quiz was made by colleen

Born to Ride

Elizabeth and I had a great time during our 25 mile bike Ride for the Roses. I was pretty worried about it since I hadn't ridden my bike since last year. It's nice to know that I'm able to go for a 2.5 hour bike ride on a whim - though I'm sure that the $180 I spent at the packet picket up on Saturday for new bike gear (bike shorts, new gloves, jersey and matching socks) went a long way to helping me prepare mentally for the distance. And that didn't even include the new sport sunglasses with polarized lenses that I conned....I mean that Stepan volunteered to buy for me :-)

Rejected

I reported for jury duty this morning and was looking forward to participating in the judicial process. From a group of 55-60 people, 31 potential jurers were randomly called for more detailed questioning. I did make that cut. Then the judge told us about the case (it was a criminal case with charges of possession of drugs with the intent to sell and possession of firearms by a convicted criminal) and asked if anyone had strong feelings (one way or the other) about the existing drug and gun laws. One woman was dismissed at this point - she left the courtroom crying; I think she was related to someone with a drug problem though that is purely speculation on my part. Then the prosecution and defense teams were introduced as well as a list of potential witnesses. We were asked if we knew any of them...one person was dismissed at this time because she had had business dealings with the defense attorney's law firm and wasn't sure if she could remain impartial. We were asked about prior jury experience and if we were related to anyone in law enforcement. I did claim a relation to a detective in Wichita Falls. Then we were recessed for 10 minutes. On our return, the jury was picked and remaining people in the pool were dismissed. Sadly, I didn't get picked - especially since they don't expect the trial to last past Wednesday. It would certainly be interesting to participate in jury service. I may get another chance since technically I'm still on-call for the remainder of the month though I think the chances of my number being called again is slim to none.

Somedays I feel a lot

Somedays I feel a lot of pressure to write in this journal. Especially if a couple have days have passed without having posted anything. But sometimes....most times...days are just days and there isn't really much to say.

That said, I check the blogs of my family and friends daily and am always sorely dissappointed when they haven't anything new to contribute!

Well, I've been busy and

Well, I've been busy and I'm still busy so I can't write much right now. Just to hit the highlights, I went to the Camp Danskin last weekend and have officially started my triathlon training. I'm going to need a lot of work in the water to get my swim time down. I'm more enthusiastic than ever about heart zone training - I'm going to start planning my workouts according to target heart zones instead of distances or speed. It's worked out pretty well so far this week. I'll post more about the camp if/when I have time.

I've got my new computer

I've got my new computer up and running at work - it's very cool. It's a Dell Dimensions 4400 Tower running at 1.7 GHz (my old machine ran around 400 MHz), 512 MB RAM, upgraded video card, 40 GB hard disk, and CD-RW. I'll be spending the next couple of days reorganizing my files, relocating my customized libraries, and resetting my preferences. It's lots of work, but kinda fun. One really cool thing is that I installed a new instant messanger. It's called Trillian and it simultaneously talks with AIM, ICQ, MSN Messanger and Yahoo Messanger. That means that I can IM lots of friends and relatives that I haven't heard from in a while like my cousins Ricky in California and Matthew in Houston. On the downside, I spent way too much time at work yesterday talking to them! I'm hoping the novelty will wear off soon and I can exercise more decipline in the future.

Training....Training....Training....

Can you guess what's been keeping me busy? Since Camp Danskin, I've really increased my workout schedule. I really need to be swimming 3x a week since that is definitely my weakest sport though I'll probably only make twice a week for a while. Meredith O and I went to our first meeting with Team Danskin. It was a lot of adminstative paperwork and heart zone training overview....mostly stuff I already knew, but refreshers are always good for reinforcements. I'm really hoping that the rest of the workshops will offer a more vigorous workout.

In other news

Stepan blogged about the dog we found in the park. While Laurence/Logan was well cared for physically, I'm disappointed with his owner's apparent lack of concern that the dog went missing for over 24-hours. Laurence/Logan was such an exuberant, affectionate dog - he really needs a family that will enjoy his enthusiasm.

This weekend I started reading The Non-Designer's Design Book. More and more I'm being asked to create displays, exhibits, and marketing/promotional materials at work. The current extent of my graphics training does very little to qualify me to do this type of work. This book (recommended by Stepan) is a great starting point. So far, I've complete half the book and learned CRAP - an acronym for the essential design elements of Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity.

Civic Duty

Kathy H and I voted during our lunch hour today. It's the last day of early voting for the city election being held on May 4th. I urge all City of Austin residents to educate yourself and vote! The League of Women Voters offers a voting guide for most issues on the ballot. And Travis County has tons of information on where and when to vote as well as how to register.

Be forwarned - for the next election, I'm going to have an early voting party. I'll invite all our friends and relatives; I'll have information on the candidates and issues available; we'll go en mass to an nearby polling location; then return to the park behind our house for hot dogs and homemade ice cream :-)