Jennifer Shirk's Blog, page 16
July 29, 2013
A Break
www.wpclipart.com Hey, all!
Lots went on this week. Hot tub is up and running, a friend's husband passed away, and Sox gained 2lbs in less than a month. There was more, but I'll save your eyeballs from reading all of it.
I'm going to take a break this week to regroup and catch up.
See you next Monday. :)
"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ( Joshua 1:9 ESV) my friend's verse that got them through this year
July 22, 2013
Monday Mavorites
Hey, everyone
You're probably wondering what a mavorite is.
Well, you should, since I made up that word. LOL
I used to do a "Friday Favorites" but since I'm blogging on Mondays now, I had to improvise. :-)
I got a recipe for grilled vegetables from author Sandra Orchard's blog which I have been making practically everyday so, thank you, Sandra!
However, I modified the recipe slightly. Instead of soy sauce, I found a new product that is made from soy but without all the sodium.
So my Monday Mavorite is:
Liquid Aminos
It tastes very similar to soy sauce and is a great source of protein too! I get mine at my local organic health food store.
***
Saturday night was Night in Venice in our town, which is basically a HUGE boat parade and excuse to party. Since the town gets super packed we biked to a few parties that night.
Here are some pictures from it:
the boats going down the lagoon
The kids watching the parade in beards from the neighbor's boat
Magic Mike theme
***
Lastly, I'm going to be going away in a bit and I was originally going to have my mom watch Sox, but now I'm having doubts that she can handle a puppy, so I'm looking into a kennel that was recommended to me by my vet. But I'm a little nervous about that too. I just want my puppy to have special care. *sigh*
That's it for me.
Anything special that goes on in your town in the summer?
Ever hear of Liquid Aminos?
You're probably wondering what a mavorite is.
Well, you should, since I made up that word. LOL
I used to do a "Friday Favorites" but since I'm blogging on Mondays now, I had to improvise. :-)
I got a recipe for grilled vegetables from author Sandra Orchard's blog which I have been making practically everyday so, thank you, Sandra!
However, I modified the recipe slightly. Instead of soy sauce, I found a new product that is made from soy but without all the sodium.
So my Monday Mavorite is:
Liquid Aminos
.jpg)
It tastes very similar to soy sauce and is a great source of protein too! I get mine at my local organic health food store.
***
Saturday night was Night in Venice in our town, which is basically a HUGE boat parade and excuse to party. Since the town gets super packed we biked to a few parties that night.
Here are some pictures from it:
.JPG)
the boats going down the lagoon
.JPG)
The kids watching the parade in beards from the neighbor's boat
.JPG)
Magic Mike theme***
Lastly, I'm going to be going away in a bit and I was originally going to have my mom watch Sox, but now I'm having doubts that she can handle a puppy, so I'm looking into a kennel that was recommended to me by my vet. But I'm a little nervous about that too. I just want my puppy to have special care. *sigh*
That's it for me.
Anything special that goes on in your town in the summer?
Ever hear of Liquid Aminos?
July 15, 2013
More More Misc Monday
Happy Monday!
Well, this week is RWA's National Annual Conference .
And I won't be going. WAH!
Actually, I decided to nix ALL conferences this year--even my local chapter conference.
WHAT?! I know. Crazy. As much as I learn so much and enjoy myself, part of me felt I needed a little break and should spend the time home writing instead.
The last time I went to Nationals I HAD A BLAST and I will definitely miss seeing and meeting so many great authors. But this was the right decision for me.
Plus, I really should be home to monitor my hot tub delivery.
Like how I slipped that one in?
Yes, I ordered a hot tub and it's in and being delivered tomorrow!! I still can't believe I pulled the trigger on that one. I went and did it on my own (with the green light from the hubby, of course) but I still had a little buyer's remorse afterwards. Thoughts like, "Oh my gosh, what was I thinking? Will I use it? It's such a frivolous thing, do we really need it?" kept going through my mind. Hubby had to step in and calm me down and assure me that we will use it. He's good like that.
I obviously have a hard time spending money.
***
In other news, I took Sox to puppy orientation. When the instructor made a loud noise to show what you should do if the puppy was doing something wrong, it scared Sox so much he peed on the floor. I guess you could say he was so scared he peed his pants. LOL Poor thing.
***
I'm judging a writing contest for my local RWA chapter. That's keeping me busy this week too. But so far, I'm really enjoying the entries. :)
And that's it for me.
Who is going to Nationals this week?
Do you have a hard time spending money too?
Well, this week is RWA's National Annual Conference .
And I won't be going. WAH!
Actually, I decided to nix ALL conferences this year--even my local chapter conference.
WHAT?! I know. Crazy. As much as I learn so much and enjoy myself, part of me felt I needed a little break and should spend the time home writing instead.
The last time I went to Nationals I HAD A BLAST and I will definitely miss seeing and meeting so many great authors. But this was the right decision for me.
Plus, I really should be home to monitor my hot tub delivery.
Like how I slipped that one in?
Yes, I ordered a hot tub and it's in and being delivered tomorrow!! I still can't believe I pulled the trigger on that one. I went and did it on my own (with the green light from the hubby, of course) but I still had a little buyer's remorse afterwards. Thoughts like, "Oh my gosh, what was I thinking? Will I use it? It's such a frivolous thing, do we really need it?" kept going through my mind. Hubby had to step in and calm me down and assure me that we will use it. He's good like that.
I obviously have a hard time spending money.
***
.jpg)
In other news, I took Sox to puppy orientation. When the instructor made a loud noise to show what you should do if the puppy was doing something wrong, it scared Sox so much he peed on the floor. I guess you could say he was so scared he peed his pants. LOL Poor thing.***
I'm judging a writing contest for my local RWA chapter. That's keeping me busy this week too. But so far, I'm really enjoying the entries. :)
And that's it for me.
Who is going to Nationals this week?
Do you have a hard time spending money too?
July 8, 2013
Catching Up
Brett Gardner making a true catchHappy Monday, all!Wow, last week flew by! I actually had hopes of being online more but, alas, all I could really do was pop in on Twitter here and there.
Fourth of July started out as a simple BBQ with some neighbors then...30 people later, we had ourselves a PARTY! It was crazy. I kept getting texts asking if I minded if they brought someone--or a family.LOL
I'm one of those anal planners so this really rocked my world, but all turned out great in the end and the hubby and I were praised as fantastic hosts. (Um, because we are)
I was so worried Sox would get trampled or not react well to the crowd but he was SUPER and I think loved all the company. (and attention)
***
On the writing front, I did not get as much done as I wanted, but I'm still making good progress. My target is to sub this thing to my editor by the end of the month. (fingers crossed)
***
In other news, I've lost ten pounds.
HOW? By running three days a week, keeping up with P90x routines, and a free app on my IPhone called "My Fitness Pal".
I. LOVE. THIS. APP!!!
You plug in all your profile info and then it sets a target calorie goal for you. It's basically just calorie counting.
If you exercise that day, you can plug that in too and then you can eat more. (Which is what I do)
You add in your weekly weight and see your progress. Plus, the BEST thing is you can look up the calories for almost everything. Even if I go out to eat, they have a lot of restaurant meals programmed in already, which is very convenient.
Check it out!
***
In puppy news, Sox goes to his first "puppy orientation" class this Wednesday. It's a free one. Then after that, I'm going to sign him up for some classes that my vet recommended. But he's been a good boy and is growing like a weed. (although by dog standards he's still pretty petite) He's three months now!
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That's it for me. Summer is usually slow but for some reason I'm so busy that I rarely have time to read, which makes me really sad. :(
So what's going on with you? Read anything good lately?
July 1, 2013
Fourth of July Unplug
Happy Monday, all!
© Mike Watson | Dreamstime Stock Photos I'm unplugging from blogging this week. I'm super busy --trying to finish up my manuscript and planning lots of fun holiday BBQ stuff.
Looks like we'll be hosting Fourth of July at our house. Then we all walk to the beach to watch the fireworks. Not sure what will be on the menu, but I will definitely be making this dessert: strawberry shortcake trifle.
(It's excellent!)
I should be around Twitter and Facebook (although no real promises)
See ya next week!
What are your plans for Fourth of July?
June 24, 2013
Mojito Monday!
Happy Monday!
It's finally officially summer! Last week was kind of a bust because I had to adjust to the new summer every-kid-in-the-neighborhood-is-at-my-house-plus-throw-in-a-new-puppy schedule.
But I'm excited because this week the kiddo has VBS and I'll get some writing time done in the mornings. Whew!
On another note, this weekend was our family's first day at the beach!! It was gorgeous out! We went for about 3 hours Saturday and maybe a little longer on Sunday. I am now tan. ( Tannish --or at least enough color on my legs to look respectable) Sox did great in his crate during that time.
Anyhew, we have a pretty social neighborhood here. All the kids play with one another and us grownups enjoy hanging out (and even traveling) together. So when I had "happy hour" on Sunday, I made vodka mojitos. (I don't like rum. Unless I'm on a topical island vacation, then I'll have a rum drink)
Well. They were a hit! And here's how I made them:
Fresh mint (I used organic mint)
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1 tsp or squirt agave nectar (natural sweetener from the blue agave plant. Found in most food stores in the baking aisle)
2oz vodka
crushed ice
club soda
With my pharmacy background, I actually have a mortar and pestle to muddle the mint leaves a bit to break up the natural juices in them. Then I add the lime juice to the pestle and swirl it around a bit. Then I add the vodka. Then I pour everything into a pint glass. Add the agave and stir well. Then fill the glass up 3/4 way with ice and top off with club soda to the rim. Give another stir and VOILA!
I should be a bartender. :)
I like the vodka in them because there's no taste aside from the mint and lime juice. It's very refreshing.
Plus it's fun to say mojito. LOL (see below)
And that's it for me this week.
Do you have a favorite summer drink?
It's finally officially summer! Last week was kind of a bust because I had to adjust to the new summer every-kid-in-the-neighborhood-is-at-my-house-plus-throw-in-a-new-puppy schedule.
But I'm excited because this week the kiddo has VBS and I'll get some writing time done in the mornings. Whew!
On another note, this weekend was our family's first day at the beach!! It was gorgeous out! We went for about 3 hours Saturday and maybe a little longer on Sunday. I am now tan. ( Tannish --or at least enough color on my legs to look respectable) Sox did great in his crate during that time.
Anyhew, we have a pretty social neighborhood here. All the kids play with one another and us grownups enjoy hanging out (and even traveling) together. So when I had "happy hour" on Sunday, I made vodka mojitos. (I don't like rum. Unless I'm on a topical island vacation, then I'll have a rum drink)
Well. They were a hit! And here's how I made them:
Fresh mint (I used organic mint)
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1 tsp or squirt agave nectar (natural sweetener from the blue agave plant. Found in most food stores in the baking aisle)
2oz vodka
crushed ice
club soda
With my pharmacy background, I actually have a mortar and pestle to muddle the mint leaves a bit to break up the natural juices in them. Then I add the lime juice to the pestle and swirl it around a bit. Then I add the vodka. Then I pour everything into a pint glass. Add the agave and stir well. Then fill the glass up 3/4 way with ice and top off with club soda to the rim. Give another stir and VOILA!
I should be a bartender. :)
I like the vodka in them because there's no taste aside from the mint and lime juice. It's very refreshing.
Plus it's fun to say mojito. LOL (see below)
And that's it for me this week.
Do you have a favorite summer drink?
June 17, 2013
More Misc Monday
Hey, all! Happy Monday!
Why did I get a puppy again? He's such a... well, a PUPPY. LOL But he's already going to the door when he wants to go potty, and we've worked on "sit" and "lie down", which was a nice trick to impress the in-laws on Father's Day. :-)
Anyhew...in case you missed this picture on Twitter, I gave Sox a "stuffy" to help him sleep in his crate and he's really taken to it.
And here's some more Misc on this Monday:
**I made Sox these liver treats from Dog Treat Kitchen.com ( I know. I have issues) and he LOVES them. I use them for training and sometimes I mix it in his kibble.
**I took my kiddo to see Bethany Hamilton this weekend. She was in town at the Ocean City Tabernacle for a speaking event. My kiddo LOVES her. Oh, and in case you don't know who she is, she was the surfer that the movie SOUL SURFER was made about. SOUL SURFER is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.
I couldn't believe the turnout! We got there over a half hour early and the auditorium (which seats 1000) was already filled. One of my friends whose hubby works for the FCA Surf (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) gave my kiddo her seat--which was row 2 right in the center. I was so happy for my daughter.
(The hubby and I were in the back sitting on the radiator) LOL
**My WIP is coming along nicely. I just finished up my chapter 8.
(I should have about 13 or 14 chapters total)
**And lastly, in case you didn't see on FB, I let my publicist at Montlake Romance know of my Golden Quill win and she was sweet enough to send me flowers!!
Aww...
And that's about it from me. :)
Anything new going on with you?
Do you make your own doggie treats? Have you heard of Bethany Hamilton? How's your WIP coming along?
Why did I get a puppy again? He's such a... well, a PUPPY. LOL But he's already going to the door when he wants to go potty, and we've worked on "sit" and "lie down", which was a nice trick to impress the in-laws on Father's Day. :-)
Anyhew...in case you missed this picture on Twitter, I gave Sox a "stuffy" to help him sleep in his crate and he's really taken to it.
And here's some more Misc on this Monday:
**I made Sox these liver treats from Dog Treat Kitchen.com ( I know. I have issues) and he LOVES them. I use them for training and sometimes I mix it in his kibble.
**I took my kiddo to see Bethany Hamilton this weekend. She was in town at the Ocean City Tabernacle for a speaking event. My kiddo LOVES her. Oh, and in case you don't know who she is, she was the surfer that the movie SOUL SURFER was made about. SOUL SURFER is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.
I couldn't believe the turnout! We got there over a half hour early and the auditorium (which seats 1000) was already filled. One of my friends whose hubby works for the FCA Surf (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) gave my kiddo her seat--which was row 2 right in the center. I was so happy for my daughter.
(The hubby and I were in the back sitting on the radiator) LOL
**My WIP is coming along nicely. I just finished up my chapter 8.
(I should have about 13 or 14 chapters total)
**And lastly, in case you didn't see on FB, I let my publicist at Montlake Romance know of my Golden Quill win and she was sweet enough to send me flowers!!
Aww...
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And that's about it from me. :)
Anything new going on with you?
Do you make your own doggie treats? Have you heard of Bethany Hamilton? How's your WIP coming along?
June 10, 2013
Misc Monday!
Happy Monday!
Well, the puppy seems to be adjusting well to us. And we're adjusting to him. I know everybody says this about their own puppy, but he really is sweet--and so smart!
WARNING: gratuitous puppy photo coming
Anyway, as my blog title hinted to...
Here's my MISC MONDAY :
**The June theme at the Heart-Shaped Glasses blog is "weddings": If you're looking for a good wedding read, stop on over and check out my post.
(All commenters this month are entered into our giveaway)
** Today is my 18th wedding anniversary! (It's actually my hubby's brother's anniversary too. My brother and sister-in-law were married on June 10th six years before us)
** Lastly, I'm happy thrilled to announce that my novel Sunny Days for Sam WON the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for BEST TRADITIONAL ROMANCE! Yay!
It was up against two Harlequin Romances that looked very good, so I am very humbled.
And that's about it for me!
Have a great week!
Well, the puppy seems to be adjusting well to us. And we're adjusting to him. I know everybody says this about their own puppy, but he really is sweet--and so smart!
WARNING: gratuitous puppy photo coming
.JPG)
Anyway, as my blog title hinted to...
Here's my MISC MONDAY :
**The June theme at the Heart-Shaped Glasses blog is "weddings": If you're looking for a good wedding read, stop on over and check out my post.
(All commenters this month are entered into our giveaway)
** Today is my 18th wedding anniversary! (It's actually my hubby's brother's anniversary too. My brother and sister-in-law were married on June 10th six years before us)
** Lastly, I'm happy thrilled to announce that my novel Sunny Days for Sam WON the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for BEST TRADITIONAL ROMANCE! Yay!
It was up against two Harlequin Romances that looked very good, so I am very humbled.
And that's about it for me!
Have a great week!
June 3, 2013
Because my life isn't busy enough...
Let me just say it now.
We got a PUPPY.
I happened to see him online at a nice animal rescue and applied for adoption. After that--and them checking ALL my references-- it kind of happened fast. Needless to say, the kiddo is THRILLED.
I was looking for some kind of poodle mix so that there might be less chance of shedding and allergies since September. However, I was NOT looking to adopt a puppy, but there he was, and well, he was so cute. LOL He's only 8 or 9 weeks old and maybe 4lbs. Not much bigger than our guinea pig!
He's part poodle, part cocker spaniel, part beagle. He's not shedding (right now anyway) and I'm not having any allergy issues. He's black with white paws, so we decided to call him SOX--but we spelled that way to honor the Red Sox, too (who are playing extremely well right now, by the way)
Needless to say, I've been doing A LOT of research and reading The Puppy Whisperer (a present from my neighbor who just got a puppy a few months ago)
Here are some pictures:
No, he's not smoking
Sox before we took him home So that's what's new with me.
What's new with you? Any puppy advice?
We got a PUPPY.
I happened to see him online at a nice animal rescue and applied for adoption. After that--and them checking ALL my references-- it kind of happened fast. Needless to say, the kiddo is THRILLED.
I was looking for some kind of poodle mix so that there might be less chance of shedding and allergies since September. However, I was NOT looking to adopt a puppy, but there he was, and well, he was so cute. LOL He's only 8 or 9 weeks old and maybe 4lbs. Not much bigger than our guinea pig!
He's part poodle, part cocker spaniel, part beagle. He's not shedding (right now anyway) and I'm not having any allergy issues. He's black with white paws, so we decided to call him SOX--but we spelled that way to honor the Red Sox, too (who are playing extremely well right now, by the way)
Needless to say, I've been doing A LOT of research and reading The Puppy Whisperer (a present from my neighbor who just got a puppy a few months ago)
Here are some pictures:
.jpg)
No, he's not smoking
.JPG)
Sox before we took him home So that's what's new with me. What's new with you? Any puppy advice?
May 27, 2013
Memorial Day--Freedom isn't Free
Happy Memorial Day Monday!
I have the hubby's side of the family coming over for dinner and I plan on biking to the boardwalk today. (Hubby is out running now but I need to run out for coffee!)
But before I do anything, I wanted to announce the winner of the Bliss Kiss Off giveaway!
HUGE CONGRATS to Vanessa N!
Robin or I will email you and send you your prize!
Big thanks to Robin Bielman for helping organize this fun event and for being so fun herself!
Her kiss from the Gilmore Girls won! Wah!
But that's ok. I still like her. :)
Don't forget to check out her book Kissing the Maid of Honor .
And, lastly, in church on Sunday, they showed this video as a tribute to those who died serving our country.
I think it's a great tribute for this Memorial Day, so we remember what this day is all about.
See you next week!
I have the hubby's side of the family coming over for dinner and I plan on biking to the boardwalk today. (Hubby is out running now but I need to run out for coffee!)
But before I do anything, I wanted to announce the winner of the Bliss Kiss Off giveaway!
HUGE CONGRATS to Vanessa N!
Robin or I will email you and send you your prize!
Big thanks to Robin Bielman for helping organize this fun event and for being so fun herself!
Her kiss from the Gilmore Girls won! Wah!
But that's ok. I still like her. :)
Don't forget to check out her book Kissing the Maid of Honor .
And, lastly, in church on Sunday, they showed this video as a tribute to those who died serving our country.
I think it's a great tribute for this Memorial Day, so we remember what this day is all about.
See you next week!
