Dearest 2009

Way to throw us all for a loop. Sheesh.

Didn't I just write my 2008 New Year's post? Don't I still have to look at the front of a calendar to make sure 2009 is the correct year? Usually this settles in by May-June. Not this year. Thank God Steve does not judge me.

You really packed it in though. As I think back to all you've given to me, I am truly in awe. And I wanted to say thank you for a few things. Before I forget them. Or they go unnoticed by the sexy- glam-rock that 2010 promises to bring.

Thank you 2009 ...

• for giving me back my husband. Less travel, no grad school. I'm confounded and amazed at how I much more I can continue to love him. And to be a little more selfish - I could really even take more time 2010. If you will let me.
  

• for back-peddling my way into a Book Club. What a fun way to spend a night a month. And a great way to start reading books I would have *never* read before. I owe Twilight to you 2009. And that choice quite possibly changed my (and several co-workers) lives. Thank you also for Good Reads.

• for taking away some of my pride, and reminding me that forgiveness and understanding are two of the most important parts of a friendship. I am so incredibly lucky to be back in contact with truly wonderful friends that slipped away in previous years. I'm not sure how you did it, but my heart has softened and I am so grateful. I will never hold another grudge in my life.

• for reminding me why I never need to visit Las Vegas again. It is not my kind of town.

• for great concerts. Big Head Todd, ZZ Top (Storytellers), Skynrd, Sara Bareilles ..

• for trying to teach me golf. I hope to learn, one day. I really do.

• for some incredibly fun friend visits to Chicago - like Andrea & Erik and Karrie & Steve. And for some awesome BBQ's on the back deck, when you decided to let us have a taste of summer. We truly are lucky to have such a great group of friends in Chicago.

• for the best gift you will ever give us. Although at the time, we might have been a bit dazed at those two little blue lines, we are forever thankful. Now we just hope and pray 2010 carries its side of the deal and we have a happy, healthy baby in March. Even if she does have a crooked head like Steve did when he was born. It obviously straighted out, eventually ...

• for giving us someone we can trust with Vinney, George, our house and all our fosters. I am not sure WHAT we would do without Aggie.

• for proving to us cancer is not a death-sentence. And showing us strength and will come in small packages of love and determination. It also comes in Mom's, sisters, wives and friends. Donna we are still so proud, and amazed at all that you have done.
  

• for letting us see, if even for a short time, our team of nieces and nephews. We may not be close in terms of states, but we are still a close family.

• for the Chicago English Bulldog Rescue, and the opportunity to take on a greater role as the Volunteer Manager. I have never met a group of people who care this much about bullies, and rescue and am astounded at their capacity for service and volunteerism. A trait I will be honest, I was worried some did not care about anymore. Thank you 2009 for showing me I was wrong!

• for knocking me back a peg or two. And giving me little to no hope in Seattle sports. No really. Who needs a winning team?
  

• for prenatal vitamins and the magic that they are. My hair has never grown so fast, or been so strong!

• for so many friends who are also pregnant and having babies around this time. It's been so wonderful to track this progress with other friends, in the state, out of the state, due before me, due after me. What a great bonding experience and hopefully will lead to many friends for Jane.

• for the entire country tanking. Honestly. It was a wake-up call. I am thankful to still have a job, I truly am, but it was also a strong reminder to live within my means.
  

• for my favorite word. Chillax.

I've never been a big one for resolutions. They don't usually stick. I know I can be healthier, kinder, more helpful to my neighbors and people/animals in need and more aware of my world. And I will continue to strive to do that, and educate myself. So bring it on 2010.

What do you want to thank 2009 for?!?

Holiday Mix 2009

It took some time this year, and a lot of listening to figure out what direction I wanted to go in but I decided to go a little more current, and throw some new songs at you that maybe you haven't heard. Tis the Season!

1. Last Christmas / Glee Cast
2. Carol of the Bells / The Bird And The Bee
3. Christmas Baby / G. Love
4. Santa Claus Is Back In Town / 38 Special
5. What Christmas Means to Me / Stevie Wonder
6. Christmas Must Be Something More / Taylor Swift
7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) / Leighton Meester
8. Underneath the Mistletoe / Blondfire
9. Our Winter Wonderland / Sunshine Collective
10. Sounds Like Snow / Be Still
11. What Child Is This / Andrea Bocelli with Mary J. Blige
12. Carol of the Bells / Celtic Woman
13. Wonderful Christmastime / Jars of Clay
14. Christmas Must Be Tonight / The Band
15. Lonely With You (This Christmas) / Mick Jagger
16. All I Want For Christmas / Matt Costa
17. Baby, It's Cold Outside / Lady Antebellum
18. Silent Night / Taylor Swift
19. The Heartache Can Wait / Brandi Carlile
20. I'll Be Home for Christmas / Tift Merritt

An Ode to Stan

Dear Stan,

I was complaining, again and several friends suggested I look into you. The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow Deluxe. I was a stomach or back sleeper, and kept reading I should be sleeping on a side. I found myself tipping over, and winding up on my back. I would wake up in a panic, "my baby isn't getting blood flow!" and knew I needed to take action.

So I found you on Amazon, and bought the Organic version. I tried you out a few times, but between the Queen size bed, my belly, Steve, and the ever expanding George, there was just no room. I make-shifted pillows, between the legs, in front of me, and on my side but nothing was comfortable. Nothing was keeping me on my side. I would try to turn Steve into my personal Snoogle but he snores as loud as a bulldog.

You went on top of the dresser, sad, alone and knowing your talent was being wasted. I am sorry about this. You were right, I was wrong. A few weeks ago I brought you back, tried you out. Removed all the other pillows on the bed and you were like the softest, warmest, cushiest pillow in my life. You didn't bother Jane, you gave the perfect head/neck support and stayed between my legs, keeping me on my side. I rolled you in a ball and watched TV on you. You were my perfect reading buddy. And thus you were named Stan. As reliable as ever.

Thank you for being you.

Jennifer


Dear Stan,

I tried to tell the crazy lady of your awesome powers but she never listened to me. She's too lazy to do much with you during the day, when she and the fat man leave to give Vinney and I nap time so she leaves you in a circle on the bed. You are my new home. You are my everything. I never want to leave you.

George

Newest playlist

Just realized I didn't post my last mix* on here. This one is pretty random. As most people know, I go through phases in music. Lately I've been going through a country phase. You never know how long they'll last, or if they'll stick but like Andrea said, it was bound to happen at some point. Enjoy!

Empire State of Mind / Jay-Z feat Alicia Keyes

Good Love / Sheek Louch

Boyfriend/Girlfriend / C-Side feat Keyshia Cole

So Much Out the Way / Estelle

Shoulda Let U Go / Sean Kingston feat Good Charlotte

Bulletproof / La Roux

Party In The U.S.A. / Miley Cyrus (Steve sings it, out loud like this .. "and the Waylon song was on, and the Waylon song was on")

Halo (mash) Walking On Sunshine / Glee Cast

Happy / Leona Lewis

Gone / *NSYNC

Lisztomania / Phoenix

Meet Me On the Equinox / Death Cab for Cutie (New Moon soundtrack)

Spaceman / The Killers

Toes / Zac Brown Band

I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes / Dierks (swoon) Bentley

Breathe / Taylor Swift feat Colbie Caillat

Only You Can Love Me This Way / Keith Urban

Need You Now / Lady Antebellum

In Color / Jamey Johnson

*I enjoyed the Jay-Z/Alicia Keyes song in October way more than I do after the Yankees made it their theme song during the World Series.

Baby Jane

Yesterday we found out we are having a Baby Girl. It was a bit of a shock as I feel like we'd been talking boy much more lately but it was a welcome surprise and now I am getting really excited about it. Like my Mother said when I called her, "you're going to really enjoy having a girl Jennifer, until she hits highschool." And we are very excited. But I have a feeling my husband may turn into mush shortly, and then buy a shot gun.
So now my latest obsession would be the kids section of Anthropologie. I mean, who knew Anthro had a kids department? Look at this dress. Precious.



Baby Rock Apparel has been a hot spot for me to do some serious Christmas shopping for, for nieces and nephews. It's crazy to now be able to look at these sites for Jane!

And now my focus is also on the nursery. We can't do a lot. We rent, the room is not that big and honestly, we're not going to be here for the rest of our lives so it needs to be something that can moved. I also am not a pink & brown fan. I prefer more pink and green. I am thinking a Secret Garden theme. Maybe this for the window.


The furniture is all, so far, a dark wood. The crib is from Stokke. I think we're going to stay pretty neutral with the bedding.


I was also thinking of doing a decal on the wall, Etsy has several sellers that make them and I thought that might be the easiest thing to do, instead of painting the room. I was thinking a big, whimsical tree of some kind.


And of course, something from the lovely and very talented Cathy Nichols. Though I'm not sure how you possibly choose.

"Jane" is definitely our front-runner. I've thrown out some other ideas to Steve but nothing has been as well received as Jane. Unfortunately, it's the middle name we're having issues with. I'm actually not a fan of middle names at all and I would probably not have one if it was just me. Especially with a last name as long as ours but Steve seems to think we need one. So he wants a list for me. Any ideas? My favorite idea so far is Bell, the street we live on but he doesn't want anything "weird." I like classic, older names. Nothing trendy, nothing too girly. Think of the names your Grandmother may have had. And then minus anything that's become too trendy - Grace, Ava, etc. Have fun!

San Diego, New Moon and Waltjane

Just got back from San Diego, what I decided was going to have to be our Baby-moon since we're not really going anywhere on vacation until the baby is born. We had a really fabulous time. I can see why people move to San Diego, and then stay. The weather was perfect, the pace was more relaxed and a whole lot nicer and everywhere you looked you just saw something beautiful. Like in Del Mar ...


Or on Coronado Bay - at the Hotel Del Coronado. Steve did promise we'd go back and stay there sometime. I will hold him too it.


Plus A&E made a trip down from LA to see us which was a major bonus to the trip.


This was at a mall in Mission Valley by our hotel, um, Chicago, take note.

I do have to say I was surprised how many bums were there but like L said, isn't that where you would go if you were homeless? First off, I think we all know how I feel about the homeless and second, probably yes.

We got some FABULOUS food recommendations and went to some of Steve's favorites as well - Rocky's, South Beach Grill, Blue Point Grill and of course we made a stop at In-n-Out. We ate - well.

Not like this needs any build up, because honestly, who isn't excited about this movie (that read the books) but I decided to re-read New Moon on this trip and let me just tell you. I. Can. Hardly. Wait. New Moon was my least favorite book and we all know my feeling on them casting the old Jacob. I think they might be able to make it work, however. At least I am hoping so, cause in the book reading "and Jacob would tower over Edward" I would chuckle a little. I liked this book much more the second time around, and I think Jacob and his, er, friends, will help out their male audience a little. The whole time I just kept thinking about how they would do it this time - with a bigger budget (thank God the special effects are getting some much needed cash).


Such a clutz Bella, way to ruin it all ..


Honestly. I think we could all agree the dirt bike was a bad idea.

I would be running.


I can't wait. S, J and I are going to see it opening day. Already have our tickets.

Hopefully we'll be finding out if it's going to be Walt, or Jane this Wednesday. I couldn't take it anymore and moved my appt up a week. When I originally made this appt for 20 weeks, I wasn't going to find out what I was having, so when they suggested I just have it during the 21st week, to coincide with my Dr.'s schedule I said that was fine. Of course, that is no longer an option. I know for sure Waltjane's legs will be all tied up or something and it would be sweet, sweet justice for this but I had to do it. Hey, I'm even getting feedback from friends who are dying to know. So it's not *just* me ....

Stay tuned till Wednesday ..

Prenatal Water Aerobics .. or at least we tried

Jo suggested we take a prenatal water aerobics class, almost the second she found out I was pregnant. She had heard from various people that the class was fantastic, and it took a huge relief off your back. She did the research, and found a really great prenatal class in our area, with two classes a week, Monday and Thursday at 5:45. We've been trying to get to a class for almost a month. 5:45 is just not doable for anyone who works downtown, and has a dog who waits patiently on her arrival every night.

A few days ago I got an email from the Galter LifeCenter, where we wanted to take classes. I asked the woman, could we take another, later class? She said sure - just sign up for a class that has an instructor who also does prenatal. At this point, Jo and I just wanted in that pool. You can't take a hot bath, or get in a hot tub, so a pool is really your only ticket. Jo and I signed up for the beginner's Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program. I don't even need to tell the story of Jo forgetting her ID at home, which is a funny story in itself (typical mush prego-brain).

I walk in, to the pool to see, well, this.


Jo had mentioned she didn't want to be intimidated by a bunch of "fit pregnant women" and we weren't. One just had to take it all in. They all knew each other. The pool, was a little chilly, but this was 95% of conversation. Jokes, snide comments, mutual shaking of heads. One had to make a comment about the coolness of the pool, or you might be asked to leave. So I obliged "let's throw some of that water from the hot tub in here." Cackles of laughter.

The instructor walks in, spots me, confused but I explain "I'm the prenatal." Jo comes in, much more prego than I am and the class gets confused, but the coolness of the pool is now directed at the instructor, they have no time for us. "Did you bring us hot chocolate?" Cackles of laughter.

The playlist:

"Mack the Knife"
"Hang on Sloopy"
"Ring My Bell"
"Twist Again"

The theme of the class is a range of motion. Which actually felt really great to two pregnant girls who have not been keeping in as good of shape as we're supposed to. The stretching was the best part, any back bend. Wonderful. But this is when we weren't laughing, or giggling at each other. Lots of chatter throughout, no one really paying attention. The class is 45 minutes long and about 30 in we heard a "Come on Peggy, only 16 more minutes!" I looked around and most of the class had thrown in the towel.

Jo and I honestly felt like the young kids. "Look at how fast I can move this water, I can make waves out here!" "Look at how many kicks I can do!" "I can stretch so far on the wall." "Yeah I've got this side step under water down!"

Dear Jennifer Aniston

Dear Jennifer,

I have always been a fan. Friends, well, people are kidding themselves if they say they didn't watch it. We watched it. We were pretty obsessed with Ross & Rachel. And while I found Monica a little bit funnier, your story was fantastic, and you kept it new and fresh.

And on top of that, I thought you were a good actress. Timing wise, comedy, I thought you really nailed it. I couldn't wait to see you in movies. And here's the thing. You started out well. Picture Perfect, I can watch that over and over again. The Good Girl, probably your best piece really showed you could grasp "normal" America. Even your bit in Office Space showed you had real taste when it came to scripts.

But then you made: Along Came Polly, Rumour Has It, Bruce Almighty, The Break-Up, He's Just Not That Into You and your latest, Love Happens.

Now I am starting to believe you maybe weren't stretching all that much with Rachel. You were just playing yourself. Because these roles, in all these movies are the exact same. You even look the same. I don't see a character anymore, I just see you, Jennifer Aniston.

So let's spice it up shall we? Try a new role. Try something different, change your hair, change your mood, change who you are (or at least, act like it) and find a good role that will let you stretch a little. Get uncomfortable. I know you have it in you!

I also want to say I think it's crap what they write about you. Justin Timberlake is a God because of the women in show business he's dated. And you're sad, lonely girl? I don't see it. You've dated some lovely looking men, talented, funny, etc. The double standard isn't fair.

Your concerned but adoring fan,

Jennifer

Oh the joy of a baby registry!

I love Registries. I love Wish Lists. If you know me, you know this. I am, hmm, how to say this? "Picky." So if you have a list, or send me an email (especially if you have kids, huge thanks to Shannon for always letting me know what the Mayne kids are in to) I will use it. I consider myself a pretty good gift giver, if I know you well, and see you on a regular basis. But if I don't - I would just love for you to tell me what you want. I dislike wasting money. So if you don't tell me, you'll probably just get something I would have liked. Now you know.

For the wedding registry, I had fun. I went through Crate & Barrel and Target and had a blast picking out fun things for our house, for our bathroom, sheets, silverware, you name it. Shannon helped a little as well, with some of the cooking items and we were very lucky that we got married before Christmas, so that was a lot of our Christmas gifts too (which we loved).

So when I found out we got pregnant, one of my first thoughts was. Joy! Another registry!! Except, the joy has been fleeting. I feel clueless, behind, and overall incredibly cheap, as I continue to gasp at these prices. Shannon and Donna have been a big help, but I am still confused. Knowing for sure I have messed something up. Sure I will forget something and that apparently we don't live near stores to take care of these issues (reoccurring dream: having the baby and not having the car seat in the car).

I decided to start our list on Amazon.com, mainly because you can use the Universal Registry and therefore are not contained to one store. Options.

I check Baby Bargains 5x a day. I can't seem to read enough.

So, for all the Mom's out there - take a look. And tell me what in the world I am missing .... many thanks.

(thank you E for letting me use one of the cutest pictures of Zoe I've ever seen, this is truly how I feel ..)

Too much good TV ..

My head is actually spinning. I decided to break this down into new and old TV and honestly, we're not even going to be able to cover what's truly going on, on my DVR this fall. Steve is about to kill me. But to me, it's just the perfect time to be pregnant.

The newbies:

Vampire Diaries. CW, Thursdays 8/7c

An absolute must. Thursdays are a total mess for me right now. But this is probably one of my new favorite shows of 2009. Mixing together so many of my favorites: vampires, teenage angst, highschool, football and the brother from Lost. The lead three are incredibly strong and I don't see this going away anytime soon so I am locked in. Even if the best friend (the witch) does have a crooked face. Hey - that just made sense now. Witch. Crooked Face. Wow.

Rescue Ink. National Geographic Channel, Fridays, 9/8c.

"RESCUE INK is a rescue group unlike any you’ve seen before: a bunch of tattooed, motorcycle-riding tough guys who have joined together to fight animal cruelty, educate abusers and help resolve situations other rescue groups can’t – or won’t – handle themselves.

Some of the guys grew up in the projects, some had their brushes with the law, some used their smarts to survive, even thrive on the streets. But that was then, this is now, and today they all share a common goal: Using every means within the thin boundaries of the law, they persuade and educate abusers about the right way to treat animals.

Like many of the animals they save, the members of Rescue Ink know what it’s like to be given a second chance in life. And they’re using theirs to help the animals, no matter what it takes."

Just a refreshing show. What I love, that this show does, is strip away the toughness people associate with dog-fighting, and animal abuse. What you are seeing is toughness displayed against the abusers. The entire mentality of it is going to do so much. Please watch, and support this show.

Community. NBC, Thursdays, 9:30/8:30c

This show got the prime spot. Right after the Office, so obviously NBC knows it has something special. Forgiving Joel McHale for being a Husky, his humor truly is what drives the show. But the supporting cast, especially Abed, help this show continue to get funnier.

Glee. Fox, Wednesdays, 9/8c.

This show has quickly become an absolute much watch show for me. I am so impressed with the entire cast, the idea, and the music each week is absolutely fantastic. Jane Lynch (WOHN News), the cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester is by far my favorite character but each character stands out for their own reasons and makes this show really work. Last week, being entirely centered around "Single Ladies" by Beyonce did not hurt at all.

Honorable mentions: (I haven't seen them enough to know they're totally solid, or they're getting picked up for another season)

Cougar Town, Modern Family

Dropped like a bad habit: Melrose Place. After 1.2 episodes, Ashlee Simpson, you absolutely ruined the show for me.

The stand-bys:

Gossip Girl. CW, Mondays, 9/8c.

Sure, there have been some bumps in the road when they get to college. But Blair and Chuck still remain, and for that I know we're in good hands. See this picture? See the two girls on either far side? They can go away completely and we wouldn't miss a thing. The best part of the last few weeks? No Jenny. Blake Lively is not a good enough actress to continue this wounded lass thing much longer. Blair and Chuck, that's all I need. And Rufus and Lily.

"I'm Chuck Bass."

Fringe. Fox, Thursdays, 9/8c.

Is it possible that this show could get any better? Cause it did. Has J.J. Abrams ever led you astray? I didn't think so. This show - part X-Files part Twilight Zone is a one hour movie you get to see everyweek. I literally jumped off the couch last week. It's intense, interesting, witty and overall just a fun show to watch. There are fantastic underlying themes going on (last year's finale, don't get me started, probably one of the best ever) and yet every week they encounter something new. EXCELLENT show. One of my favorites. And of course Pacey is one of the lead characters. As well as Lt. Daniels.


Honorable Mentions:

The Office (of course), 30 Rock, (when it comes back on), Oprah (OF course), Top Chef, SYTYCD. Project Runway is about to get the ax soon if Nina Garcia doesn't come back though.

Dropped like a bad habit: America's Next Top Model. It's not called America's Next Top Shorty Tyra!!

And baby makes five ..

So I justified not writing a blog for a while because it was hard to think of something else to write about when all I was thinking about was the crazy life growing inside my belly. Yes, I've been a tad distracted. But we did want to wait to tell everyone and with the help of Facebook, I'm fairly certain everyone now knows. I wonder what Kelly Clarkson thinks?

Baby Steinhagen will be making his or her appearance on 3/23/10, perfect timing so I will get to miss out on my favorite trip of the year, Spring Training. But, well worth it. We feel so fortunate we did not have to try as long as some of our friends have and now just get to worry about having a healthy baby. So far, everything has gone very smoothly. My morning sickness was hardly present, just usually some nauseous on the el in the morning. I was also dead-tired to the world. I have started to get back some of that energy. The best part of the second trimester? For Steve at least? I'm finally eating normal foods again. No peanut butter & jelly every single night for dinner. Last week I wanted a steak so Steve, Don and I went to the Gale Street Inn. It was fabulous. The smell alone when you walk up will get you.


We think we've found our crib and furniture, it's just a matter of ordering said furniture, and changing the "Men's Lounge" into the nursery (see below). This could be my biggest struggle so far as I'm pretty sure two of the three men are in complete denial about Baby Steinhagen's impending arrival. I would of course be referring to Vinney and George. George is very confused that I suddenly do not enjoy him kneading my stomach with his paws. Hopefully soon he will get some backlash from someone else. Vinney will basically only be concerned when his Dad-time gets cut into.


And I have caved. I am now dying to find out what we're having. There have been some side bets going on. Anyone care to take a guess?!? We will know on Nov 11, if the baby is willing ..

I promise to be better about this blog. I really do. I get the question at least 35x a day "how are you feeling?" and when I am explaining it, I should just make a mental note and post it to a blog.

More on the excessive amount of TV I have been watching and what the book club has us reading soon ...

I. Cried. My. Eyes. Out.

Well done.

I think the material they had was fabulous, the book is easily on my Top 10 of all times, but they kept very true to the book. What they did for the movie, which I found interesting, is they put it in chronological order of Claire's life. The book is kind of all over the place, and this screenplay worked much better for a movie I think. Rachel McAdams was a fabulous Claire and Eric Bana did much better than I thought he would as Henry. They highlighted all the big scenes and left out a lot, I mean, there was no way to make that entire book a movie. There wasn't enough Chicago in it, in my opinion but overall we *all* enjoyed it. And we had two people there who did not read the book and they still really loved the movie.

B+

A little "pick me up" for a dreary Monday

Newest mix. Hope you enjoy. It has something for everyone.

1. First Train Home / Imogen Heap
2. The Stoop / Little Jackie
3. By My Side / Jadakiss & Ne-Yo
4. Numba 1 (Tide is High) / Kardinall Offishall feat Keri Wilson
5. Make Her Say / Kid Cudi feat Kayne West & Common
6. Beautiful / Eminem
7. Boom / Anjulie (my fav!)
8. Ruby Blue / Roisin Murphy
9. 1901 / Phoenix
10. Got Nuffin / Spoon
11. I've Got it All (Most) / Modest Mouse
12. Uprising / Muse
13. Us / Regina Spektor
14. Relator / Pete Yorn & ScarJo
15. Honor and Harmony / G. Love & Special Sauce
16. If It Kills Me / Jason Mraz
17. Breakeven / The Script
18. Fallin' For You / Colbie Caillat
19. I Run to You / Lady Antebellum

**if you're a big dork. You'll notice several of these songs come from one incredibly awesome TV show.



Going to see Time Traveler's Wife tonight with the "girls." I don't know about you - but when I heard they envisioned Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston for this movie I about died. NO WAY. Not how I pictured either of them. I think Rachel McAdams is going to be a fabulous Claire. My guy gave it a pretty good review too. Of course, it will never be as good as the book, as the book is easily in my Top 10 of all time favorites, but apparently it stays pretty true to the book. Will post a review tomorrow. The previews have been giving me chills.


PS - go see 500 days of Summer if you haven't yet!


Tom: What happens when you fall in love?
Summer: You believe in that?
Tom: It's love, it's not Santa Claus.

The Bachelorette .. who will she choose??

Anyone who is on my Facebook, or knows me, knows I am a huge Bachelor/Bachelorette fan. I am not alone either. Many of my friends do our own version of Chelsea Lately every Tuesday morning over email and I dare say, we're almost as funny.

Last night was the big "Men Tell All" where Wes did not attend (baby), Reid did not attend (he has to make one last ditch effort next week), and we learned Sasha is a d#$@. By far one of the easiest MTA's for Chris Harrison as he plenty of material with Scary Dave, Foot Fetish Tanner and side-talker Jake. It was hinted that Jake could possibly be the next Bachelor and to anyone who is reading THIS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA. You will lose me as a fan, for that one season. Is it really worth it?

I did not even watch one part of Molly & Jason. I just don't care. I am still sick over the whole thing and annoyed with Jason for dumping Melissa on live TV, even though it was probably in his contract. I have zero sympathy and they're not even in the same state. I don't see it working out. She could do better.


Drunk Ed was the best blooper ("that's a lot of words"). Steve said Ed was very "Chicago" .. until he saw the short shorts from last week. I still hope he wins, and I hope we get to see Jillian and her great sense of style around town some. Next Monday night is the finale!!

It's been along time, we shouldn't have left you ..

What? I have a blog? Who knew.

Perhaps I should just update you all then on the life and times of Jennifer Wohn Steinhagen. I will try and come up with something witty and/or clever another time. For now, it's Friday afternoon. Chillax.

Current Status:

I am still happily married (though not sure if he'd say the same as I keep changing my mind on what we're doing tonight) to the lovely, handsome, mysterious and kind, Steven Clayton Steinhagen.

I currently am experiencing "newscaster hair" in my grow-out and have been approached more than once about the weather.


Even though I was trying for Kim Basinger hair ala Nine and a half weeks. This would require getting up earlier and curling which has not been happening.


The rescue I am the Volunteer Manager for (Chicago English Bulldog Rescue) has asked me to be a Director for reasons unknown to me. I happily accepted and now have one full time paying job, and one full time NFP job.

We recently got a rescue in, Rosie, who came from a bad spot where she was being threatened to be killed by one of her owners. We all thought she was small, had a big belly and then finally one of the volunteers wondered if she might be pregnant (we thought she was nuts). It turns out, she was. The owners clearly didn't know (bully puppies are not cheap, think 2K each) and we now have five beautiful little puppies in our care. The far left, Chubs, is my favorite of all but Steve has put his foot down.

I know extra cash isn't normal these days, but if you have any, the vet costs for the birth and care have not been cheap. We would appreciate anything you could do! Especially you Chicago folks, please print off the Jewel shop-n-share coupon on the main page. It will cost you nothing. Just print it off and take it with you when you shop between July 20-22.

I still have a fabulous English Bulldog named Vinney and a TONKENESE cat named George (both rescues!!). We discovered his true orgin while wasting time in a Barnes & Noble one day.

I am not sure what my life was like before Corner Bakery's, Whoopie Pie.


Or Gerard Yosca.


Favorite TV show: So You Think You Can Dance or the Bachelorette (that's another blog entry to be honest). It's hard to pick a favorite on SYTYCD. I honestly think Cat Deeley is up with Ryan Seacrest as being one of the best hosts on TV now. I love her style, I love her quirkiness and she always keeps the show going. Huge fan of the ballerina but I will be sad to see Jeanette and Brandon split up. They have been phenomenal together, at everything they do!


We had a wonderful fourth of July at our friends house in Crown Point, Indiana. They have a parade every year (two hours worth!) on Main Street and they recently bought a beautiful home there. No one took any pictures. Go figure, but it did rain the entire day. We had a wonderful time still!!

Next up, we'll be heading to my home state Texas. First stop is to see my lovely sisters in Dallas and meet my beautiful niece Molly and then we will drive down to see Donna and attempt to make ourselves useful with the girls. Steve said he can't wait to see "how I do." Jerk. Kids love me. I carry candy.

Keep sending out your positive thoughts to Donna! She is fighting harder than I could have ever imagined and we can't wait to see her and give her a big hug!