2009 - The Year of Jenny

The most wonderful thing I've experienced in 2009 is the absolute joy of feeling that I am completely and honestly myself, without excuses, without regrets. I am all me - geeky, sexy, loving, creative, smart, funny, dorky, sweet, and real. -my answer to a formspring question asked by a friend.

2009 has been the year of Jenny
I embraced myself this year. I decided to stop waiting for my life to be perfect, for my body to be perfect, for my relationships to be perfect, and I discovered that I am perfectly imperfect, just the way I am.

Times were hard
I faced very real, very depressing challenges - financial, personal and medical - and I overcame them or made friends with failure. I became angry. I became determined. I became confident.

Moments filled and overwhelmed my heart
I watched the Space Shuttle Atlantis break free from her earthly chains and power forth into the perfect sky, while tears fell from my eyes.

I gazed at the lifeless body of my cousin JJ, all alone in the funeral parlor, and felt the wave of love for him that allowed me to look away and decorate the area with evidence of his full and too-short life.

I witnessed my children grow, learn, and laugh, each second seeming too precious to be real.

People centered my world
I found Twitter. I made friends with fantastic, unique people from all over the world.

I deepened friendships of more than 20 years, and established bonds with new friends who touch my heart.

Life happened
I laughed. And giggled. And chortled. And snorted.
I kissed. I snuggled. I put cold feet on a warm body.
I wore sexy panties and short skirts. I wore pigtails.
I got a dog. I got drunk. I got laid.
I wrote. And sang. And danced.

I loved.
I lived.

And I am so grateful for it all.

My Big Fat Greek Family

My niece Rebi turned one year old during her trip to Florida. To celebrate, we gathered as much of the family as possible at my house for a big, fat, Greek birthday party.

Some cousins drove down from Georgia. Aunts, Uncles and cousins traveled from around central Florida. We all piled into my somewhat-clean house to visit, chat, reminisce, laugh and play.

Know what I love about this picture? No one is holding their own child. :)

Cousin Jennifer holding my nephew Tommy, sister Keri, cousin Carey holding the birthday girl, Uncle Chris holding Carey's daughter Cadyn.

Me, my cousin Carey, my Dad, and my sister Keri. So much love here.

Some of my extended family. Believe it or not, this isn't everyone. In fact, less than half of my greek cousins are represented. (And none of the cousins on my mom's side are here.)

Yes, I have a big family. And we're all pretty close. I love that we get together for events and celebrations whenever we can. This event was particularly meaningful for me, because the last big family gathering occurred for my cousin JJ's funeral.

This was pure celebration and love! I felt such joy at being surrounded by all of these aunts, uncles and cousins.

Me=thankful <3

"I Didn't Get To Pee My Panties", or Greedy Santa Regrets

Sometimes the best laid plans...

Friday night, one of my favorite events of the entire year occurred - the Greedy Santa Party. Hosted every year by my friends Christyne Albury and Kim Ross, it is the holiday event. In fact, it is my only chance each year to catch up with old friends from work, and share laughter and wine and crazy gift-grabbing hysteria.

I never miss this party, because it warms my heart, soothes my soul, and makes me laugh until I pee my panties.

Except, this year, I missed the party.

There are several reasons. I was cleaning my house for a party the next day. I was dealing with a major, major meltdown of communication between children and adults. I was helping my hubby throw toys into black garbage bags to be taken away, forever.

I was pulled so tightly by family issues and obligations, that I couldn't break free, not even for the night.

This doesn't usually happen. I value my personal time highly, and I get away for Jenny Fun Nights at least twice a week. My personal, social, or private time is important for my continuing sanity. And, my hubby knows exactly what Greedy Santa means to me, and it isn't even a option to miss it.

But I did.

I'm sorry I did. I understand, from the other Jenny, that it was a riotous, hilarious and fabulous party. I mean, come on, one of the most-frequently-stolen gifts was a gift card to Fairvilla Megastore! (Full disclosure - that was TOTALLY going to be my gift this year. Pinky swear. Either that or a candy-cane striped dildo.)

I know that I missed hanging out with some of my favorite people. I know that I missed all of the updates, the funny stories, and the sharing memories of Kim dancing on a table, and the year of the stripper.

I'm sorry. I missed everyone. I'll try to make sure it never happens again.

Christyne and Kim, please keep inviting me. I promise that next year, as usual, I won't RSVP, but I'll be there with bells on, and maybe something candy-cane-striped in a gift bag. :)

Love you guys!

Sisters

My sister, Keri, is visiting from Colorado with her family. Squeee!

I love it when Keri visits. She and I are very close, and we don't get to see each other in person very often.

Her week-long visit has included many days at Walt Disney World, family time, laughter and general frivolity. (Also, fevers, bagels, and a face slap.)

And hugs. And tickling. And putting my arm around my sister. And holding her beautiful babies.

OK, got to go hug my sister now.

Open Letter To The Haters

Look, people. Get over it. I am a devoted, loving mom. I am also a damn sexy woman who feels confident and good about myself.

And you know what? I like wearing sexy panties!! They're awesome! And I love wearing beautiful underthings to complement my beautiful exterior (and posterior)!

And know what else? I will not be defined or limited or caged by your opinions, expectations and prejudices!

I own my power! And that power is nurturing, loving, and sexy! (Those are NOT mutually exclusive!) And I have enough power to share it with the world!

So take that, haters! I feel good and beautiful and loving and sexy, and it has nothing to do with you!

It has EVERYTHING to do with me!

(Whew! Never had a rant quite like that. Feels good. I'm quite proud of myself.)