A Goddess in a Cave in the Woods

Operation Maple Leaf

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:03:00 +0000

As I type this blog post I am sitting in relative cushiony comfort inside a metal tube at an altitude of 36,500 feet. According to the little animated map display on the screen in front of me, I am 719 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia, where I hope to land safely in approximately an hour.

The cute little plane icon is over the blue colored area on the map, therefore we are flying over the water, southeast of New York City, if the data are to be believed.

Of course, by the time I post this, I'll be safely on the ground, and the soles of my shoes will have touched the land called Canada for the first time.

I've traveled a bit, including internationally, but I've never visited Canada. Why now, you ask?

Love.

(Isn't that the most perfect answer to any question beginning with the word "why"?)

In this case, I am traveling to witness a declaration of love and commitment made by two dear friends.

These friends, Jodi and Jason, will be wed on Friday, February 5, 2009, and I will be there to see it. All because of love... and the Internet.

I've never met Jodi and Jason in person. Neither has my dear husband, though he's known them both longer than I have. He met Jason online, liked him, followed Jodi's adorably geeky proposal via a blog chain... (just pretend I told you the rest, okay? Otherwise this could get long) ...and then I followed them both on Twitter and realized just how super fantastically awesome they were! And the rest of our friendship is history!

When we received an invitation to their wedding, we knew they probably meant it as an honor, and were hoping we wouldn't come but would send a large monetary gift. :-P

Bah! Why follow convention?! Let's leave our kids with family and friends for four and a half days (something we've never done for longer than one overnight), and fly to Canada for the wedding! That'll show them!

As it happens, we developed an online friendship with another couple, Sophie and James, who live in Nova Scotia as well. So, clearly, we thought... Hey! Let's visit them too. After all, we'll already be in Canada for the wedding!

And actually, I had a list of other Canadian friends I'd love to meet in person, but apparently I have a poor grasp of geography and the concept of "Canada is effing huge!!"

So we're winging to Nova Scotia- for love, for friendship, for adventure, and for the amazing opportunity to connect with people who were unknown 1s and 0s not long ago.

And when I hug each of my friends, and look into their faces for the first time, I'll feel grateful, and full of love.

Thank you, Internet. Thanks for the love.

Minivan Captain's Log

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Today is a Wednesday. There's nothing particularly significant about this Wednesday, but on this crazy ride we call life, every day should be significant, shouldn't it? So, in the interest of preserving the history of Jenny Wadley, I present these facts for your amusement and pity.

Today I:

Woke up in bed alone
Heard my daughter cry
Had a fight with my husband
Debated the necessity of the potty with a three-year-old
Made up with my husband
Sang Code Monkey
Went to the laundromat
Stuffed $20 in quarters in my pockets
Taught math via coin-operated washing machines
Did eight loads of laundry
Talked to a long-distance friend about visiting
Fished a plastic heart out of the toilet
Found some presumed missing mail under the seat of my car
Cleaned up smeared chocolate with a baby wipe
Cleaned a poopy bottom with six baby wipes
Waited in line at the utility department
Explained a water meter to my seven-year-old
Used the last three quarters to buy bubblegum
Spent two hours in Target
Literally begged my children to behave
Bribed my children
Spoke sternly to my children
Took my children to the potty
Took my children back to the potty
Allowed my children to try on a woman's zebra-print dress
Adamantly refused to purchase zebra-print dress for my son because it wasn't in his size
Held my ground
Decided that my perfect job is evil henchman
Contemplated buying a Starbucks coffee
Reminded myself that I am no longer spending $5 on a cup of coffee
Listened to repetitive vocal sounds over and over and over
Asked my daughter to please get up off the floor and let the nice lady push her cart down the aisle
Picked my daughter up off the floor while she screamed
Bought myself the damn coffee
Took my children back to the potty
Didn't scream when a $5 cup of coffee was poured down my thigh
Ignored stares of horror
Smiled helplessly at looks of knowing pity
Drive home while breathing deeply
Received words of wisdom and wonderful news from a dear friend
Played a game with my kids
Heaved a big sigh
Held an origami butterfly
Told my husband I love him
Found peace
Lost peace
Wept
Smiled
Felt loved
Loved

2009 - The Year of Jenny

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:39:00 +0000

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

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:40:00 +0000

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

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:03:00 +0000

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

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:18:00 +0000

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

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:54:00 +0000

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.)

Thank you

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:58:00 +0000

This has been a most wonderful, exquisite birthday.

So many people I love and respect sent good wishes and hugs my way, I am surrounded by warm fuzzies.

It is fitting that the last day of the month, and therefore, the last day of NaBloPoMo, is my birthday.

It allows me to celebrate myself and my accomplishments, but also to fill my heart and my blog with gratitude for all of the generous people who gave of their time, and of themselves, to help me celebrate, today and every day.

So this post goes to you- my friend, my family member, my follower, my reader. Thank you for listening and for letting me know I am heard. <3

35 Favorite Things

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:42:00 +0000

Tomorrow is my 35th birthday. I never imagined what 35 would feel like, or look like, but if 34 and 364 days is any indication, 35 is fantastic!

So, in honor of my 35 years, I decided to post a list of some of my favorite things. Nary a rain drop or a whisker among them.

(in no particular order)
35 of Jenny's Favorite Things

1. The movie "Better Off Dead"

2. The smell of someone's neck, whether that neck is new to me or dear to me

3. Homemade lemonade

4. They Might Be Giants' Flood album

5. Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" (the original version, not the crappy incomplete version I hear on the radio sometimes)

6. Breyer's chocolate ice cream

7. The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

8. The rush of emotion I get when a plane takes off (or, to a greater extent, when a Space Shuttle takes off)

9. Jane Austen's novels - Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Sense & Sensibility, and Mansfield Park especially

10. The 1995 BBC miniseries Pride & Prejudice starring Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle

11. Depeche Mode

12. Tulips

13. The scents of vanilla and lemon

14. Lush bath and body products

15. The movie "French Kiss"

16. Hammocks

17. Swimming in the ocean and jumping the waves - it feels like I'm flying

18. Good, fun sex (may or may not include laughter)

19. The Colorado Rocky Mountains

20. Singing songs in harmony with my Dad and sister

21. My mom's cooking (and my Nana's cooking) (and my Yiayia's cooking)

22. Knowing the answer and being right

23. Rain outside, good book inside

24. Turkey, stuffing & cranberries (always whole berry sauce, not canned)

25. Being the oldest of three crazy kids (hi Keri and Ernie!)

26. Playing The Angry Vagina in "The Vagina Monologues" (and saying the word vagina)

27. Singing really loudly in the car, especially Barenaked Ladies, or the Indigo Girls' "Get Out The Map" and "Galileo"

28. Being known as a fun, cheerful, happy person

29. Looking up at the stars and contemplating all of the big questions

30. Traveling - London, Ireland, New York City & Paris are my favs so far

31. My wonderful, dear friends

32. Crafting, scrapbooking- making something & telling my story

33. Being called Mommy or Mama or even Mom

34. Being married to my best friend

35. Going to bed with my down comforter, pleasant thoughts and other infinite possibilities of tomorrow

Here's to 35!!

Camping Conclusions

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Pros:
Hunting Island, SC. Gorgeous. Right on beach. Large wooded campsite. Kids around to play with. Cool dead trees on beach for climbing and photos. Large bathrooms with heaters. Nature center and salt marsh walk. Good friends who know how to camp in comfort (tip-electric griddle. Who knew?)

Cons:
Cold. So very, very cold. Freezing. So many layers of clothing. So many pitches of whiny voices complaining about the cold. Did I mention really, really cold? Like, uncontrollable chattering teeth cold? Five blankets and you're still cold?

So here I am, braving the cold by sitting across from a roaring campfire, sighing as I slowly digest tonight's scrumptious dinner.

And then, I am informed by husband that I have fallen asleep mid-word as I'm typing this post. Apparently full tummy + freezing cold = falling asleep in front of fire. I awaken to recommit myself to blog excellence, but I don't know how long I can keep this goi

My New Obsession

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:28:00 +0000

I am used to being looked at with a bemused expression. It happens more often than I'd like to admit.

But recently, it's been occurring daily, sometimes several times a day. And I'm being asked to answer some specific questions.

Why does this shuttle mission feel so personal?

Why do NASA and the space program seem so vital to me now?

Why did I ignore my friends for an hour this morning while I sat, glued to my iPhone, following every tweet with a mixture of longing, jealousy, excitement and pride?

Why did I cry (well, sob) when Atlantis finally touched down, my relief and joy mingled with a sense of sadness at the completion of the mission?

The answer to all of these questions is straightforward- all because of the STS-129 NASA Tweetup.

But the explanation is more complicated.

The truth is, I don't quite understand it myself. I'm a reasonably intelligent person. I'm a self-professed Geek. But I'm no rocket scientist.

I can't really explain how a homeschooling mom who loves space and science turned into a Space Tweep. I can't account for the seemingly magical honor of attending the tweetup. I just don't get it- why me?

But I know I'm grateful. I know I'm humbled. I know I'm honored to have met the amazing people I did. I know I'm lucky to have seen the things I did. I know I'm happy to have felt the emotions I felt.

I don't profess to have the knowledge, the expertise or the years of passion of my fellow NASA Tweetup attendees.

But I do have one thing now: a deep, personal and abiding love for our space program. And I also have the excitement and the dedication and the energy to share that love with everyone I know.

So, my friends and family will have to get used to my obsession. They'll have to just accept that this is part of me now. I'm a geeky space fangirl. And I love it.

Thoughts of Thanksgiving 2009

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:46:00 +0000

No turkey.
No cranberries (usually my favorite part of the feast).
No pre-Black Friday perusal of ad papers (thank goodness!)
No extended family gatherings, with their inevitable awkward moments.

Instead...
A feast of charred & blackened meat & potatoes.
An emergency back-up feast of hot dogs & oranges.
Sticky smores, smoky with burnt marshmallow edges.
Laughter, wind-blown hair and feet caked with dirt.
And the sound of the sea....

All that I love, all that I am thankful for every day, seems to feel closer to me here, hundreds of miles from home.

With the stars peeking through the trees, I pull my children close for a hug, put my arm around my husband, and laugh with my friends.

I am so grateful for this moment.

Dear Men

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +0000

You suck!

...Ok, not all of you suck.

Not even most.

But some of you... a few of you... really suck.

Though, to be fair, those of you who suck don't suck all of the time.

Most of the time you are kind, generous, and generally awesome.

But some of the time, a few of you are kind of a little bit sucky.

Jeepers, I can't even maintain a proper rant. This is ridiculous.

Now, men who suck, please stop sucking. Please stop making women (and other men) cry. Please stop making us feel like everything is our fault. Please remember your awesomeness and embrace it, and throw away the suckiness. Do it now. Please. For me, and all of the other incredibly great women and men and people and children and mammals out there.

Thank you.

Camping? Really?

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:57:00 +0000

We are going camping for Thanksgiving.

Yes, camping.

No, not the kind where you sleep in an RV.

The kind where you have a tent. With tent poles.

Yes, the sleep-on-the-floor type of camping.

Whoever thought of this idea deserves to go camping in 40 degrees with two small children.

What? Oh.

Well, yes.

Yes, it was all my idea.

Yep, guess it is all my fault.

Guess I deserve what I get.

Hopefully, what I get will be four days of adventure, insect bites, sore muscles and fun! Time to gaze at the stars, examine the leaves, contemplate the beauty of life, and read a book.

Time to visit with friends, and talk for hours. Time to play games, laugh and fool around.

Wish me luck. Yay, camping!

Want to Know Me? (Are you sure?)

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Disclaimer: This is an honest, uncensored post about this geeky goddess named Jenny Wadley. If you are my Dad, or uncomfortable hearing about some of the real-life details of my personality and habits, please stop reading (or listening, Dad) and come back another day. Deal?

******************

Thanks to social media and my darling iPhone, I have made a lot of new friends recently. I thought that some of them might be interested to know a little bit more about me, without the hassle of 140-character limits. So, in no particular order, here is a by-no-means-comprehensive discussion of some facts about me.

I am honest. But, I wasn't always. As a teenager, I did a lot of lying. I have even stolen things (mostly candy, including one humiliating experience when I was in 5th grade). My honesty was hard-won, and because of that, I tend to be very honest now.
I can be too honest.
I like to talk. A lot. I am a verbal person, and I love to talk to people and get to know them, or talk about myself or my life and kids, or ask about someone else's life and kids.
I like to talk. In bed.
I like to laugh. I am a fun person, and I love to hear or tell stories that make people laugh. I try to enjoy every single day. I don't always succeed, but I know there is so much fun to be had in life, and I look for that fun every day.
I like to laugh. In bed. Sex is hot and awesome, and yes, it can be hilarious. I love that!
I have a wonky appropriateness filter. This would go along with the "too honest" bit. My longtime friends can tell you that I will talk about anything to anyone, at anytime. Especially at family gatherings. At my son's birthday party, I was talking about erotica when I realized that my stepmother was behind me. I just kept on going. My friends told me that the look on her face was priceless. Whoops.
I am sex-positive. Combine that with a wonky appropriateness filter and too much honesty, and sometimes you get trouble. At one Cooking Club meeting, some fool gave me a shot of Amaretto. I spent the next 30 minutes telling the the guys that its okay for them to be turned on by gay porn, and that they should try a butt plug. Yeah, think I alienated some people.
I am cheerful. Glass-half-full here! Many days, that glass is all the way full.
I don't drink too often, but when I do, I can become a little exhibitionist. (Don't everyone send drinks at once.)
I am open-minded.
I love music, especially music that has an emotional connection for me with someone or something.
My first french kiss was while playing spin-the-bottle my freshman year of high school. I was amazed & wanted to do it again right away. My second french kiss wasn't until my junior year. I was in hormone hell for almost two years.
My husband thought I was a lesbian in high school.
I love to read. Jane Austen, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and, lately, a lot of Young Adult stuff. Hmmm... maybe that should tell me something.
I love learning. I love knowing about things.
I am more confident than I have ever been.
I am sexy. This is a relatively new realization, but, damn, I can be really sexy. Like, I turn myself on. And I love being sexy.
I am just me. This is what you get. I'm very open about the person I am, and the positives and negatives that go along with her.
I really, truly like myself. And because of that, I think, I really like others. I love people. My friends, my family, my children - I give my love pretty freely, and I see the best in everyone.
I am happy.

If you made it this far, you know a lot about me now. There's definitely still more to know, though. And not all of it has to do with sex. Otherwise, my Dad wouldn't be able to read any of my posts.

The Lost Day

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:43:00 +0000

I had, some, ahem, technical difficulties, yesterday.

Which explains why there was NO BLOG POST!!

Go ahead, let the shock sink in.

Yes, good. I can hear your gasping. Thank you for acknowledging my pain.

But, honestly, I had such a fantastic evening babysitting my sweet godson (whose mother taught him to say I was the best godmother in the whole wide world!) and hanging out with a friend that I didn't even remember my blog post until it was after 3:00 AM.

And you know what? That doesn't make me a bad person. Just a failure. ;-) But only at NaBloPoMo.

So, fine. I'll embrace the failure. This feels just like Mrs. Levine's 11th grade English class. Sigh. Look how far I've come. (My geeky smarty-pants pride forces me to add here that I only failed her class, and my Algebra II, because I had too many absences. Though refusing to finish The Grapes of Wrath didn't help. That book was really depressing me, people.)

I'm going to keep going with the blogging anyway.

That's what we Little Engines do. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Wadley Weekend

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Yes, we do have a slightly manic household. Especially on the weekend, time seems to be compressed and I try to fit way too many things into 2.25 days (obviously, Friday night is part of the weekend).

This weekend is no exception. And, in the interest of honest blogger-journalism, I'm offering a rundown of our schedule.

Friday afternoon/evening:

We're invited to see a movie with Papou & Nana. Disney's A Christmas Carol. Fantastic animation, script very accurate to Dickens, but ghosts and realism too scary for kiddos. Dinner after at local pizza place.

I then leave for Cooking Club. CyberLizard takes little lizards home to bed. Hours of socialization and cooking fun for me!

Saturday:

CyberLizard takes Max to another movie, this time Planet 51 (we don't usually do this many movies, but Max earned this one, and it was originally supposed to be Friday evening).

While the boys are out, Emma and I get to have some play time. For some reason, play time includes a lot of dancing around naked (for her) and singing songs about butt cheeks (also for her, though I did join in on the chorus).

After the boys get home & get ready, we head out to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World with Nouno, Thea & Theo (Max's godfather and Emma's godparents). Highlights include me doing the hokey-pokey in the middle of Liberty Square, and standing in line for 45 minutes to NOT go on Space Mountain (soft opening, they shut it down right before we were to board).

Sunday:

(Alright, if you're paying attention, you'll realize that at the time this post is written, Sunday is but a mere idea... a faint shadow in the future. But how about you play along with me, and I'll tell you what we have planned for Sunday, okay? Picky, picky, picky.)

Ahem. Sunday we have our nephew Timothy's birthday party at Oma's house. Hilarity, various calls for the children to "settle down", and the ceremonial eating of cake. Max tells us several times that Timothy is two years younger than he is. Emma is universally charming until she starts singing the butt cheek song.

After the party, I head to Downtown Orlando for the high honor of babysitting my godson, Jackson. He's a perfect angel, and lets me cuddle him all I want. He also insists that I have a relaxing cup of tea and read him some educational books. I do believe that at one point, he turns seriously to me and states clearly, "You, gorgeous creature, are the most wonderful godmother ever!" (Look, I write the blog post, I make up the future, okay, people? It could happen!)

Sunday late night may or may not include one or more of the following things: stress about non-preparedness for camping, laundry, dishes, stress about unfinished state of laundry and dishes, snogging, blogging, stress about lack of groceries, chocolate, good conversation, fun, surprises, and sleep.

So there you have it. One weekend in my life. Both typical and totally atypical. Boring to most, slightly interesting to those featured in my weekend. Oh well, can't win them all, you know?

Birthday Kiss, Spank or Strumpet?

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:59:00 +0000

My birthday is fast approaching. (It's November 30th.)

I'll be 35 (remember, 35 is the new 18) and I've decided to ask for what I really want this year.

Now, don't everyone run out and buy me something. I want exactly zero somethings this year. I've given this a lot of thought, and what I would like is: love, kindness, peace, tolerance, acceptance, chocolate ice cream and a huge influx of cash for NASA funding.

Since that's a tough list for the individual to accomplish, I came up with some specific suggestions for your birthday gifts to me. I've even organized them into categories, for your gift-giving convenience. Please choose from the options below.

Option 1: 35 Kisses

I will be very happy to receive a nice kiss from any or all comers. Kisses are underrated, and they certainly spread love and affection (and possibly weird viruses - kiss healthy, people).

I love kisses.

The location of the kiss is completely up to the kisser, though please keep in mind that only kisses placed on my person will count as a birthday gift. No kissing my ring or shoes or any such nonsense. Top of my head is iffy - if you're my dad, it counts. If you're my 23-year-old neighbor, I think you can do better.

Those of you who should include tongue will hopefully know who you are.

Except for you, Colin Firth. You probably don't realize that your kiss should absolutely include tongue, and if it doesn't, you're just being rude. And you know that the British don't enjoy being rude.

Option 2: 35 Spankings

I will also accept spankings. Spankings can be fun, and I'm very sorry that the age-old practice of one-spank-per-year-plus-one-to-grow-on has generally been abandoned by popular society.

Of course, said spankings need to be the playfully naughty variety, not the Pa's-gone-to-get-the-belt variety.

Option 3: 35 British Slang References To Yours Truly

This option is especially useful as a gift from some of my online friends, who might not be able to travel the distance to kiss or spank. Essentially, it involves addressing me using some lovely (in)appropriate British (or Scottish, or Irish, you get the idea) slang words.

So far, I've been called a cheeky strumpet, a right cheeky strumpet, a pert little trollop, a minx, a hussy, a wench, a saucy wench, a tartlette, and a strumpetty minx.

Those are all wonderful, but feel free to mix and match to create your own colorful label for me. Then, call me by that sexy label as often as you like. The more frequently, the better. If you happen to have an accent (British or otherwise), get yourself some sort of recording device. Now.

Extra Special Bonus

If you really want to make my 35th amazing, and earn terrific birthday bonus points, you'll snog me, give me a slap & tickle on my bottom, & call me a cheeky strumpet. But watch out, you're playing with fire with that combination. ;-)

Why, Hello Roller Coaster

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:56:00 +0000

We meet again, emotions.

In the past, you have tempted me with your cheerful hand-painted sign, your smiling logo. Your sickeningly sweet, cotton-candy-flavored promises lured me in. I did not notice the steep incline, the plunging drop. I chose not to look at the corkscrew track with its violent, banking turns.

I did not realize how telling it was that I had to pull myself up to a minimum height. I did not give a second thought to the tight harness, the cutting belts.

I climbed in willingly, believing the marketing campaign when its posters assured me of "fun" and "laughter". I buckled the strap and gave an extra pull before giving a big thumbs-up to the attendant.

Then, it all went wrong. Every turn was a slap. Every sudden stop a knife. The click-click of the chain pulling me up the hill was the mocking caw of impending pain; the steep descent a savage fall into despair and fear.

And it was all a surprise. I didn't see it coming. I had my eyes pinched closed and every moment was a fresh shock, a new violation.

I was battered. Beaten. Crushed. My vulnerable spirit was broken, unable to withstand that unexpected force.

That is how it has been.

But this time, things are different.

Now, I recognize you. I see you and label you honestly. I read the fine print. I choose to face you. I embrace you.

This time, I will be the victor. You will not take me by surprise with your force, your confusing twists and turns. I have my eyes open, ready to brace the whipping wind and the stings that come with it. I will feel all of it, the good and bad, the excitement and fear, the fun and the fury.

This time, I will not be pulled, unwilling.

This time, I will ride.

NASA Tweetup Photos

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:29:00 +0000

I've had a couple of requests for photographic evidence of my attendance at the Tweetup, and rather than argue about why you need proof, I'll just chalk it up to you wanting to see more pics of me. :-)

So, here you are - a few of my favorite photos from the NASA Tweetup. See? It actually happened!

Fangirl, Taking Off

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:51:00 +0000

I'm famous!

Well, maybe I'm not famous, per se.

But my tweet is famous!

The Wall Street Journal (along with other news sources) had this story from the Associated Press, on Monday's launch of the Atlantis Space Shuttle (STS-129). A bit more than halfway through the article came this reference to the NASA Tweetup:

NASA officials were pleased with the seemingly perfect launch, but the Twittering invitees were downright ecstatic. They were among the first to sign up online last month for the opportunity to see a launch up close, and filed Twitter updates practically nonstop.
"Never been more proud to be a geeky, dorky, intelligent space fangirl!!" one wrote a few hours before liftoff.

Wow, aside from there being an awful lot of adjectives in there, that seems like a pretty cute tweet! Enthusiastic, proud of our space program, self-identifying as a geek and a dork, not to mention intelligent. Using the colloquial term fangirl, which everyone knows can only be used by someone effortlessly hip, who is well versed in new media.

I'm sure you can't imagine what adorable Tweeter could possibly have typed those priceless less-than-140 characters, right? Wait, you guessed? Really? Way to steal my moment, people. Okay, yes, it was me! Little 'ole me! I tweeted the tweet that summed up the whole experience for old media.

Though, now that you mention it, no one really knows it was my tweet. The Associated Press didn't credit the tweet. So, unless you were following the Twitter stream, you probably wouldn't know. But I'm stating it here, with proof, for posterity, and, well, because it is so cool! Here it is, my actual tweet, tweeted by me on the twitterrific Twitter:

Never been more proud to be a geeky, dorky, intelligent space fangirl!! #nasatweetup

11:49 AM Nov 16th from Echofonhttp://twitter.com/JSWadley/status/5769466780

Wow! That seems so moving, such a perfect sum-up of a momentary emotion. In fact, it makes me realize that, really, many of my tweets were deserving of national press. They are important, vital inoculations of information in teeny, tiny doses. And, just for your reading pleasure and continued education, I provide them for you. You may thank me by calling me a cheeky strumpet.

Look how close we are to the VAB!! #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/pr42q9:19 AM Nov 16th from Echofon
Why yes, that is me. AT THE COUNTDOWN CLOCK!! Geeky Vanna! #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/pr6gx9:45 AM Nov 16th from Echofon
Articulate geeks FTW! Just got interviewed! ;-) #nasatweetup11:55 AM Nov 16th from Echofon
Checking out actual samples of the heat shield tiles. The ceramic glass coating is like an eggshell! #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/prlsw12:09 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
Can you believe the size of these nuts? They split in half to release the shuttle during launch. #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/prm9812:13 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
@gfitz: We're in a fancy #twent, with tables & ac, not on stands. & lots with laptops. Here's a look. #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/prqej12:48 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
Who's this cute astronaut? ;-) #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/prv1a1:26 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
Stopping to think for a minute. Taking it all in. This experience is so humbling, an honor that I will never forget.#nasatweetup2:16 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
Standing where I am, I can see the clock 30 feet from me, and have a perfect view of the launch pad. #nasatweetup2:24 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
This is the shot you get when you're crying too hard to take press the button. #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/ps5w52:49 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
Found my words: Beautiful. Amazing. A blast-off of science and human ingenuity and bravery and tenacity and love, yes love! #nasatweetup2:54 PM Nov 16th from Echofon
A final thought - focus on the powerfully positive experience we've shared and the future for NASA is bright! #nasatweetup4:00 PM Nov 16th from Echofon

Thoughts on the Tweetup from the Tired

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:56:00 +0000

I have the words, but it is difficult to put them together in a way the accurately describes today.

Amazing. Humbling. Inspirational. Exciting. Overwhelming. Emotional.

I didn't really know what to expect from the NASA Tweetup for STS-129. Having few expectations made it easy for NASA to completely impress me. And they did that. And then some. They treated us with such respect, and gave us a VIP experience I never expected. They answered endless questions, provided dozens of speakers, and seemed sincerely interested in our participation.

I didn't expect to meet such amazing people. I met almost 100 space fans, scientists and new media gurus. And every person was fascinating, intelligent, entertaining, sincere and kind. I now have dozens of new Twitter friends from all over, and each one makes me smile.

I didn't expect to learn so much. Although I am a big fan of the space shuttle and of NASA's programs, I am not a scientist or space blogger. I was nervous that my limited knowledge would be an embarrassing detriment. It wasn't. And I learned so much about the shuttle and the space program, I now feel like a much more deserving ambassador.

I didn't expect my emotional response. I knew that I would probably cry when Atlantis went up, but I didn't realize that many things would bring tears. Watching the big clock count down, and the shuttle go up, was an intimate, personal, experience, and I got to share in the emotion with everyone there, and everyone following us on Twitter.

And, I didn't expect to be so exhausted after two days. I can barely keep my eyes open, and scenes from the day keep replaying in my head. I'm taking myself to bed to dream big dreams.

An Explosion of Geeky Goodness!

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:09:00 +0000

In an appalling lack of original thought after more than 12 hours of NASA excitement, I bring you today's blog post - some of my favorite tweets of the day.

Now I just need to post a link to this on Twitter and the social communication convergence will be complete. ;-)

Here's to all of the fantastic geeky people I met today! See you tomorrow for the launch of STS-129!

I'm here at Kennedy Space Center!! Can't control the goosebumps! :-D #nasatweetup

Just met @starstryder!! Squee!! So much geeky awesomeness in one room!! #nasatweetup

#nasatweetup they are using big words "to let you know we're rocket scientists" ooh dessicant plug.

#nasatweetup I am learning so much I think my brain is leaking. What's my name again? What was that about a beer keg?

#nasatweetup Oh, he said orbital manuvering system. Sexy.

#nasatweetup People, repeat after me. Space is sexy!!

#nasatweetup Astronauts apparently put on skits. I love these people. :-D

#nasatweetup More men than women here, but I'm at an all SpaceFanGirl table!

#nasatweetup Should I have @Astro_Mike autograph my breasts? For #boobiewed breast cancer research!

#nasatweetup Have met so many fascinating people! So many walks of life love NASA and Space!! (Remember, space is sexy!!)

#nasatweetup This is an explosion of geeky goodness. :-)

Little me, big rocket. (thanks for photo @FyreHyde)#nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/pnk9d

OMG driving out toward launch pad. Just saw where we'll be tomorrow. Insane geekgasm! #nasatweetup

What's that? Oh yeah, it's the SPACE SHUTTLE people!!!! Oh, and some hot chick who wanted in the pic. #nasatweetup http://twitpic.com/pnv9c

NASA Tweetup Nerves

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:51:00 +0000

I feel like I'm in that dream. You know, the one where you are on the school bus, or giving a speech, or thumping the melons at the grocery store, when you realize you're absolutely naked?

I am feeling that kind of nervousness and embarrassment about tomorrow's NASA Tweetup.

Do you think there will be a test?!

Maybe, when we get there to register, they'll give us a test to make we know our space stuff. Everyone will breeze through, muttering memorized equations and talking about the mass of various chemicals when in a semi-gaseous state. Jeepers, I don't even feel confident imagining the test questions - I'm already failing!

Maybe they'll let me down easily, then snicker behind my back. Maybe they've never met someone who couldn't describe the current atmospheric conditions in ten words or less, or who didn't know the velocity needed to exit the Earth's atmosphere without some major cramming and a cheat sheet.

Maybe they'll kindly show me the way to the snack bar, shake their heads sadly and murmur "Tsk, tsk. Such a shame. Bet she just came for the Astronaut Ice Cream!"

I was a Liberal Arts major, people! My Sex Roles in Modern Society class did not prepare me for playful scientific banter with people like Dr. Pamela Gay! (Aka Star Stryder, an astronomer filled with such awesomesauce, I cannot even speak her name aloud.)

But, maybe everything will be fine. Maybe they have a special section of the Tweetup for the less deserving, charity cases. Maybe they'll provide us with coloring sheets (Decorate your own Space Shuttle!) and study materials (Counting Backward from 10 to 1, a Beginner's Guide).

For the record, though, and for posterity before I potentially humiliate myself, I just love NASA. I love the space program. I love the Space Shuttle. I love the Kennedy Space Center. I love astronauts and astronomers. I get goosebumps every single time a Shuttle or rocket lifts off, and just hearing the chatter on the NASA TV station raises my heart rate.

And, it's in my blood! That's right! In 1974, my father and mother brought a group of students from the New York Institute for the Blind to the Kennedy Space Center. The students, and my parents, got a very special tour of the Space Center, during which the blind students were able to actually touch some of the artifacts and exhibits. They even got to drive the Lunar Roving Vehicle (yes! the actual moon buggy!) And guess what? I was THERE! In the womb! Already predisposed to love NASA and to reach for the stars!

As my Papa always said:

"What's our motto, Jenny?"

"If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!"

Let's just hope I don't have one of those naked dreams tonight. I would hate to do that.

How I Became A Shameless Flirt

jenny@jennywadley.com (Jenny Wadley) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:53:00 +0000

OK, I'm half kidding. I'm not really a shameless flirt. Well, not most of the time, anyway. There are certainly times when my darling husband would disagree, but most of the time I'm flirting with him anyway, so....

I think I got off topic there. Let's see, how does this go? Oh, that's right....

*****************

Once upon a time, there was Girl. Girl was kind, smart, and maybe a little too desperate to find true love, but she did have an unhealthy obsession with fairy tales, so that's to be expected. Girl meets guy in middle school and has a friend. Girl falls in love with guy in high school and has a boyfriend. Girl marries guy in college, and has a husband. Girl never learned to flirt, but Girl doesn't really need to flirt, after all, she's very happily married. Still, she is somewhat disappointed that she never got to experience this particular rite of passage.

Girl becomes Woman. Woman becomes Mother. Girl is no longer Girl, but Earth Mother. Breastfeeding, Sling-Wearing, Earth Mother. Earth Mother has no need to flirt. All is well.

After several years, Earth Mother is tired. Earth Mother becomes Woman, still Mother but so much more. Woman begins to feel a stirring in her bones. To her astonishment, Woman starts to become Girl. Girl wants to play and flirt! Woman tries to reason with Girl, saying, "Your time has passed. Wear brown and black clothes. Wear sensible shoes. You have no need to flirt."

Girl laughs. Girl's eyes sparkle. Girl puts on short red plaid skirt, polka-dotted panties, sexy bra, low-cut shirt and shoes that mock the word sensible. Girl tosses her long pigtails and skips to the door, singing merrily as she goes, "Silly woman, come with me and we'll learn how to flirt!"

And that's how this smart, accomplished, nurturing Woman became a giddy, fun-loving Girl, and yes, a shameless flirt.