tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237458182012-01-23T22:53:03.141-05:00Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.comBlogger5481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-76670617069038550802012-01-23T22:50:00.000-05:002012-01-23T22:50:00.075-05:00

I like reading survivalist blogs of various sorts, have a wide collection of how-to books, and dream of having my own small farm someday for this very reason, but it's nice to see some analysis of where it comes from. This, surprisingly from a Reuters report about preppers: "With our current dependence on things from the electric grid to the Internet, things that people have absolutely no

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-7791914780227395532012-01-22T09:27:00.000-05:002012-01-22T09:27:08.153-05:00

The last few months have been a real struggle. I mean, hey, if I can't be honest here, what the heck. Struggle. Yes. It's been one. My body is still recovering from the celiac, I think (and recover is sort of a misnomer, isn't it, since I'll have it for the rest of my life). I wake up from nightmares that I'm eating bread. I still get glutened despite my best efforts to avoid it. And my immune

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-75162130042670962772012-01-21T14:45:00.000-05:002012-01-21T14:45:57.256-05:00

In a Word: akrasian. weakness of will“I see and praise what is better, but follow what is worse.” — Ovid

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-51186849103447810272012-01-14T11:35:00.000-05:002012-01-22T09:01:53.256-05:00

Dollhouse version of a hoarder's house by Carrie M Becker

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-12874171953650855292012-01-05T11:45:00.004-05:002012-01-05T11:45:37.279-05:00

Celiac disease linked to depression in women: “We found that most [study] participants frequently adhered to a gluten-free diet, and this greater compliance with diet was related to increased vitality, lower stress, decreased depressive symptoms and greater overall emotional health,” study co-author Josh Smyth, a professor of bio-behavioral health and medicine at Penn State University, said in

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-49460934098041234932011-12-22T08:07:00.001-05:002011-12-22T08:07:55.844-05:00

With thanks to Liam, who reminded me of this poem. Happy Solstice, all. from Toward the Solsticeby Adrienne Rich ...If history is a spider-threadspun over and over though brushed awayit seems I might some twilightor dawn in the hushed country lightdiscern its greyness stretchingfrom molding or doorframe, outinto the empty dooryardand following it climbthe path into the pinewoods,tracing from

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-47508004290002711932011-12-21T22:13:00.005-05:002012-01-22T09:04:16.881-05:00

meep UPDATE 1/22/12: I originally linked to an article from the Washington Post, but did not get a permalink. Anyway, NPR is better.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-46317764201154616912011-12-19T23:14:00.000-05:002011-12-19T23:37:35.181-05:00

You don't have to be a nerd to understand that SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act, in real life) is a bad, bad thing for the internet. Not least because many legislators don't understand what they're voting on. Or this. According to wikipedia, "The bill would allow the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as copyright holders, to seek court orders against websites accused of enabling or facilitating

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-46901833537761569322011-12-05T23:12:00.001-05:002011-12-05T23:38:34.676-05:00

So I actually went out on Friday night to the artwalk, which isn't something I do all the time... Although when I do, it always seems to be winter. The truth is I don't like crowds, and getting tipsy on free, cheap wine is actually something to be weighed against the hangover that comes from free, cheap wine. My, how times have changed. I had read about this facebook project, and was kind of

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-32372356151875216362011-11-28T09:06:00.001-05:002011-11-28T09:06:23.162-05:00

I'm returning to work (very) part time tomorrow. If you can, send me thoughts of energy and strength; it's the beginning of a grand experiment. (photo via http://backstoryradio.org)

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-35779704304425047412011-11-27T00:43:00.001-05:002011-11-27T00:43:38.439-05:00

So here:In a Word nemophilist n. one who is fond of the forest chiminage n. a toll for passage through a forest Original Page: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FutilityCloset/~3/Tr1tfO1CCAM/

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-64830919531273033092011-11-20T20:49:00.001-05:002011-11-20T20:49:47.763-05:00

We are broke.We are broke.Original Page: http://fuckyouverymuch.dk/post/12963409669

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-76347666151098450512011-11-16T22:19:00.001-05:002011-11-16T22:19:08.810-05:00

"This is an uncomfortable place for feminists, because this heroine is not particularly good at actualizing herself. Bella waits, she wallows, she thinks, and feels, and worries, and wonders. She does not actualize in the sense we have come to expect from our heroines, an expectation that, I might point out, is quite often based on a masculinist understanding of what being effective in the world

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-8060621823685172482011-11-12T10:49:00.001-05:002011-11-12T10:49:42.046-05:00

Chinese elderly citizens' choir covers Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" Video Link: "Lao Lai Qiao Gaga," from Hunan TV, China. (via @Theremina) Original Page: http://feeds.boingboing.net/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/-JEsYqlcc0Y/chinese-elderly-citizen-choir.html

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-7188804826044337672011-11-04T01:10:00.000-04:002011-11-04T01:10:52.060-04:00

<p><a href="http://music.amandapalmer.net/track/ukulele-anthem">Ukulele Anthem by Amanda Palmer</a></p> And may I also add: Agreed.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-10239169174125996682011-10-23T00:02:00.001-04:002011-10-23T00:02:07.847-04:00

Quick announcement: I am the proud owner of FIVE new pounds! Apparently the Hershey bar/ensure diet is working.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-31727061055801027462011-10-21T13:19:00.001-04:002011-10-21T13:19:15.830-04:00

I have been resisting defining myself as disabled, even temporarily. I have no doubt at all that this is because of ableism on my part, with a hefty dose of good old New England Puritan work ethic thrown in: those who can't do for themselves are lazy; not working is sin; anything other than complete self-reliance is weakness. Well, that last bit may be some of my own issues as well. I've been

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-14710455101424869342011-10-16T03:29:00.001-04:002011-10-16T03:29:47.054-04:00

Good article in the Press Herald on opiate abuse; the first of a five-part series. It's like they've been hanging out at my job. (But still really do a good job not demonizing poor people.)The epidemic has affected Mainers of all ages and backgrounds; middle schoolers and senior citizens, clam diggers and doctors. "No family is immune from this particular issue,"; said Troy Morton, chief deputy

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-69756703710226785722011-10-11T18:54:00.000-04:002011-10-11T18:54:25.560-04:00

I Am From by The Teen I am from Jen, [grandpa], [grandma]* I am from ham and potato eaters, raw vegetable eaters, and bay leaves From people who love to sing and play word games I am from “love everyone” to “lieblings” I am from Christians and Pagans From a secretary, a president, a seamstress –but mostly from social working From Munjoy Hill and the blueberry field From gardens and deer

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-72859805240937365242011-10-08T09:14:00.000-04:002011-10-08T09:14:38.209-04:00

The last two posts may have given the impression that I am despairing and lost or whatever. But the truth is that, while I am going through a tough time, I think that this time serves a purpose.  The last few years have been tough, and it's catching up with me. I have been given this grace period to recover both my body and mind and soul. It's a gift, and I'm grateful for it. Thank you for the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-88124399434652133832011-10-07T01:47:00.000-04:002011-10-07T01:47:13.416-04:00

I do seem to be living under my own personal mercury retrograde. These last two weeks have been not just a shitstorm, but a shit pancake with a shit cupcake for dessert served on the nice silver. I made a list tonight with my bro (not a relative, my bromance bro) of things that I don't want to talk about tonight and they include: 1. My atrophied intestines* 2. My ex-fiancee and the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-50601953864098355232011-09-28T15:11:00.000-04:002011-09-28T15:11:37.418-04:00

So I promised that this wouldn't become a celiac blog... but it turns out that eliminating (ha ha, no pun intended) my disease leaves me with, well, not a lot to talk about. So here's the scoop: I'm out on disability. I am extremely lucky to work at a place that offers short and long term disability coverage, so I still receive a portion of my salary while I sit here at home and do my best to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-11440380078862376202011-07-24T21:14:00.000-04:002011-07-24T21:14:54.316-04:00

I'm sick. This is going to be one of those personal self-disclosing medical blog things, so if you don't like those, you can go look at this instead. Really, I don't mind. October 2009 (slightly over baseline: 155) The last few years haven't been good ones for me, medically. I've had three surgeries in two years related to my endometriosis, and for longer than I can remember I've thought there

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-51058041281257954562011-06-12T08:25:00.000-04:002011-06-12T08:25:56.795-04:00

image by http://domnx.deviantart.com/art/True-Blue-79805814

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-45032332727852047482011-05-28T09:36:00.000-04:002011-05-28T09:36:47.460-04:00

I just can't stop thinking about this post: Hey you. You self-aware crackerjack person you. You know what is important to you and still sometimes you find yourself behaving as though you don’t care about it at all. If this happens to you, I can relate. I set my intention to honour my values and over and over again I steamroll right past those intentions with what looks like rebellion. Why do I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-29261300158804146502011-05-26T21:28:00.000-04:002011-05-26T21:28:31.766-04:00

O, poor neglected blog.  I hope you've been able to feed yourself in my absence! I'm kind of in a quandary.  I have this amazing, awesome, powerful job that I love so much, and generates so many feelings and so much fucking amazing material... and I can't write about it.  Not that I can't write about it, but that I can't write what I want about it, because I respect the confidentiality of our

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-61998615626211696232011-05-11T20:10:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:29:32.070-04:00

Figure skating duo wins competition with Mario act: "Watch this video of Russian figure skating duo Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, who won a silver medal at the World Figure Skating Championships this past weekend. The competition was supposed to take place in Japan, but it got moved to Russia after the earthquake. (Thanks, Paul!)"

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-77539819164608789442011-04-15T10:04:00.000-04:002011-04-15T10:04:55.551-04:00

Awesome real life Mario trailer from SXSW: "

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-18436949242488867422011-03-20T10:31:00.000-04:002011-03-20T10:31:00.344-04:00

I am feeling overwhelmed by a lot of stressors, so I'm trying very hard to consciously change the focus of my thoughts from the negative (so fucking easy to get stuck in) to being present and remembering positive moments. Some of this week's: Sharing unexpected sunshine and peace on a warm concrete step with a mostly nonverbal client. Watching the tips of the branches pinken and swell.  There

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-60060758688188122512011-03-04T17:29:00.000-05:002011-03-04T17:29:21.975-05:00

Spring Thaw || Photo by @AndrewAKessler via

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-4150090651189464362011-02-22T21:02:00.000-05:002011-02-22T21:02:01.261-05:00

via

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-13042712404283152972011-02-20T10:14:00.000-05:002011-02-20T10:14:08.508-05:00

Try it out: Playspent.org [Official Site]via

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-71384634203902291652011-02-20T09:52:00.000-05:002011-02-20T09:52:03.402-05:00

Things have been moving along at a steady chug for a few weeks... I'm working and adjusting to the work schedule, taking care of business with the Teen and some of her teachers, hanging out with the Princess and the cat, playing a lot of Super Mario Bros.  I felt like I'd reached some kind of balance, and felt, for the first time in a long while.... content?  sort of happy? But then, for the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-7797737398638240812011-02-13T08:57:00.000-05:002011-02-13T08:57:55.122-05:00

Two weeks ago, I got a job at the same homeless shelter where I've been working per diem.  This is wonderful. I am thrilled, love the work, love my co-workers, love the agency... and I'm also exhausted.  This particular kind of work is draining all by itself, as you can imagine, and making the shift from part time to full time work is also quite a transition.  I remember the days (just six months

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-62041532417397414412011-01-03T21:12:00.000-05:002011-01-03T21:12:29.965-05:00

I never have seen the point of doing a year in review post before the year is actually over.  What if I did one on December 20 and then something HUGE happened on December 26?  Like I could win $250 in a scratch off ticket!  And then my year in review would have left out a really significant and important part of my year.  So I wait. Here it is.  2010. Organs removed: 3 Visits to the ER: 6 (4

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-88485896871585127962010-12-14T22:15:00.000-05:002010-12-14T22:15:39.754-05:00

There are a lot of things going on in my head (and my life!) right now.  Most of them have to do with disappointment at my current lack of permanent work; I'm working per diem at the homeless shelter, with no benefits and no guaranteed hours at a significantly lower hourly rate than I had before.  There is just very little work available at the kind of job I have had for the past five years,

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-35718818767586796862010-12-05T11:12:00.000-05:002010-12-05T11:12:35.924-05:00

A Picture Says It All:With the new cuts in food stamps scheduled, this is what someone is supposed to survive on in a week: How is that in anyway healthy? If unseasoned potatoes, rice, and oatmeal is all I ever could eat, I’d probably sell my food stamps and buy liquor and cigarettes, too.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-66825312866413213702010-12-05T10:07:00.000-05:002010-12-05T10:07:41.230-05:00

I have this recurring dream about the ocean rising up to the level of my home and basically washing everything away. Feeling overwhelmed?  Me?  What? Anyway, I had this dream again last night, and it was the first time it had been set here in this apartment even though I've been living here for two and a half years.  And my family (which apparently now includes my 13 year old daughter's

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-48398801152644274662010-11-24T22:08:00.000-05:002010-11-24T22:08:06.269-05:00

I'm spending my time unemployed by doing some responsible things, like applying for jobs and volunteering and knitting holiday presents and working per diem at the homeless shelter. But that still leaves a fuck of a lot of time doing not much. Really. Who knew there were so many hours in a day? So the Princess and I are re-watching the Sopranos. This is my third full time through the series,

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-89875141178109274252010-11-07T18:20:00.000-05:002010-11-07T18:20:14.718-05:00

I've been having some health problems.  In deference to those who get squicked out by medical things--and because the problems have to do with my lady parts, which some might not be inclined to learn about--I will be vague, but I'm happy to provide more details if you contact me directly. One of the worst things about having trouble with the lady parts is that it's hard to talk about.  I will

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-18299180200263668652010-10-21T16:30:00.000-04:002010-10-21T16:30:25.417-04:00

Week #3 of unemployment brings news of impending surgery next week, and some free time to observe the urban wildlife. Just a few minutes ago, the Princess and I were sitting on the front steps, watching the ferries go back and forth in the harbor.  Our front yard is a common space between two rows of townhouses, and a pair of birds squeaked like rusty springs in the the almost-bare oak trees in

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-42531159689742022322010-10-18T06:32:00.000-04:002010-10-18T06:32:22.474-04:00

Back in kindergarten (this would have been the early 80's--pre-DARE), my teacher's husband was a police officer in our small town. The teacher herself was a carefully coiffed and very uptight woman who terrified us all--not least because the angrier she got the wider her smile became. Woe on the 5 year old who sees her smile-bared teeth turn in his direction. She was nice in that fakey fake

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-34436305736804434422010-10-13T05:36:00.003-04:002010-10-14T21:22:05.251-04:00

Yep. EDIT, 10/14: It is only actually week 2.  Fuck me.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-77883884848257886752010-10-07T10:42:00.000-04:002010-10-07T10:42:13.148-04:00

That title, "busy week," refers to not the calendar week, but the past seven days.  Which featured, in no particular order: A Teen ear infection A scheduled and canceled Liza Minelli concert for the Princess The loss of primary jobs by two adult members of the household The discovery of six cavities between two people The filling of three of those cavities Sweet.  Let's have another one just

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-51122594546675308582010-10-03T07:39:00.000-04:002010-10-03T07:39:32.171-04:00

I could watch this all day.via kottke

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-89221871193337496632010-10-01T08:24:00.000-04:002010-10-01T08:24:45.142-04:00

I love jeans day way too much. A nice reality check, via indexed:"

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-1601456188928890532010-09-25T09:34:00.001-04:002010-09-25T13:31:32.486-04:00

Well, *that* happened.  Now that summer's over I can take a look back at it and think, "holy shit, I hope that never ever happens again." In one way it was good: I have always associated fall as the season of death and loss, and this year has proven to me that summer can be just as horrific.  I'm going to take winter and spring and hide them in a sad-proof safe, so that I have something to look

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-57004276537556717962010-09-23T09:06:00.000-04:002010-09-23T09:06:53.971-04:00

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-47228736739280184092010-09-23T09:05:00.000-04:002010-09-23T09:05:57.158-04:00

The dangers of knowing a writer:Are Memoirists Predators? Well, Probably A Few Are: 'Some people are observing things and are sitting there like, 'How can I shape this into something that will be a fifteen-hundred word personal essay that I can sell to a women’s magazine for three dollars and fifty cents a word?''

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-77099013425520861232010-09-16T07:45:00.000-04:002010-09-16T07:45:33.552-04:00

New love: Hyperbole and a Half

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-53037933927552476452010-09-07T15:08:00.000-04:002010-09-07T15:08:16.410-04:00

I had the opportunity to visit the Crimes section of the State of Maine Revised Statutes today for work. If you haven't done so, I urge you to check it out.  It's quite entertaining... and I must say that I'm a little disappointed that the crime of "Mayhem" has been repealed (although equally relieved that "Crime Against Nature" has been removed--I suspect I know what that one was).

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-82065696304308462182010-09-07T08:50:00.000-04:002010-09-07T08:50:30.145-04:00

When I was at Sarah Lawrence I'm pretty there were as many MUGs as BUGs and LUGs (Bisexual Until Graduation and Lesbian Until Graduation).   And all apparently interested in Katy Perry, these days: via mental floss

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-29713363491160357692010-08-10T08:57:00.001-04:002010-08-10T08:57:41.159-04:00

I decided last week that I'm going to make another run at Infinite Jest. I tried last year, and made it about 100 pages in before I lost momentum.  The books that have defeated me are a short list: Ulysses, Gravity's Rainbow, and Skinny Dipping in the Lake of the Dead. I've abandoned many books because they were bad or boring, but these are the three (four including IJ) that I abandoned because I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-3303398814879804392010-08-05T13:04:00.000-04:002010-08-05T13:04:24.326-04:00

These color photos of the Great Depression are captivating. Look at the whole series if you can.Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Plog Photo Blog: "4: Children gathering potatoes on a large farm. Vicinity of Caribou, Aroostook County, Maine, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress 5: Trucks

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-80868594300138492112010-08-01T19:39:00.000-04:002010-08-01T19:39:11.184-04:00

SQUID!!! CHEESE!!! BEEEEER!!Video: Iron Chef America 'Secret Ingredient' Compilation: [via Eater] "

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-22447551320403736532010-07-19T09:59:00.000-04:002010-07-19T09:59:26.462-04:00

Just a quick process note: I've disabled anonymous commenting.  Your opinions are welcome here, but please be prepared to stand behind them.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-46499571537634468562010-07-13T09:17:00.000-04:002010-07-13T09:17:31.379-04:00

How do you shame a bully? Last week I came across a new Portland blog, and I've been trying to figure out how to address it ever since.  Monument Square Has Eyes the new-ish (since February of this year) blog of a person whose office overlooks Monument Square.  "Brusox" snaps photos of people and happenings in the square and, for the most part, snarks about them. The thing that bothers me

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-35306157953596825912010-07-06T10:31:00.002-04:002010-07-06T10:39:56.978-04:00

She preys on innocent victims, waiting for them in the shadow of an alley, crouching under the stairs, lying flat beneath a car with a handful of knives.  Unaware, they walk about their silly nighttime business until she decides they've had enough; with the stone hand of an angel she reaches out and snuffs their small dreams.  But death is not enough for this yellow-eyed beauty.  She desires

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-35401013939765091652010-07-02T09:03:00.000-04:002010-07-02T09:03:35.677-04:00

I also blog at work.  Just FYI.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-49822108233292652142010-06-24T09:56:00.001-04:002010-06-28T08:40:44.650-04:00

As noted, I never write here about the hard things until well after they're over.  In part, I am intensely private about strong emotions (the Tween claims that she has only seen me cry twice before these past weeks), but I also am hesitant to put down in writing anything that is unconsidered.  So here's the short, but considered, update: At the end of May, I had some surgery on my lady parts,

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-66738236980326212982010-06-08T20:09:00.001-04:002010-06-08T20:09:30.996-04:00

Test... Testier... Testiest.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-84193881991396073132010-06-08T19:27:00.000-04:002010-06-08T19:27:44.383-04:00

As always, when there are really big things going on in my life I am reluctant to write about them.  So here is a list of small things that are happening in my life that are totally unrelated to the big things, which also perpetuate the idea of blogger as chronicler of minutiae.  Which I totally am. My body continues to age EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Evidence: I had to switch to half-decaf coffee, I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-65424256309694905392010-06-08T19:02:00.000-04:002010-06-08T19:02:22.803-04:00

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-34200293892189396382010-05-17T16:20:00.000-04:002010-05-17T16:20:57.151-04:00

Take one of these and call me in 1:42Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo.via slog

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-77504713490765940342010-05-13T07:42:00.000-04:002010-05-13T07:42:48.364-04:00

via slog

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-27064702747295621632010-05-07T20:20:00.001-04:002010-05-07T20:21:13.065-04:00

My head is about to explode with all of the things that are going on.  This kind of tension and stress is cyclical: I guess I would probably not appreciate quiet times without it, right?  As in, I would probably give my left boob for a good night's sleep and some job security right now.  Alas, it is not to be. (This is not my head exploding.  It's the view of the Jordan's Meat Fire from my

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-65959750341877129962010-04-30T20:34:00.001-04:002010-04-30T20:38:39.952-04:00

I really love Lady Gaga parodies. They are my YouTube gateway drug. People (well, Salon) keep saying that she's saturated us; we can't possibly love her more, and yet... new singles are slurped up whole with demands for more. I'm not tired of Gaga. And I love her fans. The choice of subject isn't irrelevant; she's walking id for American teens, singing about heartbreak and cell phones

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-54823285143645516982010-04-29T09:28:00.000-04:002010-04-29T09:28:33.339-04:00

I don't know how it's possible, but I'm only just now reading The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.I'm only about 10 pages in; I'll let you know how it goes.Ethel Waters, Carson McCullers, and Julie Harris, 1950

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-89082234033811455002010-04-22T13:21:00.000-04:002010-04-22T13:21:38.168-04:00

I did this last year: it was a great investment. I should have bought the compost turner, though. I'll be looking into that for this year.Mainers mark Earth Day; Portland selling 'green' items | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: "Portland is promoting the sale of compost bins, kitchen waste pails and rain barrels at discounted prices."

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-88140084821841890372010-04-20T14:06:00.009-04:002010-04-20T15:32:47.170-04:00

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone but me, but it turns out that I'm a traditionalist. Yesterday the princess and I went and bought engagement rings, and while she (very sensibly, considering her job) wanted gems that were recessed into the ring, I wanted a diamond solitaire.I got it.But trying to rationalize a whole bunch of conflicting feelings--

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-83321663634369073292010-03-26T08:28:00.000-04:002010-03-26T08:28:44.836-04:00

I'm trying to get to NY next month. Princess has never been, and I haven't for more than five years. I can feel forces coming together to make it possible. I BELIEVE.Brooklyn Bridge New York circa 1905

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-56759800720658849422010-03-19T09:41:00.003-04:002010-03-19T09:49:50.853-04:00

The Maine Boatbuliders Show is produced by Portland Yacht Services and will take place at the Portland Company building at 58 Fore Street. viaI'm so glad that the Portland Company has a diverse series of events. It's so exciting for them and for boat-and-flower-show-attending people. It's kind of a pain in the ass for people who live in the neighborhood, though. To be fair, event planners do

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-57382466485837513742010-03-09T13:47:00.001-05:002010-03-09T13:47:55.651-05:00

There aren't words to describe my love of Slaughterhouse 90210:“Like a whorehouse on wheels, she thought. Like a whorehouse on wheels.”—Robert Goolrick, A Reliable Wife"...siiiiiiiigh.....

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-24092689813920349882010-03-08T16:11:00.000-05:002010-03-08T16:11:46.986-05:00

RE: my earlier post and buying for value. Thx, bec.Why A Salad Costs More Than A Big Mac:

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-1393191312351187992010-03-08T11:13:00.005-05:002010-03-09T11:27:41.415-05:00

I will write about the wedding, I promise... but something else is more on my mind for now.Some background: while I was a student I applied for MaineCare for my daughter. I've been working full time for just over a year now, and at the end of December our transitional year of MaineCare health insurance ended. This meant that I would add the tween to my work health insurance. Unfortunately this

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-54236526810386039422010-03-04T14:41:00.002-05:002010-03-04T14:43:48.634-05:00

Kurt Vonnegut is a nut. And I love him. VONNEGUT...So much of what happens in storytelling is mechanical, has to do with the technical problems of how to make a story work. Cowboy stories and policeman stories end in shoot-outs, for example, because shoot-outs are the most reliable mechanisms for making such stories end. There is nothing like death to say what is always such an artificial thing

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-40921991896004973472010-02-25T15:55:00.002-05:002010-02-25T16:17:25.457-05:00

When the body needs a break, it just goes right ahead and takes one. As it did today, when I woke up and it was all, "Fuck you, Jen, get back in that bed. No? Ok, how about searing pain? How do you feel about the bed now, huh?" To which I replied, "Yes, MA'AM. Uh, hello, heating pad. Haven't seen you in DAYS!" (Chronic pain, exhausting, frustrating, no cure, whine whine, blah blah.)In

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-89026346952498739912010-02-22T12:41:00.000-05:002010-02-22T12:41:24.452-05:00

Pictures of beauty contests winners, 1930-s.: "

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-6301156646492954042010-02-11T12:43:00.005-05:002010-02-12T11:06:27.099-05:00

The Tween's father and I never married. For that I am sometimes grateful and often annoyed. It would have been much harder to get out of that situation if we had been legally bound, but since we were never married the Tween has existed in a custody netherland for a dozen years.Legally, he still has 50% custody of her, even though she wouldn't know him if she looked directly at him. Since he

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-16120516769315618982010-02-03T17:06:00.005-05:002010-02-12T11:05:10.993-05:00

Doin some redecoratin around here, ayuh. Also, the lady friend will furthermore be known as tomboy princess, or TBP. By her own request. That is all.UPDATE: I was too early on the nickname front, and another one has developed all on its own. Princess she is and shall be.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-55192545705986100702010-02-03T12:34:00.002-05:002010-02-03T12:35:53.563-05:00

My friend Anna is broken in several places. She blogs about it.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-30256629423730274802010-02-02T19:36:00.003-05:002010-02-03T09:31:24.061-05:00

During Oscar season, I like to try to see all of the best picture-nominated films, mostly because the Nickelodeon** runs them all in February, and they have cheap movie night on Tuesdays. But there are SO MANY this year! TEN! There's no way I can see all of those. Luckily I saw a few over the course of the year, so my list is down to 5--at least possible. Unfortunately for me, it looks like I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-29104264146279705282010-01-27T10:36:00.001-05:002010-01-27T10:37:35.478-05:00

“She had burned through a fair sampling of manhood trying to find someone, not to make her ‘happy’ - that wasn’t the point - but to cauterize her relentlessly dripping wounds.”— Arthur Phillips, The Song Is YouSlaughterhouse 90210 - “She had burned through a fair sampling of manhood...

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-2756651619878113432010-01-24T18:37:00.004-05:002010-01-24T18:57:25.970-05:00

Sometimes I get poems stuck in my head... like when a song starts bouncing around in there, but it'll be a phrase from a poem that I heard one time. It happens with novels too. It doesn't necessarily have to do with the quality of the whole work, but with the certain phrase or image. Ayn Rand's "our days are numbered" calendar in Atlas Shrugged is one of them, as are China Mieville's black

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-66334361321881257412010-01-15T16:21:00.001-05:002010-01-15T16:23:53.541-05:00

I grew up in the 80's.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-73300311352766823102010-01-14T10:51:00.003-05:002010-01-14T11:01:27.154-05:00

Speaking of symbols... If you follow me on twitter, you know two important things about the past month.1. I broke my chest on a pretty girl's shoulder.2. Then I fell in love with the girl.Are these things unrelated? If I was writing my own story I would throw out that plot faster than last month's baked beans. However, while I have some input on the plot of my own story I am not the ultimate

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-37738933678401075672010-01-07T20:06:00.000-05:002010-01-07T20:06:27.958-05:00

I can't tell you how much I love these photos. I want to crawl inside them.Mill worker, Saturday afternoon, Lewiston, Maine, August, 1973:

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-7197389231865742662009-12-22T11:17:00.003-05:002009-12-22T11:18:01.648-05:00

Is it significant that ALL of the pictures I've posted over the last 6 weeks are about food?

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-56875398414900886412009-12-22T08:35:00.001-05:002009-12-22T08:37:29.086-05:00

Not at all a representation of my incredible Sunday night, in case you were wondering. (via)

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-69611384335448743962009-12-16T13:08:00.002-05:002009-12-16T13:24:13.656-05:00

The gay marriage campaign cost at least $9.6 million.Those who supported the repeal of the state's gay-marriage law spent $3.8 million, while those who fought to keep gay marriage on the books spent $5.8 million. Voters repealed the law by a 53-47 percent vote. (via)In case you were wondering, $9.6 million would buy 3,764,706 gallons of heating oil, pay for food stamps for 18,251 three-person

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-67879308644861635332009-12-16T09:02:00.005-05:002009-12-16T09:42:52.696-05:00

I think I'd like to start a new online business: comfort food porn.THE AUDIENCE: Young adults who miss being home--homesick college students, young adults who moved across the country to be away from their families, traveling professionals.THE SEASON: November-MarchTHE CONCEPT: Ultra-close photos of regular people interacting with their favorite starchy goodness.people in baggy sweatshirts

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-42708591866789427202009-12-08T16:56:00.000-05:002009-12-08T16:56:24.890-05:00

Can I sell mine too? Oh, wait..Going Cheap! eBay Auction For One (1) Right To Marry: "eBay, always so handy: “I’m an unmarried heterosexual woman, and since I probably won’t be using my right to get married, I would like to give it away.”

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-20866661189603858772009-11-24T10:47:00.001-05:002009-11-24T10:50:26.249-05:00

I don't identify as femme (why not? it doesn't fit how I feel. my gender can't be defined that easily. that is all) but I relate to a lot of what's being said here.Ever since I've been growing my hair out (yes, that's all) I've noticed a distinct shift in who notices me and what kind of attention I get. It's all about the hair, folks. True story. Ask any middle schooler.A couple of

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-6561867585635897772009-11-23T09:02:00.005-05:002009-11-23T09:32:26.295-05:00

My family doles out responsibility for Thanksgiving Dinner. One aunt is cooking the turkey; another is mashing potatoes. My dad brings yeast rolls. I had really been hoping to try to introduce non-starch vegetables again this year. I need them to soak up the massive amounts of sugar I'll be eating. I feel guilty eating so many carbs without even the tiniest hint of green (no, frozen peas

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-78737541233099445082009-11-19T07:42:00.002-05:002009-11-19T07:45:40.812-05:00

"The flu vaccine contains less mercury than a typical tuna fish sandwich." source via

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-61253446968533396382009-11-17T08:01:00.004-05:002009-11-17T08:16:31.091-05:00

Because I like to play nice....Rules:1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.2. Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.Ok, the 7 things:1. I like to eat sardines. Usually on crackers.2. I'm a

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-81561406545975267922009-11-17T07:57:00.003-05:002009-11-17T08:01:23.373-05:00

It turns out that being less anxious has made me into a little bit of a flake. I run late to things. I stay home and chill instead of doing things I said I'd do. I'm a tad forgetful. I feel bad for everyone who is collateral damage to this, but I'll take flakiness over an anxiety-exploded brain any day of the week.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-72775336096777683842009-11-13T09:47:00.003-05:002009-11-13T09:55:14.127-05:00

Because that's how it is for me these days. Just. ...I didn't expect to feel so strongly about the election. I don't support marriage as The Cause for the queers; I don't think it's a very functional institution and I'm not interested in assimilating. I do support my friends who want to get married, though, and I understand that the conversation is already, happening. Can't stay neutral...

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-57416790448042043542009-10-15T10:00:00.004-04:002009-10-15T10:14:20.944-04:00

Yes, Google. That's exactly what I meant.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23745818.post-15537977675282935922009-10-14T18:07:00.003-04:002009-10-14T18:20:09.370-04:00

The Tween was sick this morning, so I gave her some tylenol, my Netflix password, and the phone, and went off to work. She was coming-down-with-something-sick, so I knew she'd be bored before long, and I didn't want her tubing out in front of Kim Possible all day. So my conditions were this: She had to watch a documentary--any one she chose--and write me a essay on it before she could go on to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02535833524504501244noreply@blogger.com3