Yes, I'm Naive

Well, I'm not having the fondue. Sorry, you didn't all get to comment. As I was looking at the ingredients list (and typing it all up for you in the comments), I came across the word "Kirsch" and wondered what the heck that was. A Google-second later... and I am now NOT having the fondue. Kirsch is brandy. So there are now TWO alcoholic substances in my fondue. I could deal with the wine... if it's a little bit and it's going to cook off... but it just seems like a bad omen to be okay with the wine (which is the second ingredient on the list, meaning it's got to be in there quite a bit)... and the BRANDY!!!

Darrgh. Well, eating locust bean gum didn't sound very appetizing anyway.

Does anyone have a good (non-alcoholic) cheese fondue recipe? I'm in need... (-Jocelyn)

Whinny for Wine?

As most of you know, I don't drink alcohol. Kind of a "no duh" if you know I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... since members don't drink alcohol. Anyway, I wanted to get some opinions from y'all. Robert and I are having our date night this Friday (at our apartment... with our son sleeping in his crib... since we don't have a babysitter, but hey, we can still have a "date," right?)... and I want to make a fun, special dinner, so I bought a fondue set (see the pic above of what I bought). Like, I was in the fancy cheese section at the grocery store, and there's a Swiss fondue package that you just have to heat up and voila, you're ready for dipping.

The problem is, I just looked at the ingredients and it says it has wine in it. I don't typically cook with any form of alcohol, but I also don't usually have problems eating something that has some in it, if it's been cooked so all the alcohol has worn off (like wine in a marinade). The thing is, I don't know if fondue counts. What do you guys think? Am I overreacting here? Can I eat my fondue??? I really want to... but I also don't want to be violating the Word of Wisdom or anything. Hmm...

Other than my serious fondue wine dilemmas, life is going pretty good. I have a writing buzz. As in, I've been thinking about writing and writing so much that my head is buzzing (the way it does for me when I've been consumed by a good book). I've set a goal to write every day, and I have so far. I'm going to throw out some of what I've written, I'm sure, but it still feels good to just do it and not be afraid to try.

Okay, I seriously need to take a break from any form of writing and just relax... so until next time... (-Jocelyn)

PS- Look at the cute pictures of Peter the Horsey! Isn't he ADORABLE?!?!?!

I Love Naptime!

Peter is napping right now, meaning I have a break, so I am blogging! Yay for us all! (BTW, isn't the above pic the cutest? Peter fell asleep on the way home from Church yesterday. I got him out of his car seat and carried him into the house and he was already back asleep, on my shoulder. SOOO sweet!)

Two facts you may not know. First, Peter is an amazing sleeper, and pretty much came to me that way. I can't take credit for it (though I do employ sleep strategies--put him down at consistent times, have a going to sleep routine, let him cry for 10 minutes if he cries, which he often doesn't) . . . but he sleeps through the night (7 pm to 7:30 am) and takes two naps a day (a morning quickie from 9-10 am and an afternoon longer nap from about 12-2 or 3 pm). How lucky am I? I know, I know, I am blessed to have such a talented sleeper. I am relishing it, because I am sure all of my children will not be this easy!

Second fact (and this one is hard to type): I have always had a somewhat secret dream to be a published (hopefully well published) author. I know, a lot of people say that. But I really mean it.

When I was eighteen and starting to really get into researching my favorite authors and their lives (I was an English major because I love literature and writing!), I saw a trend that is super arbitrary and somewhat forced: "most" (a lot of) major authors publish their first significant work of fiction between the ages of 24 and 28. Upon discovering this "fact," I came up with a personal challenge: I would publish my first book by the time I turned 28.

This was a dream and a goal I set with myself. I kept it mostly secret, for fear, mainly, that I wouldn't achieve it or I would change my mind about really doing it and thus feel dorky for having said it (too late now!). Very few people knew about it. And now, I'm telling all of you.

I figured I might as well, because my parents (see pictures above and below; love you guys!) got it out of me as they grilled me during their trip about my personal (non-Peter, just for me) goals. And they took me seriously. Robert did, too. They told me I could do it... I should do it... and they are now following up and encouraging me.

Two nights ago, an amazing thing happened. I sat down at my computer, and despite the fact that I almost always have writer's block when I write creatively and it takes me a long, long time to write ANYTHING because of it (the block comes from my perfectionism; whole other blog)... this time was different. I decided to just relax and write whatever came to mind. I did... and I liked it. Writing was really fun and surprisingly easy! I have now written three "chapters," and I feel like I have finally started this dream. This may not be the book that gets published, and I know the industry well enough to know that the chances anything I write will be read are slim... but I am still going for it.

So I want to throw it out there. What dreams have you been hiding? You know you have them. The secret desire to be a clothing designer... or an artist... or a singer (okay, another one of mine is to perform on Broadway, but that's probably not going to happen due to a lot of reasons, not fear)... or a politician... or whatever! Be brave and let me know! (-Jocelyn)

Historocity

It has fallen upon me to give a detailed report of the rad trip we took with Jocelyn's parents down to Yorktown and Williamsburg last week.

I must say that any of you who have not seen at least a couple of these sites need to make it a priority to go in your lifetime. They included some very memorable experiences and definitely made me appreciate the history of our country more deeply.

DAY 1

Manasses, the site of the first civil war battle. Both sides thought it would be the only battle, and both sides had spectators sitting on the hillside watching it as if it were entertainment; they thought that the other side would cave and the dispute would be ended very quickly.

Needless to say, all were wrong. The casualties suffered in this battle were catastrophic, with the union taking most of the blows. Both armies woke up after that, and began preparing their men to be better soldiers, thus ensuring a long and drawn-out civil war.






Shots from a campground in Shenandoah National Park

Day 2

University of Virginia. Established by Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson's Thinking Hut (Monticello)

Peter sleeping on a big bed

Day 3







Williamsburg tavern. Peter is ready to eat.




Soldiers marching down Main Street.







The women actors were crazy about Peter!






I got drafted!



Day 4


Yorktown. The Revolutionary War was won here. The tour guide told us I think 10 unbelievable things that happened at this spot to give the Americans the victory. It was an inspiring tale.





(-Robert)

100

Hello all! This is a quick hello! The parents, Peter, and I (Robert's in school) head to Annapolis today and I am beat! It was for sure fun (and delicious), though, thanks to my Uncle Russ and Aunt Sherrie.

Here are a few pics of our journeys so far. I'll explain later, when I have the energy! But yes, we are alive, and YES, we are having a wonderful time! I'm sad my parents leave tomorrow! What will I do without them?!? (-Jocelyn)

PS- Happy Post-Day to Me... this is my 100th post. Hope you liked it.

Spooky

On Saturday night, Jocelyn and I dropped Peter off with the babysitters, a couple in our ward that have agreed to take babysitting turns with us. They had set up a pack-and-play portable crib in their bathroom (because it's dark) and there Peter slept like an angel--well, at least the kind of angel that doesn't make any sounds, as opposed to the kind of angel that Alma the younger envisioned, the kind that would shake the earth and declare repentance with a loud voice (these are the kinds of things we hoped Peter would not do when we dropped him off with the babysitters).

Anyway, off we went to the Rosslyn Spectrum theater, where we saw an awesome adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher."


It was rad. Definitely a good Halloween treat, and something we could have only seen, I think, in the D.C. area.

(-Robert)

P.S. Here's some cute videos of Peter.

WLC 5: Circle

Dancing (and singing) to Mommy's favorite, Coldplay's "Til Kingdom Come"

Well, I am happy to report that I LOST 1 pound this week. If you've done the math . . . that brings me back down to what I was three weeks ago (since I gained 0.4 last week and 0.6 the week before). So basically, I'm back full circle. At least I'm back down, though! Next week, I will be lower than ever. If I can keep my vacation eating in check, that is...

A picture of the Shenandoah Valley in the fall (compliments of http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/shenandoah_skyland.htm)

Yes, you read right. VACATION! My wonderful parents are flying into town on Tuesday and Robert actually has a BREAK from Tuesday through the rest of the week. So we decided to go on a real live vacation with my parents. We're going to go to Williamsburg, a historical and by all accounts cool town in southern Virginia, then we are going to Virginia Beach. We'll have three days staying in hotels (THANK YOU ALEX!!!) and our days to do whatever we fancy. I can't believe it's happening next week! I am first of all overjoyed to see my parents. Then to be getting away for a real break... away from my home (love it as I do, there's always work to do!) . . . *sigh.* I can't even describe the joy.

But I WILL take lots of pictures and share. OOOOH, I forgot one of the prettiest parts of our trip: we're driving to Williamsburg via the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The leaves are just turning and I'm hoping they speed along the process so that by next week, we'll have a colorful drive. Lots of colors or not, I'm sure it will be gorgeous. And no, I haven't been to ANY of these places, so I am super excited!!!

Peter and Dada snuggling cheek to cheek (Peter loves smushing his cheek into our cheeks -- so sweet!)

In Peter news... Peter has picked up the habit of fake choking. That's right, fake choking. It is very scary to hear (so I always have to check) and actually very funny (aside from the scary sounds). He does it when he wants attention. Like when I put him down for a nap. It's his way of loudly protesting. Of course, I HAVE to check on him when I hear it, so I try to do it on the sly... just crack open the door and peek in . . . but sometimes he catches me and it sets him off again. Darrgh. I guess it's just one of those things!!!

Well, love to all. Sorry I am blabbing at you so excessively, but I hope you have a great day and a great weekend. (-Jocelyn)

The Tale of Peter Robert

WLC 4: Smile!

Yes, I gained. 0.4 pounds. Not quite half a pound, but still a gain.

I think my problem (still) lies in emotional eating. A habit I am hoping to eradicate through heartfelt application of weight-loss principles. Faith better work in weight loss, because I am simply going through the motions (doing)... hoping I will gain the conviction and ability behind the motions sometime later. With faith, you often have to "step into the darkness," per se, to gain testimony or knowledge. The best way to gain a testimony of a principle is to live that principle, hope that you can believe it is true, and keep going through the motions (and the hoping) until the conviction comes. Maybe it's the same for weight loss. I hope so. I'll see.

Sorry it's been a while. The weekend was exceptional, with Conference. I was so sad to have it end, but I am grateful for the many words of inspiration that touched my heart. Here's hoping I can "be a little better" (as President Hinckley is fond of saying) and continue to progress in my many endeavors.

Peter is 8 months old today. How crazy is that? He is learning so many new things, I can't even believe it. He is crawling, very slowly, one crawl at a time. He hasn't quite mastered the arm movements, but he gets the legs. It makes me a little sad that he's becoming mobile. Partly, selfishly, because it means I need to be better at picking up and I need to finish babyproofing. Okay, I guess the whole sadness is selfish, because I'm also sad that he's so into going and moving and exploring that he doesn't cuddle much anymore, like he used to, and I love my cuddle time with him! Don't worry, I still force it on him (haha)... no, he likes it... when he's tired and not super curious. I know, I know, he's only 8 months, but as he keeps getting older and older... it feels like I'm getting closer to the time when he'll no longer be my baby. And that makes me sad.

In a HAPPIER light, though, he is 8 months and he is healthy and happy. AND even if he is always on the go (usually rolling, though he always tries crawling first now), he also always smiles and coos and giggles when I look at him or smile at him or try to make him laugh. So I still have my Mommy Magic.

Isn't it the best feeling to earn the pure, undiluted smile of a baby? Well, it's even better when it's your own child, in my opinion. I earn more smiles a day than I can count, but supply-and-demand economics do not apply; their value never diminishes for me. Peter's smiles remain among my greatest assets. (-Jocelyn)

3: A Magic Number

Robert being silly while he played his birthday present, Zelda: Twilight Princess...

...which he just completed, last night! Yay for Honey!

As if Robert needed one more thing for me to congratulate him for! First, his eloquent TIME magazine rebuttal. Next, his making the ADR board (which is a big deal; usually they don't accept first years, you have to wait for your second year; and out of more than 200 people who competed, only 15 people were chosen to be added to the board). NOW, to top it ALL off, his conquering of Zelda. I must say, I am impressed with myself. I definitely married well. :)

Of course that's true, but when it gets down to it, I married Robert because he is truly my best friend. There are a million reasons that factor into that one title, and I take them all. I love him so much and I am grateful to be his companion, because with him at my side, it's sure to continue being a fun ride!

There's not much for me to report on my doings. Same old. I'm trying to be a clean, organized person. It hasn't worked yet. I just naturally attract clutter, no matter how hard I try to cut down on all the stuff and keep my life organized. Unfortunately, marrying Robert DIDN'T help in this one regard, except to make me feel less guilty for being so cluttered myself. When you put both of us together... a lot of chaos can often ensue. Curse you, "born organized" people! I AM going to... sometime in my life... be so used to forcing myself to clean and be organized that it will become a habit. One day...

Well, that's pretty much it for now. Congrats to Robert on all accounts... and have a great day everyone! (-Jocelyn)

Hmm... what IS that in Peter's mouth?


Ewe!!! (While Robert plays Zelda, haha.)

A Moment in TIME

This is the building where TIME is located.

Two cool bits of news on the D.C. front.

First, I got a letter to the editor published in the latest issue of TIME magazine (dated Oct. 8, 2007). This letter was in response to an article about U.S. presidents and their religious beliefs, written by Michael Kinsley in the Sep. 17, 2007 issue of TIME; it was called God as Their Running Mate. I won't explain the entire article; you can read it at your own leisure. But I would like to talk about my letter-writing experience.

When I wrote the letter, I made some assumptions. I have heard (but have not actually fact-checked well) that every president we've had so far has believed in God. I know there have been wide variations in the range of belief, but they believed in God nonetheless. I extended that assumption/fact to say they all belonged to religions which believed in "improbabilities" (a term used by the author of the article), which is less likely to be true. The beauty of making bold, unfounded claims in letters to the editor is that it puts the responsibility of fact-checking on them. I could sound confident in my letter, knowing that if I was factually wrong, my letter wasn't going to be published anyway and no big loss. If I was right, I saved myself some time with my guesswork.

So here's the letter (via e-mail) I submitted:

According to Michael Kinsley's definition, every President this country has ever had has been "too credulous to be President," since all of them have belonged to religions which believe literally some "improbabilities" inherent in Christian doctrine. It sounds like Michael Kinsley thinks you can't be a good president unless you are in line with Kinsley's personal preferences. Fortunately, the majority of the country doesn't share his view.

So of course I was surprised when, on September 28, I received an e-mail informing me that my letter would appear in the Oct. 8 issue of TIME (currently on newsstands).

I looked online to see my letter. Here's what the TIME-approved version said:

In "God as Their Running Mate," Michael Kinsley said that, for him, anyone who believes in the literal truth of religious texts is "too credulous to be President" [Sept 17]. That would apply to a number of our past Presidents. Kinsley seems to think you can't be a good President unless you are in line with Kinsley's personal preferences.

And you know what? I can't argue with TIME's edits here. They toned it down a lot, but they made me sound more credible.

The more exciting news of the day is that I competed in an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) competition last Saturday, and was one of a few very lucky people to be offered a position on the ADR board (I think 10% of people who compete make it).


The specific issues we were trying to resolve in this competition related to an impending divorce action. My partner and I were representing the husband, and the other side was representing the wife. We met to discuss custody issues, child support, assets, and a few other things.

It went extremely well, actually. We all treated each other very respectfully and things went very smoothly. We were afraid that the wife was harboring ill feelings toward the husband (she was the one who had initiated the divorce action), but she didn't. We all felt like the agreement we'd reached at the end of the negotiations was good, and the judges were very congratulatory.

One of the funniest parts of the negotiation occured when we were discussing the car situation. The wife's attorneys suggested that she keep the BMW while our client (Tom) keep the minivan (since he was going to have custody of the kids).


We said this was fine, but since the BMW was worth so much more than the minivan, we expected an additional asset to compensate. The other side suggested the $30,000 boat, which had been a gift from the wife to Tom. I started to say, "OK," because I felt the negotiations were going so well and was glad to getting the boat for our client. But my partner stopped me and said, "Well, the boat was a gift. We don't think that it would be fair to consider that a compromise."

So then the other side suggested that the compromise could come in the time share. And I said yes, it would be appropriate to have the wife pay for maintenance and expenses on the time share, and in exchange, she could keep the BMW.

So we definitely got a good deal there. On the other hand, Tom in this case was the stay-at-home dad and Mary (the wife) was making $280,000 a year as an attorney, so a few expenses here and there for her should have been no big deal.

So what does being on the ADR board mean? I don't know. I think it means I have the chance to travel and compete with other law schools. And it's something I can put on a resume.



(-Robert)