Hey gang - this blog is moving to www.perpetuallyamusedjanna.blogspot.com .  I'll be redirecting the www.perpetuallyamused.org address soon too.  Not sure if this means I'll post more often yet, but we'll see!  xoxo Janna

Wow, I am so impressed!  I had my first fitness class at Time Out Fitness & Pilates yesterday (combo of pilates, step aerobics & light weights) and it was fantabulous! Ok, actually, I'm REALLY sore today, but that's my own fault for taking several years off from working out.  I'm also a little embarrassed that most of the women there had two or three decades on me (I suppose who else is free for a 10 am Friday class?) and managed better than I did, but I'll get there. 

The studio space at is amazing.  It doesn't feel like a gym at all. There are beautiful wood floors, lots of natural light and lavender scented warm towels in the changing room.  It all feels very luxe. I signed up for an introductory sampler - 9 fitness classes in 21 days.  On Monday, I'll do an intro to Pilates on the reformer...which kind of scares me. I think the name is a frightening. Sounds like some kind of Medieval torture device, but I'm sure it's not like that at all (hopefully). 

After having trouble zipping into several of my favorite outfits (and busting the zipper on one!) I know it's time to get serious about fitness.  Gosh, it's been so long since I've worked out regularly or watched what I ate.  I've fallen completely off the wagon, and I feel it. 

Earlier this week, I joined My Food Diary again. It's a site I've subscribed to off and on over the years.  Though there are a free sites that do about the same thing, I really like how this one feels. Also, when I'm paying for it I feel guilty if I don't actually follow through.  After the first three days of logging, I'm shocked! I need to lay off the wine and bagels (calories add up fast!).

For exercise, I've been doing crunches, push ups and more vigorous walking of Jersey. However, I decided that if I want to be bikini ready (or at least swimsuit ready!) by April, it's time to step it up a notch, so I'm starting a series of classes at a South Minneapolis fitness studio tomorrow. I'm a little nervous because I've felt so overwhelmed when I've joined other gyms. But I'm determined to go at least three times per week for three months and see what happens. 

This is embarrassing, but I don't even know what to wear.  They said "clean" gym shoes. Are my sneakers ok? I've worn them outside - do I need virgin gym shoes? Or if I scrub them up is that ok.  I went to Target today to pick up some workout clothes, which  was trickier than I thought, because so many of them were WAY long!  Tall girls have it so easy!

Anyway, I'm excited about the prospect of feeling and looking fit again. I hope I like this place tomorrow...

Ahh - Paradise Island!  I was shocked and elated to learn recently that I won an incentive trip to the Bahamas with Pure Romance. This was particularly exciting, because I won my first trip with the company a few months ago (all expense paid trip for two to Mexico) and was unable to go because  - sigh - it was the VERY SAME DAYS as the Chocolate Show!  This was heartbreaking, but I got over it. 

So imagine my surprise when Pure Romance CEO, Patty Brisben, called me the day after my birthday! Though James won't get to go on this one, it will be a fun girls trip. I'll be at the Cove Atlantis on Paradise Island in April (though I wish it was tomorrow!). 

Jersey had her second face lift recently to remove the two remaining tumors on her head.  Aside from the Frankensteinesque stitches, she looks SO pretty!

James and I think it's time to start fostering dogs again, so we're connecting with MN Boxer Rescue to see what they have for us. 

I've been between Ames and Minneapolis a lot over the past couple of months and have enjoyed spending time with my Mom. This last weekend was especially nice because she was feeling so much better than she has in the past several weeks.  We've set up a Caring Bridge journal for her which is available at www.eileencheney.com (or .org - either works). Dad keeps it updated pretty much daily for now. I've been amazed at the outpouring of love for Mom from across the country.  It's comforting as a daughter to see how much she is loved.

In talking with my brother David recently, we came to the conclusion that as family, the unknown is the most difficult part for us coupled with the unpredictable nature of cancer. One day we'll get terrific news and a few days later, Mom is in the hospital with a life-threatening complication. 

However, through this I feel unbelievably lucky to have the flexibility to be in Iowa when I need (or just want!) to. I don't have to ask anyone for time off, and if I need someone to cover a party for me, there are lots of terrific women here in Minnesota to do it. 

Oh my goodness - I'm having major technical difficulties tonight! This is the third time I'm trying to post. Two pretty lengthy postings have already gotten deleted. Bummer! So this one will be short (and watch, it will actually work this time). 

Today was round one of Thanksgiving at our house with our friend, John. Tomorrow we're heading down to Ames to see the Cheneys. All my brothers and families will be there, which will be fun. I suppose that's one positive thing that has come out of mom's cancer reoccurance - we're connecting more as a family.

Today James and I were reflectign on the past year, which as I've mentioned, has been a roller coaster. We came to the conclusion that in spite of some of the sadness, it has overwhelmingly been a terrific year. Basically, this is the first year we both got to do things on our own terms. James is a language guru, and I get to do random projects. In fact, November marked the one year anniversary of me being self-employed. Hooray! I can't believe it. Though it got insane for awhile (too busy to even really post about the Chocolate Show or Community Development Expo...which both went great), I wouldn't trade it to go back to the office. So I think we're really lucky for that.

Ok - hoping it will work this time! I need to get my things together so we can hit the road bright and early.

I received a call yesterday morning from James.  He called to say there was a fire drill at the school and it reminded him that I was "smokin' hot."  I have the best husband ever!

David and Lizz welcomed Baby #3 into the world yesterday.  Her name is Violet (too cute!) and I had the pleasure of meeting her in Rochester this afternoon.

My sister-in-law Chelsea has been doing a blog for awhile now, and David just started one. They're doing much better than I am at keeping the updates coming.  I've been at a loss for awhile now. This year has simultaneously been the best and most challenging year I can remember.  Exhilarating highs and deep lows. I'm glad that both James and I tend keep a positive outlook (most of the time). There's a lot to be grateful for!

I haven't written about what's going on with my Mom. I haven't been sure what to say or how much...or if I can. David wrote a bit about it here. I was in Ames this weekend and was glad to find her feeling well. I can still hardly keep up with her, and she's going through radiation and chemo! She wanted to zip all over town after her treatment on Monday. I wanted to go home and take a nap!  It's amazing, really. I love and admire her so much.

The crew all got together over Labor Day weekend. This was the first time EVER with all siblings, spouses and children - how cool! From L to R:  Ben, Mom, Dad, Schafer, David, Saffi, Lizz, Brian, Chelsea, Ethan, James and me.

 David, Lizz, Saffi and Schafer

Brian, Chelsea and Ethan

I got James to wear a semi-matching shirt. This was no small feat.  I'm always trying for "twinner time" and he thinks it's juvenille or something.  

Thanks, Aprille for this one! I don't know if I'm truly and omnivore, as I'm not a big meat eater, but this looked fun. 

Andrew Wheeler, co-author of the food blog Very Good Taste put together a list of 100 foods he thinks every omnivore should try at least once and made a game out of it.  Here are the rules:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak Tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba Ghanoush
11. Calamari

12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo Gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black Truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom Tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foi Gras
24. Rice and Beans
25. Brawn or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de Leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna Cauda
31. Wasabi peas (addictive)
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (Gotta love Maine!)
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut (did you know there's a sauerkraut festival in Iowa?)
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phall
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken Tikka Masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut (my favorite local Krispy Kreme  closed )
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly Pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle

57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine (James' favorite - not mine)
60. Carob chips
61. S'mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin (eww!!!)
64. Currywurst
65. Durian

66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini

73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini

81. Tom Yum
82. Eggs Benedict

83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe Beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers

89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft Shell Crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano

96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
100. Snake

So wow, at 52 I have a ways to go! Or not (no thanks to kaolin, roadkill or horse). I had to look up quite a few of these things. I"m apparently not that savvy when it comes to foodie stuff!

A bit belated, but I was recently in Cincinnati for Pure Romance Annual Training. Though Cinci isn't at the top of my list of favorite cities, chilling with almost 2,000 other women in this business is a pretty great time! After a scary experience with bad weather on the road last year, I decided to Mega Bus it to Cinci. Yes, I got to ride a double decker!!!  I was clearly the only one in my group so amused by this. The gal sitting next to me puked half a dozen times (actually, I stopped counting at six) and the gals behind me complained the ENTIRE trip (that's 14 hours!). However, I thought it was pretty bleepin' terrific.  I didn't have to drive, it only cost me $50 round trip...and did I mention I got to ride a DOUBLE DECKER!? 

James and I hired Bark Busters to help us with Jersey (have I mentioned she's ours now?). Our first session was last night, and it was pretty remarkable. Basically, they employ similar techniques to Cesar Millan ("The Dog Whisperer") but without physical correction. It's about establishing leadership and using language that dogs understand.  After 2 1/2 hours with our trainer, Jeanne, I was so impressed!  It's NOT cheap ... but does come with a lifetime guarantee, and I think will be so helpful when we start bringing more dogs through our home again. I also think Jersey will eventually be a very well adjusted little shrimp of a boxer!   

I don't watch a lot of television, but I have slipped back into an old habit of watching infomercials & late night TV when I have insomnia.  If you watch late night television, you've probably seen an Extenze commercial, "guaranteed to make that certain part of a man's body larger!" Don't worry, no ranting here today. I'm actually just intrigued by the new Extenze beverage.  I mean, FOR REAL?! James and I have been brainstorming all the great places you could bust this out.  Going to a bbq? Bring some Extenze! How about a bike ride? Don't forget your Extenze. Deadline at the office? Mixing up a cocktail? Oh my, what will they think of next?   

So, I keep waiting to post until I have awesome pictures to share, but the fact is, a 6 (or 7?) year old laptop is kind of old, and I can't get all the fabulous pictures from a mini family reunion on my hard drive. James may be able to figure it out.  In the meantime, I'm stealing one from my sister-in-law, Chelsea's blog (thanks, SIL!)

Left to Right: Ben, Mega, Grandma, Grandpa, Chelsea, James, me!

This photo was taken back in June in Rochester. Grandma and Grandpa C. came out for a visit, so we had a mini family-reunion. This evening, we were at the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" which David performed in. Ben and I have Venus Flytraps...mine is still alive, but just barely. 

Basically we've been back and forth between families a lot this summer.  It's been nice to be able to do that.

Our neice, Saffi, performed in a dance recital awhile back, and it was darling. This was James' first recital (he has all brothers) and he was not so sure about it at first, but ended up enjoying it.

When I told James I've been thinking about becoming a vegetarian again, he told me I'd be given a new "Indian name"... Woman Who Hunts Poorly.

James and I have a new niece! Selva and Tony welcomed baby girl Eileen (or Ilene?) into the world on Thursday. We are looking forward to meeting her, but in the meantime, some pictures would be really nice (hint, hint). 

*Update* Here she is! Look at that HAIR!!!

I was just out raking up the yard when I noticed someone has whacked up three of our bushes! It looks as though the bandit was after clippings.  About 2/3 of one poor bush is whacked. The other two are not as bad. Who does something like that? The victims are in the backyard between the house an the garage, so not exactly easy to access. I suppose there are much worse things, but I still feel a little violated. Not that I wouldn't be happy to share clippings with...anyone, really, but c'mon! How did s/he even know they were there? It's just a very weird thing to do.  

We're back, and it was a GREAT time! By far the most fantabulous business conference I've ever been to. Here are some pics. The formatting is kind of goofy.  xoxo Janna

Day 1: Opening Reception. The boys were treated to a special "Guys Night" complete with hand rolled cigars. The girls were given funny money to "gamble" with at the dozens of Blackjack and Roulette tables. It turns out both James and I are really good at Blackjack when gambling with fake money. We're still too chicken to try it for real.

I got to catch up with some MN girls!

Day 2:  Prom!!!  Just kidding. This is James and me at the Annual Awards Dinner. It was quite the wing-ding. This picture cracks me up.

Day 3:  We spent the evening checking out Caesar's Palace, Paris, New York, and I can't remember what else.

James rode the roller coaster on the top of New York, New York. I was too chicken.

We eventually ended up downtown at Freemont Street. I was bummed we didn't start here, because it was so much more endearing than the Strip. These are some other Pure Romance girls (plus Dennis).

Day 4:  I cannot believe I am putting a picture of myself in a bathing suit online, but I was so excited to find a swimmer that I don't feel mortified to wear. I love the ample booty coverage and the vintage look. Yes, I am the whitest girl ever.

We ended our trip at a Rockabilly convention across the street. There were lots of people iin 50's garb and fancy hot rods. James and I both found cars we like. 

It was a short, but fun trip. Coming back to Minnesota was a shocker with the 50 degree temperature difference, but we're glad to be home.  We're already planning for next year!