Tuesday, April 29, 2008

it's time. **UPDATED**

(dim the lights)
(cue Darth Vadar's March)

I have a scheduled appointment to get my hair cut today. (It's just a trim, y'all don't freak out on me.)

I haven't had a haircut in...

7 months.

I know, I know. It's a travesty, crying shame, nightmare... pick your cliche.

More than anything... it's just long overdue.

Pray, Saints, Pray.

**Apparently either the Saints were at lunch, or were just not praying for me.
I OFFICIALLY HATE getting my haircut, and having a snotty hairdresser did not help the situation.

I walked in with my hair in a bun. When I took it down, she gasped and said, "Why didn't you tell us you had so much hair on the phone?"

stunned silence. you could hear crickets chirping.

Then she asked, "do you want to be shampooed?" I nodded. "Well then, why didn't you mention that on the phone?"

I wanted to say... "Why didn't you ask?" but decided that glaring at her would be more effective.

I asked her to cut off the dead ends. I told her that I knew it would be about an inch and a half, maybe two.

She cut off SIX in some places.

And my hair cuts into a point.

And thus, I recommend that, should you ever need to have anything done to your hair, don't get it done in Dalton. I've tried, multiple times, to get something done that doesn't look terrible in this town, but I can't make any headway. Pun intended. So, it's official. Dalton is the worst place to have your hair did. EVAH.
In the course of other things going on in my mind, I read a post by BooMama reminding bloggers to find their voice and never replace interweb life for Real-Real life.

I think it's easy in such an internet savvy world to get The Word online too... a devotion here, a scripture there, a good video message, but may we never mistake time with God as being "online" instead of quiet time in prayer seeking His face.


"O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You;
my inner self thirsts for You,
my flesh longs and is faint for You,
in a dry and weary land where no water is.
So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary
to see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your loving-kindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise You.
So will I bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My whole being shall be satisfied
as with marrow and fatness;
and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You upon my bed
and meditate on You in the night watches.
For You have been my help,
and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.
My whole being follows hard after You
and clings closely to You;
Your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 63:1-8 (Amplified)

AND THE WINNER IS....

The winner of the giveaway is none other than...

Josh of Pure Blog!!! Congratulations!!!!! Email me your address and I'll get the t-shirt and gift card in the mail today!!

Yay!!

Speaking of yays... I have another giveaway on the horizon, and y'all... it's a $50 card to Lowe's. I'll put it up in the next week. And... ('cause I love And's!) when I called to make my hair appointment today, my hairdresser said she would donate some stuff for another fun giveaway. I can hardly stand it!!!

Stay Tuned!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Reasons why I keep a camera in my purse #49,583




I give you... A PROGRESSION.






Let's Mix-It Up

  • Don't forget that the bloggy giveaway ends today at 5:00 -- Go leave a comment on this post.
  • I'm thankful that as of right now, I don't have a wedding this weekend. I should have spent more Saturday nights in my early twenties dancing than I have in my late twenties. It's wearing this girl O.U.T.
  • I actually was able to offer someone camera advice in Wal-mart yesterday and it made me proud. :)
  • Target... (whom I am finally becoming a fan of [and NO NOT BECAUSE of the carts/buggies/grocery pushers]) has some really cute cards on sale for $1.00.
  • or as my friend Aubre would call it... One Bone.
  • Hopefully, my brother will email me soon so I can buy him a plane ticket to come home for a few days... YEAH!!
  • I still want to go to Mexico. If George W. has pulled the strings the way the news talks, I may just book that flight today too!
  • I HEART Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper.
  • And I think I need a vacation to chill out.
  • I've been a little ALOT high strung lately.
  • Miranda, would you like to leave an AMEN comment on that?

Sunday, April 27, 2008

I do not Heart Censorship.

So, I received a text message today that said:

Hey... I hear there's a picture of me on your blog. Would you take it down?

I obliged... this time.
Next time, when you realize the camera's in your face... please don't expect me to do the same.
Just don't be there. Don't ever ask me to do it again.
Because the one thing I DON'T do, is photoshop people in.

Love,
Jenn

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Just to let you know...



I caught another bouquet. This is my year. Write it down. Shout it from the rooftops. God is working, y'all. Working!


:)


And don't forget to enter in the bloggy contest. (Scroll down!)


Love,
Jenn




Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Uh... HELLO! Bloggy Giveaway!!!


I get my feelings hurt way too easy. I get jealous sometimes too. Especially... about comments. I mean, my love language is totally words of affirmation, with a very special dialect - Comments of Affirmation.

With that said... I figured, what better way to bribe people than to offer something pretty cool???

Alas... I could think of NOTHING BETTER.

So, I present a TWLOHA shirt **and a $15.00 Itunes gift card. When I ordered my shirt moons ago, they sent me two by accident and it has been taking up space in a drawer until today. (I sent $$ in for it too... in case you were wondering.) If you know zilch about TWLOHA, go check out their website. It's incredible. There are so many teens and tweens,... just people in general, who struggle with self-mutilation. What TWLOHA does... just phenomenal.

Leave me a comment. If you tell somebody else, make sure they put your name in their comment, and I'll double your chances.

Final drawing will be on Monday, April 28th.

If I can break #19... I'll put up another bloggy giveaway on Monday too!!
*I received an email this morning of three gift cards that I'll receive in the mail that I'll put up for a giveaway too... PTL!!!
**While I'm at it.. MinistrysoFabulous is having a giveaway too!! Stop by and get in the running!!

Things I did today, by Moi.

1) Got up.
2) Put curlers in my hair.
3) Drove 3/4 of the way to work with #2
4) Got stared at by many people.
5) Didn't put my shirt on (I had a camisole on y'all... don't flip out) until I took curlers out.
6) Did not flash anyone. (Again... the camisole is not see through)
7) Got asked to serve on a United Way committee at 9:00am
8) Meeting starts at 10:30am
9) Had to leave to go to CF luncheon at 11:00
10) Drove back to Cleveland
11) Attended very lovely luncheon
12) Picked up a package at the post office
13) Drove back to work
14) Found out that New Guy is having Gall Bladder surgery
15) Giggled and made flatulate jokes with co-workers (we're SOOO MATURE)
16) Painted my nails.
17) Talked on the phone.

it's 4:50, and you can tell how productive I've been!!!

:)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Cystic Fibrosis

If you've read anything of mine in the last two weeks, you may understand how real CF has become for, what it is, and who is affects. Well... several months ago, maybe even a year ago, I ran across the blog of Nathan (CF Husband). Amongst other things, Nathan has used the blog to tell the story of his wife, her fight with CF, their pregnancy, and now recuperation from double lung transplant.

Reading through his blog has on more than one occassion made me sit at my desk and bawl. To hear what Tricia (his wife) has endured her life, and especially the last sixteen weeks since the birth of Gwyneth has really given me perspective on my own life and my faith. Tricia had to stop taking her meds when she found out she was pregnant, and Gwyneth was born 15 weeks early, a micropremie by medical standards. After giving birth, Tricia underwent a double lung transplant. Just reading their story is surreal that anyone should have to endure all that they have.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Tricia is being released from the hospital today.

God is so good. Go stop by their blog and celebrate God's blessings with them -- cfhusband.blogspot.com

Love,
Jenn

My new love

I Heart Dave Barnes.

(Apparently I've been living under a rock?)

Monday, April 21, 2008

I. need. sleep.

The sleep deprivation is setting in hard. I actually fell asleep in a bathroom at work.

What's more sad is that this is not the first time I've fallen asleep in a bathroom.

For the last four years, my immediate family has gone to New York City for Thanksgiving. (P.S. I totally recommend a holiday in NYC -- your choice). In 2005, we decided to catch a super early flight so that my step-dad could go visit his family in Pennsylvania.

Our flight was schedule to leave at 6:45am.

That means we have to be there by 4:45am.

That means we have to leave the house by 3:30am.

That means we had to get up around 3:00am.

And I drove in from TN the night before.

So we did all of that... got up early, drove early, and got on our plane. All of this occured before God had completely healed me of my fear of flying, so I spent the entire two hours on the plane crying, holding my mother's hand, and praying.

Only to arrive around 9:00am.

When we landed in Newark (which is the one airport I actually do hate), my step-dad's family met him and my mother. The goal was that I was supposed to take a bus to Penn Station, and then go meet up with my brother.

So, I very sheepishly had to wait at the bus stop to pick me up and take me to Penn Station.

Oh, did I mention it was 18 degrees outside when we landed???

I had to wait OUTSIDE at the bus station for a half-hour waiting on the bus to pick us up. I had my little bag with me (just enough clothes for the first day). I am sad so say that it did not provide any warmth either.

BRRRRR. I get cold thinking about that day.

Anywho... I waited and the bus finally came. I was so ready for NYC. As we were driving around getting ready to pull into the station, I really thought to myself, "Shouldn't this ride be longer?"

And that's when I realized that my SD's family had given me directions to PENN STATION NEW JERSEY.

ARGGHh.

I had to flag down three people, one of whom finally told me to take the train into Penn Station, and then catch the subway to 49th. (JM was working near there at the time.) So... I caught the train into Penn Station New York, cold and angry but otherwise FINE. I easily caught the subway to 49th.

By this time... it's about 11:30am. I have been awake for 9 hours, running on three hours worth of sleep. Just a little delirious, but very excited to see my brother!!!

When I got off the subway, I realized that I would have to step back out into 18 degree weather.

Did I mention that I only prepared for 30 degree weather????

After braving the elements going against the icy wind uptown three blocks, I saw my brother -- not wearing a jacket.

I kind of thought he was crazy, but whatever. :)

We went into his office, he introduced me, and then we went and had the best.lunch.ever. at this little restaurant attached to his building. To this day, I salivate when I think about that hot bowl of Tomato Florentine soup that was absolutely perfect. Yuh-ummy!

When we finished eating, I knew I'd be on my own for the day and had kind of mapped out a few places that I wanted to visit. Macy's. Toys-r-us. The Hershey store. So, I hugged JM, and decided to tour the city.

Only... I was a little delirious and didn't realize it.

I knew that if I walked across town, I'd wind up at Times Square in no time. But in my sleepy state, I managed to walk in the wrong direction right through Hell's Kitchen and into the ghetto.

Where I was a little afraid.

I promptly hightailed it back across town and into Times Square.

Bat Time: 1:15pm.

I perused through Macy's, Barnes & Noble, Toys-R-Us, and the Hershey's store. NYC was almost completely ready for the parade and I was definitely excited about that. I found this awesome jewelry store too and bought a few things.

Time: 3:40pm.

I was a little hungry (not sure why), and a lot tired, and had my brother's NFT book. (NFT's are little books from God when you travel.) I found the closest McDonald's and decided that I would take a break.

Sitting in Mickey D's, the exhaustion hit me. I was terrified of my bag getting stolen, so I draped the straps over my body. Considering that I was wearing about four layers, and my bag was a little bit eclectic and that my eyelids are heavy... I have no doubt that I looked homeless.

But that's when it hit me... I should go to the bathroom.

So... I took me and all my stuff and walked to quickly use the bathroom, and somewhere between putting my bag on the hanger (on the back of the door) and sitting down, I fell asleep.

By all gestimations, I was in there for 45 minutes. I only pray that I didn't snore. And thank God I didn't fall in the toilet or get some disease sitting there so long.

When I woke up, a little disoriented and alot embarrassed, I called my brother (who only laughed hysterically at me), and he suggested that I keep walking. So I did.

I logged about 10 miles that day in an effort to stay awake and out of public bathrooms.

As a bonus, after work, my brother cussed out the guy at Gray's Papaya to get a hot dog for me. More than an adventure to say the least.

Wedding recap

Saturday night... I attended a wedding.

Okay... let's get logistical here... I have been to over 80 weddings in the last 8 1/2 years. I'm not surprised by a lot, but we definitely had a few surprises.
1) the most SCANDALOUS cake topper EVAH.
2) "Loose Lips" Magee.
3) Cigars & Coozies... need I say more?
4) S.D. Representin'

**Just to address something before it gets out of hand, I do NOT smoke cigars, or anything for that matter. It's just a photo. Chill peeps, Chill.

Here are a few photos to showcase the evening:














Sunday, April 20, 2008

Here's the rundown of my day

12:00am - Should be in bed, but am not.
1:30am - Finally fall asleep
5:30am - Alarm goes off
5:40am - Finally get up.
5:42am - Jump in the shower
5:55am - Get out of the shower
5:56am - Check phone and realize I have missed three text messages and a phone call.
5:57am - Respond to texts
6:03am - S. walks in the door ready to go.
6:10am - K. walks in the door ready to go.
6:15am - We are in the car, ready to go.
6:25am - Stop to fill up with gas
6:30am - Stop at McDonald's for sustinence.
6:40am - On the road to Cincinnati.
- relatively uneventful potty break -
9:10am - Cross the Kentucky border
- relatively uneventful potty break -
11:11am - Cross the Ohio border
11:40am - Stop at Kroger to pick up birthday cake
11:59am - Arrive at ROOMMATE'S PARENTS' HOUSE!!
12:00pm - 6:15pm - Eat lunch, spend time with roommate (that I have not seen in SEVEN WEEKS) and her family, do some shopping at Ikea, eat dinner, give hugs and shed a few tears.
6:16pm - Pull out of roommate's parents' driveway with a heavy heart that we are having to leave her. :(
6:25pm - Stop to fill up with gas
6:40pm - Cross the Kentucky border
- relatively uneventful potty break -
9:15pm - Cross the Tennessee border
- relatively uneventful potty break -
11:40pm - Arrive at home... still sad that my roommate is not here, but thankful for the time I was able to spend with her and ready for her to come back.
12:12am - Signing off. Goodnight.

Friday, April 18, 2008

A facelift

OOH! Welcome!! Pull up a chair! Have a seat!! Muffins? Sweet Tea? Dare I dare to be a gracious host?

I do… I do!!

This little updo, if you will, has seemingly been in progress for months. I’ve worked with a few other blog designers, and had really been let down. Snooping around earlier this week, I found a blog designed by TheCutestBlogontheBlock, and decided to check it out. I really liked some of her stuff, REALLY REALLY liked some of their prices, and was just over-the-top that there wasn’t some crazy waiting list of three to eighteen months.

Patience… not my strongest virtue?

Anywhoodle… I emailed the site, and they responded within 35 minutes. That’s right… under an hour. Within 28 hours, I had a mock-up and now, you are able to see the finished product.

All for the whopping low price of $20.00.

I kid you not.

Between the webhosting and now the bloggy redesign, I’ve spent a whole $30.

It costs me more to eat at Outback than that.

Okay,… maybe less, but only if I don’t get the Awesome Blossom, and really, why would I fight it???

If you are in the mood for a change of scenery (I mean… I’m on fire here!) I highly recommend stopping by the site and making some decisions. It’s easy and wonderfully priced.

I did want to take a moment and explain the header though. That is MY picture and MY quote. I found the photo several months ago, but honestly don’t remember where. It is my personality to a T. Wonder Woman, to me, represents strength, and Betty Boop was definitely a beauty icon. I realize that, as a child of the Almighty, I don’t need icons of any sort to define me, but I believe that God understands my personality more than I can explain. But the quote is the kicker... Wonder Woman may catch your eye being so flashy, but Betty Boop... she'll catch your heart. The Beauty inside pervades the outside like sunshine after a storm illuminating the real beauty outside. What catches your heart... pursue those.

Much love,
Jenn

easier said than done, no?

"To wear your heart on your sleeve isn't a very good plan; you should wear it inside where it functions best."

- Margarat Thatcher -

Uh Hello, ... a Belated Thursday Thirteen

Seriously, there should be blogger reminders!

Here's my Thursday Thirteen (albeit on Friday):


Thirteen things I'm thankful for:

  1. For such a big success with the walk last week.
  2. Getting to dress up tomorrow night and hang out with some of my favorite people at a wedding.
  3. That there will be dancing ... hopefully? Maybe I can catch another bouquet too?
  4. Getting to see my roommate on Sunday.
  5. Good health.
  6. I heart Dr. Pepper. I can't help myself. (AB, I wish I shared your affinity for Sunny D, but alas, I do not.)
  7. Road trips. Whoo-Hoo!
  8. Zyrtec -- the Regimen. I have had a very good allergy season, Praise the Lord.
  9. Power in the name. (It would make more sense if you were at my bible study last night)
  10. Pink Sugar by Aqualina. I am one of those peeps who can't wear a lot of perfumes becuase they sour on my skin. My friend (who is in the ATL today) is going to try to pick me up a bottle.
  11. Originality.
  12. Good quotes.
  13. My new blog design... I can't wait!!!!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

??

Wal-mart has a blog.

Oh dear.

http://checkoutblog.com/

Virginia Tech - The anniversary

Last year, I blogged this.

I'm revising the prayer, but I want it to be the same. And remember to stop fighting Naked.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you and praise you for this day. You see the tragedy that occurred one year ago today, and our frail capacity to understand the horror that took place. You see the families of each person who perished, as well as a campus of students, staff, and faculty who are experiencing so many overwhelming emotions. You see the rest of us, who are trying to grasp what happened, process why, and figure out what we can do. And ultimately Lord, we know that there is No One like You. Right now, Heavenly Father, I lift up my friends, and cover them with your precious blood, from the top of their heads to the souls of their feet. Father, I cover them in your armor, the Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness, Gird their Loins with Truth, Shod their Feet with Peace, give them the Sword of the Spirit, and the Shield of Faith. Protect them today. Help us to all understand, as best we can, this horrible tragedy that has occurred. Help us to exemplify the cry of Psalm 23, that You forgive are debts as we forgive our debtors. Lord, continue to be with those families who have experienced this incomprehensible loss, and comfort them. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit as our Paraclete. Let this serve as our reminder that we are not promised tomorrow, and that today is the day to make things right with you. In the midst of all that happened, Lord remind us that it is your Glory that will prevail. We may not understand why this "wake-up" call had to occur, but I thank you in advance for those who will turn to you. Lord, give them zeal and strength, and encourage their hearts. Lord, I just want to thank You and Praise You for all that You are to us. Continue to touch our Hearts. In your precious name I pray... Amen.

Great Strides... final recap

The team received an email yesterday, but after checking the website, the team (Team Nathan) raised $6,587, exceeding the $5000 pledge we had as a team. I cannot articulate how excited that makes me! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to friends who donated towards our team goal. I love you more than you know!

I had a chance to sit and talk to N. on Friday night, and I can visibly, tangibly see what that money goes toward. I see it in his eyes. I see it in the meds. I can see it.

Next year... I want to raise more. Please know that it's not about the number so much as it is realizing how much of that number it might take to beat the disease once and for all.

Thinking too much

I think...

I think too much.

But, today I do not have time to berate myself for thinking, instead, it is time to acknowledge that the changes... they're coming.

Stephanie is leaving this summer.

Cara is leaving this summer.

Matt & Lindsay are leaving this summer.

Meredith is leaving in two weeks.

It is the inevitable, happy, yet (in some sense) definitely unwelcome change. For most people outside of where I live, the changes that are taking place are absurd. In real life, people don't move this much. In real life, things are more settled.

Not that I live in some warped fantasy world, but living' in a college town, you must only have college town expectations.

But my heart is still sad. Reading MinSoFab's blog from yesterday about the pink cube reminded me that, life is that cube. Life is multifaceted, and just when we think we have seen it all, the cube turns, and reveals something new. Something different. Friends will leave. We will have new friends come along. I have no worries about that, but I do want to take the time to remember the friends before they go anywhere.

When's the last time you flipped your cube?

Monday, April 14, 2008

The thoughts that prevail...

I talked to a dear friend on the phone tonight for over an hour. She paid me a compliment that I don't feel like I deserve.

Her words pierced me for two reasons:
1) to question why I can't get it to deserve them, and
2) the love that it would take for her to give the compliment in light of me knowing who I really am.

As though she should know that.

Don't we do that to ourselves though? Aren't we the prosecution, jury, and judge of actions?

In spite of what I would consider a really bad attitude weekend... I find myself stuck on this scripture:

"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father." John 15:11-15 The Message

The Written Recap

My weekend (starting Friday) was Wild. Hope you can keep up:


  • Left work early Friday to pick up t-shirts for walk.
  • Very excited because he did not charge me for screens ($35 X 2) and gave me a discount of no color instead of the five colors we used! PTL.
  • Met D. to show her shirts... Very excited.
  • That is... until I got home and realized that ALL OF THE SHIRTS WERE PRINTED BACKWARDS.
  • Promptly cried HARD for an hour.
  • Took a nap after crying so hard -- slept for 1.5 hours.
  • Woke up, still frazzled, and got t-shirts together with bandanas.
  • Delivered t-shirts.
  • Hung out with friends.
  • We played Hide-n-go-Seek until 2:00 am.
  • I did not get home until 2:30 and was not tired.
  • Fell asleep around 3:00.
  • Woke up at 7:00... tired. :)
  • Got to walk late.
  • Was asked to carry the banner for the walk... total Honor. :)
  • Walked 3.2 miles.
  • Was tired again. :)
  • Had a few moments where I cried. In the middle of the warm-up, someone asked me why I organized a team. I promptly burst into tears. Wrinkled chin included.
  • I still want a cure.
  • Had lunch with my fabulous friends at Tinsley Park.
  • We played with Frisbees, but were mostly chilly and tired.
  • Went home and took a 4 hour nap.
  • M. came over and I was able to get my room cleaned. PTL.
  • Worked on some "secret" stuff.
  • Got an unexpected email from a friend (see a few posts down).
  • Went to sleep around 3:00am. Do we see a pattern here?
  • Got up at 8:30 and got ready for church.
  • Had recieved 16 text messages before 10:30.
  • Was very unhappy about that many unimportant messages during my prayer time on Sunday.
  • I was probably not very nice in some of my responses.
  • Went to church.
  • Went home to change after church.
  • Accidentally threw BOTH of my phones in the toilet. (They were in a bag and it fell in.)
  • Met a few friends from out of town for lunch.
  • Had to run to T-Mobile & Sprint store to purchase new batteries.
  • Had a bridal shower at 6:00pm.
  • Was 20 minutes late for that.
  • Didn't leave the shower until 9:20.

Any questions????

Saturday, April 12, 2008

A few photos from Today!!










In My Past Life

Were it not for divine intervention, my life would be DRASTICALLY different.

I got a glimpse into that life tonight when I received an email tonight from a friend I met in college.

I had a few thoughts about it:
  • your life is not as magical as you want people to believe when you have to change your cell phone numbers That many times.
  • Ewww.
  • Thank You Jesus.
  • I pray for God to bless you in your new life with your wife and kids, and thank Him everyday that He did not bless me with you.
  • That's all.

Friday, April 11, 2008

in a few hours...

It's currently 2:43 in the morning.

I should be in bed.

My friends and I (Yes ADULTS) played four or five or ten games of Hide-n-Go-Seek for three hours.

I'm not super-tired.

I have heart burn.

BOO.

In 8 hours and 15 minutes, I'll be walking to fight the cure against Cystic Fibrosis.

The disease has a face for me.

He's too young to have to worry about this.

He's too young and vibrant to have to take that much medication.

His annual medical expenses are $70K.

He has more life than anyone I know.

I want quality of life and quantity of life.

I want to see him Completely Healed.

I want God to rock my face in the way and time that He heals Nathan.

I want to know that my life matters.

More than that, I want my friend to know that HIS life matters.

I am a better woman because of him.

I strive to be a better friend because of him.

I don't want the disease to have another face because I want the disease to be completely erradicated.

I want a cure.

What do you want?

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Thursday Thirteen #11

I haven't done one of these in a long time, but I had a funny/PHUNNIE thought this morning, and thought I'd share a double dose:

Thursday Thirteen - Things I'm NOT down with:
  1. People who are ANTI-blog. Haters!
  2. Hemorroids. Yes, there is a story.
  3. Coffee. Eww.
  4. Carbondated drinks that are giving me adult ACNE. Boo.
  5. Co-workers who don't take Allergy Meds so that they can have a sick day at work. :(
  6. Divorce. Do I really need to say more?
  7. Unforgiveness. God is tearing me up about this.
  8. Slow drivers at 8:00am when I am trying to get to work on time. Seriously.
  9. The Devil. There's a story about this too.
  10. Negativity. I'm totally preaching to the choir here. Don't worry.
  11. Staying up late. Apparently, I've turned into an old lady. :)
  12. Having a schmorgasboard of bills to take each day. See #11
  13. Recession, crime, and poverty. I felt the need to be political on this one.

Things I'm TOTALLY down with:

  1. God. He rocks. Duh!!!
  2. Coupons so that my many pills in the above #12 don't cost an arm and a leg. Can we say "double coupons at Kroger!?!" Whoo-Hoo.
  3. Exercise. I'm trying, y'all. It's a daily struggle, but I'm trying.
  4. Having the authority to speak blessing out of my mouth! It's time to "get to getting" if you know what I mean!!
  5. The lemony-sugary-vanilla-y-lotion that is at my desk. And it has sparkles in it. "I feel pretty, oh! so pretty! I feel pretty! and witty! and sparkly!!
  6. Blogger comments. A girl needs affirmation, y'all.
  7. Scripture. When life falls apart, the Word never fails.
  8. Sweet Tea. Better than ibuprofen, less addictive than crack.
  9. Two cells phones. I act like this is a burden, but in reality, I love having two. :D
  10. Post-it Notes. Whoever invented this stuff -- GENIUS. Pure Genius.
  11. Clear Skies Today, and Rain when we need it. Thank you God for being The Master Meteorologist.
  12. Digital Cameras. Without which, I would not have been able to humble friends so quickly. I'm just kidding.
  13. Good blog friends. Who have faithfully read this so far.

And thus... I tag you!!! (Broken Apples, Bloggin' Bits, Simply Staci, Really? Wow!, MinSoFab, and Butterbean {Just leave it in the comments!})

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Works for me Wednesday

I haven’t done a WFMW in over a year, but when I found this product, I couldn’t not share it.

A few weeks ago, I had to get some impromptu shower invitations together. I ran into Hobby Lobby, praying that I could find something quick and easy. I found some paper, not really what I was looking for, but I knew it would do. It occurred to me that, with all the invitations my roommate has made, that surely there was some cute little paper punch that I could use on the invitations. What I found instead was the ribbon punch, designed to punch two parallel punches in the paper perfect to use with ribbon. Considering that the alternative is using an old school single hole puncher and praying that I could get the ribbons through seemed crazy!

This is a big ‘ole BREEZE and it Works for me.

Please excuse my ghetto-caligraphy on the letter… it’s pretty sloppy.

Monday, April 7, 2008

New Blog Link

Last night, I sat down to check my email, and I recieved an IM from a friend. I rarely IM anymore, so that little chime caught me off gaurd. I was very pleasantly surprised to see that it was a very dear, precious friend from college, Kent.

I met Kent my first day of classes in '99. He heard where I was from, and realized that his girlfriend (now wife) was in college just a short ways from my hometown. He rode home with me a few times and somehow, we just bonded. He was one of the few people who, amidst the chaos that was my life, seemed to never care or be bothered with it. And he's also one of the first people who called me "Jenn". (There was a time that I was a stickler about Jennifer.) He's such an awesome guy. I consider it a privilege and an honor to call him a friend. I had to miss their wedding due to a very unfortunate flooding incident, but we have the chance to talk once in a blue moon, and it makes me happy.

He and his wife have been together about 12 years now, (even being 300 miles apart for three years), and she is the sweetest, kindest woman you'll know. Oh, and she's an interior designer. So, of course, she's talented!!

Just a few months ago, they welcomed a cute little baby boy into the world - W. Y'all... he's a cutie-patootie.

Go stop by and give her a comment or something. Once you see those baby gums, you won't be able to resist!

Monday Miscellaneous

  • I did take pictures at lunch Friday. Some were even deleted, but I'm not sure how. Thanks to my not-so-trusty-camera, I will have to wait and download them at home. They should be up tomorrow.
  • Spent the weekend talking about and singing the praises of Lee University. Two girls from my mother's church came up this weekend with their parents, and I say, with confidence, they'll both be back in the fall.
  • Being on campus as much as I was, something that I haven't done in a long time, was very weird. Almost as though my experience and memories were surreal. It was kinda crazy.
  • I went to Life at Lee and, after hearing one of the main guys talk, realized how much "Lee-eese" he speaks. I remember VERY MUCH being just like that, and wondered if I had just outgrown that, become a little hard-hearted, or if I was just a conformist/zombie?
  • I found the most wonderful lotion at B&BW this weekend. It's called Hello Sugar: A whole lotta lemon going on, and reminds me very much of Limoncello from Anthropologie (in case you are a fan).
  • A friend of mine brought around a HOTTIE yesterday. And he once held a part-time job at the company I work for. PTL for common ground.
  • Plus, he winked at me. Yay!
  • I did have the misfortune/privilege interesting front row seat to watch my friend fawn over a girl like a puppy dog. It was disheartening and hilarious all at the same time.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Lunch plans

This is a brief post, but in light of my last post, I thought I would share that this is turning into a bit of a bloggy weekend, if you will.

Last night, after taking the picture with MinSoFab, I remembered that I am having lunch with Butterbean (formerly of Watercolor Ponies) and Bloggin' Bits today.

So, I remembered my camera.

There will be photos shortly.

And any of you coming to Lee Day this weekend, I want a pic with you too.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

A fellow blogger...

Back in July of last year, I got to hang out with two real life people whose blogs I still read everyday. (That's right y'all... EVERYDAY.)

Well... today I got to meet MinistrysoFabulous in person!! She came to the bible study at my house, and then we were able to sit and swap stories (and ask questions) about the blogs we read, etc. She leads an exciting life y'all. Don't let her diminish the opportunities that God is giving her. She rocks.

And, please know that as I blog this, she's sitting at my house, sharing her heart.

I also decided that we needed a blog picture. Behold:




They’re B-A-A-AACK!!!!

Working in Dalton has (for the most part) always been a lot of fun for me. It’s a very unique town. My favorite fun fact ala Wikipedia is:

Before the Silicon Valley boom, Dalton, Georgia had more millionaires per capita than any city in the U.S.

Seriously? Wow.

Dalton is also the hometown of Deborah Norville (Inside Edition) and Marla Maples (former wife of Donald Trump). Pretty nifty, huh?

Back to the topic at hand. When I first started working down here, I worked with a lovely lady named Emily who was originally from Dalton and knew the eccentricities of this town. Much in need of a guide, she graciously showed me many of Dalton’s unique attractions, including a lovely once-a-month-sale called Avis. I don’t know the story behind Avis, and for fear that I would get sucked into the backroom of that little place, I don’t ask. Once a month, this group of people filled this little store full of goodies that are inexpensive (and sometimes poorly made). The beauty of Avis and the diversity of Dalton provide a nice marriage of necessity for Avis. It really is lovely. Avis is only in Dalton ten times a year, the first weekend of every month, excluding February and November. They’re open from Thursday until Sunday.

What I love about them is the front room which is usually packed with a lot of inexpensive jewelry and accessories. The middle room usually has purses and shoes and the backroom has lots of clothes. I don’t venture into the backroom, well ever, simply because I’m a picky shopper anyway. The thought of digging through racks to maybe find something is also the same reason I stear fairly clear of TJMaxx and Ross. I am confident that I will feel differently when I have children.

Fortunately for me, today is not that day.

Again with the jewelry – most of it is $1.00. I’ve found some really cute bracelets and necklaces. With last year’s ear piercing and my drive to make up for 20 years without earrings, it’s paradise.

But today… today was the day. I spotted them shortly after I walked in. I haven’t seen them, these particular kind, in about ten years. They were in a multi-pack. They were colorful. They suddenly through my mind back to 1989.

What are they, might you ask?

Is the suspense killing you yet?

Before I tell you what they are, you must know that I bought a pack, and as soon as I returned to work, I modeled them for my co-workers, who were equally through pack to the 80’s, with shoulder pads, stirrup pants, acid wash, and all things neon-colored.

And we all laughed. A LOT.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you….

The Banana Clip.

Or a back-fauxhawk in a instant.

Whichever you prefer.

Please note that on the packaging, above my manicured finger, it says:

Style Transformer.

Oh, if only I were kidding.

Or it were 1989, and I could be jamming out in Keds listening to Debbie Gibson and Belinda Carlisle. And some Def Leppard. All while wearing the banana clip.

I’ll gladly perm my hair to enhance the funtionality of the banana clip. But only if you ask. And pay for the perm.

Various and unsundries... Part Siete

AJAM has been temporarily postponed due to: Abscessed Appendix. I write with confidence that I have never used that phrase before in my life. I guess there is always room for a first, right?

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My friend B. called me last night to tell me that two girls (twins) from my mom’s church are coming up to C-Veg this weekend for Lee Day. Hopefully I’ll get to show them around town. They’ll be in as much shock as I was! Cleveland may seem small to some, but you haven’t seen small until you’ve been to West Point. :)

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Totally unrelated to all of that, can I just say that God never ceases to Amaze me? I am a firm believer from experience that God will move us when He knows we don’t have the strength to move ourselves. We may see it temporarily as bad, or uncomfortable, but in a very short time, we are able to see clarity that God is in control. My experiences came through an apartment and a job. First the job, I was miserable, and God knew that He had to move me because I was too wrapped up in me to step out. It was scary. But God proved His love for me with a trip I fondly refer to as my “Trip to Ninevah” aka Nashville. I still get misty-eyed telling that story about God’s grace. To tell you how God has exponentially blessed me since them… it’s just UNREAL. MIND-BOGGLING. CRAZY. DIVINELY ORCHESTRATED. Eight months later, my second experience with God moving me came through my apartment. Two years ago in May, I was unexpectedly evicted since I didn’t have a lease anymore (I’d gone month-to-month). Within four hours, I had a place to live.

Four hours, y’all. FOUR HOURS.

God knew that I had some serious memories tied to where I was living. Trust me when I write that, that kind of emotional bondage, bondage to memories, can be crippling. And even after the move, it took several months to even come clean to my closest friends with all that had happened. I have tried to use those experiences to really make changes in my life. I have more to go, that’s for sure, but having a starting point is key!

I write all this in light of something that God is doing in the lives of one of my family members. The situation was devastating and hurtful, lies were told, the list goes on. But three weeks after the situation occurred, God is moving and working beyond what we could have ever imagined.

God rocks. I heart God. For-evah.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

"We're gonna need a Clean-Up in Housewares"

Since my mini-meltdown over A COLOR yesterday, I started thinking about really funny things in my life to try and overcome my temporarily bad attitude.

My friend K. got tickled as I was relaying the Color story to her on the phone yesterday. As I was getting ready to tell her the story, she interrupted me and asked, “Is this worse than the wash cloth story?” We both cracked up. I could only respond by telling her that if it didn’t take 1st place, it would definitely take a close 2nd. Brace yourselves!

When I left home to come to college, I had only lived with my family – mostly my mom and my brother. I’ve never been a super-foofooey girly girl, so I kinda knew that college would be an adjustment, but I was truly unprepared to live with any other women besides my mother. My first year, living in the dorm, God showed significant mercy by moving heaven and earth so that I had my own room. Mind you, a lot of people spent the night as it were, but I didn’t have an actual roommate until my third semester. My friend K. had spent many nights with me, and we believed that getting an apartment together off-campus would be easy and fun.

Oh, we were so foolish.

I’m a bit of a control freak, many times about things that are just ridiculous. I’m a nazi with the thermostat, but two decades of bad allergies and one nasal surgery later, it must always be some condition of cool in my house. So basically, I froze K. out, (and nearly every other roommate that I had). Even now when friends come to my house, most will go get a sweatshirt out of my closet.

I’m a bit notorious. Just a bit.

Let me add a much needed detail to this story. I didn’t date anyone until I was 21 years old. I also got my very first kiss on that first date. (It was magical!) This all transpired the summer between my first and second year at Lee. I fell in love and had my heart crushed and to call me an emotional basket case is very nice.

But really, I just was crazy.

Poor K. and I moved into this apartment three days after my first, and very UNWELCOME, break-up. She had no idea what she was in for. I spent a lot of the following three months crying and rehashing my entire relationship with BWW. B-Dub and I talked a lot, and I got my hopes up a lot (they were dashed), resulting in the most ridiculous pendulum of emotions ever. The pinnacle (and the whole point of this little post) occurred somewhere in late October/early November. I had come home from class and Kristen had cleaned the house.

This should not be a big deal, right?

Well, she wiped down our shower with the wash cloth I had used that morning, and threw it in the laundry basket.

Again… this should not be a big deal?

WRONG. I got on the phone with my mom and went into some tyrade about how she didn’t care about me, and didn’t care about my stuff, blah blah blah.

That’s right, a meldown over a cotton-blend 14” square.

Can we say “Code Blue clean up in Housewares”??

K. found spiritual wisdom and promptly moved out six weeks later. We managed to salvage our friendship in light of my maturity, but barely.

Nearly eight years later, we both have the time to laugh about it, but never forget it.