Saturday, January 31, 2009

Things I will be writing about in the near future

  • Friends who disappoint and how I should (and should not respond)
  • Shopping for fat people.
  • Learning to quilt.

In other news, I'll also be turning 80 next month. Stay tuned.

Friday, January 30, 2009

I'd like to buy a vowel.. an E?


I would like to give a personal shout-out to Pat Sajak and Vanna White for their encouragement while I was on the treadmill last night.

I was trying so hard to "solve the puzzle" that I didn't realize I was STILL RUNNING, and that I was able to run for 4 MINUTES without feeling like I was dying!!!! (The last time I ran for four minutes was out of fear, I'm sure.)

It was absolutely Fabulous!

And the puzzle was "Grabbing a bite to eat before the show"!

HOLLA!!!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

A conversation you'd only hear in the South.

In an attempt to "keep it real around here", I thought I would share a funny dialog between my mom and I, umm, recently. Sorry to any guys who happen to stumble here.

me: Mom, I'm hurting.

mom: What's wrong? Are you hurting from exercising?

me: (voice lowered b/c I'm at work) No, I'm hurting from my other favorite thing.

Pause

mom: Oh! You mean you're hurting 'cause you're uterus is having a hissy fit?!?!! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

The end.

...

Yesterday marked the 23rd anniversary of the Challenger explosion.




It was also the 31st birthday of my first REAL crush - Chad. Remind me to blog about that boy one day... Sheesh!




I was in 2nd grade. I remember watching the television and being completely freaked out. I also have a scrapbook from that year documenting the journey.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Skinny Girl I ate is trying to get out.

This was my third day at the gym.

I'm already bored.

At bible study last night, I told the ladies that I have friends who get so! excited! about! working! out! and how they! love! their! endorphines!, and their! bodies! feel! great! when! they! exercise!!!

You know what makes me feel good?

A bag of chips on the couch watching TV. My fat cells LOVE IT. Washed down with a coke. Or TWO. GASP! I eat skinny girls during commercials.

Clearly, I've got my work cut out for me.


:(

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Nathan -- CF -- Great STrides

I'm totally overshadowing my own post by writing about this, but trust me when I say, I am WAY more passionate about it than my foolishness.

On the sidebar, you will notice a button, specially designed by Shauna Callaghan of seemydesignsbyshauna.com. (Shauna handled my last blog redesign and I love her stuff!)

If you'd like... PLEASE feel free to add this button to your sidebar. It links directly to Team Nathan, and you will help me do the only thing Nathan didn't do in his lifetime... and that is to find a cure. It's now a true passion of mine to fulfill his legacy by finding a cure in my lifetime.

Would you join me?

#900 25 Things

Can you believe it? #900???? It's Crazy!

This little Doozy has been going around facebook for the last few days. I should tell you up front, I had a hard time finding things. I feel like I'm a little overexposed anyway... so it took a while to think of things you might not know.

1. I took Karate for three months in the Huguley Elementary Gym. My mom pulled my brother and I out because the instructor started getting violent with kids and actually broke a kid’s arm in class.
2. I punched the first guy who tried to kiss me. I punched him in the mouth, and then hid from him (literally!) for three weeks after that. It’s been 11 years since, but I still feel stupid about it. I finally kissed him in a parking lot in 2002 and it was AWFUL. Ew.
3. I once hid in a safe to avoid a guy who had been stalking me on my first job (KROGER). His name was Rich Musick and he kept wanting to me to join the Army Reserves.
4. I have A LOT of nicknames. Hump Dump is by FAR my favorite one. But the top 5 are: Medusa Callahan, Slicker, Hammer, H.D., and Jennibug.
5. I have pencil lead in my knee from a fight my brother and I got into when I was 11. I’ll be happy to show you my blue dot anytime… just ask. Also to the CDC, I didn't die of lead poisoning... so there.
6. I tried to commit suicide twice, once when I was 6, the other time at 9, because I was so overwhelmed and depressed. It’s by God’s grace (and good therapy) that I have repressed all of that junk and don’t remember anything from that time. It’s also because of that, that I think suicide is a cowardly way out – hearing about people killing themselves makes me angry, and while I understand the feelings (TRUST ME, I DO), I’ve learned through my own junk just how much God loves me and how much He has planned for me.
7. I want to be on a television show SO BADLY, but have never done any professional acting. I’m pretty sure my friends would count my melodramatic nature acting though. I would really love to be on a soap opera.
8. I rarely wear necklaces because they make me feel like I’m choking to death. Ironically though, I own like 40 necklaces.
9. I think it’s better to have “loved and lost than never to have loved at all”.
10. My very first kiss was with my first love, after my first date, in my driveway. I was 21, and it was the most wonderful kiss EVER, and I still remember how magical that moment was. I’m pretty sure I floated to my backdoor! He’s now happily married, but I’m thankful that God let him be in my life for a while. He will always hold a special place in my heart, even though I wanted to break his knees after he broke my heart. :)
11. I have a two-week rule before marriage. Trust me when I say, my future husband will appreciate it! Ask me about it!!!!!!
12. My brother will be the one to walk me down the aisle when I get married.
13. I’m a calendar person, and I have a calendar that I will NEVER show anyone that has the birthdays of a LOT of people I’ve come in contact with over the years. It includes people from elementary school, middle, high school, church, college, and somebody from every job I’ve ever had. Also, most of my crushes, all of my family, and some random anniversaries that I’m pretty sure I should forget. It also has the almost-complete list of the over 90 weddings I’ve been to in the last 9 years.
14. I went through a phase where I was more comfortable to buy your love then actually tell you that I loved you. I felt horribly inadequate, and thought that was the way to keep friends. During that time (which lasted about 10 years), I bought a lot of excessive, over the top gifts including: $200 cologne for a boy in high school, I rented a bear costume, a $350 iPod, a $450 gym membership that was NEVER used, and probably $10,000 in dinners that I’ll never get back. I don’t regret them either (because it does no good), but I'm definitely not proud of them. They just ARE. I have to remind myself daily that it’s okay to just be me, and if people need “stuff” from me, then I don’t need them. It’s about learning to be adequate in who I am in Christ.
15. I could eat rice and soy sauce EVERY DAY for the rest of my life. I love it that much.
16. I wanted to be a pediatrician growing up, envisioning that I’d go off to medical school and come back home and open a practice… that is until I realized I would have to take Anatomy & Physiology (which in my high school involved dissecting a dead cat), and determined that was not the plan for me. Instead, I took Accounting my senior year. Sufficed to say, the rest is history. I would still like to have as a career the opportunity to be a flight attendant, personal shopper, and SAHM on my resume though.
17. I feel like I spent the last 30 years just being ordinary. I want to spend the rest of my life being extraordinary.
18. My family and friends thought I would stay in Tennessee maybe three weeks. 9 ½ years later, some of them are still shocked, and don’t understand why I just don’t move back. Part of the reason I came up here had to do with Holly.
19. I’ve spend approximately 1/3rd of my life in one of three states – Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. I’d like to keep those odds with a fourth state… and a husband!
20. I’m a handwriting snob. I know I shouldn’t be, but I am. I judge you. It's true. I also judge how you hold a pen. It determines the callouses on your fingers, the pressure of the ink and the style of your handwriting. Over is ALWAYS bad. Angled to the left is best. Unless you're left handed, then angle right.
21. For as long as I can remember, I have written my first name and the last name of my crush. Mrs. Jennifer ______ And oh!my!word!, you should see the number of last names I’ve had!!!!!!! Think Alexis Carrington from Dynasty!
22. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be able to write professionally, but I have a very hard time with criticism. Criticism of almost any sort, I take personally, and instead of calmly, rationally assessing a situation, I react first then think.
23. I want at least 6 kids. AT LEAST. And I would love for them all to be redheaded. I would be one jealous Mama!
24. The thing that makes me most excited about having a family will be watching my mother as a grandmother. She's such a HOOT! I can’t even begin to express how it makes me feel now, and I know that (in God’s time) it will be even more wonderful! She’s going to officially be Mamie!
25. This is post #900!!!!!

iPod Tuesday

(You can catch up with the installments here)

  • Circus - Britney Spears - I know somebody just fell over, but this song is stuck in my head.
  • I Never Lost My Praise - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - I realize this should never follow Britney, but this song is AWESOME. It's been sung at church several times, and yesterday as I was walking, I walked like four or five laps to this -- I hope I can stand one day and say that I don't lose my praise!
  • My Romance - Christ For The Nations - This was on Jenn's 2000-Hate Soundtrack and I love it. I love CFNI anyway, but this is beautiful. It's such a smooth worship chorus.
  • Just Dance - Lady GaGa - I saw her in concert, and while I'm confident that she's on hamburger short of a happy meal, this is one awesome workout song! Get's your heart pumpin'!
  • Something Happens - Kurt Carr - I LOVE THIS SONG. It just makes me excited thinking about it!
  • Closer - Ne-Yo - I'm partly sharing my worship favs and the other half are my workout jams. Closer is one of my ringtongs!
  • Shake It - Metro Station - First Britney, now Hannah Montana's brother... clearly I have no shame. Again -- WORKOUT PEOPLE, WORKOUT.
  • Fuego - Pitbull - I remembered this song from So You Think You Can Dance, and love it. It gets stuck in your head, and before you know it, you're feet and hips are moving. I also think it was featured in the Transformers movie.
  • In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel - I'm showing my age here, but I don't care. Hello 80's? I miss you. Love Jenn.
  • Africa - Straight No Chaser - Hearing the acapella version of this? FABULOUS!

P.S.... my next post? #900!!!

I need some randomness.

  • Running on a treadmill = not my idea of excitement
  • But running on a treadmill beside a super-hot 6'4" Redhead = I will be going back tonight.
  • Hey... get inspiration where you can, is all I'm saying?!?
  • New Balance 424's... NOT made for running.
  • Getting to talk to a friend from college... helped me get over my hump.
  • Getting winded walking in the door to the wellness center -- confirmation that I was in the right place!
  • Feeling some sense of accomplishment -- Nice.
  • Now, as Noefool says "Consistency is the Key"
  • Auditor insulting me in my office, to my face = Not cool.
  • Remembering that he has to spend the next six week in a hotel room? = vindication.
  • New Guy busting my chops this morning -- UNnecessary.
  • Why I call him New Guy even though he's worked here for 15 months? - Habit

:)

Monday, January 26, 2009

Stay away from rats.

On Gothamist this morning, was a beautiful picture and subsequent article about the Chinese New Year (The Year of the Ox).

I DO NOT promote or defend zodiacs or horoscopes (email me if you absolutely must know why), but in looking up the information today about the Chinese New Year, I discovered something hilarious about the Year of the Horse (which I fall under).

Per Wikipedia: People as a rule confide in a horse person because he/she is sincerely interested in their thoughts and feelings and is able to help with both wise words and an action, but there is a small problem about it - the horse person is so excited by new discoveries that it is difficult for them to keep a secret. This is not something that arises out of malice or revenge - sometimes they just cannot help themselves.

So this is why I can't keep secrets????

And for my guy friend B who is eight months older than I am -- Males born under the year of the Horse are considered charming and attractive to members of the opposite sex.

Sounds like this explains how so many of his stories start with "So, I went on a date with this girl one time..."

There was also a funny paragraph about rats (February 84-85) Horses should beware of the Rat, as any relationship with this sign is said to be extremely trying for the horse. Of all relationships between Chinese zodiac signs, a relationship between a rat and a horse is said to be the worst. The rat may just be too calculating, dictatorial and possessive for the free-spirited and independent horse. A relationship with a rat can potentially break down the horse's free-spirit and cause rage in the rat - as neither will be willing to yield to the other. Rats and Horses will attract each other like no other. Male Horses, especially, will find the female Rat irresistible, though they always bring out the worst in each other.

So apparently, I should stay far, FAR away from Rats. Of all kinds. :)

No Problem!

in four weeks...

...I get to see this. And I'm taking a resume because frankly, I don't want to come back.



...

Side Note: I'm trying to write more on a private blog because I seem to be going through some weirdo phase where I offend more folks than not. Case in point: I wrote a rather "passionate" blog about the inauguration last week, and then decided to take it down, but not before Google Reader got a hold of it. I've gotten some very very nasty emails from friends and Christians. I don't blame them for being upset or disagreeing with what I said. I should have let that one hang in drafts a while longer though. So now, it's posted privately, and I can go back and review it later on -- determining whether I still agree or disagree with what I wrote. For now, I don't disagree with what I wrote, but who reads it is on my own terms.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

My weekend was a whirlwind, but was a total blast! Friday night, I went to a birthday party for Mike. We had dinner at Golden Corral and then went skating. I have lived in this area for 9 1/2 years, and have never been to the Golden Corral here (although I ate there practically every Sunday after high school with my pastor and his family). IT was a cultural experience all on it's own! First off, it was PACKED OUT. I had to wait in line for 15 minutes at 7:00 to even pay to eat. G.C. was like the melting pot of different cultures! The food... was really good! And it was not that expensive. But the ambiance was worth more than the $8 I paid to eat... it was priceless!! Afterwards, we all headed to the skating rink, and y'all... skating with my friends... HILARIOUS. I left my camera in the car by accident, but a few people had theirs, so we were able to capture some really funny pictures.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday morning, I headed home. I had the most wonderful time hanging out with my mom. We were like Batman and Robin for almost 24 hours, never leaving one another's side. We went shopping in Auburn, then came home and overhauled my old bedroom. Jenn Miles, my mom is going to upload the before and after shots... you were my inspiration this weekend! In just over 4 1/2 hours, we were able to completely rearrange, clean, and organize a bedroom that has evaded us for about five years (since the carpet was installed). It really looks fabulous!

But the best part of my weekend was just getting to hang out with my mom. Being away from her makes me appreciate her more each day. She is such a fun lady! Not to mention, getting to ignore my phones!

Yesterday after church, we went to my favorite mexican restaurant, and the food was DIVINE! I don't crave mexican food too much, but yesterday it was perfect!

It was bittersweet leaving... I definitely wish I had more time to stay, but I have obligations here (READ: Girls Group, Work), and know that I had to come back. So, I'm back to my reality!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Question

Do you ever have days where you want to disconnect?

Lately, I've had the overwhelming feeling to throw my cell phones away. I'm just sick of answering them/dealing with them. And just make my facebook profile completely private (although there's no way to do that without deleting all my friends). Making my blog private only causes people to email me and text me about what's wrong, so you can see how that's completely counterproductive.

In my own weirdo way, it's as though I want to reclaim a little bit of what I've opened for the whole world to see.

I have a friend who is ALWAYS on the phone. She talks on the phone no matter what she is doing. She rarely takes a trip where she doesn't talk the entire way. I have friends who can access their facebook/myspace at work and are literally on All Day Long. I even read through twitter (when I get home) and see how much people communicate throughout the day (and for some of you twitterers, you twitter with over 100 people a day!).

I can't stay that connected. I know it drives the people in my life crazy, but I need silence sometimes. Silence to regroup. Silence to analyze and ponder and sort and process. And sometimes I need vapid television that I can pause or rewind that doesn't demand something of me other than some attention. Usually after retreats with friends, I find myself completely wiped out and in need of some serious silence.

And I can't help but think that in our technologically advanced world, we have created toys that allow us to stay "connected" but really don't connect us to anything but the toys themselves.

So again I ask, do you ever have those days where you want to disconnect?

Friday Randomness

  • After 326 days, my roommate has returned!!! Yay!!!
  • I'm seriously going to hound her until she puts up an Etsy website too!
  • New Guy was off yesterday and today... and is it bad that I don't really miss him?
  • On the way to work this morning, my contacts decided they wanted to burn my eyes out. I barely got off the road... it was crazy!
  • I have done TaeBo twice this week, and Billy... NOT my friend.
  • I guess you don't really need enabling friends though, right?
  • After the birthday party tonight, I'm going home and will be doing a few home DIY projects with my mom... and I'm excited!
  • There will be purple paint involved. :)
  • I spent an hour and a half yesterday writing a short speech that I was scheduled to give last night. Ten minutes before I was supposed to speak, I realized I left my speech, ON MY DESK, in DALTON, 45 minutes away.
  • :(
  • I'm pretty sure I did a crappy job winging it from memory.
  • But my dinner meeting went REALLY WELL!
  • I'm 7 posts from #900!
  • ... and I'm going to my first AA meeting on Monday.

Currently listening to: Beautiful Disaster by Jon McLaughlin

Happy Birthday Mike!!

This is a few days late, but tonight is the Splendid Birthday Celebration of a wonderful friend. Mike is by far one of the funniest people that I know. Since his wedding, he sends out mass emails about dating and relationships to all the "single ladies" in our network. And some of them... hilarious.

Hey Mike... "Who loves ya'?"... We do!

There aren't many people in life who possess the creativity to think of these costumes, or the confidence to pull them off. Mike will tell you like it is, but make you laugh (or cry laughing) while he's doing it! He's a Guy's guy, a die-hard Texas Fan (HOOK 'EM HORNS), and seriously one of the coolest people I know. I hope you know how thankful WE (your friends and fans!) are to have you in our life!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Peepers

So, tonight I learned of four people who have my blog AND READ IT REGULARLY and never comment.

Wha-What?

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

... of rose-colored glasses...

Two weeks ago last night, my friend passed from this earth to glory. There is no way that I could have remotely expected his life and death to change my life as drastically as it has in 14 days.

In this weirdo way, I had a set of blinders... probably had them for a while... and in one instant they were gone. Shattered in my face.

And it was awesome and terrifying all at the same time.

And in exchange for the blinders I had, I had a new view, an enhancing lens of sorts, that is difficult to get used to. It's the big girl pill that I desperately needed but never wanted to take. It is sweet but bitter, difficult to swallow but fast acting, and strangely necessary.

I have the privilege to speak to a group of girls night, girls whose shoes I've been in, and whose lives I've had. And while I was washing the dye out of my hair tonight, I realized just how different I was from my 22-year old self. And my prevailing thought is... "When do people start to really see that I'm not that girl anymore? That those mistakes, those actions, those ______ aren't me anymore?"

And I'm forced to take another bitter pill. Another opportunity to understand that they may never see me differently, but I can't let that perspective skew my present reality. Nor can I let some past perspective of who they are prevent me from seeing them as they are now.

It's amazing to think how one-sided the glasses are, you know?

TAXES.

I probably should have used this as my WFMW tip, but I forgot. I know that everyone who glances here at D.C. come from a variety of home lives... some of you are married with kids, some singles, some divorced, some newlyweds... but the tip I should have given is more related to saving money this year.

TAXES.

This is the part where I prove that I can be a dorky accountant... bear with me!

If you have a truly complicated tax return (homeowner with investment properties, IRA/401K changes throughout the year, Own your own business with net income over $20,000 annually), then ignore this post and see a PROFESSIONAL. If you are not any of those, then let me encourage you to find your 2007 tax returns, and do your taxes yourself this year! If your adjusted gross income is less than $50,000 (AGI is your total income less exemptions like STUDENT LOAN INTEREST), then you should be able to find a lists of sites that will let you file for FREE!!

It's actually very easy to use your 2007 taxes as a guide... and both the IRS and State Departments of Revenue offer assistance over email and telephone. 99.9% of the time, they're very nice and helpful...unless it's April 14th at like 10:15pm.

There are a lot of tax services (many in your area) that will do prepare and file your taxes quickly... for about $100.00. That is Highway Robbery! If you make above $50,000, there are websites that will let you file electronically for $7.99. I use Average1040.com -- (I have for a few years now), and love it. Because I am an accountant, I usually calculate my taxes manually, and then go to the website and file.

It may sound or seem complicated, but it's not! It's Easy-Peasy. :)

WFMW

I rarely do a WFMW post... I think I've done like four in three years....
but I can't help but sing the praises of this product especially since I don't have a garage. Can I get an AMEN?


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Penny for their thoughts?



I would love to know what Laura & George are thinking in this picture. Would you? What do you think they're thinking?

Please SHUT UP. Thank you.

Everywhere I go, people are talking about Obama. Which, HONESTLY, is Great. I do not envy the task that Obama has taken on. Not at all, not even a little bit.

But I can't help but be excited about the opportunity to witness this time in history.

Just like I was able to witness the Challenger.

And witness 9/11.

And witness the turn of a century.

I'm very excited and know that, since I HAVE TO WORK TODAY, I will go home and watch the day's events on every news channel, The History Channel, A&E, and MTV. It's great. I'm even buying a newspaper!

But I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo over people griping about what Obama will or won't do. I'm tired of my coworkers sitting in the breakroom speaking gloom and doom about our country. Or the presuppositions about Obama's future goals for our nation based on the color of his skin. 'Cause I know a lot of white people that haven't done anything either. And frankly, the only thing that you're doing by sitting on your big behind running your mouth about it is:

increasing global warming.

I'mjustsayin'.

So seriously, Shut up.

I'd also like to give a shout out to the Christians who voted for our soon-to-be-sworn in President who think it's cool to put up phrases like "we did it! We voted change in!" and "Hope you Republican Christians are miserable!" on their facebook/myspace/twitter/etc... seriously? You want me to take anything say seriously when that's all you can spout out?

Shut up.

Or use your words to keep praying to God for our nation, our Leader (and the daunting task he is being sworn in for), our economy, our world.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

I'm like TVA... without the engineers.



2009 has been an interesting year so far. We've had 20 days into the new year and somehow I am already ready for 2010.

In an attempt to be more vulnerable as well as accepting some things about myself, I feel inclined to share that I had a small meltdown last night. One of the things I hate about blogging is the censorship. I've even blogged about it before. And yesterday, I received a message about a blog post that I'd put up, and it almost sent me over the edge.

While this will come as no shock to my close friends, I am reactionary. I wish I could be one of those women who stop, regroup, and then respond, but I tend to respond first then stop, regroup, and wind up apologizing. It's just who I am, and everyday, God is working on that in me. But last night, as usual, I responded first. First, I responded (somewhat cordially) to the person who emailed me, then I responded with my actions. My over-the-top-completely-unnecessary actions if I'd just chilled out. And I had a few phone calls yesterday that had already made me a little aggravated. And while I'm still "practicing" for conversations I may or may not have (do you ever do that?), I got a good dose of perspective this morning in the shower.

I went to sleep last night, very frustrated at what's going on, frustrated at the "censorship", frustrated at foolishness. I woke up this morning, in the same mindset too.

But God, in his infinite wisdom knows where to meet us when we don't expect it, when we don't want to listen, or even talk to him about it. He meets me in the shower.

Showering is the most vulnerable time for me daily. Where I am exposed (literally) as well as figuratively, preparing to wash away the things and get clean again. His Words pierced my terrible attitude, my frustration, my disappointment, and my reactive nature all at once.

Almost a year ago, I went and had a few pages laminated to hang in my shower. The first page is Psalm 103, and the phrase "Pray Naked" -- uncovered and laid bare (Hebrew 4:13). The following two pages are covered with reminders about how to live, good words, verses to live by, goals, and conclude with "Mahala ke Akua" ("Thank You God" in Hawaiian).

But it was the first sentence on the second page that God spoke through this morning --

"Today is a new day. Don't let what happened yesterday ruin today. 'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!' Isaiah 43:18-19"

And for right now, that's all I've got. I can't let what happened yesterday -- my actions, other people's actions -- control today. God is doing a new thing, in me, and I don't want to miss any of it.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Ephesians 1

I don't really have anything good to post right now, but I'm trying to stay on target with this thing, so bear with me. I'd also like to point out that I am NOT political.

At Girls' Group last night, we went over Ephesians 1. A few months ago, we decided to go through books of the bible, chapter by chapter. We've gone through two books so far, and it's amazing what you pick up and retain by focusing on the single chapter verses the entire book, or section. Eph 1 carries a strong them of redemption and hope and, as we are one day away from inaugurating a new president with an economy in trouble, I can't help by find it more divine order than coincidence.

It's so easy to think negatively about what's going on with our economy. Last week, Goody's & Circuit City announced they were liquidating and closing their doors. Locally, the main COG bookstore closed their doors as well (Pathway -- for you folks out of town). We see that there are companies going under financially left and right. And then you have people who are ignorant who think that Obama is either going to 1) tank our economy, or 2) be our financial savior.

Here's a simple reminder: Obama is just a man. What happens to our economy is a set of actions that got us to where we are. Making him the enemy or savior is not just unfair, it's foolish.

Today as we prepare for a huge day in our history, would you take a day to pray for him? It's so easy to criticize the president, but can you imagine what kind of overwhelming burden it must be to carry the weight of an entire country? Most of us can't balance our checkbook, but we can criticize leadership for not balancing the national budget. Can you imagine the incredible pressure that it must be to lay your head down at night and know that you, in one form or fashion, control the response to terror threats? To have the daunting task of protecting, governing, and leading 303 MILLION people?

Ephesians 1 concludes with a prayer that is poignant for today:

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." Ephesians 1: 18-23

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Let's be brief, mmk?

  • Someone from my Oh-My-Word embarassing history moved back to town and I've seen him twice. And he asked for my phone number, and we exchanged and now I'm a little scared. Trust me, Former Jenn is scary!
  • Remind me to blog THAT story one of these days.
  • We had snow briefly tonight.
  • Snow in Tennessee will disable a city or completely pack a movie theater.
  • I'mjustsayin'.
  • My friend and I went to take food to a man standing off the exit ramp. We purchased a coffee and Big Mac meal in the hopes that he could warm up (I had no cash!). He declined the coffee because he said it gave him acid-reflux.
  • um. yeah. It's easy to forget that people on the streets suffer from different things too.
  • Made me wonder how many homeless people are lactose intolerant.
  • sad.
  • I'm exhausted and am ready to lay my head to sleep.
  • WORD!

Night Peeps!

...

It's Saturday and I'm at work.

Just thought you should know. (See the tag?)

Friday, January 16, 2009

The 99

It's amazing how losing someone who lived a fulfilled life will make you examine how much you take for granted.

I've seen this a few places and thought I'd share. Some I've done. Others, I'll never do. But a few... oh yeah!

1. Started your own blog -- I've started 11 to date, and actually purchased domains for 3. I'm about to buy #4.
2. Slept under the stars - it's been a while but yes!
3. Played in a band - High School Band... does that count?
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower - One of my BEST college memories.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - Check.
7. Been to Disneyland/world - World, not Land.
8. Climbed a mountain - a few actually
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo - last one was at 14, first one I remember was at 6, and I hid behind a piano.
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning - The Reason I can't go to Applebee's
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - I'm counting half on this one.
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - mentally, but not PHYsically...
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon - SOON!!!!
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke - in May...
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - in Jamaica
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud - Best Youth Camp Week EVAH.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China?
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class - remind me to tell y'all about that one day. My one-day venture into Karate. Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason - Promptly drove over them too. Story for another day!
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check - To the tune of giving Amsouth $3,000 in overdraft charges in one year.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - I have quite a few saved!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square - Many times. It's fabulous!
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - :(
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in Arlington
77. Broken a bone - clavicle at birth, arm at 9
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House - When I was 9
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury - And then was removed from jury duty. :)
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one - :(
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Oh My.

Leslie Ruth & Pam... this is for you.


Apologies & Big Loser!

In a fit yesterday, I started a post with a tangent of sorts. It had nothing to do with anything (thus the reason it was so ambiguous), if that makes sense. I read a blog and it urked me and so I blogged... it was stupid, but it came across as disrespectful and judgmental.

That was completely NOT my intention and I have removed it. I don't normally breech to censorship, but feel like it could be taken out of context again and want to avoid that.

If you removed any posts, I am so sorry! Please know that sometimes my ranting are... IRRATIONAL. Call it hormones, call it jealousy, call it neurosis,... whatever you like, but please feel free to email me if you ever think I'm directing something in a cowardly manner. You can always email me at jenn.calhoun@gmail.com.

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To change up the mood (since I feel like a jerk now), I thought I'd share my prize for gaining the most weight this week. (Insert sarcastic glances now.) We've had a Biggest Loser competition going at work for over two years now. The prizes are nice, but it's been the accountability that has helped me, even though I've put all of my weight (plus some!) back on.

Fortunately, I start working with my friend soon, so I decided to trash talk the other coworkers who are apart of our competition. They all received the following email yesterday:


Congrats to all of you who lost more weight (or gained less) than me this week! Tater and I have had a good relationship, but it's over. You should know that I start training for my first 5K on Monday, so enjoy Tater sitting with me for now, because it won't be for long.

My inactive lifestyle + running = Tater sitting with one of you REAL soon!

While I'm mentioning my trash talking, you should know that my trainer sent me a sweet email letting me know that, when the weather is bad, we can to TaeBo tapes at her house.

I only have enough energy to make it through 8 minutes of a 30 minutes TaeBo tape and then I feel like I'm going to pass out.

Seriously, y'all pray for my Trainer. She's way in over her head. Also, that I don't sabotage myself. I can do this. I CAN DO THIS. !Si Se Puede!

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In other news, I finally figured out how to disable comments. I'm slow... oh well. :D

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Hope

I stole this from Lulled by the train, but you can read the original article here if you'd like.

And WOW. Grab a tissue. Shew!

They played the oddest game in high school football history last month down in Grapevine, Texas.

It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down. For instance, when Gainesville came out to take the field, the Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through.

Did you hear that? The other team's fans?

They even made a banner for players to crash through at the end. It said, "Go Tornadoes!" Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions.

It was rivers running uphill and cats petting dogs. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players on—by name.

"I never in my life thought I'd hear people cheering for us to hit their kids," recalls Gainesville's QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah. "I wouldn't expect another parent to tell somebody to hit their kids. But they wanted us to!"

And even though Faith walloped them 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave head coach Mark Williams a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he'd just won state. Gotta be the first Gatorade bath in history for an 0-9 coach.

But then you saw the 12 uniformed officers escorting the 14 Gainesville players off the field and two and two started to make four. They lined the players up in groups of five—handcuffs ready in their back pockets—and marched them to the team bus. That's because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.

This all started when Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. After all, Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 TDs all year. Faith has 70 kids, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robbery—many of whose families had disowned them—wearing seven-year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.

So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fans—for one night only—cheered for the other team? He sent out an email asking the Faithful to do just that. "Here's the message I want you to send:" Hogan wrote. "You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth."

Some people were naturally confused. One Faith player walked into Hogan's office and asked, "Coach, why are we doing this?"

And Hogan said, "Imagine if you didn't have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."
Next thing you know, the Gainesville Tornadoes were turning around on their bench to see something they never had before. Hundreds of fans. And actual cheerleaders!

"I thought maybe they were confused," said Alex, a Gainesville lineman (only first names are released by the prison). "They started yelling 'DEE-fense!' when their team had the ball. I said, 'What? Why they cheerin' for us?'"

It was a strange experience for boys who most people cross the street to avoid. "We can tell people are a little afraid of us when we come to the games," says Gerald, a lineman who will wind up doing more than three years. "You can see it in their eyes. They're lookin' at us like we're criminals. But these people, they were yellin' for us! By our names!"

Maybe it figures that Gainesville played better than it had all season, scoring the game's last two touchdowns. Of course, this might be because Hogan put his third-string nose guard at safety and his third-string cornerback at defensive end. Still.

After the game, both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray and that's when Isaiah surprised everybody by asking to lead. "We had no idea what the kid was going to say," remembers Coach Hogan. But Isaiah said this: "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."

And it was a good thing everybody's heads were bowed because they might've seen Hogan wiping away tears.

As the Tornadoes walked back to their bus under guard, they each were handed a bag for the ride home—a burger, some fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player.

The Gainesville coach saw Hogan, grabbed him hard by the shoulders and said, "You'll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know."

And as the bus pulled away, all the Gainesville players crammed to one side and pressed their hands to the window, staring at these people they'd never met before, watching their waves and smiles disappearing into the night.

Anyway, with the economy six feet under and Christmas running on about three and a half reindeer, it's nice to know that one of the best presents you can give is still absolutely free.

Hope.
My Car. You know, I've had it almost seven months and I haven't named it. My last car was Silver Bullet, and before that I had Purple Passion. Sometimes I refer to my current vehicle as "The Yacht", referencing of course it's length and girth. Wait, do cars have girth? Anyway, I'd had some "trouble" the last few days. Of course, it wouldn't start for me two days ago. Yesterday, we took a coworker to lunch and it wouldn't start again, so as punishment, I made it sit in the parking lot of Logan's. I like that I misuse "punishment" and make myself laugh. So, I called my Mom and she's going to come today to trade cars with me.

I did get my car started again and even drove it to work this morning. It's highly like that Mr. AAA hit the wire that plugs into my battery so that there was no transfer of "juice". It has since been repaired, but The Yacht will be going to get some "professional help" in the hopes that we can avoid this in the near future... or next year.

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In other news, I have an OFFICIAL trainer. Y'all pray for her, because I'm pretty sure she's going to want to kill me on... I don't know... the second day. I'm sure one of my friends and former sorority presidents (A W-T) could send a few Amen's down her way.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Further proof that I'm a big 'old Nerd and I'm okay with it.

FACT: Sometimes, I read articles that are of no direct interest to me to find new words to add to my vocabulary. Big Nerd... and proud of it!

PERSONAL OPINION: I have to believe that the English language as most of us use it is pretty lazy when it comes to words. We find the easiest shortest word to say what we want, and as we are known to do Down South, we make 'em all one big word.

EXAMPLE: Howyudoin'?

Today I read this article and grabbed four words to try and throw into my vocabulary repotoire:

banalization - lacking originality, freshness, or novelty
ateliers - an artist's or designer's studio or workspace
**My personal fav** conviviality - related to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company. We just call this a "Gettogether". See? One Big 'Ole Word!
fatalism - a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them.

And, you're welcome.
I want to be extraordinary.

Various and Unsundry... Part 16

I went to look up what number of the V&S series I'm on, and I realized I haven't done one of these posts since December 10th... wow!

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My friend is getting married in San Jose next month. In our numerous conversations, I have understood that SJ is about three hours from L.A., so when booking my trip, I just assumed I could land at LAX and rent a car.

Since I did not consult a map (or a Californian), San Jose is actually 6 hours from Los Angeles. My trip has now changed to include seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, the infamous background of Full House, Fisherman's Wharf, and Laguna Beach. I'm totally sticking my toes in the Pacific. Whoo!

I'd like to think of this as a happy accident!

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Happy Birthday to Jenn!!!! And P.S., you are not old. Being 11 months older than you, I can tell you that you're going to LOVE 30!

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I had a wonderful friend email me the other day and offer to train me for the 5K. Like I told her in the email, I am the Queen of not asking for help and even turn it down when people offer. But not this time. She's going to kick my butt ('cause I need it!), and hopefully be a part of something that I'll never forget.

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While I brought the 5K up, would you like to support me? You can go here:

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/JenniferCalhoun

Can you give $1? Over $0.90 cents goes directly back into research! Thank you!!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I'm not good at flirting at 7:40 in the morning when it's 20 degrees. But practice makes perfect.

I'm not Suzy Punctual for work each morning. And my Director HATES it. Understandably. Being punctual is a struggle for me, but I DO try. And I fail alot, but it's one of those "horses" where you just have to get back up and pray that you have some place to get back up to, if you know what I mean. I didn't get to work until 8:30 yesterday -- reeling from my weekend -- the exhaustion, the lack of sleep, the nightmares, and all that we had going on top of that -- so of course I had an email first thing.

I didn't respond to his email (not out of disrespect of course), but I couldn't see writing an email that said:

"Dear Sir, I'm late to work this morning because my friend didn't ask me if it was okay to pass away during year-end."

So, I sucked it up, worked my behinnee off yesterday and tried to get things as in order as I possibly could. In the fog I was working through last week, I stayed in a state of fear that I was missing something. There's still a likelihood of that too,... so pray people PRAY! But, I worked until after 7 last night, and then went home, did the usual and took a shower so that I could just jump out of bed this morning and be at work ON TIME so as not to cause any more tension.

And at 6:55 this morning, I flew out of bed and got ready. I checked and realized that my windshield was iced over, so I grabbed my keys to warm it up.

As soon as I stuck my key in the ingition, I realized I had a serious problem.

MY CAR WAS TOTALLY DEAD.

AND I AM SUPPOSED TO BE AT WORK AT 8:00.

AND I LIVE 50 MINUTES AWAY.

I'm guessing you see my dilemma.

A few months ago, after another vehicle-related scare, my parents bought me a AAA membership. It was the first thing I thought about after I called my parents angry that my stupid car was dead. I was given a 45 minute wait time which meant, I clearly wasn't making it on time to work. So, I called my boss (New Guy's car is dead too...) and let her know that I would be in as soon as I could.

As it turns out, my car makes this awful growling noise as a result of the suspension system. A sensor is bad in the system, so it never tells the car's computer that my car is level, or even in park sometimes, so it runs all the time, whether the key is in the ignition or not.

While I was waiting, I cried, got angry, hung up on my parents twice, and then got over myself. It's just a car. And really, it wasn't the car that bothered me, it was the work pressure.

But the guy finally showed up, and was really nice...

AND TOTALLY HIT ON ME.

In ten minutes, I learned how to turn off my suspension system, restart my car in the event that I get in a wreck (I've got an Easy button in the trunk), where he came from, how he got here, about his kids, his ex-wife, his cell phone number, and he tried to touch my neck.

And then he left me with these words, "I'm not a good flirt at first, but I get better every time."

Today's story was brought to you by the letter C -- in case you needed confirmation that my life is never boring.

And if this is any indicator of my year... it's gonna be AWESOME.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Maybe I shouldn't stress about it sooo much?

I found this today and, it definitely puts some things in perspective, you know?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28618163?GT1=43001

WHOO-HOO!

I just booked my flight to L.A. ...

Cali, Here I come!!!

Albeit to watch my soulmate get married, but whatev.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

...

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I will bless the Lord at all times.

There is a high possibility that, after today, I won't be blogging about Nathan publicly. I still have a LOT of emotions to process, and I think that not putting them on the internet and letting the Lord deal with them is the best thing to do.

With that said, I need to give you a rundown of my day and share some things.

My morning was fairly uneventful. Other than eating and getting ready for the funeral, I did nothing. I left my house at 12:30 and got to the church around 12:40.

Walking in the church, it was packed. My friends were all over the church, sitting here and there, and several serving as pallbearers. The overall service was good, but it was the small things that I want to point out.

Pastor Kelvin got up and reminded all of us to bless the Lord at all times. Not just when things are good. But the thing that stood out to me the most was reminding all of us that Nathan was never "ours"... that he ALWAYS belonged to God and was merely on loan to us. If you don't know, Nathan means "gift from God". He was. God merely had other work for him. Powerful, POWERFUL stuff.

Pastor Robert got up and talked more in depth about Nathan. Whether or not we'd ever actually thought about it, Nathan represented all nine fruits of the spirit -- love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. I had never put that together, but Nathan really did represent all of those. God gave him inexhaustible grace... and Nathan.

Do you know anyone in your life who embodies all of these characteristics? Think hard.

We followed the service by driving to the graveside -- a few hours away. Those of us who went were invited to a reception at a church just down the road. We, as one big family, were able to fellowship and enjoy one another. I can't help but wonder what Nathan would have thought about it all.

As much as I miss him (and trust me when I say I have tears as I write this), I know he is in a better place.

I am asking you to help us -- his family and friends -- honor his legacy but getting involved with Team Nathan for the Great Strides walk on March 28, 2009 at Lee University. You can go visit the link

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/TeamNathansmith2009

to sponsor us, or sign up to walk or run. I'm going to start training to run the 5K.

In his life and death, I have been reminded to Live. Live fully. Live passionately. Don't live with regrets or excuses, and don't hold back. Life on the edge, both hands in the air, enjoying the view. Just LIVE.

Friday, January 9, 2009

celebrating life on a 1G memory card

tonight was the visitation.

i couldn't go see him like that. i didn't want to see him like that. i wanted to remember the man he was, full of life, so i didn't even walk near the front. i missed out on hugging his parents, and i'll tell them... but later.

and then after the visitation, a bunch of people came to the house.

and we loved on each other. and we hugged. and we laughed. and although my heart is twinging a bit that it takes death to bring us together, i'm glad we all got together...

even if we did talk about starting a commune.

I really don't have anything exciting to blog about, but I'm forcing myself to do it simply for the therapy. Writing is so cathartic.

I didn't really cry a lot yesterday. I foolishly decided to watch Grey's and Private Practice. Note to self: When grieving the loss of someone you love, it's probably NOT a good idea to watch fictional medical dramas where people die.

I'mjustsayin'.

It may also not be wise to tell people (considering the present situation) that they should watch BL with you... then watch a contestant say "I thought I was seeing my loved one pass right before me".

I mean... what is WRONG with me?

My hope is that the people who did come to my house last night realized that 1) I just wasn't thinking and 2) I'm sorry.

oy.

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I did get to talk to Nathan's Dad and cousin yesterday, and I can't begin to tell you how incredibly strong they are. I mean... WOW. It says something about your character when, as your loved one is dying, you can encourage others.

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I've already begun working on the Cystic Fibrosis Walk. It's March 28th, and I want to run the 5K.

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Just got an email about the walk, and while trying to respond to Nate's dad... tears.

Shew. This is rough.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

a word of thanks...

I cannot begin to express my thanks (to those of you who read and/or comment) for your prayers for Nathan. I have been overwhelmed with comments, facebook messages, texts, etc. from people in the last 12 hours saying they are praying for me.

My heart is so full right now.

And I know you are, but I am asking that you pray for all of Nathan's family and friends. In the last year, Nathan came to realize how many people love him. His family realized the tremendous number of lives that Nathan touched too. I'm sure they knew how wonderful Nathan was, and had been told on many occasions, but this last year (as reiterated by his parents and both brothers), it was a never-ending spicket of friends, and co-workers, and even strangers that really began to express how much Nate meant to all of us.

I speak for the friends (as I am one) that today is, as you would expect, very bittersweet for all of us. We are rejoicing that Nathan is "breathing" around the throne room of heaven, but we miss our friend beyond words. Last night, we all got a taste of the silence we know will befall us for a while. And as I was looking around the room, I thought long and hard about the different relationships that we each had with him.

He was a best friend, a landlord, a GuitarHero buddy, an outdoorsman, and an occasional PDR. His door was always open... even as he was administering his meds. He was objective advice, good jokes, words of truth, and a ray of God's love in all of our lives. He was a groomsman, friend from high school, a fraternity brother, a co-worker, and the consummate event organizer (trust me when I say I have BIG shoes to fill!).

I received a voicemail a few hours ago from a friend (and fellow blogger) expressing her condolences for me. I was humbled because I realized very quickly that she had known him longer than I, and my ache is no deeper then hers. We all loved Nathan. He was easy to love and he knew how to love you back in a special way. And while I know this goes with out saying, I am asking you to pray for my friends -- for peace and comfort, processing emotions, and celebrating a life lived to the fullest... for praising God that today Nathan is healed, and for strength in knowing that God's plan is best, even and especially when we don't understand.

"I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise."
Psalm 34:1 The Message

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Peace.



Tonight, for the first time in his 27 years, my friend Nathan took a long deep breath.

In heaven.

He stepped from a body that caused pain and prevented him from getting the very breath that we need, into the most wonderful, marvelous place -- right into the arms of the Lord. Knowing Nathan, he didn't stroll into heaven leisurely either,... he went on a jetski or a four wheeler laughing and smiling.

With his parents by his side, and family and friends around, he stepped from earth to glory.

And for that, I can't help but praise the Lord that he is healed.

Clearly cramps aren't my biggest problem.

This is one of those personal random tangents that just comes out sometimes. Proceed at your own risk.

Last night during bible study, a question was posed -- Why is it so tough being a woman?

To be perfectly honest with you, I couldn't think of any reason why it was so tough to be a woman. I mean, we have hormones which suck, but off the top of my head last night, I couldn't think of a reason.

During the video, one person surveyed said: "It's tough to be a woman with regards to panty lines. We spend all our time trying to find panties that make it look like we're not wearing any so that no one sees our panty lines. When will it be cool to bring the lines back? I agree wholeheartedly on that!

But again, I couldn't come up with anything. Today, while I was reading over what Nathan's doctor said, I realized why it's tough being a woman.

MY BRAIN NEVER STOPS THINKING.

I know that men can actually NOT think about anything, and I can't. I've tried, and of course, that makes it worse. It's the worrying that comes from thinking that can be so dadgum hard too. Reading through the entries, my brain goes into a million different places. For reasons I don't want to write down, I almost become afraid of my cell phone, for fear that it's going to bring bad news, and that's when I realized what is tough about being a woman.

I was reminded of a song we used to sing at church a lifetime ago. The words are "Whose report will you believe? Whose report will you receive? HIS report says I am healed. HIS report says I am filled! HIS report says I am Free! HIS reports says VICTORY!"

So, I'm reminding myself that I need to STAY ENCOURAGED. I need to keep having thoughts that edify and encourage instead of make afraid and discourage. In this moment, I need to stop being just a woman, and be a better child of God.

Since this is MY blog, I would also like it noted for the physicians who are treating my friend that just because you've given up hope doesn't mean that the rest of us who are praying have. And we are praying for God to give you wisdom and faith too!

"The rains came down and the schools closed up"

Hello 13 INCHES OF RAIN IN CHATTY AREA SINCE DECEMBER 1. I mean... WOW. It rained so hard yesterday. And the schools in my neck of the woods called it a day, er, tomorrow.

And for the record, they're predicting that the temperatures will drop and we may have some snow flurries tonight. Who can deal?

Anywho... My intentions were to go home and rest last night. I'm exhausted from all that's gone on, and even though I was scheduled to start a new bible study with my FBC ladies, I had already emailed Bits to let her know I wasn't coming.

And then I went to leave work and it was 1) almost pitch black at 5:15pm, and 2) I'm pretty sure that part of the parking lot had turned into a river with at least class 3 rapids.

So... I decided to make an executive decision and head on over to bible study. I had a coke explode in my purse that sorted started my night off out of sorts,... but things rebounded quickly. But if y'all wanna throw up some prayers for God to heal my iPod, I would be thankful! I should have remembered that the last time I almost bailed on the first night of study was the first time I met my FBC Ladies and God tore me up that night. I got in my car and bawled my eyeballs out hearing The Word that night. Last night (Okay, I wasn't bawling), but last night was EXACTLY what I needed to hear.

We're studying Esther: It's tough being a woman. While I won't dispute that it's tough being a woman, last night what I gleaned had more to do with this statement:

There are many times that God will let you stand by and watch HIM do the miracles. Then there are other times where God expects you to trust that He will give you providence and strength to watch the miracle work through you.

And that, dear interpeeps, sums up the last week of my life.

Staight up Holy Synergy.

I haven't done a real encouraging post lately (story of my life), but THAT is some good Theology.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

2009 Goal Picture


This is my 2009 Goal Weight Loss picture. I'm hanging it anywhere and everywhere as a reminder to myself to change my eating and exercising habits. I do want to note a few things: 1) I will only get in another uniform if I am paid (I feel like I should note here that I was NOT a cheerleader (not offense to cheerer's), but I was on a dance team and that thing that looks like a 7 on my uniform is supposed to be a cursive "T"), 2) I have never had "skinny" arms, and thanks to my friend A. HATE skinny arms, and 3) Some "things" have grown since this shot, and I have to keep that in mind, and 4) I had a NECK, 5) I could leg press about 300 lbs then, and 6) this is A LOT of weight to lose.
But every girl needs a goal, right? I was healthy (although a little shorter... I actually grew and inch-and-a-half in college), but was active. ACTIVE is the key.
Do you have a goal picture?

GRR.

New Guy is back at work today.

And he brought a dr's note, but it's a HIPAA violation for businesses to ask for them.

And then he made a lung joke.

And I want to go in his office and punch him in the face.

Would y'all pray I exercise some restraint today? Thanks.

The Life of the Mind

“Don't talk unless you can improve the silence.”
- Jorge Luis Borges

Monday, January 5, 2009

I don't have the energy to think of a title.

I don't have the words right now to say things that I want to say to people that I love.

And then I went and read Amy Beth's post and now I'm really crying.

So, I did the only thing I knew... I let words speak to me.

"I will bless Your Name. I will bless Your Name. I will Bless Your Name, Forevermore."



"You're Jehovah Jhireh
That's why I praise You
You've been my Provider
That's why I praise You
You see so many times
You´ve met my needs
So many times You rescued me
That's why I praise You
I want to thank You for the blessing You give to me each day
That's why I praise You
For this I give You praise
For every mountain You brought me over
For every trial you've seen me through
For every blessing
Hallelujah, for this I give You praise"



"I never lost my hope
I never lost my faith.
I never lost my joy,
but most of all,
I never lost my praise"



"Demons have to flee when I say Jesus (Jesus)
Sickness has to heal when I say Jesus (Jesus)
Every knee shall bow before
and every tongue proclaim
With worthy praise
that matchless name of Jesus

Jesus
Something special
Supernatural
about your name
Jesus
Something happens
when i mention your name"

with every fiber of my being, I know that right now, the only word I need to say is Jesus.

I'd like to think that the cameras are hidden, but really there.

I've decided to try blog labels this year. I've nixed the idea a few times because of what it does to my dashboard, but I think this year will be a good opportunity to try it. One of the labels I'm using is actually a very similar name of another blog I have - "My Life as a Half-Hour TV Show". My life, in it's never boring state, really should be filmed in front of a live tv audience.

I'm sure you're thinking, "No!", but trust me. Neilsen would LOVE me.

And keeping in fashion with why my life is never boring and should be filmed...

drumroll...

Guess who didn't show up to work today?

And Guess who started YEAR END today?

The respective answers are:

1) New Guy
2) My company

Any questions?

Happy Monday folks. It's always sunny here!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

I'm sorry... you must be thinking of someone else.

There is a "Not Me Monday" meme out in blogland, but because I suck at my meme consistency (let's face it, I do!)... I'm not going to make any false promises about keeping up at it.

Instead, I wanted to share my "Not Me" Sunday funnies.

I did not use a completely different type of hair color.

I TOTALLY did not color my hair jamming to Beyonce and Journey (Live!). Nor did I dance around my bathroom like a fool.

I also did not accidentally purchase Journey Live instead of Journey's Greatest Hits.

I did not almost pass out in the bathtub because of the outrageous fumes from my hair color.

I did not forget to wipe off the hair color from the back of my neck, and hair color blobs do not look like bizarre hickies on my aforementioned neck.

I did not take pictures of how ridiculous I look with my plastic hair cap on and my colored eyebrows.

I did not think about how funny it would be to blog about this while coloring said hair.

There is NO correlation to my absurd hair coloring ritual and why I'm not married.

I did not register with a talent agency to become an extra on one of my favorite TV shows.

I have NO idea what you're laughing at on your side of the monitor.

None. Duh.

Live Bloggin' from Erlanger

As you would presume from the video, today is my friend Nathan's 27th birthday. This has been (as relayed by his parents) one of the most difficult weeks they've experienced. But amidst all the anxiety and frustration, are many, many reminders of God continued protection and favor for Nathan and his family. Willa shared of numerous former students who've identified themselves here at the hospital, and then gone out of their way to do whatever they can.

God is not just a God of big miracles... He is all about the little ones.

And so today, as I sit in the waiting room of the I.C.U., with my friend just down the hall, I am even more encouraged to know that God is working, ON TIME, for Nathan, his family, and each of us.

If you get a chance, would you leave a birthday message for Nathan? I realize you may not know him, but I do... and it means so much to me! You can go to the website below and wish him birthday wishes for MANY MORE!

http://caringbridge.org/visit/nathansmith1

Much Love,
Jenn

And in true Nathan fashion, he had five women in the waiting room for him. Only Nathan. :)

Happy Birthday to Nathan


(Please excuse how horrible I look... at church this morning (I was visiting another church), I ran into a girl who lived on my hall my first year at Lee. Her baby then decided to vomit on my hair and shirt, resulting in my urgent need to shower immediately before joining my friends for lunch.)



A Jetplane headed a different direction

I got word tonight (okay... this morning?) that I need to be in California February 21st...

so, now I guess I get to fly to Cali! WOO!!!

Since I will have my tax $$ by then, I'm thinking I should also:
  • rent a car
  • drive to L.A.
  • ask Matthew to marry me
  • or audition for a pilot. I'm not proud.
  • drive the coast
  • enjoy the weather in February
  • see the Pacific (my brother will be JEALOUS!)
  • go to Grauman's Chinese Theatre
  • Hit up the Walk of Fame
  • maybe some coffee on Robertson
  • experience the Santa Ana
  • Catch a taping of a television show
  • or be an EXTRA... I would be happy to be completely uncredited!

And then live to tell about it. In pictures, of course. Sounds like a plan, right?

Saturday, January 3, 2009

It's just like on Sesame Street... without the puppets.

Today's word brought to you by the Letter: P

As in Phone. Which apparently will lead to the word U.

As in Unnecessary Drama. Which leads to F.

As in Friend. Spending time with one of my besties tonight to decompress and talk 'til 2:15 in the morning.

WHEw.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Hump Day iPod

(You can catch the last installment here)

I'm LONG overdue for one of these.

  • Thriller - Michael Jackson - You cannot go wrong with old school MJ. Plus, you know you remember that famous dance move.
  • The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson - Clearly more MJ, but it has a deeper meaning that I can't tell you. See... I do have secrets!
  • Everyday - Rascal Flatts - So cathartic to belt out in my car. I don't care if you stare at me or think I'm crazy.
  • Canned Heat - Jamiroquai - This song is from the movie I saw on my very first date. I've got Canned Heat... do you?
  • White Horse - Taylor Swift - Life is not a fairytale. This is a beautiful song that is easy and honest.
  • Beyonce - Single Ladies -- I can't believe I'm sharing this, but I dance to this song EVERY time I hear it. And it makes me want to get on a treadmill and run!
  • Fall Baby Fall - Ryan Cabrera - a boy who tells me it's okay to cry? Yes Sir!
  • (Love is) The Tender Trap - Frank Sinatra - Old Blue Eyes knows how to sing to you and make you feel it in your toes. Love is a trap... clearly I need to start big game hunting!
  • Rock & Roll - Eric Hutchinson - I love the raggae quality to this song, but I also the way that it feels kinda natural. You can't help but move to the beat. 'Cause if you wanna rock, you rock, and if you wanna roll, you roll.
  • Damaged - Danity Kane - I know you're probably judging me for this one, and while it's not undeserved, I still like it.

What are you listening to?

All Around the World and I... I... I...

I took a diet pill this morning because of my weirdo sleeping schedule the last few days (sometime diet pills will help me get back on track!)... but it's made me a bit space-cadet-y this morning, so I need to blog out some stuff in my head.

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Clay mentioned recently that he has been going through a season of KYMS syndrome. Clearly, I need to get this. STAT.

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I am completely addicted to find out where and who is reading my blog. Not in a I-think-you're-nosy-way but a I-want-to-meet-you-and-bake-you-cookies-or-hang-out kind of way. Cities that have popped up where I know no one are:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Livingston, Louisiana
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
New Braunfels, Texas
Little Rock, Arkansas
London, England UK

I totally want to meet you. Can I come visit? Delta loves me. Thanks!

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I'm starting to HATE my phones -- both of them -- and I'm not really sure why. I find myself getting really short or just cold hanging up on people if they call me and are multi-tasking. I'm especially starting to loathe voicemails, although I don't know why. I really hate when I have the voicemail icon on my phones. It's annoying. I don't like answering the phone anymore, although I love texts. When people call one phone then immediately call the other phone, I ignore it.

I need to get over my phone whateverthisis.

and quick.

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Things you learn as you get older:

Dear Jenn,

I have been your body for 30 years. I have let you fill me with all manner of junk and other than not gifting you flat abs, have been fairly unresistant. Yes, I remember the Senior Year of cookies and cokes. And the college year of Steak-and-Shake. You get the point.

But you are 30 now. This game is over. If you put crap in me, I will make you feel like crap. If you don't take care of yourself, I will ruin your day, make you sick, cause you to be all manner of grumpy, and force you to do things you never anticipated doing. I will also guilt you about being sick at work because of New Guy. (I have that kind of power, mwah ha ha ha ha.) I'm reminding you that I have the power to do the following: hemorroids, high blood pressure, dizziness, persistent nausea, vomiting, hair loss -- and that's to name a few. Also, you need to get a regular bed time. Thankyouverymuch.

I'm being kind, but don't tempt me little girl. Get healthy. Stop eating Chex Mix. And milk,... for the love of all things non-lactose, please stop buying milk. You know you need Soy. And WATER. This is not a test, or a warning. This is a promise.

Do it or else.
Love,
Your Body.

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Thursday, January 1, 2009

New Years Day

I really almost got up from my hypothermic state and blogged at 3:00 this morning. Giving you a rundown on my night might also help... and puh-lease enjoy the commentary!

6:45 - Arrive at M's house -- 15 minutes late, and with too much stuff
7:20 - we are finally on the interstate -- after waiting/talking/stopping by the ATM for me who rarely carries cash
8:40 - stop in Knoxville to eat. There was some drama surrounding our food... M has a GPS system, we'll call her DANG GINA, who was not on her game b/c of the Knoxville Detour System. But GINA was determined to win... don't count her out! We finally stopped around 9 at a poorly managed Ruby Tuesdays (Sorry... but it was) and I enjoyed a SALAD.
9:45 - We finally got back on the road!

We made it to Gatlinburg around 10:30, but had to park and that took some time! We took a few pictures, immediately felt The Cold, and made our way to the Gatlinburg Space Needle where the ball was dropping.

I need to get M. to send me her picture of Mr. Helmet Hair (think David Lee Roth circa 1982)

You should know that I got interrupted when Joel McHale appeared on my television. HE IS HYSTERICAL.

We enjoyed the festivities, made a few videos, and welcomed in 2009!!!! After making the very COLD trek back to the car, we headed back to Cleveland. And I promptly slept almost the entire ride home. I get carsick easy, and that in combination with still not being 100% after being sick the last few weeks, pretty much knocked me on my butt. To my driver, and co-driver, I apologize profusely for my snoring. And thank you for not waking me. :) We arrived somewhere around 3:00am, I think. I was still half-asleep.

I should also mention how cold I was. I know this is TMI, but I normally sleep in a gown or long t-shirt. Because of a potential case of hypothermia, I slept in a sweatshirt, t-shirt, velour pants, and socks.

Until 11:00 this morning.

And my heat was on 72.

Basically I was a human popsicle. BRRR. :)

I have spent the day resting, cleaning, and checking up on my friend Nathan. He had a difficult night last night, but seems to be doing better as of the last post tonight. Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

And now, I'm blogging and heading to bed.

Because I have to work tomorrow. Thankfully, my vacation days start over again. Woo!

What I did for New Years!