Randomness x 30

In honor of today being September 30th, I will now present to you a list of 30 random facts about myself.

1. I like chips. This is the first one honestly because I had just eaten some when I began writing this. Baked Lays + Jenna 4eva.

2. I am drawn to blankets and when I see a yummy (read: soft and snuggly) one in a store, I always want to buy it. I always have to talk myself down with questions such as, how many blankets does one person need? I am torn on this issue.

3. I love the idea of being on a beach when it's cold. The thought of sitting in a chair on the shore at dusk - wrapped up in one of the aforementioned blankets - makes me really happy for some reason.

4. The last 3 purses I have purchased have been in the red family. I sometimes wonder what this means??

5. I have glasses, but I can't find them.

6. I can play no musical instruments. I took piano when I was in elementary school but I (not surprisingly) always waited until the day of my lesson to practice and soon retired with only Mary Had a Little Lamb to show for it.

7. Once I was dared on a youth retreat to booty dance into a room full of people I didn't know who were having a worship service in the next room. Let's just say I became $5 richer that night.

8. I NEVER spell the word "received" correctly. Spell checker laughs in my face ever time I type it out.

9. I have never really been a big watch wearer. Which is weird because I think time is of the essence.

10. The first day I ever drove to school after getting my driver's license, I had a wreck in the school parking lot. The boy I hit was actually a big jerk who had been really mean to me when we were younger. That's one reason I didn't feel all bad that his door fell off as a result of the collision.

11. My favorite show of all time is Friends. I think that show is comedic perfection. I could watch it all day long. And thanks to owning seasons 1-10, I have done just that on several occasions.

12. When I was little, I had at least 3 head injuries. This explains so much.

13. I love bloopers and gag reels on TV shows and movies. I will watch the special features before I even watch the movie itself. I just love going "behind the scenes."

14. The strangest compliment I have ever received is that I had "the most beautiful eyelids."

15. Sometimes when I am making a sandwich I wonder how many people in the world are making a sandwich at that EXACT moment. It makes me crazy that there is an actual number, but I will never know it.

16. I love fonts and am obsessed with pretty handwriting. Especially pretty cursive handwriting. Sometimes I'll buy a greeting card that I don't need because it has pretty writing, and I feel the need to save it so I can replicate it on something.

17. My top two love languages are quality time and physical touch. So basically all I want to do sit on the couch and talk to you. While hugging.

18. I didn't ride on a plane until I went on a mission trip to Maine my freshman year of college. But since that first flight, I have been on numerous trips via the sky, and it will probably not surprise you to know a couple of exciting air travel stories that really should be told on this blog at a later date.

19. If I could go back in time, I would major in Early Childhood Education and minor in Photography. Then I would be a teacher and take pictures on the side.

20. What actually happened was that I majored in Psychology and minored in Hanging Out with My Friends. Now I am unemployed and enjoy many wonderful relationships on the side.

21. I have 2 cell phones.

22. I have a good-sized birth mark on my left wrist. It helps me know which way is Left and also serves as proof that I was born.

23. Pretty much the only food that I do not like is coconut. I know many people LOVE it (my mother), but I am so not a fan. I don't mind the taste of it so much, but to me, eating shredded coconut is like eating paper.

24. I would take cold weather over hot weather on everyday of the week that ends with Y. But I only want to see snow when I am on a ski slope, please.

25. I have a knack for taking the last word someone says and coming up with a line of a song that has that word in it. And I then, of course, proceed to sing it aloud.

26. I love big earrings and big purses.

27. I enjoy names. I love to know the story of where someone's name came from.

28. Speaking of names, I am a big fan of double letters in names. I also love it when a person's LAST name begins with the first letter of the second syllable of their first name. Wow, I don't think that made any sense even to me. Here's an example of the ludicrousness to which I am referring: MaRy Rogers. MolLy Lopez. JenNa Nelson.

Such a freak, I am.

29. One of my first memories is swinging on the tire swing at preschool with my 2 best friends from childhood as we sang "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys at the top of our lungs.

30. I am glad September only has 30 days because I can't take much more of my weirdness. :-)

Happy last day of September!

I'm cracked out on [football]

The title of this post is brought to you in part by the wonderful Conster. She actually was saying it in regards to the Eagles because they are our specific drug of choice. Although football in general gets us all pretty high over here.

This was a football weekend in the truest sense. Not only did we have the GSU game on Saturday, but on Friday I was able to go to a high school homecoming football game. The game was not where I personally graduated high school, but it was where I recently graduated 6th grade.

Aw. Memories.

My friend Marlee is a junior there, so I was excited to help her get ready and go with her mama to the game to take pictures.

Here's Mar Mar all dressed up and ready to go eat with her friends before the game.


Isn't she gorgeous?


I'd seriously consider hating her if I didn't love her so dang much.

The game was very fun. Perfect Fall weather and lots of fun dresses to look at and fun kids to hang out with. Here I am on the side lines with Marlee's mama, aka my very dear and very hilarious friend Marsha.


I truly adore their crazy fam.



But I am especially fond of her youngest son, Jake. He's my favorite. And not just because we went to 6th grade together. The Jakester has been my favorite since I felt him kicking in his mama's tummy many moons ago.


Anyways, back to Marlee. She was also on Homecoming Court because not only is she pretty and sweet - she is popular, too. She's also sassy with some hints of feisty, which I personally love.

Speaking of love.

I'm not sure I've ever loved a dress more than this plum number Marlee sported as she was walked out by her brother, Justin.



Even though I only was only in the 6th grade for two weeks, I must have really made an impression on everyone because I won Homecoming Queen!


Whoa there, princess. Excited much?

If only my excitement could have lasted the rest of my life uninterrupted. While Friday night was tons of fun, Saturday ended in heartache.

There were definitely moments of excitement during the game on Saturday, but a win fell just out of our reach yet again. I won't go into it, but it ended in overtime and us losing by 1 point after a failed attempt to go for 2.

But, let's rewind to happier times at the beloved tailgate. Daddy and I were all smiles at this point.


One main source of our happiness.


Mmmm. What's that delicious snack that became my best friend at the tailgate? Is that hummus??


Actually it is some dip Connie made with cannellini beans. It's faux hummus. It fa-mmus!! And it is goooooood.

Daddy reading his commercial to all his friends. HI FOLKS...


Tom and Al. Friends Forever. They laugh at all the same jokes, which is scary.


Greeting the team! Here is Connie cracked out on the players giving them her tradition pats on the back and words (yells) of support!


Meanwhile, someone has become distracted with picture-making.


No pictures were really taken during the game - mainly because I was too busy dealing with anxiety and sitting in the stands with my hand over my eyes. Every game this season has been so taxing on the nerves!

I can't handle it.

At least we have Pepaw sitting beside us to help us forget our troubles. Even if it's only long enough to witness the beloved Paulson Pepaw dance craze in action.


Well, until next time, Pepaw's gonna keep rockin it out, and we're gonna keep rooting for our Eagles through these uncertain times. :-)

We gotta have it

I am running around getting ready to head to the prettiest little stadium in America, hoping with all hope that our boys do well tonight! We are coming off a hard week last week - being defeated 22-20 with just seconds left in the game (BOO) - but if any team can rise above hardship and forge ahead to victory, it's our men in blue!

As for today, the weather has warmed back up considerably (double BOO), but I'm taking it as a sign that the Eagles are about to turn up the HEAT themselves.

I'm pretty sure Big Al thinks so too....



Go Eagles!!!

Poor Kermit

There is an infamous story that Ashley told me not too long ago about my man Brannen and a frog. According the the legend, the frog came into B's life, coincidentally, at the exact moment in time that he realized the only thing needed to make his life complete was a, you guessed it, frog.

For 45 whole minutes, Brannen held the frog, bathed the frog, let his dog sniff and bark at the frog, and cherished each moment that he got spend with his new amphibian friend.

As the story goes, it was a picturesque moment for the young lad, and while his mama did not share quite as much enthusiasm for this new pet, she allowed Brannen to live in the fantasy world where little boys get to keep frogs and their mamas are fine with it. Surely the frog would hop away after a little while and life would go on as it should (amphibian-free).

Unfortunately the frog was destined never to hop again.

You see, at some point, Brannen ran inside to show his mom the cool new trick his frog had learned - he could now stick his tongue out really far while simultaneously foaming at the mouth out.

Brannen felt so much pride. Ashley felt like perhaps it was now time to make some adjustments to this situation.

In other words, his mother freaked completely out and told Brannen that she was sorry but the frog (his beloved pet whom he loved more than life itself) was very sick and needed to be returned to the woods.

Like right then.

Of course Brannen went into hysterics realizing that he and the frog would not spend their lives together. He reluctantly walked to the edge of the woods - head hung low, frog in hand. He stopped and paused, two parallel tears slipped slowly down his checks, and then he turned back again to see if, maybe just maybe, his mom had changed her mind.

Um no, no she did not. She was pretty set on the fact that is was definitely time to let the frog free.

And so with great reluctance and great drama, that is exactly what he did.

So let's fast forward to the present day. A day earlier in the week in which we had a surprise visit from a descendant of the late Frog Sr. A relative who obviously never got the details as to how his ancestor met his tragic demise.


Brannen was BESIDE HIMSELF with GREAT joy. He obviously only stored the high points of his last experience into his memory - the fun parts of having a this type of animal for a pet.

I on the other hand remembered the opposite of everything he remembered.

I am guessing he saw the look of shock and horror and quickly assured me that, "Jenn Jenn, um, don't worry. Because, um, actually, when he starts foaming at the mouth and his tongue comes, I promise I am so gonna throw him back in the woods. For real. I'm serious. Don't worry."

For some reason, this did not make me feel better.

For one, ew. Secondly, I really did not want replay the Frog Trauma of yesteryear.

Will, child of my heart, shared my suspicion and general dislike for the whole situation. He is NOT a fan of frogs and gives me the look like, "Are you hearing this Jenn Jenn?"


Yeah I'm hearing it. I'm hearing it and I'm seeing it all too well, my man.

But because I am all about being the cool babysitter (or at least someone who does not squash childhood joy), I allowed Brannen to play with the frog a little bit - a long as I supervised and things did not get out of hand. Just because you'll never find me running over in excitment to play with a frog, I do not think they should perish at the hand of 5 year old if at all possible.


So here is a little video of our time with the frog. I must warn you, if you do like frogs, this video may not be for you. Will and I discuss the situation at length and he bad mouths them pretty hard. Not to mention Brannen is not really as gentle as I would have preferred.

But, thus is the life of a dirty little boys! We're having fun - frog and all.

Week with the boys

This week is going to be fun because I am keeping my little dudes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights.


I love bringin the party to the 3-5 year old level.

Their sweet mama is on a business trip, so I will be spending the night with them, taking them to school, and planning all of their afternoon activities.

I don't really do that, by the way. Unless 'play amongst yourselves outside until supper' is considered a coordinated event.

That being said, being responsible for these little tikes isn't the easiest thing ever, but it's definitely enjoyable to say the least. Laugh laugh laugh and laugh. It's like all we do over there.

Plus, their mama/my dear friend Ashley is awesome. She leaves no stone unturned when helping to make sure I am prepared for all that goes along with being responsible for two crazy little boys for an extended period.


Man, I love a good list. Or is this case, lists. :-)

Even though I have been with these monkeys for years and know the schedule and rules like the back of my hand, there is a lot to remember now that school is in session - packed lunches on certain days but not on others, homework schedules, must wear tennis shoes on Monday but not Tuesday, pack snacks for one but not the other, and so on.

Alert. Possible brain overload in effect.

So, not only am I so glad Ashley is Supermama and gives me detailed lists to ponder and check off, I also like to take part in the OCD-ness that is needed to keep these guys on track. I have always secretly wanted to be Type-A when I grow up.

My secret weapon for trackedness: the Post-It.


Toy gun is optional.

Hearing those wedding bells once again...

This past weekend looked a lot different from the past several weekends around these parts! While the previous three weeks have been focused on our great love of football, this Saturday we hit the road to enjoy the thing we love the very most - the fam.

Over the past years, I have realized that there are not many things I love more than the fun a WEDDING brings. Ok, first off there's the whole love thing. LOVE that. Then you get to go to fun parties. Hello, party animal right here! Then of course there is the actual wedding, which there are too many fun things to list about that - example: cake.

Well, since my cousin Larisa is getting married in November, we are now entering full out party mode in preparation for the big day. So on Saturday Big Al, The Debster, and I loaded up for another Griswald family vacay to party it up in honor of Larisa and soon-to-be husband Joel.


Of course, the Eagles were still on our minds and a piece of our hearts were with them as they were playing in their first SoCon game of the season. My brother called while we were driving up there so Daddy could recite his commercial to him over the phone.


The commercial I'm referring to is the one I have yet to record and put on this blog. It was a really good one, but now I am not very motivated since - spoiler alert - we lost. :( Sadness.

Deb was loving it from the back seat. Note the blanket being used to protect her from the sub zero temperatures found in any car Alan is driving.


When we got to Atlanta we headed up to Party Central to help decorate! The party was "Swing Around the Clock" and was decorated with a 50's theme. So cute.


I strategically placed each piece confetti seen here.


In my spare time, I tried to help Daddy find GSU on TV.


Pretty soon, it was time to help Daddy with an even greater task - the food.


Alan 'The Grill Master' Tyson was BFF with one of these again this weekend...


Unfortunately he informed me that this grill was not really what he expected. I had not laid eyes on the thing at that point, and when I asked him what was wrong with it, he informed me that it looked like it came over on the Mayflower.

But he got it going and as always, pulled through with a food victory. Before I knew it the burgers were coming into the kitchen needing to be assembled. Assemblers included Mama and yours truly.


I like big buns, and I cannot lie.


We finished the hamburguesas just in time for the guest to start arriving. Here are Alan and Deb happy that the cooking is done and they can transform into the social butterflies and lovers-of-fun that God created them to be.


Deb and DD (mother of the bride). Sisters by chance. Ridiculous by choice.


The invitation to this shindig stated that if you felt so inclined to dress up like the 50's that everyone would embrace your decision.

Unfortunately, my poodle skirt was at the dry cleaners. But, this cute lady shown here with Deb was working her 50's look like no one's business. Get it, girl.


Speaking of cute things, my aunt went all out decorating and added some really cool touches. Sometimes decorations became one with necessity and the result produced things like these cool, old-timey glasses...


...and this edible arrangement that I ended up naming, Jenna's Supper.


Oh my. These were so good they'd make your tongue slap the roof of your mouth til your head caved in.

The fun didn't stop at the food. Oh no! We also had a dance instructor and games and presents.

Here are the lovebirds practicing some formal dance that will remain nameless because I wasn't paying attention and have no idea what it was called.


I mainly took pics during the dance lessons. I love to dance, but I am more fond of the shagging or booty variety.

Here we are having some fun with games and presents. The crowd asked Joel and Ris some questions about each other and if they got it right they received a Hershey's kiss. If they got it wrong, they had to chew a piece of gum. I was the candy distributor. I think they picked the person with the most candy experience.


Unfortunately for all the people who wanted to laugh and make fun of J and L with big wads of gum in their mouths - their dreams did not come true. They answered pretty much all the questions right! We rewarded them by showering them with gifts.


After they opened all the presents the photo shoot commenced! We tried to figure out as many combinations as we could with the same 4 people.



I LOVE this girl!!


It was such a great night! I can't wait for the Main Event in a month and a half!

A look back

My blog friend Megan, who just got married, is doing a really fun thing over at her blog! She is having people do posts about their wedding and giving an opportunity to show off all their pictures. I am so excited to join in since I just got married!!!

Oh just kidding. But wouldn't that have been awesome?

Anyways, the post doesn't have to be about the blogger's actual wedding, it could also just be about a wedding they were in, etc etc.

Well it just so happens, I was recently apart of The Perfect Wedding for my friends Bri and Earle, and I always welcome an opportunity to look back on those pictures and remember that wonderful day of love, laugher, and friendship. And day when life really was just perfect in every way.

*****

Originally posted July 8, 2008

Once upon a time, I was in a wedding.

It was arguably the best weekend in the history of the world. Or at least my little world. I laughed, cried, ran errands, enjoyed and hugged my people, looked on as two of the greatest people I know pledged their lives together, danced, hugged some more, wondered how I got to be the age where your best friends get married, enjoyed every last moment, and took 1 million and five pictures.

On Sunday, I parted ways with my people, drove to Athens, cried some more because it was all over, laughed to myself about all the funny moments of the weekend, went to hang with Meg and her gang, picked up some Zaxby's, prepped myself for an upcoming interview later in the week, and called it a day.

As so I now present to you, 10 days (feels like years) later...The Best Weekend Ever:

Remember this crazy scene that fun Thursday night?


Well, after all of Thursday's bag stuffing, ribbon curling fun, we were up bright and early to deliver all the bags. We had a few road blocks here and there, but by that afternoon every bag had been placed safely in the rooms of all Bri and Earle's guests.


Once we got back we spent a little time relaxing, hanging out with Earle, and getting ready for the big Rehearsal.

There I found my dear, delicate flower of a friend, Bri, waiting to practice walking down the aisle.


I also got to look at two of my favorite people/married couple, Kimberly and Josh. (to God) Dear Lord, you make some really pretty people. Thanks for letting them be my friends.


I think Earle was a little pumped up. Just a hunch. He also told me.


Because I feel hair is important.


Earle and Brittany praying before we got that party started.

Linnie, The BFF. Again with the prettiness of my friends, Lord! You're awesome.


With the bride
Because I think flowers are important (Bri's bouquet)

********

Rehearsal Dinner:

I didn't get a whole lot of pictures of the dinner because my stomach was infested with 800 butterflies due to an impending toast I was giving to my dear friends. Oh my lands, I was SO nervous. I'm pretty sure it was because I was planning on telling a story, and I was worried I'd go on and on and subsequently be asked to sit down.

You never know, it could happen. And I have been known to tell a long story or two.

Thankfully, the speech went great and when it was over, I could totally relax and enjoy the rest of the night in this lovely building.

Lin and Josh

Here I am with Stewart. My pastor, great friend, and wedding conductor. The man wears many hats. My favorite is the friend one. This crazy fellow is one of my greatest blessings!

The almost-newlyweds about to part ways for the last time as non-married people.

********

Wedding Morning!

We took over a salon in town the morning of the wedding. Hair spray, make up, and pedicures were in abundance.

Bri sitting in the pedicure chair getting a little massage action. Not that she needed it. She was cool as a cucumber.

Kara after her real massage. I think KK's exact words were, "that was the best 20 minutes of my life."

Bri opening her wedding day present from Earle that was delivered to the salon. It was a bottle containing a very sweet message in the form of a poem. This was a classic Earle present.

If this picture had audio, you would hear us all screaming for her to "read it out loud!" We needed more romance! We needed more sapp! We'd surely die without it. We've seen it happen.

Bri told us that sorry, but she would be unable to read it to us due to the tears. No big deal, one of the hair ladies was happy to read it over the loud speaker.

Then we were all crying like little babies. It was the best.

********

Wedding Prep:

Once we got to the wedding site, we all hung out upstairs and basically watched Brittany in awe. It was fun, amazing, surreal, hilarious, and sweet all wrapped into one.

The pretty bride getting even prettier. As if that were possible!

Just relaxing like it was any other day. No big deal.


Except NOT. Hello, someone in this room is putting on a wedding dress! Here we are supervising.

Aforementioned GORGEOUS/PERFECT dress.



Then it was time for the wedding photographers to earn their keep, so we headed outside to the wedding site to pose.

Here we are hanging around.

Time for some real pictures, my sistas. Line up like you mean it.

The "I'm getting married" face.

Last single guy kiss!

********

Reception (Party) Time!

First dance

Aww! Look who it is. Big Al and The Debster made an appearance. They had so much fun, which is not a surprise because they are party animals.


And, framer.


Ok, I am still having dreams about this cake. It was like eating a cloud. A cloud raining sugar and love.

And you think the bride's cake was good. Lin and I got ourselves a big helping of this chocolate masterpiece, and I swear I died and went to Heaven. How funny is this thing? Another classic Earle touch.

My dear girl Kimberly and me hanging out on the patio. If I look sweaty, it's because I was sweating. Gotta love those hot summer nights in Georgia.

Because I think cute boys are important.

My mama!
My dear ole daddy.

My Merrywood Girls...

Wasn't it just yesterday we were here?


My fave.


********

The Morning After!

Lin and I decided that the only way to spend the Sunday morning of the best weekend ever was to eat at the Cracker Barrel. We are so wise for our 24 years.

Lin breaking bread. Then adding apple butter to it. She may or may not have licked the knife in order to savor every morsel. Don't tell her I told you that.

And what does a girl who has been spending the last 8 months trying to get a very beautiful bridesmaid dress to fit?

I may or may not have cried when I took the first bite. And the last bite. Don't tell anybody I told you that.

Well, it took 10 days to post this and probably about 10 minutes (feels like hours, I know) for people to read about it! We really did have the absolute best time, and I was just reminded 100 fold what a blessing it is to have friends like these in my life. Can't wait for the next one!

Thankful

So I left out something very important from my tailgate post. I know what you're thinking. Really? There's more? 30 pictures later and you still have something else to add?

I try to look at it as a gift.

Anyways, the truth is, I left this out on purpose because I felt it deserved it's own post!

I would like to introduce you to our very special guest of honor at this past week's tailgate. This is Asa!


Asa is a GSU student and more importantly, a very close friend of Connie and her family's. He is basically like a son to the Conster, and he really is just the sweetest guy. Unfortunately the game on Saturday was the last one he'll be able to attend until next season. You see, for the last couple of weeks he has been preparing to head off to serve our country in Iraq. He left at the beginning of this week and his tour will last about for about 6 months.

So in honor of this hero, Connie (with the help of ultimate planner, Debbie) orchestrated a special surprise for Asa on Saturday to let him know how much he is loved and how much we appreciate what he is doing for us!

He got all kind of special prizes - camo coozies, a GSU hat signed by Coach Hatcher, a Georgia Southern t-shirt, and more. Here he is graciously posing with his goods. We made him, but he said he'd be more than happy to do so. I'm telling you - such a great guy.


And we had cake! Can't forget the cake - it is a must have at any type of occasion or event. My mother instilled this truth into my brain and stomach from a very early age, and I carry it with me to this day.


If you think about it, please say a prayer for our friend Asa as you remember all the other men and women who are fighting to protect us. It was quite humbling to be standing next to this great young guy knowing that within a few days he would be in a whole different world sacrificing for our country in ways that are unimaginable to most of us.

We love you, Asa! Thank you and be safe!

What a game, what a game

There were moments during this past Saturday's game when I thought that this post would be sad, very sad.

The game was one of those in which you are anxious the entire time - they score/we score, they fumble/we fumble, turnovers, missed field goals, overtime, and so on.

One minute you are jumping up and down while you high-five all your peeps, and the next you are yelling for the players and refs to COME ON NOW and trying to keep the faith even though things, they do not look good.

I will go ahead and tell you that thankfully we did end up winning in overtime. It was SO exciting.

But before we get into that, let's rewind and go back to simpler times - before we all went through the emotional wringer that is a football game.

Oh the tailgating. How we adore thee.


Deb loves tailgating. Loves it like her third child, as I like to say.

Coozies are kind of a big deal at our tailgates, as well they should be. They serve the dual purpose of keeping our drinks cold and supporting our team. Without them, we would be nothing.


Someone set up a TV at the tailgate so we could watch the GA game while we waited for the Eagles to start. Here's Big Al checking on those dawgity Dawgs.


I am still not exactly sure how this all worked as far as the TV being hooked up to the car. Where was the cable? I didn't investigate too much that day because I try to appear smart and technological at all times.

Hey look! Here's something I do understand. Food. Yep, no questions there.


My personal vote for star of the food table:


These make me more excited than they probably should. I don't get out much.

We changed it up a little this tailgate and Daddy grilled some hamburgers and hot dogs. Gotta watch that Alan, he's crazy like that.


Here is The Brother and The Father grillin up the burgs and talking food and football. Two peas in pod right there, my friends.


The food was great as always. Tom especially loved it.


Before we knew it, it was time to greet the team. Here is Coach Hatcher whom we heart dearly! That is the Debster's hand seen here high-fivin Hatch.


I won't lie, I felt jealousy in this moment.

There is no telling what these crazy women in front of me were laughing at. I'm just going to pretend I said something funny.


Let's take a look at some of our tailgate friends, shall we?

Hey, is that Pepaw? Of the famed "Paulson Pepaw"? It is, indeed!


Interesting story...Pepaw is actually spelled Pepa, but I did not know this last week when I posted about him. So I just spelled it phonetically based on how I said it.

Pepaw. Rhymes with hee-haw. And yee-haw.

My old roommie and I with our mamas!


The Grill Master and his Babe.


Alicia graciously gave me a smile although at this moment her insides were dark due to the score of the GA game.


Luckily they won, and she later came to sit next to me in the stands so we could laugh and so I could grab her like a maniac and make her wish she was never born. I tend to grab the person next to me when there are intense sports moments. Thank you Leeshy for sacrificing your arm for me. You are a true friend.

JT and The Debster.


I didn't take a lot of pics during the game for obvious reasons (too busy having panic attacks) but I did snap this one of Deb after she caught herself a t-shirt! You go, Mama!


And don't you worry that my ear is still ringing from that loud scream that escaped your lips when the shirt was flying towards you. That is why God gave us two ears.

Did I mention we won?? This was such a beautiful sight!


And the students were so excited, they couldn't even stay in the stands! I'm telling you it was an intense game and the fact that we came out on top sent the GSU student body into a complete frenzy.


I heart school spirit, and our students are awesome. It's like every game is the National Championship around here. Just as it should be.

Just another great football weekend! Go Eagles!

Sunday fun

I got to see two of my very favorite people yesterday!


(I can't look at this picture for too long because I believe it will throw me back into the mild depression I experienced after we parted.)

I met up with my dear dear dear friends Bri and Earle at Latte Da yesterday for a little coffee and catching up. Except none of us decided to partake in any coffee. Mainly because while we know Fall will be making his way to the US soon, as far as we can tell he has not even purchased his ticket for the trip down south.

And until I start seeing thermometers reading about 60 degrees, I have a hard time adding anything else hot to my personal area.

But enough about the weather because who really cares about the heat when you are sitting across from people this cute. B and E were in town visiting Earle's parents, and I am so happy we got to hang out for a little bit before they had to hit the road. We had a great time laughing, updating each other on life, and talking about how very sorry we are that we ever thought leaving college was a good idea.

Terrible, terrible move on our parts.

So we chatted for a while about Earle's new teaching job, their new married life, and how my life is good but remains an enigma.

I decided earlier that if I had a reality show, I would entitle it "Jenna: TBA."

I'm sure the fact that I sit around naming my pretend reality show has nothing to do with the fact that I have no job.

Hmm, thoughts to ponder.

Anyways, it was so good to look at them for a while and get some good hugs in. They are the best, and it really was sad when we had to stop pretending we were back in school having a nice afternoon at the coffee shop. And it was really too bad that instead of getting in the car and heading back to our ol' college house together, we had to get in separate vehicles and drive in opposite directions - and back to our lives as happy yet strugglin young adults.

It's a crazy time in the land. And even though distance keeps me away from many of my people, I'm glad I'm traveling the road with such great friends.

Put 'em back on the plane

It's that time again!

Time to get ourselves fired up for another day at the football field. We definitely experienced a nail-bitter last week in our small south Georgia town, and much anxiety was produced on both sides of the half.

But luckily the boys pulled it together in the 4th so I didn't have to channel all my counseling knowledge to bring my father out of a certain depression.

As for today, we are setting out to once again beat the heat - and more importantly our new opponents who are coming from way up north.

But I'll let Big Al tell you more about that...



Happy Saturday!

The story you are about to read is true

Earlier in the week I was working on a very serious computer matter (more on that at a later time), and let's just say I was not the happiest person roaming the earth at that moment.

Technical difficulties = the horns come out.

I was sent away by the people helping me to make a food run - mainly because they felt that getting me out of the house at that point was the only way ensure that no computers would be destroyed at my hand. So in efforts to save my computer, as well as the friendships of those aiding me at that time, I headed out to pick up some supper and bring the frustration down a couple notches.

I rode to the restaurant - ok it was Subway - and got myself pretty much together. I did some positive self talk (ew social work term coming back to haunt me) and reminded myself of a few things - it's JUST computer problems, it CAN be fixed, it IS getting worked out, you ARE ridiculous.

And so on.

I had the windows rolled down, some really good music was blasting away, and as I pulled up, I had gotten myself in check.

And that lasted about 2.2 seconds.

I won't bore you with this story, but basically I ended up getting in a really long line, they only had 1 person was working, and when it was time for the lady in front of me to order, she busted out with 4 footlongs. Apparently she did not realized there was a crazed lunatic on a time crunch standing behind her.

[I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that I was, in fact, out of control.]

So needless to say, by the time I got out of there, I was back in a tiz. My usual go-with-the flow, laughy self was nowhere to be found. As I walked to the car, I brought myself to the unfortunate realization that at that point, nothing could salvage my attitude.

Nothing, that is, until I started pulling out around the back and saw this.....


Wait. Is that? Is that a chicken walking around behind the building?

What tha!?


That is a straight up chicken running around in a parking lot! Brain, make this make sense!


OH that's right. This Subway is connected to the very distinguished Uncle Shug's Chicken Barn!

Now it is safe to say that I have not put much thought into how ol' Shug prepares his chicken for his customers. And I realize the thought that the chickens come in cluckin and end up extra crispy SHOULD disgust me.

But people, I am here to tell you - I was rolling.


I mean there was a chicken on the loose in the middle of civilization, for goodness sakes. And if the sheer randomness of it wasn't enough - can we say 3 cheers for the chicken!? He had beaten the odds and escaped certain death by frying. He was a survivor!

And apparently he was also trying to find his family and friends.


I really hated to tell him that asking the lady at the drive-thru to send them out was NOT going to end the way he was anticipating. Sadness.

So in the end, thanks to a very unexpected change of events, I am happy to report that I recovered from my ill mood. Indeed, with the help of Shug and the fugitive chicken, I found myself laughing the whole way back to the house.

Now that's more like it.

Everyday excitement

In honor of today being September 9th, I would like present 9 random things I am excited about at this moment in time.

1. The numbers 50 and 32.

Why you ask? Well 50 is the amount of cents it takes me to buy a 32 oz. Diet Coke at The Country Store. Oh yes, you read that correctly.

A while back I was making one of my daily visits, and when I arrived at the counter to purchase my drink for the usual $1.06 (a steal in itself), the nice lady asked me if it was a refill.

Say wha??? I had not been briefed about this so-called "refill" policy.

Turns out you can bring your big 32 oz cup in and refill it for just one easy payment of 50 cents. This makes me a lot happier than it probably should on a daily basis.

2. More football - this time, the flag variety.


I think my love for the curly headed little 3 year-old is well documented, but I most certainly love his big bro just as much.

This is why going to watch the little sports-star at his flag football practice yesterday made me so happy!


3. Facebook Flair

Ok, I love Facebook, and I this Facebook Flair thing they have going on these days cracks me up! Serious LOL-ing going on in my world as I just look through them all the time. Meg and I are always sending each other hilarious and sometimes borderline inappropriate flair.

Ironically those are two words I would use to describe Meg, so this is probably why it's so fun. :-)

Here are some of my faves.


4. My face is clearing up.

IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE AUTHOR AND READERS OF THIS BLOG - PICTURE NOT INCLUDED.

Apparently when my face grows up it wants to be a piece of pizza. It has been breaking out and driving me absolutely crazy for the last week. I think it is hormones which leads me to the question - why do my hormones hate me?

BUT, it made the list because luckily the hormones seem to be getting a hold of themselves and calming down. Their wrath upon my face is weakening, and I am fit to go out in public once again without scaring young children.

5. Stepping Up Bible study


My friend Marsha and I have started this Bible Study, and I am VERY much enjoying it, as expected. So far there is a lot of talk about our pilgrimage - hmm, that seems to hit home, I would say.

6. My friend Justin's Birthday!

You know how going through school there is always that person who has the FIRST birthday of the year? Like the first one to turn 16 and drive, the first person to turn 18, and so on?

Well, tomorrow my friend Justin (son of Marsha mentioned above) kicks off The Year We All Turn 25. (pictured here with his sis and my friend Marlee)


My word, 25? Is that right?

Somebody get this girl a job and a husband already! Quarter-centuries are passing by like the wind over here!

But enough about my Life To-Do List. Happy Birthday to Justin, one of the coolest AND hottest guys I know. :-)

7. Bri and Earle are coming this weekend

Speaking of old friends, remember these people?


Bri and Earle are coming to town this weekend and this excites me GREATLY. I think I have only seen them once since they became husband and wife - or actually I am just now realizing I may not have seen them at all since that glorious day in June.

WHAT!? Friend separation goes against nature.

Thankfully the world will turn right again this weekend. Yay!

8. Lunch date with Kimberly!


Kimbo and I are in the planning stages of a lunch date for Wednesday, which makes me so happy. I always have fun catching up with this girl and I need some stories from her life. She also has to help me figure out my life. Poor girl has her work cut out for her.

9. Free Subway

It is no secret that I have a deep love for Subway. Well, I am happy to report that my commitment to this establishment seems to be paying off. Subway has this little thing called a Subway Points Card, and once you earn a certain amount of points, you can cash them in for free food.

Is there a sweeter combination of words than that of FREE FOOD?

Well I have racked up so many points that the last 3 meals have had there cost me $0. If that doesn't get someone excited I don't know what will.

Have a happy Tuesday!

Weekend Wrap Up

We had another great weekend of family, food, and football!

Saturday we had a night game, which I fooled myself into thinking meant it would be cooler. So naive. 24 years of living in Georgia - when will a girl learn?

We started tailgating about 3 because no amount of heat could stop this crowd from eating. Mmmmm. Get in my belly.


Pictured below are the stars of the tailgate - Connie's chicken and cheese cup thingies. (Technical name).


Also in this picture is one of my personal favorites - the hummus. Or as Alan likes to say, "hue-mus." We love him despite all of the many words he insists on saying incorrectly.

Here is Larsen tailgating it up and trying to get out of the sun. I think it was only about 130 degrees in the shade.


Essential table decorations that give the tailgate area that extra something.


The family that tailgates together, stays together.


Our boys ride to the field in those old yella' school buses. We wouldn't have it any other way! Tradition is Georgia Southern's middle name.


Speaking of cute boys...


Oh I didn't say anything about cute boys? Forget I mentioned it.

Connie cheering as the Eagles take the field.


Also pictured here is what would later become known as The Bracelet of Doom. Things started getting bad, real bad, and somehow through her Eagle Intuition, the Conster knew that this accessory was part of the problem. After we shunned the bracelet, the guys got back on track. Whew that was scary.

I had so much fun sitting by my brother and Larsen. L was my dancing partner and laughing buddy.


Here is Larsen again, this time pictured with Casper the Sweaty Ghost.


It's Pepaw!


He is Connie's daddy/the best high-fiver/Larsen's new boyfriend. He is also the creator of the new dance sensation hitting college football stadiums all over Statesboro: The Paulson Pepaw (patent pending).

Attention readers: Do not adjust your screens as you look at this next picture. This is not a picture of the Sun. It is just Alan beaming at our WIN (although his shirt does appear to be the color of the brightest star in the galaxy).


It was tough going there for a while, but at the end of the day 34 is more than 20, and we had 34!



Way to go, Eagles!

The Child is THREE!

Will Will!

Happy Birthday, bud! I cannot believe that you are THREE years old today!


Really, I am in shock, even though you have been reminding me for a while that your "birfday is sep-temba da se-vent." I realize that you cannot read this little birthday note quite yet, although I wouldn't be surprised if you can by your 4th birthday. You are SO ridiculously smart. But I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and how much I love being, as you say, "part of your fa-ma-lee."

When I started keeping you and your crazy brother, you were just a little 2 month-old butterball turkey. I couldn't believe how much I loved you from the very beginning. Who could resist that gummy smile you so generously flashed.


And don't get me started on your chubby thighs. Heaven in a fat roll, right there mister.

Don't tell your mama this, but I had no idea what I was doing with a baby that teeny. I had been babysitting for different kids for years, but you were my youngest, most helpless victim. :-) Although I have to say, I picked up bottle-making and baby feeding pretty quickly - it was necessary because come food time, you were not interested in waiting.

I knew then that we were kindred spirits.

I remember fondly that first year of your life as I watched you grow and change. Every time I saw you, you were doing something new - crawling, pulling up, and coming up with new ways to be the most adorable child in the history of the world.

All in a day's work for the Will-man!


On the days when I would pick you up from "baby school," your mama would make sure to dress you in your little baby polo button-ups because she knew it made me crazy. Crazy in love, that is. I had (and still have) no powers against such cuteness. I mean who could resist this, I ask you?


What a privilege it has been to watch you grow up more and more each year! Your first and second years have been so awesome and congratulations on your victory in making sure I will forever have a Will-shaped place in my heart.



Your commitment to phrases like, "das what I'm talking bout!" and "can I may please have a ______?" and "yes may-yum!" have definitely paid off, my friend. Not to mention all the in-depth conversations we have, the books you read to me, and the songs you sing for me on a regular basis. Priceless! "The days of the week" is my favorite song you sing right now. I make you do it for me all the time - my favorite line being, "ask da tee-cha whats da weh-der, whats da weeeehh-der out to-die!"

I can't handle it.

You are easy to love, Will Will, and you have always been such a great kid - so happy and fun and excited about life. Well, most of the time. And if you aren't, you have always let us know.


You feel things deeply, and I am with you there, my brotha. But as we like to say, you can flip it on and off like a light switch. I usually just bust out laughing when you start crying (for reasons that do not involve injuries, of course) because I like to watch this phenomenon in action. One minute your world is crumbling down around you and the next you are laughing your cute little tush off. I love it!

I just love YOU, high pitched screeching and all! Although, now that you have reached big boy status, you don't do that much anymore. Your mama taught you to dry it up and use your words, and you argue your points with information and hand motions - and you love to end with a good ole, "do you unda-stand dat?"

You know, for clarity.

Will, even though it is so hard to believe that you are three years old - in a lot of ways, I can't believe you have only been in my life for that small amount of time. I just love you to pieces, and always look forward to coming over to play with you and that crazy brother of yours.

I talk about you both and all the hilarious things ya'll say and do to anyone who will listen.

Seriously, just ask around and you'll see, I mean that literally. "Das twoof" as you like to say in your new found quest for honesty. :-)

Ya'll keep life interesting, that is for sure!


You see, you boys are more than just some kids I babysit, and your mom is more than some crazy woman who pays me to keep her ridiculously cute kids. Ya'll are like my own children and your mama is one of my greatest friends! I can only imagine how much impact these years as your "Jenn Jenn" will have on me not only as a person, but one day as a mama. Will, you were my "first baby", and that is a sweet spot reserved just for you!

The other day after bath time, I got you and Brannen set up in the playroom watching a movie. I can't remember which one it was, but I got ya'll all situated on your bean bag chairs and went to clean up a little. As I rounded the corner into the den, and I heard you yell out to no one in particular.

"I'M SO HAPPY!!" you shouted.

Like it was the best moment of your life! It was the sweetest and most hilarious thing.

Will, I hope all the coming years of your life bring you as much joy as you had that night. And if they bring you even a sippy-cup full of the happiness you have given all of us over these last three years - there will be many 'I'M SO HAPPY' moments to come. And that makes ME so happy.


I love you, buddy! Happy Birthday!

Hi folks

It feels like just yesterday when I stepped out into a human microwave and experienced the first football game of the season. And just like that, I blinked thine eye and here we are a whole week later about to watch our boys take the field again - this time back home in the prettiest little stadium in America - and against a more equally matched opponent.

I can't believe football season is here, and I am so happy that Fall seems to be getting into full swing. The tailgating menus have been constructed, every so often a somewhat-less smoldering breeze will waft by, and I even saw a scarecrow at Walmart today.

Next thing you know, I'll be on the back of a hayride somewhere, eating s'mores, and thinking about what I want to get people for Christmas. All the while wearing a cute jacket.

Dare to dream, Jenna. Dare to dream.

In honor of the Eagles second game of the season, I present to you Big Al's second commercial of the year. This one was fun to record as it took a few takes to get Al on his game. I kind of want to post the bloopers, but I am waivering on the "these are only funny to me" fence.

Although I know Meg and Tyler would appreciate them as they showcase my very subtle laugh that they love to make fun of/secretly enjoy. It makes an appearance in the background when Daddy messes up.

Cause I'm sweet like that and laugh in the face of others' failure.

Anyways, my brother and his girl should be pulling in any minute and the weekend can get started. We have the game tomorrow night (high five for night games!) and Daddy's play on Sunday.

Hope you all have a great one!

Thoughtful Thursday :)

Well, I just cleaned my bathroom and a load of clothes has just been put in the washer.

And there you have a list of all the productive things I have done this week.

When I was in school, every week looked strikingly the same. Once the semester started and I knew which boredom chambers (classes) I would be dragging myself to each day, my life got going on a nice little schedule. It varied, of course, from day to day and somewhat week to week - but for the most part I at least had a rough outline of my life.

Those days are (temporarily) no more.

At this time in my life, I could spend one day doing absolutely nothing and the next day, I might find myself back in 6th grade. To say my life is random would be a good-sized understatement. But, it is what it is, and while the days on my calendar in the months ahead have a few events scattered here and there - for the most part, things are kind of blank.

Thus is the life of The In between, I guess. And while it has, at times, made me completely crazy and caused a tear or two - I have honestly become accustomed to it and have learned to appreciate it for what it is: a season of growth. When I keep that mindset, I cannot help but enjoy this time. I have full confidence that things will work out one way or another and that God has something great ahead for me - for all of us.

So for now I just stay the course, seek wisdom, examine the desires of my heart, and pray about it.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be here one second longer than I have to. I still have moments just about everyday when I get stressed because of the pressure the world puts on confused people like me, and the pressure and standards I have for myself. The continuous question of "what are you doing now?" gets tiring after a while.

Especially when the answer is, "Oh, nothing."

And especially when I am the one asking the question to myself. I am so annoying sometimes.

I know this is where I am supposed to be right now, but it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture at times. In those moments, I just have to take a step back and look at the blessing I have been given in regards to this situation I find myself in. I have the rare opportunity to take some breaths, look at the options, and figure out exactly who I am, what I want, and where I need to be.

Talk about a full-time job.

I have been thinking lately about what a gift I have been given in the fact that I can even have this time of waiting - without much outside pressure or a dire financial situation that would cause me to have to cut my self-discovery session drastically short.

My parents are of course helping with this process by supporting me in all these decisions, and of course - letting me shack up at their casa. Not that I think they really mind it- they not-so-secretly enjoy having me here, and I know that. Because while I joked in my last post that my sweet brother is my mama's favorite child, in reality I am actually the chosen one.

My mother just rolled her eyes. She hates it when I act like she has favorites. But getting her riled up is one of my favorite past times.

Anyways, not only are The Parents playing a big part in giving me the freedom to figure all this out, but we of course have Meg holding down the fort in A-town. I know she holds vigil in her guestroom each night hoping that I will one day return and live with her. Poor woman is hurting for a girl roommate after living with a boy for the past 3 years. Plus rumor is, she thinks I'm cool.

The point is, they give me options. They take the pressure of finding a place to live out of the equation and that let's me focus my brain elsewhere. These are just some of the ways I can tell God is working with me in this season of my life, and I like what I see.

I know this post is long and random (aren't they all??), but I want to remember this time in the future. The puzzle pieces don't quite match up yet, but I know they will. I also know there will be so many other times in my life when I'll be confused once again, and it is always good to have a reminder that it all worked out eventually and better than I could have planned.

So as for today, my job title was Cleaning Lady. And my friend Marsha just called and let me know that my other title will be Photography Assistant for her as she takes some senior pictures.

See? I told you - so random.

Later this weekend I will resume my roll as football fan, crazy daughter/little sister, and resident chip and dip eater as my family gathers to tailgate for the GSU game.

And as far as what will fill up the calendar in the weeks to come...your guess is as good as mine. :-)

Just another long weekend recap!

We had a great weekend in The Classic City, as aspected! Minus the part where we had to watch our guys get beat, but more on that in a minute.

Daddy, Mama, and I finally got on the road around lunch on Friday. We were packed up, sporting our colors, and ready to support our Eagles as they faced the #1 team in the country.

But before we could get going too much, we stopped shortly thereafter to get our driver a little nourishment.

Here is Clark Griswald eating his BBQ and stew off of the console while driving down a back road in south Georgia.


We arrived in Athens and checked Al and Deb into their hotel room (I stayed with Meg) and went to hang out next door with our buds Connie and Tom. We enjoyed a some liquid refreshment with the Conster and Tomas for a little bit before the whole gang walked downtown to meet up with the other Eagle fans at Mellow Mushroom.

There ended up being tons of excited people in blue and we had a great time eating, talking football, and seeing friends.

Even Freedom the Eagle made and appearance, much to Big Al's delight.


Later that night I headed over to Meg and Tyler's to hang out and sleep in my own bed. How much do I love taking a road trip, staying with friends, and walking into their guest room to find my bedroom suit? I highly recommend it.

I failed to get pics of Meg and Tyler, as well as our other friends Candice and Charlie (who I got to hang out with Friday AND Saturday nights), because of this disease I have called Laziness.

But we had lots of fun hanging out and catching up. And as suspected, within 20 seconds I reconnected with the desire to live in Athens.

Oh me. I love the ones I'm with - that is for sure.

Anyways, Saturday was Game Day!! I got to the hotel pretty early and we started getting ready to head out and start walking and tailgating.

Our plans were slowed just a bit because of a little parking situation. Matthew and Larsen were coming and we came up with a great plan that we should get a parking pass for them to park at the hotel - because parking was going to be so ridiculous. This was an awesome plan until we realized, from our 5th floor window, that the lot was filling up.

Filling up at a speed that could only be matched by Jayson Foster, who would be missed greatly in the hours to come.

If we didn't act quickly, the chances of getting our parking plans would be as slim our chances of winning later in the day.

So Debbie, crazy woman that she is, RAN downstairs just in time to get the LAST parking pass for her favorite child, Prince Matthew.

Unfortunately, the drama did not end there as Matthew was detained by traffic and measures had to be taken to secure his spot at the very top of the parking deck by his very own mother who stood IN the spot to protect it.

Here is a picture, taken by Matthew's dear sister who waited for him with his pass on the sidewalk, of Deb manning her post.


Moments after this picture was taken, she had to go up against a very angry Dawg fan who wanted the spot. Connie, Tom, Daddy, Connie's sis Kathy and her son Baby J, looked on as Mama told them to back off - she was going to make sure HER baby boy was going to park here if it was the last thing she did.

When the stink-eyed driver pulled off, the crowd went wild!


Brother and Co. got there fairly soon after we all head to the stadium. We made several stops along the way and when we finally made it to the stadium, our first stop was the concession stands.

Mama was excited about the diet cokes and water we were about to buy with our life savings.

I was excited when I looked over and realized that the UGA Athletic Association knew I was coming and planned accordingly.


Once we got to our seats the excitement started building and Daddy began praying for mercy and for the Dawgs not to beat the *choice word* out of us.


The golden couple!


We spent the next few hours cheering on our guys and I personally spent a lot of time coming to terms with the fact that I had never been so hot in all of my life.

Think OVEN.

But we survived! And at the end of the day were VERY proud of our guys!

Saturday night we all went to eat and then I had the extreme pleasure of meeting up with one of my dear friends from college, Amie, whom I had not seen in almost 4 years!!

That is shameful.

We has so much fun catching up and I just love that girl to pieces! She was several years older than me in school and I always looked up to her so much and she is truly one of the most good-hearted and funny people around. It was a great way to end a wonderful weekend!


*******

Lastly, I want to add on a little video of my dear ole daddy. For the past 20ish years he has been writing and recording a game day commerical to be played every Saturday on our local station.

Never one to shy away from any type of camera, he has agreed to let me video him and add them to the blog. We always get a huge kick out of them, and I came up with this great idea last night to keep a record of them by putting them on here each week before the games. This one is a little late, but I hope you enjoy!