Next stop, 2009

I don't have much to show for myself this past year in the way of big accomplishments or huge life steps. I'm just a post-graduate young adult - a girl not quite established who is traveling an unorganized path toward a future that isn't quite clear.

It may surprise you, but when I waved goodbye to 2007 and pondered where I'd be the following year, my vision did not really include living with my parents. And maybe my dreams are too lofty, but I was shooting for something more than unemployment and no real plan for the future.

I'm just ambitious that way.

But, the funny thing is - even though on paper my reality doesn't seem near as exciting as my dreams, it's actually better. It's where I'm supposed to be, and I can really get on board with that - as crazy as I think it is sometimes.

I'm not where I thought I'd be.

And I haven't quite made it to where I'm going.

But I sure am having fun on the road in between.

Exit 2008 made for a great turn.

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." ~Hal Borland

Happy New Year!

Long Recap #4389 - I recommend reading in phases

Hi there.

I would like to welcome you to the longest, most non-cohesive update ever.

I have just been finding fun around every corner lately and have hardly a moment to document it all. Your eyes are welcome here, but don't feel obligated to hang with this whole post - unless you are my mama in which case you are in fact obligated.

Hate it for ya, Deb.

So, for Fun Times Posterity, here is a look back at my last week of 2008.

Christmas.

Loved it. Stood in kitchen all day long with my family laughing and eating and really if you have those what else do you need?

Then it was over. Just like that.

Friday.

The Matthew-man hung around for one more day - much to the delight of all the people living in our house.

For lunch, I met up with The Brother and The Mother and their BFF's.

Deb and Nancy (and some other random girl who needs a haircut). Friends since college and married to a couple of guys who have been friends since childhood.


Jeffrey and Matthew.


Friends since Nancy had Jeffrey. We LOVE Jeffrey and I would like to take a moment on behalf of the Tysons to ask him to please move back to The Boro. Just kidding. Except not really.

Friday night I hung out in the dark with a bunch of teenagers. I just realized that sentence could lean towards creepy so allow me to explain. We were waiting to surprise a certain gal turning the big 1-7!


Surprise! Oh Marlee. Despite her best efforts to figure it all out, we got her.

Marsha (Marlee's mama/my dear friend) and I took a pic in our matching black and brown before I had to skedaddle back to the homestead to hang out with my brother a little more.


On the way home, I was really trying to come up with something funny to say so I could see him make this face again.


Saturday.

Matthew hit the road and Deb and I hit up the movie with Connie and her gang.


We all really liked it. The only complaint was that Brad was only the real Brad (looks-wise) for a very short part of the movie. I have come to terms with this because I know we all must sacrifice for the good of the story, but it was a shame nonetheless.

Sunday.

"Church Day!" as the boys like to say. Marsha was accompanying the pastor on stage to talk about New Year's resolutions, so I went to both services to support her and get a double dose of spirituality.


She did great and the service was awesome. AND as an added bonus, one of our teenage Bible study girls was leading worship that day for the first time ever.


I was so impressed by Ashley and what an amazing singer she is. Not to mention that she played and sang alongside her daddy which was too sweet for words.


It kind of reminded me of all the times Big Al and I have sung karaoke duets. Tear.

Marsha and I (with Zach - the infamous picture stowaway) after church.


Sunday was also Marlee's actual birthday, so I went over to their house for the rest of the day to assist in making some bday cookies as well as taking the time to ask Mar deep questions like, "If you could change one thing about yourself for your 17th year, what would it be?"

In between annoying Marlee and entertaining the crowd with an "12 Days of Christmas" interpretive dance, I took some time out to assist Marsha in cooking making and cooking icing.


And of course I had to take some pictures of and with the prettiest 17 year old I know.


We also watched another movie, which I thoroughly enjoyed against all odds.


Monday.

I had lunch with Bri (one of my favorite girls in the land) and her husband Earle (one of my favorite boys in the land) who were in town to celebrate Christmas with his family.


Longhorn, free bread, catching up, and laughs with the really good kind of friends - Monday never looked better.

Later that afternoon, Daddy called to see if I wanted to come to his play rehearsal for "Driving Ms. Daisy". I RSVP'd an excited YES.


It is looking so good!

I ended the day by going to see the 10 o'clock showing of Seven Pounds with Marsha, Marlee, & Friends. The movie was incredibly sad, but very good, and I am happy to report that I am 3 for 3 with movies this week. A 2008 movie miracle!

And finally, today. Tuesday.

Today I brought back the boring existence and filled my day with a quick babysquat this morning, followed by a day of cleaning Ashley's house. I have been back in my pajamas since about the time the sun went down and couldn't be happier.

Life is good.

We had ourselves a merry little Christmas

Every year

A special thanks to The Gramster for doing her part to keep tradition alive - and to keep her bare-legged granddaughter off the streets for one more year.

Hope ya'll are laughing and carrying on as much as we are.

Love,

The Panty Ho

It was about a baby, it was about a cross

A gentle, humble couple
had traveled long and far.
To a little town called Bethlehem,
and a stable beneath a star.

There among the cattle,
God sent His Son to earth.
With only an angel chorus,
to celebrate His birth.

Yet shepherds heard their message
and knelt there in the straw.
Amazed and filled with wonder,
at the Baby whom they saw.

Then wise men came to worship
with precious gifts to bring.
Knowing that before them
was their Savior and their King.

Christ came to us from heaven,
and did not count the cost.
Yet behind His humble manger,
stood a waiting, rugged cross.



Merry Christmas

Early morning photo shoot

Hey, Brannen, you sure do look awfully cute sitting there eating those powdered donuts. How about a few quick pics for your Jenn Jenn?

(Seriously, this girl wants to take a picture of me eating? She will stop at nothing.)


Please B! Between the light coming in from the window and that powder all over your mouth, I really think it would be a shot worth having. You gotta trust me, man. It will be SO fun!

(Oh my word, she has GOT to be kidding me. Did she really just say that? Woman, I was not born yesterday. Try 6 YEARS ago. Doesn't she know I stopped falling for that "it will be so fun" stuff around 3. LAME.)


Ok, Babe, I can tell you are not quite all about this. How about a little wager. Say...a cookie to wash down those donuts if I can get a few good smiles out of ya. Whatcha say, big man?

(Hmm, well played. I like where you are going with this, Jenn Jenn. Keep talkin.)


If you start showing the camera some love, I'll give you one cookie AND you can watch a movie in the playroom when Will takes a nap. Hand over the cheese and you've got a deal.

(That's what I'm talkin bout. CHEEEEEESE)


There you go. Work that camera! Brannen, I really like what you are doing here with all your adorableness.

(Click, click)

Whoa now, I think we're taking a turn towards crazy. Might need to dial it back down a bit.

(Hate it for her, but I just remembered that my life's goal is to completely ham up any and every situation I find myself in. Can't go back now. I'm too committed to the cause.)


Ok I see where this is going. I have traveled this path of photographic silliness so many times I am now a tour guide. I know what happens once we take this turn. Let it rip, man. I can't fence you in.

(Ha haaaa. How's the morning light now, Jenn Jenn?)


I think these are just perfect actually. Hey Will, what's your take on all the craziness unfolding before you? You seem uphased.

Excuse me Will Will, could I trouble you for a cute picture?

(Absolutely, my sista. I got cuteness for days.)


Child, I tell you what. I'd take you over a powdered donut anyday. Any other poses you would like to share before we call it quits?

(Well no actually. But, can I interest you in a little poot noise? Fffffffff.)


Hmm. Well that was interesting, but let's not...

(FFffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff.)


Ok, kids I think we're done here.

(Hee hee ha ha ho ho. She can't help but love us.)


Got that right.

The Tag of 8

Faith and Kendra tagged for a fun "8 things" meme!

8 Shows I watch:

(Not a comprehensive list...)
1. Friends (forever secured as my all-time favorite show)
2. Grey's
3. Private Practice
4. Army Wives (I miss it)
5. TLC (all inclusive)
6. Food Network (all inclusive)
7. Brothers & Sisters
8. American Idol

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Subway (did anyone see that one coming?)
2. Longhorn
3. El Sombrero (best Mexican in the Boro)
4. La Cazuela (best Mexican in Athens)
5. Holiday's Greek and Italian (Statesboro fave)
6. Heavenly Ham
7. AJ's Grill (a family favorite on Tybee Island)
8. Big Al's Kitchen (can't beat it!)

8 Things that Happened to Me Today (I started this yesterday, so this is Saturday's list)

1. I slept in until lunch
2. Ate lunch (see #1 on favorite restaurants)
3. Helped Deb clean out her closet
4. Told Mama that "hot pink corduroys are NOT OK" (I'm sure she would like me to state that she has not been actively wearing them)
5. Laughed with The Debster until we about cried on many occasions throughout the closet clean-out process
6. Went through a bunch of OLD pictures that were recovered (I'm talking Al & Deb pre-children and Matthew & Jenna pre-growing up. Loved it)
7. Shared some good laughs with the cast of Friends as I watched several of their gag reels on DVD
8. Stayed in my pajamas all day and didn't take a shower until 11pm

8 Things I Look Forward to:

1. My brother coming to the Boro in a few days. The Tysons are celebrating the coming of TWO princes this year (Jesus coming to earth and Matthew coming home for Christmas)
2. Hanging out with my family over the holiday
3. Watching my dad and brother battle it out in the kitchen (a battle we ALL win)
4. Hearing back from my interview last week (yes? no? I don't care which, just don't leave a girl hanging please)
5. Keeping the boys Sunday night and all day Monday since they are out of school
6. The "Girl's Christmas Party" my dear friend Bri is hosting on the 3rd. Road trip to see great friends - best Christmas present EVER.
7. This being the last year my New Year's Resolution is to lose weight ("Looking Fine in '09" is about to commence!)
8. Getting a job ("A Job That's Mine in '09" will hopefully commence soon)

8 Things I Wish For:

1. To figure out exactly how to use my talents, gifts, personality, and passions in life
2. A job that combines all the things in #1
2. A boyfriend
3. A boyfriend who turns into a husband (2 & 3 can be the same person)
4. A house
5. A family
6. A slanket
8. To be able to keep remembering that all of the above will come in my life right when they are supposed to!

I know a lot of people have already done this one, but if you haven't and want to participate in this once in a lifetime "8 Things" opportunity - consider yourself tagged!

Hope ya'll have a great Sunday!

A message from the Will-man

Hi!

It's me, Will Will. You may remember me as (quote) "the most adorable child in the history of the world." (end quote)

I am at preschool today, but I just wanted to take a break from playing with my friends, reading books to my class, and charming all the ladies to tell you about my Christmas Program from yesterday.

It was awesome.


That's me, smack dab in the middle, singing at volumes so high you would have been amazed. You actually may have even heard me if you live in surrounding states.

I don't want to brag, but I pretty much killed it. I sang the loudest and proudest of all those little babies around me. The crowd went absolutely wild for me. You'd think that might embarrass me, but don't worry, I am used to being loved and adored by my many fans.


That's my BFF Hayden in front of me on the left. I don't know why, but I kept hearing her ask God why she had to stand and front me. She kept praying, Spare my ears, Lord, I am too young to lose my hearing.

Her pleas did not stop me, though. I just kept right on singing as loud as my voice would go.

"ONE WITTLE TWO WITTLE FWEE WITTLE WEINDEER...."

After all the singing was done, I got to go back to my classroom and have a party with my friends! Here I am back in the room.


What's that? You like my shirt? Well thanks, I made it myself with my sweet foot and my precious little hands.

It's a "wayne-dee-ya."

There was lots of good snacks at the party, and I was so glad to get something to drink. Singing at the top of one's lungs can cause the throat to become very parched.


Not to mention that working the crowd (like I had to do afterwards) can make a guy very hungry. Here I am chowing down on some M&M's (my fave)!


I personally am partial to calling them "emmy ems" which some people (Jenna) think is incredibly adorable (typical).

Well anyways, I guess I should wrap this up (people to see, naps to take), but before I do, I just have to tell you about some of my guests that came to see me perform.

My awesome mommy was there of course, as well as my grandma, SaSa!


And I am NOT ashamed to say that I am a BIG Mama's Boy. She is the best, and I definitely get my good looks and my natural ability to woo a crowd from her. I just love my "pwetty mama!"


My Jenn Jenn came, too! She was so excited, bless her heart (you'd think I was a famous rockstar the way she swoons over me all the time).

She gave me some thumbs up as I walked by and a big hug when she came to the party. And of course she wanted to commemorate the occasion with a picture (again, typical).


I really wanted to take one with her too, but I got distracted by this AWESOME sucker and had to take a moment to rejoice that it would soon be in my mouth. Jenn Jenn didn't care. She is a huge advocate for candy.

We totally get each other.

So in conclusion - yesterday was a GWATE day!

I hope ya'll are doing gwate, too, and I hope you all have a MA-WEE CWIS-MAS!

Christmas Card Carousel

My sweet and creative friend, Faith, is hosting a Christmas Card Carousel today confirming to me once again that she is awesome.

Bringing Christmas cards (the best part of Christmas - after Jesus, etc.) to the blogworld (the best part of life - after Jesus, etc.) is such a wonderfully merry idea.

And get excited because the tidings of good joy I am about to pour out are specifically for ya'll!

See...

And here's what's inside envelope #1...

Open it up and see who it's from!!

"For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He'll take over the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God, Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there'll be no limits
to the wholeness he brings."
Isaiah 9:6-7 (The Message)

Wishing you a happy, whole, and Merry Christmas!

An incredibly long recap (just like old times!)

This weekend I rode in this hoss...


...to see these beautiful, funny, real, hilarious, and always welcoming people (oh yeah, and to interview for a job, but that was just a technicality).


On Saturday, I sat on my friend Meg's couch, and we took up our old way of life - spending the better part of the day in our pj's, watching The Starter Wife and Say Yes to the Dress, laughing at things that are probably only funny to us, and lounging out.

Laila, dog of my heart, illustrates our preferred way of life below.


On Saturday night, I accompanied Meg to my homeland, Walmart, (not pictured) to get groceries for a special food item (later pictured) and some tacky Christmas attire for their church par-tay (keep an eye out for pictures below).

But then it was back to lounging. Wouldn't want to pack in too many activities.

On Sunday, I hit up the church scene with Meg and Tyler just like old times.

This is what I saw that made me happy.


This is what I sang that made me happy.


Later that afternoon, I took a seat at the kitchen bar to watch Meg put together the amazingness that is The Chicken Packet (for the party at church later that evening).

It started with this.


Crescent rolls + mixture of chicken/cream cheese/chives + I'm sorry, did Christmas just come early?

Then I watched Meg pat those babies out real good-like (technical cooking terminology).


I was singing "first you take the cre-scents and you smoosh 'em, you smoosh 'em" in my head. But I did not sing it out loud because I value my life.

Next, it was time to fill those little squares with the cream cheese/heaven mixture. I stepped in to assist because no friend of mine will handle culinary perfection alone. Not on my watch, people.


Obviously, I was having a REAL good time (cream cheese in the hand, big cheese on the face). But I'm also not the only one who gets excited about Chicken Packets.


Mmmm. One of the many gifts of Megan's friendship in my life.

I could talk about these for an extensive amount of time, but I'd like to move on since there was more fun and food on the horizon that night, if you can even believe it.

Lest you have your doubts...


My fave element from the food table of goodness: Erika's Heath Bar fruit dip (served here with apples).


Erika, thank you for not giving me the recipe. I would really rather not weight 800 pounds on Christmas Day, and I am thankful for your assistance in not allowing that to happen. And also for the gift you gave my taste buds on that glorious Sunday night. :-)

For the party, everyone was supposed to dress up in their tacky Christmas attire.


The smiley face on my shirt lit up whenever it experienced movement. This was really fortunate for me since my signature move is the shimmy. But I didn't bust it out much that night (you know, church party and all).

While Meg and I took the tacky attire pretty seriously, some people (like the amazing Erin) took it REALLY seriously. She totally got my vote, even though no one asked for it.


Here is the CUTE gift I picked in the White Elephant gift exchange. Don't look, Mama, I think you are getting this for Christmas.


Monday came too quickly, and knowing it was all coming to an end made me and Rigby quite sad.


But, we did manage a few fun activities for my last day in The Ath. Lunch at La Cazuela (a tradition in the truest sense) and then later, I accompanied Meg and Tyler to pick out their Christmas tree!


It is times like these we give thanks for the hoss.


And as I pack up to leave, I am most certainly giving thanks for a wonderful weekend with my really wonderful friends.

:-)

Update

Thank you all for your well wishes on the ole interview!

I am happy to report that I think it went really well. The principal has not called back to say he loved me, but I do think he liked me. The feeling was mutual, as he was very nice and easy to talk to. I felt like I had some pretty good answers to all his many questions, and never had one moment of telling myself in my head to wrap it up all ready, Jenna, you are making no sense.

Which I always consider a personal victory.

I don't really have a feeling either way about the whole thing - I wasn't getting any You're the one vibes from him, but I was definitely not getting any Never gonna happen vibes either. He did tell me that with the Christmas holidays coming up next week, he wouldn't be making any decisions until the first of the year.

So we shall see in a few weeks, hopefully.

As for today, Megan and I are sitting on her couch with our trusty computers - watching last week's episode of Private Practice, laughing at the dogs running around like crazy, and enjoying the fact that we have no plans to speak of on today's agenda.

Happy Saturday!

New developments

This has been the least blog-worthy week of my life, I think. Every time I think about what I should write, I fall asleep from the boredom of my existence.

But things revved up a little bit yesterday morning after my phone rang.

It rings Stevie Wonder's, "I Just Called to Say I Love You," by the way.

I downloaded it 3 years ago while sitting in the living room of my college house during Spring Break. My roommate Kara and I were watching American Idol because we are really cool people and used to spend our SB's watching reality TV. We were actually taped for an episode of "Girls Gone Calm" that year.

Check your local movie stores for rental availability.

So anyways, we were eating popsicles, I was telling KK how she should audition for AI, and all of a sudden Stevie was singing in my ear.

I just called....to say....I love you.....

In that moment, I knew I was meant to have that song as a ringtone. I highly suggest everyone abandon this blog right now and go download it. It is so good for your soul to constantly hear throughout the day that someone is just calling to say they love you. To tell you how much they care.

Wow. What am I talking about, and how did I get on this subject?

Oh yes, my phone rang.

Turns out, it was a principal at a school near my beloved Athens wanting to meet with me about a job.

Wha?? Someone wanted to talk to me about a job? Like an actual job that pays money? What was this alternate universe I stepped into? And how, pray tell, do I NOT step out of it?

I called him back immediately before he changed his mind, and of course got his answering machine.

I left a wonderful message in which I gave him the wrong phone number to call me back. But, don't worry, I realized it and said something extremely impressive like, "Oh goodness, I don't even know my own phone number!"

I think it really showed the range of my mental competency and capabilities.

Miraculously, I did get back in touch with him around 2 pm, and by 2:05 pm we had an interview set up for this morning at 9!

Recap: At that point, the interview was in another town approximately 19 hours from that very moment.

This is where you can feel welcome to picture me running around the house like some crazy woman gathering up dirty clothes, throwing them in the wash, trying on outfits for the interview, throwing everything I own haphazardly into a suitcase, calling Meg to warn her of an incoming guest, checking my bank account, calling my dad to update him, calling my mama to get her to print out my resume (thanks, Deb & Connie!), cleaning out my car, loading up all my stuff, switching cars with my daddy (he likes me to drive his truck out of town because it has better tires - awww, thanks Al), eating a quick supper (yes it was supper time by then), and hitting the road.

A few hours later I was at Meg's - so glad that I decided to go ahead and drive up that night instead of waiting til this morning. Doing so would have caused me to rise at 5 a.m, and i just don't think that would have been beneficial.

Hi, I'm Jenna. I would like to work for you. Just FYI, my eyes are not usually the color of Rudolph's nose. And I am usually not so delirious. Ha HA hee HEE ha ho. But seriously. Please take all this info into consideration as you contemplate hiring me. Thank you. Feel free to call me at (insert incorrect number).

Here's to hoping it goes much better than the example above, and that after it's all said and done - the principal will just call...to say...he loves me. :-)

Faith

A long time ago, I had this really cool little book called "Faith is..."

Each page finished the phrase with short little examples of faith. They were written on this really cool paper (loved it) in lots of different fonts (double loved it).

I truly had a love affair with this book, and I would pick it up from time to time and read through them all - connecting deeply with different ones at different times, depending on what was going on in my life.

One day I was being myself and decided that I should cut all the pages out and put them together in a different book - in a cooler, better way. A better way which would later be filed in my Failed Craftiness Attempts folder (it's large, but homegirl keeps trying!). And a cooler way that resulted in me somehow losing all the pages.

Nary a one ever to be seen again.

Years passed and every once in a while I would think about that little book, throw my hands up in the air, and rue the day scissors were invented.

The only thing that gave me any hope at all was an urban legend that existed in my head telling me that I had (in the process of destroying and losing a perfectly wonderful book) written all of the "faith-sayings" down for safe keeping.

It didn't really sound like something I would think to do, but I held onto the faint hope that one day I would come across such a document and be encouraged once again.

I am thrilled to tell you that yesterday my dream was realized! I came across a notebook where I had in fact, written all the contents of the faith-book down before I inadvertently sent all the pages into The Great Unknown.

It was a sweet discovery that couldn't have come at a better time.

You see, I have been in kind of a funk lately. It is a small funk - very teeny, actually, in the big scheme of things. But it has caused me some emotional turmoil nonetheless.

Sometimes I just grow weary of this place - of this waiting and wondering if I am doing the right thing. Wondering if I am where God wants me. Wondering how and when this whole thing is going to come together. Wondering if I am pleasing God with how I am handling this time He has given me.

It's all completely natural, I know, and I don't dwell in all the questioning too much. But sometimes I just feel a little lost. Sometimes I need a little boost of faith.

I needed it yesterday.

And all of a sudden, there it was.

Yesterday my boost was found on pieces of paper in a scraggly old notebook. It was found through the the contents of a cute little book written out in my hurried handwriting - discovered tucked away in the masses of my stuff that has been stored up for years.

Finding it didn't solve any of my issues, but I was reminded again the importance of having faith in the One who does.

And reading through it reminded me of what faith in Him really is.

********

Faith is...

...the handle by which I take God's promises and apply them to my particular problems.

...remembering I am indispensable to God when I feel I only clutter up the landscape.

...remembering that in the kingdom of God, everything is based on promise, not on feeling.

...expecting God to accomplish miracles through insignificant me, with my five loaves and my two fishes.

...reliance on the certainty that God has a pattern for my life when everything seems meaningless.

...expecting golden grain from the bleak, barren, endless fields - watered only by my tears where I walk alone.

...thanking God when I am left with shattered plans, knowing that He has better plans.

...confidence in God's faithfulness to me in an uncertain world, on an uncharted course, toward an unknown future.

...waiting patiently for God to make me more Christ-like through people and circumstances when I want Him to give me a quick fix - preferably painless.

...trusting that God is doing a work in me when I feel inwardly cold, hollow, lifeless, deserted and I long for reassuring feelings.

...not related to my believing hard enough, nor my emotional exhilaration or flatness - but rests on what God guarantees in His word.

Faith is...the way to please God.

********

When we're not singing karaoke, we make up routines

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Spiritual surprises

Spring Cleaning is in full swing in my life these days. Nevermind that I am two seasons behind.

Or am I two seasons early?

I shall ponder this notion as I type the rest of this post.

Anyways, it all started with the Big Clean Out of 08, of course, and has now progressed to other parts of the house that I, over the years, managed to load up with even more of my junk.

Interestingly enough, while searching the boxes, I found the inauguration speech I gave when I became president of Hoarders Unite.

It was pretty touching.

There were many other sweet items discovered in the masses, as well - funny cards, pictures that took me back to some great memories of yesteryear, and one particular item that brought me great joy.


I made this in a high school ceramics class when I was probably about 16. I smiled as I pulled it out, remembering how much I loved making it and how much trouble I had had deciding what verse I wanted use.

I don't remember how I finally chose, but when I found it yesterday, I gave God a mental high five for allowing me to settle on this particular verse.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

An oldie but a goodie, and a verse He knew I would be running through my heart constantly several years later as I found myself in crazyland trying to figure out my path. I guess He knew one day down the line I'd be sitting on the floor during Big Clean Out: The Sequel, and I might be needing a little reminder of His promises.

I got all caught up in the coolness for a few moments - thinking about how neat it was that God can speak to us even in the midst of the craziness and junk we surround ourselves with.

When we are truly least expecting it.

As I surveyed the (very literal) craziness and junk that lay all around me in that particular moment, I wondered what else God had placed in those boxes to speak to my heart.

And then, I reached in the box again and came across this.


Deep, spiritual meaning: TBA

Addictions & Awards

In our last semester of grad school, my BFF Megan and I took a class that had to do with addictions. The key words in that sentence were "our last semester." By that time, we were pretty much done with learning, so we chose that particular class despite having no real interest in the subject matter.

We took it because it was an online class. Online = easy. Easy = Meg and Jenna's happiness.


So you can just imagine our glee when the professor (who we actually loved a great deal) told us we would only be meeting in the classroom about 4 times.

4 TIMES the whole semester! That's what I'm talking about.

I still get excited remembering that day.

One of the main assignments was to abstain from something we were "addicted" to for 6 weeks - the goal being for us to better understand substance abuse and recovery. What we gave up was up to us, but it had to be something we did on a regular basis that would be hard to abstain from.

Meg gave up texting (lame), and I (after much consideration and a lot of failed attempts to talk myself out of it) decided that I would try (operative word) to give up Diet Coke.

I still get sad remembering that day.

But hey, I will do anything for the sake of education.

(Lies. All lies.)

Thankfully I did not have to be sad too long. About a week and a half after I begrudgingly made my decision, I found myself at the drive-thru of Sonic ordering a Route 44 DC with a reckless abandon like you've never seen.

I just love it, I don't know what else to say.

Thankfully the grade was not based on success and whether or not we made it through the 6 weeks. But for the record I think I learned more from "failing" than I would have if I had just gone the distance and not had any Diet Coke for the duration.

My professor bought that last line, and I think you should, too.

So what is the point, you might be asking?

(I get this question a lot in my everyday life.)

Well, I share all of this because last week I was presented with a blog award from the amazing MiMi (love that woman!)...


...and the rules of accepting this reward are that you have to list 5 favorite addictions and then pass along this award to five other fabulous blogs! I accidently listed 6 because I am an over-achiever.

(Lies. All lies.)

6 addictions I will not be giving up any time soon...

1. Diet Coke


I think I've made my love pretty clear on this one.

2. Taking pictures


An addiction which has caused my laptop to hate me. So many pictures, so little disk space.

3. Writing utensils

I just recently came to terms with this after the Big Clean Out. I'm pretty sure I could write with a different pen everyday for the rest of my life and never run out.


4. Love

Yes, I might as well face it. If you want to be loved, want to love me, want to watch a movie, read a book, or talk about love - I am here for you.

Which works out, since in the end...


5. Subway


I'm suddenly very hungry. If Subway knew what was good for them, they'd call me in to be their spokeswoman. Girl can take down a 6" turkey on wheat.

6. Laughing


If it's really the best medicine, I may live forever. I like me some LOL-ing.

I know I'm supposed to nominate 5 more blogs, but I am also addicted to not being able to make decisions - especially when all my choices are so good. :-) I just think you are ALL fabulous.

Hope ya'll have a great Wednesday!

Brrrr

Since I totally thought I was the last person in the world NOT to have a Slanket, I am surprised to see that many people do not even know about this treasure.

Get excited, because I am about to introduce you to my one Christmas wish.


Well, hey there handsome! I originally chose this picture because it displayed my Slanket choice color, but upon further examination, I realized it also represents my other Christmas wish.

A Slanket and a cute boy - is that too much to ask? C'mon Santa. Be there for me!

Ok, moving on.

I think I have documented before about my love of blankets. I can't remember what exactly I said, but the thesis was something along the lines of: I LOVE BLANKETS.

While I adore cold weather (Georgia-cold, that is), I hate being cold.

I am a complicated soul.

As if my cold hatred wasn't enough to deal with, I have the added fact that I tend to always be cold. Loved ones far and wide would tell you that a lot of this is attributed to the fact that I do not dress warmly enough. Which I will have to admit is quite accurate.

But I live in Georgia. Georgia has a hard time deciding what she wants to be in life.

Cold one day. Moderate the next. Even if it was blustery today, tomorrow it could be close to 70. I've worn a heavy coat in October and short-sleeves on Christmas Day.

Georgia is a complicated soul.

We totally get each other.

But really, my main, long-term cold issues have not dealt with the temperatures outside, but the temperatures inside. Something about stepping foot in the house attunes my senses to the fact that my body, it is a freezer.

Enter the blanket.

(It is my drug of choice.)

But as it is with most drugs, I have built up my tolerance.

Simple afghans and fleece blankets just aren't giving me the same high as they once did. I have to use more blankets to get the same warming effect, and even as I pile them on, they are not doing the trick.

I need more coverage. I need more flexibility.

I need something that is going to be there to keep my whole body warm as I take part in activities dear to my heart - eating, typing, reading, watching TV. You know, the important things in life.

Enter the Slanket.

(It is my Christmas drug of choice.)

Well, other than family togetherness and food. And celebrating Christ's birth, of course.

And maybe one of these days - a cute boy.

;-)

It's the happiest time of the year

My sweet friend Faith tagged me for a little Christmastime meme, which I thought was just perfect timing seeing as it's December. The jingle bells are in full ring!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I'm going to have to say wrapping paper. I don't have anything against a nice, festive bag - I just like the act of wrapping. Not be confused with rapping. Although I have written a couple awesome raps in my day.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

My preference is real, especially for the main one, but I have a great love for artificial ones scattered about the house.And there was an artificial one put up in my college house that I will always hold dear.

3. When do you put up the tree?

At this stage of the game, that is not really my jurisdiction. If I happen to be home when the tree comes in, I wait for Big Al to say, "Get over here, you girl."

4. When do you take the tree down?

See #3

5. Do you like eggnog?

To be honest, I can't remember having ever tasted eggnog. But I feel pretty confident in saying that I highly doubt I'd be a fan.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

A motorized Barbie Car. I must have driven that hot pink Corvette a million miles up and down my driveway.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

It used to be my grandaddy because whatever you gave him (which ended up being something creative like socks or undershirts) he would lovingly let you know that he did not need such items. I did finally break the Pop Present Curse when I gave him a nifty clock that told the time, date, AND temperature. It totally blew his mind.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Probably Mama because she usually tells me what she wants :-)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

There are several scattered about. Last year Will was mesmerized by one in Ashley's house. He constantly pulled a chair up and would name off all of the nativity participants, like "Ma-wee" and "Bof-bif" (aka Joseph). I was glad to know Will and I were kindred spirits in our love for the nativity.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I haven't personally busted out onto the Christmas card scene yet, although I LOVE when they start showing up in the mailbox.

11. Worst Christmas Gift You Ever Received?

My grandmother has always (ALWAYS) given me sheer panty hose for Christmas. This gift tradition she started will forever be a grand enigma in my life.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Christmas Vacation and While You Were Sleeping

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

At the very last possible minute that exists on the clock

14 . Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Not that I know of, but I am not opposed. If I got something that someone else could make better use of, I say pass that joker on and share the joy.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Anything and everything Big Al cooks

16. Lights on the tree?

I think white is the prettiest, but in the Tyson home we have colored because we are really classy like that. The lights also dance and sing. We love it.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

It would be (hands down) O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Christmas in the Boro - 23 years and counting!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Only if I could tag team with my friend Google

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

I know it's not about this, but I would have to say limited funds and not being able to buy for every single person I want to. It kind of puts a damper on getting into the "giving spirit," but I won't always be here - and it's a great reminder as to what is really important.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

Angels

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

A slanket

I tag anyone who is looking to bring a little Christmas spirit to their blog. :-)