Just another productive day

Yesterday I went up to the workplace of my friend Marsha to take on the role of her personal assistant - and help her in some office-y type tasks. Mainly, my assigned jobs were going to be cleaning out and organizing her desk and file cabinets. There was even a rumor that I was going to get to use the paper shredder, which we all know can bring much joy.

I got there around 1:30 and she was hard at work making calls and being a grown-up.


I took notes on her diligence so I would be able to mirror her work ethic once it was my turn. After only a few moments, I realized what I needed to do before we got that work party started.


I proposed the idea to The Boss and she was all about it because one of her deep and abiding loves in this world is a large Diet Cherry Vanilla Coke.


I got back to the office, drinks in hand, and was about to get busy when Marsha's daughter, Marlee, called to say that she wouldn't be able to pick up her brother from school. She was touring the University or something lame like that. Teenagers - always trying to be responsible and plan their educational futures.

Don't they know they are just going to grow up, get 6 years of high ed, and shred paper for living?

Anyways, The Jakester needed to be picked up, so off I went to collect my favorite of Marsha's children.


I brought him back to the office (after trip #2 to Sonic because Jake is his mother's child and a boy after my own heart), and REALLY was going to start on my tasks. But then Marlee stopped by and I had a hard time distracting myself from trying to annoy her with my camera. I can't help it. It's my love language.

Plus, isn't she so cute?


"Marlee....hey, um, Marlee...MARLEE."


She went to great lengths to ignore the paparazzi.


Knowing when my services are not wanted, I took the camera on down to admire the stylin footwear.


Pretty soon, the cute boots, Marlee, and Jake left to go home, and I realized that now was the time when real work was going to have to be done.

But, unfortunately for the filing cabinets, Marsha and I AGAIN became distracted upon finding some interesting items in her drawers.


What made us laugh was (surprisingly) not the fact that these dolls found residence in her desk area. If you knew Marsha, you'd know that type of randomness actually makes perfect sense. What got us going was the realization that these dolls were personal replicas of us.

And it just went (further) downhill from there.

I give you, The Queen.


My mini-me and I were even wearing the same pink shirts. (Let it be known that the matching stopped there, as I was not sporting white pants like like SOME tiny plastic people.)


I gave my girl this book to read so she would know where I am in life more fully. It helped us bond, I feel.


And with this, we decided it was pretty much time to clock out.


All in a day's work, my friends.

The trip, part dos

I am heading back home today after a very fun weekend.

Well, I guess I should say a very fun weekbeginning, seeing as it is Wednesday and all.

I have been in Athens for the past couple of days hanging with Meg and Tyler, and it has been great to see them again. When I figured out that I would be going to Atlanta on Sunday, I naturally stuck an Athens trip on the end. I am always (always) looking for an excuse to head to The ATH. Indeed, my desire to visit this town - my home of 2 years - is pretty constant. But, sadly, I can't always justify my every "I want to go to Athens" whim.

Those half-full toilet bowls in my life are not half-filled with money.

I was especially excited to head over to Athens after my Atlanta trip because one of my very dear friends from grad school (the adorable Karen) had a baby girl last week!

Heart, be still.

Meg and I went to visit Kare and sweet Baby AC yesterday, and I was able to gaze upon her little angel face while we chatted it up with her sweet mama. She was the most darling thing, and I was so enthralled by her that I didn't even get a picture.

Apparently I was high or something. I'm pretty sure I was cracked out on baby cuteness.

After we left, Meg and I went and grabbed some lunch and then it was back to her house to hang out. We talked, watched TV, and planned our next meal (the 3 pillars of a good afternoon).

While discussing various topics, I was deeply saddened to learn that our favorite Mexican restaurant, La Cazuela, had closed for renovations or some estupido reason like that. La Caz is dear to our hearts as it got us through many long weeks of ridiculous schooling by way of chip therapy. Not to mention that it has become tradition for us to go there every time I come into town.

You can't mess with tradition, La Caz! We are fragile enough as it is!

But thankfully, like Beyonce, we are survivors.

We managed to find a substitute Mexican place in which to stuff ourselves full of comida until our homeland can be renovated.

By the time we got home, it was time to say goodnight and farewell until we meet again. Tear, and tear.

Now it's back to The Boro I go.

OH!

Ok, this has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but I had to tell this story about Sunday night at the Travis Cottrell recording. There was the sweet older lady sitting next to me during the concert who was SO into the music (who could blame her?).

Anyways, at one point during the recording, there was a computer glitch and we were going to have to sing one of the songs again (oh darn). There was a stall while they fixed the computer, so Travis, man of my heart, suggested we all sing "Shackles."

This was the only time in my life I have welcomed a technical difficulty involving a computer.

While we were singing, I noticed Sweet Lady beside me throwing her hands up in the air like she just didn't care. There is a part in the song that says, "you broke the chains now I can lift my hands," and I mean to tell you - Homelady was raising the roof! It was so precious, I had to lean over to Faith and make her aware of the darlingness that was occurring to my left.

I hope in 50 or so years, I am still getting down with my bad self for the Lord like this woman. That image will seriously be engraved in my mind forever. Loved it!

Ya'll have a great Wednesday!

A great night

It was the Hoss and I on the open road again yesterday, but that was just fine. The Big H is doing it's part to keep me safe, and so far this trip we have been getting along very well. Although, at one point today I did accuse The Hoss of swallowing up my directions to Athens.

But then I found them. Folded up neatly and in a safe place so they wouldn't get lost.

I tend to confuse myself when I get all organized and responsible.

Anyways, Sunday was just amazing and I am so glad I was able to go to this...


And finally meet THESE sweet people face to face. Or hug to hug, as it were.


And I just have to say, if you read Faith and/or Emilie's blog and think to yourself, "They seem like really Godly, sweet, amazing people," then you might want to think about getting a job with the FBI.

Because your instincts are SPOT ON.

They really were just so fun and funny, and we just got along like we had known each other forever. I love that, and I love them! We just had the best time. It was so exciting getting to see and talk with these girls who I have just come to adore so much.

And seriously, how cute is my friend, Faith?


And, if all that excitement wasn't enough to send me over the edge, look who I ran into coming in the front door of the church!


I was walking up to go inside, and I suddenly realized that Sophie and Melanie were walking in front of me.

I really like it when my dreams come true.

When we got inside, I (said goodbye to my last smidge of restraint and) called out, "Sophie?" This caused the darling Boomama herself to turn around with a big ole smile and say, "Hey...Jenna!"

And then I died. Seriously. I am actually typing this post from Heaven.

Sweet Melanie turned around too, and I gave them both big hugs and was able to stand there and talk with them for a few minutes. And I was also so glad because Faith, Emilie, and I got to speak with them for a little bit after the show as well - just too fun, I tell you.

Here's the thing - if you sometimes read BooMama and BigMama and think, "I bet they are even sweeter and funnier in person than they are on their blogs," then I am telling you...F-B-I. Call them. They need you.

After meeting Faith & Emilie and Sophie & Melanie, I pretty much could have gone home right then and been happy for the rest of my life. But, I am so glad we stuck around because we had an amazing night of worship in our immediate future.


Lead, of course, by the amazingly talented and humble, Travis Cottrell. Boy can SANG.


Also making an appearance (as well as a solid contribution to the cause of Rocking Our Worlds) was the extremely darling and always powerful, Beth Moore. Girl can BRING IT.


By the way, all of these pictures from inside the church have been borrowed from the camera of the wonderful Emilie. She got some great shots, while most of mine came out like this.


Abstract photography is my passion.

After the concert we were on a hunt for some good food, and because Faith and Mimi are girls after my own heart, we ended up at Sonic.


And then it was off to the hotel to get settled in. Faith started out the slumber party by being endlessly sweet and giving me this cute monogrammed key chain. Woman, you are too much.


After a while, we realized we needed a little something to wash down our coneys, burgers, and tots.


We spent the rest of the night (and into the wee morning hours) talking, laughing, watching funny youtube videos, and talking and laughing some more.

It was such a fun night, and (in case you cannot tell from this post) I just loved every minute of it!

On the road again

Issue: The Sunday plans

Thoughts: Beyond excited


Issue: The Transportaion

Thoughts: We meet again.

I am actually in some transportation negotiations, so there is a possibility The Hoss and I will not have to reconcile quite yet. We need time apart. The wounds are still too fresh.

But, should the negotiations find me behind the wheel of the great maroon bus, I can assure you it will not weaken the smile I am currently sporting.

I am so excited for my latest little road trip (which starts in the ATL and in the ATH) because by the time it's all over, I will have gazed upon the faces and heard the laughs of some very dear people. :-)

More to come, but until then...I hope ya'll have a wonderful Sunday!

A day in life of a merry maid

Yesterday, my main morning task was cleaning a friend's house.

When you are almost 25, single, and are still looking for the right job, sometimes you have to get creative when it comes to finding ways to finance your existence. Keeping the boys most certainly helps me fund meals, gas, etc - but I can't keep them everyday since their mama, you know, likes them and stuff.

So not too long ago, I started cleaning Ashley's house every few weeks for a little extra monetary gain. And not too long after that, word got out and at least one other person has now sought out my services.

MTV True Life: I'm a maid.

And here are some things I did/thought about today as I cleaned the house of a sweet friend. I may be confused, I may be unemployed, and I may mop floors so I can eat - but I am most certainly a merry maid, and I choose to see the toilet bowl half full....

I woke up early and thought about how unfortunate it was that my toes had actually frozen in the night (has nothing to do with being a maid, but you have to start somewhere).

Toilet Bowl Half Full Moment: I have toes.

I washed my face, put my hair in a ponytail, and pulled the bangs to the side via a bobby pin. Then, I spent some time debating on make-up. No one's going to see me. (Don't bother). She does have mirrors in her house (A little under eye concealer and some mascara it is!).

Toilet Bowl Half Full Moment: All that good make-up decision-making paid off. A boy whom I might possibly have a small crush on was at the Country Store where I stopped to get a Diet Coke. I was able to say hello and not give him the scare of his life at 8:00am on a Thursday morning.

I left the house before my father which signaled that I was up way too early.

Toilet Bowl Half Full Moment: This gave me the opportunity to write Big Al a note that read, "Daddy, I hope you have a great day. Thank you for being proud of me even though I scrub toilets for a living. Love, Jenna Babe."

As I was cleaning a tub, I looked down and noticed some bleach had gotten on my favorite black hoodie jacket.

Toilet Bowl Half Full Moment: No big deal, it's just a little spot - plus some people don't even have jackets. And at least the bleached spot discolored the jacket orange - it will look awesome during Halloween season.

When I was pulling some clothes out of the dryer, I got my thumb nail caught and it pulled it back a little, soliciting about 1.2 tears (and causing me to cringe even now).

Toilet Bowl Half Full Moment: I have a thumb. Two, actually. And despite the injury, the left one should soon be up and running - and ready for a game of Thumb War in appx. 2-3 days.

I cleaned and cleaned until the house was as spotless as I could get it, locked the door behind me, and drove away thinking about my morning.

Toilet Bowl Half Full Moment: I wasn't counseling anyone, I didn't rescue any children from bad homes, or fight the world's injustices. But in my heart, I still put that ole Social Work degree to good use because I helped make someone else's life just a little bit better.

And that makes me and my toilet scrubber merry every time.

Some thoughts and a small Play recap

First off, I just have to say that I don't think I have ever prayed harder than I have over the past few days.


Sweet Harper is making improvements day by day, and that just moves me deeply within my soul. The faith of Scott & Kelly and their family has also touched me deeper than I could probably express, and I am just so amazed by the incredible miracle God is working in their lives.

I'm kind of beside myself if you can't tell.

There are so many cool things going on in this crazy blogland (don't you just adore it?) for Kelly, Scott, and Harper. Angie gave us all some verses that I have joined in praying, and another sweet friend of Kelly's started a prayer blog for Harper and fam. LOVE! What an amazing testimony for Harper to read when she gets older - to see the amazing story God has written for her life, starting with her very first (and miraculous) days. Amazing. Keep praying!!

"Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples." Psalm 77:13-14

****************

Besides gushing about the Stamps and God and Baby Harper, I did also want to recap the play experience because it was definitely a fun way to spend a week.

So, I am proud to present....The Life of a Wardrobe Assistant.

You have to wear all black depsite being a really happy person.


You get to see (well listen backstage) to a really great play 7 nights in a row (including dress rehearsals and actual performances).


You get flowers and cards on opening night as if you were the star.


You spend A LOT of time hanging out with this stuff.


You get to hear your father's answer concerning the issue of his nervousness on opening night. Quote - "I'm shakin like a dog tryin to crap a peach seed" - end quote. But you also know he's really not because he loves this stuff like it's his third child.


You double as a photographer to snap some shots of your grandmother (who was looking like a million bucks at 87) with her child, the actor.


You get have your daddy give you a wink and tell you he "couldn't do it without you" as you leave to take your spot backstage each night.

It ain't that bad of a gig. :-)

Moving Mountains

As many of you know - there have been some updates on Harper through sweet Kelly and her family.

Babygirl is now in Tulsa, and is showing signs of improvement which is NO DOUBT a result of the thousands on their knees for her. PLEASE continue to pray for this sweet girl, her mommy and grandparents (as they travel to her today), and her daddy and grandparents (who are already in Tulsa with Harper).

The world is showing up to cover this family with prayer, and I am so thankful and amazed.

"Savior...He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save..."

Harper

In case anyone reads this post who is not already praying, PLEASE PLEASE pray for Baby Harper who is in very critical condition. Please lift her up, as well as her sweet parents, Kelly and Scott!

Details here.

"Be unceasing in prayer...." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

So much excitement in one day!

Lots of big stuff going on in the world today...

1. I had a job "interview" this morning!

I put interview in quotes because it was more like a meet and greet with some folks at a facility here in town. It went GREAT (I love nice people), but as usual - there is no telling what will come of it. It was a great experience though, and no matter what, and I really enjoyed getting so see this particular place in action.

2. Harper's on the way!

All my blog peeps already know this, of course, but I am just too excited not to document it! Sweet Kelly is finally going to get to meet that babygirl of hers! She has been blogging and baby-ing all morning - from her hospital bed no less (don't you love her?) - and I have been checking in on her like some crazy woman with a vendetta against my refresh button.

I am so excited for this precious family as they welcome their little sweetbabe. As we all know, you will be hard-pressed to find a more amazing, loving, and Godly woman than our friend, Kelly! BIG Congrats to Kelly and her fam - and c'mon, Harper-girl!

3. Big Al's (and Big Jen's) opening night!

As I have shared, Big Al has been practicing for a play the past couple of months. He, and 2 other actors, are performing in "Driving Miss Daisy" through our community theater. They have worked extremely hard, and it is finally opening night!

Round of applause, round of applause.

What I haven't shared with you is that I am in the play as well.

Standing ovation! Standing ovation!

Ok, not really.

I personally signed off from the stage after the Camp Bravo modern dance experience (and a few plays here and there when I was younger), but I am returning to the theatre - or thea-TAH, as we cultured folks say - to help with some costuming.

Daddy asked me last weekend if I would mind assisting him with his costume changes backstage. The play has about 24 scenes, and he is in basically every other one - with a different costume for each scene!

Big Al was stressin'. He needed help with the dressin'.

I was more than happy to lend my services, and have been going to rehearsals every night this week. It has been fun, and the play is SO good that I have enjoyed being a part of it (even in a small way).

I wanted to include this link to a video our local paper did on the play - you can see a little bit of Big Al in action. We sure are proud of him!

***The part about the play begins at the 5 MIN mark, so if you do want to take a look, start there! Unless of course you would like to watch the riveting segment about some local water aerobics that comes on right before it (LOL).

On that note, I am off to get ready for the big night!

The happenings of wonderful Wednesday

Yesterday was a great day. My first order of fun was meeting up with my darling friend, Kimberly, for a lunch date.


And that's not the sun in the background of this picture - it's is her natural glow permeating my area. I almost had to wear my sunglasses during lunch so her radiance would not blind thine eye.

We had a delicious lunch at Barberitos, where it's "way fresher, way better," as they say.

I way agree.

The food was great and the company was perfect. Our conversation elicited the Laugh & Lean about 6 or 7 times, so I'd say it was a successful way to spend an hour or so.

One thing that really got us going was reminiscing about one summer in elementary school when we attended the elite fine arts camp, Camp Bravo (which, incidentally, is not the funny part). We were taking a modern dance class (also not the funny part, surprisingly), and at the end of the camp, everyone's parents came to the final performance.

Kimberly, who actually is a very talented dancer in real life (not just in her head like SOME people), was dancing on stage with her class. I was out in the audience by that time sitting with our parents, enjoying the show. What happened next gets a little fuzzy, but I'm pretty sure someone, who shall remain nameless, did something, that shall remain a mystery, to make Kimbo get tickled as she danced.

So tickled in fact, that as she exited the stage, she let out the biggest snort I, or anyone in the entire auditorium, had ever heard.

Had a large man entered onto the stage? We asked ourselves.

No, it was just dainty little Kimberly losing control.

Now, I am sure this was one of those 'had to be there' moments (which doesn't explain why I am writing about it on a blog 15 years later), but I will never forget looking over at my dad and Kimberly's dad who were both laughing so hard tears upon tears were streaming down their faces.

They Laughed & Leaned then, and we still Laugh & Lean about it to this day.

Good times.

There was even more excitement scheduled later in the day because my brother was in the vicinity. He had a few days off of work, so he made a trip down to Savannah to see some of his friends on Tuesday night. It worked out perfectly because on Wednesday, Big Birthday Boy Al was also in Savannah for work, and the two were able to meet up for a little bday lunch.

We were all thrilled because this unexpected visit meant that The Brother would be hanging around with us yesterday and would be able to catch the dress rehearsal for Daddy's play last night.


Here are Matthew and Mama waiting for the show to start. And below is Big Al (aka Boolie) on stage getting his acting on.


Matthew loved the play and said he thought it was probably one of Daddy's best ones to date. With 30+ plays in Big Al's repertoire, that is some big talkin, but I totally agree.

It was so neat that his schedule just happened to allow him to be home on Al's birthday AND be able to catch an early performance since he wouldn't have been able to see it otherwise. I know Big Al was lovin it.


After the play, Matthew headed back home, and 3 remaining Tysons headed out to conclude the birthday celebration with some dinner.


It was a great day, indeed!

Birthday Boy

Someone I love is having a birthday today!

This is a person I've loved for a long time (even before the uni-bang days).


He's a someone who endlessly loves his family.


He's a guy who has been married to the mother of his kids for 30 years (and going strong).


He's someone who is immensely proud of his son (and tells him).


And he's someone who thinks his daughter is beautiful (and tells her).


He's a fellow who is unbelievably hilarious (those around him can't help but laugh all the time).


He is a man of many talents.


He's a wonderful and caring son to a sweet yet crazy lady.


He's someone who likes to eat, drink, and be merry (preferably tailgating or watching some type of sporting event).


He's just an all-around good guy.

Funny. Devoted. Smart.

Some would say he's a great guy.

Generous with his love. Hardworking. Loyal friend.

But the people that know and love him the most (his crazy wife and kids)...

...well, we would say he's the BEST guy.


Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you!

Starting off with a Bang: Part Three

Once upon a time about a year ago (at least it seems like it) I started telling this story about my car breaking down. It was a simple tale, really, but somehow when I innocently started telling it, it turned into the never-ending story of a Hoss gone wrong.

But, with this post, it is finally time to share it's LONG, dramatic ending.

If you've read the previous installments, I thank you. If you haven't (and are bored and have a few hours to kill), feel free to go back and read Parts One and Two. :-)

*****

I stood there listening to the roar of The Hoss, and I was overcome with gratitude for everyone dropping their Sunday morning plans to assist me. I didn't even know what to do with myself.

Chivalry makes me giddy.

The problem had been with the starter as Daddy had predicted, and Bri's dad and his accomplice (Mike the mechanic) had banged around on it - giving new life to The Hoss.

"The truck should be fine to drive home," they had said. My soul had leapt. "It may never give you another moment's trouble, but just in case - don't turn it off until you are back, safe and sound."

I hugged Mr. Jerry and thanked everyone profusely, and after they left, I stood with my buds around the roaring truck as we said our second round of goodbyes. Right before I left, Earle bent down near the passenger-side tire to show me where the starter actually was should there be any issues on the road home.

"It's right under here in this hole behind the passenger tire," he pointed out.


"Ok yeah, I see it (totally didn't see it). It will be FINE," I said. "I know it."

Kiss of car-death right there, my friends.

*****

The Hoss and I took on the open road that day with a renewed sense of relief and an overriding feeling of gratitude. We were surrounded by some awesome, selfless people, that was for sure.

The morning had definitely started off with a bang (literally and figuratively speaking), but now all the world seemed right. The sun had come out, I had managed not to blow up the gas station (despite pumping with a running vehicle), and all of my favorite songs seemed to be coming on the radio. I was stress-free as I drove up and down the hills of one of my favorite Georgia back roads.

I could have written inspirational greeting cards in that moment I was so happy.

But soon the back roads turned into main roads, and my happiness turned into hunger. I realized as I pulled into the town halfway between my friends' home and my home, that it was 2:30pm and nary a morsel of food had entered my stomach.

At the beginning of my trip, I had put myself on a strict no liquid diet so I did not run the risk of bladder distress with no option but an empty cup.

Because in my world, that is not a viable solution to such a problem.

But now, with the miles between me and the house lessening by the minute, I figured I could eat and drink at my leisure since I'd be home within an hour and a half.

As I went back and forth in my mind about what drive thru my not-really-a-fan-of-fast-food self was going pull through, I passed it.


No, I thought. You have to find a drive thru because you can't turn off the car.

But as my truck wheels kept on rolling past my homeland, the wheels inside my head started turning as well.

Ok, I started reasoning. I could pull up to the front, leave the truck running, and grab my food really quick. I can park right outside the front door and have my eye on the truck the whole time.

You know, it seemed brilliant to me. Flawless actually. With a very happy, turkey sandwich ending.

So with that, I pulled The Hoss around and headed back the other way. Unfortunately, I was so enthralled in going over the logistics of my plan (park out front, don't lock the keys in the car, keep an eye out the whole time to ward off truck-stealers) that I rode right pass my destination.

Goodness, child.

Sometimes I say that to myself in moments of ridiculousness.

I made the next turn, which I thought was the correct turn, but ended up in some random alley and had to turn BACK around.

Goodness, woman.

Sometimes I say that to myself when I follow up my ridiculousness with more ridiculousness.

Finally, against all odds, I actually made it into the Subway parking lot.

As I pulled in, I pressed lightly on the break and examined the lot before me. I was deeply engrossed in thinking about where would be the best place to park and I'll admit, the riskiness of the plan did have me a bit stressed. But I did my best to keep my head in the game and focus on all the task at hand.

I'm going to park here, because it's got the best view from inside. Ok, don't forget the purse! Alright, got the purse, got my wallet, ok got the keys...

THE KEYS!!! All of a sudden, the keys were IN MY HAND!!!

I had gotten so caught up in getting into the parking lot and finding the safest place available for the truck that could not be uncranked - I HAD UNCRANKED THE TRUCK.

Please crank, please crank, please crank, I repeated as I shoved the keys back into the ignition. Please Lord, please Lord, please Lord, I pleaded as I twisted the keys.

Nothing.

It was at this time that I searched my Not-nice Vocab Words File and practiced a couple of them right there before God and everyone.

I couldn't help it. I just laid my head down on the steering wheel and willed this to not be happening. Surely, I had not been that stupid and careless. Surely I had not gotten myself stranded 2 hours away from Earle and 2 hours away from Daddy - on a Sunday, no less, when everything would be closed.

And it was with those thoughts that I started to PANIC.

What do I do, what do I do, what do I do? I was struggling to keep it together.

I didn't want to call Daddy - sure, he'd come get me, but that didn't solve the issue of him realizing he had raised a complete idiot. I didn't want to call Earle because it had been such a dramatic morning, everyone had worked so hard, and now look at what I had done. I just couldn't bare the thought of disrupting everyone again.

Ok, it's the starter. I said aloud, trying to get a hold of myself. Find something to use on the starter.

I had no idea what tool they had used earlier in the day to bang on it, but I searched high and low throughout the truck trying to find something, ANYTHING, I could use to rough up the (Not-nice Vocab Word) starter.

This was the best I could come up with.


Let me set the scene.

A girl on her hands and knees beside a huge, maroon pick up truck. Crouched down, arm outstretched behind the front, passenger-side tire. She seems to be banging haphazardly around the inside of the truck.

With a hair brush.

True story.

Surprisingly, this method did not work, and I finally decided that I had to call my friend Earle. He could at least, I reasoned, give me a better idea as to what part of the engine I should be aiming for.

"Hey Jenna," He said as he picked up.

I proceeded to tell him, in a voice a couple octaves higher than normal, what I had done.

"I cannot BELIEVE I did this, Earle. Seriously, I don't even know what I was thinking. I am so sorry to call you back with this." I said, voice seriously wavering.

And in the calmest, most reassuring voice I have ever heard, he replied, "It's ok, Jenna."

You know how when you are trying to hold it together and someone says something really sweet and all of a sudden your eyes start to burn?

I blinked back the tears and listened to Earle's Words of Wisdom. He calmly and effectively told me exactly what I was looking at when I peered into the deep dark hole full of engine. He then suggested that instead of the hair brush (ahem), maybe I could look for the tools used for changing a spare tire.

Taking his lead, I calmly and neatly searched the back seat for these items.


When I finally found the this, I put the phone down and started banging.


Bang Bang Bang.

Climbed back into the truck and tried the ignition. Nothing.

Bang Bang Bang.

Climbed back into the truck and tried the ignition. Nothing.

I did it once more, and when that attempt failed, I picked the phone back up and delivered the bad news to an optimistic Earle.

"Well, Jenna, the only thing I can think of is that when Jerry and Mike were here, one of them was cranking the car at the same time the other one worked on the starter."

A glimmer of hope shone in thine eye.

"Did you say you were at Subway?" Earle inquired. "Do you think you could go in and ask for someone to come out and help you?"

I told him I could and would call him back in a few minutes. I turned around to go inside, and found myself running right into a kind-faced girl in a Subway uniform.

"Can I help you, baaaby?" she asked, looking concerned.

I'm sure it had nothing to do with the scene she had probably witnessed through the window in the 20 or so minutes prior.

"Hey! Actually yes. Do you think you could sit in the driver's seat, and when I say 'go,' start trying to crank the truck for me as I work on the starter?"

She agreed and sat down in the seat. I opened the passenger side door so she could hear me, and I once again got down on my knees. I peered into the hole and lined up my tool with the starter.

Please work, please work, please work, I repeated in my head again.

"Ok, start cranking!" I proclaimed.

One. Two. THREE.

And with one forceful strike - The Hoss once again roared itself back to life.

And with one huge hug (and a few grateful tears) for my Subway-angel, I got back on the road.

And two hours later, I finally made it home.

The End :-)

Any Doogie fans out there?

I was flipping channels this past Saturday and came across Neil Patrick Harris on SNL. My Doogie Howser-lovin interest was peaked right off the bat, and I am so glad I stopped because every skit they did was hilarious to me.

It was laughter run-amok in that room.

Now, I don't know if anyone else will think this is funny (you might have to be a Doogie fan to appreciate). But since he was kind of the first blogger, I felt it was a sign that I needed to share.

That and the fact that I busted out laughing driving down the road earlier just thinking about this ridiculous video.

I need to get out more.

Welcome to a little glimpse into my sense of humor...

It's all about the Love

This morning I got dressed and ready for church, and since I had a few minutes before I had to leave, I logged onto the computer.

Because that is where my friends live.

I signed into Facebook and much to my utter delight, I caught a glimpse of the status of my friend, Meredith. It read:

Meredith...is ENGAGED!

YAY!

I am always excited when I hear about people getting engaged, especially when they are as sweet, fun, and good-hearted as my girl, Mer.

Now, the story of how I came to know Meredith is fun.

I met Meredith through one of my best friends from college, Brittany (of the Bri and Earle fame). She and Brittany have been best friends since middle school. Bri, of course, married Earle (one of the stars of The Hoss Epic) who is one of my friends from growing up. Earle introduced Meredith to Russell (groom-to-be) who is also one of our friends from home and who we grew up with/went to high school with.

The take-home message from that confusing story is that 2 of my very good friends have now married or will be marrying amazing guys from my hometown. BIG YAY!


Congrats Mer and Russell!!

After reading the good news and congratulating accordingly, I decided to check a few blogs. It was then that I came across this post from JMom over at Lots of Scotts that really kept with the theme of the morning. It was about marriage and was just so beautiful! It is exactly what I wish for Mer and Russ and for all of my married/engaged friends - as well as for my own marriage some day. Loved it!

After all that good morning reading, it was finally time to sign off and head to the church house.

As I walked up the church, I took note of a white limo parked outside. I did think that was odd, but didn't pay too much attention - there are a lot of celebrities in Statesboro.

Like Big Al, for instance.

I went in and took my seat, and as I looked up at the stage, I noticed another interesting addition that is not usually there. Behind the band there stood a lighted altar-type set up - almost as if there was about to be a wedding. Because I am really quick, I didn't even put the two together - that is, until our pastor got up and shared what his sermon was going to be about today.

You guessed it - marriage! (He was using the altar and limo as visuals which I thought was awesome because I heart the cleverness.)

Ok, let's recap.

An engagement, deep thoughts about marriage, a white limo, an altar, and a sermon about love and the relationship between a husband and wife.

All before 11:30 am.

Well, Lord, what exactly are you trying to tell me, Sir?

You want to grant me the desire of my heart to be married? Aww, thanks.

You want me to be ok with my singleness until it is the perfect timing? Awesome, I'm with You!

Just want to remind me of how amazing You are and how You've got it all under control? Perfect, I never tire from hearing that, My Friend.

The pastor started, and I just laughed, got out my pen and paper ready, and proceeded to take notes on what turned out to be (as usual) a great sermon (about marriage, but he made it applicable to people in any relationship status). There was a lot to the message, but my favorite part was about how God made us all wired a specific way. He used Psalm 139 (love) to remind us that the Lord made us exactly who were are meant to be (inside and out) for specific reasons. And in relation to marriage - He made us in a way that would "fit" and "compliment" the person we marry.

Good stuff, I tell ya.

It was a great way to start the morning, and it was later made into a great afternoon when Deb and I headed off to see a movie.

And with such a full day of wedding/marriage-cheer, what else could I see but the very cute...


Hope you had a love-filled Sunday!

Starting off with a Bang: Part Two

(To catch Part One of this long and involved story click here.)

Because I have a strong aversion to ruining people's days, I had put off calling Big Al until Earle exhausted all of his car-fixing options. He had worked selflessly and valiantly.

But the time had come.

I knew Big Al wouldn't be mad or upset with me (not how he rolls), but calling my daddy and telling him that his child was stranded 4 hours away in a broken down vehicle was a sure fire way to cause him great stress.

"Hey Daddy," I said when he answered.

"Well hello, my sweetie," he greeted me - unaware of the curve ball coming at him. Poor guy.

Small talk, small talk, avoiding the inevitable, small talk.

"Well, no, I am not on the road yet," I explain. "That's what I am calling about. The thing is, when I came out to leave, the, um...truck wouldn't crank."

Wait for it, wait for it.

"What do you mean the truck won't crank??"

Insert kink in his morning.

The conversation that followed involved me giving him a run-down of the situation and telling him what all we (Earle) had tried thus far. After talking to me, talking to Earle, and getting back on the phone with me, all he could offer were his condolences, a guess, and some not-so-good news.

He was so sorry it happened. He thought it might be the Starter. And he didn't have much hope that it could be fixed that day.

Thanks. The what? And BOO.

I began to feel the stress start to seep in.

I wasn't fretting because of the possibility of an extra night's stay (as terrible as it would have been to hang out with 2 of my favorite people for another day). The issue at hand was the boys, of course, and making sure someone was available to take care of them should I be stranded.

A problem which was quickly solved once I spoke with their other babysitter. She, sweet girl that she is, assured me she could stay on until I got back (even if it meant spending the night).

Miracle #1 had been tossed my way.

Once that fire was squelched, I went back inside with my dear friends to sit on their couch, eat left over party peanuts, and wait on Bri's dad to come over. While I had been handling my babysitting affairs, Bri had been busy calling Mr. Jerry who, sweet man that he is, agreed to come take a look at The Hoss.

My friends come from good people.

While we waited, I called Big Al back to update him and let him know that Mr. Jerry was coming, and to inform him that he too felt the issue may have been with the Starter.

My father, who is always ready with random information, shared with me that back in the day, when a Starter would "lock up," people would just take a hammer and kind of bang around on it. This, more often than not, would cause it to "unlock."

"Ha. Ok, Daddy. I'll just get Earle to go out there and take a hammer to your truck then."

Laughter, laughter, Alan not really laughing, laughter.

*****

Bri, Earle, and I were sitting around in their den enjoying our unexpected extra time together, when we heard a truck drive up. We looked through the window to see Bri's dad and another man exiting their vehicle and heading towards mine.

"Oh, good, he brought Mr. Mike," Bri said. "He's a mechanic."

My friends come from smart people.

The men went to work while Bri and I watched from inside, and amazingly - within about 10 minutes - we heard the unmistakable roar of a Hoss coming back to life.

Cheers rang out (and a happy dance may have been choreographed) as we welcomed Miracle #2 into our lives. Bri and I ran (figuratively speaking) outside to see my 3 Heroes smiling victoriously.

"Yay!" I cried. "Thank ya'll SO much!" I really was beyond thankful for these men coming to my rescue. And then out of curiosity I asked, "What was wrong with it??"

"Your dad was right," Earle said. "It was the Starter." Then I laughed out loud when he told me how they went about solving this issue.

"They just banged on it and it started up."

To be continued...

(P.S. It was not my not my intention to make this a 3-part epic, but I have a long-story telling disorder that apparently inhibits me from being able to cut out a single detail. An affliction for which there seems to be no cure. :-) Plus, the drama that unfolded next needed it's own post.)

Off to a Banging Start: Part One

My phone alarm rang out loud and proud early Sunday morning, signaling to me that the party was indeed over - it was time to return to reality. I laid in bed for a moment or two thinking about all the fun that the previous days had held, and then I spent a minute assessing the day ahead.

Girl had it all planned out.

Finish packing. Make friends with the Diet Coke in Bri and Earle's fridge. Be on the road by 10. Get home around 2. Unpack. Repack. Be at Ashley's by 4 in order to begin my 2-day, boy-keeping extravaganza.

I am usually not an overly-planned person, and by nature would not have typically bothered with such a strict schedule. But I needed to make sure I was at Ashley's no later than 4 that day in order to relieve Alex, the boys' other babysitter. She had been keeping them since the previous day when Ash left to go out of town, and she was patiently awaiting my arrival so the reigns of child-care provider could be passed to me.

After rolling all this over in my mind, I proceeded to roll myself out of bed and get started on the day. I showered, packed up all of my stuff, and began loading it into my truck.

Ah, yes. My truck. My dainty, girly, traveling chariot.


Let it be known that while I do live in south GA, I do not normally drive a pick-up truck. This is Big Al's vehicle, and he insists I drive it on road trips due to the fact that it has 4 brand new tires. My otherwise-very-reliable Tahoe only has 2 new and 2 relatively new tires; therefore, it is forced to forfeit the The Maximum Safety Award to the truck every time.

An award that has scientifically proven to make Daddy .000001% less anxious about having his beloved daughter out on the mean streets. So with that statistic, I barrel down interstates and GA back roads in The Hoss.

It's the least I can do.

When it neared 10 that morning, I was on course. I was all loaded up, I had my Diet Coke in hand, and I stood in the kitchen with my sweet, married friends reminiscing about the glorious weekend.

I hugged them both tightly and thanked them for their hospitality and for being awesome. And as I shut the door behind me, I was already wondering when I would get to see their loving faces again.

I was still pondering this notion when I tossed my purse toward the passenger side and took my place in the driver seat. And I was still pondering it when I closed the truck door - and even as I put the key into the ignition.

I was not, however, pondering it when I proceeded to crank my dear Hoss. Because in that moment, I knew when I'd see them again.

I realized then that I was going to be seeing them again about 30 seconds later when I walked back into their house to inform them that The Hoss?

The Hoss would not crank.

I took a moment before I went in and inundated their world with vehicular hardship to cry out, "No, no, NO!" to no one in particular. I laid my head on the steering wheel and willed this to not be happening.

Several harried thoughts raced through my head.

Is the battery dead? Oh no, did I leave the lights on? Do I have gas? Surely I did not let myself run out of gas. Ok, the radio is coming on so the battery doesn't seem to be dead. I have gas so it's not that. Oh my word, if it's not either of those options, then what is it? Alan is so not going to be happy. What about the boys? Ok, what time is it? Seriously, this is not happening.

But it was.

I calmly exited the truck, walked back up to the house, and knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open and sticking my face (complete with poked out bottom lip) into the doorway. I found Bri and Earle looking at me quizzically, and I proceeded to tell them the situation at hand.

Still pajama-clad, they hopped up immediately, and we all went to work doing the only broken-down-car-thing we knew to do.

Well actually, Brittany and I just laughed and did nothing (extent of our knowledge), but Earle pulled out the jumper cables and worked valiantly to try and initiate a Hoss Revival.

And when that didn't work, we did the only thing left to do.

We called our dads.

To be continued...

Some Tuesday randomness

1.) I have a very dramatic story I need to share concerning my trip home from visiting Earle and Bri this past weekend. It's long (shocker) and I won't spoil it, but I will tell you that the incident involves a mechanical breakdown, an moment of stupidity that shocks me still, an almost-emotional breakdown, a superhero named Earle, and a stranger-angel dressed up like a Subway worker. More to come...

2.) When I returned home on Sunday, I went straight over to stay with my little men and have been with them ever since. Their mama has been out of town (coming home today), and our time together has involved peanut butter sandwiches in the shape of snowmen, watching movies on the playroom floor, McDonald's chicken nuggets and playground, some bike-riding and mud-playing, an exciting trip to Petco, lots of laughs, several good cries, Sonic ice cream, M&M's, and a partridge in a pear tree. Right now they are laid up in their mama's bed beside me watching Clifford. Bed head and cuteness are alive and well this morning.

3.) No word on the job-front (in reference to my interview last month). Meg is petitioning me to call the principal and get the low-down, but I am holding off for now. Don't read this Megan, but I am probably going to wait until Thursday or Friday to give him a ring. I just figure he'll let me know when he knows something, but I also know it can't hurt to call and check in. You know, remind him that I am still alive, interested, and available - all of which, I feel, are great qualities in a potential employee.

4.) As I was helping Brannen get his movie started last night, I told him, "Man, Brannen, I am so tired! I think I'm losing it." He replied, "Well, Jenn Jenn, why don't you just go lay yourself down in Mama's bed and take a load off while we watch this movie." Well, thank you, oh wise 6 year-old. So while everyone was happy relaxing out in the playroom, I hung out with The Bachelor. (Using the commercial breaks to go check in on my two favorite little bachelors in the other room, of course.)

5.) I am excited to reunite with my bed tonight, go to Bible Study with our high schools girls tomorrow, and head into the weekend with my agenda full of nothing to do.

6.) I hope you are having a nice day!

Feeling good is free

I had pretty high expectations for this past weekend with my dear friends. And as usual - they were all met and, dare I say, exceeded. I can't say I'm surprised - how can you not have a good time when this couple...


...puts you up in their adorable house, cooks you delicious meals, reminisces with you about the good ole days, and makes you laugh like only people you've been doing life with for years can?

The main event of the weekend was of course the party on Saturday night, but I was so glad I went down a day early because doing so extended the fun, which is one of my main goals in life.

On Friday night, Bri cooked and we sat around the table eating and talking. Then us girls sat on the couch watching Clean House and Dateline, and Earle sat in his recliner playing on the computer - throwing out funny comments ever-so-often to ensure I didn't go too long without laughing.

I appreciate his commitment to this cause.

We finished off the night watching the last of the Bama game, and then called it a day. A wonderfully fun, relaxed, lovely kind of day.

Saturday morning we slept in and then my bud Earle worked some magic in the kitchen. So many reasons to love this guy.

After breakfast Bri and I got ready to take on the world. Or, you know, Walmart. We had a list of items to purchase for party-food-making-activities that were in our future later that day. Cheese dip, cookies, and Candy in a Blanket were in the line-up, as it was our mission in life that day to see that all items prepared contained butter, cheese, and/or chocolate.

I appreciate our commitment to this cause.

When we got home from the store, Earle was gone but he had bid us farewell and wished us great fun through a lovely penned message.


The rest of the afternoon was spent in the kitchen except for a two hour stint when Bri and I enriched our lives by viewing a stellar Lifetime movie.

Before we knew it, it was party time!

The food station.


The drink station.


The partygoers (Mer and Bri seen here) putting the food and drink stations to good use.


Jessica and Danielle


Pretty soon we got tired of standing around, so we migrated to the den even though it meant leaving the bounty that was before us on the kitchen table.


And THEN, because we all are highly educated, intelligent people - we realized we could have the best of both worlds.


We sat around the food eating, laughing, and telling stories until it was time to exchange presents.

Melinda (or Belinder as I call her) picked the present I brought. Actually I think she stole it from someone because she doesn't play when it comes to LAUGH frames.


It was a joy to see Belinder holding tightly to her present and trying to talk up other presents to people so they wouldn't steal hers. She's sneaky like that. Here are some of the girls contemplating to steal or not to steal.


Here is my cute prize! A darling Vera Bradley key chain/change purse. Once I opened it I took some sneak cues from Mel and put it behind my back hoping no one would remember it existed. My plan was victorious.


After some more talking, there was nothing left to do but, you guessed it, Rock Band.




Rock Bank is serious business.


Sometimes I find that if your fingers are having a hard time hitting the notes (thereby showing the world that you are horrible at guitar), this method helps.


We must do whatever it takes, because like I said - Rock Band is serious.


Hours later - after everyone had played their last gig - we took a moment to commemorate the night, hugs were given out, and the crowds dispersed.


Earle came home...


...and he sat around with Mer, Brooke, Bri, and I talking about life until the early morning hours.

It was a great night, and a special thanks to Bri for hosting such a fun little girls' shindig.


And a very special thanks to The Tanners for hosting this crazy house guest for the weekend.



I loved every minute of it!

Christmas might be over, but we're still partying

I hit the road around lunch yesterday and several hours later I landed, much to my delight, at the home of these adored people.

(Pictured here on their wedding day last June - AWWW)

Later this morning, the stud on the right is preparing breakfast for himself and his ladies.

And after that, I'm going with the funny girl on the left to run errands in preparation of something exciting that is happening later tonight.

There's going to be a party, you see.

A "Girls' (After) Christmas Party" in which some very fun girls are coming over (to the very cute home of the boy and girl pictured above) for some food, drinks, presents, and laughs.

And I am very excited.

Hope ya'll have a great weekend!

A great way to go out

Will and I need to talk to you about something.

We were interested in knowing if anyone out there came up with a more fun way to spend New Year Eve morning than by jumping on a new trampoline.


Because that is how we approached the issue of how to spend the last morning of '08, and we were quite pleased with how it worked out. Well, pretty much.


It's ok. A little face plant never hurt anyone.

Although after Will got to know the trampoline a little more up close and personal, we took a little break, went around to the garage, and tried out some of the other prizes Santa left.


And of course, no New Year's Eve morn is complete without your babysitter making you stop all the fun you are having to pose with your bro and his BFF for a picture.


All in all, we would like to contend that it was the perfect way to start off the last day of the year.

And as far as New Year's Eve night - Deb and I would like to talk to you about something.

We were interested in knowing if anyone out there came up with a more fun way to spend New Year Eve night than by eating Mexican with great friends and family.

Not sold?

Well how about if we told you it was ALSO a birthday celebration for our dear friend, The Conster??


Alan was on board with the idea.


And Tom didn't really care because all he could think about was how glad he was to have two beautiful ladies on either side of him. He'd choose a Tom Sandwich over fajitas any day of the year.


Alicia (Connie's daughter and my former roommate of 3 years) and I took some time out from our chips and salsa to show you how happy we were about the situation.


We are so thankful that Connie was born and we were very excited to ring in the New Year together with our families even though they's ain't right, as we like to say.

Even Little Man Jasper came out to party. He was in a little bit of Coma de Mexicana during this picture, but he would not have missed his favorite aunt's bday bash for all the bottles in the world.


Take a moment if you need to gaze at his irresistible cheeks and swoon over his precious little corduroy jacket.

Family shot for the birthday girl!


Alicia (sweet daughter #1), Kathy (Connie's sister and mama to the irresistible corduroy coat boy), CONSTER, Tom (of the Tom Sandwich fame), Anna (sweet daughter #2), Jasper Bean, and Scott (Kathy's husband).

We realized that one way to ensure we made the absolute most of our night (as well as honor our commitment to never end a party too soon) was to migrate back to the Tyson's for some presents and to watch a little football.

Connie loved her gifts from The Debster who was glad to keep tradition alive by giving Connie a seasonal decorative piece (the girls were in awe of it's greatness)...


...AND a decorative wine glass! Many might think that the P stands for the first letter of Connie's last name, but really it's because this is Connie's new Christmas Partaking Glass.


Girl's gonna get her PARTAKIN ON come Christmas '09. (Or New Year's Eve '08 as the case may have been.)

As the night wound down, Deb was all smiles to say goodbye to a good year.


And all the excitement of the festivities got Al pretty famished. But it was nothing a little late-night Ritz and peanut butter combo couldn't fix.


Mama and I passed the time by getting in one last hug for the year, and afterwards we discussed about what a great night it had been.


All in all, we would like to contend that it was the perfect way to end off the last night of the year.