Much Ado About Nothing.

Ok, not nothing. Lot's of little somethings I guess.

I'm going on my first grown-up vacation. To Hawaii. That's right...Hawaii. Much thanks to my sister and her husband who are stationed in Honolulu. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to ten days with my sister on a beach. I'm turning my phone off. And my email will be off-limits.

It will be a vacation of firsts for me. My first time in Hawaii - My first time on a military base - My first time staying in the home of my MARRIED sister (sorry Krys....still weird when I remember you're married. Good weird, of course.) It is really very exciting.

I'm learning to run sound. It's complicated. But to my advantage I have an excellent teacher. Our Tech Director knows more about sound than....well I can't think of a good comparison. But suffice it to say that he knows a whole heckava lot. The hardest part is EQ. Intellectually, I understand what all the buttons do. I can explain where the signal gets routed and why. And my ear can tell you what is wrong with a sound, but I haven't yet mastered how to EQ it. I need to learn to connect what my ear says is wrong to what knob on the board to turn. All ear training, according to Dave. I gotta be honest that nothing has made me feel like more of an idiot than this whole EQ business. I suppose I'll master it...eventually.

I suppose learning new complicated processes are good for me. I'll just consider learning all about audio equipment and EQ an exercise in staving off Alzheimer's.

Man, I'm tired. Time for bed.

A Scathing Review

*Note: If you don't want to know how this movie ends, don't read this.

Last night I watched the movie The Family Stone (Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Craig T. Nelson, and Dermot Mulroney). I don't recommend it. The best comparison I can think of is "a bad Meet the Parents."

Not one of the characters are likeable. And Merideth (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the only character that you can remotely sympathize with. And even that is a stretch. The whole family is a rude, horrible, vulgar, dysfunctional mess.

Here is the plot in a nutshell. Dermot Mulroney's character (Everett) is dating Sarah Jessica Parker's character, and he brings her to his family's home for Christmas with the intention of getting his grandmother's wedding ring and proposing to Merideth. The family hates her, are horrible to her, and push her towards asking her sister Julie (Claire Danes) to come for moral support. Ben (Luke Wilson), Everett's brother, ends up having a thing for Merideth, and Everett ends up having a thing for Julie. To add insult to injury, you find out Diane Keaton's breast cancer has returned and she is dying.

Merideth and Everett end up breaking up, Julie ends up with Everett, and Ben ends up with Merideth. They try and redeem the movie by adding an epilogue that takes place the next Christmas. You see all the happy couples decorating a tree sans Mom, who has passed away some time that year. I know this ending was supposed to satisfy me in some way, but all I could think was these horrible characters had cheated on one another with their siblings. Yeah, there really is no redeeming that. And the mother was such a horrible woman that I had a really hard time feeling bad that she was gone. And then I felt bad that I didn't feel bad.

If you haven't seen it, don't waste your time. A Christmas classic it is not.

mmm...

There is just nothing in the world like the feeling of clean sheets.

Sisters and Tower of Power

Today was a really fun day. Most days at work have elements that are really fun. But almost all of today was a blast. Dave calls me a few minutes before staff today (Dave is on vacation) and tells me that we (we meaning our Creative Arts Team) needs to cancel our meeting and go with him to Reno to watch the Maytan Soul Band perform at a grade school assembly. I'm totally game. I told him I'd talk to Steve and get back to him. The point of the trip would be to network with other musicians in the area. Introduce ourselves, show support for what musicians in the Carson-Reno area are doing. Dave is the one with the connection with the band. He met them at a rehearsal they had a few months back.
Here's something I love about our Creative Arts Pastor, Steve - He's totally flexible, game for adventure, and passionate about people in our community. Hence, when I told him about Dave's idea, he was completely game. And in a matter of minutes our meeting had become mobile, the decision made to travel to Reno and watch the band.
Here's another thing I love about my job. I get the privilege to work with really smart, talented people. It is a pleasure to simply talk with them. The hour drive to Reno was fun simply because it gave us all an uninterrupted hour to talk about ministry. It was great. I feel like the trip was worth it simply for that time in the Suburban. But I digress.
The concert was short (it was grade school children, afterall) but AWESOME. There was a full horn section and rhythm section, and a vocalist. They really were unbelievable musicians. After the concert we introduced ourselves to the band and chatted for a few minutes.
Seriously, who has a better job than I do? Who else would get to take a roadtrip on a Wednesday to go to a gradeschool assembly?
Try not to be too jealous.

Days of Old...

Last night I ran sound for the Douglas High School Senior Awards Night (They used our auditorium). Their Jazz Band played for about 45 minutes before the program began. They were actually pretty good. Not since I graduated high school six years ago have I missed playing my instruments so much. My heart squeezed with all the memories. I don't have very many memories of high school that don't include band, choir, or chamber ensemble.

But mostly band.

My mind replayed a hundred different scenes while they were playing: Touring around to the different grade schools and giving concerts. Our trip to Florida to play at Disney. Our trip to Texas to play at Six Flags. Marching band competitions where it was a hundred degrees and I am wearing a hot, heavy band uniform. Band camp. Amoeba tag. Mr. Tallman. Watching the University of Illinois Marching Band. Mrs. Reem. The glock block. Doing countless half-time shows at Friday night football games. Long bus rides.

And as my mind plays these scenes I see the people I miss most - Laura, Lucas, Brock, Lindsey, Rusty, Darcie, Angie, Jamie. Many others. Some who I still talk with. Many more who I do not. But they still exist in my mind. Out on the practice field. Out on the football field. Up in the band room.

I love that I have these memories. I wouldn't go back to high school. But I wouldn't trade those memories for anything.

I have been thinking quite a bit on relationships lately and although I am far from being an expert, I have come to a few conclusions. First and most obvious, they are important. When God said that it is not good for man to be alone I don't believe that He was speaking exclusively about the husband-wife relationship. We were created to know and be known by God and one another. God Himself is community. He is triune. Relationships are important.

Second, only you can decide which relationships will be important to you. No one can make this decision for someone else. I decide Jesus is important to me. I decide my family is important to me. The burden rests at my feet alone.

Third, relationships take work and energy or they die. All relationships. Family. God. Friends. Spouses. Co-workers. No relationship is exempt. They are an intentional effort for all involved. Deciding not to give someone your time, energy and heart is telling that person they are not important to you. And like a rose in the desert, it will die.

Fourth, relationships are worth the effort. I may not always feel like believing this, but God's word clearly teaches it. Think for a moment about the ultimate relationship: Us and God. He thinks we are worth the effort. So much so that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. So much so that the sin that separates me from Him was nailed to cross so I could know Him. So much so that He conquered death so I could have life. God believes relationships are worth the effort. I will too.

The Strawberry Code

I saw The Da Vinci Code last night. Overall, I was fairly disappointed. Simply put it was not a great movie. In spite of the fact that it pains me to read such horrible lies about Jesus, I enjoyed the book. It had interesting characters, was face paced and interesting. My number one complaint is Ron Howard failed to capture the pace of the book. The movie was just plain slow. I found myself repeatedly looking at my watch and thinking, "Holy cow! I can't believe it has only been five minutes since I last looked at my watch!" I do not regret having seen it, but for $8.75, I wish it had been a better film.

I am up to my ears in Strawberries. I was at Costco yesterday buying batteries for the weekend, and I wandered into the produce section. (Costco has really great produce!). I love strawberries, but have been disappointed with the selection at Walmart. They are tiny berries, and I can't seem to get a package that I am satisfied with. So when I was wandering through Costco produce I notice a large display of very fine looking strawberries. A four pound package of giant California strawberries. Quite possibly the most delicious looking strawberries I have seen for some time. So I purchase them. And I am now eating strawberries at every meal in order to finish all four pounds before they spoil.

Strawberry Shortcake, anyone?

More expensive? Worth it!

I finally had a few free hours today when I could take my car to Les Schwab and have my snow tires swapped out for my regular season tires. Normally, I would go to Wal-Mart for my tire needs. They are cheaper, and my Dad is a big proponent of cheaper. But the customer service at Wal-Mart's Tire and Lube Express is non-existent. I have several stories about awful experiences I have had there. Each time I go there, I end up cursing my Dad and vowing never to return.
So when I needed my tires swapped I went to Les Schwab. I will NEVER go back to Wal-Mart. I don't care if Les Schwab ends up being twice as expensive; never again will I darken the doors of the Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Express. Let me tell you about my Les Schwab experience: I pull into the parking lot, fish around in my bag for a book to take in with me, and get out of the car. There waiting at my bumper is a Les Schwab employee. He says, "What can I help you with today, ma'am?" I'm stunned. I manage to say, "I need my snow tires removed." He smiles and says, "We can do that. Right this way." I follow him inside where he even opened the door for me. After taking my information, I sit down to wait. I anticipate a long wait. There are plenty of other customers, and I figure I'll be there an hour or more. I begin to read my book. I was sorrily mistaken about the time. Twenty minutes! In twenty minutes they were finished with my car. Everyone was polite. Everyone smiled at me. And the employees didn't look like escaped convicts.

Seriously, the best fifty-two dollars I ever spent.

I'm Sorry...Come Again?

I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker this week. It went a little something like this:

Dave: "Jeanne, I was thinking about your wedding last night."
Jeanne: "My what?"
Dave: "Your wedding. I know you might think it's weird, but my buddy swears by EHarmony.com."
Jeanne: "Um, thanks for thinking of me...But I don't think I am quite there yet."
Dave: "Well, you should think about it. The internet is really a proven way to meet people nowadays."
Jeanne: "Um, ok. I'll keep that in mind."

He was the second staffer in as many days to mention the fact that they want to find someone "wonderful" for me. I know that some people get really offended when people try and set them up, or bring up the fact that they really should be married. I happen not to be one of them. I know that these people just want to see me happy and cared for - and hence I try to put their comments in perspective. They mean well. And most of the time what they have to say is really funny. Case in point is my conversation with Dave. Plus, those single women who get all huffy about people trying to set them up really annoy me. You are single and fine with it. I get it. No need to be all snippy about it.

But I got to thinking about our society in general. Most people would agree that Americans as a whole consider marriage a goal. For them and for others. You should do it while you are young, and if you don't - well there is probably something wrong with you. Then I started thinking about some the most popular sitcoms/dramas on network television. Here is my list:
1. Friends - (it lives on in syndication!)
2. The CSI's
3. The Office
4. Scrubs
5. Sex and the City
6. Crossing Jordan
7. The Law and Order's
8. 24
9. Criminal Minds
10. Grey's Anatomy
I could name many others. Those are just a smattering of shows - but it would be hard to debate their popularity. My point is that when you start to take a look at the characters in these shows a common theme appears: Most of them are single. So then I starting thinking about shows that showcase married people. This was a much harder list to think of.
1. King of Queens
2. Medium
3. Everybody Loves Raymond
4. Desperate Housewives
And that is pretty much all I could think of.

So here is the dichotomy: Our society as a whole tells you your goal should be to get married. But the most popular shows on television are full of single people! Why aren't there more shows full of married people? That's the goal isn't it? Is it just better television to watch single people flounder around looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right? Probably.

I don't really have a point. It was just an interesting thought I had.

Environment madness!!

This weekend starts our series at CVC called "Unlocking the Da Vinci Code." I am pumped about the series and the environment that we have created for it in the auditorium. We wanted to create a museum, and I believe we have been successful! The artwork, fabric, and lighting all work together to create a really magical environment. To the left are a few pictures: The first is of Steve and Dave up on the lift hanging Da Vinci's Last Supper. (I was on the ground saying, "No a little to left...no, too far. Now a little to the right...") The next photo is what our East and West walls look like: Each wall has three pieces of framed artwork hung in front of a red tapestry with a gold swag. We hung each of them a few feet above eye level to give the room a "grand feel." It really worked. Lastly, each piece of artwork was spotlighted - again to go for that museum look. The third photo is what we created on stage: A GIANT Mona Lisa hung in front of a red curtain that is 11 feet tall and 8 feet wide, also with a gold swag. The camera couldn't capture exactly what we achieved...but behind the Mona Lisa is a white scrim with gold and red lighting shooting up in columns. Very, very cool. I'll see if I can get some better pictures later, but it was late and I was tired! Kudos to Steve, Dave, and Henry for all of their work! You guys rock!

Culinary Master

* 7 quart salad bowl: $ 0.97
* 10 oz bag of Spinach greens: $ 2.08
* 5 oz bag of Spring greens: $ 2.78
* 1 lb package of strawberries: $ 0.98
* 1 Cucumber: $ 0.58
* 1 package dried cranberries: $ 1.37
* 1 bottle Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette: $ 2.48
* My salad being the hit of the barbecue: Priceless.

Alright, God. Whaddaya want...

3:00 am. Was asleep. Sorta, anyway. Certainly not now.

Kept dreaming about can't even remember what now. But it was interrupting my sleep. A million sounds were edging on the perimeter of my consciousness. Can't identify any of them. Really annoying.

Really tired. Can't sleep. Suddenly worried not all windows and doors are locked. Go downstairs to double check. Been watching too much "It Takes a Thief." Satsified, trudge back upstairs. Still no sleep.

Close bedroom window. Blissfully quiet. But stuffy. Can't have fresh air and quiet. Dang.

Loss of sleep not amusing. Whaddaya want, God?

It Takes a Thief

One of my new favorite television shows is the Discovery Channel's "It Takes a Thief." The hosts of the show, Matt and Jon, are two ex-burglars who are out to teach people a lesson about home security. Here's how the show works: Matt and Jon will pick a neighborhood and from that neighborhood pick the house that is the most likely target for a burglary. They get the family to agree to let Jon attempt to burglarize the house with the family watching closed circuit televisions from a van. After the burglary, all the stuff is returned and the family gets a free home security renovation, and hopefully a new perspective about how "safe" they are. After the security upgrades are made, Jon and Matt return to try again to break into the house. I find it fascinating television. I'm not sure why...but I do. If you have the Discovery Channel you should check it out.

Dear Tom,

I hear that your movie, Mission Impossible III, did not fare as well this weekend at the box office as your movie execs had hoped. I cannot say that I am surprised, and I will tell you why. You have made a spectacle of yourself in public, and the general population doesn't like it.

Your couch-jumping, Brooke Shields bashing, Scientology spouting, harmful sonogram giving, and all around crazy behavior have left a bad taste in my mouth - and in other's as the box office numbers seem to be saying. I can no longer watch you play Ethan Hunt without hearing you yell at Matt Lauer on the Today Show. Your magic is gone. You no longer have me at hello.

May I suggest that you turn down the crazy knob for a while? If you can manage that, your antics of the past couple of years might begin to fade in my memory and I once again might be able to watch Top Gun without shaking my head at what once was. Take my advice, Tom. Your daughter does not want you to be remembered as the "crazy annoying actor."

Sincerely yours,
Jeanne

See Ya Later, Green Machine!

I am getting a "new" car! New to me, anyway. My Green Machine is on its last leg - it leaks oil like there's no tomorrow and it gets about 11 miles to the gallon. I might as well be driving some stinkin' SUV.

Anyway, here is another reason why I just love my Dad. He is the person who found said car. It is a 1999 Ford Taurus SE. White. Not a spot of rust, and it doesn't leak a thing. My dad was all worried about buying a car that I haven't seen. Wondering if it would be pretty enough. I told him that as long as it didn't LEAK ANY FLUID that I was a happy camper. Until today the car was a company car for some business that my dad does business with, or something...My dad is going to drive it for a few weeks, fix any bugs, and then drive it out to me at the end of May. Life does not get much better, folks. Above is a picture of what my car will look like - try not to be too jealous.

I love my dad.

I love my dad. I love him because he's just awesome. Anyone who knows him can attest to this fact- I swear I am not biased.
I love him because even though I am going to be 25 this year, he still takes care of me.
I love him because he is the most generous person I have ever known.
I love him because he has been to every performance I have ever been in. Most of them twice.
I love him because he taught me to dream big.
I love him because he made me stay in Arizona that one summer, and it turned out to be one the best learning experiences to date.
I love him because when I called him frustrated and crying over my apartment he told me we would work it out.
I love him because I can call him and tell him the sound my car is making and he instantly can tell me what is wrong.
I love him because he has given up many hours to work on my friend's cars.
I love him because he loves a good party.
I love him because he is usually the life of the party.
I love him because spending time with me has always been important to me.
I love him because he loves me for me, not what he thinks I should be.
I love him because he sees what I can be.
I love him because he's my dad.

Captain Planet - He's our hero

Anyone remember the cartoon Captain Planet? My sister Heather loved that show, and so it was on regularly in our house. I can still sing the theme song: "Captain Planet, he's our hero. Gonna cut pollution down to zero." The premise of the show was that these kids had rings that had the power of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and so on...and when the world was in danger of some sort of pollution they would use their powers collectively to defeat the bad guys. With the exception of the catchy theme song the show really was pretty lame. Anyway, I was thinking about this TV show today because I got the results of a personality profile that I had to take for work - the Laurie Beth Jones Path Elements Profile. This profile classifies you as Earth, Water, Wind, or Fire - or some combination of those elements. My primary element is Earth.

I actually enjoy taking these personality/behavioral profiles. Perhaps it is narcissistic, but it is interesting to read about myself. The most fun is when the profile is really accurate. In this case, Laurie Beth Jones was spot on. Let me share a bit of what she had to say about me:

"Earth tends to do particularly well in accomplishing tasks and getting results. Motivation is based on a desire for an orderly process that leads to accuracy. Likes to stay focused in order to 'get it right.' An Earth's behavioral style reminds us of the traits of Earth: steady, predictable, foundational, solid, secure."

She had this to say on my view of authority:

"Earth respects authority because of its need for order and balance but will resist authority that demands ethical or legal compromise. Tends to know and live by rules, and enforces boundaries in its work and personal relationships." (Very true - I have always seen the world as black and white. Very few shades of grey.)

On stress:

"Earth can become stressed by disorder, chaos, and by concerns about the unknown. There is a strong need to have clear goals, order and time to plan and verify, while avoiding impulsive decisions and spontaneous actions. Tends not to discuss its worries but frets quietly. Becomes cold and distant when stressed." (ouch - horrible but true.)

I found the description of my relationships particularly interesting...

"Earth does not trust readily or easily but is capable of developing deep and lasting friendships. Builds quality realtionships over time, based on demonstrated integrity and mutual respect. Expects and gives loyalty." (A quick glance at those closest to me will reveal this particular aspect of my personality pretty much a direct hit.)

The actual profile was pages long. Those were just a couple of interesting exerpts. I believe that everyone can benefit from taking these personality/behavior profiles. First of all, they are just good old-fashioned fun. But more importantly, I think it can put into words aspects of our behavior that we may or may not have already identified, but perhaps couldn't quite put into words. It's like when you read a book and the character of the story says something that you just feel in your bones but have never been able to say eloquently. You have this "Aha!" moment as you read it thinking, "That is exactly what I have been trying to say for years." These profiles are moments of forced self-evaluation, which, every once in a while is a good thing.

Swing Sets and Park Benches

I found the park that is located near my apartment. It is actually much closer than I thought it was; about five minutes walking distance. It is quite charming, with one exception: there is a sewer treatment plant about three quarters of a mile North of the park, and if the wind is right it can be rather stinky. But nonetheless, my jaunt to the park was enjoyable. I have a feeling that I will retreat there often this summer. To the right is a picture of this little park.


Target is one of my favorite places to shop. Especially their home department. Much of their merchandise can be quite pricey if you pay full price. But, if you can wait until the end of the season when it goes on clearance you can make out like a bandit! I was wandering through Target one night last week, not really looking for anything inparticular, when I happened through the furniture section. Target furniture is very nice, but very expensive. However - not on this night! There was one entire isle filled with end tables that were 75% off! I bought four. Let me tell you, it was quite a coup. Here is an example of how my apartment has been enriched by these very nice end tables.

Above is a picture of my makeshift endtable in my bedroom before I went shopping at Target. Yes, that is indeed a cardboard moving box. Classy, I know. Below is a picture of my bedroom endtable after I went shopping at Target. Now we are talking high class!

Kudos to you, Target clearance!