I had a weird moment this morning. I was helping my husband study for his California POST exam and I had this strange sensation of missing studying. I flashed back to a class I took in college - History and Literature of Music - by far the class that required the most studying of any that I took in my four years there. I made some kick-butt study guides for the tests in that class. I can vividly recall sitting on the floor in my door room with three or four other girls drilling the study guide over and over. I really don't mind that kind of studying. I actually kind of miss it, truth be told.

I'm in an awkward kind of place right now. Not bad. Just awkward. Transitional, really. Our schedule at home is anything but settled and there has been a lot of change lately. I am sure that this all contributes to my feelings of awkwardness. But I have to wonder if part of it is not a failure on my part to feed my mind and my soul. I am a learner. I always have been. The last long while I have been in "get it done" mode. There has been precious little time to just learn something new. To stretch my mind some. Granted, I must take some blame for this. I have had a thousand excuses. Work. Wedding. Family. Sleep.

I have a list of hundred things I would love to learn. Or classes I would love to take. Here's a sampling...

1. I've always wanted to take violin lessons.
2. I'd love to take a photography class.
3. I love American History. I'd enjoy taking an American History class from a good teacher.
4. I should really take up voice lessons again.
5. I would love to take a creative writing class. Who knows...maybe I have a story in me.
6. I would DIE if I could take ballroom dancing.
7. Taking an English Literature class would be fun too.
8. Piano lessons would be great...

Anyway - perhaps you can relate. Are you a learner? Do you get in a funk when you get in "do" mode instead of "learn" mode?

By the way - I got a 98% in my History and Literature of Music class... :)

Easy Bake Oven...

Ok. I didn't have an Easy Bake Oven as a kid. But my sister did. Fun for a child...but to quote Monica from Friends, "It is unrealistic to expect a child to wait an hour for a lightbulb to cook brownies!" How true.

I don't really enjoy cooking all that much. Maybe I would if I had more time - but after a long day cooking is really the LAST thing I want to think about. Usually anyway.

Every once in a while I will get in the mood to bake. For some reason, baking and cooking are two different things in my mind. Separate categories. Maybe that's because baking will most often end with a delicious pie or cake or cookie to eat. MMMmmmm.

Last night I got the opportunity to bake some cookies for a co-worker who helped me out yesterday way above and beyond what he had too. And I got to use one of my new toys...

Oooooo.....aaahhhh..... That's right. My generous Aunt and Uncle gave Mark and I a Kitchenaid Mixer for a wedding present. Making cookies has never been so easy. My arm didn't get weary at all because I wasn't the one doing the mixing.

I highly recommend this appliance if you can get your hands on one!

He loves me...

There are many reasons why I know my husband loves me very much. But tonight he demonstrated it in a very cool way...

We were at dinner at a fairly nice establishment and we both ordered different steaks. When they came, we tasted what the other had ordered. I made the passing comment that I liked his better - and he switched steaks with me (and that is a big deal if you knew how much Mark likes steak...).

Ah, such love.

I love my husband.

"The Devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost much as before the Word of God."

-Martin Luther

The Fleecing of America!!

Can you believe that it cost Mark and me 69 dollars to get our marriage license?? I mean really! For a little piece of paper. The ink better be pure gold. That's all I have to say.

I've decided that the hidden costs of getting married are: 1) postage 2) your marriage license

Yeah. I'm annoyed.

A guilty pleasure...

Mark has gotten me addicted to the show "Dog the Bounty Hunter." I have no idea why I like it because I do not normally enjoy shows of this nature. But for one reason or another the show has peaked my interest.

On related story...My sister Krystina lives in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Mark asked her one time if she had ever seen Dog (his business also being on Oahu). She replies, "No, I've never seen him - but we go to the same tattoo place."

Only from my sister Krystina would you get such a response. You have to love her. :)

Outdoor Fun

One of my "resolutions" (if you can call it that) is to spend more time outside doing fun outdoor type activities. It's just plain wrong that I live in this beautiful area and never to go to Tahoe or Topaz or any of the other magnificent spots available to me.

So I have been getting ready. Every summer around July I decide I want a beach umbrella. But you can't buy them in July...sold out. So I have already bought two. One for Mark and I and one for the boys. I am also stocking up on beach toys. Buckets, shovels, sand molds, balls - that sort of thing. One of the gifts I got at my wedding shower was an igloo ice chest. Perfect for the all day beach excursion! I want my family to have nice memories of the summers that we spent outdoors. And we have already started, folks. This last week we took a picnic lunch to Lake Topaz. Definately not nearly as nice a lake as Tahoe...but Topaz is only 10 minutes from our house and they allow dogs. It's still water...and it is still pretty nice. I only had two hours - so we couldn't spend the day there. But the time we did have was really nice. Here are some pictures!

Rubber ducky, you're the one...

Mark got called into work the other night - so I got Lance and Tyler ready for bed. Who knew bathtime could be so much fun?

He's so cute.

That's right...my adorable fiance now has a blog. Check him out here.

Kids say...

The darndest things.

Like at dinner the other night.

My mom and her husband Rusty had come over for dinner and Tyler (who is six) had just come from T-ball practice. They had apparently also had a scrimmage that night so he was in his full uniform...

Dinner was past ready when they got home so instead of having him change we just all sat down to eat. We get about five minutes into the meal and he yells out, "Ah, can't I go take my cup off?"

Not ever having had to wear that particular piece of athletic equipment I have no idea if they are comfortable or not. But judging from Tyler's disdain over having to wear it at dinner...I'm going to guess not.

We're going...

On a honeymoon!! It's a long, long story of how we got here...but the short story is that our friends Henry and Cindy (Incidentally it is Henry that is marrying us) gave us a week of their time share for our wedding present! So we will be spending a glorious week at a resort in Scottsdale, AZ. I just love them.

In case you were wondering...

Only 44 days until the wedding!

Odd source, true statement

I came across this article on msn.com about a couple from IL that are planning on getting married in a cemetery. Which, I have to admit, is weird. However, at the very end of the article the bride makes a very good point. In response to co-workers who were giving her a hard time about having nuptials in a cemetery she says, "Does it matter where we get married, just as long as we get married?" Huh. Good point. Not that I want to get married in a cemetery mind you...but she does make an excellent point.

I confess that from time to time I have gotten caught up in the where and how of our wedding. But really, whether we get married in a beautiful backyard or the courthouse, the end result is the same. I will be Mrs. Hounsell. (But I still want the beautiful backyard!)

Here's the article for your reading pleasure....

With this ring, I thee wed in a graveyard
Hearse-driving Missouri couple plans cemetery wedding

PACIFIC, Mo. - It's not the traditional "till death do us part," but Scott Amsler and Miranda Patterson believe getting hitched in a graveyard is just thinking outside the box.
Come September, the Illinois couple expects to pledge their undying love among the dearly departed in this St. Louis suburb's city cemetery, even though those who approved the request are dead set against seeing it become a trend.
The wedding wouldn't be out of character for Amsler, 27, a computer expert for a financial company by day and rehabber of old hearses by night.
The graveyard, he said, just has a certain tranquility and thriftiness for nuptials the young couple insists will be small, private and traditional — except for the bagpipes, Amsler's refurbished hearse and the throng of eternally silent witnesses.
"People are going to think how they want. I don't actively try to convince people that my interests are normal or logical," Amsler said. "I'm not a freak or Satan worshipper or cult member. It just goes with our theme."
Deep down, the couple said, it just seemed right.
Amsler and Patterson, who recently moved to Collinsville, Ill., became an item not long after they met in November 2005 at a birthday party where Patterson, 21, was to have been the celebrant's blind date. Amsler showed up in a retooled hearse that caught Patterson's eye.
‘I wanted a ride in it, but I chickened out’"I wanted a ride in it, but I chickened out at the last minute," she said.
By their first date weeks later, on New Year's Eve, Patterson knew Amsler was the one. Not long afterward, she quit her factory job in Sullivan, Mo., and moved in with Amsler in Troy, Ill.
Amsler proposed last June, affixing to the side of the 1965 hearse — which the two call "Edgar" — a plate with a simple message: "Will you marry me?" Seconds later, the ring slid onto a crying Patterson's finger.
She received Edgar as an engagement gift and had only one stipulation: The wedding had to be outside, in a gazebo.
Her worries were laid to rest while she and Amsler drove to her dad's house. While traveling on Interstate 44, Patterson spotted a gazebo on a hilltop, only to find it was in a graveyard. No worries.
"The view was just gorgeous," she said. "I said, `This is where I want to get married.'"
When the couple called last fall for permission to use the three-acre cemetery, which dates to the Civil War, City Clerk Jo Ann Hoehne told them the local cemetery committee would have to decide.
‘Just a normal young couple’"When I spoke to them, they were just a normal young couple who wanted to have a wedding someplace they thought was nice and serene for a very small, intimate wedding," Hoehne said. "They weren't any cult group or anything like that."
Bill Hohman, a 71-year-old alderman on the cemetery panel, wasn't sure what to think.
"It's strange to me. This is kind of an unusual thing around here," he said of the country town where the roughly 5,700 residents "roll up the sidewalks at 9 o'clock, and everyone goes to bed."
The committee last month signed off on the couple's request despite concerns about the appropriateness of the setting for the occasion — and fears that a burial might be scheduled for the same time.
Hohman, though, vows to introduce a measure to make Amsler-Patterson nuptials the last among this town's tombstones. "Once the horse is out of the barn, you have to have an ordinance," he said.
But Patterson said she and Amsler have respect for the living and the dead.
"We're not going to do anything stupid or horrible. We just want to have a wedding," she said.
"Some of the ladies I work with said, `Are you crazy? Why would you get married in a cemetery?' Does it matter where we get married, just as long as we get married?"

"I've Got the World on a String..."

Here are some random observations of mine from the last few days...

I (kinda) miss taking voice lessons. Last night at NewSong rehearsal our former choir director brought in her private voice students to perform for us. Her recital is next Thursday and she wanted to give a few of her students an opportunity to perform one of their songs in front of people they didn't know as practice for their real recital. It's a great idea. I was sitting in the front row watching, listening and remembering back to the days when that was me singing in Italian at what felt like the top of my register in front of people that I didn't know. Part of me was sad because I know that I have lost much of my technical skill that I worked years to achieve. As more time passes it feels like I am looking at that portion of my life through a haze. Mozart feels like a long time ago and part of me is saddened by it. There is, of course, another part that is glad I am not singing in Italian at the top of my register in front of people I don't know. I feel both those emotions at the same time, and more than likely always will.

With the assistance of my brilliant wedding planner, Tina, I have picked 2 REALLY nice songs for the ceremony. I shall not reveal the name of the songs until the wedding day itself... so if you want to know what songs I picked I guess you'll just have to come and see me get married :) Rest assured though... it ain't no Shania Twain.

Mark and I started our premarital counseling yesterday. I can tell that it is going to be hard for me (in a good, learning and stretching sort of way). The couple counseling us is asking the sort of questions I don't like answering: questions that I can't study for and that often involve how I feel. I like questions with concrete answers that I can study for. Plus, I will give you my best answers when I can think about the questions for a long time. Thoughts need time to percolate in my brain. It's just the way I am. So when I get asked a question that needs percolating and I have to answer immediately I feel like everything that comes out of my mouth is unintelligent gibberish. It's not a great feeling, really. We have a book/workbook (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) that we are working from... so I hope that I will feel better prepared to answer their questions having spent all week reading and thinking about the exercises in the book. Or maybe I just need to get over my question anxiety. That's a possibility too...

It's been a weird week. LOTS has happened that I couldn't even begin to have space to blog about here. I'm sure I'll write about it in the weeks and months to come. Just not tonight.

And all that jazz

As previously mentioned, I am getting married. May 11th, 2007. For those of you who are counting, that's 124 days from now.

I have been thinking extensively about the music for the ceremony. Songs for the processional and recessional. Special songs to be sung during the ceremony. Pre and Post service melodies. It's a lot of music, really. Many of you who read this blog probably know that I am a Music Director for a very cool church. Music is my business you could say. It's what I do all week long. And it is why I'm feeling a lot of pressure for the music to not suck at the wedding.

Let me explain.

Obviously, whoever I ask to play or sing will do an excellent job. I'm certainly not going to ask someone to perform whose skills are questionable. And I apologize if this sounds harsh...but there is simply no room for mediocre at this wedding! The suck knob is going to be turned down so far that it is off. No, I am not stressed about quality. I'm stressed about song selection.

Let me explain further.

I am very passionate about our wedding not being a "cookie cutter" ceremony. I'm sure we have all been to those weddings where you felt like you could say "insert bride and groom here." I don't want the wedding to be so off the wall that it's bizarre...I simply want people to leave feeling like they just spent time with Mark and Jeanne - Not any random bride and groom. Therefore I have put a ban on the following song selections:

Canon in D
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Anything Shania Twain
Anything Steven Curtis Chapman
Anything Twila Paris

Now, I have great respect for those songs and artists. But apparently so does most of the rest of the free world because they have been performed at every wedding since 1990.

If you were going to the wedding of a florist you would come expecting spectacular flowers. If I was going to the wedding of a career musician I would expect spectacular music. Now, I will admit that it is entirely possible that this problem is all in my head. Very possible. But I am going to operate under the assumption that it is not and strive to have fun, creative and meaningful music selections during my ceremony.

Expect the unexpected, wedding guests. There will be no Canon in D here.

Christmas

Here's a pic of Lance and Tyler in front of the tree... Enjoy!

2nd post of the month.

That's right. A second post. My streak is broken!

Numbers and call signs

My soon to be husband bought me a police scanner so that I could listen to what he is up to while at work. Tonight is the first opportunity I have had to turn it on and listen. It is really quite fascinating - and mildly frustrating because I don't know what all of the codes mean yet. These are the ones that I do know:

10-4 = "ok"
10-8 = "out of service" (like if they were eating lunch)

And yeah...that's about all I know at this point. I'm going to have Mark make me a list of what all their codes mean so that I can at least attempt to make sense of what he does.

It is pretty neat how they identify themselves over the radio. Each shift is assigned a number. Graveyard is 1, Day shift is 2 and Swing shift is 3. Then, each beat that the deputy is assigned to is given a number. For example, the Ranchos in Gardnerville is 06. For example, if you had a deputy working in the Ranchos on Swing shift his call sign for the night would be 306. I think it's pretty cool, anyway.

I have learned a lot about police work and Nevada law since I have been with Mark. Did you know that everything in Nevada is a misdemeanor? Mark can arrest you for a broken tail light. He probably wouldn't of course...but he could! I have also learned that cops spend a great deal of time writing reports. I wouldn't have guessed that. But apparently they do!

I haven't heard Mark on the radio yet tonight. Maybe he is in the station writing reports...

I'm getting married!!! Yeah!!!!!

Drinking through a firehose...

Ok, I'm back from Hawaii. In a nutshell - it was wonderful. I'll post about specifics and pictures later. Tonight I shall just give you some random wonderful moments...

Driving around the island with my sister singing along to Garth Brooks. Especially "She's My Lady Luck." Now THAT brings back some memories!

Being dragged up on stage by my sister and made to do the Hula in front of 500 people.

Swimming in the Pacific Ocean!

Not being able to pronounce a single city or street name on the island.

Going snorkeling and seeing fish in colors that I never even dreamed.

The beach. Enough said.

Getting to see where my sister lives and works. Very cool!

And oh yeah...Surviving a 6.6 EARTHQUAKE! Good times, Good times.

Go Team...and all that

The game was fun. UNR beat Northwestern-which is apparently a big win for them since Northwestern is a Big Ten school (and should have been able to tromp the little ole' Wolfpack). I was torn as to who to cheer for - Northwestern being an Illinois school and all. I really have no emotional attachment to the Wolfpack. But alas, I then realized that I have to attachment to Northwestern, either. So being a good Nevadan now, I decided to root for the Wolfpack.

However, I'm not a big "cheerer." I never have been. I have always had zero school spirit. Maybe if I knew someone playing it would be different...

I was excited about seeing the band play during the game and at half-time. I was to be sorely disappointed. They stunk. The band was small, the marching was plain, and they were using music! Hello...you are in a college band...MEMORIZE YOUR MUSIC! Then, to add insult to injury when they were finished with half-time they didn't even march out of the stadium. Once they hit the track they just walked out. UM HELLO?? These people seriously need my help. It does not want to make me take any classes in their music program, that's for sure!

The stinky band did not ruin the whole night however! My first college game was a ton of fun - probably more to do with the company seeing as I had no idea what was going on on the field :)

Go Wolfpack!

I'm going to my first college football game tonight. Today is Mark's birthday - and he is a college football nut - so to celebrate this auspicious occasion we are going to go watch the Nevada Wolfpack play Northwestern University. Mark tells me it is going to be a good game, but knowing nothing about football I'll just have to take his word for it! I'll try and post some pictures of my outing later.

Ah, the Nostalgia

I purchased something the other day I haven't had since high school: Watermelon bubble gum. No, it wasn't Bubblicious...it was Extra. But still good...

Working at the car wash...

Dad would be proud. I actually washed my car tonight. I think it must be a guy thing to be so obsessed about having a clean car. On my list of things to do, it isn't very high. But every time I looked at my dirty car I felt guilty. Plus, I knew that one of these days Dad was going to ask if I had washed it and I did not want to have to admit that I had not. So it's done. Although I must say it was a very unpleasant experience...

Since I live in an apartment, I have to take my car to a car wash. But the pressure washers don't get all the buggies off of the car. So I took a bucket and sponge out in the parking lot to get the bugs off before I took it to the car wash. This lady walks by and begins to question my method. Excuse me...but I really don't think it is any of your business how I wash my vehicle. Keep moving - thank you.

Then I actually make it to the car wash. It is a dangerous place. They should really post some warning signs. To start with, the wind kept kicking up and spraying soapy water in my face. Then, the hose kept whipping around and whacking me in the face. I was lucky to get out of there without getting a black eye. No one would have ever believed how I got it.

But my car is clean. For now anyway.

This morning I am thinking about freedom. The word is deceptive because freedom is "free" at all. It comes at a high price.

My brother-in-law Nick leaves for Iraq this morning. His unit will be gone a year. Until this moment the war in Iraq was something far removed. It was something journalists covered on television and President Bush spoke about in speeches. It was a war I supported because of my sense of patriotism and pride for our troops. Because I value freedom. It was a war that I supported in theory. I now support it with my family.

I will probably follow the news more carefully in the weeks and months to come. And I'll pray for safety for Nick and the rest of the soldiers. I feel certain that when I now hear that when a soldier has been injured or killed my heart will still, and my first thought will be, "God, please don't let it be Nick." I am reminded of a passage in Psalms 139 that is central to our services this weekend:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, you eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

All of Nick's days were ordained by God before one of them ever happened. I have to work to remember that. Trust is hard when the rubber hits the road.

I am so proud of you, Nick. God be with you.

The Title of My Life.

Lately I have been pondering what I would title a book - if I was so inclined to write one. I have come up with several interesting options, some of them more inspired than others:

Confessions of a Twenty-Something (the clock is ticking on this title...a little over 5 years left)
Life With A Metronome
Church On a Budget and Other Lessons I Didn't Learn In School
My Secret Life as a CIA Operative
"Yes, I Work Full-Time" and Other Offensive Questions To Avoid

What would you title a book you wrote?

Lincoln Brewster was rained out. I was sitting 15 feet away from him. He played one song. And then it stormed. There are no words to describe my disappointment.

He said he'd be back. I'm holding him to it. And when he does return, I'll be there. This time hopefully only 10 feet away.

I know. I'm a groupie. It's sad. But I don't care!

Fort Knox

I'm trying to decide which is normal: living in a dwelling that is always locked whether I am in it or not, or dwelling that is never locked. My apartment is like Fort Knox. I dare anyone to try and enter. It is just habit that I come in the door, turn around and lock the deadbolt, than hang my keys on my keyholder right by the door. It doesn't matter if I am going to be home for ten minutes or ten hours, I always lock the door. And all of my downstairs windows are locked. In fact, I hardly ever open them. Locked tight.

I am house-sitting for a family that lives in house in a smaller town. They never lock their doors. Any of them. Or their windows. In fact, many of the windows are open. I came home tonight and it was after dark. I must confess to you that it took every single ounce of my courage to walk into a dark house that had been open all day. I keep thinking that someone is going to jump out of a closet at me.

This particular breed of fear is one I haven't experienced since I had to stay at my Dad's old farmhouse alone out in the middle of nowhere. I slept in the living room on the floor because somehow it seemed safer. I'm not sure why. But it made sense to me at the time.

I'll probably be fine. But just in case you never see me again...you know what happened!

Redeemed!

The weekend is redeemed! I just spoke with one of my long time friends and he has finally set a date to come and visit me here in good ole' Minden, NV. We spoke for a while on the phone and now I am reminiscing about some of our good times together:

Christmas Eve. Our families are good friends and spent every Christmas Eve together. We would go to the Christmas Eve service at church, go caroling around town, and then have a party (With Mary's little weenies. Mmmm so delicious). I really miss that Christmas tradition.

Thumb wrestling in band. We both played alto saxophone, and when we would get bored we would thumb wrestle. I never won. Not in eleven years. Not even once. It's very sad.

Solo and Ensemble contest. Every year in high school we would play a saxophone duet for Solo and Ensemble contest. Two of those years we even got perfect scores. However, I'll never forget our senior year when I had a total brain fart moment and played the pages our duet out of order. We "finish" and Lucas says to the judge, "That second page is really nice. Would you like to hear it?" The judge actually lets us play the piece over. We still managed to get a I rating.

High school dances. We went to three of them together. Sophomore year Homecoming Dance, Sophomore year Vice-Versa dance and Senior Prom. I still have pictures somewhere...

Serving together at the Peoria Rescue Mission. Our youth group would go there periodically and serve dinner. Somehow, Lucas always managed to be the dishwasher.

Too many other memories to count in this space.

How exciting! No one comes to visit me for almost two years and now I have three friends coming in one summer! Yippee!!!

The Rascals fall flatt....

I saw part of the Rascal Flatts concert last night up in Lake Tahoe. And I say part because we left before the concert was over. And I can't say that I'm sad about it, either. Even though overall the evening was ok, the concert was not what we expected. Here's why:

1. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was DRUNK. And I mean drunk. And lucky for me, the person immediately to my right was drunker than a skunk and was constantly bumping me. By the time we left I had seriously run out of patience for them. I have zero tolerance for stupidity like that.

2. The concerted "started" at 7pm. Except there were TWO opening acts. Rascal Flatts didn't even start playing until shortly after 9 pm.

3. Rascal Flatts was a disappointment on several levels. First, while we there they played very little music from the albums. They did several covers of other people's stuff, and the did what I would call "messing around." A few very large drum solos (they had two complete drum kits with two drummers. If I hadn't been annoyed it would have been cool.), a long fiddle solo, and a lot of TALKING. Which leads me the second reason I was disappointed in them. What they did have to say was not in the least bit edifying. In fact it was down right offensive. To sum it up - it was about drinking and fine women. Come on guys, you can do better than that. Plus, after two songs the lead singer disappeared from the stage for over 30 minutes!! What?? I came here to see YOU. Don't LEAVE. Ugh. We ended up leaving about 45 minutes into their set because Sunny had reached her physical limit for the day. I was not disappointed.

Now, having said all that, I am still grateful to have gotten to go - especially if you know the story of how we got in.

I do have a couple of positive comments about the show - the musicians were unbelievable. I was in awe of their sheer talent. And the stage was very cool. They had a huge LCD screen that projected images and created moods. The entire right side of the stage (from top to bottom) was probably 30 smaller screens. It created an amazing effect. To top it off, in the center of the stage was a "building block" thing that they band was on. The front of it was also another screen. There were some great pyrotechnics and lights. It was very cool.

At the beginning of their show the lead singer was talking in between a couple of songs and said something to the effect that they had taken a poll and their music and show was better when you were drunk. I think he might actually be right.

Thou Shall Not Panic. I'm pretty sure that is in the Bible somewhere. The eleventh commandment maybe. And I'm trying really hard. Really I am.

But it isn't everyday that I get asked out. And it certainly isn't everyday that I say yes.

Breathe...

I just had the most amazing night. God is so good!!

Jeanne Recommends...

I had the most delicious sandwich yesterday. So delicious that I just have to tell you about it. My sister and I had lunch at this great little cafe bakery in Minden, and having been there before we both knew what sandwich to order. It's called the Gregory. It is a Turkey sandwich on whole wheat with real cranberry sauce, cream cheese, sprouts and cucumber. My sister added avocado to hers and she loved it. Plus, the turkey is actual turkey. Not cut from a processed log turkey. Delicious, I tell you. Simply delicious.

O Happy Day!!

They're coming! They're coming! But Jeanne, who is coming? So glad you asked. Laura and Lindsey (only two of my dearest friends and some of the coolest people in all of Illinois) are coming to visit me in September. They have bought their tickets, marked their calendars, and taken off work. Yippee!!! You can't see me right now...but I am doing a little happy dance.

There are several things in life that I am very particular about. Really, truth be told there are many things I am very particular about. However, my obsessive compulsive tendencies are not the point of this story.

I am very particular about my keychains. I think it goes back to the fact that I tend to be sentimental. My particularness over my keychains started on a mission trip I took in high school to inner-city Atlanta, GA. It was there that I bought a very special keychain. I had had many keychains before this. In fact, my ratio of keychains to keys was probably around 10 to 1. But this new keychain was different. It was special. It was a small plastic rectangle that had a hollow footprint in the center filled with real Georgia dirt. I bought it at Stone Mountain. Honestly, I am not sure why I became so attached to this particular piece of plastic - but I did nonetheless. I discarded all other keychains in favor of this one. And I used this keychain all the way until its little heart just gave out my freshman year of college. What was I to do? I couldn't just FIND another keychain like that one. It was special. It was unique. It was the keychain I had when I started driving. I was just supposed to replace it? I searched. I looked. Every time I was in a store I would peruse the keychain section. Perhaps something would catch my eye. Maybe today would be the day I would find the ONE. To no avail, however. It was not to be.

Spring of my freshman year we went on our Week of E trips. My friend Christi was going to Puerto Rico. My wheels started turning. Maybe she would find a suitable replacement for me there. So I charged her with the duty of searching Puerto Rico for the perfect keychain. I was very specific. Something simple. Something small (afterall, at this time I had a lot of keys. Everything on campus locked...and everything required a different key). And above all, it must be something wonderful.

Success! She returned with exactly what I had been looking for. It was a clear rectangular plastic keychain with that said "Puerto Rico" on it and had the Puerto Rican flag. My search was over. I could stop looking. I could rest easy.

Until this week.

My sister recently took a weekend trip to San Francisco. "I bought you a present," she said. "It's nothing big." But hey, a present is a present - right? Gasp! It was a keychain. A little silver bear that has arms and legs that move. It's very nice. "Will you use it?" she asks me. "Yes, of course I'll use it. It is a very nice keychain." But my mind was reeling. I had a keychain. Was God asking me to retire my Puerto Rican find? Dilemma.

I hung Mr. Bear (That is what I am calling him) on my key hook by my front door. I of course could not make a rash decision about this. I have to think. I have to get used to him. Decide if he will be a loyal keychain like the others. But he was staring at me. Every time I would walk by he would call out: "Jeanne, use me. It's ok." How can you argue with a talking keychain? So yesterday I replaced my trusty Puerto Rico keychain with Mr. Bear. I still have Puerto Rico. He now holds my extra house and car key. I figure I can always take him back if Mr. Bear turns out to be a fraud.

Like I said...very particular.

Well, Dad has come and gone. It was great to see him if only for 2 days. He delivered my car (which by the way is simply heaven), took me to a movie (I do not recommend the Devil Wears Prada), bought me an electric skillet (Whoo Hoo...free kitchen items), and made me pancakes and sausage. It was delicious. He even made me extra so I could enjoy leftovers. What a nice Dad I have.

My sister's boyfriend is going to sell the Green Machine for me. He gets a commission for it, but I decided that it was worth it to not have the hassle of trying to sell it. I'm all about less hassle. I cleaned all of my things out of it the other night, and I was feeling oddly nostalgic. I'll admit it: I'm a sentimental fool. I've been a lot of places in that car. I moved across the country in that car. I have a lot of memories wrapped up in the Green Machine. And so even though I certainly did not want to keep her, I was sort of sad to see her go. Time to move on.

I had this horrible dream last night that my sister (no, not you Nina) was being really mean and made me cut my hair. It was odd. I woke up really relieved that I still had my nice haircut. I called her this morning to recount my tale and she promptly apologized for being cruel in my dream. That's what every good sister should do - apologize for what happens in my subconscious.

In other exciting news, I am having a CD player installed in my car in the morning. I'm very excited. Carson Valley has painfully awful terrestrial radio. I've been dying having to listen to it...and I spend most of my time fishing through the channels trying to find something good to listen to. I am eventually going to have XM Satellite Radio installed - but that purchase is going to have to wait a bit. I'll be satisfied with a CD player for now. :)

And that has been my life this week. What's been happening in yours?

Come Again??

I had one of those moments Saturday night. You know the kind of moment I'm talking about. The kind that stuns you and leaves you saying, "I'm sorry...what?" We are all prone to these kind of moments. Sneaky little devils.

I fear that the affects of this moment are going to be far-reaching. Not necessarily in a bad way. The moment challenged me. The moment made me evaluate what I think my future might look like. In short, the moment got me thinking.

I think God is using this moment to work on some fears. To work on some areas that I don't trust Him very well in. To work on some emotional baggage that I've chosen not to deal with. The million dollar question is whether or not I am going to let Him do anything...

Those darn moments.

That is brand new information!!

I have made it no secret that I love the television show Friends. I have a hidden talent where I can relate any real-life situation to something that happened on an episode of Friends. What can I say? I'm simply gifted.

I have several theories as to why Friends was so successful. The obvious being that it was a funny show. They had good writers and talented comedic actors that had a real chemistry with one another. But like I said, that's the obvious reason. I think there is an underlying reason as to why the show was so popular.

We want to live their lives. Not just because they live in New York and have fairly interesting careers. We want to live their lives because they have 6 intimate friendships. That is many more than most people in the United States can boast of. My Pastor, John Jackson, sent me an article yesterday about this very issue. It was disturbing reading. The study, published in the American Sociological Review, revealed that 25 % of Americans have no one to confide in. A quarter of our nation has no one to confide matters that are important to them. That's really sad. And lonely.

But also very telling. No wonder we love to watch Friends. Watching Friends is watching the relationships that many people long for. That a quarter of American's apparently lack completely. Who wouldn't want to have the kind of relationship where you can just walk in and out of each other's apartments? The kind of friendship where you can just hang out with someone and not have to entertain them?

At it's core, Friends was a show about relationships. And I believe that is ultimately why it was so successful.

But I still watch it because it is so darn funny...

Hey Baby, er, Griddle Cakes!

I love pancakes. And my Dad makes the best pancakes you've ever tasted. Unfortunately, I don't think pancake making is a genetic trait because I stink at making pancakes. I've tried; believe me I've tried. In my defense I think it has something to do with the fact that Dad makes them on this really old and seasoned griddle, whereas I attempt to cook them in a not so seasoned skillet. But dang, I really want a good pancake.

I am resting in the fact that in one week my Dad will be here. I plan on petitioning him for some pancakes. He loves me, so I'm sure he'll oblige. Hopefully, having his pancakes next week will hold me over until Thanksgiving when I see him again...

Oldies but Goodies

I am a dichotomy (I really love that word.). It seems that it is when I have the most to say that I cannot find the right words to say it. Or that when I have the most stories to tell I cannot decide which one to relate. Like I said - dichotomy.

So I'm just going to make a list. I really like lists. They organize and strategize. This list is not meant to do either; but that does not detract from the fact that I really like lists. So here is my random, but still wonderful, list.

1. The high temperture today was 102 degrees. Shoot me now.

2. I really miss playing my instruments. I realized the other day that I have five - count them five - instruments in my apartment that I never play. My own fault, I know. But it is still a hole in my soul.

3. I only have to drive the Green Machine for seven more days. This week cannot pass soon enough.

4. 102 Days until I leave for Hawaii. Uh, that sounds like an awful lot of days.

5. I had a dream I went on a mission to Africa. I am going to choose to believe it was NOT prophetic.

6. We did a Mercy Me song this weekend in our services. There is a line that has really stuck in my head: "If I give the very best of me, that becomes my legacy." Let your mind roll that around for a while.

7. I wish I had a pen pal.

8. The soundtrack to the 2005 film "Pride and Prejudice" is breathtaking music. It is food for my soul.

9. I'm feeling restless. Not bored. Restless. Those of you who are plagued by restlessness will understand.

10. Someone explain to me why I can go grocery shopping, come home with food, and still feel like I have nothing worth eating in my kitchen. I don't get it.

Everything's Coming up...

Perk #24 about being a grown-up: No one can tell me I can't eat Strawberry Shortcake for breakfast. MMmmmm good.

Happy Anniversary

"Happy Anniversary to me. Happy Anniversary to me. Happy Anniversary dear Jeanne. Happy Anniversary to me."

Today, June 20th 2006, is my one year anniversary working for Carson Valley Christian Center. It is a day of celebration.

My team even celebrated with me. As a surprise, I got a really nice card and a generous gift from my Arts Pastor and my Vocal Team. They are the best.

I love my job.

Vegas, Day 2

The second day of our Vegas retreat was just as good as the first. Saturday we traveled to Canyon Ridge Christian Church and Central Christian Church to meet with their Arts Staff and attend their services (we actually attended Central's service Sunday morning). It was really great to see what other people are doing, to hear their philosophy of ministry, and to talk with them about Arts in the church. The whole experience was very productive.

Once we arrived back at the hotel, Steve, Kirsten, Christina and myself went up the top of the Stratosphere. It is 109 stories tall (I believe the tallest building in Vegas...). There are rides up there, but I'm a big chicken and had no desire to go on them. One ride, called the Big Shot, shoots you straight up in the air. Not my idea of fun. Another ride called Insanity dangles you over the edge of the building and twirls you around. Again, doesn't look like fun. The last ride is a roller coaster that takes you off the edge of the building and drops you. Yeah, like I'm gonna do that. But it was a lot of fun to go up there. The view was amazing! Here are some pictures.

Vegas, Day 1

Our Arts Team retreat to Vegas was fantastic! Day one (Friday) was spent in large part traveling and getting checked into our hotel, the Stratosphere. We ate dinner at a really nice food court at Ceasar's Palace (see photo). I ate a delicious hamburger. Mmmmm.

After we finished eating, we saw Celine Dion's show, A New Day. It was, without a doubt, the most amazing show I have ever seen. It managed to be visually stunning without being over the top. The marriage of song, lighting, media and dance was just perfect. I sat leaning forward in my seat the entire show. Watching the show in a reclined position was just not an option. The show was worth every single penny. In fact, I would pay more to see it again. Below is a photo of our group as we were about to enter the theater.
After the show, we walked over to the Bellagio and watched a few of the fountain shows. It was so beautiful. I am sure that the show would be beautiful during the day, but it was just breathtaking at night with all the lights. Here's a picture:

By the time we made it back to the hotel, it was a little after midnight. Since Vegas is the city that never sleeps, we decided to go to an all night diner that was in our hotel. They had a section of the menu called "Midnight Madness" that was breakfast specials that they served from Midnight to 5am. We all sat in the diner and talked about the show until about 1:30 am. It was the most fun I have had in a long time. It was the perfect end to Day 1 of our retreat.

Up, Up, Up and Away!

Almost time for Vegas! Don't worry, I'll bring you back a present.

Wilting...

I'm really not a hot weather kinda girl. I wilt under the heat. If I could live in a climate where it was perpetually fall I'd do it. Unfortunately, I don't think that place exists. Dang.

Vegas, Baby!

In five short days I am going to be livin' it up in Vegas. Nope - not like that. Our Arts Staff is going on a retreat to Vegas this next weekend to visit Canyon Ridge Christian Church and Central Christian Church. We'll be sitting in on rehearsals, talking with their staff, and attending their weekend services. I'm stoked.

We are also seeing Celine Dion while we are there. The tickets were mucho expensivo...but probably going to prove to be worth it!

And, for those of you long time readers...remember my list of things to do before I am 25? (The day is rapidly approaching, by the way). This weekend I am going to be able to cross #1 off my list - to see the fountains at the Bellagio. I plan to take lots and lots of pictures. I'll post some when I get back.

I don't rest well. I'm a mover and a doer - so when I am not moving or doing I have trouble knowing what exactly to do. Maybe if I start thinking of resting as an actual activity I would do better.

I'm still recovering from my food poisoning battle from Wednesday. I actually felt worse today than I did yesterday. I attribute that to the fact that I worked a full day yesterday and didn't give my body any time to rest or heal. My sister told me I was crazy...but unfortunately it couldn't be helped. So today I only worked half a day. I wouldn't have made it through a whole day alive anyway. I did what I absolutely had to get finished for the weekend, rented a few movies, came home and began my resting.

For the first few hours it was not terribly difficult. I felt awful. I wanted to rest. My head felt as though someone was banging on it with a hammer. I was feeling skittish about taking medicine...I'm afraid everything I put in my stomach now is going to cause some revolt. I suppose I will eventually get over this as I cannot live off of applesauce and gatorade for the rest of my life. After about four hours of unbelievable headache pain I relented and took some Ibuprofen. My head now feels mildly better.

I still don't feel well. And I don't want to go anywhere or do anything because I would probably fall down after the first 15 minutes - but I am tired of resting.

Ah, such a dilemma. Back to my movies.

Back from the dead

I got food poisoning. It was awful and I pretty much wanted to die. I won't gross out with the nitty gritty details, but suffice to say I would rather cut off my right arm than go through it again. Nuff said.

I just finished watching the National Spelling Bee. It was much more interesting than one would think. I watched it for an hour and a half and I knew ONE word. Not I knew how to spell one word...I had heard of one word: Koine. And I only knew this word because I know what Koine Greek is. It's depressing that there are a whole host of 7th and 8th graders that are smarter than I am. And did you know that these kids have spelling coaches? Interesting.

There was one classic moment I would like to recount. One boy spelled his word incorrectly, so he is back stage being interviewed. The reporter asks him, "You placed significantly higher this year. What do you attribute this to?" The kid replies, "I don't know. God?"

I thought it was classic, anyway.

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!

Extra! Extra!

Some random happenings, for your reading pleasure:

*I had a dream the other night that I got a tattoo of Kermit the Frog. That's right...Kermit the Frog. Don't know why - I have never had a desire to get a tattoo, nor have I ever had a fixation with Kermit. During the entire dream I just kept thinking, "Why am I getting a tattoo? It's going to look bad when I get old." Weird.

*It is a BEAUTIFUL day here. I have heard that there is a nice little park somewhere close to my apartment. Later today I think I will venture out and try and locate said park. Some fresh air would do me good.

*I went to Applebee's for lunch today with a friend. There was a wait, so we sat down on the benches in the entrance area. Once we were seated I ran my hand through my hair only to discover that it was wet in the back. In fact, more than a little wet. "What the heck?! Why is my hair wet?" Turns out that the bench we were sitting on had a pitcher of water and tea just above it. It dripped down on me. GROSS. My lunch really should have been free. But I'm not really good at demanding those sort of things.

*Turns out that it is really difficult to get accepted into the FBI. They prefer people with previous law enforcement experience or military background. Guess that rules me out.

*The other morning before work I caught the end of a "Saved By the Bell: The College Years" episode. I was never a huge fan of that particular attempt to keep Zach Morris and the gang going, but it did get me to thinking about shows that I really miss. They include, but are not limited to: 1) Saved by the Bell 2) Family Matters 3) Fresh Prince of Belair 4) Full House 5) Tiny Toon Adventures. What shows of yesteryear do you miss?

*I'm planning a vacation to Hawaii this fall to visit my sister Krystina. Couldn't be more excited - can't wait for it to get here! Speed up your clock, Father Time!!

Broken.

I broke something really important to me last night. Two years ago when I finished my internship, someone very special gave me a gift. It was a beautiful glass butterfly. She told me she had chosen the butterfly because over the course of my internship I had transformed just like butterflies do.

I have moved four times since being given that gift. Each time I have gone to great lengths to make certain the butterfly made it in one piece. And I have been successful every move. My new apartment was going to be the place where the butterfly would finally be displayed properly. So last night I removed it from its box and carefully unwrapped it. I then dropped it on my kitchen floor and watched it break into about thirty pieces.

I'm sorry, Kelly.

Surprise! Another list:

Top ten careers I would have chosen if my current job didn't exist:

1. Publisher/Editor/Acquisitions Editor
2. Naval Officer
3. Scientist (if no math was involved and I could do cool experiments all day long)
4. Music teacher
5. Marine Biologist
6. Lawyer
7. Event Planner (just like J Lo in the Wedding Planner...)
8. Band Manager
9. Photographer
10. Independently wealthy world-traveler (What?! You know it would be on your list.)

More lists...

Here are a list of my top favorite movies - again in no particular order.

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
2. The Goonies
3. Newsies
4. National Treasure
5. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
6. The Cutting Edge
7. The Indiana Jones Trilogy
8. Sweet Home Alabama
9. The Interpreter
10. Ocean's Eleven
11. Emma
12. Sense and Sensibility

Things I love

Here is a small list of things I just really enjoy, in no particular order:

1. Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream
2. The smell of a turkey in the oven
3. Avalon
4. The TV show Friends (I know...I'm a total pagan. But they are so funny)
5. Swimming
6. 78 degree weather
7. Going on vacation when I don't have to pay or drive
8. Reading
9. Laughing
10. Taking Pictures (which we have already established I don't do enough of)

A study in awesomeness

One of the many benefits of my job is that I get to work with amazing people on a daily basis. This is a picture of my vocal team that I took at one of our Easter rehearsals last week. I could go on and on....but suffice it to say that they are awesome. It's my priviledge to minister with them.

The bottom of the barrel.

Ever get to that point where you feel as though you are scraping the bottom of the energy reserves barrel to make it through the day? That's me right now. I'm simply exhausted. Not physically - although my body is tired as a result of the last few weeks of physical labor. But I am just drained mentally and emotionally. It's the kind of tired that reaches it's tentacles down into your soul and latches on. The kind of tired that doesn't happen in a day, or a week, or probably even a month. The kind of tired that sneaks up on you in the still moments of your day and takes your breathe away. The kind of tired that doesn't retreat with a few hours, or even a few days off. The kind of tired that robs your soul of joy. I always know this kind of tired has gripped me when everything makes me cry (or makes me want to cry), and I want to yell at anyone and everyone for being stupid. I am a calm, rational person by nature - not really given to fits of crying and yelling - so this frame of mind is always especially upsetting to me.

It is Easter week. Holy Week. I am desperately trying to not let the Enemy steal my joy in the midst of it. I have worked too long and too hard to cruise through this week exhausted and frustrated with people. This week is the culmination of hours upon hours of planning, constructing, rehearsing...Not only by me but by other staff and an army of volunteers. It's a celebration. And Celebrations are joyful - not frustrating. I will choose joy. I will choose to honor God by faithfully executing the tasks He has set before me. (Hopefully without the crying and yelling. Even crying or yelling in my head.)

And God is good. I am right in the middle of a 45 minute break - so I came home to change and check my mail. In my mailbox was a card from my sister in Hawaii. It was what I needed to give my soul a little boost, and my heart enough energy to keep at it through tonight. Krystina didn't know how desperately I needed her words this afternoon...but God did.

I will choose joy.

Why, Katie? Why!!

The Today Show is part of morning ritual. And for as long as I have been watching it has been "Katie, Matt, Al and Ann."

The way I see it, Katie has a pretty sweet gig going. Or at least she did before she decided to turn down twenty million dollars to host the CBS evening news. No one watches CBS. Everyone knows that NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams is where it's at. Big mistake, Katie. Big mistake.

Here's the other mistake: Messing with my morning routine! How I am expected to adjust to seeing Merideth what's her face instead of Katie Couric every morning before work? This is simply more change than I can deal with. Bad form, Katie. Bad form.

More, I say more!

I need to take more pictures. I was looking through my albums tonight and realized that it is has been a long time since I have taken a photo of anything. In fact, the last picture I took was of Krystina's wedding - And that was January 1st. I know I have done things worth taking pictures of. And I have often thought, "I should bring my camera and take some pictures." But the thought never materializes into action. My life is slipping by and I have no photos of it! Crisis! Quick, someone take a picture of this moment...

Say what now?

As if you needed a reason not be a nudist...

SYDNEY - A red-faced Australian nudist who tried to set fire to what he thought was a deadly funnel web spider's nest ended up with badly burned buttocks, emergency officials said on Monday.
The 56-year-old man was at a nudist colony near Bowral, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Sydney, on Sunday when he spotted what he believed to be a funnel web spider hole.
Ambulance workers, including a helicopter crew, were called to the scene after the man poured gasoline down the hole and then lit a match in an attempt to kill the offending arachnid.
"The exploding petrol fumes left the man with burns to 18 percent of his body, on the upper leg and buttocks," the NRMA Careflight helicopter rescue service said in a statement.
It said the man's lack of clothing probably contributed to the extent of his burns.
"The fate of the bunkered spider was unknown, although other guests at the resort thought it was probably a harmless trapdoor spider and not a deadly funnel web," the statement said.
NRMA Careflight said it was called to a property in the same area in January when another man kicked a spider that was crawling up the wall of a friend's cabin. The man broke his leg in two places, it said.

Note to self: Never pour gasoline down a hole and then light it on fire while naked.

Choices. My heart is heavy today. My heart is heavy over relationships broken, hurting people who hurt other people, choices made. My heart is heavy over problems I can't solve, ends I can't see, situations I can't fix, choices that are not mine to make. My heart is just heavy. It's why it is midnight and I am still awake. It's why I am not even close to slumber.
I started reading Philippians - a book full of joy. Paul says in chapter three, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Later in that same chapter Paul goes on to talk about the reality that there are those who live as enemies of the cross. They live to get satisfaction now - their minds are on earthly things. But my citizenship is in Heaven. And I wait for the day when Jesus, who has everything under control, will transform me to look like Him.
This started me thinking about faith, and how little I seem to have today. I flipped to Hebrews 11 and started reading about those who have gone before me. Those who have probably had days when their hearts felt heavy. Abraham, Noah, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Rahab. The list goes on. Then, in the beginning verses of chapter 12 the writer has this to say: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
The writer doesn't say sprint to the end of the race. He says run with perseverance. The word perseverance appears 13 times in the New Testament - and it is the same Greek word every time. The definition includes words like "patience," "endurance," "persistence" and "standing firm." Sigh. I don't feel great at any of those things today. But at least I don't have to sprint.
My heart still feels heavy. But that's ok. I trust there is a purpose. Besides - by design every race has an end, even if I can't see it. And there is hope in that.

Seriously, what?

Here are some random moments from my life as of late:

I finally got internet and cable at my apartment. But I want to go on the record as saying that I believe it is completely irrational that the cable company has this notion that people have huge chunks of time to sit around the house and wait for them to show up. Frustrating does even begin to describe that whole process. I'm sure most of you can relate.

We have the majority of our Easter set constructed. It is actually deceptively simple. A black scrim with a raised 12x24 platform behind it. Easter is going to rock this year. I helped Dave hang the scrim - and it was actually a lot of fun. It was something out of my normal routine; and I got to climb up on some scaffolding. At one point, I was up at the top and Dave was handing up a plank/platform thing. I was kneeling on another platform trying to hold onto the plank while he climbed up to help - He tried to convince me it would be easier if I stood up. I looked down (big mistake) and decided that I was just fine where I was! We did, however, get everything done and I escaped relatively unscathed. (I am sporting a few bruises caused by the actual construction of the scaffolding.)

Life is flying by at the speed of light. I can hardly believe that it is April. A year ago today I was in China. It really doesn't seem possible - and yet it is. Before I know it summer will be here. (Although with the weather we have been experiencing lately I kind of wonder if summer will ever come.)

I bought a classic movie from my childhood: "The Cutting Edge." There is something about that movie that never gets old for me. Like a child, if I like a movie enough I can watch it numerous times in succession and not tire of it (A recent example would be Pride and Prejudice. I probably watched it 9 times before I lent it out). I'm the same with books. If I read it, and liked it, I'll probably read it again soon. That is one reason I never feel guilty about purchasing movies or books. I only buy the ones I like, and I don't own a movie or book that I have watched or read more than once.

I love my new apartment. I'll try and remember to post some pictures soon.