appletinis and things I'll remember

So, a few years ago I dated this guy who I really liked from my poetry class. He was beautiful, sweet, Christian, had a good home, and sang/played guitar. Unfortunately, everything else was not compatible with me and I was kinda mean to him. OK, I was definitely mean to him. We were in such different places, and I am glad we didn't let it drag out. For one, I was a completely immature Christian with no intention on becoming more mature. I'm not saying I'm that much better now, but I have definitely grown and continue to grow. Then...not so much. Anyway, I remember our deal breakers, and I just look back at them and laugh. But...I think they'd still be deal breakers for me today, too. Check them out-

1) He said he was going to make me dinner, and that he makes the best beef stroganoff. He brought over a ROLL of beef and a box of hamburger helper.
2) He went to a fashion show and had the BEST appletinis
3) He didn't want any pets.

BLEH. OK, men- men don't drink appletinis unless we're on vacation or at a gay bar in Palm Springs. By all means, get something with an umbrella in it. And, hamburger helper and beef in a roll? Poor kid.

However, there were some amazing things he did, that I will always remember:

-Our first date was on a mission to Mexico to build a home for a family, with his church.
-He prayed with me.
-He brought me flowers from Trader Joe's quite often.
-He was nice to me even through all the crap I gave him. He was still so nice, and nice to my friends. I walked all over him.


In every relationship, there's things we take, and things we can leave. That goes with friendships, family, everything. I'm going to start writing friend profiles here and there to share some of the stories that changed me and my heart. He will always be a part of that.

Updates!

Hey friends- I haven't posted in a while, and I'm so sorry about that! Truth be told- I've been super busy. However, I LOVE writing and writing to everyone I know- so what's been my deal?

Well, this week I had a wonderful opportunity to dog/house sit for my boss Laura. She owns the day spa that I teach at and her husband does website design and is a musician/worship leader. Here's a little 2 in 1 for you- Laura's Wellness Spa designed and hosted by Brad for Laura's business. Aren't they cute in what they do? I'm even in the site somewhere. Look under yoga.

Housesitting for a spa owner is amazing. We always wonder what our doctor's homes are like, what's in our personal trainer or nutritionist's fridge, etc. Let me just say that this home is like a spa, and the towels are super soft and fluffy. I have been taking baths, cooking healthy, and playing with a cute little Pomeranian. In fact, I am actually moving in with my doctor this Saturday. Well- calling him my doctor sounds a little formal. One of my closest friends, Les, is my acupuncturist. His place is just...in his style, and he eats a lot of ramen noodles and avocado smoothies. I can't follow his suit, so I'll be moving in some fruits and veggies and rice milk. I am really excited, though, about the rest of this month.

As you know, I was living with Melissa. I am still there, part time, but will be out by this weekend. I love her- we've grown so close over trials and struggles this year. I am truly going to miss her, and all of my friends, for that matter. I've grown really close to some people that I hope to keep lasting relationships with. These next 3 weeks are going to be interesting, emotional, and adventurous- I can just tell. I can't wait to blog through them to start up my journey for Guam. In the meantime, can you please pray for me- for direction, guidance, support, and God's strength? I can't do it alone, and the prayers of others have really been taking effect. I can just tell.

Loe and peace to you!
Jen

Well I guess that means...

my treasures are stored in heaven?



I posted this picture of the 2 bins that I have to fit the contents of my room into. In one box, I have photo albums, Scrabble, boxes of letters and notes, a yearbook and grad cap, picture frames, and a bank full if bicentennial quarters. In the other box...I have no idea what I am going to do. On my facebook page, I posted that maybe I would put winter clothes in it.

This is a very good sign. I am not attached to too much. My dad requested that I bring some of my nicer furniture and anything I may need when I get back up to his place. So, I do have 2 more boxes: one with bar glasses and glassware, and another with some plates, a pot, some utensils, etc. I need to have something to show for to ease worry and seem prepared to come back- so yes, the bundt pan is moving into my dad's attic. Everything else is going and it's so liberating!


My question to you: what would you keep, what would you get rid of? If you had the opportunity, would you get rid of everything?

My friends

are amazing. I am going to miss these people so much, and am trying to make the most of the time I have now. Here's a few pictures of good times with the people who have guided me, shaped me, loved me, laughed with (or at) me, and have helped me make it through so much out here in Cali. I have a great weekend with more of this up ahead and I cannot wait to just add to the memories. xoxoxo





















I wish I had pictures for all the great moments and experiences over the past few years, but then again that would take a long, long time to post on here. Anything I've left out...I'm sorry!

God Please

Give me strength, courage, and grace. Help me realize the errors of my ways, give me peace and comfort, and keep revealing yourself to me. I am a sinner and I need guidance, direction, and encouragement. I fully trust in you and believe in you. Please keep the enemy far away as I am struggling with everything at once. Help me stay loving and focused with everyone around me. Father thank you for your blessings and your presence.

Psalms 3:3-4 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.

What's the plan?

I don't know anymore- I mean I do, but I don't. I have been on an interesting track lately- mainly my own. Then I wonder why things aren't going so smoothly? I had a fund raiser last weekend that did surprisingly well for the turn out. Actually, the turn out was really cool. I am not surprised by who came. I am actually surprised about who did not come- but then that's a lot of surprise- so I know the plan is out there but it's different then what I thought. This morning, my friend sent me this (Proverbs);

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

How'd she know we needed to hear that? I am just struggling to get back on the right path...the path God needs me to be on. I need to take the next steps.

Peter Beagle

He wrote "The Last Unicorn," which was a movie I absolutely loved watching as a kid. I now own it. As an officer in the Creative Writing Club, I had a hand in attending the event...however...I had no idea this was the man I was going to see. It was like a dream come true that I didn't even know I had.