Robbie and I had a stuffed (pun intended) Thanksgiving, and every minute was awesome. The day started out with "The Big Feast" at Riverside Community Church. This is the first year it was done, and it was organized by people from many different churches. The idea behind "The Big Feast" is to make a free Thanksgiving meal available to anyone who would like to enjoy sitting down with other people to eat and fellowship. Plain and simple as that. As was the goal, people who attended came for different reasons. Some came because they couldn't afford Thanksgiving dinner this year. Some came because they didn't have any family to eat with. Some came just to enjoy the opportunity to connect with the community. It was an awesome way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and it felt like family.
Robbie and I volunteered to help out with The Big Feast, and we were on the hospitality team (which was the best!). Our job (if you call eating and talking a job!!) was to sit with the people who came in to eat and just fellowship with them. We both were able to meet incredible people and shared amazing conversations with them. I've always known that we all consist of common threads that are blind to gender, race, and socio-economic status. It was so refreshing to connect with people to talk about those common threads and share our lives together for a brief moment.
After "The Big Feast" it was off to my parents' house for my side of the family's feast. As always the food was incredible, and we all ate too much of it! We had our annual hockey game going on out front, and the exchange of Christmas lists going on inside. I suspect that like most families do on any holiday, we talked about current events and holidays past.
I've noticed that in the past few years our holiday gatherings have changed. I don't want to say that they have become more special, because they have always been really special. In the past 3 years or so, we all take more time to enjoy each other and not take these moments for granted. From 2003 to 2006, we lost one family member each year, 4 total. Not to say one person is more loved than another, but losing Uncle Jimmy was the hardest. Having just turned 40 a month before, he died of a heart attack on Father's day 2006.
After the family feast, we gathered with friends and had loads of fun. Not to say my family isn't fun. :) We played games until our stomachs hurt from laughing, and snacked on even more food. Unintentionally the crowd divided like a junior high dance: boys on one side, girls on the other. The boys ended up playing one of their nerd games (involving role play cards, 20-sided dice, etc) and the girls did what we do best, talk!
So all in all, we had an incredible Thanksgiving filled with the best family and friends. And with all the feasting, we are like 20 pounds heavier today! We eventually went to bed at like 2 am, which was not the best decision for me because I had to be at my mall retail job at 8 the next morning. But I didn't care!!
This was my first Black Friday as a retail worker, and it wasn't too bad. Granted I work at a clothing store, so its not exactly high priority on the Black Friday shopping list. (unlike electronics stores) We were definitely swamped though. I personally racked up the most sales I've ever done at that job. Looking back, I'm pretty sure I was more busy at Starbucks on Black Fridays past. All those shoppers need their coffee to wait in line at 4 am!
Now we are at home enjoying our turkey hangovers, and watching awful/awesome cheesy Christmas movies. 'Tis the season!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
This is why Jenni doesn't get tattoos.
People often ask why I don't have any tattoos after they see Robbie. Robbie has quite impressive work done on his foot, thigh, and almost a full sleeve on his left arm. I love his tattoos, and I love that they are a part of him. Maybe some other time I will post more about tattoos, but today I just want to say that I love how Robbie literally wears his heart (beliefs, etc) on his sleeve.
So back to the original plot: the reason why I (Jenni) do not have any tattoos is very simple. I just cannot endure seeing the same thing all the time. I have to change the wallpaper on my computer at least once a week. Right now you're probably thinking, "Then how can she stand having tattoos on her husband?" The answer is that I love what Robbie's tattoos signify (you should never tattoo something on you that isn't already a permanent part of your life). And I literally notice something new each time I look at them. It is amazing artwork that I love to look at, and I wish I was that cool to have them.
A picture of his foot. This lamp symbolizes that God's Word is a lamp unto his feet, and a light unto his path. Tattoo artist: Lars Van Zandt
Some pictures of Robbie's sleeve. It's not quite finished, but really amazing. It is a pictorial representation of 2 Peter 1:5-9. Artist: Nate at All Star Tattoo.
The reason for this post--I've been wanting to change the background/template for this blog for a long while. I know there are some good ones out there, I just haven't had the time to mess with changing it. So for now, I just went with an easy pick. Isn't it weird that changing the template of the blog made me think of tattoos? My mind runs like this all day.
So back to the original plot: the reason why I (Jenni) do not have any tattoos is very simple. I just cannot endure seeing the same thing all the time. I have to change the wallpaper on my computer at least once a week. Right now you're probably thinking, "Then how can she stand having tattoos on her husband?" The answer is that I love what Robbie's tattoos signify (you should never tattoo something on you that isn't already a permanent part of your life). And I literally notice something new each time I look at them. It is amazing artwork that I love to look at, and I wish I was that cool to have them.
A picture of his foot. This lamp symbolizes that God's Word is a lamp unto his feet, and a light unto his path. Tattoo artist: Lars Van Zandt
Some pictures of Robbie's sleeve. It's not quite finished, but really amazing. It is a pictorial representation of 2 Peter 1:5-9. Artist: Nate at All Star Tattoo.
The reason for this post--I've been wanting to change the background/template for this blog for a long while. I know there are some good ones out there, I just haven't had the time to mess with changing it. So for now, I just went with an easy pick. Isn't it weird that changing the template of the blog made me think of tattoos? My mind runs like this all day.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
You might be married to a cyclist if...
So let me tell you what I'm not excited about: going on a 24 mile bike ride today. When Robbie told me a couple of days ago that he and a friend had decided to have "us couples" go on a ride together, I wasn't too alarmed. Bike rides are fun. Not my first choice of recreation, but it's not bad. Interestingly enough my favorite outdoor activity is hiking (which is actually more strenuous on the body than riding a bike--go figure). Last Sunday I did a 4 mile river hike with our dog Belle while Robbie participated in a demo on mountain bikes.
So I asked him, "How long is the ride?"
Robbie's response was a coy, "It is 12 miles..."
"Oh that's not too terribly bad, just go easy on me..." says me.
"12 miles there and back..." Robbie mumbles.
"24 miles!!! Are you kidding me??!! Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest!!" I proclaim and further my protest.
Now I need to clarify that I like to ride bikes--except with my husband.
I know that sounds mean, but it is the truth. Let me plead my case: my husband is a cyclist who works in a bike shop. It is a double whammy. Not only is he super fast as a rider, he has a super nice bike that makes it easy for him to ride even faster. Meanwhile I am left in the dust, or feeling guilty that he is literally riding circles around me waiting for me to catch up. Although I must say, like a loving husband he never complains about it, and is all too happy that I'm out there riding with him.
This reminds me of some more tell-tale signs of being married to a cyclist:
-you do everything in your power to prevent your spouse from seeing the bike section of a giant retailer (especially if they work in a bike shop) because they complain about how the bikes are built terribly, and the money should go to a local shop. This wouldn't be so terrible except that this adds an extra 30 minutes to the shopping trip.
-they slow down when they see a cyclist on the road NOT because they are afraid of hitting them (see the next sign), but they want to see what bike/bike components they are riding.
-they yell and scream at other drivers for swerving a ridiculous distance in an attempt to avoid a cyclist on the road. (this annoys me too!!) Listen people: it is illegal for cyclists to ride on the sidewalk (not to mention very dangerous due to the uneven pavement and other pedestrians). You do not have to drive in the other lane to go around a cyclist, and further increase the chance of an accident. Slightly move to the left of the lane and feel guilty that you are not as cool as the cyclist. The cyclist is used to riding on the road with cars, they are not going to make any sudden moves. (like the automobile drivers around them)
Conclusion: you are more likely to scare the cyclist if you swerve to avoid him. Slow down a bit (you are probably doing 10 over the speed limit anyway) and move to the left of the lane. No big deal. Now go ride a bike!
-their bike costs more than their car.
-your dishwasher and/or refrigerator is filled with squeeze water bottles.
-they measure everything in grams, not pounds.
-their thighs are bigger than yours.
-they aren't ashamed to wear shammy shorts in public (and by now you aren't embarrassed to be seen with them).
-they like the sound of cowbells.
-they know who Christian Vande Velde is.
-bull horns are not on an animal.
-they avoid the Katy Trail like the plague.
-they have tan lines that would make Hank Hill feel better about himself.
-they have to buy more shaving cream than you do.
So I asked him, "How long is the ride?"
Robbie's response was a coy, "It is 12 miles..."
"Oh that's not too terribly bad, just go easy on me..." says me.
"12 miles there and back..." Robbie mumbles.
"24 miles!!! Are you kidding me??!! Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest!!" I proclaim and further my protest.
Now I need to clarify that I like to ride bikes--except with my husband.
I know that sounds mean, but it is the truth. Let me plead my case: my husband is a cyclist who works in a bike shop. It is a double whammy. Not only is he super fast as a rider, he has a super nice bike that makes it easy for him to ride even faster. Meanwhile I am left in the dust, or feeling guilty that he is literally riding circles around me waiting for me to catch up. Although I must say, like a loving husband he never complains about it, and is all too happy that I'm out there riding with him.
This reminds me of some more tell-tale signs of being married to a cyclist:
-you do everything in your power to prevent your spouse from seeing the bike section of a giant retailer (especially if they work in a bike shop) because they complain about how the bikes are built terribly, and the money should go to a local shop. This wouldn't be so terrible except that this adds an extra 30 minutes to the shopping trip.
-they slow down when they see a cyclist on the road NOT because they are afraid of hitting them (see the next sign), but they want to see what bike/bike components they are riding.
-they yell and scream at other drivers for swerving a ridiculous distance in an attempt to avoid a cyclist on the road. (this annoys me too!!) Listen people: it is illegal for cyclists to ride on the sidewalk (not to mention very dangerous due to the uneven pavement and other pedestrians). You do not have to drive in the other lane to go around a cyclist, and further increase the chance of an accident. Slightly move to the left of the lane and feel guilty that you are not as cool as the cyclist. The cyclist is used to riding on the road with cars, they are not going to make any sudden moves. (like the automobile drivers around them)
Conclusion: you are more likely to scare the cyclist if you swerve to avoid him. Slow down a bit (you are probably doing 10 over the speed limit anyway) and move to the left of the lane. No big deal. Now go ride a bike!
-their bike costs more than their car.
-your dishwasher and/or refrigerator is filled with squeeze water bottles.
-they measure everything in grams, not pounds.
-their thighs are bigger than yours.
-they aren't ashamed to wear shammy shorts in public (and by now you aren't embarrassed to be seen with them).
-they like the sound of cowbells.
-they know who Christian Vande Velde is.
-bull horns are not on an animal.
-they avoid the Katy Trail like the plague.
-they have tan lines that would make Hank Hill feel better about himself.
-they have to buy more shaving cream than you do.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Costumes, Posion Ivy, and the Season Change in the 'Lou
This post will have lots 'o pictures. I want to share with you our Halloween costumes, the poison ivy from the party, and the season change around our home. Enjoy!
Some of our friends at the Halloween party. Unfortunately this is the only picture of myself, and you can't see my amazing tight-rolled jeans. Nor can you see that my 80s inspired purse matches my 80s style fashion boots. I actually won 1st place in the costume contest! Read the post titled "Hallowen '08 Costume Idea" about how Robbie and I were inspired for our costumes.
Costumes from right to left: Joe the Plumber (quite the popular costume this year), Dina Alexander from Salute Your Shorts, Bobby Budnick from Salute your Shorts, Joe Six-Pack, and Micheal Phelps.
Our friends hosted the party at their home, and they happen to live on a campground where they work. So they were able to build a fantastic bonfire that was like 12 feet high!
Hanging around the bonfire. Can you tell that our friends really like to dress up??
A few days after the party I noticed an itchy rash on my arms and legs. I had no clue what it could have been, and after some consultation with my dad and the internet I diagnosed myself with poison ivy. I've never had a reaction to poison ivy in my life, but I've learned that your immunity can change! I suppose I got it from the hayride or just being out in the campground. So far nobody else at the party has shown any signs of poison ivy though. Hmmmm...
This picture was taken in July. Look how green our yard is!! Compare it to the pic below!
This picture was taken a few days ago. The color change is beeee-utiful! So many brilliant fall colors!
Here are some more pictures I took of the trees in our yard. Unfortunately, all the leaves have shriveled and fallen off the trees in just a couple days. I'm glad I grabbed my camera!
Some of our friends at the Halloween party. Unfortunately this is the only picture of myself, and you can't see my amazing tight-rolled jeans. Nor can you see that my 80s inspired purse matches my 80s style fashion boots. I actually won 1st place in the costume contest! Read the post titled "Hallowen '08 Costume Idea" about how Robbie and I were inspired for our costumes.
Costumes from right to left: Joe the Plumber (quite the popular costume this year), Dina Alexander from Salute Your Shorts, Bobby Budnick from Salute your Shorts, Joe Six-Pack, and Micheal Phelps.
Our friends hosted the party at their home, and they happen to live on a campground where they work. So they were able to build a fantastic bonfire that was like 12 feet high!
Hanging around the bonfire. Can you tell that our friends really like to dress up??
A few days after the party I noticed an itchy rash on my arms and legs. I had no clue what it could have been, and after some consultation with my dad and the internet I diagnosed myself with poison ivy. I've never had a reaction to poison ivy in my life, but I've learned that your immunity can change! I suppose I got it from the hayride or just being out in the campground. So far nobody else at the party has shown any signs of poison ivy though. Hmmmm...
This picture was taken in July. Look how green our yard is!! Compare it to the pic below!
This picture was taken a few days ago. The color change is beeee-utiful! So many brilliant fall colors!
Here are some more pictures I took of the trees in our yard. Unfortunately, all the leaves have shriveled and fallen off the trees in just a couple days. I'm glad I grabbed my camera!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Consistency in an Inconsistent World
Sorry for an eternity between posts. Life has been busy, which can be a good thing! I am working 2 (sometimes 3) jobs now, so free time as it once was, is now gone. I work at a retail clothing store part-time (really just for the discount on clothes!) and my other part-time job that I absolutely love is teaching in a before and after school program. When I can fit it in, I also substitute teach.
Life still isn't the same as last year at this time. And honestly, I still don't know if that is a good thing or not. Last year at this time I had a regular full-time job in addition to Robbie's full time job. We had steady income, and more importantly, insurance. Robbie has already missed a check-up on his routine post-cancer schedule. We just can't afford it. Without insurance, it is $5000 per CT scan. Not to mention the doctor's fees and blood work.
Whenever I get discouraged about our money situation or insurance dilemma, I have to remind myself that God always provides. He has before, and He always will. How He provides can change, and it takes everything within me to trust that. Last year He provided through our steady income, and this year He has been providing through unsteady income. Never-the-less, we still have our home and food on the table. Robbie and I are still healthy. Robbie has no signs or symptoms of his cancer returning. He has been cancer free for over a year. It isn't even a forefront thought in our minds anymore.
I'm not going to lie and say that I have been completely okay about our situation. I get pretty discouraged and distressed actually. Sometimes the guilt and worry can be everything but all-consuming. But at the same time, it does grow and strengthen my relationship with God and others.
I have been at the peak of both points. The highest point of having steady income, and the lowest point of having no income. And I can say that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However life is at the time, He never changes and will never leave you.
Life still isn't the same as last year at this time. And honestly, I still don't know if that is a good thing or not. Last year at this time I had a regular full-time job in addition to Robbie's full time job. We had steady income, and more importantly, insurance. Robbie has already missed a check-up on his routine post-cancer schedule. We just can't afford it. Without insurance, it is $5000 per CT scan. Not to mention the doctor's fees and blood work.
Whenever I get discouraged about our money situation or insurance dilemma, I have to remind myself that God always provides. He has before, and He always will. How He provides can change, and it takes everything within me to trust that. Last year He provided through our steady income, and this year He has been providing through unsteady income. Never-the-less, we still have our home and food on the table. Robbie and I are still healthy. Robbie has no signs or symptoms of his cancer returning. He has been cancer free for over a year. It isn't even a forefront thought in our minds anymore.
I'm not going to lie and say that I have been completely okay about our situation. I get pretty discouraged and distressed actually. Sometimes the guilt and worry can be everything but all-consuming. But at the same time, it does grow and strengthen my relationship with God and others.
I have been at the peak of both points. The highest point of having steady income, and the lowest point of having no income. And I can say that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However life is at the time, He never changes and will never leave you.
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