Nearly 3 Months Later!!

Needless to say, there has been a whole lot going on in the life of Jeni McKeithen!!! So much that I don't even know where to begin - so if this is scattered, I'm sorry, you will have to deal with it :o) My thoughts come & go, so that's most likely how they will be presented here, haha.

Most recently (one week ago to be exact) I graduated from California Baptist University w/ a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Cum Laude (that means I had over a 3.5 GPA). What a marvelous 3 1/2 years it was at CBU. Graduating and moving on as a whole is quite bittersweet, I'm really not sure how else to put it! I will really miss the community there, no doubt. I will miss the caf (but that can be a good thing, maybe there's hope of actually losing that freshman 15!). I will really miss my 1 and only room mate: Nancy Barrales, and of course the housemates as well: Beth Crowell, Kendra Faulkner, Brittany Ingold & Candy Teague. We had such a great experience living in the house together, and as I am happy to be back home, I will miss what our house at school was. Speaking of being home, I totally changed my room around today (wahoo!!) I figured I'm at a new place in life, so I deserve something new to come home to. Since I will be a working woman come January 5th (I'll be doing accounting/office assistant duties for M&M Sports and Apparel) I figured my bed should be the focal point & most comfortable place in my room. I got a new mattress memory foam, some memory foam pillows, some decor pillows, and my bed is now complete. It looks good if I say so myself! And the wall decor & lighting is now different as well, it's definitely a different room, a big change...and change is good!

In these past 3 months, I have been wondering what the future as a whole holds for me. I've graduated with a degree, and of course would love to use it - but I'm not so sure that I want to teach in the state of CA, so I have decided not to credential, and to just work for a while and pay down my loans, and see what comes. I have determined there are 2 options that I would like to pursue. One is to seek out administrative positions on Christian college campuses or to teach overseas. There is a great teaching program in Russia, which allows teachers from the U.S. (w/ any states credential) to teach at a private school there while receiving a U.S. teachers standard salary. This would be ideal. But I would have to look into getting my credentials first to do that. I'd like to see what options are out there, and then determine what I would like to do. I know it all rests in God's hands, so I will be prayerful to consider what He has in store for me. I will keep updating as to what I believe the future may hold (only time will tell).

As far as travelling goes, I went up to Chico in November to visit Melissa (my best friend) and had a blast there. My friend/co-worker Mallory flew up with me, and we spent the weekend w/ Melissa. We hung out, slept, went shopping, and also got to celebrate Samuel's 21st bday. Samuel and I have become friends, and he is a great guy! Seriously, if you want a good friend (someone to have meaningful conversations with, someone who is interested in what's going on in your life, someone who is fun/entertaining, someone who is honest, etc.) I know where you can find one!!!! Other than Chico, the only other trip I went on was to Vegas after graduation. What a GREAT weekend that was. Vegas deserves its own post, there's too much to say about that trip. In January I will be going with my dad to Alabama (what has become our annual father/daughter trip). We will be going hunting for white tail deer and hogs. Good times! I'm looking into going out to New York for a friends wedding in the late Spring and then to Chico again for Melissa's graduation. Even though I won't be in school, I know time will continue to fly by.

As I was putting some laundry away about 20 minutes ago, I realized I had completely left something out of this blog update. I was summoned for jury duty this summer, in the late weeks of August, though was unable to go at the time, so I had it postponed. And wouldn't you know it, it was rescheduled for Dec. 22nd. I didn't have to go in on the 22nd, but I had to report on the 23rd. Contrary to popular demand and popular complaints, I have thoroughly enjoyed jury duty! It is my 1st ever experience, and I was actually chosen for a jury. It's a 5 day trial, criminal case. Meaning, we have to have a unanimous vote as the jury, so that should be interesting. However, I really am enjoying the experience and it has tought me so much about the system we are blessed to have. Think of people in other countries who are not innocent until proven guilty, how would that make you feel if you were locked up for life immediately w/ out any say in the matter? I don't know about you, but what we have here is great, and we should be delighted to give of our time and thoughts in order to serve. Call me crazy if you wish, but truly, I look forward to my summons next year. Thank you Court!

For now, this is what's going on in my life. I will be posting more often, as I won't have papers, homework, projects, study groups, etc. to tend to...Hallelujah!!!! Until next time, adios!

Some stuff about me...

1. Were you named after anyone? Not that I know of, but I do have my aunt's middle name, Lee

2. When was the last time you cried? Probably during orientation week (August) when I was thinking about a lot of things...

3. Do you like your handwriting? Yes, actually I do.

4. What is your favorite lunchmeat? Roast beef.

5. Do you have kids? Nope, not yet...but someday I want 7.

6. If you were another person would you be friends with yourself? I think so.

7. Do you like sarcasm? Yes, I use it quite often!
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes
9. Would you bungee jump? No, skydive only.
10. What is your favorite cereal? Life or Cap-n-crunch or Fruity Pebbles
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nope.
12. Do you think you are strong? Yes....

13. What is your favorite ice cream? Rainbow Sherbert

14. Whats the first thing you notice about people? Teeth/Smile

15. Red , or Pink? Red for clothing, pink for accessories

16. What 's the least favorite thing about yourself? Being out of shape

17. Who do you miss the most? Dancing and doing TaeKwonDo

18. Do you want everyone to send this back to you? No, they can't on this.

19. What color pants & shoes are you wearing? Light blue jean capris, and no shoes :o)

20. What was the last thing you ate? Chips & Guacamole from Albertos, yummy!
21. What are you listening to right now? This movie on Lifetime and some "band" playing in the neighborhood.

22. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow, because brightness is a necessity

23. Favorite smells? Guys cologne

24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Beth

25. Do you like the person that sent this to you? Yes, Yvonne sent it to me!

26. Favorite sports to watch? Basketball of course

27. Hair color? Brown

28. Eye Color? Brown/Green, they change

29. Do you wear contacts? Yes, or glasses.

30. Favorite foods? Mexican or anything my mom cooks!

31. Scary movies or happy endings? Scary if there's a guy to protect me, happy endings any other time.

32. Last movie you watched? My Best Friends Girl (today w/ Melissa!!!)

33. What color shirt are you wearing? White

34. Summer or Winter? Summer

35. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs are my favorite, but kisses are more special.

36. Favorite Dessert? Cheesecake, or sorbet.

37. Most likely to respond? No one

38. Least likely to respond? No one

39. What book are you reading? The Bible, Define the Relationship & When God Writes Your Love Story

40. What is on your mouse pad? Don't have one

41. What did you watch on TV last night? One Tree Hill

42. Favorite sound? Rain on a tin roof (aka Alabama)

43. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles

44. What is the farthest you have ever been from home? Romania

45. Do you have a special talent? Just being me :o) I have an extreme flexibility gift though.

46. Where were you born? Yorba Linda, CA

...Music & Lyrics...

No, not the movie.

Anyone who has been in my car (or with me where there is music) for longer than an hour would know that I relate music to all aspects of my life. I'm pretty sure I have a song for everything. I like to link the different areas of my life, and music is a huge aspect of my doing that.

If there was a significant event in my life, significant people, fun times with friends where a song was involved, I remember the importance of these things and people in relation to the songs. It's part of my remembering. Music and lyrics are a part of my life.

The following are ways in which music is a part of me:
Mom: In My Daughters Eyes by Martina McBride
I Will Be by Natalie Grant

Dad: She Don't Know She's Beautiful by Sammy Kershaw
You Don't Have to Let Go by Jessica Simpson (Father-Daughter song for wedding)

Wedding: Tonight Is The Night by Betty Wright

Jesus: Often times when people are praying, or make small statements, they remind me of
worship songs...random, but AMAZING.

CARWASH (room mate upbeat songs that we deem important in washing our cars)

These are just a few specific ones. There are definitely WAY MORE. But, it's time for me to go to bed, because unfortunately I have a 7 am class, and then have to work. So I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.

I have a feeling I will be blogging quite a bit to come, so stay tuned.

RE-UNITED

The FAB 4
Jeni & Brit (aka Speef)
Jenna & Jeni (the Jen's!)
Becky & Jeni (aka Becky-sita & Jeni-sita)

Reunited and it feels so good, that song comes to mind when I begin thinking of the reunion that the FAB4 had last night. The last time we were all together was when we celebrated finals being over in the Spring. I was gone for Jenna's wedding, so the FAB4 was incomplete. We finally were able to get together last night, and as always, we had a BLAST. We met at Beck's and then went to In & Out (cuz Brit and I were craving it) then we headed over to the Glass House for some Tyrone Wells time!!! We needed to waste some time, and we somehow ended up wandering into a bridal shop, and the lady working there, Angie, wisped Becky away and made her the next bride to be. It was quite an experience, and now is making us all look forward to marriage that much more. Except for Jenna, she's gonna get to re-live the wedding experience through all of us, she's the expert now - I think we decided that. After we shopped for Becky's future wedding dress (which I believe she found) it was GORGEOUS!!! we went to see Tyrone. Jason Reeves opened for him, and he was really good. Some new fav. songs now, that's for sure. It was the first time I had ever really listened to Tyrone, and he seriously was the BEST. I'm sure that will be a new tradition for the FAB4. Check out his new single, Patience - it comes out on Tuesday. After the show we went to BJ's, a tradition when we get together!!

I am fine, REALLY!

Ok, so this is my first ever VENTING blog. People, seriously, I AM FINE! I may not appear that way, but honestly, and truly, I am fine. I think I might not be ok if everyone keeps asking me that and trying to figure whatever "it" is out. There isn't an "it"!!!!

I have just had a lot of stuff on my heart and mind lately, and I've been thinking. Once I get to thinking about something, it's hard to get my mind off of it. There are some tough things to think about, some decisions that need to be made, and none of the above come easily - especially in relation to my future and where I'm going. I don't know exactly what I'm thinking right now, but when I do - I will write about it I'm sure.

For now, I'm looking forward to a normal schedule and a routine. Where I can make plans for the weeks to come and be able to schedule out my days like I'm used to. This up and down, all around stuff is starting to wear on me - please don't be offended if I say I need "Jeni time" trust me, if I say I need it, I need it. I may be extroverted most of the time, but I'm starting to wear down because of people overload. "Jeni time" is my introverted time, where I can get rejouvenated and have some peace.

And with that thought, I'm off for some Jeni time and gonna read a new book! Hallelujah!

…I Have a Confession to Make…

I went to Sandals tonight, as I’ve been going with Greg & Tami Cash for the past couple weeks. It has been awesome. Tonight was about confessing one to another, and praying for each other. I have been wanting a mentor in my life, and I think that time is finally here – time to be serious about seeking and making time for something of the sort to be an active part of my life. For too long now I’ve been trying to do it Jeni’s way, and that obviously isn’t working. Well, it’s been sufficient, but not enough…because it’s NEVER enough when we try to do something on our own – we were created to rely on Him. I definitely have not been relying on Him for everything. He deserves so much more for me, and in accountability and confession, I hope to bring Him more.

Something that stuck out particularly to me was when (1) Pastor Neil posed the question/thought: “Are you choosing fake community over real intimacy?” Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. By my decisions to come, I’ll be deciding this for myself. Do I simply like someone because it’s appealing to have attention, or do I genuinely like them? Is it something I’m about because I like the thought of it, or because I like the reality of it? Do I like it because others notice it and are willing to invest time in me because of it? All of these things crossed my mind. I may truly like this person, or I may be after it for the big picture. I don’t know. Truly time will tell, but this calls on a true observation of my heart, actions, and life as a whole. If I don’t do this now – I may cause hurt for myself, and potentially hurt for another. We’ll see where things go. I truly think God used the message tonight to open my eyes to the realities of me not giving Him the least bit of what He requires of me. It’s time for action…no doubt.

Another sermon point that is weighing on me is to “start acting in love, so as NOT to be selfish!” When we truly love others (like 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all you do be done in love.”) we are putting our own needs aside in order to put others as more valuable and important. When we do this, we are eliminating the chances of being selfish. After doing the love languages test and reading the book, the ways I express my love and receive love from others is by Quality Time & Gifts. I have often felt that in gift giving, people think I’m trying to win them over (for FOCUS people, yes I have Woo!) but it’s not as to do it in a negative way. I love to do small things to remind people that they are thought of and that they are special to me. I also love to do things to encourage people…it’s part of how He wired me I suppose. (Actually, I know…I don’t suppose that.)

Well, this is my piece of mind for now. More to come sometime.

Contentment

Contentment...what is contentment? According to dictionary.com, contentment is "happiness with one's situation in life"

I can truly say that where I am right now, is at a place of content. I have been doing much thinking lately, and it has been driving me nuts, but thinking is good. If we don't think about things - how do we really know how we feel? We may think we know - but the more thought we give to something, we see whether we really do know, or if we simply need to give it more thought...thus, we're presented with an ever present cycle of "thinking"

You may wonder what in life is making me content. If you are...continue to read, if not, disregard and go read someone else's blog :o)
#1, I am content because of Christ. I would not be content if I did not have a loving, forgiving, and gracious Father, who is my Savior!! To know that I am loved unconditionally by Him, no matter what I look like, no matter what I think, say, or do - if I come to Him with a repentant heart and a desire to serve Him, He welcomes me with open arms - there is not much more contentment than that.
#2, I am content because in 12 days I get to move into a house (which we're making a home) with 5 friends: Beth Crowell, Britt Ingold, Nancy Barrales, Candy Teague & Kendra Faulkner. What an exciting time. I truly cannot wait to live with these women, ahhhh WAHOOOOOOO! Pictures of our home will definitely be posted...probably after orientation, after we get all settled in - so expect pictures sometime in beg. of September.
#3, I am content because I got to be open with a friend, and they were open in return. You know when you just wonder something for so long, but don't know how to ask it, because you don't want things to be awkward, and you don't want them to take it the wrong way - well I was feeling just that, for about 2 months now. But didn't know how to bring it up. Finally, I got bold enough, and just asked. I know I didn't ask what I wanted to know in the right manner, but we were able to talk about it a little more later, and things are fine. No need to think there will be awkwardness.
#4 (really #3 cont'd), I am content, because I don't feel a need to want to like someone, or to be liked in return. This is weird, and I'm not even sure if my words are portraying my feelings properly...but I will try my best. If you know you like someone, why do you search somewhere else to see if you can find something better? Usually I've always been the type to keep the open mind, but for some reason, my mind and heart keep coming back to one person. Could it be that I really really really like this person? I would say YES!!! I have never liked anyone like I like him, and I don't know what the difference is. Maybe it's different because I'm more mature now - I dunno, my last relationship was in uhhh, June 2005 (so over 3 years ago). But, when you like someone, it doesn't mean you have to be in a relationship. Of course, in time, and in development of the friendship/relationship, you may see that you're better as friends - or that you can potentially be together...but you can't limit your friendship in the present, you must just continue to develop the friendship you have, and see where God leads it. This is exactly where the "in time" and "we'll see" come into the picture. Out of love & respect for one another though, be honest with one another, and see where things go. If you're like me, and you know in your heart of hearts that you don't want to pursue a relationship with anyone else right now, stick to that - but have people around you that can see the situation as a whole, to make sure you're not just sitting around, waiting for their time only, where you're a convenient person to have around - that's not what friendships or relationships are about - DON'T SETTLE, and certainly don't be used. With that said, I'm content with where I'm at in the friendship/relationship stage of life...and am looking to stay where I'm at.
#5, I am content because I will graduate December 19, 2008!!! Wahoo. Though if you ask me in a couple months, I probably won't be so content, as I will have to be looking for a full time job. But, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
#6, I am content because I figured out that I've been best friends with Melissa for nearly 10 years! 2 weeks from now, we're going on a trip to the very 1st place we ever went as friends - how exciting. I guess you could say we'll celebrate our 10 year anniversary of being friends :o)
#7, I am content because I just got all of this off of my mind...and I hope it made sense!!!

If you've managed to make it to this point - congratulations, sorry for the different ways I went, but that's just how my mind works!!!

<3...The Five Love Languages...<3

I know I have told a few people about this book, but the Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman is now one of my favorite books. I have never in my life learned so much about myself and others all at the same time.

You may wonder why I even bought the book, or became interested in it in the 1st place. Well, I was having a good conversation with a certain special someone, and he cared to say he wasn't sure he really knew how to love someone, at least in the ways they deserve to be loved, respected & cared for. It took a lot for him to say that, but for him to say it, has meant so much. I think these days we all are trying to make ourselves out to understand it all, and then when we have a hard time, we feel like we can't talk to anyone about it, because we should have all the answers. But the truth is, we don't have all the answers - and Christ made us to be relational beings. Without other people around us, we wouldn't be complete. Sure, some of us enjoy less people, some more, but if you narrow it down - there are always people you have in your life that you must depend on, or you would be incomplete. In our conversation, I asked if he had ever read the 5 Love Languages. Problem is, I said it like I knew all about it, when in fact, I'd only ever heard a sermon on it - and that was my freshman year of college, and that was by Matt Brown. At that time, thru the sermon, I understood that my Love Language was Physical Touch. About a year ago, I did an online assessment and it said Acts of Service. But, back to the conversation. He said no he hadn't, just had heard it mentioned here and there in sermons, and from the FOCUS class offered at our university. I said, same here...and then we let that go.

The next day I continued to think of our conversation (I'm a thinker, if you didn't know that, I soak up everything, and consider it all time & time again). I realized that I wanted to read this book, because I really knew nothing about the 5 Love Languages. I started looking online at Border's, Barne's & Noble, and then Berean. I realized that there are a ton of 5 Love Languages, one for married couples, one for singles, one for children, and the list goes on. I called the book stores & they only had one copy. Luckily, Berean had quite a few. I didn't want to buy the book only for him, because I wanted to figure things out too. Do I really know how to love people?? So, I bought the book and read it in about 2 days.

The 5 Love Languages are: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, & Physical Touch. From reading the book & doing the assessment included, I learned that my Love Language is Quality Time, with Gifts in a close 2nd. The more I think upon these 2 things, I see how apparent they are in my life. I LOVE to spend time with people. Whether it's just sitting and watching a movie, TV, etc. I love being in the presence of those who are close to me. It makes me feel loved to be able to spend time. The other is gifts. No, not big, expensive gifts (though I don't turn those away, hahaha) but the small things, the inbetween things, these are what mean most to me. Thinking about it right now, there are little things in my car that I've received over the years, and I keep them because they remind me of people in my life. If you know me, you know I'm a PEOPLE PERSON! I would go crazy if I didn't have a constant flow of people in my life. In my car, I have a little paper mache flower made by Callista Grace (she made it at preschool, and I picked her up the day she made it, so she wanted me to have it), I have a little mirror sticker on my hazard light button from Debbie Long (given to me when we were making crafts for the Women's Retreat last year), I have mardi gras beads (which were from Beth on my 20th bday, no matter what the cop wanted to believe!!!), I have the teddy bear on my shifter (from The Boys when The Girls did a v-day dinner with all the friends...it was on the vase of flowers, I let them keep the flowers, I have the bear), I have a ring on a string (from Jenna's bachelorette weekend) and I think that's all for in my car. In my room & in the house, there are umpteen things that I have received from people, and everytime I see the gifts, I'm reminded of my time with them.

When you learn someone else's love language, you learn to love them the way that makes them feel loved. It's easy to do things that we like to have done for us, but if we really want people to be valued and loved by us, we need to love them in ways that make them feel special. Read the book, you'll learn a lot - and for sure, your relationships (of all kinds, not just dating ones) will be improved.

The certain special someone shared his with me last night, and it wasn't one that I expected for him. But the more and more I thought about it, it's exactly him. Lucky for me, we have the same love language, so now I know what will mean most :o) His 2nd love language, now that I'll have to work on!

Friendships, relationships, family, etc. relational things take work, and I think we've gotten too comfortable doing just what we like to do. It's time to step out & fulfill 1 Corinthians 16:14,

"Let all you do be done in love."

That was then, this is now...

It sure has been some time since I've posted. In between that last post and now, I have had some eventful things happen.

From June 8-28th, I was gone to Romania for my ISP trip with our amazing team: Roxi & I, Ashley, Alyssa, Michelle, Rebeca, Shareen, Dave, Lucas & Mat. When we were there, we got to work at an orphanage, work at a camp that the orphans get to go to during the summer, and worked with people in local villages. It truly was a blessing to be His hands & feet. Many people have asked what the most significant part of my trip was, and I would say, it was the things that Christ opened my eyes to. We read a book, Celebration of the Disciplines, and in the first 2 chapters, I knew I was being called to change. One specific part stuck with me, and has been a challenge to uphold, but that is to not make expectations for others to withold if I'm not willing to uphold them myself. Tough, but necessary lesson to learn. Also, my love and passion to serve children was made clear. I definitely have a gift with children, and can't wait to have some of my own someday (plenty of days from now though!!!) The last 7 days there, I was sick. When I came home, I spent the 1st night at Urgent Care, was put on 3 antibiotics, and have been feeling good now (this is day 5 of feeling GREAT!!!) Needless to say, coming home was nice, but my heart is still there.

Since then, I've gone back to work, and have spent time with family & friends. I got to go to Forest Falls w/ Roxi & Hillary, had a great time. I had some pretty crazy falls, but I guess that's expected when Jeni does anything - it always happens to me. I fell 3 times: #1, I was climbing a big boulder, as soon as I pushed off my foot slipped and I couldn't grip the rock because it was wet from the Falls, so Hillary SAVED my life, she pulled me up, and I just layed on the rock for a couple minutes, thankful to be alive. #2, we were coming down (cuz we hiked all the way up!) and I slipped, and my butt went into the waterfall, so I looked like I peed. #3, we were on the flat part at the end of the trail, and I tried to step OVER a rock, but my right foot wasn't set, and I came down only to FACE PLANT into the rock. Roxi got a picture, I'll have to post it soon. My scab is going away now :o)

And now, I'm just enjoying life. Trying to figure out what's ahead, 5 months from now, I'll be graduating college. Real life here I come :o)

Well, I need to get some sleep, but there are definitely some things on my mind/heart that I will post about soon: Love Languages, The Past (and Present), Risks...I will post on those soon!

What's the answer to everything?

TIME! Now, I'm not sure if I agree with this yet or not, so I'm gonna think about it - and I'll post again with my full thoughts on it.

Pictures That I Promised

I didn't take any pictures of all of the things that filled the living room once I got home, but I took pictures of some of my stuff packed before I left the school. I didn't know I had so much, I think I came home with more than what I had in my room before I ever moved to school. Guess it's just what happens. And no, I still haven't unpacked everything! I think my mom will be fed up soon - my bags are still in the living room.

Nick names

Where did nicknames come from? That, I do not have the answer to. But I've been thinking lately - when I'm bored in traffic on my way home from work - about the nicknames we come up with, or the ones others come up with for us. It's rather interesting if you think about them long enough.

Some that I have for others are:
Bestie/Miss/Melisha (Melissa)
FAB 4 (Beck, Jenn, Brit & Me)
Aunt Chicken Legs (Aunt Joyce)
Butt face/Jerk face (only she knows...)
Outlet (Mike)
Blove (Beth)
Hannah-bear (Hannah)
Courtknee (Courtney)
Sister (Amanda)
My Michelle/Meesh (Michelle L.)
Shello (Michelle M.)
Peej (Jenni)
Jena the Jew (Jena)
Little B (Shannon)
MoPo (Marissa)
Punkin (Jadyn Rose)
Fiance (Missy)
New BFF (Ashley)
PCP (can't go into details)
Mr. Gorgeous (code name)
Mr. Delicious (code name)
Oe-Oe-O (code name)
My Bachelor (Matt)
Speef/Spouse (Brit)
Beckysita (Becky)

Those are just some...I'm sure there are others, but at 12:49 am, I can't think of too many.

Some that people use for me:
Bestie (Melissa)
Jen (Mom & Debbie)
Jennay (Forrest Gump style)
Pumpkin (Bradley)
Jeni Lee (Family)
J Dogg (Becky & Robdogg)
Jenifur (Angie only!)
Jenilove (Lindy Nachelle)
Sweetie (Jimmy, I hate it if anyone else says it though...)
Lotsa B (Shannon)
Jeetie (Dad)
Big Foot (Dad)
JeniMick (Marissa)
Fiance (Missy)
New BFF (Ashley)

That's all I have on nicknames. If someone knows the history of where "nicknames" came from, you let me know. And I'm sorry if I have a nickname for you and didn't list it here. Like I said, it's almost 1 am, and I'm not the brightest bulb in the box right now.

For EVERY Female

As annoying as Facebook Bumper Stickers may be, some of them have some great QUALITY things to say... here are my favs!!!

"If he's dumb enough to walk away, then be smart enough to let him go."

"Sometimes you have to test someone not because you don't trust them, but to see how much they'll sacrifice for you. And sometimes you have to let them go not because you suddenly stopped caring for them, but to see if they care enough to come back."

"Eventually one of two things will happen. He'll finally realize that you're worth it or you'll finally realize that he isn't."

"Sometimes it's best to forget how you feel & remember what you DESERVE"

Thinking...Friendships

I have been thinking a lot lately, and a lot of those thoughts have turned to the many friendships/relationships I have in my life. The Lord truly has blessed me with those I am able to call my friends. We have many acquaintances, and that has always been, but the very close friends for most are few and far between.

I was able to go to the Cal Baptist graduation commencement ceremony today, and as I looked at the long line of graduates, I began to cry. Why? What in the world is wrong with me? #1, Jenna Fuller is in this line, and she's one of my good friends. She's getting married June 20th, and I'll be gone to Romania, and today she graduated. No more Jenna at CBU. I'm not selfish, it's just that life is definitely going to be different. The FAB 4 (Me, Britt, Becky & Jenna) have grown so close this year, and not having Jenna around will be different. Becky will be commuting, and Britt and I will be living together, of course we'll all still hang out, but adjustments have to be made.

I guess this is really the way I'm feeling - today made me think about high school graduation all over again. We all vowed to be best friends forever, and frankly, I'm not really good friends with any of those people anymore. Partly because our paths went completely different directions, but mainly because we didn't put in the efforts to keep a friendship strong. Many people say you go to college to find your true friends and your bridesmaids (which is sooooo true, now I just need the husband, hahaha). But, how do I know that life after college will be different than life after highschool? Hugh Hewitt spoke at the ceremony today, and said something that I've really been thinking about. He reminded everyone of this, you will never be more surrounded by your loved ones than at your graduations, your wedding day, and at your funeral. Why is this so? Is it because we all get wrapped up in our own lives, that we don't make time for those dearest to us to be a part?

I'm saying these things to make myself not take the wonderful friendships and relationships that I have for granted. Too often we take advantage of what's in front of us, and then we don't appreciate it as we ought to. To all of my friends, I am thankful you are in my life, and I want to keep it that way. However, as we grow up, and possibly grow apart, we must remember this journey of life (friendships definitely included) is a 2 way street and takes efforts by both parties.

Now let's make life a party :o)

My Best Friend's Wedding

They quote my name in that movie - it's not the best way to put it I guess, but this is what is said by Julia Roberts, "That's great, cuz you haven't really umm seen anybody have you since dingbat Jeni Lee?" WOW...I feel cool. Minus that I'm a dingbat....LOL!

Home for the Holiday's...

Ok, so not really the Holiday's - it's home for SUMMER :o) That, in and of itself, is better than a Holiday!!! I had sooooooooooo much stuff to move home from school. Seriously, I had no clue how much stuff I really had there. I made 2 trips, one was just for clothes and shoes, and the 2nd trip was all of the odds and ends stuff: bedding, desk stuff, and everything else. I took some pictures of my 1st load all packed up, and have taken some pictures of all of the stuff piled in my living room at home - and will post those soon (I have to find the cord in one of my bags!), it's a ridiculous amount of stuff. I'm really not looking forward to unpacking all of it.

So being home, I'm not sure how different life is going to be. My parents are pretty lenient, as long as they know where I'm going. I know they don't do this because they're trying to be over protective - they do it because if something were to ever happen, they would know where to start looking. I feel that our generation really has a lack of respect for the parental unit. I know we might not always agree with our parents, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't respect them. Maybe I've just been lucky in gaining a lot of trust from my parents, but I have to say - I feel that I can be very open with them. Why hide it? It'll only get you in trouble in the long run! I guess the point I'm trying to get across is this - if your parents ask where you're going, it probably isn't so they can check in on you, etc. it's so they have a comfort in knowing what to do if something ever happened and they couldn't get a hold of you. I guess I'm a pessimist and think of the worst - but I mean, it's better to be prepared - right? I just always fear something happening and no one knowing where to start the process. So, understand where your parents are coming from in asking. I guess if you feel they're too overbearing and trying to control you, the only way they'll ever know that is if you talk to them! Keep open communication, it's a good problem solver, and an even better problem preventor.

I think that's all I've got for now...pretty sporadic - but I guess that's what blogging is all about.

HELLO SUMMERTIME!!!

Weird Cravings

There comes a point in life when our tastes and preferences just change - maybe this is just for girls...I dunno! But, there are definitely some weird things that I like. One of my new found fav's: a scoop of vanilla ice cream with some peanut butter mixed in...it's a little bit of Heaven. Another thing I like is In-n-Out fries...but you have to eat them with pickles from In-n-Out. It may sound sick, but don't knock it til you try it!!

Something that I'm starting not to like - any soda that's not clear - so basically I'm only liking Sprite or Ginger Ale - but it has to be LIGHT ice...I can't stand when drinks are really cold (unless it's a smoothie or something!). I only drink water with NO ice!! And I'm not liking tomatoes so much...just some weird things I guess someone can appreciate.

I know Hannah would agree that I'm weird, lol!

Look who's back...

So, Marissa Poulsen is my little inspiration in going back to blogging. But, I guess when I say going back to blogging - that's an understatement, cuz I think I only ever posted like 2 things. I like the idea of blogging, it's just taking the time out to actually do it. We'll see how far I get.

Life is a little crazy right now. Finals start in 2 days, isn't that exciting? NO!!! School is literally going to own my life for the next 7 days. I'm not really looking forward to that either. I will survive though, and hopefully I can keep my grades up in this next week.

I have some exciting things to look forward to. This summer, I'll be going to Romania with Roxi and our team. SO WONDERFUL! We'll be gone June 8-28...and I can't wait. The Lord is going to do great things, that I'm sure of and would never doubt for a second that He has a great purpose for all of us going there. I'll be sad to leave family, friends and weddings behind - the saying goes, "distance makes the heart grow fonder" we'll see what the result is when I return.

Another thing I have to look forward to is THE HOUSES! 5 friends and I (Beth, Brit, Me, Nancy, Candy & Kendra) will be living in a house. Here's a little glimpse :o) It's crazy to think that I only have 1 more semester left of school, but it's a good thing. I'm more than ready to be done. I may change my mind as it gets closer to graduation, but I feel I've come to a place in life that's going to go far beyond where I am at right now. It will definitely be an interesting journey, and I'm thrilled to take it. The Lord is faithful and just to provide - so upon graduation I might be teaching (Private Elementary) or just working until I figure out what else I may want to do with my life.


Something I have really come to cherish this year (Sept '07 - now) are the people in my life that are with me every step of the way, and willing to sacrifice a lot to maintain a relationship. All relationships are 2 way streets, and I'm beyond thankful for the lessons in relationships that I've learned this year. Here are some of them...

This is it for now :o) I'm sure I will be bringing more updates soon!!! ENJOY!