Texas Coast Spring and Summer Air

The day before I left I came home from work to discover my Air Conditioning wasn't working. This is not good when you have to be moving around and it is VERY humid and warm outside. I just made it work for the night then left a message Sunday morning with apartment management to let them be able to get it done while I was out of town. Well I came back late Sunday night not really able to judge about the AC since it hadn't been on and I quickly showered before going to bed. Then the next morning I knew it still wasn't working. Well I forgot about calling management while I was working in the Tundra (my male boss likes it cold) on Monday. Then I just decided I'd go ask about it on Wednesday. No need for doing that now. I have cool air now blowing in the vents! The workman just came by to work on it some more. The electrician had to be the one to come to do it. They had tried to fix it while I was gone --yeah! Sadly it was something that needed someone with more skills and possibly a new wire. What a blessing to have been able to be away from here almost the entire time it was broken! The trip provided much fresh air. I'm home now and breathing in the AC air is the best way to go here!

For Jenn Poe

So I've learned that people other than Jenn will like this, but I took these pictures during my trip to make Jenn feel special. Many of her blogs and travels includes pictures of flowers. This blog will be edited when I get the other pictures developed.


I sadly was giggling alot as I clicked this one. I just was playing around with what I'd say about these picture attempts. We see this flower often in the flowers that come for funerals. It was also unique because very few non-roses were out there.


When I saw this flower, I totally thought of the part in Willie Wonka where he drinks from and then eats the candy flower. It helps that the movie was on the night before at the motel.


Now I didn't think these roses were all that pretty, but I was intrigued by how the bees flew around them. I wasn't nervous at all that the bees were going to come toward me. The gardener explained to me that the roses didn't look as nice because they had recent bad storms in Southern Mississippi.


These pom-pom looking flowers were at the welcome center in Mississippi. This is where I got the idea to do the blog for Jenn. The security guard made a point to tell me I couldn't pick the flowers. How sad that someone would pick them from a clear flower bed. Just remember that you can pick the bluebonnets that are in fields in Texas.

Blogging Baptist World

Last night after picking up my mail at the post office, I was amazed to read an article in the Baptist Standard about blogging. (the baptist standard is a texas newspaper for southern baptists...it is the more like CNN while the other baptist paper is less fair and balanced like Fox News or MSNBC) About two to three years ago, I stumbled into the world of the baptist bloggers. I some how flowed into the "hated" ring. About a year ago many of the main bloggers tried to change some of their focus. What I really loved about many of the blogs and the people who ran them was the open discussions. I didn't know any of these people before hand but I'd check links and be lead to additional blogs. There are three of them that i still glance at now. The one I started with is still my favorite. He has two atheists that regularly post. He regularly keeps things from being hateful or too heated. He also has his heart show in many of his posts. I think that is one of the best things about the baptist blogging ring. So many of these (mainly men) who share their concern based in intellect with others. It is a great thing to be able to share differences with others in a loving way. It will be a miracle when we hear that these blogs are also changing the lives of the readers.

Here is the 2nd link about those articles, I'm not sure how to make it clickable:
http://www.baptiststandard.com/postnuke/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=7732

Lunch with Carmen

On Tuesday of my trip, Carmen and I went to this place called Apple Cake Restaurant. It was a girly place, but good portions still. I actually liked a few things on the menu. We both laughed at looking at all the food pictures from MandI's trip, so we took this picture to send to her. Enjoy!

Because I should be packing

Your ex is walking on the opposite side of the road, what do you do?
Probably not notice since it has been so long. Clearly I'd talk to them if I figured it out.

When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?
oh...today...seriously I need this vacation

When was the last time you cried and why?
Friday for various reasons...the trip, gma c, loved one

What was the last movie you watched at home?
i don't recall, I watched so many while I was sick for those two weeks

What is your favorite aisle at a grocery store?
during spring - the Easter one; the juice one is the one I go down most often

What kind of milk do you drink?
Isomil

Who was the last person you went shopping with?
MandI in person; Mitra by phone

What is something you need to go shopping for?
Nothing...I'm headed out of here...I will get a CD at Cracker Barrel on the way...and gotta get birthday and hostess gifts...and of course a new Rocky Top key chain

Do you like pickles?
Yes, on my burgers

Does someone like you now?
Jr High like? I doubt it.

Do you like the color green?
depends what it is for...I'm not opposed to it

How many hours did you sleep for last night?
not near enough...usually like that before trips for me...about 6

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
well yeah....YOU as you read this!

Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle?
Friday football trips it was part of life...certainly while on long trips and if needing to be in cleaner clothes

Do you think you're approachable?
yes, probably more than I should be

Would you cry if you found out you were pregnant?
Yes, I don't know how Mary did it...and seriously, we need a baby shower break

Have you been pressured to do anything recently?
yes...but sometimes that is good

What's your worst habit?
hummm..that is a good question --- totally my mouth...always has been...backtalk or food

What was the last thing someone said to you?
"I love you, Janna"

What's a fact about the last person who called you?
she named her first born after me...lol (ok so that isn't a fact but it sounds goo) ...she can be very fast at math

Its 4 in the morning, your phone rings who do you expect it to be?
the nursing home

What's the last thing you ate?
ice

Something you just don't understand?
judgemental people

Are you still friends with your first friend?
well she is my little cousin so yes

Who was the last person you were in a car with?
Gosh I can't remember... do bob and sally count?

Do you care what others think about you?
sometimes...trying not to as much in a balanced sort of way

Do you think you'll be married in 10 years?
I doubt it

How many people do you trust 100%?
heck, I don't even trust myself 100%

Ever tripped over your own feet?
Yes, I'm clumsy

Do you un-tie your shoes every time you take them off?
Nope...I tuck the laces in a lot too

A year ago today

May 9, 2007 - Ruth Martin Carwile died at age 98. (still sounds stupid to me to give information about a loved one like that) When I started planning to go to TN, I knew I was going to go in May. What I hadn't thought about was how close I'd be going to the anniversary of gma's death. Last night and lots of today, I was thinking about her creativity and attitudes toward people. She had this nature about her that would completely block out someone from her life if they hurt a family member or her. She really could hold a grudge for a long time. However, she was also someone that supported and loved her close family. Almost every time we were with her, we played board or card games. She was a very private person overall, yet another trait I developed. I think it would have been awesome to be able to read a diary of her earlier years. Next week, I'm going to see her son that took amazingly great watch and care for his mother for many years. I hope I can come up with a way to honor him and her memory while visiting with them.

Wal~Mart Tonight

Tonight I was in the line at Wal~mart for WAY TO LONG. I went to get ice, gas treatment, gas card load, and Mac&Cheese. Of course, I got more than that...but whatever. After texting, talking to mom/dad (that should be a side story), and reading a trashy magazine, I checked out. Then I had to get the bag of ice. This was one of those times they had someone going over those receipts. Well, ends up that I freakin knew the guy that was doing that tonight. He recogized me right away. Sadly, it took me a moment to figure out how I'd seen him before. When he asked why I hadn't called him back and if I lost his number, I had to figure out what that was about quickly in my head. UGH...I went on a date with him over a year ago. I said I didn't save most numbers from my old phone. Yep...liar liar pants on fire! I stood there talking to him for about 5mins. He tried to give me his number, but I didn't really want to deal with that. I gave him my "business card" hoping it would be lost during the next week which I made sure to say I'd be gone for. Craziness! What the freak was I thinking? I totally clued to my actions when he talked about going to a movie again. Seriously, women we have too much power in goofy situations...most likely for stupid reasons.

Stupid, Stupid, Stupid

Survivor...those fans really haven't been that bright. NEVER EVER give up your immunity! Women players that last are always evil...always! UGH...Erik even in a life women are tough to trust and these women want the title and $1 Million. UGH...totally proof of how much power women actually do have over men. This would be the reason to worry about a woman leader of the country...cause we will outsmart you boys! The finale should be interesting.

Funny Names

The past couple of weeks we've had an interesting and fun name to say at work. Now I'll play with names many times just to make the day less stressfull. The deceased name that we are smiling about right now is Harry Johnson. Yeah, go on and giggle if you want!

*yes I know it isn't very appropriate, but it is funny!

Exciting External Focus

UBC is a very missional/externally focused church. We are working on getting better at being locally exterally focused which thrills me...but really that is more about better organization for things members are already involved in. Last night as one of those leadership meetings (this was one that I we didn't really do any work in which was odd) and we learned of a more direct goal our church is going to be involved with for FY09. We are partnering with a church in New Orleans. My heart is totally smiling. I wanted to clap last night when I heard this. This may be my opportunity to go on the first mission trip of my life. I truly "Love This City" and am delighted to know that we are looking to head there. Learning more information will be great...i'm very curious as to what church it would be. How perfect if it was Metarie Baptist! What a total blessing of opportunity!

Value and Money

What is it that gives things values? I remember this being a topic in one of my classes at Meredith. Sometimes really good products can be found at a $1 store or resale shop;sometimes it is crap. Sometimes crap is at Macy's or the boutique; sometimes there are great items. Both ways we kinda have to search for the good values.
Isn't it the same way with people? Hummm...or maybe we are susposed to just value all people equally. (isn't that in scripture? well for the churches that pay attention to that scripture.) Lately, I've just really had my fill of gossipy judgements from people around me. These are just the ones that I've heard. (Terrible to think what they might be saying about me as well.) Often comments are made about clothing and education from people. Just because someone hasn't had the money for spending on clothing, they shouldn't be devalued for it. Just because some doesn't have the same school to go to, they be seen as a mission project. They can be great people with out being the same. This is a lesson we should get as kids, yet sadly don't.

Switching Security

Sucks that I feel the need to go to invited only. It shouldn't be that way Views and opinions should be allowed to be openly expressed, but I know some don't get how to allow for that. Since division can occur through people being stupid about differing views, I'm having to limit myself here at least for a bit. This is probably one of the worst things to happen for me an using a blog because I loved the comments even if not published that I had for awhile from some that were/are very different from me. hopefully limiting and needing to feel safe with expression will not last long.

JaNNa

My first name has two N's in it. This may sound pety, yet I want my name written with two N's from people I know. At work, I don't care if my name is said wrong or splled wrong by families. When I'm with people who are my friends or that I am in church with, I don't get why my name can't be spelled correctly. At camp, we did this thing about God knowing our name. I guess that is really all that should matter, but I want people who claim to love me to spell my name right. For me, it is almost evidence of a lack of really knowing me. I promise I am not spelling my name wrong...there really are two Ns! When Amy started writing my name with capital N's, I thought it would be rude to also do. Perhaps Amy was on to something to help people get it right. I know that I want to get others names right...if it ends in a Y or I or is spelled with a PH or V. Small details to show care...not really overly tough.

Collide/UBC

"The worship gathering is just one aspect of Collide. Our Sunday School class falls under the Collide Young Adult Ministry. The worship service is the newest part of the Young Adult Ministry. I know that is might not be your thing but we really need your help. We need you to commit to coming to the Worship Service for 6-12 months to help us build it up. Please commit once a month to coming to the Sunday Night Gathering. Collide is not just the worship gathering it is all the young adult small groups and bible study classes that we have at our church. I think alot of people thought they were two separate things."
They SHOULD be two separate things. It is also a church plant. If you join UBC then be apart of the damn church, don't just be apart of a clique of people. Yes it can be important to appeal to certain age groups outside the church and even in the church, but making it be the only way to be is wrong. There is so much to gain by being fully involved with the church. It makes me frustrated that people aren't being encouraged to be involved with the entire church! I am NOT apart of Collide. I don't want to be apart of Collide. I hate being forced into being apart of Collide. Don't put a crappy label on me! My role in the church (not the church plant of Collide) is to help people belong, but forcing some to belong in a collision isn't positive to me.
UGH!

Really for me

"Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life" by Philip Simmons
a book I should probably try to find and read. if I can figure out how to focus while reading again...ugh.

"As a culture we have accomplished a great deal by seeing life as a set of problems to be solved...we learned our method from the Greeks. From childhood on we are taught to be little Aristotles. We observe the world, we break down what we see into its component parts. We perceive problems and set about solving them, laying out our solutions in ordered sequenced like the instructions for assembling a child's bicycle. We have gotten so good at this method that we apply it to everything...we choose to see life as a technical matter."