Goodbye blogger!

After 2 years of blogging here, I am shutting down my blog site. I have a new blog in progress at www.freewebs.com/lifeofjennifer

I am ready for a change and I like the set up better on the new site. I've got a couple of things up over there already, but wanted to make this announcement before totally deleting this blog page. I hope I see you over there too!

Thanks :-)

It's good to be home!

After driving for what felt like an ETERNITY to Orlando and back, I am so glad to be in my own bed, in my room, in my house, in Alabama! I had a lot of fun--for the most part--while we visited Universal Studios. Those pull out sleeper-sofas are works of the devil....trust me--LOL

Just a few of the sights at Universal. I forgot my camera the first day (bad Jennifer) so I guess I will just HAVE to make a trip back soon so I can catch a shot of those nice lookin' mummy guys that were walking around....







Loved the wild rides! I am a roller coaster nut! Sort of strange though--I am slightly terrified of heights, but I love thrill rides. The higher/faster a coaster goes, the happier I am. The best ride at Universal is definitely the Mummy ride--awesome! We rode that one about 3 times I think. Islands of Adventure has more thrill rides, so I liked it better. The Hulk is pretty good, but not long enough. You wait in line for 45 minutes and you only get a 90 second ride--bummer! Anyway, hopefully sometime this year we can go back (when it's NOT 90 degrees).

My first attempt....

I took piano lessons YEARS ago and learned just enough to play for our church. I can play most hymns without a problem. I've never been good at all that "play by ear" stuff...NEVER! I have to have the music sitting in front of me--and even then, depending on the difficulty of the song, I may have to practice a lot before it's good enough to sing by....oh, and I DO NOT sing either...LOL

I had some trouble sleeping a while back and decided that nothing would frustrate me more than trying to play a song by ear. I got up, turned the keyboard on, and the wheels started turning in my head..."Which song should I try to butcher tonight?" After all, this being the first attempt at a "all by ear" song, I wanted it to be a good one...LOL

My favorite guys sing a song called Reason Enough. It's a great song and it had been stuck in my head ever since we went to Iowa last year! I catch myself watching the video clip from the concert over and over. After hearing this song about a million times (by choice of course) I decided this was a good one to work on.

A couple hours later, this is what I ended up with--not a masterpiece, I know.....but for my first effort, I thought it wasn't THAT bad...LOL

This song was written by E. Haase, W. Haun, and J. Lindsey

LINE-2008-05-04_00h07m45s.mp3

New pet?

When I woke up this morning, I was overly thirsty and couldn't get downstairs fast enough to get some ice cold water! I grabbed my favorite jumbo plastic racing cup, filled it to the top with crushed ice, and headed to the sink...
As I look out our kitchen window, I spot these horridly wretched black birds and they seem to be attacking a small critter. I bang on the window and mumble a few words under my breath hoping they would sense my hatred toward them. They took a hint and flew away...just in time--I was ready to run out on the porch in my "Roll Tide" PJ's. As I look closer at this critter, I realize that he could have held his own against those evil crows!

It's a turtle! He poked his freakishly cute little head out as I was walking toward him. He looked thankful that I shoo'ed those nasty birds away, but still he looked a little scary with his bright red eyes and long 'fingers' sticking out, almost like they were waving at me....eww...I don't think I like turtles...LOL

A few sights from Chi-town

Although Chicago is NOT my kind of town, I did shove the small Canon camera in my pocket and go around snapping shots all around the pier. Lake Michigan was gorgeous and reminded me so much of the beach. The view from the grand ballroom overlooking the water was worth the 8 mile walk (or at least it felt like 8 miles) down the pier. I was so happy to be at the taping, but just a little inside info for those of us who are from the South...Southerners don't transplant well in Chicago! Don't ask for 'sweet tea'....what you get in return is not pretty...LOL I was SO glad to have our plane touch down in Birmingham late that night! I will never again complain about Birmingham being a 'mad house'....LOL

On to another chapter in my life...

The new nurse.....well....ALMOST!


Our RN graduating class of 2008 just completed our pinning ceremony! Yay! I wasn't very social throughout my 2 years in the nursing program, but I think I might actually miss a few of my crazy classmates. There are will always be the 3 or 4 that I stay in touch with forever, but for the most part, I will probably never see half of those people again. Kinda sad huh?



On a happy note, I am so glad to be finished with my ADN, but now I am thinking even further ahead--BSN to MSN! That will take a while for sure, especially while I am working, but I want to take a small break from the stress of school for a while before I start back with full force. I have an "interview" tomorrow with Trinity Hospital in the CVICU. I'm a little nervous, especially since I am a fresh graduate. I have 9 million things to do in order to take boards, get temporary license, etc... Still not sure what area I want to pursue as far as my 'career' is concerned, but I figure starting out with a slightly familiar environment is probably the best bet.
Pray for me!!!

Talent close to home is worth the drive :-)

Tonight I went to Double Oak Community Church in Birmingham to hear the one, the only, Wes Hampton. I knew he lived around here, but I didn't realize that all that stood between me and a "Wes-only concert" was a 20-25 minute drive up 280! He is absolutely a wonderful singer! I am so accustomed to hearing him do 'Gaither' material so I was in for a surprise when I heard different songs. They were all beautiful songs--I wish I knew the names of them...LOL.
He sang a few familiar to me, one of which I thought could only be done justice by Marshall Hall, but I was mistaken---Wes nailed it! His wife, Andrea, sang two songs with him and she has a beautiful voice also. I didn't know she was a singer. The Praise Choir joined Wes in singing on some of the songs and they are fantastic as well! His two little boys were there and are as cute as can be. Most of you that keep up with my blog know that my life almost revolves around seeing EH&SS, but this was pretty close to being a perfect night too! Wes is one of the nicest people I have met in the gospel industry. He is very easy to approach and has a great memory of the fans he meets. I can't wait till I can do this again :-)

My Dog

Riley has blessed our lives for the past 12 years. She is a little on the spoiled side and a little lazy, but she is my 'baby' and it broke my heart to find out she is very sick. She has an enlarged heart and it's cutting off her oxygen supply. She is on some doggy heart medicine now and if all goes well, she could possibly be with us for a couple more years. I don't even want to think about the medicine not working...I have already cried until I can't see straight! So, as I sit here and type, she is laying on the couch snoozing away like nothing is wrong. Her breathing has gotten somewhat better since Sunday, so I am seeing that as a sign of improvement. She will have to take those doggy medicines everyday for the rest of her sweet little life--but it's worth it to be able to keep my baby well enough to stay with us longer :-)

I hate packing...

Since I was able to keep my plans for this weekend, I thought I might start packing a few things so I won't have to worry with it tomorrow. My cat KNOWS that something is up! He has never seen a suitcase before but he knows deep down that it means mom is going away for a few days. He's not happy about this--I guess he thought that if he sat on my suitcase then I wouldn't be able to put anything else in it :-)


In addition to Jazz sitting on my suitcase, he just HAD to check out the Ernie bobble-head! He ended up slapping it over on to the bed--I'm not sure if he genuinely likes Ernie yet--We will have to work on that ;-)

Only 3 more days!!

I realize it's good to actually have some patience in life, but I really don't think I have any....Paducah is about 3 days away and I can hardly contain myself. I really need this weekend for several reasons. First off, I am still a little bummed about my exit exam grade--I have never 'failed' anything until now so it's a big hit to my confidence. Second, the next exit exam is scheduled for Wednesday of next week--right after our neurological test. I really dislike back to back exams, but I will manage. And last but not least, I just NEED some SSQ to wake me up inside! All this 'last semester nursing school mumbo jumbo' has totally fried my brain and my heart. I have never felt so ADD in my life! Four hundred things need to be done by a particular date and it's like I don't even know where to start! Boy, I really need Saturday!

And now it's over

This time last week I was jumping for joy over the week of freedom I was about to endure. I can sleep late!! Oh how wonderful it was to be able to sleep past sunrise! I never knew how relaxing it was to sleep until 7:00! Unfortunately, now that my internal clock is TOTALLY messed up, I have to start waking at the crack of dawn again! I haven't been to bed before 2 AM in a week now, but I have got to start getting back into the swing of things--you know, in my REM cycle by 10:00. I have enjoyed the break, but as all breaks are, this one was not long enough. I did accomplish a few things on the break--I started walking again and I feel great! I have been walking about 3 miles a day--sometimes more. I have completely neglected my studies this past week...I mean really...who wants to spend their ONLY break studying?!?! I will probably pay for that laziness later, but for now I am enjoying the last day of spring break! I am excited about this weekend--Ernie Haase and Signature Sound concert in Paducah, Kentucky! Although it hasn't been THAT long since I saw the guys, I still suffer from withdrawals after about 2 weeks. I am also looking forward to meeting a new message board friend--I love that MB. I have met so many great people over the past year or so. Ahh...I am so anxious!!! I need to calm down--I think I am going for my walk now!

So THAT'S what a pretty day looks like!

I have not seen a sunny, pretty day in quite some time now. I am either stuck in a hospital from before the sun rises until after the sun sets, or I am trying to study something completely boring and miserable! I had a rough morning....failed my exit exam by about 5 questions, so the pretty day was not accepted as such until after I calmed down some. I decided to take a few pictures of the pretty day--just to remember that no matter what happens in my 'personal' life, God is still great!


Friend to the bees and other creepy crawlers! One bee in particular kept trying to get rid of me, but I stood my ground--but not for long....I hate bugs!

This is the only little purple flower in the entire flower pot! This little trooper has survived some frigid temperatures!

It was so pretty outside, I just had to let Jazz get a breath of fresh air. He has become an 'inside' kitty over these past few months (he was not thrilled with that change, but he is learning) so I was a good mom--let the kitty play in the sunshine for a while!

I planted this tree when I was in the 4th grade and now it towers over our swimming pool and is a good bit taller than our house! It's endured many a tornado warning and even became the home to a little nest of birds for a while. I can't believe how big it has gotten!

A walk down memory lane

Today I went back to the church of my childhood deep in the heart of Weogufka, Alabama. I haven’t set foot in this little white church in probably 15 years. As I walked into the church this morning, several faces looked familiar—but names escaped me. Several people asked,

“And what is your name sweetheart?”
My reply struck deep into their memories—
“Little Jennifer! My word darling, last time I saw you, you were this high…how’s your mama doing, are you married yet darling?”

With all the introductions complete, I found my seat closer to the front of the church and began to look around. I can remember going with my mom every Sunday and sitting on that back pew, singing those good old gospel hymns that are still at the root of my soul today. I remember Papaw, Grady, Glory, Sherry, and Mamaw singing together—Grady playing that old piano the way no one else could. It’s been such a long time since I laid eyes on that ‘rocking piano’. Everything looked the same, smelled the same, I think the same flowers were on display 15 years ago. I remember my Papaw leading the song service and Sherry playing the piano, I remember the duets that Grady and Glory used to sing—I love those songs. I remember my Mamaw keeping those tissues and cough drops tucked away safely in her Bible, I remember going to ‘children’s church’ and making ants on a log with Mr. and Mrs. Benson, I remember painting during Sunday School and messing up my lacey dress, I remember playing Simon Says on the bricks out back, I remember sitting on the church sign, I remember the smell of Sunday supper at Mamaw’s. I miss it so much, but things are not the same anymore- people have gone on to be with the Lord, people have grown older and unable to “come and do” like they once could. Seeing all those familiar, yet older faces made me realize how much I missed when I was younger. There are some things that just make you feel at ease, make you feel at home, make you feel like a child again—this was one of those times. Grady and Glory did sing a song together today…tears rolled down my cheeks when I saw that old piano begin to rock as Grady tapped his foot. So many good memories lingered through my mind today. I wish I could go back to those times—I wouldn’t take them for granted…

What happened?

I really don't know how I let my blog get into the shape that it's in! One might speculate that nursing school is getting all of my attention, but I think it's because I have somehow wandered into a spiritual valley and don't quite know how to make it back out. Nursing school is taking up a lot of my time, but I still need to have time for God. He gave his son for me--a sinner like me--so that I would have everlasting life. "The least I can do is make time for Him"...it's easy to get into that mindset, but I don't think that's a very good place to be. I don't think I should have to 'make' time for God. ALL my time should be for God first and foremost, then everything else will fall into place. I am struggling with some "inner demons" and I can't seem to get away from the things that bind me to this particular valley. A very good friend has helped me out and I feel her words are wise and true...

Girl, everyone walking this earth has 'bumps', some big ones too! You must forgive yourself. That clears the path for God to truly work in your life, pruning the branches until you begin the fruit He wants you to be, ..." I am the vine, you are the branches..." You can never out love the Lord, yet as humans we can put up roadblocks through our own need to milk our hurt and disappointment in ourselves...don't go there! God would rather you spend that emotional energy praising Him, not pitying yourself~Think about it!

I am guilty of putting up that roadblock and it's a hard one to take down, but I keep remembering a verse from my favorite Doug Anderson song--

" If your lost and confused wondering where it will end,
There’s a way you can know that wherever you’ve been,
You can make your way home and be forgiven again!"

I love knowing that no matter what happens--GOD LOVES US AND FORGIVES US FOR OUR SINS! All we have to do is ask and believe, pray about it, and truly repent. God's love knows no boundaries!

It's getting closer!!

Tupelo Homecoming--Feb 9, 2008

EH&SS have really spoiled me—I normally only attend Homecomings for that ‘hold me over until solo’ feeling, but this one was the best I have seen! We had a great time—not too far to drive, traffic was nonexistent until we tried to find a place to eat! The traffic in Tupelo was horrible! While we were creeping along in traffic, Lindsey freaks out and starts screaming…”MARSH! IT’S MARSH! TURN AROUND!” I almost had a wreck trying to see what this crazy girl was hollering about. She saw Marsh walking down the sidewalk! If traffic had not been so crazy, I would have at least rolled the window down and let out a big “HELLO!” After having my eardrum ruptured by Lindsey’s screams, we stopped at Red Lobster to eat and everyone, including management, was looking at our MB shirts. Our waitress got an earful about SSQ when she inquired about our matching attire.

We got to the venue a little early because our tickets were held at the box office. When we entered the arena we saw David at the table—there’s probably not a better way to be welcomed that to have it done by David! He is so very sweet to us…always open for hugs, pictures, and a little chitchat. We kept David company for a few minutes before making our way inside. Thanks, David!

We took our seats and waited patiently…time was creeping by too slowly. Frankie passed through the arena and saw our shirts, threw up a big ‘hello’ wave-- busy guy, but always manages to say hi somehow or another! A few minutes later, Tim came walking through with big ‘hello waves’ and smiles.

We went back out to the tables hoping the rest of the guys would be out—they were. Doug was really excited to have Lindsey back with us—he always takes the time to make us feel so special! We talked with him a while and told of our future concert appearances. Doug asked Lindsey “You been riding any more 4 wheelers with Ernie?” She is still giving me a hard time about posting that! We saw Ryan and Tim without a fan attached, so we jumped in for a picture. Ryan was looking in the other direction when we suddenly appeared for a photo op. I asked how Olivia’s big birthday was and he said she had a great time. We got our pic with Tim and told him he’d be seeing us again in Corinth!

So with all our hugs and hellos completed, we went back to our seat and waited for everyone to come on stage. Those crazy Gaither guys are hilarious at the beginning of the show—Rory and Kevin keep the crowd laughing! Before we knew it, the concert was starting! I cannot even begin to remember all the songs that were done, but they were good! Lots of stuff from the Together project, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Greg and Charlotte Ritchie and Landon—such a little cutie, Ivan Parker, Ben Spear, Lynda Randle, Michael English, Janet Paschal…I am sure I will forget to mention someone. The show-stopper (as always) was EH&SS. They rocked! Get Away Jordan was awesome—people on their feet, clapping, shouting…it was fun! I love the body slam between Ernie and Doug—pretty cool! Every Homecoming event I have been to, EH&SS are always the first standing ovation, and that didn’t change for this show. They always bring energy to the arena. Ah, I just love em! Oh yea, I almost forgot, Wayne Haun was there also--doing a great job on the piano again. GVB hit the stage right after our guys. I was glad they did I’ll Tell It Wherever I Go…I like the songs where Wes has a time to shine. Gotta support my Alabama guys! Speaking of Alabama guys, Gordon Mote rocks! I love the songs he does solo—Don’t Let Me Miss The Glory, Old Gospel Ship, Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand…. It just doesn’t get any better!

At intermission, we went to say hi to Ernie. He asked us how long our drive was…they know we are crazy enough to drive for hours. Got a good hug and a picture. About this picture…well, it seems that Labernie showed up when he heard there would be a photo op! (((Thanks Ernie))) Speaking of Ernie, he was dressed quite normal. Lindsey even said, “Does he…match?” I didn’t know what to think—no bunnies, no safety pins, what is the world coming to??? Anyway, he looked great—they all looked exceptionally spiffy—from the tip of their beautifully spiked hair to their shoes. It was wonderful seeing them again. We miss them so easily! We get home after a concert, rest for a few minutes, then we miss them again! It’s a vicious cycle…

After intermission, we went back to our seats and Kevin was drawing names for the $200 give away from Gaither. You will never guess who won—LINDSEY! She was the last name to be called. She screamed so loud when they called her name—people from every direction turned and looked. She got to go to the stage and she was on the big screen during the time when Bill would ask their names. Tim talked to her while she was up there. Pretty cool! She is thinking about giving it away to the animal shelter—she’s an animal nut, so the shelter will more than likely be receiving some money soon. Ah, this was the best Homecoming we have been to! I can hardly wait for Meridian and Pensacola!

Thanks guys! You always make our drive worth while!

More fun to come in 2008???

I have been filling out my calendar this morning-- adding important school dates and times, clinical hours, ect...I have also been studying the SSQ concert schedule to see how many potential concerts there are for us this year. With 3 down in the books already, I am hoping to see many more dates scheduled for us southern folks! Not that I didn't enjoy the traveling days of 2007, but it got expensive--flights, hotels, rental cars--I am jobless until graduation, so money is tight until I see that RN license come in the mail. I can't wait till the first concert for us this year! I am really excited about it since we got really good seats and it just so happen to fit into my clinical schedule--barring any type of schedule change on my end *keeping fingers crossed and a prayer sent everyday* So, in addition to all these concert jitters I am ALREADY suffering from, I start my preceptorship this semester at the hospital I plan on working for! Preceptorship hours are crazy! I have to put in 150 total preceptor hours along with the twelve 8 hour clinicals that are required for this semester! I may be showing up to that concert in my scrubs! But, like Ernie always says, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Oh my....I didn't realize

It's been FOREVER since I made a blog entry! What in the world has been occupying my time so that I cannot blog!?!?!? Well first of all, school almost killed me--I have never been so nervous about an exam in my life! The final for the fall semester was the only test that has EVER made me sick! I am so glad that part is over with. With four semesters down and one to go, nursing school is coming to an end. Seems like I just started out, but I am almost finished! The one thing that I look forward to the most is not having to wear those ugly white uniforms--hideous! Who ever decided to dress a bunch of girls in all white was crazy!

Secondly, I have been following four of the greatest guys all over the United States during 2007. 12 concerts really will spoil a person. 3 airplane rides will totally turn a person against the airline industry. 1 scuffed rental car will make you wish you took out the insurance to cover that little mishap at the Steak and Shake...oops! $117.oo worth of scrapbook materials and photos will make your checkbook sad and your heart smile--especially when you look at the finished product! Looking back, 2007 has been an AWESOME year! It was full of SSQ...how could it NOT be great?

Thirdly, I had been changing bedrooms. I moved the majority of my junk into the bigger bedroom. That was a disaster! I can't even talk about it--LOL

Fourth, my laptop has been out of commission--bad DVD/CD drive. It's been in the shop getting fixed. You never realize how much a small machine can make your life miserable until it stops working. I was stuck with the big desktop--old faithful. That PC has been through a lot. I am glad she is still hanging in there!

So, to make a quick ending here--I have been extremely busy! I hope to be back to blogging on a regular basis. I won't know anything until school starts back. Something tells me it may be another 3 months before my blog gets updated! Yikes~