Thursday, November 6
I need your opinion...
which "type" of bird is your favorite? Think in terms of new business logo that i am trying to create. Ready, go:
Wednesday, November 5
Is it Christmas yet?
What is it about the beginning of November, middle even, that makes me want to listen to Christmas music and start to decorate? One of my favorite memories that i can remember is my brother Jay and I in the living room of our old house dancing around to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's Christmas to Remember Special and decorating the tree with Mom and Dad, Jock (our dog) and Morgan (our cat). Ahhh, the good ole days. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
So today, all i want to do is remember Christmas favorites: pumpkin anything. duh. Apple Cidar. Presents. Helping Others. putting lights up. Christmas movies. Sleeping late. Popovers. Mimosas. Emily and I playing scrabble in the dark. Christmas smells. Coffee...AHHHHH i LOVE this season!
Here are a few highlights of The Cox's first Christmas together:
even though it is a little blurry, my Christmas present was the other wedding band on my ring! :)
So today, all i want to do is remember Christmas favorites: pumpkin anything. duh. Apple Cidar. Presents. Helping Others. putting lights up. Christmas movies. Sleeping late. Popovers. Mimosas. Emily and I playing scrabble in the dark. Christmas smells. Coffee...AHHHHH i LOVE this season!
Here are a few highlights of The Cox's first Christmas together:
even though it is a little blurry, my Christmas present was the other wedding band on my ring! :)
Tuesday, November 4
did you? well, HUH?
Did you sleep in late and not go to work today?
Did you get free Starbucks? Duncan Donuts? Shane's Rib Shack? Ben & Jerry's?
Did you find other places that were giving free things away today?
Did you watch Gilmore Girls Season 1 today?
Did you feel dizzy at lunch and lay back down?
Did you keep a meeting even though you didnt feel awesome?
Did you leave me a comment?
And most importantly, did you vote??
Monday, November 3
surgery was a success! (but i still feel like poo...)
So today came and went. this morning at 5:30am i went into the hospital and i had my laser procedure done and a few things that i remember thinking before i got put under:
It is amazing how worked up we let ourselves get about certain things. We let our mind drift and we think about the worst of the worst. Why do we do that? It is silly, and what good does it do? This doesn't just go for going into the hospital to get "work" done, it applies to all things. We just worry and stress and get all kinds of worked up. NOT necessary.
Secondly, i realized what a lonely state all of the "prep" work made me feel. Even though there were tons of nurses, doctors, other patients, all around the Women's Ward at Centennial Hospital, walking in and out and all around the "waiting area" before the surgery ward, and even though they were all so sweet and nice and great to me, i still felt so alone. I thought, "No one that i love can be back here with me. I am laying in this bed and things are hooked up all over me, and when i go in the operating room , i technically wont even know it, and i dont want to be here. I know i NEED to be here, i know it will be better after i leave here, but i am still alone." As i was laying in my bed waiting for my doctor to come over, i started to sing. Quietly, of course, but i sang. I was so thankful for my Savior at that point, because i DID feel alone. The words of a song we sang at church yesterday popped in my head:
"How can I keep from singing Your praise? How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love! How can I keep from shouting Your name? I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing! I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives. And I will walk with You knowing You'll see me through and sing the songs You give!" While the song goes on, this was what i reminded myself of as i was sitting in that lonely place today. (I also remembered what a beautiful sound it was to hear HUNDREDS of people singing, no shouting, this to Jesus yesterday at church. How awesome that you could tell that people wanted to shout it out! It is like they wanted to make sure that God could hear it and feel it. I know i am not the only one who had a smile all over my face when i was singing this. What comfort to my soul.)
And lastly, i realized how greatful i am to have a husband that takes care of me, loves me, love Jesus, loves to help, loves to serve. I feel so blessed to have Matt. He truly truly, strives everyday to love me like Christ loves the church. He could see all over me this morning the nervousness and scared-ness, and not excited-ness about this whole deal. When the nice man that wheeled me into the waiting room came to get me, and Matt and I started to part ways for what really was just a few moments, i started to cry. Matt is my rock. I love his heart and love how he loves me and takes care of me. I never fear when i am in his arms.
Thank all of your for your prayers. They were felt, needed, loved and used. I am grateful for you all.
It is amazing how worked up we let ourselves get about certain things. We let our mind drift and we think about the worst of the worst. Why do we do that? It is silly, and what good does it do? This doesn't just go for going into the hospital to get "work" done, it applies to all things. We just worry and stress and get all kinds of worked up. NOT necessary.
Secondly, i realized what a lonely state all of the "prep" work made me feel. Even though there were tons of nurses, doctors, other patients, all around the Women's Ward at Centennial Hospital, walking in and out and all around the "waiting area" before the surgery ward, and even though they were all so sweet and nice and great to me, i still felt so alone. I thought, "No one that i love can be back here with me. I am laying in this bed and things are hooked up all over me, and when i go in the operating room , i technically wont even know it, and i dont want to be here. I know i NEED to be here, i know it will be better after i leave here, but i am still alone." As i was laying in my bed waiting for my doctor to come over, i started to sing. Quietly, of course, but i sang. I was so thankful for my Savior at that point, because i DID feel alone. The words of a song we sang at church yesterday popped in my head:
"How can I keep from singing Your praise? How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love! How can I keep from shouting Your name? I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing! I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives. And I will walk with You knowing You'll see me through and sing the songs You give!" While the song goes on, this was what i reminded myself of as i was sitting in that lonely place today. (I also remembered what a beautiful sound it was to hear HUNDREDS of people singing, no shouting, this to Jesus yesterday at church. How awesome that you could tell that people wanted to shout it out! It is like they wanted to make sure that God could hear it and feel it. I know i am not the only one who had a smile all over my face when i was singing this. What comfort to my soul.)
And lastly, i realized how greatful i am to have a husband that takes care of me, loves me, love Jesus, loves to help, loves to serve. I feel so blessed to have Matt. He truly truly, strives everyday to love me like Christ loves the church. He could see all over me this morning the nervousness and scared-ness, and not excited-ness about this whole deal. When the nice man that wheeled me into the waiting room came to get me, and Matt and I started to part ways for what really was just a few moments, i started to cry. Matt is my rock. I love his heart and love how he loves me and takes care of me. I never fear when i am in his arms.
Thank all of your for your prayers. They were felt, needed, loved and used. I am grateful for you all.
Sunday, November 2
Saturday, November 1
Out-patient
i am not the biggest fan of a hospital. who is? Who likes to think about being stuck, poked, prodded, lasered, blood, etc. NOT ME. Well, on Monday morning it is my turn for all of that. Awesome.
Now, I am a pretty healthy person. I have had one out-patient procedure in my whole life that i can remember. In 2002, right after a long, great summer at camp, I got my wisdom teeth out. The only thing i REMOTELY remember about that whole thing is the doctor asking me what my favorite kind of sonic slush was [lemon berry of course] and then throwing up the anesthesia afterwards. We try to eat right, exercise, stay active, and sleep well. SO, when i found out there was something that needed to be fixed in me, i wasn't exactly giddy with glee if you know what i mean.
Nutshell story to get to the point: In February, my OB/GYN told me that i had abnormal cells that we needed to look at and then possibly get rid of. Biopsy= me passing out b/c of discomfort and nervousness. Awesome. Results= must FREEZE out abnormal cells, much like you would freeze off a wart, except up there. July: another check up. nothing better, but gave me a set of shots as a "test" to see if it would help. October: shot not working yet, body hasn't built defense or antibodies yet to fight off. Another biopsy in order. AWESOME. Can't wait. End of October: Doctor wants to be aggressive [good.] and LASER out abnormal cells. doesn't want anything hanging around there until body can fight it all off. SO, nutshell story to tell you this: Monday morning, 6am, i go into Centennial Hospital in Nashville, TN to get my insides lasered...well, the abnormal cells at least. In at 6 and out by 9:30am (and around 800-900 dollars...I think that calls for another AWESOME.)
Two things from that: the literal is to ask you for a prayer. I don't really get stoked about things like this. Also when a Doctor tells you that you could experience mild discomfort afterwards, that probably means, OUCH! [uhhh, Valium anyone?] it is that whole loss of control thing. What if, what if, what if...ugh. I'm over it.
The figurative is just this: sometimes things [duh, Jenna!] happen. sometimes crappy things happen that we don't expect, weren't ready for, weren't planning on, weren't wanting and then we feel like we are lost in the wilderness. You can do all the right things, right moves but things still happen...The trees seem to cover in all around you and you feel like you have lost your way, your comfort, your ease and your familiar.(Why do i hear the Cheers theme playing in my head right now? Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your naaame...) Roll with the punches my friend. Take a deep breath where you are. Close your eyes and count to 10...20 if you have to. Laser out the bad and keep going with the good. You will be better afterwards. GOD is NOT shaken or moved by ANYTHING that happens. It doesn't catch Him off guard, doesn't put Him in a funk, doesn't have him throw in the towel. In fact, even if you feel like you are in a wilderness you can rest there. There is everything that you need to survive and give you sustenance there in that wilderness. You may feel uncomfortable and vulnerable there, but that is exactly where you need to be. It is no surprise my friend where your are and where you are going.
How does this all tie together?
....I dunno.
I think i just need that encouragement to myself today.
Remember that God is not shaken or moved. What does that mean to you today?
I leave you with this: thanks for reading. :)
Now, I am a pretty healthy person. I have had one out-patient procedure in my whole life that i can remember. In 2002, right after a long, great summer at camp, I got my wisdom teeth out. The only thing i REMOTELY remember about that whole thing is the doctor asking me what my favorite kind of sonic slush was [lemon berry of course] and then throwing up the anesthesia afterwards. We try to eat right, exercise, stay active, and sleep well. SO, when i found out there was something that needed to be fixed in me, i wasn't exactly giddy with glee if you know what i mean.
Nutshell story to get to the point: In February, my OB/GYN told me that i had abnormal cells that we needed to look at and then possibly get rid of. Biopsy= me passing out b/c of discomfort and nervousness. Awesome. Results= must FREEZE out abnormal cells, much like you would freeze off a wart, except up there. July: another check up. nothing better, but gave me a set of shots as a "test" to see if it would help. October: shot not working yet, body hasn't built defense or antibodies yet to fight off. Another biopsy in order. AWESOME. Can't wait. End of October: Doctor wants to be aggressive [good.] and LASER out abnormal cells. doesn't want anything hanging around there until body can fight it all off. SO, nutshell story to tell you this: Monday morning, 6am, i go into Centennial Hospital in Nashville, TN to get my insides lasered...well, the abnormal cells at least. In at 6 and out by 9:30am (and around 800-900 dollars...I think that calls for another AWESOME.)
Two things from that: the literal is to ask you for a prayer. I don't really get stoked about things like this. Also when a Doctor tells you that you could experience mild discomfort afterwards, that probably means, OUCH! [uhhh, Valium anyone?] it is that whole loss of control thing. What if, what if, what if...ugh. I'm over it.
The figurative is just this: sometimes things [duh, Jenna!] happen. sometimes crappy things happen that we don't expect, weren't ready for, weren't planning on, weren't wanting and then we feel like we are lost in the wilderness. You can do all the right things, right moves but things still happen...The trees seem to cover in all around you and you feel like you have lost your way, your comfort, your ease and your familiar.(Why do i hear the Cheers theme playing in my head right now? Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your naaame...) Roll with the punches my friend. Take a deep breath where you are. Close your eyes and count to 10...20 if you have to. Laser out the bad and keep going with the good. You will be better afterwards. GOD is NOT shaken or moved by ANYTHING that happens. It doesn't catch Him off guard, doesn't put Him in a funk, doesn't have him throw in the towel. In fact, even if you feel like you are in a wilderness you can rest there. There is everything that you need to survive and give you sustenance there in that wilderness. You may feel uncomfortable and vulnerable there, but that is exactly where you need to be. It is no surprise my friend where your are and where you are going.
How does this all tie together?
....I dunno.
I think i just need that encouragement to myself today.
Remember that God is not shaken or moved. What does that mean to you today?
I leave you with this: thanks for reading. :)
Friday, October 31
Nablopomo. duh!
After reading my friend Brooke's blog, http://brookeandfreeland.blogspot.com/, i decided that i wanted to try something to blog more. Thus in lies:
...All of this effort beacause November is National Blogging Month. Thanks Brooke for passing this along. I'm pumped to try. Since I will be blogging my brains and soul out for the next 30 days, leave me a comment, encouragement, ideas, questions or some love people! You do read this after all! :)
...All of this effort beacause November is National Blogging Month. Thanks Brooke for passing this along. I'm pumped to try. Since I will be blogging my brains and soul out for the next 30 days, leave me a comment, encouragement, ideas, questions or some love people! You do read this after all! :)
wanna rock your gypsy soul
Ok, Ok, i know that is a Frames reference, but i have a video i must share with you today. And it WILL rock your gypsy soul. I think everyone thinks, remembers, ponders, whatever, the Thriller song by Michael Jackson from the 80's on Halloween. I could be wrong, but there is something about that dance that is just, well, awesome. And i don't want to ruin the surprise, but i think you should watch this video of prisoners in the Philippines doing the dance. Enjoy:
Sunday, October 26
how much do you heart Nashville?
you know you want one...Matt's company printed these awesome American Apparel shirts (heather plum and asphalt grey) and had an overage, and now we want to sell them to you for a dang good price (1 for $15 or 2 for $25). they are so comfy and snug. I bought one of both! You should buy one too. :) Happy birthday to you! Or Merry early Christmas to you and your friends!
interested? I will hook you up. Email me or leave me a comment. :)
Wednesday, October 22
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake
I wouldn't lie about a thing like pumpkin recipes. Here is a new one that i recommend.
Seriously, this one was a hit! Here is the recipe:
1 BIG can (or two 16oz cans) of Libby's Pumpkin (not the pie filling)
3 eggs
2 cups flour
1/2 cup of Vegetable Oil (i used olive oil b/c it is better for you than veggie oil, but you can use either)
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
dash of nutmeg and allspice (this was personal preference. this is optional, but i think it made it better!)
2 teaspoons of baking powder
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 small bag of chocolate chips (i recommend using a little less than the bag though. With a full bag you miss some of the pumpkin-y flavor. If you use about 1/2 or 3/4ths of the bag, then you get more pumpkin flavor coming out.)
THen just bake on 350 for about 30 minutes.
Let me know how much you enjoy. Happy Fall!!
Tuesday, October 21
avoiding the gym, but you know i love pumpkins...
So as much as i need to go to the gym right now, I am going to update you about the annual trip to Gentry's Farm here in Franklin, TN to get a pumpkin. This year we recruited friends to go with us. Enjoy the picture story: 
Jenn and I riding in the van...
Jenn and I riding in the van...
the pumpkin tower!
Gentry Farms, Franklin, TN
nice...good one Matt...
Jeff and Jenn
isnt he a little pumpkin?
we get it Jeff...you are strong...
not the ideal pumpkin dear...
we found the 2008 pumpkin!!!
pumpkin chocolate chip cake...oh yea...
let the carving begin!
We had a FANTASTIC time!Monday, October 13
I'm pouring out...
"I'm pouring out my praise on You. I'm pouring out my love on you."
The words of this song [I Stay Amazed] by a friend of mine (Elizabeth Clark and Klaus) have moved me today and this weekend as I watched God do some cool stuff inside of Matt and I both. Think about this:
Think about this woman with an alabaster jar. Inside this jar is something precious, expensive and worth so much. Think about this woman that poured everything out of this jar all out at the feet of Jesus. The religious people said "What are you doing? That is way too much! Why would you do that? Why would you waste this expensive fragrence in one moment?"
But here is the kicker: If you are still measuring out what to give to the Lord, then you havent seen His true worth yet. She saw His worth and she poured it all out in a moment. Just one moment. She said "Jesus you are worth it! I will pour it out on you."
So pour out your praise and your love. All of it. Is it worth it to lose your most prized possession? Is He?
The words of this song [I Stay Amazed] by a friend of mine (Elizabeth Clark and Klaus) have moved me today and this weekend as I watched God do some cool stuff inside of Matt and I both. Think about this:
Think about this woman with an alabaster jar. Inside this jar is something precious, expensive and worth so much. Think about this woman that poured everything out of this jar all out at the feet of Jesus. The religious people said "What are you doing? That is way too much! Why would you do that? Why would you waste this expensive fragrence in one moment?"
But here is the kicker: If you are still measuring out what to give to the Lord, then you havent seen His true worth yet. She saw His worth and she poured it all out in a moment. Just one moment. She said "Jesus you are worth it! I will pour it out on you."
So pour out your praise and your love. All of it. Is it worth it to lose your most prized possession? Is He?
Sunday, September 28
blogging rut...
what do you write about when you don't know what to write about? Do you put up something pointless, or air out your pointless thoughts? do you force your way thru it so that you can find something meaningful in endless abyss of blah? Do you talk about what you ate for breakfast [and english muffin] but how it didn't fill you up or that you found a new song [Dream Catch Me, by Newton Faulkner]that you really like? Do you talk about the traffic [uuuugh], the weather [it is lovely, thank you], how great your family is [amazing!] or how much you miss you friends [i need a big hug]? Do you talk about the struggles you are dealing with and and how you don't know what the right decision is? Or do you continue to search for the great in the good?
I think about writing something everyday.
Then, as you could guess, i point blank tell myself "that's not good enough. You have to give them [the collective them] something that will bring them back for more. And Jenna, this is not it..." I am a person that is too critical of all creativeness inside of me so therefore, i get caught in the thick of not-doing. Does that make sense? Tell me something...have you ever been out in those same shoes?
I want to create, formulate, innovate, deep think, ponder, shout it out on canvas, paper, my journal, a napkin, or peck it out on my computer. Are you with me creative friend? Do you too, want to jump out of the sticky muck of blah-land and lazy thinking back into the lime-light of creating and making more with your mind and your hands and heart?
"Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." -Rumi
developing your creative self:
1) art journal and sketchbook [it will strengthen your artistic voice]
II. create a self portrait
**don't be shy!
C) make a creative sanctuary (where are you most comfortable and at ease?)
4) save newspaper articles for interesting words to use
5) take photos of your worn art supplies or creative station to USE in your art.
VI) create an altered book travel album. Pick up ephemera EVERYwhere you go. (i.e. napkins from coffee shops, sugar packets, flyers, postcards, etc. EPHEMERA is a range of collectible items that were originally designed to be short lived.)
SEVEN) buy CHOCOLATE! use the foil...
8)take pictures of your loved ones hands.
niner) go to a hardware store and just SEE what you find.
10)what is your INTERNAL chatter? write it down...
11) have an art party! [have fun!]
Remember: one of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.
So what do you in the times of stagnation? Times of dryness? Lack of imagination is starvation...and i am looking for some good food.
I think about writing something everyday.
Then, as you could guess, i point blank tell myself "that's not good enough. You have to give them [the collective them] something that will bring them back for more. And Jenna, this is not it..." I am a person that is too critical of all creativeness inside of me so therefore, i get caught in the thick of not-doing. Does that make sense? Tell me something...have you ever been out in those same shoes?
I want to create, formulate, innovate, deep think, ponder, shout it out on canvas, paper, my journal, a napkin, or peck it out on my computer. Are you with me creative friend? Do you too, want to jump out of the sticky muck of blah-land and lazy thinking back into the lime-light of creating and making more with your mind and your hands and heart?
"Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." -Rumi
developing your creative self:
1) art journal and sketchbook [it will strengthen your artistic voice]
II. create a self portrait
**don't be shy!
C) make a creative sanctuary (where are you most comfortable and at ease?)
4) save newspaper articles for interesting words to use
5) take photos of your worn art supplies or creative station to USE in your art.
VI) create an altered book travel album. Pick up ephemera EVERYwhere you go. (i.e. napkins from coffee shops, sugar packets, flyers, postcards, etc. EPHEMERA is a range of collectible items that were originally designed to be short lived.)
SEVEN) buy CHOCOLATE! use the foil...
8)take pictures of your loved ones hands.
niner) go to a hardware store and just SEE what you find.
10)what is your INTERNAL chatter? write it down...
11) have an art party! [have fun!]
Remember: one of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.
So what do you in the times of stagnation? Times of dryness? Lack of imagination is starvation...and i am looking for some good food.
Thursday, September 11
Dear Pumpkin Spice Latte,
How I love thee. Your creamy goodness, awesome richness, amazing pumkiny-ness just fill my heart with joy. I get so sad when you leave me after Christmas and look forward to your arrival every Autumn. I hate that you taste so good with soy milk that thus adds an additional $.40 to my order and I hate that I cannot get enough of you so that I have to spend $5 on you. And with every scream of terror of spending $5 on a drink, there are also angels singing overhead because of how much you rock. Oh how i miss the days of working at the 'Bucks where you were free to me and many times i would add an extra shot of expresso to you which made you even more amazing, but alas, i am still faithful to you. I will continue to buy you for the next 4 months and cry for pumpkin yet again. For now it will be a Grande Soy No-Whip Pumpkin Spice Latte. I do accept Gift Cards.
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