Friday, December 28, 2007
Paris
I leave for Paris at 6 AM tomorrow morning. Wish me luck as I navigate the city and learn about art. I will come back with stories...hopefully good and exciting ones. :)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
all scrabbled up
I planned almost every detail and cooked most of the dishes for my family's Christmas this year. During dinner, my Grandpa gave me the best compliment and thank you he could ever give. He said, "Jenna, you did wonderfully. Your grandmother would have been proud. I wish she was here to enjoy it." I couldn't say anything back for a minute or two. I knew I would start crying if I did. I wish she were here too, but I realized something else tonight worth more than her presence.
The day my Grandmother died a neighbor was on her way to surprise her with a game of Scrabble. She had brought a present for my Grandma that day: a Deluxe Edition Scrabble Turntable. The game was never opened by my Grandmother, however, the neighbor lovingly gave the gift to us. The game has remained unopened in our hall closet since then.
Every time I walked in to get a coat, I always wondered if we would ever open it. It was a bittersweet idea. My Grandmother loved Scrabble, which rooted from her love for words. She read 5-6 novels a week, finished multitudes of crosswords, read the dictionary for fun and had the largest vocabulary of anyone I know. When she played scrabble, she was in her element. I know she would have marveled at the idea of a Scrabble turn table. I can picture her hand clasping over her mouth at the loveliness of someone thinking to make such a thing.
Opening that package also presented a bitter idea though, the idea that she really wouldn't be able to tear the wrapping off of the box. She would never be able to marvel at the table and enjoy it.
Tonight I wasn't sure if I really wanted to be doing what I was doing, but I took a knife and slit it through the saran wrapping. I took a look at the front and opened the box. My cousin, Mom, Uncle and I sat at the kitchen table playing Scrabble. It was bittersweet, but it was the most appropriate time to open the box.
This was my first Christmas without the intelligent woman I knew as Grandma and I missed her. I missed her laugh, smile, lips covered in chocolate, curly hair, and even her stubborness. Having a little bit of her through that deluxe edition of Scrabble made me smile because I appreciated playing the game as much she would have and I knew she would have loved playing with us this evening.
Doing something she loves and loving it makes me know she is still here in me. I will always love her and know her love for me lives on in my life through the impact she had on me and the love she always generously gave to me.
Merry Christmas.
The day my Grandmother died a neighbor was on her way to surprise her with a game of Scrabble. She had brought a present for my Grandma that day: a Deluxe Edition Scrabble Turntable. The game was never opened by my Grandmother, however, the neighbor lovingly gave the gift to us. The game has remained unopened in our hall closet since then.
Every time I walked in to get a coat, I always wondered if we would ever open it. It was a bittersweet idea. My Grandmother loved Scrabble, which rooted from her love for words. She read 5-6 novels a week, finished multitudes of crosswords, read the dictionary for fun and had the largest vocabulary of anyone I know. When she played scrabble, she was in her element. I know she would have marveled at the idea of a Scrabble turn table. I can picture her hand clasping over her mouth at the loveliness of someone thinking to make such a thing.
Opening that package also presented a bitter idea though, the idea that she really wouldn't be able to tear the wrapping off of the box. She would never be able to marvel at the table and enjoy it.
Tonight I wasn't sure if I really wanted to be doing what I was doing, but I took a knife and slit it through the saran wrapping. I took a look at the front and opened the box. My cousin, Mom, Uncle and I sat at the kitchen table playing Scrabble. It was bittersweet, but it was the most appropriate time to open the box.
This was my first Christmas without the intelligent woman I knew as Grandma and I missed her. I missed her laugh, smile, lips covered in chocolate, curly hair, and even her stubborness. Having a little bit of her through that deluxe edition of Scrabble made me smile because I appreciated playing the game as much she would have and I knew she would have loved playing with us this evening.
Doing something she loves and loving it makes me know she is still here in me. I will always love her and know her love for me lives on in my life through the impact she had on me and the love she always generously gave to me.
Merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
balboa nights
My Dad and I set out last night each armed with a camera. Our mission - to take photographs we could frame above the fire place. We arrived at Balboa Pier around 5 just as the sun was setting. Surprisingly, I somehow forgot my memory card (I tend to forget things) so my Dad was gracious enough to let me take turns with him which adversely allowed me to share his tripod too. :) We got some pretty good time exposure shots. None of them necessarily great enough for the mantle, but here are a few favorites from my camera.
Ruby's on the Pier.
I love the way lights look out of focus.
This isn't that great of a shot, but it's awesome because that land mass is actually Catalina Island. It was a really clear night.
The first of many of these.
This one is probably my favorite with the line of palm trees and the coast line. The ocean was gorgeous - the white foam contrasted the deep navy of the sea beautifully.
The full moon is what enabled me to get such lit shots even with the time exposure.
I love these view finders. They seem nostalgic to me.
We took a quick walk down to the fun zone. This is the Ferris Wheel in action. It looked a lot bigger when I was a kid.
Fun zone!
After freezing in the ocean air, my Dad treated us to dinner at Ruby's complete with a black cherry shake.
Ruby's on the Pier. 
I love the way lights look out of focus. 
This isn't that great of a shot, but it's awesome because that land mass is actually Catalina Island. It was a really clear night. 
The first of many of these. 
This one is probably my favorite with the line of palm trees and the coast line. The ocean was gorgeous - the white foam contrasted the deep navy of the sea beautifully.
The full moon is what enabled me to get such lit shots even with the time exposure.
I love these view finders. They seem nostalgic to me. 
We took a quick walk down to the fun zone. This is the Ferris Wheel in action. It looked a lot bigger when I was a kid. 
Fun zone! 
After freezing in the ocean air, my Dad treated us to dinner at Ruby's complete with a black cherry shake.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
resume redesign
I am redesigning my resume. As of now it is rather boring and since I live in Orange County, it is getting a face lift. pun intended. I am trying to decide on one of the above fonts for my name to be typed in at the top of my resume. I'm hoping to find a font that suits me so when a possible employer looks at the resume, they say wow, that is the type of person I am looking for - a person who looks like that font, which would be me. (I know I'm crazy, but I enjoy it.) So I need opinions, because I am rather indecisive.The rules are as following:
1. Whoever reads this must vote.
2. Select one that reminds you of me, not simply because it is pretty.
3. Feel free to state why you chose the font you did.
I am looking forward to hearing back from my 2 or 3 readers. :)
Love, Jenna
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
ETHS BullETin
Above is my lovely visitor's badge from venturing onto the campus of my alma mater. It was surreal walking back onto campus, but I felt completely at home walking into the newsroom of The BullETin and hearing Mrs. Schaeffer welcome me with a loud exclaimation of "Jenna!", a hug, and then "You look so old!" I gladly took that as a compliment.
For the next half hour, I spoke, yes, spoke, to her high school journalism class about college journalism and what it's like being an editor-in-chief of a university newspaper. I definitely should have brought an outline, I'm very scared I said um one too many times and may have rambled, but the four in the front row at least seemed interested. And then the questions came...from one individual in particular. Andrea asked at least 8 questions and one or two came from other hands. I would have written a recommendation for that girl if I had a reason and credentials to. And then Jason, the editor-in-chief, asked a question, is it important to major in journalism? Apparently a professional journalist had come in the week before and said it wasn't. I got up on my soap box and began to list reasons why it was - networking, resources, education, and so on. When I was done, he said he was relieved, because that's what he was going for.
I began to explain the cycle of our newsroom and the bell rang. Jason stayed put, Andrea opened her lunch, and Aaron who had been quiet but attentive stayed as well. I was able to chat with each of them about different topics over their lunch period and left when the next bell rang. I was surprised how fast it went by, but I left feeling like I had just been to Disneyland. Maybe it was the fact that I realized I do know what I'm talking about or the fact that there were a few that stayed behind to talk or that Mrs. Schaefer said I looked older - whatever it was, I had fun! I may not be the best public speaker, but I enjoyed talking to those students more than writing articles. I've always thought about teaching, and I'm not planning on teaching anytime soon but today did put it back in the ranks for a career choice. And Jason definitely reminded me of why I am majoring in journalism. I want to know how things work and how best to communicate those to the public. Without my major, I wouldn't know half the things I talked about today - at least not as well as I do.
Here I am with my visitor's badge. It was the first time going back to ETHS in 3 years. I had dreaded even driving by that campus, not that I didn't like high school - I loved it - there was just something odd about it. Today, it felt right though, kind of like being at home.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
hautte cakes caffe
Deanna and I sat down at Hautte Cakes Caffe in Newport Beach and took a few seconds to look around. The place was quaint, but stylish. Sophisticated, but laid back. Colorful, but not overbearing. And when the food came? It was delicious and almost perfect.
My good friend Alyssa introduced me to Hautte Cakes last Spring. I fell in love with the place. It is a hole in the wall restaurant in terms of it's location, but the traffic in the little cafe never stops. Remembering the charm of the restaurant late last night, I had the urge to eat there so I texted Deanna and asked her to go to breakfast. This morning I picked her up 9 a.m. sharp - by sharp I mean 10 minutes late - I'm a girl, what do you expect? I gave her a few details about the delectable treat called Hautte Cakes and she was convinced it was the best place to go.
We sat in the little cafe, chit chatting for a bit, and then our food came - brioche french toast bejeweled with berries and the italian scramble. After splitting everything onto two plates, we ate, and continued to eat until both of us had completely cleared our plates of scramble remnants and rich syrup. We both decided we should go out for breakfast more often - especially to Newport chic hole in the wall cafes named Hautte Cakes.
What restaurant with the words hautte and cake in their name couldn't be good?
My good friend Alyssa introduced me to Hautte Cakes last Spring. I fell in love with the place. It is a hole in the wall restaurant in terms of it's location, but the traffic in the little cafe never stops. Remembering the charm of the restaurant late last night, I had the urge to eat there so I texted Deanna and asked her to go to breakfast. This morning I picked her up 9 a.m. sharp - by sharp I mean 10 minutes late - I'm a girl, what do you expect? I gave her a few details about the delectable treat called Hautte Cakes and she was convinced it was the best place to go.
We sat in the little cafe, chit chatting for a bit, and then our food came - brioche french toast bejeweled with berries and the italian scramble. After splitting everything onto two plates, we ate, and continued to eat until both of us had completely cleared our plates of scramble remnants and rich syrup. We both decided we should go out for breakfast more often - especially to Newport chic hole in the wall cafes named Hautte Cakes.
What restaurant with the words hautte and cake in their name couldn't be good?
Monday, December 17, 2007
at the car wash
Last week, my roommate informed me I could create a new car air freshener: vanilla eggroll. Sounds yummy? After spilling leftover Thai food, having it vaccumed, and then helping it with a vanilla air freshener could get you the same smell. Needless to say I have been driving with my windows down the past week. Today, I finally had time to work out a deal with the car wash to just shampoo my trunk. When I went last Monday, they told me they had to do the entire car for $45. I said no.
Today I pulled into the carwash in sheer determination to not pay $45, but for my trunk to recieve justice from it's Thai juice. (Gross!) I explained to the man that I didn't want all my carpets, just my trunk. No, I didn't want a car wash either. He looked at me like I was crazy. He proceeded to ask me to open my trunk as if there was something he didn't understand. After I opened the trunk and he had taken a good look around, he makes eye contact and proclaims, "It's clean." I almost laughed - if he only knew. At the same time I felt as though I had hidden a dead body in my trunk, relieved myself of it, and now knew that if CSI came around, they would find traces.
After much negotiation, my trunk was shampooed and chemically cleaned for the smell. I drove out with a smile and a shampooed trunk.
Ta ta vanilla eggroll.
ps. if you want to see pics from the chimes christmas party which resulted in the spilled thai food, click on michelle's link under letterpress at the right.
Today I pulled into the carwash in sheer determination to not pay $45, but for my trunk to recieve justice from it's Thai juice. (Gross!) I explained to the man that I didn't want all my carpets, just my trunk. No, I didn't want a car wash either. He looked at me like I was crazy. He proceeded to ask me to open my trunk as if there was something he didn't understand. After I opened the trunk and he had taken a good look around, he makes eye contact and proclaims, "It's clean." I almost laughed - if he only knew. At the same time I felt as though I had hidden a dead body in my trunk, relieved myself of it, and now knew that if CSI came around, they would find traces.
After much negotiation, my trunk was shampooed and chemically cleaned for the smell. I drove out with a smile and a shampooed trunk.
Ta ta vanilla eggroll.
ps. if you want to see pics from the chimes christmas party which resulted in the spilled thai food, click on michelle's link under letterpress at the right.
Monday, December 10, 2007
respect
This past week I gained a new respect for my mother...or rather found an old one.
It's finals week and my media integration paper was due last Thursday. Needless to say, it's been a struggle since Thanksgiving. The triptephan in Turkey tends to last weeks after in my tummy - all the way up to my last final. Coffee has filled that nap shaped hole in my heart, and sleep is considered a luxury in my third world country of studying. So last week, the night before my 8 page research paper was due, I was desperate. So I called out the troops which happened to be my mother. She came through for me when I forgot my lunch in third grade and my cheer uniform in high school so I figured why wouldn't she now? And my thoughts were correct. My mother came through for me with her wonder woman costume from high school in the form of grammar and english queen. By the time my mother returned my paper, there were sentences highlighted, phrases crossed out, a lot of commas deleted (apparently they aren't my friends), and my paper was brand spankin' new with gold shiny plating. So maybe not the gold..but it was definitely shining with pretty new sentences and smooth transitions.
Reading through my paper made me realize where I got my little talent for writing and made me respect her knowledge of grammar and English. Although the memories of my sixth grade paper with my mom's red ink smeared all over it looms over my head, that red ink saved my tush this past week.
I called my mom the day I turned it in and she told me to call her when I find out what grade we get. That I will, with a thank you.
It's finals week and my media integration paper was due last Thursday. Needless to say, it's been a struggle since Thanksgiving. The triptephan in Turkey tends to last weeks after in my tummy - all the way up to my last final. Coffee has filled that nap shaped hole in my heart, and sleep is considered a luxury in my third world country of studying. So last week, the night before my 8 page research paper was due, I was desperate. So I called out the troops which happened to be my mother. She came through for me when I forgot my lunch in third grade and my cheer uniform in high school so I figured why wouldn't she now? And my thoughts were correct. My mother came through for me with her wonder woman costume from high school in the form of grammar and english queen. By the time my mother returned my paper, there were sentences highlighted, phrases crossed out, a lot of commas deleted (apparently they aren't my friends), and my paper was brand spankin' new with gold shiny plating. So maybe not the gold..but it was definitely shining with pretty new sentences and smooth transitions.
Reading through my paper made me realize where I got my little talent for writing and made me respect her knowledge of grammar and English. Although the memories of my sixth grade paper with my mom's red ink smeared all over it looms over my head, that red ink saved my tush this past week.
I called my mom the day I turned it in and she told me to call her when I find out what grade we get. That I will, with a thank you.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Overdue Photos
I never posted photos from our D.C. venture for the ACP conference. Here are my favorites.
All the girls in front of the capitol building. From left to right: Michelle, Faith, Rachelle, Nicole & Rebecca
All of us at dinner one night. They had the best restaurants in DC.
Five Guys is like East Coast In'n out..so good!
Getting excited about The Chimes online and working at the conference.
Waiting for the subway. The girls looked cute in this one, I had to share it.
One of our fuzzy friends. Isn't he cute!
The last night we were there, we took advantage of being in DC and went site-seeing.The trip was a lot of fun and I enjoyed spending time with these girls.
All photos, except the top one, were taken by Faith Martinez.
All the girls in front of the capitol building. From left to right: Michelle, Faith, Rachelle, Nicole & Rebecca
All of us at dinner one night. They had the best restaurants in DC. 
Five Guys is like East Coast In'n out..so good!
Getting excited about The Chimes online and working at the conference. 
Waiting for the subway. The girls looked cute in this one, I had to share it. 
One of our fuzzy friends. Isn't he cute!
The last night we were there, we took advantage of being in DC and went site-seeing.The trip was a lot of fun and I enjoyed spending time with these girls. All photos, except the top one, were taken by Faith Martinez.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
December
Hopefully I will soon be sitting similar to the above picture that was taken last Christmas.
I can't believe December is already here. It is odd to think I went to England over a month ago and I am already well into the Christmas season. Thanksgiving has passed, I have started Christmas shopping and finals are in less than a week. And to be honest, I am ready for break. I love school, chapel, Biola, the atmosphere, The Chimes, but stick a fork in me - I'm done.
I welcome the new season with open arms, maybe a tear or two that the year is almost over, but I am jumping up and down inside knowing I can rest soon.
Christmas season - welcome home!
Also, my pre-New Year resolution is that I top my blog posts in a month, so expect 13 by December 31. :) You know you lead an exciting life when a resolution is to blog more.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Oh no...
Tuesday afternoon, I proposed to the AS Senate for a new Web Editor position to be added to The Chimes. (go to The Chimes link to read the senate story). Rebecca and Michelle, the current web editors accompanied me to share their perspecitve on the matter and to help answer questions at the meeting. I was a little nervous before hand, but felt confident once I was in the room.
I walked in, Michelle and Rebecca behind me and someone made the comment of "she has a whole entourage." That's right, people, we travel in packs. Anyways, the meeting went well. They were impressed by my "entourage" of Michelle and Rebecca and were extremely excited about a few of my comments regarding the readership of the online Chimes and also were delighted when I handed them a newsletter I made about the ACP conference. Michelle and Rebecca spoke eloquently as well. I was a little shaky when I was talking, but I don't think anyone noticed. So overall, the meeting went great!
We stepped out of the conference room and Michelle, Rebecca and I all smiled and laughed saying we completely sold them on the idea. Then Rebecca looked down at my chest with wide eyes and said, "Do you have hives?" I looked at Rebecca confused and then looked at my chest and exclaimed "oh no," with an upset groan. Yes, people, I broke out in hives. My chest was bright red with dots all over. I guess I was more nervous than I thought. I just hope none of the senators noticed...
I'll let you know the outcome of the senate's decision regarding the position next tuesday..and if anyone asks how my hives are.
I walked in, Michelle and Rebecca behind me and someone made the comment of "she has a whole entourage." That's right, people, we travel in packs. Anyways, the meeting went well. They were impressed by my "entourage" of Michelle and Rebecca and were extremely excited about a few of my comments regarding the readership of the online Chimes and also were delighted when I handed them a newsletter I made about the ACP conference. Michelle and Rebecca spoke eloquently as well. I was a little shaky when I was talking, but I don't think anyone noticed. So overall, the meeting went great!
We stepped out of the conference room and Michelle, Rebecca and I all smiled and laughed saying we completely sold them on the idea. Then Rebecca looked down at my chest with wide eyes and said, "Do you have hives?" I looked at Rebecca confused and then looked at my chest and exclaimed "oh no," with an upset groan. Yes, people, I broke out in hives. My chest was bright red with dots all over. I guess I was more nervous than I thought. I just hope none of the senators noticed...
I'll let you know the outcome of the senate's decision regarding the position next tuesday..and if anyone asks how my hives are.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Wind through a Child's Eyes
The wind whisked my arms and legs into a spin.
The strong current over bearing my limbs.
My thoughts caught up with the leaves a whirl,
My arms wrapped tighter as my lips said brrr!
The toes in my shoes pointed as I twirled,
The wind propelling my spins around.
My knitted scarf blew into the air,
My hands reached out now without a care.
The sidewalk felt hard beneath my feet,
The concrete cold as my pointed toes reached.
My body felt warm with my puff jacket on,
My legs continued in a song.
The path led me up to my house so warm,
The doors opened wide with my mother’s arms.
A little whimsical and nostalgic poetry always makes me smile.
The strong current over bearing my limbs.
My thoughts caught up with the leaves a whirl,
My arms wrapped tighter as my lips said brrr!
The toes in my shoes pointed as I twirled,
The wind propelling my spins around.
My knitted scarf blew into the air,
My hands reached out now without a care.
The sidewalk felt hard beneath my feet,
The concrete cold as my pointed toes reached.
My body felt warm with my puff jacket on,
My legs continued in a song.
The path led me up to my house so warm,
The doors opened wide with my mother’s arms.
A little whimsical and nostalgic poetry always makes me smile.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
blogging
I love blogging! It is so much fun to have one and to read others. My best friend Cristina has recently chosen to enter the freelance photography world. (She has a great eye for it!) While doing this, she has come across some great photography blogs. I spent an hour last night looking through them. I will probably add a few to my links at the right. So definitely check them out!
In lieu of discussion of photography blogs, here is another glimpse from London. This is my favorite photo of Big Ben taken on the trip. The sky is so vibrant. Unfortunately, it isn't at best quality because it has to fit on here, but you can imagine.
In lieu of discussion of photography blogs, here is another glimpse from London. This is my favorite photo of Big Ben taken on the trip. The sky is so vibrant. Unfortunately, it isn't at best quality because it has to fit on here, but you can imagine.
Friday, November 23, 2007
signs of winter
Southern California lacks winter...at least winters below 68 degrees. Some tree leaves turn to a golden brown and burnt auburn, however, most will continue in their green merriment through the fall and winter season. The signs of a Southern California winter are different. Tonight, I was greeted by one - the Santa Ana winds. I stepped out of the car door before entering my house and was caught in a brisk wind storm swirling the palm trees and few fallen leaves. The wind hit my face and I smiled knowing the season was beginning to fall into winter.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
friendsgiving
Friday night, Southside - my close girlfriends from the past 4 years of college - joined efforts and had Thanksgiving dinner together at our house.
The details:
>14 girls (Southside minus Caitlyn and Kolbey)
>Our house
>All the Thanksgiving trimmings
>4 pies
>7 bottles of Sparkling cider
>A whole lot of thankfulness and laughter
Here's a peek at the night.
JoAnna carving the Turkey.
Erin, Amy and I waiting for dinner to finish cooking.
Megan, Carrie, Sara at the table. Megan is recently engaged!
At the dinner table. Look at the yummy food! We are great chefs!
Girls at dinner.
After dinner, we attempted to get a photo of all of us. It worked after a few tries!
We cleared our plates...especially the dessert plates.
After the night was over, those of us left finished the sparkling cider in wine glasses and watched Friends. How appropriate!
Thankyou girls for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner! I love you all!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thankful
The Chimes staff is a blessing this year. The whole staff has amazed me in their work ethic, flexibility, and journalistic skills. Not to mention, their ability to have fun! I love hanging out with each and every one of them, especially the girls. :) I am so thankful to have such a splended and witty staff who works hard and knows when to play!
These are the people who make The Chimes arrive every Thursday.
Having fun.
I think this was a "candid" shot.
All photos were taken at our yearbook photo session by Kara Paone. She is a pretty awesome photographer. And Alex, the yearbook editor-in-chief is pretty cool for letting us have/use the photos.
These are the people who make The Chimes arrive every Thursday. 
Having fun. 
I think this was a "candid" shot. All photos were taken at our yearbook photo session by Kara Paone. She is a pretty awesome photographer. And Alex, the yearbook editor-in-chief is pretty cool for letting us have/use the photos.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
sigh of creativity
This has little relevance to my post, except it reminds me of Fall. I am extremely excited for Thanksgiving break next week.
I have the creative bug. This past week I have been editing other people's writing, answering design questions, and browsing photography sites. Although, these little things were fun, I want to spend an hour scrapbooking, sewing, painting, writing stories..anything creative of my own. In class, I spent an hour drawing a design and attempted to write a poem based on what I drew. That convinced me I needed to alot some time to be crafty. Thanksgiving break is dedicated to creativity.
Sweet dreams.
photo was taken in Kensington Palace Gardens in London, England.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
World Traveler
is what my friends are calling me. Two days after crossing the pond home, I left for Washington, D.C. along with 5 girls from The Chimes staff for the ACP conference. "ACP?," you ask. ACP stands for Associated Collegiate Press. Each Fall, in conjuction with the College Media Association, a conference located at a journalism capitol in the United States is generated. This year the locale became D.C.
The six of us girls headed out Wednesday evening around 7 and arrived in the political capitol of the U.S. at 8:20 the next morning. After checking into our hotel, we walked to the conference hotel a few blocks away. The weather, although a bit chilly compared to California, was great in the high 50s. Simple registration, a few scans of the conference program, and we were on our way to sessions.
Three days later, we had attended approximately 3-5 sessions a day, had our newspaper print edition critiqued, our online edition critiqued, taken "field trips" and expanded our knowledge of the current trends in journalism as well as inspired to improve our newspaper.
Pictures and stories to follow...
The six of us girls headed out Wednesday evening around 7 and arrived in the political capitol of the U.S. at 8:20 the next morning. After checking into our hotel, we walked to the conference hotel a few blocks away. The weather, although a bit chilly compared to California, was great in the high 50s. Simple registration, a few scans of the conference program, and we were on our way to sessions.
Three days later, we had attended approximately 3-5 sessions a day, had our newspaper print edition critiqued, our online edition critiqued, taken "field trips" and expanded our knowledge of the current trends in journalism as well as inspired to improve our newspaper.
Pictures and stories to follow...
Cont. UK Travel
So it's been almost three weeks since I came home from England and I figured I should post the remainder of day's tourism travels I had in the great UK.
Day 7
Free tour through New London Tours with most of us visitors from the states and Joel, Miah, and Melissa. This was extremely informative and fun. After, we had coffee at Cafe Nero before spending an hour or two at the National Gallery. That night we saw Mary Poppins at the theatre. Absolutely amazing!
Day 8
The musical Chicago during the day, then went back to Roehampton for a night in with Miss Liss.
Day 9
Day trip to Canterbury and cathedral. The cathredal was worth the trip! I'll post photos later. Tacos for dinner. :)
Day 10
We left for Heathrow in the morning. I had never seen a busier airport! We arrived in the states in the afternoon extremely exhausted. :)
More tales to come in further detail...
Day 7
Free tour through New London Tours with most of us visitors from the states and Joel, Miah, and Melissa. This was extremely informative and fun. After, we had coffee at Cafe Nero before spending an hour or two at the National Gallery. That night we saw Mary Poppins at the theatre. Absolutely amazing!
Day 8
The musical Chicago during the day, then went back to Roehampton for a night in with Miss Liss.
Day 9
Day trip to Canterbury and cathedral. The cathredal was worth the trip! I'll post photos later. Tacos for dinner. :)
Day 10
We left for Heathrow in the morning. I had never seen a busier airport! We arrived in the states in the afternoon extremely exhausted. :)
More tales to come in further detail...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Boppin in the UK
So as you have probably noticed, I haven't had more time to write any blogs so I am putting our agendas down below and will embellish upon my return.
Day 1
Arrive in England. Trip to ASDA.
Day 2
Camden Town Market. Lunch at hole in the wall Fish & Chips restaurant. Used book store. Trifalger Square. Lost. Fiddler on the Roof. Cafe Nero.
Day 3
A whole day of travel for a one hour train ride to Oxford. Will explain later. High tea at Oxford. Dinner at Eagle & Child. Stay at The Cock & Camel...yes, that was the name of the place.
Day 4
Oxford sightseeing. Carrie's Panini place. Ray Cam library. Primark. Christ Church. Copa. Stayed at The Cock & Camel again.
Day 5
More Oxford sightseeing. Park. St. Mary the Virgin. Tower. Covered market. First day to rain! Left for Roehampton.
Day 6
Slept in by accident. Buckingham Palace. Kensington Gardens. Kensington Palace. Tower of London. Tower Bridge. Pizza Express. Picadilly Circus. Shirley Temples at the bar...kinda.
PS. England newspaper headlines are hilarious. Today's front page story read "Kate Moss Bops Until 2 AM." So we haven't really been boppin' yet, unless you count our dance party last night, but it fits.
Day 1
Arrive in England. Trip to ASDA.
Day 2
Camden Town Market. Lunch at hole in the wall Fish & Chips restaurant. Used book store. Trifalger Square. Lost. Fiddler on the Roof. Cafe Nero.
Day 3
A whole day of travel for a one hour train ride to Oxford. Will explain later. High tea at Oxford. Dinner at Eagle & Child. Stay at The Cock & Camel...yes, that was the name of the place.
Day 4
Oxford sightseeing. Carrie's Panini place. Ray Cam library. Primark. Christ Church. Copa. Stayed at The Cock & Camel again.
Day 5
More Oxford sightseeing. Park. St. Mary the Virgin. Tower. Covered market. First day to rain! Left for Roehampton.
Day 6
Slept in by accident. Buckingham Palace. Kensington Gardens. Kensington Palace. Tower of London. Tower Bridge. Pizza Express. Picadilly Circus. Shirley Temples at the bar...kinda.
PS. England newspaper headlines are hilarious. Today's front page story read "Kate Moss Bops Until 2 AM." So we haven't really been boppin' yet, unless you count our dance party last night, but it fits.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Bags
We arrived at Heathrow airport yesterday afternoon, exchanged dollars for pounds (which I absolutely love their currency,it is so elegant), bought our Oyster Cards (like a Metro card for the Tube and buses), and made our way from the Tube to Hammersmith stop to get on a bus to Roehampton. Luckily, another girl from Biola was at Hammersmith and saw us. She led us back to Roehampton and we didn't get a bit lost.
The only tad bit of difficulty was with our bags. I can't even explain the oddity we must have been dragging our heavy 10 days worth of luggage onto the Tube, up stairs, through hundreds of people and eventually dragging it on the bus and sideways through the aisle. The best part of our journey, I must say was when we were attempting to carry our bags up the steep stair well from the Tube. A man with at least 6 peircinngs on his face grabbed the bottom of Aly's bag in front of me and proceeded to help her up. As he turned around, I noticed the phrase "F**K YOU" pinned across the back of his vest. In my head at that point, I couldn't help but think "This is awesome!" He then came back down the stairs to help me. Talk about an oxymoron.
The only tad bit of difficulty was with our bags. I can't even explain the oddity we must have been dragging our heavy 10 days worth of luggage onto the Tube, up stairs, through hundreds of people and eventually dragging it on the bus and sideways through the aisle. The best part of our journey, I must say was when we were attempting to carry our bags up the steep stair well from the Tube. A man with at least 6 peircinngs on his face grabbed the bottom of Aly's bag in front of me and proceeded to help her up. As he turned around, I noticed the phrase "F**K YOU" pinned across the back of his vest. In my head at that point, I couldn't help but think "This is awesome!" He then came back down the stairs to help me. Talk about an oxymoron.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Is that rain?
Amy and I sat in our kitchen helping Megan bake cookies last week...aka. taste test them...when I thought I heard rain outside. I was a bit surprised even though it had been a little cloudy. My ears stayed perked as I listened for the rain. The steady sound of droplets of water continued, yet as I scanned towards the screen door in the kitchen, no rain could be seen. At this point, I was definitely confused, but positive I wasn't crazy.
I stood up and walked into the dining room. My gasp alerted Amy and Megan in the kitchen who had been steadily talking through my ponderings and I shouted "Oh, No! Rain...It's raining in the dining room!" As you can imagine, Amy and Megan ran into the dining room as I dramatically attempted to open the shutters and shut the window.
We all doubled over laughing at this point. The new sprinkler system at our house had been set up and aimed not only at the grass, but our dining room window. After the laughter subsided slightly, only slightly since this was an extremely funny matter, we mopped up the wet floor and dining table. Luckily, our wood floors are still intact and you would never know our dining table had been soaked by "rain."
I will forever smile at the phrase "It's raining in the dining room," though. It still makes me laugh.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Soft & Cozy
My mom came to visit me at work today and she brought a surprise. Besides the Crest Whitestrips, she brought me the softest, cutest slippers ever - lamb slippers, as pictured below.
Here is the funny part. A week ago, I was standing in Courtney and Rachel's room and Rachel came out of their walk in closet wearing the cutest slippers ever - the same ones as above. I fell in love with them and asked Rach how much they were and so on. I was thinking about buying them so naturally when I pulled them out of the cute package today, I was delighted. My mom had no idea too. She had bought a pair for herself and thought I would like them as well. Turns out I had already!
Walking around the house is much more cozy now...
Here is the funny part. A week ago, I was standing in Courtney and Rachel's room and Rachel came out of their walk in closet wearing the cutest slippers ever - the same ones as above. I fell in love with them and asked Rach how much they were and so on. I was thinking about buying them so naturally when I pulled them out of the cute package today, I was delighted. My mom had no idea too. She had bought a pair for herself and thought I would like them as well. Turns out I had already!
Walking around the house is much more cozy now...
Friday, September 21, 2007
Michelle and Jenna think Blue
One on Ones are an hour a week I spend with one of my staff members to get to know them better and talk about their life. Michelle and I decided to have a Fun on One, where we did a fun activity during our time together. We decided upon making blueberry muffins. We both love baking and that way we could serve them at our staff meeting the next morning. Below is the documentation of those handmade delicious blueberry muffins.
Michelle wisking the batter, very stylishly might I add.
The perfected batter. Michelle's technique was to switch between a spatula and wisk.
Mmm...blueberries.
Baking can be messy...
The Chefs
Michelle wisking the batter, very stylishly might I add.
The perfected batter. Michelle's technique was to switch between a spatula and wisk.
Mmm...blueberries.
Baking can be messy...
The Chefs
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
mehicano
Sunday night, we were all craving mexican food and knew the best place to get it would be a hole in the wall restaurant. We finally remembered the little mexican place off of La Mirada near Biola.
We reached our destination and as soon as we walked in were greeted with an amazing aroma of handmade tortillas and salsa. We chose where we sat and the waiter took our order a few minutes later. We all got the "Super Burrito." It was definitely super. The burrito was huge! And delicious! It was definitely a treat and tasted authentic.
From all the restaurant eating I've done in my life, the hole in the wall restaurants always surpass the chains by far. The service was wonderful as well. I can't tell you how many times they asked how we were and if they could get us anything else. Great service, great food, a simple atmosphere and of course the company of Jen and Megan all made our spontaneous search for a hole in the wall mexican restaurant quite successful.
We reached our destination and as soon as we walked in were greeted with an amazing aroma of handmade tortillas and salsa. We chose where we sat and the waiter took our order a few minutes later. We all got the "Super Burrito." It was definitely super. The burrito was huge! And delicious! It was definitely a treat and tasted authentic.
From all the restaurant eating I've done in my life, the hole in the wall restaurants always surpass the chains by far. The service was wonderful as well. I can't tell you how many times they asked how we were and if they could get us anything else. Great service, great food, a simple atmosphere and of course the company of Jen and Megan all made our spontaneous search for a hole in the wall mexican restaurant quite successful.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
First Time
There is a first time for everything. Today was my first time I have ever hit anything with my car that wasn't another car...yes, I have been in an accident or two. Cristina, this is your time to laugh. She knows my driving record quite well.
Anyhow, I was driving from my house to Biola this morning for work. As I worked my way along La Mirada Blvd. and approached Biola, there were a few birds in the road. I was approaching quickly and hoped they would fly away. My car inched forward as I started to brake, but thankfully both birds flew up into the sky before I got too close for comfort.
I continued to drive and without any warning a big grey ball hit my windshield and was propelled upward because of the speed of my car. A bird hit my windshield. I am convinced it hit me, because I did not see it coming. My hand went directly over my mouth and Iooked through my rearview mirror as I saw a bird topple onto the grass in the center divider.
I wasn't sure if it was a laughing matter or if I should be sad. At this point, it is a laughing matter. Poor thing...it probably doesn't know what hit him...or what it hit.
Anyhow, I was driving from my house to Biola this morning for work. As I worked my way along La Mirada Blvd. and approached Biola, there were a few birds in the road. I was approaching quickly and hoped they would fly away. My car inched forward as I started to brake, but thankfully both birds flew up into the sky before I got too close for comfort.
I continued to drive and without any warning a big grey ball hit my windshield and was propelled upward because of the speed of my car. A bird hit my windshield. I am convinced it hit me, because I did not see it coming. My hand went directly over my mouth and Iooked through my rearview mirror as I saw a bird topple onto the grass in the center divider.
I wasn't sure if it was a laughing matter or if I should be sad. At this point, it is a laughing matter. Poor thing...it probably doesn't know what hit him...or what it hit.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Right on Time
It's 3:39 AM in The Chimes office. The lights are on, the air has cooled outside, and three of us remain: Nicole, Mitchell, and I. I look forward to the day when we no longer are in the office after 1 AM. However, as I read Michelle's request for more posts, there is something I could share.
Although, we are late to sending our newspaper to the printers, there is someone who is right on time. That someone is God. Around 2:30, the page A4 decided not to open. It said it was locked, which is what happened when we had to redo pages A5 and A6 from scratch. I was scared we would have to do the same, which would have pushed us back at least another hour. So I did the only thing I thought I could do, I asked everyone to eject their servers in an attempt to reboot the server itself. This would hopefully increase the possibility of the page opening. Unfortunately, we were moving current photos off the server at the same time to help the situation which meant we had a waiting time of 10 minutes before we could eject the server. I was tired and felt as though I wanted to cry in some senses. I walked outside, sat down, and prayed. I came back inside and felt the urgency to pray with my staff. Melissa, Nicole, Mitchell, Karin, and Rachelle were all working or waiting for more work. I looked around and felt the need to pray. I didn't want to. I don't like praying out loud. I figured it would be an odd time. I still felt the little tap on my shoulder telling me to pray.
Finally, I asked my staff to stop what they were doing so we could pray. They all agreed. We bowed our heads and I prayed for the night as it continued. For strength. For courage. We said Amen. And we waited more. Soon after, we rebooted the server and A4 opened miraculously. God is always on time.
Although, we are late to sending our newspaper to the printers, there is someone who is right on time. That someone is God. Around 2:30, the page A4 decided not to open. It said it was locked, which is what happened when we had to redo pages A5 and A6 from scratch. I was scared we would have to do the same, which would have pushed us back at least another hour. So I did the only thing I thought I could do, I asked everyone to eject their servers in an attempt to reboot the server itself. This would hopefully increase the possibility of the page opening. Unfortunately, we were moving current photos off the server at the same time to help the situation which meant we had a waiting time of 10 minutes before we could eject the server. I was tired and felt as though I wanted to cry in some senses. I walked outside, sat down, and prayed. I came back inside and felt the urgency to pray with my staff. Melissa, Nicole, Mitchell, Karin, and Rachelle were all working or waiting for more work. I looked around and felt the need to pray. I didn't want to. I don't like praying out loud. I figured it would be an odd time. I still felt the little tap on my shoulder telling me to pray.
Finally, I asked my staff to stop what they were doing so we could pray. They all agreed. We bowed our heads and I prayed for the night as it continued. For strength. For courage. We said Amen. And we waited more. Soon after, we rebooted the server and A4 opened miraculously. God is always on time.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Black and Sleek
Today was my first time holding a black American Express card. I had always heard about them, but never seen one..and definitely never held one. It was like a litte black dress...something you always have wanted and it looks good no matter what, black and sleek. Perfect for any occasion..at least the more formal ones.
The card holder was a nice woman named Jeanine. I would have never thought her to own a black amex by just looking at her. She seemed ordinary, as I'm sure many black amex cardholders are. But I had always heard of celebrities or billionaires having them. After I totaled her purchase - over $1,000, she handed me her card. As she handed it to me, I was a bit in awe that I was going to get to touch it. I didn't make this known. I just acted casual as if I've held them dozens of times before.
The card was thick and had a rimmed edge that was slightly thinner. It had a matte finish. Simply, it was black and sleek. After I ringed her up, I handed her card back to her, and that was that. I will probably never see one again. Of course, the fact that I work at Fashion Island ups my chances...
The card holder was a nice woman named Jeanine. I would have never thought her to own a black amex by just looking at her. She seemed ordinary, as I'm sure many black amex cardholders are. But I had always heard of celebrities or billionaires having them. After I totaled her purchase - over $1,000, she handed me her card. As she handed it to me, I was a bit in awe that I was going to get to touch it. I didn't make this known. I just acted casual as if I've held them dozens of times before.
The card was thick and had a rimmed edge that was slightly thinner. It had a matte finish. Simply, it was black and sleek. After I ringed her up, I handed her card back to her, and that was that. I will probably never see one again. Of course, the fact that I work at Fashion Island ups my chances...
Lurch...
My stomach just lurched again, but it's not as bad as the flip my heart did when I heard what the little birdy...otherwise known as Facebook, whispered into my ear last night. It sounded more like a yell to be perfectly honest. My ex-boyfriend Kevin is now engaged. How is that for lurching?
The strange thing is I shouldn't be upset. I broke up with him. And for reasons I am confident in, or at least was confident in. And I'm really not upset. I think it's just that "wow" factor of that could have been me and I messed it up. It's just heart lurching. That's the only way to say it. The recipe of the feeling being 1 part jealousy, 1 part curiousity, 1 part sad. All mixed together in a blender.
Then there is the other side. I am extremely happy for him. The girl is amazing. And I am happy I did get to date him for the time I did. So with that in mind, I congratulate him. That statement is final. The lurching is only temporary.
The strange thing is I shouldn't be upset. I broke up with him. And for reasons I am confident in, or at least was confident in. And I'm really not upset. I think it's just that "wow" factor of that could have been me and I messed it up. It's just heart lurching. That's the only way to say it. The recipe of the feeling being 1 part jealousy, 1 part curiousity, 1 part sad. All mixed together in a blender.
Then there is the other side. I am extremely happy for him. The girl is amazing. And I am happy I did get to date him for the time I did. So with that in mind, I congratulate him. That statement is final. The lurching is only temporary.
Paint
Fennel Splash. That is the color Megan and I painted our room last week. It is a light green that looks gorgeous in the sunlight or mood lighting, and complements our white shutters to boot. We started painting at 2:30 and went straight through to 6:00. There will be a lot of pride in our room after we finish building our desk, painting our bookcase, and continue to admire our paint job. Keep this a secret...but our room is going to be the cutest!
Once I take pictures, I will make sure to post them.
Once I take pictures, I will make sure to post them.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
What a couple of days...
Here is the rundown from the last day or two..
Monday: Work at RockHarbor from 10-1:30, drive to Anthropologie and work there from 2-midnight
Tuesday: Wake up at 6:30, leave at 7:30, and work at Anthropologie from 8:30-11:30 am, drive to RH, and work there from 12-7.
Needless to say I am exhausted.
The blogs should be more interesting in the next couple days.
Until then, you can be left with an image of me sleeping. Sweet, sweet sleep...
Monday: Work at RockHarbor from 10-1:30, drive to Anthropologie and work there from 2-midnight
Tuesday: Wake up at 6:30, leave at 7:30, and work at Anthropologie from 8:30-11:30 am, drive to RH, and work there from 12-7.
Needless to say I am exhausted.
The blogs should be more interesting in the next couple days.
Until then, you can be left with an image of me sleeping. Sweet, sweet sleep...
Kris Kros
So he has been cut for an update. Kris has unfortunately been crossed off the dating list for me. I am up for friendship, and he never had much of a chance considering he isn't Christian. However, unfortunately we had a conversation last week. I realized it was silly of me to think of possibly anything more even if..forgive me...it was missionary dating..which I don't really believe in. There is just such a difference between a man seeking the Lord and one who is not.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Why?
You know when you do something and then about a minute later wonder why in the world you did such a thing? I had one of these moments last night on my break from Anthropologie.
I had made my way over to the patio outside Restoration Hardware to eat my turkey sandwich and banana dinner. About half way through the banana a boy walks by, turns and looks at me, then motions to Restoration Hardware and asks if I liked working there. I casually explained I worked at Anthropologie and then what Anthropologie was since he seemed to think it was a shoe store. This eventually progressed into him sitting across from me at the table I was sitting at and us having a conversation. Now, the conversation part I don't mind. What happened after the conversation ended is what I do mind.
Kris works at PacSun and was on his break too. After we finished talking and he informed me he had to go back to work, he asked for my number. I hesitated. He handed me his phone. I hesitated. And he said you don't have to. I hesitated...and then for some reason my fingers started to punch in my phone number into his phone - the same phone I have, but black.
I wasn't quite sure why I was putting my phone number into his phone. Yes, he was cute and the same age, but I don't know him. My internal self was having a debate with itself. I'd be mean not to give him my phone number. But he could be a serial killer. Does he seem like a serial killer?
So I did what any girl would do...called a girl friend and asked what I should do should he call? We decided to hope he didn't.
And then he did. Well..he didn't call. He text me. And so the game begins.
Hopefully, I will be a bit smarter throughout the rest of my conversations with him. At this point, I have avoided making plans and my schedule is full.
I had made my way over to the patio outside Restoration Hardware to eat my turkey sandwich and banana dinner. About half way through the banana a boy walks by, turns and looks at me, then motions to Restoration Hardware and asks if I liked working there. I casually explained I worked at Anthropologie and then what Anthropologie was since he seemed to think it was a shoe store. This eventually progressed into him sitting across from me at the table I was sitting at and us having a conversation. Now, the conversation part I don't mind. What happened after the conversation ended is what I do mind.
Kris works at PacSun and was on his break too. After we finished talking and he informed me he had to go back to work, he asked for my number. I hesitated. He handed me his phone. I hesitated. And he said you don't have to. I hesitated...and then for some reason my fingers started to punch in my phone number into his phone - the same phone I have, but black.
I wasn't quite sure why I was putting my phone number into his phone. Yes, he was cute and the same age, but I don't know him. My internal self was having a debate with itself. I'd be mean not to give him my phone number. But he could be a serial killer. Does he seem like a serial killer?
So I did what any girl would do...called a girl friend and asked what I should do should he call? We decided to hope he didn't.
And then he did. Well..he didn't call. He text me. And so the game begins.
Hopefully, I will be a bit smarter throughout the rest of my conversations with him. At this point, I have avoided making plans and my schedule is full.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Connection
"You mean, Steve Churm!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"Yeah. That's my Dad."
Making small talk before service started at church this past Sunday turned out to be more interesting than usual. Erin and I met Carly, whom we work with at Anthropologie, for the 9 am service at RockHarbor. Little did I know but Carly's dad is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of OC Metro magazine. A magazine I had actually been interested in interning with, but never pursued enough to actually get an internship there.
After asking me if I had any internships in journalism, this tidbit of information had been revealed from Carly that her Dad was Steve... Before she finished I had overlapped her sentence with the exlamated statement of her father's name, Steve Churm - a man I had emailed back and forth with month's before. Carly then told me if I ever needed an internship or anything to let her know and she would give her Dad my name. Talk about a good connection to have.
This is a small world we live in.
"Yeah. That's my Dad."
Making small talk before service started at church this past Sunday turned out to be more interesting than usual. Erin and I met Carly, whom we work with at Anthropologie, for the 9 am service at RockHarbor. Little did I know but Carly's dad is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of OC Metro magazine. A magazine I had actually been interested in interning with, but never pursued enough to actually get an internship there.
After asking me if I had any internships in journalism, this tidbit of information had been revealed from Carly that her Dad was Steve... Before she finished I had overlapped her sentence with the exlamated statement of her father's name, Steve Churm - a man I had emailed back and forth with month's before. Carly then told me if I ever needed an internship or anything to let her know and she would give her Dad my name. Talk about a good connection to have.
This is a small world we live in.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Women
We all have differences - different tastes, styles, values, opinions. However, there is just something innate in all of us that make us women and differentiate the way we act. No matter how different we are, we are similar whether we like it or not. Watching and observing women of all shapes, sizes, races, cultures, religions enter Anthropologie has been to say the least, fun! I love greeting people as they enter the store, but more than that realizing how much I am alike to each of these women.
There are the women who are having a bad day and don't respond well to my greeting, or the ones preoccupied with some object they spot the minute the walk in, or the ones who smile and ask me how I am back. There were two women that came in the store today and made me laugh.
The friends walked in and glided through the front section and turned around and were about to exit quickly when one women makes an ahh noise and stops to look at something, then looks at her friend and says "Oh, right" And the other says with a smile in a determined voice, "We have an agenda to keep." And there they went. That agenda from the way she said it meant one of them had some important event or date to go to and needed the perfect accessory or dress to wear with it. That is a woman's agenda if I ever heard one.
But how this reminds of how all women are. We keep eachother accountable to our agendas, yet we always get caught along the way by the ahh moments. Some could see this as a distraction, however, I see it as a blessing. We are not so determined to not allow ourselves to miss some of these moments. There are times when we do, however, for the most part I feel as though women are aware of the ahh moments in life and that is something I love about women - our appreciation for beauty.
There are the women who are having a bad day and don't respond well to my greeting, or the ones preoccupied with some object they spot the minute the walk in, or the ones who smile and ask me how I am back. There were two women that came in the store today and made me laugh.
The friends walked in and glided through the front section and turned around and were about to exit quickly when one women makes an ahh noise and stops to look at something, then looks at her friend and says "Oh, right" And the other says with a smile in a determined voice, "We have an agenda to keep." And there they went. That agenda from the way she said it meant one of them had some important event or date to go to and needed the perfect accessory or dress to wear with it. That is a woman's agenda if I ever heard one.
But how this reminds of how all women are. We keep eachother accountable to our agendas, yet we always get caught along the way by the ahh moments. Some could see this as a distraction, however, I see it as a blessing. We are not so determined to not allow ourselves to miss some of these moments. There are times when we do, however, for the most part I feel as though women are aware of the ahh moments in life and that is something I love about women - our appreciation for beauty.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Yay - There's no other word for it!
Last night I made my first purchase as an employee at Anthropologie. The difference between a regular customer and employee you ask? A 40% discount! We just got in this really cute coat. I saw it when I was working in the fitting room on Monday and fell in love with it. I continued to think of it the next two days until I went into work on Wednesday and I purchased it on my break. It is really cute and will be great for going out on a chilly summer's night or perfect to wear with pretty feminine gloves in another country..say London or Paris?
Here it is in all it's glory. It's black and has such a cute cut at the bottom. There are pockets on the sides too! Photo courtesy of my Dad. :)
Here it is in all it's glory. It's black and has such a cute cut at the bottom. There are pockets on the sides too! Photo courtesy of my Dad. :)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Retail Respect
Let's just say standing for 8 hours in cute shoes is not a painless job. I will admit it is a fun one though.
Last Friday, I trained at Anthropologie, not without another communication error though. It makes me laugh how Erin told me two days after my interview I was hired, yet it took me approximately 8 phone calls to be told I was hired and to figure out training with a manager. I arrived 10 minutes early to Anthropologie...this is an accomplishment since I am being known for being 5 minutes late to everything, it's something I'm working on to say the least. When I knocked on the manager's door, the first words were "Your early!" This was like the sound of a fiddle player plucking joyous strings in my heart. I rarely ever hear that phrase. The second thing she said to me was, "Did Halle call and tell you you are working a full shift today?" Oh the laughter in my mind repeats. "No. She didn't. I thought I was just training from 2 to 4." Kris gave a sigh of frustration and a look at the ceiling. Then she said, "Ok. Well, if you can't, that's ok, but if you can, that'd be great." I thought for a moment. Sit at home and possibly watch a movie or make $9.75 an hour working. I looked at Kris and said with enthusiasm, "I can work!"
So I worked a full 8 hour shift. Kris scheduled my break the same hour as Erin's which was great so we could catch up a bit and I could eat with someone I know. This was relaxing since it is a bit nervewracking working in retail when you never have before. Overall, I loved it though! My feet were hurting and so was my lower back from the extended period of standing I haven't done since working at Timeless Treasures, a scrapbooking store, in high school, but the talking to customers and meeting the other girls that work there was great. Everyone is extremely nice. The girl that gave me a detailed tour of the store, Melise, is from Turkey. And Heather and Carly both go to Rock Harbor too. Allegra is quiet, but sweet, and the list goes on.
I'm excited to continue to meet the girls who work there, and learn more about the store.
And for my feet to get used to the standing thing...
Last Friday, I trained at Anthropologie, not without another communication error though. It makes me laugh how Erin told me two days after my interview I was hired, yet it took me approximately 8 phone calls to be told I was hired and to figure out training with a manager. I arrived 10 minutes early to Anthropologie...this is an accomplishment since I am being known for being 5 minutes late to everything, it's something I'm working on to say the least. When I knocked on the manager's door, the first words were "Your early!" This was like the sound of a fiddle player plucking joyous strings in my heart. I rarely ever hear that phrase. The second thing she said to me was, "Did Halle call and tell you you are working a full shift today?" Oh the laughter in my mind repeats. "No. She didn't. I thought I was just training from 2 to 4." Kris gave a sigh of frustration and a look at the ceiling. Then she said, "Ok. Well, if you can't, that's ok, but if you can, that'd be great." I thought for a moment. Sit at home and possibly watch a movie or make $9.75 an hour working. I looked at Kris and said with enthusiasm, "I can work!"
So I worked a full 8 hour shift. Kris scheduled my break the same hour as Erin's which was great so we could catch up a bit and I could eat with someone I know. This was relaxing since it is a bit nervewracking working in retail when you never have before. Overall, I loved it though! My feet were hurting and so was my lower back from the extended period of standing I haven't done since working at Timeless Treasures, a scrapbooking store, in high school, but the talking to customers and meeting the other girls that work there was great. Everyone is extremely nice. The girl that gave me a detailed tour of the store, Melise, is from Turkey. And Heather and Carly both go to Rock Harbor too. Allegra is quiet, but sweet, and the list goes on.
I'm excited to continue to meet the girls who work there, and learn more about the store.
And for my feet to get used to the standing thing...
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Timeless
There are many things that remind me of home. Such as the green drive surrounded by mountains to my house, or waking up on a Saturday morning to jazz music and the clanking of pots and pans as my Dad makes french toast downstairs, or the ever so contemporary barcelona chairs that I always see in fancy stores, yet are also the staple furniture of our living room. The latter years of my high school years were mostly spent at Cristina's house or with Cristina, my best friend. And therefore, there is a great deal of home wrapped up in her.
Tonight I was blessed enough to get a feel of that home again. Cristina and her husband, Brian, of two years as of June 3, moved to Northern California a little over a year ago. ( briancristinawood.blogspot.com ) Luckily, the distance has not deterred our friendship. Cristinas, also known as love bug, pumpkin, or simply Cristina is a true confidante and lifetime friend. Those are rare to find. And to my surprise, I found out earlier in the week she would be visiting Southern California this weekend. She flew in this morning, and this evening I was able to go over to her family's house and spend a couple hours with her. There is nothing like seeing a close friend in person after communicating through e-mail and over the phone for months. It's simply different. It is that feeling of home, comfort, and warmth.
So put simply, tonight it was nice to have a taste of home more than I'm used to. Because I may be at home when I am not living at school, but when you have the opportunity of seeing an old friend or spending time in a place with a person you have spent time with so many times before, there is that feeling of being truly home that cannot be found elsewhere... it's timeless.
Cristina and I at the tide pools. This was taken in late January courtesy of Brian. :) It's not the clearest photo, but I decided I should start posting more photos on here, so this is the start.
Tonight I was blessed enough to get a feel of that home again. Cristina and her husband, Brian, of two years as of June 3, moved to Northern California a little over a year ago. ( briancristinawood.blogspot.com ) Luckily, the distance has not deterred our friendship. Cristinas, also known as love bug, pumpkin, or simply Cristina is a true confidante and lifetime friend. Those are rare to find. And to my surprise, I found out earlier in the week she would be visiting Southern California this weekend. She flew in this morning, and this evening I was able to go over to her family's house and spend a couple hours with her. There is nothing like seeing a close friend in person after communicating through e-mail and over the phone for months. It's simply different. It is that feeling of home, comfort, and warmth.
So put simply, tonight it was nice to have a taste of home more than I'm used to. Because I may be at home when I am not living at school, but when you have the opportunity of seeing an old friend or spending time in a place with a person you have spent time with so many times before, there is that feeling of being truly home that cannot be found elsewhere... it's timeless.
Cristina and I at the tide pools. This was taken in late January courtesy of Brian. :) It's not the clearest photo, but I decided I should start posting more photos on here, so this is the start.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Oops...
So I missed my first day of work...kind of. I finally talked to Halle, the manager of Anthropologie this past Sunday and she said Kristen, the other manager, was going to call me about training. Well..my friend Erin, who works there already and is Kris' cousin, sent me a text today that said - Have fun at your first day of work!
So I'm standing outside of RockHarbor and I looked down, saw the text and my heart started racing. My mind was going back and forth trying to remember the very important idea of me going to work today. I couldn't remember ever recieving a phone call. I called Erin and she said she went to the manager's office on Monday and Halle told her I was coming into work today.
Next step...I called Anthropologie.
"Hi. Is Kris, the manager, in?"
"This is she."
"Hi. This is Jenna."
"Oh, Hi Jenna!"
"Hi Kris. I just talked to Erin and she said I was expected at work today, but I never recieved a phone call."
"Oh yeah. We were, but nobody called you, so we can reschedule."
"Oh ok. I'm sorry."
"No problem. I'll let you know when we reschedule."
"Ok. Thanks!"
"Bye."
So I missed my first day of work, but as Erin later said, it wasn't my fault so I couldn't do anything about it. Oh the mishappenings of my life. Haha.
So I'm standing outside of RockHarbor and I looked down, saw the text and my heart started racing. My mind was going back and forth trying to remember the very important idea of me going to work today. I couldn't remember ever recieving a phone call. I called Erin and she said she went to the manager's office on Monday and Halle told her I was coming into work today.
Next step...I called Anthropologie.
"Hi. Is Kris, the manager, in?"
"This is she."
"Hi. This is Jenna."
"Oh, Hi Jenna!"
"Hi Kris. I just talked to Erin and she said I was expected at work today, but I never recieved a phone call."
"Oh yeah. We were, but nobody called you, so we can reschedule."
"Oh ok. I'm sorry."
"No problem. I'll let you know when we reschedule."
"Ok. Thanks!"
"Bye."
So I missed my first day of work, but as Erin later said, it wasn't my fault so I couldn't do anything about it. Oh the mishappenings of my life. Haha.
Monday, June 25, 2007
The 3 Glitch TR Incident
Nicole and I left Melissa's party with a smile on our faces ready to hit the road. The party was in Riverside so the plan was Nicole would follow me home in her car and spend the night so she wouldn't have to sit in traffic in the morning on the way to work. The plan was great and stayed the same, however, then there was the TR incident.
Shortly after we were on the 91, I realized Nicole didn't have a fast trak, however, we needed to take the toll road to get to my house. I called her and we worked out that I would drive in front of her and pay part of the toll, because she only had a $1.75. So Nicole and I proceeded to drive on the 91 until we were going to merge onto the 241 toll road. Here comes glitch numero uno.
"Um..Nicole. It says the off ramp is closed for the 241 so I'm not sure what we are going to do."
"Oh..Ok."
Relief fills my mind. "Wait, there is a detour." Some kind of heroic dun da dah music should be played here. "Follow me!"
So glitch one is resolved; we follow the detour and we are on our way. The next event isn't necessarily a glitch, but we will call it one to suffice the title. So here comes glitch numero dos. I pull up to the first toll booth and luckily there is an attendant.
Me: "The girl behind me only has $1.75 so I would like to pay for the remainder of her toll."
TR A: "Ok, then you owe $.50"
Me: "Ok." (hands money) "Thanks!"
I drive away and Nicole pulls up next.
TR A: "Do you have your $1.75?"
Nicole: "Yes" (hands money) And she's off.
So we continue to drive. Now it gets sketchy. Enter glitch numero dos. Nicole is following me and I'm driving along and then all of sudden in the corner of my eye I see another toll booth. The green and red lights flicker in the distance as my mind tries to wrap around the concept that there is another one. Oh no. I quickly cut across three lanes looking back and smile that Nicole is doing the same. I call Nicole.
"Um..so I didn't know there was another one."
"I don't have money left."
"Yeah, um..well I'll go in front and pay whatever change I have and see what it amounts to."
We drive up to the booth. There is no attendant. I begin to put pennies, dimes, nickels, anything I could find in my purse into the machine. Nicole calls.
"Hi. So far I have put in $1.67, but I don't have much left."
"Ok. I found $1.40 in my purse."
"Great. You can put in the rest. I'll pull through and you can put in what you have...oh, crap."
"What?"
"If I pull through, it will use that change for me, not my fastrak, which doesn't solve our problem at all."
"Oh no, what do we do?"
"We have to back up."
So Nicole and I began to back up. As we backed out, Nicole reads a sign to me that is posted next to the booth that says, "Backing up is illegal." Oops. So we backed out, luckily there wasn't traffic. And Nicole pulls in front ready to put in her change. Nicole calls.
"Um..Jenna. Your money is gone."
"What?"
"It took the money you had put it in."
"Oh no."
"What do we do? I don't have enough money."
I pause.
"We ask other people for change."
"Are you serious?"
"What else are we going to do?"
So I proceeded to ask some nice ladies in an SUV behind me for change. This involved me getting out of my car and going back to their car. They were very nice and generously gave Nicole and I the toll. Nicole entered the money and glitch three was resolved. I am happy to say there were only three glitches and not more. We arrived at my house safe, but I have to say not laugh free. That, people, is a story for the books.
Shortly after we were on the 91, I realized Nicole didn't have a fast trak, however, we needed to take the toll road to get to my house. I called her and we worked out that I would drive in front of her and pay part of the toll, because she only had a $1.75. So Nicole and I proceeded to drive on the 91 until we were going to merge onto the 241 toll road. Here comes glitch numero uno.
"Um..Nicole. It says the off ramp is closed for the 241 so I'm not sure what we are going to do."
"Oh..Ok."
Relief fills my mind. "Wait, there is a detour." Some kind of heroic dun da dah music should be played here. "Follow me!"
So glitch one is resolved; we follow the detour and we are on our way. The next event isn't necessarily a glitch, but we will call it one to suffice the title. So here comes glitch numero dos. I pull up to the first toll booth and luckily there is an attendant.
Me: "The girl behind me only has $1.75 so I would like to pay for the remainder of her toll."
TR A: "Ok, then you owe $.50"
Me: "Ok." (hands money) "Thanks!"
I drive away and Nicole pulls up next.
TR A: "Do you have your $1.75?"
Nicole: "Yes" (hands money) And she's off.
So we continue to drive. Now it gets sketchy. Enter glitch numero dos. Nicole is following me and I'm driving along and then all of sudden in the corner of my eye I see another toll booth. The green and red lights flicker in the distance as my mind tries to wrap around the concept that there is another one. Oh no. I quickly cut across three lanes looking back and smile that Nicole is doing the same. I call Nicole.
"Um..so I didn't know there was another one."
"I don't have money left."
"Yeah, um..well I'll go in front and pay whatever change I have and see what it amounts to."
We drive up to the booth. There is no attendant. I begin to put pennies, dimes, nickels, anything I could find in my purse into the machine. Nicole calls.
"Hi. So far I have put in $1.67, but I don't have much left."
"Ok. I found $1.40 in my purse."
"Great. You can put in the rest. I'll pull through and you can put in what you have...oh, crap."
"What?"
"If I pull through, it will use that change for me, not my fastrak, which doesn't solve our problem at all."
"Oh no, what do we do?"
"We have to back up."
So Nicole and I began to back up. As we backed out, Nicole reads a sign to me that is posted next to the booth that says, "Backing up is illegal." Oops. So we backed out, luckily there wasn't traffic. And Nicole pulls in front ready to put in her change. Nicole calls.
"Um..Jenna. Your money is gone."
"What?"
"It took the money you had put it in."
"Oh no."
"What do we do? I don't have enough money."
I pause.
"We ask other people for change."
"Are you serious?"
"What else are we going to do?"
So I proceeded to ask some nice ladies in an SUV behind me for change. This involved me getting out of my car and going back to their car. They were very nice and generously gave Nicole and I the toll. Nicole entered the money and glitch three was resolved. I am happy to say there were only three glitches and not more. We arrived at my house safe, but I have to say not laugh free. That, people, is a story for the books.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Santa Barbara
Isla Vista to be exact. Or also called IV. Ironic considering it definitely spreads like poison ivy. It grabs hold of you the minute you rub against it and walk through the city. Why? It's the college town every movie portrays, the place you always think of when you think frat party, and the atmosphere is contagious.
The first time I went to IV, I wasn't too surprised, but still felt slightly tainted at the sight of multiple college students walking down the street with cases of beer and guys smoking hookah in lawn chairs on their front yard.
My second trip to IV was a blast...except for the fact that I had to repeat myself time and time again why I didn't want to drink. You see, this was new to me. I go to Biola - a private Christian school with a Jesus mural to boot. Biola has a contract you are required to sign if you attend the university stating you will not drink while enrolled in a class. So I signed it, because I agree with it. And I want to uphold my integrity.
A weekend ago was my third trip to IV. I was not enrolled in classes at Biola and I am now 21. I entered upon IV knowing I had no excuses to not drink. And this time, IV was like poison. It was contagious. I understood why people loved it so much. Simply put, it was fun. Everything is in walking distance – great food, Starbucks, surf shops, the beach, campus, and the liquor stores. This is not to say I did not have fun my previous times in IV, however, there was a sense of freedom.
Freedom – that is the contagious ivy that holds you down and screams I can do anything. Did I do anything that would cause me to need that much freedom? No. But that’s not the point. The point is I could have. I finally saw what college students see in this city. The ability to be free, act like an adult, but not be responsible like one. IV is a place filled with people your age. You immediately are catered to. Everywhere you are, there is someone else standing next to you that is within the same age range. You are in. You belong. The problem with ivy – it poisons you. And in this case, it makes you think something completely false.
The freedom in IV is a false truth. There is a contagious smile that creeps across the student’s faces with the freedom, but the smile is hollow and empty. There is no gold at the bottom of the beer bottle or after sex with a person you met this very night. There is nothing to keep with you until you die except empty satisfaction or a guilt you may not forget. I think it may take years for some college kids to get this. And the fact is we may be adults, but we are still kids. We have freedom, but we are still learning. Ands that’s just it; IV is a learning ground, however, it is a dark one.
However, I believe there is light somewhere in that darkness. There are smiles that are whole. And there is truth within the lines of the fallacies as sun shines through a cracked door. And one day, it will shine brighter and clearer as more kids learn in the darkness and open the door to the light. That is my hope.
The first time I went to IV, I wasn't too surprised, but still felt slightly tainted at the sight of multiple college students walking down the street with cases of beer and guys smoking hookah in lawn chairs on their front yard.
My second trip to IV was a blast...except for the fact that I had to repeat myself time and time again why I didn't want to drink. You see, this was new to me. I go to Biola - a private Christian school with a Jesus mural to boot. Biola has a contract you are required to sign if you attend the university stating you will not drink while enrolled in a class. So I signed it, because I agree with it. And I want to uphold my integrity.
A weekend ago was my third trip to IV. I was not enrolled in classes at Biola and I am now 21. I entered upon IV knowing I had no excuses to not drink. And this time, IV was like poison. It was contagious. I understood why people loved it so much. Simply put, it was fun. Everything is in walking distance – great food, Starbucks, surf shops, the beach, campus, and the liquor stores. This is not to say I did not have fun my previous times in IV, however, there was a sense of freedom.
Freedom – that is the contagious ivy that holds you down and screams I can do anything. Did I do anything that would cause me to need that much freedom? No. But that’s not the point. The point is I could have. I finally saw what college students see in this city. The ability to be free, act like an adult, but not be responsible like one. IV is a place filled with people your age. You immediately are catered to. Everywhere you are, there is someone else standing next to you that is within the same age range. You are in. You belong. The problem with ivy – it poisons you. And in this case, it makes you think something completely false.
The freedom in IV is a false truth. There is a contagious smile that creeps across the student’s faces with the freedom, but the smile is hollow and empty. There is no gold at the bottom of the beer bottle or after sex with a person you met this very night. There is nothing to keep with you until you die except empty satisfaction or a guilt you may not forget. I think it may take years for some college kids to get this. And the fact is we may be adults, but we are still kids. We have freedom, but we are still learning. Ands that’s just it; IV is a learning ground, however, it is a dark one.
However, I believe there is light somewhere in that darkness. There are smiles that are whole. And there is truth within the lines of the fallacies as sun shines through a cracked door. And one day, it will shine brighter and clearer as more kids learn in the darkness and open the door to the light. That is my hope.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
E-mail.
Well, folks, I officially have another email account to join my two others. And why? Because RockHarbor decided to give me one. How cool is that?
If there is one thing RH has been good at so far, it has been making me feel like I am part of the staff. I feel as though I am not just an intern, but I am someone who is valued. And although I may be volunteering on a temporary basis, I have value to their staff and am treated like a staff member.
I do not have to get the coffee, but am offered a cup of coffee when I come in. And on top of that, I have even been shown the secret stash of the better creamers and sugars. By the time we had finished lunch, I had been ordained with a computer login and new RH email account. I feel so official. By the end of my first day, I had reviewed the entire GO campaign binder, been briefed on the heirarchy (or lack therof since everything is team), who are in which positions on staff, been introduced to anyone who came through the Green Room (Motion's office), and already began work on photos for the next issue of Motion and brainstorming themes.
And the topper, I can even check my RH email account from home on an Inside RH staff site.
Most of all, RH has given me responsibility. They trust me to do my job, but also allow me to ask questions. I feel as though I am capable of fulfilling my job responsibilties, but know I am being pushed in certain areas. I am excited, however, there is this fear in me that I will fail. That is good. It is pushing me to expand my knowledge, be prepared to learn, and prove to myself I do have a little journalistic talent, but that there is always room for more. I am excited to be scared of failing at this job. I haven't felt that in a while. And in the end, hopefully have a sense that I will succeed in this crazy world of journalism.
If there is one thing RH has been good at so far, it has been making me feel like I am part of the staff. I feel as though I am not just an intern, but I am someone who is valued. And although I may be volunteering on a temporary basis, I have value to their staff and am treated like a staff member.
I do not have to get the coffee, but am offered a cup of coffee when I come in. And on top of that, I have even been shown the secret stash of the better creamers and sugars. By the time we had finished lunch, I had been ordained with a computer login and new RH email account. I feel so official. By the end of my first day, I had reviewed the entire GO campaign binder, been briefed on the heirarchy (or lack therof since everything is team), who are in which positions on staff, been introduced to anyone who came through the Green Room (Motion's office), and already began work on photos for the next issue of Motion and brainstorming themes.
And the topper, I can even check my RH email account from home on an Inside RH staff site.
Most of all, RH has given me responsibility. They trust me to do my job, but also allow me to ask questions. I feel as though I am capable of fulfilling my job responsibilties, but know I am being pushed in certain areas. I am excited, however, there is this fear in me that I will fail. That is good. It is pushing me to expand my knowledge, be prepared to learn, and prove to myself I do have a little journalistic talent, but that there is always room for more. I am excited to be scared of failing at this job. I haven't felt that in a while. And in the end, hopefully have a sense that I will succeed in this crazy world of journalism.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Anthropologie
A homeware, bedding, clothing, and jewelry store all rolled into a cultural, visually inspiring, bejeweled shopping oasis. This is Anthropologie. I fell in love with the store a year ago. I still walk in and can get lost in the store for hours easily. It simply is serendipitous. That one dish you have been dreaming about for years, the top you could never seem to find, the bedding you always wanted - is found in this store. The women the store caters to? A stylish, sophisticated, cultural, well-versed, aware woman. Can I ask you what woman does not want to be that? I certainly do.
So when I looked for a summer job since my internship doesn't pay, what other place would I want to work than a place I enjoy to be in. I, thankfully, was hired to work at this delectable store as of today. Needless to say, I look forward to working there over the next three months. If I am not able to afford the things in the store, at least I may be inspired by them!
So when I looked for a summer job since my internship doesn't pay, what other place would I want to work than a place I enjoy to be in. I, thankfully, was hired to work at this delectable store as of today. Needless to say, I look forward to working there over the next three months. If I am not able to afford the things in the store, at least I may be inspired by them!
Friday, June 15, 2007
The party continues...
Here is an update on my butterfly friends.
Today, Jeff, Sheena (the other Motion Intern), and I went to lunch and discussed the upcoming months and what they will look like...including my role at Motion.
So what is Motion? Motion is the new publication at RockHarbor Church telling God's stories and the movement of Him in this world right now and people's lives. It is a 16 page full-color news magazine. The design and content are awesome. The second issue came out this last weekend and reading through it provokes joy, awe, and a restlessness I can't explain. Each story is so delicately written to portray what the writer is feeling through the experience and shows the stories of God through the way He works in people. How do you even write that? It's something each of these writer's and hopefully I will be continually learning to do. It has no other description than amazing.
So what is my role at Motion? To be the Production Editor. I am stoked about this. I was the Production Editor at The Chimes for the past two years, and this is a whole new take on a position I am experienced in. I also get to work closely with the designers and the photo team which excites me. I love design and photography, and of course working with people. I think I will be helping with organizing communication which it sounds like there is somewhat of a lack of in some areas of production...such as calling the printers a half hour before they are going to print. I think The Chimes printers would kill us!
So to say the least - I am thrilled to be working with a great group of people on something that will hopefully have the same affect on readers as it did on me - a joy, awe, and restlessness. A joy in hearing God's movement. An awe of Him and how He works. A restlessness to be a part of His greater story and where I fit into that.
The butterflies are restless.
Today, Jeff, Sheena (the other Motion Intern), and I went to lunch and discussed the upcoming months and what they will look like...including my role at Motion.
So what is Motion? Motion is the new publication at RockHarbor Church telling God's stories and the movement of Him in this world right now and people's lives. It is a 16 page full-color news magazine. The design and content are awesome. The second issue came out this last weekend and reading through it provokes joy, awe, and a restlessness I can't explain. Each story is so delicately written to portray what the writer is feeling through the experience and shows the stories of God through the way He works in people. How do you even write that? It's something each of these writer's and hopefully I will be continually learning to do. It has no other description than amazing.
So what is my role at Motion? To be the Production Editor. I am stoked about this. I was the Production Editor at The Chimes for the past two years, and this is a whole new take on a position I am experienced in. I also get to work closely with the designers and the photo team which excites me. I love design and photography, and of course working with people. I think I will be helping with organizing communication which it sounds like there is somewhat of a lack of in some areas of production...such as calling the printers a half hour before they are going to print. I think The Chimes printers would kill us!
So to say the least - I am thrilled to be working with a great group of people on something that will hopefully have the same affect on readers as it did on me - a joy, awe, and restlessness. A joy in hearing God's movement. An awe of Him and how He works. A restlessness to be a part of His greater story and where I fit into that.
The butterflies are restless.
Tammy: A New Friend
I pulled up to the Red Persimmon Nail Salon and stepped out. I normally frequented the nail salon closer to home, but a friend of mine told me the Red Persimmon place was nice. I walked in and was whisked away to a comfortable spa chair after picking out an orangey-coral color – perfect for summer.
After the pampering began, I rested my head back. One girl worked on my toes and another soon came to work on my in-need-of-desperate-help fingernails. I glanced at the girl working on my fingers and she kindly asked, “How are you?” in broken English. I responded “Good.” She nodded and unless she asked another question, I suspected that would be the end of our conversation. Without her knowing English, and I not knowing where she was even from, the idea of a conversation seemed lost.
Moments later, the woman working on my toes asked if I wanted some sort of treatment and pointed to my heels. Apparently, I have calloused feet. I also am in need of a great deal of waxing by her account as well. “On-y five dollar,” the girl restated. I glanced at my mom and she nodded the okay. I agreed and the next minute my feet were being tickled by a purple pumice stone. The girl working on my fingers asked me if it tickled. It took me asking her to repeat herself twice before I understood. I nodded yes. In my mind I thought, if these women come to America and live here, how do they not see the necessity to learn English? I had often wondered this before. I rolled this over in my head for a few minutes and decided to find out. I decided to strike up a conversation with the girl working on my finger nails. She looked like she was similar in age to me.
“What is your name?” I asked.
“Tammy. What is yours?” she asked.
And from there I began to learn about Tammy’s life through much repetition of sentences on both parts and moving closer as if that would help me understand the broken English better. Here is what I did find out.
Tammy is 23 and lives in Anaheim. She moved here two years ago after marrying her husband in Vietnam. He lived in America for 15 years, returned to Vietnam, married Tammy and brought her back with him. Tammy had studied accounting for two years at a university in Vietnam, however, once she moved to America she had to work. She has dreams of studying more, but can’t at this point in time. At one point in our conversation, Tammy apologized for any mistakes in her English. I waved it away with stating I didn’t know any Vietnamese. I asked if her husband was fluent in English. She said yes, but explained there wasn’t much time for him to teach her any English and it was easier for them to speak their native language to one another. Tammy then said she didn’t have any friends here either. She asked if I would be her friend. I immediately smiled and said yes. I felt honored that she would want to befriend me for some reason. She asked if I could come back and we could talk more like this and that way she would learn more English as well. I happily obliged.
I don’t believe I am singled out in my thoughts of why immigrants do not learn English when they come to America. In fact, I am positive that I have heard friends ask this repeatedly. The truth is most immigrants do not have a place to learn English. There is no one to teach them or speak to them in English on a regular basis for them to learn.
I still believe it is a necessity for American citizens to know English, whether immigrant or not, however there is truth in Tammy’s story. I studied French for four years in America and never became fluent because I simply didn’t have anyone to converse with in French. I believe it is important for immigrants to seek out someone to speak with in English to learn the language, however, what is the role of the American government in this? Why are there not mandatory English classes for immigrants, or some type of course for immigrants to take? Tammy simply didn’t have anyone to teach her English or at least did not have the time since had to work to live in America's economy.
As Americans, we are also blessed with living in such a culturally diverse arena. Why don’t more of us take time to talk to people like Tammy? To help them learn English, become more accustomed with America. Why don’t we invest in immigrants in a way to invest into our country learning more about other cultures and helping them learn more about ours?
After the pampering began, I rested my head back. One girl worked on my toes and another soon came to work on my in-need-of-desperate-help fingernails. I glanced at the girl working on my fingers and she kindly asked, “How are you?” in broken English. I responded “Good.” She nodded and unless she asked another question, I suspected that would be the end of our conversation. Without her knowing English, and I not knowing where she was even from, the idea of a conversation seemed lost.
Moments later, the woman working on my toes asked if I wanted some sort of treatment and pointed to my heels. Apparently, I have calloused feet. I also am in need of a great deal of waxing by her account as well. “On-y five dollar,” the girl restated. I glanced at my mom and she nodded the okay. I agreed and the next minute my feet were being tickled by a purple pumice stone. The girl working on my fingers asked me if it tickled. It took me asking her to repeat herself twice before I understood. I nodded yes. In my mind I thought, if these women come to America and live here, how do they not see the necessity to learn English? I had often wondered this before. I rolled this over in my head for a few minutes and decided to find out. I decided to strike up a conversation with the girl working on my finger nails. She looked like she was similar in age to me.
“What is your name?” I asked.
“Tammy. What is yours?” she asked.
And from there I began to learn about Tammy’s life through much repetition of sentences on both parts and moving closer as if that would help me understand the broken English better. Here is what I did find out.
Tammy is 23 and lives in Anaheim. She moved here two years ago after marrying her husband in Vietnam. He lived in America for 15 years, returned to Vietnam, married Tammy and brought her back with him. Tammy had studied accounting for two years at a university in Vietnam, however, once she moved to America she had to work. She has dreams of studying more, but can’t at this point in time. At one point in our conversation, Tammy apologized for any mistakes in her English. I waved it away with stating I didn’t know any Vietnamese. I asked if her husband was fluent in English. She said yes, but explained there wasn’t much time for him to teach her any English and it was easier for them to speak their native language to one another. Tammy then said she didn’t have any friends here either. She asked if I would be her friend. I immediately smiled and said yes. I felt honored that she would want to befriend me for some reason. She asked if I could come back and we could talk more like this and that way she would learn more English as well. I happily obliged.
I don’t believe I am singled out in my thoughts of why immigrants do not learn English when they come to America. In fact, I am positive that I have heard friends ask this repeatedly. The truth is most immigrants do not have a place to learn English. There is no one to teach them or speak to them in English on a regular basis for them to learn.
I still believe it is a necessity for American citizens to know English, whether immigrant or not, however there is truth in Tammy’s story. I studied French for four years in America and never became fluent because I simply didn’t have anyone to converse with in French. I believe it is important for immigrants to seek out someone to speak with in English to learn the language, however, what is the role of the American government in this? Why are there not mandatory English classes for immigrants, or some type of course for immigrants to take? Tammy simply didn’t have anyone to teach her English or at least did not have the time since had to work to live in America's economy.
As Americans, we are also blessed with living in such a culturally diverse arena. Why don’t more of us take time to talk to people like Tammy? To help them learn English, become more accustomed with America. Why don’t we invest in immigrants in a way to invest into our country learning more about other cultures and helping them learn more about ours?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Double Fudge Chocolate Brownie
A friend of mine recently said he was sad because life is quite clearly a double fudge chocolate brownie, and we focus on how fattening that is.
If there was anyone who looked at life as a double fudge chocolate brownie, it was my Grandmother. And let me tell you, she never focused on how fattening brownies – or any type of chocolate was – for that matter. She embarked upon every adventure in her life with enthusiasm and optimism. She had a strong soul and lived a healthy, audacious life. As my Dad’s cousin stated, “She was a strong old bird.” And that she was. She flew through life with steadiness and courage, taking it in and never forgetting to look at every hue a flower’s petal held or reading every piece of literature in sight.
She consumed life like it was chocolate and held it dear to her heart. I'll never forget driving home with her a year ago and I put in Rihanna's CD. She and I danced for an entire song. I was half in shock I was dancing with my 92 year old Grandmother and half realized; that was just Grandma.
Her uplifting smile and laugh made me admire her strength and devotion to uplifting God. My Grandma’s two daughters both passed away at a young age, and she outlived all her friends and husband, yet she had marched on with a smile. The only explanation for her living so long is her optimistic life and eyes to the Lord. So at a ripe age of 93, she passed, and I will miss her dearly, but I will never forget her devotion and adventurous, joyous life. She has inspired me to live a similar life; devoted to the Lord and not scared to try that double fudge chocolate brownie life.
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Evelyn Bartlo: I love this picture of her. She is beautiful.
If there was anyone who looked at life as a double fudge chocolate brownie, it was my Grandmother. And let me tell you, she never focused on how fattening brownies – or any type of chocolate was – for that matter. She embarked upon every adventure in her life with enthusiasm and optimism. She had a strong soul and lived a healthy, audacious life. As my Dad’s cousin stated, “She was a strong old bird.” And that she was. She flew through life with steadiness and courage, taking it in and never forgetting to look at every hue a flower’s petal held or reading every piece of literature in sight.
She consumed life like it was chocolate and held it dear to her heart. I'll never forget driving home with her a year ago and I put in Rihanna's CD. She and I danced for an entire song. I was half in shock I was dancing with my 92 year old Grandmother and half realized; that was just Grandma.
Her uplifting smile and laugh made me admire her strength and devotion to uplifting God. My Grandma’s two daughters both passed away at a young age, and she outlived all her friends and husband, yet she had marched on with a smile. The only explanation for her living so long is her optimistic life and eyes to the Lord. So at a ripe age of 93, she passed, and I will miss her dearly, but I will never forget her devotion and adventurous, joyous life. She has inspired me to live a similar life; devoted to the Lord and not scared to try that double fudge chocolate brownie life.
.jpg)
Evelyn Bartlo: I love this picture of her. She is beautiful.
A New Kind of Party
"Hi. Jenna?"
"This is she."
"Hi. This is Jeff from RockHarbor."
"Hi Jeff!"
"I have some bad news for you."
"Ok..." My stomach just did a flip.
"Well...You are going to have to get to know all of us in the Communications department at RockHarbor over the next couple months."
At this point of the conversation the voice inside my head was screaming, "Yes! Yes! Yes!", and if I hadn't been in the grocery store, I would have been jumping up and down.
I laughed and said, "I think I can handle that."
"Great, because we would love to have you as part of the team here if you are still interested.." and so went the convo.
I got the internship! I am so stoked! Now the butterflies are flying in excitement and I am partying with them. I start this next week with orientation to learn their expectations and my role as an intern. Amidst the turmoil going on at home and working everything out for my Grandmother's funeral, this was great news!
ps. I will send an update on how my new friends - the butterflies, are doing after Thursday.
"This is she."
"Hi. This is Jeff from RockHarbor."
"Hi Jeff!"
"I have some bad news for you."
"Ok..." My stomach just did a flip.
"Well...You are going to have to get to know all of us in the Communications department at RockHarbor over the next couple months."
At this point of the conversation the voice inside my head was screaming, "Yes! Yes! Yes!", and if I hadn't been in the grocery store, I would have been jumping up and down.
I laughed and said, "I think I can handle that."
"Great, because we would love to have you as part of the team here if you are still interested.." and so went the convo.
I got the internship! I am so stoked! Now the butterflies are flying in excitement and I am partying with them. I start this next week with orientation to learn their expectations and my role as an intern. Amidst the turmoil going on at home and working everything out for my Grandmother's funeral, this was great news!
ps. I will send an update on how my new friends - the butterflies, are doing after Thursday.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Butterflies
Since attending college, I have interviewed for 9 different jobs or positions on campus and off campus. My first interview was to be a SOS leader. I was nervous. My palms were sweaty, my stomach felt slightly twisted, and I was praying with all my might that I wouldn't say something stupid. However, I walked out confident and after being rejected at first was then accepted to be a leader.
According to my butteflies once again, I was nervous for the next interviews I had, which subsequently one was for SOS Director, but felt as though I could trust God to guide me through. As I walked through the interviews and application processes over the past years, I received some of the positions I applied for and didn't receive some as one would have it. However, one thing I did receive after attending the first interview and each thereafter was a higher sense of confidence. I felt as though I had heard as many interview questions one could ever hear and was well prepared to answer them. I stumbled every once in a while, but was able to pick my words back up and keep going.
Well, yesterday would mark my 10th interview since being at college. The interview was for an internship at RockHarbor Church. And for the first time since that first interview, I was nervous. My hands weren't sweaty, but I definitely felt those butterflies. I walked into the interview and was followed by three young men who worked at RockHarbor. It was probably one of the most laidback interviews I have ever been in. Each of the guys was wearing t-shirts, jeans and flip flops — my normal attire. For the interview though, I had dressed in a trendy, but professional dress and heels. I immediately felt out of character, but was reassured by their relaxed behavior it wouldn't matter.
However, as laid back as the interview was, for the first time since that SOS interview, I could not kick the butterflies out. I left the interview and immediately began thinking over every little thing I said, trying to remember when I rambled and what they smiled at and didn't smile at for that matter. I still have butterflies as I write about it right now. The funny thing is I've felt more prepared to do every other position I've applied for whether or not I had experience. The position at RH is a journalism position, something I have been training to do for the past three years, and I feel as though I'm not capable of doing it. The irony of the whole situation is quite hilarious when I have a chance to subside the butterflies. I'm even half tempted to take an internship in Georgia I was offered, because I'm scared to know whether or not I got the internship at RH. Is this a question of faith in myself or just the fact that I deeply feel called to the internship at RH?
On a lighter note, I can't wait to find out, so the butterflies can party elsewhere.
According to my butteflies once again, I was nervous for the next interviews I had, which subsequently one was for SOS Director, but felt as though I could trust God to guide me through. As I walked through the interviews and application processes over the past years, I received some of the positions I applied for and didn't receive some as one would have it. However, one thing I did receive after attending the first interview and each thereafter was a higher sense of confidence. I felt as though I had heard as many interview questions one could ever hear and was well prepared to answer them. I stumbled every once in a while, but was able to pick my words back up and keep going.
Well, yesterday would mark my 10th interview since being at college. The interview was for an internship at RockHarbor Church. And for the first time since that first interview, I was nervous. My hands weren't sweaty, but I definitely felt those butterflies. I walked into the interview and was followed by three young men who worked at RockHarbor. It was probably one of the most laidback interviews I have ever been in. Each of the guys was wearing t-shirts, jeans and flip flops — my normal attire. For the interview though, I had dressed in a trendy, but professional dress and heels. I immediately felt out of character, but was reassured by their relaxed behavior it wouldn't matter.
However, as laid back as the interview was, for the first time since that SOS interview, I could not kick the butterflies out. I left the interview and immediately began thinking over every little thing I said, trying to remember when I rambled and what they smiled at and didn't smile at for that matter. I still have butterflies as I write about it right now. The funny thing is I've felt more prepared to do every other position I've applied for whether or not I had experience. The position at RH is a journalism position, something I have been training to do for the past three years, and I feel as though I'm not capable of doing it. The irony of the whole situation is quite hilarious when I have a chance to subside the butterflies. I'm even half tempted to take an internship in Georgia I was offered, because I'm scared to know whether or not I got the internship at RH. Is this a question of faith in myself or just the fact that I deeply feel called to the internship at RH?
On a lighter note, I can't wait to find out, so the butterflies can party elsewhere.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Chimes Nights Continued
So I wrote the following paragraph on the night I officially took over as Editor-in-Chief of The Chimes newspaper. It was saved in my blog drafts until now, since it has redeemed itself to be current news with my current situation.
A month ago in the office:
It is 4:50 am in the morning. I am currently at work still. I was called back to the office by the printers whom informed me that our PDF files didn't "go through." Well..they had gone through, however, unfortunately for me, the man working isn't computer savvy enough or willing to look for them in the folder I uploaded them to. Him nor I are in a great mood at 4:50 in the morning. Him more than I, so here I am, back at the office about to fall asleep over the key pad and waiting for the pages to go through a second time. And all I can think about are those status bars on facebook that say where you are. Mine continually reads "Jenna is...wondering why she took a job that may require her to stay awake until 5 am some nights."
Now in my kitchen at home:
It is now summer and I am currently wondering why I am at home at 12:30 am working on Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) contest entries instead of out with friends. My status bar reads "Jenna is...wondering why she took a job that requires her to work this late during the summer."
However, in my imaginary world of second status bars, the second one reads "Jenna is...excited for The Chimes to hopefully win awards next year and improve in the collegiate journalism world."
The second status bar would be why I took a job like this...and I should probably also count in the fact that I am crazy.
A month ago in the office:
It is 4:50 am in the morning. I am currently at work still. I was called back to the office by the printers whom informed me that our PDF files didn't "go through." Well..they had gone through, however, unfortunately for me, the man working isn't computer savvy enough or willing to look for them in the folder I uploaded them to. Him nor I are in a great mood at 4:50 in the morning. Him more than I, so here I am, back at the office about to fall asleep over the key pad and waiting for the pages to go through a second time. And all I can think about are those status bars on facebook that say where you are. Mine continually reads "Jenna is...wondering why she took a job that may require her to stay awake until 5 am some nights."
Now in my kitchen at home:
It is now summer and I am currently wondering why I am at home at 12:30 am working on Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) contest entries instead of out with friends. My status bar reads "Jenna is...wondering why she took a job that requires her to work this late during the summer."
However, in my imaginary world of second status bars, the second one reads "Jenna is...excited for The Chimes to hopefully win awards next year and improve in the collegiate journalism world."
The second status bar would be why I took a job like this...and I should probably also count in the fact that I am crazy.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Maddy and MJ: Two New Joys
This weekend was a tearful one. My grandmother passed away this past week, however, as God would have it; we got two surprises. We went to Fresno to make arrangements for the funeral and stayed in my Grandmother's house as we have many times. The neighbors continued to stop by the house and tell us how much they loved her. One of the neighbors came over and informed us she had two maincoon kittens. We went to visit them and fell in love, and as you guessed, we brought them home with us. These are our two new joys: Madeleine (Maddy) and Mary Jane (MJ).
Maddy and MJ in their new bed.
Feeding Madeleine.
How cute is she?
I'm in love...
Holding the lovelies. Maddy (left) and MJ (right).
Maddy and MJ in their new bed.
Feeding Madeleine.
How cute is she?
I'm in love...
Holding the lovelies. Maddy (left) and MJ (right).
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