Politics and the Economy

Every time I turn on the TV to or read any news website, I just can't get away from the political and economic happenings today in our country. I was raised with conservative values-very conservative if compared to most of the liberal media. And with the crisis we are in today as a country (and world) I am glad that my parents taught me to save and spend only what I have. I look at these kids on TV that they interview who get all the things on their "want list" even though they would identify these things as needs. These kids just expect to get what they ask for. They do not appreciate or take care of the extra stuff because if something happens to it, they know they will get another one. When I grew up, I knew the difference between a want and a need, and how to appreciate the wants when I got them. Don't get me wrong, I had many of my wants to (I mean I did get my Easy Bake Oven when I was 23!), but my parents taught me to know how much stuff costs and how to manage my money and my wants so that I did not get spoiled. I think that had I received all my wants I wouldn't value them and take care of them. I hope that when I have kids one day, I can help them understand what they need and what they want, and not enable them to "expect" everything to be handed to them.

I also appreciate the fact that my parents allowed me to think and make decisions based on researched facts in politics. I remember as a young child, dad and mom would vote every year and mom would freely tell who she voted for when asked. Dad, however, said, "Voting is a personal choice and you don't have to share your vote with anyone." Looking back this may be just a lesson he was trying to teach us (like the "you're old enough for your wants not to hurt you") or if he was just trying to hide the fact that he votes similar to his parents who are strong democrats. Either way-I learned that a person should take pride in the right and privilege to vote. I like the fact that my extended family, more times than not, has differing opinions and viewpoints than that which I typically follow. I enjoy hearing all their reasons and disagreements with the candidates even if we go and vote differently. They have taught me that my opinion is just as valid as theirs and even though we agree to disagree, we are still family.

In the end, I know that God is in control of this world along with its finances and politics. Whatever is to come, God will be there with us and for us. It seems weird that as I have gone through struggles and just the plain unknown in my life, it is hard for me to see God's hand beside me. But looking back, I can see where his hand touched my life in all my times of uncertainty and pain. Right now, I am praying that he will open up some positive job opportunities for me and that I will continue to trust his guidance and not take on the pathway where my life is heading all by myself.

Ike and Febreze

So...we moved to Texas...and along came Ike. Yes...it was my second experience with a hurricane and Jason's first. We went to a friends house for a Hurricane Party (because isn't that what hurricanes are for?) and hung out with 11 people, 3 dogs, and 1 cat. Before the storm actually hit, a dead tree fell in the back yard from the increased wind speed:

It was rather exciting...because we saw it come down and were able to clean it up with the help of some neighbors jumping the fence to lend a saw. Then later that night, the real storm came with the lovely train noise winds and of course...the power outage. We lost power until Monday afternoon but we were blessed to be able to stay with some other friends at their 3 bedroom apartment...that's right all 11 people, 3 dogs, and 1 cat moved in for a few days. We were very grateful to have some place with air conditioning to stay and shower. Now the power is back on, the trees are starting to be cleared, and the TV is broadcasting things other than Ike recovery.

Even though storms are not something you wish for, it was a good time for us to hang out with new people and be thankful that it wasn't as bad as predicted. We went back to church today (last week it was closed) and the pastor put it interestingly that when some things, like storms, happen in your life, you take notice of those things most important and spend time building those relationships that your life otherwise tends to push out because you are "busy." It was also nice that God brought a cold front through so that our normal steamy days turned into breezy fall ones for the week when many people were without power. It also makes one appreciate this wonderful century that we live in...I mean what would we do all day with out instant connection to the outside world...we have so much that we take for granted.

On another note...our dog Evee, the incredibly smart border collie, has developed this interesting reaction to air freshener. I guess the dog on their commercials did not have to have too much training...just a few takes. Here she is:

I personally think we have found the answer to a lingering question. We have always wondered why our other dog needs baths every week and Evee just needs about one a month. Guess this is the answer...also notice that she freshens her breath too! Hope you all are having a great week!

-Jenni

PS-Here are some cool sky shots of the calm before the storm: (This must be proof that God is a Clemson Fan!)

Texas Pics

This is about 10 pm on the night we drove in...little did we know about an hour later, the entire freeway was closed. What a day!

This is Madison Webb, who is one of my new "favorite friends", as she puts it. We went to Galveston one afternoon and spent the day on the "beach." It was not Myrtle but it was also not a 5 hour drive either!

This is the reason we decided to move to Texas, the Webb Family. Brain (who Jason works with) and Kitty and their kids, Austin, Alex, Madison, and Zoe (Tilly's and Evee's new friend dog)

Roomates, Growing Up and Catching UP

So, now that we have moved, it is interesting that as we meet many new people our age and in our stage of life, we are still the minority when it comes to still being DINKs (Dual Income No Kids). I have found out over the last month that more people I know are pregnant, specifically my roomates. I am so happy for them, but I still find myself (and Jason for that matter) just not ready for that BIG step. As Jason and I go through many changes in our lives, I hope that we will continue to be content in each other and where we are currently. Sometimes, I get caught up in the "what is coming next?" train of thought and forget to appreciate all that God is allowing me to experience and be in the here and now. I have grown up always preparing for the next big thing, but not really enjoying the journey along the way. I strive to now take each day, get accomplished what I can, but revel in the joy of the life that God is giving me, not knowing how long I have to appreciate this place and this time. So for an update on our lives....

Jason is loving his new position and all that he is learning. He loves figuring out these new problems as he works with new website material. We both are loving Texas. The weather is not much different than South Carolina, except that we get enough rain to not worry about drought restrictions. It is a little more humid and just a slight bit hotter, but not unbearable. The one thing that is really different is how flat the land looks. You see a traffic light ahead, but you really don't need to slow down for that red light because by the time you get there, it could be green.

As many of you know, I had a less than stellar year last year and I am enjoying a life of less stress right now. I am not really sure what I am going to be doing for the long haul but I trust that God has it all figured out. I was working at Barnes and Noble but we decided that the weekend time apart from each other is not really what we want for our marriage. So...on to something different. We are looking to get involved in a church and hang out with people to get to know the area.

Tilly and Evee are doing great too. They love laying around, playing outside, swimming, and being cuddled by every new human they meet. Right now, though, then need baths and Tilly really needs some quality time with the razor.

Please post something back here so I know if you are reading this or if I am just writing to myself. Have a great day!

The Lone Star State

Jason and I have arrived, moved in, and started our life here in Texas. We made it here in one day. We started our trip July 10 at 6:00 am and arrived at 12:30am on Friday morning. Needless to say, we were not sad to say goodbye to the Penske truck the next day! So far, so good. It is a little hotter here but other than that, not too much different. I am having some sweet tea withdrawals but Panera Bread still serves my favorite beverage! Evee and Tillman have made themselves at home, and even like Jason's partner's dog, Zoe. We were really surprised that Tilly was a nice girl, but she made herself a new little friend. I started working 2 weeks ago at my new job at Barnes and Nobel and I love the new atmosphere. It is so funny and welcoming that I had never even met anyone who hired me but now it is like I have a whole new family of friends at work just 2 weeks later. We open our store this week so it will be a busy one, but a fun one.

The move is on!

So...after putting our house on the market for about 2 1/2 weeks, we have a buyer! This is really exciting and sad at the same time. We should close on June 27th which is a whole month sooner than we thought...but the house is sold! We have had great memories here but we are moving on to a new adventure in the big state of Texas. Also-so other disappointing news (just for Jenni) we are going to use a moving truck and not the PODS unit. I was so hoping to use PODS because they look sooooo cool. But it is almost five grand to get one. So we are going to get a truck, park it for a few days while we visit family and friends, then drive out to our new home in Texas. Let me know if you have some fav must have road songs for me and the dogs and Jason. That's all for now. I am off to pack and reorganize our stuff.

So...Moving on...to Texas

So, the reason that I decided that we needed to start a blog in the first place is the topic of this particular blog. So today, Jason resigned his job effective May 16, 2008. The plan, now that I have also resigned my job effective the end of my school year, is to sell the house, and move to Texas. We are going to be relocating to the Sugar Land area, which is southwest of Houston. While there are many steps ahead, we are both excited about the journey ahead of us. One of our first steps to starting the moving process was getting new cell phones today-with Texas numbers. If you want them...just email us!