Posted in The Home Front

por·ti·co/ˈpôrdəˌkō/.

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

Definition: noun. a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.

My porticos (past and present):

I’ve only lived in two houses that had a porch. The first was a nice covered porch. The full length of the house. 7 white columns which upheld the covered roofing of the porch (I always hated that there was an uneven number). No railings between the columns but definitely a 1’ drop from the porch to the ground. On occasion porch sitting, after a long day of work, with kids playing in the front yard would happen. I’d try to gulp down a steaming hot cup of coffee. I say “try” because… Well. Because. I hate coffee. There, I said it! I have tried over and over to like it but I just Do Not! Anyway, at that time I didn’t realize how much I’d grow to love porch sitting.

Fast forward 3 years or so…And I now have the second home with a covered porch. I call it a home; it’s an apartment. An apartment which is the basement of a home. A split level home, where the top floor has tenants as does the bottom. Confusing I know. Anyway, what is considered my “front” porch, is actually below the top floor tenants’ covered back porch. Further confusion. …but it’s absolutely lovely. It’s tiled flooring, which I love, because no fear of splinters if you’re without shoes. It has 4 circular columns, which line the edge of the porch to the yard. Parallel to the columns is the exterior of the red brick home, with a large 2-panel window with white shutters. Then a full glass wall / door into the “entry way” of my home. I’ve added a rug, a couch, and a fire pit (which I’ve wanted for a while and finally bought for myself this last year). And to top it all off, I’ve lined the white ceiling with outdoor bulb lights for evening time porch-sitting. Side Note: I’m still trying to outsource the work of hanging a TV for music or even movie watching but have yet to find anyone willing to do this task. Anyway, this home, this porch, is by far probably my most favorite place on earth. Aside from the beach (keep that in mind, as you’ll want to remember that for later in this post). One of my favorite humans even calls it “The Happy Place.”

Why? Why do I enjoy the portico?

So, now that you can picture the porch you’re sitting within, in your mind, I can actually write the post I set out to write. Whew! Like I mentioned, I didn’t realize that those initial porch moments would grow into my porch now being my favorite spot in my entire home. Growing up, I was never, and still am not, an outdoorsy person. I don’t love to hike or bike. I don’t like to camp. I don’t like to fish or play sports outdoors. I have allergies which make me crazy if I’m outside for too long. Really, the closest thing to me enjoying being outside is riding in a convertible with the top down. (Sad, I know). However, as I moved into this home, I knew something special had to come of this porch; hence adding the rug and couch.

When I first moved in, and still now, I sweep the porch. At least weekly, sometimes more pending the dirt build up, etc… Keep in mind it’s actually a long porch, and therefore takes some time to sweep. However, I love to sweep it. I own a leaf blower which would be so fast and efficient, especially with 3 kids, but I’ve never used it. Not once in the 8 months I’ve lived there. Sweeping, Ive discovered, on my porch, helps clear my head. And…I get to be in my favorite spot a little longer. Sometimes just me and my thoughts. And sometimes, if it’s been an icky day, I can escape and sweep away all the negativity. And breathe.

And today. Today I spent ALL day out there. In “the happy place.”

Not sweeping all day. Ha! I’d be a crazy person if I did that. I mean, I did sweep at the end of the day, but the morning, I simply started off my “work from home” day, in the crisp spring air, laptop in hand and sunshine glistening off the freshly mowed (from the day before-otherwise I’d been sneezing up a storm) grass. My kids got there and we continued to just stay on the porch/yard. Not necessarily on purpose. It just, happened.

Starting the day!!
Rain-Made creek
Evening activities❤️

We ate lunch, snacks, and dinner out there. I finished my work day out there. They climbed trees and ran races and jumped in the “rain-made” creek I now have in the back yard. And even after dinner and after creek-jumping, as bath-time rotation started, we stayed. And we cranked up the fire pit and plugged in the bulb lights and roasted marshmallows. And I swept.

And as I was sweeping, my daughter said “oh I love this, it’s like the beach!” (And remember from earlier, I love the beach). I stopped. I smiled. I said, “yes dear, it is!” And just like that, I’ve definitely created a “happy place.” It’s freeing and simple and warm and refreshing. Just like the “beach” vibes give to us when we are there.

So, my conclusion: our portico is our “portal” to our “beach” (mindset at least). I LOVE that. And I love even more, that my kids sense and feel and love it as much as mom!

Posted in Random Ramblings

What to write?

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

There are so many articles and thoughts and memes and posts to read write now. Especially since we’ve all been given the gift of time; extracurricular activities are cancelled, schools are closed, sports are suspended, restaurants and such are take-out only, and we are to practice “social distancing.” Which alternatively means, now we can watch all those shows we’ve been trying to binge on Netflix for weeks (like YOU in my case) or we are taking walks (almost everyday!) or we simply scroll social media for the latest COVID-19 update and case numbers (20x a day).

So as I sit here, I wonder. What is it that people would want to read write now.

Do you want to hear words of encouragement. Do you want something to distract you, like a post about music or make-up. Do you want a book review (well, tough luck on this page because I haven’t read any to review lately LOL). Do you want to hear more truths on the matter of what we’re facing.

With all that in mind, I simply decided to note my quarantine life thus far. Maybe that’s interesting. Maybe not! Oh well.

Day 1- Monday March 16, which was supposed to be a travel day for me and prep for an important German visitor, turned into working from home, doing conference calls about our preparations and proactive planning for Coronavirus impacts to our business, eating ALL day, a walk at the park, and cooking Turkey Bolognese with carrots and celery (and other ingredients of course). Combined with watching “Contagion”. While that may seem a little twisted watching such a movie given what we are facing with COVID-19, it was so good. Very enlightening about how quickly germs spread! A Must see!!

Day 2- Tuesday. Working from home. More conference calls. More emails. No walk because it was pouring rain. Cooking Turkey stroganoff. And watching “Uncut Gems” .

Day 3- Wednesday. Working from home. BUT…today I got actual work done instead of just meetings (yay!). Today, I ventured into the outside world…the dump and picked up my prescription a. Then a short walk. Cooked pasta + Turkey meatballs (you see a theme here…) and watched “Outbreak”. Another movie about a deadly virus that spreads quickly. Another must see, if I say so myself.

Day 4-Thursday. Working from home, but on my awesome porch. It was such a nice day! Perfect for outdoor working. A nice walk in the park. Leftovers!! No cooking. Thank the Lord, I was getting exhausted (haha-if you don’t know, I don’t really like to cook). Then watched ESPNs 30 for 30, “Fantastic Lies” about the Duke lacrosse case from 2006. Very good!

Day 5- Friday. Worked from home until after 5! I know it’s Friday! But anyway. Picked up groceries and a swing set I had ordered for my kids. Cooked Turkey Tacos (delicious btw). Watched, what I’ve been told are two classics: King Pin and Hot Tub Time Machine.

Day 6-Saturday. Slept until 11:30am. It. Was. Glorious. And the rest of the day includes getting gas, a walk, and hanging out with one of my dear friends at my home (staying 6’ away from each other) binge watching Netflix.

Day 7-Cleaning. Laundry. Meal planning for the week (this is my first time doing this, so fingers crossed-hahaha). Spending the evening bathing and hanging out with my sweet babies.

So yes. A week with very limited exposure to the outside. Lots of patience in learning how to work from home, daily. More cooking in one week then I have done my whole life. And LOTS of movies and documentaries, including a couple I didn’t mention…no idea when they fit into the week, but somehow they did: ESPN 30 for 30 Micheal Vick’s documentary—which I do recommend. Horrible Bosses movie. Parks and Recreation episodes. 12 Monkeys movie.

As we enter week 2, Stay safe and healthy. And enjoy outdoors and family time.

Posted in Jesus Jabbers

In uncertainty: Love ’em Like Jesus

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

March 21, 2020

Today as I woke up and fianlly decided to get out of bed and start my day, I did what probably most of us are likely doing in the circumstances we are facing with COVID-19,  I started scrolling Facebook.

As I did, I came across posts of Churches moving to online opportunities, so you can still attend, just via a screen from the comfort of your couch.  I saw posts of people sharing scripture or asking “what scriptures are you leaning on” during this season of life where we are facing many uncertainties.  I also came across several Coronavirus updates; another case for our county, government mandates, and finally one that said 627 people had died in Italy from Coronavirus from Friday-Saturday (24 hours!).  That one stopped me in my tracks.  I was shocked. Stunned.  I’m sure there have been numbers like that before in China or other countries, but today, it stood out even more.

I finally was able to scroll on and when I did, I came across a post from Natalie Grant.  Her and her husband were sitting at the piano and while he played she sang to Jesus, in the simplistic ways of her worshiping her heavenly father.  The video had a few different songs and lasted about 10 minutes; it was beautiful.  Bernie, her husband, plays the piano in the most brilliant of ways and her singing with him was simply a work of art, one that helped bring some solace for me in that moment.

As I continued to listen, I thought to myself, why is this happening?  Why couldn’t this outbreak have been quarantined immediately, why wasn’t it stopped?  Natalie sang words of “letting the storms be tamed and that everything that comes against us be bound by Jesus’ name.”

As I kept listening to the words of the songs, songs I even know and worship to, I wondered what about the person who doesn’t know Jesus would say as they are watching this.  “this” being this video of worship or posts about online opportunities to watch your pastor or scriptures.  What is in their head?  Are they saying “but Jesus let the storm come and rage against us”?

So I text one of my dear friends…”I’m a Christian.  You’re a Christian.  We love Jesus.  People are saying it’s time for the Church to rise up.  But…if i was a non-believer, my first question would be, ‘if your God is a God of Love, why is He allowing this.  People are dying.’ and so what do we say”

SIDE NOTE:  Before you crucify me with your comments, please think about how you came to know Jesus.  Some of us were raised in church, it was our upbringing.  That’s why we know and act and do what we do today.  So please keep in mind that “non-believers” doesn’t always mean those with addictions who we want to classify or assume that they have shunned Jesus”.  No, sometimes “non believer” simply means they grew up in a homelife that wasn’t as fortunate as some of ours.  So simply put, lets just be heartfelt and open for a moment about the “non believer,” because we were all that at some point.

As we chatted and I continued to ask other folks this same type of question:  why is this all happening.  I got answers like “this IS the end time”, or perhaps only “signs” of the end times, and also maybe it’s simply to “get our attention”.  That we as a people are too focused on ourselves (#selfish) and our lives, and we need to slow down.

As this days begins to end, I came to my own conclusion of sorts.  I don’t think I’d have an answer for the non believer who would ask me why Jesus is letting this happen.  Because from my heavy heart today, I don’t want to be a person that scared them into knowing Jesus or scares them away, I think I would simply be honest and say, “I don’t know, I have that same question myself.  But what I do know, is that He is still God of this world” (and use examples in my own life that reminds me daily, He’s still there, and share those).

I think what’s most important in this very critical season we face, is that we, “we” the Church, “we” the Christians, “we” the ones that know Jesus, have to love like Jesus loved.  That’s all.   It sounds so simple, I know.  But Jesus was simple.  He didn’t necessarly share with folks things that would scare them.  I feel like by telling anyone “it’s the end of times and you need to know Jesus” or more or less trying to “scare” them to know our loving God, is not going to work.  The way in which the Church should rise up, is by being the literal “hands and feet” of Jesus; which is what we are called to do afterall.  We can take lunches or coffee or gloves or supplies to those on the frontlines.  You can cook a meal for that elderly person down the street that you know doesn’t know Jesus.  You can call and check in on your co-workers that you now don’t get to see because of shut downs or working from home office.  You can share your toilet paper! (Because seriously people, if we love Jesus and aren’t sharing TP, we got problems-LOL).

So I hope today, that somehow this post simply urges you to share with those around you, in some way/shape/act/form, how Jesus simply loves you daily.

Stay Safe and Healthy.

 

 

Posted in Random Ramblings

Ice Cream (and Life). Is it really this hard?

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

Have you ever gone to the store looking for 1 thing? And I’m not talking about the trips to Target where you go in to look for 1 home décor item and $129.33 later, you’re leaving the store. I’m talking, 8:25pm on a Tuesday night, when all the kids have passed out finally, and you’re sitting on the couch about to binge watch the latest episode of Big Little Lies or Stranger Things (I have watched neither of these, even though one of my best girls is trying her darndest to get me to), and you get a ‘hankerin’ for ice cream! (And yes, here in the South, Hankerin’ is a word! You legit have 1 goal, and 1 goal only: get in and out in record time! You want no one seeing you, so you are definitely going to self-checkout to avoid ANY and ALL small talk, and you simply want to be back on your couch with ice cream in hand, watching mind-numbing television to escape reality. THAT’s the trip to the store I’m talking about!

This was me a few nights ago! Except, I am on the phone with one of my girlfriends (Hint—If you really want to avoid small talk on this trip to the store, being on your phone helps!) and once I find the ice cream section (no judgement – I hate Grocery shopping) this is what I’m faced with…

DLXS5756

Creamy. Non-fat. Frozen Yogurt. Gelato. Premium. Creamier. Creamier Churn.

O.M.G.

…I didn’t realize there were so many kinds of ice cream! So many options. TOO many options.

As I’m on the phone I literally yell to my girlfriend…”is it this hard to find chocolate Friggin’ ice cream! I mean I have to read the entire box just to ensure I don’t buy a non-sugar, non-fat, non-dairy version…because tonight, tonight in my desire to escape reality, I NEED REAL, SUGARY, FATTENING ice cream. And not just any ice cream…chocolate. Not Fudgy-chocolate. Not Chocolate Ripple. Not Moose tracks. Just PLAIN CHOCOLATE.”

IS IT REALLY THIS HARD?

“yes”

What?  That’s not what you’re supposed to say!  I just want chocolate ice cream and you’re confirming it is this hard to simply buy Chocolate ice cream.

“it’s like life though, too many options”

So yeah, buying ice cream, scanning all the options, then needing to read all content on the front of the package…is just like life.

Great! (*sarcastic tone*)

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in B-E-A-Utiful

Beauty Tips and Tricks

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson
  • “Do you just wake up looking amazing??”
  • “You look good in anything!”
  • “How do you always look so put together?”

These are some of the comments I get from different ladies or friends of mine.

Please know this is not a post to brag on myself, even though it certainly sounds like it is… However, I got to thinking.  Why not write a quick Beauty Blog Post and share some of the tips and tricks I use, which help me look “put together” on the daily.

Before we dive into the list, do you remember this:

K.I.S.S. ???

Keep It Simple Stupid.  Practice that in your beauty routine!  It will save you time, money, and energy you may not have (especially if you have kids!)

–>Here’s a quick shot of the products I use daily.  The numbers will coincide with the “Face” section below.img_6036

~Hot Shower!  Ladies!  I take a steaming Hot Shower Every. Single. Day.  I have since…well forever! If I don’t…I am the grumpiest person you’ll ever meet!  Even if it’s a short 3 minute shower or I get a full 10 minutes to myself, that Hot Water, first thing in the morning, …it makes all the difference!

~Hair.

  1. Scrunchy.  Here lately since I’ve been growing my hair out and it’s still not quite long enough for daily messy buns,  I do the “scrunchy” style.  Right out of the shower, I put some gel in and then for about the next 5 days, No washing! (it’s fabulous!)  All I do daily is spray some dry shampoo to the roots.  Dampen my hair with water.   Spray in Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray.  Done!img_6035
  2. Straight. On the days where I actually straighten my hair, I can usually go without washing it for 3 days. (Do you see the trend?  How can I save time!)  Day 1 = Perfect.  Day 2 – Add some dry shampoo to the roots and run a straightener through it.  Day 3 – Ponytail.  But not just any ponytail.  I actually spend a few minutes teasing the roots for a small “bump” and make sure no stray pieces are hanging loose (Ladies–it only takes a few seconds to put in some bobby pins…#justsayin).img_6032

~Face.  First…Everything I use can be purchased at Walmart and I have NO SHAME in that!  (I used to use Clinique and high=end brands, but once you have 3 kids that gotta eat, you cut corners anyway you can-haha!)

    1. I start with moisturizing my face and then apply foundation.  I prefer a full coverage for the long-lasting wear-ability because my days are LONG and HARD!  However…I do not have a go-to brand.  Currently, I jump between Wet-N-Wild Photo Focus Foundation and a new one I discovered by simply buying something different…Hard Candy Glamoflauge Full Coverage Foundation. (I’m really loving it!)  Then concealer for those dark under-eye circles and my eyelids.  Yes, I said eyelids.  For those that don’t know (I was in this category 6 months ago), I learned from a video tutorial that by applying concealer prior to eye shadow, it will keep your eye makeup on longer during the day!!  Then I brush on some finishing powder.
    2. Next…eye makeup!  I am not good at this, so go watch a tutorial or feel free to come teach me.  But after some eye-shadow, I add liner and complete the look with my favorite mascara, Maybelline Great Lash, and yes I do in fact wear Royal Blue which is what the link will take you to!
    3. Lastly, I brush on some bronzer for a light glow, add blush to my cheek bones and finish the look with Setting Spray.
    4. Now, about 5 months ago, a couple of my girlfriends convinced me to start wearing Lipstick.  I never, ever wore lipstick.  Not even to business meetings.   I know I know…but listen, I barely remember to take bathroom breaks at work, there was NO WAY I was going to remember to re-apply lipstick throughout the day.  HOWEVER, they enlightened me to all the “outlast” and “24 hour” long-lasting lipsticks.  LIFE CHANGING!  (I might have bought 25 tubes within 1 week, but we’re not here to talk about that).  Anyway, now I won’t leave the house without it on!  But…You MUST buy the “outlast” or “color stay” or “24 hour” kinds.  Apply once…Touch up at lunch…you look great all day!  (Brands pictured here are both long-lasting types by Maybelline:  a matte version and also superstay liquid version).

      5. **Here’s a photo of the long-lasting wear-ability of my makeup routine…Not too Shabby, if I do say so myself!

img_6031

~Lastly…Accessorize!  Listen, you can wear a t-shirt and make it look dressy by adding a set of earrings (my go-to is a set of Pearls…from Walmart…nothing outrageous) and sometimes throwing a jean jacket or cardigan over top.  Pair it with a set of flats (Walmart seems to always have several options for around $5) or booties and you look cute and stylish!  So always, always, always add accessories of earrings, cute sweaters and shoes!

Whew!  Now…you may still be wondering how I do all this and manage 3 kids.  Somedays I wonder the same, but in reality, I do a couple of things.

  1. I get the kids completely ready first (minus shoes).
  2. Occupy them.  Occasionally using juice/snacks.  Other times I use the TV or iPads as babysitters.  Lots of times I sit in the floor while I do my makeup, and the kids love this, because then they also sit and play “makeup” with me, so it gives me some added time with them.
  3. Be selfish.  Overall ladies, you have a be slightly selfish at times.  That can be hard for us as mothers, but this is simply one area I am selfish in!  Sometimes that means I get up earlier then they do, so I can get completely ready first.  Other times, it’s just being creative to occupy them, so I can get ready!

Hope these tips helped.  If so, I might consider other posts like this in the future!

Now for a Mountain Dew (Still on the Food Aversion to Coke….Shocking I know!)

#whoami

Posted in Jesus Jabbers

Enough (\i-‘nef )

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

What is Enough?

Webster defines it as “occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs or expectations.”

  • Meeting demands.
  • Meeting needs.
  • Meeting expectations.

Anyone else familiar with those? I know I am. I think we all are. But let’s go one step further with this question…

Is Enough ever really Enough???

I can guarantee you will NOT find the answer to that question, in this blog post. HOWEVER, it will give you some qualified insight from a sensational writer, who will probably lend you the best advice on this topic you’ve ever read.

Who is it you ask? I thought that was obvious… (Yeah Yeah, I don’t have the best jokes, whatever)

So let’s just start with how I came to this question today, as I was driving home from church with tear-filled eyes. (Don’t worry, I pulled over to keep from harming other drivers since I was essentially blind from the waterworks).

Today and for the last weeks, maybe even months. Okay, Okay, I’ll be honest, the whole year. All 365 days of 2018 and likely 2017 and 2016… Anyway…for some period of time, I have been weary. Tired. Exhausted really. Still putting on a smile. Still putting my best foot forward. Still praying. Still trusting. Still ordering and processing and managing. All of the things. All of the time.

Yet…all this seems (and is) in vain. It seems we do these things, and through the processing, the managing, the putting on a smile, etc…we end up just Existing vs living. We get caught up in being “enough” for everyone else, that we forget why we are here: To show love. Be Love. Give Love. And…ENJOY and actually LIVE life.

So today. Today I knew I’d had “enough”. I was tired of trying to “be enough” for everybody, and I simply needed to melt down (in other words…have a good cry). Yet, I needed to melt down into someone whom I trusted more than anyone else. This has been the only person I have ever been able to “melt into” with tears and strife and weariness and exhaustion. I am afraid to do it to most, as most cannot handle the level of heaviness that comes with a meltdown, however this Amazing woman of God can and thankfully, she’s an awesome prayer warrior and mentor to me! So, as we spoke and prayed today, she felt my heaviness and simply held me and cried with me. She prayed. She spoke words of encouragement. Words of reminders, that our Heavenly Father is just that…our Father, our Papa, our Daddy. And that He longs to give us rest. And to let go of my need for order.

Wait. What?

I argued this point with her.

Yes! Yes, I argued with what my mentor prayed over me. Don’t judge me! I question things that go against my true nature and THIS…THIS ludacris talk of “letting go of my need for order” definitely needed to be questioned.

However, in some of her next statements she told me if I prayed nothing else this year, simply pray God’s will for my life. HOW SIMPLE.

And when she said that and as I left church feeling less “heavy” today, I thought about what I’d been doing the last week since I”ve been off from work.

What is that?

  • Watching Christmas Movies? No
  • Sleeping? No
  • Resting? No
  • Baking? No

It has been making lists of ALL THE THINGS, I felt I needed to “get in order” before 2019 started.

God has a HUGE sense of humor. He thinks He’s so funny! Well I’m sure not laughing!

Anyway, a week ago I had made a list of family members and I wanted a scripture for 2019, for each person, so I could pray that verse over their life. I really searched and looked and thought and “processed” and “ordered” this list. All to find out today…really it’s simple…Pray God’s will for their life!

So sometimes…we just have to be simple. Let go of meeting demands. Meeting needs. Meeting expectations. And…Just be.

I leave you with these final words of a song (Let it Go, by James Bay) that spoke to me months ago, but I wasn’t really sure why. Now I know. It’s a secular song, more-so about a break-up, but the chorus so Perfectly fits. And as I finished my drive home from church today, in a silent car, I started singing this: (The Parenthesis are my additions)

Come on let it go

Just let it be

Why don’t you be you (Jesus)

And I’ll be me.

Everything that’s Broke

Leave it to the breeze

Why don’t you be you (Jesus)

And I’ll be me, And I’ll be me

So instead of trying to fix everything that’s broke. Instead of trying to collect all the things and make everything right…Just “let it go” and let Jesus be Jesus and you be you. (Again…Jennifer Busby interpretation of the chorus only)

And know this.  As you ‘let it be’ for your problems and situations and life, then “You’re Gonna Be OK”  (I just found this song last week…LOVE IT!)

 

Posted in Uncategorized

Oh the Pain!

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

One thing you should know about me, is that I am a WUSS when it comes to pain.

I tend to over-exaggerate any and all my aches and pains. Mainly to those closest to me, but occasionally I will milk it with others (I mean, why not?).

And this isn’t something I discovered as an adult. Oh no! I started at a very young age! From needing a “cold rag” for ANY symptom, to trying to leave school early (until my mom caught onto that plan), I would ride out any pain for as long as I could get attention. I even recall my first grade teacher asking me one day, “Jennifer, does your hair ever hurt?” to which I replied “You know, I don’t think it has…yet”. (Just to note, my hair has hurt…especially after a migraine.)

IMG_4339

Anyway….for the last 4 weeks, I have been dealing with a pain.

No, it’s not any of my kids…although that would be faster resolved-haha!

It’s a pain in my right arm, which I discovered is in the Deltoid muscle.  I had already been to urgent care 1 week after the pain started and they loaded me up on meds and a Steroid pack. It subsided the pain and so I thought we were all good.  NOT!

Last week the pain flared up again.  It had been hurting for a few days, but I was trying to convince myself I was being a Wuss…until I received a birthday present I couldn’t even lift out of the box!

Now you might be thinking that must’ve been really heavy, so I have included a picture…

IMG_4289

SIDE NOTE: There are a few things you need to know about this picture… 1-It’s the PERFECT gift for me, because if you follow me on any social media outlet, you know that I make this for my dinner at least 3x per week (just ate it tonight, as a matter of fact). 2-The person who bought this is GENIUS and is one of my employees (very thoughtful). 3-It’s not even heavy, yet when I went to pick it up, I dropped it with my right hand because I couldn’t even lift it! After that, I decided I had better call the doctor.

~-~-~-~-~

I enter the doctor’s office and immediately start to panic a bit.  The person in front of me is getting questions on whether they really had an appointment set up. “Are you sure you have an appointment for today? Did you get a reminder call?” asked the receptionist.

My mind starts racing. “OH CRAP”…I didn’t get a reminder call. What if I’ve left work and I don’t even have an appointment. Am I sure I scheduled it for today?  Maybe it was a different day and I put it in my calendar wrong. (A women’s mind is like Talladega Superspeedway)

“NEXT” hollers the receptionist.

I snap myself back to reality to give her my name and WHEW…I do have an appointment. Disaster avoided.

I get called back by the nurse and we exchange small niceties, as she’s weighing me…which turns out, their scale is about 5 lbs off from mine…to the bad, so naturally I had to correct her!

When the Doctor comes in, we begin to discus the purpose of my visit.  After getting him up-to-speed, he begins having me do different movements to zero in on pain area.

I need to remind you…I AM A WUSS!

So, since I have clearly been “babying” my arm, all these movements start to stir up the pain…combine that with the doctor starting to “push” into the muscle, and I was like “OWWWWWWW”.  To give you an idea, this kind of pain is a mix of…I feel like I’m going to vomit or cry, not sure which way it will go quite yet.

The doctor steps out for a minute to get one of his med books and as he begins to read to me all the things that could be wrong, I start to think: This little room is getting pretty hot.  And my arm is really hurting.  And I’m feeling a littel flushed.  And hey, there’s a mirror, and I’m also looking a little flushed.  Am I going to pass out? (…remember, Talladega Superspeedway).

“Excuse me Doctor, I’m going to have to wet a peper towel because I’m feeling kinda sick.”  He immediately helps me lay down on the examining table.  Once he makes sure I’m okay, he looks at me and says, “you delivered 1 baby and had 2 C-Sections…how in the world are you passing out over this pain?”  to which I replied, “I almost passed out with all 3 of them just getting the IV!”

After we laugh for a bit, he suggests a shot.  “WHAT!?! A Shot!  I mean I almost passed out and you hadn’t even mentioned a needle!  Now you want to give me a shot!”  He begins to negotiate with me and I finally agree (mainly due to the pain level), with the conditions that he re-wets my cold towel and I could continue to occupy the room until I was sure I was okay.  (Don’t judge me…I also passed out driving once…and Not because of alcohol!)

And to make matters worse, I didn’t even leave with a “diagnosis” …I will need to go see an Orthopaedic doctor next week.  Let’s just hope that appointment is less eventful.

Needless to say I HAD to get a coke after this whole episode!

Posted in Random Ramblings

What would you miss?

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

A few years ago I read this quote and it struck me to my core. (I love finding reasons to use that phrase-haha).

At that time my kids were younger (like 2 years younger-ha) and I decided it was important to “teach” them this quote instead of just “telling” them this quote as they grew up.

So, every night during bedtime, as we close out our prayer, I say “what do we want to thank Jesus for?”

Now with a 6, 4, and 2 year old, these answers can be all over the place. And I love it–it’s my favorite part of bedtime! Somedays the answers are as simple as our house and food, other days it’s for an event that happened, or a toy.

My 6 year old struggles with this right now. Some days he’s quite moody (like his momma) and wants to tell me…”I’m not thankful for anything”…so those are the days we go back to the basics, like… “well let’s just be thankful for our clothes or our blanket.” After that, he can usually agree to find SOMETHING to be thankful for.

The baby. Well right now, he’s in a stage where he LOVES lawn mowers. So every night he is thankful for our lawn mower and his lawn mower and his new toy lawn mower. It’s a whole lawn mower thing…or as he says it: “lawn mow”

And lastly, my girl. She is genuinely thankful for something Every. Single. Night. And I love it! So today, she went shopping with her YaYa (our family name for grandma) and they bought some school supplies. At bedtime, as I’m trying to tuck her in and she’s literally climbing off the side of the bed, away from me, I ask the famous question…”Renlee, What are you thankful for?” She says…her backpack and lunch box and vacation, because then she gets to go to school.

Melt my heart.

So folks be thankful. For a backpack (or purse). Or maybe your lawn mower. Or maybe you’re just having a terrible day…and I totally get that! However, if you look around your home/life/people and something that’s there today went missing tomorrow, what would make you most upset? That is what you’re thankful for!

Me–well I’m thankful for Mountain Dew (yep. You read that right! For “Dew”…I’m on a break from coke! #whoami

Posted in Jesus Jabbers

While we were yet Sinners…Christ died for us

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

Romans 3:23-for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

All have sinned.

Or in the singular version…we all have Sin.

Defined, Sin is the wrongdoing against the divine law of God.

Wikipedia notes, sin can be viewed as any thought or action that endangers the ideal relationship between an individual and God.

So to sum up…We are all sinners.

No one is perfect. And likely, even on our best of days, we have still sinned.

Last night, as I listened to an Easter message, I heard the pastor say “The one who had no sin was crucified for our sins”. Now, I’ve heard this for years…But…as I listened last night and know that daily I “fall short” I was amazed at my Jesus. He walked this earth and was subjected to all the same things that I am faced with daily and yet He had no sin. Then…

He took my place. He took your place. He took our place.

And as one of my favorite songs says…

With all I am

In your grace I stand

the greatest of all romance (*favorite line*)

Love of God, my Saviour

*Link to song: Love on the line

Truly it was the greatest of all romance. No person would go through that for ALL humanity. Just think, in your small circle of people you know on this earth, you might be willing to die for 1, maybe 10 depending on the size of your family. But to be brutally beaten, whipped, hung on a cross for ALL humanity…

ALL meaning…that family member that you may not see eye-to-eye with, the friend that quit being your friend years ago and the grudge still lingers, that co-worker that knows exactly how to push your buttons, those FaceBook drama starters that are always willing to debate on your post or any post, government officials in any country/city/town (including President Trump and Hilary Clinton)…

But God…

God sent his only son, to die for ALL. Literally every person on this earth, and He took All our sins with Him. We need to do as 1 John 1:9 says…confess our sins and he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins (and make sure He’s living in your heart of this isn’t the case)

So, while we all have sinned and still fall short…Jesus took it all to the cross for us…took our place, as the greatest of all romance 😊

Posted in Travel

Do you know where you’re going?

Posted on by jenniferrsalveson

Apparently Not!

About 2 weeks ago I left for my first business trip of 2018! However, I threw myself for a loop.

Normally, it’s everyone else who is interrupting your schedule or challenging you or throwing you off balance. But not this time. This time, I did it to myself.

Self punishment. Unplanned, no less.

First interference: I left on a Tuesday. Typically 95% of my travel starts on Monday.

Second, self-inflicted interference: I planned my first flight departure for 10am.  Normally, I am a “let’s get there and get started” kind of girl who leaves at 7am but AA (American Airlines) changed some of their flight paths for New Bern, so I opted for Delta.  Some of you are probably wondering why this is an interruption. “Come on, you get to sleep in, leave later, less stressful work day, blah blah blah.” However…for this creature of habit…I started the day fine but it threw my routine of “sneaking off while everyone is asleep” to “let’s say goodbyes on the actual day mom leaves instead of the night before” (which always makes it harder). Plus, I was naive and didn’t factor in driving through 8am rush hour traffic.

Third interference: As I traveled along the interstate, instead of heading towards the airport, well I decided to go a completely different direction. (Those of you in the Knoxville area will likely laugh out loud at my lack of direction…or lack of paying attention). I literally sat in traffic for 15 minutes to get off at 640 W and headed to West Knox!

From all of this…I have 3 pieces of advice:

1. Don’t mess with your normal travel schedule or routines! Just don’t.

2. Don’t pray and drive.

I was in some pretty deep prayer thought and before I could catch myself, I was taking the wrong exit ramp.

3. *Maybe…No, it IS the most important: Don’t drive (anywhere) without first having caffeine. (I didn’t have a Coke until I got to the airport. Big mistake!)

C’est la vie