tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920299786370954412012-01-25T08:21:37.326-06:00<b>One redhead's take on her world (and maybe yours, too).</b>arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.comBlogger4011100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-84530054875990888102012-01-18T21:13:00.001-06:002012-01-18T21:13:22.964-06:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-29021181054588568762012-01-13T21:18:00.001-06:002012-01-13T21:18:22.921-06:00

As a small child hearing about my grandmother's latest fad diets, I swore I'd never participate in those. Eat cabbage soup (and only cabbage soup) for a month straight? No thank you. We also heard often about the grapefruit diet, were offered Tab on a regular basis, and were able to recognize what was left of Nan's house after Katrina mainly because of the Slim Fast paraphanalia. There was

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-11148487570117528782012-01-11T19:10:00.001-06:002012-01-11T19:10:09.546-06:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-87529340877498593532012-01-06T23:50:00.001-06:002012-01-06T23:50:22.825-06:00

First day of carnival season, and I get the baby. That's what I get for caving to the temptation.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-88244717038613345882012-01-03T00:05:00.002-06:002012-01-03T12:18:51.123-06:00

I realized a while back that I work better in less confined spaces, at least where words are concerned. So rather than making actual new year's resolutions, I started going with a broader term to encompass what I wanted to achieve that year: Explore. Remove the excess. Embrace. You get the picture. The goals I've had in mind lately were clear, but I hadn't found The Word yet. Then Keri Grayson

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-88578053521296715032011-12-28T21:34:00.001-06:002011-12-28T21:34:03.198-06:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-53499863094170274792011-12-25T01:33:00.001-06:002011-12-25T01:41:49.560-06:00

I would be terrible at pricing things for retail. I'd also make a pretty rotten salesperson. My elementary school fundraiser efforts usually ended with my asking the neighbors if they were SURE they needed that candle, because I'd hate for them to buy it just on my account. I'm equally bad about how I value myself, deep down. I mean, sure -- I know I'm loved, I know I'm treasured, and I know I

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-21666795327896455892011-11-13T23:15:00.000-06:002011-11-13T23:15:06.593-06:00

So, some of you know that I'm stuck in tennis shoes 24/7 due to a foot issue. Some people this is no big deal. If you're one of those people and are a female who loves dresses and shoes and being in public, I hope that you never have to experience this issue. Very related to the tennis shoes regimen, I'm desperately seeking serenity these days. The first 4 months' of treatment has not been

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-71031816794550316132011-11-08T22:30:00.000-06:002011-11-08T22:30:41.443-06:00

I have some wonderful friends. I don't know how that's happened, because I'm so far from perfect, and honestly just plain don't try to be perfect nearly as often as a lot of people do. But still, these friends -- these true friends -- they stick around, and they love me in my ugliest form. The Bible speaks of the type of "friend who sticks closer than a brother." I've just had a text exchange

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-30660207611217521992011-11-08T00:23:00.000-06:002011-11-08T00:23:33.759-06:00

If you're on Facebook or Twitter, you might've seen the "30 Days of Thanksgiving" trend popping up in your newsfeed.  I know I already do the "5 things I'm grateful for" posts (kind of sporadically), but I am participating in the 30-day trend, and will try to update my blog weekly with each day's reason for thanksgiving throughout the month. So far, my list includes: Day 30: I'm grateful

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-8071755179550136802011-10-29T09:59:00.000-05:002011-10-29T09:59:43.587-05:00

Five things I'm grateful for at this second are: 1. Fall. 2. Weekends. 3. Fulfilling work. 4. Friends and family who love me past my flaws. 5. Energy.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-77836245977359038882011-10-25T01:28:00.001-05:002011-10-25T01:28:37.962-05:00

Today, I turn 35. That marks three decades of my life, plus five years. Since I've rarely felt my age, and since in the past year, I've done quite a few very new things for me, I kind of find it appropriate to count the decades, and to say it the way a child would: free. This works well for me, since in the past year, along with having several new adventures, I've also explored a new sense of

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-43081304733209481902011-10-19T19:11:00.001-05:002011-10-19T19:11:28.043-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-16408407032888155652011-10-16T18:10:00.002-05:002011-10-22T13:30:10.718-05:00

5. Doctors who specialize in my issue. 4. Not having this in BOTH feet. (Ouch.) 3. Not having to chase anyone around. Like children. 2. Not being in a relationship with someone who would focus on his embarrassment from my being in tennis shoes 24/7. 1. Painkillers. Alleve. Etc.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-61919202747062520492011-10-05T22:07:00.000-05:002011-10-05T22:07:29.332-05:00

The first time I snow skied, I remember thinking, "I got to EXPERIENCE the snow!" As a true southerner, I'd always been fascinated by the wintry weather, but skiing gave me an opportunity to participate in something I'd been in awe of for so long. It was incredible. My interaction with Steve Jobs' products and services did not affect me  in a big way on a beginner level slope, or later when I

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-54472518943287714542011-09-28T22:58:00.000-05:002011-09-28T22:58:12.917-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-7114732065103984662011-09-20T04:20:00.001-05:002011-09-20T04:20:57.503-05:00

Five things I'm thankful for today are:5. Peace of mind. 4. Friends who support & love me. 3. Fun mail. 2. A car. 1. Books.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-76858775864622257142011-09-07T23:14:00.000-05:002011-09-07T23:14:18.862-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-13927492255817422152011-09-05T20:20:00.001-05:002011-09-05T20:20:48.954-05:00

In the past few years, I've gained quite a bit of weight. It's not pretty. I won't blame it on the food, since this problem only started after I hit 30, but I would like to pay some homage to the lovely, decadent delicacies I enjoyed (whenever, in whatever quantities) before my notably agist metabolism screeched to a halt:  Bread. Sure, people talked about carbs (blah, blah, blah), but WHO

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-64828029530086380212011-09-05T16:18:00.000-05:002011-09-05T16:18:00.136-05:00

Five things I'm grateful for today are:5. Tropical weather that doesn't get serious.4. Holidays! 3. A hint of fall in the air. 2. Books. Books. Books! 1. Electricity. (See #5.)

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-49168460734003248562011-08-31T22:48:00.001-05:002011-08-31T22:48:10.493-05:00

There's a reason why, as grown women, my sister and I still call our father "Daddy." It's not because we have princess syndrome, or because we're trust fund babies, or because we've been mentally diagnosed to act forever six years old. (For the record, we are officially none of those things.)Having not cleared this with Kim, I won't speak for both of us. But we did grow up hearing both of our (

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-8082406870097043862011-08-28T20:28:00.001-05:002011-08-28T20:28:37.867-05:00

Five things I'm thankful for are:5. Sleep. 4. Friendships that cross boundaries of time, space, and even logic. 3. Renewal. 2. A hilarious nephew. 1. Holidays!

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-12071960096461877312011-08-24T22:35:00.000-05:002011-08-24T22:35:19.925-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-45430195033015798102011-08-22T23:54:00.000-05:002011-08-22T23:54:46.640-05:00

I recently finished reading Portia de Rossi's "Unbearable Lightness," detailing the actor's struggle with eating disorders for the majority of her life. Having never come close to having an eating disorder, I was really curious as to what the mindset behind such an illness would be. And wow, was it mind-boggling. Since I was, well, born, I've been eating whatever I wanted. And only in the past

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-4651717135093242612011-08-22T23:06:00.000-05:002011-08-22T23:06:08.820-05:00

Five things I'm thankful for today are: 5. Haircuts. 4. Fulfilling work. 3. Prayer. 2. Digital photography. 1. Music.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-33232694095631185232011-08-17T05:37:00.001-05:002011-08-17T06:02:17.959-05:00

There's a song out this summer by The Band Perry that is country, but has crossed over to some pop stations. Its haunting tune and lyrics refer to young death, and how while abbreviated lives are sad, their victims' words and actions get more attention and concentration than they normally would. Although this is obviously a truly morbid topic, it's spot on with how things work. "A penny for my

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-52428253292491690972011-08-15T23:51:00.001-05:002011-08-15T23:51:21.832-05:00

Five things I'm thankful for right now are:5. Balance. 4. Spontanaeity. 3. Smart phones. 2. Syndicated comedy sitcoms. 1. Electricity.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-78808136552896787822011-08-14T23:06:00.002-05:002011-08-15T09:27:26.837-05:00

I just left the theatre, where I saw "The Help" on the big screen. The movie was superbly done, and addresses a subject that is more talked about now than in the past, but is still hairy: race relations. I am from Mississippi. I am not proud of the slavery my state participated in past years. Most of us aren't. That's not all, though. There are many things I'm not proud of that people I

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-65411373747178892982011-08-10T07:05:00.001-05:002011-08-10T07:10:56.602-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-85307475778801461542011-08-03T00:32:00.000-05:002011-08-03T00:32:39.713-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-45338541719011664692011-08-02T23:51:00.004-05:002011-08-03T07:57:27.118-05:00

"It's just hair! If you color it or cut it, it'll grow. Do what you want! It's just hair." - statement made all the time by everyone everywhere, except my family You see, I was "blessed" with my Grandma Johnson's hair. (I put "blessed" in quotation marks only because curly hair does what it wants to do, and only with the right product, weather, and mood does it do what YOU want it to do when 

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-29505233692423614212011-08-01T00:00:00.001-05:002011-08-01T00:00:37.268-05:00

Five things I'm thankful for right this second are:1. A job I love and want to excel at. 2. Balance (that I also love, and want to excel at, which can get tricky with #1). 3. Family who can talk straight to me, and vice versa. Specifically, I'm thinking of two of my closest cousins who I adore like brothers. 4. Fake tans. The last thing I need is skin cancer. 5. Fun TV shows and movies about fun

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-56954035188230254382011-07-20T23:22:00.000-05:002011-07-20T23:22:58.973-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-46320566928005944972011-07-04T02:35:00.001-05:002011-07-04T02:35:46.965-05:00

5 things I'm thankful for today are:1. Memories. I don't have the most remarkable memory in the world, or even in my immediate family, but I am super thankful that the good, vivid and funny stories rarely escape my mind. And that I DO have some of the most remarkable memorIES in the world. :-)2. Channels. If I had to watch shows like "The Bachelorette" with no other options, I would literally cry

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-54965766232186538082011-06-26T21:22:00.004-05:002011-06-27T16:45:07.483-05:00

I have a very specific definition of what a "lady" is. Opposite of that is my ingrained definition of a "woman." Thanks to my mother, my sister and I not only heard about things that were ladylike and unladylike, but we also saw the correct kind of behavior displayed by my mom. The classic song "Once, Twice, Three Times A Lady" comes to mind as I think of all the ways I've gotten to see my

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-84528282275057546252011-06-22T23:54:00.011-05:002011-06-22T23:59:13.817-05:00

I often resist anything involving discipline, or correction, or the general feeling that I'm wrong about something. But, as it turns out, I often AM wrong about things, and do need that discipline and correction. That happened today. It didn't take long for me to appreciate the correction, which at the tender age of 34 1/2, is sadly still a relatively new accomplishment for me.  Even odder

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-59383219867942315182011-06-07T23:01:00.000-05:002011-06-07T23:01:14.575-05:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-37656456691708649852011-05-30T20:51:00.001-05:002011-05-30T21:37:47.501-05:00

One of my favorite things about leaving the country was how happy everyone was. (Granted, this happiness generally displayed itself as we were leaving a place, but I'm choosing not to analyze that.) In London, then all over Scotland, peeps of all ages, sizes and origins cheerfully called out, "Chee-ahs, lovey!" Whether we were exiting a restaurant, had just ordered some coffee, or were leaving

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-58216178059063074162011-04-28T22:57:00.001-05:002011-04-28T22:57:45.620-05:00

There are times when a single word is used to denote the status of something really simple, like apples, or a visit from neighbors. Then there are times when the same single word can change lives. Turn stomachs upside down. Cause hearts to skip beats. I really learned this nearly six years ago when Hurricane Katrina changed the landscape of where I was born, raised, and learned how to be who I am

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-46754447437830397872011-04-23T04:49:00.001-05:002011-04-23T04:49:42.445-05:00

My nephew is the youngest history buff I've ever met, and is a huge fan of "usin' army men t' set up battles," as well as dressing for the occasion. The kid loves hats. Cowboy hats. Abe Lincoln's top hat. Army hats. (I could go on and on, but if I did, I might steal thunder from the overflowing toy box in his room that's pretty much reserved specifically for hats.)Yesterday, while my

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-72134925453418919972011-04-23T04:17:00.001-05:002011-04-23T04:17:44.555-05:00

My friend Jane is brilliant. Not just because she's earned her doctorate, or is uncannily discerning, or has made excellent relationship choices, or continuously shelved her own needs to honor her father and mother in the most optimal and sacrificial of ways.My friend Jane is brilliant because she is a planner. From the moment our friendship developed in our early 20s, Jane had a plan. I'm not

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-85152347287675118972011-04-17T22:37:00.001-05:002011-04-17T22:37:49.230-05:00

Today, I'm thankful for: 1. Love. It's in the air, not only with several dear friends getting married and planning weddings, but just all around. ::happy sigh:: 2. Sunshine! It's amazing what a little Vitamin D can do for ya. 3. True colors. Even though they're not always pretty, they're certainly valuable, and teach us many lessons (that hopefully enrich our lives). 4. Modern medicine. I'm

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-19703330561931647402011-04-07T18:11:00.001-05:002011-04-07T18:11:10.741-05:00

I have many things to be thankful for this Thursday, but I'll try to narrow it down to just five. :-)1. Help. It's so nice to get a little help when you need it -- even when you don't know you have access to the resources. 2. A finished product. Instant gratification is rare, but even slow-cooked gratification is lovely. And I'll take all of it that I can get!3. Peeps. I mean, I do love my

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-87956696070913061872011-03-29T05:28:00.001-05:002011-03-29T05:28:26.499-05:00

I'm attempting a blog post from my phone, so this is only a test. If it were an actual post, you know it'd be a lot more verbose. ;-)

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-159988987592850062011-03-09T02:05:00.001-06:002011-03-09T02:07:40.175-06:00

My sister and her family are Yankees. Ok, not really. They live in the northern part of Alabama. And in all fairness, they're transplants. But compared to the Biloxi, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge areas, it's kind of a stretch. One of the more significant differences between here and there is the lack of Mardi Gras celebration "up north." While our conservative Southern Baptist family is

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-65332565119521086762011-03-08T00:10:00.000-06:002011-03-08T00:10:57.756-06:00

In honor of the season, I'm flashing back blog-style to my very first Lenten participation. The year was 2008, the setting was my first Mardi Gras in the BR, and my first one back in Mardi Gras/Catholic majority territory since moving from the MS Gulf Coast in '99. And the blog format was -- wait for it -- MySpace. That's right, kids. We all have our sordid pasts to live with. I appreciate

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-13079225236444123882011-03-07T23:58:00.000-06:002011-03-07T23:58:35.006-06:00

One of the most classic friends of my life had quite a way with words. It didn't matter what the situation was; there was always an anecdote. Some were cliches, some euphemisms, some movie quotes, and some were just plain Lynwood-isms. Many times, it wasn't what Lynwood said, but his timing and tone that were most effective. (And which inevitably led me to a burst of giggles that could hardly be

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-19918898436651506522011-03-03T22:30:00.000-06:002011-03-03T22:30:32.391-06:00

Five things I'm most thankful for lately are: 1. The ability to choose what is good for me and what is not, and to cut out the ick when possible. I've learned that this applies to everything from food to grocery store lines to who I choose to spend time with. 2. The realization that the peeps who really love me really love me. 3. The opportunity to spend time with my precious,

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-88190028721246234632011-02-20T23:26:00.000-06:002011-02-20T23:26:52.472-06:00

Conversation with a coworker: Me: I guess nobody’s gonna eat all those petit fours and they’re just going to stare at me and make me smell them for the rest of my life. Him: Why don’t you get a cup of coffee and just eat one? Me: Well, I just ate some carrots, and I’m really at the point on South Beach where that should suffice. Him: They don’t build in a cheat day? You need a cheat day.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-80273733430484087652011-02-11T00:25:00.000-06:002011-02-11T00:25:05.667-06:00

Five things I'm thankful for are... 1. It's almost FRIDAY. 2. Friendships that pick up immediately where they left off, no matter when that "left off" occurred. 3. Meeting new peeps! 4. When a diet finally seems to be working. Whew. 5. Answered prayers, specifically in the form of divine appointments, affirmation, and well-timed encouragement.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-81170172001138590872011-02-09T17:33:00.000-06:002011-02-09T17:33:38.896-06:00

I'm working in an environment I've never experienced before -- not so much the healthcare area, but the spiritual facet. Since I'm not Catholic, I wasn't sure at first what it'd be like, but I knew from week one that it is an amazing fit for me, and a blessing to be part of. These are some things I'm exposed to every day as I begin my work, and they provide an absolutely beautiful way to focus

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-33075830561053485952011-02-09T05:23:00.002-06:002011-02-09T15:27:06.007-06:00

Most of us eventually come to realize that life, as John Mayer said, "ain't a fairytale, it's a documentary." While giddily reaching for stars is still encouraged in books and songs, real life soon enough translates pixie dust and lofty dreams to attainable goals and 5- to 10-year plans, often as early as high school. Don't get me wrong: living in The Land of Nod really shouldn't last forever.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-6025520656609214672011-02-02T06:01:00.000-06:002011-02-02T06:01:24.982-06:00

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-40034744370796759072011-01-30T14:40:00.000-06:002011-01-30T14:40:18.305-06:00

5 things I'm thankful for are right this second are... 1. Peeps who love me. I'm not going to question it (though at many times it seems kind of crazy), but I'll just soak it up. :-) 2. A quenched thirst. Even if, as Angela says, "God saw you were thirsty and sent you a tsunami," I'd rather have too much than nothing at all. Bring on the rain! 3. Music. You know. 4. Things to look forward to.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-31133450453539858642011-01-24T08:18:00.000-06:002011-01-24T08:18:53.728-06:00

For as long as I can remember, Monday has been the dreaded day for everyone (who says anything about Mondays, at least). I've decided that I'm going to start taking an international friend's approach to Mondays: look at them as the beginning of something new -- time for productivity, or as she says, "a reboot." Isn't that a great perspective? You're welcome to join me as I try to adopt

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-61462332212772915422011-01-16T19:23:00.001-06:002011-01-24T07:55:24.570-06:00

This is absolutely one of my favorite songs, probably because it reminds me of my crazy-wonderful friends throughout the various stages of my life. I have been inordinately blessed by always having been surrounded by incredible people. I'm not sure how that happened, or why, because goodness knows I haven't deserved it. But I've had such amazing friends, whether forever friends, dating

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-70575617757158272792011-01-09T01:28:00.000-06:002011-01-09T01:28:38.152-06:00

Along with most of America, I've been watching a lot of football these past few months.  (And, along with most of my region and family and friends, I was highly excited about LSU's Cotton Bowl win last night and sadly disappointed about the Saints' wild card playoff loss today.) But I digress. As football season quickly dwindles away for 2010-2011, I've become more and more aware of "the

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-52574895046304824002010-12-19T19:54:00.000-06:002010-12-19T19:54:17.047-06:00

After my family's sweet dog Tractor died around this time last year, I mentally hemmed and hawed about what to do about getting my daddy another puppy. I mean, that solved the issue last time, right? So that's what he needed to get past this tragic loss: something else to focus on and love. Until I realized that if I gave my parents a puppy, I was just giving them something that required a LOT of

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-66948361081218845292010-12-19T08:15:00.002-06:002010-12-19T08:16:09.993-06:00

"Grown-Up Christmas List" became one of my favorite songs the very first time I heard Amy Grant sing it. The version here is by Kelly Clarkson and includes lyrics, which are also pasted below: Grown-Up Christmas List Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee; I wrote to you With childhood fantasies. Well, I'm all grown-up now, And still need help somehow I'm not a child, But my heart still

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-10877359734340859522010-12-12T23:35:00.001-06:002010-12-13T13:30:37.213-06:00

I've never been much of a planner. (In my personal life, I mean. Professionally, it's not really an option. When doing PR, you sort of have to plan.) My longtime and super wise friend Jane and I used to have joking discussions about her penchants to plan just about everything, and my penchant for playing it all by ear. I used to think my spontanaeity was part of my charm. Lately, I wonder if

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-75788388113564256452010-12-12T20:48:00.000-06:002010-12-12T20:48:16.739-06:00

Five things I'm thankful for right now are: 1. Christmas! I love this time of year. :-) 2. Blissful boredom.  The days when drama dictated my emotions, my schedule, and my relationships were sadly not that long ago. And I couldn't be happier to be as far away from that mode as possible. 3. Health. I'm more than grateful for the good health I have, the better health I can work toward, and the

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-12385801160268791252010-12-06T01:14:00.000-06:002010-12-06T01:14:16.534-06:00

Just after Thanksgiving last year, our family's precious, longtime doggie died. Tractor was loyal, sweet, fun and energetic (up until a couple of years ago, at least). To boot, she was a trick-lovin', squirrel-chasin', talkative loyalist to my Daddy, most of all, since he saved her life as a little bitty puppy. Even though Tractor was getting older and obviously not as spry as she had been in

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-4622130397824827802010-11-18T00:27:00.000-06:002010-11-18T00:27:27.444-06:00

Thinking of five things I'm grateful for within a week is never very difficult, but lately, I'm finding that my cup (or, more accurately, my water bottle) is overflowing. So here are five things I'm thankful for right now: 1. Modern medicine. Allergies and headaches and other day-to-day messes stink, but where would we be without Excedrin? And Zyrtec?   ::shudder:: 2. Challenges.  I started a

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-39234855417461863082010-11-18T00:08:00.000-06:002010-11-18T00:08:43.577-06:00

Today an old Point of Grace favorite, "This Day," came to mind. I couldn't find it sung by POG on YouTube, but I did come across this performance by a church group, which I thought was very well done: Lyrics are: This day is fragile - soon it will end And once it has vanished, it will not come again So let us love with a love pure and strong Before this day is gone This day is

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-83126169336569993292010-11-16T07:32:00.000-06:002010-11-16T07:32:33.747-06:00

Ever since I started using hair products -- because yes, my friends, there were many verrrrrrry scarrrrrrrry teenage eons before I ever knew they existed -- my favorite and old standby has been Matrix Sculpting Glaze, now known (and in sale at regular stores) as Biolage Gelee'. This has worked great for my hair in its all-one-length-ringlet days as well as during times of layers, and I can't

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-90764287651081258852010-11-16T07:10:00.000-06:002010-11-16T07:10:13.606-06:00

I've been wanting and needing to lose weight, and last week (conveniently during my week off!), kicked off some healthier eating & exercise-inclusive habits. My goal has been to lose 2 lbs per week, as doctors recommend. (Having grown up watching my Nan constantly on a cabbage soup diet or some worse fad of the week, I am determined to stick to dietary regulations.) So, from last Monday night

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-87800831793790926212010-11-11T17:22:00.000-06:002010-11-11T17:22:03.802-06:00

Five things I'm sincerely grateful for this week are: 1. Blissful time of R&R and clearing my mind. 2. Not having to waste energy on a birthday present for someone who will not appreciate one millisecond of the effort, thought or time that went into it, and who will demonstrate that by returning the gift to the store. 3. New opportunities. 4. Genuine excitement about #3. :-) 5. The

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-5432710365691760712010-11-10T08:54:00.000-06:002010-11-10T08:54:58.013-06:00

Ever since I've moved into my new place, I haven't had a lot of time to tackle the flowerbeds or yard. (This is all much to the chagrin of my neighbor Foxy, of course, who has to look at the jungles a lot more often than I do.) Because there were some plants worth keeping in the existing beds, I just kept watering them in hopes they'd still be thriving when I finally got the opportunity to take

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-3502836707563395262010-11-05T21:50:00.001-05:002010-11-05T22:19:31.088-05:00

I almost included this in my last post, but decided to wait. In many ways, this was a bye week for me aside from football. I am changing jobs -- and could not be more excited! -- but to get to point B from point A took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. (Well, maybe not blood. Unless you count paper cuts and scrapes from hauling coolers across Lafayette Square in New Orleans.) Today was my

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-89788699315607080872010-11-02T00:22:00.000-05:002010-11-02T00:22:16.079-05:00

This past weekend was LSU's bye week. I wasn't thinking in terms of that when I made the decision to chill for the weekend, but as it turned out, I took a bye week of my own. I stayed home. I rested. A lot. It was bliss. Let's just hope I'm geared up for the Crimson Tide-like challenges that are already hitting me this week! And Geaux Tigers. :-)

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-14729241968695016822010-10-24T21:14:00.000-05:002010-10-24T21:14:22.721-05:00

I well remember the day I stepped off the bus at Woolmarket Elementary School and was (kindly) told by the chuckling driver who overheard some conversation I was having, "Well, you're a feisty one, aren't you?" Having never heard that word, I just shrugged, smiled, and and told her to have a good day. When I got home that afternoon, I asked my mom what "feisty" meant. She looked concerned, then

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-30206091603722662412010-10-19T02:28:00.001-05:002010-10-19T02:33:47.237-05:00

I feel like I'm posting a lot about Elizabeth Gilbert in this blogging comeback period, but a) I like her stuff, and b) I have a slew of notes in my phone that I took while I was computer access-less, or didn't have time to blog them. In light of all that, here's a gem by Richard from Texas (made famous in Eat, Pray, Love) that I just adore: “You miss him? So miss him. Send him some love and

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-31227484315873378172010-10-19T02:11:00.001-05:002010-10-19T02:42:27.030-05:00

I recently read somewhere that if one blogs about a goal and the process they're taking to get there, accountability is higher and success is more likely. So here I go. I need to lose weight. And I guess, embarrassing and odd (for me) as it is, I'm going to blog about it. I'm not excited about the blogging-about-it part, though I generally love to write about anything. (Or so I thought.) I am,

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-50070221398108278852010-10-19T01:10:00.000-05:002010-10-19T01:10:38.201-05:00

Five things I'm thankful for at this moment are.... 1. New beginnings. Especially for ADD, shiny-objects-distract-me-all-day-long people like me, having new and fun adventures to look forward to is just pure bliss. 2. My sweet sister. Kim came to see me this past weekend, and as always, I have to marvel at the built-in best friend God gave me in her. For one thing, she puts up with me. And then,

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-21977070332908742782010-10-10T23:20:00.000-05:002010-10-10T23:20:18.508-05:00

I recently moved within Baton Rouge, and Foxy is my 87-year-old neighbor. I've been itching to blog about Foxy, so if you're not already on my Foxy text list, or if the person who lived here before me is not a mutual friend of ours, this is your official intro. Just to set the record straight, "Foxy" isn't some name I cheekily came up with on a whim. I don't know Foxy's first name. (And for the

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-130171324116007712010-10-10T22:46:00.000-05:002010-10-10T22:46:01.255-05:00

Five things I'm grateful for today are: 1. Fall weather. Mmmmmm mmmm good! 2. New opportunities to learn, discover, and be educated. 3. Fruit. 4. A hilarious nephew. 5. New hair.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-39895452184593633002010-10-09T02:50:00.004-05:002010-10-10T23:09:06.158-05:00

There is an amazing Miranda Lambert song that is out right now called "The House That Built Me." It is absolutely incredible, and though she didn't write it, and even if you totally loathe country music, I sincerely encourage you to step outside of your norm, take a trip down memory lane, and give it a listen:   The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert I know they say you can’t go home

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-6928171882782092812010-10-09T02:19:00.000-05:002010-10-09T02:19:32.999-05:00

I sincerely appreciate Kelly Clarkson for recording "Beautiful Disaster." If it so aptly so applies to a couple of my past relationships, I know at least several of you must relate as well: Lyrics: Beautiful Disaster by Kelly Clarkson (written by Rebecca Johnson & Matthew Wilder)   He drowns in his dreams, an exquisite extreme I know He's as damned as he seems and more Heaven than a heart

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-55528004609891003902010-10-09T00:56:00.000-05:002010-10-09T00:56:45.298-05:00

God bless Kenny Chesney for recording "Boys of Fall." What a fabulous, deep South-rooted tribute to so much of what teaches so many of us our first elements teamwork, whether we participate or not. From the Saints, to d'Iberville, to Southern Miss, football remains a beautiful part of what I love about home. And now, the Tigers are added to the mix. Absolutely. Love. It. The Boys of Fall by

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-407371693420113522010-10-08T23:57:00.000-05:002010-10-08T23:57:47.977-05:00

So I just learned that when you're incapable of blogging for 3 months, you check a lot of things off your list! I've updated my list (at the bottom of the blog), and bold items are completed. Yay!

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-15097005860350401982010-10-08T23:01:00.000-05:002010-10-08T23:01:53.044-05:00

In late August, my grandmother's nearly 89-year-old husband took his last breath. It was a shame for many reasons, and more than just the obvious. The man was brilliant -- I'm talking sharp.as.a.tack -- but his body just wouldn't support that strong, thriving mind anymore. Even in his last days, he was giving my mom details about documents that I couldn't even keep up with at age 19, much less

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-64365822255204614432010-10-08T22:45:00.000-05:002010-10-08T22:45:00.020-05:00

A few months ago, a dear friend in Jackson, MS, died of cancer. It was way too early for this to happen. I guess we always say that, but Lynwood was only 42. And he was married to sweet Hiller for far too short of a time, and his daughters were both younger than 13. That's just ridiculous. Lynwood did, however, spend his 42 years showing those of us around him how to live life to its fullest,

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-19510551077183359652010-10-07T22:41:00.000-05:002010-10-07T22:41:40.614-05:00

Don Smith was a guy I worked with a while back. Actually, I should correct that. Don Smith was a guy who worked, and worked hard, and his work actually invoked sweat. Mine does not always do that. But not only was Don a great coworker, he was also a fun person to know. He had fabulous stories and comments, and one that has stuck with me in the three years that have passed since we wore the same

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-37857175521753771342010-10-06T22:32:00.000-05:002010-10-06T22:32:11.367-05:00

A few months ago, I took a road trip with my sister, her husband & their son. (I was invited. By her husband. Just to clear the air on any potential intrusion claims.) One of my (very many) convos with my very talkative nephew (could I be prouder?!) included a discussion about cell phones. And how I use mine a lot. And how he doesn't have one. And how I didn't, either, at that age -- partly

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-40031046496564200222010-10-05T02:56:00.000-05:002010-10-05T02:56:36.855-05:00

Friends know that I often refer to myself as "the last remaning Amy Grant fan." Clearly, I mean that in a good way. :-) But, one of my favorites by AG is one I think everyone could benefit from -- at least the lyrics. I've recently gone through some junk that if I had been asked at the beginning of the process how long it would take me, I'd have never guessed a year or two. But you know, I didn't

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-44338637197846465102010-10-05T00:54:00.000-05:002010-10-05T00:54:07.002-05:00

I didn't read Julie & Julia, but I did see the movie. I love anything related to blogging, and setting a personal goal for oneself. The cooking part was great fun for me, too! As I understand it, had I read the book, I'd have been grossly -- in all senses of the word -- disappointed in the graphic, grody details of the book, yet the movie was just right for this particular chiquita banana. A

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-63758187153528798382010-10-04T23:19:00.000-05:002010-10-04T23:19:47.599-05:00

 I really, really, really love Louis Armstrong. So when I saw his display at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge, I was overly excited. The two quotes I took from that exhibit -- at this viewing time, at least -- were:"What we play is life." "Music has no age...  There's no such thing as on the way out. As long as you are still doing something interesting and good. You are in business as

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-84163619287575314292010-10-04T20:25:00.000-05:002010-10-04T20:25:04.698-05:00

As a general, unspoken rule, I'm not a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. His work is always super sappy, sad, and I end up crying after I watch it. (Call me snobby, but I refuse to spend quality reading time on something that I know will make me cry in the end, but will probably not afford me any introspective, how-can-RJ-be-better moments.) That said, a few weeks ago, I needed a good cry. So, naturally

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-22335196039729350832010-10-04T20:02:00.000-05:002010-10-04T20:02:06.561-05:00

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, recently published a follow-up book: Committed. I wasn't sure I'd love it -- especially since the content didn't really apply to me as a content, unmarried person. To be honest, it wasn't my favorite. But as it turned out, my brain was so thirsty for her enchantingly refreshing writing style that I just drank that whole book up in spite of myself.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-7613278681801195432010-10-04T12:29:00.000-05:002010-10-04T12:29:18.553-05:00

My parents have been married 41 years today. Forty-one. I am amazed, humbled, and grateful to have grown up with such a lovely, practical, constant example of consistent love and faithfulness.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-81578917260250700922010-10-01T01:17:00.000-05:002010-10-01T01:17:08.633-05:00

In my first job out of college, I went to Washington, D.C. every May for a conference. Stressful, huh? :-) Truly, we did have to go to meetings and such, but in those five years, I really got a feel and developed a strong love for our nation's capitol. I still fondly refer to those times as "DC in May." Since I moved to Baton Rouge to work for Hancock Bank, I've spent a lot of Wednesdays in New

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-69537767784146488112010-09-30T22:57:00.000-05:002010-09-30T22:57:55.807-05:00

I'm a huge fan of musicians who write their own music. I also enjoy other musicians' work, but singing what you write...well, that's a very big thing with me. In college, when I first heard the Christian band Caedmon's Call, I was naturally drawn to their cool, laid-back melodies, but also the dynamically rich lyrics. In a recent effort to finally organize the trazillion CDs I've accumulated

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-50902228996962693462010-09-30T22:03:00.001-05:002010-09-30T22:04:20.129-05:00

One of my favorite shows is Friday Night Lights. It has it all -- football, high school drama (that isn't yours), a sweet family, and small town life. I also might have a small crush on the coach, and on one of the guys who used to play football (but he's not really just a year out of high school, he just plays that age, so it's ok). I think my coach crush partly stems from that role's strong

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-74329421261660314782010-09-28T22:47:00.000-05:002010-09-28T22:47:33.919-05:00

I love to be entertained. Books, movies, stories, plays, travel -- you name it. And although I love movies like there's no tomorrow and prove that via Netflix each month, there have been very few times I can remember a movie following its precursor book closely enough to satisfy my cinematic expectations. "Eat, Pray, Love," however, was spot on. If you liked the book, I think you'll like the

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-60552981530823568312010-09-28T21:15:00.000-05:002010-09-28T21:15:06.411-05:00

It's been so long since I've posted five things I'm thankful for! I've missed it. Today, the five things filling my heart in a big way are: 1. Family. Especially in the last few months, I'm more aware than ever of the brevity of life and how precious our time together is. I've been blessed with a crazy precious family, and it is humbling to receive their love, and to watch them receive mine. 2.

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-56994935623530041152010-09-28T20:48:00.001-05:002010-09-28T20:50:26.404-05:00

A few years ago, my nephew had what he realized was his first Christmas break from anything. In his case, the break was from "the Little Lambs School," his church's preschool. Throughout the break, he was convinced he was missing out on what his friends in his class were doing. No amount of discussion could change his mind or relay that actually, everyone had a break from Little Lambs. After

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-15098736546656645382010-07-13T00:26:00.000-05:002010-07-13T00:26:13.026-05:00

I promise I'm not being melodramatic when I say that going for this long without blogging is just yucky for me. Since my blog absenteeism was not at all by choice, re-entry should be interesting. I wonder if I'll binge like a starved puppy, or pace myself accordingly. We shall see. :-) Either way, folks, re-entry is a-comin'!

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-1274035566707692452010-05-31T00:53:00.000-05:002010-05-31T00:53:19.859-05:00

My adorably hilarious nephew is 6, and he's a pretty brave kid. He did inherit his mother's preciously tender heart, which I love with all of my own semi-tender heart, but he also is all boy, so the sweetness comes out when you least expect it. And I love that. This year, Caleb graduated from kindergarten. My sister teaches language arts at a school near his campus, so getting him to and from

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-47778764763593570252010-05-30T23:31:00.000-05:002010-05-30T23:31:26.862-05:00

A few years back, I met this guy who was larger than life. Not physically -- though he's very tall -- but in personality. I'll even say it out loud: Lynwood seemed, at first, kind of flashy to me. It wasn't just his wildly printed shirts or fashion dares, but also his penchant for grabbing life by the tail, seeing where it took him, and enjoying the ride. Don't get me wrong. Lynwood was an

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792029978637095441.post-13421313673175480362010-05-25T01:39:00.000-05:002010-05-25T01:39:58.346-05:00

So many Fbk friends commented on statuses (stati?) I have posted with lyrics from Jars of Clay's "Love Song for a Savior," that I thought I'd post my equal-level favorite JoC song: "Worlds Apart." You can watch/listen here, and lyrics are below: "Worlds Apart" I am the only one to blame for this Somehow it all ends up the same Soaring on the wings of selfish pride I flew too high and like

arr-jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00933331645885697774noreply@blogger.com0