Jendi’s Journal

I think I’m getting over my deli counter intimidation. At least I hope so. There’s just something about clean glass counters covering rows of meat in front of people whose job is to ask “Can I help you?” that bothers me.

Sometimes I feel like, “Sorry to bother you, but would you please get me some ham. Whatever size or poundage is easiest for you is just fine.”

My mom ordered from the deli like a professional. When my dad went he asked me what kind Mom bought. Then I could drive and they sent me with a list. I had to face the deli counter on my own.

Still it wasn’t too bad because Mom told me what we needed and I just told the people.

Soon I was married and had to grocery shop on my own. Not so fun. Which kind did my man like? How much should I get?

[I'm no good at decisions if you hadn't already figured that out. The deli counter is decisions galore.]

If the employees called my number I felt like I should be ready and quickly say what I wanted. After all, the other people waiting all knew exactly what they wanted and wanted it quick. So I’d figure out ahead of time and write on my list exactly what I was going to order.

Then my husband pointed out that the one guy always flirted with me. I honestly didn’t pay the least bit attention because I was so worried about which ham I should get. Now I had something else on my plate. [bad pun intended]

After I got more comfortable with what I wanted I started to say how I wanted the slices. This was a big step for me. “Please, if it’s not too much trouble I’d like that chipped.” I didn’t say it that way with words, just with tone.

Once my husband mentioned he remembered that chipping the lunch meat was more of a bother than just slicing it. Oh, great. They’re going to see my coming and think, “Here comes that lady that always asks for the meat to be chipped. Hope I don’t have to wait on her.”

When I order the chipped turkey I bite my tongue so I don’t blurt out, “I’m sorry. It’s for my husband. He prefers it chipped. Otherwise I wouldn’t bother you with the chipping. Honest.”

I make sure I order the sliced bologna last. Maybe they will forget that I asked for chipped meat.

I’m so over this problem now. Well, mostly. Taking my kids gives me courage; or I’m just more worried about what they’re doing than what the deli people think.

Do any of you have this problem? I’m probably the only one who feels used to feel like this.

Any of you ever work in a deli? Is chipping harder than slicing?

P.S. I’m posting late today because I had to go grocery shopping, and - you guessed it - get some lunch meat.

Tags: lunch meat

One of the perks of my husband working for a railroad is free rides. This time we rode the caboose.

They just painted the engine. Doesn’t it look spiffy? It’s from 1941 and the caboose is from 1942. Pieces of history.

This is one of the seats where the men riding the caboose would sit to watch the sides of the train. They stick up a little farther than the rest of the cars.

They are kneeling on one of the two beds in the caboose. There is also a stove/kitchen area, bathroom, and clothes locker. Personally, I would need some curtains before I lived in a caboose.

He’s a little young to be a train man, isn’t he? This is my newest nephew who was born on July 31. [8 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long]

He is the 19th person to call me Aunt, and the youngest caboose rider that night.

Tags: train

I did not meet God in the noonday
Of fervent labor though so sweet;
Nor in the evening shadowed light
When the laboring had brought defeat.

I did not meet God in the midnight hour
Nor feel His Presence, O so sweet;
For I had failed to meet Him at the Dawning
And rest in Him complete.

I met God in the morning dew
As it lay fresh upon the grass;
And in His presence had sweet Peace
For it was He whom I sought first, not last.

I found him in the forest glade
And in the meadows alone;
For as I walked with Him through the morning fields
I found Him on His Throne.

His face was a shining glow
That stayed with me all day long;
For in the morning meadows I found God
Who gave me and kept me with His Song.

Now I sing in meadows verdant green
Or in deserts parched and dry;
For I have met God in early morning light
And find that He is my heart’s desire.

~ W.L. (Bill) Winstead

My 5yo son pointed to an envelope with JENDI on it and said, “What’s that say, Mommy?”

“That’s my name.”

He quickly replied, “No. They spelled it wrong. It starts M-O-M…”

Yesterday I received this bracelet in the mail. You may ask where and how I got this lovely, customized, just-my-size bracelet. Even if you don’t ask I’m going to tell you.

Chel at Chasing Contentment ordered a Jendi Jean Bag made from her daughter’s jeans.

These are what she sent me.

When someone gives me a special pair of jeans to make into a bag I always agonize over cutting them. What if they don’t like the finished product? How can I make it just so they like it?

Once I do this to them there’s no going back.

Usually I just use the top part of the jeans/skirt for the bag and the legs for the straps. As you can see the pretty part is on the bottom of these jeans. Plus, a bag made out of the top of them would not hold much at all.

This is what I ended up making.

During the production process I e-mailed Chel and asked if she would be interested in swapping the bag for a piece of jewelry that she makes.

Obviously she agreed. I picked a customized bracelet with my kids names on it.

One of it’s nicest features is that it does not fall down over my hand. Most bracelets are too big for me. They end up getting caught on my elbow or falling down into my palm when I’m trying to shake hands and do things. Don’t ya hate that?

If anybody else is interested in a swap, let me know.

For more Show & Tell posts visit Kelli’s blog There is no place like home.

Tags: jewelry

Thank you Lord …

1. for my son’s schooling going well, so far.
2. for a new bracelet in the mail.
3. for a new bunny to love (You’re nobody till some bunny loves you).
4. that my husband loves me even when I’m an emotional mess.
5. for the free books I received through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
6. that I didn’t get the virus my husband and daughters had.
7. that I can hope in God.

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Psalm 16:8-10

It took me over a year, but I’ve been awarded a bloggy award! So, all of you who haven’t received an award - hang in there! Those of you who have received a bunch of awards - don’t tell me, ok?

My first award is called the Arte Y Pico award and it “was created/made to be given out to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and their works, whether it be writing, artwork or more.”

It was presented to me by Kaye from Mrs. Nespy’s Frugal World. She also blogs at Riding Bicycles, which took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out. (I love her header quote there.)

Thank you Kaye! I’ll always remember that my first award came from you.

Two Days after I was notified of my first award, Nancy from More than Conquerors left me a comment that she is passing 2 [TWO!] more awards on to me. Thank you Nancy! It’s so kind of you to include me.

This lovely award is created by Crystal @ Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of Noah and the donor of his sweet little heart who ENCOURAGES us to SHARE THE LOVE! The rules for this award are to pass it along to some people whose blogs you love. They make you laugh, smile, leave encouraging comments on your blog. You would like to share some love with them because they have uplifted, inspired, encouraged or prayed for you. Please include this paragraph with the link to Memoirs of a Mommy so that everyone knows where this award originated from.

Nancy also passed on this cute Friendship Award to me. This one only comes with it’s name. No rules or regulations. The name says it all.

I think I feel a little like Sarah in Skylark when she goes out in the rain after living in drought. The awards are falling!

Now I get to pass these awards on! I’m gonna cheat a little and not do 5 for the first one.

How do I choose? There are so many great bloggers out there.

The Arte Y Pico Award to: Angela at the painted house. She has “inspired” me in these ways:

1. Her husband was just recently diagnosed cancer free - a wonderful answer to prayer.
2. She is decorating a little cottage with second hand items.
3. She does wonderful paintings on walls and other things.

Angela, may your family stay healthy, your eyes stay contact free, and your cottage turn out beautifully!

The Sharing the Love Award to: Anne at From my perspective. She has made me laugh at her antics and blonde moments, left encouraging comments here, and inspired/encouraged me by her heart for missions and seeing God’s blessings in her everyday life. May God bless your trip to Thailand, Anne!

The Friendship Award to: Abbi at Dear Abbi and Katina at Cherish the Moment. Not only are you the only bloggers I’ve met in real life, you both are an encouragement because of the way you live and love through parties, play times, pressures, and parenting. (Plus, you are great commentors and I’m so addicted to comments.) Thanks for your friendship.

One thing I didn’t realize is how much work this award accepting can be; and I didn’t even get to wear a new dress. (bummer)

Tags: awards

I really need to video her climbing up there. From the floor, to the commode, to the counter top, to getting her toothbrush and turning the water on - it’s quite a climbing achievement.

Then we hear, “Please get me down! Get me down…please!  PLEASE GET ME DOWN!”

For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit the Main Site or 5MinutesforMom.

Do you ever smile while you are reading a book? My husband caught me smiling at That’s (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman.

The heroine Laini Sullivan is an unconfident, slightly heavy, red-headed, thirty year old living in Manhattan. She is studying to be an interior designer, but selling baked goods on the side. Living on her own, but going to her mother’s every weekend. Dating a policeman, and interested in an Italian man who might have mob connections. (I seriously never thought he had mob connections, but Laini wondered.)

Even though I have never personally experienced any of the circumstances Laini went through - except for being interested in an Italian man - it was a fun, relaxing read. There was even a time during my reading when I wondered who Laini would end up with.

Warning: It did make me hungry by talking about all those fresh baked goods.

That’s (Not Exactly) Amore is Book Three in the Drama Queens Series. Last week I went and found Book One at the library.

To find out more about this book and read the first chapter visit the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance site.

To find out more about Tracey Bateman you can visit her blog.

Yesterday I started schooling my 5 year old. Technically it’s not homeschool because he is registered with our church academy and we worked out details/evaluations with them. In every other aspect it’s homeschool. He’s at home and I’m in charge. That’s the short version.

This is the beginning for me. All of you experienced homeschool moms would probably laugh at how stressed I’ve been. It actually eased up as soon as the first morning was over.

I’m not worried about how my child will do. I have confidence that he will do just fine.

I’m worried how I will do!

I read a post at Heart of the Matter Online (sorry, I can’t find the exact post) that basically said we just need to pray and do our best for our children. Then leave the rest in the Lord’s hands.

We’re not perfect. No mother is Superwoman. [I don't think her outfit would hide my leftover baby belly, anyways.] So let go of the worry and guilt. oo-rah!