Don't get me wrong, I'm tremendously excited for summer. I'm looking forward to lakeside hangouts, bonfires, air conditioning! Nothing gets a person more excited for warm weather than a snow storm in the middle of April, that's for sure.
One downside to the bright summer, though, is the ending of extracurricular activities, which makes me terribly sad. Last fall, I decided I wanted to volunteer in the beautiful community of Fargo-Moorhead. I did a little bit of researching, and decided to volunteer for a weekly Religious Education class at my church, Sts. Anne & Joachim. I help in the 10th-12th-grade classroom, and it is honestly one of the best parts of my week.
Every Wednesday night, for an hour and a half, I get to experience these high schoolers learning more about God, and how He impacts their lives and the lives of those around them. They might chat during class, and goof off more than we teachers would prefer, but I can just tell that their hearts are being moved and that we are, in fact, making a difference.
Another awesome part of my week takes place every Thursday. I get to help with local Just for Kix classes, and it's so incredibly fun! Imagine 25 preschoolers and kindergarteners running around, hopped up on sugar and trying to learn dance routines. It's adorable and frustrating all at once!
While I actually do get paid to help with dance, I would gladly do it free of charge! There's nothing that compares to the joy a little girl feels when she finally "gets it." I would never have guessed that finally nailing three moves in a row or remembering a spot in the formation could be so rewarding for a dancer. And it's even more rewarding for me to see them experience it!
To conclude my extensive ramblings, I'll be sad to see both the academic semester and the dance season end. My summertime Wednesdays and Thursdays just won't be the same without singing silly songs, arguing opinions and constantly being asked if they can use the bathroom. I'll let you decide which of those situations happen in which classes! : )
"Let my words be life.
Let my words be truth.
I don't want to say a word
Unless it points the world
back to you."
jm
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2013 || the year of joy
Happy 2013!
After the streamers are swept up, the goofy hats and glasses are put away and the post-party headaches subside, everyone takes a minute to come up with the ever-necessary New Year's resolution(s). Whether cliche (exercise more!) or specific (write at least two blog posts a month!), I think resolutions are awesome. The transition from one year to the next presents a unique opportunity to take a look at the things in your life that you can improve, which I think is awesome!
I recently was introduced to a theory where instead of choosing several resolutions, you choose one word that you'd like to focus on for the coming year. My word for the year is joy.
joy [ joi]
noun
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.
3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.
4. a state of happiness or felicity.
verb (used without object)
5. to feel joy; be glad; rejoice.
Joy is so wonderful! It's such a short little word, but it packs a punch! It's a mindset, and it's a mindset I plan on living as we skip/dance/run into 2013!
"Joy to the world!"
jm
After the streamers are swept up, the goofy hats and glasses are put away and the post-party headaches subside, everyone takes a minute to come up with the ever-necessary New Year's resolution(s). Whether cliche (exercise more!) or specific (write at least two blog posts a month!), I think resolutions are awesome. The transition from one year to the next presents a unique opportunity to take a look at the things in your life that you can improve, which I think is awesome!
I recently was introduced to a theory where instead of choosing several resolutions, you choose one word that you'd like to focus on for the coming year. My word for the year is joy.
joy [ joi]
noun
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.
3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.
4. a state of happiness or felicity.
verb (used without object)
5. to feel joy; be glad; rejoice.
Joy is so wonderful! It's such a short little word, but it packs a punch! It's a mindset, and it's a mindset I plan on living as we skip/dance/run into 2013!
"Joy to the world!"
jm
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Era obsession || the 1980s
I think I was born in the wrong era. I've spent my lazy Saturday morning watching Flashdance, and it's further convinced me that I was meant to be a teenager in the '80s. My parents were so lucky!
The colors, the hair, the MUSIC. I wish it were socially acceptable today to rock gigantic frizzy hair and rolled-up washed-out jeans with bold jewelry in 29 different neon colors. They say those trends are coming back into fashion, and I certainly hope that's true! I could really go for wearing legwarmers on a daily basis.
Here are some fun photos I felt like sharing:
In conclusion, I'm going to hope that these fashion trends come back into style, but in the mean time, I'll be sneaking in as many '80s elements to everyday life that I can!
"What a feeling.
The colors, the hair, the MUSIC. I wish it were socially acceptable today to rock gigantic frizzy hair and rolled-up washed-out jeans with bold jewelry in 29 different neon colors. They say those trends are coming back into fashion, and I certainly hope that's true! I could really go for wearing legwarmers on a daily basis.
Here are some fun photos I felt like sharing:
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| Just for fun, when I was taking my senior photos, I took one like my mom's iconic pose! |
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| At least my childhood outfits were '80s-themed! |
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| Seriously, was there like a discount on denim for the entire decade? |
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| My favorite part of this photo is my dad's 'stache and permed hair. Classy. |
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| This was my outfit at one of my recent birthday parties--'80s-themed, of course! |
In conclusion, I'm going to hope that these fashion trends come back into style, but in the mean time, I'll be sneaking in as many '80s elements to everyday life that I can!
"What a feeling.
Bein's believin'.
I can have it all, now I'm dancing for all my life.
I can have it all, now I'm dancing for all my life.
Take your passion
and make it happen."
jm
jm
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The bright side || McDonald's adventure
God is funny. The ways in which He works are astonishing! Let me explain. This morning I woke up, feeling groggy and tired, not in the best mood. After dragging myself out of bed and out the door of my apartment, I decided to stop at McDonald's for a quick breakfast. It's not uncommon for me to sometimes pay for the person's food behind me in the drive-through line. I never thought about the effect that it would have on that person, until it happened to me! It brought such joy to me to hear the employee's words, "The guy in front of you paid for your food; he said to tell you to have a good day!"
My total was only $2.44, but that man's actions made my day so much more enjoyable! It was like God needed to slap some happiness across my face, and I appreciated it. You go, God. Thank You.
"I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums."
jm
My total was only $2.44, but that man's actions made my day so much more enjoyable! It was like God needed to slap some happiness across my face, and I appreciated it. You go, God. Thank You.
"I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums."
jm
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thanksgiving Weekend || family, pets, crafts
Happy (late) Thanksgiving!
If I could describe the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving weekend, it would involve lots of family time, sleeping in and making something crafty with my mother. Guess what--I accomplished all of those things--not to mention the plethora of good deals I snatched shopping on Friday with my sister.
After we had Thanksgiving food ALL day on Thursday in Fargo, and shopped a bit on Friday, my parents, little bro, and I headed back to Devils Lake.
One of my favorite parts about coming to DL is being greeted by this lovely face:
Here's a goofy photo of my other cuddly friend:
I had a coworker order some hand-made cards to send to her family for Christmas, so my mom and I tackled that this weekend. Take a peek!
If I could describe the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving weekend, it would involve lots of family time, sleeping in and making something crafty with my mother. Guess what--I accomplished all of those things--not to mention the plethora of good deals I snatched shopping on Friday with my sister.
After we had Thanksgiving food ALL day on Thursday in Fargo, and shopped a bit on Friday, my parents, little bro, and I headed back to Devils Lake.
One of my favorite parts about coming to DL is being greeted by this lovely face:
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| Maizey |
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| Kiwi |
I had a coworker order some hand-made cards to send to her family for Christmas, so my mom and I tackled that this weekend. Take a peek!
I had tons of fun hanging out with my mom in her craft room all day! It's always fun to share our ideas, and for me to soak up some of her creativity!
I also spent some time today at my dad's work (the college auto department), cleaning my car--inside and out!
All in all it's been a fantastic weekend, and it's only Saturday night!
"So take a swing and here's your chance;
You got nothing to lose so make a stance"
jm
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving Eve || craft time
It's Thanksgiving Eve, and I'm home alone being crafty!
Long weekends have a way of making everyone much happier--at work, at the grocery story, everywhere! I love it when people are cheery. It makes life so much more wonderful.
Tonight I worked on restocking my blank cards collection, which was originally and wonderfully established by my mother via last year's Christmas present!
I was also chopping celery for tomorrow's feast, when I discovered that the end of a head of celery looks like a flower, so I decided to make it into a stamp!
I decided to get a head start on Christmas presents, so let's hope the recipient of this gift doesn't see this post!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; what are you thankful for?!
"All that matters is that you recognize that it's just about respect."
jm
Long weekends have a way of making everyone much happier--at work, at the grocery story, everywhere! I love it when people are cheery. It makes life so much more wonderful.
Tonight I worked on restocking my blank cards collection, which was originally and wonderfully established by my mother via last year's Christmas present!
I was also chopping celery for tomorrow's feast, when I discovered that the end of a head of celery looks like a flower, so I decided to make it into a stamp!
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| Celery art! |
I decided to get a head start on Christmas presents, so let's hope the recipient of this gift doesn't see this post!
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| One of my favorite verses to put on gifts! |
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; what are you thankful for?!
"All that matters is that you recognize that it's just about respect."
jm
Monday, November 12, 2012
Creativity || life's natural entertainment
"Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up."-- Pablo Picasso
I love making things! I love coming up with new ideas, decorating stuff, and creating something amazing from something boring. Recently, the magazine I work for decided to profile a few employees. I think my entry pretty perfectly describes me:
Jenessa McAllister
Senior Associate Editor and Account Manager
Hobby: Crafting! I love painting, sewing, scrapbooking—everything that involves glue, paint, glitter, paper, Mod Podge, photos, ink, etc.!
Why do you love crafting so much? I love being able to turn something drab into something fun and funky. If I see a blank space on my wall, I immediately start thinking of a project so I can fill it! I also love being able to personalize gifts for friends and family by making them something unique.
How long has it been? My mom has been a scrapbooking and crafting fanatic since I can remember, and I started helping her and learning different techniques at a very young age. That, combined with my dad’s construction and welding expertise, led to a creative and encouraging household.
Does your love for crafting extend into any other area of your life? I like to combine my passion for crafting with one of my other favorite hobbies—bargain shopping. I often find inexpensive decorations and pieces at second-hand stores and in clearance sections at retail stores, and I love to turn them in to personalized craft projects. Some of my favorite and most recent projects include a jewelry organizer, different wall decorations, an updated coffee table, painted wine glasses and several desk accessories. Many employees at craft stores here in Fargo know me by name, and I’ve been known as the go-to person at the office for creative advice and/or suggestions on projects!
Senior Associate Editor and Account Manager
Hobby: Crafting! I love painting, sewing, scrapbooking—everything that involves glue, paint, glitter, paper, Mod Podge, photos, ink, etc.!
Why do you love crafting so much? I love being able to turn something drab into something fun and funky. If I see a blank space on my wall, I immediately start thinking of a project so I can fill it! I also love being able to personalize gifts for friends and family by making them something unique.
How long has it been? My mom has been a scrapbooking and crafting fanatic since I can remember, and I started helping her and learning different techniques at a very young age. That, combined with my dad’s construction and welding expertise, led to a creative and encouraging household.
Does your love for crafting extend into any other area of your life? I like to combine my passion for crafting with one of my other favorite hobbies—bargain shopping. I often find inexpensive decorations and pieces at second-hand stores and in clearance sections at retail stores, and I love to turn them in to personalized craft projects. Some of my favorite and most recent projects include a jewelry organizer, different wall decorations, an updated coffee table, painted wine glasses and several desk accessories. Many employees at craft stores here in Fargo know me by name, and I’ve been known as the go-to person at the office for creative advice and/or suggestions on projects!
While the above photo was a gift to my sister, here are a few of my other projects, that I made for myself!
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| Besides loving crafts, I also love jewelry! With a little help from Pinterest, I decided to combine things and make both a decoration and a practical jewelry organization station. |
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| I'm not sure this actually is considered crafting, but I love my wall decor! I bought a bunch of random frames and mirrors, and arranged them in this fancy way on my bedroom wall. |
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| I made this creation out of an old T-shirt, which had the print on the left down the front of the shirt, and the print on the left on the back of the shirt. I stapled them to a few pieces of wood, and slapped a couple of cute flowers on top! The verse reads: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4 |
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