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The Big THREE-ZERO!

September 25, 2008 in Friends, Jenni, Personal Entries with 8 Comments

Today, I left the twenty-something’s club and joined the THIRTIES!!!

I’ve gotten cute comments like, “Happy Birthday, you old fart!” to “Oh, you young ‘un.” It’s all quite amusing to me.

I think I’ve said this before, but I’ve always looked forward to the 30′s. I actually look forward to the 40′s and 50′s too, not that I’m in any rush to get there, but none-the-less… still look forward to it. I think it’s because most of my closest friends are closer to their 40′s. I MAY feel like I’m always catching up.

My mom has always said I’ve had a mature soul. Some of us are just like that… but here are some of my thoughts so far for this day (as warped as they may be):

“Didn’t expect to be 34 weeks pregnant and 35 lbs. over my normal weight on my 30th birthday.”
“Why do I still feel 23?”
My staff at Church! at Bethany sang me Happy Birthday yesterday at the staff meeting and got me an ice cream cake. SOOOOO good!!!
Got voicemails and phone calls from (in this order) Mom, Jill Hofer, Greg Lester, Helen Wong, and Renee Mytar so far.
Got text messages from (in this order) Brian Stout, Rose Braun, Katelyn Bonn, Nick Lind (who said “Happy Birthday, Grandma!” lol!), Krysta Lind, Laura VanderGiessen, Rebecca Strott, Kevin Clayville so far.
All made me happy… but none were as great as Chance waking me up with, “It’s your happy birthday, Mommy! And I love you.”
The Strott Family (one of my favorite families EVER!!!) JUST brought this HUGE bouquet of flowers over too. It’s bigger than my head. I wish I could somehow share how wonderful they smell too
I received “Happy Birthday” wishes from friends all over the country via Facebook and Twitter. Many of them are blog friends that I’ve never met in person and many old middle school and high school friends. Shout out’s to all of you!

Thank you ALL for your friendship, blessings and love! I’m a lucky girl not only to see the sweet age of 30, but to LOVE it as much as I do.

My honey and some friends are taking me out to dinner at my favorite place, Portland City Grill, tonight. I think my wonderful day has JUST begun. You can expect another post later… but for now…

… What did/will YOU do on YOUR 30th?

The Countdown – 1

September 21, 2008 in Jenni, Personal Entries with 1 Comment

4 days till I turn 30.

Wow!

Q & A – Part Three

June 13, 2008 in Jenni with 1 Comment

I love all the questions you guys are asking. I hope that you’ll keep asking cuz it helps direct me on how to write.

Without further adieu… part three:

How did you settle on your leadership style, as a worship leader working with students (you know that I am a fan of it!)?

Posted by:
Melinda Groth |
June 05, 2008 at 05:13 PM

I’m not sure how I "settled" on a leadership style. I think I just took from what I’ve experienced and tried to incorporate what was most effective for me. With music and tech, the only way you’re going to get better is by being hands on and experiencing it… so I put kids in leadership and slowly release more and more to them. They are the next generation… our pastors and leaders in government – we don’t want to fail them so we train them in love and encouragement instead of just throwing them to the wolves. Nothing trains them faster, I guess.

I’ve definitely messed up a LOT along the way in my 6 years leading… but really, I think this trains me to be an effective worship leader more than I would say I train students.

Loved
hearing about your musical training – Opera?!! Impressive… Will you
have Chance and Baby2 take lessons … and encourage them to continue
even if they don’t see the ultimate benefit down the road?

Posted by:
Amy Elder |
June 06, 2008 at 08:25 AM

Great question, Amy! I will absolutely encourage my kids to train in multiple musical avenues. Music helps open up the brain so they can take in more of all the other stuff. I’m not sure I’d push them as hard as my mom did when I was little… but I think that’s more because my mom never got that privilege so she wanted the best for us. She wanted us to stick with it.

There were multiple times I had asked my mom if I could quit and she encouraged me to really think about it before I did it. Each time, I stuck with it… it was always my choice. I think I’ll do the same with my kids.

Wow…I
didn’t know you were timed! Did this ever cause problems between you
and your Mom? Was she as strict with your other sisters?

Have you ever thought of doing one of those quiz things – like on
flufo.com? You could put all sorts of crazy questions…like how many
times have we moved since I’ve been married? or How big was Chance when
he was born? or who is my musical crush? Anyway…can’t wait to see
you…TOMORROW!

Posted by:
allison |
June 06, 2008 at 11:18 AM

I don’t think timing me caused problems with me and my Mom… but it taught me to be sneaky on how I practiced. I would keep playing with one hand (any little melody) while I was changing music books so I didn’t get docked on time. I’m not sure if it worked, but I thought it did. And yes… she was this strict with Renee as well… but not Helen. Helen didn’t do as much music stuff as she did gymnastics, so her story’s a bit different.

My mom just wanted us to be excellent at whatever we did. For the most part, it’s affected us positively in our lives.

I’ve never thought of making a quiz. I guess I’m still a bit shocked that you guys want to know about me. Maybe I’ll do that sometime though.

What is the best part of being a lead worshipper? What is the worst?

Posted by:
Janet |
June 06, 2008 at 06:00 AM

Best part of being a worship leader: getting to see everyone pouring out in worship to God.
Worst part of being a worship leader: getting to see everyone not worshiping God.

I think it has to be a bit of both all the time though because musicians tend to make things all about them if things keep rockin’ out. Before we know it, we become confused about WHO we are worshiping. The moments that seem like no one is worshiping also makes me think I’m doing something wrong… but keeps me grounded.

Every answer I’m thinking of right now is equally good and bad. HA!

Keep the questions coming, friends

Q & A – Part Two

June 5, 2008 in Jenni with 3 Comments

More questions are coming in from THIS POST which is AWESOME, so I thought I’d answer a bit more today.

HERE GOES!!!

how did i miss this post? (that’s not my question). i can’t really think of one. just tell us something weird about yourself.
Posted by:
Crystal Renaud |
June 04, 2008 at 03:20 PM

My whole life is weird. You’re gonna have to be more specific with your question, Crystal. Come on, girl!

What
is your favorite sushi place and what 3 types of sushi do you get most
salivated by, just thinking about them? Why? I guess this is actually
three questions. Sorry.
Posted by:
Melinda Groth |
June 05, 2008 at 10:20 AM

My favorite sushi place is SINJU at the Pearl District. The food is SO good there. My three favorites are (in this order): 1 – Maguro (Tuna). 2 – Spicy Tuna Roll. 3 – Spider Roll. I’ve honestly tried them all and these just taste the best to me. Unfortunately for me right now, the only one I can really eat is the Spider Roll. Pregnancy means no raw food. Boo!

I’m new to Jenni C, and only know you by what I’ve read on your blog. Maybe I missed this, but my question is:

How did you prepare musically for what you do today? Training, teachers, self, and, do you have any stories of this time?
Posted by:
sharon |
June 05, 2008 at 11:39 AM

Welcome, Sharon! Thanks for your question and I hope you come back to visit often.

My mom started me with piano lessons when I was 5 or so and didn’t let up till High School. Though most of my training has been classical, my last couple of years were jazz improv style, which is mostly what I use now. My first teachers name was Tatiana Martin, then we moved up to Michiko Myamoto (who really kicked me booty in classical). After I decided I was "done" with classical, I took improv (and more secular music style music) with a family friend, Sam Cheng.

My mom used to time my daily practice time (at least an hour). If I left for a bathroom break or paused to change music, she’d pause my time. I basically practiced 1 to 2 hours EVERYDAY of my childhood. In this chaos of piano, I also took violin for a couple of years.

My mom’s friends at church always told her that I had a great voice so once I was in high school, I began voice lessons. First with James Taylor (not THE James Taylor… just the same name), then moved on to a wonderful teacher named Edie Delegans. I sang mostly opera and LOVED it. I was also in choir at school and some outside professional (audition only) choirs. That was scary! They are INTENSE!!!

When I moved from Seattle to Portland, I really missed my piano. However, I couldn’t afford a piano at the ripe old age of 21, so I bought a $200 guitar and decided to teach myself how to play. After a couple of years, I found myself plateauing so I took a few lessons from Adlai Alexander which shot me forward a bit. It’s amazing how much piano theory has shot me forward in my understanding of the guitar.

I truly enjoy music and though it was a royal pain when I was little… it’s all worth it now.

What are the first 16 questions you would ask a person you just met or someone you barely know?
Posted by:
Renee |
June 05, 2008 at 02:03 PM

What in the world? I don’t have a set list… you’re so weird, Nae!

I LOVE the questions. Keep ‘em comin’, people!

Q & A – Part One

June 4, 2008 in Jenni with 5 Comments

So, I thought I’d take a shot at the first few questions submitted from THIS POST. Keep ‘em coming. I’m loving this!

Without further adieu… here’s part one to Q & A

Which Sunset Pres Student Ministry Director is your favorite to work with, Mike or Kurt, and why?
Posted by:
MIke G |
June 02, 2008 at 08:48 PM

Great question, Mike! At this very moment, Kurt is my favorite to work with since he bought us lunch. However, in those moments when we’re both laughing at Kurt together – you’re my favorite. Plus, since you’re married to Lacy (who I’m quite fond of), it puts you in the lead most of the time.

So Jen, who’s your favorite sister and why?
Posted by:
Helen |
June 03, 2008 at 10:44 AM

It depends on who I’m talking to at the moment. I think you’re silly, Helen!

This isnt a serious question, but can you call me again? I cant find your phone number.
Posted by:
ModernJune31 |
June 03, 2008 at 04:02 PM

I called you. We’re good

When you were little, did you want to be a gymnast when you grew up?
What is your middle name?
What % of your family lives here, and what % lives in China?
Could you live without coffee??
Jenni…this is the best I could come up with…my brain shut off a couple hours ago. Love you though!
Posted by:
allison |
June 03, 2008 at 10:57 PM

When I was little, I don’t think being a gymnast was even close to being a reality. I never liked it enough… nor was I good enough. When I was little… I wanted to be a famous movie star/singer.

My middle name is Jan-Ning Wong. It used to just be Jan-Ning (pronounced Tsun-Ning) but then when I married Brian, I attached my maiden name to my middle name. I have a long name now.

I have 5 in my immediate family: Dad, Mom, Me, Renee, & Helen. Dad and Helen are currently overseas. Mom is in Seattle. Renee is in L.A. and I’m here in P-Town. So… that’s 40% overseas. Helen’s in Hong Kong so… not really China. Now if you count ALL family, I have NO idea. My mom’s dad had 4 wives. There are relatives I don’t even know. They’re in Hong Kong, China, Canada, US, and who knows where else.

I am currently living without coffee. I think I could totally live without it… I just really enjoy the taste of it. Mmmm….

Alli, you did a great job with questions. You’re my favorite friend… but don’t tell Holly.

What do you want that little peanut to be, a boy or a girl, and why?
Posted by:
Dan Valeri |
June 04, 2008 at 10:28 AM

In all honesty, I’m really going to be happy either way. Having a boy would make things easier and save us about $20k in the first couple of years since we already have EVERYTHING. I really LOVE having Chance and boys are just a BLAST! We also have backup names already chosen… you know… the one’s Chance didn’t end up with.

Having a girl would make us that picture perfect half Asian family, right? But I have no clue what to do with a little girl. I’m still somewhat in denial that I’m a girl. However, it would be a blast being able to shop in the other 3/4ths of the kid stores. I’d have to put myself on a budget for little girl clothes. Plus, Chance wants a little sister.

When we find out the gender in 3 weeks… I’ll be happy whichever way. I’m just ecstatic that God blessed us not only once, but twice!

what is your most embarrassing moment? if you share yours, i will share mine on my blog, too!
xo
Posted by:
Stephanie Morris |
June 04, 2008 at 10:46 AM

Are you serious? My whole life is an embarrassing moment. I have so many, I can’t just narrow it down to one, but I’ll give you one example for now.

When I was little, my mom trained us to go to the bathroom with the door opened so we could just call to her if we needed anything. We were a house full of girls so it didn’t matter. There was one evening (I was 7 or 8) she invited friends (complete with boys our age) over once and we were about ready to head out for dinner or something so I made a quick potty break. DOOR OPEN. That’s when everyone and their mom decided to use the bathroom before heading out. Everyone saw me sitting on the pot with my pants hanging at my ankles.

I was SO embarrassed.

If you can have a "re-do" for ANYTHING, what would it be?
Any regrets?
What’s your one weakness?
Did you believe in Santa?
Did you sniff paint chips as a child? Ha ha…know what movie that’s from?
I’m gonna keep posting questions until you have a new post…:)
Posted by:
allison |
June 04, 2008 at 10:52 AM

Oh Allison… you rock!

If I could have one re-do in my life it would have been to guard my heart a bit more closely as a young girl. I realize that I wouldn’t be the woman I am now if it weren’t for those heartbreaking experiences… but I think I’d also be a bit more of a WHOLE woman too.

I have many regrets. Most of them have to do with squandering away something – time, money, love, energy. However… like I said before – it’s all taken me HERE. I can’t complain.

One weakness – Spa Treatments. You can pretty much get me to do whatever you want with promise of a Spa Treatment.

I don’t remember ever believing in Santa. I always knew Santa’s handwriting was exactly like my Asian mothers. My parents didn’t really work that hard at helping us believe in Santa… but my mom was SPECTACULAR at hiding presents. Seriously!

No sniffing paint chips as a child… but I did eat paste. You know, the kind from those big jars in kindergarten class. Who didn’t?

You thought I was joking, didn’t you?
If you could perform with ANY *famous* musician, who would it be?
What reality show would you most like to be on?
What song can you listen to over-and-over-and-over again?
Posted by:
allison |
June 04, 2008 at 11:11 AM

OMG!!! In what genre? Okay… I’ll give you a couple: CHRISTIAN: Toss up. I would SO perform with Nichole Nordeman or Brooke Fraser IN A HEARTBEAT. SECULAR: Alicia Keys

Reality show: I used to really like Amazing Race. That would be the most fun. But I couldn’t go with Brian cuz I would get totally whiny and dumb. I’d have to go with a kick-a$$ girlfriend.

I could listen to Fergie’s Glamorous forever… cuz that’s what I am!

Seriously????!!!!
Your proudest moment to date
Best prank you’ve ever pulled off
Posted by:
allison |
June 04, 2008 at 01:33 PM

Proudest moment – living through the birth of Chance. Man, that sucked and rocked all at the same time.

Best prank… I think tin foiling your hubby’s office with Matt, Jos, and Leslie is up there on the list.

However, I think the best prank I’ve ever pulled off was with my girlfriends at church choir tour in high school. We tied all the boys dorm doors together so they couldn’t get out of their rooms. All was great till one of the boys got a bloody nose in the middle of the night and pulled at the door so hard that the knob flung across the room. Then, because we had spun an intricate weave of rope from knob to knob down the hall, he kept running into rope on the way to the bathroom.

Brain Fart

June 2, 2008 in Jenni with 13 Comments

Many friends (just to name ONE – Janet ) have brought up how lame I’ve been with blogging recently.

I have no excuse. You are totally right. I suck right now. My brain has farted so many times I have almost no material. It’s either I have nothing going on or I have so much going on, I’m in denial. I’m not sure at this point.

So… here’s my thought:

OPEN FIRE!!!

Don’t REALLY shoot me… but I’m opening it up for questions here.

Seriously – ask me any burning or not burning question you have and I’ll answer them in upcoming posts as honestly as I can. I’d love to get to know you and you to know me… I’m just not really sure what you want to know about me… so here’s your chance.