Year In Review

2006

The Past, Passed Away.

365 days in the life...

Put the past away

Embrace a new day

Day 1

Zipadee doo dah day! What a way to ring in the New Year--lips locked and hearts a singing. A totally 'New' experience for two inexperienced lip-lockers (Jedd&Jenna are fast learners;-) And Wow! What a fulfilling first! (Hoo-da-la-li! Seconds please!!). It felt so good (lips locked or not) to spend new years with a much loved friend and companion.

And once again, all 6 billion plus of us fellow passengers began another fabulous flight (companion fare!) around the sun. It's good to be flying with you! Perhaps we'll cross paths during our trip? Wait--we just did, with words!

Day 2

We, Salt Lakers, live in a giant refrigerator/freezer! I even created a brick and flagstone fridge out my bedroom window (why fight the elments?). Being my first full winter since Phoenix (a wimpy, yet pleasant, picnic cooler) Salt Lake felt more like a freezer. I had fun creating slushies when it dropped below freezing long enough--we're not in Alaska. I also refrigerated candy, water, a mug rootbeer (for months), and my nephew Ephraim's 'bug juice' water all winter. My nieces and nephews fancied my fridge, chilling candy (and more) on most visits. I love kids zest for simple, yet cool ideas.

Day 3

In due time...it's do time! So I done did create a 2006 theme: 'Leap'. I had been thinking about 'taking the plunge' far too long, it was do time to dive in. And we did! A few times--without too many brutal boulders below. Unfortunately, we continued at Jeddspeed. Godspeed is just ahead...will I let Him lead?

Day 4

One unique way to leap (n. a stretch/pull out of comfort zone), especially for the floater, is to stay put. This type of plunge--committing to a specific spot on planet earth--can be quite a stretch for the self-proclaimed explorer. Such a move grounded my 'floating' records for the first time since moving from Arizona in May 2005 (see what I mean by Jeddspeed:-( However, this did setup a wonderful opportunity to teach the 14 year-olds Gospel Doctrine and stretch my comfort zone even more. We enjoyed some good spirit-filled moments as well as a few (more) chaotic classroom clownings--kids!...keep'n things exciting.

Day 5

Day 7

This is fun! Maybe I should just scan my whole journal & post it--I'd save a lot of typing that way...yeah and lose a lot of readers. You've only covered 1 week so far. Hey, just 51 more to go! Just 51? Ha! That's 358 days Jedd...you better fast forward and hit the highlights or we're gonna lose everyone--including me (the editor) and you (the author)!

She's right--I'm lucky if you've made it this far! Meet Ms. Wilson (my chief editor). You'll see her (plus other random editors) in New Times Roman throughout the text. I, like many dreamers, need such a lady/jambalaya of voices in my writings (and life). Just look at day 248.

Day 13

The 2006 Car-camping Expo at the South Towne Exposition Center was fabulous! Jenna and I hopped in the trunk/bed area of almost every vehicle. Boyd said we received quite a few strange looks, but we (at least me) were too absorbed to notice--plus we had Lynn greeting total strangers with a hug and a head pat which almost always eases the awkwardness of outlandish acts. Either way we found the Honda Element and Chevy Avalanche to be quite promising--both fit us comfortably and had reasonable visibility. I really like the Avalanche's removable bed cover for peaceful nights when you want to star gaze before bed. The Element did have a small ceiling window which would work alright--hmmm...imagine an avalanche with a transparent (glass/plastic) bed cover for snowy nights where you fall asleep to snowflakes gently caressing your bedroom window--wow!

P.S. South Towne likes to call this event the 'Auto Expo'

Day 17

This is wild! Postmarked this very day I received a letter from Discover Financial Services (A.K.A. Discover Card) informing me I did not qualify for a credit card 'for the following reason: INSUFFICIENT INCOME.' Rejected by a credit card company?! I've gotta be one of the few on planet earth to receive such an honor. Thank you! You're very kind. Although you probably missed out on some good interest payments--your loss, my gain:-)

Day 21

Jenna's Birthday 'Lady and The Tramp' style

"Mama Mia! Oh, how I love spaghetti!"

Day 133

Wow! A visual feast of golden glitter followed by the crackling of blasts above the bay created the greatest fireworks show in Jedd's life. Shared with thousands of other partiers on the pier (plus Jenna via phone) San Francisco was on fire. How Far is Heaven? performed by Los Lobos excited my soul and I found myself answering 'As near or far as we are from God this very moment.' Then to top things off a fascinating full moon rose over the bay inviting marvel at God's amazing creations and longing for His greatest creation by my side!

P.S. Wowing Klutz was my original trip intent. They're still in the dark.

P.S.2. I discovered near the beginning of creating this year in review how easily I could calculate the calender day using December 31, 2005 as the start date, then adding the day # (i.e. 133)--try it! A new browser may be helpful--I'm not sure how to make a current link open a new browser...yet.

Days -126 to 93

During these days (I'll help you out on this one--Aug. 28, 2005 to April 3, 2006) my car lay dormant at the UofU and Jenna's. This created a unique situation for two bus bound lovers. For instance, the distance between West Jordan and Sugarhouse by bus is about the same as Salt Lake and Phoenix by plane--it's a good hour and a half. Hence, we enjoyed some quality travel time with both hands free, no emergency brake between us, and eyes off the road--on each other! We also mostly enjoyed some unique escorts after dates where Jedd takes Jenna home via Trax & bus (car occasionally), visits at her place for a few while checking the next bus departure--'20 minutes...plenty of time!'. Jenna & Jedd proceed to play/talk until Jedd misses the bus--'Sah-weet! We've got another hour!'...unless it's the last bus. Aaaahhh, I don't wanna call the Mom & Dad rescue line! Can I sleep in the car?

Day 145

The closing social for special mutual was a warm reminder of what life is really all about: love & people. These special loving souls (counselors included) have a way of softening the hardest of hearts with their gentle, accepting, forgiving, eager to try, fun-filled, simple, child-like way of being. It was quite a comfort to come to an activity every Thursday night surrounded by such people and rub off on each other. I find it exciting how we need each other to become all we were born to be. Where one is weak another is strong and together we make a firm ever-improving foundation. God undoubtedly places people (fellow passengers) in our lives, who will (if we accept them) make us more than we ever could be alone.

"High quality friends, create high quality people, who create high quality content."

Day 185

Independence Day for America. Dependence Day for Jedd&Jenna. Plus the anniversary of their lips first encounter--they like each other and continue to find each other frequently.

Day 244 (app.)

Around the beginning of September I began to implement a 'previous & necessary' plan to move out. I had been feeling the urge for quite some time and with the help of Abraham seeing that "it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence" (Abraham 1:1) and a lovely lady living where I wanted to go, it was an easy decision. Plus, I was about to turn 35 (Day 260) which would fulfill the 'Yeah, I'll probably move out when I'm 35' joke, made when 27'ish, way too well. It had become more of a nightmare now. Hence, I landed a decent job conveniently close to Jenna, loaded up my car (A.K.A. caRV!--September weather is irresistable:-), and leaped! Initiating a detailed, yet flexible--fly by the seat of your pants--transitional plan (not necessarily in this order):

• Leap
• Look both ways and below (Yikes--Boulders!)
• Live in caRV!/Lynns/UofU/Planet Earth (Temporarily!)
• Work & save (continue targeting higher!)
• Secure a rump rest (a.k.a. apartment)
• Propose
• Get Married
• Move Jenna in
• Live happily ever after (two silly, playful pups would have it no other way)

This plan went well save a couple things: speed and proposal acceptance

Day 248'ish

Today I ironed a shirt with it on (attempting to save time) and discovered firsthand irons are hot! They penetrate shirts, go straight to the skin, and brand you. Lynn attempted to act as my editor 'Jedd, No! That'll burn' but I brushed him off (not with the iron) and carry stubborn scars to prove it.

Bonjourno Principesa! For this exciting outing Lynn and I picked up mi Principesa Jenna after work, got some Italian food, and headed to Lynn's. Here we enjoyed lasagna and "Life is Beautiful" on Lynns large HDTV. We set it to English so we could understand it better and were quite impressed with the 'easier to imitate in English' Italian accent. During the movie Lynn, Jenna, and Jedd cuddled close complete with random head pats (Lynn shows his love in unique ways). Later Lynn snoozed leaving snuggles for just Jenna and Jedd. Sah-weeet! Lynn eventually woke up, the movie ended, and we parted. As I took Jenna home I dazzled her with my 'easily imitatable' Italian accent--especially as I goodbyed 'good noche Principesa Jenna'. She giggled and giggled so I continued this magical accent enjoying her jovial laugh and character. After awhile I was ready to wind down the giggles and get to the goods (los labios). Yet Jenna wasn't cooperating, instead we enjoyed some giggle filled kisses culminating in a steady lip-lock (at least 3 seconds) followed by more laughter. Aahhh...La Vita e' Bella con Jenna.

Day 260

Bonjourno Principe! Jenna delighted me with words and mouth-watering treats celebrating my 35th circle around the sun. Jenna recalls me beaming that day. And who wouldn't with such a sweet supportive gal!

Day 280

Let's flashback to 2005...sometimes the past is better.

Day 283

Jedd and Jenna are officially...broken up:-o I would feel fine substituting 'officially engaged'. We came so close, but it must be unanimous and feel right for both parties. Boy, do I love that girl Jenna! It's hard to understand...life breaks your heart at times leaving you grieving with intense pain. Aahhh...'la vita e' fea sin Jenna.' Yet somehow we pull through knowing eventually the sorrow will subside and the luster of life will return.

Day 309

A perpetual pattern in my life has been discovered: The Grand Circle! The details are coming as soon as I compile them. In the meantime, fewer words = faster finish with this blah!

Day 316'ish

A few weeks after the 'break-up' I recall some intense introspection asking self--Jedd, do you mean to tell me you proposed while living in your car? While working a part-time mediocre job? While paying off a line of credit/saving up for an apartment? In essence living a lifestlyle you weren't/aren't completely comfortable with and expected Jenna to be comfortable? HELLO! WAKE-UP from a deep sleep dude! A girl expects and deserves more! But wait, isn't that how life works? It stretches us. Takes us beyond the lighted path into the dark, testing our faith in God's guidance and each other. Jenna and I knew we didn't have our lives totally together--we we're gonna get there together. A little comfort and security never hurts Jedd--you're not 22 anymore. Face the challenges with faith and triumph. You will triumph! Not on your timetable necessarily, but you'll get there...yeah, we'll get there! We've got a ways to go, yet we will arrive at our intended destination! We just gotta believe...and work too. After all, wooing women without works...is dead!

Day 357

2006 is about to officially pass away ushering in 2007 and all it has in store. This year I plan to surrender. I'm one stubborn, hard-headed soul. My stubborn streaks often take me down 'not fully fulfilling' paths leading to 'not fully fertile' land--good nonetheless, yet why settle for less, when you were born for more!? The promised land awaits, oh may I go!

Day 359

Today I was thinking about how much more amazing Christmas will be in the Millenium when 'The reason for the season' reigns and Jesus Christ is there to recieve (and give) gifts personally. A better world is just around the bend!

Day 365

Well, we've come to the end of another amazing 365 day journey around the sun. What a flight! One where the majority of the year I flew 'intimate' companion fare—the best way to fly! Something special occurs when friends fly close together, somehow the turbulence seems softer, the uncertainty smaller, and the extended valley views invigorating. Plus, you barely notice jet lag with a comforting companion! But either way, you and I are still flying together, on the same planet, making the same 365 day journey. Sunsational! I'm glad our paths could cross…be it with words, or more. Another fulfilling flight awaits: '2007th Heaven!'

Coming up...

The Year-in-Preview

2007: Create Your Adventure

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