4.29.2008

So it's the night before we sally forth on our journey.

Today I was totally LOSING MY MIND while I tried to get everything squared away here with the end of work and stuff I needed for the trip and things that just generally needed to be accomplished before we get back. I love coming and going. But I usually have a pre-trip freak-out, where pretty much my brain melts and then I have to write things down on a list or else they fall right out of my pretty little head:)

But now after a final zip of my green duffel bag, a quick trip to radio-shack for head phones (nearly essential), burning some new 'Shane and Shane' music for the road, and eating a quesadilla, things are tranquil and we are excited.

Even so, there's a list sitting next to me that says: toothbrush, pillow, hoodie, Bible. The things I take for granted in life, particularly at 5 in the morning... Just now Aaron quietly picked up my list and pencil.
"DON'T add things to my list, Aaron."
"I'm not!! I... was just gonna add exclamation points."

-Jenna

------------------

I was going to say something about "sallying forth", but Jenn beat me.
So I'll just say we're about to take a quann-tum leap into our Louisiana Road Trip :)
The van is packed. The house is clean. I am clean. We are all alive. It was a successful day, if not insane. I even had time to put on one of our trademark fake tattoos, just for the occasion...

Highlight of the day: Connor (my 1 year old nephew) said my name for the first time (while smiling and running to give me a hug). I can't explain how much joy those kids bring into my life.

I have a lot of hope for these next 8 days. For time away. For time with Jesus and my family.
New places. New sights. New sounds. New smells. New friends. New books. New pictures. New stories. New songs. And probably new struggles.

I will leave you with this tonight: the chorus of the song that inspired the name of our blog (take a wild guess at who wrote it :)

"So keep'em coming, these lines on the road
And keep me responsible, be it a light or heavy load
And keep me guessing, with these blessings in disguise
I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes" -- Derek Webb

5:30am is going to be here way too soon.
-Linz

------------------

Let's kick this pig...

my stuff is cram-packed into my backpacking backpack and my black "assassin bag". it is amazing the amount of things we try to bring with us to be comfortable, and it's funny because in the end we are far too squished to be comfortable. to use a quote from Three Men in a Boat, "Throw it away, it's all lumber, Man!!!"

A little side-bar here, i was just telling my Dad how i like to use the phrase "slam-jangled". Quincy came up with that one. clever guy... it is tremendous great fun to say, "slam-jangled". and it is so usable; you can use it for anything. like: "man, my week has been so slam-jangled busy!!!" the greatest part is that people take you seriously when you say it. you really should try it out; it's great fun, for the whole family to enjoy...

i am all set for tomorrow, i have my clothes picked out. (well, actually, i'm wearing them...). i'm wearing my newest plaid shorts! there is nothing happier than PLAID SHORTS!!! they're awesome!!! i wish i had fifty pairs of plaid shorts! they rock! everyone should have a pair of plaid shorts!! so, anyways, all i have left to pack is the last minute things. i have a list filling one full sheet of paper. it reads:

Pillow!!!


Blankie!!!


Monkey!!!

but this road trip, this great and awesome pilgrimage, makes me stop think. i think of how i will be setting foot on new ground. treading new asphalt with the tires. going where no Charlie Quann has ever gone before! and i have only one thing to say to all my loyal and dedicated fans out there: "Call me Conquistador!!!" XD

:-)

Cheers,

-Charlie

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is more like the kind of urge that I am talking about... Embrace that inner geek! Get a blog! Have great trip!

Katharsis said...

That is an excellent CD Jenna.

And Quincy...so...you're working on The Brink of Delirium, or you're reading it? And enjoy Gary. Just one every hour...don't overdo it.

Anonymous said...

haha, fun! I like this idea :) Now I just have to remember to come back and check it while you're all gone! We'll miss you, HAVE FUN!!!

Anonymous said...

have a great trip!! i will enjoy reaading about your adventures!!

Anonymous said...

this was very entertaining and I'm looking forward to your future posts indeed :) I'm sure it will be such a "slam-jangled" trip:Þ (Did I use it in the right context Conquistador? How do pronounce your new name by the way? You need to give a grammar glass on all your words and such)

Jenna and Aaro...I mean Charl...I mean Conquistador....or was it Quincy? Anyway, I found your last few things list's entertaining:) And Lindsey, the way you put things was...entertaining :) But also made me want to go on a road trip myself. Even though I just went on one like a month ago :Þ Even so I think going on one again would be very entertaining!

I will stop now...Your friend who doesn't own a pair of happy plaid shorts. aka - Krissy

Anonymous said...

This is your FAVORITE brother-in-law. I'm just testing this out to see if it works. I'm sooooooo old that I hardly even know how to use a blog. Love you guys,
Matt

Anonymous said...

hey guys...
hope you all have an awesome time- but not so much of a good time that you never want to come back to "ordinary" KG, okay? :)

Anonymous said...

"oh what fun it is to ride"...in a car packed for 5 for a really, really long time!! :) have a joyous trip guys!
Katie

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know another egg hatched (in the wreath). The kids wanted me to let you know. Hope you are having fun. Zena has been fine.

Unknown said...

Sara Dunn sent me this this morning. Gave me a good laugh (which I desperately needed) but she told me I have to read the real thing today too :)
Anyway, haven't been able to read your blog yet but I think I will have time this weekend...kids are waking up. Happy Graduation Day to Jenn Jenn. Love you all! Sis
OK, here's what Sara wrote :)
Ps 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
When this pregnancy advances against me to devour my flesh, When contractions and exhaustion attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though my children besiege me, my heart will not fear, Though they break out against me, even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For on the day of delivery, He will keep me safe in his dwelling; He will hide me in his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the exhaustion that surrounds me; At his tabernacle will I deliver with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me, My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" your face, LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my body and children forsake me, the Lord will deliver me.
Teach me your way, O LORD, lead me in an early delivery because of my exhaustion.

Do not leave me pregnant forever, for I have been contracting and I am wanting this baby out.
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD in the delivery room.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.