Wednesday, June 9, 2010

we interrupt this silence to bring attention to a good friend

I don't know why, but all of the sudden I feel like writing a post about Jenny Wilson.

I think it's because I realized that today marks the fifty-billionth time I've blurted out to my husband, "I just love Jenny Wilson." I have to say Wilson, because I love Jenny Rigney oh-so-much, too, and that could get confusing for a husband.

So Brent asked, "What makes you say that...this time?" (And try to read that as inquisitive and not annoyed, even though the wording suggests annoyed. Definitely not annoyed.)

I attempted to explain. "She says stuff and I understand...She gets me...I don't feel self-conscious around her." I realize that's so vague. I could say that about all my friends. But, today I need to bring your attention to Jenny flippin' Wilson.

Here's some things I admire:

She has made the best carne asada, the best chocolate bread pudding and the best chicken pot pie I have ever had.

She does a lot of thrifting and always looks like a million bucks. I wish she (and Tiffany) would be my personal shoppers, but alas.

When she is in a situation where she could worry and hem and haw, she doesn't worry like the world. She preaches to herself and she waits. It's encouraging to my soul.

She taught me how to coupon, and is always there for my coupon-obsessed calls, texts and emails.

She is sympathetic.

She is self-aware in a way that has been so freeing to me. For example, years ago, she said, "I'm a phase girl. I've been crunchy, I've been into running, etc..." I can't remember all her examples, but her point was, I can get into something like organic foods and not feel like I'm locked in for life. She's committed to her family and most definitely to her relationship with Jesus and she has a healthy perspective on the rest. (I'm a phase girl, too! Like, for example...blogging?!)

She sets me straight. Like a few weeks ago, when I told her that I'd rather die a slow and painful death so I could make sure I'm right with God. And she said in a sing-songy voice, "Jenna...you know that justification comes by faith and not works, right?..." yee-ep.

She can throw a playdate or a meal together in two seconds flat. One time we walked to the park with a picnic lunch she made in no time and for drinks? We didn't have bottled water, so we carried a pitcher of water. I love that. Practical.

She's practical. Did I mention that?

She makes a fantastic latte.

She's honest about what's on her mind, what's in her heart. And, she isn't weirded out by me being too honest. For example, when her daughter got into the school I really wanted my kids to get into, I admitted, "I'm kind of jealous." And, then approximately seven minutes later, I was fine and could tell her that, too. (And then, my kids got into that school the next year. And, really, I was over it in seven minutes! don't judge me. Jenny didn't.)

She drives my kids home in the afternoons (and doesn't complain about them).

She's so stinkin' fun.

Okay. That's it. Jenny Wilson, you are the bomb diggety. And I'm glad that God would see fit to make you my neighbor, fellow carpooler, coupon mentor and friend.

8 comments:

Jenny said...

Jenna, you are the one God brought to ME! You are so good with words and have such a gift of encouragement. I'm blushing.
Oh, and the pitcher of water? YOUR idea, if I remember correctly! :)
Oh, and complain about your boys? I would have to make something up to complain about, true dat.
From now on, I'm signing out,
Jenny flippin' Wilson ;)

Mandy said...

This is really sweet, Jenna! I don't even know Jenny, but I want to schedule a playdate! Plus- you can never have too many couponing friends.

I hope that any of my friends would speak so well of me. What a blessing to have such sweet friendship!

tiffany said...

this is so so sweet! i LOVE it!!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Jenna, I don't even know Jenny flippin' Wilson like you know Jenny flippin' Wilson and yet I completely agree with you assessment. Can I also say I'm a little jealous that you get to live next to her? Because man.

One thing I can second with authority is the comment about carne asada. Hers is the absolute best.

Man. I was just thinking we need a breakfast to get together some of these Minnesota bloggers. The last time I did that, I finally met Jenny flippin' Wilson. Now you've lit a fire under me again.

Dawn S. said...

I agree with all of it and I can make you jealous because I AM RELATED TO HER! HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenna,

I can't wait to someday meet Jenny Flippin' Wilson! She sounds like an incredible friend and neighbor! Jenna, you are such a blessing to so many people and your "shrine-like" blogs on friends are THE BEST :)! You truly do have the gift of encouragement and words of affirmation! I don't even know what carne asada is (not sophisticated enough) but I want some anyway!! I miss you! Loved reading about Jenny! Sounds like a blast! I also miss Avery, Miles, Jillian and CAN'T WAIT TO MEET PHOEBE! By the way, Ava just named our new calf, Phoebe :)!

Love,
Joy

Joe Foell said...

Hi Jenna. I don't know you (or vice versa). I just like your comments on 22 words, so I glance through your blog every once in a while when I blog surf. As Mandy says above, you do a great job with words and compliments.

I left a buried comment on Jenny flippin' Wilson's blog to the effect of challenging your assessment of her chicken pot pie as the best. My wife makes "the best chicken pot pie in the Whole Wide World!" and I'm on a mission to prove it. Click the link with my name, to see my comment (I doubt either of you will ever read these, and there's even less chance that you'd do anything with it), but consider yourself invited too.

Joe

Jenna said...

Joe,

Let's make it interesting. I bet you one thousand dollars that...just kidding. Hey, my husband's native to Ohio (canton/akron). So, I just want you to know that LeBron is dead to us.

Back to chicken pot pie, does your wife ever share her recipe??