The Ancient of Days

Our growing girl - 5 1/2 months

2010-05-12T21:44:00.001-04:00

Nah...

2010-04-08T17:38:00.000-04:00

To the Tree!

2010-04-02T22:40:00.001-04:00

Caroline has a tree! Japanese Maple. It will move with us. Our big dead tree was cut down this morning, and tree guy Shawn suggested we dedicate a new tree to Caroline. Hours later and a trip to Home Depot, done. Shawn was happy to stop fixing potholes and put it in the ground. Our housing maintenence strikes again.

Happy Easter - what was dead has been raised!

"There is nothing that God cannot ressurrect." - Beth Moore on K-LOVE

Catching up - an online archive of sorts.

2010-04-01T13:39:00.008-04:00

A Courtship with Carlton Shippee (AUG 2008 - 31JAN 2009)

This wonderful man was already my best friend in Newport. When I returned from leave in San Diego that August, his red-bearded smile at the airport should have been a clue - it was about to become something more. It was a week or so later that Carlton asked if I would be his girl. My immediate response was "Okay, but don't waste my time, buddy" then I smiled and blushed I'm sure, and he was at ease.

He took my hand and we kissed, in the cover of moonlight on Newport's Cliff Walk. I knew then that I could really love this man. With counseling from our Pastor and support from family and friends we moved quickly into marriage. The rest is history... Every day as my husband, best friend, and now fantastic new father, Carlton proves even more to be the man God intended for me to marry, and I am eternally grateful.

***To be continued***

Oh my! Time for an update, perhaps?

2010-04-01T13:35:00.002-04:00

Not an April Fools - I'm really back on here!

It's been 19 MONTHS since I last logged onto my own blog. Today and tomorrow I'm in forced SIQ (Sick-in-Quarters) from an oral surgery yesterday - the Navy finally got hold of my wisdom teeth. I'm a terrible napper, and am not in need of the narcotic drugs I was prescribed, so here I am with some TIME to myself; to heal, reflect, and share. Since it's been so long since I published on here, I'll work on a summary of what I've been up to in the last year and a half - or more accurately, what GOD has been doing! In short, God has blessed my life more than I could ever have imagined. In my last post I mentioned praying for a woman's bible study and church community to join - prayer answered. I have a whole new class of sisters in Christ here from Newport Community Church. They keep me pointed toward Christ, in God's word, and help to realign my heart every time we get together.

I was also praying that God reveal his pans for my friendship with a wonderful friend, Carlton - prayer answered. He asked to date/court me in August 2008, and we were engaged Christmas Day, married January 31st, 2009, moved into Naval housing in Portsmouth February 6th, and pregnant weeks later! Amazing grace. Caroline Joy Shippee, our precious baby girl was born November 19, 2009. Blessings abound, praise the Lord!

A brief aside about my faith: If you are reading this and have a notion like there is something missing in your life, something broken maybe, that you've tried to fill or fix for years, I am encouraging you to turn to your creator, our God in heaven. Seek to know him, learn about his Son Jesus, find out why he is the only "celebrity" in history that will never fade, never go down in scandal, never lose faith in YOU. He is our best and first healer. His enduring, unconditional love for you is REAL and obtainable. When you decide to put your life in His hands, I know he will bless you. It is a tough road at times, maybe harder than you first expect. We live in a world where negativity and spiritual warfare is rampant. You will suffer. I do. But be encouraged, as I'd rather suffer in God's hands than alone. Any day. Today, if you cannot call yourself a believer, a Christian, be not afraid. I hope to post more about how to walk the walk I attempt everyday, as well as any sinner can. My hope and prayer is that even if one soul turns to Christ, my time at the keyboard will be worth it -- infinitesimally! It's good to be back here. Enjoy and be blessed.

Home Stretch...

2008-07-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

Well, look who decided to give a little update. My apologies, there really hasn't been much to share. The fourth of July intensity was high at NBNE, we had gigs upon gigs, with 5 Wind Ensemble concerts as part of the mix, which I like because I'm playing oboe, but the manpower required to get the whole band set up and torn down is a lot for us to deal with.

I took a short weekend trip down to Stamford, CT from July 4-5 to relax with Aunt Barbie and Uncle Bob, that was very nice, as always. I good soak in the hot tub eased my tired limbs, and Barbie and I got to scoot around in my Saab for ice cream and other tasty errands.

Then from July 7-11, in the midst of more gigs, Carlton and I got to teach Vacation Bible School at the Chapel of Hope here on base. We taught the music rotation all week, to three different age groups. Every evening at camp they learned a new song, and on Sunday at the Protestant service we "performed" our whole repetoire to a loving audience of parents, friends, and the hundred Officer Candidates who come to chapel every week during their rigorous version of boot camp. The theme of the week was "Outrigger Island" and our songs were written just for the event, as part of a packaged VBS that any church can order. It was really awesome to see God's work in these kids' lives and Jesus on their faces. It reminded me that we must come to Christ with the heart of a child. They really are pure and fearless you know, and have hearts that can love like no other. So that was a great week of communion and testimony with some of Newport's most precious citizens. Here's some in action:

Socially and spiritually I am praying for more support, as Carlton is still my only friend here, I miss having women in my life! As one of four girls I never thought I'd say that. SO I'd love to find a women's bible study like I had in SD, or at least some regular fellowship that can keep me accountable, growing, and grounded in Christ.

Last Saturday I went north to Massachusetts to visit Jackie S., my chaplain from NU. We had a nice dinner and I fell asleep watching Eddie Izzard give his hilarious history of just about everything, including Anglicans. Then on Sunday I went to Jackie's very urban parish, St. Paul's of Brockton for both her Morning Prayer and Eucharist services. She has a small, eclectic group of worshipers and an extremely talented organist who is an improv wiz, he's only 14 and will be attending Interlochen in the fall. The parish offers a free lunch to the poor six days a week, and is looking to expand it's services to include a day center for those who need a place for rest, resource, and encouragement. I pray they will come to know Christ in such an environment, and I believe Jackie and her parish are making strides in helping that to happen.

After church we ate lovely Greek omlettes at a diner and ventured up to Quincy, MA, where the Adams National Park offers awesome tours of the houses and history of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Unfortunately the tour did not include any Sam Adams, but ended with a dramatic thunderstorm.

And, in fact it has been raining - pouring really - for the last two days, culminating with a pretty scary power outage last night here on base. It was so dark and quiet, luckily I had contraband candles to light, and a bible to snuggle up to. Welcome to New England!

Of course yesterday's big event was Emily and Richard's wedding in San Diego. Notice, I was not there. Alas the Navy said 'no you cannot possibly go, we need you here to play your oboe for a Captain's retirement in the morning.' And so I stayed, and played this morning for a really great man, who incidentally was the skipper of the USS Blue Ridge before coming to the Naval War College, the ship our friends in the 7th Fleet Band cruise with. So it was special to him for us to be there.

Family has sent me some really beautiful pictures of the wedding, which I will eventually compile and put on my own photo page. In the meantime here is the link to Kate's photos. Here's one from Dad:

And of course one of the kids:

Alright I'm off to go schmooze down at the Newport Yacht Club, Aunt Barbie has been hassling/encouraging me to sign up for crew... it's how she met her husband! Everyone's got advice for me... I love it. God bless and if you are in SD I'll see you in a mere 7 days!!! Much Love, Jenny

Naturally Newport

2008-06-24T20:33:00.001-04:00

Life in New England requires a very special relationship with nature. On the Navy Base, we have a large population of geese. In fact I would guess that between OCS and War College classes, the geese outnumber the humans here! The geese are lovely at first, and it's been fun to watch the babies hatch and grow this spring. There have been at least two rounds of goslings to experience. BUT, the geese POOP everywhere! Walking anywhere on base we all must keep an eye to the ground - you literally have to watch every step. Gross. At work we each have "clean-up" jobs that we take care of everyday, for example I clean the ladies locker room, third deck head, and the library. My friend Carlton has the honor of sweeping goose poop off the sidewalks around the property. It's the glamorous Navy! He also is the keeper of our fake Coyote, "Wiley" who is perched outside the band hall, supposedly to scare the geese away.
Here's how well that works: (phone camera)

Now that I have a car, another annoyance the geese bring is that they take over the road at times. One morning walking to work I took these pictures of the geese "roadhogging" as usual!

Plus one night a family of the geese came over to grill steaks at my place:
The other part nature I am getting to know in New England is the WEATHER. It can go from 82 degrees and pouring rain to 40 and dry in minutes. In Newport, even on the warmest days we have an onshore breeze similar to San Diego. But as you know thanks to George Clooney and his fellow fishermen, New England is host to some of the craziest storm systems in the country. Today we had flash thunderstorms, hail, and rainbows all along the horizon. It was scary and beautiful at the same time. I look forward to the colors of autumn and even the harsh, wet winter. I think my experience of Chicago winters will serfve me well this year! Here are a couple shots from my camera phone today - it was breathtaking!

(That's my cutie car in the middle)

Until next post, be well, and for goodness sakes don't be taking pictures on your phone while driving across bridges...!

The Dogs of Bunker Hill

2008-06-15T17:27:00.000-04:00

Today NBNE marched in the Bunker Hill parade in the Charleston section of Boston, Mass. It is a long parade which winds up, down, and around the Bunker Hill memorial, lined with colorful row houses, gas lamps and green trees. Instead of marching "air clarinet" today, my Senior Chief had the brilliant idea of letting me take photos of the band instead. So I did, almost 300 pictures! While shooting the band, I started a side project of capturing the many dogs along the route, and found that to be much more enjoyable, so here is a little sample before posting them on my photos site.

And a couple of the band, I guess...
Go Celtics!!

Viva Puerto Rico!

2008-06-11T17:16:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to my latest update!

This past weekend at Navy Band Northeast we had an exercise in parade EXTREMES. Let me explain. On Saturday we left Newport for Charleston Massachusetts, where we marched in a VFW parade through a corporate park. It was 90 degrees and humid, and there we were playing Anchors Aweigh while marching through the parking lots between various office buildings. There were about 12 people there to cheer us on.

Then, we drove straight down to New York City and checked into the Hotel Pennsylvania for the night. Some friends and I revisited an Irish pub that our band frequented during Fleet Week, and I enjoyed a festive round of strange and various drinks with friends. Meanwhile a heat wave was really settling in around Manhattan, and walking home to the hotel we knew the next day's parade might be a bit hot.

So, on Sunday morning we muster at 1000 to form up for the Annual Puerto Rican Day parade. The parade runs north up 5th Avenue, from 46th street to 91st, including the entire length of Central Park. It's a long one. And its 95 degrees and rising. We are wearing dress whites, that's long sleeve polyester, ladies and gentleman. I thought I was going to melt into the Subway grate and never be seen again.

If you have always wanted to experience Rio's Carnival, or Spain's Running of the Bulls, you may not have to travel so far -- a parallel experience is this Puerto Rican Parade. Over 2 million spectators and a few thousand participants converge on 5th Avenue every year to proudly and loudly celebrate the Puerto Rican community in New York. We were warned about rowdiness and violence, but the 2000 policemen and 5 miles of barricades insured our safety.

So we are staging our band and ready to join the mayhem at 1100. Not until 3:30 PM did we step off!! We had to wait almost 4 hours for our spot to open up in the parade, that's how big this thing is. Every Puerto Rican has some kind of noise maker, from whistles to air horns, to a super loud Latina scream, and they use them unabashedly. No disrespect of course, the culture is obviously passionate and excited to be from the Carribean island state, and that's cool with me. Here are some photos from the event, then I have more to share below.

Marching up 5th Avenue was actually really fantastic, despite the constant stream of sweat running down my spine. I imagined such a parade in 1945 for V-day, with sailors, soldiers and marines returning from Europe to a mayhem of ticker tape and adoring women. Then when it got really hot I remembered how beautiful 5th Avenue is at Christmastime, with the giant illuminated snowflakes strung across the wide avenue, ice skating at Rockefeller, Christmas windows in the stores, and fresh snow on the ground. I will definitely be back in December to witness the magic this year!

So that was our two extremes in the art of performing a parade. It was a crazy weekend.

And... yesterday I bought this car! It's a Saab 9-3, and I think I'm in love with it. Be blessed.

Home Again

2008-05-28T17:27:00.000-04:00

Back home safe, thanks to our good drivers - a truck tried to run us off the road today! My photos from fleet week are online at MY PHOTOS link on the right. I'm working on getting internet at home, so there will be more videos and pictures of my gig last night when that happens.

Last night it was so fun to play oboe again, I really do love it. I think I finally found the right job, huh. Love and peace to you! God bless, Jenny

FOX News with NBNE

2008-05-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

Concert for Donald Trump and Friends

2008-05-22T23:45:00.000-04:00

NBNE at the Metropolitan Club
-sorry had to remove YouTube videos, but there are some on the "my photos" link.

Double Header Tuesday

2008-05-21T22:57:00.000-04:00

How many of you can say you went to a Broadway show and a Yankee Game in the same day? I can!

This morning Audra and I checked out the USO at the Port Authority, they have free tickets to shows, tours, and such, plus food and amenities for us. Nice. There we ran into three guys from the band who had just entered a ticket lottery for Young Frankenstein - they won! With 6 tickets Audra and I got to go too. It was a musical farce - Mel Brooks of course and much like the Producers, very funny. The pit orchestra was great with full brass, oboe and English Horn! Beautiful. Megan Mulaney was the big star in it, she played Karen Walker on Will & Grace... anyway then it was straight on to Yankee Stadium, where MU3 Gonzales sang the anthem. We sat behind home plate and enjoyed the Yankees kicking Oriole booty 8-0!!

Jenny @ Fleet Week 2008

2008-05-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

This schedule is for my friends and relatives who wanted to know where and when I'd be performing, partying, and free to hang out in NYC... here's the latest:

20 May - Tuesday:

0900 Depart in super-posh NBNE vans to NYC - I'm a driver, cause I'm so cool.
1300 Arrive at Hotel - Hampton Inn, 116 W31st St. NY, NY 10001 212-947-9700
my roommate is MU3 Audra Ratliff, who has the most beautiful melt-your-heart trumpet sound I've ever heard! And she sings vocals too with the Showband.
FREE EVENING

21 May - Wednesday

FREE MORNING
1630 travel to Yankee Stadium
Escorting our vocalist, MU3 Gonzalez, to the Yankee/Oriole Game!!! Game time is 1900.

22 May - Thursday

1000-1400: Serving as driver to a Ceremonial Band gig for veterans at the Metropolitan Club, 1 E 60th St. NY, NY 10022
FREE EVENING

23 May - Friday

FREE MORNING [our vocalist is singing at the NYSE opening bell!]
FREE EVENING - showband performs in Times Square at 1700, I may be a driver but was going to go watch anyway

24 May - Saturday

FREE MORNING [Rock Band performs at Blue Angels show...cool]

1630 Depart for Staten Island Sunset parade (begins at 1900) where I will play my air clarinet - beautifully!

25 May - Sunday

0600 depart for Memorial Day Parade in Greenpoint, NY (begins at 0800)
[Rock Band plays in Times Square at 1400]
FREE EVENING, plan to go to showband's 150th Brooklyn Bridge Concert - this is a big deal and will be on PBS and everything

26 May - Monday Memorial Day

0900 Driving the ceremonial band to a ceremony - go figure
1100 Depart for City Island Memorial Day Parade (begins at 1400) - again marching the clarinet, but not actually playing.
FREE EVENING

27 May - Tuesday - the day I get to play OBOE!!!!

FREE MORNING
1530 Depart for Crosswinds Woodwind Quintet gig at The National Arts Club in NYC - gig starts at 1730
FREE AFTER GIG - 1830

28 May - Wednesday

0900ish Depart for Newport

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Trinity Church, Boston

2008-05-19T17:42:00.000-04:00

Preparing for Fleet Week

2008-05-15T17:32:00.000-04:00

Hello! We are leaving for an 8-day adventure on Manhattan on Tuesday. I don't have internet in my house anymore - will buy my own when we get back from tour. I am sick with a bad head cold, but otherwise things are great. My woodwond quintet played reception music for a Naval War College guest speaker event, it was really nice. It's a series the WWQ always plays at, we have another June 3rd.

I'm excited for Fleet Week, as I don't get to see my shipmates very often, and we'll all be in the same hotel on the west side. I heard it's fun - sounds like an extended SDSU Wind Symphony tour. I'll be driving one of the vans around the city, and down to NYC from Newport. Joy. Our vocalist gets to sing at both a Yankee game and the NYSE bell ringing. Lucky. So that's all I got, have a great Friday!

Massachusetts and Jackie S!

2008-05-12T00:52:00.000-04:00

Not really writing a post, I just got out of bed to turn off this machine. Weekend away was wonderful. Love.

First Gig... a Success!

2008-05-08T21:25:00.000-04:00

Today was my first gig (actually playing oboe) with Navy Band Northeast. I drove our quintet in a 15-passenger duty van to Hoxsie Elementary School in Providence, RI, where we performed an hour long program for 400 adorable little New Englanders. "You Rock!" a kid screamed at me on his way out, and a class of kindergarteners gave me "air hugs" while waiting for the bus. SOOOO cute. Our Peter and the Wolf was especially entertaining, with the tuba player we brought for his big voice narration, the kids were captivated. One girl told me it made her sad that the wolf ate me up.

We each got to introduce ourselves and had a segment about our instrument - I love this part - and I played the snake charmer bit. One little astute girl said "I know that's from India!" (close enough) I tricked all the kids into saying the oboe is their favorite instrument. Imagine if next week they all told the band teacher they wanted to play oboe. Hahaha - what a nightmare!

So it was a great day, my reeds sounded perfect, and although the duck still got eaten, I played it well. We also did a fun polka, the Carmen Hanbenero, some Vivaldi, some Chaminade, and other stuff. It was fantastic. I love my job.

Tomorrow evening Jackie S. and family are coming to get me for the weekend. Jackie was my beloved Chaplain and landlord at Northwestern ( I lived in Canterbury House). It will be so nice to be among old friends!

Until we meet again, be blessed. Love!!

The "new girl" at Navy Band Northeast

2008-05-07T21:32:00.000-04:00

**new photos up on web albums - see My Photos link on right**

Hello friends! After graduation in Virginia, my folks and I drove north to freedom. I had a nice break with family in Connecticut, and two days in New York City. Then on April 16th I reported to Navy Band Northeast . We are on Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, beautifully situated at the north end of Newport on the Narragansett Bay. I was given a large one bedroom apartment on base, and was surprised to have so much space and amenities to myself.

It's been a pretty easy adjustment to life here in New England. My movers came on Sunday with my stuff from San Diego, and that gave me the comfort I needed to remember who I am and who I am becoming. The best thing to come off that truck was my roadbike, which offers me mobility and freedom.

Personally, I've had a bit of a rough time lately, losing a friend by their choice, that was extremely hard. It reminded me though, that there is no replacement for genuine communication, and email is far from genuine, and can be very harmful if read the wrong way. It's just sad when someone slams a door and throws away something that meant a lot to you. So that has been difficult, probably more than I'm willing to admit.

I have been struggling with being lonely - I do an awful lot of stitching projects and working out, and starting to get to know some of the people here. The other woodwind girls are very welcoming and fun to be with. There is a trombone player who got here two weeks before me from Naples who could be a true friend. Today I saw the first sailboats of the season on the bay, and it lifted my heart to think I could be sailing again soon. Navy has a marina here on base.

My first gig was also Sunday, where I marched in a parade through Newport honoring all the police in the state. I play the "air clarinet" for the band, meaning I hold a clarinet in my mouth and am just there to look good and make the band look fuller. Silly, but marching band is very visual, so there you go.

I'm going to bed, as my first real oboe gig is tomorrow. Our woodwind quintet is playing for an Elementary school. I'll be assuming the role of the ill-fated Duck in Peter and the Wolf, which I've actually never performed before so that is cool. We have some really great musicians here at Navy Band Northeast, I especially think our showband is as good as it gets. They will be featured on the Today Show, a special concert (aired on PBS) for Brooklyn Bridge's 150th birthday, and a concert in Times Square during our Fleet Week NYC 2008 tour, coming up May 20-28. My quintet has a reception gig at an art museum.

I appreciate the support of friends and family as I adjust to life up here, and I promise I'll get some photos up soon. Love and peace to you! ~Jenny

Uniforms...

2008-04-07T18:25:00.000-04:00

After over $150 and many trips to the uniform shop, all my uniforms are "crowed up" and ready for Friday's promotion. In the Navy, uniforms are like our second job, and require lots of time and money to keep them looking sharp and up-to-date. But we look good!

2008-03-29T22:47:00.000-04:00

Went to Busch Gardens today for free - Salute to the Heros - it was awesome.

So I still love roller coasters... the people in the photo are (L to R) Karl Krause (euphonium) Colleen Krause (trumpet) Me (oboe, duh) and Chris Lang (euphonium). The Krause's are new and very cool, they are married and went to boot camp at the same time.

They don't know where they'll be stationed yet, probably here in Norfolk since it's the biggest band and all. The Navy is great about keeping them together though. Not all bands carry the Euphonium billet (kinda like oboe) but they work it out.

I want them in Newport with me! Oh well, I'll just have to make new friends - AGAIN. Dad says you get really good at making friends (and saying goodbye to them) when you're in the Navy.

March Madness

2008-03-02T18:58:00.000-05:00

Yay, March is here! We've had a few warmer days here in Virginia Beach, and Saturday I got to walk a couple miles in a beautiful park in Williamsburg. I've been wanting to go there to visit Colonial Williamsburg, but this time I went with Matt and his friend from college Patrick to a new disc golf course, tagging along their game with my camera in hand. Matt is my best friend in the music program, and besides trumpet his other passion is disc golf, and he's been ranked and is very serious about it! So, it was fun to watch and see him in action. Here are a couple of photos, more on the photo site http://picasaweb.google.com/jenlink.

Matt graduates in two weeks and heads for Japan immediately, so it just won't be the same around here pretty soon. We've been doing a great bible study on Psalms together, and musically he is very encouraging and good at what he does, so for those and many other reasons I think I'll miss him a lot!

I'm making plans for the move to Newport. My graduaiton is on april 11th, and now I'm hoping Dad can fly here for the ceremony and drive with me up the coast to Aunt Barbie's in Stamford, Connecticut. Mom has a conference in NYC the next week, so Dad was going to come out with her a couple says later anyway. I don't plan on flying back to San Diego at all, I'll save leave for later in the year that way. Anyone who hopes to see me in CA will just have to fly out for a visit! We can go to Boston and NYC in the same weeekend, and you can fly SWA into Providence, RI - only 20 minutes from me in Newport. I plan to buy a car soon... so come out!

New Year, New City

2008-02-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

Wow, its been a while. Well, my first duty station has officially changed. Pending final orders, I will now be going to Navy Band NORTHEAST in Newport, RI. I was surprised at first, thinking a west coast assignment would be offered. But after talking to some senior people and getting others' opinions, I'm getting pretty excited about it.

The map on the left is of Rhode Island. Newport is only 142 miles from family in Stamford, CT. Sailing is big there, so with my arrival in April I hope to get involved by the summer season. The band serves the Navy War College community and covers all the Northeast, including gigs in NYC!

I've never lived in New England. Most if my friends here are going to pacific rim locations or Italy, so I'll just have to make new ones. That's alright. Band's website: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/newport/navyband

All Hands on Deck

2007-12-30T19:15:00.000-05:00

Finally added, photos from Christmas in San Diego 2007:

Thanksgiving Break

2007-11-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

So I'm here in Stamford Connecticut with my extended family, big thanks to my folks for the plane tickets for this trip and Aunt Barbie for hosting and getting me up here from JFK Wednesday evening. The pictures on the left are with cousins Cassie, Woody, and Margie in July 2001, then again on Thanksgiving 2007.

We have 4 days special liberty for Thanksgiving break, and I've spent the lot of it online, getting my new computer sorted out. I bought a little HP laptop two weeks ago, so we are getting to know each other and that is nice.

It is truly beautiful up here, New England has its charms. The trees are in full color now, and their house is right on the banks of the Long Island Sound, providing beautiful views, animal life and color changes all day long. Thanksgiving Day was very relaxing and just what I needed to decompress from my first months in the military. I brought the Navy oboe up here to play, and have some projects to finish during the time off. I sprained my ankle two weeks ago playing 2 on 2 indoor volleyball, it swelled up and bruised enough to slow me down. It has been healing steadily, testing my patience for recovery. The torn gastroc from boot camp is getting stronger too, and I have more PT sessions to ensure it's healing properly.

I get especially anxious about committing to this job when faced with these injuries, but God reminds me all the time that this is where I'm meant to be. I have to remember this is a transitionary time, that I should feel uprooted and out of sorts. My body is healthy and will heal.

Wednesday was the annual Army-Navy/Marine football game at the School of Music, it was a great game of flag football and I had fun cheering on the pep squad for Navy. Army won in sudden death overtime, boo! The Army players are friends we study with at the school, so I have to admit it wasn't much of a rivalry, just a morning with great weather, football, pep band and 25 dozen donuts. Who could ask for more?

Photos from the game and here in Stamford are posted here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jenlink

Peace ~ Jenny

Here comes the sun

2007-11-19T17:37:00.001-05:00

Sunrise on November 17th
NAB Little Creek
Norfolk, VA

Do Re Mi

2007-10-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

Time for an update. I started classes on 15 October, also switching from summer whites to winter blues. Our class has four sailors, two marines and about 16 soldiers in it.

I have orders to be here for six months, and even though I've heard oboists usually excel out after their three-month audition, I want to stay full term until April. I get to learn to make reeds, play on them consistently, and have the luxury of slowing down my study on the instrument to apply pedagogy and build better basic skills, something I've never done before. My instructor is the Navy oboist here in Norfolk Fleet Forces Band. She earned her Bachelors and Masters on Oboe from New England. I'm in good hands.

Otherwise I am also a full time Navy Sailor and have PT, watch duty, inspections, cleanups, drill band, ensembles, and music theory and ear training classes. For the most part the Navy musicians here have advanced music degrees and are excellent players, and Army has the full range of skill levels as they have bands all over the place to fill. Marines are the youngest, and loudest, and our teammates for the annual Turkey Bowl football game coming up in November.

There are two other oboists (both Army) and we make a Double Reed Quartet with the Bassoon instructor, an Army Sargeant. Imagine the sound! It's two oboes, English horn, and bassoon. I won't play English Horn until my oboe chops are back up to strength, so just oboe now, which is nice. Every week we are scheduled in concert bands and small ensembles, and Wednesdays there are recitals on the base movie theatre stage. The faculty here are fantastic. The ensembles meet every day, and we also have two periods of drill band every afternoon. I will march bass drum, cymbals, or road guard. I'm pushing for road guard, the cymbals hurt my wrists and I enjoy the neon road gaurd attire. In the fleet oboists don't march unless they want to.

Personally I've been having trouble sleeping, so please pray for me as fatigue does not bode well on anyone. Otherwise this is a great place to be, and the base is really convienient for a pedestrian. Okay that's all I got. Fair winds, God bless, and Go Cats.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD and JANE!

Duty Station Revealed

2007-10-01T18:19:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness, the Navy works fast. On Friday I was told to prepare for either Hawaii or Italy, as both need oboe. Today I got my answer - Italy. For the international options Italy was my first choice, so I'm pretty happy. Sara, get over it and just plan an Italian vacation!

A helpful link: Allied Forces Band Naples

It's not simply a Navy band, but a NATO Alliance group that combines musicians from Greece, Turkey, Italy, England, and the US Army, Air Force, and Marines. Read about it's history here.

I'll play with the concert bands and the NATO Woodwind Quintet. Excited about that one, check out the different uniforms.

I didn't think I'd be placed there this soon, blessings can be in bundles sometimes! Please remember nothing is certain, I have to clear the international screenings and prove myself worthy on oboe, but you know I'll do my best.

Stay tuned for more updates, and pray for a clear mind and good playing on my incoming audition this Thursday. Ciao!

New Address

2007-09-27T18:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks Leah for the picture above! I look pretty serious...

For the next six months I'll be studying at the Armed Forces School of Music. Here's my new address:

SN Brown, Jennifer, USN
School of Music
1420 Gator Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23521-2617

My phone number is still my cell from San Diego, but I don't have it here yet (on it's way, right Matt?)

We are on Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, and the Navy runs the school, however it is overrun my Marines and Army personnel. I'm learning the ranks quickly! There are only four Navy women in the program, and four oboists between the three branches. I'm in good company. Sadly there are no bassoon students, but the instructor told me today she'll play quintets if we are good enough. I have an incoming audition next Thursday, and run the initial PFA tomorrow at 0515. Early! The 3 other MU's from my recruit division and I will be waiting a few weeks for the next class to begin. We have small lakes, a beach, golf, bowling, and boating on base, but I haven't seen much besides the school and the NEX. Our barracks are great, with one roommate, en suite bathrooms, A/C and beds not racks! Very nice. I will be online once a day, so email is back up and running. Talk to you soon! Love, Seaman Brown

Smooth Sailing Ahead

2007-09-22T19:41:00.000-04:00

Next Port: Little Creek, VA

Write Jen before she Graduates!

2007-08-15T23:01:00.001-04:00

Jenny's address is down below - she graduates September 21st - so get your fan mail in!

- SD fans, Eloise and Jane and Mom writing in.

Updated Address

2007-08-03T21:53:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone this is Matt. I have just updated Jenny's last blog entry with the correct address. Please send her as much mail as possible, as to make all of her fellow sailors jealous! She is doing well, but would appreciate mail as she adjusts to military life.

Write to me in Boot Camp!

2007-07-23T03:28:00.000-04:00

[July 24~September 21]

SR Brown, Jennifer, L
Division 943, Ship 06
Recruit Training Command
3510 Illinois Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119

You can be sure your letter/note/smushed cheetoh will really make my day. Actually I'm sure only paper is allowed, alas no cookies. This address will be updated as we find out the details. This may take a few days. LOVE, JENNY

Anchors Aweigh

2007-07-16T02:21:00.000-04:00

And away we go!
At 0530 on July 23rd I will be processed, examined, poked and prodded at MEPS, and then stay at a hotel here in SD. Then early the next day I fly to Chicago and begin 9 weeks of Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center.

Then in October I'll go to Armed Forces Music School in Little Creek, Virginia.

Kind of strange, I'll be following the same path as where we lived as kids (IL-VA). Then after up to six months of music school, who knows???

If you are local, come to my folks house for the send-off party on
Sunday, July 22nd 5-9pm.
Stop by for as long as you like,
at least to say goodbye and a hug!

I will only have snail mail privileges at boot camp, so get your pen pal skills up and running. The address will be posted here.

A Fantastic Fourth

2007-07-05T02:49:00.001-04:00

Jane and me on the 8am ferry to Coronado.

The Lovable Lubsens

My Baby...
The 2007 biker pack...we missed you Sara!

This is how I roll.

LCpl Alex Panos - I'm a groupie. Navy Band Southwest
Ella Monster
Marine Band San Diego
Band Buddies John and Eric
Quintessential San Diego.
Then Leah and Alex come to PL for some grub, and Leah and I went on to the Spafford Party, and on to the Del Mar Fair. Navy Band SW played on the grandstand stage for 1 1/2 hours, I got to play oboe with them, it was super fun Americana style.

Thanks for being my buddy tonight Leah!

Blue Moon

2007-07-01T01:51:00.000-04:00

Tonight Sara and I went on a mission: To Capture the Blue Moon.

At 8:15pm it still hadn't risen, and Sara said "If this moon doesn't show up I'm gonna kick his ass." She probably could too.

Then we got the girls in the van and went to Shelter Island, just as the big yellow moon was rising. Here are some photos:

(long exposures make people blurry!)

On a Beam Reach

2007-06-29T02:54:00.000-04:00

Well, summer is cruising right along and life is very good. I have good friends, puppies, neices, toys, and a fun job. But I'm ready to ship out! No date yet. The last I heard was November. The only good thing about that date is it will give me time to do the following:

Play all summer with the things mentioned above
Sail more
Cycle the CA coast with Dad
Half Dome in September - who's with me?
The MS ride in October
After all that I'll be in super shape for boot camp, which would be nice...

I'm not in a big hurry to leave when I think about this list. And the band here said I can play with them until I go (no salary yet of course). We'll see what happens!

I started a summer job this week with the SD school district. I'm shelving the library at the brand new beautiful Lincoln High School in SE San Diego. It's king of like putting together a huge puzzle, but a lot more varying and rewarding, not to mention heavy peices. It's good work, and physical labor to boot.

I may also be a Barista again for Starbucks in Hillcrest, we'll see if that works out. Every time I stop working there I say "never again," but it's fun and the tips at this store are fantastic. And we do like cash.

Next week for the 4th I'll play with Navy Band Southwest at the Del Mar Fair, we rehearsed this week and they have some really great players and a gorgeous new Marigaux English Horn that I got to try out, I wouldn't mind getting stationed here just to play it...

In the morning on the 4th I'll be cycling to Coronado (with Ferry ride, not the long way) for the parade with my family and Sara as always, where we'll see the Navy band march. They have a full day!

So, how are YOU? Enjoy the BLUE MOON on Saturday night!

Puppy Love

2007-06-05T19:19:00.000-04:00

Linus and Lucie have been living on Talbot street for one week. Lucie has "Kennel Cough" and is taking meds, otherwise they are both happy and adorable. Sometimes when asleep they curl up head to toe in a circle, and it looks like the Ying-Yang symbol. When not representing Eastern Philosophy, Linus and Lucie love to play with the girls, tackle each other, and nap whenever they get the chance. The Havenese Bichons have shorter front legs, so they run like bunnies, which is endlessly amusing. We love our puppies!

Memorial Day

2007-05-29T01:00:00.000-04:00

Today we took the girls out to Point Loma's Tidepools and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. After hunting for tipepool critters, we gave our respects to CPL Brian Kennedy, a childhood friend of mine from Chicago who was killed-in-action in Iraq. He was part of a downed helicopter crew that were the first casualties of the war, killed March 21, 2003. At his funeral I told his Mother we'd visit, and we do. To him and all our thousands of fallen in this war, we remember and thank you.

Happiness is...Our new PUPPIES!

2007-05-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

On Friday night Sara and I went searching for new puppies to carry on the legacy of Bichons Charlie and Lucy. We found the perfect puppies in Havanese Bichons... introducing Linus and Lucie! They come home to Talbot Street on Tuesday.

Eloise and Linus

Jane and Lucie

Biker Girls!

2007-05-24T19:54:00.000-04:00

Eloise made her first attempts at riding a two-wheeler today; she was great!
We went to park on Mission Bay, and on the way back to the car she kept on riding a quarter mile on her own!

Go Bear-Bear!

2007-05-19T00:12:00.000-04:00

The Bear Bear Lair

On vacation in SF...just lying around

2007-05-18T03:57:00.000-04:00

Smooth Sailing

2007-05-13T20:39:00.000-04:00

Wow what a weekend. Saturday was Jessica and Lem's wedding. They met back in Fall 2002 when we were in the SDSU Marching Aztec band, I was dating Lem's friend and we helped him (forced, maybe?) to get to know Jessica. They became the sweetest couple and 5 years later are husband and wife! Congratulations Jessie and Lem!

Then on Sunday Alex, Leah, Tim and I played a Mother's Day concert between services with the College Avenue Baptist orchestra, it was fun. Then Alex the Leah came to my folks house for Mother's Day lunch, and we hit the beach with kayaks and I took my Laser out for a sail. I love to sail!! Its been so long, I was close to capsizing twice but recovered quickly. The wind was nice with some strong gusts. I did well except totally forgot the transom drain plug - silly sailor!

The Tim, Andy, Brandon, Jon, Ryan Quintet

Jessica and Daddy Pulido

Alex and Leah

Husband and Wife!

Jessie surprised Lem with the quintet playing Star Wars

Erin flew from NC for the wedding

Molly visits from Chicago, holding new nephew Nate!

Jane's turn.

Adam, Ella, and Jane Kayaking Adventure

My cousin Woody, on my laser 2 summers ago.
We didn't take a camera out there today!

Goodnight little girl.

Bits of Brilliance

2007-05-09T18:56:00.000-04:00

Today I worked very early and needed a nap when I got home. So I took a dark flannel sheet and nailed it into my west-facing window frame to make an instant shade. It still allows the breeze but not the sun. Now my room is a comfortable 74 degrees and dark enough for snoozing. Give me a hammer and I can do almost anything. Right now the Vaughn-Williams oboe concerto is playing from my record player (yes really) in the corner, and I'm well-napped and quite content.

Oh! And I heard yesterday that I passed last week's audition! I am hear by deemed "Musically Qualified" for the Navy. I got to tell Alex and Leah first since we were enjoying the beach at the time. Sara took me to happy hour dinner at WineSteals and I love how excited my friends and family are for my new adventures to be had.

Now the next step is passing the physical which requires running 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, which if you know me at all I'm not good at! So who wants to go jogging?

Then I move my ship out date, probably to the end of June, as I am excited to get started, hoping to be done with boot camp and music school in VA by Thanksgiving. Then I hope to fill the soon-to-be-vacant oboe seat in the Navy Southwest Fleet Band, right here in SD. I'm requesting it as my first choice of course, followed by the Pearl Harbor and Tokyo fleet bands...

God is Good! Baby Nate and Mama Kate are doing well, he is pretty precious. Tonight I'm playing with the College Ave. orchestra, should be fun. Peace.

New Person!

2007-05-05T02:07:00.000-04:00

I have a nephew now.

Nathan David Lubsen

Born May 4, 2007
9:55 AM
San Diego, CA (5th generation Californian)
7 pounds, 13 ounces
19 inches long

My sister gives birth like nobody's business. I've watched her do it three times. This is the first boy ever in my family, so we're all a little confused.

Then I went to audition for my new job, God willing, and played like I just witnessed a miracle, which I had.

Then I went to Angela and Nick's wedding reception, fantastic.

It was a big day, and called for a new blog. So hello.

And, good night.