The Voice

**warning**  This post is meaningless.

So, I was kind of addicted to the new show on NBC called "The Voice"

It is basically an amazing show that actually seeks out talented people and encourages them to build a mentoring relationship with a successful musician.

Last night was the finale of season one (Season 2 is totally happening this winter!!!).

I had a favorite from episode one and she made it to the final 2 people.  I was fairly certain that she had what it would take to win the grand prize of $100,000 and a record deal.  Last night, my favorite, Dia Frampton, finished a very close 2nd to Javier Colon.  Both artists are amazing and I can guarantee that I will be buying both of their records.

It is safe to say that Dia Frampton will be wildly successful considering she is currently sitting at #1 on the iTunes singles chart.  Just a mere 8 weeks ago, she was a small town girl with a big dream.

She was my favorite because she is humble, modest and well-mannered.  The music industry could use a few more of those kinds of people.

here are some of my favorite songs from the show:

Dia Frampton- Heartless**
Dia Frampton- Losing My Religion
Dia Frampton- Inventing Shadows
Javier Colon- Fix You
Javier Colon- Stitch By Stitch**

**My top favorites!

My Weekend in Pictures

When all of your family is hundreds of miles away, you really learn to appreciate the time that you can spend with them.  Sarah, Dustin and Taylor made the drive up to the wonderful state of Minnesota and we went camping...here is our time in pictures:)

so cute.

we cooked on the fire.  a lot.

we fished with nets.

s'mores

fishin'

snuggles

Tay came to nanny with me.  You better believe that there were lots of crafts.

I had to call in the male reinforcements after I snagged this HUGE snapping turtle with a child's fishing pole.

He was NOT happy

The line eventually snapped because no one dared to get their hands close to this guy.

Yes, I know that I haven't posted

Sorry to (continue to) be so absent.  I promise a full update complete with pictures and stories within 24 hours.  


Tomorrow is a big day.  Your prayers for peace, patience, confidence and wisdom are coveted.

Camping

Dear Internet people and blog creepers...

Sorry to be so absent. Prepare for photos and stories from my camping adventure.

Until then... I will be sleeping in a tent, fishing, cooking stuff over a fire and spending time with family:)

-jfran.

Thoughts from a College Graduate #1

I have the honor and joy to work in a place where almost EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. loves what they do.  We don't just tolerate our jobs.  We genuinely have a passion and holy discontent that is so fierce that we can't imagine ourselves in any other job.  We have fun. We actually love being around each other.  We have fun.  We are like-minded.  We have fun.  We are focused on our goals.  Did I mention that we have fun?

Passion. It's the passion of these people that God is using as He brings transformation to the lives of thousands of people of all ages.

If you are not excited or energized by your job, I have a question for you...why are you there?!  Why are in you in a role that drains you instead of bringing a new energy and passion.  We are not created to work a 9 to 5 job that sucks the joy and passion our of our lives. We are designed to harness our gifts, passions and experiences to do something that we love!  Something that makes the world around us a better place.

So, with all of my *many, many years* (sarcastic. haha...a few weeks) of experience as a college grad in the workforce, I want to urge you to consider your job.  How do you feel when you're working?  Do you have passion?  Do you hate it?  Does it drain you?  Do you count down the minutes for lunch or 5pm?

If you don't love your job,  Why are you still there?  What are you waiting for?

Visitors

This week feels infinitely long.  I am so excited to have family from Indiana visiting me here in Minnesota in just a few short days!  I love my job, but the days seem so long because I am so excited about spending some time with some of my favorite people in the world:)  Just 2 more sleeps and they will be here!!

On the list of things to do...get a current picture with this cutie.  (Christmas 2009)

thinking

Tonight, I have lots on my mind.  Nothing that I can really express.  Mostly, I am wishing that I could take a glimpse into the future.  I find it hard to live in the moment when my mind is entirely focused on what is next.  I am missing today as I anticipate tomorrow.  


I am going to force myself to live in the moment and enjoy each day this week.  I have been so blessed, and I don't want to miss a day that the Lord has made and filled with amazing people, opportunities and experiences.  


Today, I will choose to cherish this day.


Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

Dad...

On this Father's Day, I really wish that I could have spent the day with the guy who taught me that life is worth living.  From him I have learned the value of being hardworking, the importance of being committed, trustworthy and responsible, and the importance of being strategic in learning, living and driving!

Mom, Dad, Me and tay on my first visit home from college.  (fall 2007)

Dropping me off at college:)  (Late summer 2007)

The last day before they left me at school...a walk around campus.

I think I broke his heart a little lot when I left for college, but over the years as he has seen me learn and grow, I have his full approval in my decisions.  He is a great dad and I would have loved to spend this day with him. Too bad he lives 4 states away:(  I can't wait to see him soon!

Also, my dad is awesome because he is so weird.

just trying to get a good picture of my parents and dad kept having drugged-eyes.  I told him to open his eyes wide.  This is what we got.

"Can't you guys put your heads a little closer together?!"  Turns out that my dad has no shame...

The Beauty of Northern Minnesota

The closest city was a decent distance away.  we stopped for a photo, bait and one last use of a  real bathroom.

The moon was AMAZING.

On the drive there.  You can definitely tell that you are in Northern Minnesota...pine trees everywhere.

The view from the "yurt"  (FYI--A yurt is a semi-permanent structure that is basically a cross between a teepee and a very rustic cabin.  No water, electricity or cell service)

the view up from the yurt.  beautiful.

Loon.  I learned a lot about loons on this trip...they are very unique birds:)

This is the lake where we spent our time.  We had to cross to get to our destination because there are no roads.  

God's creation is breath-taking.

clear water.  cold toes.

So...

I know that I said that I would be posting pictures, but that will have to wait.  It is late and I had an amazing day!  I worked a full-day in the office and got SO MUCH done!  It was great!  Then, I spent the entire evening having a bonfire, eating dinner and chatting with my amazing friends.  Then, I talked with my aunt (who is really more like a cousin because she is super young and awesome) for over an hour.


I AM SO EXCITED...because in just 5 short days, Dustin, Sarah and my precious cousin Taylor will be hitting the pavement and coming to visit me in Minnesota for 6 days!  AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH.  *excitement*  


I am so excited to spend time with family on my turf. It shall be fabulous!


Now, I pinky-swear that there will be pictures tomorrow (technically today considering it is nearly 2am)


Goodnight all!

Sleepy and Sore...

Dear Internet...
I am tired.  I haven't had a chance to get caught up after sleeping with a sunburn and some killer bruises on an air mattress in a 50 degree semi-permanent structure with no running water, electricity or bathroom.   My trip to the beautiful North woods of Minnesota was amazing, but it me left tired and somewhat covered with bruises that look like this: 

It is safe to say that the pontoon boat and the wind showed me who's boss--I will tell the story soon.
There are 5 of these massive bruises.
 Here we have the second largest...covering the entire back of my thigh, just above the knee.
(it's about as big as my entire hand)
I have more of these beautiful bruises on my hip, back and a few "unmentionable locations."  

Tomorrow, there will more pictures.  But instead of disgusting bruises, they will be of the breathtaking beauty of Northern Minnesota.

Minnesotan Love

Hey---It has been quiet on this little blog lately because I have been falling in love with Northern Minnesota.  I am back safe and sound with only 5 massive bruises (pics to come) and a sunburn to distract me from my new-found appreciation for the beauty of creation and spending time away from the busyness of life.  I can't wait to tell you all about my trip, but for now, I am blissfully exhausted.

Until Tomorrow,
Madly in Love with Minnesota.

I'm going in...

This is my last connection to technology for a while. Into the deep wilderness I go. If you don't hear from me, just assume that my friends and I had an encounter with bears or a moose, and that we fought hard.

Peace Out to the developed world. See you on the other side.

What a glorious day.

In an attempt to relax and get used to spending some time in nature, I spent some time at a local park today.  It was such a gorgeous day in Minnesota today:).  I am heading out tomorrow for some serious time in nature.  Today was a great way to transition into the beauty of God's creation.  

here are some pictures of the beauty:  

Wide open spaces:)

there were helicopters everywhere!

Taking a break on a beach towel:)

walking...