Take An Educated Guess

So…it’s been awhile…a long while…months and months. Working in the land of auto claims has been wild – a whole new world of offices, deadlines, angry policy holders, and an unending workload. People, if you get into a car accident, be nice to your adjuster—they’re people too! It really has been pretty amazing to observe (in a customer service occupation) what people will not say to you face to face, and what they have no problem saying to you over the phone. I understand why cyber-bullying has become such an epidemic—there are (seemingly) so little consequences to what you say when the person is not directly in front of you.  With all the stress and frustration that comes with being a claims adjuster, I will miss the people I work with. I feel like we have been in the trenches together (yes, I am comparing claims adjusting to a war…yes, it is an accurate comparison), and there is a sweet bond formed between those heading into “battle” together. In a few short days I will be leaving the insurance world behind, and I really do feel like I have learned a ton about myself, about negotiation, and about confidently approaching confrontation.

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “Self, Jess is leaving the insurance world? Does that mean another new job?” Why yes, yes it does mean a new job folks…3 jobs in 10 months—could I get some more transition please? I have not had enough transitions since moving across the country in July. This move, however, is going to be a sweet one. An opportunity has come my way to begin working on my Masters of Counseling full time while working for Covenant Seminary. Yep, it’s pretty much a dream come true. Ever since my time with Young Life ended this past summer, I have been able to evaluate the things that I really loved about my work. While there is a long, long list of things I love about Young Life, I have found that the one-on-one time walking through broken and messy situations with high school folks is the part I missed the most…the part I always longed to be more equipped for. So, here I am—going back to school and working at the Seminary. Peter is really excited about this opportunity for me for many reasons…most of all because he can get 15 minutes more sleep in the morning while I drive us to school.

In other news…I’m in a band. Yep, a real performing at venues, recording albums, selling merch band…its sooooo fun.  Charlie, our band leader, composer, piano man, and lead vocalist roped me in after church one Sunday in early January (along with the two other gals affectionately known as “The Honeys”).  We have been rehearsing for months and have had two successful performances so far. We are slotted to play in the River Front Times 2013 music Showcase on June 1^st in Downtown St. Louis.  Should you come if you are in STL? Yes…should you vote for us no matter what city you live in? Absolutely!

http://microapp.riverfronttimes.com/musicshowcase/2013/

You can find the band, The Educated Guess, in the “Chamber Pop” section. That is probably a pretty accurate description of our sound (imagine Billy Joel and the Supremes with a big band – loud and vintage). Being a part of this group has been a pretty surreal adventure. When I was getting ready for our first “gig”, I had to keep reminding myself that this is real…I really am about to sing in a band at a real music venue. Needless to say, being a part of the Educated Guess has been one of the most fun things that have happened since moving to STL. Between the band and singing in the choir at Memorial, I feel like I have rediscovered how much I really love singing.  Peter has faithfully been to each performance, and has rallied others to come with him – he has even mentioned purchasing an “I’m with the band” shirt. I have been referring to him as my groupie—he likes to think of himself as more of an artistic consultant who likes to have a beer while listening to good music.

Peter finishes up finals next week, and our 2^nd STL summer will be filled with Hebrew class, another new job, Les Mis at the Muny, 107 degree heat,  and cleaning out our guest room closest in preparation for Lindsay’s relocation to Missouri (Missour-a if you you’re nasty…Janet Jackson? Nobody?...Eh, worth a shot).

Drop It...Drop It Low Girl

Confession: I. Love. Zumba…I do. I LOVE it! I know that many liken it to the Jazzercise craze of the mid 80’s. I know that it’s an exercise class for Mom’s. And, I know that you interval trainers and P90X’ers think that it’s lame, but without shame, I am owning it. I am a Zumba lover. There are so many reasons why that sometimes Latin, sometimes Hip-Hop beat in a steamy dance studio really gets me moving…Maybe, it’s because I grew up dancing; maybe, it’s because I don’t really feel like I am exercising, but I am somehow burning 600 calories an hour; Maybe, just maybe, Zumba is helping me harken back to those “College Clubbin” days I missed out on. All I know is, when I am workin’ it to “Drop it Low Girl” in a Zumba class…things are right with the world. Just kidding…that was really dramatic (shocker), but you get the picture.

Peter and I have now called STL home for 6 months (my mind is being blown even as I write it…6 months), and I have yet to find an adequate Zumba class. I mean, this is St. Louis…a real city! Where are you Zumba? The last class I took was taught by a 4’10’’, 60-something, sweet-as-pie lady whose glasses kept slipping down her nose as she told us to “Shake It!” Amusing? Yes. Physically exerting? Not so much. St. Lou Zumba…WHERE YOU AT?

In all fairness, the problem could be me. Are my standards just too high? My memory takes me back…to Zumba with Holly and Sheridan in Johnson City. There were moments in that class when I would look at the clock, see that only 30 minutes had gone by, and wonder if I was literally going to survive the next half hour. These ladies were using us to prepare for America’s Next Best Dance Crew, and there was no slacking in that studio. I would come home a hot mess, with sore muscles and the latest from Pitbull ringing in my ears. It was awesome! Ah…Zumba…the search continues…

Well, you may have guessed (since I just wrote an entire post about Zumba) that life is slow here in St. Louis. We ended up staying in Missouri for Christmas because I had to work on the 26^th. Who knew that people worked on the 26^th? I have clearly lived my entire adult life working on a school schedule. Grown-up schedules are for the birds. I need a Christmas Break! Anyhoo, I digress, Christmas in St. Louis was quiet and different, but not bad. We made some good memories, and ate some delicious food with some other Covenant, Christmas orphans. We rang in the New Year with good friends, and, of course, Les Mis!!! Which, by the by, we loved and are seeing again as soon as our bank account will allow. Peter is plugging through a crazy Jan Term of Greek Exegesis, and he begins his second Semester of Seminary in late January. I am also going to be taking a class on Tuesday nights this semester—which I am totally jazzed about. Having spent most weeknights out doing various and a sundry Young Life things for the past decade, having all my weeknights in sometimes gives me a bit of cabin fever…Although, I am enjoying loads of time with Peter and Honeybear, and I am beginning to learn what having “time” is like. Maybe I will finally do some of those Pinterest projects.

Over and out,

J

Other random thoughts of the moment:

Meal Share: we are trying this thing called “Meal Share” with three other families in our neighborhood. In a nutshell, on Mondays, we cook a meal for all 4 couples—then we are brought meals for the rest of the week. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Hard Boiled Eggs: I continue to be baffled by the Midwesterner’s love of hard-boiled eggs. Mystery.

Brunch: St. Louis, we have come to find out, is a very foodie town…which suits us just fine. St. Lousians love brunch, eating local—very local, toasted ravioli, Bloody Mary’s (of al shapes and sizes), and boozy milkshakes…what a combo.

So...One Time...

Lots and lots of things have been happening here in the Lou of late...First off, we had our very first St. Louis Thanksgiving. Now, I have been a little down (Peter might say inconsolable) about not being able to go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. However, in the midst of my dismay, loving friends and family have come to the rescue. My parents came up and spent Thanksgiving with us, and, if I may say so myself, we cooked quite a feast in our little apartment. We spent our time laughing at Everybody Loves Raymond, debating about the movie Lincoln, and gorging ourselves on turkey and pie...it was a holiday well spent. And, in just a few weeks, some dear friends are coming up to spend Christmas week with us. Who knew one little guest room could bring so many gifts...we love it. Keep it comin'.

In other news, this past weekend Peter took me on a Christmas surprise trip to Chicago. We stayed at Moody, spent time with sweet friends, walked and walked around the city, and spent Saturday night listening to the Moody concert Choir present their Candlelight Carols service. It was an incredible Christmas present--not sure how he is going to top that one next year. During our time in Chicago, we also ran across the Santa Speedo Race for Diabetes (see what I did there--ran across), and in case you are asking yourself if this is "real or not real," here is a little photo evidence. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a...speedo...

So, I have been in my new job for two months now, and I can finally say that I am feeling pretty comfortable and confident. I am actually doing my job now, not just reading about it, which is helpful in the whole feeling comfortable and confident thing. Another help in this process is my friend Amber. Amber's husband is also in the MDIV program at Covenant, and we carpool to work everyday...and share lunches...and IM (remember IM'ing circa 2001) all day long. We have a bit of separation anxiety when we are away from one another too long. Amber is someone who I can be my wild and ridiculous self with--which is so great in the midst of transitioning into this new and mysterious place. A curious thing about making new friends is that all of your tried and true stories have a new life...and a new audience. I have found myself in conversation with Amber and suddenly saying, "So...one time..." and launching into whatever ridiculous story that has popped into this brain of mine. Amber, thankfully, finds my stories amusing--and we all know I love an audience...so, here are a few stories that have come up recently...

So...one time I passed out while playing the handbells. I was 9 or 10 and have always had a tendency to pass out within a week of having a high fever. We were in the middle of the Carol of the Bells when down I went. Thankfully, as my handbell choir director pointed out, I had the presence of mind to put down my bells before I plummeted to the floor.

So...one time, I, along with a little help from some other 7th grade rebels, convinced our middle school choir to sing "the police shot my dog" rather than "Feliz Navidad" in the Christmas concert. It was the only time I was ever sent to detention.

So...one time, I was dumped two years in a row on December 30th...two years in a row! Seriously! Two years later, I got engaged on December 30th--redemption.

until next time...Feliz Navidad,



J

Denim, Denim, Denim...

So…currently in my life I am doing something that I have never done before. I am working in a real office. Now, I know what you are saying to yourself, “But Self, didn’t Jess work in the Young Life office?” Why, yes I did. But the Young Life office has an entire section devoted to mullet wigs and platform shoes…doesn’t count as an Office-Office.

Aside: saying a word twice (as every teenage girl knows) makes the word mean something completely different. Example: “Do you like him? Or do you like- like him.” You get where I am going here.

So, I work in an Office-Office. Let me paint you a picture…cubicles as far as the eye can see, headsets like Janet (Ms. Jackson if your nasty) would wear atop every head, and coffee so bad it could be classified as a chemical weapon (Starbucks via is keeping me alive). However, in spite of the very “corporate” feel of my surroundings, the environment of the office is relatively…hmmmm…how should I say this? Festive…yep, these people love to party…and to decorate for parties/seasons. Literally every week since I have been working in this foreign environment, there has been some sort of party/extravaganza. Examples:

o   Cardinals Tailgate Party

o   Gift Basket Raffle Party

o   Charitable Giving Kick-Off Party

o   Rams Tailgate Party

o   Halloween Party (complete with costumes)

There is only one thing that this Office-Office loves more than pizza, nachos, and a large cake from Sam’s, and that’s an excuse to wear blue jeans. I have never had a job where a nice pair of jeans was not work appropriate, but the official dress code in the Office-Office is “business casual”. So, I made sure that I stocked up on “non-jeans” (a.k.a. slacks) for my new corporate life. However, in the 5 weeks I have been “officing”, I have had the opportunity to wear jeans all but 5 days. I start thinking to myself…”I wonder if I will need to pull out the fancy slacks for work tomorrow?” Then an email lands itself in my inbox stating things like, “you can wear blue jeans on Cardinals game days and the day after a Cardinals win; Our giving campaign has started. Feel free to wear jeans; or, Good job on the giving campaign…jeans all week!” What am I going to do with all these slacks? (insert witty pun about “slacking”).

In all seriousness, I am enjoying my job much more than I had anticipated. The people I work with are kind, encouraging, and hilariously mid-western (Examples: loving pro-sports, bowling leagues, and hard boiled eggs for breakfast). They think I am ridiculously Southern, and always ask me to repeat the phrases that I say. Who knew the phrase “fixin’ to” could be so amusing? The work itself is challenging and strangely relational. I think the Lord knew what he was doing placing me in a job that would both provide me a way to support Peter and I, so he could focus on school, and allow me to use the relational gifts He has given me…entering into a person’s tough situation and giving them the tools to recover…maybe this job isn’t so different after all.

Next week I am going on my first business trip that doesn’t involve a camp…details to follow.

 

Sper…out.

 

               

               

Right Now Recovery

Phew! I have been quite the Neglectful Nelly on this here blog...let me catch you fine folks up on all the Speropulos happenings here in STL...

• Peter is simultaneously killing it in Seminary while also being killed by Greek...I think Fall Break is coming at just the right time. 
• My last day at Starbucks was the day before my 4th wedding anniversary (Sept.27...woot)!
• I am now working it white collar...and (surprisingly) I am finding it pretty interesting. I'm so corporate now. 
• We are meeting people and making friends--even going apple picking over in Illinois (yeah...we live near Illinois now...so weird).
• We have loved having sweet time with Tennessee visitors...keep it comin'!

While I was working at Starbucks, I discovered that there was this interesting little button on the cash register called the "Right Now Recovery" button. "Right Now Recovery?" you may ask...let me explain. Let's say the good and faithful Baristas at Starbucks are in the middle of a rush and the Komodo  ( a.k.a. delicious dark roast ) runs out. They will immediately start brewing a new batch for you and, perhaps, your coffee will be covered. How? Your wonderful, hardworking, and talented Barista (tip em, people!) pushes that lovely little "Right Now Recovery" button. It's like a magical "Redo" button. Need another example? Ok...here goes...

My second week at Starbucks, when it was 1,000 degrees in St. Louis, a slightly sweaty and highly frazzled man came into the store. He had been shopping at Macy's with his wife and apparently began to aimlessly wander about. Shortly thereafter, he found himself lost in the underbelly of Macy's...somewhere in the basement, where they hide the mannequins and the duct work. After realizing that no one knew where he was, and that his cell phone had no reception, he scrambled around and found an exit that literally spat him out in front of our Starbucks. After listening to his harrowing tale, I made that man a green tea lemonade and pushed that "Right Now Recovery" button. That man clearly needed a beverage and a "Redo."  

If only I had a life RNR button...oh the moments I would have redone...or at least had a Zach Morris moment (pause the scene, discuss the situation, come up with a plan, grab a soda, and push play). For example, "I'm game if you are, Sparky..." The RNR button would have definitely come in handy there. Or perhaps when the chair broke in a kitchen full of girls I just met In STL...RNR button for sure! I think Peter would have used the RNR button when I announced that, "we had a lot of baggage...haha" when introducing ourselves in class. Yeah...where's that recovery when you need it?

until next time...STinSTL, out.

64 West

So...we have almost been in St. Louis for a whole month. I think it is finally starting to sink in that we are not on vacation...we are not on assignment...we actually live (and will live) here in St. Louis for the next 4-ish years of our lives. I will start my 30's in St. Louis. We might start our family in St. Louis. Our life is here in the 7th largest city in the U.S. of A. It's not a troublesome realization at all--just a strange one. Peter and Jess Speropulos--St. Lousians (confirmed Lousians). So, I thought, since I really live here in St. Louis now, I should share some of the things I have learned since the move to the Mid-West:

• People here are very proud of STL and likewise proud of their particular township (Creve Coeur, Tower Grove, University City...etc).
• This city loves to abbreviate (yay)! U-City (our township), Wash U, SLEW (St. Louis U), MoBap (Missouri Baptist Hospital), SLAM (St. Louis Art Museum)...I love it!
• I apparently pronounce all street names in STL incorrectly. Gravois Ave is not pronounced, as one would assume with it's French origins-- Grav-Wah. Instead, it is pronounced Grav-OY!...Oy indeed!
• There is a city wide conspiracy to randomly open and close the entrance ramps onto 64 West (the interstate that takes me home from work) to consistently keep me lost and angry whilst trying to get home after a long day of "Barista-ing".
• Only Italians work at the Fed in STL--and they all order Doppio Espressos several times a day at my Starbucks.
• You can spot a frappacino drinker a mile away. Likewise, you can always spot a "dry" cappuccino drinker as well.
• Ted Drewe's frozen custard really is better than all of those other impostor custards out there. Seriously, it's delish!
• Free stuff is not always chintzy! The free attractions in Forest Park (The Zoo, The Muny, The History Museum, The World's Fair Pavilion...etc) are all fantastic!
• Hipsters are alive and well on The Loop.
• Trader Joe's is going to save us from starvation.
• Although there is no beauty like the beauty of the mountains, there is something quite nice--even pretty about the prairie.
• I will always be a Highlander at heart, but I think we are really going to like it here.

In other news, we have found a church that we really like. It's called Memorial Presbyterian ( http://www.memorialpca.org/ ), and it is right on Forest Park beside Washington University's campus. The music director stood up on Sunday morning and said, "I am about to ask for something that I have never had to ask in my 30 years of working with this church...We need Sopranos!" Well, I took that as my cue, and we are going back for our second visit this Sunday. 

Peter's classes begin August 28th, and I have never seen him so excited. He has been longing for this opportunity since he finished his undergrad, and I am so thankful that his dream is finally being realized. We are heading to our first event with the seminary tonight--a picnic. Let's all hope we can keep our awkwardness at bay. We haven't met a lot of people yet, so we tend to be a little...well...enthusiastic...when we do meet folks. Here's hoping for normalcy--unlikely as that may be. 

5 Days In...Real or Not Real?

Have you ever read the Hunger Games? Well...I have...more times than I really want to fess up to, and I tend to think in "scenes"...so here goes. At the beginning of the third book, the main character wakes up confused. Her whole world has changed, and she is trying hard to get her bearings. So, she decides that she will just remind herself of things she is certain of: 

"My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am seventeen years old. My home is District 12. I was in the Hunger Games. I escaped. The Capitol hates me........”  (Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins)

I feel a little bit ridiculous saying this, but I sorta feel like I get a bit of what old Katniss is feeling. Clearly I am not channeling the whole fight to the death, incite a revolution thing, but the waking up to a whole new world thing--I totally get that. For the past 5 mornings, I have woken up in this new apartment thinking to myself...

"My name is Jess. I am 28 years old. I used to live in Johnson City, Tennessee. I now live in St. Louis, Missouri. My husband was a teacher. Now he is starting seminary. I worked for Young Life. Now, I work at Starbucks. Real or not Real?" (yep "Real or not Real" another HG reference...confirmed...I am a colossal nerd).

We had been talking about moving, preparing to move, and grieving that move for so long that the actual move has felt...surreal ("Surreal but nice?" Anyone? Notting Hill--anyone?) . It honestly feels like Peter and I are just on a trip with all of our stuff. I am driving around this fantastic city and having to remind myself that I live here. I miss Tennessee. I miss my friends and family. I miss our crazy, slightly shady street. I miss my front porch swing and Firehouse BBQ. I miss our church, and I miss my Young Life team and girls.

However, in the midst of all the missing...St. Louis is actually pretty great. The folks that I work with at the downtown Starbucks are really fun--and very patient. For all of my coffee bravado, learning all of the SBux recipes is pretty wild. You can see The Arch from our store and Busch Stadium (where the Cardinals play) is right around the corner. While on a walk with HoneyBear (our dog) through Forest Park, we stumbled upon a free outdoor musical theater called The Muny. I seriously think a light shone down from heaven upon it when we realized what it was. There is an old, artsy theater called The Tivoli that shows both Independent and old classic movies in an area called The Loop just a few miles away. And, of course, there is the STL Zoo...Peter's favorite because of the penguins. Best of all, we have discovered that good ol' southern hospitality is not lost on our St. Loueyans (St. Lousians? mystery). People are SO nice here! No "metro face" needed in STL...make eye contact and smile. 

Our apartment is starting to look like an actual home, and I think we are really going to like living in this little Seminary Community. Although, I am still grieving the loss of my big, beautiful kitchen. We have met a few of our neighbors, and although friendships take time to build, we are feeling confident the Lord will take care of us there. 

P.S. To all of our dear, sweet friends and family who helped with all the packing, moving, trasporting, and comforting. We could not have done it without you. Love! 

Apricots and Honey,

Jess