Shootings in CT

MORGAN FREEMAN ON THE SHOOTINGS YESTERDAY:

“You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here’s why.

It’s because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single victim of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he’ll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN’s article says that if the body count “holds up”, this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer’s face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer’s identity? None that I’ve seen yet. Because they don’t sell. So congratulations­, sensationalist media, you’ve just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man’s name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem.”

I will not honor the killer.

I will do as Morgan has asked and remember the lost.

Charlotte Bacon, 02-22-06
Daniel Barden, 09-25-05
Rachel Davino, 07-17-83
Olivia Engel, 07-18-06
Josephine Gay, 12-11-05
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04-04-06
Dylan Hockley, 03-08-06
Dawn Hochsprung, 06-28-65
Madeleine F. Hsu, 07-10-06
Catherine V. Hubbard, 06-08-06

Chase Kowalski, 10-31-05

Jesse Lewis, 06-30-06
James Mattioli, 03-22-06
Grace McDonnell, 11-04-05
Anne Marie Murphy, 07-25-60
Emilie Parker, 05-12-06
Jack Pinto, 05-06-06
Noah Pozner, 11-20-06
Caroline Previdi, 09-07-06
Jessica Rekos, 05-10-06
Avielle Richman, 10-17-06
Lauren Russeau, 06-?-82
Mary Sherlach, 02-11-56
Victoria Soto, 11-04-85
Benjamin Wheeler, 09-12-06
Allison Wyatt, 07-03-06

And, this from Proverbs 31 Ministries:

Many times it’s hard to know what to do or say in times of tragedy, or how to process through the pain… Proverbs 31 Ministries has compiled these resources to help you. We’ll continue adding to it for you and are praying.

1. 4 Free Resources for Ministering in Times of Tragedy {Source: Pastors ToolBox with Rick Warren: http://pastors.com/resources-tragedy/

2. Terrorism and Other Man Made Disasters {Source: Christian Emergency Network}:http://community.christianemergencynetwork.org/emergency-directory/natural-disasters/terrorism-a-other-man-made-disasters3. Three Rules for Teaching Kids About Tragedy {Source: Focus on the Family with Juli Slattery}:http://www.focusonthefamily.com/broadcast/todays-spotlight/articles/three%20rules%20for%20teaching%20kids%20about%20tragedy.aspx

4. Evil in Connecticut {Source: Focus on the Family with Jim Daly}: http://community.focusonthefamily.com/b/jim-daly/archive/2012/12/14/evil-in-connecticut.aspx

I wasn’t sure really what to say but I felt that I should say something.

Much love to you all.

Blessings – always.

Jerry Ann

NaBloPoMo 2012-Day 30

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 30

Okay, do you see that? Day 30?  I have blogged for 30 (thirty) days in a row.  I am really amazed that I stuck with it so long.  I know that there were some days you shouldn't have read what I wrote, but all in all, I am feeling accomplished.

So I am still frustrated at my photos not uploading, and will continue to work on those.  But, December is a very busy month for me (and I am sure, lots of you as well), starting with Stephen's birthday on the 2nd.

But, I plan to blog more because this showed me I could do it and you are reading what I write.  That part scares me a little. ha.

Okay....so thank you for a great November!

Have a great day.
Blessings - always.
Jerry Ann

Be Kind

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 29

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Simple.

Smile.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Holy Family Stamp

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 14

I was completely taken back with this stamp this year.

USPS Holy Family Stamp

I had to go to the US Post Office today to mail two packages to David.  He needed a pair of gloves, and a treat or two.  While I was there, I asked if they had their Christmas stamps yet?  They did.

I purchased three sets of these Holy Family books.  I love that they are using the wording Holy Family.  It was a comforting sight especially after the last couple of weeks.

I have always said that it seems that those of us who worship Jesus Christ are not allowed to say anything aloud in public because we may offend someone.  We (believers) aren't supposed to say anything for those who choose not to worship Christ, and sometimes a "holiday" break just doesn't cut it.  I want to say "Christmas" break because that is what it is.  If you want call it "winter" break fine, but I am a Christmas break girl.

School programs are asked to showcase Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Christians aren't supposed to show Jesus.  In fact, Stephen participated in a Holiday Showcase (in Kindergarten) that showed all things winter including Father Winter (I don't know really who he is), but not Christ.  I am completely for others being able to showcase their beliefs, but then allow us (Christians) to do the same.  We need to learn about other cultures and religions.  I try to keep an open mind, but everyone should get the same piece of the pie and then everyone is happy (I know, but).

I went off...and I am sorry if I have offended anyone.  Wait, I am not sorry.  I am sorry if you are offended by equal time.  I don't shove my beliefs down your throat, please don't shove yours down mine.

So all of my cards will have this Holy Family proudly placed on each and every mailing I do this Christmas.  I am feeling quite blessed by being able to do this, this year.  I think I need to purchase enough for the next several years, especially since they are "forever" stamps.  Isn't that appropriate? The Holy Family Stamp is a Forever Stamp.  I love it.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Progress...

Progress...I believe that I have acquired some recently.

Progress in thought that I have adjusted to the new routine of not working daily.  Well, sort of.

I had the privilege of meeting my hubby in London in September.  Wonderful.  We haven't seen one another for about 4 months.  So it was a good break from his work in Bagram Air Base (Afghanistan), and for me to confirm the decisions that we have been making.

David and I at the Tower of London

Yes, we did all of the tourist stuff, and many museums. David is a geek of sorts, and loves armor and history. I love the Queen, and everything about the Monarchy.  So we compromised and got to see what we both wanted to see around the city of London.  We didn't really travel out of the city.  We took our time each day and discovered things that we would not have gone to if serendipity hadn't occurred. Walking everywhere in London wasn't easy, but it was fun to do especially with David.  

But most of all, I really enjoyed just spending time with my best friend.  Talking about our past, present and future.  We enjoyed the time with one another.  David is now back in Bagram (prayers always appreciated), and I am back home with the kids and their schedules.  It was really good to be connected with him again.  I think both of us were a bit lost without the other for a while.  

The camera ad above is my new camera (got it for my birthday)...and yes, we took lots of pictures in London.  By lots, I mean 1928.  Yes, that number is correct.  My dear hubby took most of them, and the majority of them are pictures of items in museums (like game pieces that the Romans had played).  I did tell you he was a geek right?  I do love him, so very much. It is taking forever for me to sort through them though.  ha. Such is life, right?

On another note, my IV therapy's have been going very well, (I do them once a month for about two hours) and I believe that I am doing better with the day to day of living with Lupus.  The daily stress is gone from work although I truly miss the daily activities of the church.

I am changing my habits to healthier ones with my diet.  I am trying to be PRODUCTIVE.  My Mom was German, and stated that "We must be productive!" every day. ha.  I do try, really I do.  Sometimes I have convinced myself that I have been productive if I am up and showered.  And depending on my fatigue level, that is good enough for me.  Our family goes by the Spoon Theory with my health, if you are unaware, please click on this link.  http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
Christine does a wonderful job explaining hidden illness and how we deal with it on a daily basis.

So, progress. I just wanted to update all of you.  Life is good, today is better than yesterday.

Have a great week.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Venting...

Venting, yes I need to vent.

Last night I went to bed propped up on pillows with vapor rub on my chest to ward of the beginnings of a cold.  I slept well.  I hoping to sleep in (for me that is around 10:00a.m.), but no.  Not for me, and most certainly not today.

At 6:02 a.m. this morning a chirping beep begins.  Yes, the smoke detectors are beginning their song and dance.  After thinking I could sleep through it, (not) I got up to figure out which one of (I have no clue how many of) them are chirping.

It is now 6:30 a.m. and I have found the one (so I thought) that was going bad.  I found a new 9 volt battery, and somewhere found a step stool to climb up on.  I replaced the battery, only to discover another chirp.

And, so it goes, until I have used all of the new batteries (which I have 9 new ones), for 10 smoke detectors.  Yes, one battery short.  I thought for a bit and decided that one could not get a new one, but no, it keeps chirping.

Note:  hubby is still in Afghanistan.

I do not wake up pretty. Hair goes in, at least, six different directions.  My nose (vapor rub didn't work) is stuffy and runny.  Ugh.  After I shower, and get ready for the really early day (especially for me) it begins to rain.  Yes, rain.  (insert laughter)

Okay Lord, I hear you.  Umbrella in hand, off to Wal-Mart. Of course, I don't just purchase 9 volt batteries (enough for the end of times), but milk, creamer, bread, (they had a sale on beef jerky), etc.  So, $170 later...

I arrive home to be greeted by our rat terrier (Dexter) who is not happy that I left him alone with these annoying birds.  After I bring the twelve bags of groceries, and put away the cold stuff, I venture off to locate the smoke detector that was missing a battery.  I insert said battery into the detector, and press the reset button...and another one goes off...chirping.

After much thought (once again - NOT), I replace all of the units with new batteries.

No more chirping.  Thank you God. Dexter is now napping, and I am thinking I will join him.

Happy Labor Day!!!
Blessings -always.
Jerry Ann

Moved My Cheese.

So, last week I moved my cheese.

I quit my job.  I have worked there for 12 years, doing a variety of things.  It is different not having to go in on a Monday morning.  It is different not dreading Monday.

Yesterday was the first time in a very long time I sat in my church just as a church member.

God has placed the right people in place for me to let go.  Let go.  If any of you know me, you know how very difficult that truly is. Letting go for me has never been easy.  This was different.  God let this go.  He is letting me relax in this guided path.

I will still be there as a consultant when they need me.  If they need me.

But this week, new habits, new routines, new beginnings.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Bucket List

Yes, a bucket list.  Things that I would like to do or accomplish.  Not in any order, and I may change my mind tomorrow.

1.  Get a good camera - done (early birthday)
2.  Travel to Australia
3.  Travel to Japan
4.  Travel to Scotland/Ireland (they are nothing alike, but are listed together. I am not sure why.)
5.  Spend a week in New York --see a Broadway play a day.
6.  Jump out of an air plane (preferably when I want to, not need to.)
7.  Ride in a Hot Air Balloon.
8.  Dance on Broadway (was an original dream of mine at 17.)
9.  Make a quilt (like my grandmothers.)
10.  Learn to speak German - really!
11.  Learn to speak Japanese
12.  Open a restaurant.
13.  Open a store (scrap?)
14.  Write a cookbook
15.  Walk on the Great Wall of China.
16.  See Paris again with my love.
17.  See London again with my love.
18.  Conquer Algebra.
19.  Eat at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.
20.  Eat at Morimotto's sushi restaurant (prefer the one in Japan.)
21.  See U2 live in concert (front row preferred.)
22.  See Motley Crue in concert (I tried in 1987), and now finally done!
23.  See Poison in concert. - done
24.  Meet Bret Michaels - done
25.  Run a 5k.
26.  Live at Disney World.
27.  Be the Fairy God Mother at Disney World.
28.  Grow a vegetable garden.
29.  Write a book.
30.  Be a mentor.
31.  Refurbish a piece of furniture.
32.  Color my hair (or parts of it) pink.
33.  Be a size 12 again.
34.  Organize my scrap/craft area.
35.  Take a trip around the world.
36.  Be a tour guide.
37.  Sew a dress.
38.  Crochet a blanket.
39.  Learn to knit.
40.  Meet the Queen of England.
41.  Meet Nathan Fillion.
42.  Speak in front of a group of people without freaking out.
43.  Learn how to can vegetables.
44.  Learn how to make jam or fruit preserves.
45.  Be a friend to my children.
46.  Get a Bachelors degree.
47.  Learn more than 6 words in sign language.
48.  Live in Germany.
49.  Own a Corvette.
50.  Own a BMW or Mercedes.
51.  Go to a Dallas Cowboys Football game.
52.  Attend an Olympic event.

I have had thirty of these for over 20 plus years.  Ugh.  Trying to get some of these marked off this year, but I keep adding to the list.

Do you have a bucket list?  Does it always change (update)?  Do you place things on your list that you know you will accomplish?  Are they obtainable?  Or all fantasy?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Moving My Cheese

Several years ago, there was a book entitled "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson.  The basic premise of the book is there is constant change.  It is how we deal with the change that either allows us to find where our cheese has moved, or die continuing to go back where it was.


I have always been fine with change so long as it was me doing the changing.  You know what I mean...when we manage the control...everything is fine.  I have had this as my mantra for a while now (since reading the book I believe).  Moving my cheese...is happening now.  


I have been looking to do something different for a while now, and I am taking a leap of faith.  


I will update once everything is in place.  Prayers appreciated.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Answers...

I have been praying for answers for a long time now. I think we all do, in all aspects of our lives. I have been diagnoised with Lupus in May of 2008. Lots of steps in that direction, and more confusion. Yesterday I was diagnoised with Sjogrens Syndrome, and Raynauds. My new doctor is wonderful and ended my session with "you are weird." Really? I have known that for a long while. I start Methotrexate tomorrow, and I am terrified. Terrified of what it will do to my body, and terrified what this disease has already done to my body and mind. I am positive to everyone, the majority of the time. God has provided me with a tremendous peace, and I do my best to portray God's peace. It is so hard. Hard. I so want to scream, and kick, to be mad at God. Today, I had a precious friend call just to check on me. She cried when she heard what I am going through. I was strong with that conversation, but the moment I hung up, I cried. Terrified once again. I believe that I am saved by grace, and will be healed completely. There are moments of doubt when I try to control, but I come back to rejoicing in the Lord. Always. Phil. 4:4. Answers are only the beginning. Blessings. Jerry Ann

Steve Jobs

"Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."- Steve Jobs


I have this quote on my Facebook profile.  "Your time is limited" speaks volumes to me especially not having any parents or grandparents left to love on.  Love on your family.  Don't waste it on trivial things.  Be still, and listen.  


Our time is limited.  Are you doing what your best everyday?  


Do your best.  Encourage.


Share Christ's love.  Love one another.


RIP Steve Jobs


Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Purses

I love purses.  All different kinds.  They can be large, small (not too small), leather, cloth.  It doesn't matter the color or brand.

That is all.

I needed the world to know.

=)
Blessings!

Beginnings Continued...

I say in the title continued, mainly because I am tired of all of the endings.

I was on vacation last week (my staycation), and accomplished a lot , but not near what I wanted to.  But it is back to the daily grind with a little change.

My biggest accomplishment, I believe, are my children.  Carmen left today for Camp War Eagle (Freshman orientation), at Auburn. It is the beginning of her being away from home. It is the beginning of just Stephen and I as far as school is concerned.

But a wonderful new beginning for her.  She is truly excited, and for me it is bittersweet.  I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished.  Sad because she starts a new chapter in her life, full of adventure and without us.  Truly the beginnings of adulthood.

Carmen at 2 (daycare picture), and one of my favorite photographs of her.  Carmen's smile is contagious. And, isn't just like parents to remember them young and sweet.  One of my favorite commercials is a little 3 or 4 year old getting ready to back out of her driveway, and her Dad sees her like that.  But in reality, she is a grown woman. And the Dad just watches her go.

I believe her smile still is contagious.  She is going to have a great time at Auburn.  I also believe that we have raised her with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love.  I pray that God places in her path godly friends that are strong in their convictions.

He has blessed us with such a precious gift.  I love the woman she has become, and look forward to hearing of her beginnings.

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

The Gulf -

Carmen and I last weekend on our beach.

The beach is beautiful this time of year.

I keep expecting oil to show up, but it hasn't.

The water is still a beautiful green/blue and the sand is 

still as white as ever.

I love this place.  

I love just sitting, and listening to the waves roll onto the beach.

Love the Emerald Coast.

You should come for a visit.

Enjoy!

My Baby Girl's Senior Year

I wanted to do something special with Carmen for her High School Graduating year.  She didn't care for the traditional school class rings, nor did I, only wearing mine for my Senior year in High School.  I considered it a waste of money, and not something to carry with you forever.  She did agree with me, but wanted to have something to symbolize her high school years.

I love Tiffany & Co. (what girl doesn't?)!  We looked online (their site is really wonderful), and had chosen this one but in pink sapphire instead.

We traveled to Atlanta this past weekend, just Carmen and I, for a whirlwind trip.  I thought that it would be special for her to have time with me (and selfishly - me too), and for her to "shop" at Tiffany. 

We went into Tiffany & Co, and went to the counter where her "ring" should be. Tried on several, and then discovered that they didn't have the pink sapphire in stock.  They could order it for us, and ship it, but that isn't why we traveled all the way to Atlanta.  (Yes, I know that it isn't that far of a drive, but driving longer than 2 hours for me is difficult and terribly tiring.)  Carmen really did want to be wearing her ring that very day.  It was disappointing, until I pointed out that her high school color was green, and they had that in stock.

  Yep! 

The box and the bag.

I truly think that Carmen would have been just as happy with just these two items.

Opening (excuse the quality of the photo - in a restaurant)!

Love her expression.

Do something special, and out of the ordinary for your children.  It doesn't have to be all the time, just once in a while. (oh, and it was actually cheaper than the traditional class ring.) It really speaks volumes for communication, and love.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Our road to college...

Carmen has decided to look in the State of Florida for colleges to attend.  And, if I may add, thank you God.  Money alone is enough justification, but add travel costs, especially now with gas prices, helps in finding one that is right for her and us.

I will say, I thought I was ready for this transition in our lives. I have been encouraging Carmen to look at lots of different schools, in and out of state. She has applied and has been accepted at LSU, Auburn, FSU, and Spring Hill.  All are absolutely wonderful schools, and well worth every penny just not our pennies.  FSU still may play in her decision, but right now, she isn't feeling it.  Feeling it?  Really? 

She is 18.  An adult, I suppose, legally anyway.  But, if she continues to not be able to locate a place in her home town, how is she supposed to locate things at a university?  I want to let go, and let her find her way.  How do parents do this?

How do we do this?  Train them up - right?  Let them go?  They are not ours, but God's - and for His purpose.  I know this.  I trust in Him to guide her path, and ours.  He has done an incredible job with Carmen so far.  I can't wait to see what her future holds. 

College...her new adventure...and it continues...

My heart is heavy.

My heart is heavy is a comment made by a coworker on Wednesday after a particularly difficult afternoon.

Prayer.  Pray without ceasing.

A story was repeated to me yesterday, and I would like to share a snippet.

Satan is speaking with an observer about his tools.  He has many tools that he uses to cause harm, and to keep us from God.  This one is famine, and this is disaster, but this one is the best one of all.  He points to the one he uses on Christians, it is the tool of discouragement.  This one makes them fail.  It is a simple tool, and many people, even other Christians help me use it on their own.

Discouragement.

I am praying for discernment on the path chosen.  I have been through difficult passages before, some more difficult this one.  But...I have never felt bombarded like I do today.  Spears, arrows, bullets are flying at me with such force.  I have no time to breathe and defend one of them, let alone, all of them.

Each difficulty that we are given is for God's glory to be shown.  It shows that He sustains us through all.  I am praying for strength and an answer to this path.  Change is difficult for all, but we must adapt, bend, comply. 

Moses asked God to "show him His Glory" in Exodus.  I am doing the same today.  Sustain me, Lord.

How we feel led to share God's love is a path God given. It maybe to a homeless drunk needing food or a kind word, to a leader of a childrens program in a hurry to complete a project, to listening to a coworker who is needing a hug and affirmation, to a spouse that has had a difficult day, to a child that may only have one good meal a week, to a youth needing guidance, to you, and to me.

How do you share God's love?  Are you discouraged?

"Sometimes we are told to quietly lean on our Savior and rest. At other times God calls us to actively wait.  But we are always to stay close to our Redeemer." - Kelly Minter

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20 NIV


"You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverence the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." - 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Blessings.

Changes

Life changes...

David will be starting a new job on Monday.  It is a great opportunity for him professionally, and will enable us to climb out of our debt hole just a bit quicker.  Changes...for me as well at work.  Trying to stay focused on the organization of the house, getting things ready the evening before, memorizing Bible verses, doing my bible study, and...laundry.  ha.


Today was a hair day.  I love hair days, you can change your hair as often as you want.  You could have blond, red, auburn, brown, black hair in a matter of minutes.  Short, long (extensions) doesn't really matter any more either.

This picture was taken on New Year's Eve.  David and I celebrated with dear friends (and neighbors), and had a great time.   One of my favorite colors is pink.

My hair used to be thick, brown with highlights when I was younger.  I am thinning (I do not like this at all), and try to style to hide it.  Men can have thin hair, and they are called distinguished.  Well, not me.  My mother was a hair dresser/stylist/beautician in a small town.  I grew up having my hair cut (not always the way I wanted), but whenever I wanted, and she loved to play with color.  When a new product came in, she would want to try it out on me.  I loved/love being able to change my hair so quickly.  Changing habits or physical appearance (body) is much harder to do.

So...my new do: 

The picture is from a iphone, and a self portrait (with the help of a bathroom mirror).  So...I love the color, especially this time of year.  I am a creature of habit with my hair, and normally default back to styling one way.  I do like the way this frames my face (I have lost a little bit of weight), and thins me.

So...what do you think?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Resolutions

Resolutions...we all seem to make them, year after year, do we get anywhere?

I don't.  I always say that "this is the year that I will..." add the following:

weight...this could mean, "I will work out more," or "I will eat healthier," or "I need to lose 20 pounds!"

organized...I don't know anyone who thinks that they are organized in everything that they do...

life...go back to school, start a new adventure, try something new.

All sorts of options out there, and I think I will do the following:

I have lost 20 pounds in 2010, and plan to lose 30 in 2011.  Not a huge goal, but one that is obtainable, and maintainable.  I didn't make any resolutions last year, and really didn't begin to lose or think about losing weight until February.  I actually lost 23 pounds, but had gained some back, and then lost it again.  So, to end the year with 20.5 pounds gone was a triumph for me.

I also plan to organize my craft area.  David and I share an office space of 10x10.  He occupies the majority of it, and I keep gaining space.  I have gotten my sewing machine back out, and would like to quilt some towels, and repair some items without having to take it from the closet every time. 

I also plan to cook more.  We eat out a lot.  This serves a purpose I know, one of convenience.  Normally, when I get home, I have forgotten to take out the meat portion of the dinner we are to have that evening, and we will end up eating pizza, or oriental.  So, I am going to plan weekly menus, and focus on healthy eating for all of us.

Blessings to you and your families this new year.

Jerry Ann

24 Memory Verses in 2011

Beth Moore Memory Campaign 2011

I am going to participate in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Verses.  You can find out how to join (if you like) by clicking on the above link, or just read along.  I have been reading off and on all 2010, and I feel led to participate for a goal for 2011.  I have many goals for 2011, but this one will be a priority.

What goals do you want to meet?

Blessings.

Jerry Ann