Blog Every Day: May 17

       Day 17, Friday:   A favorite photo of yourself and why    

    This photo was taken last Saturday at the Tim McGraw concerts. My sister was wearing her glasses.... they are super cute and I wanted to try them on. Then, I was chatting with a friend and she took this picture of me.   First of all, I think the glasses look cute. I wore glasses as a child and HATED them. I thought they made me look dorky and ugly. Eventually, my eyesight evened itself out and the doctor said I really didn't need them anymore. I was thrilled. Now, I'm pretty sure that I could use reading glasses.... in fact, Megan's (pictured) are the lowest prescription possible for reading and driving at night and I could see perfectly with them. But, I just liked that I was wearing glasses and I looked cute. A far cry from the ugly glassed duckling.   Second, it sort of shows how I feel when I'm being my best self. She held up the phone and took the picture. On the other side was a cute, quirky, fun girl.... and that is who I ultimately want to be seen as.   Third, my face looks skinny. I'm still fighting to get off the 15 lbs I gained last Fall, so my face looks a little fuller than I'd like. This picture is sort of a "You are doing it.... keep it up!" motivator.    

Blog Every Day: May 15 and May 16

Day 15, Wednesday:  A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)
I have done this a couple times and fairly recently, too. So, I'll post a link to one from a few years ago that I thought was pretty fun......
A Day (or Two) In The Life



Day 16, Thursday:  Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it
There are a couple that I think I probably discuss all the time on this blog, but they are two of my predominate issues...........
1) Weight
I really have a hard time with weight and the things my weight has done to my body.
I'll never be able to wear a bikini due to all the faded stretch marks and I'll probably always have some loose skin (not NEARLY as much as I could have, but there is still some around my belly).
Obviously, I've made great strides and am working to get myself to the point I want to be, but I'm also working on the mental block, as well.



2) Feeling under-appreciated and not being able to let go.
While they probably seem like two separate things, I think they go hand-in-hand.
I care a lot. Too much, sometimes. Well, a lot of the time. I feel deeply.... I worry..... I want the best..... for the people I care about.
And, I hope that I'm cared for.... felt deeply about.... worried over.... celebrated.... as much as I do for them.
When I'm not. Well, it hurts. A lot.
So, I try to accept it and understand that my expectations of a relationship (any relationship) might not be what the other person is able to live up to. And, that their caring isn't my caring, but it doesn't mean they don't care.
But, it's really difficult to get into that mindset and stay in it. It's really hard to let go.

Blog Every Day: May 14

     Day 14, Tuesday:  Ten things that make you really happy    In no particular order......     My Family and Friends  

  I have an awesome family (above) and incredible friends. We are all nuts and I love every second of it.


All Things Disney  

  I really do love Disney. It just makes me happy. I'm all about child-like wonder and refusing not to believe in magic.       New TV  

  I know it seems silly, but the fact that the above three shows are starting (whoo-hoo for SYTYCD tonight!!) is what is keeping my head up about all the season finales this month.   I just love TV.
    Concerts.... More importantly when the whole crowd sings together at a concert  

  Last week, we went to see Tim McGraw. At one point, the entire crowd sang the entire chorus of 'Live Like You Were Dying' while Tim just stood there and listened. That must be the coolest feeling. *I* get chills and I'm not even an artist.       Rainy Days When You Don't Have To Go Out      

Photo Booths  

  They are so much fun!!!!!!       Cookie Cakes   

  Cookie cakes are a serious weakness of mine. I cannot turn down a cookie cake. They make me so happy that I don't even feel bad about it.        All Things Christmas  

  It really is the most wonderful time of the year.      Children Laughing
Best sound ever. You can't hear a giggle and it not make you smile.


Boiled Peanuts  

  I know they are mostly a Southern thing, but I can eat my weight in boiled peanuts. They are truly a happy, comfort food for me.     

Blog Every Day: May 12 and May 13

..... Or, blog every other day as the case has been the past couple of days.

Part of my problem is writer's block. I don't know where I want to go with the past couple of topics.

Day 12, Sunday:  
What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

I miss new episodes of 'Full House' and 'Friends.'

I miss Cherry Pepsi (it is my very favorite drink.... I used to drink multiple a day... Now, I literally allow myself one or two a year, if that).

I miss summer break. Man, do I miss those three months out of the year.

I miss The Guy. Like, seeing him every day.

I miss dancing and teaching dance. I miss dance recitals.

I miss the part of high school where I basically spent every waking hour with my best friends.

I miss Fun Distraction prior to Brown Shirt Girl. He was a lot of fun, before her.

I miss Blue Bell's Christmas Cookie in July ice cream. It only was/is available in July and is amazing. 

I miss Super Soap Weekend. That was always a lot of fun. 

 



 

Day 13, Monday:  
Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.

Dear 29 Year Old Jessica,

Yeah, so I'm super sorry for never taking the whole "working out" deal, seriously. And, the whole "eating well" deal seriously.

Because my bad habits? You are PAYING for them and paying dearly. 

Would I do things differently? Maybe. I mean, I had plenty of notice. I knew I was overweight. I guess I just figured there wasn't a better way. So, sorry.

Signed, The Younger Jessica  

Blog Every Day: May 10 and May 11

Day 10, Friday:  Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill. 
I can't even think of one. I mean, goodness knows, I've had plenty of embarrassing moments in my life, but I can't pinpoint one. Usually, when I get embarrassed, I just laugh. And, when it's over, after the red face, I generally just think it's funny.



Day 11, Saturday:  Sell yourself in 10 words or less
Imperfect, fun-loving, God-loving, dreamer, sarcastic, quirky, empathetic, and caring

Blog Every Day: May 9

     Day 9, Thursday:  A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)    

  This compromises many moments of most of my days. My office and the two hallways that meet right outside my door.

Blog Every Day: May 8

Day 8, Wednesday:  A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

Be you. Be nice.
That is all anyone really wants.

I know it sounds cliche, but when I'm happiest is when I'm with a person with whom I don't have any pretenses. For example, last week I had lunch with my friend Elizabeth and then the next day with my friend Billie Jo. Both lunches, I was 100% me. I was candid and sarcastic and just real.
Sunday, my cousin and I were at my friend C's. C and his wife are great people and while I've loosened up in front of them, I was a LOT more open while Heidi was there.
C goes, "Wow. I get you a little bit more, Jess. Stuff is starting to make more sense. I think I like you like this."
So, just be you and be nice.