tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47623450383094843262024-03-05T23:53:20.752-05:00All-American JessJoin an everyday girl as she works to build her own extraordinary life... Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.comBlogger885125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-76512951641855826802019-12-02T11:48:00.002-05:002019-12-02T11:48:42.480-05:00Releasing ResentmentWow, it has been a while. A lot has gone on in the last year and a half. Mostly good, but some ugly.<br />
<br />
Today is about the ugly. Today is about releasing resentment. It's December 2nd and I want the holidays to be HAPPY. I don't want ugly feelings to steal my joy.<br />
<br />
Let's be clear, I am way over FD. Like, way over and done. However, he's still in my life, we're still friends, and he's still got a way of screwing things up.<br />
<br />
For the past year, he's been "seeing" this British woman. She lives about 45 minutes away and has a kid (two to be exact, but one is grown) so it's an every-other-weekend situation. She's also still legally married to keep her Visa (if the government is reading this, do what you must).<br />
<br />
Yes, you read all of that correctly.<br />
<br />
In a lot of ways, this doesn't (and shouldn't) affect me. However, we go to the same gym (OTF) and have been for a couple years now. On "her" weekends, she comes and he's weird. He's weird with our mutual friends about her. When she's with him, he won't answer anyone's texts or phone calls (like, for the entire weekend). He never mentions her and when he does, he's noncommittal or iffey about their relationship. It's all very screwed up.<br />
<br />
I've been over it (meaning their relationship) for a while now. It has affected our friendship and the way I view him. Then, on Halloween, he broke up with her. He realized it wasn't going anywhere (duh) and he called things off.<br />
<br />
Then, his beloved (and I mean BELOVED) dog got sick and died. When I say that his friends and family all dreaded the day his dog would die, I'm not exaggerating. We have feared it for years.<br />
<br />
Well, it happened and what does he do? He gets back together with her. He blew off his friends and family who were trying to check on him. He has literally thrown himself head first back into this failing situation.<br />
<br />
All of us on the outside see the train coming off the tracks. We all get that this is grief avoidance. We all get that this is going to end even worse. But, we're just watching him do it.<br />
<br />
Again, this shouldn't really affect me. It just does.<br />
<br />
I used to really love this person. I got really hurt and confused by this person. But, I got past that and stayed friends with him. Now? I have such a lack of respect for him and his actions that I'm having a really hard time wanting to remain friends. That's hard and what I'm struggling with. I don't let friendships go easily.... I do value them.... And, I have valued our friendship for over ten years. There are parts of him that are still the sweet person I became friends with and so close with. There are reasons that we are friends and have stayed friends. There are reasons that I have fought with myself to keep this friend.<br />
<br />
The person who is having a part-time relationship with a legally married woman so she can continue to defraud the government? Yeah, I don't like that person, at all. I'm coming to grips with it and still figuring out what to do with it.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-39799742506570230882018-06-05T17:08:00.000-04:002018-06-05T17:08:00.709-04:00How I Plan: Erin Condren LifePlanner<div data-contents="true">
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="647h7-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="647h7-0-0">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span data-offset-key="647h7-0-0"><span data-text="true">** First off, a few disclaimers.... 1) I was in no way compensated for this post </span></span><span data-offset-key="647h7-0-1" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">(though I'm always willing to review </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="647h7-1-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">EC</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="647h7-2-0" style="font-style: italic;"><span data-text="true">, if they want to send some stuff my way!).... </span></span><span data-offset-key="647h7-2-1"><span data-text="true">2) This post does contain referral links, such as </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="647h7-3-0"><span data-text="true">this one</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="647h7-4-0"><span data-text="true">. It costs you nothing extra, but if you choose to make your first EC purchase through this link, I get a coupon for money off my next order.... 3) My picture quality is just so-so and I've digitally whited out some personal info. I tried to keep enough that you can see how everything is laid out, but didn't want all of my business out there.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="m3vu-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="m3vu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="m3vu-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="8mr8t-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8mr8t-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8mr8t-0-0"><span data-text="true">Now, onto the good stuff (and a little background). If you've never heard of </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="8mr8t-1-0"><span data-text="true">Erin Condren LifePlanners</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="8mr8t-2-0"><span data-text="true">, you may have been living under a rock, of sorts. They're pretty popular in the blogging and planning worlds. When I was in grade school and all the way through getting my current job, I was adamant about my planner. I used it religiously and was never without. Once I got this current position, however, I started using my Outlook calendar at work and my phone. Which was fine. Fast-forward to late 2016 and I got the itch for a paper planner, again. There is just something about writing it down that helps me. Also, a paper planner helps me see all the details at once, which I haven't found in a digital calendar.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8mr8t-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8mr8t-2-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="cha0j-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cha0j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cha0j-0-0"><span data-text="true">A friend mentioned that she used </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="cha0j-1-0"><span data-text="true">Erin Condren</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="cha0j-2-0"><span data-text="true">, so I started researching. I'd certainly heard of the company before, but never really paid attention. When I say I scoured the interwebs, I really did. Finally, I bit the bullet and bought. Once my fresh, clean, pretty planner came in, I froze. I was nervous to use it.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cha0j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cha0j-2-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="cd2jv-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cd2jv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cd2jv-0-0"><span data-text="true">So, I stalked the web, blogs, and IG some more for ideas of how best to plan in my planner. I know it seems silly, but I didn't want to "mess it up." The thing I noticed in my research is that A LOT of bloggers/social media featured the vertical or hourly planners. I am, and have always been, a horizontal layout girl. Remember when MomAgenda was all the blogger rage? Yeah, I tried and failed, because of the layout. I need to write out details.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cd2jv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cd2jv-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="41cuk-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="41cuk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="41cuk-0-0"><span data-text="true">The other thing I noticed was either the overabundance or total lack of stickers. I'm a bit more in between. I am always impressed by all the washi, stickers, and reimagining of the planners, but it would stress me out to try to do that myself AND actually follow along with my weekly schedule. That being said, I do like the prettiness and functionality of stickers, so I do use them in moderation.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="8e8oh-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8e8oh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8e8oh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Maybe the world doesn't need another </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="8e8oh-1-0"><span data-text="true">Erin Condren LifePlanner</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="8e8oh-2-0"><span data-text="true"> review/idea post. Or, maybe there is someone out there that is like me (horizontal layout and/or medium sticker use) and could use some ideas.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8e8oh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8e8oh-2-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="9k6sd-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9k6sd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9k6sd-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let's get to it.....</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9k6sd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9k6sd-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="er8kb-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="er8kb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="er8kb-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Front Cover/StylizedSticky Notes</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="er8kb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="er8kb-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="5u1qh-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5u1qh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5u1qh-0-0"><span data-text="true">These are one of my favorite accessories by </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="5u1qh-1-0"><span data-text="true">EC</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="5u1qh-2-0"><span data-text="true">. I keep the StylizedSticky pad snapped into the front of my planner. As something comes up, I'll take one, write down the tentative info, and stick it in it's designated date (which you'll see more of later on).</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="4phhc-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226094-5b16e12e58922" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="61c47-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="61c47-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="61c47-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="61c47-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="61c47-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="e7aec-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="e7aec-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e7aec-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Goals Page</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="e7aec-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e7aec-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="7eagv-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7eagv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7eagv-0-0"><span data-text="true">As you can see, I fail at making long term goals on this page. I've seen a lot of REALLY good uses for the page, but have yet to fall on one that works for me.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="ap1dk-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528228049-5b16e8d1aa752" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="79hoa-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="79hoa-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="79hoa-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="79hoa-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="79hoa-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="fgfdl-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fgfdl-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fgfdl-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Beginning of Month Notes and Inspirational Quote Pages</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fgfdl-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fgfdl-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="664c1-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="664c1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="664c1-0-0"><span data-text="true">Each month looks like this, with a productivity page on the left and an inspirational quote on the right. I specifically wanted to point this out for two reasons...... </span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="664c1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="664c1-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="2m3t8-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2m3t8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2m3t8-0-0"><span data-text="true">1) I do LOVE the inspirational quote page. Each month is a fresh reminder to be our best self.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2m3t8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2m3t8-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="9fucj-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9fucj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9fucj-0-0"><span data-text="true">2) I'm not a fan of the productivity page and am SO glad that the 2018-2019 (or straight up 2019, if you're like me) Planners are going back to a blank note page. I found this set up (using the productivity stickers in the back of the planner) on IG and decided to try it. Whoever thought of it is a genius and I'm trying to make use. That being said, I'll be super happy in 2019 when my note page is back. In my 2017 planner, I used it as a quick daily memory page and it worked great. I'd just jot down significant things as they happened. When this design came out in the 2018 planner, I switched over to a notebook for my memories. I'm not as good as keeping up with it, so I'll be glad when it's back for 2019.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="92nat-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226096-5b16e1300b94d" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="foj54-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="foj54-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="foj54-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Monthly Spread</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f5soq-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="1bp0l-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1bp0l-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1bp0l-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'm sharing a few of my monthly spread pages to give some context of how I set it up. If you're new to the </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="1bp0l-1-0"><span data-text="true">LifePlanner</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="1bp0l-2-0"><span data-text="true">, each monthly spread is followed by that month's weekly spreads.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1bp0l-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1bp0l-2-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="1meb-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1meb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1meb-0-0"><span data-text="true">One of the very first things I did even before the year started was put all the birthdays in my planner (both in the monthly and weekly pages). You can see that I used a teardrop sticker at the bottom of the day and wrote the name of the person in purple. Regardless of what's going on that day, it will always be a birthday and it's easier for me to go ahead and get it in there.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1meb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1meb-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="52e2p-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="52e2p-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="52e2p-0-0"><span data-text="true">At the beginning of each month, I'll update the new month with ink. I also color code, using the </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="52e2p-1-0"><span data-text="true">Erin Condren</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="52e2p-2-0"><span data-text="true"> Dual Tip Markers. Certain colors are for certain activities and it really helps me to quickly differentiate what I've got going on. I like to use the line/banner/mini-washi stickers to designate multi-day events. On the sidebar, I'll note who I need to get birthday cards for that month and any other big projects that I'm hoping will be done throughout that month.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="bgbak-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226096-5b16e1305ac33" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="7e6q0-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7e6q0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7e6q0-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="2f4rr-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2f4rr-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2f4rr-0-0"><span data-text="true">A big change from January.... I decided to use the </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="2f4rr-1-0"><span data-text="true">Customizable Event Stickers</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="2f4rr-2-0"><span data-text="true"> in the weekly spread, instead of the monthly. With the exception of my hair appointment one, I decided the stickers were too big for the monthly. I had them made for weekly and monthly standing meetings I have and I much prefer them in the weekly spread.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="1i791-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226096-5b16e130a354d" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="8j7c8-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8j7c8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8j7c8-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="3ref8-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3ref8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3ref8-0-0"><span data-text="true">Again, at the beginning of the month, I'll put everything in ink. However, as you can see, at the bottom, I have some stickys. The best part of the StylizedSticky Notes, imo, is that they can clearly mark a date without being permanent. If I'm not 100% sure that something is happening on that date or that time, I'll just keep the sticky until it's solid. I also started adding an inspirational sticker to the bottom of the right, just for fun.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="amj8i-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226096-5b16e130ed475" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="6a3u3-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6a3u3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6a3u3-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="44esd-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="44esd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="44esd-0-0"><span data-text="true">An upcoming month - As you can see, so many </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="44esd-1-0"><span data-text="true">StylizedSticky Notes</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="44esd-2-0"><span data-text="true">. They really do help with future planning. Birthdays (including mine!) are already in the calendar. At the beginning of August, I'll sit down with my phone and my planner and input everything in ink. I still use my digital calendar, since it's easy to add and delete things, but using it in conjunction with the </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="44esd-3-0"><span data-text="true">LifePlanner</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="44esd-4-0"><span data-text="true"> helps me stay on top of EVERYTHING.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="70f4h-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226097-5b16e13121b1d" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="3m5j2-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3m5j2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3m5j2-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3m5j2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3m5j2-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="aoaq9-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="aoaq9-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="aoaq9-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Weekly Spread</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="aoaq9-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="aoaq9-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="ciglu-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ciglu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ciglu-0-0"><span data-text="true">Most of my weeks look like the two pictures below. Weekly or monthly meetings have the stickers that I use. Birthdays are noted in purple at the top of the day (with a reminder on the side to text or call the person). Major reminders are noted in the sidebar with a corresponding productivity sticker. I usually write appointments/events out in the order that they'll happen during the day, in their corresponding color. If something is all day or a big celebration/event, I'll make it bigger and accentuate with a sticker.</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ciglu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ciglu-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="41gtj-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="41gtj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="41gtj-0-0"><span data-text="true">In the bottom right notes section, I'll note what big cleaning/organizing I need to accomplish for the week, along with some smaller tasks. They don't necessarily have a specific day, just sometime in that week.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="7b97q-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226097-5b16e1314ff9d" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="fkb2a-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fkb2a-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fkb2a-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="ufui-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ufui-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ufui-0-0"><span data-text="true">I like to use a </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="ufui-1-0"><span data-text="true">Dashboard</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="ufui-2-0"><span data-text="true"> to mark the week. Sometimes I'll use a wet erase marker to make a list or notes, but it's rare.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="f6stc-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226097-5b16e13178fdc" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="3d881-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3d881-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3d881-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Note Pages</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7sc3j-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="8qjbi-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8qjbi-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8qjbi-0-0"><span data-text="true">After all of the monthly/weekly spreads, there are note pages (lined and bullet), plus some coloring pages. I use the note pages to note the color code I use, just as a reference. I also will make checklists, using the lined pages, for things that happen a few times during the year, such as Disney Races. It's handy to be able to go to those pages when needed, while I'm packing or getting ready for an event.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="9p7ks-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9p7ks-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9p7ks-0-0"><span data-text="true">I'll be honest, I've yet to use the bullet pages. I know some people LOVE them, but I've yet to figure out what works for me.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="5j4cd-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226097-5b16e131a6aed" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="d33id-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="d33id-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d33id-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Upcoming Year and Dates</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b6od2-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="fnok7-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fnok7-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fnok7-0-0"><span data-text="true">I love this feature. As you can see, 2019 is already starting to fill up and we're not fully halfway through 2018, yet. This is one of the first pages I reference when moving into my new planner year.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="efbg1-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528226097-5b16e131dc301" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="4u7ul-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="4u7ul-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4u7ul-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true">Folders and Pockets</span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7nnlo-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="8nbti-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8nbti-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8nbti-0-0"><span data-text="true">The pocket folder that comes with the planner is used for my current Perpetual Planner and my </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="8nbti-1-0"><span data-text="true">Monthly Sticker Book</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="8nbti-2-0"><span data-text="true"> (which is what I typically use, though I do use a </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="8nbti-3-0"><span data-text="true">Classic Sticker Book</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="8nbti-4-0"><span data-text="true">, too). I also have my productivity sticker sheets (I bought extra to match the one that was provided in the back of the of the </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="8nbti-5-0"><span data-text="true">Planner</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="8nbti-6-0"><span data-text="true">).</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="bg23c-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528227424-5b16e66069b85" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="9qv8p-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9qv8p-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9qv8p-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="4me1s-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="4me1s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4me1s-0-0"><span data-text="true">In the pocket on the opposite side, I have my address book (that was in a </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="4me1s-1-0"><span data-text="true">Seasonal Surprise Box</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="4me1s-2-0"><span data-text="true">) and any invitations for upcoming parties. I added an extra pocket folder to my planner, that keeps my Birthday Perpetual Planner and Sticky Corner Pockets.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="34gf3-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528227426-5b16e66228d2a" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="9h0bc-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9h0bc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9h0bc-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="2dg12-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2dg12-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2dg12-0-0"><span data-text="true">At the very back, I have the pocket provided with the </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="2dg12-1-0"><span data-text="true">LifePlanner</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="2dg12-2-0"><span data-text="true"> snapped in and I keep my Dual Tip Markers, plus a pen. This provides the easiest access to write something down as I'm going.</span></span></div>
</div>
<figure class="post-editor-atomic-block" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="7qi5u-0-0"><div class="post-editor-img">
<figure><img height="480" src="https://bloglovin-user-images-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/user-image-8025199-1528227427-5b16e6633f538" width="640" /></figure></div>
</figure><div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="8h701-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8h701-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8h701-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="5jnbe-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5jnbe-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5jnbe-0-0"><span data-text="true">That's it! I hope this helps someone who is looking into purchasing an </span></span><a class="post-editor-link-decorator" href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank" title="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825"><span data-offset-key="5jnbe-1-0"><span data-text="true">Erin Condren LifePlanner</span></span></a><span data-offset-key="5jnbe-2-0"><span data-text="true"> or someone who just would like some ideas of how to use theirs. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:allamericanjess@gmail.com">allamericanjess@gmail.com</a>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-editor-unstyled-block" data-block="true" data-editor="6sj2s" data-offset-key="a8puk-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a8puk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a8puk-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a8puk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a8puk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happy Planning!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-63306459789439695062018-01-08T12:06:00.000-05:002018-01-08T12:06:50.529-05:00Keep being good to me, 2018.....One week into 2018 and I've already worked out more than I did the last two months of 2017....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntkLGquNe-Ex7mueAZxR4IDjwju03gklD3SSDvivhsoxeJ3US1izeOlAV_MvvavQyE0bgY_8uvFlmlWGyjprizqDZG6KYe-XvYlaZE_U6XuVD_y1Essqk-ClMoYPauBhsUleDLIWKhHsj/s1600/OTF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntkLGquNe-Ex7mueAZxR4IDjwju03gklD3SSDvivhsoxeJ3US1izeOlAV_MvvavQyE0bgY_8uvFlmlWGyjprizqDZG6KYe-XvYlaZE_U6XuVD_y1Essqk-ClMoYPauBhsUleDLIWKhHsj/s400/OTF.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
That's right.... I went to OrangeTheory FOUR times. The first January 3rd was actually the 2nd. I'm guessing that the overload of people going slowed the system down, so my 5:30pm class results didn't show up until like 3am. I actually went on NYE, as well. I'm really out of shape. So out of shape. However, even a week into it, my body is catching up. It's like, <i>"Oh, hey! I know how to do this stuff!"</i><br />
<br />
One week down, 51 more to go. I also was on point with my macros 5 out of 7 days.... Saturday was a little off, but not too bad.... Yesterday was a kind of wonky.<br />
<br />
I (sadly) say this all the time, but this is my year. I need to get back to my old self... working out, eating right, feeling good. Smaller pants. Truly.... my Ninny and my Great Aunt died of COPD. Asthma is a staple in my family. I cannot neglect the strength of my lungs. I need to make them strong and keep them that way. Plus, wear smaller pants.<br />
<br />
It wasn't all working out, though....<br />
<br />
Saturday, we celebrated the impending arrival of my friend Lauren's little girl. I cannot wait to meet little Collins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1wbCc3xd-vCrwFlTIU3gvGCoROF_ZQKcWZoELAqjdN8_wpdz3Ode89KcQFh1NJ2PjGQf7nL87j86QTA2jJ86SgAVcensvYidlWOkbZGXmCuhYJhOlaBf1R_kz6wRC3FxFlYBrgV2-29J/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="719" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1wbCc3xd-vCrwFlTIU3gvGCoROF_ZQKcWZoELAqjdN8_wpdz3Ode89KcQFh1NJ2PjGQf7nL87j86QTA2jJ86SgAVcensvYidlWOkbZGXmCuhYJhOlaBf1R_kz6wRC3FxFlYBrgV2-29J/s400/1.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo_tiCE056GMxdDxhW8A7leS7s_FYRUQVEFvRMfYvsDAmCxInIt2zkwA0zFDwXz3DjMjXboNYOjxF5WI6dQ7ubuhKO6f4BdqY3MZQTPM75f7sPu1E72QKBMPDboCXAR3YGCnx2P9ehTrB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo_tiCE056GMxdDxhW8A7leS7s_FYRUQVEFvRMfYvsDAmCxInIt2zkwA0zFDwXz3DjMjXboNYOjxF5WI6dQ7ubuhKO6f4BdqY3MZQTPM75f7sPu1E72QKBMPDboCXAR3YGCnx2P9ehTrB/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday, Jeff and I took Lydia and Carter to see Marvel Universe Live. I didn't know who half the characters were, but it was still a fun afternoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMK2hDXIgmKeq3mUbLA-MXlsXJ4eW_lvqaqgT5EIv7osMokUgzDHo5X_zVzYz5L1S_0veZikUI51gqZxkGNSMGXb1-aGWbILkbitPs40nbBgpf_KayXxBnfDpG5MzjTeBfuFbeCH70OkF/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMK2hDXIgmKeq3mUbLA-MXlsXJ4eW_lvqaqgT5EIv7osMokUgzDHo5X_zVzYz5L1S_0veZikUI51gqZxkGNSMGXb1-aGWbILkbitPs40nbBgpf_KayXxBnfDpG5MzjTeBfuFbeCH70OkF/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week is CRAZY and it just got crazier. I came out of a presentation to find my tire FLAT. Like, on the rim. Thankfully, a friend drove me back to work and my cousin was able to take care of the tire issue. It's one of those weeks where I do not have time for this, lol.</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-845686580081958152017-12-31T23:36:00.002-05:002018-01-01T17:24:49.669-05:00Goodbye 2017....<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
We are looking down the barrel of the ball drop and the start of a New Year. It's so hard to believe that yet another year has come to a close.<br />
<br />
This year has been one of the best and worst years of my life.<br />
<br />
On December 29, 2016, my Ninny died. We had her memorial just after the first of the year. Honestly, it set the tone in a lot of ways. I went through the year trying to live a happy life (like she would want), but would randomly just be incredibly sad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15822734_10211973499352310_5113672072580299299_n.jpg?oh=bfcdf8dc0ed48dec8d8aee71c2314b73&oe=5AB533A8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15822734_10211973499352310_5113672072580299299_n.jpg?oh=bfcdf8dc0ed48dec8d8aee71c2314b73&oe=5AB533A8" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Three weeks after she passed away, my Great Aunt Martha died. Her baby sister. We held Martha's memorial service one month to the day from when Ninny died. It's just been hard, altogether.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite the sadness, there have been good times. Bittersweet, but still precious.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went to Memphis for my annual trip for St Jude Seminar. It was a good weekend and I met The Property Brothers and Luke Pell from 'The Bachelorette'....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15965473_10212116223960336_4832528344933382524_n.jpg?oh=f0f21bf2523559b9c38cfd051b818fb5&oe=5AC01965" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15965473_10212116223960336_4832528344933382524_n.jpg?oh=f0f21bf2523559b9c38cfd051b818fb5&oe=5AC01965" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15965803_10212132655811122_5409859908684108692_n.jpg?oh=95f786d58e3145e85133f4051838c396&oe=5AB920D5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15965803_10212132655811122_5409859908684108692_n.jpg?oh=95f786d58e3145e85133f4051838c396&oe=5AB920D5" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went on an amazing trip to NYC with dear friends, where we ate in wonderful places, saw the sites, and saw HAMILTON!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16195426_10212233049040890_4684961312268230687_n.jpg?oh=c3f568d6e08ea007156ede1860318ed0&oe=5AB9FC7E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16195426_10212233049040890_4684961312268230687_n.jpg?oh=c3f568d6e08ea007156ede1860318ed0&oe=5AB9FC7E" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16265184_10212309067461303_2600812483847993404_n.jpg?oh=87db9f2786a00de25a9f821fa60c80c6&oe=5AB42919" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="800" height="371" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16265184_10212309067461303_2600812483847993404_n.jpg?oh=87db9f2786a00de25a9f821fa60c80c6&oe=5AB42919" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16298713_10210775400996926_8786382746062382250_n.jpg?oh=f8b3bb7b7d57a7439e017be7e57a1b54&oe=5AF0F342" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16298713_10210775400996926_8786382746062382250_n.jpg?oh=f8b3bb7b7d57a7439e017be7e57a1b54&oe=5AF0F342" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16265998_10210775464518514_1128598478558937350_n.jpg?oh=b2a72e66774e5dde9a2809a3203b25cc&oe=5AC5DF15" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16265998_10210775464518514_1128598478558937350_n.jpg?oh=b2a72e66774e5dde9a2809a3203b25cc&oe=5AC5DF15" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I participated in the Glass Slipper Challenge and got my medals...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16939267_10208997625599649_1229216038940129413_n.jpg?oh=3fd7b2751bfc4a8538af27eb85588bca&oe=5AB05253" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16939267_10208997625599649_1229216038940129413_n.jpg?oh=3fd7b2751bfc4a8538af27eb85588bca&oe=5AB05253" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I spent a fun long weekend in DC...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17553607_10154483877046864_4553174586834797615_n.jpg?oh=46dac7ac2cd5a0070683fcfc1fe84008&oe=5AF00258" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17553607_10154483877046864_4553174586834797615_n.jpg?oh=46dac7ac2cd5a0070683fcfc1fe84008&oe=5AF00258" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Celebrated the births of dear friends' first babies...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17523684_10158524273465553_2403876141364963459_n.jpg?oh=282c71a2fcc62fb6d9d25fcec51c5756&oe=5AF5D972" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17523684_10158524273465553_2403876141364963459_n.jpg?oh=282c71a2fcc62fb6d9d25fcec51c5756&oe=5AF5D972" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19429723_10209448117108418_7474382376586546254_n.jpg?oh=23814a705ea3e2fc582e04f2f8c8dcda&oe=5AC451A6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19429723_10209448117108418_7474382376586546254_n.jpg?oh=23814a705ea3e2fc582e04f2f8c8dcda&oe=5AC451A6" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Had the MOST FUN CONCERT experience ever at NKOTB....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20108406_10155322265311183_5001159472649211420_n.jpg?oh=b8625a715386fbcbcf11358b64d2f7ce&oe=5AC6C7A6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20108406_10155322265311183_5001159472649211420_n.jpg?oh=b8625a715386fbcbcf11358b64d2f7ce&oe=5AC6C7A6" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Traveled to Texas to watch Florida (lose) play, see some family members, and go to Magnolia Market....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21230753_10214137564501599_8140902116558729615_n.jpg?oh=b8919fbe9b26524f2d4124b941e339a8&oe=5AB75EA4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21230753_10214137564501599_8140902116558729615_n.jpg?oh=b8919fbe9b26524f2d4124b941e339a8&oe=5AB75EA4" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21271112_10214619500540686_6710440641364220213_n.jpg?oh=67d079b84cbe22d6533f43700486d55a&oe=5AF6483F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21271112_10214619500540686_6710440641364220213_n.jpg?oh=67d079b84cbe22d6533f43700486d55a&oe=5AF6483F" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21272331_10214629352466978_3443753696952204719_n.jpg?oh=54d7614547fff793b79ab0d3dbfcba7a&oe=5AC41CF3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21272331_10214629352466978_3443753696952204719_n.jpg?oh=54d7614547fff793b79ab0d3dbfcba7a&oe=5AC41CF3" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
..... Survived Irma, got accepted into an awesome Leadership program where I've met awesome people, saw my cousin become a dad to four beautiful little girls, enjoyed the heck out of my niece and nephew, spent quality time with friends and family, and basically lived for as many happy moments as possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What am I looking forward to in 2018?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Better Health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happiness</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enriched Friendships</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fun Experiences</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More Travel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope the best for you, as well!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-90731318808386005822017-12-19T14:38:00.000-05:002017-12-19T14:38:02.742-05:00Blurbs and Procratination....<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
HOW is it already December 19th?<br />
<br />
I was doing an amazing job of prepping for Christmas until December rolled around. Now, I'm on the struggle bus. I haven't even STARTED Christmas cards, yet. So, yeah. I am just in the mode that I want to enjoy the Christmas festivities.... not prep for them. This is why I need to really work next year on being at least 75% done by Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
Anyway, since I'm currently at the auto dealer waiting for my car to be fixed from a recall issue, let's put things off even further......<br />
<br />
1) Last Friday, my sister, cousin, and I went to the Katy Perry concert.<br />
<br />
It was WEIRD. Like, really weird. I only was able to sing and dance to 'Roar' and 'California Girls' because I was too bust staring at the stage in bafflement for the rest of the time. We still had a fun Girls' Night, at least.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25348612_10155879564140786_3273421158928636513_n.jpg?oh=9afd0a623e3af254359b701c4d28b7ac&oe=5ACEBC4D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image may contain: one or more people and people sitting" border="0" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25348612_10155879564140786_3273421158928636513_n.jpg?oh=9afd0a623e3af254359b701c4d28b7ac&oe=5ACEBC4D" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2) I am supposed to run the Glass Slipper Challenge in just at two months. I use the term "run" loosely. I'm nowhere near ready and I know I need to step it up.<br />
<br />
3) I have very little motivation to do Christmas cards, this year. Like, they are sort of my signature, but I really am being bad about it.<br />
<br />
4) Over the last year, I have found the best facial care line. It's called <a href="http://rafanatural.com/" target="_blank">Rafa Natural</a> and I'm obsessed. I need to dedicate an entire post to it because it is THAT good.<br />
<br />
5) Also over the past year, I have become enamored with my <a href="https://erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicabrown0825" target="_blank">Erin Condren planner</a>. I know they are a blogging and social media cliche, but it's for good reason. All through grade school, college, and working a few years part time for many jobs, I used a planner. I never left the house without it. Then, I got my (current) full-time job and just used my phone and work calendar. Last year, I got the itch to try a paper planner, as well. I decided to give EC a try and I fell in love. I still use my phone and work calendar to sync everything up, but I also write in my planner. It has helped me stay much more organized and on top of my slightly crazy schedule.<br />
<br />
6) My cousin and his wife adopted four beautiful little girls in November. They are precious and I love them and I'm so glad they are in our family. Several of us were able to fly in (they live in a different state) for the adoption finalization.... Love it....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23559481_10215255081389810_7525642643703213442_n.jpg?oh=babe43c967f30c797e3df97c4dcb3376&oe=5AC21FDE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people standing" border="0" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23559481_10215255081389810_7525642643703213442_n.jpg?oh=babe43c967f30c797e3df97c4dcb3376&oe=5AC21FDE" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7) General Hospital.... I have watched the show for YEARS. Over the past several, it was on and off. Then, they brought Steve Burton back (as the real Jason) and Tamara Braun (as a new character). I can't handle how much I love the show, right now. I sometimes forget how much I really do love soaps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8) Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.... Is it just me or are they REALLY good this year? I'm always about Countdown to Christmas and get sad when it's over. However, I haven't watched one that I didn't like so far this year. Including the Alicia Witt one, and I usually don't like hers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok.... I should probably work or work on Christmas cards. </div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-13085168618214021562017-10-08T17:42:00.000-04:002017-10-08T17:42:42.212-04:00Let's Start Over, Shall We? - Week OneI recently have been looking through old photos and I'm so irritated with myself. I have gained SO much weight over the last couple years. It's sad, depressing, and downright awful.<br />
<br />
I'm not back up to my highest weight, but I'm way too close for comfort. I need to reverse this situation.<br />
<br />
So, I'll go back to this old blog where I used post weekly recaps of my eating and exercise. Not exactly the most thrilling reading, but even if no one reads, it's out there in the inter webs so there's a degree of accountability....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Goals for Week One</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) OTF 3x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2) Jog 2x</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) Hit my macros at least twice (gotta start somewhere, right?) and my protein every day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4) Drink at least 80 ounces of water a day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-77886122692262175592017-06-13T12:21:00.000-04:002017-06-13T12:21:28.158-04:00It's Been A WhileWow, it has been a while. So much has happened over the past several months since I last blogged. So much has happened in the last several years since I blogged regularly. In some ways, FB, IG, etc have taken over my original purpose of my blog. To document life. To keep my friends updated.<br />
<br />
However, while I can look back through my IG feed or my camera roll or my daily Timehop and remember what happened, I do miss being able to just word vomit on a screen. I miss saying exactly what is going on in my head. I miss meeting random people from all over the country who know my heart and keep my secrets.<br />
<br />
Life has been an adventure. In so many ways it's SO different from when I first started this little blog and in other ways, it's exactly the same. Don't we all feel that way? We still feel like ourselves, but life has changed us in big and small ways.<br />
<br />
Over the years, no major typical life milestone has happened. I still haven't bought a house (working on saving them pennies, though). I still haven't gotten married. I still haven't had babies. I've had the same job for almost 8 1/2 years.<br />
<br />
Yet, things are so different in me and around me. My life is full. Full of friends. Full of family. Full of sadness. Full of laughter. Full of consistency. Full of change.<br />
<br />
Early this year, I sat down for my annual employee review. It had been a doozie of a busy season and I was only halfway through it. I'd taken on more projects than ever before. AND, I was dealing with a lot of personal stuff along the way (more on that at some point.... probably). My two direct supervisors were giving me accolades at what I'd accomplished and how I was dealing with it all.<br />
<br />
I told them that it was amazing to me that I was feeling so good. <i>"Seven years ago, I almost had a nervous breakdown during the Fall and I wasn't doing NEARLY what I just did these last month. There was no way I would have been able to handle it. Look at how much I've grown. Look at how much WE'VE grown."</i><br />
<br />
Even more recently, someone was marveling at the fact that I was almost 8 1/2 years into my role at the radio station. "You aren't bored, yet?" I told them I wasn't. Because, I learned pretty early on that there might not be much room for growth within the company. That I'd hit the ceiling at a pretty young age. So, in order to not be complacent, I decided I would have to push myself. Challenge myself. Constantly seek growth. Otherwise, it would be easy to become bored and dull.<br />
<i> </i><br />
I guess that's a pretty good metaphor for my life. The BIG things may not change much. I may have the same title for a while. So, I need to challenge and stretch and grow, as much as I can within the place that I reside. Keep adding to my personal resume, so to speak, so that if anything big comes along, I'll be ready for it.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-3656832768762453992016-10-31T21:39:00.000-04:002016-10-31T21:39:01.001-04:00Hey, hey.... It's Singles' Day....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDg3RCkrdy1r0Wedmy4bz9F88rxYnmjvixZrPguTMirNN0Qb1eI7UT5VBJln8IjEePWxcMUf3TXwk38VBXFEJZ34yAsMXeMj1dQpKxv7qmRh4WiqheLGw4Iwb9L-8eiai5z-MH9jUWgN5/s1600/IMG_9146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDg3RCkrdy1r0Wedmy4bz9F88rxYnmjvixZrPguTMirNN0Qb1eI7UT5VBJln8IjEePWxcMUf3TXwk38VBXFEJZ34yAsMXeMj1dQpKxv7qmRh4WiqheLGw4Iwb9L-8eiai5z-MH9jUWgN5/s320/IMG_9146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi I'm Jess..... No, not Kate Upton on the right. Sorry, she's taken..... That's me on the left. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I am on the right, with not-my-baby..... My adorably perfect nephew.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0b7luYCrDJSD__EWMLjcXvcFDE4rLVLmBh2BhzPMfPjSHMRSTNeYEQwfEG_rneKRknlu9FnyH20q7YFUFC6s829hLZFbErW8yd42kj1bOmlGz2emILHK_d8X1qV9324aKudS2t5Wsn_h/s1600/IMG_9818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0b7luYCrDJSD__EWMLjcXvcFDE4rLVLmBh2BhzPMfPjSHMRSTNeYEQwfEG_rneKRknlu9FnyH20q7YFUFC6s829hLZFbErW8yd42kj1bOmlGz2emILHK_d8X1qV9324aKudS2t5Wsn_h/s320/IMG_9818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
So, I tend to trust Kelly and her blog more than I do online or app dating. I figure that it can't hurt, right?<br />
<br />
Here is where I try to convince you that I'd be great for you or the guy you are "trying to help out." I seriously hate this part. I always sound lame and cheesy, lol.<br />
<br />
I'm a native Florida girl who is fine staying here forever, but wouldn't be opposed to uprooting, someday. I've spent the last decade-plus working really hard to succeed in school and then my career. Now, I'm ready to focus more on the personal side of things. Only problem? When you've spent ten years on your career, you find yourself only meeting people within your work circle.... hence, trying <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/" target="_blank">Kelly's little link-up</a> ;)<br />
<br />
I'd consider myself quirky, rather than weird. If you've watched that show 'New Girl' with Zoey Deschanel, I'm a tamer version of 'Jess' (or so people say). I also find myself relating to ridiculous things that Mindy says in 'The Mindy Project.' Like, there are times where I will say to myself, <i>"OMG. Those words have some out of my mouth before!"</i><br />
<br />
I like to laugh and will occasionally break into dance in random places. I'm pretty sarcastic, but no one ever realizes it (apparently, I have an innocent face and a sweet tone). In some instances, I'm totally organized and anal.... in others, I really couldn't care less.<br />
<br />
I try to be honest and upfront (when I'm not being sarcastic).<br />
<br />
My friends and acquaintances tell me I have a stellar Snapchat game....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MJ4rThoCE7ZMnikVtyIoKwiopF1_jgUcrt5slxnqAoRFr-0n4et29rHBAN3w6MJT1ZrOnFkXESGYuDnfqiqRor_w_K_la6xKkK4T2UKdIfLKsehkTm5ra272F-LHRqXyhroJ0y9sE3Ko/s1600/IMG_9751.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MJ4rThoCE7ZMnikVtyIoKwiopF1_jgUcrt5slxnqAoRFr-0n4et29rHBAN3w6MJT1ZrOnFkXESGYuDnfqiqRor_w_K_la6xKkK4T2UKdIfLKsehkTm5ra272F-LHRqXyhroJ0y9sE3Ko/s1600/IMG_9751.mp4" /></a></div>
<br />
I like music, movies, Disney (yes, Disney), and spending time with my friends/family.<br />
<br />
During the summer, I and my immediate+extended family have a very serious addiction to 'Big Brother.' It is our goal to have a member of our family on the show, at some point. Anyone who complains about or mocks the show in any way is excommunicated until it's over. Just a fair warning, lol.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the past couple of years, I've gotten into running. I do it, but I tend to complain about it until I have a race and actually finish. Then, I am happy and will be proud for about a week until I complain about it, again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
What am I looking for? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
A guy who loves Jesus, knows His love, and knows that we are all very flawed humans (especially me). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want someone funny, relaxed, responsible, and caring. Someone who is ok with the occasional random dance (you don't have to join... you just can't pretend not to know me, lol). Someone who likes kids (and maybe wants some of their own).<br />
<br />
My job is very social and so are my coworkers, so I'd really prefer not to be involved with a hermit. However, I also want someone who is ok with having a 'couch potato day' every so often.<br />
<br />
Seriously, if you do any sort of tobacco.... no thanks.<br />
<br />
That's about all I can think of at the moment :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you think there is a match in the making or you have any other questions, feel free to comment or <a href="mailto:allamericanjess@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a>!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-26094610821008593322016-08-21T19:30:00.000-04:002016-08-21T19:30:50.578-04:00Shelby goes to Hollywood (Studios)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's no secret that my family is a little Disney crazy. So, imagine our torture when my sister and BIL chose to wait FOREVER to take her to Disney for the first time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It wasn't until after then that we were allowed to take her ourselves. You can see how thrilled we all were.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFNR2vWxFkFhhrKXy8o4L5tiufL_bHAZS6hxUfhA2duE4cuFXHiA-DfxXLBydV33GAy5VxhQkiHxA64tUxpM76TGIOJFCO9lwFJRxv8thBLUBvEeBB6uL6qzwIu_XXN1VgRuRu2euq18B/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFNR2vWxFkFhhrKXy8o4L5tiufL_bHAZS6hxUfhA2duE4cuFXHiA-DfxXLBydV33GAy5VxhQkiHxA64tUxpM76TGIOJFCO9lwFJRxv8thBLUBvEeBB6uL6qzwIu_XXN1VgRuRu2euq18B/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Homegirl has watched some episodes so many times that she can tell you what's about to happen, "Pete about to come!!!"..... She also loves Pete. We decided to take her to Hollywood Studios and to the Disney Junior Live show. Her mind was BLOWN.....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxUMMXVfEYLZQoWdIMX_al6NorZL1TgV7qOyLBXOuphELYKVRl2Yh4FWrbDYo14rjRiTWKXkx4dhuXvmmq8q9MCwIrhdsDc-FDlz11e1YZp2ZgYWQ_NrH3sDak4vZxvdC2euPfwQ3NdAi/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxUMMXVfEYLZQoWdIMX_al6NorZL1TgV7qOyLBXOuphELYKVRl2Yh4FWrbDYo14rjRiTWKXkx4dhuXvmmq8q9MCwIrhdsDc-FDlz11e1YZp2ZgYWQ_NrH3sDak4vZxvdC2euPfwQ3NdAi/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8XK3k0YpuscFolCg4zLdUgKTuA-koGetqo38Rho7Y53JCCFJ9vzm1eR-hbJ7Aq-eAMqeX-B4v5Z2Huk0o8gwZAkEEZLfn8dY__RwpL80j0Zh9g7Xx56RlFIhNkbInm1yjQtMIaFQU15n/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8XK3k0YpuscFolCg4zLdUgKTuA-koGetqo38Rho7Y53JCCFJ9vzm1eR-hbJ7Aq-eAMqeX-B4v5Z2Huk0o8gwZAkEEZLfn8dY__RwpL80j0Zh9g7Xx56RlFIhNkbInm1yjQtMIaFQU15n/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbeKsHNlNybV7TQQzABTQVBcL_jvrAGm2iB3x-5TNh8y_UcEfsAWEzq_xB475etLxt75fV2w-2SLN320OZL1nBlnuuMomfpFoqnPlKSzkXjm1ksnS_nsu603GwtDqRowflmnXPbMNag7C/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbeKsHNlNybV7TQQzABTQVBcL_jvrAGm2iB3x-5TNh8y_UcEfsAWEzq_xB475etLxt75fV2w-2SLN320OZL1nBlnuuMomfpFoqnPlKSzkXjm1ksnS_nsu603GwtDqRowflmnXPbMNag7C/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She wasn't a fan of the parts of the show where Mickey and the Gang weren't on the stage. Sorry, Jake, Sophia, and Handy Manny.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For dinner, we went to Hollywood and Vine where they were having a Minnie's Summer Party for the character dinner. She was in Heaven!!! No fear of the characters, all excitement. Usually, the characters will come around twice with these meals (so the kids really do get some time with them). When they all came the second time around, they would all kneel down so she could run to them. You could tell that they were as smitten with her as she was with them.....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yP5fNQcjsuMFxUvehLy4y_KHjc2GylfgYp9iqnWocltyFPWFe7riS9TrVEksjViwJ9V3xT3YoYw-rzBM2rsMcxOAmcMtAfqy2iAWpcJnfvnciBt7VYn049dSHa8cyMzuE5VuiA14_PAV/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yP5fNQcjsuMFxUvehLy4y_KHjc2GylfgYp9iqnWocltyFPWFe7riS9TrVEksjViwJ9V3xT3YoYw-rzBM2rsMcxOAmcMtAfqy2iAWpcJnfvnciBt7VYn049dSHa8cyMzuE5VuiA14_PAV/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquldzNMH-bW-UDNnJH2gFKbR5SaIGowzliQELy_AyrAdIIteJ0mA9sY8hH2Xofbmb2fq2UEEU80IblW8COqvEeq7LAz9JAqP1pRCLGC56eYErRkfE-1shoOUxCqBt4wPp2hJPwXzk0-n6/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquldzNMH-bW-UDNnJH2gFKbR5SaIGowzliQELy_AyrAdIIteJ0mA9sY8hH2Xofbmb2fq2UEEU80IblW8COqvEeq7LAz9JAqP1pRCLGC56eYErRkfE-1shoOUxCqBt4wPp2hJPwXzk0-n6/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEr_WrzwnPcfTIeeYzPjuqfGT7dvaaFsB1BtVzqcwTOtJqbi-c0xB2PaJc8l0G0vNZpjqKwsxG4sLUablzyAyfA2JEj71JWe6DbIU11ukU0MsrRIiUf7r2Iyu62EQQz4YKK95pexnp-BX/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEr_WrzwnPcfTIeeYzPjuqfGT7dvaaFsB1BtVzqcwTOtJqbi-c0xB2PaJc8l0G0vNZpjqKwsxG4sLUablzyAyfA2JEj71JWe6DbIU11ukU0MsrRIiUf7r2Iyu62EQQz4YKK95pexnp-BX/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Goofy took her for a walk around the entire restaurant. My mom got video of them walking around waving at everyone, like they were holding their own parade. Goofy didn't do that with anyone else, that evening......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vjVB1STz5T0sxKEkzupojTJ308nXxs9l3cvviZeptJv-k1hhf6enQbcDMKb1Fm4OWNJ6BkkTatBe6yE5nJjsW2zmQjK_MKMFVpFlxjL9h1_Z8siSjydp8lcXH-KWr8brXZAK3wqVADcp/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vjVB1STz5T0sxKEkzupojTJ308nXxs9l3cvviZeptJv-k1hhf6enQbcDMKb1Fm4OWNJ6BkkTatBe6yE5nJjsW2zmQjK_MKMFVpFlxjL9h1_Z8siSjydp8lcXH-KWr8brXZAK3wqVADcp/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V7aC6-hrl44jYpj5Bm8mY-1AaDjcBwEEFR3jiSd6iT8nX86VEsZI-aO23rWAOR57OzDdRLs2ih5JBbUtKZRBeE3UOi6KkzYBg5xHMvOEYMq-_Ifi3x95OfIk6RGpVJ5Uf2Wb50-PPCXF/s1600/IMG_9987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V7aC6-hrl44jYpj5Bm8mY-1AaDjcBwEEFR3jiSd6iT8nX86VEsZI-aO23rWAOR57OzDdRLs2ih5JBbUtKZRBeE3UOi6KkzYBg5xHMvOEYMq-_Ifi3x95OfIk6RGpVJ5Uf2Wb50-PPCXF/s320/IMG_9987.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYXQCgL5tnLpIJvka6hkS-Lk3bSZNSu4DJl6Vbs1vI7UDnQW1M00gtBaRA4NQVLHuGaTaS35w_R33IsVQWmoJHZFGqCtffYayH2_pLH030xcSZ8rPS1O6XoAQLoGFr9tqUcyqmFHSWovh/s1600/IMG_9994.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYXQCgL5tnLpIJvka6hkS-Lk3bSZNSu4DJl6Vbs1vI7UDnQW1M00gtBaRA4NQVLHuGaTaS35w_R33IsVQWmoJHZFGqCtffYayH2_pLH030xcSZ8rPS1O6XoAQLoGFr9tqUcyqmFHSWovh/s1600/IMG_9994.MOV" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaE3ZjMCCzm0VWkr3IoHcQ89m4roViuOPkbyJ_2lYrOkbw2iw0MIRiPmSoeZZrqX9-zDJEneB7CL3oqDYMrg4XdLwqmbE-P8_gbeMgJdMhZLC-WhTUVPMHqCctHaxd-z1iJO8LUMwQe4q/s1600/IMG_9998.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaE3ZjMCCzm0VWkr3IoHcQ89m4roViuOPkbyJ_2lYrOkbw2iw0MIRiPmSoeZZrqX9-zDJEneB7CL3oqDYMrg4XdLwqmbE-P8_gbeMgJdMhZLC-WhTUVPMHqCctHaxd-z1iJO8LUMwQe4q/s1600/IMG_9998.MOV" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were only there about five hours, but we had a blast!! The whole way home, she talked about her "abbenture" to visit Mickey's house! </div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-46379536730676660832016-06-05T15:43:00.002-04:002016-06-05T15:43:56.044-04:00Going down the rabbit hole...I'm just going to go ahead and warn that this post may not make a ton of sense. It will probably be a jumbled mess of my thoughts, but I just need to get them out.<br />
<br />
A close family member is going through some pretty serious issues and has been for the past 4 months. I won't go into all the details, obviously, but it's been a rough road. While I've been dealing with it second-hand and have been trying to support as much as possible, the past few days have been way more up close and personal as some of the other family who are closer needed a break and so did the person in question.<br />
<br />
I've said before that I've dealt with some serious anxiety/panic issues in the past. Over time, it has gotten way better and now, while I do worry and get anxious more than I probably need to, I only have one or two true incidents a year. So, in some way, I do have an idea of what this person is going through when they are having an incident, but having witnessed it firsthand, I realize it's way beyond "simple" anxiety.<br />
<br />
I say "simple" because it's a lot easier to recognize/diagnose and to manage, in the grand scheme of what others deal with. I also say "simple" because, for me (and from what a lot of people I've spoken to who have panic/anxiety also describe), we still have a grip on reality. We might be worrying about or picturing extreme scenarios, but there is still a part that understands that we're being completely irrational and ridiculous in that moment. It usually makes me even more upset, but I do KNOW that it's all in my head. I also can fairly quickly find a way to calm myself down or break the destructive train of thought. I still can name all the good and the reasons in my life to not stay in that bad place. I know why I need to fight my way out of it. Even better, with a lot of time and learning to cope, I can now recognize when I'm about to go off the deep end. I know the signs and can usually reign myself in before it gets to a point of out of control.<br />
<br />
There is no rationalizing or calming this person down. At all. It's full-blown paranoia, fear, and delusion. There is no hope and no good.<br />
<br />
It is the most frustrating and scary thing in the world to try to convince someone that there is a reason to put one foot forward when they just don't see it. It's incomprehensible when you know all of the good in life and the person in front of you can't.<br />
<br />
I truly believe there is something going on besides circumstance. That there is a mental condition at play. However, it's been very difficult to convince "the major players" of this and it's been impossible to get enough stability with a medical professional to be able to determine what EXACTLY the case may be.<br />
<br />
The system can be pretty screwed up when someone goes from being a healthy, thriving, sane individual to all of a sudden not being able to function. I've seen evidence of how a person with a mental illness can end up homeless. Thankfully, it has not gotten to that point, yet, and there are enough people trying to fight for this person that there's great hope that it won't come to that. But, I can see why it happens. It's an endless cycle of bandaids, but no actual treatment.<br />
<br />
I just wish there was a magical way to get answers and start to make things better. I know that it takes time and effort. I just keep having faith that God has a plan and everything will fall into place, eventually.<br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-37800770244890605092016-06-02T22:54:00.001-04:002016-06-02T22:54:42.154-04:00A quick jaunt around Part One of 2016......<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe that we're halfway into 2016. It's been a whirlwind.... a lot of fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have so many things to expound on, but there are always those little moments of life that you want to remember. Lest I forget.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Junior League</span></b></u><br />
<br />
I mentioned before that I joined JL and LOVE it. Still so true and the love is growing. We just finished out the year and I'm looking forward to next year. I'm staying on the two committees I was on for this year (Provisional and Special Events). I'm actually chairing the Special Events committee.... there are a lot of things I feel can be improved upon and the leaders agree with my vision. Most of the Provisional committee is staying on, which I am so happy about!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i>The girls (Katherine, Shannon, Emily, Katherine, and Kathleen) and I at a party for one of our major fundraisers.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOppnClBVTcg4MMCbE2xB8jnvXZb403u00VZDchw_GNh5hvBUV3PyAkfvZCUbOmS8oV06sTj-_oEBQXTaysRmw9eUXTM4ni_y6DizBomwJf0nhNDXEjOciG5JGRqE5EppM5vecLTTJW2h3/s640/blogger-image--128560163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOppnClBVTcg4MMCbE2xB8jnvXZb403u00VZDchw_GNh5hvBUV3PyAkfvZCUbOmS8oV06sTj-_oEBQXTaysRmw9eUXTM4ni_y6DizBomwJf0nhNDXEjOciG5JGRqE5EppM5vecLTTJW2h3/s400/blogger-image--128560163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Our committee meetings always turned into a party. We went into this one planning a party for Kathleen's birthday. That candle? Coolest candle ever. It opened up, spun, and sang.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqnG8CBtnU6FFDxseJyMUrJiFZguv1FenEmbePrmUUG1I2JGZ9vXdnx1FFwuOVXXNSHlDDxBpL1PBS5IOMsFSRee5c_SdY3mZrzzRqESbcTumsdIlUSodN_PgET9DDfW20adRk5Zd76Zn/s640/blogger-image-1977649436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqnG8CBtnU6FFDxseJyMUrJiFZguv1FenEmbePrmUUG1I2JGZ9vXdnx1FFwuOVXXNSHlDDxBpL1PBS5IOMsFSRee5c_SdY3mZrzzRqESbcTumsdIlUSodN_PgET9DDfW20adRk5Zd76Zn/s400/blogger-image-1977649436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Courtney and I at the end of the year banquet.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V8DQt7FQYSzFCm35HzE-0Nn_4DBNTC9OcQtqmPz49LXpzl8m76RZzPQBMy73faV9-PO29MrBPaVHemyTryO77RbZsIbUawzBx09ue7ryFUk-4pBccHmukJyMoW4Nc9yX66nSflg9rwJF/s640/blogger-image--1064546460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V8DQt7FQYSzFCm35HzE-0Nn_4DBNTC9OcQtqmPz49LXpzl8m76RZzPQBMy73faV9-PO29MrBPaVHemyTryO77RbZsIbUawzBx09ue7ryFUk-4pBccHmukJyMoW4Nc9yX66nSflg9rwJF/s400/blogger-image--1064546460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Kathleen and I at the end of the year banquet.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxtewB_7F7NOiah5MU2MPYqV1Gq9QaAaPd6T_zX81K1rAZfHH-dEWOqN0TRfyRf7Y8CVqxuUe7GU2Wck82tStcjn2AbnmfFrEwjkqDRmwBvcBLamvQ-8q2AwC5RVxVv37O8jWB9RsCLbf/s640/blogger-image-829535067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxtewB_7F7NOiah5MU2MPYqV1Gq9QaAaPd6T_zX81K1rAZfHH-dEWOqN0TRfyRf7Y8CVqxuUe7GU2Wck82tStcjn2AbnmfFrEwjkqDRmwBvcBLamvQ-8q2AwC5RVxVv37O8jWB9RsCLbf/s400/blogger-image-829535067.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Marjorie, Malonie, Kathleen, Meranda, and I at a Prospective Member event.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eGXictxd65bNwhWxT2sijQJ3CBc5JmgIwfd0ALo7IrEiJeN8AxMwfigGKEJjL_qu2YQaL8jopvYRyrJN3-6j4BzCxKZ7HXGvJfLCIohU-CqcJStUSR6ef93763P42TBi9DGjaFwxCPq8/s640/blogger-image--2065500078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eGXictxd65bNwhWxT2sijQJ3CBc5JmgIwfd0ALo7IrEiJeN8AxMwfigGKEJjL_qu2YQaL8jopvYRyrJN3-6j4BzCxKZ7HXGvJfLCIohU-CqcJStUSR6ef93763P42TBi9DGjaFwxCPq8/s400/blogger-image--2065500078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Work</span></b></u><br />
<br />
My job is going really well, this year! <i>*knockonwood*</i> I've always loved it, but I had some growing pains in the past couple years. This time last year, management finally "got it" and worked to improve some things for me. Since then, it's still busy and stressful and sometimes not a walk in the park, but I'm a lot more fulfilled than I was for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>My coworker Mike walked in my office holding this monstrosity. He found it outside of a side door in between my office and his studio. Blech!!!</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYqETKfX4wF-rnFroEoyizeTsqiDubEPx-v5fskq-tYrRAPHkAIGse1-GQ0UVKk-Ui-9X8V2W9CQXRNCV1aCrRRy6GuaNo0eTaXRF_7VZZZ_7uAa2Y6cAQUOw7VOIkPA_4JWU94k1ZtzM/s640/blogger-image--1948721958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYqETKfX4wF-rnFroEoyizeTsqiDubEPx-v5fskq-tYrRAPHkAIGse1-GQ0UVKk-Ui-9X8V2W9CQXRNCV1aCrRRy6GuaNo0eTaXRF_7VZZZ_7uAa2Y6cAQUOw7VOIkPA_4JWU94k1ZtzM/s400/blogger-image--1948721958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>These people are my best friends at work. We were at an event our station was hosting and got a bit slap happy.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCtCOvCouZOTS3FDaYn7usE1xTqMP1vJPUur703ahzI314fsM5BbkMCxvQHprtjSx1dFHmDbM8sHfRIZm1LhcrPPU1qvQ_xm70zpLaDw-0RxsLebf5dNZe-z_-CIHc9ahYHzmnw5vUGX4/s640/blogger-image-1025869238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCtCOvCouZOTS3FDaYn7usE1xTqMP1vJPUur703ahzI314fsM5BbkMCxvQHprtjSx1dFHmDbM8sHfRIZm1LhcrPPU1qvQ_xm70zpLaDw-0RxsLebf5dNZe-z_-CIHc9ahYHzmnw5vUGX4/s400/blogger-image-1025869238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>One of the perks is getting tickets to fun events.... like a Rum Fest. My cousin Heidi and brother Trevor joined me at this one. My assistant Chris hung out with us and we all had a blast.</i><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0Si2nkulCXGTCzCAesivoX4cZrW6LxuWf9VjW8k9G8rh1Nv7yL1TDBRVUbhKEyAoMQ154cyMUaN8qScO0tlz1ZFlHloKtU-t25I9ZNIi6eicnAALRsbaOdHMfbi-S45QcST-G8hIPTqZ/s640/blogger-image--1551370007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0Si2nkulCXGTCzCAesivoX4cZrW6LxuWf9VjW8k9G8rh1Nv7yL1TDBRVUbhKEyAoMQ154cyMUaN8qScO0tlz1ZFlHloKtU-t25I9ZNIi6eicnAALRsbaOdHMfbi-S45QcST-G8hIPTqZ/s400/blogger-image--1551370007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>This little nugget has been my life saver in the past year. Ashley worked out her internship hours and practicum to be with me a full year. Now, she's hanging out to keep learning and hopefully get hired on. I'm working on it so hard!!!</i><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE-nbR0kjqjxmkJaXtVnXNGOMLKBnqPNjYEE6Hq_QoHvM-Dj2lA8ywAVaeqxW5NOk0pE35LZihjA-MJySkc7ZpUhJILcW0g67YrFiECkP-SQhnfKwKfo0PClikIzbIBkiTMP_n7iVWLEv/s640/blogger-image--315727370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE-nbR0kjqjxmkJaXtVnXNGOMLKBnqPNjYEE6Hq_QoHvM-Dj2lA8ywAVaeqxW5NOk0pE35LZihjA-MJySkc7ZpUhJILcW0g67YrFiECkP-SQhnfKwKfo0PClikIzbIBkiTMP_n7iVWLEv/s400/blogger-image--315727370.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Oh, and small detail.... I met Kate Upton. Her boyfriend (and I think now fiancee) plays for the Detroit Tigers, who call us home for Spring Training. They had an event and we supported. She was super nice. And, a lot tinier, lean, etc than she looks on the cover of magazines.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tSz72YR4p2-_pmng_apQY0rUSFd1ywWUYdYFB1kmayo9H5g5xfhR8DTJvixTtOtFZOQdAq91Xrtodn2g6aHOtv7Zn3XFTtbTB7UCPblxLXgkcuNHgEnlskd-46AJ3gnQSeM4WmUs7QUF/s640/blogger-image-1205328712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tSz72YR4p2-_pmng_apQY0rUSFd1ywWUYdYFB1kmayo9H5g5xfhR8DTJvixTtOtFZOQdAq91Xrtodn2g6aHOtv7Zn3XFTtbTB7UCPblxLXgkcuNHgEnlskd-46AJ3gnQSeM4WmUs7QUF/s400/blogger-image-1205328712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe3FKTpnoinw-qkupX-_NfdgC16hkxfmXzbuCPiq6vuI4Wn4sSae6cuYQBG-j24PB88gwH0IwUmFPY6SmYO9CppFjZhwSwa-bdgvkrIXn-GrKG8vp5J1s3fS6t8W0ns1gvUQI5-1Ai0Xm/s640/blogger-image--874282113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe3FKTpnoinw-qkupX-_NfdgC16hkxfmXzbuCPiq6vuI4Wn4sSae6cuYQBG-j24PB88gwH0IwUmFPY6SmYO9CppFjZhwSwa-bdgvkrIXn-GrKG8vp5J1s3fS6t8W0ns1gvUQI5-1Ai0Xm/s400/blogger-image--874282113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Family and Friends</span></b></u><br />
<br />
I'm really so blessed to have such great people in my life. And, the most adorable niece in the world (more in depth posts coming).<br />
<br />
We see one another all the time, so sometimes it doesn't feel like "an event." But, it is wonderful and I don't take it for granted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>We had an Easter party and a bunch of friends/family came over. It ended up being a great time.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzn2XiJzQu_7Jj7MM_jm4G8Cwml2Xdy5E-0HbFI2vJWPfpXGCq6uNYobiRG0q2rL96tri-3dlCCw31InElCxdP8ZsycHHt-xswBQugAzCb6H1EVYtxfiSBJPjk-Ee86f1srd81ynDwA35/s640/blogger-image-703292879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzn2XiJzQu_7Jj7MM_jm4G8Cwml2Xdy5E-0HbFI2vJWPfpXGCq6uNYobiRG0q2rL96tri-3dlCCw31InElCxdP8ZsycHHt-xswBQugAzCb6H1EVYtxfiSBJPjk-Ee86f1srd81ynDwA35/s640/blogger-image-703292879.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The top left? That's Lydia. She is seven now and it's breaking my heart how big she's getting. I can't handle it.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooFQ_zheoY_h-q8vds0N43_vcCNRuRmb0i9nlbDwWPRwyOqTATe_iPbvV6p6VYaIoQiyKpYYRTnYPBbqGr-c3jv7CXYZLq9Wm57-HMi1w4AgZjp_qcrl5D98Y-CLJ9BOkI_xhp1vGf-Ry/s640/blogger-image--733216080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooFQ_zheoY_h-q8vds0N43_vcCNRuRmb0i9nlbDwWPRwyOqTATe_iPbvV6p6VYaIoQiyKpYYRTnYPBbqGr-c3jv7CXYZLq9Wm57-HMi1w4AgZjp_qcrl5D98Y-CLJ9BOkI_xhp1vGf-Ry/s640/blogger-image--733216080.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This was taken in the bathroom at an event. The bathrooms were decorated to the max. Billie Jo and I thought this was hysterical, so it was selfie time.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIX0YimunptmdHeWWy8PgKV_1N6oo4yanGDH58DwuVR7UZkXXH3AlyXrW6J7OL_F_-kQRnJHCV9W3meETiW-ujZAYo3JDhTLLCB_wyDD54ZozcP4W4_DGy51GlqB8HnwXnPDhnZjgLnoP/s640/blogger-image--1478257283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIX0YimunptmdHeWWy8PgKV_1N6oo4yanGDH58DwuVR7UZkXXH3AlyXrW6J7OL_F_-kQRnJHCV9W3meETiW-ujZAYo3JDhTLLCB_wyDD54ZozcP4W4_DGy51GlqB8HnwXnPDhnZjgLnoP/s400/blogger-image--1478257283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-8220050566988500072016-04-27T13:15:00.000-04:002016-04-27T13:15:33.729-04:00Meeting My YodaLiving where I do, I have an advantage in that a LOT of people come here to visit. I've been able to meet several Bloggy Friends this way. Usually, they are coming to Disney and as a Passholder, it's really easy to meet up for a meal or quick cup of coffee. I love it.<br />
<br />
One particular meet-up has been YEARS in the works. <a href="http://www.namastebyday.com/">Gina</a> is one of my favorites and always has been. She's the most caring and non-judgemental person. I honestly don't remember how we became friends, but ever since, she's been someone I can text or call about anything. I call her "My Yoda."<br />
<br />
Quite literally, for about six weeks straight this past Fall, I would call her every Sunday after church. I'd be crying, yelling, confused.... She would patiently listen, advise, pray, and just support.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I've waited for years to meet her. I remember when Harry Potter opened up at Universal, she started talking about coming down. They've made tentative plans over and over, but it just wasn't the right time.<br />
<br />
However, in March, the time had FINALLY come. The original plan was for me to meet with them after work at Magic Kingdom. What actually happened worked out so much better.<br />
<br />
I'd come off a super long weekend, working. I was exhausted, but so excited to meet her. They'd been at the park all day and were ready to call it a night. With some quick texting, we decided that they would walk to the Contemporary and I would pick them up to take them back to their hotel.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I've said for years that I couldn't wait to hug her neck.....</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgYRwWFedZgloUkVJdNs1YUyoJV5sepC2_66fwuZRYxWBqi76Sfjhyphenhyphenz7Koi847sSwsalpiawphJlVH0PPclPFwZhLe0iCOHynBb0IL60mwvxqM-nQSoMpSgyEsRTK8zgAdvd0ajR9zhHf/s1600/IMG_9036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgYRwWFedZgloUkVJdNs1YUyoJV5sepC2_66fwuZRYxWBqi76Sfjhyphenhyphenz7Koi847sSwsalpiawphJlVH0PPclPFwZhLe0iCOHynBb0IL60mwvxqM-nQSoMpSgyEsRTK8zgAdvd0ajR9zhHf/s320/IMG_9036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We ended up eating dinner, enjoying a couple of drinks, and just talking. It was great. It's always a tiny worry when you meet someone in person for the first time that they won't live up. This teeny-tiny worry barely registered with Gina and then completely evaporated in about .025 seconds. She's fabulous.<br />
<br />
And, her sweet, sweet family. OMG. They are precious. As we were getting ready to pray over our meal, Gina told her sons, <i>"Jess loves Jesus, too." </i>Her husband's genuine joy and <i>"Oh, how wonderful!"</i> at hearing that was so sweet. Sometimes, we get a bit jaded.... our Faith becomes routine. To be reminded by that small gesture that finding another brother or sister in Christ is something to be happy about was a moment I won't soon forget.<br />
<br />
The evening ended all too soon, but with promises that it won't be our last face-to-face. As supremely tired as I was (so, so tired), I was filled to the brim with happiness. Finally met My Yoda!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-79062929991237903772016-04-25T12:27:00.002-04:002016-04-25T12:27:58.051-04:00Running the Dark SideLast weekend (April 15 - 17) was the Inaugural <a href="http://www.rundisney.com/star-wars-wdw-half-marathon/">Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side</a> at Disney World. Besides the fact that I (once again) wasn't physically ready for it, I was excited to see what kind of characters this race brought out.<br />
<br />
I wasn't disappointed.<br />
<br />
My mom decided to sign up Lydia for the 5k, along with her normal Kids Races. Since that race was Friday, they spent Thursday night over at Disney to be ready for the 4:30am wake-up call. They basically walked the whole way, but they had fun. And, really, who expects a 7 year old to run 3 miles? Not us. They got some SUPER cute pictures along the way.<br />
<br />
Apparently, toward the end, my mom told Lydia that she needed to run at least a little bit of it. At which point, Lydia bartered running for being able to use my mom's phone to record and take pictures. THAT was entertainment in itself.<br />
<br />
They finished in about an hour. Again, pretty decent for walking. Lydia was so proud of herself and her new medal that she took this unprompted selfie..... which I think is the most adorable thing in the world......<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp6zCPp8OLT5ufwFJv4pejMzzuQSnDH3v9oaR4ADo3bjVy5_9MF9vFnZGkX5wDnXbJnRrbO7WB6rSzveUJm3Cf7wRRJ9CwrVSWwveuwxSmN6AbS9ahkvhqg4vLOx5FZMm5kBLVA6zbt4E/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp6zCPp8OLT5ufwFJv4pejMzzuQSnDH3v9oaR4ADo3bjVy5_9MF9vFnZGkX5wDnXbJnRrbO7WB6rSzveUJm3Cf7wRRJ9CwrVSWwveuwxSmN6AbS9ahkvhqg4vLOx5FZMm5kBLVA6zbt4E/s400/IMG_9225.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That evening, I drove over and met up with them at Magic Kingdom. They'd been there for several hours (after resting up at the hotel) and were having a blast, though my mom's poor ankle was killing her. We hung out for a bit and decided to head back to the hotel to grab dinner.<br />
<br />
Before we left, Lydia cashed in on my mom's promise to get her a balloon. It's funny.... we're at Disney so often that we rarely get souvenirs. Usually, it's a stuffed character to add to the collection - <i>all the kids in our life actually do sleep with them and will carry them around to love on</i>. About once a year, she will BEG for a balloon. This time she desperately wanted a "BB-A" balloon, despite the amount of times we tried to convince her that it's BB-8. Regardless, she got the balloon and was happy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2ya1yeOzM0u9m6zYojcyzu_OLxKf8G-RE_cj66Q6lh_H8KWQGXBAU4tjX80NZxzdla0muKX3XjrhFtSUE85sTQOJJKeAVBcTihs7LBSWLU_RNtwAMJLAWnAIXzZl9ea-C4rFCcaiQJw/s640/blogger-image-1847319557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2ya1yeOzM0u9m6zYojcyzu_OLxKf8G-RE_cj66Q6lh_H8KWQGXBAU4tjX80NZxzdla0muKX3XjrhFtSUE85sTQOJJKeAVBcTihs7LBSWLU_RNtwAMJLAWnAIXzZl9ea-C4rFCcaiQJw/s400/blogger-image-1847319557.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning was the Kids Races. For the first time, Irelynn and Carter were participating. Seriously, the Kid Races are the cutest thing ever. Mom got them all little outfits and prizes.<br />
<br />
Irelynn was convinced that she needed to "WIN THE RACE." We told her it was all about having fun and doing her best, but Little Miss Perfectionist was determined. She did, in fact, cross the finish line before anyone in her heat.<br />
<br />
Carter just ran to have fun. He really didn't know what was going on, but he was having a blast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMo0lxHMFXlhtv4aa-qAgHhmcsrlLtqt2asvFqQT7FxA7bNtLO734vZ79um45RiqJVhev1EfAQwfmXXOJTGI_0jCMXHHamGjRdikBPXyVNqwIpfTja1XhmKit254dYxsSCilV3r5Esv-y/s640/blogger-image-1657585605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMo0lxHMFXlhtv4aa-qAgHhmcsrlLtqt2asvFqQT7FxA7bNtLO734vZ79um45RiqJVhev1EfAQwfmXXOJTGI_0jCMXHHamGjRdikBPXyVNqwIpfTja1XhmKit254dYxsSCilV3r5Esv-y/s400/blogger-image-1657585605.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79q6lpLnsnsryVts4Wc2nLYeChzSmm6dT2MG3wgKT1HFrE-NHAv5-34Xh8YVKIgpsJZ4JAIqCjIHXU06H56A2hXTQ8_9G7mcRA_yNN941bSrL_AGcxaA-dXk0DfUn-olmZL5Djb-KnqRt/s640/blogger-image-1669138430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79q6lpLnsnsryVts4Wc2nLYeChzSmm6dT2MG3wgKT1HFrE-NHAv5-34Xh8YVKIgpsJZ4JAIqCjIHXU06H56A2hXTQ8_9G7mcRA_yNN941bSrL_AGcxaA-dXk0DfUn-olmZL5Djb-KnqRt/s400/blogger-image-1669138430.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After the races, I picked up my packet. The one thing I was disappointed in was the lack of shirts to swap out. We sign up for these races 6+ months in advance. And, for some reason, the sizing always ends up different. These shirts seemed a little tight, so while there were plenty of smalls to be found, you couldn't size up.<br />
<br />
The rest of the day was spent resting and relaxing. Most of the halfs start at 5:30am, so that's what I assumed. However, I learned (thanks to a text from my friend Brianne) that this one was at 5am. That doesn't sound like a lot, but at 2:45am it feels like a lot. We had to be on the buses by 3:30am. Craziness.<br />
<br />
When I woke up at the dreaded 2:45, my first thought was, <i>"I really don't feel like doing this, today."</i> I almost just rolled over and went back to sleep. However, it was the very first one, it was expensive, and I don't like the concept of not trying.<br />
<br />
The bus took about 45 minutes to get there, so I got a nap in, which was wonderful and helped pep me up a little. I met up with Brianne, who made friends with this guy named Evan on her bus, and they got me a bit excited, too. We stood in line to take a picture with this guy........<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ9hVl0aSvIFrCFL8zDL3InxVYVbKub9jK86S8Jr7x2aQX2FJK0USrEx39yLaIQA2eCiifa5hdGM46sXNB5XuHGM0GHAIUHe4paVG1EkiSNyIqA7hRIgM0X9m9Bubjsl-zaOX1-9EEOGr/s640/blogger-image--1693195266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ9hVl0aSvIFrCFL8zDL3InxVYVbKub9jK86S8Jr7x2aQX2FJK0USrEx39yLaIQA2eCiifa5hdGM46sXNB5XuHGM0GHAIUHe4paVG1EkiSNyIqA7hRIgM0X9m9Bubjsl-zaOX1-9EEOGr/s400/blogger-image--1693195266.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
By the time we were done (it was a long line), they were about to start the race and we needed to get to our corrals. I will say that they really made it special. Stormtroopers came out to deliver our mission....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1Bp3NetE21XrKAJ4CmFB-6Ck_IUdiNe8EMHc81cM9PE7XEsd60HFZi2DaSEIa8cO0FOapbO57StLkxw8igBesXDLKYv3J843wG9xv-Xb8kTWT7vutiMwisvXMhjAxinK3IU_XtHN4k8g/s640/blogger-image--1988438859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1Bp3NetE21XrKAJ4CmFB-6Ck_IUdiNe8EMHc81cM9PE7XEsd60HFZi2DaSEIa8cO0FOapbO57StLkxw8igBesXDLKYv3J843wG9xv-Xb8kTWT7vutiMwisvXMhjAxinK3IU_XtHN4k8g/s400/blogger-image--1988438859.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We were still walking out when the first few corrals stepped off. The fireworks display was REALLY cool. Brianne and I were in different corrals, so we bid each other good luck and split up.<br />
<br />
Again, the feel of this was different than other races. It really was fun. The played clips of the movies in between corrals. They played Star Wars music along with the fireworks. It was just neat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8qjzv1osXdvlyyTf7akLDy1gCT9QB5YyhgIuS1NEHPDy3IYyRKC0qMOi7bulLLJQmMnKx553jcx4234qDzhsEp6WNoSNoqs4mW_4V0JsQNB1rU3jmcppecWLEhcQYrCsJAX0GQaq8i5U/s640/blogger-image-241567019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8qjzv1osXdvlyyTf7akLDy1gCT9QB5YyhgIuS1NEHPDy3IYyRKC0qMOi7bulLLJQmMnKx553jcx4234qDzhsEp6WNoSNoqs4mW_4V0JsQNB1rU3jmcppecWLEhcQYrCsJAX0GQaq8i5U/s400/blogger-image-241567019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My corral stepped off at about 5:40am. This was a totally different route than other races, so it was neat to have the change-up. There were a lot of hills. And, once you got on the Osceola Parkway (to and from Animal Kingdom), it was a long stretch of boring road. But, overall I liked it. The only thing I wasn't fond of was finishing at ESPN. It was just too cramped and congested. Plus, the entire way to ESPN and then through it you were facing the sun, which was rough.<br />
<br />
I got a PR....... for the worst time I've ever done. It was bad. I wasn't prepared. I'm not in shape. And, I just wasn't in the mood to go anywhere on foot for 13+ miles. However, I did finish, so there's that. From what I understand, A LOT of people got swept, so at least I wasn't alone in being unprepared.<br />
<br />
The rest of the day was spent showering, changing, packing, and then walking around Magic Kingdom. We ate at the new restaurant, Skipper's Jungle Canteen (or something like that). I *really* enjoyed it and would recommend it.<br />
<br />
It's only been a week since the race and I'm already working harder to prepare for Wine and Dine in November. Not only do I want to do better in these races, I need to lose weight, get stronger, be healthier. Hopefully, this time next year, I'll be WAY better off and can take the Dark Side with no problem.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-29446040267873930842016-04-18T17:55:00.001-04:002016-04-18T17:55:35.938-04:00A Little More Grown Up....It's not like this blog of mine has been getting a ton of action, lately. However, every time I've come to it for the past several months, I knew it needed a change.<br />
<br />
I've had several designs over the years. In fact, I'm kicking myself for not getting screenshots along the way. The last one was by the lovely <a href="http://www.wranglingchaos.com/">Jess</a> and lasted me a good 3+ years. It was fun and I adored it. But, it was time for a change. Some simplicity.<br />
<br />
Thus, what you see.<br />
<br />
It feels a little more grown up to me. Sort of reflects a few of the changes I'm making in my life.<br />
<br />
I truly do hope to write in the space a little more often. Even if I don't, I like the calmer feeling I get now when coming to it.<br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-5624052520902752542016-03-14T11:27:00.000-04:002016-04-18T13:42:44.334-04:00Show Us Your Life.... A Reintroduction Of SortsI haven't posted in SO long. I read several blogs, but have just been horrible about posting. I think it's because it's become so much easier to document life on other forms of social media?<br />
<br />
Anyway, in trying to add something new to the ole blog, I thought I would link-up to <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/">Kelly's</a> <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2016/03/welcome.html">"Show Us Your Life"</a> series. I remember doing this years ago when I first started blogging. Maybe this will get me back in the blogging spirit. Or, maybe it will just be a nice way to update myself.<br />
<br />
If you've never read before.... Hi, I'm Jess :)<br />
<br />
I'm a native Floridian.... Central Floridian to be exact. I really, truly love Florida and am proud to call it home.<br />
<br />
I'm a fan of all things Disney and can often be found roaming the parks like my own personal playground. Over the past few years, I've gotten involved in the <a href="http://rundisney.com/">RunDisney races</a> and have completed five half-marathons, two ten-milers, and one semi-half (the Wine & Dine Half got shortened due to weather). I'm not particularly good at running (I'd like to get better and really need to try), but I do enjoy participating in the races!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqU12kglTELJivV0-Bc_t2Cq87gWiF3iKxQWSzUP4IToaCVdTKcOgHXwSV-0tW0tt8o0v6XQ8Y8lO0dGJFeFeROLtckZrjWMzjTbEBGRKDr0PyduLgG9UU2XrJCxkIa9gDzi5oQJeKrSb/s1600/10985298_10152721437526864_3853195887803211057_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqU12kglTELJivV0-Bc_t2Cq87gWiF3iKxQWSzUP4IToaCVdTKcOgHXwSV-0tW0tt8o0v6XQ8Y8lO0dGJFeFeROLtckZrjWMzjTbEBGRKDr0PyduLgG9UU2XrJCxkIa9gDzi5oQJeKrSb/s320/10985298_10152721437526864_3853195887803211057_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXNtsu1p6gPoCnHYzzJJTqqvWtZLt56V3nFQmUCzgY0j4h8vaZu8sdHgRZYmN3Z3c1iRoc8uIoyDRhqqttE2wohLOi5I-ajqitu59_OnexfG5LT80vudTwoTfx9yUqOXbMLEZh-ec6it8/s1600/10991329_10206186367757637_5728779256434639553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXNtsu1p6gPoCnHYzzJJTqqvWtZLt56V3nFQmUCzgY0j4h8vaZu8sdHgRZYmN3Z3c1iRoc8uIoyDRhqqttE2wohLOi5I-ajqitu59_OnexfG5LT80vudTwoTfx9yUqOXbMLEZh-ec6it8/s320/10991329_10206186367757637_5728779256434639553_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While I am single, most of my family lives here, so I have lots of love around me. And, while I'm not a mommy, I have several adorable children around me to love on and spoil :) I'm also the proud Auntie Kecka to the BEST NIECE IN THE WORLD. Seriously, she absolutely kills me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YW8RfM_gBjd3wzwmm05FzD-8xpviQTyiBvJPWqGznBCToJdgCuQNDL8efWitvV8cSqenSABLjlWyTlH1UW94O47fs8ZCOzdHWz0sGbrnQY76uBXkKugpAgQUMmE7dUIPny3gKJm2zBx7/s1600/12391357_10153324135346864_6733775936423740373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YW8RfM_gBjd3wzwmm05FzD-8xpviQTyiBvJPWqGznBCToJdgCuQNDL8efWitvV8cSqenSABLjlWyTlH1UW94O47fs8ZCOzdHWz0sGbrnQY76uBXkKugpAgQUMmE7dUIPny3gKJm2zBx7/s320/12391357_10153324135346864_6733775936423740373_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oNn10AojxuKaUNa-uyKTonsCZZvKpcqFc8hAT2lx7t2IPwcSF6sfiJK7T-5LMMEOJfU2_XN4x15HZkY9oS00_FUXUt8hx6Jcyg9u7qdCuIr8uR4eWy0-OT6XdQUWlCxtp6kQCC_ba0l6/s1600/12274184_10208265140605659_5372016830445376643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oNn10AojxuKaUNa-uyKTonsCZZvKpcqFc8hAT2lx7t2IPwcSF6sfiJK7T-5LMMEOJfU2_XN4x15HZkY9oS00_FUXUt8hx6Jcyg9u7qdCuIr8uR4eWy0-OT6XdQUWlCxtp6kQCC_ba0l6/s320/12274184_10208265140605659_5372016830445376643_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I work in this crazy field called Radio and I love it. I'm a Promotions Director.... which is a fun, stressful, and varied job. I started as an intern over 10 1/2 years ago and recently celebrated 7 years in my current position. I don't know if it is what I will be doing forever, but it suits me, for now. Also, for all of the headache and stress, there are some pretty cool perks....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYozBXH7ji70tVwusbrIzreyNZvCOQYksPFlMLnMUfuUR1hBnsy7Sw0vxL_v0u6jS05-Dynec-tBaReZSOeihBxCK5-lCsyR3sCql7m7vcLkNd-xgOXFgnHqmheoXqfpC5B92oVM45_H2/s1600/10891736_953103668057859_2959469443280191150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYozBXH7ji70tVwusbrIzreyNZvCOQYksPFlMLnMUfuUR1hBnsy7Sw0vxL_v0u6jS05-Dynec-tBaReZSOeihBxCK5-lCsyR3sCql7m7vcLkNd-xgOXFgnHqmheoXqfpC5B92oVM45_H2/s320/10891736_953103668057859_2959469443280191150_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I'm not working, spending time with family/friends, or enjoying Disney, I'm focused on my new love.... Junior League. For real. I joined last year because several of my friends convinced me and I am loving it more than I ever thought possible. I'm more involved than my original convincing friends are, at this point. The committee I'm on is AWESOME and I've made some great friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0HHkikCfGlOzGd5IRwrYMipFwHbKq718reptbbI4_O6gVSELUoTVQlV_cNXhRM8PToIeaA1YeTsV30yPuLJDT4uHFdxRSTL7FxkNqrYEqUN5DmTEn7LQ41elJfpa28PdS3atEyp_Azr0/s1600/11863227_10207586882409628_2273062386901314896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0HHkikCfGlOzGd5IRwrYMipFwHbKq718reptbbI4_O6gVSELUoTVQlV_cNXhRM8PToIeaA1YeTsV30yPuLJDT4uHFdxRSTL7FxkNqrYEqUN5DmTEn7LQ41elJfpa28PdS3atEyp_Azr0/s320/11863227_10207586882409628_2273062386901314896_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's all for now!! Thanks for stopping by and hopefully I'll be able to keep up with Kelly's link-up enough to at least get back into the blogging groove!!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-43532860535251134432015-10-22T14:23:00.000-04:002015-10-22T14:23:29.756-04:00Happy Birthday, Shelby Paige!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Warning, warning..... Looking at the following pictures may be hazardous to your health! You may just die from the cuteness....</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_fDP70MeZHxE3XQKIsnVS3X95H-2nd10ylyCrZug-vFdUkwRAxTE6b5UFuR6T299RFyl72q1GQluKmtoimtveadx1nUgUMisb7-WjHjH_R4OU49xW0w14BAss1Tg-Tt-2ByC5Npa5dAV/s1600/12039281_10208057325930422_2560956966403308149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_fDP70MeZHxE3XQKIsnVS3X95H-2nd10ylyCrZug-vFdUkwRAxTE6b5UFuR6T299RFyl72q1GQluKmtoimtveadx1nUgUMisb7-WjHjH_R4OU49xW0w14BAss1Tg-Tt-2ByC5Npa5dAV/s640/12039281_10208057325930422_2560956966403308149_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, originally, this post was labelled 'Welcome to the World, Shelby Paige'.... However, as my niece is officially a year old today, I figured it was time to complete and publish this long overdue post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A year ago, yesterday, my sister and BIL came over for Taco Tuesday. It was at that point that it became apparent that she was most definitely in labor. They headed to the hospital, while we all got stuff settled in preparation for a long night at the hospital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A long night, indeed......<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgxNH-YLZRucmgGq3wTgNexBo0NGvca04pdUijFFM6ZwofZifCFfVD7bY84iQklafUHqaMpoOJdk2ek8wkilr2-uufCIbR6JL1uEitPrZBgvT6xTvNHNIYsz_6qbA3huKSXx_0wpdls8r/s640/blogger-image-179511962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgxNH-YLZRucmgGq3wTgNexBo0NGvca04pdUijFFM6ZwofZifCFfVD7bY84iQklafUHqaMpoOJdk2ek8wkilr2-uufCIbR6JL1uEitPrZBgvT6xTvNHNIYsz_6qbA3huKSXx_0wpdls8r/s640/blogger-image-179511962.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrp2Rd3nQsj_4LZh5cMFgETOi3uJls0VZ5Xo2zDtddFgZ2l4XTsO2Lxe4pqQ32_T9fChQZJkSZPuD2qvfe2polLJLgQ9jn9mpOgxdB1vmSxL5XFB6H1O3XGRgnvygXNhjL2-b5lU6nJzD/s640/blogger-image--996125868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrp2Rd3nQsj_4LZh5cMFgETOi3uJls0VZ5Xo2zDtddFgZ2l4XTsO2Lxe4pqQ32_T9fChQZJkSZPuD2qvfe2polLJLgQ9jn9mpOgxdB1vmSxL5XFB6H1O3XGRgnvygXNhjL2-b5lU6nJzD/s640/blogger-image--996125868.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Around 2pm on October 22, 2014, Shelby Paige came into this world and changed it, forever.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb-8Vdjg3AN37EoGWMAAKFsIGbLZn9BG0jcE_tZPm3J-_-rEkjAXZJbbOXqp1sXuBYVj3vs_jnpHj3ATt2c_DXhYLheFQXua3bZ1BFTPctkWhZJREE2b2teoZBf9XwPXr9OfnQbq9nkad/s640/blogger-image-1784004095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb-8Vdjg3AN37EoGWMAAKFsIGbLZn9BG0jcE_tZPm3J-_-rEkjAXZJbbOXqp1sXuBYVj3vs_jnpHj3ATt2c_DXhYLheFQXua3bZ1BFTPctkWhZJREE2b2teoZBf9XwPXr9OfnQbq9nkad/s640/blogger-image-1784004095.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xOkoXL6nBjoyXp77osUeeO2f5HRMYolnHouGpt5yaLVHvvQljviloxZdUzvyJe6fqvlEp-n4WfiyqedulTZSLVJwibVozuINvcs_W5WWuopHdMU4SGnRI-bl7RWwjBURiZnfhuzB8Uyz/s640/blogger-image--1623311792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xOkoXL6nBjoyXp77osUeeO2f5HRMYolnHouGpt5yaLVHvvQljviloxZdUzvyJe6fqvlEp-n4WfiyqedulTZSLVJwibVozuINvcs_W5WWuopHdMU4SGnRI-bl7RWwjBURiZnfhuzB8Uyz/s640/blogger-image--1623311792.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDtTELUc2J7O8gNkkC9pZpasu5pzqw8EBsqcjk9Rujg0dXhKIASCqYQt_qemFxBRF43uZLNwoFpN7IzOrNxshh-UFoapxIHjnlVXG5a3uMZPAdo14IJAAuPCUNi_5DcjJb11fSBQ215QM/s640/blogger-image--1249804787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDtTELUc2J7O8gNkkC9pZpasu5pzqw8EBsqcjk9Rujg0dXhKIASCqYQt_qemFxBRF43uZLNwoFpN7IzOrNxshh-UFoapxIHjnlVXG5a3uMZPAdo14IJAAuPCUNi_5DcjJb11fSBQ215QM/s640/blogger-image--1249804787.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpMxNYNE_l6wX8KNvMs1nQ4KKQxceupBKVJU7QsiuBDHfBtEigaHeuxTnLjqTCW1wx8HTNsWQssQH_TgormDbZV57GEEUotzwloYX6JAuTzzdIaAvAGsOI_UrSEGVP9iLeSCKx2RklWo9/s640/blogger-image--74324292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpMxNYNE_l6wX8KNvMs1nQ4KKQxceupBKVJU7QsiuBDHfBtEigaHeuxTnLjqTCW1wx8HTNsWQssQH_TgormDbZV57GEEUotzwloYX6JAuTzzdIaAvAGsOI_UrSEGVP9iLeSCKx2RklWo9/s640/blogger-image--74324292.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4gLQZFEfkl9jcdEhJn5-QOxzTVrhJvD0d94UzfixnGEoRn1Kgop8zcKZpsMF883-I1civz8Vly2Rp5SyFJYZDGZEeSBTSqoSkR_kQeale5spKioZ-dSqFJ1bGYZRn8aJgfBVYKMe58tk/s640/blogger-image-69689635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4gLQZFEfkl9jcdEhJn5-QOxzTVrhJvD0d94UzfixnGEoRn1Kgop8zcKZpsMF883-I1civz8Vly2Rp5SyFJYZDGZEeSBTSqoSkR_kQeale5spKioZ-dSqFJ1bGYZRn8aJgfBVYKMe58tk/s640/blogger-image-69689635.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGQMmAtCgMz2fKzde_fhUZCe5ydTFUk-bQeX-NvBRKdD5QsUlUgwUMXAFCD_0vMML2FpM9Pp9j__wpxhX0kKbP5f_lfV4_lx7-UJr8YbRyJTHhEQFEX4TazZRm2Q_AACo4lofS4WgqY2V/s640/blogger-image-974642206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGQMmAtCgMz2fKzde_fhUZCe5ydTFUk-bQeX-NvBRKdD5QsUlUgwUMXAFCD_0vMML2FpM9Pp9j__wpxhX0kKbP5f_lfV4_lx7-UJr8YbRyJTHhEQFEX4TazZRm2Q_AACo4lofS4WgqY2V/s640/blogger-image-974642206.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvmfwhF78L6_GVSiAUJQj_vhP7XjJQdUpTXtfEd4OzvEnKh9IauD8jtf4eDcDBh7jNM6SfPGlUdWvtugUzeVCRoYSesENrsI8tWPxmaGPJ4FMj1Bogu-rYRc_uhyphenhyphenuQWjDOKwm2UowskIH/s640/blogger-image--1684898306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvmfwhF78L6_GVSiAUJQj_vhP7XjJQdUpTXtfEd4OzvEnKh9IauD8jtf4eDcDBh7jNM6SfPGlUdWvtugUzeVCRoYSesENrsI8tWPxmaGPJ4FMj1Bogu-rYRc_uhyphenhyphenuQWjDOKwm2UowskIH/s640/blogger-image--1684898306.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1JdiKQ2NGUaClbPM7hwoyUGsLKDG-sh6y8dsRNd7HJj7vtq89u0by__uve1VjgZsfkhtrMb-2AeC-hg1sUk38RpO05fcjQXuIgZwZQP9e3TO_0_cT5hhCHI_WSwhGDSQmMvQv6g1_9-W/s640/blogger-image--1884234418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1JdiKQ2NGUaClbPM7hwoyUGsLKDG-sh6y8dsRNd7HJj7vtq89u0by__uve1VjgZsfkhtrMb-2AeC-hg1sUk38RpO05fcjQXuIgZwZQP9e3TO_0_cT5hhCHI_WSwhGDSQmMvQv6g1_9-W/s640/blogger-image--1884234418.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMcy5VWdfm35e2Ncyq9-A1GoVLZjWSUgoIJV3S4cqMmBQ4EcaBFFJtjadggGinDNkZqeixqTFVwyPz4qFbSdHx-zGVdVOLY3Uc9gdO05vDnpksF2norFPZm3nN7UuJbUMCGYbxD3Zp2uu/s640/blogger-image--353816553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMcy5VWdfm35e2Ncyq9-A1GoVLZjWSUgoIJV3S4cqMmBQ4EcaBFFJtjadggGinDNkZqeixqTFVwyPz4qFbSdHx-zGVdVOLY3Uc9gdO05vDnpksF2norFPZm3nN7UuJbUMCGYbxD3Zp2uu/s640/blogger-image--353816553.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can hardly believe it's been a year. Shelby is SMART. Like, scary smart. She knows a lot of words ("Kecka" being my personal favorite), she is silly, she gives the best cuddles, she's stubborn, and she's just plain adorable. She's hard-headed, but tender-hearted. She'll tell you off in her baby babble, but if she thinks that you're truly mad at her, she'll burst into tears.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking back, she was so tiny. She's almost out of 12-month clothes, now. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. When they call Toodles, she'll start shouting, "TAADAASS." She can be playing in the other room, but the second she hears the Hot Dog song, she hightails it back to the TV to dance and chant, "Hot dog, hot dog." Just yesterday, she was in the store with my mom and saw this giant stuffed Mickey. She started shouting, "HOT DOG!!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needless to day, she is now the proud owner of a Mickey Mouse that's about as big as she.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Originally, I was going to write all about that night and day. But, just looking at the pictures, I can remember it like it was yesterday. This year has been so fun being her "Auntie Kecka" and I can't wait to see all the things she learns in this upcoming year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday, Shelby Girl!! Auntie Kecka loves you!!</span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-3797238346901653582015-09-21T14:21:00.000-04:002015-09-21T14:21:55.267-04:00The Lord and His timingGrowing up, I've always been taught and known that the Lord knows everything about us....... nothing catches Him by surprise.<br />
<br />
I know this.<br />
<br />
I have a hard time dealing with it, sometimes.<br />
<br />
There are things I want in life...... mainly love and to be loved the way it's supposed to be. And, I know that when it's right and supposed to happen, if it's supposed to happen, it will.<br />
<br />
Right now, though, I'm struggling with being told that if I were doing it differently, it would have happened by now. Or, it will happen sooner if I just do something other than what I am doing now.<br />
<br />
Part of me thinks that could be true and doubts everything I think and feel, currently. I mean, it shouldn't be this hard, right?<br />
<br />
The other part of me thinks that it's easy to say that when you've found it, already. And, all my doubts are coming from other people's words. So, is it God trying to warn me or Satan trying to discourage me?<br />
<br />
Most of the time, I just go about my own life. Just doing the best I can to live well and live full. I can't really do anything about what another person wants or doesn't want. So, I just take the good when I get it and do my best to be content with my life when I don't get it.<br />
<br />
Then, someone will say something. Or, ask something. And, it can throw me for a loop. Because, I don't know all the answers. And, I go back and forth between telling myself to make a drastic change and telling myself to just stay still. Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-58386157064504266942015-08-20T10:40:00.000-04:002015-09-19T20:45:47.717-04:00Random Notes.......Because, why not, right?<br>
<br>
1) At this point of the year, I'm eternally grateful to Bed Head's Some Like It Hot conditioner. It's legitimately the only thing that keeps my hair decent until noon. The heat and humidity basically makes it so my hair is always some version of damp. It's gross. Using this conditioner actually allows my hair to dry completely and stay ok for a few hours.<br>
<br>
In case you need it, it looks like this and can be found on Amazon......<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYyEruZCi34SeFLPHBSGm_DkwsHYKDA8kNF7s32V7xt7yrSXXvCsgmTsPPRm66mJWmHu0n6ofCTr5GAitguoOuPaZrRySaeLAeDJzn7E6GFOBFgLVEhtch_p1Cy2xRbMHBWlBfScLbH74/s1600/bed-head-some-like-i-hot-co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYyEruZCi34SeFLPHBSGm_DkwsHYKDA8kNF7s32V7xt7yrSXXvCsgmTsPPRm66mJWmHu0n6ofCTr5GAitguoOuPaZrRySaeLAeDJzn7E6GFOBFgLVEhtch_p1Cy2xRbMHBWlBfScLbH74/s1600/bed-head-some-like-i-hot-co.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
2) I'm reading the oral history of the movie 'Clueless' and it's delightful. I love the movie, but I'm also a huge entertainment geek. Behind the scenes is always more fun to me.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjKFakDgxiDqnptJFKON15wHWwLUUQIU624GVv0QjvW12oEA5j08dG_e3ZltJySb2RMTeMtgN3jT82Cj73fEjhEsGofaGZFgilGJ1qaOMTDE3mg-y1WROQh7G_7xKN3_O9wQ3rQWfz_IS/s1600/51LLkmcLgbL._SX327_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjKFakDgxiDqnptJFKON15wHWwLUUQIU624GVv0QjvW12oEA5j08dG_e3ZltJySb2RMTeMtgN3jT82Cj73fEjhEsGofaGZFgilGJ1qaOMTDE3mg-y1WROQh7G_7xKN3_O9wQ3rQWfz_IS/s320/51LLkmcLgbL._SX327_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="210"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
3) I am currently signed up for FOUR half-marathons in the next seven months. I do not know what has come over me, but I have committed. So far, training is going okish. I am a little behind and am trying to catch back up.<br>
<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-38207223490527127522015-07-02T12:15:00.002-04:002015-07-02T12:15:51.862-04:00Starting Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbrVCeeamGTFTKLzIpuTgxUm_aDbvpiqSGZCdIFOdHuhnFGF2SmP0pHF1Sp7Xs0LcJnBZSf5A-eGPdwFerUchaxN0jYiku9d2ROAPgVBpSRtVGkr5Q7mdC8RRrsm3Zr0KGzVdGyC_ek3i/s1600/IMG_7386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbrVCeeamGTFTKLzIpuTgxUm_aDbvpiqSGZCdIFOdHuhnFGF2SmP0pHF1Sp7Xs0LcJnBZSf5A-eGPdwFerUchaxN0jYiku9d2ROAPgVBpSRtVGkr5Q7mdC8RRrsm3Zr0KGzVdGyC_ek3i/s320/IMG_7386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy July! How is this year going by so fast?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, this morning, I got up for the third time this week to go for a jog. I can't tell you the last time I worked out three times in a week. Ridiculous. And, sad. But, fact.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The past month or so, I've been playing around with 1 or 2 times, but we all know that isn't going to get me anywhere. To lose weight/sizes, I *have* to work out 4-6 times a week. Every week. It sucks, but it's the way it is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another sad and ridiculous fact is that I weigh more right now than I have in five years. I'm still far from my highest weight, but things need to change or I *will* be at that place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever it is that I needed to "click" clicked this week. I'm literally praying for God to keep it going. I have a plan. I just need to work the plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyways, I jogged 3 miles this morning without stopping for a walk break. It was 3 ssslllloooowwwww miles, but I did it. My stride was good, my breathing was on point, I didn't get overheated or too thirsty.... It was a good run. Even better, I had negative splits for the first time in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Overall, this morning has given me a boost. I'm going to have rough days. Rough weeks, even. I'm not going to eat perfectly. I'm going to struggle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I know that I CAN do this. I have to do this. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the best of my ability, I'm going to document this journey. If for no one else, just so I can look back and know that I've progressed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ultimate Goal: Lose 70 lbs </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(yes, 70.... I haven't gained 70, but 70 will put me at my original goal weight)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Immediate Goal: Work out five days next week</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Wish me luck!</i></b></span></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-78958907037612256022015-06-18T15:31:00.000-04:002015-06-18T15:31:16.813-04:00Things You Probably Don't Know About Me.....<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, considering I haven't posted anything since March.... You probably don't know quite a bit about me. However, I've got the procrastinator bug and this looked fun, so............</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.heleneinbetween.com/" title="Helene in Between"><img alt="Helene in Between" src="http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/helenesula/linkup_know_zpsdd7aocx7.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I actually still go to my reader pretty much everyday to read updates, even though I hardly update my own blog anymore. </li>
<li> This August will be ten years since I started interning at the radio station. Still here, but a lot has changed.</li>
<li>I've met Taylor Swift three times. <a href="http://allamericanjess.blogspot.com/2010/03/living-12-year-old-fantasy.html">You can read about the first time here.</a></li>
<li>I have a horrible phobia of rats/mice, hanging bridges, and Ferris wheels. Like, in my head, I'm ok with all of them. Then, I come into contact with them and lose all sense of logic.</li>
<li>I've watched every single episode of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and Full House. Most episodes of each, I've seen at least twice. In reality, I've probably seen every single episode of Full House no less than half a dozen times.</li>
<li>I don't eat ketchup, mustard, or mayo. I also don't eat eggs or hotdogs.</li>
<li>Crunchy peanut butter is my favorite and I prefer OJ with LOTS of pulp.</li>
<li>I could eat boiled peanuts every day and never get tired of them. </li>
<li>The idea of being a Beluga Whale just makes me sad....... the song just doesn't match up with what I've seen of them. </li>
<li>I've had the same blog design for about four years and have been toying with a change, but am afraid to pull the trigger.</li>
<li>While it's highly possible that I may never get married, I've had my wedding dress picked out for years. Here's hoping it still exists if/when I do get a ring on it.</li>
<li>While it's highly possible that I may never have children, I've had names picked out for over ten years. The first boy and first girl are non-negotiable. The kicker of all this? The guy I've had a back and forth with for the past few years (I call him FD) actually really likes both names. Now, if he could ever get his head out of his behind.</li>
<li>As a native Floridian, I cannot imagine living in a landlocked state. However, going to the beach is only slightly more appealing than camping (which I despise).</li>
</ul>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-15035404204186617562015-03-10T12:44:00.001-04:002015-03-10T12:44:43.155-04:00Life and BloggingAgain, it's been almost two months since I last blogged. In some ways, I figure it is because I'm out living life and it's good that I'm not trying to document every.single.thing. In other ways, I have memories that I would like to preserve.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I'm not sure who actually reads, save a couple. And, they are people I generally keep in touch with via IG, Twitter, FB, and/or text.<br />
<br />
Anyway..... Life.......<br />
<br />
It's been BUSY. Good busy in a lot of ways and bad busy in a few. A lot has happened since Jan 12th when I last typed out my thoughts. Just the other day, my bosses were telling me that I seemed unhappy. My reply was, "I'm not unhappy..... I'm tired and stressed." It's hard to know where to start.<br />
<br />
So, I guess we'll go into some random blurbs....<br />
<br />
- My niece is pretty much a perfect little angel. I don't get to see her nearly enough, but I just love her.<br />
<br />
- I got way too invested in The Bachelor this season and am pretty pissed by this whole duel Bachelorette situation. #TeamKaitlyn......... I just can't take anymore of Britt's dramatics. That being said, I cannot wait for Bachelor In Paradise now that Ashley S has agreed to come on. We just need Michelle Money to sign on as a commentator for perfection.<br />
<br />
- I'm a week and a half into the Advocare 24 Day Challenge and I'm feeling better than I have in months. I really just needed a hard reset. Last time I did the 24DC, I lost 7 lbs...... and, I'd already been eating decently and exercising well. This time? Well, let's say that my eating has been horrendous for months and save the two half marathons I did, I haven't exercised since the day before Thanksgiving. Cross your fingers and pray for even better results. After a full week of eating well and tracking, I'm slowly adding back in exercise. Like, Couch 2 5k, Week 1, Day 1. I just need this do-over.<br />
<br />
- I got a phenomenal opportunity and was able to make it happen, at work. I *will* be sharing about that soon.<br />
<br />
- My grandfather (whom I haven't seen in 15 years) passed away last week. It was a very odd feeling. My mom did go up to Alabama to the funeral. She got a lot of closure, learned a lot of things, and has gotten to know her half-siblings that she's never really known. It was just very odd. You feel like you should be sad, but really the loss happened 15 years ago.<br />
<br />
If you're reading this, I hope all is well in your world! :)Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-33307853457436279472015-01-12T15:40:00.002-05:002015-01-12T15:40:41.137-05:00Disney Half Marathon..... A Lesson in Humility and Persistance<div style="text-align: center;">
This past weekend was <a href="http://www.rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon/">Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend</a>. Back in April (I think), I signed up for the half marathon which was Saturday (Jan 10th).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once again, I didn't train properly. In fact, I barely trained at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm in a serious mental/physical funk. I'm trying to "flip the switch" but I am just not in the zone. Looking to this weekend, I was super nervous. I knew that I wasn't prepared, that I wouldn't do well, and that I may very well get picked up by the Sag Wag. I also thought really hard about whether or not I should even participate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, in case you didn't know, Disney races aren't cheap. I knew I at least needed to try. I went in knowing there would be pain and that my time would be horrendous. My main goal was to just get out there and do it. Just TRY to finish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When 3:30am rolled around on Saturday, I rolled out of bed, got dressed, and headed for the bus. By the time we got there and I made it to my corral, the wheelchair group (very first group) was stepping off. While I was standing there (Corral K), I noticed two things....... it was COLD (42 degrees, according to my phone) and my toenails were bothering me. <i>Oh, crap. I forgot to trim my toenails. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rookie error, there. Had I been running even a little prior to this, I would have noticed that my toenails were getting too long and would have trimmed them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I stood there waiting............</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx1yBn7kmbC3Cy0T7kBHQXnFRHVsFwUK5SVVLqlXjE7XUB6e6Uukdzqyjhu0KiaYssc2NnAo3wSKK9bjNsVD12pCU-i98tpuE13CIZnphxm3HOc516axRPPqULmD4ZXjGp5zp2B6x9eSQ/s640/blogger-image--767526032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx1yBn7kmbC3Cy0T7kBHQXnFRHVsFwUK5SVVLqlXjE7XUB6e6Uukdzqyjhu0KiaYssc2NnAo3wSKK9bjNsVD12pCU-i98tpuE13CIZnphxm3HOc516axRPPqULmD4ZXjGp5zp2B6x9eSQ/s640/blogger-image--767526032.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, around 6:15am, my corral stepped off........</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FF20fcju7qzQgCYJceMXjLdyDATnvINj3oKRPJWRZaQdMllggEJZ6z-HLz7-OsjJsHIGABODxLxWdYmhzgMhcb-V29gi987ntY9YBJ9415IyOps5t4NgdmXFGQwWYk53ScuOsX8uz3Cp/s640/blogger-image-1454838923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FF20fcju7qzQgCYJceMXjLdyDATnvINj3oKRPJWRZaQdMllggEJZ6z-HLz7-OsjJsHIGABODxLxWdYmhzgMhcb-V29gi987ntY9YBJ9415IyOps5t4NgdmXFGQwWYk53ScuOsX8uz3Cp/s640/blogger-image-1454838923.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first mile was fine. One of my toenails was digging into another toe and I really had to pee, but otherwise, I was ok. Breathing was good, stride was good, pace was good. I was good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, I saw Porta Potties. Done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the time I stood in line and went, LAHP and her hubby B had caught up to me. They were a corral behind me. The fact that we even found each other was a miracle, but the fact that this is the third race that we've been able to randomly meet up without phones is a true miracle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stuck with them for the next five miles. It was a different experience for me. Usually, I run by myself, with music. So, it was different (but a good different) to have people to pace with and chat with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, take selfies with..........</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc96TEu_94uweTFT7PUFrKjMohRsylgv0HVYmEd9NANPsdhmDnP2xl4QRib-cih-KTvaKdvkCMFP4si5uzY6rvyqiuzyJ21FFtG22PonkROtbLI1dX9x8Qa3V3UJB8byT9bvE2v_VWQdU8/s640/blogger-image--1724224057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc96TEu_94uweTFT7PUFrKjMohRsylgv0HVYmEd9NANPsdhmDnP2xl4QRib-cih-KTvaKdvkCMFP4si5uzY6rvyqiuzyJ21FFtG22PonkROtbLI1dX9x8Qa3V3UJB8byT9bvE2v_VWQdU8/s640/blogger-image--1724224057.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We ran through Magic Kingdom, which was fun. Here's the view coming out of the castle......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9G2bP3MzTaATRiqYWq242WqsaEX2Zm9i9sImjnsGaCwHAdBjIECZTWY-FmTNKmBnolkYDANyAdjzTW0-xGsRGrbLPd-oPFNGc3JiQgpD_3q8-cfe1yqhIep9dhJderGuBNcuKrQ9TTrs/s640/blogger-image--1339065969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9G2bP3MzTaATRiqYWq242WqsaEX2Zm9i9sImjnsGaCwHAdBjIECZTWY-FmTNKmBnolkYDANyAdjzTW0-xGsRGrbLPd-oPFNGc3JiQgpD_3q8-cfe1yqhIep9dhJderGuBNcuKrQ9TTrs/s640/blogger-image--1339065969.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfQWMzj-uTySp-VwlQv9_xdY2wnKLkyaMjJ6-Kctm4lelV5jfcnw9FDLUXeE_JEJPoqUbQfGY86uHGweAGt9q7bgICNf2blprkBF6WAyC0-vdS_EOCTvQfT9nBORxV17MiZzYRumfvScD/s640/blogger-image-586091620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfQWMzj-uTySp-VwlQv9_xdY2wnKLkyaMjJ6-Kctm4lelV5jfcnw9FDLUXeE_JEJPoqUbQfGY86uHGweAGt9q7bgICNf2blprkBF6WAyC0-vdS_EOCTvQfT9nBORxV17MiZzYRumfvScD/s640/blogger-image-586091620.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once we hit Mile 6, I hit a serious wall. My feet were KILLING me and my right quad was completely frozen up. They were jogging and I told them to go ahead without me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From that point, I basically just walked the rest of the way. Every so often, I would try to jog, but would barely make it a minute before my feet would be screaming at me to stop. To be perfectly honest, I'm surprised it took 6 miles to get to that point. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got into a state of just power walking as much as I could. For the next couple of miles, I sort of people watched. I didn't even put my headphones back in. It was a new way of going about it, that is for sure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Around Mile 9.5, my legs were done. In fact, my whole body was just over it. I put my headphones back in and just zoned out. I honestly think I was in a trance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Just move one foot in front of the other........ Do not stop moving until you either fall down, get swept, or cross the finish line.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eventually, I did finish. My time was AWFUL. Just horrible. But, I finished. And, chip time-wise, there were people who finished behind me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>FINALLY, the Finish Line.</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHxWux1sUI5xReI2aYV4_gqrhjYCm2jGgjNmh-q_A03eVnzbmxbSID8Au38S6Kx1MgDYaCTm0M6Ve9f_iILf2ZG7K8VnLB0mpDZgAs4P9v3-dfGAdDR43wqHFIQdsF38W_0T5Cw8TaPBL/s640/blogger-image-512072221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHxWux1sUI5xReI2aYV4_gqrhjYCm2jGgjNmh-q_A03eVnzbmxbSID8Au38S6Kx1MgDYaCTm0M6Ve9f_iILf2ZG7K8VnLB0mpDZgAs4P9v3-dfGAdDR43wqHFIQdsF38W_0T5Cw8TaPBL/s640/blogger-image-512072221.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>As poorly as I did, I was still proud of myself for completing the entire race.</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj_fsxc7ISLD7MEqaUVG5LLqtLO_UI_rRVW1KnmT1KMVBIRlCycr-lZogaqjMgDkEg1j2VpdP0gkBGXKVxRTOUje2Ci_M1cGouSQa9oXhgKWS8KezGOIyqfYIpjHl_0ab-7O4ZJJc7N6J/s640/blogger-image--758109142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj_fsxc7ISLD7MEqaUVG5LLqtLO_UI_rRVW1KnmT1KMVBIRlCycr-lZogaqjMgDkEg1j2VpdP0gkBGXKVxRTOUje2Ci_M1cGouSQa9oXhgKWS8KezGOIyqfYIpjHl_0ab-7O4ZJJc7N6J/s640/blogger-image--758109142.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As soon as I was done, we had to head over to Wide World of Sports for Lydia's races. Homegirl did great! She really did step it up! I was miserable. My muscles were in so much pain, I was freezing, and my feet were on fire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right after Lydia was done, I met up with my friend Holly and her husband for lunch at Downtown Disney. At this point, I was just walking so to keep moving. We had a nice visit and then I caught the bus back to the hotel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I got back (around 3pm), I was finally able to take off my shoes to survey the damage. Two of my toes were bleeding and three of them had blisters the size of the actual toe. My big toes are bruised under the nail from bumping up against my shoes. Gross and painful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I basically bathed in BioFreeze and chilled the rest of the day/night. Mom and Lydia went to Magic Kingdom and had a blast. They were even able to score dinner in Be Our Guest WITHOUT reservations. I was so jealous. I would have loved to have gone, but I don't think my body would have stood for it. My mom was kind enough to pick up a candy apple for me and bring back her leftovers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, we packed up, ate breakfast, and headed home. Poor Lydia was super disappointed that we didn't go to one of the parks, but I could barely move. I did take her to a movie.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we were leaving Disney property, we drove past the Marathon route. The people I saw had just passed Mile 20 (and it was 11:15am). I was so emotional for them. Just the journey they were currently undergoing. I do not know that I will ever do a full marathon, but I have such mad respect for those who do it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I'm slightly better. The worst of the blisters burst last night, so it is much better. My right calf muscle is still pretty locked up. I'm trying to gently stretch it and walk as much as I can. Random muscles are sore. I have a massage scheduled tomorrow, so hopefully that will fix me up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few takeaways from my 2nd Half Marathon..........</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>For the love of all that is holy, TRAIN. Stop your madness and get out there to train!!!!!! I have the Princess coming up in six weeks. Obviously, there will not be any major improvements in my running in six weeks, but I can at least improve a few things. My leg muscles tone up pretty quickly, so that would help. </li>
<li>Your body is far more capable than you give credit. I really listened to my body. It was mainly cursing me. But, I pushed it further than I thought possible without jeopardizing my overall health/safety. In the back of my mind, I knew I needed to play it safe if I had any hope of doing the Princess. At the state I am in now, I think I will be able to do an easy round on the elliptical by tomorrow.</li>
<li>Don't diss the walkers.......... I heard a LOT of grumbling on the course about walkers. More than I have with any other race. Maybe it was because it is Marathon weekend, so people were a little more serious about their running? I don't know, but it was frustrating. We are all on our own journey here. Making someone feel bad because they are walking is just rude.</li>
<li>On the other side of the coin......... Be respectful and aware. There were a lot of walking AND running groups that were taking up the entire lane. When I was with L and B, I tried to make sure that I was either ahead or behind them, so were weren't walking/running three wide.</li>
<li>For the most part, everyone is awesome. There is so much encouragement from everyone.... participants, spectators, volunteers, and even random park visitors who wish they'd picked a different day to try to enter EPCOT.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Overall, I am proud of myself. I know where I failed and where I succeeded. I learned and, hopefully, I will be motivated to do better. The main thing is that I did it. I tried. There are a lot of people out there that wouldn't.</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-18705962857476478792015-01-08T11:10:00.002-05:002015-01-08T11:10:20.253-05:00Open Letters......Dear Neck and Shoulders,<br />
<br />
I'm extremely tired of you and your inability to just be pleasant. I heat you, I stretch you, I buy special pillows for you, I self-massage you, I beg other people to massage you....... Nothing works.<br />
<br />
So, be prepared. Due to your stubbornness, I'm now going to seek a medical professional to whip you back into shape.<br />
<br />
Signed,<br />
<br />
My entire left side can hardly move<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear Otter Box,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you for finally making cases that are durable AND pretty. Now that you have that covered, could you light a fire under your screen protector department? Those suck.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Signed,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Walmart makes better screen protectors</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear Jess,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stop being lazy and unmotivated. It's not a good look for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Signed,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your hips</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your thighs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your waistline</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your stomach</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your pants</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your tops</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear 'The Bachelor' franchise,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
THANK YOU for making the most hysterical and cringe-worthy limo introductions episode ever. I was laughing and hiding my face under a blanket.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Props to whomever had the idea to get half the girls drunk and relaxed for a few hours before bringing on the other half. Their spying and running commentary was almost Michelle Money worthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AND.... The fact that it was daylight when the rejects were doing their exit interviews? Priceless.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Signed,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tara and Crazy Eyes are going to be entertaining</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
P.S. - PLEASE hire Michelle Money to actually do running commentary!! Like, she really should live with all these girls, but not compete for the man, and then just tell us her hilarious opinion.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear Target,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do not appreciate the fact that Valentine's Day cards AND bathing suits are already in full display. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Signed,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Single and Spring is a couple months away</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-86315416161621006652014-12-29T21:54:00.000-05:002014-12-29T21:54:13.190-05:002015, what will you bring?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHsqNEGf-cu0i3ENpmRXXWqD7vqQjzc37T3rwE5P4GBsTfBo0cOBLgEoW9SfPRdHGN1xM8yD9Ry4z-HNPcURixrOmZ0H5uXDB1RMYJCqCJB2QiefslbAoKxsT7NEfVcSrPMQ5doQ5KagY/s1600/unnamed+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHsqNEGf-cu0i3ENpmRXXWqD7vqQjzc37T3rwE5P4GBsTfBo0cOBLgEoW9SfPRdHGN1xM8yD9Ry4z-HNPcURixrOmZ0H5uXDB1RMYJCqCJB2QiefslbAoKxsT7NEfVcSrPMQ5doQ5KagY/s1600/unnamed+(1).png" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, today was one of those productive-not-productive days. Last week was fun, but busy. This past month has been fun, but busy. Therefore, important things like the cleanliness of my bathroom, my laundry, and putting my clothes away got pushed to the way backburner. After snuggling with my Shellbelle for a couple of hours while her mom went to the doctor, I washed all my laundry, deep cleaned the bathroom, and put away Mount Wardrobe.<br />
<br />
As I am waiting for loads to finish, I hopped on the ole Blogger and read <a href="http://theotherjuliette.blogspot.com/2014/12/being-my-own-zoltar-2015-prediction.html">Juliette's link-up</a> about predicting 2015. Let's see if I can do this, as I really have very little idea what the future holds.........<br />
<br />
By the end of 2015......<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I will have traveled to Memphis, again (cheating as this is happening in 2 1/2 weeks, but I need at least one for sure).</li>
<li>I will have lost at least 25 lbs..... Preferably 50, but definitely 25.</li>
<li>I will have earned my Disney "Coast to Coast" Medal (running a half marathon at both Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year).</li>
<li>I will have paid off my car.</li>
<li>I will have gone on another cruise.</li>
<li>I will log at least 1500 miles on my FitBit (this includes regular movement, but I want at least 500 miles to be jogging/walking/exercise related).</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things that will NOT happen in 2015....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I will not dye my hair any weird color, no matter how much I'm told by odd friends that I should.</li>
<li>I will not attempt online dating, again.</li>
<li>I will not see The Hobbit or any of its relatives.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things that I am completely unsure of about 2015.......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Where FD and I will be..... Hopefully, there will be some solid movement in one direction or another.</li>
<li>If an opportunity that presented itself in October will come to fruition. I'll find out by February.</li>
<li>How much I will blog. I would like to get better at it, gain more followers, etc.... But, it may just be a little place for me to write my thoughts when I feel like it. </li>
</ul>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762345038309484326.post-35381661159809493752014-12-14T23:20:00.001-05:002014-12-15T11:35:56.251-05:00Oh, Holidays, How Fast You Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How do I go an entire month without blogging? It has been busy and productive, but I need to get better at this whole documenting-my-life thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What have I been up to that has been keeping me so busy?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First, on Nov 20th, this little lady turned SIX. I just want to cry at how big she is getting. Mom, Trevor, Irelynn, and I took her lunch at school...... She thought she was big stuff.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWEIStRSiq2Z3ZAr_tXID7oTAdfn9luyMSBPrsIp-tztHvpsHUITubkF3Gzs49U1BqWv-CzWD4YKxbbQkQOjF_PcTu6P6w1OjDVyl6mS85-5I_Dcsb8vsT6N8trR21mWThUh7mMBOiBq5/s640/blogger-image--1441515287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWEIStRSiq2Z3ZAr_tXID7oTAdfn9luyMSBPrsIp-tztHvpsHUITubkF3Gzs49U1BqWv-CzWD4YKxbbQkQOjF_PcTu6P6w1OjDVyl6mS85-5I_Dcsb8vsT6N8trR21mWThUh7mMBOiBq5/s640/blogger-image--1441515287.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcT_Djm9FxNdWsjuBDjQRKbhvgw3HeCik_b-gGALDi7LfsUWeU8UcVLYTfruWI5Dtybx8nWBLrCgIO44R36mx9johvclcRRmynwlbZdg1aYDm9nxPnnPwmAPp-OghEScxEfwSmF1xPqII/s640/blogger-image--1661710692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcT_Djm9FxNdWsjuBDjQRKbhvgw3HeCik_b-gGALDi7LfsUWeU8UcVLYTfruWI5Dtybx8nWBLrCgIO44R36mx9johvclcRRmynwlbZdg1aYDm9nxPnnPwmAPp-OghEScxEfwSmF1xPqII/s640/blogger-image--1661710692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That night, was the premiere of Mockingjay. Heidi, Billie Jo, Anthony, Ethan, Noah, and I all went. I LOVED IT! Personally, I loved the change in keeping Effie alive.... Elizabeth Banks is great and it adds to the entertainment to have her in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrTpE2gUzaPSwAO2f3frFRWkDBmkS9xxAatxUEOd2y68UXi7QJ-GdQ8bu-wswk3r49hSOVk1tYr07PzWItHDlVkIBNexRRHS91XBMaO5Irzfg_pFZb1fnjZGezyuM2Uszd7VMqKr7h7M7/s640/blogger-image-1582297793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrTpE2gUzaPSwAO2f3frFRWkDBmkS9xxAatxUEOd2y68UXi7QJ-GdQ8bu-wswk3r49hSOVk1tYr07PzWItHDlVkIBNexRRHS91XBMaO5Irzfg_pFZb1fnjZGezyuM2Uszd7VMqKr7h7M7/s640/blogger-image-1582297793.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mXuugXhXM8tN_5H4YeW9e25TKHBuzu3-0uIHt-7iVdxNlXpoKyNn-dqJMnWJ1Xq2OOdN4_7qADoBX0WVEegUZrqJbAQ3U7QhoT2nrj73e6JY7PoZ83TtpJDfC8BELPpXdyHM1YmIPGFh/s640/blogger-image--135098910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mXuugXhXM8tN_5H4YeW9e25TKHBuzu3-0uIHt-7iVdxNlXpoKyNn-dqJMnWJ1Xq2OOdN4_7qADoBX0WVEegUZrqJbAQ3U7QhoT2nrj73e6JY7PoZ83TtpJDfC8BELPpXdyHM1YmIPGFh/s640/blogger-image--135098910.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanksgiving was a bit quieter, this year. Everyone was going up to Tallahassee for the FSU/UF game, so as soon as lunch was over, it cleared out. My household went up Thursday afternoon, while I went shopping with Heidi and Noah. This was Noah's first Black ThurFriday experience and he was a hoot. We honestly didn't have any problems.... We got to WalMart first around 6 (that was the craziest, but nothing awful) and were done by midnight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMPmAq1m0FsV2fhgy5Hhlc4cpfp4V6E64KIMWTM3Ze2d6UV0pb7qPLWFgHyg1FKHx9VJqdvuHWrL9PXypNrzGGJU62s04MvZKKJ3IsKi9vzAXjboICa04jexY5ot9m_r__mhIKhz8TDO/s640/blogger-image-1075964065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMPmAq1m0FsV2fhgy5Hhlc4cpfp4V6E64KIMWTM3Ze2d6UV0pb7qPLWFgHyg1FKHx9VJqdvuHWrL9PXypNrzGGJU62s04MvZKKJ3IsKi9vzAXjboICa04jexY5ot9m_r__mhIKhz8TDO/s640/blogger-image-1075964065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were crying laughing over this poor girl who stood in line at WalMart for 30 minutes for a bag of marshmallows.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9dTH7E0GisLiPikdRrSn6t8NZwTScnG4sUWvDH3iN3jKFG4NRM_T9hD0z5Ndq1l4JLYlCFfIjrOky6LprUEdo65Mp4E62Dp9ce0kErOA4m2hsSCNcPUM4xGI3p_5iU0FFr7gl66ShpoZ/s640/blogger-image-912611451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9dTH7E0GisLiPikdRrSn6t8NZwTScnG4sUWvDH3iN3jKFG4NRM_T9hD0z5Ndq1l4JLYlCFfIjrOky6LprUEdo65Mp4E62Dp9ce0kErOA4m2hsSCNcPUM4xGI3p_5iU0FFr7gl66ShpoZ/s640/blogger-image-912611451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At one point, we swung by WalGreens to return a Redbox. There were about four other cars doing the same thing...... As we drove away, a workers was peering through the glass doors, watching all of us. It was dead inside and I am sure they were bored to tears, lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our last stop was Kohls..... Noah was freezing, so we got him this spiffy sweatshirt.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4h7a8QsSu6hitaWjKFIK4-ToWuUQ825ANisuPQoQXvDCRcddGjl0vtSPaj2VmoxQncrZHsYuaLbf6f8QSSI1nlSrji4jDWJjglEeBwBA1aLKGsogwn6SGbqQQ6qkJO1P3wOMPWcFRIdJ/s640/blogger-image-1714001557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4h7a8QsSu6hitaWjKFIK4-ToWuUQ825ANisuPQoQXvDCRcddGjl0vtSPaj2VmoxQncrZHsYuaLbf6f8QSSI1nlSrji4jDWJjglEeBwBA1aLKGsogwn6SGbqQQ6qkJO1P3wOMPWcFRIdJ/s640/blogger-image-1714001557.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The original plan was for Bryan, Megan, Shelby, and I to drive up to Tallahassee after Bryan was through was work on Friday. However, one of their dogs got really sick, so Bryan went up (it has been his lifelong dream to see Florida State play Florida in Tallahassee) and we stayed home. Saturday, I was able to get some Christmas prep done and then I went over to hang out with Megan and Shelby. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I mean, isn't this the cutest thing you ever did see?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAf9EuqazkuXoASdMZsRlRPXflRKzNTH2sKBPU4i6NHBAbqBjvQa5dwytPqc4dWwnSP9r0E5Dn8ua9q1NPBN4u0ARvY2a6gFfgtIZeJ_rgqujChKwqRanFlbIgSOOHTQCoUdy4Rl63OSX/s640/blogger-image-1616058727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAf9EuqazkuXoASdMZsRlRPXflRKzNTH2sKBPU4i6NHBAbqBjvQa5dwytPqc4dWwnSP9r0E5Dn8ua9q1NPBN4u0ARvY2a6gFfgtIZeJ_rgqujChKwqRanFlbIgSOOHTQCoUdy4Rl63OSX/s640/blogger-image-1616058727.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sunday was more of the same...... Christmas prep and Shelby snuggles....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYZM689GQboR2Ob2-F8piYMyLMXCmTjge1TozhQbsQtSFPDZyyRMWCqRqj6NQ5UAmemQFiaU8xl6Zu6iY0Yu51MLwSUu2Cihm6OBDAv1YilNfNVnC6QnU88KTn2u1rfYksnc020EAT6Ic/s640/blogger-image-1089011549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYZM689GQboR2Ob2-F8piYMyLMXCmTjge1TozhQbsQtSFPDZyyRMWCqRqj6NQ5UAmemQFiaU8xl6Zu6iY0Yu51MLwSUu2Cihm6OBDAv1YilNfNVnC6QnU88KTn2u1rfYksnc020EAT6Ic/s640/blogger-image-1089011549.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Monday the 1st, Heidi and I had plans to go see NPH narrate Candlelight Processional at EPCOT after work. It is always a great way to start off the Christmas season and NPH does a wonderful job. I love their stage set and twinkling tree lights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxjyUpEzQqoJUm5d3BOzZmk7-BmZzInKr8EVQQgfcYZUlxRX2HCyNrVfGWkMdS8PRcmTdcB4VSyTZAdBk17XFQh9BJgHLEC1P1E4tNBftJwdbcIlChFEeMLfYvO8F6zdM83wfBhrGPz3G/s640/blogger-image--12749924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxjyUpEzQqoJUm5d3BOzZmk7-BmZzInKr8EVQQgfcYZUlxRX2HCyNrVfGWkMdS8PRcmTdcB4VSyTZAdBk17XFQh9BJgHLEC1P1E4tNBftJwdbcIlChFEeMLfYvO8F6zdM83wfBhrGPz3G/s640/blogger-image--12749924.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The 4th was our city's Christmas parade. I am always in it for work (our stations are in seven different parades throughout the first two weeks of December). This year, I had to work the set up as part of my Junior League Provisional duties. It was a bit stressful, at first (our parade is HUGE..... 125 floats and over 35,000 people attending). My friends C and M, and I had fun looking all official, though.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvjXXDBUqDAG0MsaEEBTHHdgmXrnhJMGVxSU2IEWaGcR9AY4hTzME-1jFdFXiiZ9GbpIswJ5uJcu8B8mjkhJO3xaEUJLXT_5uxQcdjUyb86Crmyledvt8KUUFsAquz9WIs5NT_jmClVpy/s640/blogger-image--1638991039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvjXXDBUqDAG0MsaEEBTHHdgmXrnhJMGVxSU2IEWaGcR9AY4hTzME-1jFdFXiiZ9GbpIswJ5uJcu8B8mjkhJO3xaEUJLXT_5uxQcdjUyb86Crmyledvt8KUUFsAquz9WIs5NT_jmClVpy/s640/blogger-image--1638991039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Saturday the 6th, I headed over to House of Blues for a Jerrod Niemann concert with my friend T. It was a lot of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWpp2xAbf5vsbQrjsRqZMZ812SoCgkmcdo5H1gmKR8kHyhyphenhyphenTMPYpsbei_81b13FM2xDG9zKY4r0z7ouQn81cv-C2X4hsjW4cHrhiSUxJ7S0f4MzURiLFN1zxyswrAkj2-81zYvGuthyhP/s640/blogger-image--2142246270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWpp2xAbf5vsbQrjsRqZMZ812SoCgkmcdo5H1gmKR8kHyhyphenhyphenTMPYpsbei_81b13FM2xDG9zKY4r0z7ouQn81cv-C2X4hsjW4cHrhiSUxJ7S0f4MzURiLFN1zxyswrAkj2-81zYvGuthyhP/s640/blogger-image--2142246270.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sunday was a Christmas party at my friend Ronda's.... We had a blast and I walked away with some serious loot (tin of cookies, box of truffles, $15 Starbucks gift card, and a $25 Olive Garden gift card). My kinda party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlah0XM0AUMpkCJkwNYk-KzJuo-oJLpqrFMNJMWojO4jM40-sAfvol0_LPzzLawu4o1_DK7qG2CyR09XONayIAKqMCEMCKRC6lN_lunaco1T4l77sJkAZ-AOJ4RukudfgbnXM_NN_1XiLK/s640/blogger-image--598457864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlah0XM0AUMpkCJkwNYk-KzJuo-oJLpqrFMNJMWojO4jM40-sAfvol0_LPzzLawu4o1_DK7qG2CyR09XONayIAKqMCEMCKRC6lN_lunaco1T4l77sJkAZ-AOJ4RukudfgbnXM_NN_1XiLK/s640/blogger-image--598457864.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wednesday (the 10th) night, we went to Melting Pot. They were having an Ugly Sweater promotion, so we wore ours with pride......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkeC9Uf11-FCZ_bp8T4cHl5ApjGyCNajbP7gc8iFCy7VFopAfy2vSws6EEAbSHp0KQPUUJ8h9A6tGWDz_mbEn6BZGRrDI_R8_cw7knva2MfeSq7HjNnjbM5LQyUsaVRlwP_KSBeYmTvX7/s640/blogger-image--2041893265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkeC9Uf11-FCZ_bp8T4cHl5ApjGyCNajbP7gc8iFCy7VFopAfy2vSws6EEAbSHp0KQPUUJ8h9A6tGWDz_mbEn6BZGRrDI_R8_cw7knva2MfeSq7HjNnjbM5LQyUsaVRlwP_KSBeYmTvX7/s640/blogger-image--2041893265.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Saturday night, we did a promotion for a private Chris Young concert at a nearby golf resort. It was a very nice event, but a bit stressful as the venue wasn't familiar with working a concert or winners. Once everyone was taken care of, my friends that came with me voted to leave early and grab dessert. It was outdoors and we were freezing. We had a great time though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXhApBFhsUN52YSyFwucA5kTgSWGFq1LAtetbvIUVBMnMQnlYxqGmmgABLp2gBVN3W8v16mxhGKXyS0xjFA3eIeDR92js_c_JHrQmkNCIi25p164S4gvX7OlMxIptO4aCMDR191dGMev4/s640/blogger-image--37592260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXhApBFhsUN52YSyFwucA5kTgSWGFq1LAtetbvIUVBMnMQnlYxqGmmgABLp2gBVN3W8v16mxhGKXyS0xjFA3eIeDR92js_c_JHrQmkNCIi25p164S4gvX7OlMxIptO4aCMDR191dGMev4/s640/blogger-image--37592260.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday, I stayed in my PJs all day and worked on Christmas cards. I had something every evening for 13 nights straight and exhausted. As I finish typing this, I am working from Universal. The work stuff should be slowing down this week, so hopefully I will get caught up on all my personal business.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822486137387353123noreply@blogger.com0