Why we plan our A D V E N T U R E S.

To answer this simply, hubs & I are planners.

 From as early as I can remember, I've been the girl who got really excited for 'Back to School' shopping. & not for the reason of school supplies. I did love getting new stuff but my fave part was picking out a cutesy planner for the year. By the end of my semesters in college, I'd legit have like 3-4 planners. Yeah. #awkward - No one needs that many planners! I'd plan to buy more planners. When I met my husband, I am pretty sure he thought intially this weird obsessive planning streak was NOT attractive. ;)

I've been really happily blessed to do life with the man of mine. Our 1st big adventure - I moved from my hometown after graduating college halfway around the world to Kansas, small town life - for him. No regrets - I'd do it again in a heartbeat!! When we first started dating & had a lot more time on our hands - we could afford to do things on a whim. We could take a night at the carnival after our graduate classes ended. We could walk from our apartment to the snow cone shop at the end of the road at 10pm. We bought a car together. We adopted our two dogs together. We made promises to live our lives together, one adventure at a time. Sometimes it feels like our life gets clogged up, midst the dreams to travel, live at Disney ;), and take all of the cruises we find. It really genuinely feels like that at times.

Because our adventures have kind of transformed into other areas of our life - we have mini adventures of sorts: We're both getting fit/healthy so we can start a family. We make our fast passes so we can enjoy our frequent Disney trips without standing in line for 75 minutes. I coupon/use apps and save money while babysitting here & there so to pay down student loan debt. We live pretty frugally for the purpose of paying down loans faster. We take care of our house, inside and out for the idea of having a sanctuary after work - something to be proud of. To really live on the wild side, I keep Groupon and Target on my fingertips to find more date nights/home decor that we love.

We make our vacation plans well in advance for our own reasons. Sometimes we stay up late talking. Regardless of the adventures we want to have, we'll always be planning first. One day the student loans and the mortgage will be paid off, we'll have a family and we'll be parents making decisions to make sure our kids have adventures of their own. But for right now, I am a planner who loves her adventures.

Thanks for stopping by! ~ The Robinsons, xo.

#throwbackthursdays

Every week, I join the world in remembering those flashback moments from years ago. I think I am going to start using Thursdays to post more than just one #tbt photo. If you follow me on Instagram HERE, you can see all my various pics but on here I want to keep track of the best memories I've made. (This could be a fun link up - all of us sharing our stories of special memories every week!)

Four years ago, this July I got engaged at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. (I make a big deal about dates - I loudly & proudly share why their important - got this gem of a memory from my dad!) One year prior to that, I started dating my boyfriend. In order to share the engagement & collage, let's back up and start from the foundation of where it all began..

I met my husband online. After a string of unsuccessful relationships online, there was something about his profile. When I first read it - I was smiling. (That's a good start, riiight?) He wrote that he liked The Office, time with his family, catching Cardinals games and to those that know him, he's basically a Disney fanatic!
He had me at hello. We started talking right away and would spend hours getting to know each other, daily. At the time my parents weren't thrilled because I had just graduated college and I was supposed to be finding a job, the dating scene could wait. But when you know, you know. He told me right off the bat that after his summer internship with Disney ended, he would be returning to finish his last semester of college. I told him that wouldn't be an issue, that's not a deal breaker for me. Our first date was park hopping at Disney, we managed to do all 4 parks and saw a movie in ONE day. (Not sure if you've ever done that, but it's exhausting!) After our really long first date, we kept talking and I kept job hunting. The latter had no real success. A couple weeks before he left, I had landed an volunteer internship position in the Education field. I kept going to job interviews but nothing was happening. My relationship with C blossomed fast. I was able to introduce him to my mom & sister the day he was leaving to fly home. They both liked him which also, a good sign. Part of my heart broke once he boarded his flight. I had fallen hard quickly but knew that he was my future.

After he left, the job front was basically crickets. Job fairs, interviews and lots of tension because I missed C and wanted to be with him. After him being gone for a month, I realized that it was time for my next great adventure. He was pretty excited of my plans. His parents who'd never met me allowed me to come live with them temporarily in transport to my first apartment. So, I told my parents who immediately weren't thrilled. We didn't get along. But I was moving two weeks after my 24th birthday. My birthday present from my parents (the only thing I asked for) - a oneway ticket to Kansas City, Missouri on October 14th, 2009. Which they gifted me with and while they didn't like it, I spent my birthday in tears, packing because all I wanted was to leave. However, I still enjoyed my birthday. I went out to dinner w/my parents and had Key Lime Pie for my dessert. I was also happy because it was the first time in my life when a boyfriend got me a birthday gift. Part of the reason I was more compassionate towards my parents was after talking to C's mom who told me she was praying for me in all of this. She wished me a Happy Birthday. That was the sweetest gesture from the mom  (who I'd never met) of my then-serious boyfriend who I was relocating halfway across the country for.

I fell hard for my husband and I do everyday. Next week, I will share my next #throwbackthursday post on moving to the Midwest and all of the adventures that arose from that. Thanks for stopping by. See you back here tomorrow for Five on Friday - celebrating my week!

sometimes, i must reflect. #june18

{Oh, Robert De Niro - highlight of the movie.}

Truth is - I absolutely love rom com movies. My husband protests when I want to watch one and then swoon over it - letting my girly side come out. But it's hard not to - when the perfect cue and the kissing starts especially when they have their dramatic speeches about why the other is their perfect match. & why the guy is who they've been waiting for. 

I am a month away from celebrating my 3rd wedding anniversary and today I was reminded about the relationship/bond with my mister is SO important *not that I ever thought it wasn't.* I watched a video about a charming couple, Ian & Larissa who have braved many more dark days but still managed to keep a smile and thanking God for these brighter moments.  His brain injury was but a speck in their relationship and future marriage.  That video made me tear up today and made me remember my wedding vows even more. 

When I married Chris that day almost three years ago, we took an oath. We promised a lot to each other when there are so many uncertainties, I promised to him a life of adventure despite every curve ball in our lives - no matter what happens to us - that I'd have his back in the best & worst situation until our death. Those aren't light promises, folks. Those are intense and I meant every single word. The best thing I've learned about my marriage is that every moment can make or break it. Every thing you say can either build him up or break him down. My sarcasm at times has led to some pretty unfortunate moments between us because I try to be funny. But at the end of the day, we keep moving forward. We don't sweat the small stuff. We gots plans and we are constantly reminded of the bigger picture. We want to start our family, be better off financially *we are* and continue to let God steer us in the direction HE wants to go. 

My husband hates cards - so this year & every year we're going to be crafty. I didn't tell him this part. We're taking a picture on our anniversary - cue the cute selfie and then we're each writing a letter of our favorite memories from that year previously.  I am going to scrapbook them and open these envelopes up on big anniversaries. That's the crafty side of me coming out. I want us to look back in thirty years and remember the memories, the best of what we've had more than what a hallmark card says. The memories are ones you never forget. 

Welp, tomorrow we're trying out a new church and enjoying a nice day together. Which I absolutely love. 

Thanks for stopping by... ~ J

keepin' up with the robinson's

Happy Wednesday, friends! :)



 

 

Here's some Bob's Burgers gifs for you to enjoy!

 

Florida lately has been gross in terms of rainy, windy weather. I kind of love it but not during the work day as it makes me really tired and harder to stay awake.

 

Wanted to update my life lately because I've just been busy working out and sleeping so blogging just temporarily got moved to the back burner.

 

1) Ever since my surgery - been working hard on my book. Newfound motivation and creativity flowing that comes out of nowhere - I am determined to self publish through Amazon. I am blessed with some great friends who are interested in collaborating with me to share their stories & experiences for my future readers. I am really excited for the opportunity to bless the lives of other teenage/college aged & any other ladies who read my e-book. Hooray!

 

2) This past weekend, hubs & I sweated it out walking the World Showcase at Epcot which is our absolute favorite Disney Park, followed by Magic Kingdom. We also found ourselves at the Flower & Garden festival, where Disney characters were popping up everywhere pruned out of grass. Pretty artistic.

 

3) I am pretty excited about this weekend for a myriad of reasons. First, my mom & I are doing a Women of Faith event with Lisa Harper speaking at one of the Real Life church branches Friday eve/Sat afternoon. Saturday night, we're headed to Magic Kingdom. :)

 

4) When we bought our house, our master bathroom sink never worked. Our house is a fixer upper and finally after 2 1/2 years, my hubs figured out why. Last night we headed to Lowe's, thanks to giftcards from my parents we bought our new faucet which works amazingly.

 

5) I'm back to counting cals with my MyFitnessPal app on my phone & addicted to Zumba - 5-6 times a week and soon starting to train for my 10K in December to run it like Forrest Gump. Goal is to lose 5 pounds by May 1st, hopefully more!

 

6) Our neighborhood isn't the friendliest group of people but while we were walking our dogs on Sunday night - a neighbor not only waved, he said hi. Maybe I am being dramatic - but I wanted to hug him.

 

7) My dad & I were originally going to have a date last weekend but timing wasn't on our side. We're having a date this Sunday afternoon, with help from my entertainment book - Mini Golf & Froyo.

 

This week is really turning out to be something special. Hooray. ~ J

 



TGBTL: Lessons Learned.

Happy Wednesday, friends :)

Every Wednesday I link up with Lauren & Hayley for Girl Between the Lines. Although I am sad its the last week. I've greatly enjoyed this link up. I'll be sad to take the reminder off my calendar.

Today's prompt is: Tell us a lesson you wish you had learned sooner in life. Looking back, what do you see now you wished someone had told you before?

When I was growing up, I watched girls get either totes crazy or overly emotional for a guy. It felt like if they didn't fall in love with guys like Zach Morris from Saved by the Bell or Sabrina's boyfriend from Sabrina, the Teenage Witch that they had to change themselves entirely [to meet the right guy].

When I say entirely - I feel like they had to go overboard like starving themselves, finding new friends altogether or wearing too much makeup.

Sorry, ladies. This is NOT an attractive look for anyone.

 

I told myself that I wouldn't fall for this Venus fly trap of lies when I started dating guys. I could protect myself. But lo & behold - not the hand I was dealt.

I will say that God definitely protected myself and my heart from going too extreme. Sure, I experimented with hair color, what clothes I wore and makeup I liked - but I didn't just settle with just anyone. Or make choices to jeopardize my future.

I did meet a few guys who changed my life - in good/bad ways. *Names have been changed.*

1) Aiden - Taught me that I am good, no I am awesome whether or not I am a Wii bowling star or if I talk on my phone too much. His opinion was just that - an opinion.

2) Derrick - Taught me that I am definitely worthy to love. I am important and just how vital trust/honesty values are in relationships. Lastly, just because I am not the same person I was initially, that change is inevitable. In my case - a positive one.

3) Chris - (my husband). He teaches me daily that by taking a chance and giving someone the benefit of a doubt can lead you on the best romantic adventure of your life. It's okay to be yourself even if they're totally different from you but loves you all the same.

I feel like this was something I've been wanting to write. I am definitely going to expand on this topic in my book.
Moral of the story: Ladies, rest assured that boys suck and they will make you pissed off whether you're twelve or forty five. But the right boy will make it all worth it!

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jessica

Sewing, Family & Chocolate

Hi lovelies! Just thought I'd pop in - last night I was working on my attempted linkup but then my computer died & I hadn't saved my post - to make a frustrating story shorter - I decided I needed 'me time'. I caved and found this big Santa ($1 at Wal-Mart) that was calling my name. Sometimes chocolate can be your best friend or at least make a rough week better.

This weekend I am once again humbled by my family, especially my mom. She is 8 months away from graduating with her Master's in Occupational Therapy & took time to help me get at least 2/3 done with my sewing projects even though she had a big amount of homework to do. I learned what servant leadership is because of her and her example. Almost done with my dad's gift & my parents' combined gift but next week - I will be finishing those & my nephews. Is anyone else waiting for gifts they ordered online? Looks like I'll be making some calls this week. Starting to become a nail biter again. 

Welp, so far its been a nice weekend - doing the wife thing with laundry & house stuff. Tomorrow we're taking advantage of our Sea World passes & the nice weather to celebrate in their Christmas festivities. I'm excited to have the time with my husband - and taking lots of pictures together & those cute animals. :) Wishing all of you a restful Sunday in all of your adventures!

- Jessica

TGBTL Week #1: Photo & 3 Things.

Hello Wednesday! This has been an emotionally rough week for my family & I. Still waiting to see how the events will unfold but if you will just keep all of us in your prayers & thoughts for the time being -- I do greatly appreciate it.

Ever since I saw that Lauren was starting this new linkup - I was really excited. I keep trying to do the Hi Five for Friday link up & one day I might but right now - not happening. I also make it move to do So What Wednesday because it gives the middle of the week an edge. So, I've successfully added a few permanent calendar events to my phone to help me remember these linkups. Anywho - I'll save you the rambling because that's a gift for my husband.

Today I am going to share a picture with y'all of me with three of my favorite things about myself. At first this was a challenge but I consider myself a creative lady -- so here goes it.

The three things I absolutely LOVE about myself:

1) I married the best fit for myself. He is taking this picture that describe the following two things but my husband really is the cheese to my macaroni. He takes care of me, he always knows what to say when I need a laugh and he gives the best hugs.

2) I looooove Tijuana Flats & their Taco Tuesdaze which I took part in last night. That is my saving grace every other week. I also treated myself to some queso which is like liquid crack. It's just that good. I am trying really hard to lose the weight I need to but Tijuana Flats is my biggest indulgence.


3) I love date nights (or in this case - date lunches) with my husband that end up or involve Tijuana Flats in some case. My husband & I both work pretty hard during the week, and this year we graduated with our Master's degrees so now that we have our nights back -- its nice to be able to spend time together after 2+ years of just giving each other high fives before we went to sleep. We now have a date night every week except for this week which is sad.

That will do it for me this week. Look forward to hopping around and getting to know y'all on my lunch break. For those ladies who don't know and blog but want to meet other bloggers --- feel free to join the Girl Between the Lines linkup over at Lauren's blog. Thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, planet earth :) 

30 days of #THANKS

Every November, I make a point of taking time to be thankful. I feel the holidays come and go, and people get so invested in getting gifts that they lose focus on what the holidays are. The holidays are a time to be thankful for everything in your life, you know? Whether its your job, your family, your kids, your home, everything that God has blessed you with this year.  Everyday this month, my posts will be honoring someone or something that I am #thankful for.

Here we goooo. Day #1.

First & foremost, I am so very thankful for my husband. He is my better half, he loves me for me & completes me. That sounds so very cheesy but it's true. I am so blessed that we found each other, because I appreciate the man he is. He always makes me laugh and supports my dreams. 

He knows that I am destined for greatness and appreciates the lady I am. We've already been together for 4 years and I am so excited for the many more.  He is an incredible husband & I know he will be a fantastic daddy when the moment comes. 

Hope your first day of November was fantastic. Here in central Florida, its supposed to be cold & will make it feel even more like FALL :)  I encourage you to remember what you're thankful for this month, it will make THANKSGIVING, the Macy's day parade & all that yummy food feel even better :)

{jess}

My life {in 5 years}.

Remember when you were a kid and that question would come around, the one that asks you to forecast your entire life on the spot -- where do you see your life in 5 years. It's fun to kind of put a time capsule on here today and then check back in 5 years to see what happened out of my guesses and dreams. I mean, I remember playing that hilarious game in school 'MASH'. You could see just in the title alone if your future would happen in a Mansion, Apartment, Shack or House.  With frilly options, you could end up with your celebrity crush, how many kids you have, the pet you have, the car you drive, what your job and your husband's job would be. Every time you played this game you could end up with a totally different 'future'.

Well today I won't be resorting to that game because one of the few games I loved from my childhood, I own already and its honestly much more fun than seeing what your future entails, which is Mall Madness.

Today I want to answer the 'where do you see yourself in your 5 years' question?

While I don't have kids yet, hopefully God will be blessing our family in 2015 with our firstborn, happy & healthy. Five years from now, our baby will be three years old. They won't grow up with luxury but a lot of love from family and close friends. They will make good friends in our neighborhood and enjoy their life in sunny central Florida where they will be able to go to Disney World, Universal, water parks, etc on a whim. Whether our firstborn is a darling baby girl who loves to accompany her mom on shopping trips and love the color of pink. Or if our firstborn is an adorable baby boy who loves cars, trucks, planes and choo-choo's.

Also, in the next five years, my hubby, Chris & I will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary, actually closer to 9th. I hope we will be traveling more, be in fantastic jobs who pay us generously, enjoying our lives here in central Florida with our multiple theme park passes. We'll be midway onto paying off student loans and have owned our first home for almost 7 years. We'll hopefully have made some improvements to our home that will make us enjoy our home more.

Personally, while I hope to have lost all my weight by next year -- I think five years from now, I will greatly enjoy my life. I will be in my early 30's which sounds so nerve-wracking but yet not really in my control. I will have a beautiful family of my own which expands both of ours. I feel like in the next few years -- in a professional side that my Master's degree will pay off and I will be working somewhere that is simply wonderful. I will be taking great vacations and making impacting memories with my entire family.

Life in 5 years seems so far away but in a blink of an eye, it will be here. Regardless of if all these dreams come true or if they happen differently - I am so excited to see what the future brings in all areas of my life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

{jess}

My Datevitation arrived!

As promised, here is my collage from when I received my finished product from Datevitation. In all honesty, I remember getting the package on a day when I was really stressed out and needed a pick me up other than chocolate. But when I made it for my husband, I wanted him to be able to cash in on fun, adventures we could enjoy. We're both working so much that sometimes we're surprised when we f ind the time off on weekends. I told him initially that I had won and I let him peruse the options so that way I could see what he was interested. I've found that he isn't the best at helping me with decisions often telling me 'Do whatever you want, honey.' If only that logic applied to other hobbies of mine like shopping, movies, or stores like Target or Michael's ;) Pinterest is also at the top of that.

Anywho, wanted to share my collage of when I presented him his own coupon book and it brought a smile to my face to see him so happy about what I made for him. While our wedding anniversary is in June, we didn't get each other gifts and he told me that I could get him one if it was FREE. Ta da!

While I only shared 4 of the 5 pages I picked, I can't wait for him to cash in one of these. Will definitely take pictures of each date used -- they'd be 5 great adventures .

Last weekend I finally did something great while on a trip to SeaWorld, something off my bucket list so to speak. I'll share pictures and I am sure a collage :) 

- Jess

Celebrations of all sorts

Happy early 4th of July :)

Sitting here watching America's Got Talent -- makes me feel inspired to work on me and my best talents which I feel is writing & being that of a rockstar wife. (Among other talents).

I felt like I'd do this post, which I am going to start doing every year to re-introduce myself and my blog from this slice of the internet to those who stop by and hear my voice. I think its important to know yourself and what makes you tick.

Hi, I'm Jessica! I became a wife when I met my husband online four years ago, and we just celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. As you can tell we LOVE Disney, and each other. Right now we are working hard on ourselves before we start our family but right now we're also happy with our two dogs: Coco, Schnauzer mix & Lucy, purebred Beagle. We're big on celebrating birthdays in our house, traditions we'll carry on with our kids.  

They sure do make our lives enjoyable & they're just two cuties. 

A few other facts about me:

-I'm a first time aunt to a handsome little boy, Zachary.

- I recently just graduated with my Master's degree :)

- C & I bought our beautiful first house 6 mos after we married. 

-  I'm currently on my own Biggest Loser journey to lose the rest by Dec/Jan.

- I love to quote Bridesmaids. 'I got the first watch!' 

- Tijuana Flats, OMG, I could eat there every day. It's the cheese to my macaroni. <3

- I love taking pictures & browsing Pinterest.

- I love adventures especially w/ C :)

- I'm a Christian & reminded daily that my Savior loves me for exactly who He created me to be, & not of what the world may see me as. Big difference!

Hope you have a happy 4th of July, we're having a BBQ w/ friends + family to celebrate our Master's degrees  :) & FREEDOM!! Best of both worlds :) 

Hope you'll stay awhile ---- J.

fab friday!

After 2 weeks of not being able to link up, I'm BAAAACK for fab friday & this lady is happy!

Today I want to talk about these FAB things:
1) I lost about 5-6 lbs this month, gave myself a new weight goal (minus 15) by May 1st.

2) I met my goal for March for Pampered Chef (2 shows submitted) + I get all Help Whip Cancer products free :) (Perfect for my Help Whip Cancer all of May!)

3) I am in the last few weeks of my last MBA course and I have a perfect A.

4) Last week, I applied to work part time at 4Rivers in the Sweet Shop so hopefully I'll hear back soon.

5) This weekend is Easter & I am finally letting myself have Cadbury Eggs. Favorite candy ever and I stayed strong, buying some tonight :)

6) This weekend I am taking a much deserved break from school, for at least tomorrow. I am getting lots of house cleaning and reorganizing done since the Home Decor on Pinterest have given me new ideas. My husband = not too excited as me. Pshh. What a typical dude.

7) Part of my graduation for getting my Master's in less than a month, wheeee. is that I am getting a cupcake (portion control) and a bonus: All American Rejects at Universal Orlando. Love that I'll be there :D

8) Finally doing my hair this weekend-- kiiind of tired of people's comments that I have  gray hair. Yeahhh, not supposed to tell a lady about that to her face, weirdos. 

Have a wonderful Easter weekend :)  ~Jessica

2010.

I'm sitting here watching Gossip Girl and I was looking through my engagement/wedding pics wishing I could do my big day all over again. Granted my big day was pretty awesome :) But there's that picture that you take that just has the best story behind it. When my hubs and I were dating and in our vows- we promised to make our lives an daily adventure. 

What better proof than this picture?

As part of our engagement pics- we took a local photographer up on a monthly special where if we dressed up like superheros- we'd get 50% off! We both looked at each other & decided why not make our shoot of where Captain Jack Sparrow asks out a superhero lady to marry him. Each time people see this, they have this judgmental question-- why shy away from tradition?

Not that traditional pics are great BUT we love to be out of the box, march to the beat of our own drums. This is definitely one we can't wait to share with our kids :) 

fab friday!

Today I want to talk about these FAB things: 1. It's Friday! Been a rough week so I need the weekend badly.
2. I'm officially a nerd & almost 3 weeks ahead in my class. I really don't LOVE it but I want it over with. 3. Next Friday, is not only my husband's birthday BUT we're taking a half day! Celebrating him getting older to head to Universal & 4Rivers for dinner. Yum cannot wait. 4. Last weekend I did my first 5k in awhile, and my knee didn't blow up or hurt at all. It's a belated Fab :)  5. My actual staycation is coming up real in 10 days & it's actually a motivator to clean. Double FAB! 6. While its been a rough week with school & my job, I managed to lose 1.5 lbs this week :)  Hope you have a FAB weekend :) ~ Jessica

30 Things (pt 3)

Happy Sunday! Our plans were to originally spend time with family today but timing changed a bit. Last night I made my mom a cookie cake for her belated birthday party today :) She's not expecting it and I love surprising her this way for lunch!

Maybe two weeks ago, I wrote the original post of 30 Things and today I'll be continuing it with #15-21.

15) Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or when you fell in love: When I met Chris, he was literally weeks away from being done with the Disney College Program and we met on a Christian dating site. He told me that he'd be returning to finish up his last semester at college in KS in a month but that'd didn't matter to me. We got to know each other, talked every day and our first date was at Disney (perks of living in FL & he got in free) park-hopping with a few friends. There was just something about him that I caught early on. He has these amazing blue eyes and a smile that can make your knees buckle right away. But the chemistry we had from early on- I was immensely blessed I found someone this amazing- I had just graduated college 2-3 months prior. The day he left- he met my mom/sister for the first time and just being with him- I wasn't sure if I could handle months away until he came back. I drove him to the airport and when we kissed, it felt like part of me had disappeared. Two months later, I celebrated my birthday & moved half way across the country to be with him. The rest is history.

16) What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

Graduating with my Bachelor's in May '09.

Getting married in June 2011.

Buying our first house in Dec '11.

Paid off our car loan 18 mos early in 2012. 

Graduating with my Master's in April '13.

17) What is thing you wish the most you were great at? Art. I draw stick figures, I try to get inspired when I'm @ JoAnn's or Michaels and look at all the different areas of art but I'm just not blessed to be talented like my sis in law who is an amazing artist.

18) What do you think your spouse loves most about you?

He's told me before & there's a long list but at the top- its a 50/50 thing with my big brown eyes and my smile. There's no clear winner between the two. 

19) How did you feel when you became a parent? This will be answered hopefully Spring 2014. Until then, I have two dogs and that's the closest I am to a parent. When we got our first, Coco- I wanted to make sure that I did everything I could to keep her healthy and safe, but enjoying life (as much as a dog can).

20) Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood. The first would be when my grandma passed away when I was 11 from a long battle with breast cancer. She & I were very, very close so her death really impacted me. I remember saying goodbye and   it just hurt for a very, very, very long time. The second was when my sister was born when I was 14. I remember holding her for the first time and just excited to see who she'd become. Update: She's almost a teenager! The third would be: too painful to talk about, sorry. Just know that bullying is real and it does impact people's lives and mentality. 

21) Describe your relationship with your parents. Welp, I know that if It was 10 years ago, I'd be 17 and I'd give a typical answer. Thankfully its 2013, I'm 27 and those past days are very much behind us. My parents and I are very, very close now which I am so so SO thankful and happy for. I enjoy spending time with my family and I know that my best interest is always on their minds. We've come a long way & I know they've always got my back. 

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Now that my knee isn't bothering me, time to work out. I have my first 5k this coming Saturday and I really want to do well :) My LAST MBA class starts Wednesday, praise the Lord!  ~Jessica

30 things (pt 2)

Last week, I gave a post about 30 Things I want my kids to know about me. I meant to add on to that post last week but it just didn't happen so here we go. Trying to be more intentional about getting my blog posts written.

Tonight I'll be answering #8-14.

8) What are 5 passions you have?
First one: Baking/Cooking. My mom taught me when I was 16 how to cook. I started cooking for my family in high school, making a few dinners/wk and I really enjoyed it. Some of the meals went pretty terrible but in the 11 years, I've gained more confidence & talent to please my husband. I love to have dinner parties :)

Second one: Travelling. When my husband & I were still dating, we promised each other we'd have adventures & plenty of them. We've been together for 4 years and we've been to San Antonio (Riverwalk), California (Los Angeles), Kansas City.. etc.

Third one: Children/teaching. My biggest regret is that I didn't stick with education in college. I wanted to be a 2nd grade teacher since I was 8.

Fourth one: Paying off student loans. It sounds funny as no one really enjoys making that loan payment but I am one of those interesting people who do. Each month we each make a payment and it's what our tax refunds are going to for many years.

Fifth one: Blogging. I started blogging through Xanga in high school. I tried in college but I couldn't keep it going. Last year, I started a journey that I am 33% done with. I wanted to have a keepsake of my journey to lose 120 lbs. I want to have a baby but until I lose the remaining 80 lbs this year, a baby is only a future wish.

9) List 10 people who have influenced you & how:
First: My parents. They taught me what love, integrity, responsibility, and what living life to your fullest is (among other values). They love me unconditionally and have been my #1 cheerleaders my whole life. They are my closest friends.

Second: My grandparents (paternal). They taught my dad how to love and be a respectful, respectable, humble individual who has a huge heart. I miss both of them & can't wait to see them in Heaven.

Third (thru ten): My extended family. I grew up with them and made good memories with them. They celebrated the highs and were there for the lows. I had a great childhood and life because of them in it.

10) Describe your most embarrassing moment. I attended a youth retreat of my close friends youth group. Some of the younger ones were in the hall, wreaking havoc and in a lapse moment of poor judgement- I decided to throw ice too. I have a horrible aim so one piece I threw hit the fire alarm just at the right angle to make it go off for the ENTIRE HOTEL. Yep- I evacuated an ENTIRE HOTEL for throwing a piece of ice. Needless to say, I never got invited back from that youth group.

11) Describe 10 pet peeves you have *but I only have 7*

• People talking out of their rear without facts. I sit next to people at work who walk around entitled, cocky and experts at everything. It bugs the snot outta me to hear the negativity all day from someone who has no clue for 9 hours/day.
• Horrible drivers- Where I live people must get their driver's license blindly or with no experience. I pray all the time but especially when I get in the car for work.
• Rude people who like #1 feel they are entitled. 
• My neighbors on the left really like to push my buttons to piss me off. Literally have friends over every day, who like to park us into our driveway and have no decency to be smart individuals to know that's not okay. It literally happens multiple times a week *this is my biggest one!*
• Facebook changing things every day.
• President Obama is a pet peeve with spending so much $$ that isn't his. 

12) Describe a typical day in your life. *This will change once I have kids*

First alarm: 7:39am. Snooze once.

Get ready for work.

Make hubby's coffee, let dogs outside, make our breakfast. Get lunch together. Leave by 8:25.

Drop hubby off at work, then to the office 5 min away.

Package FA/have stand up meetings. Work with team to meet goals/try not to stress, Listen to Pandora.

Take a 45 min lunch ~ PINTEREST!!

Get off @ 6p, pick up hubby & head home. 

Let the dogs outside, make dinner. 

WORKOUT for 1 hour/shower.

RELAX/pour a drink/Netflix.

Hit the hay.

13) What's the hardest part of growing up? 

In my opinion, balance is the hardest part. My husband & I work for the same company but I never see him unless we meet for lunch, occasionally. I don't see my friends alot because we're all busy. I'm on a different journey than most people- grad school full time, losing weight, work full time, so that eliminates temptations for me. I love the weekends liek this one that are lazy & at home with my loves. May not be productive but it was relaxing and good to just unwind/destress. 

14.) Describe 5 strengths/weaknesses.

I put others first before myself.

I'm a positive person.

I sacrifice alot.

My intentions are always good.

I'm always wanting to help or volunteer to help. 

Flip side:

I can be too sarcastic.

I try to be a fixer.

I wear my heart on my sleeve.

I don't always think things through.

I'm too serious at times (mostly at work)

FAB FRIDAY!!

This week I want to talk about these FAB things: 

1. I've lost another 2.4 lbs this week & I'm hoping for another 6 before the end of the month :) 

2. I'm getting close to a year since I decided to lose the weight & with the exception of today -- I've worked hard. I'm hoping to be down 50 lbs after a year of working hard. I'm about 14 pounds away. :)

3.My Bangin' Chicken sauce from Tijuana Flats makes any iffy dish AMAZING. 

4. I decided to be a great wife last night & bake cookies for my husband's potluck: White Chocolate Chip cookies. Bonus- I made too many so I still get to enjoy some. 

5. because I submitted 2 shows last month for the salesathon-- I got the new stone for Pampered Chef, a new cookbook & the new rub for FREE :)

6. For Valentine's day- my husband surprised me by getting 4Rivers BBQ (only in FL- a hot spot).

30 things

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know that I love LOVE to pin a smorgasbord of topics from food I want to cook, fashion ideas, baby shower ideas & also for my future kids. Hopefully that last train will start this Christmas (fingers crossed!)

One of the pins I found (on my lunch break at work) was 30 things my kids should now about me.

I just now got a chance to really look at it and for someone who doesn't have kids yet- I think its important to have this info handy so that when we welcome our first, second, etc-- they will know more about us than we are their parents.  Plus its just good info to know overall- who knows maybe a family tradition to start!

Here we go. {I will be completing quite a few for the next week, or two. One day I will print them in a book for my kids.}

1) List 20 random facts about yourself.
a) I was a Miss South Carolina finalist.
b) When I was little, I wanted to start a band named Skittles.
c) My parents told me that had I been a boy, I'd been named Clay.
d) My first blog was on Xanga after high school.
e) I associate with my personality to that of Lorelai Gilmore.
f) If you look closely at my grandma, my mom & my pinkies- they all curve in on both hands.
g) I only let myself have Coldstone once a year (or twice if we feel generous).
h) I dyed my hair blonde on a whim and it took 13 hrs.
i) I have to have music playing all day or I get a migraine.
j) I once evacuated a hotel on a youth retreat.
k) For my 30th birthday, I'm making myself a cake boss cake.
l) I met my husband online (& I'm perfectly content with this).
m) I've coupon-ed since I was 17.
n) When I was younger, I used to put dryer sheets on my pillow to sleep.
o) Every night, I put on baby night time lotion to fall asleep.
p) Every time I watch DC Cupcakes, I brainstorm cakes for friends' birthdays. One day I'll make one.
q)  When I was a girl scout- (thanks to my dad)-- I sold 300 boxes as a Brownie.
r) When I need a good swim, my husband & I take a swim at a Disney hotel ;)
s) I wasn't introduced to my love of queso until Spring 2010 in grad school. ;)
t) After every (major) holiday, my hubby & I stock up decor/holiday items. Kinda cute, eh? :)

2) Describe 3 legitimate fears & how they became fears.
a) Spiders- think its quite clear. They're gross. Just seeing one makes me want to be sick :(
b) Heights- when I get too high up, I get lightheaded and fail I will faint.
c) Broccoli- Every time I've ever eaten it-- I gag. It could be good but I just cant stomach it.

3) Describe your relationship with your spouse.: As I mentioned I met my husband on a non well known website about two months after I graduated college. When we talked, I found my better half & genuine best friend. Every time he looks at me, I feel giddy. He knows me so well-- can easily make any thing better. He gives the best hugs & kisses. We work as a team and we know what our goals are & what we need to do to achieve them. I could easily write a book on this one. Baha he makes me laugh.

Our first cruise. Fall 2012

4) List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could: 
-Don't be mad at mom, she's not the one with an attitude. It's all you.
-Not all things are worth getting upset about.
-Having a boyfriend isn't the key to happiness.
-Eating your feelings is sO not worth it.
-The popular girls won't always be #1.
-Only give people your time and friendship when they are willing to do the same. 
-You are loved no matter what.
-Mom & Dad only have your best interest in my mind, keep them on your side.
-It's okay to be different inside & out. 
-Laugh more!

5) What are the 5 things that would make you the happiest right now?
-If my student loans were mysteriously paid off in full.
-If I could miraculously lose the remaining 85 lbs overnight.
-If my teeth could be as perfect as a models.
-Having more money in my account.
-A much nicer car!

6) If you could have three wishes- what would you wish for? *Better neighbors, fudge, a Jacuzzi in my backyard.

7) What is your dream job & why? There's a 50/50 on this. Wish I'd stuck with education in college so I'd be that second grade teacher I wanted to be. Or to be a counselor/therapist. Basically I want to make a lifetime of difference for others and feel I have genuinely impacted a life for the better. 

There are many more but I'll pick up with the next few tomorrow. 

Friday's Letters

Dear Root beer Floats: I love you, and the magical goodness you bring with you. Not everyone always gets excited for you but why not- its a two in one: ice cream/root beer. Plus if you want to be extra corny like me, you can say you're enjoying the buzz.

Dear Pitch Perfect: Why did it take so long for this movie to dominate my life. Already own it, and I now want to watch it daily. Rebel Wilson practically makes me pee myself each time, and the hopeless romantic in me gets excited for Beka/Jesse sarcasm & how the Breakfast Club is tied in.

Dear Scale: Thank you for rooting my team this week & making me extra happy that I lost 3 pounds this week. Hopefully this is a weekly friendship from now on.

Dear Thin Mints: I love you, and the excitement that I get to enjoy you so soon is making me excited. You literally have the power to fill me with unconditional joy. Probably comes from the 6 boxes I ordered.... from my little sister to help her out.

Dear coworker who sings like a screeching cat: Hi there, its really getting old and just know that it makes me feel like screaming and throwing water balloons your way.. Hearing you sing makes me feel like there are nails on a office wide chalkboard all day; but we both work in an office, not at a church. I'm sorry if this bursts your bubble that I don't love your singing but this ain't American Idol- I'm not paid to lie to you about your "talent."

Dear 28th birthday: I'm really excited for you. I realize you're 8 months away but I can't wait to see all of the effort paying off from working out & making great choices. Plus you brings presents, hopefully my favorite Disney movie on Blu-ray & my Disney Cruise with my husband. Can you please hurry, I am in dire need of a vacation. Like a Pinterest obsessive, lazy day while snuggling with my husband. You bring good times & paid vacay.

Memories.

One Tree Hill has the best quotes.

Next Thursday is already Valentine's Day. Now that I'm happily married, it really doesn't phase me. I do remember growing up in elementary school and the excitement of buying the cute Valentine's to give to all my friends in our special Valentine's boxes. 

And I remember being in college. single and I was pretty excited that my mom sent me a Valentine's note encouraging me that just because I didn't have a 'Valentine' that particular day to buy me roses or chocolate that it didn't mean God loved me any less. In fact, she encouraged me to stay strong and be the person I am despite. Glad I have a wonderful mother/best friend in my life.  

Now that I am grown, I get to do Valentine's for my friends/bosses at work and I found a cute idea with Rice Krispies. I'm also going to make them for my hubby's team just for him to get extra brownie points. 

His wish for Valentine's day is that I make him chocolate mint fudge: pretty easy to please, that one.. He's not big on cards so I have to oblige. 

Any one doing anything special for Valentine's? Or any past memories from Valentine's that you'd like to share? 

See you tomorrow for So What, Wednesday with Shannon @ Life After I Dew :)