come what may.

Sitting here on this Friday night, I feel like my head won't stop spinning. To be frank, this week wasn't the greatest or the most spectacular. I'm still waiting for news from Monday morning for an incredible opportunity that was so graciously extended my way. The last few days, I've been trying to give myself a few key pep talks in a variety of areas.

1st) This weight loss thing. Every time I fall off the wagon and make a few too many choices that result in the scale going up, I keep mentally scolding myself. Why? Because I am a lady and I tend to over-analyze. But honestly, with the frustration thrown my way from work lately -- I took that anger, unfairness and molded it into something powerful and fearless tonight. I finally did Zumba. Not as long as I wanted but I was kind of a super wife, prepped dinner & caught up on my favorite shows. But I learned that if I am going to lose this weight, I have to stop with the negativity and balance the good encouragement in. I've been searching for the spark and I think I found what I need to keep that burn alive, to make myself push hard and lose the weight. So, while I have 2 months left in the year, I am going to really work hard, and kick 2014 off with a bang.

I think its important that we stop remembering the negative and the positive. Women are so catty, and competitive in all the wrong contexts. It's rough knowing that there are so many women who feel that bad about themselves that you thought after middle/high school that you could replace them with really great people, but unfortunately for me -- I feel like all the mean girls I dealt with in middle and high school are mucking up the general population. I encounter people on a daily basis who act entitled, spend money like its the same oxygen they breathe and then turn around and treat me horrendously for no reason. I just feel like women need to forget the stress, not let these areas of weakness consume you and find an outlet to where you can keep being the fantastic woman you are. I know I am not the first woman to do it and not the last.. 

2) Dreams & Ambitions. For the longest time, and when I was growing up, I was blessed to have a Dad who loved me so much and made sure I knew it. He also prayed for me and as I got older, encouraged multiple conversations of what I wanted to do, what goals I had and what I wanted my life to turn out. (My Mom was equally incredible as my Dad).* Sometimes you just need people in your life who are willing to sit down and have a lengthy heart to heart. Everyone has passions and everyone has wants. I feel like its important to not only know yourself but to take those moments to really know what you have to offer and what you want to achieve in this life. One of my friends from college who tragically was killed in a car crash earlier this year, she was full of such wisdom and energy in her short life. One of the quotes I've seen over and over that she lived out -- was 'What will I do with this one and only life?' I encourage you to ask yourself this. Do you want to play it safe or do you want to get out and live?

3) Being that girl. That sounds pretty light and casual. But I know who I am, I have a voice, I am beautiful and I am blessed. I may not have the bank account of Donald Trump or the amazing closet of an A-list movie star. But I am writing my chapter(s) of success, romance, adventure and making fantastic memories as I go.  The best part about where I am in life is that my life is still being written -- everyday is a new adventure and I am  ready for the next chapter of starting my family. Until I get there, I have to help myself stay focused on the weight loss, my dreams & ambitions and no matter what -- being the best version of myself possible. :)

What things are you prepping yourself on? I'd love to hear from you. 

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

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. 

Fab Friday

Today I want to talk about these fab things....
-It's Friday, Friday! Sorry I got the annoying Rebecca Black song in my head tonight. After a week off for the holidays, this week dragged on but I made it to FRIDAY/PAYDAY!! :) -Textbroker is a website that  gives the chance for aspiring writers (like ME!) to be paid/get published.  I wrote an article & it was accepted, so I'm on my way!
-I graduate with my Master's in 3 1/2 months. This lady is THRILLED. -I have been working out steadily for 2.5 weeks & can already see a difference. I used to haaaate drinking water & now I crave it all the time.  -I've rediscovered my love of Skinny Cow. Perfect way to enjoy chocolate at 110 calories. -Next weekend I have 3 weeks in a row of Pampered Chef parties so I'm thrilled. I love doing these parties! -Tomorrow is my 2 year milestone of having my current job; glad my raise kicks in soon. Hope you have a great weekend! -Jessica