The life of J

My new obsession: Oatmeal breakfast cookies

2011-06-21T06:47:00.001-07:00

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast. So much so that I usually eat two breakfasts a day. My latest obsession is an oatmeal breakfast cookie, created by The Fintessista (who is such a doll). You can even watch her video tutorial on how to make them here.

So for the past week, I have been preparing two of these babies the night before - one for me and one for B before he heads to class.

I love the texture (soft and chewy)and I love being able to use a variety of mix-ins for whatever I am feeling that day (cocunut, dried apricots, cinnamon, dried cranberries, etc).

I have been kind of in a 'rut' as far as a fitness routine...so to mix it up a little I have been swimming laps with one of my besties at this beautiful pool way up in the foothills (the picture doesn't do the view any justice).

I am NOT a swimmer. Like at all. My heavy breathing and sky-rocketing heart rate during a swim makes me feel like a 400lb smoker trying to walk up the stairs. Little by little, I think I am getting better though. Yesterday I swam 1000m. It was glorious. I also did a 30 minute weight circuit during the day for my lunch break.

This morning the little nugget and I got up super early to crank out a 3 mile run (with a break at the dog park in the middle) before it got too hot. She is so dramatic when we get back from runs....

But then she pulled it together for a glamour shot (I don't know how her eyeball got cut off....)

Foodie bucket list: Home-made Energy Bars

2011-06-15T18:26:00.001-07:00

I have a food bucket list. It is made up of foods I want to learn how to cook, foods I want to 'conquer' and foods that I want to make better than Brad. More or less.

One of the foods I want to 'conquer' is home-made energy bars. I LOVE granola/energy bars. I feel like any craving I have can be fulfilled with that wonderful combination of salty nuts and sweet fruit.

I can't take full credit for creating this recipe....it came from my work bff. I changed a few things here and there, but nothing major.

The only downside to home-made energy bars is that most recipes have a lot of ingredients. This was daunting at first because I assumed it would be a really expensive Sunflower Market run. Bulk bins to the rescue! The total cost wasn't bad at all.

Preheat oven to 275. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil. Cook 1/2 cup of Quinoa on the stove-top (no picture of that, sorry). Side note, I love Quinoa.

Combine 1 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/4 C pecans and 1/4 cup sesame seeds in the food processor - pulse a couple of times until the nuts are pea sized

Some of them will grind finer than that, and that's ok

Now add 1 cup of dates, 1/2 cup of raisins (I used golden), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of apricots (or mango) to the processor and pulse until the fruit is also pea-sized. I cut the fruit up a little before I put it in there - just so I wouldn't have to over-grind the everything to get the fruit right. While it is running, drizzle in about 2TBSP of pure maple syrup.

Dump it in a bowl. This is what it will look like when you dump it into a bowl

Add 1 cup oat bran flour (I used spelt flour), 1.5 cups rolled oats, 1 cup of shredded coconut.

Stir mixture together and gradually add 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup almond butter (or any other nut butter), 1/4 cup of coconut oil (needs to be heated first), 1T vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon sea salt and one egg. Lastly stir in cooked quinoa. Let's be honest...mixing is much easier with your hands.

If the consistency is too dry, add more wet ingredients, if it is too wet, add more wet ingredients. duh.

Dump the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it out evenly - making sure that all the pieces are stuck together so when you are done baking them you can cut them into bars.

Cook on the middle rack at 275 for 35 mins or until edges are slightly browned. Once baked, allow to cool for at least an hour before you cut them into bars.

Put the finished bars in the fridge so they harden and combine even more.

Yum-o

Recipe for Naomi’s Ah-mazing Energy Bars

Ingredients*

1 cup roasted almonds
½ cup walnuts
¼ cup pecans
¼ cup sesame seeds
1 cup dates
½ cup raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup dried mango
½ cup cooked quinoa
1 cup oat bran flour (you can sub spelt flour, wheat flour, etc)
1.5 cup rolled oats
1 cup coconut
½ cup pure maple syrup, plus 2 TBSP
¼ cup almond butter (can sub any other nut butter)
¼ cup coconut oil warmed (can sub canola oil)
1 TBSP pure vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt
1 egg

*all ingredients should be organic when possible!

Directions

Preheat oven to 275°. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil. Cook quinoa on stovetop. Place all nuts in food processor and chop briefly until size of peas (some will grind up to a finer consistency, that’s fine. Add all dried fruit to food processor and pulse grinder until pieces are the size of peas. While machine is running, drizzle in 2 TBSP of maple syrup until mixture binds. Dump mixture into a mixing bowl and add spelt flour, oats, coconut. Stir mixture together while adding maple syrup, almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt, and egg. Lastly, stir in cooked quinoa. You may have to use your hands to get all pieces evenly coated with binding agents, so the consistency is like sticky, lumpy dough. If consistency is too dry and crumbly, add more wet ingredients, if it is too goopy, add more dry ingredients. Once combined, dump out mixture onto baking sheet and spread until mixture is evenly distributed. Ensure all pieces are stuck together so when you’re done baking it can be cut into bars. Place in middle or top of oven and bake at 275° for approx 35 or until edges brown slightly. Once baked, allow to cool for at least one hour and then cut into bars. Place bars immediately into refrigerator so they harden.

My BF has his J.D.

2011-06-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Three very . long . years . later . he is DONE.

We had such a fabulous graduation weekend. Lots of family in town, lots of eating, drinking and being merry. I know B is glad to be done, but I am SUPER glad he is done. I feel like i have finally gotten rid of "the other woman" in his life (law school), and I have him back all to myself! Oh, except for that whole studying for the Bar thing.

I am so proud of B. I cried when graduation was over - which was very unexpected....and odd.

To celebrate, we went to California. It was a blast.

First stop was Catalina Island. Other than it being really chilly....we had fun just relaxing, driving around in a golf cart, and renting a boat to take ourselves on our own dolphin watching "cruise."

Then we went to San Diego. And loved it. It was so great to spend uninterrupted time together.

One year

2011-02-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

My friends here and here have kids who just turned one....I have a dog that just turned one. And she weighs more than both of those babies combined...and then some.

Here are some interesting tid bits about life with Brooklyn:
1. She can finish 3 cups of food in one minute flat. The house could be burning down and she wouldn't dare take her snout out of her food bowl for a hot second to even consider escaping.
2. She sleeps under our bed. Not on top. Under. She has to wedge herself under there....i am waiting for the day when she gets stuck. It will be funny.
3. She startles herself when she farts.
4. Going up and down the stairs is the most stressful part of her day. She cries and cries and cries during the whole ordeal. It isn't that she doesn't know how to walk up or down them. It is that she mentally pysches herself out. I don't know what her issue is.....it could be that her little claws slip and slide all over the place.

Back when Brooke was just a month old...she played with this same dog

I am proud to be a Tucsonan

2011-01-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

In the midst of this horrible tragedy...the past few days I have woken up in the morning first with a sense of fear, quickly followed by a sense of pride and admiration.

(*Side note...Obviously you the viewer reading this in January or 2011 knows what happened and all of the turn of events. I am writing this for my own good....so that 20 or 50 years down the road, I can re-read this entry, or show it to my kids)

Saturday morning was a regular morning in the Hibsman/Wilson house. I got up around 9am to keep Brooklyn company downstairs and watch a few recorded shows of Modern Family on the DVR. Bradley was sick all weekend, so he slept in until around 11. We finally got our act together and headed down to campus so that he could buy his text books and we could grab lunch. As we were just getting out of the car to head to the Union, we faintly heard the news over the radio. I don't think either of us were really paying attention. All we heard is that Gabby Giffords was shot.

Then I started receiving texts from my dad, friends, mom, etc asking if we were ok, and where we were in relation to what was happening.

We ate lunch at a little vietnamese place down on University - where I asked the manager if he could change the channel from the 'asian music videos channel' to something like CNN. He said "ya, we had that on earlier, but then it was just getting too depressing" Nice...you don't want to watch the events that are totally rocking our country unfold right now because it's 'too depressing'

So there we sat. Eating Pho and watching the TV, then listening to the news in car all afternoon while running errands. Running errands IN THE SAME TOWN where some naive heartless scumbag woke up that morning, and in his is pea-brain of a head decided to load a glock with 31 rounds and an extra magazine clip and open fire on innocent by-standers at a 'town-hall' event. Just 15 minutes from our house...in an instant....he took 6 lives, wounded 13 others, and scarred the lives of all who either knew the victims, knew someone who knew the victims, or anyone in this country who simply HAS A SOUL.

The police chief was very hesitant to release the names of the deceased victims. I think that through all this mayhem, Tucson authorities were sincerely trying to safe-guard our community from any more hurt and more national attention. This is Tucson, Arizona, for god's sake. Where hippies and intellectuals collide, where locals and immigrants can come together over a juicy sonoran dog, where native americans meet hispanics, where the University is the heart beat of the community, where you can walk around downtown in your bare feet beating your bongo drum and no one thinks twice about it, where meeting people that have lived here their whole lives is more common than not...where there is only one degree of separation between you and the person in line behind you at the coffee shop....

I digress....

Brad had mentioned that Giffords had attended University High School (Brad's alma mater) and therefore she had several UHS grads on her staff. He could only think of a couple that he knew...one of them being Gabe Zimmerman.

A few hours later, Gabe's name was released as one of the 6 who didn't make it out alive. Thirty years old...recently engaged to be married. Some of his former classmates put together an impromptu vigil outside of UHS, so we attended with one of Brad's friends/co-workers.

News crews showed up, doing the standard "I'm sorry for your loss, can you come on camera and share a few thoughts about Gabe?" We listened to a few of Gabe's closest friends share some words, then just as quietly as we arrived, we left...leaving notes, candles and flowers as sweet memories.

After dinner (which oddly enough was Pho again), we headed to University Medical Center to see the vigil that had started earlier that day. By the time we arrived, there were only about 20 or so people left. But - the media presence was overwhelming.

I have been glued to the latest updates and breaking news that they are still finding out about the event. I can't get enough of it, I want to know more about the victims, the survivors, and even the killer himself.

More later...but in the mean time, watch this clip. I have watched it at least 5 times already.

Arizona Shootings Reaction

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

The Daily Show on Facebook

Confession....

2010-12-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have a confession.

I am not perfect.

This (humbling) fact has been made perhaps even more clear after 11 months of living with my significant other (read domestic partner, or DP).

I've lived with a fair share of roommates - and I even lived with my parents post-college graduation - and still I was able to keep my issues to myself, my emotions hidden (for the most part) and my skeletons safely in my closet.

Nothing compares to or prepares you for dating your roommate.

I have weird quirks and (supposedly) annoying habits. If you asked me a year ago what those were, I would have told you that I have to wash my feet before bed and sometimes I leave the milk on the counter.

Until I lived with a DP. Now all of my dirty laundry is aired out for him to see. And nothing has ever made me feel more vulnerable.

Sometimes....

All I want for dinner is spoonfuls of peanut butter dipped in honey.

If my jeans are too tight I dramatically throw myself on the bed, cry, and refuse to leave the house.

I say ridiculous things (translated: embarrassing) in front of big groups of smart people.

I start reading a 'big kid' book and don't have the patience or attention span to get past page 15 (ok, that is pretty much all the time)

I like to watch documentaries about mass murderers and serial killers....like for hours and hours

I google really ridiculous searches...that aren't meant to be found on my search history later by another user.

Facebook stalking can keep me occupied for HOURS. 743 not-private photos? Don't mind if I do!

I laugh at things that aren't funny to the general population. And I laugh LOUD. So that everyone around can hear me.

I shop online. too much. As evidenced by deliveries to our house on a twice-a-week basis.

When I first moved in with my DP, I had a really hard time letting these 'secrets' go. Ok - so they may not be exactly 'skeletons,' but they also aren't something I voluntarily share when asked "what's new?"

But now? It makes me feel even more loved that after all of this, all of my ridiculousness, he still kind of likes me and wants to call me his girlfriend.

Finding a cure....

2010-10-01T13:04:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about this. Brad and I have talked in the past about getting more involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, but we just weren't able to make it work.

In about a month, we will be taking part in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects millions of people. B was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was only 18 months old. The disease is something that affects our life (more of his life than mine) every day. From finger pricking, carb counting and insulin injecting, Type 1 really controls every hour of every day of your life.

This cause is very special to us. We would love your support in our upcoming walk. We aren't asking to break the bank - even $5 helps us to reach our goal (one latte from Starbucks!). Here is a link to our fundraising page:

Brad and Jess Walk to Cure Diabetes.

Before I met B, I really knew nothing about the disease, let alone what it is like to live with it. I found this really interesting "Diabetes Simulator" on the JDRF website that does a pretty good job of explaining a day in the life of a diabetic...here is just a short clip:
Your 24-hour Schedule with Juvenile Diabetes

Time/Action
7:00 a.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 269)
Eat Breakfast (Calculate carbohydrate grams)
Insulin administered (Amount determined by # of carbs and anticipated activity)

9:30 a.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 60)
Have juice to bring blood Glucose up.

11:51 a.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 106)
Eat Lunch (Calculate carbohydrates)
Insulin administered (Amount determined by # of carbs and anticipated activity)

3:05 p.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 167)

6:10 p.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 109)

6:45 p.m. Insulin administered (Amount determined by # of carbs consumed)
Eat Dinner (Calculate carbohydrates)

7:45 p.m. Blood Glucose Check.
Insulin administered (Amount determined by # of carbs consumed)
Eat Dinner (Calculate carbohydrates)

9:00 p.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 56)
Have juice to bring Blood Glucose up. Have snack whether hungry or not.
Check Blood Glucose again in 15 minutes.

9:15 p.m. Blood Glucose Check (Reading: 70)
Coming up, but not high enough yet. Check again in 15 minutes.

Here is a silly picture just for fun..I felt like this blog post needed a cheerful ending.

All grown up...

2010-08-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

Introducing our family's newest grad....

After 8 humbling (read embarrassing) weeks of storming through the front door at PetSmart with a wild, out-of-control, limbs-flying, tongue panting, stare-warranting Marley look-alike....Brooklyn has officially graduated from puppy class. It was a long and rough ride, but she did it, and we are very proud puppy parents.

Here are a couple of photos from our recent trip to Grandma's house (my mom and Steve's house in Las Vegas). This was Brooklyn's first overnight trip, and first time sharing a house with a cat. Meet Ozzie the Harry Cat.

Here is a pic of the 5 month old and the 11 year old. Brooklyn brought out Daisy's youthful side.

Brooke was a perfect pup the whole weekend....except for this minor lapse in judgment when she wanted to sit on the couch next to grandpa.

Don't be an Eeyore

2010-07-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

My friend Susie is like my own personal Dr. Phil. Seriously, the advice and insight that comes out of this girls mouth is TV show worthy.

Tonight we were talking about this: "Ladies, don't be an Eeyore in your relationship" - an article on CNN.com that she had found.

I am (a recovering) Eeyore. And it took me 2.5 years in my relationship to admit I had a problem (you know, like a 12 step program type of thing.)

First of all...you should make sure you read the article before you read the rest of my blog.

Did you read it?

Great.

I feel like this article was written for me...for me to read at this moment.

I have a hard time receiving criticism - doesn't everyone? But a couple of weeks ago, B totally called me out on a few things that were "blocking my blessings." Ok, ok, he didn't use those exact words, but that really was what he was saying. I was constantly looking for the faults in our life together, I was looking for the shortcomings of 'us' - even if these faults and shortcomings were totally bizarre and not validated, I was looking for them...it was almost like I wanted these shortcomings and disappointments to be there. Even when they weren't.

It was really hard to hear - but mostly because I knew it was true. I was very caught up in the 'what COULD go wrong' at 'some point in the future' that I wasn't enjoying the blessings of the present. And to be honest, when asked why I was doing that...I didn't have an answer. All I could say was "I'm an anxious person."

And then I read this....I think the author really summed it up.

So, why do women tend to ruin the one thing they claim to want the most? Is it unresolved issues from past loves, insecurity, a self-loathing feeling that they don't deserve happiness?

Actually, it's a lot simpler than that. Women have been conditioned to believe that in order to succeed in this world we always have to be a step ahead of all potential problems. We need to always be ready for when the bottom falls out. We need to prepare that safety net so we cannot be caught off guard.

As a result, women are so busy analyzing what could happen in the near future that they are destroying any possibility of nurturing the present. The mind set is not just limited to our love lives.

I think that is very true. Things are great in our new life of sharing a home. And I am truly, truly happy. But it was really hard for me to stop analyzing what COULD happen in the near future and instead, nurture and enjoy the present. The 'what COULD' happen wasn't just limited to my relationship with B, but just a lot of what-ifs in life.

What do you think? Have you ever found yourself going through this phase of being an Eeyore in your relationship or in other aspects of your life? Or maybe I am the only one....and that's ok, too. :)

The truth hurts....

2010-07-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

My friend Mark told me he had a few suggestions for my blog. I said I wanted to hear them. And this is what I got.

me: so what's your suggestion?
Mark: ah.. you're back
well, im sorry to say this.. but your blog is kinda boring.
its like it was written by that jessi that i knew that never made a disparaging remark about anyone.
me: hahaha
that is because i have to write it with the assumption that the whole world may read it some day
Mark: maybe.. but why would the world want to read that?
its doesn't answer any questions.. doesn't ask me any questions.. doesn't make me think.
im not trying to be mean... but my point is.. you're a lot smarter, a lot funnier and a lot more insightful than your writing would suggest.
Mark: and... now you don't want to talk to me.
me: sorry, someone came into my office
ha. well, i am wondering if this is a backhanded compliment?
honestly, it is just a chance for me to post pictures and let my friends know what i am doing
Mark: probably
me: i don't really use it the other wya
Mark: what do you mean?
me: well, i mean that i only use it as a way to document whati have been doing not what i think, or the sarcastic things i think of other people
i will try harder.

Mark: i do'nt know.. it reads like a postcard to someone's grandma.
Mark: i mean, if you enjoy writing and i know you have opinions... so even if you had a slightly less public forum... its fun to use. i used to throw out editorials to some of my friends from time to time.
me: that is true. maybe i need to invest more time into it
Mark: that's just my 2 cents. i think you're hiding your character.. and i think you can write about more things than your trip to the zoo.
me: wow. please don't hold back
Mark: im not. untapped potential is something that pisses me off. trust me... if i didn't think you were better than that, i would never have said anything.
me: hahaha
well, thanks?

what if i post this conversation on my blog?
Mark: i just don't always have the most tactful way of saying things
i wouldn't mind
me: welp - it's final. this is going on the blog
is there anything you would like to say to my blog friends?
Mark: if they agree with me, they should speak up. but then again, your friends are probably too nice.
me: they are very very nice
nicer than you
Mark: it doesn't take much
but then again.. you know what you're going to get. and i doubt you're angry about what i said about your blog.
me: you're right. i'm not
Mark: but the robot that wrote your blog... she might be, so don't say anything to her.
alright, i'll stop
me: omg

Mark: anyways... for your next post... after exposing me to your wide readership as a jackass... think of some crazy topic that always gets you going... something that pisses you off, something that gets you excited for no good reason and just.. go off about that.
Mark: maybe you could talk about something different between where you are and where you were. or how certain relationships have changed. your weight loss post was good because it revealed something about you.
Mark: or you might do better or be more comfortable expressing your opinion about something that's not too revealing about yourself.

Well blog friends, what do you think? Do you have any topics that you would like to hear about?

Puppy love

2010-07-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've been lazy about posting. I'm sorry...I'm sure all five of you are very upset with me.

I may have mentioned this before...but I will do just about anything that Rachel tells me to do. Why? Because she is smart.

Today she posted a cute little video on her blog that documents her five year marriage to Sol. It is real cute. She suggested I do one for Brooklyn. So I did.

(Sorry Bradley...maybe some day in October you will get your own anniversary video)

Tomorrow Brooklyn is having surgery...surgery that will ensure that she doesn't create any baby Brooklyns. Brad keeps asking if we are sure that we won't, sometime in the future, want more Brooklyns. I remind him of the past 6 months...and tell him to multiply it by roughly six. I'm sure.

Brooklyn puts on her water wings....

2010-05-26T14:34:00.001-07:00

When we gave Brooklyn her first bath the first week we got her, she did not like it. I was a little worried that we got the only lab in the world that doesn't like water. Quite the contrary. She loves it.

Brad's mom brought over a baby pool for Brooklyn and her cuz Midori to play in. And it has quickly become Brooklyn's favorite thing to do. When I go home over lunch, she just likes to go walk around in the pool. She doesn't even do anything, just walk around. I will have to post 'still' pictures of her playing, but in the mean time....

Another one of her favorites? The hose....

Visit from Mom

2010-05-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

This post is looooong over due. My mom came to visit 3 weeks ago. It was a blast. I loved taking her around Tucson and being the "tour guide" - it made me feel like a real local! Friday night after we picked her up from the airport we ate at Mi Nidito. It is an authentic Mexican joint (authentic as in we are only an hour and a half from the border). It is in the original downtown of Tucson, and can be quite scary at night. But the food is awesome, as seen by the hour plus wait every night.

Saturday I took my mom and Brad to lunch at Canyon Ranch. Brad had never seen 'the inside' of the ranch - it is very high security! I gave them a mini-tour of the resort then we had a scrumptious healthy meal.

The rest of the day was spent playing with the pups, shopping, and eating dinner at one of our favorite fun spots - Kingfisher.

Sunday we took my mom to the Sonoran Desert Museum (photos below). I hadn't been before, and according to most Tucsonians, it is a must see! And I have to admit, I loved it. They had all kinds of desert animals, plants, landscape, etc etc. It was so cool, and reinforced my love of the Sonoran Desert!

And finally the photos:

Meet Midori

2010-04-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

No....we did not get another puppy. We aren't crazy

Brad's mom is training a puppy through Canine Companions. She will raise/train Midori for 15 months, teaching her more than 25 commands (it's intense) with the goal being that at the end of the 15 months, Midori will 'pass the test' and move on to a more intensive training before she is matched as a service dog. See the resemblance? :) Midori is half lab, and half golden retriever. Brooke is all lab.

We are so happy to have Midori around, so finally Brooklyn can bite on something other than our hands and toes.

Exhibit A: (no puppies were harmed in the making of this blog post)

Midori's ear is green from a special 'stamp' she received right before she boarded the plane and headed all the way from San Jose, to Seattle, then to Phoenix.

Midori and Brooklyn love love LOVE to play with each other and roll around all over the back yard. No words are necessary, I will just post pictures.

Tomorrow, I will post the story of Brooklyn, the Houdini Dog.

Street fairs and airplanes

2010-03-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Tucson was a happenin' little big city! It was the spring-time 4th Avenue Street Fair and the annual air show at Davis-Monthan AFB. The weather was a-mazing, and luckily, fortunately Bradley and I were able to get out and experience both events! It was so fun, and reminded me how happy I am to be in a community that has fun things like that to do over the weekend. I am sure there are things like this in Las Vegas, but nothing ever caught my interest.

The most exciting part of the 4th Ave. Street Fair was riding the electric streetcar (trolley). It was only 50 cents - and it was so authentic.

The vendors at the street fair were sub-par, but I still enjoyed being out and about and people watching. The food vendors, however, were amazing. Brad had a smoked beef (I think?) sandwich, and I had a wonderful slice of pizza from Brooklyn Pizza. Yum-O. Here is a shot of the crowd on the street. It was packed!

On Sunday we headed over to the air show. An interesting fact about Bradley...he loooooves airplanes. Anything with an engine, really. His grandfather flew planes in WWII, and Bradley learned a LOT from his grandfather. I will admit that I would never have gone to the airshow by myself, but it was very interesting tagging along with someone who knew what each plane was, what it was used for, where it came from, etc etc etc (more than I could even remember).

We waited in line to check out the inside of an E3 - and much to our surprise, we got to sit in the cockpit! Like a kid in a candy store....

Before and After

2010-03-18T15:47:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not, this entry is not about the cutest puppy in the world.

I have debated on whether or not I wanted to blog this entry for a few weeks now...I am approaching this with very cautious intentions.

Let me preface this - working at a destination health resort makes you a lot more 'open' about weight, weight loss, and weight gain. Canyon Ranch used to be a 'fat farm' that would limit guest's calorie intake to 800 calories! That isn't the case anymore, we are much more about the integrative approach - medical, behavioral, nutritional, and of course exercise physiological (is that a word?)

I have about 8 photos in my new offices of me with a variety of people that are important in my life. There is a photo with some of my high school friends, with my college friends, with my boyfriend, with my Vegas friends, and of course with my mom. It has been very interesting to watch my new Canyon Ranch co-workers come into my office and ask permission to look at my personal photos. Of course you can look!

About a week ago, someone was looking at them for the first time and said "who is that girl in all of your photos?"

Me: "huh?"

confusion

Me: "that's me!"

"ohhhhhhhh, wow. It doesn't even look like you."

awkwardness

Me: "well, I had brown hair in that one, and in the other 5 of them, I am about 25 pounds heavier."

Thoughts in my head: "Holy crap! Twenty-five pounds heavier?"

It hadn't really sunk in until that moment, that I had made a significant change to my outward appearance. So significant that a co-worker couldn't even recognize old photos of me? Naw....

I am not exactly sure when I was at my peak...there were several times in college when I would start Weight Watchers, only to lose 8 pounds then gain back 11. Then after college there were still several times I would join Weight Watchers to lose 6 pounds and gain back 9. Then, I thought that training for a marathon might help get me to my 'goal weight,' NOPE! That's a negative, I just over-compensated with more and more food.

I'm not even sure what my tipping point was. Or when I had this 'a-ha' moment (That is a Canyon Ranch reference...we often refer to our guest's "a-ha" moment of when they realize that something in their life has to change, for good).

It wasn't that I started thinking "I am going to loose weight, and this is how I am going to do it."

It was more "this is my body for the rest of my life, I can either choose right now to consciously make it a body I enjoy being in, or I can continue these toxic eating habits and complain that my jeans are always too tight."

Before I knew it, I was eating less (still the foods that I liked, just less of them), obsessing and thinking about food less (I still think about what I am going to eat for dinner when I am eating breakfast, but that will never change), and weighing less. I didn't notice it until other people noticed, and when someone would ask me what I "DID" to lose the weight, I would come up with these ridiculous "excuses" that really didn't give me any credit. Ready for these?

My boyfriend moved to another state, so I didn't have anyone to wine-and-dine me anymore. (I had plenty of wining and dining with girlfriends and through my job!)

My boyfriend moved to another state, so I was sad (dumb...I was definitely sad, but not sad enough that I didn't want to eat!)

I was stressed out at work and just too busy to over-eat (what? was I too busy to partake in doughnut-Wednesday? no)

I wasn't drinking as much (ok, this is partly true. I was drinking lower-calorie drinks, still just as many!)

Just recently I have been able to give myself full credit for taking charge of what I wanted my body to look like. Do I think there was something wrong with how I was before? No way...it just wasn't ME.

I am really enjoying learning about healthy eating and healthy habits. There are several "healthy food bloggers" that blog about their weight loss journey, and if this entry wasn't so long already, I would plug them here :)

I still feel like there are a few pesky pounds that are lingering on - but I'm ok with that. Doesn't everyone want to lose 5lbs? :)

Before

After

Marley and Me

2010-03-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit it....as cute as she is....she exhibits qualities that are all too similar to Marley. Granted, she hasn't eaten a phone, or an answering machine, or jumped out of a car window....yet.

She has officially had her first visit to the E.R. Vet. At the ripe ole age of 8 weeks.

At the end of last week, Brad and I noticed that her, ahem, "number twos" were getting a little too runny. TMI? Welp, sorry! She wasn't drinking much water, and she was having major accidents inside and in her crate. By Saturday night, she was extremely lethargic, going to the bathroom every 30 minutes, and wouldn't eat her dinner. I was in Phoenix visiting a friend, and Brad...being the awesome puppy daddy that he is, took her to the E.R. The vet said she was severely dehydrated. Sadly, many puppies die of dehydration - their little bodies and immune system have a hard time fighting back.

They did a few tests (including one that meant sticking a huge Q-tip in her bum), and luckily it wasn't Parvo or a stomach parasite. Phew. However, something was still severely wrong.

The vet wanted to hospitalize her, and when Brad found out it would cost $950 to do so, we politely declined, and inquired about alternative options.

The vet suggested a subcutaneous fluid injection. Basically, they put a huge needle full of fluids in her shoulder. I wasn't there, but Brad said she looked like Quasimodo.

4 hours at the vet, one huge melon-sized fluid injection, two q-tip swabs and a vile of antibiotics later....she is healthy! We hope....

At least she is back to her spunky and obnoxious self, that is for sure!

I've been reading a lot on the internet about feeding dogs carrots. Not only are they a great and healthy snack, but it also helps with their teething.

Best Friends

2010-03-07T07:05:00.000-08:00

I and Love and You

2010-03-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

This song is where we got Brooklyn's name from:

It's such a great song - and I really think Brooklyn loves it, too. How do I know? Because she falls asleep every time we listen to it.

Brad tried telling me today that she isn't as innocent as I think she is. Apparently she "discovered her voice" today, and loved showing Brad all the different high pitched barking noises she could make. I don't believe him.

Brooklyn

2010-02-28T22:06:00.000-08:00

Name: Brooklyn
Birthday: January 15, 2010
Weight: pudgy puppy
Length: small enough to curl up on your lap
PRECIOUS....

Hiking in Sabino Canyon

2010-01-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ever since I started thinking about moving out of Las Vegas, I have been making mental notes of my life "bucket list" in whatever new city I would land in. For instance, a couple of things that I want to do in Tucson:

1. Hike
2. Go to the farmer's market
3. See more concerts in smaller venues (very college-esque)
4. Take a class at the community college (photography, photoshop, pottery....)
5. Eat at the locally/independently owned restaurants - Tucson has an awesome site for this: www.TucsonOriginals.com
6. Learn to cook - cook more - try different recipes

Anyhow - so far, we have been doing pretty well on knocking a few things off my list. Last Sunday we checked out the Tucson Farmer's Market, and even bought some yummy goodies, we love to eat out...and have been making a concerted effort to not eat at silly chain restaurants that I had in Vegas, on the other hand, we have also been really good about cooking at the house during the week. Brad 'humors' me and turns the cooking over to me a few nights, and then humors me even more when he says it is tasty.

Yesterday, I went hiking through Sabino Canyon. This particular canyon is only about 3 miles from where I work. I went by myself because Brad was working on a paper all day.

What was supposed to be a 1-2 hour hike turned into a 2.5 hour adventure of me not always knowing where I was headed. It was a perfect day, and a great way to get out and get some fresh air.
My favorite cactus! - the Saguaro Cactus

The only way to get started on my hike was to wade through this .... this is run-off water from the snow at the top of the mountain. It was coooooooooold!

Home

2010-01-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some pictures of our new home! Brad was very very VERY adamant on getting everything unpacked/purchased/settled/organized within minutes of us moving in. It wasn't gonna happen...it took about a week, but before we knew it, we had this:

This is our brand new dining room table. You can't really tell, but there is a bench on the left side. And we are VERY proud of it. Not only proud of how it looks, but proud of what a killer deal we got on it. It is huge, and we are excited for the ability to feed many people at one time.

This is our brand new bedroom furniture. We are VERY proud of it. Mostly proud that we didn't get arrested while buying it. We are pretty sure Mr. Craigslister who sold it to us got it straight off the back of a truck somewhere. We didn't ask any questions.

This is the silly putting green in our back yard. It is fun....and it is fake grass so we don't have to water it or cut it, and it looks pretty!

Come visit. We have a guest room. And I make awesome scrambled eggs in the morning.

The big picture....

2010-01-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Literally, the big picture. This is a test post to see if I have figured out (well, with the help of Rach and Vic) how to make my awesome photos BIGGER.

Sam Champion and Brooklyn Decker

2009-12-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

Completely unrelated to each other...as far as I know.

One of the major holiday initiatives my team has been working on is the Good Morning America holiday window. Three cities were chosen to decorate a window space in the GMA studio - that can also be seen from Times Square. In addition to the branding exposure that the cities get just from the window, GMA also sent Sam Champion to that city for a day to officially "unveil" the window.

Today was Las Vegas day.

Just a side note.....GMA starts on east coast time. I live in west coast time. Think about it. Yep - that means the lives shots started at 4:00a.m.

Our 'colorful' Mayor Goodman went to NYC to do the in-studio segment with GMA, and Sam Champion broadcasted live from Fremont Street with special guest Wayne Newton. Welp - I was told by the producer that they needed someone in the background to 'do something' - I wasn't quite sure what he needed me 'to do' - but I went and stood there, and before I knew it, the cameras were rolling. Here, you can watch it for yourself - I'm just behind Wayne's left shoulder. Thanks Rhonda for finding the clip!

Wayne Newton's Las Vegas

Well, about 4 hours before this clip, I was at a private cocktail reception with SI Swimsuit model and wife of Andy Roddick, Brooklyn Decker.

Las Vegas is hosting the 2nd Annual SI Swimsuit Party in February, and the SI team was in Las Vegas for a partner summit and special party with NASCAR. So, after cocktails at a suite in Mirage, we headed to a private party at Pure.

Moral of the story? I didn't sleep at all last night. I left Pure, and went home to change into WARM clothes (it was FREEZING), and headed down to see my favorite weatherman.....

Here is my new pal Brooklyn:

Cowboy boots - Wedding at the ranch

2009-11-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend I met the DG girls in Big Spring, TX for Morgan and Matt's wedding. Morgan lives in Dallas, but her family has a ranch (Morgan Ranch) outside of Big Spring. And it is beeeaaaauuutiful. It is so peaceful and serene, and it truly was a picture-perfect setting for Morgan's wedding.

Friday night we tried to find some local 'joints' to eat and and then enjoy some cocktails...it was pretty apparent that we were the outsiders anywhere we went :) We finally found Wesley John's Pick Pocket Billiards. They serve two types of beer and two types of wine and two types of wine coolers. I am pretty convinced that the wine and the wine coolers were one in the same, but who knows....

Saturday morning we checked out Ward's Boots - again, it was obvious that "we weren't from around here...."

Saturday was a perfect Texas day for a wedding on the ranch. The colors were beautiful, the weather was fantastic, and the cowboy boots were a-plenty. I started the evening out in my heels...but quickly had to turn them in for my way-more-comfortable cowboy boots.

We had a great time at the reception - I taught Andrea/Mike and Laura/Dave how to two-step. I would like to think that I did my midwestern-civic-duty. I told them to take those skills and love of two stepping and pass it along. We owe it to society.

Arizona Wine Country

2009-11-02T17:09:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Nevada Day...I had last Friday off. Pretty ironic that Nevada Day falls on Halloween weekend...it seems pretty fitting for Las Vegas. Three day weekends are perfect for going down to Tucson to visit B. So even though I was going to miss out on a few Halloween parties (halloween isn't one of my favorite holidays anyway....sorry Rhonda!), I took a much anticipated trip down south.

B doesn't have school on Friday, so we had the whole day to play in Southern Arizona Wine Country . Yes....there are vineyards in southern Arizona. The more south you go from Tucson, and the closer you get to Mexico (obviously), and the Arizona desert landscape morphs into more rolling hills and green trees and plants (as opposed to cacti). When we were done with wine country, we drove to the border of Mexico in Nogales. Interesting fact about Jess: she has a weird obsession with the Mexican border and immigrants. I got really excited anytime we saw border control. I'm weird.

Moral of the story, we were pleasantly surprised by what these wineries had to offer. We left with 4 bottles of wine, and two of them were gone by the end of the night. Woops.

Stop #1 - Callaghan Vineyard

Stop #2 - Kief Joshua

(Midget) sheep from the vineyard:

Stop #3 - Canello Hills Vineyard

Break for lunch - we were the only ones in the cafe....

Stop #4 - Dos Cabezas Winery

I have awesome friends..continued....

2009-10-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that Rachel is ONE of my greatest BSC friends. In NO way, would I ever DREAM of ranking my friends. Silly...

Rachel got her own post because she stinkin' spent time designing my blog - and I was ever so grateful.

This is my friend Courtney. We are in Ireland in this photo.
Here are the top 5 reasons that I love Courtney (notice, it is only the TOP 5, it isn't the ONLY 5, ahem).
1. Courtney is my cerebrum (yes I had to look that up) My long-term memory is almost non-existent. For what I lack in long-term memory, Courtney makes up for me ten fold. Courtney remembers EVERYthing - and what is pretty amazing is that not only does she remember everything in her own life, but she helps me to remember everything from MY high-school years as well. There are many times when someone will be talking about a story from high school, and I will have to turn to Courtney and ask her if I was there. Its awesome.
2. She is a great traveling buddy. We planned a Europe extravaganza after college graduation, and it was fabulous. (yes, I do remember how fabulous it was, thank you)
3. She loves photography and takes awesome pictures of her nephews that I stalk on facebook and her sister's blog.
4. She makes the best gooey bars in the world.
5. She is very very sincere and genuine. And perhaps those are the most fabulous qualities that you can have in a friend....

This is my friend Stina, here we are, after enjoying a fabulous dessert at a restaurant in Siena, Italy.
Top 5 reasons I love Christina -
1. Even though we went to high school together, we didn't start really hanging out until college. I can remember (shockingly) running into Christina at the dorm when I moved in freshman year, and I can distinctly remember the sense of relief I had after seeing a familiar face in a very very overwhelming environment.
2. I would like to give myself credit for getting Christina drunk for the first time in her life. Oh smirnoff ice, you were so good to us.
3. Christina is VERY tall and lets us call her Godzilla. She also introduced me to my Mint M&M obsession over the holidays. Ok, those are unrelated....
4. She was so generous to Brad and me when we went to visit her and Bob in Cayman. She was such a great tour guide, and gave us the best vacation experience two people could ask for.
5. I think that I changed the most during my college years, and Christina was there by my side the whole time. She always makes me laugh, and I love her dearly.

It's a sign...

2009-10-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today I experienced reason #467 why it is a good thing my friends are having babies and i am not....

Let's start with reason #466 - It would be absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for me to decide on a name for it. No way. That decision is way too much pressure and way too permanent. I am in no position to bestow something so permanent upon someone who has no say in it, but will be stuck with it for the rest of his/her life. I had two fish a couple years ago, and I named them Jack and Jill. Oh so original.

Reason #467 - I am physically incapable of purchasing children's clothes. I was in Laughlin for a work event last night/this morning, so on my way out of town, I stopped by the outlet mall to try and pick up some fun things for my niece/nephew, friends' new kiddos and friends' future kiddos. It seriously almost sent me into an anxiety attack. The whole sizing thing is TOO much for me. If I get a 6mo. size now, and Finley JUST turned 6 mos, will he be able to wear throughout the WHOLE winter season? Should I get a 9mo size? What if it's Christmas themed and he doesn't fit into it until January? If I want to get something for Baby J, do I buy a newborn size? What if the baby comes out and it is an unusually big baby that is too big for the new born size? (No, Hill, I don't think your baby is going to be a 17-pounder-or something, but the newborn size look so tiny!!) I know it can't be too pink, but what if it has just a LITTLE bit of pink on it, is that ok? If I buy a 3 month outfit, should it be a winter outfit or a spring outfit?

If I get something for the future camper...will mom like something that is baseball themed? Dinosaur themed? Rockstar themed? They don't really make "I'm mama's lil rock climber" onesies!

So what was my resolution to all of these problems? I put EVERYthing I had picked out down on the nearest rack and bolted. I.cracked.under.pressure.

L.A. - Family Weekend

2009-10-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, B mentioned that he wanted a vacation away from school. LA is one of his (and consequently now one of my) favorite getaway spots...so when both of us want to get away for a 'cheap' weekend, that is where we land. His sister and her boyfriend also live there, so that is a nice perk. The weekend that we were looking at was also Steve's birthday. So I hi-jacked B's plans of a weekend getaway and invited my parents. The weekend's events were all a surprise to Steve - which was fun, and slightly stressful :)

B was such a trooper and we were really able to treat my parents like VIPs in LA. B got an awesome deal at the Intercontinental for the weekend, and set up a complimentary dinner at THE GETTY for Saturday night. His aunt used to be the executive chef there, and she is still able to take really good care of her family for a few meals here and there.

Let's just say that it wasn't just 'order what you want' kind of dinner. It was an 'order what you want and we will pair EVERYTHING with a glass of wine" kind of dinner. We had 7 glasses of different wines/champagnes. It was amazing and my parents were so so grateful and excited about the experience. As was I...B has talked about going to The Getty for the past two years we have been together, but this was the first chance we got to go.

I have more photos of The Getty, but I think that deserves its own post...

At the beach

The one thing (ok, probably one of many) I can do to annoy B is to ask someone to take our photo. He HATES having his picture taken. However, I have learned that if I wait for him to have 2 beers, he is MUCH more agreeable. After two beers...look how happy he is!

Mama C and B 'looking for crabs.' Instead, they found an octopus. Ya, I don't believe them either, but they both swear by it.

Chicago Wedding

2009-10-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

I have an awesome new camera that took me forevvvver to decide to buy. And what do I do? I forget to take pictures. I will say though, as much as I love my camera, it isn't always convenient to take out for a night on the town. It is almost like another appendage, and it takes quite a lot of effort. I digress...I took a total of about 4 photos in Chicago. Two of them were of the most amazing hot dog I have ever had.

The weekend was more than this hotdog. It was an amazing wedding with my amazing friends. Sebby looked gorgeous and I was so impressed with how calm and collected she was - and at the end of the night I don't think I ever saw her without a drink in her hand, but still looking classy and fabulous.

Do you "work" here?

2009-10-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

I had a commercial shoot all day today down on The Strip. It started at Barneys at The Palazzo at 8:30am. (sidenote, it was an interview with Simon Doonan, the Creative Director of Barneys, who is hysterical).

The parking garage at The Palazzo is fairly convenient, and I am on this new kick of trying to cram in a few extra steps of exercise wherever I can, so I valiantly opted not to valet right in front of the store, but instead parked in self parking.

I park my car...in the very lonely parking lot, as it is 8:30am on a Tuesday. I get out of the car, thinking I am ALONE, and I hear this "Ma'am, Ma'am! Do you work here?"

I spin around, completely caught-off guard that this whole time there has been somebody watching me. Sure enough, the parking garage security guard is standing about 15 feet away with a clip board. Not to mention, he is dressed in the Palazzo 'security uniform' that resembles that of a policeman straight from Venice. It's creepy.

I immediately answer "no" while looking around totally confused and wondering if I accidentally parked in employee parking. Nope, I didn't.

In a accusatory tone, the security guard repeats "you don't work here?"

I repeat, "no, is there a problem?"

Security guard: "No, I have just seen your car here a lot."

Me, still confused and looking at my innocent car: "Is there something about my car?"

Security guard, now irritable: "No, Ma'am, it's my job to monitor cars, and I have seen yours a lot. You are sure you don't work here? And not just in the hotel, but you know, work here....."

STILL completely confused as to what about "I don't work here" this man doesn't understand, I repeat AGAIN. "no, I don't work here...I don't know what else to say,"

At this point, in a very irritable tone, the security guard says "Ok, thank you ma'am."

Now, if this would have happened in Kansas, I would have just been weirded out and annoyed that some security guard was giving me grief about being a local who frequents the same place a few times a month. But, after living in Las Vegas for 4.5 years, I OF COURSE understand that this whole "not just work at the hotel, but you know, "work here" line inferred a completely different/unacceptable/inappropriate line of work. No...I don't "work here" as in a "workin girl, thank you."

I have awesome friends. period.

2009-10-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Rachel. She is awesome. She is one of my greatest BSC friends, an awesome mother, a fabulous marathon runner, and the only person in the world besides myself that knows my secret password to just about every online account. I essentially trust her with my life. She is also designed my wonderful blog for me. Out of the kindness of her heart. It's called Karma, and I am sure I will return the Karma in the form of Diet Coke or CC Salsa.

This is a pretty picture of Rachel (mind you, this was taken 3 years ago).

Immediately before the pretty picture above was taken, THIS happened:

The Bean.

2009-10-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

I don't think I could ever get enough photos of The Bean. This is from August. I love it. I love the skyline. I love the reflection. I love that I look like a nerdy tourist with my nerdy camera.

Chicago!

2009-10-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

I should be packing...but I'm not. I would rather write about how EXCITED I am to see these girls this weekend for yet another celebration of nuptials. Whether it is my DG girls from college, or the BSC from highschool, there is something unexplainable about time spent together, no matter how many months have passed. Reunited and it feels SO good.

The cutest little girls...

2009-10-06T21:35:00.001-07:00

Maybe I am a little biased. But these two girls, my nieces, are adorable. huh? They came to visit this weekend.

T-Pain and Mister President

2009-10-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

All political views on healthcare reform aside, this is HIGH-larious.

My not-so-secret obsession...

2009-09-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Wedding photography blogs. I'm obsessed. As in, sometimes I catch myself wasting away an hour (easily) catching up on all my favorites. Maybe the 'weirdest' thing about my obsession is that I am not even "that girl" that has dreamed of her wedding day since she was 5. I have not planned out every detail of my "big day," I don't have a wedding folder, I don't have my colors picked out...blah blah blah. I seriously have an obsession with wedding photography. Although - at this point it has grown into an obsession of other people's weddings, but it still has not made me think any more of my own eventual wedding. Ok, that's a lie. I want to get married on the beach.

So here is a list of my faves. Most are in SoCal.

My all time favorite-I-want-to-be-this-girl blog: http://www.jasminestarblog.com/

Close runner-ups: http://www.jessicaclaire.net/, http://www.josevillablog.com/, www.f8studio.com/blog, http://www.dougmiranda.net/

Not always weddings - but really awesome photojournalism: http://bobbyearle.blogspot.com/

An amalgamation of other wedding photographers: http://greylikesweddings.wordpress.com/

There are a few others - but those are the must-sees.

Brad asked me not too long ago what I would do if money was no object. Wedding photography. THIS kind of wedding photography. Not the "ok, I need the mother of the bride, the sister of the groom and 5 ushers to line up shortest in front, tallest in back" kind of photographer.

babies and exotic adventures

2009-09-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have neither of those. I have joked with my high school friends before that I don't think that I 'deserve' a blog because blogs are for people with babies or people who live in exotic places and want to make their friends back in the states see how awesome their overseas adventures are compared the mundane life of the continental U.S. But I digress. So here it is...the gazillionth time for me to say "i'm back to blog writing, haven't you missed me?" Ya, I didn't think so.

To be continued.....

softball, wine, bowling, patron with Roseanne Barr's daughter

2008-04-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Friday was the last softball game of the season...and i played like crap so i don't really want to talk about it.

Saturday...B and i had some much desired quality time with some wine and lunch at an awesome restaurant. In fact - next to Firefly and Blue Gourmet, i would say it could possibly be my new favorite place. you did good :)

Saturday night we went bowling with some friends of ours....B claims to 'usually' bowl a 150 (ahem). After bowling, and several pitchers, we went to the bar in the middle of Red Rock Casino. A girl asked us to join her and two of her friends and celebrate their new engagement...they had already bought a bottle of patron and needed some help finishing it. After about an hour of hanging out -we find out that the girl that just got engaged was Roseanne Barr's daughter!!

Sunday was spent recovering - a pedicure with Alison, and dinner with my parents. Anddd....B and I watched Super Bad with them....ya, that was interesting and only slightly awkward :)

Sometimes we are in our own little bubble.....

2008-04-18T08:33:00.001-07:00

I think it is really hard for a lot of Americans to relate to the economic, religious, political despair that goes on in other countries. And that is sad....

For instance, this story from the New York Times today.

....Saint Louis Meriska’s children ate two spoonfuls of rice apiece as their only meal recently and then went without any food the following day. His eyes downcast, his own stomach empty, the unemployed father said forlornly, “They look at me and say, ‘Papa, I’m hungry,’ and I have to look away. It’s humiliating and it makes you angry.”.....

I don't think that 99% of Americans can relate to this. Granted, we have our own issues with the homeless and the hungry, but read the whole story...and you will see that there are people in Haiti eating patties made of mud, oil and sugar.

However, Americans want it supersized, we want an all you can eat buffet for $7.99, we balk at the thought of not having enough options on the menu, we want to eat until we can't eat any more, we want to know we got our money's worth, we complain when the portion sizes are anything less than what we think we deserve......yet at the end of the day, we ARE THE statistic of obesity.

It is stories like this one that make me want to sell all that i own and teach kids in a country far far away......

The world: 2 / Jessi: 0

2008-04-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am down...not down and out. Just down.

Not down by much, but down by two.

And you better believe that this girl is keeping track.

The game isn't over....but there is lot of 'coming back from behind' that better be in my future.

2 Days.....2 DAYS!!

2008-03-19T12:50:00.001-07:00

2 days...and here is what i can't stop thinking about:

the four loads of laundry i need to do

the 800 pictures i need to erase off my camera

the dead iPod i need to revive before i leave

the 'undecided upon' bag i need to pack

the sleep i want to get before i go

seeing Sliv in chicago!!

eating gelato at least twice a day

people watching

drinking a lot of wine....italian wine, spanish wine....what have you

smelling the gloriousness of public transportation

not working for 2 weeks

having 2 hour dinners with missy

italian bakeries for breakfast

etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

3 days

2008-03-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Well, besides being my favorite Pat Green song.....3 days means that there are approximately 72 hours standing between me and carafes of red wine, gelato, italian accents, smelly metro rides, and......finally......a vacation.

Melissa and I are so so so excited. So excited that at one point last night I thought Melissa's eyes just might pop clear out of her head in anticipation for this weekend.

However....I don't know who (ahem) didn't check the March Madness schedule when making plans to leave the country for two weeks...but with a number 1 seed in a really awesome bracket, I am a little irritated at that person.

That's alright, I will remember that when we are having a two hour italian dinner in Rome with multiple bottles of wine. Suckers.

Lastly, I am a guitar hero. B, you have two weeks two practice....good luck :)

Ugh, keeping up with a blog is like.....every other New Year's resolution

2008-03-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so.....i suck at this. There, I said it, its out there.

However, I am going to try, try, to get better at it. The thing is, is that what I want to blog about isn't always appropriate for public viewing.

The other thing is that I have been on a rollercoaster of emotion since my last blog entry, which was....well, you can see for yourself. So much to catch up on, and so much more I want to write. This was my 'baby steps' toward getting back into blogging. I know...alert the press, right?

My nieces

2007-10-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

I spent a weekend in august with my brother and his family in SLC. It was a great weekend - we spent both days on the lake with their new boat, and water skiied, tubed, wakeboarded, etc. i have never been so sore in my life.....

I am finally downloading some pictures....and I couldn't resist....

Lelia and big D with their stuffed animals from gma....

my brother, the girls, and richard.

my girlies

Holy Cow...

2007-10-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

I can not physically fathom what it is like to run this fast...Haile Gebrselassie broke the world record on Sunday, running a full marathon in 2:04:26. That is amazing.

That is a 4:45/min mile split. wow. even though i never plan on doing a full marathon again in my life (i say that, but i probably will cave sometime during a midlife crisis or something), this guy is an inspiration!

Baby Shiller!!!

2007-10-01T16:07:00.001-07:00

I mean...how cute is Claire Abigail?!?!?! This is when she was just a day old. I can't wait to babysit her! Don't get me wrong...i miss havin the boss in the office. a lot. however, i am so excited that she gets to be home with this little bundle of joy for a few weeks. soooooo cute :) and, if she were to ever work at Vanguard, i would call her chiller.

Believe that everything happens for a reason...someday we will get the answers we are looking for

2007-09-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say life has thrown several curve balls lately. Good and bad. and sometimes even surreal and surprising...sometimes i have to stop for a moment for a reality check....am i really here? is this really happening? does anyone else see this? am i dreaming?

The happy blessings of life

my boss had her baby. this has many implications :) First of all...she is a mommy...that blows my mind. Claire Abigail is honestly one of the cutest new borns i have ever seen. and it is hard for a new born to be genuinely cute...usually they just look like little awkward raisins with a conehead.

my step-sister gave birth to her 3rd little bundle of joy....Vincent Andrew. I got a call straight from the mama just yesterday...7lbs or pure excitement that little guy was. can't wait to meet him! woohoo for babies and new life...god is good.

The struggles that make you stronger

so, boss has baby, boss takes maternity leave. boss takes maternity leave, jessi takes boss' work load. jessi takes boss' work load and it goes on top of current work load. not cool. However, this is a great opportunity for me, i would have never thought that at 24 i would be managing 10+ pr accounts and two account coordinators. it has been an intense past couple of weeks, but i finally think i am getting the hang of things. there have been a couple of restless nights, of waking up and thinking about everything on my growing to-do list, not being able to shake it out of my head for a while, tossing, turning...but i think i have calmed down a bit. so weird how the human body can have such a physical reaction to stress...but it is good stress, i guess? I will admit, that there is some self-satisfaction in proving myself to a lot of people...watch out world!

Coming to terms with all facets of human life

all human life comes to an end. however, what hurts the most is when a life is cut short. again, my highschool class lost a friend this past week. as i told hillary, i truly feel like our class is cursed...it is the weirdest thing...this stuff shouldn't be happening to us, but it is...for whatever reason, i don't know. but one of these days, i'm gonna find out. the news of Sarah, really more than anything ,surfaced the repressed sadness that i have for Jaclyn.....and it made for a baaad Wednesday.

It didn't help that i also found out on Wed. that our cleaning people at the office stole the petty cash that is in my drawer. Jerks. I hope that they really needed the money to buy food for their baby, or put gas in the car, or whatever....but really people, stop going through my stuff!

Gosh...just sitting here thinking about all of the FUN things that i have forgotten to blog about in the past few weeks....dang it. i have awesome pictures from the Toby Keith concert and good stories from the VMAs...both of which would have made for a better posting than this one.

Going to Stoney's tonight for some boot scootin' good ole hometown fun! can't wait.

when i miss home...

2007-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day, this is the first....

i have been in Vegas for more than two years now...and i love it. I truly do. There is rarely a time i miss home - but when that time comes, it is intense. really, it isn't that i am homesick, but rather, i am missing things in my friends' and family's life due to geography...well, that and money. For example, i missed a wedding this summer because i couldn't buy the plane ticket. My step-sister is pregnant with her third blessing, but i won't be able to be there for that either. My dad and Helen get to go to fun Arkansas football games to watch ben play - nope, don't get to go there either. Little things here and there add up.

But probably the worst feeling there is - not being home for your friend's dad's funeral. Tuesday night, one of my high school friend's dad passed away due to lung cancer. I shamefully admit that i didn't even know he was diagnosed...however, i found out that he had just been diagnosed two months ago. This was totally unexpected...and the funeral was this morning. I know that there isn't much that i could do to ease the pain, but i would have still loved to be able to physically be there for her - and for the rest of my friends.

But i guess that isn't in the plans right now - for whatever reason, i am missing out on these things...and i think i should be learning something from it. I am getting worse and worse with keeping in touch. i have no (good) excuses. I have so many people that are really important to me, but for some reason picking up the phone to call and check in, writing a quick email, or heck - even using snail mail is just too much for me to do....really? no, it isn't too much to do - i am just being lazy.

My high school friends have been through a lot - a LOT. I lost one of my best friends on Christmas Day, freshman year...and i can't even explain what kind of bond that created with my girls. They are my rocks, they will always be there for me - and it makes me feel so guilty when i can't always be there for them when something like this happens, but also that i don't always make the effort to call, write, etc.

So - to wrap up this downer of a post - life is short. I know that is totally cliche, but it is true...really really true. Don't let one moment pass where you only *think* about catching up with a friend, dropping an email, praying for them, telling them you miss them, etc....because really - you just never know when you won't have that opportunity. I promise, i am going to start taking my own advice :)

"Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives."

Long time, no post...but lots of vacas!

2007-08-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, i suck at this. I attribute my lack of blogging to a couple of things

1. I have been out of town a lot...and it has been amazing...but it also really makes time fly, meaning that things don't get done.
2. When i am at home, and could be blogging, i usually just want to sit on the couch and watch tv - after a full day of work, sometimes writing, being witty, etc is just not as appealing as it should be
3. I would rather facebook or myspace instead of blog. i think that sometimes it is a nice 'release' and somewhat of a guilty pleasure to anonymously spy on other people's lives and see what my friends from high school and college are really up to these days...this is also the lazy way of 'keeping in touch.'

Chicago - cubs, drinks, cabs, food, friends, fun

The end of July was our DG reunion in Chicago...something we had been planning for a year. Really, a year. There were about 12 of us all together...some of the girls live in chicago, a couple stayed with them, and then about 7 of us stayed in a hotel room down town. Friday we went to a cubs game...

It was a blast - and ironically enough just about 5 rows behind us were a group of our guy friends from college that were in town for a bachelor party....random.

The rest of the weekend was full of shopping, walking, eating, drinking, and trying to relive the college years...i think it was pretty successful...

I have been truly blessed with amazing friends...childhood friends, highschool friends, college friends, 'real world' friends...they have all given me something truly unique at every different point in my life. I know there are a lot of areas of my life that i may not totally have a grasp on yet..as i have a lot of learning to do, a lot of growing up to do, a lot of experiencing to do...but one thing that is certain is that my friendships rock...end of story :)

Pioche, NV...saloons, cafes, stuffed wildlife, and campside fun

2007-07-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty sure this is looooong over due, but i wanted to make sure that our trip to Pioche and Echo Canyon went down in the history books. We went a couple of weekends ago - for Melissa's birthday. Instead of doing the whole, dinner, drinks, dancing, out and about on the strip bday thing, we decided to stop just talking about camping, and actually do it. So we did. We drove to Pioche on Friday night....stopping in Caliente for dinner at the ONLY place that was still serving food at 9pm. And the only food he served was whatever he could throw in the deep fryer. Alison, Meliss, Erin and I had our fried food, a toast to Melissa's bday, and headed to the hotel in Pioche.....and here it is...

I am pretty sure the Overland Saloon had never seen the likes of 12 Vegas girls...but i am sure they loved it. We had a few (too many) drinks in the saloon...took some pictures with the dead/stuffed elk, deer, mountain lions, whatever, then went to bed.

Echo Canyon is about 15 miles from Pioche...we set up camp, unloaded the coolers, and a couple of went for a hike. James just got a new camera...so were ever so lucky to have our very own personal semi-professional photographer with us at all times. Here are just a few:

We are such happy little campers...

There are a lot more that i could put up....but they get kind of out of hand once of the bottle of wine (random for a camping trip) was cracked open.

Ali's Bday celebration(s)... allll three of them

2007-07-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

This a blog dedicated to Ali's birthday celebration(s)....I guess when you share your bday with a country, you are entitled to celebrate it three times, right Ali? i loved every moment of it, so i am not complaining. Not to mention she pretty much threw me the most surprising surprise bday party for me - so i think three celebrations would be the least i could do....here is recap.

Celebration #1

It started with a baseball game. We went to the 51s game on Tuesday night (here birthday eve)...and it was a lot A LOT of fun. There were 14 of us...and a combination of 118 degree heat with a few too many overpriced beers equalled a great time for all. We stayed til the end of the game...but only for the fireworks, and they were definitely worth it!

After the game, Ali and I (and Billy and Brett) headed to Fremont Street - where all classy Las Vegans go for a night on the town...and there is no better place to be classy than Hogs and Heiffers. duh.

Ok, so supposedly i like country dancing so much that i am willing to do it with anyone that can keep up. Not sure how i even met this chap...Pretty sure he was old enough to be my grandpa - whatever, he could keep up, and that was all that mattered.
And here is a close up of my dancing partner....this pic will make mama proud for sure.

HAHAHA - so my dance moves were SO good, that he even gave me a thumbs up. This picture does make me proud, though, because i am drinking water. i am so responsible :)

And then, i finally nabbed a dance partner that was more my age....although, his moves weren't quite as stellar, Billy did alright for a beginner.

Celebration #2
Wednesday i somehow managed to trick Ali into thinking that i was going to spend the day with my parents....but to her surprise, spent the day with her and our friends at April's pool. It was a loooooong and hot day, full of snacking, volleyball, sitting around, laughing, watching Joel make a spectacle of himself, flippy cup, and fireworks. Can't complain - it was just what a day off work should be....and going to work on Thursday was NOT fun...but i did it anyway.

Celebration #3

Saturday night we went to Cherry at Red Rock. Jeff got a table, Rusty improved his dance moves, Joel kept his shirt on (for the most part), Alison should have worn a turtle neck, April got a 70 year old to dance on the pole, Angie left early due to consumption, and Peter left early to play black jack. The night ended with some sub-par Fat Burger, and I finally got home around 4 in the morning. Here is a 'family' photo of Joel, Ali, and me (and the only PG photo of Ali from the night)

going away, birthday, and father's day

2007-06-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

it was an eventful weekend, i guess. after softball on friday, i joined the girls for heather's going away party. this is the first vegas friend that we have all really had move away....and it was sad, really really sad. for her last night in vegas, she wanted to go to Margaritaville...which is ironic, because we never go to margaritaville, but whatever. it turned out to be great though - minus the sporadic moments of bawling (slightly drunk) girls, it was a good time. i am sad to see her go, but know that she is following her heart, and i wish her the best. heather is an awesome girl, and i am pretty sure neil is one of the luckiest guys in chicago that she would pick up and move to be with him.

i went to get my oil changed yesterday morning...at walmart...after getting in at 4 in the morning friday night...for some reason i thought i would set my alarm for 7 to be the first in line at walmart...in hopes of not having to spend any more time than necessary at the worst place on earth. I was wrong...it was a 2 hour wait...and when you are very tired, and slightly hungover, walmart is just 100 times worse. however, i did walk to pet smart to buy some dog treats and almost bought two goldfish. They were 12 cents...then i decided it wasn't intelligent to make an impulse buy of two living creatures just because i was bored. but i have been thinking about it a lot more, and think i will go get the little fishies this week.

Yesterady was also my mom's birthday, and they had a party in the back yard...traditions of my mom's birthdays = keg, pizza, and tequila shots. seeing as though tequila and i are not friends after our little misunderstanding on cinco de mayo...i did not partake. as much as (i hate to admit) my mom and i are a lot alike, there are two things we will never see eye to eye on: tequila and running.

this morning i was finally able to sleep in, and went to the gym and ran 5.5 miles! the half marathon is still 6 months away, but i really want to run it at a much more decent pace than a 10 minute mile this year...

Georgia - sun, sand, sweat and sharks

2007-06-12T20:41:00.001-07:00

Well, there were a few other things mixed in there...but that basically sums up the trip to St. Simons Island...well that and the wedding of course....

Friday was the rehearsal and dinner. The wedding was at Lovely Lane Chapel...and it was just as magical as the name :) Set in the middle of little brick cottages with huge willow and oak trees all around it....if it weren't 104 degrees with 80% humidity, i would have said it was perfect, however, i was sweating balls and that isn't my idea of perfection.

Apparently Steve 'saved' these hermit crabs' life, and was 'incubating' them back to good health in the kitchen sink....in a bake pan with salt water.....anyhow, it was time for them to go back to their natural habitat, and so i took them to the beach with me...their names were Mike and Stephanie, in honor of the bride and groom....I took a picture of them because they were part of the family for the weekend.

This is the beautiful bride...she was so so so excited all day. Actually, i have never seen her so excited.

Really, this picture just makes me giggle. Shake it mama :) (she is the one in the middle)

Last day at the beach....

which was a good thing, because then i saw him catch this shark. in the same water where i was just standing. his name was dave, he is a chef, and he has a son...named zeke. he once worked in the mirage...when i was like 7.

case of the mondays?

2007-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Case of the mondays? I think so.

or maybe it is a case of the "i just got back from a vacation at the beach." that could be it as well.

Either way, i have a case of it. And i am counting down the hours until i can leave work and go to the gym. weird, maybe...but i seriously have the urge to run....right now.

Georgia was good...all of the pics are on my home computer, so i will write more about it later. But all in all, it was a good trip. However, it was very hot and very humid. I can do hot, but humid is a whole other story....hair.was.a.mess.

Got to lay on the beach all weekend long, and it was amazing. until the last day....the guy i was sitting by was fishing, and within about 10 minutes caught a shark. no kidding. i will post the pic later. his name was Dave, and i told my mom that i thought dave belonged in a movie - he just had this presence about him that would make him perfect for the "island man that is pretty decent looking, but has a kid, but is still a charmer and fishes all day....and talks in a southern accent" role. he is a chef, and even after learning my name, still called me "vegas."

Here is the one pic i have at the office....this is my beautiful mother and me....

More to come about the trip later....i promise.

Quick update...and I mean quick

2007-06-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

I don't have time to do this....but I have been at work since 7:30, and don't plan on going anywhere for lunch, so i think a 10 minute break to post a blog should be alright.

Life has been, for the most part, pretty great (I will explain the 'for the most part' in a second).

Work has really been kicking my butt lately...which is good. I am taking on a lot more account executive responsibilities, meaning more ownership of projects, more client interaction, and more pressure :) However, it also makes the day a lot more enjoyable...i can leave at the end of the day and feel very accomplished...kind of a personal/professional satisfaction feeling. I also had got a great hit for one of MY clients last week, and have been recognized and praised both from the client and our partner in Salt Lake on my work for it - which is very encouraging.

My step sister is getting married this weekend in St. Simons Island, Georgia...and i am SO excited for it....i love getting out of town for the weekend, and we are staying on right on the beach. Although, i just checked the weather and i think it is supposed to rain all weekend, boo to that.

Got a pedicure last night....the lady took the liberty to cut my toe nails really short without my permission, and not 5 minutes after i left the place did i smudge the polish on the gas pedal in my car. Did i mention that i also broke the heel of my shoe yesterday as well? yeah..just my luck. whatever, no use crying over spilled lemonade.

And perhaps what is VERY exciting news...my 'sister' Blaney is back in town for the summer...and i am so excited to see her soooooon.

Now for the sad news. A family friend from El Dorado has passed away. Charlie was in Prague for just a couple of weeks studying abroad when he was found unconcious and unresponsive in his room. Charlie's family has gone through a lot in the past year - losing their mother pretty much unexpectedly to cancer....anyhow...his whole family is pretty close to my family (dad and mom's side)...and Charlie was a groomsman in my step-brother's wedding...so his loss has affected a lot of people. Not to mention he made going to the Mad Hatter that much better with just a mere hug ;)

http://www.legacy.com/Kansas/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=88712735

Remember, life is short...never pass up an opportunity to tell someone how much they mean to you.

Let me just say...

2007-05-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I love Carrie Underwood
I very much dislike Joe Perry stooping so low to play guitar for Sanjaya

I love Elizabeth Hasselbeck
I very much dislike Rosie O'Donnell

I love running
I very much dislike sit ups

I love people having their own voice, opinions and views
I very much dislike people who think everyone else should see it the same way

I love waking up in the morning to my radio
I very much dislike waking up to my neighbor's five dogs howling at their pet monkey

Taiwan

2007-05-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

I came across my travel journal yesterday - and considering that I am lucky i have even kept track of it since my trip to Europe....i thought i should go ahead and transfer my Taiwan entries to the blog...in the rare (or not so rare) chance that this baby gets lost in my room. So, bare with me...here is a recap of the most amaing Asian trip ever...

First, some background - my college roommate, best friend, confidant, etc etc, Emilie, has been in Chia-Yi Taiwan for almost a year now serving God as a missionary and English teacher...molding the young minds of taiwanese middle schoolers. So, i went to visit her.

Sunday, April 1:

Alright, first of all, i am not even sure what day it is. I flew out from LV on a Thursday morning, and got to Taipei late on Friday night. The flight was long, obviously...but really really, it was long. At the airport in LA, the people at the EVA gate (the airline i flew) questioned if i was in the right line - as i was the only white girl within view. Yes, i am in the right line, thank you. I found $40 at the gift shop, I tried to give it back, but the cashier told me to keep it, so I bought Emilie $40 worth of English magazines.

Our flight was a little late, so i arrived in taipei around 11pm. however, soon enough i was reunited with Em, and it was amazing. It was such a great feeling to see her after so long, and so many miles! It was so surreal to think that we were together, in asia. We took the bus back to Chia-yi....a 3.5 hour ride! eeek. So, i didn't get to see much of taiwan yet. I am pretty sure that all of the sleeping taiwanese people were probably very annoyed with the two white girls catching up on their gossip for a whole 3 hours, but oh well...

We got back to her place around 3:30am, and mind you, my body has noooo idea what time to think that it is.

The next morning, we woke up early, and headed to the school bus. They go to school every other saturday, when they have 'clubs.' Well, em was asked by the community service club to go to the nursing home and play guitar while they sang worship songs. Yes, the first place em took me to in Taiwan = nursing home.

After that, we took a tour of the campus - and then it was lunch time, and time for my first scooter ride :). If any of you know me at all, you know that i am a BAD passenger...i am very jumpy and very paranoid...therefore, em was a little anxious to see how i would do on the back of a scooter. I think i did rather well :)

We went to Sushi express, where all kinds of different sushi dishes come out on a conveyor belt, and you just pick up whatever you want. It was amazing. Then we just walked around the street shops.....and got stared at :)

That night after a loooong nap, we got up, got some Taiwan beer, pizza, and got ready to go to Player...a club. We took a very illegal taxi ride with 4 people in the back....we were the only Americans in player for a good 2 hours. so, we enjoyed some more taiwan beer, and some great american songs sung by a very taiwanese band. Such songs as "This love." lol.

Enjoying a taiwan beer just as the taiwanese do...with ice in it...

Tuesday, April 3

Sunday we went to church. Rode the scooter, of course. I got to meet Emilie's friend, Emily, someone i had heard so much about (and was baptized a christian on easter sunday!). She was so excited to meet me, too...it was great!

Church was interesting...it was a very small room upstairs, and the whole service was in Chinese. Then a translater had a microphone in the back of the room that she would translate into for us, and we listened on little walkmans. After church, we went to eat at an amazing 'family style' restaurant...here is a pic.

Then i got my first tea experience...it was amaaaaaaazing, and i craved it every day.

After that, we took a walk in this little park in the middle of town. That night, we went to a couple of other missionaries' home.

Monday, Em had some papers to grade, so i went to hang out with a third grade class that her friend Jenny taught in the afternoon. They were soooo cute, and unbelievably smart! They had better english than a lot of the older kids that we talked to...if i had a picture of the cute third graders, i would put it here:

That night, we went to an amaaaaazing dinner....it was almost my first rainy scooter ride:

Dinner was great - they brought out ALL kinds of raw meat on platters, and we cooked it in these little grills right in our table. That pot in the middle is a hot pot...basically they put anything and everything in a 'hot pot,' with a little broth, and call it soup.

tuesday, Em and i went into town for some lunch and shopping. I bought a shirt that said "Love and Peas." It was obviously translated by a non-english native speaker...think about it.

This was also my first exposure to the buddhists burning 'ghost money.' Outside of their shops it is very common for them to set up little fire pits, as i called them, and throw in this yellow paper that is called "ghost money." they are literally (well, as literal as you can get) 'paying' their respects to their dead ancestors. They also set up a little altar by the fire where they set up a shrine to their ancestors.

ok...so this is the point where we went to Kenting. This is a beach town, where they have a huge festival every year that is comparable to spring break....they even call it 'spring fling.' Emilie has a close friend, Tony, that is in the Taiwanese army...and he invited some of us to meet up with his friends to go to Kenting. Here are some pics:

Tony was an awesome tour guide...he thought he was going to make it to LV this summer, but unfortunately he can't, and so i am unable to repay him for his hospitality.

Here is a pic of one of the food stands at the night market in Kenting...yes, those are chicken necks and feet. yikes.

TO BE CONTINUED.......

um ya, about that new year's resolution

2007-05-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

ok, ok...so i just read my last post, and realized that it was written on December 22. woops.

well i am back. and let me tell you why.

I have realized in the past couple of weeks that in the blink of an eye, life can change...and really, it isn't that my life drastically changed in the past few weeks, but when i really think about where i was two years ago vs. where i am today, i am blown away with what has happened. And really, i wish i would have kept better track of what was going through my mind these past few years because maybe it would help me to make more sense of what i want for the future.

So, as i was running tonight (the best run i have had in probably 4 months), i decided that i owe it to myself, and my family that isn't geographically close to me to keep up my blog. Then i thought it would be really cool if i could run and blog at the same time. I really do have a lot of deep thoughts and profound ideas when i am running, but the second that i get back inside the house, my mind is void of anything of interest.

However, i did make a mental list of future blogs that i want to make sure to post....
1. Taiwan (i found my travel diary when i was cleaning my room, and i think it would be best to transcribe that to the blog rather than count on me to keep track of that thing for another year)
2. My priorities
3. How living in las vegas is much different than lawrence, ks.
4. This conversation:
Me: "Someday i am going to date a nice guy."
Ali: "Me too. And i am excited."

So there....all of you devout, and not so devout readers are absolutely allowed to hold me accountable....i will keep up blogging more than once every 3 months.

blogging...it's my pre-new years resolution

2006-12-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

okay - i am back...and because of my lengthy absence, i am going to simply sum up the month of December, and because i love you, here are some pictures to go along with it....

The 1/2 marathon...considering my not-so-stellar dedication to training, i consider my performance pretty decent. I finished 3963rd out of 7147 people...that means i was faster than 3184 people...

My mom was in charge of two things...making it to the half way point to take any unwanted clothing i planned on shedding and to take pictures. She succeeded at one...taking my clothes. This is the ONLY decent photo that i found on my camera...and it is in black and white. Apparently taking race photos is now a photographic art.

No worries, mom, some day i will teach you the intricacies of modern technology.

(i am in the white hat)

I was only sore for one day...although, that soreness was like nothing i have ever felt before in my life...

Our company 'Holiday' party was in SLC last week, and so I was fortunate enough to get a free vacation to see my family, and to hang out with Evan. Here are some pictures...

This is Dari...before we opened presents...thankfully she got some new clothes and she didn't have to run around naked anymore.

This is post-presents...playing with play dough...Dari is in her new clothes (thanks to yours truly) and Lelia is in her Snow White outfit - sans the black wig.

This is post-play dough...and my favorite time ever....LOVE her.

Saturday night was the Vanguard Holiday Party...I would post a pic of Evan and I at the party here....but, i didn't have my camera, and he has the pics (ahem). The Christmas party was a fun time - Evan and I really enjoy awkward moments such as "This is my date Evan." (awkward pause) other person replies, "oh....so are you guys...wait," "no, we are not 'together' just together....see, he never really broke up with me in highschool and now....., you know what, it is a really long story, but we do qualify for common law marriage."

That night it snowed, and it was awesome.....the next day Alison and I went to Park City on a mini-vaca, and that was amazing. Park City is like a little Winter Wonderland, and I am a huge fan.

Well, until next time kiddos -

for the sake of a friendship, i MUST post a blog

2006-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today i was threatened to post a blog or i shall never receive any more gossip from the country of Taiwan.

i must post a blog.

the problem is, emilie, the gossip you are probably looking for is not 'blog' appropriate, but i shall do my best :)

Work - is good :) i love the two girls (women, i guess) that i work with, and it makes sitting in my cubicle in a room the size of a small apartment, that much more enjoyable. As any job, it has its ups and downs. One thing that i am struggling with, though, is at the end of the day - what really have i done? i am not sure that at the end of the day i can go home and feel as self-fulfilled as i want to feel from a job. I am constantly weighing the options of going back to school (very likely) or switching careers (which would be likely if i had any idea what i wanted to do).

This week I am house/dog sitting for the 'rents. As you may know, i am not a huge fan of dogs....BUT, watching MY dogs is different. Maggie is growing older by the second - not to mention she is as deaf as one little dog can be. That is no lie....i can lift up her ear when she is sleeping, and YELL her name....and no response. Yes, this is funny, and kind of endearing, BUT, it is really annoying when it is time to put the dogs out, and i can't find her - i can't call her name and expect her to come running, i have to go search for her, tap her on the back to wake her up, and motion to come downstairs. But i love her. Daisy isn't deaf, she is spoiled. She follows me everywhere, and when she wants me to pet her while i am in the bathroom, i have to draw the line somewhere.

The half marathon is in less than 2 months - I just got back from a 6 mile run that went surprisingly well.....training for the half is leaps and bounds better than training for the full....it isn't quite as time consuming, and i don't dread every weekend run like i did last year. I can actually say this time training is enjoyable, whereas last time training was dreadful.

i have no boy update....end of story.

My mom bought me a coach purse for watching the dogs.....i think that i might now be a purse snot, and will never be able to settle for anything less than a designer purse.....i am a sell out, and i don't like it.

Oh, and my hair is brown now. I don't have a good picture of it yet - the pics i have are from last weekend, right after i got it done, and it wasn't just brown, it was red. for a brief second, i thought of myself as a red head....luckily that all faded, and i am pretty happy with the brown that it is now.

Going out tonight, i shall let you know tomorrow if brunettes have more fun :)

love you all......take care :)

Yesterday was national "Talk Like a Pirate Day"

2006-09-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was national "Talk Like a Pirate Day." What did YOU do?

Just when you think September 19th couldn't get any better.....you are proved wrong.

As many of you know, my roomate has a dog. And as many of you know....i am not keen on the idea of the roomate having the dog, but i like the roomate, and i like our friendship, so the dog can stay. When she used to talk about getting a second dog, i told her that it was either her boyfriend or the second dog - we didn't have room for both - she would have to choose

My roomate got ANOTHER dog. yes, another dog. It is a weimaraner - 9 weeks old. And she is cute....but she is still a dog...still a puppy....still not house broken.

She also doesn't have paw-eye coordination....so she runs side-ways.

The boyfriend and the second dog are both staying

I don't REALLY understand the concept of a second dog, mostly because i don't understand the concept of having even ONE dog.
1. i am selfish and want to be on my own schedule - none of this "having to leave somewhere early to go home and let the dog out." I will have enough of that when i have kids
2. i can barely take care of myself, let alone a four-legged creature
3. i am poor, i would rather by food for myself than food for a dog

I actually REALLY like dogs, i really really do.....i LOVE my parent's dogs...... just as long as someone else is taking care of them.

Happy birthday, dad.....and a little LA thrown in there

2006-09-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

These are my feet - and that is the pacific ocean :) It was taken during my not-so-lucky LA vacation with the girls. In case you haven't heard....three of us got jaywalking tickets and we blew out a tire going 85 on I-15 between LA and LV.

We weren't even jaywalking...we were trying to get away from some guys who were harassing us on the sunset strip...we crossed the street...at a cross walk....but when hand was up. The cop was a total jerk, and he made me cry (imagine that)....and no, i don't know how much the ticket is yet.....but you better believe that Karma comes back around, Officer Brooks.

Even though it was a run of bad luck for a vacation...i couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to be with, so either way we had a great time and made lots of memories :)

It is Friday night, and i am writing a blog....what a dork

um, i am broke as a joke......after a trip to the doctor and the pharmacy took $170 of my hard earned cash...i decided the smart thing would be to stay home.

Also, this work week was jam packed....and i am over it.

Happy Birthday Dad :)

Good Morning

2006-09-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

that's all it takes, and i am swooning.

i see one decent guy in our office building MAYBE twice a week. And I always say if i see someone on the elevator, i will use my coined pick-up line "oh, E is my favorite elevator" (they go from A to F, and they are all exactly the same)

Well sometimes at 7:55, i don't really feel like using the line, even if i see a cute boy - my morning routine is:
walk from car to building

say hello to EVERY security guard that i see (the security guards that mysteriously know my name without me ever telling them)

ask the parking attendent if he has had that MRI on his back yet (his answer is always "no, next wednesday")

pass the shoe shiner, "hello" "hello, how are you," "i am fine, you?"

get paper from guard by the elevator, say "hello and thank you"

push button for elevator, get on, stay silent, and get off on the tenth floor

BUT....today, i was thrown a fast ball

decent guy gets on elevator

thoughts in my head: "oh my gosh, do i say the line? am i even awake yet? is he cute, or is that still sleep in my eye"

AND HE SAYS "Good morning"

freeze

freeze

AND I SAY "good morning, how are you?"

(yesssss, i have proven my capability to talking like a normal human)

"i am here"

"well that is half the battle"

"but i am a little late"

i look at my watch "well, what time do you have to be here?"

"8"

"well then i think we are on time"

elevator stops on 6th floor.......

at the same time:
"well have a nice day"

and now we are blogging

2006-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so far, this blog has been random and only updated about once a month. i am going to try really hard to keep it updated on my life, career, family, current events, and boy issues :)

I have decided to run the half marathon this year - the full marathon pretty much ruined my knees and i am not sure it is worth putting them through that again just to say "i did it!" because, really, i can already say that. What i am going to work on however, is improving my 13.1 mile time, rather than just crossing the finish line.

Next up, i think i might go back to school.....not more than a class or two at a time. Also not sure what i am going to go back for, but i have ample time to figure that out before Spring. i kind of feel like i have had a year since college to relax, rest, be crazy, independent, find my way, make my mark, and fly by the seat of my pants, but now i am ready to get re-focused on some things that i want to do for me. I have done the things that i wanted to do right out of college: find a job, find a core group of friends, and settle into becoming a grown up....and now it is time to make some other goals.....

After quitting 24, there was only so long i could stand running outside in the hot, dry, boring heat...and so i joined LVAC...and now i am obsessed with the steam room

also obsessed with Sunday's marathon of Miami Ink.

great hair

2006-08-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Old Guy: "you have great hair"

Me: "thanks"

OG: "no, really, you have great hair"

Me: "no really, thanks, i washed it this morning"

small talk, small talk, small talk

OG: "how old are you"

me: "how old do you think i am?"

OG: "umm......33......and you look GREAT for a 33 year old"

me: "not quite that old"

OG: "27?"

me: "younger.....you know what....it doesn't really matter"

small talk, small talk, small talk

OG: "you really do have great hair....i bet it smells really good, can i smell it?"

me: "um, sure, i guess"

smells hair....which is a little awkward for others watching at the bar

OG: "is your hair naturally that straight?"

me: "no, naturally curly"

OG: "that is how my wife's is"

me: "awesome"

what a lucky lady

small talk, small talk, small talk

OG: "let's go gamble, what do you like to play?"

me: "well, black jack or craps, but I don't have any money"

OG: "you can use mine"

me: "no, that's okay, i really don't need to"

OG: "no, really, you can use mine. I think your hair is good luck"

me: "no, i should go home, i have to work in the morning"

OG: "no, come on, let's play black jack and bring your hair, it is good luck."

me: "fine"

find open $25 table, sit down, dealers name is walt - OG puts money on the table....splits the chips.....gives me half.....

asks me if he can touch my hair for good luck

fine.....whatever, i left my pride at the bar, and really i don't know anyone but alison and melissa, and they won't judge

OG: "wow, you know how to actually play"

me: "um, yes...i can hold my own"

OG: "wow, you haven't lost a hand"

me: "i think its the hair"

black jack continues....black jack continues....change dealers.....black jack continues

OG: "do you want to go to san diego tomorrow?"

me: obviously confused, and obviously no intentions "um, i have to work...."

OG: "i will fly you there.....and then back before dinner. my horse is racing at Del Mar."

me: "ohhhh....of course....your horse. what's its name?"

OG: "Klevin's Verbatim. and he's gonna win. take your winnings and go bet on him. i will fly you there....we will leave after lunch, and then i will fly you back"

me: "um, i am gonna have to pass"

black jack continues - and now it is time to go home

me: "okay, i am calling it a night, and here is your money...."

he refuses to take the money......

i refuse to take the money.....

he refuses....

i refuse.....

he tells me it is for the great hair......

i finally give in and take the money......mama could use a new purse

OR i could pay for my jaywalking ticket

Float trip ...... and knee

2006-06-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

friday night we left for lake havasu - driving in the desert can be scary...especially when the girls you are with insist on telling horror stories from their child hood and scary books that they have read....

we woke up at 6:45 on sat morning and met at the grocery store at 7 where we shopped for lunch and beverages. the grocery store probably hasn't got that much action at the crack of dawn since last year's float trip- there were a lot of eager rafters there.

it didn't take long to realize that my raft was inferior to all other rafts...but really i didn't care...it was 8 dollars....and it did the trick.

we sailed away at about 9 in the morning....nutri-grain breakfast bar and michelob ultra light in hand - the breakfast of champs :)

the concentration of tatted bodies and pierced appendages was higher than that of fake body parts in the summerlin 24 hour fitness.....well maybe not really....but there were a LOT of tattoos and a lot of piercings - just a touch of class. i met a guy named monty....he assured me that yes, "you know, as in the full monty." to which i reply, "yes, i am familiar with that movie, and thanks for the clarification."

sunday i slept like a little sunburned baby on the couch for quite some time...it was amazing.
so....about my skinned up knee.....

i woke up this morning to go running before work. I realized that tomorrow is the 6 month anniversary since the LV marathon...and i can barely run 4 miles.

so...in an attempt to rectify that....i decided i would start running again.

side note....since the marathon....i DESPISE running outside...it really just reminds me of that 26.2 miles that i have come to equate to a slow miserable death...my body hated me in training/during the race/when it was over. SO.....running outside kind of makes me want to cry.
i am trying to over come that.

so Blue (my iPod) and I went for a jaunt. just as i am thinking to myself "see this isn't so bad....a little hot, but not terrible."

and then i fell

yes, i fell. i don't know what happened, and thankfully i couldn't ask anyone because no one saw me.

i do know that i rolled my ankle....and skinned up my knee.

sweeeet....my knee resembles that of a 10 year old boy who is learning how to skate board.

Basketball and Float Trip

2006-06-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

it's friday...i think i am going to unofficially make friday's my blog day - so while i finish my cream of wheat...and before i get to work.....here it is:

First subject: Basketball

I played basketball last night with some girls, well....like 8 girls and 2 guys...that doesn't really matter, what DOES matter, is that someone had some MAJOR body odor issues. i am not just talking like "oh, someone is kinda smelly out here." i am talking "WHOA....that stink is so bad, i am worried that it might stain my clothes"

after the brief worry that it could be me...i quickly ruled that out...it most definitely was not.

it was the girl i was guarding

awesome
i am guarding smelly girl.......and i think that it affected my shot.

and i thought swimming was the only sport that you timed your breathing - i was wrong - when you are playing with smelly girl....it is important, and rather imperative that you time your inhales - do not breathe in while she is in a 5 foot radius, or for the 3 seconds after she runs past you.

enough of that - because frankly...just talking about it makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

second subject: FLOAT TRIP ON SATURDAY

over my lunch hour on tuesday, i went to Wal-mart in search for the perfect float/raft/tube. even though wal-mart is a bad place with under-payed employees who get minimal benefits, and are governed by the "big men" who give a mere .5% of their earnings to charity----and continue to drive out mom-and-pop shops......Wal Mart IS probably the best selection of not-so-expensive floating devices....

I got two rafts: one for me....and one for our cooler :)

My raft:
i feel pretty comfortable with my decision.....i won't be constantly submerged in the water at all times...but if i so choose to lounge in some river water...i think that is possible as well. It also has a cup holder.....duh.

The cooler's raft:
The first one is a little lobster type guy....he is there to carry our cooler of goodies......I thought this would be perfect because I think we can figure out a way to keep some stuff dry on him....

Finally - if you want to read a blog that is even better than mine:
http://www.thecompanybitch.blogspot.com/

Friday Blog - update

2006-06-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

that's right kids....it's been a while since i have written an actual personal blog...so i think it is just that time.

secondly......it is summer....i was going to write about it being my first summer without a summer vacation...but that's not true. LAST summer was the first summer without a vacation...but considering i was in Europe for some of it, and unemployed...it feels like this is my first summer in the real world. and i don't like.

there was a shooting in my neighborhood last weekend....so i guess that is kind of a big deal. no worries, it was an isolated incident, and i believe the kid who was shot in the leg and the back is going to recover nicely. i mean....who does that? who shoots people? really...i think we live in a pretty nice neighborhood - one next door neighbor doesn't like our yelping dog (neither do i) and the other neighbors only speak a couple words of english....just when you think that you're safe...someone goes around shooting at people. did i mention my roomate's boyfriend left our front door unlocked the next night? yeah...sweet, thanks for that.

-I have decided that i like Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf waaaay better than starbucks.
-I am trying to find a cheap place to take Bikram Yoga, i don't think a cheap place exists
-I want to go to the Pat Green concert...but everyone is going to be out of town...if you are interested...let me know (July 2)
-I am going back to wichita in july for a friend's wedding
-I am thinking of selling one kidney in order to pay for a plane ticket to either italy to see my sister, or Taiwan to celebrate the chinese new year with Em.....if you are in the market for a new kidney (heck, I would even think about giving you a great deal for two)....let me know.AND........I am going on a float trip at Lake Havasu next saturday.....floating, sun, friends and booze.....it is going to be great.

okay...that is enough for today...have a great holiday weekend everyone :)

Hump Day randomness

2006-04-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Hump Day, and all that it stands for, it is only natural that we celebrate with a quickie (blog that is )

Not only is it hump day, but i have also decided it is a day of randomness...so this will be a random blog...all that my little fingers can type during my lunch hour

word of the day: cantankerous: adj. bad-tempered; quarrelsome synonyms include: ill-natured, cross, grumpy, choleric, crabby, crusty, surly, cranky use it in a sentence...It is inevitible, and quite routine that cantankerous people work out at the gym on Saturday morning.

thought of the day: i don't think the voting system on american idol is fair. i would explain..but I dont feel like it
observation of the week: i get a wedding invitation, save-the-date card, or wedding shower invitation at least once a week. the first words out of my mouth- "ok, who's the sucker this time?"

Lesson of the Day: "Wants I rope you in there is no escaping" does NOT equal "Once I rope you in there is not escaping"

yes, that is what a 4 year journalism education at the University of Kansas and a career as a PR coordinator has warrented thus far. awesome.

is it me, or do i look like i only have one eye in my profile pic with lauren? the other eye is the one that notoriously gets lazy after a few cocktails anyway...so maybe it is better that way?

and finally....the fear of the week: I have yet to do my taxes...and when i think about that...my heart rate goes up, i get a little dizzy, and my palms sweat.....i need to get that taken care of.

okay kids....back to work....have a great hump day!

Found: Abandoned Shopping Cart.....Color: Blue

2006-03-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

this blog is long overdue.......i am so sorry.

So...Monday morning....when I left the house at 6:15 to take someone to the airport....i open the garage and to my surprise there is a blue shopping cart on its side that was apparently leaning against my garage door. So, if you have lost your shopping cart, a blue one, one that I believe is from Albertson's....it is waiting for you at the entrance of the Pueblo of Summerlin.

On a side note...this is going to be a real short blog
Weekend was great......tyrell got married....i had lots of fun....lots of cocktails.....and i think that i am now physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. Went to Tryst and Rain....and i HATE rain.....if you evern feel like going somewhere overcrowded, hot, dark, smelly, and loud.....where you can get groped and fondled on the way to the bathroom...then go to Rain....not fun!! tryst on the other hand continues to be a good time. i believe we are going tomorrow night....holla

I am going to now give a shout out to my good friends Sebby and Kelli. Two of the greatest people you could ever meet.

These two girls can make me laugh more than anyone else....they ar beautiful, caring, understanding, good listeners, and overall, they are fabulous friends. Being around them makes me happy. End of story. That is why i am so sad that we don't even live in the same time zone.....some day though.

but be careful boys...these two girls are very much spoken for...and i couldn't be happier....sebby met her bf on a train...and kelli gushed over her bf all semester that they had class together......

Last night I made dinner for Meredith and I.......I am very very proud of myself for this, considering that the extent of my cooking is usually putting some turkey and cheese in a tortilla and rolling it up. While I was cooking, she was going through our bills......and then it hit us......we are like a little married couple. Um, so you don't take this the wrong way, meredith is my roomate......

Okay, here is where i end my blog......
peace out peeps

Marathon

2005-12-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

This is a blog that I posted post-marathon on myspace: for your viewing pleasure!!

hi friends! i know most of you probably got a text from me at mile 22 and then at the finish...but i just wanted to give a little update, post-marathon experience.....and i have missed myspace all weekend, and just needed to give it some love...so here we go.

First of all, at mile 22 when i stopped to get water, i was a bit drained and discouraged, so I sincerely appreciated all of the reply texts that i got....like i say all of the time, i have the best friends in THE WORLD!!!

For the two pics that i took on my phone--please see "more pictures" (because I still don't know how to put them in my blog )

So, i got a little teary eyed at the beginning--with the national anthem, the salute to soldiers, and just being there before dawn with lots of fireworks, it was a little emotional....and then i told myself that i probably shouldn't waste any precious energy on crying, cuz the next 26.2 miles would be even harder.

Here are some highlights, because I am sure you don't REALLY want the play by play--

I ran behind a group of Elvis' (see more photos)....and one was drinking a miller lite.
There were less port-a-potties than expected, leading me to stop at a Circle K to use the bathroom.....good thing i wasn't aiming for a personal best.

By the time I got to the food table at mile 22, they had run out of food....i was seriously seriously hungry, and that wasn't cool.

BUT, after i passed the foodless food table, someone on the side of the road gave me mustard pretzels and a dixie cup of beer

Then i crossed the finish line---and got a little teary eyed again.

Here is the kicker--I was on the phone with my friend hillary, and i was standing there with my parents, this was literally 2 minutes after i finished. and some guy asked me out on a date for later that night....i had dried salt on my face from my sweat....I said "i am sorry, what did you just say?" and he said it again, and I said "i am really sorry, but no"---k bye!!

And today, i feel like there are knives being stabbed into every major muscle in my body...i am seriously moving like a 90-year-old lady....it is pathetic.

Okay, so that is enough for now kiddies....again thanks for all of your support....now that it is over, it is balls to the walls partying---i would like to compare it to my college days

Peace in the East (and the west)

5 Days

2005-11-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

5 days and counting til the big day kids--and lucky for me, i think i will have a little friend in town (no, not the kind of friend that cheers you on, the kind that can really put a damper on a lot of things) How do i know that this "friend" will be in town?

1. i got a little emotional and leaky at IHOP...yes, that's right, i sniffled over scrambled eggs and toast. luckily susie was there to therapatize me. what was wrong? i have no idea, i just know that there is a time of the month when the tears just start flowing :) i think that the waitress def. thought i was crazy, and yes i probably was

2. i am really really hungry. it is like i am feeding a tape worm. lucky for my waistline i will be running 26 miles in about 5 days.

3. all i want to do is lay in my bed

yes, that might be too much information for the kiddies in the audience, but i thought it was pertinent information for the day.

my friend tyrell got engaged last night...they are dropping like flies, and i don't like it....but i am def. super happy for her--in fact, i am so happy, that i am taking her as my date to a holiday party and gala this thursday.

the funny thing about that last comment? i was actually going to take a boy--but really, in the past week i have learned that my friends are more dependable, caring, and loyal than any boys :) actually, i already knew that, i just am learning it more and more every day lately.

i am out like hyper-colored t-shirts

2005-11-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

It is the week before the marathon, and i am super anxious, stressed, excited, and uptight...so i thought that blogging might help to ease some of these feelings....and i don't really leave for lunch ever--so this might be a nice way to unwind in the middle of the day. i hope everyone enjoys a little bit of jessi in their day

I got up and ran this morning at 5:30. crazy, yes. but i wanted to make sure that my body knew what it was like to get up early and run in the cold. the funny thing about this mornings run, is this: something really pissed me off this weekend, and everytime i thought about it, i started running faster, and before i knew it, i was very tired, and home much sooner than expected. i also realized that i just might look like phoebe when i run--remember that friends episode when rachel is embarassed to run with phoebe because she looks ridiculous...yes, i think that i must look ridiculous, because i get a lot stares when i run....

so.... 6 days till the big race....and like i said i am a bit nervous. not nervous in the sense that i want to finish in a certain time, more nervous that i won't physically make it over the finish line. but....i think i will....even if i cross it crawling, with 2 knee braces on, dried sweat on my face, delirious and puking....all that matters is that it will all be over soon....and then the weekend after there will be serious celebration--to include one bottle of wine all to myself. :)

well, there will be more to come later over lunch--more about my weeknd, because i know everyone is dying to know about it