Currently on repeat. Loving this new song by Haley Reinhart-FREE. Probably because I can totally relate to the lyrics. In fact, I blogged about it a month ago. Isn't it magical how music and lyrics can speak to your soul? The retro chic video also makes me smile. I was born in the wrong decade. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
And it keeps getting better!
Another reason why this week is just amazing...
I just met Ben from Ben Does Life. He's like a celebrity to me. He is currently on his Do Life tour and made a stop in Minneapolis last night and decided to do a Corporate speaking gig at Target today! He is such an inspiration. I heart him.
I just met Ben from Ben Does Life. He's like a celebrity to me. He is currently on his Do Life tour and made a stop in Minneapolis last night and decided to do a Corporate speaking gig at Target today! He is such an inspiration. I heart him.
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| My friend Mandy, Ben, Me. |
BEST.WEEK.EVER!
P.S. He's engaged. Dang.
Why this week has been awesome...
An early Birthday Present!
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| Here I am wearing it. So delicate. I have no idea what I am looking at. |
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| Cute little bud vase with my favorite flower. Birthday gift from a co-worker. So sweet. |
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| Twins game with my Dad! Aren't we cute? |
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Memorial Weekend Recap
Friday was pretty lame. I stayed home. Did Laundry. Started watching the Friends series for the 100th time. Ran to Target and managed to buy only one thing that was on my list and 4 other things that were not. How does that even happen?!
Saturday I headed to my first of many grad parties this season. It was a brunch open house. Interesting take… kinda liked it. After the open house I headed to visit my Grandma. We went to Dairy Queen and had a treat. Took her to the cemetery in which we do every year over memorial weekend. Visited my Grandpa’s grave along with my Great Grandparents and other relatives. Planted flowers. Cleaned up the headstone. Said a little prayer. On the car ride home we talked about my Grandpa. I never knew him. He died when I was just over a year old. I only know him through pictures and stories my Grandma shares. She misses him. I wish I knew him. Sometimes I feel I am being watched over by a Guardian Angel… I like to think that it is him.
Sunday it was insta-summer. 90’s and HUMID! Perfect pool weather which is where I spent my whole afternoon. I still feel a tad crispy. Sunscreen was applied however it may have missed some spots… on purpose… like my pasty white legs. Oops.
There was a crazy thunderstorm on Sunday night. Lots of rain, thunder and lightening. Poor Lulu kitty doesn’t like storms too much. I however sat out on my deck and listened to the rain and claps of thunder. There is something peaceful about a storm. Though it may be chaotic for awhile… it always passes and things are fresh and new again. Kinda like life or something like that.
Monday was pretty chill. Tended to some Pet sitting clients. Took a nap. Started getting ready for my Wine & Cheese party which is coming up this Saturday. Watched a great movie… Crazy, Stupid, Love. Ryan Gosling is in it… enough said. But in all seriousness… it was a great movie and actually had a message which I always love.
Today is Tuesday which is actually my Wednesday because I am taking Friday and Monday off to celebrate ME. I figured turning 30 justifies a 4 day weekend, no? This week is jammed pack with activities too. Twins game tonight. Running with a friend tomorrow night. Thursday E is taking me out for my Birthday. Though we are still just friends, I’m rather excited for our “Date.” Friday is prep day for my Party. Saturday is PARTY day! Extended Forecast is 70’s and Sun! Yesssss. I plan on spending the morning with last minute details, and have an appointment to get some pampering done. Hair, make up, nails. I’m worth it. My bank account might not necessarily agree. Oh well. Saturday night will be filled with family and friends. Sounds pretty perfect to me. Sunday is my actual Birthday and then I will officially be 30. A legit adult. (Deep breath) I got this.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
To Go or Not to Go?
I have a friend in my life who has been like a sister to me. We met 11 years ago. At first I didn't care for her that much, mostly because she was my brother's new girlfriend and I was very protective of him (Still am). After a good 2-3 months, I finally warmed up to her and thus began our close relationship. Lindsey and Brad met when they were sophomores in High School. They were adorable together and I believe were voted "Most likely to get married" in their Senior yearbook. My family adored Lindsey and always said "If you and Brad ever break up, you're still going to be like family to us." And we meant it. Brad and Lindsey ended up going to the same college together. Lindsey went for Nursing and Brad, business. After 2 years of college, they started to drift apart and then eventually broke up. The break up not only affected Brad, but my entire family. I remember hearing the news and was instantly sad and prayed that the 2 of them would get back together. Unfortunately, that never happened. They both were going in different directions in life and ultimately their paths never would be in sync again.
Lindsey and I kept in touch throughout the years. She has genuinely been a great friend to me. About a year ago, I got a phone call from her saying she was engaged. When I heard the words come out of her mouth, I was happy for her, but also sad. A part of me always thought that my brother and her would get back together, be married, and Lindsey and I would in fact be REAL sisters. I hid my sadness from her and instead wished her every happiness! She truly does deserve the world, and truly has a gem of a fiance who truly adores her.
Though I LOVE receiving REAL mail, I received Lindsey's wedding invitation a few weeks back and instantly had a huge knot in my stomach. Jessica + Guest. Touched that she wanted to include me on her special day, I had a difficult decision to make. To go or not to go.
Ever since Brad and Lindsey broke up, my relationship with my Brother has been strained. He changed, and not for the better. We use to be close, now every time I talk to him or spend time together, it's forced. He's always looking for excuses NOT to see me. I always have to initiate contact. And the little time we do spend together, he is always looking at the clock, counting down the minutes until he can leave. I've tried to rekindle our sibling relationship. I've apologized for things that I may have done wrong to push him away, but still I can feel he resents me. I get the impression that if I wasn't around, he wouldn't really care. It makes me incredibly sad but it is what it is.
Brad knows that Lindsey is engaged but he doesn't know that I was invited to her wedding. It wasn't something I was going to bring up... it would only cause more friction between us. After I received her invite, I really struggled with whether I should go or not. I prayed about it. Cried about it. Talked to my Mom about it. After a few weeks of agony, I made the difficult decision to not go. Out of respect for my Brother (even though he doesn't know I was invited) I just didn't feel right about it. Plus, I think a part of me would really struggle being at her actual wedding knowing that at one point in my life, I thought it was going to be Brad and Lindsey getting married.
I didn't want Lindsey to find out that I wasn't going to her wedding by way of my RSVP card, so instead I made plans to have dinner with her. We met last night and it took a lot of strength for me to keep it together. Being the wonderful person that she is, understood my reasoning. I still feel incredibly sad that I wont be there for her, as I know if roles were reversed, she would be there for me. Life is full of difficult desicions, but I can honestly say... I never thought one of those difficult desicions would be about going or not going to a wedding.
Lindsey and I kept in touch throughout the years. She has genuinely been a great friend to me. About a year ago, I got a phone call from her saying she was engaged. When I heard the words come out of her mouth, I was happy for her, but also sad. A part of me always thought that my brother and her would get back together, be married, and Lindsey and I would in fact be REAL sisters. I hid my sadness from her and instead wished her every happiness! She truly does deserve the world, and truly has a gem of a fiance who truly adores her.
Though I LOVE receiving REAL mail, I received Lindsey's wedding invitation a few weeks back and instantly had a huge knot in my stomach. Jessica + Guest. Touched that she wanted to include me on her special day, I had a difficult decision to make. To go or not to go.
Ever since Brad and Lindsey broke up, my relationship with my Brother has been strained. He changed, and not for the better. We use to be close, now every time I talk to him or spend time together, it's forced. He's always looking for excuses NOT to see me. I always have to initiate contact. And the little time we do spend together, he is always looking at the clock, counting down the minutes until he can leave. I've tried to rekindle our sibling relationship. I've apologized for things that I may have done wrong to push him away, but still I can feel he resents me. I get the impression that if I wasn't around, he wouldn't really care. It makes me incredibly sad but it is what it is.
Brad knows that Lindsey is engaged but he doesn't know that I was invited to her wedding. It wasn't something I was going to bring up... it would only cause more friction between us. After I received her invite, I really struggled with whether I should go or not. I prayed about it. Cried about it. Talked to my Mom about it. After a few weeks of agony, I made the difficult decision to not go. Out of respect for my Brother (even though he doesn't know I was invited) I just didn't feel right about it. Plus, I think a part of me would really struggle being at her actual wedding knowing that at one point in my life, I thought it was going to be Brad and Lindsey getting married.
I didn't want Lindsey to find out that I wasn't going to her wedding by way of my RSVP card, so instead I made plans to have dinner with her. We met last night and it took a lot of strength for me to keep it together. Being the wonderful person that she is, understood my reasoning. I still feel incredibly sad that I wont be there for her, as I know if roles were reversed, she would be there for me. Life is full of difficult desicions, but I can honestly say... I never thought one of those difficult desicions would be about going or not going to a wedding.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
30 Things I've learned in 30 years
1.If I am scared to do something usually means I should probably do it.
2. Sometimes wine, chips & salsa con queso is perfectly acceptable for dinner
3. I never need to apologize for how I feel
4. Sunscreen is the key ingredient for the perfect tan (30 spf face, 8-10 spf everywhere else)
5. There is always something to be thankful for, even on my worst days.
6. Unanswered prayers are usually answered prayers in disguise.
7. It's ok to cry. It cleanses the soul.
8. Sunshine makes me happy
9. A relationship that needs to be a secret isn't worth being in.
10.There is no such thing as a heart too big or loving too much. These are qualities everyone should have.
11. I'm addicted to Diet Coke.
12. I am loved, a lot.
13. Animals are my passion.
14. Honesty is the best policy.
15. My intuition is usually right.
16. Time heals all wounds. But it's a process. I've learned to give time, time.
17. When I run out of a words, I turn to music.
18. I'm not perfect but parts of me are pretty dang awesome!
19. Happiness is a choice.
20. A smile from a perfect stranger can really make ones day.
21. There is a huge difference between listening and hearing
22. Chilvary isn't dead.
23. Never settle.
24. It's a humbling day when you realize your family, especially your parents are human.
25. Forgiveness is necessary to be able to move in life. Not only for others but in myself.
26. Never be recklace with people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
27. I'm a lot stronger than I give myself credit for.
28. Laughter is the best medicine.
29. Always be kind.
30. God doesn't make mistakes. His plan far exceeds anything I could ever imagine.
2. Sometimes wine, chips & salsa con queso is perfectly acceptable for dinner
3. I never need to apologize for how I feel
4. Sunscreen is the key ingredient for the perfect tan (30 spf face, 8-10 spf everywhere else)
5. There is always something to be thankful for, even on my worst days.
6. Unanswered prayers are usually answered prayers in disguise.
7. It's ok to cry. It cleanses the soul.
8. Sunshine makes me happy
9. A relationship that needs to be a secret isn't worth being in.
10.There is no such thing as a heart too big or loving too much. These are qualities everyone should have.
11. I'm addicted to Diet Coke.
12. I am loved, a lot.
13. Animals are my passion.
14. Honesty is the best policy.
15. My intuition is usually right.
16. Time heals all wounds. But it's a process. I've learned to give time, time.
17. When I run out of a words, I turn to music.
18. I'm not perfect but parts of me are pretty dang awesome!
19. Happiness is a choice.
20. A smile from a perfect stranger can really make ones day.
21. There is a huge difference between listening and hearing
22. Chilvary isn't dead.
23. Never settle.
24. It's a humbling day when you realize your family, especially your parents are human.
25. Forgiveness is necessary to be able to move in life. Not only for others but in myself.
26. Never be recklace with people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
27. I'm a lot stronger than I give myself credit for.
28. Laughter is the best medicine.
29. Always be kind.
30. God doesn't make mistakes. His plan far exceeds anything I could ever imagine.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
"I" Statements
I feel increasingly more anxious about my pending 30th Birthday. A year ago, I couldn't wait to greet this new decade of life, now... I'm not so sure. Still feel restless and unfinished.
I want to see and love myself the way God sees and loves me. Imperfectly perfect and precious.
I need to let go, completely, and let God be God. Surrendering everything over is hard especially for a planner, organizer, and executor such as myself.
I wish I could shut off my brain sometimes or program it to focus on other things. My thoughts never rest. My dreams never sleep.
I am who I am. No apologies needed. No excuses to be justified.
I love that I don't give up, ever. Though I have good days and bad days... hope never drifts too far away from my heart.
I miss someone, a lot. I often wonder if they think of me and miss me just the same. It stings to know that some people will only remain bittersweet memories.
I still hurt from my past but it has made me stronger in my present and will continue to strengthen my future.
I hope that my dreams will become reality soon and that someday will become an actual day.
Thanks, Wendy for the "I" statement post. Anything that forces me to honest with myself and put my thoughts into writing, I am a fan of.
What are your "I" statements?
I want to see and love myself the way God sees and loves me. Imperfectly perfect and precious.
I need to let go, completely, and let God be God. Surrendering everything over is hard especially for a planner, organizer, and executor such as myself.
I wish I could shut off my brain sometimes or program it to focus on other things. My thoughts never rest. My dreams never sleep.
I am who I am. No apologies needed. No excuses to be justified.
I love that I don't give up, ever. Though I have good days and bad days... hope never drifts too far away from my heart.
I miss someone, a lot. I often wonder if they think of me and miss me just the same. It stings to know that some people will only remain bittersweet memories.
I still hurt from my past but it has made me stronger in my present and will continue to strengthen my future.
I hope that my dreams will become reality soon and that someday will become an actual day.
Thanks, Wendy for the "I" statement post. Anything that forces me to honest with myself and put my thoughts into writing, I am a fan of.
What are your "I" statements?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
My Weekend Through Pictures
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| Too beautiful for words |
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| Gooseberry Falls.
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| Cooling off my tootsies in Lake Superior... it was a tad chilly. |
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| North Shore and Campfire go hand in hand |
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| Wine with a view. I could get use to that. |
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| Relaxed Jess is a Happy Jess! |
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Blessings
I've been pretty open and honest about my desire to find the right man, fall in love, be married, and have a family of my own. I want it more than anything. I can feel it. I can taste it. But, the older I get that desire is rapidly turning into just a dream. A dream that may never happen. I've spent many a nights asking God if this isn't HIS desire for me, than please change my heart. My heart hasn't changed, if anything that desire has become even stronger. Though I am forever thankful and grateful for the life I have been blessed with, I still feel so unfinished. I still feel there is a missing piece of my heart.
I have made a new friend at work through a Bible Study I attend on Tuesday's during lunch. Her name is Leah and she has quickly become a blessing in my life for many reasons. She shared with me the following song:
Blessings
What a humbling and powerful song. What I view as unanswered prayers are just blessings in disguise. I need to remind myself God isn't finished with me yet. God's dreams and desires for me far outweigh anything I could ever imagine. I will continue to hold tight to that truth.
I have made a new friend at work through a Bible Study I attend on Tuesday's during lunch. Her name is Leah and she has quickly become a blessing in my life for many reasons. She shared with me the following song:
Blessings
What a humbling and powerful song. What I view as unanswered prayers are just blessings in disguise. I need to remind myself God isn't finished with me yet. God's dreams and desires for me far outweigh anything I could ever imagine. I will continue to hold tight to that truth.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Just Be
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| Love, |
The other night at Church, Pastor Aaron asked a very loaded but honest question:
"Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror?"
I tried hard to hold it together but tears dripped down my cheek.
Most days, I don't like what I see.
We live in a world that is filled with lies but God's truth outweighs any lie. Why must I listen to the lies and dismiss the truth?
I have to remind myself that I am God's imperfectly perfect creation. I am precious in HIS sight and loved SO much. My prayer today is that I see and love myself the way HE sees and loves me. Most days it's a battle. Today especially is a battle. But in the end, God always wins.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Getaway
I haven't taken a day off from work (besides being sick) since Christmas. I believe I am far overdue. This coming weekend I am heading up to Grand Superior Lodge with my Mom, Step Dad, Brother and his Girlfriend to celebrate Mom's 50th and pre-celebrating my 30th. We will be staying in the 3 bedroom Home. Fancy. Looking forward to the weekend away, and praying that the weather forecast changes. 30% chance isn't terrible but still... I would rather see 70's and 100% Sun!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Slow & Steady
I'm happy to report that I have successfully followed my Couch to 5k program for an entire week!! My butt hurts, my legs hurt, my feet hurt, my everything hurts but I pushed myself and accomplished the first week of training! Pretty proud of myself!!
Unfortunately, the scale and I are not friends this week. I decided we needed some distance from each other so we are taking a break to cool off. I'll get back on the scale again but I'm going to take a new approach. I use to weigh myself every.single.day. It was like a roller coaster of emotion. Some days I would be down, a lot and other days I would be up, a lot. It was torture. Not healthy. Soooooo... I have decided I am going to weigh myself twice a month. On the 1st and 15th. Since weight can and does fluctuate from day to day and week to week, I figured weighing myself every 2 weeks (approximately) would give a more accurate picture. It's worth a shot, right?
I feel like I am running a few races in life right now. I am working hard to remind myself that slow & steady wins the race... no matter what that race may be.
Happy Friday everyone!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Knife. Heart. Hurt
History has a way of repeating itself. Jess meets boy. Jess falls for boy. Boy stomps on Jess' heart. Boy disposes of Jess. Jess is heart broken. Jess puts the pieces together. Jess is better. Jess finds out that boy has moved on and quickly and somehow magically became the guy she always wanted him to be. Jess starts to question what's wrong with her. Jess doesn't understand why she wasn't worth it.
I don't even know why I am upset. Ex's become an ex for a reason, but my heart just hurts. Sometimes life doesn't seem fair, especially when you find out news that one of your ex's is not only married but is expecting a child with his new wife in a few months. Jealousy is raging in my heart as he is truly getting what my heart so desires. Why?! Why wasn't I good enough?! I want to be happy for him, but a part of me just doesn't understand how someone like him (mean, manipulative, disrespectful, and just an all around not good person) can change overnight. How come HE is getting everything I want, deserve and have been waiting so patiently for?! I know I am being completely selfish, but I just don't understand why things happen the way they happen and I'm just suppose to be smile and be ok with it all, when deep inside it burns me up.
Maybe my sole purpose in life is to be guys in between girl. Their secret. Their rebound. Their feel good friend. Their "I'm bored on a Friday night" girl. I seem to attract the wrong guys. They date me for 5 months. Just enough time for me to make them all shiny and new for their next girlfriend/ soon to be wife. They magically become Mr. Wonderful. The man I always wanted them to be.
"You're such a wonderful person, Jess."
"It's not you, it's me"
"I just can't give you what you need and deserve"
"You are so good to me, I don't deserve someone like you."
"You're going to make some guy super happy someday."
It's like a giant hug of discouragement.
Today sucked. My heart hurts and my head is so confused.
I don't even know why I am upset. Ex's become an ex for a reason, but my heart just hurts. Sometimes life doesn't seem fair, especially when you find out news that one of your ex's is not only married but is expecting a child with his new wife in a few months. Jealousy is raging in my heart as he is truly getting what my heart so desires. Why?! Why wasn't I good enough?! I want to be happy for him, but a part of me just doesn't understand how someone like him (mean, manipulative, disrespectful, and just an all around not good person) can change overnight. How come HE is getting everything I want, deserve and have been waiting so patiently for?! I know I am being completely selfish, but I just don't understand why things happen the way they happen and I'm just suppose to be smile and be ok with it all, when deep inside it burns me up.
Maybe my sole purpose in life is to be guys in between girl. Their secret. Their rebound. Their feel good friend. Their "I'm bored on a Friday night" girl. I seem to attract the wrong guys. They date me for 5 months. Just enough time for me to make them all shiny and new for their next girlfriend/ soon to be wife. They magically become Mr. Wonderful. The man I always wanted them to be.
"You're such a wonderful person, Jess."
"It's not you, it's me"
"I just can't give you what you need and deserve"
"You are so good to me, I don't deserve someone like you."
"You're going to make some guy super happy someday."
It's like a giant hug of discouragement.
Today sucked. My heart hurts and my head is so confused.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Picture Day
I totally forgot that it was picture day at work today. I literally spent about 10 minutes getting ready this morning. Thank goodness I had some hairspray, mascara and lip gloss at work. This was the finished product:
I love Instagram... it has a way of hiding some flaws. I could still pick apart this picture but I will refrain. Trying REALLY hard to see myself the way God sees me. Imperfectly perfect and precious in HIS sight.
Psalm 139: 13-14
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Decisions
Mom and I hit the mall this weekend on a mission: To find me the perfect 30th Birthday present.
First stop, COACH
I was like a kid in the candy store. The smell of leather was intoxicating. I felt completely out of place but acted is if I knew what I was looking for and that I had been to the store thousands of times (I wish!). The sales lady even commented on my taste level. Apparently I have good taste? Ha... I just like pretty things. I drooled over many a bags before in my life, but none like this. Can't really explain my obsession with Coach, it's just something I've always admired. After a good hour I narrowed my options down to these 2 lovely's
I love the simplicity of both of them. They both are classic purses that will never go out of style.
After playing dress up with fancy bags, Mom and I headed over to Helzberg to check out some sparkly pretties. Jewelry stores always make me feel uncomfortable for some reason. Probably because I have spent so little time in them. My Mom is on a hunt for a 50th Birthday present for herself from my Step Dad so she was busy trying on necklaces and rings and I found myself pretending in the engagement ring section. (Pathetic, I know). After realizing how idiotic I looked, I steered my way over to a different counter and came across the below Cross Diamond Necklace:
First stop, COACH
I was like a kid in the candy store. The smell of leather was intoxicating. I felt completely out of place but acted is if I knew what I was looking for and that I had been to the store thousands of times (I wish!). The sales lady even commented on my taste level. Apparently I have good taste? Ha... I just like pretty things. I drooled over many a bags before in my life, but none like this. Can't really explain my obsession with Coach, it's just something I've always admired. After a good hour I narrowed my options down to these 2 lovely's
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| Madison-Maggie Shoulder Bag Black with Gold Accents |
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| New Willis-Dark Brown |
I love the simplicity of both of them. They both are classic purses that will never go out of style.
After playing dress up with fancy bags, Mom and I headed over to Helzberg to check out some sparkly pretties. Jewelry stores always make me feel uncomfortable for some reason. Probably because I have spent so little time in them. My Mom is on a hunt for a 50th Birthday present for herself from my Step Dad so she was busy trying on necklaces and rings and I found myself pretending in the engagement ring section. (Pathetic, I know). After realizing how idiotic I looked, I steered my way over to a different counter and came across the below Cross Diamond Necklace:
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| 10kt White Gold 1/10ct TW Round Diamond Cross Necklace |
This picture really does not give this cross justice. It is truly beautiful in person. The chain is also beautiful. So delicate. I may be a tad nervous to even wear it for fear of losing it because it is just so pretty.
Decisions, decisions. I'm giving my Mom a hard job, aren't I?! I'd rather her choose. Takes the pressure off of me. Either way, I have a feeling this Birthday is going to be extra special for many reasons.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Run for Fun?
Guess what... I'm not going to reach my 30 by 30 goal. Unless I can somehow lose 22 lbs in 4 weeks, I am pretty much throwing the towel in on this one. I've been beating myself up pretty bad about it the past few weeks. Many pity parties. Many moments of looking in the mirror and picking a part all my physical flaws. Satan stole my joy. I dug myself into a big hole of self hatred. It wasn't pretty. It never is. BUT... I woke up yesterday morning and decided that instead of giving up on my 30 by 30 goal, I am going to modify it a bit. Lose 30 lbs within my first year of being 30. That means I have exactly 13 months to achieve this! Totally doable, right?! I'm down 8 lbs (ehh... yeah I gained 2 lbs over the past 2 weeks with my self loathing) so I only have 22 lbs to go. I can do this. I WILL do this. I will continue to check in with ya'll from time to time to keep you posted on my progress and also probably to vent my frustrations with the whole process.
Now onto to some other "News." I have decided to start running. Ugh. I'm not a runner. The Sparling's are typically slow moving objects. It's a fact that I walk faster than I run. I've tried to jog here and there when I've felt inspired to, but it was always short lived and I felt like I wanted to die afterwards. Everyone and their mother seems like they are running 5k's or training for Marathons lately. I admire their strength, courage, and determination to train and then successfully complete their races. A close friend of mine is a runner and she recently had a baby a few weeks back. Before her son was born she asked me if I wanted to train with her to run a 5k. At first, I laughed. Running a 5k seems impossible. I let the idea marinate in a bit and decided that I will commit myself to training and running a 5k sometime this summer. To some, a 5K may seem like no big deal. But to me, this is HUGE. I've heard wonderful things about the Couch to 5k training program and have decided to follow that as my guide. I had my first official "Walk/Run" last night and it went surprisingly well. I felt I paced myself well, but still pushed myself more than I thought I could handle. After my first training session I didn't feel like I wanted to die. I actually felt quite good. I felt accomplished. I felt motivated. I felt like I could continue to do this program.
Today is my off day. My muscles are tired and sore, but it's the good sore you feel after you've had a great workout. It's suppose to be 70 and sunny today so my plan is to at least go for a walk tonight. Stretch those muscles out a little bit more and just breathe in the beautiful weather.
Happy Friday!
Now onto to some other "News." I have decided to start running. Ugh. I'm not a runner. The Sparling's are typically slow moving objects. It's a fact that I walk faster than I run. I've tried to jog here and there when I've felt inspired to, but it was always short lived and I felt like I wanted to die afterwards. Everyone and their mother seems like they are running 5k's or training for Marathons lately. I admire their strength, courage, and determination to train and then successfully complete their races. A close friend of mine is a runner and she recently had a baby a few weeks back. Before her son was born she asked me if I wanted to train with her to run a 5k. At first, I laughed. Running a 5k seems impossible. I let the idea marinate in a bit and decided that I will commit myself to training and running a 5k sometime this summer. To some, a 5K may seem like no big deal. But to me, this is HUGE. I've heard wonderful things about the Couch to 5k training program and have decided to follow that as my guide. I had my first official "Walk/Run" last night and it went surprisingly well. I felt I paced myself well, but still pushed myself more than I thought I could handle. After my first training session I didn't feel like I wanted to die. I actually felt quite good. I felt accomplished. I felt motivated. I felt like I could continue to do this program.
Today is my off day. My muscles are tired and sore, but it's the good sore you feel after you've had a great workout. It's suppose to be 70 and sunny today so my plan is to at least go for a walk tonight. Stretch those muscles out a little bit more and just breathe in the beautiful weather.
Happy Friday!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Nifty Gifty
I turn 30 in exactly one month from today. Gasp. I'm starting to freak a little LOT. I have tons of anxious energy surging through my body and instead of exercising like I SHOULD, I've been eating. But, enough about that.
My Mom proceeds to ask me the following question last night:
"Ok, Jess. For your Birthday I have 2 gift ideas for you. Since you are turning 30 I wanted to get you something big. Would you like to pick out a nice REAL piece of Jewelry OR a Coach Purse."
Say whaaaat??! I was shocked. My Mom has always been extremely generous whenever it comes to gifts, but this blew me away. Both offers are so amazing. I'm so loved (and spoiled!!)
Here is my thought process surrounding these offers.
1. Besides a little gold cross with a tiny emerald in the center, I do not own a REAL piece of Jewelry. Makes me a bit sad, but I know that someday I'll get a REAL piece that I will forever cherish. Call me old fashioned, but when it comes to jewelry, I have always believed that it is a gift that should come from a significant other. Jewelry that comes from a parent or relative should be something that is handed down, an heirloom so to speak. I have a few pieces that will be handed down to me eventually, which I can not wait (but WILL wait) for. They are truly precious pieces with special meanings and I will forever hold them near and dear to my heart.
2. For whatever reason, I have always been drawn to Coach purses. Even as a little girl, I remember vividly saying "Someday, I am going to make enough money to be able to have a Coach purse, then I'll know I've made it!" Even though I technically able to purchase a Coach purse, I still can not justify paying for one, no matter how pretty they may be. I just admire them from afar.
I'm a bit torn as to what I should choose. Both offers are amazing and I would be thrilled with either. What would you choose? Either way, I feel special and loved. My Mom's thoughtfulness and generousity always blows me away.
My Mom proceeds to ask me the following question last night:
"Ok, Jess. For your Birthday I have 2 gift ideas for you. Since you are turning 30 I wanted to get you something big. Would you like to pick out a nice REAL piece of Jewelry OR a Coach Purse."
Say whaaaat??! I was shocked. My Mom has always been extremely generous whenever it comes to gifts, but this blew me away. Both offers are so amazing. I'm so loved (and spoiled!!)
Here is my thought process surrounding these offers.
1. Besides a little gold cross with a tiny emerald in the center, I do not own a REAL piece of Jewelry. Makes me a bit sad, but I know that someday I'll get a REAL piece that I will forever cherish. Call me old fashioned, but when it comes to jewelry, I have always believed that it is a gift that should come from a significant other. Jewelry that comes from a parent or relative should be something that is handed down, an heirloom so to speak. I have a few pieces that will be handed down to me eventually, which I can not wait (but WILL wait) for. They are truly precious pieces with special meanings and I will forever hold them near and dear to my heart.
2. For whatever reason, I have always been drawn to Coach purses. Even as a little girl, I remember vividly saying "Someday, I am going to make enough money to be able to have a Coach purse, then I'll know I've made it!" Even though I technically able to purchase a Coach purse, I still can not justify paying for one, no matter how pretty they may be. I just admire them from afar.
I'm a bit torn as to what I should choose. Both offers are amazing and I would be thrilled with either. What would you choose? Either way, I feel special and loved. My Mom's thoughtfulness and generousity always blows me away.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
"Status" Update
E and I are playing on Kickball league. Cute, right? I haven’t played since I was in 6th grade. I feel like a total girl playing the sport but it’s a fun excuse to get off my butt on Monday nights and socialize. Also, another activity E and I can do together. The more time I am spending with him, the more I am realizing that we are just meant to be friends. Though I feel there is an attraction on both ends, some of the things he has said to me lead me to believe that we will remain in the friend zone, forever. I will admit that when E and I first started hanging out and spending time together, I had butterflies, and was super optimistic and hopeful that there could be something more. I am a tad sad that those feelings will never develop to anything more than what they currently are. I will say that I am proud of the way I handled this whole situation. I played my cards close to my chest. Let him in, but not completely in. I set up boundaries for myself and didn’t allow myself to fall too fast too soon. I listened to my heart but more importantly listened to my head. I’m sure there is a lot of disappointed peeps reading this hoping there could’ve been a different outcome. I’m right there with you, BUT… as I’ve said all along, if nothing else I am thankful that I have a great new friend in my life.
So here I am… still single, still fabulous, still searching for my hearts desire. I will continue to choose happiness. I will continue to be ME because I am good enough and someday, someone will come into my life and make me realize why it never worked out with anyone else. God’s plans are so much bigger and better than anything I ever could imagine. Holding onto to that truth.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is good. All the time.
So here I am… still single, still fabulous, still searching for my hearts desire. I will continue to choose happiness. I will continue to be ME because I am good enough and someday, someone will come into my life and make me realize why it never worked out with anyone else. God’s plans are so much bigger and better than anything I ever could imagine. Holding onto to that truth.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is good. All the time.
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