Things I did today...

1. Ordered more RSVP cards
2. Ordered jeweled haircomb for wedding
3. Booked hotel for getaway weekend in July
4. Sent pictures of sample centerpieces to florist
5. Mailed checks to vendors
6. Placed stamps on invite envelopes and thank you cards
7. Ignored clean clothes on bedroom floor
8. Finished addressing invite envelopes
9. Made table numbers for reception
10. Paid bills and balanced checkbook
11. Called landscape company (they still haven't sealed the concrete... they're two weeks late)
12. Typed up ceremony program rough draft
13. Ordered misc wedding supplies from Stampinup.com (one of which is a stamp collection
that is called "I love lists")
14. Watered plant in front yard
15. Wished I had more time to paint

...it was a busy day...

Life in Bloom

Life is hectic… my creativity draining, but my life is full of promise and happiness. I spent the morning (5 hours to be exact) performing wedding duties… diligently ordering supplies, addressing envelopes and applying stamps. I was a long productive morning, but there is so much more to be done…
The laundry still lies unfolded on the floor, clean dishes in the dishwasher need to be put away, and my office lay in shambles. What’s a girl to do? What will I do with all of my free time after the wedding? My friends say that I am destined to get ready for babies, and I’m inclined to agree, but I hope to have a little time to get my household in order.
My vegetable garden is in full bloom, and so are the stupid birds that insist on eating every ripe strawberry available… the cantaloupe vines make their way over the raised beds, and the zucchini lay nestled underneath their protecting leaves. It’s quite a site to wake up to in the morning…
Life is in full bloom… and I’m enjoying the view…

Finding the balance...

My health is the best it has ever been, and I'm more motivated about maintaining it than ever... however, something is missing... I haven't done anything creative since May of last year. I feel lost. I have finally found time for exercise and health, but now I'm faced with finding even more time for my creative self.... I'm overwhelmed.

I am amazed at how many women can do it all... work, kids, art, etc.... but I have to say that I'm exhausted!!! I work about 40 hours a week, work out 4 or 5 times a week before work, and I spend a few hours a week cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. What am I going to do when I have kids?!?

I need to find a balance...

Personal growth...

I've been thinking about the future lately. The upcoming wedding, and baby-making plans has forced me to rearrange my priorities and put my health at the top of the list. In true Jess fashion, I did my research... read some books, consulted a dietitian, and even started working with a person trainer (I'm wearing a heart rate monitor as I type). I'm working out more, eating clean, and have added supplements to my daily regimen.
I feel amazing!!! I have so much energy and my future feels full of promise... this is one year I plan on sticking to my resolutions... 2010 is the year for personal growth...

Rain...

I wish it would start raining... it would go well with my mood lately...

Our home...

We finally got our keys today... I unlocked my own front door, used my toilet for the first time (I know you really wanted to know that), and labeled our mail box with Joseph and my name. It finally feels like our home... IT'S OURS!!! Let the packing begin...

Feeling the ick...

Yes, I'm one of those women who nit-picks every single aspect of her physical description... if my arms and but were a little tighter, if my boobs were a little bigger, if my eyelashes were a little longer... maybe then I would be happier... it's complete nonsense!! Really, Jess, why do you do this to yourself?

Why are women so critical of themselves? I've been trying to lose the same 5 pounds for the last 2 years, and you would think by now I would just learn to be happy with where my body is, but oh no... I just lament over every extra potato chip I eat and every day that I do absolutely nothing active... nonsense!!!

Yeah, I could get some bigger boobs, but next thing you know I'd be bribing my plastic surgeon to do one more procedure to turn me into Cat Woman... nonsense!!!

My "Dove message" said "remind yourself that it's ok not to be perfect"... funny how a piece of chocolate is telling me to be ok with myself...

Just a obsessive thought brought to you by PMS...

We're Engaged!!!

Joseph and I went to check out the "major construction" at our house on Saturday. With my camera in hand we went room by room to assess the progress. We walked in the master bedroom, and as I turned towards the bathroom I noticed rose petals all over the bathtub and floor, and an ice chest with champagne in the corner (actually, it was sparkling cider... I had to go to work in an hour). I thought "what the heck have these construction workers been doing in our house," and when I turned around Joseph was on one knee clutching a black box.

He said, "You are the love of my life, and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

I said,"Oh my God!" and started crying... and then, I said "Yes!"

I love you, my Stink, and I can't wait to grow old with you... you are such a wonderful man, and I'm blessed to have you in my life. I love you...

Tickle time and massages...

This was part of my birthday present... tickle and massage time... two of my favorite things, and for fear that Joseph would find it and throw it away (he hates tickle time), I took a picture... it lasts longer...



Ok, so I’ve been neglecting my blog… It’s been insanely busy at work, and since I now have the mortgage monkey on my back… duty calls. Averaging 60 hours a week I’m sure has taken a couple years off my life, but my down payment is just about covered, and then it’s on to the furniture. Yes, I’m a workaholic… thanks mom!!! I feel like I’m neglecting the apartment, but more importantly I’m neglecting my Joseph… sorry, my love… I hate coming home to find him asleep, and I’m sure he’s not happy about spending every evening by himself, or kissing me goodbye at 6 in the morning, when I’m barely alive. These are the sacrifices we make for adulthood… well, I hate it!!! I miss my days off, cuddling with Joseph while we watch trashy television, and I miss our nightly massages…. ahhh… those were the good ‘ol days, when life was simple, and I only had to furnish 800 square feet. But here I am on day 6 of a 12 day stretch at work, and just as money hungry as ever… damn the man!!!

My garden is moving along… I’ve eaten two beefsteak tomatoes (delicious!!), the Purple Cherokee’s are setting fruit, and the Schefflera clippling I stole from my mother has successfully set its roots and is now growing babies… YAY FOR ME!!!

On the flip side my gladiolus never grew flowers, just grew leaves and died… and my persian buttercups have yet to grow flowers, only leaves as of now. My friend, Sharlotte, gave me an orchid for my birthday, which I’ll probably kill before the month is over… I don’t do well with finicky plants…

Our house is still being built... Joseph and I visit every couple weeks and take pictures… here’s what it looks like as of a week ago… Do you notice something new in the front window… yes, it’s the SOLD sign. Yep, it’s all ours.

We had our family’s 2nd annual pool party at my parents last weekend and it was a huge success thanks to 6 different kinds of beer, an electric wine bottle opener, and the Margarita Machine... No, it wasn’t all about the alcohol. Did I mention Joseph and I kicked some serious butt in volleyball (you too, Dave)… yes, Dad, you can have a rematch next year… better bring your “A” game, or do the smart thing and switch teams...

Anna

Dad, Joseph, and Me

Kelley

Lexi

Cora, Stu, and Trish

Me and Joseph... Damn, I love this man...

New beginnings...

We received some wonderful, early birthday, news today... Lennar accepted our offer on our dream house. It's 2250 square feet of happiness, and has 4 bedrooms, and 3 baths, perfect for our future growing family and my need to create. The kitchen opens up to a beautiful great room overlooking our backyard... which will be dirt for awhile, but with the help of Joseph's Aunt, we will have a sanctuary to enjoy for years to come (my kitchen table is filled with landscaping books and magazines... time to do my research)

I hope this house see tons of loud family parties filled with laughter and tequila... and also that my dad follows through with his threats and spends a couple nights in our guest room (I could just imagine waking up to him and Joseph sitting in the living room watching cartoons and eating Lucky Charms... classic!).

We are so over-the-moon excited!!!