tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61989256996877522202024-03-04T21:50:13.066-08:00In the Year of ThirtyJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-55195835176974346152014-06-30T10:48:00.000-07:002014-06-30T10:49:55.919-07:00Learning to Live Life<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">So I was talking to someone the other day who said she read my blog (hi, Jessica) — I really didn't think anyone did that! Her mentioning of the blog got me thinking that it has been a really, really long time since I have actually blogged. I decided it might be good to go ahead and try to post at least 2 blog posts this year. Here you have it, the second one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I honestly had to go back and even see where I left off from the last one. That's just sad. I am clearly not the best blogger. But one of the things that I have loved about being able to blog is to let people see that this is real life. It's funny because a pastor spoke yesterday at church and that was a big part of his message. As Christians, we are to share three things: love, the Good News and life. I pray I have been able to do that here, and I am thankful for those I get to share life with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">He also said some really other good things yesterday (see his message <a href="http://pinelake.org/blog/sermon-follow-up-june-29-14/" target="_blank">here</a>). One of the things he talked about is how we try to make our lives look perfect...hello, Facebook. But sharing real life is what helps others grow. Sharing struggles, that's real. So I am thankful that's what I have gotten to do over the last year with people. Live my life...the good, the bad, the ugly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br />Since my last post, I have had another surgery, gotten out of medically induced menopause (praise Jesus), have had to deal with not being healed and have had to accept living with chronic pain. One of the things that's neat about all of this is that I can be real about it. Yeah, going into another surgery (the 4th) stunk; coming out of that surgery with new growth, though still a successful surgery, also stunk; not being able to get out of bed and go to work because the pain is crushing sometimes, yep stinks. You know what doesn't stink? Knowing that through it all God hasn't changed. He's still the God who is in control, the one that knows best, the one that loves His children and wants good for them. I probably would not have chosen this journey, and often times I still don't understand why this is my journey, but I KNOW God is using this for His glory, for His plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I'm thankful that I can strongly proclaim that, yeah, this isn't always fun and I don't understand why healing doesn't happen, BUT He is faithful. That doesn't mean every day is easy because there are days that are very hard, but I have to cling to Him and be real about my struggles. I hope that can encourage you. He is good and He is constant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:24</span></span></h3>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-17562033964795882512014-01-21T12:59:00.001-08:002014-01-21T13:00:03.149-08:00For Eternal Glory <div class="display-passages passages-single">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"<span class="text 2Cor-4-16" id="en-ESV-28859">So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self<sup> </sup>is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-17" id="en-ESV-28860">For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">as
we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are
unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that
are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 </span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861"> </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">I have this verse posted at my desk, and it's been a great encouragements over the last few months. In all honesty, I haven't really felt like I "needed" it lately. I know it sounds bad; it's not that I don't need Scripture, it's just that as I have been feeling better, I think I haven't paid as much attention to this verse. But it caught my eye earlier, and as I read it, I was reminded that our life here isn't for us. What we do here, what happens to us, whether good or bad, are not for our glory but for the glory of God. Even in the midst of affliction, our faith and obedience in it is for Him. One of the commentaries says that the things we are afflicted with on earth are light in comparison to the eternal glory that we get to experience in Heaven. </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861"> </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">So whether you are in affliction or not, remember that your life is for God's glory, and remember that the glory we get to experience in Heaven far outweighs this life. </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861"></span><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861"> </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text 2Cor-4-8" id="en-ESV-28851">"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-ESV-28852">persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-10" id="en-ESV-28853">always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-11" id="en-ESV-28854">For
we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so
that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.</span> </i><span class="text 2Cor-4-12" id="en-ESV-28855"><i>So death is at work in us, but life in you." 2 Corinthians 4:8–12</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-12" id="en-ESV-28855"><span class="text Rom-8-18">"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 </span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-12" id="en-ESV-28855"><span class="text Rom-8-18">"</span></span></span></i></span><span class="text 2Cor-4-12" id="en-ESV-28855"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-18"><span class="text 1Pet-1-6" id="en-ESV-30364">In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,</span> <span class="text 1Pet-1-7" id="en-ESV-30365">so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.</span> <span class="text 1Pet-1-8" id="en-ESV-30366">Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,</span> <span class="text 1Pet-1-9" id="en-ESV-30367">obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6–9</span> </span></span></i></span> </span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-59701156859808339712013-12-23T08:59:00.001-08:002015-06-29T11:18:20.463-07:00God is good all the time<style>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sorry it’s been a while since I updated. I am finally
starting to feel back to normal, which is a huge blessing. The surgery went
well, they removed the left ovary and the doctor said it didn’t look like the
disease had grown more elsewhere — praise the Lord! The idea of a hysterectomy
has been taken off the table at this point, and I am very thankful. I will
continue to finish out my treatment, have another surgery in March to remove
any additional disease spots, and then continue to manage the disease with
medication. I am so thankful and this news was an answer to prayers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s been almost six weeks since I had surgery, and I have
to admit, until the last couple of weeks, I hadn’t felt any better. It’s hard
to have gone through surgery but still not feel much relief and be in chronic
pain. I am continuing to see a specialist to help diagnose where else this pain
may be coming from and seeing a physical therapist. Because of the trauma my
muscles have been in from surgeries and from the stress of having been in
constant pain for months, my muscles are constantly clenched. This has been
causing a lot of pain in my hips and back, but we are working on things to
help, for which I am thankful. But I can’t say praise the Lord enough — in the
good and bad days! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God has been so good through this — even in my doubt. It’s
funny because I don’t feel like I struggle as much with trusting God in the big
things like my future and His plan for my life. But I struggle with trusting
Him in the day-to-day, like how I am going to pay medical bills, buy Christmas
gifts or pay for another surgery. For a few months, there were specific things
I had been asking God for: a roommate, someone to talk to who has been through
this and for provision. And you know what? In two weeks, He answered them all.
These were specific prayers that I had been praying for, and honestly having a
hard time with why He hadn’t answered them, but He did — He is so good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God has put people in my life to bless me. I spoke with a woman who has been through this, for years, and has gone through multiple surgeries and the medication and the whole thing. It was such a blessing to sit with someone who can say, "I understand what you are going through." God has also blessed me hugely through people in my church and through friends. He prompted them to give and through the giving and generosity of others, I was able to pay three medical bills! That is such a huge blessing and beyond anything I could fathom. God also brought me a roommate at the perfect time to help with additional cost as well. Shout out to Millie! She's is awesome, and I love having her living with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Through December, we have been going through a series at church called "Miracle." God did a miracle that first Christmas with the birth of Jesus, and He continues to do miracles around us every day. He gives us hope, purpose, forgiveness and joy. It's been really neat to see how our church has asked people what the miracle they need is and then pray for them. It's important to see the miracle needs around us and also see how God is doing miracles every day. (You can learn more about Miracle <a href="http://pinelake.org/miracle/" target="_blank">here</a> and you can listen/watch the sermons <a href="http://pinelake.org/sermons/" target="_blank">here</a>.) I have seen miracles take place in my life — He's given me peace through trial and provided specific needs. He does miracles! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God continues to remind me of His goodness. I was worried about all of these things. Why I worry about those things I don’t know. God has always
provided what I need. I can look back at specific moments like that in my past
where He has done the same things and answered my prayers. I think a big part
of it is because He is teaching me to completely trust and rely on Him. And in
those moments when He answers those prayers and provides in ways I could have
never imagined, it’s like He is saying, “I am here. I am taking care of you.
You are mine and I love you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know better too. I know not to worry because God loves me
so much and cares about the details of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="woj">"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,
what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will
put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?</span> <span class="woj">Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather
into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value
than they?</span> <span class="woj">And which of you by being anxious can add a
single hour to his span of life?<sup> </sup>And why are you anxious about
clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil
nor spin,</span> <span class="woj">yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory
was not arrayed like one of these.</span> <span class="woj">But if God so clothes
the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the
oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?</span> <span class="woj">Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What
shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'</span> <span class="woj">For the
Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them all.</span> <span class="woj">But seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be
anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for
the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:25–34</span></span></span></blockquote>
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God is so
aware of the details of our lives, and He cares about them. Whatever you may be
going through, I pray you will hold to that promise and know that He cares for
you. God loves you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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</span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-38569584818366559982013-11-08T05:46:00.001-08:002013-11-08T05:46:41.326-08:00Thank youThanks for all the prayers and encouraging words! My surgery was moved to Monday at 7 am.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-60799218849756725092013-11-05T05:42:00.001-08:002013-11-05T05:42:51.801-08:00How do you trust God’s plan?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">There are a lot of questions about what my future family will look like? Who will I marry? How will we have children? Especially right now.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you’ve kept up with my blog at all, you know I have been going through a lot of female issues (sorry guys). Well there has been yet another development. Since I had surgery and even started the treatment for Stage 4 Endometriosis, I have yet to feel any relief from the pain of the disease. I felt like I had to be getting better three months into the treatment, but I wasn’t. Last week, I had reached my max of dealing with pain. It was rough. I had a sonogram done and despite the aggressive treatment I am going through, two more masses have grown back. My doctor was definitely surprised and visibly disappointed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We came to the conclusion it was time to remove the left ovary (it’s the one that clearly hates me). My doctor is sending me to have a second opinion on Wednesday, which I am thankful to him for that, but he felt pretty sure we have done all we can do and that the ovary will have to come out. After the surgery, I will still continue to finish out my last three months of treatment. Unfortunately the endometriosis isn’t just on my left ovary, so we hope that in continuing the treatment, it will help to get rid of what’s left of it elsewhere. If the endometriosis is still there after the surgery and three months of treatment, I will have a full hysterectomy (they will remove my female organs).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, not only did the initial diagnosis leave me with a high risk of infertility, but now I will also have one less ovary, possibly still have the endometriosis and potentially a hysterectomy. I believe God can do all things and that He is the great physician, but I also feel pretty sure my future doesn’t include me having children naturally. I say that because I am okay with that. I know it’s weird. But I feel like God has given me a peace in it. And His Word says He can do that!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>“</i><span class=""><i>Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.</i></span><i> <span class="">Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;<sup> </sup>do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.<sup> </sup>And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”</span></i><span class="">Philippians 4:4-7</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trust me, my heart is to be a momma. And I do not doubt that it will happen! God knows the desires of my heart and I trust His plan.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class=""><i>“Delight yourself in the </i></span><span class=""><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class=""><i>;</i></span><i><br><span class="">And He will give you the desires of your heart.”</span></i><span class=""> Psalm 37:4</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class=""><i>“’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the </i></span><span class=""><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class=""><i>, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”</i></span><span class=""> Jeremiah 29:11</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean it is always easy. But I take comfort in knowing Him and in the promises of His Word.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God knew this day would come.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class=""><i>“Your eyes saw my unformed substance;</i></span><i><br><span class="">in your book were written, every one of them,</span><br><span class=""> </span><span class="">the days that were formed for me,</span><br><span class=""> </span><span class="">when as yet there was none of them.”</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Psalm 139:16</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I know there will be tough days. There will be emotional days. There may even be moments that I won’t even feel like I can breath, but God is good. He is my strength and He is with me always.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class=""><i>“Behold, God is my helper;</i></span><i><br><span class=""> </span><span class="">the Lord is the upholder of my life.”</span></i><span class="">Psalm 54:4</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class=""><i>“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me.”</i></span><span class=""> 2 Timothy <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">4:17</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you to all of those who have walked this journey with me, encouraged me and prayed constantly for me. I feel it! Please continue to pray. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, continued peace for me, for my future spouse because this affects him hugely, for my family as they process this with me and most of all, that God will get the glory.</span></p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8FtdQBQC5_5G4R8kS_04G7V0i3OSOQXoOBv9nc13zjsXksbDU4iKRJcZzuzosnTD1nlgAavEMKM3Wxy-ttdMTWH_PGnka2qYCDf4YuoymUKXKPjsgEqiWj1Ngw6Olu-ShiOmZCENf9I/s640/blogger-image-1830966318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8FtdQBQC5_5G4R8kS_04G7V0i3OSOQXoOBv9nc13zjsXksbDU4iKRJcZzuzosnTD1nlgAavEMKM3Wxy-ttdMTWH_PGnka2qYCDf4YuoymUKXKPjsgEqiWj1Ngw6Olu-ShiOmZCENf9I/s640/blogger-image-1830966318.jpg"></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-70211180051414985332013-10-21T14:03:00.002-07:002013-10-21T14:03:54.862-07:00Feeling Through Song<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I heard this song today and the words spoke so true in my life. I am thankful God continues to remind of Himself, His promise and His presence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kari Jobe</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Love Came Down”</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If my heart is overwhelmed<br />
And I cannot hear Your voice<br />
I hold on to what is true<br />
Though I cannot see<br />
<br />
If the storms of life they come<br />
And the road ahead gets steep<br />
I will lift these hands in faith<br />
I will believe<br />
<br />
I'll remind myself<br />
Of all that You've done<br />
And the life I have<br />
Because of Your son<br />
<br />
Love came down and rescued me<br />
Love came down and set me free<br />
I am Yours<br />
Lord I'm forever Yours<br />
Mountains high or valley low<br />
I sing out and remind my soul<br />
I am Yours<br />
I am forever Yours<br />
<br />
When my heart is filled with hope<br />
Every promise comes my way<br />
When I feel Your hands of grace<br />
Rest upon me<br />
<br />
Staying desperate for You, God<br />
Staying humble at Your feet<br />
I will lift these hands in praise<br />
I will believe<br />
<br />
I'll remind myself<br />
Of all that You've done<br />
And the life I have<br />
Because of Your son<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am Yours<br />
All my days<br />
Jesus, I am Yours<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-37748596313098727512013-09-11T07:02:00.000-07:002013-09-11T07:02:10.818-07:00Spiritual Strength<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I warned you that there would be some days that were harder than others. Well the last couple of weeks have been those days. It pains me to think of people who go through trials in life who don't have our Savior Jesus Christ. I can't imagine. The only possible way I am able to get through this time is by relying on the Lord, His Word and believers around me who constantly encourage me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I knew, and prayed, that God would use this time to refine me and draw me closer to Himself, and He has. I have a new found hunger and thirst for His Word. Mainly because it's my greatest source of encouragement. It's where I go when I have the tough days, when I am feeling a bit emotionally crazy (or a lot if you ask some of my friends ... sorry, y'all!) and where I find Him speaking truth in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God works in wonderful ways too. It's funny how often what I read in my daily reading is exactly what I need in that moment. His Word gives me the Words to pray when all I can do is cry out. They encourage me and give me hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is a passage from my reading today: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRL_nbpGN52e3RvDvbZR-kVrczKKMc4y3qaUmHaflWx8y5FELrm3NlDjI1mxJgvFMyLU44hohbXKIQnYubdROhSsIyP4CO2WRCDvsA_FvuypKy7obW2OoD9z1OO_Iq9M45DmKIHswiCU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRL_nbpGN52e3RvDvbZR-kVrczKKMc4y3qaUmHaflWx8y5FELrm3NlDjI1mxJgvFMyLU44hohbXKIQnYubdROhSsIyP4CO2WRCDvsA_FvuypKy7obW2OoD9z1OO_Iq9M45DmKIHswiCU/s320/photo.JPG" width="297" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was exactly what I needed. This is my prayer for myself and for others who are may be going through a difficult time. I am so thankful for Jesus — He is my rock, my salvation, my comforter and healer. I pray He is those things for you as well. If He is not, I am praying He will begin to draw you closer to Himself and reveal who He is to you. Your life will never be the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A big THANK YOU goes out to all of my dear friends. You will never know how grateful I am for you, your prayers and encouragement, and for putting up with me! I love y'all! </span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-30334264099591869682013-08-23T14:18:00.002-07:002013-08-23T14:18:31.454-07:00Lessons in skiing<style>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I went skiing last night with some friends. This is one of
my favorite pastimes. My family is a water family — we grew up going to the
lake every weekend and have lived on a lake for the last 20 years, and despite
what my friends believe, haha, my dad did have me out there with him on his
skies when I was two. BUT, I haven’t skied in probably three years. I know,
it’s really sad. So I of course jumped at the chance to get out there and
slalom, but it didn’t quite go as easy as I’d hoped. It pains me to say this,
but it took me four times to get up the first time. If you know my family, you
know that is not acceptable. Nor is it to me. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So of course I thought of every excuse I had in my head of
why this happened — it’s been three years, the water was choppy and it’s a
different boat, ski, on and on. I finally did get up and then tired out really
quickly. But the second time I skied, it was even worse! Can you believe it?!
So I finally get up and the water is so smooth, I can cut easily and all the
love of skiing came back. Then as we were leaving, I was still disappointed
that it took me so many times…I am my own worst critic. But I started to think
about all the things in my life over the last three years, and I thought
honestly, wow, you know, my body has been through a lot. First of all, I am
feeling a lot older now, I’ve been through two surgeries and a heart condition, and that started to make me feel a little better. Wow, I can still actually ski
even though I'm older and I feel like I have a somewhat broken down body, ha. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But something else this brought to mind was thankfulness. I
am so thankful that I can still get out and do these things. I know my last few
posts I’ve said the same thing, but it’s a great place to be and something God
continues to remind me. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Thessalonians
5:16-18, 23-24</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rejoice
always,</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text">pray
without ceasing,</span> <span class="text">give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.</span> </i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now
may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit
and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b></i></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text">He who calls
you is faithful; he will surely do it.</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God is so faithful to us. I know there are times in life
when it doesn’t feel that way, but He is! He is ever true, ever faithful and
ever constant. Cling to that truth and that hope. No matter what you are going
through. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Something else that caught my attention was in Job 40:7, God
says to Job, “<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now gird up your loins like a man.” I
know I’m taking this out of context of what it’s saying. God was basically
telling Job to be ready to reply to what God was about to say, but when I read
it, I thought, wow, there are times in life (like trying to ski after three
years) where I don’t need to make excuses, I just need to get up and do it. I
need to be ready and prepared to walk through tough times in life. And the only
way to do that is through God. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus gives us such a good example of
this. In Luke 7:42, Jesus knew what was about to happen, that Judas would
betray him and he would be arrested, tortured and put on the cross. He goes into the garden to
pray and says, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My
will, but Yours be done.” Jesus knew the plan God had for Him, to die on a
cross for our sins, but He was willing to follow the plan God had for him. I pray our lives
consist of that prayer, “not my will but yours be done.” </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We may plan our lives out but it may
end up looking different than what we expect. Even through it, we should
continue to trust God and His plan. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs
3:5-6</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trust
in the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> with all your heart</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text">And do not lean on your own understanding.</span><br />
<span class="text">In all your ways acknowledge Him,</span><br />
<span class="text">And He will make your paths straight.</span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah
55:8</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
my thoughts are not your thoughts,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text">neither
are your ways my ways, declares the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g4PyoNBLHZZAYEBY_rr-DWp_ybzIdPkKcbeSOuWj41sr1HkcFo7JT-iBOI71_g3wdAk1HRV_PojCJ-fvi6gM0snp2XH9fcQ7itBfx5z1iPfx7BAj24j_Qk_NTGAcpJJ22nWcEvaDUTY/s1600/a477a8260bc511e3a66b22000a9f09de_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g4PyoNBLHZZAYEBY_rr-DWp_ybzIdPkKcbeSOuWj41sr1HkcFo7JT-iBOI71_g3wdAk1HRV_PojCJ-fvi6gM0snp2XH9fcQ7itBfx5z1iPfx7BAj24j_Qk_NTGAcpJJ22nWcEvaDUTY/s320/a477a8260bc511e3a66b22000a9f09de_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a gorgeous night on the Res<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="text"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgLCaCglLn6D6SXbwYGMDSdEm8qyJD04L01Pcp1IrB59kVWY_CNg3u-qqGdnq13ZvAG55mHy2YGcq98VwNmo1FevOQzNrO9T_AlZQ5fEubhJ7y2CtbJyHxLKtax0IjoJO5CfODjYQsHA/s1600/IMG_7607.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgLCaCglLn6D6SXbwYGMDSdEm8qyJD04L01Pcp1IrB59kVWY_CNg3u-qqGdnq13ZvAG55mHy2YGcq98VwNmo1FevOQzNrO9T_AlZQ5fEubhJ7y2CtbJyHxLKtax0IjoJO5CfODjYQsHA/s1600/IMG_7607.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even got to drive the boat! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-61299502565452299092013-08-07T08:29:00.002-07:002013-08-07T08:29:47.828-07:00Encouraged by Job
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At my church Pinelake, we have a yearly Bible reading plan
called the L3 Journal (click <a href="http://pinelake.org/l3journal/" target="_blank">here</a> if you aren’t on a reading plan and read
with us)! God’s timing is pretty awesome when it
comes to what we are reading and how it coincides with what’s going on in my
life. God’s Word brings so much wisdom and peace and answers to us. I take
great comfort in it and even as we study the life of Job, who is suffering
greatly, it reminds me of all I have to be thankful for. But another thing
about Job is that he is going through these things because God calls him a man who is
blameless and upright and God is confident that Job will not curse Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today in chapter 7, Job says:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My
flesh is clothed with worms and a crust of dirt,</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text">My skin hardens and runs.</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>6 </sup>“My days are swifter than a weaver’s
shuttle,</span><br />
<span class="text">And come to an end without hope … .</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Therefore
I will not restrain my mouth;</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text">I will speak in the anguish of my spirit,</span><br />
<span class="text">I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>12 </sup>“Am I the sea, or the sea monster,</span><br />
<span class="text">That You set a guard over me?</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>13 </sup>“If I say, ‘My bed will comfort me,</span><br />
<span class="text">My couch will ease my complaint,’</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>14 </sup>Then You frighten me with dreams</span><br />
<span class="text">And terrify me by visions;</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>15 </sup>So that my soul would choose suffocation,</span><br />
<span class="text">Death rather than my pains.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I read that this morning, I thought
about the good night of sleep I had. I didn’t feel great the night before, so
I got in bed by 9, and felt more of the affects of the shot today, but
considering Job and the clear anguish he was going through, it only made me
thankful. I know there are so many more people out there who are suffering
greatly, and my heart breaks for them. But you should continue to read Job because it is a
great story of raw honesty, questions and God’s favor. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am also incredibly thankful for
people in my life who encourage me. My sweet friend Dana sent me a message this
morning that Psalm 66 was for me. This is what it says:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Praise
for God’s Mighty Deeds and for His Answer to Prayer.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>2 </sup>Sing the glory of His name;<br />
Make His praise glorious.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>3 </sup>Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!<br />
Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience
to You.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>4 </sup>“All the earth will worship You,<br />
And will sing praises to You;<br />
They will sing praises to Your name.” Selah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>5 </sup>Come and see the works of God,</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Who is</i> awesome in <i>His</i> deeds toward the sons of men.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>6 </sup>He turned the sea into dry land;<br />
They passed through the river on foot;<br />
There let us rejoice in Him!</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>7 </sup>He rules by His might forever;<br />
His eyes keep watch on the nations;<br />
Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>8 </sup>Bless our God, O peoples,<br />
And sound His praise abroad,</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>9 </sup>Who keeps us in life</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And does not allow our feet to slip.<br />
</b><sup>10 </sup>For You have tried us, O God;<br />
You have refined us as silver is refined.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>11 </sup>You brought us into the net;<br />
You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>12 </sup>You made men ride over our heads;</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We went through fire and through water,<br />
Yet You brought us out into <i>a place of</i> abundance.<br />
</b><sup>13 </sup>I shall come into Your house with burnt offerings;<br />
I shall pay You my vows,</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>14 </sup>Which my lips uttered<br />
And my mouth spoke when I was in distress.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>15 </sup>I shall offer to You burnt offerings of fat beasts,<br />
With the smoke of rams;<br />
I shall make <i>an offering of</i> bulls with male goats. Selah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>16 </sup>Come <i>and</i> hear, all who fear God,<br />
And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>17 </sup>I cried to Him with my mouth,<br />
And He was extolled with my tongue.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup>18 </sup>If I regard wickedness in my heart,<br />
The Lord will not hear;</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup>19 </sup>But certainly God has
heard;<br />
He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.<br />
<sup>20 </sup>Blessed be God,<br />
Who has not turned away my prayer<br />
Nor His lovingkindness from me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What a sweet
reminder of God’s goodness and provision. Even as the Israelites wondered, God
provided every step of the way for them. He is there for us, He provides for
us, He is constant. There may be times in life when it doesn’t feel like that but
that’s why it’s so important to cling to His Word and His promises. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thankful for
these words today. </span></div>
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</span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-85249856518750027092013-08-02T12:14:00.001-07:002013-08-02T12:26:32.426-07:00In the Year of 31<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I should be banned from the blog world. Seriously. It's obviously been a while since I last blogged, and believe it or not, I actually have accomplished more items on my list (I'll update with pictures on a different post). Some were finished in the year of 31, which I am okay with and hope you are too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">For all of those who do keep up with my blog (hi, mom!), I wanted to let you know that I am going to TRY and keep up with it. But it will look a little different this year. The year of 30 is over, and it was fun, even though I didn't quite get to all my adventures. Don't worry, I am sure there will be plenty more unplanned adventures to come. Unfortunately, this blog may not be about the fun and exciting things I will be doing this year, instead I am going to use it as an outlet to write about the things I am going through, the things God is teaching me and my thoughts on life. I hope to constantly declare the greatness of my God, but there may be days filled with sadness and moments that get real and honest. Despite those days, God is still good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis. In order not to make people too uncomfortable, I won't go into a lot of detail — it's female stuff, but feel free to learn more about it on your own. Last month I went in for some pain and problems I was having and had an ultrasound done. The doctor saw a tumor (benign, praise the Lord), but He wasn't sure what it was just that it needed to come out. Simple enough, go in, get it, all done. But when he got into surgery he was quite shocked to see that I had endometriomas covering both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and bladder. He said it was in the top 20 worst cases he's ever had...I still say I should get some kind of award for that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">He got as much as he could during surgery but it was impossible to get it all, so I'll be starting six months of aggressive treatment. This will consist of monthly injections, which basically puts me in a pre-menopausal state, including hot flashes and mood swings. So if you see me in the next six months, watch out! For those who know me, you know being hot and moody is a terrible combination, ha. After six months of treatment, I'll have another surgery, then we'll continue to work on treating this. It's incurable, so it's something I'll have to pay attention to for years to come. It also means I will probably not be able to have children naturally but possibly through IVF.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">The reason I want to share is because I want to declare how good, majestic and might my God is. I don't doubt there will be hard days, moments where I'll fall apart emotionally or wonder what my future family will look like. But what I know is that God knows the desires of my heart, and I have confidence that He is going to fulfill them — it may just look different than I expected. I also know that God is bigger than this! He's bigger than our problems, the mountains in our way, the diagnosis from doctors and our unknown future. I was reading in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201&version=ESV" target="_blank">Luke 1</a> yesterday about how God opened up Elizabeth's womb when she was old and barren and how He sent an angel to Mary to tell her that as a virgin she would carry the salvation of the world and give birth to our Savior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">That's our God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="text Luke-1-37" id="en-ESV-24922">"'<b>For nothing will be impossible with God</b>.'”</span><span class="text Luke-1-38" id="en-ESV-24923"> And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'” </span></i>Luke 1 37 & 38</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I am continuing to pray for the kind of faith that boldly says nothing is impossible with God and for me to live according to what He wants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">So over the next few months, I am going to use this as a way to talk about what's going on in my life, what God is teaching and showing me and what is inspiring me. God has given me so many reminders of His goodness through His Word, through songs and through prayer. I can't even begin to express the goodness He has been poured out on me. I constantly have friends encouraging me and praying for me and with me. It's absolutely incredible and humbling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I am not in a place where I am asking God "why?" because I know He has a plan for my life. He hasn't been surprised by any of this, and I know He walks with me through it all. I know this is a time for pruning and refining, and I pray I will be teachable during this time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Thanks for letting me share. I look forward to seeing how God is going to move and hope you enjoy walking with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-67185480757317341362012-11-26T10:41:00.000-08:002012-11-26T10:41:02.494-08:00A somewhat minor setback<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since I am the one who started this, I am going to change the rules a little bit...is that okay with everyone? I decided that the year I turned 30 (2012) would be my limit for accomplishing my list, instead of the year I am 30, which would be from April 2012 to April 2013. There has been a lot of discussion about this with my friends, but my intention was to accomplish everything in the year of 2012. As you can see from the last <a href="http://intheyearofthirty.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>, I am not going to finish in the next month. And things have come up which continue to disrupt my list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I mentioned that I had been running, yes, that is past tense now. I say that with a little bit of a pride and a lot of disappointment. For the first time ever, I was dedicated to running. I was up to 10 miles! That is huge for me. I still wasn't liking it, but hey, I was getting it done, and I was really looking forward to running the St. Jude Half Marathon with my friends. They inspired me to do it when they all ran it <a href="http://intheyearofthirty.blogspot.com/2012/01/beginning.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, but 3 weeks ago I started having trouble with my heart. And I wasn't even running when it happened. I began to have palpitations, which I could only describe as my heart feeling funny. It was a constant flutter. After two days of that, I went to the doctor where we went through multiple tests, and I have had the palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue since. So I went from running 10 miles to barely being able to walk around the grocery store without losing my breath or getting chest pain, fun times. I saw a cardiologist last week and I have mitral valve prolapse. It's not dangerous, just annoying. I had to stop running when all this started and before we knew what it was, which was a bummer, not so much because I miss running but because I put in so much training time, and I am sad that I won't be able to run the half marathon with my friends. We are all still going and now I get to play "team mom," which is probably a much better role for me than "runner." But I am going to have to learn to live with the symptoms and fight through them to get back to working out. I am on medication and still struggle daily with the issues that come along with this, but the doctor says that there may be times when the symptoms go away, so lets pray for that! The doctor said I will just have to deal with it but can live life normally. So I am hoping to get back to that soon! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With all that being said, I am extremely grateful. Though there have been a few different health issues I have to deal with over the last few years, God is still good. I am so incredibly blessed and in awe of who He is. Over the last few days, many of you have probably thought about all the things you are thankful for, but I heard a great message about how our thankfulness shouldn't come only when we are told to think about it—it should come from our persistent pursuit of the Lord. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our circumstances are going to change—life gets crazy, things happen, pain comes, trials are there—but God is constant and never changing. There will be times in our life when everything isn't good, but in everything God is still good. Our circumstances don't define who we are, God does. So with that, I am challenging myself that no matter what, I have a heart of gratefulness. It's easy to ask God "why" we go through things but never doubt that He is sovereign over your life. He never leaves us or forsakes us. And no matter what, we are to give thanks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“<em>Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus</em>.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I want to encourage you to listen to this <a href="http://pinelake.org/blog/sermon-follow-up-nov-25-12/" target="_blank">sermon</a> from one of the pastors at Pinelake. I hope this can be encouraging to you and challenge you, no matter what is going in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanks to all of you who have prayed with me and for me as I walked in a season of the unknown the last few weeks. I am so grateful to have answers and look forward to getting back to normal. </span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-24651098807750920172012-10-15T11:19:00.002-07:002012-10-15T11:20:07.029-07:00Yikes, it's been how long since I blogged?<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For me to call myself a blog failure is a HUGE understatement. Luckily, I am not disappointing too many fans out there (hey, mom and dad). But seriously, my personal blog has been completely neglected. There are multiple reasons for that, but the two major ones are: 1-I blog every single day with my new job; 2- I haven't really been doing much blog worthy stuff.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me start with the first point...I LOVE my new job. I cannot even begin to describe how completely blessed I have been at my job at Pinelake. Believe it or not, I actually do blog every day for it. I think it takes all my brain power and my blog is left with nothing. Ha. But seriously, it's amazing that my job consists of talking to people about what God is doing in their lives and writing about it. Really, I get paid to do this? It's such a blessing and is amazing to see how God moves/teaches/challenges people. I am so blessed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next, the list of 30 things. Okay, this was a good idea and encourage every person to consider doing something like this, especially if you are a little worried about turning a certain age, whether 30 or 70. It was so fun to start a list and it gave me so much to look forward to this year. It also helps the issue of the age thing be a little subsided. However, I loved the idea of turning 30 and love being 30....we may have a problem when it comes to 31 though. But the list and the idea are awesome. My dilemma, however, is finding people to do some of this stuff with me! I get a lot of blank stares and silence when I ask stuff like, "who wants to go on a camping trip" or "who wants to go skydiving?!" I can't understand why those things don't sound fun to people. Come on now! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I have only a few months left in my year and a good bit of the list not completed. Don't worry though, I am determined to make these things happen. Life has just gotten in the way of enjoying life...how do you like that. One of the things that I have been working on is preparing for the half-marathon. Yes, people, I have been running. No, people, I don't enjoy it. I have always enjoyed being active and working out, but I have never enjoyed running. I <i>want</i> to love to run and I <i>want</i> to be good at it, but neither of those things have happened yet. I will go ahead and tell you that I have run the furthest I have ever run in my life and that has been pretty exciting. But I am still waiting to love it. I am running four times a week and yesterday I ran 8 miles. I won't go into the pace I'm running (would hate to show anyone up...that's complete sarcasm...I am SO SLOW!) But I am running. I am afraid December 1 will get hear to quickly, but we will see how it goes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have also been eating at new restaurants, but when I took this new job, I lost my lunch buddy, so now I try new places by myself. It already looks a little strange that I eat lunch alone, I think adding a camera to the situation would get really weird. So for now, pictures of food are on hold. :) </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things not accomplished and now cannot be: </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">#1-Go on a mission trip to Africa. This was #1 for a reason, it was the one thing I was looking forward to the most. I have been to Africa twice, but it's been years. I love it there. The people have incredible spirits and it's just an amazing place. Another reason I was really excited to go was to serve alongside one of my best friends who is living there as a missionary. I still hope it will happen.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">#5-Audition for a role at New Stage Theatre in Jackson. I just slacked on this. All of a sudden it was June, and I had no idea what monologue or song to do. So it simply passed me by (poor planning).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">#16-Go to a shooting range. You won't believe it but the shooting range in town closed! I drove by the other day and saw they were going out of business. Now, I am sure there is another one around, so I will still be working on it. If I can't go to the shooting range soon, you better believe me and my daddy will be having target practice when I am home for Thanksgiving (he knows I need it). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the most part, I think those are the ones that may not be doable. In the mean time, I will still work on the rest and try my best to keep you updated. No, really, I will try! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to all those who have encouraged me through this journey. And if any of you would like to participate in these activities with me, come on! </span></span><br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-24089835646195257252012-07-15T14:46:00.002-07:002012-07-15T14:56:14.958-07:00Life Change, New Menus and Home Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My life change is that I have left working for the state (MS Department of Transportation)and will now be full time at Pinelake Church. I cannot even express the humbleness and honor that is on me as I take the position of Copywriter in the Communication Department at Pinelake. This job came unexpectedly and only from the Lord. A large part of what I will be doing at Pinelake is interviewing people within the church about life change that has happened with them. What an amazing honor it is to talk to people about what the Lord has done or what He is teaching them and put that into words to share with others. I am </span><span style="background-color: white;">incredibly</span><span style="background-color: white;"> honored for the Lord to have put me in this position...and also feel completely unworthy or able. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thankfully, 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"He who has called you in faithful, He will surely do it." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can only cling to that promise as I move forward in this new position. This can be nothing of me, only the Lord. I start my first day tomorrow, July 16. I am beyond excited, nervous, humbled and the list could go on. All prayers are appreciated. I can't wait for people to go on this journey with me. I know that Lord has so much in store. I'm looking forward to seeing all He does.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now to address the fact that once again, I am a blog failure. I must apologize. Honestly, I wish I had more time to do this, but I'm trying to make time. And I haven't forgotten about my list! I just need to find time to do all those things as well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I took off a few days last w<span style="background-color: white;">eek, during my last week at MDOT, to stay home a few home repairs. I said this year that I wanted to do more projects around the home. I really meant more crafty projects....that I haven't really done. But I have always tried to do some do it yourself projects since I bought my house 3 years ago. A few things to mention: I remodeled the master and guest bathroom, ripped up the carpet in the main area of the house and stained the concrete floors, put fixtures up, things like that. I want to go ahead and admit I am not the best painter. So when I remodeled my master bath and painted the walls brown, I managed to get brown paint on the ceiling as well, oops. So I FINALLY fixed those brown spots. I also did some home repair to the kitchen. Minor ceiling leak thanks to the air conditioner. I like being able to do handy stuff myself, but don't let me fool you; there are many times I would love to have a handy man on speed dial.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy these few pictures of me being my own handy man!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdErJR8ykk6G29Js6IZM7QFaRract-AmTELU6H5NOCALsecWEN3ESrGfKbi4Jht4DMpIwwk0JawMe0_gm46hYbrXBZOadCswzPTemXvj8QxyNMDTld2X2392zd2jDGRWmkvZiLXGqP3w/s1600/Summer+2012+634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdErJR8ykk6G29Js6IZM7QFaRract-AmTELU6H5NOCALsecWEN3ESrGfKbi4Jht4DMpIwwk0JawMe0_gm46hYbrXBZOadCswzPTemXvj8QxyNMDTld2X2392zd2jDGRWmkvZiLXGqP3w/s200/Summer+2012+634.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking all the necessary safety precautions</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuSQcnNoSphSSksYwDMZWDWsq0Kp4XQO8fuA9X4WHc0zurKayNTm6rfp1UVL0X8_MlsdnbRzkzPj8fAAdt-RNtIgfMdZ5VKRiGIqwwdWTqCLgKuAAbcP-9hVFlQ8EvWQzjvU-TXWS7mM/s1600/Summer+2012+635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuSQcnNoSphSSksYwDMZWDWsq0Kp4XQO8fuA9X4WHc0zurKayNTm6rfp1UVL0X8_MlsdnbRzkzPj8fAAdt-RNtIgfMdZ5VKRiGIqwwdWTqCLgKuAAbcP-9hVFlQ8EvWQzjvU-TXWS7mM/s200/Summer+2012+635.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mWm3MyW5ntb7ajWhvf-lXiex7LBNi-CFOFZwaIQ8YppPuGL0af6JraRqdw6M07QdSwlGD0okVUS-XMnilKWUum8C84PmdDz7DAbuyxD4oNiEO9MKDeuiIgwkwENEg7Omx2WRyn6SVNI/s1600/Summer+2012+636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mWm3MyW5ntb7ajWhvf-lXiex7LBNi-CFOFZwaIQ8YppPuGL0af6JraRqdw6M07QdSwlGD0okVUS-XMnilKWUum8C84PmdDz7DAbuyxD4oNiEO9MKDeuiIgwkwENEg7Omx2WRyn6SVNI/s200/Summer+2012+636.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also decided to act like I was an electrician. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7VFczR88LXfu8LsDOVZej73K_hpkk5gpILOpB6xa6V53g5067kaujypSqr_DBJ-ic4K1OJBwQ4W6XYd50TbXbBgCizXmqjdVqkm-Sn_Pun9PVc8WZiDxCxKhxH9f4bkM2-4zEPbHx2M/s1600/Summer+2012+638.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7VFczR88LXfu8LsDOVZej73K_hpkk5gpILOpB6xa6V53g5067kaujypSqr_DBJ-ic4K1OJBwQ4W6XYd50TbXbBgCizXmqjdVqkm-Sn_Pun9PVc8WZiDxCxKhxH9f4bkM2-4zEPbHx2M/s200/Summer+2012+638.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These off-w</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hite switches really bother me. So I went to the store and got dark brown to compliment the furniture and new fan in the guest room. Even the small details make a difference!</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7qGVLAk8MgPiBzsgIflDfGhiuYuZqI3hiVgg9cV6C9JTtb3gyFW7d-YcfBUh1UnAWipZYG7yCbfUD9pVv3YAKwGokpla-5zDccg69H5c6OKvBEAq6vUlAVpXIhYNgC5Sb03MXhLx07o/s1600/Summer+2012+640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7qGVLAk8MgPiBzsgIflDfGhiuYuZqI3hiVgg9cV6C9JTtb3gyFW7d-YcfBUh1UnAWipZYG7yCbfUD9pVv3YAKwGokpla-5zDccg69H5c6OKvBEAq6vUlAVpXIhYNgC5Sb03MXhLx07o/s200/Summer+2012+640.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRq8KhUskQ8EBNUPdHZG1kkjPUkGpp-3uKb9SyDvtaNLyywOw0XExFyfpX3K6CG1V08ATQrBIGlwOtzUZTxz909Ccq6CQpV5INLceW_bLlgfZfqozayRpOyMxrlj_kttwd_eJQc-PXUM/s1600/Summer+2012+644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRq8KhUskQ8EBNUPdHZG1kkjPUkGpp-3uKb9SyDvtaNLyywOw0XExFyfpX3K6CG1V08ATQrBIGlwOtzUZTxz909Ccq6CQpV5INLceW_bLlgfZfqozayRpOyMxrlj_kttwd_eJQc-PXUM/s200/Summer+2012+644.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it adds a little to the room.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoOEXPj6ifjSutmHoFpBXMN7QXnPJ0Sla_7Z4MWMeAXZV-legh-KoePzlsLvhNgDTpHTrm1ECIoe87QFZagKW__R1OYrFJV42Rqw-Qe1n9BH8Ica3X4mp9lGqvIrlAH2kd_QvxVgGxpg/s1600/Summer+2012+641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoOEXPj6ifjSutmHoFpBXMN7QXnPJ0Sla_7Z4MWMeAXZV-legh-KoePzlsLvhNgDTpHTrm1ECIoe87QFZagKW__R1OYrFJV42Rqw-Qe1n9BH8Ica3X4mp9lGqvIrlAH2kd_QvxVgGxpg/s200/Summer+2012+641.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXY-tmJvhJnfrrgAnSaCfiSXWlwb6VoAxqjvhS7y6eaX_xUz3tMWLvIs_o9KRCHQv6ZjgTR9fupzYub-fMClOf8pHyYUjYoZxC6923d2sq4yr_dEdEpQI5kyp9nodubxTJunpE7X_xR8/s1600/Summer+2012+653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXY-tmJvhJnfrrgAnSaCfiSXWlwb6VoAxqjvhS7y6eaX_xUz3tMWLvIs_o9KRCHQv6ZjgTR9fupzYub-fMClOf8pHyYUjYoZxC6923d2sq4yr_dEdEpQI5kyp9nodubxTJunpE7X_xR8/s200/Summer+2012+653.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I wasn't worried about setting the house on fire until I called my dad and he said, "don't burn your house down." Thanks for the confidence, haha. So I had this, JUST in case.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8BEMQfvD6sFnwWO3-ncy1wBZMO3ndNb-pkAyJXSWVPKAtOOL_mUsuNnTzfq2oNFkEygpO2wDilr4grxTCqSf-5f8yZVE_A-DbKtbrkmSeBjds3OWLB8dFODfjxT8VjWwXhr-xAtht9s/s1600/Summer+2012+645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8BEMQfvD6sFnwWO3-ncy1wBZMO3ndNb-pkAyJXSWVPKAtOOL_mUsuNnTzfq2oNFkEygpO2wDilr4grxTCqSf-5f8yZVE_A-DbKtbrkmSeBjds3OWLB8dFODfjxT8VjWwXhr-xAtht9s/s320/Summer+2012+645.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also needed to go back and paint a small section in front of the entry ways to the bedroom where I had new carpet put in. There was a small section of floor that wasn't stained. I'd say I was pretty productive on my days off.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceiling without the brown paint!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before my last days at MDOT, my faithful lunch friends and I went out to a few new places in the Jackson area....Jacos Tacos and The Cosmopolitan Grill (in Fondren). Both get two big thumbs up. Delicious! Jacos Tacos isn't the traditional mexican place, but the food is cooked with incredible flavor. I say try it for sure.</span> <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Cosmopolitan Grill was an unexpected delight. I believe they cater as well, which based on the dine-in experience, would have to be fantastic. The food was so yummy. The menu is limited, which is perfect for lunch, but everything was rich in flavor and delicious to the last bite. We had a few different options from the table and we of course shared. We wanted to try everyone's. Each bite, rather it was from my own plate or someone else's was yummy. If you have some time or are in the Fondren area, definitely give this place a try. I will miss my lunch date girls from MDOT, but I know we will get together again soon! Now I'll have to try all the places out in the Flowood area!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So fresh and yummy</td></tr>
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I will definitely miss seeing all these ladies! <br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-62572321976618935032012-05-02T13:02:00.003-07:002012-05-02T13:04:26.786-07:00Turning 30<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm 30!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9upyvTNfzFDAc5ZLNB2ppHgXmohhUrnRyIM6RkdOS_JRSzxpsEpGDwpFjTiZ-6uFbsk4MuvBM4kYzv1_3EzX8DhmFjuWT2dA6bUnspxzLJ2NlyIEs7_xrHdZPXsP46aIWjJt4jhEF8Bg/s1600/IMG_7639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9upyvTNfzFDAc5ZLNB2ppHgXmohhUrnRyIM6RkdOS_JRSzxpsEpGDwpFjTiZ-6uFbsk4MuvBM4kYzv1_3EzX8DhmFjuWT2dA6bUnspxzLJ2NlyIEs7_xrHdZPXsP46aIWjJt4jhEF8Bg/s320/IMG_7639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I cannot even express the joy my heart felt on my 30th birthday. My grandfather said it best at my birthday party, "the best present you could have is all the people here who love you." That is so completely true. I loved having all the people I love together. God has blessed me with incredible family and friends and I am so thankful to all of y'all who were there to celebrate my birthday and missed all those who couldn't make it (especially you, BethAnne)! Love you all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My wonderful friends Dana, Kyle, and Michael threw me a 30th birthday party and it was absolutely amazing. I'm definitely a planner...birthdays, holidays, special occasions, beach trips...I love to plan. So I gave up the reigns of my Type A personality and let them take it. I will have to admit it was actually quite nice to have others handling the details. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And they definitely paid close attention to all of them. They had balloons on the mailbox and they had my name on them.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everything was so wonderfully coordinated. I mean, I might have said something about the cake colors coordinating with the plates, napkins, and decorations....maybe. But really, they did more than I could have asked for. This came after, of course, Michael and Kyle made fun of me at my 29th birthday for sending out my own invitations to my birthday party, that I planned. They may recall this differently, but, and I quote, they said, "we are planning your 30th birthday." I don't think they really thought I would hold them to it. I did. And luckily Dana stepped in and made it happen! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMtfmUB5ISE2gSvnIqEg8pmqN8Oa5y8WTUD1P6KGSOB6vvwBywDhz-yJQED72W5NUd6W1xudD1U90rzBl_m5e42m0DvGKFwg_A_6Em0X4-Xm5nJJXWjyFhGbBiZuSEVgoPOgAekHGGw4/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMtfmUB5ISE2gSvnIqEg8pmqN8Oa5y8WTUD1P6KGSOB6vvwBywDhz-yJQED72W5NUd6W1xudD1U90rzBl_m5e42m0DvGKFwg_A_6Em0X4-Xm5nJJXWjyFhGbBiZuSEVgoPOgAekHGGw4/s320/IMG_7527.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet, sweet sister-in-law made my cake! She does an amazing job on all the cakes she does. <br />
I was sad she, my bro, and the kids weren't able to make it, but everyone loved the cake!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also have the most wonderful parents.....the best mom and dad I got! They came down the weekend before, they live about 3 hours north of me, and helped me get flowers planted, limbs cut, gutters cleaned and so much more. Then drove back the next weekend for the party. Dad got up early Saturday morning and smoked ribs, amazing ribs! Mom took me to get a manicure and pedicure, it was a fun day of preparing for the party. She even put a slide show of pictures together of me from the last 30 years. Those of you who know me have no doubt that I loved it! I can't thank them enough for all they did. Your baby does turn 30 only once, right. That is unless next year I decide I want to start going backwards when I can't bare to face 31, ha. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like my parents, everyone else in my family lives around the Memphis area so they don't get to come down much. It was such a blessing that both sets of my grandparents came down for my birthday, to see my home, go to church with me and take me out to lunch. I do not take for granted the time I get to spend with them. I know how blessed I am to have them here, so for them to be at my birthday party and celebrate with me meant so much.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUOwCvPQxPK8-1mDkkWE8CCbKS2LQ7RaxYYTe8SW8AC6aNffjhoX9JEYXvqecb_9lKv9CKo0LAxOJyAcRTuVJA_eHkHC3VedAGM-uGSERejDg1FDzckUzpjtMS1YmGvVVawWrH1bBZHY/s1600/IMG_7538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUOwCvPQxPK8-1mDkkWE8CCbKS2LQ7RaxYYTe8SW8AC6aNffjhoX9JEYXvqecb_9lKv9CKo0LAxOJyAcRTuVJA_eHkHC3VedAGM-uGSERejDg1FDzckUzpjtMS1YmGvVVawWrH1bBZHY/s200/IMG_7538.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaw (dad's dad) and Pa (mom's dad)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKCsVAaNnVn4gB3fAKfFCoYFI0vEFhT5j-J5a5APQt75JKHaxyoSwhOdFIiudJvchNs05BNasjfSJ3kTUNfdTJxiL9vCKc-pltp0qPpp0ZO3SoFNgpj2xA3l7JH9934YDTAM2lGBgaJ0/s1600/IMG_7540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKCsVAaNnVn4gB3fAKfFCoYFI0vEFhT5j-J5a5APQt75JKHaxyoSwhOdFIiudJvchNs05BNasjfSJ3kTUNfdTJxiL9vCKc-pltp0qPpp0ZO3SoFNgpj2xA3l7JH9934YDTAM2lGBgaJ0/s200/IMG_7540.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny (dad's mom) and Gran (mom's mom)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not only family came but my best friend from home Renee and her husband and parents came too! We have been friends for well over 10 years. She's more like a little sister to me and her parents are definitely like my 2nd mom and dad. I can remember years of going to their house for dinner, spending time over there for special occasions (like every time Renee was on homecoming court), and her mom even packing lunch for me when we were in high school. Love that family. Renee got there and stepped right in helping with everything. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Johnny and Mrs. Teresa (Renee's parents)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W_d8mzc2uwr3-brYt5hDGnWJJTIZMRFMs_TBKGCQ6BeVGAl7nQcdSrhA5IOJ3FNIiCD0NfjHQ6cWCxzHJKODhsQCw8PeDhNVJ8d18Bj-83uMW6q5EJxUSdYSo6rKbcBoLW6_Dwn947I/s1600/IMG_7554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W_d8mzc2uwr3-brYt5hDGnWJJTIZMRFMs_TBKGCQ6BeVGAl7nQcdSrhA5IOJ3FNIiCD0NfjHQ6cWCxzHJKODhsQCw8PeDhNVJ8d18Bj-83uMW6q5EJxUSdYSo6rKbcBoLW6_Dwn947I/s200/IMG_7554.JPG" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renee! Not sure how, but I didn't get a pic of Renee<br />
me and Tommy. :(</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And there is of course my roommate from college. We lived together 3 years in college and a year after. I like to claim her as the person who could live with me for four years and still love me, ha. She and her husband drove from Chattanooga, TN. They get the award for driving the furthest! I definitely love these two and hate they are 5 hours away. Not for long though :). They will moving closer to me soon! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiNaeDv3zlakrx9CPP7dF9HWIrMF5f9D1k3T0a1ST8gnRMb9NY6syeLw7hnWi7RcoQqgrSpKYmrzP3Js0CT2GjdU9ydCpGR852ZEkVQ28AJfPQqp3WE_W2gMnjQCoNOhwfnB-V2sBCxU/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiNaeDv3zlakrx9CPP7dF9HWIrMF5f9D1k3T0a1ST8gnRMb9NY6syeLw7hnWi7RcoQqgrSpKYmrzP3Js0CT2GjdU9ydCpGR852ZEkVQ28AJfPQqp3WE_W2gMnjQCoNOhwfnB-V2sBCxU/s320/IMG_7556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The soon-to-be Boiko's made it from the MS Coast! So glad these two came and I was able to spend some time with them. They will be getting married in September and couldn't be happier for them! Now if we can only get that last beach trip scheduled before y'all get married! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A lot of people turning 30 freak out. I was just excited. Excited because I have had 30 years of incredible life. Not because of anything I have done but because of Jesus. He saved me years ago and everyday I can look at my life and know exactly where I would be without Him. His grace and mercy that He has extended to me is beyond my understanding because I know I'm completely undeserving. But He loves me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heave for you..." 1 Peter 1:3-9</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have had a lot of incredible experiences over the last 30 years and continue to look forward to the 30 things I'll be doing throughout this year. Thanks for going on this journey of 30 with me! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbsjP9ELdNqKVvm0KOXX-89coPQlpcbwPezH9PWzCMCNYiT__DJev9cEhzbglTU1jvgBeo96HQAQ09HeKTeb71KvjbQaYrEkb7xm9Pp-QzXBVnECzGKZ25jx13fO5Ru_hVNOut_Lgq-Y/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbsjP9ELdNqKVvm0KOXX-89coPQlpcbwPezH9PWzCMCNYiT__DJev9cEhzbglTU1jvgBeo96HQAQ09HeKTeb71KvjbQaYrEkb7xm9Pp-QzXBVnECzGKZ25jx13fO5Ru_hVNOut_Lgq-Y/s320/IMG_7532.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Here are a few pictures from the party<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-65694494386394436042012-04-26T11:27:00.001-07:002012-06-07T12:28:30.926-07:00New Places, Midnight Graces, & Warrior Faces<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't know why I find it necessary to try and rhyme all my post titles but I do, so there. Once again, I've been a blogger failure so now I have a lot to blog about. And will soon have more after we celebrate my 30th birthday Saturday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I haven't been doing as good with eating at new restaurants as I had hoped, but we have made a few appearances at some new places. One was the Copper Iris in downtown Jackson. We went for Leslie's birthday, and let me just go ahead and have a side note here that every time we try a new place, especially to celebrate a birthday, it always turns into an hour and half long ordeal. We go into the Copper Iris, not another soul there except the workers. We figured that's either a good thing, we'll get our food fast, or a not so good thing, no one eats here. We order our food, they were very nice and gave Leslie a free treat for her birthday. However, after about 30 minutes of waiting to get our food we were getting a little antsy. We finally do get our food, which seeing as how we were the only ones there it seemed to take a while, but the food was really good. I ordered the steak sandwich, which they replaced the steak with roast beef, not thinking a girl would notice I suppose. But nonetheless it was very good. Leslie and I did have the task of once again having to get our food to go and eating in our office. I think we should make a change in the 1 hour lunch break, ha. This place does catering as well, which I assume is how they maintain their business from what we experienced it's not from the lunch crowd. We probably won't be going to eat during our lunch hour, however, I would recommend calling ahead of time and picking the food up. The food was very good so it would be worth it to try it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Parlor Market</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Parlor Market is a really neat place to eat in downtown Jackson. I had never been there so Leslie, Dana, Bethany, and I went to try it out at lunch one day. The environment is very cool, the staff was attentive, and the food was good. I would like to go back and try their dinner menu. I think this would be a good date place. It has a cozy atmosphere. The lunch menu was a little bit more expensive than what I would typically like to spend on lunch, but every once in a while it's nice to splurge. Leslie and I shared the pimento cheese appetizer, the chicken blt sandwich and a dessert. Everything was good and even for sharing was a good amount of food. If you get a chance, definitely try out Parlor Market. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun lunch dates! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp3frus9aAZkayRXq7Kh-z_uR917zerKZW-Ique5Yf5TvxPg9k1Njhw73NOhi0Z3i6aNS98H-WgI32q4TAD-l74lbkQlLz3rCEtJoA3F7z7auPwNpWwYwmUwDtOBcV_C4uET3x30lnHY/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp3frus9aAZkayRXq7Kh-z_uR917zerKZW-Ique5Yf5TvxPg9k1Njhw73NOhi0Z3i6aNS98H-WgI32q4TAD-l74lbkQlLz3rCEtJoA3F7z7auPwNpWwYwmUwDtOBcV_C4uET3x30lnHY/s200/IMG_7411.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only thing that could get<br />
me through the night</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq-UFGlEvJDj9QDIoDIiz-8ODJLhvxWBYKfr5yiBpUOGqb9GOtwVHQW3nvhoZ60ONBwA-qQK74pS_zphdVXdXW_4pmJUNipwI6n1a2Sos-LxdqagdYnHtekj1t88H4L3iji4pbw5TA64/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq-UFGlEvJDj9QDIoDIiz-8ODJLhvxWBYKfr5yiBpUOGqb9GOtwVHQW3nvhoZ60ONBwA-qQK74pS_zphdVXdXW_4pmJUNipwI6n1a2Sos-LxdqagdYnHtekj1t88H4L3iji4pbw5TA64/s200/IMG_7417.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You want me to go watch a movie at midnight?!</b> That's usually what my response would be if someone asked me to go to a midnight showing, not just a showing but a premiere. However, this changed when it came to the Hunger Games. Yes, I jumped on the bandwagon and I am okay with that. One of my goals this year is to read 12 books. That may not seem like a lofty goal to all you readers out there but for this girl it is. An easy way to accomplish this goal is to read series. I am not big on fantasy style books or movies, just ask any of my friends who make fun of me for not having an imagination...can a girl help it if she is a realist. But when I read the first two chapters of the Hunger Games, I was pretty much hooked. Let me just go ahead and say my twist on the books stems from a combination of Freud's theory of survival of the fittest and how the Greeks held their olympics. So this book is a little less far fetched than originally thought. So yes, I read all the books and WAS NOT planning on going to the midnight showing....I go to bed at 10:00 and I am okay with that. My friends and I were trying to plan a time when everyone can go and as you know, people are busy so it was almost impossible. Until the idea of going at midnight came up. Michael called and said, "I have 4 words for you....Hunger Games Midnight Showing!" And then proceeded to tell me they were all going, so yes, I went. Then I thought about the old saying, "if your friends jumped offa bridge would you?" And to be honest I just might....oh wait, I actually have before! Bunjee jumped that is.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troopers</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwodsfmeJ20KNxseeoOPUlsAY1qrZJd4949IBD77TA31qE1fUGewl6DM655VQOkxOf069eAT15NkQyVtftrd6J2cmkIkfhHGF1HQlp_mQ56hSh-NLVDvlboF3wUFOtw0b7KKFBI-TQZ-g/s1600/IMG_7419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwodsfmeJ20KNxseeoOPUlsAY1qrZJd4949IBD77TA31qE1fUGewl6DM655VQOkxOf069eAT15NkQyVtftrd6J2cmkIkfhHGF1HQlp_mQ56hSh-NLVDvlboF3wUFOtw0b7KKFBI-TQZ-g/s200/IMG_7419.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">WARRIOR DASH!!!!! We did it!</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">April 21, 2011- Warrior Dash. If you are unfamiliar with Warrior Dash, then go now and check out the website.....www.warriordash.com. It is awesome! 3+ mile run with 14 obstacles. And when I say run, I mean uphill, in the mud, through water....so yes, mine ended up being more of a run, walk, run, walk, slide through the mud, try and run and repeat. Ha. Obstacles were awesome. Just to describe a few....you had a rock wall to master and then had to slide down a pole, 10+ foot wall you had to climb with a rope and then climb down the back, jump in the water and climb over logs, army crawl in the mud under barbed wire, and jump over fire......yes, those are just a few. I did this with 5 other girls and we had a blast. It is great to be able to say, yes, I did that! The obstacles were a thrill to conquer, now if only they would take out the running it would be better. I am not a runner so that was the least fun part for me. But the other girls were great and waited on me when needed and we finished in 1 hour and 6 minutes. Now we have a higher goal for next year!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW7HAgkb-mXIEX2xEv6wZPshhqFEYuy3YSSxogMYNUloDp2jMY-stW2Yjpk3nHEmyky_Id0izQIG5PRvnVPzDsdPdfCgduRKakifa23jyRjTKDzg1mtenjZK9AR50bVHz7o-iobGcWJU/s1600/522074_10100272698382316_26505857_40853926_928852378_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW7HAgkb-mXIEX2xEv6wZPshhqFEYuy3YSSxogMYNUloDp2jMY-stW2Yjpk3nHEmyky_Id0izQIG5PRvnVPzDsdPdfCgduRKakifa23jyRjTKDzg1mtenjZK9AR50bVHz7o-iobGcWJU/s320/522074_10100272698382316_26505857_40853926_928852378_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our name was up for debate, ha, but we were the Pink Ladies!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJiugc91kxIkawkfWNHhdiqLtRWQxjraVCSvFBqry2Zee-Ee4SovDPqfmY4RsmndafuDCap_cIHSeJOTmxPXneuSdwtkB3Cggd8nxOhAP8wyL0nhSwhWoyCZBb07VIpTbyzxIGTyJrqU/s1600/521903_10100277566980606_26505857_40874408_1295327518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJiugc91kxIkawkfWNHhdiqLtRWQxjraVCSvFBqry2Zee-Ee4SovDPqfmY4RsmndafuDCap_cIHSeJOTmxPXneuSdwtkB3Cggd8nxOhAP8wyL0nhSwhWoyCZBb07VIpTbyzxIGTyJrqU/s320/521903_10100277566980606_26505857_40874408_1295327518_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJEeNsQ9PQ-kBf0Lkt90RDgR1rj04-3Wzvv91fPpqodEgdjTBfgFV4-0Wbiy8btFzzYHGUDEWBO3NXrIVkhLnGz_pIASkvVcy-sYqBUXLvIFjrLD0juQZ4QqPnL9cuJskzPbOI0YHLI4/s1600/527456_3934690092838_1447401061_33625670_116572804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJEeNsQ9PQ-kBf0Lkt90RDgR1rj04-3Wzvv91fPpqodEgdjTBfgFV4-0Wbiy8btFzzYHGUDEWBO3NXrIVkhLnGz_pIASkvVcy-sYqBUXLvIFjrLD0juQZ4QqPnL9cuJskzPbOI0YHLI4/s320/527456_3934690092838_1447401061_33625670_116572804_n.jpg" width="232" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTYflpwvEjDArMEMZZLDFLcjcHssbGjTslw4u8jgeOX2uR7iPcq9plCdPOoKrXH33cPcHllS7rm0_azfRMFp204uD9giBUGdGYQEaRovIiQTFwS6b-xRF1Mduu3Bv_nrHJH_pfCOOx4Y/s1600/527975_10100277379591136_26505857_40873654_1184169175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTYflpwvEjDArMEMZZLDFLcjcHssbGjTslw4u8jgeOX2uR7iPcq9plCdPOoKrXH33cPcHllS7rm0_azfRMFp204uD9giBUGdGYQEaRovIiQTFwS6b-xRF1Mduu3Bv_nrHJH_pfCOOx4Y/s320/527975_10100277379591136_26505857_40873654_1184169175_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUr02e_Ie-TUoYkt6M2AGx-QfBiWM-1EO_sdt4FdkW5g6Dfovl9aHUbPO0W68wP9VHleENcX060F8gVx0NqQZpyrdY-bHF1xD14kTl9YLnTXITdYvD8o3qCYz23LNJceD9L7dKSxYxpM/s1600/532683_10100277381397516_26505857_40873660_1835364000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUr02e_Ie-TUoYkt6M2AGx-QfBiWM-1EO_sdt4FdkW5g6Dfovl9aHUbPO0W68wP9VHleENcX060F8gVx0NqQZpyrdY-bHF1xD14kTl9YLnTXITdYvD8o3qCYz23LNJceD9L7dKSxYxpM/s320/532683_10100277381397516_26505857_40873660_1835364000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaImSfEv1Q6a1Rk1YKm3qZ3gh_lT4n1Hd54xTUPiEMqhgwuuULcZxw4RtQJwFgKMs3Cpuk2dU708aQDppZfRrcI6cV5jl_Sc1ZVKh1lVgHwgSfqEwDmcIeV6EPmlW1OHoVQUdZGFYufA/s1600/62613_10100272662384456_26505857_40853641_1673905161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaImSfEv1Q6a1Rk1YKm3qZ3gh_lT4n1Hd54xTUPiEMqhgwuuULcZxw4RtQJwFgKMs3Cpuk2dU708aQDppZfRrcI6cV5jl_Sc1ZVKh1lVgHwgSfqEwDmcIeV6EPmlW1OHoVQUdZGFYufA/s320/62613_10100272662384456_26505857_40853641_1673905161_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
See what I mean by trying to run<br />
through the mud<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBQGRbmbBhV8j609qyGeOy6_aEklbJwDlfAxWhyphenhyphendGX8xbVEFDpC-uftRlRH8Enhmu30GrtV1fLvzs8MTO_q41bZhR1VempFNd1zq4JTgyZihzwINcecluBmnn8xCWQeJPleoFackqQCc/s1600/525932_10100272664989236_26505857_40853674_1467969639_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBQGRbmbBhV8j609qyGeOy6_aEklbJwDlfAxWhyphenhyphendGX8xbVEFDpC-uftRlRH8Enhmu30GrtV1fLvzs8MTO_q41bZhR1VempFNd1zq4JTgyZihzwINcecluBmnn8xCWQeJPleoFackqQCc/s320/525932_10100272664989236_26505857_40853674_1467969639_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WARRIORS!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD9_hG6Qm5EhaD4isqBK3clLWMoGpBURHbTRAmI_-ki4f4XZkxIg_RMuPZ_wXxLozKPL1UNC8og1q_2Xivm2sdOActVpbDebdhGiVYveG2CXmo_4dVmTLtK_J3TGxek4W947hMW5P7Qg/s1600/IMG_7502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD9_hG6Qm5EhaD4isqBK3clLWMoGpBURHbTRAmI_-ki4f4XZkxIg_RMuPZ_wXxLozKPL1UNC8og1q_2Xivm2sdOActVpbDebdhGiVYveG2CXmo_4dVmTLtK_J3TGxek4W947hMW5P7Qg/s320/IMG_7502.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the way, it was unusually cold that day and we had<br />
just been sprayed with cold water to rinse off all the mud</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzb0vm-KNhNjCegXfKtHlr9-XAgEha3Hzk71SYm2AxC5UDeSd0e8vY0ls4b8ZhFcBqkn9p0kOn3eJjBF3lZXbJB3wahlwv05d9rD8Pbseskas04rWAAdWzHHSLzwn-ZD5FBzSfG2vm7c/s1600/576832_10100272698726626_26505857_40853933_819194285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzb0vm-KNhNjCegXfKtHlr9-XAgEha3Hzk71SYm2AxC5UDeSd0e8vY0ls4b8ZhFcBqkn9p0kOn3eJjBF3lZXbJB3wahlwv05d9rD8Pbseskas04rWAAdWzHHSLzwn-ZD5FBzSfG2vm7c/s320/576832_10100272698726626_26505857_40853933_819194285_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie and Kristi who I work with. Love these girls<br />
and so glad to do this with them</td></tr>
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Thanks for checking out my blog. There will be more to come soon!!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-1994278279279373852012-03-12T08:57:00.000-07:002012-03-12T09:02:17.989-07:00Bedroom Makeover Part 1<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am feeling like a blog failure. I haven't blogged in almost a month and haven't actually done much that deems blog worthy. However, I do want to try and post monthly on the blog. Here is one of the things I have been doing, but don't worry, there will be new adventures coming soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the things I said I wanted to do this year was DIY projects around the house. I have been wanting to remodel my bedroom for a while. My colors were burgundy and gold, which made the room dark. The windows in my master bedroom are under the covered patio of my back porch, which also make it dark in the room....lovely for sleeping in, not so much for nature light to brighten the room. So, I wanted to make some changes and do it cheaply. Pinterest gave me some great ideas. Since I don't have a huge budget for remodeling or a brick wall in my room, I had to do the best with what I had to work with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Inspiration: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/235031674272882957_NyDpAT54_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I'm going to need someone to build me a brick wall in my room please :)" border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/235031674272882957_NyDpAT54_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the way this looks, too bad I don't have a brick wall.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wanted the look for the room to be light and airy. So I decided to go with a white bedspread (Target) and then do a neutral headboard. Though I love the pictures I've found with patterned headboards, I thought it would be more money conscience to go with something neutral I could use even if I change decor or move it to another bedroom. This is where the DIY part comes in. I found a few websites on how to make headboards. I love the tufted headboard look, but I decided to make it as easy on myself as possible. I measured dimensions on the wall using painters tape. I took the dimensions to home depot, got the cheapest, most durable wood, and they did all the hard work. They cut it for me to the exact dimensions and gave me the scraps! Maybe those will come in handy for another project one day. I hunted around for the kind of fabric I wanted and after the guys at home depot got me set up with the wood, I made my way to Joann's Fabric store. LOVE Joann's. Luckily it was President's Weekend, so my red dot clearance fabric was 50% off of that. Basically a steal for fabric. I got the batting and foam for half off as well, love a sale! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I brought in the big piece of wood and got to work. It was actually really easy. Like I said, I wanted it to be as easy as possible. Seeing as how I don't have an electric saw, I just went with a basic square headboard. The only tool I needed was a nail gun. Now isn't that lovely.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwZ87DQ8A8wG2VV4-capn7pipmTikNwhCoYyLcuUtxofvQKaPozFrT1d60fYTLw3tolca-8DOabwYqn8zeOvNh9r9IsvJG2zFrqpzFXvWY9IyFFUq7a25ohmChiWOS_bNWFqOS384qM8/s1600/IMG_7367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwZ87DQ8A8wG2VV4-capn7pipmTikNwhCoYyLcuUtxofvQKaPozFrT1d60fYTLw3tolca-8DOabwYqn8zeOvNh9r9IsvJG2zFrqpzFXvWY9IyFFUq7a25ohmChiWOS_bNWFqOS384qM8/s200/IMG_7367.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you love the 1990's tv..yes, the kind that has a vcr player. <br />
One of these days I will get a new one, ha.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> My room...after I took off the old comforter and took down the bed frame, which was a black and gold brass bed with a headboard and footboard. I've had it since the 7th grade. Definitely time to get rid of that thing (sorry Mom). You can see the colors of my old comforter, dark, dark, dark. Needed to get some lightness in there. And by the way, you can't see it, but the fan in that room is black and silver. It came with the house and kind of looks like a spaceship, but I'm leaving it up...for now.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJljOi-tGwOkJmTXxVs6W6Yp3E3TwvxxineRK2nFNeEey5D7cuoziJjWDJI7ygq__RIrye2fIU4uBrQXY_0YX4Ec5UTlPksuN4tZQCS1exGF0c59ucvIvy_AuZA8PdKeyv8dSFubSXBY/s1600/IMG_7374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJljOi-tGwOkJmTXxVs6W6Yp3E3TwvxxineRK2nFNeEey5D7cuoziJjWDJI7ygq__RIrye2fIU4uBrQXY_0YX4Ec5UTlPksuN4tZQCS1exGF0c59ucvIvy_AuZA8PdKeyv8dSFubSXBY/s200/IMG_7374.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cat Lola (above) wasn't sure about this blue tape on the wall.<br />
She kept trying to attack it.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Measuring the headboard. This is definitely key to making the headboard. You want to make sure the dimensions go with the room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I put the wood on a sheet to make it easier to move around and so I wouldn't scratch my floor. I cut the foam and sprayed adhesive (also from Joann's). Then sprayed batting on top of the foam and allowed it to come over the edges to cover the wood and nailed it to the back. I laid down the fabric (after ironing it) and pulled it to cover every side and corner of the wood. Then got going with my nail gun. I really couldn't believe how easy it all was. Below are the after pictures. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedspread from Target</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I made that headboard, thank you very much.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the things about DIY projects is the pride you get from it. I feel very accomplished knowing I made something for less than $50 that sells for way over $200. I am still not done with the whole room remodel. I wanted new lamps, but luckily I just switched all the lamps in my house around and pulled these from the guest room. I say they worked out pretty good. I am pleased with the look of the room so far but still have more to do. The next few items to add to the room are new sheets, a bed skirt, some accent pillows with a few pops of color and curtains. I want to get sheer curtains with some kind of colored pattern to add color to the room. I also want a light fabric of curtain so I can leave the blinds open and bring in some natural light. I will make sure to post pictures whenever I get to that point. Let me know what you think or any ideas you can share!</span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-89533403234249865552012-02-16T09:49:00.000-08:002012-02-17T06:25:42.227-08:00Cookies, Cowboys, and Coupons<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As mentioned in my last post, my friend Leslie and I were each other's Valentines. We had a whole day of fun and treats for ourselves. One of the things to do on my list is try new restaurants in Jackson. Not only do I want to try new restaurants but unique places around town as well. So for Valentine's Day Leslie and I got out at lunch and treated ourselves to cookies and coffee. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We went to Campbell's Bakery, a wonderful little bakery in the Fondren District. Fondren is Jackson's historic art district. It's a neat little strip with unique shops, restaurants and urban living. There is always something going on in Fondren, and I do not go near enough. I have never been to Campbell's Bakery before but it was definitely on the list of places to go to this year. Campbell's was also recently named <i>Best of Jackson's </i>Best Bakery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hear tons about it from people all over town, whether it's an afternoon treat or a catered wedding, people love Campbell's Bakery. This place is unique and cozy and the staff is super friendly. We walked in, and though I live here, I felt and acted like a tourist. I had my camera in hand and asked the baker what I should get as a first timer. He gave me a free cookie to sample which is their iced teacake cookie, what they are known for and have been making for years. And there is a good reason they are known for them because it was delicious. So delicious in fact that I bought two more!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After our bakery adventure we walked down the street to Sneaky Beans Coffee Shop. I know, it's just a coffee shop right, but it's a coffee shop I have never been too. Let me just go ahead and say, this coffee was wonderful. I got the white chocolate mocha and it was the perfect blend, temperature and taste. I loved it. Happy Valentines to us!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneaky Beans</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good thing I was getting coffee <br />
because I look really tired</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After our sweet lunch outing we of course went back to work but had a lot to look forward to that evening. We were headed to the Dixie National Rodeo! Before the rodeo we went to eat at La Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant. Mexican food is of course good any time. Then off to the rodeo with our cowboy boots on! </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJYnfMCVtWuxXQqwsp1XeTtYqne7gXxjiUAFq1LmjLTtNwWRxKfUF8uRnxsSZpL2fryYNiFt1Z2IARXW4qy-P5H9BtjiSgoV4exeshikXfiqZLa-CH9M6wEu-e7BauWx50kbINrmNNkI/s1600/IMG_7351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJYnfMCVtWuxXQqwsp1XeTtYqne7gXxjiUAFq1LmjLTtNwWRxKfUF8uRnxsSZpL2fryYNiFt1Z2IARXW4qy-P5H9BtjiSgoV4exeshikXfiqZLa-CH9M6wEu-e7BauWx50kbINrmNNkI/s200/IMG_7351.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our seats were right over the chutes where the cowboys came out. Great seats with a perfect view ;). We had so much fun at the rodeo. I really think there isn't anything more American. I still get nervous every time the bull riding takes place but it is very entertaining. The Eli Young Band was the musical entertainment that night and they did a great job. So our Valentines Day was a huge </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> success and so much fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A recent addition to the list was to start using coupons. I would like to become a couponer but not sure I want to get that crazy about it. The goal is really to just start paying attention to what I am buying and take advantage of all the free coupons I get in the mail or paper. So I took some time and clipped coupons. I have them organized into envelopes. Not sure I'm going to get crazy and have a whole binder, but right now it's fun to find a coupon, clip it, and add it to the appropriate envelop. Now I just need to remember to use them when I go to the store! This will take some extra work on my part. I will have to make my list of needed items and go through my coupons, but hopefully this will save me a little money through the year. That is the goal anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a lot more to do throughout the year, and I am really looking forward to crossing items off my list. Now I just need to convince my friends to actually do some of these things with me. I am all ready to go sky diving but I have a couple of friends who have to "think about if they want to die or not." I mean, isn't my birthday worth it, come on! Just kidding....but really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am also in the very beginning stage of remodeling my bedroom (Do It Yourself style) so I will soon be posting photos of the new look. It may be a slower process than I am anticipating, but I am looking forward to making some updates around the house...and of course marking that off my list as well.</span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-12204119101710972392012-01-27T12:13:00.000-08:002012-01-27T14:18:28.504-08:00The Foxtrot, Rodeo, and Sushi<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am happy to say January isn't over yet and I have accomplished some, or parts, of things on my list. One idea I had was to take an adult dance class. It just so happened that the Baptist Healthplex in Clinton was offering Ballroom Dancing classes. I jumped right on top of that. Yes, a hip hop dance class or ballet class might seem a bit cooler, however, this was free and convenient....seeing as how I work at the gym part time and it's a few minutes from my house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some how I convinced my friend Jason, aka Dizz, to be my partner at ballroom dancing. The schedule was supposed to be for 4 Friday nights, however, we only made it to two. But hey, that is two more classes that we didn't have before so I am happy with that! There are no pictures from the first night of dancing, which is probably good seeing as how I was absolutely terrible. Now I will go ahead and say if I am just dancing for fun, dropping it like it's hot, or shaking that groove thing, then I am not THAT bad of a dancer. But put me in a choreographed dance, a step aerobics class, or ballroom dancing, then we may have some problems. For some reason, I am just not that coordinated. So the first night of learning the Foxtrot, The Waltz, and the Samba were not all that great. We did redeem ourselves the second night though. Good thing we had our friends Michael and Jessica there (newbies) to make us look better. Ha, just kidding guys, so glad y'all were able to join in the fun! We finally got the steps and turns, and I think we would almost be pros if we were able to finish those last two classes. Oh well. Maybe one day. We had fun and crossed something off my list which was the goal. I said I just had to do these things, not do them well, right?</span></div>
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<b>Ballroom Dancing:</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michael and Jess</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dizz and me....we may not look like pros, but trust me, </span><br />
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<b>Dixie National Rodeo!</b>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another thing that was recently added to the list is go to the Dixie National Rodeo. I have been to the rodeo before but it's been years, so I thought, well it is coming in town, they have good music, and it's something I think I would enjoy. Plus, seeing all those cowboys won't be such a bad thing. And I do love me some country music. So my partner in crime, and now my Valentine's date, and I went to buy tickets for the Dixie National Rodeo! Our cowboy boots are ready to go! We are going on Valentine's night and seeing the Eli Young Band. Thanks, Leslie, you'll be a great Valentine, ha! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yee-haw! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finding 12 new restaurants to eat at throughout the year won't be any problem for me. One because I don't go out to eat very often at lunch, maybe once a week, and two because if I go out to eat on the weekends, you can pretty much guarantee that you will find my friends and me at the local Mexican restaurant Margaritas, our fav. Leslie, my co-worker, friend, and partner in crime, is helping me mark some things off my list. Not too bad a gig if I do say so myself. We will sacrifice one day of eating lunch at my desk watching "our shows" for our lunch break to branch out and try some new places. We work in downtown Jackson so there is a good many places to walk and drive to that we can try out. Our first new place to try was Wasabi, a sushi/hibachi place. I love that we have a great group of girls to go out to lunch with. We laugh a lot during those lunches. Gina's birthday weekend is Sunday so on Friday she picked the place to eat...Wasabi. And just my luck, it was a new place which gave me a chance to add it to my blog. The girls didn't know they were going to have a photo shoot for lunch but they were troopers. Let's just say Wasabi is a nice change of pace from the usual downtown dining. I can't think of any other sushi/hibachi place that close. If you want my advice and you only have an hour for lunch, don't do it, even if it is in walking distance. The food was good....once we got it all. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDQh-IpoKORifgl_UEabH1q8KNbhgojYYthYujbURWAFy61Wem04DQS1F3Eh7SnloWYdoUzPab9HxDdBIri-9ZgifHdPltk-aWMSzGpRXTJYNYWHCfwviedt4zoisxOeq-cnQ0IPYRH4/s1600/IMG_7260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDQh-IpoKORifgl_UEabH1q8KNbhgojYYthYujbURWAFy61Wem04DQS1F3Eh7SnloWYdoUzPab9HxDdBIri-9ZgifHdPltk-aWMSzGpRXTJYNYWHCfwviedt4zoisxOeq-cnQ0IPYRH4/s200/IMG_7260.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7-G8rN5Df9nmGhciSID7l6gjzuB7Tp2WgCqIsQlTS4kOVRUmH0GGzj3VTKzM89n0Vt0nuyKwu7Cs9NxVh65TZ1lUn9EUujlln4ExcIcBNw_4Z2KIaBzUFrS4-Pu47qNiHFsE3aA66gA/s1600/IMG_7252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7-G8rN5Df9nmGhciSID7l6gjzuB7Tp2WgCqIsQlTS4kOVRUmH0GGzj3VTKzM89n0Vt0nuyKwu7Cs9NxVh65TZ1lUn9EUujlln4ExcIcBNw_4Z2KIaBzUFrS4-Pu47qNiHFsE3aA66gA/s200/IMG_7252.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They have a great lunch special where you can get a meal that includes tons of stuff: I got the teriyaki chicken which came with a salad, an appetizer, rice, california roll, and a dessert. Wow. And it was very reasonably priced. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMSDTp4aVND0fTqb0EkyLhVDjkdrWPNAInenyT-QWR7GXXqALEQH-RV23Zl2UTJW0-WjBmcV31yLNYBcxPbOwO6iQ-EXC2iZ9YnVM7T3lMeupIBrwRPYaWKGAUGYKfhaoOqlSk0lo4n0/s1600/IMG_7251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMSDTp4aVND0fTqb0EkyLhVDjkdrWPNAInenyT-QWR7GXXqALEQH-RV23Zl2UTJW0-WjBmcV31yLNYBcxPbOwO6iQ-EXC2iZ9YnVM7T3lMeupIBrwRPYaWKGAUGYKfhaoOqlSk0lo4n0/s200/IMG_7251.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The hard part was actually getting all of the food at the same time. You know how some restaurants like to make a pretty display and set everything on the plate and bring it out all at once? Yeah, some do, and I think Wasabi's intention was to do that, it just didn't happen. So our lunch hour was completed and Leslie and I still hadn't gotten our food. Nor had a couple of the girls gotten their sushi. I did feel bad for the poor waiter because as soon as he came to our table to bring my lunch (not Leslie's), I had to ask him to put it in a to go box. He so nicely complied and put both Leslie and my lunch in a box and brought it to us. But we were both missing our appetizer. And we definitely weren't leaving without a portion of our meal! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaylqoJd9xf_bOrdGt60B7ViX_iAlx7zfxU_QzOYMU6eM7iWdChkwYlAi_daZBxnKROtAiPpKXn8vkgLKJqD4xcqrPq6U5gCM3apNqDwch8iFjNE2ZRzckH1mhtwQj-19mvPjrcCe5vAM/s1600/IMG_7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaylqoJd9xf_bOrdGt60B7ViX_iAlx7zfxU_QzOYMU6eM7iWdChkwYlAi_daZBxnKROtAiPpKXn8vkgLKJqD4xcqrPq6U5gCM3apNqDwch8iFjNE2ZRzckH1mhtwQj-19mvPjrcCe5vAM/s320/IMG_7253.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I took Kim's plate so I could at least get a picture with food,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">yeah, I faked it, sorry</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So after we told the waiter, I don't know four or five times, that we were missing our appetizer and the other girls still hadn't gotten their sushi, we finally got it. Well, I don't really know if the other girls got their sushi because Leslie and I literally ran out of the restaurant, after an hour and fifteen minutes of lunch, with our to go boxes in hand. The setting of the restaurant was nice, wish we would have actually gotten to enjoy our food there though. Everything was good too...except maybe the dessert? The lunch plan I was referring to earlier comes with chef's choice of the day's appetizer and dessert, so you don't really know what you are going to get. And we sure did not know what we got. It was orange and it was square. That' pretty much what we know. So after evaluating it we had to decide who was going to try it first. Leslie took the challenge. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByxV-rlEhLnK0GJ8dtyUB453QE9WZuPPcnew6sHNbRoZm7awn58oTY5KAlefUIj-6QDRZAaRSvRDQkymgy_rAbIM5et0ZqZfSTnLIBRKQy1_DfDU9N1ngrLUi3mvoRVAKRg7jgAvRJAM/s1600/IMG_7257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByxV-rlEhLnK0GJ8dtyUB453QE9WZuPPcnew6sHNbRoZm7awn58oTY5KAlefUIj-6QDRZAaRSvRDQkymgy_rAbIM5et0ZqZfSTnLIBRKQy1_DfDU9N1ngrLUi3mvoRVAKRg7jgAvRJAM/s320/IMG_7257.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leslie being a dare devil</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavoCxtKHEEkec1qFCVDmqpAwESwga26y5bLAPUu2HvqKjjLMaJg4HrYB1hYI_QeJWNbUBbKqzJtZ7IaqAi13iMyYM69r5QjnOJsdrmtQJVaQ3HtWQAgg5bwsnYQqumXjG2k4A1drLMsc/s1600/IMG_7259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7qKW4pnKnYaI87eE25MgFv4tdii7Iziek5D_7S2AJ4wo8-1AlvKIYZ7xNyzxSrf4mCr1en0X_yydsLS4UIakjKMaO2-y9BIax6dEZ36yxyuP0CP5P-jCADxXNXbvYWISXflXShbyANU/s1600/IMG_7258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> Her face, priceless. Of course the other girls had to try it too. I love the expressions. So our lunch adventure was fun. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wasabi, despite the not so timely lunch, was good. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The poor waiter was new and the restaurant itself is pretty new too. But every good manager should know training is key when it comes to your servers. So if a customer ask a question about something on the menu or a sauce, he shouldn't have to go back to the kitchen three times to get the answer. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But the lunch was fun </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and I am looking forward to a lot more fun lunches with these girls at new </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">places around Jackson. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim loved it.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavoCxtKHEEkec1qFCVDmqpAwESwga26y5bLAPUu2HvqKjjLMaJg4HrYB1hYI_QeJWNbUBbKqzJtZ7IaqAi13iMyYM69r5QjnOJsdrmtQJVaQ3HtWQAgg5bwsnYQqumXjG2k4A1drLMsc/s1600/IMG_7259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavoCxtKHEEkec1qFCVDmqpAwESwga26y5bLAPUu2HvqKjjLMaJg4HrYB1hYI_QeJWNbUBbKqzJtZ7IaqAi13iMyYM69r5QjnOJsdrmtQJVaQ3HtWQAgg5bwsnYQqumXjG2k4A1drLMsc/s200/IMG_7259.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times with all these ladies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-1399462669465016012012-01-09T09:14:00.000-08:002012-01-11T14:41:42.906-08:00Bonus Round<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">New Year's Eve Eve, a few friends and myself went to try out a new hot spot in Ridgeland, Sombra Mexican Kitchen. This new restaurant experience doesn't qualify to be on the list of the 12 new places for 2012 but I wanted to blog about it anyway. This will help me get started with the restaurant/food blogging. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdCrc-OKFMBbnxHW9jCrrEY5MDgEIuzomcjhccuiC0Ryqr96Wf1oFBOYiflpvtBPXsQohAHjxPBKw6KmYlrt3kayRNHrpE62mVtq7l5H8UnaX9dM7L8JDeuYvT5XwUXFQpPYyvBiS47s/s1600/IMG_7210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdCrc-OKFMBbnxHW9jCrrEY5MDgEIuzomcjhccuiC0Ryqr96Wf1oFBOYiflpvtBPXsQohAHjxPBKw6KmYlrt3kayRNHrpE62mVtq7l5H8UnaX9dM7L8JDeuYvT5XwUXFQpPYyvBiS47s/s200/IMG_7210.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span class="textSize20" style="background-color: #fffbe8; color: #434343; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px;">Sombra Mexican Kitchen</span><span style="background-color: #fffbe8; color: #434343; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> redefines Mississippi’s idea of a Mexican restaurant. From the fresh-squeezed limejuice and organic agave nectar in every margarita to the made-from-scratch corn and flour tortillas, Sombra focuses on the fresh, flavorful tastes that are at the core of our authentic food and drink. The rustic, colorful and casual environment will allow you to sit back, take your time, and enjoy Sombra’s modern take on traditional Mexican and Southwest dining.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The above description is from Sombra's website and I think they did a great job describing the food and environment. The atmosphere is rustic-chic, definitely not your casual mexican dining decor. The wait wasn't too bad and all the staff were friendly and helpful. We spoke with both managers who made it a point to stop and speak to customers. One even gave us free guacamole (thanks to Michael opening the door for other guest as we waited). And it was definitely fresh. We started the meal with salsa, cheese dip and chips. All had great taste and they kept them coming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am a lover of pretty much any Mexican food. I can eat my weight in chips and dip but the flavor of the food is what I really enjoy...spices, veggies...pile it on! Sombra has very natural flavors of the food and you can tell they take a lot of time letting the food speak for itself. Dana and I shared the chicken and steak mixed fajitas. I think the idea of Sombra is to let the food flavor itself with a natural, fresh taste and though it was good, I could have used more seasoning. But don't worry, we didn't leave hungry. I think all of our plates were cleaned. So if you are a looking for Mexican food in a more upscale setting with fresh and natural foods, this is the place. Check on some of the pictures of our table. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKui0un4_4Xi5_K9XV8ADZ2SRgCR_5Wo2c9AFBd-Aso-Ro-5XOkw32C9b-MzlPbYQtbZFafxfNXNEuXTZobYHA6TwAFpAJi9nKzvoqMDcsxm8WmZN3YyCrRn1TGyojj1rc5mtdVYYFLEo/s1600/IMG_7211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKui0un4_4Xi5_K9XV8ADZ2SRgCR_5Wo2c9AFBd-Aso-Ro-5XOkw32C9b-MzlPbYQtbZFafxfNXNEuXTZobYHA6TwAFpAJi9nKzvoqMDcsxm8WmZN3YyCrRn1TGyojj1rc5mtdVYYFLEo/s200/IMG_7211.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael, Me, Kyle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9gKVFiaWJVkpQmxpwadMHKHY4SY_sWUpSEeiQcmzWd47hEEN9qJkzvj6vufkh9ZRVqfCmVMJ5H5VLdICHMa15qQtuCB-XS4OGfv-coVzuXlFXzfw1qq3JcgctR_WbnOfUw_Y8YLCEoE/s1600/IMG_7212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9gKVFiaWJVkpQmxpwadMHKHY4SY_sWUpSEeiQcmzWd47hEEN9qJkzvj6vufkh9ZRVqfCmVMJ5H5VLdICHMa15qQtuCB-XS4OGfv-coVzuXlFXzfw1qq3JcgctR_WbnOfUw_Y8YLCEoE/s200/IMG_7212.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel aka Fragglerock and Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd6mwZK6dse8DhmNaeuCK5f7vJNYFtIvHI4Svzv_7gXDAC70NtzOqFtLUSyYkL-W5Ruq2dpI4BSwN1CmkcrMGYArcW4nQJOwOY8o1ElIwLH8cBENGyn7FFeRO5ILNuMLlxptaxFt9Olg/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd6mwZK6dse8DhmNaeuCK5f7vJNYFtIvHI4Svzv_7gXDAC70NtzOqFtLUSyYkL-W5Ruq2dpI4BSwN1CmkcrMGYArcW4nQJOwOY8o1ElIwLH8cBENGyn7FFeRO5ILNuMLlxptaxFt9Olg/s200/IMG_7215.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana and Me..we shared the fajitas and there was plenty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYYTbAlgNf36QMQUWw2XFd1rNXzzogoOqiL_cuI0YVJS7b21lGoVZcN0qWjmhINZvYxElYG3JVEz51Ktj0ifzD3NWrAqFDf5n66BrOhS8znIRPNH4SYSrWE4Ia9BMQTjz6dcFIwox1n4/s1600/IMG_7214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYYTbAlgNf36QMQUWw2XFd1rNXzzogoOqiL_cuI0YVJS7b21lGoVZcN0qWjmhINZvYxElYG3JVEz51Ktj0ifzD3NWrAqFDf5n66BrOhS8znIRPNH4SYSrWE4Ia9BMQTjz6dcFIwox1n4/s320/IMG_7214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't go wrong with chips and dip!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxh9jM8g0i9FHhyphenhyphenROgULbtB987iGWQ56kq3awsqNAeV_l1-okhyphenhyphenTJGvrwOsXq_I4ZRvDAgjwGX2NE1ilIT_a8r79wYx03Sw9tT5qZZRjUZiXktb8hyphenhyphenyAiRJhaVBNtirjea1zuELJoAbo/s1600/IMG_7216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxh9jM8g0i9FHhyphenhyphenROgULbtB987iGWQ56kq3awsqNAeV_l1-okhyphenhyphenTJGvrwOsXq_I4ZRvDAgjwGX2NE1ilIT_a8r79wYx03Sw9tT5qZZRjUZiXktb8hyphenhyphenyAiRJhaVBNtirjea1zuELJoAbo/s320/IMG_7216.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to get a picture before we ate all the food, oops.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-25951236898470532942012-01-09T08:54:00.000-08:002012-01-09T10:43:43.285-08:00The Beginning<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am still waiting for good suggestions to add to my list of 30 things....I need 9 more! Though my list isn't complete and technically I haven't started yet, I have made some advances. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b> 1</b>- I signed up for the Warrior Dash! It's official and now I actually have to do it, ha. Good thing I have two friends who signed up with me and who are assuring me I won't die. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks Leslie and Kristi!</span><br />
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" /><b>This will be us on April 21!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b> 2</b>- This Friday, I will begin taking Ballroom Dancing classes. They are being offered at the Baptist Healthplex for the next 4 Friday nights. It's free to members and lessons take place from 6:30-7:30. So if anyone wants to join me or be my partner, feel free!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b>3</b>- My friend and co-worker Leslie has volunteered to help me eat at 12 restaurants I have never been to. We are really excited about this and have already started a list. This will definitely be a lunch time activity to go to some of the unique places around downtown Jackson. Don't worry, I will make sure to take lots of pictures of the good food.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR8oy6CaeGtTsjO1rt-YsUyedBnQKf4qjtVJTyESEviPkx2PEFOb54VkoGrCXPMxJK3WFnLhq7Nfi355HQVRQ2u4LeMfRkHHRQRra-axucxHuiDH-6LtbrUMYyn-viN5MkZUUmLUttfc/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR8oy6CaeGtTsjO1rt-YsUyedBnQKf4qjtVJTyESEviPkx2PEFOb54VkoGrCXPMxJK3WFnLhq7Nfi355HQVRQ2u4LeMfRkHHRQRra-axucxHuiDH-6LtbrUMYyn-viN5MkZUUmLUttfc/s320/IMG_7100.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Run a half marathon is on the list and these wonderful people have inspired me. In December they ran the St. Jude Half Marathon and said it's the best one they have ever done. Not just because of the neat sights of Memphis or the cool Blues/Jazz music but because of all the children and families this race benefits. Thanks for running and inspiring me to do the same. Hopefully this will be a yearly tradition!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna, Kyle, Michael, Daniel, Millie</span><br />
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margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p85B0JIwSswy7Br8EKahvGE80RZQOtue5-M-Ks1YobKAQALdQeP8ODTgYFYbpttunhvYs1s2N0z5euK7Abrk-MY4tW4ALC4Ar9wQEMncizTb0dswo6PgTZDk3CPUIBCJ-HZX9FUsH7c/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p85B0JIwSswy7Br8EKahvGE80RZQOtue5-M-Ks1YobKAQALdQeP8ODTgYFYbpttunhvYs1s2N0z5euK7Abrk-MY4tW4ALC4Ar9wQEMncizTb0dswo6PgTZDk3CPUIBCJ-HZX9FUsH7c/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p85B0JIwSswy7Br8EKahvGE80RZQOtue5-M-Ks1YobKAQALdQeP8ODTgYFYbpttunhvYs1s2N0z5euK7Abrk-MY4tW4ALC4Ar9wQEMncizTb0dswo6PgTZDk3CPUIBCJ-HZX9FUsH7c/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p85B0JIwSswy7Br8EKahvGE80RZQOtue5-M-Ks1YobKAQALdQeP8ODTgYFYbpttunhvYs1s2N0z5euK7Abrk-MY4tW4ALC4Ar9wQEMncizTb0dswo6PgTZDk3CPUIBCJ-HZX9FUsH7c/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p85B0JIwSswy7Br8EKahvGE80RZQOtue5-M-Ks1YobKAQALdQeP8ODTgYFYbpttunhvYs1s2N0z5euK7Abrk-MY4tW4ALC4Ar9wQEMncizTb0dswo6PgTZDk3CPUIBCJ-HZX9FUsH7c/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p85B0JIwSswy7Br8EKahvGE80RZQOtue5-M-Ks1YobKAQALdQeP8ODTgYFYbpttunhvYs1s2N0z5euK7Abrk-MY4tW4ALC4Ar9wQEMncizTb0dswo6PgTZDk3CPUIBCJ-HZX9FUsH7c/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198925699687752220.post-39517242515036617012011-12-13T07:55:00.000-08:002012-03-29T09:42:47.495-07:00The List<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On April, 28, 2012, I turn 30. Surprisingly, I am not freaking out about this....yet. However, the big 3-0 has inspired me to do more. So I am starting this blog on the basis of creating a list of thirty things to do in the year I turn 30. Most of the these things will be something I have never done before or maybe don't do enough of or even something that may challenge me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In starting this blog, my hope is to document each item on my list and then keep a "journal" on the experience of each activity. Also, I want friends, family, maybe even strangers, to help me find more activities to add to the list. Feel free to respond with things you think would be fun to do, challenging, silly, whatever! I will definitely need some ideas! I hope you enjoy going on this journey with me (if there is anyone out there actually reading this) and that you will encourage me through this, as well as keep me accountable! Here is to the year of thirty!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And the list begins (which is subject to change)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1- Go on a mission trip to Africa (signed-up to go in September, yah!)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2- Run a half Marathon (St. Jude in December)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>3- Finish the Warrior Dash (April)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>4- Go sky diving</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>5- Audition for a role at the New Stage Theatre in Jackson (auditions in June)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>6- Learn to play a song (well) on the piano</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>7- Make pottery</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>8- Read a book I would never choose to read on my own</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>9- Serve at We Will Go </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>10- Take a dance class (any kind)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>11- Go salsa dancing</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>12- Camp</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>13- Take tennis lessons</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>14- Eat at 12 restaurants I have never been to-the number changed to 12, inspired by Eat Jackson </b></span><a href="http://www.eatjackson.com/2012/01/04/16-things-to-try-in-2012/">http://www.eatjackson.com/2012/01/04/16-things-to-try-in-2012/</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>15- Get dressed up and go to a fancy restaurant</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>16- Go to a shooting range (yes, I own a gun)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>17- Read 12 books</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>18- Meet another's need (buy food, clothes, etc.)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>19- Give up carbonated drinks for a month (shooting to do this in April)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>20- Buy the person's order in line behind me</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>21- Visit a place in MS where I have never been</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>22- Make my own recipe book...not to publish or anything, just to take all my little pages of recipes and put them in an organized book for myself</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>23- Expand my vocabulary (signed up for Dictionary.com Word of the day and created word note cards!)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>24- Eat a gyro at the gyro shack in Clinton</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>25- Make a craft off Pinterest....I do a lot of recipes from there but I need to challenge myself with a craft</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>26- Go to the Dixie National Rodeo (I have been to the rodeo but it's been year, so I thought, why not?!)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>27- Get cupcakes from Muddy's in Memphis</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>28- Remodel areas of my house- DIY style (do it yourself)</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>29- Start using coupons!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>30- Go to a midnight moving showing</b></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320623818539617537noreply@blogger.com5