2012 Goals: Re-visited

As the year comes to an end...

a little recap on how the 2012 goals went.

1. Love deeply

I'm learning a lot about what this looks like from the time I've been spending with Love himself.

I hope I continue to grow in the way I love those around me...

both my family and friends as well as people I don't even know.

2. Be wise stewards of our finances

This year we paid off two of our three student loans

(with plans to pay off the third in 2013),

cut out a few unnecessary things we were paying for

and tried to give more generously.

But the Lord has shown me some other things He's calling us too as well.

More on this as part of our 2013 goals.

3. Develop my career.

God has slowly, but surely been teaching me how to glorify him through my work.

This year, Jeremiah and I were also both promoted at work.

I completed my CUA courses and passed my certification exam, too.

4. Continue to make our house a home.

We were busy this year remodeling our kitchen

and we are absolutely in love with how it turned out.

We've also been learning how to use our home as a blessing to others.

5. Go on 50 First Dates.

This was one of my favorite goals of the year

It has been such a fun thing to do together.

And we did it! We actually went on all 50 dates (though I'm still working to blog them all)!

I'm really excited about the twist we're putting on this goal for next year. More later.

6. Live a healthier life.

Let's be honest, this is always a goal.

And while I'm finally more conscious about it,

I still don't count this much of a success.

Instead of coming and going in waves,

I'm praying for a little extra dose of discipline in 2013.

7. Stamp that passport.

We finally wandered outside of the US this year.

Before we left, I completed all 50 levels of the "Learn to speak Italian" app I had been playing with,

but to be honest, my elementary vocabulary 

and inability to construct more than a couple sentences

was not terribly helpful.

Doesn't matter. We had a wonderful time anyway.

And the funny part about this goal...

when we finally got to Italy,

no one stamped my passport at all.

I had to fight my way through the line again,

just to get an actual stamp. :)

Date 23: Vintana + Esco Gelato

We had only been home from Italy for a couple days,

but already I was having MAJOR gelato withdrawls.

When you eat something once (or maybe twice, but who's counting?) a day for weeks,

one day without it feels like an eternity.

Anywho, I knew about the new little gelato shop that had opened in Escondido a few months prior,

but all the restaurants I was hoping to pair it with have gone out of business recently.

(This economy is dumb.)

When the Cohn Family opened a new restaurant in Escondido,

I was really excited to try it out (and stop by Esco Gelato for dessert, of course).

Vintana is located on top of the Escondido Lexus dealer right off the 15.

It has a beautiful view of the local hills and a tasty menu to go with it.

Their Happy Hour is great, too.

We've had the shrimp and corn fritters, the ceviche, the brie, 

the filet trio, lobster bisque, lobster mac n'cheese, and um... well, half the menu.

It's all delicious. And their cocktails are just as good.

If you're headed to Esco Gelato,

pray they have the sour cream and brown sugar.

They change their menu all the time and always have wonderful flavors.

But the sour cream and brown sugar pairs so perfectly with the peach.

It's my absolute favorite.

I'm salivating just thinking about it.

Date 22: A Taste of the Gaslamp

I'm a little behind on blogging about our 50 First Dates.

Okay, a lot of behind.

It was back in June 

when we participated in the Taste of the Gaslamp as our 22nd date.

If you've never been,

I totally recommend it.

It's roughly $30/person

and you basically spend afternoon

wandering around (with map in hand)

to up to 30 different restaurant in San Diego's Gaslamp district.

Each participating restaurant is sampling one or two of their specialties.

We had everything from seared scallops to paella to passion fruit sake.

It was absolutely delicious and a great way to get to know several of the restaurants downtown.

It didn't hurt that the self-guided tour ended at Altitude Sky Lounge atop the Marriott Hotel.

The rooftop bar overlooks Petco Park (great for catching a game during the summer)

and the beautiful San Diego Bay.

Do it. You won't regret it.

Next Year's Taste of the Gaslamp is June 8th and 9th.

Better Sacrifices

I am really hesitant to post this because I don't want it to come off pretencious or prideful, but my {relatively} new morning routine is ROCKING - MY - WORLD. 

 I want to write it down for documentation's sake, but also share it with my few remaining readers in case any of you are struggling to find time with the Lord and might be encouraged by what a big difference a small change can make.

My Old Morning Routine:

6:30am - Alarm goes off. Snooze a few times.

6:45am - Get up and get ready for work.

7:30am - Maybe grab something to munch on while I run out the door. 

7:45am - Stop at Starbucks if I didn't grab anything.

My New Morning Routine: starts 45 minutes earlier

5:45am - Alarm goes off (It's Christmas music right now - making me so happy). Snooze once.

5:55am - Get up and get ready for work.

6:45am - Go downstairs, light candles, and spend time reading/journaling/praying

7:15am - Make breakfast and pack a lunch (if I'm not too wrapped up in my quiet time)

7:30am - Leave for work

Not only am I absolutely loving the un-rushed and deeply fulfilling time that I'm spending with the Lord each day (it seriously feels like we have a coffee date heart-to-heart every morning), but I'm also feeling much better equipped for the day as a whole. I'm not wasting as much money (and calories!) on eating out and my heart is so SO full as I head off to work. 

The tiredness I thought I'd feel from getting up earlier is {almost} completely replaced with an excitement and anticipation that makes me eager to wake up the next morning. I pray often that the Lord would sustain this excitement as I incorporate this discipline into my daily routine.

---------------------

The Story Behind the Routine:

I didn't just wake up one day and decide to sleep less and do more.

For the past year, the Lord has been calling me (and preparing my heart) to lay better offerings before Him. These offerings fall into several categories, but one of the things specifically on my heart is giving sacrifices of the flesh. 

I'm not saying everyone needs to wake up early and read their Bible for hours on end. Or give everything they have to the poor and move to some third-world country.  

But for me, and what the Lord has for me right now, He's made it clear that He expects better sacrifices from me - and to start with, sacrifices of this world: sleep, comfort, money, resources, my own blood (in the form of donating blood), etc.

So I've made a step to sacrifice sleep to spend more time in relationship with Him.

And boy is He blessing that offering like crazy.

This Bare ol' Blog

I must admit

that while my blog is bare

the pages of my journal are full

of prayers, of honesty, of processing

and my heart is full to match.

Thankful for: Our Church

Our church.

We've searched long and hard for this.

We've prayed about this for what felt like months.

And from our first visit,

this place felt like home.

We're getting involved now.

We're making friends now.

We're volunteering.

and learning.

and praying.

and contributing.

and belonging.

Finally.

We're home.

Holy God,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

for the gift of GVC.

Overwhelmed

This morning I read one of the most well-known passages in the Bible.

I've read it countless times,

but today...

today I needed the freedom in that passage to consume me.

To take me over. To overwhelm me.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith 

 and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 

 not by works, so that no one can boast. 

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, 

which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

Ephesians 2:8-9

Because the truth is, I've been overwhelmed by all sorts of things lately.

Overwhelmed by the hurt and brokenness

Overwhelmed with earthly things, earthly concepts, earthly feelings

Overwhelmed with callings and convictions

Overwhelmed with work and to do lists and perfectionism

Overwhelmed with good things that aren't necessarily better or best

Overwhelmed with my sin
Overwhelmed with new ideas and new passions

Overwhelmed with joy

Overwhelmed with emotion

Overwhelmed with some good things

and some bad.

But none as powerful as the Truth above.

I am saved.

Entirely by grace

Through an active, every-growing, ever-stretching faith

Not by my works  

But by His

Saved for a purpose

To glorify God

in the ways He's called me to.

Grateful.  

A Typical Day

If you followed me around for a day

from when I rose to when I fell asleep again,

you'd know...

I don't get up as soon as my alarm goes off anymore. I snooze a good ten minutes.

I browse Facebook or Instagram while I wait for my shower water to warm up in the morning.

My only takes a few seconds to warm up.

I listen to the Today show every morning.

I'm a morning person. Jeremiah is not.

I am kind of looney. 

I rarely set out my lunch or the outfit the night before.

I eat the lunch of an 8 year old: apple slices, turkey and cheese rollups, trail mix...

I stop at Starbucks some mornings just to see the group of men who study God's Word together there.

I tend to start my work day with a devotional time.

I started journaling my quiet times in the same notebook that I keep track of my work To Do list - in an effort to blend those two worlds.

I quickly forget what I studied and I struggle to reflect the Lord.

I'm inspired by other people's stories, but I also live in the tension between comparison and contentment.

I put earbuds in my ears often, but rarely turn on any music.

The Lord's growing my generosity.

I'd probably be better off if my degree had been in Juggling, Taxi Driving or Mediation.

I spend all day with people. But it's pretty lonely.

Relationships are important to me. 

I typically use my commute home to pray for people or to talk to them on the phone.

I rarely go straight home after work.

But I light my candles as soon as I get there. Every day is worth celebrating.

I like to try new recipes. 

I'm not very good at relaxing.

I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Usually at 10 o'clock.

Grace in Chaos

This week was insane. Like out-of-control. 

But I promised myself this morning to see the grace, beauty and the Kingdom amongst the mess.

A friend generously sharing her talents with me

Cherished one-on-one, honest and vulnerable conversation

Forgiveness

My thoughtful brother-in-law who killed the army of ants that marched into my mess of a living room

An hour and a half of silence. Candle lit. Snuggled in bed. Painting my nails with glitter. Alone.

Fresh paint on old furniture

An ice cream cone dessert after lunch

My generous mom

Wet prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude

An invitation to join in a home-cooked meal with good friends

News that our kitchen remodel will be complete ahead of schedule

Our contractor signing for the half-dozen boxes that Fedex delivered each day this week

Unexpected money in our bank account

An opportunity to bless others

The sound of sweet little boys in our home

3.6%

Coffee. Lots of coffee.

Date night.

An uncommitted weekend to check things off the To Do list

Rest.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the grace you have showered us with this week.

And thank you for eyes to see.

You bless my socks off with the way you use Your children.

You are so good.

If you knew me...

If you knew me, you'd know...

I almost get more joy from planning a trip than I do from actually experiencing the trip.

I'm passionate about (and thankful for) relationships that the Lord has redeemed.

I could eat macaroni and cheese for every meal. No problem.

I'm practically insane. We're talking real solid mental case here.

A juicy peach can make my entire day.

I've come a long way in my fight against Perfectionism.

I need to slow down. 

Daydream about New York at least once a week.

I'm caught in the tension of feeling I need to blog, even wanting to blog, but knowing how freeing it has been to let my blog sit lonely.

I'm ridiculously thankful for the new women's bible study in my life.

I haven't crafted in months and I'm convinced my creativity is slowly leaking out of my pores.

I'm pretty much 100% Jessi, 100% of the time.

I want to know the mess that's going on in your heart.

I struggle with comparison and contentment.

I've got the travel bug like whoa.

I'm terrified and entirely excited to be a mother one day.

My "Want To Do" List is longer than I am tall.

I can't figure out if I want to hold on to these last few weeks of summer or if I want to leap into fall.

I'm motivated by overcast days and a pair of sweatpants.

A change of scenery or routine does absolute wonders for my soul.

I'm prideful. stubborn. and utterly dependent on grace.

I adore my family.

I've been getting a lot better about praying for my husband consistently.

I'm encouraged by generosity.

I see the world through a lens.

I need to learn to keep my mouth shut sometimes.

Little Letters

Dear Olympics, you and I have a love/hate relationship. I freaking love you. Like obsessed love you. Like watch nonstop love them. I am utterly sleep deprived, insanely emotional and well, let's just say I've abandoned all responsibilities for the last week as you consumed my life. I feel no shame. In fact, I think the whole world should stop during the Olympics. One day, ONE DAY... I will see them live.

Dear August, You are OBESE with of out-of-town visitors. It's awesome. Friends from North Carolina, Rome, Mississippi, Texas, Maryland... gah it's insane. Our days are packed to the brim with those we hold dear.

Dear Nail Polish Remover, You don't work anymore. Maybe you're expired or something? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to remove the nail polish off my nails. You don't do that AT all. #fail

Dear Time, How is it August? Someone please tell me. (Okay, don't... I know the order of the months). But seriously, where the heck did this year go? Where did the summer go? As much as I absolutely love summer, I'm supes stoked for Fall. We're closing out summer with a trip to visit our friends in Texas and what's Fall without a little weekend getaway to the city? This year, we're stealing away for a couple days to explore Boston. I can't wait.

Because it's raining change

Coming home to a clean house after a long day of work

A bible study that just feels right

Exciting news

The vulnerable words of a friend 

Generous friends

Breakfast at the farmer's market

The best gelato I've tasted outside of Italy

Being able to say the statement above

Warmth and humidity at the beach (I know, I'm crazy)

Spending time with my in-laws 

Jeremiah's good ideas

Someone to cover my nursery shift while we're in Austin

New babies 

Music that reminds me of an awesome vacation

Pineapple iced tea with a citrus muffin

Stretching and growing

Feeling happy for people I don't even know 

Nordstrom Cafe's tomato bisque

A successful (and quick) shopping errand

An unexpected discount

Uninterrupted sunshine

A borrowed book

Spontaneous beach nights

Cuddling during beautiful sunsets

Tears. 

Staying up past my bedtime

Familiar faces

Praying with my co-worker this morning

Rubio's Test Kitchen

Family

I'm rich.

Little Letters

Dear Raccoon Eyes, Every summer I pray is the last summer of raccoon eyes but it just never works out that way. Here's to 6 months of looking like I'm wearing sunglasses 24/7.

Dear Italy, sweet Italy.. #yesplease. I know Lyssie and Jeremiah were ready to come home, but I just didn't feel that way at all. I could spend weeks walking your cobblestone and ivy streets, eating your absolutely delicious food and listening to your beautiful language. I love you, I love you, I love you.

Dear Motivation, are you still on vacation? Yup, thought so.

Dear Matt + Lindsay, I love that you're in San Diego. What. a. treat.

Dear Padres, you still suck. We support you anyway, but just so you know... it gets a little annoying when you consistently suck so bad. Maybe the All-Star break will do you a little good.

Dear Littles, I must confess I sometimes scribble your potential names all over my notebook the way my 17-year old self used to doodle Jessica McLeod.

Dear Italy, did I mention I miss you? Yup, just checking.

Dear Jordanna, good luck at your new job my dear friend. You are going to rock it like whoa and the Lord is going to grow you in ways you never thought possible. What a blessing you'll be to all the people you'll work with.

Dear July, you are one heck of a busy month around our neck of the woods. You make it really hard to find rest in this crazy world when you're filled with so many glorious things.

Dear GVC, it sure felt like coming home on Sunday morning. God's presence was undeniable.

Dear Blogging, I just can't figure you at. I'm wrestling with what to do with you these days. I must, I must, I must count my pennies. And at the same time, I long to live the disconnected, offline life.

... and to my best friend, how stinkin' lucky can one girl be. Thank you for switching with me on the off chance that I venture out and order something awful. You're constantly challenging me to put others before myself. Humbling.

{On Good Gifts}

“If you then, though you are evil, 

know how to give good gifts to your children, 

how much more will your Father in heaven 

give good gifts [the Holy Spirit] to those who ask him!”” 

Matthew 7:11

I spent a lot of time thinking about this verse yesterday.

Yesterday was one of those days when it was almost difficult to count pennies

because I was so busy counting dollar bills.

Tens, fifties, hun'eds, hun'eds.

Yesterday, the Lord answered a hundred prayer requests

with good gift after good gift.

And with an overflowing of the Holy Spirit to see them.

Thank you, Lord

that you hear your children.

That you fight for your children.

That you grow your children.

That you so abundantly bless your children

as they seek after You.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

 

Weekend Pennies

Getting off work a few minutes earlier than expected

Shopping with coupons and gift cards

Seeing Jeremiah for the first time since Monday

A spontaneous family dinner

An absolutely delicious cookie that we didn't order

4 hours of SYTYCD auditions

Not getting to hog the bed anymore :)

Waking up before the sun just because

A quiet morning spent with the Lord

My favorite candle

Fresh flowers

A better-than-normal gym sesh

Starting to pack

Girl talk with my birthday twin

A tasty date with the mister

The view from Altitude Sky Lounge

Wearing shorts

BBQing with friends

Hot Tub

Late night Mac n' Cheese run

A challenging sermon

The best beans on the planet

Reading and Swimming at the pool

Slurpees and girl talk

A call from mom

A nearly empty gym

Sunshine

Jeremiah doing the dishes

A productive evening

 

Little Letters

Dear Books, thank you for taking me away from the hear&now and into another world. Sometimes I just need that.

Dear CBIZ Training, once or twice a year you take my husband away from me for a week of training in what feels like a far-off distant land (even if it's just Manhattan Beach this year). This time normally leads to: more dinner dates, staying out later, hogging the entire bed and garage all to myself, and remembering that Jeremiah and I are quite the little team. I'm grateful for this time and I miss him all at the same time.

Dear Vacation, remember the little conversation we had yesterday?

Dear Juicy Plums, I've actually been thinking about you a lot lately. Nothing says summer like juicy fruit in the sunshine.

Dear Loft, thanks for pulling my name out of that hat and awarding me a gift card. I'm exciting for a little shopping this weekend.

Dear WCWS, rain-delay? really? Thanks for nothing, DVR.

Dear Mac n' Cheese, this morning my waistline told me we've been seeing each other too much lately. Blue cheese and bacon, garlic and chicken, truffle oil and parmesan, mixed with BBQ sauce... oh goodness I can taste it now.

Dear Italian, we're on to level 38 baby! Think I can hit level 50 before we leave for our trip? Think you could actually stick in my head so that you're helpful on our trip?

Dear Girl Talk, you're cherished. You remind me of high school, but with 401Ks, pregnancy, marriage and home remodels.

Dear Barkers, don't move.

Dear Summatime, it seems like every day I'm throwing a new summer-fun activity on the calendar. Yahoo!

Dear Friday (and Saturday and Sunday for that matter), thank you for being so faithful to come every. single. week. I freaking need you.

Dear Savior, much needed. End of story.

Dear Darling Husband, yous mah fave. Thanks for picking me day after day and for continuing to learn how to love me best.

Little Letters

Dear Vacation, I need you.

Dear Vacation, I long for you.

Dear Vacation, You're consuming my thoughts.

Dear Vacation, I feel like I can't make it through another day without you.

Dear Vacation, Is it time yet?

Dear Vacation, It's been too long.

Dear Vacation, Now!

Date 21: Bleu Boheme

To celebrate our 3 Year Wedding Anniversary,

(has it seriously already been three years?)

Jeremiah and I enjoyed a beautiful candlelight dinner

in a little French restaurant in Kensington called Bleu Boheme.

We started out with the Tarte Chaude au Reblochon 

and the Crepe au Homard. 

One word: #yesplease

 

But the highlight BY FAR was the filet mignon, truffle-crushed baby Yukon Gold potatoes,

asparagus and a delicious Bearnaise sauce.

Before I met Jeremiah,

I was one of those "Medium" meat kinda girls

but he has opened my eyes (and tastebuds) 

to the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is: rare filet.

HOLY YUM!!!

It was just one of those meals where you savor E.V.E.R.Y bite.

(and maybe even moan a bit as you chew...)

And after dinner,

while we were debating whether to stay for dessert

or to head down the road for a nightcap at the Daily Scoop,

our waiter treated us to a tasty chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

A happy anniversary indeed.

And yes, we totally still went to the Daily Scoop.

They have shaved ice. C'mon.

Date 20: Mission + Midway

On Memorial Day weekend, we snuck out quickly after church

and headed down to the East Village for a little Sunday Brunch at the Mission.

The Mission actually has three locations including North Park and Mission Beach,

but of course I settled on the one downtown without much consideration.

Goodness me, I just love me some city life.

When I saw the menu, I just KNEW what Jeremiah HAD to get:

The Papas con Chorizo.
Soy chorizo with crispy potatoes, black beans, scrambled eggs, 

jalapeños, cheese, salsa, scallions, chipotle crema and avocado slice. 

Served with large whole wheat tortilla

Boy was I right. He absolutely LOVED it.

And because no breakfast is complete without equal parts sweet and savory,

I got the berry french toast and we split both plates.

Whenever we go to a new restaurant,

I always try to pick out something unique to that place.

So the Vincent Vega on their beverage menu was a must.

Espresso + Coca Cola + Vanilla Syrup over ice?

Surprisingly pretty tasty. 

After Breakfast, we headed down to the Midway.

We've walked past it a hundred times

on our trips to Seaport Village and the Embarcadero,

but Memorial Day Weekend just seemed like the perfect time

to board the beautiful ship and browse the museum.

It turns out it was the PERFECT weekend.

Not only was it not as crowded as we expected,

but Memorial Day Weekend is the only time of the year

where they let you hop on in to the cockpit of some of the cool fighter jets.

#yesplease

 

We wandered through different parts of the ship,

hearing about everything via the self-paced audio tour.

There are also flight simulators to ride, short films to watch,

and a cafe and gift shop to stop into to give your feet a rest.

 

 

But I think my favorite part had to be the view from the top

looking down on the little city we love oh so much?

Gorgeous!

What a neat way to learn about our Nation's history,

to play tourist in our own city,

and most importantly..

to honor those who have fallen while fighting for our freedoms.

We are eternally grateful.