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.

State of Being - II

I AM... an "Achiever, Connectedness, Discipline, Activator, Restorative"
I WANT... to travel further, love deeper, create more often and grow wiser
I HAVE.. .everything I need and a false sense of contentment. Still.
I KEEP... telling myself that I'm "normal."
I WISH I COULD... follow through with some of the commitments I've been putting off.
I HATE... that we have to wait a whole year before the next Olympics
I FEAR... many things, but am learning to conquer them.
I HEAR... the Last 5 Years soundtrack. Still addicted.
I DON'T THINK...summer's end is quite that bad when it's met with Fall
I REGRET...tearing the film from my Holga last month.
I had beautiful pictures from Seattle and from the SD Fair and now they're gone forever.
I LOVE... vacation. Shocker, I know.
I CAN...taste the chicken pitas I made for dinner last night. yum.
I DANCE...vicariously through the dancers on SYTYCD.
I SING... and I feel both humbled and free.
I NEVER... like goodbyes
I RARELY... stay up past my bedtime, but when I do... I get such a thrill
I CRY WHEN I WATCH...tv, movies, commercials.. you name it.
I KNOW THAT...the Lord is faithful beyond measure.
I HATE THAT... we no longer have a work out room at our complex
I NEED... to wear my glasses or else I get a headache.
I SHOULD... only speak words that make souls stronger
I BELIEVE... that the way I work says more about my walk than the way I worship.

Get to know ya

A {Baker's} dozen things you may not know about me:

***

I have a {no longer secret} candy stash in my nightstand drawer

I come up with a new nickname for my husband every.... like 15 minutes

I've always thought I'd make a killer secretary.

I eat cheese for dessert.

I cry daily.

I enjoy seemingly routine tasks like paying bills,
cutting papaer, vacuuming and setting the table.

I believe every day is a great day to light candles
and slow dance in the living room.

I'm energized by relationships, planning, sunshine, cleanliness, baseball,
pleasant surprises and city infrastructure (transit, maps, court system, budgets).

I get bored watching the same movie for two hours
if I'm not multi-tasking.

I have a major travel bug,
but have never really been out of the country.

The list of things that irritate me
could probably cover a football field three times.

I have a very difficult time imaging things I've never experienced.

I either get a sudden burst of energy right before bed,
or I hit the pillow and fall asleep instantly.
Predictably unpredictable

***

A Series of Random Thoughts

{On Osama bin Laden}: I've longed for justice since that first September 11th, yet my heart had a difficult time rejoicing last night as I heard the news of his death. I wanted him captured. But we got him dead. So today I have mixed emotions: a righteous anger finally seeing justice served, an overwhelming respect and gratitude for our brave and sacrificial soldiers, an ounce of fear at how Osama's people might retaliate, and still a sliver of sadness that all this rejoicing has come at the death of another human being - despite his evil acts of terror.

{On the weather}: I realize people typically only discuss the weather so as to make small-talk in an elevator or in a crowded yet lonely room. But me, I delight so deeply in the beautiful summer sun that I can't help but shout it from the roof tops. This weekend was absolutely beautiful. And as that warmth touches my skin, it penetrates my soul and livens me up as well. Keep it comin' with the good news, Mr. Weatherman.

{On weddings}: Our anniversary is coming up and it has me thinking a lot about our wedding day. There's an insane amount of effort, money and preparation that goes into that day but I think, no I know... I'd just love to get married again every year. Same man. Same people + some. Different styles. And growing love.

{On music}: It's like magic the way it stirs the soul. I can't play any instruments and I still have to write the letters below each little black music note in order to read music as a book, but the sound, the emotion. Mmmm...

{On time}: Is it seriously May already? I absolutely adore the month of May so you don't see me cryin', but seriously... where the haaay did time go?

{On morning sickness}: Before you assume anything, no I don't have it. But this morning I have a greater appreciation and empathy for those who do. I woke feeling absolutely awful - nauseated and on the verge of getting sick in the shower. What an awful way to start the day.

{On Jamba's pumpkin ginger muffin}: Try it. Whether or not you like pumpkin at all. I promise you'll love it. It's tasty goodness, for sure.

{On the Royal Wedding}: Did I watch it? Heck yes, I did. Did I stay up all night to do so? Nope - thank you DVR. What a beautiful fairy tale (at least on the outside) to be a part of. I think it's absolutely crazy that we have nothing like that in the United States. It's like a whole different world.

Taxies

Happy Tax Day, Ladies and Gents![Sidenote: Three cheers for Tax Day!

This is a pretty happy day in our house,
because it means Busy Season is nearing its end!!]

But the real reason I even brought up Tax Day at all
is that I was reading Romans 13 the other morning
and I felt it rather applicable.

Romans 13 talks about submitting to the governing authorities
because there is no authority except that which God has established.

Verses 6 and 7 continue,
This is also why you pay taxes,
for the authorities are God's servants,
who give their full time to governing.
Give to everyone what you owe them:
If you owe taxes, pay taxes;
if revenue, then revenue;
if respect, then respect;
if honor, then honor.

Now I know this is a pretty controversial topic these days,
but it's also a good reminder to stop griping
about how the government takes half our paychecks.

[source]

{5 Things}

{5 Things} not to say to your co-worker when she gets glasses:

1. You look smart now.
2. Do you have to wear those?
3. You don't look twelve anymore.
4. Are you sure you can't get contacts?
5. Can I call you 'Professor,' 'Librarian,' or 'Clark Kent?'


Yes, I intentionally posted a picture of the glasses
on my desk instead of on my face =)

Anticipation

Happy Friday, y'all!

If you know me, you know I thrive on anticipation.
So what am I looking forward to these days?

Well...

Dinner with my Papa and family tonight.
The weekend.
New-to-us patio furniture.
The Padres game next week.
Girls Night
A trip up to see these two lovebirds.
An upcoming lunch with my daddy.
Easter.
Our wedding anniversary next month.
Mrs. Schanaker's Birthday and Masters Graduation
The END of Busy Season.
our trip to Seattle this summer.
(Exact flights I wanted, at $200 less than I had expected,
Adorable little hotel, Padres/Mariners Game, Food Tour... Gah, I can't wait.)
And our upcoming family staycation.

What are YOU looking forward to?

Word to the Wise

Dear ______,

If you don't know if the person you're talking to
is a male or a female,
please refrain from calling her"sir"
just because her name is Jessi!

Thanks.

Love,
Sir

Betcha didn't know...

If I'm having a good hair day, I can conquer the world.
I keep at least 4 different calendars up-to-date during a given week.
I have still have sore calves because of a run I went on THREE days ago.
Something Like Silas is still my favorite band.
I'm an ESFJ according to the Keirsey Temperament test.
My entire mood can change just by walking into Michaels.
It's a regular occurrence for me to cry during a TV show or movie.
Mondays are actually one of my favorite workdays.
I want to re-decorate our house about every third day.
I keep up-to-date with my Facebook feed, like the entire thing.

Oopsie-Daisy

Oops! I just realized this post got stuck in my Drafts
and never made it out to the blogosphere on Monday.

Today, I'm thankful for...

the next couple days off work
new neighbors
a spontaneous friend
my magic bullet
generous friends
antique shops
sunshine
a surprising conversation
clean homes
over-sized shirts
sports analogies
God's faithfulness
Jeremiah's sweet words
in-laws
kindness
old cds

and these lyrics:
You feel the joy
I'll feel the toil it brought you

My 100th Post

In honor of my 100th post, 100 things I absolutely adore:

1. my husband
2. when the sky turns orange and midnight blue at the same time
3. anything pumpkin flavored (bread, cupcakes, muffins, lattes...)
4. making cards
5. polaroids
6. finding the perfect gift for someone
7. good memories at Flood
8. Taco Bell crunchwrap
9. Jack Bauer twenty-four and Lost
   
10. trashy tv shows with horrible acting and bad plots
11. the way my lower eye lashes look after I've been crying
12. the softball field
13. when the QB gets sacked
14. the entire month of december up until the day after Christmas
15. ice skating & roller blading
16. mimosas
17. marriage
    
18. waking up to sun peeking through the window
19. cooking & baking
20. cracking peoples' toes
21. chipotle mayonnaise
22. reading by the pool
23. decorating the house
24. lazy afternoons
25. shopping
    
26. spending time with my family
27. lunch dates by the beach
28. The Little Drummer Boy song
29. fresh flowers
30. the smell of candles
31. candy from Sweet Factory
32. laughing until you pee your pants
33. quoting the five movies I've seen
34. weekends
35. getting things in the mail
36. pay day
37. dreaming about having our own family and house someday
38. feeling appreciated
39. traveling
40. competition
41. journaling
42. reminiscing
43. pretty accessories (headbands, belts, jewelry, scarves...)
44. learning & growing
45. blog-stalking
46. afternoon naps
47. 10am and 3pm
48. thoughtfulness
49. my sister's sense of humor
50. driving with the music blasting and the windows down
51. sharpees and post-its
52. my morning tea
53. gram's cards
54. the way mom decorates the house for every holiday
55. volunteer work
56. ppa's
57. the smell of a baby's head
58. a freshly chalked field
59. dance
60. how well Jeremiah knows me
61. my morning devos
62. lecture notes
63. massages, pedicures, facials, etc.
    
64. playing at the arcade
65. apple jelly bellies
66. waking up early just because I want to and not because I have to
67. Resees peanut butter cup milkshakes at Hume Lake
68. board games
69. clean cars and fresh laundry
    
70. teen jeopardy (i guess i'm not mature enough to know any of the adult jeopardy answers)
71. good conversations with friends
72. softball
73. organization
74. Law & Order
75. non-touch screen cell phones
76. freckles
77. firefox add-ons
78. the fact that it doesn't snow in San Diego
79. eating little kid lunch foods like taquitos, cut up corn dog and gold fish crackers
80. Lourdes' california burrito with beans
81. my wedding ring
82. this quote: "Technology is lust removed from nature."
83. Holga & Diana
84. color
85. beautiful music
86. traditions
87. a zero-balance on the credit card
88. warm showers and baths
89. chocolate covered strawberries and caramel apples
90. our wedding day
91. getting butterflies in my stomach
92. cheese
93. anthropologie, nordstrom, michaels
94. vintage pyrex
95. downtown
96. being inspired
97. unexpected friends
98. that i adore more than 100 things and had to cut this list down big time
    
99. Jesus
    
100. that I'm a college grad with a steady job, a loving husband, and wonderful friends and family.
     

10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

1. I often put my ear plugs in without turning any music on.
2. I'm ridiculously picky about how I like my water (e.g. room temp in a plastic bottle, iced in a glass cup, etc.)
3. I have ADHD on Fridays.
4. I have paper plates hanging in my office like artwork.
5. I'm not familiar with hardly any actors, directors or movies.
6. I love 10am and 3pm.
7. I have sweaty hands and feet. (i know, gross!)
8. I always secretly wished I was a cheerleader in high school.
9. My internal clock is never a minute late.
10. I'd cover the entire world with Post-its if I could. I think I've already started with my office.
    

Junk Food Ramblings, emphasis on Ramblings

So those Scrabble Cheez-its I’m obsessed with… I just pour some into my little Tupperware every morning and cart them off to work.

Well, when10 o’clock rolls around and I pull them out of my purse, the first thing I do is see if I can make any cool words out of the letters (before I devour them of course).

Today I tried spelling M-C-L-E-O-D, but I’m thoroughly convinced there’s no “D” in the whole entire box. I got mad. Like, pretty irritated. Over alphabet crackers? Calm down, Jessi. That’s embarrassing.

And then I started getting all philosophical. (doi!) Each day, we’re given a set of resources and we need to figure out how to use those resources (time, money, etc.) wisely and creatively to either multiply them or to work with what we’ve got. Just because I don’t have enough letters, doesn’t mean I can’t spell anything…I just need to think outside of the box. Get a little perspective.

Yes, I just basically wrote an ode to Cheez-its. And because I compare most everything in life to food:

Gushers taste better when the goo inside is oozing out. When they’re messy. When they no longer have this rigid distinction between inside and outside. Sure, the juice gets on your fingers, (and well, ultimately my keyboard). Sure, it’s messy. But it’s better.

Like nachos (wow, junk-food-a-holic, got any non-food comparisons?) . They’re messy. And better. Better than those straight&narrow foods (carrots, celery). Better than the clean foods that don’t get all over your fingers. They’re messy. And better.

Sometimes messy feels better to me.

Because messy is real.

Sorry, OCD self. You don’t win every time.

$50

What I’d buy with an extra $50 of fun money this week

and no obligation to share or spend wisely:

“Rules for my Unborn Son” by Walker Lamond ($15)

Another free facial from my sister, but with a little tip this time ($5)

Apple tea latte from Coffee Bean and a blueberry bagel from Panera ($7)

Fresh flowers and a new candle ($10)

OPI's Louvre Me- Louvre Me Not Nail Polish ($8)

5 New songs from iTunes ($5)

Inspiration from Real Simple magazine.

It's all about the...

And this sweet Flickr letter generator that I'm obsessed with.

Friday, I've been waiting for you

I was grumpy this morning. So grumpy that I believe it requires a public apology. Especially because it's Friday and well, there is no reason to be grumpy on a Friday. Or a Saturday for that matter.

So, my sweet darling, I apologize for being impatient with you when I had to return home to give you the wallet you left in my purse last night.

And people in the Starbucks parking lot, I apologize for getting riled up when you (all three of you) stole my parking spots this morning and forced me to park far away.

I have a husband. I have my Starbucks. And it's Friday! Any grumpiness was totally uncalled for.

EDIT:
Zero motivation.

Quiet Friday night at home.
Completely free Saturday with zero plans.
Palm Springs trip with my husband.
Three-day weekend.

Just one of these things should be enough to motivate me. But for some reason I'm still trying desperately to make it to Friday afternoon. It won't come fast enough. Please, friday, please!