Day 30

Whoops... never posted day 30 - here it is a week late

I am thankful for delcious yummy fantastic food.  There so many wonderful items and I love trying them all... yum yum yum.

Day 29

I am thankful for three day weekends.  I am thankful that my job allows me to have such a flexible work schedule where I can experience them much more often.  They really make me love life so much more.

Day 28

I am thankful for ice cream.  Delicious Delicious ice cream.  It comes in so many flavors and configurations... yum yum yum.

Day 27

I am thankful that I finally consolidated my student loans.  Hate the fact that I have them, but so happy that they are consolidated... (well that the application or whatever is in)

Day 26

I am thankful for chili... yummy yummy chili.  I especially love Chili 3-ways from Steak n Shake and Chili macs I make at home or chili dogs.  Chili is so delicious (although some people mess it up in my opinion) but I love how everyone has their own recipe... and loves it their unique way.  Chili is definitely something to be thankful for!

Day 25

I am thankful for my awesome iphone... and my laptop although is drives me bonkers.  I love being able to play a game whenever or be connected to Facebook or get a text or watch shows I missed online or shop or whatever.  Technology is amazing and I'm thankful I get to live in a generation that has so much of it.  (although generations from now might not agree)

Day 24

I am thankful for board games and other family game opportunities.  I could play board games forever and ever - I love them.  I love having a group of people playing a good game.  I have quite the board game collection in storage - love love love them.

Day 23

whoops... got a little behind on these...

I am thankful to live in St. Louis.  I really truly love this city and so happy that nearly all my family lives here.  Some people may complain about St. Louis - especially the goofy weather, but I think that just adds to its charm. 

Day 22

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Today, on Thanksgiving I am thankful for all  my life's blessings.  I am happy I am  who I am in the place that I am with the family and friends that I have.  I am so lucky for so many small circumstances that just make my life so very wonderful.

Day 21

I am thankful for randomly getting off work early.  Sometimes that little bit of extra time just makes life so much better.  It may only be an extra hour, but dang it - I'm thankful for it!

Day 20

I am thankful for television.  There are so many great TV shows to watch that I can't even watch them all.  I am thankful for my all time favorite Survivor.  I am thankful for all the silly reality shows I watch, I'm thankful for the shows I watch with Dan and those that I rewatch over and over again b/c they are so great.  I am even thankful for the tv shows that currently exist but I don't watch yet.

Day 19

I am thankful for my divorce.  That may seem like a weird thing to be thankful for, but it's really given me a second chance at things.  I have been able to build stronger relationships with my family and friends.  I have been able to meet new people.  I have be able to experience things I couldn't have while married (like family vacations.)  And I was able to pay off a lot of my debt (student loans will never go away sadly) and start a good savings to set myself up for success in life instead of drowning in debt forever.  I also don't miss him as much as I thought I would, which is uplifting.  I am thankful that I was given this opportunity.

Day 18

I am thankful to have a car that is paid off and that I really really like.  I know by calling the car out in this post is probably going to jinx me... but I'm really happy to have the ol' Cobalt... it's been a very good and reliable car.

Day 17

I am thankful for all my other friends that have been there for me in a small way or a big way.  I did lose a friend over the course of this year, which was upsetting and disappointing... but so many others stepped up and I know I am blessed to have them in my life.

Day 16

I am really thankful for my good friend Liz.  I've known her forever and got to be the maid of honor at her wedding.  We just understand each other and have so much fun.  She also really helped me through the last year and I love her so much for it.  I'm lucky to have her in my life.

Day 15

I am thankful for my friend Susan.  We've known each other a long time and she's a really great friend.  I really enjoy hanging out and talking to her.  We have a lot of fun.   She's really helped me over the last year and I appreciate and love her so much

Day 14

I am thankful for my good friend Michelle.  Most every Wednesday night I got over to her place and watch Survivor and other random reality shows.  She has a crazy taste in television and whenever I go over there we just talk and laugh and talk and laugh and eat pizza.  I'm so happy that I met her.

Day 13

I am thankful for my two adorable cats, Pretty Kitty and Stitch. They each have their own unique personalities which I love.  You can just tell they love being around me.  They are the sweetest.

Day 12

I am thankful for my unique boyfriend, Dan.  He's such a unique person, but he's a great guy and makes the best food.  He makes me happy and I'm so happy that we are together.

Day 11

I am thankful that I have known all four of my grandparents.  While I currently only have two still living I have known and loved all four of my grandparents.  My grandpa on my mom's side died about 11 years ago.  He was such an interesting and fun person and I miss him all the time.  My grandma on my dad's side passed away one year ago and she was such a sweet and caring person.  She was a wonderful cook too.  My grandma on my mom's side is still alive and such a great woman.  I'm so happy I still get to spend time with her, like our recent trip to Eureka Springs.  Finally, my grandpa on my dad's side is a sweet man and a WWII Veteran.  I'm so proud and honored to have to in my life.

I am very lucky to have all four of these very different but very amazing people.

Day 10

I am thankful for random nice weather days.  In St. Louis the weather changes all the time, but after it's been particularly cold or hot and then a nice day happens randomly that day is wonderful... like today.  Sometimes the weather changes are bad, but I love these type of weather changes.

Day 9

I am thankful for all the other members of my fabulous family.  Yes, I've called specific ones out, but I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful family members in my life.  From my aunts (and uncles) who who are unique, funny and sweet, to my cousins who are some of my bestest friends.  Whenever we get together in a group it just reminds me how lucky I am to have this particular family.  They are the reason I have so many wonderful memories growing up and they shape how I want my someday family to be.

Day 8

I am thankful that I have a job.  Not only that, I work at a place that I love and want to spend my entire career.  It's not always easy to get that lucky so young in my career.  I feel like I'm in a really good position now and working with people who want me to succeed.  I am learning so much and getting my name out there in many more ways.  I love working for the VA and I am so thankful I was given this opportunity in life.

Day 7

Today I am thankful that I got to know my uncle Steve.  Fifteen years ago today my uncle passed away from cancer.  I am so grateful that I got to share so much time and experiences with him.  He has touched my life.  I miss him all the time and I wonder from time-to-time what a relationship with him as an older adult would be like.  Or how different our family dynamics may be.  He was a wonderful uncle and I'm thankful that I have so many fantastic memories of him.

Day 6

Since it's election day, today I am thankful that I live in America.  Some people really complain about things in America, but I am so happy that I get to live in such a wonderful country... one where I get to vote on things I care about.  There are so many great things in this country and I've only seen and experienced a small amount of the fabulous things this country has to offer and I'm so thankful for that.  Hopefully in the future I'll get to experience even more.

Day 5

I am thankful to have a wonderful step-family which includes a fabulous step-mom, Janet, two step-sisters, Rachel and Adriane, a step-brother, Connor, and a step-brother-in-law Chad and nephew Charlie.  These members have been a big part of my life.  I have loved having them around and makes me realize that I really enjoy being a part of a large family.  Everyone with this hasn't always been easy but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Day 4

I am thankful for my fabulous little sister Lindsey.  She is growing into an amazing woman.  I've gotten to watch her grow up over the last (almost) 20 years and I love the person she's becoming (and is).  She is strong and funny and has a wonderful personality and we share a lot of interests.  I'm so happy that she's my little sister as with my brother, she enriches my life.

Day 3

I am thankful for my wonderful brother, Keith.  He's my younger brother by about 2 years.  He is just so freaking knowledgeable.  I love being able to go to him for weird questions and answers to hypothetical law related questions.  He's funny and interesting and could hold a conversation with just about anyone.  I am so happy that I get to call him brother and that he is in my life.  He truly enriches it.

Day 2

I am  thankful to have a fantastic father.  He has always been so involved and caring.  Recently, he's been so helpful in getting me through a  rough time and I appreciate everything he has done so much.  He's weird and goofy which I love.  He's smart and very knowledgeable.  Both of my parent have make me who I am today and I'm so happy to have them as parents.  Color me lucky!

Day 1 (and intro)

I've seen this go around on Facebook in the last day... in the 30 days of November to write about 30 things I'm thankful for.  I think it will be fun, a nice way to blog every day for 30 days and to recognize some of the important things in my life.

It's always good to take time and realize all the wonderful things that I have... and November being Thanksgiving month - how perfect!!

In full disclosure I'm doing this intro post, entry one and entry two on November 2nd... but that's only a single day late so not too bad right??  But I am post-dating it to November 1st.

I am extremely thankful to have the mom that I do.  She's so amazing in so many ways and the older I  get the more I realize just how special she is.  Not all moms are as wonderful as she is.  She is thoughtful and loving and creative and smart and just truly amazing.  She is one of my best friends

Christmas List

Here's my Christmas list for this year... some things I ask for every year and then other new stuff... If I think of anything else I'll add it.

As always, if anyone wants to buy me the fancy DSLR camera I've asked for many years running... you are totally welcome to... but I don't expect to ever get it!

Clothes:

• Work Dresses or just dresses in general.  I'm typically a size 10 or medium or large just depending on where you are.  I would love some type of lace dress b/c I think those are really pretty.  I like some 'going out' dresses, or some casual slip type dresses.  I really like most of Old Navy dresses.  Comfortable work dresses are what I will wear most of the time. (not a fan of cowl necklines)  There's just so many dresses out there I love so I'll link to just a few.  Most of these fall into the 'work' catergory... but I DO want some fun going out and casual summer dresses too!

1. Dress 1
2. Dress 2
3. Dress 3
4. Dress 4
5. Dress 5
6. Dress 6
7. Dress 7

• Skirts:  I like flowy knee (or slightly above or below) skirts.  I'd also like a shorter sequined skirt and a lace one.  Here's some examples.

1. Skirt 1
2. Skirt 2
3. Skirt 3
4. Skirt 4
5. Skirt 5

• Leggings (black and brown) size large probably and tights (interesting patterns) - large or extra large.
• Tops - nice sweaters, tunics, regular tops... you know the drill...  I wouldn't mind a cute sequined wifebeater/tank top thing...
• Jeans - probably size 10 - curvy fit
• Cardigans - I love cardigans - would love to have different fun colors - I like short sleeve, long sleeve... whatever

Home Items:

• Pots/Pans like this set from Rachael Ray
• Bakeware like this set also from Rachael Ray
• Vacuum like this one by Dyson... not really expecting this, but a bagless one is prefered.
• New pillows - something nice, maybe down, but whatever
• New Duvet - not white! (queen)
• Sheets - charcoal gray, jerney knit or something soft (full or queen)
• Fun, interesting prints or paintings

Shoes (size 9.5):

• Blown Clogs (example, does not need to actually be Birkenstocks)
• Brown Flats (example)
• Tennis Shoes (example)
• Moccasins or Boat Shoes (example)
• Maybe some TOMs (example)
• Other flats

Books:

• Becoming Sister Wives
• Young House Love
• The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling
• Lemony Snicket's All the Wrong Questions Series

Other Stuff

• Flat Iron case - fun color or pattern
• Overnight bag/tote like this, does not actually need to be Vera Bradley
• iPhone 5 charger (2 additional) (I guess I really just need the cord, I have the pieces that plug into the wall)
• iPhone 5 car charger
• iPhone 5 case (fun, bright, protective)
• Headbands (not too 'tight' feeling, like thick, thin, with stuff on them, whatever, all around the head or other kind)
• Rings - like cocktail rings (like the higher quality, like actually silver), size 8
• Perfume... but not really sure what smell I like, but need something new
• Silver random charm necklaces (like the kangaroo one I wear)

1. An armadillo
2. Lucky Grouping
3. Gnome
4. Deathly Hallows
5. Hedgehog
6. Stapler
7. T-rex
8. Wishbone
9. Paper airplane

some iphone pics

Hi all -

I just wanted to share with you some iphone pictures of a few things I have purchased recently and something I made for a lucky man...

First up is these cards that I bought at the StrangeFolk festival.  This is such a great place - I have gone to it the last three years and finally purchased something this year.  I may be getting more stuff at say Christmas, but this is what I have in my possession now.  These two cards from Reuse First.  I hope to frame them for my someday home.

The first one says "I'd hug you if I could reach you" and the second one says "You're Special"

The second thing I'll share is two prints I got in Eureka Springs this past weekend.  I am in love with them.  There were some many in this 'series' that I could choose from... eek - they are awesome.  They are also for my someday home.

This one is titled 'Flipping the Bird'

This is 'hoo tooted' maybe for the bathroom?  Although I already have my toilet pictures... but I hope to have more than one bathroom I guess :)

Finally, yesterday was Dan's half birthday... so I decided that making him a little card would be a nice, fun surprise.  I really wish I got a better picture - but atlas here it is.  Just a note: I did NOT get this idea from Pinterest or the internets.  We've been making cards like this in our family for quite awhile... I just felt the need to say that :)

Here's what it says - (the candy bars in CAPS)

Hey HOT TAMALE,
TAKE 5 to celebrate a WHOPPER WHATCHAMACALLIT...  The REISEN?  Your half birthday!!  NERDS may CHUCKLE(S) and AIRHEADS may SNICKER(S) but SMARTIES know their half birthdays SKOR MOUNDS of (ALMOND) JOY like a 100 GRAND PAYDAY.  This card may make you CHUNKY but I'll still love you past the MILKY WAY.  Love your BIT-O-HONEY SWEETTART(S) Jenn

A big thank you goes to my mom for the creative ability of the wording... so I really shouldn't take credit for that :)

Random Musings

Here's some randomness for your Wednesday

• This year has been crazy... I just can't believe how much stuff I have done.  I know my last post told you some of the stuff, but it just feels so much busier than that.  This year I have some stuff, next weekend I'm going on a mini road trip with my mom and grandma, then two weekend from that my best friend is getting married... maybe after that things will die down, but probably not with the holidays coming up.  Sometimes I hate being so busy and but honestly I love having so much going on.  I think the driving back and forth to Dan's and spending time with him takes up a lot of my time too.
• Speaking of Dan (the boyfriend) things are going so well with him.  We've been together for about six months now and time has flown by... in a good way.  We just go together well.  We don't agree on everything (um... he's not a democrat... and not a huge baseball fan) but we make it work (he'll come around on both issues haha)  I'm happy... he makes me happy.
• Going kinda along with that I was going to write a reflective post.  As some of you know or may remember that it was a year ago (beginning of September) that things fell apart with Chad... and then we hit the whole anniversary of our wedding thing and slowly we are coming up on a year since I moved out (last time I saw him)... I don't really think about this... but you know those things come up.  The thin I want to say about it all is it's been a year... and honestly things are so so amazing... better than I ever thought they could be.  Life is good and this last year has given me this amazing opportunity to live life more than I ever thought.  The fact this year has been crazy is because I was able to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it.  So people that may be reading this - time will pass and you'll realize that life is better on the flip side :)
• In the last few weekends Dan and I went to Grant's Farm and Six Flags - both of which was amazing.  Grants farm was so so much fun.  Dan had a great time feeding the goats.  Six Flags was perfect - great weather, no real lines... it was as perfect as any day could be at Six Flags
• I really am going to try to write more... promise (you're probably think I'm calling wolf or whatever)
• Live is good, I'm loving my new job... just makes life good
• So happy new fall TV has started, and Dan has gotten me into some new shows which is amazing.

Ok... I'm going to fold some clothes and head over to Michelle's (we want TV together one night a week - right now it's Survivor and The Challenge on MTV.)

Since I last wrote

Since you last heard from me…

My brother graduated law school

Saw Mary Poppins at the Peabody

Had a duel graduation party at my dad’s

Got a new job, lateral move

Went to the Gypsy Caravan with Liz

Assisted with the bowling event of the Golden Age Games

When to a relative’s wedding

Went to an art class at SBAP with mom and sister, Lindsey

Celebrated father’s day with my dad

Had lunch with a pregnant friend from high school, Beth since I missed her baby shower.

Switched my AWS day at work

Went on a road trip to Mammoth Cave with my family.  We haven’t done a trip like this in many many years

Started a new tradition of going out the night before Fourth of July (like the night before Thanksgiving?)

Received my diploma in the mail

Went to my amazing cousin, Billy’s wedding… outside… on July 14^th… quite hot, but a very nice day!

Saw the FOADs at least twice

Saw The Dark Knight Rises at the Omnimax at the Science center

Went to a surprise 30^th birthday party for my very favorite cousin Andy

Went on a real vacation to Daytona Beach with my step-sister and bff Liz… a whole week on the beach soaking up the rays

Read Where we Belong by Emily Giffin one of my favorite authors (and had a crap ton of StL references)

Went to Des Moines to visit my friend from college, Melissa.  It was a surprise visit and we went to the Iowa State Fair.

Celebrated my brother’s birthday… twice

Took an afternoon off to celebrate my other bff’s 30^th birthday by shopping and going to happy hour.

Celebrated my graduation at PF Changs with the family

Saw the Lion King at the Fox with my mom.

Went to a wedding ceremony with my dad.

Officially celebrated Susan’s birthday on Main Street in St. Charles.

Threw a bridal shower for Liz

Started a cross-stitched Christmas stocking

Weekly tv night with my friend Michelle

And numerous hang out with the boyfriend

.

It’s been quite a summer my friends!