Life!!

Life has taken some wonderful turns for me lately. Steve and I are now settled in Little Rock, we have our first place all set up and Steve is getting into his job. We are around family and get to share our lives with people that we love and that love us. I am now getting to use my degree and that is an exhilerating feeling. I am doing some writing for www.bryantdaily.com and it is getting me back in sync with writing news style stories.

Now, as far as wedding planning goes, we are getting alot done. Tomorrow we will officialy be 3 months from our wedding date! Life could not be any better right now!

Time Flies...

I love how I feel like summer just began and now I feel that it is almost over. I have something every weekend for through the end of the summer. Man...that is fun. Don't get me wrong, I do love working all week because I get to actually use my degree now that I worked soo hard on, and the things that I do on the weekend are usually fun...but every now and then, you just need a weekend where you can relax! I definitely have not had one of those in a while and I sure don't see one in the near future.

Light at the end of the tunnel...please show yourself soon! Until next time...Goodbye.

Dear Blog....

I know that you have been neglected lately but the following reasons are why:

-Moved States
-Started a new job
-On a new schedule
-Around family
-Planning a wedding

So...the above are all of the reasons that you have been neglected. Trust me, I have had plenty to talk about but the time has not been there for me to do so. With that said, the move has not been to difficult to become accustomed to, the job I am enjoying, the schedule is a work in progress, family is awesome and the wedding planning...well it is coming along. There is so much to do, even with 5 months to go!

So that is the update. Catch up soon!

Change...

No one ever said change was going to be easy. Steve and I have recently taken a step towards our future which means closing a chapter in our lives and beginning a new one. This is so exciting but can also be scary all at the same time. With new jobs and new expectations, a lot of stress can be brought about. With that said, I have to look at all of the positive that is coming out of this.

For instance, my nephew is growing like a weed and now I get to be a vital part of every day of his life. That makes me so incredibly happy that there are no words to describe it. Also, Steve and I get to begin our married life together around family. Whether it be mine or his, having a support system of close relatives can be a God sent if certain situations arise. Finally, we are starting our careers and our lives in an awesome church with awesome people. God has opened doors for us that I did not know could ever be opened.

A year ago this week, I graduated with a degree in Journalism and I am finally getting to pursue my passion and utilize my skills. Sacrifices have been made over the past year on my part and the situation that Steve and I have found ourselves in with this amazing opportunity just goes to prove that God is in control. It may not be our timing, but he knows what is best and he will always provide.

Sunday Afternoons

I am a fan of Sunday afternoons. Sunday is the last day of relaxation before the madness of the work week starts all over. I don't know what I would do if I had to jump from Saturday right to Monday with no Sunday in the middle, my world would be rocked. Whether I lay around all afternoon and enjoy my down time, or I utilize it and get things done for the rest of the week, it is still the best day of the week. With that said, I am off to finish up some work that I am doing to prepare for my busy busy week.

The right side of the bed...

So, I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. What does that even mean? Well, I take it as waking up in a good mood, with a great perspective on the day that is ahead of me.

I am thinking that I am going to get a lot accomplished today. I am going to begin by having a great day at work and continue by having a great workout and a relaxing night. There are a million things that I need to get done this week before the weekend, but I got a great head start on them yesterday and I am thinking that I have it all under control.

I am counting down the days and looking forward to the weekend when I get to see my nephew enjoy his first birthday and I get to celebrate a friend's engagement! Day two is underway!

Rainy Days

Have you ever realized how big of a roll the weather plays in the moods that we are in on any particular day? I don't guess I really paid much attention to it until I moved to the Midwest five years ago. This seems to be the melting pot of crazy weather. It can be 75 degrees, sun shining and not a cloud in the sky one day, and twelve hours later, it is 30 degrees and spitting snow and ice. I don't see how people can still wonder why I stay sick with something the majority of the time.

Well today it is 86 degrees outside, sun shining bright with a light breeze. A.K.A. the perfect weather. It could not feel any better outside. That is why I chose to sit down and write about it.

At my job, I deal with the public in a customer service atmosphere on a daily basis. I have began to realize that the prettier the day is, the more profit my store makes. Likewise, the crappier the day is, the slower it is in sales. So on that note, pretty weather, please make Springfield your home for the next few months and keep everyone here happy.

Planning

The wedding planning is continuing but surprisingly, it is going really well. I have finally picked dresses for my sister, the Maid of Honor, and my other bridesmaids to wear. That is a big relief considering dresses take so long to come in these days. The next thing on the list is to register and figure out the plans for our honeymoon.

On another note, I feel like I am finally settling into my new position at work but every day brings about new challenges that push me to be better. The days are beginning to go by much quicker as well since we are becoming more and more busy at work. That is definitely a good thing considering I work nine hour days now.

Reality TV is getting a little better for me. "American Idol" finally picked up with the last show (the Rolling Stones Edition). I was very impressed with how every contestant performed for once. Reality TV will hit it's peak for me though on March 22nd with the premier of "Dancing with the Stars." I can't wait!

Reality TV!!!!!

Alright...I have been very disappointed with reality TV here lately so here is my vent! To begin, I vow from this point on to never, ever, eveeeeerrrrrr watch the "Bachelor" again. For those of you who enjoy the show I am sorry for what I am about to say.

Everyone who watched the show from the very beginning, could very well figure out that the only reason Fly Boy kept "V" around was because he felt sorry for her and what she was having to deal with concerning all of the other women. Since when did a majority not know what they are talking about? Hello Fly Boy...the other women probably knew what they were talking about! I knew there was a reason I stopped watching the show after a few seasons.

To continue, what is up with "American Idol" this season? Where did all the people that could really sing and perform go? I guess I just don't understand the whole nerves excuse. Yes, I get that they are on national TV but what about when they were performing in front of over 200 people at the beginning of Hollywood week? They all sounded great then. I wouldn't think that having a camera pointed in your direction would make that big of a difference but...maybe I am wrong.

In conclusion, I plan to continue to watch "American Idol" in hopes that the performances will improve. As far as the "Bachelor" goes...you can count me out!

Change...

I think change gets a bad rep in today's society. I am beginning to think that change is good. Over the past couple of months, change has brought nothing but good into my life. I changed from having a boyfriend, to having a fiance. That is a good change. I went from having a part-time job to a full-time, better paid job. That is definitely a good change.

There are many more changes to come in my future and instead of dreading them and being somewhat anxious and up tight about them, I am learning to embrace them. I am taking one bend of the road at a time and learning with every step of the way.

Traditions

I have been neglecting my blog here lately because a lot of change has been going on in my daily routine. I am now working different hours, Monday through Friday, and those hours make it more difficult to find the time to type out my thoughts. But...here I am again.

This weekend, my roommate's boyfriend is visiting and we are having so much fun. Since my roommate and I have lived together, we have had a tradition of having "Family Breakfast" on Saturday mornings. This morning was no different. We just finished cleaning up the kitchen after a wonderful feast of eggs, hash browns and bacon.

Traditions like this are my favorite things in life. I really enjoy making memories on Saturday mornings while I am still in this stage of my life. In ten months, I will no longer be a single girl living in an apartment with a roommate. I will then be a married woman, living with my husband...CRAZY to think about. I can't wait for those days to come, but I am going to cherish every memory that I can make right now.

Details...

Man...who ever knew all the details that go into wedding planning? Well I sure had no idea how extensive all of the planning is but I am slowly starting to figure it out. There are sooooo many things that have to be taken into consideration. Flowers, decorations, cakes, party favors ect...SOOOO MUCH STUFF! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying every minute of it but what I have discovered is that what I see in my mind's eye isn't coming out of my mouth the way I need or want it to. Oh Lord give me strength and patience in this wedding madness.

The great thing about all my planning is that I have great family and friends to help me through every minute of it. I can't wait for all of my ideas to be played out on November 6th! The anticipation is going to kill me...stay tuned for more to come about the wedding planning!

Wedding planning...

Let the wedding planning continue...I am writing this from Southeast Arkansas, my hometown, where the wedding will be located. I am here, as you have probably already guessed by now, to start planning the wedding. I have done some preliminary things already but there is still a lot to be done.

Today the plans are to visit the hotel where all our guests will be staying, talk to the photographer, and visit with the florist. There are so many things to be done and so little time to do them. Since my hometown is five hours away from Springfield, MO, coming home to get wedding things done is not the easiest of tasks. The goal is to get as many things done this weekend as possible. Let the games begin!

The little things...

Ok...so one of my personal anthems is that people should all pay attention to the little things. I know there are sayings like, "Don't sweat the small stuff," or "Don't make a mountain out of a mole-hill," but I tend to believe the complete opposite of both of these statements. It is the little things that mean the most...and isn't it a whole lot of little things that make the big things?

I tend to believe that the things that make me the happiest in every day life are when someone opens a door for me or says thank you when I hold one open for them...or when while I am at work, everyone I come across has a great attitude and is very polite. These little things are what most people have gotten away from and that is why our population, for the most part, is "me, myself and I."

Maybe this can become you personal anthem as well...one step at a time...the little things do matter.

Sunday Mornings...

I have always loved Sunday mornings...I don't know exactly what it is about this morning that makes it so different from the other mornings but for some reason, it is my favorite. It even beats out Saturday mornings, and Saturday is when we have family breakfast at the apartment.

Maybe Sunday mornings are my favorite because it is the Lord's day and normally I wake up with a little more pep in my step. Or maybe it is because I have a little bit longer than usual to get ready and enjoy my morning coffee. Or maybe it is just because as I am writing this right now, I get the joy of watching my nephew roll around and crawl on the floor.

I mentioned in my last post that I am thankful that now I finally have a plan and somewhat of a time line, which I am very thankful for. Now, the hard part begins...Where are Steve and I going to live? Where are we going to be working? Will we be making enough money to survive? All of these questions are ones that are scary but exciting at the same time because, as I stated before, Steve and I get to enjoy these adventures together. I love you best friend...

Engagement Pictures

New Lease on Life...

Ok...so in my last few blogs I have been explaining why I feel that a part of me is missing and why I have been unhappy for the past couple of months...now, I feel that everything has been put in perspective for me. It's not because I got a diamond ring put on my finger, it's because of what that diamond ring symbolizes; a plan and a future. I no longer have to worry about figuring things out on my own...I now have my partner to help me figure things out. A long time ago, I made the decision to start basing my personal, life decisions on "us" and not "I." As hard as this has been recently, I don't regret making that decision at all.

Every morning that I wake up, I know that it is one day closer to the day that Steve and I get to begin our life together. We will learn, prosper, and fall down together...not alone. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I can't wait to be married.

Engagement Story

On January 14th, the day of my 23rd birthday, Steve decided to take me to a popular restaurant for my birthday dinner. When we got to the restaurant, I noticed that the waiters were acting a little funny and grinning at me whenever they realized I was with Steve but I did not put two-and-two together at this point. We were taken to our table, and as we approached I saw that there was a vase of a dozen roses that Steve had come along before and left for me. I thought then, that that was what the waiters were smiling about but I was wrong. There were much better surprises that were yet to come.
After dinner, Steve took three flowers from the vase of roses that was sitting on the table and began his presentation. He laid them on the table and referred to the first rose as a symbol of our past. He talked about how we meet four years ago and how we have spent the last three years of our lives together. For the second rose, he spoke about our life in the present tense and at this point, he told me that I could open the present that he had gotten me for my birthday. As he handed me the package, I was trying to hide my dissapointment in opening a picture frame for my birthday present until I read what the frame said, "The night you won't forget."
As I read this, the wheels were turning in my head as to what I thought this meant. Once he got to the final rose, he slid off the seat and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him...Now we are engaged and planning our wedding...

Best Day of My Life

Yesterday on my 23rd birthday, the best man in my life asked me to be his wife. I of course said yes and we are now in a whirlwind of wedding planning. This is how it went down...

Unknowns

There are so many questions that I would love to have the answers to right now. For instance, where am I going to be living next year? Will I be married or not? Will I have my career started by next year? Will I be making better money and using the skills that I learned in school at my job? Or...will I still be spinning my wheels and not going anywhere like I am right now?

I am a planner by nature so having all of these unknowns are somewhat of a struggle for me. I have been unable to wrap my mind around not knowing where I am going to be in the next year; not just location wise but in all aspects of my life. My spirit is uneasy and I have began to question my purpose in life. I feel that I am capable of so much more than what I am doing right now but all my efforts to move forward have been unsuccessful.

Dear Real, Big Girl job...please let me find you soon...

Best Little Boy Ever

Sawyer Anthony Van Es was born April 11, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. After 23 hours of labor, my sister was able to bring my pride and joy into the world. After being born only hours, he was already moving his head around and keeping his eyes open to check everything out that was going on around him. He is a little busy-body still to this day. He is now nine months old and is getting to the point in his young life where is beginning to develop his own personality. He is also beginning to be very particular as to who he wants to hold him and who he will grin and play with. Thankfully, even though I live four hours away, I am able to see him often enough to where I am still one of those people. Being around him almost every day for the two weeks here recently spoiled me and I am dreading the day that I see him again and he doesn't recognize me. It will break my heart. Little Boy...Don't you forget your Auntie "J"

New Year's Resolutions

According to Squidoo.com, the world's top ten New Year's Resolutions for 2010 where:

1. Stop smoking
2. Get fit
3. Lose weight
4. Enjoy life more
5. Quit drinking
6. Get organized
7. Learn something new
8. Get out of debt
9. Spend more time with family
10. Help others

Well let's see...I don't smoke so I can't stop doing that...I could stand to lose a few but I am already working out so check...I could stand to enjoy life more but I am a pretty happy person already...I don't have a drinking problem so that doesn't apply...I am crazily organized so check again...I feel that I learn something new everyday, check...I don't have any debt besides smart debt so I am O.K. there...I spend every free moment with family so check once more...and I feel that I do my share of helping others as well...

It looks like Squidoo didn't quite have me pegged with the whole New Year's Resolution thing...maybe they should have spoken to freshly graduated, young adults and see what their top ten where. Here are mine:

1. Start my career
2. Get married
3. Begin a plan for my future
4. Figure out where I am going to end up location wise...
5. Hopefully move closer to my family...
6. Enjoy every moment with friends
7. Meet new people
8. Network
9. Get more involved in Church
10. Put more money in savings

Getting my career of the ground is No. 1 for me right now...getting married is in the relatively near future (I think), I am a planner so I am yearning for some sort of time line of the next year is going to play out...I want to know where Steve and I will be living... I miss my family all the time that I am not with them so living close would be amazing... I don't know how much longer I will be with the group of friends I am with right now so spending time with them is key right now...I would love to meet new people and make connections and network to help get my career started...I need to get more involved in the church I am attending...and last but not least, I would love to be able to start saving more money than I currently am. I don't know how I compare to many other 23 year-olds but those are my top priorities and goals of 2010.

Muddy Water

I really surprised myself today. I got very upset with water...muddy water. This is how it happened...
I was on the road today traveling from Arkansas to Missouri. Those of you that live in either area know that parts of both states have been hit with some winter weather recently. This morning, I was lucky enough to have to travel across state lines in both parts of the state where the winter weather had hit. It was not fun to say the least. After traveling for five hours (when it normally takes three) and not going over 40 miles-per-hour, I was beginning to get a little irritable towards the end of the road trip.
I 10'd and 2'd it the whole way and when the road conditions finally started to get a little better, the muddy water started to fly. As the snow melted on the roads, it turned into a nasty, muddy mess and all the vehicles that went through it, kicked it up to the ohh soo lucky recipient behind them. I myself happened to be that lucky recipient the entire last half of the trip. I thought to myself, "Oh yea...I will just use my wind shield wiper fluid and my wind shield wipers and it'll all be ok." Ha...little did I know, since it was only 15 degrees outside, my wind shield wiper fluid was frozen and so were my wind shield wipers. When they did wipe my windows, they simply smeared muddy mess all over my wind shield and made my visibility next to nothing.
Needless to say, I did make it to my destination safe and sound but I will not be driving in muddy water conditions any more unless absolutley neccesary!

Lying Awake

So...today was an eventful day. I woke up to begin a new year by picking up the best thing in my life right now...my nephew. He rubbed his eyes and tried to figure out who was picking him up by probing my face with his eyes and hands. After playing with him for a while, having breakfast and my coffee, I began to help my sister around her house. I did odd and end things that my sister, a new mom, doesn't really have the time to do anymore. We ran errands, bought groceries and made dinner. Somewhere in there, I even had time to give Sawyer a bath and watch him grin as mystery bubbles rose from the water (wonder what that could be?). This is where I am the happiest. I love spending time with my family and really feeling like I am being a key part of Sawyer's life. Too bad I am still living in another city where I attended college.

After graduation in May of this year, I would think that by now my life would be a little different. Don't get me wrong...I love my life and the people in it. Family just means so much to me that sometimes being away from them is harder than one would think. As I sad in a previous post, I am waiting for that "real, big girl job" to come my way. I guess what I am saying is...I am at a stand still in my life. I know I am young and it should be just beginning, but that first step is proving to be a little harder than expected.

Keep on keeping on...that's all there is to do. Just live one day at a time and look towards tomorrow.