30

Posted on July 27, 2012 by jenn

So no one told you life was gonna be this way….

your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s D.O.A…

It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear…

when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, but…

I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to fall.

I’ll be there for you, like I’ve been there before.

I’ll be there for you – because you’re there for me too.

You’re still in bed at ten and work began at eight
You’ve burned your breakfast, so far things are going great
Your mother warned you there’d be days like these…
But she didn’t tell you when the world
Has brought you down to your knees that

I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to fall.

I’ll be there for you, like I’ve been there before.

I’ll be there for you – because you’re there for me too.

No one could ever know me, no one could ever see me
Since you’re the only one who knows what it’s like to be me
Someone to face the day with, make it through all the rest with
Someone I’ll always laugh with
Even at my worst, I’m best with you, yeah

It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear
When it hasn’t been your day, your week
Your month, or even your year

I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to fall.

I’ll be there for you, like I’ve been there before.

I’ll be there for you – because you’re there for me too.

Happy 30th birthday.

Thank you for the laughs, tears, hugs, smiles, tantrums, hallway sitting, bad hair cuts, photo shoots, montages, notes passed in class, movie days, lens changes, kidney transplant, walks, gym dates, thai food runs, self portraits, timed pictures, hot pockets and cold soda, dog-nappings, chicken chinese food, birthday parties, bad ideas, good ideas, graduations, heartbreaks, car rides, surprises, girls weekends, and love. Couldn’t imagine the last sixteen years without you.

Here’s to 30 years ago when the Earth was blessed with you, and here’s to at least 70 more (when we’re in the locked unit at “The Home!”)

______________

*Lyrics, “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts

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Ours

Posted on July 25, 2012 by jenn

Not surprisingly, when we decided to move to North Carolina there were some people who thought we were crazy.

Mostly because we had no “reason” other than that we wanted to. Sure there are great bonuses to moving – it’s cheaper down here, warmer down here, did I mention cheaper? But really, we did leave perfectly good jobs, our home, our friends, and moved.

For no reason.

And then? We decided to take a couple of months off from working to do a cross country trip (starting in  month!!) and to enjoy our new home state. Without working. For three months. Oh boy, the judgment rolled in on this decision.

Was it the best ever financial decision? Of course not. We could have easily banked our house profit and 401k money and just went right into a new job. It probably would have even been smarter. But you know what? What other opportunity will we have in our life where we do not have the obligations of life and we CAN take off for a month and see the country? Uh, never.

So we’re taking the opportunity. We are living cheaply to save as much money as possible and we’re doing it. And unless I call you asking to pay my rent, it’s really none of anyone’s business but mine and Casey’s.

Isn’t it funny though how everyone has an opinion? A reason that we should or shouldn’t do different things?

I tire of it.

So much so that it makes me turn to Taylor Swift lyrics to express my frustration (I know, right?!)

“Seems like there’s always someone who disapproves
They’ll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury’s out, but my choice is you

So don’t you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high
The waters rough
But this love is ours.”

On the other hand, I am more than thankful for the (majority) of friends and family who are cheering us on, and looking forward to vicariously living through our cross country trip. And to all the friends that made moving down here possible. And Stacey’s bad ass ability to help us replace 8 doors in order to sell our old house.

That’s what I choose to focus on 98% of the time, and for the others? I’m making them listen to Taylor Swift on repeat until they get it. Or run away screaming.

****

Linking up for Things I Can’t Say – Pour Your Heart Out and What’s the Word Wednesday!

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Letter to a Brand New Baby Girl

Posted on July 23, 2012 by jenn

Dear New Baby Girl,

In the grand scheme of all things, I haven’t known your parents that long. Only a few years really. A couple of years ago, I watched them dance at their wedding to a song that soon became one of my favorites. It’s a song that is titled “You Are The Best Thing,” and to watching them dance together to it was a moment I love to remember. I suspect that day was the best thing to happen to them as individuals coming together.

Now, I suspect the best thing that has happened to them as a couple – is you.

Get used to getting advice from those who have come before you. I think it’s only human nature to want to pass on advice to the next generations. You won’t listen to most of it – because it’s also human nature to ignore advice and make your own mistakes. And in that process of making your own mistakes, you will learn everything you need to know. And everyone else gets to say “I told you so!” So it’s a win-win.

Instead of a long list of things I’d like to tell you about life, I’ll instead tell you a whole long list of things I wish for you.

I sort of wish “Chuck Norris” would be your first words. It’s sort of fitting, and once you get to know your Mom better, you’ll understand. Maybe audacious would be a good first word, too. I’ll let you choose.

I wish that you will always know how wanted you are, before you were even born! You turned my spit-fire, fabulous, crass, outspoken friend into a mother. And I’ve never seen her happier.

I wish for you to know that being a strong woman has nothing to do with the size of your clothing, or the size of your brain – it has to do with the size of your heart. The ability to stand up for what you believe in, and to stand up for others. The ability to believe in yourself for exactly who you are – instead of what the world believes you should be. You’re going to have a hand up in this arena – you will be surrounded by strong women. But, I’m not going to lie. It will be hard – and sometimes your belief in yourself will waver. Don’t be afraid to reach out and gain strength from those around you – let them be your mirror.

I wish for you, beautiful new-to-the-world baby girl, that your hard work and determination will bring any dream you have to fruition. And to those who may say you can’t do something? Tell them to get out of your way.

Because I can already tell – you’re a doer. A go-getter. A dreamer. With red hair and kick ass parents.

Welcome to the world, little one.

We’re lucky to have you.

 

Posted in beauty, joy | Tagged | 10 Comments

Just Like Us

Posted on July 17, 2012 by jenn

 

Always changing, sometimes quickly and without warning.

Shifting into different shapes, depending on the conditions.

Moving in quickly and unpredictably when angry, causing others to take cover and hide.

Moving slowly and purposely when happy, causing others to stare in awe and lose themselves in their imaginations.

Sometimes completely absent from view, unformed – or hiding.

Stretched thin at sometimes, so thin that you can almost see through them.

Constantly in a state of change, flux, movement.

Clouds.

They are just like us.

Posted in joy, randomness | Tagged | 6 Comments

Tidbits

Posted on July 15, 2012 by jenn

I’m having some trouble forming complete thoughts since moving, so you’re gonna get tidbit forms!

{Last week was a hot week! The locals say it isn’t usually this hot. We have nothing to compare it to, so we just enjoyed ourselves at the pool and the beach. But Barney? He was so hot he couldn’t even stand up long enough to eat. All in all, laying down with your face in a food dish doesn’t sound all that bad to me either.}

{Seriously y’all. This is the lake across the street from our apartment. Literally a two minute walk. There is a 4 mile walking path around it. We walk here every night, in awe of our new hometown beauty.}

{Mom came to visit, and we were so busy having fun that this is literally the only picture I took. Two buddies playing games on their iPods – probably with each other. But we also signed papers for our new house which will break ground on in August!}

{Oops, I lied. I forgot I took this picture at our first introduction to the Golden Corral. More importantly, our first introduction to THE CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN. Can you believe I only dipped 3 things in it?! That’s self control people.}

{Oh, the tread-climber isn’t for holding my milk while I eat a fluffernutter and watch TV? Psssshhhttt.}

{One of the more exciting things that has happened? WE TRIED RITA’S. No, no. Well we did. But more importantly, it was Kenya of Here’s the thing… and her son that introduced us to Rita’s. Kenya is one of my very first blogging buddies, and we were SO excited to meet up in real life!! Can’t wait to see more of these fabulous folks. Go check out her blog, and she published a whole book of her son’s funny quotes. Well worth the investment.}

{Introducing the tentative layout for our cross country trip!!! We are planning to leave the first weekend in September. Watch out, US – here we come!!!!!!!}

{So that’s what we’ve been up to, what’s new with you?}

Posted in randomness, sunday sream of pictures | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Kid Quotes Friday

Posted on July 13, 2012 by jenn


It might be the last for awhile, being that I no longer have a J-O-B.. but here are a few fun kid quotes for your boring Friday! And go ahead and link up, because I could use some laughs!

______________

Me: What is something that your new therapist should know about you?

Kid: Well, she should probably know about my moves.

Me: You mean when you moved in with your Grandma?

Kid: NO-OOOOO. My master major dance moves. I can really bust them.

______________

Kid: So, you are moving to North Korea?

Me: No, I’m moving to North Carolina.

Kid: That’s what I said.

______________

Me: What is the nicest thing you could say to your Mom right now?

Kid: Mom, you have awesome choices in kids.

______________

Me: Why do you think it’s so hard for you to pick your things up at home?

Kid: I dunno. But let me ask you this. Why is it so hard for Mom to stop telling me to pick my things up? It’s obviously not working.

______________

Happy Friday, everyone!

 

Posted in Kids quotes Friday | 4 Comments

Finding Home

Posted on July 11, 2012 by jenn

 

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go


So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why
It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it’s worth it was worth all the while

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

(Lyrics – Green Day “Good Riddance”)

_______________________________________

Linked up with Molly Jo for “What’s the Word Wednesday”

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Letters

Posted on July 9, 2012 by jenn

Dear North Carolina,

Bless your heart! Thank you for the very warm welcome to the south!

We love your low gas prices, your warm ocean temperature, your friendly attitudes, and listening to all y’all talk.

We look forward to more exploration!

_________________

Dear Maine,

We miss you – well some of you. Especially the delicious buffalo chicken pizza at our local place – and oh yeah, our friends and family. We are working hard to convert y’all to move down here. Or at least come visit. PLEASE?! We are a smidgeon lonely.

__________________

Dear Jobs,

We miss you.

NOT. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

__________________

Dear Faithful Readers,

Our move went fine. We have internet back, and I promise we’ll get back on a blogging schedule soon. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! We are here safe, sound, and enjoying our couple of months off from work! Hope y’all are doing great!

Love always,

Jenn & Casey

Posted in growing up, joy, randomness | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Some things are hard to say.

Posted on June 29, 2012 by jenn

In case you didn’t know, I’M MOVING TO NORTH CAROLINA TOMORROW.

Ahem.

Pardon the MAJOR minor freak out.

Anyway, ever had something on your mind that you want to blog or talk about, but you feel embarrassed? Or shameful? Or uncomfortable?

Yeah, me too.

Perhaps I can entice you to go check out a little guest post I wrote over at Shell’s place?

It might save my sanity.

Or not.

But, go read my words there. They are important ones (in my opinion, of course).

See y’all in sunny NC!

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Echoes

Posted on June 26, 2012 by jenn

As the house begins to empty, they grow stronger.

Echoes of the memories that hover in all the rooms of this house that is becoming less ours and more theirs every moment.

The corner of the kitchen where Casey proposed, and the floor that we laid on minutes later – laughing and dreaming.

The kitchen table where Monday night dinners with Stacey were eaten and many games of Heroclix, Yahtzee, and Taboo were played.

The bedroom that was green, and then blue, and then beige. As it went from his, to ours, and now to theirs.

The bathroom drawer that hid our one and only positive pregnancy test for months after we had already lost our baby, until I was strong enough to throw it away.

The deck where many starry nights have been witnessed, enjoyed, and cherished.

My eyes are often teary these past few days as each belonging is put in a box, each particle of dust gets swept away and every memory packed tightly in my mind, my heart, my body.

This house is part of our history, our story – us.

But it’s time for it to be part of their history.

In days, just a few moments really, its front door will simultaneously open to the next chapter of their lives, and close this chapter of ours.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments