Day 12- "Happy Hour creates friendships!"

This friend is someone who I have only known for a few years but she has been a great friend to have around.  We met at work and I started training her on processes within our department.  Soon enough we were going out to happy hours!  We didn't know then but we had started a monthly happy hour with another friend.  It has been a blast getting to know her and be able to be there when she got engaged, had a baby, and soon I'll be going to her wedding! 

She is kind, caring and always lends a ear to listen to you.  Every Monday she asks how my weekend was, she asks about my family and boyfriend and just always seems to care about myself and my well being. 

Not only is she caring but she is an extremely hard worker!  She has gotten her masters through having a child, losing a grandparent and working full time.  Not once did I ever hear her complain about anything.  She always has a smile on her face and rarely complains.  I am so thrilled that I have such a positive person in my life like this that I can call a friend.  She is my inspiration and am happy we are friends.

Here's to you Nadia!

Nadia and Jamie

Day 11- "SNL creates a lasting friendship."

The first time that I met this friend I was probably in grade school or maybe junior high.  I really can't remember.  Her brother and I were in the same class so I guess I just knew her from him.  When I was a senior she was a freshman.  We both were in spirit club together and ended up being tasked with doing a skit together for a pep rally.  We decided that we were going to do a spoof on the SNL skits that were popular at the time.  Night at the Roxbury had just come out so we thought it would be appropriate to do something with that and with Mary Catherine Gallagher and of course the spartan cheerleaders.  Needless to say our skit was a huge success and we were known for the best pep rally skit in years!  It was amazing.

Well, I graduated from high school in 99 and left for New Jersey to start the next chapter in my life.  I was excited to go on and have  new adventure. 

Years later I found out that this friend was moving to Long island to become a nanny.  I emailed her and let her know that if she ever wanted to meet up in NYC that it wasn't that far for either of us and that it would be great to see her.  We ended up going into the city and meeting up with each other.  Soon after we found ourselves planning her move to New Jersey due to some circumstances out of her and my control.  We looked for an apartment together and finally found the perfect place in Millburn.  It was so awesome. 

We both went to school and did the things that young college kids do.  We loved clubbing in the city and traveling by train to Hoboken for the great night life.  We got along well and enjoyed staying in as much as going out.  We had wonderful talks and gave each other advice for good things and bad things.  I may have sometimes treated her like a little sister, but it was only because I cared about her and wanted her to succeed in whatever it was she wanted to do. 

In early 2006 I had decided that my time in New Jersey had come to an end.  I needed to be closer to family so I chose to move to Minnesota.  This friend was very supportive and totally understood.  My last summer in New Jersey was very memorable.  We spent lots of time at the shore, going out with friends, and just laughing.  She was a great roommate and friend and I was sad to go. 

Through the next four years we have kept in touch and lived our lives.  I ended up going to grad school and received my MBA where she finished up school in her undergrad as well!  I was so proud and happy for her.  She had accomplished what she wanted and didn't let anything get in her way.  She had always had a vision to move to LA and she again did what she set out to do. 

I admire this friend's determination and goals.  She is an amazing person who has a lot to offer in the world.  I believe she will go far.  I am just happy to call her my friend.

Here's to you Nena!

Nena and Jamie

Day 3- "She hired me and the rest is history"

Today's friend is a very special friend.  She is kind, caring, lovable and helped hire me at my current job.  It's true!  Anyway, in the beginning I didn't think this friend was ever going to be a friend.  In fact, I think I thought that she disliked me very much.  That was so not the case!  I found out later (after one of our department moves) that this friend actually liked me and really wanted to get to know me better.

After we started to sit next to each at work, we talked more and began to get closer.  We started having lunch together and eventually ended up going out to a bar together with our other friend at work.  Slowly but surely we got to know each other well and found out that we had a ton in common.  Our paths crossed in many strange ways.  Both of our dad's had passed away unexpectedly, her birthday is the date of my dad's passing, her dad's passing is the same month of my mom and dad's anniversary, we both share a love for big bowl and sushi and there is so much more!

With all our bonding over the years we have became good friends.  She's been there for me over some very hard times in my life and I'm always there to lend a ear when she wants to talk.  We continue to dine out at Big Bowl, Crave and the occasional happy hour.  Recently this friend got married and I was so happy to be able to attend her special day.  The craziest part about this friend is she is quite the matchmaker!  On her wedding night, without even knowing it, she, in a way, brought my boyfriend and I together!

She is an amazing person and continues to care and love each and every friend and family member in her life.  She is a keeper and I am happy and privileged to call her my friend.

Here's to you Amy!

Amy and Jamie out on the town!

Did you just say 39 days!?

Well ladies, and gents (if any gents read this)... I have a confession.  I am the queen of the yo-yo body type.  What am I talking about, you ask?  Well, you see, I have this problem where, for most of my life, I get really, super skinny, then I get curvy, then I get really, super skinny, then I get curvy.  It is a never ending cycle and to be honest, I don't ever feel like I do much different in order for this to happen.

Last year around this time I started losing a lot of weight.  I slowly was shedding the pounds and then more rapidly by mid May.  I had lost almost 30 pounds by June!  It was insane.  Partly the reason was a bad break up, which, as any of you women (and maybe men) know, it really curbs your appetite.  The other reason was I was really following my low fructose diet because of my FM (as mentioned in a previous blog).  Other people tell me it is because I never ate, but I don't believe that!  ;)

By October I was looking like this:  




Skinny Jamie

 Well I got so comfortable in this size that I probably just started eating more and drinking more without realizing what I was doing. By mid December, my small pants were just that, small. My curves were returning.

This isn't the first time I've had to deal with this, nor do I think it will be the last. I just wish my body would stay at a consistent weight so that I wouldn't have to keep worrying about what clothes fit at this moment. Now I am worried about a wedding that I am going to be in in 39 days!  Yep, I just was told it was 39 days away!  I am super scared that I am not going to fit into the dress because when I measured for it... you guessed it, I was that really skinny girl.  I just hope it fits... but I guess this means I have 39 days to figure out this yo-yo body of mine.  Of course, then again, I've never been able to figure it out, so why start now!  :)
And for the record... I like my curves, I just like the skinny better!  ;)

Curvy Jamie



Busy, thankful, happy

Sometimes life can get super crazy.  My life has been that way recently.  I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to sit and breathe for a second.  It is okay though.  I've never felt happier about life!  Things seem to just be falling into place with everything. 

My professional life has been busy and I have finally decided what it is that I want to do when I "grow up".  Sports have always been my life and I've realized that this is what makes me happy in life.  I've decided that with my experience and my desire that I am setting a goal to become 100% involved in sports in two to four years.  I am not sure what that will entail yet, but I do know that it is what I am passionate about.  I am so excited about this because I know that there are many opportunities out there working in sports and being a part of something great whether it be coaching, coordinating or even being a director of a program.  The sky is the limit!

My personal life has never been better!  My brother and sister are both close by, my friends have all been amazing and I have one of the most incredible boyfriends.  Seriously, I have to pinch myself sometimes!  I try to think back to the last time I even cried and I honestly can't remember.  Things have been wonderful. 

I'm looking forward to the rest of 2011.  There is so many great things coming my way and I am happy to know that I have great people in my life to share it with! 

Here is to 2011 and to being busy, thankful and happy!!!

Semper Fidelis

Lately I've been thinking about my dad a lot.  He passed away back in 2004 and was a pretty amazing guy.  We have a facebook page set up for him and recently he had his 400th fan.  So many people have commented how they have changed their lives for the better because of my dad.  It is amazing how one person could effect so many people in such a positive way.

I've been trying to write a book about my dad for the past 6 years and every time I go to jot some words down, I feel like writer's block has taken over.  There is so much that I don't even know.  Every time someone else posts on his page, I feel like I learn a little more about my dad.  I've always known he was pretty amazing, but I just never knew the extent of this. 

 He didn't have a great upbringing and struggled with figuring out who he was.  He went into the Marines and survived a cheating fiancé and met my mom, the love of his life, after all his struggles.  He managed to finish college and become a successful coach and teacher.  He has touched so many lives and I am so proud, that I am unsure how to even put it into words. 

 I've always hoped to write a book about him, but I never would have dreamed it would be after his death and that it would be such a hard thing to do.  Although I know my dad never liked much attention and he probably would be mad that so many people are making a big deal about him, I still want him to be proud of the story I can tell.  I hope in the next year I can really just sit and plug away at this book.  I want to share what he has done for so many and what he still continues to do even though he has passed.  

On my own again

Here we go!

As I sit here alone with my dog I feel like it is starting all over again. Here I go doing it all alone. I have received help for so long that I almost forgot what it was like to do it on my own. Suddenly I have realized that I was living this incredible life this past few months. I have been so lucky. Now reality sets in again and I have to cut back on the fun and the adventures. Yet, I don't want to be stuck in my house every day alone. I love being around people and being alone isn't really appealing to me anymore. So, I guess I need to get creative and start budgeting... ah yes my favorite thing to do. Blah! Well, I know that I will get it done cause I always seem to, but hopefully I don't lose the momentum that I have going now. Hopefully a new roommate will be on the horizon and I can go back to keeping it busy! :)

Blogging: the fall behind

It has been quite a while since I have blogged. Perhaps it has been the extreme busyness of my life that has put that on hold. Or maybe I just have nothing that has inspired me to blog. I now understand how after break ups, tragedies, etc, many musicians can come out with top selling songs. It makes sense. You need to get it out on paper, or computer. ;)

I think I get inspired a couple of ways. Usually I try to focus on the "good" of the situation and take it as a learning experience. From there, I blog and let it out. A few months ago I did a lot of journaling. It helped me through a really tough time where I couldn't shake something that, from the observers outlook, it should have been so simple. I think writing, no matter what the situation, can ultimately help out.

On the other hand I also am inspired by the "ups" of life. I sometimes am in such a great mood that I have to tell the world through my blog. (even if only 2 people read it). Yet, when things are just good (right in the middle) I tend to forget to write or just don't feel inspired to write. I think that is something that I would like to change, as even though I am having just a normal day, I still would like to write. :)

So here's hoping I live up to what I want to pursue. :)

Feeling Good!

I don't know what happened from yesterday to today, but man I feel like a totally new person. Yesterday I was having an "eh" kind of day, but today I feel like I can conquer anything! I don't know if it was the volleyball game and happy hour afterwards, or the love from my dog, or waking up feeling happy and well... I'm just not sure, but it is a good day. I've been productive and feel like there is so much I can do.

I hope this carries on for quite some time! I would rather feel like this every day!! :)

Have a wonderful day people!

Perhaps

I've been sitting and pondering where life is going to be taking me next. 2010 hasn't exactly been the year of guts and glory... okay maybe the guts, but not so much the glory. It is weird how you can look back at an entire year and go... yep, that just wasn't my year. Well, I know there is still some time left in 2010, so I hope I can turn around and say, hey, you know, 2010, you and I got off to a wrong start, but in the end, we pulled together and became rock stars! We'll see how that goes. In the meantime, I truly am enjoying the small stuff in life while getting through the bigger obstacles that come my way. Perhaps something unexpectedly good will come about in the next few months. Perhaps.

Radical Job

I wonder what it would be like to just go and do something totally out of my realm. Something I've never done before but would be willing to try. Maybe work in a brewery, or be a personal shopper for a billionaire. (okay maybe not the second one, we all know how much I LOVE to shop.) But really, come on, don't you think it would just be amazing to do something so out of the norm that you begin to live it and love it!? I think that is where I am at in my life. I love my life, but I could surely use some more excitement. Can't we all? I would love to do something that you just never think of googling. You know that job that you just didn't know existed? That is the job I want! Something radical!

Let me know if you know of any openings.... ;)

Perspective

My dog is sitting out the window watching the people and dogs walk by. She does this every day. Sometimes she even lays her head on the ledge to rest a bit while she watches. Life seems so simple and pleasurable to her. Really, what does she have to worry about? Eating, sleeping, playing, scratching behind the ears, and playing with her friends. Life is pretty easy going for my dog.

Watching her puts my life into perspective. Really I have gone through life with ups and downs as does everyone. I think in the last year and 1/2 I have really grown into my own. I learn new things all the time and have learned to enjoy the simple things in life and to, as they say, not sweat the small stuff. I feel comfortable in my own skin and have learned that you must be happy with you before you can be happy with anyone else. Also to make sure with your family and friends that you are truthful and honest and have a good line of communication. No secrets no hidden agenda necessary to be happy. Last, I've learned that you must forgive yourself for things that you could not control. It is okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Each experience can make you stronger or it can break you. I've chosen to take my experiences and make myself stronger in the process.

I am looking forward to what is next. For all I know it could make me the strongest yet.

Just Breathe.

The last month of my life has been such a blur. I have come to a lot of realizations that I kind of knew all before but never acted on. They say always listen to your intuition but why do we ignore it sometimes? I am not sure, but I did. I think life always teaches you lessons. Sometimes people take those lessons and learn from them and others just keep repeating it over and over. I feel like I have taken each experience and learned from it, but when I look back now, each of those experiences have similarities that I guess I didn’t see before. I hope that I can tie in all these experiences and take on a whole new role in this life. There is so much I want to do with my life and I feel that this last month has been a healing process where I have come to understand that it is okay to take the time to reflect, cry, hurt and be angry. Not everything in life is easy and we have to work quite hard to be where we want to be. You can spend your life blaming others or you can deal with it yourself and move on. Make things happen for you. I think that at one point I was making things happen for me, but I took a pit stop… I’ve put myself out there but know there is a lot more work ahead of me in order to make things happen. Life is full of opportunity, it is just a matter of wanting it.

A rambling mess at my attempt to make sense of it all.

Sometimes life has a funny way of telling you, I told you so. You know that feeling in your gut, the one that just doesn't feel so great? You know something is wrong, but you aren't quite sure what it is. You ignore it, but it lingers on. It isn't easy to listen to something like that when you truly love something or someone. You want so badly to make it work that you ignore all the signs that surround you. I know that no one is perfect and you have to learn from your mistakes as you go, but when will you know if it isn't a mistake. Life is not easy, but I am not one to give up. I'll do whatever it takes to make it work if I feel it is worth it. I tend to put my heart into things that sometimes turn out to just disappoint me. I hate that part of me. Sometimes I wish I didn't care and that I could just let things go. I wish I didn't have feeling for people who treated me wrong or bad... but I tend to just walk back into it each and every time it comes my way. I'm not perfect and I know that I don't make situations easy all time, but I do know that I am passionate and if I feel it is worth it, I will work at it until the end of time. I will stand up for, fight for, do whatever it takes to support what I believe in. Yet, sometimes the person or thing I believe in doesn't want to try, stand up for, or fight back for me. It's too hard for them. It isn't easy, life that is... but you get what you make of it. I know that I need to step up and do more with my life, be more outgoing and take on more adventures. I just hope that in the end, there is someone there that is willing to do those things with me, because one great thing about life, is sharing it with someone else. As we go through life we all choose different paths... I haven't always chosen the easiest paths, but I hope through all this climbing, I too will reach my destination and look back being proud of what I accomplished in life. Until that day, I'll keep heading up my path.

It's hard to go from yes to no

Sometimes I get myself into predicaments. At the time I mean well and I want to help out, but then when the time comes, situations change and things happen. Well, life happens. I need to learn that there are things in life that are going to change and therefore I can not make promises to people as I don't know if in the next year or next month that I will be able to keep them. Lesson learned. I will need to make sure that I take this into consideration for the next time I tell someone yes.

Marsha Marsha Marsha

Life. Life is confusing. One minute you are young with no cares in the world, and the next minute you are an adult and have responsibilities. As I have gone through life I have realized how many people don't follow the part where you become an adult. Yes, they actually are an adult, but they still act like a young teenager. I've seen this with people from the their early 20s until their late 70s. For some, the gossip and teenage behavior doesn't end. I think this happens for many different reasons. Believe it or not, most kids are affected by the way they grew up. Then for whatever reason it plays out in them as adults. I've seen it too many times. You know that group from high school that was really popular but they seemed to be the biggest jerks in the school? Ya, there are groups like that no matter how old you get. Sadly, not everyone can let go. Gossip rules their life and not only that, but they tend to place blame on everyone else for all their hurt and errors in their lives. It is never their fault and some are really good at making others look guilty. Personally I can't figure those people out. I led a fairly simple, normal life without a lot of drama or turmoil. I guess I was one of the lucky few and didn't have to deal with a lot of pain, hurt, etc. I guess that is why I tend to shy away from the clicky groups and the drama of life. I just enjoy the simple life.
I hope you do to!

More than the Average Joe

Today I was up early, I know, shocker. That is what happens when you fall asleep at 8:30pm... Anyway, that is not the point of my story. Today I woke up early, got ready and headed to work (early!). So yes, are you getting that I was early yet? Really the point of this is that I took an earlier bus today that in fact had a man on it that (and I don't like to label) has a disability to the average joe. He is always smiling and when he gets off the bus, he says have a great day and smiles and waves to everyone. He peers in the window and waves to each of us as we drive away to our next stop. As I was watching him do this today, it reminded me how life is full of choices and although there are some things that make us sad, set us back, disappoint us, etc. we choose how we handle those situations and how we can so easily let our emotions deal with them. Sometimes I get caught in the moment and sometimes let things affect me more than they should. I know that this will continue to happen in my life, but I also know that I can take a better recognition to how I am handling it. It isn't easy, but I think that one can really try. I know that I have really become more like that man on the bus today, enjoying the simple things, yet I know that I still have a ways to go on letting things affect me. It has been a long and winding road to get where I have come and I know that the road won't ever be boring, but I hope that I continue to be this person I've become even when the dynamics change and someday will be sharing that road with someone else. I guess someday I'll have to share that road in the future, and will learn to continue to be this person but maybe even better. I hope life will give me that opportunity someday. I guess I am ready to shed the stress of the small stuff in life and be done with the things that just don't matter. Focus on the future and all that can be! :)

Have a wonderful day!

purpose

Yesterday I had my first volleyball practice of the year with my team. (I coach) It was so nice to get back working with kids again. Oh how I missed it. I think some people are meant to be in the business world, but I don't think I am one of those people. Or maybe I am, but just not a processor. I think I was meant to work more with people and to help others. I think that I am better at that than most things. Although I am good at what I am doing, it doesn't seem to feel my need to help others. Yes, I do help others at times, but I think I need more of that in my daily life. Perhaps with the changing of the guards there will be lots of opportunity for that. Who knows. I know that I am glad I am coaching again though.... living, loving it.

In the meantime.... enjoy the ride

Life is so interesting. I mean really, if you think about it, so much can happen in such a short time. Ten years ago I wrote in my high school year book that I would be married with three kids living in a small town teaching. Ha! Boy did life throw me for a loop.

I ended up in New Jersey and making the most awesome friends that could never be replaced. I have never found such connections like I did there. If I could give anything to have that again, I would! I grew up there. I learned how to stick up for myself and to become more independent. I learned all about parenting without being a parent. I experienced Europe and traveled the U.S. I became me. Yet who was I?

Life has had its ups and downs and along the way I have learned from each and every experience. I learned that if you want something done, you sometimes have to do it yourself, but it is okay to accept help. I learned that you could go on a thousand dates before finding someone that you are remotely interested in and even then they might not like you back but know that someday some guy will. I learned that you are just one of millions of people and you better have connections and talent or life is going to be just a little harder. I've learned that it's important to listen and not to speak so much. It's important to take a step back and realize that it may not be what you think it is. I have also realized that loss is agonizing and that sometimes that hurt comes back.

Since I moved to Minnesota 3 years ago I have grown even more. I have become more confident and have realized that relationships are two sided. Friendships, boyfriends, family... those relationships work both ways, and after a while, if what I give isn't given back, I know that perhaps it is time to stop worrying so much and know that they were in your life for a reason.

Ten years later I have grown to be me... the person I always was, but better. I worked hard to get two degrees, own a home and to be happy. I may not have the husband, kids and teaching job that I wanted, but some day I might. You just never know where life will take you, but in the meantime, enjoy the ride.

Aspy Asperson A... my Aspen

So one day I was sitting at work and my boss yelled over the cube, "I think I found a dog for you!" I was pretty stoked but wasn't really sure if I was ready for a such a commitment to my life yet! I mean really, I just had bought a house, got a roommate and finished my MBA... there was a lot of change happening and I didn't think I could handle anymore.

I proceeded to walk over to her desk and we talked a bit about a dog named "Cookie". Yep Cookie. Sorry, but who names their dog Cookie? Anyway, later that day we got a picture and I knew right then that I just had to have her. She had been abused as a small

puppy. :( Sad! Look at her! She is just too cute to even yell at. Anyway, I proceeded to make arrangements to get this fur ball of joy and even drove all the way to Fargo to get her!

I am so glad I decided that day to get her. She is the greatest dog! She maybe is a pain sometimes to Sarah, but overall, she's great. ;) Lately she's been learning to come in and sit to get her feet wiped... I think she only sits right away because she knows she's going to get a treat.

She kind of rocks. I guess sometimes more responsibility isn't always a bad thing. :)

Love ya Aspen!