Three months worth of randomness

Wow... it has truly been a long time since I have posted. So much to talk about. So much has changed. I think the last time I posted I was looking for a house. Well, in case anyone out there didn't know....WE FOUND ONE! Yes, it was quite the ordeal but in the end it was all worth it. We bought a house in Brusly that has everything that I wanted. Hopefully, if you're reading this you have seen it. I have been having a lot of fun, possibly too much fun, decorating ever since. I had a couple of insane trips to Hobby Lobby and our latest splurge was on patio furniture. We bought an awesome wicker love seat, chair and ottoman as well as a large table and chairs. Much to our surprise I managed to put it together myself and we have not fallen through anything. I am actually sitting outside right now next to the fire pit. Ah, life is good.

Nick started his job in August and it is going pretty well so far. He has been working a lot but it is nothing compared to school and he gets a pay check. Sweet! My job is great right now because I am off for two weeks. I say some days that it is very hard and I cant imagine myself retiring as a teacher but other days I really like it. Each day brings new challenges and the kids test my patience to the very end.

I have been having Kali and Sara over quite a bit lately. That absolutely are the reason I wanted to live close again. They make me laugh so much when I am with them. Today I took them to Olive Garden. They are so much fun because they are extremely well behaved. We were leaving and while in the car Sara was sitting without her seat belt over her shoulder. I told her that she needed to fix it because if we got in a wreak and it wasn't on right she would go flying. She looked at me with her head cocked to the side and said "But Jessie, I can't fly. I don't have WINGS!" It was so stinking cute because she was right! :) Then we were at he outlet malls shopping. I was searching the racks looking for a new pair of jeans when Kali turned and said "Jess, what are you buying?" "I'm looking for jeans." "Well Jessie, don't you KNOW its Christmas time and you are supposed to buy things for OTHER people!!" Once again, I laughed and though....damn, shes right! On the was home, instead of going the way I know I got them really excited to take the ferry. So I drove about 45 minutes until we found it because I knew they would enjoy it. When we were on it Kali asked me where the fairies were. Then Sara said "I'm so excited, this ferry is so much fun!" I was surprised at how much they liked it. Sara wanted to ride it again when we got into Plaquemine. I love the little people that they are becoming!

Last weekend, Nick and I were leaving coffee call which is our Saturday morning tradition of Begneits and coffee when we decided out of the blue to go visit the D Day museum in New Orleans. It was really awesome. They have a 4-d Movie now that is really something to see. I also learned a lot walking around the huge museum. John Besh opened a new restaurant in the building with the movie theatre. We ate lunch there. If anyone is looking for a fun place to go for a day trip I highly recommend it. It was really fun even though we both looked like poo.

In other news, we have planned a ski trip for February. I am really excited about it. We are going with a couple that Nick went to PT school with. They are really fun to be around and I think we will have a blast. Not to mention I get to ski!!! We will be in Breckenridge from Feb 12-16. Hopefully I will take lots of pictures and get into the swing of blogging again.

Also in the works for 2010.... Nick said I might be able to get my dream car this summer and maybe little Ciceros in the near future. Also, I have been thinking about getting another dog. I still miss Duncan a ton but I am interested in adopting a pet. Nick wants a pedigree dog but after the research I have done I don't want to help fund those mills and things. Maybe a big mutt will do us just fine! So much to look forward to. Sometimes I look around and I cant believe that this is actually my life. Why am I so lucky? We are surely not taking it for granted. Nick and I still look at our house sometimes and say "Wow, this is actually ours!" I have been meaning to take pictures but it honestly has not been clean enough. ;) I also wan to get the extra garage in shape. I have no idea what to do with it but it has so much potential. For now, I guess we will take it one thing at a time. I am surely enjoying this patio though. :)

I am sooo excited about Christmas. We have our beautiful tree up (much to my fathers help) ;) and I have all of my shopping done except for Nick of course. I always buy his gifts last minute. I feel bad about this but I guess his gifts always require a lot more thought.My new watch comes in tomorrow, I think we are getting a Dyson vacuum, and Nick bought be a surprise present. Also, ELI IS COMING! I feel like I have not seen him in forever! I bet he is getting so big. It will be fun to just hang out and relax with my big sister for a change and steal as many kisses as I can from her sweet baby!

Hopefully the next time I post it will not be 4 months from now. I like to think of this almost as a diary. It is fun to look back on thoughts and feelings from times past that are totally random. I will close with a random quote from my favorite author of all time:

You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can carry yourself wherever you choose.
Dr. Seuss

Teaching/house hunting!!!

Teaching is going pretty well these days. I have some bad days but mostly good days. I feel like I am finally getting an idea of whats going on! I guess that is a really good thing! Nick started his job. I think the first day was rocky. Yesterday and today went pretty well. I am excited for him. I think he is going to be an awesome therapist. He is working on Nana. I think she is driving him crazy which is funny but he is taking good care of her. We have been trying to drive to work together and it is working out pretty well. I stay at school about 11 hours everyday and Nick has been working a lot too. Hopefully things will settle down and we will only be working like, say 9 hours a day.

We have also been house hunting. It is pretty spectacular. We found the most wonderful house. The timing is not good but we love it. We were there two hours last night. We are thinking of making an offer but not sure yet. It is really pricey.... we will see what happens. We have seen our share of SKETCHY houses over the past couple weeks. It is interesting when someone says "oh, don't look at that big black rug.... we'll fix whats under there before we leave". Oh, and the house we walked in where there was shoes and socks on the counter top, crap thrown everywhere, the wood floors were bowed up from water damage..... needless to say we didnt go past those two rooms. WOW! I wish there were more nice neighborhoods to choose from. We have the one we want narrowed down aznd our dream house is the only one for sale in it. I will keep everyone updated as soon as we decide what we will do. Hope everyone is doing well!

First week of teaching

This is an old blog I typed up on the way home to Louisiana from Nicks graduation and never posted!

So my first week as an educator has come to an end. I have had some funny moments this week and some very frustrating times. Some of the kids love me, and tell me constantly and one child has set out to make my life miserable. I have decided to take it one day at a time. When I think I can’t put up with him anymore I will remind myself that he is just a child and that he needs my help and probably more love than the others in class. I REFUSE TO LET A SIX-YEAR-OLD MAKE A FOOL OF ME. So hopefully this week will go well. I had a sub on Friday and there is no telling what I will be walking back into. We start our real instruction this week and I am excited to teach them something. I will try to remember to post some of the funny things that I hear. You would be surprised what comes out of six-year-old mouths. My first day some of the kids were telling me that they loved me and that I was the best teacher they have ever had. I have one baby named Marcus who is just a sweet pea. He started to cry when he had trouble with a worksheet. He said, “Ms. Row, I’m so sad”. He is just such an emotional one. That’s another thing, my name! They CANT say it. It is sooo funny. So far this week I have been called: Ms. Row (quite popular), Ms. Tootsie roll, Ms. Cereal, Ms. Sereo. I just answer to anything. My main goal this week is to really get my classroom management together. It is going to be a long year and some of them REALLY have a lot to learn. Hopefully I wont let them or their parents down.

I flew in to Florida on Friday for Nick’s graduation. I was soooo excited. It was really good to see him. It seems like whenever we are together I’m home. It doesn’t matter where we are. Saturday was GREAT! I had a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow wax. Then I went to Five Guys with Nick. For any of you who have not been there, GO! It is really good. His graduation was awesome. Hopefully I can post pics soon enough. My eyes welled up with tears about four times. Not just because he was graduating and I was so proud of him. I was also proud of some of his classmates and their accomplishments. We all had our own little battles to fight and everyone did it. Also thinking about all of the good times we had. They all worked so hard. I have never been so proud of him. I know first hand how much work he put into his program, he came a long way and he did awesome! Just seeing him in his little cap and gown with the bars on the sleeves getting “hooded” (I guess that is what is called) meant so much. He deserved every bit of the night. After the graduation we took some pictures and went to Columbia’s. We went through I think three pitchers of Sangria and had a good time. We went and met some of his friends out at the White Lion after. There were a lot of people there. I think Nick had a good time. My feet were killing me in the four-inch heels I was wearing but I had a good time anyways.... and Nick liked my dress so I sucked it up! :o). Now I guess I will have to call him Dr. Cicero. CRAZY! It was nice that my parents got to go, Brian and Alecia, Jonathan and Nicks parents. Hopefully we will get to go back to St. Augustine one day to visit. It really was fun while it lasted and I appreciate the time we had there. We learned a lot about ourselves and each other and what we could do. It is bittersweet leaving but I am soo glad to bring him home. Today we went by mom and dad’s condo to pick up some stuff and visit with them before driving home. They looked so relaxed. I asked mom when was the last time they went on vacation by themselves. She thought for a second and said “never”. I am glad they got to get away and relax a little bit. They both deserve it for all they do. We have been driving all day now. I talked Nick in to stopping at Mellow Mushroom (he hates to sit down and eat when we are on the road all day) but it was really good. I am ready to get home already though. I think we have a few hours left.

So overall, this weekend was pretty awesome. My husband is awesome, our families are awesome. Life is so good. We have so much to look forward to and we are excited to begin the new journey that is our life. That’s all I have for now.

first day in first grade!

So my first day of first grade.  I have probably already told all of the people that actually read this blog but I am mainly doing it for myself.  In my classes they tell us to keep a diary of our first year as educators... so here it is!  This morning I woke up at 5am and got to school by 5:50.  I prepared the last details and made my way over to the gym.  I watched all of the kids walk in all shinny and new with their nice clothes on and their cute little hair dos.  I even saw a lot of parents that I went to school with which was really bizarre.  I just cant imagine having a child old enough to be in school.  The oldest I saw was fourth grade. It was nice to see people I haven't seen since high school though.  When I first got into my class everything seemed to be going ok.  A parent knocked my coffee cup and it spilled ALL OVER my desk and papers... but no worries!  Jordin brought me a towel the day before so that saved the day.  I cleaned it up and went on with business.  I have a few children who will be quite......challenging. :)  One in particular, I have never met a kid so defiant in all my life.  But others who were so sweet.  One little boy whispered a "secret" in my hear.  He said that I was his best friend.  It was so cute.  I do love that about first graders.  After I would yell at them in my mean voice they would tell me that they loved me and how happy they were to be in "Ms. Row's" class.  (They cant say my name :))  Today wasn't perfect but it wasn't awful either.  I know I have a lot to learn and I am thankful for a great mentor teacher.  Hopefully  I wont have to bug her too much.  I think I will continue to grow and get better.  The kids made me laugh several times today.  There are many jobs out there where employees get to say that.  The kids are so cute and funny.  I'm excited to get to know them more.  And hopefully my little challenges will turn into great successes.... only time will tell.

Nick is done with school.  He graduates on Friday... HOLY CRAP!  I cant wait.  I really don't think it gets any better than this.  We totally have the world at our fingertips and nothing is holding us back.  I'm so excited all of our goals are turning into reality.  

I'm exhausted so I need to go to bed.  Hopefully my throat will feel better by tomorrow!  Goodnight all!

First grade, here I come!

So it hit me today....in about a week and a half I will be responsible for teaching 1st graders how to read!!! Oh my!  I am quite anxious and nervous about the whole teaching thing.  Nick took the job at Physician's Choice and I am excited that he will be working closely with me.  Everything is changing, it is so crazy to think about!  I have never been so proud of my honey.  I am so glad he will be doing something that he loves so much.  Hopefully I wont still be peeling for his graduation!  I got SO sunburnt when I went to visit him that I have been peeling ever since.  I really look nasty!  I have been wearing stuff to cover it up.  

Kali came to school with me Friday to help set up my classroom.  The older teacher next door to me was trying to set me up with her son which I thought was funny.  Kali told her that I was married to her uncle Nick!  This should be an interesting year.  They are still renovating the school and they have a lot of work to do!  I don't know how they will finish it.  I don't know how I will finish setting up my classroom!  I chose to do a Dr. Seuss theme.  I am excites about it!  I have a lot to do but I have been mainly concentrating on organizing everything.  I have spent more money on those plastic shoe box things!  I am excited to start this year though!

Jenn, Michael, and Eli came into town yest.  Eli is possibly the cutest baby I have ever seen (besides Kali and Sara)  I cant get over how happy and pleasant he is.  This kid hardly ever cries.  I am lucky to be the aunt of some awesome kids.  Today we went to Nana's house and I used a hedge trimmer!  I felt so strong... it was way funner than it looks!  I might have to do it again some time. :)  I'm glad I didn't cut off a limb!  Hopefully we will have a nice day tomorrow too.

I am really missing Nick tonight.  I cant wait to see him.  It is funny how when you get to the end it gets so much worse.  It feels like the time is going by sooo slowly.  Soon enough!

Goodnight world!

I need to beg, borrow and steal ideas!

So I am sitting in my husband's apartment while he is at school. The story of my life! I haven't posted in a while, I have been a bit busy. I flew here to visit Nick on Monday. When Hayley and I got to the airport the boys were there holding a neon orange sign that said "Welcome ladies". It cracked me up! I thought, only my husband. Nick only has about three weeks of school left which is just crazy! It almost doesn't seem real! I spoke to my principal and asked her if I could take off for his graduation... the first Friday of school! She said that would be OK, so that was a huge relief! I do not think I could be any more proud of him. Last night we were up until about 2:30 talking about everything. Growing up i really something. I feel so luck to have met him so young and to be able to watch him turn from an 18 year old boy to a great husband and one day father. We talked about having babies, where we will live, just about everything. It is so nice sometimes to just take time out a talk. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the day-to-day grind and forget to sit down and really talk. I love that I met him, I love that he picked me, I'm so lucky to be married to my best friend. I will stop with all the cheesy stuff now :)...
I think we are going out to eat tonight. I had a great lunch with one of my very best MHRC friend today. I am meeting a group tomorrow. I still have not made it to the beach but I have done a lot of shopping! We are going to the outlet tomorrow. Nick wants an outfit for graduation.
I meant to blog last week when I was hanging out with the girls a lot. they were sooo funny. Those kids crack me up! I will try to blog more often and remember what they do that cracks me up.
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I start working on my classroom and having meetings when I get back. I want to kind of do a theme of "Oh, The Places You'll Go"... I obviously like that book as it is also the title of my blog but I figure I can tie in almost anything to that. I really like hot air balloons and would like to tie that in also. Anyhow... I'm losing sleep over this stuff so if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate them! Thanks!

Missing my little man

So the last few weeks have not been easy. I finished up student teaching which was pretty good. I only have three days left of school. Nick booked e a flight today to go out to see him for a week. Hayley and me and flying together. So there are some things to look forward to.

This past week the most horrible thing happened. I got hoe from a movie with Jo and called for Duncan for what seemed like a really long time. I started to get really worried so I walked around the house to look for him. I went to the road and saw him laying there. I went up to him and he had no scratches on him. He looked like he was just sleeping. I pet his head and realized that he wasn't moving. I ran in the house to get dad. Dad tried to shake him a little but he was gone. I immediately broke down and thought he was hit by a car. I called Nick to tell him. We were both really devastated. He was definitely a part of our family. I loved him so much. I told dad the next day how Duncan was sick and threw up the day before. I said I had to give him a bath because he got sick in his kennel (which almost never happens). Dad said that he really didn't think Duncan was hit because he didn't have a scratch on him. He also said that Duncan was on the couch and dad asked him if he wanted to go out and he was moving really slowly. It breaks my heart to think there might have been something I could do to save him. He really loved Nick and me. He got me through moving to FL when I knew no one and Nick was in school or studying constantly. I think about him all the time.

On a much happier note... Ella's baptism was yesterday. It was so nice and she looked beautiful in her little lace dress and booties. We went to Nichole and Jeremy's house after and they cooked and had a water slide for the kids. It was hot but fun. I worked at the bar last night. It turned out to be a good night. It is funny how we have such a variety of people that come through those doors. It makes me a little proud. Some of the people who I probably would not even talk to in a different setting are actually the nicest people I have ever met. You really should never judge a book by its cover.

I hope everyone had a nice fourth of July. I wish I could have spent it with Nick. This is the second Fourth in a row that we have been in different states. Maybe next year. We are in the home stretch!! I wish Duncan was around in the end. We always talked about the kind of yard we would have for him. Im so sad he will not be around to enjoy it.

Nick found a job and got a pretty good offer. I will hopefully still be working at Iberville Elementary next year in first grade. It seems like things are falling in to place. This year will definitely be a year to remember.

EMPLOYMENT!!!

So I started student teaching...it has not been very fun lately. I have to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and and I get off at 2:30/ All day we teach ONE SUBJECT. It makes for a really long day I must say. Anyways, yesterday I went to Mr. Arthur's funeral. I was disappointed with the amount of people that did not show up. I felt like it was disrespectful. I guess people are just people and you cant change some things. It was a nice service though... Jason Palermo (sp?), used to be his neighbor and knew him well. That always helps when speaking about someone. We will really miss him.

After the funeral I got a call from the principal of Iberville Elementary. Ms. Thibadeaux seemed to really like me. I interviewed with her for about an hour and 15 minutes. I felt very comfortable with her. She offered me a job teaching first grade. She told me when she saw my resume and picture "all she was was a first grade teacher". I hope she was was right! I talked with Nick and although the drive will stink, I am going to take it. Also the nice paycheck wont hurt! I am really excited now about the future. It feels like things are finally moving along. Nick comes home this weekend for two weeks to do another interview with Health South. I hope it goes well. I have my job, Nick graduates in August!!! I am ready to get started! Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers.

I must go to bed now because I will have to be up shortly!

new experiences...teaching and box color

So my first few days as an educator have gone as well as expected. I have to wake up at 5:30 in the morning to get to Saint Amant Primary by 7:20/ That part really sucks. Yesterday I didn't do much teaching. I just sat back and watched. Today I was with a math teacher as we alternate every other day. The second I walked in one of the kids said that I did not look old enough to be a teacher and all of them thought I was in high school! Too bad. I was also going over some word problems with them and got one completely wrong. I made it way more complicated than it was supposed to be. I felt really stupid when the teacher overheard me. She walked over and handed me the book and said "here's the answer key". This is fourth grade math were talking about people! Then one of the kids said that I am supposed to know everything because I am the teacher. I felt stupid but it was funny. At least I got the other ones right! After I left work I went and dropped off paperwork at the west baton rouge school board. I am sick of applications! I wish I just had a job already! Anyways... I must go because I am dieing my hair tonight and I have to go to bed early these days! Wish me luck. I hope my hair doesn't turn out crazy... I have never used the box before! Maybe mom can remember some of her old tricks and not jack me up ;)

Good books! (And I don't even like to read that much)

Just remembered to post this... When I was flying into the Florida rain I bought a book called the Lost Boy. It was written by a man who is the nephew of Warren Jeffs (He is the guy who was arrested and the leader of the polygamy cult). It was an awesome book and I would recommend it to anyone. I also bought the Randy Paush (sp?) book The Last Lecture. I saw it on you tube but the book is even better. It is extremely inspirational. I will probably read it over and over again. Happy reading!!!!

True Colors

So I guess since it is now 5:30 and I have been awake since 2:30 I should go ahead and catch up on blogging. I started LRCE on Monday after a wonderful weekend with my family. It is always nice when everyone is home together. The kids played in the pool and we ate bar-b-que. It was AWESOME. Good times. We also played a new game Jo recomended, Imagine If. It was pretty fun I must say.

I started LRCE on Tuesday. It went ok. We talked about True Colors. The whole concept (which could have been covered in an hour and took ALL day) was that all people can be catagorized by personality into four groups. Gold people, like myself, like lists, planners, doing "the right thing" all the time, clean, likes order, etc... Blue was my secondary category. Blue people love everyone and focus on making everyone happy. They are very giving and generous and can't say no to anyone. They dont like confrontation and they are usually peace makers. Green people are those who are really smart. They think that they know everything and that other people are stupid. They would rather read a book than have a conversation. They are very confident and they work hard. Orango was the last one. These are you basic partiers. They are social butterflies, usually late, not neat, unorganized, spontaneous, funny, etc. Everyone knows people in their life who fit into these categories. It was funny to think about my family and what they fit into.

Today I went to the Ascension parish job fair. I completed five interviews with some good schools. It went as well as expected. I of course did not get a job offer or anything but I was certainly not expecting one today. It was hands down better than the last one I went to. After, I had to go back to school and learn nothing because the lady teaching us was sooo boring!

Anyways, I guess thats all I have for now. I need to make an apt with the doctor today. It is Kali's last day of school and we are supposed to go to Olive Garden. I hope I can make it.

Some ology thing

Since I am becoming an insomniac and Theresa tagged me....

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with these OLOGY's about you. At the end, choose 15 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

FOODOLOGY

What is your salad dressing of choice?
depends on the restaurant

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
J. Alexander's in BR, Sunset Grill in St. Aug

What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of?
salad

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Everything!

TECHNOLOGY
How many TVs are in your house?
Not sure right now... I'm kindof a nomad

What color cell phone do you have?
silver and black

BIOLOGY

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Nope, I have all my parts

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
HA! I dont lift anything heavy

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
not knocked but I have passed out a few times... Once when I was 15 and got my belly button pierced and once at Target in St. Augustine

BULL-CRAP-OLOGY

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
no

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
hmm... probably Blair but I'll keep y middle name

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
I would probably try

DUMBOLOGY

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
too many to count.

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
When I hit a parked car

Last person you talked to?
Phone: Nick
Email: some principal from Baton Rouge
Text: Theresa
In Person: Sara

Last person you hugged?
Sara

FAVORITOLOGY

Season?
Fall

Holiday?
Halloween

Day of the week?
Saturday

Month?
October

CURRENTOLOGY

Missing someone?
My husband

Mood?
blah

What are you listening to?
Sara whining herself back to sleep

Watching?
The tv is on but Im not watching

Worrying about?
sara waking up

Reading?
job openings

RANDOMOLOGY

First place you went to this morning?
The pool to help mom and dad put up a new umbrella... The heavy duty kind

What's the last movie you saw?
Finding Nemo

Do you smile often?
Yes, I really try to

QUESTIONS
Do you always answer your phone?
almost never

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
I never get texts in the middle of the night and if I did I would not answer,.

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I wouldn't change it

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
lemon berry cream slush

Do you own a digital camera?
Yes

Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes, a few

Favorite Christmas song?
Santa baby

What's on your wish list for your birthday?
a new car

Can you do push ups?
nope

Can you do a chin up?
ha... when I was in first grade my PE coach had to lift e up because I was the only one in the class that couldn't do one

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
both

Do you have any saved texts?
Yes, a lot more than I should

Ever been in a car wreck?
Yes

Last song that made you cry?
I was watching this video on prop 8 with a song that went to it and it made me cry.... then I felt stupid

Plans tonight?
Sitting at home babysitting

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Yes, when I failed y first class ever and realized I could not graduate because of it. I think that is the most disappointed I have ever felt. Other than that no. My life has been pretty blessed.

Name 3 things you bought in the last week
shoes, gas, food

Have you ever been given roses?
yes, Nick used to give e roses all the time. He finally believes e now when I say I DONT WANT THEM

Met someone who changed your life?
many people.... I believe everyone makes an impact, large or small, on my life

How did you bring in the New Year?
In St. Augustine with some friends at a little wine bar

What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Probably watching tv

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
damn I slept late again

ASPCA

I am watching the Animal Cops Houston show...on Saturday afternoon...in my pajamas... I know I am a loser. Anyways, it has made me cry like four times. I think I need to go adopt a dog. This show makes me sick. This particular episode is from when hurricane Ike went through Texas. All of the animals they are picking up are from houses they are breaking into where there stupid ass owners LEFT them! How can you leave your baby home when you are evacuating for a hurricane. People are so stupid I swear! The ASPCA does some pretty amazing things. Anyways, I have decided that Duncan needs a friend and when we get a house I am going to adopt one. I can't wait. I just need to let Nick know.
www.aspca.org They have places where you can donate money and also a gift shop.

LRCE meeting

Today I went to the acceptance meeting at LRCE in Baton Rouge.  I hope it wasnt a waste of time!  I get my score back on the 26th which is the same day as the program starts.  I am really sweating over it.  Anyways, the meeting went well.  They seem very organized and excited to start the program.  I am actually really excited to start.  The lady also said since 2003 all 700 people they have trained have had at least one job offer.  This was great until they said that there are over 300 people in the program this year.  Apparently it is bigger than ever. figures.  I am going to try to not be negative and keeps my fingers crossed that things will work out.  

sara was really fun today.  I took her swimming and she is really good!  Kali got a splinter and mom lied to her saying that she would not hurt her getting it out.  I didn't mess with it for that very reason but we all knw my mother.  Kali was a blubbering mess for about the fifteen minutes it took to get it.  Poor baby.

Everyone please say a prayer for me that I passed the test.  It is practically consuming my life right now!  Thanks.

My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.

ELAINE MAXWELL

Worst job fair ever! :(

Last Saturday I went and took the PRAXIS again. A lot of the questions were the same which made me nervous. When I got there all of the people who signed up for the emergency registration, AKA people that didn't pass the previous test, were not on the list. PRAXIS apparently did not send it to the school so we all had to wait around two hours to take the test. After I went tiki tubing with Trisha, Micah, and Trisha's friends on Amite river. It was a good time. I took some pictures on my waterproof camera I will have to post. We ate crawfish after. It was good to hang out with an old friend.

Sunday I drove to Lafayette for my godchild Isaac's birthday. Everyone was there. It was actually a fun birthday for a two year old. He is getting BIG!!! I think he weighs more than Sara. I miss hanging out with them. I cant wait for life to settle down so we can do it more often.

Last night I was getting my resume and stuff ready for the job fair today. I went to Walmart like 5 minutes after the photo department closed. There were still people printing pictures. I asked the lady nicely if I could print ONE picture and she was so RUDE about it. I wanted to call 1800-walmart but they were closed! Karma will get her! Then, when we were leaving I stood and watched two trashy teenage girls cut a camera off of the shelf because it was locked on. One was a look out. I then STARRED at them as the scurried off with the camera in one hand and scissors in the other. I would have said something to her but I was scarred she trashy bitch would stab me. I then told a walmart employee that there were two girls about to walk out with a stolen camera. They were one isle down and could hear us. Then the lady yells "OH NO THEY NOT. WHAT THEY WEARIN" and I pointed to them. Needless to say they ran out in the parking lot and I think they dropped the camera. I hate thief's! It makes me sick. I wish they could read this. You will not get ahead in life that way. Work for what you want and have. You WILL get what is coming to you! I then called myself the old nickname they gave me at work "legal eagle" and realized that it was perfect for me!

I went to the Livingston parish job fair today. It was a waste of time. I woke up at 6 in the morning and drove my happy ass all the way to Denham Springs. I get there and see about 200 people waiting for interviews. I went to sign up for a slot on the interview roster and there is not ONE SLOT available. I could not believe it. So ALL I did today was wait around for the "browsing time" and hand out my six little resumes. I decided that I need to stop up my game. I went and bought resume folders, labels, new paper and all to dress it up a little. Hopefully next week I will go to the schools in Ascension personally and hand out my resume folders. I need a prayer if I have any chance of finding a job. I will also branch out to Baton Rouge. If anyone that reads this is a teacher and have better ideas let me know. thank you.

So I am exhausted. I got home and poor Kali is still so sick. She was at the ER all night and she has the flu. I have never seen her look so pitiful. I said to her before she left "I hope you feel better sweetie" and she said "me too". It broke my heart. She told her dad that this is the sickest she has ever felt. I hope she gets better soon.

Shhhh.... tomorrow I am going up to Ruston with my mom to surprise Nick and see the baby. he leaves on Monday to go back to Florida. It is going to suck. I miss him already. :(

I just read Jordin's blog and she put up an essay she wrote for school. I really loved it. It is titled English Paper and Equality for Some. whosblogjosblog.blogspot.com. I think she touched on some really important points and I admire her standing by her opinion... and I agree with her so that doesn't hurt ;)

I'm sure I have more crap to report on but I cant remember anything today. I told the lady at the gas station today three different pump numbers then left my door wide open with my purse sitting on the seat. Then tonight at the delicious Cracker Barrel I told the lady three times I wanted corn when I meant carrots. I am too tired to think! Goodnight!

Slumber party fun with the nieces

I cant believe I forgot to post about the slumber party~ crazy me! The kids had a great time. Kali, Sara, Elise, Emma, and Kamryn were there. We made homemade face masks (thanks to Jo), manicures, we played hide and go seek, played outside, had pizza, made sundaes, had a dance contest. You name it, we probably did it. Everything went great until bedtime. Sara decided to stay up half the night. It got to a point where Jordin and I had to laugh to keep from crying. It was at that point I decided that having children would not be a good idea for at least two years. LOL Here are some pics.

French Quarter Festival

Friday Nick drove in from Ruston and we headed to New Orleans. We stayed at Corey and Natalie's house. Corey is Nick's cousin. Saturday we went to the French Quarter festival with Corey, Natalie, and Corey's parents. We pretty much spent the day eating and bar hopping. Coreys parents were a lot of fun to hang out with. It was a really good time. We ate at some nice restaurants like Butcher and Couchon. I got to eat crawfish ravioli and king cake. It was delicious! That night we got changed up and went out to magazine street bars. After drinking ALL day the boys were pretty funny. Sunday we woke up and went to eat at the restaurant Corey works at, Luke. The food was great. The chief sent out all kinds of free stuff and it was all 50% off which was nice.
We drove home and Nick decided to sleep at mom's and drive straight into work Monday morning. I felt bad for him to have to drive but I was glad he stayed. Dad made some good spaghetti and everyone was home. It was good to see the kids. Kali was kicking everyone's butts in Memory and Sara was running around the house being her wierd little self. It was a really good weekend overall. I am glad we made the trip out there.
Nick only has two weeks left of his internship and then back to Florida. I really hate to see him leave but I cant wait for him to graduate. I am retaking the praxis this weekend which will pretty much decide a lot of things for me. I will stay positive and study hard, even though it is hard to study for a test that is so random. Hope everyone has a good week! Wish me luck on my test, please.

Easter, Duncan

This is a post from Jo's blog... I said I wanted to post before but she beat me... losers or what? :)
Kali got her little acoustic guitar and tried to be a little Taylor Swift. She was writing songs. They all had the same tune, and pretty much the same words. There are 3.

Song # 1 (as written):
I see your fase.
I see yor eyes.
Nuthen nose ubout your fase
in the sky.
I see you evree war. In the sky.


Song # 2:
I see yor hous in the sky.
Nuthen nose ubout yor hous.


Song # 3- The Stalker Ballad:
I now your fone number.
I see your hous.
I now evree thang 
about you.
This is my last song. 


Well, she is precious but I don't see a future in song writing for her. Poor baby.

Easter was nice.  Saturday was really fun... we celebrated Nick, Alli, Elise and Isaac's birthdays.  The WHOLE Cicero clan was there.  Towards the end of the day we were sitting outside when Nick's niece was told to let her dog out.  He came near Duncan and they went at it.  The dog had Duncan by the throat.  It was awful!  The poor kids were outside and Isaac is already terrified of dogs and poor Kami thought it was all of her fault.  We finally managed to get the dogs apart.  I grabbed Duncan and his head was still swinging and biting.  He got me on my arm.  Only one of his teeth broke skin.  My adrenaline was pumping so hard it didn't even hurt that much.  Nick took me to Baton rouge to the Lake after hours to get a shot and antibiotics.  Everyone knows how much I love shots.  I cried but it wasnt that bad.  It was a bad ending to a great day.  But thank God Duncan came out of it ok.  Sunday we went to Lakeland for mass.  Father Greg did an awesome job.  I could listen to him sing all day.  We came back to Plaquemine and boiled crawfish before Nick left.  It was a nice weekend.

Yesterday I finally got a new automatic door lock things for my car and changed my oil.  I was way overdue.  We took the kids with us and they have been playing really well together lately.  Kali keeps telling me that the slumber party tomorrow is going to be "the funnest day EVER!"

Today I got my PRAXIS scores back.  I did really good on my PLT (the one I did not have to pass until next year). I did so well that I got an "excellence recognition" for scoring in the top percentile.  I did not pass my content knowledge.  I had to register for it again.  They charge a $75 emergency registration fee on top of the test fee.  I was really upset and nervous that this will be my last chance to pass.  I believe that everything happens for a reason though.  This makes me want it even more.  I will be a teacher.  So I retake it in ten days.  Say a little prayer for me.

Poor Duncan had a bad day.  Me and Kali took him to the vet.  We walk in and they tell me he has no apt.  I said that he did.  Come to find out I was at the WRONG veterinary clinic!!  I was so embarrassed.  I went to the place that we took our dogs to when we were little.  I called mom and she told me where to go.  I brought him to the right place and he had to get ALL of his shots.  Most of them he already had but they were three year.  They said the rules are different parish to parish and Iberville doesn't honor three year vaccines.  He had about 8 shots, a fecal float, blood test, and he was so pissed he wouldn't even eat the treat they gave him.  They had to muzzle him because he was being aggressive.  I would be too is someone were sticking something up my but, taking blood and giving me shots.  Thankfully he is good, no infection from the fight, no heart worms.  My baby just needs a haircut.  

I am excited for the slumber party tomorrow.  Hopefully it will get my mind off of the test.  Kali and sara are pumped and I am happy to finally come through on my promise.  Kali has been so patient.  

Sara the sponge

Today I took Sara with me to drop off my crank up old school camera. Sara still doesn't get why she cant see the pictures on the camera which I think is funny. Anyways, she was really good and she were sitting there looking at birthday cards. I told her to look for a card for uncle Nick. She then points out this card with a half naked man with dark hair and said "look, its uncle Nick" and started laughing. She is funny. Then when we were leaving she was holding the bag and somehow the receipt flew out. The wind was blowing pretty hard and an old man probably in his 70s saw me going after the paper. He then says that he will get it and takes off across the parking lot. It took probably 5 minutes for him to catch it. It was borderline awkward because I kept saying it was ok and he kept running. He also got on the ground to reach under the buggies. Me and Sara thanked him. He was so sweet!

After we left walmart I went to Sonic to grab a quick bite to eat. I will never go back there. They messed up my food, took FOREVER, and overcharged me. I was pissed. Well I called mom and I was fussing about Sonic and Sara says "DONT talk to my granny that way!!!" I laughed and handed her the phone/ She then tries to tell mom how "ridiculous! That ridiculous, ridiculous!" It was so cute. It was at that moment I realized that a) I say the word ridiculous too much and b) Sara is a sponge!

Praxis relief!

Oh, I forgot.... I got my PRAXIS scores back for my first three tests and I passed all three and did well!!! YAY FOR ME!!!

MEMPHIS!!!!!!

I had an awesome time in Ruston and Memphis. I got to ruston on Wednesday. I had fun hanging out. I think I already blogged about the happenings in Ruston. It is hard to begin...so much... Friday night me and Nick had a good drive up to Memphis. It went by really quickly. We got to Lukes house at around 10:30 to find the key in the old dishwasher outside He had no shirt with the bars name on it on and there was no sign. we were like "ok we'll move". So we move literally across the street. He then yells at us on the way in the bar telling us that we should park in the lot because it is "monitored". lol I want to know what kind of drugs that guy was on. I cracked up as we walked in looking at the walls that said "we DONT DISCRIMINATE" and "NO ILLEGAL DRUGS". Then they had carpet all outside of the bar. When we walked in it is all painted white with black hand prints everywhere! Then there are red balloons all on the roof. They only sold big ass beers like the ones in new Orleans with the "Big ASS Beers" posters. This made me laugh because it was kinds heavy and I carried my beer like a baby. The dance floor was light up blocks. We stayed all night and went to bed around 4 in the morning. We woke up the next day and went to the best breakfast place ever called Brother Junipers. I ate Rachael Ray's favorite omelet (per the menu) It was the best breakfast I think I have ever had. After we went to see where Martin Luther King was killed. It was pretty crazy. After we went to this cool bar called Flying Saucers (I think). They had tons of beers on tap and Nick and Luke did a little tasting. After we went to the Peabody hotel to see the famous ducks get out of the fountain, take the elevator, and go to their cage. Nick was the one who wanted to see this and the only one who really enjoyed it. (some of this may be out of order). We then went to Sun Studios where we took this tour where Elvis and lots of other famous people made their first albums. I must say it was pretty awesome. I enjoyed the history part of it and we took pics with Elvis's microphone. (I told dad all about it and he just walked in and handed me a like 500 page book of Elvis. I want my dad to go to Memphis so bad. I think the next thing was BB Kings. I had the best ribs I have ever eaten in my life and we sat and watched a guy sing the blues. Then we went to a really trendy little sports bar and watched a few basketball games and played pool. After we hung out on Bill Street (Beal Street... I have no idea about the spelling!) we went bar hopping and just had a really good time. The only thing that sucked was that I did not have my camera so I had to buy a crappy 12 dollar disposable....flash back to 1995! Every time it was quiet and I had to crank the camera I felt so stupid! lol. Sunday we went to eat really good Mexican and Nick and Luke played some PlayStation for old times sake. Then we drove to Ruston and I drove home today.Overall, it was one of the best trips I have had in a LONG time! Hanging out with Luke makes me feel like I am back in college hanging out without worries. It is so nice to have a friend like that. I wish I could go back!

Hopefully when I finish off my camera I will be able to upload some pics. Goodnight!

Ruston

So, my drive up to Ruston did not work out as well as planned. When I left I thought of all the April fool's jokes that I could pull on my family since I would be on the road all day. Maybe I could tell then that I broke down half way, I ran out of gas, I locked my keys in my car. All of these nasty pranks were running through my head as I stopped in St. Francisville for gas. I walked in to use the disgusting bathroom and walk back out to my car. Of course....I locked my keys in my damn car. Figures. Karma bites my ass every time :). It took about two hours for the pop-a-lock guy to come. Thanks to my new friend from the Shell gas stating Earl-ica who let me use her cell phone. I also got friendly with the ladies at KFC which is attached to the gas station. Anyways, the guy comes and unlocks my car. My alarm goes off and IT WONT STOP!!! It went off for about ten minutes. Finally, the guy had to unplug my horn. So I am driving down the road with all of my lights flashing getting nervous because the sun was going down. It was interesting but i got a laugh out of it. The guy who came to unlock my car said "the lady from USAA told me this wasn't your first time around." I felt stupid but he was right. This is like the fifth time this year.

So I make it to Ruston and m and Nick go to my fav place here Ponchatula's. I got my favorite Strawberry Abita Beer and we came back to the house. Eli is too cute! Saturday we went to decorate for a convention with the people Jenn works with. I was the babysitter/helper. It was actually kinda fun. We were there all day and it looked great. It was more work than I thought it would be though. eli was a little angel like always. We then went to Target and shopped a little while and came back to the house to change. We went to the Doctor's restaurant in Monroe called Sage. I had the most delicious martini and appetisers. It was so nice and the food was spectacular. I decided that I will help next year if I can get food out of it again. :)

Today everyone is at work and it is just me and Eli. We are having a good day. He eats and sleeps well and it fairly easy to take care of. I took a picture of him and I must post it. How happy does this baby look? I am the shiznit. Michael and Jenn and really good with him and I am proud of them both. He is an awesome kid :)

Tonight we drive to Memphis to visit Luke. Will post later. :)

Funny You Tube videos, missing FL

The weekend was great.  Jennifer, Michael, Eli, and Nick came home.  We had boiled crawfish for my moms birthday.  Eli is way cuter than I even imagined him being.  It was nice to finally meet him.  Nick and I went out the bar for mom's birthday.  I actually had a lot of fun.  I played some pool and really enjoyed the band.  Sunday we all helped dad put him shed back together.  Apparently he put the thing together like 3 days before the last hurricane and it did not make it through the storm.  I cant remember the last time he was so happy.  He kept thanking us over and over again.  It was good to be able to do something for him for  a change.  Also, everyone got along!  No drama or fight.  For us, that is a huge accomplishment.  Maybe adding little Eli to the mix balanced some things out.  It was funny watching the girls compete for attention.  Poor babies.

Today started out pretty rough.  I slept in Torbert last night because I had to go and get some things for the trip to Memphis this weekend.  I woke up today at like 12.  For some this would be considered a god thing but when I sleep this late it is because I feel that there is nothing to get up for which depresses me.   I am really missing Florida.  I'm not sure which part in particular but I was a little depressed.  I miss my friends, my job, my apartment, having Nick with me, everything.  

I decided to go to the tanning bed because the UV rays usually put me in a better mood.  I  went in the "hydration" things.  It is pretty much a sauna with your head poking out for 20 minutes.  After I went into the stand up tanning bed.  I don't know if I didn't eat enough or if it was too hot from the constant tanning before me but at about 7 minutes I thought I was about to pass out.  I had to stop early and get out.  I was picturing myself passing out in the tanning bed and got freaked out.  It took me several minutes and a bottle of water to feel better. Then I went to work at the bar.  I had a good night and realized that it is better than I remember it being.  I guess when you make comparable money with set hours and no stress you find the good in a job :)

Tonight me and Jordin were reviewing a few of our favorite You Tube videos.  I figure I should post some to give whoever reads this a laugh.  I am so excited to visit Luke this weekend in Memphis.  I hope we all have a good time!  Hopefully I will post pics when we get back!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5jVNsiM4IU

An Uneventful Day

I am pretty tired! I met Tricia for lunch at Las Palmas today. It was fun to see her. The food is better than I remember it ever being. It is funny hoe when you see friends that used to be really close to you it does not seem like time has really gone by. It is the same thing that happens when we hang out with Luke. It is a feeling like nothing has ever changed. I go back to those college days hanging out at the apartment. It is funny how much I miss those days. Nick and I have been talking about going to visit him. We need to!

I worked at the bar today. It is better than I remember it being. I guess it is because I work during the day right now or I appreciate the stress-free environment. I'm not sure. It really is nice to leave at a certain time and not have to think about work. Those are a few things I took for granted until I worked in social services. Hopefully it will continue to be good for me. After all, I need the money.

I am enjoying being around Sara and Kali. They are really cute, but not together. I love those babies. Kali has a heart of gold. She is the sweetest person. I think that she will be extremely caring when she grows up. Sara is really funny. Tonight Jo said her hair looked like Bozo the clown and it did! She makes funny faces and says crazy things. They are the best!

I cant wait for this weekend. I am excited to see Eli for the first time and I am excited for CRAWFISH!!! Yay!!! Tomorrow I get my hair cut!!! I am so ready.... I am looking a mess these days! :) Hopefully Peter will fix me up.

Anyways, hope everyone has a good rest of the week. I am getting anxious waiting for my PRAXIS scores to come in. We are all waiting for the rain to pour here. Hopefully it will pass by Saturday! Peace.

Zoo, mystic tan, etc.

This past weekend was nice.  Nick came in from Ruston to visit.  We had Kevin Jr.'s birthday party.  It was good to see Nick.  I miss him while he is gone.  I cant wait for him to come home this weekend for the crawfish boil for moms birthday.  It should be fun!

OK, so today I took some steps towards improving myself :).  I made a hair apt with Peter for Thursday because I am waaaay over due for a cut.  I am desperate.  I also got a way to expensive tanning package at planet beach.  Who knew the crap cost so much?  I remember I used to pay like 20-30 bucks at Robins every year for prom, now 5 years later it goes up to 100.  Oh times have  changed.  So hopefully by this weekend I will not be pale and have decent hair. I cant wait!  It was my first time doing the mystic tan and it freaked me out.  I was scared to breath while in the machine.  I also did the "hydration" thing.  I am wierd about keeping underwear on in machines that other have laid in and kept it on.  I would rather have a funky tan line than crotch rot.  :) Stupid me did not realize that hydration meant water...It was like I was in a misty sauna.  My underwear were wet when I got out.  Not pleasant!  I learned my lesson lol.

Today I took Sara to the zoo.  We had fun, just me and her.  She is a cutie.  She loved all the birds and really big animals.  It is fun to see things through the eyes of children.  She explained to me what she thought of each thing.  She is also a scary cat.  It cracked me up.  She ran from a goose yelling "ew, he gonna get me".  It was really funny.  another funny thing...she was sitting on the toilet when it automatically flushed.  It freaked her out and she made a face like she had just saw a ghost.  It was really funny.  Anyways, at the end of the day she had a little melt down but fell asleep before we got out of the drive way.  She cracks me up!  I wish Kali could have come.

There are still good people out there. :)

Ok, so much has happened in the last month.  The move home from Florida was awful.  The movers were a complete joke.  They screwed us and never showed up.  So never again will I ever make that mistake.  Thank goodness my mom came.  We ended up renting a UHaul and driving.  We stayed at a hotel half way and it ended up fine.  We have all learned our lesson.  Never again.  So we moved into the trailer....it is interesting to say the least.  I think being around Kali and Sara is worth it.  They are the coolest kids ever!

 Nick is doing well on his internship.  They even offered him a job already.  I on the other hand had been studying a ton for my PRAXIS tests.  I passes two so far and have not received the results from the other three yet.  If I do not pass I have one chance to retake them.  If I pass I start my teacher program in May.  I am excited.  Lately I have been bored because I have no cable at the trailer and Nick is gone.  He came home this weekend and we had a good time.  We went and saw "I love you man" and it was good.  We also ate at Zea's in BR.  It is weird being home.  Today was the first day I was really sad to be home and not in Florida.  I did not think I would miss it so much.  Today the weather was beautiful and I was desperate for the beach.  I also miss my work buddies a lot.  I am excited to visit when Nick moves back.

Today I gained great respect for humanity.  :)  I put my purse on top of my car and drove off.  A lady called Nick from my cell phone and said she found it on the side of the road.  I called the lady and she said she was bringing it to Chucks.  Everything was in it.  Nothing was taken.  I was in awe to see that some people are still so good and honest.  It is really good to see.  I wish I could have thanked the lady more.  Mom and dad tried to talk the people into coming in the bar and getting free food.  They ate at the Golden Coral.  My purse is a little scratched but my phone, camera, credit cards, etc were all in tact.  Thank you lady!!!

I will try to blog more often.  It is hard when I live at a place with no Internet or cable but i am in plaquemine often.  Jordin is about to give me some free make up so I must go.  Until next time...

Rotell, Kali, and LOVE!!! Happy late V-Day.

Back by popular demand... The RETELL story!

Nick and I had just gotten back from our honeymoon. We NEVER cooked because our kitchen was the size of a closet with a washer and dryer in it! I decided one day to make crawfish fettuccine so I take my little recipe (I got from Trisha at my shower) and head to Winn Dixie. I WANDER the isles for about 15 minutes looking for Retell. All the while, wondering what the heck retell was. I can't remember exactly what I was thinking it could be but it had nothing to do with tomatoes! I then spot some older lady who looked like a total housewife and though "I know she knows what this retell is" So I say, "excuse me m'am.... do you know what retell is" and she laughs at me. She then takes me to the isle and picks it out for me. My mother taught me sooo well. At least I now know.

We are almost finished packing!!! Not too much left. I was talking to Kali the other day and she said "Jessie, I am still marking my calender for you to come home." I ask her if she is sick and she says "yes, I have the strep, but don't worry, the sickness will be gone when you get here!" We then talked for a little while longer and I ask how Duncan is doing. She tells me that he is not doing well and tells me how the other day before school granny had to chase him down the street and then he ran in the house. She said "Jessie, I think you need to have a talk with him when you get home." That baby is too funny. Gosh I love her!!!


Speaking of love, I had an awesome valentines day. Me, Nick and a bunch of work friends went to the Winery. It was a blast. I got pretty tipsy, danced to love songs :), and enjoyed the company. We got home and I was pretty tipsy. Nick knew I was drunk because I offered I asked him if he wanted to go to the hot tub. I have been scared of hot tubs for a long period of time. I am always affraid I am going to get some kind of vaginal fungi from one... you never know what is floating around in that pitre dish! Anyways... you are not supposed to go in after dark. We walk in and this alarm goes off and a recording comes on "The police have been called. Leave the premises immediately!!!!" I was so scared and paranoid. We only stayed at the pool for about 20 minutes.... the cops never came! HA! Anyways, in honor of v-day I have decided to list some things I love about the people I love:
- I love my family and the wierd but strong bond that we have.
- I love how Kali can brighten my day even by leaving me a message on my cell phone.
- I love Kali's kind heart.
- I love that she gets her kind heart from Jamie.
- I love how Sarah says "hello Jennifer" almost every time I talk to her.
- I admire the courage Jamie has.
- I appreciate being able to call Jennifer for advise.
- I love Jordin because she is the funniest person I know.
- I think Jordin is the strongest person ever.
- I love that my parents gave me the freedom to be who I wanted to be.
- I love that my mom will give the shirt off of her back for anyone.
- I think my parents are really good, honest people and I love that they taught me those qualities.
- I love that my dad would do anything for us.
- I appreciate that my parents worked really hard for everything they have.
- I love that I married someone I can sit around and do nothing with and still be happy.
- I love how Nick makes me breakfast almost every Saturday... If we have three eggs left, he will give me two.
- I love that Nick still tells me that I'm beautiful when I am not wearing make up and my hair is up and I'm not.
- I love it when Nick rubs my back to help me sleep.
- I love seeing Nick with his nieces and nephews.
- I love slow dancing with Nick.
- I love that he has never forgetten to get me a card for every birthday, anniversary and Valentine's day.
- I love that after seven years of cards, he still has the sweetest words to say.
- I love that he's a hottie!
- It makes me happy that all of my friends love him.
- I love his imperfections.
- I am a lucky girl!!!

Jessica Needs:

Google your name with the word "needs" following it. Copy ten responses, and then tag 10 (or so) others to see what they need. (FROM FACEBOOK)

Jessica Needs:
1. Jessica Needs Coffee. (I ALWAYS feel that I need coffee!)
2. Jessica Needs To Stop Dressing Like A Slut. (I do not dress like a slut!)
3. Jessica needs a bigger al-bra. (What is an al-bra?)
4. Jessica needs a haircut. (I wish I had Peter here!)
5. Jessica needs to know she is beautiful. (aww)
6. Jessica needs your help. (no I don't)
7. Jessica needs to learn some new lingo. (ha! I do every morning on Lex and Terry)
8. Jessica needs a root touchup. (where is peter when you need him?)
9. Jessica needs fake titties and then she would be perfect. (NICE)

San Sabastian Winery tour and tasting.... check!

I had fun at the Winery last weekend. We did the little tour, did some wine tasting, bought a case.... I was excited to finally check it off of the to do list I have had since I moved here. Took long enough. This weekend we are going back to the rooftop bar to hang out with some work peeps. It should be fun. I also got to eat at my fav little hole in the wall place, Flavors . I will surely miss that food! I also finally got to go shopping for the first time in a month. I was disappointed because I found a BCBG dress I HAD to have but the zipper was broken. The chick called every store in FL and no one had one in my size. It made me very sad, I have been pouting about it for days...ask Nick!

Anyways, Work SUCKS! I dont know if it is because I have one foot out the door or if it is anything else. I am so over it though. I wish I could use my vacation time but I can't! Boo! I had a baby detained today and it pissed me off. I spent 10 minutes on the phone arguing with the investigator about the meaning of domestic violence. PI's are so arrogant!!!

We are steadily packing away. I am glad jo did not come visit for her birthday. The house is kindof a mess! We also had to take the guest bed apart to store boxes. I wish I was home for her birthday though! :( It makes me sad I am missing hr 21st. I wish I could take off of work!!!! I am also sad that I haven't seen Eli yet, life's not fair!

I impressed myself last night with my baking skillz! I got this "100 year old" recipe from a supervisor at work called the Watergate Cake. It i really a pistachio flavored cake with homemade frosting. It is SOOOO good! And it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. If anyone wants the recipe let me know. I think I may bake it again when I am home. I told Nick I can finally bake a cake comparable to his mothers!! ;) LOL Tonight Nick and I tried to make fish... not so good... I will stick to baking.
Hope everyone has a nice week.

Eli Lee Watson...whoop whoop!

So, Eli has arrived! Although he did not want to, he joined the world on Jan 26th. Yay!!! And he is a cutie pie! I am so excited. We are three for three in the looks department for the Crosbie babies! Nice.

I have started packing and it is not good. I forgot how much this packing stuff sucks!!! We still have a LONG way to go and I am getting sad thinking about leaving.

Facebook thing... 25 things about me.

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I believe that everything in life, good or bad, happens for a reason.

2. Some days, I really want to be pregnant. I know I will be a good mom. I think Nick will be an amazing father. Other days I can't imagine having a baby in the near future. I wonder if I can ever love anyone as much as I love my nieces.

3. I have three sisters and one half sister. I used to think we were all totally different. The older we get, the more similarities I see. I love them all for different reasons. I know that when it comes down to it, we will always be close.

4. I married my high school sweetheart on November 3, 2006. We met when I was sixteen and he was eighteen at my parents house. He's my soul mate. We really have grown up together and it has only made us closer.

5. I love my dog Duncan like a child, really. Sometimes I think I may be overdoing it but he is so stinking cute!

6. I avoid confrontation. I have never been in a real fight! I am passive aggressive.

7. Every time I pass a hitchhiker on the road something in me says to stop and give them a ride...EVERY time. But then I think that they might be a serial killer and never stop.

8. I love that I grew up in one house. My parents built my their house the year I was born. I really can't imagine anyone else EVER living there.

9. I have never smoked a cigarette nor have I had the desire to. I have never done any illegal drugs. Sometimes I think I should just to say I have.

10. I work with people in poverty every single day. Sometimes it is really hard to see the conditions people live in and I feel guilty for what I have. Sometimes I get annoyed because people would rather live off of the government then go out and work to feed their kids. But every time I really think about it, I would rather bust ass to live comfortably then take advantage of the "system" and live the way they do.

11. My mom owns a bar and I have always felt like it is more of a burden then a good thing for my family.

12. I miss being in college but I don't feel like I had the total college experience. Sometimes I think I missed out. I wish I would have studied abroad.

13. I can't wait until Nick and I buy our own house. We always remind each other that good things come to those who wait.

14. I worry about my parents all the time.... I worry about their health, retirement, happiness, jobs, house, the way they spend their money, you name it and I have probably thought about it. I don't understand why I do this. I think I am annoying. But, I want to be the one to take care of them when they get old.

15. I have had my heart completely broken by a boy. I think that everyone should go through it at some point, it is an important life experience.

16. I hate hate hate cats! Sometimes I pretend like I don;'t mind them so I won't offend anyone. :)

17. Nick will graduate on August 14th. I can't wait to call him "Dr. Cicero". He has totally earned it. Sometimes I feel that I have earned it too!

18. Moving to Florida was one of the scariest things I have ever done. I am thankful now for the experience and growth. I am also grateful for the people I have met here and will really miss them.

19. I like to have a cup of coffee every day before work. I feel like I am more productive that way.

20. I know this is grandma-ish but I like to make cards. It helps me manage stress. I love when Nick tells me how nice they are.

21. I love watching live bands... especially when it is my dad or my sister's boyfriend Jude playing.

22. I want to adopt a baby from an abusive home one day. I get annoyed when I see babies adopted from overseas knowing how many we have here waiting for homes.

23. I am infamous for backing into things with my car... walls, trees, parked cars, telephone poles, etc...

24. I hope that I really make a difference.

25. I am really blessed to have such a great life.