Website? What website? - Into Jessy's Interwebs

HI!!! :D
It has been forever since I've posted anything on my blog. The past year of my life has consisted of nothing but full-time school, and full-time work, so my blog has taken the back seat for a while. I have great news, I graduated from college!!! YAY!! I am so glad to be done. Hopefully you will be seeing more blog posts now.

I  have all sorts of graduation pics to post, and time to catch up on, but I wanted to do something mindless tonight. I have had part of this post just sitting in my draft folder forever, so I decided I wanted to finish it.

When I go to websites I tend to just start typing in the address in my web browsers address bar. I never include the www, since most web browsers do that for you now. I've noticed that my computer will also automatically populate the website that it thinks I'm going to, based on sites I've visited before. I thought it would be interesting to see what websites I visit most, so I opened a browser, typed one letter, and the following are the websites that auto populated:

A: accounts.maricopa.edu
B: battle.net
C: couch-tuner
D: drive.google.com
E: emedexpert
F: facebook.com
G: gmail.com
H: hulu.com
I: ipsy.com
J: jcpennys.com
K: No Website
L: learn.maricopa.edu
M: mesacc.edu
N: netflix.com
O: onemedicalpassport
P: playmonopoly.us
Q: No Website
R: No Website
S: stream-tv
T: tv-series
U: No Website
V: Random Search Criteria
W: No Website
X: No Website
Y: yahoo.com
Z: No Website

A, L, and M prove that I work too hard.
B proves that I am truly am a geeky gamer girl
E and O are two random medical websites. E is probably not the most reliable website, I was clearly off on some sort of medical search tangent.
J really surprised me...I think I've visited JC Penny's website maybe once, like, forever ago. Obviously I don't visit any other sites that start with the letter J. 
 F, G, H, I, N, and Y  I could've just typed into this form without doing the actual search, they are my "go to" websites. 
There are a few letters that didn't auto populate, one that just returned a search term, and a few that I have edited because they are potentially dangerous sites. Lots of pop-ups, and I'm sure viruses galore. But, but...TV lol

I had fun doing this. It was a complete waste of time, but fun and kinda interesting too. So if you're ever bored and want to do something completely pointless, try this and let me know what auto populates for you.

I'll write again soon, and maybe next time it'll even be something more related to life. lol
Jessy :)

My Latest Obsession...You Know You Want to Know

Those of you who know me well, know that I tend to go a little crazy sometimes. When I fall in love with something, I fall in Looove, and can take it to the extreme. Take nail art for example, or Doctor Who... I mean, who sets goals to own 200 bottles of nail polish (and has 100). Or who goes out and buys all of the Doctor Who memorabilia at Hot Topic? This girl, that's who. Okay, so don't own *Everything* that Hot Topic sells that is Doctor Who related. But I do have a couple coffee mugs, a journal, T-shirts, necklace, key-chains, pens, buttons (which are magnets now), DVD's, my mom made me a bag out of Tardis material, and someone even got me a blanket for Christmas. Also my wallet may, or may not, look like a Tardis. lol

Well, the latest thing that I am in love with is TimeHop - yes, the app. I love that it shows you Facebook and Twitter posts, and pictures from your past. Andy and I got new phones recently, and I think I secretly wanted a new phone just so I could have the TimeHop app. Shhh, don't tell. lol But it was one of the first apps that I downloaded.

I know it's not a bad thing to want to remember moments from your past. But you know it's kinda crazy when you find yourself going back through everything, including blog posts. lol So in light of my slight obsession with TimeHop, I give to you, a few past blog posts. I have chosen to post one from this day (or as close to this day as possible) since I started my blog in 2011. Oddly enough the first two were posted on August 16th. The other two in early October. :)


September 16th 2011: http://jessysjottedthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/09/ooooo-what-awesome-find.html

September 16th 2012: http://jessysjottedthoughts.blogspot.com/2012/09/yaymeh.html

October 13th 2013: http://jessysjottedthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/10/things-that-remind-me-of-fall.html

October 1st 2014: http://jessysjottedthoughts.blogspot.com/2014/10/epigraph.html

I really enjoyed going back and reading old blog posts, I hope you enjoyed it too!

Until next time,
Jessy

Mathematics is so fun! ....Not

Classes have started again, can you tell?  I can't believe I haven't posted anything since December! I do miss posting on my blog but I am so busy trying to keep up with 3 classes, and a full time job, that it just doesn't happen. Neither does cleaning... Anyone wanna be my houses Mommy? I also have no social life, I miss my friends. :( But I am working toward a goal, and I'm so ready to graduate. This time next year, I'll be in my last semester of classes!

I'm taking creative writing this semester. For this class, we have two major submissions that we have to do. For the submissions we can either write poetry, or short stories, but whatever we write has to be at least 5 pages long. I figured for my first assignment poetry would be easiest since I could submit up to 5 poems, and I already had a couple that I've written in the past. So that's what I did, I wrote 5 poems. I am also taking math this semester, and am struggling (at least I feel like I am). Math has never been my strong subject, not even my mediocre subject.

Of course I waited until the last second to write all of the poems that I needed to write, and was having a hard time coming up with topics to write about. My friend Jill had the brilliant idea to write about math, so I did.

Since my Creative Writing class is online I have to submit my assignments to a discussion board where my peers read and critique it. My Mathematics poem seems to be their favorite, so I thought I'd share it with you too.

Mathematics by Jessica Bradford

Oh mathematics, how I loathe you

I wish of you I had no part.

You are so strict with numbers

Don’t you even have a heart?

Oh mathematics, how I hate you

How come you are so mean?

Good thing you’re not an evil doctor

I‘m sure you would rip out my spleen.

Oh mathematics, I abhor you

To me you have no charm,

I can’t stand to take much more of you

I’d prefer living on the funny farm.

Oh mathematics, you are repugnant

I’m not sure what anyone sees in you,

I know you are adored by some

But something tells me there are very few

Oh mathematics, you are a nuisance

Why can’t problems solve themselves?

I see you won’t give me answers

So I’ll keep a pocket full of elves

Oh mathematics, you are repulsive

It’s no wonder X can’t ever find Y,

Y hates mathematics so much

She never sticks around to say goodbye.

Oh mathematics, you are so backward

You’re never in your right mind,

I’ll go so far to say you’re crazy

That is why Y you’ll never find.

Oh mathematics, I harbor resentment

To me you are no friend,

Matter of fact I think you hate me

You hate me to the bitter end.

I hope you enjoyed my poem! I'll try to blog more, but I may just end up sharing more poetry. LOL

Till Next Time,

Jessy 

Random Christmas Thoughts

I feel like blogging today, but I don't really have anything specific to say - so if you don't mind listening to me jabber, we'll all find out what I have on my mind together.

I guess the main thing that I have on my mind right now is Christmas - I think it's on everyone's mind. Andy and I did a bunch of Christmas shopping yesterday, and it was the first time in the 10 years that we've been married where we were able to afford to buy presents for all of our nieces and nephews (there are a LOT of them). It felt really good to be able to shop for those kids. I love shopping for kids. We probably spent way too much money, but Christmas only comes around once a year.

I have also been thinking about my 101 in 1001 list more often lately. My 1001 days is up in February and I don't feel like I've accomplished much on my list. I haven't even done any of the cleaning projects...talk about lazy and procrastination. LOL One of the things on my list was to do the 12 days of Christmas for someone. That probably isn't going to happen, but I was able to buy some items for a family in need. Our department at work is sponsoring a family of 6 so I went and bought some of the items that were on their list. Again, I spent more than I planned to, but you know what? They need it more than I do.

Christmas time is always really hard for me because I live so far away from my family. My mom, my brother, and I are spread across the states, and I miss them - especially at Christmas. We were always very close, so spending the holidays apart is hard on me. I know it's hard on my mom too. If only we lived in a world where teleportation and time travel were possible. I would never be home. LOL

Once my house is completely decorated I plan on taking pics and sharing them with you. (So there's something for you to look forward to...) But my house is not "finished" yet. LOL Hopefully, I'll finish decorating, and wrapping presents today. :)

Well, I could probably keep jabbering for a little while longer, there is always school to talk about, but I'll leave you with my thoughts about Christmas. :)

Your Long-winded Writer,
Jessy <3

Life Without Facebook

Hi, My name is Jessica and I am addicted to Facebook.
If you know me, like at all, you know that I practically live on Facebook. I keep it open all the time while I'm at work, it's on my phone, and yes it's usually one of the first things I check in the morning. Those damn notifications get me into trouble, because they drive me batty and I HAVE to check them, just so the little reminder will go away. I am the same way with email notifications, which is good for my students/colleagues because I reply very quickly - but it can be very bad too.

Recently I watched a show that brought up a good point about social media. Back in days before computers, we had this thing called a community. We kept in touch better, you had to pick up the phone to call your friends or actually go out for coffee to catch up. We weren't scared of going outside because there were more people outside and we watched out for each other. Now I'm not saying that we don't do these things now, but you have to admit that it is less common.

I took a break from Facebook for almost 2 weeks in August and discovered that I really don't miss too much if I'm not on there. Since then, I've kind of slipped back into my obsession - but at least I've taken the notifications off of my phone. I don't need to see them 24/7. I am getting to the point where I feel like another break is in order - so that may be happening soon. We'll see...

What's one thing that you feel like you need to take a break from?

Jessy

Things You Would Hear At My House

First I must say, the Blogger app is growing on me. It can be a little cumbersome and weird to use at first but I love that can share pictures and stuff with such ease. The other thing that I like about it, is I can fashion blog posts in the note pad on my phone and then just copy and paste when I'm ready to write the post. You guessed it, that's what I did with this one. There is one last thing that I love about posting from my phone, my phones talk to text feature. It makes blogging so much easier.

A while back I came up with an idea for a blog post, "Things You Would Hear at My House". I've been compiling a list since then and wanted to share it with you. This is a list of common phrases that are said at my house.

1. "Oh look, another nail polish"
2. "Honey, what time is raid?"
3. "Today I made..." Which is followed by descriptions of food that was cooked. That would be normal but I'm married to a chef, so all of the descriptions are the proper culinary terms. For example, instead of making a "butter sauce" he says that he made a beurre blanc.
4. "Rogue, you're not supposed to eat the ribbon." I swear she's addicted to ribbon, and I hate to say it but it may be the death of her someday. LOL
5. "Andrew, you can't have an industrial sized dishwasher"
6. "Get out of my chair" It seems like I say this every 5 mins at my house. Prince Beau, and Princess Rogue (my cats) think that if I'm not sitting in my chair then it's their throne, not mine.
7. "Rogue don't eat the carpet"- this is also said every 5 mins
8. "Hey Carpet-muncher" this is our new name for Rogue

I'm sure there are other things, but this post has been sitting in my draft box for way too long!

What are some of the common phrases at your house?

Jessy <3

30 Things About Me: What's So Hard About Growing Up?

One of the questions on my "About Me" page is "What’s the hardest part of growing up?" I think the hardest part about growing up is realizing that your life is never going to be perfect. When you're little you have all of these hopes and dreams of what life could be. I wanted to be a famous singer when I was little, even back then I knew that was very unlikely, but it was still my dream. Then there are things that children don't view as dreams, but instead they see them as facts of life. When I was little I thought, "I'm gunna get married, have kids, be a stay-at-home mom, and live in this perfect little house, complete with a white picket fence." Those are the dreams that get taken for granted. As kids, we just assume that's how everything works. The hardest part about growing up is realizing that it's not.

I have been married 10 years, and haven't been able to have kids yet. I should've gone to a doctor 5 years ago but didn't. Now I am starting to get answers, but they're not necessarily ones that I like. I feel like I have lots of things wrong with me, and I feel broken. I know, that are so many women who have fertility issues; I'm not alone. I also know that I should have patience because I am just starting this process, but it is hard. I want to just have a pity party, and honestly I kind of am. Luckily I have a supportive husband. He is very optimistic, which is unusual because usually I am the optimistic one - and I'm definitely NOT right now. It's nice to have such support behind me, because I have been a wreck lately.

Another thing that is hard is to not blow up at people because they constantly complain about their lives. You know, the life that you want but can't have. I know some people who complain about their kids all the time, and it is very hard for me to keep my mouth shut. I do, most times, but it is hard. I wish everyone could see the blessings in their lives (myself included) because even though life is not perfect we all have blessings.

So here is a fact of life: Life is not perfect. It never has been, and it never will be - I just have to learn to accept it.

Jessy

Things I Want To Say, But Can't....

Dear Student,
Contrary to your belief, the world does not revolve around you. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't barge into my office without asking if I'm busy, and just start talking. And it would be really nice if I could go to the restroom without you stopping me at the restroom door to ask me about my calendar. Seriously, you think I have my appointment schedule memorized?! For the second time, please send me an email!!!!!!! >.<
Signed Your Frustrated Adviser

PS...If you catch me on my way out the door again, and I have to ask you a third time to send me an email...I might not be nice about it.


To my online Literature Professor, regarding this assignment:
"Write to me about what you have learned concerning the construction, variety, evaluation, and enjoyment of poetry..."

Wait, what? You mean I was actually supposed to learn something during this unit? Why didn't you give me other things to read besides poetry?! Like you know, things about the construction of poetry...Now I get to write 300-400 words about how I learned absolutely nothing. Can I just write that over, and over? I learned absolutely nothing, I learned absolutely nothing...


I'm sure there will be more to follow....
Jessy :)

Ramblings About Seasons

If you've been following my blog, you might know that I'm taking a personal writing class this semester, and I'm really enjoying it. Personal writing means more time spent writing in my journal. I have been encouraged to just write down all of my thoughts, without removing my pen from the paper, so that is what I've been doing. The following is an entry, or at least part of one, that came out of my writing practice. I was really missing seasons that day, and still am. A high of 92 is NOT acceptable for the end of October.

"I miss the days when I lived in a place with actual seasons. Arizona has two seasons, summer and cooler summer. It is September now and the fall weather would be heading our way. I miss the crisp air in the morning, the pumpkin patches, scarecrows, frost on your windshield, and dew on the morning grass. I miss the smell of apple cider that seems to follow you wherever you go. But most of all, I miss the leaves changing color. They are so beautiful. They change from green to yellow, to red or brown. The crisp crunch under your boots. Fall is a time filled with boots, and scarves, witches and ghouls. I love Halloween with all of its mystery. The dark, chilly nights, jack-o-lanterns, and black cats. I long for those days again. I wish I could capture that, put it in a bottle, and save it for a day when I need it the most.

The endless sun wears on me, don’t get me wrong the sun is great. But only when there is bright green grass, and the smell of watermelon in the air. I long for dreary days. Days with never-ending gray clouds; days that make me long to drink cocoa and bake cookies. The never-ending sun takes away all those desires. I miss the snow and the days where the streets were quiet because every snowflake muffled the air and the sounds. I remember those childhood days well. Sitting over the heater vents, and watching the snow fall quietly to the ground. Those were the peaceful days when you never left the the house because you didn’t want to disturb the beauty."

What's your favorite season, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Jessy <3

Epigraph

For my Personal Writing class this semester I was asked to write an epigraph. An epigraph is the quote that is found at the beginning of a book. It shows a little insight into what's in the story or conveys some of the writers emotions. This was hard for me because I have been so down lately, everything that I was writing was so depressing. lol That is until I decided to write about a quote from my favorite book. :) 

Here is what I turned in as the epigraph to this moment in my life.

“When you think things are bad,

when you feel sour and blue,

when you start to get mad...

you should do what I do!

Just tell yourself, Duckie,

you're really quite lucky!

Some people are much more...

oh, ever so much more...

oh, muchly much-much more

unlucky than you!”

―Dr. Seuss, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are is my all-time favorite Dr. Seuss book. Whenever I mention it to anyone they look at me and go, “Huh, what book?” I don’t think I’ve ever found anyone who’s heard of it before, but it is the best book ever! You know Dr. Seuss his books are full of tongue-twisters and are fun to read but this one has the best message to tell you. You go through the book and read about all of the horrible things that the people in the book have to endure, and then the quote above is the very last page. After everything is said and done, you are one of the luckiest people alive.

I have been having a very hard time lately remembering that I am the luckiest person alive. I have been depressed and had pity parties over the past few months. Whenever I do, I know it’s time to pull out the old trusty Dr. Seuss book and remember that my problems aren’t the worst in the world. Even some of the characters in the book have it worse off than me.

I am trying very hard to find myself right now. My life is not playing out as planned and I feel like I’m running out of time to accomplish some of my goals. Deep down I know I’m not running out of time but you know how it is, the little kid in you is looking at your life and thinking, “That’s not what I dreamed about when I was five.” Life has a funny way of playing tricks and getting in the way of your dreams sometimes. However, in the end, you are still the luckiest person just because you’re you. 

What's your epigraph? What quote lifts you up when you are down? I'd love to know. 

Jessy <3

Daughter's Day

Mother's Day is always a hard day for me. Not only because my mom lives so far away from me, but also because my hubby and I have been trying - and failing - to have kids for far too long. Every year, I hope that I can make a fun announcement or actually get to celebrate being a mom on Mother's Day. So far that has yet to happen and it's hard. 

Luckily, I have such a caring and compassionate family. I woke up this morning to a text from my mother, she wanted me to check my email. So I checked it and found this e-card waiting for me. My mom had recorded a message and the cute dog read to me in an English accent. 

My mom said, "In honor of you I am re-naming today Daughter's Day, a daughter like you deserves a day to be queen. You are such a blessing in my life, truly the best daughter anyone could ask for. I know God has a plan for your life; you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are just the way He designed you to be. Love and Hugs, Mom"

So after listening to my e-card its needless to say, I was very touched, and emotional, and crying...lol I can't put into words all that I was feeling in that moment. All I know is that I have the best mom in the world. She is thoughtful, understanding, selfless, and I am very thankful to have her in my life. I would be lost without her. 

Oh but my caring and compassionate family doesn't end there....

My husband had to work early today and his way home he called to see if I wanted anything from the store. I said that I wanted cake... and brownies... Don't judge me remember I had been crying and needed comfort food. Well, not only did he get me cake and brownies he bought me flowers and a Mother's Day card. The inside read, "I can't imagine a wife more wonderful than you, a life more perfect than ours, or a man any luckier than me." He added, "and though you're not yet a mother, a great one you will be." ..... and I cried again...lol Yaay emotions...lol 

So, yes Mother's Day is a hard day for me. But I am a lucky girl who has wonderful family and friends that know how to make it easier. I love them more than words can ever express. <3 

Happy Mother's/Daughter's Day!! 

70 Questions

I saw this on Facebook and decided it would be better as a blog post than a status. lol ...she wrote probably 6 months ago...Yeah this has been sitting in my draft box for a while.

1. Full name: Jessica Dawn Bradford
2. Nickname: Jessy
3. Zodiac sign: Capricorn
4. Elementary school: Copperview
8. Tall or short: Short and proud of it!
9. Sweats or Jeans: Jeans
10. Apples or Oranges: Apples - my favorite are Golden Delicious
11. Do you have a crush on someone: That's kind of a childish question, then again...Can I have a crush on an actor?! lol 
12. Eat or drink: Depends, I like both
13. Piercings: Just my ears, cuz I'm boring like that ;)
14. Pepsi or coke: Regular Coke, Cherry Pepsi

Have you ever...
16. Been in an airplane ? Yep
17. Been in a relationship ? Yes
18. Been in a car accident ? Yes
19. Been in a fist fight ? No

Firsts & lasts
20. First Piercing: My ears
21. First Best friend: That would be a toss up between Olivia and Kimmee. I've known them both just about as long as the other.
22. First Award: First one I remember (through pictures) was a beauty pageant.
23. First Love: Is that real love or crush? First crush was Quinn, and first real love is Andy.
24. First Word: I don't remember it, but my mom says it was "Papa" :)
25. Last person you talked to in person: Paul
26. Last person you texted: Andy
27. Last friend you watched a movie with: Andy, my hubby :)
28. Last food you ate: Does Dove chocolate count? If not then it was homemade Chicken Gnocchi soup
29. Last movie you watched in theaters: Ummmm....yeah it's been so long I can't remember
30. Last song you listened to? Beautiful Disaster by Jon McLaughlin
31. Last thing you bought: Idk probably coffee, *thinks back over the past day or so* yep, definitely coffee :)
32. Last person you hugged: Karley

Favorites
33. Food? Mexican
34. Drink? Coffee
35. Flower? Roses and Daisies (love the combo)
36. Animal? Cat
37. Color? I love ALL the colors, except that really yucky green color. Yeah, you know the one.
38. Place? Balboa California
39. Movie? Hmmm....today my favorite movie will be The Princess Bride - I'm sure it will be something different tomorrow.
40. Subject? School subject?! I can tell you which is my LEAST favorite ...Math 

Have you ever . . .
41. Fallen in love with someone? Yes, I married him <3
42. Celebrated Halloween? Yes, but oddly enough I celebrate it more now that I'm an adult. lol
43. Went over the minutes/texts on your phone? Nope, thank you unlimited talk/text
44. Wanted to smack someone upside the head? Yes, definitely
45. Eaten a whole pizza? Nope
46. Did something you regret? Hasn't everyone? 
47. Broke a promise? See above, #46. 
48. Hid a secret? See above, #46. That's what good friends do right?! ;)
49. Pretend to be happy? See above, #46.

Your future...
50. Want kids? More than most may realize
51. Want to get married? Been there, done that, still am. :)
52. Career? Hmmmm, I kinda like where I am. But if I had to pick maybe a teacher or a counselor

Which is better in the opposite gender?
53. Lips or Eyes: Eyes
54. Shorter or taller: Taller, but not too tall
55. Romantic or spontaneous: Romantic
56. Hook up or relationship: Relationship
57. Looks or personality: Can I have both? LOL Okay, okay...personality over looks

Have you ever...
58. Lost Glasses/Contacts? Yes, glasses but they've always turned up
59. Snuck Out? Hmmm, not that I remember but I'm sure I have
60. Held a gun/knife for self defense? Thankfully I've never had to
61. Broke someones heart? Yes, I'm sure I have
62. Been in love? How many times is this question going to be on this list? YES, I have been!!
63. Been arrested? Nope

Do you believe in
64. Yourself? Sometimes...lol
65. Miracles? Yes
66. Love at first sight? Yes
67. Santa? Yes, he is my favorite! :D
68. Forever & Always? Yes

TRUTHFULLY
69. Is there one person you want to be with right now? Yes
70. Who are your real friends? Oh there are quite a few: Sarah, Rachel, Jill, Julie, Crystal...just to name a few.

10 Years?!

 

Today I celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary! I can't believe its been that long. God blessed me with a wonderful man to spend my life with. Andy and I have completely different personalities but we are the same in ways that really matter, like the fact that neither of us like sports. LOL ;) No but seriously, we both love God and we love each other, that's all that really matters. 

I must cut this short because Andy has got quite the day planned but I wanted to just commemorate this day to him. I love you Andy and I can't wait to see what the next 10 years has planned for us! 

Jessy <3

Lunch Hour + No Cell Phone = Boring

I forgot my phone today and my lunch hour is rather boring. Everything I do at lunch is on my phone. I have my stupid little games that I play, my kindle is there, and of course there's always texting. I never realized how much I do on my phone. I know it's silly (and kinda sad) but I kind of feel like I left my arm at home.

This little break from my phone has caused me to try and remember what I did for lunch before my phone...Oh yeah there was this time in my life where I spent lunch with people. Of course my work atmosphere has changed and I tend to eat lunch alone more often than not.... :\ I guess that's why my phone is such a good thing to have while I'm eating; it passes the time.

On the bright side of leaving my phone at home. This little break has given me the time to blog mid-day so that's a good thing. :)

Signed, the girl who's ready to have her phone back -
Jessy <3

Friendships Aren't Forever

Recently I was talking to a friend about one of her friendships, while we were talking I kept thinking about an email that I got a while ago. It was one of those forwarded emails but I've kept it because it was one of the rare forwards that was worth keeping. I have attached it below so you can read it. But basically it talks about how we have different types of friends over the course of our lives. Some people are our friends for a reason, some are in our lives for a season, and others are with us for a lifetime.

Now I believe all of us strive to have those lifetime friendships, and I think some of us (myself included) try to shape all of our friends into lifetime friends. We think, "He/She will be my friend forever!" but the truth is not all of our friends are meant to be in our lives forever. As I look back on my own life, I see some of the examples of friends that I've had for a reason or a season. The email has a clear distinction between a "reason" friend and a "season" friend, however personally I think the two kind of mush together a little bit. In the email the "reason" friends are in our lives to meet a specific need, like helping you through a hard time, providing guidance and support, and then disappearing. Whereas it says the "season" friends teach you something, they bring joy as well as help you learn, and grow. 

Like I said, I think the two are almost one in the same. I don't believe that a true friend should ever be in your life just to meet a need; I believe friendship is more than that. Friendship isn't one-sided, it isn't one person strictly serving a purpose for another person. That would be called using someone and it's not a characteristic that I would associate with friendship. Sure serving a purpose in someone's life comes along with being a friend but I believe we affect our friends just as much as they effect us. All of our friends are in our lives for a reason. They help us through the hard times, give guidance and teach us something but some of them are only in our lives for a season. After that season, some may disappear completely and others may just become distant friends, they are still friends but you are not as close as you used to be. We need to learn to accept this fact and not fight against it.

As for lifetime friends, these are the friends that we will always be tight with. They are the friends that teach us lifetime lessons. The ones that we count on to say the right thing, and they usually do - whether it's what we want to hear or not. They are the honest ones, you don't ever have to worry about stepping on their toes because they are just as honest with you as you are with them. They challenge you and make you question your choices. They may be hard on your sometimes but it's only because they love you. They are the friends that will stand by you through thick and thin, and help you bury a body if you need to...lol jk ;) 

I am very blessed to have several friends that I consider to be lifetime friends. Some of these people I have known for years and years, others I've known a short amount of time. However it doesn't matter when I met my "lifetime" friends I feel like I have known them my whole life, they are very close to my heart, and they are there to stay. They are my friends that I don't need to talk to, or see, all the time but yet when we do talk, or spend time together, we pick up right where we left off as if no time has passed at all. These friends help me grow in ways that effect my life, not just bits and pieces of my life but my whole life. They each have had a great impact on who I am and I am very grateful for them. 

So as for my blog post title, it's true, some friendships aren't forever but each one makes you who you are. Each person in our lives is there to teach us something. Some teach us to love, some teach us to trust, some are there to open our eyes and recognize those who aren't our friends - even if you thought they were. Some make us realize that we aren't the type of friend that we thought we were. Be grateful for those that are in your life and remember that they may not be there forever, but your friends will be there for as long as you need them to be there. 

Jessy <3

Click on the image for easier reading :)

30 Things About Me: Learning the Hard Way

What is something you learned the hard way?

Well, there are many things that I've had to learn the hard way but I thought I would share this one so that you can tell every epileptic that you know. Never, EVER take NyQuil.

I had always heard that I, being an epileptic, wasn't supposed to take NyQuil, or any other antihistamine. I had always assumed that it was because NyQuil/antihistamines makes you sleepy and that doesn't fair well with your meds that also make you tired. While that may be true, that is not all it can do.

In December 2011, I got sick. I hadn't had a cold in what seemed like forever and I decided that in order to get some good sleep I would take NyQuil, I figure if I'm asleep it doesn't really matter if I get sleepy right?! Well, over the course of a couple days I took maybe two doses of NyQuil and felt better so I went back to work. About half way through my first day back I started having a partial seizure.

Now during 2011 I had been having simple partial seizures all year. The seizure was usually just my left hand/arm jerking. I always went home from work when that happened because sure I say "just my hand/arm jerking" but for me that turns into full blown panic attack - it's not pretty. Anyway this seizure was a little different than that. Instead of just my hand/arm, it was the entire left side of my body, to the point where I couldn't really walk. Needless to say I went home and straight to bed.

Usually when I would have my simple partial seizures I would go to sleep, wake up a few hours later and be fine. This time I slept for about 6 hours and when I woke up the left side of me was still jerking about every minute, maybe 2. It continued until about 9pm that night and was only stopped by a very, very short grand mal seizure. It was like a system reboot. If you have a problem with your computer what's the one thing everyone asks? Have you tired turning it off and on again?! LOL My brain needed a momentary shutdown. I can kind of giggle about now but at the time...not so much.

So in short, I learned to always, always follow the directions on pill bottles, take the warnings seriously, and  listen to the advice of others.

Your "thankful that is over" epileptic,
Jessy <3

RIP To My 20-Something Years

My mom reminded me that today is my last day to be a 20-something because I turn 30 tomorrow. I know that tomorrow morning I'll wake up and won't feel any different but for some reason turning 30 is messing with my head. Not quite sure why, but it is.

Maybe it's because I thought that I would've done more or done certain things by the time I was 30. I guess that's why my resolution for this year is to accomplish more of my life goals, one at a time. As I look back over the past 10 years I wonder what happened to all that time? It feels like it flew by but yet it also feels like I turned 20 like a decade ago... LOL ;) Ok, ok...I know that was corny. Truth is sometimes it feels like it was a lifetime ago. lol




Overall the past 10 years have been great! Sure, there were ups and downs cuz that's just life. But I got married, found a job that I love, made lots of new friends and reconnected with some "old" ones. I became an aunt. I've moved 4 times and you would think I'd have less stuff by now but no, I don't. I lost my dad to cancer but gained a second one and have been blessed by knowing both. I know I could list off a bunch of other things because even the seemingly "small" things make up something in your life. However my brain is not co-operating at the moment. lol

So as I bid goodbye my 20's I raise a glass to the next 10 years. I can't wait to see what's in store! :)


Love,
Jessy <3


P.S. Look at the card my mommy sent me! I love it and the sentiment on the inside was very sweet. Oh and you see that adorable little baby?! That would be me :D ...almost 30 years ago. lol

Hello, My Name Is Jessica....

And I am a procrastinator. There, I have said it. I've known it for a long time and I've said it before but this is my confession and resolution blog post. So I'll state it plain and simple.

I have this big issue that I need to just face, recognize, and change. I procrastinate and what's worse is that the majority of the time my procrastination stems from getting distracted. I can't seem to stay focused on one thing for too long. This is true in all facets of my life. I can't read just one book at a time. I have to start multiple craft projects because I get bored with the first one. I play World of Warcraft and have 9 toons but I only have 1 at max level. /sigh.... Oh here's another one...I have 9, yes Nine blog post drafts just sitting there in the Draft folder. Fail, fail, fail-diddy Fail, FAIL!!

I don't usually believe in making New Year's Resolutions but my eyes have been opened to the fact that I procrastinate WAY too much. So here is my simple resolution. I resolve to take life one step at a time. My mind is racing with all of the things that I want to do this year, I can think of at least 10 things right off the top of my head. And maybe I will get to them but this year I am really going to try and focus on one goal at a time.

My first goal is going to be getting my driver's license. I'm almost 30, like *almost* as in just a few days from now, 30. And I really struggle with the fact that I don't have a license and haven't for a while. Not only does not having a license make life difficult, but it makes me feel like I'm still a kid that has to be driven around everywhere, and it Sucks. I Hate being stuck at home with no option to just hop in the car and drive somewhere. I am really not a homebody, I would much rather be out doing something. So I feel like a caged monkey sometimes.

I am going to make 2014 different. In 2014 I will do one thing at a time. It is time to feel like I've actually really accomplished something. I always feel good after finishing a project, or a book, or anything really. So this year I plan to accomplish life goals; things that I've wanted to do but have put off. I love checking things off lists so maybe I'll make a list and cross them off as I complete them.

Speaking of lists, I have done some things off my 101 in 1001 list so I'll update that. Then hopefully in the near future I will post an update post and tell you all about what I've done! :) That is a list for another day...one thing at a time, remember?! ;) lol

Your Self-proclaimed Procrastinator,
Jessy <3

Crushed and Created

Ok, so as you may have figured out I love a variety of music. Music is a way of expressing myself and who I am. If I am depressed, I listen to depressing music just to know that someone else gets depressed too. If I feel empowered, I listen to something that feeds that empowerment. Lately I have been in the need of some new music, new artists, and something different but I just could put my finger on what my mood has been. Every once in a while Spotify (aka Pandora on steroids) will send me emails with artist suggestions so I picked one of those artists, started a radio station for them, and fell in love.

I'm sure you're curious as to what I fell in love with so here are some of the artists that I've found: Ryan Calhoun, Elise Lieberth, Jason Walker, Sara Haze Jon McLaughlin, and Caitlyn Smith. I was getting very tired of mainstream music so the new voices, EP albums, and covers are a wonderful change of pace.

The real purpose of this blog post is to share a song that I came across in my new music discovery; it's called Crushed and Created by Caitlyn Smith. Lately I have been feeling very crushed. I've been depressed, work is stressful and full of drama, I'm coming up on my 30th birthday in January and in some aspects I'm not where I thought I would be, and it's hard for me. This song talks about the fact that we are crushed and created the same way. Life is a cycle of things that die, so that something else can live.

The bridge talks about being stronger in the end. I don't think, ok I know, when it comes to my current situations I'm not strong BUT this song provides me hope. It serves as a reminder that I may feel crushed, discouraged, and out of place now, but it won't always be that way. At the end of these tests and trials, I know that I will come out freer, wiser, and stronger; everything will work out in the end, it always does.





Jessy <3

P.S. If you don't know about Spotify, you're missing out. Spotify gives you the chance to not only listen to random songs like Pandora, but you can also create your own playlists. You can Star songs to go back to later and it's perfect for music addicts like me. Check it out HERE!

Things That Remind Me of Fall

Fall is my favorite season, I love everything about it. Carmel Apples, Crisp Mornings, Fog, Pumpkins, Kettle Corn, Colorful Leaves, Witches and Black cats, Apple Cider, Scarecrows, Scarves and Boots, Trick or Treaters, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and my list could go on. When I was growing up Fall was something that I looked forward to, especially once we moved to Idaho. I only lived there a few years but I fell in love with it. The town that I lived in was small, or at least felt small, and every year they would have different festivals on Main Street. During October it was the Scarecrow festival, they would have the streets all decorated with pumpkins and hay bales, scarecrows and witches. They would make drums of kettle corn and apple cider was the drink of choice. Arizona is very different, we don't have seasons. lol So right now I am missing the old times. Here's to wishing I could bring Fall to Arizona...lol

What reminds you of Fall or what are some of your favorite memories?

Jessy