Trip to Florida!

One of my absolute favorite parts of this summer was my trip to Florida to visit my friend Kristin. My ten day trip had been planned for a few months, and we were both excited for our little vacation together. Just a little background information on our friendship: Prior to my trip, Kristin and I had only met in person one other time. We had talked for numerous hours on Facebook, texted frequently, and spoke on the phone a few times. We met online on Facebook via a Company support page for the Army. Kristin and I found that we had a lot in common and have become very close friends since then. Some people might find it weird that we met online and have gotten so close, and that's okay...but the things we find we have in common make us laugh sometimes. For example, our parents have the same rugs in their houses and we used to have the same shower curtains as well. Yes, weird and extremely random.

Anyway, when I went to visit Kristin, her husband was away at training for the Army and it was truly a girls vacation together. The weather was not extremely kind to us the first few days I was there, but we went to the beach anyway, despite the cloudy skies.

Kristin taught me many things while I was in Florida. The first of these was how to skim-board. I guess I should say she attempted to teach me to do many things. I made a fool out of myself every time I fell or completely missed the board, but it provided for a good laugh at least!

Pretending I know what I'm doing

Kristin, looking like a pro

Another thing Kristin taught me was how to find sand dollars in the ocean. I didn't even know these things were live creatures until my trip! I found a few and of course got some pictures holding them.

Sand dolla dolla bills!

A few other things that Kristin taught me that I sadly didn't document with pictures were how to cook spaghetti squash (one of my new favorite meals!) and that I need to be in much better shape to attempt a boot camp class again. I'd say I was sore for a few days after that one!

I sometimes struggle when I run and discovered that it mostly happens when I have not hydrated enough. Kristin got me in the habit of carrying around a gallon of water wherever I go. It has made a HUGE difference in my running. And people think I'm even stranger than they did before. Hey, you win some you lose some!

The weekend I was in Florida, we traveled from Fort Myers (where Kristin lived) and drove to Daytona Beach to visit my friend Becky from college. Saturday we drove to Orlando and I got to experience Disney World for the first time! I wish I could say it was everything I hoped it would be and more, but it stormed a lot while we were there and a lot of the rides were closed. Thankfully we still got to see one of the shows at the castle, ride a few of the really good rides, and I got to hang out with Dumbo. Even though it stormed and we got soaked, I really did have an awesome time with these ladies. I am hoping to go back sometime when it is not storming and experience all that "The Happiest Place on Earth" has to offer!

Trying on fun hats with Kristin

Me, Becky, and Kristin in front of the castle

Kristin, Becky, and I spent the rest of the weekend just relaxing and hanging out. We witnessed yet another storm on Sunday evening as we were cooking a delicious meal. Becky demonstrated her cooking skills which may lead to a cooking show of her very own, and Kristin showed us that she may have a future as a stunt double (I will have to figure out how to upload these videos!). Monday morning we sadly said goodbye to Becky and headed back to Fort Myers...but not before a stop at some AWESOME outlets!

Trying on clothes at the outlets

Back in Fort Myers it was fun getting dressed up and having some girls nights out and just hanging out with a good friend. I can honestly say that this wasn't one of those vacations where I had a good time but was ready to go home when the time came. Had I not already booked a round-trip flight, I probably would have stayed in Florida longer. This was truly one of the best vacations I've ever taken, because I was able to relax and have fun. I never really thought about what it would be like to live near the beach, but now that I've experienced ten days of it, I think I could get used to it ;) Kristin has since moved to North Carolina and I am hoping to visit her there sometime very soon! Oh, and Kristin and I recorded a cover together. You can watch it here!

Beach bar!

Before we went out one night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I'm a Runner Now?!

In order to catch you all up on everything that's happened this summer, I have to back up to May which seems like forever ago! Back on New Year's Eve I made the decision to run the Cleveland Half-Marathon. It was two days before my 25th birthday, I was in search of a goal to motivate me, and for some reason it seemed like a good idea at the time (the chocolate pudding shots I had been partaking in may have been one of those reasons!). Once I registered for the race, I was definitely more motivated to run. Keep in mind that up until I registered for the race I never would have considered myself a runner and could barely make it two miles on the treadmill at a 10-minute pace.

Fast-forward four and a half months. On Saturday, May 19th I headed up to Cleveland with my friend Haley from high school. Haley registered for the race shortly after I did and we ran together a couple times leading up to race day. Our first stop was the race expo at the IX Center. We picked up our racing packets, got LOTS of free tuna (no complaints from me...or Bella, for that matter!), and got some awesome matching sparkly headbands--because every runner needs one of those! After the expo we headed to Progressive Field to watch our beloved Tribe take on the Marlins. We had awesome seats in the outfield, but had to be super careful about staying hydrated in the brutal sun. Our other friend from high school, Heather (who was also running the half), met us at the game. It was Faith Night at the Indians' Game, and post-game we got to enjoy a concert by Christian singer Brandon Heath. It was nice to be around so many other people who love the Lord and who were singing along as he sang.

Haley and Me at the Expo

After the game it was time to head back to the hotel and sleep to prepare for the big day. I can honestly say I didn't sleep nearly as much as I thought I should have that night, and was a little concerned about my performance the next day. When I first registered for the race my goal was just to finish it without walking. In my mind, 13 miles was super far and I would have been proud of myself for just completing it. Well, my competitive side got the best of me and I came up with another goal to complete the race in under two hours. The morning of the race we woke up around 4:30 so we could eat, digest, and get to the starting line on time. I ended up starting the race by myself since I planned on running at a different pace than Haley and Heather. My friend from grad school, Katie, met up with me prior to the race but had her own group to run with, so I was again on my own. I knew that my parents would be somewhere along the course cheering me on, as would my aunt. As a runner, I've found that I can pretty much tell from the very beginning of a run whether it is going to be a "good" run day or a "not so good" run day. This was a "good" run day. I spent the first six miles watching the crowds in search of my parents. They were not exactly sure where they would be watching from so I just kept a lookout. When I finally spotted them around mile 6 I noticed their bright pink "GO JB" sign. I smiled and waved, then kept on running--I had a time to beat! My aunt had told me she would be somewhere around mile 6 or 7, so I kept looking for her. I spotted her less than a mile later and was so encouraged by her. My aunt runs regularly and has done her own share of half and full marathons. She ran with me for a minute, told me how great I looked, and I went on my way.

Heather, Haley, and Me before the race

I'll admit that I struggled a bit after that because the excitement of looking for people in the crowd had gone. Mile 10 provided us with a lovely hill and a lot of people started walking. I'll admit that seeing so many others walking up the hill was a huge temptation, but I knew that the hills of New Concord had trained me well for the challenge. So, with a little help from Kelly Clarkson I made it up that hill. I saw my parents again right around Mile 12 and that kept me going until I hit 13.1! The boys of One Direction serenaded me (through my headphones, sadly) as I crossed the finish line. As I collected my finisher's medal I was so overwhelmed by emotion, and I'll admit that I teared up a bit. I truly felt that all of the training I had put into the race had paid off and I was so proud of myself for achieving my goal. I found out later that I finished the race in two hours and eight minutes--a little above my goal time, but I was still proud. I met up with my parents, my aunt, and Katie for some pictures, then waited to cheer Haley and Heather on as they finished the race. The rest of the day included a very sweaty ride home and some ice on the knees (what retired gymnast decides to take up running as their new sport?!).

After the race, with a sign my parents made

After the race, with my Aunt Nanci

Prior to running the half I told everyone that it would be the furthest I ever run. Why in the world would I want to run a FULL marathon?! Good question...but I'm doing it :) October 21, 2012. Columbus, Ohio. Yet again, goal is to finish without walking. We'll see how long it takes for a goal time to be included! All joking aside though, these past seven months have taught me that I truly can do anything I set my mind to. I know that sounds cliche, but I never thought that within one calendar year I would a. Start running, b. Run a half marathon, and c. Run a FULL marathon. I never thought I'd run a full marathon in my lifetime! But for those of you who have thought about running and just don't think you'd be good at it or don't think you could finish a 5k...you are wrong! There are so many different training plans you can try. I know a lot of people who have tried the Couch to 5k training plan and were surprised with how well they did. So do me a favor and give it a shot...you truly have nothing to lose :)

RIP Jim

Amidst the chaos of planning last-minute details of the anniversary party and carrying out Mental Health Awareness Day at work, I received a text message from a past co-worker and friend telling me that our boss had passed away. I began working at Grabham's Candies in Cuyahoga Falls the summer before my senior year in high school and haven't stopped since. Even when I was away at college or grad school I came back at Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day and whenever I could to help out. The business was started by Jim's grandmother and everything there is handmade and delicious. Jim was the mastermind behind it all. He was constantly coming up with new recipes to try and they always turned out great.

I'll never forget when I first started working at Grabham's and I was absolutely scared to death of Jim. He was not a particularly intimidating guy, but the quiet, shy girl I was in high school was certainly unsure of this man. It may have taken me a bit of time and me coming out of my shell a bit, but I got on Jim's good side and we developed a good relationship where we could joke around and talk about our common interests (guitar and then eventually, our cats). Jim was always bringing pictures out into the store to show us of his new guitars or basses, Kitten doing silly things, or anything else we may have been talking about at the time. Jim was quite possibly the biggest eBay fanatic I have ever met, and that turned into our go-to Christmas gift for him each year. I will never forget the many feasts he made us for lunch on Christmas Eve each year or the cookies and donuts he would randomly buy us (as if the candy wasn't enough of a temptation!). I have so many memories of this man and his store, and it already feels strange to go in without him there.

Jim touched many lives and will be missed deeply by so many people in the community. The number of people at his calling hours in just the hour or so I was there is testament to the number of people he reached. I know it is going to be tough for his wife and daughter for some time, so if you are reading this please keep them in your prayers. They are a wonderful family with hearts for the people that work for them and the people they serve. I am honored and blessed to be part of the legacy that is Grabham's Candies and am looking forward to going back at Christmas this year to once again spread the joy of their wonderful chocolate! I only hope that Jim knew how much he meant to me and to so many others out there. Rest in Peace, Jim...I know I'll see you again one day.

Wedding Bells are Ringing

Headed to Akron for another weekend at home and another wedding. I cannot believe my Frappy-Dappy is getting married! So looking forward to celebrating her special day with her tomorrow!

Also looking forward to seeing my best friend, Mo, and finally giving her her engagement gift! I cannot believe she is getting married! Wedding bells everywhere!

Will be sure to post about the wedding and whatnot after the weekend. Enjoy your Labor Day everyone, I will be spending mine at work--no rest for the Muskies!

*Don't forget to work on your September pictures logs!* :)

Flashback: 6 Years

Today was freshman Move-In Day here at Muskingum University. For the majority of the day I was in my office at work and was away from the mass chaos, but during lunch I returned to my apartment for some relaxation. It was then that I flashed back to my own freshman move-in day six years ago at good old B-Dubs. I remember being nervous, hoping my roommate would be as normal in person as she sounded on the phone and on Facebook, and I was scared about leaving my high school boyfriend at home while I was left to face college all by myself. At Convocation that day, all I could think was, "Jessica, you made a mistake. This is not for you. You don't want to be here." I was scared to death and the thought of my parents leaving was unbearable--surprising coming from someone who did not have the best relationship with their parents at the time.

I'm sure some of the freshman here were thinking the same things I was. Starting college is both exciting and scary at the same time. There's the excitement that goes along with going to Target and picking everything out for your new dorm room and thinking about all the things you can do now that you will be "living on your own." And then there's reality--who's going to do my laundry? What if I don't like what they're serving for dinner?

I look back at my college move-in day now and wonder what in the world I was thinking. If I could go back and do it again, I would still choose BW. I had the time of my life in college and cannot imagine a better experience. I can honestly say that the school was a perfect fit for me, and once I got through that first day things got a whole lot better. Yeah, it can be hard leaving your parents for the first time, but my relationship with my parents honestly grew stronger while I was away from them. And leaving my boyfriend behind? Well, it took me awhile to realize it, but it was the best decision I ever made. College can open your eyes to so many things that you were naive to before and give you a whole new perspective on life. It did for me. I miss those days--living in the dorms with my friends, staying up late just goofing around, using my Jacket Express to buy candy and movie tickets at the Candy Counter (sorry, Mom & Dad), and not having to really worry about the "real world."

To all of the college freshman out there--make the most of the next four years. You might be nervous or scared now, but the faster you get over it the quicker you will learn to love college and grow as a person. Cherish your new friendships, but don't forget about the ones at home, either. Live life. It's okay to make mistakes-we all do-just try not to be too stupid or obvious about it :)

It's fun living back on a college campus and being put in a situation that causes you to look back and reflect on your own experience not that long ago. It's crazy how much a person can change in that amount of time. Thank you, Muskingum freshmen, for reminding me of the good old days!

Opening Weekend--it POURED!

Homecoming with 21 Beech friends

Most of the 2005-2006 21 Beech-ers

Whirlwind Weekend

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to head home for the first time since the big move down south! It was a busy few days, to say the least, but many memories were made and I was thankful to be able to spend time with many family and friends.

Friday I left work an hour or so early to pick up Miss Bella from my apartment and start the journey home. Once in Akron, I dropped Bella off at my parents' house, got lots of kisses from puppy dog Scout, then got back in the car to drive to Strongsville. After a quick stop at Forever 21 (remember, I currently live in the middle of nowhere), I met up with good college friends to celebrate Elizabeth's 24th birthday at Buca di Beppo. Delicious Italian food, 5 good friends, followed by an interesting new board game. We had lots of laughs and am glad we were able to gather to celebrate yet another birthday.

The 5 of us at dinner

Saturday was an absolute blur, but I knew this going in. First up, Saturday morning. Quick stop with Chris to Subway for a nice breakfast sandwich (where was my favorite sandwich artist when I needed him?!) and then we drove up to Cleveland for the OROC (OutRun Ovarian Cancer) 5k. This was an event I have been looking forward to ever since I found out about it. My grandmother passed away from ovarian cancer when I was in kindergarten and I have never really had the opportunity to do something in memory of her. This was my chance. The event was huge and it was so inspiring to see all of the survivors there, along with the family members of others who were not so fortunate. I was amazed when it was announced that the t-shirts this year were designed by the youngest survivor participant--a junior in high school. Props to that girl for fighting and for being an inspiration to others. We had 9 people running for Team Uno (named after the card game I remember playing with my grandmother), and I am so thankful to those that participated. Everyone ran well, and the backdrop of downtown Cleveland didn't hurt either.

Haley and me before the race

Anna, Me, and Lindsey after finishing

After the race it was time to run errands, followed by get ready for wedding time! I left North Olmsted to head to Emily and Paul's wedding, which was an absolutely beautiful event. It seems like Emily and I are always missing each other when I visit my sister in DC, and it meant a lot to me to be able to share their special day with them. Both Bride and Groom looked wonderful and so happy to finally be married and living in the same state. I know they will have a beautiful life together and I pray that they fall more and more in love with each other each and every day.

Emily and her dad heading down the aisle

First kiss as husband and wife

Me with the new Mr. & Mrs. Glass!

After the wedding I drove back down to Akron for my dear friend Natalie's Bachelorette Party in the Valley! I met up with the group of girls after they had been out for awhile, but I sure didn't miss out on all the fun. At each bar Natalie had cards we picked for her that had different "dares" for her that she had to complete. Some of the ones she had to do while I was there were to ask a guy to show her a hidden tattoo, steal a sip of someone's drink without them knowing, and find a guy to take off his shirt and flex his muscles for everyone at the bar. Needless to say, not everyone was cooperative, but we found some pretty interesting guys to participate. Any time I spend with my friends from home is a blessing, and I am so looking forward to Natalie and PJ's wedding in just EIGHT DAYS!!!

Natalie and Me shortly after I made it to the bar

Natalie, Me, and Britt--high school buddies

Needless to say, I was exhausted after Natalie's Bachelorette Party and slept in pretty late on Sunday. However, when you're a Brady sister and you are visiting home, it is absolutely necessary to go on a shopping trip with Mom. So that's what I did. My mom and I spent the day together running to a few stores, having lunch, and then meeting up with Dad to see the Vietnam War Memorial that was set up near a cemetery in Fairlawn. It was a replica 3/4 the size of the wall in Washington, DC and it was just as emotional as seeing the real thing. There were also pictures and memorabilia (if you can call it that?) from the war. Of course, the Army was there, and it was kind of a reality check to see the men in their uniforms, the guns, etc. (I guess I forgot to mention in my last blog, Chris joined the Army and is leaving in November). Two of the nice soldiers decided I needed to learn how to throw a grenade, so they taught me. Apparently my 12 years of softball paid off because they said I would've hit and killed my target. Thanks, Coach Dad!

Learning how to throw the grenade

 The wall

After heading home from our shopping excursion, I made the trek back down to good old New Concord to get ready for another week of work. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and I am looking forward to my next trip home (next weekend) to spend more time with more family and friends!

Final Countown!

Well, folks, here I am after many blog-less months. I've missed this lovely blog of mine, but can't say I've quite found the time to fit it in with everything else going on. Even now I have to be quick, as my bed is calling my name, reminding me that tomorrow is another fun--er work-filled day! I think the easiest way for me to update you all now is to create a lovely little list (and boy do I love lists!), and hopefully one day very soon I will be able to expand upon my little list and fill you in about all the details going on in my life!

Here goes...

1. I am graduating with my Master's in 18 days. Can you believe it?! That lovely day, May 22nd, also happens to be my 24th birthday. What a lovely birthday present that will be! Ooh, and I get to wear a hood! How cool is that?!
2. I am FINISHED with all that is grad school in just NINE days! One class, two take-home finals, and one in-class final to go. Beyond ready!
3. I HAVE A JOB!!!! I will be a counselor in Counseling Services at Muskingum University next year! I am beyond excited to have landed the job of my dreams straight out of school and am really looking forward to what that will mean for my future career. Seriously, feeling so blessed right now!
4. I don't start at Muskingum until August. I desperately need some sort of summer job so I can have somewhat of a life this summer.
5. I get to go see my sister's new apartment in DC next weekend! What a way to celebrate the end of my degree! Road trip with Sue and Chip--woot! Going to visit again over Memorial Day with Christopher. Is that Georgetown Cupcake I hear calling my name? 

Well, that's all for now. I really am going to do a better job of posting once I have a life again! Until then, keep on keepin' on!

Refreshed, Renewed, Restored

It's been awhile since I've update. School, work, life get in the way. However, last weekend something happened to me and I have to write about it! My dear friend Biz invited me to a Women's Retreat through her church this past Saturday. I was looking forward to it, unsure of what to expect, but went into it with an open mind. I am so glad I did!

Let me back up a little bit to Friday night. Because the retreat took place at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (quite a drive for me), I had a sleepover at Biz's the night before. If I didn't know it before, this evening affirmed for me how truly blessed I am to know this incredible family. I was welcomed with open arms to Biz's dad's birthday dinner and was treated like family the rest of the evening. I am certain that this family was put on Earth to brighten the lives of those they encounter, and they are dutifully fulfilling their calling in life. I know without a doubt that God has a very special place for this family in Heaven.

On Saturday morning Biz's sister-in-law, Maria, picked us up to head to the retreat which consisted of worship, a speaker (Sharon Jaynes), small groups, and a break (time for us women to be women and socialize!). Sharon was wonderful and spoke of forgiveness, our thoughts, and our words. I was especially struck by her words on forgiveness. There were things from my past that I had not forgiven and that my heart was dying to let go of. Her words served as motivation for me to truly let go and forgive. It was such a liberating experience. My small group was led by Biz's older sister, Cat, and again it was an amazing experience. Biz's other sister-in-law, Beth, was also there and it was wonderful to share with her, as well.

Honestly, words cannot describe how I feel about this day. It was exactly what I needed--a day away from the world to focus on me and my relationship with God. No worries about school, work, life in general. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Now I feel refreshed, renewed, and restored (thus the title of my blog!) and ready to take on whatever life throws at me. It is my goal to allow myself time each day to do what I did on Saturday because I don't want to go back to the way I felt before. It is also my goal to be baptized by the end of 2011 =)

Oldie but Goodie!

I'll Always Be Right There by Michelle Branch

When you're all alone,
and you need a light,
someone to guide you through the night,
just remember that I am here,
to hold you close and dry your tears.

And just when you thought you were falling,
but you know I'll always be right there.

When you're all alone,
and you need a friend,
someone to help you to the end,
when you need someone to catch you when you fall,
I'll be there through it all.

Cause just when you thought you were losing,
but you know I'll always be right there.

And I'll be there through the good times,
and the bad,
and we'll be there for each other,
cause you're the best friend I've ever had.

And just when you thought you were falling,
but you know I'll always be right there.
Oh, whenever you need me,
I'll always be right there.

Sometimes, all you can do is let go and let God.

Detoxifying

"With a taste of poison paradise
I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic?
And I love what you do
Don't you know that you're toxic?"
-"Toxic" by Britney Spears

Have you ever listened to this song and actually thought about what it was saying? The person our dear Britney is referring to in this song sounds like a romantic interest who is no good for her--yet she can't stay away. How unhealthy is that? It seems like common sense that if a person is "toxic" to us, we should stay away, right? It's not that simple.

Lately I have been examining my own life and the people in it. I have some awesome friends and I will tell anyone any day how blessed I am to have such incredible people in my life. However, I also think about old relationships, romantic or otherwise, and realize how bad they really were for me. Does everyone know what I'm talking about? These people may bring drama to your life, say things specifically meant to hurt you or make you feel bad about yourself, or just make you unhappy in general. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that these are bad people, just that maybe it's best that we don't have a relationship with them at all. That isn't to say that they shouldn't have any friends or any romantic relationships, just that maybe their personalities and our personalities don't mesh well together.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and have come to terms with some lost friendships and further examined what happened. I had some good times with these people. We laughed, we made memories, they made me happy at times, but there is a reason why these people are no longer in my life. In most instances, a friendship ends because someone was unhappy and hurt. I am not saying that I was the one wronged in all of my lost friendships, because I think it takes two people for something like that to happen. However, my reactions to those people and things that they said to me were not good and not typical of me. I want to surround myself with people who bring out the best in me--not the worst. I feel like I'm not making sense, but hopefully I am!

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am happier now. I do my best not to dwell on lost friendships anymore and am thankful for the good times we had. I don't need people in my life who are going to bring drama to it (who likes that?!) or who are going to take away from my happiness. I think it's easy to get wrapped up in wanting to save a friendship or a relationship that is just plain bad for you because it is what is comfortable or because somehow that person has you convinced that you need them in your life. Don't fall for it. Maybe it's easier said than done and I know I still have work to do on this, but my life is so much happier and carefree without having to worry about people that are going to bring me down. Try it and you will be amazed by what it can do for you!

It's okay to walk away from relationships. It doesn't mean the person you are walking away from is a terrible human being. Both of you deserve to be happy and a relationship filled with drama and toxicity isn't the way to get there!

Update and Thoughts on Life

So I've been told I need to update my blog, and I guess there is a lot to update all of my thousands of readers on (riiiiight), so I might as well do it now.

Since the last time I've posted, I've been crazy with school and work and trying to get things done for both. This has left me slightly stressed out, but not too bad yet (knock on wood!). Last Friday I was able to have a carefree day of fun with my good friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Cereshko (I love saying your new last name!). We had lunch, did some damage at the mall, and ended our day with a chick-flick. Needless to say, it was a great time filled with lots of laughs, as usual. It feels so great to have such wonderful friends! I am truly blessed!

This past week, things got a little more intense at my internship/work. Computer problems were finally fixed so I was able to actually complete some tasks for my GA position so now I don't feel like things are piling up on me. On top of that, I actually started working with my own clients! I have to admit, I was super nervous for my first session, and I will probably continue to be nervous for a little while. However, I am feeling much better now that I have two sessions under my belt. I was working with a client today who has been having a rough time lately, and it felt so great just to be there for someone and help them through a difficult period in their life. It is such a wonderful feeling! I can't wait to have many more days like this! It is so exciting to finally be applying everything I have learned and worked for over the years. I thank God for showing me that this is my calling in life and I am now so confident that this is His will for me!

Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. Things have been so great for me lately, and at times I feel as though I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. It almost feels like something bad has to happen at some point. Isn't that how it always works? I think right now I am just discovering that I am truly happy with all aspects of my life. Sure, it would be nice to have a little more time to myself or to sleep or to relax, but at the end of the day, I am doing what I love and I am surrounded by wonderful people that I love and provide with amazing love and support in return. I'm not going to wait around dreading the day that something bad happens because, let's face it, something will happen, but I know I can handle it. Things won't always be perfect, there will be rainy days, but I am realizing more and more that at the end of the day, I have all the happiness in the world and that's all I need to get through the tough times.

Birthdays, Galore!

This weekend, I was lucky enough to celebrate the births of two of my favorite people: Biz and Chris!

First of all, getting to see Biz was exciting in itself because I don't see her that often (although with all her wedding stuff, I have lately!), BUT on top of that, it was her birthday so we got to go out and have fun! It was a fun girls night with dinner and drinks followed by dancing at a nearby bar in Downtown Willoughby. The live band was great and played everything from "Poker Face" to "Ice Ice Baby." I can't wait to dance the night away with her again very soon at her WEDDING!

Biz and I taking a break from dancing for a pic

On Saturday, Chris got to my apartment a little after noon and the fun never ended from there! We started off by enjoying a picnic lunch poolside all by ourselves (it wasn't very sunny so we were the only ones there). Then we just laid out and chatted until Chris fell asleep (as usual). On the way home we stopped for some Mitchell's ice cream (so good!). We relaxed at home for a bit then got ready for Chris' birthday dinner at Mongolian BBQ. We ate until we were stuffed and it was absolutely delicious! After dinner we walked around Coventry a little bit and I got to show him a couple fun little shops. We stopped home for a few minutes then went BACK out to go see Inception. Seriously, SUCH a good movie! I now understand why everyone has been making such a big deal out of it. You should definitely go see it! After the movie we met a few friends out for a couple drinks to end the evening. It was a great day and I was so glad to finally get to celebrate the 25th birthday of my favorite Stinko =)

Chris and I before going to see Inception

Overall, it was a great weekend. I love birthdays and getting to celebrate the people I love!