Most Normal Girl

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Scary... Like More Than Just Halloween Scary!

I am now without a job. My last day was Friday. The staff gave me a small party and friends came in to say their good-byes with cards, yummy food, beautiful flowers, and giant hugs.

I have mixed emotions. One the one hand, I'm glad that I have left a toxic situation where I was being set-up for failure. One the other hand, I am truly going to miss my friends and the good work that we were doing. I never wanted to go out like this and part of me feels as though I have given up. There were many political things happening and it was causing too much anxiety. My hair and eyelashes were falling out and there were too many tears being shed before I left the house in the morning... It's a relief to not have to worry about that any longer.

Now, though, there is the issue of not having a job. And this is a bad time for that! Taking into consideration that the economy sucks, that the holidays are approaching, that there are bills to pay, that we want to buy a house, that we want to start a family, and that it just takes money to live, we both need to work. I have all the confidence in the world that something will work out soon and I'm doing my best to look for jobs. But, it has to be the right fit!

So now, I am learning new cooking recipes, cleaning the house, and planning to get Bailey and me into better shape by going for walks! I'm going to find projects here and there to keep my days busy and have dinner waiting every night when Blair gets home. (Have I mentioned yet, just how much I love my husband and love being married to him?)

Keep fingers crossed that something works out! I'm sending positive vibes into the universe and any extra positive vibration is much appreciated!

Posted by Jessie_b :: 1:50 PM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Wedding Day

Getting ready

Beautiful flower girls

The girls

The boys

Blair and his mom

Moments before walking down the aisle

A job well done

Waiting...

A once in a lifetime walk

So HAPPY

Proud Parents

Ceremony

Our vows were funny and heartfelt

Sealed with a kiss!

Married!

Photos by the beach

Mr. & Mrs.

Wedded bliss

Details

Our family

First dance as a married couple

Cake!

Dance with dad

A fun reception!

Thank you to our family and friends for making this day so special.
We are so happy and so in love!
And this is only the beginning!

Posted by Jessie_b :: 10:48 AM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Happy Five Years, Blog

It has been five wonderful years that I've had my Blog. I love my Blog. In some ways, writing on Blog is a sense of coming home. Yet, I love the freedom that Blog gives me. Blog is like a good friend who I can share the most intimate of stories with and cuss like a sailor with. If Blog could drink, Blog would have gin and tonic. Blog does not judge; Blog only listens. Blog shares old memories and celebrates milestones. Blog welcomes new friends but keeps the old. Blog shares photos. Blog allows me to say anything. Blog is faithful. Blog is personal. And Blog is mine.

Five wonderful years of blogging. I can't wait for what the next five will hold!
Posted by Jessie_b :: 8:23 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Changes

Well, aside from the big name change (which is a looooong process!), there are other changes on the horizon too!

I will soon be looking for other employment opportunities. My time being the Director of Admission has come to an end and I'm grateful for the growth that I experienced in the position. However, my true passion is working with a much different population of students. I'm very hopeful that something will surface soon - I'm really looking for the "right fit" in my next career step. I'm totally open to doing something different, too, as long as it's not sales and doesn't involve a pole. As much as I love writing my blog, I don't think it's going to pay the bills...

This career move doesn't exactly come at the best time. Blair and I were hoping to buy a house and start a family in the near future - I guess all of that gets to be placed on HOLD. Plus, there are the holidays to think about ($$$) and bills to pay ($$$) and groceries to buy ($$$) and, you know, STUFF ($$$). I feel really guilty about making the decision to resign, but some things just have to be done. No risk, no reward, right?

So, if anyone is hiring, please consider me for your available position. My resume is excellent and my writing abilities speak for themselves (wait a minute...). I attended Harvard, so there's that... Oh, and I'm totally loyal to the organization that I represent. I adapt well and am a quick-learner. I'm good at communication and can give one great presentation. References are available. And, I've got a winning smile! YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!
Posted by Jessie_b :: 5:03 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, September 21, 2009

From Miss to Mrs.

The transformation that goes into making one a "Mrs." is more complicated than one might think. But before I get into all that, let me take you back... It all started a long time ago with a girl named Jessica...

I started this blog as a way to chronicle my life as a seemingly normal girl living in Southern California and dealing with the ups and downs of finding Mr. Right. There were a few other posts that were added just to give it the right about of spice. For the most part, it's been a fun on-line diary and has somewhat morphed into a way to keep my friends/family updated with what's going on in my life. But I never lost that original intention ... to find Mr. Right.

The journey of getting engaged and planning a wedding is one that I will never forget. I loved being a fiancee and I loved getting ready for the biggest day of my life. There were definitely some stressful moments of sorting details, making decisions, staying close to budget, and negotiating with vendors. But, overall, it was a fun experience and we never lost sight of what was most important - the MARRIAGE.

Our last few days of single-hood found us staying up late nights and doing last-minute details. Printing the table numbers, arranging the seating chart, tying up the programs, and buying the favors had us up to 3 AM one night; with work the next day. There was nothing sexy about that but it was worth it. I had decided to take two days off prior to the wedding and honeymoon. Those two days were mildly crazy... My best-friend flew in and helped me keep my head on straight. I had already packed up and locked the house before picking her up from the airport but as soon as that was done, I seemed to have lost my mind. I was thankful that she was there to answer simple questions for me and keep me focused on enjoying every moment of each day. And enjoy, I did! There were so many special moments in those last couple of days... sitting/crying with my grandfather in my parent's living room, opening sentimental gifts from loved ones, practicing make-up with my sister-in-law, tying ribbons on the floor for the programs, getting my hair done (AGAIN), eating good food, talking past midnight with my best-friend, getting nails done with my bridesmaids, smiling more than I can ever remember, getting text messages from friends wishing me well, paying closer attention to the sunset, holding hands with Blair, meeting new family members, playing with the cutest little girls I've ever known, hugging my friends, and just being soooo thankful that LIFE had given me the best gift of all: LOVE.

My wedding day was nothing short of AWESOME! The magic that went into that day and the fun that everyone had was just what I wanted. Not to mention the fact that it was the most elegant and beautiful wedding I've ever seen. I LOVED my wedding day and couldn't imagine anything better.

And now that it's over, our life begins as an old married couple. YAY!!! Along with the laborious task of writing thank-you notes, I'm now in the process of going through that glorious transformation of changing my name. UGH!!! There's so much to do and it's going to take a loooong time to get it all done. What really blows is that all this stuff has to be done in person and not on-line! That means long lines at Social Security, the DMV (nooooo!!!!) and the bank. That also means lots of paperwork. A five-page form here and a three-page form there. Oh, and learning how to sign my name with a NEW name. But, again, it's worth it!

I never knew it could feel so good to go from Miss to Mrs. but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm totally in love with my husband and am so happy that we get to continue our path as partners. -Even coming home from our honeymoon, we talked about how awesome our wedding was and all I could think about was: I get to go home with him - always! I love being a wife.

Thanks for reading and being part of this process. As I wander through this life, I'm often reminded of just how lucky I am... I'm truly loved.

P.S. -- So now comes the question of what to do with this blog. Since my original intention was met - I've found Mr. Right - do I keep writing about parts of my life on Most Normal Girl? Or, do WE begin a new blog that documents our journey as a couple? ...Haven't quite decided... Any thoughts that you might have are welcome!
Posted by Jessie_b :: 12:40 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, September 04, 2009

The Time Has Arrived

Tomorrow, I get married. All that could have been done and planned is behind me; my job now is to enjoy the day, remember to breathe, and have fun. (Like skydiving!)

Here we go...

Posted by Jessie_b :: 11:57 PM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Nailed It!

"That's what she said!"
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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Countdown

I'm getting married in 9 days! And wow, what a flurry of activity in our lives. I think when the world begins to spin too fast, somehow and for some reason, the universe reminds us to STOP. That happened to me just yesterday when something (bee? wasp? mini-harpoon?) stung me on the side/bottom of my foot. It felt like a piece of glass pierced through me and every step hurt worse than the last.

Anyway, the wedding plans have not stopped. There are programs to be printed, table assignments to be folded, favors to be put together, gifts to wrap, speeches to write, meetings to attend, weight to be lost, photos that need frames and a whole laundry list of details to be checked off. But we're getting there... It all needs to happen in the next few days and I'm confident it will get done!

There are other "things" that are happening but I can't talk about them just yet. So, everyone, send positive vibes out there for the next week and a half as all this busy-ness (and EXCITEMENT) gets a little more settled.
Posted by Jessie_b :: 12:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, July 26, 2009

And Then There Was Another Birthday

...And so I turned 31 today. Nothing even comes close to last year's big events, but we had a good day nonetheless:

We slept in late, then got brunch at one of our favorite restaurants, went to the mall where he bought me a beautiful new watch, went down to Manhattan Beach (site of the wedding) for dinner and ended the day playing with the dog.

I'm totally in my early-thirties... SIGH.
Posted by Jessie_b :: 11:50 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Car Full O'Crap

It seems that when you're getting married, there is always a ton of stuff to carry around. I don't even know what it all is, or why I feel I need all with me 24/7, BUT I DO. My car has become my temporary office chalk full of wedding magazines, shoes, my veil, cards, folders, letters, and papers, PAPERS, PAPERS, ALL THE PAPERS! Seriously, I don't know where it all came from.

In some weird way, I'm not embarrassed about this at all. She who used to be Miss Anal about cleanliness has the most cluttered car this side of the Mississippi. When people get in, I don't mind saying "I'm getting married" which seemingly gets immediate acceptance and understanding. Then we all throw the shit into the back seat... A treasure-hunt is in my future. Oh, that's where that picture frame went!

I think that I will rent out trunk space to anyone who might need it after the wedding. Now accepting bids.
Posted by Jessie_b :: 8:25 PM :: 1 comments

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