Dumping Diet Coke

Diet Coke and I had a serious relationship for many years.  I don't know how long, but it was a long time.  I loved that silver and red can.  I loved listening to the crack as I pulled back the tab to reveal the liquid goodness.  I loved the bubbles.  The taste.  The fact that I could enjoy that beverage without consuming any calories.  Zero.  It was glorious.

I could sometimes consume two (or three...) a day and not even feel one tinge of guilt....until my mother would witness me consume this beverage.  I must have had a bit of an addiction because I would often make a point not to drink Diet Coke when she was around me.  I'd keep it at my condo or drink it out with friends, but not in my mom's presence.  As I type this, I am thinking that I sound like an alcoholic, but I really was a Diet Coke-aholic.  I would wake up and have one first thing in the morning.  I claimed it was because I wanted the caffeine.  Some people drink coffee.  I drank Diet Coke.  I think the real reason was because I just really enjoyed the taste and needed my "fix" to start the day off right.

My family and I were on vacation in Aruba in April.  We ate every meal together.  Every meal I would get a Diet Coke.  We were at an all inclusive, which means you can have whatever you want food and drink wise whenever you want.  It is a fantastic concept except for the fact that you can gain a lot of weight if you're not careful!  To balance out my ridiculous calorie consumption, I drank Diet Coke.  But remember my mom was with me.  And she loves to get on me about drinking Diet Coke.

"Don't you know that that stuff is known to cause brain tumors?"
"Do you want to die early?"
"They say drinking diet soda makes you actually gain weight."
"No soda is healthy for you, but diet soda is really bad.
"There's something in that soda that makes you hungry" -- My friend from grad school and I used to try to test the "Diet Coke makes you hungrier theory" and sadly, our experiment produced positive results.

Anyway, I had to listen to this every day for a week.  My mom is an elementary school teacher.  That means she will say the same thing three or four different ways if you don't give her the response she wants!  It's annoying.  I got tired of it.  So, on the airplane ride home, I told her I would quit drinking Diet Coke!

I didn't intend to actually do it.  I intended to try to do it.

My boss used to drink at least 4 Diet Cokes a day.  I used to know she was in her office in the morning before I even saw her because I would hear the crack of that silver, red, and black can.  All of the sudden, when I returned from Aruba, I no longer heard the crack.  I asked her if she was still drinking Diet Coke.  Her response was "No, I heard something about how it can make you store fat.  I don't need any help storing fat, so I quit."

"It's only been two days, but I am trying to quit, too.  After what you just told me, true or not, I think I am going to try harder", I said.

Then I started to feel much better.  I hated to admit that I was feeling good thanks to no Diet Coke.  I wasn't as hungry.  And, as time went on, I didn't really miss it.  I was shocked at myself!!

This weekend, I went to the movies and split a drink with a friend.  She got a Diet Coke.  I took one sip and regretted the decision.  I was hoping to embrace the soda like a long lost friend.  But, I didn't want anything to do with it.  It tasted like a science experiment!!

It's been 90 days since I've cracked open a can of Diet Coke.  I quit cold turkey and don't miss it at all. We're done.  Forever.  And, I am not sad.  I feel better than ever.

Something New

Notice something different....

My blog got a new look!  My friend, Kathryn, did a phenomenal job on my blog when I first set it up.  Two years later, she has a beautiful baby girl named Charlotte, so her attention has been diverted to that little beauty!  Kristen from Whiskey Tango Foxtrot designed it for me.  If you are looking for someone to update your blog, Kristen comes highly recommended!  She was so easy to work with and she worked at record speed!  The two of us communicated back and forth over email for maybe 2 hours and the end product totally exceeded my expectations!

Sparkle!  Hot Pink!  Stars!  It's totally me!

Lately, people have been commenting that I "look good".  I'm not sure if it is just that I have looked like I've lost my best friend (oh wait!) for so long that a more consistent smile is quite an improvement, or if I really am actually looking good these days.  Either way, I am adjusting better to this "new" life.

My new blog design makes me really happy.  It's fresh!  It's fun!  It makes me feel alive!

My Life Story in 250 Words

Born 13 weeks early at two pounds and with Cerebral Palsy, my parents were told “put her in a wheelchair and forget about her.  She will never walk or talk.”  Always up for a challenge, I have proven the naysayers wrong.  I walk (tap dance!), it’s hard to get me to stop talking, and I hope to make an unforgettable good impression on all those I meet. 

The hospital is my second home, but I much prefer life outside those sterile walls in Alexandria, VA.  

With an insatiable desire to travel the world, I spend most of my money gallivanting around the globe and visiting those I cherish. 

Attending University of Richmond was the second best decision of my life.  Following Jesus, the first. Both decisions have shaped who I am and how I view life.  My heart was full and then it shattered. Never giving up, I am no stranger to difficulty and press on.  

A daddy’s girl who loves sports, singing, laughing, lounging on the beach with a fruity drink in hand, and chasing after big dreams.  One who dreams of the day I will marry my “teammate” and raise children and a dog – life would be incomplete without a dog.   

I walk with canes, but my disability does not define me. I want most to be defined by the way I love Jesus, people, and my passions.  

Sometimes I feel left behind, but in reality, life is just beginning.

Link up here

Sun In My Belly

You can tell I am slowly adjusting to everything that has happened to me over the last year because I am back to traveling.  In fact, I have been on 3 trips in the last three months.  I love to travel, and while I always imagine DC will be my home base, I can’t stay in the same spot for too long.  I have this insatiable desire to see the world. For the last year, grief has squelched that longing.  Dude would be so upset with me for not jet setting because we both had that travel bug and planned to go many places – and even live in London for a brief stint, which I would still most definitely consider.

I’ve been so busy going places and making new memories that I haven’t blogged about our UR reunion in Atlanta that took place back in February!  My friends from college are some of the most genuine, adventurous, loyal, caring, curious, and intellectually stimulating people I know. We come from all different backgrounds – some are from the North, some from the South and we are in a variety of professions – lawyers, doctors, dentists, professors, managers.  Our differences unite us and our bond is strong. 

Since 2005 (year after we graduated), we have been having an annual reunion.  We are geographically spread out around the United States, so we rotate houses each year.  There are about 10 or 12 of us that try to make reunion.  This year, only 4 of us could make it as it is getting increasingly more difficult with pregnancies and babies.  Eventually, though, I hope and imagine us having family reunions with all of our munchkins running around as if they were “cousins”, and Brad being "Uncle Brad" and spoiling our kids because he doesn’t want any of his own and can’t imagine why the rest of us would think becoming parents is a good idea (love you, B-rad)!!  I guarantee you he will be the one that buys our children the toy that the kid thinks is the absolute greatest yet according to the parents, it is the most annoying.  You know the ones I am talking about -  Ones with the never-ending beeps and sounds.  Yeah, I am in for it, one day. I just know it.

Our 2013 reunion was in Atlanta at John and Alyssa’s house.  I’ll pretty much let the photos speak for themselves. We ate a lot, but I didn’t get many photos of the food.  By the way, you know you are a blogger when you become crazy about taking photos of food.  I mean you just might need to show the rest of the internet how delicious you meal is, right? So, no photos of my meals out of the house, but my favorite place we ate at was this adorable restaurant in Decatur called Sun in my Belly.  I wanted to go every day.  I asked if we could go every day.  I got overruled.  We couldn’t go every day because we had so much more to see and experience.

Decatur, GA.  We had fun doing a little shopping and eating at Sun in My Belly

No Sun in My Belly today.  Homemade crepes instead!!

Hanging around in our jammies!  Just like college -- sort of

We tasted a ton of Coke products.  Inca Cola? GROSS!

Waiting for the Coke movie.  The glasses were much more fun than the movie!

"Uncle Brad"

We would tour by day and laugh the night away with games of Apples to Apples and Mad Libs.  Playing Mad Libs at age 12 and at age 31 is quite different.  If we weren’t laughing, we were engaged in some intellectual debate or stuffing our mouths with the M&Ms that were just left on the table all day that Sydney (their dog) never touched! We were amazed.

UR in Atlanta 2013

What a fun trip with such dear friends!  Sun in my belly, for sure.

The 411 with BHB

It's always fun to find new blogs!  I typically make new "friends" through link-ups.  Today, I am linking up with BHB, and sharing the 411 on me! I was supposed to have finished this on Thursday, 4/11.  I started it then, and just finished it now.  Better late than never!

THE BASICS

Who are you: Jess.  I don't have some cool blog pseudo name.  I do have a lot of nicknames, but my mom will only call me Jessica.  She doesn't like anything else.  I think she might be the only one who consistently calls me by my full first name.

Where do you blog: Shine Like Stars

How did you pick your blog’s name:  My friend, Ashley, and I purchased a brick to be placed on the walkway leading up Jill's House.  Jill's House is a ministry of McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA that serves as a respite for children with disabilities.  They are able to come and stay overnight, be taken care of, and have a wonderful time.  The children participate in all sorts of activities and the parents greatly appreciate the fact that they can have a little break and their children are enjoying themselves away.  We decided to inscribe  Philippians 2:15, "....then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."  I thought it was perfect because I love stars, but I also hope to be a light in people's lives.  Most importantly, I hope the light of Christ radiates in my life.  As I learned all too well this year, life has many bright spots, but also can bring some deep sorrow and darkness.  Since this blog is a record of my life, I hope that regardless of how much light I see, the light of Christ shines always and I shine like a star to those around me.

                                            LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Where did you grow up: Alexandria, Va.  Right outside of Washington, DC.  I feel really blessed to have grown up there.

Where do you live now:  In a condo in Old Town Alexandria.  I love it!

Where would you live anywhere in the world:  I love where I live now, but I could see myself moving to London for a bit.  I want to retire to NYC.  People think I am crazy for saying that, but I feel like I'd have money to spend on the things I want and I wouldn't get too old too quickly because I'd always be active.

             LET'S TALK BEAUTY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR SIGNATURE

Lipstick:  I only wear lip gloss or Burts Bee's chap stick.  I recently bought a chap stick in Aruba and am liking that.  My lips are always chapped.

Mascara:  My hand is not steady enough to put on mascara by myself, so I don't wear it unless someone else puts it on for me.  I wish I could, though, because I think it looks pretty and makes your eyes bright!

Perfume: Jean Paul Gaultier perfume

                                       YUMMIES: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE

Cocktail:  mai thai

Dessert:  Cupcakes (and ice cream) or ice cream cake

Pizza Topping(s):  At certain restaurants, I like only cheese.  It's too perfect to mess it up.  At the typical delivery places, I like pepperoni, green peppers and onions.

                  I ALWAYS HAVE THESE THREE THINGS IN MY REFRIGERATOR
One: Wine

Two:  Greek yogurt

Three: Frozen mixed veggies (in the freezer not the fridge)

                                    GET ARTSY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE

Movie:  Father of the Bride (Steve Martin)

Book:  A Good and Perfect Gift by Amy Julia Becker

TV Show:  I don't really have one because I don't watch a lot of TV.  I have noticed I watch a lot of reality TV when I do watch TV.  That's most likely the reason I don't have a favorite.  I don't watch any quality TV.  Any suggestions?
     
                             KID STUFF: THREE THINGS ABOUT YOUR YOUTH

What did you want to be when you grew up?   An author and The First Lady of the United States.  I still want to be both.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?  My favorite teacher is/was one of my Leadership professors at University of Richmond, Dr.  Gill Hickman.  She was an incredible professor and role model and she taught us a lot about life.  I will never forget her advice. 

What was your worst sickness/surgery/hospital visit as a kid?   HA! Are you kidding?  I've had 17 major surgeries.  I remember one of my worst was a surgery for my lazy eye when I was 12 years old.  I threw up a lot and could not open my eyes for days.  My dad had promised that he would get me the Disney channel.  He did, but all I could do was listen to it for days because I couldn't open my eyes to see what was actually on the screen.  I was miserable.

                                  THE PRETTY THINGS -  WHAT IS YOUR:

Favorite color: It used to be purple.  At age 26, I decided it was red.  My mom and my childhood best friend say you can't change your favorite color 26 years into your life.  Whatever!

Favorite flower:  Orchids (and Delta Gamma cream roses, of course!)

Favorite artist (painter, photographer, etc.): I like to think I am pretty eclectic, but I really don't have an appreciation for art.  Art and opera.  I just can't get into those two things.  Anything else, I am game.  With that said, I don't have a favorite artist.  I admire my friends who are really creative and artistic, but as for someone well known, I can't really answer.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

What’s one thing you buy the most often:  Clothes from the Blue Door Boutique.  I absolutely love that store!

Do you prefer to shop online or in-store? : Online.  I can't stand to try things on in stores and to have sales people bother me.  I am a pretty typical size and have done it enough now that I don't normally have to return things.

Imagine you open your own store - what would you sell?: Cupcakes with ice cream injected in the middle.  There is a store like this in Boston and it is my dream come true.  I need one down here in DC.

 BE A HATER: WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO AWAY:

Uno:  Terrorism

Dos:  Mental illness

Tres:  Cancer

THE FINAL THREE (X3)

I hand you a genie - what are your three wishes?

1.  To be happily married to my "teammate for life"/my (future) husband

2.  To have happy and healthy children

3.  To always have the desire, the means, and the ability to travel

List 3 things you can see out of your window right now.

1.  The bridal store that has not changed its windows in months.  Doesn't sound like a good business move to me.

2.  Tourists walking around enjoying the beautiful day.

3.  The alley that is supposedly haunted.

 WHO ARE THREE PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, YOU'D INVITE TO DINNER:

Een: My Dad's father.  I never got to meet him.  He sounds fascinating and looks a lot like Martin Luther King, Jr.

Twee: Kate Middleton.  I think if we knew each other, we'd be friends. 

Drie:  RG III

March Meltdown

No, this has nothing to do with grief.  Are you surprised?

This has to do with one of my favorite topics -- sports -- particularly college basketball.

Last Thursday, as soon as I got home to my parents house, my dad busts out with

"You will never guess what happened!?!  It is the worst I have ever seen!!"

"What?!"

"Richmond had a total meltdown.  They were up by 3 points and lost the first round of the A-10 tournament in the final 4.7 seconds due to technical fouls!!!  Charlotte won by 5 points!!!"

"So, you are saying Charlotte scored 8 points in the last 4.7 seconds?"

"Yes. CRAZY!"

(Cardiac patients should not be watching games like this!!  Dad is still alive and well, though.  Whew!!)

My beloved Spiders had a complete meltdown in the last 4.7 seconds of the game.  It was over a "questionable" call.  One foul led to a technical, which led to another technical, and another, and Coach Mooney gettin' tossed!  In 4.7 seconds,  Charlotte scored 8 points, a player and Coach Mooney lost their cool, we lost the game, were eliminated from the A-10 tournament, and lost a potential opportunity for a bid to The Big Dance!

Talk about a meltdown!!!  We sure made the headlines of ESPN Friday morning, but not in the way we would have liked.  

Fast forward five days and I am filling out my bracket for The Big Dance (sans Richmond, sad.).

I always enter a pool for football and money is on the line.  Last year, I ended up in 4th place out of 30.  I just missed a prize by one spot.  Bummer.  This past season, I placed dead last.  Big bummer.  I fill out a bracket for March Madness, but I don't enter the same pool as I do for football because they don't have it and I've never really sought out another pool.  Typically, I just fill out my bracket for kicks.  Last night, though, my dad sent me an email to join his office pool.  All that's on the line is bragging rights, so I jumped at the chance and sat down to fill it out.

It's no secret that March Madness is unpredictable.  It always seems as if heart and desire somehow outshine athletic ability in The Big Dance and that is one of the reasons I adore college basketball.  They play with such heart and energy.  Considering my failure in the football pool, I decided I wasn't going to do any real research.  I had done a lot last year for this tournament and my bracket was trashed when Duke got knocked out in the first round.  In my family, we are Carolina fans, but I had confidence in Duke and didn't expect them to let me down so early.  I did research for football and you know how that turned out.  I blame the replacement refs for some of that, but I really should have hit the "random" button and probably would have done better in that pool.  SO, my March Madness method, no research.

I instituted what I like to call the "girly girl" method.  I can say that.  I am one.  The only difference is I actually do know a lot about sports, love sports, and could trash talk or engage in an intelligent conversation with the best of 'em.  What is the "girly girl" method?  It goes a little something like this:

"Oh, I like the color of their uniforms, I'll pick them.  I like their mascot.  I know someone who lives there....or went to that school"  Those were my thoughts when I was making my picks last night.

TWO games in and I am already in trouble!!

I picked Pitt to go to the championship game.  Totally a sleeper pick, but who would have expected Duke to get knocked out in the first round last year, RMU to beat Kentucky (Congrats Jeremy!) in the NIT this year or George Mason to make it to The Final Four? Pretty much nobody.  I picked Pitt to go to the championship for those reasons and because Dude is from Pitt, so it was a bit of a nostalgic pick.  In my bracket, Pitt played Georgetown and GTown takes the cake!!

But then comes this team from Wichita State.  WHO THE HECK IS WICHITA STATE??

And, can someone please tell me why Kansas has THREE teams in the NCAA tournament?!  WICHITA STATE, Kansas AND Kansas State!!  What is going on in Kansas!!  Apparently all they do is play basketball (and make me mad.  Let's not talk about the time in 2011, at the Sweet Sixteen when Kansas wiped the floor with the Spiders.  Just don't mention it.)
 The "Shockers" (as they are called) screwed up my bracket already!! 


So, here I am, research or the "girly girl method"....No matter how I select the winning teams, I end up with the same result.  Done.

This time I am glad there's no money on the line.  My bracket is about to meet the trash.

Thanks a lot, Pitt.  I had confidence in you.

Wednesday Hodgepodge 2/13/13

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?
 I always go back and forth on giving up something and/or taking on something for Lent.  When I was little, my family and I would always give up something.  I don't think I am going to do it this year. God and I have had lots of conversations about the transformation occurring in me thanks to grief. I'm going to focus on that this year.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you? 
I don't eat pancakes very often, but when I do, I love mine with chocolate chips....and maybe some whipped cream and a cherry :)....Yeah, maybe I am five years old.
 
3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?  "When a man loves a woman" or "At last".  I love those two.  I can't pick just one!
 
4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them? 

call them, send them cards, spend time with them....I try to stay away from technology with those I really love.

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?
I love red roses.  The last time I received those was when Dude sent them to me as a get well gift after my surgery in October 2011.  The last time I received flowers was when three of my friends graciously brought me some floral beauties during my surgery in October 2012.  I'm hoping October 2013 is surgery free, but I'll take the flowers regardless :)

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why?



I think I have been to all of these, although, I don't recall Hyde Park.  So, maybe I should visit that one again.  I want to live in the White House one day!  Does that count?

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets?
 Lately, I've had to keep lots of secrets.  Most of them have to do with my friends telling me they are pregnant before they make the news public!  I get so excited for them that it is really tough to keep a secret, but I do because that is their news to share, not mine.   I have to put a lot of effort into keeping secrets, but I do keep them.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
 I am getting so excited for my upcoming mini and week-long vacays!

A Hoppy Birthday

I wasn't too excited about celebrating my birthday this year.  I didn't have anything planned.  That's quite unusual for me because I love birthdays, but this year I just wasn't into making it anything special.  My friends and family know me much better than that and decided that despite my ho-hum attitude, I deserved something very special.  Here's how it all went down:

These ladies (my small group) always know how to make me smile and completely surprised me with the sweetest birthday card and a s'more cake.

Please excuse the mess. The cake looked bizarre zoomed in.

That's right!  It's what you think it is! One, big s'more!  We actually had s'more dip for dessert that night, so I took this baby home and ate it for breakfast the next morning.  YUM!

On my actual birthday, my parents and I went to a fancy, french restaurant called Le Ferme in Chevy Chase, MD.  We normally only go here once a year, so it was really special.

I had the dover sole, which happened to be the most expensive item on the menu. Ooops! I guess that is what "market price" means.  It was so delicious, though.

 For dessert, the waiter brought me a chocolate souffle and wished me a "hoppy birthday"!!

Even though my parents hate ice cream cake, they also surprised me with a chocolate cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream. 

Mom was funny and put trick candles on the cake.  She said after the year I've had, I'd want to have more than just one wish!  She was right.  I had a lot of fun making many wishes and questioning my lung capacity as those flames continued to reignite over and over.

My third and final celebration was with our family friends.  We just had a quiet dinner at home, but Kim was so sweet to make my favorites.  She made this ceasar salad that is just to die for.  I have never had anything like it before.

Then she also made cookies and cream pie which has now replaced the Baskin Robbins ice cream cake as my favorite.  This pie was amazing!

As for presents, my parents gave me a brand new Spyder ski jacket that I am hoping to get some good use out of this year. Kim, Roy, and Ryan gifted me with two beautiful Lenox crystal votive candle holders as a symbol of bright, new beginnings.

Thank goodness my friends and family didn't listen to my bah humbug birthday mumblings. They all did what they could to make it very special.  A hoppy birthday, indeed.  Thirty-one has started off oh so fun!

Jepson 20th Anniversary Gala

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies at University of Richmond is the only school of its kind in the world.  Bob and Alice Jepson believe in the importance and need to provide education in leadership studies and ethics. He felt with that foundation you would be able to contribute to society in a positive way and succeed in whatever career you chose to pursue. With this in mind, the Jepsons gifted the University, his alma mater, with millions of dollars to create the Jepson School of Leadership Studies.  Leadership moves the world.  That's why it's important, why we study it and why we strive to do it well. A Jepson education investigates leadership not only as a position but also as a process and a relationship among people. Students look at leadership as it was, as it is and as it should be.  Courses challenge students to think critically, communicate effectively and anticipate change.  Source

Jepson graduates go on to a variety of careers, but regardless of the field we choose, we are taught to see the world differently.  Those outside of "Club Jepson" as we were called by the haters, would make fun of us for pursing such a "hokey" field.  As part of our Jepson education, we were required to have a second major or minor. Mine was Spanish, but I was in classes with friends who chose art, biology, rhetoric and communications, political science and business among others.  We were also required to complete a 240 hour internship. It was at that internship (mine was in organizational behavior) where I learned first hand that there is a serious lack of leadership and the skills, concepts, and values I was learning were going to be extremely important professionally and personally. My Jepson experience afforded me opportunities to work with Congressmen, scholars, my peers, and homeless people. Such variety was valuable, eye-opening, and character building. I am forever grateful to the Jepson family for their generous gift to provide students with such a unique opportunity to explore the world outside of the "Richmond bubble" and make a difference by actively engaging in the world around us.   

It's been nearly nine years since I've spent almost every waking hour in Jepson Hall with my classmates/friends. Some of my favorite memories are:

• Getting my acceptance letter and proudly accepting my certificate at the Induction.
• Developing my motivation series geared towards homeless people with Patricia North.
• Creating leadership curriculum for and working with students with severe learning disabilities.  The moment they realized that they, too, could be leaders despite their differences was so sweet!
• Talking to Bubba Cathy (Chick Fil-A founder's family) on his personal cell phone.  He freely communicated with my friend, Melissa and I, for one of our projects.
• Riding in a hot air balloon during Dr. Couto's class while he was teaching us about paradigm shifts.
• When Dr. Wren ripped his pants and we were all trying so hard not to laugh.
• Anything in Dr. Hickman's classes.
• The encouragement from Dean Teresa Williams and how she (and everyone else) would forever mix up me and Jessica Moye Tallman.  One time, Jessica had hip surgery and had to use one crutch.  She was "Jessica with one crutch" and I was "Jessica with two canes!"
• Graduation Day: All the Jepson majors remained standing for each other after we returned to our seat with diploma in hand.
• Dr. Richard Couto: Without him, I may have pursued business instead.  He was my scholarship advisor and asked me if I ever thought about considering Leadership Studies. I hadn't, but he encouraged me to take the Foundations class....the rest is history!

I made more memories last night at the 20th Anniversary Gala. It was so much fun catching up with our professors and other Jepsonians. The black tie gala was held at The John Marshall Ballrooms in downtown Richmond, Va. We began the evening with cocktails and catching up.  During the cocktail hour, I ran into many people I haven't seen since graduation, and some familiar faces, too.

 Here I am with Dr. Gill Robinson Hickman.  She was my favorite professor and one of the founding faculty at the Jepson School along with Dr. J. Thomas Wren and Dr. Joanne Ciulla. Dr. Hickman helped me decide to pursue my MBA and has encouraged me along this new journey to law school by writing a recommendation.  She hasn't had me as a student in 11 years and is still so caring and supportive and willing to do whatever to help me succeed. How wonderful to see her!  She was just as excited to see her former students as we were to see her.

 Pausing for a photo op with Kimberly Bowers, Kristen Emerson and Suezy Keller.  In true Jepson fashion, this is the only time we were all together all night.  Of course, we were all assigned to different tables! Much of our Jepson education involved group work, but the Jepson philosophy is you don't get to pick the people you work with in the real world, so you don't get to pick your partners in group assignments. For a second, we all thought we could sit together. Silly us!
At my table was a current Jepson student on JSGA and Jepson Corp (a new association), Georgia Sorenson (a scholar and now professor at UMD Law.  Remember her?? It was kind of crazy to be sitting there eating dinner with her having remembered reading her books and learning from her when she was a visiting scholar), a visiting scholar from Claremont-McKenna College who teaches courses for their degree in Leadership (not a school but a major), and two adjunct professors.  We dined on delicious food and this fantastic cake! Notice the Jepson candy on top!

The program opened with remarks from Dean Sandra Peart who then introduced Admiral Michael Mullen, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ADM Mullen discussed failure and how he learned more from his failures than from his successes. He also reiterated what Jepson instills in us over and over, which is that you don't have to be in a position of power to be a leader and the concept of servant leadership.  President Ayers spoke and introduced Mr. Robert Jepson. Honestly, I don't remember much of what he said because all I remember was thinking how thankful I was that he gave such a generous gift for so many students to have this education. My Jepson experience is certainly paramount to my college experience and to my professional successes today. Most, if not all, of us who were Jepson graduates (major or minor) would probably agree that Jepson has been influential in who we are today. It's rare to say that your major (or minor) has played a part in shaping who you are. That's what makes Jepson so special.

At the end of the night, we were gifted 20th anniversary wine glasses.  The scholar next to me couldn't carry his back on the plane, so I now have two. Rest assured, I will toasting Jepson for a long, long time.

Maybe you're born with it.  Maybe it's Jepson.  - A slogan on a t-shirt in the 20th anniversary video.

Unplugged Take Two

I haven't talked much about my birthday this year.  It wasn't much of a celebration, but the dinners I did have in honor of that special day were delicious and much appreciated.  I will get the photos up soon, but I am still playing around with my Adobe Photoshop.  I have this bad habit of trying to make everything perfect when I know it is possible to do so.  It started back when I was really young.  My parents said they were a bit worried because I wasn't talking when I should have been.  Turned out my speech was a little delayed, but my first three words were pickle, bracelet, and hippopotamus. Dad said I never liked to say a word until I could say it just right. There's a lot of truth to that because, to this day, it drives me crazy when people mispronounce words.  Don't worry, I don't judge you if you make a mistake (I make mistakes, too), but inside I am dying to correct the mispronunciation. I only do this with my parents. You're safe, promise.

What does this little aside have to do with my photos? Well, I just know that I can make them look better than they look right now, so I want to learn how to do that before I write a blog about them. At this point, it might be the year 2014 before I master this and I might just have to forget about trying to be perfect and just capture the memory. I am just not ready to give up just yet.

If you could see the photos, you'd see that nothing too terribly exhilarating occurred during my celebrations.  You'd definitely see that I ate a ton of cake, ice cream, ice cream cake and ice cream pie (Yeah, have I mentioned that it's a good thing that I am close with a certified diabetes educator because all of that sugar is surely not good for me.  But, I also recognize that diabetes is a serious disease that I do not want to get, so I'll post later on what I am doing to help cut down on my sugar.) There was one really exciting part of my birthday, though.

I got 14 birthday cards in the mail!!

 In this age, that is extremely rare. And it made SO happy to get handwritten wishes from friends and family members!  Don't get me wrong, the texts, Facebook messages and phone calls made my day special too. It's just an extra measure of thoughtful to send a card -- and my face lit up when something besides a bill was present in my mailbox.

Last year, I received a number of cards and set out to reciprocate the thoughtfulness. But, life happened. I sent cards, lots of cards, but only to Dude. Now, it's my turn to make YOU feel just as special as those who sent me cards made me feel. You deserve it.

Be on the lookout for mail from me around your birthday. I can't promise it will always be a legit birthday card because Hallmark is seriously lacking in their selection these days, but it will be a handwritten wish from me to you.

And, maybe one day before my next birthday, you'll see those photos....

30 in 30

Thirty lessons I've learned in my first 30 years....

1. Believe.  In God.  In yourself.  In others.
2. Develop relationships with people who can give you nothing in return. You will learn a lot from them.
3. Don't live to work. Work to live.
4. You are smart and well educated. Use your brain. Education opens doors.
5. Don't waste opportunities because you're afraid of where they might take you.
6. You can never love a person too much as long as they love you back.
7. There will be people you love or want to be friends with who don't feel the same way for whatever reason.  There is a reason even if you don't know what it is.  Focus your energy on people who care.
8. Never give up. Ever.
9. There will be hard and dark times in your life. The sorrow makes the joy that much sweeter.
10. A drunk girl is not classy.
11. Diamonds can be worn anytime, anywhere - even in the gym.
12. Say no to drugs - illegal, always; prescription unless absolutely necessary.
13. Coffee is gross but is sometimes your best friend.
14. You should probably try to quit drinking Diet Coke.
15. Be kind and slow to anger.  Everyone has something that could bring them to their knees at anytime.
16. Dogs enrich your life in so many ways.
17. Patience may not be your strength but don't use that as an excuse. Be patient with those around you and those you love.
18. Using your credit card for everything allows you to take awesome trips! Rack up those miles!
19. God does answer prayers just not always in the way you expect or want.
20. It is never okay to show your butt crack in public. Ever.
21. Sing, smile, laugh and pray in all circumstances.
22. Always be there for your friends and family even if it seems exhausting and impossible. It will be worth it in the end.
23. Remember the sacrifices your parents have made for you. Be grateful.
24. Do something that scares you. It will either be a growth experience or a good story.
25. Effective communication is one of the most important skills you can learn.
26. Travel. The world does not revolve around you.
27. Just because you don't want to be a stay at home mom doesn't mean you will be a bad mom.  Your kids can learn a lot from watching you develop your career as long as you don't put the career in front of your family.
28. Sports make your life a lot of fun!  Being a Redskins fan is a lesson in loyalty.
29. Your health is critically important. Go to the doctor and the dentist, even though you hate the dentist. Work out, too!
30. Eat cake for breakfast on your birthday. It's just fun!

A Little Christmas Cheer

In honor of my moving back into my condo and my determination to truly celebrate Christmas despite this difficult year, I decided to have a party. It ended up being a more intimate gathering than I anticipated, but it was perfect! I loved being able to spend time with my friends and not feel rushed to try to get around to everyone. I also loved that the food options I chose meant that I could sit on the couch and enjoy the company instead of standing in the kitchen monitoring the oven or the stove. This was purposeful. I'll let the photos (from my phone) do most of the "talking".

 The bar: wine, beer, soda, water, virgin cranberry cocktail and Christmas tea (not pictured)

Good eats: fruit, veggies with spinach and artichoke dip, shrimp, cheese ball and crackers, turkey sandwiches, meatballs, sausage balls, and cookie dough dip with pretzels. I actually made the meatballs, sausage balls and cookie dough dip. Yes, I actually cooked something and it tasted good. The world really might end in a few days! I forgot to take a photo of the cupcakes and cookies. I made the cupcakes too, but they were a bit wimpy! They tasted good, but didn't look that pretty. Next time.

Even better than the food was the company. One fail of the night was that I didn't take pictures of all of the people there, but here are a few. Not pictured are the Caseys and Jessica. I have the best friends in the world. I always knew they were amazing, but the love and support they have given me this past year is indescribable.

 Love those Landers

 Blessed to be able to call people who started out as "Mike's friends" my own now.

 This isn't the best photo, but George makes it adorable. So much fun to see the Guernseys!

 And, finally, my very own Christmas tree! This is my "first" one. My parents bought me a tree two years in a row previously, but then took both of them to use in their house. This one is my very own. I had so much fun decorating it and look forward to increasing my ornament collection over the years.

This little party was a great way to kick off the Christmas season! Thanks to everyone who came to share the love and the joy of the season with me. The only negative: I have a whole bowl of cookie dough dip in my fridge and I live alone. T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

A Special Place

My dad and I have a tradition. I am not quite sure when it started, but it's been going strong for many years now. What is it, you ask? When my mom is out of town he and I have a daddy-daughter date at Fuddruckers. Initially, we picked the place because we both like it and my mom prefers to pass it by. Yeah, I'm not sure what's wrong with her either. So, when she's away, we always plan at least one meal there. She has been in Charlotte this week, so dad and I snagged some time to go today.

I was so excited as we approached the place. You can smell all of the goodness as soon as you walk through the door. We have it all worked out. I like the kid's meal, but if I walked up and ordered it they would laugh in my face! I look younger than 30, I know, but not young enough to get the kid's meal without being questioned or flat out denied -- at least I hope not! As soon as we walk through the door, we split. Dad heads to place the order and I scurry to find a table. My order is the same every time. A kid's meal hamburger, fries and a chocolate shake. It's the perfect size and I get a little bit of everything for $5! Oh, and how can I forget the free cookie! Normally, I forfeit my cookie to my dad because the shake is enough sugar for me, but if I decide to overindulge, then it's a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie to boot!

As I write this post, I'm a little sad. Sad because my meal is over. I don't put anything on the hamburger. It is simply wonderful just as it is. Five Guys is the big and famous hamburger chain around here. I always have to doll up a Five Guys burger. Fosters, Elevation Burger, too. Nothing holds a candle to Fuddrucker's. Those buttery buns that hold the beef patty, man they are terrible for me, but oh so good! And, the fries! No need to dunk those babies in ketchup. They are seasoned perfectly, so why mess with perfection?

I reserve Fuddrucker's for only the most special men in my life. Dad and I go there at least once a year. Dude and I have been there, too.

I've decided that when I get married I am going to request that hubs and I go there for Valentine's Day. I don't believe in spending a lot of money on that "holiday", but it is nice to do a little something fun and special. It's a pain to go out to dinner, though, because the restaurants are packed and the prices are jacked way up! Not at Fuddrucker's. The buns....the fries....the shakes....Spend $5 dollars on a kid's meal for me and he will see my face light up as if he just gave me diamonds! Ok, not quite, but pretty close!

So, if you hear about me and a man going to Fuddrucker's, you know he must be someone special. That may just be the key to my heart.

Don't worry, though, I won't turn down the diamonds!