Day Twenty-Three: A picture of your favorite book

This book is simply a stunning piece of literature.

Warning:  If you are faint of heart, do not read.

This is a futuristic novel centered around a group of teenage "droogs" (hoodlums) who enjoy doing drugs and engaging in a bit of "ultraviolence" (vandalism, rape, etc).  Then, the government steps in to try to correct their behavior, leaving the primary character, Alex, ultimately defenseless.

Want to know more?  You'll have to read it yourself.  Naturally, I would highly recommend you do!  That was one of the things that Justin did for me early in our relationship that won my heart.  I told him how passionate I was about this novel . . . and he borrowed it from me and read it himself.  He loved it too.

Just so you know . . . if you choose to partake . . . at first it will feel as if you are reading a book written in another language.  Burgess creates his own slang language for the book and there is no glossary.  Don't worry . . . keep reading . . . you'll figure it out . . . and you'll be amazed!

And for a bit of "only Jennifer would know" trivia:

Rupert Grint once dressed up as Alex for a Halloween party!

Now, I know you want to read it!

Day Twenty-Two: A picture of something you wish you were better at



Running

I wish I was a better runner.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a kick-butt exerciser . . . you name it . . . elliptical, treadmill, bike, weights, aerobics . . . but running?  Zilch.  Zero.

I tried hard to find a photograph of my good friend, Lindsey, for this post.  She is an inspiring runner who took up training while we were in college and now runs marathons.  That's 26.2 miles for those of you who are like me.  Honestly, one of the things I'd like to do before I die is run a simple 5K for crying out loud!  My dad is a pretty good runner too . . . and I've thought about trying to train with him a bit.  Acutally, last night I proposed the idea of training to "run" at marathon on an elliptical.  However, I guess that defeats my becoming a better runner, doesn't it?

I think it would still be a pretty impressive feat . . . talk about clocking some time in the gym!  What do you think Lindsey?  Any tips?

Day Twenty-One: A picture of something you wish you could forget



This was an easy challenge for me . . . piece. of. cake.

I wish I could forget the Medela Symphony Breast Pump--and the majority of breastfeeding in general. 

The above pictured apparatus is honestly all I remember about my first week home with Jackson, and that makes me very sad.  His tongue-tie meant that he couldn't latch on property, forcing my dependence on this breast pump to give him breast milk.  For almost 3 weeks, I "hooked up to the milker" instead of feeding my baby myself--out of guilt--every 3 hours around the clock.  I knew deep down that this was not really working for anyone, but I continued out of guilt--I had convinced myself that I must breast feed my son--or else!

Now I know better--that the most important thing as long as nobody goes hungry--is to relax and enjoy one other during the precious, fleeting time.  For our next child, I'm still unsure whether I will event attempt breastfeeding again.  If I do, however, one thing is for certain:  I will not rent one of these breast pumps, and if it doesn't work out, I will stop torturing myself--guilt-free!



Day Twenty: A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel



Ever since The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was released, my dream vacation destination has been Greece.

Santorini, Greece

Then, once we look our Mediterranean cruise to Spain, the Balearic Islands, France, and Italy . . . my Euro-hunger was further ignited!

Better start saving now!

This Little Piggy



Today . . .

This little piggy went to Hay-MARKET

Spent all day away from HOME

...

And because Cheesecake Factory doesn't sell ROAST BEEF

This little piggy had NONE

...

And after a day of shots and shopping,

this little piggy went WEE WEE WEE, ALL THE WAY HOME!

Ahh,

quality entertainment for ya!

Just to check in-- Jackson had his 1-year check-up today (exactly one year from his newborn appointment in which Mommy also landed a job)-- and he weighed 23 lbs 14 oz (75%) and was 30.5 in (75%).  His ever-present "massive melon" was 19 in (90%).

Day Nineteen: A picture and a letter



Dear First-Year college student,

       There you are sitting in your dorm room during your very first week of college classes.  Freeze.  Take a long, deep breath--take it all in.  You are about to embark on the wildest and most wonderful, life-shaping, four years of your entire life!  You don't know it yet, but that girl you're hugging in this photograph (the one you just met a few days ago) will still be a major part of your life when you're 25.  She and her husband (whom she hasn't met yet) will get you through one of most difficult years of your adult life.  Hang on tight to her--she's a great friend.
       Be nice to your roommate, Hayley.  You're going to find that she's right about your boyfriend.  Save yourself the drama--break up with him now--and develop a better relationship with the girls in your dorm!  He's not going to be around much longer anyways.
      Go out to a frat party tonight!  I know you never went to parties in high school . . . and you've never really drank much. . . but please don't miss out on the college experience.  When you're a 3rd year, you're going to live with the most incredible young women--and you're going to look back on your 1st year and ask yourself "what was I thinking?!?  this is awesome!"  Don't worry--you had awesome parents--you'll play hard, but you'll work hard too.  Things won't get out-of-hand, trust me.
      Sign up for that "History of The Circus" class you're really interested in taking.  You're going to end up waiting too long . . . and then it's not going to fit into your nursing schedule. 
      Oh yeah, and during your 2nd year you're going to meet a really short guy at a party.  Please don't lead him on.  Be honest with yourself: you're not interested.  If you don't, you're going to end up going on a week-long trip to NYC with him to "meet his parents" and you're going to be absolutely miserable!  Haha...or your could do it anyways...because it makes a awesome story later on!
      Call your mom more often--after college, you'll call her everyday--and you'll wonder why you didn't back then.  Tell your friend, Serena, that you love her everyday.  She will be your confidant for the rest of your life.  You will go through all of life's changes and challenges right beside her--like you're living in a parallel universe.  Really treasure these years when she's available for dinner dates and errand runs.  You'll long to have her close by in years to come.
      Most of all--enjoy yourself.  These really are "the best years of your life."  Sure, the work load is intense (you will have much less stress when you're actually practicing nursing in the real world).  However, make time for friends and adventure--you can't get them back!  Sing it loud and proud--"That Good Ole' Song of Wahoowa, we'll sing it o'er and o'er, it cheers our hears and warms our blood to hear them shout and roar, we come from old Vir-gin-i-a where all is bright and gay, let's all join hands and give a yell, for dear ole' UVA!"

Love,
UVA Alumnus, yourself

Day Eighteen: A picture of your biggest insecurity

No, this photograph was not altered in any way; although, I realize it looks that way.  It's just old--from 2005 to be exact.

No questions asked, my body is 500% my biggest insecurity.  This "challenge" is definitely the most difficult for me to discuss (after all, why wouldn't 'your biggest insecurity' be?).  I have struggled with my body image for as long as I can remember.  If I had to pin-point when it began, I'd say it was in 3rd grade when this fat boy (yeah, ironic, I know) started calling me "Fanny Mae Brown Cow."  Whew!  Feels good to admit that, surprisingly!  From 3rd grade on . . . whether I was a size 18 or a size 2 (yes, I actually been both), I was self-conscious about my body.  I can remember making my mother snap this photograph numerous times because "I had a fat roll on my stomach" (you know, just below my friggin' 25'' waist!).

I think having a baby has helped me a little bit with this lifelong struggle.  Don't get me wrong--it is certainly still ongoing--but, I think carrying a child changes your perspective on your "hott bod" a bit.  It's not that I don't want to be sexy anymore . . . trust me . . . I don't work out 6 days/week for nothing!  Rather, it's that I see my body as having more of a purpose than I used to before Jackson.  I am thankful that I never fell victim to an eating disorder that prevented me from bearing children, and I am proud of my wide hips' God-given, baby-birthin' ability.  Ha!

That being said, however, I am also thankful that God blessed me with a son.  My husband was both a string-bean and a cubby cherub at times growing up, but he doesn't remember being picked on in school about his body the way I was.  I think girls become obsessed with weight and body image at a sickeningly young age, and I rejoyce in the hope that Jackson will not have to stuggle with this insecurity as I have and still do.

A Mother's Day Special

A Mother's Day Special . . . No, I'm not talking about a sale on roses or mylar balloons or some silly stuffed animal.  I'm simply talking about exactly what Mother's Day is:  special.

Last year was my very first Mother's Day . . . Jackson was only 4 days old, and I was really too exhausted to think about celebrating.  Besides, at that point I honestly didn't understand precisely what it meant to be his "mother" yet.  This year is different.  I am so incredibly blessed to has both the joys and responsibility of raising the world's most loveable one-year-old (sure, I'm a little biased).

Today my wonderful mom and I went out to dinner together to celebrate.  She is truly the WORLD'S BEST MOM, and I know I'll be doing well by Jax if I am even half the mother she was to me.  I love you and thank you for everything, Mom.

Since Justin had to work today, we celebrated Mother's Day at our house yesterday . . . first with a picnic in the park with Jackson . . . then with a dinner/movie date with just Justin and I.  Here are a few pictures from our early Mother's Day!

After our park outing, Justin gave me my gift . . . a British import CD of Ellie Goulding who sings "Starry Eyed."  I was so impressed that he was able to find it . . . since it's not yet sold in the USA!

Good job, Jus!



. . . And we set off on the town . . .

*     *     *

And to satisfy your curiosity, I have included a link to watch the music video of "Starry Eyed"

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y8gXv0tPj4&feature=player_detailpage

Day Seventeen: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently



As most of you know, we moved to our new home in January.  And, if you've been reading this blog, you know it's come with several surprises--both good and bad (ahem new heat pump).

Nevertheless, we are so much happier in our new hometown (a little slice of Roanoke, maybe . . . but still not the whole pie).  Moving to a new place has meant learning new roads, finding new restaurants and stores, making new friends, becoming involved in new community activities, discovering a new church home, and making brand new memories as a family.

I'd say that's a pretty big impact!

Day Sixteen: A picture of someone who inspires you



I am not this brave, and I hope I never have to be.

I do not know this man, but he is just one example of what inspires me--active duty members of our armed forces, especially those who are wounded in the name of freedom and overcome insurmountable odds.

Whenever I see or read anything in the news about extraordinary men and women serving our country, I am hard pressed to keep dry eyes.

Thank you for your sacrifice.