Missing In Action January

Well hello and Happy New Year! 

Sure it's well past the middle of January but this is my first post of 2015 so I can still get away with well wishes for the new year. 

I want to start off the new year with a thank you to my loyal readers and anonymous peekers who've been poking around JumpingJE waiting patiently for me to publish something. For what? To give up my whereabouts, to see if I'm still in a relationship since I stopped Man-Crush-Monday'ing on instagram, to see what I got for Christmas gifts? I may never know why you've been checking in so much, but felt that showing up for unconventional confessions on Wednesday would be a pretty great way to break the ice.

Let's tell a story about my adventures. 

Christmas started off with a bang - and not the magical fireworks kind of bang, but more of the what-is-going-on-with-my-life-right-now-and-how-did-I-get-here kind. We're still sorting all of those feelings out, but it's safe to say that I (once again) was the center of attention on Christmas - even though it was my brother's first time home for Christmas in 5 years. Sorry family, thanks for understanding this drama-llama world. I don't understand it but I'm happy you do. 

The only thing missing from my Christmas story was the hallway selfie mirror I've really been wishing for. Nothing that a fun new pair of leggings can't fix - I even took them out for a spin for coffee with my sweetest lady, Marisa.  

Christmas passed and I had no decorations to take down, which was pretty amazing because in no time at all I was on a plane again. This time I was headed across the country for sixteen days of work, work and more work. 

You, my friends, had no early notice on this one and neither did I! I found out about this trip on Christmas Eve and had a heck of a time deciding what to pack for two weeks away in Memphis including New Years with the guy while also trying to make a pretty awesome impression at work. Yes - boyfriend is still around despite the absence of MCM'ing about him week-in and week-out. Don't take it personally, b! 

What did I pack? Something old, something new, something borrowed and something to work out in. Okay I may have brought a few things to work out in and none of them were touched a single time. Whoops. I did bring some cozy knits and a beautiful NYE dress though! 

You may want photo evidence of my adventures but there's nada. Zip zilch nada, not even an image worth sharing from my time away because I was in the office each day for 10-14 hours kicking butt and taking names. Well there may be one photo but that's not going on my blog - it was a picture of the worst bathroom stall I've ever almost used in my life - there was no spot for a toilet paper roll... huh?! To be fair it was a new building and a new stall, but really - how is the TP roll left out of the design sketches?

I made it back home with nothing to show but a pile of laundry and a bunch of clean workout clothes. My parents were amazing as always and fixed up my house with groceries, a made bed and fresh flowers. I really don't deserve it all but someday I'll pay it forward. 

Oh don't forget the part where I completely busted my iPhone and thank my impulsive self for getting the Apple Care because now I have a shiny brand new one! 

After all of that nonsense it was this that got me through the last 25 days. A simple print I'd read a thousand times but never really understood until I needed it. Thanks mom for always giving me wisdom even when it's not intentional. 

Peace and Love and Humpday with Melissa <3

I've Got a Gift Idea For You

If you're looking for a last minute gift for a loved one or you simply want to start the new year off right by pampering yourself, I've got the perfect idea. 

This week I was invited to experience something called "Floating" at The Float Shoppe in Northwest Portland. 

If you've never heard of floating (like I hadn't), it's a sensory deprivation experience in which you get into a float tank filled with enough epsom salts to allow your body to float freely and effortlessly. The session is 90 minutes of pure relaxation and brain rejuvenation. Your time can be spent playing in the water, exploring the boundaries of your tank, letting your mind drift off and even fall asleep in a soothing weightless existence.

My visit began by meeting the team at the Float Shoppe and being seated in the lobby with my feet in the warm spa and tea cradled in my hands. Us first time floaters were briefed on what to expect and how to prepare bodies and minds to get the most out of our session. 

I was in the Floatarium Float Tank (view three tank options here) which is extra spacious and has a closed-lid for the ultimate escape from outside distractions. All rooms offer sound proofing and light-blocking, but something about the closed pod made me fall even deeper into the experience. 

After inserting my ear plugs and taking my shower, my first dip into the water had me giggling. There's seriously no feeling like the first time you feel yourself weightless. If you've ever floated in a pool it's like that but with zero effort. Like this little guy:

via

My first 20 minutes were spent playing around in the water. Moving my body from side to side, pushing off the sides of the tank to explore the boundaries. Once I felt settled into my tank, I laid in beautiful silence, eyes open or closed didn't matter, and fell into a place between awake and asleep. The feeling to have only my mind turned on with my body free to relax was surreal. A place where meditation and creativity will flourish given an open mind. 

I did not fall asleep during the session, but seriously believe that having a tank installed in my future custom built home is on my to-do list. 

If you're interested to learn more about my experience, check out Portland's Float Shoppe on their website here. 90 Minute Sessions are $60 and the Shoppe is located in the city on NW 23rd. 

** Disclaimer: I was offered a complimentary float with the possibility of review from The Float Shoppe.  All opinions are my own.