The Easter Bunny

Last Wednesday I thought a cruel April Fools joke was being pulled on me when the left side of my face swelled up. It even made me feel numb, dizzy, forgetful and incoherent. Maybe it was punishment for drinking a beer at work (which is totally okay by the way!), or maybe it was because I made you all think I was getting a brand new puppy. 

Either way, life and career knocked me out last week. So badly that I haven't sweat since last Monday and I'm on antibiotics (and eating a ton of yogurt #notpaleo). 

I was supposed to spend the weekend in Seattle with the family, but instead I laid in bed all day Saturday with heat packs on my even more swollen face. Then Sunday I headed home to hang out with mom and the sisters who also decided to stay back home from Seattle.

It feels like we all made the right decision because it was great to have a girl-Easter and a boy-Easter even if the family wasn't all together! 

20 treats is what it took to get Bailey to settle down for this photo, but some of the outtakes of her running away with the ears in her mouth are even better. She has a bizarre obsession with stealing anything that's wearable on the head and/or feet (hats, ears, glasses, shoes). That's just the kind of sister she is, but it made for a great Easter photo for the Instagram feed. 

This week already looks good with the long-awaited weekend trip to see my friend get married in Rhode Island. The wedding, getting back to sweating this week, days off of work and some Boston exploring have me off on the right foot! 

What did you guys do this weekend? 

It's Almost Christmas Confessions!

Welcome back to Wednesday and Merry Christmas (eve)! 

It makes me so happy to be looking forward to an entire day off of work, knowing that it's likely one of my very last for a while. There's quite a big event on Monday that is going to likely take quite a lot of my time over the next few months. 

Since the last time I was here, the following things have happened:

- I planked in front of a crowd at my holiday work party - twice

- I photo-boothed at my holiday work party - twice

- I've sent 15+ triple-chin snapchat selfies to some lucky recipients

- I've scrambled and failed at Christmas shopping

- Succeeded with buying a selfie tripod. Worth a shot, right?

- Mom successfully delivered toys, food baskets, clothes and miracles to seven families in need.

- Seriously, it took a village ^

Now we're ready for  a few quick Christmas confessions as I watch Christmas Story over FaceTime with my handsome guy who has been working way too hard. I'd show you how hard but don't think I'm allowed to show that frazzled look on the internet. Thanks for the extra MCM love this week!

:: Here is our very sad Christmas tree. What's even sadder is that it's at my boyfriend's house across the country, is decorated with $5 worth of "ornaments" from the dollar tree and some lackluster short cord lights. The redeeming quality is a pretty sweet Bear-necessities ornament that we found at Hallmark and wouldn't leave until we were the proud owners. It seriously sings and everything - the perfect start to creating our Christmas magic. 

:: I am probably on Santa's naughty list this year, and mostly for being a jerk to my body. Workouts aren't a priority anymore, #paleo is a guideline and not a rule, more days are "off days" than I'd like to admit and my kettlebell strength is lacking. Ps did you know my mom can swing a 55lb kettlebell? My hero. 

:: I've had the same bathroom hand soap for as long as I've lived in this house. Literally the same bottle. This week as I was goofing around in the same aisle as the pumpkin spice ice cream (so basic) I found a brand new hand soap that I truly couldn't pass up. The smell was heavenly. Here are some other amazing beauty products at Trader Joe's.

:: I still don't have presents bought, wrapped or even decided. It's too late for Amazon Prime to save me now, isn't it? 

That's all - stay merry & bright! Enjoy the time with your loved ones!

Are you ready for Humpday Confessions to return in January with Melissa?

By the Seat of My Pants

Dear fellow writers of blogs, have you ever been so caught up in the flurry of work, holidays and happiness that you actually forgot that you have a blog? 

This phenomenon called "oh-my-goodness-I'm-way-too-busy" otherwise known as "hey-look-my-job-rules-my-life" has been creeping up on me pretty hard lately that I'm having a tough time keeping it all together. 

Maybe it's time to take back the reins and be a little more methodical about things like meal prep, my workout schedule, pre-writing blog content and assembling outfits with accessories rather than throw on the same boots, skinny jeans & sweater combination I've been living in lately. 

Organize, plan, take notes and live by the pages of a trusty Moleskine planner in the new year. Keep commitments with friends. Read. Wash my face at night. Make my bed every morning. Do laundry start to finish rather than the 1 week cycle time I'm currently in the middle of. Simple things like that would make my days a little easier right?

Oh, but friends! Don't you know how good it feels to live by the seat of your pants? 

From jet-setting across the country for an "everything makes sense now" weekend with my guy, a random public transportation adventure downtown or an impromptu Sunday coffee date with Brooke - there's a lot to be said about not having everything figured out and not knowing what the plan is. 

Like everything, it will take patience and baby steps to get my world in order.

In the meantime I'm going to try to remember that I have a blog and make sure that I'm keeping some balance in my world. Oh, I'm also going to do my Christmas shopping - likely online and likely in my pajamas.

What are you going to work on this week to make yourself a little better? 

Showing Up to Class Confessions

Hi blog world, what have you been up to?

I've been away for a week with work and play but won't miss confessions even if it means staying up a little past bedtime to tell them. 

FIRST thing to mention is that Melissa is coming to Portland tomorrow for a long and amazing weekend. I can't explain how excited I am to hug her in real life after months of internet hugs and snapchat selfies. Get excited!!!!

:: I've never bought my own fireworks and really prefer it that way. Blow up my money? boo! Watch other people burn their money? Awesome! 

:: 4th of July has always been a depressing day for me. From not being invited to BBQ's, not having any friends at my new school, not feeling comfortable in my own skin on a hot day, not wanting to be stuck in a crowd after a big show - it's always a life re-defining day that's made me sad when I should be in awe of the explosions in the sky.

This year was like a make up for years and years of disappointment with a promise of years and years of happiness to come.

:: These are the most amazing tweezers I've ever encountered in my entire life. I think I'm addicted to tweezing my lady-hairs eyebrows.

:: I got caught in the staircase at the gym yesterday taking this selfie. Like the good blogger / selfie-taker I am, I didn't budge, didn't blush and didn't apologize. Just smirked and snapped the photo. 

:: I thought that I missed a link-up that I'm co-hosting yesterday.... but turns out it's actually happening on Thursday - you should go check out the details for every Thursday in July on my fitness blog!

Also... sup, shark week?

Link up with Kathy!!!

Memorial Weekending Things

So I kind of forgot about blogging this weekend.

Last weekend I pre-scheduled all of my posts so I didn't really write for about 10 days. Then this weekend there was always more sunshine to be out in, always another nap to take - always more sweat to get out. Needless to say, starting this draft at 1am Monday morning means you're going to get a photo dump more than a lesson.

:: When there's poop in your city's water you make sure to attend a community volunteer clean-up event where they've promised bottled water. #pdxboil

:: You also attend that event when your amazing mom is the one who puts it on each year.

:: Nap Friday night (even though I said I wouldn't) = no going out for fun with Kayla.

:: 1 Mile / 100 Pull ups / 200 Push ups / 300 Squats / 1 Mile = no gas left for hiking with Brooke.

:: I went swimsuit shopping. I didn't cry. I bought three bikinis (!!!)

:: Being home with mom and dad on meat prep day is a great idea.

:: I will accept meat as payment for computer help services:

:: Time spent with the sisters fills my heart more than most things I can think of.

:: A clean car is a happy car - can you believe she's almost 10?? Thanks Dad!

And that's enough! How about you - what did you learn this long weekend you're dying to share?

Go wish Tracey a happy Honeymoon - Melissa and I left her a present today on her blog.

Are you linking up with Katie today?

Things I Learned this Mother's Day Weekend

Yay, I'm back and ready to share some of the super great things I learned this weekend!

I've been having some busier than normal weekends lately and I'm really looking forward to the next one with zero plans where I can sit, read a book and have next to nothing to teach you from the world's most relaxing boring weekend. 

This was not that kind of weekend! It was eventful with family brunches, workouts and the always-enjoyable company of my two golden retriever sisters. 

:: My mom is the best.
:: You guys have amazing mothers also.
:: My mom is still the best.

:: She's the best because she blogs AND she did my week's meat prep for me.
:: She also cooked brunch on her special day and didn't complain about it.

:: You guys really seemed to like the lettuce wrap tacos I made last week.
:: My brother and dad are now officially citizens of Luxembourg. Up next, me!
:: You can't give grandma an iPhone. She will comment "Bchfk. F" onto my brother's girlfriend's photo album. (editor's note: no mimosas were had)

:: I can't stay up until midnight anymore.
:: I can DO A FULL TRICEP PUSH-UP... even if it's only one right now.
:: Sometimes Mondays are exciting because I have dance class plans with Kayla!

Great weekend, I need a nap! Are you linking up with Katie today?

Things I Learned This Easter Weekend

Happy day after Easter! Who still has a sugar/brunch/mimosa hangover this morning? 

I had an amazing weekend with my family and really wish that I had today off from work rather than next Monday. Heck, why do I even have to choose - let's make a mandate that all Monday's should be extended weekends! Can you do that for me?

Before I recap the weekend, here's the Friday outfit that I chose. Thank you to anyone and everyone who weighed in on the outfit decision. I felt happy and confident - and rocked the presentation!

This weekend I learned a ton of things that I want to link up with Katie and I don't even know if I can remember them all because I'm writing this Easter Sunday after a few mimosas in. Let's give it a try!

Disclaimer: the photos below somewhat have to do with what I learned, but I don't plan to address them all. Still enjoy.

+ I learned that a Sunday haircut at a new salon is the way to go! Not only was it laid back and relaxed, but I got awesome personal attention and parking was easy because everyone else was out fighting the Portland brunch rush. Yay!

+ I learned that I love my hair without layers - no more whispy and frayed ends in my life! Portland people, if you're looking for a stylist you need to schedule an appointment with Emmanuel now.

+ I learned what a Paleo easter basket looks like - yes that's sriracha and broccoli in there. My mom is awesome!

+ I know how to make whipped cream now with coconut cream (Trader Joes) - and it will be one of my summer staples. 

+ I should never make Friday plans because I always seem to nap through them. I was supposed to go to the Spring beer festival with Brooke - but instead had fun at a work party with beer that was free-.99. When I got home it was a nap with no pants and the lights on kind of evening. 

+ I learned that I can do four T25 workouts in one day and that my (super)mom is an animal! Wait, I already knew that. She did two of the workouts with me and wanted to still do another! (more here)

+ I learned I can't be trusted around champagne and OJ - you remember the last time, right?

+ I learned that my mom wants to start a blog about what she wishes she would have known while she was growing up that she knows now..... I'd read it, wouldn't you?!

Tons of education going on this weekend, what did you wonderful people learn and want to share with us? 

Link up with Katie if you know what's good for your health!

Friday Fave's

Hello Friday friends! 

I heard a rumor that most of you have the day off from work today so if that means sleeping in - I'm jealous. If that means you're up early and reading my blog - I'm thankful! If it means you're skipping blogging all together for the weekend - go on with your bad self(ie). 

I normally would be sharing My Week In Gifs for your Friday entertainment - but my lady friend across the country is hosting a Friday link-up that I wanted to support for four main reasons:

1. She's a loyal reader

2. She's a bargain queen

3. She's gorgeous and funny

4. I'm just starting this post at 9:40pm on Thursday night - cheers for link-ups!

Plus she made this link-up button on her own, isn't it pretty?

First before we talk about favorites - I have to mention that I'm finally getting a haircut this weekend and can't wait to flood your instagram feeds with selfies!!! Okay, maybe I'll just do one but know that my snapchat peeps are going to get at least 10.

I'm going to do my own take on this link-up, hope you don't mind!

Favorite Instagram Interaction of the week:

I allowed my followers to pick which outfit to wear to work Friday. It was a question for me because I love dressing springy on Good Friday, but I also have a work presentation where I want to be taken seriously. Let the people vote! 

Helene, bless her soul, was the only one out of 25+ who picked 'left' and I love her for it.

Favorite Video I watched this week:

#WorldsToughestJob (Love you, Mom)

Also in a close second is this: (Helene again)

Favorite Blog Reads this week:

Both are body image / loving yourself / loving others related. Please enjoy and follow these ladies.

Friends Don't Let Friends Fat Talk - I'm Your Katie Qué
April 'Strong' Showers - Kait Makes a Run for It

Favorite Thought Catalogs/Buzzfeeds this week:

21 Reasons I'll "Nope" You on Tinder
22 Times Stephen Colbert was the Perfect Man

Favorite workout this week:

Thursday night I combined a T25 cardio workout with Brooke's Dirty 30 and was a sweat storm.

Absolutely doing it all again.

That's all I've got today! Look out for my new hair selfies and have an amazing weekend!

Don't forget to link up with Amanda!

Welcome Back, JumpingJE

Good morning friends and family! It's great to be back.

I returned from another week in Toronto on Saturday to the sight of this handsome man who loves me with all his heart. Melt (not just from the summer heat!)

Flowers, treats and a sign (not pictured) made me feel like a special lady at the end of a difficult week - he's the greatest.

Okay, so I'm not the first one to have this question in blog land but can all Mondays be like yesterday? It was amazing.

Dan and I went to mom and dad's house to enjoy breakfast, play with puppies and give me additional excuses to stay away from my laptop for a few more hours. Just a few.

My mom has been religiously paleo for the past 4 months and looks amazing - she's my inspiration to get back on the serious wagon because these travel weeks have been rough on the physique (ahem - pizza, sandwiches, beer, greek food). First step is getting all of the right foods back in the house to support my clean eating aspirations so I'm not trapped in my own home with a pantry full of vices. My guy loves carbs, sugars, salt and snacks. There was not a vegetable to be found when I returned home Saturday.

Okay maybe some old carrots. Those don't count.

The ultimate best thing this week brings is my boss. It's been 5 weeks since he was last in the office and I'm thrilled he enjoyed a wonderful sabbatical, but seriously have missed his support and him being the 'shield' for our strong and resilient team. It'll be another busy month, but I'm happy to take it on - Jessi style.

Get here soon Friday - I need some more of these good sleeps that only a weekend can provide!

Jessi

That Time America Had a Party

Hello to all of you lucky people out there who are back to work today, self included.

It feels like ages since I last worked and honestly so much like summer vacation that the inner child in me just wants to jump on the trampoline and run through sprinklers all the way through mid-September.

via

The weekend was just what the doc ordered and allowed me to take a step back from everything that causes stress. It may have worked a little too well because waking up this morning was rough and I'm scared that I liked the no-work life a little too much. But I like my paycheck even more.

The weekend started off just right with a post work lift-heavy-things-and-put-them-back-down a'thon. It's been 4 years since college softball off season weight bulking the last time I did squats, on a rack, with 25+ lb plates and did super-sets with burpees. It's also been that long since I did cleans (not since I cleaned, mom!) and loved every minute of it. The reason I stayed after work to start the weekend was to take a friend to the airport, but I think I could get used to spending some time after work in front of the iron rather than with my foot on the brake on my commute through the city.

After getting a sweat on, I took a friend to the airport and a pit-stop at my favorite Portland restaurant, Montage! I'll never turn down some Spicy Mac n' Cheese and I'll always save leftovers for a cute little foil wrapped present to bring home for the next day's lunch.

Thursday was the day to celebrate America! I think she was thrown a pretty amazing party!

We didn't personally set off any fireworks, but Brooke and her man friend invited us over to their place for some time in the hot tub, BBQ, brews, Cards Against Humanity and we even made it back through downtown just in time to catch the main event over the Willamette River!

Not too busy on the Ross Island Bridge, but we were 'those people' and left before the finale because we had to get home to our little Holly!

The next most eventful thing I did all weekend was signed onto Twitter for the first time in ages (even though my blog auto-posts) and realized a few of the conversations I'd missed. Oops, I'll be better!

From sleeping in to visiting a mattress store to cuddling with a kitten all weekend, it was pretty rough for both Dan and I to face a 4am alarm today.

Holly agrees!

What did you get into this weekend? Did you give America the party it deserved?

Mullet Week

This week was all about business in the front and party in the back!

via

Hot week and a short week and oh my my I'm happy to be approaching a 4 day weekend!

After a successful forecast delivery and a congratulations lunch I'm going to run out of work so fast that I may even film it like this girl who ran onto the field during the College World Series:

Happy Birth Month to my lady, Brooke!

Today's that crazy day at work but I feel great about it this time around, even though I heard my Losing song on the way home from work yesterday and fell asleep with my paperwork on me and my contacts in, I'm still planning to kick this day's butt and spend the weekend with boyfriend and kitten (who is crazy on catnip...)

Here's some fantastic links to get you through the weekend, none of which are 4th of July related!

# Speaking of Mullets, here's 24 of them that changed the world

# BBQ this weekend? How to make kebabs!

# We love our brand new kitty and this is totally cute something she would do

# Something tasty from my blog buddy Marisa to make this weekend (and forever)

# Your own Personal Yeezus is a fantastic mash-up

# How many of you ladies played sports in high school?

Go on, blow things up, eat some food, lounge by the pool!

#GameOn

Did everyone have an amazing weekend like we had?

Friday night when I got home after typical afternoon traffic, I caught Dan in the kitchen popping the tab on the new Bud Light Margaritas and salting the rims on our fancy swoosh glassware. I threw my arms around him and thanked him for being the greatest boyfriend of all time.

Little did I know; he was boozin' me up so that I would sit happily and quietly yeah right while watching the Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat Game 3.

Little did he know; I was exhausted from the week and was sawing logs in the recliner by 6:45 pm.

...It's tough being such a party animal.

Saturday morning after a quick run in the neighborhood, Dan headed to work at his second job at a golf course while I got ready for breakfast in the gorge with mom and grandma. We wanted to avoid the 'mother's day brunch' so we made reservations at the Multnomah Falls Lodge where we had a great view of the waterfall and enjoyed some delicious plates.

*disclaimer: I didn't take photos of the falls because I want to take Dan in June!

^Veggie omelette with ooey gooey cheese^

It was a great opportunity to catch grandma up on what Dan and I have been up to the past few months along with the exciting things I've been a part of at work. I also got to meet her new kitten - Dan is begging me to take him out to visit as well!

For the sake of brevity, we'll talk about mother's day tomorrow, but in the meantime I'll leave you with the beautiful flowers that stopped me in my tracks on my 9 mile Sunday run. It's important to stop and smell (read: photograph) the flowers.

Have a great week!