Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Pay it Forward.

The expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his 1841 essay Compensation[1], wrote: "In the order of nature we cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them, or only seldom. But the benefit we receive must be rendered again, line for line, deed for deed, cent for cent, to somebody.

You may have also seen the movie "Pay It Forward", (When 11 12-year-old Trevor McKinney (Osment) begins seventh grade in Las Vegas, Nevada, his social studies teacher Eugene Simonet (Spacey) gives the class an assignment to devise and put into action a plan that will change the world for the better. Trevor's plan is a charitable pyramid scheme, based on good deeds rather than profit. He calls his plan "Pay it forward", which means the recipient of a favor does a favor for a third party rather than paying the favor back.)

This week is proving to be a week where I need to focus on this. On Sunday night after doing some shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond, I returned to my car, loaded it up, and then put the cart back and went off on my merry way. I woke up Monday and headed to work only to find my wallet MISSING. NO WHERE to be found....I racked my brain thinking I must have left it at BB&B and I'd call them as soon as they opened. But before I could do that, a manager from the store next to BB&B called me and said "Jessica? You don't know me, but I am a manager at the Sports Authority and one of my associates found your wallet outside in one of the carts".

YUP--I LEFT IT OUTSIDE IN THE CART. I left it outside, overnight, in the rain...and someone found it and returned it with nothing missing. Thus, PAY IT FORWARD. I've let people cut me off (which we all know is a BIG STEP), and I'm looking for ways to help out others to make sure this good deed doesn't go unnoticed!

Friday, September 24, 2010

September Pupdate

It's hard to see because it was bedtime and the lights were off... but while Dad's away, the boys snuggle with Mom and lay on the bed a little longer than usual. In this case, it was with each other (not by Knight's choosing...) Love them.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

SHIFT_the way you move

For those that don't know, that is Nissan's tagline. This is important because.... I BOUGHT A NEW CAR. I negotiated myself a 2009 certified pre-owned Nissan, which I LOVE (as of Day 1). I hadn't planned to do this until November timeframe...but a good vehicle came up and was priced well. I was lucky enough to receive good money for my Honda so it was a good deal. I'm a little sad, I had that car for 8+years.

....now it's time to drive off into the sunset with my new car!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Go Pink.

I wouldn't normally use my blog for promotion, but this is a worthy cause. I was a bit humbled this weekend, as a good friend's father passed away of cancer. It was emotional, and it brought back feelings of my aunt's passing. It feels unfair, a little too soon, and leaves you with an indescribable feeling you'll just never move on from.

Telus is sponsoring this really cool facebook campaign. Love the use of social media for a good cause!

If you turn your facebook profile picture pink, Telus will donate $1 to breast cancer technology. They've raised over $100,000!!!!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Birthday Weekend

What a wonderful weekend it was. 27 doesn't really feel any different... just one year closer to 30.

Friday night was a low-key dinner with my dad and grandmother and Jarrett in Boston. It was a perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Saturday my trainer kicked my butt given I would be eating in excess at Mistral, it was a good idea as I did. This was my first time there. I had been to Sorellina and Moo, and I'm dying to try their others. Sorellina was excellent, and so I was beyond excited for the opportunity to try Mistral. And what better excuse than my birthday? We started with the beef tenderloin, mashed potato and truffle oil pizza (aka had a piece each and wrapped the rest up) PURE HEAVEN, then the tuna tartare (which was probably the best I'd ever had), and finally Jarrett had the Half "Whole" Roasted Duck with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Dried Cranberry Gastrique while I had the Escalope" of Veal Milanese, Buttered Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil, Soft Corn Polenta. AMAZING.

And then finally, we headed to Gillette Stadium to watch the Pats beat the Bengals and shutdown TO and 85. Here are some pics from Jarrett's droid.


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Making Progress

I had my first real session with my trainer last night, and at the end I decided to weigh myself in. It had been about a week and a half since I had been shocked into getting myself back in gear.

I've been really really trying to limit my calorie intake. I am eating greek yogurt and a banana for breakfast, lean cuisines, grilled chicken etc for lunch and fruits, granola bars and the amazing amazing 35 calorie laughing cow cheeses with crackers. The biggest changes I have noticed are my planning and portion size. I plan what I am going to eat, and therefore make better decisions as it relates to food intake and I'm not allowing myself to have the whole box of crackers but rather a serving size! (minus Nicole's wedding weekend)

I've also really been making an effort to get to the gym. And I have been getting there.

...and the results are I've lost 4 pounds! I really wasn't expecting that, and I think that is the proof that I am doing this right. It's definitely the motivation I needed. Now onto getting back into some of my clothes that were a little tight ;)

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Love is in the air. A Labor Day Movement.

What a fabulous four day weekend it was indeed. We started with a light drizzle and a lobster bake for the rehearsal on Friday. Hurricane Earl missed us luckily. I was able to spend some QT with the girls, Nicole and Nick's family and friends and really get excited for the weekend. I had so much fun with their families and friends I had never met, and loved to meet and get to know the people Nick and Nicole share so much of their time with.

The location was STUNNING. Even more beautiful in person, and the weather held out most of the day, with the exception of a minor rain storm during pictures. It stopped just in time and even gave us a couple of rainbows :)














*photos courtesy of Kerri.

I can't believe they are off on their honeymoon. I can't believe Nicole's wedding has happened. A year ago Nick proposed, and here they are married!

The Matron of Honor speeches were a success. Both Kerri and I laughed and then cried, and swore we wouldn't. Jarrett said I was even funny, quite the compliment. We danced and danced and danced...Trisha *almost* caught the bouquet, much to TJ's dismay. Like a Prayer is a lot longer of a song than we thought and I was able to make it almost halfway through the reception before changing into flip-flops. I am so happy for Nick and Nicole, and I was so lucky to be part of their special day.

And so now, we have a week off without a wedding event of some sort. An amazing weekend planned with a nice dinner for my birthday and the Patriots game on Sunday. And then another wedding weekend to celebrate with some more fabulous people and 3 more to go. When you initially think about 6 weddings in a year, it's slightly overwhelming, however...I'm now feeling lucky we are able to celebrate all of these special days.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Bad Wife, Bad Bad Wife.

and good, sweet, wonderful husband.

In the whirlwind that was our anniversary, I forgot to mention the most suttle, sweet and thoughtful gift my husband gave me. Not the amazing suite, not the amazing dinners (although those were absolutely perfect) But a rose. But not any rose, a paper rose to honor the traditional gift of paper for the first anniversary.

Thank you babe, I love you.