Time Flies!

Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary! 3 Years! I can't imagine that more than 1000 days have passed. In that three years we moved 6 times between the two of us! But now we are finally settled!

We went to the melting pot which was really nice. They had a private little area for us and gave me flowers and took our picture. The food was great...I think Dave was partial to the chocolate covered strawberries. =)

Tuesday marked my one year in Charlotte! Its amazing the amount of stuff you can get done in a year. =) I graduated (for real this time!), passed my boards, got a job, bought a house, moved, and went to Alaska! No wonder my desk is a mess. =)

Today I have a To-Do list at least a mile long that I am hoping to take a big chunk out of...we'll see if Godzilla participates in my getting stuff done. =)

I am hoping to start on my Resolution list soon. And post it so you can all hold me accoutable. Assuming there is still anyone reading. =)

Happy Holidays!

Oops...I forgot I had a blog....

Hello.

So its been awhile...sorry. Today my goal is to get some well deserved Me-Time in and catch up on the literal mound of paperwork and email that I have been successfully ignoring for the past...oh...3 months or so. Yikes!

So much has happened. I turned 30. And thanks to some great friends celebrated in style!

We got a puppy! He's super cute. His name....Godzilla...sigh.

We got some serious perspective on life. Not going into that now...but really wishing that life wouldn't be so completely unpredictable sometimes. Thanks to all of you who have offered your support through this. We are just hoping to get on...

Thank God for my husband! He has been wonderful through all of this.

Cheers all and Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember in your prayers and thanksgivings all of those people who can not be with family and friends because of commitments to work, country and whatever else comes around.

Frustration

grumble.....

1. So sorry to my readers (all 2 of you) for the lack of blogging wonder. It has been a little busy and I just haven't felt very motivated. But here I am =)

2. I am confused....I don't understand this gas thing. Okay...yes...big hurricane comes in and forces the refineries to shut down...acceptable. But why is it that there are only a few select cities in this giant country that are suffering? Can't we borrow some gas from up north for a little while? And...why do the people down here only CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES! I did my time waiting for a gas pump today....and as I was pulling up to the spot, where the cop told me to go mind you, some dude in a rusted pick-up illegally went out of line in front of me as I was backing in...yes, he saw me. Fine...but then he hopped out of his junker and spent 5 minutes inside buying himself a nice cold Coke. He then proceeded to fill up his truck along with the FOUR gas cans that he had hidden in his bed. WTF!! What about the people that NEED gas to get to work. THINK PEOPLE! The shortage will be over soon and then you can horde gas in your underground bunker in case the aliens come. BLARG!!

3. I have hit a wall. I am tired of boxes and trying to find homes for stuff. I seem to wander in circles looking at the piles of stuff...but never actually putting it away. Sometimes I think, well when I have this up, then I can do that...or I can't put that away until I figure this out...and on and on it goes. This is coupled with the fact that I hit my productivity high around 500pm which means that on days I have to work....I am still at work and dead tired by the time I roll into my driveway at 845 (God-willing), and the days I have off...but work the next day, I have to ration my time and get to bed by 1000...or I don't make it to my driveway.

4. I wish people would take a little more pride in their work. I have whined about this in past blogs, but today I just was inundated with it. First instance with HR, as I am trying to get a research nursing position. I applied one month ago...and figured that I should probably give up hope given that I haven't heard anything...so I call the HR people to ask their opinion and she acted very annoyed at all my questions and didn't really answer any of them. THAT'S HER JOB! sigh.

Does anyone think I should give up at this point? She claims that "the hiring manager has not made any decisions yet." There are 2 positions open! 2! Come on! I was made for this job. Waahhhh!

5. I have 10 days left in the 20's. I am feeling a little like I am in limbo at an age where I should have it together. Where did the time go?

All things considered....life is good....I am just frustrated with the little obstacles. But I am guessing that there will always be little obstacles and since I have spent my life knocking them over or hopping over top of them, I will keep chuggin' along!

Happy fall everyone! Go Buckeyes!

Please Bring Me Back as a House Cat

On days like today where it is rainy, I am off work thanks to some odd illness and there is seemingly a never-ending mound of stuff that still needs to be done....I look enviously at my little kitty. Curled up, purring and oblivious to the fact that there is anything at all beyond her little home.

If there is such a thing as reincarnation I would love to be a kitty cat. Although the life of a farm cat may be exciting....after a busy lifetime of being a human I would rather not have to kill the occasional mouse in the barn for my dinner...or get stuck outside in the rain if I was prowling around too late one night. Nope...I want to come back as a happy, lazy house cat, who's biggest decision of the day is where to shed. =)

And beyond that...cats do not share the same tail-wagging, greet-you-at-the door, obligations of their canine counterparts to earn their kibble. Nope...just occasionally acknowledge the human's existance, brush up against thier leg and purr when they pat you on the head. Wow! What a job description!

Okay...so knowing my spirit...I'd be bored after about a month of this kitty cat lifestyle. But I think it would be nice to try out for just a little while. Don't you?

No complaints on the rain...btw...as I am happy that my sod seems to be doing pretty well!

Constant Transition

Sooooo....."they" were right.

I remember in the not-too-distant past claiming that once I moved to North Carolina that my life would settle down and I would enjoy that thing people called "free time." Those who knew me well laughed. At first I was insulted...but now I have come to realize that they foresaw that which I was too naive to see....I am a work-a-holic.

That aside, I am also never able to be happy with the status quo...constantly searching for some way to improve or challenge myself. Or maybe just always looking for ways to stir up the dust.

I was poking around on the hospital website where I work and noticed a research nursing position posted. For those who didn't know....I went to nursing school to be a research nurse. Not the traditional reason...but it was mine. As I went through nursing school I found that I actually enjoyed bedside nursing as well....and because I needed more experience went into that branch out of school. But it seems like I would be wasting an opportunity to at least learn more about this position if I don't apply. So I put in a request for transfer. And...back into transition I go. =)

This coupled with the daunting task of being a new home owner is making me....well...tired!

So lets say that I conquer the boxes and get the new job.....what can I possibly do next....

I know....you are all out there giggling. But I am planning to actually read all the books in that to-read pile!

later!
Jess

I'm Back!

Hey all!

I know it has been a long time since I popped in...sorry. Turns out that I have been very busy!

Our Alaska vacation was WONDERFUL! One of the best vacations I have ever been on. I would recommend the trip to anyone. The wedding was also great! It was so nice to see the folks from Northwestern that I haven't seen since our wedding 2.5 years ago. More about that later.

The house is awesome! Pictures soon I promise. We have realized just how much work comes with home-ownership already. Yay, yard work! =) Slowly but surely it is all coming together. Eventually I will be able to go an entire day without sifting through a box to find something....I hope!

Many thanks to the people that have helped us in this transition! Especially those that lent their spines to carry all of our crap down 3 flights of stairs. ugh!

I will check in soon with details! Just wanted to say hello to everyone!

This and That

Today I blog about lots of stuff!

1. Tri training update. I am doing sooooooo much better on the bike thanks a greater understanding of the gears on the road bike. Hopefully I won't get toasted on the hills in my next group ride! I am looking forward to some good run training in Alaska where is it much cooler!

2. The house! It's absolutely awesome! The sod is down there is carpeting..all the little things are going in and WE CLOSE ON THE 30th! I can't believe it! We actually have the final walk through the day we fly back into Charlotte (red -eye from Anchorage!)...can any one say Chi Tea for me!

3. ALASKA! We leave in less than 10 days! I have been busy this week booking tours and "adventures." I can't wait...and you better believe there will be a blog just for that when we get home!

4. Work. Blah! While most everyone is looking forward to a 3 day weekend...I am gearing up to work it! 3 twelve hour shifts in a row! Yikes! From what I have observed, weekends and holidays are either pretty slow...or really, really busy. Despite working away the holiday...I am feeling more and more confident with all the new protocols and how to find things on the unit. I really do like the people I work with and the patients. Please keep you fingers crossed that all is well in the medical world this weekend! Regardless...after the 3 days stretch only 2 more work days until we fly out!

Happy 4th to everyone! Be safe!

Keeping in Touch

I stink at returning phone calls, emails, and other forms of accepted communication. And...I am not alone.

I know its cliche. But I really am trying to figure out a way to keep in touch with people on a more regular basis. However, without burning my cell minutes or spending all my hard earned money on stamps...email is really the only way. But then you get bombarded with 100 emails from people that you haven't talked to in ages...and get so overwhelmed with replying...that you just don't. In at least 3 cases I have been playing phone tag with people for months. Months!

So how do we do it? How do we stay in touch? Mass emails are good for general updates...but very impersonal. I just don't know.

Beyond that...how do we find the folks we lost? I haven't heard from my high school best friend in almost 8 years. I have tried to find her...but no luck. Sadly we didn't even have a HS reunion.

Any ideas? And for those that I have not replied to...HI! I miss you! Please don't give up on me!

Jammies Day

I, Jess, with no actual title or power, declare a PJ's day!

A day where you get to stay home, spend time with your family, roommate, cat or whatever and just not be burdened with all that stuff out there. A day to "cleanse" ourselves from the everyday.

In grad school Dave and I lived in different states (no surprise to any of my readers I know). We juggled schedules and commitments to get together as often as possible. I remember one particular weekend, while planning what we were going to do, I declared a PJ day. A day where I did not have to leave, make phone calls, do homework or anything else. I just wanted to bum around in my PJ's and enjoy my company. And we did. I think we spent most of the day watching movies. It was nice.

As I now am juggling a mountain of responsibility and decisions I am yearning for a PJ day. One where I don't have to track down the bank, insurance, builder or HR rep. One where my phone isn't ringing everytime I curl up with a book or for a nap. Maybe...just maybe...one where I can go for my run without feeling like I might be missing an important phone call or email.

No matter what stage of life we are in...there is something demanding our time. Be it work, kids, school, moving blah blah blah. Our time is never our own. If we do take time for ourselves, we typically have to scramble to catch up when we are done. But where does that leave us? Tired? Cranky? Resentful? Who wants to be like that???

So I declare it....PJ DAY 2008. You pick the day. Have your snacks ready...or the delivery menus by the phone. Turn off the email and turn on the voice mail. Snuggle up to whoever or whatever makes you happy and just enjoy life for all its worth!

Motivation and Re-examination

On June 13th I will have hit an important anniversary. On June 12, 2007 I sat up strait in bed and came up with a plan...that then kept me up the rest of the night. Thank God for bedside post-its!

It will be exactly one year after my 29 by 29 campaign. Inspired by some pictures that were taken at the first annual "Girls Gone Wild" weekend hosted by my mom, an overall lack on energy and enthusiasm and a need to not end up looking back after Dave and I started having kids thinking that I should have gotten in shape before babies.

Very few people were privy to details...and most people didn't even know the dramatic life style change that I undertook. Thank-you mostly to Mom, Dave, Mark, Maureen and Martha for your constant encouragement!

Step one: I dumped 5 liters of Mountain Dew down the drain. For those who know me well...you are probably sucking in air. But honestly...it has been proven to be one of the easiest ways to kick start a weight loss program.

Step two: Make a plan. I love spreadsheets...this was fun. And while making the spread sheet I had the idea that I could lose (safely) 29 pounds by my 29th birthday. I kept careful track of my weight, measurements and exercise. I wrote out my meals and played around with balancing different food groups to maximize my energy during the day (don't forget I was still working and going to school at this point).

So did I succeed...yes and no. I did not hit my goal. But I did lose 20 lbs and have been hovering in the 15-20 lb range since I moved to the south. I felt so much better about my appearance. Do you know how uplifting it is when someone says...I have noticed that you lost some weight and really look great! ***Jess pats herself on back*** because it was HARD! I lost 2 (and in girl sizes that's actually 4) pant sizes. And most importantly can see the healthy options available...and the unhealty traps that can ensnare people.

I had started running in that time and now I am training for the tri. When I started I couldn't run 2 minutes without dying...I was up to 28 yesterday...and it was 90 degrees with 86% humidity. Not to mention I am much faster now.

So now I am looking back. Its time...afterall...to make sure that I am not slipping back into my old ways. And...I am! Yikes. So I am going to stop with the soda again (though I never drink as much as I did!), give up the excessive sweets (no one needs a banana split) and keep training for the tri. I am also dumping the fast food...which has become a fall back for the evenings when Dave and I are both running to get somewhere and don't have time to sit down and eat.

Do I think I will ever get down to that -29. Not sure. With all the muscle mass from the training and the need to stay hydrated...I am thinking that it might be an unhealthy weight for me at this point.

Thanks again to all my cheer leaders out there! For my healthy lifestyle, for my tri training...and for life in general! And...anyone who wants to jump on the band wagon...there is always strength in numbers!

Why I Love Sundays!

This weekend I was lucky enough to only have to work Saturday, leaving Sunday open for whatever my little heart desired. Along with the usual ritual (church, etc), we drove out to the house site and had a BBQ with some friends.

Much to our delight the siding and brick have been started and the dry wall is complete! (One little problem are some itty bitty bugs that are hanging out pretty much everywhere they sealed the dry wall...yikes!).

I rode with the Bee Team yesterday afternoon. It was not a great ride in terms of training thanks to a pop-up thunderstorm that we had to take shelter from...but we did log in 12 miles. I am starting to adjust to my new bike more and more...and today I got the new pedals installed.

After that we headed out to Colonel Beatty Park. One of the many little treasures tucked away in the suburbs of Charlotte. It has a big beautiful lake, hiking trails, biking trails, various fields to play in and picnic areas with BBQ pits (and geese). We opted for the "bring whatever you want as a main and a side to share" plan which worked out quite well. My fruit pizza was quite yummy if I do say so myself. =)

We wrapped up the day with video games (Dave) and some leisurely reading (me). All in all...a mighty enjoyable day!

Training Updates

Today I drove over to the park to do my run (I would have biked...but still need to get those pedals installed). All was fine and good...but around 2K I found myself praying for rain just to break the humidity. Its not hot...relatively...but I am really struggling with the moisture.

Any suggestions out there? It gets to the point that the air is so thick that I can't even breathe properly. I don't carry my water bottle with me...its too annoying...but I don't think that's the problem.

Part of the issue is that I need a running buddy. Someone to distract me from the fact that I am indeed running around in circles. I am on the Tri team at the Y...but I am usually scheduled to work on the days that they run. When I do get to go with them...I find that I accomplish much more than I do on my own.

Tomorrow is swim day after work. I am torn between distance or drills. Guess I'll see what I am feeling when I get there. I will write up both work-outs just in case. =)

Today I am taking my trusty bike for its new pedals. And Sunday will be riding with the Bee Team to learn how to use them.

Hope all is well...Suggestions on this humidity thing welcome!

"Home is Where Your Rump Rests"

Quoth Pumba the warthog in Lion King.

Last weekend I went home to Pennsylvania. It had been nearly 9 months since I was last there. This visit, however, was not one of lazy lounging and going from place to place. My mom is moving to Arizona...which by the way is awesome and I can't wait to visit her...and we spent part of the weekend packing up boxes and transporting stuff out of her house.

In the ten years that I lived in Columbus I moved a grand total of 8 times. One of those moves was out of my Bon Air home into the aforementioned home in Portage in the summer after my Freshman year. I remember being pretty cranky about the entire experience...believing, at the time, that it mattered where you lived.

But it doesn't. Home is not made up of walls, knick knacks, dishes and familiar neighborhoods. Home is that quiet place where you return to when the real world is just a little bit too loud. But for me...no one building has offered me the same amount of solace and peace as any of my family and friends. When I am feeling "home sick" it isn't the structural stuff I miss. Its the people, laughter, and random activities.

I remember a discussion in my Palliative Care class last spring about attaching emotion to objects. There is a little exercise that spurs the discussion...but it boils down to really examining what is important. For those who are curious...I have the exercise...really very powerful...shoot me a post and I can email it to you. Basically you have a list of 20 things from various categories that you "treasure" as the exercise continues you are forced to cross things off that list. In the end you have nothing (symbolic of someone battling a chronic illness and eventually dying). I remember two of the "objects" that were on my list. The first was my wedding band (my husband and I were still living in different states at the time) and the second was my Teddy Bear (Victor, who I have had for 25 years). It took me a very long time to cross these things off...until I realized that I would still have my marriage if I lost my ring and I would still have the happy memories of my childhood without my bear.

I could tell that packing up her specially customized little house was hard for Mom. I remember packing to leave PA to move to OH (kicking and screaming) and then packing to leave OH to move to NC (remembering the previous kicking and screaming). It's never easy to pick up and go. But thanks to technology we can always call "home." We can always hop on a plane and be surrounded by "home" if we need it. Or..."home" can come to us.

Its not about your house or your job or your car. Just like its not the ring that makes the marriage. Its the people, experience and memories that make home, and life for that matter, what it is.

As I prepare to move...again...into my brand new home in a few months, I think back to all of the places that I lived. Rarely can I really picture the actual building, but you better believe that I can see the faces of the people, smell the smells and hear the sounds that are associated with them. And though there have been a few bumps in the road here and there...I wouldn't change any of those residences because now they all hold a little piece of my ultimate "home."

Good luck in your move Mom! Save a room for us! As for those pieces of my "home" that are scattered all over the country and world...I miss you all! And for those new pieces that I have just met or are still waiting....I welcome you!

Confessions of a Tri Trainer

Ugh...I have not done well this past week. But we all have bad training weeks once in a while right??

Here's to a better week coming!

Taking the Time

Yesterday a family member thanked me for explaining what I was doing and why. I paused for a moment (as admittedly I was a little tangled up in some IV tubing that I was trying to prime) and cocked my head to the side. I asked her what she meant. She said that often people come in and out of the room and randomly do things without so much as introducing themselves, let alone taking the time to say what they are doing.

This struck me as interesting...not because I was really surprised (okay I was)...but because she was the 4th person to actually approach me and thank me for that exact same thing since I started working on my unit in February.

To defend my fellow staff members I told her that since I was still new to the field that I often explain things that I am doing as a second check to myself (this is half true...as IV tubing...though rather cumbersome when you are short...really doesn't take much thought). But I did stop to think...do people really just walk into rooms, hand someone a pill or draw blood without explaining what the medication or the procedure is? I can't imagine that they don't at least give a brief synopsis.

Maybe I am naive and just new. But I think that someone deserves to know. We tell patients from the start that they have the right to refuse treatment...but how can they if they don't understand what the treatment is? We as health care professionals have a huge amount of power that we often don't recognize. People come to the hospital and count on us to "just do what's best" without considering that we are human and can make mistakes.

This isn't just a phenomenon in health care. I fall victim to it when my car breaks down or my computer does "interesting things" (and more recently trying to navigate the home loan universe). I am not a mechanic nor am I an IT person. When things break I trust my toys to the professionals, but when they call and say the "thingy that turns the doo-dad" is broken...I appreciate an explanation that does not leave me feeling like the dumbest person that has ever walked the earth (and oh...by the way...that thingy is $600!).

It is no secret that I went into nursing with the intent to be a patient educator. I love to teach and nursing was my way of doing it (people under the age of 18 really are too daunting for me). I truly enjoy being able to alleviate fears and (hopefully) improve health behaviors by taking the time to explain the importance of what I am doing and why they should do it at home. Knowledge is power. I want my patients to feel like they can ask me anything...and I hope that I can give them an answer. If I can't...I'll find it.

Yes, more days than not I am still charting when everyone else has long gone home, but I really don't mind if it means that I spent that extra 45 minutes helping someone understand what they need to do to keep him/her out of the hospital (or worse) next time.

Are there moments when I would really rather get caught up on paperwork instead of sitting down and explaining atrial fib for the 400th time...you bet. Are there times when I have something that is really important that I have to do instead of teaching...yep. Does that matter to them...not a bit.

I think that when people do a job for a long time...they forget that each person that crosses our path is new to the situation. I have seen nearly 100 chest tubes at this point and they are essentially unexciting to me but for every new face that rolls into our unit after surgery...likely this is the first time they have ever had one. It is so important to remember that what is common to some is scary (and painful) to others. It is not okay to go about doing your job and getting through your routine if the person you are serving is left completely in the dark and too afraid to ask for help.

Am I wrong? Is this why I am the last to leave? I would like to think that in the end...I was able to get through to someone...and that would make it all worthwhile. And for the record...I don't believe for a second that I am the only person on our team that takes the time...I see my fellow nurses do it every day.

Cheers!

Southern Living

So I have been toying with this for a little while and think I may have enough information to make a good list. It's the "10 ways that you know you aren't in Ohio/PA anymore" list.

They are in no particular order...though some are more chuckle provoking than others. Some of them are just little differences that make the south unique.

I will say that overall, people are much more apt to slow down and help someone, or take a few extra minutes to be kind. But...then again...if you look hard enough you'll find those people everywhere.

1. The girl sitting next to me in nursing orientation has a puppy that she named Mason Dixon.

2. Gottawannaneedagetahava Bojangles. Say no more...except maybe job security.

3. One of my patients asked me where I was from...and proceeded to call me "the Yankee" for the rest of the day. He did however say I "wasn't so bad for a northerner" when I popped my head in to say good-night.

4. Sweet Tea. Beware to those who have never tried it!

5. Leaf blowers replace snow blowers in December, January and February (and this year March and April!).

6. Nascar (and all its theme parks).

7. It is 70 degrees at 700am in April and May. And you have the windows open on New Year's Eve.

8. People refer to each other as "Miss So-and-So." (Miss Jess) Which is nice sometimes....but since I am not used to it and don't do it...I often wonder if I am being disrespectful.

9. Grits are a staple on the breakfast trays at the hospital. And people eat them.

10. Religion is much more freely discussed here (but usually its Christian religions). And people do not even hesitate to ask you which church you attend. At least once/day a patient tells me to trust in God and to ask for guidance while I work. I have no qualms with this, but I can see it making some of my friends up north very uncomfortable.

Overall, people everywhere are just doing what they need to do to get through their day. Yes, there is a distinct difference between northern and southern culture, but if you really boil it down to basics, we are all after the same goals in life.

There are aspects of the north that I truly miss (not the snow). But there are parts of the south that are a nice change (flowers all the time!).

This list was in no way meant to be hurtful...just my simple observations. Feel free to add on...but keep it in good spirit!

Tri Training

So I decided that I would try to ride with the big kids today. I gather up all my new spiffy bike stuff and head out. The leader, who is super cool btw, stands up and says "today will be a challenge" (I like challenges) "we will be climbing 'Mt. Waxhaw'" (I never noticed any really big hills around) "It will be 28 miles" (hmmm...my first time out we only did 12...but I felt great then...).

There are some very important distinctions between mountain and road bikes...the one I dislike the most is the "cage." I haven't gotten clip pedals yet so my feet are wedged into a little harness thingy to...in theory...maximize the amount of energy on the upswing of each stroke. That's fine...unless you have to get out of the cage quickly...which I needed to do...and your foot gets stuck...which mine did. Down I went. I'll say this, its been a long time since I had to pick gravel out of my leg. =) And yes, peroxide still stings.

Mt. Waxhaw was quite a challenge, but despite a few learning curves and being the last person to the top...I did it! Fortunately the ride back was a little more forgiving...or I would have been calling a cab to come find me.

All in all it was a great experience and I am happy that I made the effort to ride with the big kids. This was my second ride after all and I should expect that I won't really be up with the pack until I get more of a rhythm. Fortunately...I don't think my issue is cardiovascular...I think it is technique and not quite being used to the bike.

I will hang with the beginners this Sunday when I ride with the Bee-Team. Not because I am afraid of the distance, but more because I think that I will learn more theory with that group. The rides on Thursday don't have a beginners group...so I will just have to keep at it. They all have a no drop policy which I appreciate! Especially because I still don't know my way around very well.

I survived a 28 mile ride....which means I am 3 miles over what I need. Next week I am going to try to run a few miles after to get used to the transition. I am also going to look into some of those clippy pedals!

On a side note...I have taken about 8 minutes off my mile swim...would still like to get it down a few more minutes. My running is coming along...I am planning on signing up for a 5K soon to see how it goes.

As our coach at the Y says "Gotta....Tri!" And boy am I!

Just Keep Swimmin....
Jess

Reading...

I just finished "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I would recommend this book to anyone I know. Talk about getting your priorities straight.

In a world where we are so often consumed by details...that in 5 years we will have totally forgotten...he reminds us that the big picture is the most valuable. He gives a lot of thoughts about life that we all know and we all think are great ideas...but somehow we never really follow through with them because there is always something "more important."

The book reminded me of the "Bucket List" in a way that maybe only my weird associations can. The obvious connection is that both deal with people who are living with terminal diagnoses. Both focus on the positive ways you can live out your life once you have been given a finite amount of time to live.

It made me wonder why, when there are obvious benefits to having a positive outlook, that we are often so easily drawn into negative behaviors. Why do we sulk and whine when we don't get our way? Why do we continue to cry over spilled milk and constantly try to blame someone else for it spilling?

I have met only a few people in my life that are genuinely positive people. I am not one. I am not fraught with negative energy...I think I am more neutral that anything. After some thought and consideration, I think I am going to try this positive thing out. No, I am not going to be overly cheerful and annoying about it...but I am going to try to emulate those people that I know that are positive and good at it. They have a "let's find the good in this" attitude that does not come across as "let's be unrealistic and naive."

Since no one really reads my blog...I can start my trial of positive without too much scrutiny. =)

So...I've decided to start a blog...

Hey all.

I have decided to start a blog for several reasons:

1. I stink at returning phone calls and remembering what I have told to who.
2. It will give those of you keeping track of my tri training some updates.
3. It seems kinda fun.

I don't pretend to think that my life is in anyway exciting enough to check-in everyday...but if you haven't heard from me in awhile and don't really feel like digging up my cell number...check here. If you are still yearning for more Jess...feel free to call. =)

Hope everyone is enjoying the spring! It is wonderful down here.