March 16, 2010

The sun is shining.

Through it all, things are looking up.

I know my posts have been sporadic, but my life lately has been centered around nurturing myself and preparing for the next steps in my lifes journey. In addition we had a sorrowful event happen with the death of my stepmother (may she rest in peace) and I have been devoting a large portion of my time to thinking about my father and praying that he will get through all of this ok. Yesterday was this birthday and so I made a lovely dinner for him, my step-sister and her daughter/my niece. We had an absolutely wonderful evening. I made these wonderful bacon-wrapped meatloves. Recipe courtesy of Spencer's sister. :)

and served it with slow-cooked green beans that I simmered in the crockpot all day, baked potatoes and Velveeta macaroni and cheese! My dad seemed to really enjoy himself and it was nice to see him. Mia LOVED him and was all dog smiles as she ran around him in circles stopping for licks, pets and love. Betty on the other hand was a bit of a jerk and wouldn't stop barking! We had to put her in the backyard and let her wear herself out.

The rest of the week i've been working hard to get my portfolio into shape. When I got laid off I wasn't prepared. No resume, no cover letter, no portfolio.... so it's been a scramble ever since and has been monopolizing all of my time. A lot of my work was still on my computer at work and so I had nothing to put into a portfolio. Cristin, my pal from my old job, has gone above and beyond providing me with my files so I could have something to show. I owe her more than I can ever say! Thank you so so so much Cristin! I miss you!!!! Everyone should go visit her and give her some love. Her workload doubled with my layoff. Poor thing.


Today I had an interview with a wonderful little advertising company. I met with the Creative Director and he gave me some wonderful information and tips. They aren't hiring right at this moment, but that could always change soon and he urged me to stay in touch in case a position does open up! He said that with my background in photography, graphic design and marketing skills i'm acquiring I am creating a nice little package for myself. He also gave me insight to look at smaller companies because in a smaller firm everyone has to wear multiple hats and with my collection of talents I would fit in perfectly. Now I have some ideas of things to add to my portfolio and a direction. It was nice to hear that i'm on the right path and that I have some real talent.


Over the last 2 weeks i've lost 6 lbs. I don't know wether i'm stressed and it's causing me to lose weight or what....but either way, unemployment at least brought me something good! The strange thing is that I haven't been exercising since the layoff. My gym was at my work, so I lost my gym and don't have a place to go. So I've been trying to figure out ways to do it at home, but its been a little cold so i've been confined to stay inside.Today I went ahead and did the 30-day shred....level 2.... All I can say is "OH MY GOODNESS! I have done level 1 a lot....and I even follow the girl that does it full out rather than the girl who does the low impact version....and I am not in horrible shape right now but that thing kicked me in the butt! It was so hard and I was just completely exhausted by the time that I got done! I had to just keep walking around drinking water as my face slowly returned to a normal color and my body stopped shaking. Sooo I guess tomorrow will be day 2!


Friday is the big day! We are going shopping for my wedding gown! I am so excited and I just can't wait to find the right dress! I know I want something that has a little bit of a fitted corset with a fuller skirt. Maybe strapless. I also want the overlay to be satin and not tulle so it weighs down the poofiness a bit and gives it a sophisticated edge. I am just so excited to try on those beautiful gowns and find the one that is perfect for me!!!


We went over and visited Sarah last week and she had the most delicious cupcakes ever for us to try! They were a day old, but still moist and perfect with thick creamy icing! Sooo good! We decided that they will be the base for our two chocolate wedding cakes! The surprising part? They were Vegan! Vegan Chocolate Ginger Orange to be exact. I am just so shocked at how tasty they are! If anyone attempts the recipe remember to use a big bowl! Sarah said she was scared her bowl was going to overflow as the cupcake goodness kept rising!

So that has been what has been going on in my life, and why I have been absent for awhile. I will start reading all of your blogs again soon! I've just been so busy lately that time has gotten away from me. So please, if something exciting has happened leave me a note! Let me know! I'm dying to hear from all of you!


Jenni

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I miss you!! Very glad to see you here.....

I am glad that the interview you did was encouraging.

I am sorry for your loss sweetie....

Am very excited for your wedding dress shopping.....and those cupcakes sound AMAZING!!

Take care xoxo

little luxury list said...

Hi dear, glad to hear that the company wanted to talk to you and that's the kind of place you'd want to end up at. Job hunting can be tough but you gotta push through (oy, I tell myself that a lot!)

Mmm, dinner sounded fab and I'm sure your dad and stepsister loved it. Bacon makes the world a better place. Darn, I wonder if they have that in Singapore.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I'm sorry to hear about your stepmom... :( But you have so much great things ahead!! Can't WAIT to hear about dress details! I can keep a secret, I swear...just a few little details... :) Keep on truckin' with everything!!

Morgan said...

Hi love. Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Amazing how the old saying is true... when it rains, it pours. Sounds like you're handling things with grace. Take care of yourself! xoxo

Laura said...

So sorry to hear about your step-mother. I hope everyone pulls through just fine. And congrats on the thumbs up! Even though it didn't result in a job it might eventually. And I have no gym as well and it certainly does make working out a bit difficult. I'm looking forward to the warm weather so I can venture outside!

Keep your chin up!

Summer Athena said...

you make me so happy. did you know that? i just adore you and the fact that you sent me a text about bacon! lol.

My heart is with you and your family. I see growth and love in the future.

PS - I knew you rocked the world! You are gonna get something that you love!

I cannot wait to hear about the dress. I hope since I am a good friend, soul sista that I get a sneak peek? lol.

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

Those meatloafs sound delicious! Perhaps with the bacon I could even convince my husband to eat them.

Have fun wedding dress shopping...it was my favorite part of the whole wedding planning extravaganza!

{andthisiswhatshesaid} said...

Glad thigns are better... we love you.

Cristin said...

I'm so glad to hear things are going okay!! I miss you too! I can't wait to hear how your dress shopping goes!!

Marian said...

Keep a smile on your face J-girl and everything will work out!!

And good luck with the big white dress search!! I'm sure you'll find something absolutely amazing!!!

kimbirdy said...

Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear about your stepmother. It must be a really hard time for your family right now. I'll send all my prayers and love your way!

Kristen said...

I am so sorry to hear about your step-mom. I will keep your dad and your entire family in my prayers Jenni....

Your attitude through all of this is amazing... no surprise. You're a pretty amazing gal ;)