hair did (part deux)

I only get my hair done about twice a year. Three at the most. Its sad really, the lack of effort I put into my hair. I used to get highlights and then I realized I probably only have a few years left of non-grey hair issues. I'm taking advantage while I can. I haven't cut my hair since my hair feather installation way back. Since then, I have lost the hair feather (probably in a Target parking lot) and my hair has grown about 3 inches and looks absolutely terrible. I have an appointment tomorrow night. I am so excited. Not that I am getting anything drastic, it will just feel so good for something fresh. Spring cleaning if you will. Here are the photos I am taking to the salon as inspiration. Let's hope this can translate into real life.





Inverted bob. love.



dream weaver

Valentine’s Day came and went. I got two red roses from my two sweethearts. Jake and I forgo gifts on this lovely occasion since we are still detoxing from Christmas and the mad rush of February birthdays. Instead, we started a new tradition three years ago. In lieu of gifts, each person makes a list of five (used to be 10 but we found that was too much pressure) “things” each of us would like to do with the other over the upcoming year. It’s actually very sweet and I love to open the card and see Jake’s list. Items range from small to big, romantic to normal. I save all the cards Jake gives to me (and the ones I give to him too) in a folder in our filing cabinet labeled “cards.” Creative, right?  I’ll keep our lists private for now... because it’s kind of like, our thing and just between us two. Things like that are rare nowadays, especially with all my facebook status updates. For example, the circus was on Jake’s original list three years ago. It took three years to get there, but we did it. And he loved it. I’m glad I got to share that with him (and Oliver).

Jake and I went on a dinner date Valentine’s night. I ordered crab cakes and drank a huge glass of pinot grigio. I hardly ever drink so why I ordered it I don’t know. I guess I was trying to get in a romantic mood. Dinner wasn’t really romantic. Is that okay to admit? Jake wasn’t feeling well. I was preoccupied with Oliver issues (teething, not adjusting well to his new class at school, clingy, separation anxiety) and we were both exhausted. We mostly had chit chat over dinner and later that night at home Jake asked me if I could do anything, what would it be? I stared blankly back at him and felt so lame that I didn’t have an answer. I am dreamless. I made up some crap about being a dermatologist (I could so not go back to school for 8 years) and then asked what about him. Jake has dreams... endless dreams that involve lots of math and studying. He just got accepted into his Master’s program and I am so excited for him. He has a knack for making his dreams come true. I, on the other hand, just make things up. The fact that I have no dreams and no real “work” goals right now have haunted me these past few days. I think having a baby changes you to the core (obviously) and things like going back to school, career changes, new cities and dream jobs take a back seat to mothering your little goose/geese. I’m trying to just let my mind be open and free to new ideas and new visions for my future. Right now, my life is good and full and I honestly couldn’t find time to work on said goals because keeping up with laundry is hard enough ...especially when I spend most of my free time snuggling this cute little goose.

the greatest show on earth

Jake's birthday was last week, but we saved one last surprise for yesterday. We went to the circus! Jake had never been and he mentioned a few years ago that he has always wanted to go. We brought along Jake's parents and his brother so it was a full family affair. The circus was fun. We got to go down to the floor before the show and watch some performers. Oliver was intrigued.

I was worried about noise, but Oliver did great. He sat on Jake's lap most of the show and ate yogurt melts and sipped water. He loves action and it kept his attention for over an hour. After intermission, he started to get a little antsy so he moved over to Poppa's lap. He clapped for the elephants on parade.

Overall, everyone enjoyed the show. I am not a huge circus fan but it was good. Jake said he had a really good time which was the whole point. I'm glad he can mark that off his bucket list.

The circus was at the RBC Center (future PNC) so Ollie got to see Carter Finley stadium. Maybe he will be a wolfpack-er one day like his mom and dad. After the circus we went to eat lunch at Applebee's. Ollie likes to go out to eat and flirt with all the waitresses. Seriously, if they don't pay him attention, he will do a fake cough or a cry. Once they make over him he gives them flirty eyes and his smile. Its ridiculous.
We had a good day out and spent the rest of the cold, lazy Sunday taking it easy.

flirt

workin it out

About a month ago it dawned on me how tired, sore, achy and completely underwhelmed my body was/is. I have really let my self go since giving birth (ha, let's be real, way before that). I decided to start working out again. I am starting slow and have set out to change my lifestyle moreso than just lose weight. It was slow going at first but my mini goal for the month of February is to do some type of cardio for at least 30 minutes a day, 4-6 days a week. Usually, I have been going to the gym behind my office over my lunch break and that has been working well.  I am sticking with the elliptical most days and have found that itunes has really helped me stay focused and motivated. I don't tire of songs that easily so I use the same playlist everyday. I use the preset 30 minute program "weight loss" on the machine.

Jenna's 30 minute elliptical play by play:

1. Lover, Lover by Jerrod Niemann
2. Rehab by Amy Winehouse
3. Sleeping Sickness by City And Colour
4. Bulletproof by La Roux
5. Firework by Katy Perry
6. Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine
7. Incomplete by Alanis Morissette

one

My baby turned one last week. I can't believe it. He partied. Hard. He now loves cake more than me. Just checking in while I get my head together. We have been plagued with a daycare bug and this momma has been down for the count for 7+ days. It's ugly folks but we seem to be in recovery.

My other sweetheart has a birthday today -- Jake turns 33. Thank goodness my MIL offered to have us over for dinner. I'll leave you with this ... my cake monster.