olive Thanksgiving

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you consume copious amounts of calories? My Thanksgiving involved the usual trek up to Reardon mountain (my aunt/uncle's house), though this year was a bit more snowy than normal. I tried to capture some moments with my iPhone but did a horrendous job. We'll call the blurs and bad lighting "special effects." K? Thanks.

 

Every road trip starts with a cup of Portland's best coffee from Anna Bannana's. Starbucks, who? 

 We literally had to be hauled up from the bottom of the hill because of ice.

 

Pretty snow! 

Caleb, fishing on the Wii.

Olive them. What's Thanksgiving without olive hands?

 

Uncle Mike carving the turkey. See how neat the special effects are? We'll forgive his shirt.

Can I have some pie with my whipped cream?

how do you pay for a $40 million wedding?

Did you know the royal wedding is expected to cost $40 million? How are they going to pay for this? Here's Ellen's idea:

{image: The Ellen Show}

A Tuesday Thought

This is going around and around but I had to share. I need a print of this for my office!

{image: madame cupcake}

dancing for air

From before I can even remember, dance has played a significant role in my life. As a wee one, I bounced around the ballet studio and begged for a pink tutu. I studied ballet in hopes to dance with the American Ballet Theater (ABT). I bled and blistered, literally, for my art. And when my mom passed away when I was just 13, the studio became my refuge and the music and movement my sanity. Dance saved me, as I became a shell of a person. Nothing has ever been as sacred.

I was fortunate to study under some incredible teachers but my ABT heroines danced some 3,000 miles away. But, in a rare opportunity, I was one of two dancers who were invited to watch ABT take class and rehearse when the troupe toured through Seattle. And in a desperate attempt to connect with Paloma Herrera, my absolute idol, I wound up receiving a pair of her personal pointe shoes. They are framed and I’ll forever cherish that act of kindness.

Though my feet have never graced the professional stage, I was fortunate to dance at University of Oregon for 3 seasons and bring down the house at Mac Court - and the Rose Garden! My last dance was over 2 years ago and I'm getting antsy to hit the studio again. Don't you think it's time?

I'm ready to kick some ass again. Or get my ass kicked. However that goes.

Cheers!

Jess

Paloma Herrera {image: Life}

Alessandra Ferri {Image: Moi je joue}

Alessandra Ferri {Image: Del Teatro}

Gelsey Kirkland {Image: tutu love}

important life lessons

This week, a good friend of mine and former colleague decided to embark on a new journey. We met as interns who, unsurprisingly, were given the copy room as our office. There were three of us crammed together. And the copier was loud and used often. But it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had working.

We talked A LOT, about who knows what, and we kept a running list of “Life Lessons” that resurfaced the other day. These are too good not to share, though I have a hunch I’ll be one of few who are amused.

Cheers!
Jessica

#1: Never say “I love you” to a bad gift giver.
#2: Never date a guy who doesn’t own his own car.
#3: A limo not fully stocked is a limo not worth riding in.
#4: Always make sure you and your computer are speaking the same language.
#5: Be careful to select an office chair that will not make you saddle-sore!
#6: If you know your boss is at the bar, you probably shouldn’t dance on it.
#7: If you live in Africa, you just can’t be albino.
#8: Always double check the shoes in the next stall before you talk to them.
#9: When someone tries to break up with you, saying “no” is always an option.
#10: Skewing your quiz answers for selfishly desirable results is acceptable at all times.
#11: Feel free to use the handicapped bathroom stall if it is open…it’s not like it’s a parking spot! #12: Just because the food is free doesn’t mean you have to eat it.
#13: It is essential to always maintain the illusion of “spiffy”.
#14: When drinking Sangria, avoid white furniture at ALL costs.

{image by imcountingufoz}

Quote of the Day

I ran across this image and just had to share. "This is your life. Do what you love and do it often." Amen!

{via Holstee}

thankful

Thanksgiving is nearing but why not say thanks right now? Why not say thanks everyday? Here are things that I am feeling grateful for today!

1. God. My spiritual journey has had many highs and many, many lows but without Him and his Grace I don't know where I'd be today.

2. My girlfriends. Whether it's a night on the town or a night on the couch with two spoons and a gallon of ice cream, we always know what the other needs.

3. This MTV Michael Jackson tribute - which is also below. Whatever you think of the man, this just plain rocks. I can't get enough.

4. Lemon drops, strawberry margaritas & long island ice teas. They are just so damn good.

5. Sophie Kinsella. This lady rocks my world.

6. My job. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such smart coworkers and clients.

7. My health.

8. The Oregon Coast. The beauty is breath taking. Even though it's always cold!

9. My little red Mazda. She never lets me down. Zoom-zoom.

10. My family. What more can I say?

What are YOU thankful for today?

Cheers,
Jessica

Fall Sweaters

One of the many reasons I love Fall is because I get to pull out my chunky sweaters. I love a good sweater. I just snagged a few that were way on sale online and I am super excited to get them in the mail. Hopefully they look as good as I envision...

The Limited

Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret

Free Calendars

Everyone loves a free calendar. Especially when they arrive unexpectedly in the mail. The one I received for 2010 just keeps getting better and better with each passing month...

What do you think inspired this shot?