Just Jessie

No more ring

2012-01-19T11:13:00.003-05:00

I honestly do not lose things but for some reason I lose the most important, sentimental jewelry. This time it was my engagement ring. I only had it for nine days. NINE. The more pathetic part... I was wearing it and did not notice that it fell off until hours later. I'd slap me too.

When Chris bought the ring, he did not know my ring size. Since he is a guy, his logic was to match the size of my ring finger to his pinky finger. It was huge. I did not wear it on my ring finger because I did not want to lose it. I could have put the ring on my necklace that says "true love" and "c&j" that he bought me for my birthday, but I was stubborn. (I'm shaking my head at myself right now.) I waited 25 years to have someone say they wanted to spend the rest of their life with me! Darn right I was going to wear it on my hand, so I put it on my middle finger but when it was cold outside it became too big also.

After we tore the house and car apart, I narrowed it down to the grocery store and our front yard. If I lost it at the store, no one turned it in. I would not blame someone if they kept it because it was gorgeous, duh. I truly think it is in the front yard. Unfortunately, our front yard is covered in leaves because we practically live in the woods. I search for it every time I take the dogs outside but obviously no luck.

Chris is not upset by any means which makes me love him even more. He has joked about me losing it, and I told him it will always be too soon to joke about that. I will not wear the next ring unless it is $20 or less.

We're engaged!

2012-01-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

On New Year's Eve, Chris and I went to Greenville, S.C. for The Avett Brothers concert. Our family friends were going to meet us there but were running late, so we had time to kill. We went downtown, grabbed coffee and cough drops (I was sick), and headed to the beautiful park in Greenville right before sunset.

At this point, I knew what was going on. I was not expecting him to propose before this day, but I noticed many clues throughout the day to figure out what he was up to. The major clue was that we had to stop at the mall on our way out of town because he had to pick up the ring. Unfortunately, the day before he went to pick it up but witnessed a wreck happen to the car behind him and ran out of time to pick it up. He did well coming up with an excuse to why he had to stop at the mall but when he came outside with no package and an excuse, I was 80 percent sure he picked up a ring.

When we got to the park, I was 95 percent sure he was going to propose. We sat on a bench and for some reason I got extremely nervous. I was talking about anything and everything while he was so nervous he was not saying anything. Then, I saw his hand in his jacket pocket. 100 percent sure. I started giggling and could not stop. Chris asked why I was laughing, and I told him I did not want to say because I did not want to be embarrassed if I was wrong. He said, "You know I'm about to propose, don't you?" I said, "Yup." He pulled out the ring box and said the sweetest reasons of why he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and showed me the ring. I looked but did not see the ring because I was in shock. My response was "oh my god" and then "yes."

Chris did an amazing job planning it. It was the day after our two year anniversary and the same band we saw on our first real date. Our close friends were there to celebrate with us that evening. The park was a beautiful, memorable spot where we can do our engagement pictures. And the best part, I had coffee.

Great start to 2012.

heart jessie

Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yay for 2012! I hope you had a great night celebrating the end of 2011 and welcoming 2012. I am looking forward to a new year. I do not usually make resolutions but this year I do have a few goals.

1. Eat healthier. I usually do not eat a lot of meat and try not to eat a ton of sweets, but I do need to eat a lot more fruits and veggies.

2. Start running. Chris is running in this huge marathon called the Ragnar Relay. I definitely do not want to run for two days nor would I want this to be my first race, but I will train with him and hopefully we can become each others motivators.

3. Heart Lola. My most important goal. I want to work hard and become successful with this business. I have high expectations for this and cannot fail.

What are some of your goals/resolutions?

heart jessie

New Years Eve 2011

2011-12-31T10:52:00.000-05:00

Tonight we are meeting our close friends in Greenville, S.C. for The Avett Brothers concert. The best part is that yesterday Chris and I had our first kiss two years ago, so we made that our anniversary. It just so happens our first real date (not meeting up at the bar with our friends) was an Avett Brothers concert where I also met our closest friends, the Chadwicks. So all that being said, tonight is an awesome night. Unfortunately, I caught my mom's flu and my worst symptom is fatigue. It will be a long night for me, but I am more than willing to power through.

I hope ya'll have a fun and safe New Years Eve.

heart jessie

Christmas all month

2011-12-27T14:30:00.001-05:00

I am still making excuses not to leave my family. Although, it really is storming and hate driving on the interstate/highways in storms. Plus, it is difficult to leave Rowyn because I miss her cuteness.

Anyways, I do want to tell everyone about a few gifts I have received from winning the giveaway. It has felt like Christmas when going to the mail box. It has been so much fun to have a package (or two or three) to open every day, and I cannot thank Designher Brands enough.

The first thing I received in the mail is my new favorite earrings from Calico Juno Designs. I love them because they look dressy but I can wear them casual, and they are lightweight so they do not bother my ears.

I also have worn my gorgeous necklaces from La Vie Charmante and have had several compliments after wearing them once. And everything came in the prettiest packaging. It was like opening gifts.

I received a specially made painting from Upcycled Soul. Not only is it amazing to look at, it is inspirational. I cannot wait to hang this in my work area for my business.

Please keep in mind that I only talk about what I received but these shops usually have several different items they sell so check out their sites. I will keep posting about others so keep checking back.

heart jessie

Giveaway: Forty Toes Photography

2011-12-26T14:52:00.001-05:00

Want to win $875 CASH?! Forty Toes Photography is giving away $875 to a random winner. Click here and find out how to enter. Good luck!

heart, jessie

Rowyn's first Christmas

2011-12-25T22:54:00.001-05:00

My niece Rowyn had her first Christmas. She had so much fun with the bows, ribbons, wrapping paper, tissue paper, and boxes. I think she liked her toys too. I took a ton of pictures but here are a few.

She's "eating" the paper.

Her and her dad playing with her new bath toy.

She's trying to stand using the box while doing the splits.

The only picture where I got her to look at the camera, and my favorite.

heart, jessie

Puppies' first Christmas

2011-12-25T00:07:00.003-05:00

Lola was born last December and Coco is a year and a half old but it is their first Christmas with us. (Sorry for the picture quality... phone camera.)

Happy Holidays from the puppies and me!

heart, jessie

Website design and store name

2011-12-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

One of the many amazing prizes I received to get my business started is a free website template from Avalon Rose Design. You must check out Catherine's site and see what she has already done and what she can offer. She has already let me pick out my gorgeous, exclusive template. I can't wait to show you which one it is, but I will. You will have to wait until it is up and running.

Like I said in the previous post, I have been wanting to start my own online shop for awhile. I already have a shop name picked out and a logo designed, but I want to get ya'll's opinion. I do not know if this is how anyone else does it, but I do not want to regret an important part of my business. I want to call it "Heart Lola" after my fur-baby. I also like it because it does not limit me to sell one type of item (i.e. Jessie's Jewelry, Coco's Quilts, etc.).

Please comment via this blog, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, or text message. I want honest opinions or better ideas but remember it has to be somewhat unique and obviously not already taken.

Biggest win of my life

2011-12-12T15:53:00.002-05:00

AND THE WINNER IS......................

$4,500 in prizes.

Ten days of anticipation.

Over 30 contributors.

More than 15 dozen hopeful entrants.

One.
Changed.
Life.

random.org has spoken:

comment #14

Jessie Lowery

That's MY name ya'll. ME! I still can't believe it. In fact, I have to keep checking to make sure I didn't read it wrong. A huge thanks to all the many sponsors and most of all Designher Brands.

I am super excited about this because I have been wanting to start my own online business selling homemade products. I have a great idea thanks to one of my best friends, Kristina, who taught me a craft she brought back from Haiti. (You can read about her experience here.) I hope that I can become successful enough to give back to Haiti and everyone who has helped me.

I will keep updates on here and twitter (@jessielowery).

heart, jessie

Black Friday Virgin

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have never, ever shopped on Black Friday. I do not like large crowds especially with no personal space. I get way too claustrophobic and irritable. I would probably trip someone or elbow them if they got on my nerves. Since I would be a danger to society, I promise to never attend a Black Friday.

Do/did you shop today? Have you ever wanted to kick someone in the shin to get to a good deal?

heart, jessie

Thanksgiving trip

2011-11-22T14:37:00.001-05:00

We are driving tonight to Chris's family in Ten Mile for Thanksgiving. It's our first trip back to Tennessee since we became official residents of South Carolina, and I am excited. I am not liking Columbia too much so it will be nice to have some familiarity for a couple of days. The best part of the trip is Chris is getting a new car (if he finds one he likes) so no more driving Miss Daisy! And I do mean "Miss." The downside is of course the cold weather and driving separately on the way back for five hours. But I will be thankful because once he has his car, I can go visit my family in Myrtle Beach.

I will not be able to blog once we leave so follow me on twitter @jessielowery for my Thanksgiving updates. And since I can't blog on Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my amazingly supportive and loving family especially my babies, Lola and Coco, and most of all my niece Rowyn. I hope everyone has a great time with their families on Thursday.

heart, jessie

A chance to win...

2011-11-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

If you pledge to shop small, local businesses the day after Thanksgiving, you can enter to win a $25 American Express gift card. That sounds like a win-win to me.

heart, jessie

Two showers

2011-11-05T13:59:00.001-04:00

The house we moved into (thanks to Ben!) is perfect for us. The only down fall is that there is barely any hot water. Today I had to take two showers to get enough hot water. The first shower was long enough to shampoo my hair and shave one and a half legs. The second shower was taken to rinse out the conditioner and finish my second hairy leg. Lovely.

heart, jessie

The new beginning

2011-11-04T22:20:00.001-04:00

I thought the day would never come and then it came too fast. We finally packed up the apartment in the UHaul and have taken up residence in Columbia, S.C. Last Wednesday was my last day at Knoxville Tickets, and I almost cried three times. My old coworkers were some of the greatest people I know. They baked me many goodies and bought me this awesome cake. I definitely went into sugar coma that day.

The move was not bad and the drive went fast. The unpacking has been dragging on too long though. That's mostly my fault since I have been home every day this week and not accomplished much. It's my least favorite part of moving. The chaos overwhelms me and then my OCD makes me want to put everything in the perfect place the first time. Yes, I sound pathetic but everything looks great because of my weird tendencies. Also, I have to give much credit to my boo for the living room and patience with me.

I have not been around the city much this week because of the unpacking and Chris works all day, so I have no clue if I like it or not. I am sure I will once I get completely settled but for now I miss Knoxville, Tenn.

heart, jessie

Pink, pink, pink

2011-10-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

The other day I was wearing a pink tank top with a sweater that had pink on it and these pink shoes. I was not thinking about it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I simply had done laundry the day before. When I went to my leasing office, I got this awesome pink candle for being awesome... ok, for wearing pink.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is close to my heart because my grandma had it. Luckily, she is still with me today. I love you Grandma!

Less junk in my trunk

2011-10-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

Ya'll, I got on the scale this morning because I have been feeling skinny and weighed 135! An all time low for me. It could be because I barely ate anything yesterday due to a stomach virus. I think it is a combination of walking the dogs more often since Chris is not here, and I do not have his bad influence. (What kind of woman would I be if I did not blame someone else for being fat?)

3 year anniversary

2011-10-01T12:53:00.000-04:00

It was three years ago I started this blog for a journalism class I was taking. I had deleted those posts and revamped my blog that following April, but I'm going to stick to October as my blogiversary. I remember what it was like creating this blog and writing my first post like it was yesterday. It was my last semester at University of Tennessee, and I was sitting at work in our old office writing my first post. It was about my love for former coach Bruce Pearl. Now you see why I deleted the earlier posts. A lot has changed in my life for the good. I am glad I can look back and see that through my posts. The best part is next blogiversary I will be looking back on living in Columbia, S.C. for one year.

First Greenville visit

2011-09-24T14:46:00.000-04:00

Chris's new job actually requires him to travel to Greenville, S.C. for part of the week. I got the lucky chance to meet him here this weekend in this lovely city for my first time. Since it is about an hour away from Columbia, we get to stay in a hotel. It was so nice to wake up and not have to pick up the room or rush around to get to work. I got to lay in bed, watch cable (I don't have cable at home), drink my coffee and hang out with the puppies. It really is the simple things in life that I love.

Right now, I am camped out in Chris's store and have been "working" on my laptop. I have a feeling I will be doing this often and am excited about getting to come here as many weekends as I can with him. I wish we lived in Greenville and have only seen our hotel and the store. Granted I got here around 11 last night, so I have not had a chance to explore.

Now back to studying for my interview Monday morning. Sad face.

Over it

2011-09-22T13:25:00.000-04:00

Ya'll, I am beyond over interviewing for positions. My nerves and anxiety are ruining my insides more than all the drinking I did back in college. The sad part is that I have only had two phone interviews. Someone just give me a job!

On a happier note, I am working on a wonderful project that I hope to be selling soon. I will be my own boss one day and then you can apply to work for me, and I will NOT ask you difficult, on-the-spot questions. My only question will be do you like to get paid?

Sangria for winter

2011-09-16T14:26:00.000-04:00

I want to make this raspberry and serrano sangria even though it's more for summer than fall. It just looks too yummy to not try now.

I wonder how well it goes with pumpkin pie...

Distance. Heart. Fonder.

2011-09-14T12:58:00.001-04:00

Chris has already moved to Columbia, S.C. to start his new job. It was not easy leaving him last Tuesday morning, but I didn't think I would ever miss him this much. I was pretty much kicking and screaming by Wednesday about how much this sucks being apart.

I've been having a bad string of luck ever since then too, so I decided I could not wait until October to visit each other. I planned a weekend to go visit and my luck turned around. Thank you Lord! In all seriousness, I can definitely say I cannot live without Chris.

You can go throw up now.

Clorox's Check-In for Check Ups

2011-08-22T14:03:00.000-04:00

I have been doing this for a while now and tweet it and facebook it but never blogged about it. Silly me. This is a really easy, fast way to help those in need.

If you go to clorox.com, you can check-in every day by writing a healthy habit that you did/plan on doing that day. It can be ANYTHING. Submit it and Clorox donates 10 cents to the Children's Health Fund. If you register with them, then they will donate 20 cents for every check-in you make.

Here is what Clorox says it is all about:

"One in five children in the U.S. lives in poverty and millions of children don’t have access to regular check-ups and health care when sick. Some children live in areas with too few pediatricians that can’t keep up with the demand for their services. Others live in communities where transportation is neither affordable nor available. Through a new social media-driven campaign, Clorox and the Children’s Health Fun (CHF) are working to change this and help CHF connect kids to ongoing health care with the click of a mouse.

Over the next two years, Clorox will donate half a million dollars to CHF to help support their goal of providing half a million health care visits to disadvantaged children across the country. In addition, from June through December 2011, The Clorox Company is donating $0.10 for every healthy habit checked-in at www.checkinforcheckups.com, up to $100,000."

Check out their site for coupons, tips, offers and more.

I missed you, bread.

2011-08-15T13:56:00.001-04:00

I got the lovely chance to realize on Saturday evening that bread is not what causes my migraines. The plus side is that it was working for losing my big butt. In celebration, I'm eating a sandwich for lunch today. The down side is they have been pretty painful and migraine medicine is not working, so I decided I am going to start journaling on Migraine.com.

I really want to try natural remedies so lots of research and trial-and-error to come in my life and on my blog of course. The first natural remedy I'm going to try is ginger tea. You are suppose to drink it at the onset of a headache to be most effective. I'm praying that it works and that I'm going to like the taste of it.

Lola's new sister

2011-08-10T14:29:00.001-04:00

Chris's aunt was helping her friend find a home for this dog. Within an hour of Chris telling me about 1-year-old Coco, he was on his way to pick her up. She is super cute and a great behaved dog, but Lola is crazy puppy around her. She barks and tries to play with Coco, but Lola is way too big and hyper for her.

We decided we are keeping Coco for at least one week. Lord please give me strength to last that long.

Family photo without me as usual