I can’t stress this enough. Boston, Seattle, Ft. Lauderdale, and all the countries I visited in Africa….all life changing. People ask me, “What does that even mean..life changing?” It means I met people who shared their stories, allowed me to enter their life unexpectedly, and I began to experience transformation in my heart. I became more accepting and I reevaluated my life/priorities. I can’t imagine what God has in store for 2013.

2. I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.

I’m not really sure where I read this quote, but it fascinates me: I’d rather have 4 true amazing friends than 100 acquaintances. This year, I have had many people walk in and out of life. There was one in particular….they became my second half. I thought they were my everything, but eventually…time was all I needed to realize it was time to let go. And here I stand….thankful that they finally said goodbye. It was then that I started to see my self worth again. It’s like avoiding looking in a mirror for years….and one day you get the courage to look again…and you’re shocked to see how hurt and disgusted you look, but that’s when the 4 quarters came in. My best friends. They have endured so many of my stories, 3AM phone calls, tears on their shoulders, and endless “blah blah blah” texts. They lifted me up during my struggles this year. Side note: it takes two to tango. Make sure you reach out to your friends. If one moves away, enters a new stage in life, etc…it does not mean the friendship is over. It takes work and effort from both parties. To the people who decided not to be in my life this year…..well….I truly feel like you lost a good friend, but I hope that the friendship we did have made you wonder and helped you feel something… anything. I know you changed my life………..for the better.

3. Family is everything

I lost my grandfather this year. It was the hardest day of my life. I really felt like the world was collapsing. I visited him that morning at his home. Thirty minutes after I left, his nurse called me and gave me the devastating news. I fell to my knees. I was very thankful to have wonderful coworkers who were able to hold me together. His funeral was a blessing. Many people came to see the man who touched so many lives. I’m finally at peace with his passing….I know he’s in heaven playing his guitar he loved so much. This year, I have become closer and closer to my family. I ran my first 5K Mud Run with my cousins. I can’t express how much love has grown between my family and I. These are the people who truly know you to the core. They are your blood. No one will love you as much as they do.

4. Let a man pursue you

Ha. Honestly, I’m still learning this the hard way. My beauitful friends always bring out the best in me. ALWAYS. And they constantly remind me that a man should do the same. All I have to say here is (shared by a good friend): a man will never see your true self-worth until YOU realize your own self-worth.

5. It’s hard to change someone

I have learned this through the most hurtful way ever. My therapist made a good point not too long ago. There are some people who always like to be in control of everything. These people prey on others…others who may appear to be weak. When the weak finally become the strong….the ‘controllers’ start to realize that they can no longer breathe for the weak anymore. So they move on to someone who WILL let them be controlled. But what if the weak wants to change the control freaks? Sorry. That’s when I suddenly thought, “do Ireally want to commit my entire time and energy changing one person….a person who probably does not feel anything for me?” If anyone knows anything about me…it’s that I have a helping heart. I want to help everyone and anyone who needs it. PEOPLE WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT. Once I saw that change was not something people in my life were willing to do….I let them go. That’s how the weak become strong.

6. Mom is never wrong.

You know that annoying saying your mom would always say, “When you’re older, you’ll understand why I did things the way I did!” Yeah……I understand now. Thanks mom.

7. Your passions won’t always matter to others

Not everyone cares that I went to Africa to work with orphans. Not everyone cares that I work with neglected and abused children. Not everyone cares that I prefer soccer over American football. It’s okay…..those things were placed in my heart for a reason. People will always find something in your work to argue with….but you become humble this way. Embrace your passions.

8. Partake in things you never thought you’d enjoy

I ran several 5K’s this year. I became more fit than I ever was. My mom gave me a juicer for my birthday and I’ve found so many things to juice (never juice a twinkie). I started kickboxing. I joined a bootcamp at work. Sure, I come home sore every day, but it’s worth it. I can’t imagine what my body would look/feel like if I wasn’t as active as I am. This is a great outlet I have discovered that makes me feel so happy…and that’s what it’s all about.

9. Staying home on the weekends is okay

I can’t remember how many weekends I went out and regretted it the next day. What ever happened to staying home and watching endless episodes of Law and Order SVU (just me?) with your friends? Apparently, if you do that…you’re considered “lame.” I’m sorry, but I think it’s totally acceptable to do this. Especially as I get older, I realize that a night with my DVR is way better than having some douche bag trying to buy you a drink while telling you how much money he makes or what kind of car he drives (guys are STILL using these lines on women BTW).

10. Let it be

Carrying mistakes and burdens around helped me in no way. I knew that the only way I would be able to let go of my past (and be okay with it) was to ask God to lift my worries. AND HE DID. We are human beings. We tend to dwell on the negativity in life…..forgive others even if they don’t forgive you. As you approach 2013, let things be….and smile because very rarely is it as bad as we think.

And remember….change is a daily opportunity…not a yearly one. 

Source: Jemima’s Journal

It’s true. To everyone celebrating this Christmas without their loved one….I now understand how hard it can be, but know that they’re celebrating with you in spirit. The shooting that happened a couple of days ago….it hit me so hard. I don’t have any children, but I work with sweet little ones every day. I sit here in my living room, surrounded by my family and thank God for their presence. Cherish every moment.

I love my little brudder.

He didn’t.

Finally, when his card was picked the winner…………he snatched the card out of our hands and yelled, “YES YES YES!!! IM THE WINNER” super loud and obnoxious….while jumping up and down around the living room. Then, continued to throw a tantrum when he didn’t win. I laughed the entire time we played while my brothers looked at me with this “we hate you for letting dad play” look. Gotta love your family, right? Happy holidays everyone!

My brothers really wanted to make my dad mad HAHAHA!!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!! 

1.) A box spring for my new bed

2.) A nice electric toothbrush

3.) Socks (colored ones so I can actually match them)

4.) More plants for my windowsill 

5.) An alignment on my car

6.) Shampoo and conditioner (it gets expensive!)

7.) Endless Starbucks giftcard

8.) Rent

9.) Gas gift cards 

10.) Can I have Holger Badstuber first?

Source: MTN Football

For my family, it’s not about how many gifts we have under the tree. Of course, my two younger brothers have a harder time understanding that, but as they grow older, they’re slowly but surely realizing what Christmas really means. This year, we are so thrilled to adopt a special family again from my father’s church. They recently lost their mother. I sit here and think: how would I ever live without my mother? Just the thought brings me to tears…I cannot imagine what this family is going through, but that’s when they need friends/family support the most.

On Christmas Eve, we will show up to this families home and surprise them with gifts, food, holiday spirit, but most importantly: love (still trying to convince my dad to dress up like Santa). Every year, I sit in their home, share stories, laugh, cry, and watch them unwrap the gifts. About 3 years ago, we gave the mother of the family a set of nice pots and pans. You guys…..they were pots and pans. This woman opened them up and cried hysterically…as if she had won a new car. Think about that. Small things like that..mean so much more to families who cannot have the “finer things in life.” This somewhat reminds me of the time I returned from Zambia…..the entire experience helped me appreciate my family, who I was, what I had, and even what I didn’t have.

I really hope you read this and it stirs your heart. Seriously, just imagine the reactions you’re going to get when you show up. It’s a warm feeling….consider it. My dad always and I mean always reminds me that I was brought into this world to serve and to lead. My entire life is ten times happier when I’m helping others because…………. my life simply isn’t about me. 

Source: Excellent Quotations

]]> http://omgitsjaneth.com/2012/11/22/its-not-the-holidays/feed/ 0 omgitsjaneth photo-147 http://omgitsjaneth.com/2012/03/22/bucket-list-i-rode-an-elephant/ http://omgitsjaneth.com/2012/03/22/bucket-list-i-rode-an-elephant/#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2012 03:58:09 +0000 Not Carrie Bradshaw http://omgitsjaneth.com/?p=1147 Continue reading →]]> I’m 23 years old and I went to the circus with my family tonight! That’s right. I was laughing so hard and enjoying such a beautiful time with my father & brothers. Let’s just talk about how during intermission…they were doing $7 elephant rides.

My heart stopped! That is totally on my bucket list and I did it!!!!!!!

THE EXCITEMENT!

AWW MAN. I thought I was gonna have him all to myself. I think I was more excited than the little girl.

Bad & blurry! But you get it, right?

SO then. Towards the end, this guy almost falls from the rope he was walking on…he caught a rope seriously 10 feet below him. I had a heart attack. NO JOKE! Then, the poor horses were not doing what the ring leader was telling them to do and she started being mean : ( and the horses were going WILD! I only say this because one of them tried to jump over the edge of the ring. IT WAS HORRIBLE! Made me think of that movie “Water for Elephants.” They are so cruel to the animals : ( Poor babies!

This night was epic. My dad was almost in tears because he said he wish he could have taken us to the circus more often when we were younger. I DONT CARE : ) Tonight was the best night my dad ever could have given us! Check out my brother OBSESSED with the main clown. He got his autograph/picture and everything.

Last night before I head to Seattle in the morning! Can’t wait to share with you all : ) Night!

Obsessed much?

THE greatest man alive. My daddy : ) and yes that's him holding his circus ticket. dork!

Wrong.

Why does my mom have pictures of me and my exes, but literally a picture of me and my first boyfriend from like middle school!?!? There were tons of pictures from all my prom dates, first dances, Valentine’s Day, etc. My mom is a creeper! I remember her still having a picture of me and my last ex’s save the date on the fridge. I don’t know how many times I told her to take it down, but she never did. Until now. It was in the box too. According to her, these memories are so valuable and she wants to be able to remember them……………

My failed relationships are precious moments? I don’t know why she holds on to this…I know for a fact that in order to move on and become a stronger person, I had to throw everything away. Yes. Everything. I haven’t said anything to her yet, but I don’t think I will. They obviously mean something to her…and I won’t ruin that for her.