Running Horizons

The Pour House

2011-03-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

What a great evening....I recently read an article that talked about saying yes to all invites, why not, at a minimum you will have a new experience and could meet some really cool people. So when I got invited to go out with someone new, I immediately accepted and I'm glad I did.

Last night I experienced two new places in Raleigh, North Carolina and both were quite enjoyable.

1. Solas Dining
The atmosphere was okay but the food was really good. I had the Sea Scallops with Spinach and Mashed Potatoes. My friend had the Veal with Spinach and Risotto Cakes. Both meals were excellent!

2. The Pour House
I think what made this small venue so great was the relaxed atmosphere, the age diversity and the live music. We happened to go there and stumble upon a fantastic band called Honor By August. I had never heard of them but we arrived right as they were coming on stage and enjoyed every minute of their performance. By the end I had purchased all their Cd's (everyone of them is good) and was hanging out with the band members. They are down to earth and a passionate group of musicians. A band that I will definitely make an effort to go and see again.

Honor By August on stage at The Pour House in Raleigh North Carolina

Giving Thanks!

2010-11-26T12:23:00.000-05:00

This year's Thanksgiving was spent with Brook, Tom and our 5 pups in Maryland. On the drive up I ran through a list in my head of things I need to write down and give thanks for. Below are the top 10, not in any particular order.

1. Lycra/Spandex - whoever thought of making jeans stretchy is a genius and I love them.
2. Friends
3. Family
4. Pups
5. Brooks cooking
6. Apple products
7. Wine
8. Giving back
9. Good vets
10. Sweat pants

What a weak list. Can you tell I have put on weight recently, hence the sweatpants and Lycra. I hope my list of goals and what I am thankful for in January has more depth.

Goal Matters

2010-11-17T09:35:00.004-05:00

Goal Matters Blog

visit: www.goalmatters.com

Recently while organizing my attic I came across a list of goals I had written down as part of a church assignment, I was 10 years old. They were simple goals but goals none-the-less. Getting started writing goals at a young age molded me into the goal setter I am today. The only difference is that my goals went from "being nice to my brother and keeping my room clean" to "owning a successful business and writing a book".

I have always had goals and have written them down, but they always end up in a drawer out of site only to be pulled out and brushed off a couple of times a year. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started pulling them out of the drawer, dusting them off and prominently displaying them in different areas of the house.

Several people inspired me to do this. One was a friend who lives her life by goal setting and the other The was a guy I was dating who carried his goals in his wallet and had dates set in which he wanted to accomplish them. Some people thought he was a bit overboard, I thought it was a great idea. Why not! You reach into your wallet daily and every time you do there they are staring you down, reminding you there are things you were meant to do and not to forget you work towards them daily. Wouldn’t you know it, of the 10 goals he had written down 7 of them he’s accomplished.

Can writing goals seem like a daunting task, at times, yes! Keep it simple and start small. Those first goals I had written down so long ago where challenging at that age but measurable and broken down into long-range goals and monthly short-range goals. I even had a nice little box to fill in each month that the goal had been accomplished.

I am making my dreams become reality by turning each dream into a goal, writing it down and working toward each one. Write it down! Even the smallest goal matters!

My personal goals 1985, age 10.

Long Range Goals:

1. Help others

2. Get married

Monthly Short Range Goals:

1. Personal Prayer

2. Scriptures

3. Acts of service

4. Acts of kindness

5. Write in my journal

6. Clean my room

7. Be nice to my brothers

Today I was speaking with my brother and he sounded more excited than he had been in years. “Jo, I’ve got a goal and I’m focused for the first time in a long time. It feels great! I’m happy! Hearing this coming from my brother, who had just gone through some of the toughest years, made me happy too! After all, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been….George Elliott”

Starting the New Year off with Fresh Country Air!

2010-01-11T19:09:00.006-05:00

The best way to kick off the new year = fresh country air, snow and two beautiful Aussies. I started my day off early so that I could watch the sunrise, something I never do at home. Armed with a cup of french press coffee and the anticipation and excitement of a child I watched as a spectacular display of red, orange and pink filled the sky welcoming all creatures from their peaceful sleep.

This evening I found myself anxious to finish up work so that I could get in some playtime in the snow prior to dusk. The cold didn't even bother me as I headed out to gather wood for the fire place. I soaked it all in looking around me at nature. Deer were grazing and my two dogs were having a blast running and tumbling in the snow. I felt as if everything around me stopped and life at this moment just did not get any better than this.

New Year, Reflecting Back!

2010-01-02T22:24:00.004-05:00

Another year has come and gone, surely this new year will be much better than the past.

2009 things to continue in 2010:

1. Working out

2. Traveling

3. High sells

4. Breast Cancer Fundraiser

5. Sunday Supper club

6. Time with friends

7. Sitti

8. Zely

9. Seeing family more than twice a year

Things to do in 2010:

1. Sell home FSBO (for sale by owner)

2. Work Life Balance

3. Debt Free

4. Invest and Save more

5. Continuing education

2009 Happenings to AVOID in 2010:

1. Being held at gunpoint in Mexico

2. Traveling in or even around Mexico

3. Back injuries from over training

4. Sushi Blues

5. Bad Dates

Mexico

2009-12-02T08:29:00.010-05:00

Not a fan, but some of the pictures came out good.

Must Have For The Holidays

2009-11-23T16:01:00.003-05:00

As a kid I remember seeing the commercials for "clap on clap off". I thought they were pretty cool, but we never owned one. In fact, I don't remember my friends having this catchy device either. Today I tested out my new remote for my Christmas lights. It is so awesome. I stand downstairs and hit the remote on and and the lights upstairs come on. So great! I no longer have to walk upstairs to the loft area to unplug the holiday lights. Should I even be admitting this? Does it make me lazy?

3 Guys, 2 Dogs and a Tree!

2009-11-21T08:47:00.007-05:00

I don't think I need to say much, pictures are worth a thousand words.

Hmmmm

Luring of the puppies...**no dogs were harmed in the decorating of this tree, tormented, but not harmed**

Decorated in ribbons, bows and beads...trying to escape.

Rob will save me.

Thanks Rob, your my hero.

In my country this would be a small wreath, for hanging on the wall. In Ashlyn's country, they apparently wear them on their head.

Making up, forgiven for making me wear beads.

In all seriousness.....

The tree turned out beautiful!

Thanks Guys!

Discovering North Carolina - Peppers Festival

2009-10-18T22:05:00.007-04:00

Sunday was the annual Piedmont Biofarm Pittsboro Pepper Festival adding to the feeling of fall with the crisp air, beautiful peppers and habanero beer. Yes! Habanero beer, it was quite nice.

There were 40 different varieties of peppers by farmer Doug Jones, local chefs cooking foods using peppers, jalapeno water ice, liberacion juice station (so yummy) and music by Howie Dewitt blues/funk band.

While it was a small event it was fun none-the-less and one that we just may attend again next year.

Pepper Tasting Table. Number #9 was one of the best!

Pepper plants!

These were heavenly. Jalapeno's stuffed with 2 different kinds of cheeses and spices, then egg battered and rolled in cornmeal. Elaine's is definitely one restaurant I would love to try.

Habenero beer!

The Green Liberation was AWESOME!

Howie Dewitt Band...This is How We Do It!

Discovering North Carolina - Biltmore House

2009-10-18T21:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I did a second tour of The Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina. The tour was the perfect length and the home was beautiful. If only the weather had been nicer.

The Biltmore House - Largest Home

Jeri and I

Looking out from the front of the house.

The Gardens

Here we go again...

2009-10-14T07:49:00.004-04:00

You can definitely tell that Fall is in the air when you walk into my house. Not because I am doing baking (well I do this too), but rather yet painting. It starts too cool off outside and I move indoors to see what I can dismantle and redo. This is great right? Wrong? Only because I get so distracted from what I started out to do that I end up starting everything at once. If you walk into the living room I have decided to reroute/rewire all the audio equipment, turn a corner into the dining room and you will find sheets covering the furniture because at 7pm on a Tuesday night I decided I wanted to paint the ceiling. If you go upstairs into the loft you will find the remnants of what looks to be the start of a baby quilt. Here in lies the problem that I suffer from on a daily basis, call it being an Aries the sign of the ram that dives into projects only to get bored and hand them off, or there could be a slight bit of ADD either way, I woke up this morning to disarray and am having difficulty functioning.

Two Years Already?

2009-10-04T15:31:00.002-04:00

Two years ago today I arrived in Raleigh North Carolina, full of hope and optimism for all that my new found home would hold.

Reflecting back via an old journal entry October 2007:

Moved to Raleigh and am fully aware it will be a big change from Los Angeles but did not notice the extent of it until today. I have the house in order, the dog is happy, I worked out, shopped, checked out the bookstore and now I am bored stiff at 6pm on a saturday. I have decided to get out and explore Raleigh. Tonight's stop is Sushi Blues. I ate sushi weekly in Los Angeles, but have been leery in my attempt to try it here. I am actually excited to explore Raleigh. After all living in suburbia as a single with no children will keep me single with no children for a very long time. The sushi and service was less than par.

Journal entry from October 2008:

I want to write and actually yearn to write but I find myself bogged down with thoughts of losing my job. These thoughts are coupled with thoughts of being in love and being out of love. My head is cloudy and it is all I have in me to stay positive and focused.

Wow, so two years later I am still single in Raleigh, living in suburbia and worried about my job. However, I have found some great sushi restaurants and made a few friends. My saturday nights are not quite as boring but I still feel like there is something missing from my life and am trying to find just what that is. So in the interim, I am trying to focus on my goals in hopes of creating this life I want. I will admit that Raleigh has grown on me even with my ever battle of trying to find my place.

Discovering North Carolina - Pottery Highway

2009-09-07T09:54:00.003-04:00

I have spent a lot of time traveling and exploring places all over the world, but have truly missed out on things right out my back door. That's why this holiday weekend I decided to start discovering North Carolina before one day moving and having to come back for vacation. Who knows, maybe I will live here forever, as I get older I can truly appreciate all that North Carolina has to offer, dare I say it has grown on me? Indeed!

The most recent day trip was on Pottery Highway 705. North Carolina is known for being the furniture capital of the world but most people don't know it is also known for its pottery. If you haven't toured Seagrove and the surrounding pottery areas it's a must! My friend and I did the trip a bit backwards because he had never been to Pinehurst, famous for golf, so we started our day off by heading to Southern Pines and Pinehurst where we checked out the horse farms and areas famous for golf.

After having lunch in Pinehurst we headed to highway 705 to start our pottery excursion. The first stop was FireShadow Pottery where we met Moe. Moe did very unique and cool pieces that represented Magnolias and much more. I have to say that this was one of my favorite stops on the trip. Moe was so friendly. He showed us his garden retreat, we got to meet the dogs and see where his creations come to fruition. I kick myself for not buying the big garden mushroom, it was very cool.

I will definitely be heading back for the 28th Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival, named a top 20 event in the Southeast.

Discovering North Carolina - Raleigh Farmers Market

2009-08-26T22:54:00.005-04:00

A couple times a month I visit the Raleigh's Farmers Market. The most recent visit I was taken back at how beautiful the displays of vegetables were with their vibrant colors. Instantly I wished I had a better camera to capture the images, but was happy none-the-less that I had a camera on me at all.

There is something to be said about fresh grown vegetables. I wanted to purchase a little bit of everything.

Wines For Humanity

2009-08-19T21:02:00.003-04:00

I was recently told about Wines for Humanity. Wines for humanity raises funds for charity by introducing people to the joy of fine wines. They host private wine tastings and a portion of the proceeds from every bottle directly benefits families in the community who find themselves homeless for reasons beyond their control.

Their vision is "No family in America, with children, should become homeless through circumstances beyond their control. Funds will be raised through wine tastings that bring friends together to experience the joy of fine wines. We are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with finer spirit of hope and achievement."

I am excited about this organization. I love wine and helping towards a good cause just adds to the benefits.

The currently operate in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, North Carolina and Michigan.

"All that you need to host a tasting is a room to accommodate you and a few friends (up to 16), 2 hours of your time, and a table for us to setup the wines and wineglasses. That's it! Of course, cheese and crackers are recommended to complement the wine and cleanse the palate!"

You can check them out at www.winesforhumanity.com to inquire about hosting a wine tasting.

The cost is minimal and would make for a great evening amongst friends for a great cause.

Definitely going to work on hosting a wine tasting for my friends.

Horoscopes

2009-08-11T08:02:00.004-04:00

Todays horoscope is particularly vexing seeing how I am making decisions that are work based, whoever writes these things does it with me in mind.

Your horoscope for August 11, 2009

Today, Jolene, you might be plagued by indecision, particularly where work matters are concerned. You might feel that you don't want to continue what you've been doing, but aren't sure exactly in what direction you want to move. Don't feel that you have to commit to any course of action now. You aren't in the right space to do it anyway. Wait until you feel more confident, then weigh your options and consider your decision. - Unfortunately I have to make a decision and commit, time is of the essence, ugh!

Horoscopes

2009-08-09T11:58:00.002-04:00

Everyday I read my horoscope, not that I fully believe in them, but I am humored at how closely they resemble to what I am going through in my life on that particular day. It is actually quite bizarre how close they are.

Your horoscope for August 9, 2009

Expand your way of thinking today, Jolene, and make sure you incorporate every single part of your being into what you do. You have the power to make some very wise decisions today as long as you remain patient in all situations. You might find that you are feeling a bit more generous than usual and that you are apt to do things for others before thinking of yourself. Don't forget about your own needs as well. - I am certain tonight I am about to walk into a battle zone with friends. Everyone will certainly have an opinion.

Your horoscope for August 8, 2009

There is a difficult combination of forces working, Jolene, which might create conflict in your desire to move ahead. On one hand you are fully committed to moving forward with new and innovative plans, while at the same time you feel a strong tie to the older ways of doing things. Be careful of automatically assuming that everything needs to be so black and white. The truth is that the most successful plan of attack is one that combines the best of both of these approaches. - this one is interested because I am pulled between staying where I am at and moving ahead to a new place. So tough!

Your horoscope for August 7, 2009

Worries about money may be plaguing you throughout the day, Jolene. Perhaps you feel you've been spending more than you should, and are frantically trying to find corners to cut so you can make it through the next few days. Relax and take a more objective look at your situation. You'll probably find it's not as bad as you thought. If you stay focused, you'll realize you don't have to tighten your belt quite so much. Good luck! - This one is just a given. I constantly stress about finances and planning for retirement and being to one day have a business. However, on this day I was thinking how to pay a mortgage and move.

Your horoscope for August 6, 2009

Generally you don't tend to worry so much, Jolene, but today you might - especially about money. Perhaps you made a purchase that you're now doubting the wisdom of making. Maybe this was an impulse buy, but make sure you really don't want it before you take it back to the store. You're probably doing better financially than you have for a long time, so don't waste any time panicking. Instead, spend a little more! Take yourself out to lunch! - my purchase I can't return, but definitely trying to figure out how to get rid of it.

Your horoscope for August 5, 2009

Social events and group activities should keep you very busy today, Jolene. You may be scheduled to attend more than one, and you may even be responsible for helping out at one of them. Many people will want to speak to you, though you may not have as much time for each one of them as you'd like. Nonetheless, this is likely to be a very stimulating and interesting day for you. Enjoy it! - interesting that on this day I was in Seattle at meetings and had several people that pulled me aside to talk to me about account options.

Caught in the Rain

2009-08-02T18:54:00.003-04:00

Some of my friends and I have taken up doing 7 mile hikes on Sundays. Being out in nature getting in some good exercise, chat time and hanging with my dogs has become something I really look forward to. So when I woke up this morning and it looked like it was going to rain I prayed my friends would not cancel. I love walking in the rain.

Seems my friends aren't afraid of little rain and actually looked forward to it themselves. It was so nice just being out in nature and when the rain started coming down we listened to the rhythm of it while being protected by the trees above. Well protected at least until it started down pouring. At that point it didn't matter and we soaked it all in, literally! Rain, trees and being one with nature.

Life is good!

Random Poem

2009-07-29T08:37:00.002-04:00

Not sure what date I wrote this, but it was after my mom's death.

The sun will always rise,

moon and stars will shine,

life still goes on even though

you're gone.

Each day of my life,

I take a look around,

you're no where to be found.

It's true you left me here alone,

to face the world on my own.

Past Cards - Brook

2009-07-27T18:51:00.003-04:00

I feel like I hit the jackpot. In addition to lots of interesting past letters I stumbled upon lots of past cards. Not just any cards, cards from Brook. She picks out better cards than anyone I know. We could be living right next door to each other and Brook would still send me a card because she thought it was perfect, funny or suited to the occasion. I started putting them in chronological order in binders so that I could see the changes over the past 20+ years.

Card Cover - A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water - Eleanor Roosevelt

April 6, 2009

Jolene,

I needed to write you a quick note to let you know how proud I am of you. Living life on your own terms is not something for the faint of heart. Yet, you have taken the opportunities in front of you and have made the most of each and every one of them.

Cheers to you for taking life by the balls and turning your single life into something important and spectacular.

You've come a long way - don't regret a second - and show'em how it's done!

Congratulations on a lifetime of happiness to come!

Love Brook

P.S. Kick some ASS!

Match Take 3

2009-07-26T10:57:00.001-04:00

Time to switch up the match.com profile. Below is what I have posted this time around, changing it up to see if I can get different results.

This is a work in progress and may change daily as I figure out what to write, but if you actually read it then I am quite impressed. **please disregard any spelling and grammatical errors, they are embarrassing but I need to reread it a few times to double check**

I moved to Raleigh just over a year ago from California for my job, sorry no southern accent here. Originally from Salt Lake City Utah, no we don't practice polygamy, at least not legally. I am finally starting to feel a bit more settled in my new southern home, yet a bit anxious to make friends that have similar interests as I do.

I am passionate and have a love for life and all that it has to offer.

I have traveled to China, Europe, all the states in the US with the exception of Alaska (planning a fishing trip there this summer), Mexico, the Caribbean and more...My next big adventure will be to Australia and New Zealand.

Honesty, intelligence, sincerity and humor are all qualities I have and am looking for in the person I chose to spend time with. I love learning anything and everything. If you can engage me in a good intellectual conversation (healthy banter is totally acceptable), toss in a bit of humor and a nice smile, I am sold. I believe that conversation is the basis of never getting bored with each other and that once you stop talking it is pretty much over.

I am family and goal oriented, have 4 brothers and 1 sister who mean the world to me. Not to mention the cutest nephews and niece who can kick my butt at wii.

I enjoy staying in and breaking out the scrabble board while cooking a nice meal and drinking great red wine. Or, I can get dressed up and go out for a night on the town.

I am very self sufficient but still believe that chivalry is not dead and like to be treated like a lady, just the small stuff that makes a big impression, do NOT confuse this with being high maintenance for I am far from that.

Staying healthy and fit are very important to me and they should be to you as well. I am sorry, but I can't date someone who does not workout and take care of themselves. It is a big part of my life. I have run a few marathons, coached cross country and track, love skiing (although I am not that good at it, I still go every year to Deer Valley and Alta), Hiking, fishing, water skiing, weights at the gym, lately a lot of Bikram Yoga, just active in general.

The love(s) of my life are 2 beautiful miniature Australian Shepherds, they keep me active running, walking, tossing ball and playing frisbee.

I believe that time is valuable and I keep myself busy with work, my dogs, home improvement projects and more, but will make times for those that I truly feel there could be a connection with.

Best of luck to you all in finding that one person that makes you happy.

Fruits of Labor

2009-07-25T08:28:00.004-04:00

There is no dirt or soil in my backyard. Just this

messy red clay that is hard as ever to work with.

Somehow I managed to get the grass all up and

the plants in all in a days work. It didn't hurt that

I was working out some dating frustrations.

This was taken right after I put the plants in,

it didn't look like much at the time.

Only a few months later and I have a beautiful

bed with 3 varieties of tomatoes, 2 varieties of

basil and some lavender.

I can't wait until these are ready for the picking.

These have been so delicious. I check every

morning to see if anymore have ripened.

The labor I put into this bed was so worth it.

I need to have more people cause me frustration

so I can get more done around the house.

Past Letters - Jeff

2009-07-22T21:22:00.004-04:00

January, 1993

Provo, Utah

How ya doing? Things are going great. I've seem probably about 10-15 people I knew from school and there's still more coming in that I know about . It's so awesome over here. I'm getting to know more and more people everyday.

Today is Sunday so that means I have lots of time to study Japanese. I need to study a ton! Tomorrow we start SYL which means that we need to speak the language of the country that we are going to and nothing else or at least what we know. I can't believe how fast were learning this stuff. It's really neat!

I've started working out now, actually I started on friday and I'm the only one that does in my area right now, but I'll get them to join me. I've been eating nothing but health food here. It's just like I'm back in school. I eat the health food and then get bugged about it by everybody. I love it! I wish you could be here. It's so awesome! There's no better place I've been except the temple where the spirit is so strong. Everybody here is here for the same purpose or at best they're supposed to be. There are a bunch of people here that shouldn't be but I try to ignore them. They'll learn what this is all about when they get out into the real world.

Things here are very hard. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It's also the best thing I've ever done. I know it's going to really help me in my life.

I'm going to have to go now and make this letter short because I need to study so I can be an awesome missionary. I miss you a lot and I'm praying for you every day. Be happy and don't stress over little things. Here's one philosophy for you - Whenever you're looking for something, you'll always find it at the last place you look. Good inspirational words, huh? Well, time to go. Please write. I really miss hearing from you. Sayonara, hasta, see ya later, read from ya later, etc..,

Love,

Jeff

Dad's First Book

2009-07-22T11:44:00.005-04:00

My dad wrote his first book and I couldn't be prouder. Such an accomplishment! He had been talking about his book for quite sometime so the anticipation had built up. When I received it in the mail in March I sat down and starting reading. I finished it that same day!

Now he has it available at several bookstores and on amazon. He even put together a website around this book. Dad is moving into our century, yeah! Although he still can't send a text I give him credit for getting on facebook and doing his website.

I come from a long line of mormons back to the start of the church by Joseph Smith. I am most certain they are disappointed in my decision to not participate. I often wonder if they get tired of praying for me at the temple. I do appreciate it but they must look down at the prayer list and go "Jolene Smith" this girl is a tough one truly she will see the light soon. Dad holds out hope that I will go back to church and meet a nice young man to settle down with. He is certain that my lack of attendance is why I am still single. I think it's because I live in Raleigh and all the normal guys around my age have been married since college.

www.keeperoftheprophetssword.com

About the book:

"Never before has anyone viewed a picture showing the Prophet’s Legion Sword. This book is the first and was written by permission of the author’s first cousin, a Noble, and great-grandson of Joseph Bates Noble."

"Joseph Bates Noble more than likely asked, “Why me Lord?” as he hid away the Prophet Joseph Smiths’ Nauvoo Legion Sword. A casket cane would soon be a stow-away and the two relics would start a long journey into time."

"This legion sword has been hidden away for 165 years and not to be on display. It has been handed down from father-to-son in the Noble family for a special purpose in giving testimony to Joseph Bates Noble a defender and body guard to the prophet."

"Joseph Bates Noble served as a foot soldier in Zion’s Camp, defended the church in Missouri, ranked as a Major in the Nauvoo Legion and key figure along with his friend, Porter Rockwell, in rescuing the bodies of Hyrum and Joseph Smith. This book contains new details on the rescue."

"This fascinating book will tell you first hand about this remarkable man. He conducted the first plural marriage in the Church by marrying his sister-in-law, Louisa Beman, to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This is his story."

"Howard Carlos Smith holds a B.S. Degree in Engineering from Utah State University and an M.S. Degree from Brigham Young University. As a teacher and trainer he taught over 15,000 students spanning a period of forty-five years. He was one of three missionaries to open the Island of Puerto Rico for missionary service."

Past Letters - Jeff

2009-07-21T16:40:00.002-04:00

Digging through more letters, apparently I wrote a few missionaries at the same time. The odds aren't bad though seeing most of the people I went to school with or dated went on missions.

I am starting to see a pattern from dating in my teens, 20's and now 30's. Always several guys but none that have captivated me enough to settle down. Note to self...need to get therapy to work through this issue.

January 1993

Provo, Utah

Komchiwa (good afternoon). It's now the first opportunity I have to write a letter and your the first one I'm writing to, neat huh? I won't be able to sent it today though because were supposed to be writing a letter to our families to send off today so I'm going to have to postpone this letter for a few minutes while I write to my family. I'll be right back.

O.K., I'm back. So, how are things there? I see you received my first letter I sent via Tyler. Sorry I sent it to him, but I knew of no one else who could get it down there except the mailman and I didn't want to wait that long before I knew you had received it. So I'm sorry if he caused any problems.

I've got quite a bit to say but not enough time to write it now so I'm going to finish this letter tomorrow since it is my p-day. We're only supposed to send letters to our families today anyways so I don't want to break the rules and try to send this to you today. So until tomorrow Sayonara (good bye).

Hi I'm back. It's not tomorrow yet (10:23 pm) but I decided to write a few more words. I , my companion and my 2 roommates are practicing Hiragana (japanese characters) and were having fun. My comps name is Elder Wilcox. He's a nice guy but he doesn't' talk at all. Sometimes he likes to talk but he usually doesn't'. i'll get him to talk, thought. By the time I'm through with him, he'll be an awesome missionary since I'm his senior companion. Well it's time for bed now so I'll finish up this letter tomorrow.

It's now tomorrow and I have a serious brain cramp. you were right about them brainwashing the missionaries. I can understand it though since we have to know how to speak Japanese in 2 months. I'm having lots of fun, though. This is an awesome language to learn but it's pretty hard.

I showed everybody (my companion and 2 roommates) (ok, actually my whole class) your pictures and they think they're awesome, but I think they're better than awesome. I still need your colored picture, too. You should have seen the looks on their faces! First things I heard were "wow", "she's gorgeous", "what's her name"? It was pretty funny. This place is getting more fun all the time. I'm learning more and more all the time. I learned today that in Japan the baptismal rate there is about 10 baptisms per month per mission. That's hardly any at all! Oh well! I'll go out there and see what I can do to change that rate.

I can't believe how much there is to talk about. So many things happen around here. It's a very different experience. It's also extremely nice to be away from the house. I thought I'd never get out of there. I really do miss you a lot, thought. I'm very, very much looking forward to reading from you. It will really make my day.

How the heck is Brook (and Tyler) doing? Are things ok? I made Tyler promise me that he won't mess around and I am going to stay on top of that. I will write him and remind him of that promise he made me frequently. Things will hopefully be ok. How are things with you? Have you met anyone as nice as me yet? (just joking with ya). I'll tell you what...I bet any guy would kill to meet you. You're just so awesome!

It's time for me to go now because I'm very limited on time today - by the way, I didn't get p-day today since I'm a new missionary and I had to attend other things, otherwise I would have more stuff to write about. I'll write to you again as soon as I'm allowed to. So until then - Sayonara!

P.S. in case your wondering your name in Japanese is...

P.P.S in case you threw away the envelope my mailing address is....

Love, Jeff

Past Letters - Chris

2009-07-20T09:53:00.004-04:00

This is the first letter I received from my boyfriend after he had gone to the MTC (missionary training course).

January 17, 1992

Provo, Utah

Jolene,

Hey Hun. What's going on? Do you miss me? I miss you a lot. This is the second night in here. I can't decide what I think about this place yet. I like it, then I hate it then it's o.k. There's kind of an emotional roller coaster going on right now.

Once classes are over it's fun cause there is a pretty wild district a couple of doors down and i've been kinda screwing around with them at night. Last night we had a sauna party in the shower down stairs. We put towels over the shower doors and steamed the place up. But all of those guys will be leaving next week for Honduras. They all just saw your picture and think I'm the hugest stud for having such a good looking girlfriend.

My comp's name is Elder Park. He's a pretty cool guy but he doesn't talk much. He's the quiet one in our district. My other roommates are Elder Mower from LA and Elder O'Brien from Ontario. Right now I'm in a good mood so I won't say anything bad about any of them.

There are 9 of us going to Brussels together. 6 elders and 3 sisters. 2 months seems liek a long time to be here. I envy the guys that are only here for a few weeks. I'm all ready looking forward to seeing you at the airport so I really hope you are there.

So how's school. Are you getting anymore homework done now that I'm gone. I doubt it. j/k. Well good luck at Eric's farewell. You may receive this after, if that's the case I hope it went well. Tell Eric to pray for a good companion, unlike mine. Oops, I slipped (I did say something bad). Well I better go, I was supposed to be in bed a 1/2 hour ago.

I better hear from you soon, k.

I Love you!

Chris

P.S. Say "hi" to the family, Au Revoir

Past Letters - Chris

2009-07-17T17:01:00.003-04:00

March 17, 1992

Dear Jolene,

It's 1:40 (Utah time) and we are landing in New York in 20 minutes. I'm glad I got to see you at the airport. Sorry I didn't get a chance to really talk to you but I was in sort of a daze and if you couldn't tell it was kind of hectic for me with so many people there and trying to talk to all of them.

We're over the Empire State Building right now, it's sweet! I can't believe how many sky scrapers are here, that's all I can see. But anyway, seeing you today made me realize how much I love you and how much I miss you. You mean so much to me and I really hope we can always stay as close as we have been.

We had an hour and 50 minute lay over in N.Y. and we just took off. It was pretty cool hearing everyones New York accents, but were on our way to Belgium now.

Today's your B-Day *Happy Birthday* Mar. 22, even though you'll get this about a week and a half later. I thought I'd write it. I really wish I could've been with you for it. Or all the time for that matter. So did you get the box I sent you? SOrry it wasn't much but I was in a huge hurry the day I went to the mall and bought it and didn't have much time to look around. I know I say this about 10 times in every letter I write and you're probably getting sick of it but I love you so much. You better not forget about me while I'm over here.

By the way, you might want to know where I am. I'm in Eschsur Alzette, Luxembourg, sweet huh! Most missionaries never even get to see lux and it is my 1st area. THere are only 6 missionaries in all of luxembourg and E. Borland and I are the only ones in Esch. It's pretty cool over here. It's totally different from anything i've seen before.

Today is P-day, wed the 25th. I was going to try and finish this letter sunday but I didn't have any stamps to send it anyway. So how are you doing? Things are going pretty well here. Monday night I was totally bummed but then yesterday was all right.

My comp Elder Borland is pretty cool. It was totally poring rain yesterday so we stayed in and talked for about an hour and were getting along really well now. He used to be a total rebel in the mission but he is truing to change now. He's been out 19 months and said he'll never let me do the things him and his trainer used to do, which is good.

It's really pretty over here. This is supposed to be about the most beautiful part of the mission, especially in springtime. But it's one of the hardest places too. There hasn't been a baptism here forever. There are a bunch of little towns in our area and we train and bus everywhere which isn't too bad. Better than biking in the rain. Then were teaching this little Moroccan guy with no nose, down in France. He said he's going to make us escargot next week. The food is awesome over here (when we don't make it). We've already had 3 dinner rendezvous with members here and another one tonight, but there's only about 40 members here in our branch and 3 of the families are American, so they have to translate the church meetings into English. The language (French) sucks. Actually it's coming, but not fast enough. It's cool though. Some guy was totally yelling at me a couple of days ago and I couldn't understand what he was saying so I just stood there smiling. I think that pissed him off even more.

I haven't seen blue sky over here since I got here. I want some sun! It looks like it's trying to bust through today. We're probably going up to Lux. city later and play basketball if it's nice.

There are a lot of castles and statues in the area. One of these days this lady is going to take us to see a bunch of them. Cool huh! I'll send you some pictures. So what have you been up to lately? How's school and work and stuff?

I can't wait till I'm in Borlands position with only a few months left. It's hard to stay excited about this stuff when people are slamming doors in your face all day. Well I'm going to take off now. I've gotta go make lunch. Even though the food was horrible in the MTC, you learn to appreciate it once you're out here and have to make it yourself.

I love you

XXXXX

Write me back soon o.k. and as much as you can.

Past Letters - Chris

2009-07-17T16:43:00.003-04:00

March 12, 1992

Provo, Utah

Jolene,

1 week left here - Do you believe it? Once week from now I'm going to be in some small town in the French countryside somewhere (probably). And totally clueless. Things are going well down here but I am ready to get out of this place. It seem like it's been forever since i've seen you but the time is going by so fast. I just wish I could be fluent in French before I had to go over there, but I couldn't take this place too much longer. 2 months is about my limit. But the French isn't' going to bad, it's a lot better than some of the people leaving next week.

We just had a proselytizing experience where we were video taped and then they showed us it and told us what we screwed up on. It was really pretty cool, because it's the only thing we've been able to do in English. But my comp wouldn't speak so I had to do the whole thing myself.

So what's going on with you? I just got your last letter and seemed a little bummed. So what are you thinking about us, it sounds like your starting to wonder about things. What are these mixed emotions you're feeling? I'm sorry if this is hard on you but it is really hard on me too. You really mean a lot to me and I love you tonz. And I hope that you don't start changing your mind about us. What did you mean in your letter when you said "now I know you definitely don't want that." Well whatever it meant it's not true cause there's truly not anything I want more.

What else is going on with you? How is school and work and everything? Is Sonny's girlfriend pregnant or are they just getting married because they want to? Oh yea, Eric is back here again. He got here a week from last monday. He still hates it here but he is doing better than last time. I'm glad he came back. it'll be good for him. He'll be leaving the day after me.

My flight # is Delta #1424B departing at 9:48 a.m. Tuesday (in case I didn't tell you, I can never remember what I write). I'll probably get there about an hour before that but I'm not sure yet. So I'll try and let you know before that.

There's been a lot of guys from Bingham coming in the last couple of weeks. Most of them come talk to be me but I don't even know who they are.

Well I got class in a couple of minutes so I got to take off. I hope everything is going great for you. Cheer up o.k. cause I love you - Even thought that's probably not much to cheer you up.

I Love You,

XXXX

P.S. I like your car. Why couldn't you have got it before I left? j/k

-Write me back soon o.k. Have you got your pictures back yet? Send me some o.k. Love ya!

- Here's my new address, hint...

Past Letters - Chris

2009-07-16T20:49:00.006-04:00

What have I gotten myself into. Probably should have kept the boxes of letters filed away for another decade. Wow, I never anticipated a flood of memories to come crashing down as I sorted through them.

Maybe I need to write more letters and keep copies of them so that I can reflect back on love in my 30's verses just my earlier years. I like this idea but will keep the love letters limited to long term relationships, would hate to scare a guy off just because I want to do some writing.

So my first true love, god he took me years to get over. My friends and family didn't care much for him but I thought he was the most amazing person ever and to this day still think he is pretty great and kick myself (only occasionally) for letting this one get away. I always say "Love is a word said too often and not meant enough" but with this guy I truly meant it!

He was a romantic, smart, cute and everything else. I blame him for setting my standards so high causing me to be single in my 30's.

I just pulled out a tube from my shoe box. It was addressed from my love who at the time was living in France, 1992. As I opened it I had forgotten what was inside, a small long poster. As I unrolled the poster I saw a picture of the ocean with a bottle in the sand. The message in the bottle said "I Miss You". Simple, yet so great!

I am wonder, do romantic thoughtful guys even exist anymore? How do I not manage to attract them?

My boyfriend and I dated only a short time while I was in High School and he was in College prior to him leaving on a Mormon Mission, we were inseparable from the moment we met until he left.

I don't think these are in any particular order and I am not about to start sorting them by date

March 2, 1992

Provo, Utah

(heart sticker next to my name)

"Hey Gorgeous - Sorry if that's spelled wrong, it probably is. So how is every thing? I'm sorry if I sounded like an idiot in my last letter and I really hope your not mad at me for any of the stupid stuff I said. I love you so much and that's not ever going to change o.k. and I'm never going to give you up.

Things are going pretty well down here, but the last couple of days I have seriously been going crazy sitting in a classroom all day when it is so nice outside and thinking of all the things I could be doing with you. It's great out here today. It's saturday (p-day yahoo) and I'm sitting out here on the lawn roasting in the sun. It's like a college campus out here enjoying the sun.

I've been here so long I think I know about 90% of the people here. Its taken me about a half hour to write this one page cause I can only write about 1 line at a time before someone stops to talk. There's hardly anyone from Bingham here though. There's a couple sisters that graduated a year before me then a couple of younger guys but I don't really know them. Tim just left last week. He lived right above me so I talked to him a lot.

Oh yea, did I tell you I got my travel plans? I can't remember so I'll tell you just in case. My flight leaves March 17th at 9:48 a.m. and it's Delta. I can't remember the flight number though. But we fly to New York then there's about a 2 hour delay there then straight to Brussels. We won't arrive in Brussels till 7:05 a.m on Wed. So we'll lose a whole day. What a nightmare!! I'm ready to get out of here though. Eve though i'll be totally clueless for the next couple of months. I'm not sure what time we'll be leaving here and getting to the airport so I'll let you know later o.k.

I love you. Sorry I just had to say that. And I also just realized that I'm really getting sick of this paper. I think it's about time to get some more, don't you think?

These sisters sitting by me are talking about how they'll all be getting home in the summertime sense their missions are only 18 months. I'm about ready to smack them cause I'm jealous of them. Cause if my mish was only 18 months I would be able to see you 6 months sooner. Plus it would be great weather so we could do all kinds of stuff. Oh well. We'll have to wait for the next summer after that. But I told them that I still have a better deal than them cause I'll be able to be with you when I get back and they won't have anyone as great as you to come back to. So that made me feel better.

So when are you getting your pictures back? Send me some soon o.k. so I can keep showing you off to everyone. One of my friends was in my room the other day and he saw your pictures and thinks you're way good looking too Then he called his comp and a couple other guys in there to look at them too. I don't know why you always thought those pictures ugly cause everyone down here loves them (but no one loves them more than me).

Now it's Sunday morning at 7:50 a.m. we just got back from our 6:30 mtg., and have a few minutes till our next one. So everyone else is going to sleep but I wanted to keep writing to you.

Did you ever find out about your Germany thing? Or is that out now? My comp hasn't got a girlfriend yet but he is really looking. There's a sister going to Paris that he is totally in love with and she is going to be on our flight.

There's not a lot of other things to talk about down here. The French is coming along pretty well. It would be better if I could be more serious about everything and work harder on it, but I need some kind of stress relieve and I would have a breakdown if I was as serious as some of the people down here.

I haven't been to the mall since the last time I told you about. And I don't think I'll be there again till the last saturday we have here (March 14th I think) we'll probably get there around 11:30 or 12:00 so if you wanna just happen to be there and run into me that would be cool. You may have to work though. If you will work that ay tell me what time o.k.

Tell Jodi (is she still going out w/Anthony?) to keep keeping the guys away from you for me. I know that will be tough though.

I hate friday and saturday nights here. I've probably told you this before but every weekend I'm thinking that I would be with you if I wasn't here and that you might be just a couple of blocks down the road at the Palace.

So what was that guys advice about what to do with a boyfriend on a mission? I hope you don't listen to him and you better not ever find someone new, ok.

I love you so much and I always will. You mean so much to me. Don't ever forget that o.k. even thought I'm not able to write to you that much I'm thinking about you all the time and I love you more and more the longer I'm out here.

Write back soon all right. I love you. Chris

p.s. tell me what pictures I have sent you cause I have some more but I can't remember if i've already sent the other copies of them, o.k. (another heart sticker)

The Lost Art of Writing Letters

2009-07-10T11:10:00.007-04:00

Recently I had a conversation with someone I was dating about the lost art of letter writing. He asked me how many people I knew that still wrote letters and was shocked when I said two. Yes, I know two people that still write letters, my friend Brook and myself. He then said okay, then when is the last time you wrote a letter, I quickly pointed out that he had received one from me the day before. Not a note, but an actual letter.

I love letters! I have fond memories as a child of having pen pals, brothers on missions and friends in different states that wrote letters. Everyday after school I would rush home to check the mailbox and was elated when I found something addressed to me. As I got older and moved away I was fortunate enough to have a best friend that loved letters as much as I did and that was really good at writing them. Thanks Brook!

As I was searching through some old pictures to frame and put on the walls I came across 9 shoe boxes filled with old letters. I am excited to sit down and reflect back on letters of the past.

The first letter I pulled out was written by a past guy friend of mine that had just gone off to college. It was written in November 1993 (back when postage was $0.29)

"How's it going babe? Good here. Nothing much has happened here, except that millions and millions of girls want me. It's not hard down here, girls out number the boys 7 t0 1. Great odds huh? Most of the girls are "sweet spirits", that's okay. They are nice on the inside, that's the problem with this world, they look on the outward appearances, they never notice the beauty within. Have you ever heard such bullshit in all your life. I'm going to be home Wednesday through Sunday for Thanksgiving break. Come over and see me or call me. I can't tell you much gossip, Amos is a gang member now. Well better go. Love, xxxxx"

Brings back memories of my sarcastic cute friends from middle and high school. Wonder what happened to this guy.

Can't wait to dive into the love letters from my exes.

Sunday Supper Club - Inaugural

2009-06-28T22:42:00.004-04:00

One of my fondest childhood memories was Sunday dinner. Growing up at my house it was a big deal and all were welcome to join. As I moved into adulthood and out of my parents home I found myself missing the ritual of our Sunday dinners where we gathered for good food surrounded by family and friends.

Settling into my new home in Raleigh, something seemed to be missing. That something was Sunday dinner. The ritual of cooking a good meal, not just for myself but for others as well. So, with a good group of friends we started our first Sunday Supper Club.

As we gathered at the table new friends and old friends became instant family. My dining room has never looked so good and I am certain my mother would have loved the site of a full table with great food being enjoyed by all.

I am very much looking forward to many more Sunday dinners with this fantastic group of people.

The menu for this first dinner consisted of;

Appetizer - Olive Tapenade, compliments of Melissa & Josh

Salad - Grill Squid Steaks, Grilled Veggies over a bed of mixed greens and topped with a peach vinaigrette, compliments of Chef Sarig

Main Course - Summer Pasta loaded with fresh basil, olives, garlic, olive oil and cheese, compliments of Jolene

Dessert - Strawberry Sabaione, compliments of Tobi

In addition to great food we had several fantastic bottles of wine. The selection consisted of; Ecco Domani 2007 Pinot Grigio, Condesa 2007 Garnacha, Hess Select 2004 Syrah, Sea Glass 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Milton Park 2007 Shiraz and Mirassou 2008 Pinot Noir.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

2009-05-08T18:20:00.004-04:00

My first fundraiser came and went in a flash. I learned and gained so much from hosting this event that I am already excited about the possibility of doing it again next year. The night of the event could not have gone better. I will never forget walking into the restaurant to a sea of Pink. From the beautiful perfectly folded pink napkins with a menu in pink font placed gingerly on top, fresh cut pink azaleas in small vases throughout and best of all pink accented framed photo prints hanging on the walls waiting to be auctioned off. Immediately my fears faded and excitement filled me.

It was so cool to see the restaurant fill up as people started arriving. After the first course was served Sarig and I said a few words; We thanked everyone for attending and how touched we were by the support we received.

20% of the meal and 100% of the raffle and silent auction went towards the Raleigh Race for the Cure, helping to find a cure for Breast Cancer. Raffle tickets were $5.00 each which, gave participants a chance to win a Pink Sony Ericsson phone, Framed art, and a Arbonne gift basket with $100.00 gift certificate towards products.

The Silent auction started at $25.00 and worked by writing in your name on the list for the print you want along with a price and then crossing out the person above you. The auction ended once the final course was served.

Each person received a gift bag that included a book on Hope, a breast exam card to share with others, a coupon for a free shower bomb from Calm and Sense and information on how to sign up for the Raleigh Race for the Cure. Also, the final drink pairing was served in a hand painted Martini glass to keep.

There were several people involved in planning this event that I would like to thank for all their help; Chef Sarig, Brook Ekenstam, Heath Eisberg. Along with a list of Companies and people that made donations.

Everyone that attended this event have now met someone that is either a breast cancer survivor or someone that has had family and friends afflicted with/ by it. I shared Melissa's story and survivors Amy and Barbara got up and spoke of their ordeal in dealing with and surviving breast cancer.

Due to amazing friends and friends of friends the event sold out by word of mouth and we exceeded my fundraising goals.

Many thanks to all the support from friends in so many ways.

A Frog's Advice On Love

2009-04-29T12:17:00.006-04:00

I am sitting here staring across my counter looking at a stack of books on dating, all of which I have read and am contemplating re-reading. They are the typical titles of "he's just not that into you", "it's not you, it's him" and "Don't Be That Girl", my sister sent me the last one after hearing all my dating woes.

As I skim through the "he's just not into you" book, a stark realization hits me..., according to this book no guy I have ever been with has been into me. Worst of all according to "Don't Be That Girl", I am that girl, just not as extreme but still. At this point I decided to turn to taking advice from a frog, Kermit the frog to be exact. He seems to have it all together. I only decided that frog advice would be best while cleaning out boxes in my garage. I came across a book that I had read years ago titled "Before You Leap, A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons" by Kermit The Frog. In anticipation I immediately looked up the section, Love Amphibian Style, Romancing The Pig And Other Warnings, hoping for some good advice.

Diving into this chapter I was optimistic and anxious to hear a new viewpoint from someone other than my friends, family and books that are the extreme. What I found, to no surprise, was a fun, fresh and positive take on Love.

It starts off with "Love is a many-splintered thing" now, I have never been thrown through a wall like Kermit, but I have felt like I have several times. Good to know I am not the only one. So far so good...

"Love Takes Many Forms" this section I totally agree with, why would you take advice from dating books where people compiled statistics, psychologists over analyzed, and then distilled the information to compile a book. I am more unique, as are most, then what those books cover.

In the next section Kermit answers questions about love;

So, what is love according to Kermit? "Love is the most overwhelming feeling in the world" - so true, if you meet someone that you have a special connection with it can be scary and overwhelming, my advice to myself is usually to RUN, that might be an area I need to work on.

So, how do you meet someone? Shop around even if you are already with someone, this one is easy.

Where do you meet that someone? Anywhere you are but only if you are unavailable, so true, they seem to always come out of the woodwork while you are already committed.

Don't date people you work with.

The person is right for you if they are breathing, treat you with respect, compliment your appearance, share likes and dislikes and you are compatible.

Long distance relationships can work, not for me, but they can work. I think because you don't have to put up with each other on a daily or sometimes even weekly basis.

If the person you are with wants to see other people then they don't know they are seeing you.

If a relationship is not working you need to figure out on your own how to end it, I think a quick text message would suffice but not sure others would agree.

All in all the book so far has given great advice and firmly sums up that "no one truly understands love" not even Einstein, it is something you have to define for yourself.

So, what are a "Frog's Eye View Of Romance?" according to the book;

1. You can't hurry love, nor can you slow it down or stop it either.

2. It may be better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, but it is even better to live and tell about it.

3. Love! Exciting and New! Come Aboard! We are expecting you!

4. If you love someone, set them free, or at least give them a sick day every now and then.

5. Love means never having to say you are sorry, but saying it anyway.

6. Love conquers all, surrender! Resistance is futile!

7. Follow your heart and you'll never be lost, but you might get better mileage if you figure out where you are going in the first place.

8. The love you take is equal to the love you make. However, contents may settle during shipping, so actual amounts may vary.

9. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

That's it! The most practical advice comes from frogs. I think the next section I am going to focus on is "Finding The Rainbow Connection".

Facebook For All Ages? Continued...

2009-04-21T20:56:00.002-04:00

Sure enough, dad posted the following right on my wall for all to see on facebook....

Jolene, Of course I own a computer! How do you think I taught my classes at Arnold Machinery? Have you received my book yet? I viewed the picture of you and Eric. Good looking guy. Shows personality. I can only get my email and view Facebook when I am at the office (which is seldom :)) we don't have the internet at home. Today cement was poured for our new front porch. Love ya - Dad

And of course, he had to mention a guy that he saw in a picture with me.

I emailed dad and told him we should communicate that way.

Still love that he is on facebook and exploring new things.

Breast Cancer....Stories to tell...Continued

2009-04-21T20:53:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I am happy to say with only 4 days until our Breast Cancer Fund Raising dinner at Zely & Ritz, there are only 14 seats left. I am confident and excited that we can get this event sold out for the evening and it will be a big dinner party with a lot of great people for a really great cause. I am so looking forward to seeing you all on April 24th.

What is so unique about the people attending this event is that we have ages spanning from early 30's on up. We have business owners, executives, professionals, educator's, doctor's and more. With the diversity of individuals attending we all have something in common, we all have been touched by Breast Cancer either by association or first hand.

Sometimes life hands us challenges that are out of our control, but how we choose to face them makes a world of difference. Without people, such as ourselves, facing challenges everyday and fighting those challenges we would not be as far as advanced in our research, awareness and cure for breast cancer. With your help along with the support of others we can add strength to helping the cause of battling breast cancer.

Many of our lives have been touched by breast cancer if even by six degrees of separation. Since planning this event I have been touched by stories of breast cancer survivors and those who lost loved ones to breast cancer. I would like to share a little from these stories with you so you have first hand insight into the lives that you are touching by joining us on this evening.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting near Kevin on a flight from Philadelphia to Raleigh. He heard me talking about the Breast Cancer Dinner and thanked me for doing it. Kevin and his wife Renee, both high powered attorneys in New Jersey know how to battle cases and win. Within a five year span they where challenged with two difficult pregnancies, resulting in two beautiful children one with Down Syndrome, and a battle against breast cancer. "It didn't seem fair. In five years, she had learned so much about faith, Down Syndrome, love, strength, marriage." "Renee tackled cancer like any other trial in life, be it public corruption or Down Syndrome. She read everything she could find on the subject."

Melissa, one of by best friends recently sent me an email, at a young age she was all too familiar with hearing from loved ones "I have breast cancer". "In 1990 my Mémère was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, within the same year of her diagnosis she had her left breast removed. Years past with minimal setbacks. In 2000 they found that the cancer had moved to her Lymph nodes. At the age of 80, she was certain chemo would be too much. So, the family sought out the best doctors possible and found alternatives. Weeks later, they removed what they could. To this day – with nothing short of a miracle, she is still alive. Nearing the age of 90 – if it weren’t for the Alzheimer’s, she’d be as healthy as a horse." Breast Cancer effects all ages, some lose that battle too young. One of Melissa's closest friends lost her fight to Breast Cancer at the young age of 29. "Niki was that friend that always made you laugh – simply put, she was one of the sweetest people that I ever met. Her bravery during her illness astounded me. I remember the last day I saw her. She was floating in her pool enjoying the sunshine and friends and families stopping by to see her. Not once did she ever complain." Last year she heard it again when her Auntie Sandy was diagnosed.

There are too many stories I have now heard to tell them all, but that is exactly why we are helping to raise funds and awareness, because there are still too many people being effected by Breast Cancer.

Please let me know, if you haven't already whether or not you can attend or if you have others that are interest as well.

Thank you again for your support.

Jolene

Breast Cancer....Stories to tell

2009-04-16T08:01:00.002-04:00

Only 2 weeks left until our Breast Cancer Fund Raising dinner at Zely & Ritz. I am happy to say that there are 20 seats committed to (I will send each of you an email with more details) and 25 more left to book. I am confident and excited that we can get this event sold out for the evening and it will be a big dinner party with a lot of great people for a really great cause. I am so looking forward to seeing you all on April 24th.

I recently met a local business owner through a friend who lost her mother to breast cancer. I know first hand how difficult it is to loose someone you love, especially your mom. I hope that with our help in raising funds less people like Kim and her sister will not have to experience losing a mother prematurely because we have found a cure to battle against it.

Brooks grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 80's, when doctors told her that she had a 6 months to live, she sought out other doctors. 20 years later she passed away from health issues, but not breast cancer. She stayed strong and battled her way through it with the support of family, friends and her community.

Barbara had a husband and 3 small children when she was diagnosed but chose to turn lemons into lemonade. "I experienced all the usual physical consequences of treatment in 1990, hair loss, severe nausea, vomiting, depressed immune system and a number of psychological ones. Crying buckets of tears and reading book after book about coping with cancer or other kinds of crises, clinging to multiple support groups, obsessively investigating of breast cancer to better understand the disease." Eventually cancer became just another routine in her home as she attending to the needs of her family. "You know that cliche when life hands you lemons, make lemonade? Making lemonade was not part of my plan at the time. I thought I would die, if not right away, then surely earlier than I had previously thought. I was only interested in living as long as I could and avoiding more lemons." Barbara helped on a local level to start Komen's race for the Cure in Raleigh. "My Cup of lemonade is now full. Almost 20 years later, I am blessed to be alive and happily retired. Along the way I was able to be a part of something I was passionate about, cancer research, in a way that was beneficial to those who came after me. When life handed me those lemons back in 1990, it was inconceivable to me that anything positive could come from them, but it did. You can't determine what will come your way, but you can choose how to respond to it."

I have several more stories to share but will save them for a later date.

Fund Raising Blurb

2009-04-13T22:20:00.003-04:00

Fund Raiser Book Tip In Page

2009-04-13T22:13:00.002-04:00

Fund Raising Invite

2009-04-13T22:08:00.003-04:00

Facebook For All Ages?

2009-04-02T18:00:00.003-04:00

I have been seeing a huge influx of people starting to network more, myself included. There is one person, however, that I never imagined joining in on this new trend. My dad! The same guy that is still wondering why there is a little message icon on his phone (I sent him a text about 6 months ago that merely said, dad do you know how to text? I got no response) and how to get rid of it.

Today, he joined Facebook, yes that's right, my 67 year old father has joined the masses. He posted a cute picture, sent me an invite to be his friend and put is status as married. My first response was "wow, cool" so I immediately accepted his invite and posted a message on his page that said "Dad....You own a computer? Next thing you know you will be sending text messages from your phone. Very cool! XOXOOXOX"

And then it hit me...oh no, my dad is on facebook and I accepted him as my friend. This opens a whole new can of worms. What if he posts on my wall for all to see "daughter, just wanted to let you know I put your name on the prayer list at the temple again" or worse "whose this guy you are with and why have we not met him, is he mormon?" Now my dad would not intentionally post this information for all to see he just wouldn't know that everyone could see it due to his lack of computer use and quite frankly facebooking experience. By facebooking experience I mean by how most of us have found out that everyone can read what we change in our profile or post on someones wall when we start getting masses of responses to why you are now listed as in a relationship and then the next day newly single again.

Fears set aside I am proud my father is joining in and am curious to talk about his decision to join, but not until my phone time is free on the weekend.

The shift we see yearly, monthly and daily with the advent of technology, new networking chains and yet again the state of the economy never ceases to amaze me.

Fundraising is exhausting...but fun!

2009-03-31T22:46:00.003-04:00

Since brunch on Sunday the planning for my breast cancer fundraising dinner is in full swing. There is a lot to think about and my biggest fear is that no one will show. I need to overcome that fear knowing that of course people will come, why wouldn't they?

The past few days have been invigorating and inspiring. It has given me something to focus on in the evenings to get my mind off of thoughts of the possibility of getting laid off, will my house ever sell and all the other things about life in general that frequently cross my mind.

First item on the action list was to create a theme and a tip-in page for a book titled HOPE that was donated by a friend of mine. Everyone at the event will receive a copy as a keepsake of inspiration.

Next, was meeting with the chef to discuss what should be on the menu, pricing etc..

Good thing I have another friend that is a designer who is donating his time in helping me develop the look and feel of the tip-in page, invite, menu and a few other art treats, like the attached picture of some flowers that I took while on a walking tour of the Historic District in Downtown Durham.

We are changing the photos to black and white and then highlighting the flowers in pink, we will do this to other pictures of pink items as well to go along with breast cancer awareness and thinking PINK. I am then going to frame the pictures and sell them at the event where 100% of the proceeds will be donated.

There are so many people out there that have offered to help and it is truly motivating to know that there are still people, even with as busy as their lives are that are still willing to give of themselves. I have some of the greatest friends!

Good ideas always stem from good friends and good food...

2009-03-29T21:59:00.011-04:00

With the economic difficulties it has been amazing to witness a shift of how people think. Instead of doom and gloom it has been more along the lines of what can we do to help, how can we network more, where am I really taking my life, should I take a risk starting a business and how do we reach people we thought were once unreachable.

Being a part of this shift I have found myself reaching out more to those whose paths I have been fortunate to cross and to others whom I have never met. It has been liberating, fulfilling and quite a bit of fun. Usually I stay wrapped up in my own little world and let the weekends pass by being consumed with chores, bills and other boring non-sense. Not this weekend. As part of an effort to network, socialize and get out of the house more I spent it with old friends, new friends and sweet potato pancakes.
What a beautiful day it turned out to be in Raleigh NC. The weather cleared up, the sun came out, the flowers are in bloom and Cynthia made her famous sweet potato pancakes for brunch.

There is something to be said about good food, good friends, good conversation and great ideas. All of which was plentiful this morning. Thank goodness I chose to get out of bed and out of the house to partake in it all.

Good food....sweet potato pancakes loaded with fresh fruit and nuts, fruit salad, coffee and mimosas.

Good friends....Cynthia, Penny, Sarig and I.
Good conversation....from cooking, touring a farm, restaurants, travel, pink slip parties, state of the economy, earth hour, running, breast cancer and much more.

Great ideas....hosting a fund raising dinner for breast cancer awareness at Zely & Ritz.

As we were sitting around the table enjoying a fantastic breakfast we started talking about running, all of us were / are runners so it was a natural topic choice, that and the Race for the Cure emails went out so naturally we talked about participating and people we know that are survivors of breast cancer.

Participating in the race/walk is great but how do you go a step further. Everyone I know has been touched by breast cancer either by association, relations or have gone through it themselves.

The conclusion we drew was easy, we were surrounded by good food and good company, why not host a fund raising dinner, gather a group of great people for a good cause and feed them really good food. Which is exactly what we are going to do.

Bad Day On The Work Front....

2009-03-23T21:52:00.004-04:00

Today I had to lay off an employee, not just an employee but also a dear friend. It was so difficult and emotionally straining that I spent most of the week leading up to today not sleeping and talking myself through every possible scenario. Still, with all the contemplation I felt no relief and could not possible justify, even with the state of the economy, letting someone go.

I ponder daily how we got to where we are and how we are going to get out of it. Are the leaders of our country really making the right decisions, how do we know?

Trying to stay positive and motivated has been a daily feat while wondering am I am going to be next? Of all the times in my 34 years this has been one of the most prevalent moments when I have felt insecure about my future one day, optimistic the next, full of plans and goals and then an overwhelming need to be near my family for support and a place to live, just in case.

I hope I never have to go through it again and if I do I hope that what I learned from this experience will only make me a better more understanding and empathetic human being. I have broken down the walls of separating my emotions from my job to show that I am human and care for others besides myself.

Birthdays

2009-03-22T09:09:00.007-04:00

For some reason I don't start new ideas or goals for New Years, but I always do them on my Birthday. I guess it has to do with getting another year older and reflecting back on all that I want to accomplish and all that I have not accomplished. Hence, another attempt at trying to do a blog with an actual theme, purpose or something people would actually be interested in reading about or that I would even be interested in writing about.

I checked out a few of my friends blogs today and they are so good, ugh! How do they manage to make the time to write in them daily, weekly or even monthly, I am lucky to get something loaded once a year and then I have to seek out my password and username to log on because it has been so long I had forgotten them.

So with that being said, do I structure the blog around my life, past, present and future or focus on a theme like cemeteries (odd, but I love old ones), shoes, cooking, photography, home improvement, design, travel.....or a combination of all the above? I think picking a theme has adds a lot of pressure so maybe I will just stick with the common themes of my life which are dating, dogs, home improvement etc...

Well for now, at least today, I am going to eat cake, shop and worry about this all later.

I should be banned from owning tools....

2008-04-05T20:28:00.004-04:00

I should be banned from owning tools, crowbars and hammers particularly. A perfectly nice brand new home and yet I still feel the need to do home improvements that involve destruction, yes, probably a personality trait I should look into further either that or I missed my calling and should be in the construction business rather than promotional merchandise.

I decided to change up my master bathroom slightly. All I intended was to remove the really large mirror and replace it with custom mirrors that match my furniture. So, a nice friend of mine came over to help me attempt the task of removing the large mirror only to find it was glued to the wall. Totally bummed that is was going to be a larger task than I had anticipated I waited a few days in hopes of trying to talk myself out removing it and just liking it the way it was.

After a few days all I did was plot how in the world I was going to remove the mirror by myself with minimal damage to the wall. So, armed with tape, hammer and screwdriver I managed to break (please don’t let this bring me bad luck) and remove the mirror (see attached). All I have to do is some touch up spackling and paint then it will be good to go. Yes I said paint but in my defense there are only a few spots. I promise to never go on a 3 year painting spree and will be hiring someone for that task the next time around.

I am going to assign my dear friend Melissa (she is within driving distance and can quickly come over and beat sense into me) the task of talking me out of any major/minor and anything in between projects. The last thing I want to end up with is another LA scene. I am sure you all remember, baring the friends I just made in NC who don’t know the background, who knew it was a retaining wall (slight technicality) I all I know is the house looked much better without it.

Dear Mike,

2008-03-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

3.04.08
Mike,
I hope you are doing well. I tried to call you but was not allowed to know where you were because my name was not on some list for who could contact you after you were checked in. I hope and pray you are well. It is hard not being able to have contact.

Today Cara and Gracie went to Camp Bow Wow for the first time. They were a little uncertain at first, but eventually they dove right into playing with the other dogs. I think it was harder on me trusting them in strangers hands, yes a bit of separation anxiety on my part. What saved me was the fact that the facility had puppy cams, which enabled me to log onto their website and watch my girls play all day. They had such a blast, a couple of times they ran in front of the camera and you could actually see big smiles on their faces. The best part was when I got them home they went straight to bed without a fuss.

XOXO - Jolene

3.05.08
Mike,
I hope you are doing well. Was good to talk with you today. Thought I would write you a letter because I can't see you in person due to being so far away.

Last night we had a bad thunder and rainstorm, supposedly record rain at the airport. I woke up to a stream running through my backyard and thought of you. Thought of what you said of how I should create a rock bed for the water to flow through. So, today I went and bought landscape material and river rocks. I am going to start digging this weekend. Actually kind of excited about it. I will make sure to send you pictures.

Things will get better, I promise!

P.S. Gracie and Cara say Hi

Miss you, love you, Jolene

Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat...

2008-02-20T19:48:00.003-05:00

From the words of Carbon Leaf: Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat....is that really how it works? I think so after reviewing my past blogs.

Remember Adam? I do, he suddenly appeared via email today out of the blue. I must admit I was thinking of him at the time he emailed, but that is neither here nor there.

ADAM: Many of your quotes are now laminated and proudly posted about my apartment. Sometimes people have impacts on others that they know nothing of, so I thought I would share that with you.I hope you are doing very well, Jolene. I am not trying to reopen the lines of communication here...I just simply wanted you to know that despite knowing one another for such a short and turbulent time, much of what you said to me I found rather resonating. Thank you for that.Two excellent quotes I have come across:- Take action. Feel the fear and do it anyway.- Devote yourself to a worthy cause. If you fail, you will at least fail while daring greatly. Your place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Adam

So I turned to my wise friends and sister for advice, only after I responded of course.

My sister being 22 and in the highlight of her dating life was quite perceptive, a nice refreshing viewpoint:

Stephanie: Sorry my cell service sucks in this office! Wow I really don't know what to take from that. He says that he doesn't want to re-open the lines of communication, but with sending that e-mail he did... You obviously had a huge impact on him or else he wouldn't have even tried to contact you again. What's with the quotes? I think you should e-mail him back and tell him that you really don't understand what the meaning of this is and that you really enjoyed the time spent with him, but in the mean time if his intentions aren't to open the lines of communication with you he needs to leave you be. Its hard enough dating as it is and if he can't let you go so you can move on then there is always going to be that what if feeling.

And we will leave it at that for now. I did however mess up my entire day and left me questioning why certain people have a way of affecting you that no others do. There are two people in my life that have similar affects, Rick and Adam. I can't explain it because it is something felt that leaves at a loss for choosing the right words. For now, both are no longer a part of my life but still have a way of twisting me up when they interject themselves if even for a moment.

TTFN....Jolene

Match Me!!!!

2008-01-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

Yes it is true, I have joined match.com in hopes of meeting someone I can date. It was a last resort due to being alone for so long. At first I did not have much written on my profile, but as I started getting emails and winks, I figured I should fine tune it a bit to help weed out some of the weirdos. (please see below)

I actually met a few people that are really cool. One of which I had an amazing attraction too. He was very good at convincing me that he too felt a connection. Ahhhhh if only I had not believed him. Not going into details but I have put my brick wall back up and even higher, the cynical me is back and it will be really hard for the next one to convice me that they are actually sincere.

Myself: Goal oriented, self sufficient, educated. I enjoy the outdoors, reading, challenges at work, cooking a nice meal and drinking wine. Perfect Match: Kind eyes, a nice smile and sense of humor. Confident but not arrogant. Passion is always a plus. No criminal background, substance abuse history, or current substance abuse.

Thank you for viewing my profile. If you are thinking about sending me an email please consider the following; Top 10 reasons why you should NOT send me an email:

1. You did not truly read my profile, but saw my picture and decided what the "heck" (yes they really said what the Heck).

2. You have lied in your own profile about your age, profession etc...everything looks better on paper, right? Wrong...If you have to lie about yourself on this site than how do you know others aren't lying as well.

3. Your pictures are dated...seriously, if you don't have the means to take a recent photo than you should go and find a way to get one.

4. You made a bet with a friend that I would write back. I can't believe people in the age bracket I chose really do that. But if that is your mindset then you just lost to your friend.

5. You are an online stalker and I am your latest victim, so not cool. Seriously you need to get a life/job outside of this site.

6. You have no sense of humor. If you can make me laugh you will have caught my attention.

7. You say you like strong women but don't really mean it. You don't know how to have a positive banter session and you just went to www.dictionary.com to look up what banter actually means.

8. You want to know more about my ex-husband than about me. I can give you his number and you can go out with him. Pretty sure he wouldn't be happy about it though.

9. You don't want children. I can't change that for you and don't want to.

10. You are married, have a girlfriend or are just on this site for a quick fix...you need help!

If you made it through all of the above and are still reading than here are the Top 10 Reasons why you SHOULD send me an email:

1. You are NORMAL, emotionally stable and read my profile.

2. You are self confident and sure of yourself (don't get this confused with being cocky).

3. You have a sense of humor and can laugh at yourself.

4. You one day want kids, have values, morals...

5. Your favorite photo of me is one where I am not in a cocktail dress (that dress thing only happens twice a year but it was only a few day old so I posted it in order to show that my pics are up to date)

6. You really like strong women, you have an opinion of your own and can carry on a decent conversation. You agree to disagree which is ok because you have your own opinion, you like the same in the person you are dating.

7. You are not hung up on money and material things. But can appreciate those that have it and how hard they have worked to get them. You have a positive outlook and spin on all things in life.

8. You enjoy working but can recognize the importance of balance in all aspects of life. This is a hard one even for myself.

9. You don't need constant attention to know that you are liked, loved and thought of, but do respect being on time or calling when you said you would call.

10. If you are divorced and you have actually reflected on what went wrong in your marriage, what you could have done differently and have come to peace with the situation. You don't compare the new women you are dating to your ex (unless they show signs of being psycho and your ex had the same signs).

If you just read all of the above then please re read all of the above again...now you can email me

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO what a ride!"--Unkown.

I am not sure that I can really recommend this site for most. I have only done it for a few months and am a bit burnt out.

Bored in NC

2008-01-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

When I moved to Raleigh NC in October I was fully aware it would be a HUGE change from Los Angeles, but in keeping busy with the move and house I did not fully notice the extent of it until YESTERDAY. Now that the house is in order (somewhat), the dogs are happy (they have been having parties at the house in which I have not been invited, minimal damage, but I am still jealous of their cush life) I have found myself on a saturday night at 6pm bored out of my wits and drinking wine alone (should have called my friend Brook so she could drink with me via phone). I decided that I need to get off my duff and explore Raleigh for myself, having already tried to meet someone on match.com that could accompany me, to no avail. I fully exhausted all the men and Raleigh, hence drinking alone on saturday night. If this new pact to myself does not work I am faced with spending years of solitude in suburbia where I swear I am the only single.

My first attempt to get out and downtown was Sushi Blues, I do love sushi and ate it weekly in LA. Sushi Blues is located off of Glenwood Ave, right in the heart of downtown (all 1 street of it).
As you walk in the front door you enter a small bar area where they have a band playing blues/jazz music, not bad. I head for the dining side where I sat at the sushi bar alone and pretended to watch the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins game that was playing ( I have absolutely no clue about football) in order to not look so alone seeing how I was the only person in this entire place without a companion. The service was a bit slow and erratic (normal for NC, just different from a big city, in which I will try really hard to grow accustomed to). I liked the sushi, but the rolls were only ok. I had the privilage of dining at Nobu, Koi and Club Sushi while in LA so I am a bit of a harsh critic, but again trying to be open minded. Is it just me or does anyone else think it is weird that there was not a single Japanese person working at this place?

A Year in The Making

2007-03-16T21:14:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe it has been a year to date since my last entry. So much has happened that there is absolutely no way to capture it all, so just a quick recap that may jog my memory:

1. Newly Converted Dog Lover (twice over)- More to come
2. New Job - More to come
3. Ski Trip to Mammoth - More to come
4. Newly Single - A lot more to come
5. Trip to Maui - More to come
6. New Car - More to come
7. New Friends - More to come
8. New wines and new books - ongoing in the future
9. Will have to sit with a glass of wine to recall the rest and it may take awhile.

Dying to be trendy

2006-03-18T19:07:00.000-05:00

Did you know you can rent or borrow designer purses? Neither did I! Nothing ceases to amaze me anymore.

If you are dying to be part of the "in" crowd and your pocket book doesn't allow for it. Check out www.bagborroworsteal.com, you too can carry an overpriced bag.

Diva $99.95 per month + monthly supplemental fee of $100.00
Princess $49.95 per month *
Trendsetter $19.95 per month *

It appears to work just like netflix www.netflix.com, but with purses. You can keep the bag as long as you want then return it when you are ready for the next purse.

I wonder if you get bags that were previously used by others or if they send a new one each time.....

My friends blog

2006-03-17T23:54:00.000-05:00

My friends blog is better than mine and it makes me upset. She has more interesting stories and more postings. I am going to chalk it up to her having more free time on her hands and then scheme a way of making mine better than hers....

Relaxation

2006-03-12T16:16:00.000-05:00

Need I say more? This is the only way to live...

Mud Flap Girl Chrome Betty - Identity Discovered

2006-02-27T20:11:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is true...the identity of Chrome Betty, the mud flap girl has been discovered and it is not pretty. Chrome Betty is not a Betty after all..

Motto To Live By

2006-02-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

This is someone elses and I discovered it last year and decided to adopt it as my own. Not sure of the original author.

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in th eother, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO what a ride!" - Unkown

Favorite Quotes

2006-02-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself" - Amelia Earhart

"Do not be in a hurry to tie what you can not untie." - English Proverb

"Keep your faith in all beautiful things; in the sun when it's hidden in the spring when it is gone." - Roy R. Gilson

"Whenever you fall, pick something up" - Oswald Avery

"If fate does not adjust itself to you, adjust yourself to fate." - Persian Proverb

"The person who says it can't be done, should not interrupt the person doing it" - unknown

Newbie

2006-02-12T23:46:00.000-05:00

Wow. My own blog. Just think last week I really did not know what a blog was until a friend explained it. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing. Time will only tell.