The Paper Pod

11-11-11

It’s Veterans Day and most people think about those who have served our country. Today though, I think of a few special people in my life because it’s their birthday. And how cool is it that their birthday is 11-11-11 today?

One of those special people is my awesome bro-in-law, Ryan. I’m sure he has something uber cool planned for his day. I can’t wait to do a little birthday celebrating with him over Thanksgiving!

The other special person is my mama!

Happy Birthday Mom. You’ve been my best friend and my rock for thirty years. Thank you for shaping me into the lady I am today. I love you so much!

30 days and counting..

Until I wave goodbye to my twenties!

As of yesterday, the official count down began! I’m really excited to turn the big 3-0 next month. It’s a little sad to know I am leaving my “twenties” and I will no longer be a “twenty something” but truth of the matter is I can’t wait! Age is only a number, anyways ;)

See, I’ve really enjoyed the last decade. I’m sure 19 year old Jen didn’t reflect on what her 20’s might bring. She was way too excited to becoming one year closer to 21. She probably thought “I’ll be forever young”.

Here I am rounding the corner to the finish line of my 20’s and I can’t help but to think about how much I’ve learned, how much I’ve grown, how much I’ve changed. With age comes wisdom, right? I really wanted to share some of my random reflections:

1. Facebook/Myspace/Twitter didn’t exist until after I graduated college.
2. I didn’t own a digital camera until I was 22.
3. It took 4 career changes until I found one that makes me happy.
4. My first blog was Live Journal, and I only allowed one person to ever see it.
5. I learned a lot of lessons- usually from mistakes I’ve made.
6. The first greeting card I ever made is by far the most hideous one I’ve made.
7.  My mom became a breast cancer survivor.      
8.  I finally learned how to use a sewing machine.
9. Overcame my fear of dogs by adopting one.
10. I figured how to run a mile, then I ran 16.9.
11. Found my soul mate and married him.
12. Discovered yoga is awesome. Period.
13. Decided cookies n cream is my favorite flavor of ice cream.
14. My first cell phone was a StarTac with 60 minutes/month plan. And now I have more roll over minutes then I know what to do with.
15. I prefer nice dinners over crowded bars.
16. I’m grateful for my two very ah-ma-zing besties.
17. Be true to yourself- no one likes a fake.
18. Even with multiple degrees, Muskingum is always my answer to “where did you go to college?”
19. Regardless of technology, I prefer paper planners and calendars.
20. Make your own because no one else is going to make it for you.

Love at first Pin

Last week I started seeing a few of my tweeples sharing these amazing photo links through Pinterest. At first I thought it was some fancy place to post photos- which it sorta is. Pinterest is pretty much a inspirational board if you will. I immediately asked for my invitation so I could check it all out.

Earlier this week my Pinterest account went live- once I found some friends it got amazing. Most of my board is repins by my friends of things that I love. I’ve only pinned one original piece. I plan on taking advantage of this site. I don’t know about you- but I find myself dog-earing pages to tear out of magazine- and then end up with stacks (or binders) of things I want to try from recipes to hair styles. Unfortunately I can’t get Pinterest page to load correctly- but this is a screen shot from my iphone app (yep, there is an app for it too!) of my current board:

One of the first items I pinned was of this cool hair tutorial from Grossgrain Fabulous.

In the spirit of following through with good ideas and intentions I decided I’d give it a shot Friday morning. Welp, I immediately discovered my hair is not as long as I thought so no high twist braids for me. Instead I pinned them near my neck. Turned out pretty cute for taking no time, little effort and being on the fly. Plus- it never fell out of place all day, which is amazing for my fine hair.