Bliss

At this very moment, I should be working. But something has been nagging at me that I must record. A lot of times, we tend to remember the bad and not the good. We gravitate towards drama and live in the past. We blog or write or talk to others when there is something wrong. So in an effort to break from this mold, I've decided to write about this wonderful and amazing sense of bliss that I feel right now.

Last night, my husband put together a closet for himself. I noticed that there were wrappers and instructions and cardboard pieces all over the floor so I went downstairs to get a trash bag and tidy up his space. While trashing all the trash, I joked to him about how I don't want to see not another piece of trash on the floor now that he has this trash bag. We laughed. A little bit later, I came back and he just so happened to be peeling the plastic off another part for the closet. I almost walked away, but then came back to peak around the corner to make sure he put the plastic in the trash and not on the floor. Out of an effort not to be policed, hubby laughed at me and chucked the plastic right on the floor. I don't know why this was so funny, but we both laughed so hard as I ran up to him to physically accost him. "You ain't going to stand there and police ME." Even after that episode was over, I caught myself still smiling and giggling in the next room.

I love experiences like that. My marriage is so divine at this moment.

Have you ever met a friend who expands your mind? Well hubby and I have. We are currently 'dating' a new couple who we both absolutely adore. I say dating because we are always out together at a restaurant tasting new foods, enjoying stimulating conversation and wearing our best attire. We have had such amazing conversation. They have introduced us to restaurants that blow my mind. Little lounges and bars that are tucked away. Next on the dating agenda is the ballet at the Kennedy Center and a weekend trip to NY. What I like about them most of all is the effect they have on my man. The ballet, frolicking around NY, going out on a weeknight...all activities my hubby did not enjoy are finally interesting to him. His mind is open and I'm loving it.

In general, without the effect the new couple, my husband is growing. He's maturing. He's becoming wise. He's enjoying life. He's enjoying me. He's no where near the man that I married. I'm falling in love with him all over again.

I did have an awkward moment with my sisters this weekend. My longest and closest friend turned sister and I have a strange relationship. We talked through it yesterday, but even within the weirdness and the possibility that an area of my life might not be perfect, my world is still so amazing. I believe the balance of other areas of my life are making me capable of handling anything right now. Having happiness I can cling to makes difficulty not so bad.

I've always wanted a life were my weeks don't blend it to the other. I've always wanted to be outside and to explore new sites and sounds. I've wanted a man in my life who is open minded, cultured, funny, interesting and loving. I've wanted to be involved in fiend relationships that are easy. I've always needed an element of peace.

I can say at this very moment, I have all of that. That's my definition of living. Thus, the quality of my life is amazing. And I must document this.  

2013 in Review

UPDATE: I FORGOT TWO IMPORTANT THINGS!

I feel like I need to write a post about my year in review, but I can't remember half of what happened in 2013. It's all a blur. One year simply fades into the next. But from looking at my 2013 calendar, here's what I could compile about the year.

Bought a new car.
My husband sold his condo from the bachelor days.
I did a handful of photo shoots and interior design consultations for friends.
Had a great district convention.
Went to a couple of concerts.
Formally recognized myself as a photography and design consultant.
Signed up for the Regional Building Committee.
Adopted the most adorable puppy.
Designed and built a closet in one of the spare rooms.
Had a relaxing family reunion vacation.
Built a wonderful relationship with a new couple.
Participated in a few beautiful photo shoots with hubby.
Witnessed the release of a new Bible translation!
Went to CT and NY with my family.
Got out of jury duty.
Did some territory assist field service.
Traveled to San Francisco for work.
Went on a cruise to the Bahamas.
Partied and had dinners and outings with all kinds of friends.
Ended the year in Alabama with my family (grandfather, grandmother and uncle included!).

I'd say I had a very fulfilling year. The highlight of it was being with friends in all different kinds of capacities (shows, concerts, anniversary parties, restaurants, gatherings at each others houses, etc.) and doing more for Jehovah while witnessing Jehovah doing so much for me. Serving in a territory that needs assistance and signing up to help build Kingdom Halls makes me feel happy. Being a part of a special program in which we are given a new Bible... there are no words to sum up how incredibly historic it was. I was so honored to witness that.

Next year, I look forward to continuing my friendships and having even more great dinners, outings, gatherings, etc. Becoming one with the new Bible that I received is imperative. I so badly want to show my appreciation for this gift, but have such a hard time doing daily Bible reading. So I want to try hard, very hard, to make it happen. I want to go back to sitting in the front of the Kingdom Hall so as to block out distractions. By maintaining my spiritual focus, I know I'll have an even better relationship with my husband than I did last year. Continuing to grow with him is exciting as well. My husband is my best friend and my boo, so doing everything with him is my desire while still allowing time separately. Speaking of 'separately', I need to figure out how to do something. On a daily basis during the week, I am either working or trying to recuperate from working. There's no in between and there's nothing else. Work, recupe, work, recupe. I feel like I don't have much personal happy time during the week. There's no reason why spontaneity and fun has to be restricted to the weekend. So that's what I want to try to do for myself. Find energizing, happy, fun, spontaneous moments during the week. Yeah, that sounds good.

If anyone is reading this, what have you learned about yourself in 2013 and where do you see 2014 taking you?

Showered With Love

I had the honor of photographing my good friend Tiffany's "Brunch At Tiffany's" vintage inspired bridal shower. I'm glad I was able to capture moments of a very special day. Here are a few of the shots I'm gifting the bride. Enjoy!

Congratulations Tiff!

Housewives of DC - JW Edition

It's been a while I know, but things have been busy. Work has been crazy, my social calendar has been packed, and life has been good. The schedule is not letting up any, but that's okay. I have hair appointments (plural), girls night, the Beyonce concert in AC, VH1's Single Ladies premiere (yes!) and a wedding in Williamsburg coming up in the next week and a half. And I can't wait! My manager is out starting today for 2 weeks. I'm looking forward to his time away. Even though I'll be handling things alone, I get to handle them on my pace and at my level of intensity. I do hope that Italy treats him well though.

I took a pole dancing class last night. A private pole dancing class with 2 of my other friends, in a studio apartment with two gay, little men, one of which was the instructor. (pause for effect) Cameras should followed us last night. It was the most shocking, most hilarious, most random, most entertaining experience I've had in a very long time. My husband was dying laughing this morning when I told him how it all went down. Tavon (our instructor) was great though. And very professional. So much so that the girls and I will be going back for more bartered lessons. We made a deal last night that if we bring him food and tips, he'll continue to give us free lessons. I know it sounds crazy but trust me, it's all legit. One day, I will go to one of his classes that he teaches at Pole Pressure near DC's Eastern Market. But you have to pay for those. For now, free classes in exchange for a happy meal works for me.

Girls night on Friday is going to be just as entertaining as a gay, pole dancing instructor. Just watch. We're supposed to pick a character from 'Sex and The City' OR 'Girlfriends' OR 'Basketball Wives' to emulate. Why we have so many different options, I don't know. Either way, it's going to be a hilarious mess. I haven't watched BBW in so long so I don't think I'ma go with any of them. Joan sounds like a good option to me - as crazy as she is. I might need to watch a few episodes of 'Girlfriends' to prepare for my acting debut Friday night.  We picked names out of a hat to do a gift exchange at dinner, so I need to get to a mall today or Thursday if possible.We are going to have so much fun. My husband said he needs to talk to Ryan Seacrest about 'Housewives of DC - JW edition'. lol. Hilarious.

My hair is in a ponytail today! Can you believe it?! I don't know how long it's been since I've worn a ponytail. When I looked at myself in the mirror it was a strange sight to see such a clean swept away look. I'm still getting used to it. It's such a minor change but I feel like it's a brand new thing for me. I'm getting my hair done Thursday though so it'll be a short lived change.

I have to train a colleague over InterCall Conference in 30 minutes so let me get to understanding how this sharing desktop function works on this piece of software.

Ciao.

Best Friend

The very topic of "best friends" has been on my mind lately. I didn't know how to verbalize my thoughts until I read this article today. I couldn't put this better if it were my own words.

I Wish I Was Entertaining

I've always had this weird thing with females. I'd hate to be one of those girls who says, "I get along better with men than women" because such a statement is absolutely nonsense. Every human being has the ability to get out there and become somewhat comfortable with a group of either gender. If as a female, you can't get along with other females, I personally think there's something wrong with you. Chances are you probably think a little too much of yourself. No one likes a stuck up female.

As much as I try not to be, I'm an introvert. I'm not the social butterfly or the busy bee that would allow me to have a thick wad of friends. I could listen to conversations or read posts on facebook that I could talk on for days. But instead of saying "OMG, Me too!" or exchanging in fun dialogue about it, I'd simply nod and let the topic go by. Of course, once I've clicked with a female and we both like each other for who we are, my crazy side comes out. I laugh, I smile, I joke, I do silly stuff, I say anything... Nevertheless, I wish I could have a bigger personality upon the on set. I wish I could be entertaining. But then, I wouldn't be me.

I've never been a part of a group of females. That "Sex And The City" friendship thing... I've longed for it but never had it. I've had one true girlfriend here and one there with a temporary trio of friends. Even the trios were short-lived, I so enjoyed them. They still remain some of the happiest girlfriend moments of my life.

In college, I was a girlfriend to about 10 girls. As I learned later, I was also the most envied. And I say that with the most humility I can possibly muster! The reason I know I was envied was because of what one of my college girls told me another one of our friends said when we were all going out. "Is JJ going? Sigh...That means I need to put stuff together. She makes it hard." And this is coming from one of the girls I felt particularly close to. I mean she was sorely disappointed I was going and it hurt. I longed for her friendship so badly, that I subconsciously down-played everything about myself every time we got together. Since then, I've has this complex that I know I need to get rid of.  I don't purposefully tell myself to blend into the background, but I find I'm most comfortable not letting my light shine so as to not hurt others feelings. I know I know. That's ridiculous and I shouldn't do that. But that's how badly I wanted and still want female friends. It's a necessity for me. Just like water and food are necessities.

So how am I going to get over this. Repeat over and over to myself, 'If they don't like me for who I am with my full light beaming bright, then they're not true friend material'. Tiff just wrote on my fb wall "appreciate the true sisters you have, accept the others for who they are and what purpose they serve, not everyone deserves or will fill a front row seat in your life". So in an effort to do that, my hat is off to those who love me for who I am. The good and the bad. JW, TC, CB, TNC, KW, NW, AH, KW, JC... (I hope I didn't miss anyone.) With my crazy, inner, explosive need for girlfriends, I would simply die if I didn't have you guys in my life. I love you dearly.

If Jenn Was Here..

...we'd be going to see J*Davey tonight at Liv. $18 cover or not, Jenn woulda made me go and I would have a fantastic time. I haven't seen J*Davey in forever. I wish I had a personal bodyguard. I'd feel so much better about doing things alone.

If Jenn was here, we would connect over our Christian integrity struggles.

If Jenn was here, I wouldn't have to be concerned with my conduct 24/7 so as to not stumble her when I'm out an about.

If Jenn was here, I could release.

If Jenn was here, I could be the fun me.

If Jenn was here, we would be up in Bohemian Caverns every Wednesday making friends and groupie stalking the latest artistic gem at the open mic/poetry jam.

If Jenn was here, we'd be winding it up with our rasta men at the Eighteenth Street Lounge Rocker's International Night! Gosh I miss our sweatin'-the-hair-out dance sessions!!!!

If Jenn Was Here...