Who’s Driving?

On By mrsjmejonesIn Blogging, love, marriage, workLeave a comment

Had a little conversation at the office about this last week and it’s worth capturing.  I am of the opinion that much of the “spirit” of a relationship between a man and a woman is driven by the woman.  I’m not totally saying that the woman is the MOST POWERFUL of the two…but I am saying that if a woman has a negative/bad attitude, the man seems to respond something like this –  obviously mad, irritated, defensive, etc.  On the contrary, if the woman is mild mannered or positive, the man usually responds in kind.  It doesn’t seem to work the other way around.  If the MAN is one way or another, it doesn’t always have the same effects on the woman.  Usually a woman will try to make the mood better if it’s bad!

This is based on my personal experience of friends and such…I’m sure it doesn’t always work out like this!

What do YOU think?

Extra Snacks in the Bag…

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, food, grateful, hubby, love, marriageLeave a comment

When my husband goes to the grocery store (which he does, almost every time this family GETS groceries), besides when it’s Lowes Foods To Go – I mean him going and doing the shopping, he usually always picks up something extra.   I often joke with him that I’d be much better off going because it would save us a good $60 each TRIP!  He’s a brand name snob.  He will NOT buy generic medicine (not even pain reliever…but it’s mostly due to his pharma knowledge so it makes sense).  I’m funny about my ketchup and mac and cheese but other than that, bring on the store brand!  Not the mister.  However, there are a few things that he purchases that don’t bother me a bit.  I don’t ask for these things or even remind him…but when he gets home I’m almost excited to see what he’s remembered that I love.  The last time he went, I found these things in addition to the “list”….

 

Caramello bars are my most FAVORITE candy bar from WAY back.  Talenti is a new but serious favorite frozen treat.  I love that he remembers these things and knows that they are such small ways to show me he cares.  To surprise me and show me his love.  I do the same for him if I go to La Dolce Vita for lunch…I usually order his fave dessert to go.  If I am in Tramway on a Saturday, I might go to Tobacco Road to see if there is a new shirt he’d love.  Showing your spouse you love them in a small way can really make a BIG difference.  I certainly know he’s always thinking about US…and he knows the same.

And, now, I have to run.  Caramel and keyboards don’t mix.  😉

Gee Thanks!

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, family, grateful, home, hubby, kids, lists, love, marriage, MJ, my heart, positive thinking, praise, ThanksgivingLeave a comment

So, I’ve been a bad, bad girl.  I haven’t been on FB to post every day what I’m thankful for!  <Gasp!>  (Before you think I’m talking about YOU, I did it last year and I didn’t hate it….so I’m not judging.)

But, we all know by now, I’m a list girl.  I’m thankful for lists.  That’s all!  Good night, thanks!

Okay…maybe…more….like…

  1. My personal relationship with my Lord and Saviour.  (If you don’t have that, please talk to me!)
  2. My sweet, considerate, funny hubby.  Our relationship is crazy strong and we are just getting started!  (Six years…)
  3. My kids…all three of them are so different but such great combinations of personality, wit and charm. (And sarcasm.)
  4. My family, every single member of it.  Both sides.  All sides. Especially the relationship with my Mom.  Always there for me.  Always willing to listen.  Also, the relationship between myself and my step-wife (my step-son’s Mom if you are not in the know) is such a blessing.  No drama, just working together for the good of our families that are intertwined.  Makes perfect sense, huh?  🙂
  5. Our home.  Though we are trying to sell it…it has provided shelter from storms, cold (hmm), heat and rain…we’ve welcomed a new life into this home together and had many moments of cheer and sadness as well.
  6. My job and it’s blessings..coworkers…my team..my boss..my friends made and kept there…
  7. Yoga pants
  8. Short hair (don’t care)
  9. Talenti gelato
  10. My wonderful family physician…Phillip takes such good care of us ALL!
  11. A clean house and the fabulous lady who makes that possible!!  (Love my cleaning angel!)
  12. That all my kids are potty trained!!!
  13. Social media. It’s been a lifeline at times for me. Might sound sad..but it’s true.
  14. Lifetime movies
  15. Nordstrom personal stylists. Sometimes when I put on one of the outfits she put together for me I’m still shocked that I’ve gone outside the box on some things.
  16. Hallmark Channel
  17. Dasani water
  18. Bojangles.  Just yes.
  19. Thyroid medicine.  Makes such a difference.
  20. Excel. Pivot tables. V look ups.
  21. Freedom
  22. Fantasy Football – gives me a reason to watch and spend time with my boys and hubby
  23. Blogging. A healthy outlet for me.

Not blogging, just being…

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, my heart2 Comments

So, I’ve honestly not worried that I’ve neglected my blog lately…and with good reason.  I have been busy getting better, spending time with my family, working, the usual.  I’ve also been sure to tell my family I love them, and I’m starting on my quest to tell people when they hurt my feelings, to tell people when they make me mad and to express my opinions out loud.  It is a good feeling to lay down at night and not worry that you’ve left something unsaid.  I’m still finding it hard at times and I know that has way more to do with ME than anyone else.  Still working at it….and I know it will get easier.

A bit of bubbly…

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, Blogging, my heart, NaBloPoMo1 Comment

As I’m attempting to complete the NaBloPoMo blogging party…I’m using some prompts to keep things fresh around here and not just write about MONO!  🙂  Today’s is about compliments…

So I tweeted the other day about someone calling me bubbly….I seriously think it’s my favorite compliment.  Who wants to be known as “Debbie Downer” or “Negative Nancy”?  (No disrespect to any Debbie or Nancy, mind you, I know some of them in particular and they are fine people.)  When I met my husband and he emailed a sweet note after our date…he included that he loved that I was “bubbly” and “energetic”.  My performance reviews at work have noted the “bubbly” aspect.  I.Love.That.  I love that most people know that I’m the positive, smiling, happy chick in most situations.  I do search for the good in things.  I hope for the best in others.  I enjoy making others smile and try to cheer anyone up who doesn’t appear to be having a good day.  Sometimes I wish I were that friend that always knew what to say.  I wish I had the words to make everyone feel better or smarter or let them KNOW that I’m listening.  But, mostly, I end up joking around and then…so do they.  So I feel like this is a pretty good tactic and I’m going with it.  When I looked up the definition…the one word I LOVED that it used….SPARKLING.  I am sure it was referring to the drink sort of bubbly…but I’ll take it.  It is one thing I own.  I have been given compliments before that felt insincere or that I felt I wasn’t worthy of…but, bubbly….I can rock that one.  🙂

Election Affection

On By mrsjmejonesIn election, positive thinking, prayers, serious, trust in Jesus, USA, voting, worldLeave a comment

As I’m attempting to complete the NaBloPoMo blogging party…I’m using some prompts to keep things fresh around here and not just write about MONO!  🙂  Today’s is timely of course…and involves our fabulous election that will take place tomorrow!

What do I think about it?  I think it’s a wonderful thing.  I am so very proud to live in a country where we are given the right…the ability…the responsibility…the privilege of electing the official that will execute our federal laws.  I think it’s sad that some don’t use it…some don’t think it matters…some don’t agree with it.  I personally feel very obligated to educate myself on the nominees of local, state and federal offices.  I feel that I need to vote with my head AND heart.  I know that I need to use my own beliefs and hopes for our country, in order to vote with a strong understand of who and what I’m voting for.  It’s hard, with the negative ads from both sides…with the banter on social media sites coming from and at both sides…with the chaos that surrounds the nominees and sorting through it all.  When it comes down to it though, I pray.  I pray for each nominee and their families.  I can’t imagine what they go through, what they are up against.  I pray for our country and know that no matter what happens…who wins and who loses, that MY job is to pray.  I know who is in charge, in my Lord and Savior.  He makes no mistakes and He has His hands on our country, my house and my life…so I have peace in that.  Just remember….One nation…under God!!!!!  🙂

Ideal Living…NaBloPoMo

On By mrsjmejonesIn Blogging, Charleston, family, home, Kiawah, kids, love, my heart, real estate, Sanford, travel, vacationLeave a comment

So I thought I’d participate in NaBloPoMo….and I’m using some prompts to get me going!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

So, if I could have all my family with me…my current job…all my fave things…and pick them all up and plop them down somewhere?  I’d have a hard time choosing between some of the most awesome places on Earth that I’ve visited…from Charleston, SC…to Augusta, GA…to Monterey, CA…Newport Beach, CA..Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…Kauai, Hawaii…Guanacaste, Costa Rica..Nassau….Miami, FL…Orlando, FL..Long Beach, CA…Cinncinati, OH…St Louis, MO…Lexington, KY…Asheville, NC…Boone, NC…Dallas, TX…Pebble Beach, CA…Carolina Beach, NC…OBX, NC…Virginia Beach, VA…Washington, DC…

I think I’d probably be very content with living just outside of Charleston, SC.  Maybe Folly Beach or Johns Island or Kiawah.  I absolutely adore Charleston.  The charm, the history, the scenery, the food, the people…the feeling I get when I’m there is one of total LOVE for this place.  I don’t want to leave it when I’m there…I get SO excited about my next visit and as soon as I leave it I am planning the next time back.  If only all my family would go with me…and my job…and my entire life….I’d just never come back!!!

Why we don’t do Halloween (so now you can judge me)

On By mrsjmejonesIn HalloweenLeave a comment

Okay, it’s not that I hate Halloween or candy or costumes.  I don’t hate it or feel that it’s a devilish celebration or am not married to a dentist.  Wait, I guess dentists probably LIKE candy-related things?  Hmm.  Anyway, it’s just not for me.  Honestly…if not for mono and the fact that all my Christmas stuff is in a storage unit across town – usually – I put up my Christmas tree on this day!  🙂

This pic was taken on Oct 30, 2011.

Just Beachy

On By mrsjmejonesIn family, food, lists, mono, shopping, sickness, sleep, travel, vacationLeave a comment

Our time at the beach was short but it was FUN.  I’ll write in detail about it later I’m sure…as I’m exhausted and am going to listen to my body and rest.  For now, here is my reminder and your tease…in list form:

  1. Daddy’s driving
  2. Our Beach Residence
  3. Value of FaceTime
  4. Hamburger Joe’s
  5. Wonder Works
  6. HomeGoods and my chevron finds
  7. Skywheel at MB
  8. Krispy Kreme
  9. Teenage Boys
  10. Post-Mono Vacations

Mama and Daddy…a call away

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, family, grateful, my heartLeave a comment

So, something happened today that made me even more grateful for my Mama and Daddy.

The thought of losing them.

As a dear friend is going through the impending loss of her mother, I daydreamed about this reality in my own life.  I can’t even imagine my  life without a phone call (or ten) a day from my Mama.  I can’t imagine shopping and not thinking about being excited to show Mama what I bought.  I can’t even fathom going to my childhood home and my Daddy not sitting in his recliner talking about a TV show…OR commercial!  My kids love going to see Nanny and Papa.  My hubby loves to talk to my Dad about electronics or weather or anything, really.  I just love them, and knowing they are there.  They aren’t elderly.  They are not in poor health.  But I also know they are not mine forever.  They will be gone one day and though I know they will have the happiest reunions along streets of gold…I will miss them being here among our streets, just a phone call or a short drive away.