30 Day Challenge, Day 9 - Someone I'd Like to Meet

Who Is Someone That I Would Like To Meet?
There are a lot of people that I would like to spend an afternoon with, picking their brain and playing 21 million questions, but rather than bore you with naming the numerous people, I'll just tell you one that's relavant right now (because a movie of her book just came out): I would like to meet Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love.


I have yet to see the movie (though I'm looking forward to it because I love, love, love Julia Roberts as an actress) but the book is by far one of my favorites ever! Elizabeth Gilberts experiences kinda remind me of my sister and all of the wonderful adventures that she's been on in her search for self discovery (she has traveled to many places that I can only imagine traveling to...). I thought that Eat, Pray, Love was written with such passion and it was one of those books that you walk away from feeling like you can conquer anything. Thanks to Elizabeth Gilbert for a really great book - maybe someday we will meet!

30 Day Challenge, Day 8 - My Favorite Internet Friend That I've Never Met

Who is My Favorite Internet Friend That I've Never Met?

My favorite internet friend to follow would have to be Marisa Lynch and you can find her blog at: http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/. She was looking for some kind of outlet to use her creativity after she saw the movie Julie and Julia so Marisa decided that she would give up traditional shopping and instead she would only purchase either used or worn clothing spending $1 a day (or less). She was giving herself 365 days, 365 articles of clothing and only $365.00 to make it all happen. I’ve really enjoyed watching her challenge herself and her creativity is really inspiring.

Paul and I got a sewing machine from his parents for our wedding so watching Marisa has really got me thinking about what I can come up with on my own. From her blog you can see that almost any article of clothing can be turned into something wearable.

I love putting at least one photo in each blog entry and since I don't have any to go with this particular one, here's a couple from dinner last night at Mojo Kitchen - yummy!!!

30 Day Challenge, Day 7 - My Job

What do I Do?

I am Marketing Coordinator for a membership based organization that is headquartered here in Jacksonville, FL. I love my job but even more than I love my job I love the ladies that I work with – they truly make coming to work each day so much more enjoyable.
Here’s my ladies:

(All the ladies in the office: from left to right, Me, Elise, Kari, Lisa, Mandy, Christina, Eva & Angie - Christina got a job at another company a couple of months ago but I still consider her one of my ladies at the office)

(Me, Christina, Lisa and Angie)

As a marketing coordinator, I plan informational meetings throughout the state of Florida and travel to each of these events to help support either the President or Vice President of the company as they facilitate the events. I love the travel aspect of my job but as a newlywed I must say at times I do get lonely and miss Paul and our sweet little Teddy Bear – I miss the comforts of our little beach bungalow too!

On a positive note though, I do get to stay in some pretty neat places. I don't get to do too much other than work but sometimes I'll take the occasional picture:

(Sarasota, a view from my room)

(Naples, a quick visit to see the ocean while I was there)

The past 2 1/2 years that I've been with my company have been great and I look forward to what is to come in the future!

30 Day Challenge, Day 6 - My Inspiration

Who Inspires Me?

I would have to say that my sister,Paige, is a big inspiration to me. Paige has been through quite a lot in her 32 years on this earth, and she has managed to do it with so much love and joy. Without going into too much detail, starting almost 6 years ago she started having health issues which resulted in a hospital stay that lasted over 2 months. During her stay doctors from all over the country tried to diagnose where the issues were stemming from - she had recently returned to the U.S. from a 3 year stay in Singapore so the options seemed endless as to what it could be. After much time and prayer she was finally diagnosed with a couple of things that could thankfully be managed with medicine/doctor visits/personal monitoring. Now that it's been a few years since the original diagnosis she is doing so much better than any of us could have hoped for.

I love you, Paige, you truly are an inspiration to me and to so many other people in your life!!!

30 Day Challenge, Day 5 - My Dreams

What Are My Dreams? This is gonna be a pretty short entry.

My one true dream is very simple, I want my life and the lives of those near and dear to my heart to be filled with more love and happiness than any one person could ever hope for.

Happy Friday, and may all of your dreams come true!!!

XOXOXO
Suzanne G.

30 Day Challenge, Day 4 - My Siblings

Who Are My Siblings? I have 2 siblings, an older sister (almost 32) and a younger brother (27) and then there's me (30) and in my opinion we are all totally different - although my parents might say otherwise.


My sister, Paige, is the most accepting person in the whole world. She has such a calming nature and people are just drawn to her no matter what the situation or circumstance. Right now she is in her last year of graduate school and she is in the process of applying to schools to get her PHD - I just hope she chooses somewhere closer than Northern California (where she is now). When Paul and I got engaged there was never any question in our minds who would perform the ceremony, my sister, so when we got married in December she was right there with us front and center. Paige, I love you with all of my heart and you are my most favorite sister!

(that's my crazy sister posing in Starbucks)

My brother, Scott, is one of the wittiest people that I know and he can make me laugh in any situation - especially when I'm down. He has always been the one that I could go to when I needed someone to listen and he did so without any judgement, and for that reason I couldn't be more thankful. I love you so much Scott, you truly are an amazing brother.

(that's my brother with my dad when we went to Hawaii)

I have the best brother and sister!!!

Suzanne G.

XOXOXO

30 Day Challenge, Day 3 - My Parents

Who Are My Parents?

I have the most wonderful parents in the whole world. They have been happily married for 34 years and they are such an inspiration to me and they have shown me in so many ways how a marriage should be. My mom and dad love one another so much and they are each others best friend. In my opinion that's one of the most important parts of being in a successful marriage.

I admire and love my parents so much and God couldn't have blessed my life more in choosing me to be one of their children.

(Mom and Dad with their 3 kiddos)

I love you Mom and Dad, thank you so much for being such wonderful parents to your crazy and out-there children!

30 Day Challenge, Day 2 - My Favorite Vacation

What was my favorite vacation? By far, my favorite vacation would have to be our wedding/honeymoon trip to the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands - it was AMAZING!!!

In addition to the fact that I married the man of my dreams in the presence of our families, there are so many other reasons why I loved this vacation and it has been my favorite so far. Here's just a few reasons:

The Family Time:

The Beach:

The Relaxing:

The Town Center for Shopping:

The Exact Spot Where we Said "I Do":

The Food:

The Baths:

The Soggy Dollar Bar:

The First of Many Date Nights as Husband & Wife:

The Joking:

The Wedding Cake:

The Memories:

Our wedding/honeymoon trip was more than we ever could have hoped for and we can't wait to make it back to St Thomas in a few years to relive that most wonderful day...our wedding day!!!

XOXOXO

Suzanne G.

30 Day Challenge, Day 1 - My Best Friend

Today is the first day of my 30 Day Challenge and I can't wait to dive in, so here goes.

Who is my Best Friend? Well, I know it's probably the most cliche of answers but my best friend is without a doubt my husband, Paul:

Not only is he the most attractive man I have ever laid my eyes on but he has the most amazing, kindest heart in the whole world. He has a great love for life and more importantly a greater love for the Lord and his passion for ALL things is so endearing. He not only makes me laugh on a daily basis but the way that he speaks to me and the things that he says simply makes my heart melt. He truly is my best friend and the most wonderful of husbands.

We originally started dating over 5 years ago and although the relationship was a little rocky at the beginning, after a bit of trial and error we finally got it perfected (well as perfected as can be) and Paul proposed in December of 2008 and we got married this past December.

Paul truly makes me the person that God intended me to be. He has helped me to realize so much about myself that I never would have found without him. He challenges me to think outside of the box while supporting me and continuing to communicate and love with all of his heart. I know I'm a bit biased but I would have to say I have the Best Friend in the whole wide world.

I love you so much Pauly G!!! GTL

XOXOXO

30 Day Challenge

Hi Family & Friends,

There's a list that's going around the blogosphere where for each day out of 30 days total, you post a picture and explain the item for that day. I love this idea because it will give me an opportunity to think about the people and things in my life in a totally new way.

So, here is my 30-Day Challenge List:

Day 1 — My Best Friend

Day 2 — My Favorite Vacation

Day 3 — My Parents

Day 4 — My Siblings

Day 5 — My Dreams

Day 6 — My Inspiration (someone)

Day 7 — My Job

Day 8 — My Favorite Internet Friend That I've Never Met

Day 9 — My Idol (I wish I could meet)

Day 10 — My Favorite Part of the Week

Day 11 — My Favorite Book and Movie

Day 12 — My Dream Vacation

Day 13 — My Next Big Life Event

Day 14 — My Dream Home

Day 15 — My Biggest Regret

Day 16 — My Friend Farthest Away

Day 17 — My Favorite Restaurant

Day 18 — My In-Laws

Day 19 — My Biggest Difference (from anyone else I know)

Day 20 — My Favorite Television Shows

Day 21 — My Sisters-In Law & Brother In Law

Day 22 — My Pet Peeves

Day 23 — My Last Kiss (with who)

Day 24 — My Favorite Memory

Day 25 — My Biggest Life Changing Moment

Day 26 — My Favorite Place

Day 27 — My Favorite Thing To Do

Day 28 — My Life Changer (someone)

Day 29 — My Biggest Talent

Day 30 — My Reflection In The Mirror

I know it will be hard to get all of these fulfilled in a 30 day period but I'm for sure going to try my darndest to do it. I truly can't wait to see what comes up in the next month so I'm just gonna dive right in!!!

XOXOXO

Suzanne G.

Family Vacation

Hi Family & Friends,

This past weekend my mom, my dad and my brother came to visit Paul and I in Jacksonville, and we had a total blast! The weekend started on Thursday afternoon when my family (minus my big sis) arrived in town and we met up with them to have a relaxing and early dinner. I had to work bright and early Friday morning so we couldn't make it too late of an evening.

Friday night we all cooked dinner together at our place and afterward headed out for a walk on the beach in search of shark teeth - we didn't find any but we still had a good time. It totally brought back memories from my childhood Thanksgiving's when we would totally eat too much and then we'd have to take a long walk around the neighborhood before we could do so much as even sit down because our pants were busting at the seam. In all seriousness though I did have a moment while we were walking all together and I looked around and I thought to myself how truly blessed I am - I looked at my husband, our dog, my parents and my brother (even though my sister was in California, she was there in spirit) and I realized that I really do have the most amazing family in the whole world. God truly blessed my life in so many ways.

Okay, Okay, enough with the mushy stuff and back to our weekend fun...We got to bed early on Friday night because we all had to get up at the crack of dawn to drive down to Orlando to make a day of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure. It's only about a 2 hour drive from Jacksonville to Orlando but we wanted to make sure to beat the traffic and the crowds that build up around the theme parks, on a Saturday, in Orlando.

Rather than go through a wordy play by play of our day I figured a photo tour would be much more enjoyable. So for your viewing pleasure I present to you the Rawson/Gerrety Islands of Adventure, adventure:

(Me and Paul in front of Hogwarts)

(Dad, Mom and Scott in Harry Potter land)

(Shopping in The Lost Continent)

(Mom & Dad, lunch at Bubba Gumps)

(Me & Paul, lunch at Bubba Gumps)

(Paul & I on a ride in Seuss Landing - probably the least scary ride at the park)

(Paul & I riding the wave at the entrance of the park, this would have been Paul's dream come true if we were really in the water considering his love and passion for the ocean and surfing).

We stayed at the park until around 5:00 and decided it was about time to start the 2 hour drive home. We ended up leaving just before a huge storm hit Orlando, and the surrounding areas, so we couldn't have timed it more perfectly for staying dry - although the drive home turned into 3 hours due to the traffic from the rain. It was okay though cause it gave us some really good quality conversation time.

Paul had to work early on Sunday so I got some one-on-one time with my family before they headed back home. It was such a great weekend, especially considering the time that Paul and I get with our families is so limited. It was really hard saying goodbye to them (and I did shed a tear or two) but it just makes me more excited for our next visit. Thank you mom, dad and Scott for coming do visit us and for all that you do to bless our lives each and every day. We love you so much!!!

Until next time,
Suzanne G.

XOXOXO

Teddy Bear Gerrety

Hi Friends & Family,

Boy-Oh-Boy has it been a crazy couple of months. Amongst the regular craziness of life, Paul and I have been trying to get back to our routine after adopting our sweet puppy, Teddy Bear (Mrs. Teddy, Teddy, Teddy-Teddy-Teddy, Theodore, Theodore Diego - just to name a few).

(This is Teddy shortly after we brought him home)

On a whim, one Saturday in May, Paul and I decided that after 3 months of being married we were ready to take a stab at parenthood by adopting a dog from the Humane Society. We are huge supporters of any form of animal protective services so we knew that rather than going to a pet store to find our new addition to the family we would find one at the local Humane Society.

So, off we went to find our first child. We were very impressed with the in-depth process that you have to go through to even look at the dogs they have up for adoption, it really made us feel good about who and how the Jacksonville Humane Society is running things. In addition, they're a no kill shelter - what a relief!!! Okay, back to my story...so after about an hour or so of walking up and down the halls of dogs we finally came to a cage with 2 small adorable dogs, one named Rascal and the other named Diego (soon to be know as Teddy Bear).

When we first decided to get a dog Paul and I were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to what size the dog should be. I wanted a really small foofoo dog and Paul wanted a larger sized man's best friend kinda dog.

My idea of the perfect pet:

Example A:

My Parents Dog Bailey (originally my dog from 1999 until 1999)

Example B:

My parents dog Riley (my dog from 2001 until 2002)

Paul's idea of the perfect pet:

Example A:

Schatz (pronounced Shut-z) which means treasure in German (The Gerrety family dog for many precious years)

Okay, so back to Teddy Bear...It didn't take long for Paul to change his tune. As soon as we walked up to that cage with Rascal and Diego something came over Paul and he just melted. It was then and there that we both knew that we would not leave the Humane Society without having adopted our little Diego.

(This is Teddy relaxing in my lap)

After being his parents for nearly 5 months I can honestly say that everything we've been through (and are still experiencing) with our precious little Teddy Bear has been well worth it but it has definitely been a lot harder than we were expecting.

It all began when we found out that Diego was a "foster to adopt" puppy. It breaks my heart to think about it now, but our precious little puppy was suffering from heart worms when we chose him to be our own. It took almost 2 months of weekly visits to the vet to get him all cleared up and ready to be fully adopted - and we officially changed his name to Theodore Diego Gerrety (Teddy Bear) on our last visit.

Over these past months Paul and I have tried to figure out all of Teddy's quarks/likes/dislikes/etc. and I must say, we're doing pretty darn good. As many of you know, you take quite a risk adopting a rescue dog because you have no idea what the little guys have been through so you don't know how long it will take them to get used to you, and the great life you are offering them.

We've come a long way though:

(This is Teddy Bear in his favorite place...his crate)

We love our sweet Teddy Bear and we couldn't have prayed for a more loving and adorable first baby!!!

Until my next post,

Suzanne G.

XOXOXO