A few weeks ago, I turned 30. Ah, yes, the big 3-0. I am not, nor have I ever been the type to be sad on my birthday because I'm "old". I am actually very excited for my birthdays. I like the feeling that this day is somehow about me and only me (and dammit it should be about me), I like the cake and ice cream with the tiny colorful wax candles, and the hoopla of the chorus of waiters singing to me. I like that. But, most of all I like the feeling of newness. I like the thought that I'm about to embark on a new year, a new adventure, a new season of my life. So, here I am, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a 30 year old, venturing into this season of my life. My heart is full of desires and dreams that I hope to accomplish. I'm hoping I can leave behind the insecurities and regrets that my 20 year old self held on to so tightly.
My new mantra for my 30's is to Savor Each Bite, Make Every Bite Count. I don't know if it's because I'm a planner by nature or because I'm just crazy, but I am always looking for "what's next." Nevermind what I'm eating for breakfast, what's for dinner? Nevermind that I just graduated college, when am I getting married and having babies? I shovel these bites into my mouth without savoring it which leads me to being discontent and disappointed. This snowballs into feeling so disgusted with myself. I just stuffed my face with all that I could and was still so unhappy with what I had in my tummy all because I want more on my next plate. So, I'm vowing to change that. I want to slow down and relish as many moments as I can. I want to appreciate that bite that is on my fork, now. I want to enjoy the season that I'm in, not anticipate the season that is yet to come.
As for my blog, I want to refocus my attention on food. Cooking, recipe testing, restaurant reviewing, and studying food photography. I love this blogworld and all the friendly people in it. Thank you to all of my loyal readers for sticking with me and reading what I have to say. I appreciate it.
This award is given to blogs with less than 200 followers (yup, that's me) and in my opinion is a way to get to know bloggers a little bit more. I like these "tell me about yourself" type posts. I learn something new each time, both about myself and about others. It's fun!
The rules are:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you.
3. Create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
4. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
5. Go to their page and tell them.
6. No tag backs!
I'm going to try and write things that are random as hell. I'll regret this around fact 5 when I can't think of anymore...
Without further ado...
#1- When I was born my mom almost named me Liesl, as in "My name is Liesl, I'm 16 years old and I don't need a governess!" I love that movie.
#2- People like to nickname me. Growing up I was called "Sunshine" because I was smiling all the time. In High School, I was "MoJo Potatoes" and in college, I was "JoMo" which combined the letters from my first and last name.
#7- When I took my pregnancy test at the doctor's office, the nurse thought I was a pregnant teenager and treated me like shit. She even asked me where my mother was. When she finally pulled up my file and saw that I was 29, she instantly wanted to be nice and talk up a storm. Doesn't work that way, freak.
#8- Even though I do not wear a lot of makeup, I am OBSESSED with Makeup tutorials on YouTube.
#9- Even though I am not into Astrology, I am a quintessential Cancer. Crabby, stubborn, hides in my shell, holds a grudge.....geez, I need to work on myself.
#10- I never thought I'd say this, but I miss being able to run. I was a baby runner before I got knocked up and I can't wait to get my body back so I can start up again.
#11- I have a crazy person habit of giving feelings to inanimate objects. If I know I haven't used...say... a certain bowl for a long time, I'll think that it's sad so I'll use it. Yes, crazy person habit.
Whew...that was hard!
Ok now for Deidre's questions...
1. Why did you name your blog what you named it?
Refer to #2 above. It's a cute play on words. At least I think it is.
2. If you could trade lives with any celebrity for a day who would it be and why?
Kate Middleton. She's so pretty and poised and she looks like she lives a cushy life.
3. What is your go to website when you are bored?
YouTube
4. If you could have picked your name when you were born would you keep it what it is or would it be different?
I like my name.
5. Why did you start blogging?
It was a hard time in my life...Here is my post about it.
6. What was the first job you ever had?
Hello Kitty store in my mall
7. Who and where was your first kiss?
My first boyfriend, outside my parents' house (Sorry, Mom and Dad)
8. If you could make one wish for the future generation what would it be?
I would wish for them to have a good education.
9. If you were an Olympic athlete what event would you want to partake in?
Gymnastics!
10. One thing you would never ever do, not even for a million dollars?
Hi, Friends! My name is Joanna and I am a wife, new mother, middle school teacher, and food lover. I started this blog to share happy stories and to hear yours too. Thanks for stopping by!
