Post 100

I'm big on noted "check points" in life and now in the blog world.

This is Blog Post #100!!

I've been trying to figure out for about 25 posts what on earth I would talk about.

Let me start with some blog stats:

Eternity Kind of Love's 1st Post {10.24.11}
# of Days in the Blog World {138}
# of Page Views as of Today {3,723}
# of Followers as of Today {19}

I'm pretty happy with that. I'm really loving my chance to speak to everyone through my blog; those I know and those I don't.

My vision for my blog?
I want it to grow. I want to reach people across the nation world and inspire them. I want to be different and entertaining. I want not only woman to follow, but guys too..I feel like I have a lot to offer.

I'm learning as I go and I'm aware I have a long way to go, but I really enjoy this and know I can overcome any obstacles that may arise.

Now I ask you..if you like to read..follow me in someway (tabs in the right hand corner), like me on facebook, or just let me know you're there. Knowing my audience is a big part of how and what I write. Let me know what you like and don't like; I'm up for any suggestions.

And on that note..a little fun...

1. Go to Google
2. Type in your answer
3. Select a photo from the first 2 pages
4. Upload

~ What is your first name? ~

Ida.
{3rd in 5 generations}

~ What is your middle name? ~

Jade.
{After a character on General Hospital}

~ When is your birthday? ~

June.
{Same as Josh}

~ What kind of car do you drive? ~

Saturn Vue
{Josh's car, but what I drive}

Nissan Maxima.

{My car, but what Josh drives}

~ What are your top 3 favorite movies? ~

Honey.
{a great dance movie}

The Lion King.
{Disney classic}

Harry Potter.
{pure genius}

~ What are your top 3 favorite books? ~

Harry Potter Series.
{remarkably written}

It's Kind of a Funny Story.

{A story of an insane assylum; now a moive}

The Hunger Games.
{Amazing. Can't wait for the movie}

~ What are your top 3 favorite tv shows (currently)? ~

Smash.
{freaking incredible; love the plot}

The Big Bang Theory.

{Hilarious. I've fallen in love with all the characters}

Family Guy.

{Just funny.}

~ What are your top 3 favorite tv shows (ever)? ~

Boy Meets World.

{Does it get much better?!}

Full House.

{Ahh, childhood.}

The Simpsons.

{Still going strong}

 ~ Who is your favorite Disney princess? ~

Jasmine.

{I had a nightgown as a child that was like her outfit; so sad to grow out of it}

 ~ What is your favorite alcoholic drink? ~

Margartia on the Rocks with Salt.

{Umm...yum!}

 ~ What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink? ~

Root Beer.

{It's been Mt. Dew all my life until very recently; friends/family don't be shocked}

~ What is your favorite animal? ~

Elephants.

{Started with an alphabet book that had an elephant through out}

~ What are your top 3 vacation destinations? ~

Ireland.

{So anxious to see with Josh}

France.

{I was suppose to go in high school, but the trip was cancelled my senior year}

Hawaii.

{undeniable beauty}

~ What is your favorite dessert? ~

Brownie Ala Mode.

{the cold of the ice cream with a warm brownie *mouth watering*}

~ What did you want to be when you grew up? ~

The Pink Power Ranger.

{haha}

An Olympic Gymnast.

{far too tall}

Owner of a Dance Studio.

{too much drama}

Radio City Rockette.

{still persuing this one}

A Successful Realtor.

{I'm on my way}

~ What was your first job? ~

Birthday Host at Chuck E. Cheese

{my first paycheck every 2 weeks anyway; dance assistant to teacher first}

~ What is your favorite store? ~

Ross Dress for Less.

{I love a good deal}

~ What is your favorite accessory? ~

Hoop Earrings.

{I've worn them almost every day since 7th grade}

~ What is the quote you live by? ~

Everything Happens for a Reason.

{I have no doubt}

~ One word to describe yourself? ~

Dreamer.

{Always will be}

I hope you enjoyed this; I had fun doing it.

Inspiration

"Things will get better,

days will be brighter,

and I promise someone has it worse."

Whose words are those?

They're mine.

Upon journaling this past week when I was feeling down and I typed these words at the end of my "post". I was writing so quickly that I didn't even know what I typed before it was there.

I'm inspired and lifted by them and I hope when I have a down day I can look back to it and remember not someone else's word, but my own.

I'm also hopeful that maybe they could lift yours too.

What inspires or picks you up when you're having a bad day/week?

Our Love Story Link Up

I saw this link up on Live, Love and in Between's blog and loved the idea of a vday driven post. =)

One. How long have you and your significant other been together?

A little more than 5 years.

Two. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
We met my Junior year in Highschool in a graphic arts class, but that's not where our story really begins. We were friends, but never really got to know one another. When Josh graduated in '06 we lost touch. We reconnected over Myspace in November 2006.

A short few days later after texting back and forth he asked me to come with him, his sister, and his cousin to a 24 hour diner for a midnight buffet, Eat N Park, on a school night. At the time I was living with my grandmother and I literally had to beg to go, but in the end I was allowed. When he picked me up I just knew things were different, we both did actually. We had a really good time and we made plans to go for Chinese two days later, our first "date". Everything went perfectly!

A few days later was Thanksgiving, we ended up spending the next evening together. We met up for a local VERY small town light up parade for the holidays and then we headed back to his house for Turkey Day leftovers. That's where I met not just his parents for the first time, but I also met his grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins....you get the picture.

We started "officially" going out that night,..less than an hour later he was called to a structure fire. I had no idea what that meant at the time, but Josh wanted to go so of course I told him to go. His dad told him to stay, but I insisted (it's what he loved and how could I stop him?). Without going into to much detail, I waited for him, and he came home around 3am.

The next day we spent the entire day in Pittsburgh; where we had our first kiss overlooking the gorgeous skyline. And well..the rest is history. =)

Three. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

7.31.10 so a little more than 1 1/2 years. =)

Four. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married back in PA. An island in the middle of lake at a State Park...

We were married right under that first tree near the middle of the island.

It was perfect. The reception was at his old volunteer department's fireman's club. It was pretty big; around 200 guests.

Five. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

Bum, Bummy, Butthead..and a few others. =)

Six. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

How hardworking his at everything he does. His humor; he can make me laugh no matter what. And how sweet, loving, and caring he is to me, family, and friends. He's pretty amazing.<3

Seven. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

We were having a really long talk about life and where we were, where we wanted to be, and where we were going. We were out in the kitchen at one point and I was sitting on the counter when he came over and looked me in the eyes. He asked "How long have we been together?" I looked at the clock to be smart and figure it out to the day. It was 12:03am, which made it the 17th of February. Before I could answer he told me it didn't matter because we would be together for Eternity. He asked me if he had to get on one knee and I shook my head yes. I honestly thought he was pulling my leg because he had "teased" me about it before; how he could do at any minute and how he may or may not have a ring already. As soon as his knee hit the floor the tears streamed down my face. After a "Will you marry me?" and a "Yes, yes, yes!!" he immediately asked me to go ring shopping with him the next day. We did everything else together, so why not this?! We went the very next day up to PA and picked out a ring very similar to one we had looked at a year earlier.

 

 

Eight. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Neither, really. He's randomly sweet though and the little things are what count. I've had a little of almost all the above, so it's a nice variety.

Nine. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Most of the time a movie and couch person, but I like a touch of the "sunset dinner on the beach" type of settings. =)

Ten. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere? 

Travel. A lot. We've talked about multiple places, but one I'm really excited for is France Ireland. It used to be France and I still want to go there, but I just think as a couple we will really enjoy Ireland together. Hopefully we'll get to go sooner than later.

Eleven. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

I don't think we'll be doing anything this year, were doing our best to save for an upcoming vaca or two.

Twelve. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Lots of hugs and kisses.

Thirteen. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Communication about anything and everything and never, ever going to bed mad or walking away from one another. It's something we pride ourselves in.

Fourteen. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

Times They Are A Changin'

A lot is changing.

I talked about my new years resolutions in previous posts, but this is a bit deeper. I want to exceed all of those. I want to better myself in every way humanly possible. By the end of the year I want to know that my hard work has paid off.

I made the move two weeks ago to get things rolling by putting my two weeks in at the casino I work at part time. Now it was only part time, but the hours are what hurt me. I started sleeping in, not getting into my office until late, or just not going in at all. I've worked from home before, but lets face it...there is just something about working from home that makes you less productive.

So I will be in my office 5-6 days a week. That's my goal..around 50 hours a week. With Sundays set aside (for the majority) for my husband and I to spend together.

While working on this I will be working on organizing EVERYTHING. My life, my work, and my house. It's going to take A LOT, but I know I'll be happier and it'll make things SO much easier on a day to day basis.

One of the most important things that I'll be making time for is excercise. I got my gym membership two weeks ago as well and I've used it once and I have yet to use my tanning membership. This WILL change. I've found some more work out buddies so I really hope and think I'll be able to stick to it.

The last thing will be going to bed earlier. My husband has a hard enough time sleeping and most nights we go to bed around 1am if not later and that's even on nights where he has to get up for work by 4am. We don't do it on purpose, but it's habit from the days he's not at work. So I need to change, to help him change. Poor guy is sleep deprived half of the time and I feel partially responsible. I'm not saying I'll be up at 6am everyday, but I do wish to be up at the latest of 9am and in bed by 11pm. Maybe over time I'll wake up earlier than that, it's hard to tell. I just know this is a change that NEEDS to happen.

So I plan to update you all with my changes in my life and I encourage you if there is something you want to change about yours..start now. RIGHT now. Why wait? You want it to change, MAKE it happen.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

Introducing Me..#10

#9: Person You Do the Most Screwed Up Things With
This is a hard one for me. I immediately want to say my sister though because I just know what the future will bring. Haha, can't wait until we can go out together. Her 21st Bday is Friday and I'm so excited to go out in Pittsburgh with her. It's going to be one insane night.

#9: Put your ipod on shuffle and write down the first ten songs that play.

1. "Jenny From the Block" - Jennifer Lopez
2. "Mother Lover" - The Lonely Island
3. "Tear Drops on My Guitar" - Taylor Swift
4. "California King Bed" - Rihanna
5. "With You" - Jessica Simpson
6. "Did It On 'Em" - Nicki Minaj
7. "Bullets In the Gun" - Toby Keith
8. "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
9. "The Sweet Escape" - Gwen Stafani
10. "Wanted Dead or Alive" - Bon Jovi

..and surprisingly this still doesn't show how diverse my song selection is. I listen to SO many different times of genres. I just love music.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

Introducing Me...#9

#9: Person Who Has Gotten You Through the Most

Me Mom.
Growing up I was picked on everyday and my self esteem was driven to the ground. If it weren't for my mom, I would not be who I am today. She kept my spirits high most days and when I joined dance she did everything she could to make sure I took every class and competed in every competition that I wanted to. I could never thank her enough. She prepared me for the "real world" and has made me into what I believe to be a wonderful woman, friend, and wife.

Love you, mom!

#9: How Important you think Education is
Education is fundamental for many different aspects of life. I believe in the K-12, but wish as one enters 11-12th grade that their should be more electives allowed to focus toward their career. I think it'd be great to have students work out some of the "kinks" when choosing their major for college ahead of time. Though, if more people went with general education when attending college their wouldn't be as much of a need for that.

As far as post-high school education I believe it is important, but I do not believe it's for everyone. It depends on the person and their goals and aspirations. I have nearly achieved my associates in Business and plan to eventually get my masters, but my life took me in a different path.

I know have my Real Estate License and I'm doing something I love.

To each their own.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

Introducing Me..#8

#8: Picture that Makes you Laugh

This is one I've had on pinterest for awhile. Haha, Love it!

So proud, hahah!

#8: What You Ate Today
I slept a good part of the day, but I've had..
*Scrambled Eggs
*Toast
*Peanut Butter Egg

Signing off,
Ida Jade

Introducing Me.. #7

#7: Most Treasured Item

I guess when it comes to answering this one, I ask myself it the house was on fire or some natural disaster was in occurrence what would I take with me. Besides the obvious of Ellie Mae?

I'm going to have to say my laptop.

It's not because I'm addicted to the Internet and the ability to having technology at hand. It is because it holds my life. Thousands upon thousands of pictures are held on this computer. I have backed them up on an external hard drive and hope to place them upon the Internet "cloud" (haha, that still amuses me) for safe keeping, sooner than later. I also need to take the photos I have not scanned and store them in the same manner before they have the chance to be "gone".

#7: Five Pet Peeves
1. Ignorance.
2. Poor Tippers
3. People who pass you while driving and then slow down.
4. Having words put into my mouth. Don't twist my words against me.
5. People who complain, yet do nothing to change what upsets or displeases them.

Signing off,
Ida Jade

2012 Resolutions

Resolutions?

Those things that  most fail to follow through with past the end of January?

Yeah, those.

What are mine?

I have few...

0.1. The most common and overused resolution, of course. Weight loss. Okay, so more importantly tone and strengthen. If all goes well I would like to lose around 15 lbs. Since I'm weighing in around 165 now, I don't think this should be too difficult if I am able to keep with my promises to myself
         
          - Today, I joined our local Golds Gym for just $19.99 a month.
            They are are very accommodating, most days they are open
            24 hours. I'm excited to begin and even have 3 free sessions
            with a trainer.
          - Josh, who already goes to the gym, will be joining me on
            occasion and we will be helping one another to eat better and
            exercise regularly
          - In joining this gym, I join 2 others in the area, which allows
            me to go to whichever need be. This now allows me to go to
            the gym with a few of my friends, which it always helps to
            have a workout buddy.
          - I will also be joining in with my friend, Rachael, and her
            linky party of Waist Watcher Wednesdays.

0.2. To manage our finances, save, and pay off a chunk of our debt.

          - I am working to find a money management system that
            will work for us, currently I use a simple excel sheet to
            track bills, but I'd like to dig deeper than that and set for
            us a budget to abide by.
          - Josh and I have many things we would like to before we
            even think about having kids.Traveling amongst other
            things. The big trip we hope to make will be for an
            extended vacation in France. Notice, I did not say Paris.
            I've studied french and hope to again before we are able to
            go, and I am aware of what all France has to offer. And,
            while I'd I want to see such things as the Eiffel Tower,
            there is much more to be seen.

0.3. To take care of my self, this includes not stressing and treating myself to life's simplicities; such as tanning and getting my hair done on a decently regular basis.

          - While at Golds today, I also joined for unlimited tanning.
            Say what you will for those who are against it, but it
            relaxes me and a even, beautiful tan. My skin is clearer
            and I feel better about myself. I will not tan everyday,
            most likely not even more than 3 days a week.
          - I also started today by getting my hair highlighted and
            cut. It was simple pleasure. I often forget how great it
            feels to have my hair done.

0.4. To have a successful and prosperous year in Real Estate. June, will mark me a full year doing what I love and I hope to make it a profitable and fulfilling year.

          - I am making multiple steps to do so. Of which, I care not
            to bore anyone with, but if successful..I will post of my
            journeys.

0.5. I just thought of one more. I wish to right everyone who means something to me in my life at least a one page letter each this year, and send it by snail mail. I think it would be a wonderous thing to do and something an art that has been lost.

I believe that is all, for now. What are your resolutions?

Signing off,
Ida Jade

2011 in Review

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I whole heartily mean this, I'm in hope that every one's year is prosperous and filled with an abundance of great memories with your loved ones.

I guess the ultimate question then becomes what are my new years resolutions?

I have a few, but first let me give you 2011 in review. It was a glorious year and it's not to be forgotten with the arrival of 2012.

January
Last January was slightly uneventful, but we did celebrate one of our best friends, Garret's,  birthday in Harrisburg, PA. It was a night to be remembered, I'll share a few photos.

Happy Birthday, Garrett! Haha!

One last shot, to end the night.

February
February was uneventful as well. We had a few visitors and had a small get together to watch the Superbowl. Our beloved Steelers faced the Green Bay Packers. I have the utmost respect for the Packers and was happy with their win, it would have been wonderful to see the Steelers win another, but there's always another year.

Mom, Ber, and I at Harpers Ferry

March
Another slow month, until the end. On March 27 we adopted Miss Ellie Mae. We had been looking for puppy/dog for a few months and when we found her we were in high hopes of bringing her home And we did, she was curious and playful, but also cuddly. She warms our hearts and is our little girl. She frustrates me on a daily basis, but I love her none the less.

The day we got her.

April
We had been planning a trip to Cancun for most the year and it ended up falling through. With the days requested off we began to search for our vacation destination. We waited until almost the last minute when we saw the best deal possible. We wound up in Daytona and were able to meet up with a high school friend to stay in Orlanda for a night. We went to Universal Studios and spent a lot of time on the beach. It was a relaxing and beautiful vacation. We hope to return many, many times again.

Hogwarts!

May
After about a month and half of studies the beginning of May came with my WV Real Estate exam in Charleston. I took the test on May 7 and a short week or so later I received an email from my mentor and good friend in Real Estate, Adam Shively, that I had made the passing list. An accomplishment I do not take lightly. I then joined Keller Williams at the end of the month.

June
June brings about Josh and I's birthdays, neither of which were very eventful this year. When receiving my license I was balancing beginning my career with a FT job at an optometry office. Without further discussion, it was months of unhappiness before I made the decision to not return to that office and I jumped full time into real estate. In doing so it was only a short few days after that I wrote my first contract. It was a glorious feeling and not one to be forgotten.

JulyAn eventful month, filled with visits from some dear friends. All in the matter of a few weeks I was blessed with visits from Denise & Alyssa, Ber, and Alexis. All the while I interviewed and was hired with the local casino for a simple part time job. And of course at the end of the month we celebrated our First Wedding Anniversary in Baltimore.

At the Power Plant in Baltimore celebrating our Anniversary

 

August

August was a mile marker in my life not to be forgotten. I closed on my first home and received my first commission check as a Realtor. That same month my dear sister in law, Aleece, was proposed to and I was asked to be her Matron of Honor in her wedding on 7.13.13. It was an overly blessed month, that's for sure.

September

I celebrated my first closing with a rather large house party, which included my in laws surprising us with their attendance. It was a great night amongst many great friends. September 10, was Josh's godson's birthday, little man Doltyn turned 1. So hard to believe! At the end of the month I made a trip to NYC for an extended weekend and visited a great friend of mine on the Upper East Side, thanks so much Megan..can't wait to come back!

Megan and I

On the Brooklyn Bridge

October

October we celebrated Aleece and Ryan's engagement party and took in part of a visit from Ber and her boyfriend, Brian. Towards the end of the month inspiration struck and I began this very blog, as well as a book I intend to finish someday. With October comes Halloween and I was able to celebrate in many ways this year. A night with some old friends, another with my favorites, and one spent working at the casino in costume. A great month without doubt.

1 of the engagement photos I took for them

..and another

Little man Doltyn and Josh =)

Josh, Aleece, and Garrett

 

Brian, Ber, Me, and Josh

November
November, an another slightly uneventful month, but Ber did visit us once again. We made our way into DC for an interview for her, and though it did not work out, I know that soon something will and she'll be living down here with us as well. Later in the month after Thanksgiving we spent some much needed time with family and friends.

In front of the White House

Jonah, Me, Ber, and Brian

Josh and I with Devon, Gary, Aleece, and Ryan at Buffalo Wild Wings

Aleece and Ryan in Pittsburgh

Ryan, Aleece, Josh, and I afetr riding the incline to the top of  Mt. Washington

December
Ahh, the holiday season. Stressful, yet wonderful. We were not able to spend Christmas Day amoungst blood family, but we did spend it amoung amazing friends. I was able to join Josh at the fire station for a delicious dinner. We then spent the next 2 1/2 days visiting family and friends. Then back quickly for the both of us to head back to work. All the while we prepared for this past Saturday, New Year's Eve. It was our "2nd Annual" and a great one at that. Couldn't imagine bringing in the New Year without them.

Little Man, Doltyn and Miss Ellie Mae

We certainly have a full spread

Denise and I

Jello Shots..AND whipped cream (oi!)

Champagne for Midnight!

So there you have it. Farewell 2011, you treated me well. I look forward to 2012 and hope that it in some way can live up to and maybe even surpass 2011. Here we go.... =)

This post has taken far longer than expected, so tomorrow I shall post my resolutions.

Signing off,
Ida Jade