Christmas at my mom's new home. The first house that she has ever bought by herself. I'm so proud of her, and the house is so gorgeous. We were able to spend a few nights with her - including Christmas Eve. I truly think that she uses it as her excuse to clean out her liquor cabinet. :)

Spiked eggnog, wine, jager, bloody marys. What could make Christmas better? Oh wait... puzzles.

And a fancy christmas present wouldn't hurt. In fact - if that fancy christmas present happens to be from my fabulous partner and happens to be the sparkly hoop earrings I've wanted forever...

And how about some new clothes?! I got like a million pairs of awesome socks and my mama got a new shirt she looks fantastic in. Can you see any resemblance?

And then food. Oh the food.

This was only half of our Christmas. Can you believe it? I can't even fathom a better day. Loved ones, amazing food, relaxation, presents... We certainly lived riotously together.

I will leave you with one last picture. Of my sister with a lizard attached to her ear. Strangest part of our day.

♥ Jessa

In the middle of the 2011 I finally jumped on the One Word Resolution bandwagon and chose something to motivate me to be my best and also enjoy myself : CREATE

Since that day I can't pretend that I kept it in mind every day, but CREATE crept into my life in big and small ways. I worked hard to create what I hope are lasting friendships within my cohort and program. I created opportunities for myself on both Santa Fe College's campus and University of Florida's campus to be involved, and hopefully respected. I created opportunities for the students that I work with to be challenged and succeed. I created a beautiful space for the people I love to live in (actually, I just lent a helping hand while Wayne created a space for us). All in all, I find that my one word successfully propelled me towards looking at things a little differently. This year, however, I will make some sort of reminder for myself - either a plaque for the door at home or notes in my calendar to remind me of my new one word resolution.

ful·fill   [fool-fil] Show IPA verb (used with object)
1. to carry out, or bring to realization, as a prophecy or promise.
2. to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands.
3. to satisfy (requirements, obligations, etc.): a book that fulfills a long-felt need.
4. to bring to an end; finish or complete, as a period of time: He felt that life was over when one had fulfilled his threescore years and ten.
5. to develop the full potential of (usually used reflexively): She realized that she could never fulfill herself in such work.

I have spent this year creating roles for myself. A challenge for me is finishing projects - my strength is Activator, not Achiever for those of you who have taken StrengthsQuest2.0. So now it's the year to focus on fulfilling those roles, realizing my potential as a partner, a homeowner, a gardener, someone who lives riotously, the OCES graduate assistant, the housing practicum, a student, a friend, a daughter, a sister, the advisor of Soul Sisters, etc. I need to fulfill all of the promises that I have made, explicit or implicit, to myself and my employer and my loved ones. It would be impossible to add anything else to my plate at this moment in time, so what I need to make sure I do is get the most out of every amazing opportunity I have created for myself in 2011. I'm excited and nervous about this word. It will be harder for me that Create was. Wish me luck.

♥ Jessa