Jessie

Jessica is one of my best friends. She's a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. And she understands me, which is ridiculously amazing. We met in college and have gone through lots of ups and downs together. She helps me survive this crazy life and I can't thank her enough for that.

She was the first stop on my vacation - all the way back to my roots in northeast Ohio. I'm sure she never imagined she'd end up there, but her and her honey have a great little life going with two furry children, Ava and Adora. I was lucky enough to get to hang out with them for a weekend. And get this, she didn't have me do any home improvement projects while I was there! They just bought their first home so I was ready to help, but, of course, she insisted I kick back, relax and watch trashy reality TV and drink some vino. Fine. Twist my arm.

It was great to just to be able to spend time with a great friend and chat and laugh and shop and watch movies and play with the dogs and eat and hike. I miss being able to do that. Developing true friendships is harder when you get older and move new places. I know a lot of people in Indy, but I don't have a friendship here that can compare to the friendship I have with Jess.

We watched Eat, Pray, Love! It was great, as I expected. It was a coincidence that the movie came out the same weekend I went to see her. The year I read the book I ended up sending it to a few of my friends for Christmas since I loved it so much. And they all enjoyed it as well. I see a lot of myself in Elizabeth Gilbert's thoughts, definitely not all of them, but I can relate to the questions she has about life (as I'm sure a lot of people can, but I'm going to pretend I'm extra special for a moment). Now, if only I could travel like that. Hmm. I'll add it to my to-do list.

Favorite quote from the book:

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master..." - Elizabeth Gilbert

After the initial puppy introductions, the girls got along great! We got a lot of entertainment out of watching them play together. I have a few videos of them, but I'm having technical difficulties at the moment. Check back later!

Lizzy also had her first encounter with a kiddie pool.

We hiked to a lovely waterfall.

I just like this random picture.

Jess and Liz.

This girls. Lizzy Lizard with a crazy face.

You can get the scoop on the latest adventures in Jessica's life on her blog. There's lots of family love, puppy love and new house love. Love. Love. Love.