Ten year HS reunion and a weekend for reflection

I went home this weekend for my 10 year high school reunion back in St. Cloud. I had such a good time. It was so great to be able to connect with people again. Some I talk to regularly, others I haven't see in since high school. But I can honestly say it was good to see everyone. And a special thanks to those that talked to me about their interest in my blog and reminded me that I need to write!

In my reflection one thought keeps going through my head about this weekend: I am blessed. I woke up feeling this way but it wasn't until after a run this afternoon that helped clarify things for me and encouraged me to dig a little deeper. I thought back many times while talking with good friends, people that I lost touch with or people I just plain didn't talk with much through high school, about who I was then and who I am now. I was happy with my high school self, but like anyone that age I had a lot stuff to figure out and a lot of growing up to do. Looking back from then to the present, I can say that I am and proud of the person and the woman I have become. Possibly, for the first time I really realized that I am happy with me. Me. Just me! What a concept :)

I was humbled by the things that people felt comfortable sharing me, and in contrast, the things that I felt comfortable sharing with others. It can be hard to admit faults, downfalls or areas we aware that need change. We are all human. We all struggle through this thing called life. Some struggles are bigger, others are smaller. Why do we act like this struggle is something to be ashamed of? It makes us who we are. We can only learn from our life experiences and move on. It's tough to do this alone, so let it be known that I am here to support you in your struggles and celebrate you in your joys.

I don't want to make this blog sound like 'Yay me! I have my crap together!' because I certainly don't. I just wanted to share my thoughts and encourage you to think back 10 years (or 5 or whatever number is a good or lucky number for you!) and review your life - where you were then and where you have come. We've all changed and that's okay! Look at what you've done, overcome and accomplished! Way to go YOU!

In your reflection you may also have seen some things that you want to change. And that's okay! What will your next years bring? What do you want to do, overcome and/or accomplish? In the words of Kelly, Lisa and Jessie from Saved By the Bell "Put your mind to it! Go for it! Go on an break a sweat! Rock and roll you ain't seen nothing yet." Come on...you all know I have to put some sort of dorky inspirational spin on this blog ;) It's just who I (proudly) am!

Until next time...

Coffee, cats and wine and I'll be fine :)

October - the month of everything pumpkin!

I recently saw a picture on Pinterest that had a beautiful fall scene with words over it saying "I'm so glad I live in a place where there are Octobers". That's my feeling today. I love October. I went for a run this morning and the gorgeous overcast sky and cool breeze made mew want to run forever (my legs on the other hand did not agree). October. Pumpkins and pumpkin flavored foods everywhere. Eric and I will be feasting on pumpkin bread soon - a close second to my all time favorite breakfast of bran muffins. Here's a new take on pumpkin bread: try it with a little margarine, sliced bananas and honey on top. Your world will be turned upside down. I am making my first pumpkin pie this evening in celebration for Eric's birthday this week (Thursday!). Like most first time recipes, I call my mom numerous times for clarification and support. Thanks Mom!

So, this is a blog, eh?!

So, this is a blog, eh?! Neat! I have no idea what I am doing, which I'm cool with. I've been toying with the idea of starting a blog for a while, so why not just start! I figured that this may be a good way for family and friends to stay connected with us. Plus, I need a hobby. I have lots of interests, but no hobbies. Don't even get me started on the difference between an interest and a hobby...!

So the title...'Coffee, Cats and Wine and I'll be Fine'. These are some of my favorite things. We'll start with coffee. I love coffee. I should say, I love coffee in the form of mochas. Iced or hot, either will do! Getting coffee is so relaxing for me. It grounds me (pun intended!). I love sitting around a little bistro table with someone and talking. Eric and I have made this a weekly date on the weekends. We talk about our week, create a grocery list, plan our weekend, look through the newspaper, discuss future plans, dream about our future, etc. A coffee date is sacred time for me. I treasure connecting with my friends and family over coffee.

Cats. I'm an aspiring Crazy Cat Lady. Ok, not really but I really like cats. Eric and I have two cats, Gretel and Amelia. When Eric and I first started dating and a more serious talk about the important things in life I feel like I gave him a pretty general answer: faith, family and friends. Then I threw in the curve ball of telling him that cats were basically a deal breaker for me. If this relationship is going to keep going, he had to be willing to adopt cats. Not A cat. CatS. The conversation went well since we've been together for almost 10 years, married for four and have two cats :)


Wine. It only took me a trip to France to start really enjoying wine. Cheap, right? ;) I love red wine in the Fall and Winter into early spring and white in the Spring and Summer. I enjoy dry wines. The kind that make your mouth feel like it's been sucking on cotton. Don't give me sweet stuff. Gone are the days of Mogen David, Gewurztraminer and Riesling. My "go-to" wine is Manyana's Tempranillo though my favorite wine (so far) is Coppola's Claret...or the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc...or Nobbilo Sauvignon Blanc...ok, so I have a few. I love sitting with a glass of wine on my deck or downstairs by our fire - especially in the winter and around Christmas when our Christmas tree is up!

Well, I think this went well! Thanks for stopping by and reading folks! Bear with me during this time as I get to know the layout of the blog and what the heck I am going to write about! Until next time...

Coffee, Cats and Wine and I'll be Fine!

~Jenna