Hear Me Roar!

Hello, New World!

I'd like to share 4 things I did this weekend, and let you know why I did them for MYSELF.

1. Cleaned the house.

2. Prepped food for the week. 

3. Watched an entire season of Scrubs and avoided school work. 

4. I did my own taxes.

I think I need to give you some background.

I am ambitious. I enjoy learning new things. I have really high expectations for myself. I believe that it is important for all people to have personal goals. I find myself challenged and motivated professionally because I am surrounded by strong and smart women.

One of my students wore this shirt last week, and I almost cried.

Yes. My name is Anissa...and I'm a feminist. 

I love being the "girly" girl, and playing dress up, but I also really love doing a really REALLY degrading workout, I love shopping, I love taking professional development, I love when Heffe does things to sweep me off my feet, I love that my blog is polka dots and pink, I wear make up and perfume every day, I love getting manis and pedis, I love playing in the dirt with my nephews, I'm excited to be a mother some day down the road... but that's how I perceive feminism. I am a woman. I get to do these things. I get to be an athlete, I get to be all dolled up, I get to be a mother, I get to be a successful professional. 

Women, we have so many privileges. Men have their own, too, I just can't speak to them. :) 

No matter what our ultimate vision... all humans have the opportunity and DESERVE the opportunity for their wildest hopes and dreams to come true.

Wowza! Let me get back to my original point. Okay. 

1. I cleaned the house. I like to clean... but Heffe is definitely the neat freak in our house. I try to keep my crap somewhat contained to "my" area in le office, "my" sink, "my" counter space, "my" side of the closet... but usually, it will eventually skeeve me out and I need to clean it up. But. I had a realization today. I felt so overwhelmed with pride in our home when I was cleaning... I realized I owe it to myself (not just to Heffe and our future family) to keep this home nice, clean, and to do little things to improve it daily. 

I deserve this beautiful home!

2. I (and Heffe) prepped food for the week. I have been having the most bizarre stomach/health issues as of late, and some days it's easier to deal with than others. 2 weeks ago, we prepped food, and those good decisions begot more good decisions. I ran 16 miles that week, and hit the gym every day. I cut out the booze, my stomach issues were virtually gone, and I slept like a baby. Last week was... not so successful. I feel like crap, haven't been sleeping, and didn't work out once. All the hard work from the week before was wasted. 

I am changing my fate for this week, and vowing to make good, healthful choices.

I deserve to feel good!

3. I watched an entire season of Scrubs and avoided schoolwork. The schoolwork will still be there tomorrow. So will our DVDs of Scrubs... but I'm telling you what, New World. I don't feel selfish one single bit. 

I deserve to recharge my batteries and laugh mindlessly every once in awhile!

4. I did my own taxes. Successfully! I didn't need my dad's help, my brothers' help, or Heffe's CPA help... I did them all by myself. BY MYSELF. :)

I deserve to be a self-sufficient human!

Now, New World, before you go and call me a big selfish b for writing this post, and before you think of this...

Let me remind you that her Lasso of Truth will set us free... 

And tomorrow when I regret not doing my school stuff, I'm going to take this attitude...

Because I, every woman, every man, every human...even if it's not every day... even if it's only FOR a day...

every human deserves to feel happy with their choices and proud of their life.

Until next time, New World...

This is me, bein me. :) 

Cheers. :)

Weddings, Weddings, Weddings!

Hello, New World!

This post is just a fun little jaunt into my thoughts... so stick with me. :)

As Heffe and I attended our good friends', Cayla's and Walt's, wedding this weekend, we were talking about the enormous amount of weddings we've been to. We've left weddings discussing the location, dresses,  food, decor, groom's reaction, DJ/Band, first dance, and other memorable qualities of each and every wedding.

I know that regardless of the relationship between me and the bride and/or groom, I've remembered something completely special and unique about every wedding. 

So...just a little about the weddings I've been to...

My uncles' weddings- First time I was flower girl. Yeah, Sciato! Pretty dress and a starring role? hoookay!

My cousin Gabe to Wendy, and my cousin Molli to Matt- my first family weddings that I really remember... my family is fun? :) What an amazing realization!! PS I will also NEVER forget the way Gabe looked, and still does look, at Wendy.

Sidenote, I was unable to make it to my cousin Karyn's wedding to Brian. :( I get to stalk their beautiful family daily through facebook and feel so close to them even though they are so physically far away!

My cousin Jimmy to Jayne- I realized how incredibly romantic weddings could be- I still remember their first dance song!

My brother Tony and Amanda- I will NEVER forget how exciting this day was!! I get a sister. :) I remember a dance I had with Tony- we're both such sapsters that I know we both cried through the whole damn thing. Plus, Tony consulted me for DJ suggestions, and my 17 year old self was thrilled. :)

My cousin Tony to Miss Toni, and my dance teacher Suzy to Bill- I realized how incredibly GLAM weddings could be! 

My cousin Carrie to Chuck- they had a CHOCOLATE. FOUNTAIN. Middle-school Sciato was PLEASED. :)

My pseudo-brother-in-law Erik to Megan- I will never forget how their wedding was just so "them". The details screamed their individual love story. I'll never forget their Jack Skeleton cake topper!! 

And now... enter wedding season... aka the past 4 years of Janissa...in no particular order...

My pseudo-sister-in-law Laura to Clayton- This wedding was SO. FUN. Laura's garter was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals!!! I mean,come on. :)

My cousin Marie to Jason- I don't think anyone exudes love like Marie and her sisters. She and Jason have a love story come true, and it was in everything they did that day. 

My good friend Mindy to John- details, details, details! Mindy has exceptional taste, and I loved how she had her bridal party separately introduced to the rest of the guests, and how each of her tables' were named for places at Xavier! #alwaysamuskie :)

Sidenote#2- I was in Mindy's wedding, and therefore, could not attend my friend Ashley's wedding to Denny on the same night. Ashley is just amazing, and her and Denny-Boo's fun-loving and completely authentic relationship makes me melt. :)

My college roommate Jen to Dennis. aka Jennis. Holy location! They were able to snag one of the most sought-after reception venues in Cincy... so glam, so romantic, so perfect.

My friends Abby and Ben- Anyone who meets Abby and Ben instantly know that God put them on this earth for each other. Their wedding was so sophisticated, and the food/beverage selection was completely unmatched.

My friend Erica to Brandon- Erica is one of those one-of-a-kind people that stays in your life forever, no matter how much time has passed. Girlfriend busted out 2 wedding dresses that night. Stunning!

Our friends, Kelly and Thom- I had the privilege of being with them on the night they decided to start dating ;) I LOVED how they had crossword puzzles on the back of their menu.

My former coworker Erin's wedding was special- I will always remember her choreographed Father-Daughter dance.

My BFF Marisa and Aaron- first time Maid of Honor for Sciato. Meesie and her Boo are just an amazing couple that share a love and fearlessness of life that I admire so much. Being involved in her planning process truly made me realize how much they love the people in their life.

One of Heffe's BFF's Dave and his wife, Emily- this wedding was the same day as Meesie's, so we both had had to split up for this wedding weekend. Dave and Emily are such wonderful people, and I know their wedding showcased their kind hearts.

Heffe's seester Maureen to Ryan- They taught me that it's okay to open up and share romance with your family, details are key, the importance of planning, and most importantly... that romance doesn't stop after you say, "I do." They are always so sweet to each other!

Heffe's other BFF, Ross and Amanda- they show me (not only on their wedding day, but every time we hang out with them) how effortless and laid-back a love story can be. 

Heffe's college friends Pat and Christine- romance stands the test of time! They have been together since freshmen year of college!

My other BFF Amy to Chip... holy lovefest :) Like I said about Abby and Ben, anyone who meets Amy and Chip knows immediately they were made for each other. They just "get" each other! How lucky to marry your best friend, and how lucky their guests were to see the love between them.

Heffe and I were unable to make it to my cousin Shawn's wedding to Paul. They have shown me through their gracious notes and thank you cards how important guests are to the bride and groom.

My cousin Christine to Gabe- I've said this once, and I'll say it again... location, location, details, details! Their wedding was so memorable, so fresh, and so refreshing! Not to mention their food and cocktails were all local and completely delish :)

My dear dear friend Meredith to Dave- They are so blissfully in love :) I love their love. I love their families. True. Love.

My brother Michael to Chris- they are generally pretty casual about everything in their life, but man, oh man... did they get their wedding day RIGHT! Chris was beautiful, and I will never forget Michael's ear-to-ear-teeth-splitting-smile... all day. :)

We weren't able to go to my cousin Kevin's wedding to Denise... they had a destination wedding in ITALY. Those beautiful, adventurous, lucky ducks!!! :) 

My cousin John (-John) to Laura- their wedding was so beautiful, and again a realization of, "My family is fun?!" :) They had friends sing, "The Prayer" and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

My Uncle Jimmy to Jill. Their cake was TO DIE FOR. Yum!!!

And now our friends, Cayla and Walt- wow. Cayla and my relationship grew since we were wedding planning at the same time! We shared ideas, names, numbers, and pinterest boards. It was amazing to see her vision come to life. Their wedding was beautiful. :)

As we are in the thick of wedding planning, with looming details and huge expenses over our heads, I hope and pray our vision for our Big Day will come across not only in decor and food and drinks... but in the memories of our guests to come. 

As I proofread this, and realize my readers should have started a drinking game to take shots every time I said "romance, love, glam, location, or detail," ...a quote, that I wholeheartedly believe to be true, pops into my head, and I'll leave you with that, New World...

"Every love story is beautiful.

But ours is my favorite." :)

Until next time :)

This is me, bein me. :)

Cheers. :)

-Standard Saturday-

Hello, New World!

Just a typical day in the life...

Went to my sweet nephew Aidan's 4th birthday party this afternoon! He chose a superhero theme... Observe. 

Hims the Green Lantern:) Drew is his "create-your-own-super-hero" and it changed all day:) Alex is the patriotic version of Iron Man. I just want to squeeze them!!!

When Heffe and I got back to Cbus, we hit the gym. Sciato fell off the running wagon. In a big and SICK way! I'm trying to get back on track... I'm GOING to get back on track! Routine is my biggest hurdle!! Here's my progress today...

Not bad, gettin there, gettin it done;) 6 months til our wedding/honeymoon... Sciato gotta look good!!! 

Then, Heffe and I went to Jason's Deli for a quick dinner, then went to Target, Kroger, and.... 

...went to Lowe's to choose some preliminary paint colors for our casa!!! We are looking to repaint the entire first floor, foyer, stairway, upstairs hall, the master bed/bath, office/extra bed, and guest bath. For starters ;) Whew! We may have found some winners on the first try!

Now, we are watching reruns on TV and enjoying a nightcap before we wake up to another mostly-already-planned-out Sunday! It's okay, New World, Janissa got this:)

Until next time:)

This is me, bein me :)

Cheers :)

Happy New Year- 2014!!!

Hello, New World! 

Happy New Year! 2014 is SURE to be the best one yet. :) 

Here's a glimpse of how Heffe and I (or Janissa) spent our NYE and NYD. :) 

Heffe had to work for a bit on NYE, but when he got home, we made it to the gym, and then got ourselves ready for a special dinner at Eddie Merlot.

A little bubbly and cheese plate at home first? But of course!



Tried to take a cute pic, but Janissa made these faces...


So... pretty. :)

We made it to Eddie Merlot, and we were not disappointed!!! Heffe and I got salads, bread, split brussel sprouts, and then for entres, Heffe got bacon wrapped medallions, and I got this New Orleans Grill Mix...nomnomnomnom!



We took some cheesecake to go, and called it a night! Janissa is feeling slightly under the weather, so the early night suited us. We watched 50 First Dates, and fell asleep about 20 minutes in! We woke up in time to see the ball drop at midnight, though. ;)

NYD was complete perfection. We used our new Keurig to make some delicious coffee and then made cinnamon rolls! :)

After breakfast, we got started on some little house projects, and hung up lots of fun things!

One of our guest bedrooms is sports themed, so we wrapped our marathon t-shirts and medals around canvases and hung them up! Who would have ever thought I'd have a spot in the sports room!!! ;)

Next, we hung up some pictures I had developed and framed from my trip abroad to Italy...

In our living room...

And foyer.... 

PS Thanks for the new table, Mama and Papa Sciato!

And in "Amy's" bedroom...

And a very special picture from Amish (while we were living together, she saved flowers that Heffe had given me, and pressed and framed them, and then gave it to me on my birthday!!), that fits perfectly in our master bath... We'll see it everyday!

Janissa then hit the gym, and are currently enjoying an evening of our favorite things...

 

 Like I said, New World, 2014 is going to be the best year yet!!!
Hope your NYE/NYD is just as glorious as ours!!!

Until next time,

This is me, bein me.

Cheers to 2014!!