The Dreaded End of the Year Letter for 2011

Dear Friends,

Many of you have asked when I would write my end of the year letter.  Fear not!  Your wait is over…

As I count down the days to 2012, I am approaching the year with a sense of relief and expectation.  I have had an interesting year on many levels.  I have been in my home for a full year now and still have not finished moving in.  There are so many projects to do and not enough time in the day!  Something I know we can all relate too.  I must say that I have had some incredible help from family and friends for some of the major issues that have cropped up.  I feel truly blessed to have you in my life.

In July, I was given an amazing opportunity as Assistant Bursar of Mercer University.  I have placed my education on a brief hiatus as I learn the ropes of this very challenging and enjoyable position.  I have not had to opportunity to supervise so many before and I am finding that it is an intriguing place to be.  You have the opportunity to mold individuals and yet butt heads at the most inconvenient times.  I hope to prove to be a capable administrator.  I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up or truly what God wants me to accomplish but I believe I am exactly where God wants me to be.

I am working on getting back into shape, my job and change in schedule has made a little more of me to love.  I continue to fight the good fight knowing that the better I feel the more productive I am.  I continue to teach Kickboxing at Mercer, as much for my sanity as an outlet for my creativity and desire to motivate others to excel.  This class keeps me moving even when I do not have the desire.  

The girls are amazing!  Taylor began ninth grade this year.  High School, can you believe it?  She has so much charm and character, her wit continues to amaze me.   She is beginning to think about her future and believes she wants to go into the Medical Field.  She has a caring heart and would truly do some good within that arena.  She is growing up to be an amazing young woman.  Madalyn entered third grade this year.  It is simply unbelievable that my baby is almost 9.  She has her Momma’s heart.  She is always concerned about me and if I am okay.  She appears so tough on the outside but has a heart of gold.  They are both so bright and beautiful and have prosperous futures ahead of them.  I am blessed that God has given me such beautiful angels.   It has been hard but God’s hand has guided me.  As a single mother I work hard and do the best I can.  While I am not able to give them all of the time I would like or even provide them with some of the current trends in fashion (the horror) or some of the gadgets that make life easier, they have more than enough, and I am thankful.

I have come a long way from the broken individual I was two and a half years ago.  I am independent, strong, and solid in my faith.  I am proud of who I am and excited about where I am going.  It has been a lonely road, more keenly felt through this holiday season than any other, but I have courage knowing that God is molding me into a woman of unique character and inner beauty.  He has promised me good things and I am hopeful.

Not only has God blessed me with a wonderful job, a house, and two lovely girls he has also eased my way by  giving me amazing friends and family who have lifted me up.  As we approach this New Year together, I pray that you feel God’s presence in your life, guiding, and shaping you as well.  May it be a year where family ties are strengthened, where you find peace, joy, and life!

This is a season where we celebrate with and cherish those we love.  Please know that I am thankful for you and could not ask for any greater gift than your friendship.  I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Best Wishes for You and Yours,

Jessica Ellison

Is Healed

God has touched my life in a significant way. I feel the presence of God in my life today and am utterly amazed that God has decided to bring his healing power into my life. I have struggled for the last 4 weeks with a rapid onset of celiac diease, a gluten intolerance. Eating anything that contained gluten would send me racing for the closest powder room. I had begun to deal with this diease by changing my diet. You would be utterly surprized at all of the items that contain gluten, from spices to BBQ sauces. I was beginning to accept that being forced to eat Healthy is not necessarily a bad thing. I had accepted it...I hadn't prayed about it...just accepted it! It continued to be a struggle for me as a busy Mom and sole breadwinner for my 2 girls. God had other plans for me. Yesterday, I had an overwhelming desire to eat Oatmeal...I couldn't shake it. Even knowing I would be paying for it later I fixed a bowl and began to eat. An angel in disguse as a housekeeper walked into my office and told me the Lord told her it was time to lay hands on me and pray. She came in laid hands on me and prayed, some of it was in tongues...she shook with the power of the Lord. I felt the spirit descend on my body. She then touched my chest and prayed for wisdom and strength and favor at work, school, and financially. She prayed for my girls! I knew I was healed and decided to step out on faith and eat some of Madalyn's birthday pizza that evening.

The oatmeal nor the pizza sent me running. God is so good!

The angel came back into my office this morning and annointed my belly with oil, she had me read a verse from James to explain why she had to do this to seal in the healing. My belly has been warm for the last hour and I just feel so surreal and honored. God is getting ready to move in my life in a mighty way and I am waiting expectantly.

Reflections on Secret Admirers

Yesterday I received quite a treat...The most amazing Chocolate Covered Strawberries were delivered to my office. This came as quite a shocker especially since my admin brought them to me stating your order has arrived. I looked quizzically at the box and then at her and stated, "but I didn't order anything." Now this was an extraordinarily odd occurrence, things like this generally do not happen to me. So I took out a pair and scissors and cautiously opened the box. Nestled inside were, and I repeat, the most amazing chocolate covered strawberries I had ever seen. Along with the strawberries came a note that simply stated, "Jessica, I thought you could use a treat to brighten your day." That is sweet I thought and then I randomly scanned my memory of anyone I thought might have been forward and creative enough to send such an interesting gift. I had my suspicions...

Let me go ahead and point out to the general masses the following fact... Yes as children we've heard and seen all of the secret admirer fantasties from friends and even in the movies. Sweet, we all think, I wish that would happen to me! Let me set the record straight. Sweet in theory, Creepy in real life!

I went through the remainder of my day wondering who could have sent the gift. No one was forthcoming. During my Organization Theory class later that evening I get the strangest text..."Did you enjoy your 12 little rays of sunshine." This was very strange...the number appeared to be one of those random computer generated numbers that you hear about in all of the pyscho horror novels. Still in class I forward this number to one of my girl friends and ask her to call it for me. Nothing...Apparently you can't call a computer generated number that is NOT ASSIGNED! Yeah, I'm slightly freaked.

The suspense was killing me...After class I decided to go back to my office, I try to call! Nothing...so its true you can't call COMPUTER GENERATED PHONE NUMBERS! I finally cave and respond. "Yes, they were lovely. Thank you very much! When are you going to present yourself." What do you know you can't call the freaking number but it apparently is great for TEXTING!!! I get back within the minute "Depends." At this point I want to pull my hair out..depends on what. Am I gonna survive this situation that is turning weirder by the moment. 30 minutes later I text back..."Hmm...I'll play your came. Depends on what?" The pyscho text me back "depends on when you have time, I know you are busy and for good reason." Really, I mean really! I know who this is at this point! Yeah, I actually do and I want no part of it for a variety of reasons.

I post on my FB page...slightly freaked out by today's turn of events and leave it at that. 2 hours later I get a text from the same freaking number. "I don't mean to freak you out, I'm not a physco or weirdo just someone who cares." Just a personal suggestion, if you're not a pyscho don't say your NOT a pyscho! Text message is offically ignored! But it doesn't stop...oh no...it doesn't stop! An hour later I get another message. "Ok, now I feel bad, I didn't mean to freak you out. If you want to know who this is call...256-xxxx. Hmm...I forward the text to one of my guy friends and ask him to call. Yeah, slightly devious!

He calls back a minute later, So and so answered the phone, I told him my girlfriend got a text telling her to call this number and that she wasn't interested in anymore games. God bless that man! So yeah, I'm just gonna put it out there...Chocolate Strawberries good...random generated phone numbers...not good! Questions...Nah! I didn't think so!

Gluten Sensitivity and the Whole 30

Well, I cheated! Yep...I had bread this weekend. Glorious marvelous bread! However I paid for it. My throat contricted slightly! Just enough to become an irritant in my life and just enough to realize that I haven't lived with this contriction during the time period I was following the Whole 30...so what have I learned...or rather what lesson have I chosen to hear at this point:

a. Doctor states limit my bread
b. The whole 30 states NO BREAD
c. Eat right for your type...Type A Blood...states NO bread
d. All of the Above

Hmmm...do you get the picture...I guess I'm really going to have to reconsider all of the advise. Heck, I might actually loose weight now knowing that I really can't eat bread...

So on with my experiment. No bread for a whole week...I'll let my throat loosen up...yes, its still tight. Sunday I believe I'll have some bread...if it happens again...Adios bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, pasta...WHEAT BEER!!!! WHAT?!?!?! I guess I'm just gonna be a wino from here on out...

The Whole 30 - Day Four & House Hunting

It's Friday!!! Yay! This also means its Day Four of my little experiment! I would like to state for the record that there should be paleo diet guidelines for busy single moms on the go!!! Yesterday did not go so well. I had Chinese...before you scream...I got the steamed veggies and the broccoli and beef...but, let's just say I'm sure that there was something in the sauce I should not have eaten. Almost immediately afterwards I felt sick and sluggish. I felt my mucus glands begin to swell it really wasn't a pleasant feeling. I really believe there is something to this thing. So Chinese is out! DEFINATELY out!

Anywho, today is DAY Four! I have lost 1/2 a pound since Monday and I feel much better about the whole deal especially after experiencing the effects of what this junk actually does to our bodies. I am still becoming accustomed to black coffee. Not sure if I will continue this diet to the strictest level once my two weeks are up. I really do miss dairy and some bread.

The house hunt may be at a close soon. I placed a bid on a short sale in High Falls last month and it appears it may go through. Everyone is upbeat and positive. If all goes to plan I should be closing around September 10th! My fingers are crossed. I am really excited and am dreaming of a place that is solely mine. A place where I may find some peace and tranquility in my life once more.

I am really looking forward to this location. While the drive may be long to work I will be closer to family and friends. Plus we will be within walking distance of the State Park this means hiking and bike riding with the girls. I simply can't wait!

The Whole 30 - Day One

I have taken up the challenge of a dear friend of mine and am test driving the Whole 30 a strict paleo diet. I have decided to do this to change things up. My Summer eating has not been good at all. Too much crap in my diet and too many liquid calories have lead to a 4 to 5 lb weight gain. This is going to end. I will NEVER go back to the lazy unhealthy individual I was over two years ago.

Enough Ranting - You can read up more on the philosphy here http://whole9life.com/2010/05/whole-30-v2/ . For those who just want the details my personal goals are below:


I CAN have meat, veggies, fruit, & nuts

No grains of any kind - including corn - PANIC
No dairy - BIG PANIC
No Alcohol
No Sugar - including artificial
Calories 1700 or below

Today is the first day. Last night I spent in preparation of the trial to come. I went the grocery store purchased veggies, cut them up and packaged them so I could have them ready for meals or snacking in the hopes I wouldn't cave and fall victim to the crackers in the vending machine. I must also be brutally honest in the fact that I also spent last night saying goodbye to bread. I love bread in all its glorious forms so for me this is truly going to be a test of willpower and committment. Last night I drank 1/4 of a 2 liter of Gingerale and ate a HotDog with a steamed bun. I felt rather sick afterwards. I must admit I ate it just to eat it as I wasn't even hungry but I knew I wouldn't be able to taste a Hot, Steamed bun for at least 2 weeks longer if I decide to continue this crazy scheme.

As previously stated last night was spent in preparation and a little embibing but I did get my game plan in order. This morning was a huge personal challenge - I drank my coffee black - I know, I know please keep your comments to yourself this was HUGE for me. I NEVER drink my coffee black, EVER!!! I almost had a moment of weakness, my internal demons were telling me you can just have cream with your coffee. I had to whip them into shape rather quickly before I gave into those. I decided if I made the exception for coffee where would it end...not to mention the disappointment my friend and myself would fill that I didn't give this my 100%. Day one is going to start off right!!! So I drank it and you know what? It wasn't THAT bad! It had the taste of coffee that is made way too strong and must then attempt to tame it with creamer but no matter how much creamer you put in the cup its just not gonna work. I think I can get used to this. I actually had two cups!!!

Today's breakfast consisted of a huge omelet with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and chicken...topped with salsa...sliced strawberries on the side. I didn't even look twice at the pancakes I made for my kids. I think I may like this afterall.

I have a whole host of chopped veggies and fruit options laid out before me. I'm not really hungry yet although I did give into the frozen blueberries...I believe my teeth and my fingertips will give me away for that one...but it was a very good early morning treat!

I will be teaching the noon class as well as Kickboxing tonight so we will see if I have any results to share later this week.

Afternoon Update:
I am not hungry but I'm not satisfied either...I did not plan well for lunch. I was so caught up in having snacks that I did not actually pack lunch! Go Figure! So I've had cucumber and tomato salad, celery, sliced bell pepper strips, and an apple with peanut butter. Yes, it was filling but I'm not sure if it will sustain me through Kickboxing.

To be continued....

Updates

Wow! I realized I haven't posted anything recently and yet so much has been going on in my life. Nothing on a Grand Scale mind you just the continuation of the journey.

School is almost out for the Summer. For those of you who have that phrase embedded into your brain along with the guitar refrain I must remind you, YOU ARE OLD! Yes, that does include me. Anyway, the school year is drawing to a close. My girls have done a fantastic job in their studies. Madalyn got a trophy for all A's this year. Taylor has remained in the gifted program with A's and B's. I am really proud of both of them.

My adventures have been scaled back some due to my crazy schedule these last few months. I did actually pass my fitness certification for those of you who are interested or haven't kept up with me on Facebook. I have taught Kickboxing, Step Aerobics, Sculpting and now have had some experience with a Kettlebell. As an aside: The kettlebell and I currently have a love hate relationship. I love what it does for me it hates me enough to turn me black and blue....its something we're working on.

I am finally beginning to loose some additional weight. Not much mind you but I can definately tell a difference as my body is toning up again! FINALLY! After 6 months! For those of you out there who continue to fight the good fight. Do not give up, you will prevail!!!

I finished up this semester's MBA classes and have decided to take the Summer off. Between fiscal year end at work, attempting to find a house and actually move prior to the end of July, teaching classes, being a full time Mom, and oh my gosh I do have a full TIME job!!!! Anyway, enough is enough this Summer. I'll pick it back up in the Fall even though it sets me behind.

As always I struggle to find some alone time and have taken time lately during my lunch breaks, at least the ones I'm not teaching to sit under a huge oak on campus and mediate...it does wonders for the soul.

I am excited about visiting my brother, Melissa, and Poppy at Aunt Poppy's in Flordia at the end of this month. I can't wait to see everyone and catch up.

That's all I've got at the moment. I'm not feeling particularly inspired at the moment and as this is a public forum of some sort I think I will keep my most private thoughts under lock and key.

Adios!