Living My Life One Day At A Time...

Day 17 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-10-16T13:08:00.003-04:00

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

The Lovely Karen!

She has become such a wonderful friend and has been so incredibly helpful with some new situations that are going on in my life. And I would be lost without her!

My dad....

2011-08-17T09:17:00.003-04:00

4 years ago today, my dad passed away. He stopped fighting against heart disease. My dad was one of the most amazing people in my life. Even though we fought/disagreed frequently, he was the first one that I would call when something great or bad happened to me. He was my best friend in the whole world. I hope that I have made you proud. Dad, I love you and miss you so much.

March 19th, 1936 - August 17th, 2007

Looking so handsome. This is from when he first moved to Canada in the 50's.

Yep! He could play the acordian. And he played it well.

His last birthday I spent with him before moving overseas.
This is from March 2005.

Day 16 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-07-16T13:03:00.003-04:00

Apparently I have completely sucked at finishing this challenge. Instead of 30 days, its taken me months!!! But I am determined to finish it!!

Day 16 - A Picture of something that inspires you...

This is my dad. He passed away almost 4 years ago.

Yet I am still inspired by him.

I am because, I know that he is watching out over me.
I don't want to do anything in life that would disappoint him.
And I want to make sure that I ALWAYS make him proud!

Love you dad!!!

2011-07-14T22:19:00.002-04:00

I can't sleep. Yet when I do, I can't seem to wake up.

I don't want to be alone. But when I'm surrounded with people, I feel uncomfortable.

I want silence, but want noise at the same time.

I am just feeling so unsettled, so unsure, so.......void.

Day 15 of 30 Day Challenge

2011-04-03T16:58:00.003-04:00

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

One of my life goals is to visit Germany before I die. This is the Black Forest, where my dad was born. I will go there one day!

Day 14 of 30 Day Challenge

2011-01-30T11:06:00.002-05:00

Day 14 - A picture of your most treasured item

I started this post 8 different times over the past month. It was probably the most difficult one for me to think of. I have lots of items that I love and would never want to be without. But most treasured makes me feel like it must be something that you would die than live without it. So it really got me thinking. What do I have, that I couldn't imagine not having. There was my Cinderella snow globe, my artwork that I bought to remember my dad by, my 2 cinderella christmas decorations. But none of those had the same meaning/nostalgia like the following 2 items.

My mom's dress. She passed away when I was a toddler. And this dress has been in my possession ever since. I've never worn it. It just always hangs in the back of my closet and will not go anywhere.

My dad passed away 3 and 1/2 years ago. I have more memories of him than possessions. But this little chest I couldn't not have. It was on his dresser for as long as I can remember. And now it sits on a shelf on my wall.

Day 13 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-29T22:02:00.003-05:00

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Jewel

9 albums.

2 books

15 years later.

And she is still my favorite singer.

I never tire of her music/lyrics/cd's.

I absolutely love her music!!!

Day 12 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-21T19:44:00.002-05:00

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Daisies....my favorite flower for as long as I can remember. I love them so much that I even have a tattoo of one. I just love the simplicity of them...and when I see them, they always seems cheerful!

So I'm definately behind in posting. Which I knew I figured would happen. With the busyness of getting ready for Christmas and work its been difficult. And while I'm gone for Christmas. I doubt I will be posting! But you never know!!!

Day 11 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-17T20:40:00.002-05:00

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

No, no, no! It's not the Jungle Book. But I am so petrified of snakes that the idea of using a picture of a real one freaked me out. So I went for one that didn't scare me. I have been scared of snakes for as long as I can remember. There is no reason why, no traumatizing event. I just am completely petrified of them.

Day 10 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-16T22:52:00.003-05:00

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most fucked up things with

LOVE LOVE LOVE this girl!!! The best thing that has come out of working for ECars has been meeting her. Not only is she an amazing friend. She is the one that I call when I want a night out and not think twice about it. She is AHH-MAZING!

Steph & Jenn
Chicago
Sept 2010

Day 9 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-15T19:18:00.002-05:00

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

My "momma". She has been who I go to for every problem, good or bad, since we met when I was 15. She has become my mom and I am fully apart of the family...I'm the chosen kid. Its a great feeling. I'm so blessed!

Momma and I
May 2005

Day 8 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-14T20:11:00.003-05:00

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

This is from the spring of 2005. Just before I moved to South Korea. My cousin, Tash thought could beat me in Twister! I definately proved her wrong! haha. However I think my favorite part was that she kept on forgetting her left and right side. So she had to improvize! :)

Day 7 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-13T20:57:00.003-05:00

Day 07 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

My best friend in the whole entire world. Has been for 9 and 1/2 years. She is one of the most important people in my life. And I would not have survived the past 9 and 1/2 years without her. Thank you for always being there for me...I love you! xoxo

Sept 2009

After not seeing her for 2 and 1/2 years

Summer 2004

Day 6 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-12T16:40:00.001-05:00

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

I struggled with picking this one. And I'm not sure I would even trade places for a day. But I would definately love to spend a day with this person!!!

Day 5 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-11T13:22:00.003-05:00

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

It was impossible to pick just one from recent years. The first two pictures go together from the same weekend. My dear friend Devin came to visit from Jersey for the weekend and we got to have his birthday together. Then that same weekend my friend Karla-ita was in Canada from Mexico for a wedding. I got to see two great people in the same weekend!
The last picture....was probably the most excited/happy I've ever been. It was when I got to meet Cinderella at Hong Kong Disney! I was happier than any kid you would see in a candy store!!! I was on cloud 9 getting to meet her!!!

Karla and I
August 2008

Devin and I
Lake Erie
August 2008

Cinderella
Hong Kong Disney
February 2008

Day 4 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-10T18:39:00.003-05:00

Day 04 - A picture of you and your friends

So none of my friends live anywhere close to each other. So I unfortunately don't have a group shot....so next best thing! Photo collage. These are 3 of my closest friends in the whole world and I would be lost without them! LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Day 3 of 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-09T16:53:00.002-05:00

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Weeds

Criminal Minds

So, yes I realize that me liking Weeds is probably not the most wholesome of shows, and Criminal Minds has a lot of scary stories. But I love these 2 shows. I am intrigued every time I watch them. I can't wait for a new episode. And they are just entertaining!

Day 2 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

2010-12-08T18:29:00.005-05:00

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

L-R: My cousin Tash, Uncle David, Aunt Sandra, My cousin Samantha, Me
Aug 19th, 2007

I know its weird to put family has the people you have been closest with the longest. But it is definately true for me. My uncle has been my rock since the day I was born and has always watched out for me. When he met my aunt when I was 3, she never thought twice to the fact that Uncle Dave told her I would always be a major part in their life. And my cousins have been raised with me being like a sister. The 4 of them are the most important people in my life.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2010-12-07T20:52:00.004-05:00

So on facebook I've been seeing lots of people doing the 30 day photo challenge. I am horrible at keeping up with my blog. But I felt like this was a great way to do it. And it may force me to do it over Christmas too (which I find hard to keep on top of things). And its a nice way to reminisce or share a story. Here are the photo challenges.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of you and your friends
Day 05 - A pictu...re of your fav...orite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most fucked up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of'
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts

-I tend to get bored with my hair often...Hence bangs last week
-I can solve a Rubix cube
-I love being near a body of water
-I hate winter/cold/snow
-I lived overseas for 3 years
-I love to cook/bake. But don't do it enough because I hate cooking/baking for one person
-My favorite footwear is flip flops
-My best friend hated me when she first met me
-I love photography and my camera is with me all the time
-I think about my students/life in Korea on a daily basis
-I have a dress in my closet of my bio mom's that is older than I am. And I will never get rid of.
-I would give anything to hear my dad's voice again
-One of the best presents I ever received was my signed copy of a Janet Evanovich book from my best friend and her family
-I want to be a mom one day, but the idea of anytime soon scares me!!!
-I have seen a lot of countries in the world, but in my head I've barely scratched the surface

2010-10-21T06:58:00.001-04:00

PROMOTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was promoted 2 weeks ago!!! I'm so excited and overwhelmed. And now in the process of moving for the promotion!!!

Wish me luck!

3 years...

2010-08-17T21:11:00.002-04:00

Today is 3 years in which you have been gone. Please know that I miss you every single day. And I hope that you are watching over me every day and that I made you proud.

Please know that I love you so much. Also know that I felt really fortunate that even though you were my grandpa, you were willing to become my guardian after my mom died and become my dad. Thank you!

I love you!

~Heinz Otto George Schaub~
~March 19th, 1936 - August 17th, 2010~

FINALLY!!!

2010-07-10T13:08:00.003-04:00

FINALLY THE CAST IS OFF!!!!!!!!!

But here is a great pic to show that I usually didn't let the cast bring me down! especially from hanging out/partying with friends! haha.

now comes the time for physio...and so far I'm not a fan. My therapist is great...its just the pain of working the muscles back into shape after not using them for so long...

My Broken Foot

2010-06-20T00:51:00.001-04:00

This video explains how I am feeling right now...

seriously!

2010-05-21T19:51:00.001-04:00

So I broke my leg on Sunday!

THIS SUCKS!!!!!

I AM

2010-04-29T06:26:00.003-04:00

LEAVING FOR JERSEY!!!

That's right in just a few hours (7 hours to be exact)!

I will be boarding a plane and heading to

Jersey!!!

Thinking...

2010-04-09T23:25:00.003-04:00

When something is bothering me for the most part I can block it out. I can do this when I'm at work or out with people. If something is bothering me I usually try to distract myself with work or with people so I don't have to think about it.
When I am on my own though...different story.
I tend to wallow. Kind of put myself into a little hole in which I really don't have to talk to anyone and am on my own. But when I do this....I overthink the situation, the feelings etc. I mean there is good to this at times. But at the same time I don't think its good.
When I get into this "thinking/wallowing" mode. I am almost catatonic, in a daze. I see and hear what is happening around me. But I don't register it.
I'm not sure what is better for my sanity. Distracting myself or over analyzing it....

Cruise!!!

2010-04-03T23:11:00.003-04:00

So a month ago I went on a cruise that I won through work. There were about 75 work employess from my group and from the Chicago group. It was an awesome time on board the Navigator. Which also allowed me to see some really great friends that I used to work with on ships.

Marie and I on formal night.

Reunited with my lovely Sher Bear Sher Lynn

And cheesy cruise ship pic in the port of Miami.

Birthdays...

2010-02-17T20:36:00.004-05:00

So this past weekend was my birthday. I am okay with having birthdays. I however am not okay with turning 27. So this past weekend I celebrated my 26 + 1 birthday! :) It's not the age that is bothering me. It is the fact that I feel that 27 pushes me into my late twenties. And that is not something that I am completely okay with.

There are a few reasons for this.

1. It is just the feeling of growing up. Not necessarily getting older, just the idea of having to grow up. Be more responsible (and this is something that I have faced every day with moving back to Canada...and something I'm still not fully comfortable with).

2. A part of me feels "behind" compared to a lot of my friends. I took the time to travel (which I do not regret one bit because it helped shape who I am), but a lot of my friends are well into their careers, married, engaged or having kids. And I am nowhere near any of that stuff. So gain another year and not gain any of those "life milestones" is a little unnerving.

3. The idea of not having dad saying happy birthday anymore...just really sucks...

Steph & I celebrating my bday!

Every birthday celebration needs a birthday girl ribbon!

From Homegirl!

2010-02-01T20:53:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness!!!!! A present from Homegirl!!! :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE my fun new socks!!!

And now I have boxing gloves from Homegirl! LOVE THEM!

What a great surprise last week getting a present from Homegirl in Korea!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for all my wonderful and fun goodies!!! I love care packages from Korea! :)

Christmas/New Years

2010-01-05T19:15:00.003-05:00

New Years with Steph! Probably one of my fav pics of her and I!

Tash and I on Christmas Day! My dear baby cousin....who isn't a baby anymore!

HA HA!!! BEST ugly sweater EVER! loved it!!!

And the "family" just after our Benoit Christmas! LOVE!!!

Things You Want To Say

2009-12-14T20:55:00.007-05:00

I was just going through some videos that I have taken over the years on my computer. And I came across this one. This was made in response to a post from Homegirl (from forever ago. maybe over a year). And it just sparked my interestin...and that it was necessary to post!

Enjoy!!!

Livin in London......Ontario! :)

2009-11-03T21:31:00.002-05:00

Huge tree in park...

Park...I love the vibrant colors!

So simple...but I love it...

Covent Garden Market. Great place!!!

2009-10-06T19:43:00.003-04:00

Is this week over yet???

So my latest decision in life is that I do not want to turn any age past 26 until I turn 30. I have no issues turning 30 or the idea of it (yes, I realize it is still a few years away). My problem lies in the face that when you turn 27 you are no longer in your mid-twenties, it bumps you into your late twenties. And for some strange reason, the idea of being in my late twenties bothers me immensely!!! So when someone asks I will be 26 until my 30th birthday! Or in the case of me trying to plan my trip to Germany in a year and 1/2. It is my 26 + 2 birthday trip!! :)

And I have absolutely no idea what is going on this picture! but I love it all the same!!!

sick....

2009-09-30T20:05:00.004-04:00

I have been sick this week with cellulitis...they think it started as a bug bite that got really infected. Oral antibiotics weren't working enough. So they put me on an IV of antibiotics. Had a does monday night, tuesday morning, wednesday morning. and I go for another round tomorrow morning. and then we will see what happens.

The meds have been making me groggy and nauseus to know end. and the stupid iv is still in my arm :(

This is what your arm looks like when you have an

IV needle in your arm and you are at home.

THIS SUCKS!!!

Go Away!!!

2009-09-16T07:22:00.002-04:00

OHHHH allergies or cold or whatever is trying to mess with my body! You need to go away right now because I DO NOT have the time nor the patience to deal with this!!

Sore throat, sneezing, one watery eye, stuffy!

Stupid changing of the seasons!!!

Bummed out...

2009-09-10T15:52:00.002-04:00

My heart is sad to be leaving NJ.

Flying in last week made me have more of a "home" feeling than when I moved back to my home country last year. Funny how that works...

But I am back in 7 and 1/2 months....but who is counting...

JERSEY!!!

2009-09-05T13:29:00.001-04:00

I LOVE JERSEY!!!!

It is so great being "home"!!!

I may be from Canada...but I am a true Jersey Girl at heart!!

The Jersey Girl- A love of an unpretentious good time, and a certain sense of style. Jersey girls are about attitude. They're about eating pizza, drinking beer, having great hair - and enjoying it all. She's got a mouth on her and she says what she means. She's got a nice, cheerful laugh...bottom line, all of them are sexy as hell. ---The Star Ledger

Mother...

2009-08-31T21:01:00.002-04:00

25 years ago today you passed away. I don't miss you specifically because I don't remember. I do miss the "what could have been". And the idea of having that bond with a mother. I hope every day that I lived a life that you would be proud of.

Lisa Marie Schaub
October 19th, 1966 - August 31st, 1984

The countdown is almost done...

2009-08-29T19:48:00.004-04:00

At this time in one week I will be in NJ with one of my dear friends!!!

At this time in 4 days I will be on a plane to Jersey!!! YAAHH!!!

It has been 1 year since I've seen Devin. 2 years since I've seen Sarah, Alli and her family. And 3 years since I've seen everyone else.

I am excited, nervous. Actually I am just happy!!!!

My bestest Alli.....

My dear "sister" Corey!

She is the lovely bride to be and the

main reason for my trip.

In Memory...

2009-08-19T23:42:00.004-04:00

Monday was the 2nd anniversary of dad leaving this world. He did move on to a better place. But I am hurting every single day that he is not here.

Dad,

Please know that I was very lucky to have you in my life. Please know that you meant the world to me. There is so much in my life that I would love to be able to have a converation with you and tell you all about. My hopes, fears, dreams, accomplishments. I hope that you are proud of me.

I love you,
Jennifer.

Heinz Otto George Schaub
March 19th, 1936 - August 17th, 2007

Homesick...

2009-08-04T20:47:00.004-04:00

I need to start saving up for a trip to South Korea. That is my newest decision. I have been so homesick for there lately. The missing it has come from actually using my Korean here in London. And finding Korean grocery stores and another Korean restaurant.

And then the other day I received the most beautiful email from Christina. A student that I private tutored. And that I miss so much. She wants to do an exchange or work in Canada for a summer. I would give anything for that to happen.

I know that I made the decision to come home....it doesn't mean I don't miss it....

NamDaeMun (Gateway to the South). Probably one of my favorite

places to visit in Korea.

And my dear Christina.

................

2009-07-16T06:33:00.003-04:00

I had a dream about my dad last night....
I haven't dreamt about him (that I can remember) in about a year and 1/2. I like to have dreams of him because then I remember him and its like he is alive again. But I also have a hard time having dreams about him because I just can't handle the feeling afterwards....it's heartbreaking. And I am not one to remember my dreams....so when I wake up, I don't usually remember much besides him being in it....and then the memory of him moving and talking fades.
He was in trouble in this dream....and he wouldn't tell me. I tried to help him....and then I don't know what happened I woke up. It felt so real though....it even had my new apartment in it (I was living in it), he was living nearby.
I think the dream was sparked because the other night when I was unpacking I was going through a bunch of souveniers. I found specific things that I had bought for my dad but had never mailed to him or given him....

New Job, New Apartment, Another Chapter In Life

2009-07-07T19:25:00.004-04:00

With my new promotion I decided to move and not commute for a long period of time. However I did not plan to move within about a week of starting the position. Last week I moved into my new apartment and am still settling into things and putting things the way I want them organized. And I still feel backwards some days when I am attempting to find something. But this was a great move and I am excited that I took this step...

The living room/dining room/balcony!

My duckie bathroom!

My bedroom!!! that is HUGE!!!

My Dad...

2009-06-21T19:05:00.002-04:00

March 19th, 1936 - August 17th, 2007

I miss you every single day....if I could only hear your voice still...

I hate the emphasis that is put on father's day....it sucks....

YAAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-20T12:31:00.001-04:00

HOLY COW!!! I JUST GOT PROMOTED!!!! :)

with that being said....I am now an assistant manager for Enterprise at one of the largest branches in southwestern ontario!

now I have to move....which I'm excited about it. And I will be more excited once I find an apartment...and get that out of the way!

Catch 22

2009-06-06T23:46:00.001-04:00

How can you be in a crowd....yet still feel utterly alone?

About me...

2009-05-31T21:27:00.002-04:00

Things I Am Learning About Myself:

1. I have absolutely no patience when it comes to not knowing. I am ok with waiting if I know when something is going to happen...but I have no patience when I don't know it is going to happen (long story).

2. I love having deep intellectual conversations with good friends that have extreme view points from me. Even though I may not agree...I love learning something new from their perspective.

3. I used to love driving...and still do. But my job has changed how much I love it.

4. I tend to like dancing at a club way more if I know the song because I like to sing along while I dance.

5. I absolutely love cooking....but have a hard time cooking for just one.

6. I still have a huge place in my heart for South Korea. And even though I am happy with my life I miss my life there every single day.

Big things could be happenin'....

2009-05-21T21:08:00.003-04:00

Big things could be happening in the next week....
Can't really say....that and I don't want to say and jinx it in any way.

So if you have a minute say a lil prayer for me....or send some good thoughts my way! whatever works!!!

its greatly appreciated!!!

May 2-4!

2009-05-18T21:26:00.003-04:00

My first May 2-4 in Canada in YEARS!!! (for those not sure what that is...its Victoria Day long weekend...the start of our camping season/summer adventures). I was so excited to be in Canada for it. Even if I didn't do anything exciting. I did go camping and hang out with Steph and all of her friends.

The weather was chilly....but at least really sunny. It was so wonderful to be in sweats, with hilarious conversation, holey board, bbq'd food, drinks and a campfire. I find just sitting at a bonfire just completely relaxing.

Steph and I.

My favorite "party cup" courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

FINALLY!!!

2009-05-14T21:19:00.002-04:00

I finally have my laptop back!!! :) YAAHH!!!

after taking out a sensor that was messing up my screen. and removing the viruses. they had to reformat my whole hard drive. the great thing about that is my computer is running fast and is virus free. the really bad thing is that I have lost all my book marked webpages (luckily I backed up my documents and pictures etc), and I have to download EVERYTHING again and set my computer back to how I had it. This is going to take days...........

my poor laptop...

2009-05-08T23:09:00.002-04:00

my laptop is in the shop :( it ended up getting a virus the other night. and so I took it to get fixed and the computer guy told me it has tons of viruses and spyware on it. and I won't get it back to monday. thank GOODNESS that I bought a portable hard drive the other day and backed up my files. For some reason I felt like I should. I had a gut feeling that something was going to happen to my laptop.

It is finally the weekend...the weather has been beautiful all week! hopefully it continues into the weekend...

Mornings...

2009-05-05T07:03:00.002-04:00

Mornings.....for anyone that knows me well. They know that I am not always a morning person. I go into work for 7:30am and my co-workers know that on most mornings don't speak to me til 8am. It's not that I'm cranky, I'm just still trying to wake up. I have NEVER been a morning person. Growing up it was always a struggle for me to get up....and for my dad to try and wake me up.

But at the same time I love mornings in the spring/summer....not the waking up part really. But I love the sun being out. And the sun peeking through the curtains. Even though I would much rather be sleeping...I find something calming and relaxing about it. It's the start to a new day...a new day to prove myself...a new day to be better than I was the day before. A new day where the slate has been wiped clean....

And if the sun is shining...maybe that just means its warming up...

2009-05-03T15:31:00.000-04:00

I've had another blog for about 5-6 years. I have finally decided it is time for a change. I wanted a blog that anyone could comment on. Simpler to fill out...so this leads me here to blogspot.

Life has been tiring lately. Work has been really really busy. Which is great because it keeps me busy, but it is frustrating because I have stayed late a lot of nights. And when I get home I just want to crash.

I have been absolutely loving the weather. It has been great to not have to wear a coat anymore. And some days wearing capris and tanks....ohh I love warm weather. I am however absolutely missing the bloom of the cherry blossoms in Korea. There is something so beautiful about them. When I first saw them I was just blown away by their beauty...

A cherry blossom tree outside of my apartment in Korea.