Jeff and Heather's Wild And Not-So-Wild Weekend

Hello All! John Mayer here! Okay, not really. Wouldn't that be somethin'? It's really just me, Jeff.

Let it be known that this past weekend was a busy, wonderful and life-changing span of three days. It all started out with my birthday. Yay! I survived another year! We woke up Friday and had a wonderful breakfast, brought to us by the lovely and beautiful Heather, from Panera Bread Company. Mmmm...love those breakfast quiches and pastries. We then spent the morning deciding on when to go see Quantum of Solace. Guess who picked that movie. It was actually way better than expected and impressed us on many levels, mostly the blow-them-up and kill-'em levels. After the movie ended, we decided that it was time to grab some lunch. It was actually around two o'clock, so whatever that is called, we got that too.

We attempted to go to Sakura for some sushi, but their lunch counter was closing when we got there and they didn't want to serve any more people as they probably wanted a break. So very bummed out and a little more than hungry, we went to Holy Land Cafe. We had a wonderful meal and had a few laughs. After lunch or whatever it is called, we decided to go home to just chill out for the rest of the evening.

Once we got home, Heather gave me the rest of my presents. Heather had been giving me little cards all day long, and she had already given me roses and a card the night before. Beautiful, deep-red roses to be descriptive. She gave me the gift of Fable 2 for X-BOX 360. I have been playing it non-stop ever since, life providing of course.

Saturday, Heather had to work during the day and I played video games with my friend James for most of the morning and early afternoon. James also took me out to an awesome lunch at Italian Delight, a favorite little Italian joint since high school for both of us. I would like to say thank you to James for making the trip from Wichita and seeing me while he was in town.

On Saturday evening, Heather and I had been invited to attend an early Thanksgiving celebration and Adam and Amanda's house. So we got our big eating pants on and journeyed over to their house to eat some traditional Thanksgiving fair at a non-traditional Thanksgiving time. Adam, Amanda, Allison and Michael all did a wonderful job in bringing the meal together. We thank them all for inviting us to the meal and getting together with us. I would like to thank them for inviting us.

Sunday was a big day! Lets see here. Where to start? I know...

Scene: Thursday, November 13th, 2008 (5:?? PM)
Jeff, that's me, is traveling home from work. He stops off at an undisclosed location to pick up a non-descript package. His cover? An emergency at work that will take him some time to sort out.
Jeff's stress level: 65%
Heather's suspicion level: 20% (estimated, duh)

Scene: Friday, November 14th, 2008 (All day)
Birthday celebration, day 1.
Jeff's stress level: -20% (yeah, home does wonders for the stress level)
Heather's suspicion level: Oh, look! String!

Scene: Saturday, November 15th, 2008 (All day)
Birthday celebration, day 2.
Jeff's stress level: 40% (gaming and had a dinner in the evening, multiple schedulings make me stressed)
Heather's suspicion level: Unknown, hates work though.

Scene: Sunday, November 16th, 2008 (there was time?)
1:00 PM--
Jeff, still me, had gone to the grocery store for roses (hmm...) and supplies for the next week. You know, your standard food and flowers run.
Jeff's stress level: 85% (shopping for groceries is fun!)
2:00 PM--
Jeff goes to second grocery store because first one did not have roses.
Jeff's stress level: 95% (stupid grocery stores...)
2:30 PM--
Jeff goes home to put groceries away and make roses into rose petals.
Jeff's stress level: 90% (roses are fragile, kids)
2:45 PM--
Heather calls Jeff to tell him she is on the way home.
Jeff's stress level: OH...MY...GOD!
3:00 PM--
After hiding the rose petals Jeff has made already and hiding the evidence, Heather gets home and hops into the shower.
Jeff's stress level: Just keep moving. Just keep moving.
3:01 PM--
Jeff starts decorating the apartment by making a rose petal path to the living room from the bedroom.
Jeff's stress level: Pain...in...shoulder...
3:05 PM--
SHORTEST SHOWER EVER! Jeff dumps the bucket of petals on the ground and goes to the living room and gets down on one knee. What ever for...?
Jeff's stress level: Doesn't matter. On auto-pilot now.
3:07 PM--
Heather is dressed. Jeff is in living room. Heather materializes out of thin air. How does she do that? Jeff snaps out of it and asks her that all-important and life-changing question...

Heather accepts the proposal (that is what I was doing) and the rest is history. Well not actually. My mother had invited us over for dinner at her house with my uncle John and his girlfriend Chris. We had a wonderful evening and watched "Made of Honor." It's a funny movie.

To summarize, I got older, ate a ton of food with my good friends who I consider family, got engaged and had dinner with my mom and my uncle. All things taken into account, it was a wonderful weekend and one I will not soon forget.

For those who weren't paying attention or like to read ahead, HEATHER AND I ARE ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED! Stay tuned for a date!

Regards,
Jeff "The Mighty Wind" Jones and Heather "The Happiest Girl on Earth" Hawkins

Veteran's Day

This week, I'd like to change the tone of my posts just a little. Today, especially since it is Veteran's Day, I would like to take a moment to honor all past and current military personnel and the families that put it all on the line.

This is for the men and women who volunteered to go into battle and for those who had no choice. This is for those who have been or are currently being denied any assistance from the government after sacrificing their bodies, their health, and at times, their sanity. For those who have to have special accommodations to live, those who have no home, and those who lost everything, we thank you. For those who lay awake at night tormented by the memories that destroy any peace they may have, we thank you.

This is for the families of those in the service, who have risked losing a husband, wife, fiance, boyfriend, girlfriend, father, brother, mother, sister, son, daughter, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin for our rights. For those who have laid awake at night worrying about a loved one, and who watch the rest of the world go by without their hero, we thank you for your sacrifice.

For the vets who have no home, are struggling with addictions and demons of their own, and those who are ignored, we remember. For the families that have been torn apart long after their service ended, for those who are still fighting battles, we support you.

And for those of you who choose to work in this population, where the work is long, hard, and frustrating, with little compensation or reward, we thank you for taking the time to navigate all the hoops set up to prevent getting many the care they need. Thank you for advocating a great cause so that millions are no longer overlooked.

No matter what your political affiliation or your opinion on wars or conflicts, today is a day set aside to remember those who sacrificed.

To past and present service men and women, families of service men or women, and those fighting for them:

THANK YOU!

Halloween weekend

This past Halloween was much like every other weekend we have: jam packed with family fun!

Following a thrilling 2 day DBT training, we headed to Weston, MO for a surprise birthday party. I was surprised to find Weston was the home of many things, including a typical struggling college student's friend. We surpassed this particular area of town for the Pirtle Winery. With some time to kill before the birthday celebration, Jeff, Jaye, and I sampled award winning wines and decided to buy enough to support this business through the upcoming winter months.

Next, we snuck across the street to The Vineyards Restaurant before the birthday boy arrived. John had no idea we had driven up, and we shared dinner and laughter over candle light in this quaint old cottage. I can assure you, this was the best food any of us have EVER tasted.


Saturday brought time with my brother at our annual football game tradition. Each year, my brother and I select a KU football game to attend (usually falling between our birthdays) and go together as our big gift to each other. This year was no exception, and we gladly attended the KU/K-State Sunflower Showdown. For those of you who did not get to see it, the game went something like this.


Finally, the evening ended with a winning streak at the Argosy... a winning streak for everyone but me, that is. I'm sure the Argosy appreciated my contribution to their light bill. I left $5 up, but spent a good amount to win that money back. Other winners include: my brother. Yep, that's it. He's a lucky guy, and left with significantly heavier pockets.

Overall, it was a great weekend (one that we are still recovering from). Hope your Halloween weekend was fun and safe. :)

The Big 2 - 5

Yesterday I turned 25. Thinking back, 25 always seemed so far away. After all, it is the reference point for an entire decade. Think about it. At 25, "early 20's" turns into "middle to late 20's" as if there is no difference between 25 and the last day of 29.

While I know life is just beginning and there are many more adventures in store for me, I thought this would be the perfect time to reflect on some of what the past 24 years and 1 day held for me:

Age
4 - first boyfriend... both of them. it was over when they figured it out.

4/5/6 - named Little Miss Kansas, starred in commercials for ice cream shops

6 - Over the Rainbow (pageant) created category and named me first winner: Friendship Award

7 - first detention for working ahead in class and stealing a chair

14 - first "real" boyfriend, first kiss

15 - first bad softball injury, first knee surgery, first job, first car (all connected)

17 - first overseas trip (russia), first real heartbreak, accepted to Ottawa University

18 - graduated high school and left home for Ottawa

21 - graduated with 4 year degree in 3 years, named co-captain and 'most inspirational player' for OU softball, first real job

22 - met the man who will forever change my life for the better, Jeff

23 - accepted into graduate school, began my Master's education

25 - well, so far today i managed to get out of bed and spend time with the people i love. i am lucky, and there is so much more to look forward to.


i want to thank everyone who made my day special:

for my parents, who drove from spearville to make sure my day was perfect

for tony, april, john, jaye, and jeff who surprised me with dinner, cake, and presents

for jeff, who continues to be the love of my life and the one who inspires me

for those who kept me in their thoughts, called, and wrote

i am grateful for all of you.

Crabs, Chili, and Christmas Music

This past weekend we were fortunate enough to catch up with some old friends. :)

First, we had a wonderful family dinner with the Schneiders... It's been way too long since the last time I got to see Ica, Adam, and McKenna, not to mention never having met Corbin. And to think they'd never gotten the opportunity to meet Jeff! It was high time to do something about that, so we decided to meet at Joe's Crab Shack. We were not disappointed, as we got a chance to see Ica and Adam (who are SuperParents in my book) in full action as they fed, changed, and chased their children...



On Saturday, we met up with Jeff's friends for Michael and Allison's first party as an engaged couple. Allison started the evening off right by dropping her phone in the chili, and the rest of the night was just as electric. :) We were there until the wee hours of the morning talking about the finer points of life and debating the mysteries of the world. As is with any fine get together in October, Ashley brought out the Christmas music and we each took turns entertaining with shadow puppets to the classics.

Dear friends, Fall has officially begun. We even got a pumpkin. Take care and lots of love.

Great Friends and Good Times

This weekend we ventured to Wichita to watch Jeff Dunham in concert. We met up with Kym and her family at the hotel in park city and spent the afternoon catching up. We then went on the Great Hamburger Bun Hunt of '08 on the way to James and Melissa's for dinner.

Next up was the actual concert. Guitar Guy opened for Jeff Dunham, and his hit "Sarah Palin". His act was excellent, and we couldn't help but laugh at his stories. Jeff Dunham's opening act showed great promise for the upcoming bits. We laughed until we cried at Walter, Achmed, Peanut, Jose Jalepeno (on a stick), and Bubba Joe. It was a (mostly) family friendly adventure into the world of ventriloquism and the lives the characters have created.

We were able to catch up with Craig and his family (they were my neighbors back home). It is always good to see them and catch up. :) After catching up, we found $3 Long Island Ice Teas and spent the rest of the evening enjoying good company.

Overall, it was a great weekend, and I am very grateful to have gotten to see everyone. Our adventures continue... I hope all is well with you and yours. :)



Jeff, Heather, Craig, Kym

Here it is....

The rest of our new furniture arrived (much to the thanks of Uncle John's pick up truck and good, strong back!).

The end table:


and Coffee table:


Just in case the beauty of the surfaces are not clear, they are travertine stone (which looks like marble, but without the high maintenance):