five things about me
i'm passionate about breast cancer
Every year for the last 6 years I have volunteered at the Central Florida Komen Race for the Cure. I'm passionate about breast cancer because I have a grandmother and a friend who are both survivors of breast cancer. It's scary and to me the breast cancer cause is not about the pink ribbon or any of the political drama, it is about lives.
Last year, when it was my turn to host Bunko with a few friends, I combined it with KitchenAid's 1,000 Cooks for the Cure. We had wonderful appetizers and desserts, played Bunko and everyone donated money. We had so much fun and I'm doing it again this year. I love KitchenAid and I love even more that they support an organization that I volunteer for and that I'm passionate about. To throw a party and learn more about 1,000 Cooks for the Cure which is going on this year from July 20-29, visit the KitchenAid website.
i hate feet
I know that hate is a strong word. I know there are other feet haters out there. I love those friends on instagram who @ mention with a picture of their feet because they know this about me…okay I actually hate you. Thank you so much for doing this!
i'm (a little) scared (right now)
About a week and a half ago, we celebrated Curtis' (my husband) birthday and our 9th wedding anniversary. On that same day, I received news that I was going to be laid off. Worry set in and it was hard for me not to burst out in tears even during dinner. I'm planning my next steps and am currently looking for other opportunities. But it is very scary out there.
i love my friends
My friends have been incredibly supportive and I'm so thankful for them. I shared the quote below on twitter the other day because it's so true.
“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” -Henry Ford
It means so much to me to have my friends' support and just hearing the words, “I believe in you.” I cannot even begin to tell you how that means to me. I can remember when my teacher in the 3rd grade told me she believed in me. It hits you to the core and means just as much as the words, “I love you.” My friends build me up and cheer me on and I will be forever grateful. I am very fortunate to have a handful of friends who are my cheerleaders. I hope that you have at least one friend like this in your life. Cherish that friendship and nurture it. If you have toxic people in your life and all they do is bring you down, now's the time to say I'm done. And don't be scared, it will feel really good when you do.
i'm thankful
I'm thankful to have my health and to have my loving husband by my side. I'm thankful that I have supportive siblings and a supportive Mom. Through it all, I know it's going to be a little tough but I'm trying to look at the positive. I still feel very fortunate and know that things can be a lot worse.
Do you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer? Do you walk or run in honor of or in memory of them? I would love to hear about them. I would love to share theirs and your stories in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I would love to hear about something you're thankful for or something that makes you smile. Some of the things that people have been sharing on facebook are making me smile.
Thank you for sharing these details with us! It must have been hard to write this. You’ll do well in whatever it is that you end up pursuing. I know it’s scary now, but you are a driven individual and I know you’ll come out on the other end.
Julie congrats on 9 years…and I am so very sorry to hear about you being laid off. The world is a very scary place right now and I think so many people are struggling with the economy and jobs and finances right now and I wish you all the best.
What a lovely post! I feel your passion, generosity and kindness in all your sentiments. You are awesome for doing all these. And try not to worry about the work situation. As cliche-like as it seems, things do happen for a reason. Take it easy, Julie!
i love getting to know even more about you, julie. =) so sorry to hear about the job, but i bet you’ll find something even more perfect + awesome for you. and i’m sooo glad i know about your hatred for feet – i might be tempted to @ you when i post a pedicure pic next time. ha, kidding!
This is a great post, well, except for the bad news about your job. I’m SO sorry to hear that part. My husband has been laid off 3 times in the last 8 years. It IS scary, but there IS light at the end of that tunnel. One day at a time is the best advice I can offer. Like you said, you have your husband, dogs, friends and your health. That’s a LOT!
OH, and I’ve SO thought about sending you a foot pix just to torment you a little. That wouldn’t be nice though. HAHA!
Thank you for sharing Julie and congratulations on 9 years, I’m so in awe of you. I hope that the job situation turns into an opportunity for you rather than anything else xo
Great post, Julie! I love learning more about my friends lives. SO sorry to hear about your job, you are in my prayers!!
Ah, Julie, I’m sorry about your job. Things are definitely scary in our economy right now, but you are going to rock it. I totally believe in you. 😉
Great post, Julie. I love how personal you get, and I feel like I know you a little more with each post. I’m sorry about your job but have no fear – TLK is amazing and I’m sure you’ll have your own cooking show soon! 🙂
Julie, you are such a sweet person. I’m so glad to read more about you. Had no idea about the “feet” thing. I totally love my feel, just wished they fit more styles of shoes better. I’m sure better things are around the corner as far as work goes, you send out GREAT Karma and I’m sure all good things are heading your way! Congratulations on your Anniversary and Happy Birthday to Curtis!
What am I thankful for. Well just about everything. My health, my husband, kids, and my parents. I always feel blessed. Even if I did almost break the toilet today and had water running down the ceiling and water and sheet rock got all over my husbands car. Yea, I still feel blessed it wasn’t worse.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
You have a great attitutude about life (accept for the feet thing), so I know you will do well getting through this tough time. Stay positiuve and good things will happen. You are totally right about removing people from your life that take away more than they give. No one needs that much negativity in their lives. I have always believed in that.
Wow – 9 years is amazing! Congratulations!!!
I echo the comments above wishing you well with the job search, too. I just recently left my job of 7 years, and it was amazing how quickly the feelings of fear and panic could overwhelm hope. But I’m hoping and praying today that something even better will be waiting for you around the corner that is a stellar “fit”, and that you will really enjoy. 🙂
Keep these posts coming — so fun!
Julie–words cannot express how honored I am to call you a friend. To call you, or randomly text message, or chat daily on instant messenger. I know that you are going to do bigger and better things–turning this negative into a positive!
p.s. because of you, I try not to post any pictures on instagram of my feet. true story. lol.
Ha! I knew about the feet thing…. You mentioned it on Facebook last year, around summertime as everyone was posting pedicures. 😉
I am so sorry to hear about your job … But, you are such a dedicated, compassionate and creative person that I am excited to see where life can take you now. You are the type who makes her own opportunities and I know you will see success in this next phase of your life.
P.s. I love your “five things” series… Really, really love it. I keep restraining myself from stealing your idea. 😉
I had no idea Julie and didn’t you just recently switch jobs?! I’m with you when it comes to feet unless they’re baby feet, cuz those are way cute and soft.
Thanks for sharing these five things. I am also a feet-hater and passionate about breast cancer. As you know, I am on a journey to walk all nine of the Avon Walks. 3 down, 6 to go!
That’s pretty awesome, Jen! Good luck!!
Great to know! This is such a fun post! Miss you Julie
Miss you too, Alison!
Hi Julie,
What a fun party! I’ll have to look into 1,000 cooks for a cure. Thank you for everything you do to help find a cure. I lost my sister to breast cancer when she was 46. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years later (when I was 46). I fought it for 2 years – 6 surgeries and lots of chemo. Lost my hair, lost both breasts, but I’m so blessed. It’s been 7 years now and I’m cancer free… and I just had a grandbaby!! Life is good.
Off to check out some of your recipes. The chicken pot pies on the sidebar keep catching my eye! 🙂
Jan, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. But I’m so glad you’re cancer free! Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so glad life is good and congrats on your grandbaby. Brings tears to my eyes. xoxo and thank you again for stopping by. I hope it’s okay for me to email you…I would love to share your story in October on the blog.
Julie, I always enjoy learning more about you (and that you don’t like feet – I’ll have to remember that!). Congrats on your wedding anniversary and I’m sorry to hear about your job, but I am so sure you will land on your feet solidly. You are such a talent and a beautiful person inside and out.
Well congratulations on your anniversary, you are an awesome, driven person and you will have much success in your next endeavor. You are in my prayers and I so much admire your charity work!
Love these posts from you, Julie. Hugs to you about the lay off. I’m so sorry. But you are so talented I know good things are coming your way.
First off high five to be so passionate about Komen. I hate feet too, but now that i know you do-guess what? Torture will be coming your way via IG, I’m joining the others. 🙂
Finally, I’m thankful we are friends! 🙂
Julie, I love learning a little bit more about you. …And don’t worry about your job. So often these sort of things end up being a blessing in disguise.
This is such a wonderful post, Julie. You really showed your heart in it. I’m so sorry to hear about you getting laid off. I have a feeling you are going to find a way to make everything work out well. And by the way, I hate feet, too!
I love how you found an innovative way to support Breast Cancer Research.
I can’t stand the sight of feet either. Or, more specifically, toenails. I can’t even type the word without shuddering. Yuck.
I’m sorry to hear about your job. But I really believe that whenever a door closes, another one opens. And whatever it is that’s around the corner for you, I’m sure it’s something great. You deserve it!
Oh Julie I am so sorry to hear about you being laid off, hugs to you. I know you will find something even better down the road because you have a great heart and caring soul. xo
Sorry to hear that you lost your job, Julie! I have faith in you that you’ll find another one soon, you’re talented.
This upcoming layoff, while scary for you will open the door for new and exciting opportunities that I have no doubt you will be able to pick and choose from. Hang in there Julie and keep the faith. It will all work out as it should.
Was interesting to read how you hate feet. While I don’t *hate*, they are certainly not on my list of favourites 🙂 I love how passionate you are in your efforts fighting breast cancer and raising awareness and funding. It is admirable.
BTW, Happy Belated Wedding Anniversary!
I’m so sorry to hear you are being laid off 🙁 It can be tough out there but I’m sure you will find something that will make you happy 🙂
I just started following you and I already love the fact that you’re so passionate about breast cancer awareness. My mom was diagnosed at a young age (42) and had a lumpectomy, 4 months of chemo and 1 month of radiation. It wasn’t a very fun time but the amazing thing is how friends and family pull together and help with anything you need. I would love for you to feature her story in October and I know she’d be honored as well!
I hate feet too! You are amazing! I know GREAT things are right around the corner for you! xo
Love this post for so many reasons 😀 xoxo {{love}}}
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Three years ago, I volunteered to be laid off and it was one of the best decisions ever made. I always believe that things happen for a reason so chin up, be brave and everything will be just fine! 🙂
Ps: thanks for supporting my cookbook
I’m so sorry you were laid off! Are you able to find something you would love to do that involves cooking and use your blog as part of your resume? I would imagine the glorious recipes here beautifully displayed would be like an artist’s portfolio.
I was laid off once, and I felt the same fear until I found something else, but I understand. I was single, I had a mortgage and no one to help me, and I was a LOT afraid, but it worked out very well in the long run (almost like it was meant to happen for me to get where I am today in life).
At the time though it was really scary.
Happy Belated anniversary! I know with your talents you’ll be working somewhere fabulous and new before you know it.
Julie, I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through an unsure time! I know it doesn’t feel great now, but I’m a firm believer in the ‘everything happens for a reason’ saying, and I know new and wonderful things will happen for you! Maybe things you may not have experienced otherwise. Sending you hugs! xo
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