Friday Face

Miss Louie

(because that is what her students call her...and it sounds cool!)

 Jessie Louie has been my friend since about the 7th grade.  Yeah - we go pretty far back!!!  Although we met in grade school, it wasn't until our college years that we became close.  She was at U of I and I was at good ol' ISU and it was so much more fun to party at U of I when you were 19 than at ISU... just sayin' ....ok - it was more fun than ISU because at 19, you could get into the U of I bars....there I admitted it....I was just trying to have a good time :)  So.....back to my point of this post!!!

Jessie...

We have so much fun hanging out and I think a lot of times I like to live vicariously through Jessie and all of her world travels (I am only slightly jealous!!!)  but really, Jessie is such a genuine person and she is so sweet and nice to everyone she knows. 

One of my favorite...FAVORITE... memories with Jessie is when she will call me on my birthday and have her students leave me a voice mail all singing Happy Birthday to me....it is the sweetest thing in the entire world.  Always makes me feel so special.  

I also loved visiting Jessie out in California when she lived there.  we had such a blast and it was SOOOOOO relaxing.  It was kind of like Heaven out there....I would have liked to stay for much longer!!!

Jessie has a heart of gold and she is so kind to everyone.  I am blessed to have her in my life as my friend.

So, here it goes.  Also - Happy Birthday Jessie!   - belated from last week :)  

What are you thankful for?

I'm thankful for the wonderful people in my life.  They have helped shape who I am and I'm so fortunate to have such an amazing family and friends!

What is one item on your bucket list? 

My bucket list is growing all of the time, but the one that is nearest and dearest to my heart right now is to climb Macchu Piccu in Peru.  Hopefully this will be happening next summer! :)

What is the best advice you can give people? 

My best advice is to give the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.  A wise old Pops Lou told me that once, and I really believe it. 

What makes you laugh? 

Chubby, goofy looking animals make me laugh.  Guaranteed every time! :)

What has been the happiest moment in your life? 

I would say the happiest moment in my life would be anytime that I'm having a good meal with those people closest to me.  Sounds simple and kinda cliche, but its so true. 

What has been the hardest decision in your life? 

Probably moving back from California to Illinois.  I absolutely loved San Diego, but felt too far away from many people that were so important to me.

What is your favorite food indulgence? 

Hmm...tough one.  Probably anything chocolate and peanut butter.  Best combo EVER!

What has been your greatest accomplishment? 

Most recently, running the Chicago Marathon.  I was always kinda scared of that long of a distance, but I trained hard all summer and had a really, really good time doing it.  My body is glad its over though! :)

If you could live anywhere in the world - where would it be? 

Sevilla, Spain or Cinque Terre, Italy.  SO beautiful!  I also love the ideas of siestas in the middle of the day!  Although I must say Chicago summers are kick ass too!

What is the quality you least like about yourself? 

I over plan things sometimes.  Then I realize that I can only do one thing at a time, and it stresses me out!

Who would you love to meet? 

My Grandpa Louie.  He died before I was born and I never got the chance to meet him.

What was your happiest childhood memory? 

Probably any Christmas!  I love making cookies together, all of the traditions that go along with the holidays, and the general feeling of warmth and love that are associated with that time of the year.  I'm excited that its coming up soon!

What surprises you most about your adult life? 

That its not that different than when I was a kid.  I'm still having fun every day :)  Although that might be due to the fact that I work with 9 or 10 year olds...

What is your worst habit? 

Hmm...being compulsive about cleaning sometimes.  I blame this on Momma Lou, who has the cleanest house EVER.

Describe yourself in one word... 

Smiley! :) (Is that corny?!)...No Jessie, it isn't corny...you are smiley :)

I love you Jess, I feel very blessed to have you in my life!  I also love this picture!

Cheers for Friday,