Life Update!

Well.. it's that time again. A lot has changed in my life over the last few months-- both expected and unexpected changes! I have so much to share with you guys.

Let's get started.

Work: I no longer work in public relations. For those of you who've followed GJU for a while, you know that I got my degrees in Public Relations and Communications, and worked in the field for a few years. A couple months ago, I decided to take a big leap of faith and quit my job in PR. I felt I needed to follow my love for fashion and the world of retail. This is truly the time for me to dig into my passion and see if it's a good career fit. Since late July, I've been a manager at women's retail store, and I couldn't be any happier with my decision to make the switch. Ultimately, I'd like to move up in the corporate retail space. For now, managing a store is where I need to be to really get my feet wet, and to understand the day-to-day retail world. Although I do have in-store experience throughout high school and college, it's not even remotely close to managing a store and having a team of employees. It's been a challenge, and I'm having a lot of fun learning the ropes and discovering my management style.

Life: I no longer have my own apartment. I decided to move in with my friend, who happens to live much closer to my new workplace than I was living before. (Way shorter commute = Win!) She has a dog as well, so now Bruiser has a little dog brother to play with everyday.

Me with my new roommate

Love: I'm officially no longer single. That's right--- this girl is off the market! Some of you may recall a quick mention in a recent blog post that I started seeing someone. Well, happy to report that we're still together, and I'm happier than I've been in a long time. It's true what they say-- don't go looking for love; it will happen when you least expect it. I didn't expect to meet someone, and to feel so comfortable with him as I did. I'm a lucky girl, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this may go...

Here's to continuing to follow my dreams and seeing where this crazy roller coaster called Life takes me next!

Love,

GJU

Make it your own:

Photo one: Shirt, Flower

Photo two: Shirt

Photo three: Sweater

The Set Up

I'm single. And I must have a sign on me that reads: "Set me up with your single friend/relative/colleague/neighbor." At least once a week, someone tries to set me up with someone they know. Recently, this has been happening at an all time high.

The most recent occasion, however, was different from all the rest. I've decided to share it with my GJU readers, and chronicle the whole adventure with you... so you can be with me every step of the way, through all the excitement. 

I was at the Wegman's salad bar last week grabbing lunch when I was approached by 2 women. They handed me a piece of paper with a couple photos of some guy on it, and some descriptions about him, including what traits he likes in women, his education/occupation, what he looks for, and what to do if I'm interested.

I glanced at the paper while the women, who I come to find out are sisters, explain to me what they're trying to do. Each month in 2012, they are setting their brother up on a blind date. They told their brother, Jeff, about this project at the end of 2011. At first he was apprehensive, but always up for an adventure, Jeff appeased his sisters and the dating has since begun.

Now, they need someone for September. Enter: me.

After talking it over with a couple trusted gal pals, I decided: why the hell not!? I, too, am always up for something new. And if nothing else, this whole thing will make for a couple quality blog posts.

So I responded to the email address on the paper and answered a couple questions about myself and what I look for in a guy. I also sent 2 recent photos, as requested. Here's my exact email:

Hi Ladies,

It was nice quickly meeting you this afternoon at the Wegman's salad bar. Sorry I was stuffing my face with broccoli as you were explaining your project. As you know, they charge you by the pound and broccoli is heavy... so it's cheaper to eat the broccoli as you go. Anyway..

I'm down for giving this a shot. Why not?

Here are the answers to your questions:

1) Jess
2) 24
3) Baltimore
4) Shopping, hanging with friends, going out to eat, relaxing by the pool, watching movies, sports
5) Syracuse University; I'm in retail management
6) Never married; no kids
7) Looking for a nice guy. I like to go out and have fun, but I also really enjoy staying in and taking it easy after a long week. I won't date a smoker or someone who drinks/parties excessively. It's just not my lifestyle. I also prefer tall guys. I am about 5'5''/5'6'' and like to wear heels sometimes. It's always nice when a guy I am dating is still taller than me when I'm wearing heels. Must be close to his family but not overly dependent. Must be self-sufficient. 
8) I think I possess the qualities Jeff is looking for. I don't smoke, I'm pretty healthy, I want a family, and I have good morals. I don't know if I have a pretty face.. he can be the judge of that :)
9) A first date should not be at the movies--- you can't talk and get to know each other. A good first date is casual, low key, and no stress. Meeting out for dinner is perfect. I truly believe people open up over food.. and a glass of wine always helps break the ice.
10) September is a good month for me.

I'm truly intrigued by this Set Up project you have going on for your brother Jeff. I think it's sweet you're trying to get involved and help out. However..  my one concern is that you are doing it because he is awkward in social settings/unable to meet women on his own. This isn't the case right? I'm a pretty outgoing person so I wouldn't want to be too overbearing/overwhelming for him. 

Photos are attached, as requested.

Looking forward to hearing back :)
-Jess

A day later, one of the sisters replies. She wrote:

Jess,  Thank you for responding to the set up we are planning for our brother Jeff.  We are excited to send him on a date with you! 

Regarding your concern about Jeff's social comfort, I can say that he has a lot of friends, hangs out all the time and is generally not awkward in social settings.  He meets new people but just hasn't found "the one".  He is not super outgoing and definitely not the first guy on the dance floor but he is a fun guy, a true gentleman, and very dateworthy.  He is totally up for trying new things (like The Set Up!).  The only other thing I thought I would mention is that he is not tall.  I think he is 5' 9" so that's a little taller than you... 

Take a look at the date spread we've attached to present to Jeff to tell him about the date and about you.  We are hoping to present it to him sometime this weekend.  Please let me know if there is anything about it you would like to be different.  Also, let me know if you have any other questions or if you still have concerns! 

Talk to you soon!

Here is the "date spread" the sister mentioned in her email. It includes the two recent photos I sent over, and the answers to the questions in the original email:

On the bottom of the Date Spread, the sisters suggest a date location/activity based on my answers and what they know about Jeff's interests. The date they suggest is dinner at Waterfront Kitchen in Fells Point (a place I've wanted to try for a while!) and walking around Fells after that. Sounds ideal, actually, for a first date. 

At this point, I am waiting to hear back after they speak with Jeff. If this date actually happens, I can't wait to tell you guys all about it. Should be interesting.

Honestly, something about "The Set Up" seems more legitimate than meeting a stranger at a bar. While intoxicated. And sweaty. It seems like it could potentially work, and if nothing else, result in a new friendship based on some similar interests and commonalities.

I'll keep you posted. 

ps: do you know this guy?!

Life Update

Hey guys!

I wanted to dedicate a short post to updating you all on my life. My posts have been slightly more spread out than they usually are in recent weeks.. but for good reason. I have a lot going on! Check it out..

Work: I recently changed jobs! As some of you may know, I work in Public Relations in Baltimore. I switched companies about a month ago to a firm somewhat smaller in size. With the switch, I gained a ton more responsibility and a new appreciation for what I do. Before, I felt I was at a standstill. Now, with a change of scenery and pace, I love it again. Here's to a bright professional future!

Life: I also just recently moved! I finally found an apartment in a development that I love (which happens to be super close to my new office) and moved in about 3 weeks ago. It's been a challenge unpacking everything since I seem to have more clothing than any human being needs to span his/her entire life. Even still, I'm enjoying sifting through everything, and making this new place my home.

Also, a few months ago I got a puppy! There's info and a pic of him on my About page, but here's one from last night.

Bruiser shows off his talents unabashedly. 

First of all, how can you not love that face? Secondly, it's almost as if he's saying "Mommy! I can touch my nose!" Anyway.. enough bragging about my "child." Moving and integrating the pup into his new surroundings has been a challenge. (Mostly because he thinks carpet is grass-- and my entire apartment is carpeted.) It's been a learning curve, if you can imagine.

Fashion: My hobby and playtime is fashion. It's this blog. It's all of you who continue to read GJU and support me in this project. I hope you know that every time you leave a comment, tweet me, Facebook me, whatever you do.. it's appreciated! I've been so pleased with how GJU has grown and I know it will continue in the same direction with your support :)

Keep on checking in with me. I have some awesome posts in store :)

<3
GJU