My New Haircut!

I recently got my hair cut. I originally just wanted a 2 inch trim and my normal color, but my awesome hair girl convinced me to get some volume by adding layers. I humbly took her opinion and I LOVE IT. The color she used is called Espresso and 6 inches was cut off for the longest layer! I didn't tell anyone, but I wanted to cry about not having the length anymore. I know it looked dead and was very thin (as my hair is naturally) but I was so sad to see it go. A few days after the cut though, I realized how much I loved it - no, here I am blogging about it! Woop Woop!

I'll post a photo of my new hair style soon - but for now ...

Here is Tana's card. She's fresh out of school but she does good hair, she arrived on time, and she travels to your house!

Monday Morning Memory!

The following memory probably repeated itself over and over but my memory of it only occured once ...

When we lived back at the Caravelle house Tara had this AWESOME idea to take advantage of the windy day and go rollerblading. When it gets gusty here in Vegas it's enough to push a little girl on wheels. But - Tara - in her infinite coolness, suggested we hold out a sheet and let the wind catch the sheet and we hold on to either side! We went SO FAST we'd have to put the sheet down in order to lose some speed until we were comfortable again! Man I loved it, it was so awesome.

Do you remember doing that with me Tara Lee? ... here's a drawing I have of it!

Sumpthin New and Exsattin!

School is going well; right now my 2 classes are Marketing and College Composition for Business Majors. Both of my teachers seem smart and the subject matter is quite interesting, but some of the assignments I find silly. One of my latest assignments is writing a paper about the career I want to have. Ever since I was a little girl (7) - I've wanted to be a public speaker. I view it as being a teacher without all the governmental structure ... teaching freestyle - you could say. While researching for references to use in my paper I came across a site I had visited over two years ago just before I joined the military that advertises training to be a public speaker. I wanted to pursue it very badly at that time but felt limited monetarily. Four days later I signed a contract with the military.
When I came across the website this time I instantly knew I had visited it before but didn’t remember why it was significant. Then I saw the photo of the motivational speaker who owns and operates the site: all memory of what happened came back to me … when I first found the site I was very disappointed that it wasn’t the right time to jump at the opportunity so I figured I would just call the number, find out it was a scam to get your money, and live with no regrets in passing it up. It was around midnight and I dialed the number – 2 rings and an answer. I was startled, for it sounded like a real person, not an automated system. Turns out he was at an airport to pick his daughter up from a redeye flight and picked up because he thought I was her. After I told him I wasn’t his daughter and that I found his number on a website he was much obliged to tell me that he trains people to be motivational speakers and the training offers one on one help over the phone and sometimes even in person. I was so surprised as I hung up the phone and sustained the disappointed feeling – I guess for over 2 years now.
I was stoked to have found the site again and the amount I will pay is more than affordable to me. I’m not sure if it’s the same price as it was before, but I do know that the price means nothing to me now as I feel making a move toward this lifelong dream I’ve had will be very rewarding. It wasn’t but 10 minutes after having had explored his site that I decided to go for it. The thought of giving it my all made me very happy, so I also decided I would pursue this learning and put a hold on my AAS for a quarter. The very next morning I called my school to initiate the leave of absence! My leave will start at the completion of this current quarter – 3 weeks from now. I will spend the three months away from school learning about public speaking, the business, the pitfalls, etc… with this type of training I won’t have to reinvent the wheel once I get started!
My next assignment for one of my existing classes is to interview someone who’s sustained a position in my optimal career for over five years. This motivational speaker from the site, Mike Moore, has 30 years to his name. I decided he’d be my interviewee and no better time to call than as soon as possible, so sure enough I called him the next day after I called me school. I told him about how we’d spoken once before and to my surprise he remembered! Then I told him about school and my assignment, my interest in being a student of his, and asked for an interview time. I conducted the interview just yesterday and my excitement for this new plan!!!
xo-Nae
P.s. Isn't this photo funny? Don't worry it's just a cardboard cutout at a museum - but my finger is so perfectly placed to look real!

My Birthday - Happy 23 to me!!!

For breakfast we had birthday cake!!! Justin did a little dance for me at the top of the stairs before I came down to see my birthday banner and the cute crowns Heather made for us. Each of them were personalized with our names on it with different colors. She also made me a HUGE birthday card! Steven got me one of those cards that plays when you open it - that made us all laugh time and time again. I don't normally like icing but the cake Steven bought for me had some purple and white icing and it wasn't too sweet - as you can tell by our faces it was tasty! In this picture of Justin it looks like he's coloring his arm in icing with his tongue - but he was actually trying to like it off. HAHA I put the icing on like lipstick and the kids got a huge kick out of it. We took like 15 photos of it. Teehee. The rest of my birthday was very fun. I had lots of gifts from Steven arrive in the mail that day, including all the Matrixes! We watched them ALL that night! Then we went swimming and the moon was very full and large. I had fun the whole day. Thanks guys.

A few days later my friend Steph (who's birthday is 4 days after mine) threw us a small pool party. It was very fun to be at a 'party' that was for me. She and I plan on doing a big one next year for our birthday. First is mainly a photo of Steph and me. Hi Steph! Lower is a picture of us (nasty me with the face of nose-picker) and a friend of ours, Holly. Hi Holly!

Thanks for reading! xo - Nae

On Friday July 24th I was invited to a "GNO". For those of you who are as behind in the times as I was GNO means Girls Night Out! :) 2 of my sisters, Tara & Bri, and 1 of my cousins, Shayla, and I got together for dinner at Lucille's in The District of Henderson. Even though a good part of our conversation was about potty training the food was pretty good - haha. AND it was Shayla's first time eating ribs! She did really well cause I don't remember food being on her face even once during dinner. I, on the other hand, went to town with my corn on the cob - I wasn't letting one kernel get past me! ;) After we ate, we waddled a little bit of it off with some window shopping.

I remember someone made a funny joke about the misters that are meant to cool off the ambiance but I don't remember exactly what the joke was or who made it. Shayla, Bri, Tara - do any of you remember? If so - PLEASE comment.

We hope to do another girl's night when Chandra and Chelsea and Aunt Laurie are able to attend! YAY!

Our Cruise!!!

Steven and I went on a 3 day cruise. We left just a few days after his arm surgery so we were hindered from joining in a bit of the optional fun - but BOY did we have fun anyway. Neither of us had been on a cruise before so we didn't know what to expect. We went on a ship from Carnival named Paradise. The people aboard were so friendly and the crew was pretty awesome. We definitely plan on going on another one in about 6 months or so with some friends. . .

The first day we familiarized ourselves with the ship but also did plenty of sleeping. I guess on every cruise there is a safety drill that is mandatory where everyone must get the life jackets from their rooms and bring them up to their section's meeting place. Once they meet their specific meeting place they are instructed about safety measures and how to put their life jackets on. If something had happened to the ship during our voyage we may not have lived to tell of it because we slept right through the whole thing! Just be advised by my blog - what to expect your first day of your first cruise - a safety brief that lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.

The second day we were in Ensenada, Mexico where Steven and I went on a winery tour. Ensenada is famous for their wine and the 2 main famous wineries are owned by an Italian family and another by a Russian family. The pictures we took at the wineries are pretty cool.

The 3rd day was an entire day out on the water and there was plenty of entertainment on the ship this day. There were shows, the weather outside was amazing, and everyone dressed up for dinner.

The 4rth day we got off of the ship around 8am and made our way back to Vegas - which you'll be entertained to know we didn't have directions for and the directions we had that were meant to lead us to the ship were beyond horrible! (NEVER USE WWW.TRAFFIC.COM FOR DIRECTIONS!) We asked some people how to get back as we paid our parking fee ... then got lost an hour later and asked directions again at a gas station. Then, 4 hours later, we were home!

We loved our vacation and encourage anyone who's never gone on a cruise before to go!

Cheers! - Jenae Nae

My Annual Training is Finished!

I got back home from annual training (AT) with the Army on June 26th. Boy was I pooped and home-sick. Steven came to pick me up from my unit and then brought me back home. I was so shocked when I came into the house and saw this big banner streaming our living room and a multiple of red, white, and blue balloons everywhere. There was also a card for me on the table! It was such a wonderful welcoming. Thank you Steven.

In AT I got a lot of off-road trainging in the Hum-Vs and I also attended a CLS class. It was a 4 dat coarse in Combat Life Saving. It was the best training the military's ever provided for me. We call that "High-Speed, Low-Drag". There was, however some very uneffective training during the AT - which we call "Low-Speed, High-Drag". The lack of organization is due to that fact I joined the reserves as apposed to Active Duty. Although I've heard a lot of mixed reviews suggesting it doesn't matter what branch of the Army you're in - you could find such feedback anywhere.

Since I've been back I've had the best time EVER. I made it to a family dinner, a 4th of July Parade with Steven in Boulder City, to get a PEDICURE (yayayayay), and done quite a bit of soul searching. There's nothing for me not to love about 2009!

-Jenae Nae

MILK!

Growing up I had chronic infection called Streptalacocis - also referred to as Strep Throat. It wasn't until my Mother told me to stop eating dairy foods that I caught such a break! Turns out, over the last 10 years the government has revised its food pyramid - finding dairy is NOT as good for you as they once said. It's an ongoing battle - between people fighting for truth (American's should be aloud ALL information relevant) and people who make money off of dairy products. They've swayed the government as this country was built by farmers and ranchers.

I have no references for these happenings- you may research them yourselves if you find yourself interested.

Since I couldn't have regular milk I replaced it with Soy Milk. I've recently switched from Silk Soy Milk to Organic Rice Dream Milk. Not only does it taste better, but also has less fat, no saturated fat, and less additives. I feel lighter after having switch and it's also cheaper than Silk Soy Milk. I buy it at Costco in bulk in the unrefridgerated section. There are twelve 1 quart containers and you only have to refridgerate the ones you intend using sooner than later. My milk will never go bad again!

Sorry men, all my sisters are taken now ...

Chandra and Jared got married this month. Their wedding and reception were so beautiful! It was so fun to see family and friends! The DJ at the reception was great, everyone looked beautiful, and my father's toast to the 2 of them was a tear-jerker. My youngest neice, born on Mother's Day, was even able to attend, her Ma's a trooper (love you Sarah!).

My younger brother, Mike, wasn't able to attend so I put together a 20 minute video for him to witness the essence. I'm sending it tomorrow - YAY!

Our new place!!

I haven't posted for a while because of how busy I was during the move. I feel somewhat behind in school and a lot behind in work and sleep. But the payoff for our persistence has been outstanding.

I love the plants and flowers around the house and added a few more indoors. We haven't swam yet but it's warming up for us nicely. Here are some photos of the home we're renting. To those who aren't strangers- I hope you come for a swim this summer! xo - Nae

i Embroidery

Recently (the end of 2008), I decided I wanted to learn to embroider. My Ma was STOKED about it and is going to teach me how, unfortunately I haven't made any time for it. However before learning formally (which is my method of choice) I decided I would practice something before learning, so as to show myself what NOT to do. And it worked. . .

I decided I would buy my boyfriend, Steven, a robe for Christmas, and embroider his intials on the back of it in my own font. I choose not to be so precise in explaining my screw-ups but this is a picture of the outcome!

I hope to have more posts in the future about finished embroidery projects.

YOU CAN COMMENT!

Hey everyone! Brent Nelson, husband of my cuz, Shayla, fixed the glitch in my comments! You can comment any time you want now!!! I love you all, and thanks for reading! xo- Jenae Nae

Schoolio

I started school today - and I started with the new Toshiba laptop Steven surprised me with for Valentine's Day! (THANKS STEVO!) It's SO awesome! I've already organized it to the fullest and it made my introduction to online schooling at Kaplan more than easy to enjoy. I was so nervous - but as I explored my course expectations and the way of the system I became more at ease.

Today my assignment was to post my own little bio and a 'first experience' of an online activity on the discussion board where the other 19 students had already posted theirs. You can comment on others excerpts but all entries must be sincere and thorough in both meaning and grammar to be eligible for a good grade. This is what I posted about myself:

"Hello. My name is Lisa Jenae Steed -- although I have been addressed by my middle name, Jenae, most of my life, which comes in handy here - as there is already another Lisa in the class.

I'm 22 years old, born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada where I currently reside. I'm a certified Massage Therapist, a part-time Black Jack dealer for Station Casinos, and I'm a Hum-V mechanic for the Army Reserve. Currently I'm stationed here in Las Vegas as part of a homeland security unit. With the new president in office it has become somewhat unlikely that I deploy next year as originally expected. The possible deployment was the reason I chose online schooling. I chose Business and Accounting because I am going to open up my own 'Bed and Breakfast Resort' in 2014. I see this school helping me not only achieve that dream – but do it well.

My first experience with online schooling was today. I logged on and read through the syllabus, etc. Everything was going well but in clicking on all of your excerpts I got frustrated with the rugged tendencies of the window management on the discussion board. Eventually I found the 'expand all' button, but I guess I'll have to use it next time. All in all I enjoy the ease of Kaplan’s site, I’ll just have to get used to its occasional edginess.

In my spare time I enjoy my family, soccer, racquetball, photography, massage, cooking, learning new things, and meeting new people . . . in that order.

Happy First Day everyone! - Jenae Steed

FYI: The spell checker for this window is horrible, I suggest copying and pasting from your word program."

No one commented back except for the teacher - because it's obligatory for him. I guess I just entered a little later than everyone else. Tomorrow I'll be attending my first Seminar where I'll be able to watch my instructor via video and chat live with not only him, but the entire class. Once that's over with I will have 1 assignment to complete and hand in before next Tuesday. All my school weeks will go from Wednesday to Tuesday. Only 1 day in - but I'm enjoying it!

The Love Factor

Up with the steady sun, pastels in the sky; One hand on my forehead and over one eye. A morning that's just paralell to the rest. My mind's almost bored but there's glee in my chest.

I sleep without hunger for another day's prod; Acting feign and amiss over facts that are odd. I see the meaning of life, forlornly inconspicuous. And all its residuals even surreptitious.

It's a common and overwheming query. One has no choice but to live on theory. Lack of decision can lead to pandemonium. So I made time for a personal symposium.

Up with the lovely sun, clouds kiss the sky.

My enthusiasm renders me awake and shy.

A morning, luckily, paralell to the rest.

My mind is clear and there's glee in my chest.

I wake without hunger of different situation. Happy with my loved ones and daily meditation. The meaning of love, comforting and undoubted. And all its residuals beautifully unshrouded.

Copyright ©2009 Lisa Jenae Steed

College Student!!!

Hey Y'all,

I'm officially enrolled in an online university. According to my research it appears to be 2nd best in the US and it's voted THE best by military personel.

I'll be starting with my associates degree, then on to bachelors. Even if I get deployed I'll be able to continue. I plan on majoring in Business- marketing and minoring in Accounting. My start date in February 28th!! Because of my Army training I will recieve 20 credits upon beginning! it will take me less than 2 years to get my associate's degree. I'm SUPER excited. The Army pays for everything - even books.

My next step is to buy a laptop that's compatible with my performance expectations. Steven said he'll help me to get a dependable, used one at a decent price on Ebay. Since he spends a lot of time with ebay for work he's an expert on when, where, why, how, who! Thanks Steve!

All this is the ubridged version - but I just wanted to update with the small time I had available. xo - love you all

Officially a Dealer!

Welp - my first night of dealing was a little eyebrow raising. I, along with the rest of the girls, made tons of mistakes. I made just about the amount our employer anticipated, and by the end of the day I felt WAY better with my ability. I'll be working again this weekend! YAY - snaps for Jenae!

My new skill, I start today!

Sunset Station's expecting me to come in to work tonight! WHOO HOO! Originally I was supposed to work 4 days a week, But I've recently found out this week and next week I only work 1, along with the rest of the group I trained with. My last class was on Tuesday and my Orientation at Sunset was on Wednesday. The boss is really upbeat and informative, I like her a lot thus far. She made me a little unconfortable though cause while she was elaborating on the outline she passed out she would stop mid sentance as she looked at me and told me to stop frowning. . . That I'm still young and if I stop frowning I won't have the same lines she has permenantly between her eyebrows! After the first time she said it - I was 100% concious of it and thought I was moving my eyebrows away from eachother (which is exausting) but I guess what I thought I was doing I wasn't. It was annoying because my Drill Sergeants and Sergeants in the Army always give me a hard time about it too. I've been trying ever since to stop. It's not really a frown though - I'm just focussed, and I guess when I concentrate this little genetic line forms between my eyebrows. :( I'm now considering a small injection of botox right there.

The Highlight of My 2008

This is me with my boyfriend, Steven. He actually lives next door. I met him in October. What I love most about him is his sensitivity and kind demeanor. The things we like to do together are things like playing board games, watching movies, working out, grocery store trips, dancing, and most of all - simply talking. He's from Seattle and is loving the weather here in Vegas. He works from home selling commercial computer hardware. He has 2 children in Seattle - Heather,9 and Justin, 8. . . whom he gets to see for holidays and summer time. I got to meet them just before Christmas. His daughter's so loving and well-behaved and I found his son hilariously imaginative! We keep each other staying positive, open, and hard working. He's so wonderful!

Wake up to Satisfaction

Wake up, coffee cup,

no coffee, herbal tea.

Morning sounds,

hope abounds.

Another day just loving to be free.

Work now, some how,

still uppity, so consciously.

Productive sounds,

success abounds.

The day moves on so gracefully.

Fitness time, health sublime,

no company, just me.

Aggressive sounds,

devotion abounds.

I wish I could tell the world I'm happy.

No television, no inquisition,

just conformity, a delicacy.

Sincere sounds,

love abounds.

My satisfaction comes with friends and family.

Only She

He can run his fingers through her vibrant, brown hair.

He can tell he will love her anyway and anywhere.

He can buy her flowers and whisper pretty nothings.

He can strip his clothes and buy her diamond rings.

He can yell to her he loves her, time and time again.

He can write to her sweet notes, with his signature pen

He can search her eyes, and make her feel so giddy.

He can remedy the way, she once felt so pretty!

But nothing he could do even willingly

Would help this little girl know that it is downright silly

To feel ugly and ashamed, sad and refrained

As she compares herself to others in pure disdain.

The only one 'can change that is her, and only she

Could teach herself that she is beautiful and free.

Copyright ©2005 Lisa Jenae Steed

Misery

Who ever said being alone was lonely?

Proof of that, I cannot see.

I feel like all eyes are turned away from me.

But, how can I be lonely when I'm with misery?

They same time heals the crier's heart. . .

But they never said when that time would start.

How can I rely on something I cannot see?

Is love partnered with misery?

Copyright ©2005 Lisa Jenae Steed

Sometimes

Sometimes things just don't add up.

Sometimes they never amount.

Sometimes the sky really does fall down.

And hits just after you look up!

Sometimes the pain just stays forever.

Sometimes promises aren't real.

Sometimes the deck really is rigged.

And the others let you think you're clever.

Sometimes the bridge is destined to break.

Sometimes the bird won't get the worm.

Sometimes refs don't see the play.

And the real just turns out to be fake.

Sometimes you can't depend on a heart.

Sometimes ALL the grass is yellow.

Sometimes friends will let you frown.

And hope is decieved by human art.

Copyright ©2005 Lisa Jenae Steed

Water Heater Bill

Water Heater Bill lived on a hill,

He never had friends around.

He live up so high and since they can't fly.

They were too lazy to leave low ground.

This hurt his feelings and made him sad.

Are friends supposed to be this bad?

He questioned and asked but no answer came.

He toiled and sneered and wallowed in shame.

Then one day he saw this gorgeous girl.

She was beautiful and tall, and her hair had curl.

He saw that she lived on another hill too,

He could see her from his incredible view.

She looked lonely every single day.

But he could hear her play from miles away.

He thought of her often and spied on her too.

Thank goodness for the things binoculars can do!

This girl was fantastic, this girl was neat!

So he opened his door and moved his feet.

He ran and walked but mostly jogged

Til he reached this dame who lived in a lodge.

He knocked on the door to her great surprise.

And you could see the excitement in both of their eyes.

Nervous and trembling he said Hello.

She smiled and asked "are you from below?"

With just a small twitch and a sweaty palm too,

He said "no no, I live up just like you.

"He pointed to home, from which he had came.

And looked back upon that happy dame.

He asked her, her name very quiet and still.

She said "I'm Chauni, are you Water heater Bill?"

"Why yes I am he!" he said with a grin.

May I come back another day- to visit you again?

She said "please do, whenever you wish. . .

I'll show you my guitar and songs about fish.

"Why he slapped his knee and yelped "yippee"

"I've got a date with a gal who thinks great of me!"

She giggled a little and gave him a hug.

She said "Thanks for visiting, you're one fly thug!"

They hung out a lot and had so much fun.

And now, often think back to the day it begun.

Now they have twenty kids and one on the way.

And they live on the same hill FAR, FAR away!

Copyright ©2003 Lisa Jenae Steed

Premonition

He sits there week after week.

Second row and to the right.

With a tattered shirt and shoes.

Well within the speaker's sight.

He never sits near anyone else.

And no one ever sits by him.

I've noticed he still comments though.

Mostly out of turn and on a whim.

The look in his face is so abstruse.

His heart is hard to hear.

His footsteps are far apart to me.

His waddle hard to mirror.

No one ever walks beside him.

No one sits with him in class.

Yet he says 'Hi' to passers by.

As he weaves through the mass.

I can tell he's searching.

I can see it in his pattern.

He's looking for a end, a break;

Some oil for the lantern.

He's working hard to search for it.

He's straining all his comfort.

He comes and sits every Sunday.

To show only God his effort.

I only hope, if I hit that point;

I act with such conviction.

He seems so confident and strong.

With a hopeful premonition.

Copyright ©2005 Lisa Jenae Steed