Monday, June 15, 2009

Welcome Jess!



NAME:
Jess
LOCATION:

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
AGE:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING FOR:

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION THE MEDIA GIVES OF WOMEN:


I think there are many, many misconceptions. I have a huge problem with the way that weight is handled in the media. I hate that my daughter will grow up seeing images of women who are drastically under-weight, with the media portraying that image as the only kind of beautiful. As a mom, it leaves me a lot of extra work to do to teach her that people come in all shapes and sizes and that beauty is more than being as stick thin as a movie star.
I also think, and I hope you will hear me out, that the media pushes the agenda that as women and mothers, we can have it all. As a working mom, I think there is a misunderstanding of this statement that is being circulated. I have a fulfilling career, and a lovely daughter. I am active in my church and have a very full life. But, something must always be sacrificed. Some women are able to stay home and sacrifice their career, some women work and sacrifice time with their children. I always worry that I sacrifice the time that I have to serve others. Whatever it is that doesn't fit in, there is always something. There are not enough hours in the day to truly 'have it all.' I think the media puts a lot of pressure on women, individually, to fit the mold. I am surrounded by women at home that judge me for working, for women at work that judge me for wanting to stay home. The media supports the theory that there is one perfect way to live life, when in reality life is hugely personal and everyone is going to approach it differently.
I will now step down off of my soap box. I hope that all made sense...

WHAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST:


This is a hard one as well. There are so many things that inspire me. My mom inspires me everyday. My daughter inspires me. All my family, really. I have a lovely photograph in my home that inspires me. People who know who they are, people who serve and love others, people on a journey that is their own. All of these things inspire me. (And when it comes to my workout, Gwen Stefani inspires me! :) )

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME:


I love all water sports. I love to travel. Reading is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love playing with my family, spending time enjoying each other. I really love swings. I am a huge movie fan and I love to watch box sets with my friends.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS BLOG:

I think that women from around the world discussing their inspirations, disappointments, successes, failures and everyday lives is a hugely positive thing. I can't wait to hear about the experiences of other women, and I hope that I am able to contribute something worthwhile in return.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DISH:
I have a weakness for pasta and tacos. Opposite, I know. And anything chocolate will find its way into my mouth.

YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO SPEND TIME:
Anywhere that my little girl is--especially in the water with her. Or spending time cuddling with my hubby.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE A WOMAN:
Being a woman is truly an art. I am proud to be a woman because I was blessed to be able to grow another human being in my womb, to experience labor and childbirth. I am blessed and proud to be a mother. I am proud of being compassionate, and my womanly intuition. I am proud to be a woman because, as a woman, I am so very blessed. I hope I can use the gifts I have been given to help others.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED WAS:
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." This is one of my dad's little gems. It is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. I love it because it reminds me to be my own person and not allow myself to be judged or put down by others. He taught me to be confident in who I am, and to live my life doing what a good person would do. My dad is pretty much fabulous.


My personal blog, for about a year and a half. I started All the Lovelies (http://www.allthelovelies.blogspot.com/) as a way to express thoughts without having everyone I know see them. (And because most people who check my personal blog are just looking for pictures of my little one!) All the Lovelies is my creative outlet and I have only been blogging there for a few months. (And I have been grossly neglecting it lately. I promise to fix that!)

25, but I will be 26 at the end of June. I can't believe my life is going by so quickly!

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