I'm SEXY and I know it...do you?!

Have you ever realized just how sexy you really are?  Like REALLY KNOW that you are DROP DEAD SEXY?  Do you really believe it?  It took me many years to be able to say (and believe) "I'm sexy and I know it!"...as she typed with LMFAO's hit song of the same title playing on Pandora behind her.

I ' M

S E X Y

AND   I 

 KNOW IT

Merriam Webster defines sexy as "sexually suggestive or stimulating and generally attractive or interesting."  That underwhelming definition does not help much to convey today's message.  I personally prefer the synonyms listed for SEXY including 'bodacious, desirable, dishy, hot, luscious, and toothsome'.  Oh to be a luscious and toothsome woman and to be 'of palatable flavor and pleasing texture'!!!  
OK, so now that we're all warmed up, we can get down to business...

I can only speak from a SEXY woman's perspective.  Sexy begins with a state of mind.  You FULLY believe in your attractiveness and suddenly realize that you are wonderful exactly the way you are.  For me, that didn't happen until I was a little older (early 30's).  I finally realized that I am pretty amazing just because I'm me.  Once you get to that point, the rest should get a little easier.  
First off...stop comparing yourself to other women.  You are YOU!! You are beautiful and sexy just as you are.  You will never be (insert millionaire actress/singer/athlete here) so stop getting down on yourself that you aren't some other woman that you can't or won't ever be, because you are uniquely YOU.  

BE YOUR OWN KIND OF SEXY

Own your 'hot-ness' and never apologize for it.  Take compliments when people give them and NEVER DISMISS THEM! Walk into every single room you enter with a smile and look people in the eye, even at Publix.  You will shock most people, but who cares. You are TOO SEXY to be concerned about that.  Get a mani/pedi AND a massage. Buy something RED to wear.  Oh, the power of RED!  Buy something silky and beautiful to wear under your clothes and wear it on a plain old Tuesday to your desk job, you naughty girl.  You will be ready for Tuesday NIGHT by the time you get home...and your significant other will be pleased to find out they will be having YOU for dessert. Better yet...one up yourself and buy some ULTRA-SEXY and FUN temporary  ta-ta-toos® .  What fun!!! 
You don't call them fun bags for nothing...
Temporary ta-ta-toos®
For just a few dollars, you can say something naughty, or nice...or both.  Imagine the look on his/her face when you take your blouse off next Tuesday to reveal something like Let's Celebrate or Welcome Home.  Your significant other will think they forgot about their birthday and just hit the SEXY lottery all on the same plain old work day. And well, let's be honest.  They did.  I mean look at you!!! You are gorgeous girl! Beautiful!!
Most importantly...you are SEXY!!! 
Now get out there, SPICE it UP, and show me what SEXY looks like.  
Work it!! 
Own it!!

Just try and beat me...I dare you.

It's official.
I am ready.
Again.
To dominate.
All competition.

I'm not gonna lie...it has truly been a life full of decadence these last few months following what could have been my very last ride in a car.  Remember kids...Seat belts are in the back seat for a reason.  Don't believe me?  I've got the scars to prove it. Buckle up!  
Life changed forever & drastically on March 4, 2012, never to be the same again.  So much so (as near death experiences normally do) that all the itty bitty annoyances in life that used to bother me so much have all but melted away, forever banished to the "It really doesn't matter anyway" file.  Let me add here that driving on I-595 or being a passenger in anyone else's car is still a work in progress.  These days it's all about enjoying EVERY SINGLE DAY to the FULLEST.  Really LIVING life!! Spending time with and money on the people I love the most in life...starting with me (yes, it's OK for me to make me #1 in my life).  Family, friends, food, fiestas, and travel, travel, travel. I can't take any of this $$$ with me when I go so I might as well enjoy it while I'm here.  I'm already planning vacations for the remainder of the year....who wants to go back to Mexico with me?!?! Seriously...who's in?

The funniest thing about the accident and my never ending quest to be happy with my body is that I seemed to keep most of the weight OFF until I got back into the gym. (Yep, I'm just all giggles over it) Here I sit, typing, 3 months into my rehabilitation and I've gained weight!! 
Uh oh...This should not have happened because I have actually been getting stronger in the gym, making gains and progress in the areas I was so initially so weak. Don't get me wrong, I love exactly who I am right this very minute, I just know that it's time to do some NEW & IMPROVED work... 
I got a little weak in the fork/spoon/knife/sugar/alcohol department and I can accept that.  I know that to be able to say that out loud without wanting to kill myself with a dull butter knife is the step in the right direction thanks to my new perspective shift and I don't feel like it's the end of the world!!! Imagine that.  The world has not stopped spinning on it's axis because I put on a few lbs.  In fact, I am even MORE excited to be even better than I was this time last year.  I remember, do you?
I am saying ALL of this out loud simply for accountability.  I know that I am not perfect, but I am capable.  Success is within my reach.  Why can't I do this two times in a row?! (I couldn't think of a reason either) I have all the tools at my disposal. I will keep a journal this time around too.  I have an INCREDIBLE network of support and love in my team. 

Let me leave you with this...I hope you all enjoyed my brief stint as a more voluptuous woman.  I certainly did.  Gaining weight was easy AND fun...SO. MUCH. FUN.  Enjoy the curves while they last for I will be trading them in soon enough for some SUPER ripped abs and an ASS you can bounce a quarter off of and then crack some nuts with.  What?!  There is nothing unreasonable or out of line with that last sentence. That's all the motivation I need.  Well...that and the fact that I REFUSE to spend any more money on clothes that I will soon no longer need.  Today it's drawstring linen pants coupled with the hope I make it into my fave pair of painted on skinny jeans just in time for the Fall.

3...2...1...Dominate.

Thank you for being a friend...

It's quite humbling to come back from an injury and realize how weak your body has become.  It's also tough to rebuild your body after an illness.  Let me be completely honest, it's been a really nasty slap-across-the-face just trying to get back into shape after six Mimosa floated days in Mexico.  But, alas...here I am and today proved to be one of those days.  WOD #3 since vacation, 2nd time doing pull-ups since the accident.  I think I did Fran in 7:34 once Rx which is not too shabby if I do say so myself.  Tonight, Fran just laughed and laughed as the seconds ticked by because my body continued to fail everything I was willing it unsuccessfully to do from inside my brain.  I have always been slow and and more than happy to bring up the REAR on most occasions (holla!), however, today was not the day I expected to do it.  I realize that I have a long way to go to get back to where I was on March 3, 2012.  I have to start over in many respects and I am finally coming to terms with that.  I looked around the gym tonight as I was drifting in and out of clear consciousness during my 10+ minutes of hellish brutality (slight over embellishment) and saw so much support.  All I wanted to do was shout out loud to all my pull-up muscles, "Why have you betrayed me, you weak traitors?!" As the athletes started to finish their WOD, I continued to struggle through mine.  I could hear many different people cheering me on as I fought off the thought of quitting while thrusting 65 pounds up 21, then 15, then 9 times.  Oh..and the pull-ups...the HUMANITY!!!  I watched others struggle right along side of me as the Coaches prodded us all on ultimate victory.  
The victory is the finish (New T-shirt design?) 
I got to see the determination and drive of a man face-to-face tonight.  I could feel the struggle of every individual out there in the gym.  I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank each and every one of the beautiful people I had the pleasure to sweat with tonight.  Your HEART makes you so PRETTY, GORGEOUS, BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING I can't hardly stand it.  Your presence and encouragement are worth the price admission each and every time.  I love to cheer you on and I love to hear you scream my name too!  Seriously though...you meant so much to me tonight that I am telling you about it at 10:00pm.  

Hugs...and kisses?! 

Teacher Love

On this MOST IMPORTANT of occasions, Teacher Appreciation Week, I need to sow some seeds of teacher love with my most refined skill of blogging wordsmith-ery (and yes, I do make up words when the occasion calls for such).  I am educated and I have the diplomas to prove it.  I am very proud of accomplishing my own personal goal of graduating college, however, my love for school and learning was cultivated many years before I could even find the hypotenuse of a right triangle.  
It all started back in a little Lutheran school in Hollywood, FL when I was 3 years old.  
St. Mark's!!! Woo Hoo!!!  
Some of my fondest childhood memories (as well as some of the most difficult life lessons I learned) date back to the 11 years I spent there.  It was the dedication of the teachers and coaches at that school that prepared me to excel in high school, then college...and ultimately in life. 
I would like to now publicly thank the STAND-OUT teachers who helped to mold me into the fabulous and smart person I am today. (I'm humble too folks)
Mrs. Human (3K) - Thanks for the finger painting lessons and not judging me when I ate paste that one time.  That other kid made me do it.
Mrs. Zugar (4K) - Top 3 Teachers of All time - You were always kind and patient with me (and there were 15 other 4 year olds in the room at all times with me) and even 31 years later I can still feel your love for me.
Ms. Drumm (2nd grade) - Your love of Miss Piggy was awe-inspiring and I always loved when you would play records for us to sing to (and you didn't get mad at me that time when I crapped my pink Michael Jackson zipper pants. You just called my Mom and told me I would be OK)
Mrs. Walker (4th grade) - I love Egyptology and will one day visit the country because of you and I LOVED when we would create nick-knacks out of clay and then have it baked and shined up real pretty so we could give it to our parents.  I loved singing in your choir.
Mr. Wrase (6th grade + Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball Coach for all of Middle School) - I will never forget you standing on the blacktop with your stopwatch as we all ran 14 1/2 times around it for the mile during P.E. class. I hated doing it back then but because of you I know that whatever I start in life also needs to be finished too.  You taught me to never quit...even when the win was out of reach, even when every fiber in my being is telling me to stop immediately.  Your advice and coaching has proved INVALUABLE time and time again...even now at 35 years old. I loved playing volleyball for you and we had one fantastic team!
Mr. Keisel (8th grade) - Thanks for always treating me with respect and introducing me to some pretty amazing literature in the short amount of time I spent as your student.  I also LOVED being the Red Queen in the 8th Grade stage Smash Hit production of Alice In Wonderland.  They still haven't sent me my SAG card yet ;)
Mrs. Marsh (9th grade English teacher) - Top 3 Teachers of All time - You single-handedly inspired me to write. Because of you I consider myself a writer.  Granted, I have yet to be paid for anything that I have written...but I have a group of friends that think I have some talent there. (and I did win that $500 scholarship on a World Peace essay I wrote) That's all you Mrs. Marsh...all you!
Mr. Florio (Browardettes Coach for 3 years in high school) - Top 3 Teachers of All time - You cultivated my love of dance and all things that require fearlessness.  I blossomed under your direction.  A fluffy Freshman was transformed into a FIERCE and FABULOUS Junior right before your very eyes. I believed in my greatness because you did first. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.


I have had a small glimpse into this thankless, heart-breaking, difficult and most importantly rewarding profession thanks to the last nine years my sister has been teaching elementary school and I realize that the best teachers are called to teach.  There are more politics in the public school system than there are in D.C.  I am so proud of my sister and she is my unofficial 'Favorite Teacher of All-Time' as a result. Jenn; I have met many of your classes and I can safely say that you have them all safely wrapped around your little finger.  You are amazing with your kids and you are inspiring them to greatness. I love you girl!


To all the teachers out there now doing the good work you do so well...THANK YOU! A thousand thanks.  
The saying should go "Those who can make a difference in the world of a child teach."

35 Things to Celebrate

This is like no other birthday I have had before for a few reasons. Firstly and pretty obviously...I've never been 35 before. So there's that...but more importantly, since the accident I have a brand new appreciation for pretty much every single tiny little thing in life.

So in no particular order, I would like to celebrate that...

1. Jesus loves me this I know...(sing along if you know the song)

2. I am alive today to have the opportunity to celebrate 35 years of LIVING.

3. I have an amazing family who I am madly in love with (and the feeling is mutual).

4. I am half a home owner! Go Jenn with the other 50%!!

5. It's quite alright to wear my heart on my sleeve and have it trampled every time, because it always heals back stronger in the broken spots.

6. I am gainfully employed by the SUPER-est of companies.

7. I have a best friend, a baby sister, a house-mate, and a soul-mate in Jennifer Brooke Lesinski.

8. I have an awesome and Godly mother who always gives me good advice.

9. I have a wonderful, loving, and completely hilarious Godly father who is my biggest fan in life.

10. I was introduced to, fell in love with, and live the Crossfit life!

(Open mouth and drink the Kool Aid. I can't quit you)

11. It's OK to drive the speed limit and let everyone else pass me (Seriously, where is the fire?)

12. Navy blue padded white plastic neck braces are pretty rad (or at least that is what I tell myself right after I put mine on)

13. We own all the furniture in our house as of March 16, 2012.

14. I live in South Florida within 20 minutes drive of the Atlantic Ocean...the closest thing to paradise (not on earth) but at least in the 48 contiguous states.

15. I bake a mean banana bread. Ask somebody.

16. I get to ride in my sister's new car (*once she buys it) and take FREE advantage of her new car smell.

17. I am able to find the humor in most things and enjoy trying to help others see said light.

18. I am not afraid to laugh at myself.

19. I have failed brilliantly and often, but I have managed to give it one more try after each fail.

20. My friends are AWESOME and I LOVE THEM. Every single one of them.

21. Two words: Crossfit ATP (#10-Crossfit is one thing but this is THE gym and these are THE people who are in a completely different stratosphere of awesomeness...)

22. I am the only person who needs to believe that I am a good singer...(but I know you think so too, you're just holding back ;-)

23. My dad fixed his broken computer all by himself...without my help! Go Team Lesinski!!!

24. Ryan Fitzpatrick + Mario Williams = 2013 Super Bowl Champions Buffalo Bills!!!

25. I am elated that I bought the insurance for my cell phone.

26. I have the GREATEST car insurance company in the world...Foremost

27. The range of motion in my neck is slowly coming back a little bit every day (Praise God!!)

28. I only have 23 more days to wait for my Neuro follow-up (not that I'm counting) Patience. Patience.

29. I don't feel a day over 25 and I am having more fun celebrating 35 than I did 25...beat that 20's!

30. We still get to celebrate Mom's birthday appropriately...bring on Ruth's Chris!!

31. I get to share this special day with my Jamaican sister from another mister, Marjorie...Happy Birthday Beautiful!

32. I'm forgiven. (and when I tell you I mess up...I mess up)

33. I live in the most beautiful FREE country on the planet. (Yes, I'm partial)

34. You are reading my blog!

35. God has something REALLY BIG planned for my life and I can't wait to see it unfold before my very eyes.

Happy Birthday to me...

Yes.

Happy Birthday to me.