Lucky, the Not So Lucky Elephant

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This is Lucky. I first saw her four years ago when B and I took a trip to the San Antonio Zoo. She was the zoo's only elephant, and her enclosure was far from nice. After seeing her, and the conditions she was in, I got really upset about it, and we left the zoo. I chalked it up to newly pregnant hormones, but the more time wore on, the more upset I was about it. So, I sat out to do some research. I found out that Lucky had recently lost her companion, but the zoo was in the works of getting a new companion for Lucky, and were supposedly working on upgrades to her enclosure. Like I said, this was 4 years ago. 

Fast forward to two weeks ago. I hate to admit it, but Lucky hadn't really been on my mind since M was born. And then I received an email about a petition going around. A petition for Lucky. After reading it, and reading more on the One World Conservation website, I learned that not only had Lucky's enclosure never been remodeled, they had finally brought in a companion, but she died back in March. The San Antonio Zoo was filing for permission to leave Lucky all alone. 

Lucky is 53 years old, and was captured in Thailand when she was only 6 months old. She was shipped to Illinois, and eventually brought to the San Antonio Zoo when she was 2 years old. She has witnessed at least 5 of her companions die since her arrival at the zoo over 50 years ago. Her companion Alport died in 2007, and Lucky was left alone for 2 1/2 years. Elephants are highly social creatures, and need companionship. The San Antonio Zoo is doing her a huge injustice if they keep her alone. 

I know that there are far worse problems in the world, but this is something that we can easily help out with. I am asking you, my wonderful readers, to please help Lucky. Bring your voice to her campaign, and help her get a better life. You can help by emailing the president of the AZA, and the heads of the Accreditation Commission and the Elephant Taxon Advisory Group/Species Survival Plan, and tell them that Lucky cannot remain alone again. Ask that the AZA intervene on Lucky’s behalf and deny the variance requested by the San Antonio Zoo. Or you can simply sign the petition and share with your friends. It's that simple. One signature can help out in the biggest way. 

To read more about Lucky, and to sign the petition and find contact information for the AZA, please check out Lucky's page on One World Conservation's website. I'm begging all of you to help get Lucky in a better place, she deserves so much more. 

May's Monthly Goals

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Is it too late to list my monthly goals? We've still got 21 days left in May, so surely there's enough time for goals, yes? Let's just pretend there is.

• Wash and tone my face every night and morning. I have gotten so bad about sleeping in my makeup, and my skin is starting to show it. With breakouts and just a mucky complexion in general, I'm looking a little rough. I like to go without makeup during the summer, and that's a bit hard to do when your skin looks horrid.
• Cut eating out down to no more than once a week. Lately we've been so busy it's been easier just to grab dinner from our favorite restaurant every night a few nights a week and bring it home. Not only is it expensive, it's not really that healthy. 
• Get back into the blogging game. I really miss writing in my little space here. I miss interacting with my readers, and I miss reading my favorite blogs. I need to get back into the groove of writing again.
• Spend less time in front of a screen. Yes, I know this counteracts the last goal, but I plan on setting certain times for me to be online. Nap time, after M goes to bed, before she gets up, etc. Basically, if she's up, I need to keep my nose out of my laptop and phone. Unless, or course, I'm posting adorable photos to Instagram, because let's be honest, you all need to see those. 
• Clean up my blog and possibly get a redesign. I'm not 100% in love with my current design, and everything is a bit busy, so I'm wanting to simplify a bit. 

What are some of your goals for the month?

In a little over a month, Google Friend Connect will be disappearing! Sad but true. I'd love it if you stuck around to read all about our lives! You can like us on Facebook or follow us on Bloglovin'!

Dear Me,

Sofia over at From PDX with Love (one of my most favorite bloggers) wrote a letter to her 16 year old self today, and I loved it so much, I had to write one myself! (It's part of Barely Mommy's 30 Things Series, check it out, there are some great prompts.)

Dear 16 Year Old J,

You look pretty today, believe that. I know you think you don't, but in 11 years, you'll look back and realize just how beautiful you were. The same goes for your body. Don't sweat those extra pounds so much, you aren't that overweight. But, with that being said, lay off the Sonic, it's convenient, but it isn't any good for you.

Speaking of your health, smoking isn't cool. Stop sneaking cigarettes, they make you stink and you'll end up having to visit the dentist a whole lot more to have those tobacco stained teeth whitened. Besides, it's just plain gross.

Don't cut your hair like Julia Stiles, you'll hate it, and it'll take forever to grow out. Just don't do it.

That guy you just met? You're going to fall head over heels in love with him. You'll be together for a few years, and you'll even say yes when he asks to marry you. But it won't last. You'll eventually break off the engagemetn, and then you'll spend 4 months regretting your decision and thinking the world is ending. Listen closely,... it isn't. He was only supposed to be in your life for a little while, to teach you things about yourself and about life. There is someone better, someone who you're meant to be with. Someone who you'll be insanely happy with, and someone who you'll have a wonderful life with. But between that him and that high school sweetheart, there will be a couple of really bad guys. They'll be lessons learned also, and they'll make you cry, but it's all part of the growing up process.

That so called "best friend" is toxic. She's going to get you into trouble, she's going to talk behind your back, and she's going to sleep with more than one of your boyfriends. Cut her loose. You have plenty of true friends who are much better. They actually care about you, stick with them.

Stand up for what you believe in. You always have, and now isn't the time to stop. Don't let someone shame you into turning your back on your beliefs. People aren't always going to like you, and it isn't your job to force them to. Just be the best person you can be.

Put some damned sunscreen on and stop going to the tanning bed. You're ruining our skin. Embrace your Irish heritage and accept that you're always going to be pale. If that's too hard to do, get an airbrush tan, it's so much safer.

And lastly, I know it seems like your teen years are going to kill you. They aren't. Stop trying to grow up so fast and enjoy it. Because once you're grown, that's it, you'll be expected to pay bills and behave like an adult. Go to the river more, sleep in the hammock more, spend the summer without makeup on. Slow down and live the life you're in, because it really is a great one. Oh, and stop being so dramatic, life doesn't end over simple things. Chill out and relax.

Love,

27 Year Old J

5 Things To Do This Month

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May is definitely one of my favorite months. It's still spring here in Texas, it's warm enough to swim and float the river, but it isn't deathly hot yet. You can actually spend all day outside without worrying about having a heatstroke. So here are 5 lovely things to try during this lovely month!

1. Throw a Cinco de Mayo party - I'm always looking for an excuse to celebrate, and a Cinco de Mayo party is always fun. Buy some festive decorations, whip up some margaritas, make some homemade guacamole and a Mexican casserole (my favorite Tex-Mex dish!), and have a fiesta! 
2. Go bike riding - It's National Bike Month, so why not hop on a bicycle and go for a ride? (Need a bicycle? Here are a few I love!)
3. Get your tan perfect before summer is in full swing - From a bottle, not the sun or a tanning bed! Find out how to get the best tan from a bottle here.
4. Find the perfect swimsuit - I'm so in love with these two!
5. Get outta town! - Memorial Day is coming up, so why not plan a quick vacation? Just a few days out of town can reset your brain and leave you feeling refreshed. 

Here's to having a fabulous May!

Let's Do the Derby

Y'all, this weekend is a big one here in the south. Not only is it Cinco de Mayo (which us Texans take very seriously), it's also the Kentucky Derby! I love a good horse race, but I love the fashion and the drinks even more! (Side note, if you don't know how to bet on a horse, here are a few tips!) So let's talk Derby fashion, shall we?

Source: google.com via J on Pinterest

Let's start with the dress. Most dresses are a spring color, and it doesn't need to be flashy, as the hat is the show stealer. Since the hat is the center of attention, jewelry shouldn't be too over the top either. 

Now, let's talk about the hat. The pièce de ré·sis·tance. The hat is everything at the Derby. The more fabulous, the better.

Source: glo.msn.com via J on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via J on Pinterest

Source: google.co.kr via J on Pinterest

Source: google.com via J on Pinterest

See? Fabulous! Add a great pair of heels, a clutch, and a nice Mint Julep, and you're ready to watch the ponies. Happy racing, y'all!