I have often said that a couple of my favorite things about this accidental little business of mine are not only the causes UH is able to support, but the community it has built. You are all a part of our story… something as simple as a headband connects us together in a small way. From the incredible small businesses that carry our line, to the amazing team that helps {hand}make each halo with love and the hands that help package and ship every order. And then there is you, our lovely customers who wear our bands. Almost 5 years later and my heart still skips a beat when I see one of you out and about wearing a halo… in the check out line at the grocery store, at the gym, wherever. I wish I could sit down with each and every one of you, share a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and our stories :).

Your support has allowed me to create jobs that support families in our community (including mine!). And I cannot even begin to tell you how lovely this team behind me is… some of them have been friends of mine for many years and some have become friends along the way… and I just know that you would think they were just as lovely if you had the opportunity to meet them. Since you may never have the chance, I’d love to introduce them to you!

Today I am starting with Anna… Anna is my creative rock star. She assists me on just about everything under the sun. Those cute little inserts you get when you order a halo online…that’s her. Are you an UrbanHero? Anna designed the packaging. All those pictures you see on the website? Yep. Anna again. This list goes on and on… I couldn’t be more thankful to have her not only as a friend to share life with, but also on this UrbanHalo team. I’ll let Anna tell you a little more about herself…

Before I start, I have to say this is strange…to write about myself. In fact, I’m so reluctant that I’m going to talk about Jen first. What she has said about the UrbanHalo team is true. They are amazing. Jen is honestly one of the most genuine, selfless people I know. She is generous beyond measure with her time, love and resources. UrbanHalo and the way she does business is a direct reflection of her heart and desire to do good in this world. I am blessed, daily, to have the opportunity to work for this company and the beautiful people behind it. The path that led me here has truly been laid by the hand of God. But, that is another blog post for a different day!

The first thing you should know about me is that I like words. I use a lot of them. So, be prepared. 🙂

I have been given the gift of raising two beautiful daughters. They shape the inner most part of my soul and give purpose to my days. Being their mother will undoubtedly be my greatest honor in this life. I wrote a whole dissertation nice letter to my mom on the subject of motherhood recently. Maybe I’ll share it with you lovely UH fans someday.

And then there is this guy. My husband. I love my children, but wow am I often leveled by the strength of my feelings for him. He is truly at the center of my everything. My biggest cheerleader, the rock I lean on and my leader. When I think about the blessings in my life, which are too numerous to count, he always holds the first spot on that list.

Speaking of lists! Here is a list of 19 things that give you a little peek into my mind and heart. Yes, exactly 19. Twenty would just be too predictable.

1. I love filling out paper forms. I did all 986 for back to school with a smile on my face.
2. Lists are near and dear to my heart. I love making them and love crossing things off of them even more. I don’t actually care about accomplishing things as much as I do about getting the rush I feel from seeing all those lines through the items on the list. My husband has learned to save all completed items for me to cross off because I get genuinely irked if he does it. It may or may not take everything I have to put a smile on my face and let my children cross things off the lists we make together.
3. My in-laws are the best. Truly. I can never participate in those “bash your in-laws” conversations because I have no material. I am so very thankful for that.
4. I like feelings. I’m really aware of my own and am not afraid to share them. I once wrote my father-in-law a letter thanking him for raising his son into the man he has become today. The letter was overflowing with raw emotion and beyond sticky with sap. I loved every word of it and am proud of my comfort with expressing my emotions. I can be raw, real, vulnerable and on occasion will gently push people out of their comfort zone to go there with me.
5. I set my high school’s record for discus throwing. It stood for over 15 years. When you see me next, ask about the time I accidently hit a girl in the head with a discus.
6. I am proud of my parents and the family they raised. My three siblings and I genuinely love each other, desire to spend time together and take great enjoyment in making fun of our parents. And, one of the coolest things about my siblings is the spouses they have picked. They rock. Really!
7. Chai tea latte. I love it. I’m not kidding. I really, really love it. I probably have thoughts about chai an average of five times a day. But, here is the problem. I only love chai from one place and it isn’t a chain. My beloved West Side Perk in Bloomington is the only place that curbs my obsession. Unfortunately for me but fortunately for our bank account, we no longer live in Bloomington so they aren’t readily available to me anymore…and the drive up there can be a solid twenty minutes. Don’t think I’ve not done it on occasion solely to obtain my coveted chai though.
8. I dislike my handwriting. My five year old has better penmanship than me…using her left hand.
9. I like 90’s rap. Tupac is my favorite and I secretly (or not so much anymore) want Sprewells on my Yukon. If I am speaking Greek to you, read about them here. You are welcome. Maybe we can get wholesale pricing if a bunch of us go in on a large order?!
10. I once got into a bidding war on eBay and spent nearly $800 for two tickets to a Dave Matthews Band concert. Needless to say, I’m not allowed to bid on eBay anymore. I get emotionally attached.
11. Authentic relationships. Oh how I yearn for them. I want to strip away all the walls. I want to see what is really on your heart. I want to come along side you and help you pick up your mess. I rejoice in the beautiful and can handle the ugly.
12. I dislike Phil Collins a lot…and I have no good reason for it.
13. Most people would consider me a good friend. That makes me happy.
14. My birthday. {insert happy sigh} I love my birthday. It is the one day of the year you can rejoice in your own specialness without feeling any sort of guilt or be accused of arrogance. And, let’s not forget the birthday cake. Truly one of my favorite things on this earth.
15. On my bucket list is attending a national cheerleading competition in Orlando. I feel like I missed my calling. If this gig with UrbanHalo doesn’t work out you can find me on the {elderly} cheer team enjoying every second I’m shaking it to some awesome hip hop song.
16. I’m afraid to fail…probably more than the average person.
17. I would consider myself to be shy. I’m more of an observer in larger groups. I’m not afraid of my written words, but am less confident in my spoken ones and struggle to be heard sometimes.
18. I despise breakfast cereal. I think it has no nutritional value and who wants to eat soggy food?!
19. I love UrbanHalo and the people behind it even more.