All-American Jess

The Monday Real

2012-02-13T09:58:00.000-05:00

Britt and Jess have cleverly changed Messy Mom Monday into The Monday Real! Head over and link up!

Being Real.

That is what this is all about.

So often in life, we put a smile on our face and paint a rosy picture of what life is for us. While it may be the best part of us, it isn't always the most real.

I mean, who wants to tell everyone just how much we're struggling? Better yet, when we look back on our FB pages or our blogs or our Twitter feeds, who wants to necessarily remember just how tough things were?

We, women, we don't like to admit our weaknesses.

A few days ago, one of my friends and coworkers told me that she and her husband were talking about me earlier in the week. She has come from several different markets, some small and a couple very large, so she's seen quite a bit in the business. Apparently, she and her husband were comparing her last Promotions Director to me.....

"Over at W---, she had two stations and an entire support staff. She had a full-time Promotions Asst, plus about 20 part-timers to go out to events. And, she was a MESS. I was telling P that you have four stations and NO help. Yet, you always have your S**T together."

I have my "stuff" together.

As flattered as I was, I started laughing.

Because, I so do not.

Sure, I may pull it off, in the end. I've always been the type that will write a paper about six hours before it's due (overnight) and manage to get an A. Or, the type to do a presentation on the fly and get great remarks. Or, the type that can BS my way through a business meeting.

Basically, I'm really great at pulling things right out of my butt.

It is a great skill to have, but it is stressful. Because, as I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to keep all the balls in the air, other things suffer.

Like, order.

Like, laundry.

Like, my diet.

Like, exercise.

Like, my overall health.

Like, my personal life.

The fact is, I'm single with no kids. So, it should be easy. I can just hear all the Mommas out there, reading this, and yelling at their computers, "Ha! You think you have problems?! You think you don't have time to sleep or keep order? Just wait until you have a husband and children, girly."

However, the other fact is that I'm currently married to my job and I nurture it like I would a child.

Friday night, the following was posted to my Twitter....

In case anyone is wondering why I am still single, it is 7:30 on a Friday night and I just left work. :/

That, is real, folks.

Thursday Thoughts

2012-02-09T21:43:00.000-05:00

~ I am in a serious blogging/commenting funk. I have half written posts in my draft folder. I have a list of posts that I want/need to start. Yet, when I sit down at night to write, I just stare at a blank screen.

~ I never thought I'd enjoy Twitter as much as I do. Had I known how much fun everyone was having, I would have joined earlier, lol.

~ There are several things going on in my head, right now. Just a lot going on. Which I want to get out, but don't really want to put on a public blog.

~ Busy. That is my life, right now. My car hasn't been washed in weeks (which I've been really good about doing since I got the car), all of my spaces are cluttered and dusty, and I am so worn out at the end of the day that I have to force myself to get up early just to work out.

~ I'm being a whining weiner. I know this.

~ Next week is our Radiothon. And, while I'm so excited, I also am unprepared in a lot of ways. I need to shut myself up in my office and refuse to talk to anyone until I get my stuff for this Radiothon together.

~ Next week is also Singles' Awareness Day. Blech.

~ However, I still want to see 'The Vow.' Because despite the fact I get grumpy on Valentine's Day, I actually am a hopeless romantic who loves sappy movies like that.

Show Us Your Single Life

2012-02-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner is doing her "Show Us Your Life - Singles Version" again.

She has done this several times and as I've done the EH thing (wasn't a fan), I figure this will be the closest thing I'll ever get to internet dating.

So.............................

I'm Jess. Nice to meet you!

No, I am not related to (nor do I actually know) Martina McBride. I just happened to meet her a month ago and liked the picture, lol.

Quick stats:

28
Born and raised in Central Florida
Promotions Director
Single, never married

Things you should know:

I love Jesus. I've always been raised in the church and went to a private, Christian school for 13 years. While I've been a Christian since a small child, I've grown more in my faith in the past two years than ever before. If you ever want to chat about the ways I've grown or what I believe, let me know!

I *heart* Disney. As a native Central Floridian, I am well-versed in theme parks and I fully fall on the Disney side of things.

I love my family and my friends. I've been blessed with some great people in my life who keep me grounded and love me for me!!!

I'm known for being sweet and mild.......... and for being Miss Mary Sunshine. That can be true, but I also can be feisty, with a love of well-placed sarcasm.

Children are a passion of mine. I eventually want a small herd of my own :)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is my absolute favorite. Period.

What I'm looking for:

A Christian man.
A guy with a great sense of humor.
A guy who loves children and wants to be a father, someday.
Southern gentleman............. or, is at least willing to travel below the Mason-Dixon line so I can visit home :)
Someone who isn't too serious.......... I love life, but can sometimes be too serious. I need someone that lightens me up, a little, lol.
And, just because this has come up, recently........... smokers and chewers need not apply, lol.

If you're interested or know someone who you think would be, feel free to leave a comment or email me!

Running Into Arms

2012-01-30T07:38:00.001-05:00

You know how when you're a kid and you get hurt or sad, you would just run into your mommy's arms and suddenly everything would be ok?

I miss that feeling.

I mean, to this day, sometimes I need a hug from my mom, when I am sick or sad. Sadly, though, the feeling of "Everything will be alright" isn't quite the same. I guess it's because we know too much, now.

Anyway, the end of last week (Thurs-Sat) was something of a nightmare, work-wise. There were some good points, but overall, I really wished I'd been somewhere else. Saturday night, when I was finally done with this event, I had a migraine. Like, my vision was starting to blur on my drive home, migraine.

PS - I have only gotten about five migraines in my entire life.

A good dose of meds that knocked me out took care of it and I awoke yesterday morning with a clear head, but the things that led up to it were just awful.

So many times throughout the event, I felt like running away. Just throwing my hands up, getting into my car, and leaving.

I kept wishing for a bear hug. One that would make all the bad stuff go away. Where I'd feel safe and calm and not so frustrated.

Then, yesterday morning, I went to church. We sang the first couple songs and then we started one that we haven't done in a while. I've always liked it before, but it hit me differently this time.

The chorus goes....

Oh, I'm running to Your arms.

I'm running to Your arms.

The riches of Your love will always be enough.

Nothing compares to Your embrace.

Light of the world, forever reign.

I actually started to cry.

What we were singing was what I was exactly the feeling I was looking for, all weekend long. I wanted to run into arms. To be embraced.

And, singing it at church, that is what I found myself doing.

I wanted to throw myself down and bawl, honestly. Out of relief and regret.

Relief that I had been reminded what I really needed.

Regret because I let myself forget.

I wish I didn't get into these patterns. Where I'll remember things and get a renewed spirit about something.... and then eventually, I let the fire die.

It can be applied to just about everything, but most of all, my relationship with Jesus.

Let me be clear..... my faith never wavers. That is never an issue I have.

No. My problem is that I try to take things upon myself and don't let Him have the control. Or, I don't go to Him when I'm frustrated.... annoyed.... or stressed.

Wouldn't it be easier if we could just let ourselves run into His arms, everyday, all day?

Christmas 2011: Building Houses

2012-01-26T11:48:00.001-05:00

Over the next week or so, I'll be recapping the holidays.

Out of order, somewhat.

If you know me, you know that this is slightly painful. I like things in chronological order. When I print pictures, I like them to stay in the order they were taken.

Anyway, I have lots of fun things from the Fall and Christmas to share, but I'm probably going to be sharing them out of order.

Hopefully, we will all live.

Megan and Bryan visited for almost two weeks and one of the things my mom wanted to do was build Gingerbread Houses. It was something that was also on my Bucket List.

However, the chosen day was one where I had made plans to celebrate a friend's birthday with mani/pedis and dinner. I'd also just gotten off of work to start my vacation (Dec 21).

When I came home, they were half in progress............

Megan and Patty were doing a pretty good job!

Poor Mom........... Construction is not in her future.

Megan was intent on making it work.

Even though I wasn't there for the whole time, we all had such a great time sitting at the kitchen table. We laughed and laughed.... ate candy.... and made fun of one another's efforts, lol.

I got in the action by creating a resident of said houses...........

The Year Of Sass

2012-01-24T14:07:00.000-05:00

Remember my birthday back in August?

Clearly, you all have that glorious date marked in your calendars, right?

Anyway, shortly after my birthday, I posted on FB that "28 may be the year of sass" for me. Several people found it to be cute.

Then, came 2012.

Which is, most definitely, shaping up to be a Sassy Year.

I do not know what has gotten into me, but I've become blunt and honest and downright.... well, Sassy.

You're looking at... or reading the blog of.... the girl who NEVER sassed, as a child. In fact, I can count on one hand the amount of times that I semi-sassed my mom in 18 years of living. And, I got in trouble for even semi-sassing.

So, this is foreign ground.

But, I am apparently embracing it. And, other people around me are both shaking their heads in disbelief and chuckling in amusement.

All I need is a new pair of high heels, sunglasses, and some fun music to accompany me.

Open Letters

2012-01-18T08:25:00.001-05:00

Dear Face,

You are 28. You are not a 14 year old boy.

How about obeying the great cleansing process I put you through and clearing up?

Signed,

Tired of gross skin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Sleep,

Is there any way that I could multiply you? Like, for every minute, it feels like three?

Signed,

Just Tired

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Work,

I am so glad that business is good.

However, if there is anyway that you could stop being so crazy before the beginning of June, I'd appreciate it.

Signed,

Need An Asst.... Or A Raise

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Siri,

I love you.

That's all.

Signed,

Proud IPhone 4S Owner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear FD,

I wasn't talking to you. Then, I drank a bit of wine over the weekend and I stopped caring that I was mad at you.

Hence, the texts.

You aren't off the hook, just yet. You'd be wise to remember that.

Signed,

Wine Is Your Friend

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Rear End,

I'm going to kick you into shape, if it's the last thing I do.

Signed,

Smaller Size Wanted

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Stomach and Waist,

Talk to your neighbor downstairs.

Signed,

Taking No Prisoners

Perspective

2012-01-17T07:16:00.001-05:00

Hi, everyone!

I just got back from another amazing trip to St. Jude. Expect a recap of the weekend, sometime this week.

Every time I come back from the trip, I come back with a renewed look on life. It usually lasts until just after our Radiothon. It is a feeling that I wish I could make last the rest of the 11 months of the year.

Generally speaking, I am pretty conservative. I try to be polite and considerate. I tend to play things safely.

I don't always speak my mind because I don't want to hurt anyone.

I don't act because I don't want to regret.

Then, I meet these kids. These amazing, beautiful kids. That are facing so much. That have so much hope.... so much LIFE.

And, I want to kick myself.

This weekend, I listened to the story of Marcus Luttrell. He is the lone survivor of Operation Redwing. He listened to his best friend in the entire world be killed and couldn't do anything about it. He faced members of the Taliban by himself. He crawled 7 miles while most of his major bones were broken to find some semblance of safety. He lives with the realization that 16 other people on his team died.... and that multiple others died trying to rescue him. Then, he got well and went out to protect our country again. The man had a room of over 1000 people completely spellbound for 90 minutes.

I heard his story and I met these kids.... and, I get so mad at myself for taking my own healthy, safe life for granted. I get so mad for worrying so much that I don't speak up.

So, I tend to use this month or so to take the bull by the horns. Even if it's fleeting, I try to make the most of my "newfound" (or regained) attitude.

As I did a couple years ago, I am taking this opportunity to take some scary steps.

Wish me luck, please.

Friday Tidbits

2012-01-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

Well, we've made it through the first week of 2012. How is it going for everyone, so far?

This morning, I have some thoughts that I just had to share with you all.....

- Grey's Anatomy was at its best, last night. Truly an amazing episode. The show is a show that I've consistently loved its entire run. Shoot, I decided I would probably love it when the promos came out before it even aired.... and, I was right. Oh, there were things I've hated (ie, pretty much everything about Izzie that didn't have to do with her loving Alex) throughout the years. But, I kept watching. Because, of episodes like last night. The writers of that show have more respect for its history than any other show out there, imo. It probably helps that I've listened to their podcast for years, but I *know* that they purposefully remember things to pay homage to it's history and the fans that have watched every episode. They also have a knack for being able to insert the snarkiest and most real humor into the most critical situations. I love it because I'm like that.... something horrible will be happening and the most random (or inappropriate) thing will pop into my head. So, yes, last night was a great night to be a Grey's fan.

- I am SO in between sizes, right now. As in, one size is falling off of me most times and the other size is squeezing me most times. At this point, after the holidays, the size of pants that I wear one day is directly affected by my salt intake the day before. Today? Today is a day that most definitely follows a day of too much salt.

- I love English muffins. More specifically, my Light Whole Grain English muffins. I learned this morning that I prefer them toasted. They are ok without being toasted, but something about toasting them makes them so much better.

- I am a patient person. However, I'm waiting on a piece of news that is absolutely killing me to wait on. I was told on Tuesday that it would be two days. Now, it's Friday. I. want. an. answer.

- I really need to de-Christmas my blog. But, I've been too lazy to redo it. So, we'll just keep the Christmas tree up a little bit longer. Hopefully, I'll have time/initiative to do it, this weekend.

- Let's Fill in the Blanks......

1. One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is read. I love to read and can lose myself in books.... which is why I don't have time to do it, very often.

2. When I have free time I tend to an absolute laze. It's sad. Every now and then, when I've felt I've gotten enough lazy bones time, I'll get in a productive mood, but it's rare. I'm so busy all the time.... when I have free time I want to do only frivolous things.

3. If I had an entire day completely to myself I would sleep in a little. Wake-up and watch recorded programs or Live with Kelly (I still like her, even without Regis). Go out to eat lunch.... maybe go to the gym... either read or go see a movie.

4. I would prefer to spend my free time (alone or with others...) a little of both. During my vacation, I spend a good majority of my time catching up with friends and spending time with family. It was GREAT, but it was exhausting.... I don't think I've ever spent that much of my vacation in a car, lol. By last Friday, I was ready to do nothing and just be alone. So, I spent the whole day reading "Catching Fire."

5. Most of my free time happens on the weekend, if at all.

6. The best thing about free time is that you can be productive or you can do nothing. You don't have a schedule or a plan.

7. The next time I have free time I should probably organize my living space but instead, I'll probably catch up on recorded programs, go to Disney, or read a book, lol.

Back At Work...... :(

2012-01-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

I love my job. But, boy, did I love those 12 days off. They ended WAY too soon.

So far, it has been a surprisingly easy day. Very low-key. It helps that our typical meetings for the day got postponed, so I've been able to leisurely catch up on emails, etc, instead of rushing around.

Other than that, it's been sort of bipolar........

1) It's currently 41 DEGREES outside at 11:50am. In Florida. So, what does my office building do? Turns on the air.

2) Thankfully, I am prepared for the one person who complains about it being stuffy (thus the air being turned on) and I have a space heater going on in my office. Everyone else may be freezing, but I'm warm and toasty.

3) FD decides today is a great day to piss me off. Which he started to do last Wednesday and just put the final nail in the coffin this morning. I have a lot of things to say to him on the subject, but when I talk to him, I'm too mad (blood boiling mad) to say anything. So, I give him one-word responses. While he calls me "Sweetie" and tells me how disappointed he is and how he wishes things could be different. Only, I don't giggle or tell him it's ok or tell him that I know he wishes it could be different. Because I don't buy it. If he wanted things to be different, they would be different. He does this crap too much for me to buy it. What he doesn't know (and hopefully, I'll eventually be able to tell him) is that he's done some pretty major damage with this latest stunt........ both in a professional sense and a personal sense, where I'm concerned.

4) Then, I got some awesome news from a friend. Like, I was almost crying tears of joy with her.

See? Bipolar. We'll see what the second half of the day brings, lol.

In with a New Year....

2012-01-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year!!!

Myself? I spent my evening at home, celebrating my brother's 19th birthday (it's kind of sweet that his friends like us enough to spend NYE with us) and playing with my new BFF, Siri.

Oh, and I spent a couple hours texting my awesome twin Marianne. Which was great, because not only has it been forever, but it was probably one of the funniest conversations known to man.

Anywhoodle.........

So far in 2012, I've read over 100 pages of the third book in The Hunger Games (um, I read the entire second book on Friday. Can we say addicted?), drank two cups of coffee w/ creamer, logged my points for the two cups of coffee w/ creamer (*sigh* Hi, WW), watched church online (according to my pastor, I'm still good people for watching online, but the super people were actually there in person), and spent 45 mins IMing (yes, IMing) with TG (yes, TG) after he started it (*sigh*.... you'll be proud of me for being the one to finally end the conversation).

So, what else do I have planned for the brand-spanking new 2012?

My immediate plans include finishing my book, heading to the mall in hopes of finding the planner I want that can't be found on my side of town, and potentially tiding up.

Then, I'll look onto bigger things.......

My annual trip to St. Jude :)

Recapping the last quarter of 2011 and letting you in on the first quarter of 2012 as it happens. I want to get back into a blogging groove.

Keeping up with my birthday goals.

Couch to 5K. I started it last Fall...... faltered..... slightly picked it back up..... then dropped it completely. Well, Siri and I have other plans for this year. My C25K app is installed. I have new running shoes purchased with my Kohls cash and some Christmas money. I'm ready. This needs to be the year of ~~not walking~~, ~~jogging~~, ~~whining about it~~, RUNNING. You hear me? I will run. I will. No, really, I will.

Beyond that, I'm not really sure where 2012 will take me. There are all these FB statuses about how 2012 feels like "the best year YET." And, while I admire the optimism, I don't really share it. I mean, I'm not hoping for a bad year. I just don't know where it will lead. At all, really.

And, for the first time in my life, I'm perfectly ok with that.

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!!

Another Year Gone......

2011-12-31T11:44:00.000-05:00

I honestly don't know what happened to 2011.

And, seeing as I have a lot of memories to record from 2011....... I'm not completely saying goodbye. I'll be revisiting the last quarter of it for a bit longer as I recap.

Regardless, another year is over.

As I was going through my blog from this year, I realized a couple things....... 1) I posted a lot less this year than in 2010 and 2) 2011 was a lot less dramatic that 2010.

I'm ok with 2, but not so much 1.

This year has been pretty good. Slightly uneventful (with the exception of a few points), but fun.

I wanted to read 12 books this year. I know I read over 12 books, but I also know they weren't all the books I originally planned to read.

I know I wanted to free myself from some emotional ties with the male species. I have in a lot of ways and not in others. If you pay attention to me on Twitter, at all, you know that just a couple days ago, I was pissed at a certain FD. I still am ticked, but more resigned to trying to remember what I knew this time last year. Things with TG are in a good place.

I lost 20lbs in 2011. That's a good thing. I started WW and (with the exception of the holidays) have done well with it. Reading as many blogs as I do, 20 lbs doesn't seem like a lot. Then, I remember that I've been consistently losing weight for six years, now. I've lost just over 100 lbs. It's slow, but it's loss. I've had to remind myself that my body is soooooo used to losing weight that I probably won't have huge losses from week to week or month to month.

Something that I never said or posted was that I wanted to tithe the entire year. And, I did it!! I am not good at giving up money. I stress a lot about money, so the idea of just handing over 10% of what I earn has the potential to send me into a panic. But, I did it and plan on doing it in 2012, too. It's what God calls me to do, so I'll do it.

2011 was a year of just putting my nose down and doing it. I didn't have a ton of lofty goals. Any goals I had were more practical.

It's been good knowing you, 2011.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!

2011-12-25T15:40:00.002-05:00

Wishing you an amazing day, filled with family, love, and lots of laughter!!

Fun With Our Phones Monday

2011-12-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

I have a few pictures in my phone that I thought I'd dump on this ole blog!

A coworker that likes to hunt made this chili and brought it into work. You can see from the little sign I made how I felt about it, lol.........

Every year, my church puts on this HUGE community event for Christmas. They have a walk-through with all these lights and characters and then they have a walk through Bethlehem. It's two weekends long and over 30,000 people come through each year.

Buddy the Elf......... This guy is SPOT. ON.

Lydia loves the event. So much, in fact, that she was brought 5 out of the 6 nights just because it keeps her entertained for so long, lol. She makes personal friends with all the characters, lol.

Each year, I choreograph a scene. This year was Alvin & The Chipmunks. The Chipettes were dancers and did these cute little numbers. The last night, ALL the Chipettes on duty (they had shifts of three) got on stage with their admirers for a Grand Finale!

Gratuitous Lydia Picture.......... Heaven help my blog when I actually have kids of my OWN.

On a totally different note........ This was an actual shirt that was walking through the mall on Saturday. I *had* to take a picture because I didn't think anyone would believe me.

Yes, that is, in fact, a woman wearing it.

Christmas Card 2011 (well, one of them, anyway)

2011-12-14T10:37:00.000-05:00

So many of my favorite Bloggers have been sharing their Christmas Cards this morning! It's been so fun to see that I had to join in :)

You can hop on the Christmas Card Carousel, too!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. When it comes to Christmas Cards, I'm a bit indecisive. There are way too many cards to choose from and too many personalities to whom I'm sending cards. So, I tend to choose 2 or 3 cards, each year (hint.... the Shutterfly promotion that gives us lucky Bloggers 25 free cards does allow you do do this. It doesn't have to be 25 of the same card). Then, because I'm single with no kids or pets, I tend to make individual cards for people with whom I have a picture during that calendar year.

Anywho........ Here's one of the cards I'll be sending out this year! (Nope, still haven't sent them out).......

Ornament Exchange Party

2011-12-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

Sorry for my horrid delay in posting an Ornament Exchange reveal. At first, I just became super busy. Now, I'm having Linky problems.

So..........

If you would like to share your ornaments, please leave the link to your post in my comments and I'll add them in my post. It's kind of the ghetto way of linking, but it will work.

Also........I promised that I would pick one participant by random draw to receive an ornament from me. That person is........

Breanna!!!!

Congrats, Breanna! Email me your address and your ornament will be on its way!

Why Florida Is Like A Man

2011-12-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

It's fickle and can't make up it's mind on what it wants.

Is it summer and 85 degrees?

Is it winter and 39 degrees?

Oh, it's both in less than 18 hours?

Ok.

If it would just decide what it is for more than five minutes, I could plan/dress accordingly.

The Plank

2011-12-06T09:56:00.001-05:00

I'm a day late posting the ornament swap linky, I know. I'll get it up.

This past week has been discombobulated. Great in some ways. Rough in others. And, as is required during this time of year, extremely busy.

I've been wrangling a post in my head for a couple days now. It's weird how that happens, isn't it?

Anyway, this past weekend was Weekend #1 of a big Christmas event we do at my church. It's actually pretty awesome and I love being a part of it. I do choreography for one scene each year and I'm so proud of "my girls." They are doing such a great job, this year. Because of my work schedule and helping with Youth Group, I didn't have time to volunteer to be an Elf this year (which is why I used an elf picture from last year in my header).

Friday and Saturday nights were spent helping with the event. Sunday was Youth Group. We did what is called "The Plank."

The Youth Pastor has this big piece of wood that he drops on the ground. It creates this loud, loud BOOM. From that point on, no one speaks unless they are on The Plank. The lights are dim, there is soft music playing, and there's a microphone, just waiting.

Sometimes, there is a question posed. Sometimes, it's just an open mic. Sunday, the question was, "If I could have the one thing I desire most, it would be......"

Again, no one speaks unless they are on The Plank. What is said on The Plank, stays on The Plank. There is no judgement. No ridicule. No wrong feelings or opinions.

It was an intense hour, let me tell you.

Because when you ask a room full of high schoolers what they desire most, their answers will floor you. They'll break your heart. They will bring you to your knees with just how real and UN-materialistic they can be.

The Plank was open to leaders, too. Which is a fairly scary thing. Because, it can be difficult to admit to a room full of your peers AND the people you're supposed to be leading just how weak you really are.

I won't share what others said, but I will share what I said (paraphrased)..........

I was raised in a Christian home, a Christian school, and a Church. None of it was perfect, but I've spent my whole life being led in a direction. And, I've spent my whole life doing what I was taught was right. Society has a plan for the majority of us....... we go to high school, we graduate, we go to college, we graduate, we go out on our own, we fall in love, we get married, we have kids, and we live to raise them to follow that same life pattern. So, my whole life, I've tried to live that way. I do the things I'm supposed to do and I don't do the things I'm not supposed to do. I've gotten to the point where I have this image of what I think other people think of me and I try to uphold it. But, I spend a lot of my time wondering if I am where I'm supposed to be. I pray that I'm doing what God has planned for me.... and if I'm not, that He'll show me what I AM supposed to be doing. Because certain things AREN'T happening and I just wonder if it's because I'm doing something wrong. So, if I could have the one thing I most desire it would be the peace and the knowledge that I'm where God wants me to be.

Afterwards, I had a girl from my small group approach me. This girl is the image of the daughter we all want. She's sweet, she's caring, she's involved........ she's an absolute doll. And, she asked if we could talk at some point. Because, she wasn't ready to talk right then, but she knew she needed to sit down and talk with me. That everything I said up there rang true for her and that she thinks she's probably a lot like me.

I'll say this...... hearing from this little girl that I admire so much that she thinks she's like me was altogether humbling, flattering, and terrifying.

It is strange to be at war with yourself (which is where I'm at, right now).

So, I have a question for you. I'd love to hear your answers, but understand if you don't want to share......... If you could have your heart's desire, what would it be?

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas.....

2011-11-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

..... around this ole blog o' mine.

It's not much, but I designed it myself.

See, I'm the type of person that can see someone do something creative and want to do it myself. So, I'll spend hours and HOURS trying to figure it out.

I love my previous design by Krystyn of Krizzy Designs that I've had for about two years now and will probably go back to it. However, I wanted something fun and Christmasy and my own. And, well, free.

So, I labored and researched and tested until I got this :)

A couple of thanks to some peeps/sites that either gave me info I needed, offered moral support, or answered a specific question......

Lil Woman

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/

Our Blogger Template

Only in Social Networking

2011-11-28T23:06:00.000-05:00

Have you ever gone to a blog or FB profile that you haven't checked out in a while, only to be BLOWN AWAY?!?!?!?!

For instance.............

- Recently, I found out that a current FB friend (and former high school classmate) is in a relationship (as in living with and raising their child) with a man 39 years her senior. *cuemindblown*

- Just today, I found out that a couple that my parents are friends with at church have separated. I mean, their children and my brother grew up together. She and I frequently end up on neighboring treadmills. How did I not know that her husband had up and moved to another state?! *cuemindblown*

- Recently, a blog that I haven't checked out in a while showed up in my Reader. While reading through the first page of posts, I came across a sentence that had my doing a double-take. Then, I read closer. Then, I read the previous three months of posts to figure out what I'd missed. *cuemindblown*

Am I the only one that is sometimes floored by these little social networking revelations?

Fill in the Blank: Black Friday

2011-11-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Black Friday!!!! You can join in over at The Little Things We Do!

1. Waking up at the break of dawn to go shopping is my idea of a total tradition! And, if you're waiting until dawn, you're too late. I will say this I MUCH preferred this year.... all my typical stores opened up at 10pm or 12am. I was in bed and asleep by 2:30am. I more a night owl and early bird, so it worked perfectly. Then, later in the day, I got up and went to a few secondary stores.

2. If I were to go shopping today I would have a plan. Make that, I *did* have a plan. My friend and I were on a mission and we accomplished it in record time, lol. Any further shopping that may occur today or this weekend will be brainstorming.

3. The best thing I ate yesterday was the turkey, the mac and cheese, and the Apple Sage Sausage stuffing.

4. Something I've been learning lately is it's sometimes better to be candid. Lately, I've had zero patience and have been speaking my mind more often. Respectfully, but firmly. It's sometimes stressful for me to be that way, but I seem to get more accomplished.

5. I cannot start my day without making my bed and taking a shower.

6. My nighttime attire consists of a sports bra (yep), a tshirt, and pajama pants/shorts.

7. I am looking forward to really gearing up for Christmas. It *is* the most wonderful time of the year!! :)

Blurkeys

2011-11-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

Ornament Exchangers..... Did you mail out your ornaments, yet? No? Well, here's a reminder!!

I'll post a linky on the 5th, so you still have time!

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I wish I was better at Twitter.

I have an account, but am so sporadic with it. Ya'll seem to have so much fun on there everyday.

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I'm taking some comp time (yesterday and today) and have so enjoyed doing nothing.

I've been watching "TODAY" and their doing their St Jude - Thanks & Giving Kick-Off. It makes me wish I were at St Jude NOW. I can't wait for seminar.

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I have to admit. There will be two things on my Fall Bucket List that won't be crossed off. They just won't.

Oh well. 11 out of 13 isn't bad.

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Boys are irritating me, right now.

I wish they'd just make up their minds.

Does anyone know of a nice, single male that doesn't have problems making decisions? If so, please send him my way.

Thanks.

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I haven't worked out in two weeks.

Which makes my planned power workout for today a bit scary.

The amazing part is that I haven't gained anything in this two weeks.

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You may need to file the above under "Spoke Too Soon" after tomorrow.

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I puffy glittery heart the Target Lady. Her commercials make me laugh every.single.time.

And, after the Target Two-Day Sale is over, I miss her. It's true. Pathetic, but true.

If I Won The Lottery....

2011-11-21T14:08:00.000-05:00

..... the first thing I'd do would be to hire a hairstylist to come fix my hair every morning.

I would kill to be able to do my hair this pretty, by myself.

Accomplishment

2011-11-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

Hi, friends!!!

I have missed you!!

The past 5-6 days have been some of the most intense and rewarding days of my career. The high (and utter exhaustion) I'm feeling right now is akin to Radiothon.

This is one of those times that I can't be really specific, but wish I could. Let's just say that a project that began with a meeting on August 19th has been completed. It took three months of preparation, countless hours of crossing t's and dotting i's, and five days of complete stress, but it's done.

I've made friends with some of the greatest people (and listeners) you could imagine.

No joke, my event ended with ME (yes, me) receiving a standing ovation. I'm still stunned and humbled.

Now? I sleep.

"A" is for Applesauce

2011-11-11T22:56:00.002-05:00

Ever wonder what approximately 2500 individual containers of applesauce looks like?

Well, now you know.

This afternoon we did a drive to collect applesauce for a local charity that feeds homeless children. The kids don't have anything to eat from the time they leave school on Friday until they get back to school on Monday. So, the organization puts together little survival kits of food that allows them to get healthy, ready-to-eat food over the weekend.

We ended up with roughly 2500 individual containers.

Which was WAY more than we were expecting.

Since we weren't expecting that much, I told the organziation they could pick it up on Monday. Which meant it had to go from the drive location to the station.

In my car.

Little known fact: Ford Escapes can hold a lot of applesauce.

Then, said applesauce had to be taken into the conference room.

Thankfully, I had a coworker willing to help.....

The ironic part?

I don't even eat applesauce.

Liking 'Large'

2011-11-10T11:32:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I went to Disney. While I was in the Orlando area, I stopped by some outlets in search of warm clothes. A couple years ago, we had a lengthy cold snap and I bought some sweaters, etc. That got me through last year, even though they were a little roomy. However, a couple of cool days already showed me that they would NOT work this winter.

As I don't like spending a lot of money on clothes, period, I *really* don't like spending a lot of money on clothes that I only need about 2 months (if that) out of the year AND that I have no intention on fitting into next year (30 lbs until my goal weight).

Hence, outlets.

I hit up my favorite bargain clothing store.... Old Navy. The lady in the dressing room was amazing. She gave me her completely honest opinion on everything I tried on. My favorite line?

"Honey, all of these clothes are too big on you. What size are you bringing in here?"

"XL"

"Ha! No, let me go get you smaller sizes."

See, my whole life....... well, since I have been old enough to pick out my own clothes and take them into a dressing room..... I've been XL or XXL. At my heaviest, I was a size 26 going on 28 (this is the first time I've ever said that publicly, lol....... still not sure I'll ever be comfortable saying my actual weight).

When I walked out of the store, I walked out with four Large long-sleeved shirts, one Large long-sleeved sweater, and two pairs of size 14 jeans. Now, depending on the store or the make of the clothing item, I still may need an XL or a 16. However, that's becoming less and less. The dressing room attendant pointed out that I *think* I need the larger size...... when I really don't.

I know, to a lot of people, the thought of wearing a Large or a size 14 is appalling. I mean, it's still chubby and by its own name, Large. However, my 5'7 1/2" big-boned frame has NEVER been this small. It was an awesome feeling to walk out of that store carrying clothes smaller than I've ever worn.

Like I said earlier, I still have about 30 pounds to go. I don't know what size I'll be at that point.... I am more concerned with being a healthy weight, BMI, etc.

Walking out of that store, though? Was definitely a nod to how far I've come.........

February 2005 (pretty much the heaviest).......

July 2005 (I'd just started losing weight)......

June 2011......

August 2011.........

Ornament Exchange: Emails Sent!!

2011-11-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that partner emails have been sent. If you didn't receive yours, let me know!

Laura (Musings of an Orange Sheep), email me, please. My computer is being stupid, so I can't get a hold of you, lol.

Sunday Stealing

2011-11-06T22:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday Stealing

1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work?

No. I've done the whole "breathe on it and rub it to get it to work."

2. What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?

Weeelllllllll.........

"The Guy" is 7 years older than me. "Fun Distraction" is 16 years older.

Apparently, I am attracted to older men who don't like to commit. Alas, my longstanding celebrity crush on George Clooney.

3. Ever been in a car wreck?

Yes and no. I've never been in a wreck with another car on the road.

However, one time I got into my car and it started rolling down our rather steep driveway. The emergency brake didn't work and I ended up in our neighbor's front porch.

4. Were you popular in high school?

Nope

5. Have you ever been on a blind date?

Nope

6. Are looks important?

They shouldn't be, but if everyone is honest, then yes. They do matter, to some degree.

7. Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more?

Yes :) I have several dear, dear friends that I've known most of my life.

8. By what age would you like to be married?

In my earlier plans, I'd be married by now. But, you know the saying, "We plan. God laughs."

So, I'd like to be on my way to married by 30/31.

9. Does the number of people a person’s slept with affect your view of them?

Hmmmmmm......

10. Have you ever made a mistake?

Haven't we all?

11. Are you a good tipper?

I usually tip 20%.

12. What’s the most you have spent for a haircut?

For cut/style, around $40-$50. When I get highlights (every 6 months), it runs around $90-$110.

13. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?

14. Have you ever peed in public?

In a public restroom, yes. Just peeing? No.

15. What song do you want played at your funeral?

I have no idea.

16. Would you tell your parents if you were gay?

Yes, I would. They'd still love me.

17. What would your last meal be before getting executed?

I hate the thought of this question. To answer, it would be Thanksgiving dinner.

18. Beatles or Stones?

Beatles

19. If you had to pick one person on earth to die, who would it be?

I refuse to answer that.

20. Beer, wine or hard liquor?

Occasionally, a glass of wine.

21. Do you have any phobias?

Yes, swinging bridges. And, rats.

22. What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully, get married and have kids.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-11-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

1) HOW is it November?!?!?!?! How?

2) I'm going to Disney this weekend. It's a good thing, too, since it will be my one and only chance to hit up the Food and Wine Fest :(

3) I *heart* November Sweeps. However, I'm so far behind in my TV watching that I probably will watch November Sweeps during January.

4) Speaking of TV. There are a few new shows that I'm loving right now.........

5) My Ornament Exchange entry ends tomorrow. Join, people!

6) From Saturday, 11/12 through Friday, 11/18, I am scheduled to work 70 hours. I just needed to put that in writing.

7) I've achieved a couple of work goals that I set for myself when I landed the job. For that, I'm super proud of myself.

8) My mom rocks. She's volunteering her time to help me at work, just because she knows how overwhelmed I am.

9) This was Youth Group on Sunday.........

Fall Bucket List: Savannah, GA

2011-11-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

*** Don't forget to join my Ornament Exchange ***

One of the things I wanted to do this Fall was go to Savannah. About a year and a half ago, some coworkers and I decided we needed to take a Girls' Trip to the city. Then, this summer, M and I decided if we were ever to go, we just needed to go, lol.

On October 7th, we took off of work early and headed north. We had the best chats on the way up! You never know how you really gel with someone until you're stuck in a car with them for a long period of time, but we got along like gangbusters, lol.

After a good night's sleep we got up on Saturday to explore Downtown Savannah. Pretty much right away, we decided to take a trolley tour. Some people hate them, but I love trolley tours. I think it's a great way to get a feel of your surroundings while finding out a lot about the city. I took a lot of pictures from the trolley. I just loved the architecture.....

Leopold's is apparently a famous ice cream shop......

'The Waving Girl'......

After we finished the tour, we walked around the City Market. Then, we headed down to River Street. And by down, I mean DOWN.......

Those are steep iron steps!

M and I

The thing I loved most about River Street was the fun signs, lol......

On our way back to the car, we stopped by Paula Deen's restaurant, Lady & Sons, to see what chances we had to get in. Much to our surprise, they had a reservation for 9:15pm! We went back to the hotel to rest and freshen up. Then, it was time to pig out!!

We stuffed ourselves and headed back to bed. The next morning, it was time to go home :(

We really had a wonderful time and, even though it was a short jaunt, I loved getting to explore a city I'd never been. Also, we realized that we didn't talk about work the whole weekend! That was amazing in and of itself, lol.

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T16:39:00.000-04:00

It is rare for me to post more than once in a day, but I just had to share. Some of my coworkers decided to have fun with the day...............

Hope you have a GREAT day :)

Fall Bucket List: Pumpkins

2011-10-31T10:29:00.001-04:00

Well.... sort of....

First off, Saturday was my Mommy's birthday!! I had to work in the morning, but Mom just wanted a low-key afternoon.

We had lunch with Mom, Ninny, Jeff, Jeff's Dad, Lydia, Trev, and FOUR of Trev's Frat Brothers.

That's right. Trevor is now a Frat Boy.

Cake was involved.......

We were going to go to Disney on Sunday, but weren't feeling up to it. Instead, we watched church online and then did art and crafts.

So, I said that I wanted to carve a pumpkin this year. It didn't quite happen, but I'll count our activity....

We painted wooden pumpkins!

Lydia wanted to paint, lol.

Just to be clear, she was wearing bottoms........ and I've edited the photos to not show anything but high chest up.

*** Don't forget to join my Ornament Exchange ***

Sunday Stealing

2011-10-30T15:18:00.000-04:00

** Don't forget to join my Ornament Exchange **

Sunday Stealing

1. One of my favorite TV shows recently changed the actors who played two characters. Have you ever been bothered by a TV show or movie series changing actors who play a character you love?

Soap Operas do it all the time. Most of the time, it doesn't bother me and sometimes I like the recast as much if not more (ie, when Tamara Braun replaced Sarah Brown as Carly on GH). One recast I did NOT like was when they recasted Babe on AMC. The new girl never worked for me.... I always preferred Alexa Havins.

2. A coworker recently shared a link to a blog listing the "five things you should know before dating a journalist." As a journalist, I can honestly say the writer was spot-on. What are some things people should know before spending time with you?

1) I work a lot. I work weird hours. I bring my work home with me. The majority of my fun is somehow related to my work. Sorry.

2) My family is a little insane. I still love them and like spending time with them.

3) I've been told that I have a memory like an elephant. Or, a steel trap. I remember a lot and will use that for both informational purposes and to my advantage.

4) I really do love Disney.

5) Bars are not fun for me. I'd much rather going to a coffee shop or a restaurant.

3. What is something you often do without realizing that you're doing it?

I sort my candy (M&Ms, Skittles, etc) by color and eat them in pairs.

4. Who has the capacity to make you angrier than anyone else in your life, and what in particular does he or she do to make you so angry?

This girl that I used to work with. I really can't stand her. I really try to work on my attitude when it comes to her because it doesn't hurt anyone but me.

She's the type of girl that HAS to be the center of any male attention. She did a lot of sleeping around our building. Just really, really manipulative.

5. If a fairy waved a magic wand and gave you the house of your dreams, where would it be and what features would it have?

Two stories, wrap around porches, big kitchen, guest rooms, a dance studio, awesome bathrooms.

It would be either here or Nashville.

6. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?

Hmmmm........ I don't know.

7. I used to talk in my sleep. In fact, I could carry on a conversation with someone when I was fully asleep, and my mom used this fact when I was a teenager to find out if I did anything wrong and was hiding it from my parents. If you were talking your sleep tonight, what do you think you would say?

I'd probably say that I needed a vacation and was tired of Fall Book.

8. The fourth installment of the "Twilight" movie series ("Breaking Dawn Part I") will be released in theaters soon. Movie theaters started selling advance tickets for midnight showings months ago. Have you ever attended a midnight premiere showing of a movie?

Hahahahaha.... YEP.

I saw the last three Harry Potter movies (Half-Blooded Prince, Deathly Hallows 1, and Deathly Hallows 2) at midnight. I also saw New Moon and Eclipse at midnight. And, yes, I've already got my ticket for Breaking Dawn Part 1.

9. On Tuesday, tigers, lions and bears were let loose in Zanesville, Ohio, by their owner before he committed suicide, leading to a hunt in which 49 of the animals, including 18 endangered Bengal tigers, were killed. How would you react if you saw "Caution exotic animals. Stay in your vehicle" being displayed on a road sign?

Um, I'd stay in my vehicle and try to get out of that area as quickly as possible.

10. If a company opened a theme park aimed at adults, what would you name one of the rides?

"Economic Swing"

11. Imagine you just moved onto Sesame Street. Which puppet would you want as your new roommate?

Abby Caddaby

12. Have you ever had a weird crush on a famous person that didn't make sense to you?

I don't think so. I think all my famous crushes are pretty obvious.

13. If you get ten minutes to interview any celebrity of your choice, who would you like it to be?

George Clooney

14. You've just won the complete DVD collection of all the movies starring one actor or actress. Which actor/actress would you pick?

Um...... probably Julia Roberts or Reese Witherspoon.

15. Actor George Clooney recently told People Magazine that he doesn't use Twitter "because I will drink in the evening and I don't want anything that I could possibly write at midnight to actually end my career." What is something you've said through social media and then regretted it?

Nothing, really. Every now and then, I might be a little more dramatic than I need to be, but overall, I am pretty cautious.

16. VH1 has re-introduced its hit show "Pop-Up Video," which gives behind-the-scenes facts for popular music videos. What musician would you be most interested in learning behind-the-scenes facts about?

Any of them. I think that stuff is fascinating.

17. If you stumbled across someone's personal written journal that was accidentally left in a public place, would you read any of the content?

I'd try not to..... hopefully, there would be name and phone number so I could return it.

18. What is the title of a self-help book that you'd never want to see on a store bookshelf?

I have no idea.

19. Many media outlets have been asking this question a lot this week... Which Halloween costume do you think will be overdone this year?

Casey Anthony?

20. Should a marriage license have a renewal date or expiration date, like a driver’s license?

No. Not at all. I've actually gotten into a debate with Non-New Year's Eve Date about this. He thinks they should.

I think people shouldn't be punished for wanting to stay in their marriages.

It's That Time, Again.....

2011-10-29T18:06:00.000-04:00

..... Christmas Card time!!!!

It's so hard to believe that it's already time to be thinking about Christmas cards, again. However, sending Christmas cards are one of my favorite traditions. One of the things I like to do is to personalize my cards with a picture of me with the person, from the current calendar year. It's kind of neat and people tend to like it. I mean, I don't have a husband or kid to put on my cards, so it makes sense to showcase the people that are in my life..... the people receiving the cards.

Despite my good intentions, I don't get a picture with every single person I send a card. That's where Shutterfly comes in :)

Last year, I participated in their Blogger promotion and I'm doing it again, this year!! You cannot beat 25 free Christmas Cards.

Shutterfly really does have some of the best card designs, around. Their service is wonderful. Here are the cards I did last year (because I couldn't pick just one)..............

I'm already having a difficult time choosing this year :)

While I appreciate the free cards, I love their other products, too. Earlier this year, I made a photo book of all my radio concert experiences...... I have all these pictures and no place to display them, so the book was perfect!

Check out Shutterfly..... I promise, you won't be disappointed :)

** Speaking of Christmas.................... Join my Ornament Exchange!!!! **

No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day

2011-10-25T11:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day.

I should have known to call in sick as soon as I got dressed for work. I changed like 7 times. I never do that. However, I couldn't be pleased.

It went downhill from there.

By the end of the day, I literally was in tears. In fact, I almost went straight home from work to go to bed.

Instead, I went to the gym. Which did help.

Today? I'm determined to make it the opposite of yesterday.

I'm rocking an awesome dress and have already received half a dozen compliments.

Here's hoping your Tuesday isn't "No Good, Horrible, Very Bad"!

Sunday Stealing

2011-10-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

**** Don't forget to join my Ornament Exchange! ****

Sunday Stealing

41. What is a quote that you love?

I love a lot of quotes, but one of my favorites is....

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you imagined."

42. Do you think of pure hate as something humanity created?

I think pure hate is something Satan created.

43. When was the last time you wanted to scream?

Last week when I was in a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights. And, I did scream, in fact.

44. Do you ever at times see the world in black and white?

Um. In some ways. I think there are a lot of ways in which it is supposed to be black and white.

However, I think human nature turns things into shades of gray.

45. Have you ever thought that cell phones are too obtrusive?

I think they are obtrusive in that people spend more time on them than with the people they're actually with, in person.

46. In your life, where do you thank the rainbow will end?

I have absolutely no idea how to even answer this question.

47. What is something that you never want to do again?

I really have no intention of going camping, again. Things could change, but I doubt I will.

48.When was the first time you realized the world was small?

Growing up where I have, it's always been apparent that it's a small world, lol.

Also, I always think it's hysterical when I'm in a random city (NYC, DC, Savannah, Nashville) and I run into someone from home.

49. How you spend your time contemplating life’s mysteries?

I don't, really. The most mysterious thing to me is the way certain males in my life think.... I try not to ponder that, too much (and usually fail).

50. Ever discuss your political beliefs with people?

Rarely. I work with a bunch of people that have a ton of opinions (political, religious, etc) and LOVE to share them. I try to be one of the few that doesn't, lol.

51. Do you care about the environment?

Yes, but I'll admit that I'm not as nice to it as I should be.

52. What’s your motto for life?

Be nice.

53. Is progress destroying the beauty of the world?

Maybe?

54. Do you believe there is life somewhere else in the universe?

Possibly. However, I don't believe we'll ever come into contact with each other.

55. Would you like to rule a country?

No.

56. Do you believe everything has a purpose?

With the exception of roaches and rats, yes.

57. Is war ever for the best?

I think it's inevitable, regardless of how we feel about it.

58. Could you kill anyone in defense of self or loved ones?

I hope I won't ever have to be in that position to find out.

59. How do you react to people (Such as Governor Rick Perry) who don't believe global warming is really our fault?

I don't have a reaction.

60. Does love conquer all?

I think it can. But, it takes both parties being willing to fight for it.

61. Is euthanasia morally acceptable?

Dear heavens, the questions this time around.

62. Is world peace impossible?

Yes.

63. Is pride a good or a bad thing?

It's both.

When pride in yourself and your life challenges you to continually do better, then it's a good thing.

When pride makes you think and act that you're better.... then, it's a bad thing.

64.What do you think is the purpose of your life?

I don't know. I think there are several purposes to my life.... some yet to be filled.

65. Do you believe in karma?

Not some much karma as "you reap what you sow."

Saturday Sillies

2011-10-22T08:20:00.001-04:00

I was going through my pics (trying to figure out what post updates I still need to do) and I refound this picture of Emma and I from Disney On Ice. Love.

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About a month ago, I got to visit Meg and her darlings. Love them, too.

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I'm the type of person who loves to take one bite of the pizza. The point of it, if you will.

Yes, I'm that person.

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I work with a bunch of smart asses..........

..... and I love it.

I posted this on FB and then later in the day an even better one went up. I need to get a pic of it.

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There's nothing more pitiful than a sick 2 year old.

I spent most of last night cuddled on the couch with Lydia, who is getting over strep throat, a sinus infection, AND a double ear infection.

All she wanted to do was lay there and watch Snow White.

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Don't forget to sign up for my Ornament Swap!!!!

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

It's an Ornament Exchange!

2011-10-20T22:42:00.008-04:00

Christmas is most definitely my favorite time of year.... I just love it!

A couple years ago, the lovely Justine hosted an ornament exchange. I had the good fortune to be paired up with sweet Paige. We were awesome ornament swap partners and Bloggy friends, still.

Justine is too busy taking care of her adorable little baby to host the swap, so I asked her if I could hijack it. She kindly agreed :)

Here are the rules (Which Justine may or may not have ~~stolen~~ borrowed from Katie at Loves of Life and I may have stolen from Justine)

1. Become a Follower of my Blog! So you can get all the updates on the exchange (and my life... ;) ) and so I can take a look at your blogs!

2. You must have a US mailing address. International shipping is just too expensive..... sorry!

3. You have until November 4th to sign up. That gives us 2 weeks to get the word out and get as many participants to sign up as we can! You can grab this button to share (it's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it gets the job done).....

4. You will buy your partner a new ornament that costs between $5 and $15. They don't have to be expensive to be fun! Paige and I decided to get ornaments for each other that showcased our home states, and it turned out great! Get creative, have fun! :)

5. Put the ornament in the mail between November 18th and the 22nd. Remember, that's the week before/of Thanksgiving so mailing will be a little nuts after the 22nd. That gives you about 2 weeks to find the perfect ornament for your partner! :)

6. To participate, sign up with Linky and then leave a comment with your email address (or you can email me with your name and email address, if you don't want to put it up here for everyone to see). I will assign you a partner and send you an email with whom you were matched up.

7. I will email partners on November 7th or 8th. Then you guys can exchange information.

8. I will put up another Linky on Monday, December 5th so we can all come back and show off our ornaments! And, if you feel so compelled we can show off our Christmas decorations, too!! :)

9. Please, do not sign up unless you will participate! Please, participate!! It will cost you at most $20 and you will get a fun new ornament for the 2011 Christmas Season. Last year, I so enjoyed opening the ornaments Paige sent me the year before and putting them on my tree! :)

Like Katie and Justine, I also will chose one random participant to whom I will send an ornament. So, some lucky blogger will receive two ornaments!

Maybe Not Such A Distraction

2011-10-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

I've never been the fickle type. My middle and high school friends can attest that I liked the same boy all throughout my teens. Ten years later, after seeing said boy at my reunion, I still support that. We're clearly not meant for one another, but he was (and still is) the type of guy any mother would be ok with their daughter liking. He was just a good guy. And, there weren't any other better prospects, so I stuck with him.

Throughout college, I rarely paid attention to men. Sure, on occasion, one would catch my eye. However, it really wasn't anything to write home about. Flirtation, really.

Then, I met "The Guy."

You all know about him, right? No need to rehash.

Over the past several months, I've stayed in touch with him, but am moving on. To be perfectly frank, we're still playing the same games we've been playing...... I'm just handling them differently. If we're meant to be, then we'll have a VERY interesting story to tell to our grandkids (or, they could just read this blog). If we're not, then I'll have learned a lot.

Anyways, for the first time in my life, I have more than one "prospect." I use that term extremely loosely.

The current front runner? Fun Distraction.

Lately, we've been hanging out. A lot. And, we are flirty. And, slightly on the touchy-feely side (not at work).

And, people are starting to take notice.

To the point that he came to me this morning and said, "Hey, I've had several people ask if we're together."

Me -"Really? Who?"

FD - "M and L, for starters."

Me - "Yeah, C asked me the same thing."

Apparently, there are vibes and people are starting to pick up on them. People in the office...... and people who don't even know us.

Office romances aren't a rare thing. Especially in radio.

It's really hard to find someone who can understand the workload, the weird hours, the personalities, etc. Shoot..... It's hard to find someone NOT in radio (or somehow related to it) because all I do is work.

So, really, it should be no surprise that the front runner is someone who is also in radio.

Which brings me back to this morning's convo...........

See, we've talked about our other prospects. Again, I use that term loosely......... "other prospects" being other singles who may or may not have an interest and in whom we may or may not have an interest. We've kind of established that there's no one (on either side) that sticks out. That anyone that mentioned or seen isn't someone that can be considered "a thing."

Until today, however, we've never talked about the possibility of "us."

More like danced around the possibility.

Things like.........

"I mean, we're friends and we like hanging out together."

"It would be bad if things didn't work out and then we hated one another.We'd still have to work together."

"It is what it is."

"Sure, we're touchy-feely. A lot. But, that's just us, right?"

"I mean, I'm not opposed to something, but I'm not necessarily demanding it, either."

No actual discussion. Just broad statements like the above.

And, I've no clarity on the situation, at all. I don't have a clue what any of our conversations is supposed to mean. Is he interested and was gauging? Or, is he not interested and wanted to make sure I wasn't interested?

Bueller? Anyone?

One thing I know for sure........ I apparently am attracted to the ambiguous type.

True Love on a Canvas

2011-10-17T12:00:00.001-04:00

A while back, I received an email from Easy Canvas Prints to do a product review. I, for one, love free, so I was totally up for it. I'd seen several other bloggers do similar reviews and was jealous. When my opportunity arrived, I was thrilled, lol.

The deal was that I was able to turn one photo to canvas. The only problem was that I couldn't figure out what photo to use, lol. I'm not married.... I don't have any adorable children of my own.... I don't have pets.... and, well, I have pictures of my family already framed in my office.

Then, a few weeks ago, I was sitting in Youth Group (I'm a small group leader) and the sermon/talk was on true love. On finding and keeping great relationships.... not just romantic relationships, but all relationships.

That talk reminded me of a guy that used to be in my Sunday School class and a piece of advice he gave. He said that he had printed out 1 Corinthians 13 and kept the paper in his wallet. Anytime he felt himself being rude or mean or short-tempered, he'd get it out and read it.

Bam. I had it.

After playing around on Picnik for a while, I had the image I wanted on canvas.........

The Easy Canvas Prints website is super easy to use. They literally take you step-by-step through creating your canvas. In the interest of full disclosure, it's better to have your picture already edited exactly as you want it as their editing tools/options are limited. However, it really only took a few steps to have my canvas ordered and on the way.

About a week after ordering, there was a box at my door. Everything was packaged great and was in perfect shape. Plus, it was completely ready to hang, which I did..........

Already, I've received several comments from co-workers. They first want to know where I got it and then, why I have that verse hanging in my office (to which I reply, "To remind me to be nice to you when you're getting on my nerves."). Plus, I think it looks pretty. :)

Overall, I would definitely use Easy Canvas Prints, again. Check them out, if you're interested in turning a photo to canvas!! And, if you're looking for something similar, right now...... "Like" their FB Page and you'll get 50% off your next order, plus free shipping!!

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions about their service and product!

Hello there! Remember me?

2011-10-15T22:14:00.000-04:00

I have no idea why I've gone two weeks without Blogging, but it happened.

Part of the reason is because my. life. is. INSANE.

Yeah, yeah, when isn't it?

Anyways, I have several things to blog about and several posts to work on. Hopefully, I can get back into the swing.

Until then.... would anyone be interested in an ornament swap? I sure hope so, because I'm doing one (details coming).

Happy Fall Ya'll!!!!!

2011-10-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

So, I know that Fall started a week ago, however, in the Sunshine State it just started feeling like Fall, today.

YAY for October!!!!!!

A few weeks ago, the incredibly creative Katie put together a Fall Bucket List.

Source: katieballa.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Slight aside......

Have I ever mentioned that I'm super envious of creative people?

I am.

Katie is one of those creative people.

I am creative in the sense that I can think of an idea. I am crafty in the sense that I can execute an idea. However, I am not able to do both at the same time. I can think of an idea, but not execute it OR I can execute someone else's idea.

Hence, I'm jealous of those who can think of a great idea AND bring it to life.

End aside.

I love Fall. However, Fall is my busiest time of year. I tend to get so caught up in work that my favorite season passes me by.

The idea of a list where I get to check off different things..... where I make an effort to take advantage of the fun things you can do in Fall..... is right up my alley.

In Florida, we don't have a typical Fall. We have no colorful falling leaves. We have no apple trees. But, we have other fun things to do which I put on my own personal list......

* eat pumpkin pancakes

* girls' night out

* corn maze

* Halloween Horror Nights 21

* trip to Savannah, GA

* decorate cupcakes with Lydia

* attend a football game

* bake a pie

* walk outdoors a lot (since it's not so gross outside)

* EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

* caramel apples

* pick/carve a pumpkin

* "Black Friday" shopping

Nice Fall, huh?

Already I've achieved GNO, HHN, and the Corn Maze (and I don't have a single picture from any of them..... *sigh*). I'll most likely be doing HHN and the maze, again, before the month is over (note to self - bring camera).

Here's hoping I'll lots of fun stuff to post about throughout the next two months, while I work through my little list!

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Dear Facebook,

2011-09-21T11:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Facebook,

Or..... more specifically..... Dear Facebook Staff,

You are brilliant.

You are cutting edge.

You are clearly some of the most innovative web coders known to man.

However, I like timelines. I like order.

I like to choose what stories are important to me.

I like privacy.

I hate change, especially when it's inflicted upon me first thing in the morning with no warning.

So, if you could all just take a break from the constant "upgrading" I would greatly appreciate it. I was just getting used to the new chat features and then you throw this crap at me. A girl can only adapt so much.

Warm Regards,

All-American "I Like Ruts" Jess

Thankful

2011-09-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

This morning, I was getting ready and was trying to rush it since I had an 8:15 dentist appt. I heard from downstairs a little voice say, "Wait, Cecka! I'm coming for you!!!"

Lydie-lu wanted to do "makeup time" with me. After a quick beauty time, I ushered her downstairs so I could finish getting ready and get to the dentist.

About two hours, two fillings, and a numb mouth later, I got to work. One of our DJs, R, came to me and asked if I'd heard. His cohost and my good friend M heard some awful news about her mother. She'd been found unconscious by her grandson (M's 11 year old nephew). He revived her and medics determined that her heart was stopped for a rather long time.

M is originally from out of state. Her northeast family are rarely people she's able to see. Early in May, she went up for her cousin's wedding......... it was the first time in years that her whole family was together. Then, in mid-June, her parents, neice, and nephew came down for her own wedding. It was a small, but lovely occasion that I was blessed enough to be able to attend.

In late July, M got word that her grandmother passed away. This is the same grandmother that heard her say her vows through a cell phone. She commented that this year has been full of high highs and low lows, for her family.

Now, today she's on her way back North to see her mother who is in intensive care.

I'm devastated for M and just wish I could so something to help.

At the same time, I extremely thankful.

I'm thankful that I live so close to my family. That, even though I sometimes think I need to be on my own, I have a situation where it works for my mom and I to live together. I was able to watch my brother grow up and now he lives 15 minutes away at college. I see him at church every week and at meals throughout.

I've lost a parent before. Sure, he wasn't biologically my father, but he was a dad to me for the majority of my childhood. So, I know how precious it is to be able to spend time with them and how quickly it can be taken away.

Today reminded me that I need to work less and love my family more.

It also let me know that, while I'd be ok if life leads me to another place, I would be more than ok staying here for the rest of my life.

Happy Monday Mish-Mash

2011-09-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends! Happy Monday!

So, last week was pretty sucky. Being completely honest. It just was. It started out bad and just got worse.

When I walked into church, yesterday, I was tired, emotional, and just spent.

When I walked out, I felt renewed.

It's amazing to me how God will speak exactly what you need to hear.

Now, I just have to do the work to stay in this mindset.

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Keeping in line with the above, we sang "my" song, yesterday.

I blogged about it, a while ago.

We haven't sang that song in months. However, when I walked into church yesterday, I silently prayed that we'd sing it. I almost started crying when our Worship Leader started it at the end of the sermon.

Every. Single. Time. I'm having a major problem or am extremely down, we end up singing that song.

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I started leading a Small Group, yesterday. 9th grade girls.

Our Youth Pastor and his wife mentioned it to me a few weeks ago. I thought and prayed about it. Then, he hit me up on FB to ask again if I'd be interested. I said yes.

Honestly, I'm nervous about it. I mean, I'm not by myself..... I have two great women who are leading as well........ but, I'm still nervous.

I have a lot of faith, but I'm not the greatest disciplinarian when it comes to my walk with God.

I make good choices when it comes to major things, but I constantly have an internal struggle about my attitude and thoughts.

I'm old enough to be a mentor, but I'm still growing up.

Scary.

Overall, it went well. Last night, there were about 13 girls and most of them said less than 6 words, lol. We'll grow into it, I guess.

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On a totally different note, it thrills me to NO END that new seasons start tonight!

I love new TV :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

George Clooney and Ryan Gosling are in a movie together.

Enough said.

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I'm officially done with EH. Maybe I just suck, in general, but that was just not for me.

There looked like there could be potential, for a little while, but it was in spurts.

I am still texting with one guy. And, we're trying to get together.

We'll see.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember the time I went to Fun Distraction's house and Green Shirt Girl marked her territory?

Well, since then FD has been bringing around Brown Shirt Girl, who was also at the get-together and was also sizing me up, but was way less territorial.

I eventually asked FD what was going on between him and BSG.......... they kinda liked one another at one point, but he doesn't think she's right for him. So, they are just friends, at this point.

FD and I hang out a lot, but we're at a friends level. I'm cool with it staying that way, but I'd also be cool with seeing if it could be more. We talk pretty openly about our feelings on other people and sort of skirt around the issue of "us." A couple weeks ago, we were at a major event with a bunch of listeners....... a couple listeners ended up flat out asking us if we were dating, lol.

Anyway, Saturday night, FD and I had to work. We were at a super fun venue and usually we like to bring guests to hang out. He brought his sister, a guy friend of his who just so happens to be a part of the singles group at my church, GSG, and BSG.

Hello, awkward.

We went to dinner and both shirt girls sat on either side of him. They awkwardly split a meal. I sat next to FD's sister (who I adore) and tried to ignore the awkward.

GSG clearly wants the dude and clearly realizes she's got competition.

Only, myself and BSG don't want to compete, lol.

BSG and I chatted for a little while. She's a nice girl who seems very similar to me, in a lot of ways. I honestly think we look at one another and think, "Which one of us does he like?" (My guess? Both and neither, at the same time, lol.)

I was in work mode, so I wasn't "hanging out" like they were. However, my friend/coworker M was getting a huge kick out of the dynamics, lol.

Funniest moment of the night?........... At the very end, FD and his posse were getting a group picture. I came up behind them in time to see Green Shirt Girl grab his butt when she thought no one was looking.

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I got an angry text a few nights ago, regarding my last blog post.

The person thought I was directing the whole post at them. Which I wasn't. It was my thoughts on an overwhelming trend I'm seeing in several of my relationships. It wasn't meant to point the finger at any one person and make them feel bad. In fact, I doubt that the majority of the people the post was related to will ever read it, lol.

We worked it out (I think) and I'm thankful for that.

That said, to everyone who is reading this, whether you are apart of my everyday world or I've only met you through blogging or if I've never actually had any communication with you (hi lurkers!).........

These are my feelings. My thoughts. My view on the world.

It's not necessarily fair. Or correct. Or nice.

I don't post about every little thing in my life. I don't go into detail about everything I do post about. Sometimes I allude to things/people, without going into specifics. That's mainly to protect myself and the people in my life. I'm surrounded by really great people and even when I'm upset with how things are going, I don't want to hurt them through my blog.

However, and I *think* most of you will understand this, sometimes you just need to get things out. Sometimes, you need to process. Sometimes, you need to say how you're feeling.

I was in therapy for most of my childhood (long story..... short version, bad divorce and a father who needed help relating to his daughter). My therapist said over and over and over again, "It is not your responsibility to determine how someone will take something. How someone reacts to your feelings is not your problem. They are YOUR feelings and they need to be expressed. Not in a mean or disrespectful way, but in a way that allows you to be real."

That may be the problem. Maybe I'm more real on my blog than I am in life. I try to be genuine, but admittedly, I hold back. Most of the time, I think it's easier to just let things pass. So, when I do bring up something that's bothering me, people aren't used to me being so direct.

Something to think about, at least.

Evaluation

2011-09-14T10:51:00.000-04:00

A while back, I posted about being forgotten. I'd been hurt and was having a hard time dealing with it.

Since then, things with the parties that were involved have been fine. Absolutely fine.

However, I do think that situation changed me, a little.

Like I said in that original post......... I'm typically the caller, texter, emailer, FBer. With about 95% of my relationships, I'm the one that does the planning and making sure it actually happens. On more than one occasion, various friends have said, "Jess, you're so good. If it weren't for you, we probably would never see or talk to each other."

And, they mean it as a compliment. And, I usually take it as such.

Recently though, I've been having a difficult time accepting all of this. It's like I'm tired of being taken for granted. And, trust me....... I know I'm not blameless. I am sure that I take certain people for granted and I've really tried to step it up.... to let them know I care and appreciate.

Let me pause here............ if you are a Blogger, I'm not intending this for you. And, if you're Meg, I'm not intending this for you, either.

Unpause.

Over the past couple months, I've been at war with myself. There are certain people in my life that I've realized will never put forth the effort that I will. They are great people. In fact, they are some of the people that I love more than anyone on the face of the planet. They have been there for me when I asked them to be there.

Recently, though, I've found myself reaching out and either being ignored or brushed off. At first, I did what I usually do......... kept reaching out, just so they knew I was there and I cared.

Then, I eventually found myself stopping. I got brushed off one time too many and subconsciously just stopped reaching out. Not because I was mad, but because I felt like I was being a bother and didn't want to pester them.

Then, my birthday came around. I got FB wall posts from these certain people, wishing me a happy birthday. Which was very nice. However, I'm a firm believer that the most important people in my life are "FB Wall AND........" worthy.

But, this year? A FB wall post.

No call. No text. No e-card.

A FB wall post.

That was it.

And, that's when I got a little angry.

Because, it hit me that a month had gone by and we hadn't talked. Meaning, a month had gone by and they didn't realize that they missed me. Meaning, how many months before that would they have not called had I not been the one to reach out to them?

I'm probably going to sound a bit narcissistic when I say this, but.........

I deserve more than a freaking FB wall post from the people I love the most.

And, if a FB wall post is all they think to do? Then, maybe it's time to evaluate who I love the most.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been pretty internal. I really haven't been speaking to anyone outside of the people I see everyday. I've been processing everything. Because, the fact is, I *do* love these people. I really, truly do. And, if they needed me at 3am? I would be there for them, in a nanosecond. I always will.

But, it's time to stop being taken for granted.

It's time to stop taking for granted the people who don't take me for granted. Those are the people that I should be calling, texting, emailing, and spending my energy on.

Last night, I decided to take a walk. It was really nice outside.

As I was walking, I started thinking about several people that I haven't heard from, lately. And, how I missed them.

So, I started calling. I started doing the "Just calling to say Hi and that I hope you're well" thing.

I did feel better. It had been a while since I've done that. And, that's me. I like just reaching out. 99% of the time, I don't expect a call/text back. I don't get hurt or upset when they don't respond.

Eventually, though, you do have to start recognizing where people are in your life and which burner they need to be in your life.

"Where were you?"

2011-09-11T17:21:00.000-04:00

"Where were you when......."

That question gets asked a lot. Especially when tragedy strikes.

Growing up, I remember that question being answered about a lot of events......

....... when JFK was shot..........

...... when The Challenger exploded........

..... the first attack on the WTC......

...... the Oklahoma City building........

...... Columbine........

Sadly, there are a lot more events that are remembered.

However, 9/11/01 marked that first time that I could answer the "Where were you?" question. It was the first time that I watched everything happen, in real time. Before that, I was either not born, too young to remember, or was sheltered from what was happening.

This time, I saw everything.

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was an innocent college freshman at the University of Tampa.

I commuted to school that morning. My first class was "Gateway".... our version of Freshman Seminar. We got out early that morning and I wandered over to the mailroom to check my box. I could hear the ladies in the mailroom talking about a plane hitting the World Trade Center and I called my mom. See, we'd eaten Thanksgiving dinner at Windows On The World (the restaurant on top of the WTC) that year before, while we were in NYC for the very first time. While on the phone with her, I walked across the street to the Commuter Lounge.

As I walked into the lounge, I saw four TVs turned on to different channels. Shortly after walking in, we watched as the second plane hit. For hours, we all just sat there and watched the events unfold.

I will never forget the feeling I had as we saw the first tower fall. Then, one guy in the room said, "That second tower is swaying. I don't think it's going to last much longer." A few minutes later, we watched in shock as the second tower fell.

It was surreal.

In seconds, years of work, building, history were gone. And, we watched it happen.

I remember saying to someone sitting next to me, "You know how they always ask 'Where were you when....?'........ Forever, I'll remember where I was when this happened."

One boy was devastated. He was from Manhattan and he couldn't get a hold of anyone, at home. One of the staff ended up taking him to the administrative offices...... shortly, there was a "command center" where administration and counselors were trying to council the many students that were from that area.

I remember calling my mom. She was frantically trying to get a hold of my aunt and uncle...... they lived in Colorado and he worked for the government. She also was finally able to get in touch with her best friend Ken, who worked across the street from the Pentagon.

She wanted me to come home. MacDill is not far from UT and she just wanted me as far away from there as I could get. Ironically, all I could say was that classes hadn't been cancelled, yet.

At 12:30....... after hours of watching everything....... my classmates sat in our Spanish classroom. Just stunned. Our professor came into class all cheery...... she was holed up in her office that morning, grading papers, and had NO CLUE what happened. We proceeded with class until someone came in stating that classes were cancelled until at least Thursday.

I finally went home. The drive home was so eery. Almost no one was on the road and there was no music on the radio. Just news.

I remember that the next day, I spent watching the coverage. When I went to dance, the other teachers and I were still shell-shocked. However, once the students arrived, we went to business as usual. It wasn't until I got back in my car that I was shocked back to reality. For 4 blissful hours, we'd forgotten.

By Friday, I'd gotten all the news I could take. I started watching movies because there still wasn't anything besides news coverage. I remember that it was almost two weeks before soaps started up, again.

I remember going to New York City on September 12, 2003. I was really, really nervous to be flying, that day. It wasn't the first time I'd flown since 9/11, but still, it was nerve-wracking. It would be another couple of years before I could make myself go down to Ground Zero.

Really, our lives have never been the same.

Travelling will never be as carefree as it was......... it's weird to think that non-passengers could go to the gate with us, right?

I wonder if we'll ever again live in a world where our country isn't at war.

Still, we have a good life. And, we live in a great country.

Things have changed so much in ten years. But, we'll never forget that day.

Train/Maroon 5 (8/31/11)

2011-09-09T10:17:00.001-04:00

Back in May, I learned that Maroon 5 AND Train were coming to town. Together. Um, excitement.

As soon as they went on-sale, I bought. I most likely could have scored a free pair, but free = no choice in seating. So, I paid up! Thankfully, my friend Billie Jo is always up for a concert and wanted to come, too.

May I first say that non-Country concerts vs Country concerts are an interesting study? Very interesting. I've been going to Country concerts for about six years. There is a different feel to them that is really hard to explain. So, when you suddenly switch back to something else..... it makes for fun people watching.

Like the older couple (probably mid-50s) that were bumping and grinding the entire show. I mean, R-rated, for real.

Or, the set of 5 people (3 women and 2 men) that clearly had some interesting dynamics and took most of the show to figure out.

Or, the set of college girls that was led by a full-fledged hippy girl (down to the super long hair, across-the-forehead headband, and midriff baring peasant top) who knew every single word to every single song that both bands sang.

Then, there was the actual concert................

Matt Nathanson opened up. The only two songs I know of his are "Come On Get Higher" and "Faster", but I really enjoyed him. I like his style and he's hysterical.

Matt Nathanson

The two bands are co-headliners. Usually, that means that they alternate taking the stage. This time, Maroon 5 came out first. I've loved them since high school and they didn't disappoint!

Maroon 5

Adam Levine..... lead singer of Maroon 5 and an amazing talent.

After about 75 minutes of singing all their hits, it was time for a break.

Billie Jo and I........

Next up was Train!

They did a great job of mixing up their older/90s hits and their currents.

They brought on a bunch of women for "She's On Fire" to be Trainettes......

This lady was CRAZY, lol....

The little girl was adorable........

My favorite parts?................

"Hey, Soul Sister" - As much fun as it is to sing in your car, along with the radio, it's 100x more fun to sing at a concert. Dancing around and singing at the top of your lungs.... so. much. fun.

"Marry Me" - I love, love, love, love, LOVE this song. It melts me.

If you've never heard it, let me give my absolute most favorite lines.............

"Forever could never be long enough for me to feel like I've had long enough with you....."

and

"Together could never be close enough for me to feel like I've been close enough to you. You'll wear white and I'll wear out the words 'I love you' and 'You're beautiful'."

Melts. Me.

Anyway, while he was singing that song, he ran around the amphitheatre. Billie Jo even got a high-five as he ran past us.

I walked out of there on Cloud 9. It truly was such a great concert.

Rascal Flatts (8/19/11)

2011-09-08T06:59:00.001-04:00

My vacation was 8/15 - 8/19......... the icing on the vacation cake was a fun concert!

J, G, and I made plans to join Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, and Justin Moore at the Amp. I was super excited because I was getting the opportunity to meet RF and Sara, for the first time.

Luckily, despite being mid-August, the afternoon/evening was gorgeous!

Justin Moore

Sara Evans and I

Rascal Flatts and I

Kings of Awkward Faces........

J and I........... He's one of our reps and a super nice guy!

G, J, and I

G and I

J and I

Sara Evans

I need to work out with this woman for a week..........

Thanks to our rep, L, we were able to watch Sara's performance from the sound board! It was actually a really neat experience :)

The sound board....

Just another day at work for this chick....

Rascal Flatts

G actually held out a lighter during "Bless the Broken Road", lol.

Sara came out to sing "Easy" with them.

After a while we were ready to go, but not before meeting up with D.....

G, me, and D

J jumped in for a pic!

D and I

Kellie Pickler (8/8/11)

2011-09-07T07:12:00.001-04:00

Last month, we were visited by Kellie Pickler. This was three years in the making.

Honestly, it was one of our busiest concerts ever, so I got a total of about 6 pictures............

Ms. Pickler doing her thang......

She was really nice. And, she had a conversation with EVERY person she met. Her M&G last almost two hours because she engaged every person in line. (Great for her fans............ not so great for the people manning the line)

C and I....... he's always been my favorite rep. Sadly, he's moved onto a different region :(

Kellie Pickler and I

Just roll with it.........

2011-09-06T06:36:00.001-04:00

We'll call this week "Concert Week" over at All-American Jess...................

Earlier in the summer, we had the pleasure of having Easton Corbin out for a private concert. If you don't know who he is, just imagine a very young George Strait.

Easton Corbin and I

G and I

My friends Billie Jo, Ambra, and Jenny with Easton

Sonya, Easton, and Amy (a girl I went to HS with and now go to church with)

Laziness Day

2011-09-05T11:33:00.000-04:00

So, this morning, my gym had a Zumba-thon from 9a - 11a. I set my alarm to go.

Then, I turned my alarm off and slept in.

Instead of waking up and getting an awesome 2 hour workout in, I woke up and have been surfing blogs.

Because, I rock like that.

The following pics were taken in the last week and a halfish..........

Some of the ladies at work took me out to lunch for my birthday. Then, I got a pretty birthday cheesecake.......

Last Friday, we went up to Disney World after work. Lydie-lu wanted to "see the Princesses"...... only, once it was her turn to see them, she held onto me for dear life. She's not afraid of costumed characters with masks, yet gets nervous when it's a real person.

In line for the Winnie the Pooh ride............

Last week, we had a photo shoot with our DJs (sounds a lot cooler than it actually is). I decided to snap a pic while no one was looking.

Saturday Sillies.............

2011-09-03T15:54:00.000-04:00

1) I really need to get back into the blogging groove. One, I like communicating with you all. Two, I'd like to be able to look back at my life, ten years from now..... this really is like a journal/scrapbook for me.

2) Fall is here. By Fall, I mean the time of year where my workload becomes INSANE. When things are slow in the summer, I always feel guilty for basically laying back and twiddling my thumbs. My boss tells me, "Don't you DARE feel bad. You're a machine from Sept until May..... Take a couple months to rest." So, when I got back from vacation and things were immediately crazed? I suddenly remembered why I shouldn't feel guilty. Yesterday, for instance, I had so much going on that I couldn't finish everything before my 4pm remote. After the 4p-6p remote, I attended the show (Disney On Ice) that we were promoting. Once the show was over at 9p, I went back to the station and worked. Until 12am. Welcome to Fall.

3) Fall is almost here. And, by Fall, I mean the glorious time of year where the heat starts to subside. Stores are starting to put pumpkins in their windows....... scents are leaning towards cinnamon..... clothing is heading towards orange, maroon, and brown. YAY!!! Fall is almost here!!

4) As of this morning, I'm officially a pound down from what I was before vacation!!! Yay, me!!! WIN.

5) I only worked out twice this week. FAIL.

6) It's amazing that I've lost weight. This whole week, I've been craving chocolate like WHOA. Unless I'm PMSing (which I'm currently not), I typically am not a chocolate person. I mean, I love a good brownie as much as the next person. However, I tend to prefer caramel, vanilla, sugar/snickerdoodle cookies, etc. Not this week. The more chocolate, the better.

7) E-Harmony. My 3-month subscription is up at the end of the month and I'm not going to renew. Really, I just can't get into it. I've tried. I've really, really tried.

8) I want Jordan and Rachel to make the final two of Big Brother. I NEVER thought I'd root for Rachel, but I am.

She Strikes Again.........

2011-08-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

So, does anyone remember last year when my slightly crazy coworker "A" randomly told me that she had a feeling that The Guy was coming back and I should be ready for it? (Read #3)

Well, don't get too excited. He's not back.

However, she's back at it.

So, yesterday at a meeting, she brought him up. She was complimenting him on something he did forever ago and saying she wished he was still here. Our manager was all surprised and impressed.

I, of course, texted him to tell him about the props. He was pleased. That was all of that conversation.

Today, I said, "Hey, A. I told TG about your little props in the meeting yesterday. He thought it was really nice and said to say thanks."

She was like, "Awwwww. That's so nice. I'm glad you told him. I was serious...... I do wish he'd come back. When do you think he will?"

Me - "Haha.... probably never."

A - "Really? He likes it up there?"

Me - "Oh, no. He hates it up there. He's just biding his time until he can find a place he DOES like."

A - "No. He's growing up. He's trying to figure out what is important in life. And, then, honey, he's coming after you."

Me - "Haha..... I don't think so."

A - "You don't? Because, I do. I just wonder how long it's going to take for him to come and sweep you off your feet."

Ok.......... keep in mind......... I. don't. talk. to. her. about. this. subject.

Other than the conversation we had a year ago, I don't even speak his name to her.

Sure, every now and again, we'll have a "Men Are Stupid" chat (usually about other men), but I don't talk to her about him. At all.

So, this time, I did what I didn't do last year............

Me - "What? Is it like tattooed across my forehead or something?"

A - "Eh, kind of."

Me - "Really? Am I that obvious?"

A - "Not you. Both of you. Not obvious. I can just tell. I've studied you, honeychild ----- yes, she says that word ----- and I can just tell. It's more your faked disinterest that tells the tale."

Me - "How long have you known?"

A - "Since the first time I saw the two of you together. I don't know how anyone could look at the two of you and not know that you two felt something for one another." ---- Yes, she said that.

Me - "Are you kidding me right now?"

A - "No. I'm telling you. He cares about you in a way that he's never felt before. And, it scares him. So, he's running. He'll wake up."

Me - "A, you're not really helping me right now. I'm trying to move on."

A - "You're not going to move on. You can try, but you're not going to move on."

Me - "No, but seriously. I need to move on."

A - "Says who?"

Me - "General society."

A - "They're wrong."

Me - "Look, he can feel all the things in the world, but if he never goes for it, I'm going to waste my life waiting on a man who refuses to love me back."

A - "He already loves you back. You've never told me how you felt and I knew it. I'm telling you that I know the same is true for him. If you two are supposed to be together, why would you waste your life with a replacement?"

Me - "A, you are REALLY not helping my cause, right now."

A - "Because I'm telling you all the things that you're too afraid to hear. All the things that you've quieted inside your head for so long. Trust me. It will happen. I feel it in my gut. And, while you walk down the aisle to marry that man, you'll look at me and know that I was right."

There was more to the conversation. A lot more. Mainly her telling me how scared I am. How scared he is. How we're both being stupid. How he's putting up walls. How I'm putting up walls.

The above were the main points. The points that were slightly seared into my brain. That kind of left me feeling like I was in the twilight zone.

Honestly, I'm still shaking my head over it.

I wish I had it on tape, so I could play the whole thing for ya'll.

Proving her correct, I don't really buy all of that. But, like it did a year ago, it made me feel like I wasn't delusional the whole time, lol. She was pretty adamant that HE was just as much a culprit in the "those two have something" vibes as I was.

Seriously. It kind of freaked me out. How WEIRD is that?

Sunday Stealing

2011-08-28T18:58:00.000-04:00

Sunday Stealing

1. What's for breakfast?

Usually, 1 of 2 things.....

- A Whole Grain Light English Muffin with Peanut Butter and a Banana

- An Apple and String Cheese

2. Do you read a newspaper daily?

Nope

3. What do you do when you can't sleep?

I read or I'll go sleep on the couch.

4. Say a word that sums up your mood.

Lazy

5. Do you remember your dreams?

Sometimes

6. Name something from your dream last night.

Couldn't tell you!

7. Name a food that describes you.

Watermelon. I don't know why that describes me, but I feel it does, lol.

8. Today you are wearing:

Jeans and a purple tshirt with a butterfly on it.

9. What's in your pockets?

Nothing

10. Did you sing in the shower today?

No. Usually I'm still half asleep, so I don't say anything.

11. What's the last song you heard?

"Good Life" by OneRepublic

12. Looking forward to the holidays?

YES!!!!!! It's my favorite time of year! In fact, Aug - Dec is just plain my most favorite part of the year.

13. Where do you want to be this instant?

I'm good where I'm at..... on the couch.

14. What's for lunch?

I had Chipotle..... yum.

15. What's something you would like to do soon?

I want to go to Savannah, GA. That's on my list of travel spots for the year.

16. Reading anything now? What is it?

I'm reading "Second Glance" by Jodi Picoult. It has taken me forever to get into it.

17. What's for dinner?

Turkey and green beans.

18. A favorite part of the day is:

In mid-afternoon....... when you're done with work and you have several hours until bedtime.

19. Are you happy?

I'm fairly happy. I'm working on being content while still hoping for the best for the future.

20. Guess how many people will do Sunday Stealing this weekend?

Hmmmm..... there were 30 when I started doing this......... let's say 45.

Happy Birthday To ME!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-25T08:25:00.001-04:00

That's right, folks! I am officially TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS OLD.

AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Do you realize that is only two years from 30?

Insanity.

I'll be perfectly honest.... this is a scheduled post. I'm currently at work, basking in my birthday glow and eating whatever I want (calories do not count on your birthday...... it's the law). I'll post about my birthday later.

However, I have some goals to declare.

From August 25, 2011 to August 25, 2012, I would like:

1) To work on improving my relationship with the Lord. - The past year and a half has shown the most growth in my relationship with God than in my whole life. Like last year, I want to keep it up. There are so many ways that I need to improve with Him.

2) To lose weight...... again. - Yeah...... seeing as this has been my goal for the past three birthdays, I might as well keep it going. Despite my calorie/point blindness today, I've actually done really well on Weight Watchers and intend to keep it up. I'm about 30 lbs from my goal weight, so I just need to keep on trucking.

3) To travel to at least five different places. - This is a new one for me. In college, I traveled a LOT. I went on some of the best trips. Since then, I've tapered off. Already, I know I'll be going to Memphis, again, in January. I also have two tentative weekend trips planned. That's three, right there. I just read Kelly's Korner, today, and she was talking about singleness. She was encouraging those of us that are in the "single season" to embrace it. One of the things she said was to travel. So, I'll take her advice!! While I'm 28, I want to travel to at least five different places........ either out of the state or to a place in the state that I've never been.

4) To write and mail at least one card a month (or more than 12 in the whole year) - I was having a discussion with a semi-coworker a few weeks ago and we were both saying how much hand-written cards mean to us. Not only hand-written, but ones you receive in the mail. I know this seems silly for a goal, but I truly believe that there is something about being able to write/mail a card that makes you a better person. I'm actually pretty good about writing cards to people, but I can think of at least two people who deserve a nice "Thank You" note, right now. It could be emailed, but I do think mailing is in order.

5) To actively experience at least six new things that are completely unrelated to work. - It might be volunteering..... maybe taking a class..... possibly picking up a new hobby. I honestly don't know what, but at least six times in the next twelve months, I want to do something new that isn't related to my job. That is the double-edged sword.... I get to do a lot of new and fun things. However, it's always in the wrappings of my job, so "CAREER" is in the forefront of my mind. Let's expand, shall we?

I hope you all will follow along for this next chapter of my journey!

Taking Inventory......

2011-08-24T08:24:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is my birthday!

My birthday goals have become a bit of a tradition on this ole blog o' mine (found here, here, and here). I make them and then usually don't look at them but maybe once throughout year, until the week of my birthday. Then, I'm surprised at what I've accomplished and what I haven't, lol (found here and here).

1) To lose weight...... and be at my goal weight. - Forget the small goal nonsense. I tried that and apparently my small, manageable goal was so small and manageable that I didn't take it seriously enough. I have a lot of work to do, folks. This is the year to do it.

- Eh, not so much. I don't know why I thought I'd be so quick about it. I mean, I've lost just over 100 lbs from my heaviest weight. And, it took me about 6 years. So, I know it takes a while.

The good news is that I'm actually at the goal weight I made when I turned 26. So, I did reach a goal..... just a year later than I intended.

Whatever. I did lose it.

2) To work on improving my relationship with the Lord. - I have really come closer to God, in the past eight months. I need to keep working on learning what the Lord has to teach me and follow His plan for me.

- I think I've continued to make progress. In 2010, I went to church more than I'd ever gone in my life. Going to church every Sunday became something I WANTED to do..... not just something that I knew I should do. It's still a part of my every week routine that I look forward to doing. I *have* missed more church this year than last year, but it's more a priority than ever before.

I have other ways that I have improved and still need to improve. It's actually something I've thought about writing about, recently.

3) To start investing privately. - Again, I enrolled in my company's 401K plan. I want to do some of my own investing.

- Almost a check! I made contact with a financial planner that I really like and trust. We're in the process of setting me up, in a lot different areas. I'm really excited and feel like I'm a great path for my financial future!

4) To get some of my relationships on even ground. - The past year has been a trial. I am coming into my own a bit, at work, and some of my "friends" are having a time with it. It's a bit of a thin line to figure out where I need to set up boundaries. I don't want to lose friendships, but I don't want to be taken advantage of, either. I'm hoping to get some clarity and peace about the situations.

- Hallelujah, yes! Things have changed in the past year. And, it got worse before it got better. However, the place I'm in now is much healthier and better than I was this time last year. MUCH better.

5) To have a better year. - 26 kind of sucked. I've cried a lot in the past 12 months. I'm hoping and praying that 27 is a little happier.

- Again, YES!! 27 was way better than 26. The past year has been good.

I've said it several times in the past couple months......... 25 was AWESOME. It really was so great. 26 SUCKED the big one. 27 has been in the middle and I'm ok with that.

Overall, I'm proud of looking back at where I was last year and seeing that I've made major progress for 27. Honestly, I didn't set myself too hard. I was coming off of a rough year and was still dealing with a lot. So, my main goal was to get myself physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy. Mission is certainly being accomplished!!

Thanks to all of you for joining me! Thanks for encouraging me and keeping up with me!

Born in the 80s......

2011-08-23T06:21:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned more than once that my 10 year reunion was coming up. In fact, I've minorly been freaking out about it for a year.

After all, some of these people I haven't seen in 10 years, despite going to school with them for up to 13 years. And, I was the fat girl. I mean, I was more than just that, but I *was* the fat girl.

I was one of the smart ones (there were a lot of us).

I was one of the cheerleaders.

I was the one that was in love with one of my best friends and held a torch all throughout high school (sound familiar?).

I was one of the ones that was completely involved in everything at school.

And, while I've changed so much since then, there's still that part of me that is that high school girl.

Being all of the above, I got myself on the planning committee. As we were planning and trying to make collages of years past, I found the following pictures.............

The senior basketball players and cheerleaders. Recognize the ladies? Yep, they're Shannon, Ash, and Meg who I mention quite frequently on here. The boy on the far left..... oh, yeah, that was the one, lol.

Meg and I with our Cheerleading Coach, Miss Day.

Meg, Ash, and I on Graduation Night

I also got some pictures from our senior trip to Honduras........

A group of us girls in one of the villages we worked in.

Meg and a little girl who followed her around most of the week :)

Us playing a game with the village children.

Having a night out in a Honduran Pizza Hut, lol. We were NOT in favor of trying the local cuisine.

Meg and Ash with our translator.

Me, Mich, Shannon, Ash, and Meg in front of our hotel room.

The date of the reunion finally arrived - August 6, 2011!!

In the morning, a small group of us met at the school for a tour. Our little private Christian school has changed A LOT in ten years. Remember, Trevor just graduated from there, so I'd been back. However, most of our group hadn't, so it was really neat to walk through and remember all the years we spent there.

Walking up to the school, I think everyone was nervous, lol. Luckily, it only took a few minutes for everyone to get comfortable and start catching up.

Oh, and that boy I was so crazy about? He gave me a great big hug as soon as I walked up. He and the girl he started dating our junior year (who was a year behind us and a fellow cheerleader) got married and live in DC. They are a super sweet couple and were fun to hang out with.

I wish I'd taken more pictures. There's a picture of all of us, but it's on someone else's camera. She has yet to post them, so we're working on the limited pictures I took :(

Shannon, Me, and Ash in front of one of the new buildings. Sadly, Meg and Mich couldn't make it.

After the tour, we said our good-byes and see ya laters (some weren't going to the evening event). The three of us and Ash's husband decided to go to lunch. We may or may not have had a small celebration over all three of us being complimented on our appearance. *InsertTotallyVainSentence* All three of us look better than we did 10 years ago and it was worth a bit of jubilation. Then, we decided to go shopping for accessories.

See, we decided on an 80's Prom theme. We were born in the 80s (obviously) and never had prom (our conservative school doesn't allow dancing......... just banquets). It took a bit to get hyped for it, but by that day, we were giddy about our potential tackiness!!!

Ash offered to 80sfy me, so I went over to her house.................

Curler head........

Shirley Temple

Ssssseeeeexxxxyyyy............

To be perfectly honest, a lot of our classmates were lame and didn't come. Just because. Like, one was actually downtown, at a bar, a block from the hotel we were having the event. Lame.

Those of us that did come were intent on having a great time. We even had a mock photo booth set up. Again, most of the pictures are on someone else's camera :(

I did manage to steal this one off of a FB.......

Amy and Jen did a great job with all the decorations (and their outfits)....

Our AWESOME 80's Cake.....

Ash, Shannon, and I

Ash and Michael

Molly, Ash, Kristen, and Emily

Jen and I

Corrie and I........ We were lifers!

Jen, Amy, and I

Dubs............ who has an outline of our county tatooed on his arm. PS - He was always a nice and funny guy in school. However, he had me crying I was laughing so hard that night.

Me, Shannon, and Dubs

Me, Lindsey, Ash, Shannon, and Dubs

Molly and I.... It was SO great to reconnect with her. We were a part of a close group of friends in junior high.

Amy and I....... We're in the same Sunday School class now.

All of us non-lamos that came. All said, it was a nice turn out. There were only 56 of us in the entire class, lol.

At the end of the night, a group of us went to Denny's (at like 1am) to continue the fun. Our feet were KILLING and our stomachs were hungry, so it was awesome to just sit and laugh.

Really, I had so much fun. There is something to be said about the people who saw you through all your awkwardness. And, it's fun to see how we're all turning out.

We'll see how the next ten years go, lol...........

Vacation in Cell Phone Pictures

2011-08-22T08:30:00.004-04:00

As you're reading this, I'm currently enduring the "First Day Back to Work" syndrome.

You know. Where you weed through 1000 emails and voicemails. Catch up on everything you've missed. Have everyone pulling at you to get done what you weren't getting done for the whole week you were gone.

Clearly, I love that first day back.

Really, though, it shouldn't be horrible. It's the boss' birthday celebration, so we'll have a little more relaxation.

Anyway....... I do have lots of things to post about. Here's a quick sneak peek via the few pictures I took on my phone throughout the week...........

Have Babydoll - Will Travel

We brought Lydia with us and she randomly decided to put her dolls in the suitcases. She was very serious about it, too.

Spaghetti Face

"I DID IT!!!"

We were at PF Chang's and I was using chopsticks. My mother and stepsister weren't so successful. Lydia wanted to try and we told her, "No. You won't be able to work these."

Darnit if the girl didn't pick up her food on the first try. She squealed with delight and then used them for most of her meal, lol.

Big Horsie

Backstage with Rascal Flatts

G thoroughly enjoying his favorite RF song, lol.

Meanie!!!

This is a picture I took and texted to my friend, in response to her text of a Butterfinger Milkshake that she was enjoying.

Look Out, Disney Animators!

As many times as I've been to Disney, I'd NEVER headed to the Animation Studios in Hollywood Studios. Never. I'd always disregarded it.

Well, we decided to check it out. Turns out that they have drawing classes. It's totally free. In 25 minutes, they'll lead you step-by-step in drawing a character. Ours was Minnie Mouse. Above is my effort.

Honestly, I had SO much fun doing it. That will definitely be one of my stops at all my HS visits!!

Sunday Stealing

2011-08-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

So, after a glorious week off, tomorrow I go back to work. Blah.

While I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, I'll also try to get back into the swing of blogging. This week should be busy...... the topper being my 28th Birthday (I love birthdays!).

Sunday Stealing

1. If you could live in any other time period, which would you pick?

Probably the 20s. I just like that time period.

2. What is your favorite topic to write on your blog other than a meme?

I like to recap events. I know they're probably boring reads, but it will help me remember for years to come.

3. What are some traits that you admire in a lover?

Funny, kind, charismatic, Christian, good with kids..... to name a few.

4. Could you adjust to life in another country?

Oh boy. I should probably try to adjust living in another STATE first.

5. If you could study anything, what would it be?

Hmmmmm...... I'd like to know more about the history of the entertainment industry.

I have a book about the history of the mafia that I intend to read.

6. What is your favorite possession that cost less than $15?

Pictures

7. Which color do you wear most often?

Red and Blue

8. What has been your “theme song”, or favorite song this summer?

Let's see...........

"Marry Me" by Train

"Save Me, San Fransisco" by Train

"Long Hot Summer" by Keith Urban

"Good Life" by OneRepublic

9. What's the most romantic thing that's ever been said to you?

Actually it was said to my mom, in front of me.......

"I just want you to know that your daughter is the most amazing girl in the world."

10. What would be your dream birthday cake?

Seeing as my birthday is on Thursday, I've been thinking about what sounds good. Usually, I like Red Velvet, but Trev and Megan both had Red Velvet for their graduation cakes. So, I want something different.....

Chocolate with Cream Cheese

Chocolate with Peanut Butter (a local bakery we have makes the yummiest)

Marble Cake with Chocolate Icing

11. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done?

Touring St Jude always strikes me as an amazing experience.

Standing backstage at a Taylor Swift concert and seeing the crowd from (basically) her view.... totally cool.

Being at the Amp when (basically) no one was there and all the seats were empty..... totally cool.

Eating Thanksgiving Dinner on top of the World Trade Center (Windows on the World)........ it was cool then, but it takes on a whole new meaning now.

Wednesday Wisdom

2011-08-17T14:46:00.000-04:00

Well, not really wisdom. But, just tidbits.

I'm on vacation this week. YAY!!!!!!

My family and I have spent the past four days hanging out in a timeshare at a nice resort. We've swam, we've done Disney, we've done a water park...... basically, we've had a blast.

And, no work.

Which is the best part.

Here's a few things I've learned.............

I rock at not getting sunburned. One day at Disney.... One day at Aquatica. NO sunburn. I even have a hint of a tan. I may have gone through a bottle and a half of spray sunscreen, but whatever.

TMI Alert ------ I will ALWAYS start my period when I'm on a trip. Always. Every. single. time. I've gone out of town in the past two years. Without fail.

Apparently autocorrect doesn't like the way we Southerners spell "ya'll"......... They want to say "y'all". Hate to break it to you, autocorrect, but I win. Ok, so that's not really important, but I found it interesting.

Weight Watchers. I've sort of thrown it out the window this week. And, while I've brought my workout clothes, I've yet to make it to the gym. And, I'm trying really hard not to feel guilty about it. Here's the thing.......... I've been working really hard at this weightloss thing. Especially over the last year. But, it's almost become an obsession. To the point that if I eat a good meal or if I go more than a day without working out, I start to stress. Like, big time. I actually ask my family if I look like I'm gaining weight. Constantly. So, I made the decision to try to go on vacation like a normal person. My breakfast and lunch each day have been reasonable........ more points than I'd normally eat, but still reasonable. For dinner, we've been going out. And, I have been indulging. But, I've either split meals or only eaten half. Still, more than I normally eat, but not insane. I know I've probably gained a few pounds, but I'm going to go back from vacation like a normal person. Meaning, I'll go back to my normal eating and exercise when we get back home.

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great week!!!

Sensory Overload

2011-08-09T12:56:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had situations where the noise of the world is competing so fiercely with the thoughts in your head, that you feel like you're going insane?

No? Just me?

Recently, I've had instances where I need absolute silence or I feel like I'm going to crawl out of my skin.

Let me start off with the fact that I work in a radio station, so I'm surrounded constantly by music (duh, Jessica). Most of the time, I love it. However, sometimes, the different genres do not meld well and it creates NOISE.

About a week ago, I got in my car and was just so in need of silence. I turned off the radio and just drove in silence.

Then, last night we had a concert. It was non-stop NOISE for about five hours. I couldn't get away from it.

Enter this morning.... I'm tired, I'm kind of cranky, and I'm slow.

Then, in a single instance, I got bombarded with about five different sounds at one time. So, I posted this on FB...........

Jessica feels like she's going insane...... I can hear whatever is coming out of WABC, WXYZ is playing "How Bizarre", someone is blaring Adele's "Rolling in the Deep", and then someone is laughing really, really loud. #SensoryOverload.

Only, then one of my coworkers took slight offense because she apparently was one of the people laughing. I honestly couldn't tell who it was.

Regardless..... whoops on ticking someone off.

My whole point is that sometimes it becomes too much. God gave us five senses, but sometimes they can be overloaded.

I feel deep, deep sympathy for people with SI issues/Autism/Aspergers/etc who go through this 24 hours a day.

Honestly, I don't know what my MAIN point is............. just that I need to find a quiet corner and quick.

True Life: I'm an AllAmericanPostWhateverIsOnMyMind Blogger!

2011-08-05T10:16:00.000-04:00

The wonderfully sarcastic Mrs. Monologues has gone into partnership with Fabulous But Evil to host a blogger series... "True Life: I'm a ____ blogger!"

Sounds fun, no? Mrs. M recently did a post about the type of Bloggers there are (which I'm assuming this series was born from)..... Fluff Bloggers, Food Bloggers, Mommy Bloggers, etc, etc, etc.

I told her I'm the Skitzo Blogger.

That's because I basically am, lol. Whatever is in my head, will come out on my blog.

To read my blog is to read about any amount of various topics.........

My Attempts to eat healthy and/or Eventually be Hawt

My love for Disney, St Jude, my family, my friends, and The Guy (long saga through which my Bloggy Friends have been wonderfully supportive).

Very often you'll be graced with my view on mindless entertainment, my refusal to talk politics, the things that inspire me, and the things that astound me.

Sometimes, my blog will be a travel blog. Other times, it will be about the famous people I've met (I'm working on tagging those posts, hence the non-link).

Sometimes, you'll just get random self-portaits of me.........

..... just to name a few examples.

To know me is to know this.........

I'm 27....... almost 28 (eeek).

See these pics to your right? ------->

I love those kids. They aren't mine, but I love them.

I work in radio (one of the reasons I've met a lot of famous people). It's fun, stressful, and crazy.

I am a dork.

I like the occassional Meme, but I hate the term "Meme."

Join me as I narrate my life!!