Meeting My Yoda

Living where I do, I have an advantage in that a LOT of people come here to visit. I've been able to meet several Bloggy Friends this way. Usually, they are coming to Disney and as a Passholder, it's really easy to meet up for a meal or quick cup of coffee. I love it.

One particular meet-up has been YEARS in the works. Gina is one of my favorites and always has been. She's the most caring and non-judgemental person. I honestly don't remember how we became friends, but ever since, she's been someone I can text or call about anything. I call her "My Yoda."

Quite literally, for about six weeks straight this past Fall, I would call her every Sunday after church. I'd be crying, yelling, confused.... She would patiently listen, advise, pray, and just support.

Like I said, I've waited for years to meet her. I remember when Harry Potter opened up at Universal, she started talking about coming down. They've made tentative plans over and over, but it just wasn't the right time.

However, in March, the time had FINALLY come. The original plan was for me to meet with them after work at Magic Kingdom. What actually happened worked out so much better.

I'd come off a super long weekend, working. I was exhausted, but so excited to meet her. They'd been at the park all day and were ready to call it a night. With some quick texting, we decided that they would walk to the Contemporary and I would pick them up to take them back to their hotel.

I've said for years that I couldn't wait to hug her neck.....

We ended up eating dinner, enjoying a couple of drinks, and just talking. It was great. It's always a tiny worry when you meet someone in person for the first time that they won't live up. This teeny-tiny worry barely registered with Gina and then completely evaporated in about .025 seconds. She's fabulous.

And, her sweet, sweet family. OMG. They are precious. As we were getting ready to pray over our meal, Gina told her sons, "Jess loves Jesus, too." Her husband's genuine joy and "Oh, how wonderful!" at hearing that was so sweet. Sometimes, we get a bit jaded.... our Faith becomes routine. To be reminded by that small gesture that finding another brother or sister in Christ is something to be happy about was a moment I won't soon forget.

The evening ended all too soon, but with promises that it won't be our last face-to-face. As supremely tired as I was (so, so tired), I was filled to the brim with happiness. Finally met My Yoda!

Blogger Greatness (BEDIM 5)

Day 5, Sunday:  Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member.... I have several awesome Bloggy friends that I just adore. Some of them I have been blessed to meet in person and others I can only hope that I'll be able to hug, one day. Today, though, I'm going to give a shout-out to Gina from Namaste By Day. She's kind of my Yoda. This poor, lovely woman has endured countless books in the form of email emails filled with my single girl dramas. Not only does she take them all seriously, but she gives me great advice and affirmation. When I texted her on Christmas night because I'd just found out that The Guy was in town, she was as thrilled as I was.... she talked me down from all negative thoughts.... once it was over, she wanted details and listened to every mundane one.  Beyond that, she is just fun to "hang out with" via text and Twitter.  She has the sweetest heart and the purest love for her faith. She's an adorable mommy to two adorable little boys. If you aren't already a reader, you need to be!!

Sunday Social: Blogging

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging?

All-American Jess....... For anyone coming over from the hop, I've had a love/hate relationship with being called the "Good Girl" or "Girl Next Door" or "All American Girl" for basically my whole life. A lot of times, the description comes as a veiled insult, lol.

2. Why do you blog?

As my sidebar says, "to narrate my life." You know how Meredith Grey, Cher Horowitz, and other fun characters have an inner monologue (sometimes accompanied by a peppy soundtrack)? Yeah, I do that, too. So, I kind of use the blog to make my inner monologue a little less crazy and a little more like scrapbooking without the scissors, glue, and bits of paper all over the place.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed?

My friend Susan who passed away a few years ago.

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2012?

I have a few....

About a mouse (because while I was legitimately terrified at the time, it has made for a good story around the station)

Being Real

Old Wounds

Words of Wisdom with Heidi and Jess

Gator Game

Convos with TG

5. What are your blogging goals for 2013?

I'd like to blog at least 200 times this year. 2012 was a bit of a slacker year.

6. Name your top 3 favorite blogs.

Well, crap. I can't really do that. So many of the blogs I read are of people I've met in person and/or talk to on a regular basis. Just look to the left at my reader roll.

Christmas 2011: Riddle Me This, Batman....

 Who is cute enough to drive over two hours, roundtrip, to join for breakfast?

Who is cuddly enough to squeeze and love on for as long as she'll let me?

Who has a Mama that I absolutely adore?

This little girl, that's who...... 

December 29th, I headed a bit to the east to meet up with Britt and her super cute, super cuddly daughter Ella. I was excited on multiple levels.... 1) I hadn't seen Britt since her baby shower like 7 months before.... 2) I wanted to snuggle her sweet little baby.... 3) I knew I'd be the first Blogger to meet Ella and it made me happy, lol.... 4) We were eating at Keke's (we missed you, Lil and Justine!!)

I knew she would be and was, but I just loved seeing what a great mommy Britt has become. Also, I adored getting to know Ella.

After a good long chat and a yummy breakfast, it was time for Mommy to get sleepy Ella home. Not before taking some pictures, of course......



Blissdom Not, but Still Traveling

For the past couple weeks, I have been seeing various bloggers talk about Blissdom. A couple have been getting excited on Twitter.

It wasn't until last night that I found out that Blissdom is being held in Nashville. All these Bloggers are heading to Music City to learn/talk/meet blogs.

Silly me.

I'm also headed to Nashville this week, but for an entirely different conference, lol. A work seminar.... that is supposed to be uh-mazing.... and I'm really excited about it.

So, all you Bloggers out there that will be in Nashville. Hit me up, lol! Just because I'm not "Bliss"ing it doesn't mean we can't meet up!

Happy Fall Ya'll!!!!!

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!!

"Speak Now" Tour 2011

I haven't been shy about the fact that I adore Taylor Swift. Despite her teeny-bopperness, I think she's an amazing songwriter, performer, and businesswoman.

So, when she came to town on June 4th, I was ALL about it.

I was blessed enough to be able to go backstage, again. And, again, Ms. Swift did not disappoint in the hosting department.......

The centerpiece to the "T-Party"

LAH and I

Apparently, Taylor designs the entire room. Can you imagine being the person who has to set this thing up at every show?!

"O" proudly standing next to the pillar. O is the granddaughter of my boss and was SUPER excited to be there. She was the calmed, coolest, and most collected 10 year old in the room (truly, she was).

E and O...... a gorgeous mother-daughter duo.

Remember that orange ruffled dress I bought? Here is it!!! When E took this picture on LAH's phone, I saw it and immediately demanded that LAH FB it and tag me, lol.

She enters the room............ I swear, I thought a couple of the little girls in there were going to explode, lol.

I love this picture :)

When she left our group, O looked at her mom and whispered, "I think I might pass out. I just talked with Taylor Swift."

After our M&G, Taylor's mom took us around the backstage. This year, they asked us not to take pictures. So, I didn't. I tell you.... being back there and then seeing the show makes me want to be a part of something like this.

LAH and I hung out in the lobby area for a while. We honestly weren't interested in the opening acts. Plus, we had a top-secret mission to bless some people with better seats :)

Her show is so amazing...............

I loved this..... a group had these light up letters. You'll see later how they could be changed.

"Mine", "The Story of Us", and a couple other songs I'm forgetting....

"Picture to Burn" and "Mean"

See? Isn't this adorable?

"Back to December" and "Dear John"

"Better Than Revenge"

"Speak Now"............. The bride is Claire from SYTYCD

"Fearless", "Last Kiss", and "You Belong With Me"

"Sparks Fly"..... I think

"Enchanted"......... It was a full-on ballet..... I loved it!!! That song is my favorite TS song.

"Haunted"..... SO AWESOME

"Long Live"

"Fifteen" and "Love Story"

It truly was one of the best shows I've seen. Our PD went and was planning on leaving early, but stayed the entire time. It was like an amazing production!!!