Blurbs and Procratination....

HOW is it already December 19th?

I was doing an amazing job of prepping for Christmas until December rolled around. Now, I'm on the struggle bus. I haven't even STARTED Christmas cards, yet. So, yeah. I am just in the mode that I want to enjoy the Christmas festivities.... not prep for them. This is why I need to really work next year on being at least 75% done by Thanksgiving.

Anyway, since I'm currently at the auto dealer waiting for my car to be fixed from a recall issue, let's put things off even further......

1) Last Friday, my sister, cousin, and I went to the Katy Perry concert.

It was WEIRD. Like, really weird. I only was able to sing and dance to 'Roar' and 'California Girls' because I was too bust staring at the stage in bafflement for the rest of the time. We still had a fun Girls' Night, at least.

2) I am supposed to run the Glass Slipper Challenge in just at two months. I use the term "run" loosely. I'm nowhere near ready and I know I need to step it up.

3) I have very little motivation to do Christmas cards, this year. Like, they are sort of my signature, but I really am being bad about it.

4) Over the last year, I have found the best facial care line. It's called Rafa Natural and I'm obsessed. I need to dedicate an entire post to it because it is THAT good.

5) Also over the past year, I have become enamored with my Erin Condren planner. I know they are a blogging and social media cliche, but it's for good reason. All through grade school, college, and working a few years part time for many jobs, I used a planner. I never left the house without it. Then, I got my (current) full-time job and just used my phone and work calendar. Last year, I got the itch to try a paper planner, as well. I decided to give EC a try and I fell in love. I still use my phone and work calendar to sync everything up, but I also write in my planner. It has helped me stay much more organized and on top of my slightly crazy schedule.

6) My cousin and his wife adopted four beautiful little girls in November. They are precious and I love them and I'm so glad they are in our family. Several of us were able to fly in (they live in a different state) for the adoption finalization.... Love it....

 

7) General Hospital.... I have watched the show for YEARS. Over the past several, it was on and off. Then, they brought Steve Burton back (as the real Jason) and Tamara Braun (as a new character). I can't handle how much I love the show, right now. I sometimes forget how much I really do love soaps.

8) Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.... Is it just me or are they REALLY good this year? I'm always about Countdown to Christmas and get sad when it's over. However, I haven't watched one that I didn't like so far this year. Including the Alicia Witt one, and I usually don't like hers.

Ok.... I should probably work or work on Christmas cards.

Born to Dance

Several months ago, I was walking to my car after lunch and the passing car stopped. After rolling down the window, I recognized the pair in there and heard, "MISS JESSICA!!!"

It was one of my dance students. One that I'd taught for 7 years and is now almost 14. She jumped out of the passenger seat, ran around the car, and grabbed me in this huge hug. She'd always been one of my favorites (face it, we have them, lol) and it was soooo wonderful to see her.

I was there when she lost her first tooth. I held her backstage at the recital when she was afraid of the dark wings, but was also afraid to go on that big scary stage with all the people and lights. I was there when she had her first mouthy attempt..... and promptly informed her that I wouldn't tolerate it.

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This week, my cousin's daughter started her first dance class.... joining Emma and Abby. I went with her to get her first pair of tap shoes.

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It hit me just how much I missed "my" kids and teaching dance.

The studio I took from and taught at, for over 22 years, closed a month before I got my full-time position at the station. Honestly, I believe it was a God thing. Knowing myself, I would have tried to do both and there is just NO way that would work. Especially that first six months in my job.

But, I still miss it. It was a huge part of my daily life, for the majority of my life. In a lot of ways, I feel like I've completely abandoned it. 

I take Zumba classes because it allows me to get some of that "dance" out. And, auditioning for that play this summer certainly reignited that fire. I miss being in class..... maybe I should try to find an adult class somewhere.

I also miss teaching. The little girls bounding in the studio with their cute leotards and tights.... all excited to catch you up with everything that happened in the past week. Going over the movements and watching them master it. Planning for the recital... the costumes, the routines, the crazy backstage plan (of which I was called "the Nazi" because I had everything down to the minute and dared anyone to mess that up), the lights, the massive amounts of make-up and hairspray. I do miss all of that.

Sometimes, it feels like a different lifetime. 

I love my job and my life. And, hopefully, I will be able to find a way to fit dance back into it in a more regular way, at some point.

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Do you have something that used to be a huge part of your life that you don't do anymore? What was it? Do you hope to "bring it back" at some point or is it a completely closed chapter?

A True End of an Era....

Today, they announced the cancellation of All My Children and One Life To Live.

To say I am devastated is an understatement.

Go ahead. Make fun. Think I'm crazy.

I'm seriously sad about this.

See, I literally grew up watching AMC (and sometimes OLTL). When I was a tiny girl, I'd wake up from my naps and my mom would be watching AMC. I'd curl up on the couch and watch with her, while I lazily woke up.

Once I was old enough to go to school, my mom opened up a daycare. Soaps became our weekend tradition. While I helped her do laundry, we'd watch the tape of the week's shows. On a VCR. When the tape got too old and used, we'd pick up new tapes and save the old ones for a rainy day.

In middle school a wondrous thing happened............ Disney World announced ABC Super Soap Weekend. My mom and I went EVERY single year (including the last year in 2008, which I blogged about here and here). It became something we planned for, strategized for, and thoroughly enjoyed. When Brian Frons (btw, I do NOT like this man..... I think he's a horrible head of a TV network) announced the demise, I actually wrote him a letter of protest.

In high school, I added General Hospital (which is still safe, so far) to my routine. Every afternoon, I'd rush home from cheerleading practice to watch my shows. When an ABC Newsbreak interrupted, I'd become furious.... no matter what the news.

In college, I started taking it to the road. I'd go to different fan events around the country. Some of my most cherished friends.......... friends that were there for me during some really hard times..... are my "soap friends." Also, because of my school schedule, I was able to watch more often. I remember one Christmas my mom and I decided to make most of our presents. We spent weeks putting together these homemade gifts and watched our soaps while we did it.

Now that I have a job, I am one of the culprits, really. I don't watch like I used to and only watch a handful of episodes a month. Just too busy.

But, I always came back. There are some weekends where my mom, step-sister, and I will just veg and catch up on our shows. Like a good friend who is always there when you need them, soaps were just there.

Not to mention..... one of my biggest dreams has always been to work on a soap opera. I've always had the utmost respect for the people that produce those shows and want to be a part of it.

I'm just sad about it.

You can bet that I'll be watching between now and the end.

 

Lydie-Lu Turned TWO!! (11/20/10)

We love this little girl. Like she's our own.

So, on her actual 2nd birthday, when both of her parents had to work, we decided to make a special day for our Lydie-Lu!

"I two!!"

We decided to go to Busch Gardens where they have a Sesame Street land. Elmo is Lydia's one true love, so we knew she'd be thrilled, lol.

At first, she didn't quite get it. Then, all bets were off. She was estatic at all the characters! She wanted to hug them and kiss them and "Give high-five."

Lydia and "Gecka" waiting in line for Burt and Ernie

I'm pretty sure that the people in these characters thought she was the cutest kid there, that day. They all made a point of motioning to her Elmo outfit and spent a lot of time with her.

They have this adorable show "A is for Africa" that highlights several characters. They dance around, play games, and go through the audience. After the show, you can meet the characters.

Grover and Zoe

Abby and Cookie Monster

For Elmo, you couldn't take your own pictures :(. We did buy the ones they took, though. We would have bought them anyway, so I wish they could have let us get her reaction. She was awestruck that she was in the same room as Elmo. She kept saying, "Elmo!!!!!! Elmo!!!! Love you...... High-five!..... Kisses!"

One more time with Big Bird......

After all the characters were met, hugged, kissed, and high-fived, we rode a few of the rides that Lydia was tall enough to ride.

When the park was closing, Lydia started crying, lol. "Go back, go back! Elmo! Miss Elmo!! Big Bird.... Abby.... Zoe..... Grover..... Cookie.... miss them. Go back. Please?"

We promised we would come back another day and headed to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.



This was a KID'S sundae!

After an eventful day, we packed it up and headed home.

Want to hear the cutest thing ever? Lydia singing "Happy Birthday" (I am, too..... excuse my horrible singing) and having trouble with her "packpack."

Giving Thanks..............

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First of all, it doesn't really feel like Thanksgiving to me. Is anyone else that way? This year has just gone by so fast!

Anyway, on this Thanksgiving Day, I'm thankful for.................

 ~ My family who loves me and supports me and can be so crazy that you just laugh.

~ My friends who know me and understand me.

~ My friend Meg............ she gets a special shoutout.......... who prays for me and lets me cry to her on the phone when I'm having a hard time. Who will encourage me and let me know it will be ok.

~ My cousin Heidi who lets me cry to her on the phone, too. And, who lets me be mean. Everyone should have just one person in their life that lets you get the ugly out. Who lets you vent and be sarcastic and be biting and who will laugh at the outrageous things you say. That way, you get it out and aren't like that with the rest of the world.

~ My bloggy friends (all of you!!) who let me into your lives and teach me.

~ A job that I love (even when I'm super frustrated). I get awesome opportunities and do what I've always wanted to do.

~ All my material blessings......... a comfortable house, yummy food, clothing, a car.

~ Facebook............ It sounds silly, but I'm thankful for a vehicle that keeps me connected with so many friends and family with whom I wouldn't otherwise stay in touch.

~ My church......... in the past year, I've grown to love that place and people more than ever. I've always gone and liked it, but it was more out of habit or because I knew I should. In 2010, my biggest change is that I want  to be there.

~ A healthy body....... it's not a perfect body, but it's a healthy one. One without ailments or required medications. It's a body that I can take to the gym and make healthier.

~ My Lord and Savior.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!!

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So many Christmas choices...........

Little fact about Jessica.........

I *LOVE* Christmas Cards. I love picking them out. I love writing little notes on them. I love addressing and stamping them. I love making a special trip to the Post Office just to mail them out.

Then, I love waiting for other cards to come in and wish me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It's one of my favorite parts of the season.

I actually have this tradition that most of my friends get a kick out of...... for every friend that I have a picture with from that year, they get their own individual card of us on it. It takes a lot of time, but it's fun to go back and see all the memories that have been made throughout the year. Plus, they seem to like having a card that is unique and obviously took some thought.

The friends that I don't have pictures with? Well, those friends get a generic card with just plain, ole, smilin me on it.

That's where Shutterfly comes in!

They have SO many cards to choose from.............

Silly and fun................ yet very appropriate for a Florida girl, like me.

Classy and elegant..........

..... and everything in between!

Honestly and truly, Christmas cards are a huge tradition for me, even as a single girl. I can't even imagine what I'll be like when I have my own family to send everyone pictures of, lol.

The best part of all of this is that Shutterfly is offering 50 FREE CARDS to Bloggers! Awesome deal! Check it out, right here!

So, go get your Christmas Cards. Then, mail me one.

Because, I said so. :)

Speak Now

Hello, my name is Jessica and I'm officially addicted to Taylor Swift's new album.

Let's go back, shall we?

From the beginning, I loved Fearless. With the exception of two songs (Forever and Always and Change), I love that album. Taylor gets some flack for being too young-sounding, but I like to think she's more whimsical than immature. In fact, her lyrics are anything but immature. Sure, she talks about first dates and high school in those songs..... she was that age when she wrote the songs. However, she has a very mature way of recognizing and expressing those emotions. Plus, no matter how old I get, I don't ever want to lose the butterflies........ the dancing in the rain in my best dress feeling.

In the past two years, I've probably listened to that CD about 500 times. I never get tired of it.

Fast-forward to the upcoming release of a new album. Color me nervous. I knew, as a fan and as someone in the industry, that this new music would need to be a little more grown-up. When Mine was put out as the new single, I became even more nervous. I mean, it's a cute song and she's talking about college-type stuff instead of high school, but it sounded too much like the other stuff.

Apparently, I had no reason to worry. I adore this album.

It's interesting because the things I LOVE about the Fearless album are what I'm glad she didn't do with this one. This one isn't as bubblegum...... again, I liked that about Fearless, You Belong With Me, Hey Stephen, Best Day, etc. There are a couple songs leaning that way, but not as many. It sounds a little more mature..... 18 yr old vs 20 yr old, lol.

"Sound" aside, the words and meaning behind the songs are incredible, in my opinion. Overall, the album is about everything you've wished you said, but didn't. Either because you weren't quick enough or were too scared or didn't have the right words.

In her words (expanded in the album cover.... get it.... read it)............

'Speak now or forever hold your peace,' the words said by preachers at the end of wedding ceremonies all over the world, right before the vows. It's a last chance for protest, a moment that makes everyone's heart race, and a moment I've always been strangely fascinated by. So many fantasize about bursting into a church, saying what they'd kept inside for years like in the movies. In real life, it rarely happens.

Real life is a funny thing, you know. In real life, saying the right thing at the right moment is beyond crucial. So crucial, in fact, that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to fear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything.

I think most of us fear reaching the end of our life, and looking back regretting the moments we didn't speak up. When we didn't say 'I love you.' When we should've said 'I'm sorry.' When we didn't stand up for ourselves or someone who needed help.

These songs are made up of words I didn't say when the moment was right in front of me. These songs are open letters. Each is written with a specific person in mind, telling them what I meant to tell them in person. To the beautiful boy whose heart I broke in December. To my first love who I never thought would be my first heartbreak. To my band. To a mean man I used to be afraid of. To someone who made my world very dark for a while. To a girl who stole something of mine. To someone I forgive for what he said in front of the whole world.

- Taylor Swift



 

If you go to her website, she has given the story behind every song. I love that.

 

I've listened to Speak Now no less than 2 dozen times in the past week. In my car, at my desk, on my iPod. I'm obsessed.

 

I fully *heart* every song. Here are a few of my thoughts on some of them.....

 

Mine - It's a sweet song. I hope that at some point I'll have the chance to tell someone that..... "You're the best thing that's ever been mine."

 

Sparks Fly - "I see sparks fly every time you smile." Something about those guys that you're not supposed to want, but still do.

 

Speak Now - This one is definitely one of the more whimsical songs, but I love it. Sometimes I've felt like I'm the girl who is "not the kind of girl who should be rudely barging in on white veil occasions." but yet I've been the girl who tells a guy that he deserves more than what he's settling for. Not at a wedding, but still, lol.

 

Never Grow Up - This song makes me cry. I'm not a mom, but I still want to protect my little ones. I want Lydia to always be the little girl who is heartbroken when Elmo is over or is thrilled when she sees Kermit the Frog's picture at MGM or will run around a courtyard chasing bubbles. I want David to giggle over the word "Knucks." I want Emma and Abby to always want me to play Tea Party with them..... who will run and throw themselves in my arms when they see me. I want Evan to always find science fascinating. I want Bella, Anthony, and Noah to always be excited when they get to see their "Aunt Jessica." I miss Haigen and wish he were still here to take care of the fish. I hope the next time I see him, he'll still want to eat dinner in the castle at Disney World and watch the Electrical Light Parade. I miss how sweet Kay-Leigh was when I took her to eat dinner with Cinderella on her birthday. I cry when I think about my brother graduating high school in a few short months. I think about my life and the various phases in it...... and, how sometimes I just wish time would stand still.

 

Enchanted - I may be breaking my pact with this one, but it describes perfectly how I felt when I first met "The Guy." I'll leave it at that.

 

Innocent - I like the theme of redemption in this one. How no matter how old you get or what mistakes you've made, there is still the chance to be innocent. You can still look at the world, see the good, and choose to focus on it.

 

Last Kiss - Again, I might be breaking my pact, but the line "I don't know how to be something you'll miss." kills me every time.

 

If you've noticed, I am highly affected by music, lol. Always have been. Clearly, I went into the right industry for me, lol.

 

If anyone makes it to the end of this......... I applaud you, lol. Have you listened? What are your thoughts?

Lady A Comes To Town! (Sept 21, 2010)

I've made no secret about my obsession love for Lady Antebellum.

When they opened for Tim McGraw in May.......... I liked them better. I sat there wishing they could just keep singing. I was sad when they told me they weren't going to sing "Love This Pain."

So, when I found out that they were coming to Florida, on their own tour, I almost peed with excitement. I mean, two whole hours.......... of them singing their music........ so..... freaking..... happy.

Lady A with me, Billie Jo, and LA.

David Nail opened up for them. I met him, but the picture was on Billie Jo's camera and I haven't been able to get it from her, yet. He is really good-looking......... and can sing, too.

In between David Nail and Lady A they were playing various music. At one point, Katy Perry's "California Girls" came on. In the music hall, you could see the whole crowd and all these people stood up to start dancing to it. It was such a fun moment, lol.

Also, we had a snack break which included splitting one of the yummiest cupcakes I've ever had (a Better Than). When I was finished, I kinda wished I had an entire cupcake. However, we'd also split a pretzel......... again, one of the best pretzels I've ever eaten. Sometimes, I love food way too much.

Once the food had been eaten and Katy Perry had been danced to, the wait was thankfully over.

They started out, just the three of them, singing "I Run To You." Love them.........

By the end of the first song, they had the entire crowd on their feet and singing at the top of their lungs. I've been to a ton of concerts in my life (as documented on this blog), but they were seriously one of the best I've ever seen.

Their crowd interaction was awesome!!!........

Stars Tonight

One of the best things about catching a group/artist that you love on a headlining tour when they only have two albums out is that they pretty much play everything you want to hear. By the time it gets to a Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney point, it's only the radio hits with a couple "B-sides" thrown in. Some of my favorite Lady A or Colbie songs are songs that you'll never hear on the radio, so I love that I have seen them so early on. I wish I'd kept track of everything they sang........ there were only a couple they missed that I was sad about.

Below is one of my most favorite songs ever. When this song was over, I pretty much had no voice left, lol.

Love This Pain

Besides their songs, they each took a turn singing solo. Hillary Scott started out with a cover of "I Can't Make You Love Me" and then moved to singing a toned down version of Lady A's "Ready To Love Again". I wish I had the concert version....... it's gorgeous and I prefer it to the album track.

David Haywood is the third and lesser known member of Lady Antebellum. He cowrote "Do I" by Luke Bryan and sang it at the show, which was really cool.

Charles Kelley (brother of Josh Kelley who is married to Katherine Heigl, for all you trivia buffs out there) sang a cover of "Free Fallin'"

Love's Lookin' Good On You

One thing I absolutely love is how well they work off one another on the stage. It's like they were born to perform together.

Need You Now

When the show was over, I literally was sad that I hadn't gone to the show the night before in Orlando. I wanted more.

And, I was sad because that will probably be the first and last time I get to see them in such a small setting. I truly feel like they're headed to huge venues.