(Two weeks worth) Weekly Workout Blog

Week 37

Sunday - Nada

Monday - Curves

Tuesday - 30 mins Pilates

Wednesday - Fun, shared, fake boyfriend time..... nada

Thursday - 45 mins walking

Friday - nope

Saturday - Nada

Week 38

Monday - Curves

Tuesday - Softball game (more on that later)

..... the rest of the week was the radiothon and recovery.

Goals for this week:

• Curves at least twice
• Pilates at least twice
• 30 mins on the Elliptical at least once
• 30 mins Walking at least once

Random Question Sunday

Head over to Mann Land5 to grab the questions.......

1. Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive?

Um, neither. I like living.

If I have to choose, I'll take bungee jumping. At least there is something tied to me.

2. When using a public restroom to you squat over the seat or sit?

I have to sit. I do a thorough cleaning and covering, but I just can't hover. It doesn't work for me.

If the restroom is too disgusting, I will find another one.

3. Favorite flower?

I like Calla Lillies, Roses, Sunflowers, and Tea Roses.

4. Pedicure or manicure?

Pedicure.... they are more relaxing and last longer.

5. How many siblings do you have?

One half-brother, a step-brother, and four step-sisters. Gotta love the modern family, lol.

6. Do you pee in the shower? (gasp!)

I try not to, lol. I usually go in the toilet while the shower is warming up.

I realize this is probably more than you ever needed or wanted to know about me, but the question was asked, lol.

7. Bikini, tankini, or one piece?

Tankini.... I avoid wearing a bathing suit, as much as possible, though.

8. Where do you hate to shop at, but go there anyway?

 

I have no idea. I don't actually mind Wal-Mart. Ours is pretty clean. I do prefer Target, though.

 

I'm just not a shopper, by nature, so if I don't like a store I have no problem avoiding it.

My favorite way to work for 15 hours

Day One of our St. Jude Radiothon is over! Tomorrow is our second (and last) day..... 5am - 7pm, lol.

We're doing really, really well!!!!!

Please pray that we'll be able to keep pace with last year!

Also, if you are interested in donating, you can call 1-800-942-8680 to become a Partner In Hope.....

..... and, if you do, be sure to ask for Jessica! It would be friggin awesome to say "Hi" lol!

Frozen Food: Trial and Error

It's been a while since I've posted about this topic, so here we go, again.

Just to recap............ I have many days (like, today) where I look at the clock, see it's 3pm, and realize that I haven't eaten lunch. As I tend to skip breakfast (bad, I know), I have to eat something or I'll totally binge at dinner.

Enter, frozen meals. Can we all agree that there is an element of "I really hope this tastes good and not like crap." to frozen food?

My preferred brand is Healthy Choice. If you're interested, you can check out my previous posts here and here.

Anyway..... here's the new items I've tried, lately.

Beef Lo Mein

It's in their "Complete Meal" catagory. As I've previously discussed, that can be a fallacy if you're not two.

However, this is a "Complete Meal" that actually seems like one. Everything was SUPER tasty and there was enough food that I felt I'd actually eaten a meal.

Portabella Marsala Pasta

I would not feed this to my worst enemy's dog.

Seriously, I found it to be THAT repulsive. I've eaten a couple of these things that I wasn't crazy about, but I would finish them. I haven't necessarily tried some of them again, but I did finish them.

Not this crap. I got about three bites in and I literally had to wipe my tongue with a napkin.

If you've tried this and like it........... go ahead. There's plenty of mine at the store, lol.

Beef Merlot

I really enjoyed this!!! It's basically the same exact ingredients that are in the Beef Pot Roast meal I tried, earlier. However, it's way more substantial. So, I was getting the tastiness AND the substance.

Overall, I've found that the "Cafe Steamers" have more food in them.... just a note.

Grilled Basil Chicken

This was really good. It's one of their newer items and I will most certainly be adding this to the "always get anytime I'm making a frozen meal run" group.

The pasta is almost an angel-hair pasta, which is a nice change of pace. Also, the sauce is a yummy flavor that I can't quite describe, but would definitely recommend.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Healthy Choice or other brands?

Sometimes, Even the Ugly Green Girl Gets the Guy

No, I'm not green. And, I'm talking about "The Guy."

I'm talking about this........

Yesterday, I saw Wicked for the first time. IT. WAS. PHENOMENAL.

I've always wanted to see it, but never have been able to....... it was definitely worth the wait. My step-sister and I went (it was her Christmas present). To be honest, I wasn't as thrilled and hyped as she was. I've always wanted to see it, but have been feeling blah and not that excited with anything, lately, lol.

However, as soon as the curtain was raised, I was transported to the magical land of Oz. I was glued for three hours. It was just wonderful.

I'll try not to give anything away, if you haven't already seen it. If you haven't....... GO!!!

After seeing this, I like the Wicked Witch of the West. Her sister, Nessa Rose, (aka the Wicked Witch of the East who had the house dropped on her)..... not necessarily likeable, by the end.

 

"Defying Gravity"........ breathtaking song.

Sadly, Kristin Chenowith and Idina Menzel were not a part of the cast that I saw. Would have been friggin awesome to see them in those roles. However, the ladies we saw were really great.

I will never be able to watch The Wizard of Oz the same, again. Luckily, without giving too much away, the stories are parallel enough that I feel I can wrap them both up and still enjoy both, lol.

Seriously, it's an amazing play.

And, one of my favorite parts was..........

Even the Ugly Green Girl Got the Guy!!!!

Random Question Sunday

Technically, this is called "Getting to know YOU" Sunday..... that's what Keely at Mann Land5 calls it. But, when I worked overnights on Sundays for a year (12a - 5a for six months and then 12a - 1p for the other six), I was in the studio with nothing to do in between songs but play on the internet. So, I would get on MySpace and answer a bunch of questionnaires. My friends started calling it "Random Question Sunday" and I can't call it anything else.

Just a little factoid for you, lol.

1. How often do you wash/change your sheets?

Please, do not judge me for what I'm about to say...... like once a month. I hate changing my sheets. In my defense (or to make me sound like even more of a freak), I sleep on one side of my bed for a week or two and then switch to the other side for a week or two.

It's lazy and gross. I know this. However, there has to be at least one perk to currently being S-I-N-G-L-E, so I choose this.

2. When is your birthday?

August 25, 1983.

I love my birthdate. I'm sure everyone loves their own individual date, but I truly love mine. It's exactly four months until Christmas. I think "August 25th" is nice to say. I just love it.

I share a birthday with many people...... seriously, in my own life, there are SO many people that were born on this day. Including my cousin's son Anthony. Heidi went into labor on Friday and didn't have him until Monday. She and her husband cursed me for it, but that beautiful, smart boy wanted to be born on his "Aunt Jessica's" 20th birthday.

My Birthday Buddy and I

As far as celebrities - Regis Philbin, Cameron Mathison (from All My Children and Dancing with the Stars), David Canary (All My Children), Tim Burton, Blake Lively, Sean Connery, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gene Simmons, and Rachel Ray..... to name a few, lol.

3. Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?

YES!!!! I got meet these three lovely ladies!!!

Justine from Almost There, Lil Woman from Little Woman, Little Home, and Brittany from Living in the Moment

4. Brad Pitt or George Clooney?

I *heart* George.

Even with his "complex."

5. If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?

I'll just say weight, because that would cover a multitude of issues, lol.

6. How often do you wash your hair?

Never fear.... while I may have dirty sheets, I always have clean hair. My hair is RIDICULOUSLY oily. I have to wash it every day or you could fry an egg on it.

I will wash my hair 1-2 times a day.

7. Do you have pets?

Not currently.

8. How many social networks do you belong to..if you had to give up one, what would it be?

 

MySpace, Facebook, and Blogger......... as I barely go on MySpace anymore, I'd gladly give that up.

Five Question Friday

I like questions. I like answering questions.

So, I have joined another question day (this time led by Mama M).....

1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle?

I'm very distressed about this, but, yes. And, it's only been recently.

See, two years ago, I moved out to the boonies. By boonies, I mean the nearest grocery store or fast food place or sit down restaurant or movie theater is 5 1/2 miles away. But, my entire life, I could literally WALK to all the above mentioned establishments of civilization. Not in my current house, though. No, my current house has cow pastures across the street from the development and behind it.

Besides the cows, there are other animals. Ones the commit suicide by throwing themselves under my car while it's going 45 miles per hour on these country roads.

About three months ago, I was driving and a cat was on the side of the road. It got up and motioned like it was going to move out of the line of fire. So, I swerved into the left lane a little to try to help it out and really keep it safe. Only, instead of running to the right, OFF the road, it ran to the left and completely under my tire. I cried, on the spot.

Then, just two weeks ago, I was driving home and out of nowhere a bunny hopped into the road. I had no time to swerve or hit the brakes. I cried, again.

2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off?

I give it a little tug. If it's a flyaway string, I'll tug it off. If it's a string that is unraveling, I'll cut it off.

3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young?

Mainly, my own. At my mom's house, I had my own room. At my dad's house (which I only went to every other weekend), I shared a room.

4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life?

Wear the same thing.

5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?

 

Hands down, Full House. I was obsessed with that show. I have seen every single episode, at least 5 times. I can still recite lines from it. I knew the writer inconsistencies (like, Steve was Steve Peters.... then, his name was changed to Steve Hale).

 

When DJ and Steve broke up, I cried. When he came back to take DJ to her senior prom (because you know, she went to his) for the last episode.... I cried and cheered. I wanted Aunt Becky's wedding dress and hoped I could find flower girl dresses that would look like Michelle's.

I was a member of Andrea Barber's Fan Club (Kimmy Gibler). I would have been a member of other Fan Clubs, but I was only like 8 and didn't know how to find the others.

 

I had the books, the board game, and the Barbie dolls (oh yeah, there were dolls).

 

The only Full House thing that I didn't own was the house. I wanted it badly, though.

 

Out of all the celebrities I've ever met, not one of them has been from Full House. I think I might pee my pants, if I did.

Fun Shared, Fake Boyfriend Time

LOL.....

So, my favorite record rep is coming into town, this afternoon, to introduce us to a new artist.

Out of all the record reps we have, I only really like about three of them. IMO, the rest of them think they are stars...... when, they aren't, lol. This one is, by far, my favorite. He's a favorite of a lot of us, around the station.

J and I call him our "shared, fake boyfriend."

J is happily married.

He is happily married (to a friggin supermodel-looking woman).

I'm begrudgingly single.

Regardless, we openly have a crush on him and love when he visits, lol.

So, this morning we both walk into a meeting wearing extra-special cute clothes.

Then, about 10 minutes ago, I started putting on make-up (which I hadn't bothered to do, today) and J walks in with fresh make-up (which she NEVER wears). We looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Most females get all dolled up to go sit in the third level of a Keith Urban concert, in hopes that the glare of the lights will somehow reflect off of his guitar and illuminate them, like an angel from the heavens.

Not us..... no, we get all dolled up for our fake boyfriend of a record rep.

Hey, sometimes it's fun to have an innocent flirtation that will never go anywhere.

Testing the waters

*** Edited to add - About ten minutes after I posted this, the "Friend - Female DJ" came to me and said, "So, are you now talking to each other, by proxy? Is he going to try a neutral place first?" See.... I'm not delusional, lol. Even she knew what he was doing.***

You don't have to pay attention to me when I reference "The Guy" if you don't want to, anymore. After all, I'm on a mission to get over it.

However, this blog does happen to be the story of my life and right now, the whole deal with him is still a part of it. So, a year from now, two years from now, and ten years from now, I'd like to be able to look back at my blog and remember what I thought was SOOOOO important, at the time.

Kind of like when you come across your high school diary. You read back and laugh. You think about everything you thought then and realize where you were right and where you were wrong.

Someday, I'll look back on my feelings for "The Guy" and have a different perspective.

Hopefully, a year from now, two years from now, and ten years from now, I'll have found someone else who makes me more happy and more giddy than TG ever made me. Hopefully, I will have found a guy who knows me better than TG does (and, I won't care that TG knows me better than any guy before him did). Hopefully, I will have found a guy who I love more than I love TG.

So...... if no one but me reads this, right now...... that's ok. Because, a year, two years, and ten years from now, I'll REALLY be the only one who reads this.

But, for right now, I've been missing my friend like crazy. Beyond the incredible hurt and heart break that I've been going through........... more from his non-response than the fact that he apparently doesn't feel the same way..... I basically have just missed my friend. Did anyone watch Grey's last week where Teddy said that she wanted to "unring the bell" with Owen? She told him that she would be fine..... she has a great life and will continue to..... she just wanted her friend back. He said he wasn't sure that was ever going to happen and she responded that she was going to do everything she could to try.

You see.... we've been friends for four years, this month. In those four years, there have only been two times that we've gone a month without talking and that was in the first year. In the following three years, we became each other's "person" at work. We are similar in the way that we approach this environment and have always just understood each other.

And, we can talk. Man, can we talk. In fact, when he wrote me a Christmas card this year, he wrote about how many HOURS we've killed just talking. We talk about anything and everything. We'll go from talking about the weather to arguing about the existence of tree rats to discussing what we want in marriage to George Clooney to analyzing the dust on the ceiling.

So, I've missed that. Whether in person or Facebook or on the phone or text or email, we've managed to stay in pretty constant contact for the better part of four years. In the six months before he moved, we didn't go more than 48 hours without communicating, somehow. Since he's moved, it's been no more than about 10 days. So, going a MONTH has been torture....... especially since that month was born off of me telling him how I felt about him.

Well, today, we had a testing of the waters. You'll look at this miniature conversation and think, "Jess, this doesn't count." But, see, it does. Because, I know him and I've played this game before.

This stupid half-comment on another friend's page was the first glimmer of him trying to go back to what it was before. And, my half-response was my way of saying, "I'm neither going to tell you to F-off nor fall apart, if we start talking, again."

(Side note: I totally felt like I was about to send something to Lamebook, while scratching out names and faces)

We'll see what happens next and if it will be a month before it does, lol.

Can't. Stop. Eating. Chocolate.

Seriously, I need to stop.

This is ridiculous.

I'm going to be bigger than my house if I don't stop.

I went to the gym, today...... I can tell you that it's a moot point with all the chocolate I've ingested.

And the winner is............... (plus, Weekly Workout Blog)

For some reason, I've been about condensing posts, lately.

First, I want to thank everyone for entering!! I was so excited about this giveaway..... I really, truly love St. Jude.

Second, it's time to announce the winner! I am sure there are easier ways to go about it, but I assigned everyone a number (or two or six, depending on how many entries they got) and then pulled one up on the Random Number Generator.

Said RNG displayed #9, which is


Ashley Belle at
This Amazing Thing Called.... Life!!

Congratulations!!!

Email me with your mailing address and I'll get your package in the mail, ASAP!

Random Questions Sunday

*** Today is the last day to enter my 200th Post Giveaway ***

It's the Valentine's Day edition...... head over to Mann Land5 to pick up the questions and then post the link to your blog!

The questions.......

1. Favorite Valentine's candy?

I really like Butterfingers in the shape of hearts, lol.

2. Pink or red?

I honestly really like both.

3. Will you be doing anything to celebrate today?

For myself? No. I will actually be attending my second cousin's wedding.

4. Do you put up Valentine's decorations?

I do not, but my mom does.

5. What does Valentine's Day mean to you?

I usually call it Single's Awareness Day, lol. I'm all about spreading the love and letting those you love know you care (whether it's in friendship, family, romance, etc), but it also tends to make you aware of how single you actually are, lol.

And (sorry to be a complete downer)..... I recently let someone know how much I cared about him and we haven't talked in almost a month. So, yeah, kind of hating the day, right now.

I promise.... I'll get over it. And, I'll stop being Debbie Downer. I'm in a funk and hate it, lol.

6. Would you rather get..flowers, candy, or a night out?

Flowers and candy are nice, but I honestly would rather spend time with the person I care about.

7. Sexy lingerie or nothing.at.all?

Doesn't one tend to lead to the other, lol?

8. Do you say Valentine's Day or Valentime's Day?

 

I pronounce it with the "n."

 

 

 

Despite my blah-ness..... I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Mid-Season Review.....

*** Remember to enter my 200th Post Giveaway!***

I'm being a horrible employee at work, today. It started with me being 15 minutes late and has just gone downhill, from there.

It's February Sweeps, already. In just a few short months, it will be May and our shows will be over until the Fall. So, I thought I'd share my thoughts on what I'm watching (because, clearly, you want to know).

Please note that I've added a lot of sitcoms to my schedule..... since the end of Friends I haven't really been into them or anything I liked immediately got cancelled.

This started out as one of my favorites of the season and I'm still enjoying it. The concept may get old after awhile, but so far so good. Honestly, I think Abby (the anal sister) and Davis (the loser best friend) make the show.

I just started watching this show, over the summer. Why it's taken me this long, I have no idea. I truly love it, lol. I'm glad they put the kibosh on the Barney/Robin relationship..... it was not working for me.

My new favorite. I LOVE this show and have no idea why it took me so long to jump on-board. A coworker and I have taken to saying, "Bazinga" and "Okay Doh-Kay" to each other.

I literally just started watching this one..... so funny! It has these moments of hilarity, but most of the show is quick zingers that you have to be paying attention to catch.

My friend Jeni got me into this one. I'm actually really liking it!

I love Juilanna Margulies and Chris Noth. However, I also love Matt Cz-something (he was Logan in Gilmore Girls.... oh, how I miss that show). This show really is great, imo.

In some ways, I feel this season is lacking, but in others, I love it more than last year. Confusing, I know. Simon Baker is still great. I think we need another Red John episode..... that usually jumpstarts it for me.

*sigh* I love Grey's, but this season is a little off for me. The episodes are good when I watch them, but I'm not at the edge of my seat, counting down til Thursday like I used to be. I blame the merger. And, Izzie.

We're still pretty new into the season, but I'm enjoying it sans Paula. Ellen was great this week and I'm looking forward to watching more.

Other shows I'm watching, but was too lazy to get a picture for:

Glee - I miss you and love you and want you to come back.

Amazing Race - Can't wait! It starts on Sunday! Jeff and Jordan from Big Brother will be on there and I'm so flipping excited!

Desperate Housewives - Eh..... I kind of feel about this show like I do Grey's. The episodes are good, but I keep waiting for something to really, really grab me.

Brothers and Sisters - Ditto

19 Kids and Counting - I can't stop watching the Duggars. They fascinate me.

I feel like I'm missing a show or two, but as I've admitted to watching WAY too much TV as it is, I'll close now, lol.

200th Post: WWB, Sunday Questions, and a Giveaway

It's my 200th Post! I decided to smoosh everything together for this one, lol.

Weekly Workout Blog

Week 35

Tuesday - Curves

Thursday - Curves

Grade for this week: D-..... I really sucked it up this week. In order to not do this again, I'm going to be doing things a little different this upcoming week..... we'll see how it works, lol.

Goals for this week:

• Curves at least twice
• Pilates at least twice
• 30 mins on the Elliptical at least twice
• 30 mins Walking at least twice

_________________________________________________________________

Random Question Sunday

Answer the questions, head over to Mann Land5, and post your link on McLinky. Simple as that and super fun!

The questions.....

1. How many piercings do you have?

Two..... one in each ear. Boring, I know, lol.

2. I love the sound of.....?

A really hard rainstorm at night, children/babies laughing, and violins.

3. Favorite city?

Nashville, New York City, and home

4. Colts, Saints, or could care less?

As the Gators will never be in the Super Bowl, I will NEVER care, lol.

5. Frozen yogurt or ice cream?

I will eat ice cream (please, I'm a girl), but I actually prefer frozen yogurt.

6. Favorite appetizer?

Cheese sticks, queso and chips, and spinach artichoke dip (all the super healthy options)

7. What item in your closet currently makes you the happiest?

Um....... my Old Navy sweater that is a really pretty peacock color. Also, this random brown dress that is super cute and girly (more of a spring/summer dress.... I'll be excited to wear it again).

8.Favorite facial moisturizer?

ProActiv's Green Tea Moisturizer.... it's really light and smells great!

__________________________________________________________________

200th Post Giveaway!!

I can't believe I've made it to 200 Posts. When I started blogging, I wasn't sure if I'd keep it up, but now I'm 200 posts and almost 18 months in!

If you know me at all, you know that I have a great passion for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thankfully, my job has allowed me to be very involved in that cause.

So, I'd like to do a Giveaway that is dedicated to St. Jude!

St Jude Keychain

A Green "Give Thanks" Jar Candle

(Apple Cinnamon Scent)

Patient Art Magnets (set of 6)

Seriously, they are soooooo cute.

Reusable Shopping Bag - Doing our part to spread St. Jude awareness and help the environment.

A $25 Gift Card to Target

(Target is a major corporate sponsor of St Jude.... one of the many reasons I love that store!)

A $25 Gift Card to Chili's

(Same as Target - Huge corporate sponsor of St. Jude)

There's the loot!

Here's how you enter:

1) Leave a comment! - 1 entry

2) Become a follower (or already be one!) and let me know - 1 entry

3) Go to www.stjude.org/shop and tell me what item you'd love to have (the coolest thing about their gift shop is that 100% of the proceeds go to St. Jude) - 2 entries

4) Post about this giveaway on your own blog and leave me the link to check it (and your blog!) out - 2 entries

*** A total of 6 possible entries!! ***

The contest begins NOW! The contest ends next Sunday, February 14th at 11:59pm est.

I will announce a winner sometime on February 15th!

Catching up......

Hi, friends. It's been a while.

Let's first catch up....

1) It has been three weeks since I have had any sort of contact with "The Guy." Since that last conversation, when I was in Memphis. I mailed the letter the day after I got back and he received it two weeks ago........... and, nothing. Not a word. Not a peep. Not a friggin smoke signal.

Let's just say I haven't been taking it very well.

Do you know how long it's been since we've gone THREE WEEKS without any contact? Years.

I promise, he isn't the d-bag that my cousin Heidi has been thinking him for the past two weeks. However, he isn't proving me right, at this time.

We are going to go with the assumption that he doesn't feel the same way and isn't quite sure how to say it.

A simple, "I don't feel the same way." would suffice, but clearly, he's not aware of it. He's not the most mature one in the bunch.

Oh well. I did what I had to do. Only God knows where I, he, and we will go from here.

(Special thanks to Gina, who endured a couple of really long emails from me and was so sweet to share her somewhat similar experience....... again, sorry for the crazy long emails, Gina)

2) The past couple of weeks have been pretty great, in the sense that I've been able to see so many of my friends that I rarely get to see. It's been two weeks of lunches with Meg, Christina, and Susan.... among others. SO great to catch up! My poor intern probably thinks that all I do is eat out with people.

3) My new intern is AMAZING. I adore her. I might actually shed a tear when her internship is up. After the past two not-so-great interns...... I'm just thrilled.

4) I got a new wallet! No.... really, this is bigger than it sounds.

I've had the same wallet since I was in the 7th grade. I bought it at Wal-Mart and have used it, ever since.

As you can see, there's nothing spectacular about it..... brown with embroidered flowers. Kind of cute, but nothing special.

It wasn't as if I had any type of emotional attachment to the wallet. It just never occurred to me to get a new one, since the one I had was just fine, lol.

Then, I got the Vera Bradley "All-In-One Wristlet" (in Paprika) for my step-sister, for her birthday (in September).

My brother's girlfriend admired it so much, I got another one (in Purple Punch) for her Christmas present.

Then, it hit me, lol, "Why don't I get myself one?" It seemed silly, because my trusty Wal-Mart wallet was still in fairly good condition.

But, I wanted one. So, I did what any anal retentive person does.... I looked them up online. I purused all the different patterns they came in and tried to decide which one I wanted.

I settled on Bali Gold.

So, the other day when I went to lunch with Susan, I suggested walking down to the store that sells Vera Bradley, since we both had some time. I went in and started looking at all the colors, just to be sure. I still was sure of my Bali Gold decision.

Until I was exploring the wallet, while waiting for Susan to check out laptop cases.

I unzipped it and thought the inside pattern was ugly.

Oh, crap.

Well, that wouldn't do. For the inside of a purse? Sure.... you can barely see it. But, you see the inside pattern of the wallet every time you open it.

So, it was back to the drawing board. After a little discussion with Susan (who, thankfully, seemed to not think I was totally insane), I decided on Totally Turq.

I am so proud of this little beauty!

Being the sentimental fool that I am, I did get a little "Awwwww" as I was switching over wallets, later that night. I mean, both my HS and College IDs were in there, for Heaven's sake.

I am highly proud of my new wallet, though, lol.

5) I went to the John Mayer concert, last night. We were giving away tickets (on our non-Country station) and had a couple left over, so M and I decided to go.

We got there kind of late and were about 4 rows from the ceiling. He sounded good, but you couldn't make out what he was saying when he talked, lol.

It's a good thing they were free, lol. We both learned that we would never pay for seats in the 3rd level of the Forum.

We did have fun though, and that was the goal!



6) My next post is my 200th post! My giveaway items came in the mail, yesterday, so I'm super excited. Hopefully, you guys will be, too.

If not.... I'll just keep them for myself, lol.

"Kisses make it feel all better" - St Jude Patient

I know it's been a long time coming, but it's finally here!

On January 14th, it was time to head to Memphis for the Country Cares for St. Jude Radio Training Seminar. Boy did we have fun getting there, too, lol.

First of all, M had a gig in Atlanta earlier in the week. Well, we had a layover in Atlanta. So, her plan was to change her ticket, to just meet us in Atlanta. Only, Delta wasn't cooperating.

Then, we were going through the hardest and longest cold snap Florida has seen in decades. All the growers in Central Florida were using extra water to try and keep the crops alive. Well, the extra water usage was draining our aquifers...... and causing some sinkhole-like activity on I-4.

For two days, we fretted over how we were going to get everyone to Memphis, lol.

M decided to drive overnight back to Tampa. LA and I caught a ride to the airport EARLY. Our flight was at 9:50am, but with heightened security (because of underwear bombs) and sinkholes causing bad traffic, we really didn't want to take a chance.

At 6:30am, we left my house. At exactly 7:30am, we were standing in line at the Starbucks, right next to our gate. That's right, it took us an hour to get there and get through security. All that worrying and nothing, lol..... so, we made ourselves comfortable for the next two hours.

Meanwhile, M was booking it back to Tampa. Her job had ended late the night before.... she got her rental car at 12:45am and had been driving since. At 8:30, she still wasn't quite at the airport and was near tears.

Thankfully, at 9:00am, she was walking up to the gate! We were going to make it! We boarded the plane to go right back to where M had just driven 7 1/2 hours overnight from, lol.

According to my traveling companions, both of our flights were extremely bumpy. I couldn't tell you, because I was asleep and was loving every second of it.

When we got to Memphis, we checked into the seminar and then into our hotel. We were on the Early Bird Tour, so we boarded a bus to the hospital.

In the Pavilion, there's a mini-museum dedicated to Danny Thomas. It's broken into the four main components of his public life.....

Entertainer

Humanitarian

St. Jude Hospital (of course)

ALSAC (the fundraising arm of St. Jude)....... In 1957, Danny Thomas formed a group of business men, investors, and friends to raise money for a hospital that would help children with cancer. In 1962, the hospital opened.

Corporate Sponsors of St. Jude...... take a good look and frequent these places....

Do you want to know where your donation is going?......

Country Cares for St. Jude Kids.......... How I get to be involved :)

Last year, Randy Owen was honored for creating Country Cares, 20 years prior. His plaque now hangs in the Pavilion.

Statue of St. Jude - The Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes

Katie Couric was pivotal in the start of the "Thanks and Giving" Campaign. As thanks, she is honored in one of the waiting rooms.

As you walk down one of the longer hallways, you walk through the four seasons. This was new to experience for us, as they were painting it last year.

These flags represent all the countries from where all the St Jude/ALSAC employees come.

Me, LA, and M standing with the "lucky" bust of Danny Thomas.

The lobby of the Chili's Care Center..... yep, the restaurant chain. The fascility is HUGE and has really expanded the hospital's capabilities.

After the tour, we had a welcome reception and headed to dinner with our region. Our region ate at Rendevous.... yum! Throughout the night, different artists walked around. To be honest, most of them you've never heard of and probably never will.

You may have heard of these, guys....... Lynaryd Skynard (obviously the ones that didn't die in the plane crash..... which I had to explain to someone, lol).

Beale Street was a-calling for many of our peers. However, we called it a Grandma Night. Poor M had been up for almost 36 hours with only the two plane rides, as a nap. So, Day One was over!

The next morning, we got up and ate breakfast. Most everyone headed out to the hospital, but since we'd already been, we had a separate day planned. First, a "Meet The Team"..... we met 15 year old Chase and the team that takes care of him. Chase is battling Osteosarcoma of the Skull (bone cancer in his skull). His outlook is something that I strive for.

We then had a break before lunch. BTW.... not only is the food really good, but it's very plentiful, lol. They are constantly feeding us.

The convention was held at The Peabody, so ducks were kind of a big thing throughout the weekend, lol.

The famous ducks in their famous fountain.

The front of the Duck Palace.

This way to the Duck Palace...

When they aren't in the downstairs fountain, they reside in this miniature fountain.

They really do live in The Peabody.

I thought this was cool.......

White Chocolate Duck.....

After lunch, we met some St Jude Volunteers and then had an activity. The two volunteers offered a unique perspective and have such heart to work there a couple times a week.

For the activity, we put together little craft kits for the kids. Our table made up Door Hanger kits.

The Door Hanger Table....

We had quite a little break in front of us, so I was able to take a nap, hit the hotel gym, and then take a shower to get ready for Lucky Duck Casino Night!

M and Joe Nichols

LA and Joe Nichols

Jewel and M

Myself, our new friend A, LA, and M at Casino Night.... Alyssa is from a Tampa station. While we're technically competitors, lol, A quickly became our 4th for the weekend!

M and I at Casino Night.

After we fake gambled and won nothing, lol, we headed out to Beale. We settled on Silky's because we were hoping to see the goat. There was no goat, however, there was a Bachelor Party (full of some really great, upstanding gentlemen). Once they vacated, they were replaced by a bunch of Frat Boys (who weren't as upstanding and spent the rest of the night hitting on us, lol).

Us at Silky O'Sullivans (to my direct left was one of the dueling pianos)

We were headed back to the hotel when I got a text from my buddy, C. He's one of our record reps and we love him so, lol. We sat in the lobby for awhile, catching up.....

On Day 3, we started with breakfast, roundtables, and panel discussions. Basically, lots of Radiothon discussion with tips, etc. All really interesting, helpful, and informative (well, to those of us Radio Geeks, lol).

After lunch, we had a special guest speaker. Tom Shadyac is the brother of Rick Shadyac, the CEO of ALSAC. Their father, Richard Shadyac, was one of the founding members of ALSAC and served as the CEO for over 10 years. He passed away this past October and his son has stepped in.

Tom, however, is in the film industry. He directed the films Ace Ventura, Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, Patch Adams, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. He is extremely successful and chooses to live in a double-wide trailer, lol. He was so fun, entertaining, and inspiring!!

Tom, on the right, isn't quite the lawyer that his father and brother are, lol.

M in the group picture with Tom Shadyac.

The last program was "Meet the Patients"..... we got to meet several of the patients and their families. It's always the most touching and funny of the weekend.... it's always the last, too.

One of the families was actually a pair of sisters. They were diagnosed on the same day, with brain tumors. Their mother had me in tears and stitches, at the same time, with her story of showing up with BOTH of her children and being asked how she was doing. "I hadn't found Jesus at that point and I wanted nothing more than to rip that woman's hair out. How did she THINK I was doing?"

The best part? She and her husband pay NOTHING for either of her children's care. She said they kept asking how much this all was going to cost them..... "My husband was emptying his wallet and I had dumped out my purse on the Admission Lady's desk. I have no idea why I thought $3 would pay for a CAT scan! But, they told us it wouldn't cost us a thing and it hasn't."

I wish I had pictures, but I always feel weird taking their pictures without their express permission.

When that was over, it was time to get gussied up for the Songwriter's Dinner!


Butter Ducks......

LA and I at the Songwriter's Dinner

M and I at the Songwriter's Dinner

Randy Owen

I can't remember this guy's name, but he wrote "You're Gonna Miss This" and co-wrote "In Color." He wrote the song with Jamey Johnson and James Otto. I've been able to hear all three sing that song....... soooo cool, as they all have slightly different interpretations of it.

I don't remember their names, either. However, the guy on the left wrote "Midnight Train to Georgia." The guy on the right wrote "Waitin On A Woman" among others.

LA, myself, and M

A joins the crowd!

The weekend had officially come to a close :(

We hit up Beale Street, again, and hung out at BB King's. I called it a night around 2:15 and headed back to the hotel. I ended up FB chatting with TG until about 3:30 (which just so happens to be the last time we talked :( ).

The next morning, we ate lunch and got to the airport to get home.

It was an AMAZING weekend. I wish every single person had the opportunity to experience St Jude.

So..... in the next couple of posts, I'll be announcing a very special St. Jude Giveaway. My 200th post is coming up, so I thought it was fitting! Stay tuned!