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

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

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!!!!!!!!!!

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......

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......

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

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

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

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

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!

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!!

Even the Adults Need a Day to Play...

The last full day Heidi, Mike, and the kids were here, the big kids decided to go play. I took the day off, Trevor skipped school, and we went to Universal.

First on the list!!!!

Heidi didn't get to ride any of the adult rides when she was there, so we rode them all. Mike and I, however, were riding buddies. Heidi and Trevor both felt sick to their stomachs, so we rode and rode. We rode the "Dragon Challenge" five times in a row, among other things.

Once we'd done everything we wanted at Islands of Adventure, we left to eat lunch before walking over to the Studios. We settled on Hard Rock Cafe.

We spent a couple hours over at the Studios before deciding to call it a day. I spent so much time being a carefree kid, that I didn't really take that many pictures, lol. We really had so much fun!!!

I did manage to get one shot of all of us. I *love* this picture and have it blown up, on my office wall.

My mom had kept the kids entertained all day. We met up with them, went out to dinner, and then hung out for the rest of the night.

Sadly, the next morning, they left for home :(

I really, really miss them and wish they could move down here.

How Pinteresting! - If Calories Didn't Exist

Thanks to my friend LA, I have become absolutely addicted to Pinterest, lately. Like, addicted. In my slow (but steady) efforts to lose the last of this weight, I've taken to pinning all the things I want to eat, but can't. Because, you know, they are fattening and awful for you, but probably taste like Heaven. Anyway, I'm linking up with The Vintage Apple's "Oh, How Pinteresting! Wednesday" today, so your mouths may water, as well :)   

Source: whisk-kid.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: stir-constantly.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: kevinandamanda.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: recipegirl.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: lifeeveryday.net via Jessica on Pinterest