Sunday Social

1. What do you miss most about being a kid?
Simplicity. Kids are so innocent and get excited about the simple things. I try really hard to keep that as much as possible.
I mean, I get as excited about the new seasons of TV starting now as I did about 'Full House' when I was a kid.


2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it?
A lot of people called me Jessie. That stopped in late elementary, but it is funny because you can always tell who knew me back then. They still will call me Jessie.
I also was called "Peepers", "Lil Rose", and "Jessie Bell" by various family members.


3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?
I liked hanging out on the top of the jungle gym. I also loved the merry-go-round..... how some of us didn't die on that thing is beyond me. The Kindergarten playground at my school got rid of it a long time ago, but man, we had fun.


4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. Always. Which is funny, because I was sooooooo painfully shy. About 5/6 of the people who knew me would have never believed it, but the only time I came out of my shell was when I was performing.
I also always wanted to be a mom.


5. What was your favorite toy?
My dolls. I still have my favorite Cabbage Patch Doll, Kimberly.


6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about?
I was less than two and we were out at this local BBQ place after church. I loved me some ribs and their sauce is still my favorite on the planet.
So, towards the end of the meal, my hands were a mess, but my parents were finishing up before cleaning me up. Keep in mind, I was one of the prissiest eaters ever.... never made a mess.... and would sit and wait for them to clean me up. Well, there was this very large man wearing a white suit sitting directly behind me. It's picnic table seating, so he was literally right behind me. In an effort to be friendly, I turned around and patted the man to say "Hi"..... and left two perfect handprints on his back.
Obviously, I don't remember this..... but, I've been told this story so many times I can picture it, lol.

Words of Wisdom with H&J

Well, they really aren't words of wisdom that will help anyone. Really, they just illustrate that my dear cousin is wise to my ways..........

Ghosts

Last week, I was perusing the web and inadvertently came across the blog of a "real life" girl that I do not like. I hate to not like people.... and hate even more saying that I do not like someone... but it is the case with this particular person. Really, I can count on one hand how many people I've ever met that I just plain do not like, so it's always an uncomfortable feeling when it happens.

Out of sheer morbid curiosity, I read a few posts and remembered two things....

1) Why I originally considered her a friend.

and 

2) Why I ultimately decided she was not a person I liked.


Over the past week, it bothered me. Every six months or so, this girl pops up out of nowhere. I have not seen her in person in almost two years.... and, she even has me blocked on FB..... so, really we rarely come into contact. However, we have enough mutual friends that she kind of just shows up in conversation or on the web.

And, it bothers me.

I honestly feel like that ecard...... On a day to day basis, I don't think about her. I don't wish her any harm. However, as soon as I hear her name, I get irritated.

It bugs me.

I don't like feeling that way. I don't like letting someone have that much power over me. And.... the crux of the issue.... I don't like the Devil to win.

I'm really trying to just let it go. It's difficult, though.... and, that's not like me. Like I said... I like people. It's something that I am seriously trying to work out with God.

Have you ever had someone in your life that followed you like a ghost? They weren't there, but they affected you negatively? What did you do to conquer it?

Premiere Week!!!!!!!!!

Is anyone as excited about Premiere Week as I am?!?!?! I know that NBC has already rolled out the majority of their shows, but I barely watch that channel, so this is my week.

As always, I have a ridiculously (it's ridiculous.... really absurd) long list of shows that I'm going to attempt to check out..... and, will pare down after the first couple of weeks.

Monday

Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars (ABC)

Good job ABC.... I had completely lost interest in this show over the past 3-4 seasons. Then, you brought out the all-stars.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)

Barney getting married to Robin? Yes, please.

2 Broke Girls (CBS)

Mike & Molly (CBS)

Castle (ABC)

Tuesday

B in Apt 23 (ABC)

New Girl (Fox)

Hart of Dixie (CW)

Wednesday

Modern Family (ABC)

Nashville (ABC)

I am going to give this one a shot.... It may be awful, but I will see.

Thursday (ie, my favorite night)

Big Bang Theory (CBS)

I can watch this show a million times and still find it hysterical.

Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

AGGGHHH!!!! I can't wait!!!!!

Scandal (ABC)

Shonda Rhimes is a genius and I love this show. I want to know who Quinn really is!!!!

The Vampire Diaries (CW)

This one doesn't start until mid-October, but I love it.

Friday

Made in Jersey (CBS)

I cannot tell you the last time I watched a show on Friday night. I'm not expecting it to last, but the show looked cute, so I want to check it out.

Sunday

The Amazing Race (CBS)

Once Upon A Time (ABC)

The Good Wife (CBS)

Revenge (ABC)

The Mentalist (CBS)


What are you looking forward to this Fall Premiere Week?

Because I don't like my post count...

No seriously, my post count is at 666 and it's bothering me. So, I decided to do something about it.

Here are my random thoughts this Sunday evening.......

- I *love* Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Zoey Deschanel. I just do.

- Tomorrow morning, I restart Insanity. Long story short, I had to stop and wait for new DVDs. So, I start back again, tomorrow morning. Really early, too.

- This week is sooooo busy. I'm a bit nervous about it.

- Watching The Emmy's..... It makes me laugh how they are setting up "appointment viewing."

- Friday night, I'm going to HHN. I'm both excited and terrified.

- This past week, I got a lovely call from Meg while on my way to work. We chatted for a nice while and it was just great.

- Melissa McCarthy..... I just love her, too. And, as much as I love her in pretty much everything, I still miss 'Gilmore Girls.'

- Once again, good deals got me again. I couldn't pass up $19 Rockstar Jeans from Old Navy.

- Please, can the election just get here?

Sunday Social

1. What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid of?

Cliff diving.... It looks so fun and magical. However, I just imagine the rocks that could be in the water that I can't see. Or, that I don't jump far enough from the rocks.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I pray that I'm married and hopefully either a mommy or on my way to being a mommy.

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2012?

We have a family cruise planned for Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to it.

My cousin Ben is planning to come visit with his wife. I haven't seen them since they got married five years ago.

I'm also really looking forward to spending my first Christmas since I was a child with my cousin. The whole season, really.... I can't wait for her family to see all the fun traditions we have down here :)

4. What are your hopes for your blog?

Just that I keep it up. I've been blogging for four years, now, and it's interesting to go back and read everything that has happened in that time.

I'd love to keep blogging for years and years to come, so that one day my children will be able to see my journey.

Also, I'd like more reviews, lol. It is fun to get free stuff every once and a while.

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?

I could imagine that. It's really all I've ever known.

That being said, I can also see myself in other places if life leads me there.

6. What is your morning routine?

Hit snooze a couple times.... get out of bed and immediately make it.... bathroom and shower.... get dressed.... hair.... grab breakfast and out the door.

Because Match And EH Weren't For Me....

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

She has done this several times and there are several couples that have resulted. Let's face it.... online dating sites are not for me. However, a couple developments this week have led me to think that maybe I should keep trying for something. I like Kelly.... I like Bloggers.... and, I feel that you all are probably a better judge than an automated system.

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

I'm Jess. Nice to meet you!

The lovely lady to the right is my cousin Heidi. She knows me best and basically will have to approve of anyone I am with (just being honest). Luckily, she's a pretty awesome person and any guy would be lucky to have her as his girl's BFF.

Quick stats:

* 29

* Born and raised in Central Florida

* Promotions Director

* Single, never married

* Really allergic to a lot of animals (again, just being honest)

Things you should know:

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

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

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

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

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

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

* People tell me I am photogenic. While I take it as a true compliment, I also tend to think I look better in pictures than in person. Just be forewarned.

* Something that the online dating sites have taught me is that I'm not needy. As in, while I like hearing from a guy, I do not need to hear from him several times a day while we are getting to know one another. ONE simple "How is your day?" really is sufficient for me ;)

What I'm looking for:

* A Christian man.

* A guy with a great sense of humor.

* A guy who loves children and wants to be a father, someday.

* Southern gentleman............. or, is at least willing to travel below the Mason-Dixon line so I can visit home :)

*Someone who isn't too serious.......... I love life, but can sometimes be too serious. I need someone that lightens me up, a little, lol.

* Someone who isn't wanting to play games. I'm not the kind of girl you play games with.

* And, just because this has come up, recently........... smokers and chewers need not apply, lol.

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

Tuesday Thoughts

The special Fall TV Preview Edition of Entertainment Weekly is out.

Ever since I was a child, I look forward to this (or TV Guide's version). I'm ok with the fact that it makes me seem crazy/sad/pathetic/obsessed.

Now, excuse me while I go highlight my shows and make sure my DVR is programmed appropriately.

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Big Brother is ending tomorrow. So is So You Think You Can Dance.

I always get a bit sad when this happens. I spend the summer getting all invested in these people and then it is just over.

With that said.... I want Dan to win BB. I just do. His game has been pretty brilliant this year. The fact that he could play completely differently than he did last time and still make it this far amazes me.

I do love Ian. I also love Danielle. But, I want Dan to win.

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Ok, summer. I am ready for you to be over.

Hurricane season, you can go, too.

The humidity. The heat. The atmospheric pressure that is giving me horrible headaches the past week.

All of you can hit the road.

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Before my little virtual shopping spree yesterday, I had already bought these shoes.....

Candie's from Kohl's

I know they look painful. I know they look like potential death.

But, on?

On, they look incredible. On, they attract compliments from men and women, alike.

On, they actually feel pretty good.

Yesterday, I wore them all day and into the evening. Other than having to take them off, so that I could run downstairs quickly, they never left my feet. I tend to ditch my heels right after lunchtime, but these puppies didn't bother me a bit.

Plus, they went really well with the dress I got from Old Navy.... that was also featured on the Today Show last week (excuse the mirror that needs to be cleaned).

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The Gangnam Style video and parodies?

Endless entertainment.

 

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I am seriously considering selling Scentsy.

Thoughts?

Virtual Shopping

I have developed a bit of a shopping addiction this summer. It is so unlike me.... then again, clothes have never fit me so well. I'm sure there is a correlation.

Regardless of how clothes fit or how great New York & Company and Kohls' sales are, my wallet doesn't like this new habit. I'm attempting to reign it in.

So, I will go ahead and virtual shop, without actually buying.....

Lauren Conrad from Kohl's

I also love the royal blue, white, and gray/silver color. 

Lauren Conrad from Kohl's

I saw this in the store. Honestly, I'm not even sure if it would look good on me, but it reminded me of a ballerina.

Lauren Conrad from Kohl's

Apt 9 from Kohl's

Loft

Loft

Sunday Social

1. What are 3 items you can't live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don't count)

1) My IPhone

2) A toothbrush

3) My brush (that has a ton of hairbands on it)

2. What is your all time favorite book? Why?

Hmmmm..... This is a hard one. I love 'Pride and Prejudice.'

I also love the Harry Potter series.

3. What is something you'd like to accomplish before the end of 2012

Lose 15 lbs and organize my room/office

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be?

25.... That was a great year.

I would also like to go back to last Fall through this April. I would like the chance to do a few things differently.

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?

That is another hard one.....

That as sensitive as I can be, I can handle the truth better than anything. I think a lot of people lie to me, in order to "spare" me. Or, at least that is what they think they are doing.... really, I think they are sparing themselves from feeling bad when I'm sad/mad/hurt/etc. They aren't sparing me... they are making it worse.

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?

Christmas 2011: Traveling THE World in one day.......

This one has been buried in the attic for a while......

The Eve of Christmas Eve, we were on a mission. Megan and Bryan were visiting and Bryan had only been to Magic Kingdom once. We had extra one-day park hopper passes that would be expiring at the end of the year, so we decided to go for it.

All four Disney World Parks in one day. We wanted him to see the highlights........

First stop........ Animal Kingdom.......

Bryan and Megan in front of the Tree of Life

Safari Ride......

Rafiki's Planet Watch.... or "the animal scrubbing place" according to Lydia....

All in all, we managed to to the Safari, the Rafiki exhibit, and Expedition Everest before heading to our next destination......... EPCOT......

A stop for lunch

Siblings.........

Lydia LOVES her Bryan....

She also LOVES Trev. She doesn't, however, like to share her stroller with him, lol.

Family Picture Time.... Bryan, Megan, Mom, Mickey, Lydia, Me, Trevor, Megan, and Jeff.

The Coca-Cola Beverage Center. It's a great spot for free soda, but beware of the nasty flavors!!

One of the nastiest flavors? The one that shares the same name as my mom, Beverly. I love my mom, but that soda is disgusting. We do, however, like to trick first-timers into drinking it.

At EPCOT, we managed to get the following accomplished...... eat lunch, Test Track, Nemo, The Land, and Soarin' before saying good-bye to the big golf ball.......

.... and head to Hollywood Studios.

Jeff took Lydia off to do a few fun things, while the rest of us did Rockin Rollercoaster.

They may be brothers by marriage only, but they certainly pester each other like the real thing....

Mom and her girls......

The fact that I don't have a picture from Tower of Terror makes me so sad. Obviously, Bryan had never been on it, but neither had the younger Megan. Our picture was HYSTERICAL and I am still kicking myself for not getting it. She has this look of pure fear on her face, while Trev and I are clearly cracking up on either side of her. Priceless.

Christmas Lights!!!!.... My favorite thing about that park during Christmas....

My brother and I....

Hollywood Studios was a successful trip....... Rockin Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, the Christmas Lights, Toy Story, and the Great Movie Ride.

At this point, I'm on a mission to get everyone in the cars and over to Magic Kingdom. Bryan never saw the fireworks when he went and they are a must-see, imo. Everyone was exhausted by this point, so they needed a bit of encouragement ;)

Proof that we were there a mere 2 days before Christmas......

Main Street at Christmas....

Megan H and I....

We watched the fireworks and then crowd cleared. Suddenly, the park was almost empty and was open for another hour and a half.

Pure trouble........

Jess, you've starved us. Let us eat in peace.....

I honestly can't remember what all we did at Magic Kingdom. I was so tired, lol. However, we definitely got the Disney experience. The next day.... we all could barely move, lol. Four parks in one day is NOT something I would recommend on a regular basis.

As exhausting as it was, it was a day none of us will soon forget.

Wednesday Wonderings

Yesterday, I had two meetings at weird times that basically caused me not to be able to eat lunch until 2pm. Which, would have been fine if I'd eaten more than a banana and a cup of coffee for breakfast.

Needless to say, I was a bit on the hungry side when I finally had time to eat. So, I ended up ordering Jimmy John's. They are freaky fast and got me my sandwich faster than I would have been able to drive and get something.

That being said, the only thing I really like about Jimmy John's is their freaky fastness.

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I'm still reeling over the ending of Bachelor Pad. Whoa, that was intense.

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I just had my semi-annual review.

Overall, it was great. I got excellent comments, etc. Raving review.

However, something was said that just really, really discouraging. I spent the next 20 minutes on the phone crying to my cousin.

I really need to spend some time with God and figure out my life.

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Another thing I need to try to work out with God.......

I'm beginning to think there is something intrinsically wrong with me that causes me to push away any guy interested in me.

It's either that or I just attract obnoxious weirdos.

Best Work Conference Ever....

Work conferences tend to be a mixed bag for most. While there is a little fun, it is mostly lectures, discussions, and shop talk, right?

Unless you work in Country Radio ;)

Our biggest industry conference is pretty damn cool. This year was my first year to attend. It was held the last part of February/first part of March in Nashville.... consequently, Blissdom was being held in Nashville at the very same time. We were downtown and they were at Gaylord Opryland...... then, oddly enough, when I was visiting NYC last month, BlogHer was also there.

Anyway, I traveled with my friend and coworker, J. As soon as we arrived in Nashville, we were picked up by one of our record reps, checked into our hotel, and were ready just in time for one of the coolest lunches ever. Universal Music Group hosts a lunch at The Ryman, where their artists each perform a couple songs. There were about 20 artists altogether and it was amazing.

George Strait

LeeAnn Womack

Laura Bell Bundy

Canaan Smith

David Nail

Vince Gill

Um... Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan

Throughout the week, there are a ton of different events. You really can't go to all of them. Some are general and open to everyone...... some require an invite. Wednesday night was by far the most exclusive event I got the privilege to attend....

Jerrod Neimann, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Young

Since Miranda (along with Chris and Jerrod) was on tour, they wouldn't be able to attend their label event. They had shows Thurs, Fri, and Sat. So, they held their own acoustic show. It was a guitar pool style and so amazing. 

Chris Young and I

On the bus back to the hotel. We may have indulged in one too many RandaRitas.

There was a lot going on that evening and we made the rounds. By the time I got back to my room, I think I pretty much fell right asleep.

The next day, we had a couple of sessions, followed by a "Haunted Pub Crawl" with a group. The only problem is that I did not plan my meals properly and about passed out before I ate. Honestly, I couldn't quite enjoy the tour because I felt so ill.

The evening was one of the hottest events each year, apparently.... The Sony Boat. We go on The General Jackson and are treated to dinner and a show. One really neat part of the evening is that we met up with a bunch of other people from our company and ate with them. We have several country stations within our company, but it's rare to come into contact with any of them, lol.

Sara Evans and I

Carrie Underwood and I

Gary Overton.... the head of Sony Nashville... we inadvertently ended up eating lunch with him the next day. I was in awe and even missed a planned session, so that I could keep listening to him. He was so personable and really shared a wealth of experience/knowledge with us.

Jake Owen

Tyler Farr

Kellie Pickler

Josh Thompson

Kristin Kelly.... She's brand new... I *adore* her...

Love And Theft

Casey James

Kix Brooks

Carrie Underwood

The whole gang.....

J and I....

There really was SO much going on the entire weekend and I'm just not realizing that I didn't get pictures of most of it. We were going nonstop the whole week. Between sessions, panels, and events, it was amazing.

The last thing I did manage to get some picture of was the last dinner. Out of the newer artists on the scene, they choose 4-5 that they feel are quickly making their way up. One of my favorites was featured......

Hunter Hayes....

I cannot tell you how incredible the whole week was.... not just from a fun perspective, but from a learning perspective. I came back feeling so energized and educated.

I am already praying that I get to go, again, next year.