Blog Everyday: TBT

July 24th: Throwback Thursday - Breakout the baby pictures and start looking up how much a gallon of gas used to cost. We want to know what the world was like the year you were born.

So, the above clearly was a bit after I was born, but it is one of my favorite childhood pictures...... and, one of the few that I have converted to digital.

Anyway........ 1983 ....

All info thanks to www.1980sFlashback.com....

Stamp - 20 cents
Gallon of Gas - $1.24
Dozen Eggs - 86 cents
Gallon of Milk - $2.24

Top Album - 1999 by Prince
Top Movie Money Maker - 'Return of the Jedi'
Top TV Show - 'Dallas'

Blog Everyday: Currents

July 23rd: Currently (reading, writing, listening, thinking, smelling, wishing, hoping, wearing, wanting, loving, needing) - Tell us what you are currently doing when it comes to these topics.

Reading - I just finished a couple books and am looking for a nice beachy read for my upcoming cruise. Any suggestions?!

Writing - This post ;)..... No, really.... I know a lot of people find Blog Challenges annoying and will skip over them. Totally cool. However, this has helped me get the juices flowing, again.

Listening - One of my stations, at the moment. However, on my own time, I'm obsessed with Sam Smith and Colbie Caillat's new stuff.

Thinking - About all the things I need to do for my upcoming cruise. So. Many. Things.

Smelling - Scentsy's Vanilla Bean Buttercream..... It is yum (and I typically don't like the "Cafe Corner" type scents).

Wishing - That losing 45 lbs would be easier than it is.

Hoping - That things level out a little with certain things over the next month or so.

Wearing - NY&C....... Skinnies, a camisole, and a cardigan.

Wanting - A few hours/days/weeks to just veg and catch up on all my recorded programs.

Loving - FD. I do. I just do. He's been going through some stuff lately and it's sort of brought out the love even more.

Needing - Another round with Sweat Spa. I'm tense from traveling on metro and planes this weekend. I also need a full week of no one at work being able to get a hold of me. Oh wait, that is happening SOON!!!

Blog Everday: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm

July 22nd: Things That Make You Go 'Hmm" - Ever think about something and just wonder why it is the way it is? Share your 'hmm' moments with us.

First off......... Yeah, I skipped yesterday. The GIFs were hard enough.... Finding GIFs to represent my day was just too stressful. Props to whomever actually completed the prompt!!

Onward and upward to things that make me go 'hmmmm'.......

.... People who drive 15 miles below the speed limit. I mean, really, they just irritate me. But, I still wonder why in the world they don't feel the need to at least go the speed limit.

.... People who do not wear deodorant. Like, I get that a lot of countries do not. I just do not understand how they can have indoor plumbing and access to deodorant (unlike 3rd world countries), yet choose to live in their own stink. I get grossed out if I don't shower right after I run. Don't they smell themselves?

.... People who like to eat their steaks rare or medium rare or medium. It looks like it is moo-ing. I can't handle it.

.... People who want to dive deep into the ocean or go into space. Like, there is major equipment that is keeping you from drowning/suffocating. And, you can get so easily lost.

.... Why the Malaysian flight still hasn't been found. It has been months. They can't even find scrap metal.

.... Why terrorists can send messages from mountains in the middle east, but I can't get a signal in an elevator.

.... How someone decides (and practices) to be an expert at a weird talent.... like crazy motorcyclists or trapeze artists.

Blog Everyday: Would You Rather?

 

 July 20th: Would You Rather - Ever played that game where you're given 2 choices and you HAVE to pick one? Come back for your choices later!

1. Would you rather be blind or deaf?

Deaf. It would make me sooooooooo sad to never hear music again or a child laugh, but at least I could still be more independent.

2. Would you rather be taller than you are or shorter than you are?

Taller.... I'm already 5'7", but if I were a couple inches taller I could weigh what I weigh now and look thinner. As hard of a time as I have with weight, I do not need to be any shorter.

3. Would you rather be a teenager or a senior citizen for the rest of your life?

Senior citizen. Like, in my early 60s. I know so many people in that age group who are in better shape than my 30 year old self. So, I could still be mobile and vibrant, but have the luxury of discounts.

4. Would you rather have no hands or have no legs?

Oh dear. I'll go with legs. 

5. Would you rather lose your front teeth or both of your eyebrows?
I live in fear of messing up my teeth. I will go with eyebrows. You can draw them in.

6. Would you rather eat a worm or a cockroach?

Worm. Like, it would be gross, but it would be better than a cockroach. I live in Florida. I know exactly how disgusting cockroaches are.

 

7. Would you rather spend a day in the Sahara or in the North Pole?

I practically live in the Sahara, so I feel I could handle it. I mean, it's only a day.

8. Would you rather have a personal chef or a personal driver?

As much as I *HATE* driving, I'm going to chef. That would be awesome. So awesome.

9. Would you rather always have to whisper or always have to shout?

Whisper. I typically talk pretty low, anyway.

10. Would you rather not be able to taste or not be able to smell?

These are linked, so if you couldn't smell, your taste would be messed up. I'll go with taste, though. Maybe I'd lose weight that way. Plus, I'd still be able to smell everything.

11. Would you rather wipe with sandpaper or with saran wrap?

Gross. I'll go with Saran Wrap.

 

12. Would you rather have Twitter shut down for a day or have your blog disappear for a day?

I am pretty certain I'd live without both for a day, since I don't go on both every single day. We'll say Twitter (but not during Big Brother season....).

13. Would you rather have the text of your blog screwed up or have all of your pictures be blurry?

This is a hard one. I guess pictures, as long as my personal pictures on my computer aren't blurry. I use my blog as a journal/scrapbook, so it is where I record a lot of my memories. As long as I still have my pictures elsewhere, I want my text to be readable.

14. Would you rather never be able to post a GIF or never be able to receive comments on your posts?

GIFs. I never post them and am going to have a difficult time with the next prompt.

15. Would you rather have a permanent wedgie or have the tag on your shirt constantly scratch your neck?
Itchy tag.

Blog Everyday: Now I Have Will Smith In My Head....

Playing catch-up, as I was out of town for the weekend and couldn't get my IPad to hook up to the wifi where I was.....

 

 July 19th: Switch Day - Today you get to switch places with anyone. How would your day go? What would you do? Would you want to switch back at the end of the day?

I think I would trade places with Taylor Swift. I mean, the girl has a pretty interesting life.

 I'd want it to be in one of the larger cities where they have two shows, two days in a row. Why? Because, on the 2nd day in the city, she and her dancers tend to sight see. Last year, when they were in Orlando for two days, she took everyone to Disney World.

Anyway, we'd see some city in style that I've never seen before and then we'd do the show. I'd really love to feel what it's like to be up on that stage and have everyone singing back to you. It has to be a really cool experience.

 

Blog Everyday: Five Favorites

 


 July 18th: Five Favorites - We wanna know about your new favorite song, lipstick, or even new candle from Bath & Body Works. Share the goods, y'all!

I am currently sitting in an airport, waiting for my badly delayed flight to get here. Since I pretty much suck at formatting things on an IPad, this may not be the greatest post ever. And, I can't figure out how to link things how I prefer, so no links for you.

Any, my five new favorites... Emphasis on NEW, as I have blogged and blogged about standard favorites.....

New Favorite TV Show

Reckless

I LOVE this show! It is on CBS on Sundays. I really hope it gets renewed for next summer or even a mid-season replacement. 

New Favorite Artist

Sam Smith

I think I have listened to 'Latch' and 'Stay With Me' about a million times.

Thank you, The Voice and Dancing with the Stars, for showing me what I was missing.

New Favorite Food

The Grilled Watermelon Salad at Longhorn Steakhouse.

I crave this salad all the time. I have been known to eat it twice in one week. I might cry when they take it off the seasonal menu.

For the record, I order mine with Grilled Chicken (instead of fried) and Feta (instead of goat).

New Favorite Hair Product

Not Your Mother's Sea Salt Spray

Yes, I may be in the stone ages for just now discovering this, but I have become addicted. It doesn't really give me the beachy waves it claims (without help from my flat iron, at least), but it makes my hair smell good and is great for "I don't want to do much with my hair, but I still want it to have some sort of style" days.

New Favorite Night Out

Comedy shows!

Recently, one of our coworkers started hosting comedy night at a local club. He does about 20 mins of stand-up, as well. A bunch of us try to go once a month or so and we have THE BEST TIME. There is seriously something about laughing at a (usually raunchy) comedian that bonds people.

This Fall, Pauley Shore is coming to the club. Those of us that grew up in the 90s at the office are already planning to go, lol.

Blog Everyday: Central Florida... Home Sweet Home

 

 July 17th: All About Your City - Take us on a tour of your city. It can be the city you were born in or the city you live in now. Just tell us everything there is to know about where you call home.



So, I've never actually named where I live on this blog.... and, for various reasons, I won't change that today. However, based off my description below, it won't be difficult to Google, if you are so inclined.

Let me just say, I love my hometown. I've lived here my entire life and wouldn't change that.

I'm between Tampa and Orlando.... and, being in such close proximity has its benefits. I'm on what is called "The I-4 Corridor." While most people think beaches and theme parks when they think of Central Florida, my city (and county) is more of "real Florida." We're The South. We're The Bible Belt. We're a pretty large city, with a very small town feel.

Anyway.... Things that make my city unique (and/or that I just love).........

Swans

Swans are a pretty big deal here. Like, a huge deal. Don't mess with a swan. They're protected and everything, lol.

 

We don't just have live swans.... We have turned swans into art and a fundraiser....

We also have a Swan Derby, where there are swan boat races a week before the Kentucky Derby. It's also a major fundraiser for a local charity. I have raced in this event and it is NOT easy.

BTW.... That black swan is my company's swan.... Isn't it pretty?

Parks

Being raised here, parks were just an everyday part of life. We have a ton. Nice ones. Clean ones. Safe ones. I always am surprised/amused when someone comes into town and is shocked by all the parks. We even have one of the largest accessible parks in the country. No kidding, city developers from other states have come in to see it.

Publix

We are home to Publix. Not just, "Oh, we're Floridians, so we love it."

We are actually it's home. It was founded here and remains. Publix is our largest employer. There is a high school named after its founder. His remaining family (and their various last names) can be seen pretty much all over, as they've helped fund half the town.

My favorite? The "Publix Birthday Cake"..... It's a water tower that is on its distribution center property.

 

Edward Scissorhands

A lot of the exterior portions of the film were filmed in my town. Specifically, the shopping center that appears in quite a bit of it. 

 

 

Frank Lloyd Wright

We are home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright construction, which includes a covered walkway that expands a mile and a half around the college campus on which it sits. Random tourists that love architecture actually visit just for the buildings.

In case you have no idea who FLW is..... He's a rather famous architect, who is probably best known for his design of the Guggenheim museum in NYC. He also was really short and designed really, really short ceilings.

 

Miscellaneous.....

Otherwise known as, "Jess is tired of finding pictures of her city...." 

Lakes - You pretty much can't throw a rock in my city without it landing in a lake. There are 38 named lakes and many other unnamed lakes.

Running - We have a HUGE running community. That is probably thanks to the several lakes that have walkways all around. Our main runners' club was recently named one of the Top 10 Running Clubs in the country.

'The Waterboy' - Parts of it were also filmed here. Mainly the classroom shots.

Red Lobster - It was also founded here. The very first one was still open until about 15 or so years ago.

Large Corporations -  Besides Publix, we actually have several large corporations which have distribution/regional headquarters here. GEICO, Rooms To Go, and Fed Ex are three of the largest. We just got an O'Reilly's distribution center and Amazon is building a ginormous one, as well.

Detroit Tigers - We are the Winter Home of the Detroit Tigers. In fact, that Kevin Costner movie a while back (For the Love of the Game) featured our city. Well, it claimed that what they were showing was us. They weren't. It was Hollywood's version of what it thought we should look like. Regardless, busloads of older people come in every Spring Training.

Downtown - Throughout time, our downtown area has had waves. Sometimes, it's been a thriving little area of our community. Other times (like when I was in high school), it was a dump. For the past ten years, it's been growing and becoming more charming every year. There are restaurants, events, etc. It's precious.

There is a lot more I could share, but I won't bore you any further, lol. I love my city!

Blog Everyday: Blogs

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 July 16th: Top 3 Favorite Blogs - The one that makes you laugh, the one that makes you cry, or even the one that just has a really pretty blog design. Share your 3 favorites with us!


So, here's the funny thing about blogging..... It seems to go in waves. Most of my "favorites" have become realish life friends and actually don't blog much (or at all) anymore. So, if you used to blog a lot and haven't much recently and you aren't on this list, it isn't because I don't love you.

But, I like having something to do when I am procrastinating, so I've found some newish favorites lately....

I Wore Yoga Pants - I think she's becoming a standard, but Whitney basically entertains me on a daily basis. It also helps that we live in the same general area (Central Florida), so I am familiar with most of the places she's talking about.

The Other Juliette - And, not because of this challenge. She just is hysterical, in my opinion. And, I'm always fascinated by all the memes, gifs, and random pictures that she is able to add to pretty much every post.

BBDish - This may be cheating, but seriously, during the summer, it's my absolute favorite website, period. If you are a Big Brother lover and don't have time to binge watch the feeds for three months straight, this is your site. They do it for you and give the best (and most) updates that I've been able to find.

Blog Everyday: Infrared Sauna, Where Have You Been All My Life?

 

 July 15th: Write a Letter to an Inanimate Object - Tell Chick Fila how much you love it, or tell your iPhone how you couldn't make it without it. The funnier, the better.

This particular prompt had me stumped until just yesterday.....

Dear Infrared Sauna,

Where have you been all my life? No, really? Where?

Some genius who finally placed you in my hometown has my eternal gratitude because I seriously feel my life has been changed.

You see, I'd only made an appointment because I was given a free trial. I looked up what you claimed you could do for me. The words "relieves muscle tension" caught my eye (even more than "aids in weightloss" because I just don't believe in quick fixes). I felt like it could be true. I don't like to sweat, but if it would help ease the severe tension in my neck and shoulders that I'd been carrying for about 5 days, I'd count myself blessed.

When the time finally came to try you out, I almost immediately felt more relaxed. I needed such relaxation. Sure, I got sweaty, but it was worth it.

Your neighbor? You know, the Oxygen Bar/Massage Chair? I am pretty sure I saw what Heaven must look like.

Thanks to you both, everything in my body is realigning and has been for the past 22 hours. It is bliss.

Just for the record, you better like me. You'll be seeing me once a week, from now on.

Love,

Jess

Blog Everyday: Sentence Finisher

 


 July 14th: Finish the Sentence - We will give you a few statements, you finish the sentence. Come back from these a little later.

When I open the fridge, I always hope I find...coffee creamer. It starts out my day and I get sad when it's not there.

My favorite article of clothing is... my NY&Co Supersoft Jeggings. I'm obsessed with them and basically wear nothing else as bottoms.

Last week I was really pissed when... I got snubbed by a couple of coworkers and then found out that a non-coworker was given a perk that is supposed to be reserved for staff.

One thing nobody understands about me is... that I feel very deeply, even if I do not show it all the time.

One thing I don't understand is... chemistry. Like, the actual subject (well, and chemistry between two people, but who really understands that?). In high school, I never took it as a separate course (I'd rather dissect a cat for nine weeks... and did), but we all had various points in general science courses that included chemistry. I never could wrap my head around the more complicated stuff.... like, if I saw two Hydrogen attached to an Oxygen, it was water. Try to explain to me why it would be something else and I was completely lost.

 

The world would be a better place if... people stopped judging people. I know we all do it. Especially, internally. I don't think we can always help it. I just wish we would stop letting our internal feelings spill out into external actions.

If I had a million dollars I'd... pay off my car, buy a house, and reinvest to make more millions.

If I could change one thing about myself, it would be... physical (my weight which I'm working on and my scar)..... characteristic (my tendency to over-analyze).

Something that can always make me happy is... a nice Fall day. No joke, it is pretty much impossible to ruin my mood.

Something I'll never blog about is... my sex life. That is nunya.

If I could go anywhere I would go... on a Mediterranean Cruise because... I want to see ALL the places.

If I were an animal I would be a.... Yorkie. Every dog owner I know who has a Yorkie spoils their dog ROTTEN.

A job I've always wanted is... to work for a soap opera. I just find it fascinating.

My idea of a perfect day is... sleep in with no alarm (yet enough time and motivation to get a good workout in), a yummy relaxing breakfast with family or a good friend, Disney, a good lunch with family/friend, a mani/pedi, a REALLY good dinner (clearly I like to eat), and a movie.

Blog Everyday: I Cannot Live Without

 

 July 13th: One Thing You Cannot Live Without - Anything goes, well anything except a person or an animal. It has to be a thing.

Hmmmm.... I would have to say the toothbrush/toothpaste combination. I really can't stand a nasty mouth.

However, assuming we already have all our basic hygiene products, then I will go with my camera. I love taking pictures. It is just my thing.

Do yourself a favor and look up the lyrics to Lady Antebellum's "Generation Away." (I tried to get a video off of YouTube, but my IPad isn't cooperating) It describes my feelings and general life attitude perfectly.

Blog Everyday: Dinner for Six

 

 July 12th: Five People - Tell us five people (dead or alive) that you would like to have dinner with.

I'm going to split this into multiple dinners.........

Funny Dinner - Jimmy Kimmel, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lawrence, Rebel Wilson, and Tina Fey.

 Eye-Candy Dinner - George Clooney, Ryan Gosling (you just stay home, Eva), Chris Pine, Patrick Dempsey, and Adam Levine

Intellectual Dinner - Einstein, Bill Gates, Meryl Streep (she is a genius, just in a different way), Mark Zuckerburg, and Ben Franklin

Spiritual Dinner - Jesus, Noah, Moses, Billy Graham, and Mother Teresa

Family Dinner - My great-grandfather Lloyd, my Granny, my Maw-maw, Mike, and my Mom

Blog Everyday: Oh, Pinterest

 


 July 11th: Funnies on Pinterest - Click on over to the humor section on Pinterest and then come share your favorites with us.

I must pause to first wish my sister a HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

So, this task became a lot harder now that Pinterest has changed the way you share things.

Anyway, below are my current favorites from today's perusal (I'm just copying the link that it takes you to when you click on it through Pinterest)......

 

Source:  http://www.dumpaday.com/random-pictures/funny-pictures/funny-picture-dump-of-the-day-63-pics-2/

Just adorable, lol.

 

Source:  http://www.someecards.com/usercards/nsviewcard/MjAxMi0zMWY5NGE2YTQxODdiZTc5

This is my cousin Heidi and I, lol.

 

Source:  http://skreened.com/gymfitness/yeah-no-don-t-put-me-down-for-cardio-tank

LOVE Pitch Perfect..... Fat Amy cracks me up.

 

Source:  http://themetapicture.com/

Truth. Funny, but true.

 

Source:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/35393854@N00/1010538645/

I mean.... I just can't, lol.

 

Source:  http://themetapicture.com/jeniffer-meets-famous-people/

I pretty much need JLaw to be my BFF.

 

 

Source:  http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMy1mMjNkN2E2N2Q2OWNiZGZm

At least wear a shirt that covers your lady parts.

Blog Everyday: Summertime

 


 July 10th: Favorite Things to do in the Summer -Want to write a bucket list? Want to share your favorite summer activities? Today, we are celebrating summer.


Since summer lasts for about 8 months and it's as hot as the surface of the sun in Florida, I sometimes have a difficult time appreciating it. However, there is something a little great about those June/July/August months....

 

Watermelon is the greatest during the summer. I'm pretty sure I could eat an entire one all by myself.

 

Big Brother - I'm obsessed with this show and it is seriously a highlight of every summer.

 

 

Another show that I'm obsessed with and get happy that it's summer.

 

 

Concerts!!! I love concerts and the summer months tend to be our concert season.

 

 

Hanging out by the pool.......... My whole family does a lot of this during the summer.

Travel - The summer months are when my work is slower, so I can finally fit in vacation. I *LOVE* traveling!!

Other things I love about summer are the slower pace, Hurricane season (and its inevitable storms), movies, longer days, pineapple, fireworks, and three 3-day weekends, lol.

I guess I don't hate summer as much as I sometimes think ;)

 

Blog Everyday: Embarrassment

 

 July 9th: Most Embarrassing Story - Some of us have a ton to pick from. Share with us something really embarrassing you've done in your life.



So, this was an embarrassing story..... The time I accidentally was a bitch to a M*tch guy.

There was the time that my BFF coerced me into playing on her company's softball team. Only, I suck at softball (and all other sports). It didn't take long for the other teams to figure it out and they started hitting the balls directly to me. During one particularly awful game, I just started yelling to my teammates in the outfield (where I was), "GUYS!!! YOU HAVE TO HELP ME!!!! THEY ARE HITTING IT TO ME ON PURPOSE!!!"


Once, I was at a wedding and during the Cha-Cha Slide, I went too "How Low Can You GO?" and ended up not being able to take it back to the top.


I constantly am caught by my neighbors dancing when I'm running. Like, a certain song will come on and I can't help but run with attitude, like I'm in a movie montage or something.

Blog Everyday: I Think I'm Alone Now

 

 July 8th: Things You Do When You're Alone - Share all your secrets with us. Points for those of you that mention not wearing pants when you're alone.


Hmmmmm.... what do I do when I'm alone?

I look at myself in the mirror and suck my stomach in as far as I can to make myself as skinny as possible.

I practice all sorts of things with my hair, only to wear my hair down or in a ponytail when I'm in public.

I sit on the couch and binge watch all my recorded programs.

Pretty sure that is it. I may be the dullest alone person ever, lol.

Blog Everyday: Smile

 

July 7th: Things That Make You Smile - Y'all love making lists right? 

So, there are tons of things that I like. Lots of people that make me smile/laugh/happy. For this, I am going with a list of things that make me smile in the reminiscent way. Like, my heart doesn't necessarily burst with sudden happiness, but I think back on the moment and literally just smile. Does that make sense?

1) Fireworks...... They are so pretty and nostalgic.

2) Cupcake and brownies.... They are just good.

3) Lydia.... That child is a constant source of joy.

4) Thunderstorms that I don't have to go out in. I'm a native Floridian and thunderstorms are like a balm to my soul.

5) When FD does something that I know he is doing because he knows me really well. Like, the other day when I was telling a story to him and his sister. I got interrupted by one of their dogs freaking out by someone passing by. A couple minutes later, he asked, "Were you done with your story?"... I was and said I was. A little while later, it hit me that he asked that because he knows how frustrated I get with constantly being interrupted (it happens a lot in our building). I wasn't saying anything important, but it made me smile to realize that he was making sure I felt validated.

6) New car smell..... I love that smell.

7) The feeling of Fall. We don't get a lot of it in Florida, but it just makes me feel warm and happy.

8) Clean sheets on a comfy bed.