May 27, 2011

Flashback to Discovery Zone

I'm linking up with SweetBef for Flashback Fridays!
One of my favorite places to spend my time in the 3rd and 4th grades was Discovery Zone!

If you never went to DZ, you seriously missed out. It was a great place to play with your friends. You could just run around and do all sorts of fun things as seen in the commercial. Discovery Zone was so cool, it was even on an episode of The Baby Sitters Club!
One of the best places within DZ was the ball pit. You could just fall into it and feel no pain. There were many ball fights in the pit.
Another fun thing at DZ was this kinda roller slide thing. When you went down it, you would kinda bounce up and down over every roll. From the pictures below you can tell how much fun it was to go down it.
For my ninth birthday, my two best friends and I went to DZ. I'm pretty sure this is what I would have tweeted back then...
If you remember Discover Zone, I hope you had fun flashing back!
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May 23, 2011

Monday Musings

Here we are again at Monday, the least favorite day of the week. I had a very uneventful weekend which I actually was glad about. I had nothing scheduled so I could just relax and take it easy. On Saturday, I went to this new cupcake shop because I had bought a Living Social deal ($20 for $10). With that deal, we were able to buy 6 normal sized cupcakes, each was $3.25. They were alright but definitely not worth that much for its size. I had the Caribbean cupcake which was banana and pineapple. It smelled so tropical and made me feel like I was in Hawaii. Saturday night I stayed in and watched SNL with Justin Timberlake. He is usually really funny on this show. I credit that to his MMC background. Lady Gaga was the musical guest and joined him in what I thought were the two funniest skits.

My favorite!

I have a love/hate feeling towards this one since it "features" Chris Kirkpatrick and I feel it was a dig at N SYNC and since I am a huge fan of the group I can't be having any member being made fun of. But it was still hilarious.

Sunday morning was church with my mom and then I went to Target to buy a Wii since the price finally dropped on it. I may be one of the last people to buy one since Nintendo is suppose to announce a new console in June. But I got the one with Mario Kart and it is so fun. I played it for an hour yesterday.  I ordered a couple of more games online and I can't wait for them to get here. Sunday afternoon I took a long but welcome nap.

Sunday night we watched the Celebrity Apprentice finale. I was pulling for John Rich. Not only do I like him better, I thought he did a better job than Marlee did the whole season so I am glad he won.


During Celebrity Apprentice I was flipping between the Billboard Awards. Did anybody catch this awkward kiss between Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber? Am I the only one over the age of 17 to care?
She seems way too old for him even though I think she is actually just one year older than him. She was looking very mature for her age and demographic but she still looked good.
 

Tonight is part one of the season finale for Dancing With the Stars. I'm so sad it's over. I really love this show and it's craziness. I am pulling for Hines and Kirstie. I am hoping that Chelsea does not win. But that may have more to do with my feelings towards her horrible partner, Mark, than her actual dance ability. If you're watching who are you rooting for? If you don't watch, could I convince you to vote for Hines or Kirstie?
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May 18, 2011

Wee Bit Wednesday

It feels like it's been forever since I last blogged. With the whole blogger issue last week I haven't posted really since then. I've been so tired this week that I am exhausted when I get home so I haven't even turned on my computer after work. But I had some down time today and thought I would link up with Leigh Ashley for Wee Bit Wednesday.



{one} do you watch the history channel? if so, what’s your favorite program?

I watch it but not on a regular basis. I usually just watch certain specials that they have on topics I like such as the Freemasons, Mayan history, and U.S. Presidents. One of my favorite things on The History Channel is the mini-series called The Revolution that they air around Independence Day. I always try to watch because it is my favorite time in American History.

{two} what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Stay in bed under the blankets and just listen to the rain. Drinking hot chocolate and reading a book could also be added.

{three} what does your dream house look like?

I would either like something like this...
The house from Father of the Bride

 or the Napa Valley house in The Parent Trap (LL version)

or the Walker residence from Brothers & Sisters

I don't know if the Brothers & Sisters' house was actually in Pasadena but that is where the show was set and the Father of the Bride house was set in San Marino which is right next to Pasadena. (After a quick google search it says that the house is actually in Pasadena). I LOVE LOVE LOVE the houses in Pasadena. One random night, I remember my friend and I drove around Pasadena looking at houses. We couldn't see them very well since it was dark but they were still stunning in the moonlight.

{four} what state were you born in?

California

{five} do you have a change jar? if so, what do you use it for when it gets full?

I don't have an official change jar but I do have a ton of pennies in one of the cup holders in my car and I have a coin purse in my room at home that holds all my extra coins. I have never counted how much is in either so I haven't used the money in them for anything yet.

{six} what’s the first website you look at when you get on the computer?

MSN.com is my homepage but I usually go to twitter first. It used to be facebook but I don't like facebook that much anymore.

{seven} what is your favorite breakfast?

I love all breakfast foods but give me an omelet with cheese, bacon, avocado, some hash browns, and sourdough toast, and I'll be in heaven and a food coma.

{eight} what’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?

Definitely the trip with my family where we went to Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

{nine} do you prefer your coffee black or with cream/milk/sugar?

I definitely need cream & sugar. I cannot drink it black. But I usually don't drink just regular coffee, I prefer lattes.

{ten} have you ever done a professional photo shoot?

No but I wonder what qualifies as a professional photo shoot though.

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May 16, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm linking up for What I'm Loving Wednesday hosted by Jaime.
I'm loving my newly decorated desk at work. (Sorry for the low quality BB pictures)
I have two screens with a fun bright Lilly background! Twitter is up on the screen that only I can see if you walk into my office so I can close it quickly if I need to.
 Pencil holders and the flower arrangement I made.
My personalized mousepad from Monogram Marketplace. Thanks for your help on deciding which one I should get!
I'm loving that I am going to see Something Borrowed tonight.
I'm loving that I found the Lilly Pulitzer Animal Crackers at the Wal-Mart by my work.

I'm loving that summer is just around the corner! I can't wait for it to be warm and be able to spend time outdoors.

Happy Wednesday!
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May 12, 2011

Listen Up 21 Year Old Jessica

Note: This was originally posted on Thursday but due to the Blogger issues it went back into my draft posts so I am posting it again.

Five years ago today I graduated with my first degree and if I could go back and tell my 21 year old self some things this is what I would say…

-The next few months are going to be a lot of work. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand everything at first; study more (at Leavey library in the basement since it is where everybody else is studying  and especially because it will get way too hot in your apartment and you won’t want to do anything if you stay in your room); try to be more friendly to the other girls in the program; do not go to the lake when all of your classmates go to TA Dan’s party (you miss out on some crucial bonding time);
-Over the next year go to office hours and meet your professors!
-Get out of the relationship you are in now in a few months, there are plenty of great people surrounding you at this moment which will make it not hurt as much. As time passes the relationship will only get more difficult which makes it hard to get out of.
-Work hard for the next few months as well as during fall semester, it will set up how you do in second semester more than you know.
-Seriously think about where you want to live after you graduate it.
-While it may hurt that you were one of the only ones to not get a job offer don’t let that define you.
-Go to that game when somebody asks you because remember he asked YOU.
-Think twice about bringing E to the party that you weren’t invited to at D’s house. Also think twice thrice about what you do and say to M after that party.
-Help Sue plan the trip to Mexico even though you don’t think you will end up going because you will and you will wish you have helped her plan so you guys don’t miss out on visiting Yaxchilan.
-Make a bigger effort to stay in touch with the people you meet in this program.
-Stay at your first job for no more than two years-you deserve better than how they treat you.
-Negotiate your starting salary better because you deserve more than they are giving you.
-Ask more questions while on the job it will save you a lot of time if you just ask for help instead of stressing over how you don’t know how to do something.
-Enjoy the times you go to Hawaii for work. Remember you shouldn’t be crying over a guy while in Hawaii.
-Try to not get wrapped up in the drama at work.
-Read more books than you currently do.
-Don’t get too involved with the alumni club.
-Get back in touch with your high school friends sooner rather than later.
-Save more money. Don’t loan it to anybody.
-Remember that the road to happiness is sometimes bumpy but nothing that you can’t handle especially since you have an amazing family to help you get through your journey.
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May 10, 2011

How many is too many?

This past week I received two different card card offers in the mail which were amazing. The average credit cardholder has 3.5 credit cards (I think it's ridiculous when there are .5 in things that can't be halved.). I have 5 credit cards right now and I really want the two new cards I got offers for this week because they have such good rates but I don't want to get rid of any of the cards I have now because the only one I would get rid of I have had for a long time and it is good to have cards open that you have had for a while. I got to thinking about credit cards and how many is too many to have in your possession. (Was that last sentence too Carrie Bradshaw for you?)
I heard that you shouldn’t have too many or your credit score will go down. I always get enticing deals in the mail for new cards but I usually throw them away. I like cards with 0% APR (who doesn’t?). Before I had quit my previous job I would always pay my credit card bills in full every month because I hate carrying a balance. But after I quit and my cash flow was basically non-existent I have to carry balances on them which was hard for me to do but I couldn't stop spending. I even got a new card during my unemployment with a 0% APR so I could transfer my balances to that one and not have to pay interest. I wondering if I didn't have the 0% rate and I would have to pay interest would I have not spent so much?

I guess while I was buying everything and anything I really didn't realize what it would be like when I actually had to pay the cards. Out of the 5 cards I have only two have balances which isn't bad. I'm trying to not use the other three and just pay for eveything I buy with cash or my debit card. I do regret buying so much and now having to repay it all because I would like to be able to put more into savings now but I feel like I learned my lesson.

Since I got this new job, I have come up with a budget for myself so I can pay down the debt I have and put some into my savings account. One of the best things I have ever come across for somebody that has OCD over their finances like myself is Mint.com. You can link all of your accounts (bank, credit cards, 401K, student loans, etc.) to your Mint account and it grabs the information and compiles it in one place for you. It is such a convinent thing to have so you don't have to go to a bunch of different websites. The website has budgeting tools and goals that you can use to track your spending.

This is a screen shot of my accounts from the website.
As you can see I have a lot going on. There is even another investment account that would not fit in the screen shot. I also have two other bank accounts from my school's credit union but can't be linked to Mint.com. I would highly recommend signing up for Mint.com if you have need a better way to track your spending and even if you just want to set savings goals for yourself it really makes you think about how can achieve those goals.
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May 9, 2011

I hope everybody had a nice weekend celebrating Mother's Day. Saturday afternoon I took my mom to a mother-daughter tea at the Lafayette Park Hotel. This hotel is one of my favorite places; it is so pretty (ever since I was younger I have always wanted to have my wedding there). I unfortunately forgot my camera at home. :( But we both opted for the Mighty Leaf Orange Dulce tea which was so yummy. I don't normally add sugar to my tea but since they had these fun sugar cubes on the table I decided to add one and it made it taste really good. We feasted on finger sandwiches, scones, and petit fours. The best part was just spending time with my mom, just me and her.

Sunday, my mom and I went to church per are usual routine. I was finally able to make my $40 donation that I had promised that I would do for Lent. I usually don't carry much cash on me but I made sure to get some before Sunday. They played this slide show during the mass showing pictures of different animal mothers with their babies and I started to tear up during it and I felt lame for doing so but all the pictures were so cute and it just made me thankful to have an amazing mother. When I was going for communion I did see that guy who I think is cute; I was starting to wonder what happened to him because I hadn't seen him in a few weeks but it was good to see him again.

After church we headed home and ate a late breakfast. I went to my room and fell asleep for about until hour until my niece came into my room and poked me to wake me up. I got a Starbucks gift card from my oldest sister which was really nice and unexpected. Luckily I got her a card so I didn't feel empty handed. The rest of the day was just spent hanging with the fam.

Last night was the season finale of The Amazing Race and I was so sad. First I was really upset Zev and Justin were eliminated in the first hour. After the cowboys were eliminated, Zev and Justin were my next favorite team. But they seemed liked they had a great time and Justin was so supportive of Zev during the road block. Once they were eliminated all my support went to Gary and Mallory. Mallory is the cutest thing and I was hoping they would win out of the remaining teams but unfortunately they got a bad cabbie which in the last legs means you will most likely not win. I wasn't upset that Jen and Kisha won because they ran a good race but I would have preferred if one of my favorites had won.

After that I switched over to Celebrity Apprentice and was so happy to see Star Jones get fired. She has bugged me from the beginning. I would really like the final two to be John Rich and Lil' Jon. We will have to wait until next week though to see who makes it through.

Time for Dancing With the Stars...gotta watch for the hidden gems!

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May 6, 2011

A New Addition to my Bookshelf

Last night I finished my 4th book of the year (I'm on track with my goal of 12 for the year). I read Something Borrowed since the movie comes out today and I love comparing books to their movie counterparts. I really enjoyed the book and am eager to read Something Blue. Hopefully the movie doesn't disappoint. I am going to wait to read Something Blue though because there is another book I have been waiting to read.

That book is Murder on the Boulevard written by the fabulous Kori who is the author of the blog Blonde Episodes!
I am really excited for the book. It is set in 1950s L.A and it is a murder mystery. I know it will be great. I always love what Kori blogs about and if you haven't checked out her blog you need to. I hope you all pick up this book and support Kori; she is the sweetest thing. It is available for the Kindle now (click here to buy) and the paperback will be available soon. There even is a link up party to help spread the word about the novel release so post about the book and link up!


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May 5, 2011

What I'm Playing Thursday

I'm linking up with the lovely Sarah Elizabeth at We're Just Like You Only Prettier for What' I'm Playing Thursday.
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I am totally obsessing over this song right now. I love how unique her voice is.

I just love this song too. I love anything San Francisco related and this is one of my favorite Train songs. All the shots of the city are so pretty in this video.
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May 4, 2011

100

This is my
I really can't believe I have 100 posts. When I first started I didn't think I would get to 100 posts. It seemed like so many. I think that I have been able to reach this milestone because of all of my lovely followers and because of all the blogs I follow because you bloggers inspire me to keep writing. Love you all! xoxo

It has been a lot of fun so far. I have loved meeting new people from all over the place. I hope you guys have enjoyed my blog so far. I can't wait to see what my next 100 posts will be about. 
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May 3, 2011

Weekend Report

Yes it is Tuesday but I thought I would recap my weekend activities.

Friday night I got home and was tired from my 4 hours of sleep I got before and after watching the Royal Wedding. (I slept 2.5 hours before it started and 1.5 hours after it ended). When I got home of course I had to recap the entire thing for my sister and proceed to watch E!, Access Hollywood, and Entertainment Tonight for their recaps. Then I started watching 20/20 and Dateline's Royal Wedding reviews. I tried to make it up to watch Blue Bloods at 10 but I just couldn't last (I know I'm so old).

Saturday, my sister and I went to see Fast Five but first we ate lunch at Five Guys. (I guess five was the number of the day?) It was the first time we had ever eaten then and it was so good. Seriously one of the best burgers I've ever eaten in my life. A big plus for them was that they had Cherry Coke, my fav! I really liked the movie. The whole Fast & Furious series are really the only "action" type movies I watch and really I only go see them because of Paul Walker. But no it was actually a good movie with a little bit of everything in it. I feel there were more "emotional" scenes than in the previous movies which is weird since I'm pretty sure the movie's target audience is male. I really recommend it but if you aren't familiar with the series I would say at least watch the 4th one before you see this one. Also stay through the credits because there's an extra scene they show. The majority of the people in our theater had already left but we stayed because we wanted to hear the song that was playing and I'm so glad we stayed.

Since it was so nice outside I decided to take my books and read in the backyard. I finished up Bitter is the New Black and started Something Borrowed. I liked Bitter is the New Black but I think I liked Pretty in Plaid more. I really like Something Borrowed so far. I read half of it Saturday (you girls are right when you say it is a fast read) but I haven't had time since then to read anymore. I want to finish it by this weekend so I can see the movie.

Sunday, my mom and I went to church and I was actually surprised that there weren't more people there. They did start the donuts and coffee after mass which they do when the weather is nice. My sister and her kids go to the 12:15 mass (my mom and I go to 9:15) and they have been waiting for the donuts but I keep telling them that there aren't going to be donuts after that mass because it's so late. Really after a 12:15 mass people are going to be eating donuts? I don't think so Sis.

After church, I was super tired since I didn't sleep very much the night before but one of my oldest friends and I had made plans to go to this Beer & Wine Festival. I was kinda hoping he would call and say he couldn't make it because I was sleepy but he didn't. It was a lot of fun because he hadn't seen each other in soooo long. When we purchased our glasses for the tasting we got one beer and one wine and the girl put the wine glass in front of me and the beer glass in front of him when actually I was drinking the beer and he was drinking the wine. It was warm out and cold beer sounded more refreshing to me. It was fun and I tried a lot of good beers. There was this peach champagne there that was amazing.

When I got home at 5 I was tired, hungry, sunburned, and a little buzzed so I crawled into bed and slept for 2.5 hours. I woke ate some dinner and then turned on the tv to watch the Amazing Race but instead the news was on telling me Osama Bin Laden was killed. I do think that's great and everything and I don't want to sound like a pessimist but I am just concerned what killing him means for the future. If we've done this are there others ready to avenge his death and is there somebody out there in that organization that has the power to replace him?  I understand what it means to have taken him down but I would rest assured more if I knew the whole organization was demolished. I don't like to get too political because I feel everybody is entitled to their own opinion but I  feel it is unfortunate that we have to make this victory into a partisan thing. Why must it be Obama or Bush? Why can't it just be America? The men and women serving this country are the ones we should be grateful to.

Since the news broke early enough (thank you?) at 9 the networks went back to their regularly scheduled programming but CBS being the geniuses that they are played the Amazing Race at 9 for all of us who were waiting for it at 8. The only problem with this is that Celebrity Apprentice was at the same time. I had to give preference to Amazing Race. I'm sad there is only one more episode of this season left. I missed the whole Nene vs Star fight on Celebrity Apprentice so I have to go back and watch that online. But the upcoming weeks look good. What's up with LaToya coming back? (Sorry if you haven't watched the episode yet)

I hope everybody enjoyed there weekend and is having a good week so far.
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May 2, 2011

White House Correspondent Dinner

Saturday night was the White House Correspondent Dinner and there were a lot of well dressed celebs out. Here is my best dressed list:
1. America Ferrera
2. Anna Paquin
3. Mila Kunis
 4. Mira Sorvino
5. Tory Burch
 Worst Dressed definitely goes to Michelle Trachtenberg
 Best Dressed Male: Chace Crawford
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