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Inspiration and Sunshine

28 Feb

Inspiring isn’t a word that comes to my mind when I think of myself. This isn’t a slam at me; it’s really due to the fact that I see myself as more crazy than inspiring, i.e., more what not to do then what to do.

inspiring blog award

I’m accepting the Inspiring Blogger Award – presented to me by the lovely and ever sweet Menopausal Mother – with some deep thoughts here instead of following the usual guidelines. I’d like to give a quick shout out to Meno Mama who is a very sweet and encouraging blogger friend of mine. She also always gives me a good laugh when I read her blog – and omg, get this, she tried our buddy Alex’s sangria, too, and got seriously hammered. She wasn’t naked, but she’s still awesome, right? Check her out!

But back to the rules. The rules for accepting the Inspiring Blogger Award are as follows:

1. Display award image on your blog page
2. Link back to the person who nominated you
3. State 7 facts about yourself State what inspires you
4. Nominate 15 5 others for this award
5. Notify said bloggers

I’m changing it up because you don’t need to read seven facts about me. You know pieces of me from reading my words so I don’t need to list it out for you. You want some facts…here we go; I have brown eyes, I’m left handed, one of my favorite TV shows is Three’s Company…

What I’d really like is for you to share with me what inspires YOU. Yes, you.

You reading this post. What inspires you each day?

What inspires me????  Bravery.

I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking Katniss is soo brave.

I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking Katniss is soo brave.

I don’t think of myself as a very brave person. I know some people think I’m brave because I put myself out there…I talk about my anxiety and the Postpartum I suffered from. I talk about not only the good things about life and motherhood but I also share with you the bad…things that hurt me and things I fear.

To me being brave is reaching for the stars without being afraid of failure. I am terrified of so many things. Remember New York? Luckily I’m working to improve. I want to get to a place where I can be fearless about my writing.

I got this post on my Facebook page recently: I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.

It was followed up with a chapter from a book. These words are still dancing around in my head. It’s like I get it, but I don’t get it.

The note on the front is my favorite (even better written on an infamous post-it): You ARE a great writer. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Take Chances! Love you-Aunt.

So let’s inspire each other. Here’s some of my inspiration: :)

red

~Chantell at Miss Understood has inspired me to not let anxiety bring me down.

~Morgan at The Inklings of Life has inspired me to be the kind of mom I feel I need to be and not let others determine how I raise my daughter.

~Katie at The Intrinsic Writer has inspired me to step away from only reading chick-lit. Not that there is anything wrong with chick-lit, but I recently picked up Animal Farm and had a great read. If only in high school you knew how great the classics are!

~Jen at Rumpy Dog has inspired me to not give up on those who need a voice.

Thank you to these lovely bloggers and thank you Menopausal Mother for this wonderful award. You, too, inspire me!

I’m also proud to accept another award I’ve received. A big thank you to Chantell at Miss Understood for presenting me with The Sunshine Award. Chantell has had a hard couple of months, and I am so proud of her for standing up, dusting herself off and jumping back in the saddle! Wait, is that a cow girl reference? Because that’s just weird.

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Now onto the rules.

1. Post this award on your blog site.
2. Nominate 10 5 fellow bloggers.
3. Answer 10 5 questions.

For the sake of not losing you all I decided to cut the questions from ten to five…so here we go.

1. Do you watch TV and if so, what are your favorite shows?
First of all, who in the hell isn’t watching TV?? Uh yes, I watch TV. A lot of reality TV. I’m getting stupider…or is that more stupid…by the second. Here’s what I watch: Kardashians, Teen Mom, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Rancic’s, Bethenny (my new love). Oh yeah, and Pretty Little Liars.

These bitches would have me in the corner wrapped in a ball crying! But sure is good TV.

These bitches would have me in the corner wrapped in a ball crying! But sure is good TV.

2. How much time do you spend blogging?
Way too much time until Concrete Boots is published.

3. What food can you absolutely not eat?
If I was stuck on a deserted island and I had to choose between eating you and eating salmon I’m sorry to say but I would eat you. (Remember I have a fish phobia).

4. If you could go anywhere for a week’s vacation, where would you go?
ITALY!! I gotta go meet my brethren.

Italy_color

5. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to sell my book, be on the New York Times Best Seller List and then from that get a speaking gig where I can travel the world and speak to people on all my knowledge. (Hilarious, right? They said dream so there you have it.)

And now for my fellow nominees: :)

~Josie at Go Momma!
~Simona at Fiammisday
~Gloria at Granny’s Colorful
~Jules at McCrabass
~Darryl at The Weddington Adventures

Each one of these bloggers puts a :D on my face for many different reasons! Check them out. :)

~Thank you to Marcia and Chantell for my awards!
~Thank you nominees for passing on the awards should you choose to.
~Thank you readers for your support. Please always remind me to be brave.

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My Pants Aren’t Traveling; But I’m In The Sisterhood

15 Jan

sisterhood-blogger-award

I’m very honored to announce I’ve won another blogging award – The Sisterhood of The World Bloggers Award. Not only has blogging allowed me the opportunity of my true passion, writing, but it has also introduced me to many women in the world. Some who live close to me. Some who live far. Some my age with young children and others who share their wisdom with me as their kids are older or grown. Blogging is a community of people with one shared interest – an interest that is a true love of mine. Writing. It is such a pleasure to accept this award!

I was presented this award some time ago by Marcia at Menopausal Mother, who has been a true cheerleader of mine. She is one of the seasoned women (can you tell by the name of her blog?) who passes on her knowledge to us younger gals…one thing that struck me recently was how she dislikes Type A people, yet she was one in her youth. It’s had me thinking, as a Type A person, will I someday hate people just like me? Maybe…but check out her post Season of Change because it had me laughing out loud! Read her post here.

Thank you Menopausal Mother ~ for your support, your friendship, your wisdom and your funny stories of what I have to look forward to! ~Muah!

In order to accept my award I have to do 3 things.

1. Include the award logo in your blog post, thank the nominee and link back to their site.
2. Post 7 interesting facts about yourself
3. Pass the award to 7 deserving sisters

I feel with every post I write I give you some interesting fact about myself and start to wonder if it bores you to death to read what I think are interesting facts about myself….it seems silly and overdone, but for the sake of being a good sport I shall oblige.

#1 My middle name is Lee but I’m not southern.

#2 I was born at 9:09 AM and my dad calls me every year on my birthday at exactly 9:09 AM.

#3 You know I’m a leftie, but you wouldn’t know that when I watch a TV show or a movie I can always tell when a star is a leftie. I shout out “So-and-so is a leftie!”

#4 I only drink iced coffee. Even in the winter.

#5 I have no tattoos

#6 I have seen Britney Spears in concert 4 times. I love her.

britney-in-concert

#7 I had producers and crew at my house to film a pilot for a reality show. We didn’t get the show. I was OK with that, but sometimes wonder What if?

jersey-shore-cast1

And now to pass the award on to 7 5 deserving sisters!

Katie at The Intrinsic Writer
Jen at Rumpy Dog
Sandra at She Can’t Be Serious
Josie at Go Momma
Jules at McCrabass

Thank you again to Menopausal Mother and to all of my readers!

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Have a Boorific Halloween!

31 Oct

The Chiquita and I would like to wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

Heading out to trick-or-treat in our town on Sunday afternoon. More trick-or-treating to follow!

Gearing up for A-Towns Sluttiest All Hallow’s Eve Party!

Tattoos…fun since I don’t have any!

Hubs as “Dog” the Bounty Hunter and I had a great evening! Do you like the blonde wig? I do!

Full body shot….loved my Harley boots and vest, both on loan. Loved our costumes this year!

What did you dress up as?

hApPy HaLlOwEEn!

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The Illuminating Blogger Award

3 Oct

I was presented The Illuminating Blogger Award back on September 12th, and I apologize to my blogging friend SzaboInSlowMo for being sooo slow at accepting this award.

I am very honored and appreciative each time one of my blogging peers presents me with an award. I’m usually not so slow to respond but I’ve been suffering from a bit of writer’s block. Today I figured it was time to jump back on the horse and maybe the creative juices would begin flowing once again…

That said, I’d like to thank the lovely Sandra at She Can’t Be Serious for this award. I’ve told you about Sandra’s blog before and if you have not checked out Shecantbeserious.com then now’s the time!

Sandra is a very witty blogger who always makes me laugh. I love her category Ask the Google Bitch. For a good laugh check out this post: What To Do If Your Boss Finds Out You’ve Been Job Hunting.

And now the rules for accepting The Illuminating Blogger Award:

  • Visit the award site, leave a comment, tell everyone who nominated you, and thank the blogger, including a link back to their site.
  • Share a random thing about yourself.
  • Select 5 or more nominees and notify them that they’ve won the award.
  • Put the award on your blog somewhere.

The random thing I’d like to share about myself: I’m terrified of fish. Dead, alive, fake, on a plate….I’m terrified of them all. I have recurring nightmares of flying piranhas chasing me…I run and run and run until I am against a wall staring at the mass of piranhas flying towards me with red eyes and glaring teeth. Ohhhh Myyyy Goddddd … ahhhh!

I wake up in a cold sweat and can’t sleep with my feet under the covers. Because the piranhas are there…under the covers…and they are going to get my feet.

Holy sh*t, I wanna vom just posting this! #anxiety

This is a true story. I once told someone about my nightmares. He was laughing at me.

“Really? Are you serious?”

You can’t make this stuff up. #crazy

He actually came into my office the next day and said, “Last night I was thinking about your fear of fish, and I have some questions.”

Swear to God…

Select 5 Nominees.  Yayy I love passing the award onto others and hope it makes their day as it has made my day!

I’ve chosen four. Here we go:

The Intrinsic Writer – Katherine has become a fave blogging friend of mine. She always has something positive to say and writes a great blog on writing that always gives me lots to consider about my own writing.

My BIG FAT Blog; The Life of a Fashion Victim – I could not have discovered this blog at a better time, and I actually shared this on FB just yesterday. Lisa is such a beautiful and inspiring blogger from the UK. I guarantee you will like her as much as I do!

Go Momma! – I’ve told you about Josie at Go Momma! before. She is a great story teller and shares all her funny madness of being a stay-at-home mom! I love reading her stories, and she has me in tears every time.

Whoa! Susannah –  Susannah used to write the blog Write, Rinse, Repeat and has now changed her blog to Whoa! Susannah. She is insanely funny and has a similar ‘f*ck it’ mentality to me so I obvs love her! And she’s published so she is officially my idol. Her book is called All Cracked Up.

Another big thank you to Sandra at She Can’t Be Serious for presenting me with The Illuminating Blogger Award. :)

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I’ve Got Friends in Low Places

30 Aug

Or high places rather. Remember, I’m the future BFF of Giuliana Rancic. I’m not messing around here. I only hang with people who are going places. And one of those people who is going places that I had the opportunity to meet – omg and he’s so cute – is recording artist Anthony Snape.

On Saturday my friend traveled with me to the boondocks of country-living to attend a private tent show at my boss’s home featuring Aussie native Anthony Snape.

My boss and his wife became acquainted with Anthony when they attended a Tommy Emmanuel concert late last year. Anthony has performed hundreds of shows in the United States as Emmanuel’s opening act.

Not only were they blown away by his talent, but my boss and his wife were able to meet the newcomer who has received many awards from the Australian press, including Acoustic Artist of the Year and Best Pop Artist. They have both called Anthony down-to-Earth and kind-hearted, and they wanted to share Anthony’s talent with their family and friends.

So, Neil’s wife went to work trying to finagle Anthony to travel from Nashville, where he now resides since leaving Australia several years ago, to Illinois. When my boss started planning for the event I was like omg, I’m sooo in! I love backyard get-togethers, I love beer, and I love music.

My friend and I made a day of it – she picked me up while Hubs stayed home with the Chiquita. And before you feel bad for him, remember, he’s not a social butterfly so he didn’t really want to go. Which works out fine for me, I figured I’d have more fun with my friend anyways. :)

Goofy girls

Friend and I then went to McDonald’s for Sweet Tea and got on the road to make the hour plus drive to my boss’s country home. Everyone loves a road trip out of the city!

When we neared my boss’s house we passed the road we were supposed to turn on – Budd Road, lmao, Buddddddd – TWICE. Yes, not once, but twice. Wtf were we doing? Two chicks on the road; we felt like Thelma and Louise, in the beginning when they first took off and were hot, not the end when they were sweaty felons running from the law. That movie actually depressed me at the end. Third times the charm and we finally found Budddddd Road. Only in the country would they have a Budd Road.

We were sort of intimidated when we showed up. I don’t know why, I guess I was because I don’t really never socialize with my bosses too much outside of work. I’m pretty sure they know I’m crazy (they often refer to my ‘Italian temper’) and they think I’m an alcoholic (sorry I like wine!), but I try not to subject them to that. You know, what they don’t know won’t hurt them. Plus Friend is sort of on the crazy side, too, so this could go one of two ways. I hope one doesn’t end up with me fired.

We pulled our cooler full of Hoegaarden and LaCroix (must-have!) up the driveway. As we walked towards the garage we saw the big orange box. Holy cow, my boss even got a porter-potty for the occasion! So official.

Side note, I did pull Boss aside and request to use the powder room because “I have to like touch up my make-up and stuff.” [high-maintenance, I know]

But the real reason was just because I hate porter-potties. I can’t remember the last time I used a porter-potty. Oh, I do remember. It was when the Chiquita was 2 weeks old and we were walking home from the Cellar Door park. Long story short I had to go soo badly, but I couldn’t fit the stroller inside. Wtf. So, here I am squatting over the plastic toilet seat while I hold up my dress and hold open the door so I can see the Chiquita. This is a true story. This is why I hate porter potties. Well, that and the smell, the lack of toilet paper, the lack of hand sanitation (i.e., soap and water, not those ridiculous hand sanitizers). Now that I think about it, porter potties should be destroyed.

OK, I just went off on a tangent there.

Official Guest Tag

So Friend and I get settled in (we even got these groovy tags to wear), crack open a Hoegaarden with freshly cut lemons (I don’t half-ass anything) and sit down to take it all in. We talk with this very hot and cool chick that we desperately want to be friends with, but who also is a country dweller so that will probably never happen. And her husband was a bit of a tool.

When the show started a bit later we didn’t know what to expect. Anthony performed under a large tent and we excitedly took seats near the back. You know, so we could get up for refills or bathroom breaks without disturbing anyone. We’re very polite.

I’d also like you to know we were very well-behaved, and only did I have one ‘moment’ where I tried to get my boss’s wife to do a shot of tequila with me, luckily she declined, and oh yeah another ‘moment’ of trying to hook Friend up with a man from my boss’s “geek group” by shouting “Oh! Friend needs some computer work done!” which left her actually speechless and praying for a distraction. Even Boss looked at me like, STFU. Oops. I love it.

Back to the show, it was a beautiful summer afternoon, warm and breezy, and when Anthony started to croon the whole crowd was in utter amazement. He played the guitar – and the ukulele – with such ease, yet he also had such warmth with the crowd.

Playing the ukelele…he’s hot

He’s not…

He shared anecdotes of each song and of his decision to come to the US. He told us of his song being played on the popular show The Biggest Loser and how he was so excited, but then when he found out the name of the show he was like – uhhhhh, how am I supposed to promote that? By the way, in addition to The Biggest Loser, his songs have also been featured on General Hospital and ABC News.

Following the show he mingled with the party guests – and we snapped this pic with him! – and he signed autographs and answered questions. And what was so cool was that he was just as delighted to be playing for us as we were to be meeting him and hearing him sing.

I am definitely now a fan and I urge you to check him out!

Website: http://anthonysnape.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anthonysnape
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@anthonysnape
Instagram: @snapeshots

Also, listen to my favorite Anthony song – the Instagram song! [Actual title: Pictures] I just went to sign up for an Instagram account so I could follow Anthony and share some pics with my readers, and I sadly just discovered that you can’t get Instagram on a Windows phone. :( Hopefully soon!

Check back for more info on Anthony – I am hoping to twist his arm into being our next “Get to Know” featured on Jlee’s Blog! Also, my boss’s wife is trying to get him to perform this winter in Chicagoland. Stay tuned!

And a big thanks to Anthony Snape! We had a wonderful time and were so honored to meet you and be a part of such a fantastic show.

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The Liebster Award

16 Aug

I am very honored to accept my fourth bloggers award, The Liebster Award, which was given to me by my new-found blogger friend Josie @ Go Momma!

Go Momma! writes a very funny blog on her life as a stay-at-home mama of 3 young children. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but also loves writing to help her keep her sanity. She shares many funny stories – while she was recently pregnant she shared weekly TMI Friday posts about how fun pregnancy is, and she also shares many touching stories, like the recent birth of her daughter (baby #3) and how baby’s two older brothers are taking to her. Please check out Go Momma!’s website for lots of laughs! And a big thank you to Go Momma! for thinking of me for The Liebster Award.

I humbly accept this award and am so thankful for all the support Jlee’s Blog has received by both my readers and my blogger friends. Now please people, help me get Concrete Boots published will you!!!

And onto the rules…I don’t like rules, but I like awards so I must follow the legacy!

1. Answer Go Momma!’s 11 probing questions
2. Think of 11 questions of your own
3. Choose 11 worthy bloggers (who have fewer than 200 followers) to interrogate and pay it forward!

1. Who are you writing for (besides yourself) when you blog?
Writing is great therapy for me; however, I do aim to please my loyal readers. Even though I do write for my own spirit and sanity I can’t tell you how great it feels to have someone come up to me and tell me that they enjoy reading my blog. Wow, what a compliment!

2. Which of your family members (if any) enjoy reading your blog?
Haha, I could never imagine my beloved Italian Papa reading my blog. Omg, I would die.

3. How much information is TMI for you?
Nothing is off-limits for me. In fact, I announced in a meeting today that I had to go #2. I also incessantly discuss my diarrhea problems. Oh there, and now all my loyal readers know, too!

4. What’s the worst ‘groan’ joke you can think of?
I’m confused, is this groan as in UGHHHH or is this groin as in ‘my groin hurts’. Either way, I don’t have a joke for you. I’m not really a joke telling kind of person. I stick to the truth, like my diarrhea.

5. What subjects are off-limits on your blog and why?
There are some subjects that are off-limits but this is not by my account. I would disclose all, but out of respect for people who I’m close to there are some things I choose not to share.

6. Have you offended anyone with your blog – would you care if you did?
Yes, I have. Yes, I do care. I am a pleaser. I want everyone to like me and love what I say. The truth of the matter is when you have a blog and you put it all out there not everyone is going to agree with every single thing you say. It takes many people to make the world go around, and that’s OK. We don’t all have to be alike and we don’t all have to agree. I try not to blatantly offend or upset anyone, but if it happens I do hope that they understand that wasn’t my intention.

7. What did you laugh about today?
It is morning as I write this post so I haven’t had much happen yet this morning. However, I sat at my desk and LMAO while recounting the story for Question #11. :)

8. When is the last time you cried and why?
I cried a couple of weeks ago when a very sick Chiquita wanted nothing to do with me. :( I’ve said before that the Chiquita is a daddy’s girl, and most of the time I just accept it for what it is and have faith that I’m her mama and therefore Mother is God so of course she loves me. On this day, I don’t know, I was having one of those guilt-ridden moments about being a full-time working mom and here my kid is sick and is exhausting the g-parents and now she wants nothing to do with me and just wants Dadddddyyyyy! Oh why do I even bother! Boohoo me. We worked it out. I think a lot of moms feel that constant guilt whether they are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom. We can never escape The Guilt.

9. What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
I wish I could say something really funny like I walked down the aisle in a friend’s wedding with my dress stuck in my panties…remember that Friends episode? But, no! I just had the basic humiliating teenage episodes that all kids suffer from except the Regina George’s of the world….so nothing really sticks out in my mind as “the” most embarrassing moment. I was very embarrassed recently when my kid was acting like a demon child at a birthday party and we ended up having to leave before cake. But, she’s only 2 so I anticipate more of those embarrassing demon child moments down the road. Don’t worry though; I’ll pay her back when she’s a teenager by singing The Spice Girls at the top of my lungs in our car with all the windows down. I can’t wait! Paybacks are a bitch!

10. Who (can be ANYONE) makes you laugh the most – and why?
My bonus daughter always makes me laugh. Even if I’m in a bad mood she’ll have me cracking up. She’s a really good story-teller – complete with facial expressions and voices and body movements. She’ll tell you these stories that go on and on and the things that happen…omg it’s unreal. She should be on TV. Everyone needs someone like my bonus daughter in their life; someone who is so colorful, so full of life, so unafraid of who she is and can be comfortable with herself. She’s wise beyond her years.

11. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?
The funniest thing I’ve ever seen is this 6-foot tall red-headed girl wipe out on her ass carrying a 10-lbs hot dog steamer. To this day if I think about it I still actually laugh out loud. It happened when I was 16-year-old working at the pizza place. Thankfully, the water was cool so she didn’t get burned nor did she get hurt in the fall besides being a bit sore, but yes, when she actually fell in front of my own two eyes I couldn’t stop laughing.

She looked at me and said, “Really? You don’t even ask if I’m OK?”

To this day I feel bad that I didn’t ask her if she was OK, but it was soooooo fricking funny that while I write this right now I’m actually laughing out loud remembering her face….it was like in slowwww motion….like she slipped on a banana peel. Her legs slipped out from under her, she fell backwards falling on her ass and lay on the floor soaked in water with the steamer on her chest. I laughed and laughed. I know I sound like a huge asshole right now, but truly it was the funniest thing I have ever seen.

And on that note…here are my 11 Questions:

1. Tell me 3 things you carry with you.
2. What was your first job?
3. What are your thoughts on jean skirts – are they “in style”? (I’ve been told they’re out of style, is that even possible?)
4. What planet would you travel to if you could?
5. What is your favorite piece of modern technology and why (microwave, DVR, computer, etc.)?
6. What super power would you possess if you could pick one?
7. Tell me the last dream you remember having.
8. What TV show can you watch reruns of over and over and over?
9. Do you agree with how others see you or do you think there is more than meets the eye?
10. What is your astrology sign and do the characteristics fit you?
11. Are you left-handed or right-handed?

I would like to pass The Liebster Award onto 11 6 Friends:

Sandra @ She Can’t Be Serious

Marcia @ Menopausal Mother

Katie @ The Intrinsic Writer

Darryl @ The Weddington Adventures

Zoe @ Everything for Ana

Tatted Mom @ The Inklings of Life

To the bloggers above, congrats on your award! And another big thanks to Go Momma! I’m very appreciative of this award.

Have a great day everyone! :D

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The Fabulous Blog Award

18 Jul

I was recently bestowed The Fabulous Blog Award from a fabulous blogger, Menopausal Mother!  Yayy! Thank you Menopausal Mother for thinking of Jlee’s Blog!

Menopausal Mother writes about: “The good the bad and the ugly about going through menopause. Musings from a middle aged momma.”

To me, from reading her posts, she is a lovely woman and mother who blogs with wit and without shame. Exactly the kind of blogs I enjoy reading! I encourage you to check out her site; she will have you rolling on the floor with laughter – check out one of my fave posts: How to Annoy Your Children.

So it is with gratitude that I humbly accept The Fabulous Blog Award (yayy, my 3rd blogging award!) and give you everyone’s favorite, “The Rules”.

Yes, there always has to be rules, and I sort of skipped the rules when accepting my 2nd blogging award for fear that my readers would just get sick of hearing about my likes/dislikes, etc. But, being appreciative to any peers who read and enjoy my work I have to be gracious, as I always am.

Without further ado – “The Rules”

Rules to the Fabulous Blog Award:
1. Thank the blogger who gave it to you and share the link back to the awarding blog.
2. Name 5 fabulous moments in your life.
3. Name 5 things you love.
4. Name 5 things you hate.
5. Pass the award to 5 deserving bloggers.

Name 5 Fabulous Moments in Your Life

1. Getting my kitten, Kennedy, who is now a 13-year-old cat when I was 19 years old after begging and pleading with my parents to let me bring her home because of course she’d be going away to college with me in the fall. That lasted for 3 months until the apartment company told me to send my kitten home or we’d both have to find a new home.

2. Graduating college, which I honestly never believed I would actually do. Even though I attended school I don’t think I ever imagined myself actually completing school. A couple bad semesters clarified that [yes, there was an F in accounting] as well as a swift kick in the rear from my parents which made me turn it all around. And yes! I did graduate in May 2001 from Illinois State University.

3. The day I closed on my condo in 2004 at 25 years old. I don’t remember the exact date, but I was so proud of my accomplishment of purchasing my own real estate. I worked two jobs and saved for months to get it.  It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was mine. And it had a pool.

4. My Wedding at The Moon Palace Resort in Mexico! I was so appreciative of my family and friends who made the trip to Mexico to celebrate my big day. What an honor.

5. The day I felt like myself again after my long battle with Post Partum Depression. It was at my BFFs wedding (you remember my infamous blog post: JUST STOP TALKING!!!). I remember we were on the dance floor just her and I … I know I was three sheets to the wind. We were both crying as she hugged me and told me she saw the sparkle back in my eyes and knew I was ‘back’. “Jen’s back!” She had exclaimed. It was the best moment because I knew in my heart I was back, too. I made it, I survived it.

Name 5 Things You Love

I know you probably all expected me to list the Chiquita’s birth as one of my fabulous moments, and don’t get me wrong; the Chiquita is the best thing that ever happened to me. But, to be perfectly honest her birth was a very difficult day for me ~ I was fearful, I was emotional, I was overwhelmed, I was tired, I cried a lot ~ there are sooo many emotions that come with having a baby, not to mention that I lost large amounts of blood in the hospital, didn’t see my baby for 11 hours after she was born and was scared shitless to see her for the first time in the NICU with tubes all over her (See post: Babies on The Brain) and while her birth was amazing and I will never ever forget that day in the hospital I probably wouldn’t describe it as ‘fabulous’. Maybe that’s wrong, but sorry, that’s how I feel. BUT, I will say that the #1 thing that I love is the Chiquita. And just like the Bryan Adams song, Everything I do, I do it for you, my Boo Boo. So..
1. The Chiquita

2. Writing! I’d rather die than be told I could never write again.

3. Juicy Couture, fucking duh.

4. Reality TV, yes, yes I do. I love Kardashians, Kendra on Top, 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom, and of course, my future BFFs show Giuliana and Bill…

5. Going for evening walks with my husband, my daughter and the late Dexter (See Love and Loss).

Name 5 Things You Hate

1. Being told I can’t do something, i.e., Authority

2. Facebook, though yes, I am on FB I actually despise it.

3. Editing my book, which is obvious as I’ve been doing it for three years.

4. It’s weird how I can’t think of anything I hate, yet, probably 50% of the day I hear myself saying: “I hate…blah blah blah.” So, I guess I hate that I can’t think of anything to hate when I know I hate a lot of stuff given my bad Italian attitude.

5. I hate Jen Schefft simply because she didn’t pick a winner in The Bachelorette back in 2005. It still eats at me to this day.

5 Deserving Bloggers

I’ve done some blog research because my last attempt at naming some great bloggers I read left me embarrassed that I repeatedly tell you about the same blogs over and over. It made me see I needed to expand my horizons a little bit…see I’m a creature of habit. I like my comfort zone. I decided it was time to get out there and discover some new blogs…which I did!

Let me present these 5 Fabulous Blogs that I am so happy I have now discovered and will continue to read. Please give them a chance as well!

1. Josie @ Go Momma! Josie’s blog is “a collection of true short stories, anecdotes and day to day commentary on the joys, hilarity and woes of being a pregnant, stay-at-home mother to two terrific tots!”

2. Zannah @ Write, Rinse, Repeat. Zannah writes about “Monotony at its Funniest”.

3. SJ and Michael @ Chasing the Donkey! They blog about “making the move from Sydney to Croatia to “Chase the Donkey”, and blogging about building a home by the sea and our Croatian misadventures.”

4. Nathan @ Life and Everything Else In Between. Nathan blogs about “everyday life and everything else in between!”

5. Liesel @ Pretty. Random. Things. Liesel blogs about pretty and random things. She has giveaways and is currently doing an amazing ‘picture challenge’ which I’m hoping to try to do as well after her fabulous idea.

As I said above, these are blogs that I have newly discovered, but I have read them and find them to be very interesting. I believe you all will as well.

Again a big thank you to Menopausal Mother for giving me this wonderful honor! Thank you very much for your support!

A big thank you to my readers as well!
Readers: I would love to hear from you about what posts you are really digging and what posts you’re maybe not so into it….I want to please you so you keep reading because remember, I would die if I couldn’t write. :) Thanks again for the support!

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There’s No City Like New York City!

20 Jun

As a 20-something watching Sex and the City I thought New York seemed sooo cool.  I envied everything Carrie was that I wasn’t….a writer, a free-spirit, a keen fashion sense, the hot and wealthy boyfriend (Big, hello!), the sexual trysts….I missed the boat.

I was the good-girl who graduated from college, got in a committed relationship, bought a condo, and became an office manager.

Snooze.

And now here I sit and wonder…my 20s breezed by, and now I am a full-time office manager, a mom, a wife….I wonder what I might have been. The dream of New York and writing was gone.

I guess I never thought I would visit New York. I never thought I would be a writer. And then one day I started this blog. I started to write, and I never felt so alive. I’ve never known more of who I am. I am a writer.

Yes, I’m still a mom. Yes, I’m still a wife. And yes, lol, I’m still an office manager. But I am also…A writer….I love how that sounds.

So people have started to take notice of Jlee’s Blog, and I’m not bragging about this, but rather I am sooo grateful for all who spend a little time in my head on any given day, and I was invited to New York City to attend an exclusive Mommy Blogger Event.

I desperately wanted to go, and if you read my post Fear you already know the story. If you didn’t read Fear, click here to read it. Otherwise, [spoiler] I WENT!

Two days before I was to leave on a Southwest flight to LaGuardia I had major anxiety going on. MAJOR. For one, I was at work completely hung over. I know, we’ve discussed this before. I use drinking as a coping mechanism for managing my stress. So the night before at bowling I got hammered. Oops. Hubs was not happy. For two, I was having major regrets about booking this trip. This is crazy! What am I thinking going to NYC by myself?

I’ve got my mom in my ear like a little bird going…. “People make up events like this all the time and then when you show up they do things to you!”

Yeah, she said that for realz. And “who” does this, seriously? I think she made it up.

I’m like, “Mom, it’s fine.” But, somewhere deep inside I guess I was like, what am I doing? I barely even leave DuPage County, the county that I was born and raised in, let alone the state, and now I’m going to NYC by myself?

I tried to bail. I tried soo hard to find any reason to bail. What will I tell my blog readers? That I just decided not to go? That something “came up”? But, I can’t lie to you. And how will I tell them the truth, that I simply was scared to go?

***
Two days later Hubs drops me off at Midway Airport. Big girl pants, big girl pants, big girl pants….

I board the plane and sit next to two normal peeps, one of whom gave me some Advil, which I desperately needed to ease my pounding headache. I ordered a Bloody Mary stat, sat back and slurped that sucker down. It was the best Bloody Mary ever! Side note, omg, I finally like Bloody Mary’s! It took a while, but right now I’m currently obsessed with Ditka’s Kick Ass Bloody Mary Mix…yum!

I land at LaGuardia at 11:30 pm. I grab a cab and head to my hotel, The Chelsea Inn, which is on 5th Avenue and 17th Street. I was a little nervous about the hotel (also discussed in Fear), and when I got there it lived up to everything I imagined it would be.

I walked into the room and wondered if I will be murdered in this hotel. And so begins my stay in New York City.

The next morning I wake up bright and early, but also exhausted 1, from the past days (multiple days and subsequent hangover) anxiety about this trip and 2, because sleeping was difficult due to subpoint (a) the fact that my room was next to a nightclub with music blaring until 3 in the morning and subpoint (b) I was certain I was going to be murdered.

I wanted to throw up just being in the room because it seriously creeped me out, so I go out for iced coffee. I stand on the steps to the outside and think: I can’t walk off this stoop. I just can’t.

Even though I only need to walk next door, yes, seriously, to the door right next door, because we get coffee coupons from The Chelsea Inn. So I go next door to get a banana and an iced coffee, then I walk back next door and sit on the stoop watching the traffic drive by. People honking…

I tell myself, what am I going to do? Sit here all day? No, I made a ton of plans of what I wanted to do, and I have to do something!

I go back to my room to take a shower and while in the shower search for that peep-hole, but there wasn’t one, phew, at least not one that I found. I showered in my flip-flops like I was back in college and then refused to set anything on the floor…just in case.

Now let me talk up The Chelsea Inn here…I think it’s safe to say that I’m a little high maintenance. I made the decision to stay at that hotel based on the location and then the price. I knew that I wasn’t getting The Peninsula at the price I was paying, and I was OK with that.

The Chelsea Inn ended up being a very nice and quaint place, and I would definitely stay there again. My only beef was that it was crazy small….but I was told that all New York hotel rooms are extremely tiny, and that’s New York baby!

Also, the staff at The Chelsea Inn were all extremely friendly and helpful, and I found out that it is in a very safe neighborhood as well as being a very safe place to stay. The second night I was able to sleep a little better despite the loud music. At least I knew I wasn’t going to get murdered. Bed bugs I wasn’t so sure about…so I slept on top of the covers.

What else did I do?

- Juicy Couture on 5th Ave!!!! Yes, the Mothership called to me, and I just HAD to go to Juicy Couture. I was not disappointed by the two-story entrance, the chandelier, and the helpful team! Unfortunately I didn’t make a purchase, but I was planning to, and nothing caught my eye. Don’t worry though, I bought a new Juicy Couture purse and wallet today (a belated b-day present)! I ended up wandering around Juicy Couture for about an hour just amazed at all there was to see.

- Lunch! You know I went with a slice of New York pizza and I was not disappointed. It was cheese and meatball and was absolutely delicious. I wish I took a picture!

- Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum! I am obsessed with wax museums, and I once went to Madame Tussaud’s in Vegas. I just had to check out Madame Tussaud’s in Times Square!  Ohmigosh, it was amazing! But, no, my future BFF Guiliana Rancic is not at Madame Tussaud’s Times Square. Wtf, I was really hopeful that she was so I could take a pic with her for my BFF picture frame. I got a pic with Kim K. instead…

Very cool…but I would have died if it was my future BFF G!

OMG, Wills and Kate…gorg!

- Then to walk around Times Square, which was A-Maze-Ing! There was such a vibe there, and it was completely intoxicating. The crowds, the lights, the noises….the PEOPLE. And I’m someone who doesn’t like people, but I could have walked through Times Square for hours just watching people. Wow, it was incredible. I honestly can’t even put into words how truly exciting it was.

- I walked to Times Scare, which I was really anxious to check out, but they were closed until 5 pm so hopefully next time I can hit that place up. I love haunted houses – and bars – so what’s better than a haunted house with 3 bars and a magic show?

- Central Park! Central Park was a must so I ended up having a bike cabby ride me the 14 blocks to 60th St. because I had been walking all day. I refused to spend money on cabs and figured walking was better for my figure anyways. Central Park was beautiful! It was so big and peaceful. I wish I could have taken a tour through it. I didn’t walk too far in because I knew I had to walk all the way back to 17th St., and I was afraid my legs would give out of exhaustion. I just hung out in the park for a little bit and then decided to make the walk back down 5th Ave.

Me in Central Park!!

- I went to a couple souvenir shops looking for misc. items for the Chiquita and my bonus daughters, and I watched a street performer. It was the best feeling in the world having nowhere to be and operating on my own schedule. I could do anything I wanted at any time for as long as I wanted!

- The Museum of Sex! The Museum of Sex was so crazy and so interesting and so worth it! Here are some pics!

- After the Museum of Sex I was completely wiped out. I ended up at Mesa Grill  for dinner by myself. It’s the first time I’ve ever dined by myself at a restaurant and it was extremely enjoyable. I had the best beer I’ve ever had; I wish I could remember the name, it is a New York specialty! I enjoyed my yummy Sixteen Spice Chicken Skewers and side of mashed potatoes for dinner, but like RPM Italian the serving size was quite small. Maybe they could have done without that enormous piece of lettuce and taken $1 off of the menu price???

For realz…do they think I’m going to eat the lettuce?

The next day Susannah Collins picked me up at The Chelsea Inn and we headed to NYC’s The Party Loft for the Mommy Blogger Event – the petiteBox launch party. Special post on that next!

After the event Sooz took me to lunch which I talk about in #1 Deep Thoughts. We had a great lunch, some great deep thoughts and many laughs. And many glasses of wine.

I completely forgot about Dash New York in SoHo, and Sooz and I decided we had to go check it out! I had shown her my picture with Kim K. at Madame Tussaud’s, which is what got us talking about Dash. OMG, yes, we have to go check out Dash.

We walked (yes, more walking, which was good after that lunch and wine) to SoHo to check it out, and it is with a heavy heart that I tell you I give Dash an F. Yes, a big F for fail! We were both extremely disappointed with the Dash store. It is nothing special. It is basically a room with a bunch of racks and it kind of reminded me of goodwill. After watching Kourtney and Kim Take New York I was very disappointed to find that this is their finished product.

Sooz and I both agreed it was blah. The clothes sucked, too, and were very expensive for how ugly they were! The Kardashian Kollection at Sears is way better than the way overpriced clothing they have for sale at Dash. Maybe other Dash locations are better, but not NYC!

After Dash Sooz and I walked around SoHo a bit longer, got stuck in a major downpour and then Sooz helped me catch a cab (actually got the cab FOR me, after we were rudely insulted by a gay guy—I guess he didn’t read My Office Crush is Gay) back to LaGuardia where I was lucky enough to sit for FOUR hours waiting for my flight. AND the food at LaGuardia SUCKS!

All in all though it was a perfect trip! And I DID IT! I had the best time, and can’t wait to go back to New York again for more adventures…like the Statue of Liberty, the 9-11 Memorial, the Empire State Building, a Sex and the City tour (um…totally didn’t know they have that!), one night at a killer nightclub dancing on the bar, Times Scare and maybe the ferry over to Staten Island to check out the good ‘ol Mob Wives….

Who’s in?!?

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My Second Blogger Award

7 Jun

I’m very honored that my blogging buddy SzaboInSlowMo at She Can’t Be Serious has nominated me for the Blogger Appreciation Award!

I know that my husband doesn’t always appreciate my blog…nor does my mom appreciate my displays of alcoholism and crazy, and I’m sure someday the Chiquita will be telling me what a bad mom I am for posting pics and stories about her on the internet (precisely why I started my Bad Mom section) but it seems as though someone appreciates my work talent babble.

Let me showcase my new award!

Ta-Da!

Can I ask what comes with this?  Is this like The Apprentice where I can win a Porsche or a million dollars? A bottle of wine? Anything??

Oh, just the realization that I’m awesome. :)

In all seriousness, a big thank you to SzaboInSlowMo who has been extremely supportive of my blog and of my writing. She’s sort of like my blogger big-sis. Now if only to meet her for a drink….maybe someday. :)

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Another Year Sexier

9 May

I know as we have children and get older our birthdays are supposed to become less and less important.  No one wants to get gray hair and start to go blind, I get that, but sorry I’m not sorry that I love my birthday.

My birthday is a huge event for me, and in my opinion it should be for everyone.  Their own birthday, I mean, not mine.  But mine could be a big event for you if you’d like to buy me presents! :)

I always say though that birthdays are a special day – at any age – and should be celebrated!  Your mom went through a lot to bring you into this world, so drink a glass of wine and enjoy the day that is YOU!

So blog readers and friends, another year has passed and Jlee is now 33 years young. While I did hit some hard times in my 30s from the black hole that was my post partum depression, I am now truly enjoying all the blessings that God is giving me.

Thanks for reading and please enjoy some pictures of my b-day weekend events!

Fun with my girls at the Cubs game!

Sporting my ‘Another Year Sexier’ pin from the girls at the bar before the game.

The next day Hubs and my bonus daughters took me to see the Marilyn statue!

Soo beautiful!

Walking thru the city we stumbled on a street puppet show!

We then went for dinner at RPM Italian – my BFF Giuliana’s restaurant!

It was so nice to walk around the city!

Posing with my bonus daughters :)

My Hubs made my 33rd very special! I had a great birthday!

New post to follow! I have lots to say, as always.
xx :D

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