I Really Want To Lose Three Pounds

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So I really want to lose three pounds and then ten more pounds. I know that I am not overweight and without disclosing my weight I will say that I am in the healthy range for my height.   Usually I am not  even worried about my weight that much, most days.  I will say that a few years ago I was in a car accident and had a strange weird emotionally draining breakup and I gained 3 + 10 pounds and just have not shaken it off.  I will lose like five pounds here and there and then eat like a crazy lady for a weekend and end up where I started.

I have been thinking a lot about health and our bodies and the reality of this body being the only one I have for the rest of my life really sank in.  I want to be fit and like all parts of who I am for as long as I can.  So I am committed to working out as much as I can.  I joined Erin's #1800minuteschallenge and I have cut all sugar out of my diet and I feel really good so far.

Mostly I want to lose the 10 + 3 pounds so that I can do the things I have been not doing because I am not a fan of the number on the scale.

Here is my list of things I am excited to do in a couple months and continue doing as I maintain the weight and lifestyle I want.

- Go to the doctor _ I hate when they weigh you and then judge you!  - Go to the chiropractor - They have to touch you when they adjust you, and I want my back to be solid muscle!
-  Go to Group X classes at my gym - I want to be the girl who looks like she could be leading the class, not the one who "clearly needs to be there"
- Go on Healthy Eating/Living retreats or workshops - Like the one above I want to look like the person who already practices these things and just needs more help, not the person just starting out. I really would love to go to the Tone It Up Retreat here in California, just kidding it is sold out.
- Not instantly look at my tummy to see if the camera caught a bad angle and I look 3 months pregnant.
- Know that if some chump asks me if I am pregnant it is because of my beautiful healthy glow, not because I ate In n Out for dinner all week.
- Have confidence when students tell me I look skinny it is true and not just for extra credit.
- To feel even better about myself.
- To be an example for the girls living in my house this school year to be healthy and value who you are.
- Rock a bikini this summer cause I never want to leave the pool and the beach.
- So I do not have to crash diet before a vacation, like the one I am going on this weekend to Vegas.
- So I will take more fashion photos and pretend like I am a fashion blogger!

[caption id="attachment_1200" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Asian fashion blogger at Open House.[/caption]

So friends, let me know how I can help you and please feel free to pass along any workout routines, recipies, and encouragements you can muster!  I use My Fitness Pal and am always looking for more people to team up with and encourage my username is ericajt.

Just a disclaimer, I do not plan to post weekly about this or turn my blog into a fitness/health blog. I still plan to bring the sass and silliness on a regular basis, but wanted to share where I am at on this topic today.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] This picture totally does not apply, but it makes me laugh. I had a party for a student at my house and then when I came out to sing happy birthday she was missing, this was my face. (I did not eat any of that cake!)[/caption]

Dog Behind The Blog - Insert Classy Here

I am beyond excited to introduce you to Steph from Insert Classy Here and her adorable dogs Lola and Quincy.  I am going to have Steph tell you a little more about her dogs and her blog!

1. Tell us about your dog? What breed is (s)he? How old is (s)he? etc. How long have you owned him/her?

We have Quincy and Lola and they run our household. Quincy is a 9 year old Schnauzer and he joined our family a little more than 8 years ago when my husband & I were dating. Lola is an 8 year old Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix and we got her 5 1/2 years ago right before we got married. They are pretty mellow pups as they get older, but they definitely have their moments of crazy and I soak it all up.

2. Tell us about your blog: What do you like to write about? What do you hope people walk away from your blog with?

Insert Classy Here is my place to ramble on about anything and everything. We recently moved from Minnesota to the East Coast so a lot of what I write about now is our NYC adventures. I write about whatever is on my mind. I hope people that read my blog are able to laugh a little, relate a little and maybe come back again for a little more.

3. How did you and your dog meet? Who doesn't love a good meet cute story?

Both of our dogs are rescues, but from very different situations. Quincy was in a home that just didn't have time for a puppy. He was house trained and well behaved from day one. Lola's background was quite different. She was found abandoned in an alleyway in Minneapolis and had recently given birth to a litter of puppies. There were signs of abuse. She was terrified of all people especially men. We loved her the minute we set eyes on her though and knew we could give her the best home. 5 years later, she still barks a little when other people are approaching, but she is the most lovable dog and the best snuggler. Our two dogs are the reason we tell people to make sure they are ready to adopt a dog - it is not an impulse decision. You can get a pup like Quincy who is easy from day one, or you can get a Lola which requires a lot of attention and love and extra care.

[caption id="attachment_1187" align="aligncenter" width="455"] How adorable are they!?![/caption]

4. Describe your perfect day with your dog.

We wake up on a Saturday and eat breakfast and then read & cuddle for another hour or so. We hit the dog park up the cliffs for an hour or so while they run and play and cover themselves in mud. The afternoon is completely filled with naps in the sunshine. An evening visit to our apartment buildings dog park so they can play with their friends. Dinner and a treat follow and then an evening nap before moving to bed. That describes quite a few of our Saturdays :)

5. How do your dogs factor into your blog?

These two are like children and they are so much a part of daily life that it would feel weird not to include them in the blog as often as I do. They have been troopers making the move from a house with a yard to an apartment.



6. What are some of your must have doggie items?

Everything with squeakers - both my dogs go crazy for them. We also stock up on the mini peanut butter treats. They serve as a great distraction if the pups start getting too excited at the dog park - plus all the other dogs in the neighborhood love us.

7. What is the funniest/worst/confusing thing you have ever seen your dogs do?

Quincy has a strange habit that started about 5-6 years ago. He walks backwards up stairs. It's hard to explain, so I will post a video on the Insert Classy Here's Facebook page so you can see it. It's amazing.

8. What would you name a blog that only featured your dog?

Shhhh... I'm Napping

Now go over and say hi to Lola, Quincy, and Steph over at her blog, Bloglovin, Facebook, Pinterest, and look for more photos of all of them on instagram.

Penny's Prerogative The Truth Is Revealed

What's up dog treat dispensers?  It is Penny taking over the blog today for my monthly post: Penny's Prerogative.

This post is where I look for the best searches that have lead you fine people to Erica's blog and analyze your mental health based on the search.  It appears that this month's theme is bad spelling, Chinese alcoholics, and a secret identity revealed.  Let's dig in.



What are the best things in life sunshine?
Is that really a real question?  I think you already know the answer to that one.  I, Penny The Puppy, am the absolute best thing in life and nothing can even come close to my magnitude of greatness.  Next search please!

My glasses more
Your glasses more?  Are you asking me to chew your glasses more? Because I will do that even if you do not ask me to.  The answer is yes, I will indeed chew your glasses more.  You're welcome!

How many hours does Sting anf Paul Simon play?
Paul Simon and Sting played a concert that my mom went to and she said they played for three hours in this post.  But I have a feeling you are not asking that question.  From the word "anf" I can only assume you sneezed when you typed this and you are now dead from a cold.  I am sorry we couldn't help you so you could see Paul Simon and Sting play for three hours.

In 5 years non of this will matter
You are probably non of this will matter, except your ability to spell the word none, that might matter if you want what the humans call a job.  I personally think jobs are silly and I would like it if all humans did not work and just stayed home and played with me.  So please forget that I taught you the proper spelling for none and go hug a dog, maybe a nice pit bull.

golf swing middle age man
How did you know my mom was actually golfer Phil Mickelson?  She has been hiding her identity for so many years now and her cover is blown.  I guess Phil can stop catfishing that nice girl's Facebook and reveal his true identity now.

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現金sponsor
Because I am Penny The Puppy I also have the ability to read Chinese.  This person was looking for a sponsor for their local Alcoholics Anonymous program and somehow was lead to Phil's site.  Well lucky for your Phil is a recovering Chinese alcoholic looking for people to sponsor.

Theres so power in my name theme
Just put down the bottle and go to 現金 meeting already.  I can not understand you anymore, which is really bad because I am Penny, and if I can not understand you no one can.

i love me
If by "me" you mean me, Penny, then I agree, you do love me!

country rappers
Why would you be looking for a country rapper?  I am just going to assume this is our friend who needs AA and has poor taste in music.  Along with quitting the bottle quit hick-hop and become a whole person.

That is all I have for you today!  Please spell some words wrong and see where your google search will and you, perhaps we will meet again for another rendition of Penny's Prerogative!

Sniff sniff lick lick,

Penny!

 

Confessions Confessions

I confess I was struggling with a blog post for today.  I went around and read a few others and remembered Kathy's weekly link up so I am joining that today.

//I confess I set my alarm clock for 5:30 so I can run or workout for a half hour before work, and it only happens once, maybe twice a week.

//I confess that today I reset said alarm clock to 6:30.  Penny made me do it.

//I confess that today I really liked my outfit

[caption id="attachment_1170" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Sweater: Stitch Fix - Dress: Target - Boots: Target[/caption]

//I confess that I really liked my outfit but I liked it a little less when my 65 year old boss came in wearing almost the same thing.  She wore pants instead of a dress and no boots.

//I confess that I make a student take my fashion photos at work and it is a little awkward.

[caption id="attachment_1169" align="aligncenter" width="600"] My photographer.[/caption]

//I confess that I love this time of year in my Psychology class, because we watch movies for a month straight.  Today A Beautiful Mind.

//I confess that I cry at the end of A Beautiful Mind every time he gives his speech about love.

//I confess that I maybe cried when I watched this weeks episode of "How I Met Your Mother." Love is the best thing we do.

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//I confess that I suck at making tone it up pancakes and I want to hang with Katrina and Karena for a week to learn their ways.

[caption id="attachment_1171" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Blueberry Crumble?[/caption]

//I confess I need to stop confessing and get back to work.

So You Want to Start A Blog - Sponsor Other Blogs

So we are getting down to it now.  I have talked about content, social media, reading other blogs, and basic design. All of that is wonderful and it will greatly help the growth of your blog and your social influence on the internet.

Once you have been at it for a while and you want to keep at it most of us hope to gain more readership I honestly think sponsoring some blogs is a very good way to do that.

If you are confused about sponsoring, essential it is buying an ad on another blogger's site.  If you feel like it is weird I guess it kind of is.  I think of my blog as an up and coming business and when I think of it that way I am paying to advertise my business.  All companies and businesses and writers advertise, it is normal business behavior.

6 Tips To Help You Start Sponsoring Blogs

1. Have a button or two or three

When you choose to sponsor a blog most of the time you will get a button, ad, on the blogger's side bar.  Every blogger has different requirements.  For example all of my options are 300 pixels wide and have different height depending on the spot you buy. If you do not know what that is look to the right on this page or almost any bloggers page.  All those ad are for other blogs and clicking it will take you to their blog!

I recommend you make a button for whatever size ad you buy.  A stretched out button never looks good and will not bring people to your site. I would recommend using picmonkey and looking at this tutorial for how to make a button by Sarah at Venus Trapped in Mars.

2. Look for blogs you love to read

When you are looking for blogs to sponsor it might be tempting to shell out the big bucks to sponsor the big blogs.  Sometimes this is a great idea, sometimes it is terrible.  If you are looking for blogs to sponsor I think you should sponsor blogs you like to read and ones that are similar to yours.

For example I would not advertise on a recipe blog. I have never posted a recipe and I do not think that people looking for recipes everyday would want to read my blog everyday.  Just kidding I think everyone wants to read my blog everyday.

But for reals, sponsoring blogs that are similar to yours will generate readers who want to read similar content.

3. Look for prices you can afford

It can be expensive to sponsor blogs!  The bigger the blog the bigger the price tag, usually.  Do not break your bank account or budget to sponsor a ton of blogs.  Start small.  Try one blog and see if you like it.  If so try a couple more.  Do not sponsor so many that you lose track of the blogs you are sponsoring.

Write down what blogs you are sponsoring and what you are supposed to get in exchange for sponsoring the blog.  Be aware of the product you are buying and what you have been promised.

4. Look for perks that work for you

Not all sponsorship options are the same.  Do you really want someone to promote the crap out of your blog on social media?  Look for a spot that promises a lot of social media shout outs.  Are you looking for a guest post? Look for a guest post option.  What to write a dual post with the blogger, look for that!  There are a lot of bloggers out there and a lot of sponsorship options that you can find a lot of spots that work for you too.

I like it when I can be featured on a blog and be included in a giveaway during the month.  Yes giveaways are a little controversial sometimes, but again it is advertising.  If you get on someone's radar and they click on your blog one day and are hooked it paid off.  I think a giveaway is a good way to initially get people to your site, and you have to write good content with catch titles and photos to hook them after.

5. Be an active reader

The best sponsorships I have had have come when I actively read and comment on the blog I am sponsoring. As someone who also takes sponsorships, I love it when I know my sponsors are reading my blog.  We have more of a connection and it is easier for me to promote them, because I have a better sense for who they are.

I am not always the best at this myself and the blogs I sponsored, but did not read or comment on did not bring me a lot of readers or success. I truly believe if you take time and invest in a blogger, they will take time and invest in you.

6. Let your voice be heard

As I mentioned before keep track of what you have been promised when you signed up for a sponsor spot. If you did not get the post your were promised, or any social media shout outs, ask for it. I have had some bad experiences and called the person out on it.  In some cases I had my ad time extended or they refunded the money, in other cases I never heard back.

My biggest piece of advice is sponsor blogger's that you trust.  If you do not like the way they portray themselves online do not trust them with your money.  If you have seen what they have done for others and like it then go for it.  Start small and then keep adding and growing.

Sponsoring other blogs is probably the fastest way to grow your readership, but it takes time, money, and awareness to maximize your advertising.

 

In case you are looking for a wonderful blog to sponsor, shameless plug, might I recommend my blog! I am currently running an ad sale for 50% off all spots for April.  Visit my Sponsor page select which spot works for you and use promo code AprilShowers at checkout.

I Used To Think

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Today I felt the need to share a short and sweet story from my childhood that involved a simple misunderstanding about the meaning of words and their abbreviations.

Let me first tell you the principle I developed and then I will tell you how I applied it and the social context it was applied in.

When I was young my family had a condo in Phoenix.  I knew that condo was short for condominium, and I stored this knowledge away in my head for years until it subconsciously came back in 8th grade.

I was sitting in my Mrs. E's class for Homeroom and the school was planning a fundraiser, or  a picnic, or another way to make us stay at school longer than 8-3 Monday - Friday.  The committee was deciding what we needed and one of my peers said that we needed to make sure we had condiments for the picnic.

I was appalled!  I could not believe that someone would bring condiments, let alone talk about it in public, to a picnic!  I was also quite shocked that no one was using the abbreviated version of the word.  Clearly, when you are that familiar with something you use the common abbreviation for it, condoms.

Condominiums is shortened to Condos, Condiments is shortened to Condoms.  It totally made since in my little head.

The conversation continued and people signed up to bring ketchup, mustard, mayo, and relish.  I left school a little scared and unsure of this picnic. I actually had no idea what a condom was, but I knew it was bad.  (I am sure most 8th graders know what condoms are, and apparently they knew condiments were too.  I just did not care to bother myself on such trivial matters).

I arrived to the picnic and stood in line to get a hotdog.  One of the people preparing everything told me I could get my condiments on the side table.  In innocent indignation I looked one of my classmates parents in the eyes and said, "No thank you! I only want mustard for my hotdog!  You can keep your dirty condiments!"

Do you have any silly misunderstandings that happened when you were a child or just last week?

The Dog Behind The Blog Starts Next Week

Because I announced Dog Behind the Blog on Wednesday there was not enough time to contact our first sponsor and have it ready for you all today.  I know it is very sad, mostly because we need to get some great dogs and some great blogs up here stat!

In case you are interested in sponsoring Erica Jacquline for April  please check out my sponsor page.  For this week only I am offering 50% off all ad spots, use code AprilShowers for your half price ad spot!

One last thing, I am currently sponsoring Because of Jackie and she has a giveaway going for $120 paypal cash!  You can enter to win below!  Hope you have a lovely weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Puppy Classes, Instagram Filters, and Pink Boxes

Last night Penny and I put our old lady ways aside and ventured outside at 7 pm to go to Puppy Training Class at our local PetSmart.

Before we went to class I was a little worried that I was going to have the "bad kid" or the "smelly kid' or the "sent the teacher to the ER kid" but it turns out I had the star student!  Take that Simba, Chiquito, and Hannah!

[caption id="attachment_1143" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Yes we were a little tired, but we were ready![/caption]

I posted this photo on instagram it had me thinking about all the filter options we have on Instagram and how silly most of them are.  I was acutely going to write a whole post about the questions I have about Instagram while I am choosing a filter.

If I were to have written a post on the Instagram filter choices I am offered I would have asked questions like this:

Why would I ever want to look like a sunburnt Oompa Looma? Kelvin and Toaster I am looking at you! 



 

Also when did it become acceptable to look like a ghost again?  Actually was it ever acceptable to look like a ghost if  your name isn't Casper?

That is right Sierra and Amaro, not to be confused with Alamo (I'll never forget) Why so pale?





And why is is so hard to choose between Walden and Nashville?  

Perhaps I am just drawn to each because or personal bias. Henry David Thoreau I love you buddy.  Nashville, you are the home to my future country star boyfriend Kip Moore.  I love you both.  Please don't make me choose?





Kip Moore, I mean Nashville, you won tonight, your tones of pink were just calling to me.  No, 1977 not that much pink!



 

I was also going to write about the filters on Instagram and how they are different when you try and upload a video.  When you think you are choosing Mayfair you are really choosing Vespar which I think the world really needs to be aware of.

I promise you one of the hardest choices I have to make every day is which Instagram filter I am going to use.  I do not have real problems.

But I decided not to write about Instagram today.  Instead I decided to share a little story with you about how I had to prepare for Armageddon last night.

[caption id="attachment_1151" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ladies, I know we have all been there right?[/caption]

What is it about Armageddon that makes me want to eat disgusting food like Chili Cheese Fritos?  I guess it is the feeling of impending doom, but there is no science to back me up on that one.

Anyway, last night I knew what was coming and I knew I was ill prepared, so before puppy class I stopped by Walgreens to pick up the necessary supplies to help prepare me for my date with destiny.

I quickly navigated the isles and found my snacks and water and found the pink box in the middle on sale for $8.99.  I always get excited when something I have to buy is on sale.  I then took my three items to the check out lady, thank God it was a lady, sister knew what was happening and gave me the kind, knowing eyes everyone gives when Armageddon is about to befall the land.

She rang up my snacks, but could not ring up the most important item.  She then picked up her phone and called for a price check on the pink box items over the loud speaker.

Hello young man in his 30s that just walked into the store, thank you for making clear and direct eye contact with my pink box and me.  

A lady with red hair wandered the isle where such items could be found, but was unable to find the price.  I decided my dignity was already gone why not spend more time in the pink box isle?  I walked over to show here where I found them and the price sticker that read $8.99 that was listed below the item.  She said "No that isn't it," and walked away.

I went back to the cash register to wait for the price.  Minutes seemed like days and all I could think about were by chili cheese friend waiting to be in my belly.  

Eventually Red Hair came back with the verdict, "They are $9.49" she proclaimed in a huff of price power.

"I showed you where they were marked $8.99 though," I said meekly.  

"No they weren't they are $9.49," Red Hair said decisively.  She then glanced at my pink box as if to say, don't let your turmoil of emotions because of Armageddon rule your logically functioning brain and walked away in victory.

I slowly slid my debit card in the machine knowing I had no argument even though I was right.  I made one last plea to the cashier that I was right, but I did not desire to cause a scene over 50 cents.  I just wanted her to validate that I was not crazy.  She just looked at me and my supplies to survive the week and shrugged her shoulders. 

Defeated I walked away, betrayed by my own kind.  Handed over to what laid ahead only to know that I was swindled out of fifty cents and the only reason I was not validated was the clear signs of doom about to wage war inside my own body.

Armageddon, you vested me this time, but be warned I will win next month when I go to Target and buy a basket full of stuff and hide any trace that you may be near with toothpaste, trash bags, and items from the dollar bins I will never actually use.

 

Dogs, Babies, and Crazies

There is a saying that somewhat implies a person is a good person if dogs and babies like them.  I would tend to agree with that.  If Penny doesn't like someone I know they are trouble and to stay away.  really she likes everyone.

I do not mean to brag but dogs and babies cannot get enough of old Erica.  Really, I have always been a dog and baby magnet.  I have also been somewhat of a crazy person magnet.  I am not sure how the three things tie together, but they all seem to love me.  As a result I have decided I am the best person in the world.

Don't believe me?  Please let me break down some of the many occurrences dogs, babies, and crazies have fallen for me.

Dogs LOVE me

The Tale of The Taco Bell Dog

I was taking a nap after school one day.  I was almost asleep and I felt my cat trying to jump into bed with me.  She kept jumping and jumping but could not get in bed. I thought is was strange, but was so close to sleep I did nothing.  Soon she jumped into bed and sat on top of me.  I opened my eyes and was confused, "How did one of those taco bell stuffed animal dogs my grandma gave me get in my bed?" and then the Taco Bell dog moved and I freaked out!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="257"] via[/caption]

Well the dog was alive and came into our house from one of our neighbor's houses.  He was lost and sad and came to me for help.  After I realized he wasn't pulling a Toy Story he was actually the cutest Taco Bell Dog ever.

The Lost Dogs of The Neighborhood

I am not even kidding you last week three THREE dogs came to Penny and I while we were out for our evening stroll.  They were unleaded and scared.  They had tags and were friendly so I held on to the ones I could and yelled for their owner to come.  It worked once.  The other dog was picked up in a truck and one ran away.

[caption id="attachment_1136" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Doggie Penny and I tried to rescue.[/caption]

Penny The Puppy

I think you all already know that Penny loves me.  I don't need to explain more.

Babies Cant Get Enough of Me

 Christmas Babies

Whenever my family gets together the babies all come to me.  It is like they have an automatic tracking system synced up to my biological clock to remind me that time is a ticking if I will produce one of my own.  Their parents usually act like they haven't noticed that I am now their caregiver as they hang out and I explain to them that some people do not like their belles being poked.

Church

Growing up and during college I was all about the babies.  They came to me I loved them, they would fall asleep in my arms it was great… until people my age quit thinking babies were cute. I then pretended to hate babies so people wouldn't make me hold their baby. I was tired of being left out and left to change the poopy diapers.  I have finally come around to babies again and guess what they still love me.  Please do not tell them I pretended to dislike them for a few years.

Crazies Seek Me Out

Running Man

Did you miss my post about the man that was running by Penny and me and turned around to talk to us about relationships and thumb engagement rings?  No?  Well click here it is a doozy.

My Afternoon Stroll at Work 

So I really hate the office I work in, not the people just the literal space that I am in.  It is under the gym which makes it creepy.  There are no windows, and no doors! JK there are doors.   Whenever someone walks across the gym it sounds like it is going to fall in on me, when they kids actually play a game it is the scariest thing ever.  So I often have to get out and go for a walk.

I have run into this one lady twice and each time I remind myself to take a different route.  The first time she walked up to me and kept telling me how pretty I was.  I didn't think that much of it because she was right.  But then she kept following me and saying I was pretty like 20 times.  I pretended my phone rang and walked away.

Last week I was in the same neighborhood and she saw me again.  She ran across the street with her huge dog and got right in my face and asked me what my name was.  I told her it was Mary, probably because I had a Starbucks that morning for Maribelle.  She then asked where I lived etc.  Conveniently I had a pretend phone call again and I power walked to my dungeon office again.

So there you have it.  can you tell a lot about my character now based on the love I receive from dogs, babies, and crazies?

________________________________

Now for a lady that is neither a dog, baby or crazy, the lovely Ashten from Always Ashten!  Although I am sure all of the above would just adore her.



What is your favorite line from a movie?
"Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around" -Vanilla Sky. Simple, to the point and so freaking true. I've applied this to my life many times.

 Do you have a furry baby? If so tell us about him or her.
Warner is more famous than I am! Ever heard the term “people’s dogs are a reflection of who they are”? That has never been more true than with Warner and I. This dog is social, loud at times, friendly and a total charmer. I named him after my favorite football player, Kurt Warner. He brings an immeasurable amount of joy to my life, and I don’t think I would be complete without him. The saying “love me, love my dog” is no joke in my house.

What is your go to jam that makes you want to dance a hole in your floor?

"Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. I am legitimately obsessed with this song and I always request it no matter what bar I go to. It's literally my go-to song.

If you are having a bad day what is the one thing that can always lift your spirits?
Coffee. Hands down it's my comfort food. It brings me instant peace, instant cheer and lifts my spirits.

If a movie were to be made about you or a book written about you what would it be called?

Right now I'm feeling a book would be the best way to go about this whole "life story" thing. I would call it: "If Celebrity Couples Can't Make it Work, What Makes Me Think I Can?"

It would be about my dating disasters. Because that's so original. (not!)

You can follow this lovely lady and her dog Warner on Instagram - Twitter - Facebook  and remember how great Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch were!

Dog Behind The Blog and $40 Giveaway!

I have two very exciting announcements for you all today!

Announcement #1

I have a new sponsorship option for all you dog lovers out there.  I am calling it Dog Behind The Blog.  Essentially it is a Saturday Takeover type of post where you will get to write about anything you want, as long as it is about your dog and your blog.

I decided to do this option because of Penny.  I had no idea how much I would love that little girl and how much joy she would bring into my life.  My mom has said many times that blogging and Penny are two of the best things that have ever happened to me, and she is right!

Really there are only two types of people in the world dog lovers and people who do not know they are dog lovers yet.  or Bloggers and people who should be bloggers.  Either way I think we need to do something to encourage more dog and blog love.

I know that many of you feel exactly the same way and I want share the dog and blog love with others.

The spot is only $5 right now and it includes the following:

Interview with you and your dog
Three photos 
Four Social Media Links
3 Social Media Shout outs from me
Sidebar ad that runs all month 250 x 300 wide (Right under the Spotlight ad)

I have a special offer too!

The first 2 people to sign up for the spot get it for free! Use code ILOVEPENNY for your free spot.

The next two people who sign up get their spot for 50% off use code ILOVEPENNY50.

Once those spots are gone you can still buy a spot for $5 which is a really great price if you ask me!  Go to my sponsor page to check out through Passionfruit!

Announcement #2

I have some cash money to drop on ya!

Last month I introduced the idea of a Choose Your Own Adventure Giveaway where you get to determine where you will spend your winnings.

So follow the lovely ladies below for your chance at a new Target bikini, 10 cups of Starbucks lattes, or a mani/pedi for spring!

Macy - To Travel and Beyond // Lisa - Ameliorer la Vie   // Erica - Erica Jacquline

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

So You Want to Start A Blog - Be The Blog Reader You Want To Have

Well that was one heck of a long title.  If you managed to make it through all those words thanks for sticking with me.

For today's topic in the So You Want To Start a Blog series I am tackling the topic of how to get people interested in your blog.  For me the hardest part is not coming up with content, or using social media, it is getting people to read this little thing I write.

To be really honest with you today I feel a little weird writing about this topic because I have seen my page views drop the last two weeks. It has not been that drastic, but I pay too much attention to those stats and  I have been a little (or a lot) discouraged about it and have been trying to figure out if I have been doing something wrong or if I just lost the blogging touch.

Maybe I lack self - blog - awareness, but I think one of the huge reasons I have seen a little drop is because I have been a little not reading all the blogs the last two weeks due to extreme exhaustion at the end of my work day.

In order to get blog readers you have to be the kind of blog reader you want to have. All I mean is if you want people to read your blog and make a thoughtful comment, you better be doing that around all the blogs.  Here are my blogging tips for getting interest to your page and having people comment again and again on your blog.



1. Read all the blogs

I think it is really important to read other blogs and to comment on them.  Bloggers have no idea that you read their blog unless you make some sort of a comment or reach out to them.  Sure it might seem weird or creepy or stalkerish, but put yourself in their shoes. If you got a great comment you would not think it was creepy you would think it was awesome.

2. Leave a meaningful comment

Actually engage with the material a person has spent a hour or more writing so you will read it.  Just posting "cute" usually gets a "thanks" from me in reply.  While i like that you commented I don't really know what you thought was cute, although we all know it was Penny.  Part of commenting is building a community that wants to read what you have to say and vice versa.  I love it when a reader writes about something That resonated with them from my post.  It is actually the thing I love the most about blogging, is the dialogue that evolves around sometimes the silliest posts. 

3. Leave your blog address in the comment you write 

I am torn on this point sometimes.  I actually like it when people do this for me if they are new to my blog.  It makes it easy for me to find them and read their blog.  Personally I love taking the time to read blogs of the people who read my blog.  I sometimes do not leave my link in a blog comment because I worry it looks tacky or I am only looking for people to read my blog.  While I am looking for people to read my blog I also genuinely really wanted to write a comment.  I will usually leave my link about 30% of the time I am reading a blog that does not know about me or my blog.  Maybe I am shy, but that is what works for me. I am sure many others are much better at this than I am.

4. Reply to comments people make on your blog

If you are on blogger it is super easy to reply through the email you receive noticing you you have a comment.  On Wordpress I am not a fan of the comment system that comes with WP.  I am not sure how people reply short of copying and pasting an email address into their new message.  I use Disqus because I can comment back and it is delivered to their email.  I have had a few issues with Disqus the last few months, like it not uploading all my comments from when I switched to WP, but overall it is the best solution I have found.

5.  Reply to comments in a timely fashion

I know most of us have real jobs and blogging is a hobby.  Life gets in the way and you do not have time to reply to all of your comments all the time.  The more often you are consistent with replying the more often people will come back.  I try and reply within the day and often if I can within the hour.  If you stay on top of it it is totally manageable.  If you neglect it for two weeks I do not think you will ever catch up.

6. Ask a question at the end of your post

So what do you think? What are you tips for having people come back to your blog and engage with you and your writing?

In case you missed the other posts in the series check it out here:

Week 1 - Before Your First Post
Week 2 - Basic Blog Design
Week 3 - Content
Week 4 - Social Media

18 Things You Didn't Know About Me

Today I am sharing 18 things you never knew about me.

1. Everyone I know who is not from Southern California really wants to move here, I am looking for jobs and ways to get out of here almost everyday.

2. I am not a very domestic person.  Sure I can cook and clean if I have to, but I find very little joy in that whole "doing women's work" mumbo jumbo.

3. One of the things that ticks me off most in life is when other people try to enforce gender roles on others. Just because something works for you does not mean it has to be that way for everyone.  Just let people be who they are and do be threatened by them for doing what works for them.

4. I wonder if I will get married.  I have hope though that someone incredible is out there, but sometimes I wonder.

5. I was almost expelled from school in 4th grade. Crazy right?  I had a really hard time fitting in from Kindergarten through 4th grade with my classmates.  They told me they cheated on math tests and homework and how I could cheat too.  I thought if I cheated they would be my friends.  Instead they told our teacher about it and I got in a lot of trouble.  You would think the first time would have taught me a lesson, but it took three times of  the same story happening and my almost being expelled for me to learn that some people are not worth being friends with and it was more important for me to be myself.

6. While at the school I mentioned in #5 I accidentally stepped on a gerbil at lunch time.  The same kids had class pets that were gerbils and they would play with them at lunch and recess.  I didn't know they had their gerbils in the grass where I was playing and I went to walk to the swing set.  I heard a little crunch under my foot and looked down to find a flattened Oreo.  That really helped me in the popularity department.

7.  I have broken two bones in my life, both in uber embarrassing fashion.

My first broken bone happened when I was 6 and it was the end of girl scouts.  I was waiting for my step dad to pick me up and I became bored.  I decided that the best way to cure my boredom was to play a game of run around the pole.  Well I became very dizzy and fell down and broke my wrist.

When I was 8, that is a lie, When I was 14 I was at a church event and I was bored (Moral of the story do not get bored).  My friend Stacey and I went to the playground to play.  We went on the sea saw.  I quickly wanted more of a thrill so  I pushed off the ground extra hard and she went down with gray force.  Such great force that I was propelled to the concrete below.  I ended up in the hospital and needed surgery because I dislocated my shoulder and broke the growth plate.  To this day my left arm is like a half an inch shorter than my right arm.

8.  I always had huge lofty goals when I was a kid, that would change every month.  I wanted to be a tight rope walker, a lawyer (even came up with a new name, Allison Cloud, and made business cards and handed them out to my new "clients"), a writer, President of the United States, Kelly Ripa's replacement on Live with Regis and Kelly, I wanted to own a television network and open my own orphanage.  When I think about it I still want to do some of these things and I am a little sad I was not as big of a dream when I went to college.

9. I majored in Bible in college. Bible.  I was qualified to live in a box and read Greek and Hebrew upon graduation.

10. My deepest regret from college was not doing a semester abroad at Oxford.  I was afraid I would miss out on really important things if I went away.  I now know that i would have missed nothing.

11. Birds totally freak me out.  If one is flying at me I will usually duck and be over-dramatic to avoid my impending death.

12. One of my life mottos is "One and Done…" when it comes to drinking.  I have never really cared that much about drinking for a few reasons: it is expensive, I am really fun already, I am afraid of getting fat, and many members of my extended family have drug and alcohol problems and I did not want to be like them.

13. I wish I lived in a piano bar.  Clearly not because I want to get drunk, but because singing fun songs at the top of my lungs and dancing around like a crazy girl is one of my favorite things ever!  Anyone wants to go to a piano bar this weekend?

14. I love love love people and I love spending as much time with others as I can, most of the time.  Sometimes I need to hermit myself away for a day or a weekend, turn off my phone and computer and just be.  I have learned when I do this I am even more happy when I am with people again.  It is good for all of us.

15.  I love almost all the colors and it is hard for me to pick a favorite.  I do have a least favorite though, purple.  I seriously can not handle that color. I have a theory that people who really love purple have some insanity issues buried deep within.

16. I judge people on really arbitrary things, like their favorite color, and come up with theories about them.

17. I have decided to give up sugar for a whole year.  I really think I have sugar issues that I am tired of dealing with.  I get sick and throw up if I eat too much candy, my vision can be weird, and I just feel gross.  I know that moderation is the key, but I do not function well that way.  In some areas I have to be all or nothing.  So for this year I will be nothing. I started March 12th so that is already 5 days down 360 to go!

18.  I wonder too much about what I am doing with my life.  In many ways I am not satisfied with what I am doing and where I am at.  I am burnt out on education, both as a profession and as possible PhD subjects.  If I am being honest with myself I happened into teaching, because being a Bible major got me no where.  I really love teaching most of the time but the system of education and Christian education have worn me out.

When I think about what has made me most happy and fulfilled in my life it is times I have unabandonly shared life with others, experienced new places, and reflected upon it in writing and speaking.  I have been very fulfilled with blogging this last year and it has made me want to see what more I can do in the field of writing and entertainment.  I worry that I am too far behind and I do not know anyone to help me get a start or if I would actually like it if I did it.  I actively seek new things and find joy in what I have. I just feel like things are a little stalled at the moment and I am a little cabin fever inside my own skin right now.

So that got kind of deep and I did not really intend for that to happen, but the words kept coming.  Clearly I needed to get some of that out.  Thanks for bearing with me on this post.  Come back tomorrow for the next installment of the So You Want to Start a Blog series.  Tomorrow's topic is being the blog reader you want to have.

An Ode To The Men I Work With

An Ode To The Men I Work With

by Erica Jacquline

I am writing this poem for the men that work at my school.
Women have dominated education for years so the fact that you work here is pretty cool.
Let me first say I am glad we are such great friends
Because of that fact I know that after this poem I will not need to make amends.

I am writing this verse because there're some things I need to say Some things that cannot be said while we gather and pray. One of the topics of my forthcoming discretionShall include the communal commode which is not a lunchtime conversation. You see the bathroom is one that is shared, And the ladies on staff are really quite scared. From the shavings in the skin to the seat that is left upUs ladies are afraid to finish more than one coffee cup. 

While I am at it I am just so amazed You made it to work at all, sometimes you look quite dazed. Your shirts are all wrinkled and on Mondays you wear jeansBecause your "Domestic Engineer" did not have time to finish the laundry, whatever that means. OK, OK my gripping is done, Let us reflect on the times we had some fun. There are all the times we went out to lunch, And the only thing on the menu I wanted was Hawaiian Punch. 

My favorite lunch memory I can recallWas the time we went to the Chipotle by the mall. You were not there so we gave you a callYou were at the Chipotle on by the gym, that detail was small. 
I must admit you have taught me so much About sci-fi, comics, and Batman at lunch.I will never forget the time I said I liked Thor's butt.And you were all awkward and yelled "what the what?!"

You guys make work fun and you gave me baseball ticketsEven though sometimes you are not really "with it" When I hang out with you I will never frown, But for the love of all that is holy put the toilet seat down!

You can read more of my take on menial things and the humor I find in it all on my blog Erica Jacquline.  Follow along on Bloglovin - Twitter - Instagram

 

I wrote this post for Endlessly Beloved this week, but I liked it os much I thought my readers would probably respond to it better.  And I was not sure that many people saw it so I would share it here for a little Sunday Funday action.

PS - to the men that I work with that actually read my blog, I only included you in a work poem because you have been some of my most loyal readers this year.  Thanks for all your support and encouragement!  You guys really make work much more fun everyday!

Her Mother's Daughter

I am a day tardy for the party, but hey I still arrived.

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I wanted to join Jackie at Jade and Oak and Karly from Karly Kim for her Pet's Are People Too Link up, probably because I haven't had Penny on here for like 3 hours or something.

I am not sure how this happened but Penny is totally her mothers daughter.  In other words she is me, if I were a dog.  I know there is a really easy joke that you can make that involves the b word, refrain you pack of wild animals!

Here are some ways Penny really is her mother's daughter.

1. Given the choice between food and people we choose people


From Kindergarten until 4th grades I think I weighted nothing.  That is not true, but I was a thin little child.  Part of this reason was that I didn't like most food.  The other part of the reason was I would throw my lunches away so I could spend more time playing.  I just had to be in the mix of things, I still have to be in the mix of things.  If I am alone to long I get a little sad and whinny.

Penny is the same way.  She will only eat her food if we are out of the room or if we are sitting really quite on the couch and there is not a chance that she will miss anything by eating a few bites.

2. We are weird eaters

When we do eat it is not in a traditional manner.  We get addicted to something for like a week or two and then never want to eat it again.  For me it is things like yogurt. For Penny it is her regular dog food.



3. We have to be the center of attention

This one goes along with the first, but it is a little deeper.  Sure it is nice to be with people, but you know what is even better, having all those people pay attention to only you. Penny achieve this by jumping, I achieve this through performance and teaching and being funny and just being alive.  Please remember that I am still coping with the fact that I never won an Oscar.

[caption id="attachment_1089" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Look at me mom![/caption]

4. We like to stay fit

Walking is so fun for both of us.  Penny has also taken to some of my favorite forms of exercise like Pilates and Yoga.  She has a lot of work to do to perfect her form though.



[caption id="attachment_1093" align="aligncenter" width="600"] If only Yoga was that easy[/caption]

5. We clean up nice

It is true we are pretty casual girls, but when the occasion calls for it we can get glamed up with the best of 'em





6. Everyone loves us and we love them!

[caption id="attachment_597" align="aligncenter" width="620"] We Love You![/caption]

 

I am curious if your pets reflect some of you best or worst personality traits and habits?